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Elizabeth Banks will no longer be directing the upcoming third installment of "Pitch Perfect" and one of the actresses who starred in the first two installments, Anna Camp, reacted to the news.

Hollywood Life reported that fans of the movie are upset that Banks will no longer be directing "Pitch Perfect 3" and so is 33-year-old Camp. The actress plays the role of the uptight former Barden Bella member and she said that she has had the pleasure of working with 42-year-old Banks in the past two films.

She added, "I know she has a family and I know she has so much on her plate right now. She's one of the busiest ladies in Hollywood. I know she's still going to be in the movie and a producer on the movie so she'll be very much a presence. I think we'll definitely miss her as a director." Fans are assured that Banks will still be seen in the movie but it remains unclear who will be taking on her role as the director for "Pitch Perfect 3."

Although it has been confirmed that "Pitch Perfect 3" is set to happen, Camp did reveal that she is not y et sure if she will be in it. She said that it is still not confirmed if she will be taking part somehow. She noted that everything is up in the air now especially after Banks left as the director. She noted that they are still finding a new director for the third franchise of the film and the movie is still being written. No one has seen the script yet but Rebel Wilson and Anna Kendrick were assured to be in it.

Camp also added that her fiance, Skylar Astin, has not been confirmed also if he will be part of "Pitch Perfect 3." Despite the changes, Camp said that she hopes to see her character Aubrey be in the third film. And if her character will be part of it, she said that she hopes Aubrey will be less uptight and be chill that no one would recognize her.

Camp and her fiance recently judge an cappella competition at the Northeast Festival in Toronto, Canada.

More on Banks, she was interviewed recently by Glamour U.K. and she shared that she was deemed to be too old for the role of Mary Jane Watson in the 2002 blockbuster film "Spider-Man."
Apple has been hosting a summer camp program called Apple Camp to provide both enjoyment and learning to kids. Just recently, the lineup of Apple Camp sessions has been expanded to a new course that will teach basic coding and programming to children with ages between eight and 12.

Kids Will Learn Coding And Programming Robots

The "Coding Games and Programming Robots" course will cater to a small number of participants per group, around a dozen kids only, Tech Crunch reported. The three-day session, which will be held at Apple retail stores, will teach children coding and how to program Sphero robots using software from Tynker.

Tynker has been reaching out to schools and camps by offering a teaching style that relies on visual interfaces. With these, children will be able to easily grasp programming and coding through virtual blocks.

Apple began Apple Camp in 2003 to attract children into learning the Cupertino-based company's technology and software while exercising their own creative juices. Though it has the word 'camp' attached to it, parents can't just drop off their children at the venue and head to work.

Moms and dads will have to stay in the retail store as their children learn coding and programming for 90 minutes. Parents shouldn't worry about being idle during that time because staff members will offer them an overview of what was being taught to the kids. The adults would also learn family-friendly features of Apple products.

How Kids Can Participate

Apple Camp also offers courses about iBooks and iMovie -- "Interactive Storytelling with iBooks" and "Stories in Motion with iMovie," respectively. The first one will teach children how to create books with illustrations, multi-touch gestures and sound effects. The second will ask kids to form a storyboard and shoot and edit a movie, Apple Insider reported.

Apple Camp sessions will be held for free during the entire month of July. The weeks of July 11 and July 18 will center on the iBooks and iMovie courses. The coding and programming session will be held on the last week of the month.

Parents who want their kids to participate should reserve spots as early as they can. The iBooks and iMovie sessions will be available in all of Apple's retail stores worldwide. Specific dates and times of the courses will vary from each store.

The coding and programming class, meanwhile, is only available in the U.S., U.K., Canada and greater China. Aside from Apple Camp, the tech giant also offers the Field Trip program to youth-oriented groups, students and teachers. The program demonstrates how teachers can use Apple products as helpful teaching tools in the classroom.
A new study released by Brigham Young University suggests that watching Disney princesses and playing with Disney princess toys have strong effects not only on girls but also on boys as well. The researchers found that girls are more susceptible to potentially problematic gender stereotypes. On the other hand, boys exposed to the Disney princess culture experience a moderate effect on them as well, such as becoming more helpful to those around them.

The study found boys exposed to the Disney princess culture were less likely to shun feminine things for masculine toys. They displayed more balanced interests and believed that good attitude would help them relate to others. A "prosocial behavior" was also seen on boys in the home as well as in the classroom. Boys who watched Disney princess movies tend to be more helpful to their classmates and are more open to sharing their toys, as told by National Post.

This stereotypical behavior isn't that bad, but may have a long-term negative effect on girls. It could result in girls avoiding experiences they think aren't feminine or are only meant for boys. The exposure to Disney princess culture may teach them the idea of being dependent on men to save or provide for them.

97% of pre-school girls exposed to #DisneyPrincesses, who teach them negative gender roles https://t.co/H3JDvON9T4 pic.twitter.com/MiFVtB8Av5  ACED (@ACEDrecover) June 22, 2016

Study author Sarah M Coyne, a family life professor at BYU, said as little girls exposed to Disney princess culture may strongly stick to female gender stereotypes as they grow older and are more likely to feel like they can't do other things. She adds that they may have less confidence academically, particularly in Math and Science; they could be less adventurous, and less likely to try and experiment, according to Elle. The findings also noted that exposure to Disney Princess culture influence how they view their bodies which is introduced to them at the early age of three or four, which the movies feature as "the thin ideal."

The research includes almost 200 kids: 96 percent of girls and 87 percent of boys were familiarized with Disney Princesses via media. 61 percent of the girls played with princess toys once per week, while only 4 percent of the boys did so. The study was published in Child Development.

There were no signs of lower self-esteem or negative body image on both genders. The researchers concluded generally do not feel self-conscious about their appearance. The study does not recommend banning the movies but parents must focus on the display of bravery and realistic lessons in their conversation with kids, as per Stuff.
The United States supreme court has finally made a ruling on Thursday regarding the Fisher vs. University of Texas case. The decision was that the school may continue to consider race as a factor in admission of their students. The school president recently made a statement regarding the decision.

The New York Times reported that the supporters welcomes the decision. This will become the new standard in student admission process, but according to Roger Clegg, president for Center of Equal Opportunity, said the even though the supreme court's decision is disappointing, this is set back is only temporary.

We recall the Fisher case began in 2008 when plaintiffs Abigail Noel Fisher and Rachel Multer Michaelwicz were denied of admission to the University of Texas when they applied. These two women both of white rare, filed a suit with an allegation that the University had discriminated them because of their race.

In the university's defense, the school accepts students who are top 10% of their high school graduating class, regardless of race. However, applicant like Fisher can still get admission if they can score high on the evaluations that school will be giving them. This evaluation could be in terms of their talents, family circumstance, leadership qualities and race. In Fisher's case, her grade point average was 3.59 was top 12% of her class, at Stephen F. Austin High School.

Fisher has other talents, being involved in the orchestra, a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity and also in math competitions. She scored 1180 on her SAT.

The unexpected decision was voted 4-to-3 ratio. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy authored the majority decision. He has been skeptical all along of race sensitive programs. He had never voted to the upholding of an affirmative action plan. During the last major affirmative action case, he dissented.

The University of Texas school president has issued a statement regarding the Supreme Court's decision on the Fisher Case. It was posted on their website.
Going through pain is good -- at least that's what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention thinks when they declared that nasal spray vaccine is ineffective. An advisory committee composed of 15 immunization experts recommended on Wednesday that flu shots, or injectable vaccine, is a better method of immunization against viruses in time for the upcoming flu season.

The CDC specifically mentioned AstraZeneca's FluMist nose spray vaccine, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2003 for people with ages between two and 49, CNN reported. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist, said FluMist has poor performance in protecting people against viruses compared to the injectable vaccine.

Dr. Joseph Bresee, a flu expert at the CDC, said they "could find no evidence (the spray) was effective" against the flu, according to Chicago Tribune. Studies have found that FluMist performed poorly against the most common flu strains during the past three flu seasons.

Injectable Vaccine More Effective, Experts Say

FluMist is a live weakened influenza vaccine that stimulates the immune system, while the flu shot is "an inactivated influenza vaccine," CNN further reported. According to the CDC's report based on data from 2015-16, the nasal spray flu vaccine only provided 3 percent of immunity against the flu for people aged two to 17. The standard flu shot, in contrast, is 63 percent effective in the same age group.

Bresee said FluMist's ineffectiveness was probably caused by the four strains incorporated into the vaccine instead of the usual three. It's possible that the extra strain lowered the body's response to another strain, Chicago Tribune noted.

Pediatricians prefer administering nasal spray vaccine. The same can be said for children who fear the needle and the pain associated with flu shots. The nasal spray comprises for around one-third of flu vaccines given to kids, and accounts for 8 percent of the total number of flu shots administered annually, Time reported.

Doctors Will Be Affected

FluMist was once deemed as the best vaccine for immunizing children. Two years ago, officials even instructed doctors to use nasal spray vaccine on young children instead of flu shots. Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician in Atlanta, said the downside of nasal spray vaccine is it could cause a runny nose for a day or two in children, CNN noted.

The American Academy of Pediatrics supported CDC's recommendation, though they also acknowledged that it could be a trouble for pediatricians who were planning to administer nasal spray vaccine to their patients, ABC News wrote. Some pediatricians, doctors and clinics have already placed orders for nasal spray vaccines for the upcoming flu season.
The digital age and the rise of various apps have helped people manage their physical and mental health better. For mothers who have babies, apps that track the infants' bodies and movements helped them monitor their child better.

Some apps help parents track their babies' sleeping patterns, eating habits and diaper changes, among others. Other apps such as a bedside video monitor and motion detector serve as a replacement for the more traditional baby monitor, according to Time.

Parents Are More At Ease

Apps that detect a baby's motion can tell parents if a sleeping infant isn't moving for an unhealthy amount of time. Thanks to the app, parents can be alerted quickly and prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. SIDS can occur during the first six months of an infant's life and is slightly more likely to affect baby boys, NHS wrote. Babies born prematurely or with low weight at birth have higher chances of SIDS.

Melissa Knobloch, a 33-year-old mother with a 10-week-old son, said the digital parenting aids give her a "peace of mind," Time further reported. Cocoon Cam, for instance, is a baby monitor that tracks and analyzes a baby's heart and respiratory rates, activity levels and temperature. Parents can look at all this information through a real-time audio and video feed routed to their smartphones.

Mimo, a company in Boston, sells a washable crib sheet that monitors babies' movements and sleeping patterns. Mimo CEO Dulcie Madden said the firm aims to help parents get better sleep. Many parents, especially those who have newborns, tend to have poor sleep at night because they have to get up every few hours to tend to their child.

More Examples Of Digital Parenting Tools

Another digital parenting tool is New Deal Design's Sproutling, a wearable device and sensor-tracking technology that wraps around an infant's ankle. Through Sproutling, parents will be able to track their baby's sleeping patterns, Wired reported.

Sensors picked up by the device's soft and waterproof straps will then be transmitted by the Sproutling app on parents' smartphones. It alerts parents when their baby is awake or if the child has a fever.

Other baby monitor apps are Dormi, Cloud Baby Monitor and Baby Monitor 3G. The latter becomes a baby monitor when you have two iOS devices. One iOS device serves as the Baby Station, which stays put in the baby's room to watch over the infant. The other device is the Parent Station, which is carried by so they can watch and listen.
The "Game of Thrones" casts did not only receive a hefty pay for the series' 7th season, but for the 8th as well. It was recently announced that the "Game of Thrones" main casts will be receiving more than $500,000 per episode for "Game of Thrones'" upcoming seasons.

The "Game of Thrones" actors and actresses Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister) and Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), will be having a massive increase. It was mentioned by The Hollywood Reporter that the hefty price increase was due HBO's deal as part of the casts contract which they signed in 2014 when the series' first came about.

It was then noted that the five stars mentioned above are considered to be part of Hollywood's highest paid actors and actresses. The stars may have a secured contract, but these does not give then the guarantee that their characters will get to live. When HBO was asked about the huge pay increase however, they declined to give a comment in regards with the matter.

Fans would have to expect additional loss as the show runners mentioned that two other "Game of Thrones" character will soon be removed from the series. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss mentioned that some character will soon reach the "finish line."

They then added that the production crew only has about 70 to 75 hours to wrap up the 6th season. No additional insights were given, and it is still uncertain as to how many episodes season 7 and 8 will be having.

As for the latest update, Watchers of the Wall released spoiler photos for "Game of Thrones" 6th season, most of which are for the finale. Fans will get to have a sneak peek as they get to expect what could potentially happen on the finale.
New technology didn't keep U.S. House members from sharing the inside look into what really happened during the gun control vote early this week. When C-Span's supposedly live feed was unsuccessful, some Democrats members took to using Twitter's Periscope on their smartphones, Fortune reported.

Periscope's live-streaming service came in handy while C-Span was trying to get its series of updates aired, after the network's media channels went dark as U.S. House members discussing on protests over gun control began. The gun control legislative session was an urgent directive to close in on a decision post-Orlando shootings, and other forms of gun violence.

The gun control protest was already in talks again as of Wednesday this week, following Georgia representative John Lewis' comments on Congress' lack of action on limiting all forms of gun violence. To make matters even for everyone, he invited other U.S. House members to a sit-in until they all agreed on a vote.

Meanwhile, C-Span's vice-president on programming Terry Murphy hadn't expected covering the House sit-in via social media feeds like Twitter's Periscope and Facebook Live, the New York Times reported. He said that they had to broadcast the session as live as possible, even doing the cover for about 24 hours.

Periscope chief executive and co-founder Kayvon Beykpour stated in an interview that the tool was their way of giving a "voice to the voiceless". The company also revealed that as of Wednesday late afternoon, user views had reached more than a million times after video streams shared by Rep. Eric Swalwell and Scott Peters of the sit-in had been embedded online.

Beykpour further explained that Periscope was the company's contribution to show the people the truth from a variety of perspectives. "In this case, it's really ironic that the voiceless were our elected representatives," continued Beykpour.
The city of Anchorage wants to effectively clean up its homeless camps. Local officials are considering hiring its homeless residents. If approved, the city would launch the hiring of homeless people who would be paid to clean up homeless camps throughout the area and maybe even their own.

Along with the homeless camp residents, Alaska WorkSource will also recruit panhandlers and others for the jobs with a $75,000 contract. Eventually, a van will help connect the workers with the day labor sites; and in addition to paying homeless people, part of the funds would also be used to place those persons into substance-abuse and job-training programs. They would only be taxed after they make $600, as per The Huffington Post.

The administration of Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has proposed hiring the homeless camp residents and the Anchorage Assembly is expected to discuss the contract on Tuesday night meeting. The meeting agenda includes public hearings on the ban on smoking and using electronic cigarettes, regulations on cellphone tower and electric bikes in Town Square Park.

Due to a lack of resources, Anchorage city's homeless camps needed to be cleaned are piling up. So to speed up the process, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz proposed hiring homeless people to get the job done. Anchorage also has more problems arising at various homeless camps.

Alaska WorkSource is a local nonprofit organization that provides services such as job skills, vocational training, case management and more to the homeless, incarcerated and have addiction issues. The proposal is in line with Anchorage city struggling to provide for its homeless camp residents as its population continues to rise.

Nancy Burke, Anchorage's official homeless coordinator, told Alaska Dispatch News that the nonprofit group would canvass the city and recruit homeless people off of the street in its approval. She said that being part of the community service is the biggest value of the proposal.

She adds that when people are homeless, others don't notice them and becoming non-existent. She also claims the city will provide vests to the homeless workers to indicate they're part of a crew, becoming part of the community again, reports The Washington Times.
We just don't learn from the past; we sometimes even gain praise for it. The 42nd annual Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Awards just took place and awarded more than 300 middle and high school students for their work that informed and reminded people of the glorious past.

There are people who appreciate history more than others including 600,000 students who submitted an entry to the National History Day Contest with the theme, Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History. By joining, these students from middle (junior category) to high school (senior category) students showed their enthusiasm to make the present clearer with the papers, documentaries, exhibits, performances and websites they came up with (via The Washington Post).

The Washington Post reported that among the 600,000 students who joined, the panel was able to narrow it down to 3,000. The chosen works were presented at the University of Maryland in front of 400 panelists. There were 85 entries awarded each for first, second and third place---winning $150,000 in the form of scholarships and prizes.

As per National History Day's official site for the 2016 contest, some of the entries for the junior category include exhibits about Vietnam refugees and the Black Plague in Europe, documentaries on how ballet came to America and the chronicled journey of Americans to the moon, and a paper about European research development on nuclear physics. The senior category, on the other hand, boasted on documentaries about child labor and chemical industries, exhibits about music after World War I and the women pilots who served during World War II and a paper about the French occupation of Syria.

For those interested to join next year, visit this site to know more about how you can enter the competition. For starters, you have to find out first the annual theme. After knowing the theme, choose a historical topic related to it. The research follows that will involve going through archives, libraries, museums and even conducting your own interviews. It will be up to you what form you want to present your topic.

Are you also interested with history or have kids who like the subject? Share your love for history on the comments section below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions
Last Friday we posted a report titled "Beijing Court Rules that Apple's iPhone 6 Models Violate Chinese Design Patent and may be Banned," wherein we noted that the politics of this simply reeked. Then the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the both entities in the lawsuit against Apple were actually insolvent.

Andy Yang, the Beijing-based attorney representing Shenzhen Baili Marketing Services Co., held a press conference Friday afternoon, the company's first public appearance about the case. He stated that his client has no intention of affecting either the U.S. tech giant's product sales or reputation and added that "What Baili wants to achieve is to clarify the facts and protect its own innovation and intellectual property rights."

Mr. Yang pointed out 27 phone features which he said could confuse consumers between the two companies' products, ranging from the frames' angle of curvature to placement of buttons on the side. Mr. Yang said the company couldn't speculate on why the designs were similar.

He further emphasized that the first-comer should get the patent even if a design overlap was a coincidence.

Apple's lawyers wrote in their appeal that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus don't infringe on Shenzhen Baili's patents. For more on this, read the full Wall Street Journal report here.





The more that I hear this lawyer talking as if the two smartphones even come close to each other in design, the more I laugh. Clearly the camera layout on the backside of the 100c is different and Apple clearly has their antenna areas marked out for all too see. Apple also has a one-of-a-kind Home button whereas the Bali 100c has a typical Android interface lacking the distinctive Home Button. The button configurations on the left side don't match. The 100c has a chunky speaker grill on the bottom right of the backside of the phone whereas the iPhone 6 speaker has a single line design at the bottom of the device. So pray tell, where is the design commonality? Obviously Baili's lawyer has dollar signs dancing on the face of his eyeballs obstructing his view, because there isn't any design commonality.





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In preparation for this exhibit at the Anacostia Museum Ive been reading about my hometowns long, hot summerthe years from 1968 through the late 90sand its aftermath. These are really just notes.

Ruben Castaneda, S Street Rising: Crack, Murder, And Redemption in DC: Four stories, mostly deftly woven together. First is our narrator, a reporter in LA who gets hooked on crack before moving to DC to be the night-shift crime reporter for the Washington Post. Our man straight-up interviews the staff at the Vista Hotel after Marion Barrys filmed arrest, then checks himself into a room and gets out his own crack pipe. The other three players are Barry himself, only seen from afar; a cop who gets jerked around a lot by the department (largely because Barry manipulated police-dept decisions to protect himself and his cronies) but does manage to do some much-needed reorganization during the high of the Districts murder wave; and, most intriguingly, a petty criminal turned pastor who plants his church in the middle of an open-air drug market.

The book bounces right along until the last few chapters, when Castaneda is off drugs and wants to write mostly about settling intra-Post scores. As memoir its firmly in the genre where we crawl all through the gutter but recovery happens relatively quickly and not super reflectively. The obvious point of comparison is David Carrs phenomenal Night of the Gun but that would make Castanedas book seem worse than it is. The best parts of the book involve the interweaving of the four stories, not Castanedas personal journey.

S Street Rising is a moral tale about individual choices to do right or wrong. Bigger social structures and the constraints of circumstance or upbringing exist solely to be overcome. Nobody in this booknobody except maybe Marion Barry, trampling around in the background but never baring his soulis ever broken by hardship. Everybody we get to know well gets out okay. So theres no need to extend empathy to the people who never do get better, who continue to hurt others in spite of themselves.

The strongest part of the book, and probably the one you guys would be most interested in, is the portrayal of a neighborhood church riding waves of desolation and gentrification. In the early years we watch the formation of a complicit, wary alliance between the pastor and the guy who runs the local drug dealers. When the crime rate plummets and the fat years hit, Castaneda gives us the triumphant story of a woman who held out against developers and kept the modest home her churchs financial ministry helped her buy. Its a gritty, practical story.

It also touches on a theme I discerned in all four of these local histories: the in-betweener. On the one hand youve got the upstanding citizens; on the other, the criminals. If the former are Christian they have an unavoidable (though often avoided, I guess) responsibility toward the latter. The nice folk may also want the bad folk as redemption trophies, proof of the superiority of their way of life and of their personal goodness. But religious insiders can rarely reach the religious outsiders who were so central to Jesus own ministry.

And so the in-betweeners are needed, and they range along a spectrum. On the classy end are people who used to live low but are now your basic American Christians with some street sense and maybe like some tattoos. On the sleazy end are people still involved in activities that are not only criminal but immoral, idolatrous, and who have no real intention of sacrificing their street life; but who still in some way love the Church, ideally as a wayward child but often as a patriot. Castaneda offers portraits of people on both ends of the spectrum, and suggests that no church can survive the mean streets without both.

Natalie Hopkinson, Go-Go Live: The Musical Life and Death of a Chocolate City. A short, haphazard book full of memorable scenes. I learned lots of stuff here, and not only about go-go, the music that has always laced the edges of my white DC life.

Loved the section about the failed attempt to take go-go international, to make it explode on the scene like reggae and hip-hop. There were lots of reasons that never happened, but one is just that go-go is party musicits about the moment and the groove, theres not necessarily gonna be a song in the top-40 sense, there are tons of shout-outs to local notables, the point is to keep people dancing and sweating. Its good-time music that cant be bottled.

Hopkinson is an advocate, a partisan. She defends go-go against charges that it incites violenceI mean basically it does, clearly, because music does, especially the music of young men without steady money. The book is full of guys getting shot dead as they leave the go-go. Closing clubs shifts the violence around but men will always find somewhere to go that makes their blood run hot, and if it wasnt go-go it would be something else, is my basic belief.

Theres one especially catchall chapter with some great short portraits of in-betweeners, including several converts who try various means of creating a go-go gospel church. (The less-stable church is the one started by, from what I can tell, a couple who became Christian with less incorporation into a preexisting church that could nurture and form them.) These are the most dramatic sections for me because moral and spiritual change is always more dramatic than cultural and political abstractions. The circumstancesthe flight of the middle-class (both black and white), the joblessness, the champagne years when crack was king, the political helplessness, gentrification and migrationhang over the city like August haze, and they drift slowly. Whereas an individual life has all the drama of a thunderstorm. But Hopkinson, more than Castaneda, depicts convincingly both the thunderstorms and the heat in which they gather and break.

Harry Jaffe and Tom Sherwood, Dream City: Race, Power, And the Decline of Washington, DC (revised edition). The 20th-anniversary edition of this scouring classic has the word decline struck out on the cover, and revival? scrawled above it. But honestly it is still the book it was back in 1994. The post-Barry section is by far the weakest, a list of mayors and scandals.

Its easy to list Dream Citys weak points. Its way too focused on the mayor as king (this gets esp noticeable once Barry is no longer mayorthough always, always king). It has a ton of politico voices but reduces the Districts poorest to generalizationswe almost never hear their voices.

Theres an excellent history of racist opposition to home rule (with literal racist watermelons in case youre wondering how grossly people could misuse Gods greatest fruit) but a kind of emotional tone-deafness to what it meant to live in Chocolate City. Hopkinsons book has a terrific anecdote about a relative of hers who brought her little kids into DC for the first time. For the first time in their lives they were in a world where everybody they could see was black. Where black accents, music, experiences were understood by everyone, shared by most. Where being black was not an act of resistance.

One of the kids asked in pure wonder, Are we in Africa?

That world is virtually gone now. Dream City is pretty up-front about its worldview, in which rainbow coalitions and rainbow cities are always preferable to black movements and chocolate cities. Race politics protected shockingly bad officials here, and I get why Jaffe and Sherwood are allergic to it; but you dont get DC if you dont feel some longing for the world Hopkinsons family found.

But so, those are the flaws. Whats good here is the unflinching portrayal of the worst of the Barry machine. Youll find yourself muttering, Jesus, as you read about Barrys governments utter abandonment of the poorest DC residents. They closed public housing, shuffled people into ramshackle rat motels, and when the residents complained, the city blamed them for trashing their own homes. The massive cash grab by Barry croniesthe covert transformation of the police department into a protection service for Barry and his friends, while city streets ran with bloodthe chronic use and abuse of women, starting long before the mayor touched cocaine and including at least one rapeyou can say structural factors all day long and God knows every American city suffered through the 70s  90s, but Jaffe and Sherwood pile up convincing evidence that one man can make a difference, for the worse.

There are so many poignant moments and stories here. Carol Thompson, a light-skinned black girl, targeted by her classmates the day after the 1968 riots for being too close to white. Barry himself, still too much of a cipher in this book, giving anti-drug speeches while sweating and slurring his words and ducking off to the bathroom. Effi Barry standing there onstage like a steel handkerchief while Louis Farrakhans wife tells her (this wont be an exact quote, sorry), Black woman, support your man.

So what do I take away from all this? I read the first edition of Dream City in college, right at the beginning of my transition from relativist-leftist into conservative. (Into whatever I am now, yes, I know.) And its a ferocious portrayal of the worst of the urban/racial left: Stokely Carmichael throwing the first brick in the riots that destroyed DCs black middle-class neighborhoods, then buggering off to the Motherland while the city lived with the consequences; a young Barry making his name with possibly-exaggerated claims of white police brutality; money pouring into government only to be alternately embezzled and mismanaged; cops were first undermined, then corrupted, as people tried to raise their kids in lawless free-fire zones; the best of everybodys intentions, and their common destination.

Dream City is also unsparing in its depiction of white lawmen, though. Order is chaos is present here too. The whole bungle of the verdict in Barrys trial is its own story: The jury split down racial lines, handing in one acquittal and one conviction and a bunch of no-verdicts, in large part because the sting operation and the feds goony attempt to force Barry out of office made the whole thing look like a political gambit by white Reaganites. (Barrys trial offered a preview of the OJ Simpson trial a few years later.) The Districts situation, where a liberal white government warily grants a black city conditional independence as conservative white lawmakers pretty openly say they dont want Negroes running the nations capital, was always going to provoke racial resentment. The citys complex quasi-home rule meant nobody ever had to be fully accountable: The buck stopped wherever you werent. You could choose accountability anyway, if you were an unusually decent human being. So, let me know when you find one.

Barry himself was an in-betweener. Early on, we see him creating Pride, Inc., which gave unemployed young dudes city jobs. The goal was to take young men with few prospects, often with criminal records, and get them steady work cleaning streets and doing other necessary manual labor. And it worked. The work got done, the men from all accounts took genuine pride in it, Barry led a miniature parade of newly-employed black men banging on trash-can drums. He inspired these guys in part because of his in-between status. He wasnt, like, McGruff the crime dog coming to tell them to stay in school. He was someone who genuinely conveyed that hard low-wage work is honorable; he knew that because hed done it, and he knew that because he knew the guys who needed honorable work the most.

What stands out to me now is the relative lack of religion in a book about a city where Jesus is as inescapable as the humidity. We only see religion when its being marshaled to defend Marion BarryFree at last, he says when he is met halfway home from prison by a delegation of church ladies.

The Nine Lives of Marion Barry: This is a documentary but really more of a footnote to Dream City. Images and scraps of information are presented largely without context. We get somewhat more of Barrys inner lifeit would be hard to get less than in Dream Cityand see his pretty heartbreaking relationship with his godson.

This documentary gets closer than any of the books (even Castanedas imo) to seeing Barry as a mirror: showing us ourselves in him rather than using him as a symbol with nothing beneath the skin. If your basic response to Marion Barry is baffled outrage rather than humiliated recognitionwell, you probably didnt grow up here.
Last week I spent a few days in the Georgia Mountains. While driving through the town of Clayton, I saw a large sign that read Welcome  Bienvenidos. It was the sign for Saint Helena Catholic Church. I took a left turn down a beautifully landscaped road and after a few seconds, the parish stood to my left. Its white tower stood in contrast to the green, wooded mountain behind it. I parked and approached. The door was unlocked so I entered and remained praying inside for about thirty minutes. Though there was no usher or greeter present to welcome me, I felt welcomed. I had read the sign, and the door had been unlocked. I had been welcomed by Christ himself who had been waiting for me in the utter silence of this parish nestled in the Georgia Mountains.

In the exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis described the Church as a mother with an open heart whose doors are always open to go forth toward others. He taught that the Church is called to be the house of the Father, with doors always wide open. Just as the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son always kept his door open hoping his son would return, the Church must not create obstacles when her children return to her. The Pope wrote, the Church is not a tollhouse; it is the house of the Father, where there is a place for everyone, with all their problems (EG, 47). Pope Francis commented that a concrete sign of the Churchs openness is that the doors of churches should always be open. I benefited from this while visiting Saint Helena, and I am grateful for it.

Before reaching Clayton, I visited Camp Covecrest in Tiger, Georgia. Covecrest is a Catholic camp that provides experiences for high schoolers so they may encounter Christ in a new, more profound way. During my brief visit, not only did I feel welcomed, but I felt at home. Those who work at the camp welcomed me home. A young lady (whom I had met a few months ago) gave me a tour of the camp. While there, I saw several people I knew from before, and I did not know they were at camp that week. One young man I met ten years ago while I was studying in Rome! We have a friend in common and I had not seen him since 2006.

Hospitality, the ministry of welcoming, is real within the Church because we are all united in Christ. In welcoming the other, we welcome Christ. United by our common baptism, we are called to welcome others because we are already one. I saw no familiar faces at the parish, and many familiar ones at Covecrest, but the experience was the same: it was an encounter with Christ who opens his arms to me, to you, in a warm welcome, as he nestles us towards his heart.

The pictures are mine, all rights reserved.
A Review Series of Anonymous Tip, by Michael Farris

Pp. 319-323

In the 1970s, something changed in evangelicals approach to politics. There are a variety of explanations for this. Some historians argue that Republican leaders under Nixon and others intentionally set out to make evangelicals, who before the 1970s frequently hadnt voted (given that Gods kingdom is of this world), into their fold and convince them to vote and campaign. Others have argued that this moment was the product of fast societal change that began to make evangelicals wonder if it was safe for them to stay out of politicshistorians point to the IRSs targeting of segregationist Christian schools as the moment when evangelicals determined they couldnt stay out, but there were a rash of other issues that were extremely concerning to evangelicals as well, many related to sex ed and other changes in schools.

Whatever the cause, evangelicals ended their political isolation. But what is less studied is the impact of the various think tanks and lobbying groups evangelicals founded during the 1970s and beyond. Historians have recently paid more attention to the role of conservative think tanks like the Cato Institute or the Heritage Foundation, but evangelical lobbying groups like Concerned Women for America (CWA), founded in 1979, tend to be less studied.

You may wonder why Im writing about this in an Anonymous Tip post. Trust me, its relevant. In the early 1980s, Vicki Frost, a mother in Hawkins County, Tennessee, objected to material in her childrens new reading textbooks. She requested that her children be allowed to use an alternate textbook, but the school denied her request. Frost and several other parents sued the school district. The case was argued and bankrolled by Concerned Women for America, which lost it at the circuit court level. The existence of groups like CWA has been a fundamental (and too little noticed) part of the religious right for four decades now. In the case, Frost and her compatriots were represented by a CWA lawyer, one Michael Farris.

And that brings us to our section today. It seems everyone has been reprinting news stories about Gwens case, and theyve hit the AP. Word has spread. And so we get to this:

Barron & Associates, Sally said. Peter Barron, please. May I ask whos calling? My name is David G. Humphrey, he said in his perfect radio voice. I am the president of Americas pro-family organization, Heart of America. I read about the Gwen Landis lawsuit in our paper here in Kansas City this morning, and Id like to know if we can be of assistance on this important case.

Sally transfers him to Peter. But first, let me note that before Humphrey made his call, we were told this about him and his interest in the case:

The third article in his Wednesday morning stack was an Associated Press story concerning an interesting civil rights case in Spokane, Washington. The picture that had adorned the front page of the Spokesman-Review on Tuesday was on page ten of the Kansas City Star today. He was interested in the article and intrigued with the photograph of Gwen Landis.

WTF, Farris. WTF. I mean really? Does this mean that if Gwen had been a mousy brunette, or a black woman, rather than a stunning blond, Humphrey wouldnt have given the case a second look?

Anyway, Humphrey is transferred to Peter:

Well, Mr. Barron. What a pleasure! Thank you for taking my call. And if I may be so bold, the question is: How can I be of assistance to you? I understand you are calling about our Landis case. Yes. This is obviously an important case. Probably headed to the Supreme Court, from what I read here in the Kansas City papers this morning. Very important case. And it sounds like you are doing this case out of the goodness of your heart. A single mom employed as a nurseat least thats what the article sayscannot be paying you very much money. Wed like to help.

This is an interesting assumption. There could be a wealthy backer or something.

That sounds very interesting. What do you have in mind? I am the president and founder of this countrys news, pro-family, public interest organization. We are interested in changing government to be more sensitive to the needs of Americas families. We have called the organization Heart of America to symbolize that we think families are the essential ingredient to change the heart of this nation.

Im not sure what the word salad in that last sentence actually means.

Is this a Christian organization? Peter asked. It is a pro-family organization reaching a broad perspective of American citizens who embrace the Judeo-Christian ethic and subscribe to the importance of families. Our research indicates that over 75% of Americans hold strong favorable opinions on the issues that are the core of what makes Heart of America tick. Is that acceptable to you?

He says so much, and yet so little. What issues? Does Humphrey know that there are plenty of people who think families are important while disagreeing strongly with conservative political positions, or conservative definitions of what constitutes a family? For instance, gay people who wanted to marry their partners and raise children together. Also, for instance, me. And while were at it, theres no such thing as the Judeo-Christian ethic. That idea was invented in the middle of the last century. The term is used because it makes it seem less like pushing specifically Christian values on everyone else, but in practice those who use it simply assume that Jews have the same ethical framework as Christians. They dont.

Anyway, back to the text, and repeating one line:

Is that acceptable to you? I think so.

Peter, Peter, Peter. You didnt even ask what their positions actually are? Because if I may point out, Humphrey hasnt said.

Its just that Im a born-again Christian and I like to know where people are coming from, Peter replied.

Wait wait wait back up. Remember that this part of the exchange started with Peter asking if Heart of America is a Christian organization. He doesnt care about its positions. He only cares about whether its Christian. Does Peter know that Christians are divided on a multiplicity of issues? Does he know there are Christians who work for childrens rights, or gay rights, or who let women be pastors? But then, I suppose in his view those people arent actually Christian.

In this case, Peter neednt have worried.

Well, Brother Barron, is it? Praise God. We are a pro-family organization reaching out broadly to our nation, yes. But all of our staff and all of our board members are solid born-again, Bible-beliving Christians such as yourself. There are no coincidences in Gods economy. This sounds like a divine appointment.

This points to another problem within this communitythe assumption that anyone who uses the label born-again Christian or Bible-believing Christian is automatically to be trusted implicitly. I suppose this probably happens in every every with boundaries, but Ive seen it used time and again to curtail any interest in learning more about an individuals or groups character or track record. Its how leaders like Bill Gothard keep going, despite the multitude abuse allegationshe calls himself a Bible-beliving Christian, so hes one of us.

What is it that you are interested in doing? Peter asked. We want to help with funding your case. Thats it. Well send a letter out to our members and friends. Well tell them the facts on your case. Ask for a donation. And then well send it along to you. Naturally, we have to cover our mailing expenses. But beyond that, it goes to your litigation fund. Nothing complicated. We just want to help.

Peter says it sounds too good to be true, and Humphrey reminds him that they serve a God who works miracles. Peter says hell have to get his clients permission before giving the go aheadIm pleasantly surprised. Peter tells Humphrey that hes right, that hes a small operation working the case on nothing, with only the hope of eventually possibly recovering attorneys fees as part of the case. He says having the funding would be amazing, and Humphrey declares it a sign from God that all these circumstances fall together so perfectly.

But it turns out there is one string attached. After Peter calls Gwen and gets her permission to work with Heart of America, he calls Humphrey back:

David G. Humphrey was thrilled when Peter returned his phone call two-and-a-half hours after their first conversation. He asked Peter for only two things: a simple two- or three-page description of the case in laymens language, and a picture of Gwen and Casey in their home to be used in telling the story of the case.

Apparently having Caseys photo in the press would create trauma, but having her picture in a pro-family organizations fundraising literature would be just peachy. The text does not say whether Peter got Gwens okay on the picture, but it does say Humphrey sent Peter a $5000 check overnight, as a token of good faith.

I have a question. Does Peter have any way of being sure that all of the money raised using Gwens case as a fundraiser, minus mailing costs, will actually be turned over to him? What would stop Humphrey from holding some amount of it back, and using Gwens case as a fundraising tool for Heart of America? This being the book that it is, I doubt thatll happen. But it theoretically could. After all, Farriss own organization, the Home School Legal Defense Association, uses cases like Gwens as fundraising and promotional opportunities all the time.
When the biggest advocates for your course of action are Marine LePen and Donald Trump, you may find that youve made a boo boo. Trump, of course, weighed in with his customary ignorance:

And this morning, millions of Britons were searching Google to find out what it was they just voted to leave.

Meanwhile, Scotland gets the message loud and clear and gets ready to apply to Britain what Britain just applied to the EU. And the Irish dont see any reason why they need to belong to the dregs of an Empire either.

And the leader of the Brexit Movement makes clear that one of his core promises (to spend the money saved by dumping the EU on the NHS) is a total lie within hours of winning.

Russia and Iran are delighted, so theres more proof of the brilliance.

Global markets are in chaos. The pound has fallen through the floor.

And the nationalist impulse is spreading to the rest of the EU. Smart. Nationalism really paid off in the 20th Century for Europe. If Trump is for it, how could it possibly be a bad idea?

For years, I have been assured that on matters of prudential judgment, conservatives should always be trusted, even when it means ignoring the guidance of the Church. Far too late did it occur to me ask, Shouldnt conservatives demonstrate some kind of elementary prudence before trusting their prudential judgments? This is shaping up to be as big a dumb idea as the Iraq war. Trumps endorsement is just the kiss of death.

Meanwhile, in the back of my mind I recall a remark Scott Hahn once made, Nationalism is to nations what the sin of pride is to persons. The tradition commends patriotism. It does not have kind words for nationalism.

Poor Winston Churchill. A United States of Europe was his idea and an honorable attempt to rein in the catastrophic nationalisms that slaughtered millions. Now these voices are rising again and using him as their mascot. Folly.
Before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube made their entry in the media market, the PatnaDaily had already registered its presence in...
Patna: A day after promising to turn Bihar into a health care paradise by setting up specialty, super-specialty, and multi-specialty hospitals across the state, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday hit the reset button on the tourism industry saying the entire state of Bihar should be used as a brand name to boost both domestic and foreign travels in the state.

Kumar, during the review of the tourism department, said that the government would offer attractive incentives in bank loans to those who sought to invest in tourism industry in the state.

"The entire Bihar should be presented as a name brand to promote all tourist sites, regardless of their size, to the visitors. We will offer attractive rebates on bank loans to those who invest in tourist sector in Bihar," he said.

Stressing the need to capitalize on various archaeological sites on both north and south sides of the Ganges, the Chief Minister said that these sites should be developed to attract more visitors in those areas.

"Tourism in Bihar has been on rise since the government came into power ten years ago. We estimate over 10 lakh tourists, both from other parts of the country and foreign nations, come to Bihar each year. This number could double if we develop many sites that still remain off the map to many visitors," he said.

Kumar also ordered the setting up of a committee to implement and oversee all tourism schemes in Bihar and report directly to him.

Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh and Bihar Tourism Secretary Harjot Kaur were among many who were present at the meeting.
Patna: After day-long drama in the media of a 21-year old woman having been gang-raped before her female parts being brutally mutilated by her tormentors, Bihar Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Sunil Kumar denied the news saying the woman was not raped though an attempt was made to rape her.

Eager to give the sordid incident a 'lower caste-upper caste' color, the media, including print and electronic, reported the woman, a dalit, was raped by a group of upper caste youths in Motihari thus sending the social media into a tizzy with the specter of Nirbhaya once again looming over in everyone's mind.

The ADGP, denying the reports, said that medical tests and a police investigation into the case, including interviews of the said victim, revealed that the woman was not raped though there was an attempt made to sexually assault the woman.

"The doctors have confirmed that the woman was not raped. However, raids are being carried out to arrest those who did in fact assault the victim," Kumar said.

Early reports had put the girl's age at 13. The incident reportedly occurred sometimes last week.
Patna: In the ongoing drama of the corruption in the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) involving crores of rupees changing hands between the top officials and the education mafia, the sacked chairperson of the BSEB Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh, who remains in judicial custody, admitted of taking Rs. 20 lakh to secure top positions for students willing to pony up large sum of cash to them.

With Bihar education reputation in tatters after the unearthing of the so-called 'ToppersGate', more details have come out from the mouth of the two kingpins including Singh and the Principal of Vishun Roy College in Hajipur Bachcha Rai further indicating the scope of the corruption in education and how high on the bureaucratic structure it went.

Admitting to taking Rs. 20 lakh to put names of the undeserving students on the top of the intermediate merit list, Singh further told the cops that he was raking in Rs. 4 lakh from any college in lieu of affiliation from Magadh University.

"Singh granted affiliation to more than 100 colleges during his tenure as the chairperson of the BSEB starting in 2014, Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manu Maharaj said.

Singh, his wife Usha Sinha and now-sacked Janata Dal  U leader who also played a key role in the multi-crore rupees education scam; and Rai all remain in Beur Jail under judicial custody.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Podcast

About 75% of military recruits arrive at a training base with no bank account and have to be bussed to a local bank to open one, says Jill Castilla, CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond. The bank's team is building a platform that will help service members save and build credit.
British Airways delays its relaunch of flights to Iran

06/24/16

Source: Press TV

British Airways has postponed the long-awaited resumption of its flights to Iran until September, a report says. The six-weekly direct service to Tehran from London was due to start from July 14 but has now been pushed back due to some technical issues, The Telegraph has quoted a British Airways spokesperson as saying.



While preparations for the new route have generally been progressing well, some technical issues have arisen which makes it sensible for us to put back the launch of flights from mid-July to September 1, the spokesperson said.

Customers who were booked to fly before September 1 will be notified of their flight cancellation and offered a number of options, including re-routing on alternative dates, full refunds or rebooking them to fly with other airlines. We look forward to opening the route in September.

Irans media said in March that an agreement has been signed with Britain that would allow British Airways to resume flights to Iran after a hiatus of six years.

The agreement was announced by Irans Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) which said the flights by British Airways to Iran will resume from July 14.

British Airways had in January voiced interest in reinstating its direct flights to Iran.

"We are very interested in flying to Tehran and we are hopeful that it will form part of BA's network in the very near future," The Telegraph has quoted Willie Welsh, the CEO of British Airways, as saying at the time. We are actively looking at it as a destination," Walsh had emphasized.

This came following other indications that there is already a growing interest by British tourists to travel to Iran.
Ample grounds for Iran, Netherlands to bolster relations: Zarif

06/24/16

Source: Press TV

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif hails cordial relations between Iran and the Netherlands, saying there are plenty of grounds for the two countries to strengthen cooperation in a variety of fields. 



September 2015 File Photo: Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders (L) shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during their meeting in Tehran

September 2015 File Photo: Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders (L) shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during their meeting in Tehran



There are many opportunities for bilateral cooperation between the two countries in different fields, Zarif said in a joint press conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders in Amsterdam on Thursday.

He added that Tehran and Amsterdam have always maintained amicable and deep-rooted relations.

The top Iranian diplomat arrived in Amsterdam on Wednesday on the second leg of his European tour at the head of a top delegation to hold talks with senior Dutch officials.

He earlier paid a two-day visit to the French capital of Paris and held negotiations with President Francois Hollande, his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault, President of France National Assembly Claude Bartolone and Senate President Gerard Larcher.

After his daylong stay in Amsterdam, the Iranian foreign minister will set off for The Hague.

Good opportunity for expansion of Iran-Netherlands ties

The Dutch foreign minister, for his part, said Tehran and Amsterdam have a very good opportunity to improve relations following the implementation of last years nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries - the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany.

Koenders added that in the talks with his Iranian counterpart, they exchanged views about leading issues in the Middle East, particularly the latest developments in Iraq and Syria.

Zarifs meeting with OPCW director general

The Iranian foreign minister also on Thursday met with Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Ahmet Uzumcu.

Zarif paid tribute to the victims of chemical weapons by laying a wreath at a monument built for them.
Editor:

We thank God for everyone who helped to fight a garage fire at our property in Meadow Valley Ranchos on June 6, 2016. We are very thankful that no one was hurt and that the damage was limited to the garage and its contents.

A huge blessing was the neighbor who observed the smoke, called 911 then alerted and advised our tenant. The quick response from all the agencies providing emergency services on site was amazing. Their timely intervention helped to prevent the fire from spreading and safely extinguished it.

We are extremely grateful for: Steven Hamilton, Division Chief and Captain Brian Hoehne from the Elko County Fire Protection District, the Elko County Ambulance, the Ryndon Volunteer Fire Department, the City of Elko Fire Department, Elko County Sheriff's Department, Tom Erickson from Wells Propane and the Elko County Building and Safety Director, Thomas Ingersall.

The services provided by each entity were invaluable and performed with a high level of skill and concern. As residents of Elko County for 22-plus years we commend these community servants for a job well done!

The Adams Family
Working from home is great, but it also has its drawbacks. Especially if you have small children walking into your office every half-hour looking for a coloring pageand its the same page every time. Luckily, Ive been able to reduce the length of these interruptions thanks to Google Save.

If youve never heard of it, Save is a service Google offers to help you save items you find online. If you are constantly logged in to your Google account, and need a place to stash images you find in a search results page, heres how Google Save can help.

Google Save lets you tag saved items.

Sticking with the previous example, lets say were looking for a Hello Kitty coloring page. As usual, you start with a Google image search and then click on the image youre interested in.

Google will then expand the image within the search results page. To the right are several buttons including Visit page, View image, Save, and View saved.

Click on Save and the star in that button will change color signaling that the item is in Google Save. Now to see the image in Google Save, either click View saved or point your browser to Google.com/save. From here you can tag items for easier searching later or just get quick access to your saves. Keep in mind that Google Save really only saves links to stuff you find online. So if the website you saved from deletes that image you will no longer have access to it.

If you want to go beyond images and use Google Save for stashing links to webpages as well, you can download the Save to Google extension for Chrome.
The U.S. and the European Union have reportedly reached an agreement on the language of a key data transfer pact, including limits on U.S. surveillance.

The revamped EU-U.S. Privacy Shield was sent to EU member states overnight, according to a report from Reuters. Privacy Shield would govern how multinational companies handle the private data of EU residents.

Member states are expected to vote on the proposal in July, unnamed sources told Reuters. Representatives of the EU and the U.S. Department of Commerce didnt immediately respond to requests for comments on the reported deal.

Critics of Privacy Shield, including European privacy regulators, have said the deal is too complex and fails to reflect key privacy principles.

The new language sent to member states includes stricter data-handling rules for companies holding Europeans information, Reuters reported. The new proposal also has the U.S. government explaining the conditions when they would collect data in bulk, according to the report.

Negotiators on both sides of the Atlantic have been rushing to craft a new trans-Atlantic data transfer agreement since the Court of Justice of the European Union struck down Safe Harbor, the previous transfer pact, last October.

The court ruled that Safe Harbor didnt adequately protect European citizens personal information from massive and indiscriminate surveillance by U.S. authorities. Safe Harbor had been in place since 2000.
Qualcomm is seeking the help of a Chinese court to get a local smartphone maker, Meizu, to agree to licensing terms for patents that the company broadly agreed to with the Chinese government last year.

The chip company said Friday it has asked the Beijing Intellectual Property Court for a ruling that the terms of a patent license it offered Meizu comply with Chinas Anti-Monopoly Law, and the U.S. companys fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory licensing obligations.

Qualcomm alleges that Meizu in Zhuhai is refusing to sign the patent agreement although over 100 players, including top Chinese phone makers, have accepted the terms under a new rectification plan agreed with Chinas National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) last year.

Set up in 2003, Meizu has more than 1,000 employees and sells its smartphones through 600 retail stores. Besides selling in China, it claims a global presence in Hong Kong, Russia, Israel and Ukraine, according to its website. The company did not immediately comment on the court complaint.

In February last year, Qualcomm said it had agreed to pay a US$975 million fine to Chinese authorities for alleged monopolistic business practices relating to its patent licensing business. It also agreed to modify its business practices. NDRC had been investigating Qualcomm for allegedly engaging in possible anti-competitive behavior by overcharging device makers in the country.

Qualcomm has been building its bridges in China, including by setting up a server chipset design and sales unit with the Guizhou provincial government. The company has also announced other collaborations in the country that would help it gain access to the local market, including for the local production of its Snapdragon mobile processors by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation.

SMIC said this week that it had started mass production of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor in Beijing.

Qualcomm charged Meizu with unfairly expanding its business through the use of Qualcomms innovations without compensating Qualcomm for the use of Qualcomms valuable technologies. It added that Meizus move to use the technologies without a license was also unfair to other licensees.

Apple is also facing legal issues in China with its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus facing a potential sales ban in the country. A Beijing intellectual property office ruled that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus infringe a design patent held by device maker Shenzhen Baili.
Lenovo has fixed two high-severity vulnerabilities in the Lenovo Solution Center support tool that is preinstalled on many laptop and desktop PCs. The flaws could allow attackers to take over computers and terminate antivirus processes.

Lenovo Solution Center (LSC) allows users to check their systems virus and firewall status, update their Lenovo software, perform backups, check battery health, get registration and warranty information and run hardware tests.

The two new vulnerabilities, tracked as CVE-2016-5249 and CVE-2016-5248 in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures database, were found by security researchers from Trustwave. They affect LSC versions 3.3.002 and earlier.

The CVE-2016-5249 vulnerability allows an attacker who already has control of a limited account on a PC to execute malicious code via the privileged LocalSystem account.

Privilege escalation flaws like this one cannot be used by themselves to compromise computers, but are often used in exploit chains. Due to security improvements in modern operating systems, remote code execution flaws dont always provide attackers with full control over affected systems and need to be combined with privilege escalation vulnerabilities.

Because of the functionality in the LSC.Services.SystemService component, any local user can open a communication pipe to the service and force it to execute arbitrary .NET code. Because this LSC service runs under the LocalSystem account, the rogue code would also be executed with LocalSystem privileges.

The second vulnerability, CVE-2016-5248, allows any local user to send a command to LSC.Services.SystemService in order to kill any other process on the system, privileged or not. The target process could, for example, belong to an antivirus program or another security product.

Lenovo advises users to upgrade to LSC version 3.3.003. This can be done from the application itself by agreeing to automatic update prompt, from the separate Lenovo System Update utility or by downloading the latest version of LSC manually.

This is not the first time that serious flaws were found in LSC. However, Lenovo seems to be responding to such vulnerabilities in a timely manner by releasing patches and publishing security advisories. In a recent security analysis of the update tools preloaded on computers PC manufacturers, LSC was found to have one of the most secure implementations.
Authorities say two Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputies have been shot in a Los Angeles suburb.

The Los Angeles Times reports (http://lat.ms/28UUOM6 ) that the shooting occurred about 10:50 p.m. in Bellflower.

The sheriffs department says both deputies were hit by gunfire and taken to hospitals. The sheriffs department says on its Twitter account that the deputies are in fair condition and expected to survive. Authorities did not release more details about the incident.

The newspaper reports that a manhunt for a suspect or suspects was underway along Lakewood Boulevard between Alondra Boulevard and Flower Street, as of 11:50 p.m. Authorities were advising the public to avoid the area.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Los Angeles Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

#LASD Deputies being treated at local hospital, in fair condition. Expected to survive injuries. Thanx 4 well wishes pic.twitter.com/30z1axh5AU  LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) June 24, 2016

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A deadly wildfire that roared through dry brush and trees in the mountains of central California gave residents little time to flee as flames burned dozens of homes to the ground, propane tanks exploded, and smoke obscured the path to safety.

An elderly couple trying to flee from the flames were overcome with smoke outside of their house and killed, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said.

Their bodies were found Friday near Lake Isabella, a popular recreation area east of Bakersfield that was ravaged by wind-whipped flames, said Phil Neufeld, a county fire spokesman.

At least 80 houses were destroyed in the southern Sierra Nevada as the fire burned out of control across nearly 47 square miles, leveling neighborhoods and forcing thousands of people to flee from fast-moving flames.

The names of the two dead have not been released. The sheriff said his department hasnt been able to search very extensively and would be looking through burned homes with cadaver dogs seeking more possible victims.

David Klippel, 78, a retired police officer, said he didnt see much of a threat after receiving an automated call advising him to leave. That changed dramatically within an hour Thursday afternoon.

Ive never been so close to a fast-moving, ferocious fire. It was unbelievable, said Klippel, who later learned his house had caught fire. I almost didnt have time to get out.

Neighborhoods of mobile homes were charred to their foundations. Gusty winds pushed the flames and smoke farther into drought-starved terrain.

The forces of nature collided with a spark, Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall said. The mountainous terrain, five years of drought and wind gusts of over 20 mph all drove a fire over 11 miles in 13 hours.

Scorching heat and tinder-dry conditions across the West have contributed to massive wildfires in the past week that have destroyed properties and sent residents to seek shelter and hope for the best.

Laura Rogers was one of those who thought shed never see her home or her brothers home again. Instead, she was lucky to find both standing in a neighborhood of mobile homes that was devastated.

I was sure this place was gone last night, Rogers said through tears as she gestured at the destruction around her. I mean look at this, I cant believe it. Its like a scary movie.

The downspout of her brothers home was melted on the ground, but the structure was intact.

Dozens of other homes were gone, left in piles of charred sheet metal and cinderblock foundations. Scorched tricycles, air conditioners and TV dishes littered the landscape. Burned-out cars sat on tireless rims and leafless trees poked from barren, blackened dirt.

The California blaze erupted quickly, putting some 1,500 homes in jeopardy. Three firefighters suffered from smoke inhalation.

Crews faced a firefight of epic proportions as they tried to protect neighborhoods, Marshall said. Officials said they expect to find many more homes destroyed as the smoke clears and they do a more thorough check of smoldering neighborhoods.

Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight the fire and cleanup its aftermath. It also temporarily suspends some state regulations and waives fees as a way to ease the return of evacuees and those who have lost homes.

Dramatic video from Thursday night showed homes fully engulfed and others already gone as propane tanks flared up and popped. Flames glowing in the steep, rocky hillsides were reflected on the lake.

Residents described a frantic flight from communities surrounding the lake, a dammed section of the Kern River that is a destination for boating, fishing, rafting, hiking and camping.

Cachet Kirby, 22, of Mount Mesa and her neighbors grabbed clothes, blankets and their dogs and fled through thick smoke as flames charged down the slopes.

It was to the point you couldnt see, you couldnt breathe, she said.

She and others, exhausted Friday morning after little sleep in shelters and cars, were desperate for information about their homes.

We could have gotten lucky and the wind shifted, or our house could be burned down, Kirby said.

Cellphone service was cut off in many areas, contributing to the anxieties.

Very low humidity and gusty winds of up to 55 mph could worsen the blaze that broke out amid high temperatures and climbed over at least three ridges into hillside neighborhoods.

Ive never been in a wildland fire where Ive seen so many homes burn, Kern County fire Capt. Tyler Townsend said. Its one of the most devastating Ive ever seen.

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The forces of nature collided with a spark, Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall said. The mountain terrain, five years of drought and wind gusts of over 20 mph all drove a fire over 11 miles in 13 hours.

It had charred more than 12 square miles by Friday morning, with heavy smoke hanging and flames licking steep, rocky hillsides.

Several thousand people have been forced to evacuate, and some 1,500 homes are threatened. Three firefighters suffered smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported.

Residents described a frantic flight from communities around Lake Isabella, a major destination for boating, fly fishing, rafting, hiking and camping.

Cachet Kirby, 22, of Mount Mesa, said she and neighbors grabbed clothes, blankets and their dogs, fleeing through thick smoke as flames came down the mountains.

It was to the point you couldnt see, you couldnt breathe, she said.

She and others, exhausted Friday morning, were desperate for information about their homes.

We could have gotten lucky and the wind shifted or our house could be burned down, Kirby said.

Cellphone service was out in many areas, contributing to the anxieties.

Very low humidity and gusty winds of up to 55 mph could worsen a blaze that broke out amid high temperatures and climbed over at least three ridges into hillside neighborhoods, authorities said

Ive never been in a wildland fire where Ive seen so many homes burn, Kern County fire Capt. Tyler Townsend said. Its one of the most devastating Ive ever seen.

Many of the houses in the area have propane tanks that added to the danger, and some residents were refusing to evacuate, Townsend said.

Helicopters, bulldozers and 350 firefighters were fighting the flames  a force officials hoped to double during the day.

Well continue to be on the front lines throwing everything we have at it, Marshall said.

Elsewhere in California, cooler weather helped crews fighting two fires that burned more than 8 square miles of chaparral and brush in the Angeles National Forest and foothill communities northeast of Los Angeles. The fires were partially contained.

More than 1,300 homes in Duarte and Azusa were evacuated during the four-day-old blaze, but about half have been cleared for residents to return.

Near the border with Mexico, an 11-square-mile fire was partially contained after burning five homes about 40 miles southeast of San Diego. Most evacuees were allowed to go home Thursday.

In Colorado, a forest fire near the Wyoming line threatened about 40 cabins after exploding in size to more than 8 square miles, officials said. Shifting winds sent the blaze surging from a single square mile.

Trees killed by a beetle infestation fueled the flames in and around Routt National Forest, 140 miles north of Denver and 2 miles from Wyoming. The deadwood made it too dangerous to send in crews to battle the flames, so they were attacking the fires perimeter, fire information officer Brian Scott said.

In eastern Arizona, firefighters managed to corral nearly half of a fire that roared through about 67 square miles of pine, juniper and brush on an Apache Indian reservation.

Theyre really working their hearts out, and I think weve turned a corner, fire information spokeswoman Rita Baysinger said.

Still, more than 15,000 people in Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low and nearby mountain communities have been told to be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Two supposed caregivers are behind bars in an elder abuse case involving an aged couple, one of whom is an Alzheimers patient, sheriffs officials say.

The suspects  53-year-old Wayne Golden and 52-year-old Annazette Rosia Shillings  were arrested Wednesday, June 22, at their Friedman Street home in Perris and booked on suspicion of burglary, embezzlement, false imprisonment and related charges, jail records show.

The case began with a business arrangement in August 2015 when an 84-year-old Sun City woman agreed to let the Perris couple care for her disabled 94-year-old husband who then moved into the suspects home in return for rent and fees, Sgt. Curt Harris said in a written statement.

In April 2016, investigators say, Shillings showed up at the elderly womans Sun City home and convinced her that she also needed to move into the suspects Perris home.

Shillings grabbed the victims house keys, car keys and checkbook, then drove her to the Perris residence and falsely imprisoned her by refusing to allow her to leave, according to the sheriffs statement.

About two weeks later, the elderly woman contacted a county Adult Protective Services social worker whom she persuaded to pick her up and drive her to her Sun City home.

When they arrived at the Sun City residence, the victim discovered her residence had been burglarized, Sgt. Harris wrote. They also discovered Shillings and Golden had made multiple attempts to access her husbands bank accounts and her own.

Shillings also is accused of delivering fraudulent documents to the Social Security Administration and attempting to divert both of the victimss social security benefits and the husbands veterans benefits.

On the same day as this weeks arrests, deputies raided the home of Shillings and Golden and seized virtually all of the property allegedly stolen from the Sun City home.

Anyone with additional information may call Investigator Lance Colmer at 951-210-1000.
Anyone not living under a rock knows that housing is too expensive in California.

Builders and elected officials grappled with the affordability crisis last week in Ontario at a policy conference put on annually by the Building Industry Associations Baldy View Chapter.

Urban planner and consultant Wendell Cox, co-author of the Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, was there to put the problem into numeric terms.

Mr. Cox, a former Los Angeles County transportation commissioner, holds that before states, counties and cities put so many restrictions on home building  what he calls urban containment politics  most places had median multiples less than three, meaning that a median house cost three times the areas median household income.

But that has changed. Mr. Coxs Demographia survey found that the Riverside-San Bernardino metropolitan markets median multiple stands at an unaffordable 5.2  with median household income of $56,500 and median home price of $292,500.

That exacerbates the regions high poverty rate, removing money from pockets  for rent or mortgage payments  that might be better spent improving standards of living.

According to the Mt. Baldy BIA, San Bernardino Countys housing shortage will reach 31,000 residential units this year and 65,000 by 2019. Only 5,700 new units will be built this year, with estimated direct economic impact of $670 million. If two-thirds of the projected shortfall were built this year, the impact would be $2.15 billion, the BIA says.

Builders emphasize that local electeds can smooth the way for faster housing development. Cities, for example, can streamline their permitting and approval processes, and engage builders in the decision-making process, so that they dont inadvertently slow things down by adding requirements in a vacuum.

And theyre pleading with school districts to hold off on raising development fees.

Meanwhile, a new $9 billion state school bond measure has qualified for the November ballot; if it passes, matching state funds would be available again.

Were not endorsing the state bond measure  well consider November ballot measures later  but we support holding off on hiking development fees, which would only further raise the price of homes for new buyers.

The next generation is being priced out of our region, and we have to stop making it worse.
Members of fire crews that responded to the Dec. 2 terrorist attack in San Bernardino will be honored today in a ceremony hosted by the Redlands chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

The event is open to the public, and is set for 2 p.m. at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library, 555 W. Sixth St., in San Bernardino.

At the end of January, I actually gave awards to all the police departments because they dont get accolades for doing great work and they did an outstanding job that day, said Daniel Piedlow, chapter president. If it werent for the police or firefighters that day, a lot more people could have died.

Piedlow said issues have delayed the ceremony for the firefighters, but it was time to get the event back on track, he said.

Each responding crew will receive an award from the organization. Piedlow plans to speak for a few minutes before the certificate presentations, and the public is welcome to thank firefighters in person.

Piedlow expects the ceremony to last between 30 to 45 minutes.

Ive never been in that kind of stressful situation. I have, of course, being a firefighter, been in stressful situations, but not like that one. And we just want to say thanks, nice job, nice work, he said.

To learn more about the Sons of the American Revolution, contact Piedlow at 760-953-5893, or go to redlandssar.org.
This is a tale that gets salty  and bitter.

A $12.5 million public works project that involves rehabilitating 5 miles of the brine line through southern Corona and Temescal Valley has come to a standstill because of a construction dispute.

The projects sponsor  the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority  blames the contractor, the contractor blames the authority and the subcontractor is suing them both. And each side is blunt in stating its case.

Early on, they fell behind schedule, authority General Manager Celeste Cantu said, referring to the contractors. Unfortunately, we did have delays. Their quality was not up to standards and was not acceptable.

Representatives of the general contractor, Signal Hill-based Charles King Co., contend the problems were created by a flawed design and specifications, preventing its subcontractor, Spiniello Cos., from completing the job.

Its a specification problem. It doesnt work, said Scott Leimgruber of the law firm Finch, Thornton & Baird, which is representing King. Weve communicated that back to SAWPA, but they continue to say no. They keep burying their head in the sand and saying that these were not bad specifications.

In response to the allegations, the agency hired an independent consultant to analyze the design, and the consultant determined it was acceptable, Cantu said.

The project aims to rehab a more than 30-year-old deteriorating pipe, including a section that sprang a leak in 2011 near the Dos Lagos shopping mall along I-15 south of Corona.

The 5-mile line is part of the authoritys regional system of underground pipes in Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties that convey salty wastewater from industries into the Pacific Ocean, preventing that material from polluting the Santa Ana Rivers basin. The brine line provides businesses such as power plants, manufacturers and desalting plants a reliable way to get rid of the material.

This is a coveted piece of infrastructure that so many communities wish they had, Cantu said. The forefathers who thought of this in the 70s were really forward-thinking.

The goal of the rehabilitation project is to improve the existing pipe buried underneath Temescal Canyon Road so it can serve another 50-75 years. Rather than tear up the road and dig up the pipe, the agency is using the insertion of cured-in-place pipe  in essence creating a new tube inside the old.

However, the contractors insist the old pipe is too damaged to successfully use the method.

Spiniello contends that the existing, fully deteriorated  pipe cannot be rehabilitated by the installation of vinyl ester or epoxy resin-impregnated fabric tube as required by (the) prime contract, the legal complaint states.

The authority has sent King a notice of default and is assessing liquidated damages of $5,000 per day against the company for being behind schedule.

Meanwhile, a bypass pipe has been installed aboveground to keep the brine flow going during construction. It remains in place by the curb along a 21/4-mile segment of Temescal Canyon.

Our goal is to finish this job per the plans and specifications as quickly as possible, Cantu said. Were not going to sacrifice quality.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9690 or michaelwilliams@pressenterprise.com
An Azusa registered nurse is scheduled to be in court Thursday to answer to charges he sexually molested at least three children, and Fontana Police say there may be more victims out there.

Sandie Sumalpong, 26, was charged Thursday with nine counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child age 10 or younger, according to a criminal complaint. We are still investigating this case and there are concerns there could be other victims out there, said Sgt. Brian Heaviside with the Fontana Police Department.

Sumalpong is scheduled to appear for arraignment in West Valley Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga.

Authorities learned Sumalpong was sexually abusing a family member for the last three years, said Heaviside, and arrested him at his Azusa home Tuesday morning.

During the investigation, authorities determined Sumalpong victimized two other children who were not related to him, Heaviside said.

Police would not release the location where Sumalpong was a nurse due to the ongoing investigation.

He was booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga and is being held in lieu of $5 million bail, according to San Bernardino County Sheriffs booking records.

Anyone with information on this case can call the Fontana Police station 909-350-7740.
UPDATE (Friday, July 29): Drugs, heat blamed in womans death after Electric Daisy Carnival

A 20-year-old Temecula woman died Wednesday, June 22, after collapsing as she waited for a bus out of the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, officials confirmed.

The Clark County Coroner said Kenani Kaimuloa of Temecula died Wednesday evening at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. Family members say Kaimuloa collapsed and began seizing at a bus stop about 6 a.m. Monday.

The coroners office has not yet said what caused Kaimuloas death.

Her father, Dane Kaimuloa, said in a telephone interview Friday that he believes the hot weather at the festival played a role in her collapse.

Kaimuloa said he received a call from his daughters friends Monday saying she had been hospitalized. He said he didnt realize then how serious her condition was. He arrived to the hospital to find his daughter on a ventilator.

It hit me so hard, he said. It was like, No this cant be happening.'

Kenani Kaimuloa was pronounced brain dead Wednesday, her father said.

Dane Kaimuloa said doctors had told him his daughter had drugs in her system, but he said he doesnt believe she took those drugs intentionally.

How it got into her system, we need to find out, he said.

Insomniac Events is the organizer of the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas. They are known for holding large-scale electronic dance music festivals in the Inland Empire as well.

During the 2016 Beyond Wonderland Festival in Devore, one of multiple events organized by Insomniac, 244 people were arrested and 20 people were hospitalized.

At the 2015 iteration of Beyond Wonderland, John Hoang Dinh Vo, 22, of San Diego fatally overdosed on ecstasy.

Insomniacs flagship festival in the region  older even than Electric Daisy Carnival  is Nocturnal Wonderland.

This years Nocturnal will be held Sept. 2-4 at San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore. There will be several other festivals in the upcoming months in San Bernardino County as well.

Insomniac Events released a statement Friday on Kaimuloas death.

We were shocked and saddened to learn that a young woman who had attended the festival passed away on June 23, 2016, reads the statement. Our sincerest thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the woman. While the cause of this tragedy has not yet been determined, we ask everyone to keep her loved ones in their prayers during their time of grieving.

Dane Kaimuloa described his daughter as a great athlete. He said she loved softball and swimming, and was always kind to others.

She was so full of life, always smiling, always helping others, he said. Its just a total loss.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9693, agroves@pressenterprise.com or @AlexDGroves on Twitter.



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The European Union ( (EU), has announced its intention to contribute 160 million to promote business oriented agriculture in Ghana with high quality produce for the Savanah Accelerated Development Agency (SADA) zone.



The European Union Office in Ghana in a statement said, this will be achieved with the support of farmers and entrepreneurs, who will be trained in business management and improved farming and processing techniques.



Mr. Benoist Bazin, Head of the Infrastructure and Sustainable Development (ISD) Section, disclosed this on Tuesday in Accra.



He was speaking at a high level Agricultural Investment Workshop (AIW) organized by the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the support of USAID and the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP). The purpose of the workshop was to develop the necessary strategies, policies and road map for attracting investments for agriculture led transformation of the SADA Zone.



Mr. Bazin said an important focus of the programmes will be the mitigation of climate change with dissemination of practices dealing with soil protection and reconstitution, Soil fertility enhancement and agroforestry to promote local knowledge, local improved seed and also reduce usage of chemical inputs.



The EU is collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Savanah Accelerated Development Agency (SADA) for productive investment for agriculture in the SADA zone. Participants included Government ministries and agencies, development partners, private investors, key Regional and District agencies, farmer representatives, and NGOs.



About SADA



The Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), is a Government agency responsible for coordinating a comprehensive development agenda for the savanna ecological zones comprising the three northernmost regions and stretches of Brong Ahafo and Volta, that are contiguous to the Northern region of Ghana.



Its mandate is to assist in the development of agriculture and industry in the region to help lessen the disparity between its development and that found elsewhere in the country. Savannah Accelerated Development Authority was established by an Act of Parliament; SADA Act 805 on 17 September 2010 with its first Chief Executive Officer appointed in October 2011.



SADA will institute projects, programs and policies aimed at stimulating growth and addressing the human and social development needs of the target area. In the 2008 budget, the Government of Ghana mandated the preparation of a long term strategy to reverse decades of neglect of the northern part of Ghana and to set the pace for sustainable development.



SADA wasted funds



With a 5-year business plan which begun in 2012, and will end in 2016, SADA cannot boast of any significant achievement after some 32 million cedis allocated to it, failed to produce the desired results due to mismanagement and corruption.



This forced President John Dramani Mahama to replace its chief executive as well as the board, to steer the affairs of the agency.



The agency is expected to retrieve monies wasted and unaccounted for by the previous management, and possibly prosecute officials who caused the losses, but that is yet to happen.



Report on SADAs expenses most disgraceful  Atta Kyea



At a recent sitting of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, described as disgraceful, the high level of financial impropriety uncovered in the accounts of the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) by the Auditor General in 2013 and 2014.





Source: citifmonline.com









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Fear of the European Union (EU) raising tariff and quota barriers to Ghanaian non-traditional exports is driving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration (MFARI) and Trade and Industries (MTI) to enter into an Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (Interim EPA) with the EU.



The Interim EPA is an African country-EU agreement Ghana appears ready to succumb to in a desperate move to prevent the EU from totally slashing the duty free, quota free condition Ghana non-traditional exports currently enjoy.



Speaking to the media at MFARI in Accra, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hanna S. Tetteh, said the current EPA agreement is set to expire on October 1, 2016, and since the re-negotiated Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to EU EPA is not yet fully rectified, Ghana cannot sit idle till the old one expires.



Hanna Tetteh was speaking at a meeting called by the two ministries to discuss with representatives of exporters the implications of the October 1 deadline arriving without the creation of the interim Agreement.



She listed some of the challenges that would pose to Ghana.



She explained that the non-traditional exporters are the first in line to suffer, followed by companies that supply raw material and provide service to those non-traditional-export companies.



And employment in both levels of companies will drop as they will be compelled to retrench workers when trade barriers go up in Europe, she added.



Again, with quotas and tariffs raised against them, Ghanaian companies will lose their competitive urge on the EU market vis-a-vis African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) countries, and since La Cote dIvoire already has an EP agreement, businesses in Ghana will re-locate there, she said.



Obviously, many businesses are bound to suffer if we do not have an interim EPA by October 1, and so we need to discuss the implications to reach a consensus on what to do, Hannah Tetteh affirmed.



Speaking to Today, the Public Relations Officer of MTI, Nana Akrasi Sarpong, explained that of the 16 ECOWAS members, all except Nigeria, Mauritius and Gambia have rectified the sub-regional EPA. Unless those three sign the agreement, it cannot come into effect, he observed adding that till then Ghana cannot allow the current EPA to expire to the detriment of her non-traditional export sector.

Source: Today Newspaper









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Ghanas cedi suffered a slight loss against the pound after Britain voted to exit the EU on Thursday.



While England voted overwhelmingly for BRexit, short form of British exit, Scotland and Northern Ireland backed Remain. London backed Remain but the turnout was lower than expected because of bad weather; with the Leave campaign securing 52 per cent of the vote.



Pounds Slumps To 31yr Low



The value of sterling slumped to a 31-year low on currency markets and was on course for its biggest one-day loss in history as panicking investors contemplated the prospect of a vote to leave the European Union.



Results from across the country suggesting the Brexit camp was on the brink of declaring a referendum victory led to sterling reversing initial gains to leave the pound down more than 10% at $1.33, compared with $1.50 just after polling stations closed. That was the lowest since 1985. The pound was down more than 7% against the euro.



With markets braced for turmoil over the coming days, safer assets such as gold were in high demand. The precious metal, a long-time favourite investment in uncertain times, soared as much as 7% at one point.



The pounds fall, which stunned investors, was its biggest ever one-day fall, and ranked with the reaction to the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008 and Britains exit in 1992 from the European exchange rate mechanism on Black Wednesday.



Interestingly, despite the pound's fall, the value of the cedi recorded a marginal plunge of 1.04 percent on the interbank foreign exchange market.



Cedis performance



Ghanas cedi which had been trading at 5 cedis 72 pesewas to a pound (buying) and 5 cedis 73 pesewas (selling) since

Monday, but changed gear on Thursday and begun trading at 5cedis 78 pesewas (buying) and 5 79pesewas (selling) on the interbank foreign exchange market where banks trade among themselves.



It is unclear whether the marginal decline of the cedi against the pound was due to the exit.



But the CEO of IPMC Ghana, Amar Deep Singh Hari, shared his thoughts on the UKs recent referendum in a post copied Peacefmonline.com.



Analyzing the results, the renowned IT expert said it is a study on how at times democratic means can lead to a nation's disaster.



we must use the power of the people discreetly, he said.



He believed BRexit will cause a big recession and job losses not only in the UK but in few other countries as well.



Overall markets around the world will stay uncertain in the next few days as we all struggle to count our losses or for few lucky ones their profits.



The entire world has been put up under this shock for the simple reason being that a politician, Prime Minister David Cameroun had promised his voters in 2013 for a referendum on whether Britain should stay in the EU. He didn't realize that he was putting sensitive and critical decisions of experienced financial experts into the hands of millions of illiterates of that subject. Will his resignation reinstate the status quo?



A slight brighter side of this, but at the cost of so many may be that someone's loss is another person's gain. Pound sterling has lost its value by 10% and may even lose more, but on the other side Gold price has gone up by 4% and may climb further. EU, especially France and Holland may benefit from many UK banks and insurance companies moving their head offices to these countries. It depends how countries will bargain a weak EU to their advantage, he added.

Impact on GSE



As expected there was no impact of the news on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) which usually reacts slowly to external developments.



UK Prime Minister Resigns



Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister David Cameron is to step down by October after Britain voted to leave the European Union.



Mr Cameron, who addressed the nation in an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street, said he would attempt to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but that fresh leadership was needed.



The PM had urged the country to vote Remain but was defeated by 52% to 48% despite London, Scotland and Northern Ireland backing staying in.





Meanwhile, former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who is believed to harbor leadership ambitions for the Conservative party, said June 23 would become Britains independence day if it votes to leave the EU , however, told the media after there should be no "haste" in Britain preparing to leave

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Lulama Zingwana has expressed her countrys readiness to partner Ghana as part of efforts to foster socio-economic development between the two countries.



Her Excellency Xingwana made these remarks when she paid a working visit to AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine in Tarkwa.



She commended AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem mine for the various social investment initiatives rolled out in its host communities.



The Managing Director of Iduapriem Mine, Mr. Sicelo Ntuli emphasized that the Mine was committed to developing its host communities through its numerous social investment initiatives to promote development Iduapriem mine will continue to demonstrate its value of leaving its communities better-off he added.



Addressing stakeholders and chiefs from the mines host communities at a reception organized in her honor, Her Excellency called on all especially the chiefs to ensure the practice of illegal mining popularly known as galamsey is abolished due to the dangers associated with the trade and dangers it poses to communities. She noted that destruction of water bodies as a result of illegal mining was gradually affecting the countrys vegetation.



As part of her visit, the High Commissioner later called on the Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology where interacted with management of the university and visited some laboratories to see at first hand some demonstration and research work of the students.



She encouraged the students to eschew all forms of social vices and focus on their education to enable them be responsible persons in the society and the Nelson Mandelas and Kwame Nkrumahs of their generation.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









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Vodafone Ghana Foundation in collaboration with Sickle Life, a sickle cell awareness group, and other partners have organised a sickle cell status check and blood donation exercise for over 150 persons to mark 'World Sickle Cell Day'.



World Sickle Cell Day is marked on June 19 to create awareness on the medical condition by providing education and information on it with the aim of empowering people to make informed decisions.



Dr Sefakor Enam Bankas, Founder of Sickle Life said Statistics has shown that one in every four Ghanaian have sickle cell traits, which gives them the ability to pass it on to their children; every year, 2% of children born in the country, constituting 15,000, have sickle cell disease.



Dr Bankas said the disease is preventable with education, testing and counselling. The purpose for undertaking such a step is to reduce a disease that is affecting the lives, and talk to the people about the disease so that people with negative cultural perception about the disease can be corrected, the Sickle Life founder said.



Daniel Kissi Asiedu, a Corporate Communications official at Vodafone Ghana said Vodafone Ghana, under its Employee Volunteerism Project (EVP) is supporting the sickle cell initiative to reduce the alarming effect of sickle cell disease on human lives.



The Foundation is embarking on an awareness campaign of adolescents with sickle cell to educate them living with sickle cell, its causes and effects as well as its management he said.



Dr Anthony Anemana, House Officer of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital with a sickle cell trait, urged family and friends of persons with the disease to show love and care to them.



Through good social and family support, people with sickle cell can make it in life. As a child with sickle cell, I received direction from my parents all through basic school. I started encountering many difficulties when I started managing my own social life in senior high school. That was when I started developing a problem with my lower limb that gradually affected my way of movement he said.



The exercise was supported by the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics, ROCA, the Southern Area Blood Bank and Sickle Cell Association of Ghana.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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INFORMATION Reaching DAILY GUIDE indicates that about 15 Fulani herdsmen have been shot dead following a clash between them and Konkombas at Tease, the capital of the Afram Plains South District in the Eastern Region, on Wednesday.



Currently, there is uneasy calm and disaster looms in the surrounding villages as the Konkombas settled on Kwahu lands have declared war on the Fulani herdsmen, killing them and their cattle.



Initial police reports on Wednesday afternoon indicated that five dead bodies were discovered while the rest were still lying in the bush.



DAILY GUIDE gathered that a Fulani herdsman last Friday took his cattle to feed on a Konkomba farmers crops, which infuriated the farmer and resulted in an exchange of blows. In the process, the Fulani man shot the Konkomba man dead and hid the corpse in the bush.



According to the Abetifi chief, Nana Agyemang Asiedu III, who disclosed the incident to DAILY GUIDE, the Konkombas then reported the matter to the police but a search for their brothers corpse yielded no results.



The police, upon tipoff, arrested one of the suspected Fulani men who then led the police to the crime scene in the bush on Monday afternoon.



Reprisal Attacks



On discovering that their brother had been killed by a Fulani, the Konkombas declared war on the Fulanis, attacking and shooting them and their cattle on their farms, resulting in the deaths of about 15 Fulanis.



The action of the Konkombas has left the Fulanis in fear, forcing some to flee with their wives and children from their settlements.



Some were reported to have passed through the Akate border and descended to Begoro and its environs while others reportedly crossed the Volta Lake from Ekyi  Amanfrom to Adawso and headed towards Abetifi, Pepease and Ntoso areas for safety.



Last month Asante Nkrumah, the assemblyman for Oworobong electoral area in the Kwahu South District, launched an operation dubbed operation kill the cows, in which he succeeded in killing over 800 cows in his area. He was later arrested and is currently standing trial at the Koforidua High Court with others.



Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Police Command on Monday deployed some armed officers to Tease to restore calm in the area, but no arrests have yet been made.



The Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Yeboah Nketiah, when contacted by DAILY GUIDE, said he could not confirm that the death toll had risen to 15 but said many of the Fulani herdsmen had been shot dead by the residents there.



Kwahu Chief Angry



The Acting President of the Kwahu Traditional Area, Nana Agyemang Asiedu, confirmed to DAILY GUIDE that he had announced on local radio stations that the residents of the Afram Plains area should not go to farm until further notice.



He indicated that his outfit had done its best to fight the nomadic herdsmen menace, especially the destruction of their crops with their cattle, to no avail.



He said, The destruction of farms by cattle of nomadic herdsmen, which is causing tension beyond Agogo in the Ashanti Region, has now become the [major] menace in the Kwahu lands.



According to him, many farmers in the Afram Plains are suffering the brunt of the destruction of their crops and water bodies in the area, adding that the nomadic herdsmen had been associated with all kinds of crimes including murder, robbery and rape, aside their cattle destroying crops of farmers in some parts of the country.



The Abetifi chief posited that in February the Eastern Regional Security Council re-introduced an operation called Operation Cow Leg to also flush out the nomads from the region after several failed attempts.



As a result of the operation, the nomadic herdsmen now take the cattle for grazing at night under the guide of children who are often unable to effectively control the cattle.



They end up destroying peoples farms. And once the destruction wasnt caused during the day, the farmers find it difficult to identify the culprits, he revealed.



The chief posited that what bored him so much was that the security men would only come and roam at vantage points and would not go into the bush and farmlands to drive the Fulani men away.



He appealed to the president and national security to deploy military armed men to the bush to flush out the nomadic herdsmen before the situation got out of hand.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Police in Ashaiman, a suburb of Accra have seized 139 boxes, each containing a dozen of compressed dried leaves suspected to be Indian Hemp.



The suspected drugs, which were bound for the United Kingdom was packaged in boxes labelled as Fresh Yams Made in Ghana.



Two suspects, Malik Ofori and Richmond Otieku were arrested with the substance in a warehouse at Kakasunanka No. 2, near Michel Camp by a team of policemen after a tipoff.



Two other suspects, Edward Mensah, and Kwaku Bonsu, a UK-based Ghanaian were also arrested for trying to bribe the police with a sum of 1,900.



Other items retrieved from the warehouse were a bowl of locally manufactured soap, Alata Samina which was smeared on the slabs of dried leaves to change the smell, a weighing scale used to make sure all the slabs had equal weight and two compressors.



The Tema Regional Police PRO, ASP Juliana Obeng, said the four suspects are currently in Police custody whiles investigations continue.



She said the suspects may face charges of unlawful possession of narcotics and or supply of narcotics without lawful authority.





Source: JFM Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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NPPs Deputy Chief scribe, Nana Obiri Boahen wants Ghanas colonial masters, the British to return and takeover the country.



He explained that  their (colonial master's) leadership is better than the current NDC administration led by President John Dramani Mahama.



According to him, the Mahama-led administration is reversing Ghanas development with his mediocre leadership  he also tagged the President as the most corrupt leader ever in the history of the country.



His comment comes after President Mahama denied strongly a car gift from a Burkinabe contractor as a bribe  the President was emphatic that the allegation leveled against him is baseless.



President Maama has received a lot of flak from anti-graft bodies and opposition parties recently over a revelation that he received a Ford Expedition from a Burkinabe contractor, who, in turn, was awarded with contracts by the government of Ghana.



The vehicle which was given to President Mahama in 2012 by a Burkinabe contractor, Oumarou Djibril Kanazoe has raised questions about the possibility of the President engaging in a conflict of interest situation.



However, speaking on NEAT FMs morning show 'Ghana Montie', the NPP leading member says the presidents reply to the allegation is unfortunate.



We have a long way to go as a country. I weep for Ghana. If that type of mediocre leadership cant stop, then I prefer the colonial leadership. Everything is in a mess under this leadership, he said.









Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Deputy General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho has dared the flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to challenge President Mahama in court.



According to him, if the NPP still insists the Presidents car gift was a kickback - then they should assemble their legal brains headed by their flagbearer, Nana Addo to meet them in court.



He noted on NEAT FMs morning show 'Ghana Montie' that, the president has proven his innocence and that must be respected.



The president has stated that the allegation is baseless. So if they [NPP] dont understand, then this is an opportunity for Nana Addo to wear his law gown and wig and prove that he is a real lawyer and go to court. If he does that and sue the President, Ghanaians will vote for him, he said.



Koku Anyidohos challenge comes after President Mahama on his 'Accounting to the People' tour in Tema called on his accusers to use the appropriate constitutional processes against him if, indeed, they have any evidence of corruption against him, adding that peddling of such rumours will not win them the elections.



The NDCs Deputy Scribe also rubbished calls by the NPP for a non-partisan body to investigate the Presidents bribery case.



That will not help, Nana Addo should lead a crusade and go to court. I am challenging Nana Addo who is a lawyer to go back to his law firm and go to court, he opined.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President John Dramani Mahama has given a further clarification on the decision to accept a 2010 Ford Expedition vehicle as a gift, from a Burkinabe contractor, saying he does not even like American cars. In his latest comments on the allegations, the President said, I dont use Fords.



I dont like American cars. I use Japanese cars. Toyota is my car. Speaking during a breakfast meeting with the clergy at the Flagstaff House, President Mahama also indicated that, he did not view the gift from the Burkinabe contractor as a gift to the state, adding that, he has not used it for his personal comfort. The issue of a Ford Expedition, I have never been under the illusion that gift was a gift to the State and it has never been used for my personal comfort, he said.



The president also noted that he is aware that some Ghanaians have petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), over the issue, and he will respond to it in due time. It is matter for the Commission on Human Rights. I hear there is a petition there and appropriately, we will respond to it. Accusations baseless Speaking on the matter for the first time on Wednesday, President Mahama dared his critics accusing him of corruption, to deal with him using the constitution if they deemed it fit. If you believe I have indulged in corruption, you have the constitutional means to do what you want to do but when you make baseless rumors and accusations, it wont win you the presidency, the President stated firmly.

Background President John Dramani Mahama has come under intense public criticism for accepting the car gift worth about US$100,000 from a Burkinabe contractor, who was subsequently awarded a contract from the state. The Burkinabe, Djibril Kanazoe, has admitted giving President Mahama a Ford Expedition vehicle, for which the President called to thank him. The gift, according to reports, was prior to an attempt by the contractor, to win a bid to execute the Dodo Pepeso-Nkwanta road construction project. The same contractor had also been contracted to build a wall, at a cost of over half a million dollars, for the Ghana Embassy in Ouagadougou.  By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Source: citifmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Veteran Journalist Abdul Malik Kweku Bako said hes unperturbed by the insults being rained on him for defending the President Mahama over the Ford gift saga. Mr Kweku Bako has come under a barrage of attack from members of the opposition New Patriotic Party for defending what they term as an act of bribery and corruption for accepting a gift from Burkinabe contractor Kanazou Djibril.



The latest attack has come from a former NPP Okaikoi North Constituency seat aspirant Ken Kuranchie, who has described as embarrassing the spirited defense of President Mahama over the Ford gift controversy. Kweku Bako who is The New Crusading Guide Editor -in- Chief, and a celebrated investigative journalist has rubbished the bribery allegation against President Mahama, saying, the whole matter is not an issue. According to him, Manasseh Azuri Awunis efforts to get to the bottom of the matter is commendable, but the attempt to link the issue to a bribe could have been better packaged.



I have a lot of respect for Kweku Baako, hes one person I look up to in the media, and I would have worshipped him if he were a god. I however feel embarrassed at the comments by the man I so much respect passed on the gift saga. The matter is a serious one which should not be brushed aside as the New Crusading Guide Newspaper boss is doing. I really feel ashamed at his conduct the Daily Searchlight Newspaper editor told Atinka fm



But Kweku Baako has shrugged off the criticism about him. He told host of Accra Based Metro Tvs Good Morning Ghana Randy Abbey hes not moved by the criticism by the NPP, except that people who do so must do it fairly.



Theres no doubt that the Mahamas are my friends. I have a spot for them just I do for Nana Addo and Kuffour. These are my very good friends. Come on I am human. Cant I have a soft spot for somebody? Its normal. When I defend Nana Akufo even under very difficult circumstances as for that onme they dont have an issue with it but when I do same for the Mahama then they have an issue. I think its double standards. Anyway like I said I am not worried at all. They can go on. I wish them well He told show host Randy Abbey



On his part the aspiring Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Alhassan Suhuyini who was also on the program said the NPP have increasingly exhibited intolerance for divergent views and for that matter have developed the penchant for attacking anybody who disagrees with them. He threw a challenge to the NPP to come out and state that they have never received a gift from contractors for campaign purposes.



I know a lot of NPP big wigswho have received one form of gift or the other from a contractor. Does that mean the gifts are meant to influence the flag bearer to give them contracts should he ever become president of this country? Well if that the logic they are pushing then lets interrogate and I am ready to do that. But I can assure them that no weapon fashioned against the president shall prosper. The NPP is doing all it can to tag the president with corruption but I can assure them they are wasting their time, he said.

Source: The Citizen's Mail









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party has assured President Mahama that he would soon taste the bitterest pill of his life when it is established that the vehicle gift he took from a Burkinabe contractor, is an act of corruption.



Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiko, told Peacefmonline.com in an interview that the defensive approach adopted by President Mahama and his ministers on the matter makes it easier to tell that he has committed a crime he wished nobody knew of.



He however added that acts of corruption would have to be proven by an appropriate quarter and if it should even take years to do that, President Mahama and his allies would not be spared jail time.



This matter isnt going to die anytime soon. Mahama would face the music and smell pepper if it is established that the Burkinabe contractor corrupted him with that car gift. He would end up in jail, he said.



President Mahama has dismissed allegations of corruption leveled against him concerning a vehicle gift story uncovered by a journalist with Joy FM.



In an address to the chiefs and people of Ashaiman during his Accounting to the People tour of the Greater Accra Region, President Mahama challenged anyone with evidence of corruption against him to take him on by invoking the Constitution of Ghana.



"When you make baseless rumours and accusations, it wont win you the Presidency. The people of Ghana are discerning and I believe that come November 7, they will make their decision," he said.



But Mr. Boasiko aka Chairman Wontumi insisted that the rumours were not baseless and he is often saddened by the president's choice of words when he is upset or riled for some obvious reasons.

Source: Chris Joe Quaicoe/ email: [email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Tortilla at Madrids Bodega de la Ardosa. DAVID VALDIVIA / ZOUK

Spanish readers of the EL PAIS gastronomy section El Comidista will already know that we are all crazy about Spanish omelets. In fact, after exhaustive research, the driving force behind the website, Mikel Lopez Iturriaga, has learned to make the perfect tortilla. But as not all of you will have the good fortune to try it for yourselves, we decided to compile a list of bars where the tortilla reigns supreme.

At first, we all but triggered a digital meltdown in our quest to round up the best tortilla haunts, so we dropped the technological approach and resorted to some basic fieldwork. This, of course, has required a deal more exertion on our behalf, but you can thank us later.

The following examples of tortilla eggcellence are largely golden and runny. So, if you happen to be fussy about raw egg or harbor a fear of salmonella poisoning, this is where to click off.

Lastly, dont expect the definitive guide to the Spanish Omelet! We've done our homework, but that doesnt mean weve visited every village in Spain. Feel free to tell us about a better tortilla in your town.

Bar Nestor

In San Sebastian, Bar Nestor produces the kind of tortilla that turns people into tortilla touts, because if you dont order ahead, you dont get. Chef Francis Paniego recommended this cradle of Spanish culinary tradition, and we are eternally indebted. The omelet is golden and runny and extremely delicious  in short, it ticks all the boxes.

Bar Nestor. Calle Pescaderia, 11. San Sebastian. Map.

Not so long ago, food blogger Jorge Guitian posted a pic on Instagram of a juicy slice of tortilla in an earthenware bowl. I asked him about it and he explained. La Tita is famous for its extremely moist tortillas. The photo I put up is a tapa that comes free with a drink. If you ask for a racion, you get a big plate of it. And even though La Tita has changed owners, it has kept the tortilla as its trademark.

La Tita. Rua Nova, 46. Santiago de Compostela. Map.

David Valdivia, known for his love of bagels, wrote some time ago about the tortilla at the La Ardosa in Zouk Magazine, describing it as the best tortilla Ive tried in a long time. Our very own Khaleesi, Monica Escudero is also a loyal fan of La Ardosa and its Spanish omelet. What more can I say?

Bodega La Ardosa. Calle de Colon, 13. Madrid. Map.

Journalist and co-founder of the gastronomic enterprise Platunique, Nella Ruggiero suggested I try the tortilla at Casa Dani. Their tortilla will make you weep, she said. Seeing the lines forming outside the bar, it was clear she didnt mean because it was so bad. And she really didnt  its perfect!

Casa Dani. Mercado de la Paz. Calle Ayala, 28. Madrid. Map.

Barcelona is not known for its tortillas but the team at Norte isnt from Barcelona, which is undoubtedly why they begin each day by rustling up one of their fabulous tortillas. You dont often find them this good in Catalonia!

Norte. Calle Diputacio, 321. Barcelona. Map.

Its unusual to give blood as an excuse for a gastronomic experience, but my donation was more than worth it to get my hands on the scandalously good tortilla served at Coral. Maybe my low hemoglobin levels affected my judgment, but I doubt it.

Restaurante Coral. Calle Nicaragua, 23. Barcelona. Map.

Basque superchef Senen Gonzalez, who runs Sagartoki, has created a range of frozen gourmet products. I got the frying pan out, followed the instructions and the tortilla was delicious. In fact Senen's tortillas have won at least five prizes since 2001, including the award for Spains finest tortilla. Lets just say, the next time youre in Vitoria, youll know where to find me.

Sagartoki. Calle Prado, 18. Vitoria. Map.

Based in Betanzos  the home of the Spanish omelet  O Pote won the National Prize for the best tortilla in Spain in 2011. Three eggs for each potato and minimal cooking, and it comes out almost liquid. As I read once, there are two kinds of people in this world; those who prefer their tortilla runny and those whose palate is made of cork  though to be honest what it said was those who have no f***ing idea what life is about  but that might be going a little far

Meson O Pote. Travesia do Progreso, 9. Betanzos. Map.

It was 2014 when Ana Biscayenne Vega wrote a guide to the best tortillas in Bilbao. Interrogating her two years later on her recommendations, she sighed and said, Half of them no longer exist. The result of the crisis and the gentrification of the city My favorite among those that have survived is the Miren Itziar which only makes one tortilla a day at around 1.30pm with roasted pepper.

Miren Itziar. Calle Atxuri, 17. Bilbao. Map.

The Tahiti tortilla departs in taste and texture from the others on the list. Its drier, with more potato. Which is why I am including it here  to prove I am not a runny tortilla fanatic. Well, that and because its to die for.
Deputy General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho says the Supreme Court should be allowed to run elections in the country.



He could not fathom why the apex court through its actions is seemingly interfering in the operation of the Electoral Commission (EC).



Koku Anyidoho's comment is in reaction to the directive by the apex court to the EC to furnish it with a comprehensive" list of all persons who registered with the NHIS cards.



The Supreme Court in a bid to give further interpretation to its May 5 judgment on the controversy regarding the voters' register, has directed the EC to furnish it with a comprehensive" list of all persons who registered with the NHIS cards.



Additionally, the apex court directed the EC to develop a guideline on the specific processes and methods they intend to adopt in implementing the orders in the May 5 judgment on the voters register.



The orders follow the interpretation-confusion that ensued between the electoral commission and Abu Ramadan, the plaintiff who went to court to seek interpretation of the legality or otherwise of such names in the electoral roll.



Though the EC has given the assurance it will meet the June 29 deadline given them by the Supreme Court, Mr Anyidoho believes the order is an attempt to do a new voter register.



It is not possible that the SC will tell the EC what to do because I know the EC in its own way is discharging it duties as an institution and so it is better to allow the Supreme Court to run the elections if it feels the EC is inefficient.



Koku Anyidoho indicated that, since the names of people who registered with NHIS cards can prove their citizenship, then their names ought not to be deleted.



The NHIS card has been in existence for long and so I dont understand why they should still demand the list. If the Supreme Court receives the list, what next will they use the names for? he quizzed on OkayFM's "Ade Akye Abia" Morning Show.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Bloody hell.

Despite the Coalition staunchly clinging to the idea of a holding plebiscite on marriage equality  an extremely costly exercise that thousands are worried will cause harm to queer Australians, particularly young people  Malcolm Turnbull has just confirmed one of the strongest arguments against holding it: that Coalition MPs will not be bound by it.

He confirmed today that regardless of how the Australian people vote, MPs in his party will still be allowed a free vote.

The tradition in the Liberal Party is that on matters of this kind it is a free vote, said Turnbull. I have no doubt that if the plebiscite is carried, as I believe it will be, that you will see an overwhelming majority of MPs and senators voting for it.



He gave the example of that noted victim of bigotry Scott Morrison, an opponent of same-sex marriage who will apparently be voting whichever way the plebiscite demands.

Labors Penny Wong is not pleased.

Malcolm Turnbull didnt give supporters of marriage equality a free vote before the election 1/2  Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) June 24, 2016

But will give opponents of marriage equality a free vote after the election. Traded his principles for the leadership. 2/2  Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) June 24, 2016

Turnbull has managed to contradict himself from last October, when he said that It is quite clear that every Australian will get a vote and that vote will be respected. if the vote is carried, it will become law.

This is Hansard, October last year pic.twitter.com/KYyMCueQJv  Sean Kelly (@mrseankelly) June 24, 2016

On the other hand, hes now backed-up Eric Abetz comments from earlier this year, when the strongly conservative senator said that that Coalition MPs would not be bound by the plebiscite, thus rendering the whole exercise pointless. (He also said hed be very heavily checking that the plebiscite was an accurate reflection of the public view, which is worrying in the extreme, if hes basing himself as the guideline for neutrality.)

Turnbull at the time wouldnt confirm if MPs would be bound or not, but did say that anyone who argued that the government wouldnt abide by the decision of the Australian people wasnt living in the real world.

Source: The Guardian.



Photo: Getty / Greg Wood.
This post is about Brexit. If youre seeing people going absolutely hogwild over Brexit but you dont know what the hell it is, we have a handy explainer HERE.

Noooooope. A completely chaotic early arvo here has been punctuated by what many would consider the most authoritative intervention on the matter  a big ole tweet from the BBC:

Yep. The prevailing wisdom what that people, once they got to the ballot box, would be compelled to stick with the status quo and vote Remain. With around 70% of the votes counted, Leave is ahead by almost a million votes. Looks like one of the biggest shakeups in the international scene is coming to pass: the UK is probably gonna leave the European Union.

This is quite massive. Whats the initial fallout look like? There are already calls from people like UKIP leader Nigel Farage  a very, very committed opponent to the European Union  that Prime Minister David Cameron ought to resign immediately if it goes through.

The pound has taken quite a beating all day, and now that its looking bad for the Remain camp its only getting worse. It has tumbled to levels not seen since 1985.

Cameron, who supports the Remain campaign but made the referendum part of his election promise, has almost certainly scored one of the hugest own goals in recent history  both ripping the UK out of the EU and essentially dooming his political future.

It also looks like both Northern Ireland and Scotland are voting Remain  which means that if the UK does leave, itll be largely an English decision. Two things could come out of this. Firstly, its a big impetus for Scotland to try for independence again, which was shot down last year.

Secondly  and perhaps less likely, but who knows  the possibility of a united Ireland is being discussed once more. Sinn Fein, the pro-unification party in Ireland, is already talking about it.

BBC: Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness calls for referendum on Irish reunification after #Brexit vote  Simon Carswell (@SiCarswell) June 24, 2016

Stay tuned, folks. This is gonna be a wild one.
Oliver Curtis, investment banker and husband of Sydney PR queen Roxy Jacenko, has been sentenced to jail for minimum one year today.

He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading along with his former best friend, John Hartman. The insider trading ring that the pair operated led to Curtis profiting over $1.4 million.

Hartman told authorities that the money was spent on holidays to Las Vegas and Whistler, helicopter rides, $20,000 Ducati motorcycles, Mini Coopers and bachelor pad weekends at Bondi.

In the lead up to his conviction for the heavy insider trading charges, Justice Lucy McCallum said Curtis had declined multiple opportunities to cooperate with ASIC, and had shown no contrition to any degree whatsoever and had not embraced responsibility for his offending.

#BREAKING: Oliver Curtis has been sentenced to a maximum of 2 years in jail. #TMS7 https://t.co/BDna0GRueY  The Morning Show (@morningshowon7) June 24, 2016

Jacenko and Curtis arrived in court for the sentencing to crowds of media and photographers:

Roxy Jacenko and her husband Oliver Curtis arrive at court ahead of his sentencing for insider trading #KIISnews pic.twitter.com/mtYQ0X5FWn  KIIS 1065 (@kiis1065) June 23, 2016

Curtis was facing up to five years in prison, and a fine of $220,000. He was sentenced to maximum two years in jail, with at least one year without parole.

When handed the sentence, he handed his wedding ring to his wife Jacenko, and they kissed before he was led away.

Source: SMH.

Photo: 9 News.
As the investigation into Orlanda gunman Omar Mateen continues, much of the public discussion has been around allegations that Mateen was not merely motivated by deep homophobia, but was also gay himself.

We covered an interview on Univision with a man who claimed to have been Mateens lover. He said that the gunman had been motivated by revenge, and not terrorism.

Now, the Los Angeles Times reports that federal investigators do not believe there is any credible evidence at this point that Mateen had male lovers or had been using gay dating apps, despite these claims.

The FBI have reportedly culled as much electronic data as they can get on Mateen, including a laptop computer and cellphone, as well as electronic communications of those who made the claims and have found no messages, apps, photographs or location data that suggest Mateen was living a double life as a gay man.

They believe that the men making these claims  including Miguel, the man from the Univision interview  are either not credible or had confused Mateen for someone else. On the flip side of the coin, the FBI also have not uncovered any direct links between Mateen and the Islamic State.

However, the men who have made these claims stand by them. The LA Times spoke to a man named Kevin West, who says that he definitely saw Mateen on dating app Jackd, and recognised him when he entered Pulse nightclub on the night of the shooting.

No one is lying about him being on there, West said, referring to the dating apps. Once you have the app and delete your profile, its gone.

Some of the men interviewed by the FBI, including Pulse regular Cord Cedeno, do not trust investigators to make the right calls about Mateen, given that they let him go after questioning in 2013 and 2014. They let him go. They let him do this massacre, said Cordeno.

The investigation continues.

Source: Los Angeles Times.

Photo: Supplied.
For all the pro-republican arguments the fine nation of Australia can muster, its preeetty hard to deny the cultural attachment we have to the United Kingdom. While we may very well be living in the so-called Asian Century, the first sixteen years of it havent seen any massive deviations from our chummy relationship with the folks way up north.

So, after they decided to bust out of the European Union as a tough, independent nation who dont need no supranational governing body, our nation peed its pants a little. Our stock market experienced its worst day of the year on the back of the news, as investors scrambled to work out what the flaming heck this new reality will bring.

Well, according to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, were definitely in for an adjustment period. Speaking to Leigh Sales on ABCs 7.30, the PM said there will be an immediate impact, with a period of instability in markets, and weve already seen that.

Despite the financial hullabaloo the referendum has wrought, he reiterated Australias commitment to being a BFF of the UK. He told Sales we respect the decision of the British people, and we know that we will continue to have in the future the very closest of relations with the British people.

Us, essentially.

Going further, he said were as close as any two nations could be, but he also doubled down on his push to establish new trade export deals within the EU. So, its fairly unlikely well be showing mainland Europe the cold shoulder because our island-bound mates have had enough.

PM Turnbull intimated that he ideologically supported the push to Remain, but conceded their choice to Leave came from the feeling Britons had lost control of their own country. Rightly or wrongly thats their perception. In their eyes, he said, the UK is now free from the shackles of a bureaucratic Europe.

Back at home, its interesting to note the interview came one day after Sales held Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to account over his continual claims the Liberal Party was deadset on privatising Medicare... despite constant, vehement denials from the party itself. When pushed on the matter, Turnbull said Shortens claim is just a desperate lie Labor wont relinquish.

So, in the end, knowing our homegrown pollies will continue to scrap over proposed domestic policies and the lies surrounding em was almost comforting in the fallout of the UKs world-shaking referendum.

Source and photo: ABC.
Here lies the body of near-deceased One Direction. They were deeply loved, but life is cruel.

Nah, we dont really know if the bands dead, but 1Ders are no doubt losing their minds after the news breaking that Harry Styles has signed a solo contract.

While this doesnt confirm the boyband icons absolute departure from the group, it does prove to be another building block in the dividing wall that will eventually spell the end of the pop group.

Other hints of a departure have been the registration of four singles written and performed solo by the singer, as well as the fact that hes working currently on the Christopher Nolan WWII film Dunkirk, plus is rumoured to be playing Mick Jagger in a Rolling Stones movie.

According to an exclusive with Billboard, Styles signed the solo contract with Colombia Records, the same record company that One Direction is with.

Theres currently no other information about the terms of the contract, and nothing is yet known about a potential solo record. Well let you know when that changes, though.

Source: Billboard.

Photo: Mark Davis / Getty.
Amy Schumer

FILE - In this Sept. 20, 2015 file photo, Amy Schumer, winner of the award for outstanding variety sketch series for "Inside Amy Schumer", poses in the press room at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

(Jordan Strauss)

Amy Schumer will return to Pennsylvania this year as part of her world tour.

The comedienne will perform Saturday, September 24, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, according to an announcement on her website. She will also perform Friday, September 23, at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C.

Tickets for her performances go on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 28, through Wells Fargo Center and Ticketmaster's websites. You can also get presale tickets now with the promo code "amylive," according to her website.

Schumer will visit more than 50 cities throughout the world as a part of her tour, according to her website. She was nominated for "Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical" for her role in 2015's "Trackwreck" at the 2016 Golden Globes Awards.

She also won an award for "Outstanding Variety Sketch Series" and was nominated for three others for her work on "Inside Amy Schumer" at the 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards. She was also nominated for "Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series" in 2014.

Schumer previously performed April 7 in Reading; April 8 in University Park; and April 9 in Wilkes-Barre.
Text in which the author defends ideas and reaches conclusions based on his / her interpretation of facts and data

Brexit supporters celebrate Thursday's result. G. CADDICK (AFP)

For Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, the upside to the United Kingdoms decision to leave the European Union is that the Spanish flag is much closer to flying over Gibraltar.

Speaking on Spanish radio, Margallo could barely contain his euphoria at the prospect of exacting revenge on Fabian Picardo, Gibraltars first minister, who so recently suggested he stick the Spanish flag where the sun doesnt shine

One might reasonably have expected at such a historic juncture that a cool head would be the order of the day, that diplomacy would prevail, but Margallos patriotism simply could not be restrained, albeit more for personal reasons than geopolitical emergencies. No sooner was his radio interview over than he was bragging about putting one over on Picardo, making light of diplomacy and a crisis in the EU and reducing the situation to the level of two cockerels fighting at dawn; a tragicomic exercise in spitefulness.

Margallo may yet find time to promise that the Popular Party will return Gibraltar to Spain

Gibraltar is Spanish. Thats the conclusion Spains foreign minister draws from this disaster. It has to be said that hes never been very ministerial, and much less outward looking. This morning he wore a tie with the red and gold of the Spanish flag. And it wasnt a metaphor.

This was what Spains foreign minister wore to a radio interview to argue for the return of the Rock, while at the same time wringing the maximum from the final moments of the general election campaign ahead of Sundays poll. He may yet find time to promise that the Popular Party will return Gibraltar to Spain. In short, Margallo wants to see the Union Jack lowered once and for all .

He even took the time during his interview to explain to listeners that Brexit means that Gibraltar is now a bilateral question between London and Madrid. Brussels will play no part in any future conversations. So lets celebrate: Europe is being torn apart, but Spain is united. Margallo has just incorporated Gibraltar into Spains collective imagination.

English version by Nick Lyne.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture oversees restaurant inspections in the state. Inspection reports are "snapshots" of the day and time the inspections took place. In many cases, violations are corrected on site prior to the inspector leaving.

The following restaurants and other establishments in Lebanon County that handle food were inspected during the week of May 29-June 4 and were recorded as of June 14.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

June 2

BLUE MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE

628 BLUE MOUNTAIN ROAD, FREDERICKSBURG

Regular inspection.

Food facility does not have the certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view.

CARMANY'S DOUBLE TWIST

35 S. EIGHTH ST., (MARKET), LEBANON

Regular inspection.

Food facility has not installed a grease trap as required under the local/state plumbing codes.

LICKDALE GENERAL STORE

11 LICKDALE ROAD, JONESTOWN

Regular inspection.

Commercially processed refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature-control-for-safety food (sliced deli meats) in the upright refrigerator, held more than 24 hours, is not being marked with the date it was opened; prepackaged sandwiches and deli salad are not labeled properly with the ingredient statement; food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration; food facility has an employee who held a certified food manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid.

SPHINX CUISINE

35 S. EIGHTH ST., (MARKET) LEBANON

Regular inspection.

Person-in-charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the PA Food Code as evidenced by incorrect responses to food safety questions; commercially processed ready-to-eat food located in the prep/cold-hold unit cooler and held more than 48 hours is not being marked with the date it was opened; soap was not available at the hand-wash sink in the prep area.

Establishments with no violations.

June 4

DAIRY QUEEN LVM

2224 LEBANON VALLEY MALL, LEBANON

Regular inspection.

No violations.

ICE CREAM EXPRESS

LEBANON

Regular inspection.

No violations.

June 2

CANDY-RAMA

35 S. EIGHTH ST., (MARKET), LEBANON

Regular inspection.

No violations.

CRAB CRAZY LLC

35 S. EIGHTH ST., LEBANON

Regular inspection.

No violations.

PRETZEL TWIST

35 S. EIGHTH ST., (MARKET), LEBANON

Regular inspection.

No violations.

TONY'S ON MARKET STREET

333 W. MARKET ST., JONESTOWN

Regular inspection.

No violations.

TTT STAR

35 S. EIGHTH ST., LEBANON

Regular inspection.

No violations.
convicted-robber-flings-poop-pee-inside-ohio-courtroom.jpg

Justice may be blind, but it does have a sense of smell. And things became more than a little stinky in an Ohio courtroom this week as convicted robber Ricky Hand, brought in for sentencing, had sneaked in a smelly surprise.

(KDKA)

Justice may be blind, but it does have a sense of smell. And things became more than a little stinky in an Ohio courtroom this week as a convicted robber brought in for sentencing sneaked in a smelly surprise.

As KDKA in Pittsburgh reports, little did anyone in court know that the robber, Ricky Hand, had secreted a container of his own feces and urine that he would use to express his vile displeasure at the justice system about to hand him 40 years in prison for a string of serial robberies.

KDKA and the Associated Press report that Hand interrupted the Springfield, Ohio, judge in court on Wednesday, questioned the terms of his sentencing and then flung the excrement from a plastic bottle he had concealed in an arm sling.

Eventually, Hand was tackled by Clark County Sheriff's Office deputies, but not before he splashed up to five people in the courtroom, including lawyers, with his own bodily waste, the media reports state, adding:

Hand later admitted to hiding several bottles of his urine and feces on his body. He wasn't patted down before entering the courtroom because he came straight from jail.

In wake of the incident, Hand was slapped with five additional counts of "harassment with bodily substance," one count for each person he splashed.
Transgender bathroom

Destin Cramer, left, and Noah Rice place a new sticker on the door at the ceremonial opening of a gender neutral bathroom at Nathan Hale High School May 17 in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

USA Today reported on Friday that the Pentagon will repeal its ban on transgender troops in the military on July 1.

The newspaper was told that plans would be finalized next week, with a sign-off by Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work by Wednesday.

If all goes as plan, the announcement will arrive just in time for the 4th of July celebrations.

More from USA Today:

The plan would direct each branch of the armed services over a one-year period to implement new policies affecting recruiting, housing and uniforms for transgender troops, one official said.

ABC News tweeted that officials confirmed the USA Today report.

JUST IN: Ban on transgender service members in the military to be lifted in July, defense officials confirm to @ABC News - @LMartinezABC  ABC News (@ABC) June 24, 2016

"This final remnant of Don't Ask, Don't Tell will now be put to rest. This decision is a great victory for the many trans people who have served and sacrificed in the military over the years," said Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan a director with the National LGBTQ Task Force.
Hillary Clinton Campaigns in Philadelphia Before Pennsylvania Primary

Commercial vehicles weighing more than five tons will be prohibited from traveling on Interstate 95 between Exit 13 (Interstate 76 West/Route 291/Valley Forge) and Exit 22 (Interstate 676) in Philadelphia during the Democratic National Convention in July. In this April photo, Hillary Clinton rallies at Philadelphia's City Hall.

(Tracie Van Auken/AP)

Security concerns will cause major traffic restrictions this July in Philadelphia as the Democratic National Convention gets underway.

PennDOT on Thursday announced a slew of traffic restrictions and alternate plans.

Most notably, the state agency announced that commercial vehicles weighing more than five tons will be prohibited from traveling on Interstate 95 between Exit 13 (Interstate 76 West/Route 291/Valley Forge) and Exit 22 (Interstate 676) in Philadelphia from Saturday, July 23 at noon until midday Friday, July 29.

PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said the agency, along with regional transportation authorities, will use a combination of electronic message boards and stationary signs to guide commercial truck drivers along alternate routes during the temporary restriction.

"We urge commercial drivers, if possible, to travel on interstate highways outside the Philadelphia region during the week of the convention to avoid being diverted off I-95," Richards said.

The restrictions apply to such commercial vehicles as: delivery trucks, utility vehicles, parcel trucks, small dump trucks, buses, flatbed and stake trucks, refrigerated and box trucks, large delivery trucks, refuse trucks, cement mixers, buses, and all tractor trailer combinations including double trailers.

Motor homes and recreational trailers operated for personal use and weighing more than five tons will also be restricted from traveling on this section of I-95.

Posted detours for drivers of such vehicles along this stretch of I-95 include:

From I-95 north: Route 291 (Penrose Avenue) east, to 26

From I-95 south: I-676 west, to I-76 east, to 26

The northbound and southbound entrance ramps to I-95 between Exit 13 and Exit 22 in Philadelphia will be closed to commercial vehicles over five tons. Commercial vehicles will be directed to use arterial roads to reach either I-95 north or south beyond Exit 13 or Exit 22.

Richards said all interstate highways and expressways in the Philadelphia region will remain open to passenger vehicles throughout the convention. She advised commuters to allow additional time for travel on I-76, I-676 and Route 291and to expect heavier traffic volumes due to commercial vehicles being diverted off I-95. She urged the public to use public transportation for travel into and out of Center City.

Other traffic restrictions include:

The I-95 exit ramps at Broad Street (Route 611/Exit 17) in south Philadelphia also will be closed during convention week.

The I-95 north exit ramp at Broad Street (Route 611/Exit 17) will be closed from Friday, July 22 at 10:00 PM until midday Friday, July 29.

The southbound I-95 exit ramp at Broad Street (Route 611/Exit 17) will be open intermittently during convention week, but only for access to the Navy Yard. The southbound exit-ramp will be closed:

Friday, July 22, at 10:00 PM to Saturday, July 23, at 6:00 AM;

Monday, July 25, at 2:00 PM to Tuesday, July 26, at 2:00 AM;

Tuesday, July 26, at 2:00 PM to Wednesday, July 27, at 2:00 AM;

Wednesday, July 27, at 2:00 PM to Thursday, July 28, at 2:00 AM; and

Thursday, July 28, at 2:00 PM to midday Friday, July 29.

The southbound I-95 off-ramp will be open to the Navy Yard only at all other times during convention week.

The posted detours for motorists to follow during the closure of the I-95 exit ramps at Broad Street (Route 611/Exit 17) are:

From I-95 North: Route 291 (Penrose Avenue) east, to Moyamensing Avenue, to Oregon Avenue to Broad Street (Route 611); and

From I-95 South: Enterprise Avenue, to Island Avenue, to Route 291 (Penrose Avenue) east, to Moyamensing Avenue, to Oregon Avenue to Broad Street (Route 611).

PennDOT will not close travel lanes on the following interstate highways and expressways for construction and maintenance activities from Sunday night, July 24, to Friday morning, July 29: I-76; I-95 between I-676 and I-476: I-676; U.S. 202 between Route 29 and I-76; and U.S. 422 between U.S. 202 and Route 23.

Oversized loads also will be prohibited from traveling in the Philadelphia region from Saturday, July 23, at 12:00 PM through midday Friday, July 29.

To assist those traveling to Philadelphia for the convention, PennDOT will launch a travelers' website in July - www.511PA.com/DNC. The website will provide real-time traffic information; color-coded maps showing how traffic is flowing; and other valuable information.

PennDOT will operate its State Farm Safety Patrol tow truck service around-the-clock from Saturday, July 23, to Friday, July 29, on I-76; I-95 between Route 63 and the Delaware state line; I-476; I-676; U.S. 202 between Boot Road and I-76; and U.S. 422 between U.S. 202 and Route 29.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is available 24 hours a day, and provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 770 traffic cameras.
Socialist nominee Pedro Sanchez campaigning ahead of Sunday's elections. Marcial Guillen (EFE)

Spains main candidates in Sundays general election all spoke out on Brexit shortly after news emerged that Britain has voted to split up with the European Union.

The nominees to the prime ministers office also used the British example to talk about Spains own struggle with demands for a Catalan referendum on independence, an issue that has figured prominently in the campaign race ahead of the June 26 elections.

Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, of the Popular Party (PP), first sought to reassure tax payers and investors alike with a morning press conference in which he stressed the stability of Spains financial system.

But he also took the opportunity to underscore the fact that Spaniards overwhelmingly support EU permanence, according to surveys.

The Brexit referendum is not the problem, it is the symptom of a EU made for business and built against the people

Alberto Garzon, United Left

I think I represent the feelings of the vast majority of Spaniards when I defend Spains commitment to the European integration process, the importance of euro zone stability and continuing the reform of our economic and monetary union, he concluded.

Later, in a radio interview on the conservative Cope radio station, Rajoy said that referendums are a tool that must be used with great care, a clear reference to Catalan separatists demands for a regional referendum on independence from Spain.

The Socialist view

The Socialist Party (PSOE) candidate, Pedro Sanchez, said that the Leave victory is a tough blow to those of us who are pro-Europe, but it is not an irreversible blow. What has happened is a combination of populism and an irresponsible right. The populists have told British society that the phony solutions of populism can resolve real solutions [sic], he said in a radio interview on SER.

Europe and Spain are experiencing tension between those who defend doing nothing and those who defend a break, such as those calling for referendums, he added, alluding to his political rival on the Spanish left, Unidos Podemos, which defends the right to decide in Catalonia, Galicia and the Basque Country.

Polls indicate that Unidos Podemos, an alliance of the anti-austerity Podemos and the Communist-led Izquierda Unida (United Left), will bump the Socialists down from second to third place at the Sunday election. Sanchez has said that he will not enter into any governing deals with a party that defends independence referendums in Spain.

We are already starting to see what referendums produce: they unload on citizens the [search for] solutions that should be resolved by parties. [] We need to reflect on some peoples irresponsible behavior of offering binary yes-no solutions to complex problems.

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Podemos sad at Brexit

Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias expressed his concern over the Brexit victory on Friday, at the same time as calling for changes in European policies.

It's a sad day for Europe. We must change tack. Nobody would want to leave a Europe of fairness and solidarity. We need to change Europe, he said, noting that his party was the only one to actively campaign for Britains permanence in the EU.

He also added that his electoral partner, Alberto Garzon of the IU communist party-led coalition, shares his views even though the Spanish Communist Party has openly proposed leaving the euro zone and the European Union.

Alberto and I see the euro as an unavoidable framework, said Iglesias.

Meanwhile, Garzon tweeted that the Brexit referendum is not the problem, it is the symptom of a EU made for business and built against the people.

Ciudadanos: an opportunity

Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera, who has spoken out the most about Brexit throughout the Spanish campaign race, said on Friday that the British exit should be viewed as an opportunity to relaunch the common European project.

We must be aware that if the necessary reforms are not undertaken to have more Europe and more union, and if citizens are not involved in the EUs decisions, then the project could fall apart, he added. David Cameron and British conservatives committed a historical irresponsibility by calling a referendum whose goal was to stop the conservatives competitors at the British domestic level.

English version by Susana Urra.
Unidos Podemos rally in Jerez de la Frontera. Jon Nazca (Reuters)

Spaniards are preparing to go to the polls again on Sunday. It will be the second time they are asked to vote in general elections after the first ballot, on December 20, resulted in a fragmented parliament where no party had the 176 seats required to form a government.

But after months of fruitless cross-party negotiations, it is not at all clear that this fresh election will be the last. With polls suggesting a very similar outcome  a victory by the Popular Party (PP), followed by Unidos Podemos, the Socialist Party (PSOE) and Ciudadanos, with nobody strong enough to govern on their own and no desire to reach governing deals through compromise  political analysts say that a third election is not unthinkable.

In fact, it would not even be new. As political science and sociology expert Jose Ignacio Torreblanca notes, Spain held three general elections between 1918 and 1920.

This Sunday, lets not divide the moderate vote...or Pablo Iglesias could reach La Moncloa

Acting PM Mariano Rajoy

But there are some differences between the state of affairs before the general election of December 20 and now. For one thing, the leftist coalition Unidos Podemos has already overtaken the Socialist Party (PSOE) in the polls, and stands to bump the latter down from second to to third place.

For another, the center parties are weaker, with Ciudadanos poised to lose a couple of seats according to the latest polls. But they and the PSOE will remain instrumental in their role of kingmakers.

And finally, Spaniards mood has changed from one of hope to one of weariness, said Marta Romero, a political analyst at Alternativas Foundation.

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The political map has not changed much over the last six months. Graphs created by the election analyst Jaime Miquel Andrada show that the Socialists remain strong in the south, while the PP gains some ground in the central provinces and Unidos Podemos makes headway in Galicia, Basque Country and Catalonia (where its right-to-decide message finds sympathetic ears), as well as Madrid, Valencia and the Canary Islands.

An analysis of a dozen studies suggest that the PP will win between 6.7 and 7.3 million votes, followed by Unidos Podemos (between 5.5 and 6.2 million), the Socialists (between 4.7 and 5.4 million) and Ciudadanos (between 3 and 3.7 million).

Marcos Sanz, an analyst at polling firm Metroscopia, says that June 26 has come at a moment that the Italian philosopher and politician Antonio Gramsci defined back in 1937 as a time when the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum, morbid phenomena of the most varied kind come to pass.

Numerically, the most likely coalition would be one between the PSOE and Unidos Podemos, but Juan Jesus Gonzalez, who teaches at the distance university UNED, says it would be the most difficult alliance of all. That is why we cannot rule out a third election.

Here is what the main parties are saying ahead of Sunday.

The PP hangs tight

Safe in the knowledge that polls are on its side, the PP is hanging tight despite the late-breaking scandal affecting acting interior minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz and allegations that he tried to launch criminal investigations against Catalan politicians who support sovereignty.

Mariano Rajoy is sitting tight and warning voters not to let Iglesias into La Moncloa. Javier Cebollada (EFE)

Thats a story thats going to have no effect, said acting prime minister Mariano Rajoy. Privately, party leaders even insinuated that their results elsewhere in Spain might benefit from the allegations that the PP was trying to be tough on Catalan separatists.

But Rajoy is choosing to focus the fight on Ciudadanos, whom he sees as his greatest rival at the polls. On Thursday, he visited rural Spain again and said that Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera never sets foot in the countryside and does not represent its interests.

Lets not divide our strength, says one of two PP videos released on Thursday to win back disaffected voters who cast their ballots for Ciudadanos in December. The main goal, says the video, is preventing an extremist, radical government headed by Unidos Podemos. This Sunday, lets not divide the moderate vote...or Pablo Iglesias could reach La Moncloa.

Statistics suggest that around 10% of PP voters have switched to Ciudadanos instead, and that the exact same percentage of PSOE voters have also changed to the emerging party advocating government reform.

Socialists, unite

Meanwhile, the Socialists have been issuing a similar call, calling on all progressives and reformists to vote for the PSOE. Former statesman Felipe Gonzalez, Spains longest-serving prime minister, put the finishing touch on the Socialist campaign race, warning against Podemos at a rally in Villaverde, in southern Madrid.

We the Socialists cannot have as partners those who would break up Spain, he said in a clear reference to Podemos position on the right to hold regional referendums on independence. Gonzalez used the Brexit victory in Britain as evidence of what populism can do, no matter what its ideology.

Ciudadanos has a plan

Ciudadanos wants to meet with the PP and the PSOE a day after the elections, and has already worked on a strategy for all three parties to break the stalemate. Jose Manuel Villegas, Ciudadanos campaign manager, said Rivera will walk into the meeting with 10 specific proposals for a three-way deal.

They are positive proposals for a government of change, he said.

Podemos adopts a harder line

Until now, Pablo Iglesias of Unidos Podemos had been insisting that he is still reaching out to the PSOE for a post-election governing deal between Spains progressive forces.

But speaking on Thursday at a packed rally in Jerez de la Frontera, in the southern region of Andalusia, Iglesias warned that nobody is going to prevent Unidos Podemos from governing this country.

This is not an electoral alliance, this is an alliance for change, he added, standing next to his coalition partner Alberto Garzon of the United Left federation. Then, addressing the Socialists, he said: If you make the wrong choice, if you choose the PP, we are warning you right now that mediocrity and bureaucracy will not stop historical change in this country. If its not next week, it will be in two years.

English version by Susana Urra.
Attendees watch a lion dance performed at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new mall north of Calgary, Alta., Thursday, June 23, 2016. Investors spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy retail shop space in a new Asian-style mall north of Calgary say they aren't worried about Alberta's struggling economy and low oil prices.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
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Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

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An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

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Nicolas Cage and his wife Alice Kim have been separated since January, the actors rep confirms to PEOPLE.

The couple, who would have celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary in August, share one son, Kal-el Coppola Cage, 10.

Cage, 52, met Kim, 32, in February 2004 when she served him while working as a waitress in a Los Angeles restaurant. They were engaged two months later before tying the knot on a ranch in Northern California.

This is Cages third marriage: He was wed to Lisa Marie Presley for almost four months in 2002 before filing for divorce, and, prior to that, to Patricia Arquette for five years.

Cage also has a 25-year-old son, Weston, from a relationship with model Christina Fulton.
Emmet County plans road work, new signs with ARPA funding

Bids will be going out this winter for a Camp Petosega Road project and new road signs throughout the county.
Nagorno Karabakh will never be part of Azerbaijan - Armenian Parliament official

On June 24, the RA NA Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov received the MP of the City of Buenos Aires Gustavo Vera. Welcoming the guests visit to Armenia, Eduard Sharmazanov highly assessed the Armenian-Argentinean multilateral relations and noted that they develop adequately and naturally. He highlighted the rapprochement and development of the relations with the Argentine Parliament for the adoption of the Resolution on the Armenian Genocide recognition and condemnation. At the meeting the interlocutors paid a key attention to the visit of the Pope of Rome Pontiff Francis to Armenia: The NA Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov assessed the visit of the Pope of Rome Francis to the country which was the first to adopt Christianity, historical and significant in terms of consolidating the Christians of the whole world and preaching love and peace. In this context, touching upon the regional problems, Eduard Sharmazanov presented the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan towards Nagorno Karabakh, which has distinguished with a number of military crimes, which have been committed by the Azerbaijani military force both by the military and the civilians. He noted that Turkey, keeping Armenia under blockade already for 23 years, openly showed support to Azerbaijan. The NA Deputy Speaker considered inadmissible the use of double standards on such issues, underlining: Nagorno Karabakh people have the right of free will and living free, as the peoples of other countries. And the residents of Nagorno Karabakh have already expressed their will in 1991, getting out of the USSR through referendum. Nagorno Karabakh will never be part of Azerbaijan, as its aspiration of freedom is endless, the NA Deputy Speaker noted. The MP Gustavo Vera also touched upon the visit of the Pope of Rome Francis to Armenia and assessed it with its special importance and goals. The Argentinean MP also highlighted the strengthening of the ties with our country, presented the activities of the Pope Francis, where the struggle against wars, racism and terrorism, the refugees problems, the exclusion of the discriminative attitude have a special place. In the course of the meeting other issues of bilateral interest were also discussed.
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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

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Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

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The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

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Welcoming remarks by His Holiness Karekin II (video)

THE WELCOMING REMARKS OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II, CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS TO THE PONTIFF, POPE FRANCIS OF ROME, DURING THE HRASHAPAR (GLORIOUS GOD) WELCOMING SERVICE IN THE CATHEDRAL OF THE MOTHER SEE

Your Holiness, beloved brother in Christ, We give glory and thanks to God, as we welcome you, and the delegation accompanying you today, with brotherly love and prayer in this holy cathedral, where the Only-Begotten Son descended. We are deeply touched that per Our invitation You have visited Armenia, to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. This ancient cathedral is the testimony of the covenant set between our people and God. It is on this sacred site that Jesus Christ descended and with His venerable Holy Right Hand established Holy Etchmiadzin which is the Holy of Holies of the entire Armenian nation. By divine providence, through the vision and zealous efforts of the second Enlightener of the Armenians, Catholicos Gregory; the lanterns of faith that were lit in the hearts of our people through the preaching of St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholomew, were renewed. Since that day the light that is emanating from Holy Etchmiadzin binds our people with their history, sacred treasures and homeland  spread around Ark-bearing Mount Ararat. We are immensely delighted that today in this holy cathedral of Etchmiadzin the prayers of the two pontiffs of the Sees of St. Peter and Sts. Thaddeus and Bartholomew, are united in the glory of God, pleading peace for our faithful and for all the world, calling for a strong spirit of love and brotherhood and fruitful cooperation. At this moment it is with warm feelings, that we remember the visit of St. John Paul II to Armenia in 2001, on the occasion of the 1700anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the State religion in Armenia. That was the first visit of a Pontiff of the See of St. Peter to our land, which became a new incentive for cooperation in the brotherly relationship between our Churches. You also have made notable impact in strengthening the brotherly relationships between our Churches, by showing particular kindness towards the Armenian Church and our people on various occasions throughout your ministry. The visit of Your Holiness is a renewed testament to the brotherly relationships and collaboration of our Churches and is mutually empowering for the faithful of both the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic churches. Your visit also fills us with optimism that our testimonies of faith, reinforced with Christian love, will be felt more strongly in our lives. Our people remember with gratitude your solemn Mass celebrated in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide in the Basilica of St. Peter, with your historic sermon condemning the genocide. We give thanks to God that today together with Your Holiness, the sons and daughters of the Catholic Church, with our faithful Armenians, including those who have come to Armenia on the occasion of Your visit, can pray and beseech the intercession of the canonized martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, whose bloodshed is a testimonial of victory not only for the Armenians but also for the Christian faith as a whole. As the apostle says, abundance of grace is multiplied through the Glory of God by the thankfulness of many, (2 Corinthians 4:15). After the destruction caused by the Armenian Genocide and the Godless years of the Soviet era, our church is living a new spiritual awakening by freely realizing the Christ-bestowed mission in the lives of our people in conditions of independent statehood in our Homeland. Our church is also engaging in a greater participation in the life of pan-Christian relations, strongly believing that at a time when the world is filled with deepening spiritual, political, economic, and humanitarian crisis, it is important more than ever for the Sister Churches to jointly pray and cooperate for the fruitfulness of the mission of Christs holy Church, for keeping and cherishing Christian ethical values in the world, for strengthening love towards mankind, through which true results of security and prosperity can be actualized. We extend our prayer for the stability and prosperity of the Holy Church of Christ, for the spread of the spirit of love and favor of our Lord, and for increasing peace and life in solidarity in the world. We call on the Lord to support Your Holiness, and wish you a long and healthy reign, for the sake of prosperity of the Roman Catholic Church and for consolation of the faithful. Welcome to the Biblical land of Armenia and to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Let the mercy, grace and blessings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ remain with us all, evermore. Amen.
Artur Gasparyan explains why he withdrew from the faction

Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan announced during the Friday meeting of the Council of Elders that Artur Gasparyan, a member of the opposition bloc Barev Yerevan (Hello Yerevan), had withdrawn from the faction. Our party and personally I think that business should be separated from politics for it creates corruption risks. The head of the faction, namely Gagik Baghdasaryan, must not be a businessman oltherwise how can we differ from the ruling party. I do not have any problems with him, I respect him. I think our country is in this state because business and politics are interwoven, Artur Gasparyan told A1+ when commenting on his decision. Gagik Baghdasaryan was elected head of the Heritage faction in 2015. Both I and Armen Martirosyan, Vice-Chair of the Heritage party, were against his candidacy but we did not speak about it outside the party. In February we came to an agreement that the head of the faction should be changed. I do not have an eye on the position. It became known at the end of the previous sitting, that the agreement had been cancelled. I do not want to be one of the six members of the faction whose name might be used by others when conducting negotiations with authorities over private business or other matters. Though I have no facts but nothing is excluded, Mr Gasparyan stressed. He does not want to go against his own principles. I criticize the ruling regime and their stooges day and night. And I shall never put aside my own principles, he added. A the same time, Mr Gasparyan added that he will continue is work in the Council of Elders.
Science in America depends on federal funding, yet many young scientists don't understand how the U.S. government decides to spend its money on science, nor are they encouraged to use their new degrees to advise the process. This is changing with support from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). From 1720 April 2016, AAAS held a workshop titled Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE). This workshop invited 50 graduate and undergraduate students from various academic associations and universities to learn about the federal budget and advisory process, and to develop science advocacy skills. The academic associations and universities sponsored all students; I am grateful to the American Astronomical Society for sponsoring my attendance.

I was surprised at how the lessons and lectures they presented could be applied to many disciplines. I was the only astrophysics graduate student in attendance; I was surrounded by neuroscientists, biologists, chemists, and ecologists. Even fields relevant to everyday life were under pressure to justify tax money expenditure, just the same as astronomy.

The workshop kept returning to two major themes. First is the saying: "There are three parties in Washington; Republicans, Democrats, and appropriators." Whenever a budget must be passed, control of what's in the budget lies with the members of the relevant committees to which sections of the budget are delegated. Appropriators may be from either party, and appropriators often do not blindly vote along party lines. I learned that relationships among committee members are important: the members of a given committee might have friendships and alliances that cross party lines due to their shared work on a given subject that they enjoy.

What do the personal interests and relationships of an appropriator mean for advocacy? The workshop advised us to take a proactive/positive tone with our arguments. To convince appropriators and their science advisors, it is more effective to advocate for the value of your own field than to suggest the diminishment of another's budget to boost your own. To disparage another field runs the risk of insulting a friend of the appropriator who favors that field.

The workshop's second major theme was the importance of understanding when in the budget cycle it is effective to advocate for funding. Too often, advocates meet with science advisors of members of Congress after its committee has already made their decision. Advocates look uninformed when they are out of sync with the budget cycle.

There are three budgets at work at any given time: the budgets for the current year, and those for the next two years (see the figure below). During the CASE workshop in April, the 2016 budget was being spent, the 2017 budget was working its way through Congress and appropriations, and the 2018 budget requests were already being internally planned by each government agency. The best time to advocate is late March/early April of a given year, right after the budget release (if the release is on time). A good way to make sure your arguments for astronomy are heard and have an impact is to participate in a Congressional Visit Day hosted by the American Astronomical Society.
Some 339 officers with the Milwaukee Police Department will be eligible to retire by the end of 2017. That means nearly 20% of the city's 1,889 sworn police officers could retire over the next 18 months.

"It's certainly not a revelation," said Mike Crivello, president of the Milwaukee Police Association. "For years, I have been preaching to the Fire and Police Commission, the Common Council, and the mayor's office that this would happen."

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said the city has been closely tracking officer retirement numbers for years, and considers retirements when hiring new officers.

"We are well aware of the fact that there are going to be a significant number of people eligible for retirement, and that goes directly into our budget planning process," Barrett said.

The mayor said he anticipates the city will hire more new police officers to cover those retiring, but added that the total number of officers may not increase.

Sworn police are eligible to retire at age 57, or after 25 years of service, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.
A Comal County, TX, deputy and a man described by law enforcement officials as "suicidal" were wounded in an exchange of gunfire Thursday night in Bulverde.

Comal County sheriffs deputies and officers with the Bulverde Police Department arrived at a home and found a man standing in the street with a handgun, officials told KSAT TV.

Minutes later, the man fired several shots at the lawmen, wounding a deputy, sheriff's officials said. The shots led to a brief exchange of gunfire that left the man with several gunshot wounds, sheriff's officials said. The deputy was wearing his protective vest.

The deputy and the man were airlifted to University Hospital in San Antonio. While the man's condition was unknown, the deputy was expected to make a full recovery, officials said.
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*The following is an opinion column by R Muse *

If any American failed to comprehend just how dysfunctional politics are, Democrats in the House decided to just sit down to protest the lack of action on gun safety measures, namely background checks and bans on selling terror suspects assault weapons. The Democrats action was to demonstrate to the voters that Republicans are too devoted to, or too terrified of, the National Rifle Association and gun manufacturer lobby to act in the peoples behalf. No matter where one comes down on the issue of gun proliferation, and regardless the majority of Americans support for the most basic safety regulations or a Democratic sit down strike, only a fool thinks anything will change.

On Wednesday Think Progress noted that 23 of the Republican senators who voted against background checks for gun purchases could lose their jobs in November when Americans go to the polls. In fact, the progressive site also backed up their assertion by citing that roughly 90 percent of Americans, including 80 percent of gun owners, supported the [failed] measures. They also noted that after the Republicans blocked the measures voters and gun safety advocates pledged to make the November election a referendum on Republican politicians who are beholden to the NRA, even citing the amount of cash the Republicans received from the gun lobby.

Heres the problem with even insinuating that because the worst gun massacre in modern history is still fresh in peoples minds, and an overwhelming number of Americans support basic gun safety regulations, that the 23 Republicans up for re-election are in jeopardy of being voted out of Congress: nothing is going to change. And, the 23 Republican senators are not going to be voted out of office over their no votes on gun regulations. It is also true that House Republicans, including Speaker Paul Ryan, are not going to be swept out of office because Democrats staged a sit down protest to demand a vote on gun safety, a vote they would certainly lose.

Paul Ryan should have let Democrats have their vote so the House can get back to being a very high-paying job with no responsibility or accountability to the people. Of course Ryan knows Democrats are attempting to prove to the 90 percent of American voters who support gun safety legislation that they are trying to follow the will of the voters, and that when Republicans block any gun regulations they can point fingers and say the Republicans are going against the will of the people. In that sense, Ryan was not completely exaggerating about the Democrats sit-down protest is a publicity stunt; Democrats, Republicans, the NRA, the gun manufacturing lobby, and gun safety advocates all know there is no way in the proverbial Hell that the GOP will support gun legislation.

Yes, there is news about a glimmer of hope that some kind of Senate compromise to prevent people on the terror watch list from buying assault weapons is being bandied about, but that is a damn far cry from legislation requiring mandatory background checks over 90 percent of the voters support.

The point of this little screed is that American voters have very short memories, are easily terrified, and frankly, are just as stupid as a fence post. The idea, or hope, that Republicans are in danger of being voted out of office because they vote contrary to the will of the people is misplaced at best and more likely the result of severe memory failure. Dont believe it? Just consider how successful Republicans have been at gaining seats in Congress and state legislatures in spite of legislating in direct opposition to the majority of voters wishes.

For example, majorities of Americans support raising the minimum wage, protecting and expanding Social Security, keeping Medicare as it is and expanding Medicaid, and yet Republicans religiously pass legislation contrary to the peoples will and still increase their power in government. Majorities of voters also reject defunding Planned Parenthood, are outraged that womens access to contraception is limited due to the minority religious rights demands and yet in the states and Congress Republicans reliably win elections by going against the will of the voters.

Democrats were fairly excited after Republicans went against the peoples will and shut down the government costing the taxpayers billions of dollars in late 2013 going into an important midterm election. And yet Republicans not only suffered no ill-effects from a ridiculously stupid and costly action, they actually increased their numbers in the House and took control of the Senate just nine months later. Now there is talk, and unicorn fantasies, that because Senate Republicans blocked gun safety measures 90 percent of the people support 23 sitting Republican senators could be voted out of office.

Look, if American voters had an ounce of intelligence, or regard for their own and the nations best interests, maybe Democrats would be justified in believing Republicans are making tragic career-ending moves. But recent history reveals that not only are voters not intelligent, Republicans are not in jeopardy of being swept out of Washington en masse or in significant enough numbers to change Washingtons dysfunction because they went against the will of the people. If anything, the recent past reveals that Republicans win when they go against the wishes of the people and there are a couple of reasons why, reasons Democrats seem incapable of grasping.

For one thing, the average voter does not follow politics enough to know it is one party blocking everything the majority of voters support. Paul Ryan didnt have to declare the House was in recess to force a media blackout of the Democrats sit-in: most Americans never watch C-Span or follow the actions in Congress anyway. The other specific reason Republicans continue to succeed is because the average voter only hears what Republicans want and has trained them to hear.

In the case of gun legislation, the average voter only knows that gun safety measures are attempts by Democrats to endanger American lives by confiscating their guns and part of a scheme to violate the Constitution. Oh, its true when a telephone pollster asks a voter if they think terrorists should be allowed unlimited access to battlefield weapons they will say Hell no, or that if everyone should undergo a simple background check prior to purchasing weapons, 90 percent will definitely say of course. But that is not what voters hear from Republicans and why they will not throw them out of Congress for not voting for sane gun safety regulations.

It is frustrating that Republicans continue deliberately going against the voters wishes and still win elections, but staging a sit-down protest or flooding social media with outrage is and has not changed anything. If that were the case gun legislation, a minimum wage hike, and expanded Social Security would have passed years ago. The average voter does not have the time or wherewithal to stay glued to social media, or C-Span for that matter and if they do they either gravitate to like-minded opinions or tune out pertinent information that just might inform an intelligent and logical vote in November.

Until the American people are adequately informed, registered to vote and listen critically to what both Democrats and Republicans are saying, the sad fact is that nothing is ever going to change. Oh, people definitely feel emboldened when they see their heroes in Congress make an effort according to the majoritys demands, but that feeling never translates into votes in November. If the slaughter of 20 little children didnt sway Republicans to support sane gun safety laws, nothing will. That includes protests by Democrats in the House and bereaved Americans sick of mass shootings raging on social media. Because when November rolls around they will have been sufficiently terrified into voting for Republicans again because besides being frightened senseless they are just plain stupid.
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President Obamas historic designation of the first national monument honoring LGBT rights wasnt just about honoring past struggles, but also showing support for the struggles that remain.

The White House said in a statement:

Since taking office, President Obama and his Administration have made historic strides in expanding opportunities and advancing equality and justice for all Americans, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. From major legislative achievements to historic court victories to important policy changes, the President has fought to promote the equal rights of all Americans  no matter who they are or who they love. That commitment to leveling the playing field and ensuring equal protection under the law is the bedrock principle this nation was founded on and has guided the Presidents actions in support of all Americans.

Today, President Obama will designate a new national monument at the historic site of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City to honor the broad movement for LGBT equality. The new Stonewall National Monument will protect the area where, on June 28, 1969, a communitys uprising in response to a police raid sparked the modern LGBT civil rights movement in the United States.

The designation will create the first official National Park Service unit dedicated to telling the story of LGBT Americans, just days before the one year anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision guaranteeing marriage equality in all 50 states. Additionally, in celebration of the designation and New York Citys Pride festival, the White House, in coordination with the National Park Foundation and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, is releasing a video that will be played on the billboards in Times Square on Saturday, June 25, beginning at 12:00pm ET.

The new Stonewall National Monument will permanently protect Christopher Park, a historic community park at the intersection of Christopher Street, West 4th Street and Grove Street directly across from the Stonewall Inn in Manhattans Greenwich Village. The monuments boundary encompasses approximately 7.7 acres of land, including Christopher Park, the Stonewall Inn, and the surrounding streets and sidewalks that were the site of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.

Todays designation follows years of strong support from local officials, organizations, members of Congress and citizens in New York City and across the country, as demonstrated recently at a public meeting held in New York City in May. The National Park Foundation is also today announcing that it will support the establishment of a local Friends Group to support the monument and that it will work with local and national organizations and the community to raise funding for dedicated National Park Service personnel, a temporary ranger station and visitor center, research and materials, exhibits, community outreach, and public education.

The White House also released a video announcing the designation:

President Obamas action highlights the fact that Americas two major political parties are moving in opposite directions on this issue. While Republicans are fighting to prevent transgender individuals from using the bathrooms of their choice, Democrats are recognizing and encouraging the movement for LGBT equality.

The underlying question of this election is what kind of country does the United States of America want to be? Will the US be a country that builds walls, bans persons on the basis of religion, and denies civil rights to its citizens, or will the country uphold the principles of equality, opportunity, and openness that have allowed it to prosper?

The Stonewall National Monument isnt just about recognizing past struggles. The monument can also be about pointing towards a direction for the future.
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Former Speaker of the House Tom DeLay is urging House Republicans to file ethics charges against the Democrats who participated in the sit-in protest.

The Texas Tribune reported:

Im heartbroken. The destruction of dignity, decorum of the peoples House, he said. That House doesnt belong to those members. It belongs to the people of the United States, and for them to desecrate it like they just did is beyond me.

Though its been more than a decade since his fearsome reign at the Capitol, DeLay says he knows exactly what hed do:

You cannot allow things like this to happen without some consequences, he said. I think what Id do is file ethics charges against every member that did this.

Republicans were made to look like terrorist-enabling NRA puppets, so their response is to demand that Democrats face ethics charges. House Democrats were speaking out for the 90% of Americans who support expanding background checks, but in the Republican mind, advocating for what the American people support is a crime.

After years of Republicans making it clear that the House belongs to millionaires, billionaires, special interests, for 26 hours Democrats took back the House in the name of the people. Republicans were exposed by the Democratic protest, which is why there are calls for ethics charges.

In typical criminal fashion, Tom DeLay is seeking to blame the victims for his partys crimes. Democrats took a brave stand, and ethics charges cant diminish the message that the American people want common sense gun reform.
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As stocks plunge in reaction and the pound crashes to its lowest level in 31 years in reaction to Britains vote to leave the European Union, Donald Trump is making Mitt Romney look like a foreign policy expert.

Donald Trump arrived in Scotland early this morning, and congratulated them for their vote to take their country back. The problem is Scotland didnt vote to Leave the UK. But Donald Trump doesnt understand that.

Business Insider shared a clip of Trump incorrectly congratulating Scotland on Twitter, noting, On the contrary, Scotland had the highest percentage of Remain votes of any country.

I give you the presumptive Republican presidential nominee making an international fool of himself:

Trump praised Scotland for voting to leave the EU  it didn't #BrexitVotehttps://t.co/5GV4q2iiTm  Business Insider (@businessinsider) June 24, 2016

It wasnt as if Trump just misspoke:

Just arrived in Scotland. Place is going wild over the vote. They took their country back, just like we will take America back. No games!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2016

With his usual simplistic and unrealistic view of the world, Trump thinks this is bigly great and promises to do the same here, according to his Facebook response:

Statement Regarding British Referendum on E.U. Membership

The people of the United Kingdom have exercised the sacred right of all free peoples. They have declared their independence from the European Union, and have voted to reassert control over their own politics, borders and economy. A Trump Administration pledges to strengthen our ties with a free and independent Britain, deepening our bonds in commerce, culture and mutual defense. The whole world is more peaceful and stable when our two countries  and our two peoples  are united together, as they will be under a Trump Administration.

Come November, the American people will have the chance to re-declare their independence. Americans will have a chance to vote for trade, immigration and foreign policies that put our citizens first. They will have the chance to reject todays rule by the global elite, and to embrace real change that delivers a government of, by and for the people. I hope America is watching, it will soon be time to believe in America again.

Amidst the financial chaos and our own Xenophobic King who is appealing to the same instincts that prompted Brexit, British millennials worry that Brexit stole their future.

When you ask a Leaver why they voted this way, you generally get one of two answers: 1) This will stop immigration and 2) Things will be so great like they were before we were in the EU.

These are of course the same appeals to resentment and faulty logic brought on by nostalgia that Donald Trump is using in his race for the Wh$te House/his own cable network.

Things are not going to be like they were before because external factors have changed. We cant retreat from the global economy back into the good old days no matter how much some might wish that were possible. Donald Trump isnt going to resurrect America circa 1950.

Donald Trump didnt even bother to learn about the country hes visiting before he gave international remarks. He is not a hard worker, he is a lazy, careless, entitled person who gets his news from dubious sources, which causes him to make a fool of himself and by proxy this country, often enough that it is the norm for Trump.

Donald Trump should be given some legos and told to build his vision in the playroom of his nearest preschool.
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GOODHUE  The Web surfing will be a lot faster in and around Goodhue in the near future. Nu-Telecom of New Ulm has been awarded a grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to improve and expand rural broadband.

DEED awarded NU-Telecom $115,934, and the company has matched that and more with an additional $244,073 for the project that will bring fiber-optic cable connections to residential and business customers in the area.

"We're plowing in fiber-optic broadband in the Goodhue area," said Monty Morrow, regulatory and legislative coordinator at Nu-Telecom. "This will greatly allow us to expand our reach and speeds."

The grant is part of $10 million set aside by the state legislature for rural broadband infrastructure for projects in 2016. Morrow said the state has set aside $35 million for 2017.

While work began on Tuesday, NU-Telecom will host a project launch ceremony Monday, Morrow said. The project should be finished this summer.
MILAN  In a season full of change, one thing was constant: Giorgio Armani remained the anchor of Milan Fashion Week, closing the four days of previews on Monday.

While many of his colleagues took runway breaks or contemplated merging their menswear and womenswear previews going forward, it was Armani who got the last word, this time holding sway alone on the final day. Still, Armani lamented, not for the first time, that it was time to shake that up.

"I am the last one showing, alone. But it doesn't have to be me at all costs," he told Italian reporters after the show.

Here are some of the highlights as the men's preview shows were wrapping up in Milan:

International allure

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The four days of menswear shows boasted a raft of celebrity sightings. Jessica Chastain was spotted backstage at Prada, wearing a floral sundress, along with Milla Jovovich, while Ethan Peck was head-to-toe Salvatore Ferragamo in a tan linen suit and Tramezza lace-up shoes.

Asian stars are increasingly making Milan a habit, with Chinese actor Jiang Jin Fu attracting fans to Fendi while compatriots Han DongJun and Huang Jing Yu were on hand at Dolce & Gabbana. Perhaps the most excitement was generated by social media sensation Cameron Dallas, whose fans swarmed the Dolce & Gabbana venue.

Backing Armani

Kevin Spacey and Ricky Martin took front row seats for Armani's show, with Spacey sharing comments throughout the runway show with the designer's niece, Roberta Armani.

Spacey wore a dark tailored suit while Martin opted for a more casual zipper-front tunic-style light blue top over gray pleated trousers and a pair of Armani sunglasses.

"I've been protected by him in many ways," Martin said of Armani going into the show. "I'm very happy to be here and celebrate his art."

Soft modernity

Tried-and-true Giorgio Armani stuck to his formula of clean lines and subtle innovation for next spring and summer's menswear looks. Armani stands firm against trends that risk the ridiculous.

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Buttons cinched the looks that were anything but button-down. As a rule, on jackets, just one was fastened at a time for a casual feel. Buttons fastened at the cuff of roomy trousers, gently punctuating the line. And button flies created an old-fashioned appeal on high-waist light linen pants.

In fact, the collection had both an air of nostalgia for a bygone dandy era, while the softness of the silhouette maintained a sleek modernity. Deconstructed jackets clung to the body with one, two or three buttons, always super-light, out of cotton or linen. They were paired with wide trousers and silken blouses. Armani said in notes that the surface of garments were treated to look worn and distressed, evoking "a style that crosses into other cultures."

A vertically stripped jacket with a rolled collar got a round of applause, as did a T-shirt with a washed out print of the designer's face.

The collection included prints, such as a repeating hexagon pattern that recalled Middle Eastern tiles, but the softness of the colors never overwhelmed the largely monochrome effect of the collection. The palette was mostly sun-washed neutral tones with some Pompeian red accents.

The leather footwear had rubberized soles, some models with fringe. There were no sandals, which were ubiquitous elsewhere, giving the collection a metropolitan grounding. Hats included brimmed versions and more casual bucket hats.
Motto:I always try to be dressed well no matter where I am going.

When Julie Schimelpfenig thinks about her life, she wants to say, "Pinch me!"

Schimelpfenig, who is part of the Mayo Clinic Department of Development, says, "I can't imagine doing anything else. Raising money for Mayo is for the patient's benefit. I am privileged to represent Mayo and help our community grow as well."

A Rochester native and Mayo High School graduate, Schimelpfenig, 42, left for college in the Twin Cities and a merchandising career with Target there. "I said I would never move back," she admits, adding that it was with marriage to husband Brock Peterson and her Mayo position that she happily returned.

Please tell us a bit about your style.

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For me, style has always been a cornerstone. I can remember being outside raking and my mom would come out and say, "You are in your school clothes or other good clothes and you need to change." And I would think, "Hmmm, am I supposed to look bad?"

Other key influences, including people and places?

My Aunt Geri, who always took me to Dayton's when I was young. That was in the days when Esprit, Guess and Coke were big brands. When my sister moved to New York City for college, I saw her style completely change, becoming much more creative. When I went to visit her, she took me shopping and it was a sensory overload. I saw that fashion can help you rise up to your potential.

Are there fashion icons you have looked to or embrace?

Generally, I would have to say those icons and celebrity stylists who do a really good job of making the average person know what they should wear to feel good. I admire Nina Garcia of "Project Runway," Rachel Zoe (a fashion editor and designer), style author Betty Halbreich. And I like Zach Posen and Calvin Klein  but not the mass marketed Calvin Klein.

What are the key components of your style foundation?

A classic black suit that you feel really good in. A classic, well-made handbag. Classic shoes It's all about leather and construction with shoes. And a good trenchcoat.

Are there handbags and shoes that identify you?

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For handbags, it's Gucci. The design is classic and they last forever. For shoes, I like Cole Hahn; J. Crew  the most comfort for the value; Jimmy Choo  for special occasions with a fun flair; Stuart Weitzman  you can't go wrong with the boots. I am usually in higher, skinny heels. I am short ( just over 5 feet) and so they give me height.

How does your casual style differ from your professional?

I really feel like I don't have a personal style, in the sense that I always try to be dressed well no matter where I am going. I feel better when I am dressed for the day. My mother always said that we need to get out of our pajamas in the morning. That tells your body it's time to be productive. Then when you are done with your day, it's time to get back in your pajamas. What you are wearing is a signal to your body.

Have to ask, what do you wear to exercise or work out?

I wear Lululemon. The fabric is fantastic. It makes the clothes fit and work right.

Also have to ask if your home decor reflects your style?

Yes, I think so. My husband and I love Room & Board because the pieces are very simple, classic pieces made out of good materials, and made in the U.S. and Minnesota.

Parting words?

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Know your assets and liabilities, your likes and dislikes, and have someone who will be honest with you when you ask for fashion advice. For me, this is my sister.

Anne Murphy is a Rochester freelance writer who has been a professional journalist for more than 30 years.

Do you know somebody who's got special style? Send nominations to life@postbulletin.com or call Life section editor Jeff Pieters at 507-285-7748.
AUSTIN  A woman accused of receiving food assistance for two children who hadn't lived with her for years has been sentenced.

Jamie Marie Crews, 32, pleaded guilty in March in Mower County District Court, where she was charged with one count of wrongfully obtaining assistance-theft by false statements, a felony.

She was ordered Thursday to pay a total of $15,826 in fines and restitution and placed on probation for 10 years.

The investigation began in July, when a detective followed up on a report of welfare fraud from the Mower County Department of Human Services. The referral wanted him to confirm the address of two children Crews claimed lived with her; DHS officials believed they lived with their grandparents.

The detective went to the grandparents' residence and was greeted by one of the children, the complaint says, who told the officer he'd lived there "since I was three," and that his grandfather has custody of him.

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The grandparents confirmed that, adding that they've also had custody of the other child for nearly three years. They said Crews gave them food stamps periodically, but didn't have any amounts they'd received.

Documentation from DHS indicated $14,741 in food assistance over-payments to Crews from August 2009 through July 2015.
A Rochester man faces two counts of felony first-degree criminal sexual conduct after he allegedly assaulted a female acquaintance.

Darren Phillip Williams, 49, made his initial appearance Wednesday in Olmsted County District Court, then was released on his own recognizance. He's due back in court Aug. 23.

The investigation began on Jan 23, 2015, when police were called to a local hospital emergency department for a report of a sexual assault; the victim was described as "very frightened by male staff."

The woman told officers she met Williams earlier that night at a Rochester business for a few drinks; the two then took a cab to Williams' house. Though the victim told Williams she just wanted to be friends, he grabbed her by the hair and pulled her off the couch, the complaint says.

Williams allegedly threw the woman on the bed and sexually assaulted her, slapping her and swearing at her. The attack lasted more than 30 minutes, court documents say, and left the woman with injuries.

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When it was over, Williams told the woman she was a whore and called for a cab, the report says.

Williams allowed authorities to search his apartment, and to take a comforter and towels from the home. He also consented to a DNA swab.

In August, results from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reportedly found Williams' DNA on swabs from the woman's genitals and body.
A Stewartville man who's been a defendant in four different criminal sex cases has been sentenced to a stayed prison term and 90 days in jail.

Michael Loren Rosolack, 54, pleaded guilty in April in Olmsted County District Court to felony second-degree criminal sexual conduct-victim under 13.

In addition to the 36-month prison sentence, which was stayed for 25 years, Judge Debra Jacobson ordered Rosolack to complete sex offender education/treatment or other programming, have no contact with the victim or her family and register as a predatory offender, among other conditions.

The charge stemmed from an incident in June 2013 in rural Olmsted County. A woman reported to authorities that Rosolack had approached her daughter in an outbuilding where she was reading and began to question her about her body, the report says.

The girl told investigators that Rosolack tried to put his hand in her pants and tried to tickle her; Rosolack told the girl if she yelled, he'd hurt her.

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Rosolack stopped when the girl threatened to scream, the report says, and left.

A relative of the victim spoke at Wednesday's sentencing, telling the judge that Rosolack and his wife were longtime friends of the family.

The girl, she said, "is smart in her own unique way, loving and kind, especially to animals. She would not hurt anyone or anything ... and is one of the sweetest kids you would ever meet. She has to have her portion of the world very organized; she loves rules and structure, which is supported by her diagnosis of autism."

Rosolack, the woman said, saw the child as "the perfect victim, a vulnerable child, an easy target. She enjoys sitting off to the side and doesn't talk much, (so) his threats to hurt her would keep her from talking, which it did."

After the abuse started, she said, the girl "started hating life, hated going to school, did not want to be alive. At the time we didn't understand why ... and started her on medication for depression and increased her meds for anxiety. Still, she was suicidal" and began to self-harm, the woman said.

Rosolack's friendship with the family provided "a blueprint to gain her trust," she said.

In exchange for his plea in this case, another case carrying a charge of felony prostitution-offer to hire an individual under 13 was dismissed.

In the dismissed case, a woman involved in prostitution said Rosolack, one of her clients, reportedly frequently referred to sex with children, claiming that during inspections of day care facilities, he liked to touch the genitals of "little kids." In addition, the woman told investigators, he wanted her to call him a pedophile during their sexual encounters, and asked if she could bring him the underwear of little girls. He also allegedly asked the woman if she'd provide her own granddaughter for him to touch.

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In yet another case, Rosolack was charged in January with one count of gross misdemeanor patronage of prostitution in a public place after a sting operation in Rochester. Rosolack pleaded guilty to that charge Feb. 17 and was immediately sentenced to 90 days in jail, stayed for a year, and ordered to complete a psychological-sexual evaluation and a sex addiction evaluation.

Jacobson was told during Wednesday's sentencing that one of Rosolack's comments during the pre-sentence investigation was that "paying prostitutes is good for the economy."

The fourth case against Rosolack was resolved in November, when he was acquitted by a Fillmore County jury of two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Those charges stemmed from an alleged incident in August 2012 at his residence in Fillmore County. Two girls who were visiting the home claimed Rosolack touched them inappropriately.

One of the girls was the same child in the case that was sentenced Wednesday.

She continues to have daily therapy, her relative said, and is slowly regaining trust in others.

The woman asked that Rosolack be ordered to serve his jail time in "small increments yearly, on or around" the date he assaulted the girl.

Jacobson refused, but did grant a request for Rosolack to return all photos of the girl and her family

"It makes me sick to think that he might be enjoying these photos in the privacy of his own home," the woman said.
RED WING  A Wanamingo woman has been charged with second-degree arson after she admitted to a deputy she'd tried to start a park building on fire.

Jecika Katherine Radloff, 21, appeared Monday in Goodhue County District Court. She was released on her own recognizance and is due back in court July 11.

The investigation began June 19, when Radloff approached a deputy who was parked in Riverside Park in Wanamingo and told him she'd attempted to light a building on fire the night before "for excitement," the complaint says.

Radloff allegedly sprayed lighter fluid on two sides of the building, but the matches she had wouldn't light. She threw two metal canisters of lighter fluid over a fence toward the Zumbro River, court documents say, and threw the matchbooks on the ground.

She'd returned to the park the next evening to pick up the evidence when she saw the deputy and "felt like she had to tell him what she did," the report says.

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The deputy found one of the lighter fluid canisters in the woods near the river; he believed the other might have gone into the water. The officer also found two matchbooks, one nearly full.
A crash in March that left a man with a broken hand and ribs has also led to felony charges for the other driver.

Gabriel Richard Jewell, 38, of Rochester, was charged by summons Monday with two counts of felony criminal vehicular operation and two counts of gross misdemeanor DWI. His first appearance in Olmsted County District Court is set for Aug. 8.

The charges stem from a crash about 7:30 p.m. March 12, when the vehicle Jewell was driving allegedly crossed into a left turn lane on East River Road Northeast and struck a northbound vehicle driven by a 59-year-old man.

Jewell failed field sobriety tests administered at the scene, the complaint says, and officers found open containers of alcohol in his vehicle. A blood sample obtained from Jewell nearly two hours later indicated a blood alcohol level of 0.234, the reports say.

The other driver sustained a broken left hand, two broken ribs, injuries to his elbow and multiple abrasions.
MANTORVILLE  A former Triton High School student accused of threatening to bring a gun to school has been placed on probation and ordered to write a letter of apology.

Matthew Caleb McIntire, 18, of Dodge Center, pleaded guilty in April to one count of felony terroristic threats. He was sentenced Wednesday in Dodge County District Court.

In addition to the five years of probation, McIntire must also pay a $1,000 fine or complete 100 hours of community work service, and obtain his high school diploma.

The investigation began Dec. 3, when law enforcement was contacted by employees at Triton High School. Earlier that day, the complaint says, a female student overheard McIntire ask a friend, "Do you ever feel like shooting up the school?"

When the girl asked McIntire what he meant by it, he allegedly told her she should "wear orange to school tomorrow." When the female student asked if she should just stay home the next day, McIntire told her yes.

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He was arrested later that day at his job and questioned. When an investigator asked if he'd made some comments at school that could cause alarm, McIntire said, "Is that what this is about?"

He admitted to making the statement, the court document says, but said he was just joking around.
The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office has learned that one of the men it sought, Jacob Reid Bothun, was taken into custody today by the St. Paul Police Department.

Bothun was arrested about 2 p.m. after a short motor vehicle pursuit in St. Paul.

Bothun, 24, was charged May 27 with gross misdemeanor check forgery, prompting a warrant for his arrest. A felony warrant for failure to appear was issued June 6 in relation to a court appearance for narcotics-related crimes involving the possession of methamphetamine, court documents show.

Local authorities continue to look for Bradley Arnold Quimby, 47. On April 15, he was charged with a misdemeanor non-support violation; a warrant for his arrest was issued. Less than a week later, two more warrants were issued for his arrest, stemming from an alleged incident involving the possession and sale of meth, a news release says.

Quimby is described as 5 feet 8, about 170 pounds, with brown eyes and blond hair. He's believed to be in southeast Minnesota.

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Anyone with information about Quimby is asked to contact law enforcement or the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office by calling 328-6774, 328-6800 or by visiting the anonymous tip line at www.rochesterolmstedcrimestoppers.org

U.S. Bail and Fugitive Enforcement is assisting Olmsted County in locating Quimby; it's offering up to $1,000 for direct information that leads to the arrest of Quimby. That agency can be contacted 24 hours a day at 612-567-3390.
Police plan stepped-up presence at pride events

MINNEAPOLIS  Police say they plan to ramp up their visibility during this weekend's Twin Cities Pride festivities in response to the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Florida nearly two weeks ago.

The Minneapolis Police Department says those attending the events in and near downtown Minneapolis will see "a noticeable and visible increase of uniformed officers."

Police on horseback and bicycles also are being added, along with increased patrols by K-9 units.

The stepped-up security comes after the June 12 mass shooting that killed 49 people and wounded 53 others at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

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Twin Cities Pride events begin Friday. Festival activities Saturday and Sunday center on Loring Park. A parade is scheduled for Sunday down Hennepin Avenue.  Associated Press

Redevelopment of former St. Paul Ford plant site can proceed

ST. PAUL  Ford Motor Co. and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency say contamination shouldn't get in the way of redeveloping the land in St. Paul where the company's Twin Cities Assembly Plant once stood.

An environmental analysis released Tuesday night identified five hot spots that need attention, but they say plans can proceed for mixed-use development involving residences, light industry, office space and parkland.

Ford executive Rob Cory told an audience in St. Paul that the company expects to finish cleaning up the site and sell it to a developer by 2019.

MPCA hydrologist Amy Hadiaris says the 135-acre Ford site will be easier to clean up than some others because the bedrock is only 6 feet below the surface, making it easier to manage the contamination.

The plant closed in 2011.  Associated Press

Blue Cross scales back individual plans offered in Minnesota

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MINNEAPOLIS  Minnesota's largest health insurer is scaling back the plans it will offer to consumers who don't get coverage from their employers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota will only sell individual health plans that have a narrow network that limits coverage to specific doctors, hospitals and drug benefits.

The decision announced late Thursday comes after the insurer experienced significant losses in the individual insurance market. It will affect about 103,000 Minnesotans who will need to find new plans at the end of the year.

Gov. Mark Dayton says his administration will work with people affected by the decision to ensure they can transition to new coverage when their current plans expire.

Blue Cross says it will continue to sell plans on the MNsure exchange.  Associated Press

Sauk Rapids teen recovering after shock, fall from bridge

MINNEAPOLIS  A 16-year-old Sauk Rapids boy is recovering in a Minneapolis hospital after he was shocked by an electrical wire and fell while climbing on a closed bridge.

Police say Daniel Fleigle climbed to the top of the old bridge over the Mississippi River in Sartell on June 15. He grabbed a live wire and then fell to the deck 30 feet below.

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The teen was taken to St. Cloud Hospital, and then flown to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Hennepin County Medical Center doctors say Daniel's friends helped save his life by performing CPR at the scene before paramedics arrived.

A Hennepin County Medical Center spokeswoman says Daniel has been upgraded from critical to satisfactory condition.  Associated Press

Barnes & Noble to unveil new stores selling beer and wine

NEW YORK  Barnes & Noble is turning to an age-old partnership to help it revive its business: literature and alcohol.

The New York bookseller says it is opening four "concept" stores in the next year that will feature restaurants with an expanded menu including beer and wine.

The first concept store will open in Eastchester, New York, in October, followed by locations in Edina, Minnesota; Folsom, California, and Loudon, Virginia.

The company said Thursday that it had named its chief operating officer, Jaime Carey, to head a newly created restaurant division.

Barnes & Noble on Wednesday reported lower total sales and lower sales in established locations in its most recent quarter. The chain, which owns 640 bookstores nationwide, now offers pastries, sandwiches, Starbucks coffee and Wi-Fi in its cafes.  Associated Press
Prosecutor in police shooting to enter alcohol program

MINNEAPOLIS  The prosecutor whose office won a recent conviction in the high-profile case of a Minneapolis police officer who killed an unarmed woman says he will be entering a treatment program for alcohol issues.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman issued a statement Friday saying he was evaluated for alcohol issues and agrees he needs treatment. Hell be entering a program Monday.

Freeman announced last week that he was taking a medical leave, but didnt say why.

His Friday statement says he has also worked to stabilize his "unacceptably high blood pressure." He says hes determined to reclaim his health and hopes to be back to work in mid-June.

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Last month, a jury convicted Mohamed Noor of murder in the 2017 fatal shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Australia who called 911 to report a possible crime.

Minnesota seeks to add Purdue Pharma owners to opioid suit

ST. PAUL  Minnesotas attorney general is asking a state court for permission to add the owners of drugmaker Purdue Pharma to a lawsuit that seeks to hold the company responsible for the opioid addiction crisis.

Connecticut-based Purdue Pharma makes OxyContin and has been the subject of legal action in nearly every state.

Attorney General Keith Ellison wants to add eight members of the Sackler family to Minnesotas lawsuit. He says the Sacklers, who own and operate Purdue, were involved in deceptive marketing tactics and strategies to sell more opioids, despite knowing the risks.

If a judge approves, Minnesota would become at least the 11th state to take legal action against one or more members of the Sackler family.

A family spokeswoman issued a statement denying the allegations, calling the lawsuit a misguided attempt to place blame where it doesnt belong.

Man holed up in hotel surrenders to police

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BROOKLYN PARK  Authorities say a standoff at a Brooklyn Park hotel ended after more than six hours when a man suspected of assaulting his girlfriend surrendered to police.

SWAT officers and crisis negotiators were called to the La Quinta Inn early Friday after a woman reported she was being assaulted by her boyfriend and threatened with a gun. Police say the standoff began at 3:30 a.m. and ended when the man was arrested at about 9:50 a.m.

Authorities say the woman was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. Police say the 31-year-old suspect was not carry9ing a gun but it was unclear if there were any weapons in the room.

The suspect, who has not been formally charged, has previous convictions for drug possession, motor vehicle theft, aggravated robbery, making terroristic threats, drunken driving and burglary.

Jail inmate accused of running prostitution ring

MORA  An inmate at the Kanabec County Jail is charged with running a prostitution ring from his cell.

Thirty-eight-year-old Daniel Ellington is charged in Washington County District Court with two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of promotion of prostitution.

Prosecutors say Ellington communicated with a prostitute by text and "promoted and profited" from her activities in Woodbury last month.

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East Metro Sex Trafficking Task Force director Imran Ali says Ellington was 100 miles away and incarcerated, yet was promoting prostitution and profiting from it. The task force began investigating after a Woodbury detective found an online ad entitled "Blonde Bombshell."

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Kanabec County Sheriff Brian Smith says Ellington used a jail-issued iPod to text and paid a certain price for each message.

 Associated Press
Dear Mighty Answer Man, there was a story this week about the Mayo Clinic Children's Center. I've lived here for 49 years and I've never heard of that before. I know Mayo is always changing the names on things, but have they done away with what used to be called the Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital, and how does the Eugenio Litta family feel about that?

This eagle-eyed reader spotted something we also wondered about in the newsroom, and here's what Dr. Randall Flick, director of the Children's Center, has to say: "Yes, the Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital name remains as it has since the generous gift from the Litta Foundation that helped to create a child- and family- friendly environment for kids within the walls of Saint Marys Hospital.

"Similarly, the pediatric outpatient practice is located within the Sanford Outpatient Center created with a generous gift from T. Denny Sanford10 years ago.

"Mayo Clinic Children's Center is now preferred as it refers to the entire pediatric practice including, but not replacing, the Sanford Center designation for the outpatient practice and the Eugenio Litta name for the hospital."

So the Children's Center covers all the pediatric areas at Mayo, including the children's hospital-within-a-hospital at Saint Marys.

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Dear Answer Man, having not attended a Rochester graduation ceremony for many years, I was surprised by the noisy, chattering behavior and screams, hollering and deafening horn blasts that are now apparently typical when gradues receive diplomas, even though we all were informed to hold our applause, etc., for the end.

Is commencement not an important ceremony anymore -- is it just another raucous game or event? -- An Ears-Still-Hurting Grandmother

What an excellent comment, and it's not the first time I've gotten an earful from a grandparent who attended a graduation ceremony and found they're a lot different than they used to be.

I asked Brenda Lewis, the Rochester Public Schools assistant superintendent, to comment on this.

"Our RPS graduations are a time of celebration for our graduates, families members and community members. We ask the audience to hold their applause until all graduates have been announced. If applause or other noises are made, we do our best to wait to announce the next name. We always enjoy this special day of celebration."

I'm guessing other districts do the same -- they ask people to hold applause, but people generally don't and the ceremony becomes raucous. In big venues like Taylor Arena or the Fieldhouse, especially, good luck trying to keep teenagers from making lots of noise at a commencement ceremony.

Times change, and sometimes the only solution is to bring earplugs.
Rochester Public Schools announced the resignation of Friedell Principal Oscar Uribe last week in an email sent to parents, but no reason was given for the resignation.

At Tuesday's school board meeting the board effectively accepted his resignation with the approval of the district's human resource actions.

But Uribe said the move has left him feeling confused and put him into a "lose-lose" situation after two years as principal at Friedell. He said he was given two options by the district: resign or be terminated  a career-ending move in the field of education. And he wasn't given a reason for the move, other than he wasn't a "good fit" for the spot at Friedell.

He said the comments from board members Tuesday about an "investigation" conducted in response to allegations insinuate that he did something wrong.

School board chairman Gary Smith said board members received "many, many" emails asking the board to consider not accepting Uribe's resignation and keeping him in the district, but didn't provide much detail to what was behind it.

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"I'd just like the public to know that there were some concerns raised by Mr. Uribe that required the district to conduct an investigation," Smith said Tuesday. "We had an independent third party who completed an investigation in response to those concerns and after that was completed, Mr. Uribe voluntarily resigned his position from the district."

"I have not done anything wrong or unethical and don't have a problem with anything regarding my resignation being public knowledge," Uribe said in an email Wednesday.

But Uribe said the "investigation" consisted of asking him questions how he handled simple things like communication with staff, and how he made sure teachers felt welcome and appreciated at Friedell.

The district said it could not comment further on the issue because it's a personnel matter. Uribe is under contract with the Rochester Principals Association, and is an at-will employee. There is a three-year probationary period for principals in the state before they are eligible for tenure status, Assistant Superintendent Brenda Lewis said.

"A school board may renew or not renew a principal's contract as the board sees fit during the probationary period," she added.

But many are questioning the decision, given the school's academic success. Friedell was named as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education , as an exemplary high performing school as measured by standardized testing. It was one of seven schools in the state.

He's received strong support from some Friedell parents.

Ana Folpe, a Friedell parent, said she's been impressed with the multi-media school-wide projects Uribe has pushed at the school that utilize social media, technology and have educational value. She also noted his work implementing one-to-one iPad technology at the school.

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"He heavily utilized the technology and pushed the boundaries of how they were used," she said.

She said she contacted the board and offered her recommendation of Uribe.

"It's hard to find good leaders in public education," she said, "a lot of parents felt that he was a great principal."

"My goal was to create an environment of innovation," Uribe said, noting he thinks he created and environment where teachers had the freedom to try new things.

Othelmo da Silva, who has six kids in the district, some at Friedell, said Uribe was "friendly, relatable and sincere."

"I'm worried all this talk about privacy hides some very capricious decisions that are being made in the district," da Silva said. "And we can never question them, because, 'Oh, it's private, it's a personnel issue."

"If they're making changes that are substantive, then we need to know what those changes are," da Silva continued. "We need to be informed, we're asking for transparency and honesty."

Uribe said any concerns were not addressed by his supervisor, Lewis, throughout the year, and when unspecified issues came up toward the end of the year, he was asked to resign shortly after. Uribe said he felt pressured to tender his resignation to ensure his career could continue.

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Lewis said she could not comment because it's related to personnel issues.

"It's an unfortunate thing, and I love the kids in Rochester, and I love working with the families, I'm very proud of what we accomplished," Uribe said. "This is not a job, this is my passion. I'm passionate about helping kids."
The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses district conventions are coming to the Rochester Mayo Civic Center's Taylor Arena starting this weekend and over the next two months.

Jehovah's Witnesses will extend personal invitations to everyone in Minnesota, Northern Iowa and Western Wisconsin to attend these conventions. Locally, all of the Rochester areas' nine congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses will help spread awareness about the convention.

"We get so excited and it's fun to see our friends  we get to show hospitality to all those who come," said Laurie Schneider, a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Rochester.

With the convention being in Rochester, it's accessible for local Jehovah Witnesses.

"It makes it very easy for us. We also appreciate the city, that they are so welcoming and kind," said Schneider. "The Mayo Civic Center, restaurants and hotels cooperate with us."

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The first of six three-day events to be held in Rochester began at 9:20 a.m. today. Five of the conventions will be in English and the Spanish convention will be held July 22-24.

The theme of this year's program is "Remain Loyal to Jehovah."

"The theme is about how we can remain loyal not only to God, but to family, friends and the community," said Rochester convention spokesperson Micah Argenio. "It's more so the benefits of displaying loyalty to others."

Their official website, jw.org, states "The three-day program will feature 49 presentations, each exploring the theme 'loyalty'. Additionally, there are 35 video segments specifically for the program plus two feature-length films that will be shown Saturday and Sunday."

An estimated 20,000 will come to the Mayo Civic Center Taylor Arena for the Bible-based programs. Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the United States are organizing more than 400 conventions in many languages.

There is no admission fee and no collection will be taken.
KASSON  While there may not be much happening with the old school building, both city officials and the property owners decided that a clean slate was needed during Wednesday night's council meeting.

The Kasson City Council voted unanimously to rescind the conditional-use permit for the town's former school building after the property sat with no significant sign of work in the last nine months.

This comes after the city's Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the council rescind the permit, which allowed redevelopment of the building into housing. Still, the city is not able to vote that the building be demolished. The decision on the property's future remains with the owners and any future developers.

"Most people on both sides thought it was best to start with a clean slate," said City Planner Mike Martin. "They agreed that the council should rescind the CUP."

A major obstacle in the building's redevelopment would be the central space of the school  the gymnasium and the kitchen and cafeteria area  and how it would be incorporated into a design that would be applicable for tax credits.

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Councilman Coy Borgstrom noted that the owners expressed interest in reapplying for a permit at a later date, though it's unknown when that might occur. The owners were also in discussion with another developer.

"No one was against it, it was a unanimous vote," Bergstrom said. "They are working with another gentleman to put something together. We thought that this was the best possible outcome."

The school building has a subject of debate since Kasson bought the property from the school district for $1. The city planned to renovate the building, but voters rejected a $3.9 million bond issue that would have helped fund the project.

Park shelter

The removal of a park shelter from Veterans Memorial Park has stirred controversy during the last two city council meetings.

The council voted to have the shelter offered for the public to bid on. Earlier this spring, officials had approved of a Public Works Department plan to demolish the existing park shelter. According to Borgstrom, an individual expressed interest in moving the shelter to another location.

"It was going to save the city approximately $1,000," he said. "The gentleman offered to take it. The shelter was deemed 'garbage' by the city."

However, Councilman Dan Eggler criticized the action, saying that the park shelter had to become surplus property to be put up for bids, and stated that it was an issue because an elected official took city property. He also said that Borgstrom and Mayor Steve Johnson allegedly agreed to have the individual take the shelter, and that Borgstrom assisted with the haul.

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"Once it was decided that maybe someone would want the shelter, regardless of what the plan was for it, the shelter should have been offered to the public via sealed bid," Eggler wrote. "Before it can go that way a deposit, or at least a written document stating interest should have been filed with City Hall."

Borgstrom defended the previous action, and said it was misconstrued. He noted that the shelter was back in the city's possession, and that he personally did not haul out the park shelter in the first place. He agreed that the sealed bid was probably the best course of action at this time.

"We're just waiting, I don't know, we all decided to put it out for the sealed bid," Borgstrom said. "There's no expected timeline. It was fine. If we can sell it, it'll save the city money, which was the whole intention in the first place."

Eggler said he wanted to emphasize that following proper procedures for the city was important and that officials have to abide by regulations.

"It's not about saving money, all of us on council want to save money, it's about following proper procedures," he said. "We, as elected officials, can't do whatever we want with city property  people are concerned that an elected official is just taking property. Also it's perception. This makes us look once again like we don't know what we're doing."
Rochester Community and Technical College Foundation named Deb Ward as its next executive director Wednesday, according to a news release from the college. Ward's first day on campus will be July 11.

Ward brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and management to the foundation, according to the release, specifically in roles such as grantsmanship, annual fund, individual and corporate solicitations and special events  in health care, consulting and education.

"I am anxious to work with new interim president, Dr. Mary Davenport, staff, faculty, students, board members, donors and collaborative partners as we strive to meet our mission to provide accessible, affordable, quality learning opportunities to serve a diverse and growing community," Ward said.

Ward holds a master's degree in philanthropy and development from Saint Mary's University and is also a certified fundraising executive. She's also authored many publications on fundraising and similar topics.

"I was impressed by Deb's passion for the role of the RCTC Foundation in helping students achieve their dreams through an RCTC education," said incoming RCTC Interim President Mary Davenport, pointing to Ward's background with health-care advancement and teaching nonprofit service sectors coursework.

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The executive director position works "in concert" with the Foundation and the college, and is responsible for managing analysis, planning, execution, control and evaluation of fundraising and selected public relations, according to the release.

During former president Leslie McClellon's tenure, the position was changed to director of donor relations, which was filled by an interim director, Dezz Lewis, who resigned after McClellon's own resignation .

But Interim president Joyce Helens, who took control of the college after McClellon's resignation, restored the former structure and the college opened a search for a foundation executive director.

"RCTC has had a number of positive changes under the leadership of interim president Joyce Helens and the Foundation Board of Directors is grateful to her for the work she has done," said Lynn Clarey, RCTC Foundation Board president.

"The faculty, staff and students have rallied with support of the new administration. The college is poised for great things in the coming year including reaffirmation of its accreditation," he continued. "I feel strongly that with Deb's leadership, the Foundation will be able to assist even more students and further their education with additional scholarship support in the future."
Following the devastation of another mass shooting just a few weeks ago, some Rochester citizens decided to take action, or inaction, to change gun control laws in the United States.

Holding signs that demanded stricter gun laws, a small group sat on the lawn in the Peace Plaza.

The organizer was Regina Mustafa, the founder of Community Interfaith Dialogue of Islam, a Rochester-based organization that focuses on bringing different religions together and working to dispel the common misconception that Islam is a religion of violence.

Mustafa said that the sit-in was inspired by the Democrats in the U.S. House who staged a 25-hour sit-in on Wednesday and into Thursday to demand gun control legislation. The sit-in was prompted by the mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando on June 12, in which 50 people died. It's being considered the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the United States.

Wanting to show solidarity and support for those protesting in Congress, Mustafa quickly put together a sit-in, spreading the word through the organization's Twitter and Facebook page.

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"I thought that was such a bold move, and something I think everyone needs to see," she said.

Mustafa also urges government officials to ban all assault weapons that can cause massive damage.

"We don't need them," she said. "How many mass shooting do there have to be in this country for politicians to realize that?"

Kathleen Castovinci, a longtime activist, said that she decided to become involved in the sit-in because she had become infuriated by the continued inaction of Congress on this important issue.

"Enough is enough. I'm getting sick and tired of constantly reading on the internet, reading the newspapers of scores of Americans being killed by guns," said Castrovinci. "It's ridiculous."

Castrovinci planned on being at the sit-in until it ended at 6 p.m. Thursday night.

Mustafa's hopes for the sit-in is to gain the attention of both the community and government officials, first changing local legislation, then moving up to state and federal.

Mustafa expected about 50 people to join her in the sit-in, as she's already gained a lot of public support, especially from the LGBTQ community.

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This is the first time CIDI has organized an event like this, but Mustafa said that she can see the organization continuing in this form of activism, especially if nothing changes.

Sitting on the damp grass and hoping that the looming rain cloud go away, the people in Peace Plaza hope for change and for government officials to listen to what they are saying.

"Change doesn't happen overnight, but change said to happen," said Castrovinci. "It begins with us here  it begins with people."
WEST CONCORD  A man was taken to Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus via medical helicopter after being stabbed, according to a report from the West Concord Police Department.

Dodge County sheriff's deputies, West Concord police, and West Concord ambulance responded to a call at 6:42 p.m. Thursday of a man being stabbed. When they arrived, they found a 41-year-old male victim, the police reported.

A 24-year-old male suspect was taken into custody and is currently being held. The West Concord police along with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating the incident, the report states.
With summer in full swing, most Minnesotans are probably thinking more about upcoming vacations and festivals than voting. But believe it or not, absentee voting for the Aug. 9 primary kicks off today.

Getting voters attention can be tough this time of year, acknowledges Olmsted County Elections Administrator Pam Fuller.

"People are more interested in summer right now," Fuller said.

In southeast Minnesota, there are 20 different primaries scattered across the region for federal, state and local positions. Here are the basic about voting absentee for the primary.

No excuse needed

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In the past, Minnesotans needed an excuse to vote absentee. That all changed in 2014 after lawmakers scrapped the requirements.

How do I get an absentee ballot?

There are plenty of ways to request a ballot. Voters can do it online by going to mnvotes.org and filling out the online application . They can also download the application and return it to their county election office by email, mail or fax. Absentee ballot application forms are available in several different languages.

Do I have to be registered to vote to request a ballot?

No. A voter registration application will be provided with the requested absentee ballot.

What about voters in the military or living overseas?

Voters can apply online at mnvotes.org or fill out a paper application and send it to their county elections office. The ballots can be mailed to voters overseas.

What about in-person voting?

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Voters can cast their absentee ballots in person at their county or local elections office. In the case of Olmsted County, absentee voting is being done at 1421 3rd Ave. S.E. in Rochester. The Olmsted County office will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p..m. Monday through Friday and the Saturday, Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Deadline to cast a ballot

Minnesotans voting by absentee by mail must make sure the ballot is returned on or before the Aug. 9 primary election in order for it to be counted. The last day to vote in person in the primary is Aug. 8.

How do I know if my ballot has been counted?

Voters can go online to mnvotes.org and check on the status of their ballot. Information available includes when the ballot was mailed and if the completed ballot was received and accepted by local election officials.

Where can I find a sample ballot?

Voters can go to mnvotes.org and click on "What's on my ballot." Voters will be prompted to enter their address and a sample ballot will be provided.

Primary races in SE Minnesota

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Here's a list of the primary election races in our region

1st District GOP primary

Jim Hagedorn

Steve Williams

2nd District GOP primary

Matthew Erickson

John Howe

Jason Lewis

Darlene Miller

State Senate District 24 DFL primary

Rich Bailey

Vicki Jensen

State Senate District 27 GOP primary

Gene Dornink

Cynthia Gail

Associate justice  Supreme Court 6

Craig Foss

Natalie Hudson

Michelle MacDonald

Rochester School Board position 3

Bobbie Gallas

John League III

Deborah Seelinger

Lake City City Council (elect 3)

Ryan Anderson

Tom Dwelle

Mark Fayette

Philip Gartner

Russell Malcomson

Cindy McGrath

John Mead

Andru Peters

James Rainwater

Mary Jane Rasmussen

Mark Spence

Mary Lou Waltman

Red Wing mayor

Ahkeem Brown

Sean Dowse

David Harris

Kevin Serres

Red Wing City Council Ward 2

John Becker

Gregory Boek

Adam Gettings

Red Wing City Council Wards 3 & 4

Evan Brown

Ernest Stone

Glen Witham

Rochester City Council Ward 6

Nick Carter

Patrick "P.J." Day

Annalissa Johnson

Wabasha City Council Ward 1

Dan Arens

Craig Falkum

Allen Wharton

Wabasha City Council Ward 3

Gene Jensen

Jim Roemer

Jeff Sulla

Jesse Vold

Winona mayor

Alan Masyga

Mark Peterson

John Skalitzky

Connie Tropple

Houston County Commissioner District 3

Bruce Bulman

Scott Connor

Bruce Kuehmichel

Larry Salm

Steve Schuldt

Houston County Commissioner District 5

Fred Arnold

Dan Griffin

Loren Lapham

Mower County Commissioner District 1

Tim Gabrielson

Dan Vermilyea

James Williams

Winona County Commissioner District 4

Brian Conner

Norman Kostuck

Greg (Skip) Olson

Judge  Third District Court 16

Timothy Guth

Daniel Moulton

Carmaine Sturino

Judge  Third District Court 17

David McLeod

Terrence Walters

Gerald Weinrich
Voters like Chris Coughenour, a Pittsburgh-area truck driver, may represent presidential candidate Donald Trump's biggest challenge. Those like Cherie Spena, a hair stylist, and Brian Easter, a limo driver, are his best hope.

Together, they explain why, despite recent controversies, Trump remains competitive in the Rust Belt and, as a result, in the election.

"I was a big Trump fan," Coughenour said during a focus group of Pennsylvania voters Monday in Pittsburgh. "He is a good businessman and all that. But, at the same time, he doesn't know much about being president and anything to do with government."

As a result, although the 24-year-old Republican agrees on issues with Trump, he is thinking of voting for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson.

But comments by Spena, 48, an independent who initially called herself undecided, made clear she leans toward the presumptive Republican nominee. "I trust him," she said. "He just makes me feel very comfortable and safe."

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And Easter, 37, an independent who initially tended toward Democrat Hillary Clinton and worried Trump's loose tongue "could cause a war," said he is becoming more comfortable with the idea of voting for Trump. "He's more honest," he said.

Clinton leads most national polls, and public polls show the race very close in Pennsylvania, which Democrats have carried six straight times  by 5 points (310,000 votes) in 2012. Trump may have to win it to win the White House.

He needs to add 64 electoral votes to Mitt Romney's 2012 Southern and Western base. Recent elections suggest his most likely prospects are Florida (which has 29 electoral votes), Virginia (13), Iowa (6), New Hampshire (4) and three industrial states: Ohio (18), Pennsylvania (20) and Michigan (16).

He should benefit from the fact Pennsylvania's population is older, whiter and less-educated than states like Colorado and Virginia, the Cook Political Report's David Wasserman noted in a recent FiveThirtyEight analysis.

That means votes from people like Coughenour, Spena and Easter in western Pennsylvania's blue-collar suburbs could offset Democratic strength in Philadelphia and its white-collar, upscale suburbs.

Only one of 11 participants in the focus group conducted by veteran Democratic pollster Peter Hart for the University of Pennsylvania's nonpartisan Annenberg Public Policy Center had a four-year college degree  a pro-Clinton 27-year-old web designer. Most were either Republicans or independents.

The Trump voters seemed more certain in their opinions than those tending to Clinton. For example, though Danyale Victor, 45, an African-American homemaker, said she is "a big supporter" of Clinton and considers Trump "a racist," she waffled on voting for the former secretary of state because Clinton is a woman and "I don't think she can run the country."

On the other hand, Raymond Fisher, 50, a Republican maintenance man, said that, while he doubts Trump "is prepared for what he's going to get," he's solidly behind him. "I think he will bring back manufacturing to this country," he said. "I think he stands a better chance of that than Hillary."

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One striking aspect of the discussion was the absence, except in vague references, of many hot-button issues that have dominated daily cable news and newspaper coverage of the campaign, such as Trump's advocacy of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, his call for banning Muslim immigrants and his recent denunciation of an Indiana-born judge's Mexican heritage, plus the controversy over Clinton's use of a private email server.

When asked directly about the wall, about half supported it and seemed confident it would be built. But even those backing Trump's call for banning Muslim immigration were skeptical it would happen.

Still, neither that nor his lack of governmental experience bothered his supporters, who like the fact Trump is not a politician. "He's unapologetic, which I think is kind of nice because it's a change from those dirty politicians," said Dara Held, 40, a stay-at-home mother who sells jewelry and purses. "He's not that. He's a businessman."

Sarah MajKowski, the pro-Clinton web designer, agreed Trump was honest but likened him to "the way a child is honest because they don't know any better."

On the other hand, many comments about Clinton echoed the finding in polls that many voters consider her dishonest.

"I lost respect for her as a woman when she had an issue with her husband and never addressed it," said Spena, the independent leaning to Trump. Megan Carpenter, 32, a homemaker and pro-Trump Republican, questioned "her credibility," declaring: "Her lack of accountability really just grates on me."

Carl P. Leubsdorf is the former Washington bureau chief of the Dallas Morning News.
"There's an old adage about a vat of wine standing next to a vat of sewage. Add a cup of wine to the sewage, and it is still sewage. But add a cup of sewage to the wine, and it is no longer wine but sewage. Is this what Donald Trump has done to our politics?"

-- Martha Bayles, in the Claremont Review of Books

WASHINGTON  Yes, as Republicans should remember when their convention opens in less than a month, on the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump's disparagement of John McCain as unheroic because he was "captured." McCain was captured (with a broken leg and two broken arms) when North Vietnamese shot down his plane. He chose extra years of torture, refusing to leave when his torturers wanted to release him because he was an admiral's son.

Trump says, however, that he, too, has been "very brave" by ignoring the danger of venereal disease during his sexual adventures: "It is a dangerous world out there -- it's scary, like Vietnam. Sort of like the Vietnam era. It is my personal Vietnam, I feel like a great and very brave soldier." He was serious; irony is not in this narcissist's repertoire. And there is a reason why Britain's staid Economist magazine refers to Trump's "look of a rouegone to seed."

"Every republic," writes Charles Kesler, professor of government at Claremont McKenna College, "eventually faces what might be called the Weimar problem." It arrives when a nation's civic culture has become so debased that the nation no longer has "the virtues necessary to sustain republican government." Do not dwell on what came after the Weimar republic. But do consider the sufficiency of virtue that the Constitution's Framers presupposed.

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Kesler recalls that James Madison's notes on the Constitutional Convention contain this from the July 17, 1787, debate on the proposal to have presidents chosen by Congress: Rather than making the president a "creature of the legislature," Gouverneur Morris favored election by the people. Rejecting the criticism that the people will be "uninformed," he said: "They will never fail to prefer some man of distinguished character or services; some man ... of continental reputation."

In Trump, Republicans have someone whose reputation is continental only in being broadly known. He illustrates Daniel Boorstin's definition of a celebrity as someone well-known for his well-knownness. It will be wonderful if Trump tries to translate notoriety into fulfillment of his vow -- as carefully considered as anything else about his candidacy -- to carry New York and California. He should be taunted into putting his meager campaign funds where his ample mouth is. Every dime or day he squanders on those states will contribute to a redemptive outcome, a defeat so humiliating  so continental  that even Republicans will be edified by it.

Trump's campaign has less cash ($1.3 million) than some congressional candidates have, so Republican donors have never been more important than they are at this moment. They can save their party by not aiding its nominee.

Events already have called his bluff about funding himself and thereby being uniquely his own man. His wealth is insufficient. Only he knows what he is hiding by being the first presidential nominee in two generations not to release his tax returns. It is reasonable to assume that the returns would refute many of his assertions about his net worth, his charitableness and his supposed business wizardry. They might also reveal some awkwardly small tax payments.

If his fear of speculation about his secrecy becomes greater than his fear of embarrassment from what he is being secretive about, he will release the returns. He should attach to them a copy of his University of Pennsylvania transcript, to confirm his claim that he got the "highest grades possible." There are skeptics.

Various Republican moral contortionists continue their semantic somersaults about "supporting" but not "endorsing" Trump. In Cleveland, they will point him toward the highest elective office in a country they profess to love but that he calls "a hellhole." When asked in a 1990 Playboy interview about his historical role models, he mentioned Winston Churchill but enthused about others who led "the ultimate life":

"I've always thought that Louis B. Mayer led the ultimate life, that Flo Ziegfeld led the ultimate life, that men like Darryl Zanuck and Harry Cohn did some creative and beautiful things. The ultimate job for me would have been running MGM in the '30s and '40s  pre-television." Yes, that job, not the one he seeks.

George F. Will is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the Washington Post.
For an addict, what happens after treatment is key.

Mike Mahoney, treatment director for Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge 's Men's Life Renewal program, estimates the program had about 600 men come through its inpatient programs since 2014. Six have since died of an overdose.

"(Addicts) can get as recovered as they want in a treatment center, but you put them back in the same crappy environment, the same crappy economic situation and no support  of course, they're going to get sick again," said Phillip Rutherford, program coordinator for Recovery is Happening .

"The first couple times after I got out of treatment, I didn't do anything. I sat there. I go, 'OK I'm sober, I want to be sober, I know I want to be sober. Because now I'm starting to get my life on track,'" said Danielle Bergson, a Recovery is Happening certified peer recovery specialist. "And what happens is I sit there with an idle mind doing nothing."

In treatment, structure filled Bergson's time. Outside, with no job, she shed her old friends and grew rich with idle time. Treatment supports can evaporate by the time an addict leaves a program. Phone calls, texts and social media can only keep friendship alive for so long, especially over long distances.

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Old habits returned.

When she left Fountain Centers, Bergson connected with Recovery is Happening. Support from executive director Tiffany Hunsley made all the difference. Hunsley asked her to volunteer, suggested activities and meetings, and helped build routines. Instead of making more poor choices, Bergson became a certified peer recovery specialist.

"You have to really get yourself out there and get out in the community," Bergson said. "If we can all bond and do this thing together, I mean, that's the goal, right?"

Recovery capital

What Hunsley gave Bergson is called recovery capital. Recovery capital can be a supportive employer, health insurance, family support or financial help. It helps position addicts for recovery after treatment.

Someone with low recovery capital  without needed support  may commit a crime, get locked up or reoffend, ending up in treatment over and over again.

How can we end that cycle?

Community-based recovery with peer supports is one way, especially since people in recovery often show fierce resolve to aid other addicts.

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Sober houses are needed. Recovery is Happening serves 11 counties, and organizers believe each one should have at least one house, while Olmsted County should have three to four.

The first Recovery is Happening house is opening soon. It will be in Rochester and will feature an intensive outpatient program with peer leaders. The main principle is self governance.

Residents must be employed, pay rent and take active roles in house governance. They must submit to urine tests on the spot if another roommate thinks it's needed. Relapse means automatic eviction.

Acceptance crucial

Community acceptance of recovery is also crucial. Breaking down stigma is step one. It's why Recovery is Happening painted its building neon green and plans weekly events in September, National Recovery Month.

"We want people to know that this is a recovery community organization, because for too long, we recovered in the church basement, we recovered behind the treatment door, and what does that do? That adds more shame to us, like there's something wrong with us," Hunsley said.

It's hard to participate in self-love with crushing stigma. Addicts get shamed when they apply for jobs and have hypodermic needles on their records. They get denied for rental housing.

Yet, people in recovery have desirable attributes.

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Bergson, who lives 35 to 40 minutes outside Rochester, travels to the city daily for her recovery, showing a dedication common for people in long-term recovery. They're gracious; they've been through depths of darkness and have more to lose than others.

"Purpose. That's exactly it. I'm doing something that matters, and I'm more self aware," she said. "I love myself today. That's one of the most important things  even when I get in a sticky situation, now, guess what? I love myself, so I know that what I need to do."

That's something worth supporting.
We have reached many milestones and witnessed plenty of success stories at the Guam Department of Labor during my current tenure, but I will b Read moreGDOL wants to be a part of your employment solutions
Early results on Brexit show a very tight contest, with Leave and Remain going back and forth in the lead like the Warriors and Cavaliers in Game 7. But less than 4 percent of the vote has been counted as of this moment, and none of the London area vote has come in yet, and I suspect that it will be strongly in the Remain camp.

Stay tuned. . .

UPDATE 1 (9:15 eastern): The early vote shows very strong Leave votes from areas where its predicted strength is. A good sign for Leave, but a long way to go yet. One report says some London areas less strong for Remain than expected. Upset in the making?

JOHN adds: The Telegraph reports that based on early returns, leave is now the betting favorite:

With 71 out of 382 counting areas declared, Leave is now expected to be the most likely outcome, at least by those betting money on the outcome. Oddschecker compiled betting odds now suggest that there is a 55pc chance of a Brexit result. For the first time, withdrawing from the EU is considered more likely than staying.

Lets hope those bettors are right.

UPDATE: As of 3:00 a.m. in the U.K., Leave has 50.3% of the vote.

UPDATE: Another source sees Leave winning:

OK, probability of a Remain win being zero is way too optimistic. Still, it is good to see. A long way yet to go.

MORE: Here is the total vote so far, per the BBC. Leave is in the lead, by around 200,000 votes:

UPDATE (10:26 pm eastern): SkyNews has an expert forecaster saying Leave is going to win handily. Apply the usual caveats about expert forecasters.

THE LATEST, at 9:45 Central: The Daily Mail is pretty much calling it for Leave. That may or may not mean much. Meanwhile, the BBC reports that Brexits lead has grown to over 300,000 votes:

For what its worth, I think Leave is going to win. But the night is young.

MORE: It is looking more and more like a Brexit sweep. The Telegraph:

Labour is now working on the assumption that Leave is going to win, a party source has told The Guardian.

Lets hope so!

A lot more votes have come in to the BBC site rather suddenly. The current total has Leave pulling away, now leading by over 500,000 votes:

By the way, an interesting point: Scotland is going heavily for Stay. If it werent for Scotland, the vote would not be remotely in doubt. So if Scotland had voted to separate from the U.K. a year or two ago, Englands separation from the EU would be a done deal. In England, the vote isnt even close, with Leave ahead by more than a million votes.

A MEMORABLE QUOTE: Via the Telegraph:

The 2016 EU referendum is set to the biggest uprising against the people who run the UK since the Peasants Revolt in 1381.

Heh. I hope so, but it isnt over yet, by a long shot.

UPDATE (by Paul): As of 11:30 Eastern Time, this is still a contest but perhaps not that much of one. The British television coverage being broadcast on C-SPAN puts the probability of a Brexit at 80 percent.

The same coverage says that the vote has gone about as expected area-by-area except that turnout was considerably higher in the leave areas than in stay areas. This, apparently, is what made the difference.

PAUL ADDS: Leave has been declared the winner by ITV News and BBC News. We live in interesting times and they are about to become more interesting.
I never did understand the case for Britains continued membership in the European Union. Barack Obamas threat against Brexit  issued at the invitation of Prime Minister Cameron, no less, and perhaps scripted by Ben Rhodes  made for a clarifying moment. Is Barack Obama a friend of Great Britain? I dont think so. If one hesitated to make the leap to Leave, that should have sealed the deal all by itself.

Seth Lipsky puts it slightly differently in his New York Sun editorial:

What a sad thing that President Obama joined the campaign against British independence. He blundered in threatening that a vote for Brexit would strand Britain at the back of the queue for an American trade agreement; imagine FDR saying something like that to Churchill (not to compare the EU, even at its worst, to Hitler). One of the greatest advantages Brexit offers is the logic of an expanded special relationship with America, the vast British Commonwealth, and the entrepreneurial nations.

I would put it slightly differently. Obama is a transparently false friend. He was doing his thing, as usual, in the service of a bad cause.

Britons never will be slaves, in the words of the old song. Rule, Brexit!

The administrative superstructure of the European Union is a monstrosity out of some dystopian nightmare. God speed to the British people in retaking their sovereignty and in reclaiming the title deed to their liberties.
Many voters link Donald Trumps positions on immigration with his position on trade. Both are seen as generally nationalistic. However, while Trumps views on immigration are generally sound (but for the fact that his proposals dont go far enough), his anti-free trade rants are highly suspect. Paul quoted Trump in yesterdays speech:

I have visited the cities and towns across America and seen the devastation caused by the trade policies of Bill and Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton supported Bill Clintons disastrous NAFTA, just like she supported Chinas entrance into the World Trade Organization. Weve lost nearly one-third of our manufacturing jobs since these two Hillary-backed agreements were signed. Our trade deficit with China soared 40% during Hillary Clintons time as Secretary of State  a disgraceful performance for which she should not be congratulated, but rather scorned. Then she let China steal hundreds of billions of dollars in our intellectual property  a crime which is continuing to this day. Hillary Clinton gave China millions of our best jobs, and effectively let China completely rebuild itself.

It isnt clear exactly what Trump would do about trade. He excoriates every trade agreement in history, seemingly, as being a bad deal for the U.S. Sometimes he sounds as though he wants to abolish trade altogether, although no one can deny, in principle, the desirability of free trade. The prosperity of the United States was largely founded, in the first instance, on being a vast free trade zone. Europeans realized that they needed freer trade in order to compete, and therefore established the Common Market after World War II. Trump may be right that one trade agreement or another might be undesirable; I have zero confidence in Barack Obama to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, for example. But Trump generally seems hostile to trade across the board, an irrational position.

A knowledgeable reader critiques Trumps riffs on trade and the decline of American manufacturing with a vigor that Trump himself might envy:

The basic point that manufacturing output and value added, per capita even, hasnt declined, indeed, has had excellent growth for 35 years, is made. But as important is (1) the mix: we dont make low value-added trinkets and doodads that are very labor intensive; the dog collars are being made in, not even Taiwan anymore, but Bangladesh!; (2) there is a highly rationalized global supply chain for higher value-added durable (and production) goods, so making simple components in Mexico and assembling in Alabama can be highly advantageous in volume growth, market deepening and scale economies. It is especially helpful to note that the Ford autos from Mexico will enter an export market  one that the U.S. regulatory regime of protectionism in this sector makes prohibitively expensive to export from here! Heckuva job, morons and UAW special interests. So lets have Trump/Bernie do more like this so we can have autarky and everything will be swell like in 1954 when Ike liked it and America was GREAAAAAT! Also, Id like to see more typewriterand buggy whips Bottom line? Their facts are 95% wrong. There is NO decline in manufacturingexcept relative to all the other more valuable things we do! There has been a very slow decline in manufacturing employment, in absolute and relative terms, due much more so to automation and technology than imports, which has been ongoing for more than 35 years. It amounts to about 200,000 or so jobs per yearnoise. The exception is the low value added, relatively low growth, mass produced but labor intensive sectorsthe bras and panties, for example. There is no comparative advantage for the U.S. to employ 1 million lower wage workers in this sector. Sure, the affected workers may need some transition assistance, and there are regulatory and other barriers to adjustment. But in the whole scheme of things is it worth imposing protectionism and insane autarky on 150 million households for hopeless protection of fewer than 1% of that? This stuff is always a narrow special interest crony deal, and the facts are not helpful to them.

Have at it in the comments!
I wrote here about a report, based on State Department emails, that a major Clinton Foundation donor was placed on a sensitive government intelligence advisory board even though he had no experience directly relevant to the position. The Clinton donor, a Chicago securities investor named Rajiv Fernando, served very briefly on the International Security Advisory Board (ISAB). It deals with such matters as nuclear disarmament and other arms control issues.

Fernando was so manifestly unfit for a spot on the ISAB that he resigned almost immediately after his appointment came under media scrutiny, saying that he needed to devote more time to his business. This brief affair produced a series of emails showing that (1) Fernandos appointment baffled career State Department employees, (2) they concluded that the explanation was that top Hillary Clinton aide Cheryl Mills set aside the slot for this major Clinton donor, and (3) Team Clinton reacted to ABC News inquiries regarding this scandalous appointment by attempting to protect the name of the Secretary and stalling the ABC News reporter.

Now another email regarding this affair has emerged. In it, a top Clinton aide, Phillippe Reines, mocked the appointment of Fernando and the Clinton talking points defending it.

Reines was responding to an email from senior adviser Heather Samuelson (who reportedly later played a major part in deciding which of Clintons State Department emails to delete) that transmitted the Departments explanation to ABC News for Fernandos selection. The explanation stated:

As president and CEO of Chopper Trading, Mr. Fernando brought a unique perspective to ISAB. He has years of experience in the private sector in implementing sophisticated risk management tools, information technology and international finance.

Unimpressed, Reines responded:

Not the most compelling response Ive ever seen since its such a dense topic the [ISAB] resolves around. Couldnt he have landed a spot on the Presidents Physical Fitness Council?

A spot on the Physical Fitness Council (which these days goes by another name) is just the kind of position a donor like Fernando would be rewarded with by an official less corrupt than Hillary Clinton. As I said in my earlier post:

The ISAB isnt a normal, or suitable, landing place for a big donor. Fernando served alongside David A. Kay, the former head of the Iraq Survey Group and United Nations Chief Weapons Inspector; Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft, a former National Security Advisor to two presidents; two former congressmen; and former Sen. Chuck Robb. William Perry, the former Secretary of Defense, chaired the panel.

But the Clintons have taken public corruption to new heights. This is what Reines effectively acknowledges in his snarky email.

If Hillary becomes president, expect boundless public corruption.
Ammo Grrrll declares it VERY WARM:

Its that time of year again in Arizona where not only is it 114 during the day, but its still 99 at midnight. We Climate Change Denying Racketeers call that summer. I get a big kick out of looking on Accuweather every morning and finding any temperature under 115 termed Very warm. Indeed.

Only when the mercury scoots past 115, does Accuweather use the little red thermometer icon and call it Hot. In Minnesota, over 115 would be called Dead.

Words have great power. I have read that if you say to someone, Lift this heavy object, that most will be able to, but if you say, Try to lift this, that far fewer can, much the way I try to maintain a healthy weight.

Powerful games are played with language. Starting with that word itself. One of the criteria for movies receiving an R rating is Language. Which, one would think, would include all but silent movies. But to describe the language that merits an R rating would be judgmental. And being judgmental is the only known sin in liberalism. So, we cant call it bad language or obscene language or even vulgar language. Its just Language. Works for me.

When I was a kid, virtuous people called black people Negroes. The people who called them colored were considered low-class, despite the fact that the most prestigious civil rights organization was called the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. By the mid-60s the Negroes decided they wanted to be called Black. And it came to pass. There was Black Power and Black Pride and Black Panthers and even Blaxploitation Films.

Then there must have been a vote I missed, or perhaps voting was only confined to the black people themselves, which would seem fair, and many began insisting on being called Afro-American. Not too long after that, it was again decided that Afro was a diminutive and therefore demeaning and the more cumbersome African-American held sway for many years. No other ethnicity was routinely hyphenated until Mr. Zimmerman became the first quite tannish White-Hispanic, which was certainly a surprise to him. Nevertheless, we all tried valiantly to call people what they wanted to be called. Nobody wants to use outdated terms that could get you branded a racist, or worse yet, unhip.

And then, seemingly from nowhere, colored was recycled again! With just a slight twist. Now it was people of color and it included virtually everyone except white people. I have served on a college trustee board which awarded scholarship money to an adopted Korean several shades lighter than me, as a student of color. I will defy anyone to come up with a satisfactory explanation of the difference between colored people and people of color. Oh, right, its putting people first, as I have heard it explained, because racists need a reminder that black people are people. But the rationale is a bald-faced lie. If the rule is always put people first, how come we pigment-challenged folks are just called regular old white people, alone in being defined by our color rather than our personhood?

The Paranoid Texan next door told us that his former employer never fired anyone. They just informed employees that they were expanding their employment opportunities. Through round after round of layoffs in the corporate world we read of downsizing and rightsizing. Presumably, a jobless person would feel less terrible about being a part of making an enterprise just the right size Three Bears Style, than simply being tossed on the ash heap.

Weve lived through a retroactive protective reaction strike for the destruction of a Vietnamese village.

Weve seen Islamic Terror Attacks renamed man-caused disasters, to avoid naming the vile perpetrators and the cause (see also, Hate crime, Workplace Violence, Homophobia, Crusades, High Horse and Guns, Extremely Bad, No Good, Terrible Things).

One of the most insidious examples of the power of words  an example with universal staying-power for 40-plus years  is the word choice. Such a fair-sounding word. Will you be having the steak or the salmon, maam? Choice. Everybody but Bernie Sanders likes choice. He wants only one brand of deodorant, one health care system, and the like. But you say choice today and everybody knows exactly what you mean. The ugly word abortion need never be mentioned again.

And finally, a euphemism so mind-bogglingly Orwellian it could only come from the Obama Administration: Justice-Involved Youth, in lieu of criminal.

You could imagine the following conversation: I mean justice is a GOOD thing, right? And my Anthony, a youthful 35, just got involved in it. You know, some people get involved in Scouting, or Community Theatre, or model trains. My son got involved with Justice. For 10 years he was involved with peddling drugs down at the middle school and when somebody took his corner, he got involved with aggravated assault and then robbing liquor stores. One time there was an off-duty cop in the store  talk about bad luck! Thats when he came to be involved with Justice and also with walking with a limp.
In February 2011, Vogue magazine published a notorious puff piece on Asma al-Assad, the first lady of Syria. You can see a photo of the article hereit was titled A Rose in the Desertbut if you try to access it online, you get this:

Down the memory hole, in other words. Vogue doesnt want us to remember that it was shilling for Assad, now that hundreds of thousands have died.

In July of last year, Vogue did a similar puff piece on Marilyn Mosby, the States Attorney in Baltimore who charged six officers in the death of Freddie Gray. I wrote a post on the Vogue article, which I called an adoring profile, here. Vogue treated Mosby pretty much the same way it did Mrs. Assad, and for the same reason: Ms. Mosby is an attractive young woman. Vogue gushed:

[S]tates attorney Marilyn J. Mosby stepped up to the podium and did what no lead prosecutor in America had done in many turbulent months: bring swift and severe charges against police officers in the death of a black man.

The officers were mostly black, too. Mosby is black. The judge who eventually heard the cases is black. Nevertheless, on the Left, the Freddie Gray story was all about race.

A stunned cheer rose from the crowd as 35-year-old Mosby made her statement. The six officers involved in the arrest of Freddie Gray, who had died in April from spinal injuries sustained in custody, would face 28 counts, ranging from false imprisonment to second-degree murder. In forceful language, Mosby described her departments investigation and how the states medical examiner had ruled Grays death a homicide.  I have heard your calls for No justice, no peace, she said. However, your peace is sincerely needed as I work to deliver justice on behalf of Freddie Gray. Suddenly this young prosecutor who had served barely 100 days in office had become a national figure.  Selma director Ava DuVernay tweeted that she wanted make a documentary about Mosby. The U.S. congressman for Maryland Elijah Cummings, a central figure in the Baltimore protests, told the cameras, Thank God [for] Marilyn Mosby and her team.  Dressed in a simple pantsuit, sleeveless blouse, and not a trace of makeup, Mosby is warm and willing to accept hugs from fellow diners who thank her for giving us justice. Otherwise, she is every inch the prosecutor: straight-backed, concise, a portrait of self-control.  Mosby attended a Prince concert on Mothers Day. (Prince brought Mosby briefly onstagean incident that brought a welter of negative press. Im a fan, she says simply. Prince hadnt been to Baltimore for fourteen years. He called me onstage, and what am I going to do, say no?)  We load into her SUV to head for City Hall. Keep doing what youre doing! a woman calls across the parking lot, and once inside Mosby is embraced by city officials, community members, and, notably, uniformed police officers.

That was then, and this is now. Mosbys highly-publicized prosecutions of Baltimore police officers have collapsed. She is 0-for-3 with a no-nonsense African-American judge. In the wake of her latest defeat, in what was thought to be her best case, the Baltimore Sun has a less effusive view of Mosbys career:

Through three trials, Mosbys senior prosecutors have yet to gain a conviction against the officers charged in Grays arrest and death.  Mosby was in the courtroom Thursday when Circuit Judge Barry G. Williams found Goodson not guilty of the seven counts against him, ranging from second-degree depraved-heart murder to reckless endangerment. While Williams read the verdict, Mosby shook her head. She did not speak publicly afterward; Williams has imposed a gag order in the case.  This is their Waterloo. This is their Gettysburg, said attorney Warren A. Brown, a critic of Mosbys who predicts that she will face several challengers for re-election in two years. She is virtually persona non grata in the white community, and her support is waning in the black community and will continue to wane if she continues to lose these cases.

Vogue hasnt deep-sixed its portrait of Marilyn Mosby, and probably wont: hundreds of thousands havent died, after all. But I cant help wondering: do liberals ever say theyre sorry? When they try to make heroines out of leftist figures like Mosby, do they ever follow up? Will Vogues readers ever learn what became of the courageous crusader for racial justice, Marilyn Mosby? Will they find out that Ms. Mosby either grossly overcharged six innocent police officers, or else bungled their prosecution?

I dont suppose so. Vogue will ignore Mosbys downfall, just as it did Mrs. Assads disgrace, and move on to its next liberal heroine. One nice thing about being a liberal is, no one expects you to learn from experience.
Nyesome Wike Laws are made for posterity and not for the egos of certain personalities. But for our lawmakers and...
The British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, is reporting that voters in the United Kingdom on Thursday have chosen to leave the European Union, a hotly-contested referendum result that has left stock markets in turmoil across the world.

Another major media outlet in the country, Sky News, also projected a slight victory, 48-52%, for those campaigning to Leave the 43-year union with 27 other countries in continental Europe.

Polls closed at 10 p.m. local time and counting continued into Friday, with more than 82% precincts reporting as at 4 a.m.

Nigel Farage, leader of UK Independent Party, an ardent proponent of an independent Britain, who led the campaign for the ballot initiativenow widely known as Brexit declared a victory for his camp in the early hours of Friday, saying June 23, 2016, will go down in our history as our Independence Day, according to British media reports.

The stunning outcome has undermined the calculation of Britains political establishment which campaigned vigorously for the kingdom to Remain in the European Union. The development has also put further pressure on the countrys Prime Minister, David Cameron, who was among the most vocal voices for the Remain camp, to step down from office, UK media reported.

Major stock indexes across the world tumbled following the news, with Japans main benchmark, Nikkei 225 plunging () more than 7.6% as at 1:32 p.m. local time

The pounds sterling also fell to a 30-year low against major currencies, according to UK Telepgrah.

Political analysts said the results would see the UK adopt stringent immigration policies and likely to trigger a gradual exit by other countries from the EU.
U.S. officials have solid evidence of the alleged misconduct Ambassador James Entwistle reported to House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, high-level diplomatic sources have told PREMIUM TIMES.

In a letter dated June 9, the U.S. Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Entwistle, accused three Nigerian lawmakers  Mohammed Garba Gololo (Bauchi APC), Samuel Ikon (Akwa Ibom PDP) and Mark Gbillah (Benue APC)  of soliciting sexual favours from hotel staff in two separate incidents.

Mr. Gololo allegedly grabbed a housekeeper in his hotel room and solicited her for sex while Messrs. Ikon and Gbilla allegedly requested hotel parking attendants to assist them to procure prostitutes.

The alleged incidents occurred in April at the Residence Inn Marriot, Downtown Cleveland and were promptly reported to State Department officials by the hotels management.

In response to the lawmakers denial of the allegations and threats of legal action, local sources in Cleveland and sources close to State Department and the Nigerian diaspora community in Washington DC have told PREMIUM TIMES that relevant U.S. officials are in possession of records specifying circumstances of the alleged incidents, including eyewitness reports and real-time video evidence.

The Ambassador wouldnt have written to the Speaker if there is no solid evidence, said one of our sources, who added that after the hotel manager reported the incidents, State Department officers had to investigate before acting on the allegations.

The investigation was extensive and exhaustive; it included interrogation of relevant hotel staff and review of all closed-circuit cameras in the vicinity of the alleged incidents, state department insiders said.

Hinting at details of the investigation, our source countered Mr. Gololos denial, insisting that of the three lawmakers, he is the one who actually put his hand on somebody, the others only made a verbal request.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt from the state department that the woman he (Gololo) allegedly accosted felt intimidated. Local Cleveland sources told us that she feared she would lose her job if she screamed or caused discomfort to the hotels other guests.

She however reported the incident to her supervisor at the soonest opportunity after extricating herself from the offensive situation.

Our source equally brushed aside Mr. Gbillas protestations about not having a car as a diversion.

You dont need to have a car to talk to a parking lot attendant, he said.

This newspaper was reliably informed by our Washington DC sources that Ambassador Entwistle would neither retract nor apologize for the contents of the letter sent to the Speaker.

In all honesty, the Ambassador would not have gone forward with the letter if there is no solid evidence behind it, he said adding that Mr. Entwistle is not going to apologize; there is nothing to apologize for.

Contrary to Mr. Gbillahs assertion that Mr. Entwistles petition was an attempt to bring disrepute to the hallowed institution of the National Assembly and the entire nation of Nigeria, our source said the intention was to put out there that some participants in the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP), not all, are guilty of bad behaviour and to educate participants who may be admitted for this and other programmes in future.

The reality is that these three gentlemen made a mistake. They violated the terms of the IVLP of which they were duly informed before they left Abuja, our source said.

Prostitution is not legal in the U.S., they were informed about that before their departure, the source said.

Our source insists that the lawmakers even had a chance to redeem their image after the fact.

If they had been remorseful, if they had just said it was miscommunication and apologized, that would have been the end of it, the source said.

Instead, the lawmakers over-reacted and made their case sound worse than it is, said our source.

They were accused of assault and solicitation, no one talked about rape, the source added.

PREMIUM TIMES has it on good authority that State Department officials are not worried about the lawmakers threat of legal action because, according to our Washington DC sources, they know their evidence will hold up in court.

If they (Gololo, Ikon and Gbillah) want the full spotlight of the justice system to shine on the evidence in the possession of the State Department, they should go ahead and initiate a lawsuit, the source said.

He also insisted that the lawmakers were accorded due respect even after hotel staff reported the incidents to their managers.

Their conduct was a breach of U.S. law, instead of calling State Department officials, hotel managers could have had them summarily arrested and charged. As it is, everybody gave them a pass, letting them complete the programme without interference, said the source.

The lawmakers alleged misconduct resonated negatively among Nigerian-Americans who are active in ongoing U.S. presidential election campaigns.

Those scheduled to be in Cleveland next month for the Republican Convention and allied political activities are weary that they may be victimized for the lawmakers bad behaviour.

Hotel management and staff may single them out for unsavoury treatment, they said.

I wont be surprised if they keep female service staff away from anyone who identifies as a Nigerian or carries Nigerian passport, a Washington-based Nigerian said.

Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC has operated without an ambassador since the death of Professor Adebowale Adefuye last September.

When contacted, Gbara Awanen, Head of the Political Section, Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC, said other than what he read in the Nigerian media, he knew nothing about the incident.

Other officials declined to comment for this story.
The immediate past governor of Adamawa state, Bala Ngillari, has denied ordering the collection and distribution of N450 million presidential election campaign money for Adamawa State.

The money was for the election campaign of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who contested the 2015 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Mr. Ngillari, who was recently invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was reacting to claims by a former Nigerian Ambassador to the US, Hassan Adamu, and the PDP chairman in Adamawa state, Joel Madaki, that they collected the money from Fidelity Bank, Yola branch, and deposited it at the accounts department of Adamawa Government House on the instruction of the governor.

Speaking to journalists at his Abuja home on Thursday, Mr. Ngillari said all his official engagements were cancelled at the time the money was received because he lost his mother and was at home throughout the period receiving people on condolence visits.

I didnt see the money with my eyes, whether it was N 100 or N200, N500 or N1000 denominations, I didnt sight the money with my eyes because I was at home receiving people who came to console me on the loss of my mum, Mr. Ngillari said.

I also didnt know with whom they kept the money except that I acted on the information they gave me with the accounts department, after counting and verifying the money.

So I didnt participate in the process of taking the money from the bank and keeping it in the Government House. I didnt know who took the money, but of course, I told the operatives that if they get people from the Accounts Department, Government House, they will be able to tell them after the money was kept, who gave instruction for it to be moved, or where the money went to, who took the money, who gave instructions to remove the money, or where they money went to, he said.

The former governor said he had received a call from the director of finance of the PDP presidential campaign, former finance minister Nenadi Usman, asking him for the name of the state PDP chairman and the telephone number of Ambassador Hassan Adamu, a member of the Board of Trustees of the PDP.

But around March, 23, I travelled to my Senatorial District for the first time after we had recovered seven local government areas from Boko Haram. I went to see the situation as the governor, physically based on the reports I had earlier received, to thank the people.

By 6.30 on Monday, 23 March, I returned home to receive the sad news of the death of my mother, who had been staying with me. So from March 23 after I returned on March 27, I never left my house, till on the 28th when I went to cast my vote.

Now on March 26, Nenadi phoned me to say that I should send Boni Haruna, Minister of Youths Development then, Hajia Zainab Maina, then Minister of Women Affairs under the government of Jonathan, the chairman of the party in the state as well as Ambassador Hassan Adamu, a member of the BoT to go and collect some money from the Fidelity Bank.

Because Haruna and Maina were not readily available, Wakili Adamawa and the chairman of the party went and, according to Joel Madaki  and what they told me later is that  they went to Fidelity Bank, introduced themselves, they were shown the money for the presidential elections and they decided on their own without me being in the know because for me, it was a party money for the elections.

So, they decided to keep the money with the accounts department in government house. They counted the money and when it was verified that it was correct, they left it with the department for safe keeping.

Their allegation was that they went up and told me that they kept the money, and I said no. I was not in the office from the 23 March up to 27, I was never in the office because I had lost my mother, all official engagements were cancelled. It was after they kept the money that they phoned me. I said ok, he said.

Mr. Ngillari said as a PDP governor, he did not contribute financially to the presidential campaign of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mr. Ngillari corroborated media reports that he fell ill while in EFCC custody, saying he was rushed to the hospital in Gombe on Friday by operatives of the EFCC.

I must say in this regard that the EFCC operatives were magnanimous in speedily taking me to the hospital. I was there in the hospital and was subsequently released by Saturday.

But by Monday, I am aware the DG Campaign of Mr. President and the Accountant from the Government House, who had custody of the money, were in Gombe and they corroborated what I said that I did not see this money, I had nothing to do with it, I didnt receive one kobo from the money.

So all I want is that it is only fair, in line with the principle of fair hearing that the world should know the other side of the story, that at the end of it, the said officials corroborated my story that I did not see this money, that it was not me that kept the money, and that the money did not get lost, it was accounted for because they brought a template of how the money was to be disbursed by the DG Campaign for the state, Mr. Felix Tangwami, which means I did not know who got what amount, the former governor added.

Mr. Ngillari also said although he was treated well by the EFCC, he said their detention facilities need to be upgraded.

I should have had my pictures snapped when I was in that cell because it would have been a good memoir, that I would anchor in my life for my children yet unborn, for my grandchildren yet unborn to see and juxtapose the picture against the fact of what truly happened.

All Im saying is that, a lot can be done to make the place more habitable, I dont blame the EFCC for that, it could be as a result of paucity of funds but I believe the place can be made more habitable, Mr. Ngillari said.

Mr. Ngillari also said external forces were responsible for his ordeal with the EFCC.

Well, whatever it is, whoever might have been responsible, I dont put the blame on the EFCC, but I do know that there are other forces, I have forces in Adamawa, who never wished me well, they are there, it is a notorious fact that they are there, who would do anything to bring me down, even to the point of threatening to kill me, he said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his regret at the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mr. Cameron announced Friday that he was stepping down after his country voted to leave the European Union. He will leave office in October.

President Buhari said Nigeria has enjoyed remarkable goodwill, support and understanding under the leadership of the outgoing prime minister over the years.

The president said Mr. Camerons resignation in response to the outcome of a referendum that supported Britain to leave the European Union was a demonstration of courage by a democratic leader who respects the will of the people, even if he didnt agree with their decision.

President Buhari noted that by putting the will of the people before his political future, the Prime Minister proved himself to be a selfless leader with respect for democracy and voter sovereignty.

The president expressed hope that Nigeria looks forward to greater cooperation and consolidation of shared interests with Britain, despite the outcome of the referendum.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olusola Oyewole, has been forced to relocate from his official quarters following a protest embarked upon by non-academic staff of the institution.

The protest, which began on Tuesday, has paralysed activities in the institution.

The staff, under the aegis of Non-Academic Staff Union, accused Mr. Oyewole, a professor, of maladministration and insensitivity to their welfare.

Numbering over 100, the protesters accused the vice chancellor of refusing to approve allowances for them as he did for the academic staff.

They also alleged that the vice chancellor imposed some academic staff as leaders of their union.

The aggrieved protesters lamented that all the meetings held with Mr. Oyewole to resolve the issues failed because the vice chancellor refused to address their plight.

It was gathered that the protest, though peaceful, forced the management of the institution to hurriedly convene a meeting with the union.

The meeting, which lasted several hours, however ended in a deadlock.

PREMIUM TIMES sources said the leaders of the union stormed the venue of the meeting to address their colleagues and also requested them to mobilize other members with a view to continuing with the protest.

It was at that point that Mr. Oyewole, who could no longer contain the action of the union temporarily relocated from the official quarters located inside the university campus to an unknown abode.

When contacted, the spokesperson of FUNNAB, Emi Alawode, said she would send reaction to this newspaper but did not keep the promise at the time of filing this report.
The Ogun State-owned Dauda Adegbenro Polytechnic, Itori, has uncovered an illegal study centre operated by some fraudsters.



The Rector of the Polytechnic, Alfred Fatade, made the disclosure on Thursday when the management of the institution paid a courtesy call on leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council in Abeokuta.



He said the study centre was located in Benin City, the Edo State capital, and that the fraudsters had already rolled out admission opportunities for prospective applicants.



Mr. Fatade said the fraudsters were so audacious that they printed handbills and posters to deceive prospective applicants into seeking admission to the centre said to be with the approval of the Ogun State Government.



He explained that the discovery was made following number of requests within and outside Ogun State by confused applicants and parents, who got knowledge of the fake admission offers.



We have just uncovered a fake study centre of Ogun State owned DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic. The illegal centre is located in Benin,Edo State Capital. The fraudsters also provided handbills and posters to deceive prospective candidates, he said.



The rector said following the discovery, the management had to dispel the information and distanced itself from the fake centre, adding that a report had been made to the police.



While cautioning prospective candidates and their parents to steer clear of the centre, Mr. Fatade said the polytechnic had no study centre in any part of the country or abroad.



He said, I want to use this medium to tell the world that, the institution has no any study centre, and we do not operate outside the permanent site which is located in Itori town of Ewekoro local Government of Ogun State, along the old Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway.



Mr. Fatade also said the convocation of the 10-year old institution, named after a former Minister for Lands and Labour in the defunct Western Region, Dauda Adegbenro, would hold before the end of the year.



According to him, the convocation would be for all 8th sets of graduating students.



He said the institution had produced many competent graduates who were currently doing well in various disciplines across the globe.

Among Nigerias numerous national challenges, which do you think the next president should focus on first?  Premium Times (@PremiumTimesng) October 5, 2022 Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government. For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all. Donate TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999 Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.


Pobierz zdjecie Przeczytaj o zasadach pobierania zdjec President Duda meets reporters in Krakow (Photo by Stanisaw Rozpedzik / PAP) (1)

The British people's decision on leaving the European Union is a clear signal for EU leaders that they should maintain unity and do everything in their power to avoid a "domino effect", President Andrzej Duda said on Friday.

The British referendum result is sad news, President Duda told reporters in Krakow. "Such is the will of British society, expressed in a democratic way, and of course that will must absolutely be respected", he added. "It is also a clear signal for EU leaders that in this situation we have to maintain unity and cohesion. Secondly, everything possible must be done to avoid a domino effect, to avoid having the societies of further countries say that they do not want to be members of the European community", Andrzej Duda underlined.

"Now the European Union faces a major task: (deciding) what to do to avoid such situations in future, to make sure further countries do not decide to leave the EU", he said. "This referendum result is a challenge; it raises the great question of how to continue handling the matters of united Europe", the president also underlined. He added that one needed to consider why people in the UK had decided to leave the EU, whether it was not that "the EU imposes too much on member countries, that citizens have a sense of it not operating democratically, that too many decisions are made arbitrarily and ... there is not enough talking with the people".

"I am in no doubt that ... the British were, are and will be our friends. We belong to the same cultural circle and I am in no doubt that in this aspect ... we are always one Europe", Andrzej Duda also said. Poland will want to maintain the closest possible relations with Britain as regards economic, military and political cooperation, the Polish president underlined, adding that the referendum result would not change the fact that Britain and Poland shared historical ties. President Duda also said that Poland would hold talks with the British government on the situation of Poles living, working or studying in the UK.

"I am confident that the British government sees how much Poles contribute to the development of the British Isles, economically and socially. We will do everything to make sure their rights are not reduced", he said. (PAP)
For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME.

Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire.

Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III.





to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever.





Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation.





View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union.

Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history.

Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words.




LONDON, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Executives at Andbank Espana were delighted this week after the bank won Business Worldwide Magazine's Best Private Bank Spain 2016 Award. This is despite the bank having started only four years ago.

CEO Carlos Aso acknowledged the company had been operating in what could conceivably be termed a 'difficult' sector in recent years. He had always been confident of success however, thanks to the bank's earlier decision to concentrate solely on advisory and wealth management, coupled with its early adoption of technology, and an experienced workforce.

"I'm delighted to pick up this award on behalf of the bank today," Aso said. "It's a tremendous reflection on how much the company has achieved in such a short space of time. Without a doubt, most of that success is down to our talented and dedicated employees. Our clients tell us time and again how much they appreciate the expert advice they are given."

Andbank Espana currently boasts 17 branches throughout Spain, in addition to 126 agents and 35 financial advisory companies. They offer banking clients a 24-hour digitalised service, allowing them access to their accounts at any time of the day or night. They also have the option to speak to a member of staff.

Nearly two years ago, Andbank Espana bought over Spain's Inversis Banco, giving it access to a state-of-the-art digital platform as well as a team of experienced banking professionals. Aso had overseen the takeover for Andbank Espana where he was Commercial Officer at the time.

The company's headquarters are in the Spanish capital Madrid, while there are a total of 250 Andbank Espana professionals throughout the country. They, in turn, look after more than 50,000 clients and around Euro 7.7 billion of managed assets. The bank boasts one of the widest product portfolios in the whole of Spain while its advisors are completely independent.

"Both transparency and technology will be important within the banking sector over the coming years," Aso added. "But trust between clients and staff will remain the biggest influence on success. And I'm glad to say that here at Andbank Espana we are doing extremely well on that score."

More information on Andbank Espana and its services can be found on the website http://www.andbank.es

An article on the company can also be found on BWM website

http://www.bwmonline.com/2016/05/andbank-espana-helping-breathe-new-life-spains-banking-sector/

For more details on Business Worldwide Magazine Awards 2016, go to http://www.bwmonline.com/awards/

About Business Worldwide Magazine

Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few.

http://www.bwmonline.com

Contact

David Jones

Awards Department

E: david.jones@bwmonline.com

W: http://www.bwmonline.com



SOURCE Business Worldwide Magazine
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

TSX:GWO

Great-West Lifeco Inc. today released the following statement on the U.K.'s June 23 vote to leave the EU:

"We will continue to work closely with our U.K. based customers, business partners and regulators over the next few years as the U.K. and the EU enter a period of negotiation and agree on their new relationship," said Paul Mahon, President and CEO of Great-West Lifeco.

"Our companies in Europe have strong, stable businesses and a diversified investment portfolio. They are appropriately capitalized. We remain committed to these markets," Mr. Mahon said.

"We have undertaken an in-depth analysis of the potential risks to our businesses, and notwithstanding the potential for increased market volatility and uncertainty that may arise, our businesses are resilient and we maintain significant financial flexibility."

About Great-West Lifeco in Europe

We have a long-established presence in the United Kingdom through Canada Life since 1903 and we are committed to maintaining and building our businesses in the U.K.

through Canada Life since 1903 and we are committed to maintaining and building our businesses in the U.K. Additionally Great-West Lifeco's group of companies have deep roots in Europe through Irish Life , established in Ireland more than 75 years ago; through Canada Life in Germany for more than 15 years; and through our reinsurance businesses.

About Great-West Lifeco

Great-West Lifeco Inc. (TSX:GWO) is an international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management and reinsurance businesses. Great-West Lifeco has operations in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia through Great-West Life, London Life, Canada Life, Irish Life, Great-West Financial and Putnam Investments. Great-West Lifeco and its companies have approximately $1.2 trillion* in consolidated assets under administration and are members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies. To learn more, visit greatwestlifeco.com.

*Assets as of March 31, 2016

Media Relations, Marlene Klassen, APR, Assistant Vice-President, Communication Services, +1-204-946-7705; Investor Relations, Wendi Thiessen, Assistant Vice-President, Corporate Finance & Treasury, +1-204-946-7452

SOURCE Great-West Lifeco Inc.
TORONTO, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Jaguar Mining Inc. ("Jaguar" or the "Company") (TSX-V: JAG) is pleased to announce the appointments of John Ellis and Robert Getz to its Board of Directors as independent, non-executive directors, while Jared Hardner has stepped down as Director on the Board, effective today. Additionally, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Hashim Ahmed as Chief Financial Officer, who was previously serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

Richard Falconer, Chairman of Jaguar commented, "On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I would like to welcome John Ellis and Robert Getz to the Jaguar Board. Their leadership and experience, along with successful track records within the mining industry, makes them ideal candidates for our Board. The addition of Mr. Ellis and Mr. Getz will further strengthen and broaden Jaguar's leadership team. I would also like to thank Jared Hardner for his support as he has contributed significantly to Jaguar and its shareholders through his role as a non-executive Director since 2014."

John Ellis is a Professional Engineer with over 50 years of experience in the mining industry. He currently serves as a Director for International Tower Mines and for Sunshine Silver Mines Corporation. He also consults for a number of international mining companies. Mr. Ellis previously served as a Director for Mexivada Mining Corp. and was Chairman and CEO of AngloGold North America and Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company. Prior to that, he held senior positions at Inspiration Resources Corp., and CVRD-Inco. His career has included service as a Director on the Mining Association of Canada and the National Mining Association. Mr. Ellis graduated from the Haileybury School of Mines and the Montana College of Science and Technology.

Robert Getz brings over 25 years of experience as a private equity investor and has strong experience in international mergers and acquisitions and public and private debt and equity financings. Mr. Getz has invested in and served as a Director in numerous companies, including many metals and mining companies. He currently serves as a Director of Haynes International, Inc., a developer and producer of specialty nickel alloys. Mr. Getz previously served as Chairman of the Board of Crocodile Gold Corp., a gold exploration and mining company with operations in Australia, prior to the company's successful merger with Newmarket Gold in July 2015. Mr. Getz subsequently served as a Director of Newmarket Gold Inc. until May 2016. Mr. Getz holds a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Boston University, and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the Stern School at New York University.

Rodney Lamond, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar commented, "We are pleased to announce the appointment of Hashim Ahmed as our Company's Chief Financial Officer. Hashim's substantial contribution as Interim Chief Financial Officer along with his experience and financial knowledge makes him an excellent fit for this role."

Hashim Ahmed, Chief Financial Officer, brings over 19 years of experience, including 10 years of experience in the mining industry, with expertise in financial management, strategic planning, cost control, corporate turnaround, and business process improvement. He obtained his Chartered Accountant designation with PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP and later worked with Ernst & Young LLP in their mining advisory practice. Mr. Ahmed joined Jaguar in August 2014, after working at Barrick Gold Corporation for over seven years in corporate finance. In February 2016, Mr. Ahmed was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer of Jaguar.

About Jaguar Mining Inc.

Jaguar Mining Inc. is a Canadian-listed junior gold mining, development, and exploration company operating in Brazil with three gold mining complexes, and a large land package with significant upside exploration potential from mineral claims covering an area of approximate 191,000 hectares. The Company's principle operating assets are located in a prolific greenstone belt in the state of Minas Gerais and include the Turmalina Gold Mine Complex ("Mineracao Turmalina Ltda" or "MTL") and Caete Gold Mine Complex ("Mineracao Serras do Oeste Ltda" or "MSOL") which combined produce more than 90,000 ounces of gold annually. The Company also owns the Paciencia Gold Mine Complex, which has been on care and maintenance since 2012. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.jaguarmining.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information: Rodney Lamond, President & Chief Executive Officer, rodney.lamond@jaguarmining.com, Tel: +1 416-628-9601; Hashim Ahmed, Chief Financial Officer, hashim.ahmed@jaguarmining.com, Tel: +1 416-628-9601

Related Links

http://www.jaguarmining.com



SOURCE Jaguar Mining Inc.
DUBLIN, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Dublin - Research and Markets has announced the addition of the " Global Markets for Spectroscopy Equipment" report to their offering.

This report focuses on the global market of spectroscopy products and provides an updated review, including its applications in various applications. The report deals with spectroscopy products covering the total market, which includes three main industries: pharmaceutical and biotechnology, food and beverage, and environmental industries. This report also considers other industries such as textile or metal industries, forensics, energy, etc.



The global spectroscopy market reached $13.5 billion in 2015 and should reach $15.6 billion in 2020, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% through 2020.



This report provides:



An overview of the global market for spectroscopy, including definitions and history of the science, and an introduction to the different types of spectroscopy equipment

Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013 and 2014, estimates for 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.

Discussion of the different types of spectroscopic analysis: bulk, mixture, surface, and spectroscopic microanalysis

Examination of the markets for spectroscopic instruments by their typical applications; these applications are broken into six main groups: biotechnology, environmental, food and beverage, industrial chemistry, materials, and pharmaceuticals

Evaluations of the technology, with an emphasis on both established and new spectroscopic technologies

Present and future trends within the spectroscopy market, which includes molecular, atomic, mass/hyphenated, and some other types of spectroscopies

Coverage of the structure and activities of the spectroscopic industry, with emphasis on industry classification, the active mergers-and-acquisitions (M&A) business, marketing and competitive factors, and major domestic producers and suppliers

Profiles of the major players and suppliers in the industry

The scope of the study is global. Each market was analyzed with its application, regulatory environment, new products and advancements, market projections and market shares. The geographical regions covered in the report are North America, Europe and the emerging markets. The emerging market covers countries such as India, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.



Companies Mentioned Include:



Aabspec Instrumentation Corp.

ABB Analytical

Advanced Research Systems Inc.

Agilent Technologies

Ametek Inc.

Analytik Jena

Anasys Instruments Corp.

Aurora Instruments Ltd.

B&W Tek Inc.

Bruker Axs Inc.

Bruker Biospin Corp.

Bruker Daltonics Inc.

Bruker Optics Inc.

Spectrum Techniques Llc.

Thermofisher Scientific Inc.

TSJ Inc.

Waters Corp.

Report Structure:

1: Introduction



2: Executive Summary



3: Overview



4: Regulatory Aspects



5: New Developments



6: Market Analysis



7: Industry Structure



8: Market By End User



9: Patent Analysis



10: Current Situation



11: Company Profiles



12: Abbreviations

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2wpmbn/_global_markets

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com



SOURCE Research and Markets
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Political environment too volatile

RKN Global DWC-LLC and RKN Global Europe ("RKN Global") announced Friday that they would decline the 18-million-euro investment subsidy offered by the Republic of Slovakia for the construction and development of a security printing plant in Banska Bystrica.

Prior to this announcement, RKN Global had taken steps to obtain 71 million euros in private funding in order to build a security printing plant in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia that would employ 1200 people. Slovakia's planned contribution of 10 million euros in grants and 8 million euros in tax relief was viewed by RKN Global as an acceptable contribution from the government in exchange for RKN Global's making a huge investment of 71 million euros.

However, the positive reaction that RKN Global had expected from Slovakians for its planned investment in Banska Bystrica was mitigated by unforeseen opposition unrelated to RKN Global. Political opposition members and the Slovak daily SME were quick to attack Prime Minister Fico and his ruling party because the timing of the 20 February 2016 public announcement just preceded national elections and was therefore viewed suspiciously.

This political opposition appears also to have manifested itself in attacks on our industrial partners from the Ukraine who are experts at producing secure documents such as passports, biometric ID and bank payment cards. These attacks contained false allegations against our partners and against RKN Global, and were made without giving RKN Global an opportunity to comment prior to publication, in violation of Slovakian and international journalistic standards.

In addition to all of this, Slovakia is about to lead the EU during a period of great uncertainty in light of the United Kingdom's decision to exit from the EU. This uncertainty will make RKN Global's investment riskier than it was back in March of this year.

As a result of these factors, RKN Global can no longer risk its reputation and 71 million euros of privately generated funds on this project.

"The current turbulent political atmosphere in Slovakia and in the European Union has made it imprudent for RKN Global to continue its project to build a security printing plant in Banska Bystrica and it has led RKN Global to decline the subsidies-both in grants and in tax relief-offered by the Slovak government," said RKN Global's founder, Ronald Noble.

"The idea to build a security printing plant in Slovakia was first proposed to me by our Ukrainian industrial partners, and I encourage them to decide for themselves if they wish to submit a project proposal on their own and make use of their own technical expertise, resources and know-how to go forward."

"We thank all those who supported our efforts to build a security printing plant in Banska Bystrica, and we wish the best for the people of Banska Bystrica and Slovakia," concluded Mr. Noble.

SOURCE RKN Global Europe
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Marijn Dekkers, President of the German chemical industry association VCI, on the outcome of the EU referendum in Great Britain:

"The German chemical industry has always been committed to the political and economic unity of the European Union. For this reason, I very much deplore that the British voters decided yesterday to leave the EU. Especially now, at a time of timid economy recovery in Europe, their leaving the European Union is a negative signal for the further economic development. Less economic growth in the EU Member States and weaker export business will be the consequences. But the political damage weighs just as heavily. After the differences about the refugee policy, the referendum in Great Britain is the second setback this year for the historic project of European unification. We all need a Europe which is politicially unified and economically strong."

The VCI represents the politico-economic interests of over 1,650 German chemical companies and German subsidiaries of foreign businesses. For this purpose, the VCI is in contact with politicians, public authorities, other industries, science and media. The VCI stands for over 90 percent of the chemical industry in Germany. In 2015 the German chemical industry realised sales of around 189 billion euros and employed over 446,000 staff.

Contact: VCI Press Dept.

Phone: +49-69-2556-1496

E-Mail: presse@vci.de



Please note:

VCI news about the chemical industry is also available via Twitter (http://twitter.com/chemieverband)

SOURCE The German chemical industry association (VCI)
SINGAPORE, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore has stated in an Official Report that the health and welfare of The Panda Chow Chow dogs of Singapore have not in any way been compromised and that no animal cruelty has been committed with regards to the dying of the fur of the Panda Chow Chows to look like Pandas. The AVA of Singapore also confirmed in their report that the Panda Chow Chows are in perfect health and physical condition. These findings have been made official in a report by the AVA to the owner of the Panda Chow Chows, Miss Meng Jiang.

The Panda Chow Chow dogs of Singapore (named TuDou, YuMi and DouDou) were introduced to the world in January 2016 and received instant internet fame after they were snapped and filmed walking down Singapore's famous shopping street Orchard Road, outside the luxury goods mall the Ion Shopping Centre.

Photographs and Videos of the Panda Chow Chows walking down Orchard Road were subsequently circulated over the internet and the Panda Chows went viral online in Singapore. With the Panda Chow Chows' instant fame came allegations from self-proclaimed animal 'experts' and 'activists' in Singapore as to whether 'animal cruelty' had been committed in order for the dogs to achieve their 'Panda look'. A small group of online 'activists' in Singapore personally targeted Miss Jiang and the Panda Chow Chows by approaching individuals on social media located in Singapore and organizing them into writing derogatory comments on Miss Jiang's social media accounts and the social media accounts of the Panda Chow Chows.

Online comments made by these 'activists' prompted local newspapers and websites such as the Singapore Straits Times, the Singapore Straits Times Stomp blog and Channel News Asia to write articles about the Panda Chow Chows and their online dissenters.

The Singapore Straits Times additionally contacted the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) directly, following claims by online dissenters in their social media comments that they had reported Miss Jiang to the AVA for possible 'animal cruelty.' Over the telephone the AVA confirmed with the Singapore Straits Times that complaints had been lodged with the AVA about the welfare of the Panda Chow Chows. By doing so the AVA broke their own laws in keeping cases confidential.

Subsequently the Singapore Straits Times broke with journalistic protocol and published an update to their original article on the Panda Chow Chows entitled AVA is looking into 'Panda' Chow Chows' Welfare. Other media outlets such as Channel News Asia followed suit in an attempt to generate website traffic by publishing about the AVA leak. The article published by Channel News Asia at the time was entitled Dyeing Chow Chows to Look Like Pandas: Cute or cruel?

Following these two tabloid stories in Singapore, the Panda Chow Chows went globally viral, with media outlets such as CCTV News, ChinaNews.com, QQ.com, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Mail Online, The Daily Mirror, The Sun, The New York Post, The Huffington Post, Yahoo News and Tech Insider all publishing stories about the Panda Chow Chows.

Commentary by the public in reaction to these stories outside Singapore has been largely in favor of the dying of the Panda Chow Chows. The Global news coverage received by the Panda Chow Chows following Singaporean 'activist' commentary seems to have backfired as the Panda Chows Chows recently won a lucrative sponsorship contract with Canadian Pet Food Company Petcurian and the Panda Chow Chows have become the most famous and talked about dogs in the Singaporean media if not the world in 2016.

With regard to the 'case' of the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore looking into the welfare and wellbeing of the Panda Chow Chows, Dr Javan Fan, the AVA official in charge of the investigation, cited in an official report that: "After thorough investigation by AVA officials and Veterinarian Dr. Javan Fan, the AVA has found that there was no compromise in the Panda Chow Chows' health and welfare."

The AVA of Singapore found no other reasons or means to be concerned about the health and wellbeing of the Panda Chow Chows and have therefore officially closed the case as they found the Panda Chow Chows to be in perfect health and physical condition.

Opinions during the AVA investigation into the wellbeing of the Panda Chow Chows, were also provided to press by sources of the Singapore's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). However, according to AVA officials, and their report on the welfare of the Panda Chow Chows, the AVA have stated that they are the official governing body on issues of animal welfare in Singapore and their findings and conclusions are the final rulings.

Commenting on the AVA's report, TuDou, YuMi and DouDou's owner and founder of the Panda Chow Chows, Meng Jiang made the following statement: "I am pleased that the AVA decided to go through the correct and official channels to seek the truth. Anyone who has met The Panda Chow Chows or follows their social media accounts knows that they are three of the happiest and most well looked after dogs in the world. It is extremely sad to see online Social Justice Warriors (SJW's) and online trolls use my dogs as a way to project their personal disdain, abuse and vulgarity in an attempt to bring others down and to elevate themselves in some way to skew other people's perceptions. Online haters and trolls will always try to project their negativity onto others and it must be ignored, because they are simply totally wrong about the Panda Chow Chows. They literally have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to the welfare of my dogs or any dogs for that matter. Thank you to all the Panda Chow Chows' supporters for your love and encouragement during this time."

Panda Chow Chows specialize in family photoshoot experiences in Singapore including birthdays, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, national holidays and other celebratory events. Photoshoots take place in a dedicated studio or on location.

www.pandachowchows.com

Press Enquiries:

Kimberly Chen, Public Relations

press@pandachowchows.com



Marketing Enquiries:

Jason Huang, Public Relations

info@pandachowchows.com



SOURCE Panda Chow Chows
PUNE, India, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

RnRMarketResearch.com adds "Anaphylaxis - Pipeline Review, H1 2016" market research report complete with comparative analysis at various stages, therapeutics assessment by drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type, along with latest updates, and featured news and press releases. It also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Anaphylaxis and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects.

Complete report on H1 2016 pipeline review of Anaphylaxis with 17 market data tables and 13 figures, spread across 39 pages is available at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/anaphylaxis-pipeline-review-h1-2016-market-report.html .

The report also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Anaphylaxis and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. The report enhances decision making capabilities and help to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. It strengthens R&D pipelines by identifying new targets and MOAs to produce first-in-class and best-in-class products.

Companies discussed in this Anaphylaxis Pipeline Review, H1 2016 report include Adamis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Monosol Rx, LLC. Drug profiles discussed in this research report includes epinephrine Monoclonal Antibody to Antagonize FcgR1 for Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders and Monoclonal Antibody to Antagonize FcgRIIa for Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders.

Scope of this report: The report provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Anaphylaxis and reviews pipeline therapeutics for Anaphylaxis by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources and key players involved Anaphylaxis therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects. The research covers pipeline products based on various stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages. The report features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which includes, product description, descriptive MoA, R&D brief, licensing and collaboration details & other developmental activities and assesses Anaphylaxis therapeutics based on drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The report summarizes all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects with latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Anaphylaxis.

Order a copy of Anaphylaxis - Pipeline Review, H1 2016 market research report @ http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/contacts/purchase?rname=617353 .

Reasons to buy

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Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying key players and it's most promising pipeline therapeutics

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Another newly published market research report titled on Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Pipeline Review, H1 2016 talks about companies like Galleon Pharmaceuticals, RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. and Vivus, Inc. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Pipeline market research report of 53 pages is available at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-pipeline-review-h1-2016-market-report.html .

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SOURCE RnR Market Research
GLENDALE, Calif., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc. ("ApolloMed" or "the Company") (OTC: AMEH), an integrated population health management company, today announced that one of its affiliated medical groups, ApolloMed Hospitalists, has entered into an agreement to provide comprehensive hospitalist services for Mee Memorial Hospital.

Under the terms of the agreement, ApolloMed will provide 24/7 hospitalist services for the hospital and will also staff an on-site clinic Monday through Friday. ApolloMed will partner with the hospital administration, medical staff, nurses and case managers to enhance clinical core measures scores, improve clinical documentation, optimize lengths of stay, reduce hospital readmissions and to enhance patient satisfaction scores.

Founded in 1962 and located in King City, California, Mee Memorial Hospital is a 94-bed acute care hospital that provides comprehensive healthcare services, including 24-hour emergency medicine services, general surgery, obstetrics and orthopedic surgery services.

"We are very excited to have been selected as the new hospitalist group at Mee Memorial Hospital," stated Warren Hosseinion, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Medical Holdings. "We look forward to partnering with the hospital to provide quality inpatient and outpatient care for the community."

"This new relationship with ApolloMed will enable our hospital to better meet the needs of the King City community," stated Ken Hritz, Chief Operating Officer of Mee Memorial Hospital. "This hospitalist service is a critical piece within the complex care continuum facing the patients at Mee Memorial Hospital, and we are enthusiastic about the improvements they will be making."

About Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in Glendale, California, ApolloMed is an integrated population health management company committed to providing exceptional multi-disciplinary care in the communities it serves. ApolloMed is addressing the healthcare needs of its patients by leveraging its integrated healthcare delivery platform comprised of six affiliated and complementary physician groups: ApolloMed Hospitalists, ApolloMed ACO (Accountable Care Organization), Maverick Medical Group (Independent Physician Association), Apollo Care Connect and Apollo Palliative Services. ApolloMed strives to improve medical outcomes with high-quality, cost-efficient care. For more information, please visit www.apollomed.net

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management's view of future expectations, plans and prospects for Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc. ("the Company"). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "predicts," "believes," "expects," "intends," "seeks," "estimates," "plans," "anticipates," and similar conditional expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "may," "might," "should," "would" and "could" are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, our representatives may from time to time make oral forward-looking statements. Any such statements, other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of the Company's management. Such statements are, therefore, subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, its subsidiaries and concepts to be materially different than those that may be expressed or implied in such statements or anticipated on the basis of historical trends. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those described in the relevant forward-looking statement as being expected, anticipated, intended, planned, believed, sought, estimated or projected. Unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on the Company's future results. The forward-looking statements included herein are made only as of the date hereof. The Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was made, except as required by law, and also takes no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by the Company. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider the uncertainties and risks discussed under Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015 and in any of the Company's other subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ApolloMed

Gary Augusta

818-839-5200 or via email at [email protected]

SOURCE Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.

Related Links

http://apollomed.net


NAPA, Calif., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AUL Corp., America's largest national provider of used vehicle service contracts, has been awarded Gold in the Service Contract Provider category for the 2016 Dealers' Choice Awards by Auto Dealer Monthly magazine. This is its third year in a row to receive this award.

"We are so appreciative and honored to receive this award! We strive to be the absolute best partner for our dealers, and our AUL family is grateful for the recognition of this success in our endeavors," said CEO Luis Nieves.

AUL Wins Gold

AUL offers a variety of products for both independent and franchise dealers, all while maintaining the most dynamic and unique culture in the industry. AUL product offerings vary from the Any Year-Any Mileage Vehicle Service Contract to the Absolute suite of products featuring Absolute Profits, a dealer profit sharing program among the most aggressive in the industry developed to maximize ROI for a dealership. AUL, to date, has administered 1.5 million contracts and paid $550 million in claims.

"Being rewarded by our dealers in this way is a terrific feeling, and all of our AUL team thanks our dealers for this award. To have achieved it three years in a row is a testament to the hard work and team effort of AUL's employees and agents," said COO Jimmy Atkinson.

About AUL Corp.

AUL Corp. founded the national used car service contract industry in 1990, with its still famous "Any Year-Any Mileage" vehicle service contract. AUL continues leading its industry and is the only provider of its type authorized to conduct business in all 50 states, as well as some Caribbean locations. AUL enjoys a long relationship with its underwriters, who hold an A.M. Best rating of "A" Excellent. AUL Corp. also enjoys the longest-term relationships in the industry with its agents and dealer clients, as verified by independent third party research. AUL's mission is to be the premier service contract administrator in America by any quantifiable measurement of business activity. To find out more, please visit http://www.aulcorp.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160624/383278

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120606/LA20190LOGO

SOURCE AUL Corp.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of the West, in partnership with parent company BNP Paribas, announced the winners of its second annual International Hackathon, which was held over the weekend at Galvanize in San Francisco. Winning teams received a cash stipend and are automatically entered into the next phase of the competition, which is a 10- week bootcamp beginning in July and culminating with a 'Demo Day" in Paris on December 2, 2016.

"The hackathon provided a great opportunity for our employees to continue engaging with innovative companies," said Andy Harmening, vice chairman of the Consumer Banking Division at Bank of the West. "We believe that relationships with FinTech companies can be symbiotic; these companies can evolve more quickly with a bank as a partner, and their specific expertise is insightful in our rapidly evolving digital world. The annual hackathon is an opportunity to showcase startups' creative solutions and to collaborate and explore how their applications could bring added value to our customers. We look forward to continuing on this journey of the International Hackathon."

The first phase of the 2016 International Hackathon took place simultaneously in eight cities  San Francisco, Paris, London, Brussels, Berlin, Istanbul, Rome and Warsaw  where designers, developers, and startup teams were invited to work over a 48-hour period on the overarching theme of "making customer journeys more effortless for the client." Bank of the West put forth two local challenges, focused on relevant customer journeys: "I want to buy a home" and "I want to track progress against my goals." Winners of these two challenges, specific to the San Francisco competition, are:

KaChing, a company that makes it easy for parents to create custodial investment accounts for their kids so that families can start investment portfolios with the touch of a button.

Spacequant, a company that provides an automated research platform for commercial real estate investors; helping analyze where to invest and how well a property is likely to perform.

"The weekend was a tremendous opportunity to exchange ideas and see the future of banking come to life in very tangible ways. Innovation is a major business driver and a key commitment we have made throughout the business globally," said Pierre Ramadier, senior executive vice president, head of Bank of the West's Wealth Management Group. "The collaboration at the hackathon showcased new ways of thinking about how it is possible to empower our clients and support our teams in the delivery of a world-class client experience. I am excited by the partnerships that are being forged through this and other forums globally."

Second Phase

During the second phase of the competition the two winners will have exclusive access to experts from the Bank. The startups will receive mentorship from Bank of the West and BNP Paribas' professionals to refine their solutions, validate the business opportunity, and perfect their pitch. The 10-week bootcamp concludes with an opportunity to present their solutions at an international Demo Day in Paris on December 2, 2016. During this event, the winning startups from each country pitch to a variety of BNP Paribas' executives, as well as external thought-leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Third Phase

During the third and final phase, winning teams from the international Demo Day are given the opportunity to participate in a tailored incubation program. This provides the winners with an opportunity to draw on greater BNP Paribas resources, including financial support, cutting-edge workspaces, a customized acceleration program, plus introductions to key suppliers and other potential partners. The teams will retain the intellectual property rights produced from their work during the International Hackathon.

Bank of the West presented BNP Paribas' first-ever International Hackathon in 2015. News and updates regarding the 2016 International Hackathon will be available on Twitter @BankoftheWest (#InternationalHackathon).

About Bank of the West's Wealth Management Group

Bank of the West Wealth Management provides wealth planning, investment management*, personal banking, philanthropy, and trust services. The group is part of BNP Paribas' global wealth management business of more than 6,300 professionals in 30 countries worldwide with more than $10.4 billion** in assets under management in the United States and 325 billion ($370 billion) in assets under management globally as of March 31, 2016.

About Bank of the West

Bank of the West is a regional financial services company chartered in California and headquartered in San Francisco with $77.2 billion in assets as of March 31, 2016. Founded in 1874, Bank of the West provides a wide range of personal, commercial, wealth management and international banking services through more than 600 branches and offices in 23 states and digital channels. Bank of the West is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, which has a presence in 75 countries with 189,000 employees. Follow us on Twitter: @BankoftheWest

About BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 75 countries, with more than 189,000 employees, including more than 146,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporate and institutional clients) to realize their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. Follow us on Twitter: @BNPParibas_pr

*Securities and variable annuities are offered through BancWest Investment Services, a registered broker/dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC, and an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Financial Advisors are Registered Representatives of BancWest Investment Services. Fixed annuities/insurance products are offered through BancWest Insurance Agency in California, (License #0C52321), through BancWest Insurance Agency in Utah and through BancWest Investment Services, Inc. in AZ, CO, IA, ID, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, WA, WI, WY, HI, GUAM and CNMI. Bank of the West and its various affiliates and subsidiaries are not tax or legal advisors. BancWest Investment Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of the West. Bank of the West is a wholly owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas.

**Assets under management refers to assets under administration, management, advisement, and on deposit, including assets with our affiliate BancWest Investment Services as of March 31, 2016.

Deposit and loan products offered by Bank of the West, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. In South Dakota, Bank of the West operates under the name Bank of the West California. Bank of the West Wealth Management offers products and services through Bank of the West and its various affiliates and subsidiaries.

Investment and Insurance products:

NOT FDIC INSURED NOT BANK GUARANTEED MAY LOSE VALUE NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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SOURCE Bank of the West
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bay Area Lyme Foundation, collaborating with the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network's Dean Center for Tick Borne Illness, Harvard Medical School Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, MIT Hacking Medicine, University of California, Berkeley, and the Veterans Affairs Center for Innovation, today announced the five finalists of Lyme Innovation, the first ever Hackathon for Lyme disease. More than 100 scientists, clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors from several US states registered for this event to brainstorm solutions for Lyme disease, a potentially devastating condition newly infecting 329,000 people each year.

"Collaboration is the key to solving the myriad of challenges of Lyme disease, and we were excited to have the participation of so many researchers new to Lyme research," said Wendy Adams, Science Committee, Bay Area Lyme Foundation. "It has been exciting to see such a wide range of expertise and enthusiasm come together to focus on solutions for this serious disease."

Several prominent speakers, advocates and experts representing several partnering organizations spoke to inform and inspire participants. Kristen T. Honey, PhD, PMP, Policy Advisor, Office of Science and Technology Policy of The White House Executive Office of the President, was the keynote speaker at the event. David Maron, Chief of Biostatistics, Veterans Affairs Center for Innovation, as well as a number of Lyme disease patients including Yolanda Hadid who hosted a video-conference from California, also encouraged participants.

"Holding a Lyme disease hackathon was critical in order to accelerate innovation and research and to develop a longer and more diverse pipeline of scientist and entrepreneurs dedicated to expediting solutions in the field of Lyme disease," said Dr. Nevena Zubcevik, Lyme Innovation lead, Clinical Co-Director of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network Dean Center for Tick Borne Illness, and an Instructor at the Harvard Medical School Department of Physical Medical and Rehabilitation.

Finalists each received $5,000 and the opportunity to compete for additional grants. Lyme Innovation will present awards to the final three teams at the White House Open Data Summit on September 28th.

Over the three days of Lyme Innovation, nearly 100 participants formed sixteen teams to tackle the top ten Lyme disease priorities, which were identified by attendees at the American Academy of Advancement of Science conference taking place in November 2015. The projects selected for funding focused on:

Identification of novel treatment targets for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease utilizing the University of Massachusetts Plant Cell Culture Library.

Plant Cell Culture Library. Research of a compound currently in clinical trials for cancer which could block the bacteria from changing its DNA so that the immune system can recognize and respond to the pathogen.

A tracking system for patients to record their symptoms and vital signs to assist physicians in better understand how each patient responds to treatment.

A patient powered platform to combat the isolation and depression patients experience that taps into the Crisis Text Line, a platform to reduce suicides.

A tracking tool capable of predicting risk of Lyme disease to humans based on research showing that canine infection rates are predictive of human risk.

Recognition awards were also given to teams in the areas of public health, prevention, education and diagnostics.

Speakers, mentors and judges included:

Wendy Adams , Science Committee, Bay Area Lyme Foundation

, Science Committee, Bay Area Lyme Foundation John N. Aucott , MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine ; Director, Johns Hopkins Rheumatology Lyme Disease Clinical Research Center

, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, ; Director, Johns Hopkins Rheumatology Lyme Disease Clinical Research Center Caitlin Blood , MPH, CHES, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, US Department of Health and Human Services

, MPH, CHES, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, US Department of Health and Human Services David Crandell , MD, Clinical Co-Director of the Dean Center for Tick Borne Illness, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/ Harvard Medical School Department of Physical Medical and Rehabilitation

, MD, Clinical Co-Director of the Dean Center for Tick Borne Illness, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/ Harvard Medical School Department of Physical Medical and Rehabilitation Monica E. Embers, PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Bacteriology and Parasitology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences

Health Sciences Kevin M. Esvelt , PhD, Assistant Professor, MIT Media Lab, Leader, Sculpting Evolution Group, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

, PhD, Assistant Professor, MIT Media Lab, Leader, Sculpting Evolution Group, Christine Green , MD, President and Chief Physician, Greenoaks Medical Center

, MD, President and Chief Physician, Greenoaks Medical Center Kristen T. Honey , PhD, PMP, Policy Advisor, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

, PhD, PMP, Policy Advisor, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Andreas Kogelnik , MD, PhD, President and Founder of the Open Medicine Institute

, MD, PhD, President and Founder of the Open Medicine Institute Elizabeth Lewandrowski , PHD, MPF, Assistant Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School

, PHD, MPF, Assistant Professor of Pathology, Lance Liotta MD, PhD, Medical Director Clinical Proteomics, Co-Director and Founder Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University

MD, PhD, Medical Director Clinical Proteomics, Co-Director and Founder Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, Sahar S. Mahshid, M.Sc, PhD, Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Toronto Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy

Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy Davide Marini , PhD, Technology entrepreneur with experience in life sciences and engineering

, PhD, Technology entrepreneur with experience in life sciences and engineering Chris Przybyszewski , Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, Board Director, US BIOLOGIC

, Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, Board Director, US BIOLOGIC Sam Telford , MS, SD, Professor of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

, MS, SD, Professor of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings Rueben Lee Sims , Disabled United States Vietnam Veteran and Lyme Disease Advocate

, Disabled United States Vietnam Veteran and Lyme Disease Advocate Jordan Smith , Environmental Journalist and Narrative Nonfiction Writer

, Environmental Journalist and Narrative Nonfiction Writer Neil Spector , MD, Sandra Coates Associate Professor of Medicine, and Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University School of Medicine

, MD, Sandra Coates Associate Professor of Medicine, and Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at School of Medicine Anthony Walsh , PhD, Associate at RA Capital Management

, PhD, Associate at RA Capital Management Nevena Zubcevik, DO, MSPT, Clinical Co-Director of the Dean Center for Tick Borne Illness, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Instructor at Harvard Medical School Department of Physical Medical and Rehabilitation

Presentations can be found at http://www.facebook.com/lymeinnovation. Follow Lyme Innovation on Twitter @lymeinnovation.

About Lyme disease

One of the fastest growing vector-borne infectious diseases in the United States, Lyme disease is a potentially debilitating infection caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick to people and pets. If caught early, most cases of Lyme disease can be effectively treated, but it is commonly misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and unreliable diagnostic tests. There are approximately 329,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year, according to statistics released in 2015 by the CDC. As a result of the difficulty in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, as many as one million Americans may be suffering from the impact of its debilitating long-term symptoms and complications, according to Bay Area Lyme Foundation estimates.

About Bay Area Lyme Foundation

Bay Area Lyme Foundation, a national organization committed to making Lyme disease easy to diagnose and simple to cure, is the leading public not-for-profit sponsor of innovative Lyme disease research in the US. A 501c3 non-profit organization based in Silicon Valley, Bay Area Lyme collaborates with world-class scientists and institutions to accelerate medical breakthroughs for Lyme disease. It is also dedicated to providing reliable, fact-based information so that prevention and the importance of early treatment are common knowledge. A pivotal donation from The Laurel Foundation covers all overhead costs and allows for 100% of all donor contributions to Bay Area Lyme Foundation to go directly to research and prevention programs. For more information about Lyme disease or to get involved, visit www.bayarealyme.org or call us at 650-530-2439.

SOURCE Bay Area Lyme Foundation

Related Links

http://www.bayarealyme.org


PUNE, India, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Global and China Beryllium Market 2015-2020 Research Report initially provides a basic overview of the industry that covers definition, applications and manufacturing technology, post which the report explores into the international players in the market.

Complete report on the Beryllium market spread across 136 pages, profiling 04 companies and supported with 79 tables and figures. This report studies Beryllium in Global and China market, focuses on price, sales, revenue of each type in global China. This report also focuses on the sales (consumption), production, import and export of Beryllium in North America, Japan, Europe, India, Southeast Asia and China, forecast to 2020, from 2015.

Split by product types, with sales, revenue, market share and price of each type, as well as the types and each type price of key manufacturers, through interviewing key manufacturers, in 2015 and 2016, covering Optics grade, Military and Aerospace grade, Nuclear grade. Complete report is now available at

http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/602274-global-and-china-beryllium-research-report-to-2020.html .

Split by regions, this report focuses on the sales (consumption), production, import and export of Beryllium in North America, Japan, Europe, India, Southeast Asia and China, from 2011 to 2020 (forecast), covering North America, Europe, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia.

Split by applications, this report focuses on consumption and growth rate of Beryllium in major applications. Split by applications, covering, Military and aerospace, Nuclear and energy research, Imaging technologies & x-rays applications.

With 136 pages and eight chapters, to display the market present situation and future, clearly and deeply. Few key manufacturers included in this report are Materion Corp(US), Ulba Metallurgical Plant(KZ), Fuyun Hengsheng Beryllium Industry(CN) and Hunan Nonferrous Beryllium(CN). Order a copy of Global and China Beryllium Market Report 2016 research report at http://www.reportsnreports.com/purchase.aspx?name=602274 .

Some of the tables and figures provided in Global and China Beryllium Market Report 2016 research report include:

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Materion Corp(US) 2015 to 2016

Table Ulba Metallurgical Plant(KZ) Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Ulba Metallurgical Plant(KZ) 2015 to 2016

Table Fuyun Hengsheng Beryllium Industry(CN) Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Fuyun Hengsheng Beryllium Industry(CN) 2015 to 2016

Table Hunan Nonferrous Beryllium(CN) Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Hunan Nonferrous Beryllium(CN) 2015 to 2016

Table Company Five Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Five 2015 to 2016

Table Company Six Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Six 2015 to 2016

Table Company Seven Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Seven 2015 to 2016

Table Company Eight Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Eight 2015 to 2016

Table Company Nine Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Nine 2015 to 2016

Table Company Ten Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Ten 2015 to 2016

Table Company 11 Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company 11 2015 to 2016

Explore more reports on the Chemicals market at

http://www.reportsnreports.com/market-research/chemicals/ .

Another research titled "Global Beryllium Cobalt Copper Industry 2016 Market Research Report" is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Global Beryllium Cobalt Copper industry with a focus on the Global market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Beryllium manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. With 252 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.

In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market. Key manufacturers listed in this report are IBC Advanced Alloys, Luvata, HOSO Metal, SANYOU METAL MATERIAL FACTORY and Jiasheng Copper Materials. Read more at http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/461839-global-beryllium-cobalt-copper-industry-2016-market-research-report.html .

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ReportsnReports.com is an online market research reports library of 500,000+ in-depth studies of over 5000 micro markets. Not limited to any one industry, ReportsnReports.com offers research studies on agriculture, energy and power, chemicals, environment, medical devices, healthcare, food and beverages, water, advanced materials and much more.

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SOURCE ReportsnReports
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Marking the 10th anniversary of the passage of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA), widely considered the most important retirement legislation since the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Aspen Institute today brought together on Capitol Hill Members of Congress, federal officials, financial-industry leaders, advocates, and scholars to evaluate the Act's impacts, assess the current situation, and explore policy solutions to achieve greater retirement security for tens of millions of Americans.

"Our nation is facing an urgent saving and retirement security crisis -- one that we must address now," Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), who addressed today's forum, said. "With too many Americans not saving enough for the future, fewer private-sector workers being offered pensions, and a host of other challenges facing potential retirees, the dream of a secure retirement is slipping away for millions of Americans."

PPA Has Encouraged Retirement Savings in Defined Contribution Plans

The PPA touched on many aspects of retirement policy, and had important impacts on traditional worker pensions. For 401(k)s and other similar defined contribution (DC) plans, it drew on insights from behavioral economics to incentive increase savings. The PPA encouraged plan sponsors to adopt automatic enrollment and automatic escalation in contributions in employer-provided DC plans, as well as provided for qualified default investment alternatives (QDIAs) to help plan participants avoid inappropriate investments and legal safe harbor for plan sponsors. As employers and financial-services providers have put these provisions into practice, participation rates in firms that offer retirement plans have increased and asset allocation has shifted toward more balanced investments.

"Some of the most beneficial factors that lift retirement readiness can be traced to the 2006 Pension Protection Act," Edmund F. Murphy III, President, Empower Retirement, said. "We have a great opportunity to make this country more prosperous and more just."

Retirement Security Remains an Elusive Goal for Most Americans

However, half of the nation's workers (and two-thirds of prime working-age Americans) do not have an employer-sponsored retirement savings plana proportion that has risen since the beginning of the century and that is much higher for low-wage workers. Default contribution rates are low and optional. Savings incentives perversely benefit the wealthy much more than low- and moderate-income (LMI) Americans. In addition, the well-intentioned Saver's Credit, created in 2001 and made permanent by the PPA, also has poorly designed and insufficient incentives for LMI workers. As only one-fifth of Americans are "very confident" that they will have enough money to live comfortably during their ever-longer retirement years, retirement security remains an elusive goal.

"Retirement security impacts every American family, and Congress must be committed to finding innovative solutions to solve our growing retirement gap," Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), who addressed today's forum, said. "Helping families plan for retirement is not a partisan issue; it's an issue that needs problem solvers. That's why I'm pleased to be participating as a guest of the Aspen Institute, and to be joining other public officials and industry experts as we look for solutions that work for the next generation of retirees."

Nearly nine in 10 Americans believe that retirement security should be a significant issue in this year's election, and two-thirds of the public say that Congress should do more to help Americans save for retirements, according to an Aspen Institute poll conducted earlier this month.

Speakers and panelists addressed how the United States can extend the successes of the PPA to ensure that all families can take advantage of proven strategies for retirement savings, as well as the challenges that will require far-reaching policy changes in support of, and in tandem with, changes in employer and individual behavior. These include:

Far too many Americans still lack any coverage under an employer-sponsored retirement-savings plan, and many more have inadequate coverage;

Automatic enrollment and auto escalation need to be strengthened so that more employees with access to a plan participate and contribute more money;

Savings incentives in the tax code, which now disproportionately benefit higher-income Americans, need to be redesigned so that the more benefits go to LMI workers; and

With ever more Americans retiring and living longer, long-term policy, investment, and behavioral strategies for decumulation from retirement plans need to be devised to help ensure that retirees have decent incomes throughout their lives.

"While the Pension Protection Act took significant steps to better ensure Americans' well-being in retirement, too many people have so little savings that they face the grim prospect of poverty later in life," Ida Rademacher, executive director of the Aspen Institute's Financial Security Program, said. "Bold action on many fronts is essential to enable tens of millions of working Americans and their families to achieve retirement security."

The event featured keynote remarks from:

The Honorable Joseph Crowley, U.S. Representative, New York , 14th District

U.S. Representative, , 14th District The Honorable Jared Polis, U.S. Representative, Colorado , 2nd District

U.S. Representative, , 2nd District Edmund F. Murphy III , President, Empower Retirement

Keynote remarks were accompanied by two panels of distinguished retirement experts:

Keith Ambachtsheer , Director Emeritus, International Centre for Pension Management, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

Director Emeritus, International Centre for Pension Management, of Management, Derek Dorn , Managing Director and Head of Regulatory Engagement and Policy, TIAA

, Managing Director and Head of Regulatory Engagement and Policy, TIAA The Honorable J. Mark Iwry , Senior Advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Retirement and Health Policy, U.S. Department of the Treasury

, Senior Advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Retirement and Health Policy, U.S. Department of the Treasury John J. (Jamie) Kalamarides , Chairman & CEO, Prudential Bank & Trust and Senior Vice President, Prudential Retirement, The Prudential Insurance Company of America

, Chairman & CEO, Prudential Bank & Trust and Senior Vice President, Prudential Retirement, The Prudential Insurance Company of America Kilolo Kijakazi , Institute Fellow, The Urban Institute

, Institute Fellow, The Urban Institute Anne Lester , Head of Retirement Solutions for Global Investment Management Solutions, JP Morgan Asset Management

, Head of Retirement Solutions for Global Investment Management Solutions, JP Morgan Asset Management Lew Minsky , President and CEO, Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association

, President and CEO, Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association Diane Oakley , Executive Director, National Institute on Retirement Security

, Executive Director, National Institute on Retirement Security Jack VanDerhei , Research Director, Employee Benefit Research Institute

To learn more about the event, please see: http://www.aspeninstitute.org/events/2016/06/24/retirement-savings-goes-automatic . For information on the work of Aspen's Financial Security Program, please see: www.aspenfsp.org.

The Aspen Institute Financial Security Program (FSP) is dedicated to solving the most critical financial challenges facing America's households, and to shaping policies and financial products that enable all Americans to save, invest, and own. For more information on Aspen FSP, please visit www.aspenfsp.org.

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SOURCE The Aspen Institute

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PUNE, India, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The report "Color Masterbatch Market by Type (Standard Color, Tailor-made Color, and Specialty Color), by Carrier Resin (PE, PP, PS, and Others), by End-use Industry (Packaging, Building & Construction, Consumer Goods, Automotive, Agriculture, and Others) - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, The market size is projected to reach USD 4.75 Billion by 2021, registering a CAGR of 5.6% between 2016 and 2021.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )



Browse 85 market data Tables and 51 Figures spread through 177 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Color Masterbatch Market"



http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/color-masterbatch-market-214784301.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.

The growth of the color masterbatch market is triggered by the rising demand from the packaging segment. It is widely used for industrial and household purposes. Change in lifestyle and globalization have triggered the demand from the packaging industry, which drives the market of color masterbatch.

Color masterbatch for standard color to account for the major share of the market till 2021

The color masterbatch market is segmented by type, namely, standard color, specialty color, and tailor-made color. Standard color accounts for a major share of the color masterbatch market, as it is extensively used to process polymers. They are used in a wide range of applications due to its mechanical, heat resistance, and weather resistance properties. Some of the applications of standard color masterbatch are packaging sheets & films, plastic bottles & containers, and cables & wire.

Polyethylene carrier resin to dominate the color masterbatch market during the forecast period

Polyethylene (PE) is a major carrier resin used to manufacture color masterbatch. It includes high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). They are used to impart specific resin properties to processed polymers. Polyethylene products are mostly used in various end-use applications, such as packaging bags, general plastic films, medical packaging, mulch films, green house & tunnel films, and pipes.

For More Info Make Inquiry @http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=214784301

Asia-Pacific: The Largest Market of Insulation Coatings

Packaging industry to be the largest industry for the color masterbatch market between 2016 and 2021

Packaging is the dominating industry in the Color Masterbatch Market. It is widely used for industrial and household purposes. Improved lifestyle and globalization have triggered the demand from the packaging industry, which drives the market of color masterbatch. Moreover, the increasing use of plastics in consumer goods is also expected to have strong growth for the color masterbatch market.

Asia-Pacific to be the largest market during the forecast period

The color masterbatch market is broadly segmented into five regions, namely, Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and South America. Asia-Pacific is the largest market of color masterbatch, in terms of volume. The growing packaging industry coupled with the increased demand from retail industry drives the market of color masterbatch in the region. End-use industries are witnessing a high growth in developing nations such as India, Indonesia, and Brazil due to their growing economies.

Currently, the global color masterbatch market is dominated by various market players, such as Clariant AG (Switzerland), A. Schulman, Inc. (U.S.), PolyOne Corporation (U.S.), Plastika Kritis S.A. (Greece), and Plastiblends India Ltd. (India). The leading players mainly concentrate on expansions to enhance their market reach and make innovative products available to a large number of customers.

Browse Related Reports:

Masterbatch Market by Type (White, Black, Color, Additive, Filler, and Others) and by Application (Packaging, Building & Construction, Automotive, Consumer Goods, Textile, and Others) - Global Trends & Forecasts to 2020

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/masterbatches-market-168014686.html

Dyes and Pigments Market - Dyes (Reactive, Disperse, Acid, Direct, Basic, VAT), Organic Pigments (Azo, Phthalocyanines, High Performance) & Inorganic Pigments (TiO2, Iron Oxide, Carbon Black & Others) - Global Trends & Forecast to 2018

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/colorants-tinting-systems-paints-coatings-market-875.html

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is the world's No. 2 firm in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors.

M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.

We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.

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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
ARLINGTON, Va., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, American Trucking Associations announced Drivers Legal Plan, a national law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of truck drivers and the interests of trucking companies, has renewed as an ATA Featured Product provider.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight.Trucking Moves America Forward.

"Motor carriers understand that professional truck drivers need legal protection, and it's in the best interest of carriers to take every available measure to protect drivers from unnecessary legal proceedings," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "We all want what's best for our drivers and providing legal protection is an added benefit that helps truck drivers - but it can also improve a company's retention rate."

Drivers Legal Plan's legal representation is dedicated to the defense of a driver's record and a motor carrier's safety profile and rating. Since the advent of the CDL, the firm has handled over 350,000 cases in essentially every jurisdiction in the country. According to Drivers Legal Plan, they maintain a one-of-a-kind database of cases involving moving or non-moving violations, citations and accidents, and is one of the largest filers of DataQ challenges in the country.

"We have supported the trucking industry for 25 years and are proud to further show our support through involvement with the ATA Featured Product program," said Brad Klepper, executive vice president and general counsel at Drivers Legal Plan. "Stepped up enforcement activity and the need to retain safe drivers has made taking proactive steps to promptly address safety issues more critical for drivers and trucking companies, and we fully support those initiatives as long as drivers receive fair and uniform treatment in all jurisdictions. As an ATA Featured Product provider, Drivers Legal Plan is enabling drivers to protect their most important asset  the ability to earn a living."



To learn more about the ATA Featured Product program, visit www.atabusinesssolutions.com or call 866-821-3468.

Founded in 1991 by trucking company executives, Oklahoma City-based Drivers Legal Plan is a national law firm offering the highest quality legal representation available to truck drivers in the 48 continental U.S. states. The firm provides affordable legal protection against violations and citations that can have a detrimental effect on a driver's CDL record and a motor carrier's safety profile and rating. Dedicated entirely to defending truck drivers, Drivers Legal Plan currently represents truck drivers at hundreds of trucking companies. Drivers Legal Plan is affiliated with the American Trucking Associations, the Truckload Carriers Association and endorsed by a number of state trucking associations. For more information, visit www.driverslegalplan.com.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward.

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SOURCE American Trucking Associations

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OCALA, Fla., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- E-ONE, a member of REV Group, is pleased to welcome Associated Fire Safety Equipment, Inc. to its growing dealer network. With its commitment to delivering high-quality products and services, Associated Fire Safety Equipment, part of the Associated Fire Safety Group (AFSG), makes an ideal partner for E-ONE in serving British Columbia and the Yukon Territory in Canada.

"This is a great partnership," says Jay Johnson, Vice President of Sales and Product Management for E-ONE. "Associated Fire Safety Equipment has a proven track record of customer focus, quality, and customer service. It is an honor to work with someone so close to the fire service in the region, and for E-ONE to continue to expand sales and service in the Canadian market."

Michael S. Wilding, who works in business development for Associated Fire Safety Equipment, has immersed himself in the fire apparatus business his entire life. His father founded AFSG (formerly Associated Fire and Safety) in 1994 in the cleaning and maintenance of turnout gear before expanding into the Personal Protective Equipment sales market.

"Growing up, my father always spoke very highly of a couple of brands of Fire Apparatus Manufacturers, one of which being E-ONE," Michael says. "When I heard of E-ONE's interest in finding a new dealer in our territory, I jumped on the opportunity before anyone else had the chance. After doing our due diligence and visiting the factory, we couldn't have been more impressed with the quality of the staff at E-ONE as well as their philosophy of excellent customer service and quality of products of which we align very well."

Michael appreciates the look of the E-ONE trucks as well, citing the "great combination of a classis physical appearance with a rock solid core, but with innovation that still pushes the envelope." He is excited to offer all E-ONE products including their broad aerial line.

"There is no question in any of our minds that the aerials manufactured by E-ONE are the best on the market."

For more information on Associated Fire Safety Equipment, please visit associatedfiresafety.com.

ABOUT E-ONE

As a leading manufacturer of first responder vehicles, E-ONE engineers and manufactures mission-critical vehicles including aerial ladders and platforms, command and communication apparatus, custom and commercial pumpers tankers, Water Master vacuum tankers, quick attack units, industrial trucks, and aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles. The company sells its products world-wide and is headquartered in Ocala, Florida. E-ONE is an ISO 9001 registered and CCC certified manufacturer. For more information, visit e-one.com.

ABOUT REV GROUP

REV Group, Inc., is a +2 billion manufacturer of industry-leading motor vehicle brands. Products include ambulances, fire trucks, shuttle buses, transit buses, yard trucks, street sweepers, luxury motorhomes and wheelchair accessible vehicles. REV owns 26 brands, employs more than 6,000 people in 16 different manufacturing facilities in the U.S., and produces more than 20,000 specialty vehicles annually. REV Group recently moved its corporate headquarters from Orlando, Fla., to Milwaukee, Wisc. For more information, about REV, visit revgroup.com.

Angie Tennyson

Marketing Communications Manager

(352) 861-3578

[email protected]



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SOURCE E-ONE

Related Links

http://www.e-one.com/


FAIRMONT, W.Va., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The FirstEnergy Foundation will contribute $25,000 to the West Virginia American Red Cross to support relief efforts for West Virginia customers affected by heavy flooding after up to 10 inches of rain fell across the region this week. FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is the parent company of Mon Power.

After this week's rain, 44 West Virginia counties were placed under a state of emergency. Mon Power crews continue working across the area to make repairs and restore service. Some areas remain flooded and repairs in those areas will be delayed until flood waters subside and the system can be examined for damages.

"While there is still work ahead, we are also pleased to be able to support the efforts of the West Virginia American Red Cross, which continues to provide vital services and support for the people devastated by this severe storm," said Holly Kauffman, president of West Virginia operations for FirstEnergy.

The FirstEnergy Foundation is funded solely by FirstEnergy Corp. and provides support to non-profit, tax-exempt health and human services agencies; educational organizations; cultural and arts programs and institutions; and civic groups in areas served by FirstEnergy's 10 electric operating companies and in areas where the company has facilities.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

Related Links

http://www.firstenergycorp.com


ORLANDO, Fla., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- One hundred years in the making, Realtors across Florida have the unique opportunity to come together for Celebration100  Florida Realtors annual Convention & Trade Expo, Aug. 24-28, 2016, at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando.

This year's convention offers opportunities for the state's real estate professionals to network with colleagues and learn strategies from top industry trainers to boost their business  while at the same time celebrating a proud legacy of advocacy, service and commitment to community.

"The last 100 years have been a time of momentous change for Florida's real estate industry," said 2016 Florida Realtors President Matey H. Veissi, broker and co-owner of Veissi & Associates in Miami. "Florida Realtors have been at the forefront of that change, advocating for a more regulated and professional industry that enhances the value and service Realtors bring to their clients. We're proud to be an integral part of the history and growth of the Sunshine State, and we look forward to our next 100 years."

Celebration100 features more than 35 education sessions from top industry speakers on various topics such as new trends in real estate, improving sales and productivity, digital marketing, converting leads into business and building successful real estate teams. Sessions are organized into six tracks that allow attendees to focus on a core interest: technology, trends, productivity, personal growth, broker and continuing education.

Veissi added, "Florida Realtors' annual Convention & Trade Expo provides outstanding value to anyone interested in the latest real estate trends, technology and best business practices. Leading industry experts will share their moneymaking tips, success strategies and marketing techniques, plus it's a chance to commemorate our 100th anniversary! This is a 'can't-miss-this' business opportunity for every Realtor in the state."

Convention highlights

REBarCamp: Aug. 24 , 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

In this peer-to-peer session, attendees set the agenda, discuss the issues and discover solutions together. Attendance is free.





, In this peer-to-peer session, attendees set the agenda, discuss the issues and discover solutions together. Attendance is free. Keynote Awards Luncheon: Aug. 25 , 11:15-1:30 p.m.

Florida Realtors honors Realtor excellence and service at a ticketed event, including recognizing the Humanitarian of the Year and Realtor of the Year. Since it's Florida Realtors' 100 th Anniversary, the celebration is even more special! Keynote speaker Dan Thurmon rounds out the luncheon with humor, energy and excitement as he shares the importance of staying "Off Balance On Purpose!" Tickets are $50 and will be sold as long as they're available or until 4 p.m. on Aug. 24 .





, Florida Realtors honors Realtor excellence and service at a ticketed event, including recognizing the Humanitarian of the Year and Realtor of the Year. Since it's Florida Realtors' 100 Anniversary, the celebration is even more special! Keynote speaker rounds out the luncheon with humor, energy and excitement as he shares the importance of staying "Off Balance On Purpose!" 100 th Birthday Party, Aug. 25 , with "Party On The Moon," 8-11 p.m.

Returning for the third year in a row, American's No. 1 Party Band, Party On The Moon delivers a high-energy evening of the latest dance music, '80s classic rock, Latin, disco/funk, R&B and Motown. This 13-piece band has performed worldwide. One complimentary ticket for the concert is automatically included with full convention registration. Additional tickets can be purchased for $30 . This event is co-sponsored by Florida Realtors PAC and Florida Realtors.





Birthday Party, , with "Party On The Moon," Returning for the third year in a row, American's No. 1 Party Band, Party On The Moon delivers a high-energy evening of the latest dance music, '80s classic rock, Latin, disco/funk, R&B and Motown. This 13-piece band has performed worldwide. One complimentary ticket for the concert is automatically included with full convention registration. Additional tickets can be purchased for . This event is co-sponsored by Florida Realtors PAC and Florida Realtors. General Session with Jay Leno : Aug. 26 , 12:15-1:30 p.m.

The 22-year host of "The Tonight Show" is one of the greatest stand-up comics of all time. One complimentary ticket is automatically included with full convention registration. One additional ticket can be purchased by full convention attendees for $50 . Be sure to register early - once room capacity is reached, no more tickets will be available.





: , The 22-year host of "The Tonight Show" is one of the greatest stand-up comics of all time. One complimentary ticket is automatically included with full convention registration. One additional ticket can be purchased by full convention attendees for . Be sure to register early - once room capacity is reached, no more tickets will be available. The Trade Expo, Aug. 25 , 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. , and Aug. 26 , 10 a.m.-4 pm .

The expo features more than 170 industry experts and exhibitors showcasing the latest marketing and technology products. Attendance to the Trade Expo (expo only) is free!

* Solution Center: Each half-hour, vendors will take the stage and explain more about their products and services.

Sponsors for the 2016 convention include: Title Sponsor, Listing Power Tools; Titanium Association Partnership Sponsor, Miami Association of Realtors; Diamond Association Partnership Sponsor, Northeast Florida Association of Realtors; Platinum Association Partnership Sponsor, Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association; Gold Association Partnership Sponsor, Orlando Regional Realtor Association; Silver Association Partnership Sponsor, Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, and Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches; Platinum Sponsor, My Florida Regional MLS; Gold Sponsor, Century 21 Real Estate LLC; and Wi-Fi Platinum Annual Sponsor, Minto Communities.

Additional sponsors are: $10,000 level, Absolute Home Mortgage Corp. and Florida Realtors PAC; $5,000, Citibank; $3,000, American Integrity Insurance Company; $1,500, HomeBridge Financial Services Inc. and Lowen Sign Company; $1,000, Civic Financial Services, Move Inc./Realtor.com and Osceola County Association of Realtors; and $500 level, Agent Personal Assistant, CRES Insurance, Florida Association of Building Inspectors Inc., Hamilton Group Funding Inc., IFREC Real Estate Schools, Realtors Federal Credit Union  A Division of Northwest Federal Credit Union; Short Sales For America; and TenantReports.com LLC.

Realtor members may register online through Aug. 16 for the Florida Realtors convention at https://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/Annual-Convention-Registration.cfm or by calling 1-800-669-4327. The full event registration fee for members is $150 through July 25. Between July 26 and Aug. 16, the full event cost for members is $160. After Aug. 16, registration will be handled at the convention site. For more info, check out http://convention.floridarealtors.org/. To learn more about Florida Realtors' 100th anniversary, go to http://www.floridarealtors.org/100anniversary .

Florida Realtors serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 155,000 members in 55 boards/associations. Florida Realtors Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org .

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SOURCE Florida Realtors

Related Links

http://www.media.floridarealtors.org


NEW YORK, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC ("Greenbacker") announced today that through a wholly owned subsidiary it provided a Turbine Supply Loan in the amount of $25.9 million (the "Loan") to Greenfield Wind Manager, LLC (the "Borrower") to support the construction of a 25 MW wind generation facility located in Teton County, Montana (the "Project"). The Project was developed by Foundation Windpower LLC ("FWP") in partnership with a local developer, the counterparty from which Greenbacker purchased the Fairfield Wind Project in December 2015. FWP is an experienced wind developer based in San Francisco, CA. The Loan is repayable in full on the earlier to occur of the project achieving its Commercial Operation Date, expected to occur in October 2016, or December 31, 2016. When construction is completed the facility will consist of 13 General Electric 2.3 megawatt wind turbines which are anticipated to generate enough electricity to power 5,533 homes.

"We are extremely pleased to be expanding our relationship with Foundation Windpower," stated Charles Wheeler, CEO of Greenbacker. "As we continue to grow our portfolio of alternative energy assets, providing capital to construct a wind generation facility such as the Project is another example of how we diversify our revenue streams with a view to providing more predictable returns for our investors."

About Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC

Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC is a publicly registered, non-traded Limited Liability Company that expects to acquire a diversified portfolio of income-producing renewable energy power plants, energy efficiency projects and other sustainable investments.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in Greenbacker's expectations.

SOURCE Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's oldest African American Greek-letter fraternity, will host the first-ever fete of U.S. presidential cabinet secretaries in its "Salute to the Secretaries."

African American White House cabinet secretaries from both sides of the aisle will be honored for their national service during the biennial Grand Boule of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Nearly a dozen of those cabinet secretaries who are living will be present. The Salute to the Secretaries will take place June 28, 2016, from 6-8:00 p.m. in the Marriott Marquis hotel's Liberty I and II ballrooms, 901 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

"Never before has there been a bipartisan gathering this large of African American White House cabinet secretaries, all in one room, to be honored by the one organization that lists some of these great public servants among its members," said Todd Pilot, one of the co-chairs of the event and an officer in Sigma Pi Phi's D.C. affiliate, Epsilon Boule, which organized the event. The celebration is part of Sigma Pi Phi's 53rd biennial Grand Boule, to be held in the nation's capital this coming June 25-29, 2016.

The Grand Boule is the biennial business meeting of the fraternity, where its national officers are elected.

Sigma Pi Phi was established in 1904 in Philadelphia as the first Greek-letter fraternity for African American men. Epsilon Boule was chartered in Washington, D.C., in 1911 as the fifth oldest member boule.

Contact: Todd Pilot (703) 299-9500 or Michael Fauntroy (202) 577-8048

SOURCE Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity
YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) released pictures of more than a ton of ivory was seized in South Sudan last week. The ivory tusks and pieces weighed 2,800 pounds and were confiscated at Juba International Airport in South Sudan. IFAW congratulates the South Sudan Wildlife Service, Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism.

IFAW: Huge ivory bust in South Sudan - goods headed for Malaysia

The shipment came from Entebbe airport in Uganda on a flight from Ethiopian airways. It was headed for Malaysia a popular transit country. Two arrests have been made in connection to the crime and government officials are requesting assistance with the investigation from neighboring countries Ethiopia and Uganda.

"This new seizure at an unexpected location shows that we must act now to protect elephants," said Azzedine Downes, IFAW President and CEO. "It takes a network to defeat a network. We must join forces across borders, among non-profit organizations and government agencies."

Fortunately, South Sudan is one of eight countries participating in the Horn of Africa Wildlife Enforcement Network (HAWEN). Other countries include Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Sudan. HAWEN aims to prevent and combat wildlife crime in the Horn of Africa through cross-border learning and collaboration The Horn of Africa is emerging as a major region and hotspot for wildlife crime worldwide, both as a source and a transit route for illicit trafficking of wildlife products.

"Through HAWEN and IFAW's new intelligence-led enforcement initiative in Kenya, tenBoma, we are building the enforcement networks that are needed to counteract the poaching and wildlife trafficking networks before it's too late," said Downes.

About IFAW

Founded in 1969, IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook/IFAW and Twitter @action4ifaw

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SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare

Related Links

http://www.ifaw.org


SAN DIEGO, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

California's cap-and-trade program experienced a shock after only 11% of the offered volumes in the May auction sold. The auction brought in a mere $10m to state coffers, causing legislatures to express concern about the health of the current carbon market.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160408/353056LOGO )



ICIS, a global carbon market analytics firm, examined the potential impacts of how the 38.6m unsold California state-owned allowances from the first two auctions could re-enter the market depending on the auction results in the second half of 2016. That analysis shows California could profit from the low current demand if market participants returned to future California-run auctions. The auction revenue would increase by $41.6m over the next three years, but it may rise by $148.7m if demand at the next two auctions remains low.

Those higher revenue amounts are the result of an escalating floor price in the cap-and-trade market and the state-mandated delay of unsold volume. All number are in relation to the floor price of the certain year. Potential price increases above the floor price could lead to even higher revenues. However, in the short term, low auction demand has trimmed nearly $599m from the state's cap-and-trade auction revenues. There is a risk that the remaining two auctions could also see low demand as prices remain low on the secondary market.

In an extreme scenario, California auction revenue could decline by $1.42b in 2016 if a total of 56.4m state-owned allowances went unsold over the August and November auctions. The state could eventually recoup that money if demand returned to future auctions. Unsold state-owned allowances return to the market after two consecutive auctions sell out. That unsold volume cannot exceed 25% of the volume already designated for that auction under Air Resources Board (ARB) rules. Therefore, if the final two auctions sell out, it will take at least until the end of 2017 to return all unsold volumes to the market. Together with the future vintage allowances that will only return in 2019, the state would bring in $640.5m during that three-year period, according to ICIS analysis.

In total, that would mean the state would generated $41.6m more by the regulation-mandated delay of unsold auction volumes.

If August or November auctions were to fail to sell out, it would extend the timeline that unsold volume would return to the cap-and-trade market, but it could increase the auction revenue generated by the state due to the rising floor price. For example, if the August auction failed to sell out by 50% (scenario 2 below), it could take until 2019 to have all unsold volume return to the cap-and-trade market. That scenario would bring $101.9m additional auction revenue to state coffers.

The August auction result could have a significant impact on state revenues from 2017-2019. Depending on the outcome, total state revenue during that three-year period could range from $640.5m to $1.27b. In an extreme scenario (scenario 3), revenues could even increase by $1.58b over the next three years if the next two auctions failed to fully sell out.

About ICIS

ICIS is the world's largest petrochemical market information provider and has fast-growing energy and fertilizer divisions. We provide information and intelligence for global carbon markets through utilizing a unique combination of quantitative and qualitative research, as well as expert opinion to deliver detailed insight into emissions and carbon trading schemes. Our Timing Impact Model is the cornerstone of our analysis and provides clients with a more rounded perspective than conventional approaches. This gives our subscribers a competitive advantage over their competitors. ICIS offers products that cover the California/Quebec, RGGI, EU, South Korea, and China carbon markets.

With a global staff of more than 800, ICIS has employees based in Houston, Washington, New York, London, Montpellier, Dusseldorf, Karlsruhe, Milan, Mumbai, Singapore, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Yantai, Tokyo and Perth. Some 350 of ICIS's staff are journalists engaged in reporting market prices and news, and ICIS is fully committed to upholding the highest journalistic principles of verification, corroboration and authentication. ICIS has a compliance framework that along with its methodologies and business processes adheres to the requirements of the IOSCO PRA Principles.

About Reed Business Information

At Reed Business Information we provide information and online data services to business professionals worldwide. Customers have access to our high-value industry data, analytics, information and tools. Our strong global brands hold market-leading positions across a wide range of industry sectors including banking, petrochemicals and aviation where we help customers make key strategic decisions every day. RBI is part of RELX Group Plc, a leading global provider of data, information and solutions for professional customers.

About RELX Group:

RELX Group is a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries. The group employs about 28,000 people of whom half are in North America. RELX PLC is the London Stock Exchange listed vehicle for holding shares in RELX Group. Shareholders in RELX PLC own a 52.9% economic interest in RELX Group. RELX NV is the Amsterdam Stock Exchange listed vehicle for holding shares in RELX Group. External shareholders in RELX NV own a 47.1% economic interest in RELX Group. The total market capitalisation of the two parent companies is approximately 25.0bn/31.9bn. Its shares are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RUK and ENL. http://www.relx.com

Further information about ICIS can be found at http://www.icis.com



SOURCE ICIS
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Dairy Foods Association yesterday commended Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for finalizing a bipartisan agreement that would establish a uniform, national standard for labeling foods made with genetically modified, or GMO, ingredients. IDFA urged members of Congress to act quickly to pass the legislation.

The bill, if passed, would prevent a state-by-state patchwork of labeling mandates. One such law is scheduled to take effect in Vermont on July 1, 2016.

"This bipartisan agreement on GMO labeling would bring consistency and transparency to the marketplace, provide consumers with access to more product information than ever before and avoid stigmatizing a safe, proven technology that is a central part of modern food production," said J. David Carlin, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy. "This issue is so important to dairy foods companies, many of our members came to Capitol Hill last week to discuss the negative impact that state-by-state labeling would have on their customers, consumers and operations. We're pleased that agreement has been reached and we'll continue to push for passage of this important legislation."

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industries and their suppliers, with a membership of 550 companies within a $125-billion a year industry. IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI) and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA's nearly 200 dairy processing members run nearly 600 plant operations, and range from large multi-national organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States. IDFA can be found online at www.idfa.org.

SOURCE International Dairy Foods Association

Related Links

http://www.idfa.org/


HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Week of June 20 - June 24, 2016

Note to Editors: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's "In Case You Missed It" newsletter, delivered every Friday, is a quick summary of the week's top content. It includes short descriptions and links to stories, videos and photos featured on Marshall's web pages and social media accounts. To receive the ICYMI newsletter and Marshall news releases and advisories, self-subscribe by sending an email to [email protected] with "subscribe" (without quotes) in the subject line.

'Test Like You Fly': What Qualification Means for SLS Rocket

The most powerful rocket booster in the world, built for NASA's Space Launch System, will fire up June 28 for the second major qualification ground test. But what exactly is mean for the booster to be "qualified"? And how does that fit into being ready for SLS's first flight in late 2018? Click above to find out.

Qualification and Confidence Articles for SLS Core Stage Tanks Coming Along

Construction continued this week at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility on two key components for the Space Launch System's core stage. A qualification article for the rocket's liquid hydrogen tank underwent welding in the Vertical Assembly Facility and an end cap test fixture was installed on a weld confidence article of the liquid oxygen tank. Flight-approved versions of the tanks will feed SLS's four RS-25 engines, sending astronauts deeper into space than ever before.

Hardware for NASA's Journey to Mars is 'Big Catch' for Upcoming Test Series

In the early morning hours of June 19, fishermen may have seen more than just lures casting out on the Tennessee River in North Alabama. A key piece of hardware for NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, began a five-hour journey by barge from United Launch Alliance in Decatur and was successfully delivered to the Marshall Space Flight Center.

Thousands Attend 'NASA in the Park' in Downtown Huntsville

More than 7,500 people attended Marshall and Downtown Huntsville, Inc.'s third annual celebration of NASA and the community June 18. "NASA in the Park" featured fun for all ages and more than 60 exhibits, where Marshall team members shared their work with the community. Click the link above to see pictures collected from the event on Marshall's Flickr page.

For more information about Marshall's ICYMI newsletter, or to view this week's issue, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/news/icymi.html

For more information about NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, visit:

www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall

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SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


ANDOVER, Mass. and SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- American Respiratory Labs (ARL), a California-based mobile pulmonary function testing company, is now able to perform sophisticated lung assessments in patients' homes, thanks to portable PFT devices developed by ndd Medical Technologies, Inc.

Patients are no longer limited to having their PFT testing done in hospital-based labs. Thanks to ndd's EasyOne PRO, ARL patients like Jeanne R. of Anaheim, CA, can get any needed testing done in the comfort of her own home.

"Having the breathing test here was fantastic as far as I was concerned," said Jeanne, 83. "I have family and they take me, but sometimes it's not convenient for them. Going to the hospital by bus is a lot of work, and once there it's hard going from room to room when you can't breathe. Having the testing at home was very easy, comfortable and a lot less stressful."

The EasyOne PRO performs DLCO testing, spirometry and full lung volumes anywhere in just 20 minutes. Because ARL personnel visit multiple homes each day  some of their clients live in third- and fourth-floor walkups they need a device that is light, compact, and durable. EasyOne Pro, which measures 12-square-inches, fits the bill.

Another important factor in ARL's choice of the EasyOne Pro was that the accurate, reliable ultrasound technology eliminates calibration and maintenance. The device is ready as soon as it is turned on.

After testing, software enables ARL to input PFT results into a patient's electronic health record.

"Patients are happy and appreciative that we can do such comprehensive pulmonary function testing in their homes," reports ARL owner Robin Contino. "Some people are not mobile and it can be an ordeal to get transportation to a PFT lab. Others are unable to afford transportation."

At-home spirometry is often performed to assess a patient's need for oxygen. DLCO testing can determine whether shortness of breath is caused by respiratory or cardiac disease, or to differentiate between asthma and COPD, for appropriate treatment.

The point of care (POC) testing that ARL offers is one of the fastest growing segments of clinical testing. The global POC market is expected to grow 9.3% annually from 2013 to 2018, and to reach $27.5 billion by 2018, according to MarketsandMarkets.

About ndd Medical Technologies, Inc.

With 40 percent of the U.S. spirometry market share, ndd Medical Technologies offers innovative, easy-to-use pulmonary function testing instruments that help clinicians diagnose lung disease with greater precision for optimal treatment. Its EasyOne and EasyOne Pro portable instruments take up just 12 square inches of space to take lung function testing wherever it is needed, measuring DLCO, FRC, LCI, lung volumes and spirometry. ndd's patented Ultrasonic TrueFlow technology, which requires no calibration, eliminates problems associated with traditional methods of flow measurement, making testing fast, reliable and error free. To learn more, visit www.nddmed.com.

SOURCE ndd Medical Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.nddmed.com


NEW YORK, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

New Age TechSci Research Logo (PRNewsFoto/New Age TechSci Research)

Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is a phosphorus-containing inorganic acid which is produced by two commercial methods, namely, wet process and thermal process.Phosphoric acid produced by wet process is used in fertilizer production, whereas thermal process produces high purity phosphoric acid that is used in the manufacturing of chemicals for various end user industries including pharmaceuticals, food products, beverages, detergents and other non-fertilizer products. Phosphoric acid is the leading intermediate processing step or product between phosphate rock and the end user markets for phosphorus in phosphate form. Of the two grades of phosphoric acid, fertilizer and technical, fertilizer accounts for a lion's share in the Indian phosphoric acid market. Phosphoric acid is primarily used in the manufacturing of phosphate chemicals that are consumed for the production of phosphatic fertilizers like DAP (diammonium phosphate), MAP (monoammonium phosphate), TSP (triple superphosphate), SSP (single superphosphate) etc. Moreover, it is also used in the production of animal feeds along with manufacturing of phosphate chemicals for use in water treatment, metal treatment and detergent builders, for acidifying food and beverages and as intermediate in the manufacturing of phosphate in pharmaceutical industries among various other uses.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/663730 )



India Phosphoric Acid Market: Drivers and Restraints

Mounting demand for phosphoric acid in fertilizer as well as non-fertilizer industries of India is propelling the growth of India phosphoric acid market. Large demand for phosphate fertilizers like such as DAP, MAP, TSP and SSP among others is forecast to boost the demand for phosphoric acid in the country. Indian phosphoric acid market is highly import driven and rising import has encouraged the Indian players to set up joint ventures in foreign countries having strong base for fertilizers such as Oman, Senegal, Morocco, Jordan, Tunisia etc. in order to have a buy back arrangement. Rising Indian production and export of SSP fertilizers to the international market is further pushing the demand for phosphoric acid in the country. Moreover, surging demand for phosphoric acid in non-fertilizer sector of India is attributed to its wide use as a food additive and acidifying agent in food and beverage industry, as an intermediate for producing phosphates that are utilized for water and metal treatment and for producing chemicals used in pharmaceutical and detergents industries. However, reduction in subsidies on phosphate fertilizers like DAP and MAP, increasing import of DAP in India due to decline in global DAP prices and decreasing domestic production of phosphoric acid is expected to hamper the growth of India phosphoric acid market through 2021.

India Phosphoric Acid Market: Segmentation

The India phosphoric acid market is segmented on the basis of grade, application and region.

Based on phosphoric acid grade, the India phosphoric acid market is segmented into the following:

Technical

Fertilizer

Based on application of phosphoric acid, the India phosphoric acid market is segmented into the following:

Fertilizers

Pharmaceutical

Food & Beverage

Detergent

Metal Treatment

Water Treatment

Others

India Phosphoric Acid Market: Overview

India has an import-driven phosphoric acid market which is forecast to exhibit steady growth over the next five years on account of expanding fertilizers industry in India. Indian phosphoric acid imports accounted for about 44% of global trade in 2015. Surged demand for fertilizers coupled with declining global DAP prices has resulted in robust growth in the DAP imports in India. However, increase in production capacity of phosphate fertilizer manufacturing facilities in India along with mounting cross border investments in order to establish joint venture companies in fertilizer rich countries is expected to reduce the reliance on imported raw materials for manufacturing of phosphatic fertilizers. In addition, declining SSP fertilizers import in India along with its rising production and export is expected to boost the demand for phosphoric acid over the next five years. Moreover, growing demand for phosphoric acid for non-fertilizer applications, such as, pharmaceutical, food and beverages, water and metal treatment, detergents is further anticipated to stimulate the phosphoric acid market of India through 2021.

India Phosphoric Acid Market: Region-wise Outlook

Western region of India controls the largest share in the India phosphoric acid market owing to the dominance of the region in the phosphatic fertilizer production capacity. Majority of the leading DAP and SSP fertilizer manufacturers have established production base or have plans to set up a manufacturing facility in the region. As a result, the region commands a majority share in the India phosphoric acid market and is expected to remain the largest market for phosphoric acid through 2021. East and South zone of India also control significant share in the India phosphoric acid market. However, Northern region of India controls a limited share in the India phosphoric acid market owing to limited fertilizer production facilities in the region.

India Phosphoric Acid Market: Key Players

Key players in the India Phosphoric Acid Market include Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited, Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt. Ltd. and Punjab Chemicals & Crop Protection Limited among others.

The report covers exhaustive analysis on:

Market Size

Market Segmentation

Pricing Analysis

Innovations and Technological Advancements

Market Dynamics (Market Drivers, Challenges & their Impact Analysis)

Market Trends

Opportunities

Competition & Companies involved

"India Phosphoric Acid Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2021" has analyzed the potential of the India phosphoric acid market and provides statistics and information on market sizes, shares and trends. The report will suffice in providing the intending clients with cutting-edge market intelligence and help them in taking sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers and key challenges faced by the industry.

Report Highlights:

India Phosphoric Acid Market Size, Share & Forecast

Segmental Analysis - By Grade, Application, Region & Company

Market Dynamics & Impact Analysis

Market Attractiveness Index

BPS Analysis

Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities

Competitive Landscape & Strategic Recommendations

About TechSci Research:

TechSci Research is a leading global market research firm publishing premium market research reports. Serving 700 global clients with more than 600 premium market research studies, TechSci Research is serving clients across 11 different industrial verticals. TechSci Research specializes in research based consulting assignments in high growth and emerging markets, leading technologies and niche applications. Our workforce of more than 100 fulltime Analysts and Consultants employing innovative research solutions and tracking global and country specific high growth markets helps TechSci clients to lead rather than follow market trends.

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SOURCE TechSci Research
FAIRFIELD, N.J., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- An iconic name in the Italian cheese business is unwrapping a big announcement at this year's Summer Fancy Food Show. Arthur Schuman, Inc. is celebrating its 70th anniversary by introducing a new name  Schuman Cheese.

Arthur Schuman started the business, which was incorporated in 1946, with a passion for bringing the best cheese to the American market. The new moniker honors that heritage while celebrating the innovative culture that drives the company's contemporary business strategy.

"Seventy years of operations brings growth, and it brings change," said Neal Schuman, Arthur's grandson and the current CEO. "First and foremost, our new brand honors our proud history and the dedicated employees who have helped make my grandfather's dream a reality. At the same time, it underscores our innovative and forward-thinking spirit and helps ensure we are poised to keep building on that momentum."

Today Schuman Cheese offers a host of expanded capabilities to complement its original import business. With a worldwide network of partners and customers, the Italian cheese leader is now applying decades of experience to flourish as a cheese maker, processor and product innovator.

An optimistic approach to innovation

Product innovation is taking center stage in the company's growth plans. As part of its anniversary celebration, Schuman Cheese is introducing Yellow Door Creamery, a new brand that complements Schuman's flagship brand, Cello, by offering a platform for experimentation.

"By taking an experimental approach to a traditional category, Yellow Door Creamery leads with an off-the-beaten-path and optimistic approach to cheese making," said Allison Schuman, a fourth-generation family member with an active role in product innovation. "Yellow Door brands evoke the senses through unique formats, flavor profiles and blends. This maverick, trendsetting approach provides cheese lovers, industry influencers and home chefs with amazing, one-of-a-kind cheeses."

A series of Hand Rubbed Fontinas are among the first Yellow Door Creamery products; the Habanero & Lime has already earned acclaim from judges in competition. Also part of the rollout: a pair of blue cheese products under Yellow Door Creamery's Brilliant Blue brand, including crumbles and sliceable individual servings.

These new products will be showcased at the Summer Fancy Food Show, along with another example of Schuman Cheese's innovation and leadership. Cello Whisps, made from award-winning Cello Parmesan, were introduced last fall. Now the airy, crispy baked snacks will also be offered in Cello's brand new Cheddar Cheese flavor.

"We are thrilled to offer snack lovers a preview of Cello Whisps' new vibrant cheddar flavor at the Fancy Food Show this year," said Ilana Fischer, vice president of innovation and strategy. "Cheddar Whisps, along with our popular Parmesan Whisps, demonstrate our success in delivering an addictive, gluten- and wheat-free, sugar-free, pure snack that contains only a single ingredient  our very own cheese."

Poised for growth

With the opening of its first overseas offices in 2015, the Schuman Cheese business is primed for more growth. Several new products are in the pipeline for 2016, and strategic hires mean new talent is helping shape the future of the business.

Members of the fourth Schuman generation are actively engaged in these developments, providing insight into younger generations through work on innovation strategies and developing relationships with import partners.

Under its new brand, Schuman Cheese will continue to earn its role as an industry leader through initiatives such as the True Cheese truth in labeling initiative, which emphasizes the importance of quality and integrity in Parmesan cheese production.

Award-winning Schuman cheeses can be found across the country, from major retailers to small specialty cheese shops; from national chains to high-end restaurants; and from small mom-and-pop delis to large national food companies. Learn more about the nation's leading Italian cheese company at www.SchumanCheese.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/382995LOGO

SOURCE Arthur Schuman, Inc.

Related Links

www.SchumanCheese.com


PRINCETON, N.J., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- It's graduation season, and high schools, colleges, and other educational institutions throughout the region are honoring students at events that feature ceremonial music and all the other "pomp and circumstance" commensurate with this memorable milestone.

But there's another group equally excited to celebrate next steps and new beginnings. They may not be in their late teens or early twenties, but the enthusiasm for what's ahead is no less evident. They are all cancer patients completing their radiation therapyRad Grads as they are affectionately referred to at Princeton Radiation Oncology Center.

Completing a degree is hard worka lifetime achievement. Fighting cancer is hard work and an achievement too. So, at the end of the final visit of a course of therapy, Princeton Radiation Oncology Center has a ceremonycomplete with graduation music to accompany the triumphant walk down the hall to mark the event.

"We all recognize and respect that this can be a very difficult time for patients and their families and so we try to create a warm atmosphere for them at our center," said Dr. Edward Soffen, who has even been known to sing to patients to help relieve their anxiety. "We will do whatever it takes to help support the healing process."

About Princeton Radiation Oncology Center

Princeton Radiation Oncology Center is an outpatient radiation therapy center located in Monroe, New Jersey. Princeton Radiation Oncology Center provides patients with advanced cancer treatment options in an intimate, patient-centered environment. It is affiliated with Princeton Radiation Oncology, a 12-physician group practice specializing in radiation therapy for more than 50 years. For more information, please visit www.princetonradiationoncology.com.

Contact:

Princeton Radiation Oncology Center

Angela Vanzino, Marketing Coordinator

(732) 821-5563 x1233

SOURCE Princeton Radiation Oncology Center

Related Links

http://www.princetonradiationoncology.com


FREEHOLD, N.J., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation (NYSE: MNR), a real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in net-leased industrial properties, will host its Third Quarter 2016 Financial Results Webcast and Conference Call. Senior management will discuss the results, current market conditions and future outlook on Thursday, August 4, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Monmouth Real Estate's third quarter financial results will be released on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, and will be available on the company website at www.mreic.reit in the "Financial Filings" section.

To participate in the webcast select the microphone icon in the Webcast section of the company's homepage on the company's website at www.mreic.reit. Interested parties can also participate via conference call by calling toll free 1-877-510-5852 (domestically) or 1-412-902-4138 (internationally).

The replay of the conference call will be available at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 4, 2016. It will be available until November 15, 2016, and can be accessed by dialing toll free 1-877-344-7529 (domestically) and 1-412-317-0088 (internationally) and entering the passcode 10087173. A transcript of the call and the webcast replay will be available at the company's website, www.mreic.reit.

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation, founded in 1968 is one of the oldest public equity REITs in the U.S. The Company specializes in single-tenant, net-leased industrial properties, subject to long-term leases, primarily to investment grade tenants. Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation is a fully-integrated and self-managed real estate company, whose property portfolio consists of ninety-six properties located in thirty states, containing a total of approximately 15 million rentable square feet. In addition, the Company owns a portfolio of REIT securities.

SOURCE Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation

Related Links

http://mreic.com/


WASHINGTON, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, timed with the President's designation of Stonewall National Monument during LGBT Pride Month, the National Park Foundation announced that it will work with local and national organizations and the community to raise the approximately $2 million needed to launch the new park. This fundraising effort will be part of the Foundation's $350 million Centennial Campaign for America's National Parks and the support will provide critical funds for dedicated National Park Service rangers, a temporary ranger station and visitor center, research and materials, exhibits, LGBTQ community outreach, public education, and scholar engagement. The Foundation will also help establish a local Friends Group to provide ongoing philanthropic support to the new monument.

"The National Park Foundation is honored to support and jumpstart critical projects at Stonewall National Monument to help ensure that the ongoing LGBTQ fight for civil rights is highlighted in a way that inspires people to reflect on how the story of the Stonewall uprising relates to their lives," said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks. "As we move from the National Park Service's first century into its second, we couldn't be more proud to be part of a national park community that is committed to telling a more complete American story."

The events of June 28, 1969 at Stonewall Inn, located in Greenwich Village in New York City, helped to shape the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement. It was at this site that New York City police conducted a raid that had become routine at gay bars and often resulted in harassment and arrests. Unlike previous raids, the crowds held their ground in demanding civil rights and refused to disperse. The protest expanded to neighboring streets and into nearby Christopher Park, grew to as many as several thousand people, lasted for six days, and marked a significant turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ rights. Within two years, LGBTQ people across the country had formed gay rights groups in almost every major city.

"The support of the National Park Foundation will be essential to creating a visitor experience that tells the story of LGBT Americans through this historic new national park site at Stonewall National Monument," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "As we enter a second century of stewardship of our national parks, we greatly appreciate the dedication of the National Park Foundation to ensuring that all Americans find a national park experience that is relevant to them."

As part of its Congressional charter, the National Park Foundation works with the National Park Service to identify priority projects in need of support across the National Park System. In this capacity, the Foundation has recently supported the establishment of several new national parks including Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument, Pullman National Monument, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, and Cesar E. Chavez National Monument.

From its inception, the National Park System has benefited from this type of private support. Many of the earliest national parks were the direct beneficiaries of generous philanthropists who stepped forward to keep national parks protected and accessible for everyone. People are invited to carry on this legacy by visiting www.nationalparks.org/Stonewall and supporting the newest national park.

To help raise awareness for the designation of Stonewall National Monument, the out of home advertising industry will donate ad space to the National Park Foundation on June 25 in Times Square in New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago to share the White House announcement video and Stonewall Find Your Park PSA. With support from Branded Cities, Clear Channel Outdoor, Lamar Advertising Company, and OUTFRONT Media, both videos will show how parks can be so much more than vast landscapes and include cultural and historical sites, highlighting the essence of the Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque movement.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, commemorating the National Park Service's 100th anniversary, the Foundation launched The Centennial Campaign for America's National Parks, a $350 million comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alanna Sobel

202-796-2538

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140324/DC89075LOGO

SOURCE National Park Foundation

Related Links

http://www.nationalparks.org


CALI, Colombia, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

New Colombia Resources, Inc. (OTC: NEWC), a Colombian company listed in the U.S., is pleased to announce the cease fire between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Republic of Colombia. Although the final peace deal will require approval in referendum, the FARC's acceptance of disarmament is a key step towards resolution.

Companies like New Colombia Resources Inc. will benefit greatly from increased investor confidence and risk mitigation of security issues. A new wave of international investors is expected to join the emerging markets of Colombia. Many institutional funds can now make investments that some charters forbade because of Colombia's armed conflict.

New Colombia Resources' partnership in Sannabis stands to greatly benefit because they operate in a conflict zone that is in need of new industry for a post conflict Colombia. Many international organizations are in the area trying to help establish programs to help this region. Sannabis legally grows high quality organic medical marijuana on the Nasa Indian Reservation in the Cauca Department of Colombia and processes it into medicines that are distributed throughout Colombia. This area notorious for growing marijuana was once a FARC stronghold that cultivated marijuana and coca illegally. Sannabis is proud to be a part of the effort to transform marijuana from an illicit drug to a legal medicine.

In other news, Sannabis will host Colombia's first Medical Marijuana Forum called "Cannabis, a Life Alternative." The forum will be held in Popayan, the Capital of the Cauca Department, at the Auditorio Banco de la Republica May 25 at 9 am. Presenters include Dr. Alex Franco, medical surgeon and member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians in the U.S. Other presenters include Natalia Tangarife from the Cultivando Esperanza Foundation who was instrumental in the approval of medical marijuana by Colombia's congress last month. Ms. Tangarife's son Jacabo has epilepsy and has shown remarkable improvement using Sannabis products. Sannabis and the foundation treat hundreds of kids with epilepsy. Here is Natalia with Senator Juan Manuel Galan, sponsor of the bill passed last month. https://twitter.com/juanmanuelgalan/status/735603600219623425/video/1

To learn about the Cultivando Esperanza (Growing Hope) Foundation, follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fundacioncultivandoesperanza/ . Sannabis donates and offers special pricing to Cultivando Esperanza so no sick child is left behind, to make a donation to the foundation contact [email protected]

New Colombia Resources' mining operations also stand to benefit greatly from the cease fire. In addition to new investors, Insurance premiums for transporters and other ancillary operations should be reduced. New Colombia has made considerable progress towards starting mining operations that will be announced in the coming week.

To view the brochure for the Cannabis forum or purchase Sannabis products visit http://www.sannabis.co . Follow Sannabis on Facebook for photos and testimonials at https://www.facebook.com/sannabis.cannamedicinal

New Colombia Resources, Inc.

New Colombia Resources, Inc. is focused on the acquisition and development of high-quality metallurgical coal properties and other available resources in the Republic of Colombia. They expect to have several revenue producing businesses including; metallurgical coal mining and rock quarry aggregates for domestic Colombian highway and railroad building projects. The Company owns 100% of La Tabaquera metallurgical coal mine in Colombia with an estimated 15- 17 million tonnes of reserves. They have another pending acquisition for 390 ha and a solicitation contract for 184 ha metallurgical coal concession. New Colombia Resources also holds a significant position in Sannabis SAS which legally produces medical marijuana products in the Republic of Colombia, visit http://www.sannabis.co. For more information on the Company visit http://www.newcolombiaresources.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Forward Looking Statements; This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements might not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include financing, the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations. New Colombia Resources, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements.



Company Contact:

New Colombia Resources, Inc.



John Campo

President/Chairman



(+1)-410-236-8200 USA

[email protected]

[email protected]

Sannabis SAS

http://www.sannabis.co



SOURCE New Colombia Resources, Inc.
NEW IBERIA, La., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While visiting a friend, Karen Jones noticed that she had had some repairs done to her home.

The friend was able to pay for the repairs with the help of a Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) grant from Community First Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas).

FHLB Dallas offers SNAP grants through its member institutions, like Community First Bank, to assist income-qualified, special-needs homeowners with necessary home repairs and modifications.

Soft spots in the floor of her self-described "lopsided" home prompted Ms. Jones, 58, to apply for a SNAP grant. She was awarded $5,000 in funds from Community First Bank and FHLB Dallas, which replaced the floor and elevated parts of the house that were not level. The home repairs were a big help to the retired nanny, who now lives on a fixed monthly income.

"The soft spots were so dangerous," said Ms. Jones. "I constantly had to watch where I stepped. I could have fallen through the holes."

Since SNAP's inception in 2009, more than $10.6 million has been awarded in grants through FHLB Dallas member institutions to assist more than 2,000 families across FHLB Dallas' five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. In 2015, FHLB Dallas awarded nearly $1.5 million in SNAP grants that assisted 319 families. The 2016 SNAP funding, made available in January on a first-come, first-served basis, has been exhausted.

Community First Bank Vice President Kenny LeJeune said that Community First Bank has done more than 50 SNAP applications since 2011 and is happy to serve the community through the program.

"Ms. Jones was so excited to learn of the program," said Mr. LeJeune. "It's truly amazing to know we can provide assistance to residents in need through the SNAP."

FHLB Dallas First Vice President and Director of Community Investment Greg Hettrick praises Community First Bank for utilizing the program.

"Community First Bank is a valued supporter of the SNAP," said Mr. Hettrick. "This program exists to assist elderly and disabled homeowners who cannot afford home repairs. Community First Bank's commitment to improving the lives of these homeowners is an inspiration and we hope to continue this partnership for many years to come."

Mr. LeJeune adds that the program has not only been rewarding, but also seamless, stating that it has been one of the "smoothest programs" he's been involved with.

"Being involved with the SNAP has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my 35 years of banking," he said.

As for Ms. Jones, she is no longer afraid to have visitors in her home and has a new pep in her step. "The program gave me a little bit of hope to get up in the morning," she said. "I thank God for the blessing to be able to walk on a floor that's not going to fall in."

About Community First Bank

In the late 1990s, a group of Iberia Parish business leaders recognized the need to create a financial institution that would serve the unique needs of the local community. On May 10, 1999, they founded a bank, employing 10 local veteran bankers with a philosophy of superlative service. From modest beginnings in a modular banking facility that housed both retail delivery and back office operations to present-day seven bank branches, plus a recently purchased facility that will house all operations, Main Office Branch, Lending, and Administration, we are 90-plus employees strong and growing. Our business model of offering competitive banking products, investing in technology to provide fast and secure access to your money, and local decision-making by seasoned lenders has created an ideal banking environment to meet the demands of local communities. As the bank continues to grow and expand in neighboring parishes, excellence in customer service will always be our primary goal. For more information about Community First Bank, visit cfirstbank.com.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $49.5 billion as of March 31, 2016, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 850 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.

Contact:



Corporate Communications

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

www.fhlb.com

(214) 441-8445

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150126/171462LOGO



SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

Related Links

http://www.fhlb.com


WASHINGTON, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a letter from 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative:

Dear Mr. President: We write with great urgency regarding the dire crisis continuing to unfold in northeastern and central Nigeria, much of it as the direct result of Boko Haram. Just yesterday, in the Washington Post, Kevin Sieff noted, "Thousands of Boko Haram victims are on the verge of starvation in northeastern Nigeria." Six people, on average, are dying every day from malnutrition. According to Medicins Sans Frontieres, "on certain days more than 30 people were dying due to hunger and illness," and that 66 percent of the children they screened were emaciated.

This is in addition to a recent Refugees International report which quoted a top UN official as saying, "Nigeria is our biggest failure." Another chief UN humanitarian official described the Lake Chad region as the "world's most neglected humanitarian crisis."

Should Nigeria further fracture it would also constitute one of the greatest security threats in West Africa. The Global Terrorism Index now considers Boko Haram the most lethal terrorist organization in the world with the Fulani militants of Nigeria's Middle Belt the fourth deadliest. Our own research indicates that in just the first four months of this year, there was a 190% increase in people killed by Fulani militants.

Earlier this year, we, along with others from the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, traveled to Nigeria and witnessed first-hand what is taking place. We met with over 500 people, drove through entire villages burned to the ground, visited with families forced to live in caves to elude terrorists, and heard firsthand testimony of communities surviving by eating grass. We have continued to liaise with those affected on the ground, diaspora groups, Congressional offices and State Department officials, and just released a report, "Nigeria: Fractured and Forgotten."

The crisis in Nigeria and the surrounding countries is larger than Boko Haram and cannot continue unaddressed. We are grateful you and your Administration have already designated Boko Haram as an FTO and offered significant assistance to Nigeria. However, given that this is the world's most neglected humanitarian crisis and one of the most significant security threats in West Africa, we believe what is needed is a Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

A Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region directly reporting to Assistant Secretary of State Linda Thomas-Greenfield could relate to Boko Haram, terrorism, IDP's, refugees, psycho-social care, etc. It is our firm belief that the United States and other Western nations have a vested interest in confronting one of the worst humanitarian crises of our day. The appointment of a Special Envoy would send a strong signal and further strengthen American leadership.

We urge you and your Administration to act quickly and appoint a Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

Thank you for your consideration.

Randel Everett

President, 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative

Frank R. Wolf

Distinguished Senior Fellow

The full report with recommendations can be accessed at www.standwithnigeria.org

SOURCE 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative

Related Links

http://www.standwithnigeria.org/


SAN FRANCISCO and BOSTON and HAMILTON, Ontario, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North America's leading scleroderma advocacy and research organizations are holding a virtual flash mob June 29 to raise awareness of the rare disorder. The social media event takes place on World Scleroderma Day after the nonprofits hosted more than 100 walks, tributes and fundraisers during the month.

scleroderma. hard word. harder disease.

Scleroderma Foundation, Scleroderma Research Foundation and Scleroderma Society of Canada partnered again this year during June Scleroderma Awareness Month, combining marketing efforts to boost awareness and spark compassion. This is the third consecutive year that the agencies have worked together under the name "Hard word. Harder disease." Their efforts have grown the scleroderma network and boosted online buzz and engagement.

New this year is a virtual flash mob through Thunderclap. The partners and supporters worldwide will use the social media tool to share a campaign message at the same time across Facebook and Twitter. On June 29, World Scleroderma Day, the message will encourage people to learn about scleroderma and tell others about the disease. To join the flash mob, visit Thunderclap.

The campaign theme touches on the difficulty of the word and the gravity of scleroderma, a rare disease with no known cause or cure. It has run across partner Facebook and Twitter channels (#hardword) throughout the month, with visuals and copy that educate and challenge people to take a pledge to tell one person about the disease. The campaign has also leveraged a blogger network and a microsite, www.HardWord.org , with general information about and links to additional resources.

Scleroderma is a crippling autoimmune disorder characterized by a thickening and hardening of the skin that is so severe, it steals away the use of patients' fingers, hands and limbs. As it advances across their bodies, the uncontrolled growth of fibrous tissue can damage patients' hearts, lungs and other organs, often leading to a prolonged and painful death.

Scleroderma Foundation

The Scleroderma Foundation is the national organization for people with scleroderma, their families and friends. Headquartered in the metro Boston area in Danvers, Mass., the Foundation has a network of 21 chapters and 160 support groups committed to carrying out the three-fold mission of support, education and research. The Scleroderma Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit funders of peer-reviewed medical research, in 2015 making available $2 million in new research grants to find the cause, better treatments and a cure for scleroderma.

Scleroderma Research Foundation

The Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) was established in 1987 by patient turned activist Sharon Monsky when research on this potentially life threatening illness was nearly nonexistent. Since our founding, we've stood firm in our belief that the best way to help scleroderma patients is to fund medical research aimed at improved therapies and a cure. Today, we are one of the nation's largest nonprofit investors in scleroderma research. Patients and their loved ones find hope in the fact the SRF is dedicated exclusively to funding medical research that will help them live longer, fuller lives.

Scleroderma Society of Canada

The Scleroderma Society of Canada serves as an advocate nationally for those affected by the disease and works collaboratively with regional scleroderma organizations and the international scleroderma community to achieve common objectives. The Scleroderma Society of Canada is committed to promoting public awareness, supporting those affected by scleroderma and funding research to find a cure. Until then, we will work to improve the quality of life for those with scleroderma.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160624/383291

SOURCE Scleroderma Foundation

Related Links

http://www.scleroderma.org


BOSTON, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- OpFocus, Inc., a Salesforce Gold Consulting Partner, will celebrate its 10th anniversary in July. David Carnes, Founder and CEO started the company in 2006 with a $1000 investment in a laptop and a passion for systems and business operations. Now, ten years later, OpFocus has grown to more than 30 people working in the United States and Canada.

OpFocus' first client in 2006 was a New York City based software company in need of a complete relaunch of its Salesforce instance across marketing, sales and services. In many ways, 10 years later, that focus has not changed. Carnes, shared, "While we have always centered on providing services related to Salesforce and the ecosphere around it, we have maintained a dedication to optimizing business operations- and that has made all the difference."

When asked about top themes in the Salesforce world in starting its second decade of operations, Carnes is quick to list out the following three:

"Managed Services are an increasingly important option for companies that leverage marketing automation, CPQ, BI, and integrations within their Salesforce environment. Companies require both strategic and hands-on experience to establish a roadmap and ensure system success. With its Managed Services offering, OpFocus shares its bench strength with clients across a variety of technologies." "SteelBrick CPQ will transform how companies handle configuration, pricing and quoting. This impacts everything from sales rep productivity to forecast accuracy. Combined with a business intelligence platform such as Wave Analytics, companies will be able to measure price performance and sales effectiveness." "It has long been true that systems slowly die unless we make life easier for the end user. The introduction and evolution of Salesforce's Lightning Experience, along with Salesforce's emphasis on mobile, ensures we have the tools to dramatically improve end user experience and productivity."

This anniversary marks a major milestone for Carnes and his team at OpFocus.

About OpFocus, Inc.

Founded in 2006, OpFocus provides CRM consulting, project management and custom software development to organizations looking to improve business and marketing operations. OpFocus system architects, consultants, project managers and developers have collectively helped over 400 clients globally and hold more than 60 professional certifications in SaaS technologies and project management. The company is headquartered in Burlington, MA and Toronto, ON.

SOURCE OpFocus, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.opfocus.com


NEW YORK, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Below are experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area.

You can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network  it's easy and free! Just fill out the query form to get started: http://prn.to/alertswire.

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The Financial Cost of Cancer for Young Adults

Heat Wave Safety Tips

Migraines: Pill-Free Alternatives Now an Option

Don't Let Painful Bites and Stings Put a Damper on Summer Fun

The Do's and Don'ts of a Productive Psychic Reading

MEDIA JOBS

Copy Editor/ Page Designer  Boston Herald (MA)

 Boston Herald (MA) Digital Journalist  PGA.com (PA)

Associate Producer  CNBC (NJ)

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

Getting Personal: Writing Essays From the Heart

PR Newswire Media Moves: June 20 Edition

Edition ProfNet Success Story: Michelle Dutro , The Game Changer Podcast

EXPERT ALERTS:

Paul Ryan's Obamacare Replacement Announcement

Kosali Simon, Ph.D.

Professor, Health Economist

Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs

"Most would agree special interests had influence over shaping of the ACA, and that lobbying continues; however, it's likely that any replacement plan would face similar political realities. What makes me wonder is what political experts would think of the chance that a replacement plan would be immune to such criticism."

Bio: https://spea.indiana.edu/faculty-research/directory/profiles/faculty/full-time/simon-kosali.html

Website: https://www.iu.edu

Contact: Agata Porter, [email protected]

Traditional Healthcare Channels Not Meeting Patients' Needs

Jennifer Gingrass

Principal

ECG Management Consultants

The inability to receive care when they need it is driving an increasing number of patients to switch providers or abandon traditional office-based care settings altogether. At the root of this frustration is the fact that many organizations employ a decades-old, provider-centric gatekeeper model that clogs the patient pathway with tightly controlled appointment scheduling, restricted hours of operation, and limited care providers and settings. Research indicates, that accessibility may be the main determinant of why patients stay with a provider or leave a practice, not performance or expertise. Exposed gaps in access have also allowed a new wave of nontraditional competitors to flood markets, lure patients away from office settings, and disrupt traditional care delivery models. In response, remaining competitive in the marketplace requires healthcare providers and organizations to proactively reexamine their care delivery strategies and embrace new approaches for expanding access to care. And while greater efforts are certainly being made to improve patient access, what's been achieved is not yet good enough. Says Gingrass: "It is time to accept that the traditional channels through which care is offered are not meeting patients' health needs and expectations. More importantly, it's time to do something about it. In order to truly improve patient access, health systems and provider organizations must break down their existing frameworks for care delivery and adopt innovative strategies in redesigning how, when, and where care is provided."

Based in Chicago, Gingrass is well known for her expertise in the area of patient access in value-based care. She is a frequent speaker at American Medical Group Association and Healthcare Financial Management Association industry meetings. Most recently, she was quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/jennifergingrass_ecg

Website: http://www.ecgmc.com

Contact: Kimberly Miller, [email protected]

Knowing the Causes of Joint Pain Can Help You Treat It

Eugene Sims

Physiotherapist, Naturopath

Warkworth Natural Therapies

"So many people don't really know what the causes of joint pain are. If you don't know what all the causes of joint pain are (specific to you), then it makes it very hard to help yourself! One of the greatest misunderstandings is that there is little that you can do to help yourself with arthritis. There are a host of things you can do to help arthritis pain that are not expensive and can be done in your own home."

In his search to relieve pain from arthritis, specifically his own early-onset osteoarthritis, Sims discovered a natural, cost-effective method to eliminate pain and joint restriction. With more than 20 years of clinical experience in treating arthritis, he has developed a system for arthritis sufferers to treat themselves. He is the author of "Freedom From Arthritis," which outlines his process. He also writes a bimonthly column for his local newspaper, speaks with audiences on the topic, and blogs on his website.

Website: www.freedomfromarthritis.com

Contact: Penny Sansevieri, [email protected]

The Financial Cost of Cancer for Young Adults

Samantha Watson

Founder/CEO

The Samfund

"What seems like an unimaginable event -- getting diagnosed with cancer as a young person -- actually happens 10 times an hour, every hour, all year in this country. Getting that kind of news, whether it's hitting you or a friend, should be something we all prepare for. The odds are higher than we think that someone we know will be diagnosed with cancer, and the consequences are more wide-ranging than most can fathom."

The Samfund was founded in 2003 by Watson, a two-time young adult cancer survivor. It is the first and largest nonprofit organization in the United States to focus solely on addressing the financial implications of a cancer diagnosis on young adults and provide direct support to individuals, regardless of where they live or their specific cancer diagnosis. Watson is available to discuss financial toxicity as a side effect of cancer treatment; costs of cancer and the effects on young adult cancer survivors; and financial resources for young adult cancer survivors. She is based in Boston.

Abstract: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cam4.657/abstract

Website: http://www.thesamfund.org

Contact: Michele Bennett, [email protected]

Heat Wave Safety Tips

Joe Alton, M.D.

Disaster Preparedness Expert

"How exactly does heat kill a person? Your body core regulates its temperature for optimal organ function. When core body temperature rises excessively (known as 'hyperthermia'), damage occurs that leak toxins, cause cell death, and major inflammation. These deaths can occur very quickly without intervention, even in those who are physically fit. Even in modern times, hyperthermia carries a 10% death rate, mostly in the elderly and infirm. The ill effects due to overheating are called 'heat exhaustion' if mild to moderate; if severe, these effects are referred to as 'heat stroke.' Heat exhaustion usually does not result in permanent damage, but heat stroke does; indeed, it can permanently disable or even kill its victim. It is a medical emergency that must be diagnosed and treated promptly."

Dr. Alton shares these recommendations to prevent heat stroke: 1) Drink at least two liters (about a half-gallon) of water per day if you are mostly indoors, and one to two additional liters for every hour of outdoor time. Drink before you feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. 2) Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and use a sun hat or an umbrella to deflect the sun's rays. 3) Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones. 4) Avoid strenuous activity. 5) Stay indoors as much as possible. 6) Take regular breaks if you must exert yourself on warm days.

Alton is a disaster preparedness expert, member of the Wilderness Medical Society, and New York Times/Amazon bestselling author of "Survival Medicine Handbook" and the just-released and timely "Zika Virus Handbook." He is a well-known speaker and host of "The Doom and Bloom Survival Medicine Hour" syndicated podcast.

Website: www.doomandbloom.net

Contact: Ryan McCormick, [email protected]

Migraines: Pill-Free Alternatives Now an Option

Stephen Silberstein, M.D.

Neurologist, Director of the Jefferson Headache Center

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

While migraines are difficult enough to deal with on their own, many sufferers experience side effects from the medications prescribed to ease their recurring head pain. In a study of 1,200 migraine sufferers published in the journal Headache, two-thirds delayed or avoided taking their current prescription due to concerns or experiences with side effects. Those on triptans -- commonly prescribed for migraines -- and other prescription medications reported sleepiness, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty thinking. Dr. Silberstein says: "If the side effects compound the situation or further impact a migraine patient's functioning, the person just won't take them and suffer through the migraine, instead, as it runs its course. I advise that patients consider alternative, no-pill options, such as Stopain Migraine, as a first step for migraine pain relief, because if they respond well to the topical gel alone, they can actually avoid taking the prescription, and, if they don't respond to the topical, they still have the option of the oral therapy, since there are no known drug interactions with this topical formula."

Dr. Silberstein conducted an observational study at the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University to prove Stopain Migraine's efficacy. He is available, for interview to offer tips on how to manage migraine pain or the details about the study.

Contact: Laura Giardina, [email protected]

Don't Let Painful Bites and Stings Put a Damper on Summer Fun

Larry Kalkstein, Ph.D.

Climatologist, Professor of Public Health Sciences

Miller School of Sciences, University of Miami

Nothing will stop a fun summer day outdoors in its tracks like a painful sting you aren't prepared to deal with. Dr. Kalkstein says: "Stinging creatures, such as fire ants and bees, are readily amongst us and, while their intention is not to do harm to us, humans often interrupt their regimens, resulting in stings. If you can't avoid the painful bites and stings of summer from creatures like jelly fish, bees or fire ants, you want real medicine at the site of the sting(s) or bite, like Fire-Out, a new roll-on that provides fast pain relief from fire ants, or Sting-Kill, the number-one choice of pharmacists for bee stings and bug bites."

Dr. Kalkstein is available to offer unique tips to avoid painful bites and stings and even share fun ways to protect the bees. He is an expert for Sting-Kill and Fire Out external anesthetics for the treatment of bee stings and bug bites.

Contact: Laura Giardina, [email protected]

The Do's and Don'ts of a Productive Psychic Reading

Lisa Caza

Author and Psychic Clairvoyant

"There are times in life when direction is welcomed, and psychics or mediums can indeed help. A psychic reading is a spiritual session where the reader receives information about you in the form of messages, symbols, or images that come from the spiritual plane. A reading is a communication of what your spirit guides or loved ones from the 'other side' want you to be aware of and the best direction that is best for you at that time."

Caza can discuss how to prepare yourself so that you get the most bang for your buck when you obtain a reading from a psychic or medium. She can also offer do's and don'ts to keep in mind when seeking a psychic reading, including: Do prepare yourself. Do have a purpose for your reading. Do clear your mind and heart. Do give some feedback -- if you feel that the reader is on the wrong track, speak up. Do take a few deep, cleansing breathes before the reading. Do try to generate loving peaceful energy around you. Do be realistic. Do take the reading seriously. Do have a positive attitude. Do have fun! Don'ts: Don't expect the spiritual counselor to make decisions for you  they can provide good insights, guidance and second opinions, but they can't run your life and won't run your life; use a reading as an additional source of information. Don't play games; playing "stump the psychic" is a waste of valuable time and of your own money, and will also make the spiritual counselor lose their enthusiasm and interest in reading for you. Don't have a reading if you have just taken drugs or used alcohol; even the best readers will have a difficult time to see through the fog of those substances. Don't have a negative attitude; you may just get a reading that focuses on the negativity in your life.

Caza is available for interviews and can take live calls from your audience. She has been a professional clairvoyant medium for 20 years. She is a frequent contributor on the nationally syndicated "Outer Limits of Inner Truth" radio show. She has appeared on numerous popular psychic websites, such as Mystic Playground, Psychic Link, Psychic Contact, and Global Psychics, and has made numerous appearances on many radio talk shows.

Websites: www.lisacaza.com and www.outerlimitsradio.com

Contact: Ryan McCormick, [email protected]

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers, editors and producers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/community/jobs/

Copy Editor/ Page Designer  Boston Herald (MA)

 Boston Herald (MA) Digital Journalist  PGA.com (PA)

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OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line.

GETTING PERSONAL: WRITING ESSAYS FROM THE HEART. Writing a successful essay is more than just about sharing your deepest feelings about your family, friends and life in general. At the recent ASJA Writers Conference, four leading experts explored what it takes to be true to yourself on the page while finding a home for your words in the marketplace: http://prn.to/28IwzA5

PR NEWSWIRE MEDIA MOVES: JUNE 20 EDITION. Updating your media contact lists? Here's who's in and who's out at USA Today, TheStreet.com, Washington Business Journal, Education Week, Reason, Town & Country, Financial Times, Richmond Times-Dispatch, CBS News, Popular Science and more: http://prn.to/28JsuYh

EDITION. Updating your media contact lists? Here's who's in and who's out at Today, TheStreet.com, Washington Business Journal, Education Week, Reason, Town & Country, Financial Times, Richmond Times-Dispatch, CBS News, Popular Science and more: http://prn.to/28JsuYh PROFNET SUCCESS STORY: MICHELLE DUTRO , THE GAME CHANGER PODCAST. For this month's featured success story, we caught up with Michelle Dutro , host of The Game Changer Podcast (www.thegamechangerpodcast.com). Dutro tells us she has had a lot of success using ProfNet to find guests, so we asked her to share her insight on how she uses ProfNet to find sources, and how other podcasters and journalist can take advantage of the network of experts: http://prn.to/michelledutro

PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150416/199234LOGO

SOURCE ProfNet

Related Links

http://www.profnet.com


BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading luxury swimwear brand RELLECIGA took this June's Bratislava Fashion Days by storm, turning up the heat at Eastern Europe's biggest fashion event with leading supermodel Karolina Mikova. The exclusive bikini brand co-sponsored the occasion with luxury car-maker Mercedes Benz.

Bratislava Fashion Days was held on June 20 in the heart of Bratislava, Slovakia's stunning capital. The event has been running for over ten years, and is a must-attend for European fashion followers. It is particularly celebrated for featuring a blend of well-known names and exciting new designers. This isn't the first time RELLECIGA has supported Bratislava Fashion Days: the brand also featured in the Summer 2015 and Spring 2016 events, and was greeted with huge support.

European CEO Marian Glett explained why fans love RELLECIGA, and why RELLECIGA is a perfect fit for Bratislava Fashion Days. "Each RELLECIGA bikini is unique to the designer, and this means that our bikinis are not only top-quality, but also extremely varied in terms of colors, lines, and ideas  creating a range that satisfies even the biggest of shopping lovers. What's more," he continued, "RELLEIGA's attention to unique details means our designs really stand out, and each one has a distinctive way of highlighting the beauty of the female body".

As well as being skilled at creating beautiful, sexy pieces, RELLECIGA's designers are also closely attuned to global fashion trends. Lace is undoubtedly the hottest trend of this summer, inspiring RELLECIGA designers to create super-fashionable and intricately crafted lace bikini sets.

RELLECIGA's runway outfits also proved that the brand is still at the cutting edge of fashion: outfits were carefully accessorized with sunglasses, hats, and trendy sandals, giving a complete summer look. RELLECIGA's lead stylist Michaela, who designed all of the runway outfits, said, "We wanted to show the audience how our bikinis should be worn in real life. After all, a beach outfit isn't finished without stylish accessories!"

About RELLECIGA

RELLECIGA is a leading international bikini brand with a mission to design swimwear as beautiful as the woman wearing it. The first bikini brand to feature in New York's iconic Times Square, RELLECIGA is known for creating swimwear that is unique and sexy without compromising on quality. RELLEIGA is also the creator of the versatile and innovative RIKINI, the first bikini that can be worn six ways.

Website: http://www.relleciga.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Relleciga

Instagram: http://instagram.com/rellecigaswimwear

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RELLECIGABIKINI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RellecigaSwimwear

SOURCE http://www.relleciga.com

Related Links

http://www.relleciga.com/


WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rail Europe, the largest distributor of European rail products worldwide, invites travellers to explore Switzerland's charming cities, stunning high-altitude adventures, and beautiful blue lakes by rail this summer at a discount. In partnership with Switzerland Tourism and Swiss Travel System, Rail Europe offers travellers the chance to save $60 when they book a 1st Class Swiss Travel Pass and Express Luggage in the same booking using coupon code SWISSLUGGAGE60, between now and August 30, 2016*.

Save on Switzerland: Discounts from Rail Europe

With Express Luggage, travellers can sit back, relax and savour Switzerland's breath-taking views right from their train window, without having to worry about schlepping suitcases, bags, skis, snowboards, sleds, and strollers with them. The convenient Express Luggage service delivers travellers' luggage from a number of train stations in Switzerland directly to their rail station destination. Express Luggage delivery is provided between more than 30 select train stations throughout Switzerland, including Adelboden, Bern, Engelberg, Gstaad, Lausanne, Montreux, St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Zurich.

The Swiss Travel Pass offers extensive travel and sightseeing options for travellers to create memorable adventures. Travellers with the pass will receive:

Extensive travel on the Swiss Travel System including rail, lake steamers, and postal buses

Access to Switzerland's scenic trains, including the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, GoldenPass Line and Wilhelm Tell Express

scenic trains, including the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, GoldenPass Line and Wilhelm Tell Express Free travel on public transportation in 75 towns and cities

Free access to over 490 Swiss museums

Up to 50% discount on mountain railways and cable cars

Families can enjoy even more savings, as children under the age of 16 travel free with a parent or legal guardian. When traveling with children 6 to 15 years of age, simply request a free Swiss Family Card when booking your Swiss Travel Pass. Children under 6 do not require a rail pass or family card.

Although not included in this current promotion, for passengers flying into Switzerland from other countries, Rail Europe also provides Express Flight Luggage. With Express Flight Luggage service, travellers' luggage is delivered via Zurich or Geneva airport directly to their final destination train station in Switzerland, or to a Swiss address, from any airport in the world, irrespective of the airline company with which they fly. Travellers can save time waiting at the airport to pick up checked bags, and simply get on their way to their ultimate destination.***

Prices begin at $356 USD** for the 3-day 1st class Swiss Travel Pass, and Express Luggage starts at $43 USD** for one piece of luggage. Additional pieces of luggage are only $13 USD** each.

Take advantage of these savings and book by visiting Rail Europe's website at raileurope.com, or connect with travel experts at Rail Europe's award-winning customer care centre by phone, or live chat on the website.

*TERMS & CONDITIONS:

From June 24, 2016 through 5:00 PM ET on August 30, 2016, enter coupon code SWISSLUGGAGE60 during checkout on delivery page to receive $60 off your booking of First Class Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Express Luggage. A First Class Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Express Luggage Voucher must be booked together in the same booking to receive the discount. One coupon code per booking may be applied. Offer is limited to the first 390 bookings, or until the promotion's end date of 5:00 PM ET August 30, 2016, whichever comes first. Offer is subject to change or extension without notice at Rail Europe's sole discretion. No adjustment can be made on prior purchases. For refunds, the unused Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Express Luggage Voucher must be returned together for refund review. Refund, if applicable will only be processed if the Swiss Travel Pass and Express Luggage Voucher is completely unused. Refunds are subject to cancellation fees.

**Prices are subject to change.

***Express Flight Luggage not included in promotion

About Rail Europe

Rail Europe represents more than 50 European train companies and is a one-stop shop for European rail travel planning and booking. Rail Europe, Inc., is the largest distributor of European rail products in North America, offering a wide range of passes and train tickets to North American travellers. An essential part of the vacation planning process, the company's Web site offers a user-friendly booking engine, knowledgeable experts, online rail pass finder, virtual tours, interactive maps and much more. Rail Europe provides a worry-free, cost and time-effective and seamless travel experience by enabling customers to purchase tickets and plan travel details in advance.

For more information or to book a trip with Rail Europe, visit raileurope.com . Trips can also be reserved by speaking to a Rail Europe Travel Consultant at 1-800-438-7245 (U.S.), 1-800-361-7245 (Canada) or 1-888-337-8687 (Mexico). To book rail for groups of 10 or more, please contact the Group Department at https://www.raileurope.com/group-travel/group-travel.html.

For the latest Rail Europe news, downloadable videos and high-resolution photos of European trains, media can visit the newsroom at https://www.raileurope.com/about-us/about-us.html.

Connect with Rail Europe on:

Facebook

Twitter (@RailEurope)

Instagram

Youtube

Google+

Pinterest

Blog

About Switzerland Tourism

Switzerland Tourism is the official National Tourist Office of Switzerland and operates in 30 countries around the world with the goal of promoting Switzerland as a travel, vacation and convention destination. In North America, Switzerland Tourism operates offices in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto.

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/home.html

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/383069

SOURCE Rail Europe

Related Links

http://www.raileurope.com


LOS ANGELES, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Signature Kitchen Suite, a new brand of luxury built-in kitchen appliances, was officially launched today in the United States at Dwell on Design Los Angeles 2016 (Booth #1303).

Signature Kitchen Suite

Signature Kitchen Suite is a breakthrough new luxury line of home appliances driven by innovation, performance and service. From Wi-Fi-enabled appliances* and faster-heating stovetops, to preeminent convection baking and a more intelligently designed refrigerator, the Signature Kitchen Suite line of luxury appliances is the first-ever kitchen to deliver top-of-the-line cooking innovations and performance-based features, incomparable service and sleek, modern design for a truly unique and extraordinary kitchen experience.

Designed to inspire creativity in the kitchen to match the extraordinary nature of the consumers who use it, the collection comprises a built-in side-by-side refrigerator, a counter-depth French door refrigerator, gas and electric slide-in ranges and gas and electric cooktops, a double wall oven, a dishwasher and an over-the-range microwave and ventilation hood. They not only serve consumers' culinary demands, but also enhance the entire kitchen experience.

To celebrate the launch of Signature Kitchen Suite, brand advocates and leading tastemakers Celebrity Stylist June Ambrose, Lifestyle Expert Lo Bosworth of The Lo Down and Artist Donald Robertson will co-create signature meals with Dwell on Design attendees (Los Angeles Convention Center, Booth #1303).

The Signature Kitchen Suite will initially be available at select Pacific Sales in Southern California starting this month, with plans for a broader national rollout throughout the year. Visitors to the Signature Kitchen Suite booth (Los Angeles Convention Center, Booth #1303) will be able to see the luxury kitchen appliances for themselves.

"Signature Kitchen Suite marries luxury and elegant design with advanced technology and superior customer service, giving consumers the opportunity to transform their kitchen and make their mark in ways never-before imaginable," said Zach Elkin, general manager, Signature Kitchen Suite. "The new Signature Kitchen Suite embodies the style and personality that American families bring to the kitchen, delivered in an innovative, aesthetically pleasing package that will elevate the decor of any high-end kitchen."

When it comes to technology, Signature Kitchen Suite's performance and features abound, helping take any home chef from amateur to pro, Elkin explained. As the only kitchen suite where every appliance* is Wi-Fi-enabled, the consumer will get push notifications to know that the appliances are working properly and efficiently. Other innovations include ProHeat Convection technology, which takes the heating element from the bottom of the appliance and puts it in the back wall, similar to those found in commercial grade kitchens. This advanced heat distribution technology ensures even cooking results, every time.

Designed with every performance need in mind married to expert craftsmanship, Signature Kitchen Suite appliances have seamless, luxurious contours at every edge and bold, durable handles and knobs  taking luxury kitchen design to the next level. The elegant forms of each stainless steel appliance facilitate smooth interactions so they not only look beautiful but also make cooking an effortless affair. For instance, the GlideShut Door makes opening and closing doors extremely smooth, even in a rush. The side-by-side refrigerator has extra space so you can host the most extravagant of dinner parties. Adjustable shelves let you tailor your storage to anything from a pitcher of sangria to a roasted turkey. And when it comes to heat, Signature Kitchen Suite's RapidHeat burners possess more BTUs, which means cooktops burn hotter.

Customer service is paramount for the Signature Kitchen Suite brand. Through Wi-Fi connectivity with SmartThinQ, homeowners can stay in touch with their Signature Kitchen Suite appliances through a mobile device. At the push of a button, consumers can monitor appliances remotely, receive push notifications via their mobile phone or tablet if any issues arise and even report errors straight to the industry leading personal Kitchen Concierge available through the Signature At Your Service app. From installation to routine maintenance and repairs, the Kitchen Concierge is there to support consumers for the life of their product, bringing new levels of freedom and flow to their lives, in and out of the kitchen.

The new Signature Kitchen Suite portfolio includes:

Signature Kitchen Suite Built-in Side-by-Side Refrigerator

This refrigerator has a very large capacity, boasting an enormous 25.6 cubic feet. It also includes the SmartSpace System ice dispenser, which allows users to still have usable door bins and an obstruction-free top shelf, maximizing storage space. Smart Cooling Plus technology is designed to maintain superior temperature conditions. The refrigerator's Linear Compressor, backed with a 10-year warranty, and Dual Evaporators react quickly to humidity and temperature levels to maintain foods' freshness. Incorporating flat doors, a stainless steel dispenser and touch control, LED lighting and distinctive door handles, this refrigerator is carefully built to upgrade the design aesthetic of any kitchen.

(Model UPSXB2627S)

This refrigerator has a very large capacity, boasting an enormous 25.6 cubic feet. It also includes the SmartSpace System ice dispenser, which allows users to still have usable door bins and an obstruction-free top shelf, maximizing storage space. Smart Cooling Plus technology is designed to maintain superior temperature conditions. The refrigerator's Linear Compressor, backed with a 10-year warranty, and Dual Evaporators react quickly to humidity and temperature levels to maintain foods' freshness. Incorporating flat doors, a stainless steel dispenser and touch control, LED lighting and distinctive door handles, this refrigerator is carefully built to upgrade the design aesthetic of any kitchen. (Model UPSXB2627S) Signature Kitchen Suite 3-Door French Door Counter-Depth Refrigerator

This three-door, 23.7-cubic-foot French Door refrigerator features a sleek flat door design, water dispenser with luxury stainless steel finish, LED lighting and solid, distinctive door handles. Door-in-Door technology on this ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator provides better organization and easy access to consumers' favorite items. Smart Cooling Plus technology is designed to maintain superior conditions within the refrigerator. The Linear Compressor and Dual Evaporators react quickly to humidity and temperature levels and help keep your food fresher, longer.

(Model UPFXC2466S)

This three-door, 23.7-cubic-foot French Door refrigerator features a sleek flat door design, water dispenser with luxury stainless steel finish, LED lighting and solid, distinctive door handles. Door-in-Door technology on this ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator provides better organization and easy access to consumers' favorite items. Smart Cooling Plus technology is designed to maintain superior conditions within the refrigerator. The Linear Compressor and Dual Evaporators react quickly to humidity and temperature levels and help keep your food fresher, longer. (Model UPFXC2466S) Signature Kitchen Suite Slide-in Ranges and Cooktops

These new 6.3-cubic-footlarge-capacity pro-style slide-in ranges  available in both gas and electric configurations  feature flat-design control panels and robust, durable metal knobs. ProHeat Convection technology, with the heating element placed in the rear of the oven as opposed to the bottom, delivers more precise, even cooking results on every rack every time. The ranges also feature SpeedClean, the 10-minute, fast oven cleaning feature that offers easier, more convenient cleaning thanks to innovative oven enamel technology. The gas range features one of the most powerful burners in its class, RapidHeat Burner, capable of reaching 18,500 BTUs, while the heating elements on the electric range consist of dual cooktops capable of reaching 3,200 watts. Gas and electric cooktops are also available as part of the Signature Kitchen Suite, offering homeowners even more options for a truly built-in, customizable kitchen.

(Models: gas range UPSG3014ST, electric range UPSE3024ST, 30-inch gas cooktop UPCG3054ST, 36-inch gas cooktop UPCG3654ST, 30-inch electric cooktop UPCE3064ST and 36-inch electric cooktop UPCE3664ST)

These new 6.3-cubic-footlarge-capacity pro-style slide-in ranges  available in both gas and electric configurations  feature flat-design control panels and robust, durable metal knobs. ProHeat Convection technology, with the heating element placed in the rear of the oven as opposed to the bottom, delivers more precise, even cooking results on every rack every time. The ranges also feature SpeedClean, the 10-minute, fast oven cleaning feature that offers easier, more convenient cleaning thanks to innovative oven enamel technology. The gas range features one of the most powerful burners in its class, RapidHeat Burner, capable of reaching 18,500 BTUs, while the heating elements on the electric range consist of dual cooktops capable of reaching 3,200 watts. Gas and electric cooktops are also available as part of the Signature Kitchen Suite, offering homeowners even more options for a truly built-in, customizable kitchen. (Models: gas range UPSG3014ST, electric range UPSE3024ST, 30-inch gas cooktop UPCG3054ST, 36-inch gas cooktop UPCG3654ST, 30-inch electric cooktop UPCE3064ST and 36-inch electric cooktop UPCE3664ST) Signature Kitchen Suite Double and Single Wall Oven

The double wall oven features a flat design control panel, durable metal knob and professional-style handles that provide a professional-grade aesthetic. Each oven boasts 4.7-cubic-foot capacity, allowing home chefs to cook multiple dishes at one time, resulting in timely presentation and quality food. The ovens also feature SpeedClean technology, the simple three step system that provides a quick and convenient way to clean the oven.

(Double Wall Oven - Model UPWD3034ST and Single Wall Oven - Model UPWS3044ST)

The double wall oven features a flat design control panel, durable metal knob and professional-style handles that provide a professional-grade aesthetic. Each oven boasts 4.7-cubic-foot capacity, allowing home chefs to cook multiple dishes at one time, resulting in timely presentation and quality food. The ovens also feature SpeedClean technology, the simple three step system that provides a quick and convenient way to clean the oven. (Double Wall Oven - Model UPWD3034ST and Single Wall Oven - Model UPWS3044ST) Signature Kitchen Suite Dishwasher

Sleek, stainless steel touch controls on this dishwasher allow for the adjustment of settings with the touch of a finger. The SmartRack system allows for numerous rack configurations. QuadWash technology enables more powerful washing and cycles that take less time to complete, while the powerful yet gentle PowerSteam works to help eliminate the need to pre-wash. The built-in PowerSteam generator also enables gentle cleaning for fragile items (like stemware), and can also be used for heavy-duty cleaning like pots and pans. This dishwasher is one of the quietest in its class, performing at only 40 decibels.

(Model UPDF9904ST)

Sleek, stainless steel touch controls on this dishwasher allow for the adjustment of settings with the touch of a finger. The SmartRack system allows for numerous rack configurations. QuadWash technology enables more powerful washing and cycles that take less time to complete, while the powerful yet gentle PowerSteam works to help eliminate the need to pre-wash. The built-in PowerSteam generator also enables gentle cleaning for fragile items (like stemware), and can also be used for heavy-duty cleaning like pots and pans. This dishwasher is one of the quietest in its class, performing at only 40 decibels. (Model UPDF9904ST) Signature Kitchen Suite Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

This new over-the-range microwave oven features a sleek flat door design, metal dial knob, distinctive handles and a luxury stainless steel touch control panel and finish. The unit is equipped with convection technology, which allows the microwave to serve as a second oven perfect for preheating, browning, baking or even roasting any favorite dish, as well as sensor cooking technology, a humidity-sending technology that determines when food is cooked and automatically turns off the microwave to help prevent the over or under cooking of meals.

(Model UPMC3084ST)

*With the exception of the Signature Kitchen Suite Range Hood.

About Signature Kitchen Suite

Your kitchen is where life happens. It's a stage where you put on your best performances, creating cuisine, memories and impressions. It's a canvas where you make your personal statements, each day. Thus, we designed our Signature Kitchen Suite to embody the excitement, style and personalization that you and your family bring to the kitchen. From WIFI-enabled ovens to faster heating cooktops to more intelligently designed refrigerators, our elegant suite of innovative appliances not only serves your culinary demands, it enhances your total kitchen experience. The kitchen is indeed a magical place with endless possibilities. Signature kitchens bring those possibilities to life in the most extraordinary ways.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/383073

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/383042LOGO

SOURCE Signature Kitchen Suite
MIAMI, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Soapbox Soaps co-founder David Simnick visited Camillus House in Miami, Florida to tour the facilities and also make a donation to the Camillus House Shower Program. During the donation, David met with local residents of Camillus House and also members of the Shower Program as he toured the campus.

"SoapBox is so proud to partner with the empowering programs of Camillus House. We look forward to continuing this amazing partnership to help those most in need here in the US. We thank you for your support, every purchase helps us give more!" commented co-founder David Simnick.

Camillus House is a non-profit agency serving the poor and homeless in South Florida since 1960. Camillus House provides a broad range of social and health services to over 12,000 men, women and children on an annual basis. This generous donation will allow Camillus House to continue helping over 150 individuals each day through the Shower Program.

Soapbox Soaps was founded in 2010 with a simple mission: to empower consumers to change the world through everyday, quality purchases. The journey of making the first batch of soap in the college apartment kitchen of David Simnick, co-founder and CEO, to a nationwide presence in some of the largest retailers, all in 5 years, has been fast-paced but fantastic.

When David learned that soap and clean water can make all the difference in the world for millions, he empowered people to make global change through everyday purchases. Yes, it's that easy! For each product you buy they donate one. You can even track your donation through your Hope Code. What's a Hope Code? Each SoapBox product has a unique code printed on the back that can be entered on their website so you can see exactly where your purchase will impact.

For domestic and relief bar donations, Soapbox Soaps partners with Global Soap Project, a nonprofit that collects hotel soap remnants and remakes them into new bars. Right now, 66% of the total bar donations stay stateside at homeless shelters and food banks, so your purchase might help someone right in your backyard!

For international bar donations, they work with smaller local organizations. Some of these organizations already have hygiene education programs in place and Soapbox Soaps simply provides the means to obtain soap in their local community. This helps local economies, gives a culturally relevant product, and saves the environment to boot! Additionally, other organizations train local people in the soap making trade to start their own businesses.

www.SoapboxSoaps.com

#HOPECODE

SOURCE Soapbox Soaps

Related Links

http://www.SoapboxSoaps.com


ELLICOTT CITY, Md., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A strategic partnership aimed at increasing diversity at the clinical research investigator level has been formed between the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) and the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS). With more than 1,500 members, ABC has active memberships that brings diversity to clinical research at the investigator level and, in concert with SCRS, are looking forward to increasing their contribution to clinical research.

FDA has declared 2016 the "Year of Diversity in Clinical Trials" and SCRS is dedicated to this important public health mission. "Through this partnership SCRS will provide education and mentoring that promote site sustainability while addressing the need to enhance the inclusion of the diverse investigators," said Christine Pierre, President of SCRS. "Diversity at the investigator level is an important part of increasing diversity amongst clinical research participants, which is critical to ensuring effectiveness and safety data is available and reliable across all populations."

"Increasing clinical trial diversity is critically important to eliminating disparities" said Cassandra McCullough, CEO of the ABC. "This very timely and strategic partnership with SCRS -- focusing on investigator diversity -- builds on our previous successes and our longstanding commitment to achieving greater clinical trial diversity, inclusion and health."

About SCRS

SCRS, a global trade organization founded in 2012 and represents over 2,800 research sites in 42 countries. SCRS' mission is to unify the voice of the global clinical research site community for greater site sustainability. SCRS has become an active partner in industry-wide initiatives and dialogues focused on improving the clinical research enterprise. Sites and the companies that sponsor or support the work conducted at clinical research sites will benefit from membership and partnership. Visit MySCRS.org.

About the Association of Black Cardiologists

Founded in 1974, the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc., (ABC) is a nonprofit organization with an international membership of 1,500 health professionals, lay members of the community (Community Health Advocates), corporate members, and institutional members. The ABC is dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to cardiovascular disease in all people of color. Today, the ABC's public and private partnerships continue to increase our impact in communities across the nation. Visit abcardio.org.

SOURCE Society for Clinical Research Sites

Related Links

http://www.rxtrialsinc.com


HOUSTON, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Surge Homes debuts six never-before-seen renderings from its collection of European-designed, luxury bathroom packages for its Upper Richton and Parc at Midtown communities. Twenty-nine packages are available to every new home  whether priced in the $150s or the $800s  and include selections for flooring, cabinetry, backsplash, countertops and wall tiles.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/383064

Upper Richton - bathroom design package Parc at Midtown - bathroom design package

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/383065

The bathroom packages represent a variety of textures, finishes and colors in modern and classic styles designed to suit the aesthetics of most homebuyers. The award-winning cabinetry is constructed with durable materials using breakthrough technology that hold up to humidity, temperature and abrasions  important features for a bathroom  and several packages offer ultra-matte and gloss finishes. Through an exclusive agreement with Tendances Concept, a French-Canadian-based kitchen and bath cabinet manufacturer who imports the cabinetry from Europe, Surge Homes is able to offer its homeowners these designs and finishes that cannot be found with any other builder in the Greater Houston Area.

"We are able to offer the latest in European designs and technology to our homeowners because of the successful interactive design process we employed with potential buyers early in the development of our communities," said Ben Lemieux, co-owner of Surge Homes.

In addition to the 29 bathroom packages, every Surge Homes residence features luxury interiors with an impressive choice of 41 professionally coordinated kitchen design packages. According to Louis Conrad, co-owner of Surge Homes, "We are proud to be the only builder inside-the-Loop who offers such a wide choice of designs that appeal to our homeowners whose styles range from modern to classic."

Each new home comes move-in ready with kitchen appliances (including fridge), and washer and dryer connections. Surge Homes also provides new home buyers with a Quality Assurance Program including a 10-year transferable Home Buyers Warranty and a Master Insurance Program for the duration of the 10-year warranty.

The collection of kitchen and bathroom design packages is available for viewing at the Surge Homes Discovery and Sales Center and features samples of the cabinetry, flooring, countertops, backsplashes and tiles.

About Surge Homes

Surge Homes is a Houston-based residential real estate developer and builder committed to providing brand new homes in nine communities that feature stunning architecture and cutting-edge interior designs in and around Houston's urban core. From land development and construction to sales and marketing, Surge Homes is involved in every aspect of creating these new homes, located in the most desirable inner city areas. Louis Conrad and Ben Lemieux, co-owners, and David Modlin, vice president of development and construction, each bring more than 27 years of experience in real estate development, management and consulting, and their previous developments total more than 4,000 homes and include master-planned communities, houses and condominiums throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Upper Richton

Upper Richton is an exclusive $8.2 million, 13-home gated community of nine single-family homes and four attached townhomes starting at $609,000 and ranging from 2,273 square feet to 2,352 square feet. Home buyers appreciate the opportunity to purchase a new home in the prestigious Upper Kirby District at a more affordable price than other new residences in the neighborhood.

Parc at Midtown

Parc at Midtown is a $22 million, 80-home gated community of one- two-, and three-bedroom condos; two-story, two- and three-bedroom penthouses; two-story, two-bedroom Sky Townhomes; and three-bedroom townhomes. These homes range from $172,300 to $430,260 and provide home buyers a unique option to own a brand new home in trendy, Midtown.

Contact: Kim Antley

(713) 468-4162 x 27

Email

SOURCE Surge Homes

Related Links

https://www.surgehomes.com


BEIJING, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TSINOVA recently announced its entry into international markets. The company will launch 4 of its Smart Pedelecs: TS01/TF01/TP01/TP02, into the market and bring a fast, convenient, pleasant mobility experience to urban residents around the world. TSINOVA is a hi-tech company. It now sells products in more than 100 cities across China. In the future, it will continue to open new markets and provide consumers the convenient and comfortable experience of TSINOVA Smart Pedelecs which feature advanced technology and minimalist design -- making urban transport more efficient.

TSINOVA Smart Pedelec: combining good design with high technology TSINOVA Smart Pedelec was made for urban commuting and has different styles

Reinventing Bike with Auto Technology

TSINOVA was founded by senior auto designers and engineers. CEO Chen Tengjiao used to work at Infiniti and was in charge of automotive design. Dr. Du Lei, CTO of TSINOVA, had long engaged in auto hybrid technology research at Tsinghua University. With economic growth worldwide, there is increasing demand for mobility. As a result, car use has been on the rise. This, coupled with limited urban road resources, has caused serious traffic congestions and pollution.

To address such problems, Chen Tengjiao and Du Lei founded TSINOVA. The company has developed Smart Pedelecs, a new transport means more suitable for urban mobility. The frame of the Smart Pedelec is based on a bike. Adopting a minimalist design style, Smart Pedelecs are light, flexible and free of the impact of traffic congestions. TSINOVA's Smart Pedelecs are equipped with the company's own VeloUP smart power system. Centering on torque sensors, this system can identify road conditions, automatically judge riding intentions and output different assisting powers under startup, slope climbing, riding against head-winds and other situations to ensure easy mobility.

TSINOVA's Smart Pedelecs are equipped with Panasonic's world-class power lithium battery and battery management system, which is characterized by efficient, stable power output and long battery range. The TSINOVA Smart Pedelec TS01 has a battery range of 50-70km. Users can also use the mobile phone APP equipped on the TSINOVA Smart Pedelec to adjust power assist mode and position the Pedelec to protect against theft. Battery level and other information will be displayed on the APP in real time.

Easy Mobility, Leading Healthy and Green Travel

TSINOVA's Smart Pedelecs are now staging a new wave of adoption of new mobility means. Thanks to a self-adaptive assisted power system, these Smart Pedelecs allow users to go to and off work faster and more conveniently. TSINOVA's Smart Pedelec is battery powered so it emits no exhaust. The TSINOVA Smart Pedelec has a custom designed body, which both ensures a comfortable riding experience with a sleek look. As a hybrid bike, the TSINOVA Smart Pedelec must be pedaled to ride the bike.

The healthy, environment-friendly mobility represented by TSINOVA is attracting more organizations, including many internationally known companies, to join in the drive. At 2016 CES Asia, the BMW brand and TSINOVA reached strategic cooperation to tap into their common electric and smart product features. Through a dedicated bike frame, the BMW i3 will be equipped with the TSINOVA Smart Pedelec TS01. When consumers come across road conditions not suitable for battery powered driving, they can ride their Smart Pedelec TS01 to quickly reach their destinations -- pollution-free and environment-friendly. In June 2016, TSINOVA and top-class luxury hotel Park Hyatt jointly launched "Bike2go" service, which provides resident guests with TSINOVA Smart Pedelecs for a means of quick, dignified mobility.

Borderless Innovation: From China to the world

Following decades of fast growth, China is no longer content with "Made in China". The country has now started to encourage "Created in China" so as to produce more innovative world-class products. In this great tide, TSINOVA is emerging as a star enterprise. Several Chinese senior government leaders have visited and experienced TSINOVA products and praised TSINOVA for its technology innovations. They have also encouraged TSINOVA to make further efforts to solve difficult problems of urban mobility.

In addition to innovative technologies, TSINOVA's Smart Pedelecs also have unique designs. By adopting Bauhaus minimalist styles, these products integrate practicality and artistry into one body and attract attention from many consumers in various countries. At CES 2016 held in Las Vegas, TSINOVA launched its Folding Smart Pedelec TF01. Dealers and consumers from New York, California, Hamburg, Amsterdam and Tokyo had a first-hand experience with TSINOVA products and responded with great enthusiasm. TSINOVA will take part in the bike exhibition in Germany in August 2016 and showcase its 26-inch TP01/TP02. It will also further expand its market share in Europe.

TSINOVA CEO Chen Tengjiao said, "Urban mobility is a problem worldwide. TSINOVA's goal is to provide all-new mobility means to all consumers who need them so that they can commute efficiently and savor the fun of mobility. TSINOVA's current entry into US, European, Japanese and Korean markets is an important step of its corporate strategy. TSINOVA will continue to develop new products and popularize healthy and green urban mobility. When more and more people use TSINOVA Smart Pedelecs, cities will become more habitable."

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/383085

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/383086

SOURCE TSINOVA
ATLANTA, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Two reproductive endocrinologists from Georgia Reproductive Specialists, Dr. Anne Brawner Namnoum and Dr. Mark Perloe, have been named 'Top Doctors' in the July 2016 issue of Atlanta Magazine. The list of Atlanta-area doctors was compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd, a healthcare research company whose mission is to help consumers find the best healthcare.

These Top Doctors' medical educations, training, hospital appointments, disciplinary histories - and much more - are screened by the Castle Connolly physician-led research team. Those doctors who are among the very best in their specialties and in their communities are selected for inclusion. The doctors included on lists were selected after peer nomination, extensive research, and careful review and screening by a doctor-directed research team. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be included in any Castle Connolly Guide or online directory. Georgia Reproductive Specialists appreciates the distinction of having two team members named to the list this year.

Atlanta Magazine honored the Top Doctors at a special reception on Thursday evening, celebrating Atlanta's world-class medical community. "What a wonderful evening we had, recognizing the extraordinary level of healthcare resources we have throughout our Atlanta community," said Dr. Perloe, medical director at Georgia Reproductive Specialists.

Georgia Reproductive Specialists was founded in 2000 out of a growing need for a reproductive healthcare facility in the Atlanta area that focuses on patient-centered care. Patients can seek personalized care and treatment for male and female infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, in vitro fertilization, egg donation, uterine fibroids and recurrent pregnancy loss in a comfortable and understanding environment. Their highly specialized team consists of more than 40 physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, counselors, financial advisors and administrators dedicated to making every step towards building a family an enjoyable one.

"There is nothing more exciting than helping people achieve their dream of having a family. Our goal is to integrate the best of modern technology with a compassionate, individualized, whole-person approach. It is a privilege to offer my support and guidance to patients during such a challenging time," said Dr. Anne Brawner Namnoum. For more information, please visit their website at www.IVF.com.

SOURCE Georgia Reproductive Specialists

Related Links

http://www.ivf.com


CHICAGO, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- United and the Association of Flight Attendants announced today that they have reached an agreement on terms of a joint contract that would bring the airline's more than 25,000 flight attendants together into a single work group. The agreement is subject to approval by the Joint Master Executive Council, including all Local Presidents, after which it will become a tentative agreement and will be put out for ratification by flight attendants. The parties will work this weekend to finalize the contract language.

"Today's agreement honors the invaluable role that our flight attendants contribute to United's success and brings us closer than ever to uniting them under a single contract," said United President and Chief Executive Officer Oscar Munoz. "It's been a long journey and I'm grateful to our outstanding flight attendants  the most talented and professional inflight team anywhere in the world  for all they do to keep our customers safe and comfortable."

United thanks both negotiating teams and the National Mediation Board for working to reach this agreement.

United has joint collective bargaining agreements covering the majority of its represented employees and has reached new agreements with three work groups so far this year. Recently, the company's employees who are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers voted to ratify new contracts. Earlier this year, United's pilots voted to ratify a contract extension more than a year ahead of their contract's amendable date, following an expedited negotiations process with the Air Line Pilots Association. The company's dispatchers also voted recently to ratify a contract extension. Additionally, the airline is engaged in mediated negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,000 flights a day to 336 airports across six continents. In 2015, United and United Express operated more than 1.5 million flights carrying more than 140 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates more than 715 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 21 new Boeing aircraft, including 737 NGs, 787s and 777s. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 192 countries via 28 member airlines. Approximately 86,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130404/MM89155LOGO

SOURCE United Airlines

Related Links

http://www.united.com


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI), the nation's leading provider of technician training for the auto, diesel, motorcycle, marine and collision repair industry, has entered into an agreement to sell 700,000 shares of Series A 7.5% convertible preferred stock to Coliseum Holdings I, LLC, an affiliate of Coliseum Capital Management ("Coliseum") for $70 million.

Each share of preferred stock is initially convertible into 30.03 shares of UTI common stock, representing a conversion premium of 22.9% based upon UTI's closing stock price of $2.71 per share on the New York Stock Exchange on June 23, 2016. After three years, UTI can redeem any outstanding preferred stock under certain circumstances at various prices. The preferred stock may be voted on an as-converted basis with the common stock but both the voting rights and conversion rights are subject to a 4.99% cap until certain regulatory and shareholder approvals are requested and received.

UTI expects to use the proceeds of the private placement to fund strategic long-term growth initiatives, including the expansion of the Company's successful metro-model campuses to new markets and the creation of new programs in existing markets with under-utilized campus facilities, as well as opportunistic acquisitions that complement UTI's core business. UTI intends to execute these plans while meeting the expectations of state and federal regulators, as well as those of its accreditor.

Chris Shackelton, a co-founder and Managing Partner of Coliseum Capital, will join the UTI Board of Directors.

"Coliseum's strategic investment, combined with the expertise and leadership Chris brings to our Board of Directors, gives us the ability to meaningfully accelerate profitable growth for the Company," said Kim McWaters, UTI's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Additionally, this new capital bolsters our financial position, which will now further exceed the Department of Education's regulatory financial responsibility standards. We believe Chris and Coliseum will be valuable, long-term partners to UTI as we strengthen our business for the benefit of all of our stakeholders, including our students, industry partners, employees and shareholders."

"I look forward to working closely with Kim, management and the Board of Directors of UTI," said Chris Shackelton. "Our strategic investment in the Company is based on our respect for UTI's mission and our confidence in its ability to capitalize on current competitive dynamics and extend its industry leadership. We believe this financing has positioned UTI to opportunistically and aggressively pursue attractive, long-term value creation initiatives, while maintaining its important mission of providing an un-matched specialized education to students across the country."

The closing of the private placement will occur pursuant to a securities purchase agreement in connection with a financing transaction pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Regulation D promulgated thereunder. The securities to be sold in the completed private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act, or state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. With more than 200,000 graduates in its 51-year history, UTI offers undergraduate degree and diploma programs at 12 campuses across the United States, as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, UTI provides specialized post-secondary education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech). For more information visit www.uti.edu.

About Mr. Shackelton

Chris Shackelton has significant public company investment and board experience. He is currently Chairman of Providence Service Corp, a diversified holding company. He also serves on the board of LHC Group Inc, a nursing company, and BioScrip Inc, an infusion services company. He was previously Chairman of Rural/Metro Corp, an emergency ambulance company. He is a co-founder and Managing Partner of Coliseum Capital Management, LLC. Mr. Shackelton received a bachelor's degree in economics from Yale University.

About Coliseum Capital Management, LLC

Coliseum is an investment firm founded in 2005 by Chris Shackelton and Adam Gray, which focuses on long-term investments in both public and private companies. Coliseum directs capital behind strong management teams, with a willingness to work alongside companies to facilitate value creation.

Contact:

John Jenson

Vice President, Corporate Controller

Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

(623) 445-0821

SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.uti.edu


NORFOLK, Va., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Volunteer services from across Europe have responded to the maritime refugee crisis in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas by deploying boats and crews, saving tens of thousands of lives.

Responding to the crisis for years has strained the budgets of these charities, many of which are operating far from their home bases.

"While governments run rescue coordination centers and issue news releases, it's often the charities and their volunteers who are actually pulling survivors from the water," said Dana Goward, Chairman of the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS). "They do many, if not most, of the rescues."

"I've been alone in a life raft out of sight of land, and it's not a good feeling  even when it's just training and you know they're coming back for you," said Goward, a retired U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter pilot. "I can't imagine what it's like if you're also fleeing for your life, have your children with you and have no idea if you will be rescued."

"Most people in America don't realize it, because we have such a strong Coast Guard, but most of the world's sea rescue services are charities with volunteer crews," said Charles "Skip" Bowen, President of AFRAS. "They rely almost entirely on donations for funding." Bowen's last posting during his active duty military career was as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, the service's highest ranking enlisted member.

AFRAS raises money in the U.S. to support these sea rescue organizations. "People in the U.S. can make tax deductible donations to AFRAS, and we use it where it is critically needed worldwide," said Bowen. "Donors can specify which maritime rescue service they want to support, or leave it to us to ensure it gets where it's needed most." Bowen likes to quote retired Admiral Thad Allen, former Coast Guard Commandant, "Beyond any other consideration, safety of life at sea is paramount."

Secure donations can be made at at www.AFRAS.org. Corporations and donors making larger contributions will be recognized at a reception and ceremony on Capitol Hill in September. The event will be hosted by Congressmen Duncan Hunter and John Garamendi. Other members of Congress, senior Coast Guard, Maritime Administration and industry leaders also attend this annual event, which includes an awards ceremony for individuals and groups who have performed heroic rescues.

Media Contact: Brandon Brewer - [email protected]

SOURCE Association for Rescue at Sea

Related Links

http://www.afras.org/


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Mumbai, June 20 : Economic reforms, along with value buying and higher global equity markets, lifted key domestic indices on Monday.

The equity markets opened on a downside prompted by news of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan formally declining a second term. However, they pared their early losses to close the day's trade in the green.

The wider 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) edged up by 68.30 points, or 0.84 per cent, at 8,238.50 points.

The barometer 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 26,497.11 points, closed at 26,866.92 points -- up 241.01 points or 0.91 per cent from the previous close at 26,625.91 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 26,885.49 points and a low of 26,447.88 points during the intra-day trade.

The BSE market breadth was tilted in favour of the bulls -- with 1,385 advances and 1,193 declines.

Both the key Indian indices ended in the green on Friday, following positive global cues and value buying. The barometer index had surged by 100.45 points or 0.38 per cent, while the NSE Nifty had risen by 29.45 points or 0.36 per cent.

Initially on Monday, the equity markets opened on a flat-to-negative note in the face of RBI Governor Rajan declining a second term and major upcoming referendum in Britain on whether or not to stay in the European Union (EU).

Further, investors were concerned about the US Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen's testimony to the US Congress.

However, value buying after the initial downside lifted prices. Besides, higher Asian and European markets buoyed domestic indices.

In addition, investors cheered after the government made announcement of major reforms in foreign equity norms, notably in aviation, pharmaceuticals and food processing sectors.

A stable rupee after it fell to a low of 67.70 also helped restore investors' risk-taking appetite. The rupee opened on a weak note as investors reacted to the news on Rajan's exit.

It touched a low of 67.70 against a US dollar, but sales by exporters and sovereign intervention pushed it back below 67.40 levels on spot.

"All in all, we do not expect much of negative impact of the news of Rajan on the rupee over the short term. Market would be now keeping a close eye on the new appointment," said Anindya Banerjee, Associate Vice President for Currency Derivatives with Kotak Securities.

The Indian rupee weakened by 0.23 paise during the day's trade. It closed at 67.31-32 against a US dollar from its previous close of 67.09 to a greenback.

"Value buying after a lower opening helped markets recover," Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services, told IANS.

"Even the healthy rise in Asian stocks, higher global crude oil prices, government's decision to ease FDI norms and a strengthening rupee too pushed up prices."

Dhruv Desai, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Tradebulls, said that aviation stocks rose on the back of increase in FDI limits into the sector.

"IT and pharma sector stocks traded firm on positive USD/INR prices. Banking sector stocks traded with mix sentiments on profit booking," Desai said.

According to Nitasha Shankar, Senior Vice President for Research with YES Securities, broader markets ended trade in the positive territory.

"Auto, IT, realty, metal and PSU bank indices surged in trade," Shankar said.

In terms of investments, the foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers during the day's trade, while the domestic institutional investors (DIIs) turned net buyers.

Data with stock exchanges showed that the FIIs divested stocks worth Rs 537.46 crore, whereas DIIs divested scrip worth Rs 724.06 crore.

Sector-wise, all the sub-indices except FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) witnessed healthy buying.

The S&P BSE automobile index augmented by 287.48 points, followed by the IT index, which surged by 226.25 points; and the capital goods index gained by 180.94 points.

On the other hand, the S&P BSE FMCG index dipped by 4.74 points.

Major Sensex gainers during Monday's trade were Tata Motors, up 3.98 per cent at Rs 481.65; Tata Steel, up 3.27 per cent at Rs 336.15; Bharti Airtel, up 2.60 per cent at Rs 364.95; Infosys, up 2.57 per cent at Rs 1,208.60; and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), up 2.00 per cent at Rs 2,655.70.

Major Sensex losers during the day's trade were Asian Paints, down 0.60 per cent at Rs 991.90; Coal India, down 0.46 per cent at Rs 311.90; Axis Bank, down 0.39 per cent at Rs 524.65; Sun Pharmaceuticals, down 0.37 per cent at Rs 740.05; and ITC, down 0.35 per cent at Rs 358.30.
Ahmedabad, June 20 : A BJP leader in Gujarat's Vadodara, accused of of raping a student of a private university of which he is president, has been suspended from the party even as police on Monday launched a search for him after he went underground following the police complaint against him.

The 22-year-old girl, who is a nursing student in the Parul University in Vadodara's Waghodia area, has alleged in her police complaint that Jayesh Patel, 66, called her to a housing quarter on the university campus through their hostel rector Bhavna Patel on Friday evening and raped her Jayesh Patel promised the girl that he would ensure good results in the examination and also 100 per cent class attendance as he tried to lure her towards him. When she tried to resist his advances, he allegedly raped her.

After her complaint, the Vadodara police immediately got her examined at the government-run SSG Hospital and the medical reports confirmed that she was raped, said Superintendent of Police Saurabh Tolumbia.

The Vadodara police launched a hunt for Jayesh Patel, who immediately escaped while the police complaint against him was still being recorded. Police questioned his family members at his home for his whereabouts but to no avail, while Bhavna Patel has been arrested from her native Mansa town in north Gujarat where she was hiding.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's Vadodara district president Dilbubha Chudasma said Patel was suspended from the party for six years without wasting time "since such a incident should not tarnish the reputation of the party".

Patel had earlier contested the state assembly elections from the area on a Congress ticket but had later joined the BJP after he lost to the party's Waghodia MLA Madhu Srivastava.

State Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasma said: "Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and I and my department have taken this matter very seriously and would conduct a thorough inquiry in the case."

Jayesh Patel had immediately resigned as the university president and handed over charge to his son and vice-president of Parul University Devanshu, who has completely denied all allegations against his father and said he was being framed since the girl was facing disciplinary action. He did not clarify the reasons for the action pending against her.

Tolambia, meanwhile, stated that the hostel rector Bhavna Patel "has revealed many details about the case and we are in the process of gathering more evidence".

According to the girl's complaint, Jayesh Patel called her at 8 pm on Friday to a housing quarter in the hostel on the university campus through Bhavna Patel. She had called the nursing student on her mobile phone.

When both reached the appointed place, Patel asked the hostel rector to leave and that told her that the girl would return after dinner.
Kathmandu, June 21 : The Nepalese government has decided to dispatch an aircraft to Afghanistan to bring home the remains of 12 Nepali nationals killed in the Kabul suicide bombing on Monday.

A meeting of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the cabinet ministers on Tuesday morning decided to send a Nepal Airlines aircraft to Kabul to bring the mortal remains home, Oli's Press Advisor Pramod Dahal told Xinhua news agency.

Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa, who is also in charge of foreign affairs, said the government has made preparations to send an aircraft to Kabul to bring home the injured and the caskets of the Nepalis killed in the attack.

The Nepali nationals were working as security guards with the Kabul-based Canadian embassy, and were hired out by Sabre International, a British security consultancy firm.

At least seven Nepali security guards working with the Canadian embassy were also injured in the terror attack.

At least 14 guards -- 12 Nepali and two Indians -- were killed and nine persons were injured after a suicide bomber struck a minibus in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Monday.

Meanwhile, Acting Nepali Ambassador in Islamabad Tirtha Raj Aryal has reached Kabul to initiate the process to send home the mortal remains of the Nepali nationals.

Nepal does not have diplomatic mission in Kabul and its Islamabad-based envoy is concurrently accredited to Afghanistan.

Bharat Raj Paudyal, a spokesman at the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said all the 12 Nepalis killed in the bombing have been identified.

Initially, the Afghan Interior Ministry stated that the 14 killed in the attack were Nepalis. However, during verification it was revealed that two were Indian nationals.
Kozhikode (Kerala) : Kozhikode (Kerala) June 22 (IANS) The Kerala Police has approached its Karnataka counterparts to register a case against two college students for brutally ragging a Dalit nursing student from Kerala.

Speaking to IANS, Jaleel Thotathil, Circle Inspector of Police, here said that they have recorded the statement of the 19-year-old victim who is presently undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital.

"Since the place of occurrence of the crime is in Karnataka where we have no jurisdiction, her statement has been recorded and through a special messenger we have send it to the Roza Police station at Gulbarga in Karnataka," said Thottathil.

"The two accused of brutally ragging the student both from Kerala are Lekshmi hailing from Kollam and Athira from Idukki. The charges that have been put up include attempt to murder besides sections in the Kerala Ragging Act and Atrocities under SC/ST Act," Thottathil added.

According to the victim, a first-year nursing student of Al Qamar College of Nursing at Gulbarga, she was forced to drink a bathroom cleaning liquid last month was due to which she fell ill.

After spending a few days in a hospital in Karnataka, she was sent back home and has since been hospitalised at the state-run Medical College hospital at Thrissur.

Following the episode, she has developed serious oesophagus problems and she has been put on intravenous fluid supplements.

Her mother Janaki, on Wednesday told the media that the college authorities failed to act and has been protecting the accused.

Kerala Culture Minister A.K.Balan said the state will bear the entire treatment expenses of the victim and will take up the case with the Karnataka government.
Kabul, June 22 : At least 20 Afghan Taliban militants were killed in Herat province as the differences have widened between supporters of Taliban leader Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada and commander of breakaway group Mawlawi Mohammad Rasoul Akhund, officials said.

The clash, according to Herat Governor Jilani Farhad, flared up in Adraskan and Pashtun Zarghon districts between Sunday and Tuesday, during which around two dozen fighters were killed and several others injured, Xinhua news agency reported.

Preliminary reports suggested that up to nine fighters loyal to Akhundzada and 11 from the opponent faction were killed.

The clash, according to the official, flared up between Mullah Asmatullah, the commander of Taliban's main faction led by Akhundzada, and commander Abdul Manan Niazi, a Mullah Rasoul loyalist, in Abgarmak area of Adraskan district and soon covered parts of the neighbouring Pashtun Zarghon district.

Civilians have also suffered loss of life and property during the infighting between the rival groups, both the officials and locals said.

Although Taliban militants are tightlipped on the report, locals have confirmed the bloody infighting between the groups and called on the government to check the incidents which often harm civilians.

"Usually we are the victims of infighting. Taliban forcibly collect 10 per cent of our agricultural products from us as tax to support their fighters," a resident of Pashtun Zarghon district said.

In the wake of confirmation of the death of Mullah Mohammad Omar, the founder of Taliban, last July and Mullah Akthar Mansour assuming Taliban leadership last August, the armed outfit has divided into two factions and the splinter group leader Mawlawi Mohammad Rasoul Akhund has begun fighting Mansour's men.

Mansour was killed in a US drone attack last month near Quetta, Balochistan, in Pakistan and his successor Akhundzada has failed to unite the Taliban fighters.

More than 200 fighters, including senior commanders from both sides, according to officials, were killed in the infightings in Herat, Farah, Zabul and other parts of the country over the past three months.
Kathmandu, June 22 : The mortal remains of 12 Nepalis, who were killed in a Kabul suicide attack on Monday, were brought to Kathmandu by a special aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation on Wednesday.

"We did not have any animosity with the Taliban, but why did they kill the innocent Nepali guards," Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli said.

The five Nepali security guards at the Canadian embassy, who were injured in the suicide bombing attack, were flown to New Delhi for further treatment.

As many as 12 Nepali and two Indian security guards were killed and seven others injured when a Taliban suicide bomber targeted a minibus they were travelling in.

Other 24 Nepalis working in Afghanistan also returned in the same flight.

The Nepalis were on their way to the Canadian embassy where they were working as guards.

The ill-fated Nepalis were hired by a British security consultancy firm, Sabre International, for the security of Kabul-based Canadian mission.

The incident was widely condemned, including by Indian Prime Minister Narendera Modi, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and others.
Kathmandu, June 22 : Nepal on Wednesday received the bodies of the 12 Nepalis killed in a suicide bomb attack in Kabul.

The bodies of those killed on Monday were airlifted to Kathmandu through Nepal Airlines, Xinhua news agency reported.

Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa, Minister for Home Affairs Shakti Basnet, among others, went to receive the bodies at the airport.

After offering final tributes to the victims, Oli expressed grief over the loss of the innocent persons in the violent act. He said it was an act of cowardice to kill Nepalis who did not have any relations or rivalry with Taliban.

Taliban has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing.

Meanwhile, 24 Nepali nationals working in Afghanistan have also returned home owing to security concerns. All the returnees were working as security guards in the Canadian mission where the killed people worked.
New Delhi, June 22 : The monsoon session of Parliament is likely to begin in the third week of July with the government expected to press for passage of the crucial GST Bill which is pending in the Rajya Sabha.

"The session is likely to start between July 18 to July 21. The exact date will be decided by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which is expected to meet on June 29," an official said.

The BJP is expected to give a renewed push to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill after its numbers have marginally gone up in the Rajya Sabha during the biennial elections to the upper house last month.

The party has also gained political momentum after its victory in the Assam assembly polls. Some political parties have also indicated support for the GST.

The Lok Sabha cleared the GST Bill in May 2015 but it is stuck in the Rajya Sabha, where the government does not have adequate numbers to see it through.

After a meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers on GST in Kolkata, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said, "Virtually every state has supported the idea of a GST. One state, that is Tamil Nadu, said it has some reservations... But they have also said how to make it implementable."

The session is expected to last for about a month.
New York, June 23 : Opening the door to potential new treatments for West Nile virus infection, researchers have discovered how the most severe forms of the mosquito-borne illness cause memory loss and mood disorders.

Half of patients who survive the most damaging kind of West Nile infection often go on to develop memory loss, learning difficulties, a lack of concentration and irritability. But exactly why this happens has been a mystery until now, the study said.

Researchers discovered that the virus does not kill off neurons but sparks inflammation that prunes synapses, the connections that carry messages between nerve cells.

"What we found in mice, and later confirmed in humans, is that it's not the death of cells that causes memory loss, it's the loss of nerve cell connections," said study co-author Kenneth Tyler from University of Colorado School of Medicine in the US.

"The viral infection activates microglial cells and complement pathways which are helping to fight the infection but in turn end up destroying synapses," Tyler noted.

The findings were published in the journal Nature.

The researchers found that mice infected with West Nile had a difficult time negotiating their way out of a maze that healthy mice figured out much faster.

They later discovered that the infected mice suffered significant damage to their synapses.

When the scientists examined brain tissue from humans who had died from West Nile, they found the same phenomenon.

There are currently no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection.

The best way to avoid West Nile is to wear long sleeves, use mosquito repellant and steer clear of standing water. The mosquito that carries the virus is most active at dusk and dawn.
Edinburgh, June 24 : Scotland looks set to vote in favour of Britain staying in the European Union (EU) - with every council area so far backing Remain.

With 27 of the 32 council areas in Scotland having declared early Friday, 'Remain' was on 62 per cent and 'Leave' 38 per cent north of the border.

Glasgow voted by 168,335 (67 per cent) to 84,474 (33 per cent) in favour of 'Remain', although turnout was relatively low.

Moray has seen the closest result in Scotland so far, with 'Remain' finishing just 119 votes ahead of 'Leave'.

But there were big wins for 'Remain' in heavily-populated areas such as Aberdeen, Dundee, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Fife and West Lothian.

Orkney became the first Scottish area to declare its result at about 12.05 a.m., with 'Remain' winning 7,189 votes (63 per cent) and 'Leave' on 4,193 (37 per cent). Turnout was 68.4 per cent.

It was followed by Clackmannanshire, which backed 'Remain' by 58 per cent to 42 per cent. A majority of voters in Shetland, the Western Isles and the Scottish Borders also backed 'Remain'.

But results in England and Wales have generally been much better for 'Leave' so far, with the race across Britain neck-and-neck.

The referendum will be decided purely on whether 'Leave' or 'Remain' receives the most votes across the country.

About 46.5 million people were registered to vote on Thursday - including four million in Scotland - in what is the third nationwide referendum in Britain's history.

Opinion polls published ahead of the referendum suggested the race was too close to call, although most showed 'Remain' holding a slight lead on the eve of the vote.
New Delhi : Title: Spy Games; Author: Adam Brookes; Publisher: Sphere/Hachette India; Pages: 448; Price: Rs.399 China has made its presence felt in several spheres - save spy fiction. Though the espionage genre has transcended its Cold War heritage to take up more contemporary happenings and issues, its geographical expanse remains mostly the same - the Western world, Russia, the Middle East and maybe a exotic location or two for variety.

Though there are works like Charles McCarry's "The Shanghai Factor" (2014) or Charles Cumming's "Typhoon" (2013) with a strong Chinese element and setting, both are one-offs, as was John Le Carre's "The Honourable Schoolboy", the second of his Karla series.

However proceeding towards remedying this deficiency is BBC correspondent-cum-author Adam Brookes, who, in this sequel to his explosive debut "Night Heron" set in China, not only retains his focus but also incorporates the growing Chinese influence in Africa, the reach of its security services not only in its Asian vicinity, but even to Britain itself - and of its elite to offshore accounts in tax havens.

The visceral start in the heyday of the Cultural Revolution's excesses sets the tone for a grim but engrossing thriller, with all the trademark appurtenances and tradecraft of the genre, but well updated - use of the 'dark net'.

British agent Trish Patterson is sent to Hong Kong to meet a key source, who is frantic that he is under threat because he has learned something he shouldn't, but before he can elaborate, they are forced to call off the meeting after men come on his trail. He later turns up dead in mysterious circumstances.

Meanwhile, journalist Philip Mangan, who was exposed as a British operative at the end of the first book and has consequently buried himself in Africa to protect himself, finds himself caught in a terror outrage in Addis Ababa. Soon approached by a shadowy Chinese operative, who first offers him information about those responsible for the attack, and then key bits of information about Chinese defence plans. Mangan is also invited to Southeast Asia so he can be given much more.

At the same time, the scion of a prominent Chinese family studying in Oxford, who disobeys diktats to keep away from a Chinese girl, from another prominent family, wonders what is the warning she is trying to give him.

In the main story, a bit of inter-departmental wrangling and turf fights - in the best traditions of Le Carre - ends with Mangan being sent to meet his source in Thailand, with Patterson and two soldiers for protection. After a fair bit of adventure and an arduous, confined (hidden under deck) voyage on the Mekong, he reaches a strange resort, where he too late, finds what the real game is - and what his role is fated to be.

All these plot strands come together as China itself moves toward a massive factional conflict - and then resolve in disquieting denouement where every one - apart from the poor protagonists - prove to have to have an agenda of their own.

Brookes, now a BBC correspondent in Washington, was formerly its China correspondent and has made able use of his stint to not only evoke the sights and sounds of China, but also its less visible actions and developments, and faultlines. The African settings and situations are done as well too but what really lends it the right note, even though of bleak pessimism and cynicism, are the ethical dilemmas agents have to confront and how decisions are taken for them by those in a committee room far away, and the less than salutary considerations they may actually be based on.

But he also injects a lighter note sometimes - as when he tells us British intelligence share an important document with their American and major Commonwealth counterparts and then a "stripped-down version, scrubbed almost into invisibility, went to the European Union Situation Centre in Brussels".

Adept in providing cliff-hangers, Brookes ends it on one too. Anyone who likes the Le Carre mould over the James Bond variant should waste no time in picking this up - the first part is not essential to understanding or enjoying this.

(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)
Havana, June 24 : An agreement aimed at ending more than five decades of conflict between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group was signed here at a ceremony presided over by Cuban head of state Raul Castro.

After the members of the respective delegations added their signatures on Thursday, Castro handed the document to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC chief Rodrigo Londono, who shook hands amid applause, EFE news reported.

The bilateral cease-fire requires FARC to lay down all of their weapons within 180 days of the conclusion of a final peace accord, according to a joint statement read to reporters in the Cuban capital, where Colombia and the rebels have been negotiating since November 2012.

The rebels' demobilisation, which is supposed to take place in three phases, will be monitored by an UN-supervised international team.

The "totality of the FARC armament" will be handed over to the UN for the construction of three monuments agreed upon by the government and the rebels, the statement said.

Also mandated is the establishment of eight camps and 22 "temporary normalization zones" to facilitate the disarming of the rebels and their preparation for returning to civilian life.

The final peace pact will be signed in Colombia, Santos said in Havana, where he and Londono - better known as "Timochenko" - were joined by Castro and the presidents of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro; Chile, Michelle Bachelet; the Dominican Republic, Danilo Medina; El Salvador, Salvador Sanchez Ceren; and Mexico, Enrique Pena Nieto.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was also present.

"Not only did we agree on end to the confrontations, but we also defined a precise schedule for the FARC to lay down their arms forever. This means no more and no less than the end of the FARC as an armed group," Santos said.

"We were adversaries, from now on we will have to be allies for the good of Colombia," Timochenko said.

Prior to concluding the cease-fire, the government and the FARC reached agreements on land reform, political participation, drugs and drug crop, and redress for the victims of the strife.

The Colombian government maintains that the final peace accord should be put to a vote in a referendum.
Taipei, June 24 : Flight attendants for Taiwan's China Airlines on Friday started an indefinite strike that has led to the cancellation of 67 flights, a move taken by the union in protest of the relocation of their workplace.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who began her tour of US, Panama and Paraguay on a China Airlines plane, said she regretted leaving the country during such a situation and urged the company and employees to find a sincere solution to the conflict, EFE news reported.

So far China Airlines has only cancelled flights leaving from Taoyuan and Songshan airports that connect to Taipei while flights from other cities are operating normally.

More than 2,600 workers belonging to the Flight Attendants Union decided to go on strike after their workplace was transferred from Songshan Airport located in Taipei to Taoyuan, about 50 km outside the city.

China Airlines new president Ho Nuan-Hsuan, who begins his tenure on Friday, said the company is looking for a quick resolution to the conflict and is willing to talk with employees.

This is the first such strike in Taiwan, where unions are typically weak and rarely hold labour protests.
Kathmandu, June 24 : Nepal's Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda has cancelled his visit to Australia, apparently due to fears he may be arrested for war crimes.

Prachanda, who was to visit Australia at the invitation of his party's overseas arm, axed the trip at the last moment on Thursday night, citing the political situations in Nepal.

But an email circulated by the office of the New South Wales Premier told a different story.

Australian human rights activists lodged complaints citing Prachanda's poor human rights record during the 1996-2006 Maoist insurgency which left thousands dead and many more missing and displaced.

Prachanda was scheduled to inaugurate a convention of the People's Progressive Forum, the party's foreign wing in Sydney, the capital of the New South Wales.

Responding to complaints by rights defenders, the Premier's office said the issue should be brought to the attention of the New South Wales Police.

An email by Gayle Mitchell, correspondence manager of the Premier's office, said it had forwarded the email to Troy Grant, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice, and the police.

According to officials, this led Prachanda to cancel his visit to Australia.

The officials said Prachanda and other Maoist leaders had not visited Western democracies since they left the government in 2012.

In 2013, Nepal Army's Colonel Kumar Lama was arrested in Britain.

Lama, who was serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan, was on a vacation in London when he was arrested on charges of torturing two persons in an army barrack.

Lama's case is being tried in London as a criminal offence under Section 134 of the Criminal Justice Act (1988).

Universal jurisdiction comes into play when a state fails to provide justice due to either incompetence or unwillingness, rights activists say.
Tashkent, June 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to hold a bilateral meeting on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here.

Modi, who arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit, earlier held a bilateral meeting with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, in his first diplomatic engagement of the day.

He later posed for a family photograph with the SCO members ahead of attending a plenary of the grouping that is to focus on enhancing connectivity and cooperation.

"Expanding cooperation in our extended neighbourhood. PM @narendramodi with SCO Summit leaders in a family photograph," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

"Enhancing connectivity & cooperation, building prosperity. PM @narendramodi attends SCO Plenary in Tashkent," he posted.

The six-member China-led grouping has kicked off the process for absorbing India and Pakistan as members, following an agreement reached last year at the summit in Ufa, Russia.
Los Angeles, June 24 : Details of actor Forest Whitaker's character along with others in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" have been revealed.

In the "Star Wars" standalone movie, Whitaker plays Gerrera, reports ew.com. The character first made an appearance in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" animated series.

He is a guerrilla soldier from the planet Onderon who became the self-appointed leader of a rebel unit fighting against Count Dooku's forces in the animated film.

As for Whitaker's Gerrera, he is more battle-hardened with the years, and maybe a little shell-shocked. He is a man who has tried to do the right thing by occasionally doing questionable things.

The story follows Jyn Erso, a Rebellion soldier and criminal, who is about to experience her biggest challenge when Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) sets her out on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star.

With the aid of the Rebels, a master swordsman, and non-allied forces, Erso will be in for something bigger than she thinks.

Based on a screenplay written by Chris Weitz, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is slated to hit US theaters on December 16.
Manila, June 24 : Philippines-based extremist group Abu Sayyaf has released a Filipina woman who was kidnapped around last September, along with a Norwegian and two Canadians, officials said on Friday.

Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Filemon Tan, in a statement to EFE news, confirmed the release of Marites Flor who, he said, was undergoing a "medical check-up".

The release comes a day after seven Indonesian seamen were kidnapped in the waters of the southern Philippines by an armed group that could probably be the rebels, Indonesian Interior Minister Retno Marsudi said on Friday.

Abu Sayyaf never demanded any ransom for Flor, while the two Canadians -- John Ridsdel and Robert Hall -- were executed after non-payment of ransom within the deadline set by the rebels.
Los Angeles, June 24 : "Baywatch" actor David Hasselhoff has slashed the spousal support he pays to his ex-wife Pamela Bach by over $10,000.

Hasselhoff had asked to cut his payments to Bach, 52, who he was married to from 1989 to 2006, after claiming he had just $4,000 in the bank. They have now agreed to adjust the figure from $21,000 to $10,000 per month, reports tmz.com.

This comes just one month after Hasselhoff, 63, asked a Superior Court judge here to end the payments, claiming he could no longer afford them.

The actor claimed he earns $112,000 a month and spends $66,000, but his ex-wife argued her case, insisting that he is worth millions and has property all over the world.

The former couple have daughters Hayley, 23, and Taylor-Ann, 26, together.
Patna, June 24 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday reiterated his demand that caste-based data of the Census of India 2011 should be made public to "ensure the empowerment of all those lagging behind in development".

"People have a right to know it and every caste should know its strength and weakness in terms of population and other things," Nitish Kumar, who is also President of Janata Dal-United (JD-U), said at a conference on social statistics here, hosted by think tank Asian Development Research Institute.

The conference was inaugurated by Vice President M. Hamid Ansari.

Nitish Kumar said "real information" about the socio-economic development of all sections of the population must be made publicly available.

The caste-based Census data will explode several myths about development of backward and marginalised people and help formulation of schemes for their socio-economic progress, he said.

The Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 was the first caste-based census since 1931, he noted.

Last year during the Bihar assembly polls, Nitish Kumar joined Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad in demanding that the central government should make the caste-based statistics public instead of withholding the data on numerical strength of different castes.

In July last year, the central government released Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011, but reportedly withheld the caste-based data, saying it was concerned with economic data which will help in effective implementation of its programmes.
Seoul, June 24 : The South Korean Finance Ministry announced on Friday it will take all necessary steps to minimise, as far as possible, the impact of Brexit -- Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) -- on Seoul's financial markets and economy.

"We will take all necessary measures, including smoothing operations to soothe the foreign exchange market," said Vice Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok at an emergency meeting convened in Seoul, following indications of British citizens voting in favour of exiting the EU.

The Minister added that the government will boost "policy coordination with other ministries to keep the financial turmoil (stemming from the significant UK decision) from spreading to the real economy," EFE news reported.

Choi added that Seoul will verify the state of foreign exchange liquidity of domestic financial companies and monitor the currency market and foreign capital outflow to curb volatility.

The Bank of Korea also called a meeting to discuss possible ways to stabilise the money market in Asia's fourth largest economy.

Kospi, the main stock market index of South Korea, showed ups and downs during the entire trading session Friday, falling up to four percentage points before finally closing 3.09 per cent lower.

Meanwhile, Kosdaq fell 4.76 per cent, and financial authorities temporarily suspended trading to prevent a collapse.
New Delhi : Over 10 years, the central government spent Rs 21,482 crore ($3.2 billion) building houses for the urban poor but 23 per cent of them are vacant, according to a May 2016 answer to the Lok Sabha.

The information that 238,448 of 1,032,433 houses built are empty comes at a time when the proportion of Indians living in slums has risen over five years from 17 per cent of the urban population to 19 per cent, according to official data, and 19,000 of 33,000 slums are not acknowledged by the government (2012 data).

The vacant houses include 224,000 built under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and 14,448 houses under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) - now discontinued and subsumed into the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana launched in June 2015 - the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation said.

"In spite of the continuous efforts by the government, slum dwellers are reluctant to move to the houses built by the government due to lack of proper infrastructure and means of livelihood," the statement to Parliament said, explaining further that the new houses often lack electricity and water, cheaply available-often through illegal connections-in slums. The new houses are usually not close to workplaces, the ministry acknowledged.

"Houses are too far from workplaces, which means additional commuting time and expense," Kulwant Singh, India advisor, urban basic services, UN-Habitat, wrote in his Hindu Business Line column in January 2016. "In a slum, basic amenities such as electricity and water are often acquired at dirt-cheap prices. There is a certain degree of empathy and firmness that these projects lack, which consequently takes away effectiveness."

Maharashtra (54,282) has the highest number of vacant houses, followed by Andhra Pradesh (24,611), states in which 24 per cent and 35 per cent of the urban population, respectively, lives in slums.

Over the last 10 years, Maharashtra got the most money to build housing for slum-dwellers (Rs 3,246 crore), followed by West Bengal (Rs 2,384 crore).

Of 683,724 houses sanctioned under PMAY, 0.1 per cent, or 710 houses, have been constructed till now, according to the reply to the Lok Sabha. The government is planning to build 20 million homes under PMAY by 2022.

Between 2005 and 2015, Maharashtra had the highest number of sanctioned and constructed houses (175,032/128,386) under JNNURM, followed by West Bengal (171,861/158,667). The JNNURM, originally scheduled to end in 2012, has been extended to March 2017, so houses cleared for construction can be built.

The Census of India defines a slum as a residential area where "dwellings are unfit for human habitation (due to) dilapidation, overcrowding, faulty arrangements and design of such buildings, narrowness or faulty arrangement of street, lack of ventilation, light, or sanitation facilities or any combination of these factors".

Maharashtra has more slums than any state (7,723), followed by Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

(24.06.2016 - In arrangement with IndiaSpend.org, a data-driven, non-profit, public interest journalism platform, where Sukanya Bhattacharyya is an intern. The views expressed are those of IndiaSpend. The author can be contacted at respond@indiaspend.org)
Basel (Switzerland), June 24 : Markets around the world are trying to factor the consequences of the UK's decision to quit the European Union, RBI Governor Raghram Rajan said on Friday.

He said in a statement that the Reserve Bank of India was ready to act when necessary.

"Markets are trying to factor the consequences of this development and this has already led to sharp corrections in financial markets around the world," Rajan said.

He said the RBI was continuously maintaining a close vigil on the market developments, both domestically and internationally.

"(We) will take all necessary steps, including liquidity support (both dollar and rupee), to ensure orderly conditions in financial markets," he said.

The Governor said the RBI had prepared for this outcome too although polls before Thursday had suggested confidence in the 'Remain' vote on Brexit.

"The Indian economy has good fundamentals, low short term external debt, and sizeable foreign reserves. These should stand the country in good stead in the days to come," he said.

Rajan earlier told CNBC TV18: "RBI is watching the markets. It is ready to act where there is disorderly conduct of the markets. We are prepared to act.

"In any kind of market volatility, there is opportunity also. Some movement in currency is warranted. We are watching all the markets and prices though it is not an immediate shock for liquidity in the system."

Britain's vote rattled Indian financial markets, shaving some over 1,000 points, or 4 per cent, off a key equities index, while pulling the rupee at around Rs 68 to a dollar mark.

The Indian Finance Ministry sought to calm stakeholders' nerves amid mayhem in the financial markets.

"The government and the RBI as well as other regulators are well prepared and working closely together to deal with any short term volatility," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in a statement from Beijing.

"Our aim will be to smooth this volatility, minimize its impact on economy in short term. For the medium term, we will pursue our reforms agenda."

Around 1.22 p.m., the sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE was ruling at 26216.25 points, down 785.97 points, or 2.91 per cent, while the Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was trading at 8,022.20 points, down 248.25 points, or 3 per cent.
Lucknow, June 24 : BSP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati is not new to rebellion. But the sudden desertion of a long-time aide, Swamy Prasad Maurya, has stunned her, insiders say.

The 60-year-old Mayawati has weathered desertions by more than a dozen hardcore party colleagues in the past. Normally, the Dalit leader is known to be unshaken by adversities.

Not this time though. The resignation of Maurya, a close aide and leader of the opposition in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, took her by surprise.

Seen by her side for the last 20 years, that Maurya's exit prompted an immediate response by Mayawati seemed to show how shaken she was. Indeed, many felt she was not her own self when she addressed the media.

Sources close to Maurya say he was feeling suffocated for long in the Bahujan Samaj Party and had been in touch with the BJP, including veteran leaders like Om Mathur.

The fact that she didn't get a whiff of the high-level intrigue has also shocked Mayawati.

With assembly elections due in Uttar Pradesh only a few months from now, Mayawati realises that Maurya's exit may dent her party's prospects, if not alter them dramatically, the sources told IANS.

More than two dozen legislators of the party who are likely to have their ticket for the 2017 polls cut by Mayawati are learnt to be regrouping under Maurya.

Former minister Daddu Prasad and rebel legislator Rajesh Tripathi have already met Maurya. Some others are said to be in telephonic touch with him.

Mayawati's worries stem from unconfirmed reports that the Bharatiya Janata Party wants "sleeper cells" within the Dalit outfit - to "explode" at the right time.

"The BJP is keen on creating a perception that the BSP is a sinking ship and that its very own are deserting it," said a BJP source.

The BJP also wants to reinforce the allegation that Mayawati was not a "Dalit ki Beti" but a "Daulat ki Beti".

The BSP is aware that Maurya, as the opposition leader, had good and warm relations with most legislators in the party as well as in other parties.

"His joining the BJP or SP will be a further blow to our electoral strategy," said a party leader.

While there is speculation that the Samajwadi Party leadership was cool to the idea of embracing Maurya, the latter seems to be in no hurry.

Maurya, the sources say, wants to ensure that he does not end up doing a political harakiri and instead his move must pay dividends.

"But for some nuts and bolts, the deal with the BJP is almost through," a close aide told IANS.

This is likely as Maurya late on Thursday attacked the Samajwadi Party, calling it a party of "goons".

The BJP realises that as it tries to expand its social base in the state, Maurya could be a political big fish in its net.

At the same time, pundits admit that those who have deserted the BSP have not done well in the past.

Party stalwarts like Raj Bahadur, Dinanath Bhaskar, Sonelal Patel, Daddu Prasad, Jugul Kishore and Babu Singh Kushwaha quit the party, attacking Mayawati's seeming lust for money and lack of loyalty for the policies of Ambedkar and party founder Kanshi Ram.

Having been ousted from power in 2012 and having drawn an embarrassing zero in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Mayawati has her job cut out.

Most people agree that the going has just got tougher for "Behenji" and her party in the country's politically most crucial state.

(Mohit Dubey can be contacted at mohit.d@ians.in)
Hyderabad, June 24 : US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Friday reiterated his country's full support for India's bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

He said the US remained committed to nuclear cooperation with India and the latter's accession to NSG. His comments came even as a plenary of the 48-member bloc in Seoul failed to take a decision on India's membership, mainly due to China's objections over India not signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

He, however, refused to comment on China opposing India's bid for NSG membership.

Verma declined to comment on the stand taken by China at the NSG meeting in Seoul saying it's an ongoing discussion.

"Because it's an ongoing discussion, I don't want to get in the middle of that. Let us see how they evolve," he said while answering a query at a media conference here.

Verma said they would wait for the outcome of the Seoul NSG meet.

"We have been supportive (of India's bid for NSG membership) at the highest possible level and we will continue to do so," he added.

"I don't want to answer hypothetical questions," he quipped when asked if India fails to get NSG membership will it affect the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

"We are committed to nuclear cooperation. We are committed to this arrangement and we are also committed to India's accession to NSG," he said.

The ambassador recalled that it was six years ago that President Barack Obama affirmed strong support for India's entry into the NSG. "We reaffirmed that many times over the years. We worked with India on its membership. We think they present a strong case and have been strongly supportive of its accession (to NSG)," he said.

On Britain voting to leave the European Union, the envoy said it was for the people of Britain to judge now how best to take this forward.

"It was a democratic process; we have to see how the implementation rolls out. This is something for the people of Great Britain to judge now how best to take this forward," he said.

He recalled that President Obama had hoped Britain would remain in the EU. "But this is how that nation took on a different path. We have to see how implementation rolls out in the weeks and months ahead," he said.

On Raghuram Rajan's exit as Governor of Reserve Bank of India, the ambassador termed this as an internal matter of India. He hoped that the US would continue to have a "terrific dialogue" with his successor.
Tashkent, June 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon on the sidelines of the SCO summit here.

During the talks with Belarus, the two sides discussed the anniversary of 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Belarus, focussing on all the different spheres of bilateral ties.

Both sides stressed on the need to take relations to new heights. The diversification of trade, encouraging the possibility of Indian investments in potash mines in Belarus and collaboration in the field of science and technology, particularly by drawing on the talent of the youth were priority areas of discussion, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement.

Modi met President Rahmon on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. The two leaders decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in a manner befitting the strong bonds between the two countries.

Both leaders spoke of the intensification of trade and economic linkages, working towards better connectivity between the two countries and of ongoing security cooperation. The yearly celebration of the International Day of Yoga was a special item of discussion, the statement said.
Phnom Penh, June 24 : Despite opposition from the Taipei government, Cambodia on Friday deported to China 25 Taiwanese nationals wanted on fraud charges.

The Taiwanese suspects were escorted by dozens of Cambodian and Chinese police officers onto a plane at Phnom Penh International Airport, along with 14 Chinese nationals, EFE news reported.

All 39 suspects are accused of involvement in internet fraud schemes targeting mainland China.

Taiwan's Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Eleanor Wang said earlier this week that officials were working to prevent the deportation, and were urging Cambodia to adhere to the 'nationality principle' by deporting the Taiwanese suspects to Taiwan.

Cambodia, one of China's closest allies in Southeast Asia, adheres to Beijing's 'One China' policy, which states that Taiwan is part of China.

While Taiwan has been self-ruled since splitting from China in 1949, Beijing maintains that it is part of its territory waiting to be reunified.

Cambodia's decision today to deport the group comes just months after Malaysia and Kenya deported Taiwanese nationals to mainland China in April, sparking strong criticism from Taipei.
Mumbai, June 24 : Superstar Aamir Khan has praised actors Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher, who are making their debut with filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's upcoming directorial "Mirzya".

The marks the debut of two star children -- Anil Kapoor's son Harshvardhan and Tanvi Azmi's niece Saiyami in the lead. After the trailer of the romantic drama film was launched, Aamir tweeted that Harshvardhan looks "terrific" and Saiyami looks beautiful.

"Harsh looks terrific as 'Mirzya', and Saiyami Kher looks beautiful. Good luck to the entire team. Love. A," Aamir tweeted on Friday.

The "Ghulam" star also congratulated the filmmaker and said that the film looks visually "stunning".

Mehra's directorial is inspired by the tale of the legend of Mirza-Sahiban and is touted to be an epic action-romance set in contemporary times.

The film is slated to hit the screens on October 7.
New Delhi, June 24 : Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay on Friday sought the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over water tanker scam, in an increasingly bitter fight with the AAP with two sides accusing each other of various scams and crimes.

"Earlier, I had demanded his (Kejriwal's) resignation and now I demand that the Delhi Police arrest him," Bharatiya Janata Party's Delhi unit chief Upadhyay told reporters here.

He alleged that Kejriwal "suppressed" for 11 months the report of a fact-finding team that probed the alleged irregularities in hiring some 385 stainless steel water tankers by the Delhi Jal Board in 2012 during the tenure of the Congress government headed by Shiela Dikshit.

"Water Minister Kapil Mishra gave report of the fact-finding committee to Kejriwal, but why there was a delay in sending the report to Lt. Governor," Upadhyay said.

"Why payments to the private company were carried on for 17 months, instead of cancelling it? Why Keshav Chandra, who was earlier private secretary to Dikshit, was made Chief Executive Officer of Jal Board?" the BJP leader said.

Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has already sought the arrest of Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung and BJP's Lok Sabha member Maheish Girri in the case of murder of M.M. Khan, an estate officer of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

The AAP has also written to Jung demanding that he should make himself and Delhi Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) chief M.K. Meena accused in four cases pertaining to alleged scams during the Dikshit government.

Delhi Assembly Deputy Speaker and AAP legislator Rakhi Birla said on Thursday that the assembly's Petitions Committee, which she heads, will summon Jung and Meena for "no action" on the FIRs against Dikshit and other "wrongdoers" in various scams.

"Legal opinion will also be sought over the matter from the government's standing counsel before sending summons to the LG and the ACB chief," she said.

The AAP government in June 2015 set up a five-member fact-finding committee to probe the alleged irregularities in hiring some 385 stainless steel water tankers by the Delhi Jal Board in 2012 during Dikshit's tenure.

Its report submitted to Kejriwal in August 2015 highlighted an alleged corruption of Rs 400 crore in the process of awarding tenders for hiring water tankers, and recommended FIR against Dikshit and a further probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ACB.
New Delhi, June 24 : Delhi will soon have a referendum on obtaining full statehood, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday.

"After UK referendum, Delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader tweeted.

Kejriwal provided no details, and it was not clear who will conduct such a referendum in the national capital.

The AAP leader has repeatedly demanded that Delhi should become a full-fledged state. Presently, the powers of the Delhi government are limited as key subjects in the city are controlled by the central government.
Chennai, June 24 : A 24-year-old woman employee of Infosys was stabbed to death at a railway station here by an unidentified person on Friday, police said.

The woman, identified by police as S. Swathi, was waiting on the platform to board a train when a man approached her. They were seen arguing by others.

Suddenly, the man took out a knife and attacked her. She reportedly died on the spot.

Infosys said in a statement: "We are saddened by the unfortunate incident that has led to the demise of our employee in Chennai.

"We are working with the local authorities as they investigate the matter and will continue to provide our co-operation and support.

"Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family of the deceased. Infosys will provide all the necessary support to the family in their hour of grief."
Kathmandu, June 24 : After a blast in Kabul that left 12 Nepalis and two Indian security guards dead and Nepal announced it would bring back migrants wanting to leave Afghanistan, the blast survivors have demanded local job opportunities.

Two days after the suicide bomb attack on June 20, which also left seven security guards injured, Nepal received the remains of those killed, Xinhua news agency reported.

Nepal not only airlifted 12 coffins to Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport, it also welcomed 24 migrant workers who were working over the last few years in war-torn Afghanistan.

Following the announcement of bringing back migrants wanting to leave Afghanistan, 24 Nepalis working as security guards for a Canadian mission in Kabul returned home out of terror and fear.

At the airport, the workers seemed relieved to have landed in their own country, after their ordeals in the high-risk region of Kabul where some of their friends' hopes and lives were claimed.

Maniram Khanal, from the western Nepali Kaski district, is among those who returned on Wednesday after staying in Afghanistan for five years.

Khanal, a retired Nepal Army personnel, said Monday's attack was evidence of how risky their lives were in Afghanistan.

"We knew about the risks from the very beginning but such attacks were centred outside of Kabul. But now, as violent acts are happening in broad daylight inside the main city, life has become so risky that I immediately decided to return," Khanal said.

Khanal, a father of two, was on his night-shift duty on the day of the attack while his colleagues were in a mini bus on their way to duty station.

He said the distance between the living quarters and the Canadian mission was less than a 10-minute journey but full of risks.

"If we had an armoured vehicle instead of a mini bus for transportation, the loss would be quite less. The armoured vehicle can carry four or five people which would be comparatively safer. Afghanistan is no way a safe place for Nepali workers," Khanal said.

Among those who lost their lives was Amrit Bahadur Thapa, from the north-wstern Nepali Lamjung district, who was Khanal's roommate for the past year-and-half, a memory which pulls at Khanal's heart every minute.

Along with Khanal, some 147 Nepalis used to work as security guards for the British security consultancy firm Sabre International based in Kabul.

The returnees, mostly retired Nepal Army and police personnel, said other diplomatic missions like those of the US and Australia have better security arrangements than the Canadian one.

Most of these security guards earn an average of Rs 100,000 (nearly $1,000) monthly, which they admit is impossible to earn in Nepal.

According to the Department of Foreign Employment, nearly 9,000 Nepali migrants had received permission to work as security guards in the war-torn country in the last 10 years, while there is no record of Nepalis working there off the records.

Earlier, Nepal had imposed a blanket ban on Nepalis working in Afghanistan and Iraq after 12 Nepalis were killed in Iraq in 2004.

Following a partial reversal, some Nepalis could receive a permit to work only in green-zones in Afghanistan, where the UN and other diplomatic agencies have their bases.

"I had chosen Afghanistan thinking that it's a better destination for former Army officials. In Gulf countries, the work is difficult and the pay is low. Since we don't have enough opportunities here, it made sense to leave the country," said Lal Bahadur Tamang, 51, another returnee.

A resident of the western Nepali Tanahun district, some 170 km from Kathmandu, Tamang said he did not want to work overseas any more, adding he would start his own business.

Most of the returnees echoed Tamang's sentiments, with some saying that even if they have to die, they want to die in their own motherland.

Those back from Afghanistan said many of their friends in Kabul have also decided to return as soon as possible, as their companies do not care about their security.

Thanking the Nepali government for bringing them back home, Bhagwan Banjara said Nepali youth should opt not to go to Afghanistan or other risky destinations such as Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

"The attackers have started targeting Gurkhas so the Nepal government must stop sending its citizens to their graves. The government must create job opportunities here," Banjara said.

At a time when 1,500 to 2,000 Nepalis leave the nation every day due to poverty, political instability and unemployment, many believe the Kabul incident has been a big lesson for the government.
Hyderabad, June 24 : The US and India will deepen their cooperation in climate and clean energy which offers great economic benefits, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said on Friday.

He believes climate, clean energy and clean water are going to be biggest pathways for cooperation in years ahead.

Speaking at the inaugural of a conference with the theme 'The future is now: India- From COP 21 to reality', Verma noted that India's success is critical to global success and that investment in the global energy sector was expected to reach nearly $17 trillion by 2035, or more than the entire GDP of China and India combined.

The two-day conference being attended by climate leaders from the US and India is discussing on how to implement the Paris climate agreement.

Later, Verma told a news conference that India should improve ease of doing business and investors' confidence to attract more US investments.

He noted that while US companies were coming to India in areas like clean energy, there is need for doing more to tap the potential.

The ambassador said technology would play a key role in boosting the cooperation in clean energy.

He said Prime Minister Modi's 175 GW target for renewable energy deployments is among the most ambitious in the world and the US has done a great deal to support the effort.

Through the US-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy, or PACE, the US mobilized nearly $2.5 billion for clean energy projects in India. Another $1.4 billion in climate finance for solar projects was announced during the Prime Minister's recent visit to the US.

Verma recalled President Obama's statement in Paris that they cannot forge a climate agreement that permanently resigns the 300 million people in India lacking electricity to a dim future. "That's why he partnered with Prime Minister Modi to launch Mission Innovation, a public-private partnership involving 20 nations that has pledged to double spending on clean energy research and developmentby 2020," he said.

He was confident that these resources will develop new practices and technologies to reduce global carbon emissions while also allowing countries like India to meet their developmental goals.

Verma said the US was actively supporting India's solar targets through International Solar Alliance and bilateral initiatives, such as rooftop solar cooperation and solar resource mapping.

The ambassador also pointed NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization are working together to develop a Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite that will observe and measure some of the planet's most complex processes, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards.

India also recently reached an agreement with the Westinghouse Electric Company to build six nuclear reactors in Andhra Pradesh.

Terming this as a major milestone for India's energy, Verma said it fulfills the promise of the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement. He claimed that this will give a major boost for Prime Minister Modi's ambitious target of diversifying India's energy resources, help India move towards its goal of making reliable power available to all its citizens, bring jobs to both countries and cutting edge technologies to India's power and construction sectors.

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Delhi, June 24 : As India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) came a cropper, the Congress on Friday said the Narendra Modi-led government had shown "unnecessary desperation" to become a member of the bloc and embarrassed the country in the process.

"Diplomacy is always done by wisdom and silence. We have never seen diplomacy being conducted in this manner, making it very clear whom you are lobbying with and whom you are petitioning with," senior Congress leader and Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma told reporters at the party headquarters here.

"It is an embarrassment for India to do what was not required. This kind of intense lobbying by Prime Minister Modi and his government, we can understand, should have been done for UN Security Council membership," Sharma said, insisting there was no need to show desperation that led India to be equated with Pakistan in the NSG case.

"Why did the Prime Minister and this government make so much of noise about it, and the kind of hectic campaigning and lobbying for it? In 2008, NSG had given India specific waiver which allowed India's integration with the nuclear mainstream after decades of isolation," he added.

That agreement, Sharma said, paved the way for India to enter into an agreement with the United States of America. He added that an India-specific IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) agreement allowed India to also trade with NSG countries.

"NSG countries can sell reactors to India and India can do the same. So there was no need of this desperation on the NSG issue," Sharma said.

The Congress also expressed shock at the statement given by Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj where she had said that India would have no objection to the entry of Pakistan into the NSG based on merit.

"Such a statement is absolutely shocking. It is a huge diplomatic letdown of the country after raising expectations to such a great height," senior party spokesperson Prithviraj Chavan said talking to reporters here.

"The Prime Minister must explain as to what went wrong and what is the Prime Minister's stand on Pakistan, particularly about Pakistan's standards of behaviour on Non Proliferation, about Dr. A.Q. Khan's work, giving nuclear technology in an unauthorized manner and in view of that how can India welcome Pakistan's membership of the NPT, whatever the merit, you all know that there are some friendly countries who are supporting Pakistan's case," Chavan added.

He also said that the country was looking forward to a positive outcome because that would have been the culmination of the work started by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance when in July 2005 a joint statement of President Bush and Dr. Manmohan Singh had opened up the possibility of nuclear cooperation with global powers and the US in particular.

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New Delhi : Britain on Friday voted to leave the European Union after a 43-year-long stint. But it had less than smooth relations with the group of nations -- its first application to join was peremptorily rejected by France's Charles De Gaulle in 1963, dealing a major blow to the career of then Conservative Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.

It was only in 1973 that it got in (under Edward Heath, another Conservative) but never seemed to have been comfortable there given the less than complimentary references in popular media.

One of the best guides to what the British establishment thought of their European association is in Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn's satirical TV sitcom "Yes Minister" (1980-84) and "Yes Prime Minister" (1986-88). Though it chronicled Minister for Administrative Affairs Jim Hacker's struggles to effect changes in government policy against the Civil Service's opposition, represented particularly by his Permanent Secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby, dealing with outcomes of Britain's membership of the European Economic Community (as the European Union was till 1993) frequently came up.

Hacker initially had a benign view of Europe but Appleby was more cynical.

In one episode, "The Writing on the Wall" (telecast March 1980), he tells Hacker that "Britain has had the same foreign policy objective for at least the last five hundred years: to create a disunited Europe", for which they had "fought with the Dutch against the Spanish, with the Germans against the French (Napoleonic Wars), with the French and Italians against the Germans (World War I), and with the French against the Germans and Italians (World War II). Divide and rule, you see. Why should we change now, when it's worked so well?"

As Hacker notes it was "all ancient history", he responds: "Yes, and current policy. We 'had' to break the whole thing (the EEC) up, so we had to get inside. We tried to break it up from the outside, but that wouldn't work. Now that we're inside we can make a complete pig's breakfast of the whole thing: set the Germans against the French, the French against the Italians, the Italians against the Dutch... The Foreign Office is terribly pleased; it's just like old times."

On a policy for a national identity card, Appleby notes that the "Germans will love it, the French will ignore it and the Italians and the Irish will be too chaotic to enforce it. Only the British will resent it".

In a latter episode ("Devil You Know", telecast March 1981), as Hacker says "Europe is a community of nations, dedicated towards one goal", Appleby laughs and asks him to look at it "objectively".

To Hacker's assertion that Britain joined "to strengthen the brotherhood of free Western nations", Appleby responds: "We went in to screw the French by splitting them off from the Germans." In the same episode, he seeks to explain the reason for some EU directive they have to follow as "the penalty we have to pay for trying to pretend that we're Europeans".

"Party Games" (telecast December 1984), which sees Hacker's unlikely elevation to the top post, begins with him trying to deal with the "Eurosausage" - the latest European standardisation measure which will see the British sausage now be called the "Emulsified High-Fat Offal Tube" and adroitly use the issue to gain enough popularity to succeed the Prime Minister who has resigned unexpectedly.

Though a compromise is reached on the sausage issue, Hacker pretends it still hangs and attacks Europe in a speech: "I'm a good European. I believe in Europe. I believe in the European ideal..... but this does not mean that we have to bow the knee to every directive from every little bureaucratic Bonaparte in Brussels...... They've turned our pints into litres and our yards into metres; we gave up the tanner and the threepenny bit, the two bob piece and the half crown. But they cannot and will not destroy the British sausage."

Attitudes haven't changed much since. BBC journalist-cum-author Adam Brookes, in his second espionage thriller "Spy Games" (2016) tells us that while British intelligence share an important document with their American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand counterparts, only a "stripped-down version, scrubbed almost into invisibility, went to the European Union Situation Centre in Brussels."

(Vikas Datta is an Associate Editor at IANS. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)
London, June 24 : After Labour MPs blamed party leader Jeremy Corbyn for disastrous 'Remain' campaign for the EU referendum, Corbyn on Monday will face calls for his resignation when the party MPs meet again.

Corbyn, who has never commanded majority support among Labour MPs, is under fire for failing to persuade Labour voters to back the 'Remain' campaign, The Independent.uk reported.

Britons voted 51.9 per cent for Brexit against 48.1 per cent of 'Remain' vote in a historic referendum on Thursday.

Britain joined the European Union on January 1 in 1973.

Angela Smith, the maverick Labour MP for Penistone, was the first to break cover on Friday and call for Corbyn to go.

"Corbyn has got to take responsibility. He should consider his position. He's shown insufficient leadership," she said.

A prominent backbench MP who believes Corbyn should resign, said: "I'm going to say so at the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party). No doubt it will leak after the meeting.

"I don't think Corbyn is the one most to blame for this. I'm absolutely furious with Boris Johnsons who lied, and lied and lied -- and people believed that eight million Turks were going to come here, they believed there would be 350 million pounds for the National Health Service (NHS).

"But there was also a failure of Labour leadership. If we had campaigned better, we could have got another half a million votes for Remain."

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair described Labour's contribution to the 'Remain' campaign as "pretty lukewarm".

Lord Mandelson, a former Labour Deputy Prime Minister and ally of Blair, said Corbyn's voice had been "curiously muted" during the campaign. "But when he did say anything there were mixed messages."

Corbyn spent most of his political life arguing for Britain to leave the EU. He voted against signing major treaties with the EU in 1992 and 2007, but during the referendum he campaigned on a promise that if the country voted 'Remain', he would lead a campaign to reform it from within.

Unlike other Labour figures such as Mayor Sadiq Khan, Corbyn refused to share a platform with David Cameron, a decision which cost him opportunities to reach a mass audience during the campaign.

One survey suggested that half of Labour natural supporters did not know the party was in favour of 'Remain'.

News that Labour MPs hope to use the post-referendum crisis as an opportunity to oust him will come as no surprise to the Labour leader's office.

A leaked copy of a briefing paper drawn up by Corbyn's staff was setting arguments to answers to those who say Corbyn shares some of the blame the defeat of the 'Remain' side.

The document argues that Labour voters used the referendum to "kick a Conservative government", and claims: "Corbyn has showed that he is far closer to the centre of gravity of the British public than other politicians. He is now the only politician who can unite a divided country, as he can speak to both sides."
New Delhi, June 24 : Wishing the southeastern African nation of Mozambique on its independence day, which is observed on June 25, President Pranab Mukherjee said that the bilateral relations between the two nations are set to get deeper.

In a message to his Mozambican counterpart Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Mukherjee, extending his warms greetings on the occasion, said: "India and Mozambique share warm and close bilateral relations, which have been expanding in recent years. Your state visit to India in August 2015, followed by the participation of Prime Minister of Mozambique in the IAFS-III Summit in Delhi in October 2015 has reinvigorated our bilateral relationship."

Mukherjee said that he is "confident" that the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mozambique this year "will further contribute to strengthening the friendship and cooperation" between the two nations.

Mozambique obtained its independence from colonial Portuguese rule on June 25, 1975.
New Delhi, June 24 : The central government has returned to the Delhi government nine bills passed by the Delhi assembly, official sources said on Friday.

"Nine bills have been sent back by the central government," a senior official in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government told IANS. The source did not give details.

The returned bills reportedly include the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill 2015 which the AAP had described as the "strongest" anti-corruption legislation in the country.
Lucknow, June 24 : Two days after the Samajwadi Party leadership praised Bahuhan Samaj Party rebel Swamy Prasad Maurya, Uttar Pradesh PWD Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav on Friday described him as someone "who has lost his mental balance".

Shivpal, the younger brother of SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said, told reporters in Kanpur that Maurya has lost his mental balance because he got more than what he deserved in the Bahuhan Samaj Party (BSP).

Maurya required medical help, Shivpal said.

The harsh words from Shivpal come a day after the BSP rebel described Samajwadi Party (SP) as a party of goondas.

It was only on Thursday that Shivpal's nephew and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had praised Maurya, calling him a "good man, popular leader who was in a wrong party".

Sources said Swamy Prasad Maurya was in New Delhi on Friday and was in touch with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership to discuss a "respectable joining".
Seoul, June 24 : India's wait for a coveted Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership continues even after eight years of lobbying, as China foiled its latest bid in Seoul on the grounds that New Delhi has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Also upholding China's technical objection to India's membership were NSG members South Africa, Norway, Brazil, Austria, New Zealand, Ireland and Turkey, diplomatic sources said, after the annual plenary of the 48-nation grouping ended in the South Korean capital on Friday without any decision on New Delhi's application.

India blamed China for the diplomatic fiasco that came a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a 45-minute meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup without naming Beijing said "procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country" stalled India's bid even as most others in the grouping supported New Delhi.

"An overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported India's membership and appraised India's application positively," Swarup said.

But an NSG statement after the Seoul plenary did not mention about membership applications from India or any other country, including Pakistan, indicating that the grouping could not arrive at a consensus on allowing the countries that have not signed the non-proliferation agreement. India says the NPT is "flawed and discriminatory".

The statement said the meeting discussed the "issue of technical, legal and political aspects of the participation of non-NPT states in the NSG and decided to continue its discussion".

"Participating governments reiterated their firm support for the full, complete and effective implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime."

Swarup said the NSG statement suggested that "India requires to join the NPT and our stand on the NPT is well known".

India, strongly backed by the US, applied for NSG membership on May 12 this year. But it began working for the entry into the elite club of nations that regulate global nuclear trade and technology way back in 2008.

The NSG in that year waived the full-scope safeguards requirement and allowed India to import enrichment and reprocessing equipment and technology without signing the NPT. The grouping then said it was giving "clean and unconditional" waiver "based on the commitments and actions" on non-proliferation undertaken by India.

With strong support from the US, Argentina, Britain, Italy, Mexico, France, Russia and host South Korea, India was seeking NPT concessions from the grouping on the same grounds that it had a clean non-proliferation record.

But China virtually stonewalled its chances and raised the pitch that other non-NPT signatories, including Pakistan, will also seek the concession.

Pakistan has an alleged bad track record on proliferation and is said to have sold atomic weapons technology to Libya, Iran, and North Korea.

Ahead of the Seoul plenary, India made hectic diplomatic efforts, which continued till the NSG meeting ended, to secure the membership in the grouping which works on the principle of consensus and allows a new member only if all existing members agree.

At the end, the sources said, at least 10 NSG members sided with China and there were only 38 supporting India's application to be taken up in the main plenary.

China did not hide its opposition, saying the global non-proliferation order will collapse if India joined the group without signing the NPT.

"If exceptions are allowed here or there, the international non-proliferation order will collapse," said Wang Qun, Director General of the Department of Arms Control of China's Foreign Ministry.

Back home, the opposition Congress said the NSG failure was an "embarrassment for India" and blamed Prime Minister Modi's desperation for it.

"Diplomacy is always done by wisdom and silence. We have never seen diplomacy being conducted in this manner, making it very clear who are you lobbying with and whom you are petitioning with," Congress' Anand Sharma said in New Delhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a bitter critique of Modi, said the Prime Minister's foreign policy had "completely failed" and sought to know from him what he did on his "foreign jaunts".

"For its defeat on the NSG issue, shouldn't the PMO be questioned?" Kejriwal asked.
Kolkata, June 24 : Asserting India was on track towards becoming a open defecation free (ODF) nation by 2019, Union Rural Development Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh on Friday said at least 160 districts across the country will achieve 100 percent sanitation coverage by the end of the year.

Speaking at an ICC organised event on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan here, Singh said since the October 2014 launch of the mission, 16 districts across the country covering over 63,000 villages have become ODF districts so far.

"We are very confident of achieving the target of becoming an ODF nation by October 2019. In fact, 160 districts across the country will become ODF by the end of this year.

"Six states including Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Karnataka are in the queue of becoming OFD in the next one year. In fact most of the state cabinets have passed resolutions for becoming OFD states much before the deadline of 2019," he said.

Currently Sikkim is the only state to have achieved 100 percent sanitation coverage.

Urging private sector participation, Singh stressed the significance of behavioural change of the population towards sanitation and hygiene for the effective implementation of the initiative.

"We have built around 11.11 crore toilets but construction of toilets is not the challenge. Making the people use them and keep the toilets functional is the real challenge.

"That is why I say behavioural change is the crux of the mission. We need to inculcate the importance of sanitation and hygiene in the people," he said.

Even as he emphasised the central government's commitment towards providing funds for the implementation of the project in the states, Singh called upon the private players to contribute more towards the 'Swachh Bharat Kosh' created for collecting contributions from individuals and organisations for the initiative.

"We need active private participation not just towards contributing funds but also taking up sanitation as one of their CSR activities. Private participation is importance for the success of the project," he added.
New Delhi, June 24 : Travelling on the highways is set to be a smoother and more interesting affair -- a la 'Rajmarg villages' based on the concept of rest areas -- at every 50 km that will be equipped with plush motels, bazaar, branded restaurants, fuel stations, kids' playground, and in some places, a helipad.

According to a plan being finalised by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry, the Rajmarg villages would cater to car and bus passengers as well as truckers.

The ministry has worked out three options - a combined facility for truckers and bus and car passengers which will also have a provision of helipad -- a separate one for "bus and car users" and one for "truckers."

A ministry official told IANS that 425 sites along highways are being earmarked of which 167 are being considered for development of such wayside villages.

Of the 167, 33 sites have already been identified. These include seven in Bengaluru on NH-4, NH-63, NH-13 and NH-7; six sites in Chennai -- on NH-7, 49 and 205 and six sites around Lucknow along NH-2, NH-28 and NH-25.

Five such sites have been identified for Bhopal, two each in Mumbai, Jaipur, Patna and Thiruananthpuram and one in Hyderabad.

Land for 78 sites is already under possession of the NHAI while for 19 sites additional land is required.

For 44 sites, land acquisition is under process, while for 12 sites it is ready to be leased, an official said.

Besides necessary facilities like toilets and parking, these halting or resting points will also offer recreational options for weary travellers and provide options for a short stay.

Besides, CNG stations and battery chargers will also be there to promote environment-friendly vehicles on highways.

Internet facilities, conference halls for meetings, child care facilities, kiosks, ATMs and First Aid Centres would also be available.

"The idea is not only to provide various facilities in close proximity but to also generate local employment. These will be well planned roadside villages which will offer a pleasant experience to the traveller," an official said.

The ministry has assigned the task to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and to the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) to develop these facilities, the official added.

IHMCL has already engaged a Project Management Consultant (PMC) to prepare the detailed Project Report of these amenities.

The PMC has already submitted a feasibility report and site specific designs for the 33 sites.

"These 33 sites are being evaluated to check their financial viability as bids will be invited for each site. The bidding process is expected to commence within this month," the official said.

(Brajendra Nath Singh can be contacted at brajendra.n@ians.in)
Brussels, June 24 : The European Union's top leaders on Friday said they expect the UK to act on its momentous vote to leave the union "as soon as possible, however painful that process may be" and that there will be "no renegotiation".

Britons voted 51.9 per cent for Brexit against 48.1 per cent of 'Remain' vote in a historic referendum on Thursday.

Britain joined the European Union on January 1 in 1973.

The presidents of the European council, commission and parliament -- Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker and Martin Schulz respectively -- and Mark Rutte, the prime minister of the Netherlands which holds the EU's rotating presidency, said any delay in Britain's exit would "unnecessarily prolong uncertainty".

After emergency talks in Brussels, the four said they regretted, but respected Britain's decision, The Guardian reported.

"This is an unprecedented situation, but we are united in our response," they said in a joint statement.

The UK -- the first sovereign country to vote to leave -- would remain a member until exit negotiations were concluded, they said.

Europe expected it to "give effect to this decision ... as soon as possible" by triggering article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, which is effectively Britain's formal letter of resignation.

The special settlement negotiated by David Cameron earlier this year was void and could not be renegotiated, they said.

German chancellor Angela Merkel expressed "great regret" at Britain's decision, but said the EU should not draw "quick and simple conclusions" that might create new and deeper divisions. The union's foundation was "the idea of peace", she said.

French president FranAois Hollande in Paris said he "profoundly regrets" the Brexit vote but that the EU now had to make changes.

Hollande said the vote would put Europe to the test: "To move forward, Europe cannot act as before."

Schulz said he would speak to Merkel about "how to avoid a chain reaction" of other EU states following Britain.

"The chain reaction being celebrated everywhere now by Eurosceptics won't happen," he said.

The EU was the world's biggest single market and "Britain has just cut its ties with that market. That'll have consequences, and I don't believe other countries will be encouraged to follow that dangerous path," he said.

Tusk earlier said the EU's 27 remaining members would meet next week to assess their future without Britain, warning that there was "no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event -- especially for the UK. It is a historic moment, but not a moment for hysterical reactions."

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel called for a special "conclave" of EU leaders as early as next month. "We need to keep a cool head and need to see what new way of cooperation would be possible," he said.

Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi tweeted: "We must change it to make it more human and more just. But Europe is our home, it's our future."

Lars Loekke Rasmussen, Danish Prime Minister, said Denmark "belongs in Europe" but said mounting Euroscepticism must be taken seriously.

In Greece, there was concern that the referendum result would intensify anti-European sentiment.

"In the short term, Brexit may help Greece, because our allies will want to solidify and show solidarity," a senior minister said. "But in the long term, it will not. The prospect of Grexit will increase."

Turkey, whose future membership of the EU played a key role in the UK referendum campaign, cast doubt on the likelihood of it joining in the aftermath of the Brexit vote.

"The European Union's disintegration has started," Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli tweeted. "Britain was the first to jump ship."

The UK was the EU's second-largest economy and largest military power. It will embark on the process of leaving as the union grapples with multiple crises: huge numbers of migrants, economic weakness and a nationalist Russia seeking to overturn the post-cold war order.

The UK has to negotiate two agreements: a divorce treaty to wind down British contributions to the EU budget and settle the status of the 1.2 million Britons living in the EU and three million EU citizens in the UK; and an agreement to govern future trade and other ties with its European neighbours.

Tusk has estimated that both agreements could take seven years to settle "without any guarantee of success". Most Brussels insiders think this sounds optimistic.

There were early warnings of difficulties ahead. The German MEP Elmar Brok, who chairs the European parliament's committee on foreign affairs, said the parliament would call on Juncker to strip the British commissioner, Jonathan Hill, of the financial services brief with immediate effect and turn him into a "commissioner without portfolio".

"They will have to negotiate from the position of a third country, not as a member state. If Britain wants to have a similar status to Switzerland and Norway, then it will also have to pay into EU structural funds like those countries do. The British public will find out what that means."

On paper, nothing changes immediately. The UK remains an EU member until it has finalised the terms of its divorce and is obliged to follow all EU rules.

In theory, the UK retains the decision-making privileges of membership; in reality, power will rapidly drain away and British diplomats can expect to be marginalised in the councils of Brussels.

The UK will keep its veto in some areas, such as tax and foreign policy, but diplomats say Britain's voice on other EU decisions, for example economy and business, will count for little.
New Delhi, June 24 : Almost three years after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Santosh Koli died in a road accident in Ghaziabad, the BJP on Friday demanded that the Uttar Pradesh government order a CBI enquiry into the case.

"We demand a CBI enquiry into the death of Santosh Koli in a road accident from the Uttar Pradesh government," Delhi unit Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Satish Upadhyay told reporters here.

"We will also write to UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav over the issue and also meet him, if required," he added.

Koli, once a close associate of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, suffered critical injuries in an accident in Ghaziabad on June 30, 2013 when a speeding car rammed a motorcycle on which she was riding pillion. She succumbed to injuries on August 7, 2013 in a private hospital in Gurgaon.

Accusing Kejriwal of being involved in the hit-and-run incident, Upadhyay said: "There is a conspiracy in the death of Koli, as she was the only person who had all the records of the party."

"At the time of Koli's accident, Kejriwal's personal secretary Kuldeep Panwar was with her. Why didn't he get injured in the accident," Upadhyay asked.

"Even the motorcycle on which they were travelling was burnt," he added.

"Why was she immediately shifted to a hospital in Gurgaon, while there were a number of good hospitals in Ghaziabad and Delhi," the BJP leader said.

"Why had Kejriwal kept the medical and autopsy report of Koli with him and not handed it over to her family," Upadhyay wondered.

When asked why the BJP is raising the issue after such a long gap, Upadhyay said: "During Delhi assembly elections we had demanded the same. Even their parents met us over this issue."

The BJP leader also said that the AAP was known for doing politics on the dead. Citing references, the BJP pointed out the cases of Koli and Rajasthan farmer Gajendra Chauhan, who died during an AAP rally in the national capital last year.
Agartala, June 24 : International borders of the northeastern states would either be fenced or sealed to check trans-border movement of militants and prevent infiltration and cross-border crimes, a top Union Home Ministry official said here on Friday.

"Government has different approach depending upon the northeast India's borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar. We have concrete action plan for the management of the borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar," Union Home Ministry's Border Management Secretary Susheel Kumar told reporters.

"Government has already decided to seal Assam's border with Bangladesh within two years. Most parts of Assam's 263-km-long border with Bangladesh are riverine," he said.

To a question the official said that topography, requirement and approach to manage the 1,640-km unfenced border with Myanmar are completely different from the Bangladesh border.

Four northeastern states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam share a 1,880-km border with Bangladesh, while Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh share a 1,640-km unfenced border with Myanmar.

Susheel Kumar, who came here on Friday on a three-day visit to Tripura after meeting officials in Meghalaya and West Bengal, held a meeting with Tripura Chief Secretary Yashpal Singh, senior officials of the Border Security Force, District Magistrates and Collectors of different bordering districts besides senior state government officials.

"By December next year, Tripura's 856-km border with Bangladesh would be completely fenced to check trans-border movement of terrorists, hostile elements, prevent infiltration and check border crimes," he said.

"As per international norms, the barbed wire fencing is being erected 150 yards from the zero line of the borders. Where there are problems, the fencing is being erected at the Zero Line after taking cognisance of the Bangladesh government," he added.

The official, who will visit a few bordering areas during the next two days to assess border management, said that wherever the people's perception is different about erecting the fencing, the concerned District Magistrate and Collectors have been asked to talk to the people.

India had started erection of a fence and putting up of floodlights all along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura several years back to stop infiltration.
Dhule (Maharashtra), June 24 : At least 18 persons were killed when a seven-axle container truck collided with a mini bus on the Surat-Nagpur highway here on Friday evening, police said.

The incident occurred when one of the wheels of the truck, which was bound for Parola in adjoining Jalgaon district, broke loose. The driver then lost control of the truck near Kasvihir village.

It rammed into the packed oncoming mini bus from Parola and crushed it by its sheer weight, said police officer S.P. Patil of Dhule. Two people were injured and were in critical condition.

After the accident, traffic on the highway, which connects Surat in Gujarat and Kolkata, was disrupted for several hours to facilitate relief operations.
New Delhi, June 24 : More than 1.2 crore passport related applications were processed in 2015, marking a growth of 18 per cent over 2014, said a Ministry of External Affairs statement.

The Ministry of External Affairs celebrated the 4th Passport Sewa Divas and organised a Passport Officers Conference on Friday. It was attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh.

The engagement of the day included discussions and presentations by senior officials of the ministry, passport Officers and officials of the service partner TCS on passport related issues, including prospective improvements in service delivery.

"The ministry has endeavoured to carry passport services closer to the citizens in a big way by organising a large number of passport Seva Camps, especially in remote and far-flung areas across the country," said the ministry statement.

"EAM and MOS advised all present to renew their commitment towards delivering Passport Services to our citizens with greater dedication, consideration and in a transparent and professional manner," it added.
Bhubaneswar, June 24 : Union Textiles Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Friday inaugurated a 45-day-long skill upgradation training programme for Scheduled Caste handloom weavers in Bargarh district.

The Minister also gave away certificates to students of the first handloom entrepreneur training course.

Sixty handloom entrepreneurs have completed training in Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology at Bargarh, Varanasi and Salem.

The minister also handed over the sanction letters to handloom weavers under Pradhan Mantri Weaver MUDRA Scheme. He also visited an exhibition of exquisite Ikat handloom products prepared by awardees and producers registered under the India Handloom Brand.

Gangwar said that the central government is implementing several new initiatives which are aimed at raising earnings of handloom weavers to Rs 500 per day.

He also said that the government is giving special priority to handloom weavers belonging to Scheduled Castes.

The minister added that the Ministry of Textiles has requested state governments to send projects of blocks that have concentration of SC weavers, on priority.

Bargarh area of Odisha has a large cluster of handloom weavers and is famous for tie and dye Ikat weaves. It has produced a large number of national award winners.

A block-level cluster project is the new approach adopted by the government for comprehensive development of handloom weavers.

Under this, a project can avail assistance of up to Rs 2 crore for activities such as skill upgradation, loom upgradation, work sheds, professional assistance from a designer, common facility centre, dye house and a raw material depot, said a release.

The government has sanctioned 228 such projects in the last one year, 19 of which are in Odisha. Handloom weavers receive a wage of Rs 210 per day from the government during the training period, it added.

IANS

cd/lok/bg
Kollam, June 24 : A leader of the youth congress, the youth outfit of the congress party, has lodged a man-missing complaint with the police seeking to find actor and local MLA Mukesh.

According to the youth congress leader, MLA Mukesh went missing ever since he had elected to the assembly from Kollam constituency.

The complaint filed by youth congress assembly committee president Vishnu Sunil with the Kollam West Police on Thursday said that local MLA Mukesh was missing and requested the police to locate him immediately.

The young leader justified the complaint by saying that he was compelled to approach the police on behalf of the people of the constituency who have nowhere to turn to redress their grievances.

The coastal areas of Kollam district had suffered extensive damage owing to natures fury but the local people were unable to meet the MLA or air their grievances, media reports quoted Mr. Sunil as saying.

The complainant also says that the MLA did not bother to pay a visit to the Kollam collectorate, where an improvised explosive device went off the other day.

Even though a few ministers visited the site of the explosion, the local legislator was nowhere to be seen, the youth congress leader complained.

The MLA was conspicuous by his absence even at a function held in his constituency in which the Chief Minister took part, youth congress leaders asserted.

The actor had said prior to the elections that he would not give up his acting and other commitments even if were to be elected to the assembly.

When the CPI-M passed over ace politician P K Gurudasan to field Mukesh as candidate from Kollam, there were doubts from several quarters whether the actor would be able to fulfil the duties incumbent on a legislator given that he was still active in the film industry.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 24 : Kerala Governor P Sathasivam dropped a huge hint in his address to the maiden session of the 14th State assembly on Friday that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government could do away with the previous Congress-led governments policy of total alcohol prohibition.

In his policy address, the Governor panned the UDF governments liquor policy saying that it had failed to yield the desired results and that it had led to a disturbing increase in the use of drugs in the State.

The policy address stated that the new government would take into account opinion of all section of people before formulating its liquor policy.

The Governor also said that a detailed scientific study would be conducted on the social, economic, and health problems arising from the consumption of liquor.

These assertions are clear indications that the LDG govt. is set to consign the UDFs liquor policy to the dustbin in favour of a new one.

However, it remains to be seen if at all a new policy is formulated, the LDF government would decide to reopen the bars that were forced to down shutters owing to the Oommen Chandy-led governments policy of phased prohibition.

However, the Opposition has already fired the first salvo, stating that the assertions in the policy address were a clear hint that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government would sanction new bars in the State.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, new lending activity in the UK commercial property industry remained steady throughout 2016, albeit at lower levels than in 2015, new research shows.

While new lending was down by 17% compared to its post economic crisis peak in 2015, the vote to leave the European Union had a minimal impact on new lending activity, according to the De Montfort commercial property report.

Lenders originated 21.4 billion in the first half of 2016 and a marginally higher 23.1 billion in the second and in a shift from 2015, where 55.6% of debt issued was for new acquisitions, 61% of new lending in 2016 was refinancing for existing loans, which is felt to benefit lenders with a large existing client base.

UK banks and building societies increased their market share of new loan originations to 45% by the end of 2016 compared with 34% in 2015. While some non-bank lenders were also able to increase their market share, most categories of lenders, including North American banks and insurance companies, recorded a decline in market share.

The report also points out that they were responsible for 44% of commercial development funding and 69% of all residential development funding. In total they completed 5.4 billion of development lending transactions during 2016. The total development funding supplied by all lenders was 7.7 billion.

Market liquidity remained strong, with competitive pricing and lending terms for prime property. While average interest rate margins fell slightly over the course of the year, they picked up during the second half, suggesting an end to the trend of falling margins observed since 2012.

Average maximum loan to value ratios declined during the year by around 5% for prime office senior loans and the average ratio for senior loans secured by secondary property was by the end of the year below 60% for office, retail and industrial property.

Geographically, the data highlights significant regional disparities with 63% of the total debt secured against property in London and the South East. This compares with 12% for the North, 11% in the Midlands and Wales and 4% in Scotland.

The apparent stability of the lending market masks a couple of underlying trends that could be important from a policy perspective, namely the continued rise of debt secured against London property, which now represents almost half of the outstanding total, and the continued relative dearth and high cost of development finance, said Ion Fletcher, director of finance policy at the British Property Federation.

These contrast with the Governments objectives to promote economic growth across the whole country and stimulate new development activity, particularly for new homes. If these trends are driven by regulatory factors, policymakers should be thinking about how to mitigate them, he added.

According to Neil Odom-Haslett, president of the Association of Property Lenders, lenders as a rule dont like uncertainty or surprises and, over the last 12 months, there has been a fair share of both. As a result, it is clear that the lending community has become more cautious. The bias towards lending in London and the South East continues, and development finance remains scarce, and this will not change in the short term, unless of course the regulators and policymakers intervene in some way, he pointed out.

Chris Holmes, EMEA head of debt advisory at JLL, believes that the current trend is likely to continue. The market reached a new equilibrium at the end of 2016. Established banks were operating cautiously post referendum with a tendency to lower leverage and higher margins. This gave a clear signal to non-bank lenders who continue to increase market share by taking stretched senior risk and development risk in return for higher loan margins, he said.

We anticipate a continuation of this trend, particularly as it is difficult to secure development funding at reasonable margins on anything other than the most conservative deal structures. If the forthcoming election returns a more stable political outlook, it is possible that the strong supply of liquidity to commercial real estate finance will reverse margin increases seen since June 2016, he added.
Champions in Washington, D.C. during 2015 Ambassador Tour As our Champions demonstrate, local donations are crucial to ensure childrens hospitals are able to fund pediatric research, equipment, treatments and services necessary to save and improve kids lives.

On Saturday, June 25, 52 pediatric patients from across the nation will begin an Ambassador Tour for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Each child has personally benefited from donations to the charity and illustrates how community support greatly impacts local childrens hospitals.

The specialized care childrens hospitals provide is only partially funded by government and insurance programs, said John Lauck, president and CEO of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. As our Champions demonstrate, local donations are crucial to ensure childrens hospitals are able to fund pediatric research, equipment, treatments and services necessary to save and improve kids lives.

Champions and guests will fly into the District of Columbia, courtesy of Delta Air Lines, and will be welcomed by Champion alumni and supporters at a celebratory event at the JW Marriott Washington, DC. Throughout the week, Champions will share their inspiring stories to encourage charitable support for childrens hospitals. Opportunities include touring Marriott International headquarters to thank associates and leadership for their continued support, attending Senate meetings on Capitol Hill, generating awareness at a Washington Nationals game and participating in a satellite media tour with TV stations across the country.

The 2016-17 Champions program is presented by Delta Air Lines, Marriott International, Chicos FAS, Inc. and Ace Hardware. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Champions program, where a child from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico is selected to highlight the great work and tremendous needs of childrens hospitals. In honor of the programs milestone year, 1996 Champion alumnus, best-selling author and Paralympic skier Josh Sundquist will return to address the new class of Champions. Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell, the national goodwill ambassador for CMN Hospitals, will also accompany the Champions and participate in media opportunities.

The 2016-17 Champions will reunite in March 2017 for the second half of their Ambassador Tour in Orlando, Fla., at CMN Hospitals annual Momentum event, where the charitys 170 hospital members gather with corporate and media partners. Through additional speaking engagements, appearances and media interviews, the Champions will complete their year of service by thanking and inspiring those who support the childrens hospitals they depend on.

To learn more about the Champion representing your state, and for a brief video of last years Ambassador Tour, visit CMNHospitals.org/Champions. Watch for and use hashtag #ChampionsForKids for Champions updates.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

About Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines serves nearly 180 million customers each year. In 2016, Delta was named to Fortunes top 50 Most Admired Companies in addition to being named the most admired airline for the fifth time in six years. Additionally, Delta has ranked No.1 in the Business Travel News Annual Airline survey for an unprecedented five consecutive years. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 337 destinations in 62 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs nearly 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 800 aircraft. The airline is a founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance and participates in the industrys leading transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia as well as a joint venture with Virgin Atlantic. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 15,000 daily flights, with key hubs and markets including Amsterdam, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK and LaGuardia, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Tokyo-Narita. Delta has invested billions of dollars in airport facilities, global products and services, and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Additional information is available on the Delta News Hub, as well as delta.com, Twitter @DeltaNewsHub, Google.com/+Delta, and Facebook.com/delta.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,300 properties in 85 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton, Bvlgari, EDITION, JW Marriott, Autograph Collection Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Gaylord Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, TownePlace Suites, Protea Hotels and MoxyHotels. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards program, which together surpass 54 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at http://www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit http://www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About Chico's FAS, Inc.

The Company, through its brands, Chico's, White House Black Market and Soma, is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of womens private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing gift items. Chicos FAS, Inc. currently operates more than 1,500 boutiques and outlets in the U.S. and Canada and sells merchandise through franchise locations in Mexico. The Companys merchandise is also available at http://www.chicos.com, http://www.whbm.com and http://www.soma.com.

About Ace Hardware

For more than 90 years, Ace Hardware has been known as the place with the helpful hardware folks in thousands of neighborhoods across America, providing customers with a more personal kind of helpful. In 2016, Ace ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores, Ten Years in a Row," according to J.D. Power. With more than 4,800 hardware stores locally owned and operated across the globe, Ace is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries currently operate 17 distribution centers in the U.S. and also have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; Colon, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and approximately 60 countries. For more information on Ace, visit http://www.acehardware.com.
"Heelho is emblematic of a new breed that is making gains in business circles.... They are experimental, web-savvy, and incentive-driven."

The creators of a new product that makes women's high-heeled shoes less likely to cause ball-of-foot pain have been named as the Business of the Month by Texas Unchained. The honor is bestowed monthly by texasunchained.com on one deserving independently owned, non-chain, non-franchised Texas business that exemplifies the energy, vitality, originality, and resourcefulness, as well as the bootstrap spirit, of a homegrown Lone Star enterprise. (See announcement at http://texasunchained.com/heelho-takes-honors/)

Less than two years old, the startup known as Heelho (heelho.com) was named the honoree for the month of June. Company founder Tina Goodman said that the honor has been extremely gratifying for their entire team.

It's feels like a well-timed reward for the dedication, enthusiasm, and drive that our team has showed that has taken us this far this quickly, Goodman said. It reinforces the worth of what we've put our faith in. We live in times when opportunity abounds for anyone who wants to create a business and make a go of it. Our team is mostly our ownersthere are seven of us. So ownership is huge where Heelho Insoles is concerned. We have partners and other hired associates who contribute also, but by far the work is done by people who have a stake in the bottom line. That's a structure that is easier accomplished in a small company, in one that is light enough on its feet to meet challenges quickly. It's a structure that meshes well with the fast-changing world of direct-to-consumer online selling, which can sometimes be a turn-on-a-dime proposition.

Things are indeed happening fast for the (mostly) ladies at Austin-based Heelho. Their product was mere months between drawing board and the arrival of their initial stock. The first shipments of product to consumers were as recent as December 2015. Yet already the company is expanding into secondary product lines and new markets.

Dianne D. Green, an Abilene, Texas, businesswoman and the person who nominated Heelho for the recognition, said that the company has flourished because they are risk-takers and problem-solvers.

They are highly collaborative and they are worker- and partner-empowering, Green said. They got their product to market at lightning speed. And it's a product that gets rave reviews. In many ways, they are emblematic of a new breed that is making gains in business circles, not just in Austin and not just in Texas but across the nation and around the world. They are experimental, web-savvy, and incentive-driven. They're not about brick-and-mortar. Heelho is more fluid and, where management is concern, less hierarchical. Heelho knows its customer and its product and is streamlined about getting the two together, and the process has less to do with getting retail partners than it has to do with going direct to the buyer and building that relationship.

Austin is itself an incubator community for businesses, Green continued. Mostly we think of these as tech startups. But the potentialities of the web, social media, and today's take-any-comers marketplace offer room for non-tech businesses like this one as well. It's largely about understanding how to thrive in an inbound, online environment. You don't have to have a technical product to take advantage of sophisticated online marketing practices. Heelho does have technology in its product, and the company is working on some sophisticated applications of its basic design, but it's really just a shoe insert. And yet that's something that can be marketed with cutting edge techniques.

What sets the product apart is its patent-pending depression in the insole, one that offloads pressure away from a point in the metatarsal arch where many high-heel wearers develop a sore spot.

The Heelho team found themselves the subjects of a 2,000-word feature article on Texas Unchained's website (http://texasunchained.com/heelho-feature-article/). The article tells how the company began, how the product works, and where the business is headed.

The city of Austin is not just notable for the fact that it is a business incubator and accelerator, but also for the fact that it sees many women launching those businesses, Green said.

According to Austin Woman magazine, woman-owned firms account for 30 percent of all enterprises and are growing faster in number and employment than most other firms. Texas is leading the way with the second fastest growth of women-owned firms.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Tina Goodman 210.912.8143, tina(at)heelho(dot)com
The rare Texas Model Colt Paterson now on view at Buffalo Bill Center of the West In the 1830s, there were 100s of makers of arms, but nobody perfected them like Sam Colt.

While Winchester coined the expression the Gun That Won the West, most aficionados of American firearm history consider Samuel Colts invention the Handgun that Won the West. Certainly, western historians and enthusiasts are more than familiar with the Colt single-action Army revolver, but its quite possible that without Colts first inventionthe Patersonthis legend of the West would not have been born.

Recently, Denny A. LeVett donated one of his 12-inch Texas Model Colt Patersons to the Cody Firearms Museum (CFM) at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. For most of his life, this fervent collector of many things has amassed antique firearmsnone of which has been fired since acquisition. You wouldnt want to, he once quipped."

We are so excited to have such a rare Colt Paterson in our collection, explains CFM Curator Ashley Hlebinsky. Many people consider a Colt as the Handgun that Won the West, and this newly-acquired Texas Model Paterson from Denny LeVett showcases the birth of Samuel Colts genius.

This Colt Paterson is a five shot, .36 caliber revolver developed near the start of 1836. This elegant pistol was certainly not Colts first financial success, but the adoption of the Paterson by Colonel John Hays and Captain Samuel Walker of the Texas Rangers, would mark the beginning of success for Samuel Colt.

The Paterson is named for the New Jersey city where Samuel Colt produced the model before his Patented Arms Manufacturing Company declared bankruptcy in 1842. As war with Mexico erupted four years later, Colt obtained more financing and began to manufacture a new, more powerful revolver in his Hartford, Connecticut, factory. Then, in 1873, the famous Colt single-action six-shooter came on the firearms scene.

I visited the Center of the West in 2003 to see the wonderful Colt Exhibitionand connected there with Tom Selleck and Al Simpson, LeVett says. Ive been crazy about the Center ever since; its the best in the country.

A real estate magnate, financier, and part time actor, LeVett grew up in Iowa Falls; he left Iowa to attend the College of the Pacific, now the University of the Pacific. At age 21, he began to buy real estate in what would eventually be dubbed Silicon Valley. He ultimately formed Strutz LeVett to expand his real estate holdings, including his crown jewel, Cypress Inn at Carmel-by-the-Sea, which he owns with Doris Day.

The significance of the Colt Paterson simply cant be over stated, says Center of the West Executive Director and CEO Bruce Eldredge. There is so much legend, myth, and truth associated with Sam Colt, that the story of the American West is incomplete without the Colt name. And, Denny LeVett loves the West as much as we do; his gift is a major addition to our firearms collection.

Read more about the Cody Firearms Museum at centerofthewest.org/explore/firearms/.

***

Since 1917, the award-winning Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, has devoted itself to sharing the story of the authentic American West. The Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is open 8 a.m.  6 p.m. daily for the summer. For additional information, visit the Center's website or its pages on Facebook and Google+
PRESSON HELP CREATE GIANT LIVING PAINTING IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON

PressOn helped their client, the Flower Council of Holland, create a giant 35 square metre installation described as a living painting using digital print and 26,500 real flowers. The work was commissioned to celebrate the support of Funnyhoflowersdothat.co.uk, an initiative of the Flower Council for the Dutch Flowers exhibition at the National Gallery that runs until 29 August 2016.

The artwork was erected outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London on 2 June 2016

PressOn were approached by Chanel de Kock, UK Marketing Manager for the Flower Council of Holland, in early May to help. It was a challenging request - to create a 6.2 metres tall by 4.6 metres wide piece of digital print that when covered with real flowers, would recreate a Dutch Master painting by artist Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder. The painting is entitled A Still Life of Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase (1609-10).

Nigel Webster, joint MD of PressOn explained the technical aspects of the project. We needed to create a printed template that would sit on floristry foam to act as a guide for the florists adding the real flowers. Our initial thought was to use a paper that could be pulled out once the flowers were added, so we tested one that would easily disintegrate when very wet. The timing of the disintegration was too unpredictable though for us to guarantee the print would stay intact for long enough so the florists could see the painting.

Finally we settled on wet strength blueback paper, printed with HP Latex inks on our HPLX3500. We made around 30,000 slits using our Kongsberg XP Cutter to enable the flowers to be added. Once held vertically, the paper held water inside the floristry foam longer than anticipated, which was great news. We printed 12 sections in total to wrap the floristry foam. Another section of the painting that was not covered in flowers was printed on canvas to help withstand the weather and then added over the top of the other covered sections. I went to see the finished work and it was just breath taking.

Almost 30 florists teamed up to create the fresh flower masterpiece, many of whom were volunteers recruited at the Chelsea Flowers Show. The teams worked through the night in a London studio to create the masterpiece.

Chanel de Kock of the Flower Council of Holland added, Id like to thank PressOn for their great work, their relentless attention to detail and dedication that helped us complete this very successful project. People visiting the Gallery from the UK and around the world will be able to see these paintings brought together in one room, and also have the chance to experience a very special kind of bouquet.

Additional Information



26,430 stems of 26 different varieties of flowers were featured, and 37 different colours were used to create depth and shading, including six tulip varieties, four varieties of peonies, three varieties of carnations, six varieties of freesias, six varieties of calla lily, and five varieties of roses

The large structure had a built-in water irrigation system to keep the blooms fresh, and over the course of five days, the flowers were replenished twice bringing the total number of blooms to 52,950

The structure weighed 1,815 kilograms

It is made using 100 blocks of florists foam

The complete installation stands 8.2 metres from the ground; about the same height as two average London double decker busses.

 ENDS 

About PressOn

PressOn are a leading large format digital printer based in Chatham, Kent, UK, established in 2000 by Andy Wilson and Nigel Webster. They now employ 26 people and have a turnover of c. 3m. PressOn recently won two awards at the international print show, FESPA 2015, a Gold award and the Peoples Choice award for their project, Dazzle Ship. At FESPA 2015 they also purchased the first HP LX 3500 latex printer.

Website: presson.co.uk

Twitter @PressOnUK

About Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk

Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk is an initiative from the Flower Council of Holland that supports all areas of the cut flower industry, from growers to florists by educating, inspiring and encouraging consumers to use cut flowers differently. It does this through various campaigns such as the Flower Agenda, which champions a different cut flower every four weeks, through to its website and social media content.

About the Flower Council of Holland

The Flower Council of Holland is responsible for the promotion of flowers and plants to consumers in various European countries. In the United Kingdom, we do this using the brands Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk and Thejoyofplants.co.uk, amongst others.

About the National Gallery

The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world.

Located in London's Trafalgar Square, the Gallery is free to visit and open 361 days a year.

The National Gallery Collection comprises over 2,300 paintings in the Western European tradition from late medieval times to the early 20th century by artists including Botticelli, Leonardo, Titian, Rembrandt, Velazquez, Monet, and Van Gogh.

The Gallery is also a world centre of excellence for the scientific study, art historical research, and care of paintings from this period.
Lanyards are a great way to display credentials.

PinMart, Inc. brand focuses on producing consumer centered products. These include items such as lapel pins, lanyards, challenge coins and embroidered patches.

Its election season! Which means political rallies are in full swing. As we now near the 100-day countdown to the United States Presidential Election of 2016, PinMart, Inc., one of the countrys leading lapel pin manufacturers, is pleased to announce the introduction of a brand new product, Political Party Lanyards.

Each lanyard is 36"L x 3/4"W and features a swivel thumb hook and is individually poly bagged. The Republican and Democratic lanyards both have unique original designs. The Republican lanyard has the words Proud Republican printed in a deep red with American flags and the symbolic Republican Elephant on one side and stars and stripes on the other. A beautiful representation for any Republican to wear proudly to show their conservative spirit. The Democratic lanyard displays the words Proud Democrat, printed in a deep blue color with American flags and the symbolic Democrat Donkey on one side and stars and stripes on the other. Proudly represent liberal spirit with this lanyard. Lanyards are a great way to display credentials while also showing off a little bit of personality. We have noticed that a lot of customers have paired their lanyards with one of our lapel pins, says Rachel Geyer, Social Media Manager at PinMart, Inc.

Credentials at a rally are not uncommon. Vinyl Badge Holders make it easier for credentials to be seen by others. The 4-3/8" x 3-5/8" badge holder attaches to a swivel thumb hook included with both lanyards and holds up to a 4" x 3" card. One can also accessorize their lanyard with a Lanyard Bulldog Clip, Clear Plastic Snap Strap, Magnetic Badge Holders, and much more.

About PinMart: PinMart, Inc.

PinMart, Inc. is a privately held company located in Elk Grove Village Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, specializing in the design and manufacturing of stock and custom emblems, custom lapel pins, and recognition and awareness products. PinMart sells products via its online store and offers custom design and manufacturing. PinMart has taken advantage of its well positioned internet presence and now boasts a client list that includes over 300 of the Fortune 500 companies.

For more information about PinMart, Inc., call 1-877-PINMART or go to PinMart.com.
Norman is an avid motorcycle enthusiast with millions of fans. We couldnt be more pleased about the Motus MST being selected for this new series on AMC

Motus, the maker of Americas only premium brand of sport-touring motorcycles and proprietary V4 engines based in Birmingham, Alabama, is pleased to announce that one of their motorcycles will be featured in a new non-fiction television series titled Ride with Norman Reedus. The episode featuring Motus airs Sunday, June 26th at 10PM ET on the AMC network.

Audiences will recognize Reedus as Daryl Dixon from AMCs smash hit series The Walking Dead. Six one-hour episodes will follow Reedus and other notable guests as they hit the open road to explore local motorcycle culture, its history and celebrate some of the best and brightest collectors, mechanics and motorcycle craftsmen around the country. The series is produced by Left/Right Productions.

Norman is an avid motorcycle enthusiast with millions of fans. We couldnt be more pleased about the Motus MST being selected for this new series on AMC, said Lee Conn, president of Motus. Were so thankful to Left/Right and AMC for the opportunity to introduce our American-made motorcycles to a whole new audience. The episode featuring Motus will give viewers the chance to see how the motorcycle performs along some the best roads in America. As far as American motorcycles go, Id put my money on Motus for being the finest example of pure, un-filtered hot rod adrenaline in the palm of your hand, said Conn.

About Motus

Motus manufactures comfortable sportbikes designed to excel in performance, comfort and range. All Motus motorcycles  the MST and more premium MSTR  are powered by mighty V4 Baby Block engines, combining high performance with low maintenance and a unique character that expresses the evolving heritage of the American motoring experience. Founded in 2008 to develop an all-new American motorcycle from scratch, Motus entered production in 2014 and distributes its motorcycles through a network of authorized dealers. Motus Motorcycles is a trademark of Birmingham Motorcycle Company, LLC. For more information about Motus, please visit: motusmotorcycles.com; email: info(at)motusmotorcycles(dot)com; call: (205) 208-9966; like: Facebook.

# # #

Contact:

Brian Case or Lee Conn

(205) 208-9966

info(at)motusmotorcycles(dot)com
Robbi Firestone's Maasai Bride "Santa Fe has remarkable diversity in its creative community" Carole Baker, Cherry Pie Social

2016 Santa Fe Studio Tour fine artists Robbi Firestone, Brianne Janes, Montana Walsh and Angel Wynn will celebrate social media giant Carole Baker of Cherry Pie Social on the companys 2nd Anniversary. Sponsored by Santa Fe Art Classes, the artists invite Santa Fe to celebrate this social media maven and philanthropist who contributes so much to the community.

In a city brimming with galleries, guests and visitors will have an opportunity to buy artwork directly from four of Santa Fes most notable female artists on the last weekend of the 2016 Studio Tour; Saturday and Sunday, June 25 & 26, 2016, from 10am to 5pm. The #LastCall4Art Party to celebrate Cherry Pie Social will be Saturday, June 25, from 5-8pm. Come by studios #13, 14, 15, and 16, at 621 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe NM 87505.

2016 Santa Fe Studio Tour allows the general public free, self-guided access to tour any number of open studios and discover original art  paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and other unique works  with 90 of Santa Fes premier artists, a dynamic, yet intimate total immersion in art where visitors can talk with the artists, experience their working environments and purchase art, all while enjoying the landscape of New Mexico, touring from one studio to the next!

This event is sponsored by Santa Fe Art Classes. Painting instruction for total beginners, all supplies are included. With four public classes a week and designed for tourists, visitors and locals, participants leave the studio with a mini masterpiece completed in 2 hours. Pre-registration is required at http://www.SantaFeArtClasses.com.

Notably, at the studio tour, renowned artist Robbi Firestone is presenting her figurative Maasai works, yet her current artistic focus is a large scale, 17 piece, sculptural art installation, The Empty Womb. Parade Magazine (with readership 54 million) featured Firestones The Empty Womb work on Super Bowl Sunday issue, January 31, 2016.

Built from Firestones personal invitro medical supplies, video, industrial objects, and traditional women's work (embroidery, crochet, lullabies), this work has already generated national press while being built in Firestones studio. Internationally award-winning filmmaker, Betsy Chasse, is currently completing a documentary about Firestones installation. The Empty Womb film will premier at the most significant 2016 Film Festivals. Firestones artwork, The Empty Womb, is available by appointment only for Museum Curators, Board members, VIPS and press. Visit http://www.RobbiFirestone.com for more information.

Cherry Pie Social's was founded in 2014 by Carole Baker, CEO/Founder, Cherry Pie Socials rise to success has been propelled by Caroles infectious enthusiasm, professionalism, and her ability to orchestrate and elevate social media exposures for any business driven towards success . . . through the implementation of proven, cutting-edge social media marketing and promotion strategies.

Cherry Pie Social is based in Santa Fe, but they work nationally as well. Ms. Baker specializes in the vertical markets of art & film, organic foods, women's beauty and health, along with progressive sustainability organizations. Caroles first client in Santa Fe was the beloved PBS documentary film project, Awakening in Taos.

The art community has been very supportive here... Santa Fe is an exciting place to base a social media company, because of the population and remarkable diversity of its creative community! - Carole Baker

See more about the 2016 Santa Fe Studio Tours by following this link: http://www.santafestudiotour.com/the-tour

#

Contact:

Robbi Firestone

Muse(at)SantaFeArtClasses(dot)com

(310) 990-4018
We absolutely love working on projects that have an underlying meaning and passion behind it

Tupou High School is a Methodist boys' secondary boarding school in Toloa on the island of Tongatapu, Tonga. The school specializes in training students in Christian discipleship through programs of worship, study, work and recreation. Their school motto is "Ko Tonga Mo'unga Ki He Loto," which translates to "Tonga's Strength-hold is its Heart." The hermit crab symbolizes an array of attributes to the students and faculty who attend the school. The hermit crab doesnt just wear its shell for show, it lives in its shell. This means that the hermit crab is always at home, no matter where it really is. This can symbolize a sense of belonging or comfort. The crab also signifies perseverance and tenacity as it hunts out its own success and destiny.

When Big Statues was called to funnel over the idea of creating this custom bronze sculpture, they thought to the symbolism of this project and how the company of Big Statues carried the same values and tenacity. It was a project that carried a certain spirit about it and had meaning that had been passed down generation after generation. Matt Glenn, the lead sculptor said, " We absolutely love working on projects that have an underlying meaning and passion behind it." It took countless hours to get the exact design and positioning of the hermit crab accurate, but it was worth it. The result is a beautifully sculpted treasure that will stand in front of the school to carry on the their tradition and beliefs through the many generations to come.
Fifteen RE/MAX brokers in Chicago and its suburbs ranked among the Top 250 Latino Agents in the United States in the 2016 annual assessment by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP). The assessment is based on the number of real estate sales the brokers closed during 2015.

The 15 RE/MAX Northern Illinois brokers in the 20-16 NAHREP ranking is more than double the seven included last year.

The following is a list of RE/MAX brokers in the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network named to this prestigious group listed by their position in the ranking. The number appearing after each name is the number of transactions the brokers complete:

#46  Luis Ortiz, RE/MAX Partners, Berwyn - 123

#62  Mina Munoz, RE/MAX 2000, Crete - 105

#110  Gloria Ulloa, RE/MAX 10, Oak Lawn - 79

#120  Israel Ballesteros, RE/MAX Horizon, Elgin - 75

#122  Luigui Corral, RE/MAX United, Round Lake Beach - 74

#135  Stewart Ramirez, RE/MAX Center, Grayslake - 71

#143  Maria Cendano, RE/MAX Ultimate Professionals, Shorewood - 68

#156  Zeferino Martinez, RE/MAX 10, Oak Lawn - 64

#157  Pablo Galarza, RE/MAX 10, Oak Lawn - 64

#181  Tomas Gomez, RE/MAX Showcase, Waukegan - 59

#208  Alberto Avila, RE/MAX 10, Chicago - 54

#213  Jacqueline Dix, RE/MAX Professionals Select, Naperville - 53

#222  Robert Padron, RE/MAX Cityview, Chicago - 51

#223  Juanita Flores, RE/MAX 10, Chicago - 51

#230  Martha Lozano, RE/MAX City, Chicago - 50

The RE/MAX Northern Illinois network includes top sales producers representing many cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The Hispanic community is large, diverse and an integral component of our region and nation. We are honored to see so many of our brokers recognized by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals for their sales achievements, said Jack Kreider, executive vice president and regional director of RE/MAX Northern Illinois.

For the second consecutive year, RE/MAX was the most highly represented brand on the NAHREP 250 honor role, with 61 brokers.

RE/MAX agents consistently rank among the most productive in the industry. In 2015, RE/MAX Northern Illinois agents averaged 18 transaction sides. RE/MAX has been the leader in the northern Illinois real estate market since 1989 and is continually growing. The RE/MAX Northern Illinois network, with headquarters in Elgin, Ill., consists of more than 2,250 sales associates and 106 independently owned and operated RE/MAX offices that provide a full range of residential and commercial brokerage services. Its mobile real estate app, available for download at http://www.illinoisproperty.com, provides comprehensive information about residential and commercial property for sale in the region. The northern Illinois network is part of RE/MAX, a global real estate organization with 104,000+ sales associates in 90+ nations.

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EDITORS NOTE: RE/MAX is a registered trademark. Please spell in all caps. Thank you. This release is posted at blog.illinoisproperty.com.
The Smart System 20/20 with Echo Eyemaginations patient education products have always operated seamlessly on our Smart System 20/20.

M&S Technologies, the first name in computerized vision testing systems, is offering a FREE two-week trial of Eyemaginations ECHO with every Smart System 20/20 purchased.

The American-made Smart System 20/20 is a high-quality computerized visual acuity testing system that comes loaded with features such as Full Optotype Randomization, Contrast Sensitivity Testing, ColorCheck Color Screening, Stereopsis Testing, Auto DVD Play, Fixation Disparity Testing, Low Vision Testing, and more. The 20/20 can be controlled with the Smart System Tablet that doubles as a near-vision tester.

M&S Technologies will be demonstrating the ECHO features in Booth 519 at Optometrys Meeting 2016, the annual meeting of the American Optometric Association, held in Boston from June 27-July 2.

The Eyemaginations patient education products have always operated seamlessly on our Smart System 20/20. ECHO is a cloud-based solution, so our customers can experience the up-to-the-minute content that a cloud-based platform provides. We are excited to offer our customers a free 14-day trial of ECHO with any Smart System 20/20 purchased at Optometrys Meeting 2016.

Joe Marino, President & CEO

About M&S Technologies:

Founded in 1990, M&S Technologies is a software company specializing in visual testing systems and dedicated to developing the very best products for eye-care professionals, optometry schools and universities, and products used in clinical trials. To date, over 26,000 systems are in use across 39 countries with a growing network that includes 25 distributors and several strategic industry alliances. Superior service, industry-leading technology and products that define the cutting edge have been the hallmarks of M&S for over 25 years.

For more information, please contact:

Carolyn Crabb

Marketing Coordinator

M&S Technologies, Inc.

847-763-0500

ccrabb(at)mstech-eyes(dot)com

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We look for David to establish our brand in Westchester County, NY and surrounding regions to leverage his national and franchise SBA lending experience. Said Greg Poehlmann, Senior Vice President, 44 Business Capital.

44 Business Capital, a Division of Berkshire Bank announce the hiring of David Nayor of Pound Ridge, New York as First Vice President, SBA Lending for the NYC, Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, Connecticut market. Nayor has most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for Live Media Group Holdings, LLC, New York, NY.

Nayor formerly served as co-president and chief operating officer of BoeFly, LLC, New York, NY creating, launching and operating the online marketplace platform for the origination of small business and commercial loans. A finance graduate of Lehigh University, Nayor has held a variety of financial positions at United Western Bank NYC and Business Loan Express, New York, NY. Nayor will be responsible for building relationships to support the small business community in the New York City, Westchester County, NY, Long Island, NY as well as the Fairfield County, Connecticut territories.

As a division of Berkshire Bank, 44 Business Capital will continue to leverage our staffs national experience to build out an exceptional SBA lending platform that will serve the SBAs mission on a larger scale, stated Greg Poehlmann, Senior Vice President of Business Banking.

To that end, we are extremely excited to have David Nayor join our experienced sales team. David has SBA lending experience on both a regional and national level. We will look for David to establish our brand in Westchester County, NY and the surrounding regions but hope to leverage his national and franchise lending experience in the future to continue scaling our business, said Poehlmann.
The Code+Art contest asks students to bring together design, data, and computation to produce stunning visualizations for the large-scale video walls

Christie, a leader in creating and delivering the world's best visual and audio experiences, is proud to have sponsored the Code+Art Student Visualization Contest at North Carolina State University for the second year in a row.

Students submitted data visualization artwork that included procedural environments, interactive visualizations and algorithmic generative art. The art was created for video walls in the James B. Hunt Jr. Library, which include the librarys 20-foot wide Art Wall and the iPearl Immersion Theater, both featuring Christie MicroTiles.

The Code+Art contest asks students to bring together design, data, and computation to produce stunning visualizations for the large-scale video walls, says Alison Blaine, NCSU Libraries Fellow and manager of the Code+Art program this year. The excellence of the projects submitted are a testament to how talented our students are and how much it means to them to have a venue like this to share their work.

The top prize went to Santhosh Radhakrishnan, a graduate student in Aerospace Engineering, for his work titled Code_Climate, which uses shape and color to display global temperature change data from 1880-2016. Second place went to Ryan West and Augustus Vieweg, both in the Electrical Engineering program, for NSCUwitteRed, while Lucas Rumneys Spirals Edge took third place. Skybox, by Conor Lenhardt, Nick Hyde, Ben Webber, Peter Rozakis and Parker Yingling, received an Honorable Mention.

Were pleased to have once again sponsored the Code+Art contest, says Kathryn Cress, vice president, global & corporate marketing, Christie. The use of the display walls by the students at NCSU in such a creative and informative fashion is inspiring and is truly a reflection of Christies belief that technology should enable these kinds of shared experiences.

About Christie

Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual and audio technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the worlds most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit christiedigital.com.

About the NCSU Libraries

The NCSU Libraries is the gateway to knowledge for the NC State University community and its partners. The Libraries' collections reflect the historic strengths of the University as well as its vision for the future. With extensive research holdings in the areas of engineering, science, technology, and agriculture, the NCSU Libraries is recognized as a national leader in academic libraries. The Libraries also supports innovation and entrepreneurship through its makerspaces, digital production studios, and a variety of visualization spaces. To learn more, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Follow us:

twitter.com/christiedigital

twitter.com/christievive

facebook.com/christiedigital/

linkedin.com/company/christie-digital-systems

youtube.com/christiedigital

instagram.com/christiedigital/

vimeo.com/christiedigital

#christiedigital

Christie is a trademark of Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., registered in the United States of America and certain other countries.

DLP is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments
'Having Liz Mayo head up our Dallas office is a great step for our company as a whole,' said Brent Longnecker, chairman and CEO of Longnecker & Associates.

Longnecker & Associates, a strategic compensation and corporate governance consulting firm based in Houston, announced the opening of its new Dallas office spearheaded by a new director, Liz Mayo, who recently joined the firm.

With a significant number of clients based in Dallas and the surrounding areas, Longnecker & Associates will be even more accessible to the clients it already serves. Of course, the company is looking to expand into the Dallas market as well, which is where Mayo will lend her expertise. She is a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) with twenty years of compensation experience focused on public, private and not-for-profit companies. Her experience spans executive and board of director compensation, annual and long-term incentive plan design, change-in-control, employment agreements, and litigation support, among other topics. Additionally, shes an expert in corporate human resources, specifically on analytics and financial metrics analysis.

We are excited to announce the opening of a Dallas office and Liz Mayo joining the Longnecker & Associates team. Liz has been a longtime friend and partner to our firm, said Chris Crawford, president of Longnecker & Associates. She brings significant depth in her total rewards expertise and truly understands clients needs, having served in her role as the senior director of compensation over the past 16 years with a leading hospitality company. We are tremendously excited for Lizs experience adding to the breadth of the L&A team.

Liz is an amazing lady, and were very excited and eager to integrate her into everything we do, said Brent Longnecker, chairman and CEO of Longnecker & Associates. Adding her to our team, as well as having her head up our Dallas office is a great step for our company as a whole.

Longnecker & Associates Dallas office is located at Dallas Galleria Tower 3, 13155 Noel Road, Dallas, Texas 75240.

About Longnecker & Associates

Established in 2003, Longnecker & Associates is a nationally recognized strategic compensation and governance consulting firm based in Houston, Texas. The firms consultants work with public, private and not-for-profit companies on a variety of complex compensation and governance situations that require strategic solutions. The firm is considered a thought leader on compensation and governance issues, and its consultants have been featured on MSNBC, Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal and other national media. For more information, visit http://www.longnecker.com.
Craigslist founder Craig Newmark donates scholarship money to USF. The McCarthy Center helps people in San Francisco neighborhoods in the here and now, and it also educates potential neighborhood leaders for long term civic engagement. Everybody wins, Newmark said.

Craig Newmark, who founded the wildly popular craigslist website, has generously donated $50,000 to fund scholarships at the University of San Francisco (USF). The money will be awarded to students in the USF in D.C. program, which immerses them in the unique political and social culture of the nations capital.

USF in D.C. is sponsored by the universitys Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good, which is dedicated to inspiring and preparing students for careers of ethical public service.

Newmark has served as a board member at the Center for nearly a decade, and is an advisor. The McCarthy Center helps people in San Francisco neighborhoods in the here and now, and it also educates potential neighborhood leaders for long term civic engagement. Everybody wins, Newmark said.

Up to ten students will be awarded a $5,000 Newmark Scholarship in the 2016-17 academic year. Students in the USF in D.C. program are required to complete a full-time internship, where they work at government offices and advocacy groups throughout the capital, including the White House Office of Public Engagement, the U.S. Department of Education, the House Judiciary Committee, and the Sierra Club.

The Newmark Scholarship will help prepare USF students to be leaders and change makers at the national, state, and city level, said David Donahue, senior director at the McCarthy Center.

The scholarship is only one example of Newmarks support for non-profit organizations. He created craigconnects.org to nurture and publicize charitable organizations, and at USF, his generosity extends beyond the McCarthy Center: he delivered the commencement address at the School of Business and Professional Studies in 2009 (now the School of Management), and he collaborated with students and faculty in 2011 to provide computers and internet literacy classes for the homeless in San Franciscos Tenderloin district.

For using the internet as a tool to promote democracy and create better government,

and for exemplifying USF's motto Change the World From Here, the University of San Francisco awarded Newmark an honorary doctoral degree in 2009.

Newmark started craigslist just a few blocks from USF, and more than twenty years later, it remains true to his vision as an information clearinghouse that is free of charge for most users. The international phenomenon now receives more than 50 billion page views every month and operates in more than 70 countries.

For more information about the McCarthy Centers USF in D.C. program or the Newmark Scholarship, please contact Gary McDonald at USF, (415) 422-2699 or mcdonald(at)usfca(dot)edu.

About USF

The University of San Francisco is located in the heart of one of the worlds most innovative and diverse cities, and is home to a vibrant academic community of students and faculty who achieve excellence in their fields. Its diverse student body enjoys direct access to faculty, small classes and outstanding opportunities in the city itself. USF is San Franciscos first university, and its Jesuit Catholic mission helps ignite a students passion for social justice and a desire to Change the World From Here. For more information, visit http://www.usfca.edu.
Dr. Nichter's patient featured on The Doctors.

Newport Beach plastic surgeon, Dr. Larry S. Nichter, has been gaining national exposure for his contribution in the field of plastic surgery and his modern day approach to treating his patients. He has received awards for Top Doctor, Best Doctor, Super Doctor, Real Self 100, Patient's Choice, Compassionate Doctor and Yelp. Dr. Nichter and one of his patients were featured in a Time Magazine article titled Nip.Tuck. Or Else. written by Joel Stein and another patient was featured on the popular talk show, The Doctors.

"I have been practicing for over 25 years now. It is gratifying to be recognized for the contributions I have made over the years, as well as have my patients selected to share their stories to the world," Dr. Nichter.

To learn more about Dr. Larry S.Nichter, please visit:

http://www.pacificcenterplasticsurgery.com

Dr. Nichter's patient Meredith was selected to be on the hit talk show The Doctors to discuss her breast augmentation result using the new Ideal Implant. Dr. Nichter was an FDA investigator for the Ideal Implant, which received FDA approval in 2015, and he is now a spokesperson for the company. In a Time Magazine article titled Nip.Tuck. Or Else., Dr. Nichter's patient Rosemary was featured to provide an example as to why more and more people are turning to elective procedures than ever before. In her case, she recently had a baby and some people thought she was her grandmother, not her mother. This set her on a quest to have a facelift to look more youthful. During her research she found out about Dr. Nichter and his widely popular LiteLift procedure he developed as an alternative to the more extreme traditional facelift. The article documents her journey from beginning to end. Lastly, another patient of Dr. Nichter was asked by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to share her tummy tuck story in a video they produced.

About Dr. Nichter and Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery:

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery, located in Newport Beach, California is headed by Dr. Larry Nichter and Dr. Jed Horowitz, two of Orange Countys word-class plastic surgeons. Dr. Nichter has over 25 years of experience specializing in cosmetic surgical procedures such as the facelift, eyelid lift, temple/brow lift, chin augmentation, fat transfer, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, mommy makeover, and revision surgery. Dr. Nichter is widely known for his exclusive LiteLift modified facelift, which has become a popular alternative for those seeking facial rejuvenation which yields natural results with less downtime and fewer risks. Dr. Nichter is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and belongs to the the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the most exclusive plastic surgery societies in the United States. Dr. Nichter has received numerous awards over the years for his surgical expertise and patient care.
The LEDset interface created by MD-SIG meets the growing demand in the market for harmonization

The Module-Driver Interface Special Interest Group (MD-SIG), a lighting-industry consortium, has published its LEDset specifications. LEDset provides the lighting market with a standardized, multi-vendor, electrical interface for LED systems, which simplifies the process of matching LED modules with suitable drivers.

MD-SIG is an open, global consortium consisting of leading lighting and LED driver manufacturers: BAG electronics, BJB, Helvar, OSRAM, Panasonic/Vossloh-Schwabe, Philips Lighting, TCI and Zumtobel/Tridonic.

Today, there are many different options on the market for communication and power transmission between an LED control gear (driver) and one or more LED modules. This leads to increased complexity, availability issues and risk of incompatibility for fixture OEMs.

MD-SIG was formed with the aim of introducing a standardized electrical interface between LED control gear and LED modules. This missing link is an essential feature of a mature components business for solid-state lighting.

The LEDset interface created by MD-SIG meets the growing demand in the market for harmonization, and makes it much easier to match LED modules with configurable LED drivers.

Specification Details

MD-SIG has published two specification documents  the LEDset Power Interface Specification and the LEDset1 Information Interface Specification  which can be downloaded from the MD-SIG website (ledset-standard.org/specifications).

The LEDset Power Interface Specification describes the data-sheet information that should be provided for LED modules and LED drivers, in terms of the output current, voltage and power ranges. With this standardized approach, luminaire makers can identify interoperable components without the risk of inaccurate matching due to poorly-defined specification parameters (e.g. temperature drift, forward-voltage tolerances and current-modulation effects). The specification also describes the testing conditions and measurement methods that should be used to verify the provided information.

The LEDset1 Information Interface Specification describes a setting method that uses a resistor to configure the output current of a window driver. The resistor is attached to the driver in the production line of the luminaire manufacturer. The LEDset1 interface can alternatively be used to automatically adapt the output current of a window driver according to an integrated coding resistor on the LED module(s). It also supports thermal de-rating of LED modules with integrated temperature sensors. Digital configuration methods are under consideration for future specifications.

The MD-SIG specifications are complementary to those developed by the Zhaga Consortium, another lighting-industry organization that is independent from MD-SIG. Zhaga defines various interfaces between LED components and LED luminaires, but it does not address the electrical interface between LED modules and drivers. Instead, several Zhaga Books already contain references to the new MD-SIG specifications.

Contact Information

For more information about MD-SIG and the LEDset specifications, please visit md-sig.org or ledset-standard.org

If you have any questions, please use the online contact form: md-sig.org/contact
Ms. Hill's genomics sales leadership, especially her seven years at Illumina during their initial commercial ramp up phase, will be extremely helpful as we accelerate the commercialization of HTG's instrument platform.

National recruitment firm Slone Partners is pleased to announce the placement of Suzanne Hill, a life sciences executive with extensive sequencing and genomics experience, as Vice President of North American Capital Sales at HTG Molecular.

In this position, Ms. Hill will be responsible for leading the sales team in the commercialization of the HTG EdgeSeq system and associated reagents in North America.

Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, HTG's mission is to empower precision medicine at the local level. In 2013, the company commercialized its HTG Edge instrument platform and a portfolio of RNA assays that leverage HTG's proprietary nuclease protection chemistry. HTG's product offerings have since expanded to include its HTG EdgeSeq product line, which automates sample and targeted library preparation for next-generation sequencing.

"We are delighted to be able to recruit someone of Suzanne's background and experience," stated TJ Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and President of HTG. "Ms. Hill's genomics sales leadership, especially her seven years at Illumina during their initial commercial ramp up phase, will be extremely helpful as we accelerate the commercialization of HTG's instrument platform."

Tara Kochis-Stach, President of Slone Partners, said, We partnered with HTG to identify and deliver a leader who has a proven track record of leading a commercialization team in the next generation sequencing space, and Suzanne exemplifies that role. HTGs EdgeSeq technology has a promising future, and we are privileged to support their leadership team as the organization grows.

Prior to joining HTG, Ms. Hill served as Director of Sales at Silicon Biosystems in San Diego, CA. Earlier in her career, she held a number of commercial positions of increasing responsibility at Illumina, Inc. Prior to her seven years at Illumina, Ms. Hill served as the Director of Sales for North America at CryoXtract, the Mid Atlantic Regional Sales Manager at Leica, and Regional and Global Account Executive at Perkin Elmer and Roche.

Ms. Hill earned a B.S. in biology and plant genetics from the Penn State University.

About Slone Partners

Founded in 2000, Slone Partners is a premier executive search firm that specializes in recruitment for the diagnostics, life science tools, clinical trials, contract research, healthcare information technology, and laboratory testing industries. Slone Partners has offices in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. For additional information, visit: http://www.slonepartners.com.
Ed Hamrick - Developer of VueScan We released VueScan in 1998 when it supported just a few scanners. Now we are delighted to support over 3000 scanners.

Hamrick Software, the developer of VueScan, the world's most widely used scanning software, has announced that VueScan now supports over 3000 scanners from 35 manufacturers.

Ed Hamrick, the President of Hamrick Software, says We released VueScan in 1998 when it supported just a few scanners. We have been adding new scanners regularly every year since then, as well as constantly upgrading VueScan with new features, and we are delighted to reach the 3000 mark 18 years later.

VueScan now supports over 3000 scanners from 35 manufacturers in a combination of 3 operating systems, Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

Our latest version is VueScan 9.5.51, which adds support for 30 new Brother scanners says Ed Hamrick. We release new versions regularly, often with new scanners supported but it can also be feature improvements or new product enhancements. But our model has always been the same - to implement customer suggestions, maintain product quality and increase the number of supported scanners. Also, a Professional Edition license is for life and will support up to 4 computers. We believe that this has greatly assisted us in achieving over 10 million downloads and having over 500,000 customers. 

VueScan is only available on-line, and can be fully tested for free before purchase. It is easy to use for both beginners and professional users. Beginners only need to run VueScan and press the 'Scan' button. Pro users can change to either the 'Standard' or 'Professional' options to unlock powerful features to have complete control over their scans.

VueScan also offers a full range of advanced features; including batch scanning and multi-page PDF output, options for scanning faded slides and prints (and automatically adjusting images to optimum color balance that reduces the need to manually do it in Photoshop.) VueScan also includes built-in IT8 color calibration of scanners, producing colors that look true to life, and other advanced and powerful scanning and productivity features.

VueScan is available in two editions, Standard Edition ($49.95 USD) and Professional Edition ($99.95). The Professional Edition supports film scanning, adds unlimited free upgrades for life, advanced IT8 color calibration and support for raw scan files. Multi-user licenses are available. Both versions offer an easy to use one-stop Scan button.

A fully functional, trial copy of VueScan can be downloaded from:

http://www.hamrick.com/.

Based in Miami, FL, Hamrick Software was founded in 1991. Its first product was VuePrint, an easy to use JPEG viewer for Windows that for many years was the recommended image viewer for AOL, with more than 100,000 users. In 1998, the company first released VueScan, a program for scanning with flatbed and film scanners, there are now more than 500,000 users all over the world with VueScan supporting over 3000 scanners.

For more information, contact:

Hamrick Software

16850 Collins Ave Suite 112-711

Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
Today Colligo, the global leader in mobile content management (MCM) solutions for the collaborative enterprise, announced that it has received yet another highly-sought-after industry accolade: The Microsoft Silver Cloud Platform Competency partner certification. The certification follows Colligos recent release of Colligo Engage 2016, the essential mobile content management platform for every worker to access and contribute to corporate information in any content store, on any device, from any location. Colligo Engage 2016 features the new Colligo Console, the command center for data governance and mobile content management.

Serving Colligo Console from the cloud empowers IT leaders to onboard users, deploy content policies, ensure compliance, and report analytics, all across multiple supported client devices and operating systems, says Colligo CEO Barry Jinks. We chose Azure for its best-in-class security, scalability, and run-from-anywhere geographic coverage.

Microsofts Cloud Platform competency enables partner customers to take advantage of infrastructure and software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions built on Microsoft Azure. To achieve its certification for this competency, Colligo met comprehensive Azure-consumption, customer-adoption, and technical-expertise thresholds.

The future of mobile content management hinges on vendors' ability to continually help their customers improve their systems to drive end-user adoption," said Nicole Herskowitz, senior director of product marketing for Microsoft Azure, in a recent blog post. "Colligo is an example of how Microsoft works with innovative businesses who make use of our platforms and services to address the critical customer challenge. We anticipate Colligo will continue to partner with us to deliver innovative solutions to their customers.

This certification further strengthens Colligos long-term collaboration with Microsoft, notes Colligos Jinks. Our Microsoft Silver Cloud Platform Competency complements the Microsoft Gold Application Development Competency weve held since 2005, but most important is what this means for Colligo customers: IT leaders get the data governance they demand, and end users get content access on the device they prefer.

Our engineers have worked hard to get this recognition, says Colligo CTO Dan Mills. In delivering Colligo Engage 2016, our efforts to achieve our own strategic technical and business objectives aligned nicely with meeting the requirements for Microsoft Cloud Platform silver accreditation.

The Complete Colligo Engage 2016 platform consists of the Colligo Engage Email application suite, the Colligo Engage Mobile application suite, and the Colligo Console. The entire suite is available free for up to five users. Colligo Engage 2016 enterprise pricing is $4 per seat per suite, and $6 per seat for the complete Colligo Engage 2016 bundle. Learn more at http://www.colligo.com.

About Colligo

Colligo is a leading provider of mobile content management solutions for Microsoft SharePoint, Office 365, and OneDrive for Business. The companys award-winning, unified suite is used by organizations every day for email management, document distribution, and mobile collaboration. Colligo is a Microsoft Gold Application Development Partner and Microsoft Silver Cloud Platform Partner, with Global 500 customers including four of the top five global oil and gas companies, EDF Energy, Bayer, Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Colligo iOS app is consistently ranked as a Top-50 purchased iPad business app on the Apple App Store. For more information, please visit http://www.colligo.com.

For further information, please contact:

Asa Zanatta

Tel: +1.604.724.7755

Email: asa(at)colligo(dot)com
David Shestokas and Dr. Berta Isabel Arias wrote "Capsulas Informativas Constitucionales" to help Spanish speakers learn about America's Founding Documents.

WHAT: David Shestokas, U.S. Constitutional attorney and author of Constitutional Sound Bites and Capsulas Informativas Constitucionales, will appear at Turning Point USAs 2nd Annual Young Latino Leadership Summit.

WHY: Over 100 conservative Latinos between the ages of 16 and 23 will hear speakers such as David Shestokas, U.S. Constitutional attorney and author. Constitutional Sound Bites explains America's Founding documents in a format that is familiar to 21st-century readers. This is accomplished in a simple, unbiased, easy-to-read presentation that takes into account the "sound bite" nature of today's cyber-driven, fast-click culture. The Spanish companion edition, Capsulas Informativas Constitucionales, an Amazon Best Seller, is the very first book in the Spanish language devoted to discussion and explanation of the founding documents and principles of the United States.

WHERE: Caribe Royale

8101 World Center Drive

Orlando, FL 32821

WHEN: Sunday, June 26 to Thursday, June 30

Shestokas will be speaking at 11 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 29

For more about David Shestokas, visit: http://www.shestokas.com/about-david-j-shestokas/

Free review copy or to arrange an interview: http://www.shestokas.com/contact-david/

Information about Constitutional Sound Bites: http://amzn.to/1XpAvbm (Amazon)

Capsulas Informativas Constitucionales, The Spanish companion edition: http://amzn.to/20XRhvN (Amazon)

To learn about the first Spanish language website devoted to the Founding Documents of the United States: http://www.delosestadosunidos.com/

About David J. Shestokas:

David J. Shestokas earned his B.A. in Political Science from Bradley University and his Juris Doctor from cum laude, where he served on The John Marshall Law Review. He studied law at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. A former Assistant States Attorney, he has been admitted to practice law before the Illinois Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Supreme Court of Florida, and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Mr. Shestokas has hosted his own weekly, broadcast and live-streamed radio program, Constitutionally Speaking. His work on constitutional education has nearly 100,000 followers on Twitter. His website Constitutional and Legal Education and News has 35,000 monthly readers. Dave Shestokas on the Constitution, his Facebook page, LinkedIn and Google+ social media community exceeds 20,000. Mr. Shestokas brings the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights to life through his published works, Constitutional Sound Bites and the Spanish edition, Capsulas Informativas Constitucionales.
Jon Bohnert We have a lot of work to do. We still have a waiting list of over 300 kids who want a Big Brother or Big Sister. I look forward to working to help strengthen the organization so that no child has to wait for a Big Sister or Big Brother

Symmetry Software announced today President Jon Bohnert has been elected as the chairman of the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. A Big Brother himself, Bohnert has served on the Board since 2011. His official appointment came on June 21.

Bohnert has been an active member of the organization that helps nurture children, and strengthen communities through one-to-one relationships for many years. Over 1,000 kids are mentored throughout the valley, and Bohnert has served as a positive role model to several as a Big Brother. Hes served on various board committees and attends countless events, fundraising successfully along the way.

I am honored and humbled at the same time as being energized, said Bohnert. We have a lot of work to do. We still have a waiting list of over 300 kids who want a Big Brother or Big Sister. I look forward to working to help strengthen the organization so that no child has to wait for a Big Sister or Big Brother.

Bohnert has over 25 years of experience contributing to different types of organizations, from large to small, and public to private. Bohnert graduated in 1983 from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Hes a specialist in executive management, and team building, as well as an accomplished speaker. These traits will further enable him to excel in his new role at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
We have grown so much in the past year, it is great to know that our people still enjoy coming to work every day. Im proud to work with such passionate people and glad to be recognized for committing to make WordStream a happy workspace.

WordStream, Inc., a provider of online marketing software and services, was honored as one of Bostons top 11 best places to work by the Boston Business Journal for the second year in a row.

Employees commended WordStreams unlimited vacation time, excellent benefits, flexible hours, approachable managers, and office perkssuch as free cold-brew coffee and snacks, ping-pong and foosball, a tapped keg and regular company outingsas some of the many reasons they love working at WordStream.

Were so happy to have been named one of the best places to work in Bostonagain! said Ralph Folz, CEO of WordStream. We have grown so much in the past year, it is great to know that our people still enjoy coming to work every day. Im proud to work with such passionate people and glad to be recognized for committing to make WordStream a happy workspace.

WordStreams commitment to providing a fun and rewarding work atmosphere helped them claim the ranking of number 11 among this year's Best Place to Work in Boston. With just over 180 employees, WordStream was selected to compete in the medium-size business category. Other companies in the category include Actifio, InsightSquared, Trinity Partners, and Kforce Inc.

Winners were announced at Symphony Hall in Boston at the 14th annual Best Places to Work event on June 23. Several WordStream executives and employees attended the event, and the award was accepted by Folz, whose three-word acceptance speech was "WordStream loves Boston."

The Boston Business Journal judged candidates in the competition based on employee responses to questions focusing on a range of factors, such as their pride in the company, company encouragement, support and recognition of achievement, and relationships with co-workers and supervisors. The results were analyzed and scored in partnership with Quantum Workplace, a leading provider of employee engagement analysis tools.

As one of the fastest-growing companies in Massachusetts according to Inc. magazine, WordStream is always looking for dedicated, passionate people. To view currently available career opportunities, visit http://www.wordstream.com/jobs.

About WordStream

WordStream, Inc. provides software and services that help marketers get the maximum results from their online marketing efforts. WordStream's easy-to-use software allows for more effective paid search and social campaigns with the 20-Minute Work Week, a customized workflow that guides marketers through steps that can greatly improve their AdWords, Bing, Yahoo, and Facebook campaigns, plus tools for call tracking, keyword optimization, and more. WordStream also offers an award-winning free PPC tool, the AdWords Performance Grader, which evaluates users' Google AdWords accounts and provides valuable tips for improvement. WordStream is a Google Premier Partner.
Bielat Santore & Company is pleased to report the success of its third webinar, Financing Your Restaurant. Based on the companys Restaurant Tip of the Month video and blog series, the June 14th webinar, hosted by Andrew Glatz, Senior Managing Director of Peapack-Gladstone Bank, outlined the opportunities and parameters of traditional commercial and SBA financing. In addition, Bielat Santore & Company presented a showcase of four of the companys current restaurant listings.

Restaurateurs are encouraged to attend the next webinar, slated to take place in September, Preparing Your Restaurant for Sale.

Bielat Santore & Companys Restaurant Tips of the Month can be found on their website http://www.123bsc.com, Hub page, as well as their sponsored Jersey Beats & Eats blog page and YouTube channel.

About Bielat Santore & Company

Bielat Santore & Company is an established commercial real estate firm. The companys expertise lies chiefly within the restaurant and hospitality industry, specializing in the sale of restaurants and other food and beverage real estate businesses. Since 1978, the principals of Bielat Santore & Company, Barry Bielat and Richard Santore, have sold more restaurants and similar type properties in New Jersey than any other real estate company. Furthermore, the firm has secured in excess of $500,000,000 in financing to facilitate these transactions. Visit the companys website, http://www.123bsc.com for the latest in new listings, property searches, available land, market data, financing trends, RSS feeds, press releases and more.
Construct-A-Lead is an online construction lead service that helps contractors, service providers, manufacturers and suppliers gain information on all large scale construction projects. The service features apartment construction, hotel construction, retail construction, medical construction, school renovations & more, including those hard-to-find private project leads, to help bid on construction, from planning stage - completion.

Construct-A-Lead, the Construction Industrys most comprehensive construction lead service, reported today that the following Washington construction projects will have the necessary approvals and will go forward. Businesses will have ample opportunities to provide construction bids and other services relative to these projects

Interested parties are invited to visit construct-a-lead.com and sign up for a test drive. This a no obligation, no credit card necessary sampling allowing customers 5 live construction reports over a 3 day period. Users are encouraged to view and track projects, online, an example of which is listed below. Reference the Project ID to utilize the new site features and to obtain direct contact information for each construction lead:

Seattle, WA  88TH & NESBIT APARTMENTS - Plans call for the new construction of a 4-story structure containing 39 apartments and 35 small efficiency dwelling units. No parking proposed. Construction start: Q1, Q2, 2017, $6,000,000. Project ID: 1372095

Renton, WA - UW Medicine - Valley Medical Center  Plans call for new 4,200-square-foot Urology Clinic and a 450-square-foot Endoscope Cleaning suite on the 5th floor of the existing Medical Arts Center. Construction start: Q3, 2016. $4,000,000 Project ID: 1371360

Mukilteo, WA  Harbour Pointe Memory Care - Plans call for a 42,000-square-foot, two-story, wood-framed memory care facility. Construction start: Q3, 2016. $10,000,000 Project ID: 1371877

Vancouver, WA  AC Hotel by Marriott Plans call for a new AC Hotel by Marriott. 130 rooms. Construction start: Q1, Q2, 2017. $20,000,000. Project ID: 1371386

Bellevue, WA  Newport Hills Village - Plans call for the demolition of the existing shopping center and the new construction of townhouses and commercial properties. Plans include a grocer, health club, offices, retail & restaurants. Construction start: Q2, Q3, 2017, $40,000,000. Project ID: 1371684

Seattle, WA  427 Ninth Ave. N - Plans call for the new construction of a 26 story, 242 unit residential development. Construction start: October, 2016. $90,000,000. Project ID: 1371847

Construct-A-Lead.com is an online construction projects database, helping contractors, service providers, manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and businesses in related industries gain information on all large scale commercial construction projects.

The service features hotel construction, office buildings, retail construction, medical facilities, school renovations and much more, to help bid on construction including those hard-to-find private project leads, from planning stage through completion. Construct-A-Leads daily updates of commercial construction project leads are an ideal solution for those who want to put their product or service into commercial, government and religious structures.

For more information, visit Construct-A-Lead.com online or call 855-874-1491.
It is an extreme honor to be ranked amongst so many exceptional NGOs that make a noticeable, undeniable impact -- Rare CEO Brett Jenks

International conservation organization Rare earned the honor of being named in the 2016 Top 500 NGOs World published by NGO ADVISOR. Ranked number 22, Rare was selected amongst thousands of NGOs for its outstanding impact, innovation and governance.

Independent media organization NGO ADVISOR monitors the international nonprofit community for ideas, practices and models that challenge traditional approaches to the non-governmental organization, or NGO. This Geneva-based company produces the Top 500 NGOs, a compilation of the best nonprofit organizations from around the world.

It is an extreme honor to be ranked amongst so many exceptional NGOs that make a noticeable, undeniable impact, not only in the conservation space, but in academia, politics, civil society and beyond, says Rare CEO Brett Jenks.

For the fourth year in a row, Rare has been included by NGO ADVISOR and has continuously moved up in the rankings. With the belief that conservation isnt just an environmentalist issue but a human issue, Rare has been implementing proven conservation solutions and training local leaders in communities worldwide with the hope of inspiring people to take pride in their natural resources for nearly forty years.

About NGO ADVISOR

NGO ADVISOR is a Geneva-based independent media organization that produces the Top 500 NGOs, a series of reviews of the best nonprofit organizations from around the world. Currently on the fourth edition, NGO Advisor is unique in publishing such a ranking. NGO ADVISOR combines sound journalism with comprehensive research to highlight innovation, impact, and governance in the nonprofit sector. For more information, please visit http://www.ngoadvisor.net.

About Rare

Ranked in the top 25 NGOs in the world by NGO ADVISORS, Rare is an innovative conservation organization that implements proven conservation solutions and trains local leaders in communities worldwide. Through its signature social marketing campaigns (called Pride campaigns), Rare inspires people to take pride in the species and habitats that make their community unique, while also introducing practical alternatives to environmentally destructive practices. Employees of local governments or non-profit organizations receive extensive training on fisheries management, campaign planning and social marketing to communities. They are equipped to deliver community-based solutions based on natural and social science, while leveraging policy and market forces to accelerate change through programs such as Fish Forever. To learn more about Rare, please visit http://www.rare.org/.

For more information and downloadable imagery, please visit our electronic press kit at https://www.rare.org/en-press-kit.
Quikly, an industry-leading enterprise marketing platform, announced today that it closed $3 million in new funding led by Plymouth Ventures of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Founded in 2012, Quikly has become a high-performing innovator in the retail digital marketing space, posting sales growth of 200% over the past two years. The company credits its success to its technology, which prioritizes ROI. Unlike most digital marketing offerings that are often vague in their value proposition and result, Quikly has proven the ability to generate immediate and impactful revenue with platform usage. The platform is changing the approach and effectiveness of how major consumer brands are communicating, driving engagement, and creating loyalty and brand awareness with their customers.

The $3 million investment will be used primarily to scale the sales and marketing efforts and to continue to build on the technology platform, which will further increase the value delivered to brands and retailers. Quikly customers include Dominos, Pet Supplies Plus, Victorias Secret, Ruby Tuesday, and many more.

Plymouth Ventures Partner Kevin Terrasi, who serves on the board of directors for Certified Security Solutions and UICO, will join the Quikly board of directors as part of the investment from Plymouth Ventures $61MM PVP Fund III.

Quiklys momentum and proven success with some of the largest and most cutting edge Fortune 500 consumer brands in the world make it a perfect addition to Plymouth Ventures portfolio, said Terrasi. Leading companies and brands are looking for new ways to drive customer acquisition, brand awareness, enhance loyalty programs, and ultimately drive revenue, and the Quikly platform is proving it can produce better results around these initiatives than currently used marketing techniques.

Quikly is headquartered at The Madison Block, a community of technology companies based in downtown Detroit, but the vision first started in Philadelphia. Co-founders Shawn Geller (CEO) and Scott Meves (CTO) noticed four elements of consumer psychologyanticipation, scarcity, fear of missing out, and competitionwhich became the foundation for the platform. Geller was drawn to Detroits blossoming tech ecosystem and soon launched the company among the citys brightest business minds.

Quikly is transforming how marketers are communicating and engaging with new and current customers, said Geller. With this investment and the expertise of Plymouth Ventures, our team can continue broadening our technology platform and bring our customers new innovations that deepen the ways Quikly can be leveraged, making it easier to use, and producing an even stronger return-on-investment per marketing dollar spent.

The round also included investment from existing investors PennStro Ventures and BRMR, and new investors Hyde Park Angels and Tappan Hill Ventures

About Quikly

Quikly provides a platform of marketing solutions focused on customer retention, acquisition, and revenue generation. Trusted by leading brands, Quiklys scalable technology allows digital marketers the ability to generate demand in a meaningful way in real-time and drive far better return-on-investment per marketing dollar spent. The company is supported by a team of experts and partners who share a passion for consumer psychology and marketing innovation and are on a mission to make engagement between brands and consumers fun again. For more information, visit http://www.movequikly.com.

About Plymouth Ventures

Plymouth Ventures, a leading growth stage venture capital firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is the manager for Plymouth Venture Partners I, II, and III. The company invests in Great Lakes based B2B product and services companies that have scalable technology, high growth and strong teams. Plymouth is led by partners Mark Horne, Jeff Barry, Kevin Terrasi and Evan Ufer. The company was founded by Ian Bund who remains active as a Senior Advisor. For more information on Plymouth Ventures and its investments, please visit http://www.plymouthvc.com.
Reservations.com RESERVATIONS.COM IS ON TASK TO ENHANCE THE WAY OF LIFE OF THE NEW GENERATION AND TAKE THEM PLACES THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN.

Reservations.com has partnered with Get Satisfaction in the creation of a support platform for online consumers. Get Satisfaction is an open and transparent space where companies can support customers, allow the exchange of ideas, and get feedback about their products and services. Get Satisfaction is fully integrated into Reservations.coms website, an industry-leading online booking service that delivers verified descriptions and information on over 200,000 hotels.

Reservations.com consumers are now able to easily search and archive previously asked questions, submit questions to the organizations customer support team, actively monitor and participate in the support community, increase responsiveness, and continuously enhance their repository of knowledge. Within the software, the organization is able to access an organized system of their ticketed times, increasing productivity and rapid response rates.

Reservations.com already offers superior customer service and support to consumers through phone and email support. The addition of this new online support community only emphasizes Reservations.coms strong commitment to customer success as a user-friendly and well-organized platform.

About Get Satisfaction

Based in San Francisco, Get Satisfaction provides an online community platform connecting companies with customers to foster relationships that unlock new value for both sides. Companies of all sizes and industries like from Kellogg's and P&G rely on Get Satisfaction to deliver online communities that modernize customer support and differentiate their brand and inspire new innovations. Get Satisfactions community platform offers the fastest time to value for companies ready to embrace the way todays customers want to engage.

For more information, please visit http://www.getsatisfaction.com

About Reservations.com

Reservations.com is one of North Americas leading online hotel booking platforms, aiding in the consumer reservation process. Reservations.coms user-friendly website offers many details including descriptions, pricing information, and reviews of over 200,000 hotels globally in its database. Started in 2013 with a mission to help create memorable experiences, the organization has seen rapid online growth in its hotel archives, and plans to continue expanding on various targeting levels.

For more information, please visit http://www.reservations.com

Press Contact

Jasmin Lesser

Marketing Manager

jlesser(at)reservations(dot)com
The unique structure of this fund allows us to be strategic in timing, property type, and the structure in which we invest. This flexibility has been critical to our past success and is even more important given todays market climate.

Investor John Goff has established a unique investment fund that will be used to seed capital for new real estate investments. The fund, known as the GP Invitation Fund I (GPIF), closed after a private, invitation-only campaign raised $200 million.

The fund expects to have in excess of $4 billion in investment capacity by partnering with long-standing institutional relationships. The fund already has closed or committed to six new investments totaling approximately $400 million. GPIF is targeting investments in all real estate property types, primarily focused on properties in U.S. markets.

The unique structure of this fund allows us to be strategic in timing, property type, and the structure in which we invest. This flexibility has been critical to our past success and is even more important given todays market climate, Goff stated.

Goff has combined the resources of his two real estate firms, Crescent Real Estate Holdings and Goff Capital Partners, to manage the fund. The fully integrated real estate investment, management and development company will operate under the name Crescent Real Estate. Goff serves as Chairman and two long-time partners of Goff, Jason Anderson and Conrad Suszynski, manage the day-to-day activity of the new entity. Goffs senior management team joined him as significant investors in GPIF and the new investment fund is the primary investment vehicle for Goff and his team.

I am excited that we have combined the forces of these two great teams to execute our real estate investment strategy, Goff said. We have informally worked together for years and recognize that we will be a more powerful company with the talents fully united.

Goffs companies have extensive ownership, investment, management and development experience across all real estate types. Combined, the entities own and/or manage more than $2.5 billion in assets, including The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas; the 530,000 square foot McKinney & Olive office and retail development in Uptown Dallas planned to open later this summer; 240,000 square feet of creative office space recently purchased in four brick-and-timber office buildings in Dallas Historic West End District; 1.8 million square feet of creative office in Denver; 7,000 units of multi-family property; wellness lifestyle leader, Canyon Ranch and residential developments in locations such as Scottsdale, Vail Valley and Lake Tahoe.

Goff co-founded Crescent Real Estate Equities with the late investor Richard Rainwater in the early 1990s. Goff was CEO of Crescent as a NYSE REIT and sold the company in 2007 to Morgan Stanley for $6.5 billion. Under Goffs leadership, Crescent acquired or developed over 40 million square feet of office, 12 luxury hotels and over 17,000 high end residences or lots. Goff reacquired Crescent in 2009 in partnership with Barclays Capital. Goff Capital Partners was founded in the late 1990s, originally to focus on distressed real estate debt investing, ultimately acquiring over $6.8 billion in distressed debt.

In 2014, Goff was inducted as a member of McCombs Business School Hall of Fame at The University of Texas at Austin and was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southwest Region in the real estate and construction category. On May 4th, the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors and Real Estate Professionals (NTCAR) inducted Goff into the Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions to the North Texas commercial real estate industry.
Ten additional companies have confirmed their engagement in the forward-thinking Vision 2027 attraction in the Exhibit Hall at the 2016 National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo  which will be held August 6-9 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

Vision 2027 will provide insights into the future of retailing and trading-partner collaboration, with a unique blend of technology, interactivity, and even celebrity. The total number of companies participating in Vision 2027 currently stands at 14, with additional announcements anticipated.

Vision 2027 will be a must-see destination for retailers and suppliers in the NACDS Total Store Expo Exhibit Hall, said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. The NACDS Total Store Expo presents a remarkable transaction of ideas and Vision 2027 will be a tremendous part of that forward thinking at this years event.

The new participating Vision 2027 companies announced today include:

Catalyst  A Li & Fung Company, Catalyst provides a variety of electronic article surveillance (EAS) solutions for use in retail. As a complement to its EAS enterprise, the company has create a range of radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems that help retailers keep an accurate account of inventory, enhance the customer experience and prevent theft. The RFID tags allow retailers to take more accurate inventories more rapidly via automated robots or handheld scanners. Also, smart technologies detect the RFID tag on a product and provide customers additional information about the product and options for complementary purchases.

EnterWorks Holdings Commerce and Content Platforms  The EnterWorks master data management (MDM) and product information management (PIM) solution enables companies to acquire, manage and transform product information into persuasive content that drives higher sales and new competitive strengths. By leveraging a companys products, associated images and videos, brands and other marketing assets, the EnterWorks Enable platform delivers powerful content through e-commerce Web, mobile, print and various electronic channels.

Eventable  Eventable enables brands and retailers to engage with their customers via the digital calendar. By integrating events directly into customers daily schedules, brands can drive sales and boost engagement. Eventable's marketing platform provides the analytics and targeting tools necessary to understand and communicate with a brand's customers. Eventable works with clients ranging from e-commerce sites to Fortune 500 companies, and has been featured at AD THINK, ad:tech New York, the Intel Global Challenge, and more.

Everfave  With Everfave, shoppers can use their mobile phones to recommend to their friends their favorite products and brands carried by their favorite stores. Their friends get a personal referral from the shopper and earn a reward when they become a customer. Everfaves platform enables shoppers to share their in-store retail experiences, talk about the brands and products they love, and enjoy special offers and exclusives from their favorite retailers and brands. Everfave has earned the Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs Innovation Award, among other honors.

GSK Consumer Healthcare  The company will showcase The Migraine Experience  a revolutionary augmented reality migraine simulator. By giving non sufferers a controlled glimpse of what it's like to experience a migraine, the simulator is contributing to a culture of empathy for the 36 million people in the United States who suffer from the debilitating headaches. The simulator gives non-sufferers the insights that come from safely experiencing disorientation, aura, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.

INTURN  The INTURN online B2B inventory management platform enables brands and retailers to confidentially buy and sell excess inventory on a global scale. It reduces manual work processes, expands accessible product information, and integrates sophisticated analytics, thus improving inventory management and increasing profitability. INTURN is designed and led by retail industry veterans and technology experts and is located in New York City.

retSKU  Retail Store Data helps brand manufacturers and retailers audit retail stores for pricing checks, shelf space, promotions, end caps, and more. The platform delivers a rapid platform to collect in-store data and confirm planogram execution. The technology helps to empower sales teams, store managers and brokers.

Shopic  Shopic is a self-checkout mobile app that enables an easy, quick and convenient purchase of goods from anywhere in the store  without having to wait in line. Shopics solution, already operational with some reference customers, integrates easily with any point-of-sale/retail management system. The retailer gains increased revenues, better customer satisfaction and loyalty, a direct channel for personalized promotions and savings in operational costs.

Trendalytics  Trendalytics is a merchandise intelligence platform that helps to create a better understanding of what consumers want. It aggregates and analyzes patterns across social media, online searches and SKU data. Dynamic insights are gathered at the product category, classification and SKU levels to support decisions on assortment planning, product pricing, promotional activity and marketing. Trendalytics was a 2015 Top 5 Future of Retail Disruptor at SXSW and a finalist in The Wall Street Journals Start-up of the Year series.

WiGO Analytics  WiGO Analytics helps to translate video surveillance into business analytics. In so doing, the company prevents the waste of installing cameras that are not watched, or that are not utilized as fully as possible. It leverages a retailers in-store video capabilities for loss prevention and business analytics for use in cases such as heat mapping, dwell time, out of stocks, and more  in real time. WiGO Analytics helps diverse companies get a quick and accurate view of everything that happens in each of their stores.

The companies whose participation in Vision 2027 was announced previously include:

Fung Global Retail & Technology  Led by Deborah Weinswig, executive director and head of global retail technology, the company will introduce 12-15 innovators that provide solutions for consumer goods, the pharmacy, clinics and patient engagement. Their insights will appeal to attendees interested in enhancing the shopping experience, engaging patients through omni-channel strategies, and optimizing data analytics and cloud computing. The company also will bring to Vision 2027 elements of its Innovation Center in Shanghai, highlighting some of the leading-edge retail technology companies that have demonstrated success.

Kantar Retail  The company will provide a view of what the perfect shopper interaction of tomorrow will look like. This aspect of Vision 2027 will deliver a forward-looking view at virtual realitys power to serve up both retail environments and testing capabilities, and a view of the ways in which best-in-class companies will link analytics into compelling economic and shopper-centered solutions.

Nielsen  Marketers are navigating a world of unprecedented complexity and are searching for ways to make sense of all this data. The answer is one platform that brings consumer and media data together, making it possible to cut through the clutter to connect more deeply with customers and audiences on the right devices. Nielsen will demonstrate how a cloud-based system helps companies spend less time connecting the dots and more time making decisions that drive bottom-line results.

Shark Branding  Entrepreneur, investor, author, speaker and television personality Daymond John will highlight opportunities for companies to grow as truly innovative and entrepreneurial enterprises  today and into the future. He also will participate in the popular Meet the Market program on Saturday, August 6.

The similarly named precursors of Vision 2027 consistently have drawn significant interest among attendees, as well as among local media. In 2015, when the NACDS Total Store Expo was held in Denver, the Denver Business Journal covered what was then known as Vision 2026 with an article titled The drug store of the future is on display now at Denver convention. Colorado Biz published a bylined article by NACDS titled Health, Wellness and High-Tech.

In 2014, when the NACDS Total Store Expo most recently was held in Boston, the Boston Business Journal reported on what was then known as Vision 2025, and WBZ NewsRadio 1030  a CBS affiliate  also covered Vision 2025 extensively.

Accessible to all attendees, Vision 2027 will be open during the Exhibit Hall hours of the NACDS Total Store Expo.

More information about the NACDS Total Store Expo is available at tse.nacds.org.
Beatriz Martinez-Penalver, a psychotherapist with more than 25 years of experience, seeks to find a solution to an incomplete education system and the rise of antidepressant use in the United States with Triumph: A Curriculum for All Schools and Universities (published by Balboa Press), a fluid curriculum and program that helps students, educators and parents live a life without limits.

We are not doing enough to teach children how to become emotionally literate. This has to start in the schools, says Martinez-Penalver. Were failing to carry out one of our main duties: preparing the next generation to enjoy a life filled with joy and purpose.

Martinez-Penalver provides an overview of the Triumph Steps program to help schools lead their students to overcoming challenges. She also aims to affect the education system, which she says is in need of a drastic change: I have never met anyone who came to treatment for problems such as depression, marital or parenting issues because they did not remember their algebra or history facts, she explains. Patients do, however, come to treatment for depression, anxiety, or conflicts with their family because they do not have the tools to improve these relationships, the ability to challenge erroneous thoughts, or follow their dreams.

With Triumph, Martinez-Penalver helps schools give to their students the life skills necessary to lead a successful life.

Triumph

By Beatriz Martinez-Penalver

Softcover | 8.5 x 11 in | 36 pages | ISBN 9781504346146

E-Book | 36 pages | ISBN 9781504346153

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Beatriz Martinez-Penalver is a psychotherapist, president and CEO of Healthy Connections Community Mental Health Center. She lives in Miami with her husband, an emergency room psychiatrist, her daughter, a fluffy dog, an exotic toucan and other tropical birds, turtles, many koi fish and a cat. She loves to rollerblade, ski, go boating, scuba dive and ride on her husbands Harley. Martinez-Penalver is inspired by silence and the power it draws. More information is available at http://www.triumphsteps.com.

Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc.  a leading provider in publishing products that specialize in self-help and the mind, body, and spirit genres. Through an alliance with indie book publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the self-publishing model. For more information, visit balboapress.com. To start publishing your book with Balboa Press, call 877-407-4847 today. For the latest, follow @balboapress on Twitter.
Dr. Amanda Cheng

Dr. Amanda Cheng, an orthodontist at CitiDent, is now offering micro-osteoperforation for accelerated orthodontic treatment. Dr. Cheng has extensive experience with all areas of orthodontics, including robotic Suresmile technology, Invisalign, self-ligating Damon brackets, AcceleDent, and accelerated osteogenic orthodontics.

Micro-osteoperforation is a revolutionary adjunct to orthodontic treatment. It can be used with both braces and clear aligners to cut treatment time in half. During any orthodontic treatment, outside forces apply pressure to the teeth. This causes the bone around the teeth to remodel and the teeth to move. With this new process, Dr. Cheng uses a special device to stimulate the bone during a process called alveocentesis. This increases the rate of bone remodeling.

The device is sterile and disposable for patient safety, and can be adjusted precisely for maximum effectiveness. The process involves no recovery time, and patients can immediately return to their normal daily activities. It can be applied to specific teeth or quadrants for more targeted treatments and the best possible results.

Benefits of this new option include:



Faster treatment time

Fewer office visits

More predictable results

Improved comfort

Greater patient satisfaction

About Dr. Cheng

Dr. Cheng earned her DMD from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine before completing her orthodontics training at the University of Minnesota. She has studied under some of the top orthodontists in the world at Harvard and at the Mayo Clinic, and she is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She is an active volunteer and has worked with HIV-positive children in China. She is fluent in English and Mandarin.

Dr. Cheng will be visiting Uganda soon to provide medical and dental supplies to Home of Hope, an orphanage for disabled children in Uganda. Ugandan children with developmental disabilities are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of awareness and cultural misconceptions. These children are at a high risk of abuse and neglect, but Home of Hope offers them refuge and a basic threshold of care so that they can live in health and happiness.

About CitiDent

Dr. Amini is the founder of CitiDent. After completing his undergraduate degree at San Diego State University, Dr. Amini completed his dental training at UCSF School of Dentistry. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco, and an active member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and numerous other local, national, and international dental organizations.
The large event hall was filled to capacity with prospective parents from all over Texas, as well as Florida, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, Nevada and California I was shocked but very appreciative at how personal, friendly, helpful and informative everyone was... The love from surrogates and their desire to help were definitely in the air. We can tell you really care! Past News Releases RSS American nonprofit Men Having...

Men Having Babies' Gay...

Brussels Conference Offers European...

The June 19th event was based on the successful model of programs Men Having Babies has already organized in NYC, LA, San Francisco, Chicago, Brussels and Tel Aviv. It brought together under one roof community activists, experts, parents and surrogates who will share their experiences. The large event hall at the Wyndham Dallas Suites - Park Central was filled to capacity with prospective parents from all over Texas, as well as Florida, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, Nevada and California.

Men Having Babies (MHB) is an international non-profit organization that has helped thousands of gay men worldwide become biological parents, and its conferences are the only ones that provide unbiased information and resources focused on biological parenting options for gay men. The Dallas conference received wide support from leading LGBT establishments and groups in Texas including the Dallas Voice, the Resource Center (the primary LGBT organization in North Texas), Rainbow Roundup, The Handsome Father, and the Teddy Bear Party.

The full-day program included an overview of surrogacy and a comparison to other parenting options, step-by-step guidance on the process for prospective parents, peer advice on budgeting and picking providers, and a personal stories panel with parents and surrogates, that was streamed live on Facebook. One of the highlights was a testimony from a surrogates husband, who described himself as a Texas oil man, and encouraged the gay men in the audience not to get caught up in stereotypes. I was there for my wife, but also for the intended fathers showing them how to set up car seats, and even remind them to eat when they were running around bouncing off the walls.

Heather Jacobson, of the University of Texas in Arlington, presented insights from the first extensive ethnographic examination of contemporary gestational surrogacy in the United States. Jacobson wrote about this research in the recently published book  Labor of Love: Gestational Surrogacy and the Work of Making Babies."

The program also included a Gay Parenting Resource Fair, co-sponsored with the Dallas Voice, featuring more than 25 clinics, agencies, lawyers and community organizations. While some of the exhibitors were local, many came to Dallas from around the USA, including California, Nevada, Illinois, Minnesota, and Oregon. Attendees were able to hear about these providers in breakouts sessions, and even meet with them later for on-site private consultations. The Dallas Voice partnered with Men Having Babies to offer the first surrogacy and gay parenting expo in Texas because we realize that this is an issue that many gay men find important and often have difficulty finding information about, says Leo Cusimano, the publisher. Now that marriage is legal for all couples, many more gay men are considering parenthood and are interested to know more about the various options they can choose.

After the event the organizers were flooded with messages from thankful attendees. "We approached the event with a bit of skepticism, but at the event we felt welcomed, understood, and accepted, wrote Andres from Dallas. The love from surrogates and their desire to help were definitely in the air. We can tell you really care! A prospective parent from El Paso wrote that he felt that his trip was well worth it  I couldn't have more praise for those of you who put this together. There's so much information to have to learn in a very short amount of time. Brian and Abel wrote: we both left the conference feeling fully equipped with the proper information and contacts to start our journey." I was shocked but very appreciative at how personal, friendly, helpful and informative everyone was," Wrote Tim. If I had known about MHB earlier, I would have began this journey many years ago.

Proceeds from the event benefited MHBs Gay Parenting Assistance Program (GPAP), which annually provides dozens of prospective parents with over a million dollars worth of cash grants, discounts and free services from more than fifty leading service providers. Among the major supporters of the assistance program are some of the sponsors of the Dallas conference, including Simple Surrogacy, Fertility Specialists of Texas, San Diego Fertility Center, Family Source Consultants, Oregon Reproductive Medicine, and Northwest Surrogacy.

In addition to the local supporting organizations, additional community organizations from the region and beyond have joined to help promote the event and provide information about the resources they have for gay parents and parents-to-be. Among them are the national organization Family Equality Council, All Things Surrogacy, Gays With Kids, and Proud Parenting.

***

About Men Having Babies

With over 4500 future and current gay parents worldwide, the international nonprofit Men Having Babies (MHB) is dedicated to providing its members with educational and financial support. Each year over a thousand attendees benefit from unbiased guidance and access to a wide range of relevant service providers at its monthly workshops and conferences in NY, Chicago, Brussels, San Francisco and Tel Aviv. The organizations Gay Parenting Assistance Program(GPAP) annually provides dozens of couples with over a million dollars worth of cash grants, discounts and free services from over fifty leading service providers. Collaborating with an advisory board made of surrogates, MHB developed a framework for Ethical Surrogacy that has received endorsements from several LGBT parenting organizations worldwide. In addition, MHB offers extensive online resources, a directory with ratings and reviews of agencies and clinics, a Surrogacy Speakers Bureau, and a vibrant online community forum.
Paul Shin, M.D. Our webcasts are a powerful online platform that educates individuals about infertility and provides participants with the information they need to make an informed decision about seeking treatment.

Shady Grove Fertility, the largest fertility practice in the nationcelebrating 25 years and more than 40,000 babies bornis hosting a series of seminars and webcasts throughout the month of July for individuals and couples who are having difficulty conceiving and want to learn more about the types of fertility treatment options and unique financial programs offered exclusively to Shady Grove Fertility patients.

Taking the first step to learn about fertility treatment is often the most important one. Many individuals and couples are unsure where to begin, what options are available to them, and if insurance covers treatment. These are just a few of the many questions that will be addressed at the Fertility Options Seminars taking place across Shady Grove Fertility offices in the coming weeks.

The Fertility Options Seminars are a wonderful initial step in introducing prospective and new patients to our practice and to demonstrate how we value personalized care for each and every patient. Our patient to physician relationship begins by educating the community about infertility and bringing individuals one step closer to achieving parenthood, says Eugene Katz, M.D. of Shady Grove Fertilitys Towson, MD, office. Dr. Katz will present the Fertility Options seminar in Towson, MD, on Tuesday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m.

A fact that is surprising to many couples is that 40 to 50 percent of infertility is caused in part or in whole by a male factor. Shady Grove Fertilitys full-time board certified urologist and male fertility specialist, Paul R. Shin, M.D., will be hosting a free online webcast about male factor infertility. During the webcast Dr. Shin will discuss whats involved in diagnosing male factor infertility and how couples overcome male factor infertility with treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Our webcasts are a powerful online platform that educates individuals about infertility and provides participants with the information they need to make an informed decision about seeking treatment, says Dr. Shin. The male factor infertility webcast will take place on Tuesday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m. EST.

With the most live births from fresh donor cycles, and the most live births from frozen donor cycles in the country, Shady Grove Fertility will also host a July webcast on Donor Egg Treatment. Isaac E. Sasson M.D., Ph.D., a reproductive endocrinologist in Shady Grove Fertilitys Philadelphia area offices, will discuss the Donor Egg Program at Shady Grove Fertility. This programthe largest in the United Stateshas successfully matched over 6,000 couples with a qualified egg donor since its inception. During the webcast, Dr. Sasson will provide an in-depth view of the Donor Egg Program, as well as information about the Shared Donor Egg financial program offered exclusively to Shady Grove Fertility patients. This webcast will take place on Thursday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m. EST.

Upcoming July Fertility Seminars:



July 7 | Leesburg, VA | Fertility Options

July 12 | Towson, MD | Fertility Options

July 19 | Columbia, MD | Fertility Options

July 20 | Chesterbrook, PA | Fertility Options

July 23 | Hagerstown, MD | Fertility Options

Upcoming July Fertility Webcasts:



July 13 | Online | New York Donor Egg Treatment

July 19 | Online | Male Factor Infertility

July 20 | Online | Financial Options

July 26 | Online | Getting Started

July 26 | Online | Become an Egg Donor

July 27 | Online | Out-of-State Donor Egg Treatment

July 28 | Online | Donor Egg Treatment

About Shady Grove Fertility

Shady Grove Fertility is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence, offering patients individualized care, innovative financial options, and pregnancy rates among the highest of all national centers. 2016 commemorates 25 years of Shady Grove Fertility providing medical and service excellence to patients from all 50 states and 35 countries around the world, and celebrates over 40,000 babies bornmore than any other center in the nation. Today, 34 reproductive endocrinologists, supported by a highly specialized team of 600 urologists, Ph.D. scientists, geneticists, and staff care for patients in 18 full-service offices and five satellite sites throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Shady Grove Fertility physicians actively train residents and reproductive endocrinology fellows and invest in continuous clinical research and education to advance the field of reproductive medicine through numerous academic appointments and partnerships such as Georgetown Medical School, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the University of Maryland, and the National Institutes of Health. More than 1,700 physicians refer their patients to Shady Grove Fertility each year. For more information, call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.
We are doing the same thing with our blog archive, adding new glass repair stories to keep our Miami and South Florida community informed about everything relating to glass repair and replacement

Miami, Florida

Express Glass and Board Up, one of the top-rated sliding door repair services, is proud to announce new additions to the company blog archive. This update consolidates many topics into an easy-to-use format for readers, and brings together topics about repairs to windows and sliding glass doors.

The public libraries are such a great resource for our cities, explained Yaniet Santos, general manager of Express Glass. Information is free and helpful to the community. Also, libraries keep adding new books to their shelves. We are doing the same thing with our blog archive, adding new glass repair stories to keep our Miami and South Florida community informed about everything relating to glass repair and replacement.

To review the newly added blog postings, go to http://www.expressglassfl.com/blog/category/sliding-door-repair/.

Resources for sliding door repair and glass replacement topics are available for Miami and other Florida communities to review. Users can just scroll through the archive at the click of a mouse.

The Doors Never Close for Sliding Door Repair Topics in Miami

Miamis public libraries have evolved into information centers as well as places where great stories can be found. Normal daily visitors may be students searching for book report topics, or people reading how to books from home repair to knitting dog sweaters. Once closing time arrives, Miami locals must check out any items of interest and leave the library behind. It may be difficult to walk away from archives loaded with helpful information. For the subject of sliding door repair topics, Miami residents dont have to wait on library time.

Express Glass, known among the common folk as Miamis sliding door repair expert company, has consolidated informative topics including when to repair a sliding door and how to prepare windows for hurricane season, now ready to review. When a Miami resident is searching for tips and advice about how to repair or replace a broken glass, the information is online at the company site. Like the local library, the knowledge is free. Unlike the local library, the doors are open on the blog archive 24 hours a day.

About Express Glass and Board Up

Express Glass and Board Up Service is a family owned and operated glass repair business with more than 20 years of experience. Professional technicians and the large variety of inventory make Express Glass a highly-rated glass repair service. If customers are looking for Miami sliding door repair, as well as sliding glass door repair in Delray Beach or West Palm Beach, please reach out to the company for a free estimate. If customers need a 24 hour emergency service for sliding glass door replacement in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Miramar, technicians are standing by. The company specializes in 24 hour emergency sliding glass door repair and home window glass repair; technicians will handle any glass replacement situation efficiently. Home or business glass repair is the company's main priority.

Express Glass and Board up

http://www.expressglassfl.com/
The No Nox is a filter invention which is good for gas resources and the environment. "The Carbon Dioxide Production industry is in a mature life cycle stage, generating $690 million a year,"says Scott Cooper, CEO and Creative Director of World Patent Marketing. "Industry revenue is expected to decline marginally in the next few years."

World Patent Marketing, a vertically integrated manufacturer and engineer of patented products, announces the No Nox, a filter invention created to lessen the percentage of Nitrogen Dioxide in the environment.

"The Carbon Dioxide Production industry is in a mature life cycle stage, generating $690 million a year,"says Scott Cooper, CEO and Creative Director of World Patent Marketing. "Industry revenue is expected to decline marginally in the next few years."

Global Warming is a real issue that the world faces today, says Jerry Shapiro, Director of Manufacturing and World Patent Marketing Inventions. This is due to the many pollutants that are released due to the negligent way of life of people nowadays. Nitrogen Dioxide in particular is very dangerous and we must make an effort to lessen its presence in the environment. And with the filter invention called the No Nox, this is now possible.

No Nox is a filter invention which is specially conceptualized to lessen the release of Nitrogen Dioxide while handling gasoline or petroleum by being able to recover raw fuel fumes. Made of quality materials and a smart design, this invention comprises of a several units, a vent pipe and a two-way shut off valve. The first unit serves as a fuel storage tank while the second unit refers to a fuel-carrying tanker truck. No Nox works by being able to close the shut off valve which eventually forms a vacuum inside the fuel storage tank. Because of this, pressure is formed in the fuel-carrying tanker truck. When this happens, the fumes from the gas returns to the fuel storage tank, thus allowing it to be utilized.

I believe if this product is used globally it will close the hole in the ozone layer in less than 5 yrs, says inventor Randell O. Nox is the most dangerous pollution in the world and with this filter invention, this prevents its spread while recovering gas vapors for reuse at the same time.

Ken Samson, an environmentalist from Portland, Oregon, has this to say about the No Nox: The No Nox is something that is not only practical but environmental friendly as well. It prevents gases to escape during the process of handling gasoline and petroleum while being able to trap it and reuse it once more. And because of this, bad gases are prevented from affecting the Ozone.

The No Nox is a filter invention which is good for gas resources and the environment.

ABOUT WORLD PATENT MARKETING

World Patent Marketing is an innovation incubator and manufacturer of patented products for inventors and entrepreneurs. The company is broken into eight operating divisions: Research, Patents, Prototyping, Manufacturing, Retail, Web & Apps, Social Media and Capital Ventures.

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President Tran Dai Quang (C, front) and business representatives (Source: VNA)



The State leader made the remarks at a June 23rd meeting with business people who attended a forum on Vietnamese enterprises connectivity and integration in the era of new-generation FTAs held by the Finance Ministry in conjunction with the National Assemblys External Relations Committee and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Hanoi the same day.

He stressed active and proactive integration and international cooperation as major strategic orientations charted by the Party and State in order to fulfill the tasks of national construction and defence.

Reviewing outcomes of the international economic integration process, the President said Vietnam has established trade ties with more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, joined efforts in building the ASEAN Economic Community and engaged in 15 new-generation FTAs, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), an agreement with the EU and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

He hailed the business communitys contributions to national achievements, saying they have actively partaken in the global supply chain, contributed to the State coffer and helped elevate the countrys position in the world arena.

However, the leader said, the path of international integration also offers a galaxy of difficulties and challenges to the domestic economy.

Given this, he asked domestic enterprises to set forth specific action programs, focusing on long-term strategies for production, business and market development in order to improve the competitiveness of their products and services.

The President also urged ministries, agencies and localities to pay more heed to raising public awareness of international integration as well as challenges and opportunities afforded by the new-generation FTAs.

Business representatives proposed a number of solutions to make the best of the deals in the time ahead with importance placed on trade promotion, enhancing the role played by trade representative offices, technological application in management, and connecting local firms with regional and global value chains./.
Photo: VGP He expressed his hope that the Lao Ambassador would make important contributions to reinforcing the special and comprehensive cooperative relations between the two countries.

Expressing congratulations on the success of the 10th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Lao election of deputies to the 13th National Assembly and provincial Peoples Council, the VFF President affirmed that the special and friendly relations between Vietnam and Laos was an invaluable asset of the two Parties and people, adding that it was always the highest priority in Vietnams foreign policies.

He went on to say that the relations between the two countries continued to be further developed in all areas.

The two Governments have completed border marker planting and demarcation, while trade and economic cooperative projects have been actively carried out. In terms of education and training, the two sides have attached great importance to developing high quality human resources for Laos. There are currently over 9,000 Lao cadres and students studying in Vietnam.

VFF President Nguyen Thien Nhan affirmed that Vietnam would continue to support Laos in realizing the role of ASEAN Presidency in 2016, and increasing economic links between the two countries, especially in transport infrastructure construction.

Ambassador Thongsavanh Phomvihane asserted that Vietnam and Laos are neighbours with long-term solidarity. Laos success over the past 40 years marks the assistance from Vietnam, he said.

The Lao Ambassador said he hoped that the comprehensive cooperation would be increased in the near future to match the potential.

He added that he would do his utmost, as Ambassador, to be a bridge for fostering the friendship and cooperative relations between Vietnam and Laos./.
In a two hour presentation to investors Thursday morning, Barnes & Noble executives made clear that the future of the company lies with its physical stores.

Executives listed a wide range of initiatives they are undertaking to improve bookstore sales, including providing some more details about the companys new four prototype stores, the first of which will open in Eastchester, N.Y. in October. Additional concept stores, whose footprint will be about 20-25% smaller than a typical B&N superstore, are set for Edina, Minn.; Folsom Calif.; and Loudon County in Virginia.

The centerpiece of the new stores will be an expanded cafe, which company executives--from CEO Ron Boire, on down--said they are extremely excited about. Underlining the importance of the cafes, just before the presentation to investors, B&N promoted Jaime Carey, chief operating officer, to president of development & restaurant group.

The new cafes will be about twice the size of current cafes, and feature table-side service. A new expanded menu is being overseen by an executive chef that will feature American-style fare, as well as wine and beer. In addition to boosting sales through the cafes themselves (which now bring in a little less than 10% of annual revenue), B&N execs expect that the improved space will drive more customers to the stores and help make each outlet more of a destination center for community members.

The new stores will also have better seating and more open space than existing stores, and books will be categorized in new ways that will make titles easier to find, according to Mary Amicucci, chief merchandising officer. Despite the expanded cafe, the stores will still have a broad assortment of books, which will comprise about 60% of the store's revenue.

The new stores will also include more table displays, where curated titles will be featured. Booksellers will be equipped with tablets to answer customers' questions via text, and a new app will allow customers to find titles in stores through a digitally created wish list.

B&N execs said that, depending on the reception to the new cafes, they are prepared to roll out the concept to existing stores. However, the execs declined to say how many stores that may involve.

Another major initiative to boost store sales is growing B&Ns membership base. Boire said B&N has more than 6 million members who pay an annual fee of $25 to receive store discounts. Members are B&Ns best customers, Boire said, spending more than twice as much as average customers on each transaction with the retailer.

To grow its membership ranks, B&N will be experimenting with a number of new offers to increase participation rates and individual member spend. As part of that overall effort, Boire said B&N will integrate the 3 million members in its Kids Club program into the core program.

Throughout the chain, B&N is focusing on making the navigation of its stores more intuitive in a bid to help with discovery, Amicucci said. The key differentiator for B&N when it comes to discovery is its 28,000 booksellers, whose recommendations cannot be replicated by any algorithm, she said. The company will be empowering each of its stores to interact more with the community. In fact, Amicucci said B&N is going hyper local in the current fiscal year and has a remerchandising strategy set for 50 stores where B&N will tailor the merchandise layout and assortment based on local customer demand.

B&N is also working to expand its presence in three hot categories: adult coloring books/art supplies; graphic novels/manga; and young reader (age 8-12). Amicucci said B&N is planning for more growth in the coloring book segment and is not just expanding its assortment of titles but also adding new related areas such as journaling and illustrating.

In fiscal 2016 B&N doubled the space for graphic novels and manga while also adding more titles and keeping backlist books on shelves longer, Amicucci said. In the current year, B&N will add more titles and hold more promotions. The eight to 12 year-old demographic cannot be undervalued, Amicucci said, noting that they are the number two subject sales driver behind only adult trade fiction.

While all execs said B&N is committed to keeping books the focus at its stores, it has had success in other areas and will continue to test new products in different areas, including music (adding more vinyl records); toys and games (adding more art and science elements); and gifts (adding more artist supplies).

When the presentation turned to Nook, executives said that their short-term strategy involved cutting losses, not growing sales. B&N hopes to cut Nooks losses to between $30 million and $40 million in the current fiscal year and to $10 million in fiscal 2018. The company is continuing to outsource more technology functions and is closing its Santa Clara and Taipei offices which will result in severance charges of $6 million in the first quarter of the current year but which will save $13 million. One area within Nook B&N hopes to expand is Nook Press, its self-publishing tool. The company will launch a print-on-demand option next week.

When pressed by analysts if B&Ns projection of cutting the Nook loss to $10 million included revenue increases, CFO Allen Lindstrom observed: to hit that target there arent aggressive assumptions in there on any reversal of revenueits all about [cost] reductions and how quickly we can do them without disrupting the business.

Boire emphasized however, that B&N has no plans to completely shut down the Nook business since it remains an important element to B&Ns omnichannel sales approach and has 2 million very active customers. Walking away is not in our mindset today, he said.

B&N CTO Fred Argir was more optimistic about the prospects for BN.com, although he acknowledged that much work still needs to be done. The recently completed overhaul of the BN.com backend, which took 2,200 additional fixes to correct problems, did not address issues concerning the front end, consumer facing part of the site. Work on that has started with the aim to streamline the buying experience in time for the holiday season. But the financial goal for BN.com in fiscal 2017 is to get back the sales it lost in fiscal 2016. Beyond that, Argir said the aim is to get back to a growth rate, because if you remember dot-com in our business had been declining for several years. Argir said he expects sales at BN.com to start to improve in the second half of fiscal 2017.

With its various growth initiatives and cost-cutting plans, execs projected that total EBITDA for fiscal 2020 will be between $270 million and $310 million. That projection is based on the assumption that comp store sales will grow in the low single digits along with "modest" store openings accompanied by some store closures--it plans to shut 12 stores this year.
Calvin Trillin. Random House, $27 (304p) ISBN 978-0-399-58824-2

Trillin, a regular contributor to the New Yorker since 1963, collects his insights and musings on race in America in previously published essays from over 50 years of reporting. They cover events from the 1964 voter registration drives in Jackson, Miss., to a 2006 deadly shooting on Long Island, N.Y., the single most segregated suburban area in the United States. Providing abundant context and telling details, Trillin covers the Mardi Gras Zulu parade in New Orleans, the resistance to school integration in Denver, race relations in the Mormon Church in Utah, a stop-and-frisk with tragic results in Seattle, and the confrontation between Italians and African-Americans over the construction of an apartment building called Kawaida Towers in Newark, N.J. Most of these episodes take place in the 1960s and 70s, so Trillin provides updates at the end of each essay to show how the issues have evolved and what progress, if any, has been made. He also delves into the definitions of black and white in modern-day Louisiana and the qualities of a southern moderate in the 1970s, and invites a black civil rights activist to tell the story of her hardscrabble life in Dorchester County, S.C., in her own words. As Trillin notes in his introduction, todays African-American students are more isolated than they were 40 years ago, education policy makers have abandoned integration as a cause, and a number of states have recently passed laws meant to suppress non-white votes. Whats shocking is how topical and relatively undated many of these essays seem today.
The editor of the London-based book trade BookBrunch, Neill Denny, offers his take on the implications of the historic vote that just wrapped in the U.K.

In the small hours of yesterday morning London was rocked by a fearsome electrical storm. Talk about portents from the heavens.

But the storm we now find ourselves engulfed in is entirely of our own making. In the space of a few hours we have voted to leave Europe, the pound has sunk like a stone, the stock market has tanked and the Prime Minister resigned.

Caught in this maelstrom the book trade is a reasonably calm backwater. There are implications for us, but they are slower, smoother and some even are positive.

On the debit side, we have made a decisive break with Europe and all its culture. However we dress it up, the English (and it is largely the English) have rejected our European neighbours and what they stand for. We may protest it wasn't us personally, but the nation has spoken. We have seen nothing like it since Henry VIII's break from Rome. One can hardly expect European partners, be they colleagues, authors, agents or sister publishers to be immune from feelings of dismay and hurt at what our nation has done.

The impact on the economy is, in the short-run, going to be entirely negative. This is a result that will cost jobs in the book trade as it will in the wider economy. The destabilising effect of the decision will hit consumer confidence and spending, and may immediately trigger a recession. None of this will lead to people buying more books. Years of uncertainty will follow. Yes, tariffs on imports may fall, but it will be a long time before the economy is back on track

The referendum campaign itself has dominated the public discourse for months, giving books and authors less room to cut through, and if anything that is only going to get worse. The exit negotiations themselves will dominate the headlines for months, as will the matter of who the next PM (and Chancellor?) will be plus a possible early election: there is no prospect of a respite.

I have written about the other negative impacts before, when I predicted Brexit a fortnight ago.

Editor's Note: A version of this story originally appeared in BookBrunch.
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Bob Herington loves music so much, that he not only owns his own record store, but runs a record label, that will present a concert at Daytrotter on Monday night.

The store, Ragged Records, is at 418 E. 2nd St., Davenport, at the foot of the Arsenal Bridge, and celebrates the annual Record Store Day with discounts and live music from regional/local bands. Mr. Herington (with Jason Parris of RIBCO's staff) started Cartouche Records about two years ago, and releases music on vinyl, CD and digital formats.

Cartouche artist Kalispell will perform Monday at 8 p.m. at Daytrotter, 324 Brady St., Davenport, along with Dan Blakeslee.

"He's kind of alt-country leanings, very influenced by a lot of things," Mr. Herington said this week of the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter (whose real name is Shane Leonard), living in Eau Claire, Wis. "He studied classical in college. His music is kind of an odd combination of folk and Philip Glass, many influences."

Kalispell's new record, Printer's Son," was released on Davenports Cartouche Records on June 3, after an independent crowd-funding campaign raised over $15,000.

On the artist's website, kalispellband.com, the record is described this way: "Connecting an improvisational heart with meticulously constructed arteries of melody, it eschews the stomp-clap boom-chuck trends of indie-folk, instead giving nods to the entranced sonic tapestries of Phillip Glass and lyrical sophistication of Paul Simon."

Of the new record, a review at stereogum.gum said: "Opening track 'In Chicago' is a beautiful soundscape of atmospheric melancholia, and although the remainder of 'Printers Son' has a very different sonic approach, 'In Chicago' sets the stage well for the rest of the the record with a refreshing banjo-infused, grassroots approach to the modern understanding of indie rock."

"Printer's Son" was recorded at April Base Studio (Justin Vernon of Bon Iver) in Fall Creek, Wis. It was co-produced, mixed and engineered by Grammy-award winner Brian Joseph (Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver), Mr. Herington said.

Over the past few years, Kalispell has toured the UK, opening for Jeff Tweedy; worked with Field Report, Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Paul Simon), The Stray Birds, Sara and Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek), Todd Sickafoose (Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird), Ben Sollee, Evan Ziporyn (Steve Reich, Bang On A Can), Zachariah Hickman (Ray Lamontagne, Andrew Bird, Josh Ritter), Sean Carey (Bon Iver), Robbie Lackritz (Feist), and taught music through the Exploration School at Yale University, Augusta Heritage Center, and other programs, according to his bio.

Shane Leonard began with music very early, sitting in on drums as a kid at jazz sessions in Milwaukee and Chicago, and studied classical percussion with players of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and legendary percussionist Jim Sewrey, his bio (at kalispellband.com) says.

After dropping out of music school to teach English, he embarked on a four-year exploration down Appalachian backroads to learn clawhammer banjo and old-time fiddle, the site says. In concert, he sings with a full band, Mr. Herington said.

For "Printer's Son," in addition to vocals, Kalispell is credited with acoustic and electric guitars, field recording, synths, and percussion and banjos.

Mr. Herington started Cartouche (a name his wife suggested, an oval surrounding royal Egyptian hieroglyphs) with a record by Bedroom Shrine -- headed by Johnnie Cluney (who does the art for Daytrotter). He records at a variety of studios, including Pat Stolley's Futureappletree Studio in Rock Island.

Mr. Stolley's The Multiple Cat is a Cartouche band, as well as J.E. Sunde, Chrash, Brooks Strause, Devin Frank, and Land of Blood and Sunshine. Cartouche presented a couple acts at the first Daytrotter Downs music festival in February, as well as Moeller Mondays concerts.

All Mr. Herington's artists have recorded Daytrotter sessions. Tickets for Monday's show (part of Moeller Mondays) are $8 in advance and $12 at the door, available at daytrotter.com/live-shows/72.html. For more information on the label, visit cartoucherecords.com.








Photos: Binh Chau

The Australian experts shared their expertise in exhibition display, especially temporary and traveling exhibitions, as well as communication planning and communication strategy development for museums. The workshop, which featured many practical exercises, generated in-depth discussion and interaction between the speakers and participants, and helped to enhance the skills, knowledge and networks of Vietnamese museum practitioners.

According to Prof. Dr. Vo Quang Trong, Director of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, exhibition display and museum communications are all essential to modern museum life. The workshops addressed a great and urgent need among Vietnamese museums which are undergoing a renewal process.

We are very proud to support capacity-building for Vietnamese museums and pleased to witness the increased cooperation and partnerships between Australia and Vietnam in this field, said Australian Charge dAffaires Mr Layton Pike.

Nearly 40 representatives from northern and central province museums, and 35 representatives from southern province museums participated in workshops./.
Ballet Quad Cities will celebrate its 20th anniversary season in 2016-17. It is the longest-running resident professional ballet company in the state of Iowa and in western Illinois, one of only 100 in the nation, according to balletquadcities.com.

The next season schedule is:

-- "Dracula": Oct. 21 and 22, at 7:30 p.m., Scottish Rite Cathedral, Moline. Again starring Domingo Rubio in the title role, the ballet was choreographed by former resident choreographer Deanna Carter. It features music from Nino Rota, Alfred Schnittke, Maurice Ravel, Bela Bartok and more.

-- "The Nutcracker": Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids; Dec. 10, at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., Adler Theatre, Davenport. The holiday classic, choreographed by artistic director Courtney Lyon, will feature live music provided by Orchestra Iowa.

-- "Love Stories": Feb. 10 and 11, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., Scottish Rite Cathedral, Moline. Johanne Jakhelln's popular "Chairished" will be performed at the request of local celebrity Don Wooten to honor the company's 20-year history, as well as other favorites plus a new ballet featuring ragtime music.

-- "The Wild, Wild West": March 25 and 26, 2017, Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids; April 1, 2017, at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., Adler Theatre, Davenport. Two brand-new productions feature Aaron Copland's "Rodeo" and "Billy the Kid," with Orchestra Iowa.

-- "Ballet Under the Stars": June 2, 3 and 4, 2017, at 8 p.m., Lincoln Park Theatre, Rock Island. An annual tradition of free performances.

For more information or to purchase season tickets, call 309-786-3779 or visit balletquadcities.com.
WASHINGTON  In the two weeks since Hillary Clinton wrapped up the Democratic presidential primary, runner-up Bernie Sanders has promised to work hard to defeat Donald Trump  but hes given no sign hell soon embrace Clinton, his partys presumptive nominee. Neither have many of Sanderss supporters. A June 14 Bloomberg Politics national poll of likely voters in Novembers election found that barely half of those who favored Sanders  55 percent  plan to vote for Clinton. Instead, 22 percent say theyll vote for Trump, while 18 percent favor Libertarian Gary Johnson. Im a registered Democrat, but I cannot bring myself to vote for another establishment politician like Hillary, says Laura Armes, a 43-year-old homemaker from Beeville, Texas, who participated in the Bloomberg poll and plans to vote for Trump. I dont agree with a lot of what Trump says. But he wont owe anybody. What you see is what you get.

Conversations with two dozen Sanders supporters revealed a lingering distrust of Clinton as too establishment-friendly, hawkish or untrustworthy. As some Sanders fans see it, the primary was not a simple preference for purity over pragmatism, but a moral choice between an honest figure and someone whom they consider fundamentally corrupted by the ways of Washington. Sanders has fed these perceptions throughout his campaign, which is one reason hes having a hard time coming around to an endorsement.

Voters like Armes, who says shell definitely vote in November, highlight the difficulty Clinton faces in unifying her party. Clintons paltry support among Sanders voters could still grow, as his disheartened fans process the hard-fought primary campaign. But the Bloomberg poll found that only 5 percent of Sanders supporters who dont currently back Clinton would consider doing so in the future.

Eric Brooks, 52, a community organizer in San Francisco, wont be among them. I will absolutely never vote for Clinton, says Brooks, a Sanders supporter who participated in the Bloomberg poll. Although Brooks indicated in the poll that hell support Johnson, that is not his intention. Id be OK voting for Johnson as a protest vote, says Brooks. But as a Green Party member, Im going to vote for (Green Party candidate) Jill Stein. If you care about the climate, like I do, it makes a lot of sense strategically to vote for Stein, because she could get five percent, which has implications for the Green Party getting federal funding.

Brooks says he doesnt worry that supporting Stein could throw the election to Trump because he expects Johnson, the Libertarian, to siphon Republican votes from Trump: Nobody in this election has to worry about being a spoiler.

Democratic officials can take solace in a host of recent polls that show Clinton beating Trump, despite her weak showing with Sanders voters. Clinton leads Trump by six points (45.4 percent to 39.4 percent) in the RealClearPolitics average of polls and by 12 points (49 percent to 37 percent) in Bloombergs poll. In addition, voters historically rally around their partys candidate, even after a divisive primary. After beating Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primary, exit polls showed that Barack Obama won 89 percent of Democrats in November.

Still, for many Sanders supporters, opposition to Clinton is the basis of their political identity. Thirty minutes before the start of a June 9th Sanders rally in Washington, D.C., the crowd broke into a chant: Bernie or bust! Bernie or bust!

Theres zero percent chance that Hillary Clinton could ever get my vote, said Perry Mitchell, a 31-year-old nonprofit worker from Baltimore. Shes a corporate candidate. I dont vote for corporate candidates. I dont do the lesser of two evils.

Even if the alternative is Trump?

Youre choosing between fascism and oligarchy, Mitchell said. His 23-year-old brother, Brady, interjected with a more vivid analogy to the Clinton-Trump choice: Die by quicksand, or die by bullet?

The Mitchell brothers represent a brand of diehard Sanders voters who are causing anxiety in Clintons world. Like Brooks, both intend to vote for the Green Partys Stein if Clinton secures the Democratic nomination. It could be that none of these Sanders supporters was ever truly gettable for Clinton, regardless of whether or not Sanders ultimately chooses to endorse her. (Shes a war criminal, says Brooks.)

But other Sanders supporters with a dim view of Clinton appear to be driven at least in part by the Vermont senators message. If Clinton is nominated, says 31-year-old Bako Nguasong, I dont know if Im voting. Shes definitely the lesser of two evils, but I dont trust her. She adds: I know Donald Trump is evil, hes a racist, hes a misogynist. But Clinton, she said, is not for the people. Shes about money.

A Sanders endorsement  should it eventually come  could potentially sway these voters. Others have already reconciled themselves to backing Clinton. The party needs to be unified, said Albert Arevalo, a 27-year-old rally-goer who preferred Sanders in the primary. A vote for Trump would have me deported, he quipped, noting that he is a gay Latino. A true Bernie fan would be stupid to not vote for a Democrat. By being ignorant and not voting you are electing a racist troll.

Debbie Braaten, a Maryland-based artist who also plans to back Clinton in November, agreed. Its childish in a way, she said. I hope Bernie says something about that to people.

If Sanders does endorse Clinton, even some of his staunchest Never Clinton supporters could ultimately come around. I do follow her on Facebook, and I dont care about her emails, says Armes, the Beeville, Texas, homemaker planning to vote for Trump. Ugh, this is so hard. I guess an endorsement would probably sway me.
One of the three robbers who was captured by Ukrainian police. (Photo by nguoivietukraina)

The robbery happened at around noon local time at a Vietnamese apartment in the southern city of Odessa. The robbers, disguised as businessmen, convinced a woman named Thao to guide them to the home of a Vietnamese man named Trung. When they arrived, the robbers immediately used pepper spray to incapacitate Trung before beating him and stealing his cash.





After hearing the commotion, other Vietnamese living in the compound rushed to the scene and chased after the criminals.

Fortunately, local police were pursuing a Chinese person for a traffic offense at the time of the incident close to the compound, and quickly captured the robbers.

Sen Village is a residential area with about 300 apartments, most of which are owned by Vietnamese people living in Odessa. Life in the area is considered quite turbulent while security is relatively loose. There are no security checks for visiting guests and most of the guards are old.

Robberies are common in Sen Village, and thieves have been known to break down apartment doors in broad daylight. The current security situation is a major concern for the Vietnamese community living there.

In April, a robber broke into the home of a Vietnamese family and brutally beat a married couple before being subdued by their neighbors.

Ukrainian police also conducted several raids on dozens of apartments in Sen Village as part of an investigation into illegal immigration in January and May./.
The 2.9MW dual-voltage (3kV dc and 25kV 50Hz ac) locomotive was rebuilt from a former Belgian National Railways (SNCB) class 12 locomotive, which was originally built by BN in 1986. CZ Loko has acquired 12 of the locomotives from SNCB, with the first arriving in the Czech Republic in 2012.

The locomotives have been rebuilt to the latest European standards with the aim of improving performance and reliability while minimising maintenance costs. Originally capable of 160km/h, the EffiLiner 3000 has been regeared to increase tractive effort for freight operations, reducing the maximum speed to 120km/h.

The locomotives will need a new authorisation to operate on the Czech network due to the extent of the modifications.CZ Loko will also certify the EffLiner 3000 for operation in Slovakia and, in the longer-term, Hungary and Poland. CZ Loko will decide following the completion of the authorisation process whether to proceed with the conversion of the remaining 11 locomotives.
Suzhou Rail Transit Group has awarded NPRT a contract to supply low-floor LRVs for light rail Line 3, with delivery scheduled for 2018-19. NPRT is already supplying 18 vehicles for Line 2 under a contract awarded last year and the company also delivered 18 vehicles for Line 1 in 2014.

Hangzhou Metro has placed a Yuan 1.8bn contract to supply trains for the 12.8km second phase of Line 2 from Liangzhu to Fentang Road, which is currently under construction. Deliveries are due to start at the end of this year.

Honghe Prefecture Modern Tram Company has awarded a Yuan 630m contract to supply LRVs Dianan City Centre Tramway Project. The first vehicles will be delivered in 2016-17.

Singapore's Midas Holdings holds a 32.5% stake in NPRT.
The Bureau International des Containers (BIC) announced on June 23 that Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, General Director, International Union of Railways, (UIC) has won the 2016 BIC Award.

The BIC award was presented to Loubinoux at a gala dinner hosted at UICs Global Rail Freight Conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in recognition of almost 40 years of exemplary leadership in the international railway sector.

The BICs Board of Directors cited Loubinouxs development of sustainable transport and low emission trade alternatives as a deciding factor, as well as his work on increasing railway standardization, security and safety. After almost three decades with SNCF, Loubinoux currently holds the position of General Director, UIC (International Union of Railways), the worldwide railway organization.

BIC says Loubinouxs work has greatly influenced the way that the worlds railways have developed. The past year has seen Loubinoux involved in the passing of two landmark international agreements for sustainable development and climate change; 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Sustainable Development Goals) and COP21 Climate Change accord. This involved working closely with the UN Secretary-General as a Member of the UN High Level Advisory Group on sustainable transport for the Five Year Action Agenda.

Mr. Loubinoux has dedicated his working life to the sustainability of rail and intermodal trade. His commitment to promoting sustainability in transport, and increasing rail safety and security is a notable achievement and one that fully deserves the BIC Award, says BIC Board Chairman Giordano Bruno Guerrini.

BIC is an organization that promotes the safe, secure and sustainable expansion of containerization and intermodal transportation. The annual award honors individuals or organizations that have made the most notable contributions towards these goals.

Since 1922, the UIC has been involved in the preparation of voluntary railway standards for rail operators, and under the leadership of Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, the production of standards has become a strategic issue for UIC. Known today as UIC International Railway Standards (IRS), they support the design, construction, operation and maintenance of, and interworking between, railway systems, sub-systems and networks standards, and place emphasis on safety and security issues in railway trade. An agreement was recently signed with the IEC and effective synergies are currently developed thanks to Jean-Pierre Loubinouxs cooperation with ISO.

Since the appointment of Jean-Pierre Loubinoux as General Director in 2009, rail security has also become a strategic issue for UIC and its international cooperation bodies. UIC has been involved in a high number of projects or actions at European as well as at global level and is more committed than ever to promote and develop a safe and interoperable rail transport system, Loubinoux graduated from the Ecole Centrale Paris, going on to work at the French Foreign Trade Delegation to Hong Kong in 1977, before joining French railway SNCF in 1978. Loubinoux held numerous positions in SNCF including Chairman and CEO of SNCF International, Chief Executive of SNCF Freight International, and SNCF Director of International Development.

In his 40 years of service, Jean-Pierre Loubinoux has been awarded several honors including the Silver Medal of the French Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Tourism, as well as two of the highest decorations in France; the Legion of Honor, and an insignia as Commander of the French National Order of Merit. In addition, he is involved in many institutions and associations and holds titles such as French Foreign Trade Advisor and Chairman of the Transport Committee, Chairman of the Medef International France-Argentina Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Ecole Centrale Association and Chairman of AFFI (the French association of railway engineers and managers). He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Transport and Member of the Board of the US High Speed Rail Association.
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In a new Contingency Planning Memorandum produced by the Council on Foreign Relations' Center for Preventive Action, Seth Jones, director of the International Security and Defense Policy Center at the RAND Corporation, considers what an unraveling of the political and security situation over the next 18 months would mean for Afghanistan and what can be done to prevent it.

Progress achieved in Afghanistan since 2001 has recently come under threat from a resurgent Taliban and growing instability of the Afghan government, notes Jones in Strategic Reversal in Afghanistan.

A collapse of Afghanistan's national unity governmentalready plagued by corruption, slow economic growth, and poor governancecould embolden the Taliban to make advances on major urban areas, which in turn would further undermine support for the government.

A reversal could increase the number of extremist Islamic groups operating in Afghanistan, lead to regional instability, and foster the perception that the United States is not a reliable ally. Jones recommends several steps the United States can take to avoid such an outcome:

Sustain the current number and type of U.S. military forces through the end of the Obama administration. Approximately 10,000 U.S. forces are currently in Afghanistan. President Obama should refrain from cutting the number of U.S. forces to 5,500, as he promised to do by the end of his presidency.

Decrease constraints on U.S. forces in Afghanistan. President Obama should grant the military new authorities to strike the Taliban and Haqqani network, as he did with ISIL-KP in January 2016.

Sustain U.S. support for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. The United States should commit to providing at least $3.8 billion per year for the next five years to sustain the Ministry of Defense's and Interior's costs.

Focus U.S. diplomatic efforts on resolving acute political challenges. The United States should focus on working with the Afghan government and political elites to reach a consensus on contentious issues such as electoral reform. With a push to organize parliamentary and district council elections, it makes little sense to hold elections until there is electoral reform, and Afghanistan should not hold a loya jirga until there is a broader consensus on its ultimate purpose.

Address economic grievances that could trigger violent unrest. U.S. diplomats, working with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, could focus on alleviating poor agricultural harvests, rising unemployment, and energy shortages, as well as other issues that exacerbate public opposition.

 Khorshied Samad
Time Warner Cable and Charter Communications have been called out for avoiding paying compensation to subscribers they overcharged.





The two cablecos, which will soon be the same company under the Charter emblem, have been written up in a US Senate report as consistently failing to provide refunds to customers they knew had been mis-billed.The report is part of a Senate investigation of cable TV costs, spearheaded by Senators Rob Portman of Ohio and Claire McCaskill of Missouri. The investigation found that the two made no effort to trace equipment overcharges and provide refunds to customers.The results of this are not insignificant: Time Warner Cable estimates customers were overbilled $640,000 nationwide in the first four months of 2016 alone and that it has overcharged customers by about $2 million annually for the past six years.Kathleen Mayo of Charter Communications told ABC News that the company will explain to customers that they were overcharged and give them a one-year credit.
State Duma passes bill on support of socially beneficial NGOs

MOSCOW, June 24 (RAPSI)  The State Duma adopted a bill on support of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide socially beneficial services on Friday.

During the speech to the Federation Council, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that those NGOs, which built a reputation as loyal partners of government, should receive a number of privileges, up to 10% of regional and municipal social programs funds.

In March a group of the State Duma lawmakers filed a bill on introduction of a new socially beneficial NGOs with the lower house of parliament. Such status may be received by a socially-oriented NGO that provide quality socially beneficial services for at least a year, does not have a foreign agent status and does not have tax or other debts to the government. Such NGOs will receive prioritized support from the government. Support measures will be designed by Russian government.
As we see a surge in inflation globally, it is now critical that everyone is aware of the implications this will have along every step of the insurance and reinsurance value chain.
The new suite of solutions is comprised of two machines - both of which balance user interface design with intelligent tools to help physicians prevent misuse and medical errors in the operating room.

Vice Health Minister Nguyen Thi Xuyen, Head of Vietnam General Association of Medicine and Pharmacy (VNGAMP) presented Certificates of Merit to outstanding individuals at the Congress. (Photo: binhdinh.gov.vn)

Mr Cong Quyet Thang at the event. (Photo: Thanh Hai)

Mr. Geoff Ransom, GE Healthcare Director of Sales & Marketing, Anesthesia Asia Pacific. (Photo: Thanh Hai)

Perioperative care is increasingly complex with more sick patients, requiring more tasks to accomplish at the same time and with the same resources in a highly regulated environment. In a fast-paced environment such as the operating room, rotating clinical staffs need easy-to-use equipment so they can focus their time on patient treatment rather than operating machines.

This is the first time we have such great integrated anesthesia solutions in Vietnam; it is good news for not only our anesthetists but also the patients. It helps control the anesthesia in the most effective way with a full range of indicators provided, said Associate Professor. Dr Cong Quyet Thang, Chairman of Vietnam Society of Anaesthesiologists.

The new GE anesthesia machines intelligently package and connect monitoring devices, innovative parameters and advanced ventilation tools into a single, integrated system. With these new machines, Vietnam is now offered modern technologies that help to improve anesthesia administration and perioperative care, resulting in safer surgeries.

This product helps reduce the number of medical errors in the operating room, thus improving the standards of safe anesthesiology in the country, ultimately improving safe surgery.

Besides, it also addresses many market demands in Vietnam - an anesthesia machine that is simple, smart and agile but also still reliable and cost-effective./.
realclearworld Newsletters: Mideast Memo

The U.N. Refugee Agency revealed this week that more than 65 million people were forcibly displaced from their homes in 2015, a record number according to the organization. Of those tens of millions left adrift by war and violence, more than 20 million are now refugees. Nearly 5 million of those refugees are Syrian.

The five-year-long civil war in Syria has claimed nearly half a million lives and has left entire towns and cities in utter rubble. The war has gradually evolved into a multifaceted one that has managed to lure in a number of larger powers, most notably the United States and Russia.

Its important, therefore, to keep these casualties and costs in mind whenever experts or officials propose seemingly radical solutions intended to end this grinding conflict.

An internal State Department memo cosigned by 51 current officials expressing their displeasure with the Obama administrations Syria policy, leaked last week by the New York Times, suggests just such a solution. The memo, sent through a Department dissent channel created during the Vietnam War, provides a swift overview of American missteps in Syria and urges the administration to take military action against Syrian bases and positions.

The memos authors touch upon a fundamental disagreement that has divided Syria watchers and policymakers since the early stages of the conflict. While the Obama administration has focused its efforts in the war-torn country almost exclusively on defeating the so-called Islamic State, or ISIS, there are those who insist that this only addresses one part of the tumult in the country.

The dissent message makes clear that the focus on the Islamic State will not win the hearts and minds of enough Syrian Sunni Arabs to provide a long-term, sustainable solution to the Islamic State challenge in Syria, said Robert S. Ford, former ambassador to Syria, in an interview with The New Yorker. The Syrian Sunni Arab community views the Assad government as a greater problem than the Islamic State. Syrian human-rights organizations have pointed out that that government has killed seven times more civilians than ISIS has.

President Assad -- who had struck a rather somber and defeatist tone as recently as July of last year -- was extended an essential lifeline last fall when Russian forces intervened on behalf of his governments campaign to regain control of the fractured country. Since then, Assad and his allies have made a number of successful advances on cities and territories previously occupied by ISIS or by other rebel forces. Pledging this month to reclaim every inch of Syria, the once saturnine Assad now sounds more defiant than ever.

The issue is how to get Assad back to the mentality of July, 2015, so we can get a cease-fire that is durable, said Ford.

After Assad

Ford and other supporters of the dissenting diplomats insist that the idea is not to remove Assad from power, but rather to compel him and his regime to return in good faith to the negotiating table. And such proposals are certainly nothing new. The administration has had internal debates over the merits of targeting Assad and his forces for years now. And though its authors and advocates are all no doubt well-intentioned, the result of such strikes -- and the assumption that they would force Assad to seek peace -- seem excessively credulous at this stage in the conflict.

Overwhelming U.S. air power could certainly weaken Assads offensive capabilities. The bigger problem, though, lies in what comes next, writes foreign policy analyst Ali Gharib in The Nation. [W]hat happens if Assad continues to refuse to engage in a meaningful diplomatic process? On these questions, the memo gives us nothing. It takes as almost a given that the cease-fire alone will lead Assad to rethink his long-held and bloody stubbornness. Mission creep, at that point, seems almost inevitable.

That question of what comes next is a nagging one that even the State Department memos most persuasive supporters fail to sufficiently address.

If [President Obama] decides that U.S. passivity in the face of a monumental massacre causing lethal political fallout is no longer sustainable, he must make clear his desires to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and demand from the Pentagon a range of options aimed at making it hard for Assad to do his worst, argues Frederic Hof of the Atlantic Council. It might be that cruise missiles aimed at Syrian military aircraft bases would top the list. But this is a matter for military professionals to sort out and for the president to decide.

The Pentagon, however, has expressed reluctance to increase Americas role in the war, echoing a common administration refrain about the political vacuum that would likely follow Assads ouster. And although critics have astutely pointed out the many flaws in the administrations at times sclerotic Syria policy, calls for cruise missile strikes like those proposed in memorandum by the 51 dissenting diplomats seem like yet another vague half-measure in a war already chock-full of similarly indecisive efforts.

Dissenting from reality

Bashar Assad is an unconscionable killer who has all but declared total war on his own people, relying on starvation, siege, and chemical warfare in his bid to reclaim control of Syria. His tactics have rendered him wholly unfit to claim rulership of the Syrian people, and those who lobbied back in 2013 for the United States to bring an end to his familys short-lived dynasty may in time be proved correct by history.

It is no longer 2013 however, and Bashar Assad is not the only actor seeking his say in the future of Syria. And while the Assad regime has pursued ever more odious and desperate tactics in effort to cling to what little it has left, so too have other fighters and factions in the country. The addition of Russian and Iranian forces, moreover, has left a complicated Syrian chessboard, and one with no obvious endgame in sight. With such mutually assured uncertainty, the best course of action -- albeit the least satisfying -- may be to work with Moscow and Tehran to rescue the faltering cease-fire established earlier this year.

Improved efforts at coordination between Washington, Moscow, and Tehran have reduced the violence and brought aid to needy Syrians, argue the editors of Al-Monitor. Attacking Assad now, however gratifying that may be, would likely overturn much, if not all, of that modest progress:

[I]n addition to probably blowing up the diplomatic framework and the thin reed of hope and aid it has offered the Syrian people, this sectarian-first thinking would further mainstream jihadi armed groups that ally with al-Qaedas Syrian affiliate.  Ahrar al-Sham in particular, and other Salafi groups, have deepened coordination with Jabhat al-Nusra and violated the cessation of hostilities since February. Jaish al-Islam, it will be recalled, is being investigated for the use of chlorine gas in northern Aleppo.

No single actor -- not Assad and his allies, not the ascendant Kurds, not Ahrar al-Sham or ISIS -- possesses a monopoly on force or governing legitimacy in Syria, and removing Assad now would likely do very little toward assuaging the sectarian and tribal fissures that have been calcified by years of war.

This is a reality Washington resigned itself to a long time ago, perhaps prematurely. Nevertheless, the sheer horror of the humanitarian crisis that has torn Syria asunder has been overshadowed in recent months by geopolitical reality, and although Assad no doubt deserves his helping of justice, the arc of history likely bends toward Moscow and Tehrans point of view.

More on this:

Assad, Buoyed by Russia, Sees Little Reason to Talk -- World Politics Review

Syrias War on Doctors -- The New Yorker

How Ahrar al-Sham Is Reshaping the Syrian Rebellion -- War on the Rocks

Syrias Arab Tribes Must Fight ISIS -- Washington Institute

Questions, comments, or complaints? Feel free to send us an email, or reach out on Twitter @kevinbsullivan.

*** Eager for more Mideast news and analysis? Check out our new site, Real Clear Middle East.
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Wilkins opens United Country

Don J. Wilkins has opened United Country Real Estate  Lifestyle Properties in Redding.

Wilkins was formerly with Coldwell Banker C&C Properties and has been selling real estate in the North State for nearly 20 years.

His new office specializes in the purchase and sale of residential real estate, country homes, ranches and land.

Wilkins said the website breaks down properties by categories such as country homes, vacation homes, ranches, etc. He wants to focus on everything from residential resale properties to vacant land and ranches.

For more information about United Country  Lifestyle Properties, call 227-9639, email donwilkins@shasta.com or go to www.ShastaLifestyleProperties.com.

YMCA starts water safety initiative

The Shasta Family YMCA in Redding has launched a new water safety initiative that features the mascot Stewie the Duck.

Stewie has been making appearances at preschools and child care centers with support of First Five Shasta. He encourages children to be safe in and around water by taking swimming lessons and wearing lifejackets.

The new program is inspired by the Stew Leonard III Children's Charities.

Reporter David Benda can be reached at 225-8219 or at david.benda@redding.com.
FILE - In this Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, file photo, Actor Anton Yelchin poses for portraits during the 71st edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy. Yelchin, a charismatic and rising actor best known for playing Chekov in the new "Star Trek" films, has died at the age of 27. He was killed in a fatal traffic collision early Sunday morning, June 19, 2016, his publicist confirmed. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis, File)

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By The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP)  When Anton Yelchin was killed early Sunday, the 27-year-old actor was preparing to meet friends for rehearsal.

That he was on his way to work was fitting: Yelchin was in the midst of a growing career and was increasingly attracting attention for his scrappy talent, seriousness of purpose and deep passion for film.

Flush with opportunities in both big and small films, the rising actor left behind a number of upcoming films. One was "Porto," a romance set in the Portuguese city by Gabe Klinger.

"The role, I wish people could discover it already, but we talked about it for a year before we rolled cameras," Klinger said in an interview. "He was developing that character in his mind for a whole year. It was that level of seriousness."

Klinger hopes to release the film this fall.

"It will be very bittersweet now," he said.

In just a month, Yelchin will co-star in Paramount's "Star Trek Beyond," again playing his most famous character, Enterprise officer Pavel Chekov. It's his third film in the J.J. Abrams-produced franchise.

Justin Lin, who directed "Star Trek Beyond" after Abrams helmed the first two, said Yelchin's passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone who knew him.

The film is scheduled to have its world premiere in San Diego at the annual fan convention Comic-Con on July 20, before it hits theaters on July 22, with filmmakers and cast members.

Premiering on Netflix in December is "Trollhunters," an animated series from Guillermo del Toro. The project, promoted as an ambitious family-friendly series, was previewed just last week in France. Yelchin voices the show's main character, Jim, who discovers warring trolls living beneath his hometown.

Del Toro said he worked with Yelchin for about a year and called him a "great creative partner and artist."

Netflix and DreamWorks Animation, which is producing the series, said in a statement that "our hearts are heavy with this tragic news."

The SUV that rolled down a driveway and killed Yelchin was being recalled because the gear shifters have confused drivers, causing the vehicles to roll away unexpectedly. His 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee pinned him against a mailbox pillar and security fence at his home, Los Angeles police said. The SUV was part of a global recall of 1.1 million vehicles by automaker Fiat Chrysler in April.

Yelchin, whose family emigrated from Russia when he was 6 months old, began acting as a child. Some of his most acclaimed performances included Nick Cassavetes' crime drama "Alpha Dog," Drake Doremus' romance "Like Crazy" and Jeremy Saulnier's punk band-siege film "Green Room," released in April.

The actor had also completed filming on several independent films with writer-directors: Mark Palansky's science-fiction drama "Rememory," with Peter Dinklage; Peer Pedersen's family drama "We Don't Belong Here" with Catherine Keener; and Cory Finley's Connecticut thriller "Thoroughbred," with Olivia Cooke.
SHARE Travis Connor Lee

A man featured earlier this year as one of Shasta's Most Wanted is in local custody after being transferred from Nevada, according to authorities.

Travis Connor Lee on Thursday was sent to the Shasta County Jail from the Northern Nevada Correctional Center, officers said.

He was wanted on warrants charging him with escape, failure to appear on a felony charge and failure to complete work release.

The warrant stems from a May 2014 case in which Lee pleaded no contest to assault ]and resisting an officer charges, according to court records.

Authorities said Lee will remain in custody until his arraignment in Shasta County Superior Court.

Shastas Most Wanted, featured in the Record Searchlight in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, targets people who have failed to show up in court for sentencing after being convicted.

Shasta County Secret Witness is offering a reward of up to $250 for information leading to an arrest. Tips can be provided anonymously at 530-243-2319 or at www.scsecretwitness.com/home/submit-a-tip.

Anyone with information also can call SHASCOM at 245-6540.
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A sheriff's dog is doing well after his handler rushed him to a veterinary hospital with a medical emergency this afternoon.

"The dog is fine, we just had him checked out," said Lt. Pat Kropholler, with the Shasta County Sheriff's Office.

Shasta County Sheriff's dog Jax's handler, deputy Jerry Fernandez, reported at about 3:45 p.m. he was rushing the dog to a local veterinary hospital.

Jax was in the cruiser with the air conditioning on when he began suffering seizure-like symptoms and difficulty breathing.

Fernandez then rushed his partner to an animal hospital, Kropholler said.

Jax, who's been on the force for two years, had been acting normally throughout the day before his episode, Kropholler said.

Tests will be run to determine what caused the dog to suffer the symptoms, he said. But Kropholler added it could have been just an allergic reaction.

As a precaution, Jax will be on light duty for a day.

"We care about our dogs. They're just like us, just like another partner," he said.
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Authorities arrested a 20-year-old man wanted for trafficking two women in Redding in Sacramento Thursday afternoon.

Stevie Lee Boston, already on parole for other crimes, was arrested by the Sacramento Police Department on a warrant served by the Redding Police Department. Boston was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment, criminal threats, pimping, human trafficking, forced oral copulation and domestic violence.

Boston is being held without bail at Sacramento County Jail.

The investigated started on June 21 in Redding when police officers responded to a call at Hinkles Market. There they found a Redding woman who told them she escaped a nearby apartment where she was held against her will.

She told officers she was physically and sexually assaulted, and that Boston trafficked her for sex from Sacramento to Stockton before she ended up back in Redding. According to officers, the victims friends reported her missing on June 20.

The woman told officers that another woman was in the apartment with Boston suffering the same treatment. She said Boston had a handgun, and threatened to shoot it out with police if confronted.

Officers went to where the woman said she was held captive  one of the apartments at 1261 Market St., above the Boardmart store in downtown Redding. They found it empty but also saw signs of a physical altercation. They searched the area and found the second womans car, and noticed a bullet hole on the drivers side. They used the cars registration to identify the other woman, who had been reported missing May 21 from Emeryville. She was found safe at the scene of the search warrant in Sacramento.

Investigators with the Redding Police Department traveled to Sacramento to collect evidence and conduct interviews.

Because the two women are alleged victims of sex crimes, their names are not being released by the Redding Police Department.
Amber Sandhu/Record Searchlight Care Net Pregnancy Center and another faith-based Northern California pregnancy center lost a case in which they asked to be excluded from provisions of a law requiring them to provide information about abortion.

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By Amber Sandhu of the Redding Record Searchlight

A Redding faith-based pregnancy center has no plans to post signs to refer clients for contraception and abortion services, despite it becoming law late last year.

The Crisis Pregnancy Center, also known as Care Net Pregnancy Center, with locations in Redding and Red Bluff, is instead continuing its fight for injunctive relief in federal court, arguing that Assembly Bill 775, the Reproductive FACT Act, infringes on its religious freedom and right to free speech. Early last week, the center had a hearing in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals where it presented oral arguments. It's awaiting a decision.

"This compels speech," Kevin T. Snider, attorney with the Pacific Justice Institute representing Care Net, said about the bill. "This is the government requiring you to say something."

Care Net joins seven other pregnancy centers fighting five separate lawsuits in California looking for injunctive relief from the bill.

The bill was drafted after undercover investigations conducted by NARAL Pro-Choice America, a reproductive rights advocacy organization, revealed that the practices of anti-abortion centers were deceptive and damaging to women's reproductive choices, said Rebecca Griffin, assistant director of California Programs at NARAL.

Griffin said women who often walk into these centers receive "medical misinformation" about abortion. According to information on NARAL's website, it found that 72 percent of these centers said abortion was linked to "post-abortion depression" and 46 percent of the centers attempted to falsely link breast cancer to abortion.

The bill, passed in October, requires that centers post a notice for abortion services in a clearly visible area that reads: "California has public programs that provide immediate free or low-cost access to comprehensive family planning services (including all FDA-approved methods of contraception), prenatal care, and abortion for eligible women." The signs also include a phone number to county social services offices.

Griffin said the sign is a "neutral, fact-based notification" and there is nothing in the bill that prevents anti-abortion pregnancy centers from sharing their views.

But Snider disagrees. He argues that when a sign promotes contraception or abortion, there's nothing neutral about it. "We completely disagree with that," he said.

In a previous interview with the Record Searchlight, Shelly Gibbs, executive director of the Redding Care Net branch, said although the center does not provide direct services for abortions or contraception, clients who ask about information are provided with pamphlets on the abortion and morning-after pill as well as a photo book about the abortion procedure.

"We're not out ticketing against abortion," Gibbs said. "We focus our time solely on how we can support families."

She said the law is mandating them to refer to Medi-Cal services, which they already do every day. "We're just not using language about 'this is how you get an abortion,'" she said.

Gibbs said the Care Net centers in Redding and Red Bluff have been advised to not post the notice for referrals until the court issues a final decision.

Care Net's services are free to the community, and Gibbs said the biggest misconception about them is that they have a "religious agenda with the public." But that's not the case, she said.

"If that's what they are, then that's how they should present themselves," Griffin argued.

Griffin added that NARAL has conducted spot checks in the state to find whether the pregnancy centers were in compliance with the law and found that most of the centers had not posted the required signs.

Snider said he is not aware of any center in California that has posted the mandated notice, and that NARAL, which is not a government organization, has no "authority or responsibility in this area" to be conducting the checks.

"We believe that right to free speech is strong in this area," Snider said about the pending lawsuit. "We believe eventually that our clients' rights will be vindicated."

For now, Gibbs said everything at Care Net is business as usual. There haven't been any spot checks and despite the lawsuit, there is no interruption in care.

"I can see this being this big of a fight," Gibbs said about the lawsuit. "And I don't see this stopping anytime soon."
Nicolas Winding Refn and Elle Fanning are a bit of an odd couple.

The 45-year-old Danish director, most famous for his 2011 film Drive, is solemna purveyor of long, unperturbed eye contact. When I asked him if he had a chance to do anything fun in Chicago before our interview at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, he told me that hed gone on a boat tour to see the citys architecture.

It was great, he said, very seriously. It was all about how much stuff costs.

Fanning, on the other hand, is freshly 18 and effervescent, all about expressive hand gestures, wide eyes and easy laughter. The juxtaposition between the two is jarring yet refreshing; they work well together. And one would hope so, given their history: She stars in his new film, The Neon Demon, a pseudo horror movie about beauty and narcissism in the L.A. fashion dreamscape. Her role as Jesse, a burgeoning model, is her darkest, most mature one yet.

Fanning described Jesse as the ultimate beautyimmediately sought after, yearned for, emulated en masse. Hers is an allure that goes beyond mere physicality, though. Much of the desire directed toward Jesse, both sexual and otherwise, is from other women, a striking change in an industry in which beauty is usually delineated by the eyes of male characters.

Instead, Jesses appeal feels more universal. Shes described in the movie as being like the sun in the middle of winter: luminous and impossible to ignore.

I think it has mostly to do with her spirit and kind of this aura around her of, you know, princesses and fairy tales, Fanning said. Its purity, virginity, that youthfulness.

Refn would describe this spiritual quality as being that thing, a concept repeated several times throughout the film as people fawn over Jesse. The thing, Refn said, is an intangible sense you have about someonea feeling that theyre special. Its unmistakable and impossible to replicate.

Youre born with it, he said. Elle has it, and thats why shes the only one who could play the role. And Ive worked with Ryan Gosling before, who also has it. Its that magic, its just like a magnet. Its a talent.

The Neon Demon received a notably polarized reaction from the Cannes Film Festival audience earlier this yeara blend of standing ovations, boos and (allegedly) fistfightsbut controversy has become somewhat typical of Refn films. After he netted the best director award at Cannes in 2011 for Drive, his 2013 movie Only God Forgives left some critics unsettled by its depiction of extreme violence. It too yielded boos at the French film festival.

Despite that norm, he dismissed the idea that he creates stories or plot points for the sake of shock value.

I think that anything that is singular will always provoke, because you always have to have an emotion to it. You have to react to it, Refn said. Im not interested in good and bad, Im interested in a reaction. Because I think generally that creativity is a way to open up ones opinions to discussions.

Despite its raciness, Fannings parents were reportedly OK with the films content. She was still underage during filming, a fact that both shielded her from participating in some of the more graphic scenes and leaves her feeling nostalgic now that the project is fully wrapped. The set was home to a handful of her most recent life milestones.

I started when I was 16, and its been a part of my life, and now its here and finally coming out, Fanning said. So of course you do feel older, but you know, I dont feel like an adult.

Whatever that means, she added, laughing.

Fannings grown up somewhat steeped in Hollywood cultureshe did her first movie at age 2, and her sister is actress Dakota Fanning, in case you havent figured that out alreadywhich has left her protected from the typical temptations success brings for young actors. Shes also glad to have gotten the chance to go to regular high school, though the line between those separate worlds sometimes became blurred. Her senior prom night, for instance, was spent at Cannes. She struggled to pick a favorite memory from the experience.

Oh, just seeing the movie for the first time with a big audience like that, and having my best friend there, she recalled. It was my first time going, so it was very special. And then I turned 18, and then I also graduated like a week ago.

Refn has said that he made The Neon Demon with a 16-year-old audience in mind, and Fannings generation as a whole. They are the ones who will have to face the neon demon of the films titlea force that, although open to interpretation, has been described by Refn as something that consumes youth and beauty. He said its something that you need to avoid catching.

Like a disease, Fanning laughed.

Refn attributes the basic root of the neon demon to pure narcissism, a quality he says is newly epidemic within the worlds younger generation.

I think that the generation that Elle represents has a very interesting acceptance of narcissism, Refn said. The idea that narcissism is a virtue, its a quality. I grew up with it as a taboo. But I think that the future generation kind of accepts the individualistic in a different way.  And thats wherein, of course, the neon demon lies.

But in a way, Refn said he thinks its impossible to beat the neon demon without falling in love with yourself a little bitjust a taste of the poison in order to recognize its power.

In order to really deal with it, you need to accept the evolution; you need to accept narcissism as a quality in order to pass through it and deal with it, he said. Its like the antidote is on the other side.

Emma Krupp is the intern for the Mash, RedEye's sister publication.
Financial services major Ambit Investment Advisors' CEO Andrew Holland said Brexit is a huge negative and has far reaching ramifications for global markets and economies.

With the Brexit causing a big havoc in financial markets globally, the volatility index of Indian stock markets zoomed over 10 per cent and experts warned of a huge volatility ahead on concerns of 'copycat' exit referendums in other European nations.

Financial services major Ambit Investment Advisors' CEO Andrew Holland said Brexit is a huge negative and has far reaching ramifications for global markets and economies.

Andrew, who hails from Britain and has been active in the Indian equities markets since 2006 said there will be speculation over whether Scotland will call for a new referendum given they voted to "remain" in the European Union.

"Elsewhere in Europe other countries may well follow suit and hold their own referendums and concerns would rise as to whether the European Union will disintegrate," said Holland who has previously been with Merrill Lynch as MD and Head of Proprietary Trading.

"The global and market implications for this are very negative and volatility across all asset classes will be high for some time going forward.

"We could therefore revisit the concerns of earlier this year that the global economy could now take a shift down and central banks have fired most of their ammunition and anyways it is not really working.

"So politics will be at the forefront of markets and with that huge volatility," he added.

Tata Asset Management Chief Investment Officer Ritesh Jain said the 'so-called unthinkable' has happened with the UK becoming the first country to do so since the formation of the European Union.

Stating that markets are going 'haywire' after going into a complacent mode into the lead up to referendum, he said, "And not to forget of our complacency. . . The Indian VIX is up 10 per cent this morning on news of Brexit".

He further said going ahead 'volatility will remain abound as positions get un-wound and markets speculate on the future of Europe.

"The biggest beneficiary will be safe havens: dollar denominated assets (especially short-term US treasury) and gold. . . the 10-year US Treasury yields is already down 30bps, the most since 2009! The pound is at its lowest in 30 years," he said.

The British pound was down nearly 9 per cent in early morning trade.

Jain further said Europe has a busy election season in the next 12-36 months and Brexit will only aggravate the separatists elsewhere in the euro zone.

"Italy already has pro-separatist mayors getting elected in Rome and Turin. Spain goes into elections on Sunday," he added.

Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan, however, sought to calm the nerves saying markets are trying to factor the consequences of this development and this has already led to sharp corrections in financial markets around the world.

"The Indian economy has good fundamentals, low short-term external debt and sizeable foreign reserves.

"These should stand the country in good stead in the days to come," he said, adding RBI was keeping a close vigil on market developments, both domestically and internationally, and will take all necessary steps, including liquidity support (both dollar and Indian rupee, to ensure orderly conditions in financial markets.

Photograph: Reuters
Britain's vote to leave the European Union means uncertainty for markets and companies as London initiates at least two years of negotiations with the EU.

Following are the initial reactions from business leaders:

European trade

Anton Boerner, Head of Germany's foreign trade association

"That is a catastrophic result for Britain and also for Europe and Germany, especially the German economy. It is disturbing that the oldest democracy in the world turns its back on us."

Markus Kerber, President of The BDI German Industry Federation

"We expect a significant drop in trade with Britain in the coming months." He said the automotive, energy, telecoms, electronics, metal, retail and financial services sectors would be particularly affected.

Thilo Brodtmann, Managing Director Of Germany's Vdma Engineering Association

"Brexit will hurt investor confidence in Europe as an industrial centre."

Emma Marcegaglia, Head of The EU Business Lobby Business Europe

"We call on EU member states to send a strong signal reconfirming their commitment to theEuropean Union and its three main economic pillars: the single market, the common trade policy and the Euro. At the same time, we need to find smart solutions for an orderly Brexit process."

Banking and Finance

Britain's Financial Conduct Authority

The financial watchdog said the vote would have "significant" implications for Britain.

Mark Boleat, Policy Chairman for the City of London Corporation, London's Financial District

"There will be no mass exit of banks and financial institutions ... The general view of the City is that the government should push for the UK to retain our access to the single market."

Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO, Lloyd Blankfein

"Goldman Sachs has a long history of adapting to change, and we will work with relevant authorities as the terms of the exit become clear. Our primary focus, as always, remains serving our clients' needs."

French Banking Group Societe Generale

"London will remain a major international financial centre."

Energy Firms

Oil firm BP

"We do not currently expect it to have a significant impact on BP's business or investments in the UK and Continental Europe, nor on the location of our headquarters or our staff."

Peter Terium, CEO of German Utility Rwe, which owns Npower in Britain

"Far more important for our success are national regulation and being accepted locally."

German Utility E.On

"The consequences for E.ON are manageable. Our business is Britain is local."

Airlines

Easyjet CEO Carolyn Mccall

"We have today written to the UK government and the European Commission to ask them to prioritise the UK remaining part of the single EU aviation market, given its importance to trade and consumers."

Advertising

WPP Ceo Martin Sorrell

"This decision will create tremendous uncertainty, which will slow economic activity and decision making."

Chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Astrazeneca

"We will engage with all the relevant stakeholders to safeguard the competitiveness of the life sciences industry and the speed of patient access to innovative medicines."

Martin Zentgraf, Head of the German Pharmaceutical Association

... said the European Medicines Agency would have to be relocated from London.

German Chemicals and Healthcare Group Bayer

"This is a heavy blow for Europe and the beginning of an uncertain time for the United Kingdom.

Automotive

BMW Group

"We know that many of the relevant conditions for supplying the European market will have to be renegotiated, but of course we cannot say what this means for our UK operations until those future regulatory and legislative arrangements are agreed."

PSA Group, maker of Peugeot and Citroen

"Our teams are looking at different scenarios for price adjustments to our brands' models to respond swiftly to the markets' reaction."

Retail

Marks & Spencer

"We will be monitoring and assessing the impact on our business as the situation evolves and engaging as and when we need to."

Food Manufacturing

Nestle

"The practical consequences of this decision will become clearer in the coming months. We will continue to operate in the normal course and will follow developments closely."

Pubs

JD Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin:

"Anxiety about the economic effects of independence during the campaign was misplaced. The UK will thrive as an independent country, making its own laws, and we will work with our good friends and neighbours in Europe and elsewhere to ensure a positive outcome for all parties."

Real Estate

British Property Investor Richard Tice, leading Figure in the "Leave" campaign

"There is huge joy, delight and pride. We have changed the course of history in the UK. It is very simple, everyone needs to calm down and do what we do well, which is working and playing hard."

(Additional reporting by UK bureau; Compiled by James Davey and Kevin Liffey)
The European Union's GDP (gross domestic product) at market prices is the highest in the world, with the UK having the second largest share in it.

The per capita gross national income of the UK in 2014 was much higher than the per capita income of the entire EU.



Its contribution to the EU Budget is significant.

The net contribution is much less than the gross, as the UK gets a rebate and a public sector receipts from the EU.



Goods and services exports to the EU are less compared to imports from the EU in 2015.



UK's net stock assets in EU was much higher compared to the EU's in the UK in 2004 but the equation was reversed in 2013.



UK, a crucial partner in EU trade

Photograph: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters
'With the UK voting to leave the EU, Indian companies will re-engineer their European strategy.'

Country's strong macro-economic fundamentals will help it withstand the Brexit fallout, although companies having exposure to the UK need to realign their strategies to stave off the negative impact on their businesses, India Inc said on Friday.

Confederation of Indian Industry Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said the fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong and it would be able to withstand the short-term issues that Brexit may create.

The UK voted to leave the European Union after 43 years in a historic referendum that saw 52 per cent of votes in favour of 'Leave'.

"Since India has a huge corporate investment in the UK economy, Indian firms with manufacturing or other facilities in Britain will have to realign their business plans," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.

"With the UK voting to leave the EU, Indian companies will re-engineer their European strategy.

"This should not be an issue.

"India will not be affected due to Brexit if we look at a mid to long term perspective," CII President Naushad Forbes said.

However, Principal Economist at India Ratings & Research Sunil Kumar Sinha said the Indian corporates having exposure to Europe/UK either through trade or if their production units are located there, would be adversely impacted.

Banerjee felt India's strong macro-economic environment and stable, predictable and transparent policy regime would make it an attractive destination for investors in such a volatile global scenario and thereby spur growth further.

Rawat observed that it's time India buffeted its domestic firewall by rolling out crucial reforms like Goods and Services Tax to remain the most credible destination for global funds.

On frenetic selling in early trade on Friday, market benchmark Sensex nosedived by over 948 points to crack the crucial 27,000-mark, while Nifty broke below the 8,000-level after local media declared that Britain has voted to leave the European Union.

PHD Chamber of Commerce President Mahesh Gupta said the volatility in financial and currency markets is short lived as the Indian economy is resilient and sustainable on account of its strong macroeconomic fundamentals and well supported dynamic policy reforms.

"From India's perspective, Brexit will have both positive and negative impact.

"As Brexit will vitiate the already uneven and fragile global recovery, it will exert downward pressure on global commodity prices and India will benefit being a net commodity importer.

"However, with risk rising in the global financial market, foreign capital will flow out putting pressure on the rupee to depreciate and making Indian financial market volatile," Sinha said.

The image is used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Reuters
Head of central banks from various countries get into a 'Basel huddle' every second month at Basel at the headquarters of the Bank for International Settlement.

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan and heads of central banks from across the world got into a huddle on Friday in the Swiss town, Basel as Britain's vote to exit European Union gave an early morning shock to the financial markets globally.

Rajan, who has been pitching for greater coordination among central banks to deal with such situations, was expected to reiterate this point amid fears that Europe may slip into recession and many more countries may call for similar referendums posing a huge risk to recovery in world economy.

Head of central banks from various countries get into a 'Basel huddle' every second month at Basel at the headquarters of the Bank for International Settlement (BIS), popularly known as bank for central banks.

The contours of this bi-monthly meeting are never made public and the discussions held there are kept top-secret, though they concern the monetary policy actions the central banks across the world need to take in the wake of emerging and foreseeable trends in the global economy.

However, today's meeting happens on a crucial day when the Britain referendum results showed the UK public has voted against remaining in EU.

Being away in Basel for this meeting, Rajan issued a written statement to allay concerns about impact of Brexit on Indian financial markets while reiterating RBI's promise to provide necessary liquidity support to ensure orderly movements.

Besides, he also did a rare phone-in with some business news channels to reassure investors about India's preparedness to deal with the eventuality and said the rupee's fall has been relatively moderate compared to many other currencies globally.

Rajan said RBI is continuously maintaining a close vigil on the market developments, both domestically and internationally, and will take all necessary steps. He also said he was in touch with other central banks globally.

The RBI Governor, who announced last week that he would return to academia after the end of his current three-year tenure on September 4, has for long been pitching for greater monetary policy coordination among central banks globally.

Rajan, known for his outspoken views on domestic and international economic issues, in March called for a system for assessing the wider impact of monetary policies of global central banks, including unconventional tools and their spillover effect, and colour codes for rating them.

Asserting that unconventional monetary policy used by industrialised nations has impact globally, he said there was a need to discuss the issue and analyse its spillover effect.

He also suggested a traffic light system grading policies green, orange or red and said a group of eminent academics with reasonable representation across the globe should be set up to analyse and grade various policies.
Announcing his resignation, the British PM said, The British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction.

Britains Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday announced his resignation following the United Kingdoms vote to leave the European Union, saying a new prime minister should be in place by October as it would not be right for him to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination.

Cameron, whose voice choked with emotion as he addressed media outside 10 Downing Street soon after the results in favour of Brexit had been confirmed, said that while nothing would change instantly, it will be a new prime minister who would deliver the instruction of the British public.

We must now prepare for a negotiation with the EU... The country requires fresh leadership to take this forward. While it is important that I stay on to steady the ship, I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination, said Cameron, who led a spirited campaign for the Remain side.

I will do all that I can to help, the 49-year-old Conservative leader said, adding that the will of the people must be respected.

Describing the referendum as a giant democratic exercise, Cameron said, Across the world, people have been watching the choice that Britain has made. I would reassure those markets and investors that Britains economy is fundamentally strong and I would also reassure Britons living in European countries and European citizens living here, that there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances.

Nearly 30.6 million turned out in Thursdays referendum to deliver the verdict of 51.9 per cent in favour of Brexit and 48.1 per cent for Remain.

There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold, Cameron said.

The British cabinet will meet on Monday when a timetable for him stepping down will be firmed up, a decision he said he had communicated to Queen Elizabeth II.

David Cameron, who has been prime minister of the UK for six years, winning a majority second term for his Conservative party in the 2015 general election, said the country now requires, strong, determined and committed leadership to negotiate the UKs future with Europe and the rest of the world.

With wife Samantha by his side, Cameron concluded his statement on an emotional note, saying I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it and I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed.

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney moved soon after to also issue a strong statement to try and calm the turmoil unleashed on the world markets.

We are well prepared for this. The treasury and the Bank of England have engaged in extensive contingency planning and the chancellor and I have been in close contact, including through the night and this morning. The bank will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as those markets adjust and the UK economy moves forward, he said.

For Camerons full speech, click HERE

Photographs: Stefan Wermuth/Reuters, Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Counting is underway in a historic referendum that will decide whether the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union.

Voting closed on Thursday, with a prominent Leave campaigner saying he expected to lose and early surveys suggesting voters had chosen to remain in the bloc.

IMAGE: Workers begin counting ballots after polling stations closed in the referendum on the European Union in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain. Photograph: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters

The counting is taking place at centres around the UK in a vote widely seen as too close to call.

Nigel Farage, head of the UK Independence Party and a leading voice in favour of leaving the EU, told Sky News he did not expect to be on the winning side.

IMAGE: Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha leave after voting in the EU referendum, at a polling station in central London, Britain. Photograph: Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

"It's been an extraordinary referendum campaign, turnout looks to be exceptionally high and looks like Remain will edge it," said Farage. A spokesman for Farage declined to elaborate.

Meanwhile, flash floods in the South of England disrupted voting and led to some polling stations being relocated.

IMAGE: Former London Mayor Boris Johnson and his wife Marina Wheeler leave after voting in the EU referendum, at a polling station in north London, Britain. Photograph: Peter Nicholls/Reuters

An online survey taken on polling day of 5,000 people by YouGov suggests the Remain side running at 52% of the vote, to Leave's 48%. Ipsos Mori have released polling from Thursday and Wednesday suggesting Remain will get 54% and Leave 46%.

If the UK becomes the first country to exit the EU it will arguably be the biggest blow to the 28-nation European Union since its formation.
India will have to wait for some more time to gain membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group as the 26th plenary meeting of the elite grouping in Seoul, South Korea concluded on Friday without any discussion on its bid.

Even as allegations and counter-allegations fly thick and fast, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares his defence on why despite his personal charm and trips to NSG member nations he couldn't muster enough support to get India a seat on NSG's high table, the million-dollar question being asked is 'What's the big deal about an NSG membership."

Rediff.com gives you a lowdown on why NSG membership important for India? Scroll down to read:

* The Nuclear Suppliers Group is in a sense a traders' cartel. Even though India can indegenously work on its nuclear programme, it needs access to state-of-the-art technology to compete with global leaders (NSG member states). NSG membership helps India to be part of the global commons.

* China has been hammering home the point that India's refusal to sign the (Nuclear) Non-Proliferation Treaty has been blocking its entry into the 48-member elite grouping. However, New Delhi's reluctance stems from the fact that signing the NPT would hinder its development of a nuclear arsenal. That situation is unlikely to change in future.

* India plans to have nearly 15,000 MWe of nuclear capacity on line by 2020. In 2008, the United States gave a waiver to India allowing it to import nuclear power plants and uranium fuel and to put itself more fully under the international safeguards regime without having to abandon its nuclear weapons. However, there are more advanced technologies in operation with other NSG members. And India -- as China advised it to do after the NSG's Seoul plenary -- will have to think 'out the box' to get access.

* Joining the NSG would trigger manufacturing and innovation in India through which it stands to gain economic and strategic leverage over its neighbours. That India knows how to build reactors is no secret, but given the fact that neighbouring Bangladesh is trying to get access to Russian reactors and New Delhi's existing nuclear cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka, an NSG membership would enable it to offer low cost 'Made in India' reactors to them.

* This one's a long shot. For a new nation to enter the NSG, all 48 members have to give a consent. India being a member would effectively negate Pakistan's chances of entering the grouping. May be that's why Beijing had been insisting on NSG members looking at Pakistan's case for membership. But given Pakistan's chequered nuclear proliferation record, India won't be the only country rejecting Islamabad's bid.
As the final process for India's accession as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the partnership will help protect the region from threats of radicalisation, violence and terror and drive its economic growth.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photograph: PIB photos

In his address at the SCO summit, Modi said India would significantly benefit from the grouping's strengths in energy and natural resources and in turn India's strong economy and vast market could drive economic growth in the SCO region.

"India's membership of SCO would contribute to region's prosperity. It would also strengthen its security. Our partnership will protect our societies from the threats of radical ideologies of hate, violence and terror. India will unite with SCO countries to work towards this goal. And, we will adopt zero tolerance and a comprehensive approach in fighting terrorism at all levels," said Modi.

At the summit, India signed the SCO's memorandum of obligations, kick-starting the process of its accession into the group as a full member.

India will have to sign around 30 other documents in the course of the year to complete the process for membership.

Pakistan is also being inducted into SCO as a full member.

"We are indeed grateful to the SCO member states and its leaders for their overwhelming support for India's membership of the SCO. I also welcome Pakistan as the new member of the SCO," said the prime minister.

Seeking deeper economic engagement, Modi said India's capacities in trade, investments, information and communication technology, space, agriculture, health care, small and medium scale industry can bring wide spread economic benefit to the SCO countries -- Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

"We would represent 40 per cent of humanity and over a billion youth. To this group, India brings principles that are in tune with the philosophies of the SCO. India has always enjoyed good relations with the Eurasian land mass," he said.

The prime minister said India will be a productive partner in the SCO in promoting trade, energy cooperation and developing transport links in the region besides people-to-people contacts.

"Our decision to join the international North South Transport Corridor, the Chabahar Agreement, and Ashgabat Agreement reflects this desire and intent," Modi said.

Talking about Afghanistan, the prime minister said, a stable, independent and peaceful Afghanistan is not just a "sincere desire" of each Afghan but it is also necessary for greater security and stability in the SCO region.

He exuded confidence that India's engagement with all SCO members will help in build a region which is an engine of economic growth for the world and is more stable and secure internally and strongly connected with other geographies.

The prime minister had said at the Ufa Summit of the SCO last year, "the SCO leaders had accepted India as its full member. It was a landmark in India's engagement with SCO," adding "as a logical extension India's age old ties with the region, one-sixth of humanity will join the family of SCO."

Observing that India has historic linkages with SCO countries, he said the connection was not just geographic as "our societies have been enriched by links of culture, cuisine and commerce. They form the bed rock of our modern day relationships with Russia, China and the countries of Central Asia."

He said with India as full member of the SCO, the group's boundaries would stretch from the Pacific to Europe and from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean.

"We can partner to develop human resources and institutional capacities in the region. Since our priorities match, our development experiences would be relevant to your national needs.

"The interdependent world of 21st century is full of economic opportunities. It also faces geo-political complexities and security challenges. And, connectivity among the countries of the region is crucial to our economic prosperity.

"And, not just physical connectivity. What we need is seamless flow of goods, services, capital and people among ourselves. But, that alone is not enough. Our region also needs to nurture strong rail, road and air links with the rest of the world," he said.

He said, next year, India would look forward to attending SCO meeting in Astana, as equal partners.
The Islamic State has expressed its delight over the economic impact on the United Kingdom and the European Union following the British referendum and called for attacks in Berlin and Brussels to "paralyse" Europe, according to a media report.

A jihadi Telegram -- an encrypted messaging service popular with militants -- praised the economic chaos that came in the wake of the EU Referendum and urged followers to strike at the heart of mainland Europe, the Mirror reported citing SITE intelligence group.

The UK voted to leave the European Union after 43 years in the historic referendum. Leave won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent votes.

The vote -- which saw an extremely high turnout of around 72 per cent -- reverses the public verdict back in 1975, when the UK voted to remain a member of then European Economic Community, which later became the EU.

UK military chiefs have warned there is a "serious and direct threat to holiday resorts across Europe" from groups like ISIS.

"There is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria," the UK's foreign office was quoted as saying.

Anti-terror police are believed to have foiled a major terror attack planned to take place during Ireland's Euro 2016 match with Belgium this week.
Citing the 'Brexit' referendum, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said the national capital will soon have a referendum on full statehood issue. Last month, the Aam Aadmi Party government released a draft bill on full statehood for Delhi and invited suggestions from the public till June 30.

"After UK referendum, Delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood," the Delhi Chief Minister tweeted. If Delhi gets full statehood, police, land and municipal corporations and bureaucracy will come under the state government.

Senior AAP leader Ashish Khetan said the will of the people is supreme in democracy and it's time to have a referendum on full statehood for the national capital. "After the UK referendum on EU exit, it's time to have a referendum on full statehood of Delhi. In a democracy the will of the ppl is supreme," he tweeted.

The UK has voted to quit the European Union in a referendum which is being termed as 'Brexit'.

In July last year, the Kejriwal government had asked its various departments to prepare a "draft law and create machinery for" holding referendum on the issue of statehood for Delhi.

The CM had asked the Urban Development Department to come with a feasibility report and specify a timeline. The department was asked to give various options available to the government for conducting such a referendum.

While releasing the draft bill on the statehood for Delhi, Kejriwal, last month, had asked the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress to "rise above differences".

Kejriwal had said the he would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh , BJP President Amit Shah and Congress president Sonia Gandhi to garner support for the draft bill, which keeps the high-profile New Delhi Municipal Council area, out of its jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya on Friday lashed out at Kejriwal for mooting the idea of a referendum and said the chief minister is known to rake-up new issues to hide the failures of his government.

"A referendum should conducted to decided whether he (Kejriwal) fulfilled the promises made to people before polls. He had said that the AAP would provided free Wi-fi across Delhi, has he fulfilled the promise? First he should fulfill promises. Just to hide the failure of his government, he keeps raking up new issues," Vijayvargiya said
A man has been arrested on the charge of cheating by posing as a high-ranking army officer after he was found clicking pictures inside the Fort William in Kolkata, the armys eastern command headquarters, police said on Friday.

Promit Kumar Mitra, 48, who is in the realty business, was held from his residence in south Kolkata by a team of Military Intelligence officers before being handed over to Kolkata Police at Maidan Police Station on Thursday, they said.

The matter, which raised questions on the security at the Fort William, came to the armys notice when Mitra, a few days back, had entered the defence area driving his car which had a private registration number with the word army inscribed in red, a Kolkata police officer said.

Mitra was caught on CCTV footage wearing a major generals uniform. It also showed that he was with his son. At the main gate, he introduced himself as officer on special duty at Panagarh, a military base. Inside, he told another personnel that he is from army headquarters, New Delhi and went around Fort William clicking photos, the officer said.

Suspecting him to be an outsider, army officials went through the CCTV footage and found that the ribbons on his uniform were worn in an incorrect manner and the formation-sign was also not matching.

Another thing which struck them was that the accused looked much younger to be a major general. Also an army official of a major general-rank rarely drives his car. Then they started looking out for him by his cars registration number caught on the CCTV footages, the officer said.

Also, there were complaints that the accused had been attending parties posing as an army official. It is learnt that Mitra was a senior executive for a famous jeweller in the city before entering into the realty business.

The accuseds father was a commodore in the Indian Navy while his wife is a teacher at a city school. We have spoken to both of them and they had no clue about this. We are questioning him to get a clear picture about his intention behind posing as an army officer, the officer said.

A Special Task Force of Kolkata Police and Intelligence officials from the state and the Centre would also question Mitra, another senior officer said.

Mitra, who has been charged under Section 419 (cheating by personation) of the Indian Penal Code was remanded to police custody till June 29.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi efforts to secure membership for India to the Nuclear Suppliers Group, on Friday, failed with members of the elite grouping failing to reach a consensus over the issue.

On Friday, at a high-level meeting of the NSG in Seoul, Switzerland is reported to have raised concerns over induction of non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty countries like India.

At the end of its two-day plenary in Seoul, the NSG on Friday declared its "firm support" for the "full, complete and effective" implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime, a clear indication that no exception will be made in the case of India.

The statement by the 48-nation grouping, however, said that it will continue to have discussions on participation of countries which have not signed the NPT.

Confirming that the India's application was discussed during the two-day deliberations, the NSG statement, under a sub-heading 'Outreach', said it shared information on all aspects of the 2008 Statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India and discussed the NSG relationship with India.

"Participating governments reiterated their firm support for the full, complete and effective implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime," it said.

Speaking to ANI in Seoul, ministry of external affairs official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by 'one country', a three hour long discussion took place on Thursday night on the issue of future participation in the NSG, in which an overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported India's membership and appraised India's application positively.

"We thank each and every one of them. It is also our understanding that the broad sentiment was to take this matter forward," he said.

Stating that India's membership had been discussed within the NSG at every plenary meeting since 2011, Swarup said that an early positive decision by the NSG would have allowed India to move forward on the Paris Agreement.

Talking about China's claim that India needs to sign the NPT first before joining the NSG, he added that there is no contradiction between the NPT and India's closer engagement with the NSG.

"It is also our understanding that most countries want an early decision. A few countries raised issues regarding the process for India's participation in the NSG. It is self-evident that process issues would not arise if these countries were actually opposed to our participation. This is corroborated by our own bilateral engagement with each of these countries," Swarup said.

Asserting that India believes that an early decision on its application remains in larger global interest, the spokesperson said that India's participation in the NSG will further strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and make global nuclear commerce more secure, adding that it would also advance energy security and make a difference to combating climate change.

"We are confident that the NSG will recognise these benefits as it deliberates further on this issue," he added.

China's stand that India's membership application cannot be considered because it has not signed the NPT was backed by nearly 10 other countries which effectively torpedoed India's bid although it had the strong backing of the US, the UK, France and a majority of countries in the nuclear trading group.

Earlier, the chief Chinese negotiator, Wang Qun continued to vehemently oppose India's membership of NSG.

Wang, Director General of China's Department of Arms Control, told reporters that there was no consensus on the NSG membership of non-NPT countries like India.

He insisted that for a country to be a member of NSG, signing of the NPT "is a must". This rule has not been set by China but by the international community, he added.

Wang warned "if exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether".

Asked about reports that Beijing was blocking India's membership, he said the NSG has so far not agreed to any agenda item on participation of non-NPT countries. Therefore, there was no point of China supporting or opposing India's membership.

The anti-India stand taken by China again on Friday clearly shows that Chinese President Xi Jinping has not responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's urgings in Tashkent on Thursday that Beijing should support India's case.

Seeking China's support for India's membership, Modi had urged Xi to make a "fair and objective" assessment of India's application which is before the Seoul plenary as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.

China had "belligerently" led opposition to India's membership of NSG at a three-hour post-dinner meeting of the NSG at Seoul late Thursday night which ended in a deadlock.

Preceding the 2-day plenary of the 48-member NSG, which began on Thursday, China had repeatedly said that India's membership was not on the agenda and is said to have made every effort to prevent any discussion on India's bid. However, Japan is believed to have raised India's case in the morning session after which it was agreed that the matter would be taken up at the special post-dinner meeting.

Indian official sources said that China was joined by Austria, Ireland and Brazil among other countries which questioned as to how a country like India which had not signed the NPT can be admitted to the grouping. Essentially their opposition was couched in principles and processes.

Brazil's objections are said to have surprised the Indian diplomats who pointed out that it is a member of the 5-nation BRICS grouping. Besides India and Russia, the grouping includes Russia, China and South Africa.

In the NSG plenary, chaired by Ambassador Song Young-wan of South Korea, the participating governments also called upon all states to exercise vigilance and to ensure effective implementation of all United Nations Security Council Resolutions relevant to the work and purposes of the NSG.

Speaking to ANI in Seoul, Director-General of the Arms Control Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Qun asserted that India's membership has 'never ever' been on the agenda of the NSG and that there is no such agenda item for the two-day plenary, adding that there is no point of China opposing or supporting India as well as the membership of other countries.

"One thing is clear that India's membership has never ever been taken up as an agenda item. In the two plenary sessions, there was no extraordinary session on this matter. There is no such agenda matter. In the caveat there could be observations and interventions but that's all," he said.

Meanwhile, the NSG decided that Switzerland will assume the Chairmanship of the NSG from 2017 to 2018 and will host the next plenary.

The NSG also welcomed the growing number of states that have harmonised their national export control systems with the NSG guidelines and control lists. It also discussed options for enhancing outreach such as dedicated briefings for and meetings with interested non-NSG partners on the work of the group.

It also decided to have a dedicated response to non-NSG partners seeking assistance and practical experience in developing, updating, strengthening and implementing national export control systems.
Terming the developments at the Nuclear Suppliers Group meet in Seoul as an "embarrassment" to India, Congress on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to realise that diplomacy needs "depth and seriousness and not public tamasha".

"We do not know why India showed its desperation and allowed the country to be equated with Pakistan on the issue of NSG membership," party's senior spokesman Anand Sharma said

"It's high time that Prime Minister Narendra Modi realises that diplomacy requires gravitas, depth and seriousness. PM Modi needs to realise diplomacy needs depth not public tamasha," he said.

"The world saw the PM make a spectacle of himself and India. Now India faces embarrassment unnecessarily," Sharma told reporters.

He said the intense lobbying by Modi government was "unnecessary".

Sharma said, "This kind of intense lobbying Prime Minister Modi and his government, we can understand should have done for the UN Security Council membership. When there is no obstacle when it comes to nuclear trade within the NSG countries, it was unnecessary."

The plenary meeting of the 48-member NSG ended on Friday without any decision on India's membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.

Ahead of the meeting, India had pushed its case with a number of countries, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge.

Modi had also met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent urging him to take a decision on India's membership on merit while seeking Beijing's support but China persistently opposed India's bid.
The votes are in and United Kingdom has opted to exit the European Union. That means that in the coming months, British and European leaders will begin negotiating the terms of Britains departure.

But, what does the exit mean? Where does Britain go from here? What happens to the European Union?

Image: 'Leave' supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

1) Brexit will cause problems for Britains economy

In the short run, uncertainty about Britains future relationship with the EU, its largest trading partner, could push the UK into a recession. In the long run, the situation could be worse. If Camerons government falls, Britains prospects of negotiating a favourable deal with the EU could be weakened. The EU may decide to strike a hard bargain to discourage other countries from leaving the EU.

2) Migrants in UK face a worrying future

One of the most important and controversial achievements of the EU was the establishment of the principle of free movement among EU countries.

Britains exit from the EU could change that profoundly.

Its possible, of course, that Britain could negotiate a new treaty with the EU that continues to allow free movement between the UK and EU. But resentment over EU immigrants -- especially from poorer, economically struggling countries like Poland and Lithuania -- was a key force driving support for Brexit. So the British government will be under immense pressure to refuse to continue the current arrangement.

At a minimum, that would mean that people moving to or from Britain would need to worry about passports and residency rules. And it could mean that some British immigrants may lose their right to continue living and working in the UK and be deported.

Image: A poster is seen in a window in Chelsea, Britain. Photograph: Reuters

3) Will the United Kingdom break up?

Brexit could also change the United Kingdom in a more fundamental way. The UK is made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Now that UK has voted for Brexit, it remains to be seen if it remains united as Scotland wants to remain in the European Union. So, would this mean there would be another referendum, this time for Scotlands independence?

4) What about David Cameron's future?

Considering it was British Prime Minister David Cameron that had called the referendum and has led the 'Remain' campaign, its possible he will face calls to step down.
With the Nuclear Suppliers Group rejecting its membership bid, an upset India on Friday said one country persistently created procedural hurdles during the discussions on its application in the 48-nation grouping, in a clear reference to stiff Chinese opposition.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup also asserted that Indias participation in the NSG would have further strengthened nuclear non-proliferation regime and made global nuclear commerce more secure.

NSG, at the end of its two-day plenary in Seoul, declared its firm support for the full, complete and effective implementation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime, ruling out any exception to India.

However, India maintained that there was no contradiction between the NPT and Indias closer engagement with the NSG.

We understand that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country, a three-hour-long discussion took place last night on the issue of future participation in the NSG, Swarup said.

The NSG plenary in Seoul earlier in the day decided against granting India membership of the grouping immediately and said it will continue to have discussions on participation of countries which have not signed the NPT.

An overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported Indias membership and appraised Indias application positively. We thank each and every one of them. It is also our understanding that the broad sentiment was to take this matter forward, he said.

Swarup is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis delegation which is attending the summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.It has been suggested that Indias participation in the NSG requires it to join the NPT. Our stand on the NPT is well known. But let me underline that in September 2008, the NSG itself addressed this issue, Swarup said.

Paragraph 1 (a) of the September 2008 decision states that the decision on India contributes to the widest possible implementation of the provisions and objectives of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

There is thus no contradiction between the NPT and Indias closer engagement with with the NSG, he said.

He said it was Indias understanding is that most countries want an early decision and that a few countries raised issues regarding the process for Indias participation in the NSG.

As the NSG plenary was holding deliberations, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday met Chinese President President Xi Jinping here on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Meeting and urged him to support Indias NSG bid.

The NSG works under the principle of consensus and even one countrys vote can scuttle any countrys bid.

It is self-evident that process issues would not arise if these countries were actually opposed to our participation. This is corroborated by our own bilateral engagement with each of these countries.

India believes that an early decision on its application remains in larger global interest. Indias participation in the NSG will further strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and make global nuclear commerce more secure. It would advance energy security and make a difference to combating climate change. We are confident that the NSG will recognise these benefits as it deliberates further on this issue, Swarup said in a statement.
Joining in the opposition's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after India failed in its bid to clinch Nuclear Suppliers Group membership, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Friday took a dig at the PM calling it a failed diplomacy.

NSG: How to lose a negotiation by Narendra Modi. #FailedModiDiplomacy, Rahul tweeted.

Indias efforts to join NSG hit a roadblock after its attempts were thwarted in two-day plenary in Seoul where China, Brazil, Switzerland, Turkey, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand opposed its entry because it is not a signatory to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The plenary meeting of the 48-member NSG ended on Friday without any decision on India's membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.

Ahead of the meeting, India had pushed its case with a number of countries, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge.

Modi had also met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent urging him to take a decision on India's membership on merit while seeking Beijing's support but China persistently opposed India's bid.
The Tamil Nadu government on Friday told the Madras high court that it was yet to take a decision on the premature release of Nalini Sriharan, the life convict in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case since her case with other co-convicts are pending before the Supreme Court.

The government said this in its counter affidavit in response to a petition by Nalini seeking premature release.

The case is expected to come up before Justice M Sathyanrayanan on Monday.

Nalini submitted that she had spent quarter of a century in jail though the legal requirement was only 20 years to be eligible for premature release.

The counter said the state had written to the Centre in March 2016 itself seeking its concurrence for release of all seven convicts. "So far, no reply has been received from the government of India in this regard," it said.

The Supreme Court had awarded death penalty to four of the 26 persons found guilty in the case, including Nalini and her husband Murugan. It awarded life to three others.

Nalini's sentence was commuted to life after Tamil Nadu government invoked Article 161 of the Constitution, which made the then Governor pass relevant orders in April 2000.

The death penalty of the three others, Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan was commuted to life by the apex court on February 18, 2014 on the ground of inordinate delay in disposing of their mercy petitions by the President.

Nalini filed a fresh petition seeking premature release stating that her representation on February 20 2014, should be considered as she had completed more than 20 years in jail.

She referred to a 2011 Government Order which facilitated the release of life convicts who served 20-year jail term.

Since the case was probed by a central agency, the state government is obliged to 'consult' the Centre in the case of premature release of convicts. The state government wrote to the Home Ministry on February 19,2014 seeking its views on the proposal to release all seven life convicts.

The Centre had moved the Supreme Court to quash Tamil Nadu governments proposal.

The apex court had in July 2014 restrained the state government from offering remission to life convicts. It was later modified a little.

On Dec 2, 2015, the apex court ruled that the term 'consultation' in Sec 435(1) of CrPC implied 'concurrence'. Only after that did the state government seek a clarification from the Centre, which is still awaiting reply.

The counter said the three-member bench of the Supreme Court had on April 18, 2016 decided to hear the Centre's case every Monday and Friday and added that the case had so far not been listed for hearing.

The Tamil Nadu government detailed all correspondence between the state and the Centre in the counter.
Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Security Council strongly condemns DPRK's ballistic missile launches

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Security Council strongly condemns DPRK's ballistic missile launches, 23 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576cd54740d.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

23 June 2016 - The Security Council today strongly condemned the ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 21 June, noting that these repeated acts are in grave violation of obligations under the relevant resolutions adopted by the 15-nation body.

In a statement issued to the press, the Council, speaking out on the issue for the fifth time since January, deplored that these activities contribute to the development of the country's nuclear weapons delivery systems and increase tension, and regretted that DPRK is diverting resources to the pursuit of ballistic missiles while its citizens have great unmet needs.

Expressing serious concern that DPRK flagrantly disregarded the body's repeated calls, the Council urged the country to refrain from further actions, including nuclear tests, that violate the relevant Council resolutions.

The Council called upon all Member States to redouble their efforts to implement fully the sanctions imposed on the DPRK by the Council, especially the measures set out in its most recent resolution.

Reiterating the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in North-East Asia at large, the Council agreed to continue monitoring the situation closely and take further significant measures in line with its previously expressed determination.
At peacebuilding body, UN deputy chief underlines core obligation to prevent conflict and sustain peace

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, At peacebuilding body, UN deputy chief underlines core obligation to prevent conflict and sustain peace, 23 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576cd58d40c.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

23 June 2016 - Marking the tenth anniversary of the first meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission -which has become known as 'Peacekeeping Day' - United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson today urged Member States, particularly those with membership in the Security Council, to make full use of the Commission and its role in preventing violent conflict.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, Mr. Eliasson recalled resolutions recently adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council which stress that sustaining peace spans the entire conflict cycle, with a focus on prevention, as well as on addressing continuation, escalation and recurrence of conflict. The resolutions also emphasize the Peacebuilding Commission's advice during transition periods when peacekeeping operations and special political mission mandates are being defined or reviewed.

"This comprehensive approach spreads responsibility for prevention over the entire UN system," he said, welcoming the encouragement of the Commission to give advice on addressing the drivers of violent conflict. "This should be done in an effective, coherent and comprehensive manner, bringing together all relevant actors across the UN system," he added.

Noting the fragility of transitions and the risks of relapse to conflict, Mr. Eliasson also welcomed the Security Council's intention to regularly request and draw upon the specific, strategic and targeted advice of the Peacebuilding Commission. He further said that it is during transitions that the UN system jointly identify peacebuilding needs and in many cases reconfigures its presence on the ground, underlining the following challenges:

Risks of fragmentation;

Complexities in the financing; and

Political support

Breaking down 'silos'

Emphasizing that fragmentation of work in periods of transition is not only costly but also reduces impact, the Deputy Secretary-General underlined the effective role played by the Peacebuilding Fund in enhancing coherence among different actors within the UN system. To be more effective, as a system, he said "silos" should be broken down through a unified vision and coherent "horizontal" actions.

"The Fund supports initiatives which align with a common peacebuilding vision of the Member States and which the UN can strengthen by bringing together various entities," he said and added that he believes Member States also need to "re-think the scope of peacebuilding and to consider ways in which they, too, can bring a greater level of coherence to efforts to sustain peace."

Overcoming the 'financial cliff'

As a result of the challenges and complexities from financing, in particular those brought on by the different financing streams - both within the UN system and for the countries - Mr. Eliasson noted that critical long-term peacebuilding tasks are often under-resourced.

Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson addresses the tenth annual session of the Peacebuilding Commission. UN Photo/Manuel Elias

Explaining this phenomenon in the real world, he said the work moves from activities such as missions mandated by the Security Council, funded by assessed contributions, to those undertaken by the UN country teams which are funded by voluntary contributions, development funding tends to come too late and declines too early, just as or at times even before, the missions are drawing down.

"Some have referred to this as a 'financial cliff,'" he said.

Recalling that the Peacebuilding Fund was created, in part to avoid this cliff by providing quick funding for critical peacebuilding initiatives, he warned that Fund itself is facing a desperate funding shortfall and stressed that this situation should be addressed urgently. He applauded UN Member States for hosting a pledging conference for the Fund in September, and urged them to attend and contribute generously.

Also recalling the request to the Secretary-General by the sustaining peace resolutions to present options to ensure adequate resourcing of UN peacebuilding, Mr. Eliasson sought the support of the Member States through both assessed and voluntary contributions, including during mission transitions and drawdown.

"This would substantially support the stability and continuity of peacebuilding activities," he said.

He said that a group has been setup within the UN to work on these options, building on what has already been done. He reported that the Fifth Committee recently approved $14 million in programmatic funding in peacekeeping budgets in five countries to support mandate implementation through UN Country Team peacebuilding, including in important transitions such as that of the UN mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

Closing the gap in political support

Highlighting the role of the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General as critical to the political processes particularly during a transition, the Deputy Secretary-General expressed that post transition, it often receives significantly less support, even though it remains important.

This situation, he said creates a "critical gap" which has been partly filled by regional political offices and by the Resident Coordinator, supported in some countries by Peace and Development Advisers through a joint DPA-UNDP, and supported by Peacebuilding Support Office.

Mr. Eliasson expressed his appreciation to the leadership of Ambassador Kamau of Kenya, the current Chair of the Commission who recently visited West Africa to support the ongoing post-Ebola recovery process and long-term peacebuilding priorities.

He also commended former Chairs Ambassador Skoog of Sweden and Ambassador Patriota of Brazil for their important contributions.

Closing his remarks, the Deputy Secretary-General said that the peacebuilding architecture was created in 2005 to fill a "gaping hole" in the UN machinery, and the new resolutions provide a roadmap for the system to move in a new direction.

"The people of the world count on the support, on the political will and on the leadership of the entire membership to truly sustain peace. This is a challenge we should all accept and embrace," he concluded.
From Joseph Kony's 'wife' to peace advocate  a courageous young woman's journey to reclaim her life

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, From Joseph Kony's 'wife' to peace advocate  a courageous young woman's journey to reclaim her life, 23 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576cd5e5411.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

23 June 2016 - Evelyn Amony was abducted at age 11 from her village in northern Uganda and then forced to become the "wife" of Joseph Kony - one Africa's most feared warlords, infamous for his casual brutality, and leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, the violent rebel group better known as the LRA.

Ms. Amony was rescued by the Ugandan military in 2004 after 11 years of being held captive. A year later, she joined a peace delegation to negotiate an end to the LRA's 20-year insurgency. The negotiations were not successful.

At the launch of her memoir, I am Evelyn Amony: Reclaiming My Life from the Lord's Resistance Army in New York, an event hosted by UN Women, she spoke about her experiences as one of the more than 60,000 children abducted in East and Central Africa in the 1990s by the LRA.

UN News Centre: Can you describe what happened the day you were abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army?

Evelyn Amony: I was kidnapped on my way back home from school in Atiak in northern Uganda on 25 August, 1994. I met the LRA along the way. I was with about five other children, but only three of us were abducted, because they only wanted young children, they did not want anyone above the age of 15 years.

They didn't tell me why they were taking me; they just told me on the very first day that they were taking me to [Uganda's capital] Kampala. I asked the men who abducted me if we had to walk through the bush to reach Kampala instead of taking the road. They told me it was the shortest way.

Due to attacks by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a large number of Sudanese civilians from communities in Southern Sudan were internally displaced (September 2009). UN Photo/Tim McKulka

UN News Centre: You were 11-years-old. Is it possible for you to explain what was going through your mind?

Evelyn Amony: It was not easy for me that day, because it was the first time [I saw] the LRA and it was also the first time that I had to carry heavy luggage.

UN News Centre: Did you try to escape or to get a message to your parents?

Evelyn Amony: There was no way for me to communicate with my parents. On the second night with the LRA, I witnessed them kill another abducted child who attempted to escape. That scared me so, so much that I had to let go of the idea of escaping

UN News Centre: What went through your mind, watching another child being killed?

Evelyn Amony: It wasn't easy for me because it was the first time to observe someone being killed. I saw how they used a machete to slice the person and ever since that day the picture of how that person was killed has remained on my mind.

UN News Centre: What happened when Joseph Kony decided to take you as one of his wives?

Evelyn Amony: That was a very terrible day in my life, because the people who abducted me were fighting among themselves over me. They were fighting over who would take me as their wife. I was only 12 years old.

The first time I met Kony, I didn't even know that it was him. I used to hear from my parents and others describing him as a short man with a very long beard. So when I was abducted, I kept looking for a man who looked [like that].

Civilians on the move in eastern Democratic of the Congo, which was affected by the increased Lord's Resistance Army attacks (2010). Photo: UNHCR/P. Taggart

UN News Centre: How did he treat you?

Evelyn Amony: It's not easy for me to describe, but I will try to. When we reached Sudan, the moment I turned 14 years - that was the point he turned me into his wife.

UN News Centre: Do you mean that he forced you to have sex with him?

Evelyn Amony: Yes, he forced me to have sex with him, he raped me. I spent eleven-and-a-half years with him. Eventually, I got used to what was happening because I also used to observe other women going to his house to spend the night there. So I adjusted to the situation and had to accept that was how my life was now.

UN News Centre: You had three children with Kony?

Evelyn Amony: It is true I had children with him. I returned with two children, but the third disappeared and I'm still looking for that child today. I have no idea where that child is, because the child disappeared in a battle. There was a big battle that was happening between a combination of different soldiers from Sudan and Uganda that had joined together to fight the LRA. It was in that battle that my child went missing.

In my mind I think that maybe that child was captured by the Uganda People's Defence Force, but up to [now] I have not found the child.

UN News Centre: What type of person is Joseph Kony?

Evelyn Amony: It is very hard to understand the character of Joseph Kony, because when you are there, it is not exactly clear that he is the person leading the LRA. It is very hard to understand his qualities because he had certain kinds of spiritual elements in him. Moreover, he used to tell us that if you leave the rebellion to return home, you run the risk of running into bad luck.

UN News Centre: Was he capable of kindness?

Evelyn Amony: There are three moments of kindness that I saw in him. First he saved my life when I was supposed to be killed. Then at a moment when I was drowning in the river, he came and saved me and took me out of the river.

A man recovers from a gunshot wound sustained during an LRA attack on Ezo, a town in the Western Equatoria state of South Sudan (2009). UN Photo/Tim McKulka

The third moment of kindness that I saw in him was when a number of children were abducted in a place called Palabek in northern Uganda. When some of the child soldiers wanted to kill those newly abducted children he told them that 'no child 15 years and below should be killed - if any of you dares to do that, you will be killed.'

UN News Centre: How can this ongoing insurgency be resolved?

Evelyn Amony: You know it is several years since I was with him; as a rebel leader he keeps changing his tactics. He has very many tactics. So what I can suggest is for everyone to negotiate with him. I would also like to advise that if supporters of Kony and his rebellion can be identified and stopped from giving support in the form of arms or whatever other support they give to keep the rebellion going, then that could help to bring this to a close.

The supporters are the ones who continue to encourage him and give him advice on what to do. Yet at the end of the day, he is the one who remains in the bush and who is causing suffering.

UN News Center: Do you know what he ultimately wants?

Evelyn Amony: It is hard to know what he wants, but what I learned during the peace talks was that he had an interest in negotiating. Maybe he could have even signed the peace deal, but then there were other supporters behind the scenes who reportedly were misadvising him not to engage in the talks. Maybe that could have contributed to the failure of the peace deal.

UN News Centre: You're 33 now, you've been through a terrible ordeal, what's your motivation in life?

Evelyn Amony: Thank you very much for that question. Even if I have gone through all that suffering, for as long as I live, for as long as I have my legs and can walk and can see, I can still do great things to bring about change in this world.

UN News Centre: And what are those great things you're planning to do?

Evelyn Amony: Some of the great things I can do for instance is writing down my story and sharing it with the world so that they know that war is bad and has very negative consequences for women and children. And I can advocate on behalf of women who have experienced war like myself so that they can find closure.
In Havana, Ban hails Colombia ceasefire pact as example of peace with dignity

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, In Havana, Ban hails Colombia ceasefire pact as example of peace with dignity, 23 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576cd5fe40b.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

23 June 2016 - In Havana, Cuba, today to witness the signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement and laying down of weapons between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underscored the importance of the historic event as an exemplary implementation of peace.

"On this day, in a world beset by seemingly intractable wars, the peace process in Colombia delivers on a key commitment: an agreement on a ceasefire and the laying down of weapons," the Secretary-General said.

"Today the Colombian peace process validates the perseverance of all those around the world who work to end violent conflict not through the destruction of the adversary, but through the patient search for compromise," he added.

Since 2012, the FARC and the Colombian Government have been in talks hosted in Havana, seeking to end a 51-year conflict. Throughout the discussions, negotiators have reached agreement on key issues such as political participation, land rights, illicit drugs and victims' rights and transitional justice.

Mr. Ban expressed admiration for the negotiating teams, which he said have demonstrated that it is possible to "achieve peace with dignity for all concerned."

"They have overcome tense moments and challenging issues to arrive at an historic achievement," he stressed.

Congratulating the Governments of Cuba and Norway for devoting "considerable diplomatic skills" to the peace process, the Secretary-General said that they, together with the accompanying countries, Chile and Venezuela, have shown how national peace efforts can be supported faithfully, discreetly and effectively.

Signing of a ceasefire in Cuba

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre left) with Juan Manuel Santos Calderon (centre right), President of Colombia, at the ceremony in Havana for the signing of a ceasefire and the laying down of arms between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP). Also pictured, Mogens Lykketoft (second from left), President of the seventieth session of the UN General Assembly. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Signing of a ceasefire in Cuba

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) meets with Timoleon Jimenez ("Timochenko"), Commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia -- People's Army (FARC-EP), in Havana, Cuba. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Signing of a ceasefire in Cuba

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) with Raul Castro Ruz, President of Cuba, at the ceremony in Havana for the signing of a ceasefire and the laying down of arms between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia -- People's Army (FARC-EP).

Signing of a ceasefire in Cuba

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) meets with Nicolas Maduro Moros, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in Havana, Cuba. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Signing of a ceasefire in Cuba

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre left) with Michelle Bachelet Jeria, President of Chile, at the ceremony in Havana for the signing of a ceasefire and the laying down of arms between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia -- People's Army (FARC-EP). UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

  He also recalled that six months ago, the UN Security Council and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) had responded to the call of the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP, and made a commitment to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the laying down of weapons.

"The signing of this essential component of the peace agreement will strengthen this commitment. It will now be crucial to mobilize the people and resources required for monitoring and verification," Mr. Ban said.

Acknowledging that the peace talks continue and that "significant issues" are still outstanding, the Secretary-General said he trusted that today's achievement will provide renewed momentum towards the last phase of the negotiations.

"Expectations are now high that the vision articulated in the agreements reached over the past three years will soon become a reality. I strongly encourage you to fulfil these hopes," the UN chief said.

"We at the United Nations are determined to do everything we can, alongside the Government and the FARC-EP, to translate a remarkable negotiating process into exemplary implementation of the peace commitments made," he added.

In conclusion, Mr. Ban noted that it was a privilege to participate in the event in his last year as Secretary-General.

"It is an honour to be by your side in laying the groundwork for lasting peace and a better future for all the country's people. Let us now work together so that the promise of peace made today in Havana is fulfilled in Colombia," he said.

The Secretary-General also met today with the President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Calderon, during which Mr. Ban congratulated the Government of Colombia on the important agreement reached, noting that it was a clear demonstration of the parties' commitment to reach a final peace agreement in the near future. They also discussed ongoing preparations for the deployment of the UN Mission in Colombia.

In a separate meeting, the Secretary-General talked with the commander of the FARC-EP, Timoleon Jimenez, discussing progress made so far in the peace talks and pending matters, including the transition of FARC-EP combatants into civilian life.

In addition, Mr. Ban met with President Nicolas Maduro Moros of Venezuela and commended Venezuela for its role in the Colombian peace process. He called for an inclusive political dialogue in Venezuela. This afternoon, the Secretary-General will leave Havana to start his official visit to France on Friday.
'Medieval' sieges, barrel bombs are 'disgusting reality' in Syria  senior UN officials

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, 'Medieval' sieges, barrel bombs are 'disgusting reality' in Syria  senior UN officials, 23 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576cd6f640d.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

23 June 2016 - The recent "stuttering momentum" in delivering humanitarian aid to Syria's besieged and hard-to-reach populations must be significantly expanded in the second half of 2016, the United Nations humanitarian chief told the Security Council today, warning that progress made to date was only "a trickle" of the country's overwhelming needs.

"There is something fundamentally wrong in a world where attacks on hospitals and schools [] have become so commonplace that they cease to incite any reaction," said Stephen O'Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, in a briefing to the 15-member body.

Violence continues unbridled in many parts of the country, he stressed. Indeed, according to the latest report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian an Arab Republic, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) is committing genocide and multiple crimes against humanity and war crimes against the Yazidis in the east.

In Aleppo Governorate, an ISIL offensive on Azaz and the surrounding area has led to numerous civilian casualties, threatening up to 200,000 of the population, and in Menbij, 45,000 people had been displaced and some 65,000 others were now encircled by the Syrian Democratic Forces.

The cruel conflict continued to tear families apart and inflicted brutal suffering on the innocent, he said, recalling that, last week, at least six children had been killed and tens of others injured in heinous attacks near the Sayidda Zeinab shrine.

Millions more are in the line of fire, facing crushing poverty and alarming physical danger. Children have been forcibly detained, tortured, subjected to sexual violence and in some cases executed. Some had been recruited by ISIL and other armed groups.

Since January, some 844,325 people have been reached by the UN and its partners through inter-agency cross-line convoys, Mr. O'Brien reported, including reaching 334,150 of the 590,200 people living in besieged areas as designated by the UN. Nevertheless, major protection concerns, needs and suffering remain. There are now an estimated five million people living in hard-to-reach areas, an increase of over 900,000 people from the previous estimate.

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien briefs the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria. UN Photo/Loey Felipe

It is vital that the stuttering momentum sustained on humanitarian access over the past few months continued and improved, he said, expressing hope that by the end of the month all besieged locations will have been reached.

"Organizing the delivery of aid must remain the responsibility of the United Nations and its partners based on need, and not subject to political or other considerations," he stressed.

The United Nations has submitted its July access plan to the Syrian authorities, requesting access to reach some 1,220,750 beneficiaries in 35 besieged, hard-to-reach and cross-line priority locations. That request had to be approved without any preconditions, stressed Mr. O'Brien, who is also the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator.

"As I have said numerous times before, we remain committed and ready to deliver aid - through any possible modality including air drops - for civilians in desperate need, whoever and wherever they are," he said, but stressed that the bottom line, however, is that the real extent of the progress cannot only be measured by ad hoc deliveries to besieged communities.

That dozens of barrel bombs were reportedly dropped on 10 June in Darayya - the day after the UN and the Syrian Arab Red Cross (SARC) delivered the first food aid to the town since November 2012 - shows that the situation for people in besieged and hard-to-reach areas will not be solved by humanitarian aid delivery alone.

"The real measure will be when the sieges, these medieval sieges, are no more, when boys don't risk sniper fire when bringing medicine to their mothers, when doctors can administer lifesaving treatments without the fear of imminent attacks, when Yazidi girls don't have to scratch their faces out of fear of being bought and sexually enslaved. That is the disgusting reality in Syria today," he concluded.

'Besiegement belongs in the Middle Ages'

Meanwhile in Geneva, Staffan de Mistura, UN Special Envoy for Syria, Jan Egeland, his Senior Special Advisor, and Yacoub El Hillo, UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, briefed the press on a meeting of the humanitarian task force set up by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) - consisting of the UN, the Arab League, the European Union and 18 countries that have been working on a way forward since late last year.

Staffan de Mistura, UN Special Envoy for Syria (centre), flanked by Jan Egeland, his Senior Special Advisor (left), and Yacoub El Hillo, UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, brief the press in Geneva. UN Photo/Anne-Laure Lechat (file)

Mr. de Mistura said that the timing of resumption of the intra-Syrian talks would depend on the discussions he will have in New York and Washington in the coming days, and in particular the debate on Syria at the Security Council next week. He said he still hopes that the talks will resume in July.

Mr. Egeland said that altogether, 16 out of the 18 besieged areas have been reached since the Task Force started work in February. The two remaining areas are Arbeen and Zamalka, both in rural Damascus, where humanitarian aid is expected to reach next week. But the Government has cleared aid for only a fraction of an estimated 40,000 people in those places.

He said ISSG members are aware that humanitarian assistance is only alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people. "Besiegement is continuing, it should never be there in the first place [] it belongs in the Middle Ages, not in our time," he said.

Medical relief has not gotten much better. The main reason for people dying within besieged areas is because there is no medical service for easily preventable diseases, he said.

For his part, Mr. El Hillo said that 13.5 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance today, not all of them in besieged or hard-to-reach areas. The United Nations is very much on the ground, operating in different parts of Syria with a powerful network of both international and national partners who are also working from inside Syria but also from across the borders.

But the international donor community must remember that "the cost of doing humanitarian business in Syria is very high because of all the complications and all the impediments," he said, stressing that humanitarian appeal for 2016 is funded at 20 per cent.
'Strong collaboration' needed to help end violence against children in Viet Nam, says UN envoy

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, 'Strong collaboration' needed to help end violence against children in Viet Nam, says UN envoy, 23 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576cd72540b.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

23 June 2016 - Concluding a three-day visit to Viet Nam, a United Nations envoy has called on the government, civil society and all stakeholders to take united action to eliminate violence against children.

"Violence against children also has high financial costs for society through its long-lasting impact on child development, and for the budgets of the health, social welfare and criminal justice systems," said Marta Santos Pais, the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children, in her meeting with government officials. "By investing in prevention, we can strengthen Viet Nam's human and social capital," she added.

Ms. Santos Pais said the recently adopted Child Law and the strong network of social workers, supported by human and financial resources can pave the way for a strong collaboration where everyone can help transform this law into action to eliminate violence against children.

There are an estimated 3.3 million children in need of special protection and particularly vulnerable to violence, which accounts for about 12 per cent of the total child population in Viet Nam.

Countless numbers of children are vulnerable to neglect, abuse, trafficking and sexual exploitation. Children with disabilities remain particularly vulnerable and are three to four times more likely to be victims of violence, neglect and sexual abuse than their peers. Over 1.7 million are child workers, 172,500 are without parental care, 21,000 live on the street, 12,000 children are involved with the justice system, 2,381 are living with HIV/AIDS, and 1,067 use drugs.

Estimates on violence against children in Viet Nam are based on the definition of a child as under 16 years of age compared with the international norm of persons under 18 years of age.

These figures almost certainly underestimate the number of children in need of care and protection. Data on violence against children in Viet Nam is patchy, and as in many other countries government estimates based on administrative data are generally far below those based on independent surveys conducted by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academics.

"If we witness a child being a victim of violence, we should take action and report it to the authorities," added Ms. Santos Pais.

In addition to physical violence, children are increasingly exposed to the danger of being sexually abused or taken advantage of online. A recent poll in Viet Nam has shown that 41 per cent of young people aged 18 years old have witnessed their friends participate in risky behaviours online.

Preventing and responding to violence against children is a high priority for the UN, as the new Sustainable Development Goals include a specific target, 16.2, to end all forms of violence against children.

Within the framework of the new One UN Strategic Plan 2017-2021, the UN remains committed to supporting the Government in its efforts to end all forms of violence against children, including by strengthening the national child protection system, changing perceptions and attitudes of society towards violence against children, and to encourage children and the wider population to speak up when they witness such violence in their environment.

During her visit, Ms. Santos Pais delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the 4th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Children Forum in Ha Noi, held a dialogue with the child delegates at the Forum, and visited the Social Work Center in Da Nang, which is supported by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
UN agency boosts support in Lake Chad Basin to safeguard agricultural livelihoods

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN agency boosts support in Lake Chad Basin to safeguard agricultural livelihoods, 23 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576cd75c40b.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

23 June 2016 - The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today it is providing agricultural and livelihood assistance to affected host communities and displaced people in the Lake Chad Basin as a result of massive population displacements and insecurity that are putting livelihoods and food security at high risk.

In a press release, FAO said that as of June, 4.6 million people are severely food insecure in the Lake Chad Basin, of which 65 per cent are located in northeast Nigeria, especially in Borno and Yobe states.

"After three consecutive lost agriculture seasons, farmers from both host communities and displaced people are resuming agriculture activities. People are preparing their land and host communities have even allocated land to the internally displaced to farm this year," said Rosanne Marchesich, Response Team Leader and Senior Strategic Advisor of FAO's Strategic Programme Management Team on Resilience, upon her return from an FAO field mission in Borno and Yobe states.

In northeast Nigeria alone, the impact of the conflict on agriculture is estimated at $3.7 billion due to livestock losses and reduced agricultural production, destruction of irrigation and farming facilities, and collapse of extension services including veterinary health facilities, FAO said.

Specifically, FAO is providing critical agricultural and livelihood assistance to 92,000 people in the Lake Chad Basin, and will reach an additional 123,200 people in the coming months with essential crops for the ongoing and upcoming agricultural seasons. Many of the farmers who will receive seeds didn't plant in the past two years due to insecurity and the lack of agricultural inputs.

In addition, FAO is increasing its field presence by setting up a field office in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, to ensure adequate monitoring of interventions. Enhanced efforts are being made to better assess the current needs and develop coordinated interventions, together with national authorities and other partners.

"In the affected areas, civilians bear the burden of insecurity. Displaced people lost their assets and most of them rely on the limited resources of host communities, who themselves have suffered from the disruption of agricultural activities and of transhumance flows over the past few years," FAO noted. "Staple food prices have also increased, with rises up to 50 to 100 percent reported in some areas of Borno State."

FAO stressed that more funds are needed to address food security and livelihood needs on a larger scale. To this end, FAO is preparing a sub-regional strategy to mobilize more resources and provide increased support to vulnerable communities in the affected areas of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.

"FAO and its partners must keep the momentum and build on recent interventions to expand livelihood assistance," said Patrick David, Deputy Head of the Sub-Regional Resilience Team for West Africa/Sahel.

FAO also said it is seeking to mobilize $15 million to reach an additional 63,000 families - or about 504,000 people - by the end of the year with a wide range of agriculture-based activities aimed to quickly generate food production and income, as well as protect livelihoods.
After decades in Pakistan, more Afghan refugees set to return

Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Publication Date 23 June 2016 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), After decades in Pakistan, more Afghan refugees set to return, 23 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576ce2ac4.html [accessed 27 October 2022]

Families sat quietly. Small children explored among the chairs. These people were going back, some after decades. And they were going back for good.

They were Afghan refugees and this was the Voluntary Repatriation Centre of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in Peshawar.

Payenda Bibi Shahnaz sat in a wheelchair. Her husband Shamamud sat in another one. They have been refugees in Pakistan for 33 years but they, too, are going back to Afghanistan with their two sons, who will take care of them.

UNHCR will also help them after they return to their country.

"I simply can't afford treatment for my illness here," she said. "We have no other option."

The two met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, who visited the centre today and wished them luck. UNCHR also provides returning refugees with $200 for initial travel and housing.

There is now a concerted push from the Pakistan government to repatriate a large number of the almost one million refugees living in the Peshawar district. UNHCR has set aside funds for 60,000 returnees.

But so far this year just over 6,000 have actually crossed the border permanently.

For many the moment they hand in their Pakistan refugee registration card is emotional. School pupils are often in tears, thinking they may not see their friends again.

What drives most is economic necessity.

Qudsia is 40 and a mother of four children. She came to Pakistan as a child. Now she and her husband have decided to go back.

"We decided to return because it's so expensive. We have problems. My husband is diabetic and there is no work here."

But many more choose to remain. They told Grandi at a 'shura', or community meeting, that educational and economic opportunities kept them in Pakistan. They also feared the violence in their home country. Of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, 31 have seen scenes of conflict in recent months.

Another great fear is centred on their Pakistan Proof of Registration cards. These are all due to run out on June 30. Without them, refugees are subject to arrest and even deportation. Grandi said he had strongly urged the Pakistan government to extend their validity. The decision will be made by the Pakistan cabinet.

Grandi told them he understood their fears and their concerns that $200 is not enough to resettle in an uncertain country.

"I have heard the shura representatives," he said. "We will increase the repatriation package very soon. We will work to create better conditions for returnees. I have talked about this with Afghan government leaders."

He talked of his meeting with Afghan president Ashraf Ghani. Ghani told him he had ordered an inventory of available government land. The goal would be to set up a resettlement programme for refugees similar to a pilot scheme in Herat for internally displaced people.

Refugees, like the internally displaced in Herat, would be given plots for houses. Water and electricity would be supplied.

Grandi also addressed the refugees' fears that they are being made scapegoats after attacks or violent incidents along the Pakistan-Afghan border.

"I have heard your message. Refugees are not terrorists. I agree with that."

He said he had stressed to Pakistan government leaders that the whole refugee population must not be blamed or penalized for such actions.
UNHRC : Systematic censorship enables ongoing crimes against humanity in Eritrea

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 22 June 2016 Cite as Article 19, UNHRC : Systematic censorship enables ongoing crimes against humanity in Eritrea, 22 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576ce3ef4.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

At the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), the Commission of Inquiry on human rights in Eritrea has presented its second report, documenting on going crimes against humanity and other human rights violations in the country.

ARTICLE 19 agrees with the Commission's finding that the denial of freedom of expression, assembly and association rights is "systematically entrenched" in Eritrea, and that there has been no improvement in the promotion and protection of these rights since its last report.

The silencing of independent media and critical voices has been central to and enabled the Eritrean government's apparatus of repression, sustaining a climate of impunity worsened by a perpetual "state of emergency" and absence of the rule of law.

No private media have existed in Eritrea since the last eight private newspapers were forced to close in 2001, when at least 18 journalists and 11 former government officials (part of a collective known as G-15) were arrested on the pretext of 'national security'. We estimate a total of 69 journalists have been arbitrarily arrested and detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression since 2001, without charge or fair trial. While eight journalists are reported to have died in detention, a wall of silence means it is impossible to know how many others remain in prison, where they are detained, or information about their well being.

We agree with the Commission's assessment that government-controlled media is the only type of local media in Eritrea: they act as a mouthpiece of the Ministry of Information. Access to alternative information sources is limited, including through the Internet: the ITU ranked Eritrea 166 out of 167 countries in its Information and Communication Technology development index and Eritrea's sole and government owned telecommunications provider routinely blocks online news sources.

The lack of any advancement in freedom of association and assembly rights for civil society organisations and trade unions is also concerning. Rare peaceful protests in the country have met lethal and disproportionate force and arbitrary arrests and detentions.

In light of this report, the Eritrean government's continuing policy of non-cooperation with the United Nations' and regional human rights mechanisms, including this Commission of Inquiry, is unacceptable and reprehensible.

ARTICLE 19 fully supports the Commission's recommendations, and calls on the international community to ensure full accountability for the on going crimes against humanity and other human rights violations the Commission has identified, including through the UN Security Council and African Union.

In particular, the Eritrean government must account for journalists and political prisoners who have been detained, and ensure the unconditional release of those that are still alive. Eritrea must also implement its 1997 Constitution, and establish credible institutions to ensure the protection of the right to freedom of expression.

Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19
Civil Society at OECD event in Mexico rejects repression in Oaxaca

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 23 June 2016 Cite as Article 19, Civil Society at OECD event in Mexico rejects repression in Oaxaca, 23 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576ce5354.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

In light of the OECD meeting taking place in Cancun, the increasingly precarious situation for human rights in the country and recent deaths in the course of teacher's protests, ARTICLE 19 has released a comment and joins other civil society to call for action from the Mexican government.

"As the diplomatic community gathers in Mexico to focus on the global economy, it's paramount that the Mexican government is reminded of its obligations to protect and promote the rights of its citizens and further to ensure their safety when exercising those rights. Violent responses to protest do not sit in a vaccuum and impact on everyone in society, including the prosperity of that society. Now more than ever, the Mexican government needs to step up to the plate and take responsibility for the actions of state agents, and to make a lasting committment to uphold its international human rights obligations," said Thomas Hughes, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19.

The joint statement is below.

The Ministerial meeting on digital economy OECD currently taking place in Cancun, Mexico is a forum on public policies that shape the global economy. The aims are to promote innovation, growth and social prosperity. However, this important international event occurs in a critical social and political context for the Mexican government. The incidents in Oaxaca must not be overlooked while Mexico accepts serious international commitments in favor of openness, democracy, and participation.

Last Sunday, 19 June, Mexican police forces opened fire on teachers and civil society organizations who were protesting against educational reforms in the city of Nochixtlan, Oaxaca. This incident occurs in the context of the serious human rights crisis that Mexico has faced in recent years, as recognized by various international organizations such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur on torture of the United Nations. The violence has left eight people dead (seven killed during the protests, and a journalist killed while carrying out his journalistic activities), seven people missing, 21 people arrested, and 108 people injured.

Moreover, it was reported that telephone lines and internet services were shut down, preventing journalistic activities as well as blocking the means of communication for protesters and residents. As members of Mexican and international civil society participating at the OECD Ministerial meeting through CSISAC, we believe that the events are unacceptable and incompatible with the values that this event aims to achieve. Democracy cannot exist in a context of state violence that disregards the right to protest.

We make an open call to participants, national and international press and delegates attending the Ministerial meeting, to pressure the Mexican government to publicly assume responsibility for the incidents in Oaxaca and fulfill its international commitments regarding human rights in order to be considered an innovative and prosperous country. As suggested by the World Bank, the respect for human rights increases economic growth and in particular, the distribution of this growth throughout society.

Finally, we call on the OECD to more rigorously assess Member States' compliance with human rights to ensure rights are an inherent part of the future global economy.

SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

ARTICLE 19 | Articulo 12 A.C. | Asociacion por los Derechos Civiles | Association for Progressive Communications APC I Derechos Digitales | Electronic Frontier Foundation | Enjambre Digital | Horizontal | Idec - Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa do Consumidor | Karisma | Public Knowledge | R3D | SocialTIC | TEDIC | Web Foundation | Katitza Rodriguez | Mishi Choudhary | Renata Avila

Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19
Turkey: Activists and journalists charged with terrorism

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 20 June 2016 Cite as Article 19, Turkey: Activists and journalists charged with terrorism, 20 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576ce6334.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Three Turkish human rights activists and journalists, Sebnem Korur Fincanc (President of Turkey Human Rights Foundation), Erol Onderoglu (journalist at Bianet and RSF Turkey correspondent) and Ahmet Nesin (journalist and author) were detained today on charges of "terrorist propaganda".

They were temporary editors-in-chief of the Kurdish daily news website, Ozgur Gundem, as part of a campaign, launched on 3 May 2016 for World Press Freedom Day, in which 44 journalists and human rights activists are demonstrating solidarity with the Kurdish news site, by volunteering to be editor-in-chief of the paper for one day each. So far, 37 of those participating in the campaign have had criminal investigations opened against them.

These illegal detentions, on unfounded charges, are not only an unacceptable restriction of the rights of these human rights defenders and journalists, but also constitute a punishment for a legitimate act of protest against the crackdown on press freedoms in Turkey.

ARTICLE 19 condemns the arrests of Sebnem Korur Fincanc, Erol Onderoglu and Ahmet Nesin, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.

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Russia: Regressive restrictions to freedom of expression online highlighted in new interactive timeline

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 16 June 2016 Cite as Article 19, Russia: Regressive restrictions to freedom of expression online highlighted in new interactive timeline, 16 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576ce66c4.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

ARTICLE 19 has launched an interactive timeline documenting the significant changes to legislation in Russia affecting freedom of expression online over the past six years.

The timeline demonstrates how these changes have steadily escalated, infringing upon on the free flow of information online. Together with arbitrary implementation against those using the Internet to express opinions or critical thought, this regressive legal environment has created a chilling effect on Russian Internet users.

By putting the legislative amendments side by side with significant socio-political events and developments since 2010, the timeline highlights the Russian authorities' increasingly reactive and excessive attempts to restrict online expression and the public's right to know. This includes the mass protests in 2011-12 ahead of Putin's return to the Presidency, the trial of Pussy Riot in 2012, the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the on-going conflict in Ukraine.

While authorities initially focused on gaining control over content generated by online media, their efforts have widely expanded, enabling the extra-judicial blocking and filtering of a wide range of internet resources and an increased targeting of individual Internet users - notably those sharing information through social media.

The timeline, part of ARTICLE 19's Digital Rights in Russia series, was launched during an ARTICLE 19 joint side event at the United Nations Human Rights Council yesterday, Wednesday 15 June. The event - "The Internet, Free Expression and Private Actors" examined the recent report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, David Kaye, which explores how the private sector should protect and promote freedom of expression in the digital age.

This is particularly pertinent in the Russian context where legislation, such as the 2015 Data Localisation Law and the 2016 Right to Be Forgotten Law, put new requirements on both domestic and international private actors to comply with Russian legislation, that infringes upon individual's fundamental human rights.

During yesterday's panel, Irina Borogan, a Russian investigative journalist who specialises on the Russian Internet, said: "The Russian approach to the Internet is based more on intimidation than technology, and many people have been put in prison for posting or liking something on social networks."

"The Russian parliament has adopted a lot of regressive legislation. Most concerning to Russian Internet users is the data localisation law, which will require companies to move their servers to Russia and provide the authorities with direct access to users' data. This can have real consequences for opposition activists, journalists and others who demonstrate any form of dissent towards the government."

"We need greater transparency from the global Internet giants - such as Google and Facebook - as Russians still do not know whether these companies will comply with the law or not. Globally we believe minimum standards are needed for what information should to be disclosed by private companies in the public interest," added Borogan.

The adoption by the Russian State Duma this week of a new law requiring news aggregators to check the 'truthfulness' of information they provide links to, provides further indication that this negative trend for freedom of expression and right to information online is set to continue.

To see the timeline - https://russiadigitalrights.org/

Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19
Iran: Ratcliffe accused of attempt to overthrow regime through media and social media activities

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 16 June 2016 Cite as Article 19, Iran: Ratcliffe accused of attempt to overthrow regime through media and social media activities, 16 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576ce6aa4.html [accessed 27 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

On June 15 Nazanin Ratcliffe's family were informed of the accusations made by the Iranian government against her through Iranian news agency Mirzan. The accusations reported are that Ratcliffe is involved in a plot to overthrow the Iranian regime. She is currently in Evin prison, having confirmed on 13 June that she has been moved from Kerman to Tehran.

The Iran's Revolutionary Guard allege that "Nazanin was one of the ring leaders in efforts planning the overthrow of the Islamic regime through projects involving the media and social media, working under the direction of media companies and espionage networks belonging to foreign governments." The allegations also maintain that Ratcliffe had participated in the "design and implementation of cyber and media projects to cause the soft toppling of the Islamic Republic." This information was not directly provided to Ratcliffe's legal counsel or her family, and these are accusations that her family and relatives strongly deny.

After over 70 days of detention, Ratcliffe has, to date, not had access to a lawyer, and contact with her husband was stopped after being discovered. Ratcliffe has never been allowed to discuss her case or any aspect of her interrogations with anyone outside of her interrogators, including any of her family members.

Her continued detention, lack of due process throughout her detention and the current allegations highlight the threat faced by those working in the NGO sectors and dual citizens linked to media agencies who travel to Iran.

ARTICLE 19 is extremely concerned by the ongoing detention of Ratcliffe, as well as the lack of process regarding her case. We are also concerned by the targeting of media projects and NGOs, and the potential chilling effect this persecution will have on an already-supressed media and social media environment.

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National joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy predicts the prolongation of terms for a loan issued by China, Naftogaz Head Andriy Kobolev told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday.

He added that negotiations how to arrange the further work are being held with China.

"We expect that it is likely that the term of the loan will be extended. The list of projects that could take part in it could be expanded," he said.

Kobolev said that Naftogaz handed a proposal on three projects approved by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry of Ukraine to China.

In December 2012, Naftogaz Ukrainy signed a $3.656 billion government-secured loan agreement with the bank to implement projects to replace gas by coal. The credit line was opened for 19 years, including a five-year grace period for paying the principal of the loan. The loan has not yet been used. Ukraine proposed to the bank that the list of projects is changed and China gave its consent.

Naftogaz Ukrainy in April 2016 reported that the holding proposes to finance modernization of heating systems in private houses of poor families and provide $1.7 billion for this purpose. $1.3 billion could be sent to build a thermal power plant in Kyiv and Lviv region to reduce gas imports and $400 million to buy equipment to increase gas production by Ukrgazvydobuvannia. The company submitted these four investment proposals to the Economic Development and Trade Ministry to assess their viability. The project to modernize heating systems in private houses of poor consumers was being drafted by the Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities Economy Ministry.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has ordered to urgently settle the situation with a new mechanism for forming Ukrainian coal prices pegged to the coal price in Rotterdam port and transport fees introduced this spring by the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Services Regulation (NCER).

"I think that there are many unknown variables in this formula of the coal price, so-called Rotterdam plus formula I talked to president about this, and the president is concerned about this issue too," he said, opening a government meeting in Kyiv on Friday.

"I believe that the government's position should be clear  to take the formula, understand what is going one and do everything to make it transparent and meeting the real price of coal in Ukraine and secure the formation of the realistic price of electricity," he added.

The prime minister instructed Deputy Prime Minister Volodymyr Kistion and Energy and Coal Industry Minister Ihor Nasalyk to attract the NCER and prepare an analysis of the steam coal price formula during one week.
Community leaders discuss future of mental health services in Morgan County

A large crowd gathered at First Christian Church to learn about local efforts that are underway to manage growing mental health pressures facing the city and all of Morgan County.
In Cisco, you can have your pie and eat it, too. Or three. Or more ...

Greg Jaklewicz
Thanks to a Google search, Hardin-Simmons University landed a first-of-its-kind program that brings a spiritual dimension to physical healing.

Students in the university's Physical Therapy Department are completing a week of working at a retreat near Houston for people with disabilities and their families. As soon as they return from the camp they will repack their bags and head off for Haiti, where they will help fit disabled people with wheelchairs that were donated and refurbished.

It's all part of a collaboration with Joni and Friends International Disability Center in California. One of the physical therapists at the center, Daniel Thomson, earned a master of theology degree in 2009 from Dallas Theological Seminary. In February 2015, Thomson joined the staff of Joni and Friends where he now is director of the center's global missions and internships component.

He wanted to expand on the role of the spiritual element in physical healing and proposed a course at Dallas Theological Seminary that would combine the two. When the class didn't get enough students, he hit the Internet in search of Christian universities with a physical therapy program.

Imagine the surprise when Janelle O'Connell, head of the Physical Therapy Department at Hardin-Simmons, answered the phone about a year ago. Thomson was on the line.

'We just combed all the schools,' he said, 'and thought you were a fit.'

And so, the negotiations and planning began. A year later, 28 physical therapy students at Hardin-Simmons are deep into the new program. They are taking the spirituality courses on a voluntary basis now, but the courses will be a required part of the curriculum beginning next year.

'To be the first is kind of cool,' O'Connell said.

Earlier this summer, the students spent a week in classes, led by Hardin-Simmons and DTS faculty. They have spent the past week at the family retreat at Camp Allen, located in Navasota near Houston. Next week, 24 of the students, plus faculty, will go to Haiti to work with the Wheels for the World program, a part of Joni and Friends that provides donated and refurbished wheelchairs to disabled people.

Kendra Mueck, a 2015 Abilene Christian University graduate, is a first-year student in the physical therapy program at Hardin-Simmons. She already was interested in how empathy plays into healing when she learned about the new component of the HSU program.

'I'm excited to expand on that,' she said.

Part of the training involves learning how to walk through life with people who are grieving, Mueck said, something she is looking forward to doing as a physical therapist.

'I want to be able to give emotional support as well as physical,' she said.

Last week, the students listened to presentations from Larry Waters, a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, and faculty from the Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons. They were using a textbook quite different from traditional physical therapy courses, 'Beyond Suffering: A Christian View on Disability Ministry.'

Waters offered advice, as well as specifics in working with people with disabilities.

'As you're healing with your hands,' he advised, 'heal with your heart.'

A major hurdle is convincing people that their disability isn't their fault and that it isn't God's will, something the future physical therapists will have to learn to deal with in their coursework.

Dan Stiver, a theology professor in the Logsdon School of Theology, talked to the students about the history of theology concerning disability, including both Christian teaching and the views of other religions.

Stiver is excited about the possibility of theology and physical therapy students interacting in the future to learn from one another. Theology students, especially future ministers, may learn to rethink some of their views and how they will work with disabled people.

'It could help ministers be more sensitive to people with disabilities,'Stiver said.

Joni and Friends International Disability Center was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada, who suffered a diving accident in 1967 that left her a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. According to the center's website, its purpose is to 'provide Christ-centered programs to special-needs families, as well as training to churches.'

That sounds attractive to HSU students like Mueck and Ryan Yezak, a 2011 graduate of East Texas Baptist University who taught English in Vietnam before enrolling in the physical therapy program. Both he and Mueck had been on mission trips in the past and want to incorporate that spiritual element into their work. It is easy to become depressed when suffering a disability, Yezak said, and he wants to bring hope to patients he treats.

The new spirituality component of the physical therapy curriculum will be beneficial in helping students bring that bit of hope.

'This is a good reminder,' Yezak said, 'of why we do what we do.'
Despite public support and an endorsement from the police chief, a ban on texting while driving was voted down Thursday morning by the Abilene City Council.

Mayor Norm Archibald proposed the ordinance, which would have made it illegal within the city limits to use wireless phones, tablets or laptops to read, compose or send messages while driving a vehicle. It failed by a 5-2 margin, with Archibald and Councilman Kyle McAlister the only supporters.

During a public hearing before the vote, several speakers favored the ban, and a petition was presented with more than 100 signatures calling for the ordinance. Abilene Police Chief Stan Standridge also spoke in favor of the ban.

If adopted, the ordinance would have gone into effect Oct. 1, as proposed by Archibald, though Councilman Jay Hardaway questioned if enforcement should be enacted at an even later date.

Another point of contention on the council was who would be exempt from the ordinance, such as police officers and public utility workers.

Standridge said the council could adopt an ordinance that prohibits texting while driving or one that prohibits all cellphone use, or the city could educate the public via a distracted driving awareness campaign. He recommended passing the ordinance to ban texting while driving and a public awareness campaign.

The four residents who spoke during the public hearing echoed Standridge, asking the council to end what Archibald called an 'epidemic' of cellphone use while driving.

'We have an epidemic, as the mayor called it, that everybody can see out there,' David Vargo said. '(The ordinance) would be for keeping honest people honest.'

Troy Bonar, a member of the National Safety Council, said he supported the ordinance because he almost hit a young girl with his vehicle while he was texting while driving.

'If I had been looking at my phone one more second  one more millisecond  I would have killed that little girl,' Bonar said. 'That's when I decided to stop texting and driving.'

Despite seeking public input on the issue, five council members voted against enacting the ordinance for various reasons.

Councilmen Anthony Williams and Shane Price said they thought police could better serve the community by focusing on more dire crimes. But all council members favored an educational component to urge Abilene residents to put down their phones while driving.

Archibald said after the vote that he wanted staff to draft a public awareness campaign and that he hoped the council would pass a resolution before January, asking Abilene's state representatives to consider addressing the issue during the next legislative session in 2017.

City Manager Robert Hanna said the new personnel policy being drafted by city staff would include, at the council's request, language to ban texting while driving for city employees while on the job.

Twitter: BrookeCrum_ARN
Setting a record is one thing, preventing a drowning is another.

About 30 youngsters, from ages 5 to 12, converged on The Dive Spot Friday morning to try to set a world record. Thousands of others joined them at swimming pools large and small around the world in what was billed as the 'world's largest swimming lesson.'

Last year's event drew an estimated 38,000 children in 22 countries, said J. Wilson, president of The Dive Spot Inc.

The world record attempt is secondary to the real purpose of the event, which is to draw awareness to drowning prevention.

'We're trying to reduce drowning,' Wilson said. 'Forty-seven kids in Texas have drowned already this year. A lot of those, it was a supervision issue.'

Wilson said that if a child is taught professionally how to swim ('Not the parents teaching their own kids, or a friend that's a lifeguard.'), drowning rates can be reduced by 88 percent.

'Anything in life we can get an 88 percent return, we're gettin' after it,' he said.

Wilson's wife, Lorraine, said the day's lesson consisted of six components: introduction of instructors to the swimmers and parents, safety, entering/exiting the water, breathing and submerging, floating and strokes.

'They get to experience all that in a 30-minute lesson,' she said.

Jeff Kissell was there with his 12-year-old daughter, Heidi, who has participated in the event for the past three years. This year she served as an assistant to one of the instructors.

Kissell said they picked The Dive Spot because of the small class size. Each instructor is limited to six students per class.

'We didn't want to go to a place where there's 15 or something like that,' he said. 'You have a better teacher ratio,, and they have a more enjoyable experience learning how to swim.'

He has enjoyed watching his daughter go from being reluctant to enter the water to mastering a snorkel and mask and other swimming things, and now beginning to assist younger swimmers.

J. and Lorraine Wilson are certified in SCUBA, rescue swimmer and lifeguard instruction and training instructors in many swimming activities.

Participants Friday were all elementary age, but the Wilsons can work with children even younger.

'We tell people that this lesson works best if the kids are above 5 years old,' J. Wilson said. 'We start teaching kids at 6 months, but they can't do the curriculum that we're trying to do today in a short period of time.'

Officials who keep the world records eased the requirements this year, J. Wilson said. Previously, all the lessons had to be done at precisely the same time around the world, meaning some swimmers had to hit the water at hours like 2 a.m.

'Now it's one day,' Wilson said. 'They took out specific hour times.'
First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Iryna Gerashchenko and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of Moldova Gheorghe Balan have discussed the result of the referendum on Britain's exit from the European Union (Brexit) and its consequences for both countries.

"Ukraine and Moldova are disappointed with the results of the referendum and are concerned about the growing number of eurosceptics in the EU. However, Ukraine and Moldova are committed to the path of European integration and reforms," Gerashchenko wrote on his Facebook page on Friday afternoon following the meeting.

She also noted that Ukraine is sincerely happy for Moldovans who in time and in more favorable conditions met all the requirements of the visa liberalization action plan and received the visa-free regime with the EU.
The horrors of Orlando summoned reactions of shock, grief, anger from elected officials. And noble sentiments, including declarations of unity with the stricken LBGT community. 'We are all gay tonight,' civic leaders declared at candlelight vigils organized to remember the slaughtered souls at the Pulse nightclub.

Then there was Greg Evers.

Congressional candidate Evers is a retiring state senator from Baker, a small town in the Florida Panhandle 400 miles from Orlando and apparently light years away in emotional distance.

On Sunday, Evers revealed the depth of his empathy for fellow Floridians grieving after the worst mass shooting in modern American history, after a demented shooter barged into a gay nightclub with an assault rifle, murdering 49 and wounding 53. Evers' campaign office announced that he would be giving away an assault rifle to some lucky resident of Florida's first congressional district.

'With terrorism incidents on the rise, both at home and abroad, protecting our constitutional rights has never been more important,' Evers declared in a news release issued by his campaign staff. During his 15 years in the state Legislature, Evers was so beloved by gun rights absolutists that the NRA once paid for 32 billboards in his home district featuring his likeness in camouflage garb and clutching a rifle with the caption, 'I am the NRA.'

He still is. Even after a gun massacre. So on July 4, Evers will preside over a random drawing for a custom-built AR-15 assault rifle. Participants qualify for the drawing by clicking 'like' and 'share' on the 'Greg Evers for Congress' Facebook page. We're all gunmen tonight seems a long, damn way from we're all gay tonight, but I suppose we all empathize in our own way.

Evers will be giving away a 'Homeland Defender' assault rifle with a considerable list of add-ons that would be useful in a firefight. Like a 'BCM Gunfighter Vertical Grip' and a 'Hogue pistol grip.' But what makes this Homeland Defender AR-15 so special is that the Second Amendment has been engraved in a metal plate just in front of the trigger guard.

To be eligible for the drawing, contestants must be 18 and pass the firearm background and security checks. If their names happen to appear on the U.S. Terrorist Screening Center's no-fly list, no worries. Thanks to the NRA's influence, Second Amendment rights trump the no-fly list.

To be fair, the weapon Omar Mateen wielded during the Orlando massacre was a Sig Sauer MCX, and only AR-15-like. It was AR-15-like enough that a witness trapped inside the Pulse recorded an audio sequence in which 24 shots were fired in just 9 seconds.

No wonder Evers opted for the killing efficiency of an AR-15, instead of some piddling shotgun or hunting rifle. Other variants of AR-15s were employed to kill 14 in the San Bernardino massacre, to kill 9 at Umpqua Community College, to kill 27 at Sandy Hook Elementary and to murder 12 and at Aurora, Colorado.

Of course, none of those murder weapons featured an engraving of the Second Amendment.

Fred Grimm wrote this for the Miami Herald.
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said he is confident that the outcome of the referendum on the UK exit from the EU (Brexit) will not affect the process of provision of a visa-free regime to citizens of Ukraine.

"I am absolutely convinced, and don't see it as some formal statement or slogan, that key issues like the visa-free regime will definitely not be on the additional track," he told reporters after a government meeting on Friday.

The minister said the EU will give a lot of time and effort to negotiations with the UK on the parameters and timeframe of its exit. In this regard, there is a risk that the debate inside the EU will address internal issues.

However, Klimkin said the EU has already made a political decision on granting a visa-free regime to citizens of Ukraine.

The minister also recalled that this referendum will be followed by negotiations between the EU and the UK on its exit, including within the framework of the common market.
The Batkivschyna faction in Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada headed Yulia Tymoshenko has filed lawsuits to the district administrative court against Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers and the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Services Regulation (NCER) over the unlawful increase of housing and utilities tariffs for households.

"This will be two lawsuits. One is against Groysman's Cabinet [Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman] and the second is against the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Services Regulation," Tymoshenko told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday.

She said that the lawsuit against Groysman's government concerns the unjustifiable and unlawful prices of gas and against the NCER  the absolutely unjustifiable and unfair heating and hot water tariffs.

Tymoshenko said that Ukrainian legislation and Constitution do not give the government the right to set gas prices.

"Let's think: they all say that we have market gas prices. If we have market gas prices, why should they pass a cabinet resolution that sets the market gas price? The market sets prices, not the cabinet resolution," she said.

"The NCER had no right to set heating and water tariffs. This is competence of local authorities," she said.

"Sooner or later Groysman and Yatseniuk will have to answer for setting the price for Ukrainian gas at 5-6 times of its cost of production with profit," she added.
Sam Rainsy Party Sen. Hong Sok Hour is escorted from the supreme court back to Prey Sar Prison where he is being detained, June 22 , 2016.

There is little hope that a culture of dialogue will return to Cambodia anytime soon as the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) appears unwilling to open discussions with its rivals as long as the governments various cases against opposition party officials are wending their way through the courts.

CPP spokesperson Sok Eysan told RFA listeners during a June 21 call-in show that the talks will remain in limbo until the court cases are settled.

If the cases of those offenders is over, then we will look into the possibility of negotiations, he said. But it has to be done under a condition that does not include negotiations for the release of the people in jail.

The government is pursuing a number of cases against high-profile opposition party officials and rights workers, drawing widespread condemnation from the international human rights community as well as foreign aid donors, excluding China.

Among those cases is the push by Hun Sens government and the ruling CPP to bring Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) leader Kem Sokha before the courts for questioning regarding his alleged affair with a young hairdresser.

That case has seen the arrest of four employees of the human rights group ADHOC and a member of the National Election Commission (NEC), while an arrest warrant was also issued for a U.N. worker. Heavily armed police also attempted to arrest Kem Sokha at CNRP headquarters for failing to appear in court in a pair of cases related to the alleged affair

The case of the Kem Sokha Five is not the only one that is tied up in the Cambodian judicial system. About a dozen opposition party members are imprisoned in Prey Sar including Hong Sok Hour, a member of the senate from the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, which merged with the Human Rights Party to form the CNRP.

Police arrested Hong Sok Hour in 2015 after he posted comments on social media that claimed an article in the 1979 Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Treaty was meant to dismantle, rather than define, the border between the two countries.

Its politics, and everyone knows it.

On Wednesday Cambodias supreme court denied Hong Sok Hours appeal of a lower court decision denying bail.

No surprise, he told reporters after the hearing. It is politics, and everyone knows it.

When asked if there is a political solution, he answered: Not yet known.

CNRP President Sam Rainsy has been staying in France or traveling since an arrest warrant was issued for him in November over a 2008 defamation case and he was removed from his office and stripped of his parliamentary immunity. After Sam Rainsy left the country, the CNRP named Kem Sokha its acting president.

The litany of cases, and CPP insistence that they run their course before the party negotiates with the CNRP, makes it unlikely that the two sides will have serious talks anytime soon.

If there are any changes before the courts decision, it seems that the CPP will lose face, or that it is proof that what has happened was certainly politically motivated, said independent analyst Meas Ny. I think that sometimes the CPP wants to take its time.

CNRP spokesperson Yim Sovanna told RFA on Wednesday there has been no response from the CPP regarding any resumption of the culture of dialogue.

I have not received any word from the other party, he said.

Culture of dialogue was the tag given to the uneasy political truce Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy forged in the aftermath of 2014s bloody post-election season and a tense 10-month political standoff.

Thumbprint trouble

There are other indications that the government and the CPP have little interest in restarting talks as RFA's Khmer Service has learned that Cambodian authorities are preparing to seek legal action against opposition party officials who they accuse of fraudulently collecting thumbprints on petitions asking King Norodom Sihamoni to intervene in the nations political upheaval.

Ministry of Interior spokesman General Khieu Sopheak told reporters that investigators have thoroughly reviewed the 17,000 thumbprints collected by the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) on petitions seeking the kings assistance. Thumbprints often take the place of signatures in Cambodia.

The government claims that 88 thumbprints on the petitions came from the same individual, that some thumbprints lacked corresponding names, and that the thumbprints did not come from all 25 of the nations provinces.

Khieu Sopheak said the government is looking into charges related to the 88 thumbprints that lacked a corresponding identity, and charges related to presenting fraudulent documents to the king.

He singled out CNRP lawmaker Nhem Ponharith, who is also the current party spokesman, saying that he now faces government scrutiny for leading the group that presented the petition to the king.

Nhem Ponharith presented the king with the fake thumbprints. He will not go unpunished, he said. I will have to leave it up to the court to decide on this.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Yanny Hin and Nareth Muong. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
Cambodian civil society groups have called on Prime Minister Hun Sen to act responsibly to resolve the various social ills plaguing the country following his much publicized act of paying fines on Friday for violating traffic laws by riding a motorbike without a helmet.

During a trip on June 18 to Sre Ambil district in southwestern Cambodias Koh Kong province, Hun Sen boarded a motorcycle taxi without putting on a helmet, according to a video clip posted on Facebook.

He then asked the driver, who also did not wear a helmet, to sit behind him on the motorbike, which had no license plate. Several of Hun Sens bodyguards followed behind them as the prime minister drove over a bridge.

After much public criticism, Hun Sen apologized on social media for his actions, and late donned a helmet when he boarded a motorbike with a man sitting behind him in the capital Phnom Penh on Friday.

Trailed by several bodyguards, he drove to a police station in Daun Penh district to pay a 15,000-riel (U.S. $3.66) fine for not wearing a helmet during his previous motorbike ride and a 30,000-riel (U.S. $7.32) fine for riding a motorbike with no license plate, according to photos he posted on social media.

For the wrong deeds I committed, I have been fined, he later wrote on his Facebook page.

My parliamentary immunity, my bodyguards, and my tens of millions of supporters could not defend my wrong deeds, he said, taking a swipe at leaders from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) who have complained about being stripped of their parliamentary immunity as Hun Sens government pursues court cases against them.

Rights groups and the international community have blasted Hun Sen for resorting to such measures to silence his critics through courts that favor his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

Following Hun Sens act of contrition at the police station, civil society members called on him to address and remedy the countrys chronic illegal logging and deforestation activities and provide an explanation for a human stampede that occurred in November 2010 on Koh Pich bridge in the capital Phnom Penh. More than 350 people stranded there were killed and about 750 others injured.

They also want him to address the killing of striking garment factory workers by military police on the capitals largely industrial Veng Sreng Street in January 2014 along with the brutal beating of two opposition lawmakers by his bodyguards last October.

A good example, but

Independent political analyst Kem Ley praised the prime minister for paying the fines, saying it set a precedent for other leaders and future leaders to be held accountable to the law.

But he added that he would like to see the prime minister show responsibility for the continued deforestation of the countrys woodland and other problems.

Cambodia has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, largely due to illegal logging. A report issued last year by London-based environmental rights group Global Witness found that government and military officials collude with businessmen to illegally cut and transport Cambodian timber mainly to China.

As for the deforestation issue, the prime minister just promised to step down, Kem Ley said. But it mustnt only be a resignation from the post; he must ask the court to investigate why the deforestation continues.

Sarn Chey, executive director of the Civic Alliance for Social Accountability (ANSA) said he wants to see Hun Sen act responsibly and resolve both the small and the large issues affecting Cambodia.

Criticism of his actions on social media forced Hun Sen to pay the fines for violating traffic law, he said, but he hopes that the prime minister will now continue to be brave and assume responsibility for any government-related projects that have not gone very well.

Reported by Tha Vuthy for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Yanny Hin. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
A man grabs a copy of a British newspaper with a front-page report on the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron and the vote to leave the European Union in London, June 24, 2016.

China on Friday said it "respects the choice of the British people" and called for calm in the wake of an unprecedented rejection of European Union membership by U.K. voters.

"We respect the choice of the British people and we highly regard our relationship with the U.K.," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular news briefing in Beijing. "We would like to continue our cooperation with the U.K."

The ruling Chinese Communist Party has repeatedly warned against the infiltration of "Western" notions of democracy and the rule of law, but appears to have taken the shock result, which prompted widespread falls on global financial markets, in its stride.

Hua merely said Beijing would need time to fully evaluate the impact of Britain's referendum result, which showed nearly 52 percent of voters in favor of leaving, compared with 48 percent who voted to remain.

"The decision of leaving the EU has an impact on everything, and we believe all related parties must calm down and evaluate the situation," spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

Mixed reactions

News of the planned resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron before his party's conference in October was shared hundreds of millions of times on social media platform Sina Weibo, to mixed reactions.

"So, he just says he's resigning, and then he resigns, just like that?" user @qianfeiwen wrote in a comment on the story. "How capricious these leaders are. Is that the power of democracy?"

Others seemed aghast that the future of a nation could be placed in the hands of a popular vote.

"The wisdom to make the correct judgment should never be placed in the hands of a minority of people," wrote user @yidianyuanwodeguxiang15794. "This is a country's destiny at stake!"

"The fact that this went to a referendum was a dereliction of Cameron's duty and showed his impotence," the user wrote.

Others seemed to agree. "He came, he defecated, and then he left without even wiping himself," wrote @beichenggege, while another user responded "Why should he help to clean up someone else's mess?"

Meanwhile, @songsongshigexiaoairen wrote: "He respects the choice of voters, but no way is he going to play with them anymore," adding a weeping emoticon.

"Wow, that escalated," commented user @pailiulian, while @Cishengzhangjianrenshukuang opined "The Brits have gone mad."

Others took a more philosophical view.

@biluoquanyuan quoted a Chinese saying: "In great affairs of state, that which is divided must come together, and that which is together must come apart."

"It will always rain, and girls will always marry," @Belladarling commented, in a saying that is similar in Chinese to Que sera, sera.

Golden era in bilateral ties

Friday's Brexit vote came after President Xi Jinping said Beijing hoped to see Britain in Europe.

Bilateral ties were strengthened by Xi's state visit to London, during which billions of dollars' worth of deals were signed with U.K. companies.

London and Beijing have ushered in what they called a "golden era" in bilateral ties, with trade between them reaching U.S. $78.54 billion in 2015, with a U.S. $40 billion surplus on the Chinese side.

But the prospect of a leave vote hadn't made much impact in China ahead of Thursday's plebiscite, the Global Times newspaper, which has close ties to party mouthpiece the People's Daily, said in an opinion article ahead of the vote.

"Ordinary Chinese people either do not fully understand the significance of Britain quitting the EU, or don't care to understand it," the paper said.

"They figure that Brexit has nothing to do with them [showing that] the influence of Britain and the EU, on China is declining."

It cited a Chinese online poll of 1,300 participants, of whom 72 percent supported the leave campaign.

"This can be explained as a reaction over their dissatisfaction toward Brussels for the latter's protectionist measures against Beijing and its denial of granting China market economy status," the paper said.

Ties unaffected by vote

Economics professor Hu Xingdou of the Beijing University of Science and Technology said Brexit would not likely affect bilateral ties between China and the U.K.

"China has two main points of contact in the EU," Hu said. "One is with Brussels, and the other is with the U.K. bilaterally."

But he added: "It's getting harder and harder for China to sell its products to the whole EU single market, so China has usually done it via the U.K. Now, that's looking less and less of an option."

Kui-Wai Li, economics professor at Hong Kong's City University, said the U.K. vote was unlikely to affect incoming investment in the longer term, however.

"It's a seismic shock in the short term, with the pound plunging and shares falling, but has settled the question now, and made it clearer," Li said.

"I don't foresee any major political changes, and trade-wise, it's a lot of hassle to trade with the EU, so maybe investors will go to the U.K. instead," he said.

Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by the Mandarin Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie.
A court in the central Chinese province of Hubei on Friday tried a civil rights activist for "incitement to subvert state power" after holding him in pretrial detention for three years, his lawyers and relatives said.



Huang Wenxun was detained around the same time as fellow New Citizens' Movement activists Yuan Fengchu, also known as Yuan Bing, and Yuan Xiaohua, who were sentenced to three-and-a-half and four years respectively last month for "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble."



The three were targeted for their involvement in press freedom protests outside the Southern group of newspapers in the southern city of Guangzhou, after a local propaganda official rewrote the 2013 New Year's Day editorial to remove references to constitutional government.



All three, who hail from Hubei's Chibi city, were held in prolonged pretrial incarceration after their initial detention by police in the southern province of Guangdong in June 2013.



Rumors had previously emerged that Huang had been tried in secret, but his case was heard on Friday by the Xianning People's Court in Xianning city, which administers Chibi.



The trial started at 8.00 a.m. and finished at 5.00 p.m., Huang's defense lawyer Luo Lizhi told RFA.



He said he had argued that Huang is not guilty.



"I don't believe that Huang's actions constituted incitement to subvert state power, objectively speaking," he said.



But Luo declined to comment further.



"You should call back in a couple of days, because it's not convenient for me to give interviews right now," he said.



"Not convenient" is often used by people under surveillance or political pressure to indicate that they are being closely watched by the authorities.



Supporters warned



The trial went ahead amidst tight security, Huang's supporters said, many of whom were approached by state security police and warned not to try to attend.



"We didn't go, because we had all been given warnings beforehand not to go," fellow activist Mao Shanchun told RFA.



"Some of my friends went, such as Sun Tao from Fujian province, who set off from my place yesterday, but he went incommunicado once he had arrived in Wuhan [provincial capital of] Hubei," Mao said.



"My friends told me that he's now in a police station in Xianning city, and I called him, but he refused to discuss what had happened to him," he said.



Fellow activist Bao Naigang said at least three people have been detained or placed under surveillance to prevent them from traveling to Xianning in support of Huang.



"One is Ouyang Jinghua, another is Sun Tao, and then there's Wang Jiawei," he said. "I think they are all in Xianning."



Calls to Sun Tao and Ouyang Jinghua's cell phones resulted in "switched off" messages on Friday.



Wang Jiawei confirmed that the three had been detained, however.



"I have left the Henggouqiao police station in Xianning now. I have just been released and now I'm on the high-speed train," he said.



"They forced us to buy tickets back to Wuhan, and then they escorted us aboard the high-speed train and left us there," Wang said.



Repeated calls to the Xianning police department rang unanswered during office hours on Friday.



Political trial



The Hubei-based rights group Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch said Huang's trial was entirely political in nature.



"We must support Huang Wenxun out of conscience and morality, even though there is no way that we can influence the outcome of this political trial," the group said in a statement.



"This young rights activist in his 20s was working towards democracy and constitutional government," it said.



"His ideals will not be destroyed by the government's political persecution of those who carry out street protests," it said.



Reported by Yang Fan for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Hai Nan for the Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie.




A Muslim man walks through the destroyed mosque in Thuye Thamain village in south-central Myanmar's Bago region, June 24, 2016.

A disagreement between Muslims and Buddhists in a village in south-central Myanmars Bago region boiled over on Thursday when an angry mob destroyed parts of a mosque and a house belonging to a Muslim family, the regions chief minister said.

The mob destroyed the structures in Thuye Thamain village following a heated dispute between a Muslim man and a Buddhist, said Bago region chief minister Win Thein.

The dispute was over the building of a Muslim school, according to an Agence France-Presse report.

The Muslim man berated the Buddhist during their altercation, drawing about 200 Buddhist residents from neighboring villages, who learned about the dispute from Facebook posts and destroyed the mans house, Win Thein said.

The problem was getting bigger and turned into a fight between Muslims and Buddhists, he told RFAs Myanmar Service.

Besides ransacking the Muslims home, which also served as a storefront for construction equipment and hardware, the Buddhist mob targeted other Muslim households in the village along with a mosque and a warehouse, AFP reported.

A Muslim man suffered head injuries during the attack, according to a statement issued by London-based Amnesty international.

About 70 Muslims sought shelter overnight in the local police station, the AFP report said.

We have deployed security police for 24 hours around the area, Win Thein said. Police are also investigating the problem to determine whether it was a normal dispute or not.

About 250 Muslims live in Thuye Thamain, which is home to 1,500 majority Buddhist households, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported.

The destruction of the mosque and the house prompted Amnesty International to call on authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation of the incident.

The authorities must take swift action to show that it is treating such incidents against Muslims and other religious minorities seriously," said Rafendi Djamin, Amnesty Internationals director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This incident must be immediately and independently investigated and those suspected of involvement must be brought to justice and victims receive effective remedies, including reparations.

Anti-Muslim violence

The incident is the latest case of anti-Muslim violence in Myanmar, which saw communal violence between Rohingya Muslims and Buddhists in western Myanmars Rakhine state in 2012 leave more than 200 dead and tens of thousands homeless.

About 120,000 Rohingya, who bore the brunt of the violence, remain in displaced persons camps and face discrimination.

The countrys Buddhist majority considers them Bengalisillegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladeshand has denied them access to social services and education, restricted their movements, and prevented them from voting.

The attack coincides with a 12-day mission to the country by Yanghee Lee, the United Nations envoy for human rights in Myanmar, who visited Rohingya in the camps to gather information for a report she will present to the U.N. in September.

The U.N. on Monday issued a report on the situation of minorities in Myanmar, warning that continued human rights violations against the Rohingya could amount to crimes against humanity.

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmars de facto leader, has come under fire from rights groups who accuse her administration of failing to condemn the discrimination against the Rohingya.

The Myanmar government ordered state media and officials to refer to the Rohingya as the Muslim community in Rakhine state during Lees visit.

Reported by Zarni Htun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Chinese police on Thursday attacked a group of Tibetans protesting the threatened destruction of shops and guesthouses they had built to cater to tourists visiting a scenic stretch of Qinghai Lake, sources in the region said.



The June 23 assault in Chabcha (in Chinese, Gonghe) county in northwestern Chinas Qinghai province left at least eight seriously hurt, one local resident told RFAs Tibetan Service.



Today in the afternoon, the head of the county arrived with about 30 police officers, and they beat up eight Tibetans from Karla and Choeje villages in Trelnak township, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



Some of them received serious injuries to their heads and legs, he said.



The police assault followed a demand by authorities two days before that Tibetans running small businesses in the area of Qinghai Lake demolish their shops, guest houses, and personal dwellings and leave the area, the source said.



But the Tibetans were reluctant to comply, as they had invested large sums of money in the building of their structures, he said.



'We need to eat'



Several hundred business owners carrying a banner reading We Need to Eat, We Need to Survive then marched in protest along the road that circles the lake, but authorities did not listen to their appeal, the source said.



Instead, security forces attacked the Tibetans, injuring several of them.



This weeks protest follows earlier moves by authorities in nearby towns to tear down illegal structures built by Tibetans hoping to attract business from the many tourists who visit the lake each year.



Hundreds of such structures have been demolished in recent months, sources say.



Land grabs, destruction of property and environmental exploitation have become increasingly common sources of dispute between Tibetans and local authorities in the last few years, Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren, director of the London-based rights group Free Tibet, said in a June 23 statement.



Tibetans continue to stand up for their rights, while their sense of grievance about Chinese rule grows ever deeper, Byrne-Rosengren said.



Reported by Kunsang Tenzin, Lobsang Choephel, and Lhuboom for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney.




Chinese police descended in force on Friday at a Tibetan protest site near Qinghai Lake, detaining five protesters a day after an assault by authorities on Tibetan villagers left eight seriously injured, sources in the region said.



The five were taken into custody without explanation at around 8:00 a.m. local time on June 24, a Tibetan resident of the area told RFAs Tibetan Service.



A large Chinese security force arrived in three large vehicles packed with police and another 20 vehicles carrying unidentified officials, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



Five protesters were immediately detained, the source said, naming four of those taken into custody as Lhachen Kyab, Jigje Delek Gyatso, Rinchen Bum, and a woman named Tashi Drolma.



All five were residents of Trelnak township's Karla and Dose villages in Qinghai provinces Chabcha (in Chinese, Gonghe) county, the source said.



They were taken away without any reason being given or court document being shown, he said.



It was a sheer display of force and intimidation.



Others held over photos



Following a police assault on protesters the day before in which eight were badly beaten, an unknown number of Tibetans were also detained on suspicion of taking photos of the Chinese crackdown, the source said.



The attack followed a demand by authorities on June 21 that Tibetans running small businesses near Qinghai Lake demolish their shops, guest houses, and personal dwellings and leave the area, sources said in earlier reports.



The structures, deemed illegal by authorities, had been built to cater to tourists visiting a scenic stretch of the lake, sources said.



Several hundred business owners then marched in protest along a road that circles the lake, but authorities did not listen to them, one source said.



Instead, security forces attacked the Tibetans, injuring several of them.



Land grabs, destruction of property and environmental exploitation have become increasingly common sources of dispute between Tibetans and local authorities in the last few years, Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren, director of the London-based rights group Free Tibet, said in a June 23 statement.



Tibetans continue to stand up for their rights, while their sense of grievance about Chinese rule grows ever deeper, Byrne-Rosengren said.



Reported by Kunsang Tenzin for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney.
For several years now, the Kremlin and its allies have courted Euroskeptic political movements in what has been widely seen as an effort to undermine unity in the European Unions Russia policy -- including sanctions for Moscows intervention in Ukraine.

Now, following the stunning result of June 23 "Brexit" referendum, the EU is set to lose one of its strongest proponents of a hard line on Russia, a development that some European officials say threatens the blocs resolve in its dealings with Moscow.

"Nobody can imagine that our voice in the European Union will carry weight as of today," British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told the BBC on June 24. He said the result of the referendum likely pleased Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I suspect this morning [Putin] is feeling a little less pressure and hell be feeling a bit more upbeat about his prospects of eventually getting these European Union sanctions watered down," Hammond added.

Any impact of the Brexit vote on the EU's policy toward Russia is unlikely to be immediate, experts say. The process of Britain leaving is expected to take two years or more, during which time it will remain an EU member.

EU diplomats, meanwhile, agreed earlier this week to prolong Ukraine-related sanctions targeting Russia by another six months.

But Petras Austrevicius, a liberal member of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee from Lithuania, said that Britain "has always been a staunch and a very stable partner in terms of shaping the EU's policy toward Russia" and that "any diminishing" of its role in the bloc would negatively impact this policy.

"I believe it was very much in the Russian interest to see Brexit happen. Now we see a reality which is absolutely unfortunate, and this is a great sense of joy in the Kremlin," Austrevicius says. "In general terms, Brexit will in fact make the EU policy toward Russia less effective."

Polish politician Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, a member of European Parliament with the center-right European People's Party faction, says that the EU is more likely to waver on its Russian sanctions with Britain on its way out.

Poland, like Lithuania, is on Russia's western flank and was under Moscow's domain during Soviet times. Both countries are among the most vocal critics of the Kremlin in the EU and NATO.

Saryusz-Wolski says Poland will have "to compensate for the loss of Britain" in advocating for a tougher line on Moscow.

"So [it will be] an even bigger challenge ahead of Poland, an even more difficult task. But we have no choice. We have to live with it," he says.

Some members of the Russian political elite, including Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, have also suggested that Britain's exit from the EU will soften the blocs stance on Russia sanctions.

Putin, however, said on June 24 that he does not believe Brexit will influence EU sanctions policy.

'A Balancing Role'

Relations between London and Moscow remain tense over issues such as Russias forcible annexation of Ukraine's Crimea territory and the war between Kyiv and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. The 2006 poisoning death of former KGB officer Aleksandr Litvinenko in London, a killing Britain has blamed on a sitting member of the Russian parliament, has also troubled bilateral ties.

The Russian Embassy in London calls the political dialogue between the two countries at the moment "non-existent" and accuses the British government of engaging in hostile rhetoric toward Moscow.

Rosa Balfour, a policy analyst from the German Marshall Fund, told RFE/RL that she does not expect significant changes in EU policy toward Russia in the short term, but that Britains departure would leave the bloc without Londons "nice balancing role" in the bloc's relations with Moscow.

"It has been firm [on] and critical of Russia but does not have the same existential anxiety that the central European states and the Baltic states have," Balfour said. "And so it will be felt if that element becomes absent."

Sam Greene, director of the Russian Institute at King's College in London, called suggestions by some Russian officials that Brexit would weaken sanctions against Moscow "wishful thinking."

"The reality is, (sanctions) didn't become something that Britain had really strong feelings aboutuntil it was absolutely sure that Germany had strong feelings about it," Greene told RFE/RL. "And the crux of the sanctions regime is the relationship between Washington and Berlin."

U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have spearheaded the Western effort to punish Moscow for its actions in Ukraine.

Experts, however, see fissures emerging in Berlin's Russian policy. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier earlier this week called for greater dialogue with Moscow. His fellow Social Democrat, Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs Sigmar Gabriel, is reportedly set to meet Putin in Moscow next week.

"Germany is getting wobbly," Judy Dempsey, a policy analyst with Carnegie Europe, told RFE/RL. "The chancellor has so much stuff on her plate now that the last thing she wants is another problem building up over in Russia."

The Berlin-based Russian political analyst Leonid Bershidsky said on June 24 that "both the immediate matter of sanctions and the long-term state of the EU" -- and the bloc's relations with Washington -- have depended much more on continental powers like Germany than on Britain.

"If the EU becomes more cohesive without the U.K., which often pulled in the other direction, and if the U.S. plays a role, Brexit may end up being a setback for Putin's foreign policy goals," Bershidsky wrote.

With reporting by RFE/RLs Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels, dpa, and DW.com
Doka Itslayev, a lawyer for Ukrainian Mykola Karpiuk convicted in Russia, said his client is ready to file a request for pardon.

"Nothing will change if he writes this application. We have generally agreed that he will sign all the necessary documents that will need to be signed," Itslayev said on a program on hromadske.tv.

He also said Karpiuk can be handed over to Ukraine under the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and his sentence can be contested in the European Court of Human Rights, which the lawyer finds to be a promising option.

"I can say with confidence that the chances of winning this case in the European Court are very high, but I really hope that we will resolve this issue much faster," Itslayev said.

The lawyer said Karpiuk's pardon and exchange are more preferable.

According to earlier reports, the Supreme Court of Chechnya in late May sentenced Karpiuk to 22.5 years in prison and Ukrainian citizen Stanislav Klykh to 20 years in prison for killing Russian troops and participating in a gang on the side of militants in the first Chechen war.

According to Russian investigators, Klykh and Karpiuk were members of the Ukrainian National Assembly-Ukrainian People's Self-Defense (UNA-UNSO) group and fought on the side of armed units of the self-proclaimed republic of Ichkeria against Russian federal forces in 1994-1995. According to investigators, they fought against Russian troops in Grozny.
The mood in Kyiv was glum after Britain's shock decision to leave the European Union following a countrywide referendum.

The city saw deadly mass protests two years ago in defense of Ukraine's rapprochement with the European Union, and news of the Brexit vote met with dismay in the Ukrainian capital.

Officials mostly put on a brave face, voicing confidence that the EU will remain united despite Britain voting to leave the bloc.

Their statement nonetheless betrayed concerns that the Brexit could weaken Brussels' support for their country and undermine its efforts to stand up to Russia.

"We have suffered for our European choice and continue to pay a high price for it by defending not only our sovereignty but also the eastern border of Europe," said Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman. "Therefore, we will continue to fight for a stronger united Europe and pour new energy into the European integration process."

Russian Sanctions

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko turned to Twitter to voice his hopes that Western sanctions against Russia will be maintained.

"Today the current challenge for the European Union is to find a way to the hearts of Euroskeptics so as not to allow a single chance to the opponents of the euro-integration project and to their generous sponsor," he wrote, in an apparent allusion to Moscow.

Many in Ukraine are also worried that the Brexit could derail the much-awaited EU visa waiver for Ukrainian citizens.

Iryna Herashchenko, parliament's deputy speaker, warned that Europe will pay a "heavy price" for what she called "the populism and the irresponsibility of politicians."

"Unfortunately, this will directly affect our country," she warned on Facebook. "Can this delay the visa-free [regime]? Yes, unfortunately."

In eastern Ukraine, news of Britain's decision drew triumphant comments from pro-Russia separatists controlling large swaths of the region.

Oleksandr Zakharchenko, the leader of separatists who hold territory in the eastern Donetsk region, congratulated Britain and said he hoped the British referendum would change Europe's attitudes toward two unrecognized separatist 'republics' in Ukraine.

"Britain did what we did two years ago: we also held a referendum, voted, and left Ukraine," he said. "Fortunately for Britain, they didn't send planes against them, they are not calling them separatists."

Britain's decision to leave the EU sent similar shock waves through neighboring Moldova.

Prime Minister Pavel Filip lamented what he described as "a sad day for Europe," but stressed that Moldova, which signed an Association Agreement with the EU in 2014, would remain committed to joining the bloc.

"The European project needs now, more than ever, to be reaffirmed and trusted," he said. "Moldova will remain attached to its EU road, despite the result in the U.K., because we trust the European Union as a successful project."

Diasporas

There are fears in Moldova that Britain's EU departure could lead to slashed funding for the impoverished country and affect the large Moldovan diaspora working in Britain.

The vote could also bolster support for Moldovan politicians advocating closer ties with Moscow.

Igor Dodon, the leader of the opposition Socialist Party, was quick to hail the vote. The outcome, he said, showed "the EU has only a past, not a future." Dodon is currently leading in the polls ahead of Moldova's October presidential election.

Renato Usatii, the head of the pro-Russian Partidul Nostru party, also praised Britain's vote and predicted the "unraveling" of the EU.

In Belarus, authorities remained tight-lipped about Britain's choice.

But opposition leaders voiced concerns that Britain's exit will play into the hands of the Kremlin by temporarily paralyzing Europe and depriving it of one its most virulent critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"It's bad news for us," lamented Alyaksei Yanukevich, the head of the opposition Belarusian Popular Front. "Over the next few years, Britain and other European countries will be very busy taking care of their internal affairs, they will be building a new architecture for Europe, and this means that outside the EU, most particularly in our region, the Kremlin will have more leeway.

In the other three Eastern Partnership countries -- Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan -- reaction to the Brexit vote was more serene.

"In terms of possible political impact to Azerbaijan, the EU didn't cooperate with us so closely, so I'm not expecting any impact on bilateral relations," said Rasim Musabeyov, a lawmaker in Azerbaijan's parliament.

Experts say the immediate fallout of the Brexit vote for Azerbaijan is mostly economic; the country's oil fund keeps 5 percent of its assets in Britain's currency -- more than 1.1 billion British pounds.

In Georgia, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili expressed his "personal regret" at the outcome of the British referendum but said he had "no doubt" the European Union will survive the blow.

"This vote will not change the fact that the European Union is the most important and powerful regional political and economic union in the world," he said. "Its strength will continue to grow."

RFE/RL's Ukrainian, Belarusian, Moldovan, Azerbaijani, and Georgian services contributed to this report.
It is worth recalling today that it wasn't that long ago when tens of thousands of Ukrainians gathered on the Maidan waving the flag of the European Union.

And it is worth recalling that it wasn't that long ago when hundreds of those Ukrainians died on the Maidan for the ideals represented by that flag, becoming perhaps the first people in history to give their lives for the idea of Europe.

And it's worth remembering that they are still fighting and dying for that idea on the battlefields of the Donbas.

With the British voting to get out of the EU, the Ukrainians are dying -- quite literally -- to get in.

As the result of the Brexit referendum deals the European Union what many fear could be a death blow, it is worth remembering that the idea of Europe is something people are still willing to give their lives for.



And it is worth noting that Vladimir Putin's regime finds this deeply disturbing and deeply threatening.

Now only the most wild conspiracy theorist would see the hand of Moscow in the Brexit vote. This was a British affair driven by British political dynamics.

But you would also have to be delusional not to see the Kremlin cheering and egging it on.

And you would have to be delusional not to see the result as a victory for Vladimir Putin and the kind of politics he represents.

The Kremlin sees a united Europe, one that offers an transparent form of governance and a consensual model of integration, as a threat to its autocratic and expansionist kleptocracy.

And therefore anything that divides Europe is going to be cheered in Putin's Moscow.

And the British just gave the Kremlin leader a big reason to smile.

Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page.
BRUSSELS -- It is a Brussels in absolute shock this morning: an EU capital that is fighting for its very survival.

Following the "leave" campaign's victory in the United Kingdom, it's now up to leaders like German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande to ensure that the remaining club of 27 doesn't disintegrate further.

This is the main topic of concern as the presidents of the three main EU institutions plus the Dutch prime minister meet this morning in Brussels. They know that they must now find a sufficiently common position when negotiating Britain's exit -- an arduous process likely to take two years or more.

But what they are doubtless striving to do today, more than anything else, is demonstrate that the EU is still functioning and that the rest of the European house is intact.

This will be a tough act. Currency and stock markets plummeted immediately on the news. The EU can hardly afford a new economic crisis after several years of high unemployment and austerity in a number of eurozone countries.

And then come the political issues. Antiestablishment elements all over the EU and beyond will rejoice today. Next year, we will see huge elections in two other key EU member states: France and Germany. Le Pen's National Front will be emboldened by the vote in Britain. More calls will be made to reform the EU to French tastes or possibly even leave the club.

Germany has -- as so often in recent years -- been an area of relative calm in European upheaval, but that might also change. The recent migration crisis, in which Berlin consented to accept 1 million refugees and migrants, has already soured the mood in many parts of the country. Brexit will now make it even tougher for Merkel and her pro-EU allies. The right-wing Alternative for Deutschland can become much stronger and slow down the European locomotive that Berlin has been so far.

And then there are the Mediterranean countries. In economic terms, they will be hit hardest if a new economic crisis breaks out, since they have barely recovered from the ones that hit them earlier this decade. And there are plenty of populist parties in countries like Italy, Spain ,and Greece ready to seize the opportunity to take power.

In the north, countries like the Netherlands and Denmark will wonder how to cope in a union without Britain, who often was their biggest ally. Can they also perhaps make a living outside the EU? The same question will be asked by the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, where the popular mood in places like the Czech Republic and Hungary already is highly Euroskeptical.

So, today -- and for the foreseeable future -- the EU will be engaged in a fire-fighting exercise so hot that the whole house might catch fire.
BISHKEK -- Authorities in Kyrgyzstan have arrested a 21-year-old Kyrgyz man on charges that he joined so-called Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria and returned to Kyrgyzstan with plans to carry out a series of terrorist attacks in the Central Asian country.

Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (UKMK) said on June 24 that the suspect was arrested on June 10 as he tried to enter Kyrgyzstan.

On June 17, the UKMK announced that three other men who allegedly fought alongside IS militants in Syria had been arrested on June 10 in the southern region of Batken.

Authorities said those three suspects returned from Syria earlier in 2016 and also alleged were planning a series of terrorist attacks in Kyrgyzstan.

Bishkek says that a total of more than 500 Kyrgyz citizens have joined IS militants in Syria and Iraq.
Waiting by the prison gate on a visit to see his father, Aleksa Djilas passed the time chatting with a Romany boy, who was waiting to see his own father. The boy could not believe that Aleksa's father was in prison because of a book. "Did he steal a book?" the boy asked in disbelief. He could not understand that one could be in prison for writing a book.

That was Milovan Djilas's crime. His book, The New Class, was considered a masterpiece of dissident literature during the Cold War, but it more than spelled trouble for its author.

When Aleksa Djilas was born in 1953, the trouble was about to start. His father Milovan was about to lose his position as a close associate of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito. Djilas would become the communist regime's first and most prominent dissident.

Aleksa was only 9 years old when Djilas was handed his second term in prison. In his own newly published book, Milovan Djilas: Letters From Prison, he relives his childhood through his father's letters, his mother's letters to his father, and some of his own letters from that time. The first letter was sent to him from prison by his father when he was almost 4 years old. He received the last one when he was 14.

In a recent interview with the Belgrade-based NIN weekly, Aleksa said: "I believed that he [Milovan Djilas] was innocent and that he was right. I saw him more as a hero than a victim. So, I did understand what was going on quite well. Kids can think clearly if they are not confounded by adults."

Milovan Djilas had been one of the leading figures in the Partisan resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II and -- despite their differences -- was a close friend and ally of Tito, the leader of the resistance. After the war, he was regarded by many as second only to Tito in the ruling hierarchy.

His star was at its zenith when he published a series of articles in Borba, the Communist Party's official mouthpiece, describing corruption within the Yugoslav elite and criticizing communist leaders for their lavish lifestyles. After speaking out, however, Djilas was relieved of his official duties and then voluntarily gave up his party membership. In 1955, he was charged with engaging in "hostile propaganda" because of an interview he had given to The New York Times. It was around that time that he began working on his book, The New Class, the first critical account of a communist state written by an insider.

My family lived in Belgrade in the early 1950s, and my mother had vivid memories of Djilas. She did not know him personally, but she remembered him as the only high-ranking party official that one could run into strolling around the city streets, his hands always tucked into the pockets of his signature leather coat. She was among the many readers who admired his articles in Borba.

In December 1956, Djilas was imprisoned for the first time on the "hostile propaganda" charge. He was sent to Sremska Mitrovica, a city in northern Serbia, and ironically the same prison where he had been incarcerated before the Yugoslav revolution, serving three years for having organized demonstrations against the monarchy. (Yugoslavia was a kingdom prior to World War II.) In prison, he used his time to learn Russian -- when he was interned for a second time, he took up English instead. Djilas managed to smuggle the manuscript of The New Class out of prison, and it was published abroad in 1957, becoming an instant hit. It was not published in Yugoslavia until 1988.

The New Class placed Djilas in the dock once again. This time he was charged with being "hostile to the people and the state of Yugoslavia," for which he received a seven-year sentence. Following the appearance of another book, Conversations With Stalin, in which he described the Soviet leader as "the greatest criminal in history," five years were added to his sentence.

He was able to provide a firsthand account of Stalin's rule, having served as Tito's special envoy to Moscow on several occasions since 1943. In January 1948, it was Djilas who was sent to Moscow to inform Stalin that Yugoslavia intended to pursue its own separate path, independent of Moscow. The split was made public in June 1948 and Yugoslavia became the first communist state to break with the Kremlin -- a move that saw the country's stock rise in the West.

While he endured persecution at the hands of Tito, Djilas's relationship with the Yugoslav leader was complex. It seems that friendships forged in war are not easily broken. Asked about Tito toward the end of his life, Djilas simply replied, "I cannot say that we are friends, but neither can I say that we are enemies." It was a very generous assessment from someone who had spent nearly 10 years in a Yugoslav prison.

Djilas was finally released from prison in 1966. He left the country, first for Britain, then for the United States and Australia. Many years later he said in an interview: "Prison transformed me. It transformed me from an ideologist into a humanist." Djilas spent the final decades of his life in Belgrade, writing commentaries, history books, and novels.

Before he died in 1995, he asked his son not to write about his life once he was gone. It was a promise Aleksa Djilas chose to break. "There was nobody else who had knowledge of the events and the people mentioned in his letters -- only I was able to explain many things, in the footnotes. I did not change a word in any of the letters," Djilas said.

Upon reading, the letters reveal the emotional and political journey of a man who believed that he could repair socialism from within -- and make it more democratic. Djilas became an unrelenting opponent of the one-party state, of totalitarian government, and a defender of basic human rights. His life and struggles encapsulate the 20th-century history of the Balkans and beyond -- and like all who lived through it, he bore the scars of both the victories and the defeats.
Macedonia's main opposition party says it will boycott parliament until the Constitutional Court rules on the status of a special prosecutor appointed to investigate the country's wiretapping scandal.

"The Constitutional Court must immediately give its opinion regarding the special prosecutor," the leader of the Social Democrats, Zoran Zaev, told reporters on June 23.

Zaev said deputies from his party, which holds 34 seats in the 123-seat parliament, would not take part in the work of the legislature until the Constitutional Court gave its opinion.

The office of the special prosecutor was set up under an agreement brokered by the European Union and is not part of the country's constitution, making it possible for those investigated to try to escape prosecution by questioning its legality.

The court has been asked to rule on the matter, but it is not on its calendar yet and it is not clear when a decision might come.

Macedonia has been in a political crisis since February 2015, when opposition parties accused former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and his counterintelligence chief of orchestrating the wiretapping of more than 20,000 people.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Police in Pakistan say at least three people have been killed and 32 wounded by a bomb that exploded in the volatile southwestern city of Quetta.

Police spokesman Shahzada Farhat said the bomb was rigged to a bicycle that was parked in a shopping area on a road to the city's airport on June 24.

Several shops were also damaged by the explosion.

Police officer Chaudhry Manzoor said there did not appear to be a target. He said the blast apparently was aimed at triggering "panic and terror."

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

But Quetta is close to the Spin Boldak crossing into southern Afghanistan's Kandahar Province and has long been a stronghold for the Afghan Taliban.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Another political season gets under way in Russia.

Vladimir Putin kicked off Russia's parliamentary election campaign this week, setting a date for the vote and bidding the outgoing State Duma farewell.

Like all Russian elections under Putin, the outcome, of course, is not in doubt.

But the September 18 election, and the campaign leading up to it, is important nonetheless -- as a legitimization ritual for the regime.

And as Putin learned the hard way five years ago, such legitimization rituals can go horribly wrong.

On this week's Power Vertical Podcast, we discuss the upcoming political season and what it portends.

Joining me are Sean Guillory of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Russian and Eastern European Studies and host of the SRB Podcast; and Maxim Trudolyubov, a senior fellow at the Kennan Institute in Washington and editor at large of the Russian business daily Vedomosti.

Enjoy...

Listen to or download the podcast above or subscribe to The Power Vertical Podcast on iTunes.
Pope Francis has denounced the "genocide" of Armenians by Ottoman-era Turkish forces a century ago.

"Sadly that tragedy, that genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples," he said as he arrived in Armenia on June 24.

"It's so sad how, in this case and in the other two, the great international powers looked the other way," Francis added, in apparent reference to the subsequent mass killings under Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union under dictator Josef Stalin.

Francis made the remarks on the first day of his three-day visit to the former Soviet nation, a trip aimed at further strengthening the Vatican's relations with Yerevan and the state-backed Armenian Apostolic Church.

In the run-up to the visit, the Vatican had refrained from using the term "genocide," mindful of Turkish opposition to the political and financial implications of the word given Armenian claims for reparations.

But on June 24, Francis declared unequivocally used the word to describe the mass killings

In April 2015, Francis held a mass at the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica dedicated to the centenary of killings, calling them "the first genocide of the 20th century."

Turkey, which rejects the term genocide, had accused the pontiff of distorting history and recalled its ambassador to the Vatican in protest.

Francis was greeted at Yerevan's Zvartnots airport by President Serzh Sarkisian and Catholicos Garegin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Francis and Garegin then headed to the nearby town of Echmiadzin, which for centuries has been home to the Armenian church's headquarters. Armenia was the first nation to establish Christianity as a state religion, having done so in 301.

The two attended a religious ceremony in the town's cathedral.

Over the following days, Francis is set to pray at Armenia's main memorial to the 1915 killings, release two doves of peace near Armenia's closed border with Turkey, and pray for peace during an ecumenical prayer service with Garegin.

John Paul II became the first pope to visit Armenia with his 2001 trip and was the first pontiff to refer to the 1915 slaughter of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide, although he did so only in writing.

With reporting by AP and AFP
Pope Francis has embarked on a three-day visit to Armenia, where he is expected to voice the Vatican's concern with the plight of Christians in the war-torn Middle East.

Armenia has welcomed tens of thousands of refugees from persecution in Syria and Iraq.

Highlights of the papal trip will include a visit to Armenia's main memorial to the 1915-17 killings of more than a million Armenians by the Ottoman empire, a meeting with members of the country's small Roman Catholic community, and the release of two doves in the direction of Mount Ararat from the Khor Virap sanctuary near the border with Turkey.

The mountain was Armenian until 1915 and is now located inside Turkey. It features in the Bible as the place where Noah's Ark supposedly came to rest.

Francis is the second pope to visit Armenia since it emerged as an independent state from the the Soviet Union.

Based on reporting by AFP
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said that Britain's decision to leave the European Union will pose serious challenges for the EU.

"Right now, the united Europe should overcome serious current and future challenges. I believe Ukraine can play an important role in this," the foreign minister wrote on his Twitter on Friday.

It was reported, the Brexit referendum's official tally showed that, with turnout standing at over 72%, 51.9% of British voters supported their country's exit from the European Union.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected allegations by British Prime Minister David Cameron that Russia improperly influenced public opinion in Britain ahead of a vote by Britons to leave the European Union.

Speaking to journalists in Tashkent on June 24, Putin said Camerons claim ahead of the June 23 vote that he would welcome Britain's departure from the EU had no grounds and was a manifestation of low political culture.

He said Russia did not interfere, is not interfering and wont interfere -- and that the vote to leave the EU reflected Britain's unhappiness with migration, security concerns, and with EU bureaucracy.

Putin also said Britains departure from the EU would have both positive consequences for the global economy, and would have consequences on Russias economy as well.

He said the Kremlin would adjust economic policy, as necessary, in response to unfolding events.

But he predicted that negative consequences for stock markets around the world would correct themselves in the near future.

Putin also said he doesnt expect the results of Britains referendum to influence the EUs sanctions policy against Russia.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa
MOSCOW -- Russian politicians, journalists, and nationalists are reveling in the United Kingdom's historic vote to leave the European Union, banking on a Brussels more amenable to Moscow, and casting Brexit both as a sign of Europe falling apart at the seams and of waning U.S. influence.

Russian television stations spoke of a victory for "Little England," cast the referendum as a "real nightmare for Brussels," and carried images of Nigel Farage -- the leader of the populist, anti-immigration U.K. Independence Party (UKIP) -- drinking beer and declaring a "victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people."

Russian ultranationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky hailed the vote as a "heroic deed" by the British people, telling journalists that "agricultural, provincial, working Britain has said 'no' to a union created by the financial mafia, globalists, and the rest of them."

The flamboyant politician predicted that "after the British leave, NATO will collapse, Schengen, the euro" before declaring: "Long live the ruble and the development of Russian ties with all the democratic countries of Europe!"

Communist Party chief Gennady Zyuganov, too, prophesied a chain reaction in Europe, predicting that France, Italy, and the Netherlands would be next to pull out of the EU.

Ahead of the vote, President Vladimir Putin had refrained from commenting publicly on whether he supported Brexit, although Putin's foes warned that leaving Brussels would play straight into the Kremlin's hands.

Commenting after the vote, however, Putin acknowledged that the vote would "undoubtedly have consequences for the world and for Russia" and criticized British Prime Minister David Camerons May 17 suggestion that Putin would welcome Brexit, saying Russia in no way influenced the outcome. Putin said the vote primarily reflected Britains desire not to subsidize weaker economies in the EU and that Camerons remark had demonstrated "a low level of political culture."

In contrast with much speculation in Russia, Putin also said he did not expect sanctions imposed on Russia over the crisis in Ukraine to be eased as a result of Britains vote.

Earlier on June 24, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had told journalists that Russia wants the EU to remain "a prosperous, stable, and predictable" economic power, and that the Kremlin hopes London will understand the need for better relations with Moscow.

Vladimir Soloviyev, a prominent telejournalist, goaded Putin's detractors, writing on Twitter: "It seems Great Britain is leaving the EU. Will they again perform the 'Putin is to blame for everything' song? Or will they analyze the problems in the EU this time?"

State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee chief Aleksei Pushkov chimed in: "There is no need to project your own ill-health onto us: Russia has nothing to do with this. This is defeat of the opponents of Brexit themselves. And the personal failure of Barack Obama."

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin suggested that Russia would stand a better chance of busting out of EU sanctions now that London, often a noisy critic of Moscow, is spinning out of the 28-member trade bloc. "Without the U.K. in the EU there will no longer be anyone so zealously standing up for sanctions against us."

Boris Titov, the head of the Right Cause party, floated the common view in Moscow that France, Germany, and Russia should unite Europe against the United Kingdom and United States.

"In my opinion, the most important long-term result of all this is that their exit will tear Europe away from the Anglo-Saxons, that is to say, from the USA," he wrote on Facebook. "This isn't independence of Britain from Europe, this is independence of Europe from the USA."

Senator Konstantin Kosachyov, head of the Federation Council's International Relations Committee, wrote on Facebook that the result showed the EU had "failed to solve the fundamental problem: to become understandable and convenient for the population at large."

Igor Korotchenko, a nationalist journalist who appears regularly on state television, joked about the mayhem Brexit could cause inside the United Kingdom itself, possibly renewing Scottish independence calls, considering that voters in Scotland cast ballots to remain in the EU. He wrote simply, "SNR -- Scottish People's Republic."

Sputnik I Pogrom, a nationalist website, posted photos casting the U.K. as the bad boy of Europe.

Aleksei Zhuravlev, head of the Rodina (Motherland) party, took a more accepting approach in a Twitter post that alluded to Soviet-era communal apartments: "We welcome the wish of the British to leave the multicultural EU 'komunalka' in which it has now become dangerous to live."

A small dissenting voice came from Aleksei Kudrin, the former finance minister seen as a liberal on the Russian political spectrum, who tweeted: "We can regret the decision of the British to leave the EU. But there will be no catastrophe, although there will be short-term instability on the financial market."

"I think the EU will come around, but the EU, like Great Britain will become economically weaker."
Russia's lower house of parliament has passed controversial antiterrorism legislation that human rights activists have denounced as unconstitutional.

The State Duma passed the legislation in a second and third reading on June 24. To become law, it must now be approved by the upper house of the Russian parliament and signed by President Vladimir Putin.

The bill includes provisions stiffening punishment for extremism and terrorism, increasing the government's surveillance capabilities, and holding individuals criminally responsible if they fail to report others to authorities in connection with certain crimes.

The bill has been championed by Putin's ruling United Russia party and was passed in the Duma's final session before parliamentary elections in September.

Liberal opposition activists and rights watchdogs say the legislation constitutes a massive state encroachment on privacy and civil liberties.

Lawmakers at the last second dropped a controversial proposed mechanism to strip certain Russians of their citizenship if they break terrorism or extremism laws, or serve in foreign armies, police forces, or international organizations in which Russia is not represented.

With reporting by RIA Novosti and echo.msk.ru
Political tradition and human instinct virtually necessitate that political figures reach out to console victims of high-profile tragedies.

It is a frequent feature of national healing all around the world, whether after mass shootings in the United States, deadly terror attacks in Paris, or killer wildfires in Russia.

But Russia's combative children's rights commissioner, Pavel Astakhov, turned the convention on its head in a bizarre exchange at a June 23 meeting with young survivors of a deadly boating tragedy at a summer camp in Karelia, near Finland.

Astakhov was on a visit to the Moscow hospital treating some of the children who managed to swim and scramble to safety after a storm overturned two canoes in a remote icy lake, leaving 13 campers and a young instructor dead from drowning or hypothermia.

A clip aired by Russia's RenTV channel shows Astakhov entering a room with two female survivors of the disaster on Lake Syamozero, asking with a smile: "So how was the swim?"

"Thank God they are alive," responds the quaking voice of a woman, presumably a relative of one of the girls, from behind the camera.

Astakhov goes on to ask the girls about their flight back to Moscow and their previous stays at the Park Hotel Syamozero camp, which was operating despite a long list of complaints from parents alleging abuse and dangerous practices.

The ombudsman later tried to explain himself with a post on Instagram. He blamed media for editing out important parts of the lengthy and "psychologically challenging conversation" and releasing a "sensationalist report." He claimed to have tried to speak to the girls "in their language."

"There are psychological tricks that help to open up a scared child and let them talk, share emotions, which is very important for these kids," Astakhov wrote. "Professional psychologists recommend speaking with maximum positivity."

Astakhov then appeared to throw politically charged verbal darts.

He called it a shame that investigators hadn't yet spoken to the children, but said the girls were able to say a lot that "will be used in the investigation."

Vladimir Markin, a spokesman for the Russian Investigative Committee who previously said there had been efforts to close the camp, responded by criticizing Astakhov's comments as misguided.

"We have already asked those who sent and accompanied the children on this deadly sail, 'How was the swim?" Markin said. "Investigators, unlike the ombudsman, use psychological tricks on children only in the presence of qualified psychologists."

Markin said the Investigative Committee had already discovered the circumstances and causes of the crime "in compliance with both the law and the norms of morality and ethics."

An online petition that emerged to remove Astakhov after his swim comments has attracted around 5,000 signatories.

Many people on social media expressed outrage with Astakhov. One user created a looped video of the ombudsman's visit and Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking to CNN about the Kursk submarine disaster of 2000, in which 118 people died.

"So how was the swim?" Astakhov asks.

"She drowned," Putin answers.

Russian businessman German Sterligov tweeted the video, saying, "This is Russia's history of mercy, compassion and philanthropy."

The Kremlin has ordered the Investigative Committee to "find those guilty" and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev accused camp organizers of "criminal and absolutely flagrant negligence."
Ukrainian authorities have arrested four former officers of the "Berkut" riot police for their alleged role in the violent dispersal of pro-European protesters in Kyiv in early 2014.

Larysa Sarhan, a spokeswoman for Ukraine's Prosecutor-General's Office, said on June 24 that the four suspects were serving on Ukraine's national police force at the time of their arrest on June 23.

The four are alleged to have used violent force to disperse protesters in Kyiv on February 18, 2014, during the final days of pro-Russia former President Viktor Yanukovych's rule.

They have been charged with abuse of power, attempted murder, and illegally preventing citizens from gathering and demonstrating.

One of the suspects was also charged with the premeditated murder of more than one person.

More than a hundred people were killed in and around Kyivs central Independence Square, known as the Maidan, from February 18 to 20, 2014.

The deaths came after months-long opposition protests that prompted Yanukovych to flee Ukraine in late February -- a departure that led parliament to vote for his removal on grounds that he was unable to fulfill his duties.

Based on reporting by UNIAN and Interfax
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said in the aftermath of Britain's vote to leave the European Union that he "expects the sanctions against Russia as a country-aggressor" to be extended.

On June 24, Poroshenko linked European unity to the sanctions that Brussels has imposed against Russia for its role in Ukraine's crisis.

Poroshenko said, "Today, the current challenge for the European Union is to find a way to the hearts of Euroskeptics so as not to allow a single chance to the opponents of the Eurointegration project."

In 2014, despite pressure from Russia, Ukraine signed an Association Agreement with the EU as part of its bid to eventually join the bloc.

Meanwhile, Moldova's pro-EU Prime Minister Pavel Filip on June 24 called Britain's vote to leave the EU a "sad day for Europe."

Filip said Moldova remained committed to joining the EU, "despite the result in the U.K., because we trust the EU as a successful project."

Moldova also signed an Association Agreement with the EU in 2014.

Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and Unimedia.md
Union Fire District members responded to four different car fires in a span of five days in South Kingstown. No injuries were reported.
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Russian Presidential Aide Vladislav Surkov and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland focused on issues concerning security in Donbas at their talks in Moscow, the U.S. Embassy to Russia said on Friday.

The negotiators concentrated on the issue of maintaining security within the Minsk agreements, including ways to secure a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of heavy artillery and to ensure Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) representatives' unhindered access to the eastern part of Ukraine as soon as possible, the American diplomatic mission said in a report seen by Interfax.

The discussions were very detailed, thorough and constructive, it said.

During the meeting, the sides discussed further steps to implement the Minsk agreements, in order to support 'Normandy Four' efforts as part of the Ukrainian settlement process, the embassy said.

They once again discussed the current work to fulfill the political and humanitarian aspects of the Minsk agreements in support of the 'Normandy' process, it said.
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One thing was clear when Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine spoke to the state Senate Finance Committee about the Zika virus Thursday: A lot remains unclear about the virus, making prevention all the more important.

This is a scary situation that needs to be treated very seriously, she said during the meeting at the General Assembly building in Richmond. There are a lot of uncertainties. What I will tell you today is what we know today. But it will likely change tomorrow.

Twenty-seven Virginians have been infected with the virus, the Virginia Department of Healths website reported Thursday. That marks the fifth consecutive week the number has increased. Last week, the website showed that 26 residents in the state had been infected.

All of the cases were talking about are people who have traveled outside of the United States and have picked up Zika elsewhere, Levine told the Finance Committee. The good news right now is that Zika virus is not in Virginia mosquitoes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported there have been no local transmissions of Zika by mosquitoes in the U.S.

But Levine said it is likely only a matter of time before the U.S. suffers from local transmissions of Zika  for which there is no vaccine.

The virus has swept through Latin America and the Caribbean in the past few months. It usually causes just a mild illness with flu-like symptoms, but the CDC confirmed earlier this year that it can cause microcephaly in babies if contracted by pregnant women. Microcephaly is a birth defect that results in an unusually small skull and other brain defects.

Levine said the full picture of Zikas relationship to microcephaly is still unclear. Health officials suspect that women who contract Zika later in pregnancy are less likely to pass it on to the fetus, but research is ongoing.

Virginia mosquitoes may be Zika-free, but Levine said prevention is key in stopping a widespread outbreak in the state.

The Virginia Department of Health has launched a website, www.zikava.org, through which residents can learn more about Zika.

We cant get enough information out because, quite frankly, this issue is getting lost in the hubbub of other things like the presidential election, Levine said.

Zika can be transmitted sexually, as well as through mosquitoes. Research is ongoing, but it is clear that the virus can live in semen for several weeks, she said, so men who contract the virus should be especially cautious about spreading it to a sexual partner.

Levine has been leading a Zika Task Force, created at Gov. Terry McAuliffes request, that consists of a variety of state agencies and private partners.

She asked senators on the Finance Committee to pass information along to their constituents.

This is going to be a local issue, she said. These mosquitoes arent the kind that grow in puddles or swamps. These are container mosquitoes that youll find in your own property.

Property owners are really the key here, and we can mitigate those mosquitoes by doing something simple like emptying containers of water every week. It may be a lot to ask, but its the best prevention we have.
Britain's possible leave of the European Union (EU) could complicate the introduction of Single Sky between Ukraine and the EU due to a dispute over the Gibraltar airport, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan has said.

"We will see what the final decision after the referendum in Britain will be. Today's statement of David Cameron that the new government should hold new talks is not the best option. We have the position of Spain which considers Gibraltar its territory. I would say that this slightly complicates the situation," he told reporters before a government meeting on Friday.

The minister added that the Single Sky with the EU is being negotiated. Each meeting with EU representatives starts with the issue of Single Sky.

"They understand that the ball is in their court," he said.

Ukraine and the EU have several times postponed the signing of Single Sky agreement. The official reason of the delay is a lack of agreement of the Spain and Britain's position over the territorial use of the Gibraltar airport.
A 30-year-old Richmond man will spend the next three decades behind bars after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and abduction Friday.

John Jerry James Jr. accepted a plea deal on the third day of a trial in the fatal shooting of Davie Young and the abduction of Linda Lawson, James girlfriend at the time, who witnessed the July 24, 2015, shooting in Mosby Court.

The agreement carries a sentence of 32 years. James also faces a significant amount of suspended prison time for prior convictions in Henrico County.

Prosecutors had originally indicted James on a charge of first-degree murder, which is punishable with up to life in prison. The charge was amended Friday, and two gun charges were dropped. Other charges were dropped ahead of the trial that began Wednesday.

Leonard McCall, who represented James, said it was a matter of mathematics with the defendants criminal history potentially playing a role in the jurys decision.

It was too much of a risk, McCall said of going ahead with the jury trial. It was our only option.

McCall said it was a win for everyone and a win for justice.

Richmond Commonwealths Attorney Michael N. Herring said he was satisfied with the outcome. He said he would have been thrilled if a jury came back with the same sentence.

About a dozen friends and family members of Young, 26, attended the entire trial. Most were solemn throughout the first two days of testimony and reserved in their show of emotion. But on Friday, the group seemed more relaxed, speaking freely among themselves and, at times, smiling. Just before the plea agreement was read, they passed around a package of photos.

Among them sat Linda Lawson, who witnessed the shooting and afterward was abducted and threatened. Family members hugged her after court was dismissed, thanking her for testifying against James, her former boyfriend. Lawson gave James a withering look after taking the stand Thursday.

None of James immediate family was in the audience as he pleaded guilty.

Herring spoke to the jury after its members were released to see what they thought of the evidence. He and deputy Commonwealths Attorney Tanya Powell will get another chance to try the case when James brother, Marcus Coles, comes to court.

Coles and James were expected to be tried together this week, but the night before the trial began, Coles was transferred to Central State Hospital.

His trial is slated for July 25 but could be delayed if he requires mental health treatment.

Melvin Todd, Coles attorney, said Fridays outcome bodes well for his client because his record is better than his brothers.

Coles was recently convicted of several gun and drug charges and sentenced to five years in March. He has two prior gun convictions.

In Henrico County, James could face an additional 27 years in prison for suspended sentences that date to 2007. They include eluding police, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, malicious wounding and possession of a firearm.

In 2013, he pleaded guilty to contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor that was reduced from a more serious charge. Only three months of the suspended time from the 2007 convictions was revoked then.

On Friday, Judge Phillip L. Hairston sentenced James to 40 years in prison for the murder charge, with 18 years suspended, and 10 years for the abduction.
Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko and Director General of the International Military Staff of NATO Christopher Harper have discussed at a meeting in Kyiv the priority areas for the future cooperation.

"Our meeting shows that the military and political dialogue and military and technical cooperation between our countries continues," the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's press service quoted Muzhenko as saying on Friday.

Muzhenko briefed Harper about the situation in the anti-terrorist operation zone in Ukraine's east. In particular, the Ukrainian chief of staff stressed that Ukraine strictly adheres to the Minsk agreements and Ukrainian military open fire only when there is a direct threat to their lives. In addition, he emphasized that there is sufficient evidence of Russia's participation in the armed aggression against Ukraine.

For his part, Harper said that Ukraine has proved to be a reliable partner of NATO. He said the Alliance is aware that Ukraine needs to hold a huge amount of reforms, which is a difficult task as the country is at war. NATO member states were willing to continue to support Ukraine, he said. Harper stressed the crucial importance of holding reforms, as the resources and funds received as the result, will be an important factor in the country's defense in the future.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has pointed out the necessity of creating the favorable investment climate in the country and comfortable conditions for investment.

"I would like that those who invest in the Ukrainian economy - the United States or European countries, and the main investor here is the Ukrainian investor  feel comfortable in a good climate," he said at a government meeting in Kyiv on Friday.

He said that the position of each government members is important here, as their ministries can help investors or press on them, and the latter is unacceptable.

Groysman recalled the initiative to establish the Office for Accompanying Investment under auspice of the prime minister as a factor that should influence Ukraine's investment attractiveness.

The prime minister added that in July Kyiv and Ottawa (Canada) are to sign the free trade agreement, which would help Ukrainian businessmen to enter new markets, in particular, export their products to Canada.

He said that Ukraine should reinforce their trade mission in those countries where there is demand on Ukrainian goods.

"Next week I will visit Germany and a meeting with business representatives is scheduled. We will step up our cooperation from the point of view of increasing investment of German capital in the Ukrainian economy," he said.
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NATO is establishing connections with the women's organizations of Donbas to study the situation with security of women in regions, NATO's Special Representative for WomenPeace and Security Marriet Schuurman has said.

"We, in fact, are already involved in cooperation with women's organizations in Donbas. We are extremely interested to find out what kind of problems there are with regard to security and what help they need today from NATO and member countries," Marriet said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Ihor Dolhov said the issue of cooperation in gender policy is a component of Ukraine's National Action Plan on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution No.1325.

"We must think how to make life easier for 1,700 million of our citizens who are forced to leave their homes. There are more than 1,100 million of women and children who require the special treatment," deputy defense minister said.

He also informed that currently there are about 50,000 women working and serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "As of June 1, 2016 there are 49,552 women who are serving and working. Among them, there are 17,147 of military personnel (8.5% of the total), including 2,092 officers, 14,607 soldiers and sergeants (9.4%), where 32,405 women are holding civilian positions," Dolhov said.
The victory of supporters of the UK's exit from the European Union (Brexit) at the Thursday referendum and other internal problems of the European Union may negatively impact the granting by the EU of a visa-free regime to citizens of Ukraine, Iryna Gerashchenko, first deputy speaker of Ukraine's parliament, said.

"The consequences of the British referendum will have negative prospects for Ukraine, too. The EU has a hard time dealing with the migration crisis. Europe has been covered by a tsunami of Euro-skepticism, support for radical and populist parties is increasing there. Can it delay the visa-free regime? Yes, unfortunately. The EU will now blow on water," Gerashchenko said on Facebook on Friday morning.

Gerashchenko said serious internal problems are 'killing" the ratings of all current EU leaders, making one focus on the situation inside the EU while ignoring everything that goes on outside it.

At the same time, she said that it is not a reason for Ukraine to give up, no matter how difficult the consequences of the British referendum will be for the EU.

"Such is our Ukrainian way, like Ukrainian roads, with pits and potholes, but without curbs and always westward. Therefore, we move on. We demand that the EU fulfill its obligation on the visa-free regime, we expect the prolongation of the sanctions against Russia, we are fighting for our Euro-Atlantic perspective. Because there is just no other vector for Ukraine," Gerashchenko said.

The UK has voted to leave the European Union at a referendum: 51.9% of British voters voted for the country to leave the EU, the voter turnout being over 72%.

Over 33.5 million people took part in the referendum.
Criminal investigators of Ukraine's General Prosecutor's Office (PGO) on Thursday arrested four former members of a squadron of Berkut riot police of the Main Department of Ukraine's Interior Ministry in Kharkiv region, who are suspected of committing a number of felonies on February 18, 2014 in the centre of Kyiv.

Four former Berkut riot police officers who are now working in Ukraine's National Police were arrested on Thursday, June 23, the press secretary for the prosecutor general of Ukraine, Larysa Sarhan, reported on her Facebook page on Friday. "All the suspects were remanded in custody by court at the request of the public prosecutor," Sarhan wrote.

According to Sarhan, they are suspected of committing a number of crimes on Instytutska Street, Krepostny Lane and Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv on February 18, 2014 in execution of a clearly criminal order. These crimes include actions aimed at illegal impeding meetings, rallies, marches and demonstrations; abuse of power resulting in serious consequences, causing grievous bodily harm to 35 citizens due to the use of special means; as well as committing an attempted murder of two or more persons at a preliminary arrangement by the group of persons.

One of the suspects is accused of having murdered one person during the violence, she added.

Sarhan said that the investigators of the PGO held a series of searches, during which weapons and ammunition and other items and things "that have evidentiary value in the pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings" were found and seized at suspects' places of residence.
ROTHERHAM voted more than two to one to leave the European Union, reflecting the vote across the country.

68 per cent voted leave and 32 per cent voted to remain in the EU  the overall voter turn-out was 69.56 per cent.

Prime Minister David Cameron has resigned this morning and is expected to step down by October, when the Conservatives will have to elect a new leader.

There is already speculation a general election could be held later in the year.

The leader of Rotherham Borough Council, Cllr Chris Read, tweeted: Sterling dropping like a stone, FTSE expected to fall, country divided, years of negotiation ahead. Nothing to do but hope.

Cameron accidentally nearly breaks the Union, accidentally leads us out of EU  most calamitous PM for a century?

In Rotherham, 197,616 people were registered to vote in the EU referendum.
Kimberley Diamonds, which owns the Lerala diamond mine, in Botswana has confirmed that liquidators of its Ellendale mine, in Western Australia, commenced proceedings against the company and three of its directors.

It said in a statement that the liquidators made a claim of $22.7 million, plus costs and interest.

They claimed alleged insolvent trading, alleged voidable transaction recovery proceedings and alleged breaches of director duties.

Kimberley Diamonds, and each of Alex Alexander, Noel Halgreen and Rodney Sainty, refuted the claim and were planning to defend all claims, said the company.

The Ellendale mine, which was once the worlds major source of fancy yellow diamonds, liquidated last July after its revenue dipped as a result of lower grades recovered coupled with the downturn in the rough diamond market.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




A Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) preliminary report of the June 3 Union Pacific oil train derailment near Mosier, Ore., found broken lag bolts that led to gauge widening to be the cause of the accident.

Unless or until additional details come to light, FRA has made the preliminary determination that Union Pacifics failure to maintain its track and track equipment resulted in the derailment. Broken and sheared lag bolts, while difficult to detect by high-rail, are more detectable by walking inspection combined with indications of movement in the rail or track structure and/or uneven rail wear, and are critically important to resolve quickly, the report said.

The UP train carrying Bakken crude oil for U.S. Oil & Refining Company was traveling at approximately 25 mph, within the speed restriction of the track of 30 mph due to track curvature, when the accident occurred and 16 tank cars derailed.

The cars in the train were general purpose specification DOT-111 tank cars that had been modified to the Association of American Railroads (AAR) CPC-1232 standard and were equipped with full-height head shields and metal jackets with insulation, but did not have thermal protection.

The Union Pacific train was equipped with an air brake system and was operating on distributive power. FRAs preliminary report said that a simulation found that had the train been equipped with electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brakes, two fewer tank cars may have derailed and one less tank car may have been punctured. Under mandate, all unit oil trains will be required to have ECP brakes after January 2023. The rail industry has called the ECP brake mandate unjustified arguing that the braking system is unreliable and unnecessary.

Following the release of the preliminary report, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said its findings calls attention to serious safety concerns and the need for improved track inspections. I expect the final investigation report to be completed quickly and again call on rail operators to halt oil trains in Oregon until the strongest safety measures are put in place by federal authorities to protect Oregonians.

After the derailment, FRA conducted walking inspections of all the curves in the Columbia River Gorge to inspect for additional track, fastener, or bolt issues. Additionally, inspectors from state and federal agencies in Oregon and Washington state conducted track inspections along the Columbia River Gorge rail line between Vancouver and Pasco, Wash. Union Pacific has said will resume oil transport along the line this week.

Union Pacific also has plans to use rail spikes instead of lag bolts with similar fastening systems as was found at the derailment site as part of the Class 1s track renewal program.

Two days prior to the derailment, UP detailed plans to invest a planned $34.6 million into its Oregon infrastructure this year. The majority of the funds, $28.5 million, will go to maintain track and $3.8 million will be spent on maintaining bridges.

The railroad said key projects to advance under the Oregon plan include the replacement of 33,372 crossties between Chemult and Oakridge and 28,342 crossties between Bridal Veil and Hood River, as well as replacing nearly four miles of curve rail between Stanfield and La Grande.

The planned 2016 capital expenditure in Oregon is on top of the $193 million the railroad spent between 2011 and 2015 on rail infrastructure in the state.
After nearly four years of dedicated service to R.J. Corman Railroad Group, Craig King he retire from his position as president and chief executive officer and will be assuming a seat on the board of directors.

Rick Corman, R.J. Cormans founder, hand-selected King to fill the position before his passing in 2013. The company says Kings 35-year career with CSX Transportation made him an ideal candidate for the position.

Rick Corman was a personal friend of mine for years, King stated. I am proud to have been able to continue his legacy and lead the company that he worked so hard to build. I greatly value the relationships I have built with our employees, customers and suppliers. With the help of a great leadership team, we have accomplished more than I had hoped to during my time with R.J. Corman.

R.J. Corman says Kings experience and leadership have been influential in the continuous expansion of the company, growing from 1,065 to 1,646 employees. R.J. Corman Railroad Company has acquired two new shortlines since his start in January of 2013, beginning operations in Texas and the Carolinas and adding 104 miles of track.

Additionally, 10 new R.J. Corman Railroad Switching Company locations have been opened. R.J. Corman Railroad Services Company has added 135 new employees to its railroad construction and emergency response teams. This increase in manpower has contributed to a larger geographic footprint, increased railroad construction and maintenance-of-way capacity and improved efficiency for emergency response.

One of Kings primary goals was to continue to diversify the company by providing new value-added services to the railroad industry. King helped launch the R.J. Corman Signaling Company in April of 2013, adding to the list of services provided by R.J. Corman. This company now consists of a total of 56 employees. Additionally, R.J. Corman acquired the Roadway Worker Training company in 2014, which included the hiring of 48 new employees and added flagging and training services.

Craig has served an integral role during his tenure with our company, said Fred Mudge, chairman of the board of directors. We thank him for providing invaluable leadership during the transition after our founders passing and for the contributions he has made toward R.J. Cormans success. With Craigs guidance and operational focus, we have solidified the strong foundation that was instilled by our founder and recognized significant strategic growth.

The board of trustees will begin considerations for a new president and CEO immediately. The date of Kings transition will be announced following the boards decision to name his successor.

While we will greatly miss Craig King serving as our President and CEO, we are excited for his new chapter in life and know he will continue to be instrumental to the success of the company through his new role on our board of directors. On behalf of the board of trustees, I would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for what he has done and will continue to do for R. J. Corman, said April Corman Colyer, member of the board of trustees and director of public Affairs for R.J. Corman Railroad Group.
German consumer goods maker Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (HENOY, HENKY) announced that it has signed agreement to acquire laundry and home care company The Sun Products Corp from a fund of Vestar Capital Partners.

The transaction is valued (purchase price including debt) at around 3.2 billion

euros or $3.6 billion and the closing of the transaction is subject to approval from cartel authorities and other customary closing conditions.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Canadian stocks are set to join the global rout Friday morning after the United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union.

European stocks plummeted more than 6 percent overnight, and the European Central Bank said it is ready to act after the historic decision. UK Prime Minister David Cameron has resigned.

The carnage is widespread. Crude oil futures plunged 4.4 percent, suggesting the Canadian oil patch will be hit hard today.

A bright spot will be gold stocks, as bullion prices jumped 4.5 percent on safe haven buying.

Yesterday, gains were widespread amid optimism that the vote would go the other way, as the S&P/TSX Composite Index was up 127 points to 14,131.

Penn West (PWT.TO) says Alberta oil regulator's rule change will be a hurdle to its planned asset sales.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Bitcoin, once dismissed as something reserved for geeks and the cryptography enthusiasts, is back in the limelight, as the price of the cryptocurrency appreciated in recent weeks and the "blockchain" underlying it is attracting attention from players beyond the financial world.

Click here to see BITCOIN EXPLAINED

Raising the intrigue linked to Bitcoin is the fact that the real identity of its creator, who used the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto while proposing the digital currency in 2008, still remains a mystery, despite years of investigation by cryptocurrency enthusiasts, journalists, government authorities and so on. Several theories are prevalent and some contenders have also come forward.

On June 16, Bitcoin crossed a key milestone of $750 for the first time in 28 months. Some main reasons cited behind the surge was the looming halving to take place around July 11, when the 420,000 bitcoin block will be mined. The event, which occurs once in four years, will halve the bitcoin mining reward that are awarded every 10 minutes, from 25 to 12.5 bitcoins.

Other reasons cited for the appreciation include the yuan weakness linked to the economic slowdown in China, where Bitcoin is popular, and the uncertainty linked to "Brexit".

As the crypto-world goes gaga over the recent appreciation of Bitcoin and a relatively new fellow digital currency Ether, hackers are busy revealing vulnerabilities in these protocols, challenging developers to come up with more secure solutions to fulfill the decentralized peer-to-peer network dreams.

The perceived anonymity linked to Bitcoin transactions have also retained it as a darling for the darknet.

Beyond the regulatory control, the relatively young decentralized digital currency Bitcoin and its counterparts, still remain a high risk investment for investors. The highly volatile price also adds to the risk factor.

And governments and regulators are yet to figure out how to approach cryptocurrencies, though they have begun to tax transactions involving bitcoins.

That said, Bitcoin has found wider acceptance in the real with big companies such as Microsoft and Dell embracing it as a payment option for their digital services. The digital currency is also finding use in physical stores and in crowd-funding initiatives.

The future for the cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin depends on how efficiently its developers can scale the size of the network and add more security to transactions so that they can gain greater acceptance and trust in the real world.

Click here to see BITCOIN EXPLAINED

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Representatives of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics are obstructing the activities of the OSCE special monitoring mission (SMM) in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in the east of Ukraine, OSCE SMM Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug has said.

He said this at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday.

Hug recounted these obstructions: restrictions on freedom of movement outside the territory controlled by Kyiv, creation of radio disturbances, shelling of the mission's drones. These are the action aimed at preventing the implementation of the mandate of the OSCE SMM, he said.

The deputy head of the mission also said that these actions point to the fact that not all the parties to the conflict understand the nature and purpose of the mission.

According to Hug, in the past week the OSCE observers were allowed to the LPR-controlled territory only once, the other three times access was denied.

This shows that the mission is provided access only when there is nothing to show, and when militants want to hide something, the mission is denied access, he said.

The deputy head of Special Mission also noted the continuing attacks on the mission's drones.

In addition, Hug said that at the moment the OSCE SMM has 707 observers, 596 of whom are working in the east of Ukraine.
If you are one of those people who think that the Rolls Royce Cullinan is a hideous automobile with exorbitant price tag, then you wouldt like this news. Yes, there are actually a lot of affluent people in this world who fancy the elite British auto marques first ever SUV parked in front of their swanky mansions. The Cullinan is proof that a good number of people associate class with heritage and brand image rather than aesthetics.

The Cullinan is so successful that the Goodwood-based outfit is now currently sitting on enough orders to keep its craftsmen fully occupied till July. The ultra-luxury SUV continues to bring in more orders. The new Phantom which was introduced in 2017 is doing well too.

Rolls Royce finished 2018 with record breaking sales of 4,107 units but the sales figure doesnt fully reflect the impact made by Cullinan since the deliveries commenced only towards end of the year. Thanks to the SUV, RR is looking at an even better sales performance this year.

Martin Fritsches, CEO of Rolls Royce Motor Cars Americas, stated that the Cullinan has succeeded in bringing new audience to the ultra-luxury brand. About half of the Cullinan customers are new to Rolls Royce, and unlike for other models from the brand, a significant portion of the customer base comprises women. He also added that several of 44 Rolls Royce dealerships in the Americas have heavily invested in expanding or setting up new showrooms in the wake of increased demand for the Cullinan. He foresees that Canada would emerge as one of the important markets for the Rolls Royce SUV since its 44 system is suitable for the weather conditions there.

To recap, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan employs the same aluminium platform which also underpins the new Phantom limousine. The high-riding Rolls derives its power from a 6.5-liter V12 petrol engine which develops 563 PS and a hefty 850 Nm of torque. The SUV sports air suspension, all-wheel drive system, high-end connectivity and infotainment system, and a lot more to justify its monumental price tag. Like any RR product, customers have the option of customizing their vehicles with seemingly limitless options.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is available in India at INR 6.95 crores (ex-showroom). Are we the only ones to be surprised that people are actually queuing up to buy this car?
Tesla Motors is reported to have chosen China as the location for its Asian manufacturing plant over other popular choices like India and Thailand. While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, media reports suggest that a non-binding MoU has been signed between Tesla and Jinqiao Group.

Jinqiao Group is a Shanghai government-owned industrial organization which is reported to be Teslas local partner.

Unprecedented response for the Tesla Model 3 has prompted the automaker to expedite its production expansion.

However, Shanghai Jinqiao Export Processing Zone Development Co, said in a statement that its parent company hasnt signed any document relating to a Tesla Motors factory in China. But according to a Bloombergs source, Suzhou and Hefei cities are competing with each other to get the Tesla project.

The Tesla-Jinqiao partnership is expected to invest a total of USD 9 billion (50% of it will come from the American EV maker) in the Chinese operations which are likely to include setting up nationwide dealership network, a possible second Gigafactory, superchargers and even an R&D centre.

The Chinese plant will give Tesla a price advantage to battle it out with luxury brands.

Also read  Elon Musk reveals that Model S can be a boat whenever needed

Local manufacturing would help Tesla avoid the 25% import duty which in turn would help the brand compete more effectively with luxury brands like Mercedes, BMW, Audit, etc. The location of the facility in the municipality of Shanghai has a strategic advantage as it is a major auto hub with well equipped Port.

Tesla Model 3  Photos

Via  Bloomberg.com
There are some reasons to say that Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM) monitors came under mortar fire in the populated area of Vodiane, Donetsk region on June 22 not by accident, OSCE SMM Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug said.

The mission monitors came under mortar fire in Kyiv-controlled Vodiane, two kilometers away from the contact line, on Wednesday, he said at a news briefing in Kyiv on Friday. The mission's visit to this village was agreed upon with the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC), which is bound to provide access to monitors, Hug said. Those who opened mortar fire knew that the monitors were staying in the village, but used the mortars all the same, he said. The shells exploded 100 meters away from the monitors, Hug said.

He said that the security of monitors is a priority for him and that he will not allow any of them to be hurt.
One killed in airstrikes on al-Qabitah district in Lahj





SANAA, June 23 (Saba)  The Saudi-led war jets waged on Thursday four raids on scattered areas in al-Qabitah district of Lahj province, killing a citizen from the district, a military official said.



The official pointed out that the aggressions warplanes and its mercenaries continued to breach the ceasefire during the past 24 hours in a number of provinces in the country.



The hostile war jets waged two raids on Maswara area and Nehm district in Sanaa province, two others on Serwah district of Mareb province and another one on al-Saqiyah area in al-Masloub district in Jawf province, he said.



He added that the aggressions hirelings launch a missile attack on the areas of Bani Bareq, al-Houl, Mabdaah, Maswara and Riman in Nehm district and different areas in Serwah district.



In Taiz, the mercenaries targeted al-Madrab and al-Qashwaba areas in al-Wazeiyah district and al-Jahmaliah district, as well as an artillery bombing on Thubab village, which caused damage to houses of citizens.



One of the Military Hospital staff was shot dead by mercenary snipers in al-Jahmaliah, according to the military official.



In Jawf province, the hirelings pounded al-Ghail and al-Maton districts with artillery shells and rockets, the official said, adding that many of the mercenary fighters were killed during their attempt to advance toward al-Maton district.



The hostile war jets continued flying in the sky of Nehm district in Sanaa province and in the border districts of Saada province and in the skies of Taiz, Mareb and Jawf provinces.



BA

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[24/June/2016]
Finance and central bank deputies from G20 states reached a basic consensus on this years expected outcomes of fiscal and finance channels in a meeting held in Southeast Chinas Fujian Province on Wednesday.

It is the third G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting China hosted since it assumed the rotating presidency in 2016.

The two-day meeting focused on the current global economy, a G20 framework for growth, investment and infrastructure.

Representatives from international organizations also exchanged views with attending G20 deputies on international finance structure, reform on finance departments, global taxation cooperation, green finance, climate funds and counter-terrorism financing.

The consensus they reached will be deliberated at the third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting to be held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province this July.

While assuming the rotating presidency, China will hold 66 events across 20 cities this year with thousands of expected participants. Last month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also listed 10 to-be-delivered outcomes of the Hangzhou Summit at a media briefing on the 100-day countdown.
Children hold banners. (Photo/Weibo)

On June 23, five children stood in front of a kindergarten in Sichuan with a banner in their hand that says Congratulations to the principals daughter for getting 630 in gaokao. We should learn from her. 

Later the principal admitted that it was an arrangement from the kindergarten but suggested by childrens parents, using as a way to advertise the kindergarten.

Many netizens showed their antipathy with the kindergartens arrangement. Most of them think it is completely unacceptable to have children hold banners like this for advertisement.

After the journalists contacted the principal of the kindergarten, the principal admitted that she had older children hold the banners. Those five are all very good kids, and their parents are very supportive. For the purpose of this event, the principal said because her daughter was alone in Mianyang but studied very hard and still had a good performance in gaokao, she hopes the children can learn from her in this aspect. She also said that those 5 children all held the banner for a little while after they were dismissed from class, mainly for advertisement purposes.
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
Wang Hua draws. (Photo/Cyol.com)

When Beijing Times Museum offered her 150,000 yuan for one of her paintings, her first reaction was to decline. Back then, Wang Hua was a waitress at the cafeteria of the Central Academy of Fine Art, and lived in a basement of less than 10 square meters. Drawing is the only thing that makes her happy.

But Wang Hua was already 34 years old. She left her hometown at the age of 15. In order to spend more time drawing, she only took three shifts at work as a waitress for 1,000 yuan monthly pay. When her parents visited her in Beijing, she was two months behind with her rent. In order to comfort her parents, Wang sold her drawing to the Beijing Times Museum.

Looking at Wang Huas drawings, you probably would never think that her highest education would be elementary school. Her drawings are usually more than 10 meters long. Countless lines combine into mysterious graphic patterns. No starting point, no terminal point.

Wang recalled it was a summer in 2004, a passerby said she looked just like an artist. The compliment encouraged her to start her journey in drawing. No previous experience and no commercial objects, Wang Hua says all she wants to do is draw. When she starts drawing, she is completely immersed in her own world and cannot notice anything happening around her. Wang never needs to draw a sketch at first. She says she has so much to express in the drawings that she never thinks the paper is long enough.

Now Wang Hua is a resident artist at a famous bookstore in Beijing. She can draw as much as she wants. But she is still the idealist artist who refuses all commercial offers.

One of Wang Hua's drawings.
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Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameronand his wife Samantha leave the Central Methodist Hall polling station after casting their votes for the EU Referendum in London, on June 23, 2016. Millions of Britons will vote to stay in or leave the European Union(EU) on Thursday as polling stations across the country opened to the public in the morning. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

LONDON, June 24-- The Leave camp has won Britain's Brexit referendum on Friday morning by obtaining nearly 52 percent of ballots, pulling the country out of the 28-nation European Union after its 43-year membership.

With nearly all the results have been counted, more than 17 million people voted to leave while around 16 million others voted to stay at the bloc. Official result was quoted by local media.

Britain has become the first country to quit in the bloc's 60-year history, a culmination of decades of suspicion over European aims of creating an ever-closer political union.
Here's who is on the ballot in Saline County

Advance, in-office voting is underway in Saline County, as voters in the 2022 general election have several options on who and what to vote for.
The children, Salesian Sisters, staff and parents of St. Joseph Primary school Leauvaa are an extremely grateful bunch.

Thanks to the Australian Aid through their Direct Aid Program (D.A.P), the school was able to purchase 300 Sebel Postura Plus chairs valued at $49,500.

Principal Sr. Lavalea Ielenimo said the help from the Australian Aid could not have come at a better time.

After the opening of the new school building we needed new furniture, she said in a statement.

Australia came to our aid by the provision of 300 chairs for our school. The cost of these 300 good quality chairs was not cheap.

We appreciate very much the assistance from the Australian Aid and there is no doubt that the quality chairs we received will be used in the next fifteen or more years to come.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Australia and the Australian High Commission, D.A.P team for foreseeing the needs of the different communities in Samoa including St. Joseph Primary School Leauvaa.

The children of St. Joseph sit comfortably and enjoy their learning environment because of this help from the Australian Aid. Faafetai Faafetai tele lava!
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker addresses a news conference on Britain's referendum result in Brussels, Belgium, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

BRUSSELS, June 24 -- As Britain has voted in the historic referendum to leave the European Union(EU), the reform deal reached between the United Kingdom and the EU in February will not take effect and ceases to exist, top officials announced on Friday.

The leaders, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Council President Donald Tusk, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose government holds the rotating EU presidency, released a joint statement after a meeting saying they regretted but respected the British decision. They pledged to stay as a union of 27 member states.

"This is an unprecedented situation but we are united in our response," they said, stressing that the Union of 27 Member States will continue.

"The Union is the framework of our common political future," the leaders said, "together we will address our common challenges to generate growth, increase prosperity and ensure a safe and secure environment for our citizens."

They called for the UK "to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be."

"Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty," the leaders warned, suggesting the UK to leave the union in an "orderly way."

"We stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the United Kingdom regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union," the statement said.

They added that the deal agreed with British Prime Minister Cameron in February to protect London's financial markets, curb immigration and opt out of closer union will not take effect and ceases to exist, adding that there will be no renegotiation.

Juncker has warned clearly ahead the referendum that "out is out," ruling out further renegotiation of Britain's membership with the EU.

However, the leaders said the UK will remain a member of the EU until the process of exit negotiations is over.

"According to the Treaties which the United Kingdom has ratified, EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a member," the statement said.

As for the future relationship between the UK and the EU, the leaders said they hope the two to be "close partners."

"Any agreement, which will be concluded with the United Kingdom as a third country, will have to reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations," they said.

According to the EU laws, in order to leave the union, the UK government will first have to launch a proposal to activate Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which sets out the procedural requirements for a member state to terminate its membership.

Then a "withdrawal agreement" needs to be negotiated on such things as tariffs on British goods and freedom of movement with the remaining member states.

Tusk has warned that renegotiating the relationship between the UK and the EU could take up to seven years.
A court in American Samoa has been asked to quash an arrest warrant for a former lawyer in the territory who is now the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration.

Radio New Zealand International reported that the motion was filed early this week on behalf of the Minister Fa'aolesa Katopau Ainu'u who was charged in 2008 with embezzlement, fraud and theft.

It is alleged when Fa'aolesa was a local licensed attorney, he received $5,000 from a client for legal services he failed to provide.

His defence argued Fa'aolesa represented the client several times in Court before transferring the case to another attorney because of his move to Samoa.

The client, who is the complainant in the case, died last year and his widow does not want to pursue the matter.

The lawyer for the defence also argued Fa'aolesa had no knowledge of a police investigation and accusations against him, and was never served with an arrest warrant.

The lawyer says the first time Fa'aolesa became aware of the existence of an arrest warrant was earlier this year when stories were published in the news media.
BRUSSELS, June 24 -- In his response to Britons voting to withdraw from the European Union(EU) on Thursday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday said the United Kingdom would retain its position in NATO despite the change in the EU's political landscape.

"The British people have decided to leave the European Union," he said in a statement. "As it defines the next chapter in its relationship with the EU, I know that the UK's position in NATO will remain unchanged."

He stressed the UK would still be a strong and committed NATO ally, and would continue to play its leading role in the alliance.

"Today, as we face more instability and uncertainty, NATO is more important than ever as a platform for cooperation among European allies, and between Europe and North America," said Stoltenberg.

He added NATO was committed to closer cooperation with the European Union.
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Last week, I visited the shrine of the Chinese Community Party (CCP) in Yan an, Shaanxi Province

It is actually a museum, but I call it a shrine because of its essence to the party that has ruled China since 1949.

After passing through the mountains scarified and lacerated by the elements of weather, this thought of how tactical and brave the CCP leaders were in their Long March (Changzheng) filled my mind.

It was extraordinary tact and bravery that would have propelled them to flee the firepower of the Nationalist Party that was in power and embroiled in war with the opposition to such remote and impossible location.

Yan an is just out of this world. I got there by road from Xian, after five grueling but lovely hours through roads and bridges built in very challenging topography. We meandered in tandem with the loops and bends of the road that is like 55% of bridges and possibly another 10% of tunnels bored through mountains and got to Yan an before nightfall.

While leaving, I saw a clearer picture of the location from the sky seated by the window of the Hainan Air flight. The settlements weave along the curves of the valleys in between the spurs and folds of the mountains.

The terrain makes part of my tale here because of the uniqueness and how daring those people were to get to such place some 81 years ago.

The March of 80,000 CCP soldiers lasted a year through 10,000km and ended in Yan an in 1935, with a paltry 10% of the troops, 8,000 arriving destination alive. A great sacrifice indeed.

Yes, CCP won the one year long march, but today stands in the threshold of a far longer march of 95 years, and the years ahead. Many have died; many sank; many kept afloat. Many lost the fight, many won it. The march and wars in between changed faces, but the march endures for tomorrow. Sure, the party has taken a long road.

Prior to my visiting China, the much I knew was that the country operates a communist system but not the details of it. I know communism like many from the textbooks as my own society never practiced it.

But coming to China and studying the system gave me insight to what communism means in China and how it works.

CCP was founded in 1921, just few years after the first major communist state of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) Bolshevik Revolution took roots. So, China actually became the ideological and political outpost of USSR style of politics.

In the days of the birth of the CCP, opposition in most parts of the world was defined in fisticuffs. So, CCP and the ruling Nationalist Party of China slugged out their political trade in bloodshed. Those were the civil wars of China and when the opposition CCP was routed, it flee to a far and remote location in Yan an to re-strategize, ensconced for 13 years in the deep valleys.

When CCP efforts came to fruition in 1949, it took over the management of China possibly expecting a war of opposition soon after. But that has not happened till date. Today, opposition has taken a different shape, not that of warfare and blood but ideological tantrums and naggings.

To consolidate, maybe after the demise of a despot in USSR, Josef Stalin, who implemented unsparing and intolerant socialism in Russia that was a strong influence on China, CCP took a different route of entrenching development. That gave birth to the first Development Plan of 1953. March this year, as I reported the Two Sessions in Beijing, President Xi Jinping announced the commencement of the 13th five-year Development Plan that culminates in 2020.

No doubt, CCP has been a catalyst in the growth and evolution of China to where it is today. From the bloodshed days to the leadership days later, CCP has been on constant evolution and self reinvention over time.

Being in China now when the CCP celebrates its 95 years, I owe the party some words. I am just a journalist, not Chinese, but Nigerian. I am not a politician, I am not given to so much ideology gimmicks because they are the platitude with which the political elite confuse and convolute the system to get what it wants from the masses. I am just an observer from my profession that gives me the latitude to take on any issue. With the entire world as jurisdiction, I am an interested party in the business of the CCP for a better China and better world. I congratulate the CCP for these long years of struggle and tenacity.

In China, the political system is complex and unique. It is like something not known elsewhere. But most of all, it is workable. Many countries that operate multi-party democracy have an opposition that is never part of the government. In China, there are eight political parties that seem to operate under the same platform.

At the National Peoples Congress (NPC) and the China Peoples Political Consultative Congress (CPPCC) at the Two Sessions, all of them gather in the same auditorium and decide on what the countrys leadership and its policies should be. This also includes the parties that rule in Hong Kong and Taiwan. China prides herself with another complexity known as One Country, Two Systems.

A proof that China operates democracy by its own model and not ruled by the arbitrariness of one man is because the NCP elects the president who operates under the supervision of the electing body. In Britain, the masses dont elect the Prime Minister. Its the party that has majority membership in the parliament that forms the government and appoints the PM. In China, the NPC, a representative body of the leaders of the parties plays the role.

That implies that Chinas CCP operates a constitutional government with checks and balances.

By CCP system which I call creative, the NPC that elects the president is made of members of the opposition parties and some other interests and certainly with the CCP members in the majority. Even the CPPCC has these other members.

In a lecture by Prof. Lu Keli on the History of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to my class at the Renmin University of China, Beijing, three months ago, he noted that many observers all over the world have started doubting the socialist credentials of the current CCP and dubbing it a capitalist institution already.

Their reason for the conclusion is the constant shift in principle and paradigm of the party as against the rigid socialist, Marxist/Leninist ideology.

The excessive fantasy of a socialist world failed USSR and others. But the CCP found a way out of extinction through creativity of change.

That shift, blend and tilt has created an amalgam that stands midway between capitalism and its extremes in the West and the other extreme of the prism - socialism as practiced by USSR and East Europe countries then.

In China today, all successful citizens in every field are never outcasts in the CCP because they made it big. Instead, those that hit the limelight and highways outside the party or as non-CCP members are adopted and given high ranking places as role models.

From Jack Ma of Alibaba fame to Yao Ming, from Li Na to the richest business moguls of China, all are CCP policymaking team members. At the 2016 Two Sessions I reported, they were all present.

Prof. Lu admitted that the resilience of the CCP ideology of constant change has been its staying power as that keeps it steadily on self-diagnosis and change with the trend of the times. CCP over the years has avoided rigidity of ideas, a smart and creative way of sustaining what USSR that sold the idea to it could not.

Antagonists would sneer that China is not democratic. But China under the CCP is not in anarchy with its system? China under the CCP is not insular or retarded; not threatened by extinction or gasping for breath? Instead, China is as buoyant as the best of democracies and a good and workable system is assessed by the results it produces.

China is called a party state with a flourishing merger between the state and the party. Its a system where many civil servants, academics, students, artisans, traders, researchers or technocrats are members of the CCP, even many journalists. Another complexity of the CCP is its collectives of leadership. As many other countries have a leader at a time, China in the past takes a team of leaders along per time. It is most interesting to find that while Deng Xiaoping was never the president of China, head of government, general secretary of the Communist Party, he overshadowed others who were in power as the supreme leader of China. That is the CCP model.

At the last week of April, I had an audience with the head of African Affairs in the International Department of the Central Committee of the CCP, Mr. Wang Heming. One of the concerns I raised with him is how communist, ideologically speaking, the party still is.

He admitted that over 40 years, arguments on this issue have been heated among the leadership and membership of the party. But at last it was settled as a matter not weighty enough to rock the boat.

He said even in the day of Mao Zedong, the most compelling objective of the party was to serve the people and attend to their needs and make a better society. Wangs worry is only about whether the system works. He argues that CCPs system is good for China, and since the party has been in power since 1949, and moved the country in the direction of progress, it has what it takes to remain relevant.

China has developed its form of communism with Chinese characters. Marxism came into being over 120 years ago in the West, and its not possible for the ideology to fit so well into the realities of todays socio-economic system. Therefore it must need adjustment to be relevant. That is what China has done and to the CCP, the name of the ideology is none issue.

He admitted that the CCP is not a perfect system because it is operated by human beings and no human institution is.

That conclusion is my concern. It is good that the leadership of the party is going tough onthemembers that dent the image of the party.

This has to be sustained if the CCP is to remain relevant to China and the world.

The party should not take light the influence of todays open world where the ICT has made communication and information dissemination the biggest world issue. No part of the world is any longer isolated, otherwise I would have no reason to write this as a Nigerian journalist. The world watches CCP today more than before. It needs to tap into the benefits of this rave and make itself more open and stronger. Its tasking to run a party of over 85 million members, managing the largest polity in the world and the second largest economy. But the size of CCPs jurisdiction is also a benefit it should put to positive use.

My interest is that since the CCP provides the world with a good alternative in political management of societies, it should remain alive and relevant in the years ahead and play its role better in adapting to the changing times for good.

Emewu, senior editor of The Sun Newspaper, Nigeria is a Fellow of the CPDA and of the CAPC, Beijing ([email protected])
As Obama presses for a higher minimum wage, the Post recalls Ford's shocking move 100 years ago to boost productivity by investing in his workers.

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In 1914, Henry Ford made a big announcement that shocked the country. It caused the financial editor at The New York Times to stagger into the newsroom and ask his staff in a stunned whisper, Hes crazy, isnt he? Dont you think hes crazy?

That morning, Ford would begin paying his employees $5.00 a day, over twice the average wage for automakers in 1914.

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In addition, he was reducing the work day from 9 hours to 8 hours, a significant drop from the 60-hour work week that was the standard in American manufacturing.

According to an article (above) in the Post sponsored by the automaker, Ford arrived at the new wage scale during a meeting with his managers.

He wrote on the board the Ford wage standards: minimum pay of $2.34 for a nine-hour day. He tossed down the chalk and said: Figure out how much more we can give our men.

The Ford executives worked all day, cautiously adding 25 an hour, and then another 25. Every so often Ford walked back in, said: Not enough, and walked out.

Finally they had doubled the basic payup to $4.80 a day. One man snapped, Why dont you make it $5 a day and bust the company right?

Fine, said Henry Ford. Well do that.

A young reporter from the Times travelled to Detroit to learn more about this revolutionary move. His name was Edward Peter Garrett, but he wrote under the name Garet Garrett, which was how Post readers knew him when he was the magazines financial writer between 1922 and 1942.

Arriving in Detroit, Garrett found the citys manufacturers panicking and predicting various disasters. The higher wages would cause other employers to leave the city, they said. Carmakers who remained and tried to match Fords wages would go bankrupt. Ford employees would be demoralized by this sudden affluence, and, of course, Ford Motor Company would soon be bankrupt.

Fortunately, Garrett was able to get an audience with Henry Ford and, over the course of two days, discuss the companys revolutionary changes. He wrote of his extended interview with Ford in a 1952 book, The Wild Wheel. He recalled asking Ford why he raised wages when every other manufacturer was trying to reduce wages to the lowest acceptable figure. Ford believed he was buying higher quality work from all his employees. If the floor sweepers heart is in his job he can save us five dollars a day by picking up small tools instead of sweeping them out.

Higher wages were necessary, Ford realized, to retain workers who could handle the pressure and the monotony of his assembly line. In January of 1914, his continuous-motion system reduced the time to build a car from 12 and a half hours to 93 minutes. But the pace and repetitiveness of the jobs was so demanding, many workers found themselves unable to withstand it for eight hours a day, no matter how much they were paid.

But Ford had an even bigger reason for raising his wages, which he noted in a 1926 book, Today and Tomorrow. Its as a challenging a statement today as it as 100 years ago. The owner, the employees, and the buying public are all one and the same, and unless an industry can so manage itself as to keep wages high and prices low it destroys itself, for otherwise it limits the number of its customers. Ones own employees ought to be ones own best customers.

It might have been just another of Fords wild ideas, except that it proved successful. In 1914, the company sold 308,000 of its Model Tsmore than all other carmakers combined. By 1915, sales had climbed to 501,000. By 1920, Ford was selling a million cars a year.

We increased the buying power of our own people, and they increased the buying power of other people, and so on and on, Ford wrote. It is this thought of enlarging buying power by paying high wages and selling at low prices that is behind the prosperity of this country.

In 1919, Ford raised his minimum wage again, this time to $6.00 a day. Again, the wage hike produced higher production numbers. Ford told Garrett, The payment of five dollars a day for an eight-hour day was one of the finest cost-cutting moves we ever made, and the six-dollar-a-day wage is cheaper than the five. How far this will go we do not know.

He learned how far in 1929. In the aftermath of the stock market crash, he raised wages to $7.00 a day, hoping it would spark an economic recovery. But this time, it didnt work. Orders fell, production slowed, hours were reduced. But Ford didnt blame the workers for the sluggish economy. The fault lay in business leaders who were continually putting the profit motive over what he called the wage motive. Ford told Garrett, When business thought only of profit for the owners instead of providing goods for all, then it frequently broke down.

While it worked, though, Fords $5.00-a-day policy helped the company achieve record profits. It made its cars affordable to its workers (who could purchase a Model T with four months wages.) It helped put 15 million Americans behind the wheel of an automobile. And it set a standard for wages that, despite all the predictions of doom for the Ford Motor Company, every other car company eventually adopted.
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[NOUMEA] The first ever Pacific states non-communicable diseases (NCDs) summit is pushing for the adoption of new policies to tackle non-communicable epidemics in the region  mainly heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Initiated by the Pacific Community and the government of Tonga, the summit took place in Nukualofa, Tonga, on 20-22 June, gathering over 200 high-level delegates representing Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs) and international development organisations.

Seventeen key statements were adopted, inspired by WHO recommendations. These include supporting a Pacific funding mechanism on NCDs and increasing tobacco taxes to achieve a tobacco-free Pacific by 2025. The recommendations will be presented at the Pacific health ministers meeting in Cook Islands next year.

The head of the Pacific Community, Colin Tukuitonga, pledged strong public policies, declaring that the responsibility for making lifestyle choices lies less with individuals than with the environment in which they live and work.

NCDs represent a serious threat for the Pacific, accounting for up to 75 per cent of recorded deaths. Cardiovascular disease is the regions leading cause of death, often occurring at rates twice that of more traditional communicable diseases.

In 2015, eight Pacific states were among the top ten countries and territories identified as having the highest diabetes prevalence in the world. Some PICTs have even been experiencing declining life expectancy.

The main risk factors for NCDs are well known: tobacco; consumption of high-fat, salty and high sugared foods; lack of exercise and alcohol abuse.

Although these risk factors are avoidable, little has been achieved yet to reduce exposure and change behaviours. Improving access to healthy food is particularly tricky in countries highly dependent on imports that poor people can hardly afford, linking obesity issues with sustainable development goals.

A complex backdrop of globalisation, unplanned urbanisation and rapid economic growth in PICTs changed the way people acquired and increased consumption of sugary, salty, fatty foods, and tobacco and alcohol, explains Solene Bertrand-Protat, NCD officer at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

It is difficult for governments to constrain global trends, agrees Dominique Megraoua, who leads the diabetes programme at the health and social agency of New Caledonia. In the region, regulations are weak and NCD-related programmes are financially unsustainable.

While government health campaigns have not been as audible compared to massive corporate advertising, Bertrand-Protat emphasises the situation is serious (but) it is not dramatic.

Tonga and Samoa have lowered their risk factors to NCDs, thanks to health campaigns plus tax rates on tobacco and sugar-sweetened and carbonated drinks. In Tonga, between 2004 and 2012, the percentage of the population with low levels of activity dropped from 44 per cent to 28 per cent and the percentage of low fruit and vegetable consumption slid from 92 per cent to 71 per cent.

The summit scored its first success when Fiji announced after the summit that duties on tobacco and alcohol will be increased by 15 per cent and taxes on sugary drinks by 20 per cent.

This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets South-East Asia & Pacific desk.
[HARARE] A strategic plan has been created to address gaps in skills capacity required to help Africa implement the first ten years of Agenda 2063.



The plan was described in a new report titled Africas critical technical skills, a key capacity dimension needed for the first ten years implementation of agenda 2063 developed by the Zimbabwe-headquartered African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF).

Real African transformation will not happen unless countries give priority to STEM. Emmanuel Nnadozie, African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)

According to the report, Africa needs 1.6 million agricultural scientists and has a gap of 2.8 million water and sanitation engineers. It adds that the continent accounts for less than 1.5 per cent of international scientific journals publications and percentage has been declining steeply in recent decades.



The report was presented at the third Pan-African Capacity Development Forum in Harare last month (3-5 May), which was organised by ACBF to mark its 25th Anniversary since its establishment.



About 900 people from 40 African countries including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana and Kenya attended the forum.



Emmanuel Nnadozie, the executive secretary of the ACBF tells SciDev.Net that the ACBF report shows that more than 80 per cent of students are enrolling in social sciences and humanities with a smaller number taking science and technology courses, It calls for increased efforts to direct more students towards the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).



Real African transformation will not happen unless countries give priority to STEM, says Nnadozie. Emphasis of STEM could resolve unemployment issues in Africa.



The strategic plan focuses on building the critical skills, strengthening the learning institutions and building soft capacities in learning institutions.



This will be achieved through financing capacity development programmes, and connecting experiences and lessons on capacity development, the report adds.

Burton Mwamila, vice-chancellor of the Tanzania-based Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, says higher learning institutions in Africa should change their curriculums.



To build human capital in Africa, universities should harmonise their curriculums to model science and innovation, says Bernadin Senadza, a senior lecturer of economics at the University of Ghana.

Njeri Wamae chairperson of Kenyas National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation, says that platforms should be created for the youth to showcase their innovative skills and ensure that they are commercialised and used by the public.According to Nnadozie, the forums participants such as government officials and development partners pledged to collaborate and implement ACBFs strategic plan to help address the challenge of capacity and skill creation in Africa through investing in STEM and vocational skills.This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
[ACCRA] A five-year training programme is being rolled out in Sub-Saharan Africa to build capacity of chemists to analyse contaminants of food, water and medicines.



The project, which is a partnership involving the UK-based GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the Royal Society of Chemistrys Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN), will train 400 scientists in modern analytical skills to help them use a common analytical technique called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Ultimately, we want to strengthen local training capabilities. Richard Porte, Royal Society of Chemistry

The technique helps separate complex mixtures into constituent parts, and is often used in environmental monitoring and drug development.



Richard Porte, head of strategic and commercial partnerships at the UKs Royal Society of Chemistry, says the project will develop at least ten scientists as technical trainers across Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.



The project is valued at 700,000 (about US$1 million) is funded by the GSK.



As part of the project, 22 Ghanaian scientists participated in a training workshop at Ghanas Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) this month (6-10 June).



Godfred Darko, head of the Department of Chemistry, KNUST, says the project will enhance research conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa because many scientists lack the technical capacity to use the technique for analysing products.



Darko adds that the project will ensure that scientists are trained in data interpretation.



David Azanu, a participant at the workshop who works at the KNUST central laboratory, tells SciDev.Net that the training was practical, noting that he intends to organise a workshop for other scientists to help analyse food and water contaminants.



According to Porte, subsequent training workshops will take place at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia in October, and the University of Lagos, Nigeria in November this year.



Ultimately, we want to strengthen local training capabilities, [and] give the science community a sustainable base on which to develop the skills needed by companies, governments and institutions, Porte tells SciDev.Net.



The project seeks to help scientists in Africa acquire the information, skills and professional connections required to tackle the challenges facing their societies, Porte explains.



The skills  are also essential in environmental monitoring, food safety, quality assurance, and anti-counterfeiting, Porte adds.

According to the PACN, the training scheme started in Kenya in 2004, and the rollout in the next five years is to help build more capacity in Africa.Genevieve Adukpo, a senior lecturer at the Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Ghana, says the project is very relevant to develop scientific skills of African researchers to perform chemistry research in Sub-Saharan Africa.GS-MS technique is beneficial in improving research in Africa in detection and measurement of contaminants, spoilage and adulteration of food, beverages, flavours and fragrances, she adds, noting that the technique aids quick monitoring and tracking of organic pollutants in the environment This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Over the past 10 years, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has hosted diverse cultural events for young people, such as youth forums and college student art festivals, thereby strengthening the friendship between SCO member states.

The 10th SCO Education Week, a major SCO cultural event that took the themeBoundless Education,kicked off in Chinas northeastern city of Dalian in May, the first time the event has been held outside Russia.

About 80 representatives including education ministersand rectors of SCO University institutions in Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China were present.

At least two Tajik students taking part in the SCO project will attend the Dalian University of Foreign Languages this September, said UmedMansurov, vice-rector of the Russian-Tajik Slavonic University during the 10th SCO Education Week.

He also praised the event and the universitys professional academic training for Russian language students.

The SCO has long made youth education in its member states ahigh priority, as evidenced by the establishment and rapid expansion of SCO University.

Founded after Russian President Vladimir Putins proposal at the Bishkek Summit in 2007, the SCO University is currently the largest multilateral international education cooperation program in the region.

With participation of almost 80 educational institutions from the five SCO member states, the programnowcovers seven academic disciplines: regional science, ecology, energy, IT, nanotech, economics and pedagogy.

As one of the member states, China has continued to support education cooperation within the SCO.

Calling for an early launch of the SCO Year of Youth Exchange, China has committed to providing scholarships for 20,000 students from SCO member states annuallyover the next five years.

Faculties and students from Confucius Institutes will also be invited to China for research and study while young students abroad are encouraged to sign up for summer camps in China.

It is believed such vibrantyouth exchanges will continue to promote cooperation and friendship among member states.
[KASANE, BOTSWANA] Effective use of data will provide opportunity and impetus for solving African socioeconomic and environmental challenges.



This was one of the key messages I gathered out of the 10th General Assembly of the Africa Academy of Sciences meeting this week (21-22 June) in Kasane, Botswana.



How open data revolution is essential both to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and valuable to measuring progresses in meeting them in Africa caught my attention.

Open data can help ensure that plans to achieve the SDGs are evidence-based, and that their outcomes are measurable. Kay Raseroka, Research Data Alliance

First and most important, these goals (SDGs) apply to every nation in Sub-Saharan Africa and every sector including cities, businesses, schools, organisations are all challenged to act.



Data from household energy surveys, satellite imagery and other sources can help governments and private entrepreneurs prioritise investments in energy generation and decide where and how to extend the electric grid, and ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy supply for all in Africa.



However, this requires collaboration among the scientists, experts, policy makers, private sector players and the communities to spearhead and establish standards for open source data policy, which will be a tool for accountability and an evidence base for impact assessment in the continent.



Experts at the meeting emphasised that data will increase transparency, accountability and citizen participation that will in turn improve governance by exposing and preventing mismanagement as well as corruption. This will also ensure environmental sustainability and reduce pollution, conserve natural resources and build resilience to climate change.



Kay Raseroka, a consultant and council member at Research Data Alliance observes that data provides critical information on natural resources, government operations, public services, private sectors and population demographics.



Listening to Raseroka was quite convincing that analysing data of the state of a countrys resources and the activities used to extract resources can help both gauge change in conditions over time, and assess the impact of practices such as mining and drilling and made available in the public domain to help to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

This is also useful in sustainable management of forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation as well as biodiversity loss.Open data can help ensure that plans to achieve the SDGs are evidence-based, and that their outcomes are measurable, says Raseroka.Open source data can surely be a major input to achieve the SDGs and should be encouraged in Sub-Saharan Africa.This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Russia's recently unveiled its plan to build a colony on the moon, a project which has already started to take shape as per reports. The country's space agency Rosmocos announced its plans of stationing 12 cosmonauts permanently on the lunar surface by 2030. The base on the moon will be used for mineral mining, research and reportedly also for military purposes.

"At the initial stage, the moon base will be manned by no more than 2-4 people, with their number later rising to 10-12 people," said Olga Zharova from the Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash). The lunar base will have power back up from a sub surface energy station close to one of the moon's poles. The base will also have an underground fallout shelter to protect the cosmonauts from nuclear attacks or radiation.

Previously, Roscosmos had revealed that it wanted to launch a lunar probe by 2024 to search for possible colony locations, before sending humans to the planet in 2030. According to the latest reports by Russian news agency TASS, the nation has already started work on constructing the Luna 25 lander which will carve the path for human exploration.

In addition, the Russian space agency is also working on the Angara-A5V heavy-lift carrier rocket, which will be used for sending the important components required for human habitation. Furthermore, Russia will use six different launches of the Angara rocket to complete the moon mission. Each of the individual launches will send a new module to the lunar surface, so that the base can be created gradually, piece by piece. The assembly time of the lunar base is expected to take 10 years and more after the modules are sent. Meanwhile, Russia's Deputy Premier Dmitry Rogozin had also stated that the country was planning to set up a moon base forever.
DARLINGTON, S.C.  The American Red Cross and the Darlington Fire Department are conducting free home fire safety checks and installing smoke alarms for the residents of Darlington.

Darlington residents can contact Darlington Fire Department at 843-398-4013 or visit the station at 301 Orange St. in Darlington to schedule one of these visits.

During their visit, the Darlington Fire Department will examine existing smoke alarms in the home to determine if the batteries need to be replaced or a new smoke alarm should be installed. This service is free of charge to Darlington residents.

The fire department and the American Red Cross will also provide fire safety information as a part of the Home Fire Campaign.

"Home fires are the most common disaster in the country," Nanci Conley said, the executive director for the American Red Cross of Eastern S.C. "Together with Darlington Fire Department, we are protecting families and potentially saving lives."
FLORENCE, S.C.  Colonel Rocky Gannon was the man of the hour at Thursdays Distinguished Citizen Award Banquet.

Nearly 150 people attended the reception and ceremony hosted by the Boy Scouts of America Pee Dee Area Council to celebrate Gannons integrity, kindness and service to others. He was honored with the Distinguished Citizen Award, something that is given to people who have been unselfish in their service to others on an individual and community basis.

Gannon was a pilot in the Army Air Corps and served in the military for 37 years. Fifteen of those years were overseas. He flew missions in World War II, Korea, Belgian Congo and Vietnam and received several military awards and medals.

Gannon, a man known for telling stories about his military experience, was highly deserving of the honor, according to many of the people who attended the ceremony.

Gannons son, Mike Gannon, said that at 91, his dad doesnt have many hobbies other than helping other people and organizations.

So, he makes every single day count. And those days that he makes count, at this point in his life, are for other people, not himself, Mike Gannon said. I think that says a lot about him as a person. I think it says a lot about my mother and how she has basically supported his dreams, his ambitions. She got hers. She got to have a stable family life, have children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. I think the whole family is proud of him tonight.

Quinetta Buterbaugh, president of the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce, said the Pee Dee area is so fortunate to have some of Gannons caliber living in the community.

He is a shining example of a true patriot, Buterbaugh said.

Two of Gannons children, Mike Gannon and Patti Balazs, shared childhood stories of their fathers integrity, love of history, love of the outdoors and patriotism.

He always told us to take care of the people you work with, especially those that work for you," Balazs said. "Most of the time in life, youre a part of a team. If you take care of each other, youll be successful together. He showed us how to pay it forward. He always steps up to the plate when someones in need or something needs to be done.

Balazs said she was happy to meet several of her "adopted" siblings Thursday because several people consider Gannon their father, also.

WBTW News 13 anchor Nicole Boone said she is on the adoptive list. When she was a reporter in her 20s, she said, met Gannon and they have stayed in touch. Gannon is one of the nicest, most loved men she has come across since her time at News 13, Boone said.

Hes the kind of man that makes America great, Boone said.

Gannons grandson David Gannon followed in his footsteps to become an Eagle Scout. Gannons life is one that his grandson tries to follow.

Its kind of the motto Ive tried to follow; do as much as you can and know one day when youre 90-something years old, you can still have 150 friends, David Gannon said.

During his remarks, Gannon shared with the crowd some of his experiences as a Boy Scout and his time in the military. He thanked the people who attended the ceremony and assured them that he was their product.

I think back 75 years ago in college, Psychology 101, that youre a product of your environment, Gannon said. Im your product. What you see is what you created.

Gannon said scouting has been great to him just like to people of the Pee Dee area.

Ninety-nine percent of you have impacted my life, he said. What you see up here is what you created.

Gannon and his wife, Roberta, were presented with a portrait of the two of them painted by Florence artist Lynda English.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Deann Moore remembers visiting the Kress Corner building years ago when it housed Zeiglers Drug Store.

We used to come here to shop, the Florence real estate agent recalls.

But Thursday evening Moore entered the building on the corner of South Dargan and West Evans streets for a much different purpose as Town Hall, Florences newest restaurant, celebrated its soft opening with invited guests.

Moore attended the opening with her friend and coworker, Joann Talbott, who raved about the rustic and repurposed beauty of the restaurant.

As a real estate agent, Talbott has seen her share of buildings. With its wood accents and open kitchen, Town Hall tops the list.

Its so nice to see something like this come alive, she said.

Talbott sees Town Hall as a shot in the arm for downtown development in Florence.

The restaurant, which features Southern dishes created with fresh and local ingredients, uses primarily reclaimed wood and steel from the original building.

Co-owners Dale Barth and Steve Palmer were all smiles Thursday as Town Hall filled with Florentines sipping cocktails and tasting hors doeuvres prepared by executive chef Bobby Hodge and his team.

I mean, Im tickled to death, Barth said. I love the history behind the whole building and the fact that were trying to connect the old with the new.

For Barth, it is a coup to have Palmer as a partner. Palmer, who manages the Charleston-based Indigo Road hospitality group, also worked with Barth on Town Halls Italian neighbor, Fiasco.

I think he came down here and drank a little of the Florence Kool-Aid, Barth joked.

Soft opening attendees munched on:

Hanger steak with crumbled blue cheese and chimichurri sauce

Smoked whitefish spread on a toasted crostini with dill

South Carolina charred baby carrots with green goddess sauce

Grilled shrimp with cornbread and jalapeno butter

Heritage Farms pork rillettes with Alabama white sauce

Though most guests said they enjoyed all of the food, several highlighted the hanger steak.

Oh, I love it, said Doris Lockhart.

Dickie and Julie Knight tried the smoked whitefish spread.

Its great. Everything is great, Julie said.

Beth Williamson agreed with Lockhart and the Knights, saying that Town Hall is something unlike anything else in Florence.

Thats what we need, she said.

Town Hall will celebrate its grand opening to the public for dinner Friday night. Official hours have yet to be announced. The Dispensary, the rooftop bar that accompanies Town Hall, is set to open in the beginning of September, according to Palmer.
FLORENCE, S.C. Francis Marion Universitys Board of Trustees approved a 3.25 percent increase to tuition and other university fees Thursday night at its June meeting. The increase will go into effect starting in the fall semester.

This increase comes one year after the universitys board approved a 3.25 percent increase in tuition and fees. For one year, undergraduate in-state tuition will now be $9,880.

As weve said time and time again, no institution wants to increase tuition, least of all Francis Marion University, President Fred Carter said. We have an obligation to ensure the quality of our programs and to pay our faculty and staff adequately. Its necessary from time to time for us to do modest increases with regard to tuition and that is what we have done this time; Im deeply appreciative to the board for supporting this effort.

Other universities across the state are expected to increase their tuition as well. On Thursday night, Coastal Carolina University's Board of Trustees approved an increase of 3.29 percent.

FMUs overall projected budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year is $55,332,823. That figure includes another increase, this one required by the state.

As you might know, the state has mandated a 3.25 percent cost-of-living increase for state employees, board member Stephen Jones said in the Financial Affairs and Facilities Committee report. They, the state, will cover about 31 percent of that increase with the remaining portion being covered by the university.

In other business, Carter informed the board that a certificate of occupancy was given to the university Wednesday for the Luther F. Carter Center for Health Sciences. Classes will begin in the new facility around the third week of August, with a ribbon cutting to be held on Aug. 4.

We recommended to the leadership of the board regarding any ceremonial opening of the building, let us go ahead and move everyone into the building, lets get them settled in, lets get the building operational, Carter said. (Then) the ribbon cutting will officially open the building.

Carter said he wants state Sen. Hugh Leatherman, Florence Mayor Stephen Wukela, Dr. Eddie Floyd and FMU Board Chairman Ken Jackson front and center during the ribbon cutting, representing all of the entities that have worked so hard to get the project off the ground and completed.

Outgoing board members Mary Finklea and Gail Richardson were recognized for their service. Richardson was also named a trustee emerita after a resolution was approved by the board. The resolution listed several of the ways that Richardson has supported the FMU community.

Whereas, she has been instrumental in the development and support of the Richardson Center for the Child since its inception; and, Whereas, she, and her husband Terry, established and endowed the Gail Ness Richardson Scholarship in 1992 to enhance educational opportunity for FMU students with financial needs  Now, Therefore It Be Resolved that the Board of Trustees of Francis Marion University confers upon Gail Ness Richardson the lifelong designation of Trustee Emerita with all the rights and privileges appertaining.
LONDON (AP)  British voters head to the polls on Thursday to decide if the country should stay in the European Union or leave it. With the stakes high and the issues complex, the AP explains the ins and outs of the UK-EU relationship.

WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN UNION?

West Germany, France and four other nations formed the European Economic Community in 1957, determined to banish forever the bloodshed of two world wars. The grouping became the EU in 1993 and has grown into a 28-nation bloc of more than 500 million people stretching from Ireland to the Aegean Sea, with substantial powers over member states' laws, economies and social policies. It has its own parliament, central bank and 19 EU members use a common currency, the euro.

___

WHY IS BRITAIN CONSIDERING LEAVING?

Britain joined the bloc in 1973, but many Britons feel their island nation  a former imperial power with strong ties to the United States  is fundamentally different to its European neighbors. Anti-EU Britons resent everything from fishing quotas to fruit sizes being decided in Brussels.

The anti-EU view is especially strong in the Conservative Party of Prime Minister David Cameron. It was partly to appease his party that Cameron promised to hold a referendum on EU membership by the end of 2017. The prospect of Britain leaving the EU is known as "Brexit"  short for British exit.

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WHY DO SOME BRITONS WANT TO STAY?

Supporters say Britain's economy and security are enhanced by EU membership. They argue that membership makes it much easier for British companies both large and small to import and export goods to other member countries with minimum hassle. Supporters say being part of the 28-nation bloc gives them many more options and makes it easy for them to live and work in other countries.

Labour Party leaders also argue that European rules and regulations and European courts have improved the way British workers are treated. They say removing these protections could lower living standards.

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WHAT ISSUES ARE SHAPING THE CAMPAIGN?

The "remain" side, headed by the prime minister, argues that Britain's economy would suffer a tremendous blow if the country leaves the trading bloc. This position has been backed by many prominent business leaders who warn of a possible catastrophe.

The "leave" side has focused on concerns about immigration from other parts of the EU since membership in the bloc gives residents of other countries the right to live and work in Britain. They argue that by leaving, Britain can take total control of its borders and set up its own entry rules.

EU leaders have refused to compromise on the EU principle that citizens may live and work freely in other member states. But they have offered Britain an "emergency brake" that will allow it to restrict social welfare benefit payments for a period if it can show its welfare system is under pressure.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The referendum's outcome is hard to predict, because there is little precedent  Britain hasn't had a referendum on Europe since 1975. Opinion polls were notoriously inaccurate about Britain's 2015 election, and vary widely. Some show a lead for the "remain" side, while others put "leave" ahead.
BEIJING, June 23 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue efforts and the prioritization of life-saving measures, after at least 78 people were confirmed killed in one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit east China's Jiangsu Province in decades Thursday.

Downpours, hailstorms and the worst tornado since 1966 battered parts of Yancheng City at 2:30 p.m., destroying homes and trapping hundreds of villagers in the rubble.

More deaths are feared, as search and rescue continued into Friday. About 500 people were injured, of which 200 were in critical conditions, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Xi, who is in Uzbekistan for a state visit and to attend a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ordered the State Council to dispatch a work group to Jiangsu to oversee relief work.

Authorities must make their utmost efforts to reduce casualties and facilitate resettlement of those affected by the extreme weather, he said.

They must also strengthen meteorological monitoring and geological disaster assessment.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, meanwhile, also instructed authorities to step up search and rescue work and medical treatment for the injured.

Efforts should be made to restore normal life and production in the affected areas as soon as possible, Li said, adding that authorities must improve disaster prevention and response work in the rain season, and minimize losses.

Communist Party and government leaders of Jiangsu have already rushed to disaster-hit areas to direct rescue efforts. A State Council work group headed by deputy minister of civil affairs Dou Yupei is also en route.

Related:

78 dead, hundreds injured in extreme weather

At least 78 people died and 500 were injured in one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit east China's Jiangsu Province in decades Thursday.
Ranking right up there with the line "Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?" is this recent headline in The Washington Times: "Honesty issues aside, voters still back Hillary Clinton, poll shows."

Though Clinton's negatives appear higher than that of any Democrat running for president in, perhaps, all of history -- and Donald Trump's are even higher -- honesty appears not to matter in this election, especially to younger voters.

The Washington Times story is based on a poll taken by the technology company Morning Consult, which found that Hillary Clinton's "56 percent unfavorability rating is driven by the fact that 39 percent of Democrats and 47 percent of independents say she can't be trusted" and that "significant percentages of those who view her unfavorably also say she's flat-out corrupt."

Trump doesn't fare much better. A recent Gallup poll found that just 33 percent say Trump is honest and trustworthy, a mere 1 percent higher than Hillary Clinton. With such numbers, Trump's label of "Crooked Hillary" doesn't have the moral impact it might have if more people thought he was a man of good character. Perhaps if Trump were held in higher regard, his contrast to Hillary Clinton might work to his advantage.

Has the state of our politics sunk so low that voters no longer expect honesty, integrity and character to be factors in deciding for whom they will vote? How can this be? Isn't a person's trustworthiness essential when we decide to buy a house or car, conclude a business deal or get married? If character matters in these and other circumstances, why does it matter less in selecting our next president? And if character doesn't matter, won't that almost ensure that we will get more people running for and serving in office who have less and less of it?

Brandon Rottinghaus is a political science professor at the University of Houston. In the Times story he is quoted as saying: "Trustworthiness by itself is less important than trustworthiness to handle specific issues, like national security or the economy. In the context of the 2016 election, Clinton's low trust numbers may not mean much. If she is matched against a different nominee of the opposing party, she might be in danger. Trump's bucolic approach to politics gives her some much-needed cover."

But doesn't it all go together? If one is dishonest in one's private dealings that must spill over into one's public life, right? Take the Clintons as Exhibit A.

Sometimes one finds a quote from an unexpected source that summarizes an issue. The actor and martial arts expert Bruce Lee once said: "Knowledge will give you power, but character respect."

In this election, two people are seeking power, but it looks like whichever one wins will have a long way to go toward gaining respect. Voters have become so angry and cynical about the state of our government and its leaders that they no longer expect to respect them. If that is where we are, does that not say more about us then it does about them?

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.
One has to sit in absolute bewilderment as to reasons why the president of the United States refuses to utter the words "Islamic terrorism" or "Islamic jihadist."

President Obama is obviously a very smart man. After all, he was able to be elected to the highest office in the land twice, something that in the history of our nation less than 50 people have been able to do even once.

But even after multiple attacks, IN our country, and while he was president, Obama will not use the words that do accurately describe these attackers. They have all been of the same religious faith and committed their destructive deed in the name of that faith: Islam. Our president does indeed seem to be the only prominent person in the entire world who responds this way after every single attack. You arrive at your own conclusion. I most certainly have.

After the Orlando attack by Mateen (the shooter), Obama responded immediately by laying the root cause of the attack on the rhetoric of the Republican Party and the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution.

He stated that the use of such rhetoric only serves to inflame Muslims and their faith, Islam. Just as most Christians have never made a complete study of the Bible, most Muslims have not made independent study of the Koran, their "bible." Scholars who HAVE made that study will unequivocally tell you that Islam DOES teach that all who do not accept the teachings of the Koran must be killed; that it, the Koran gives blessing to those who kill nonbelievers, and those who do will have as their reward "seventy-two virgins" in heaven.

The president knows full well that "words" do not inflame Islamic terrorists. Behavior does. And you have to look no further than the recent Supreme Court decision that trashed the very foundation of our American culture: the family.

That pivotal day in our history, the Supreme Court of the United States in essence declared marriage in our country no longer meant marriage was between one man and one woman. It could from this day forth mean marriage would also be legal between man and man or between woman and woman. Mr. President, this is what inflames the world of Islam: to Islam, these are the people who are infidels.

And just this year, Obama directed to prominence the entire LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender) community.

Through his direct and personal actions, Obama has inflamed the entire Islamic world to take action against the "infidels" of this world. Anyone in America who cannot understand this is a darn fool. And those who will not wake up and come to grips that the President of the United States is overseeing the destruction of this country will live to see its slow but sure demise. And if not them, then surly their children and grandchildren.

Personally speaking, President Obama's behavior in office has left me with the opinion that he hates, and always has hated, this country, and that this country is responsible for all the poverty and sufferings of the entire world; that American is and always has been a war-mongering country; that it has stolen the land and resources of the entire world; and that it is time for America to be "cut down to size." He displays behavior that would be attributed to that of a Muslim; a communist/Marxist; and/or a socialist. The one trait he does not and never has displayed is a love of this country.

JAMES K. WARD

Effingham
YANCHENG, June 23, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on June 23, 2016 shows damaged buildings and vehicles in Funing County, east China's Jiangsu Province. Death toll from extreme weather in east China's Jiangsu Province has climbed to 98, the ministry of civil affairs said. Nearly 800 people were injured, 200 critically. Downpours, hailstorms and a tornado battered parts of Yancheng City at 2:30 p.m., destroying many houses, the city government said in an earlier press release. (Xinhua/Yan Xiao)

NANJING, June 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 98 people died and 800 were injured in one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit east China's Jiangsu Province in decades Thursday.

Downpours, hailstorms and the worst tornado since 1966 battered parts of Yancheng City at 2:30 p.m., destroying homes and trapping hundreds of villagers in the rubble.

More deaths are feared, as search and rescue continued into Friday.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs said 200 people were injured critically.

Extreme weather was reported in several townships in Funing and Sheyang counties in the suburbs of Yancheng.

Gales of 125 km per hour battered several outer townships of Funing County, while in Sheyang, the winds reached 100 km per hour.

Many houses collapsed in the gales. Villages were leveled. Trees and utility poles were uprooted, and motor vehicles were blown away.

A 40,000-square-meter workshop of a joint venture solar energy company also toppled.

Some areas reported blackouts and communication disruptions.

"I tried at least 20 times to call my grandmother at home, and fortunately, she was safe," said Zang Shoucheng, a news reporter in Nanjing, the provincial capital.

"Grandma said she was on her way to the cropland [when the tornado hit], but the gales were so strong she had to lie down on her belly to avoid being swept away," said Zang.

Xie Litian, 62, felt it was like "the end of the world".

"I heard the gales and ran upstairs to shut the windows," said Xie, from Donggou township of Funing County. "I had hardly reached the top of the stairs when I heard a boom and saw the entire wall with the windows on it torn away."

As he ran downstairs, the roof collapsed. "I crouched in a corner of the ground floor for at least 20 minutes, afraid to move."

When the gales subsided and Xie escaped, all the other houses in the neighborhood were gone.

Xie said he saw utility poles uprooted and his tractors were blown away. "I was drowned in my own sorrow, until I heard moans for help from a neighbor buried in the debris of her home."

Xie helped the woman out and took her to a hospital 10 km away on his motorbike. "The road was blocked with rubble and fallen trees. Halfway to the hospital, I met my nephew driving a truck. Together, we put the women into his truck and drove on."

Xie said at least three villagers he knew were dead. "This is the worst day I've ever faced," he said.

As hundreds of people struggled to survive in the ruins, many strangers lent a helping hand.

Citizens in Yancheng put up postings at "Wechat" to offer help ranging from free chauffeur services and free use of cranes to medical assistance.

Xiang Shanfeng, 31, was helping assemble a pump in the worst-hit township of Funing County when Xinhua reporter called him on the phone. "It's urgent to drain the flood water, lest the relocation sites might be drowned. It's ditch dark and everybody needs a torch: the more the better."

Shortly after the disaster, Xiang, a crane driver and native of Funing County, posted his phone number at Wechat and offered to join rescue work with his crane. He helped pull dozens of people out of the rubble over the past seven hours. "The losses were astonishing."

A State Council work group headed by deputy minister of civil affairs Dou Yupei is en route to Yancheng. The ministry has dispatched relief materials, including more than 1,000 tents and 2,000 folding beds, to the affected areas.

Meteorological records showed Jiangsu Province reported 1,070 tornadoes in the 50 years from 1956 to 2005, averaging 21.4 a year. Most of the tornadoes happened in June, July and August.

A similar disaster hit Yancheng City in March 1966.
Six donkeys are trapped in mud when crossing the river in Zhidan County, Yanan City, in western Chinas Shaanxi Province last week. According to the firefighters, they sent two fire trucks to the river after being informed about the trapped donkeys. They pulled the donkeys with ropes and then scoured the mud around them. After 40 minutes or so, five of the six donkeys were saved, leaving one dead from suffocation in the mud. The farmer thanked the firefighters and local residents for helping him. [Photo/Hsw.cn]
TASHKENT, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain said here Thursday that his country firmly supports China's principles and positions on issues concerning the South China Sea as well as Taiwan and Tibet.

He made the remarks while meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tashkent.

Xi said that Pakistan will sign a memorandum of obligations at the summit for it to join the organization, and this is a key step in the procedures for Pakistan to be granted full membership of the SCO.

China looks forward to carrying out deep cooperation with Pakistan under the framework of the SCO, Xi said.

The two leaders reviewed the friendship and strong momentum of the bilateral relations, noting that the two countries have maintained sound communication and coordination on global and regional issues, and have always supported each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns.

"This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations. Our two sides should take this opportunity to keep the momentum of high-level contacts and translate our friendship into greater driving forces for practical cooperation," Xi said.

The president proposed that the two countries focus on the building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), speed up the implementation of projects on transportation infrastructure and energy, and steadily carry out the CPEC-supporting projects concerning people's livelihood.

Xi also called on the two sides to deepen their cooperation in economy and trade, security, people-to-people exchanges, thus constantly enriching the meaning of their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

On his part, Hussain said Pakistan expects to continue its close cooperation with China in economic development, particularly in areas including the CPEC building, infrastructure, counter-terrorism and security. The country also hopes to strengthen cooperation with China on multilateral affairs within the UN and SCO, he said.

The 16th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State is scheduled to be held in the Uzbek capital Tashkent on Thursday and Friday.

Founded in 2001, the SCO now has China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as its full members, with Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan as observers.
ST.PETERSBURG, June 23, 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin(R) is interviewed by President of Xinhua News Agency Cai Mingzhao in St.Petersburg of Russia, June 17, 2016. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an hour-long exclusive interview with Xinhua President Cai Mingzhao ahead of his upcoming visit to China, elaborated his views on bilateral ties, China-Russia trade, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and international cooperation, among other issues. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Russia and China are "close allies" with their ties running at a very high level and bilateral cooperation expanding steadily, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Xinhua.

"We see each other as close allies, so of course we always listen to each other, by this I mean we keep in mind each other's interests," he said in an hour-long exclusive interview here with Xinhua President Cai Mingzhao ahead of his Saturday state visit to China.

He noted that mutual trust between Moscow and Beijing has reached an unprecedented level and laid a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation, which now covers a variety of areas including trade, energy and infrastructure.

Although Russia and China cannot always reach consensus on difficult issues quickly, they can make them -- however difficult they are -- serve the common purpose of promoting bilateral cooperation, so they are always able to find solutions, added the Russian president.

Speaking of the current decline in bilateral trade value, Putin said it is merely a temporary downtick resulting from the current market prices of certain commodities and differences in exchange rates against the backdrop of global economic woes.

The most important task in Russia-China trade now is diversification, particularly boosting bilateral cooperation in high-tech areas, he said, noting that the two sides have taken concrete measures to improve their trade structure.

While citing fruitful bilateral cooperation in aerospace and nuclear power, he said the Russian side is also closely following the construction of a high-speed railway between Moscow and Kazan.

The 770-km track, now under Russia-China joint construction, is designed for bullet trains capable of running at up to 400 km per hour, and expected to cut the travel time between Moscow and Kazan from the current 12 hours to three and a half hours.

The project "it may very well be only the beginning of our broad cooperation in infrastructure," said Putin.

"Our cooperation in culture is also of great value," he said, adding that such programs as the Year of China in Russia and the Year of Russia in China are undoubtedly helpful to cementing mutual trust between the two peoples.

Meanwhile, the two countries have also witnessed steady expansion in bilateral cooperation in such areas as foreign policy, armed forces and military technology, noted the Russian leader.

"We have maintained contact regularly, and carried out consultations on global and regional affairs," he said, pointing out that such cooperation "is itself a stabilizing factor in international affairs."
TASHKENT, June 23, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

TASHKENT, June 23 (Xinhua) -- China is looking forward to enhancing cooperation with its neighbor India under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of this year's SCO summit scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Tashkent.

China-India strategic partnership is rapidly growing in the direction set by both leaders, said Xi. He recalled the important consensus he had reached with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on bilateral ties when the latter was paying a visit to China last month.

China will work with India to master the general course for the development of ties, he added.

Xi said that the two countries have much more common interests than differences, and the two sides should enhance pragmatic cooperation in areas such as trade, railway, industrial parks, energy and electricity, information technology, energy conservation and environment protection.

He also extended his congratulations to Modi over India's upcoming signing of a memorandum of obligation to join the SCO, a key step for India to obtain membership of the organization.

Founded in 2001, the SCO now has China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as its full members, with Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan as observers.

The Chinese president welcomed Modi's scheduled attendance at this year's G20 summit in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, adding that he is looking forward to participating in this year's BRICS summit in India in October.

Modi, for his part, hailed the sound development of India-China relations over recent years based on traditional friendship.

India is ready to join hands with China to strengthen cooperation in various fields, intensify bilateral coordination and communication over regional and international issues, and properly handle existing problems between the two countries, said Modi.

Xi arrived in Tashkent on Tuesday for a state visit to Uzbekistan and the SCO summit.

Uzbekistan is the third and final stop of Xi's three-nation tour, which has taken him to Serbia and Poland.
On Thursday, ABB launched its first IOC in Asia in the bustling maritime hub in Singapore, after similar facilities were opened in Europes Finland and Norway.

With the three interconnected IOC facilities at three separate locations, the ABB system currently connects around 600 ships globally, offering end-to-end integration from equipment to automation and from ship-to-shore.

And with a new US facility set to open later this year, the aim is to connect 3,000 ships by 2020, according to Mahesh Krishnappa, vice president marine and ports, process automation division at ABB. The US facility will be located either in Houston or Miami.

Krishnappa added that the company is also looking at the feasibility of establishing the IOC facility in China, in view of the huge Chinese maritime market, but the plan is still at an infant stage.

The IOC brings the internet of things to the marine industry, and can closely monitor vessels, optimising operations and delivering new levels of energy efficiency, productivity and fuel savings. It also allows for preventive monitoring, improved communications and information in emergencies.

On the opening of the Singapore facility, Johan De Villiers, managing director of ABB, pointed out that in Southeast Asia, in particular, the region is still in a growth mode amidst industry headwinds. The growing economy continues to demand basic infrastructure and robotics, and ABB will seek to preserve its presence in the region, he added.
Rio de Janeiro: Japanese car carriers operating out of Brazil are reporting a healthy rise in imports - of between 15-20% - despite the world economic downturn, and the star performer is said to be several Hyundai models, manufactured in Mexico and Korea.



Brazil has not been affected so badly by the global financial crisis as many other countries and so the local currency, the Real, has been strengthening, and to keep the economy on an even keel, resident Luis Inacio Lula da Silva introduced a swathe of cuts on various domestic and import taxes to keep the car market buoyant.



As one line manager for NYK Line's South American services told Seatrade Asia Online: "With a very favourable exchange rate right now for Brazilian car importers and the Korean Won growing weaker throughout this year, we are seeing some big increases in various Hyundai models. Funnily enough exports are down out of Brazil, due to worldwide import markets not having the money, but they haven't really fallen that much since the Brazilian Real really started strengthening, over the past two months."

He added that cars imported into Brazil from Korea were now more than 20% cheaper than this time last year.



As well as NYK Line's two services from Brazil and Argentina (to North America and Mexico), rival operators K Line and MOL (as partners with the Chileans CSAV) also run services from the East Coast of South America to various worldwide destinations.



Brazil still exports huge volumes of cars, despite the recent fall, and the NYK manager said that utilisation rates were at 65% on the stronger northbound leg into the US and were holding out at 50%southbound,although he thought rivals carriers were experiencing closer to 35% northbound.



The main import port into Brazil is Vitoria, where many tax benefits are available, and the main ports for exports are Paranagua and Santos.

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By Xu Xiujun, deputy director of International Politics and Economics Department, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; cartoon drawing by Liao Tingting, Chi Ying



On June 21, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan upon invitation and attends the 16th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit Meeting in Tashkent On June 23 and 24. Xi also visited the historical cultural city Bukhara known as the "living fossil on the Silk Road", accompanied by the Uzbek Prime Minister Mirziyaev.

On June 22, Uzbek president Karimov held a grand welcome ceremony for President Xi.



The two presidents held formal talks and decided to upgrade China-Uzbekistan relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, while witnessing the signing of many cooperation documents on diplomacy and economy.



Uzbekistan is the third and last stop of Xis Europe-Asia tour which has taken him to Serbia and Poland. And the themes again feature in high-level reception, upgrading bilateral ties, and expanding pragmatic cooperation.



2000 years ago, the ancient Silk Road linked the Uzbek people with Chinese people.



In this new historical moment, the joint construction of Belt and Road also becomes a highlight and mainline in China-Uzbekistan cooperation.



The bilateral tie is stepping into a rapid development golden era.



Xi's visit has improved the level of bilateral ties and promoted the docking of the Belt and Road Initiative, injecting new impetus to the all-round cooperation between China and Uzbekistan.



The blueprint has already drawn, and the sail is ready to set out.



It is believed that Xi's visit opened a new chapter of China-Uzbekistan friendship and the two countries would march onto a broader and smoother way of joint development and prosper.
Seoul: Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov and his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak have discussed the idea for a joint project for building ships for transporting compressed natural gas in the Black Sea. Parvanov and the Bulgarian delegation visited earlier the largest shipbuilding yard in the world - owned by Hyundai Heavy Industries, and located in the city of Ulsan.

"This is an idea that could create an alternative to the supplies of natural gas not only for Bulgaria but also for the whole region, giving greater energy security to the EU," Parvanov said in Seoul as quoted by BTA.

The Bulgarian President has expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the idea for a joint shipbuilding project had been discussed with experts from Hyundai, who had expressed their positive attitude for it.

The Presidents of Bulgaria and South Korea think the experts of the two countries should consider in-depth the feasibility of the project, including the potential participation of third parties. [28/10/09]





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Shanghai: China is hosting a two-day international conference to co-ordinate anti-piracy escorts for cargo vessels in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia, writes BBC News. Representatives from Russia, Japan, India, the EU and Nato are focusing on how best to co-ordinate their navies in the escort missions. It is an indication of how deeply China is getting involved in the operation. Last year it sent warships to help patrol the area. Last month a Chinese cargo ship was hijacked with 25 crew.



The Chinese were cautious when they first joined the escort mission in the Gulf of Aden. But their co-operation, according to EU officials, has far exceeded expectations. Their warships have escorted more than 1,000 merchant ships through the shipping lanes.



When the EU and Nato proposed a more joined-up naval operation there, the Chinese were not keen to take orders from a central command operating in the patrol zones. That stance now appears to have changed, after the Chinese cargo ship De Xin Hai with 25 crew onboard was seized by Somali pirates last month north of the Seychelles.



In this hastily convened meeting, the Chinese hope the navies operating in the Gulf of Aden can come up with a formula to ensure safe shipping.



Chinese officials say they have a positive and open attitude towards international co-operation on shipping escorts and will co-operate with all countries and organisations to achieve peace and stability in the waters off Somalia. [06/11/09]





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Beijing: China has begun "secret" negotiations to free the cargo ship De Xin Hai and its crew from the clutches of Somali hijackers, the South China Morning Post reported, as relayed by Bloomberg. Chinese Shipowners' Association secretary general Zhang Zuyue confirmed that the Chinese side is willing to pay a ransom.

"The negotiation requires top-level secrecy. The outside world will not know the ransom amount," he said. He seemed impressed by the Somali pirates, who managed to evade pursuit from a Chinese naval task force and successfully reach their stronghold on the Somali coast. At this point, any military rescue would require China to mount a land invasion of the Somali coast. "The pirates of Somalia have got an upper hand in recent years with their huge organisation and changing tactics. They are a beaming new star in the history of piracy," said Zhang. [28/10/09]

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Singapore: Oil trader Coastal Oil Singapore Pte Ltd has secured storage on a VLCC at the Southern Malaysian port of Tanjung Pelepas for about $28 million, writes tankterminals.com.



Malaysian-listed Changhuat Corporation Berhad told Bursa Malaysia on Monday that its subsidiary Arus Dermaga Sdn Bhd (ADSB) has entered into a floating storage agreement with the Singapore trader.



The agreement calls for the provision of a 240,000 metric tonnes VLCC at Tanjung Pelepas for storage of crude oil, fuel oil or alternatively fuel oil blend stocks over a 36 months duration commencing no later than next Sunday, Changhuat said.

According to a statement to the exchange, ADSB's contractual obligation will comprise provision of the supertanker along with operation and maintenance of storage facilities on board.



The contract has been valued at approximately $28 million or RM96 million over the 36 months contract duration.



Coastal Oil Singapore is part of the Singapore-based Coastal Oil Holdings and Hong Kong-based Coastal Holdings group of companies.





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San Francisco: Clean-up crews working on the aftermath of Friday's oil spill in San Francisco Bay reported significant progress Sunday.

Some 422 gallons of oil spilled onto the deck of the Panamanian-flagged Dubai Star and into the water after a fuel line ruptured Friday during a fuel transfer, Coast Guard spokeswoman Sherri Eng said.

The ship in question, the 50,000 dwt Dubai Star, owned by Emirates Trading Agency is likely to be at the centre of a long drawn out, highly expensive investigation and fine, just like the Cosco Busan incident in the same city in 2007.

Clean up crews now think most of the oil is on the shoreline and not in the water, but they still have plenty of work to do.

The environmental toll is something they are still measuring. Crews say at least ten birds have died. They are almost positive there will be more.

Some of the oiled birds were at the Wildlife Care and Education Center in Fairfield Sunday. They take them there after they stabilize them at the scene where they were found. So far, they have found 30 live birds, most of them along the Alameda shoreline.

"If you do see any live animals that are found to be in distress or if you see any oil on beaches, do not approach the animals or the beach to try to engage in the oil," Josh Nicholas with the Department of Fish and Game said Sunday. "Doing so may further cause harm to the wildlife by scaring the animals back into the water and making any type of recovery for those animals even harder."

An error while refulling the Dubai Star led to more than 400 gallons of oil spilled Friday, creating an oil sheen about two miles long and 200 yards wide. Officials say there was a mechanical failure, although they are still investigating exactly what happened. [02/11/09]





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On 22 June Greeces competitions committee gave the greenlight to the deal between the countrys privatisation agency, Taiped, and Cosco, signed early April. Though there is still strong opposition to the deal by some, parliament is expected to vote in favour, before Prime minister, Alexis Tsipras is due to board the plane for Beijing, July 2.

The official state visit was under a cloud after Beijing warned ut wanted the Piraeus issue cleared before Tsipras visited. Indeed, it looked at one stage as if the departure date would be put back.

But now there is much to look forward to as relations between Beijing and Athens are set to further warm fueled by several development in the past few days.
Singapore: The economic slowdown has brought the availability of finance to the maritime industry into the spotlight. Speaking at the inaugural DnB NOR Asian Investor Conference Lim Hwee Hua, Minister in Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Transport, said " funding is the very lifeblood that keeps activity flowing. Unfortunately, I am told that about half of Asia's shipping banks, which had previously provided shipping finance have now closed. Banks that remain open are, in turn, taking a more conservative posture on shipping loans - made worse by a supply overhang and falling valuations."



The conference which focused on the offshore and maritime industries, brought together more than 200 corporates, institutional investors, hedge funds, sovereign wealth funds and private equity investors.



Lim said the industry now finds itself in a vicious cycle where the liquidity crunch triggers a slowdown in real economic activity, which in turn causes banks to tighten credit even further. She gave industry estimates that some US$350 billion worth of orders require financing as of 200. " Even though we can expect some delays or cancellations, the demand for capital remains. Not surprisingly, shipowners are increasingly looking beyond banks to alternative sources of finance."



There was general consensus, though, that the economic downturn is probably bottoming out and not in for a double dip. Some obesrved that banks were beginning to lend again. However, Erik Borgen (pictured), Regional Director, Head of Asia & General Manager, DnB NOR, cautioned that while for the banks themselves "the financing situation has stabilized", its another question if they would be willing to lend. Speaking for DnB NOR with its large portfolio, he said their priority was to look after the needs of existing clients. "New projects will [still] have more difficulty in getting funding".



The conference also saw the launch of DnB NOR Markets new Equity Research and Securities Sales team in Singapore, which is specialized in the Energy, Offshore and Maritime Sectors. According to Lim DnB NOR has played a significant role in the development of Singapore's maritime sector since the setting up of its office here in 1970. She said the Singapore government will continue to work with industry players and remains "committed to creating a vibrant financial sector capable of supporting the diverse financing needs of our expanding maritime cluster".



She pointed to a recent initiative in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Singapore Exchange and the Oslo Bourse in July 2009. This partnership is to help streamline the dual listing of shipping and offshore energy companies." With a combined market capitalisation of S$185 billion from 136 shipping, offshore and energy counters on both Exchanges, we hope that the MOU will facilitate investors' access to markets and offer more options for portfolio diversification."



Given Singapore's pro-business environment, Lim expressed hope that more service providers will use it as a growth platform to strengthen their Asian presence. To date, more than 20 local and foreign banks with shipping finance portfolios, complemented by a pool of boutique shipping investment banks, private equity arrangers and research houses, have done just that. "There is always room for more." [04/11/09]





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New Delhi: Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Monday advised the Gujarat government and other agencies not to allow the beaching and dismantling of the controversial Platinum II ship at Alang. ??An office memorandum sent from the Union ministry states, "...in keeping with the 'Precautionary Principle', the ministry is of the view that granting permission for beaching and breaking purposes of the ship will not be advisable." ??The memorandum said, "It has been brought to the notice of the ministry of environment and forests that the ship violated United States Toxic Substances Control Act and an order has been passed by the US Environment Protection Authority against the owners of the ship." It also pointed out that there have also been allegations that the ship has been brought into India with a falsified flag and registry. It asked the Gujarat Maritime Board to look into the case of falsified ownership of the ship that had come under the scanner of the government and the civil society recently. ??The ministry's decision came after the Gujarat Pollution Control Board had confirmed that the ship was laden with toxic materials. Consequent to the GPCB report, the Centre had sent its own team which reported that the ship did contain asbestos and cancer causing Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls though not in loose form but as part of the components in the ship. ??Documents had also surfaced showing that the ship had been brought in under false pretences to Indian waters and its ownership was not clear. Its Kiribati flag registration is thought to be false. [10/11/09]





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Tokyo: The Trans-Siberian Intermodal Operators Association of Japan (TSIOAJ), a group of Japanese forwarders operating on the Trans-Siberian Railways (TSR), held a press conference this week, and revealed cargo volumes on the transcontinental rail line were down 37% year-on-year for the first eight months, due to more competitive ocean freight rates.

Tadakuni Shiomoto, chairman of TSIOJ, delivered a message from the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), stating that the two parties have come to an agreement regarding the establishment of a Japan-Russia public-private task force regarding the modernization of transport infrastructure. In addition to routes via Russian Far East ports, he also mentioned that routes via Dalian, China would be incorporated onto the Trans-Siberian to shift cargoes all the way to Hamburg and the Baltic. [28/10/09]





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Tokyo: A Japanese warship and a South Korean container ship have collided off southern Japan, injuring a navy sailor.

The destroyer Kurama and the Carina Star were both engulfed in flames after the incident in the Kanmon Strait, near the southern main island of Kyushu.

Public broadcaster NHK said none of the South Korean ship's crew members had been injured. It also said the Japanese ship's bow was damaged.

Defence Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said the government had set up an inquiry.

AP news agency says the Kurama was on its way to its home port of Sasebo, on Kyushu, after serving as the flagship for the country's triennial fleet review on Sunday in the port of Yokosuka.

The 700 teu containership belongs to Seoul-headquartered Namsung Shipping. [28/10/09]

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Picture shows the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, collectively known as the Belt and Road initiative. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, June 24 -- China agreed with Serbia, Poland and Uzbekistan to deepen cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative during President Xi Jinping's visits to the three countries.

The Belt and Road -- the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road -- run through Asia, Europe and Africa, connecting the vibrant Asian economic circle at one end and developed Europe at the other.

Following are the major events in the development of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative so far.

September 2013 -- The "Silk Road Economic Belt" concept is introduced by Xi during his visit to Kazakhstan. He suggests China and Central Asia cooperate on such a belt.

October 2013 -- Xi proposes a China-ASEAN community and offers guidance on a "21st Century Maritime Silk Road."

November 2013 -- The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China calls for accelerating infrastructure links among neighboring countries and facilitating the Belt and Road Initiative.

December 2013 -- Xi urges strategic planning of the Belt and Road Initiative to promote connectedness of infrastructure and build a community of common interests.

June 2014 -- Xi says China is ready to deepen cooperation with Arab states in oil and gas, infrastructure, trade and investment, nuclear power, aerospace and satellite and new energy.

November 2014 -- Xi announces that China will contribute 40 billion U.S. dollars to set up a Silk Road Fund to finance Belt and Road projects.

February 2015 -- China outlines priorities for the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting transportation infrastructure, easier trade and investment, financial cooperation and cultural exchanges.

March 2015 -- China releases an action plan on the principles, a framework, and cooperation priorities and mechanisms of the Belt and Road Initiative.

May 2015 -- China and Russia agree in Moscow to integrate the former's Silk Road Economic Belt with the latter's vision of a trade and infrastructure network across Eurasia.

January 2016 -- China and Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran agree to expand cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a China-initiated multilateral bank, starts operation.

June 2016 -- China agrees with Serbia, Poland and Uzbekistan to enhance Belt and Road cooperation during Xi's visits to the three countries.

Xi says more than 70 countries and international organizations are participating in the construction of the Belt and Road. Chinese enterprises have invested a total of 14 billion U.S. dollars in countries along the route and created about 60,000 local jobs.
Tokyo: Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha has announced its intention to invest in the Zhejiang Eastern Shipyard Co (ZESCO) in Zhejiang Province through an agreement signed with the joint venture company between Hanjin Shipping and Shunhe Shipping. The money is expected to help with expansion plans at the facility.



ZESCO is located in a northern part of Zhoushan islands, Zhejiang Province, occupying total area of 550,000m2 with 1,900m length of coastline. It has capacity of 150 vessels per year, equipped with two large graving docks (one of which can accommodate 300,000dwt class VLCC or VLOC and the other can accommodate Capesize), hull workshop (13,000m2), one repair berth, painting workshop and mechanical-electrical workshop.



In addition, ZESCO plans to construct second repair berth and third graving dock. The graving dock facilities and one repair berth were completed and full operation started in early April 2009. 24 vessels have already docked in ZESCO and another 16 vessels are expected to dock in by the end of this year.



"K" Line is contracted to secure certain repair slots at ZESCO as a main shareholder and user. "Our participation in ZESCO means that we obtain core repair slots for increasing large-size vessels, as we announced in August 2008 when "K" Line became a Primary Strategic Partner in ship repair business with Titan Quanzhou Shipyard under construction in a suburb of Quanzhou City, Fujian Province," the company said in a statement to the press. "By these two projects, ZESCO and TITAN, "K" Line will cooperate with our friendly owners in regards to nomination to the two dockyards, placing "K" Line in an even better position to pursue enforcement of its safety policy and stable quality of ship management. In October 2009, we also established a consultant company 'Shanghai Brainy-Kawasaki Maritime Service Co., Ltd (SBK)' and SBK started to provide full support when vessels dock in the above two dockyards." [05/11/09]





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Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is planning to axe 4,000 workers this year through voluntary resignations and retirement, according to The Korean Herald.

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) will layoff 1,500 workers via a voluntary resignation program implemented this year, with an aim to downsize the shipbuilders workforce by 30-40% by 2018.

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) is also letting go of around 600 workers annually until 2020 to eventually reduce its workforce from 13,000 to 10,000.

The Korean shipbuilding industry, once the key engine of industrialisation and growth for the countrys economy, is now crippled due to tight cashflow and dearth of new orders, and self-rescue restructuring plans are implemented as urged by their creditors.

The ailing health of the shipyards has prompted the Korean government to take action by creating a $9.5bn fund to support state banks exposed to the shipbuilding debts.
Copenhagen: Faced with almost no new contracts in recent months, the engine builder has identified a new sector of the Chinese market, which it is targeting with two new engine designs more. The Chinese coast and the Yangtze River are amongst the world's busiest shipping lanes, yet the vessels that run these routes are typically old, in poor condition powered by poorly maintained engines that are inefficient and a major source of pollution. Many of the 20-30,000 dwt ships - including bulkers, tankers and general cargoes - were built at regional beach yards more than 20 years ago and need replacing.



As a result of the industry downturn, the myriad of small shipyards on the coast now have spare capacity and MAN Diesel hopes that a new generation of coasters will be built.



The firm is establishing a new marketing office on Zhoushan Island from where it plans to promote two new two-stroke low-speed engines - the S35MC-C9 and the S40MC-C9 - which will be built by local licensees including Jiangsu Antai Diesel.



The two new engines have been especially designed with the Chinese coastal market in mind. The company's research indicated that the engines need to generate 5-8,000 kW at around 140 rpm; they must be simple to operate, without complex electronics; they must require a minimum of maintenance; and they must include an integral lube oil filter.



According to Ole Groene, Senior VP Marketing, there are literally hundreds of old ships plying these trades, which the company stumbled upon, almost by accident. The fact that regional yards now have spare capacity means that a replacement programme can be out in place. The new engines, which are also designed so that they can be competitively priced, are to be launched at an exhibition in China on November 5th. [30/10/09]





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Singapore: Container shipping giant Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) has decided to relocate its support services functions from Shanghai to Chongqing in China.

NOL said cost increases in Shanghai had prompted its move to the western China city.

NOL will establish a new administrative and service centre in Chongqing to support its backroom operations like customs compliance and invoicing across China, Japan, Korea and the Americas by end of next year.

"In recent years, as Shanghai has established itself as one of the world's premier cities, the cost of doing business for such transactional activities has increased and is expected to rise further. Now is the right time to relocate our large-scale transactional operations to a location that provides a more effective cost base for the long-term," said Eng Aik Meng, president of APL, the company's container shipping unit.

NOL cited competitive office leasing costs and business-friendly taxation policies as factors for its move to Chongqing, which also involves the relocation of 200 jobs from Shanghai.

NOL plans for the new facility to be fully operational by the end of 2010. [09/11/09]

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Busan: OOCL announced on November 5, 2009 the christening of the tenth Panamax class vessel in its line of sixteen 4,500-TEU vessels ordered from Samsung Heavy Industries.??The new vessel was christened the m.v. OOCL Dalian by sponsor Mr Wang Peng, Vice President of Port of Dalian Authority, accompanied by Ms Dai Li Hua, Deputy General Manager of Dalian Port Container Co Ltd. ??"We are greatly honored to have OOCL's latest container vessel named as the OOCL Dalian. The vessel will serve as an ambassador, representing the friendship of the Dalian people and reaching out to the world, inspiring interest and understanding of the city," said Mr. Wang, speaking at the christening luncheon of OOCL Dalian in Korea. "It will help to enhance the development of Dalian, in line with the strategic planning of the State."

"Dalian is a vibrant economic hub in North Eastern China. The port of Dalian is China's eighth largest by container volume, with a throughput of 4.5 million TEUs in 2008," said Mr. Andy Tung, Chief Operating officer of OOCL, speaking at the vessel's christening ceremony in Korea. "I am certain that the OOCL Dalian, as an ambassador for world trade, will proudly live up to its name. With such vessels, OOCL can improve the service we provide to our customers, offering greater economies of scale, increased capacity and higher frequency of sailings."

OOCL Dalian will be deployed on the Intra-Asia China/Pakistan Express service. The port rotation is:??Shanghai / Ningbo/ Shekou / Singapore / Karachi/ Mundra / Nhave Sheva / Penang / Port Kelang / Singapore / Hong Kong and back to Shanghai in a 35-day round trip. [05/11/09]

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Athens: Dockers at the main Greek port of Piraeus on Tuesday launched a fresh 48-hour strike against the concession of container facilities to Chinese transport operator Cosco, AFP reports.

Greece's port employees federation (OMYLE) which wants the deal scrapped said the governnment had failed to give assurances on labour relations and the extent of future state control over the facilities.

The walkout began at midnight on Monday and the workers will meet again on Wednesday to examine future action, the OMYLE said in a statement.

The union had staged another strike last month that shut down the port's container facilities for over two weeks, causing a massive goods holdup in one of Mediterranean's busiest harbours.

The union fears the new operators will bring large-scale lay-offs and that the influx of cheap Chinese goods will undermine the already shaky Greek family-owned store sector.

Greece's new socialist government is attempting to renegotiate elements of the agreement after inheriting the issue from its conservative predecessors whom it defeated in general elections in early October.

Economy and Merchant Marine Minister Louka Katseli late on Monday said the governing socialists would "exhaust" every legal option available under the agreement and European laws to improve the terms for the Greek state.

Greece's previous conservative government last year signed a 35-year concession of Piraeus' docks II and III to Cosco expected to bring a guaranteed premium of 3.4 billion euros (five billion dollars) and boost the port's capacity by 250 percent.

The port circulated over 1.3 million 20-foot equivalent units (Teu's) in 2007 and OLP (Piraeus port) last year had a turnover of 116 million euros (171 million dollars).

The Greek parliament approved the concession by a 149-131 vote in March.

Greece had spent years trying to persuade China of its strategic role as a trade partner, both by virtue of its location on the crossroads between Europe and Asia and as a member of the European Union.

A similar plan for Thessaloniki involving the full concession of its container terminal fell through in December after frontrunning bidder Hutchison Whampoa withdrew its interest. [04/11/09]

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Athens: Pirates seized a Greek cargo ship with its Ukrainian and Philippine crew off the east African country of Tanzania Thursday, writes AFP quoting the Greek port police. The Delvina, which had a cargo of wheat, was heading for Mombasa, Kenya from the Mediterranean when it was captured 280 nautical miles east of the Tanzanian coast.



The European Union's naval mission to the region said the crew numbered 14 Filipinos and seven Ukrainians. The vessel "has now turned around and is heading north," said a statement by EU-NAVFOR. "The ship is approximately 300 miles southeast of Mombasa." Police had no contact with the ship after the crew sent out an alert.



The ship owned by Athens-based Midway Shipping and Trading flies a Marshall Islands flag.



Another Panamanian-flagged Greek ship, Theophoros I, was attacked early Thursday in the Gulf of Aden but the pirates were driven off. The Theophoros I continued its route to Hong Kong escorted by two warships of the anti-piracy international force in the area. Greek authorities said the crew used high-pressure hoses against the pirates, but a Turkish military official said later the Turkish warship Gediz averted the attack.



A military statement said five pirates were trying to attack the Theophoros which belongs to Greek company Good Faith. The Turks seized weapons including a rocket launcher, it added. The incident happened 125 kilometres (about 80 miles) off the coast. [06/11/09]





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Dalian: POSCO of South Korea, one of the world's largest steel mills, has held discussions with senior government officials in the Chinese northeast city of Dalian this week to set up a steel mill at the rapidly industrializing nearby Changxing Island. POSCO would take a significant slice of land on the island, a territory dotted with more and more shipyards including STX Dalian, reportedly the largest shipyard in the world by area space. POSCO has had a manufacturing presence in Dalian since 1995 producing coated steel. [30/10/09]

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Houston: Qatar is looking to China to absorb some of the huge increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies as the world's biggest LNG exporter nears completion of its plan to double production capacity this year, according to Bloomberg.?Qatar inaugurates today the second of three giant LNG plants it has started up in 2009. The plants are the largest in the world, and were expected to help Qatar's economic growth this year outperform oil-exporting Gulf Arab neighbours constrained by OPEC output quotas.?"Qatar is going to want to lock up China before anyone else comes in with new production, mainly Iran and grassroots LNG projects in China itself," said Al Troner, president of Asia Pacific Energy Consulting in Houston.?"It is a relationship that is not going to be mutually exclusive, but it is going to get deeper ... China will always take some LNG and I believe that commonly talked about ceiling of about 30 million metric tonnes per year annually is pretty likely... and they will have enormous gas needs."?The world's second-largest consumer of energy imported a record 800,000 tonnes of LNG in September. Imports in October are expected to be at similar levels.?Last week China received its first LNG cargo of about 216,000 tonnes from Qatar, part of a 25-year supply deal between two state companies: the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and Qatargas. [27/10/09]

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Singapore: Sembcorp Marine today unveiled plans to develop an integrated new yard facility at Tuas View Extension in the west of Singapore to cater to its marine and offshore businesses. The yard is expected to provide a centralised and integrated "one-stop solutions" hub for ship repair and conversion, shipbuilding, rig building and offshore engineering and construction. It will service a wide range of vessels including VLCCs, new generations of mega containerships, LNG carriers and passenger ships.



Wong Weng Sun, president and ceo of Sembcorp Marine said "We are optimistic about the long-term outlook of the marine and offshore industry. With the New Yard, Sembcorp Marine will be well-poised to respond to the anticipated growth in dock capacity demand and the increase in offshore oil and gas activities, spurred by the projected increase in seaborne and oil trades in Asia. In designing and planning the layout of the New Yard Facility, we have taken into consideration work flow efficiency, resource optimisation, cost-structure, market potential and future competition. The integrated design and optimised capabilities of the New Yard will further enhance our capabilities in the delivery of value-added and cost competitive solutions to better meet the needs of our customers."



The New Yard will boast a centralised layout and will see increased total dock capacity by 62% from 1,897,500 dwt to 3,075,000 dwt with the number of docks remaining at 11 docks. A 30 plus 30 years Lease Agreement for the Phase 1's 73.3 hectares of land has been signed with JTC with site development scheduled to commence in December 2009. The preliminary projection of the development costs of Phase 1 of the New Yard is estimated to be around S$750 million. It will be funded through a combination of debt and internal funds generated from operations of existing shipyards.



The entire site is slated for development over a period of 16 years and in three phases. The construction of Phase 1, which comprises 73.3 hectares of land, will take approximately 4 years commencing December 2009. The remaining 2 phases are expected to be developed over a period of 12 years. Upon achieving commercial operations for Phase 1, Sembcorp Marine's operations in Pulau Samulun will be relocated to the New Yard. [05/11/09]





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Playing a rather destructive role in the South China Sea issue, the US is actually the root cause of escalating tension in the regionwith its threats to Chinas territory and maritime rights, the Peoples Daily strongly criticizedthe US in a commentary published on Wednesday.

It was published under the pen name Zhong Sheng, a Chinese-language homonym for the phrase voice of China that is often used to express the paper's views on foreign policy.

The commentary came after two US aircraft carriers recently conducted military drills in waters near the Philippines. But John Richardson, the chief of US Naval Operations, claimed at a conference on Monday that the Navy does not get to do two-carrier operations very often.

He added that the deployment was a signal of the U.S. commitment to regional security, adding that he hoped it would deter any attempts to destabilize the region.

The Peoples Daily criticized the US for repeatedly attempting to scare off its opponents by showing off its military might, calling it the USold trick.

However, China is clearly a wrong choice for the US to play games of deterrence, the article pointed out, adding that behind this misjudgment is Washington's anxiety and arrogance, and it is the true expression of its hegemonic nature.

According to the commentary, the US has been blaming China for militarization in the South China Sea for quite some time withclaims the country is disrupting regional peace and stability. However, it is the US that sent aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the water.

US missile destroyers have approached Chinas islands more than once in the name of navigational freedom.Consecutive military drills between the US and its allies were also conducted, the article pointed out.

Regarding the South China Sea issue, Chinas will to maintain its national sovereignty and territorial integrity is as solid as a boulder, the paper reiterated.

China will defend each piece of its land, it reaffirmed, stressing that no one should question the country when it comes to its rightful and legitimate territory.

China will continue to strictly monitor the air and sea, take appropriate measures when deemed necessary, and defend itself against situations that pose a threat to Chinas territorial sovereignty and security interests, the commentary wrote.

China will not let other countries have their way with their temper or act arbitrarily regardless of the rules when it comes to South China Sea stability, it added.

Calling the US hegemonic actions a farce, Peoples Daily also urged the US not to overplay its hand.

The US must bear in mind that it will pay the price if it crosses the line. By then, what it needs to face would not be as easy as one or two military drills or some harsh words, the commentary read.
Shanghai: Malaysia LNG Tiga Sdn Bhd, (MNLG), a subsidiary of Petronas, has successfully delivered its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo of 60,500 metric tonnes to the Shanghai LNG Company Ltd, Bernama news agency reported.



The LNG vessel, Puteri Intan Satu, departed the Petronas LNG Complex in Bintulu on October 19 and arrived to deliver the cargo at Shanghai LNG Company's Yangshan LNG receiving terminal, south of Shanghai on October 26.



Petronas, in a statement today, said that the delivery of LNG to Shanghai LNG Company, comes under the 25-year sales and purchase delivery agreement signed in July 2006.



Under the pact, MNLG Tiga would supply up tO 3.03 million metric tonnes of LNG per year to the Chinese company.



The agreement, which is the national oil corporation's first long-term contract with China, also marked a major breakthrough for Petronas in China's energy sector.



Prior to this shipment, MNLG Tiga delivered a commissioning LNG Cargo to Shanghai LNG Co at the Yangshan LNG receiving terminal.



Shanghai LNG Co is a joint venture between Shenergy Group (55 per cent) and CNOOC Gas & Power (45 per cent).



CNOOC Gas & Power is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation. The terminal came onstream later than expected following a deadly explosion during construction this February. [29/10/09]





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Dubai: Somali pirates seized a United Arab Emirates-flagged cargo ship loaded with weapons bound for the Horn of Africa, in breach of a UN arms embargo, maritime experts said on Monday. ?Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme told Reuters that the ship, called Al-Mizan, had been hijacked on Sunday and was being held near the northern Somali town of Garacad.

This is the latest embarrassment for the UAE, after a plane bound for China from the Middle East state was stopped in India last month stocked full of embargoed arms bound for Beijing. [10/11/09]

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Taipei: The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has planned to set up a Shipping Affairs Administration in 2011 to supervise the operations of four international harbor affairs firms to be transformed from the existing four major international harbour bureaus, thereby upgrading the competitiveness of Taiwan's major international harbors, a top MOTC official told the China Post on Friday.

Yeh Kuang-shih, vice minister of transportation and communications, made the remarks at the transportation committee meeting of the Legislative Yuan.

During the legislative session, lawmakers doubted the justification of the government decision to build direct shipping links across the Taiwan Strait, as Kaohsiung Harbour, the island's largest international harbor, has been squeezed out of the world's top-10 harbors in terms of cargo loading and unloading volumes.

Lawmaker Yang Jen-fu of the ruling Kuomintang said that the cargo handling volume of the Kaohsiung Port has declined after cross-strait direct shipping links took effect, indicating that relatively weak competitiveness of the port.

Another KMT lawmaker Lo Shu-lei also said that the Kaohsiung port used to take the No.3 place in the world, and still maintained the No. 6 spot in 2006, but the ranking dropped sharply to 12th in 2008, losing ground to ports in mainland China.

In response, Yeh of the MOTC said the decline in the world ranking of the Kaohsiung Harbour was due to several factors, including the economic downturn at home and abroad, and the exodus of Taiwan's manufacturing enterprises to mainland China.

Yeh continued that the government will take advantage of the cross-strait shipping links to reinforce ties with second-tier ports of mainland China by building new shipping routes across the Taiwan Strait, thereby boosting cargo transshipment volume of the Kaohsiung Harbour and other international ports of the island.

Taiwan has six international ports, namely Keelung, Suao, Taichung, Hualien, Anping and Kaohsiung. The cargo loading and unloading volume of the Kaohsiung port accounts for over 74 percent of total such volume registered by the six ports.

The Kaohsiung port has five container terminals, 23 container wharves, and 315.5 hectares of container yards, as well as a coastline of 7,036 meters.

Su Chien-jung, a division chief of the Kaohsiung Harbour Bureau said that a new container terminal will be inaugurated in 2013, when four new wharves will be operational. The project is expected to significantly boost the cargo handling volume of the Kaohsiung port and generate an additional annual production value of NT$39.47 billion. [02/11/09]





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Weihai: One of China's premier engine makers, Weichai Power, has been engaged by domestic shipping line, CSC Chongqing Changjiang National Shipping, to develop a new fuel system for small containerships. The new system will help the line save more than $10,000 in fuel bills on each Yangtze river trip from Chongqing to Shanghai. [13/11/09]

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Oakland: Container shipping lines in the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) are proposing a new series of general rate increases (GRIs) on December 1, 2009 and January 15, 2010, that will affect all dry and refrigerated cargoes to all Asia destinations. The move follows a similar schedule of GRIs which took effect last September 1, and are said to be part of a broad effort to restore rates to more compensatory levels that will help maintain service levels in the U.S.-Asia trade.



"Transpacific carriers continue to see their fixed operating costs rise as freight rates decline in both directions," said executive administrator Brian M. Conrad. "The headhaul trade from Asia can't subsidize the outbound segment, credit remains tight and lines have already scaled back on vessels, port calls, routes and back office functions. The only way carriers can survive financially, meet rising U.S. export demand and maintain adequate service levels is through improved revenues."



Effective December 1, WTSA lines have recommended increases to dry cargo rates - including rates for commodities exempt from tariff filing - in the amounts of US$100 per 40-foot container (FEU) and $80 per 20-foot container (TEU) for cargo originating at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on the U.S. West Coast; and by $150 per FEU and $120 per TEU for all other dry cargo, including other West Coast ports, all-water shipments via the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, and intermodal moves.



On January 15, 2010, WTSA lines are recommending a GRI for refrigerated cargo, of $250 per FEU and by $200 per TEU for all U.S. West Coast shipments, and by $300 per FEU and $240 per TEU for intermodal and U.S. East/Gulf Coast all-water cargo.



WTSA is a voluntary discussion and research forum of made up of APL, COSCO Container Lines, Evergreen Line, Hanjin Shipping, Hapag Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), Nippon Yusen Kaisha (N.Y.K. Line), Orient Overseas Container Line and Yangming Marine Transport Corp. [04/11/09]





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Shanghai: Yantai Raffles Offshore Ltd, a subsidiary of Yantai Raffles Shipyard Limited, has entered into an agreement to purchase of 100% equity interest in Sanlian Longkou shipyard (pictured) in Shandong, China for a cash consideration of RMB291m. Completion of the acquisition is subject to required regulatory approvals.



Upon completion, the shipyard with existing land area of more than 400,000 sqm, will be built as one of the world's largest Jackup fabrication yards.



Deputy Chairman Brian Chang said, "We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Sanlian Longkou. Through this purchase we can expand our capacity, improve our efficiency and embark on delivering quality products to our customers at a competitive price and on time. Our long term plan is to become the number one supplier of Jackup drilling rigs in the world within the next 3-5 years." [03/11/09]





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Seoul: Yemen exported the first shipment from a $4.5 billion liquefied natural gas plant over the weekend, gaining a new source of revenue as oil production declines.

After the terminal in Balhalf on the country's Arabian Sea coast was officially opened by President Ali Abdallah Saleh, the Hyundai Ecopia set sail with a 147,000 cubic-meter cargo for Korea Gas Corp. of South Korea. Total SA of France, Europe's third-largest oil company, owns 40 percent of the venture. ?The terminal, Yemen's largest industrial project, started production on Oct. 15 and will produce 6.7 million tons of LNG per year when fully operational. ?Other shareholders include Yemen Gas Co., Dallas-based Hunt Oil Co., South Korea's SK Corp., Korea Gas Corp., Hyundai Corp. and Yemen's General Authority for Social Security and Pensions. ?The second cargo will be shipped to "the Atlantic market," Yves-Louis Darricarrere, Total's head of exploration and production, said in an interview at the opening ceremony, without naming the recipient country. [09/11/09]





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The result of the referendum with 51.9% of the UK electorate voting to the leave the EU has sent stock markets tumbling, the pound sterling to its lowest level in 31 years, and Prime Minister David Cameron has already announced he is resigning.

The UK Chamber of Shipping which remained neutral in the run-up to the referendum said it recognised the decision of the British people and stressed the importance of free trade.

With the exit from the EU a two-year process the Chamber said it was a time rational and strategic thinking. It highlighted four key policy areas: visas and work permits; border controls for ferries and cruise ships; fiscal arrangements such as tonnage tax; and the future of EU Navfor and interaction with European navies over migrant rescues in the Mediterranean.

The rest of the world beyond Europe has experienced significant economic growth, and a key argument by the Vote Leave campaign was that the UK would be able to quickly sign free trade deals with trading partners around the world. Government now has to act quickly to ensure that happens, it stated.

The Chamber wants a new body to oversee this processs. We believe that Government should establish a new Free Trade Commission, working across the Department for Business and the Foreign Office, to train trade negotiators and begin the process of establishing new trading ties around the world and be ready for the negotiations with the remaining members of the EU.

The International Underwriting Association (IUA) also stressed the importance of free trade.

The free trade benefits of EU membership have been vital in maintaining Londons position as a global insurance hub and are highly valued by IUA members. This is true both for insurers headquartered in the UK and those international firms that use London as their centre for European business, said David Matcham chief executive of the IUA.

Continued access to European markets is essential and will, I expect, be at the forefront of the process to respond to the referendum decision. The IUA will be working with the London Market Group to ensure our industrys views are fully represented as developments continue.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (C), Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj (R) attend the third trilateral leaders' meeting of the three countries in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 23, 2016.

China, Russia and Mongolia inked a development plan on Thursday to build an economic corridor linking the three neighbors. The corridor aims to further boost regional collaboration by increasing transportation connectivity and economic cooperation in border regions.

The plan was signed in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, after a meeting of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian president Vladimir Putin andMongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.

During their meeting, President Xi reviewed the achievements the three countries have madein implementing their mid-term roadmap for cooperation formulated in 2015, saying progress and positive results have been made in such areas astoday they are reaping the fruitstrade, economy, culture, transport, tourism and sports.

Xi also urged intensified trilateral collaboration by aligning of China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt initiative, Russia's development strategies, especially its transcontinental rail plan, and Mongolia's Steppe Road program.

The signing of the development plan, as the official launch of the first corridor of multilateral economic cooperation under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative, also marks a new chapter for China-Russia-Mongolia cooperation.

Based on the development demands of the three countries, the economic corridor aims to expand their cooperation space, tap their potential, pursue common prosperity and improve their competence.

In the plan, the three countries clarified the specific sectors for cooperation, its sources of capital as well as the operation mechanism of the corridor.

The three countries cooperation in the corridor will give priority to infrastructure connectivity, port construction, industrial capacity, investment, trade and economy, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and environmental protection.

The three countries also plan to accelerate regional cooperation by building a new growth engine for Asia.

The trilateral meeting among the three heads of state, ahead of an annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), was the third of its kind. The first was held during the Dushanbe summit in 2014.

Sun Zhuangzhi, Secretary-General of the Center for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explained that though holding huge potential for greater cooperation, China, Russia and Mongolia still need to improve their transportation, laws and policy adaptation, as well as the complementarity of their economic structures.

In order to remove obstacles to cooperation and achieve win-win results, each side must strengthen high-level policy coordination and implement long-term and top-level plans for bilateral relations and regional cooperation, Sun underlined, adding that this is another reason why their trilateral meeting is in need.
Two recent and interconnected developments out of China suggest that the world's most populous nation has big plans for the deep seas.

China is designing a manned deep-sea "space station" to hunt for mineral resources in the South China Sea, according to a recent Bloomberg report. The proposed location is significant for a couple of reasons. For one thing, the South China Sea is a highly disputed area these days among China and its neighbors, especially Vietnam and the Philippines.

RELATED: China to Send a Mission to Moon's Mysterious 'Dark Side'

Vertically speaking, the location is also pretty remarkable for different reasons. The oceanic base would be built as deep as 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) below the surface, and would be inhabited by a full time crew. No one has ever attempted to build a manned underwater station at those depths.

But more worrisome for international observers is the idea that the underwater station could serve as an anchor for China's other big deep-sea initiative, the so-called Underwater Great Wall of China.

According to reports that surfaced in May, the underwater wall refers to a network of floating and submerged sensors designed to detect enemy submarines. Intelligence agencies have presumably known about these plans for a while, but China has only recently gone public with details on the system -- and the underwater robots and drones that would be involved.

WATCH VIDEO: How Does China's Government Work?
One of the Russian Promobot robots recently escaped from its testing grounds and now faces destruction if scientists can't change this particular bot's focus on freedom.

The cute social bot has inspired a public outcry. Online commenters are now begging the robot's creators to spare it, reports the DailyMail.com.

RELATED: Run! Top 5 Fastest Robots to the Rescue

Promobot is a line of robots designed for helpful face-to-face human interactions. Their eyes can change to hearts, and a screen on their chests displays information. The mobile robots can serve as customer service agents, product promoters, tour guides, and public service administrators, according to the company.

While working on Promobot V3 earlier this month, the company was testing the robot's ability to move autonomously around obstacles at its facility in Perm, Russia, when an engineer left and forgot to close the door. Promobot IR77 quietly slipped out, left the grounds, and rolled about 150 feet into the middle of a city street before losing power, the Washington Post reported. That prompted a traffic jam, photo-snapping, and kids trying to play with the bot.

The company now says that Promobot IR77 keeps moving toward the exit, even after being reprogrammed twice. Co-founder Oleg Kivokurtsev told the Russian news site Ura that they might have to "dispose of" this particular robot. That sparked intense reactions on Promobot's YouTube channel. Commenters are begging the company not to kill it, Ura reported. The robot's fate hangs in the balance.

RELATED: Bullied and Shoved Humanoid Robot Stays Upright

Details about the third generation Promobot haven't been revealed publicly yet, but in a blog post the company says it plans to present V3 in September. So far they have sold 215 second generation Promobots at $7,000 apiece.

If this all ends up being one huge PR stunt ahead of the demo -- and I definitely haven't ruled out that possibility -- it's a pretty brilliant one. People around the world are suddenly rooting for this particular robot. It's like a Pixar movie come to life.

Watch the freedom-loving Promobot stop traffic here:
How long will it be before vacation packages include a quick trip to the orbital spa?

Maybe not so long, as Laura Ling explains in today's Seeker Daily report. The concept of genuine space tourism is no longer science fiction -- in fact, several space tourists have already been up in orbit.

But it's an expensive proposition. The private space flight company Space Adventures, in collaboration with the Russian Space Agency, has flown seven tourists to the International Space Station since 2001. Tourists were taken along on regularly scheduled missions via the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Each trip cost the customer between $20 million and $40 million and lasted around 10 days.

The price tag necessarily limited the customer base to very rich people with a very insistent dream. Alas, the Soyuz program was suspended in 2010. That extra space became too valuable to scientists after NASA shut down its shuttle program.

RELATED: Check Out These Beautiful Space Tourism Posters From NASA

A new wave of commercial outfits -- like Virgin Galactic, Space X and MirCorp -- are currently building the infrastructure to power a new era of privatized space flight. Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic is focusing specifically on space tourism. The company plans to mobilize an entire fleet of spaceplanes for low-orbit trips, and in fact you can make reservations now. Just be aware that the $250,000 deposit must be paid upfront and in full. Cuts down on the window shoppers, you see.

Depending on how you define your terms, space tourism dates all the way back to the 1980s. NASA had plans to regularly include private citizens on space missions -- teachers, artists, journalists -- but the program was dropped after teacher Christa McAuliffe was killed in the 1986 Challenger shuttle explosion.

The Soviet Union tried something similar when it flew a Japanese journalist to Mir space station in 1990. But neither the Soviet and U.S. program were true commercial space tourism programs, since government agencies and media companies were finally footing the bill.

But we can safely expect genuine space tourism to take hold in the near future, as the privatization of spaceflight ramps up. In fact, the U.S. already has guidelines and regulations in place. Start saving now, and don't forget sunscreen. You'll be above the ozone layer, so SPF 1,000,000 is recommended.

-- Glenn McDonald

Learn More:

Space.com: First Space Tourist: How a U.S. Millionaire Bought a Ticket to Orbit

Washington Post: Japanese to Become First Journalist in Space

Space Adventures: Space Station

VirginGalactic: Fly with Us
When Duo Security moves into its new home in the Allmendinger Building in downtown Ann Arbor this August it will be able to check a number of things off its new economy workplace checklist. Room to grow, check. Industrial building turned offices, check. Downtown location, check. Historic character, check. A storied name from Ann Arbor's past, check.In seven short years, Duo Security has established itself as one of the most promising names in Ann Arbor's entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping to define the city's identity as a center for tech innovation. Allmendinger is one of the citys best-known names for more than a century. Its pianos and organs were staples in churches, theaters, and households across America. By the early 20th Century, Allmendinger had become the city's second biggest employer with a factory on the edge of Ann Arbor's downtown."David Friedrich Allmendinger was a true American success story," reads to a passage in Historic Buildings, Ann Arbor Duo Security is on a similar path. Each company was/is run by outsiders who came to Ann Arbor to make a home. Both started small and grew quickly. While the cloud-based security startup isn't close to being Ann Arbor's largest employer, it hires more and more people every year... in the same place Allmendinger did a century ago."We are growing rapidly," says Paul DiMarzo, CFO of Duo Security. "By next year we expect to be at more than 200 people in Ann Arbor."David Friedrich Allmendinger lived the classic American immigrant story. Born in Germany in 1848, he came to America as a child with his family, eventually landing in Washtenaw County as one of the first of many German families to move to Ann Arbor.Allmendinger apprenticed as an organ builder, eventually marrying the daughter of his master organist and taking over the business in 1872. He renamed it the Allmendinger Organ Company and worked out of the back of his house, selling custom-made organs to German churches and families."His real success, however, lay in selling organs to German farm families throughout the country," according to Historic Buildings, Ann Arbor. Allmendinger built his factory at the corner of South First and West Washington streets on the west side of downtown Ann Arbor. It expanded to making organs and pianos (it eventually became Ann Arbor Piano and Organ Co) and employed dozens of people at its peak, becoming the second largest employer in the city. It shipped 5,000 organs and 600 pianos across the U.S. and around the world in a year at its peak.The industrialization of the early 20th Century wasnt kind to Allmendinger or his business, however. He died in 1916 and his business went with him, swept away by a generation of new business models."By the 20th Century stores like Sears put them out of business, as did records," says Susan Wineberg, the author of Historic Buildings, Ann Arbor. "This happened in many communities with local factories producing goods that Sears and Montgomery Ward could sell cheaper."Nevertheless, the factory remained. It manufactured automotive windshields in the 1920s, then went derelict during the early years of the Great Depression in 1930s. A local real-estate investor, Carroll Benz, breathed new life into the structure, renamed it the Benz Building, and kept it occupied until the University of Michigan bought it in 1969.A budget crisis prompted U-M to sell it to First Martin Corp in 1984. Since then the Ann Arbor-based real-estate firm renovated the factory into offices, managed it, and renamed it the Allmendinger Building. A couple of original Allmendinger organs and pianos can now be found in its lobby. It has been fully occupied for decades as the demand for loft-like offices near downtown continued to climb in recent decades."The entire north end has a 6-inch wood floor," says Darren McKinnon, vice president of First Martin Corp.That floor is a series of 2x6s sandwiched together to provide enough support for pianos and organs. The Allmendinger Building was built in a post-and-beam style that shows off exposed structural wood post and beams. It is filled with exposed brick and all of the cool little quirks and imperfections that make these former industrial buildings popular in the tech industry."What is important to most people is the character of the building, the type of construction," McKinnon says. "Also, it proximity to downtown is popular."Duo Security is not one of those companies that many people would connect to a 19th century organ company. It's a tech startup that provides online security solutions for organizations big and small. Its bread and butter is its two-factor authentication platform that protects users, data and applications from hackers with a focus on streamlined usability. (Check out a video describing its two-factor authentication system here The firm is now arguably Michigan's most promising tech company . It doubled its customer base in 2015, serving companies and institutions ranging from American Public Media to Duke University . Duo Security analyzed nearly 2 million devices with 1 million users, and handled nearly 2 million authentication events per day by the end of last year.Duo Security is also backed by some of the biggest names in the tech industry. It has raised well in excess of $40 million in venture capital, including a $30 million Series C last year. Among its investors are Silicon Valley heavyweights like Redpoint Ventures Benchmark Capital , and Google Ventures . Duo Security recently received a $2.5 million performance-based grant from the state of Michigan for continuing to grow in downtown Ann Arbor and create hundreds of jobs."Duo's expansion in Michigan rather than Silicon Valley means excellent, well-paying jobs for Michigan residents and underscores the strength of the talent in the state's technology sector," Michigan Economic Development Corp CEO Steve Arwood said in a press release announcing Duo Security's expansion earlier this spring.Duo Security has come a long way since Dug Song and Jon Oberheide launched it in 2009 in the Tech Brewery on Ann Arbor's north side. It employs 250 people in Ann Arbor, Silicon Valley, Austin, and London. The lions share of those, 160 people, work in Duo Security's Ann Arbor headquarters at 123 N Ashley, a space it intends to keep along with the new Allmendinger Building offices.Both Oberheide and Song graduated from the University of Michigan and live in Ann Arbor. Song serves as Duo Securitys CEO and face of the company. Oberheide is its CTO. Song is a Washington, D.C., native who came to Ann Arbor for college and never left. He is raising his family, building a business, and making his adopted community a better place, much like Allmendinger once did.Allmendinger was an influential member of the the local business community and a key leader in developing Ann Arbor's reputation as Tree Town, helping to establish a legacy of green spaces. His home was renowned as a bucolic wonderland and often compared to Belle Isle. Allmendinger Park , on the citys near west side, is named after him.Dug Song is a business leader cut from similar cloth - but with a Millennial twist. He was a driving force behind the creation the Ann Arbor's Skate Park and has been an enthusiastic part of building Ann Arbor's tech scene It might be a bit premature to declare Song as the second coming of Allmendinger, or expect that Duo Security will become one of the city's largest private employers . Duo Security needs to quadruple in size to do be compared to the likes of Zingerman's and Domino's Pizza , and add another 1,000-plus employees to hit the employment levels of the Thomson Reuters or the Toyota Tech Center. But that doesn't mean the team at Duo Security isn't poignantly aware of what the Allmendinger Building means to Ann Arbor."All of the companys employees are aware of its history," DiMarzo says.Duo Security is taking control of 28,000 square feet of the 40,000-square-foot building through a five-year lease. It will be moving approximately half of its workforce (a little more than 100 people) in there in phases over the next year. The space, formerly occupied by Johnson & Johnson, was attractive to the company because of its close proximity to their current headquarters (two blocks away) and downtown Ann Arbor. Its historic character is also reminiscent of the company's original Tech Brewery location."The aesthetics of the building were very much a part of the decision," DiMarzo says. "It fits in well with the company's culture."There is little doubt that Duo Security's culture is quickly helping to reshape Ann Arbor's economy and identity. While DiMarzo doesn't expect it to employ as many people as Zingerman's or Domino's Pizza anytime soon, it has emerged as one of hottest employers in the Michigan, attracting job candidates from all over the country. And, much as Allmendinger did a century ago, its name is quickly becoming synonymous with Ann Arbor.
Giffels Webster executed its first acquisition in recent memory when it bought Lathrup Village-based Clearzoning earlier this month.The downtown Detroit-based infrastructure consulting firm plans to integrate the planning and zoning firm into its three offices across Metro Detroit to fill out its service offerings."Our vision is to continue to promote our diversity of projects," says Scott Clein, president of Giffels Webster . "They type of balance we have enjoyed in our 60 years of existence."Giffels Webster plans to absorb all of Clearzoning's nine staffers. Giffels Webster has hired 10 people on its own over the last year, bringing its total staff to 105 people occupying offices in Detroit, Oakland County and Macomb County.The merger will turn Giffels Webster into a multi-discipline firm that handles everything from planning to engineering to consulting for infrastructure and construction projects both public and private."We don't like the work integrate, as in integrating the two companies," Clein says. "We are using the word harmony. We are trying to bring together two great company cultures."Giffels Webster wasn't looking to acquire a company when the Clearzoning opportunity presented itself. Clein says his team decided to pursue it because the two companies' cultures are so similar and work well together."At the end of the day we are all trying to accomplish the same things," Clein says. "Were just trying to get the job done."Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com
With the launch of Lake Brothers Beer Co. this spring, Sean Farrell and Mike Grodecki are two of the newest craft brewers in Detroit. They only produce a lager, but they have high expectations for it.The brothers-in-law see the lager as their ticket into the micro brewing industry. It's a light, crisp beer that's been historically popular in the U.S. All of the marco brewers mass produced lagers for for much of the 20th Century, and it wasn't until the birth of the micro-brewery movement in the last 20 years that ales came back into favor."We have been inspired by the lagers of the old days," Farrell says. "We're trying to replicate that in today's market."Brewing lagers is easier said than done. They typically need to brew longer and in colder temperatures, meaning they take more time and resources to produce."It's a hard beer to make," Farrell says. "Any imperfections shine through."Lake Brothers Beer Co. is making a classic lager with a light amber color. It's brewed out of the Brew Detroit facility in Corktown, packaged into 12-ounce cans and sold in boxed six packs. Patrons can buy them at independent retailers, bars, and restaurants across Metro Detroit, such as Mudgie's Deli in Corktown or Honey Bee La Colmena supermarket in Mexicantown.The company hopes it can be the regional lager of choice, like Shiner Bock in Texas or Brooklyn Brewery in New York or Yuengling in Virginia."We want to be the premier lager brand for the Great Lakes region," Farrell says.
The clock is ticking for entrepreneurs thinking about applying to Detroit's Motor City Match program. July 1 is the deadline for the small business competition, which awards grant funding, design and technical support, and landlord-tenant match-making assistance. The quarterly competition offers up to $500,000 in grants each round.Entrepreneurs ranging from established to nascent are encouraged to apply. The competition offers different levels of prizes to local small businesses, depending on a number of factors. For the new entrepreneurs, Motor City Match offers free business planning programming. More advanced entrepreneurs may be matched with a Detroit landlord seeking to fill a storefront or building. Design services from local architecture firms are also available.The most advanced applicants are eligible to receive up to $100,000.Since launching in 2015, Motor City Match has awarded $1.5 million in grant funding, which has been leveraged for nearly $10.5 million in investment.Lana Rodriguez is the recipient of one of those grants, having received $18,000 from Motor City Match in the most recent round of competition. She's using that money to help start Mama Coo's Boutique in Corktown, an upscale resale and vintage clothing shop "I'm a hustler and I knew the store would open, but it would have only been partially realized," says Rodriguez. "This grant money lets me get started and go all in. I know I have a better chance of longevity and success."According to Motor City Match, the organization has already served over 300 businesses and 180 commercial properties since 2015. Detroit-based businesses make up about two-thirds of the winners and minority-owned businesses make up 70 percent of the successful applicants.Visit www.motorcitymatch.com to apply.Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Huseyn Valiyev  Trend:

Ali Abdullayev has been appointed Azerbaijans first deputy minister of communications and high technologies.

Earlier, Abdullayev headed the staff at the Communications and High Technologies Ministry.

He graduated from the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Azerbaijan.

Abdullayev has worked at Azerbaijans State Committee on Property Issues, where he headed the Center for Organization of Auctions.

Ali Abdullayev also served as an expert on legal issues at the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
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President Obama landed Thursday at Moffett Field in Mountain View to begin a Bay Area visit that includes a conference at Stanford University.

Obama gave a big smile as he walked down the steps from Air Force One, chatting with Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, who flew to California with the president. They were greeted shortly after 5 p.m. by San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo; Dave Cortese, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors; Sunnyvale Mayor Glenn Hendricks; and Mountain View Mayor Patricia Showalter.

Obama boarded the Marine One helicopter from the airfield for a short flight to San Franciscos Crissy Field, where he touched down at 6:05 p.m. He was to spend the night at a downtown hotel after dinner at Twenty Five Lusk with leading Bay Area entrepreneurs.

Among the guests were John Doerr, a venture capitalist at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; LinkedIn Chairman Reid Hoffman, Claire Lee, managing director of Silicon Valley Bank; Elizabeth Gore, entrepreneur-in-residence at Dell; Stanford University President John Hennessy; Stephen Ozoigbo, CEO of the African Technology Foundation; Dave McClure, founder of 500 Startups; venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya; Google CEO Sundar Pichai; and Mary Grove, director of @GoogleforEntrep.

A small group of immigration activists protested near the presidents hotel in response to Thursdays split Supreme Court decision, which will prohibit the Obama administration from creating a program to help eligible immigrant parents avoid deportation.

Obama is scheduled to speak Friday morning at the seventh annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford, a gathering of more than 700 entrepreneurs. The session will also include Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Pichai, Hennessy, AOL co-founder Steve Case and cast members of HBOs Silicon Valley.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Timed with Obamas visit to Silicon Valley this week, the administration announced several new initiatives designed to boost entrepreneurship. It also announced a pledge from 30 top tech companies, including Box, Airbnb, Lyft and Pinterest, to increase diversity in their workforce.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jennajourno
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Exchange rate fluctuations that occur in connection with the UKs decision to leave the EU have no impact on the formation of the exchange rate of the US dollar to Azerbaijani manat, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan told Trend June 24.

The US dollar rate to Azerbaijani manat is defined not based on the exchange rate fluctuations on the global financial markets due to UKs decision to leave the EU, but on the ratio of supply to demand in the local foreign currency market, the bank said.

The main factors affecting supply and demand ration in the foreign currency market are the state of the balance of payments - that is, the volume of imported and exported foreign currency, the volume of oil transfers for the needs of the budget, as well as dedollarization measures implemented in the country, the bank noted.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan said that according to the strategy of diversification, currency reserves of the bank are kept in US dollars, euros and pounds.

Due to the fact that most part of the reserves of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (85 percent) is placed in US dollars, depreciation of other currencies against the US dollar has not led to a significant foreign exchange difference, the bank added.

On June 24, the euro fell by 3.2 percent against the manat compared to June 23 - to 1.6787 AZN/EUR, while the depreciation of the pound rate against the manat amounted to 9.3 percent  2.0530 AZN/GBP, according to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan.

On June 24, the pound has fallen by 12 percent against the US dollar - to 1.3231 USD/GBP.
One of the most revered predators in North America  the big, bad wolf  has been spotted in Lassen County, the latest in what appears to be a steady procession of the wild canines crossing the Oregon border into California, giving hope to wildlife advocates and striking fear in ranchers.

Over the past year, four trail cameras captured photographs of what appears to be a lone male gray wolf in the rural county of roughly 31,000 people in northeastern California. If confirmed, the wolf would be the ninth documented in the state, a strong indication that the carnivores are finding good habitat in the Golden State, where the species was exterminated more than 90 years ago.

Its a very good sign that we continue to have more visitors in the state that hopefully will stay here, said Amaroq Weiss, the West Coast wolf organizer for the Center for Biological Diversity. California is in the infant stages of hopefully wolf recovery. Its very exciting. Each one of these individual animals that comes into the state is important.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife took the four photos at different times between August and May, and in one case collected a hair sample. DNA tests were inconclusive, though, meaning the animal could be a dog or wolf-dog hybrid. Wildlife experts, however, believe the creature is the celebrated Canis lupus because it remained in the remote woods through the winter, an act of endurance that would be nearly impossible for your average Fido.

Agency officials said the animal is not wearing a radio collar, so its movements can only be followed by relying on sightings and trail cameras, following tracks or collecting scat. The sighting comes decades after the last known native California wolf was trapped and killed in Lassen County in 1924.

The first wolf to enter California in recent years was OR-7, a radio-collared animal from Oregon that dispersed from the Imnaha Pack and crossed the border in late 2011. OR-7 created an international sensation when he traveled an estimated 2,500 miles through seven counties. He also prompted howls of protest from cattle and sheep ranchers, some of whom threatened to employ the three Ss  shoot, shovel and shut up  if any of the sharp-toothed meat-eaters got near their livestock.

In 2013, OR-7 returned to southwestern Oregon, where he found a mate. Now almost 7, he has had litters of pups for three consecutive years and lives with as many as seven other pack members. They are among 110 wolves in 15 packs in Oregon, many of which are dispersing into the southwestern part of the state, near the border.

Over the past year, a wolf family of seven known as the Shasta Pack has established itself in Siskiyou County. The pack is believed to have killed and eaten a calf late last year, the first reported case of livestock depredation, further raising tensions over wolves reappearance. Another collared wolf known as OR-25 has made several forays into California since December, though hes now back in Oregon.

The timing of the wolfs appearance in Lassen County means it is probably not one of OR-7s puppies. It does not appear to be a refugee from the Shasta Pack either, given that its members are black and the Lassen canine is gray.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Wolves were listed as endangered by the state in June 2014, but the federal government is considering taking the animals off its endangered list.

Apex predators are in steep decline and we need them badly because science is conclusively proving the world over that they are essential to the health of the wild areas they live in, Weiss said. We drove this species to extinction here and we are extremely fortunate to get a second chance to see these ecologically essential and beautiful animals return.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite
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Three concrete gun batteries that once protected the Golden Gate will soon be populated by site-responsive artworks put there by the For-Site Foundation, a San Francisco nonprofit that promotes art about place.

The exhibition, Home Land Security, will open in the Presidio on Sept. 10

Sixteen artists will examine national security, in an era when it is more complex than building a concrete fortress at a port of entry, For-Site Executive Director Cheryl Haines said Thursday, June 23.

Home Land Security provides a powerful context for considering the perceived need for defense and surveillance and (for) looking at how fear of other can obscure commonality of human experience and contribute to cultural misunderstanding, said Haines.

The art, in the form of video, sculpture, performance, painting and installation, will occupy Fort Winfield Scott, once headquarters for the coastal defense system in the Presidio of San Francisco.

The exhibition will be a thematic follow-up to another recent show from For-Site on national parkland overlooking the bay: @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz. That show, in which the Chinese dissident artist addressed political imprisonment, ran for seven months in 2014-15, attracting international attention and hundreds of thousands of visitors.

As part of its own centennial celebration, the National Park Service is a presenting partner in the show, along with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the Presidio Trust.

A decommissioned U.S. Army missile administration building will serve as the main gallery. Next to it is the Fort Scott Chapel, which will premiere metal sculptures inspired by projectiles witnessed by artist Shahpour Pouyan while growing up in Iran.

From there it is a short walk to the gun batteries. Here you will find San Francisco sculptor Al Farrows scale model of a church and a mosque, fashioned from spent ammunition and weapons parts. Another example of ammo art will be sculptural freeze frames of bullets fired into ballistics gel by the Propeller Group, an international collective.

The video component will include works from Bill Violas well-known 2014 series Martyrs, about suffering for ones beliefs.

The show will combine existing work with new commissions and features artists rooted in China, Cuba, Iran, Israel, South Korea, Syria, Vietnam and Oakland.

It will bring For-Site full circle in its use of the Presidio as a temporary exhibition space. Its work therestarted with Presidio Habitats, which was the first site-based art exhibition in a national park when it opened in 2010. It was followed by International Orange, which took over the brick garrison at Fort Point for a show that honored the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, in 2012.
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Two years after giving up on San Francisco, billionaire filmmaker George Lucas will try again to build an expansive personal museum in California  this time possibly on Treasure Island.

The Star Wars creator and Marin County resident announced Friday that he is abandoning his efforts to build a $700 million Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Chicago. Instead, the museums board said in a statement, California will be its future home.

No specific destination is named in the statement, but Lucas people are said to be looking at two sites: one at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, the other on Treasure Island across from the Ferry Building.

Museum officials havent spelled out a deadline. But the indications are that Lucas will commit to the first city where he can break ground  preferably within 18 months  on what is envisioned as a showcase of everything from such early 20th century favorites as Norman Rockwell to contemporary examples of digital animation.

The U-turn follows a lawsuit that had blocked Lucas efforts in Chicago, where he and his wife, Mellody Hobson, a native of that city, spend much of their time.

At San Franciscos City Hall, often-feuding factions are united  at least so far  in efforts to convince Lucas that he should put his museum close to his longtime home.

Its time for San Francisco to roll out the welcome mat, said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who lives on Telegraph Hill with a view of Treasure Island. Treasure Island is uniquely positioned, and we have something very attractive to offer.

Resistance to designs

The same argument was made by Deirdre Hussey, Mayor Ed Lees spokeswoman.

Mayor Lee has always believed that San Francisco is the best place for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Hussey said. The mayor and the Board of Supervisors are working closely with the Lucas team to have a home for this world-class collection on Treasure Island.

The catch, of course, is how politicians and the public will react to a specific proposal.

When Lucas was competing for the right to build his museum across from Crissy Field in the Presidio, his nostalgic design, which took its cues from the nearby Palace of Fine Arts, came in for severe criticism. Despite support from the likes of Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the Presidio Trust turned down the design and the project as inappropriate for the bay-side setting in the national park.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel then courted the filmmaker and offered a 17-acre parking lot along Lake Michigan. But the waterfront setting prompted a lawsuit by the advocacy group Friends of the Parks, while the futuristic design by Chinese architect Ma Yansong was likened to Lucas creation Jabba the Hut. The project also tripled in size from the one conceived for Crissy Field.

That lawsuit remains active, and it stalled the project to such an extent that Lucas and his museums board decided this week they had no option but to go west  again.

What hasnt wavered, apparently, is Lucas enthusiasm for Yansongs futuristic organic designs.

They made it very clear they are going to keep him and clear that he is tasked with coming up with something more contextual for Treasure Island, Peskin said. Yansong and his firm, MAD Architects, also are designing a USC alternative, sources said.

Freedom for developer

The resistance to Lucas in San Francisco and Chicago comes despite his stated intention to pay for the museum  which now has an estimated $700 million price tag  out of his own pocket. The filmmaker, who sold his firm Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012 for $4 billion, would also endow the museum to ensure its long-term stability.

This is not a Star Wars museum, emphasized David Perry, a spokesman for Lucas. It is much expanded from what was originally proposed for the Presidio. It is a nonprofit museum devoted to narrative art in all its form.

Compared with the Presidio, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and also a historic landmark, Treasure Island offers more freedom for a developer. The former military base is set to be redeveloped as a mixed-use district with as many as 8,000 housing units. The site Lucas is considering is zoned for a building 125 feet tall and is near the site where a ferry terminal is scheduled to open as soon as 2021.

Back in Chicago, the boosterish optimism of 2014 is now a distant memory.

In his statement, Lucas complained of the seemingly unending litigation to protect a parking lot and what he called opponents efforts to extract concessions from the city.

Emanuel, in his statement, was equally combative: The moment weve consistently warned about has arrived  Chicagos loss will be another citys gain.

John King is the San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron
A meningococcal outbreak in Southern California that has mostly infected gay men prompted San Francisco health officials Friday to issue a warning on the eve of Pride weekend and a plea for people to get inoculated against the disease.

The warning came after state health officials announced that nine people in the Los Angeles and Orange County area have tested positive for the bacterial disease, which is spread through nose and throat secretions. One of them died from the infection.

Here in San Francisco it is Pride week, with lots of visitors from around the state, the country and the world coming to town to celebrate, Dr. Naveena Bobba, deputy health officer for San Francisco, said in a statement. We encourage revelers to consider the meningococcal ACWY vaccine as a way to take charge of their health.

Though it takes seven to 10 days for the vaccine to work, the city health departments last-minute advisory was intended to ensure Pride weekend attendees are aware how the disease is contracted. Kissing, mingling in crowded venues and sharing cigarettes and other smoking devices are among the ways the disease is spread.

HIV-positive people are also at heightened risk for meningococcal disease, officials said.

The city Department of Public Health recommended that men who have sex with men get vaccinated because the people who tested positive for the disease in Southern California were in the gay community.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, vomiting, nausea, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, rash and muscle pain. The disease can lead to meningitis, an infection of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or a bloodstream infection called septicemia.

Officials encouraged people to contact their primary care providers to get vaccinated. The vaccine is also available for residents at the citys Adult Immunization and Travel Clinic at 101 Grove St., at the San Francisco City Clinic at 356 Seventh St., or at many pharmacies.

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control shows where to get vaccinated at www.vaccines.gov/more_info/features/healthmapvaccinefinder.html.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
Ben Ehrenreichs sentences  direct, impassioned and informed by many months of on-the-ground reporting in the Palestinian territories  can be devastating. I will remember it, he writes, as the summer of children dying.

Hes referring to the 2014 Gaza conflict that raged for seven weeks and resulted in the deaths of 71 Israelis and more than 2,000 Palestinians, 551 of whom were children, according to the United Nations.

Ehrenreich cites these casualty numbers as evidence of a disastrous overreaction on the part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, which launched its military operation in response to the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens. Some will argue that in making this argument, the author reveals hes not an impartial journalist. Ehrenreich doesnt dispute this interpretation  he embraces it.

I do not aspire in these pages to objectivity, he writes in The Way to the Spring. I dont believe it to be a virtue, or even a possibility. Accordingly, he uses increasingly strong words to describe the 2014 fighting. Early on, he terms it Israels catastrophic assault on the people of Gaza; later, its merely murderous and a massacre.

Such boldness is one of the books defining traits. Convinced that its impossible to discuss the relevant issues without appearing to pick a side, Ehrenreich, a novelist and a National Magazine Award winner, is open about his sympathies.

Simply to refer to (the West Bank) by that name rather than as Judea and Samaria, to call it Palestine rather than Eretz Israel, is to already be involved, he says. And to base oneself there rather than in Tel Aviv or West Jerusalem, or Washington or New York, is to enter the conflict, whether one wishes to or not.

By his definition, Ehrenreich became a participant in 2011, when he began spending extended periods living in and writing about West Bank towns and cities. He forged relationships with Palestinians who decline to consent to (their) own eradication and resolved to chronicle their unarmed resistance to the Israeli authorities.

I make no attempt here to describe these events through the eyes of Israelis, he says.

Comments like these will turn off some readers. But those willing to listen will find that Ehrenreichs industrious reporting can help us better understand some of those at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle. His scope is narrow and his book has its flaws (more on these below). But this doesnt mean that The Way to the Spring is any less distressing or important.

Its worth noting, too, that Ehrenreich doesnt reserve his criticism for Israeli leaders; he also has tough words for those American politicians and journalists whom he believes are overly deferential to Israel, and some Palestinian officials, whom he characterizes as cowardly.

As outlined by Ehrenreich, life for many in the West Bank is a minute-to-minute negotiation between the desire for domestic stability and the inherent tension of a life lived amid razor-wire barricades and buildings encased in protective steel bars.

At home, Ehrenreichs Palestinian friends watch Glee and use iPhones; to go to the market, they must pass through military checkpoints. He describes a kindergarten in Hebron, its outer walls decorated with colorful paintings of cartoon characters, Popeye and SpongeBob looming large among them. ... Vandals had spray-painted it with Stars of David and a single sentence in Hebrew: DEATH TO ARABS.

In Nabi Saleh, a Palestinian village, many channel their grievances into public demonstrations. In the words of an experienced protester, their demonstrations are unarmed, but Ehrenreich notes that some of them  mainly young men  spend a lot of time hurling stones at members of the Israeli military. The soldiers, he writes, spray Palestinian homes with foul-smelling skunk liquid, throw stun grenades and fire rubber bullets.

The narrative builds to the bloody 2014 conflict, related here in heartrending detail. These and other events have left Ehrenreich feeling pessimistic about the possibility of a two-state solution, which he terms a cadaver.

Ehrenreichs approach results in some problems. One stems from his desire to challenge an imbalance of long standing in how the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is covered by Western journalists. In the name of this well-intentioned objective, he pays very little attention to the many acts of terror committed over the years in the name of Palestinian liberation, and often seems content to portray the Israeli military as a monolithic throng of bullies. Narrative decisions like these deprive the book of important context and will surely repel a portion of his potential audience.

Another problem: Ehrenreich occasionally exaggerates, undermining his credibility. For instance, a doctor in Ramallah tells Ehrenreich that hes seen dozens of cases in which Palestinians have been shot in the knees with live ammunition fired by Israeli snipers. This is a disturbing anecdote, and it speaks for itself. But Ehrenreich doesnt leave it there. To him, this suggests that a generation of young men was being systematically hobbled. The evidence he presents doesnt support his sweeping assertion.

Fortunately, the vast majority of The Way to the Spring is made up of much more solid reporting. Ehrenreich proves to be the kind of tough-minded yet searching writer we need to help us understand this intractable divide, and the people shaped by it. This comes through most clearly late in the book, when he tells us about the not-atypical dreams of a young Nabi Saleh resident.

He wanted to leave the country, to go somewhere where there was work, somewhere more open  maybe Canada, or Turkey, Ehrenreich writes. He wanted to live by the beach, he said, and to live a different kind of life.

Kevin Canfield has written for Bookforum, Film Comment and other publications. Email: books@sfchronicle.com

The Way

to the Spring

Life and Death

in Palestine

By Ben Ehrenreich

(Penguin; 428 pages; $28)
A U-Haul truck used as a getaway vehicle by thieves who broke into a Petaluma motorsports store and swiped five motorcycles worth nearly $40,000 was found abandoned and empty in San Francisco  two days after police from multiple Bay Area agencies lost it during a chase.

The burglary occurred just before 10 p.m. Sunday at K&B Motorsports on the 300 block of Petaluma Boulevard North, officials said. A witness reported seeing the large U-Haul truck backing into the building and shattering its glass front, and then pulling away a short time later with the ramp to the trucks cargo hold dragging along the roadway.

Officers responding to the break in spotted the truck and attempted to pull it over, but the driver hit the gas and a chase ensued, officials said.

Police pursued the truck through Petaluma, where speeds reached 60 mph in a 30 mph zone, and at one point the eastbound getaway truck crossed into the westbound lanes of East Washington Street in an attempt to evade officers, officials said.

The fleeing truck went onto Highway 101 and sped south. Petaluma police pursued it to the Nave Drive interchange, where California Highway Patrol officers took over and chased the truck over the Golden Gate Bridge and into San Francisco.

A CHP H30 helicopter was tracking the U-Haul from the air but lost sight of the truck when it traveled under an overpass in the area of 13th and Howard streets, officials said.

On Tuesday, detectives found the U-Haul truck abandoned and empty near San Franciscos Candlestick Point, officials said. They combed the vehicle for fingerprints and DNA evidence, and were following up on leads in an attempt to identify the suspects.

As of Friday morning, the thieves remained on the loose.

Officials said the five off-road style motorcycles taken from K&B Motorsports are worth about $38,000.

The damage to the store itself was said to be extensive.

Authorities ask anyone with information about the crime to call Detective Adam Wirtz at (707) 565-1377.

Kevin Schultz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kschultz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kevinedschultz
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

High diversification of investment portfolio of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) regarding both various financial instruments and foreign currencies made it possible to protect it from current fluctuations on global financial markets in connection with the UKs decision to leave the EU, the fund said in a message June 24.

Britons held a referendum June 23 on whether the UK should to stay in the European Union, or leave it. The voting results indicate that the campaign to leave the EU, known as the Brexit, has won with 51.9 percent of the votes.

Results of the referendum in the UK have created uncertainty and led to fluctuations on global financial markets, SOFAZ said. First of all, all this was observed on the global foreign exchange and the stock market. All the major indexes of shares cheapened by over five percent, with the euro and the pound rates falling by ten and three percent, respectively.

According to the message, the investments made in the shares hit around 10 percent of a total amount of assets, so cheapening of stock indices did not affect SOFAZ.

"The remaining 90 percent have been put in securities with stable income, real estate and gold, the message said. The value of these assets remained stable, while the price of gold greatly increased.

As for the variation as a result of the currency fluctuations, these fluctuations did not lead to a loss or profit following the diversification of the currency portfolio," the message said.

Some 71.47 percent of the investment portfolio of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) was invested in financial tools for up to five years in Jan.-March 2016, SOFAZs report on the results of the first quarter of 2016 said.

As of April 1, 2016, the total volume of SOFAZ investment portfolio is $33.94 billion or 99.1 percent of the total volume of assets, the report said.

The official exchange rate is 1.5332 AZN/USD June 24.

Around 35.64 percent of SOFAZ investment portfolio is placed in securities for a one-year period, 21.56 percent for one to three years, 14.27 percent for three to five years and 9.13 percent for more than five years. Some 19.4 percent is kept in real estate, assets and gold, the report said.

SOFAZ assets are partially placed in securities, tools of the monetary market such as deposits and bank accounts.

Some 80.6 percent of the investment portfolio is placed in bonds. Around 14.04 percent accounted for the securities with 'AAA' ratings, 26.76 percent in 'AA', 36.76 percent in 'A', and 22.36 percent in 'BBB', 0.08 percent in BB. SOFAZ assets cannot be placed in securities with a lesser investment rating.

Around 3.1 percent of the investment portfolio is placed in gold, real estate- 4.6 percent, assets  7.7 percent, investments in the projects  2.5 percent.

SOFAZ was established in 1999 with assets of $271 million.

Based on SOFAZ's regulations, its funds may be used for the construction and reconstruction of strategically important infrastructure facilities, as well as solving important national problems.

The main goals of the State Oil Fund include: accumulation of resources and the placement of the fund's assets abroad in order to minimize the negative affect on the economy, the prevention of "Dutch disease" to some extent, promotion of resource accumulation for future generations and support of current social and economic processes in Azerbaijan.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anvar_Mammadov
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PITTSBURGH  Brandon Crawford eyeballed Mac Williamsons sixth-inning homer Thursday and guessed 440 feet. Statcast said 446. Whats 6 feet between guys who might play every day together sometime?

Williamson knows the Giants might trade for an outfielder. In his fourth call-up from Triple-A this season, the 25-year-old is trying to persuade them that he can be their left fielder, if not this year, maybe next.

In his two starts against Pittsburgh, Williamson had three singles and three walks in addition to the homer. Manager Bruce Bochy batted him third against lefty Jonathon Niese on Thursday.

Hitting in front of Buster (Posey), that was special, Williamson said.

The Giants still hope Williamson can be the answer in left field, which, paradoxically, is why they keep demoting him. They want him to get consistent at-bats in Sacramento. He has played sporadically with the Giants and was 2-for-14 during his last stint, including a homer off David Price.

Its frustrating at times going back and forth, he said. You want a chance to settle in. But Im thankful for the belief they have in me. Especially after the last time, they could have given the next opportunity to someone else.

Williamson probably will be on the bench Friday, with Denard Span, Gregor Blanco and Angel Pagan starting against Philadelphia righty Zach Eflin.

Cain progress: Matt Cain will not come off the disabled list when eligible Wednesday. His strained hamstring is improved, but Bochy said the club expects to send Cain on a minor-league rehab assignment. He skipped that during his first stint on the DL then reinjured the hamstring in his first start back.

That means one more start at least for Albert Suarez, who allowed three runs in five innings to win Thursday. He would have been done in the fourth had he not struck out John Jaso with a runner on second base and two outs. Bochy was not going to let him face left-handed hitter Gregory Polanco in that inning.

Romo update: Sergio Romo could rejoin the Giants this weekend if he responds well to throwing in Sacramento for the second consecutive night Thursday (he gave up three hits and two runs in one-third of an inning). He has been out since April 10 with an elbow injury.

Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

On deck

Friday

vs. Phillies

7:15 p.m. CSNBA

Eflin (0-2) vs.

Peavy (3-6)

Saturday

vs. Phillies

7:05 p.m.. CSNBA

Hellickson (4-6) vs. Bumgarner (8-3)

Sunday

vs. Phillies

1:05 p.m. CSNBA

Nola (5-7) vs.

Cueto (11-1)

Leading off

Outfielder signed: The Giants signed their top draft pick, Vanderbilt outfielder Bryan Reynolds, to a $1.35 million bonus, above the recommended $1.09 million slot for the 54th pick.

 Henry Schulman
Twenty-five years ago, a San Francisco Public Library commissioner named Steve Coulter came up with an idea that was so far ahead of its time that he was afraid to let it out of the house. So he invited six friends over to try it out in the safety of his living room.

The radical notion was to establish an archive that would actively seek out the history of gays and lesbians before it is all lost, recalls Coulter, who was not yet thinking as big as his idea would become. But when the James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center opened in the New Main Library five years later, on April 18, 1996, it was the first permanent gay and lesbian center in any municipal building in America.

This was unheard of at the time, says state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco. The fact of it in the public library communicated to the LGBT community that we were now officially part of the civic fabric of San Francisco.

A different era

The circular reading room, in a quiet corner of the third floor, has not changed since its opening. But the collection in the stacks, 13,000 books and 5,000 films, is ever-expanding, as is the title of the place. For its 20th anniversary, it has been renamed the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, to include Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning, Intersex, Allies, Advocates and Asexual.

Thats about 25 syllables, and the acronym isnt any easier to handle. But it can all be summed up in the centers easy-to-remember motto: Queerest. Library. Ever.

Right now we are pretty trendy, Coulter says. I would say in 1991 we were not.

It all seems so long ago now, but in 1991 Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., was still using his congressional bully pulpit to chase gays back into the closet. The radical gay action force Stop AIDS Now or Else had recently stopped traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge, and ACT UP was staging other disruptive protests. Lesbians were just establishing their right to be a category apart from gays. Any money that could be raised in the gay community went directly to the fight against the pandemic.

In the face of this, it was difficult timing to begin a campaign to raise money for a gay library collection. But the campaign to build a New Main Library was already under way, and Coulter saw that the time was nigh.

An external affairs executive for Pacific Bell, Coulter had been appointed to the San Francisco Public Library Commission by Mayor Art Agnos. So Coulter took it upon himself to see what the library already had, which amounted to a few boxes of the Bay Area Reporter, a gay newspaper, stacked high on a shelf at the Eureka Valley branch.

I thought, This is really nice, but sad compared to what we could be doing, he says.

Amy Osborne/Special To The Chronicle

Going local, then national

That is how he came to invite his friends and neighbors over for a chat, in his flat on the first block of Divisadero Street, in the same room with the mix of traditional furnishings and antiques where he now sits relating the story.

He cannot remember who sat where, but he can definitely remember who was in the room  most prominently his neighbor just up the hill, meatpacking heir Jim Hormel. Also in attendance were Coulters partner, Greg McIntyre, city planner Chuck Forester, radio station owner Gary Gielow, and Sherry Thomas and Bob Sass, who both worked in book publishing.

This was not the gay political leadership, Coulter says. These were people with a long-term view for preserving gay history.

The strategy they cooked up that night was that they would tell donors that if they only had one dollar to give, to give it to the fight against AIDS. But if they had a dollar plus change, give the change to the gay archive. They set a fundraising goal of $1.6 million, and Coulter set out to find an archive.

This search only had to go six doors down Divisadero, to the home of Larry Bush, an Agnos aide and friend of Chronicle reporter Randy Shilts, considered to be the first openly gay reporter to cover the gay beat at any major newspaper in America. By then Shilts was a national name, having published The Mayor of Castro Street about Harvey Milk, followed by And the Band Played On, an award-winning history of the AIDS crisis.

Amy Osborne/Special To The Chronicle

Coulter met Shilts for dinner at Bushs home on Divisadero, and that was all it took.

He gave us all of his back papers, his notes, his first drafts, Coulter says. Once we got Randy, then we could start building it. Outreach went nationwide, and included two lesbians in Florida who had two houses. One was just for their books and magazines, thousands of them on the lesbian experience, all of which were shipped west.

What else were they going to do with it? Some university might be interested in it, but youd have to be a student to get in to see it, Coulter says. We were going to make our collection open to everyone. That was the excitement of it.

To bottle this excitement, a fundraising dinner was set at the Hyatt Regency, and Leno, a sign company owner who was still getting his name out there, was assigned to serve as co-chair, along with Jan Zivic.

Message multiplies

Amy Osborne/Special To The Chronicle

When Hormel arrived at the dinner, he looked out on the room and saw a sparse crowd and thought the event was a failure. But he was looking at the overflow seating. The main room had sold out, but Leno persuaded his own constituency to suffer the indignity of sitting in the anteroom.

We filled the entire Hyatt Regency ballroom; I think there were 1,000 people in attendance, Leno says. Relative to LGBT community fundraisers, it set the bar for all that followed.

The dinner raised $800,000, halfway to the goal, and the gay center at the New Main became a cause celebre within the gay and lesbian community, Coulter says.

It took four years, but the results more than doubled the initial goal of $1.6 millionen route to a final tally of $3.5 million. The extra $2 million allows for an endowment, so that it can compete for collections.

Those first seven who met in Coulters living room were joined by some 1,500 other names on the donor wall, at a minimum contribution of $1,000, payable in $50 monthly installments.

This had an impact that was unexpected, recalls Hormel, who gave $500,000 and was arm-twisted into putting his name on the door. I see it as an example of how a group of citizens can get its message out to the general public.

When the New Main opened, the Hormel Center was one of four designated cultural collections, including Chinese, African American and Filipino, on the third floor. But only the gay and lesbian center has its own director, Karen Sundheim, and its own archivist, Tim Wilson.

Over the years the center has accumulated what might be the most concentrated and comprehensive collection of gay-related papers and film at any library anywhere, public or private.

I just spent about two weeks there doing research. They have materials that are invaluable to LGBT researchers that you cannot find anywhere else, says Lillian Faderman, a nationally recognized historian at work on a biography of Harvey Milk for Yale University Press.

Faderman came up from San Diego to do her research, but other researchers come from farther than that.

I get visitors from all over the world, Sundheim says. Just recently a Chinese filmmaker came in because hed learned that we have the only copy of a film he made that was banned in his own country.

Gay heroes in history

The Main Library is celebrating its 20th anniversary, but only the Hormel Center gets a historic exhibition at the Jewett Gallery, on the lower level, with ancillary exhibits in the center itself and at the Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library.

Hormel is also the only collection in the library with its own overhead mural, painted in trompe loeil depicting gay heroes, though some never confirmed their sexuality. These include Leonardo da Vinci, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Milk and Shilts, who never lived to see the center open.

The one identifiable likeness in the mural is Hormel, who later became the countrys first openly gay ambassador, posted to Luxembourg under President Bill Clinton.

When Hormel was asked, in a 20th anniversary film tribute, where he would place the Hormel Center among his top-10 philanthropic gifts, he rated it No. 1. Also No. 2 and so on through No. 10.

Reached at home in San Francisco, Hormel hedges that claim, slightly. I would put it at or very near the top of the list, he says.

Coulter, 68, has long since retired from both Pacific Bell and the Library Commission. He is a full-time writer and has published his first novel, The Chronicles of Spartak  Rising Son with the main character an LGBTQI action hero. Last month he made his debut reading at the Hormel Center before an audience of 40 under the mural.

It was an emotional experience, he says. My voice choked up a couple of times as I looked at the crowd and thought about all it took to make that center happen.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @samwhitingsf Instagram: @sfchronicle_art

Learn more

Video: Steve Coulter shows off the living room where the Hormel Center started: http://bit.ly/1Ukdhzd

The exhibition

Queerest. Library. Ever.: Runs through Aug. 7 in the Jewett Gallery, Hormel LGBTQIA Center, and the Sixth Floor Bridge, at the Main Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F. An ancillary exhibit is at the Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Branch Library, 1 Jose Sarria Court, S.F. www.sfpl.org. (415) 557-4400.
Newlyweds in Colorado spent some of their wedding day in the emergency room after a sneaky snake bit the groom during the couple's photoshoot between their ceremony and reception.

After tying the knot in Fort Collins, Colo. on June 20, Johnny and Laura Benson headed to Horsetooth Reservoir for a shoot, where the groom got tied up with a rattlesnake while the pair were in ankle-high grass.
Hoodline is an online news publication that covers the issues, people, community organizations and local businesses that make up San Francisco neighborhoods. The following article is by Walter Thompson and was first published on June 23, 2016.

The gophers of Golden Gate Park spend most of their lives below ground, but as soon as they emerge, they're a potential meal for coyotes, great horned owls and other raptors. However, many park visitors have been astonished to learn that these furry critters have another mortal enemy: the great blue heron.

According to Victoria Heyse, a waterbird biologist at The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO), there's a heron colony in Golden Gate Park that hosts five nests. Given the chance, every resident could make a meal of a pocket gopher, which can weigh up to 8.5 ounces.

Great blue herons are wading birds, but "they eat a variety of things," said Heyse. "They like to stalk their prey, so they'll wander around and really go for anything." Fish, amphibians and smaller birds are all on the menu, "as are small mammals, if they can manage to get them."

Mature great blue herons top out at just under five feet tall, and have a wingspan of about 80 inches. Using its tapered bill as a spear, a heron on a hunt will hover over a hole until it detects movement. Once an unsuspecting gopher disturbs the loosely packed dirt that serves as its front door, the heron drives its spear-like beak into the hole.

Voila: one gopher kebab, to go.

Since they lack teeth, great blue herons "can swallow a lot of things," said Heyse, who added that they manipulate their prey to get the easiest angle. Unlike birds of prey, which regurgitate small bones and fur, great blue herons digest everything. According to Heyse, that the birds usually live for five to seven years, although they've been known to live into their 20s in captivity.

The heronry in Golden Gate Park is watched over by volunteers from SFBBO's Colonial Bird Monitoring Program. Since 1982, trackers have visited the park to take population counts and map nest sites. Other heron colonies in San Francisco are located near Lake Merced, the Palace of Fine Arts and Stow Lake.

SFBBO accepts applications to the waterbird monitor program year-round, but volunteers won't be assigned until January/February. Applicants must have prior experience identifying relevant species and be able to drive on dirt roads. They're also required to attend an orientation before joining the monthly surveys, which take place between March and August.

To apply, contact Kristin Butler at kbutler [AT] sfbbo DOT org.
LAKE ISABELLA, Kern County  A vast and voracious wildfire that has burned at least 80 homes in central California killed an elderly couple as they tried to flee, authorities said.

The two were outside their house when they were overcome with smoke, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said at a Friday evening news conference on the fire that has burned nearly 47 square miles and forced the evacuation of 1,500 homes near Lake Isabella, a popular recreation area east of Bakersfield.

The names of the two dead, whose bodies were found Friday, have not been released. The sheriff said his department hasnt been able to search very extensively and would be looking through burned homes with cadaver dogs seeking more possible victims.

At least 80 houses were destroyed as the fire leveled neighborhoods and forced thousands to flee.

David Klippel, 78, a retired police officer, said he didnt see much of a threat after receiving an automated call advising him to leave. That changed dramatically within an hour Thursday afternoon.

Ive never been so close to a fast-moving, ferocious fire. It was unbelievable, said Klippel, who later learned his house had caught fire. I almost didnt have time to get out.

Neighborhoods of mobile homes were charred to their foundations. Gusty winds pushed the flames and smoke farther into drought-starved terrain. The fire was 5 percent contained Friday night.

The forces of nature collided with a spark, Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall said. The mountainous terrain, five years of drought and wind gusts of over 20 mph all drove a fire over 11 miles in 13 hours.

Scorching heat and tinder-dry conditions across the West have contributed to massive wildfires in the past week that have destroyed properties and sent residents to seek shelter and hope for the best.

Laura Rogers was one of those who thought shed never see her home or her brothers home again. Instead, she was lucky to find both standing in a neighborhood of mobile homes that was devastated.

I was sure this place was gone last night, Rogers said through tears as she gestured at the destruction around her. I mean look at this, I cant believe it. Its like a scary movie.

Dozens of other homes were gone, left in piles of charred sheet metal and cinder block foundations. Scorched tricycles, air conditioners and TV dishes littered the landscape. Burned-out cars sat on tireless rims and leafless trees poked from barren, blackened dirt.

The California blaze erupted quickly, putting some 1,500 homes in jeopardy. Officials said they expect to find many more homes destroyed as the smoke clears and they do a more thorough check of smoldering neighborhoods.
1 Train derailment probe: Federal investigators on Thursday blamed Union Pacific Railroad for a fiery oil train derailment along the Oregon-Washington border, saying the company failed to properly maintain its track. Preliminary findings on the June 3 derailment in the Columbia River Gorge raise questions about why the company didnt find the broken bolts that triggered the wreck when it inspected the tracks right before the derailment. Union Pacific faces potential penalties for safety violations, officials said.

2 Southern California wildfires: Cooler weather helped crews fighting two fires that burned more than 8 square miles of chaparral and brush in the Angeles National Forest and foothill communities northeast of Los Angeles. The fires were 15 percent contained. More than 1,300 homes were evacuated during the 4-day-old blaze, but around half have been allowed back. On Thursday, authorities allowed hundreds of evacuated residents from Los Angeles County to return briefly to homes in Azusa and Duarte to gather belongings, but they may not be allowed back permanently for several more days, officials said. Southward, near the San Diego County border with Mexico, a nearly 11-square-mile fire was 20 percent contained after burning five homes and 11 outbuildings.
ST. LOUIS  Bernie Sanders said Friday he will vote for Hillary Clinton for president, stopping short of a full endorsement of his Democratic presidential rival more than a week after the final primary contests.

The Vermont senator said in an interview with MSNBCs Morning Joe that he was pretty good at arithmetic and understood that Clinton had won more pledged delegates than he had during their lengthy primary.

Asked if he would vote for the former secretary of state, Sanders replied, Yes, adding: I will do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump.

But Sanders has yet to call on his supporters to vote for Clinton and has not said whether he would campaign on her behalf. His latest comments seemed more aimed at acknowledging the inevitable while retaining leverage heading into Julys convention; Sanders believes the Democratic Party isnt doing enough to address poverty and to protect the interests of lower-income voters.

Sanders has said repeatedly since the final primary on June 14 that he will not end his presidential campaign until the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. He was making campaign stops on Friday in Albany and Syracuse, N.Y., to promote his campaign movement and rally supporters on behalf of like-minded congressional candidates.

In St. Louis, meanwhile, Sanders allies were working to incorporate many of his ideas on trade, climate change and universal health care into the platform that will be adopted at the July convention. Sanders said in the interview that his focus was on representing at the convention the millions of people who voted for him and encouraging them to become part of the democratic process.

My job right now is to fight for the strongest possible platform in the Democrat election, he said. That would include an agenda to create jobs and raise the minimum wage, he said.

In New York City on Thursday night, Sanders told supporters that his campaign is just getting started fighting economic inequality, changing the Democratic Party and bolstering Democrats running for Congress.

Clinton earlier this month clinched the delegates required to carry the Democrats banner against Trump.
Hours after Britons voted for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, they started Googling "What is the EU?" according to Google Trends.

In a tweet, the tech company claimed this was the second top search term in the U.K. since the vote on the decision for a British Exit, or Brexit, was officially announced.

Some are saying a sharp uptick in searches posing basic questions about the European Union and Brexit suggests that many Britons weren't clear on the details of what they were voting on.

Other common questions on Google search in recent hours include: "How many countries are in the EU?" "Which countries are in the EU" and "What does it mean to leave the EU?"

The vote was remarkably close with the campaign to leave the EU winning 52 percent to 48 percent.

The results led the the FTSE 100 to plunge eight percent and Prime Minister David Cameron to announce plans to step down in October. The financial uncertainty led some voters to suggest they're regretting their vote to leave the EU.

The Washington Post noted that a British woman named Mandy, who voted in favor of an exit, told ITV that since the reality of the vote has hit her, she has realized that she would choose to stay with the EU if she were given the chance to vote again.

A little fuzzy on the details yourself? Here's how the Associated Press explains it:

WHAT HAPPENS FRIDAY?

Prime Minister David Cameron, head of the ruling Conservative Party, announced he would step down by October. Speaking to reporters outside his Downing Street office, he said it wouldn't be right for him "to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination."

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson, also a Conservative, was the most prominent supporter of the "leave" campaign and now becomes a leading contender to replace Cameron. Johnson said Friday he was "sad" to see Cameron resign but didn't say whether he plans to replace him.

U.K. Independence Party chief Nigel Farage, who spoke several times late Thursday and early Friday, is also expected to make further statements.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ECONOMY?

The pound suffered one of its biggest one-day falls in history Friday, plummeting more than 10 percent in six hours on concerns that severing ties with the EU will hurt the U.K. economy and undermine London's position as a global financial center. Authorities including the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of England had warned Britain's exit would send shivers through a world economy that is only slowly recovering from the global crisis that began in 2008. Now economists will wait to see if their predictions come to pass.

WHAT ABOUT THE NEIGHBORS?

EU leaders will see Britain quitting as a dangerous precedent and a potentially fatal blow to the European project. Some face growing euroskepticism from their own citizens and may feel the need to make a strong case domestically for why the now-27-nation bloc has a future. This could lead to reforms of how the EU works. Future negotiations may be overshadowed by a sense of betrayal and the feeling that an example needs to be made of the U.K. to discourage others from leaving too. The fallout could also hit Europe's fragile growth. Germany's Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble recently said that "it would be a miracle if a withdrawal of Britain would come without economic disadvantages." On the other hand, a British exit, or Brexit, could spur the European Union into action. Since joining the club in 1973, Britain has shaped the bloc mainly by putting the brakes on the drive toward ever-closer political union, a project that could now be revived with gusto.

COULD LAWMAKERS DECIDE TO IGNORE THE PROCESS?

Britain's referendum doesn't automatically trigger an exit from the European Union, which has led a few commentators to suggest that lawmakers might simply decide to ignore or slow-ball the process. So could they? "In legal theory that is possible. In practice that is absolutely not possible," said Alan Renwick, the deputy director of the Constitution Unit at University College London. "If there is a vote for Brexit then on Friday the PM will indicate how the process of Brexit will begin."

THE WAY FORWARD MAY NOT BE STRAIGHTFORWARD

The result will trigger a new series of negotiations as Britain and the EU search for a way to separate economies that have become intertwined since the U.K. joined the bloc on Jan. 1, 1973. Under Article 50 of the Treaty of European Union, talks would likely last two years, with the possibility for extension if all of the remaining 27 EU nations agree. But the clock starts ticking only when the U.K. notifies the EU that it wants a divorce  and some on the "leave" side have suggested that this won't occur until 2018. However, the EU may not accept a delayed exit. "U.K. negotiations with the European Union will prove difficult, given that EU leaders will not want to set a precedent for an easy withdrawal for other countries that could reconsider their status, such as Denmark," said Howard Archer of IHS, a research firm. No matter what, the EU will face issues. Alongside economic woes, troubles with Greece and the inability to agree on how to manage a refugee emergency, a British exit would deepen Europe's existential crisis.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

Trend:

The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, James Warlick of the United States of America, and Pierre Andrieu of France) call on the sides to honour the agreements which were reflected in the Joint Statements of the 16 May summit in Vienna and the 20 June summit in St. Petersburg, said the message of the OSCE.

We urge Azerbaijan and Armenia to remove all remaining obstacles to expanding the mission of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk. We also urge progress in substantive talks and on a proposal to establish an OSCE investigative mechanism. We will continue our engagement with the sides to advance all of these outcomes from the last two meetings between the Presidents.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Anakhanum Idayatova - Trend:

Azerbaijan is an important partner of the US, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Bridget Brink told reporters during a press conference in Baku June 24.

She noted that the US and Azerbaijan will continue their partnership in the spheres of security, energy, economy and democracy.

Brink added that the US-Azerbaijan partnership in the energy sector is underway and the sides are working on its expansion.

She said that the development and strengthening of the US-Azerbaijan cooperation in key areas were discussed during the meetings with the leadership of the country.

Brink said that the US supports the Silk Road initiative and the fact that Azerbaijan is becoming a crossroads of energy routes.

Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Brink said that the US is committed to working with the sides to mediate for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between the US and Azerbaijan amounted to $116.2 million in January-February 2016, that is, 5.7 times less than in the same period of 2015.

The US ranks sixth among foreign trade partners of Azerbaijan with a 5.27 percent share in the total trade turnover of the country.

Among importers, the US ranks fourth with an 8.78 percent share in the total volume of products imported by Azerbaijan.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum
You would have thought he was a rock star.

When President Barack Obama walked through the door at San Francisco's trendy Twenty Five Lusk, he coolly pulled off his shades, and the crowd went wild.

Surprised diners and those at the bar broke out in applause and cheered.

Alex Dwyer, 27, was enjoying an office happy hour at the time and caught the moment on video (above).

"The overwhelming consensus was that he's got a lot of swag," Dwyer, who works around the corner from the SoMa restaurant at web security and performance company CloudFlare, said. "Everyone was very happy. Everyone clapped. Everyone had their phones out."

More for you Obama lands in Bay Area for Stanford entrepreneurship summit

Dwyer was at Lusk's bar on the lower level, and Obama walked up the stairs to the restaurant's upper-level dining room. "He probably had a private room up there," Dwyer said.

Dwyer said he was stopped for an airport-style screening and patted down as he entered the alley where Lusk is located.

"They said to my friend and me, 'There's a special event going on here and if you want to go in, you're going to have to be patted down and scanned,'" Dwyer said. "They wouldn't tell us who was coming to the event, but as soon as his car pulled up, we knew it was Obama."

Obama arrived in the Bay Area on Thursday morning to speak at Friday's seventh annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford University's Memorial Auditorium. He's slated to depart from Moffett Field and travel on to Seattle to headline a reception for Gov. Jay Inslee and a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee event.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 24

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

The OSCE organized a study visit to Latvia for six representatives of Turkmenistans print and broadcast media and the parliament June 20-22, the OSCE said.

According to the OSCE, media development and reform were in focus of the visit. Organized in close cooperation with Latvian Foreign Ministry, the three-day visit familiarized the delegation from Turkmenistan with Latvias experience in implementing media reforms and enhancing national legislation in line with international standards and requirements of the modern media environment.

The delegation members included a member of the Turkmen parliament, representatives from Neutral Turkmenistan and Turkmenistan newspapers, Altyn Asyr and Turkmenistan TV channels, as well as the State Information Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH), the OSCE said.

Media development and reform should be underpinned by the reforms of the relevant national legislation that serves to promote the freedom of the media and freedom of expression, said Adam Walendzik, project coordinator at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

In the last several years, Turkmenistan has been undertaking successive steps to reform its media legislation and we believe that this visit will facilitate the exchange of practical experiences of implementing media legislation and developing free media, Walendzik said.

The delegation from Turkmenistan had meetings with high-level representatives of the Latvian Parliaments European Affairs Committee and Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee, Foreign and Culture Ministries, the National Electronic Mass Media Council, and the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre, the OSCE said.

According to the OSCE, meetings with representatives from the LETA national news agency, the News Service of the Latvian Public |Service Television, the Delfi Internet portal and Latvijas Avize newspaper familiarized participants with the practical aspects and experience of the Latvian medias activities.
Jensen Walcott easily got a summer job at a Kansas City, Kansas slice house franchise called Pizza Studio. After being hired on the spot, the 17-year-old was told she'd be making $8 an hour  slightly higher than the state's $7.25 minimum. She was also thrilled to find out she'd be working alongside a friend of hers named Jake Reed.

That excitement didn't last long; she soon discovered that Reed, who was also 17, had comparable work experience, and was working the same position, was hired at $8.25 an hour.

Walcott told Fox Kansas City that when she called her manager to ask about the pay difference, she was initially put on hold.

"I was like maybe when I'm on hold right now, she will just offer me $8.25 and everything is gonna be good but... she didn't do that," Walcott said. When she was taken off hold, her manager fired her, saying she could do so because "discussing wages is against its policy."

A similar fate met Reed. "She said you're fired. Basically just like a 10 second phone call," he told Fox.

As attorney David White confirms, the National Labor Relations Board maintains that employees may discuss pay with each other, meaning that Walcott was in the right. He thinks that Walcott and Reed may have a case against the Calabasas, California-based pizza chain, though the two haven't decided yet if they will take legal action.

As the American Association of University Women found, for the year 2014, women in Kansas earned just $0.79 for each dollar men in Kansas did. That rate is slightly higher in California.

Meanwhile, Pizza Studio recently opened its second Bay Area franchise location inside Concord's Sunvalley Mall.

UPDATE: Pizza Studio has responded to SFGATE's request for comment, saying that after fully investigating the incident, that "gender did not play a role in determination of either salary, nor for any Pizza Studio employee." Ashleigh Siefker, the organization's Executive Director of Operations, says that she has "personally instituted policies and procedures that strictly prohibit discrimination of any kind."

Siefker adds:

"After an in-depth review, we are confident this instance was not one of gender-bias but rather a failure to assign the correct salary and a misunderstanding of our company policies by one of our employees; it should be noted the manager in communication with Miss Walcott is also a female.

"Pizza Studio did not agree however with how the manager handled the situation. We pride ourselves with treating our employees and guests with respect and open communication at all times. We have extended a formal apology to both Miss Walcott and Mr. Reed and have parted ways with the responsible manager in the best interest of all parties involved. We plan to use this experience to better improve our hiring procedures and policies moving forward."



Alyssa Pereira is a staff writer for SFGATE. Follow her here on Twitter.
Fry Design LTD / Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



A San Francisco man accused of sexually attacking a woman in her home while she slept was convicted of a felony charge this week and faces a life sentence, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office said today.



Roberto DeTrinidad, 30, was convicted by a jury Wednesday afternoon of assault with intent to commit rape or other sexual acts during the commission of a residential burglary, prosecutors said today.



The incident occurred on Aug. 8, 2013, when the victim told police that she came home after workand fell asleep watching television, according to court records.

She said that she awoke to pressure and pain on her backside, and noticed a substance that felt like semen on her buttocks. She then saw a man walk out of the room and screamed, at which point her roommate woke up and looked for the apparent intruder but did not find him.



The woman did not contact police until a few days later, at which point officers responded and took samples from stains on her bedding that later returned a DNA match to DeTrinidad, prosecutors said.



"These cases are difficult for victims and a challenge for investigators," Assistant District Attorney Brad Allred said in a statement. "Everyone worked together to ensure justice was served and that a violent man was taken off the streets."



"This victim had an incredibly traumatic experience," said District Attorney George Gascn. "Her courage to come forward ensures this dangerous predator can't harm others."



DeTrinidad's defense attorney, Emily Dahm, said that her client testified during the trial that he had gone to the victim's apartment believing he was going there for a consensual sexual encounter with a "conscious, sober, willing and interested participant."



"It was only 14 months later that he learned he had been accused of anything," Dahm said.



Dahm said DeTrinidad, who has a family, has a prior criminal record but no history of sex crimes. While he was convicted of one charge in this case that carries a mandatory life sentence, she noted that the jury hung on other charges alleging sex crimes after nearly three full days of deliberation.



"We will be appealing with vigor and I look forward to him having a new day in court in which he can establish his innocence," Dahm said.



No sentencing date has been set, according to prosecutors.
















Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Ilaha Mammadli - Trend:

The next round of the multilateral and bilateral talks on Azerbaijans accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) will be held in Geneva July 21-22, Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev told Trend June 22.

Azerbaijani government has sent to the WTO Secretariat the responses to the questions of WTO member states, the documents worked out as part of improving the countrys legislation and the decisions adopted in the trade and economic sphere, new proposals on goods and services, added the deputy minister.

Mammad-Guliyev noted that aside from the meeting with the WTO working group, it is planned to hold multilateral talks on the sphere of agriculture.

In this regard, Azerbaijan has presented to the WTO Secretariat the changes in agricultural subsidies over the last three years, he added.

To date, Norway, Russia and Saudi Arabia have expressed intention to hold bilateral talks with Azerbaijan on this issue, but it is not ruled out that the number of such countries will increase, said the deputy minister.

The country has an observer status at the WTO since 1997. A working party on Azerbaijan was established on July 16, 1997 at the organization.

Azerbaijan began negotiations with WTO member states in 2004. Currently, the country negotiates with 19 countries.

As of today, Azerbaijan has completed the negotiations and has signed protocols with Turkey, Oman, the UAE, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. The country is at the stage of signing protocols with China and Moldova.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24

By Demir Azizov Trend:

The heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member-states welcomed the accession of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal to the organization as dialogue partners, said the document, signed following the SCO summit in Tashkent June 24.

"The heads of the SCO member-states welcomed the signing of memorandums on granting the SCO dialogue partner status to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia, the Kingdom of Cambodia and Nepal," the document says.

According to the document, the SCO activity is not directed against other countries or international organizations.

The document also stressed the SCOs readiness to develop contacts and cooperation with other countries and organizations which are sharing the provisions of the SCOs fundamental documents.

Moreover, the document emphasized that the SCO welcomes the accession of interested countries.

According to the document, the international terrorism and extremism are equally called a growing threat to all countries of the world and human civilization as a whole.

It is possible to oppose the international terrorism and extremism only by intensifying the joint fight and the consolidated efforts of the international community, the document said.

The heads of the SCO member-states stood for rapid adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, the document said.

According to the document, the world economy is still suffering from the consequences of the global financial and economic crisis.

In this regard, all countries must strive for a profound transformation of the world economy through the large-scale structural reforms, diversification and increasing of competitiveness of economies and innovation development in the long term basis, the document said.

## 2549843 ## According to the document, the heads of the SCO member-states reaffirmed support for China's initiative on the establishment of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

For this purpose, the work will be continued to implement the project as one of the tools of creating favorable conditions for the development of regional economic cooperation, the document said.

"The SCO member-states will continue to consider the issue of establishing the SCO Development Bank and the SCO Development Fund (Special Account) to ensure financial support for the project activity," the document said.

The Tashkent declaration of the SCO 15th anniversary was signed, as well as the draft action plan for 2016-2020 for implementation of the SCO development strategy up to 2025 and the program of cooperation of the SCO member-states in the tourism sector were adopted following the SCO summit.

The SCO presidency for the forthcoming period passed to Kazakhstan following the SCO summit in Tashkent. The SCO next summit will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan on June 7-8, 2017.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The UKs leaving the EU will weaken the union, Egemen Bagis, former Turkish minister for EU affairs, told Trend June 24.

Bagis said that the Brexit referendum results can also serve as an example for other countries.

Britons held a referendum June 23 on whether the UK should to stay in the European Union, or leave it. The voting results indicate that the campaign to leave the EU, known as the Brexit, has won with 51.9 percent of the votes.

Bagis expressed the hope that the UKs decision will be a lesson for some circles, which made anti-Turkish decisions under the influence of the Armenian diaspora in Europe.

"Those who tested the UKs patience must also understand that Turkey's patience concerning joining the EU is not unlimited," he said.

Bagis said that Turkey's position on joining the EU is clear, but the EU used double standards in relation to Turkey.

"When I was appointed minister and chief negotiator with the EU, I felt the EUs historical view on Turkey during all negotiations," he said.

He also stressed that the EU admitted the countries which were the members of the Warsaw Pact, without taking into account the EU basic criteria.

"It is worth thinking why the EU applies double standards towards Turkey, which is a NATO member, and made many efforts to promote democratic values, he said. Maybe if Turkey were a member of the Warsaw Pact, it would become the EU member.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

Trend:

Due to the Day of the Armed Forces Atabank OJSC has remitted a loan debt of the veteran of the battle for Karabakh.

During a combat mission Mammadov Anar Yashar oglu was wounded in a landmine explosion and lost his left arm.

Veteran was invited to the central office of AtaBank OJSC and met with Deputy Chairmen of the AtaBank OJSC Sabuhi Aliyev and Rauf Huseynov.

Along with our innovative mission in the financial market we, as AtaBank OJSC, are also faithful to patriotism ideals,  Aliyev said. We think that we must act together in such a situation and support each other as a nation. Every bank, company and citizen of the state must remember social responsibility.

On Day of the Armed Forces Atabank OJSC congratulates all military personnel and the people of Azerbaijan.

Functioning since 1993 AtaBank OJSC is one of the biggest commercial organizations of Azerbaijan. Today AtaBank is a hi-tech universal bank. AtaBank OJSC is a universal bank rending full complex of services to corporate and private clients.
Details added (first version posted at 17:16)

Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Anakhanum Idayatova - Trend:

Azerbaijan is an important partner of the US, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Bridget Brink told reporters during a press conference in Baku June 24.

She noted that the US and Azerbaijan will continue their partnership in the spheres of security, energy, economy and democracy.

Brink added that the US-Azerbaijan partnership in the energy sector is underway and the sides are working on its expansion.

She said that the development and strengthening of the US-Azerbaijan cooperation in key areas were discussed during the meetings with the leadership of the country.

Brink said that the US supports the Silk Road initiative and the fact that Azerbaijan is becoming a crossroads of energy routes.

Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Brink said that the US is committed to working with the sides to mediate for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between the US and Azerbaijan amounted to $116.2 million in January-February 2016, that is, 5.7 times less than in the same period of 2015.

The US ranks sixth among foreign trade partners of Azerbaijan with a 5.27 percent share in the total trade turnover of the country.

Among importers, the US ranks fourth with an 8.78 percent share in the total volume of products imported by Azerbaijan.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 23

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

Iran increased gas imports from Turkmenistan by 104 percent to above 9 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2015 year-to-year, said OPECs Annual Statistical Bulletin.

Irans gas import from Turkmenistan was 4.422 bcm in 2014.

Tehran produced 257.623 bcm of raw gas in 2015, about 5 percent more than the previous year, of which about 226.673 bcm was commercial gas and the rest of that was re-injected to oil fields to maintain crude oil production.

Irans commercial gas production increased 6.5 percent, while re-injections decreased 2.5 percent in 2015, year-to-year.

The countrys proven gas reserves also stood at 35.5 trillion cubic meters.

Irans gas exports increased 2.2 percent to 8.541 bcm last year, the report said.

The countrys natural (sweet) gas demands stood at 184.9 bcm last year, which indicates 5.9 percent growth year-to-year.
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If the objective of a dance company were merely to ingratiate itself, SFDanceworks, which opened its inaugural season Thursday, June 23, at ODC Theater, would tower over the competition. Artistic Director James Sofranko (a veteran soloist of the San Francisco Ballet) has recruited a sextet of dancers who are ballet trained and ballet experienced.

Sofranko wants to expand that base and aerate the classical conventions without traducing them, much like Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, whence he borrowed the most engaging work on this weekends program, Alejandro Cerrudos raffish Lickety Split (2006), set to Devendra Banharts engaging pop score.

This series of fractured romances does an enormous amount in its 16 minutes. The dancers pose in silhouette in defiance of classical rigor, returning to establish transitory partners. Partnering is eccentric, as a man reaches for a womans ankle. The antic spirit makes for a satisfying pop ballet.

The company included Dana Genshaft (retired from San Francisco Ballet), Garrett Anderson, Anne Zivolich-Adams (formerly of ODC Dance), Ben Needham-Wood, Amber Neumann and Tobin Del Cuore, who also rehearsed the piece.

Sofranko was astute to revive the duet from Lar Lubovitchs Concerto Six Twenty-Two during Pride Week. Premiered at the height of the AIDS epidemic, the work has slipped away in recent years, though the male duet, set to the slow movement of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, affirms the endurance of the male bond.

The duo, garbed in angelic white, walk serenely toward us. Shoulders nuzzle, hands touch, arms trace bonds in air. One man lifts the other, and the descent is complicated. At the end, the pair slip away as smoothly as they arrive.

The experience of Concerto Six Twenty-Two yields an odd sensation: You feel that the work is manipulative (Mozart has a lot to do with it), yet you allow yourself to be manipulated. There have been more technically confident performances than this one by Anderson and Del Cuore, but none more sincere.

It was the opening part of the evening with three premieres that made me wonder whether Sofranko has yet firmed up his artistic priorities for SFDanceworks. Joe & Ida, a co-premiere with Grand Rapids Ballet, finds choreographer Penny Saunders moving from a solo German folk song to a collage score that includes bits of Michael Nyman and Thomas Ades and standard pop stuff. Unisons (with Kendall Teague joining the group) segue into emotional tugs of war. Saunders moves her dancers deftly, but an air of cuteness prevails.

Cuteness also dominates Sofrankos Z, a love letter to Zivolich-Adams dexterity in bourreing across the stage and tapping in place to a Bob Crosby jazz score. Genshafts Portrait, a solo theater piece that cast Neumann as George Sand, offered more promise, but projecting film on the floor is a poor idea in ODC Theater, where much simply cant be seen.

Still, Sofrankos notion of contemporary classicism can fill an aesthetic need in this community. I await season two.

Allan Ulrich is The San Francisco Chronicles dance correspondent.

SFDanceworks: Dances by Sofranko, Genshaft, Saunders, Cerrudo and Lubovitch. Through 8 p.m. Saturday, June 25. $20-$45. ODC Theater, 3153 17th St., S.F. www.odcdance.org/tickets. (415) 863-9834.

To see SF Danceworks in rehearsal, go to https://vimeo.com/170867778
The most colorful, whimsical costumes at San Francisco Pride are created by the "Verasphere," aka Mrs. Vera, aka David Faulk. They are comprised of ready-made objects, dollar store purchases and thrift shop finds.

The sum of Faulk's work is greater than the whole, transforming the costumes into walking, living art. Faulk's partner, Michael Johnstone, creates genius vignettes in various settings, some done as far away as Thailand, or as close as San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The costumes, as well as the photos, are incredible works of art.

I asked David what his inspiration is for creating his costumes. One of those things is finding ordinary, everyday objects in multiples. It might be plastic drinking straws or hair curlers. The objects alone aren't attractive. But, together, they form fashion mosaics. Color is important, as is texture. To look at his creations is almost like looking through a kaleidoscope. Like many artworks, like paintings, if you stand too close, you don't get the full affect. One statement that David said that made me smile was, "I don't sew." He's very adept with a glue gun.

There are many folks in David and Michael's circle of friends who share their passion. Together they march as Verasphere. You can read more about Mrs. Vera and her sphere here. In the beginning, there were five people who dressed up for the LGBTQ parade. This year, they anticipate as many as 75. Last year, the group was voted "Most Outrageous." That's no small accomplishment considering the sheer numbers who participate in the event every year.

In years past, they've marched with the SPCA, the San Francisco Public Library, and the LGBTQI Center, which is welcoming and inclusive of all people. When Michael and David started marching in costume, it was at a time when the city, nation and world were dealing with the AIDS epidemic. Proportionately, San Francisco was losing so many people in the gay community, and Verasphere felt that they had to keep the spirit of those that were lost alive. They brought hope, color and whimsy to an event that had become very political, and later, corporate.

When asked if what David does is considered drag, he stated that while his persona, Mrs. Vera, is female, he never tries to pass as another gender. And anyone can wear his creations. Michael's take on it is that the notion of drag is both deconstructed and celebrated. I asked the two if they ever encountered any negativity. Interestingly, a few moms said that they were scaring children.

Full disclosure: I've known Michael for 40 years, and David for 23 years, the length of time they've been together. They met shortly after David moved to San Francisco, from the East Coast. Michael and I were friends in Wichita, Kansas, of all places. He came to Wichita from Scotland. He and his mum, June, moved to San Francisco in the 1970s. I can't write about Michael and Pride, without mentioning June. Small of stature, with a heavy brogue, she was a presence at many Pride parades.

While the costumes scream out for (well deserved) attention, David is more on the quiet side. They both have a great sense of humor. The first half of the extensive gallery are images from their ongoing photo series called "Mrs. Vera's Daybook." It explores alienation , otherness, and belonging, which Johnstone believes we can all relate to at one time or another. The second half of the gallery shows the costumes making appearances at Pride parades past. You can read more about Mrs. Vera's Daybook here.

Bob Bragman is a producer for SFGATE. His writing reflects his love of the Bay Area, in addition to his passion for vintage pop culture, ephemera and vernacular photographs. To see more of his content, please click here.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

Trend:

Bakcell, the first mobile operator and the leading mobile Internet provider of Azerbaijan is pleased to announce that its Ulduzum discounts can be used in Turkey now.

AVIS car-rental company in Turkey is the first international Ulduzum partner, offering 15 percent discount for the whole range of its services.

Members of Bakcell Ulduzum will be able to benefit from this discount by showing a relevant discount coupon, while visiting Turkey.

The second Ulduzum partner in Turkey is one of the most famous Turkish brands  BEYMEN retail chain. Ulduzum subscribers will benefit from 10 percent discount for all the goods from BEYMEN retail chain. A special Ulduzum discount is offered for such brands sold at BEYMEN chain as Beymen Club, Beymen Blender, Tod's, Dior, Dolce&Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Moschino, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Etro, Balenciaga, Dsquared2, Chloe and others.

With more than 1.9 million subscribers, Ulduzum is one of the best consumer service programs not only in Azerbaijan, but on the whole Middle East, Central and Southern Asia and Northern Africa region, offering the customers a wide range of discounts and services and promoting customer loyalty among own subscribers and customers of Ulduzum partner companies. Ulduzum discounts are also available for Bakcells subscribers through its mobile application, for both iOS and Android users in addition to the existing SMS and USSD based interactions.

Bakcell, the first mobile operator and the leading mobile Internet provider of Azerbaijan, offers a variety of products for modern mobile communications customers. Bakcell provides class leading 3G and 4G mobile internet experience in the country under the Su[email protected] brand name.

With more than 5300 base stations Bakcells network covers more than 99 percent of the population and 93 percent of the land area of the country (excluding occupied territories). Bakcell is a leader in innovation and it focuses on bringing the best of the mobile internet to Azerbaijanis through new partnerships and its Su[email protected] services. Bakcell 3G service is available in all regions of Azerbaijan and covers 93% of population.

For more information about Bakcell products and services, please visit www.bakcell.com or call 555.For press releases please see www.bakcell.com/az/news (or www.bakcell.com/en/news for press releases in English).

If you are not a Bakcell subscriber, but wish to find out about Bakcell and its services, please call 055 000 05 55
BEIRUT  Islamic State militants abducted about 900 Kurdish civilians in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo over the past three weeks, forcing the captives to build fortifications for the extremists in retaliation for a Kurdish-led assault on a nearby Islamic State stronghold, activists said Friday.

Reports also emerged Friday that at least 26 of those abducted have been killed for refusing to follow Islamic State orders.

The abductions come amid fierce fighting for control of Manbij  a key Islamic State stronghold in this Syrian province  where the extremists are being routed from the town center by the predominantly Kurdish and U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces.

Some of the abducted Kurds have been pressganged into digging trenches and shelters, according to Kurdish media activist Rezan Hiddo, while others have been forced to wear Islamic State uniforms and ordered to fight at the fronts.

On Friday, the mostly Kurdish SDF battled Islamic State militants inside Manbij after having encircling the stronghold in a weeks-long offensive that has been backed by U.S.-coalition air strikes.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported that coalition jets struck targets around the town. The SDF has lost 89 fighters since launching its campaign for Manbij on May 31, according to the Observatory. Also, 463 Islamic State fighters have been killed.

The push by the SDF into Manbij has been slow as the U.S.-backed fighters first focused on capturing dozens of villages and farms near the town in the past weeks.

The town lies along the only Islamic State supply line between the Syrian-Turkish border to the north and the extremist groups self-styled capital of Raqqa, which lies to the southeast, in the Islamic State-held neighboring province of Raqqa.

If Manbij is captured, it will be the biggest strategic defeat for Islamic State in Syria since July 2015, when the extremist group lost the border town of Tal Abyad.

The U.S. has embedded 300 special forces operators with the SDF. The White House says they are advisers. French special forces operators are also embedded with the group.

Whenever Daesh is defeated, they retaliate against civilians, said SDF spokesman Sherfan Darwish said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State, adding that there are whole families among those taken.
Wildfire News

Two fires broke out near Santa Fes watershed on Thursday. SFRs Elizabeth Miller reports, Because the area has not yet been thinned or treated with prescribed burns, the fire is considered at high risk of growing.

Meanwhile, the huge Dog Head Fire is now more than 80 percent contained, but officials are worried about flood damage ahead of this summer's monsoon season.



Health Department Posted Inaccurate Medical Cannabis Sales Numbers



The New Mexico Department of Health under-reported medical cannabis sales numbers for the first three months of 2016. SFR discovered the error during a review of individual producers sales, gross profits, net earnings and harvest yields. See who the Top 10 sellers are and which growers are making and losing the most money here.

Immigrants on Edge

A tie vote at the US Supreme Court means a lower federal courts decision halting the presidents executive order shielding most undocumented immigrants from deportation will stay in place. For now, Uriel J Garcia reports, the decision has immigrants in Santa Fe on edge.

Public Official Drives Away from DWI Stop

KOB obtained and broadcast body camera video of Francesca Estevez, the newly re-elected district attorney for Grant, Luna and Hidalgo counties, that appears to show her drunk. No arrest was made during the traffic stop. New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas has launched an investigation.



Kubiak Drops Out

Simon Kubiak, the Bernalillo County Republican Partys candidate for district attorney, dropped out of the race on Thursday. Kubiak told Andy Lyman hes getting out for personal reasons but also cited his opponents huge campaign cash advantage.

Cash Payouts to Cops Still Controversial

Joey Peters report the Albuquerque Police Officers Association is still giving officers up to $500 cash after a shooting.

Officials Urge SNAP Investigation

The New Mexico congressional delegation and a high-ranking USDA official want a federal investigation into the states handling of food benefit applications, reports New Mexico Political Report editor Matthew Reichbach.

The calls for an investigation from all five members of the delegation and the USDA Undersecretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services comes after a federal court case included allegations of the department changing applications and adding assets so the applicant no longer qualified for emergency food aid benefits.

Cameron Resigns

So this happened while you were sleeping: British Prime Minister David Cameron resigned after voters approved a referendum mandating the country leave the European Union.

The prime minister campaigned hard in the divisive referendum on Britains relationship with the EU, appearing at hundreds of public events up and down the country to argue that Brexit would be an act of economic self-harm. But a frustrated electorate used the poll to reject the status quo, and, as the Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, described it, stick two fingers up at Britains politicians.

Hawks Get Attention at NMSU

Birdwatchers will love this story out of Las Cruces, where a pair of Swainson's hawks appear to have built a nest and welcomed hatchlings, on New Mexico State Universitys campus. The birds are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but in the past two years at least 18 people at NMSU have been injured by swooping hawks trying to protect their nests, causing a safety conundrum for the campus.

Haussamen Top Investigative Reporter

A big shout-out to Heath Haussamen for winning the National Federation of Press Womens investigative reporting award for his stories about a possible conflict of interest current N.M. State Auditor Tim Keller had when he was a state senator.

And not to toot our own horn, but the same group awarded us its top award for news reporting for "War on Sentences," a story about advocates who want to reform mandatory prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenders.

Santa Fe Prepares to Celebrates Gay Pride

Its gay pride weekend in Santa Fe, and Julie Ann Grimms got the preview on all the glitz and glamour, and an interview with organizer Richard Brethour-Bell, former board president for the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance and also a regional director of InterPride, an international organization of Pride organizers that helped him visit Pride parties in other communities.

Santa Fe Reporter
Australian publisher APN News & Media and New Zealand-based NZME are to each pay around $18 million to the Inland Revenue Department after reaching a binding heads of agreement to settle an alleged tax avoidance case and other disputed tax issues.

In a statement to the stock exchange, APN said the $36.3 million settlement cost would be shared on a near equal basis with NZME and then later said it was around $18 million each.

The settlement comes ahead of APNs planned demerger next Wednesday of NZME, which would have retained the New Zealand tax risk. NZME shares will start trading on a normal settlement basis on the NZX and ASX on July 1.

The tax settlement allows APN and its subsidiaries to use $56 million of deferred tax assets that will be written off for accounting purposes after the demerger.

A protracted litigation and disputes process with the IRD would be costly and the ongoing uncertainty regarding the quantum of potential IRD claims and future liabilities could adversely impact APN and NZME management and shareholders, the company said.

It also removes uncertainty as NZME continues talks with rival publisher Fairfax Media over creating a merged media group from their New Zealand assets.

One of the tax wrangles concerned APNs High Court challenge to an IRD finding that it avoided paying tax through mandatory convertible notes in arrangements with its New Zealand subsidiary. The case was one of a string involving the use of convertible notes to finance trans-Tasman acquisitions in the 2000s, most of which have been either lost or settled before they got to court.

In an explanatory memorandum last month ahead of a shareholder vote on the NZME demerger, APN said the dispute involved tax of $64 million for the period up to Dec. 31, 2014, when the transaction was completed and the IRD was seeking to impose penalties of between 10 and 50 percent of the tax in dispute as well as the tax claimed. NZME had tax losses of $48 million to offset any tax payable, it said.

In another dispute, the IRD indicated it intended issuing a Notice of Proposed Adjustment last month relating to non-resident withholding tax and thin capitalisation rules following an audit of certain transactions to finance the acquisition of mastheads by a New Zealand branch of an APN Australian entity.

In May APN expected the NOPA would say that around $27 million was owed in respect of the branch financing arrangement and the tax losses couldnt be used to offset the non-resident withholding tax. APN also believed the IRD would seek to impose penalties in respect of the disputed taxes. The explanatory memorandum said that following the demerger, costs associated with the NRWT would remain with APN and the risk around thin capitalisation would be spread across the relevant APN and NZME entities.

APN also said the settlement covered a further matter that was under review by the IRD without explaining what that was.

The Australian Tax Office is auditing the New Zealand branch of the Australian APN entity in relation to the New Zealand mastheads.

The demerger of NZME, which has newspaper, online, and commercial radio assets, has gained shareholder and regulatory approvals and APN has also sold its Australian regional newspaper titles to News Corp for A$36.6 million, retaining a still-profitable Australian commercial radio network and outdoor advertising business.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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Smiths City Group reported a 30 percent decline in annual profit while at the same time lifting sales as the Christchurch-based retailer overhauled its operations to exit low-margin business.

Net profit fell to $5.6 million, or 10.6 cents per share, in the year ended April 30, from $8 million, or 15.2 cents, a year earlier, Smiths City said in a statement. Trading profit rose 54 percent to $4 million on a 0.2 percent rise in revenue to $221.9 million. In 2015, Smiths City recognised $8.5 million in other income due to insurance payments to help repair its flagship Colombo St store.

Last May, the company appointed a new chief executive, Roy Campbell, who pushed the company to undertake a strategic review. Today, it said efforts over the past year were "only the beginning of the journey" and the company will reshape its store, online and logistics operations and renew its focus on its finance business.

Smiths City repaid $10.1 million in bank debt in the year, leaving it with none. Its finance business held $66.6 million of finance receivables and owed $56.2 million at the balance date, compared to receivables of $68.7 million and debt of $57.4 million a year earlier.

Chairman Craig Boyce said significant change had occurred throughout the company, including eliminating loss-making parts of the business such as the appliance retail stores and exiting non-core business activity such as the Alectra appliance service operation.

Weve reduced costs and improved our retail performance," Boyce said. "The changes have successfully unified the company under the core brand and re-energised the business."

Chief executive Campbell said there had been major changes in Smiths City operations and the shift away from commodity appliances had contributed to improved sales. Operating revenues rose 2.6 percent to $201 million, and delivered margin improved 1.19 percent year on year, he said.

In January, the company's trading arm Smiths City (Southern) agreed to buy the business and assets of Auckland-based Panmure Furniture City 1983 and its logistics operation Lucky Dragon for $5.85 million, which includes two stores in Auckland, one in Whangarei, an internet store and a distribution facility.

The Furniture City purchase had been a success in terms of profitability and the addition of its warehouse and store network, the company said.

The shares gained 3.9 percent to 54 cents, and have fallen 7.1 percent this year. The local market has been under pressure today with investors nervous about the outcome of the UK referendum on whether to leave the European Union. The S&P/NZX All Index was recently down 1.5 percent to 1273.24.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Kazakhstans President Nursultan Nazarbayev and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping discussed the development of cooperation in trade, economy, investments, fuel and energy, transit and transportation, cultural and humanitarian spheres, Kazakh presidents press service said June 24.

The discussions were held during a meeting in Tashkent, as both presidents arrived there to participate in the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The two presidents also discussed the key areas of bilateral cooperation within the SCO and exchanged views on a number of aspects of regional and international agenda.

They emphasized the great potential for bilateral cooperation in transportation and communication.

Nazarbayev and Jinping also pointed to the necessity of further developing the transportation corridors running through Kazakhstan and China.

Moreover, the presidents expressed intention to increase the trade turnover by bringing it to a qualitatively new level. They agreed on further intensifying the long-term partnership in the agro-industrial sector.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Kazakhstans President Nursultan Nazarbayev has offered to create the Eurasian transit and transportation hub, which will link member and observer states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

He has made this offer June 24 during the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, said the Kazakh presidents press service.

Nazarbayev recalled that more than a year ago he initiated the creation of the joint Eurasian economic space.

The key element here is the infrastructural unification of Eurasias central hubs by the revival of the historic Silk Road routes, said the Kazakh president.

In accordance with this, Kazakhstans president offered to concentrate efforts of the SCO member states on a number of directions, including the joining of the Eurasian Economic Union and Chinas Silk Road Economic Belt project.

The SCO was established in 2001. The SCO members are China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Belarus are the SCO observer-countries, while Turkey, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are dialogue partners.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Aygun Badalova - Trend:

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will allocate $55 million ($27.5 million each) to the upgrade of a key section of the motorway connecting Dushanbe (Tajikistan) with Uzbekistan, the EBRD reported on June 24.

The project will become the first joint EBRD-AIIB investment. The project will also be the first signing for the newly established AIIB and take place during the multilateral development banks first annual meeting in Beijing.

The AIIB was inaugurated in January this year. In the same month, China became an EBRD shareholder country.

The road, for which the EBRD had also approved separate financing of $35 million in 2015, is part of the Pamir Highway and trans-continental highway networks.

Providing a direct connection between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, it is one of the most important international roads still requiring urgent reconstruction, the EBRD's report said.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 24

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Turkmenistan and China have confirmed their readiness to further enhance economic partnership in view of its enormous potential, national interests and a common vision for the future of the Asian region, the Turkmen government said in a message June 24.

This announcement was made during a meeting of Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with Chinas President Xi Jinping in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistans capital is hosting a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Turkmenistan is taking part in the forum as a guest of honor.

The Turkmen governments message said Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed to develop a special program to expand the partnership within the Turkmen-Chinese cooperation committee and attach special attention to cooperation in energy, transportation and high technologies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in turn, said China is Turkmenistans main partner in energy sector and praised the long-term cooperation in the gas industry.

China is the largest foreign trade partner of Turkmenistan. Beijing expects to increase annual purchases of Turkmen gas up to 65 billion cubic meters.

The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) buys gas from the Central Asia region since 2009.
BENGALURU: The government launched a second wave of FDI reforms which lets a 100 percent inflow in civil aviation and food processing sectors while slackening norms in defense and pharmaceuticals. These decisions are seemingly targeted at counteracting fallout of Raghuram Rajan's verdict to exit RBI.

First reported by CNBC-TV18, the news was announced more than hour before the formal announcement by the government.

A substantial alteration in local sourcing policy for single-brand retail trading might let US-based Apple Inc to open stores under the mentioned reforms launched by the government which also encompasses broadcasting carriage services, private security agencies and animal husbandry.

The foremost reform measures were decided at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) alleged the decisions will make "the country most open economy in the world for FDI", but skeptics and critics claimed it as a "panic" reaction to Rajan's decision on to exit RBI and go back to academia after September 4.

The stock market responded in a positive manner to the news of FDI reforms as they recuperated from talking-up by significant market men that attended to counter Rexit (Rajan's exit) jitters. Jairam Ramesh, Congress spokesman identified the decisions as a "panic reaction", which would not have taken place if Rajan had not made the announcement. He also said the Congress does not believe that FDI is a magic wand. Informing the media, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that decisions would pull in more investments, create jobs and make India the global manufacturing center. Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said the changes would eliminate dual clearances of proposals and will bolster manufacturing and create more jobs. "Now various sectors would be under automatic approval route, apart from a small veto list. India is now the most open economy in the world for FDI," the PMO statement said, with regard to the changes made.

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MUMBAI: With the Centre approving 10,000 crore 'Fund of Funds for Startups', the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has ramped up its start-up funding operations to boost the sector.

"SIDBI has ramped up the start-up funding operations to boost 'Start-up India' initiative with the launch of funds like unique India Aspiration Fund and Fund of Funds operations," SIDBI Chairman and Managing Director Kshatrapati Shivaji said.

The lender has so far supported 95 funds, including 11 regional funds, with an aggregate commitment of 2,576 crore.

"The Cabinet's approval for establishing FFS will help enhance the scale of operations under its Fund of Funds activities with a deeper engagement with startup ecosystem and boost ambitious Startup India initiative.

"SIDBI would be using its expertise built over the years and address major challenges being faced by startups in the country at present," he said.

"Under FFS, 500 crore has already been released to the corpus in FY 2016 and 600 crore has been earmarked for FY 2017 by the government," he added.

Based on drawal of around 1,065 crore, so far from the aggregate commitment, these funds have invested in 714 enterprises with an equity support of 9,520 crore out of which 4,794 crore were invested in 604 MSMEs, a bank statement said.

In line with the objectives of Startup India Action Plan and to accelerate its operations, the Venture Capital Investment Committee (VCIC) has considered proposals from 16 venture capital funds for contribution under the proposed FFS, the CMD added.

"Out of 16 venture capital funds, SIDBI has already committed 215 crore to 5 venture capital funds with aggregate corpus of 2,200 crore. Contribution to balance 11 venture capital funds are under different stages of sanction, for sanction of 394 crore", he added.

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Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 24

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

During the meeting with Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chinas President Xi Jinping noted the two countries considerable potential for cooperation in the transportation sector and called the Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan-China railway route very promising, the Turkmen government said in a message June 24.

The meeting of the two presidents was held in Tashkent within the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Uzbekistans capital is hosting a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Turkmenistan is taking part in the forum as a guest of honor.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov offered to conduct negotiations at the government level in July-August 2016 in order to expand the Turkmen-Chinese cooperation in the transportation sector, according to the message.

Considering the opportunities for cooperation in the transportation and communications sphere, Turkmenistan sees China as one of the main partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

Turkmenistan jointly with its partners creates a large-scale, combined transit and transportation and logistics infrastructure, connecting Asia with Europe, said the message. This system will include transit corridors, opening onto the regions of the Caspian and Black Seas and Baltic countries.

As a result, a convenient route from the Asia-Pacific region through the territory of Central Asia to markets of Europe and Middle East will be created, according to the message.

The sides also noted joint experience in the transportation sphere.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Joe LaRocca has a few balls in the air at the moment. With a successful pair of Campania Coal-Fired Pizza concepts in motion, he's working on another location at 240 Page Ave. in Tottenvile.

The Page Avenue venue should open in late July, said LaRocca, adding that his restaurant's fourth location should be opening this fall in Miami.

"You walk in and there's the hostess desk -- you place your order here," he said during a tour of the double-storefront space under construction in Tottenville. There's a bar if you want a drink while you wait. Kitchen's in the back."

The lofty dining room will have a brick-face wall and will be surrounded by flat screens. Two garage doors along the facade will be rolled open in balmy weather and there will outdoor seating in the front.

"The model we're using now is 'hub and spoke,'" said LaRocca. The Page Avenue operation will serve as company's headquarters. Fresh mozzarella cheese is among the store-crafted items that will supply the Eltingville and Bay Ridge parlors.

"We're manufacturing some of the things here and we'll send them out daily to keep things consistent," he said.

"We make everything pretty much with the exception of mozzarella sticks. We make everything here from scratch. So, to keep that in mind we have to come up with some kind of system so things stay consistent. It's all made by the same person," LaRocca explained.

Paul Montella is LaRocca's partner in this venture. Montella co-owns Nucci's North in West Brighton, Campania in Eltingville plus Nucci's South and Sonic, both in Richmond Valley.

The Miami outpost is projected to open in October at 3861 NE 163 St. and LaRocca intends to move to Florida temporarily to oversee the upstart. In the meantime, he and Montella have a training program in place at the Eltingville Campania so that employees will be set in place for the Page Avenue store's inaugural days.

Campania in Eltingville can be reached at 718-227-3286 and is located at 3900 Richmond Ave., CampaniaCoalFiredPizza.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Well Harvey Weinstein, you're in good company on Staten Island.

Speaking to a crowd of film-lovers at Cannes Lions about the revolutionary strides of companies like Amazon and Netflix, the Oscar winner and head of The Weinstein Company took a moment to reflect on one of his own strides as a producer of "Mob Wives."

"I'm embarrassed about it, but it makes so much money I have to check my integrity at the door," he joked.

Weinstein, whose company funds major blockbuster films in addition to reality shows like "Mob Wives" and the Emmy-winning "Project Runway," added that 60 percent of his business is in television, and it's going "through the roof."

"Mob Wives," a show about Staten Island women caught up in the mafia world, started in 2011 and just wrapped up its final season this year with the death of its beloved castmember, Big Ang.

Though the show scored fans around the world looking for reality television escapism and a few quotable one-liners, many Staten Islanders would agree with Weinstein that the show is pretty embarrassing.

But, like the spin-off businesses of the castmembers on "Mob Wives," the show's financial success will likely help Weinstein add to his 82 Oscars. He promised the crowd he would continue making quality films, even as viewing habits have shifted to smaller screens. Read more from the conversation on The Hollywood Reporter.

So does that mean Weinstein will have to dip into the "Mob Wives" cash well sometime soon and launch a spinoff with the Grazianos?

Producer and creator Jenn Graziano, the sister of castmember Renee Graziano, has hinted in the past at further projects, but it's unclear now whose company it will be with, or if it's happening at all.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Across the street from 825 Studios, there's a place where you can get four fried dumplings for a dollar and a school where students can be heard speaking in English, Mandarin and Spanish.

The recording studio looks like another cramped Sunset Park rowhouse. Inside though, it's recently renovated and lined with antique guitars, a drum set, sound-proofed rooms and water to soothe ballad-battered vocal chords.

There's a secret talent incubating inside this studio: Her voice is deep and surprisingly soulful, her age is 13, she sings about "a world filled with too many Katies." If the hype is to be believed, Richmondtown native Juliana Wilson is poised to be the next Ingrid Michaelson, a fellow home-grown talent whose lyrical realness gave her generation a voice and a rhythm.

On this day, Wilson's producer and songwriter Matty Amendola picked his red-haired protege up from Petrides School, where she's finishing up 7th grade. They crossed the bridge and got to work in his studio.

Like the neighborhood she's spent the last two years recording an album in, the bespectacled Wilson is dynamic from the outset: How is it possible that a voice that weathered and fiery could come from a 13-year-old girl? But inside, she's already a burgeoning force in the music industry.

Juliana Wilson has tapped into the experiences of being young and vulnerable, but sings about them with aged wisdom. (Courtesy the artist)

INTIMATE YET AGGRESSIVE

The flower-crowned and torn jean-clad Wilson, quiet in her words but relatable in her eye-rolls, had just finished filming the music video for "Blah Blah Blah." The video, to be released later this summer, had her pacing an animated paper city, calling to mind the many journal entries that make up the world of an emotional teenager.

Her journal is already thick. Starting when she was 8 years old, Wilson's dad began reaching out through family friends to Amendola, a professional-musician-turned-independent studio producer whose father drummed and wrote songs for the '70s disco band Mantus.

At the time, Amendola was supremely uninterested in working with an 8-year-old.

But, Wilson's father kept calling, about every six months for the next couple years -- the very idea of which makes Wilson turn red with embarrassment. Finally, when Wilson turned 10, she grabbed the phone from her dad and started singing.

"It was the most intimate yet aggressive thing I've ever heard," Amendola said. "I couldn't say she sounded like so-and-so, because there was nothing like her sound."

By that weekend, she was in Amendola's studio recording her first song. As a songwriter, Amendola took some time to get to know his new protege so the songs he'd produce for her would be true to her personality. They spoke for about an hour -- "It was awkward," Wilson, speaking perhaps for every 13-year-old in almost any situation, said.

Though nervous, Wilson opened up to Amendola about the experiences she was having as a pre-teen. She had a crush on a boy at school and a Band-Aid on her knee. Both those elements made their ways into future songs.

"He knew things about myself and my personality that I didn't know yet," Wilson said of Amendola, calling to mind a lyric he wrote for her: "You think I don't fear anything, but I do."

GROWING AN ARTIST

Wilson, who also plays cello, guitar and ukulele, began to sing more confidently and embrace the ambitious future Amendola envisioned for her. It meant long hours in the studio, taking critiques and generally treating the endeavor as a full-time-job.

"I think she got to be more confident because I didn't treat her like a kid -- I treated her like she was a pro. Because if she couldn't handle that, she wouldn't last long in the industry."

To date, Amendola and Wilson, with the help of songwriter Helen Austin, have 9 songs on an album that they expect to release slowly, song-by-song. Eventually, they'd like to find a record company to release it in full.

In the meantime, there's a lot of work that needs to be done: Amendola's studio is writing and producing songs, marketing and branding Wilson, training her on performances and media appearances, and planning her release into the world.

This long-term cultivation is a blast from the past, record industry-wise. Prior to the late-'80s, most record companies invested heavily in artist development. Experienced producers would work for years with emerging artists who they thought would eventually find commercial success.

Early successes on platforms like YouTube have mostly antiquated this practice, Amendola said. But as an artist development company, 825 Studios is aiming to bring the trend of thoughtful albums back.

This last part is something he's intently focusing on these days: He's worked with Wilson for two years now, keeping her virtually a secret, save from test performances at venues around New York City. This past week, she arrived in Nashville for the National Association of Music Merchants showcase. For as many record executive-eyes will be on her this week, her expectations for the big event are reasonable.

"What I'm doing and where I'm at right now is the right foundation to keep building on," she said from Nashville. "I hear this whole 'making it' thing takes a while."

Producer Matty Amendola and Juliana Wilson have worked together for the past two years on a powerful collection of soulful songs and teen anthems. (Staten Island Advance/Lauren Steussy)

TOO MANY KATIES

For readers who are starting to think this might be too much for a 13-year-old, Wilson assures that it's not.

Sure, she gets stressed balancing school with her music career, but she channels those into her songs, like "Blah, Blah, Blah," a song which stands to be the anthem for low-key teenage rebellion. Though the song was written by Amendola and Austin, it channeled the thoughts she shared with them about her current state.

"It was like a good game of telephone," Wilson said.

The song combines a "don't tell me what to do" attitude with Wilson's sardonic humor: "Dress me like a doll / and I'll just stand there / back against the wall / it's gonna be a good year." Like all her songs, the delivery comes in the kind of deep, melodic tones you'd expect to hear from someone who has long forgotten about the insecurities of being young and vulnerable on Staten Island.

Another song on the album is rooted in an conversation Wilson had with her mom, which Amendola overheard. It was about a classmate named Katie. Wilson post-scripted the introduction with the line, "There are too many Katies in this world." Amendola thought it was hilarious, and the epitome of Wilson's personality.

"Everyone knows her, everyone thinks she's wonderful," Wilson sings in the song. "She makes me sick."

AN AUDIENCE THAT GROWS WITH HER

The whole "13-year-old" schtick is probably Wilson's least favorite part of this whole business. She hates the condescension, and the fact that she can't just have a good voice and mature personality.

And it comes with its own preconceived notions of young talents: that they're being taken advantage of, or that they're not ready to work hard. That's one of the reasons why Amendola has kept her under wraps till now -- he didn't want listeners to say "when she's 18, she's going to be great."

"No, she's 13 and she's great now," Amendola said.

And, it's perhaps because of her age that Wilson holds so much promise. She's tapped into the raw feelings of an age that many will identify with well into their adult years. Already, YouTube analytics have proved this, Amendola said. While Wilson swept the 11- to 17-year-old category -- her comrades in angst -- she also had a surprisingly strong appeal to viewers ages 35-to-50.

"This came out of nowhere. Those kids' parents' views kept growing because the parents actually like what their kids were listening to," Amendola said.

But don't get them wrong, the YouTube views aren't everything. Though young, Amendola knows the music industry is in an unpredictable state. He doesn't anticipate Wilson will be the next "YouTube" star because that trend is on its way out, he said. Instead, he's banking on the idea that fans will own Wilson's music, not simply stream it.

"She'll have an audience that grows with her," Amendola said.
Newton Knight, the real-life figure behind Matthew McConaughey's Civil War drama "The Free State of Jones," is an undeniably controversial fellow. So it stands to reason that the movie about him has become somewhat controversial as well.

That being the case, let's just put this out there right out front: This is not a documentary, which means there are, by necessity -- and almost by definition -- liberties taken with the story. So if you can't stomach the idea of the lionization of a son of the South who turned on the Confederacy to fight the rampant injustice prevalent in that part of the world before, during and after the war -- or, equally, if you can't handle the idea of a white man falling in love with former slave and starting a second family -- consider this your permission to skip the movie.

Not that a lack of knowledge of what is contained in the film should stop anyone from posting ad nauseam about it on social media or anything. After all, that's what the Civil War was fought for, right? States' rights and the freedom to vent your spleen on Facebook, regardless of your knowledge base?

For those who do bother to watch director Gary Ross' movie, on the other hand, the literary license taken with Newt Knight's story will likely strike them as among the least of the film's problems.

That's not to say "The Free State of Jones," which was shot last year throughout southern Louisiana, isn't at times a pretty good movie. Despite the occasionally clumsy soliloquy, the pervasive sense of weighty self-importance and a dearth of any shred of nuance, the rock-solid art direction -- from the period-authentic sets to the suitably grimy costumes -- helps sell the story at least as well as the performances. That includes the lead turn by McConaughey (who is good, if very, very McConaughey) and extends to his talented supporting cast, which includes Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali and Kerry Russell.

The problem is "The Free State of Jones" is really only half of a good movie.

Ross' well-intentioned but entirely humorless film gets off to an intense and absorbing start, plopping audiences smack in the middle of a raging Civil War battle and illustrating in no uncertain terms just how a Mississippi boy like Knight could become disillusioned with the cause.

Just as there is no confusion in Knight's assessment of who's doing all the fighting, and all the dying ("rich man's war, and poor man's fight"), there's no sentimentality to Ross' brutal depiction of the consequences of the war on the men who fought it.

He saves that for later.

When McConaughey's Knight sees someone close to him die on the battlefield, he decides to walk away from it all, deserting his post as a Confederate medic and heading home to Jones County, Miss., to bury his kin in his native soil. Naturally, that doesn't go over well with the Confederate brass, sending Knight fleeing into the swamps, where he connects with a community of runaway slaves.

That sets the stage for Knight's remarkable formation of his own army, made up of former slaves, fellow deserters as well as everyday farmers who have grown tired of the Confederacy's unrelenting "taxes" to support the war effort. Together, they decide to rebel against the Rebels -- and with no small amount of success, either, eventually declaring Jones County its own sovereign nation (and providing the movie with its title).

Pushing aside the debate over Knight's real-life motivations and character, in Ross' version he is painted as a noble, right-minded Robin Hood -- a man whose views on race were ahead of their time (for Mississippi, anyway) and whose eloquence made him a natural leader of men.

Ross' unapologetically unblemished take on Knight might cause some eyes to roll, but his story is such a good one, and one that so few people know, that it becomes easy to get caught up in it all.

That is, until about the movie's midway point, when Ross loses the grip on his story and it all becomes a scattered, overreaching mess.

A part of the problem is that Ross -- the "Hunger Games" filmmaker who describes "The Free State of Jones" as a decade-in-the-making passion project -- doesn't seem to know how much, or how little, of Knight's story to tell. So he tries to tell it all. And he tries to tell too much.

Rather than focusing on the most fascinating part of the story -- that would be the establishment and subsequent dissolution of free state after which the film is named -- his film devolves into a series of belabored points, high-minded pontifications and audience manipulation.

That doesn't mean Newton Knight's story isn't a fascinating one. But after the modest promise offered by its first half, "The Free State of Jones" is likely to leave audiences in a state of frustration as much as anything else.

___________

THE FREE STATE OF JONES

2 stars, out of 5

Snapshot: Matthew McConaughey stars in a New Orleans-shot Civil War action film, based on the real but controversial story of Newton Knight, a former Confederate soldier who banded together with other farmers from Jones County, Miss., to secede from the Confederacy.

Cast: McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Keri Russell. Director: Gary Ross. Rating: R, for brutal battle scenes and disturbing graphic images. Running time: 2 hours 19 minutes. Where: Find New Orleans and Baton Rouge showtimes
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Assemblyman Michael Cusick gathered with business leaders at the Staten Island Mall on Thursday to announce Govenor Cuomo signing his bill, which combats organized retail theft. (Courtesy: Office of Assemblyman Cusick)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- State Assemblyman Michael Cusick announced Thursday that Governor Cuomo has signed his bill, designed to combat organized retail crime.

"Organized retail theft has grown exponentially in the past decade," Cusick said at the Staten Island Mall. "My legislation gives the authorities the upper hand in prosecuting these crimes by allowing all charges to be heard in one venue."

Organized retail theft refers to a varitety of schemes that involve stolen and repackaged goods that are sold back into the marketplace and then moved across county and city lines in an effort to avoid prosecution.

These schemes cost United States retailers about $30 billion a year, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Cusick's bill is the first time the phrase "organized retail crime" will be featured in the New York State statute, and aims to make it easier for prosecutors to try these cases.

Several prominent retail and business leaders joined Cusick to praise the signing of the bill, including Michael Rosen of the Food Industry Alliance, who spoke about the dangers of retail thieves reselling food.

"Organized Retail Crime doesn't just involve business losses," Rosen said. "We applaud Assemblyman Cusick for taking a leadership role in pursuing this bill to protect consumers and retailers alike."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A man wielding a pipe who confronted an imam at a Tompkinsville mosque after evening prayers Thursday threatened to kill because "Muslim people are here to conquer us," prosecutors allege.

Angel Mercado, 38, of Rosewood Place in Tompkinsville, faces hate crime charges after he allegedly pointed the pipe at the imam and threatened to cut off his genitals just after 11 p.m. at the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center at 307 Victory Blvd.

"I am going to kill you," Mercado ranted, according to allegations in the criminal complaint. "The Muslim people are here to conquer us. You [expletive] Muslims, I am going to kill you. This is not the end. You're going to hear about me."

He was arrested at the mosque.

Imam Tahir Kukiqi described the terrifying ordeal in an interview with the Advance.

"I think the motive was simple hate," he said. "Somebody filled this guy with a lot of anti-Muslim rhetoric."

"That was a bad night for us here at the mosque," Kukiqi said.

In particular, the comment the suspect allegedly made about Muslims wanting to "conquer" people of other faiths "made me feel very sad," the imam said.

The suspect was "acting very crazy" during the incident, which began as members of the congregation were leaving the mosque following a prayer service, Kukiqi said.

Kukiqi was standing on the stairs at the front entrance and there were many members still in the parking lot when the suspect rushed toward him, he said. At first, Kukiqi thought that the stranger might be somebody who was mistakenly hurrying to attend prayers, unaware of the schedule.

"As he was coming closer, I saw the look on his face and I knew he was coming not for something good," Kukiqi said.



The imam asked, "How can I help you?"

That's when Mercado let loose the alleged tirade.

Kukiqi said he invited the suspect into the mosque to talk, but instead the culprit ramped up his threats as he headed down the stairs toward the parking lot.

The suspect grabbed a pipe from the construction site where the new brick wall and gates are being built at the entrance to the property, the imam said.

He called 911.

As the imam was talking with the operator, the suspect dropped the pipe and left the property, still cursing and making threats, Kukiqi said. The police cornered him a short distance away on Cebra Avenue, and brought him to the imam to identify.

Mercado was charged with second-degree menacing, a hate crime; second-degree aggravated harassment; and third- and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

He was expected to be arraigned on Friday.
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Parents and teachers had a rally in front of the Staten Island Community Charter School in Stapleton in March, calling upon the Department of Education to keep their school open. The school's board of trustees now says it's planning a lawsuit against the department. (Staten Island Advance/Rachel Shapiro)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Board members of the Staten Island Community Charter School have retained an attorney and plan to take legal action to keep their school open, the Advance has learned.

City Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina announced in February that SICCS is among three city charters to be closed in June because, she said, the elementary school failed to make improvements suggested by the Department of Education to boost student performance.

The school followed the process to appeal the decision, but the DOE denied the Stapleton school's effort.

Despite pleas from parents and educators, the DOE says the school is slated to close for good at the end of June.

"The appeals process for SICCS concluded in May and the chancellor announced a final decision to uphold the non-renewal on June 14th. The school is currently slated to close June 30th," said DOE spokesman Michael Aciman.

A letter on the school's website informs parents of the DOE's decision to deny their appeal, but rejects the DOE's ruling, stopping just short of announcing legal action.

"The Board of Trustees believes the Chancellor's decision is flat wrong, and we are committed to continuing the fight to save our school," the letter reads. "Closing a school with such a strong foundation for success, and such promise, makes no sense at all, and we are committed to fight to save this school that we love. We are not alone in our belief."

Lorna Harris, the school's chief operating officer and one of its founders, said teachers and staff are not rushing to permanently clear out their desks and classrooms by June 30.

"It's not over 'til it's over. We're still in it," she said.

LAWSUIT PLANNED

Board members, she said, have retained Manhattan attorney Matthew Delforte, of Shebitz, Berman, Cohen & Delforte, to represent the school's interests.

Delforte told the Advance Thursday that he intends to file a lawsuit against the DOE, and would seek a restraining order to keep the school open while the court decides its fate.

The lawsuit could be filed before the end of the month in Manhattan Supreme Court, he said.

"We intend to challenge the chancellor's decision in court. We think it's misplaced, irrational, really. We believe SICCS is a well-run school that has demonstrated academic improvement and is academically viable," Delforte said.

Aciman said the DOE was not aware of any legal action.

"MAKES NO SENSE"

Parents, meanwhile, said they have received letters from the DOE telling them a seat is being held for their child for September at one of a handful of Island schools selected by the DOE.

The schools, PS 38, Midland Beach; PS 22, Graniteville; PS 45, West Brighton, PS 30, Westerleigh, and PS 39, Arrochar, are, in most cases, several miles from their child's zoned school, parents said.

Stapleton mom Kalinda Ebanks said she received a letter stating that PS 38 has a seat available for her daughter, Jordyn, who is entering fourth grade.

"This makes no sense; we live in Stapleton, and they are sending her to PS 38," Ebanks said. "It looks as if DOE is just assigning us a school wherever there's a seat available. We're being told, take it or leave it, no parental choice. Parental choice is why we sent our kids to a charter school in the first place."

Still, she said, she registered her daughter at PS 38, "just in case there's not another plan by September."

"Most of us still don't understand why they're closing the school in the first place, when our kids were doing fine. We know best how our children are doing," she said.

Another SICCS parent, Melissa Young, lives in New Brighton, but received a letter from DOE that a seat was being held at PS 30, Westerleigh, for her daughter Arianna, who also is going into fourth grade. Young said transportation could be an issue for her.

"Now she will have to commute, plus she will have to find new friends. And this school is bigger than what she's used to, and crowded. It's all very frustrating," she said.

"The chancellor made a commitment that all students attending a charter school slated for closure would return to a school that is performing at or above the level of the closing charter," said Aciman, the DOE spokesman.

"Students attending SICCS have received a district placement from the Office of Student Enrollment in collaboration with the superintendent that meets that commitment, and we will continue to work closely with families during this process."
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Port Richmond immigrants fear deportation after an immigration reformation bill deadlocked in Supreme Court Thursday. (Photo courtesy of El Centro del Inmigrante)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An immigration reform bill deadlocked in Supreme Court Thursday, causing many Staten Island immigrants to fear for their livelihoods.

Immigrants from the Port Richmond community began gathering at the workers' center, El Centro del Inmigrante, as the Supreme Court decision came down.

After learning of the stalemate, they voiced their hurt and displeasure -- adding that their concerns of securing residency may worsen with a new president in office.

"We are so sad about the Supreme Court's decision," said Favio Ramirez, executive director of El Centro del Inmigrante, before heading to City Hall with about 20 other immigrants to join a citywide rally. "This is one more reason to encourage our elected officials to push for a real immigration reform.

President Barack Obama spoke following the bill's failure -- attempting to reassure millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally that he has no plans to deport them.

"We're going to have to make a decision about whether we are a people who tolerate the hypocrisy of a system where the workers who pick our fruit or make our beds never have the chance to get right with the law," Obama said. "Or whether we're going to give them a chance, just like our forebears had a chance, to take responsibility and give their kids a better future."

Obama's plan aimed to temporarily remove the threat of deportation for up to four million immigrants, building on an earlier Obama plan affecting people brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Though the court's move means that the expanded group won't be eligible for work permits, Obama said his administration would continue prioritizing deportations only for new arrivals and those with criminal records.

"As long as you have not committed a crime, our limited immigration enforcement resources are not focused on you," he said.

Obama said the next president will be responsible for helping to reform the current immigration policy -- adding that the U.S. needn't "wall ourselves off" from those who look different.

"It is my firm belief that immigration is not something to fear," Obama said.

In January, the streets of Port Richmond were barren after federal immigration officials allegedly detained and arrested a Mexican immigrant, the father of a young son, in New Dorp, not long after he had dropped the child off at a neighborhood school.

At the time, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials did not respond to Advance requests to confirm that an enforcement action had been taken.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 24

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov have discussed main areas of cooperation, successfully developing both in bilateral and regional format, the Turkmen government said in a message June 24.

The meeting of the two presidents was held June 24 within the summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistans capital is hosting a meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State.

Turkmenistan praises the relations with Uzbekistan and attaches great importance to the development of mutually beneficial relations with its close neighbor and reliable partner, said the Turkmen president during the meeting.

Energy sector has been named the strategic direction of the two countries partnership. Turkmenistan supplies natural gas to China through the territories of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan since 2009.

Affirming their interest in the efficient use of transportation and communication potential of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the two presidents exchanged views on the implementation of the project to create the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman transportation route.

It will allow to significantly reduce international transit cargo flows and ensure a new communication corridor to global markets, said the Turkmen governments message.
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Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 24

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

The presidents of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani discussed implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline construction project during the meeting in Tashkent, the Turkmen government said in a message.

The meeting was held within the framework of the session of the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) June 23-24. Turkmenistan participates in this forum as a guest of honor.

It was noted at the meeting that the TAPI transnational energy main line, the work on laying of which started in December 2015, in addition to its functional purpose, will also become a bridge of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation in the region and at the same time a real contribution to ensuring global energy security.

The annual capacity of the pipeline will be 33 billion cubic meters. The pipeline, including supporting ground infrastructure, is scheduled to be commissioned in December 2019. The implementation of this large scale project will create over 12,000 jobs.

The message said that the Afghan side also expressed interest in purchasing Turkmen oil and gas products.

The transport and communication sector, in particular the project on construction of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan (TAT) railway, was mentioned among the important vectors of cooperation.

Berdimuhamedov said that until late 2016, it is planned to commission a section of this railway connecting Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, namely, its structural unit Atamyrat-Ymamnazar-Akin.

The parties noted that there are prospects for expansion of contacts in agriculture, animal husbandry and food industry.
Chatham House: Brexit could harm UK climate and energy policy

Posted on 24 June 2016 by Guest Author

This is a re-post from Sophie Yeo at Carbon Brief

The UK is better staying in the EU from the perspective of energy and climate change, according to a new paper by international affairs thinktank, Chatham House.

Carbon Brief has been tracking [views on Brexit's impacts] relating to climate and energy. The latest offering from Chatham House is particularly thorough, as it spells out what the impacts for the UKs energy system and climate goals might be under the various scenarios that could be adopted, should the UK vote to leave.

Chatham House, which conducts research on subjects including climate, economics, law and security, receives funding from more than 500 donors, including the European Commission, Shell, Rockefeller Foundation and a range of national governments. Itsays: This diversity of global support is critical to the independence of the institute.

Scenarios

No member state has left the EU before, which means there is no precedent for how exactly the UK might extricate itself from its relationship with the EU, and what kind of arrangement it might establish in its place.

Several countries outside the EU have a formal relationship with the bloc, to which the UK could subscribe. It is also possible that the UK could negotiate its own unique relationship with the EU.

Each option presents various choices and trade-offs that could impact climate change and energy policy, says the report. These include the degree of access that the UK has to Europes gas and electricity markets; the extent to which the UK would be able to influence EU decision-making on energy policies; and the ease with which a deal could be negotiated with other EU states and institutions.

The following table, taken from the report, summarises the various options that could be available to the UK in the case of a Brexit, and also what a remain vote would mean.

In this table, EFTA stands for European Free Trade Association, an organisation that extends free trade to four non-EU states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. EEA stands for European Economic Area, which provides for the freedom of people, goods, services and capital between the 28 EU member states and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Acquis communautaire means the EUs body of laws and rules.

Impact for climate and energy policy

The report looks at six areas of energy and climate change policy in the UK that could be affected by a vote to leave.

These areas are: market access; investment; funding; standards for goods and services; climate change and pollution targets; and diplomatic engagement.

For each of these six areas, the Chatham House report spells out the implications and presents a graphic illustrating the benefits and opportunities compared to the costs and risks for each Brexit scenario.

Market access

The UK is strongly integrated with other EU states when it comes to energy, and greater use of renewables is increasing the need for interconnectors, says the report.

The EU has progressively liberalised energy markets over the past two decades, moving regulatory control away from governments and towards independent national and EU bodies, its says. Further market liberalisation measures are due to be introduced at EU level during 2016.

The report says that the UKs current government is unlikely to want, or be able to, reverse the trend of domestic energy market liberalisation from Brexit. While some models would provide long-term continuity to accessing the market, the report points out that a successful agreement is not guaranteed and could take years.

Energy investment and price security

The energy sector is in need of significant investment in order to replace ageing infrastructure and enable decarbonisation. The UK government estimates that total energy infrastructure investment requirements between 2014/15 and 2020/21 will be 274.9bn.

The UK is currently a major recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI), with EU countries accounting for over half this flow. A report for the UK parliament concluded that it was not possible to calculate the impact of EU withdrawal on the flow of FDI, but a survey by Ernst & Young on company confidence for power and utilities indicated a concern that a vote to leave the EU could make capital more difficult to access.

The decision could also affect the price of electricity, the report says. Additional interconnectors to the continent and Ireland by the end of 2021 could provide more than 10 gigawatts of power capacity and lower the wholesale market price for baseload electricity by 7%, HSBC has predicted. The report doesnt expand upon whether these will go ahead after the vote to leave.

On the other hand, most of the social and environmental costs seen in customer bills are the result of domestic rather than EU legislation, including the Climate Change Act and Fuel Poverty Regulations, which are unlikely to change.

Funding mechanisms

The UK is currently a net contributor to the EU budget, meaning that it gives more in direct contributions than it receives in EU expenditure.

However, it has received significant funding from the EU for energy- and climate-related projects. Under the EUs current seven-year budget (2014-20), the UK is set to receive 1.9bn for climate change adaptation and risk prevention, and 1.6bn to support the transition to a low carbon economy. It has also received significant loans from the European Investment Bank.

The UK would give up access to most of these funds under most exit models, says the report. Meanwhile, countries such as Norway and Switzerland still make a sizeable contribution to the EU budget.

If the UK adopts a model which allows it to retain its EU budget contribution and, therefore, spend it on domestic projects, it would be up to the UK government to decide how much it allocated to energy- and climate-related projects, in the face of various competing priorities.

Standards for goods and services

The EU sets standards for vehicles, goods and buildings that have established a baseline for energy efficiency across Europe.

The report points out that the UK would be unlikely to abandon these standards after Brexit, as it would still have to meet all future minimum standards to continue to trade with EU countries. The UK is also likely to continue with energy efficiency programmes to meet its domestic climate change commitments and lift 2.34 million people out of fuel poverty.

While it is likely to continue to abide by EU regulations, all options for leaving the EU would lead to the UK having no say in setting them in the future.

Climate change and pollution targets

The UK is bound by the EUs climate change legislation, but its own domestic legislation goes beyond the European targets. Therefore, withdrawing from the EU is unlikely to immediately impact the UKs ambition when it comes to climate change, says the report  although it would make it easier for the UK government to change course in the future, as only a change in domestic legislation would be required.

Withdrawing from the EU will also require the UK to draw up its own contribution to the UN climate deal, as Norway and Switzerland have done. It is less clear how EU withdrawal would affect UK renewable targets, the report says.

Leaving the EU could also release the UK from the Industrial Emissions Directive, which will, in particular, drive down coal use. However, the UK has already achieved cross-party support for phasing out unabated coal power, and tackling air pollution is likely to remain a priority.

Diplomatic engagement on energy and climate security

The UK is better off negotiating within the EU than as a lone voice when it comes to both energy security and climate change, argues the Chatham House report.

Concerning energy security, the UK would no longer be party to EU negotiations with Russia, from which the UK gets 16% of its energy imports. While it could continue to operate on a bilateral basis with other energy producers and importers, the country would carry less diplomatic weight when operating alone, says the report.

The situation is similar within the UN climate change negotiations. Negotiating with the EU allows the UK to operate on a par with emitters such as the US and China. But without the backing of the EU, it would be relegated to the second tier of global powers, alongside Australia, Canada and South Korea, says the report.

Meanwhile, the EU may swerve towards the positions of member states arguing for less stringent ambition on climate change, without the UKs support for strong international climate leadership.

Conclusion

The exact model that the UK adopts will determine the extent of the impact on climate change and energy policies. However, all will generate significant uncertainty, says the report. It summarises the overall risks and opportunities with this final graphic:

The implications for climate and energy may not have made front page news in the reams of Brexit coverage to date, but it could end up being a defining issue in years to come if the UK decides to leave the EU, it concludes:
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

An expanded meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has kicked off in Tashkent under the chairmanship of Uzbekistans President Islam Karimov, Trends correspondent reports.

Besides the heads of the six member states of the SCO  Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the meeting is also attended by the presidents of Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, as well as representatives of international organizations, in particular, the UN, CIS, CSTO and ASEAN.

Opening the event, President Islam Karimov said that during a narrow format meeting the leaders of the SCO member states exchanged views on the full range of the issues included in the summits agenda.

The SCO 2016-2020 Action Plan and the Tashkent Declaration on the 15th Anniversary of the SCO will be reviewed during the meeting.

Among the main topics of the summit is the signing of a memorandum on the commitments of India and Pakistan in order to obtain the SCO member-state status.

The Tashkent meeting will also discuss such issues as Irans joining the SCO, integration processes in the Eurasian region, including through the Eurasian Economic Community (EEC) and the Chinese initiative "Silk Road Economic Belt", ASEAN countries joining the partnership, the situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East, and the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.

More than 10 documents are planned to be signed during the summit.
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Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24

By Demir Azizov Trend:

The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have confirmed common ground on a number of international issues, including the situation in Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan, according to the Tashkent Declaration of the 15th Anniversary of the SCO, which was signed June 24 following the SCO summit in Tashkent.

They confirm the need to preserve the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability in Syria, as well as the fact that there is no alternative to political settlement of the crisis, which will allow the Syrian people to independently determine their own future, read the declaration.

The document also reaffirmed the importance of political settlement of the crisis in Ukraine based on scrupulous implementation of the Minsk agreements.

Leaders of the SCO supported the way of solving the conflict in Afghanistan through the promotion of an inclusive process of national reconciliation. The declaration stressed that these efforts to reconciliation should be made under the leadership of Afghans and the inhabitants of this country, and the UN should play a central coordinating role in the international cooperation.

The SCO countries reaffirmed their commitment to the maintenance of legal order at sea based on the principles of international law.

All the relevant disputes should be resolved peacefully based on friendly negotiations and agreements between the parties concerned without their internationalization and outside interference, the declaration read.

In this regard, the SCO member states have urged for full respect of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, as well as the guidelines for its implementation.

Leaders of the SCO also advocated for observance of provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and also welcomed the start of the practical implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.

The SCO member states reaffirm that the unilateral and unlimited build-up of missile defense systems by one state or a group of states without taking into account the interests of other countries can be harmful to international and regional security and stability, the Tashkent Declaration noted.

The SCO was established in 2001. The SCO members are China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Belarus are the SCO observer-countries, while Turkey, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are dialogue partners.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

Trend:

There are no more obstacles to Irans accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), TASS news agency quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin as saying June 24.

He made the remarks addressing a meeting of heads of SCO member states in Tashkent.

Iran has been participating in the activities of the organization as an observer state since 2005, said Putin.

I believe that after resolving Irans nuclear issue and lifting the UN sanctions imposed on the country, there are no more obstacles to the positive consideration of Tehrans application, he added.

Moreover, Putin believes that India and Pakistan will be admitted to the SCO in a shortest possible time, in 2017.
Tehran, Iran, June 24

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

Brexit is a historic opportunity for Iran and the Islamic Republic should make the most of it, said Hamid Abutalebi, political director of the Iranian presidential office.

A great earthquake has shaken Europe and the UK has quit the European Union, he wrote on twitter June 24.

The stars of Europes union are falling down. Economic changes in south European countries, terrorism, and the refugee crisis showed that the union is about to fall. But the domino was ticked off with Brexit.

Abutalebi stated that European people lost their hope in the EU long ago, adding that the new changes will bring more power, security, and prosperity.

Britons held a referendum June 23 on whether the UK should to stay in the European Union, or leave it. The voting results indicate that the campaign to leave the EU, known as the Brexit, has won with 51.9 percent of the votes. In the wake of the Brexits victory, David Cameron has said he will step down as the UK prime minister.

Many believe that Brexit has paved the way for other countries to leave the union. Iran suffered many years under sanctions that were instated by the EU. The sanctions were lifted only this January.
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Private William "Bill" Jackson was only 17 when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1915.

He became the first  and youngest  Australian to receive the Victoria Cross on the Western Front during World War I.

Australian War Memorial director Brendon Nelson unveils Private William Jackson's Victoria Cross medal. Credit:Jay Cronan

Jackson's medals were put on display on Friday at the Australian War Memorial.

The teenager, from Gunbar, NSW, lied about his age to join the 17th Battalion in February 1915. He served in Gallipoli before arriving on the Western Front in 1916.
The Snapchat photo of Jesse Hogan buying a house in Perth is absolutely legitimate - but Dockers fans shouldn't get too excited because there is little chance of the star centre-half-forward living in it any time soon.

And that will come as relief to Melbourne fans, with growing speculation in recent months that Hogan, contracted to the Demons until the end of the 2017, would choose to return to his home town of Perth and play for the Dockers.

The Snapchat photo of Jesse Hogan showing his new purchase. Credit:Facebook

The 21-year-old has put discussions on any new contract on hold until after this season.

The photo of 2015 AFL Rising Star Hogan circulating on social media shows him posing with a Perth "house sold" sign and a beer, with a caption saying "Hogan residence".
Jeff Lawson celebrated one of the biggest days of his life with a selfie.

Standing atop the stage of the New York Stock Exchange, the founder of Twilio huddled with his wife to capture the moment the Silicon Valley start-up became a public company.

Twilio CEO Jeff Lawson takes a selfie as he celebrates his company's IPO on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Credit:Reuters

Below, dozens of Twilio employees in red track jackets cheered and NYSE floor traders prepared to start taking orders for the company's stock.

"Yeah," Lawson screamed as he rung the NYSE's iconic opening bell.
The opening of Mirvac and AMP Capital's 200 George Street, has shown how far buildings have evolved, from being bland concrete blocks to leading edge environmentally-friendly "wellness" centres.

It is the new home for advisory firm Ernst & Young, which has the signage, and Mirvac and boasts some of the latest in workplace practices.

Mirvac unveils a "beautiful" office building  200 George Street. Credit:Phillip Hayson

Set across 37 storeys and offering 39,200 square metres of premium-grade office space, the building's distinctive design from architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT), has been described as having "shimmering, golden curves".

But it is the internal function that the owners say has set the benchmark high for new office towers.
Office landlords are heading into the new financial year with a spring in their step as vacancies head down and demand for space heads up.

As it stands, the national vacancy rate is heading towards equilibrium of just over 7 per cent for prime grade assets, and a bit higher for the A and B-grade properties, according to agents and landlords.

CBD landlords are moving into the box seat as office vacancy levels start to decline

Rental growth is steady, although for tenants, the ability to squeeze out more incentives is starting to diminish, leading to some rent gains for the owners. This trend is expected to continue in the year ahead.

Although there will be extra space coming into the market in the coming year with new developments, the new tech tenants are lining up to absorb the space.
If Australia's top economists were deciding the election, they'd vote for Labor's cuts to negative gearing and against the Coalition's cuts to company tax.

Of the 23 leading economists polled for the Scope BusinessDay Economic Survey, those that answered the questions about tax backed Labor's plan 10 to three and opposed the Coalition's plan 10 to six.

The key objection to the Coalition's company tax cuts was that they would have to be funded, most likely from bracket creep, higher taxes, or cuts to government spending. Estimates of the ongoing cost range from $9 billion to $13 billion per year.
Trolley collectors at one in three Woolworths supermarkets inspected by Australia's industrial watchdog are being illegally underpaid and exploited, with some workers on cash-in-hand wages as low as $10 an hour.

The dire findings are the result of a nationwide investigation into Woolworths' outsourced trolley-collecting services, which also revealed a staggering 80 per cent of sites are violating workplace laws, and nearly 50 per cent had "serious issues" of multiple legal breaches.

Inspectors audited the trolley-collection companies at 130 Woolworths supermarkets. Credit:Simon Bosch

The revelations add to concerns about the payment of illegal wages in the supermarket giant's supply chain, and the wider problem of exploited foreign workers across the country.
Tehran, Iran, June 24

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

Iran has denied that there is opposition against the countrys accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a permanent member.

There has been no decision regarding Irans accession and Iran has not submitted any membership documents yet, the countrys Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific Affairs Ebrahim Rahimpour said, IRNA news agency reported June 23.

Earlier some news outlets claimed that Irans membership had been opposed to. Some reports said China was the opposing side.

This is while the other members, such as Russia stood behind Tehran, with President Vladimir Putin saying the same day that there is nothing to stop Iran from accession.

There was another parallel story that was swiftly denied by Tehran. The Iranian ILNA news agency on the same day said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif left the SCO meeting as protest.

Sources a few hours later quoted Rahimpour as saying Zarif had only left to say his prayers.

The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organization which was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The only problem? It's doubtful that Britain (or any other European country, for that matter) can replicate what's widely known as the "Swiss miracle" by abandoning the European Union. "It's all an illusion," said John McCormick, an English-born professor of European Union politics at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and the author of "Why Europe matters for Britain: The case for remaining In." This isn't simply because the island kingdom of Britain is so different from landlocked Switzerland, though it is. Its population of 65 million is much bigger than Switzerland's 8 million, as is its economy ($US2.85 trillion in economic output in 2015 compared with Switzerland's $US664 billion). Switzerland owes its highly productive economy to an overwhelming focus on lucrative jobs in financial services and precision engineering - in contrast to Britain, where the City of London financial district is a sparkling crown jewel encased in a broader, duller economy laced with generally ageing manufacturers and a large, comparatively inefficient public sector. Switzerland's prosperity has nothing to do with independence from the EU

Moreover, the hard-working Swiss all but invented the notion of the Protestant work ethic. (In 2012, Swiss voters firmly rejected an initiative to extend their annual paid vacation time to six weeks from four.) "Switzerland's prosperity has nothing to do with independence from the EU," McCormick said. "Services tend to be more profitable than industry, so Switzerland will always be ahead of the UK because of the way their economy is structured." He noted that Luxembourg, another small, landlocked European country with an economy oriented toward providing financial services for the world's wealthy, is a founding member and staunch supporter of the European Union. Luxembourg's per capita gross domestic product was $US101,994 in 2015 - by far the highest in the world. Independent? Not really An argument can be made that Switzerland's economy would be in even better shape if it had joined the European Union. Its Alpine neighbour, Austria, joined in 1995 after years of debate. Its economic growth outpaced Switzerland's in the ensuing years.

More fundamentally, the notion that Switzerland is less dependent on the European Union and enjoys a higher degree of sovereignty than Britain is also a "fantasy," said Caroline de Gruyter, European affairs correspondent for the Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad and the author of a book about the effect of globalisation on a Swiss village. Switzerland, with its heavily export-driven economy, hardly exists in isolation. After the Swiss rejected European Union membership, Switzerland negotiated bilateral agreements giving it free access to European markets. In return, Switzerland agreed to abide by most EU policies, including immigration and the relatively free movement of workers among countries. But Switzerland has no say in determining those policies. The European Union is now Switzerland's largest trading partner, and Switzerland is the EU's fourth-largest. Norway has a similar status outside the EU. Both countries are economically dependent on the much larger European market. "Switzerland and Norway cannot survive on their own," de Gruyter said. "They want to participate in a lot of common EU projects." But the "EU countries can decide on these projects, while Switzerland and Norway cannot. During European summits in Brussels, the Norwegian ambassador would often sit with me in the press room, waiting for decisions to be announced."

"Sovereignty is relative," said Christophe Crombez, a Belgian economist and specialist in EU politics at the Europe Center of Stanford University. "Even the United States has to abide by World Trade Organisation rules and other treaties. If you really wanted to be completely sovereign, you'd look to a country like North Korea." Immigration quotas The extent of Swiss sovereignty will soon be tested anew. In 2014, the Swiss voted to impose immigration quotas on EU countries, a blatant violation of the union's principle of free movement of labour. The Swiss vote, which closely followed the admission of Croatia into the EU, was aimed at curbing immigration from Eastern Europe and requires Switzerland to renegotiate its immigration policies with the European Union within three years. The EU has rejected the idea out of hand, saying Switzerland can't pick and choose which policies to embrace and that it risks losing unfettered access to EU markets. Negotiations were suspended pending the British vote. But once the British have made their decision, Brussels is expected to take a hard line. The European Union has little choice, Crombez said. "Within the EU, some countries benefit in some ways, and other countries in others. That's what has made the EU a success. If each country said it only wanted to participate in the policies that benefited it, the whole thing would fall apart."

The Swiss vote also suggested there were limits to Switzerland's open-mindedness. In addition to imposing immigration quotas, Switzerland is much more restrictive in granting asylum to refugees from places like Syria than many other European countries are. "No one will say this, but there's an element of racism," McCormick said. "What they want are white, Christian, European immigrants. They want to make sure they stay culturally homogeneous." Nostalgia reigns The Swiss seem to be waking up to the consequences of defying the rest of Europe. Swiss citizens have gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on whether to retract the proposed immigration restrictions before the 2017 deadline. "The Swiss have access to the European market, but they have very little leverage," McCormick said. "Britain has a good deal of influence, which it would lose if it left. The economic reality is that Britain would still be subject to the rules of the single market even if it left the EU."
The key questions raised are: Whose country is it? Who are we? What kind of a people are we? And, most importantly, what is the authentic narrative of our journey from the past to the present and what does this narrative indicate about our future?

This is the burning question at the heart of what became known as "the history wars" and on which radically divergent interpretations turn. But the argument really is only partly about the past, and far more about the present; it is a struggle for legitimacy between two conflicting, and generally irreconcilable, histories.

It raises questions of profound significance. For example, were we as a nation conceived in sin or in virtue? In terms of constructing a narrative about European settlement and Indigenous dispossession, the starting point decisively shapes the edifice, and the Turnbull starting point leads to an entirely different road from the Abbott starting point.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull believes Australia was "invaded" by its European settlers while his predecessor, Tony Abbott, disagrees, preferring to call it an "occupation." This is not, however, about semantics: it goes to the very crux of what we are as a nation and who we are as a people.

A conservative critic of what was pejoratively derided as the "black armband school" of history, John Roskam of the Institute of Public Affairs, is perfectly correct when he locates the history wars firmly within the arena of political contention. Writing in The Age in 2009, Roskam noted that the kind of history taught to school students was "a political issue that goes to the core of our concept as a nation." It made a vast difference, he wrote, whether that history regarded Australia as having been "settled" or "invaded".

It matters because the nature of our origins as a society not only affects, but substantially shapes, our collective sense of self today. It is more than just abstract "national identity"; it is a struggle for cultural hegemony between those seeking to legitimise colonialism and its consequent Indigenous dispossession and those who insist that it is necessary to critically examine the view that colonialism was a civilising force and expose the structural violence in settler conquest and rule.

The history wars matter because historical memory is not just a matter of standardising what is taught in schools; it is about addressing the past and dealing with unresolved issues from that past, however painful and uncomfortable that process might be. Without that necessary catharsis it is impossible to live authentically in the present.

Australia is by no means alone with its fractured psyche. The United States, for example, has a dark past of its own that is still far from reconciled; Britain has its often brutal colonial legacy and its pivotal role in the slave trade; France is doubly accursed with its issues of Nazi collaboration and its shameful cultural genocide in Algeria; South Africa has its apartheid past; Germany has its Nazi ghosts; and Japan has its militarism; Israel still resiles from the realities of dispossession from its formation; and the nations of eastern Europe struggle with an assortment of maladies from the anti-Semitic, Communist and Fascist pasts.

Speaking last week, Tony Abbott took issue with Malcolm Turnbull's professed sympathy with the "invasion" view. Noting with considerable understatement that what happened in 1788 and beyond "involved a very, very big change and it was a change that had pretty big consequences for the Aboriginal inhabitants of Australia," he emphatically rejected the idea of invasion. Why? "I think that connotes the primacy of armed force," he said.
It's hardly been a decorous discourse thus far, after all. The subject of prejudice never is. Who can forget this plebiscite's instigator Tony Abbott's confession he finds homosexuality "intimidating" and challenges the "right order of things". Or Senator Cory Benardi's suggestion homosexuality leads to bestiality or George Christensen's likening of the Safe Schools LGBTI acceptance program to paedophile grooming?

Because what this proposed plebiscite is asking is for the public to cast a vote on whether one group of citizens should be allowed the fundamental human right of equality. How could the lead-up to such a preposterous endeavour be anything but ugly when its very premise is outrageous?

So, there are fears that should the Liberal government be re-elected, its proposed plebiscite on same sex marriage may incite ugly debate. Well, no shit Sherlock! Of course there will be hateful discussion. There was never a chance it wouldn't be repellent when what is at play is amoral at its core.

Nope, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is kidding himself and us that debate in a plebiscite lead-up will be "respectful". It simply can't be when it involves the big no-nos of all conversation  politics and religion. There ain't a hope in Hades civility will reign when church versus state and conservatives clash with progressives. And nor should it.

Because this debate will affect lives. Thousands if not millions in this country. It is important. It could save lives. It involves children who feel ashamed, scared and abnormal when they shouldn't. It concerns parents who see and feel their suffering. It influences the ostracism inflicted on those who don't fit in with outdated ideals of normalcy. It judges the worthiness of loving parents who happen to share the same set of chromosomes. It cuts to the quick the estimated 16 per cent of LGBTI young Australians who attempt suicide and the third who self harm as a result of homophobic abuse. It involves the abhorrent and immoral idea arbitration can determine what form of love is worthy of marriage.

Then there's the other side, the moral watchdog who believe religious doctrine outweighs all argument. The far right Christians dominating the Liberal party who are adopting an over my dead body defence and who, it is still uncertain, will actually ratify the plebiscite should it succeed in change. The straight traditionalists in society who believe that if it ain't broken, don't fix it. And, it can't be denied, a pervasive undercurrent of dyed in the wool insidious homophobia.

And herein lies the big taboo. Those opposed to same sex marriage don't like being accused of the H word. Yes, it's an ugly one. But it is a hard one to get around in this debate. And this week it was being bandied yet again.

On Monday night, the PM appeared on the ABC's Q&A program, where an audience member questioned "homophobia" within the Coalition. Turnbull answered that "mutual respect is absolutely critical" and he would "condemn" remarks which disparage Australians, whoever makes them, on the basis of their sexuality or on the basis of their religion or their gender or their ethnic background. When host Tony Jones asked whether this is something he expressed to Senator Bernardi, he replied: "Yes, I've had firm discussions with a number of colleagues, yes."
At the outset, the basic idea was that Bill Kelty on behalf of the union movement "was promising wage restraint in return for job creation and a reduction in unemployment", as Keating put it. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten in Adelaide on Thursday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen In other words, Kelty was enlightened enough to restrain the wages of union members to deliver jobs for people who were not; they were unemployed. History's golden hue has settled upon the Accord now, but times were hard in Australia and the Accord was no easy thing. Kelty has described it as "an incredibly bitter time". "It was very hard. You were trying to change people's ideas. The government was trying to do dramatic things for the country," he explained a couple of years ago.

"They were trying to essentially remodel the country. What do you think  everybody said 'That's a nice idea - a real wage reduction would be good, can I have another one next year please?'" Hawke and Keating co-opted the union movement to work with the government in the national interest. It produced very great benefits, in the end, for union members and the country as a whole, including the system of compulsory superannuation. The 25 years of uninterrupted economic growth that we enjoy to this day owes a great deal to the reforms enabled by that partnership. That's what Shorten was talking about. The greatest of the modern Labor leaders have shaped the union movement to the needs of the larger party and the nation. Not just Hawke and Keating.

When the other great reforming Labor leader, Gough Whitlam, entered Parliament, the party's MPs and senators were not allowed to attend the meetings of Labor's top decision-making organs. Even a Labor prime minister could not join the national executive. "The federal executive of the Labor party could treat Labor's members of parliament as puppets," Whitlam pointed out. And they did. In photos that caused a sensation at the time, Whitlam was photographed with his parliamentary leader, Arthur Calwell, standing under a street lamp late at night, excluded from an executive meeting in a hotel to decide their fate. This was the origin of the immortal jibe by Liberal prime minister Bob Menzies. He mocked Labor's MP for being flunkeys of "the famous outside body, 36 faceless men, whose qualifications are unknown, who have no responsibility to you," the people.

The term "faceless men" has become the general name for the union leaders and apparatchiks who seek to control Labor's parliamentary wing from the shadows. Whitlam broke this system. It was his defiance of the Labor national executive that he was talking about when he said he would "crash through or crash". He knew that he had to reform the party to make it electable. He cajoled and coaxed the executive into allowing the parliamentary leaders to attend its meetings. The parliamentary arm was given limited autonomy from the industrial wing. Whitlam used that autonomy to rejuvenate the Labor Party and, ultimately, the country. The Medicare system that Shorten claims that he will "save", for instance, is one of Whitlam's many legacies. What about Bill Shorten? He enjoyed embarrassing Malcolm Turnbull during the televised leaders' debate with this line: "I genuinely lead my party whereas your party genuinely leads you."

He's right, of course, about Turnbull. The Liberal leader agreed to the terms imposed by the conservatives in his party. In order to get the votes to get the leadership, he promised to preserve the Abbott government's policies on same sex marriage and climate change, for instance. If Turnbull wins on Saturday, it'll be with a much-shrunken majority. He won't have the authority to assert himself but will need to govern with a wary eye on his party room at all times. But does Shorten genuinely lead his party? The unions still wield tremendous influence over the parliamentary party. The unions nominate half the delegates to Labor's supreme policy-making body, the national conference. And the national conference also chooses the members of the national executive, the organ that decides how the party operates. The executive is dominated by union leaders or officials and politicians who are there by the grace of union leaders.

And then there's Shorten's position as leader. In the two-part ballot for the leadership under Labor's new rules, Shorten lost the vote among the rank-and-file membership to Anthony Albanese. But then the Labor caucus, comprising MPs and senators, voted for Shorten. And the caucus vote outweighed the members' vote. Meaning? "Officials of the Right [faction] unions delivered leadership to Shorten in 2013," Labor historian and former NSW minister Rodney Cavalier explains. "Their influence is not in party membership. Their influence is decisive via the federal parliamentary Labor party where all senators and most MPs owe preselection to a faction that is controlled by a collusion of union officials and their liegemen in the party machines."

In other words, Shorten owes his position to the unions, the right-aligned unions in particular. And he is, himself, a former union leader, national secretary of the right-aligned Australian Workers Union. The question is whether Shorten can transcend his origins and his internal power base to become more than a handmaiden of the union movement. It's perhaps the biggest question that a Labor leader faces. After Whitlam, Hawke and Keating, Australia has had two more Labor prime ministers, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. Rudd ignored the union leaders until the night they conspired with Julia Gillard and the faction leaders to destroy him. Gillard survived by catering to their every demand. Neither is a viable approach for a prime minister. Could Shorten possibly shape the union movement to the needs of the larger party and the country, as Whitlam, Hawke and Keating did? Hawke was a union chief who successfully transcended his origins. Could Shorten be such a leader?

So far, the omens are poor. First, we have from his own mouth: "As Labor leader, I still think like an organiser," he says. Second, unlike Whitlam or Hawke, he has done nothing in his time as opposition leader to give himself any latitude. There is nothing remotely resembling a Hawke-style Accord or a Whitlamesque assertion of independence. Third, his positions on the biggest union-related issues of the day could have been written by the union bosses. Despite all the evidence of the royal commission into trade union corruption, he is adamantly opposed to the reintroduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission. And then there's the raging dispute in Victoria. A craven Labor premier has empowered a union to smash its way in to take over the work that's always been done by the volunteers of the Country Fire Authority. There's a furious reaction in Victoria, and it's turning public opinion against Labor during the federal election campaign. Shorten's position is to hold up his hands in a gesture of helplessness and say "it's a state matter". He calls for a "speedy resolution" but does nothing to create one. In the next breath he says his inspiration is the way Hawke brought people together around a table to find solutions.

What would Hawke have done? He'd have been on the first plane to Melbourne to do exactly that, just as he did on innumerable outbreaks of industrial strife. He was a hands-on problem-solver par excellence. Shorten chants "Hawke" but acts like a messenger boy from Trades Hall. If Shorten wins the election, it'd be a very serious political achievement. He'd have won the right to some latitude in governing. But there's nothing to date that suggests he'd use it to do anything other than the bidding of the union movement. And if he loses the election on Saturday, as the betting odds anticipate, Shorten will have to defend his position again. Under the new party rules bequeathed by Kevin Rudd, the leader's job automatically is declared vacant after a loss. Some of Anthony Albanese's factional allies on the Left say that he'd be keen to stand against Shorten once again. Shorten would again depend on the patronage of the union to hold his job.
It is something of a tragic irony that the European Union  originally constructed to lay to rest the atavistic nationalist impulses of the 20th century  is today behind the resurgence of such feelings across much of Europe. The British referendum that has delivered a vote for Brexit is the latest, dramatic indication that this nationalism is here to stay.

This nationalism has brewed largely in reaction to how the EU has evolved over the past few decades. What started as a common market grew to embrace a single currency, the Schengen area and integration in justice and home affairs. All this has diluted core aspects of national sovereignty: states have less control over macro-economic policy, borders and people.

The EU also enlarged to embrace Central and Eastern Europe. The inclusion of 12 new member-states with distinct histories, economic structures and democratic traditions has rendered the decision-making process at the EU level all the more cumbersome. At the same time, it has made EU policy all the less responsive to public opinion. These transformations have been very disquieting for voters in certain countries  like Britain.

But what we have witnessed in the UK is part of a much broader shift in public attitudes towards the EU from what analysts have called a permissive consensus to a constraining dissensus. In the past, European leaders quietly pursued integration in such areas as agriculture and the public paid little attention. More recently though, leaders have sought to take collective decisions in areas such as trade in services, banking or asylum. But they have to bear in mind that the voters back home are more likely to pay more attention and to be sceptical.
On April 30 1911, the Commonwealth Minister for Home Affairs, King O'Malley, launched a competition for a new city. It would be a city for whom trade would not require river or sea port, but face-to-face conversation and exchange of ideas. A city whose wealth would come not from what would be mined, but from the mind: its capacity to take and implement decisions on behalf of a growing nation.

It would be Australia's first true knowledge-based economy, the countries cleverest city, the original smart  Canberra.

King O'Malley drives in the first peg in the development of the city of Canberra, 1913.

With federal government followed other world-class institutions: galleries and museums showcasing all that was known, scientists, academics and researchers racing to reveal what was not. It gave the world the first glimpse of the moon landing at Honeysuckle Creek and the first glimpse of the future through the invention of Wi-Fi. In return the world gave it the title of best place to live via the OECD.

Such was its success that over the years its reason for being changed. Creeks of confidence, industry, and creativity flowed into that initial stream of federation forming a river of growing purpose and direction; a community not just to serve the nation, but to help lead the nation through its ability to develop and implement ideas; an economy founded on federation but now moving forward on innovation, on renewable energy, on creating jobs in both the public and the private sector.
Britain's decision to leave the European Union on Friday has being described as momentous and far-reaching. Fateful seems the more apposite descriptor, however, for the political, economic and diplomatic changes that will unfold in coming months and years will be profound, and in some instances ruinous. Prime Minister David Cameron, who just over a year ago secured the Conservatives' first House of Commons majority in 23 years, has already resigned pending the election of new leader by his party colleagues. Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose support for continued membership was lukewarm at best, may be ousted as well if anger within the party's pro-European faction boils over. The result has also considerably shortened the odds of Scotland renewing efforts to leave the United Kingdom to join the EU, when the matter had seemed settled less than three years ago.

Britain is now in uncharted economic waters, the pound sterling having endured a big fall against the US dollar in the hours before and during the vote. That panicky depreciation might prove temporary, but there's every reason to suspect the world's fifth largest economy will face a prolonged slump in capital investment  a situation that may last last until negotiations with the EU over trade access to Europe's integrated markets are complete. This could take years. And should the EU seek to punish Britain during those talks  perhaps with the view to sending a pointed message to other members thinking of staging their own referendums  the country's still fragile economy may again slide into recession.

Britain's ability to shape influence and European affairs is now much diminished, even if, as leading advocates of Brexit claimed in recent week, that it would regain its "independence" after decades of suffocating rule from an allegedly distant and unaccountable parliament in Brussels. Britain's departure also risks weakening the larger European project, initiated by France and Germany, of entrenching peace, prosperity and liberal democracy across the continent.

That Britain should have embraced departure when all this was foreseeable suggests popular resentments about Europe and about Britain's place within it, were deep-seated. They were certainly more deeply embedded than the Remain camp  endorsed by the likes of US president Barack Obama and international central bankers  appears to have appreciated or recognised.
Of all the promises Malcolm Turnbull has made during the past 49 days, the one that will be "first item of business" if the Coalition is returned concerns a state issue the incoming prime minister will have very limited power to influence, let alone decide.

Those who assumed the company tax cuts at the heart of his economic plan for "jobs and growth" would be Turnbull's top priority should think again.

Image: Jim Pavlidis

No, No. 1 on the Turnbull to-do list is drafting and introducing legislation to protect volunteer firefighters in Victoria from being "taken over" by the militant United Firefighters Union.

Turnbull delivered the promise when he addressed a CFA breakfast on Thursday at Highton in Corangamite, one of the seats Labor aims to win if it is to secure an improbable victory next Saturday.
Tom Leppard, who has died aged 80, was an ex-soldier who became known as the Leopard Man of Skye after he covered 99.2 (or by some accounts 99.9) per cent of his body with tattooed spots to make himself look like a big cat and moved to the Scottish island.

For 20 years, he lived like a hermit in a "cave" he built on the foundations of a ruined croft.

In 2001 Leppard (whose real name has been variously listed as Woolridge, Wooldridge or Woodridge) was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the most tattooed man on Earth. Although he subsequently lost that title to Lucky Diamond Rich from New Zealand, he retained the title of most tattooed male senior citizen.

Leppard's entire body, apart from the insides of his ears and in between his toes, was covered in a saffron yellow design flecked with black spots. Even his eyelids were tattooed with piercing blue-green feline irises. To complete the leopard look, he had a set of fangs custom-made by a dentist.

He would often be photographed with nothing on except a small pouch to preserve his modesty  except that it was also covered in leopard spots so that he gave the impression of being entirely naked.

His derelict bothy beside Loch na Beiste had no windows, electricity, heating or gas. The thatch had rotted away, and his makeshift metal sheet roof would not permit him to stand upright.
Philip Girdlestone, who has died aged 61, was a passionately committed engineer who made it his life's work to design a new generation of steam locomotives that were far more efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly than their conventional forebears.

Philip Girdlestone in front of his Soviet express locomotive.

Girdlestone and his fellow engineers David Wardale, Shaun McMahon and Roger Waller were disciples of the visionary Argentinian Livio Dante Porta.

Porta was convinced that modern steam could match or exceed diesel in efficiency. Each worked with Porta on projects worldwide, and his death in 2003 left them to carry on his legacy.

Unfortunately for these innovators, the world's major railways saw even modern steam as a distraction from diesel or electric traction. Main-line steam haulage has ended almost everywhere, and most engines still working cater for tourist traffic.

In the words of a colleague, Girdlestone was "ahead of his time, 20 years too late".
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has discussed the fight against the Daesh extremist group and the stabilization of Iraq with Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jan Kubis, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

Kubis is currently on a consultative visit to Moscow.

"A thorough exchange of opinions on the situation in Iraq in the context of Iraqi government efforts to counter the Daesh terrorist group took place during the discussion, as well as an exchange of views on ensuring political stabilization and promoting national reconciliation taking into account all of Iraq's ethno-religious groups," the ministry said.

The meeting comes as the Iraqi army is engaged in liberating the city of Fallujah from the Daesh.

Daesh is a designated terrorist organization outlawed in the United States, Russia and numerous other countries. It overran large parts of Syria and Iraq in 2014.
The biggest danger in Nick Xenophon's potential rise to kingmaker is not that he will make the next federal government unstable or extreme. Rather, it's that his team of relative unknowns might not live up to his reputation for fairness, flexibility, independence and accountability.

The pitch from the Nick Xenophon Team is one part protest vote against the major parties; one part "keep the bastards honest" in Canberra and business; one part "give the little blokes a fair go"; one part put Australia first; and in large part "trust Nick, the man who does politics differently".

The vote-magnet Nick Xenophon may have to decide whether his party will back Malcolm Turnbull in a hung parliament. Credit:Andrew Meares

To a disenchanted electorate, it's enticing. Polls suggest NXT can expand to hold as many as five seats in the Senate and at least a few South Australian ones in the lower house on the back of preferences from other parties which have, nonetheless, put NXT last. NXT doesn't tell voters who they should preference, yet NXT preferences are still likely to decide key seats in western Sydney.

The coalition and Labor are leaking negative stories about the SA Independent. His finances and party rules are rightly being scrutinised in the media. Labor leader Bill Shorten on Thursday said that when you support NXT "you are voting for a rag tag militia of candidates". Labor claims NXT wants to reduce penalty rates. NXT policy is to let the workplace umpire decide. But the No. 2 on the NXT South Australian Senate ticket, Stirling Griff, once ran a retailer lobby group and called for a 25 per cent cut in penalty rates.
A European Union (EU) flag is framed by British Union flags Credit:Bloomberg Maria Goodenough Balgowlah To Brexit or Bremain, that is the question. It is worth noting that the only language that unifies all of Europe is English. Moreover, the only language that economically dominates all of Europe is German. And, we must not overlook that the language with the dominant identity crisis is French. If I were a Pommie peering over the channel, I would want to get out too. After all, the mostly Sydney College of the Arts. United Kingdom has not been part of Europe since the last Ice Age. The Europeans have been at war with each other since Roman times but they have recently improved. Now they are only whacking each other with briefcases, if you will pardon my Baby Boomer-era analogy.

Roger Cameron Marrickville What is happening in the UK is a clear statement that countries should be led by peoples', not politicians', views. The Brexit campaign polled in favour of leaving the EU despite every government politician, most other politicians, economists and outside commentators saying No was the right way. The same people who weren't listening to the views of politicians on this issue were also speaking out about the out-of-control immigration they see in their country. The US is experiencing similar people uprising on similar issues but the UK is a special case. The British monarchy led the way in listening to the people after the French removed the heads of those who didn't listen in France. It is the democratic right of every citizen to rise up against a government that fails to listen. These days, their vote is their guillotine. Gary Bigelow Oatlands Brexit? Sounds like a high-fibre breakfast cereal. Michael Deeth Como West

As Britain voted to pull grandma's quilt over its collective head, what is it that Australia is to vote on in our poll on July 2? The Brits have one simple question; stay or leave (sounds like a country and western song). Australia has a much more complex array of considerations. Is it a referendum on Medicare or unions or refugees, perhaps on the financial industry or health and education, jobs and growth or climate change; the economy or the environment. Issues include tax reform and housing affordability as well as the future for our children in education, health, housing, the NBN, jobs and the environment. The reality is that our poll is similar to the British poll in that it provides an opportunity to rise above narrow self-interest and consider the wider interests of our community's wellbeing. On July 2 don't pull the quilt over your head, make your vote really count. Don Smith Ashfield Given how well Australia has performed in the last three Eurovision song contests, I propose an Ozmain campaign for Australia to remain in the EU. Hendry Wan Alexandria

What next, a Trump victory in November? Dale Bailey Five Dock Senior officers had no idea what was happening As a former 15-year-old RAAF Apprentice who served 24 years, my experience of bastardisation probably differs from that of former NSW governor Peter Sinclair. ("Initiation 'not a bad thing', says ex-senior naval officer", June 24.) Although "suffering" the "normal" initiation ceremonies of boot polish on genitals and getting tipped out of bed at midnight, I was never a victim of serious bastardisation but I think Sinclair's pompous response  that he was "insulted" by the suggestion his efforts to address abuse were "unsuccessful"  is unwise. I never witnessed mildly serious bastardisation by my cohort towards new arrivals. When I was a senior and a new arrival came to my room offering to clean my shoes, I laughed and explained "That is not our way  off you go." My cohort was composed of over 100 young adolescent men whose culture was dominated by decency. This was also my experience of those immediately over us, the second-year cohort.

The third-year cohort was a different matter. There were some among them who were vicious sadists. I recall a number of junior apprentices were singled out by them and bastardised. The most serious event I recall was when one apprentice was stripped naked, tied spread-eagled to the frame of the base of a metal bed, which was then hoisted part way up the trunk of a large tree. Some proceeded to throw fruit at him and jeer. No one, myself included, cried "stop". This was a truly horrible sight. This young man's crime was that he had an ingratiating manner. I understand but can't verify that some years he later committed suicide. There was very limited supervision and understanding by senior officers of what went on in quarters. If they did know, they did nothing to curb these serious assaults. What was punished was having an untidy bed roll or a dirty rifle or being late for parade. Ian Muldoon Coffs Harbour Same-sex marriage debate needs respect The World English Bible translates a famous biblical passage as: "You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye."

If religious people want to accuse supporters of gay marriage of "playing the LGBTI card" (Letters, June 24), equally they must acknowledge that they "play the God card"; if they believe that being gay is a lifestyle choice, equally being a Christian is a lifestyle choice. Both sides obviously believe their point of view is the only truth. Both groups seem to be equally offended by the attitudes and behaviours of the other. In this case, the religious argument is seeking to control and contain the rights of the LGBTI community, but legalising same sex marriage will not affect those who want a traditional marriage for themselves (I know, there is the "what about the children" card). So commonsense suggests that the fairest outcome is to remove any impediment to same sex marriage. Sandra Pertot Diamond Beach Where can I get the LGBTI card? Can I apply for it online, and more importantly, do I pass go and collect $200, or do I get out of gaol free? Terry Armstrong Paddington

Holly Throsby (Letters, June 24), echoes Penny Wong's fears that airing arguments against marriage equality in any same-sex plebiscite would be hurtful to the LGBTQIA community, while another contributor suggests that a plebiscite would be a "free kick for all bigots". It appears that some same sex marriage advocates believe that any contrary views on this issue should not be encouraged, and that the views of a small minority should be accepted by the wider community without rigorous scrutiny, should this plebiscite eventuate. These attitudes would hardly make for informed decision-making generally when deciding how one should vote, and could possibly colour any final vote inordinately. Greg Partington Quakers Hill Much will continue to be written about same-sex marriage. However, for those who have chosen to live under God's rule it would be wrong to marry someone of the same-sex. Just as adultery, covetousness, bearing false witness, lying and stealing are unlawful in God's sight so it is with homosexuality. There are negative consequences for all of the above sins as there is for any sin. If we stray from God's standards as a nation we will not be blessed and it grieves most Christians when they can see that our country and indeed our world is worse off when we ignore His will. Homosexuality might be seen as bringing joy and happiness to many, but if we are to believe that's God's laws are there for our good it ultimately cannot bring contentment and peace to a person's life. Nan Howard Camden No Taser justice

Four police officers one calling taser! taser! A mentally ill man lying near death on the floor with a bullet through his heart attended by two ambulance officers a distraught father worrying over his son and a judge that makes an acquittal decision. ("Police cry as they learn their fate", June 24.) One can only conclude that the judge may have been tangled and in a kerfuffle with his paper work when he arrived at his acquittal decision. If anything good is to come from this incident it should be the recognition that NSW police must have rigorous training in handling calls that involve the mentally ill. Christopher Woodley Vaucluse Arts looks backwards As a founding member of the Sydney College of Arts in the 1970s I have followed its evolution as a pioneer of contemporary visual arts education in NSW. (Letters, June 23). The College has attracted leading artists as lecturers and produced generations of young artists who have created a vibrant cultural tradition. The University of Sydney's decision to close the College at the end of the year with little or no consultation with staff, students and the wider community is an insult to its reputation as a centre of excellence and a tragedy for NSW. The loss of visual arts courses at the University of Western Sydney, TAFE, the rumoured rationalisation of the National Art School and the demolition of the Powerhouse Museum suggests that NSW is returning to its previous philistine state.

Deaf service at risk We are the parents of a deaf child. While each political party's position on Medicare is being discussed in the media, the general public should be made aware that the current government is actively trying to sell Australian Hearing and has been since the National Commission of Audit report, the May 2014 budget, and the smaller government reform agenda. (Letters, June 24.) For 70 years Australian Hearing has provided world leading audiology services to deaf and hard of hearing newborns, children, young adults, pensioners, veterans, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The present finance minister is trying to sell Australian Hearing as he only sees the business entity and private market opportunities for businesses. This planned privatisation places at risk the provision of trusted, cost-effective, client-centred, unbiased, quality audiology services for current and future generations of deaf and hard of hearing people. Poor delivery of audiology services through these proposed changes will affect their future health, social and economic wellbeing. Mark and Roslyn Wyburn Garden Suburb Abortion reform risk

Nicholas Cowdery advocates for a change to the NSW abortion law as if it is a simple idea that everyone will agree to. ("Abortion bill shouldn't be ignored", June 24.) Abortion is never that simple either morally or medically. For those doctors who oppose abortion it is unjust to ask them to refer for abortion as the act of referral constitutes cooperation with evil and is therefore compelling them to act against their conscience. From a medical perspective there can be compelling reasons why it is less risky for a woman to deliver her baby than have it aborted. This proposed law would render doctors unable to exercise their duty of care to their patients by compelling them to refer for a procedure that is medically contraindicated. Jane Wilks Baulkham Hills Prefer help for voters in nursing homes

I am a resident in a Randwick nursing home who voted this week. I was absolutely appalled when faced with that ridiculous voting form that only one political party was represented with a volunteer with their preferred voting information. As the volunteer was not allowed to advertise her presence, the mind boggles at the thought of all those random numbers going in the designated squares. Don't the political parties realise what a goldmine they have in nursing homes! Margaret Morcombe Randwick Curtis defence offside This may be old fashioned but if you make a mistake and do wrong, then own up, apologise, be remorseful, and make restitution. ("Oliver Curtis, husband of Roxy Jacenko, jailed for insider trading," smh.com.au, June 24.) Save yourself and society the enormous human and monetary costs of trying to get out of the undefendable. Society is generally forgiving of those who conduct themselves in a civilised manner. Duncan Cameron Lane Cove

If he had robbed a bank of $1.4 million he would have got 10 years. But he wore a tie and only robbed shareholders from the comfort of his computer. Perhaps should be teaching career criminals how to dress smarter and marry someone with nice sunglasses? David Neilson Invergowrie Oliver Curtis. Once an inside trader now just inside. Gilly Truman Bowral Negative gearing consquences

Jessica Irvine rightly skewers the scare campaign that removing negative gearing would result in crashing housing prices and at the same time increased rents ("The black hole in housing scare campaign," June 24). However, she fails to mention the effect of high levels of immigration on housing prices. Australia has one of the highest, if not the highest, immigration rates per capita in the OECD. High levels of immigration means higher demand for housing, which means higher prices, which means lower affordability. With 7 billion people on the planet, I don't believe anywhere needs more people. Bob Eggleton Neutral Bay X doesn't hit the spot I wonder whether Nick Xenophon has inadvertently shot himself in the foot by way of his choice of logo for the Nick Xenophon Team. ("It's about more than Nick Xenophon this time," June 24.) His choice of logo is an "X" in a box. I can only hope that those wishing to vote for him don't go and put an "X" in the box opposite his name rather than a number, thus rendering their vote informal. Bill Young Greenwich

A pineapple a day ... It's great to see pineapples are pulling their weight in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria ("Pineapples help fight superbugs: study", June 24). However, I would offer a word of caution: they're best taken orally. Bruce Hulbert Lilyfield POSTSCRIPT

Where is the love? There was not much of it for Scott Morrison among Herald letter writers after his comment drawing a parallel between the bigotry he has experienced because he holds a conservative Christian view about marriage and the hate and discrimination experienced by members of Australia's LGBTQI community. Instead, there was incredulity, sadness and dismay  and so many letters we ran extra online editions to give as many people as possible a chance to have their say. Among them were some painful memories. "When you have been a scared, year 7 student, locked in the confines of a remote boarding school, and you are subjected to the taunts, spittle and bullying of virtually your whole class simply because someone suspected you were a "f**king poofter", then you may understand bigotry ," Bruce Ingrey, of Elizabeth Bay, wrote. "When you have sat in a boardroom as a successful man, and are shunned by half the board, because you dared to face the truth about yourself, then; you can understand just how crippling the feeling of total unworthiness can be." Many writers attempted to set the Treasurer straight, so to speak, on the basics. "It needs to be pointed out to Scott Morrison as he laments bigotry aimed at his beliefs that his Christianity is a choice," Sue Hanley, of Rushcutters Bay, offered. "Being gay is not." And several of our readers noticed that love has also gone missing from marriage, as defined by Peter Waterhouse, who wrote to us in defence of the Marriage Act.
Peters admits he has seen art of all types during his 34-year career at the gallery.

"You see everything  and we do have this thing called the Archibald and that's one extreme to the next there," he says. "You see some really good ones and some really terrible stuff."

Friday was the last day for artists to enter portraits in the Archibald Prize, and finalists will be revealed on July 7. Peters will also announce the Packing Room Prize, in which he exercises the casting vote, the same day.

He says it is "more than likely" the gallery trustees who judge the Archibald Prize would have selected Kahlo's self-portrait as a finalist.

"Compared to some of the things that come in for the Archibald, you'd put that in the good bracket," he says.
It's tempting to assume that we know what someone means when they say they are Catholic, Quaker, Tibetan Buddhist or "spiritual but not religious". But Beyond Belief, social researcher Hugh Mackay's 17th book, shows that there are infinite ways to seek the Infinite; infinite ways, too, to express a faith tradition  including not "believing", or not conventionally, anyway. It's hardly unusual, after all, to meet a secular Jew. Mackay calls himself a "Christian agnostic" who remains moved enough by the teachings of Jesus to remind readers that, "The Gospel accounts portray Jesus as being bitterly opposed to dogmatic religious beliefHis teachings were all about how best to live."

Naming a faith tradition may trump gender, profession, social class or nationality. Certainly many religious people define others by what they are not: not Jewish, not Catholic, not "born again". Yet these processes of aligning with or "standing against" take us into tricky territory.

The convictions, traditions and personal experiences that bundle together under the heading of "religion" profoundly influence and shape billions of lives. This may go beyond the search for meaning that's so precious to our species to the very essence of identity: both to how we view ourselves and certainly to how we view and categorise others.

Beyond Belief by Hugh Mackay.

"How best to live?" is a question that's followed Mackay through his many overtly humane books and into this latest one. It takes him well beyond religious parochialism, though whether it takes him much beyond Christian or post-Christian perspectives is arguable. Mackay knows and warns that, "we are by nature tribal beings, conformity comes naturally to us, but it doesn't always bring out the best in us". He is persuaded by the practical goodness that flows from a consciously compassionate perspective, bringing meaning with it. This may owe nothing to faith. Indeed, religion may reinforce the tribal and divisive, rather than tolerance and unity.

Mackay makes a strong case for the notion that we human beings "strive to make sense of everything". Many will use religion (or its absence) as their context for sense-making, though not always well. "The 'eye of faith'", he writes, "is like any other predisposition or preconception  once we're equipped with the eye of faith, we will tend to see what we're looking for." Mackay's sympathies lie with his interviewee who sees religion as "a means to an end, and that end is goodness, I guess." He himself describes religion as "one of history's most obvious examples of how we satisfy our tribal yearnings". For him, the critical identity statements around religion "link people to vast global movements rich with cultural tradition". He is aware of the downside: "'in-groups' beget prejudice against 'out-groups', often questioning their legitimacy and mocking their beliefs."

Does he go far enough in understanding how the great teachers, including Jesus, sought to defy tribalism and its divisiveness,bringing new depth to the very idea of "goodness"? Or how radical that was, when Jews were subject to Roman rule and needed to look to inner freedoms while their lives were so circumscribed externally? Perhaps he does. He certainly decries, correctly, contemporary versions of Christianity that are anything but Christ-like, but this largely reinforces his "how best to live", rather than opening to any God intimacy or deeper knowledge of one's own nature. "God is an idea we can only try to imagine, each in our own way."

Mackay's way is analytical rather than poetic or inspirational. Both he and his book resist "any suggestion of the supernatural". He is strongly critical of the inexplicable wrapped in religiosity. It seems fair to say (and will reassure many) that Mackay is a thoughtful, caring rationalist with an interest in religion as an observer, not as a "believing" or seeking participant.
" 'She was more flexible, more limber, had greater command of her body than the rest of us', her [Yale] classmate Ralph Redpath said. She danced. She could swim three lengths of the pool without taking a breath. She made delicious souffles with Gruyere cheese. In tumbling lessons with the Olympic gymnast Don Tonry, she surprised everyone by doing a back flip from a standing position. In fencing class, taught by the Hungarian fencer Katalin Piros, she wielded her foil like Errol Flynn. Someone asked if she had fenced before, and she replied, 'Not much'. Who was this person?"

However, one thing Streep didn't want to do was be involved in Schulman's project, although she didn't stand in his way, his acknowledgments at the end thanking her "for not throwing up any significant roadblocks" (such as making him a no-go zone for potential interviewees).

And she has kept her distance since the book was published, the only comment coming via a personal assistant: "Ms Streep has no comment on this book. It was unauthorised. She made no contribution to it, nor has she read it." Not that her words are absent from the book, Schulman drawing extensively on interviews she has done with others as well as various public speeches she's given over the years.

Most of the advance publicity for the book has been to do with the final chapter, which deals with Kramer vs Kramer and recently provided Vanity Fair with a cover story. In it, Dustin Hoffman, mistakenly believing the chameleon-like Streep needed help in finding her character's emotions, slapped her and then taunted her about Cazale's recent death. The marketing strategy here is clear, promising enough in the way of sensation to sate the appetite of even the most prurient gossip monger. But it's also extremely misleading.

Her Again deserves respect, not for the dirt it's able to dig up but because of the intelligence Schulman brings to his account of a life in the making. His commentaries about the Measure for Measure Streep did with Cazale, The Deer Hunter and Kramer vs Kramer are packed with rewarding insights, leaving one wanting more about other productions in which she was involved. And his examination of the obstacles that confront Streep along her path to prominence and of the ways she goes about dealing with them make her affectingly human.
Oh, glorumptious times! This year marks the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl's birth, and we're all gobblefunking around celebrating, whether we're in Wales (where he was born) or Norway (where his parents came from) or Britain (where he lived) or Australia (where we love him). I don't know what "glorumptious" or "gobblefunking" means, but does it matter? Dahl was a genius at inventing words, and children could work out what they meant by the sound. There's an Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary for children, from "aardvark" to "zozimus", featuring words he loved and words he made up. Writer Roald Dahl. This year marks 100 years since his birth. And he was a genius at so much more than words. Hailed as one of the greatest storytellers for children in the 20th century, his books have sold more than 200 million copies and have been published in almost 60 languages. Not bad for a boy a teacher once described as follows: "I have never met anybody who so persistently writes words meaning the exact opposite of what is intended." Dahl's birthday isn't until September, but people are already putting out the snozzcumbers. In Melbourne, writers and performers including Andy Griffiths, Benjamin Law, Kate McLennan and Tim Rogers will join forces for a tribute retrospective, Revolting and Ridiculous, which the Wheeler Centre is presenting at the Athenaeum Theatre on July 7.

Danny the Champion of the World, by Roald Dahl. Two weeks later, on July 21, Melbourne Library Service will stage a Roald Dahl celebration for Melbourne Rare Book Week. The Southbank Library will present an exhibition, a storytime, a chocolate afternoon tea and a talk by book collector Chris Browne. And you can see the Dahl-inspired Matilda The Musical, with songs by Tim Minchin, at the Princess Theatre. I came to Dahl by a back-to-front route. As a teenager I read his macabre short stories for adults; I was particularly struck by Smoking, a fiendishly elegant tale of a man who gets people to bet on the chances of getting their fingers chopped off. Although it wasn't intended for children, it had the classic Dahl relish for gruesomeness and pitch black comedy. I didn't encounter him again until I was looking for stories to read to my young son, and we went on a Dahl binge: Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and more. Enchanting, imaginative and funny as these stories were, they still packed a punch I found hard to take. When the headmistress Miss Trunchbull picked up Matilda by her plaits and whirled her around her head, I almost fainted at the picture of violent child abuse and unrestrained savagery that Dahl painted. Meanwhile, my son was laughing his head off. Children get Dahl in a way that many adults don't, I think. They are far more robust than we are. They don't want to protect the poor little heroes and heroines: they just want to experience the full wonder and horror and ghastliness of the bad guys, and they also want the revenge of the good guys to be terrible. Dahl obliges nearly every time.
When Paul Cox was moved from hospital into palliative care, we prepared ourselves for tough news. Paul was getting smaller and weaker, his voice was in retreat and family and friends had attended his bedside to say their goodbyes.

His siblings flew out from Europe. I didn't expect to see him again. A week or so later, Paul decided he was going home and explained to the palliative care people that although he loved them dearly, he would not be dying just yet.

Film-maker Paul Cox just after his liver transplant in 2010. Credit:Joe Armao

He travelled home in a Popemobile-shaped taxi and began blessing people as he passed them in the street. This cheered him up enormously and when we saw him a few days later he rose to meet us, offered us coffee and sat rather grandly in a chair, chatting for hours with a keen emphasis on the future.

His voice was stronger, his memory was wonderful, his manners were elegant, his talk was clever and in some cases what he said was astonishing.
Goldblum became well-known for fast-talking roles in The Adventures of Buckaroo Bonzai Across the Eighth Dimension, Into The Night, The Fly and Earth Girls Are Easy  both with former wife Geena Davis  before three of the biggest movies of the 1990s: Jurassic Park, Independence Day and the sequel The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Jeff Goldblum in The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Credit:David James He hasn't been in movies as big as that since then, though he worked on Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Grand Budapest Hotel and his untitled next one as part of a pack of dogs also voiced by Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, Bob Balaban and Edward Norton. On TV, he has been in Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Glee and Portlandia. But as Independence Day has come back, just like new instalments of Jurassic Park, Star Wars and so many other old movies, Goldblum is back in a blockbuster. Jeff Goldblum in Independence Day.

In Independence Day: Resurgence, which has aliens threatening the earth again 20 years on, he returns as computer expert David Levinson, delivering some of the movie's cheesiest lines with snappy charm. Roland Emmerich has directed the sequel again but in the absence of Will Smith, his character's son, Dylan Hiller (Jessie Usher), and new pilot Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth) take over the flyboy heroics. Jeff Goldblum in The Fly. Emmerich jokes that one of the reasons he wanted to revive Independence Day was to work with Goldblum again. He describes him as an actor who brings "a lot of personality" to a movie, which Emmerich wanted to use when he and Dean Devlin wrote the first instalment. "There's nobody like Jeff Goldblum in the world," he says. "He's so unique. When we did the first one, Dean and I, we were such huge fans. We even wrote dialogue in Jeff Goldblum style ... He was the only actor we actually had in our head.

Jeff Goldblum with wife Emilie last year. "He's very intense and he always has a way with words. He's like 'tell me, tell me'." Hemsworth says Goldblum is truly as quirky off screen as on. "You never know what Jeff's going to say or what he's going to do but he's such a kind guy," he says. "The easiest person to work with. He's just very collaborative, loves to hear what your thoughts are on everything. And he's just a ball of energy. He's always happy and bouncy." Goldblum  one of four children with a father who was a doctor and mother who ran a company selling kitchen equipment  knew early that he wanted to be an actor. By late high school, he was obsessed.

"My dad said you've got to figure out a career," he says. "He was a doctor but he wisely said if you find something you love doing, that's the lighthouse or your compass." Goldblum's compass might be a little skewed by now given Australia was just the first leg of an Independence Day publicity tour that was taking him to Dubai, Berlin, London, Mexico City, New York, Los Angeles and Japan  "pretty much up to July 4." That's a significant date for another reason than just the movie. On Independence Day last year, Goldberg's wife, Sydney Olympics rhythmic gymnast and dancer Emilie Livingston, 33, gave birth to his first child, son Charlie. "We were shooting the movie in the summer and they let me off for a week in the projected window," Goldblum says. "And then sure enough on the 4th of July, she had the baby. So I'm thinking about passing my whatever I have onto him and the fleetingness of life and the fragility of this planet." Goldblum loves being a dad and, unlike many a celebrity, happily shows off photos of a genuinely handsome child on his phone.

"I'm crazy about him," he says. "My wife is very good and sweet with him. There they are going on the plane  she's Canadian  so they're travelling to Toronto while I was going here because our kitchen is being remodelled. Look at that. I mean, come on." Becoming a father in his sixties has not made him wish he had kids earlier. "I think everything happens right on time," he says. "I probably wasn't ready before this. I hope it's not too late but I'm enjoying it now." So does he consider himself as off-beat as his screen characters? "I don't know," Goldblum says, dragging it out comically like a reluctant school boy. "I just am who I am.

"I had a good teacher, Sanford Meisner. He said 'don't copy anybody. If you find your voice so to speak it will be your own.' "So I guess I've pursued that advice. And I feel lucky to be still getting good chances to do it." Goldblum says the first Independence Day was a unique experience because of working with Emmerich. "To work with somebody with whom it's so fun to work and from whom I can learn  and I learned from him more on this [new movie]. Now he's even more masterful. "I'm always trying to get better myself. I specifically made some breakthroughs working with him in this movie."

What kind of things? "Well, I'm kind of a craft geek," Goldblum says. "I've been teaching it when I'm not working for the last two or three decades to figure out how to make myself more reliably better as I go along and do what Sandy Meisner said, which is keep improving. "It's really just pretending. And just pretending good, in an interesting way. "I play piano and, like that, it's kind of getting to trust yourself more. Something about Roland, maybe it's his self-trustfulness and his talent, got through to me in a way this summer. I'm anxious to do more  anxious to do more with him if I ever could  to exercise my self-trustfulness." When people see him in the street or at an airport, Goldblum says he is sometimes surprised by the movies they recognise him for.

"I've done a lot of things," he says. "The most widely seen ones were the first Independence Day and the Jurassic Park movies and The Fly. They seem to make an impression on people, they tell me. "The Big Chill people mention. Buckaroo Bonzai had some devoted followers. And Wes Anderson has his fans." Whenever he's at home in Los Angeles, Goldblum plays jazz piano as part of a quintet at a club. In Sydney, he hunted down a piano in the lobby of another hotel so he could practise. "I've played my set every day," he says. In September, Goldblum will be back in Australia to shoot Thor: Ragnarok with Hemsworth's brother Chris. It is being shot in Queensland with Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople) directing.
Juliette Binoche is 52. She seems to work constantly, making three or four films a year along with working in theatre, even venturing into dance: what others might see as a career, she has treated as a decades-long theatre workshop where she is constantly seeking out something new.

"As an experienced woman," she says, "you have more stories to tell. There are different layers inside you that you can explore."

Talk to Juliette Binoche about the perils of ageing, the standard line of inquiry with any beautiful actress over 40, and you get the full Binoche coming back at you: intense, curious, a bit kooky, ready to grapple with anything. She thinks about getting older and immediately wants to talk about the opportunities that come with it.

"There's a freedom that is coming with age because your values are changing," she says. "You're more yourself. On the one hand you're becoming more fragile  because physically, you're changing  and on the other hand there's a strength that comes with it.

Juliette Binoche in The Wait.

"You let go of some things and you have to face other things. You have to overcome certain things; the need of power, the need of possession, the need of enjoyment  which are really the big three things that the human being has to face at a certain point. It's challenging, it's very challenging, but I think when you really make a decision to overcome it there's a freedom that comes with it and it's quite enjoyable. When you accept it, it's like 'Woooo-ahhhh! Freedom! Finally!"'

All this spills out of her during a conversation about her new film, The Wait, which clearly demanded as much emotional strength as anything she has done. By first-time director Piero Messina, The Wait is loosely based on a 1923 play by Luigi Pirandello. Binoche plays Anna, a woman living alone in an old Sicilian farmhouse, whose student son dies in an accident shortly after arriving home for the Easter holidays. Immediately after the funeral, she is surprised by a call from his girlfriend Jeanne (Lou de Laage), who says she has been invited to join him and is about to arrive.

Anna cannot bring herself to tell the young woman that he is dead. Instead, she says he is away for a day or two. Jeanne arrives. Days pass in sunny monotony as she waits for a man who will never come, passing the time trying to befriend her boyfriend's mother. Anna keeps her secret. In a way, Jeanne is the last living vestige of her son. Perhaps she needs her. Perhaps she simply cannot bear to hear herself say that her son is dead.
Five girls in school uniform running on a beach, their long hair catching the wind like the manes of horses. The sun is shining so they swim, fully clothed, with boys from their school, playing jousting games, riding on the boys' shoulders. When they get home  for these are five sisters  their grandmother takes them each into a room in turn, to thrash them for immodesty.

These opening images of Deniz Gamze Erguven's debut feature cement the film's bipolar style  intimate and personal with beautiful light, layered over a darker surface. It's almost a fairytale, in the sense that events and reactions are heightened, characters more broadly drawn. The grandmother is not exactly wicked, but she goes along with a culture of repression and recrimination in which young girls are sexualised and controlled from early on.

This is "modern" Turkey, a village somewhere on the Black Sea, "a thousand miles from Istanbul" and bad things happen to girls who misbehave. Grandma (Nihal Koldas) accuses them of "pleasuring themselves" on the necks of the boys. When their uncle Erol (Ayberk Pekcan) arrives home, his fury is volcanic. This is all your fault, he screams at the old woman. If they are "sullied", it will be because she was too soft with them after the death of their parents.

The girls react with equal fury. One of them breaks a chair and sets it on fire  this chair has been in contact with our arses, she screams, that's disgusting! The youngest, Lale (Gunes Sensoy) confronts the neighbour who told the grandmother about their swimming. These five are not victims, at least not any more. We never know why they are so spirited. That too is in the nature of a folk tale, where people are just the way they are, for the purposes of the story.

The uncle removes them from school. They are to stay home and learn to be good wives, for when the time comes. The aunts give lessons in how to cook, clean and sew. Grandma dresses them in shapeless bags and walks them through town, as if selling cattle. Soon the first suitor arrives, as planned by the local women. In no time the elder two, Sonay (Ilayda Akdogan) and Selma (Tugba Sunguroglu) are engaged to local boys. Lale, who's about 12, watches in horror and plots her escape.

There are so many remarkable things about this wonderful movie. First is the intimacy with which the director engages her young cast. She shows them entwined with each other, in loving sisterly embrace. They are often less than fully clothed, which seems like a deliberate challenge to Turkish conservatism, except that these are scenes at home, away from all men's eyes, so we could take it as natural. They live in a romantic old timber house on a steep hill overlooking the sea  a suggestion of a fairytale castle, where they are now confined.
The Leave camp is currently leading in the UK Brexit referendum with over 50 percent of the votes, according to BBC.

In the latest development, Sunderland supported Brexit (UK leaving the European Union). The Leave camp currently has 3,320,454 votes against 3,317,862 of the Remain camp.

Conservative Eurosceptic UK parliament member Sir Bill Cash told BBC the referendum results are going in the direction of Brexit.

The brother of UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sputnik earlier that he projected the victory of the Leave camp in the Brexit referendum, held across the United Kingdom on Thursday.

The final result is expected on Friday morning.
That Paul Dempsey is drier, funnier than what might be suggested by his dark Irish brows is almost a cliche now. But it still takes a bit of adjusting in conversation, making you hesitate while you make sure that what you just heard was a joke. One of the few times there is not even a hint of humour is when the subject of his past struggles with depression arises. His frank discussion of the issue a decade ago paved the way for many other local artists  such as Melody Pool, whose recently released second album is confrontingly honest and has earned her Dempsey's praise  to feel more comfortable writing about it and then talking about it. Dempsey takes no credit for that, citing a "long, long tradition" of artists being upfront about depression, "whether it's Black Flag screaming about depression, or Drake". But he concedes that what he calls his "illness" was talked about then "because I thought it was better to than not to" to get past the stigma. While happy to discuss it, he sees it playing less of a role in his life than in the "lost years" of 2003 to 2005.

"There's me before and me after [that period] when something broke," he says. "Now when I talk about it, I look back on it and it might be more appropriate to characterise it as a sort of nervous breakdown. Everything since has continued to get better." Not that all the issues around those "lost years" have disappeared from his work. Fluid identities are a central theme of Strange Loop: some in a mess and given up; some looking; some having forgotten how to do this. "They're all just ways that I feel. and it's fun to put that into a song and not into your life," Dempsey says, agreeing that uncertain people make more interesting people, as well as more interesting fictional characters, than those who are sure of everything. Dempsey doesn't want anyone to think that this discussion is a sign that turning 40 engendered extra philosophical introspection.

"What I do is a very reflective pastime anyway. It's quite insular and there's a lot of self-analysis. Maybe not self-analysis as constantly looking at the world around you and try to place yourself within it," he says. "My 20s were better than my adolescence, my 30s were way better than my 20s. The past decade of my life, every year has been better than the last so I am more than happy getting older. "You have the tools and you're better equipped to know how you want to live and what it is you value in your life." As happens throughout the album, in Dempsey's own life recognising you don't have the answers turned out to be just as important a life lesson to learn. "Absolutely. That has been the point from which my life has gotten better and easier. My late 20s was when I crashed a bit and since then it's been a process of being OK with not always being OK. Being OK with the fact that there probably are no answers and that essentially my experience of being alive is a lot of questions that may never have answers." Which is not the way of the faith in which he was brought up, of course. But then Catholicism may have left him sometime before he left it.

He tells, with a mixture of matter of factness and there-but-for-grace-of, a story of how he in his early teens had been an altar boy in a Victorian country parish where a now notorious paedophile priest was active  quite a few of his classmates, he says, were later suicide victims attributed to the abuse. A dismissive comment about women from the priest, relayed at home, fired up Dempsey's mother to address the priest firmly, not something that happened often even in the '80s. Given he was in many ways vulnerable to such a predatory priest  Dempsey was two when his father died; didn't always have solid ties in the community given the family moved often in his childhood; and a staunchly Catholic household  Dempsey believes this fiery exchange probably spared him. Instead, it was his father's death that influenced him most, he thinks. "That means that you grow up with this awareness that it could all be over like that. You could go out to work one day and not come back," Dempsey says. And that brought a layer of stress and "consternation" that was laid on permanently. However, acceptance of this uncertainty changed all that.

"One day it all went away and you have to reassemble. And it's amazing. Now I'm not anxious, I don't feel afraid, I don't mistrust. That's what I love to read about, the art that interests me too, stuff that addresses how we are all so cocky [in our mistaken certainty]. "And there's humour in that too. Humans are never funnier than when they are unwilling to acknowledge their own fallibility." Well, maybe only when they're dancing to Iron Maiden at their 40th. Paul Dempsey tours Australia in August. pauldempseymusic.com or ticketek.com.au
"There are 16 months in Denmark  and five of them are November," says Christine, my guide on this Nordic Noir tour of central Copenhagen.

As our small group huddles outside Vesterport train station, her observation seems particularly apt. Firstly, because this spring afternoon is as unwelcoming as a late-autumn day, the sky spitting drizzle and an icy wind swirling in every direction.

Sofia Helin as Saga Noren, one of the stars of Scandinavian noir. Credit:Carolina Romare Photography

Secondly, because the tour is focused on "Scandi noir" television series The Killing and The Bridge. In The Killing in particular, the Danish capital seems trapped within an endless series of cold, late-autumn days and interminable nights.

Beyond grey weather, there's another, more benign, perennial of these series: design.
The global jolt caused by Britain's vote to leave the European Union has redrawn battlelines in Australia ahead of the final week of the federal election campaign, catapulting concerns over global disruption and economic stability to the forefront of the agenda.

As world markets plummeted and British Prime Minister David Cameron resigned, both major parties sought to turn the tumult to their advantage, claiming they were best placed to steer Australia through the global headwinds.

On Friday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described Britain's EU departure as a "momentous and historic decision".
In gearing up to recontest his Senate seat for the second time, Seselja says homeowners are particularly concerned about the impact of Labor's proposed negative gearing changes  a national issue that resonated with Canberra voters.

The dividing line between Labor's plans for higher taxes and more spending and Liberal plans for lower taxes, jobs and growth is truer in Canberra than anywhere else in the country, according to Liberal ACT senator Zed Seselja.

"We have a very high proportion of investors  and so the potential effect on our property market and rentals here in Canberra is quite significant," he says.

"Canberrans understand  the value of their family home and for the 30-odd per cent of Canberrans who rent, if their rents go up it hits their household budgets."

Seselja says voters see the importance of good land release policies as the real way towards housing affordability.

"We've got $500,000 blocks going in Throsby under ACT Labor and that's where I've come through with these significant planning changes which would make more housing available in Tuggeranong and Belconnen," he says.

Besides driving the "major planning reforms", Seselja says he had also fought hard to retain 4000 Immigration Department jobs in Belconnen and 2000 Department of Social Services jobs in Tuggeranong.
Former Labor prime minister Paul Keating has lashed out at suggestions he would support the Coalition's corporate tax cuts, calling the $48 billion plan unaffordable.

Mr Keating gradually cut the company tax rate to 33 per cent from 49 per cent while he was treasurer and prime minister in the 1980s and 1990s, prompting some commentators to imply he would back the Coalition's controversial enterprise tax plan.

But in a letter to the Australian Financial Review, Mr Keating noted these cuts had been offset by broadening the tax base, including capital gains, fringe benefits and company cars.
The panel finds the best measure of living standards, real net national disposable income per capita, will slip for the third successive year, sliding a further 1.7 per cent to be down 5.6 per cent since December 2013 and 8 per cent since the peak of the mining boom in September 2011.

Unemployment will stay steady at 5.7 per cent as enough jobs are created to absorb the new entrants to the labour force but to do no more.

The Sydney and Melbourne housing booms will slow as Sydney and Melbourne home prices climb by a more sedate 3.6 and 4.2 per cent.

The panel is broadly of the view that Labor's moves against negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions would result in lower house prices than otherwise, but regards that as a good thing.

"Halving the capital gains discount on housing investment returns is overdue and has arguably been one of the worst policies enacted under Howard-Costello," said BIS Shrapnel head of economics Richard Robinson. "Some restriction on the excesses of negative gearing is warranted, but it should be brought in over five-10 years, in order to cause less disruption."
Defence and foreign affairs experts have reacted with dismay to the shock Brexit vote, warning it will lead to a more fragmented West and make the world a less secure place.

Britain's exit from the European Union will distract the country from its usually reliable role as a security player for years to come, embolden Russia and possibly diminish Washington's "pivot" to Asia, with consequences for Australia's region, experts have said.

It would sever one of Australia's natural connections with continental Europe and could lead to the further break up of the European Union while also prompting another independence push by Scotland, they said.
"I get a lot of positive feedback about what I am doing, so I will continue to do that and not worry about what other people are doing or saying in other areas."

Griffith University political analyst Paul Williams said Ms Hanson was in the "box seat" running in a double dissolution election.

Mr Williams said the fact major parties were not preferencing her last had also given her a major boost.

"It's the perfect storm for Hanson, if she can't score this time she should probably give it away," he said.

However, he said changes in the "above the line" voting makes the Senate result difficult to predict and it was still possible for both Lazarus and Hanson to secure a seat.
Katherine Heigl is pregnant for the first time and will welcome a son to her family in January 2017, the actress has confirmed.

Heigl, 37, and her musician husband Josh Kelley, 36, shared the news in a joint statement to People on Thursday.

Katherine Heigl and husband Josh Kelley are having a baby. They are already parents to adopted girls. Credit:Getty Images

"The Kelley clan is thrilled to announce that we are expecting a third addition to our family," the couple said in a statement.

The couple already have two daughters, Naleigh Moon, 7, and Adalaide Marie Hope, 4, who they said "could not be more excited to welcome their new sibling into the fold".
The brooches that usually dominate Question Time have taken a back seat during the campaign and replaced by the latest in autumn-winter jackets. As she traverses the country two things have consistently been in her style arsenal  her 2XU running tights at dawn and, from sunrise to sunset, blazers by Australian designers Dion Lee, Camilla and Marc, Carla Zampatti and Bianca Spender. "I've always had a deep appreciation for fashion and our designers are world class," she says. For evening appearances, like her campaign launch in Perth, the Foreign Affairs Minister employs lots of sparkle via sequin encrusted jackets and block-coloured Giorgio Armani pant suits. Bill Shorten's active wear Opposition Leader Bill Shorten during a morning run. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The Opposition Leader has tackled the campaign like Hollywood stars prepare for awards season, by dropping a lot of weight. Shorten, according to wife Chloe is "a very good, committed runner" and if nothing else will have conquered the Couch to 5K regime following the eight-week election campaign. But to complement his new svelte silhouette, experts say he needs to take a leaf out of Bishop's active-wear rule book  make sure compression is key and "avoid some of the more garish coloured offerings," GQ Australia fashion editor Brad Homes says. "I think it would be great to see him sporting some strong new sartorial additions to his wardrobe, outside the regular boxy, blue suit." Barnaby Joyce's hats

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce consulted Facebook for fashion advice. Credit:Andrew Meares The Agriculture Minister's most popular item during the campaign has been his headwear. Whether it's the Nundle Dog Races or a rodeo in Tamworth, where Joyce goes, an Akubra follows. Earlier in the campaign the Deputy Prime Minister acquired a second hat and instead of consulting a stylist, canvassed Facebook for fashion advice. "I've announced millions of dollars for new dams and inland rail this week but my new hat is getting all the attention," he wrote. "Now, I've got two hats and only one head. Which hat do you think is best?" Thirty-nine per cent of voters suggested he "Keep both hats. Lose the head", while his "new cream hat" came in a close second with 38 per cent of the vote. Carlie Fowler Carlie Fowler at Fashion Week in Sydney. Credit:WireImage While she has not been as prominent on the campaign trail as other political significant others, Fowler  should things go to plan for her partner James Mathison, who is standing as an independent in Tony Abbott's seat of Warringah  could become our own Carla Bruni. The former Estee Lauder and sass & bide publicist turned beauty blogger rarely puts a sartorial foot wrong, and her laid-back style is a favourite of US celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Fowler, the prospective First Lady of Warringah, attended Fashion Week in Sydney last month wearing jeans and a black turtle neck, a polished yet pedestrian look that was celebrated by US Harper's Bazaar and The Zoe Report.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

Trend:

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said Britons "took back control of their country" by voting to leave the European Union, Reuters reported June 24.

Before the vote Trump had said he would be inclined to leave the EU.

Britons held a referendum June 23 on whether to stay in or leave the European Union, which the UK joined in 1973.

The voting results indicate that the campaign to leave the EU, known as the Brexit, has won with 51.9 percent of the votes.

In the wake of the Brexit victory, David Cameron has said he will step down as the UK prime minister.

After the UK has voted to leave the European Union, the country will have to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning the formal process of withdrawal.

It will be the first time in EU history that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty gets invoked.
He seemed to enjoy using his power as a police officer to control his victims. One woman told the Victorian County Court last week that Bill had held his police-issue revolver to her head as he raped her as a child. He assaulted another child in a room at a police station, and another in the back of a police divisional van. "You clothed yourself in the respectability of the uniform of Victoria Police," County Court judge John Carmody told him on Tuesday. He is a monster. He needs to never see the light of day again ... he will never change. "And [you] betrayed that respect by the most base of human behaviour  offending sexually against vulnerable children."

A former colleague of Bill's, who worked with him at a Melbourne city police station, told Fairfax on Tuesday there had been suspicions about Bill's behaviour at that station in the early 1970s. "His name disappeared from the roster overnight with the explanation he had been transferred out," the former police officer said. "Rumour then suggested he may have been involved in nefarious sexual activity while on duty." The former colleague has now passed on those concerns to Crime Stoppers, but it's not known whether any of Bill's colleagues reported their concerns to their supervisors at the time. But even when Victoria Police received concrete information that Bill had interfered with a child, it failed to act on that information  beyond quietly forcing him to resign.

This failure to act, we now know, exposed a dozen more children to assault and rape at the hands of this predator. Bill  who admits he is a paedophile  committed a similar reign of terror in NSW, after leaving Victoria in 1988, abusing another seven children between 2005 and 2011. Bill's career with Victoria Police came undone in 1979. A young boy had been riding his horse and throwing rocks at passing trains in a Victorian country town, much to the annoyance of passersby. Someone reported the boy to police, and a few days later the boy's mother took him to the local police station, where he was reprimanded by the sergeant and sent home. A couple of days later, out of the blue, Bill turned up, dressed in his police uniform.

Somehow, he got the boy alone in a bedroom. Once there, Bill stuck his hand inside the boy's shorts, yanked hard on the child's penis, and told him he was going to "rip it off", before leaving. The child immediately told his family what had happened and his mother went to the local police station to talk to the officer in charge. The next day, "a number" of police turned up at the family home to question them about the assault. The mother told them she no longer wanted to take the matter any further but, in any event, police said, Bill would no longer be in the force and "would be moved away".

He was not prosecuted for the assault at the time, but last week he pleaded guilty to assaulting that boy  part of a raft of 18 offences against nine children that Judge Carmody described as being "of the most serious nature". A spokeswoman for Victoria Police would not comment on the case or answer questions about what police knew about Bill in the 1970s. "As the matter is still before the court it would be inappropriate to comment," she said. "A 28-day appeal period applies where the accused can appeal the severity of their sentence." The last time Bill was sentenced, in the Sydney District Court in 2013, it was the Director of Public Prosecutions that appealed, arguing his sentence for 20 crimes against seven boys was inadequate. The Court of Appeal agreed, increasing his sentence to 17 years with a non-parole period of 12 years, for abuses committed between January 2005 and December 2011 in Sydney.

The court was told that Bill had befriended the boys' families, and insisted the children call him "Uncle". He showered them with alcohol, and expensive gifts including trail bikes, PlayStation games, radio-controlled cars, pornographic magazines, clothing and a gym set. When one boy turned 16, Bill abandoned all contact with him. He was aged between 55 and 62 when he preyed on the boys; his victims were aged between nine and 16. There are now 16 known victims, who were abused between 1967 and 1983, and between 2005 and 2012. Bill's activities between 1983 and 2005 are unknown.

Despite the wishes of three of his victims, who believe more victims would come forward if Bill's real name is made public, Fairfax is unable to name him at the insistence of the County Court, to avoid the possible identification of other victims. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has examined the role of various authorities and organisations and their response to allegations of child sexual abuse. It has looked at the way police respond to the abuse of children, but it has not examined police forces themselves. A spokeswoman said the royal commission did not comment on its investigations, but factors that would affect whether an institution would fall under the commission's spotlight would include whether it had received a large number of accounts about a particular institution or group of institutions. On Tuesday, Judge Carmody sentenced Bill to 19 years' jail, with a 15-year non-parole period, for his offences against the nine children between 1967 and 1983.

This will be combined with his sentence in NSW, of which he has eight years left to serve, for offences spanning 23 years. Taking into account time already served, Bill now has a combined sentence of 26 years, with a non-parole period of 19 years. It is believed to be one of the state's longest for sexual predators. When she stood up to defend her client in court last week, barrister Amelia Beech began by saying she could not argue with the gravity of the charges to which Bill was pleading guilty. "There is very little that can be said." Later, she spoke of Bill's feelings about his crimes.

"There is some evidence of remorse on [his] behalf," Ms Beech said. "I don't say that it's strong evidence of remorse ... [but] it seems, if I can say this, your honour, he is making the right noises." But a forensic psychologist report described Bill's insight into his behaviour and the impact of his crimes on his victims as being at the "very formative level" and as "simplistic and underdeveloped". He was assessed as being of "high risk" of reoffending, and Judge Carmody said this "reinforces the need for a lengthy term of imprisonment". Bill won't be eligible for parole until he is at least 85. Speaking about the effect of Bill's abuse, one of his victims told Judge Carmody she hoped Bill rotted in hell for what he had done to her.

She was just five when she was first raped, and the abuse continued for years. "He is a monster," she said. "He needs to never see the light of day again ... once a monster always a monster  he will never change." After the sentencing, she said she hoped Bill died in jail. "I'm glad to see that justice is served, but I'm just relieved that it's all done," she said. "It's been a long time coming." Bill will see out the term of his imprisonment at Ararat prison in Victoria, where he works in the number plates section.
"Obviously I'm female and I'm white, and I don't really speak the language," Bubner says.

Victoria University student Siobhan Bubner, one of a growing number of young Australian students to take up short term scholarships in Asia. Credit:Craig Sillitoe

Siobhan Bubner had just turned 21 and faced a tough ask  to survey teenage boys and young men about sexual health and attitudes to domestic violence.

But curiosity, wanting to challenging herself, to get beyond her comfort zone, was exactly why she had gone to Indonesia in the first place.

Bubner, from Victoria University in Melbourne, is one of more than 10,000 young Australian students in the past three years to win government sponsorship to study or take up a short internships across about 35 countries in Asia, under a program known as the New Colombo Plan.

"I thought it would be really exciting and I wanted to work in development, so it ticked all the boxes," she says.

"Indonesia was amazing, it's such an incredible country."

The exchange program is a favourite of Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, the goal to connect the next generation with the growing economies of the neighbourhood.
The historic former Darlinghurst jail, long-term home of the National Art School, has been transferred to the control of the NSW government's property arm, raising the possibility it could be put up for sale.

A notice published on Friday reveals the historic sandstone buildings and grounds, formally known as East Sydney Technical College, have been handed from the Department of Education to Property NSW.

The future of the historic Darlinghurst jail is under a cloud. Credit:Ben Rushton

Identifying state-owned property for sale is one of the key functions of Property NSW.

It has previously overseen the sale of other historic Sydney sandstone buildings, including the Department of Education and Department of Lands buildings in Bridge Street in the CBD.
In the ensuing seven years, the four officers  Bissett, Sergeant Emily Metcalfe, Senior Constable Leah Wilson, and Constable Aaron Abela  clung resolutely to their version of events through three public arenas: a coronial inquest, a Police Integrity Commission inquiry, and ultimately a perjury trial. Adam Salter with his father Adrian. On each occasion, Salter found himself pitted against the police. Their word against his. His version was largely accepted in 2011 by the NSW's Coroner's Court, and then in 2012 by the Police Integrity Commissioner, on whose advice the DPP charged the officers with giving false evidence to the commission. Sergeant Sheree Bissett was found not guilty of perjury over Adam Salter's death. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Then, on Thursday, five days after Adam would have celebrated his 43rd birthday, the saga ended. Not guilty, Judge Gregory Woods read aloud five times to a packed courtroom. Constable Aaron Abela was in the kitchen with Adam Salter. He was found not guilty of perjury. Credit:Kate Geraghty After hearing three weeks of evidence in the judge-alone trial, he acquitted each of the officers, dismissing the five perjury charges they shared between them. The police version of events  that Abela had been attempting to restrain Adam as he wielded a carving knife moments before Bissett fired her gun  was vindicated on Thursday. There was no conspiracy, Woods concluded. The police had not "got their heads together" and fabricated an account to justify the use of lethal force, as the Crown had argued.

Adam Salter with his sister Zarin. "I feel deflated," Salter says, after learning of the verdict. But there is also relief in his voice. "I'm accepting," he adds. "I don't want to keep holding on to that day. That wasn't Adam, that wasn't normal." His death, violent and traumatic, was completely at odds with the placid, deeply spiritual person he was, his family says. "He had a really strong sense of being of service to others," his sister Zarin Salter-Beyzaie says, recalling how Adam had set up a youth drop-in centre in Newtown during his mid 20s.

Adam showed no signs of mental instability until a year before his death, when he was hospitalised for two weeks after having a mental breakdown. Afterwards, he appeared to make a near-full recovery until the days before his death. "We were all shocked he had even had a psychotic episode [that morning]," says Salter-Beyzaie. "He was a very joyful, happy-go-lucky guy." While they can't be certain of the exact triggers for his mental collapse, they suspect the collapse of his marriage some years earlier combined with work pressures played a significant role. Professionally, however, he was at his peak. "He was very humble and understated, but incredibly brilliant," says his sister. His reputation as a software developer, and a champion of open source programming, was growing internationally, his father says. He was the leading developer on the biggest project of his career  rewriting the code for now-defunct music streaming platform Kazaa to make it copyright-compliant. The project was abandoned after his death. "I really grew to respect him and grew a good friendship with him. What I regret is that I lost the chance for that to develop," Salter says.

Over the years, as he has been repeatedly called to give testimony, he says he has been motivated by one aim: to show Adam posed no threat to anyone but himself. "To correct the record, that's all," he says. But in the absence of CCTV footage, the judge found he could not exclude the "real possibility that Abela did in fact make physical contact" and "that he did attempt, albeit briefly, to physically restrain Adam". Salter remains adamant he knows what he saw that morning. The footage is in his mind, where it switches onto autoplay without warning. With each looming inquiry or hearing, the traumatic visuals flashed through his head, more vividly and more frequently. Contained within these flashes is his testimony. According to that testimony, it is him, not Abela, who attempted to subdue Adam as he makes his way to the sink to retrieve the knife. But his son, a strong, physically fit man, easily brushed him off and he fell as he became entangled in ambulance equipment cables. Adam was stabbing himself in the neck with the knife  and no one was restraining him  when Bissett entered the kitchen and shot him in the back. Abela, he maintains, never moved from his position near the fridge. Abela did nothing, he says.

In 2011, Deputy State Coroner Scott Mitchell found Salter "a most impressive witness, truthful and candid", one who was content to acknowledge "any uncertainty or mistaken impression he might have harboured". And while the Crown sought to capitalise on Salter's considered, measured demeanour  characterising him as a "beacon of truth", so too did the defence, leaping on his concessions of memory fallibility to drive holes in the Crown case. A key moment came when Bissett's barrister Ray Hood asked him whether, as the chaos unfolded, he may "simply have gotten the movement of Abela incorrect?" "Mr Hood, anything is possible, it is possible. I don't remember it and I don't believe it to be the case. It's possible," Salter replied. In a courtroom  where reasonable doubt is the only currency  this was crucial.
A drawn Oliver Curtis took off his wedding ring and tie, and hugged and kissed his tearful wife Roxy Jacenko goodbye, before being led away by corrective services officers on Friday to begin a year-long stint in jail for conspiracy to commit insider trading.

The 30-year-old son of Nick Curtis, former Macquarie banker and resources millionaire, appeared resigned to his fate as Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum sentenced him to a maximum of two years in prison, to be released after one year on a good behaviour bond.

Curtis must have known what he was doing was "very wrong" but believed he could "avoid getting caught", Justice McCallum said in a strongly-worded judgment delivered in the historic St James Supreme Court in Sydney.
The Greens candidate for Brisbane, Kirsten Lovejoy, has hit out at the LNP's Trevor Evans for directing voters to preference anti-gay party Family First in next weekend's federal election.

Mr Evans, who is openly gay, has Family First as his second preference on his how-to-vote card.

The Greens candidate for Brisbane, Kirsten Lovejoy, has hit out at the LNP's Trevor Evans for directing voters to preference anti-gay party Family First in next weekend's federal election. Credit:Glenn Hunt

"I think it's fair to say that the electorate of Brisbane is pretty disappointed with how Trevor's how-to-vote card looks," Ms Lovejoy said.

"The Brisbane electorate expects marriage equality and Trevor said he supports marriage equality but he has preferenced the anti-gay Family First party."
Gold Coast ratepayers will pay an extra $1.12 a week as council increases roads spending by an extra $90 million to fix local bottlenecks and plans a $21 million artificial reef off Palm Beach by 2020.

The Gold Coast City Council 2017-18 budget also includes $61.3 million to have capital works  roads, parks, cycle ways and pathways  ready by the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the coast.

The average increase in net rates and charges on the Gold Coast  which includes the cost of the council buying water from the state government  is $58.45 in the year.

The average Gold Coast rates bill, which includes all rates, levies and changes, is $3347 a year for the 2016-17 year.
A woman has been hit with a fine after two paramedics were hit with a half-eaten pork chop as they tried to convince her to stop sitting in the middle of the road.

It's not clear why the 21-year-old was apparently eating the hunk of meat at 4.40am on an inner-city Darwin street but the pig projectile has been labelled a "waste of a pork chop".

A pork chop (not pictured) was thrown at paramedics. Credit:Penny

The paramedics were on their way back to the station from another job when they noticed the woman, apparently drunk, sitting in the road on Daly Street, to the north-east of the city centre.

St John's Ambulance Northern Territory operations manager Craig Garraway said they stopped the car but the woman refused to budge.
Queensland's winter this year will be held on a Sunday.

As Sydney and Melbourne shiver through frigid weekend maximums of 16 and 13 respectively, Queensland will celebrate the annual cold day with a maximum of 18 or 19.

The evenings and mornings will be significantly cooler with the thermometer tipped to get as low as 7 in Brisbane and below zero in the central interior but, as far as winters go, it is significantly better than our southern cousins will endure.

If the weather conspires against us, winter could actually stretch to three days this year, with Monday offering a potentially frigid day of just 14 or 15.
Two Queensland brothers have flown home but remain in hospital four days after they were seriously injured in a deadly Vanuatu bus crash.

Three locals, including a pregnant woman, were killed when a tour bus carrying travellers from a P&O cruise collided with a commuter bus in the capital Port Vila on Monday afternoon.

The aftermath of the bus crash in Vanuatu.

Police had been waiting for the tour bus driver to be released from hospital to charge him with reckless driving causing death.

Vanuatu police acting assistant commissioner Songi George Andrews told Fairfax Media the driver of the tour bus had allegedly swerved to the wrong side of the road pretending to hit some people on the side of the road before colliding with the other bus.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

Trend:

Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland said that the decision of the UK on the EU membership must be respected, RIA Novosti reported June 24.

Britons held a referendum June 23 on whether the UK should to stay in the European Union, or leave it. The voting results indicate that the campaign to leave the EU, known as the Brexit, has won with 51.9 percent of the votes.

The best way forward now is for the EU, in accordance with its best traditions, to work together with the UK government to obtain the most acceptable outcome for the citizens of UK and Europe, said the secretary general in his comment.

Everybody should now focus on what unites our family of European nations; democracy, human rights and the rule of law, he added.
South-east Queenslanders woke to strong winds and cold temperatures Saturday morning, with Energex crews working through the night to restore power to tens of thousands of customers.

By 10am, about 3500 customers were without power, but overnight a combined total of 38,000 people had lost their connection.

Wild weather lashed south-east Queensland overnight, with "mean winds" causing 38,000 people to lose power.

"It was a big night for crews," Energex Spokesperson Danny Donald said.

SES Queensland received 45 calls for help since Friday, mostly regarding fallen trees and structural damage.
The search has been suspended for a man missing in freezing waters in Bass Strait after he fell overboard from the Spirit of Tasmania overnight.

Police have found items of clothing and belongings believed to belong to the 45-year-old Ballarat man, who passengers saw fall into the water about 124 kilometres south-east of Port Phillip Heads at 11.40pm.

The man was seen falling from the Tasmania-bound ferry.

Spirit of Tasmania I was travelling from Melbourne to Tasmania at the time of the incident, which sparked a massive search of a 247 square kilometre area.

Authorities abandoned the search on advice that the man could not have survived past noon.
A music teacher who once went by the business name "Saxdragon" has pleaded guilty to child sex offences.

Chinese-born Yi Yang, who also went by the Anglicised moniker Allan, is accused of molesting four girls, aged between seven and 13.

Allan Yang arriving at the Melbourne Magistrates court earlier this month. Credit:Jason South

At the time of his arrest, Yang, 51, had been working as a teacher and a professional saxophone player.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court was told Yang gave private music classes in his Kew home, and it was in this context that he sexually assaulted three of the girls.
A policeman has been charged with rape by the Victoria Police taskforce investigating reports of sexual harassment and discrimination within the ranks.



The incident allegedly occurred between July 2015 and May this year while the officer was off duty.



A leading senior constable from the Eastern Region was arrested on Friday morning in Tullamarine by Taskforce Salus officers.



A warrant was then executed at a property in Melbourne's north as part of the investigation.



The policeman was interviewed and charged with six offences, including rape, intentionally causing injury and an indecent act in the presence of a child under the age of 16.



He faced the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday. He has been suspended with pay. He will reappear in court is September 16.

Last November, police revealed that the most serious case reported to Taskforce Salus investigators involved an allegation that a policeman raped a colleague.

Taskforce Salus has charged a policeman with rape. Credit:Jason South

It is unclear if the man arrested on Friday is the same officer referred to last year.

Professional Standards Command Assistant Commissioner Brett Guerin said last November that Salus officers were investigating 36 complaints.
Jakarta: Seven Indonesians believed to have been kidnapped by the notorious Abu Sayyaf militant group are being kept as hostages after they were ambushed in the Sulu Sea in the Southern Philippines on June 20.

The Indonesian government has moved to impose a moratorium on the shipment of coal to the Philippines until security can be guaranteed by the Philippines.

Philippine National Police Spokesman Wilben Mayor, right, and PNP Crime Laboratory Chief Emmanuel Aranas after reading a statement on the beheading of a Canadian hostage earlier this month. Credit:AP

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi strongly condemned the repeated hostage taking - this is the third time Indonesians have been captured by militants this year.
Motivating the vote was mistrust of unchecked immigration from Europe, analysts said. In shock: Employees work in front of computer monitors at a foreign exchange brokerage in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday. Credit:Bloomberg Free movement of labour is one of the pillars of the union. But Leave voters feared immigrants were overloading Britain's health, education and welfare systems, pushing wages down and house prices up. The pound took a huge hammering, plunging 10 per cent to hit levels not seen since the 1980s, as the markets predicted trouble ahead for the British economy outside the EU trade zone, and ripple effects in Europe and beyond. Leave won the day. Credit:Bloomberg

In Australia, the ASX 200 lost 167 points, or 3.2 per cent, wiping $50 billion off the value of the market, the worst day since the Chinese sharemarket meltdown in August. Around the world, Japanese shares tanked 7.7 per cent as the yen surged, but Chinese mainland shares only eased by less than 1 per cent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 4.3 per cent. Economists have predicted a recession in Britain would result from the vote. Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne campaigning to avoid Brexit. Credit:Getty Images But Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urged calm, noting, for domestic political consumption, that global turbulence showed the need in Australia for "strong economic leadership". "We need to have a stable majority government with a clear economic plan, so we are resilient and able to deal with those unexpected events that occur, with those uncertainties that arise," Mr Turnbull said.

A Greek newspaper with the cover headline of "Europe Hopes For A Miracle" in reference to the referendum in Britain over whether to remain in the European Union. Credit:Getty Images Australian defence and foreign affairs experts reacted with dismay, warning it will lead to a more fragmented West and make the world a less secure place. They said the result would distract Britain from its usually reliable role as a security player, embolden Russia and possibly diminish Washington's "pivot" to Asia, with consequences for Australia's region. Kerry Stokes, executive chairman Seven Group holdings, said the British had "decided to do what Australians have already decided to do, which is to protect our borders".

In Europe, the vote is already being called an earthquake in the politics, and economies, of Britain and the continent. Political unionists fear the end of the "European project", the status quo on the continent since World War II. No country has ever left the EU, but Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders immediately called for a referendum, and France's National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who will run for president next year, hailed the result. The Leave camp said democracy would return to Westminster. The favourite to take over from Mr Cameron is his arch-rival Boris Johnson, who is expected to push to lead a government that will activate, for the first time, the European treaty articles that lead to an exit from the union. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will also be under pressure, as Labour's northern heartland resoundingly rejected his plea to vote Remain.

Some political analysts were tipping an early election - despite recent laws that enshrined fixed parliamentary terms. The vote saw unexpectedly high turnouts for Leave in Britain's north, where disaffected working-class communities are suspicious of immigration and felt modern politics and economics had failed them. The regions generally plumped for Leave, and although London was a bastion for Remain, the turnout there might have been suppressed by torrential rain, which caused public transport chaos and saw some polling places closed or moved. Scotland voted strongly to Remain, but turnout was much weaker than had been expected. Scottish National Party politicians have foreshadowed the nation may push again to secede from Britain, in order to stay in Europe.

Northern Ireland also came down on the Remain side, due to fears of the effect that Brexit would have on the border with the Republic of Ireland. Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has said he might have to bring down an emergency budget to deal with the vote's aftermath. Labour's shadow chancellor John Macdonnell predicted the Bank of England would have to intervene to slow the fall of the pound. He said the market might be reassured if the government promised to bargain for the best trade deal it could get with Europe, from the outside. The EU's leaders in Brussels are expected to play hardball in negotiating Britain's exit, to send a message to other states that might be contemplating a similar move.

Th e result was another terrible night for pollsters and bookies, almost all of whom had predicted a narrow Remain win. They had also failed to predict last year's general election win for the Conservatives. Polling also caused Mr Farage to concede a likely Remain victory even before a single vote had been counted. He later "unconceded". At 4am, before an official or media call of the result, he claimed victory.

"The dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom," he said. "This will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people. "Honesty, decency, the belief in nation I think now is going to win." The campaign was won by "damn hard work on the ground", he said. "I hope this victory brings down this failed project and leads to a Europe of sovereign nation-states. "Let June 23 go down in history as our independence day."

Matthew Goodwin, politics professor at the University of Kent, said the referendum had exposed a sharp divide in British society. It had shown there were social groups with very different values. The Leave vote was a "very loud and very clear message" that the EU and globalisation were not benefiting them and that Westminster elites were not listening to them, he said. Sara Hobolt, professor at the London School of Economics, said the referendum had given the disaffected and disenfranchised a chance to stick it to the political class. The Leave campaign had cleverly played the "people versus the elite" card, she said. Some voted on the EU, some on the economy, some on immigration. It came down to a question of whether people were more scared of uncapped immigration or of the potential economic chaos following Brexit.
Australian currency shops experienced "mayhem" and the Commonwealth Bank temporarily suspended some foreign exchange after the Pound Sterling fell to its lowest point in more than 30 years following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

Customers flocked to currency exchange markets across Sydney when the 'Brexit' was announced early on Friday afternoon and the pound fell to its lowest level against the US dollar since September 1985.

In the steepest one-day fall in the currency's history, the pound was worth US$1.5006 at 5.56pm on Thursday night local time, dropping to US$1.3241 six and a half hours later, when it became clear the Leave vote had succeeded.
London: There is pure shock on the faces, and in the voices of presenters and politicians on the television.

This is an earthquake in the politics of Europe.

And it will affect the lives and livelihoods of every Briton  and many beyond its borders.
Both UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage and former London mayor Boris Johnson appeared to concede defeat, only to testily deny they had done any such thing.

On perhaps the most febrile day of postwar British politics, the early signs of agitation were in the Leave camp. Some Leave voters appeared to believe that the traditional pencil mark in the ballot box might be rubbed out, and so insisted on taking in their pen.

It was at this point that the first ominous rumblings came from the north of England. Newcastle had voted Remain, but not by anything like the margin anticipated; Sunderland to Leave, far more decisively. On the markets the pound went into freefall. Now it was the pundits' and the bookies' turn to account for themselves.

For a while results from Scotland and London - two of the 12 regions into which the United Kingdom was divided for the vote - put Remain's nose in front. But the lines on the map were becoming a chasm. In the north-east of England, a region that has never truly recovered from the demise of its great primary industries, Remain was being hammered. Soon the rest of the English regions joined in, and the revision of the experts was upon us.

Even more alarmingly, Wales - long regarded as a bastion of the status quo in British politics - rejected calls to Remain, 52.5 per cent to 47.5 per cent. Some people saw in this a collapse in confidence in the Labour Party, long dominant in the principality, but others pointed to the tremendous unpopularity of David Cameron's British government and still others to "left-behind alienation".
Denmark Denmark held a referendum last December, although with a much more limited impact: Danes decided against handing over more powers to the EU That alone is not enough to predict whether Danes would really want to vote "out": In fact, most citizens of EU member states think that Brussels should not become more powerful than it is, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. As in Sweden's case, two arguments would be particularly likely to influence voter behaviour. First, many Danes fear that more immigration or an influx of refugees could threaten the small nation's welfare system. Second, Denmark has so far relied on Britain as a strong ally in negotiations with the EU as both countries have had similar policy stances. "Without Britain, Denmark won't have the locomotive to tow Danish interests," political scientist Marlene Wind of the University of Copenhagen was quoted as saying by Bloomberg News.

Greece The Greek government's debt crisis has mostly disappeared from the public debate and the headlines -- but it will return sooner rather than later. Greek newspaper Kathimerini fears that this ongoing crisis combined with a Brexit could ultimately become a threat to Greece's EU membership status. "Athens's main concern should be that a victory for Leave will weaken the eurozone's resolve to bolster Greece's position within the single currency, which could require more tools and a greater level of integration than currently exists," the paper argued. "In many ways, Greece depends on greater burden sharing in a closer-integrated eurozone. But this would likely remain off the cards after Brexit," Wolfango Piccoli, research director of political risk consulting company Teneo Intelligence, was quoted as saying by the paper.

Hence, what Greece fears most is not an anti-EU referendum influenced by right-wing parties, but rather the EU pushing Greece out in order to save cohesion among the remaining members. Conservative MP Boris Johnson leaves his house after British Prime Minister David Cameron resigned following the results of the EU referendum. Credit:Carl Court The Netherlands Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad had a clear message for the British ahead of Thursday's referendum. "Don't leave me this way," a cover story's headline read. But this may not reflect how most Dutch think about the EU

Geert Wilders, the head of a right-wing populist party, has supported a Brexit and hopes for a similar referendum to take place in the Netherlands. "If we want to survive as a nation, we have to stop immigration and stop Islamisation," Wilders told the BBC in a recent interview. "We cannot do that inside the European Union," said Wilders -- who is is currently leading in the country's polls. Hungary Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is not known to be a particular friend of the EU, either. In fact, he has gained quite the opposite reputation. Last May, European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker greeted Orban, saying, "Hello, dictator," while TV cameras were recording the awkward incident. Despite disagreements, Orban recently urged Britain to remain part of the EU -- but he did so most likely because EU-skeptical Britain is an important partner for the Budapest-based government.

Orban is planning to hold a referendum in Hungary that could hurt EU cohesion. After last year's influx of refugees into the country, Hungarians will be asked to decide whether the EU should be allowed to resettle refugees despite a lack of consent by national parliaments affected by the decision. In Hungary, it might not be a clear-cut "in or out" referendum about EU membership that could cause trouble but rather a referendum that is designed to indirectly question Brussels's authority. A flotilla of "leave" and "remain" campaigners took to the Thames River in London last week. Credit:Bloomberg France The French are some of the biggest EU skeptics: 61 percent have an unfavorable view of the union. (In comparison, in Hungary, only 37 percent of the population hold a similar opinion.)

Besides Germany, France is continental Europe's driving force. But it also faces a multitude of problems, including a weak economy and a high terrorism threat. Some of the origins of these problems have been blamed on the EU or conditions created by its member states. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for instance, is widely known for her support for austerity measures that were adopted after the last recession. Contrary to Germany, France still has not managed to fully escape high unemployment numbers and weak economic growth. Many French also watched with disbelief when Merkel opened Germany's borders to Syrian refugees in 2015. This could play into the hands of the right-wing National Front party, which is expected to gain more political power in upcoming elections. The party's leader, Marine Le Pen, has supported Brexit -- indicating what could be next for France should her party ever rule the country. Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party celebrates the Brexit result with his supporters in London. Credit:PA Scotland as a particular case
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

Trend:

France regrets the UK decision to leave the European Union and urges to preserve the European Union, while respecting the United Kingdoms choice, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said June 24, Sputnik International news agency reported.

"We regret this, but this is a decision of the British people and it must be respected. We feel sad for the United Kingdom and Europe. But we must overcome this, which means preserving Europes unity, continue fulfilling priorities and projects while being even more attentive to the expectations of the people of the whole Europe," the minister told reporters.

Britons held a referendum June 23 on whether the UK should to stay in the European Union, or leave it. The voting results indicate that the campaign to leave the EU, known as the Brexit, has won with 51.9 percent of the votes.

In the wake of the Brexits victory, David Cameron has said he will step down as the UK prime minister.
Deep breath, Australia. The Old Dart is our front door to Europe, and now that Britain has voted to "leave", the cost will be more than dollars.

Questions of influence in diplomacy and security will be felt right here, in Australia's neighbourhood.

Britain has made a concerted effort in recent years to boost its involvement in the politics of Asia, knowing the growing wealth of China is tilting the global balance of power to this region.
I've fought this campaign in the only way I know how - which is to say directly and passionately what I think and feel, head, heart and soul. I held nothing back. I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union. And I made clear the referendum was about this and this alone, not the future of any single politician, including myself. But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path, and as such, I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction.

I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination. This is not a decision I've taken lightly. But I do believe it's in the national interest to have a period of stability, and then the new leadership required.

There is no need for a precise timetable today, but in my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October. Delivering stability will be important, and I will continue in the post as Prime Minister with my Cabinet for the next three months. The Cabinet will meet on Monday. The Governor of the Bank of England is making a statement about the steps that the bank and the Treasury are taking to reassure financial markets.

We will also continue taking forward the important legislation that we set before Parliament in the Queen's speech. And I've spoken to Her Majesty the Queen this morning and advised her of the steps that I am taking. A negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new Prime Minister, and I think it's right that this new Prime Minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the EU.

I will attend the European Council next week to explain the decision the British people have taken, and my own decision. The British people have made a choice. That not only needs to be respected, but those on the losing side of the argument - myself included - should help to make it work.
In seeking to verify the reports, federal agents have culled Mateen's electronic devices, including a laptop computer and mobile phone, as well as electronic communications of those who made the claims, law enforcement officials said. "Miguel" wearing a disguise, his voice altered, said he was Omar Mateen's gay lover. Credit:Screenshot So far, they have found no photographs, no text messages, no smartphone apps, no gay pornography and no cell-tower location data to suggest that Mateen - who was twice married to women and had a young son - conducted a secret gay life, the officials said. The FBI is continuing to explore Mateen's past, but investigators now believe the men who made the claims are not credible, or confused Mateen with someone else. The Pulse nightclub the day after the worst shooting in modern US history. Credit:AP

The FBI has not said whether it has uncovered any evidence that Mateen visited the Pulse nightclub prior to the shooting. But law enforcement sources did say that investigators have not uncovered any direct links between Mateen and members of Islamic State. AR-15 assault rifles: Omar Mateen used one, purchased legally, to kill 49 people in Orlando. Credit:AP It is possible that Mateen might have had communications on mobile phones or other electronic equipment that have not been recovered by investigators in the wake of the shooting. Some of those who have claimed to be in contact with Mateen before the shooting continue to insist that the gunman seen in the photos released after the shooting is the same man who visited the nightclub before the shooting.

Kevin West, 29, a Navy veteran and Pulse regular, said Mateen messaged him on Jack'd and also said he recognised him entering the club on the night of the shooting. After the attack, Mr West turned his phone and app passwords over to police and FBI investigators. He said Mateen didn't reveal his name, but he recognised him from the photo Mateen had posted on the app, which matched one of the gunman released after the shooting. On Thursday, he dismissed federal investigators' doubts. "No one is lying about him being on there," Mr West said of the gay apps, adding that "once you have the app and delete your profile, it's gone". Mr West said the focus should be on keeping guns out of the hands of potentially violent people. "People died by that man's hands and [the] only thing this country is concerned about is if he is gay or not," Mr West said.
Jakarta: Indonesia has sought to hose down fears of the Zika virus sparked by an Australian government travel warning, with the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra issuing a statement stressing the country is not experiencing active virus transmission.

And an expert from the Jakarta-based Ejikman Biological Molecular Institute accused the travel advisory of exaggerating, saying there had only been one confirmed case of Zika in Indonesia. A 27-year-old man was diagnosed when there was an outbreak of dengue fever in the Sumatran province of Jambi between the end of 2014 and April 2015.

An Aedes aegypti mosquito is kept in a glass tube at the Fiocruz institute which has been screening for mosquitos naturally infected with the Zika virus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Credit:AP

The Australian government updated its travel advisory last week, warning Indonesia was "experiencing sporadic transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus".
Dublin: Ireland is bracing itself for damaging economic and political fallout from the decision by Britain, its nearest neighbour and largest trade partner, to vote to leave the European Union.

Ireland has the EU's fastest-growing economy but also more to lose than any other member state from a "Brexit", with far-reaching implications for its trade, economy, security of energy supplies and peace in British-ruled Northern Ireland.

"The downside is definite and the upside is speculative," Irish Finance Minister Michael Noonan told parliament as Britain voted on Thursday, referring to the potential upside that some companies keen to stay in the EU might move from Britain to Ireland.

Within minutes of the outcome becoming apparent, Northern Ireland's largest Irish nationalist party, Sinn Fein, said the result intensified the case for a vote on whether Northern Ireland should leave the United Kingdom.
But in nodding to Orwell this week, the University of Houston's Professor Robert Zaretsky, who specialises in intellectual and cultural history, teased out a new Trump accomplishment  "Trump has made Orwell, one of the 20th century's most sober and lucid observers, appear naive. It is no longer that language deceives, but that it no longer matters," he wrote in The New York Times. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Credit:AP Trump's key issues were a strong selection of Clinton weak points  her handling of the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya; the millions earned by herself and her husband for speeches which she refuses to release; her controversial private email server while she was secretary of state; her ties to Wall Street; and her past support for international trade deals. But really Trump makes George Orwell look naive, says one professor.

Trump explicitly blamed Clinton for the death of US Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. He claimed she was sound asleep at the time of the attack  but it took place in the late afternoon, Washington time, and the public record shows that she was issuing a statement and writing email. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Phoenix. Credit:AP Associated Press Fact Checkers: "Trump greatly exaggerates the security requests [by American diplomats in Libya], not all of which were denied, and he gets the history of US-Libya relations wrong. Clinton did not start the war in Libya." Trump: "In just four years, Secretary Clinton managed to almost single-handedly destabilise the entire Middle East."

A supporter claps as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks on Wednesday. Credit:AP Associated Press: "[This] statement makes only passing acquaintance with reality." Trump: [I was] among the earliest to criticise the rush to war [in Iraq]." The Washington Post: In September 2002, six months before the invasion, Trump supported the Iraq invasion. Trump insisted that Clinton wants no border control in the US and that she wants to "spend hundreds of billions" to invite in hundreds of thousands of refugees, mostly from the Middle East, without them being vetted  she doesn't. Then this wild, unfounded assertion  "Hillary Clinton want to bring in people who believe women should be enslaved and gays put to death."

Associated Press: "The entire refugee resettlement budget is less than $US1.2 billion a year  and it includes refugees from Cuba, Bhutan and the democratic Republic of Trump says Clinton supports the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal  she doesn't. Instead of criticising her direct, implicit or by-association support for the loss of American jobs to China, he parses it as Clinton "gave China millions of our best jobs" and "in return Hillary Clinton got rich  she gets rich making you poor." He throws in another old saw that has been repeatedly debunked  "Hillary Clinton's State Department approved the transfer of 20 per cent of America's Uranium holdings to Russia, while nine investors in the deal funneled $US145 million to the Clinton Foundation." Trump: "Hillary Clinton accepted $US58 000 in jewellery from the government of Brunei when she was secretary of state." Associated Press: Yes  she accepted it on behalf of the US government, which owns the jewellery. Trump: "Our trade deficit with China soared 40 per cent during Clinton's time as secretary of state."

Associated Press: "Trump's claim is more than double the actual figure [and] the secretary of state is not typically held responsible for the trade deficit." Trump: "We are the highest-taxed nation in the world." Associated Press: "Closer to the opposite is true  the US tax burden is actually one of the lowest among 34 [OECD countries]." Trump: "We will repeal and replace job-killing Obamacare. It is a total disaster." Associated Press: "[Obamacare] was signed into law in March 2010  since then, employers have added nearly 14 million jobs"

He accuses Clinton of spending "her entire life of making for special interests." But the public record shows that most of her life has been in government service or in nonprofit. Instead of going to the record of Clinton's dubious statements about her email server, Trump went wild  without evidence, he claimed that "our enemies probably now have a blackmail file" on Clinton. Again, with no substantiation, Trump claims Clinton was responsible for the death of thousands of Americans who had been killed by migrants. And only a slight modification to one of his long-standing, unfounded charges  Clinton would virtually abolish the Second Amendment on the right to bear arms, which a president can't do. Having said all that, on hearing Trump's Wednesday speech, some in the Republican Party cheered  "way to go" Ari Fleisher, a one-time press secretary to President George W Bush, pronounced it "an effective and powerful case against Hillary." For former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele it was the "indictment against Hillary Clinton" that a lot of conservatives had been waiting to hear from Trump.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the St. Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) Wycliffe Smith and Peter J. Gittens are happy to announce the candidacy of Mr. Claude Peterson on the SMCP slate for the upcoming Parliamentary elections to be held on September 26, 2016.

Claude Peterson is a graduate of Florida Tech where he obtained his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to work in Aruba, where he held positions in the Hotel & Tourism Sector and earned a wealth of experience in this field.

Son of retired Immigration and Naturalization Department Head Mr. Hans Peterson and School Director/ Political Activist, Mrs. Aline Choisy.

Since his return to St. Maarten in 2001, he has been an entrepreneur in both the restaurant and construction sectors.

After various meetings with him and carrying out the partys vetting process, we recognized Claudes love for his island and passion for the issues that are plaguing our society. We feel as a party, that he has a lot to offer St. Maarten and its people. He is a welcomed addition to our energized team. Early next week Claude will give his reasons for joining the Christian Party.

In the coming weeks, the SMCP will be introducing its candidates and will provide you with our vision towards a better and prosperous St. Maarten for all. We trust that you will take the time, to listen and interact with us. Become part of SERVING FOR A CHANGE.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin School of Continuing Education and Life Long Learning, (SCELL) has joined forces with Telem Group, to increase Male Enrollment in 2016 at USM. Currently there are 37 males enrolled at USM and Youth Professional Network (YPN) has set a firm goal to increase that number to 57, enrolling 20 males to USM/UVI by August 1, 2016 with the businesses of St. Maartens help.

The Male Enrollment Business challenge started on June 1, 2016 and will run through July 31, 2016. We are requesting donations of $500 to $5000.00 to provide males ages 18-25 with their first semester scholarship to return to school in August 2016. All donations will be acknowledged at the end of the challenge and the winning business will receive community and formal USM recognition. All donating businesses will be invited to the awards ceremony held in early August to present scholarships to the male recipients. Derek Downes, Managing Director of WIB jumped aboard immediately when he heard about the business challenge and donated two scholarships for two males to enroll at USM this Fall.

Dr. Gittens, The Founder of SCELL stated: I founded Youth Professionals Network (YPN) to support young men enrolled at USM with a solid platform to share their personal academic experiences with potential USM male students. I believe this is a perfect formula to empower USM males to become mentors while simultaneously pursuing their academic dreams and encouraging others to pursue degrees at USM and UVI at USM. I am very grateful that WIB sees the importance of YPN and male enrollment.

Etnel, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Telem stated: When I was approached to assist in the Male Enrollment campaign by Dr. Gittens I did not hesitate. I believe higher education is very important. I was thrilled when I discovered that two of my valued employees were interested in attending USM, Mr. Generlette and Mr. Illis. We are very proud that they have earned the scholarship to USM in August and will support them throughout their journey. I am pleased that SCELL has added a significant component that allows current successful males attending the USM to mentor new students like Generlette and Illis and provide them with much needed guidance and support. I encourage other business to contribute to the campaign and help increase male enrollment at USM.

Mr. Javid Hurtault the President of YPN and a second year accounting major stated: Education never stops and should be viewed as an ongoing personal development. The more males on the island that pursue degrees, the better the St. Maarten community will become. We are asking the businesses big and small of St. Maarten to assist us with increasing male enrollment at USM, a move in the right direction for the community at large. We can make a difference with one scholarship at a time.
POINTE BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten is being represented this week at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) PAMAC meeting in New Orleans. PAMAC brings together Platinum Members of the FCCA who meet with over 30 high-ranking FCCA Member Line cruise executives as part of a relationship and business building process.

PAMAC opened with a welcome reception on Wednesday evening and thereafter a series of meetings and networking events are planned to discuss industry trends and standards and develop relationships and mutual benefits for the cruise lines and members, companies and destinations.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo and Government Relations Liaison Bertrand Peters are attending the New Orleans meeting.

Reinventing Cruise St. Maarten is an on-going process. We are attending PAMAC in order to ensure and attract additional cruise business for the country. Its an opportunity to inform and to grow our cruise numbers. We are not sitting by for a handout, we are being proactive.

We are sitting down and discussing with the cruise industrys most influential decision makers. We want to foster mutual growth. Its an opportunity to network and better understand each other especially when we look at the different developments. The cruise industry is never stagnant. Its innovative, and we have to be there to grow and improve, CEO Mark Mingo said on Wednesday.

The PAMAC event is one of many that the FCCA coordinates for its Platinum Members and Member Lines to stay at the forefront of information about both the industry and destinations while finding ways to maximize the benefits for all.

The FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization composed of 19 Member Lines operating over 100 vessels in Floridian, Caribbean and Latin American waters. Created in 1972, the FCCAs mandate is to provide a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issue and to develop bilateral relationships with destinations private and public sectors. By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors.

The Port St. Maarten delegation left the island on Tuesday and will return over the weekend. The PAMAC conference is taking place at the Harrahs New Orleans Hotel.
Oranjestad:--- During a visit to Aruba on June 22 and 23, 2016, the Board of financial supervision Aruba (CAft) concluded that the budget implementation is more or less on track concerning the statutory deficit limit of 2.0% of GDP. The Board stressed that the budget still includes financial risks, reason why it will be closely monitored the remainder of the year. The CAft will further analyze the budgetary implications of the reopening of the refinery as soon as the necessary information is obtained. In order to ensure sustainable public finances the CAft recommends to maximize the availability fees for Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects to up to 1.5-2.0% of public expenditures.

First 2016 quarterly results

During its visit the CAft met with the Governor, the Minister of Finance and his staff, the Council of Ministers and the Financial Parliamentary Committee of Aruba. In these consultations the main subjects were the budget implementation over 2016 and the financial and economic impact of the forthcoming reopening of the oil refinery. It was agreed that in the short term the budget implications will be processed in a multi-year budget amendment. The budget amendment is in line with the intention to publish the long-term effects of the reopening of the refinery in a Semi-Annual Memorandum. The Semi-Annual Memorandum enables the CAft to monitor timely if and how Aruba will stay under the maximum deficit limit of 2.0% of GDP for 2016 by the end of the year, as it is established in the National Ordinance on temporary financial supervision (LAft).

PPP projects can contribute to the strengthening of the public infrastructure, but because of their very nature they significantly consume future public resources. In order to balance public finances in a sustainable way, it is therefore necessary, in line with international best practices, to cap the use of availability fees. To that end the Board recommends to maintain for the long term availability fees for PPP projects a maximum amount of 1.5-2.0% of the collective public expenditures. This standard keeps the expenses for the Green Corridor, Watty Vos, Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital and Infrastructure building DOW just within the norm, leaving no room for new PPP projects.

Challenges

The financial risks which the CAft is signaling, require strict monitoring throughout the year. In particular the CAft will closely monitor the underlying support of the income increase. In addition, the personnel expenses of Aruba remain of concern for the CAft. In its response to the implementation report, the CAft already observed that a backlog in the schedule of proposed savings in personnel expenses constitutes a substantial risk for the attainment of long term sustainable public finances.

The Board emphasizes that for the short term it is important to timely present the 2016 budget amendment, which will include the financial implications of the reopening of the oil refinery.
Russia did not interfere, does not interfere and wont interfere in the choice of the UK to leave the EU, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters, TASS news agency reported.

Britons held a referendum June 23 on whether the UK should to stay in the European Union, or leave it. The voting results indicate that the campaign to leave the EU, known as the Brexit, has won with 51.9 percent of the votes.

Earlier, speaking to business leaders June 21 in London, Cameron claimed that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Putin "would be happy" if the UK voted to leave the EU.

"It is worth asking the question, who would be happy if we left?" Cameron said. "Putin might be happy. I suspect al-Baghdadi might be happy."

British Prime Minister David Camerons remark that Putin "might be happy" with Brexit was an improper attempt to put pressure on the UK public opinion, the Russian president said.

I believe that this is nothing but a bad attempt to influence the public opinion in ones own country, Putin said. But, as we have seen, it failed to achieve the expected effect. Still more so, after the voting nobody has the right to say anything about Russias position. This is nothing but evidence of a low level of political culture.



The Russian leader went on to say that the result of the referendum reflects discontent of citizens relatively to the state of security and lack of desire to subsidize weaker economies.



Putin said that the referendum will have global consequences, but only time will show if they turn out to be positive or negative.

He went on to add that the UK vote will have no influence on the blocs policy of sanctions against Russia.

As for the policy of sanctions, I dont think that it [the referendum] will have any impact on our relations with the European Union in this respect, Putin said, adding that Moscow will take positive steps if European colleagues are ready for a constructive dialogue.
The strike is scheduled to last 4 days and involves the nurses' call for improved staffing

Kaiser has had disputes with its employee's unions, faced civil and criminal charges for patient dumping, faced action by regulators over the quality of care it provided, especially to patients with mental health issues, and has faced criticism from activists and action from regulators over the size of its cash reserves

A strike by 1,300 registered nurses begins today at Kaiser's Los Angeles hospital. The strike is scheduled to last 4 days and involves the nurses' call for improved staffing. California Nurses Association/National Nurses United claims Kaiser made profits of $1.9 billion last year, money which should be invested in hiring more nurses and "protect economic gains." In other words, they want a raise.

"Kaiser spends millions of dollars advertising that Los Angeles Medical Center is a world class Tertiary Care Center...Yet on most days we do not have a sufficient number of nurses to take care of our patients," said Tessie Costales, a nurse with 30 years at the hospital. "This needs to change." Nurses complain that short staffing means they cannot take breaks and this affects patient care. Also affected by short staffing is the Pediatric Care unit.
No evidence of Jaguar Breeding Populations in New Mexico or Arizona, after the Pleistocene Era

The myth that jaguars populated the USA prior to 1900 was started with a paper written by a political activistt, and unfortunately accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service without due scientific diligence.

I am writing to inform you that your recent article, "Amazon jaguar shot dead after Olympic torch ceremony" contains statements of "fact" that are totally inaccurate.

The myth that jaguars populated the USA prior to 1900 was started with a paper written by a political activist, and unfortunately accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service without due scientific diligence.

There is no documented evidence of any naturally occurring female jaguar in New Mexico since the Pleistocene.

The article is here: http://www.smobserved.com/story/2016/06/22/news/amazon-jaguar-shot-dead-after-olympic-torch-ceremony/1507.html

Errors are confronted below:

Error 1. "Apart from a known and possibly breeding population in Arizona (southeast of Tucson) and the bootheel of New Mexico, the cat has largely been extirpated from the United States since the early 20th century."

Correction: No "breeding population of jaguars" exists in Arizona or New Mexico-or ever did. (Your article contains perhaps the tallest tale ever printed on this subject.) There is no verifiable evidence there ever was a post-Pleistocene, naturally occurring population of jaguars in either state. (There are only speculative claims that there were, but three stories about female jaguars killed with cubs in Arizona are entirely unverifiable and therefore nothing more than unscientific urban legends. This is confirmed in the comments the Arizona Game and Fish Department submitted to the US Fish and Wildlife Service during the public comment period on the critical habitat designation. (See p. 4 here-- http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/es/documents/130808.FWS.Jag.Critical.Habitat.Ltr.pdf ) Moreover, there is no documented evidence of any naturally occurring female jaguar in New Mexico since the Pleistocene--so it would be impossible for a breeding population of jaguars to have occurred in New Mexico in recorded history.

The myth that jaguars populated the USA prior to 1900 was started with a paper written by a political activist, and unfortunately accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service without due scientific diligence. The writer plotted a histogram of the numbers of jaguars killed in Arizona and New Mexico since 1900. He did not present the actual data he plotted.) What the writer did not document is the fact that jaguars were observed no more frequently in Arizona or New Mexico prior to the exact year 1900 than they are seen today. Rather than showing an abrupt spike from zero to about 20 in jaguar numbers exactly in the year In 1900, the activist's histogram deceptively excludes records prior to 1900--which would show a spike from zero to 20+ records exactly in 1900. Exactly beginning in 1900, suddenly and dramatically, jaguars appeared in Arizona in significant numbers. Their numbers tapered off after trucking began to replace railroads for shipping cattle. Scientists prior to 1900 documented that scientists believed at that time that jaguars were either rare or absent from Arizona. The influx of jaguars occurred very suddenly, and shortly following establishment of a rail system with cattle pens and watering facilities at every depot from Phoenix all the way south to Guadalajara.

 Elliot Coues (1867) wrote in an article, "The Quadrupeds of Arizona,"

"Two other species of true long-tailed cats may possibly exist, particularly in the south- eastern portions. These are the Ocelot (F. pardalis Linn.), and the Jaguar (F. onzaliinn.). Within the limits of the United States, however, they have as yet only been found in the valley of the Rio Grande of Texas."

 John Duncan Quackenbos et al. (1887 Smithsonian team of biologists)wrote,

"It is true that the Jaguar, the largest of American Cats, has been taken along our southern border, but it can be regarded only as a very rare straggler from the tropics."

 An article in the July 18, 1901 issue of the Arizona Silver Belt, p.2 states,

"The jaguar is a beautifully spotted black and yellow creature and is exceedingly rare in Arizona, though quite plentiful in some portions of Mexico."

 C.M. Barber (1902) in recording his findings on the presence of jaguars in New Mexico stated:

"The present paper is intended to record certain species of mammals not previously known to occur in New Mexico."

 Vernon Bailey (1931) wrote,

"Distribution and habitat. - A few large spotted cats (pl. 16, A) have been found over southern New Mexico, where they seem to be native, although generally supposed to be wanderers from over the Mexican border."

Sources:

E. Coues, "The Quadripeds of Arizona" P. 285-286, The American Naturalist, Volume 1. University of Chicago Press, 1867

Quackenbos, J.D., Newberry, J.S., Hitchcock, C.H., Stevens, W. Le Conte, Gannett, H., Dall, W., Merriam, C.H., Britton, N.L., Kunz, G.F., Stoney, Lt. G.M .; Physical Geography Prepared on a New and Original Plan, Appleton's American Standard Geographies Based on the Principles of the Science of Education. D. Appleton and Co., NY. 1887

Barber, C.M. 1902. Notes on little-known New Mexican mammals and species apparently not recorded from the territory. Biological Society of Washington Proceedings. 15:191-193.

Bailey V, 1931. Mammals of New Mexico. North American Fauna 53:283-285.

Error 2.

" The USFWS was ultimately ordered by the court to develop a jaguar recovery plan and designate critical habitat for the cats."

This error on your part is understandable, because unfortunately this utter falsehood has been published by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is repeated often by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, even though they know it is utterly false. The court actually stated the following:

there is no documented evidence of any naturally occurring female jaguar in New Mexico since the Pleistocene--so it would be impossible for a breeding population of jaguars to have occurred in New Mexico in recorded history. A young jaguar in a zoo in Belize.

"IT IS ORDERED that Plaintiffs' Motions for Summary Judgment (Doc. Nos. 44& 45) are GRANTED in PART and DENIED in PART. The FWS determinations to not designate critical habitat or prepare a recovery plan are set aside, and this case is remanded to the FWS so that it may, consistent with this opinion, consider whether to designate critical habitat and prepare a recovery plan for the jaguar. The FWS shall make a determination as to critical habitat and recovery planning by January 8, 2010.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Federal Defendants' Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment (Doc. No. 53) is DENIED.

15 The Court expresses no opinion or conclusion in this matter regarding the construction of vehicle or pedestrian impediments along the international border."

Source: http://elr.info/litigation/39/20073/center-biological-diversity-v-kempthorne

Best regards,

Cindy Coping
Beachfront Santa Monica Hotel Introduces New Family Concierge, Poolside Pampering and Kids Programs Beginning July Fourth Weekend

LOS ANGELES (June 21, 2016)  Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, a breezy beachfront hideaway, is located steps from the sand of one of California's most celebrated beaches. Situated directly across from the Santa Monica Pier and within walking distance of all of the area's attractions, the hotel is the perfect place to call home base for families looking for an authentic Southern California vacation experience. The fun begins at check-in where guests will receive a welcome amenity of popcorn, cotton candy and/ or other treats.

The hotel is thrilled to be introducing their new Family Concierge, who can create customized, memorable experiences including entrance to Los Angeles' hard-to-get-into attractions. This service is available for families booking premium rooms (and above) at the property and will be arranged prior to arrival. Some experiences include:

 Kids' "Beach in a Box"  receive chairs, towels, toys, and more set-up on the beach

 A driver and fully outfitted SUV (with snacks, sunscreen, beach toys) to get around Los Angeles

 VIP access to studio tours and theme parks

 A personal guide for the La Brea Tar Pits and National History Museum

 Direct Reservations to Au Fudge, the new restaurant and kid-zone owned by actress Jessica Biel

 Audience tickets to shows such as "The Voice" (when filming)

The hotel is also rolling out a new poolside pampering program beginning Fourth of July weekend on their recently redesigned pool deck, which offers panoramic ocean views. Guests soaking in the California sunshine will be treated to chilled towels, smoothies, frozen grapes and more. Kids will delight in frozen treats from the Beach Barn's ice cream cart, and a dedicated kid-zone with a lending library of pool and beach toys. On weekends, families can enjoy a special "California Grill," serving up traditional grilled favorites with a SoCal flair, and delight in watching the sunset over s'mores by one of the new 13 firepits.

All of the spacious guestrooms and suites at the hotel have been redesigned, bringing the colors and patterns of the ocean and sand indoors, with crisp white shutters maximizing the spectacular views and exuding a modern bungalow feel. The hotel recently added firepits to the private outdoor terraces of 35 rooms and suites, where guests can enjoy a sunset dinner ordered from on-site restaurant Ocean & Vine, and take in the lights of the landmark Santa Monica Pier.

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is one of Los Angeles' most celebrated beachfront hotels. Fresh from a multi-million dollar top-to-bottom makeover, the hotel's 347 newly re-imagined guest rooms and suites are inspired by the bright and energizing costal environment. Boasting unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier, the stunning pool deck features cozy fire pits and a family-friendly ice cream shop. The hotel also features Ocean & Vine restaurant and lounge, an expansive fitness center & eco-conscious spa, a variety of meeting spaces, and immediate proximity to Santa Monica's premier attractions. For more information, please call 310-458-6700 or visit http://www.loewshotels.com.

Like Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoewsSantaMonicaBeach

Follow Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/loewssmbeach

Loews Hotels

Beachfront Santa Monica Hotel Introduces New Family Concierge, Poolside Pampering and Kids Programs Beginning July Fourth Weekend

Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels has three distinct brands, Loews Hotels & Resorts, Loews Regency and OE Collection. The company owns and/or operates 24 hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada, including the newly acquired Hotel 1000 in downtown Seattle that will be rebranded into a Loews Regency in 2017. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, the fifth hotel in partnership with Comcast NBC Universal, will open in summer 2016. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with exciting, approachable and local travel experiences. For reservations or more information about Loews Hotels & Resorts, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: http://www.loewshotels.com.

Like Loews Hotels on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoewsHotels

Follow Loews Hotels on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/loews_hotels

Watch Loews Hotels on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/LoewsHotels

Read our Wish You Were Here Blog at http://www.loewshotelsblog.com
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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

A police station in Turkeys Mardin province came under an armed attack, Dogan News Agency reported June 24.

Two police officers were killed in the attack, according to the preliminary reports.

Reportedly, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group stands behind the attack.

Following the incident, Turkish armed forces started operations against PKK.

On June 22, a police station was attacked in the countrys Bitlis province. It was reported that PKK is responsible for that attack.

The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for over 25 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives.

The UN and the European Union list the PKK as a terrorist organization.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24



By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:



A Turkish Airlines plane, flying to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has made an emergency landing, the Hurriyet newspaper reported June 24.



After the takeoff from the Istanbul Ataturk Airport, the captain got hit with health issues, and the plane had to return and make an emergency landing.



The planes captain was hospitalized.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Anakhanum Idayatova - Trend:

UKs leaving the European Union is the biggest crisis the union has ever experienced, President of the Strategic Outlook Turkish International Research Center Yusuf Cinar told Trend June 24.

The withdrawal of such a major country as the UK from the EU will negatively affect the unions strength, said the expert. This will reduce the US influence in Europe.

Cinar noted that due to a number of bureaucratic reasons, the process of the UKs withdrawal from the EU can take around two years.

The biggest risk for Ankara is the situation when the possibility of Turkeys accession to the EU will be considered as the reason for Brexit, according to the expert.

This can strengthen the negative attitude of France, Germany and the Netherlands towards Turkeys accession to the EU and then the EU will make every effort to prevent the countrys accession. he added.

The expert believes that after the Brexit, Europe can abandon its enlargement policy and as a result, Turkey will be left with a zero chance to join the EU.

Britons held a referendum June 23 on whether the UK should to stay in the European Union, or leave it. The voting results indicate that the campaign to leave the EU, known as the Brexit, has won with 51.9 percent of the votes.

In the wake of the Brexits victory, David Cameron has said he will step down as the UK prime minister.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum
YWCA, police use 11 questions to protect domestic violence victims

The idea: See if a victim is at high risk of being seriously injured or killed. And if they are, hook them up with a shelter or services.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkey respects Britons choice to leave the European Union, the TRT Haber news channel quoted Turkeys Minister for the EU Affairs Omer Celik as saying June 24.

UKs withdrawal from the EU can cause a domino effect, according to the minister.

The EU needs Turkey, since Turkey is already a European country, added Celik.

Britons held a referendum June 23 on whether the UK should to stay in the European Union, or leave it. The voting results indicate that the campaign to leave the EU, known as the Brexit, has won with 51.9 percent of the votes.

In the wake of the Brexits victory, David Cameron has said he will step down as the UK prime minister.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
China said it will assert its rights over islands in the South China Sea while maintaining its compliance with international laws and the UNCLOS. (Photo : Reuters)

The United States wants China to behave ahead of the international court ruling on the South China Sea maritime dispute, but some believe that the Western country is in no position to comment.



A Reuters report featured strong statements from the U.S. as represented by deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asia Colin Willett.



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According to Willett, Washington is gearing up for the upcoming ruling and China's reaction to it, saying that they have "a lot of options" in responding to the Asian country's actions in the South China Sea.



She also emphasized that the U.S. has "very clear national interests in the area," adding that it is their prerogative to uphold and defend those whom they share commitments with.



Based on her statement, Willett is referring to the U.S.'s alliance with the Philippines, the archipelago that is grappling with China over the Spratly Islands.



While she did not give any details on what the U.S. may do once Beijing makes another provocative move, Willett urged the Eastern nation to respect the ruling.



However, South China Morning Post contributor Mark Shulman believes that the U.S. is far from credible in terms of making such warnings.



According to Shulman, the U.S. "has a highly mixed record about compliance with the dictates of international law, even as it has led its formation and its enforcement against others."



He noted that this fact based on historical events may lead Beijing to reasonably question the actual motive behind the U.S.'s continued meddling with South China Sea affairs.



He also pointed out that while the U.S. had been loudly speaking in support for the Philippines' case against Beijing in the South China Sea territorial bouts, the Western country has yet to ratify the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the very instrument that the archipelago is using to contend China's claims.


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President Xi Jinping is visiting Serbia, Poland and Uzbekistan to improve ties with Central and Eastern Europe. (Photo : Getty Images)

China and Uzbekistan recently reached consensus on stepping up their anti-terrorism drive, China Daily reported.



The countries' leaders pledged to deepen this commitment as the world sees continuous rise in the number of extremists in Central and Western China.



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During Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Uzbekistan, he discussed with Uzbek head Islam Karimov their plans on how to combat cross-border organized crime while sustaining stability and peace in the region.



Apart from this, the two nations also jointly agreed in fostering their energy cooperation, including securing the safety of the gasoline pipelines in China-Central Asia.



Xi's recent trip was his second state visit since 2013.



"China and Uzbekistan share concerns about terrorism, with extremists in the two countries sometimes conspiring together," the article said.



Uzbekistan is also regarded as a key point for terrorists who want to penetrate the Chinese autonomous region of Xinjiang Uyghur.



In a news briefing, Karimov said that his country is strongly supporting China's anti-terrorism, separatism and extremism campaign.



Hailing China as a "great neighbor," the Uzbek leader also urged to enhance their ties with Beijing.



Prior to Xi's state visit, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and China's Ministry of Public Security have already inked two deals forging deeper cooperation against organized crime, drug-trafficking and ensuring cross-border pipelines' security.



Public security vice-minister Huang Ming earlier remarked that there is an increasing global terrorist activity, citing that the Sino-Uzbek terrorism ties must be further strengthened.



Huang added that the nations should improve law enforcement cooperation as well as information exchanges.



Uzbekistan is also seen as one of China's most vital partners in various global issues, as pointed out in a China.org.cn column by Tim Collard, a former British embassy official in China.



Uzbekistan has been hosting the anti-terrorism headquarters of the six-member Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).



Over the years, the SCO has implemented and signed a number of deals, which include the Shanghai Convention on cracking down on extremism, terrorism and separatism.


This raw, unprocessed image was taken by NASA's Cassini spacecraft on May 2, 2012. The camera was pointing toward Dione at approximately 14,835 miles (23,875 kilometers) away.

Dione is the fourth-largest moon of Saturn, with a diameter of 698 miles (1,123 kilometers). It is the 15th largest moon in the solar system. Dione orbits around Saturn once every 2.7 Earth-days, at a distance of 234,000 miles (377,400 km), approximately the same distance from Earth to its moon.

With its wispy terrain and mysterious cratering, Dione presents an intriguing puzzle. One of the 53 named satellites orbiting the ringed planet, the icy moon has a number of features that make it stand out.

Some scientists say Dione is a weaker version of the geyser-spewing Enceladus, another moon of Saturn; in 2013, a study suggested that there could be an ocean underneath Dione's surface (based on a weak particle stream detected by the Cassini spacecraft's magnetometer, and images of the moon's surface).

Discovery and naming

Dione was the fourth of Saturn's moons to be discovered, the third by Giovanni Cassini. The Italian astronomer found the moon in 1684 while studying Saturn from the Paris Observatory. Cassini referred to it as one of the Sidera Lodoicea, the "Stars of Louis," named after King Louis XIV. Other astronomers named the moons numerically, based on their distance from the planet, making Dione Saturn IV.

This view highlights tectonic faults and craters on Saturn's moon, Dione, an icy world that has undoubtedly experienced geologic activity since its formation. It is based on images from the the Cassini spacecraft taken on Dec. 24, 2005. (Image credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute )

The icy satellite did not receive a formal name until 1847, when John Herschel (son of British astronomer William Herschel) suggested the moons of Saturn be named for the Titans, brothers and sisters of the Greek god Cronus, who was known to the Romans as Saturn. In Greek mythology, Dione (pronounced "die-OH-nee") was often described as the daughter of Tethys and Oceanus, and resembled the earth goddess Gaia. In his epic poem, "The Iliad," the Greek poet Homer described her as the mother of Aphrodite, goddess of love, and suggested that she was the mother of many others.

Geological features, such as craters and cliffs, take their names from people and places in Virgil's "Aeneid."

Wisps and cliffs

Dione's surface contains both heavily and moderately cratered regions, with some craters as large as 62 miles (100 km). But Dione is something of a puzzle due to the location of its heavily cratered areas. Generally, the leading hemisphere of a body traveling through space plows face-on through debris, and is more heavily cratered. Dione, however, has a more heavily cratered backside than front. Scientists have speculated that a collision could have spun the moon around  an impactor that created one of the 22-mile (35 km) craters could have had the force to turn the moon  but the fact that it seems to have spun exactly 180 degrees is unusual.

Dione is 1.48 times as dense as water, suggesting that the moon has a dense core surrounded by ice or water. The temperature on the moon averages minus 302 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 186 degrees Celsius). The exceptionally cold temperatures cause the icy surface to behave much like rock.

When Voyager 1 surveyed the moon in 1980, it unveiled wispy features on the trailing side. NASA's Cassini-Huygens probe took close-up images more than 20 years later that revealed the wisps were ice cliffs. As dark material fell from the cliffs, they revealed brightly shining ice underneath. Created by tectonic activity, these fractured areas crisscross the moon, running tens to hundreds of kilometers in length.

Cassini also detected a wispy oxygen atmosphere on Dione. It is very thin; there is just one oxygen ion for every 0.67 cubic inches (11 cubic centimeters). It is equivalent to conditions 300 miles (480 km) above Earth.

Like many moons, including Earth's, Dione is tidally locked, with the same side always facing its parent planet. The gravity of the moon keeps two smaller moons, Helene and Polydeuces, locked into the same orbital position as the three travel around Saturn. Dione also interacts with two of the larger moons of Saturn, Mimas and Enceladus, influencing their orbits. [Photo Gallery: The Rings and Moons of Saturn]

A 2016 presentation at the American Astronomical Society suggested that some of the moons of Saturn, including Dione, could have been hit by debris from a previous generation of moons. Dione's craters have also been studied for signs of change, such as a separate 2016 Icarus study of the ray system of Creusa crater. The team observed that some of the ejecta rays have been erased over time due to erosion from dark particles (which could be the same material seen on other moons such as Hyperion and Iapetus). Other contributors to the erosion likely were plasma and E-ring particles, the article noted.

A subsurface ocean

Dione may hide a subsurface ocean beneath its surface. According to a study made by the Royal Astronomical Society of Belgium, gravity data from Cassini flybys could be explained by an ocean 60 miles (100 km) beneath the surface. The ocean is tens of kilometers deep and surrounded by a large rocky core.

Dione's ocean would have formed with the moon, remaining liquid over more than 4 billion years. The close contact between water and rock, along with its extensive age, would make it an excellent breeding ground for microbial life.

"The contact between the ocean and the rocky core is crucial," Attilio Rivoldini, co-author of the study, said in a statement. "Rock-water interactions provide key nutrients and a source of energy, both being essential ingredients for life."

Dione wouldn't be the only Saturnian moon to host an ocean. The icy world Enceladus, which sports geysers at its southern pole, contains one, as does the smoggy moon Titan.

Other Dione facts
Astronomers seeking out extraterrestrial intelligence have used a powerful radio telescope to eavesdrop on a star system that is relatively close to Earth in the hope of hearing the faint radio whisper of an alien civilization.

Using the Allen Telescope Array (ATA) located in California (pictured top), members of the SETI Institute chose Trappist 1 as they know the red dwarf-type star plays host to at least 3 exoplanets. Traditional SETI searches have looked to random stars in the sky in the hope of detecting an artificial radio signal using luck and some educated guesses. But now we know certain stars play host to exoplanets, alien hunters can be a little more discerning with the selection of stellar targets.

RELATED: Sending Messages to Aliens: Could It Kill Us?

Known as "targeted SETI", the ATA has been used to "listen in" on star systems that NASA's Kepler Space Telescope and other exoplanet-hunting missions have confirmed the presence of exoplanets. Even better than that, as Kepler can identify the physical size and orbit of a given exoplanet, astronomers can deduce whether that planet is located in the star's "habitable zone." The habitable zone around any star is the distance at which a hypothetical rocky planet can orbit that is not too hot or too cold for liquid water to exist. As we know from life on our planet, where there's water, there's life; could intelligent alien life be living on one of these potentially habitable worlds?

WATCH VIDEO: Will Aliens Kill Us All?

If so, they might be transmitting radio waves. However, for us to stand a chance of detecting their signals, they either need to be deliberately blasting a radio beacon in our direction with the explicit purpose of communication or they need to live in a relatively nearby star system for us to detect their accidental leakage of radio waves into space.

Earth has been leaking a faint radio signals into space for over 100 years since the advent of commercial radio transmissions around the globe at the beginning of the 20th century. More recently, we've been pinging asteroids and the planets with powerful radar. And let's not forget the controvercial Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence, or METI, a practice that has unsettled some scientists. Therefore, in theory, any intelligent aliens living within 100 light-years of Earth -- assuming they possess sensitive enough radio receivers -- could be aware of our presence.

And this is what SETI is doing: listening out for alien transmissions that, so far, have proven inconclusive.

RELATED: Alien Megastructure? SETI Spies No Intelligent Signals

However, last year, Kepler discovered a bizarre transit signal from the star KIC 8462852, otherwise known as Tabby's Star. Kepler detects exoplanets by detecting their faint shadows cross the faces of their host stars. When Kepler detected Tabby's Star transit, it was like nothing it had ever recorded; the brightness dip dimmed around 20 percent. Though the generally-accepted hypothesis is that a swarm of comets may have caused this strange transit signal, there's another idea that it could be evidence of an advanced alien civilization building a "megastructure" around their star.

Tabby's Star quickly became a target for SETI, but no transmissions were detected by the ATA.

According to a SETI Institute news release on Wednesday, even if there were transmitting aliens at Tabby's Star, the fact it's nearly 1,500 light-years away would make the detection of alien radio signals extremely unlikely, unless said aliens were deliberately beaming extremely powerful radio waves right at us.

RELATED: The Hunt for Alien Intelligence is Going Infrared

This is why Trappist 1 was selected for a follow-up SETI investigation. Though there's no evidence of weird transit signals around this small star, it is an ancient compact planetary system that might, after some assumptions, be considered habitable. What's more, Trappist 1 is only 40 light-years away -- pretty much on our interstellar doorstep. Any signal transmitted from the Trappist 1 system would be athousand times stronger than a signal of identical strength transmitted from Tabby's Star.

So, for 2 days in May, the ATA focused on Trappist 1, seeking out an artificial narrowband signal of around 1 Hz or less. As the headline of this article isn't "Aliens Found!" you can guess what the outcome was: no aliens were detected on this pass. But the ATA did put a valuable upper limit on the strength of a signal if there is a hypothetical alien civilization transmitting a signal at us.

RELATED: Galactic Ecosystem Survival: Keep Your Head Down

SETI researchers estimate that if aliens are transmitting from that star system, they'd have to build a 300 meter-wide radio antennae (the approximate size of the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico) with a transmitter power of 300 kilowatts. Interestingly, the most powerful radio transmitter on Earthoperates at around 700 kilowatts, so building a transmitter for interstellar messaging purposes is well within the realms of technological possibility.

So this latest directed SETI campaign drew a blank, but it's helping us probe regions of the radio frequency spectrum and the expected power output from a hypothetical alien civilization -- valuable research if we are to detect and recognize a signal from extraterrestrials in the future.

Originally pubished on Discovery News.
The murmur of lapping ocean waves and the crash of breaking surf are familiar to any beachgoer. But scientists recently discovered a remarkable ocean sound unlike any other, produced by a unique combination of water movement and underwater geography in the Caribbean Sea.

While the sound is at a frequency inaudible to human ears  about 28 octaves below the lowest note on a piano, according to the researchers  it can be detected in space, from the disruptions it causes in Earth's gravity field.

Bounded by South America, Central America and the Caribbean islands, the semi-enclosed basin of the Caribbean Sea acts like the body of a giant whistle, the scientists wrote in the study. And what produces the sound is a recurring but very slow-moving and low-amplitude wave pattern that travels the length of the sea in a 120-day cycle. [Video: 'Whistling' Ocean 'Heard' in Space]

Known as a Rossby wave, its motion combines with pressure on the sea bottom to generate an inaudible solo that resonates from the basin, much like how air blown into a whistle produces a melodic toot.

"When you blow a whistle, you hear something because the air oscillates  pulses in and out of the whistle  and radiates a wave," the study's lead author Chris Hughes, a researcher at the National Oceanography Centre in Liverpool, in the United Kingdom, told Live Science.

"In this case, the water is pulsing in and out of the Caribbean Sea. As the mass of water changes over time, we can detect that oscillating mass from the impact it has on Earth's gravity field," he said.

Motion of the ocean

The researchers' discovery was part of a larger project called "Weighing the Ocean," which aims to measure changes in the mass of all the oceans on Earth over time. Hughes, a professor of sea-level science at the University of Liverpool, explained that as masses of ocean water shift, satellites can detect small changes in Earth's gravity field in response.

Instruments told them that ocean-bottom pressure in the tropics was consistent throughout the year  with one exception.

"We had one particular instrument in the Caribbean Sea that was behaving differently, and we didn't know why," Hughes said.

Highly detailed computer models of ocean activity  with "hundreds of millions of grid points"  all showed the same thing: in the Caribbean Sea, the slow but steady momentum of the Rossby wave recurred in a pattern, Hughes said. It traveled across the length of the sea, and every 120 days it would dissipate at the western boundary and then reappear in the east, starting its journey westward all over again, the researchers discovered. [Sea Science: 7 Bizarre Facts About the Ocean]

A cog in Earth's climate engine

The A-flat note generated in the basin  dubbed the "Rossby whistle" by the scientists  is certainly interesting, but there are more practical applications that could arise from knowing about this wave pattern, such as to help predict sea level change and the risks of flooding, Hughes said.

"Because this oscillation takes 120 days and keeps oscillating over long time scales, it might be possible to predict what sea levels along theSouth American coast could be doing many months in advance," Hughes explained. "Quite small changes in what we call "mean sea level"  over a long time scale  can make a big difference in the probability of floods that result from storms and more rapid changes," he said.

The oscillation could even have implications for Earth's climate engine, Hughes added.

As soon as the current leaves the Caribbean Sea, it enters the Gulf of Mexico and becomes the current in the Gulf Stream, the fast-moving and powerful Atlantic Ocean current that is a major part of the climate system.

"This whistle effect is sucking energy out of the current as it goes through the Caribbean Sea," Hughes said. "That might actually have an influence on how the Gulf Stream and the whole climate system operates."

The findings were published online Sunday (June 19) in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Original article on Live Science.
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Foreign scientists are questioning whether a new gene editing technique developed by a Chinese researcher is indeed effective. (Photo : Getty Images)

China wants to become a home of experts in the human DNA, and technological advancements in the field are bringing this dream in the right direction.



BGI, China's pride and one of the biggest companies in the genomics industry, has unveiled its "Miracle Light" incubation platform that allows the genetics industry in the country to progress more rapidly.



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Many other firms in the industry are also expected to benefit from the advancement, as the Chinese government sees great potential in gene sequencing, particularly in the development of treatments for some of the world's deadliest diseases such as cancer.



BGI is also set to inaugurate the country's very own gene bank, which has been entrusted to them by the central government of China.



Miracle Light



On Sunday, BGI President Wang Jian explained to China Daily the benefits of the Miracle Light, which is situated in Nanshan District, Guangdong Province.



"Innovation and entrepreneurship that meet a fundamental need of human development will definitely lead us to a new path," Wang told the outlet.



The Miracle Light is an incubation platform located in Nanshan's industrial park and is aimed at providing an open platform for technological development, scientific research and industry resources.



Via the platform, all these can be integrated together to aid the progress of the industry, China Daily explained.



"What we strive to do is to train the talent and to increase the number from 100,000 to 1 million," Miracle Light CEO Liu Liang explained, adding that they aim to solve problems in human resources, marketing and capital. "We encourage those with entrepreneurial spirits to enter the industry to pave the way for its growth."



China National Genebank



This coming September, the BGI is also set to inaugurate the country's 5-hectare genomics facility that would house millions of gene samples from humans, plants, animals, and even microbes, called the China National Genebank, Nature.com reported.



Similar facilities can also be found overseas, but the CNG and BGI have one advantage over them: the support of the government.



"We can get there faster because of our partnership with the government, hospitals, universities, because we can move faster than large consortia, and particularly because we have our own sequencer. That is a huge advantage," BGI global head of research Yiwu He stated.



China is currently ahead of other countries in terms of gene sequencing with a capacity range of 20 to 30 percent, according to Executive Officer Richard Daly of the Mountain View-based DNAnexus.



"Sequencing capacity is rising rapidly everywhere, but it's rising more rapidly in China than anywhere else," Daly added.






Researchers work at a genomics laboratory in Tianjin. (Photo : Reuters)

Nature magazine has recently featured in its online edition 10 of Chinas top scientists who have made valuable contributions in their fields, the Xinhua News Agency reported.



Among them is Wang Yifang, director of the Beijing-based Institute of High Energy Physics. Wang aims to build a 50km to 100km circular particle collider that will replace the 27km-circumference Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of the CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research).



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Wang's project has two machines. One is a machine that will start exploring the Higgs particle in 2028, and the other one will be at the same tunnel which will split particles with up to seven times the energy of the LHC. The project will need a huge funding from the government, the report said.



Wu Ji, director-general of China's National Space Science Center, was also included in the list. Wu has placed scientific discovery as the focus of China's space program through space-science missions.



Another scientist in the list is Lu Chaoyang, who played a major role in the country's quest to lead in quantum-information technology. He is best known for his work on "entanglement," in which different particles in quantum states are linked regardless of the distance between them. He wished to further develop quantum entanglement for use in computations.



The list also included the country's four biologists: Gao Caixia, who pioneered the use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique in crops, specifically wheat and rice; Yan Nieng, a structural biologist who worked on determining the structures of proteins within the cells' plasma membranes; Nancy Ip, who led the research on basic neural biology and translational research for brain health; and geneticist Fu Qiaomei whose work helped revise the history of Asia's first modern humans.



Chen Jining, minister of China's Environmental Protection was also included in the list for leading the government's efforts to ensure that local officials and companies comply with rules on pollution and industrial development.



Qin Weijia, executive deputy director of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration, was also cited for uncovering the history of the Antarctic ice sheets.



Cui Weicheng, a scientist working at Shanghai Ocean University, was also featured for his quest to reach the deepest place on Earth, which is the Mariana Trench, measuring 11,000 meters below sea level.



"These 10 individuals highlight the breadth and promise of innovation in China as the country continues its strong push to become a leader in science," Richard Monastersky, features editor for Nature, said.


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But punitive measures to deter others would not be productive. An EU straightjacket in which countries only stay in out of fear would also be untenable.

No, this isn't the time to be firing huffy vows of vengeance across the English Channel. The British are gone and that is a bitter realization. But the decision to leave the European Union was also a democratic one and must be respected. As of today, Britain is no longer important to the future of the EU.

European Unity Is the Only Guarantee for Lasting Peace

Europe's focus should now be squarely on the remaining EU member states and their citizens. They must now be convinced deep in their hearts that the EU is the best possible form of self-determination for them. But this conviction is only attainable if the EU becomes more democratic, more transparent and less bureaucratic -- that much is clear.
JD.com CEO and founder Richard Liu speaks at the NASDAQ Market site at Times Square in New York. (Photo : Reuters)

JD.com has announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with Wal-Mart China after its shares went up recently, according to a report by CNBC.



The company's stock, which re-opened about 9 percent after it was initially held, closed the day up more than 4 percent. On the other hand, Wal-Mart shares were higher.



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Under the partnership, JD.com will manage the website, brand and app for e-commerce platform Yihaodian, while Wal-Mart will maintain control of the subsidiary's direct sales business.



The company plans to further develop the brand, which is popular in eastern and southern China, Richard Liu, CEO of JD.com, said in a statement.



The report said that Sam's Club China is expected to gain more accessibility with the opening of a flagship store on JD.com, based on the deal.



"Sam's Club's unique, high-end product selection meets the demand from China's increasing affluent consumers for high-quality, imported products and has already proven popular in the Chinese cities where it has stores," Liu said.



About 5 percent of the total shares outstanding in JD.com will be received by Wal-Mart, the report said.



Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Wal-Mart, called JD.com a "very complementary business and ideal partner," adding that the two companies have similar values.



"We also look forward to offering customers a tremendous number of quality imported products not previously widely available in China through Wal-Mart and Sam's Club," McMillon said in a statement.



In March, JD.com also announced its partnership with Tencent Holdings Ltd. aimed at challenging Alibaba in the mobile sector, which is seen to transform the country's e-commerce industry.



The partnership between the two companies has given JD.com a headline spot in WeChat, introducing consumer-to-consumer shopping and providing support for the logistics infrastructure, which Alibaba lacks.



"JD was competing with Alibaba . . . however the scale was too small," Bryan Wang, a Beijing-based vice president with Forrester Research, said. "But now with the WeChat platform that's a game changer."


A Far Off Dream

In Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia, state structures are still too weak and the political classes are blighted by widespread corruption. Good governance is a far off dream.

Greece is not economically mature enough for the euro and can only be propped up in the common currency union by financial aid. The reform process has stalled. In countries like Italy and Spain, many are yearning for a return to a nationally controlled economy free of German pressure for austerity and reform.

The Continent is located in close proximity to the wars and crises currently gripping the Arab world, a situation that is producing millions of refugees and makes those nations unable to stop refugees coming from other parts of Africa further to the south. Because of the refugee crisis, Europe is also deeply ensnarled in a relationship with Turkey and its increasingly authoritarian leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

That is what we are facing, and those are just the larger problems. There is a reason for each of them, but if you look at the picture as a whole, it is easy to get the impression that there is a lot here that doesn't fit together, that this continent is hopelessly discordant and that it has not yet established common political or economic standards. On top of that is the growing unwillingness to bow to a central government -- in Brussels, in Berlin -- and to accept to its standards.

The grand European vision aspires to a federalist state. It envisions countries giving up their sovereignty and statehood step by step, ultimately to be ruled by Brussels as the United States of Europe. That is a nice dream, but it hasn't been able to force its way into the real world. The British were never adherents of this dream. They wanted a loose alliance promising economic advantages. Now, they don't want anything from the EU anymore. Other countries could follow. There are many in the Netherlands who are also hoping for a referendum. Many in Germany share this skepticism but know full well that, as a country relying on exports, Germany profits handsomely from the EU. They should also be aware that the process of European unification helped Germany travel the road from international pariah to being a valued and well-liked country.

A Sober Look

Germany needs Europe and that's why it should do all it can to preserve the EU. Brexit may be a terrible event because the UK is such an important country with deeply rooted liberal and democratic values. But one doesn't need to worry about what will happen to the country now that it has left the EU. It will remain a democracy and will remain part of the West. Russia will not be able to drag Britain over to its side. One can't be so sure about other countries in Europe. Were Greece to leave the euro zone, it would seek support elsewhere.

Still, the opening statement of this piece holds true: Zero hour can represent a moment of liberation. Following Brexit, that means the following: We have not been successful in keeping Europe unified, which makes it no longer necessary to maintain the fiction of unity no matter what. The world now knows that the European construct is a fragile one. It is undeniable. But something can be won from this realization.

It is now possible to take a sober look at where unity is necessary and where it is not. That means letting go of the ideology which holds that all EU member states must advance at the same pace. Europe still needs a large number of people to be taken seriously on the global stage. But there can be different levels of unity.

For Germany, France remains its most important partner. Now that Britain is leaving, that partnership is even more important. Europe can only work if the German-French axis is halfway intact. Currently, it is not -- because France has fallen behind economically and can no longer credibly claim to be on equal footing. Germany must now help France and show political and economic solidarity. Best would be a plan for an even tighter political and economic association, with financial and security policy being the priorities.

The other European partners should be invited to participate, but they should only be allowed to participate if they are able. That means, if they meet certain standards. This could be the beginning of a core Europe, made up of those who are both willing and able to pull their weight. The others, of course, can remain in the EU, but must make the effort to reform their institutions and economies. Those who aren't able will fall behind. And this time, standards are standards. Cheating and forbearance of the kind seen with the euro zone accession criteria will not be tolerated.

The euro will remain Europe's currency. The goal of keeping all euro-zone members in the common currency regime remains, but the principle of maintaining the euro zone's integrity at any price no longer applies. Those who are uninterested in reform, those who slide from one emergency aid package to the next, should no longer be stopped if they think they would be better off with their own currency. That is a bitter conclusion, but unity for the sake of unity has lost its value. Now, it is about facts and about getting along. That is of more value than the temptations offered by Russia.

This new Europe is also a utopia, a dream. It will be difficult enough to establish French-German unity and create a solid core out of which Europe can develop. But it is worthwhile to have a European dream and to work towards a specific goal. Brexit is not the end, it is the beginning -- a zero hour of which the continent must take advantage.
Brexit supporters exploited the dissatisfaction of many in Britain with the state of politics, and the vote is one that is not just against the EU but also against Cameron's government. The prime minister understood the message and promptly announced on Friday that he would leave office by autumn. The campaign slogan that seemed to work best was, "Take back control."

A majority of Brits have the feeling that the EU dictates everything to them. Allegedly uncontrolled migration prompted many to vote to leave the EU. The Brexit campaign proved adept at exploiting this sentiment and promised the people of Britain a new sovereignty. "If we vote leave, we can take back control of our borders," pledged the United Kingdom Independence Party's Nigel Farage and former London mayor Boris Johnson, the conservative head of the Leave campaign.
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Shares of major Connecticut stocks slumped in early trading Friday after United Kingdom citizens voted to leave the European Union, triggering the resignation of U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron and a statement from the Securities and Exchange Commission that it is closely monitoring U.S. markets.

Shares of Royal Bank of Scotland plunged 18 percent to 205.80 pounds in regular trading Friday on the London Stock Exchange (LON: RBS), with RBS having spent the past two years cutting hundreds of jobs from its U.S. operations based in Stamford. Shares of Switzerland-based UBS (NYSE: UBS), which is moving its Stamford banking operations into the RBS building on Washington Boulevard, suffered a 12 percent drop in its shares Friday to $14.19.

We are operating business as usual and have no current plans to change where we operate or how we operate in response to the referendum result, RBS stated in an email to Hearst Connecticut. There will now be a period of time to work through the implications of the vote with regulators. We will obviously work closely with the (government) during this period.

Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) had told Hearst he felt a British exit would be a negative for Connecticut. In addition to corporations doing business overseas, Fairfield County is home to one of the worlds largest clusters of hedge funds which have extensive investments globally.

The U.K. is really an important jumping-off point for lots of U.S. companies in Europe, particularly in financial services, Himes said. Certainly, Connecticut financial-services businesses would have to rethink their approach to Europe.

London-based Diageo (NYSE: DEO), which has its North American headquarters in Norwalk, saw its American Depositary Receipt shares drop 4 percent Friday morning to $105.68 on the New York Stock Exchange. Unilever (NYSE: UL) had a similar drop, trading at $45.33 Friday morning; the consumer products company lists dual headquarters in London and Rotterdam and has a major research lab in Trumbull that employs 1,000 people, who develop and support new products under brands like Pond's, Lux, Dove, Axe, Vaseline, Suave, Q-Tips, Degree and Lever 2000.

The Netherlands-based ASML (Nasdaq: ASML), which employs about 1,000 people in Wilton making high-tech machines used to produce semiconductors, registered a 6 percent drop in its Nasdaq issue to $95.90, while shares of the Danbury-based industrial gas supplier Praxair (NYSE: PX) were off 4 percent to $110.93.

General Electric (NYSE: GE) dropped 3 percent to $30.29, with large numbers of local residents holding shares thanks to GEs longtime headquarters in Fairfield the conglomerate is now in the process of relocating to Boston. GE hit a 2016 low in February at $27.45 a share.

Global bellwether stock Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B) was off 3 percent as well to $140.98. The Omaha, Neb.-based company is a major local employer in its own right via ownership of General Reinsurance in Stamford, Duracell in Bethel, H.H. Brown in Greenwich and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties in Wallingford with offices throughout the region, and with senior executive Ajit Jain leading Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group in Stamford.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun speaks during a product launch on May 15, 2014, in Beijing, China. (Photo : Getty Images)

Xiaomi Mi Max, which was launched last month, will reportedly get a new variant with lesser RAM and storage capacity than the original phablet. The new version will supposedly come packed with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage at a price lower than its regular version.



The gargantuan Mi Max device with higher RAM and storage became an instant hit when it was first launched in the Chinese province in May. The specialty about the phablet is its full-HD display size that measures 6.44-inches, which is so big that it can be used as a shed during sunny days.



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Additionally, the display's high resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels ensure vibrant and sharp pictures. Enabled with Sunlight Display feature, the screen of the phablet is easy to read under bright sunlight, as pointed out by CNET.



For Xiaomi fans, the good news is that the new variant will have the rest of features the same except for the RAM, storage and price. Other features of the purported device include a Snapdragon 650 processor, a 5MP selfie camera with wide viewing angle, a 16MP front camera and a huge 4.850mAh battery.



Xiaomi promises quite an impressive performance of the battery, allowing the phablet to run for a long time on the standby mode from a single charge. Based on 4G LTE connectivity, the device boasts of Xiaomi's home-built MIUI 8 software along with dual-SIM support.



While the Xioami Mi Max variant is yet to introduce its new variant, the original 6.4-inch display phablet is only available in China, but it is expected to come to Southeast Asian markets soon. However, Xiaomi customers in the US, Australia and UK can buy the tablet via third-party retailers online.



Considering the less storage and RAM capacity of the new version, it can be assumed that the upcoming device will cost lesser than the Mi Max with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage that was priced at $230 in China. On the other hand, the global price was a little higher at $325.89.



It can be expected that the new version will cost less than $200 in China and below $300 across the globe, Tech Times reported. However, it should be noted that there is no official confirmation regarding the new Mi Max by the Chinese company.






Compulsory Education Implemented In Chongqing Juvenile Correctional Center (Photo : Getty Images)

Chinese doctors have made a lot of advances in organ transplantation that a surgeon in Harbin is planning to perform the world first whole body transplant. While Dr. Xiaoping Rens chances of success may be questioned by the medical community, his source of the head and body for the procedure would likely not be doubted because of the pioneering status of the planned landmark surgery.



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However, the source of other body organs, such as heart, kidney and liver, has been questioned in the past because of previous exposes that these body parts were forcibly taken from prisoners. When China was criticized by international human rights organizations over the practice, authorities said only 10,000 legal transplants take place yearly sourced from the countrys voluntary organ donation system.



But a new report by CNN said the killing of prisoners for their body parts continue. It estimated organ transplantations at 60,000 to 100,000 body parts annually.



An ex-Canadian legislator, a human rights lawyer and a journalist, who wrote the report, claimed the practice of harvesting organ is widespread and systematic. They identified inmates with views contrary to the Communist Party of China as the ones killed for their organs.



The difference between the 10,000 and the 100,000 comes from prisoner with different political or religious views from the party. But it would be difficult to come up with proof of that because of the secrecy that comes with Chinas execution of convicts.



On Thursday, during a regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying denied the accusation of forced organ harvesting as imaginary and baseless, lacking in factual foundation.






O h England, what have you done?

Usually, you can shrug off the markets excessive reactions to political events.

The hyperactive pound, the schizophrenic FTSE, always stampede on Day One before settling down later. But this time it might be different. Quitting the EU will deliver the biggest shock to the British economy since the financial crisis. The ramifications could be felt for decades.

Anyone who says they know what will be the long-term outcome is lying.

Whats for sure, though, is that in the short and medium term, Britain will attract less foreign investment, will produce fewer goods and services, and possibly plunge back into a recession. Even the less bearish economists have downgraded their 2017 GDP forecasts by 20 billion or so.

Uncertainty kills investment, which in turn poisons the well of jobs and prosperity. Now, we have more uncertainty than at any time in living memory, even with the Prime Ministers efforts to pave an orderly path to our exit talks.

The whole of the UK will be damaged, of course, but London  the countrys powerhouse  stands to lose the most, a truth thats all the more bitter given our citys overwhelming vote to Remain.

Again, its not yet clear how many jobs will go, but they will surely number in the tens of thousands at the least. International investment banks, like brokers, lawyers and accountants, follow their clients. If the clients decide they no longer want London to be their European hub, they will leave.

Along with that likely plunge back into recession will come a sharp rise in interest payments on our towering debts as we lose our AAA credit rating. Expect higher taxes or cuts to public services to make up the shortfall.

And all thats before you factor in the prospect of Europe fracturing without us. Italy, Portugal and Spains markets crashed 9% amid fears the whole EU project is finished. Yet more uncertainty.

Its easy to despair, and there was unmistakable, deep sadness in the voices of many bosses we spoke to this morning. But they were united in declaring that Britain, and London, must now work tirelessly to promote the benefits of trading here even without the huge benefits of our dominant role in Europe.

London still has the worlds biggest concentration of expertise in global finance. It still enjoys the centuries-old ties with the US, the English language and historic trading ties across the world.

Alongside all the negotiations with the EU to come, the new prime minister must work relentlessly with business to keep selling those benefits to the world, and persuade them that they outweigh the result of this spectacularly misguided referendum.
U ntil yesterday, David Cameron and Boris Johnson shared an unbeaten record in big political contests.

No longer. Cameron  the Tories biggest political winner in a quarter of a century  has finally lost to the biggest political character of the age. The Prime Minister announced his resignation today.

Before the European referendum, Cameron had four victories under his belt: the Tory leadership contest, the Coalition election win, the Scottish referendum and last years overall majority win. Boris only had his two mayoral election wins.

Now the political tectonic plates have shifted. The age of Cameron and Osborne is giving way to the age of Johnson alone. For all his affability, charm and jokes, Boris is essentially a loner  as I learned from five years working with him at the Daily Telegraph.

He is also an adventurous risk-taker. And now the biggest gamble in his life has come off. The long march to No 10  which Boris has been planning since childhood  is nearly over.

The Brexit gamble was typical of him. The odds were against victory for most of the campaign  Boris himself was saying yesterday that Brexit would lose. But never underestimate Boris.

He knew that it would have been political suicide to launch a leadership coup against Cameron. Instead, he did the next best thing  he hitched his wagon to Brexit, the only movement that could conceivably shift Cameron from Downing Street. Boriss gambling, risk-loving spirit was also fitted to the anti-authoritarian, anti-politician spirit of the age.

It was typical of Boris that he said this week hed be happy to end his career over the referendum and yet it was not his career that was lost. The moment Boris came out for Brexit, he knew the chances of winning were limited. He would never have thrown away his lifetimes goal  to become Prime Minister  on a single spectacular gamble.

Boris Johnson 'drowned by seas of boos' as he leaves north London home

Even if he had lost yesterday, the rules of a Tory leadership election were in his favour, but he would have had to wait three or four years for David Cameron to stand down of his own accord. Now, Boris is just heading for Downing Street much more quickly.

In that leadership election, Tory MPs vote for two members to stand, before a ballot of the Conservative membership. Boris is almost certain to be one of those two members; and the membership, which is 75 per cent Eurosceptic, will vote for him in their droves.

Before the referendum Boris pledged loyalty to the Prime Minister in the case of a Brexit.

But it is was not in Boriss gift to save Dave. Before the referendum, Cameron had said he wanted to stay on after a Brexit vote but, as he put it today, he fought the campaign head, heart and soul. The British people rejected him and this morning they embarked on their different paths.

And so, once again, the political dice have fallen Boriss way  he can pledge loyalty, and still book the removal vans to take him from Islington to Downing Street.

Boris has dreamt of becoming Prime Minister ever since his schooldays at Eton, alongside one David Cameron. People like to think the two men have similar characters because of that shared Eton and Oxford education. But are you the same as the people you went to school with?

Boriss character could hardly be more different from David Camerons. And it is through the prism of their different characters that you can see why these two Conservatives  who share so many political views  were divided by Europe. And why, in the end, the gambling outsider beat the patrician, safe pair of hands.

As Boriss sister, Rachel Johnson, told me: Brexit attracts rebels with the light of distant horizons in their eyes who hate being told what to do, who probably had dominant fathers or bullying headmasters. Bremainers are risk-averse, keep-a-hold-of-nurse prefects.

Boris is certainly an unbiddable rebel, his eyes illuminated by the not-so-distant horizon of Downing Street. That rebellious spirit was partly forged by his peripatetic childhood. He was born in New York and spent much of his childhood in Brussels.

His Turkish background adds to the unconventional mix of his character  he should really be called Boris Kemal. His paternal great-grandfather was Ali Kemal, an Ottoman journalist and minister of justice, murdered in 1922 in the Turkish War of Independence. Throw in the divorce of Boriss parents when he was a teenager and you build a fuller picture of his character: independent, tough, driven, risk-taking.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

These things explain why Boris  for all the hyper-English, Wodehousian quotes and the Churchill and Shakespeare biographies  is something of an outsider.

Meanwhile, Camerons childhood was rooted in the happy marriage of his parents and a never-changing home  his mother and older brother still live in Peasemore, Berkshire, where the Camerons grew up.

Cameron is by no means a wallflower  his confidence is considerable. But that safe-as-houses background and his extremely strong marriage have forged his steady-as-she-goes, pragmatic, undogmatic, dutiful politics.

They have served him well, making him the greatest Tory election winner since Margaret Thatcher was turfed out of office 26 years ago. (I must declare an interest here; Cameron is my second cousin.) And yet in the end I voted for Boriss Brexit.

But even Camerons impressive record could not withstand two irresistible forces: the referendum loss and the blond Exocet missile now aimed at the front door of No 10.

Harry Mount is editor of The Wit and Wisdom of Boris Johnson (Bloomsbury)
A t 35, Tegan and Sara Quin are only just experiencing their first moment of spooky twin connectivity. The day before we meet, Tegan started complaining that her right ring finger was hurting. She shows it to me. Its pretty blue but the swelling is going down. Then Sara shows me her right hand. Her finger looks almost the same.

I couldnt believe it. It was totally bizarre, says Sara. But if youd asked me first if we have telepathy I would have said, No, youre annoying, dont even ask the question.

The duo from Calgary, Canada, have been making albums for 17 years now. Their eighth, Love You to Death, arrived this month, and its a summery blast of pop goodness. But after so long in the public eye, theyre understandably frustrated with being asked the same things about life as identical twins. So many questions feel like they infantilise us: Do you live together? Do you read each others minds? No, we f**king do not, says Sara, the younger by eight minutes.

Theyll be more tolerant of a discussion on the subject with me today, however, as I have twin daughters myself (who are big fans, incidentally, and have drawn a picture for them). They sit helpfully left-to-right in the order their names are written on their album sleeves, though its not so hard to tell the difference in the flesh. Tegans face is slightly squarer, and she has a mark where she used to have a piercing below her lip. Saras speaking voice is a little higher, her looks more pixieish. They gallantly offer to say their name each time they speak for the benefit of my dictaphone but its not necessary.

Sister act: Tegan and Sara on stage at Koko / Richard Gardner/REX

Theyve come to accept that in any interview only a certain percentage of the conversation is going to be about their songs and the rest will be about their identity: as women in music, as twin sisters in music, as gay twin sisters in music.

Ill be honest. If I were just straight as a musician, maybe I wouldnt feel as though my life has as much meaning. Being in a visible minority and speaking about it, and having that connection with our audience, I feel like what we do is weighted a little differently, says Sara.

Though people still ask stupid questions about being twins, there has been a positive development in the way their sexuality is discussed: The biggest shift is not that we get asked about it less, but that the questions are more interesting. What people write is more thoughtful, and I think that mirrors whats happening in the world.

'Ill be honest. If I were just straight as a musician, maybe I wouldnt feel as though my life has as much meaning. Being in a visible minority and speaking about it, and having that connection with our audience, I feel like what we do is weighted a little differently'

As I walk to meet them in the restaurant of their Marylebone hotel, I cross Oxford Circus and its vibrant display of rainbow flags for Pride Month. Theyre here for two shows at Koko in Camden and are sad that they will have left again before the main Pride weekend. Theyve been out and outspoken about it since the beginning of their long career  a situation that seems less unusual today when artists such as Sam Smith, Years & Years, Troye Sivan and Frank Ocean arent trying to hide it either.

Theyve just been reading Oceans long, thoughtful post on Tumblr prompted by this months Orlando shooting, in which 49 people were killed and 53 injured in a gay nightclub. I daydream on the idea that maybe all this barbarism and all these transgressions against ourselves is an equal and opposite reaction to something better happening in this world, some great swelling wave of openness and wakefulness out here, he wrote. As a gay man in the macho world of urban music, Tegan and Sara wish there were more voices like his.

Im not saying its not important when we speak out about the LGBT community or our outrage and horror at this massacre, but we speak out all the time, says Sara. Its nice to hear new voices. The voices that are absent are the ones that could really have an impact. In the music industry I think of hip hop, country music and certain rock music. Where are those peoples voices that could be dismantling certain types of masculinity and homophobia?

Tegan adds: Ive been to a lot of gay clubs and they sure play a lot of hip hop. It makes me feel sad, in the wake of whats happened, that the people in the music that we as a gay culture are influenced by are not necessarily the ones coming out in support. It makes me sad for the young people. They need to hear from their role models.

The day after the shooting last month they stayed at home in LA, where they live 15 minutes apart, watching the spontaneous vigils around the world. The following day, they shot a video for their new song Faith of Heart in which all the lead actors are transgender young people. It will be revealed in August. They were so inspiring, because theyre so young and excited and empowered. Theyre this next wave of really articulate, interesting, alternative voices. The timing of it was a real reminder of how strong our community is, says Tegan.

Orlando has added a sharp stab of darkness to an otherwise largely positive conversation about gay progress in recent years. I have the space to edge relatively sensitively towards the subject over the course of an hour but theyre blackly amused by the way others have approached it. During those 30-second red-carpet interviews the microphone- thrusters now leap straight from What are you wearing? to Wasnt it awful about Orlando?

But the fact that Tegan and Sara are on red carpets at all is a sign of their remarkable infiltration of the mainstream pop world. Theyve moved from being punky-looking teens with guitars, signed by Neil Young to his record label Vapor, to synthpop queens who have shared a stage with Katy Perry and Taylor Swift and been Oscar-nominated for their song from The Lego Movie, Everything Is Awesome.

'Most of our audience couldnt give a sh*t how old we are and we need to stop worrying about that, because were relevant'

At last weeks Much Music Video Awards in Toronto they performed for screaming 13-year-olds alongside proper pop stars including Nick Jonas, Fifth Harmony and Shawn Mendes. Aware that they wouldnt be grabbing attention in the traditional manner  by not wearing many clothes  they arrived on an open-top London sightseeing bus with 14 other sets of identical twins.

I remember thinking that us standing out like a sore thumb, which should be making us feel weird and insecure, is actually helping. People are gonna remember our performance because it looks different and feels different, says Tegan. Most of our audience couldnt give a sh*t how old we are and we need to stop worrying about that, because were relevant.

Their transition from indie rockers to manufacturers of bright tunes that sit comfortably beside Taylor Swifts 1989 has been more gradual than it sometimes seems. In 2009 they sang on Feel It In My Bones by Dutch superstar DJ Tiesto. Earlier songs such as Back in Your Head, from 2007, put keyboards and extreme hummability at the forefront. But it was their work with A-list songwriter Greg Kurstin, the man behind Adeles Hello and Swifts I Wish You Would among many others, that sent them crashing into the mainstream.

Their song Closer, as perfect a pop song as you could find, became far and away their biggest hit and helped their 2013 album Heartthrob to become a must-buy for pop connoisseurs. The new album continues in the same vein, with the song U-turn in particular sounding born to top the charts.

They dont feel they need to defend the shift. We felt like we were ushered along that way because thats the way music was moving. Its not like we were swimming upstream, says Tegan. Pop music feels cool now. As soon as it started to get really electronic and Eighties-sounding, we were like, Were in! All pop music means is youre making music for everybody. I dont want to be isolated in a genre.

But there is a difference between what they do and what Katy Perry does. Its different because when we go and see Greg, we come with 30 songs already written. With some pop music, its more like theyre plotting and strategising before they even start working on the record.

Another difference is that, even as their sound becomes more accessible, their subject matter is increasingly less compromised. Their new song BWU is about how Sara doesnt feel that marriage to her girlfriend of five years, Stacy Reader, is necessary even though its now an option. She thinks that the line, All the girls I loved before told me they signed up for more is the first time they havent avoided defining gender in their lyrics.

Weve had songs that have touched on it before, like I Was Married, says Sara. The 2007 song was about her civil partnership with the bands artistic director Emy Storey, though they split in 2008. But this is the first time Ive said girl.

Theyre not worried that this will dent their popularity. Nor should they be. Kids are pretty cool now. Theyre getting more advanced, I think, says Tegan. Having arrived in this business as kids themselves, theyre now the role models, and pop is a better place for having them.

Love You to Death is out now on Warner Bros

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Kai Price, 29, and Amanda Nelson, 28, are the friends and business partners behind Att Pynta, which sells affordable and contemporary Scandinavian design, as well as offering design inspiration. Half-Swedish Kai met born-and-raised Gothenburger Amanda while working at All Saints in London, where the idea for their e-boutique was born. Here, the south-east London-based duo tell us how they got into the interiors industry, why they're championing dusky pink for summer and how to give your home an easy makeover.

How did Att Pynta come about? What are your backgrounds in?

Amanda: I was born and raised in Gothenburg and in 2006  when I was 18  I moved to London to further my classical ballet education. Unfortunately this was cut short after I suffered several injuries. Id always been passionate about clothing, so decided to leave my dance career behind and pursue a job in the fashion industry. Kai and I met while doing PR for AllSaints. We've both always had a keen interest in interior design - something we bonded over straight away! In Sweden there is a big focus on home and interior design so it has always been a natural part of my life. As my family still lives over there I go back every few months which has allowed me to stay updated with the latest trends

Kai: We both also always loved the idea of running our own business, so after talking about it we decided to just go for it. In 2014 we left our jobs and starting working on the business full time and never looked back!

Do you have any advice for those hoping to break into the industry?

Kai: Never be afraid to approach people that are already doing what you want do and try and get some experience from them, be willing to start from the bottom and learn from others. Try and immerse yourself in the industry as much as you can, whether that be following designers on Instagram, searching the latest trends on Pintertest or exploring design and trade shows.

Black and white: typical Scandinavian design championed by Att Pynta

Amanda: Become familiar with the influencers in your industry. If you have a design niche or a style you want to work within maybe start a blog as a creative output for your design ideas or to showcase homes that inspire you. For years I followed Swedish lifestyle and interior blogs that gave me an insight into the latest Scandi trends.

Can you describe your curation ethos?

Kai: With a large amount of young professionals either renting or being first time buyers, we wanted to establish a destination where people can inexpensively make their new or rented house feel like a home. Our ethos is to bring the latest Scandinavian trends to the UK at an affordable price while championing new designers and handcrafted products. We wanted to create a site that offers contemporary affordable homewares as well as showcasing inspirational ideas that people can apply to their own homes.

Amanda: I've always done a lot of travelling between UK and Sweden and I noticed how I would end up buying interior accessories in Sweden to bring back with me as I couldn't find it here. It made me aware of what was lacking in the UK market and I became determined to make these Scandinavian homeware accessories available over here.

Att Pynta: simple, stylish and affordable

Are you working on any exciting new projects or collaborations?

Amanda: We are in the process of launching a really exciting project with Swedish furniture design company Melimeli Home, whose styles we'll exclusively be selling here in the UK. The pieces are absolutely gorgeous and we can't wait to launch them on the site! Watch this space.

Kai: We have also just launched our new limited edition Summer scented candle Wild Pear and Sandalwood. It has a subtle sweet fragrance with notes of musk, vanilla, lavender, pear and sandalwood

Chopping boards

What are your favourite pieces?

Amanda: The vases are always very popular, you can't go wrong with beautiful colours and timeless Danish designs - also who doesn't love adding fresh flowers to your home! I currently love burning our new scented candle in the office, it smells so fresh and summery and as I make them all myself they feel personal to me.

Kai: We launched a new range of ceramics bowls and mugs that we've designed with our Swedish potter, each one contains a touch of 24 carat gold, they are gorgeous and sold out in a week! I also love the goose feather lampshades, I have one in bedroom and it hangs over my bed like a pretty cloud.

Att Pynta's new pear and sandalwood scented candle

What was the last piece of homeware you bought?

Kai: I got a midcentury sleigh bed from West Elm earlier this year. I love the high bed board and grey colour.

Amanda: A Swoon Edition side board for my living room. I spotted it at a sample sale and couldn't resist!

Do you have a favourite restaurant or hotel in London for design?

Kai: Shoreditch and Soho House Dean Street have beautiful interiors, with big velvet sofas and open fireplaces - I love the cosy relaxed vibe they have created.

Amanda: I really like the design of Chiltern Firehouse and Bob Bob Ricard. I love the old school glamorous aesthetics and the decadent atmosphere which makes you feel special when you are there. Of course we both love Sketch, especially the restaurant with the dusky pink velvet chair and the unique marble flooring.

Hanging planters

What would Att Pyntas top room makeover tip be?

Amanda: Lighting is very important to create an inviting feeling in a home. A harsh ceiling light is never flattering and will make even the most beautiful room feel cold and sterile. Using several smaller light sources around the room as well as dimmer switches will make almost any space feel cosy and inviting. Candle light is also great - we often light candles in the evenings - don't feel it has to be a special occasion to light some candles around your house.

Kai: Accessories are a great way to update a rented space if you are unable to paint or put holes in the walls. I like to use two or three dominant colours to make my home feel more curated and give it a calm atmosphere  dusk pink, moss green and charcoal grey are my current favourites. If you're not sure which colours work together, look to nature for your inspiration. Take a picture of cliffs, for example, and you'll see black, grey, and blue together  the perfect muted palette.

What home trends do you predict for the coming months?

Amanda: In terms of Scandi design we've definitely noticed a shift from the stark white walls and strict monochrome look. Lots of Swedish flats are being brave with colour, adding dark moody tones to the walls, from dark green, black and greys. Statement lighting seem to be big at the moment, from large floor lamps, to oversized bulb style light pendants.

Kai: There has definitely been a shift from the very popular copper trend to brass. The gold tones of brass work wonderfully in kitchens and bathrooms. Seventies retro colours and styles seem to be making a comeback too, from mustard yellows, plum purple and moss green seen on vases, textiles and even furniture. Bringing the outside in is still a big trend, in form of large exotic plants, indoor trees and cacti.

Ceramic plants pots

Are there any colours youre championing for summer?

Amanda: We'll be championing lots of dusky pinks, muted green tones and indigo blues this summer.

What is your most treasured piece of homeware?

Kai: I upcycled an antique dining bench that was given to my partner by his parents, we painted it gloss black and added a lambswool across it and it looks great at part of the dining area. I also love my Roberts radio, I have it on pretty much all day and evening!

Amanda: I was passed down a authentic mid-century dining table form my grandparents which they had when my mum was growing up. Its so nice to still have it in the family and use it everyday.

Design and interiors shops in London 1 /41 Design and interiors shops in London CENTRAL Mint, Knightsbridge Mint has made a name for itself in the design world by offering exclusive works by both new, as well as internationally recognised, designers. Mint also places a strong focus on interpreting the latest interior design trends. With many one off and limited edition pieces made exclusively for Mint, having them in your home will make friends and family very jealous. Find it: 2 North Terrace, SW3 2BA ; mintshop.co.uk Mint Press CENTRAL Designers Guild, Kensington Designers Guild was established in 1970 by brother and sister, Trisha Guild and Simon Jeffreys. Their range of luxury designs, fabrics, wallcoverings and bed and bath collections are available worldwide but their UK flagship store is is situated in Kensington. Find it: 265-277 KING'S ROAD, SW3 5EN; designersguild.com CENTRAL Aram Store, Covent Garden When Zeev Aram opened his first showroom in 1964, the Londoners that walked past the shop front didnt know what had hit them. Today the shop features a huge range of stunning design pieces, from chairs and tables, to lamps and storage. There is even a whole floor of the shop dedicated to new work by designers that are still relatively unknown, as helping talented designers is something Aram has always deemed vital. Find it: 110 Drury Lane, WC2B 5SG; aram.co.uk CENTRAL Pentreath & Hall, Bloomsbury Pentreath & Hall was founded by accident five years ago when Ben Pentreath, an architect, decided to open a small shopfront on his office annex, and his friend Birdie Hall, an artist, decided to help him. The shop was born and has now grown to become a treasure chest of beautiful things. Only stocking items the pair both love, it is clear that these two are a very stylish duo. Ideal for contemporary twists on classic design pieces. Find it: 17 Rugby St, WC1N 3QT; pentreath-hall.com Pentreath & Hall Shop CENTRAL Andrew Martin, South Kensington The Andrew Martin shop is an explosion of different cultures, decades and nostaligia. Their design items are inspired by all three, and pieces on display have an unusual emotive power to them. Stepping inside you will see a range of unusual objects and things you wouldn't expect to see in an interior design shop, such as giant leather animals, some taller than six foot. Nothing on show is subtle - if you are after a few statement pieces this is the place for you. Find it: 198-200 Walton St, SW3 2JL; andrewmartin.co.uk CENTRAL Darkroom, Bloomsbury Favouring colour and texture over what the object is when it comes to the designs they have in store, Darkroom showcases items in a unique way. Against the signature black walls of the shop, their colourful pieces, ranging from vases to jewellery, really do pop. Find it: 52 Lamb's Conduit St, WC1N 3LL; darkroomlondon.com CENTRAL Jimmie Martin, Kensington Wacky is the word that best describes the Jimmie Martin shop. Featuring one-off pieces of furniture in bold colours, frequently neon, the designs are always quirky and unusual. Founders Jimmie Karlsson and Martin Nihlmar wanted to sell sophisticated design items that would be glamourous, yet retain an urban feel. Their animal print cushions are a must-see. Find it:77 Kensington Church St, W8 4BG; jimmiemartin.com Jimmie Martin CENTRAL Skandium, Knightsbridge Specialising in Scandinavian Modernism, Skandium has a range of unique designs on sale. All understated and chic, Skandium stocks furniture, ceramics, lighting and glass. Items are made to be durable and versatile, and all are laid out neatly in the shop. Skandium shows how cutting edge design can work in your home. Find it: 86 Marylebone High St, W1U 4QS; skandium.com NORTH mollymeg, Islington A child's dream come true. Molly Meg is an independent children's design store offering an adorable selection of furniture, home decoration, vintage style toys, gifts and party supplies. Although established since 2009, their first permanent store opened in October 2016. Find it: 111 Essex Rd, N1 2SL; mollymeg.com NORTH Indish, Crouch End Flying the design flag in Crouch End since 1996, Indish sell Scandinavian and British home orientated items with two things in common: an aesthetic and a function and useful and beautiful things. There are super hipsterish ornaments and decor to instantly liven up your living or bedroom, from vases and abstract cushions, to clocks and geometric wall art. These are also unique pieces that would make fabulous gifts. Indish is definitely for the cool and quirky. Find it: 16 Broadway Parade, N8 9DE; indish.co.uk NORTH Twenty Twenty-One, Islington You really cant miss Twenty Twenty-One when you are walking down Upper Street. The shop front is just as striking as what is for sale inside. As the name suggests the designs on offer combine classic styles from the twentieth century with contemporary designs. The clean aesthetic makes for elegant designs that won't tire over time. Find it: 275 Upper St, N1 2UA; twentytwentyone.com NORTH Pitfield, Hoxton Shop, cafe and exhibition centre in one, Pitfield is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. Homely meets modern, the space is packed with unusual pieces in many different styles. From vintage to designer, and from furniture to wallpaper, it would be difficult not to find what you are looking for. Find it: 31-35 Pitfield St, N1 6HB; pitfieldlondon.com NORTH Aria, Islington Aria is found in an impressive building which as well as being home to the design shop, is also the venue for many creative events. The shop stocks an eclectic range of contemporary furnishings as well as hand-selected vintage pieces. Aria also collaborates with local independent designers and artists so be sure to check them out if you are after something a little different. Find it: Barnsbury Hall, Barnsbury St, N1 1PN; ariashop.co.uk Louis Little NORTH Labour & Wait, Shoreditch Labour & Wait showcases quality, everyday design products for the home. You wont find any wacky designs here; everything is traditional and timeless. Many of the designers behind the creations on sale still use traditional manufacturing techniques. If you are after honest, wholesome homeware - look no further. Find it: 85 Redchurch St, E2 7DJ; labourandwait.co.uk NORTH Monologue, Shoreditch Just a few months old, Monologue is a contemporary concept store founded by interior designer Pavel Klimczack with a Scandi leaning. You'll find HAY stationary, soft throws in eclectic prints and unique accessories for the home. Find it: 93 Redchurch St, E2 7DP; monologuelondon.com NORTH Jasper Morrison, Hoxton Jasper Morrison provides an entirely different shopping experience. Featuring products from around the world, many made by anonymous designers, the designs on sale are unique, despite being everyday objects. Their website is definitely worth checking out; it, much like the shop, is the epitome of understated chic. Find it: 24 Kingsland Rd, E2 8DA; jaspermorrisonshop.com Jasper Morrison in Hoxton - press image NORTH Smug, Islington Full of personal touches, Smug reflects owner Lizzie Evans eclectic tastes. Items are displayed on unusual items of 1950s furniture that Lizzie has collected over the years, including Formica tables and even retro school desks. The shop space features its old waxed boards and rusty manhole covers combined with glass flooring. The result is a bright, open space that keeps its unique and old-fashioned charm. When you have finished browsing the homeware designs you can go to recently launched Cafe Smug for a quirky coffee. Find it: 13 Camden Passage, N1 8EA; ifeelsmug.com Lizzie Evans, founder of Smug - press image NORTH Atelier Abigail Ahern, Islington Designer and author of 'A Girl's Guide to Decorating', Abigail Ahern, is known across the design industry for her glamorous taste and ability to design pieces that are bold but also tasteful. The shop is enchanting. The design pieces on display feel luxurious and glamorous and the huge array of brightly-coloured flowers create a unique shopping experience. Find it: 137 Upper St, N1 1QP; abigailahern.com NORTH Future and Found, Tufnell Park Named after what they stock, future being new designs from around the world, and found representing the array of vintage market finds on display, the shop provides what it promises. All their designs are simple and the colour palette is uncluttered  you wont find an array of brash coloured objects here but rather muted shades. Find it: 225a Brecknock Rd, N19 5AA; futureandfound.com NORTH Triangle, Clapton Chatworth Road is a new London hotspot with its Sunday market, cafes and delis and Triangle is its latest addition as a design-led lifestyle store. Started by three close friends, Triangle sells everything from stylish teak tables to mid-century glassware via Scandinavian homeware from designers such as Normann Copenhagen. Find it: 92A Chatsworth Rd, E5 0LS; trianglestore.co.uk Triangle in Clapton - press image EAST HAUS, Victoria Park Haus offers a carefully considered selection of the best in contemporary furniture, lighting and homeware from their delightful East London shop. Products are sourced from leading European design brands and internationally renowned designers, as well as lesser known pieces from smaller producers and independent designers. Find it: 39 Morpeth Rd, E9 7LD; hauslondon.com EAST Earl of East London, Hackney This lifestyle brand prides itself in a love for mid-century and vintage products and offers stunning collectables, home decor items and personal accessories. Co-owners Niko and Paul have also developed their own range of interior fragrances inspired by their travels and memories. Find it: 13- 23 Westgate St, E8 3RL; earlofeastlondon.com Earl of East London lifestyle store - press image EAST SCP, Shoreditch Located in what used to be an old mattress factory in the middle of the Shoreditch Triangle, SCP Shoreditch has since been transformed into a chic location for interior design. Featuring over 200 brands over two floors, the shop showcases contemporary furniture and homeware accessories. On sale are also some of SCPs own designs which combine beauty with practicality. SCP are known to have launched famous names into the industry, such as James Irvine, Jasper Morrison and Terence Woodgate. Find it: 135-139 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3BX; scp.co.uk EAST Do Shop, Shoreditch Do Shop shows off the fun side of design. The shop features furniture, lighting, kitchenware which is functional but also inspiring. Do Shop also has the Do Masters programme where they select young design school graduates and market and sell their products in store. Most of the profit made then goes to the designers. Find it:16-28 Tabernacle Street, EC2A 4DD; do-shop.com EAST House of Hackney, Shoreditch If you're got a things for bold prints, then House of Hackney will be a treasure trove of design inspiration for you. Founded in 2010 by husband and wife team Javvy Royle and Frieda Gormley, the homeware products range from lampshades to shower curtains to wallpaper. You'll probably recognise their palm fronds design... Find it: 131-132 Shoreditch High St, E1 6JE; houseofhackney.com WEST The Old Cinema, Chiswick Dating back to the 1890s, The Old Cinema was just that. Now refurbished into Londons only department store dedicated to antiques, vintage and retro designs, it is well worth a visit. Items are sourced from around the world and many items are one off pieces that you wont find anywhere else. Find it: 160 Chiswick High Rd, W4 1PR; theoldcinema.co.uk WEST The Cloth Shop, Notting Hill The Cloth Shop is exactly what it calls itself. You will find a huge array of fabrics from around the world that are all made of natural fibres. Quilts from India, linens from Russia and woollen blankets from Ireland are all under one roof. If that wasnt enough the owners, Sam Harley and Alex Adams, who have been running the shop for over 20 years, can advise you on fabric measurements and recommendations. They really know their cloths! Find it: 290 Portobello Rd, W10 5TE; theclothshop.net WEST Tom Dixon, Portobello Dock The Tom Dixon shop is breath-taking. Nearly all of the items on sale are show-stopping pieces that would be the talking-point of a room. Established in 2002, this British product design brand turns everyday objects into extraordinary works of art. Even if you only want to have a browse, definitely stop by, you will be impressed. Find it: Wharf Building, Portobello Dock, 344 Ladbroke Grove, W10 5BU; tomdixon.net/uk Tom Dixon WEST Retrouvius, Kensal Green Founded by Adam Hills and Maria Speake, who met on their first day at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, their vision for the shop was unique. Salvaging items from skips, old offices and abandoned houses to name a few places, the shop is full of quirky pieces. Most pieces are sold as they were found, only a few are restored. Paul Smith once bought a device for measuring the length of men's trousers when horse riding from the shop. Current stock includes rare Derbyshire fossil limestone from the facade of a Farringdon demolition and Edwardian furniture from a London reference library. You really will find all sorts of odd things in Retrouvius. Find it: 1016 Harrow Rd, NW10 5NS; retrouvius.com/home WEST OKA, Chelsea What began as a mail orders interiors company in 1999, turned into an official shop in Parsons Green, by 2000. OKA offer hand-crafted rattan accessories and storage inspired by the Far East yet adapted and modernised for the West. OKA is now available in the prettiest spots across the UK. Find it: 155-167 Fulham Road, SW3 6SN; okadirect.com OKA Press SOUTH Do South Shop, Crystal Palace The perfect mix of rustic and modern. The Do South Shop was established in 2010 and has since become a warm and cozy home from home offering furniture, quirky lighting, luxury sofas and unique accessories to add that 'wow' factor. They also specialise in vintage furniture classics. Find it: 2 Westow Street, SE19 3AH; dosouthshop.com

Describe a day in the life of Att Pynta?

K: It's hard to describe a typical day as each one is so different. During a week we could be doing a photo shoot in a home, meeting with designer to curate our new collection, shooting new styles and updating the site. We'll planning new projects and pop up shops.

A: Lots of days are spent sending out parcels and liaising with clients and customers. We've also started taking on interior jobs decorating people's homes which has become a really new exciting strand to our business.

attpynta.com. Follow Kai and Amanda on Instagram @attpynta

Follow Kate on Twitter @kate_lough and Instagram @kateloughtravel
I ts the second busiest line on the London Underground network and it serves some of the most popular destinations in the capital. Perhaps thats why its so difficult to get a seat on the Northern Line.

Running from Edgware and High Barnett to Morden, it's a line that's frequently used by both commuters tourists alike, thanks to prominent stops like Camden Town, Leicester Square and King's Cross St. Pancras.

The black line is steeped in history, was the first of the Underground's lines to be constructed by boring deep below the surface and the first to be operated by electric traction.

The railway opened in November 1890 from Stockwell to a now-disused station at King William Street.

This was inconveniently placed and unable to cope with the company's traffic so, in 1900, a new route to Moorgate via Bank was opened.

By 1907 the line had been further extended at both ends to run from Clapham Common to Euston.

To this day, much of the core route that was created in the early 1900s is still used by todays commuters.

TODO: define component type apester

But thats not the only interesting thing to note about the Northern line: brush up on your general knowledge and click through our gallery to discover nine things you might not know about the transport route.

Follow us on Twitter: @eslifeandstyle
T he final member of the so-called Bank of Terror gang who conned elderly pensioners out of their savings to fund Islamic State in Syria has been jailed for nine months.

The fraudsters posed as police officers or bank officials to trick victims into handing over thousands of pounds, believing they were being protected from crime.

In fact, their life savings were then plundered in an industrial scale scam, with money channelled to Islamic extremists fighting in Syria.

Victims as old as 94 fell for the fraud, which may have rake in millions of pounds, police fear. Ten men have already been jailed for their parts in the scam.

At the Old Bailey today, Warsame Sheikh, 30, bowed his head as he was sentenced to nine months behind bars for money laundering.

He had received 12,500 into his account from the savings of 73-year-old Elizabeth Curtis, who lost a total of 130,000 to the scam.

The fraud was a heartless ploy which had a devastated and lasting impact on the victims, said Judge Anuja Dhir QC.

It involved fleecing the victims of large sums of money.

When the fraud started, the fraudsters contacted the victims and used other peoples accounts to accept payment from the victims  that money was then handed on to the fraudsters.

She said Sheikh, who lives in White City, west London, must have realised that money coming into his account was from a criminal racket.

They must have been sure you would hand over Mrs Curtis money to them and would not alert the police, added the judge.

She said many of the victims will never be reimbursed for the money that was stolen from them.

Among the men already jailed for the fraud was Mohamed Dahir, 23, of Finsbury Park, who was supported in an earlier bail application by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, his local MP. He was jailed for 21 months.

Also in the gang was Nathan Fagan-Gayle, 29, an X Factor finalist, who laundered thousands of pounds of the cash and was sentenced to 20 months behind bars.

One of the ringleaders, Makzhumi Abukar, 24, from Holloway, was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison.

Fahim Islam, 21, of Stepney, was jailed for six years and three months; Achmed Ahmed, 23, of Holloway, was jailed for four years and two months; Anrul Islam, 24, of Dagenham, was sentenced to 16 months; Sakaria Aden, 22, of Stoke Newington, was jailed for six-and-a-half years; Yasser Abukar, 24, of Holloway, was sentenced to six years.

Another member of the gang, Mohammed Youssfi, 38, of West Brompton, had earlier been jailed for 20 months for money, Mohammed Abokar, 28, of Islington, was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
C ampaigners marched across London Bridge to the Shard building tonight to protest against the racist and "anti-migrant" rhetoric of the EU Referendum campaign.

Up to 650 protesters pounded the streets from a park in Whitechapel with placards and banners on a day, which saw Prime Minister David Cameron announce he would step down after the Leave campaign secured victory.

After weaving their way through the City of London chanting refugees are welcome, the group rallied outside the headquarters of News Corporation  owned by Rupert Murdoch and publisher of The Sun and Times newspapers.

Protest: Campaigners gather outside London's Shard / Dean P

The campaigners lit flares and held up signs baring slogans including: Say no to hate. Its time to create.

Sunday Times reporter Josh Boswell posted a birds eye view from inside the building and said: Were under impressive siege by 650 because our editor came out for #Brexit.

On Twitter, campaigners shared pictures of the rally, which was heavily policed.

Announced in a Facebook post by the Revolutionary Socialism in the 21st Century, the protest was staged "against racism, for migrant rights, against fascist violence  on the day after the EU referendum."

The post said: The EU referendum has unleashed a torrent of racism. Migration has been attacked and scapegoated by both campaigns -- with Leave stoking up bigotry against immigrants and Remain responding by capitulating and echoing that bigotry.

"Our ruling class has opened a Pandora's box of racist rhetoric around migrants and allowed a space to open up in groups and individuals influenced by fascist ideology."

A Met Police spokesman said: Police are aware of a march and protest that began in the Whitechapel area and which is expected to finish in Southwark. An appropriate policing plan is in place.

"No arrests or injuries."
A barge sails on the South China Sea on Dec. 24, 2007, in Yangjiang of Guangdong Province, China. (Photo : Getty Images)

Chinas state-owned shipping giant COSCO has announced plans to offer cruises in the South China Sea as early as next month, with the first route going through Sanya City in the countrys southeast to the disputed Paracel Islands, Reuters reported on Monday.



The Paracels, known as the Xisha Islands in Chinese, are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.



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"It is practical to stimulate the local economy through development of tourism, logistics and infrastructure facilities," COSCO chairman Xu Lirong was quoted by the China Daily as saying at a conference over the weekend.



COSCO signed an agreement in April with China National Travel Service Group Corp. and China Communications Construction Co. Ltd. to set up a cruise company that offers tourism services in the South China Sea.



Developing tourism services in the South China Sea is part of China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative and the responsibility of its state enterprises, COSCO said in a statement sent to Reuters.



China is staking its claim over 90 percent of the South China Sea, which has huge oil and natural gas reserves. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claim to parts of the sea, through which passes around $5 trillion of trade each year.



The sea has seen an increasing number of skirmishes amid rising regional worries of Chinese expansion. In the previous week, an Indonesian naval vessel opened fire on a Chinese fishing boat near the Natuna Islands.



The inaugural COSCO route to the Xisha Islands will be followed by more routes in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits, with a gradual expansion to international routes, in an attempt to create China's first national cruise brand, the company said.



Countries competing to bolster their rival claims in the South China Sea have encouraged a growing civilian presence on the disputed islands. The first cruises from China to the Paracel Islands were established by Hainan Strait Shipping Co. in 2013.



Beijing said it also plans to build Maldives-style resorts in the islands around the South China Sea.


A developer who demolished an historic pub then was ordered to rebuild it brick by brick has angered neighbours with fresh housing plans.

Developer Udhyam Amin was found to have unlawfully torn down the Victorian era Alchemist pub, in St Johns Hill, near Clapham Junction, in May 2015 after it had been left derelict.

Last July Wandsworth council handed Amin an enforcement notice ordering him to rebuild the Alchemist, restoring it to its appearance prior to demolition. But new plans have now been submitted to build six apartments, plus retail and commercial space  to the dismay of neighbours.

One told the Standard: Its a year down the line and the owner has done nothing. It seems that the developer has been given multiple chances to come up with something which suits him and not those who live here. It really is a great shame.

The application includes retrospective approval to demolish the building but rebuild the front facade which is viewed as a heritage asset.

The neighbour said: I think Wandsworth council should reject this application because the site is too large and theres insufficient thought gone into the design and detail.

If the developer came up with a sensible design then I would not object.But this has gone on for three years and he has had a lot of time to think what he can do.

Almost 40 residents have lodged objections with the council and the plans are likely to be discussed at a committee meeting in July.

Local amenity group the Wandsworth Society said: We believe the application should be refused as the information provided is inadequate and insufficient to satisfactorily describe the proposed work, and critically the appearance of the front elevation.

Manchester-based NJL Consulting, working on Amins behalf, declined to comment and Amin was unavailable.
L ondoners on social media are desperately calling for the city to break away from Britain after the rest of England backed Brexit.

The capital bucked the national trend by becoming the only region across England and Wales to vote in favour of remaining in the European Union yesterday.

The city overwhelmingly backed Remain, with the pro-EU camp winning 2,263,519 votes compared with 1,513,232 in favour of leaving the bloc.

And disappointed Londoners are now venting their frustrations on social media with pleas to form an independent city state and stay in the EU.

Londoners react to Brexit: 'I'm upset, disappointed and disgusted'

A petition calling for London mayor Sadiq Khan to declare the city independent from the UK has also sprung up online.

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Richard Crowest echoed the thoughts of many, tweeting: "London, of course, voted overwhelmingly to stay. So, the campaign starts here. Independence for London within the EU!"

Angry crowd shouts at Boris Johnson as he leaves his London home

Fearghal Kelly said: "Currently wishing London was surrounded by water #IndependenceForLondon."

Bill Tribble wrote: "Sadiq Khan: Declare London independent from the UK and apply to join the EU."

"The campaign starts here - make London independent. Lets break away and float into the channel," added Tim Bradbeer, while Matt Wall posted: "60/40 for remain in London, about 60/40 for leave in the rest of the country. Can we declare London independent?"

A petition on Change.org started by James O'Malley states: "London is an international city, and we want to remain at the heart of Europe.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

"Let's face it - the rest of the country disagrees. So rather than passive aggressively vote against each other at every election, let's make the divorce official and move in with our friends on the continent."

The appeal comes as the referendum result reignites the Scottish independence debate, after every region north of the border also backed Remain.

Thousands call on Sadiq Khan to declare London's independence and join EU

Within London, 28 boroughs voted in favour of remaning, while five followed the rest of England in backing Brexit.
A commuter was ejected from Liverpool Street station after a row with train staff as flash floods crippled transport networks at rush hour and prevented many people from voting.

Fellow passengers watched in astonishment as the man argued with rail employees when the cancellation of his service to Norwich was announced over speakers at 7.45pm last night.

He was surrounded by guards before being led from the station by four City of London police officers.

The drama came amid apocalyptic scenes at Londons main stations when storms swamped tracks, leading to the suspension of five Tube lines and the cancellation of dozens of trains.

In central London 1.8in of rain fell over 24 hours  equalling Londons monthly average for June.

Tens of thousands of people were caught up in the chaos at Waterloo, Britains busiest station, where the would-be travellers reported a dangerous crush on the concourse, leading to its temporary closure.

Rainwater cascaded through the roof of Victoria and services from Cannon Street were also hit. Almost all Tube lines suffered delays and several stations were shut, including Westminster.

London Fire Brigade attended 440 separate flood-related calls yesterday, rescuing more than 100 people from rising waters and helping to evacuate 60 homes in Romford  inundated when the Rom burst its banks.

Flashpoint: a commuter is spoken to by police after a row with rail staff at Liverpool Street station over the chaos caused to train services by referendum day flooding

IT consultant Suzanne Morris, 56, was among hundreds stuck on a train for three hours after a tree fell on to the line between Marylebone and Aylesbury, forcing it to reverse to Harrow.

Its so annoying  theres a whole train full of people who cant vote, she said. Everyone was getting really frustrated. I got a cab home in the vain hope I would make it but I was 30 minutes past the deadline.

We had people on our train who were proxy voters for other people and some who had been campaigning really hard. Our whole train of missed votes adds up and there were plenty of other trains that were delayed as well.

Mother-to-be Lidia Sandor, who is eight months pregnant, and her husband David were among those forced to leave their homes in Romford. The couple do not expect to return until after their baby is born.

Businesses were also devastated by flooding. A crowdfunding campaign was launched to fix 20,000 of water damage at West Ham jazz club Arch 1, which was submerged in 2ft of water.

The Met Office said: There is respite for Londoners over the next few days, which will be mainly dry and sunny.
S adiq Khan has called for one of Londons most famous gay venues to be protected from developers.

The Mayor has urged Lambeth council to grant the Royal Vauxhall Tavern special planning designation that would prevent a change of use.

Built in 1863 as a Victorian music hall, the building was last year granted Grade II listed status and counts Sir Ian McKellen, Graham Norton and Paul OGrady among its supporters. Lambeth also gave it Asset of Community Value status, meaning that if it were sold then residents would have to be given six months to raise the funds to buy it.

The proposals would give a further level of protection and would mean the building, in Kennington Lane, could not be used as anything other than an LGBT+ performance space without approval from the council. It was purchased by Austrian property firm Immovate in a multi-million-pound deal in 2014 and campaigners fear the new owners want to redevelop it.

Praising pressure group RVT Future for its campaign, Mr Khan said: I urge Lambeth council to do everything it can to help the Tavern to continue to thrive as an LGBT+ destination.

Amy Lame, chairwoman of RVT Future, said: Were thrilled to have Sadiqs support and we urge any other friends of the RVT to submit evidence to the council. Lib Peck, Lambeth council leader, said: The RVT is too important to be considered simply as real estate asset. We stand ready to do whatever is within our powers to ensure its survival as a key LGBT+ venue. Immovate was unavailable for comment.
T housands of people are signing a petition calling for Sadiq Khan to declare London as an independent city state and join the EU.

The capital overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU during yesterday's referendum, bucking a national trend which saw the Leave campaign secure victory.

And this morning a petition calling for London to be declared independent from the UK was backed by more than 8,000 people in a few hours - and the total is rising rapidly.

The online campaign came as Londoners flocked to social media to demand the capital becomes an independent state.

Londoners react to Brexit: 'I'm upset, disappointed and disgusted'

The petition calls on Sadiq Khan to take action / Matt Writle

James O'Malley, who set up the petition, wrote: "London is an international city, and we want to remain at the heart of Europe.

"Let's face it - the rest of the country disagrees. So rather than passive aggressively vote against each other at every election, let's make the divorce official and move in with our friends on the continent.

"This petition is calling on Mayor Sadiq Khan to declare London independent, and apply to join the EU - including membership of the Schengen Zone (Umm, we'll talk about the Euro...).

Boris Johnson 'drowned by seas of boos' as he leaves north London home

"Mayor Sadiq, wouldn't you prefer to be President Sadiq? Make it happen!"

Aping some of the Leave campaign's arguments, supporter John Gowers wrote on the site: "One pound in every five earned by Londoners is used to fund the rest of the UK.

"In a typical year, London contributes 10 to 20 billion to the rest of the UK and receives nothing in return."

He went on: "London has *no control* over its borders while it remains a member of the UK.

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"Since 2007, there have been more people coming into London from the UK than there have from the rest of the world combined.

"An independent London would be able to impose an Australian-style points-based immigration system at its border."

And John Godfrey suggested: "We'll keep a permeable border of course & anyone with hope in their hearts who wants to join the party is welcomed with open arms."

Londoners were hugely in favour of staying in the EU, with 2,263,519 votes compared to only 1,513,232 backing Brexit.
B arack Obama has said the relationship between Washington and London will continue despite the UK voting to leave the European Union.

The US president said his nation respects the decision of UK voters and both countries will remain indispensable partners.

But he also paid tribute to the EU, saying it has achieved "so much" to foster democratic values and ideals.

In a statement, President Obama said: "The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision.

UK votes to leave EU and Cameron resigns

"The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in Nato remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security and economic policy.

"So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond.

"The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."

London and Scotland voted in favour of remaining in the EU, but the final vote counts showed more than 17.4 million were cast for Leave to Remain's 16.1 million.

The US president had hoped the UK would remain in the EU and President Obama used a high-profile visit to London to warn that Britain would be at the "back of the queue" for a trade deal in the event of Brexit.

David Cameron announced he is to resign as Prime Minister after the Leave vote in the EU referendum.
B oris Johnson was named by the bookmakers as favourite to take over from David Cameron this morning - but he was being challenged by Cabinet heavyweight Theresa May.

At a press conference, Mr Johnson gave a statesmanlike speech that said nothing about his ambitions but looked forward to Britain being a powerful, liberal, humane power outside the EU.

Friends said it was too early for the former Mayor of London to consider whether he would run for the Conservative leader and Prime Minister.

Some MPs said he would face a stop Boris plot by MPs and ministers furious at his key role in tilting the referendum for Brexit. Some Tories are also hoping to avoid a summer-long leadership contest today by finding a unity candidate to take over from David Cameron.

Reassuring: Boris Johnson sought to calm market jitters / Stefan Rousseau/PA

Home Secretary Mrs May, who kept a low profile during the referendum battle, was seen by some as a heavyweight who was least damaged by the bruising campaign. She has clashed with Mr Johnson in the past, including when she banned his anti-riot water cannon from being deployed.

Tipped for leadership bid: Theresa May / PA

Mr Johnson was 11/8 favourite with Ladbroke, followed by Mrs May at 2/1 and Michael Gove at 6/1.

George Osborne, the Chancellor, was listed as a 12/1 outsider - but is seen by MPs as a powerful kingmaker who could use his vast network of followers to decide which candidates get onto the ballot paper if he decides not to stand himself.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

Followers of Nicky Morgan, the rising star Education Secretary, let it be known she was taking soundings for a possible tilt at the crown. Sajid Javid, the Business Secretary, is known to have leadership ambitions but lost support on the Thatcherite Right by backing Remain.

A senior minister told the Evening Standard: My money is on Theresa May at the moment. Boris has turned himself into a Marmite character during the referendum campaign, whom you either like or hate.

Mr Johnson was greeted with cheers and boos in equal measure from a big crowd when he left his home today. Colleagues said he looked shellshocked when Mr Cameron resigned.

His father Stanley Johnson, asked if Boris would make a good PM, said: He certainly deserves to be on the shortlist.

Under Conservative rules, the leadership contest is held in two stages. First, Conservative MPs hold a series of votes to whittle down the list of contenders to a shortlist of two names. Then the final two names are put to a ballot of party members.
F rench politicians have called for a deal which keeps border checks - and many migrants - on their side of the Channel to be renegotiated after the UK's Brexit vote.

The Touquet agreement between France and the UK has been called into question following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

Prior to the referendum, a French government minister had warned a vote for Brexit could see migrant camps being moved from Calais to Britain.

Finance minister Emmanuel Macron said in February that the treaty, which was signed in 2003, could be scuppered, telling reporters: "The day this relationship unravels, migrants will no longer be in Calais."

Now, after 51 per cent of people voted for the UK to leave the bloc of 28 nations, the mayor of Calais is among those pressing for a renegotiation of the treaty.

Natacha Bouchart told French broadcaster BFM TV: "The British must take on the consequences of their choice.

"We are in a strong position to push, to press this request for a review and we are asking the President to bring his weight (to the issue).

"We must put everything on the table and there must be an element of division, of sharing."

This echoed calls from Xavier Bertrand, the centre-right president of the Hauts-de-France region, who tweeted: "The English wanted to take back their freedom, they must take back their border."
C rowds of young people angry at the EU referendum result launched a protest outside Parliament today.

Teenagers, aged 16 and 17, furious at not being given the chance to vote in the historic referendum were among the protesters gathered in Parliament Square this afternoon.

The Pro-Remain group pounded the streets of Westminster with placards and banners in protest at the UKs shock decision to walk out of the European Union.

The young campaigners wore face paint and held up signs that bared slogans including: I am not British I am European and I want to be with eYou.

One of the placards which read: 'I am not British, I am European' / Alex Rawlings

Older voters appear to have swung the EU referendum result in favour of Brexit, while young people voted overwhelmingly for remain.

A petition launched before the EU referendum had called for 16 and 17-year-olds to be given the chance to vote and claimed that teenagers would be dealing with the aftermath whatever the result.

But the House of Commons blocked a move by the House of Lords to give those in that age group the chance to vote.

Two teenage girls were spotted at todays protest carrying placards which read: Please sir, can we have a choice? and Where was my vote?

Other youngsters took to Twitter to voice their frustrations under the hashtag #notinourname.

Joe Jenkins tweeted: Can't wait to live the rest of my life being affected by something I had no legal say in whatsoever #NotInOurName.

Londoners react to Brexit: 'I'm upset, disappointed and disgusted'

Another user named Jamie said: Haven't come across a single young person supporting Brexit today. Our future should have been our decision #NotInOurName.

Marcus J Wilson voiced his sympathy for those not old enough to vote, writing: Feel gutted for the young people of the UK who did not vote for this outcome but will be most impacted #notinourname.
B ritain has voted to leave the EU in an historic referendum which has sent shockwaves throughout Europe.

The country backed Brexit by a margin of more than 1.2 million votes in a move that has sparked political and financial turmoil.

The decision has plunged the nation into uncertainty as major doubts surround everything from the Brexit process and timescale to who will succeed David Cameron, after the Prime Minister dramatically announced his resignation.

Meanwhile the Bank of England is battling to steady the ship after the pound fell to a 31-year low against the US dollar and 100 billion was wiped off the FTSE 100 index within minutes.

UK votes to leave EU and Cameron resigns

Yet for now, the country remains in the EU.

Traders react to the sterling taking a pummeling in the City overnight / Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

No country has ever left the union before - so what happens next?

The official process for leaving the EU involves triggering Article 50 of the 2009 Lisbon Treaty.

The rules are brief and have never been used before, so it is not clear exactly how, when or even if they will be implemented after yesterdays Brexit vote.

Article 50 requires a withdrawal agreement to be drawn up and agreed by all member states within two years.

Britain will remain a member of the EU while the terms of Brexit are being thrashed out.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

What happens if it takes longer?

If no agreement is reached within two years of Article 50 being invoked, the negotiation period can be extended - but only through a unanimous vote of all member states.

If it is not, all EU treaties simply cease to apply to Britain, meaning it drops out of the single market without new terms.

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When will Article 50 be triggered?

There is no rule setting when Article 50 must be triggered after a referendum. George Osborne has suggested it may be within a week of a Brexit vote.

Leave campaigners Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, meanwhile, claim there is no need for it to happen immediately.

They say informal talks with EU states should take place first to convince leaders of the need for a friendly deal with the UK.

Is it reversible?

The rules state that once Article 50 is triggered, there is no way to reverse the leaving process without unanimous consent from all member states.

Is there any other way?

Theoretically, the UK could also unilaterally withdraw from the EU by simply repealing the 1972 European Communities Act.

But such a bold act would infuriate EU officials making it much harder to secure preferential trade terms in the future.

It would also mean there is no transition period, so all EU legislation along with the UKs free trade agreements lapse immediately.

Government reshuffle

Assuming he stays on as Prime Minister, Cameron will be under enormous pressure to promote senior Leave figureheads such as Boris Johnson to key positions in a new-look ministerial team.

Chancellor George Osborne is seen as particularly vulnerable to the axe after angering Conservatives with stark warnings about the impact of leaving on the economy which they condemned as "scaremongering".

Is another independence referendum in Scotland on the cards?

Every area north of the border voted in favour of remaining in the EU, prompting former SNP leader Alex Salmond to state it was "almost certain" that the country would be asked to reconsider its place in the United Kingdom.

Voters rejected a breakaway in 2014 but in the manifesto on which it won a fresh term in power at Holyrood last month, the party left open the option of reopening the question in the event of a "significant and material" change in circumstances such as being forced out of the EU against the will of a majority of its people.
Volkswagen to pay over $10B for US settlement after diesel emissions scandal: Reports

VW TDI (Photo : Twitter)

Volkswagen will reportedly pay over $10 billion to settle claims of almost half a million owners following the diesel emissions cheating scandal in the United States. Sources who are familiar with the agreement shared on June 23, Thursday that the funds paid by the German automaker will also be used to help battle US air pollution.



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The total value of the deal is reportedly $10.3 billion. That is based on documents that summarize some of the settlements with the US government and VW customers.



However, one source reported that the total does not include environmental costs. That will increase the settlement's grand total.



One source that was briefed on the talks reported that each VW car owner will get an average of $5,000 in compensation. They will also receive an estimated value of the diesel vehicles before the scandal started in September 2015, according to Reuters.



VW customers can also receive money if they choose to get the vehicles repaired to remove items including unscrupulous on-board software. However, that will be based on whether US regulators later approve the repairs.



In addition, Volkswagen will help to promote zero-emissions vehicles and launch a program to remove high diesel emissions from vehicles.



Last year VW admitted that it had used cheating software to avoid emissions requirements of almost 11 million vehicles around the world.In addition, the company also deceived the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after it started asking questions about emissions test results in 2014.



The EPA, California Air Resources Board (CARB), and US Justice Department have been working out the details of the VW settlement for weeks. VW probably will be unable to resell vehicles from the buy-back program unless it can prove to US regulators that the diesel cars can be fixed.



In April 2016 Volkswagen reported it will reserve $18.2 billion to pay for the "Dieselgate" scandal. That includes funds for buying back and fixing diesel vehicles.



In related news, some of Tesla's biggest investors have stated support for CEO Elon Musk's proposal to buy solar power company SolarCity, according to Reuters. This followed a sharp drop in the automaker's stock price.



Joe Dennison is a portfolio manager at Zevenbergen Capital Investments, which owns around 600,000 Tesla stock shares. He stated that it makes sense for the company to change transportation into a sustainable industry. Dennison believes that most investors that own Tesla stock understand Tesla's long-term vision.



Here's a video on the VW diesel cheating scandal:






D avid Cameron resigned as Prime Minister today after Britain voted to walk out of the European Union.

The FTSE 100 and the pound plunged after the public backed Brexit by a narrow majority of 52 to 48 per cent.

His voice cracking with emotion, Mr Cameron said he would stay in office for three months to steady the ship then hand over to a new Prime Minister.

Boris Johnson was seen as a likely front-runner in a summer-long Tory leadership contest and immediately emerged as the bookmakers' favourite.

Tory frontrunner: Boris Johnson (Lucy Young ) / Lucy Young

With wife Samantha standing behind him, Mr Cameron said the vote to leave was an instruction that must be delivered.

His decision came following a night of shock and turmoil after the first results at 1am from northern cities showed a surge for the Brexit door.

Stepping down: David Cameron, with wife Samantha, prepares to resign as Prime Minister / Phil Noble/Reuters

London and Scotland voted to stay but the final count showed 17,410,742 Britons elected to Leave, while 16,141,241 wanted to Remain. The turnout was 71.8 per cent. In other developments:

Mr Cameron came out to the front of No 10 at 8.15am, dressed in a dark suit and blue tie, after informing the Queen of his decision to resign.

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It became clear he was making a resignation statement when he began to list his achievements in office, including gay marriage.

He said of resigning: This is not a decision Ive taken lightly but I do believe its in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.

Mr Cameron said he stood by his assertion that the UK could find a way to survive outside the EU. Now the decision has been made to leave we need to find the best way and I will do everything I can to help, he added.

Minutes after he spoke Mr Carney announced he was making 250 billion available to support markets and pledged that the Bank will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as markets adjust and the UK economy moves forward.

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Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond admitted that Britain will have a weaker voice in European capitals, saying: No one can possibly imagine our voice will carry weight in the EU from today.

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Mr Hammond also hinted at the spending cuts and tax rises threatened by Chancellor George Osborne during the campaign, saying the Governments fiscal consolidation programme would now become more difficult.

David Cameron - a career in pictures 1 /50 David Cameron - a career in pictures JULY 2016: David Cameron speaking to the media outside 10 Downing Street, London, after Theresa May secured her place as the UK's second female prime minister through the surprise withdrawal of her only rival in the battle to succeed him Philip Toscano/PA JULY 2016: Britain's outgoing Prime Minister, David Cameron, accompanied by his wife Samantha, daughters Nancy and Florence and son Arthur, prepare to pose for photographs in front of number 10 Downing Street, on his last day in office as Prime Minister Stefan Wermuth/Reuters JUNE 2016: Prime Minister David Cameron walking out of 10 Downing Street, London, with wife Samantha where he announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the European Union Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA JUNE 2016: Prime Minister David Cameron (C) and Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn (R) arrive to pay their respects at the scene of the murder of Jo Cox, 41, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, who was shot and stabbed yesterday at her constituency surgery in Birstall, United Kingdom Christopher Furlong/Getty Images JUNE 2016: British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Wesminster Dan Kitwood/Getty Images APRIL 2016: Prime Minister David Cameron joins students at the launch of the 'Brighter Future In' campaign bus at Exeter University Dan Kitwood - WPA Pool /Getty Images DEC 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron meets soldiers working on flood relief in York city centre after the river Ouse burst its banks, on December in York Darren Staples - WPA Pool /Getty Images NOV 2015: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and British Prime Minister David Cameron attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall Carl Court/Getty Images NOV 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for a photograph during their bilateral meeting on day two of the G20 Turkey Leaders Summit in Antalya, Turkey Chris McGrath/Getty Images OCT 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron talks with Home Secretary Theresa May after greeting China's President, Xi Jinping, at an honour guard in London Carl Court/Getty Images SEPT 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron meets Syrian refugee families at a tented settlement camp in the Bekaa Valley, on the Syrian border with Lebanon Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool /Getty Images AUG 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha relax on holiday in Alvor, Portugal Steve Parsons-Pool/Getty Images MAY 2015: David Cameron hosting a cabinet meeting in Downing Street, London Dan Kitwood/PA MAY 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron poses for a photo with the newly elected Conservative Party MPs in Palace Yard Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images MAY 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron speaks after winning his constituency declaration in Witney Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images APRIL 2015: Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party David Cameron feeds orphaned lambs on Dean Lane farm near the village of Chadlington Leon Neal - WPA Pool/Getty Images APRIL 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron speaks with Lilli Docherty and her daughter Dakota, as he has lunch with people who have benefited from tax and pension changes that come into force, in a garden near Poole Kirsty Wigglesworth - WPA Pool/Getty Images APRIL 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron helping with a reading lesson at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School in Westhoughton near Bolton where he met pupils, Lucy Howarth, six, and Will Spibey, five Stefan Rousseau/PA JAN 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron, British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband attend a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony at Central Hall Westminster Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images JANUARY 2015: World leaders and dignitaries, including (L-R) Taoiseach of Ireland Enda Kenny, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and British Prime Minister David Cameron attend a mass unity rally following the Paris terrorist attacks Dan Kitwood/Getty Images MAY 2014: Boris Johnson and Prime Minister David Cameron Stefan Rousseau/PA JULY 2013: British Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond celebrate during the Gentlemen's Singles Final match between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon Getty Images FEBRUARY 2013: British Prime Minister David Cameron arrives to pay his respects at a memorial for police and uniformed personnel who lost their lives in the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai AFP/Getty Images NOVEMBER 2012: Prime Minister David Cameron talking to US President Barack Obama on the telephone from his office in Downing Street Peter Macdiarmid/PA AUG 2012: Prime Minister David Cameron stands with London Mayor Boris Johnson as the Olympic cauldron is lit for the Paralympic Games in Trafalgar Square Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images MARCH 2012: U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and British Prime Minister David Cameron (R) eat a hot dog as they watch the first half at UD Arena as the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers take on the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in the first round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament Gregory Shamus/Getty Images MAY 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron play table tennis at Globe Academy in London Paul Hackett - WPA Pool/Getty Images MAY 2010: Prime Minister David Cameron (right) with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg Christopher Furlong/PA MAY 2010: Prime Minister David Cameron (middle left), leading his first cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London Andrew Winning/PA MAY 2010: The Queen greeting David Cameron at Buckingham Palace for an audience to invite him to be the next Prime Minister John Stillwell/PA MAY 2010: David Cameron and his wife Samantha meet Cabinet Secretary Gus O'Donnell in the Cabinet Room of 10 Downing Street, London Stefan Rousseau/PA DECEMBER 2009: Leader of the Conservative Party David Cameron takes part in the Great Brook Charity in Chadlington, Oxfordshire. Andrew Parsons/Conservative Party via Getty Images APRIL 2008: Mayoral Conservative Party candidate Boris Johnson canvasses with Conservative Party leader David Cameron at a Conservative Party call centre Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images February 2007: 'Hoodie' Ryan Florence gestures a pretend 'click-bang' shooting at Tory leader David Cameron as he tours the Benchill Estate in Manchester, England. NOVEMBER 2006: Prime Minister Tony Blair talks to the leader of the Opposition David Cameron, prior to the traditional reading the State Opening of Parliament in London Alistair Grant/AFP/Getty Images APRIL 2006: David Cameron driving a dog-sled on his way to the Scott-Turner glacier on the island of Svalbard Andrew Parsons/PA FEBRUARY 2006: David Cameron and his wife, Samantha, standing outside their home in Notting Hill, west London, with their new born son, Arthur Elwen Andrew Parsons/PA OCTOBER 2005: Conservative Leadership challenger David Cameron celebrates with supporters at his constituency office in Witney, Oxfordshire Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Mr Camerons resignation threw a spotlight on to Mr Johnson. In an extraordinary scene, the ex-Mayor of London was greeted with jeers and boos from a huge crowd waiting outside his London home as he emerged and climbed into a car without making a statement at 9.30am.

There was a silence from Mr Osborne, but sources close to him said he was not going to resign. He had let it be known he warned against holding the referendum.

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Labour grandee Lord Mandelson said he would not be at all surprised if there is an autumn general election.

Mr Farage milked the moment and is expected to launch a new Ukip strategy targeting Labours old heartlands for the next election. In a speech in front of jubilant supporters, he declared June 23 our Independence Day.

In France the National Front called for Frexit after the shock result.

Political leaders and officials in Brussels and other capitals went into emergency meetings to plan a response to the UKs seismic decision.

European Council president Donald Tusk said there was no way to predict all the political consequences of this event, especially for the UK and appealed for calm.
C onservative politicians praised David Cameron for his honourable decision to resign as Prime Minister following the EU referendum result.

Speaking outside Number 10 this morning, Mr Cameron announced it was time for fresh leadership after the Leave campaign claimed victory in yesterdays historic poll.

The news sent shockwaves through the political world, with senior Tory figures lining up to pay tribute to their leader.

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson tweeted: Right for the Prime Minister to offer stability while the country plots its course. Honorable to the last.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said: "It's truly shocking news, I think it's deeply saddening.

"As I was just saying only a few minutes ago, I would very much have preferred David Cameron to be steering this country through the next few years.

"I entirely respect his decision but I think it is a sad day for the country that he has decided to stand down."

David Cameron resigns following EU referendum result

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the Prime Minister believed he was doing the "honourable thing" after the referendum vote.

He told the Today programme: "Well of course it is extremely sad news. I would have preferred him to have stayed on and to have helped make this decision work, but it's his decision.

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"I think he feels it is the honourable thing to do, the decent thing to do - he lost the argument in the referendum campaign."

Former party chairman Baroness Warsi tweeted: Stunned & deeply saddened that David has decided to resign. Simply lost for words. Need leadership more now than ever before.

Margot James, MP for Stourbridge, wrote: "Tears in my eyes as I listened to the PM, he has been a good PM in very difficult circumstances, I am glad he has resisted the siren voices."

Bob Neill, MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, tweeted: "Very sad that David Cameron has decided to leave as PM. He has been a great servant to his country and to his Party. He deserved better."

And Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid Worcestershire, wrote: "In his dignified & statesmanlike announcement to stand down as PM David Cameron has just shown he is irreplaceable."

Mr Cameron took charge of the Conservatives following a leadership contest in 2005, taking the party into a coalition with the Lib Dems after the 2010 general election.

In last years election, his party claimed an overall majority with a shock victory which the nations pollsters failed to see coming.

He had promised to hold a referendum on Britains membership if re-elected as Prime Minister, a gamble which ultimately led to his downfall.
B ritain has voted to quit the EU in an historic revolt against Brussels.

Millions backed Brexit in a political earthquake. David Cameron announced his resignation as Prime Minister shortly after 8am following a night of high drama.

The stunning result was set to wreak havoc with the markets as the pound plummeted to a 31-year low overnight. 100 billion was wiped off the FTSE 100 within minutes of opening.

Londoners backed remaining in the EU by an overwhelming majority, but the capital's turnout could not halt the anti-Brussels tidal wave which swept Middle England.

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Ukip leader Nigel Farage hailed the vote as Britain's "independence day".

EU Ref: Nigel Farage claims victory for Leave

Pro-Leave Tories including Boris Johnson and Michael Gove backed Mr Cameron to remain as Prime Minister whatever the outcome of the referendum, but Mr Cameron said he would step down before the Tory Party conference in October.

Some 84 Leave-backing Conservatives signed a letter supporting the PM as Tories battled to restore a unity riven by weeks of divisive "blue-on-blue" infighting.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

In it they wrote: "We believe whatever the British people decide you have both a mandate and a duty to continue leading the nation implementing our policies."

Gisela Stuart MP makes statement in German.mp4

Turnout across the UK was forecast to be over 70 per cent.

Labour suggested the Bank of England may have to step in to shore up the pound, which fell as much as 6.5 per cent against the Euro and nine per cent against the US dollar.

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The result also cast doubt over Scotland's future in the UK. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that the results north of the border show that "the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union".

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She has previously suggested Scotland should hold another referendum on independence in the event of a Leave vote.

The process of Britain leaving the EU would take a minimum of two years.

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The Prime Minister will have to decide when to trigger the Lisbon Treaty's Article 50 in order to open the door to negotiations for leaving.

Nigel Farage made a dramatic speech in London hailing a victory for the Leave campaign.

But he provoked anger after saying the Leave campaign had "done it without a bullet being fired."

He was described as "beneath contempt" and lacking "basic decency" in the wake of the murder of MP Jo Cox who died in the lead-up to the EU vote.

This page is being updated.
T heir cheeks reddened, their voices cracked and their eyes welled up. The Brexiteers could not hide their joy.

This is Independence Day and I will celebrate it every year, said Tory Leave supporter Nigel Evans as a crowd of Leavers burst into expletive-laden cheers.

How far it had been from the scene in Manchester Town Hall six hours earlier.

When polls closed at 10pm there was an easy air of anticipation in the main room, the Great Hall.

UK votes to leave EU and Cameron resigns

If honest, most people there believed Remain would eventually take it.

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A YouGov poll had predicted as much. Even Nigel Farage was quoted saying his rivals edged it.

Tories, remainers and brexiteers, started to appear on screens calling for reconciliation. They were singing the Prime Ministers praises.

At 10.45pm Remain Conservative MP Neil Carmichael wondered into the room for a chat about the job of the Government if Remain has won.

At 11.30pm Gibraltar declared for Remain. It was expected, but Farage again appeared on screens conceding UKIP may have lost this battle.

Back in the Great Hall, shadow cabinet member Lisa Nandy was ready to chat about a Remain vote.

If Remain wins its because working class people have come out and voted. David Cameron owes them, she said.

Finally at 11.50pm UKIPs Paul Nuttall emerged to tell reporters the fight against the EU will continue.

He said hopefully: Who knows, if there is a Remain vote we could be back here within a decade.

Even when Leave swept to victory in Sunderland, 61 per cent to 39 per cent, it was dismissed as an expected gain. Results in Swindon and Broxbourne followed.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

Riding a growing wave, lead Tory Brexit campaigner Steve Baker MP came in to tell reporters the latest results would define the evening.

The conversation quickly turned to the Tory leadership. He said: What is best for the country is that after this result in the morning, whatever the result, is that David Cameron is in place to begin carrying it through.

But was it equally important for George Osborne to stay: I dont think its equally important. No.

Results were steadily trickling in by 2am, with Leave 150,000 votes ahead.

The unabated surge lasted another 30 minutes, with remainer Simon Danczuk admitting to colleagues he was starting to panic.

No one really knows whats going to happen, said Labour former minister Ivan Lewis.

At 2.30am a huge win in Wandsworth pulled back for Remain, but the direction of travel in the rest of the country was clear.

Within the hour Vote Leaves Matthew Elliott strode into the hall. He was confident.

Leave: Britain voted to exit the European Union / Toby Melville

When the polls came in at 10 oclock and everybody was writing off Leave, saying that Remain would have an emphatic victory, we didnt buy that, he said.

We always said wait until the votes have been counted, and I think weve been proved right on that.

Just 20 minutes later Nigel Farage, the same man who said Remain had edged it, tweeted: I now dare to dream.

Leave were 500,000 votes ahead, then 600,000, then 700,000. Labour remainers in the room were visibly nervous and began to slip out for quiet conversations.

By 5am, as channels started to call it for Leave, Paul Nuttall strode in looking like a man who had just seen his firstborn.

He pumped his fist and put an arm around Ukip colleague Steven Woolf. The two were soon surrounded in a flood of flashbulb light.

Mr Woolf, a Member of the European Parliament, was ecstatic. Thank you the British people for firing me, he said.
D avid Cameron dramatically announced his resignation as Prime Minister hours after Britain voted to quit the EU.

Speaking on the steps of Number 10 after the result sent shockwaves through Europe, Mr Cameron said the country requires "fresh leadership".

But he said there is "no need for a precise timetable" for his departure but said a new Prime Minister should be in place by the Conservative Party conference in October.

"The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected," said Mr Cameron. "The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered."

His voice breaking, Mr Cameron added: "I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it and I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed."

Support: Samantha Cameron joins her husband outside Downing Street this morning / Phil Noble/Reuters

Mr Cameron said he accepted the decision of the electorate, which voted by 52 per cent to 48 per cent to quit the EU.

He said he would leave it to his successor to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which kicks off the two-year process of negotiating a new trade relationship with the UK's former partners.

Exit: Mr and Mrs Cameron return to No10 after the Prime Minister announced his resignation / Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA

"The country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction," said Mr Cameron. "I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I don't think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination."

UK votes to leave EU and Cameron resigns

His announcement will trigger a battle for the Conservative leadership after months of blue-on-blue infighting during the EU referendum campaign.

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson is expected to be a frontrunner in a field also likely to feature Home Secretary Theresa May.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

The PM praised the Leave campaign as "spirited and passionate" and moved to reassure global markets during his resignation.

His announcement came as the FTSE 100 took a pummelling, falling by almost 10 per cent within minutes of opening.

It came despite more than 50 MPs - including pro-Leave campaigners - joining a "save Dave" campaign in a doomed bid to keep the PM in his job.

Meanwhile, European Council president Donald Tusk said Britain's "historic" vote should not provoke hysterical reactions.

Mr Tusk said he was fully aware of how dramatic a moment it is and warned that it was impossible to predict what happens next.

He said: "There's no hiding the fact that we wanted a different outcome of yesterday's referendum.

"I am fully aware of how serious or even dramatic this moment is politically.

"And there is no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, especially for the UK.

"It is a historic moment but for sure not a moment for hysterical reactions.

"I want to reassure everyone that we are prepared also for this negative scenario.

"As you will know the EU is not only a fairweather project."

This page is being updated.
L abour was plunged into deeper civil war today over whether Jeremy Corbyn should resign as leader.

Some Labour MPs demanded he quit after his seemingly half-hearted support for the UK to stay in the European Union.

One senior MP said: He is toast. If we go into a general election with him as leader, we will be wiped out. The shadow cabinet has got to tell him to go.

Another added: Jeremys campaign and its focus on freedom of movement showed he clearly does not understand the mood of the country. Labour should be looking for a new leader.

Amid reports that at least 55 Labour MPs may sign a letter calling for Mr Corbyn to resign next week, one shadow minister also told the PoliticsHome website that the shadow cabinet should tell him to go.

Its now a choice between the survival of the Labour Party or Jeremy Corbyns leadership, he said.

There was also deep anger against former leader Ed Miliband, whose shake-up of the partys rule book is widely seen to have paved the way for Mr Corbyns election as leader.

I might go and punch him because hes a tosspot and he left the party in the state its in, said Labour MP Chris Bryant.

But some MPs and union bosses came to Mr Corbyns defence. Unite leader Len McCluskey said: It is evident that the Conservative Party is riven  it is down to Labour to offer unity and calm going forward. Anything less will be to let down the people Labour MPs were elected to represent.

Stressing Mr Corbyn had backed staying in to protect jobs, workers rights and the NHS, Brent North MP Barry Gardiner said: Jeremys position was Labours position. He was out on that bus every day.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

But the Labour leader faced accusations that his party was now out of touch with many of its traditional northern strongholds such as Sunderland, Rochdale and Oldham, which voted strongly for Leave.

During the campaign, Mr Corbyn, a long-time Eurosceptic, had said his passion for staying in the EU was seven, or seven and a half out of 10.

Today he faced questions over whether he could have done more to persuade Labour voters to back Remain.

However, he blamed Government austerity cuts for alienating voters.

A lot of the message that has come back from this is that many communities are fed up with cuts, they are fed up with economic dislocation and feel very angry at the way they have been betrayed and marginalised by successive governments, he said.

The point I was making was there were good things that had come from Europe in working conditions and environmental protections but there were other issues that had not been addressed properly.

Backbencher John Mann, who switched to Leave in the campaigns final weeks, said the party was paying the price for ignoring the concerns of working class people on issues such immigration.
J eremy Corbyn faced a full-blown leadership challenge today after sparking fury among Labour MPs over his lacklustre performance in the referendum campaign.

Influential Barking and Dagenham MP Margaret Hodge and colleague Ann Coffey were set to submit a no confidence motion in the Labour leader.

The two senior MPs are understood to have sent a letter to Parliamentary Labour Party chairman John Cryer. The PLP is due to meet on Monday, when the motion would be discussed.

But both MPs are Blairites and there will be a backlash against the move from Corbyn loyalists.

Other MPs rounded on the Labour leader after his seemingly half-hearted support for the UK to stay in the EU. Sky News reported one, Angela Smith, saying: We need a leader who is capable of meeting the challenges we face. Jeremy Corbyn should consider [his] position.

Corbyn won't resign

A senior colleague added: He is toast. If we go into a General Election with him as leader, we will be wiped out. The shadow Cabinet has got to tell him to go.

Another Labour MP added: Corbyn bears joint responsibility with David Cameron for this catastrophe.

With reports that at least 55 Labour MPs may sign a letter calling for Mr Corbyn to resign next week, one shadow minister told the PoliticsHome website the shadow Cabinet should tell him to go: Its now a choice between the survival of the Labour Party or Jeremy Corbyns leadership.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

There was deep anger against former leader Ed Miliband whose shake-up of the party rulebook is widely seen to have paved the way for Mr Corbyns election.

I might go and punch him because hes a tosspot and he left the party in the state its in, said MP Chris Bryant.

A former shadow Cabinet minister added: Miliband killed the party as an electoral force and Corbyn is dancing on the grave.

Tony Blair accused the Labour leadership of lukewarm campaigning against Brexit.

But some MPs and union bosses defended Mr Corbyn.

Unite leader Len McCluskey said: The Conservative Party is riven  it is down to Labour to offer unity and calm going forward. Anything less will be to let down the people Labour MPs were elected to represent.

Stressing Mr Corbyn had backed staying in to protect jobs, workers rights and the NHS, Brent North MP Barry Gardiner said: Jeremys position was Labours position. He was out on that bus every day.

The Labour leader faced accusations his party was out of touch with many northern strongholds such as Sunderland, Rochdale and Oldham, which voted strongly for Leave.

During the campaign Mr Corbyn, a long-time Eurosceptic, had said his passion for staying in the EU was seven, or seven and a half out of 10. Today he faced questions over whether he could have done more to persuade Labour voters.

However, he blamed government austerity cuts for alienating voters. A lot of the message that has come back from this is that many communities are fed up with cuts, they are fed up with economic dislocation and feel very angry at the way they have been betrayed and marginalised by successive governments, he said.

The point I was making was there were good things that had come from Europe in working conditions and environmental protections but other issues that hadnt been addressed properly.
L ondon could "pay its way" if it chose to become independent after the EU referendum, a leading expert said today.

Following a Brexit vote which the majority of London voters did not back, a petition has been set up calling for the capital to declare its independence.

And Professor Tony Travers of the London School of Economics said the difference in voting between London and the rest of the country raised profound questions about the capital's future.

He said: "London can certainly pay its own way. It pays far more in taxes that it has spent on it by governments at all levels so it can essentially pay for its own services.

Thousands call on Sadiq Khan to declare London's independence and join EU

"On the other hand, it does have a very long border with the rest of the UK.

"The border between London and the south east is almost as long as the border between England and Wales.

Sturgeon: Scotland like London voted to Remain

"Many people live in in areas outside and work in London. You couldn't have border controls or anything like that.

"It's more a matter of something akin to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, a much more effective form of devolution.

"It 's really like Scotland and Wales, and has far more control of its own budget."

But the professor said the idea of an actual city state would be "absurd" and that includes the notion that Scotland and the capital could somehow join together to stay in the EU.

Tantalisingly, Nicola Sturgeon said this mornng Scotland would look at all options available for remaining in the EU and hinted Sadiq Khan had a similar view.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

But the professor said: "It's hard to see potentially how this could work. How could you have the free movement of people between London, Scotland and the EU?"

Prof Travers said a better solution would be giving London a "looser relationship with the UK" and more power to decide its own destiny, in a set-up similar to New York or Tokyo.

He said: "It would be very odd if England's politics make it harder for London to fulfill its own ambitions because people outside London wanted something different.

Angry crowd shouts at Boris Johnson as he leaves his London home

"London has to make decisions about itself that reflect its own needs.

"New York makes far more decisions about itself, it runs its money the way London does, but it runs some healthcare, it runs part of the court system. New York is very powerful.

"The financial freedom there is far greater in New York where they have much more power to raise taxation."
L ondoners backed staying in the EU - but Britain voted for Brexit on a night of drama with huge ramifications.

Turnout was around two per cent down in the capital compared to the rest of the UK - in part due to torrential rain and transport problems in the south-east on polling day.

The Remain camp took 28 London boroughs with 2.2million votes.

The other five boroughs were taken by Leave, who secured 1.5million votes in the capital.

A full borough-by-borough list of results is available below.

EU Ref: Nigel Farage claims victory for Leave

Our reporters stationed at London's Guildhall, and counts at Islington, Tower Hamlets, and Wandsworth will be providing more detail as the result draws near.

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The results:

Barking and Dagenham REMAIN 27,750; LEAVE 46,130

Barnet REMAIN 60823 LEAVE 39387

Bexley: REMAIN 47603 LEAVE 80886

Brent: REMAIN 72,523 LEAVE 48,881

Bromley: REMAIN 92,398 LEAVE 90,034

Camden: REMAIN 71,295 LEAVE 23,838

City of London: REMAIN 3,312 LEAVE 1,087

Croydon REMAIN 92913 LEAVE 78221

Ealing: REMAIN 90,024 LEAVE 59, 017

Enfield REMAIN 76,425 LEAVE 60,481

Greenwich REMAIN 65248 LEAVE 52117

Hackney: REMAIN 83398 LEAVE 22868

Hammersmith and Fulham REMAIN 56,188 LEAVE 24,054

Haringey: REMAIN 79,991 LEAVE 25,855

Harrow REMAIN 64042 LEAVE 53183

Havering: REMAIN 42,201; LEAVE 96,885

Hillingdon: REMAIN 58,040 LEAVE 74,982

Hounslow REMAIN 58755 LEAVE 56321

Islington: REMAIN 76,420 LEAVE 25,180

Kensington and Chelsea: REMAIN 37,601 LEAVE 17,138

Kingston upon Thames: REMAIN 52,533 LEAVE 32,737

Lambeth: REMAIN 111,584 LEAVE 30,340

Lewisham REMAIN 86995 LEAVE 37518

Merton: REMAIN 63,003 LEAVE 37,097

Newham REMAIN 55,328 LEAVE 49,371

Redbridge REMAIN 69213 LEAVE 59020

Richmond upon Thames: REMAIN 75,396 LEAVE 33,410

Southwark: REMAIN 94,293 LEAVE 35,209

Sutton REMAIN 49319 LEAVE 57241

Tower Hamlets: REMAIN 73,011 LEAVE 35,244

Waltham Forest: REMAIN 64,156 LEAVE 44,395

Wandsworth: REMAIN 118,463 LEAVE 39,421

Westminster REMAIN 53928 LEAVE 24268

The Guildhall

At the Guildhall - London's declaration centre - the capital's returning officer Barry Quirk has addressed the fifty journalists camped out in the main hall.

He said it is expected that four million Londoners voted in the referendum, from 5.4 million eligible voters.

He said: "We expect four million votes in London in this election. If that's the case, it's one of the highest there's ever been in London.

"We will be able to tell you what the total numbers are borough by borough.

"Then we can declare the result."

Verification will take 90 minutes per borough, according to Mr Quirk.

Predictions abound that London could declare at around 6am, but no one knows at this stage.

The first result is expected to be the City of London within the next hour.

Ben Morgan

Islington

At the Islington count, the main topic of conversation was whether Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn would show up.

"If I had 5 for every time I had been asked if Corbyn was coming, I wouldn't need to work here anymore," said one Islington council worker.

"We don't know," said another. "Feeling is if he'd wanted to come he would have bothered showing up by now."

One Remain campaigner was a little more positive. "He's got a name badge on the accreditation desk," she gushed. "So you never know."

Police presence appeared high at the count, with five officers wandering around the Sobell Leisure centre, located a stone's throw from the Arsenal Stadium.

"It's anyone's guess," said Nick Turton, who the Remain camp were calling leader of the campaigning effort in their area. "He was with us earlier as was Caroline Lucas. He didn't say what he was planning. I'm doubtful."

Mr Turton said Remain were confident of a victory in Islington. "We are top five areas of voting Remain, so here we aren't worried. Elsewhere, another story."

Sitting nervously in a semi circle drinking cheap coffee from the vending machine and chatting to stay awake, Remain had a bleak outlook more generally.

"We have no idea. It's scary," Mr Turton added.

Islington recorded a 70.39 per cent turn out in the vote. As counting began, Paul Smith, Labour Councillor and one of the coordinators of the In effort said: "That's higher than the general election here," he said. "We will get about 75 per cent of the vote."

Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury said: "In Islington the campaigning has been pretty boisterous. It's been good.

"There was a moment when we walked down Upper Street and 70 per cent of people were wearing In badges.

"This area is very safe. Generally it's quite close. I think the only response, whichever way it goes, is with some humility.

"The country is pretty divided on this.

"We do not need to have the show Cameron showed after the Scottish referendum."

Lizzie Edmonds

Wandsworth: 75 per cent for Remain

Two London MPs at the EU referendum count in Wandsworth tonight spoke of their relief at the campaign being over.

TODO: define component type brightcove

Conservative MPs Justine Greening and Jane Ellison both described a tiring campaign which has seen their party bitterly divided on the campaign trail.

They were at Wandsworth town hall where counting took place for both of their Putney and Battersea constituencies as well as Tooting.

Turnout in the south west London counting area was 71.98%, meaning 158,018 voted out of a possible 219,521. The postal vote turnout was 83.6 per cent.

Ms Greening, who is also International Development secretary and campaigned to Remain, said: I think its not just a relief for people involved in the campaign, I think its a relief for most people in Britain that its finally come to an end.

But I think for me one of the biggest and positive legacies is young people, so hundreds of thousands of young people voting for the first time tonight all over Britain, for me, is something Ive been very passionate about and lots of people who have been registered but never voted before.

Cars containing ballot boxes arrive at the count in Islington / Nigel Howard

I hope those people will realise through casting their vote for the first time that it feels very good to have your say and why not do it? And if you see young people coming through from the electorate, it may start to change the dynamics of our politics in a way thats good.

She said there have been a number of turning points in the campaign, including a controversial poster unveiled last week by UKIP leader Nigel Farage, featuring a line of migrants trying to get into Europe witht the words "breaking point", and the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox.

She said: The events of the last week around the Nigel Farage poster, just the awful event in our democracy of an MP being murdered, I think really just made people think.

I sat in parliament and listened to lots of tributes to Jo Cox and my sense was that the biggest tribute we could pay to her work as an MP was to use our chance to have a vote.

Paul Martin, returning officer and chief executive of Wandsworth Council, got the count underway just after 10.30pm when ballot boxes were emptied in front of counters at Wandsworth Town Hall. Counters were unfolding the papers and putting them into piles of 20 to be verified.

The result of the count was delayed because some ballot boxes could be later than expected due to the weather and took longer to travel from polling stations.

Ms Ellison, who also campaigned to Remain, said: I think were quite glad the referendums at an end, certainly within my party its nice to get back to normal conversations about other issues and I think were all quite tired.

It was nice to see young people, who perhaps werent so engaged with the general election last year, to be engaged for this. Ive had youngsters saying theyre voting for the first time which has been fantastic to see.

She added: There were clearly some significant moments. I thought the [Farage} poster was disgusting and I wasnt alone in having that reaction to it.

I do regret that so much of the [Brexit] campaign has focused heavily on immigration and on the case of turkish membership - to see posters saying Turkey is joining the EU and then suggesting every Turkish citizen will move here I think was pretty irresponsible.

Its entirely legitimate for people to worry about immigration and the impact that might have on services, but ultimately theres a different level of responsibility which is attached to a campaign around those issues because it always has the potential for some people to take it too far and it becomes vitriol at others.

Several Remain campaigners wearing blue In t-shirts showing their support stood over the counters.

David Churchill

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L ondoners today reacted with shock at Britains dramatic vote to leave the European Union.

Voters in the capital backed the Remain campaign which triumphed in 28 boroughs to Leave's five.

But across the country, millions of voters triggered a political earthquake as Britain chose to quit the EU.

Londoners today talked of a nation divided, after the capitals call to remain was overwhelmed by Leave votes from across the rest of England.

UK votes to leave EU but London votes Remain

Teacher Juliet Horton, 46, said: This vote could spell the end for Britain as we know it. We live in a place where so many people feel disenfranchised.

'Disenfranchised': Juliet Horton

Andrew Durbidge, 30, who works in sales for a hedge fund, said: This is all a bit of a shock and it seems the views of people across the country are different to those in London. There is going to be a lot of uncertainty now. I work internationally and I think being in the EU has to be a good thing.

'The country seems divided': Keith Thorogood

Teacher Keith Thorogood, 39, said: The country does seem divided. I teach citizenship and have been helping the children at my school what the referendum means in an impartial way.

"I voted in as I think there should be a more federal Europe. I dont like too much bureaucracy but I think being in the EU is beneficial.

Andy Queen, 57, said: I voted Out because the country can go it alone. People have short memories - we can look after ourselves. Young people in London cannot afford homes and a lot of people are not so well off. We cant absorb people from all over the world its just a fact of life, its not racism.

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Eric Jolibois, 43, a head chef from France, said: I think its a real shame and people in France will be very upset by this. Britain is a great place but I dont think going alone is the way forward.
Microsoft has rolled out new firmware updates for Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 to address power management and Intel driver issues. (Photo : YouTube/Tested)

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For both Surface Book and Surface Pro 4, battery problems especially in sleep mode been maiming the experience for some time now. In fact, Microsoft support team addressed the problem in a forum. Microsoft apologized for the latest flagships bugs and promised to provide a comprehensive update this year to fix a number of bugs.



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The two devices had many issues, but the most persistent problem that raised users' concerns was the battery drain in sleep mode. Usually, a gadget is supposed to conserve battery life when in sleep mode. However, for some reasons, the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 did exactly the contrary.



Reportedly, the problem emanated from power-management issues associated with the Intel Skylake processors. The manufacturer gave an update in January to fix various bugs, although there was no bug fix for sleep mode. Microsoft eventually dealt with the problem in a different update back in February and it has been providing several firmware updates ever since to further improve the battery effectiveness.



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The two devices are receiving a new driver for Surface UEFI, which is believed to enhance the stability of the system when resuming functionality from hibernation and sleep. Similarly, the driver comes with battery performance optimizations when the device is in connected standby mode.



Surface Book users have also raised concerns with regard to the device shutting down unexpectedly when in sleep mode. The driver in the latest firmware update should fix the problem. For both devices, another driver will fix the issue that makes the touch screen to remain active after the clipboard is closed against the keyboard.



Users that have not updated their devices should head over to Microsoft official website to get the latest firmware updates. Here is a sneak peek for more information:






L ondon voted strongly for Britain to stay in the EU, with just five boroughs backing Leave.

Some 2.26 million people in the capital, or just under 60 per cent of voters, supported Remain.

But Leave won in Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Bexley, Hillingdon and Sutton. Voter turnout was 69.7 per cent, lower than in some parts of the country, which may have been partly down to torrential rain causing traffic chaos in the morning and heavy downpours in the afternoon.

As London woke this morning, millions of people were left shocked by the nationwide referendum result.

Mayor Sadiq Khan sought to quell worries, telling the Standard: These are early days in a monumental moment in our countrys history.

Londoners should know that over the coming weeks, months and years, I will work with the Government and businesses in our city to ensure London continues to be the best place in the world for business, creativity and innovation  and that London continues to be a great city in which to live, work and raise a family.

UK votes to leave EU and Cameron resigns

However, Brent North Labour MP Barry Gardiner said: We have started a nuclear chain reaction in which no one knows the outcome.

In many areas, including Wandsworth, Lambeth, Haringey, Hammersmith and Fulham, Camden, Islington and Southwark, the Remain vote was at least 70 per cent.

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But Brexit won in Havering, with 69.7 per cent, Bexley 63 per cent, Barking and Dagenham 62.4 per cent, Hillingdon 56.4 per cent and Sutton 53.7 per cent.

Foreign journalists had gathered at Londons declaration centre in the Citys Guildhall, and as the night drew on it became clear that even the capital was divided over Britains future.

London returning officer Barry Quirk said the heavy rain and flooding had caused a delay in counting votes.

There was also a short hold-up in collecting Lambeth ballot papers after a crash between a fire engine and a bus caused traffic chaos in Brixton.

The City of London, the first district to return a result, voted by 3,312 to 1,087 to Remain.

After its votes were finally counted, Lambeth also declared overwhelmingly to Remain with 111,584 people voting to stay.

The final overall declaration for London was made at 6am when Mr Quick announced 2.26 million Londoners voted to Remain in the EU against 1.5 million Leavers.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

A total of 3.7 million Londoners cast their ballots yesterday from an eligible 5.4 million, one of the highest turn-outs in any London vote.

Earlier, in Wandsworth, which voted Remain by 75 per cent, Conservative MPs spoke of their relief that the EU campaign was over but this was before the national result to Leave came in.

A total of 118,463 in the borough cast ballots to Remain while 39,421 voted to Leave, with an overall turnout of 71.98 per cent.

Putney MP Justine Greening, the Overseas Aid Secretary, and health minister Jane Ellison, MP for Battersea, said they regretted the Brexit campaigns focus on immigration, but paid tribute to young Londoners who turned out to vote for the first time.

Resigned: Prime Minister David Cameron announced he will stand down in October / Stefan Wermuth

Ms Greening said: If you see young people coming through from the electorate, it may start to change the dynamics of our politics in a way thats good. She also called for her party, which has been bitterly divided throughout the campaign, to unite whatever the result.

It was a referendum, people were bound to be on different sides. You have to respect the result and get on with things, she added.

The count at Wandsworth town hall was delayed because some ballot boxes arrived later than expected due to the extreme weather, with the result being announced at about 2.30am.

In Croydon, the result was closer, with Remain winning by 54.3 per cent to 45.7 per cent.

Leave: UKIP leader Nigel Farage was one of the key Leave campaigners / Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

Shortly before 2am, Islington voted to Remain with a high turn-out of over 70 per cent.

In Canary Wharf, the mood at the Tower Hamlets count could only be described as bleak among Remain campaigners.

By 3am, they were hunched around a live news feed, fearing the worst.

By 4am, many had their heads in their hands at the looming nationwide win for Brexit, as Tower Hamlets chief executive Will Tuckley announced the local result of a 67.5 per cent win for Remain.
M organ Stanley has denied reports that up to 2,000 of its London-based investment banking staff are being relocated in the wake of last nights dramatic Brexit result.

The BBC reported the American investment bank had begun the process of moving employees to Dublin or Frankfurt and a taskforce was in place.

Reports suggested the action was needed because of the passporting system, which allows banks to offer financial services to all EU nations without a permanent base in that country.

But a spokesman for Morgan Stanley said the claims were untrue and that no immediate changes were planned.

He said: The BBC story is totally false.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

On Wednesday, Morgan Stanley president Colm Kelleher told Bloomberg a Brexit vote would be the most consequential thing that weve ever seen since the war.

Businesses are believed to be drawing up restructuring plans, which it is feared may include redundancies, as they get to grips with the fallout from Brexit.

Bank of England on Brexit

Within minutes of stock markets opening today more than 100 billion was wiped off the FTSE 100.

The index dropped by more than 7 per cent as the vote for Britain to walk out of the European Union sparked turmoil across global exchanges.
N icola Sturgeon was under pressure to call a fresh independence referendum after she said Scots had made an unequivocal call to stay in Europe.

JK Rowling predicted that the United Kingdom would be ripped apart after England and Scotland voted in opposite directions, tweeting: Scotland will seek independence now. Camerons legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen.

Scotland voted to stay in the EU by 62 per cent to 38, with all 32 regional counts recording Remain. It contrasted with Englands vote of 53.4 per cent for Leave and 46.6 for Stay.

First Minister Ms Sturgeon said: Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status ... the vote here makes clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union.

Sturgeon announces there will be another independence referendum for Scotland

Under EU rules, Scotland could not just stay in the European club by leaving the UK. Instead it would have to apply for membership after independence.

However, the SNP manifesto in May said there should be a new independence ballot if there were a significant and material change in circumstances. Ms Sturgeon said: Scotland has spoken, and spoken decisively.

Northern Ireland voted Remain by 55.8 per cent to 44.2  and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness called for a vote on a united Ireland.

Sinn Feins national chairman Declan Kearney said: The British Government has now forfeited its mandate to represent the north of Ireland in relation to the EU.

Sturgeon: Scotland like London voted to Remain

Gibraltar voted overwhelmingly to remain, by 19,322 votes to 823.
T he Spanish government has called for joint sovereignty over Gibraltar after the UK voted to leave the European Union.

Voters in the British Overseas Territory voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU  at 95.9 per cent  and acting Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo hoped co-sovereignty would happen.

In his plea for joint sovereignty, Mr Garcia-Margallo said: The Spanish flag on the Rock is much closer than before.

But the UK Government has rejected the idea following the shock vote to quit the EU.

In a statement Foreign Office minister David Lidington said: I know many will be concerned about the future. I want to be absolutely clear. The United Kingdom will continue to stand beside Gibraltar.

"We will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against your wishes.

UK votes to leave EU and Cameron resigns

Furthermore, the UK will not enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content.

Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo, who shared a platform with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in May in support of the Remain campaign, is due to give a speech on Friday afternoon.

Earlier, he tweeted: "We have surpassed greater challenges. It is time for unity, for calm and for rational thinking. Together and united we will continue to prosper."

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

Julie Girling, the South West England and Gibraltar Conservative MEP - who also backed Remain, said; "I am deeply sorry that the people of the UK have chosen this leap in the dark. I believe future generations will question our wisdom.

"The EU has many faults, of course, but I remain convinced that we would be safer, stronger and better off by remaining a member."
V eterans of the election TV all-nighter are used to hot air.

It tends to accumulate in studios while everyones waiting for some verifiable results to roll in.

But when BBC1, ITV and Sky News began broadcasting last night around 10pm, the gale force winds of waffle were enough to match the blustery weather outside.

This wasnt just the usual airtime-filling speculation; this was speculation about when we might start speculating.

Since the psephologists had no similar past events to base their exit polls on, they dispensed with the convention altogether.

BBC graphics guy Jeremy Vine used the first of his famous 3D visuals, not to deliver information, but to illustrate just how little information he had. Would we be able to start guessing at midnight? At 2am? At breakfast time, whenever that is? Even the colour scheme was unclear. Jeremy, just one thing to clarify, interjected an impatient David Dimbleby, Blue is out? Yellow is remain?

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

Over at ITV, what News at Ten anchor Tom Bradby lacked in incomprehensible graphics, he made up for with a constant rotation of gabby guests; Theo Paphitis off Dragons Den, Toby Young and hippy-dippy former Cameron advisor Steve Hilton (sans tie, obvs) all got their two pennies in, despite many having already got their two pennies in, at length, on Channel 4s chaotic Wednesday night debate.

The host of that show, Jeremy Paxman was notably absent from our screens, probably still recovering in a darkened room somewhere. In fact, Channel 4 had opted out of the results night coverage altogether, preferring to catch up with a special midday bulletin today.

Nigel Farage was first to hazard a guess at the result, while all around him were exercising caution. He conceded defeat, then un-conceded, all before 11pm. At two minutes to midnight he appeared to concede again, telling ITVs Robert Peston. If I was a betting man, I would say maybe Remain will grab it by a nick, yet he remained bullish, adding, the Eurosceptics are gonna win this war. That alarming fondness for a military metaphor became the mercurial mans most consistent calling card over the course of the evening. His 4am speech also included the bizarrely bad taste boast that victory had been won without a bullet being fired.

Sky Newss equally gaffe-prone Kay Burley didnt disappoint, mistaking the black former head of the Commission for Racial Equality, Trevor Phillips, for the (also black) Tottenham MP David Lammy. Was this a contributing cause of her colleague Adam Boultons ever-deepening frown? His eyebrows got lower and lower, finally coming to rest on the tip of his nose at about 5.45am.

Only slightly less embarrassing, were the BBCs tedious technical troubles with off-site interviews around the country. It aided the attempts of Tom Bradbys team to own the tech side of things. Not only did ITV manage to actually turn on the mic for their interview with Leave campaign funder Arron Banks, they also had their own Twitter corner in the studio, complete with anonymous youths tapping away on their shiny macs and a dedicated tweet correspondent, who offered up solemn commentary such as, Lily Allen: really not holding back there

Those hip young things at ITV also had the best party invites. Julie Etchingham was at the Remain campaign do where, by 11.30ish, Chuka Umunna had a few buttons undone and there were even some (Belgian?) beers being drunk straight from the bottle. By 02.28 unexpectedly strong results in Lambeth and Wandsworth had bolstered the Remain camps hopes, but the party vibes told a truer story. Put it this way: Only the Leave camps bash had drunken whooping, a shortage of champagne and a dancing girl in a sequinned mini-dress.

By this uncivilised hour, even those of us who hadnt touched a drop were having trouble grasping the import of Jeremy Vines ladder of matchsticks on the BBC, so hooray for Sky Newss giant primary school charts. Ultimately though, stats and graphics have rarely counted for so little in election night coverage. This one came down to a count so straight-forward it could have been done on a pocket calculator. That count may have often felt too close to call, but the Battle of the Broadcasters had a clear and surprising winner: after many years of BBC domination, this time ITV got their mix spot on.
N icola Sturgeon has said a second independence referendum is "highly likely" after Scotland's voters overwhelmingly backed Remain.

Scotland was out of step with England and Wales after all 32 of its local authorities voted to stay in the EU.

Speaking this morning after the result was declared, the Scottish First Minister said it was "democratically unacceptable" that Scotland had been taken out of the union against its will.

She said the Scottish Government will now begin to prepare legislation for a second independence referendum to take place.

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"The vote to leave the EU is one I deeply regret," she said.

"It remains my passion and belief that it is better for all parts of the UK to be members of the European Union.

"The vote across England and Wales was a rejection of the EU and it was a sign of divergence between Scotland and large parts of the rest of the UK and how we see our place in the world."

The previous Scottish independence referendum in 2014 saw 55.3 per cent of voters choose to remain as part of the UK.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

Ms Sturgeon added: I am proud of Scotland and how we voted yesterday.

We proved we are a modern, outward looking, open and inclusive country and we said clearly that we dont want to leave the EU.

Sturgeon: Scotland like London voted to Remain

The SNP manifesto for May's Holyrood elections said the Scottish Parliament "should have the right to hold another referendum if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will".
F ar-right politicians in France are calling for their country to leave the European Union after branding Britains historic referendum a victory for freedom.

Millions of British voters backed leaving the EU, with leave receiving almost 52 per cent of the vote to remains 48 per cent.

World leaders and political figures across the globe spoke out about the historic decision, with Marine Le Pen, leader of the Front National in France, calling for her country to follow suit.

She tweeted: Victory for freedom! As I have been asking for years, now we need to have the same referendum in France and in the countries of the EU.

French far-right politician Marion Marechal-Le Pen echoed her aunt's views, posting: From #Brexit to #Frexit: Its now time to import democracy to our country. The French must have the right to choose.

Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Freedom Party, praised British voters before calling for a Dutch referendum.

He said: Now it is our turn.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures 1 /30 Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures David Cameron announces his resignation outside Number 10 Downing Street Stefan Wermuth/Reuters David and Samantha Cameron outside Downing Street as the PM announces his decision to stand down Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Boris Johnson leaves home following the stunning EU referendum result Lucy Young A triumphant Nigel Farage near the Houses of Parliament Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, is followed by journalists as he walks towards the Houses of Parliament Rob Stothard/Getty Images London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to the media after Britain voted for Brexit Matt Writle Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Toby Melville/Reuters Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA Vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look dejected as results come in Rob Stothard/AFP/Getty Images The Houses of Parliament as dawn breaks on London after the vote Rob Stothard/Getty Images Stronger in campaigners look dejected after the result Leave supporters celebrate opposite the Houses of Parliament in London Anthony Devlin/PA Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home this morning Rob Stothard/Getty Images A man reacts to a vote count results screen at an 'Leave.EU Referendum Party' in London Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall Rob Stothard/PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London as he claimed victory Stefan Rousseau/PA A London taxi driver holds a Union flag, as he celebrates following the result of the EU referendum Toby Melville Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard People gathered in The Churchill Tavern, a British themed bar, react as the BBC predicts Briatin will leave the European Union, in the Manhattan borough of New York Andrew Kelly/Reuters Traders monitor computer screens with the day's exchange rate at a foreign exchange brokerage at a securities firm in Tokyo Eugene Hoshiko/AP Conservative MP Nigel Evans (left) and UKIP's Paul Nuttall, members of the Vote Leave campaign, celebrate at Manchester Town Hall where the national result in the UK referendum will be declared later Peter Byrne/PA Traders react to the fast moving Euro results at ETX Capital in the City of London this morning Chris Gorman/Evening Standard

But other European political figures branded today a sad day for Europe and Britain.

German vice-chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said: Damn! A bad day for Europe, while Anton Boerner, head of Germanys foreign trade association said the result of the referendum was catastrophic.

He said: That is a catastrophic result for Britain and also for Europe and Germany, especially the German economy.

It is disturbing that the oldest democracy in the world turns its back on us.

Donald Trump- 'Brexit is a great thing, they took back their country'

Further afield, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the immediate impact on his part of the Commonwealth would be very limited because it would take some years for the UK to negotiate an exit from the EU.

He added: However, weve seen already large falls on stock markets and there will be a degree of uncertainty for some time.

Leave: UKIP leader Nigel Farage was delighted with the result of the referendum / Stefan Rousseau/PA

President of the European Martin Schulz said parliament respected the result.

Nigel Farage's speech after a Brexit victory

He said: Now is the time for us to behave seriously and responsibly. David Cameron has his responsibilities for his country, we have our responsibilities for the future of the EU.

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You can see what is happening to sterling on the markets. I dont want the same thing to happen to the euro.

UK votes to leave EU and Cameron resigns

President Barack Obama has been briefed on the outcome of the referendum, the White House said, and will speak to Prime Minister David Cameron.

It is not yet known whether Mr Obama will make a public statement.
G lastonbury organisers have posted a statement about Brexit for this years festival-goers.

In the wake of the EU Referendum, festival chiefs have reached out to music fans who have woken up to news that Britain is leaving the EU.

A notice posted around the festival site and later retweeted by the official Twitter account, read:

Everyone is repeating they have no words/But we're full of them.

As the camp wakes up to the news/Tents come alive with profanity/It can't be true, can it, really? It is.

It's a day none of us have felt less British/As those around us crack open breakfast wine and shout for revolt.

I think we're pretty safe in the knowledge that it's nobody's here fault/So let's trudge on through the mud/And sing out loud our protest songs.

Vox pops on the EU referendum from Glastonbury

It continued: As the country is divided - in this field we belong/ Embrace your fellow Glastonberry,/ As they are feeling just like you.

Glastonbury 2016 - In pictures 1 /24 Glastonbury 2016 - In pictures Festival goers dressed as pirates enjoy the atmosphere at the Glastonbury Festival Ian Gavan/Getty Images Tom Hammersley, David Hartley, Hannah Brookfield and Deborah Beats from Manchester at the David Bowie tribute karaoke during the Glastonbury Festival Yui Mok/PA A festival goers in fancy dress enjoys the atmosphere at the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton Ian Gavan/Getty Images A festival goer soaks up the atmosphere at the Glastonbury Festival Ben Birchall/PA Revellers arrive at the Glastonbury Festival Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images A festival goer carries a David Bowie puppet during the David Bowie tribute karaoke during the Glastonbury Festiva Yui Mok/PA Festival goers during a tribute to Jo Cox held at Park Stage at the Glastonbury Festival Yui Mok/PA Patrick Irish, 30 from Gloucestershire dresses as a ballot box at the Glastonbury Festival Ben Birchall/PA David Bowie Fans Neil Atkinson (left) and Joshua Snailes from Cumbria at the Glastonbury Festival Yui Mok/PA Festival goers enjoy the atmosphere during the Glastonbury Festival Ian Gavan/Getty Images A man stands on his hands during the Glastonbury Festival Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images Revellers arrive at the Glastonbury Festival Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images A general view of festival goers in the sunshine at the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm Ian Gavan/Getty Images Hayley Davies enjoys the atmosphere at the Glastonbury Festival Festival goers enjoy the atmosphere during the Glastonbury Festival Ian Gavan/Getty Images A festival goer enjoys the atmosphere at the Glastonbury Festival Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images Revellers walk in a field at Worthy Farm in Somerset during the Glastonbury Festival Stoyan Nenov/Reuters Fireworks explode in the sky during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerse Stoyan Nenov/Reuters

Goodbye old friend/We'll miss you a lot/Our little mate the EU.

A number of musicians have spoken out about the decision during their sets during the first day of the festival.

While Bastille changed the lyrics to their song Pompeii during a set for BBC Radio One, Damon Albarn told the crowd:

I have a very heavy heart today. Democracy failed us because it was ill-informed."
P ity the poor TV viewer in summer. The schedules are full of sport and Glasto  both of which, to be honest, are best appreciated in person  and its a long wait until autumn, when the good shows start again. Or so it once was.

In summer 2016 bold scheduling experiments mean theres more to watch and more ways to watch it than ever.

Even the staid Beeb has begun debuting sexy psychodramas such as The Living and The Dead on iPlayer before, not after, their primetime broadcast slots.

Sky Atlantic is allowing UK viewers to see US shows at the same time as America (GMT, be damned, its our GoT that matters) and new funding models at Netflix and Amazon Prime mean a boundary-pushing concept is no bar to a series commission (thank you, Orange is the New Black, thank you Transparent).

So rejoice, telly addicts, and draw your curtains against the glaring sun, the EU referendum clouds have finally cleared and there are a host of great new series just over the horizon.

Orange is the New Black

Season 4, available now, Netflix

Best one yet? If the relative merit of an OITNB series is judged according to the screen time of annoying Piper (less is best), then Season 4 should be a corker. The ongoing privatisation of Litchfield Penetentiary tests new warden Caputos integrity to breaking point while the arrival of disgraced TV chef Judy King (Blair Brown) ruffles feathers among the overcrowded inmates. And will poor Alex (Laura Prepon) survive her encounter with a contract killer? Last one to finish their 13-episode binge gets the bottom bunk.

Orange is the New Black - Season 4, Netflix 1 /24 Orange is the New Black - Season 4, Netflix Piper Netflix Jane Netflix Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren Netflix Taystee Netflix Lorna Netflix New inmates Netflix Lolly Netflix Marisol Netflix Tiffany Netflix Soso Netflix Poussey Netflix Warden Caputo Netflix Red Netflix Big Boo Netflix Maria Netflix Gloria Netflix Cindy Netflix Sam Netflix

The Bureau

Available now, Amazon Prime

Think of this as Frances answer to BBC hit The Night Manager. Dashing French film actor Matthieu Kassovitz (Amelie, Munich) stars as a secret service agent who struggles to leave behind his false identity and his Syrian girlfriend when a six-year mission in Damascus comes to an end. The bad news is that its so addictive you wont see sunlight until September. The good news is that if you whizz through all 10 episodes of Season 1, youll only have to wait until August 26 for Season 2.

The Living and The Dead

Available now, BBC iPlayer

You remember Northern Irish actor Colin Morgan? He played DS Tom Anderson, the age-inappropriate love interest of Gillian Andersons superintendent in the second series of The Fall, a role hell reprise later this year. Before that hes starring in the BBCs spooky new costume drama as pioneering psychologist Nathan Appleby. After moving back to his childhood home in superstitious Somerset, Appleby takes on a case of apparent demonic possession and soon becomes obsessed with proving the existence of an afterlife.

Brief Encounters

July 4, ITV

It wont be ground-breaking television by any means but theres a lot to like about ITVs new series set in the knicker-selling business of the early Eighties. First theres a cast comprising loveable stalwart Sophie Rundle, My Mad Fat Diarys Sharon Rooney, too-good-for-Corrie Angela Griffin and stand-up comedian Doc Brown. Then theres the prospect of witnessing what the trailer describes as the sexual awakening of Sheffield. The mind boggles.

Mr Robot

Season 2, July 14, Amazon Prime; Season 1, Universal, July 21

If youre more likely to get a tan from the warm glow of a laptop screen than any actual sunshine, this ones for you. Mr Robot makes us all believe that the most important world events take place on an algorithmic level. Rami Malek stars as Elliot Alderson, cybersecurity engineer by day and vigilante hacktivist by night, whose struggles with anxiety have been externalised by Sam Esmails innovative script. And if that doesnt appeal, the pacey thriller plotline and support from Eighties heart-throb Christian Slater should.

Stranger Things

July 15, Netflix

After an eye-catching supporting turn in last years Sky Atlantic drama Show Me a Hero, Winona Ryders small-screen comeback continues apace. In this unsettling tribute to cult classics including Twin Peaks and Nightmare on Elm Street she plays Joyce, the mother of a young boy who vanishes without trace in Eighties Indiana. Those with fond memories of Nineties kids show Eerie, Indiana may also want to keep an eye out for this one  its got slow-burn hit written all over it.

Vice Principals

July 19, Sky Atlantic

Walton Goggins is one of those brilliant but largely anonymous character actors who improves every show he appears in (The Shield, Justified, Sons of Anarchy). Get ready to remember his name as he makes his comedy debut alongside Danny McBride, a foul-mouthed favourite best known for Eastbound and Down and a series of Judd Apatow films. The pair play rival teachers locked into an epic power struggle and end up behaving much, much more badly than the students theyre meant to be disciplining.

Gomorrah

Season 2, Tomorrow, DVD and Blu-ray

So the neighbours have swanned off to Tuscany for two weeks? So what? You know the real Italy thanks to the second series of this gritty gangster thriller set in a Naples council estate. If your interest in Italian organised crime is piqued, theres lots more to look forward to besides. Suburra, a feature film by Gomorrah director Stefano Sollima, is out on June 24 followed by the Helen Mirren-narrated documentary A Very Sicilian Justice on Al Jazeera English (July 7, 9pm).

The Neighbours

TBC, More4 and Walter Presents

This Dutch series will either confirm your most xenophobic suspicions about what those continentals get up to behind closed doors or persuade you to go online and book that Amsterdam getaway before the end of the first ad break. It tells the story of a couple who move to the suburbs and make friends with the swingers next door before getting embroiled in a nightmare of sexual obsession and murder. Even more intriguing is this trivia titbit: the actors playing the two couples are also couples in real life.

The Get Down

Season 1, TBC, Netflix

Glee, Nashville, Empire: TV musicals are no longer a scheduling anomaly, theyre sure-fire hits with cross-generational appeal. If you were turned off by Vinyls debauched depiction of Seeventies New York (as well as its scenes of copious cocaine consumption) this series should make it all better again. Hopeful signs include the casting of Will Smiths gender-fluid middle son Jaden as a psychedelically talented graffiti artist and the involvement of Romeo & Juliet director Baz Luhrmann.

The Night Of

TBC, Sky Atlantic

Co-written by US crime fiction royalty Richard Price (Clockers, The Wire) and based on 2008 BBC drama Criminal Justice, The Night Of has good pedigree. Like Nordic noir classics The Killing and The Bridge it follows the investigation and trial of a single crime, the murder of a young woman in New York. John Turturro is lawyer Jack Stone (a role meant for the late James Gandolfini) and London actor Riz Ahmed plays the prime suspect.

Him

TBC, ITV

Current unknown Fionn Whitehead is about to be a massive star. Christopher Nolan has cast him alongside Tom Hardy and Mark Rylance in his Second World War drama Dunkirk. Catch him in this three-part domestic horror and you can say you recognised that first spark of star power from the very beginning. He plays a 17-year-old known only as Him whose usual teen struggles with a broken home and a blended family are compounded by his dangerous supernatural powers.

Best TV dramas 2016 1 /38 Best TV dramas 2016 The Missing The addictive and twisty second series of the BBC's crime anthology series BBC/New Pictures/Robert Viglasky Dark Angel Joanne Froggatt stared as Victorian mass murderer Mary Ann Cotton in this ITV drama ITV Close to the Enemy Stephen Poliakoff's post-war drama thriller BBC/Little Island Pictures Ordinary Lies The BBC anthology drama returns with more twisted tales BBC/Red Productions/Adrian Rogers The Night Of Riz Ahmed stars in HBO's critically acclaimed crime mini-series HBO Cold Feet The classic ITV comedy-drama returns - and it's just as good as it ever was ITV Victoria ITV have given Poldark some stiff competition with this period drama about a young Queen Victoria ITV Poldark The BBC's hit drama returns with more brooding, and less naked scything BBC/Robert Viglasky One of Us The BBC kept everyone guessing with this claustrophobic four-part whodunit Ripper Street The fan-favourite Victorian police drama returned for Series 4 BBC/Tiger Aspect 2016/Bernard Walsh The Secret Agent Toby Jones led the cast in the BBC's Joseph Conrad adaptation BBC/World Productions/Mark Mainz/Matt Burlem The Living and the Dead The BBC's gothic romance debuted in full on iPlayer BBC Preacher AMC's adaptation of Garth Ennis' cult comic book is available week-by-week on Amazon Prime Amazon / AMC Versailles A raunchy royal romp around the court of King Louis XIV, spicing up Wednesdays on BBC Two Canal +/ BBC Locked Up The Spanish prison drama came to the UK thanks to Channel 4's Walter Presents series Channel 4 / Global Series Peaky Blinders The Birmingham-set gangster thriller was more popular than ever in its third series BBC/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/Robert Viglasky The A Word The BBC gave us a nuanced and emotional take on autism BBC/Fifty Fathoms Marcella Anna Friel stars in ITV's British take on the Scandi-noir thriller ITV Grantchester James Norton is back as the crime-solving vicar ITV / Lovely Day Stag The comedy-thriller from the team behind The Wrong Mans is both hilarious and chilling BBC/Des Willie/Hal Shinnie/Matt Burlem Vinyl Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger present a glossy drama about the Seventies music industry HBO American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson Cuba Gooding Jr leads an all-star cast in a dramatic re-telling of the 'trial of century' BBC/Fox Happy Valley Sarah Lancashire returned as Sgt Catherine Cawood for a second series of the gritty crime thriller BBC/Red Productions/Ben Blackall The X Files Mulder and Scully return for a brand new set of mysteries War and Peace The BBC's epic adaptation of the Russian literary classic BBC/Mitch Jenkins Call the Midwife The BBC period drama moved into the Sixties for Series 5 BBC/Neal Street Productions/Sophie Mutevelian Dickensian Charles Dickens' most famous characters collide in this historical soap BBC Jericho ITV's British western set in the wilds of Yorkshire Silent Witness The hugely popular detective drama returns for a 19th series

National Treasure

TBC, Channel 4

Its always worth catching up with what writer Jack Thorne (Skins, This is England 90, The Last Panthers) is up to. His latest project is this sure-to-be-controversial series on the investigation of a much-loved public figure, Paul Finchley (Robbie Coltrane), for historic sexual offences. Youll need little prompting to recall the real-life sources for Finchleys character but National Treasure will also explore the impact on those around him. The excellent cast also includes Julie Walters as Pauls wife of 40 years, Marie, and Andrea Riseborough as Dee, his recovering addict daughter.
B ritains choice to leave the EU could affect funding for future seasons of Game of Thrones.

Many scenes in HBOs hit fantasy show, especially those set in the north of Westeros, are shot in Northern Ireland, where the EU subsidises the cost of shooting.

With Britain having voted to leave the EU, the European Regional Development Fund could no longer apply to scenes shot in the UK.

Scenes filmed in the UK for Season 6 include the huge, thrilling Battle of the Bastards, which included a number of practical stunts and huge numbers of extras.

UK votes to leave EU and Cameron resigns

While Game of Thrones has become HBOs most popular show ever, the lack of a subsidy could affect scenes such as last weeks battle, increasing the cost of production.

Speaking to Foreign Policy, Peter Chase, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States Brussels office, said: It might be up in the air for US studios who want to film in the UK.

Game of Thrones locations you can actually stay in: 1 /6 Game of Thrones locations you can actually stay in: A summerhouse North of Westeros, Iceland With Iceland representing the northern-most tip of Westeros, this summerhouse is perfectly located an hours drive from Reykjavik. Fans will recognise the Thingvellir National Park from Arya's storyline and as the setting for the battle of the Hound and Brienne, as this listing boasts 360 degree views of the park itself.



114 per night based on two guests. Book it here Dont slave away in Slavers Bay, Morocco This classic guesthouse offers the most spectacular views of Ait-Ben-Haddou in Morocco, the setting for Slavers Bay. Fans of the show will recognise the area from season three, where Daenerys Targaryen successfully led a military campaign with the goal of liberating the enslaved populace.



From 16 per night based on four guests. Book it here Dorne of a great break in Seville, Spain Dorne is one of the lushest new locations featured in season five and was shot on location in Seville, Spain. The beautiful verdant courtyards and eye catching architecture runs through the whole city, including this lovely listing.



From 61 per night based on three guests. Book it here Over the Wall in Galway, Ireland Built in the 1400s, this refurbished medieval castle is full of quirks, perfect to visit the realm of the wildlings who live beyond. With winding staircases and oak beams youll feel like a real member of the Nights Watch.



From 95 per night based on two guests. Book it here Dwell in the Dalmatian Coast A short distance from the beach, and overlooking the beautiful Old Town, this listing acts as the real life backdrop of Kings Landing. Overlooking the island of Lokrum, you will be enchanted by the views and the history surrounding you as you purvey your kingdom.



18 per night based on one guest. Book it here

There are EU programs to help fund all of this. If the U.K. is no longer part of the EU, that has the potential to go away.

The current series of Game of Thrones is due to draw to a close on Sunday night in the US, with an episode which will see the fallout of Jon Snows battle against Ramsay Snow.
The rumored Samsung Galaxy S8 will launch with 4K display. (Photo : YouTube/PHConcepts)

Despite of not being rumored with a particular release date, Samsung Galaxy S8 is speculated to arrive early next year in February. This was based on Samsung's timeline on releasing their Galaxy flagship phone. It has also been speculated the upcoming phone will sport a 4K AMOLED display on its 5.5-inch screen.



Advertisement

The first Galaxy phone, dubbed as Galaxy S, became available in the market by March 2010. Its succeeding versions S2 and S3 were launched by February 2011 and May 2012, respectively. After this trend, a more consistent schedule was observed by the Korean tech-giant.



When S4 was released in March 2013, it was followed by the Galaxy S5's launching in February 2014. The trend became consistent with the succeeding Galaxy flagships when S6 came in March 2015 and was followed by the Galaxy S7 February this year, PC Advisor reported.



The report added that this trend will probably still be followed by Samsung, thus giving consumers idea when to expect the S8 launching. It has become the company's tradition to launch their devices during the Mobile World Congress which will have its next run from Feb. 27 to March 2 next year. Unless Samsung changes its tradition, a different release date for the upcoming Galaxy flagship will be revealed by the tech-giant in the coming months.



In terms of variant, very little details have been hinted as of the moment. The same report speculated the S8 may come with three variants, with Samsung possibly reviving the mini version.



Reports on the upcoming phone's specifications are also circulating. Lately, it has been rumored that the Galaxy S8 will still retain the 5.5-inch screen size of the S7 but will be sporting a 4K AMOLED display with 806 ppi. A rear dual camera was also reported to come with the device.



This new feature is no news as Apple's upcoming iPhone 7 was also reported to sport this feature. Aside from the rear dual camera, the S8 is also said to feature an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, Pocket Lint reported.



To get more details for the Galaxy S8, watch the video clip below.






J oanna Lumley has admitted that she didnt want to do Absolutely Fabulous after the first read-through.

The actress and comedian, who is now known for much-loved character Patsy Stone, told her agent that she wasnt keen on the project after an awkward first meeting with Jennifer Saunders.

Speaking on Friday nights Graham Norton show, she said: It was very awkward at the read through. It was just the two of us and she just stared at me.

I told my agent I didnt want to do it and she said, Its just a pilot, just do it.

Saunders went on to say that Lumley wasnt what she had in mind for the role, but that she changed the character after they found her.

Joanna just wasnt what I had in mind for Patsy. I saw her as a low-life journalist, she said.

But Joanna brought so much more to the role and we had fun inventing the character.

The stars, who are gearing up for the release of Ab Fab: The Movie, told Norton about convincing Kate Moss to co-star in the film.

Saunders said: The funny thing was I had sold the idea of the movie to the studio and the BBC and then realised I hadnt actually asked Kate. Luckily she said yes and was really cool about it.

Saunders and Lumley are joined on this weeks show by Australian actress Rebel Wilson, who also stars in the film, and rocker Iggy Pop.

Absolutely Fabulous: Evening Standard photo shoot with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley 1 /26 Absolutely Fabulous: Evening Standard photo shoot with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders rummage through the rails in true Patsy and Eddy style Daniel Hambury The comedy duo were overjoyed to see their takeover of the Liberty windows Daniel Hambury In our chat in Liberty's Heritage Suite the pair revealed what it was like to work with Kate Moss Daniel Hambury These women know how to strike a pose, citing Liberty as their favourite London store Daniel Hambury "I hope they know what they have let themselves in for though. Edina would pocket most of the accessories department if she could," said Saunders Daniel Hambury The iconic flower shop entrance had some special guests Daniel Hambury The flower power seems to have made an impact on Saunders Daniel Hambury Making a royal entrance on the Liberty balcony, with crowds of adoring fans cheering them on Daniel Hambury The takeover has life-size Patsy and Eddy dolls in the windows Daniel Hambury Eddy and Patsy find themselves in a media storm in the movie and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi...we may have found their hiding place Daniel Hambury Lumley and Saunders are keen to dabble in journalism and take the reins at the Evening Standard Daniel Hambury Look out for the Donald Trump in Patsy Stone scandal story... Daniel Hambury Champagne was flowing for the photo shoot, in true Ab Fab style Daniel Hambury The Evening Standard's Amira Hashish meets her idols for our behind the scenes interview Daniel Hambury A Kate Moss shrine in the Liberty window pays homage to the British supermodel A replica of the moment Moss falls into the Thames Inflatable speech bubbles capture our favourite quotes Learn the new wave of Ab Fab lingo Patsy and Eddy's motto is proudly presented Cheers sweetie darlings! Daniel Hambury

The Graham Norton Show, BBC1, 10.55pm.


E ver since news broke of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius shooting and killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentines Day 2013, the high-profile case has been under scrutiny from the media and the general public.

The shock and confusion surrounding Steenkamps death left many questioning what exactly had happened.

Now under house arrest and awaiting a new sentence after serving 12 months in prison, Pistorius has given his first media interview about Steenkamps killing.

Airing on ITV, Oscar Pistorius: The Interview sees the Paralympian questioned about the prosecution case, as he gives his account of the events that led to Steenkamps death.

I did take Reevas life and I have to live with that, Pistorius tells journalist Mark Williams-Thomas.

I can smell the blood. I can feel the warmness of it on my hands. And to know that thats your fault, that thats what youve done.

Talking about his own future, Pistorius says: I dont want to go back to jail and I dont want to have to waste my life sitting there.

Oscar Pistorius interview

If I was afforded the opportunity of redemption I would like to help the less fortunate.

I would like to believe that if Reeva could look down on me then she would want me to live that life.

Reeva Steenkamps family declined an invitation to take part in the programme.

ITV, 9pm
Contact: Jay Fordice, Luis Palau Association, 503-614-1500



PORTLAND, Ore., June 24, 2016 /Standard Newswire/ -- After 20 years of providing online Bible courses to more than 43,000 Christian leaders throughout Latin America, the Luis Palau Bible Institute is planning an historic gathering in Cuba this November. The program, which will focus on live training for hundreds of local pastors, will be a first for the region. It is being accomplished in partnership with the International Bible Society (known as Biblica), Logos Christian University, the Luis Palau Association, and local leaders.



The Spanish-language news outlet Noti-Prensa recently held an exclusive interview with Pastor Arcadis Solano, Cuba Coordinator for Luis Palau Bible Institute who is in charge of organizing the on-site classes in Santiago, Cuba; and Dr. Carlos Barbieri, director of the Luis Palau Bible Institute since its inception in 1995.

Noti-Prensa: For years, we have closely followed the work of the Luis Palau Institute in its mission to "serve those who serve." And now, after 20 years of offering classes via video, you announce the "onsite" class model. Will this change affect the courses online, or is just an added option?



Carlos Barbieri: Definitely it is an option that is added to what we have online. And, of course, it comes about because of an immediate and strategic need. The Luis Palau Bible Institute was born out of a pressing need, and it has adjusted to new needs several times in the past two decades.



Noti-Prensa: Explain to us in more depth how you have "reacted to the need," and in what way you have changed in the past.



Carlos Barbieri: I remember in 1994 we received a serious report from an organization that studies churches and their growth in Latin America. It said that in one country in South America the growth of believers in Jesus Christ had exceeded the infrastructure of the church. In that year, in that country, there were at least 13,500 pastors and ministry leaders and only about 400 of them had had formal theological teaching.



Upon seeing the need, the Palau Association decided to do something. A year later, in 1995, we began filming a 60-hour course that we called "Ministerial Self-improvement Course." For the next year, we made available a huge package of 30 videos with a heavy manual. After the VHS tapes came CD's, and later DVD's. Later on, we continued adding more courses, and some years later, the Institute was born on the web. Now it is all digital, with new and expanded courses, manuals, and many more options. We have simply been adjusting to the need and to the new times.



Noti-Prensa: What compelled you to create onsite classes?



Carlos Barbieri: To offer Bible study options in Cuba, we need to be creative. The internet is not widely available yet. The costs are too high for most of the population of the island. So we need to advance another step and prepare a live training, with professors from the Institute who travel to Cuba and offer their knowledge in a completely free event.



Noti-Prensa: Pastor Arcadis, what is the state of the church today in Cuba? Tell us how this effort will help the Cuban church.



Arcadis Solano: After some 25 years, the church in Cuba is experiencing exponential growth. Hundreds of churches have opened along with thousands of homes where the Gospel is preached and where help is given to families in need. The Gospel is spreading and reaching daily more people who give their lives to Christ. But as with all growth, this is also bringing its pain as we pastors see the great spiritual need of the people, and it hurts us to not have all the tools possible to help, to encourage, and to counsel.



On coming to our city to offer almost three days of intensive classes about pastoral counseling, the Luis Palau Institute gives us the tools that we are needing at this crucial time in our history.



Noti-Prensa: How many pastors do you expect in the city of Santiago for the onsite classes, and what kind of enthusiasm is there in the city?



Arcadis Solano: We hope to have 220 pastors in these first classes on the subject of Pastoral Counseling, the maximum space available. The enthusiasm generated is such among the leadership that we have already asked the Institute to consider the possibility of a second series of classes!



Noti-Prensa: Carlos, tell us about the organizations that will support you, and the professors who are confirmed for this event.



Carlos Barbieri: We are very excited for the Ministerial Alliance, which has come about with the object of blessing the Cuban leadership. One of our professors will be Dr. Roberto Sanchez, Director of Logos Christian University. Dr. Sanchez will award 16 university credits in counseling on behalf of the University. We will have a graduation with diplomas from Logos University as well as the Luis Palau Bible Institute. It will be a very moving time and will help support our Cuban brothers.



Another part of the Ministerial Alliance will be Biblica director Dr. Esteban Fernandez, who will teach a class. We will also be accompanied by invited professors Dr. Ruben Proietti, who is the current director of the Alliance of Christian Churches of Argentina (ACIERA) and international events director for the Luis Palau Association. Dr. Luciano Jaramillo, coordinator of the translation committee for the New International Version (NIV), will also join us. Pastor Edmundo Gastaldi, general coordinator of events for Dr. Palau in Latin America, and I also will have the privilege of teaching a couple of classes.



Noti-Prensa: Undoubtedly, there are leaders who desire to accompany you in this effort. Where should they write to get involved, or for students to reserve a spot in the class?



Carlos Barbieri: We have set up a special email account for these matters. Write us at: clases.presenciales@institutoluispalau.com.



Noti-Prensa: Thank you for all this information and inspiration that you have both shared with us.
This new Hubble Space Telescope image confirms the presence of a dark vortex in the atmosphere of Neptune. (Photo : NASA, ESA, and M.H. Wong and J. Tollefson (UC Berkeley))

A mysterious dark spot has been detected on Neptune as astronomers used the Hubble Space Telescope to study this unprecedented feature on the gas planet.



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This spot is apparently a dark vortex generated by a high pressure system in Neptune's thick layer of gases enshrouding the planet, as atmospheric elements are being driven upward.This atmospheric activity are now forming flat clouds that were first spotted by amateur astronomers in July 2015. Astronomers quickly responded to these new findings, as they discovered a dark formation was generating these flat, round clouds.



According to Mike Wong from the University of California, Berkeley, these dark vortexes can span through Neptune's atmosphere that can be described as gaseous mountains that are shaped like a lens. Its companion clouds are also similar to orographic clouds that appear to possess features similar to a pancake, that lingers around the mountains on Earth.



This theory has now been confirmed by these new observations which also marks the first time that these pancake shaped clouds have been detected in Neptune.



Astronomers also reveal that during a flyby of NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft of Neptune in 1989, astronomers were surprised to spot a gigantic, dark hole located in the southern hemisphere of the cyan atmosphere of the gas planet. After some years, this dark spot mysteriously disappeared however, Hubble detected a new dark spot in the northern hemisphere in 1994 that is also similar in size.



This newest image of Neptune's dark vortex was captured last May 16, where this region is estimated to be the size of the Untied States based on the continent's width. The Hubble Space Telescope is also the only observatory that can detect these spinning dark vortexes on a distant planet in our solar system.



Similar phenomena can also be seen on other planets in the solar system. On Jupiter, its bright red spot lasted for several decades or even centuries as they also evolve through time. On Neptune however, these atmospheric systems appear to be more short lived and present more variations in their life spans, shapes and sizes as well. Apart from this, Neptune is also host to the fastest wind speeds recorded anywhere in the solar system at almost 1,340 miles per hour almost reaching supersonic flows.



This newly found vortex could also offer new insights about how such systems form and what conditions are required to generate them, and why they dissipate over time. This crucial data can also reveal the atmospheric conditions of Neptune and its inner workings. On Neptune, it can take 165 years to complete a single orbit around our sun.


Feng Shui (Photo : Facebook/Feng Shui)

In many scams involving sex and money, most of the victims are men who are willing to spend so much when offered sexual service online. In January, a joint investigation by Chinese and Singaporean police led to the busting of the credit-for-sex syndicate based in China which had cheated Singaporean men 7.3 million yuan.



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However, it was the other way around in the case of a Hong Kong designer and a 25-year-old woman. The South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday that 43-year-old Joey Lo Wai-leuk faced in the District Court a woman who accused him of duping her into having sex so she could save her shaky relationship with her boyfriend.



Lo, who claims to know feng shui and astrology, told the victim  who testified behind a screen to hide her identity  he could borrow spiritual beings knife which he would use to call the spirit of her estranged boyfriend.



The boyfriends spirit would then possess Lo while the designer and the woman are having sexual intercourse. It was a religious ritual which Lo said would be more effective if the woman would give him her photos in sexy nightwear and of her genitals.



She complied, leading to four times they had sex in 2014, between March and December, at Ming Dao Hotel in Tsuen Wan. The victim initially thought what they did was working because her boyfriend, who was caught speeding before the first encounter, was not longer caught after that.



However, when Lo assaulted the woman in 2015, it caused her to be suspicious and she reported it to the police which set up an entrapment operation that led to Los arrest in June 2015.



For each session, the woman even paid Lo not lower than HK$1,000. He was charged with four counts of procuring unlawful sexual acts by false pretense which Lo fled a not guilty plea.



She also filed one count of indecent assault against Lo for molesting her on May 14, 2015, at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. But he also denied the accusation.



Because of the many commands or requirements made by so-called feng shui practitioners which appear to be ridiculous or nonsense, other people think feng shui or geomancy is just hocus-pocus. One former feng shui expert, Tong Chan Chun-chuen of Hong Kong, called Chinese feng shui fake and devilish, reported Crossmap.






The damaged black box flight recorders of an EgyptAir plane that crashed into the Mediterranean last month are to be sent to France for repairs, the Egyptian investigative committee said Thursday.

It said the memory units were damaged from the two recorders recovered from the seabed almost a month after the crash of the Airbus A320.

Investigators hope the recorders will reveal the cause of the May 19 crash of flight MS804 from Paris to Cairo, in which 66 people were killed.

"The memory units of the two flights recorders were damaged," the investigative committee said in a statement.

It said members of the panel would travel to France next week "with the electronic circuits of the two black boxes to have them repaired in laboratories of the (French air safety agency) BEA and to eliminate salt deposits".

The repaired units would be returned to Cairo for analysis in Egypt's aviation ministry laboratories, the committee said.

It also said that French forensic doctors would join their Egyptian counterparts to take part in the recovery operations of body remains at the site of the crash, in which 30 Egyptian passengers and 15 French nationals were among the dead.

The investigative committee began examining the black boxes last Saturday in the presence of representatives from France and the United States, where the engine was made.

The data on the boxes are being unloaded, before they are fully analysed in a procedure that is expected to last several weeks.

Investigators have said it is too early to determine what caused the plane to crash, although a terror attack has not been ruled out.

France's aviation safety agency has said the aircraft transmitted automated messages indicating smoke in the cabin and a fault in the flight control unit minutes before it disappeared.

Egyptian investigators have confirmed the aircraft had made a 90-degree left turn followed by a 360-degree turn to the right before hitting the sea.

The crash came after the bombing of a Russian airliner over Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula last October that killed all 224 people on board.

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The court ruling that voided the recently announced Egyptian-Saudi border demarcation agreement  which placed two Red Sea islands in Saudi waters  will not affect the economic ties between the two countries, said Minister of Investment Dalia Khourshid on Friday.

"Both countries are working closely to establish the Egyptian-Saudi investment fund to promote joint investments between the two countries in various economic sectors," Khourshid said in press statements.

On Tuesday, Egypt's Administrative Court voided the April deal which put the islands of Tiran and Sanafir, long under Egyptian control, in Saudi territorial waters.

The court said the two islands remain Egyptian.

Within hours after the ruling, the State Lawsuit Authority, which represents the government in legal cases, filed an appeal with the High Administrative Court.

The high court set a hearing for the appeal for Sunday.

Economic ties

Saudi Arabia has been - along with Kuwait and UAE - a strong supporter of the government of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, providing Cairo with cash, loans and oil shipments.

In 2015, trade between Egypt and Saudi Arabia totalled $6.3 billion, compared to around five billion dollars the year before.

In April, Egypt and Saudi Arabia signed loan agreements and economic cooperation accords worth over $24 billion.

The accords included $22 billion in finance for Egypts five-year petroleum needs and a $1.5 billion concessional loan and $200 million grant from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to upgrade Sinais infrastructure and finance transportation, housing and agricultural projects.

The agreement also included a $120 million concessional loan from the SFD to renovate Cairo's historical Kasr El-Aini Hospital and another $100 million loan to finance the expansion of the West Cairo power station to generate an additional 650 megawatts.

These agreements include establishing the Egyptian-Saudi investment fund worth some $16 billion, in addition to Josur Al-Mahabba Company developing the Suez Canal area with EGP 3 billion (roughly $337 million).

El-Sisi and King Salman also signed an agreement to establish a bridge over the Red Sea to connect the two countries, which separates, with experts saying that the islands of Tiran and Sanafir will be important spots in the construction process.

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Al-Ahram Weekly has learned that negotiations underway in Kuwait for the past two months on the political crisis in Yemen have made no progress as the two sides have been unable to find common ground.



Meanwhile, the Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohamed Said Al-Jaber, has put forth an initiative to form a military committee to monitor the ceasefire on the battlefront. This would entail establishing an organisational structure of the main committee for the coordination of the ceasefire, with local subcommittees in each governorate.



A team would be attached to each local committee, working on all fronts and connecting the different subcommittees. Each truce team would be made up of two delegates representing the government and the Houthis.



The parties to the Yemen crisis ostensibly concluded a prior agreement in Dhahran, located in southern Saudi Arabia, on the operation of the truce committee. Riyadh has allocated one million riyals to cover operating costs, and the process will be overseen and implemented under a UN aegis.



Abd Al-Azizi Al-Jabari, Yemens deputy prime minister and vice-chair of the government delegation in the Kuwait negotiations, told the Weekly in a phone interview that the latest developments in the negotiations demonstrate that the Houthi-Saleh delegation has not complied with the framework and agenda of the negotiations, and is seeking to put forth a new proposal unrelated to the core of UN Security Council Resolution 2216.



Al-Jabari stressed that any resolution must put an end to militias in the country, ensure the surrender of weapons, most of which were looted from army camps, and entail the turnover of state institutions the Houthis control. Anything less is unacceptable, he said.



Al-Jabari added that the Houthi-Saleh delegation is seeking to legitimise the coup by submitting new proposals for the basis of dialogue in Kuwait. But no party will accept this because theyre not serious about the peace process, he said. Speaking of the Saudi initiative, Al-Jabari said the government will rally around all attempts with the goal of making a breakthrough.

They [the Houthis] did not engage with [the initiative] and want to promote other proposals, Al-Jabari said. But I dont think any international party will accept this.



Khaled Alyan, an advisor to the Yemeni presidency who is familiar with the talks, revealed to the Weekly one detail that sparked a dispute around the acceptance of the Saudi initiative.



When talk turned to the matter of later forming a committee for the withdrawal of weapons after the truce, we suggested that there be an impartial committee of senior military personnel who did not participate in the war, he said. The Houthi response was that they reject this.



They want a committee divided between them and the legitimate government, and insisted on appointing Mohamed Ali Al-Houthi, the head of the so-called Houthi Revolutionary Committees, as the official on their side. This undermines the legitimacy of President Hadi and his government.

Alyan added: These revolutionary committees were also supposed to cede state institutions, with any of their decisions not based on legal or constitutional legitimacy voided. But they dont want this. They say the starting point should be the formation of a consensus government to which the institutions can be surrendered.



But there is an agenda that first requires implementing the terms of UN Resolution 2216, which calls for an end to militia control of the state and the reinstatement of legitimacy. Then we can move toward a new transitional phase based on the Gulf Initiative and the outcome of the national dialogue.



Based on information from the presidency of the delegation, Alyan said that the legitimacy delegation submitted a written commitment that the government will resign in the event of a consensus based on the agenda.



In contrast, the Houthi movement and Salehs National Congress are insisting on starting with the political process rather than the security issue, as Al-Jabari confirmed to the Weekly, and that a consensus government should be formed to receive surrendered weapons.



Ahmed Rafiq, who is close to the Houthi delegation and part of the working group of the National Congress, said in phone interview from Sanaa, No one in the Houthi and Saleh delegations will accept Hadi again ruling Yemen, so there must first be a consensus government.



How can a military committee be formed under an unacceptable government, which is a party to the conflict, without members from the National Congress and Houthi movement? There must either be a joint military committee or a consensus government.

*This article was originally published on 16 June in Al-Ahram Weekly.

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The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement said Friday that the offensive on the city of Aleppo was the "greatest battle" in Syria, pledging to dispatch more fighters to support Syrian regime forces.

In remarks broadcast on the Shia group's Al-Manar television, Hassan Nasrallah said his party would "increase our presence in Aleppo... because the real, strategic, greatest battle is in Aleppo and the surrounding area."

He spoke at a commemoration event for Mustafa Badreddine, a Hezbollah commander killed in an explosion on May 12 near Damascus international airport.

Hezbollah has intervened in Syria's complex war on behalf of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and has dispatched thousands of fighters to Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs provinces, among others.

Aleppo city -- once Syria's economic hub -- in particular has seen an uptick in violence over the past two months between government forces in the west and rebel groups in the east.

Regime fighters, backed by Hezbollah and government and Russian warplanes, are seeking to close off the last rebel route out of the city.

"We are facing a new wave, or a new phase, of military operations in Syria that will be fought in the north, specifically in the area of Aleppo," Nasrallah said.

He announced that 26 Hezbollah fighters had been killed in the offensive this month, a rare admission of casualties for the group.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war-torn country and tallies casualties, at least 25 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in fighting south of Aleppo city.

"Fighting in defence of Aleppo is in defence of the rest of Syria, of Damascus. It's in defence of Lebanon and Iraq and Jordan," Nasrallah said via video-link.

"This is why it is our duty to be in Aleppo -- and we were, and we will stay in Aleppo."

More than 280,000 people have been killed since Syria's war erupted in 2011, and millions have been forced to flee their homes.

International efforts to reach a political solution to the war have faltered and a ceasefire brokered by the US and Russia has all but collapsed.

In Aleppo, several temporary freezes on fighting have been announced in an attempt to bolster the broader truce but violence has steadily risen.

Nasrallah accused the United States of securing the truce in Aleppo to give rebels a change to re-arm.

"Who benefitted from this truce? Those who brought thousands of fighters, artillery, ammunition, to revive their offensive (on Aleppo)," he said.

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Friday, 24 June 2016 16:14:00 (GMT+3) | Istanbul

Australia 's Antidumping Commission has announced that it has extended the deadline of its antidumping (AD) duty investigation on certain chromium-plated circular solid steel bars (chrome bars) imported from Romania. The new due date will be August 8.

The investigation was launched in November 10, 2015 upon the application lodged by domestic producer Milltech Pty Ltd. The investigation covers the period between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015.

In March this year, the commission announced its preliminary AD duty rates of 22.4 percent for Romanian exporter Cromsteel and 78.2 percent for all the other exporters in Romania.

The products in question currently fall under Customs Tariff Statistics Position Numbers 7215.90.00, 7215.50.90, 7228.30.10, 7228.60.10 and 7228.60.90.
During an interview with the Bloomberg HT, Ali Pandir, CEO of Turkey s largest integrated steelmaker Erdemir Group, said that they have examined Italian steelmaker Ilvas plants in Italy and have analyzed the company details, but they will not be submitting a binding offer for Ilva.

Meanwhile, regarding the second quarter of the current year, Mr. Pandr said that Erdemir s financial performance will be above the expectations since steel prices increased after February. In the second quarter, Erdemir expects its EBITDA to exceed 15 percent.
Friday, 24 June 2016 09:53:54 (GMT+3) | Shanghai

Construction work has officially begun on the new high-speed wire rod project of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region-based Chinese steelmaker Ningxia Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd (Ningxia Steel), as announced by China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC). Construction work is being carried out by MCC subsidiary Huatian Engineering and Technology Corporation, MCC. The project in question will have an annual output capacity of 600,000 mt of high-speed wire rod after completion.
Rebar costs remained stable in the greater Buenos Aires area in May, according to data released this week by the nations institute of statistics and census, Indec.





Rebar was among the main products whose cost declined, or increased the least, in the general expenses category in May, on a month-on-month basis.





According to Indec, rebar costs was stable with a slight 0.2 percent growth in May, month-on-month.





The cost of civil construction in the greater Buenos Aires area rose 2.2 percent in May, month-on-month, and 18.3 percent in the January-May period, year-on-year.





Cost of materials, workforce and general expenses in May rose 1.9 percent, 2.3 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively, month-on-month, and 15.7 percent, 18.9 percent and 27.1 percent in the Jan-May period, year-on-year.
Britain voted to leave the European Union Friday, defying warnings of economic disaster and isolation to deal a thunderous blow to the 60-year-old bloc that sent world markets plunging.

Investors scrambled to sell the pound, oil and stocks as a divided Britain took a lurch into the unknown, becoming the first country to quit in the EU's history, a culmination of decades of suspicion over Europe.

The shock vote also threatened the unity of the United Kingdom, with Scotland unwilling to follow the rest of the country out of the EU.

Voters decided 52 percent to 48 percent in favour of quitting the bloc, a margin of more than one million votes, the final results showed.

"Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day," said top anti-EU campaigner Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, who had promised Britons the chance to retake power from Brussels and rein in high immigration.

"We've done it! We've won!" anti-EU campaigners shouted at the festivities in an office block in Westminster, popping open champagne bottles as "Leave" victories flowed in. "Out! Out! Out!", they chanted as dawn broke.

Sterling collapsed 10 percent to touch a 31-year low of $1.3229. and European stock markets dropped around eight percent at the opening bell.

With markets in tailspin, the Bank of England promised to take "all necessary steps" to secure market stability.

"It's a madhouse in here. It has been a bloodbath. Carnage," said David Papier, head of sales trading at foreign exchange house ETX Capital in London.

Britons appeared to have to shrugged off dire predictions that quitting the 28-nation alliance would create a budget hole requiring spending cuts and tax increases once they lose unfettered trade access to the EU.

Their decision will reawaken fears of a domino-effect ripple of exit votes in EU-sceptic members that could imperil the integrity of the bloc, already struggling with twin economic and refugee crises.

Dutch far-right MP Geert Wilders and French National Front leader Marine Le Pen immediately called for referendums on EU membership in their own countries.

"The eurosceptic genie is out of the bottle and it will now not be put back," Farage said.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who led the ultimately doomed struggle to sway voters in favour of sticking with Brussels, prepared to address the nation.

The foreign minister, Philip Hammond, said Cameron would stay on as British leader. But Farage called for a "Brexit government" to take over.

The bookmakers' favourite to replace the prime minister is former London mayor Boris Johnson, a rival from within his ruling Conservative Party who was the "Leave" camp figurehead.

The result means the world's fifth-largest economy must now go it alone in the global economy, launching lengthy exit negotiations with the bloc and brokering new deals with all the countries it now trades with under the EU's umbrella.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has warned the EU will "not be bending over backwards" to help Britain in those negotiations. Analysts say it could take the island nation a decade to secure new trade accords worldwide.

"It looks like a sad day for Europe and the United Kingdom," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Twitter.

In a worst-case scenario, the International Monetary Fund has warned that the British economy could sink into recession next year and overall economic output would be 5.6 percent lower than otherwise forecast by 2019, with unemployment rising back above six percent.

Thousands of jobs in the City could be transferred to Frankfurt or Paris, top companies have warned. The Brexit camp argued that the business world will adapt quickly, however, with Britain's flexible and dynamic economy buoyed by new economic partners and selective immigration.

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso told an emergency press briefing that Tokyo was "extremely worried" about the risks to the global economy and markets but stood ready to respond "firmly".

The campaign has left Britain riven in two, marked by the brutal murder of pro-"Remain" British lawmaker Jo Cox, a mother of two who was stabbed, shot and left bleeding to death on the pavement a week ahead of the vote.

Two years after Scotland voted in a referendum to remain in the United Kingdom, its political leader First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said a new independence vote is "definitely on the table" after Britain voted against the majority will expressed by Scots.

"Scotland sees its future as part of the EU," Sturgeon told television news after the vote.

Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, is now faced with the prospect of customs barriers for trade with EU-member the Republic of Ireland. Irish republicans Sinn Fein called for a vote on Irish unity following the referendum.

Leaders of the European Union, a bloc born out of a determination to forge lasting peace after two world wars, will open a two-day summit on Tuesday to grapple with the British decision.

Immigration and an erosion of economic security have become rallying cries for populist challenges that remain scattered across in Europe, just as they have for Donald Trump's campaign in the US presidential election.

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In March this year, the Ministry of Economy calculated a 30.01 percent dumping margin for China . The antidumping duty investigation was launched following an application lodged by MMK Metalurji with the support of Tezcan on July 23, 2015. The investigation covered the period between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014.
Friday, 24 June 2016 22:40:27 (GMT+3) | San Diego

Trucks carried more US freight by value with North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico in April 2016 compared to April 2015 but declines in all other freight modes led to a 3.2 percent decrease to $90.4 billion in the total current dollar value of cross-border freight, according to the TransBorder Freight Data released today by the US Department of Transportations Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).





The value of commodities moving by truck increased 0.8 percent as the value of incoming freight from Mexico (up 6.5 percent) and Canada (up 3.0 percent) exceeded the 3.6 percent decrease in shipments from the US The value of freight carried on other modes declined: rail 3.4 percent; air 10.4 percent; vessel 26.4 percent; and pipeline 30.5 percent.





Trucks carried 66.8 percent of US -NAFTA freight and continued to be the most heavily utilized mode for moving goods to and from both US -NAFTA partners. Trucks accounted for $31.4 billion of the $47.6 billion of imports (65.9 percent) and $29.0 billion of the $42.8 billion of exports (67.8 percent).





Rail remained the second largest mode by value, moving 15.6 percent of all US -NAFTA freight, followed by vessel, 5.0 percent; air, 3.8 percent; and pipeline, 3.7 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 86.0 percent of the total value of US -NAFTA freight flows.





From April 2015 to April 2016, the value of US -Canada freight flows fell 6.0 percent to $45.9 billion as all modes of transportation carried a lower value of US -Canada freight than a year earlier. In the same period, the value of US -Mexico freight fell 0.1 percent to $44.5 billion as all modes of transportation except truck carried a lower value of US -Mexico freight than a year earlier.








Friday, 24 June 2016 21:53:33 (GMT+3) | Sao Paulo

Venezuelan officials, including ministers, governors and mayors, discussed this week the use of steel scrap as a construction material to build homes.





According to the nations vice-president of development, Isis Ochoa, Venezuelan state-run companies have some 785,000 mt of serviceable scrap , which could be used to build homes in housing programs, in addition to some more 47,000 mt of the product that is produced domestically.





According to Ochoa, the material could be used to build some 300,000 homes in the countrys Gran Mision Vivienda Venezuela (GMVV) housing program.





Ochoa said the use of scrap would allow Venezuela save 30 percent more in energy resources.








Friday, 24 June 2016 21:33:27 (GMT+3) | San Diego

According to the most recent data from the US Department of Commerce, Enforcement and Compliance, US import line pipe tonnages from global sources in May 2016 have been calculated at 82,177 mt (preliminary census data), which is a stark falloff from May 2015, when US import line pipe tonnages were recorded at 217,015 mt.





Sources close to SteelOrbis continue to report that while line pipe is moving slightly better than OCTG casing, the overall temperature of the market remains tepid.





In terms of current pricing, US domestic spot market prices for API X-42 ERW line pipe are still being heard in the approximate range of $40.00-$42.00 cwt. ($882-$926/mt or $800-$840/nt), ex-Midwest mill.




Minister of Culture Corina Suteu says that Romania did not have a seat at the European table of negotiation on extremely important subjects, culture included; she also pleads for Romania making its point of view known in Europe. "The successive governments have shown a lack of interest and knowledge of European issues. But if we want our voice to be heard in negotiations at European level, which would be very important, we should do it, because culture - the audiovisual sector included - has a subsequent impact on economy, society and on life quality overall," Suteu said on Friday.

According to her "the fact that at some point Romania's official position is in favor of a distribution quota of European films, that we are in favor of or against a more flexible advertising in art films, really matters." "We can be ambassadors for the idea that Romania must present a specific viewpoint in Europe and that, in reality, Europe remains differentiated, but that this difference is our strength, not a hindrance," said the minister.

Corina Suteu participated Friday in the debate 'The European Union's Creative Europe Program - Funding Opportunities for Cultural and Creative Sectors.' The event was organized by the European Parliament's Information Office in Romania and the Creative Europe Office Romania of the Ministry of Culture - Project Management Unit.

Agerpres
Britain will remain a strong ally and continue to play a leading role in NATO despite its vote to leave the European Union, alliance head Jens Stoltenberg said Friday.

"The UK will remain a strong and committed NATO ally and will continue to play its leading role in our alliance," Stoltenberg said in a statement.

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Alterra International, the firm with a renovation plan for the block-wide Jefferson Arms in St. Louis, also is eyeing an even bigger downtown building for redevelopment.

Mike Sarimsakci, president of Alterra, said his company is considering artist lofts and office space for the Butler Brothers warehouse, which covers an entire block at Olive and 18th streets and contains 718,660 square feet of space. In comparison, the Jefferson Arms at 415 North Tucker Boulevard has about 550,000 square feet of space.

Alterra, a development company based in Dallas, has the Jefferson Arms under contract and hopes to begin by early next year its renovation as apartments and a hotel.

The Butler Brothers building was the first structure Alterra examined months ago when the company began looking around St. Louis for redevelopment opportunities. In early March, Sarimsakci said Alterra chose to redo the Jefferson Arms after deciding that the Butler Brothers building was "a little too far off the beaten path.

He said this week he is rethinking that assessment. Possible is a joint venture redevelopment with the Butler Brothers owner, Sarimsakci said. Sovereign Partners, a privately held real estate investment company in New York, bought the building in 2007 for nearly $13.4 million.

Sarimsakci said under discussion is a project that would redo the Butler Brothers structure as lofts and 50,000 to 60,000 square feet of "creative" office space.

In early 2014, a real estate company floated the idea of redoing the eight-story as 342 apartments, garage parking and retail space. The idea got no takers.

Sovereign Partners also owns the building at 1701 Locust Street, across the street from the Butler Brothers structure. A proposal the company made last August to redo 1701 Locust as 86 apartments has not begun.

Opened in 1906, the Butler Brothers building is among 55 commercial structures in the National Register of Historic Places' Washington Avenue Historic District.

Alterra has a history with Butler Brothers buildings. It is nearing completion of its $90 million renovation of the Dallas Butler Brothers building as apartments.
Apartments, offices for startup firms and a 250-room hotel are planned for the long-vacant and decrepit Jefferson Arms in downtown St. Louis.

Alterra International, a company founded in Istanbul but now based in Dallas, has the building under contract. Mike Sarimsakci, president of Alterra, said he hopes to buy the building this summer, followed in early 2017 by the start of two years of construction.

Sarimsakci said the result will be a new hub of downtown activity on Tucker Boulevard.

Its not just a slogan  live, work and play, he said.

Alterra plans to renovate as 250 market-rate apartments the historic building that opened as the Hotel Jefferson in time for the 1904 Worlds Fair. Also planned is a 250-room hotel in the addition opened in 1928 on the Locust Street side of the original building at 415 North Tucker.

Pyramid Construction paid $19 million for the building in 2006 and had planned to redo it as condos. Pyramid collapsed in 2008 without beginning the project although it cleared the building of tenants. Real estate investor David Jump bought building out of foreclosure in 2010.

Sarimsakci said this week he is in talks with Marriott and Trump hotels as the operator of Alterras St. Louis hotel. Another possible operator is Divan Group, a hotel operator based in Istanbul. A Divan St. Louis would be the chains second U.S. hotel after the one Alterra is developing as part of a mixed-use project in Dallas, Sarimsakci said.

The St. Louis project would be similar to another Alterra project in Dallas. That $90 million development is a redo of the old Butler Brothers Building near Dallas City Hall. That project has a hotel and apartments, plus art, music, game, movie and private party rooms for residents. Other Butler Brothers-like features planned for the Jefferson Arms are a French/Belgian patisserie and a motorcycle-themed cafe. (Sarimsakci owns a Ducati.)

And like he is doing for another Dallas project called Alto 211, Sarimsakci wants to put in the Jefferson Arms space for startups and a business accelerator. He said the project would allow St. Louis and Dallas entrepreneurs to mesh.

Dallas guys can tap into St. Louis ideas and St. Louis guys can tap into Dallas investor services, he said.

The St. Louis projects cost has yet to be determined but Alterra leaders have discussed potential tax incentives with city officials. The company intends to use historic preservation tax credits for the Jefferson Arms, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Otis Williams, executive director of the St. Louis Development Corp., said Thursday that agency officials and Alterra representatives have yet to discuss in detail possible city incentives for the project. He said the city is eager to see the Jefferson Arms redeveloped.

Alterras plan for a mid-sized hotel at the Jefferson Arms is the fourth such downtown project made public this year.

ViaNova Development, of Chattanooga, Tenn., plans to renovate the vacant LaSalle Building, at 501 Olive Street, as 70 to 80 hotel rooms and a restaurant. St. Louis developers Amy and Amrit Gill plan to put a 130-room luxury hotel and apartments in the former Union Trust building at 705 Olive. Fe Equus Development, of Milwaukee, is behind the plan for a 140-room hotel in the former International Shoe Co. offices at 1501 Washington Avenue.

As he has with other Alterra developments, Sarimsakci has a feng shui master evaluate a building to help determine a projects feasibility. He acknowledged the process is unorthodox but said all projects assessed by feng shui expert S. BS. Surendran are doing well. Sarimsakci said he abandoned an Oklahoma City project based on Surendrans unfavorable report.

On Tuesday, Surendran walked through part of the darkened Jefferson Arms. He and a companion, using flashlights, stepped around piles of debris on the first floor as the feng shui master consulted his luopan, a specialized compass that determines a buildings orientation.

The minute I open this luopon, Ill know everything about the building, he said. Its very accurate.

Surendran, of Bangalore, India, ignored the Jefferson Arms physical condition, which he described as horrible.

After a few minutes, he concluded that the buildings energy needed to be completely revamped. He said the Jefferson Arms has lost its energy like a battery thats gone dead.

But the buildings location on a wide street is good, said Surendran, adding that the buildings energy can be restored to benefit the owner and its occupants.

Sarimsakci said feng shui is an ancient practice of respecting the environment. He said that for the Jefferson Arms, Surendran recommended changing the roof, changing the facade, getting rid of clutter and adding lights to celebrate the building.
NEW YORK  Wall Street banks on Friday scrambled to contain the fallout from Britain's stunning vote to break ties with the European Union.

Some of America's largest banks, including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to efforts to stop Britain from withdrawing from the European Union  popularly known as Brexit  worried it would disrupt their global operations and force them to rethink where and how they do business in Europe. Several have indicated that they would be forced to move thousands of employees out of London, which has acted as the headquarters of their European operations.

For years, big U.S. banks have used Britain as a financial springboard into the European Union. From London, they were able to sell their services across 28 nations without the headache of having to get regulatory approval from each individual country. The prospect of a more complex, and potentially costly, regulatory structure has some banking officials worried, analysts said.

"U.S. banks have used London as a primary center for activity, not only to operate in the U.K., but to provide services across Europe," said James Chessen, chief economist for the American Bankers Association.

Goldman Sachs contributed 500,000 pounds to the "Remain" campaign, according a person familiar with the company. So did JPMorgan Chase, the country's largest bank by assets, according to a person familiar with the matter. Citigroup and Morgan Stanley donated 250,000 pounds each, according to the Sunlight Foundation.

Citigroup created a "group of senior leaders from across our businesses and functions to ensure we were prepared for this possible outcome," Mike Corbat, the bank's chief executive, and Jim Cowles, its chief executive in Europe, Middle East and Africa, said in a letter to employees Friday morning. "While the result of the vote is not what we would have preferred, our diligent work over the past six months means we can be confident that Citi is well positioned to continue to serve our clients."

U.S. banks are likely to move some employees from London to other parts of Europe, and Frankfurt or Paris may emerge as the new financial center for the region, industry analysts said.

Earlier this month, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned about the effect a British vote to leave the EU would have on the bank, which has about 16,000 employees in Britain. "After a Brexit we cannot do it all here, and we will have to start planning for that. I don't know if it means a thousand jobs, 2,000 jobs. It could be as many as 4,000," he said from Bournemouth on the southern coast of England, according to the BBC.

On Friday, Dimon told employees in a letter that JPMorgan will maintain a large presence in London, Bournemouth and Scotland.

"In the months ahead, however, we may need to make changes to our European legal entity structure and the location of some roles," Dimon said. "While these changes are not certain, we have to be prepared to comply with new laws as we serve our clients around the world."

Bank of America, which considered contributing to the Remain campaign, but ultimately decided to stay neutral, according to several news reports, said it was still assessing the fallout from the vote.

"In the coming months, we will get a much clearer understanding of what the implications of this might be for our business, as well as the decisions that we will need to make before the change in membership becomes effective," Alex Wilmot-Sitwell, president of Bank of America's Europe, Middle East and Africa division, said in a letter to employees this morning.

Renae Merle covers white collar crime and Wall Street for The Washington Post.
Northern Ireland's deputy leader Martin McGuinness called for a vote to unite the two sides of the Irish border on Friday, as stocks tumbled and the damaging economic and political fallout from Britain's decision to quit the EU were immediately felt.

Ireland has the EU's fastest-growing economy but also more to lose than any other member state from Brexit with far-reaching implications for its trade, economy, security of energy supplies and peace in British-ruled Northern Ireland.

After 56 percent of Northern Irish voters sought to remain in the EU compared to the 52 percent of the United Kingdom as a whole who voted leave, Sinn Fein's McGuinness said it was imperative that London called a referendum on a united Ireland.

"The British government now has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the North in any future negotiations with the European Union and I do believe that there is a democratic imperative for a 'border poll' to be held," McGuinness told national Irish broadcaster RTE.

"The implications for all of us on the island of Ireland are absolutely massive. This could have very profound implications for our economy (in Northern Ireland)."

The call from Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland's largest Irish nationalist party, was later rebuffed by First Minister Arlene Foster.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who has said his government had a full-scale contingency plan in place should its nearest neighbour and largest trade partner vote to leave, called an emergency cabinet meeting shortly after the result.

The outcome has very significant implications for Ireland and the EU as a whole, a government statement said.

"Unambiguously negative"

Ireland's central bank had warned that a withdrawal would hurt economic growth and jobs and significantly impact the financial sector, while a government-commissioned report found it could cut trade with Britain by at least 20 percent.

Irish banks, whose exposure to the UK accounts for around 21 percent of total assets, led the Irish stock market nine percent lower, with shares in Bank of Ireland and permanent tsb down 21 percent and 17 percent down by 0845 GMT.

Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers Ryanair , building materials group Kingspan and packaging producer Smurfit Kappa also fell sharply. The local bourse was down by as much as 16 percent earlier on Friday.

The yield on Ireland's benchmark 10-year bonds was marginally higher at a near record low 0.78 percent.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan said earlier this week that an estimated cumulative Brexit-related hit on the Irish economy of as much as 1.6 percent of GDP would be "containable".

As the UK voted on Thursday, Noonan told parliament that while the downside was "definite", any upside was only speculative, referring to the possibility that some companies keen to stay in the EU might move from Britain to Ireland.

Irish exporters will be the first to suffer, as the pound weakened significantly against the euro, making their euro-priced goods more expensive. Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan told Reuters on Wednesday that the government will have to consider helping firms exporting into Britain.

Farmers and food producers, major UK suppliers, are especially vulnerable.

"This development is unambiguously negative for the Irish economy," said Philip O'Sullivan, chief economist at Investec Ireland.

Border Controls

Of most concern to Dublin is the impact on Northern Ireland, which has the only land frontier between the United Kingdom and the rest of the EU. It was marked by military checkpoints until a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian violence.

Flanagan said the reintroduction of a hard border would have to be considered in any negotiation and that the return of controls, for customs or security, could pose a difficult challenge for the peace process.

The dismantling of military border posts was a key aspect of the peace deal between Catholic nationalists seeking a united Ireland and Protestant unionists who wanted to keep Northern Ireland British. Over 3,600 died in the conflict.

Northern Ireland's pro-British First Minister Foster dismissed the call by her deputy, McGuinness, for a vote on Irish unity as "opportunistic".

Britain's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland may call such a vote at any time, according to the 1998 agreement. It also specifies that the Secretary "shall" order a referendum if it appears likely that a majority of those voting would seek to form part of a united Ireland.

"There is no way even if there was a border poll that it would be in favour of a united Ireland," Democratic Unionist Party leader Foster told Northern Ireland's Radio Ulster.

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BELLEVILLE  Two Belleville police officers fatally shot an armed man during an exchange of gunfire outside an apartment complex Thursday night, authorities say.

No officers were hurt. Police recovered a small-caliber handgun at the scene.

The dead man was identified as Angelo Brown, 35. Sgt. Matt Weller of the Illinois State Police said Brown is from the St. Louis area. The agency is handling the investigation.

Authorities said Belleville police officers were called to the first block of West Pheasantwood Drive for a disturbance at 9:43 p.m. Thursday. The apartment complex is near Highway 161.

The caller told police that a man at the apartment was drunk and had a gun.

Belleville police said they arrived to find a man standing in the doorway to the apartment. When he saw police, he ran behind the apartment building, carrying a gun. The officers chased after him. Behind the apartment, Brown fired at officers, and police shot him, authorities said. He died later at a hospital.

Police didnt say how many shots were fired by Brown or by police.

Two officers fired their weapons, according to police. Those two, plus an additional officer who was at the complex with them, have been put on administrative leave, as is protocol in officer-involved shootings, until the investigation is complete.

No one was hurt inside the apartment where the initial disturbance was reported.

A woman who lives in the complex, Theresa Rowell, said the man who died fell in a grassy area behind her apartment.

Rowell didnt see the shooting, but she said her 7-year-old grandson alerted her to what was happening outside their window. The grandson said, Grandma, theyre shooting. Theyre shooting.

She at first thought it was fireworks or something on TV. Then she heard noises and looked outside and saw the mans body.

Is this what things are coming to? she said.

Rowell said she thinks the man shot was the ex-boyfriend of a woman living in the complex. That man had bothered neighbors before by driving fast in a back parking lot and playing music loudly.

Rowell and another neighbor, Eugene Lynch, said the area is usually quiet. The complex has an in-home day-care center and is near West Junior High School.

An ex-wife of Browns said shooting at police officers would have been out of character when she knew him, but said they hadnt spoken in years. Jennifer Manning was married to Brown from 2003 to 2007.

Im just in shock, she said when reached by phone.

Police have not identified the three officers who were at the scene. Two of the officers are men, one with eight months as an officer and the other with a year and eight months. The third officer is a woman with 15 years as an officer. Authorities did not say which two fired shots.
The French president says he respects the British decision and that exit talks should be swift

French President Francois Hollande said Friday that Britain's vote to leave the EU was a "grave test for Europe" in view of the economic and financial consequences.

"The British vote poses a grave test for Europe, which must show solidity and strength in its response to the economic and financial risks," Hollande said.

French President added that he respected the British vote to quit the European Union and that negotiations over its exit must be swift.

Hollande said the Brexit vote posed a serious challenge to Europe and that the bloc must focus on its key priorities like security and defense, border protection and job creation as well as reinforcing the euro zone.

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A former St. Louis sheriffs deputy sued Sheriff James W. Murphy this week alleging a pattern and practice of racial discrimination in the department.

The lawsuit was filed by Johnnie Chester, a former deputy now running to replace Murphy, who is not seeking re-election. Chester is black; Murphy is white.

In the lawsuit, Chester alleges unequal pay and rank advancement based on race.

White deputies advanced in rank and pay, while black employees were disproportionately disciplined, the suit says.

He also says he was discriminated against due to rules about being clean-shaven. He says he has a skin condition, psuedofolliculitis barbae, or razor bumps, that is more common for African-American men and makes shaving extremely painful and problematic. The rule disproportionately affects black men, Chester says in the suit.

Chesters lawsuit also accuses Murphys executive aide Michael Guzy and city treasurer Tishaura Jones of breach of contract for taking away Chesters handicapped parking despite a signed agreement. Chester alleges that Guzy intentionally interfered with the parking contract.

Chester was hired as a deputy for the department in 1993. It is unclear when and why he left, but Guzy said Chester hasnt been a deputy for some time now.

He filed a charge of discrimination with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights during August 2014, while he was still employed. In April 2016 he received a notice of his right to sue from the commission.

Guzy said neither he nor the sheriff had been served in the case yet and therefore couldnt discuss it.

Matt Ghio, Chesters attorney, said his client did not want to discuss the case.

In 2010, two former deputies won a lawsuit saying Murphy was running a racially hostile department and didnt discipline employees who hung a noose from pipes near a prisoner holding area in the St. Louis Civil Courts building.

St. Louis is an independent city which also acts as a county, necessitating a sheriffs department. The departments chief role is courthouse security, in addition to prisoner transport and juror protection.

Murphy has been in office as sheriff since 1989. Six men, including Chester, are running to replace him.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the number of people running for sheriff.
ST. LOUIS  National Democrats convened Friday in downtown St. Louis for their last platform drafting meeting before Julys Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

This meeting, which continues Saturday at the St. Louis Grand Hotel at 800 Washington Avenue, marks the fourth and final meeting of the drafting committee, which is writing the national party platform.

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., leading the meeting, called the pending platform the document that will guide and shape the future of the Democratic Party  and this great nation.

Attendees debated whether to specify calls for a $15-an-hour minimum wage in the platform.

Presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders allies wanted the draft to specify that the $15 minimum wage should be indexed with inflation. But Hillary Clintons side struck down the amendment, noting the document already included a call to raise and index the minimum wage.

The panel also debated language suggested by Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., a Sanders supporter, that would urge the next president to adopt a model executive order related to wages from government contractors.

A Clinton ally, Paul Booth, suggested an alternative that would take into account the complexities of labor law, prompting Ellison to question the spirit of cooperation. Ellison added: This process is going to be hard if we go 6-to-8 every time, he said, referring to the breakdown of Sanders and Clinton supporters on the panel.

The two-day meeting is open to the public.

The Democratic National Convention will meet July 25-28 in Philadelphia. Clinton is the presumptive presidential nominee, but followers of Sanders are hoping to influence the platform.

Sanders said Friday he will vote for Clinton, but stopped short of a full endorsement of his rival more than a week after the final primary contests.

The Vermont senator said in an interview with MSNBCs Morning Joe that he was pretty good at arithmetic and understood that Clinton had won more pledged delegates than he had during their lengthy primary.

Asked if he would vote for the former secretary of state, Sanders replied, Yes, adding: I will do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump.

But Sanders has yet to call on his supporters to vote for Clinton and has not said whether he would campaign on her behalf. His latest comments acknowledged the inevitable, but he retained leverage heading into Julys convention.

Sanders believes the Democratic Party isnt doing enough to address poverty and to protect the interests of lower-income voters.

Sanders has said repeatedly since the final primary on June 14 that he will not end his campaign until the Philadelphia convention. He made campaign stops on Friday in Albany and Syracuse, N.Y., to promote his campaign movement and rally supporters on behalf of like-minded congressional candidates.

In St. Louis, Sanders allies were working to incorporate many of his ideas on trade, climate change and universal health care into the 15,000-word platform that will be adopted at the July convention. The draft platform includes a dozen themes, including sections dealing with the economy, climate change, education, health care, national security and other issues.

Friday, the group voted down an amendment to the platform that would have opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, avoiding a scenario that would have put it at odds with President Barack Obama.

Sanders said in the MSNBC interview that his focus was on representing at the convention the millions of people who voted for him and encouraging them to become part of the democratic process.

My job right now is to fight for the strongest possible platform in the Democrat election, he said. That would include an agenda to create jobs and raise the minimum wage, he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Handcuff that humor

Sheriff Randy Esphorst in Gasconade County doesnt get it when it comes to separating his personal politics from his law enforcement duties. He posted fake arrest and booking photos of President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton on his office wall and kept them there until presiding County Commissioner Larry Miskel told him to knock it off. Even so, Esphorst insisted he was in the right for posting what he called political humor.

Funny or not, the humor was aimed entirely at Democratic leaders, and the implication was that Esphorst could be less than objective when it comes to how he enforces the law. If he wants to post political humor, were sure there are plenty of walls at his home. Hes got no business expressing his political views on taxpayer property.

Oh, the humanity

In creative lawyering news, a federal judge in San Francisco has ruled that the great too much foam in my latte lawsuit against Starbucks can go forward. Aggrieved latte drinkers Siera Strumlauf and Benjamin Robles filed suit in March, charging that Starbucks  to save money on milk  routinely shortchanges buyers of latte drinks.

The 12-, 16- and 20-ounce latte cups barely hold 12, 16 and 20 ounces of liquid, they say, and when you scrape away the famous latte foam, you find yourself with 25 percent less steamed milk-and-espresso than you contracted for. The plaintiffs lawyers are seeking unspecified damages for their clients and the larger class of latte-buyers everywhere.

On June 17, Judge Thelton Henderson rejected Starbucks request to dismiss the case. We dont know whos right. We do know that too much foam in the latte is the very definition of a first-world problem, the likes of which would leave your average Eritrean speechless.

Summer school

Thanks to Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., low-income college students may have one less obstacle on their road to a degree. Blunt is leading an effort to restore summer Pell Grants for low-income college students. President Barack Obama eliminated the grants four years ago to help reduce the budget deficit. Yes, a Republican wants to restore a social program that a Democrat cut.

Motivated students short on money try to minimize debt by graduating as quickly as possible. The decision to take away summer federal aid posed a hardship for many students. With more than 20,000 students in Missouri and 1 million nationwide dependent on such grants, restoring them for summer sessions is important.

Social outcast

Who would have thought, back on the Fourth of March when John Racanelli opened a topless bar in the University City Loop, that the joint wouldnt make it to the Fourth of July?

Well, probably lots of people. If ever there was a mismatch between theme and location, this was it. It was like opening a Hooters at Powell Hall.

Racanelli and his landlord at 6655 Delmar Boulevard reached a confidential settlement with the city last week, surrendering the liquor license and ceasing operations. The city had kept the pressure on since March, unimpressed with the argument that the body paint worn by the bars wait staff was art.

The Social House II saga will be remembered for some of attorney Albert Watkins finest prose. As Racanellis lawyer, the irrepressible Watkins fired back at defenders of the Loops family friendly atmosphere, noting the Loops long and storied history of partial nudity, public acclaim of a topless dancer, public acclaim of an entertainer convicted of transporting a minor child across state lines for immoral purposes, the ready availability of drug paraphernalia, including bongs and glass pipes, adult movies, body piercing and tattoo retailer, and oversized women partaking in cellulite and stretch marked accented burlesque.

All this and a $51 million trolley to boot.

An app to fight sex traffickers

A free mobile app to help stop sex trafficking sounds like a law enforcement dream come true. The best part is, its not a dream. Its here, developed in St. Louis, and available to all.

As reported by the Post-Dispatchs Nancy Cambria, the TraffickCam, available for iOS and Android, is targeted to travelers who want to get involved in the fight. They snap photos of their hotel rooms before unpacking, and upload photos through the app to a huge database of hotel room photos.

A search tool analyzes hotel decor, matching curtains, bedspreads and furnishings with photos from escort service ads showing minors in hotel rooms. Authorities say the technology could save detectives significant time spent sorting through photos to locate victims and apprehend pimps.

Bending toward justice

Were late getting around to this, but congratulations to the Southern Baptist Convention. Delegates to the annual meeting of the nations largest Protestant denomination voted at its annual meeting last week in St. Louis to ask member churches to stop flying the Confederate Battle Flag.

Russell Moore, who runs the conventions Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the conventions public policy arm, posted this statement: The Cross and the Confederate flag cannot co-exist without one setting the other on fire. Today, messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, including many white Anglo southerners, decided the cross was more important than the flag. They decided our African-American brothers and sisters are more important.

This from an organization founded 16 years before the Civil War to defend slavery as biblical. As a Baptist minister from another tradition once put it, The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.
Can we be assured that the plant will not pollute our land or water supply so that we are not discovering something decades later like so many areas in Missouri?
German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced regret Friday at Britain's decision to leave the European Union, calling it a "blow" to Europe.

The German president said that EU must never forget that foundation of European unity was "idea of peace," adding that Germany has "special interest and special responsibility" in European unity succeeding.

"We take note of the British people's decision with regret. There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process," she said, adding that she will on Monday host post-Brexit talks with the leaders of France and Italy as well as with European Union president Donald Tusk in Berlin.

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LONDON MARKET CLOSE: Investors see end of hefty rate hikes on horizon

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - 17:29

Stocks in London closed solidly higher on Wednesday as investors took heart from a smaller-than-expected rate hike from the Bank of Canada.

The FTSE 100 index closed 42.59 points, or 0.6% at 7,056.07 on Wednesday. The FTSE 250 ended up 274.26 points, or 1.5%, at 18,105.89. The AIM All-Share closed up 10.23 points, or 1.3%, at 809.67.

The Cboe UK 100 ended up 0.5% at 704.52, the Cboe UK 250 closed up 1.8% at 15,499.59, and the Cboe Small Companies ended up 0.7% at 12,342.94.

Markets are hopeful that the BoC's decision to lift rates by 50 basis points instead of the expected three-quarter point lift is a signal that central banks are ready to take their foot off the monetary policy tightening accelerator.

The optimism comes ahead of a busy few days of central bank action. The European Central Bank announces an interest decision at 1315 BST on Thursday, before the Federal Reserve next week Wednesday and the Bank of England a day after its US counterpart.

The ECB raised interest rates in July for the first time in 11 years, by half a percentage point. Analysts are all but convinced the central bank will up rates by another 0.75% on Thursday, but some say there is room for a full percentage point raise - 100 basis points.

Sterling continued to gain ground on Wednesday, keeping poise despite a two-week delay to the UK government's fiscal plan.

The medium term fiscal plan will now be published on November 17 as an autumn statement  alongside a new set of economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

The pound was quoted at $1.1612 at the London equities close Wednesday, up sharply from $1.1464 at the close on Tuesday.

Helping to boost the pound was dollar weakness, amid expectations of a less hawkish Fed.

In the FTSE 100, Standard Chartered was the worst performer. The stock closed down 5.1% despite recording a substantial increase in profit as it benefitted from rising interest rates across the world.

In the three months that ended September 30, the Asian-focused bank reported a 40% increase in pretax profit to $1.39 billion from $996 million a year before.

Chief Executive Bill Winters called the results "strong" and said the bank remains confident in the delivery of its 2024 financial targets, adding it has made "significant progress" against the five strategic actions outlined in February.

Reckitt Benckiser closed down 3.7%. The consumer goods firm posted strong quarterly revenue growth as prices and mix improved, despite a decline in volumes.

In the third quarter, total revenue grew 14% year-on-year to 3.74 billion, or 7.4% on a like-for-like basis. Meanwhile, price and mix improvements of 12% helped to offset a volume decline of 4.6%.

With a strong performance in the year so far, Reckitt reiterated its annual targets. However, for like-for-like revenue growth, it tweaked the range upwards to between 6% and 8%, compared to 5% and 8% previously.

Fresnillo climbed 3.8% as it posted solid quarterly production figures and backed annual its annual guidance.

The Mexico City-based silver and gold miner said volumes at Fresnillo and Saucito continued to improve, but this was partially offset by lower ore throughput and grade variability at San Julian.

Despite the challenges, Fresnillo said it remains on track to meet annual guidance of 50.5 to 56.5 million ounces of attributable silver and silverstream, and 600 to 650,000 ounces of attributable gold.

In the FTSE 250, Bytes Technology dropped 14% despite posting double-digit top-line growth.

The computer software firm posted revenue of 93.5 million in the six months to August 31, up 28% from 73.1 million. Pretax profit grew 18% to 27.0 million from 22.9 million.

Bytes Technology said it has also made a decent start to its second half.

Elsewhere in London, IGas Energy plunged 27% after UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reintroduced the moratorium on fracking in England.

The Lincoln, England-based oil and gas producer had previously supported the UK government's support of fracking under Liz Truss.

Truss had lifted the ban as she argued it would strengthen the country's energy supply.

In European equities on Wednesday, the CAC 40 in Paris ended up 0.4%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt ended up 1.1%.

The euro stood at $1.0064 at the European equities close Wednesday, higher against $0.9963 at the same time on Tuesday.

Against the yen, the dollar was trading at JP146.50 late Wednesday, lower compared to JP147.77 late Tuesday.

Stocks in New York were mixed at the London equities close, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 0.9%, the S&P 500 index up 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite down 0.3%.

Brent oil was quoted at $93.93 a barrel at the London equities close Wednesday, up from $91.91 late Tuesday.

Gold was quoted at $1,665.70 an ounce at the London equities close Wednesday, higher against $1,655.96 at the close on Tuesday.

On Thursday's UK corporate calendar, there are third quarter results from Shell and Unilever, as well as trading statements from Lloyds Banking and Anglo American.

In the economic calendar, the ECB announces its interest rate decision at 1315 BST before a US GDP reading at 1330 BST.

Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
One of the great things about writing for StogieGuys.com is that I get to meet some interesting people involved in the industry. Frank Herrera is no exception. Frank is an intellectual property lawyer in Florida, publisher of CigarLaw.com, and the owner of La Caridad del Cobre (LCDC). He recently spoke with me about starting his company, the next step for LCDC, the state of the trademark law in the industry, and more:

Stogie Guys: How does a lawyer end up in the cigar industry?

Frank Herrera: Back in 2001, when I was a new lawyer, I began to help some small cigar makers with the trademark applications. One cigar maker who has been in the business since 1995 or so came to me with a trademark dispute. At the time I was working for a law firm that did not allow me to alter my billing, or otherwise provide pro bono work for business clients. I basically gave him lots of advice on how to defend himself. I told him what books to read, where to get them, and basically gave him a litigation plan on how to fight the trademark dispute. Years later I ran into him at IPCPR (then RTDA) and he thanked me. He told me that he followed my advice to the letter and defended himself and won his case. He told me that winning saved his company and gave him the strength to continue in the business. His new cigars name is reflective of his companys resurrection.

In 2002, I took on the Guantanamera case. Since then, weve been defending the trademark against Corporacion Habanos, S.A. at the Trademark Office and now on appeal at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Apart from the Cohiba case (which General just won) this is the longest running cigar trademark dispute between a U.S. company and Cuba. Thus, in representing these clients since 2001, Ive learned a great deal about all aspects of the industry. Over the years I learned to appreciate the uniqueness of the industry. I particularly like the fact that it combines all the things that I enjoy: cigars, trademarks, history, culture, agriculture, and of course the social aspect.

SG: What has been the biggest challenge in launching La Caridad del Cobre?

FH: The biggest challenge getting LCDC off the ground is actually convincing myself to commit to the project. I started the brand in early 2009, but I made some bush-league mistakes. The biggest early mistake was that I approached it as a hobby. At that time, I was intimately familiar with the business (having counseled clients on nearly every aspect of it), but yet I was only spending a few hours a week on the brand. At IPCPR last year I shared a booth with a friend just so I could dip my toe in the business at the national level. That was a considerable waste of time and resources since I was completely unprepared. The minute I got back from IPCPR I committed myself to making a great product and to work on the brand. Im excited about this years IPCPR, and I think that you will agree that I got my shit together. Another big mistake was refusing help from some very notable persons in the industry.

Over the past year, that has changed. Ive been extremely lucky to be associated with some great minds in the cigar business. Most have helped me in recognition of my long hard (and until recently solo) fight against Cubas trademark wars. In a strange way, defending these cases against Cuba is my way of political protest. I like to think about it in the context of a U2 lyric about Helter Skelter This is a song Charles Manson stole from the Beatleswere stealing it back. Thus, Fidel Castro stole Guantanamera and a multitude of other trademarks, dreams, lives, etc Im stealing it back. Its not enough that Cuba has been socialist/communist for all these years disrupting lives and families. Now they are filing countless trademark oppositions and cancellations against small, under-funded cigar companies for their use of terms or phrases that are their only way of preserving their pre-Castro culture. Fuck them.

SG: What is the next step for your company after the trade show?

FH: The next step for LCDC? Fulfill the IPCPR orders and tour the country visiting shops. Continue to create cigars that I can stand behind and be proud of. Ive got lots of ideas for new brands, new vitolas, and new blends, so Im excited about dedicating myself to this. I wanted to come out with a cigar this year called La Fiera, which means fierce woman (Ive encountered a few over the years), but I just couldnt find the right blend to bring that cigar to life. Im certain that I can breathe some life into her by next year. Im also working on a Tres Triste Tigres culebra. The name means the three trapped tigers.  Its the title of a famous book written by the Cuban author Guillermo Cabrera Infante. Its going to be two naturals inter-twined with a maduro. In the myth/religious story of La Caridad del Cobre, three men were in a rowboat and were facing death on the high seas. It was two white Cubans and one mulato. Thus, the idea is blend the LCDC myth/religious story with Guillermo Cabrera Infantes Tres Triste Tigres.

SG: What is your opinion on the state of trademark law in the industry?

FH: This industry is all about trademarks. Lets face it: Without a trademark, only the true aficionado would be able to differentiate most cigars. Trademark law is hot across the board regardless of industry, and the cigar industry is no different. However, unlike other industries, a great deal of cigar disputes are actually between Corporacion Habanos, S.A./Cubatabaco and small to mid-size family-owned cigar companies. Over the past ten years Cuba has committed itself to clearing the record of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) of any trademark that looks, smells, or tastes like it might suggest a connection with Cuba.

It might surprise you, but I think that cigar trademark disputes should be resolved without any litigation or lawyers. The cigar industry is like no other industry. To use a sexist phrase, its much more gentlemanly. Gentlemen should resolve disputes without lawyers and the courts.

SG: Do you remember your first cigar?

FH: My first cigar? Must have been an unbanded candela that I stole from my uncle Arturo Herrera when he was visiting my family farm in central Florida. I was like 14 or 15. Loved that guy. He would visit with my aunt Lola and I just remember the smell of the cigar and their happy faces. Theyve both passed on, but I still remember him with a cigar and those good times. Not sure that you could pay me now to smoke a candela but, who knows, maybe Ill come out with one in the future. Of course, I cant call it Arturo for trademark purposes (laughter). Maybe Lola?

SG: Besides your own stuff, what other cigars have you been enjoying lately?

FH: I dig anything that Dion Giolito makes. Gran Habano. Canimao. La Tradicion Cubana.

Many thanks to Frank Herrera for speaking with us. For more information, visit CigarLaw.com and La Caridad del Cobre.

Patrick M

photo credit: Facebook
Arturo Fuentes Solaris. Tatuajes Anarchy and Apocalypse. My Fathers El Hijo. Padrons 1964 Anniversary SI-15. Room 101s Big Delicious. What do these have in common?

Theyre all part of the Microblend Series thats soldby Smoke Inn, a Florida-based cigar retailer. The Microblend Series is inspired by the growing popularity of U.S. microbreweries, harnessing how limited production quantities allow for a greater emphasis to be placed on quality and consistency, according to the Smoke Inn website.

With that inspiration, it was only a matter of time before Smoke Inn partnered with Manuel Quesada to put new twist on one of Quesadas most popular lines: Oktoberfest. Just in time for the German festival, Smoke Inn is now shipping the Oktoberfest Dunkel, named for the German word for dark thats typically used to describe a dark lager.

In the spirit of Oktoberfest, the Dunkel uses the same binders and fillers of the regular Oktoberfest release, with the exception of the wrapper, reads a Smoke Inn press release. A very select broadleaf maduro wrapper envelops this rich cigar with a slight underlying Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper at the foot, thus giving the appearance of a dark, rich Dunkel beer with a savory, foamy head.

Dunkel is sold in one size (6 x 54) at a cost of $8.95 per single, or $134.25 per box of 15. Its obviously a unique-looking cigar, which may be why Quesada chose to keep the band exactly the same as the regular Oktoberfest blend. Aside from the different wrapper at the foot, Dunkels other aesthetic properties include a tremendously oily exterior, pungent pre-light notes of earth and cocoa, and a dense, firm feel.

The initial profile is reminiscent of the original Quesada Oktoberfest with dark cherry, burnt coffee, and an occasional bitter bite. Sweet notes are more apparent on the aftertaste than each individual puff. But during the outset of the smokethe one covered in the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapperthe texture is very creamy.

Spice and leather take center stage once the cigar passes into the broadleaf maduro phase. Here the Dunkel becomes more full-bodied with a little more nicotine kick. Perhaps not surprisingly, though, the creaminess prevails, rendering Dunkel one of those flavorful smokes with ample spice and complexity yet a creamy undertone.

All of the Quesada Oktoberfest Dunkels I smoked for this review exhibited admirable physical properties, and all were, quite frankly, a joy to smoke. While Im no fan of pairing beer with cigarsas Ive written beforethe quality of this smoke is undeniable regardless of pairing. That earns it a solid rating of four stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

Patrick A



photo credit: Stogie Guys
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said Friday the European Union is like a house in need of renovation, adding his voice to calls for change in the wake of Britain's vote to leave.

"Europe is our house, the house of our children and our grandchildren. We know that the house needs to be renovated, perhaps freshened up, but that it will still be our house tomorrow," the centre-left premier said in a statement at his official residence in Rome.

Speaking as leader of one of the six EU founder states, Renzi admitted it was "not an easy day" but said Europe's history had demonstrated its ability to overcome challenges.

"The British people have made their choice. We respect their decision and now we have to turn the page," he said.

"The world has great need of the European Union.

"I am here to tell you that Italy will play its part on the journey that is now beginning.

"The government and the European institutions are in a position to guarantee financial stability and the security of savers with every means at our disposal."

Renzi said he would be in Berlin on Monday to discuss the implications of Brexit with his German and French counterparts, Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande.

The Brexit vote caused panic selling on the Milan stock exchange on Friday and is expected to embolden Italy's eurosceptic far-right and populist opposition parties.

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UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Friday he expects the European Union to remain a solid partner for the United Nations after Britain's decision to leave the bloc.

"The Secretary-General expects the European Union to continue to be a solid partner for the United Nations on development and humanitarian issues, as well as peace and security, including migration," Ban said in a statement.

Ban also expressed hope that Britain will keep exercising what he called its leadership in many areas including development.

For the transition period that now begins for Britain to leave the EU, Ban said he trusts "Europe's well-proven history of pragmatism and common responsibility in the interest of European citizens."

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Catalan separatists on Friday intensified their calls for a referendum on breaking away from Spain after Britain voted to leave the European Union and Scotland said another independence vote was likely.

"While Scotland prepares to discuss a second referendum with the EU, we should say without fear that the time for OUR referendum has also arrived," Jordi Sanchez, president of the Catalan National Assembly, a pro-independence organisation, tweeted.

Separatists in the northeastern Spanish region of Catalonia have for years lobbied for an independence referendum like the one held in Scotland in 2014, which resulted in a vote to remain in the United Kingdom.

Earlier on Friday, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a second independence vote was "on the table" after Britain voted by a narrow margin in a referendum to leave the European Union.

While the vote was close across Britain, Scotland "clearly and decisively voted to remain part of the European Union, 62 to 38 (percent)", she told the BBC.

The head of the pro-independence government of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont -- one of the few Spanish politicians to be critical of the "Remain" campaign in Britain -- praised the British referendum.

"Democracy won, because the British people were able to vote," he said after the results of the Brexit vote were announced.

Spain is going to the polls on Sunday in a repeat general election following an inconclusive December vote in which no party gained a majority.

The issue of whether to allow Catalonia to hold a referendum on independence was one of the stumbling blocks preventing parties from forming a subsequent coalition government.

New anti-austerity party Podemos backs a referendum, which is fiercely opposed by the Socialist party, its natural ally, as well as the two other main parties, the conservative Popular Party (PP) and upstart Ciudadanos.

Catalonia in November 2014 held a symbolic independence vote after Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's PP government blocked it from holding an official referendum.

Over 80 percent voted in favour of independence -- but just 2.3 million people out of a total of 6.3 million eligible voters took part in the ballot.

Gabriel Rufian, a left-wing Catalan separatist lawmaker in Spain's national parliament, praised British Prime Minister David Cameron for allowing Scotland to hold an independence referendum and calling the subsequent EU vote.

"We would love to have a right-wing politician like Cameron who called voters to the polls twice," he said.

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Vote Leave supporters celebrated after the result was announced at the Stratford count

BUSINESSPEOPLE, politicians and residents across south Warwickshire have been reacting all day to the news that the UK has voted to leave the EU,in an historic referendum that saw over 80 per cent of people turn out to vote in Stratford.

The breakdown of the vote was:

The number of votes cast in favour of REMAIN was 38,341

The number of votes cast in favour of LEAVE was 40,817

The total number of ballot papers counted was 79,217

Leave polled 51 per cent of the vote, compared to 48 per cent for Remain.

The national vote mirrored the result in Stratford-on-Avon, where the Leave campaigners were also the victors.

Elsewhere in Warwickshire, Leave also topped the polls in North Warwickshire, Rugby, and Nuneaton and Bedworth.

Warwick voted to Remain.

Warwickshire results:

Stratford-on-District District Council: Remain 38,341 (48.4 per cent), Leave - 40,817 (51.6 per cent). Turnout: 80.8 per cent.

Warwick District Council: Remain 47,976 (58.8 per cent), Leave - 33,642 (41.2 per cent). Turnout: 79.2 per cent.

Rugby Borough Council: Remain - 25,350 (43 per cent), Leave - 33,199 (57 per cent). Turnout: 79 per cent.

North Warwickshire Borough Council: Remain - 12,569 (33 per cent), Leave - 25,385 (66 per cent). Turnout: 75.71 per cent.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council: Remain - 23,736 (66 per cent) , Leave - 46,065 (34 per cent). Turnout: 79 per cent.

________________________________________________________________________

LIVE REACTION:

5.48pm:

Sir Peter Rigby, chairman and chief executive of Rigby Group plc, which has offices in Stratford and London, and employs 7,500 people, said: "The decision for the UK to leave the EU is bitterly disappointing and massively damaging to the countrys economy and its future. The country has been plunged into chaos and the predictions made by government, the majority of its advisors, and leading authorities on business and the economy have clearly come to pass.

"This vote was always for future generations and for those who largely recognise that the world is a small place and for Britain to retreat to its island mentality is not consistent with a connected world or the approach and attitude of our neighbours and competitors. Most young people voted to remain; most older people voted to leave.

"In short, we have introduced a massive crisis and financial chaos for no perceived material benefits other than allowing some to exercise their frustration with Europe and its management from Brussels. An important matter which could have been better approached through remaining inside Europe and exerting pressure along with others on reform and better concern for European business and citizens."

4.50pm

Chris White, MP for Warwick and Leamington, said: Warwick district was the only counting area in the West Midlands that voted to remain.

I supported remaining in the EU and I am obviously disappointed by the national result, but I will work hard to make sure that our region and Britain can succeed in this new world we now find ourselves in.

I am very sorry to see David Cameron go, I think he is an outstanding Prime Minister, but now we have to start the search for a new leader.

This result means we have to work harder as politicians to deliver what is expected of us, it is a challenge I accept and I am committed to serving my constituents.

4.15pm

Cotswolds MP, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, said: "I campaigned for a Brexit result and therefore I am pleased with the verdict that the British people have delivered.

"I anticipated that if this was indeed the result, then the Prime Minister would want to resign quickly, which is why I along with 83 other Conservative Members of Parliament signed the letter urging him not to do so to allow more time for considered reaction to implement the negotiating process before being plunged into a simultaneous leadership campaign.

"However, I fully understand the Prime Ministers reasoning and now we will have to begin the leadership process and to elect a new Party Leader and Prime Minister. Whoever that might be will have a mandate to negotiate the best possible deal with our European partners.

"But nobody should be under any illusion that this will be an easy process.

"I remain absolutely convinced that for the medium and longer-term future of this country, and whilst I acknowledge that the Cotswolds marginally chose to remain, the British people have come to the right verdict."

4.05pm:

Jonathan Smith, of Stratford Business Forum, said: "It's a fascinating result, everyone is thinking: 'Now what'. It's an exciting, challenging, and slightly apprehensive time, but the nature of business is that where there's change there's an opportunity.

"We hosted an event at Warwickshire College this morning with Warwickshire Business School, Chris White [Warwick and Leamington MP] spoke on about 45 minutes' sleep and there was a feeling of shock because Warwick district was the one area of the Midlands to vote to Remain.

"There is a feeling of shock and realisation and this is ,in every sense a momentous day, love it or loathe it, it is what it is, and now it's going to be a long old haul for the exit, so I suppose in the next six to 12 months we will start to see the real effect.'

3.09pm:

Cllr Chris Saint, leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "I am very disappointed, but not surprised. At the end of the Stratford count I sensed that Leave were edging ahead slightly. I felt for a variety of reasons that some of the people who think they will be better off are looking at it through rose tinted spectacles.

"It's now a case of 'watch this space' and hopefully I can help to pick up the pieces. There was a lot of fear and uncertainty communicated, and I did not like the campaign, a lot of it has been about scaring the wits out of people. I have fought many elections in this area and have found that people will join in with a sensible argument.

"The tragedy is that we have maintained the situation of almost full employment in the figures released only this week, but now we have brought uncertainty in."

Cllr Saint continued: "There are huge problems in the EU but it will take a strong focus for us to maintain the position of a world leader that has been developed over centuries, from outside the Partnership.

"In the meantime, I shall use my position to protect local services in the public interest and, following a fractious campaign, bring some calm about how we take forward the national agenda.

"David Cameron has done the honourable thing by putting the national interest ahead of his personal position."

3pm:

Artistic Director, Gregory Doran and Executive Director, Catherine Mallyon for the Royal Shakespeare Company said in a joint statement: "We wake up to the start of a momentous and seismic period of change.

"It is too early to know what this will mean in the medium term and beyond for the RSC and the arts."

They said: "For the immediate future, we anticipate that there will be no impact, positive or negative, and we will do all we can to ensure that stability.

"Theatre is the most collaborative of art forms and we will work together to embrace difference and to heal division. Especially at a time when feelings might be running high."

2.45pm:

Stratford mayor, Cllr Juliet Short, said: I voted to leave, but I must say I was disappointed when David Cameron decided to throw in the towel this morning. He has represented Britain within the EU for a number of years and I feel sad that he didnt feel he could sit down and negotiate our exit with European leaders, its a shame because I do admire him as a politician.

I think if he had come back with a better deal following his negotiations with Brussels, this result could have been different.

My hope is that politicians can now concentrate on our exit from the EU and this doesnt get overshadowed by a leadership contest about who becomes the next Prime Minister.

I was impressed by what the Bank of England said about the result this morning, I thought it was a measured and positive response.

We now need to look forward to our future and the future of Great Britain. I think Stratford residents put a lot of thought into their decision and the turnout was excellent, I wish we could get that sort of turnout in local elections.

2.10pm

Harriett Baldwin, conservative MP for West Worcestershire, said: England and Wales have spoken and said something different than Scotland and Northern Ireland. Overall, the UK has chosen to leave the European Union and we must now all respect that decision.

" I am one of the 48 per cent in Malvern Hills and the country as a whole who voted Remain. As a result of this vote, the Prime Minister, my party leader, the man the country elected only last year has chosen to step down. Under his leadership the country has grown by 13 per cent and a record number of fellow Britons are in work and at the election last year, the Conservative party won its first majority for 23 years.

" I will continue to work to achieve the very best outcome for people in West Worcestershire during the uncertain process of unravelling our 40 year economic union."

1.36pm:

Oliver Knight, director of Knight & Rennie, Sheldon Bosley Knight and of Situ Homes, a group of the biggest estate agents across Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, the Cotswolds and the West Midlands, said: The Remain campaign principally focused on the severe damage that would be wrought upon the economy if we did vote to leave, and much was said about the immediate and dramatic crash in share and house prices that would follow an exit.

The markets have plummeted this morning, this however is surely to be expected and Id bet well be back to yesterdays levels in a short time.

As far as the housing market goes, the pillars of limited supply, strong demand and strong job market all still remain. In fact more than ever we see this brilliant little Island will be seen as an ever greater haven for property investment from within and outside the EU.

It is extremely unlikely that the Leave vote will affect the moving plans of most people, families will need larger houses, then smaller ones, young people will still fly the coup, and pensioners will still downsize.

Of course in the immediate aftermath of the Leave vote there will be some indecision and waiting to see what happens next, but that will just translate to pent up demand when we all realise that not only will we survive leaving the EU, it could actually be rather a good thing.

1.13pm

Jonathan Gullis, Conservative candidate for Stratford West, Warwickshire County Council Elections and Vote Leave, said: "I would first of all like to state that I am very sorry to hear the Prime Minister, David Cameron, has stepped aside after last nights result. He has been a superb Prime Minister who has really turned around the country from the economic mess it was left in back in 2010. I hope he will be remembered as one of the greatest leaders of our time.

"Last night we saw democracy in its purest form. I know that the result was very close and rightly so there will be a large portion of the UK population left saddened by the result. I hope that any differences people on both sides have had can be firmly pushed aside and instead we all come together to unite behind the decision made by the British people. It is important that we now look ahead and start to lobby our elected officials about what we want the UK to look like."

1pm:

West Midlands UKIP MEP James Carver said: This is a tremendous day for Britain and a victory for our democratic process.

The British people have spoken, a new day has dawned and we have at last regained control over our own destiny.

I am humbled by the amount of votes for leaving and delighted that the West Midlands returned the highest vote to leave at 59.3%.

This is not a time for gloating, it is a time for building bridges in a more democratic country.

We have a bold bright future ahead which is to be eagerly welcomed and we must now work hard to control our borders and establish trade deals both with the EU and our Commonwealth countries and put the Great back in Britain.

12.10pm:

A spokesperson for Jaguar Land Rover said: "For Jaguar Land Rover, today is just business as usual. We are a British business with a strong manufacturing base in this country, we call Britain home and we remain committed to all our manufacturing sites and investment decisions.

"We respect the decision of the British people and in common with all other businesses, Jaguar Land Rover will analyse the issues arising from it: as of today, nothing has changed for us or the rest of the British automotive industry.

"Europe is a key strategic market for our business, comprising 20% of global sales, and we remain absolutely committed to our customers in the EU.

"There will be a significant negotiating period, and we need to understand more about that as details emerge. We will work hard with all parties to ensure that the importance of the British automotive industry is fully understood at every level of the negotiation process."

12.05:

Edward Fila, Ukip/Vote Leave, said: The Referendum result has come as a shock to the establishment. In Stratford, 52% of voters chose to support the Leave campaign and contributed greatly to the nations choice to exit the cumbersome & undemocratic EU project.

Ukip in Stratford has played its part in delivering the message that we as a nation could prosper outside the EU, and I would like to thank the ever expanding local membership who have made this possible.

Not only has this result determined our future outside the EU, but has also asked serious questions of the political system in the UK.

12.05pm:

Denys Shortt OBE, founder and chief executive of Stratford-based DCS Group, said: "This is a new dawn for the United Kingdom. We have just joined the world. We can take back control of our sovereignty and our laws without the EU meddling in our affairs.

"We are not leaving Europe  we are leaving the European Union. Trade with Europe will not change.

"UK business will thrive outside the EU, the pound may fall but that will recover. Things will settle and the rates will go back to normal.

"The result does not surprise me at all. Most of the people I spoke to wanted to leave the EU. The main themes from the people I spoke to was wanting proper border control with no free movement of people, an not to be ruled by unelected politicians in Brussels and paying huge sums into the EU which will probably get larger.

"Politicians now need to focus on the future and work towards a creating stronger Britain."

12.03pm:

Larry Coltman, a solicitor who is president of the South Warwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: Its uncertain and scary, the economy does not need this.

Theres always a danger of when stocks and currency start to fluctuate, and its going to be tough for the next six to 12 months. Theres been a lot of talk about exports, but the price of raw materials that we import will go up too.

We have just emerged nicely out of recession and the fear is that Brexit will push us back. I admire the Brexiters confidence."

12noon:

Aston Martin chief executive, Andy Palmer, said: We acknowledge the decision and the rule of democracy. Aston Martin will now orientate its business to deliver our mid-term plan in the context of the exit and the market volatility that may exist during the period of transition.

As the UK could now be subject to new trade tariff barriers, we also anticipate the need for additional productivity and efficiency in the medium term. He said.

The government must now maintain economic stability and secure a deal with the EU that safeguards UK automotive interests- this includes securing tariff-free access to European and other global markets.

11.50am:

Wellesbourne MP, Jeremy Wright, said: "Britain has made a clear decision to leave the European Union and the government's job now is to carry out the will of the British people. I understand the Prime Minister's decision to resign though I profoundly regret it.

"He made the brave and right decision to give the electorate a say directly on the question of our membership of the EU. We should now come together to build a future outside it."

11.30am:

Stratford resident David Stevens said: I am 71-years-old and it is the most depressing day of my life, apart from family bereavement. It is a day of shame.

I feel absolutely depressed, I think we are now isolated. I really feel so mortified by whats happened.

His wife Ingrid is from Germany and she is a freelance translator.

Mr Stevens, quoted John of Gaunts speech from Shakespeares Richard II: England, bound in with the triumphant sea

Whose rocky shore beats back the envious siege

Of watery Neptune, is now bound in with shame,

With inky blots and rotten parchment bonds:

That England, that was wont to conquer others,

Hath made a shameful conquest of itself.

Ah, would the scandal vanish with my life,

How happy then were my ensuing death!

11.23am:

Elizabeth Adams, former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Stratford, said: Today is a sad day for Britain. We have already seen the economy start to tumble and sadly, people will be living with the consequences of this for years to come. It has been a long and bitter campaign and it has shown up the many divisions, regional, generational and others across Britain.

"But we cannot give up the work for a progressive, liberal vision for Britain. Almost half the country did not vote to leave, they need a strong voice fighting for them in the coming turbulent time as we renegotiate deals. Here in South Warwickshire, over 48% of voters who wanted to remain now need a voice to stand up for them against an MP who campaigned for leave.

We now have a huge fight on our hands to stand up for our public services, and our Human Rights, which are now at risk. Leave ran a campaign based on more democracy. We need to hold them to that and demand democratic reform here in the UK."

10.45am:

Lord Digby Jones said: "The ordinary Brit beats the global onslaught of the Establishment Elite. Our grandchildren will thank us for the day we took back control of our democracy.

"The challenge is now for us to make the most of this wonderful opportunity. We need quality, cross-party leadership to get the best Brexit deal. The markets are steadying already.

"The ability to hire & fire those who govern us matters more to the ordinary Brit than a few more short-term pennies in the bank.......thank heavens! 

10.40am:

District Cllr Molly Giles, ward member for Shottery, said: This has been a beautiful and pure exercise in democracy, and the vast majority of the people who have campaigned with me have had zero activism in politics before, they had never canvassed. They have been fully engaged with the referendum and that has been beautiful to behold.

This result has sent a message from mostly the working people of this country that the political class needs to listen harder to them. With this result comes opportunities, theres going to be vast opportunities for this country.

David Cameron has served this country very honourably, not least by granting the country a historic EU referendum.

10:30am:

Cllr Susan Adams, chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: I am disappointed but now we have to all pull together and make it work for the country.

I am sorry that David Cameron felt he had to resign but I fully understand his reasons and he really didn't have any choice.

10.21am:

Jeff Kenner, former Labour Party candidate for Stratford, said: I am horrified by this result and I feel particularly bad for the young people who could be denied huge life opportunities. I did fear that the result may go this way.

I think this result could mean a move towards isolationism from our own continent, our own neighbours, and I think that is terrible.

I hope we can try to unite the country because it is clearly very divided. It was a close vote in Stratford and I think it is important to recognise this.

What is very important is that we have to look what type of deal is negotiated by whoever is in charge after October. If that deal looks bad there should be a vote on it, I dont think that deal will look like what the leave campaign has been saying it will.

In my personal opinion, not necessarily that of the Labour party, David Cameron has made a catastrophic mistake by caving into a fragment of his own party and calling this referendum, when there was no new issue at stake. He has proved to be a weak Prime Minister and I think that will be his legacy.

10.15am:

Tony Bird, founder and chairman of the Stratford-based Bird Group, said: We have got our country back. This is great news and I am not surprised at the result. We never voted to join the EU, we voted to join the common market.

There will be short term turmoil, but the markets will settle and the future is very good. The fact that this decision has rocked the market shows our strength. I am not at all worried."

10.13am:

Johnnie Arkwright, owner of the Hatton Estate and chairman of Business for Britain West Midlands, said: I am very excited for our children and grandchildren, this is the right thing to do for them.

I hope this will be seen to have done the EU a huge favour by pushing it along the road to reform.

9.57am:

Quentin Willson, television presenter:

We voted against the EU and not each against other. We should all see this vote as an historic resurgence of national pride. The Referendum also demonstrated our distrust of the London-centric political elite and politicians of every hue should take note of the strident message the British electorate has sent them. This isnt the time to discuss the serious social and political fault lines in our society - that must be a measured and civilized discussion for later - but to all pull together to make Britain great again. Its also definitely not the time to panic. A week is a long time in politics and in stock markets. Some of us will remember when Saddam Hussain invaded Kuwait and the oil price went into orbit. But within months the price of a barrel of crude had fallen back to where it started. Speculators may be putting pressure on the Pound but the upside is our exports will be cheaper. Our economic activity isnt going to suddenly grind to a halt. We need to see this vote as an upswell of positive and optimistic energy and begin the job of making this country a place of spirit, intelligence, vision, power and fairness.'

6am:

Stratford-on-Avon MP, Nadhim Zahawi, has yet to make a formal comment. But in a tweet to a Brexit supporter he wrote: "We must respect and thank all those who voted whether for Remain or Leave. Greatest democracy on earth."

Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: The referendum has, in itself, caused a great deal of uncertainty within the economy and while we now have a verdict, the uncertainty will continue due to the fact that we dont know the process and the timescales of the exit.

We have already seen the market reaction to this and that will be of major concern to businesses and individuals and that means we are going to need very strong leadership at all levels.

The first priority is ensuring stability  this, above politics, has to be put first.

Chamber members were split on what outcome they wanted but a leave vote was always going to be the most difficult to mitigate but thats not to say that it should put business growth on hold  but it does mean we need clarity on how we move forward and clear and decisive action."

SEE HERE ALL MORNING FOR REACTION TO THE RESULT.
As previously disclosed in the Company's public financial statements, the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA") and province of Alberta issued assessments for taxes and interest directly related to certain restructuring activities associated with the 2007 acquisition of Univar (NYSE: UNVR) by investment funds advised by CVC Capital Partners ("CVC"). The taxes and interest assessed related to these matters aggregate to $85.1 million (USD) at current exchange rates. The tax positions taken are unrelated to any of Univar's operating activities and are solely associated with the 2007 acquisition by CVC. The Company has previously filed its objections to the assessments. In June 2015, these matters were litigated in the Tax Court of Canada.

On June 22, 2016, the Tax Court of Canada issued a judgment in favor of the CRA. The Company strongly disagrees with the decision of the Tax Court of Canada and will file an appeal to the Canadian Federal Court of Appeal within 30 days. The Company has not recorded any liabilities for these matters in its financial statements, as it believes it is more likely than not that the ruling will be reversed on appeal and the Company's position sustained. Litigation, of course, is subject to uncertainty, and there can be no assurance that Univar's appeal will be successful. Should the matter be resolved against Univar on appeal, the Company would have to record a one-time charge against earnings.

As previously reported, a Letter of Credit has been issued in the amount of $44.7 million (Canadian), covering the initial assessment of $29.4 million (Canadian) and interest of $15.3 million (Canadian). At this time, the Company has no indications that the CRA is seeking any cash payment beyond the issued Letter of Credit.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank is ready to provide euro and foreign currency liquidity if necessary, it said on Friday, after Britain voted to leave the European Union, sending global financial markets into a tailspin.

"Following the outcome of the UK referendum, the European Central Bank is closely monitoring financial markets and is in close contact with other central banks," it said in a statement.

"The ECB stands ready to provide additional liquidity, if needed, in euro and foreign currencies," it added. "The ECB will continue to fulfill its responsibilities to ensure price stability and financial stability in the euro area."

(Reporting by Balazs Koranyi; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso (C) speaks to the media after a meeting of relevant cabinet ministers to discuss Britain's exit from the European Union, at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, June 24, 2016. REUTERS/Issei Kat

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso and his Group of Seven counterparts will soon hold a conference call, after Britain voted to leave the European Union, a Japanese finance ministry official said on Friday.

Aso will also hold a news conference at 9:15 p.m. (1215 GMT), after the call.

(Reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
Oil Gains as Bulls Latch on to Weak Dollar After U.S. Stockpile Jump By Barani Krishnan Investing.com -- From foe to friend: the dollars about-turn over the past week has helped oil longs find their feet in a market still beset with volatility and less-than-flattering fundamentals. Despite government data showing a jump in crude oil inventories last week, crude prices rose strongly Wednesday for their first breakout since Oct. 19 as players leveraged on a weak dollar and a corresponding tumble in Treasury yields. Its a risk-on... (continue reading...)



Oil Gains as Bulls Latch on to Weak Dollar After U.S. Stockpile Jump By Barani Krishnan Investing.com -- From foe to friend: the dollars about-turn over the past week has helped oil longs find their feet in a market still beset with volatility and less-than-flattering fundamentals. Despite government data showing a jump in crude oil inventories last week, crude prices rose strongly Wednesday for their first breakout since Oct. 19 as players leveraged on a weak dollar and a corresponding tumble in Treasury yields. Its a risk-on... (continue reading...)



Bank of Canada surprises with 50 bps hike, says slight recession possible By Julie Gordon and David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) -The Bank of Canada announced a smaller-than-expected interest rate hike on Wednesday and said it was getting closer to the point where rate hikes could end, as it forecast the economy could possibly slip into a slight recession. The central bank increased its policy rate by half a percentage point to 3.75%, coming up short on calls for another 75 basis points move. It has lifted rates by... (continue reading...)



Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points, continues quantitative tightening The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 3%, with the Bank Rate at 4% and the deposit rate at 3%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening. Inflation around the world remains high and broadly based. This reflects the strength of the global recovery from the pandemic, a series of global supply disruptions, and elevated commodity prices, particularly for energy, which have been pushed up by Russias attack on... (continue reading...)



Italy's Meloni Mulls New Aid Package Worth Up To EUR10 Billion - Bloomberg Italy's Meloni Mulls New Aid Package Worth Up To EUR10 Billion - Bloomberg



More Forex
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speaks during a rally in the Manhattan borough of New York, U.S.,June 23, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

By Kouichi Shirayanagi

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders said on Friday he would vote for Hillary Clinton to stop Republican Donald Trump from winning the White House, a lukewarm show of support that his campaign said was not a formal endorsement.

Sanders' comments come after weeks of pressure from Democratic Party officials to throw his weight behind Clinton, the presumptive nominee. She locked up the required number of delegates this month with a string of wins in state-by-state primary contests.

Clinton, the former U.S. secretary of state, senator, and first lady, needs Sanders' supporters to boost her chances against Trump in the Nov. 8 election. Only 40 percent of them say they would vote for her, with the rest undecided or divided between Trump, a third-party candidate and staying home, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling.

Asked if he would vote for Clinton in November, Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, told MSNBC television: Yes. The issue right here is Im going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump. I think Trump in so many ways would be a disaster for this country if he were elected president.

"We do not need a president whose cornerstone of his campaign is bigotry, who is insulting Mexicans and Latinos and Muslims and women, who does not believe in the reality of climate change," he continued.

A spokeswoman for Sanders said his comments on MSNBC did not amount to an endorsement of Clinton, adding that "Senator Sanders is also still an active candidate."

Trump has angered minority groups with his hard line on immigration, including calls to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the country, deport millions of undocumented immigrants, and build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border if he is elected.

A spokeswoman for Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The wealthy New York businessman has rejected accusations his proposals are bigoted, and has said his policies would help minorities by bolstering the economy and creating jobs.

Trump has also called climate change a hoax by the Chinese to hurt business in the United States.

Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, managed to turn his long-shot run into a mass movement with proposals to combat wealth inequality, increase access to healthcare and education, and defend the environment.

His challenge to Clinton, one of the best-known figures in U.S. politics, lasted far longer than expected, running for four months and across 50 states and yielding record numbers of small donations to his campaign.

Sanders has said he will continue to push for a liberal agenda heading into the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia from July 25-28, when Clinton's nomination is expected to become official. He has also made clear he does not want his presence to hurt the party's chances of holding onto the White House.

Three-quarters of likely Democratic voters in the general election say Sanders should have a "major role" in shaping the party's positions, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted June 17-21. Nearly two-thirds also said that Sanders should endorse Clinton.

(Additional reporting by Chris Kahn in New York; Richard Valdmanis in Boston; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Jonathan Oatis)
(Updated - June 24, 2016 4:23 PM EDT)

Energy Transfer Equity (NYSE: ETE) won a ruling allowing it to back out of a merger deal with Williams Cos. (NYSE: WMB), according to Bloomberg. Williams is expected to appeal.
A second Scottish independence referendum is "highly likely", First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday, raising the prospect that the United Kingdom could tear itself apart after voting to leave the European Union.

Scotland, a nation of five million people, voted decisively to stay in the EU by 62 to 38 percent in a referendum on Thursday, putting it at odds with the United Kingdom as a whole, which voted 52-48 in favour of an exit from the EU, or Brexit.

"As things stand, Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against her will. I regard that as democratically unacceptable," Sturgeon told a news conference in Edinburgh.

"I think an independence referendum is now highly likely."

A vote for independence would end the 300-year-old union between Scotland and England, its far bigger southern neighbour, dealing a body blow to the United Kingdom at a time when it is likely to still be dealing with the complex fallout from Brexit.

It would also transform the political landscape in the rump of the United Kingdom by making it much harder for Labour, the main opposition to the ruling Conservatives, to win power in London, as the party has relied on Scottish votes in the past.

Scots rejected independence by 55 to 45 percent in a 2014 referendum, but since then Sturgeon's pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) has become much more powerful.

EU membership was one of the key issues in 2014, with those campaigning for Scotland to stick with the United Kingdom arguing that an independent Scotland would not be able to remain a member of the bloc.

Sturgeon said many Scots who had voted against independence for that reason were now re-assessing their decision.

"I intend to take all possible steps and explore all options to give effect to how people in Scotland voted (on Thursday), in other words to secure our continuing place in the EU and in the single market," she said.

Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who are the main opposition force in Edinburgh politics, said she did not believe a second independence referendum would help Scotland achieve stability or be in the best interests of its people.

"The 1.6 million votes cast in this (EU) referendum in favour of 'remain' do not wipe away the 2 million votes that we cast less than two years ago (to stay in the UK)," she said.

INDEPENDENCE BEFORE BREXIT?

The SNP holds massive sway, however. It won all but three of Scotland's 59 seats in the national parliament in London in a general election last year, and holds 63 seats in the devolved parliament in Edinburgh to 31 for Davidson's Conservatives.

Nevertheless, calling a new independence vote would not be straightforward and the SNP, tempered by caution since Sturgeon took over as leader from firebrand Alex Salmond, would want to first be sure that it would win.

Where the last independence campaign fell down is widely considered to be the economic argument. An independent Scotland would, it was projected at the time, stick with its old currency, Britain's pound, with national finances underpinned by an oil price then over $100 but now roughly half that level.

Sturgeon would have to build a robust economic independence strategy to convince those who in 2014 were emotionally inclined to leave the UK but voted to stay in because of the economics.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, who called the EU referendum and campaigned for a "Remain" vote, announced after the result on Friday that he would resign by the autumn.

He said he would leave it to his successor to decide when to trigger article 50, the mechanism by which an EU member can leave the bloc. There would then be a two-year window for Britain to negotiate the terms of its exit and execute it.

Sturgeon said Scotland "must have the option" to hold an independence referendum within that timescale -- much sooner than anyone had thought possible before the vote for Brexit.

As well as bringing further turmoil to the rest of the United Kingdom, Scottish independence would also be likely to cause political headaches for the 27 remaining EU members.

Some European politicians were quick to suggest that an independent Scotland should be welcomed into the fold.

"Europe is open to new member states. That is totally clear," said Manfred Weber, leader of the largest bloc of lawmakers in the European parliament.

Geert Bourgeois, separatist president of the Belgian region of Flanders, said Scotland should be admitted as a full member without delay.

"It would be quite Kafkaesque, if there were a part of the country that wanted to stay in the EU, if the EU turned around and made them join the back of the queue," he said.

But the government in Madrid, for one, is unlikely to take such a benign view given that it faces a strong separatist movement in Catalonia, which like Scotland is pro-EU.

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REDMOND, Wash., June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- American Income  Altig (AIL-Altig) was named the #2 Best Place to Work for in 2016. Seattle Business Magazine announced its rankings at the 27th annual Washington 100 Best Places to Work award gala on June 23rd in downtown Seattle. AIL-Altig was recognized out of hundreds of other companies in Washington State based on employee evaluations of leadership, benefits, work environment, training programs, and more.

Last year was AIL-Altig's first year on the Washington 100 list and it's a testament of their commitment to employee satisfaction that they leaped from #11 to #2 for mid-sized companies. Scoring highest in benefitsfor the second year in a rowAIL-Altig offers a 401(k) program with matching contribution available to all employees, full-health coverage, generous vacation time, holiday and merit bonuses, plus an on-site nursery to help transition new mothers. Even more, for Top Employee and Manager of the Year, they earn roundtrip airfare for two to their dream destination!

"I believe a major reason for our success in business and being one of the Best Companies to Work for is our culture and how we treat each other," said Ilija Orlovic, Chief Executive Officer of AIL-Altig.

At AIL-Altig, the culture of the Platinum Rulewhere you do more for others than you expect them to do for youis literally written on the walls. This culture creates an environment where people from all walks of life can experience Opportunity Unlimited. Their workplace has the excitement and ambition of a small start-up, but with the stability of a company that has been around for decades.

With 75% growth over the last two years and consecutive months of growth in 2016, the sky is the limit for AIL-Altig. Always on the lookout for talented people who want to get on the fast-track to success, they attract smart, creative people with a great attitude, strong work ethic, who want to grow, have fun and win.

Email their recruiting team to learn more about opportunities at AIL-Altig in one of their 45 locations at [email protected]. Please visit www.ailife.com to learn more about AIL-Altig.

Altig is the largest distribution system of American Income Life, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Torchmark Corporation (NYSE: TMK). AIL-Altig provides training and support for their associates throughout North America with 45 offices in 15 states and 6 Canadian provinces.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160624/383324

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-income-altig-named-2016-best-company-to-work-for-by-seattle-business-magazine-300290132.html

SOURCE American Income Life - Altig
BOSTON, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Hill HR has opened in New York, joining Beacon Hill Associates, Beacon Hill Financial, and Beacon Hill Legal. With this addition, the HR division now operates in Boston and New York.

Leading the team is Lorri Zelman. A seasoned HR professional, Ms. Zelman combines deep expertise in executive search with 12 years of prior leadership experience in corporate Human Resources, providing the foundation for a consultative, strategic and personal approach to client relationships. Prior to joining Beacon Hill, Ms. Zelman was Managing Director of the HR Executive Search practice of a NYC-based boutique, where she was also a top individual producer for nearly a decade. Prior to this, Ms. Zelman also launched and managed the HR Search practice of another NYC-based boutique, overseeing executive search, direct hire and contract staffing operations. Before entering search, Ms. Zelman held leadership roles in corporate Human Resources functions across multiple industries including advertising, media, technology and hospitality, in addition to working as a change management consultant for one of the largest consulting firms in the world.

"Most of our New York City clients have needs in the important sector of human resources," remarked Andrew Wang, CEO. "We are thrilled to have Lorri leading Beacon Hill HR in the market."

Beacon Hill HR provides executive search & direct-hire, contract & temporary staffing, and contract-to-hire services across the entire spectrum of human resources positions, covering all industries.

Beacon Hill Staffing Group's niche brands provide direct hire, executive search, temporary staffing, contract consulting and temp/contract-to-hire solutions to emerging growth companies and the Fortune 500 across multiple market sectors and all industries. Over time, office locations, specialty practice areas and service offerings will be added to address ever changing constituent needs.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beacon-hill-hr-arrives-in-new-york-joining-bh-associates-bh-financial-and-bh-legal-300289956.html

SOURCE Beacon Hill Staffing Group
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- Gran Tierra Energy Inc. ("Gran Tierra" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT: GTE)(TSX: GTE) today announces the voting results from its annual meeting of stockholders held on June 23, 2016.

Stockholders elected all seven individuals nominated by Gran Tierra. In addition, stockholders voted "FOR" the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of Gran Tierra's named executive officers, "FOR" the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte LLP as Gran Tierra's independent registered public accounting firm for 2016 and "FOR" the proposal to approve a change in the Company's state of incorporation from the State of Nevada to the State of Delaware, pursuant to a plan of conversion. The detailed results of the vote are as follows:

Proposal 1 - Election of Directors For Against Abstain Non Votes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peter Dey 160,345,342 23,275,723 1,095,308 33,071,468 Gary S. Guidry 182,721,045 1,831,800 163,528 33,071,468 Evan Hazell 183,980,504 533,700 202,169 33,071,468 Robert B. Hodgins 180,294,285 4,256,391 165,697 33,071,468 Ronald Royal 184,003,308 547,997 165,068 33,071,468 David P. Smith 184,030,276 526,038 160,059 33,071,468 Brooke Wade 180,497,647 4,053,315 165,411 33,071,468 Proposal 2 For Against Abstain Non Votes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advisory vote on Executive Compensation 93,638,523 86,746,948 4,330,902 33,071,468 Proposal 3 For Against Abstain Non Votes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratification of Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 216,418,067 1,199,402 162,750 0 Proposal 4 For Against Abstain Non Votes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Change in the Company's State of Incorporation 184,136,737 452,069 127,567 33,071,468

The Board acknowledges the level of support received for the executive compensation proposal put forth in Gran Tierra's Proxy Statement.

About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. together with its subsidiaries is an independent international energy company focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Colombia. The Company also has business activities in Peru and Brazil.

Gran Tierra's Securities and Exchange Commission filings are available on a web site maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Contacts: Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Gary Guidry Chief Executive Officer 403-767-6500 Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Ryan Ellson Chief Financial Officer 403-767-6501 Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Rodger Trimble Vice President, Investor Relations 403-698-7941 [email protected]

Source: Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
NEW YORK, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Network-1 Technologies, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NTIP) announced today that it agreed to settle its patent litigation against Sony Corporation and affiliated entities ("Sony") pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, for infringement of Network-1's Remote Power Patent (U.S. Patent No. 6,218,930). Sony was one of sixteen (16) original defendants named in the litigation.

As part of the settlement, Sony entered into a Settlement Agreement and non-exclusive License Agreement for the Remote Power Patent. Under the terms of the license, Sony will receive a fully-paid license to the Remote Power Patent for its full term which expires in March 2020, which will apply to its sales of Power over Ethernet ("PoE") products, including those PoE products which comply with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers ("IEEE") 802.3af and 802.3at Standards.

In September 2011, Network-1 initiated patent litigation against sixteen (16) data networking equipment manufacturers in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, for infringement of its Remote Power Patent. Network-1 previously reached settlement and license agreements with eight (8) of the original defendants. The remaining seven (7) defendants in the lawsuit are Alcatel-Lucent USA, Inc., Avaya Inc., AXIS Communications Inc., Dell, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Juniper Networks, Inc., and Polycom Inc. Network-1 seeks monetary damages based upon reasonable royalties.

The Remote Power Patent relates to, among other things, delivering power over Ethernet cables to remotely power network connected devices including, among others, wireless switches, wireless access points, VoIP telephones and network cameras. In June 2003, the IEEE approved the 802.3af PoE Standard, which led to the rapid adoption of PoE. The IEEE also approved the 802.3at Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE Plus) Standard, which increased the maximum power delivered to network devices to 40-60 watts from the current 15 watts under the 802.3af Standard.

ABOUT NETWORK-1 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Network-1 Technologies, Inc. is engaged in the development, licensing and protection of its intellectual property and proprietary technologies. Network-1 works with inventors and patent owners to assist in the development and monetization of their patented technologies. Network-1 currently owns twenty-eight (28) patents covering various telecommunications and data networking technologies as well as technologies relating to document stream operating systems and the identification of media content. Network-1's current strategy includes continuing to pursue licensing opportunities for its Remote Power Patent and its efforts to monetize two patent portfolios (the Cox and Mirror Worlds patent portfolios) acquired by Network-1 in 2013. Network-1's acquisition strategy is to focus on acquiring high quality patents which management believes have the potential to generate significant licensing opportunities as Network-1 has achieved with respect to its Remote Power Patent. Network-1's Remote Power Patent has generated licensing revenue in excess of $87 million from May 2007 through March 31, 2016.

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements address future events and conditions concerning Network-1's business plans. Such statements are subject to a number of risk factors and uncertainties as disclosed in the Network-1's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, among others, the continued validity of Network-1's Remote Power Patent, the ability of Network-1 to successfully execute its strategy to acquire high quality patents with significant licensing opportunities, Network-1's ability to achieve revenue and profits from the Mirror Worlds Patent Portfolio and the Cox Patent Portfolio as well as intellectual property it may acquire in the future, the ability of Network-1 to enter into additional license agreements, the ability of Network-1 to continue to receive material royalties from its existing license agreements for its Remote Power Patent, the uncertainty of patent litigation and proceedings at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the difficulty in Network-1 verifying royalty amounts owed to it by its licensees, Network-1's ability to enter into strategic relationships with third parties to license or otherwise monetize their intellectual property, the risk in the future of Network-1 being classified as a Personal Holding Company, the continued viability of the PoE market, future economic conditions and technology changes and legislative, regulatory and competitive developments. Except as otherwise required to be disclosed in periodic reports, Network-1 expressly disclaims any future obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein.

Corey M. Horowitz, Chairman and CEO Network-1 Technologies, Inc. (212) 829-5770

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/network-1-announces-settlement-of-patent-litigation-with-sony-corporation-300289762.html

SOURCE Network-1 Technologies, Inc.
Catalan pro-independence supporters hold a giant "estelada" (Catalan separatist flag) during a demonstration called "Via Lliure a la Republica Catalana" (Way of Freedom for the Republic of Catalonia) on the "Diada de Catalunya" (Catalunya's National Day)

MADRID (Reuters) - Britain's decision to leave the European Union strengthens the case for Catalonia to be allowed to seek independence from Spain, the head of the region's government said on Friday.

Joining other leaders of nationalist movements in Europe in welcoming the result of Thursday's Brexit referendum, Carles Puigdemont said Britain's ability to leave the EU without the approval of its member states suggested Catalonia could claim independence without Madrid's consent.

"It demonstrates that it is perfectly possible to take a decision about sovereignty as all other countries do," Puigdemont said in a statement.

Sworn in as leader in January, Puigdemont has mapped out an 18-month transition towards independence that would see Catalan authorities approve a constitution and begin building the institutions needed for an independent state, such as an army and a central bank.

The region's secession campaign gained momentum in 2014 from an independence referendum in Scotland, where voters eventually opted to remain part of the United Kingdom.

Puigdemont sent a message of support to Scotland, whose first minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday a second Scottish independence referendum was "highly likely."

In Thursday's plebiscite, a majority of Scots voted to stay in the EU.

Spain's acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Brexit demonstrated the risks of referendums and the divisions they gave rise to.

Rajoy, who faces a national election on Sunday, repeated he would never allow an independence referendum in a Spanish region. He has steadfastly opposed Catalan independence and refused to allow a referendum there in 2014, arguing it would contravene the constitution.

Beyond Catalonia, the historic British vote has fired up populist eurosceptic parties across the continent. Right-wing and anti-immigrant parties in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France have said they too should be allowed to hold referendums to decide national issues.

The separatist movement in Catalonia, which accounts for almost a fifth of Spanish economic output and has its own language, surged during Spain's economic crisis when it drew 1 million people onto the streets of Barcelona.

(Reporting by Angus Berwick; Editing by Julien Toyer and John Stonestreet)
Analysis-Ford, VW pop the automated-vehicle bubble with Argo AI exit By Paul Lienert DETROIT (Reuters) - The road map to fully self-driving vehicles is being rewritten once again, this time by Ford Motor Co and Volkswagen AG. When the two automakers joined forces in July 2019 to share control of self-driving startup Argo AI, it shook up the landscape among other key players. Wednesday's announcement that Pittsburgh-based Argo is being shuttered and some of its employees moving to Ford and VW... (continue reading...)



Credit Suisse nears sale of securitized-products group to Apollo, Pimco -WSJ (Reuters) - Credit Suisse is nearing a deal to sell its securitized-products group to investors Apollo Global Management and Pacific Investment Management Co, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The consortium including Pimco, a big bond manager, and Apollo, a large alternative asset manager, beat out a group comprised of Centerbridge Partners and Martello Re Ltd., a life and reinsurance company, the... (continue reading...)



Faraday Future names ex-Romeo Power executive as interim finance chief (Reuters) - Electric vehicle startup Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc on Wednesday named Yun Han as its interim finance chief and accounting head, replacing Becky Roof who resigned earlier this month. Han was previously chief accounting officer at battery technology firm Romeo Power Inc. Roof, who has served as interim finance chief since March, took over after CFO Walter McBride stepped down due to health reasons. McBride was... (continue reading...)



Fortescue Metals first-quarter iron ore shipments rise over 4% (Reuters) - Australia's Fortescue Metals Group on Thursday reported a 4.2% rise in iron ore shipments for the first quarter, boosted by higher production from its key operations in Western Australia. The world's fourth-largest iron ore miner said it shipped 47.5 million tonnes (mt) of the steel-making commodity in the quarter ended Sept. 30, compared with 45.6 mt a year earlier. (Reporting by Jaskiran Singh in Bengaluru;... (continue reading...)



U.S. Supreme Court's Kagan freezes dispute over Arizona Republican's phone records (Reuters) - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan on Wednesday temporarily blocked the House of Representatives committee investigating last year's attack on the U.S. Capitol from obtaining Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward's phone records while the court further assesses the dispute. Ward had asked the Supreme Court to intervene after lower courts declined to bar telephone carrier T-Mobile from complying with a subpoena from the... (continue reading...)



More Reuters
By Kanupriya Kapoor and Manuel Mogato

JAKARTA/MANILA (Reuters) - Indonesia said on Friday a halt on coal shipments to the Philippines will remain in place until Manila can secure its waters after seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped, the latest in a string of abductions.

Philippine authorities could not immediately confirm the hostage-taking but said a Filipino woman held since September was freed on Friday by Abu Sayyaf, an Islamist militant group that has amassed tens of millions of dollars from kidnappings for ransom.

It was unclear whether the sailors were taken by Abu Sayaff, which has beheaded two Canadian nationals in recent weeks after ransom deadlines passed. The group is still holding men from Japan, the Netherlands and Norway.

Indonesia is concerned that piracy in the Sulu Sea area, a major sea traffic corridor for the world's top thermal coal exporter, could reach levels previously seen in Somalia.

"The moratorium on coal exports to the Philippines will be extended until there is a guarantee for security from the Philippines government," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters.

Indonesia supplies 70 percent of the Philippines' coal import needs, which Indonesian data shows stood at about 15 million tonnes, worth around $800 million, last year.

Analysts say $40 billion worth of cargo passes through the Sulu Sea area a year, including supertankers from the Indian Ocean that cannot use the crowded Malacca Strait.

Marsudi said earlier the seven Indonesians were kidnapped by two different armed groups in attacks on a tugboat towing a coal-carrying barge and that the government would "try all options to free the hostages".

Fourteen Indonesians were abducted in two separate assaults on tugboats in March and April but were freed in May. In April, the Indonesian navy instructed all commercial vessels to avoid piracy-prone waters near the southern Philippines.

Filipino captive Marites Flor, abducted from an upscale resort in September along with Canadian Robert Hall, was freed at dawn on Friday on Jolo, an army spokesman said. Hall was beheaded on June 13.

In Davao City, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said they were "able to negotiate" for the release of two captives, a Norwegian man and Filipino woman.

"The kidnapped Norwegian could not get out yet because he could not cross because of the rough seas," Duterte said, adding "there will be time that I will have to confront the Abu Sayyaf".

Alarmed at the frequency of attacks, port authorities in some areas of Indonesia, particularly Kalimantan on Borneo, have stopped issuing permits to ships taking coal to the southern Philippines.

(Additional reporting by Fergus Jensen in JAKARTA and Enrico Dela Cruz in MANILA; Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor and Randy Fabi; Editing by Martin Petty)
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York City Council on Tuesday approved a law requiring single-stall public bathrooms to be gender neutral in a show of support for transgender people, the bill's main sponsor said.

The council voted 47-2 for the measure, which will take effect Jan. 1.

Many New York City restaurants already mark their single-stall bathrooms without gender designations or as apt for both sexes, but the new law is meant to make the practice standard and recognize transgender people, Councilman Daniel Dromm said."This sends a message that New York City supports the transgender community and understands the issue," Dromm said.

A law passed by North Carolina that requires people to use the public bathroom matching their gender assigned at birth rather than their gender identity triggered wide criticism and led a parade of celebrity performers to boycott the state.

Dromm said the New York City measure was also a nod to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people following the June 12 Orlando massacre at a gay nightclub that killed 49 people, as he noted how the issue has galvanized people.

"They see the urgency of addressing these issues. People are now definitely taking a stand pro-LGBT, and the 'T' here figures into it heavily," Dromm said.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Leslie Adler)
WARSAW (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union is bad news for Europe and for Poland and it is a signal that some concepts of the block will have to be changed, Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said on Friday.

"This is bad news for Europe, for Poland. (...) This is a great dilemma for the eurocrats, we all want to keep the EU, the question is in what shape," Waszczykowski told private broadcaster TV Republika.

"We will be trying to use this situation to make the European politicians aware why this happened. And it happened because this concept, which was created some time ago, is no longer popular in Europe," he added.

Britain has voted to leave the EU, results from Thursday's landmark referendum showed, a stunning repudiation of the nation's elites that deals the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.

(Reporting by Agnieszka Barteczko and Adrian Krajewski)
World leaders are stunned by Britain's Brexit vote to leave the EU, while fears grow of a domino effect challenging the bloc.

Britons voted 51.9 percent to 48.1 percent in favour of leaving the bloc, upsetting the odds and sending shockwaves around the world as markets and pundits alike got caught out badly by the result.

- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that "we take note of the British people's decision with regret. There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process."

- French President Francois Hollande said that "the British vote poses a grave test for Europe, which must show solidity and strength in its response to the economic and financial risks."

- Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said in a statement at his official residence in Rome "Europe is our house, the house of our children and our grandchildren. We know that the house needs to be renovated, perhaps freshened up, but that it will still be our house tomorrow."

- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reached out to Britain and the European Union after Britons voted to split from the bloc, saying Canada would "continue to build relationships with both parties."

"The UK and the EU are important strategic partners for Canada with whom we enjoy deep historical ties and common values," the prime minister said in a statement.

"We will continue to build relations with both parties as they forge a new relationship."

- Pope Francis said "It was the will expressed by the people and this requires a great responsibility on the part of all of us to guarantee the good of the people of the United Kingdom, as well as the good and co-existence of the European continent."

- EU Parliament President Martin Schulz hoped the vote would not trigger a domino effect prompting other EU members to quit.

"The chain reaction that is being celebrated everywhere now by eurosceptics won't happen," he said.

- European Union Council President Donald Tusk told reporters in Brussels, "today on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27."

"It is true that the past years have been the most difficult ones in the history of our Union, but I always remember what my father used to tell me -- 'What does not kill you make you stronger," Tusk said.

- US President Barack Obama said that, "the United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."

"The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision," Obama added, in a statement from his White House office.

- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Friday he expects the European Union to remain a solid partner for the United Nations after Britain's decision to leave the bloc.

"The Secretary-General expects the European Union to continue to be a solid partner for the United Nations on development and humanitarian issues, as well as peace and security, including migration," Ban said in a statement.

- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said the British government was "overconfident" and "superficial" in the EU referendum, and denied taking a position on Brexit.

"It will have consequences for the United Kingdom, for all of Europe and for us, of course," he added.

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The Ministry for Culture and Heritage moved into a new premises last year, in the Old Public Trust building on Lambton Quay.

Businesses are taking advantage of the increasing numbers of office developments in Wellington and are planning well in advance of lease expires, new research shows.

A report from independent property advisory firm Twenty Two, who act for tenants and owner-occupiers, shows the construction industry is in "top gear right now", as positive economic conditions and increased economic diversity drive a wide range of property and infrastructure projects across the region.

And with a range of new developments and refurbished buildings becoming available over the next two years, it is creating new opportunities for tenants and owner-occupiers who want to plan for lease expires and changing business needs.

Independent property advisory firm Twenty Two outlines the asking rents for commercial office space in the city.

Why are there new office buildings underway?

Despite an increasing over supply of office accommodation predicted, there two new builds underway - 20 Customhouse Quay (which replaces BP House) and the Kumutoto development (or the PwC Centre).

These developments are happening as improved economic conditions provided developers with renewed optimism, the fact that no new buildings have been built in the city since 2010/11, and demand from professional services firms and corporate businesses for modern and efficient workspace.

SUPPLIED An artists impression of the new office block at 20 Customhouse Quay.

The building at 20 Customhouse Quay is being developed by Auckland-based Newcrest and includes 15,000 square metres of waterfront workspace. The major tenants are Deloitte and IAG.

Similarly, the Kumutoto development, which is being developed by Willis Bond & Co, is a low-rise office and retail development on the northern end of Wellington's waterfront. Its tenants include PwC, FMG and The Cooperative Bank.

"These new developments are targeting a small part of the market and more than satisfy demand - in our view - at the top end in the immediate future," the report said.

SUPPLIED An artists impression of the new Xero building - a four-storey extension of the old Manthel building on the corner of Taranaki and Wakefield streets.

"We don't anticipate any further new developments in the next 24 months."

What's going to happen to the space vacated by the tenants committed to new buildings?

By mid-2018, Twenty Two anticipates there will be space available in the PwC Tower, Grant Thornton Building, Deloitte House, and the State Insurance Tower.



On top of this, there would be space available from refurbishments and upgrade projects, including when Xero vacates Market Lane, and Transpower vacates its Terrace premises.



Where are all the tenants going to come from?



The shift of office tenants to better quality workspaces, and generally to the north and east of the CBD, meant there would be an increasing number of vacancies in older buildings, the report said.

SUPPLIED Willis Bond & Co broke ground on its latest project last ,month - a multi-million dollar office development on Wellington's waterfront.

Government was moving to the northern CBD and reducing its overall footprint, while corporates and professional services were moving to the waterfront.

"The buildings they vacate will be upgraded and refurbished over the next two years," it said.

But who will fill them? The Wellington economy might be growing, but we don't have many large organisations outside of government, professional services, banking, energy and the shining lights like Xero, Z Energy, Trade Me and Datacom, the report said.

"We don't see a sudden influx of large private sector businesses to the capital.

"Given that the Wellington economy is made up of a lot of small business - 90 per cent of all businesses across the region have 10 employees or less  we're reliant on attracting more small businesses to the region or waiting for the existing ones to grow their staffing levels."

With technology transformations taking place, reducing the reliance on human capital, it was hard to see how vacancies were going to be filled, it said.

What can tenants expect?

It's not quite a buyers' market yet but, because Twenty Two said they "see rocks in the river".

"We think it's going to be 'advantage tenants' from 2017 onwards."

The report said tenants could expect a greater choice of office options available to them over the next three years.

Rents across all property grades were likely to stabilise over the next 12 months and then soften into 2017, 2018, and 2019, as competition for the existing pool of tenants heats up, it said.

Also, tenants might see a softening in rental levels at upcoming reviews, it said.

By comparison, the range and level of incentives to move would increase, the report said.

"Offers of longer rent-free periods and free fitouts are now becoming evident for a typical six-year lease."

Meanwhile, gross rents will remain the norm.

"The strong presence of Government and its requirement for grossed up rents will support the continuation of this.

"We do not expect to see net rents take precedence in the future."

Tenants were increasingly focussed on reducing operating costs such as energy and maintenance, it said.

Changing supply and demand dynamics

Despite the positive economic conditions and general low vacancy rate across all CBD office space, the buoyant activity across the Wellington market would create new opportunities for tenants.

They could review their business and space needs, potentially reduce their footprint by relocating to better quality and more efficient workspace, and seek smart commercial deals as landlords compete for limited tenants, the report said.

Commercial office development activity:

Refurbishments:

1 Victoria St

Majestic Centre (opening 2017)

Ex-Manthels Taranaki St - Xero (opening 2017)

Old Public Trust Building - Ministry for Culture and Heritage (complete)

7 Waterloo Quay - NZ Post headquarters

44 The Terrace - Tertiary Education Commission, Commerce Commission, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Human Rights Commission (opening late-2016)

56 The Terrace - Ministry of Social Development (opening mid-2016)

33 Bowen St - Ministry of Education (complete)

84 Willis St - Intergen and retail (opening mid-2017)

26 The Terrace - New Zealand Medical Association

133 Molesworth St -Ministry of Health (opening late-2016)

22 Boulcott St - Transpower (opening mid-2017)

36 Customhouse Quay - Craigs Investment Partners

New builds:
Smith's City chief executive Roy Campbell has been cutting costs and leading the firm's expansion plan.

Electronics and furniture retailer Smiths City is radically restructuring itself as it staves off competition and gains a foothold in the Auckland market

But a retail expert has questioned whether the 98-year old Christchurch-based company is doing enough to promote itself outside its largely South Island strongholds.

Smiths City's net profit has slid to $5.6 million for the year to April 30, compared with last year's $8m, although the previous year was boosted by insurance payouts.

Same store sales were up 2.4 per cent to $201m and the company last year made its first move into the wealthy Auckland market, buying the three-store Furniture City business.

READ MORE:

* Brierley and associate land on Smiths City share register

* Smiths City to buy Furniture City while Ron Brierley takes bigger slice

Chairman Craig Boyce said significant change has occurred throughout the company, including eliminating loss-making parts of the business, including some stores.

Another measure to reduce debt had been the sale and leaseback of its Colombo St property in Christchurch.

"We've reduced costs and improved our retail performance. The changes have successfully unified the company under the core brand and re-energised the business," he said.

However, chief executive Roy Campbell, appointed last May, said a tougher New Zealand rural economy, and aggressive discounting policies by competitors were still challenges.

The company had responded by outsourcing its appliance servicing, closing stores and restructuring the management team, incurring $2.5m in one-off costs.

On the other hand, its new Taupo store was performing well, "and confirmation of a truly national footprint".

The company would focus in future on the group's finance business to provide customers with more options. and also shaping its store, online and logistics operations to meet changing customer expectations.

Chris Wilkinson of retail consultancy First Retail Group said Campbell was a "switched on thinker" and Smiths had a great back story and a solid image.

But the company was having difficulty getting that message out, especially in parts of the country where its name was less known.

"There's a huge amount of consumer scepticism in the electronics, whiteware and furniture markets, whereas they've got a huge amount that they could leverage that they haven't done yet."

Part of its problem was the general store image which Smiths stores tended to project, selling beds and lawn mowers alongside appliances.

"Consumers are essentially looking for some specialisation now," Wilkinson said.

Another thing to watch in the "intensely competitive" appliance market was a decision by Australian electronics rival JB HiFi to move into whiteware, he said.

JB HiFi recently announced it had plans to move into Riccarton Mall.
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland lands at Kapiti Coast Airport.

Air New Zealand says it is still committed to flying from Kapiti despite reducing flights to Auckland.

Three morning flights to Auckland, added this year in an attempt to stimulate demand on the route, will be cut from August.

Airline spokeswoman Melody Brass said demand for the services failed to match the additional capacity "and we can no longer sustain these additional flights".

She said Air New Zealand was "committed to the Kapiti Coast and will continue to serve the Auckland-Kapiti Coast market".

READ MORE:

* Axe falls on Christchurch flights

* Airline announces regional cuts

* Christchurch flights announced

* Test flight arrives at airport

Former airport frequent flyer Tony Froude, of Waikanae, said he used to travel regularly from Kapiti Coast Airport to Christchurch before that service was axed in February, leaving only the Auckland route.

Froude said confirmation of rumours that Air New Zealand would cut back on its Auckland flights, dropping 10am flights from Thursday and Fridays, and a morning flight from Sunday, was bad news for the community.

"My fear is that it will disappear, because if you cut your services back enough, that's how you kill it. With enough reductions people would start going to Wellington or Palmerston."

Froude said increased domestic flights running from Wellington Airport showed the carrier had lost interest in flying from Kapiti.

He was worried Kapiti airport majority owner Todd Corporation would be "probably be quite happy" to develop the land, in central Paraparaumu, into houses.

The airport is part of the 125-hectare Kapiti Landing business and retail park, being developed by Todd Property, an arm of the Todd Corporation.

Todd Property managing director Evan Davies said the company currently had no plans to close the airport and was working on a plan to replace the control tower.

He said the airline had informed it about the "small reduction" in return Auckland flights from August.

Economic growth in the region was important for the airport's future viability, he said, with Kapiti Landing and the company's investment in the airport contributing to this.

The Kapiti Landing development includes Mitre 10 Mega, New World and Smiths City, as tenants and is near the central Paraparaumu interchange for the Kapiti expressway.

The expressway replaces the current section of State Highway 1, and will likely to open by the end of this year.
Smog over Cromwell, Central Otago. Between May 1 to June 13 Cromwell had 10 high pollution days (those days when air quality does not meet the government's NESAQ thresholds).

A report exploring novel ways to solve Central Otago's smog problem is "innovative", "comprehensive" and provides an excellent basis for discussion about feasible options, the Otago Regional Council says.

The report, prepared by Bodeker Scientific in Alexandra for the council, explored several hypothetical methods to improve air quality in Alexandra, including using frost fighting fans and wind machines.

The use of frost fighting fans and wind machines, emulating a naturally occurring 'low-level jet' wind and drawing air down the Clutha River gorge were among a range of hypothetical schemes that were assessed as possible "interventions" to reduce particulate matter pollution of 10 microns in size or smaller (PM10) concentrations during winter.

SUPPLIED Otago Regional Council director engineering, hazards, and science, Dr Gavin Palmer.

READ MORE: No solution in sight to improve Central Otago's smoggy sky

ORC director engineering, hazards, and science Dr Gavin Palmer, said the results of the report would be used in conjunction with other work being done to develop an air quality strategy for Otago.

"The strategy has the twin objective of ensuring air quality in the region meets the National Environmental Standard, and ensuring that ambient air is safe for everyone to breathe, anywhere, anytime. As part of the strategy development, all potential solutions are being examined.

"The report is comprehensive and its recommendations are innovative and thorough, and provide an excellent basis for discussion about feasible options."

The ORC would continue to examine the possibility of using technological solutions, such as including newer, ultra-low emission burners, as well as secondary emission controls for individual wood burners, he said.

"A key aspect of this includes conducting a study in 2016-17 into the feasibility of community heating schemes, whereby smoke emissions are controlled and reduced by centralising the heating source, and the heat distributed through a network of pipes to the community or district."

Since May 1 to June 13, Alexandra had 12 high-pollution days (those days when air quality does not meet the government's NESAQ thresholds), Arrowtown had 10, Clyde three and Cromwell 10.

According to the 2013 Census, there were 4842 wood burners reported in use in the Central Otago District, along with 690 coal burners. In the Queenstown-Lakes District, there were a reported 6078 wood burners and 723 coal burners.

"Work is being undertaken this winter to confirm the number of burners in Alexandra and Arrowtown."

There were no definitive implications for not meeting the NESAQ in the current legislation, however, that legislation was currently being reviewed by the Ministry for the Environment, he said.

A 2012 Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand (HAPINZ) study found air pollution from human-made PM10 was associated with an estimated:

- 1000 premature deaths

- 520 extra hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases

- 1.35 million restricted activity days (when symptoms were sufficient to prevent usual activities, such as work or study).

The study found young children were particularly affected by air pollution, especially with respiratory hospitalisations. In 2006, a third of all estimated respiratory admissions due to human-made air pollution were in children aged 14 years (236 out of 375 admissions).

Data from 2006 shows that wood and coal fires were the largest human-made cause of air pollution.

Palmer said due to the small size of Central Otago towns, it was difficult to get the required statistical significance for rigorous health studies. Despite this, some work was by the council and Public Health South in 2007, comparing hospital admissions in Wanaka (a clean airshed) with Alexandra (a polluted airshed).

The results showed that hospitalisation rates for selected respiratory ailments were higher for residents of high air pollution areas than for residents of low air pollutions areas.

"Most of the health and air quality work in New Zealand has been done in Christchurch, which has a significant population and degraded winter air quality similar to Central Otago. The Christchurch research found there was a clear association between particulate pollution and hospital admissions across all age groups for both cardiac and respiratory conditions."
Manawatu's British expat community is just as divided by Brexit as those back in their homeland.

Britain has voted to leave the European Union after a closely fought and bitter campaign, leaving Manawatu expats watching to see how the dust will settle.

The result means the end for the United Kingdom's 43 year membership in the EU, with 51.8 per cent of voters in favour of the Brexit.

The campaign proved controversial, with a vigorous debate marred by the assassination of UK MP Jo Cox by Brexit supporter Thomas Mair, only a week before the country went to the polls.

Stuff talked to members of Manawatu's British expat community to get their feelings on their homeland's decision.



READ MORE:

* Brexit: David Cameron quits after UK votes to leave EU

* Britain votes to leave EU after tight and bitter campaign

* Brexit: Scotland see future as part of European Union

* Sterling, stocks in free fall as UK on brink of Brexit

* Brexit: New Zealand politicians weigh in on results

* Brexit: Result intensifies case for a united Ireland

* Brexit: What the result will mean for your EPL team

* Brexit: Donald Trump applauds vote to leave the EU

* Brexit: Brits in NZ speak of shock, sadness and delight



British born Amanda McManus, who owns Tastes of UK, a Milson shop that supplies the expat community with their favourite brands from old country, came to New Zealand with her parents as a teenager.

She said she did not know enough about the issue to personally comment on the exit but many of her customers had been passionately following the debate.

There was a clear generational divide among the customers who had spoken to her about it, she said.

"The majority of my customers who are over 40 were for Brexit. The younger ones are either in the same boat as myself or for staying in the EU."

Palmerston North salesman Jeremy Guest came over from England 12 years ago.

He said he always kept up to date with events in the UK because a lot of his friends and family were still there.

"There was a steep price to pay to be part of that club," he said.

"The UK was a net contributor, they were supporting a lot of the poorer countries in the EU. I'm not saying you shouldn't help people out, you just look after your own first."

He felt there were a lot of pressing problems with the UK's national health system and schools, which that money would be better spent on.

Cox's assassination was a black mark on the Brexit campaign, but should not tar everyone who had voted for leaving the EU with the same brush, he said.

"It's sad it happened, but over half the country wanted out. There'll always be some nutters on your side when that many people share a position."

Agri-science start-up BioLumic founder Jason Wargent, of Palmerston North, was surprised to find his homeland giving the EU the boot.

"I just couldn't see any reasons, economic or scientific, to leave."

He said the fact that 10 Nobel Prize-winning economists came together to warn of the damage Brexit could do undermined any economic arguments for leaving.

BioLumic has been looking to set up exports into the EU and the UK, and Brexit could provide some opportunities for the company, Wargent said.

He said large portions of both scientific funding and agricultural products in the UK came from the EU, and it was uncertain how easily that would continue from now on.

"Britain may have to look at ways to soften the potential losses in the agricultural sector with innovation, which could give us an opening in that market."

Scottish expat Fraser Greig was beyond disappointed, saying he was also stunned to find he agreed with British PM David Cameron on something.

"It's utterly bizarre. All of the leave arguments; immigration, economic stability, the whole 'bring back Britain' thing, none of them made sense. Even on a surface level."

Greig said the divides the referendum had highlighted could mean real trouble down the road; with England overriding Scotland and Northern Ireland, and older voters overriding the young.

He said the tension had undermined the UK, as Scotland was likely to take another run at independence and Northern Island was already calling for a referendum to leave.

"Not one area of Scotland voted to leave the EU."

"Scotland has always been more left wing and socialist than England. It's a long term issue that they've been governed so long by right wing conservatives largely elected by England."
Max Baxter argues the wording in the Department of Internal Affairs document is misleading.

Otorohanga District Councillors are angry that a government report implies that the district's water isn't safe to drink.

It is.

However, according to the Department of Internal Affairs' Snapshots document, just 30 per cent of Otorohanga's drinking water meets the Health Ministry's "bacterial standards".

But that doesn't mean it contains any bacteria.

READ MORE:

* 'Crunchy', occasionally yellow tap water plagues district

* Why's the water got a pong in Waipa?

Otorohanga District Council discussed the document, which won't be officially released until July, at a full council meeting on Tuesday.

Mayor Max Baxter said the document also finds only 5 per cent of Waitomo's water meets those standards.

Baxter said the town's water has failed the turbidity test  which measures clarity of the water  and that has been categorised under the measure of bacterial standards.

"That bacterial standard is not, in fact, bacterial standards at all," Baxter said.

He said the document contains a whole level of inaccuracy, but central government will argue it is a true indication because the document's authors got the figures from the District Health Boards.

"Central government sent us the figures, but our results are quite different," Waitomo Mayor Brian Hanna said.

Hanna is unsure why the figures show the results they do, but Waitomo residents can be reassured their drinking water is completely safe.

"There were two samples where the turbidity was marginally under the standard," Otorohanga management team chief executive Dave Clibbery said, "and that was enough to trigger noncompliance with the drinking water standard in terms of bacteria."

He said the people will think bacteria is present in the water and is therefore unsafe.

"Nothing could be further from the truth."

Clibbery emphasised that out of all the samples taken, not a single bacterium was found.

"We have a river which fluctuates usually in its turbidity and we're constantly adjusting our treatments."

He said it is not physically possible to see the difference between the water that failed the turbidity test and the water that passed. 

Local Government New Zealand chief executive Malcolm Alexander said all councils meet drinking water standards.

"Only a tiny percentage of the population is a water engineer."

Alexander said there is a risk the document will send the wrong message and have communities alarmed for no reason.

"There needs to be informed discussions, not emotional ones."

A Department of Internal Affairs spokesman said the document only compiles official information that is already publicly available.

"The water quality figures that would have been referred to are compiled by the Ministry of Health in its annual report on water quality."

He said the document only uses figures and wording supplied by the Ministry of Health.

"Councils providing drinking water are responsible for ensuring that it meets national standards and need to be able to show that it is demonstrably safe."

He said the document is embargoed until it is released by Department of Internal Affairs in July.

A Ministry of Health spokeswoman said the information in the annual report is provided by water suppliers (in this instance, the Otorohanga District Council) and checked by public health units.

"They either meet standards or they don't."

The spokeswoman said turbidity can compromise the efficacy of water treatment



She said the water supplier is responsible for managing the water supply and any risks.
Lorna Whitehead was distraught after a phone scammer claiming to be from the IRD accused her of fraud,claiming the police would come and arrest her.

A Marlborough business owner is shocked after a phone call threatened to have her arrested, and all her assets seized.

Lorna Whitehead says the people behind the phone scam, which has been reported across the country, are cruel and hurtful.

"All I saw was me going to jail. Our house, our car, everything was going to be frozen. I was shaking."

She is one of several Marlburians contacted by scammers in the past week who claim to be collecting on unpaid taxes or debt.

READ MORE: IRD phone scammers demanding money from Nelson residents

When she picked up the phone on Tuesday afternoon, a man introduced himself as an employee of Inland Revenue and told her she had "defrauded the government".

"They told me I had committed a criminal offence and I was going on bail and would be picked up in two hours by a police car," Lorna says.

If she did not provide the paperwork for her business she would be arrested, and lose her house, her car, her business and be denounced as a fraudster in the newspaper, he says.

He claimed she owed more than $7000, Lorna says.

After 30 minutes on the phone, the caller said he would give her 30 minutes to speak to her husband and call him back.

Lorna called her accountant, who told her it was a scam and contacted IRD to put her mind at ease, she says.

"It was the most horrifying thing. He was so real, he convinced me. And the fact that I have a small business, I was very concerned."

She contacted Blenheim police who told her several people had called about the scam.

"I almost feel ashamed now for falling for it, but if I did, other people could. I hate to think how elderly people felt."

Blenheim senior caregiver Cheryl Borck is also concerned about the effect the call would have on elderly people.

"I work with the elderly. I know they'll be scared because they all worry about their money. It's just awful."

She had an answer machine message waiting for her and she knew it was a scam because they said they were from the United States federal government, she says.

"I was like, 'I haven't even got a passport, mate'."

Community Constable Russ Smith says such scams were difficult to trace because they were usually operated from overseas.

"One of our staff called the number that came up on call identifier. It sounded like a large room with a large number of people making phone calls, like some sort of company ringing large numbers of people."

A police spokeswoman was unable to confirm how many people had reported the scam in Marlborough.

IRD customer services group manager Eleanor Young said since mid-June more than 500 people had reported calls telling them they were being investigated for historic tax fraud or evasion, and threatening legal action.

Young said Inland Revenue would never ask for credit card details or bank account numbers over the phone in order to process a monetary payment.

The calls could appear legitimate if the caller knew your name and telephone number, but police said threatening behaviour would not be made from a real government agency caller.

Police said people receiving such calls should:

- Ask the caller for their full name and the company or agency details.

- Ask that they call you from a landline if they are using a mobile phone.

- Ignore calls from unknown mobile numbers.

- Don't share your personal details until you are convinced the caller is legitimate.

- If you are threatened, simply hang up.

- Don't trust anyone who calls you and asks for your financial related information such as your account details and password and hang up if asked, call the company on their published contact 0800 number or arrange a meeting at the relevant agency branch.

Report threatening calls:

* Scamwatch (Ministry of Consumer Affairs)

* DIA (Anti-Spam)

* NetSafe  The Orb (Online scams)

* ConnectSmart

* NZ Police if criminal activity is evident
The rate of violent crime in central Blenheim last year was more than four times the national average per capita.

The rate of violent crime in small towns can rival that of city centres as young "hoons" try to "prove themselves", a crime expert says.

The rate of public place assaults, sexual assaults and robberies in Blenheim last year was four times the national average per capita, new data from Statistics New Zealand shows.

University of Canterbury sociology professor and crime expert Greg Newbold said Blenheim's high rate was typical of town centres, where young people "trying to be heroic" would often get into fights at night.

"You get the hoons who want to go out and prove themselves, especially in smaller towns."

READ MORE:

* Statistics show theft, burglary and violence are major issues in Marlborough

* Drop in child crime reflects better collaboration in youth justice

* Murder and violent crime rates by strangers 'extremely rare' in New Zealand

The total number of public place assaults, sexual assaults and robberies in the centre of Blenheim last year was 91.

Bordering suburbs had a comparatively low rate, close to the national average for the amount of people living there.

There were 20 reported robberies, sexual assaults and public place assaults in Whitney, 14 in Mayfield and 22 in Redwoodtown last year.

The other suburbs in Blenheim had under five.

The town centres of Greymouth, Gore and Invercargill also had a violent crime rate more than four times the national average per capita last year.

Newbold said there was also plenty of violent crime in rural areas, but it tended to go unreported.

"Rural people go to small pubs or have private parties, and if someone is getting unruly, they would just throw them out. The police aren't called, it's dealt with informally."

There were also fewer police patrolling in rural areas to deal with violent crime as they came across it, Newbold said.

Senior sergeant Julian Lewis, of Blenheim, said the pubs and restaurants located in the centre of Blenheim drew people into town at night.

Opportunistic offenders often targeted people walking home through the centre of town, he said.

People walking home through town could become victims of violent crime "through no fault of their own", he said.

Police focused their night patrols in the centre of town to address this, he said.

Between 60 to 75 per cent of callouts to violent crime in Blenheim last year were resolved in court, Lewis said.

The high rate of crime in the centre of Blenheim was typical of most urban centres, he said.

"Anything can happen anywhere, walking home in any town and any city in New Zealand. People need to keep themselves safe."

A police spokesman said there were a number of complex social factors which affected crime rates and they worked with social agencies to prevent crime.

"Police are continually looking to prevent public place violence," he said.

"We do this across a number of fronts, including working with councils and other groups, such as community patrols to ensure a safe environment for people."
A born-again Christian's biblically-inspired canings amounted to assault with a weapon, the Timaru District Court heard on Thursday.

Christian beliefs did not justify bamboo canings a South Canterbury man gave his children, a court has found.

The man, who has interim name suppression, has been convicted of three charges of assault with a weapon for beating the bottoms of his daughter and hyperactive 13-year-old son.

The case bears similarities to one which appeared in the Timaru District Court in 2005 before Parliament repealed parents' justification to use force to correct children.

In that case, a jury acquitted a North Otago Christian mother for beating her 13-year-old son with a bamboo cane and a horse whip.

READ MORE: Christian caner cites God's law

In an interview following her acquittal, the mother told lobby group Family First representative Bob McCoskrie she prayed and consulted the Bible before the canings.

During the man's trial on June 17, he argued the Bible taught him to discipline children with the cane, telling Judge Joanna Maze at the Timaru District Court: "I follow the Bible and the Bible overrules those laws, I'm afraid".

His lawyer, Jay Lovely, had told the court the charges could be defended under section 59 of the Crimes Act, which no longer allows the use of force for correction

Lovely submitted section 59(1)(c) of the act, which allows parents to use force to stop children "engaging or continuing to engage" in offensive or disruptive behaviour, permitted the canings.

Police prosecutor sergeant Simon Heeley had argued the act did not allow the man to strike the children's bottoms.

The man had told the court he had rediscovered his Christian faith in 2014 and wanted his son to become a Christian and "a pillar of the community".

The judge had reserved her decision, which was later given to the man in writing before his appearance on Thursday

The judge denied Lovely's request for the matter to be referred to a restorative justice conference.

"It's plain the defendant is unlikely to accept my elevation of the state over his Christian beliefs," the judge said.

The judge also considered a referral to restorative justice inappropriate because his children would be unable to engage in the restorative justice process.

A pre-sentence report is expected to be prepared, and the judge warned the man to come to court prepared for all sentencing options, "particularly in light of the vulnerability of the children, and what I consider to be a breach of trust".

The level of the offending would also need to be considered, the judge said.

The man, who had asked Heeley during the trial what else he could have done given his son's persistent misbehaving, stood silent in the dock during his appearance.

Section 59 of the Crimes Act

The 2005 acquittal of a mother who caned and struck her child with a horse whip formed part of the debate at the time former Green Party MP Sue Bradford's member's bill repealing parents' justification to use force for correction entered Parliament

The bill passed its third reading by 113 votes to eight in 2007.

After a 2009 street rally, a petition led to a citizens initiated referendum asking voters "should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?"

The referendum attracted 56 per cent turnout, with 87 per cent of voters answering in the negative.
The man, described as being about 185cm and of solid build, grabbed the girl from behind and pulled her towards him.

Hawke's Bay Police are seeking information on an incident that happened in Napier on Wednesday.

A 17-year-old girl was running at about 6.30pm. As she ran up the stairs leading from Shakespeare Road to Bay View Road, she was grabbed by a man wearing a dark hoodie.

The man, described as being about 185cm and of solid build, grabbed her from behind and pulled her towards him.

The jogger managed to break away from him after a short struggle. She suffered minor bruising.

The incident prompted Napier Girls' High School principal Mary Nixon to send a letter to parents and caregivers on Thursday to say that police had advised the school that a known sex offender had been in the area "acting inappropriately and flashing at girls" over the previous two weeks.

"Police recommend that students move in pairs. Should you be approached by such a person, run to a safe place and dial 111," the letter stated.

Police want to identify the man, and have urged the public to be aware of their surroundings and their personal safety.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Amy Robertson at Hastings Police Station on 06 873 0500, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said the British government was "overconfident" and "superficial" in the EU referendum, and denied taking a position on Brexit.

The organisation of the referendum was "nothing more than overconfidence and a superficial approach to solving fateful decisions for one's country, and Europe as a whole, on the part of the British leadership," Putin said,in comments broadcast on Russian state television.

"It will have consequences for the United Kingdom, for all of Europe and for us, of course," he added.

Many observers have said that Brexit would play into the Putin's hands as he has been accused of driving a wedge between EU members.

But Putin on Friday said that Russia had never "interferred, never expressed our opinion on the matter" and dismissed attempts to associate Moscow with the UK vote to split from the European bloc.

"Of course we closely followed what is happening but did not in any way influence the process and didn't even try to," the Russian strongman said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also stressed there was no indication that Moscow was pleased with the result of the vote.

"The topic of Brexit is Britain's domestic issue and an issue of its relations with the EU," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Putin also said Russia would strive to minimise Brexit's potential effect on the Russian economy, which is already reeling from low oil prices and the devaluation of its currency.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned that Brexit's impact on markets has created "additional risks for the world economy, and therefore, for our economy."

The British vote to leave the EU demonstrated the desire to stop "feeding and subsidising weaker economies" and showed the population was "dissatisfied with the approach to security questions" amid the continent's migration crisis, Putin said.

Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that the vote had "shown there are serious contradictions in the European Union."

As for EU sanctions against Russia, Putin said Brexit was unlikely to affect the bans Brussels imposed on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.

Britain's relations with Russia have soured in recent years, notably over efforts to prosecute the case of Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko who was murdered by poisoning in London.

Peskov however said Moscow hoped that Britain's decision to exit the EU would not damage relations.

"We have a very complicated history... in bilateral relations, we can't always say that our British partners are ready to communicate and cooperate," he told journalists.

"We hope that in the new reality, the understanding of a necessity to build good relations with our country will prevail."

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The Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2016, which was officially launched on Wednesday at Stanford University, California, attracted more than 700 business people and young entrepreneurs from all over the world, including Egypt.

In addition to helping provide basic skills such as entrepreneurship development and the presentation of ideas, the summit is a key global effort calling for investment capital, financial management and human resources, community building, sustainable start-ups, and connecting entrepreneurs with investors and leaders of big companies like Instagram, Google, Microsoft and Facebook.

Ahram Online spoke with Ahmed Abbas, a green economy expert and advocate with a passion for renewable energy and one of the Egyptian entrepreneurs participating at the GES 2016.

Abbas started a project under the name Sun City Energy as a green start-up, which he says is working on developing, manufacturing and commercialising innovative, low-cost, mobile solar irrigation pumps.

These new pumps are meant to provide a reliable and feasible alternative to the conventional diesel pumps that millions of farmers use in Egypt and across the globe.

Our main task is to bring solar energy to the base of the pyramid and tackle the local energy crisis while supporting low-income people, says Abbas, who is working on his Masters degree in Sustainable Development at the American University in Cairo.

The mobile solar pump is our first baby that we have been working on for about one year. At this stage, we have a fully-working prototype that we developed ourselves using the local capabilities and some local components. A number of initial units will be ready to hit the market in four to six weeks for the first time. Small farmers will have a product that can generate income for some of them or [lower] their operating costs of irrigation forever.

About five million Egyptian farmers own less than one feddan. Most of these farmers use diesel pumps for irrigation. Under new regulation of phasing out subsidies, our product can irrigate one feddan in six to eight hours and can serve up to 10 feddans. There is no operating cost and it is almost maintenance-free.

We have been investing our own resources so far, in addition to money from prizes we won from a couple of competitions locally and internationally.

Now, we want to access funding schemes to facilitate farmers acquisition of our product. This can be through leasing, mortgage, soft loans or any other scheme. The clean technology will save millions in subsidised diesel for the government, save thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions and reduce the costs of irrigation.

We desperately hope to get support from the government, the Ministry of Agriculture, agriculture banks and other relevant institutions.

We launched and registered the start-up with my own money, then we won the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme prize in Nigeria, which we used to develop the prototype.

I recently won first place in the Total Start-up Competition in Egypt and was selected [for having] one of the best three start-ups in Africa.

We have established communication with local and international suppliers of our very specific products and are currently working on developing our own technology in solar water pumping for small-scale use.

On another level, developing our own technology  a critical move to overcome the limitations of existing technologies  requires high expenses that we are not able to cover at this stage. We look forward to securing grants to support our research and development as well as localise the technology.

This year's event also focuses on supporting and promoting the role of women in business. Karen Quintos, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the company Dell, said that women today face many difficulties in the process of starting a business; especially with investment funds usually poured into priority-projects by businessmen.

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GES 2016 brings together entrepreneurs and investors from across the world for dynamic, outcome-oriented sessions; mentoring; and opportunities to showcase their work. It has become a preeminent annual gathering that provides emerging entrepreneurs with exceptional networking, insight and investment opportunities.

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Switzerland's central bank said Friday it had "intervened" in the foreign exchange market to stabilise the Swiss franc, considered a safe haven currency, following the so-called Brexit vote.

"Following the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, the Swiss franc came under upward pressure," the bank said in a statement, adding that it had "intervened in the foreign exchange market to stabilise the situation and will remain active in that market."

As the result of the vote became clear, the Swiss franc strengthened considerably against the European single currency, trading at just 1.06 francs to the euro at 7:00 am (0500 GMT), compared to 1.10 francs to the euro seven hours earlier.

By 0750 GMT, the franc had meanwhile weakened some, trading at 1.085 to the euro.

The Swiss franc, long considered a safe haven currency, already saw its value surging after the publication of various polls in the run up to Thursday's vote suggesting Brexit could win the day in the June 23 referendum.

A stronger franc hits Swiss exporters, which are forced to squeeze costs and cut prices to remain competitive on an international market.

The Swiss central bank introduced a negative deposit rate early last year after it abruptly abandoned its three-year effort to hold down the franc's exchange rate to protect exports.

Last week, the central bank voiced hope that British voters would opt to remain in the EU, and maintained it monetary policy in place.

Bank chief Thomas Jordan at the time warned that the referendum "may cause uncertainty and turbulence to increase," vowing that "we will take measures if required."

The bank stuck with the -0.75 percent deposit rate, which is meant to dissuade foreign investors buying and holding Swiss francs as a safe haven investment.

The target range for the three-month Libor also remained unchanged at between -1.25 and -0.25 percent.

The Swiss rejected membership in the EU in a 1992 referendum.

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(Bayannur, Inner Mongolia)  The recent indictments of 74 alleged members of a crime syndicate that killed miners, used their corpses to stage fake accidents and extorted mine owners by posing as victims' relatives echoes stories of murder frequently heard in mining regions across China.

The gang has been blamed for a killing spree between 2009 and 2014 that spanned six provinces, according to a statement issued in late May by prosecutors in Bayannur, a city in northern China's Inner Mongolia.

Evidence points to at least 17 murders, the statement said. Sources familiar with the case told Caixin the gang members likely murdered many more but only a few victims were found because the killers hastily cremated bodies to cover their tracks.

The suspects have been charged with murder, fraud, extortion and concealing crimes, prosecutors said.

So far, authorities have neither identified the suspects nor released any information about the victims. Sources familiar with the case told Caixin most of the accused are farmers from Zhaotong, a city in the southwestern province of Yunnan.

While working in small groups, the suspects are said to have lured other farmers into jobs at unlicensed or loosely supervised coal mines with the goal of murder for profit.

A source close to the investigation said the earliest crimes date to 2009. In some instances, the source said, gang members obtained miner's post-mortem compensation payments from mine owners after fabricating deaths. In many other cases, though, mine workers were murdered and their death certificates used to extort cash.

Bayannur police uncovered the first clues in January 2015 while probing a miner's accidental death report. The man had supposedly died a few months earlier at a local iron ore mine.

Investigators later found that a man whose family had received a 680,000 yuan accidental death payment was actually still alive. Follow-up investigations that spanned more than a year determined that gang members had posed as the relatives of workers who supposedly died in mine accidents. Mine owners were told the "relatives" would keep the accidents under wraps in exchange for money.

The gang preyed on mine owners whose operations were not properly licensed with the government, the source said, adding that these owners would rather pay victims' relatives privately than confront government safety inspectors.

Wu Jie, chairman of a coal miners' trade union in Zhaotong, agreed many mine owners would rather pay hush money than face safety inspectors.

Chinese law says the family of a miner who dies in a work-related mishap can receive up to 1 million yuan in compensation. But a mine owner also may be fined up to 5 million yuan and have to shutter operations if safety inspectors get involved, said Wu.

The Bayannur case is the latest to expose the dangers of mining in China, where hundreds of workers die each year. The central government's work safety agency said at least 931 miners died in 2014 due to underground cave-ins or other accidents.

The Bayannur suspects are expected to go on trial in October, prosecutors said, and the list of defendants is expected to grow. Police in Zhaotong have yet to capture all of the gang members, a local police officer told Caixin on June 14.

Crime Dens

A focus of the mine-related crime is the village of Shisun in Zhaotong, population 3,000, in a mountain region where several coal mines shut down in recent years. Subsequent unemployment prompted an exodus of younger men and women who moved away to big cities, leaving the elderly and children behind.

A local official told Caixin that Shisun is among China's poorest areas, where the average worker earns less than 5,000 yuan a year. This poverty apparently drove some to crime.

Three police raids between 2014 and this year led to detentions for more than 50 villagers on charges of murder or extortion, Shisun resident Chen Shuang told Caixin.

Six members of Wang Min's family have been detained, including her father-in-law Yang Shangkang and husband Yang Lulong, she told Caixin. The husband was arrested in May for allegedly plotting to blackmail mine owners.

Also in May, three brothers from the Tao family in Shisun confessed to homicide charges.

Chen said a few of his relatives and acquaintances have also been questioned by police.

Some villagers raised eyebrows in recent years by getting rich quickly, said Chen. Some who left the village for work far away returned after only a few weeks with enough money to build a house or buy a car.

Chen said mine job recruiter Wang Qiangwen was among those villagers who hit the jackpot. A Zhaotong police statement said he was detained with three other Shisun villagers for allegedly staging the 2014 accident at the Bayannur iron ore mine.

In addition, police accused the four in connection with four deadly coal mine accidents, claiming they used the mishaps to collect compensation payments worth 2.5 million yuan. The four were arrested last August at the China-Myanmar border while allegedly trying to flee the country.

Another Zhaotong police suspect is Shisun villager Ai Wangquan. He was arrested last September as the alleged mastermind behind three mine accidents in Shanxi and Shaanxi as well as Inner Mongolia between 2013 and 2014. He allegedly swindled 1.5 million yuan.

Accidental Accomplices

A few Bayannur case ring leaders allegedly made a killing, while most of the suspects did not. Most are said to be poor, illiterate farmers over age 50 who got involved by pretending to be a relative of a mine accident victim, or let the crime gang use their personal identification to scam mine owners.

Yang Yunqing, 47, told Caixin his wife was detained on a fraud charge because she let a gang use his identification card to obtain a fake death certificate, earning some 40,000 yuan. A village official had issued the death certificate, he said.

A local official told Caixin that police in May detained a government suspect on charges of forging death certificates.

A Shisun-area coal mine manager told Caixin his company was victimized by scammers from nearly Sichuan Province after a deadly accident in 2011. Some 380,000 yuan in compensation was paid, but later police found six miners deliberately caused the accident and then extorted the cash.

In a high-profile case, a court in the northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region last September convicted 10 people on charges of using stones, shovels and hammers to kill five workers lured into coal mine jobs in Ningxia as well as Shanxi and Shaanxi between 2010 and 2013. Prosecutors said mine owners paid 2.3 million yuan to the gang, whose members pretended to be relatives of the dead.

In 2014, a court in northern Hebei Province sentenced five people to death and sentenced 16 others to prison in connection with extortion plots through which men were recruited for mine jobs and then killed.

(Rewritten by Han Wei)
Celebrations marking 75 years of women in policing in New Zealand kicked off at the Cape Reinga lighthouse carpark this morning with a torch relay that will take nearly a month to work its way down the island to the Bay of Plenty.

Another relay starts at Bluff. The two torches will meet in Wellington on August 1, after stopping off for events in towns and cities along the way to raise awareness of women in policing.
Bay of Plenty exporters that are flying high in their respective industries have been celebrated at the 2016 Bay of Plenty ExportNZ awards last night.

ASB Baypark Stadium Lounge was decked out in a 1950s theme and took guests back in time to the golden age of air travel when leg room was copious and travelling by air was glamourous.

Now into its 26th year, the Zespri sponsored awards recognise innovative, brave and successful companies which are helping to grow and transform New Zealand and local economies.

The high calibre and volume of companies who were finalists in this years awards meant there was serious competition across each and every category, says ExportNZ Bay of Plenty executive officer Melissa Conrad.

The judging panel commented that they were extremely impressed by the variety of businesses that entered across a range of industries.

Taking out the big award on the evening was Skyline Rotorua who won the Sharp Tudhope Lawyers Exporter of the Year award, while Streamland Honey Plant winning the YOU Travel Emerging Exporter of the Year award.

Well-known local businessman Graeme Marshall was also honoured last night by being named the recipient of the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Service to Export award for his outstanding contributions to the export community throughout the Bay.

New Zealand Manuka Group founder and executive chairman Phil Caskey won the Beca Export Achievement award, while the company also took out the Page Macrae Engineering Innovation in Export Award.

Head judge and company Productiv director Kelvin Trask says this years entrants were from a variety of sectors, ranging from recent start-ups through to established exporters.

The commitment to exporting excellence these businesses demonstrate, and their willingness to be judged is exciting for our region, says Kelvin.

For more information visit the Bay of Plenty ExportNZ Awards website at: www.bopexportnzawards.org.nz
Four people have died in a crash involving two vehicles near Hamilton Airport last night.

At least two others, possibly more, were trapped in the crash on Ohaupo Rd just after 10pm police say.
(Beijing)  One of the major taxi companies in Shanghai has urged the Ministry of Transport to tighten private car-hailing service regulations.

State-owned Dazhong Taxi, in a letter to the ministry obtained by Caixin on June 22, said the use of private vehicles by drivers working for car-hire companies such as Didi Chuxing Technology Co. and Uber Inc. violates government licensing rules.

Car-hire drivers have an unfair advantage over taxi drivers because they don't have to pay certain taxi-service taxes nor take their vehicles off the road after eight years, Dazhong said.

Moreover, the taxi operator said, car-hailing companies are subsidizing drivers and giving their riders discounts in violation of the Law Against Unfair Competition, which was passed in 1993.

"The competition is not fair," the taxi company said. "This has demoralized the industry in recent years, caused (taxi) drivers to resign, and jeopardized service quality."

Car-hailing businesses currently operate in a legal gray area. Taxi and car-hailing providers are waiting to see how the Ministry of Transport and other Chinese government agencies will regulate companies such as Didi and Uber, which have been aggressively competing against each other and taxis for rider market share.

In a draft regulation released in October, the ministry said car-hailing providers would have to station their computer servers on the mainland, share all data with transport authorities, register their vehicles, sign labor contracts with drivers, and provide insurance for their cars and passengers.

The proposed rules, which remain in limbo, were criticized by legal experts as too strict and potentially industry-stifling.

Meanwhile, Shanghai's taxi company is suffering. Dazhong Taxi's parent Dazhong Transportation Group Co. Ltd. reported a 28 percent decline in first quarter profits compared to the same period 2015. Dazhong Taxi started its own car-hailing business, Dazhong Chuxing, in March.

Despite a legal vacuum, investors are backing Didi and Uber. Didi recently raised US$ 7.3 billion from big name investors including Apple Inc., Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and state-owned China Life Insurance Co.

Uber's Chinese arm, Uber China, is currently conducting a fundraising campaign, said Liu Zhen, senior vice president of the Chinese company, in an interview with Caixin, although the project's details have not been released.

In the first three months of this year, Didi received more than 85 percent of all online orders for car-hire services in China, followed by Uber, Yidao Yongche and Shenzhou Zhuanche, according to Internet information provider CNIT Research.

(Rewritten by Chen Na)
The UK's withdrawal from the EU could lead to a drop in the number of British tourists and a fall in investment

Tourists on the Costa del Sol. SUR

There were only two possible outcomes. And the worst has happened. The United Kingdom's exit from the European Union is a terrible piece of news for the Costa del Sol, where the British are its biggest and most important customers, and also some of the highest spenders. From now on there are just unknowns and a lot of nervousness.

Last week, the president of the CEA (Andalusian Employers' Association), Javier Gonzalez de Lara, warned that Britain leaving the European Union would have serious consequences for the Spanish economy, with tourism, although not just tourism, being the main loser.

Since the referendum there's been a 10% fall in the value of the British Pound. This means that Britons' holidays in Spain have become more expensive overnight as, although the Euro has also fallen, it hasn't done so as much as the Pound. This will mean less tourists will visit and less buying power for those that still come. The current average daily spend by the British is 105 euros, higher than the Germans (101 euros) and the French (80 euros).

Last year, British tourists spent more than 14 billion euros in Spain, 10% more than the previous year, a figure that makes up almost 21% of the total income from foreign tourism, and which gives some idea of the importance of the United Kingdom.

There will be a similar effect on investment in the Costa del Sol, where many real estate developments are funded by UK investors or promote themselves mainly to the British market.

The decision to abandon the European Union is also a risk for the economy overall. Spain has a positive trade balance, in terms of its exports, with the United Kingdom, which means the pound's devaluation is a new and less favourable scenario to cope with. Financial markets could also be affected as London could lose its status as European financial capital.

Residents

The outlook for the Costa del Sol isn't just a worry from the tourism point of view. 50,530 Britons live in Malaga province, according to Spanish official statistics from the INE, spread over 96 of the 101 municipalities. 20 per cent live in Mijas and another 40 per cent call Fuengirola, Benalmadena, Estepona, Marbella or Alhaurin el Grande home.

For these residents, the withdrawal of their country of origin creates several uncertainties. The main one is economic, as the majority of people with British state pensions could see their income reduced. The United Kingdom keeps the value of retirement payments to its overseas nationals in the EU in line with the UK, but this doesn't happen with its retirees living in some other countries. The exact policy that the UK will adopt when it leaves the union isn't yet known.

A second source of worry is medical care. Although the terms of the withdrawal are still to be negotiated, the loss of the European health care provisions could mean the need to take out private insurance, a luxury that many cannot afford.

The exit agreement will also shape the future of UK residents in Spain from an administrative point of view, although it's certain that by losing their status as EU citizens, they will be forced to take out new residents' permits. The self-employed could face difficulties.

Residents' tax status is another factor that will need to be considered, as well as the voting rights of British residents in Spanish local elections, a right currently available inside the EU, as is the right to stand for election for local town halls.
96 per cent of Gibraltarians voted to stay in. AFP

The mood in Gibraltar is sombre this morning as its citizens awake to the realisation that Britain is leaving the EU and will be dragging Gibraltar with it, against their wishes. The resignation of British prime minister David Cameron, who has always shown strong support for the Rock, has only added to the apprehension, because Gibraltar now faces a very uncertain future.

The people of Gibraltar do not have a vote in British elections, but as residents of the only British Overseas Territory in Europe they were included in the franchise for the referendum.

24,117 people in Gibraltar were registered to vote yesterday, and 20,174 did so: a turnout of 83.64% When the result was announced, nearly 96 per cent (19,322) had voted for Britain to remain in the EU. 823 voted to Leave

Mixed feelings

The mood in Gibraltar was optimistic at first, after the voting ended and polls seemed to indicate quite a healthy lead for Remain, but it didnt last long. Gibraltar was the first to announce its results, but as others came in it became evident that support for leaving the EU was gaining ground.

Chief minister Fabian Picardo and opposition leader Danny Feetham were quick to issue messages to the people of Gibraltar early this morning, as the Leave win was confirmed.

Mr Picardo tweeted: We have surpassed greater challenges. It is time for unity, for calm and for rational thinking. Together & united we will continue to prosper.

Mr Feethams message, also on Twitter, said We must deal in hope. We have a duty to set out a positive and workable road map for the future. I remain positive that we can do that.

The chief minister called a cabinet meeting for 10am to assess the EU referendum result, telling the media outside No. 6 that it was business as usual, and it was announced that he would address parliament at 3pm.

What does Brexit mean for Gibraltar?

Gibraltars economy relies hugely on the EU and access to the single market. In an article in The New Statesman in May, the chief minister said the EU had been at the heart of our commercial success in a fast-changing economic world. Now that Gibraltar is to leave the EU, the prospects for its shipping trade, online gaming industry and finance centre could be devastating.

Another of Gibraltars fears about the prospect of a Brexit has always been Spains expected reaction. In a radio interview several months ago, Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said that if the UK voted to leave the EU the matter of Gibraltars sovereignty would be on the table the very next day. He later proposed that Gibraltar consider joint sovereignty as a way of maintaining access to the single market, a suggestion which was swiftly rejected by the Gibraltar government.

This morning in another radio interview Mr Margallo, who is now the acting foreign minister - Spain is holding a second General Election on Sunday  again called for joint sovereignty and said that the prospect of the Spanish flag flying on the Rock of Gibraltar is now a much closer possibility than before.

Acting prime minister Mariano Rajoy didnt mention Gibraltar when responding to the news of the UKs vote to leave the EU: he said the Spanish government noted Britains decision with sadness and that Spain is committed to and will defend greater European economic and political integration.

At the moment, nobody in Gibraltar knows what to expect once the Brexit dust has settled. Some are defiant and stolidly insisting that the people of the Rock are strong enough to overcome any adversity, and others are fearful of what the future will bring.

Just like in the UK at the moment. Nobody knows what will happen now.
(Beijing)  China's top labor agency has announced a job retraining program for the estimated 1.8 million workers expected to be laid off over the next five years as the government trims industrial capacity.

Workers who lose jobs in industries such as steel manufacturing and coal mining will be able to apply for government grants to enroll in vocational training schools for new skills to get reemployed or to launch their own businesses, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced June 23.

The ministry said it will also financially support qualified vocational schools and private training institutions that provide courses for the jobless.

Not announced was how much money the government has earmarked for the job training support.

Separately, the Ministry of Finance said May 18 it would make 100 billion yuan available by the end of 2020 to be used for severance pay and retraining laid-off workers.

The ministry said some 1.8 million workers, mainly in the steel and coal industries, are expected to be made redundant by 2020. That's because the government has promised to address the industrial glut stemming from China's decades-long race to boost economic growth.

Now that growth is slowing in the world's second-largest economy, the Communist Party is touting a "supply side" program through which cutting industrial capacity in some sectors is a top priority.

Underscoring the contentiousness of excess capacity in China, which has had global ramifications, China and the United States recently issued a joint response to overcapacity in steel and other industries. The agreement was reached during the June 6-7 China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing.

The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama hailed a January announcement by the State Council, China's cabinet, that the government would reduce nationwide steel output capacity by between 100 and 150 million metric tons. This curb alone is expected to eliminate jobs for about 500,000 steel workers within the next five years, according to Yin Weimin, the minister of human resources.

In addition, some 1.3 million layoffs are expected in the coal industry, Yin said in February.

(Rewritten by Li Rongde)
In recent months, China has received a string of visits from African government and business officials, including Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in April, and Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, who came in May accompanied by officials from his national petroleum company. The president of the Algerian national oil company has also made a recent visit to China, and so have the heads of the minerals ministries of Sudan and South Sudan.

All of these officials have the same objective: to deepen cooperation with China in the energy sector. The countries they represent have been hit hard by low oil prices, and they are desperate for greater Chinese investment. The situation is a favorable one for China. However, to make the most of the opportunity to deepen cooperation with the African oil sector, China needs new thinking and new measures.

China began its cooperative development of oil and gas in Africa in the mid-1990s. Projects expanded quickly. Investment increased, new reserves were identified and tapped, production levels surged, pipelines were opened, and overall trade increasedall to the point that, by the early 2000s, oil and gas became the cornerstone of Sino-Africa cooperation.

More recently, however, that momentum has been curbed by political turmoil in both West and North Africa, and by the independence of South Sudan.

China's state oil giants tend to work in a coordinated manner with the producer countries, providing these countries with "package solutions" to help them improve their oil industries. By the end of 2015, Chinese oil companies reached a total capital expenditure in Africa of more than US$ 35 billion, with an annual production capacity of 50 million tons of oil and gas.

In the coming years, African countries will continue to seek Chinese investment. Chinese oil companies should oblige, but also improve their investment approach and expand it to countries including Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Algeria.

In doing so, they must keep in mind the particularities of various countries and areas, which differ not only in terms of resources, but also in cultural aspects such as language and religion.

Africa is divided into five distinct areas. North Africa is composed of Muslim countries where people speak mostly Arabic; Egypt is the area's dominant nation. But Algeria, Libya and Sudan also have key oil and gas resources.

Most West Africans are also Muslim, but tend to be French speaking. Nigeria is the area's most resource-rich country, followed by Niger and Chad.

The largest country in Central Africa is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its people are French speaking and mainly Catholic. The DRC has rich oil and gas resource potential.

East and South Africa are made up of mostly English-speaking countries that are Catholic or Protestant. Kenya has the largest GDP in the region. The richest in terms of resources, however, are Mozambique and Tanzania. South Africa, a political and economic powerhouse, has only limited energy resources

Over the next five years, China should adopt an approach to North and West Africawhere the industrial base is obsolete and the market is underdevelopedthat will help improve conditions there.

In Nigeria and Angola, where China has already made significant inroads, it should enhance cooperation in downstream refining and natural gas.

And in East African countries like Kenya and Mozambique, where the oil and gas market is relatively developed, China can actively explore the engineering services market. An option may be to enter into joint ventures with large multinationals.

China should be wary of the so-called "resource curse," which refers to the high levels of corruption and relatively low levels of economic growth of some resource-rich countries. When doing business with those countries, Chinese oil companies should abide by international norms and local laws and require mutual compliance.

In addition, China will have to tread carefully when it comes to business relations with developed countries like France and the United States. France, once the dominant foreign player in much of Africa, continues to maintain major business and political interests there. Ideally, China should adopt a joint venture model with French and local companies, and set up consortia in French-speaking countries to share risks and revenue.

With regard to the United States, currently the most influential power in Africa, competition with China is inevitable. But rather than challenge U.S. companies head on, China might want to enter into joint projects with the American oil giants.

China has a great deal to gain by establishing partnerships in Africa's resource-rich countries, but it must do so with cultural awareness and business acumen.

Lu Ruquan is the director of the Strategic Development Department of CNPC International Ltd.
Syracuse, N.Y.  As a $70 million renovation of the historic Hotel Syracuse nears completion, owner Ed Riley and General Manager Paul McNeil sat in its restored lobby to talk about the hotel's comeback after 12 years of darkness.

The 92-year-old hotel closed in 2004 under previous owners, but Riley acquired it two years ago and, with the help of $15 million in state grants and $15 million in historic tax credits, is bringing it back to life.

Private and group events, such as a gala fundraiser for the Onondaga Historical Association on Saturday night, already are being held at the hotel as construction workers put the finishing touches on the restoration. The hotel is expected to officially reopen as the Marriott Syracuse Downtown sometime in August, though that date could be moved to late July.

With guests beginning to stay in the rooms for the first time in 12 years, it seems like a good time to get the leaders of the comeback to talk about the accomplishment.

You must feel like you're on the home stretch.



Riley: We're very close. There obviously are some things to finish up, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train. We have guests in the hotel for the first time in, how many years? It's a hotel again, not abandoned. It's a working hotel.

This has been a long road. At what point did you feel you were actually going to do it?

Riley: I was confident when we had M&T (Bank) interested in taking a serious look at the loan, a serious look at the financial projections. I was confident that the structure we put together with the state and the city and the county, getting them in as the last piece of the financing, I was confident that we would be able to move this project forward. I think it was confirmed when M&T's committee approved the loan.

So you were confident from the start?

Riley: When you're going with a project this complex, this amount of pieces on the financial side, but also in terms of having a Marriott flag and all the other bells and whistles associated with it, you have to be confident. If you're not confident and dedicated to getting it done, how are you going to assemble the team to do it?

We solved a lot of problems. We had a great group of stakeholders who met for breakfast every Monday for the better part of two years. We still meet for breakfast on Mondays. These stakeholders are from the county, from the city, the state, along with our own team and Gary Thurston from Hayner Hoyt. Every time we hit a roadblock, somebody came up with a way around it.



Were there any surprises along the way?

Riley: A ton of them.

What was the biggest one?

Riley: I think the biggest issue we had was just the amount of cleanup and demo that had to be done to the building. The rest of it, building the rooms, we had challenges. Obviously when you're in a space like this, you can't rip the ceiling apart to get up there to re-do the mechanical electricals. To fish those all through the walls and ceiling without disturbing the character of the historic spaces was a challenge, but we had a very good design team.

I imagine you have gotten a lot of notes and emails from people who remember the hotel back in the day.

Riley: I've got a pile of them on my desk.



Do any of them stand out?

Riley: Not one in particular, but I get a lot of letters from people that met in the Persian Terrace and ended up being married for very long periods of time and want to come back and celebrate their 40th or 50th anniversary here.

There were a lot of doubters about this. Do you feel like you've convinced them, now that you've got it to this stage?

Riley: I hope so. We're sitting in the lobby. If something happens now and we don't open, we've really got a problem, or we're going to have a hell of a furniture sale. I think trying to convince doubters is really about convincing the community that you don't always have to be negative. You really can say, OK, how do we get something done? And that's what this team did. That's what this group of people did. They sat down and said, how do we get it done? Put all the other stuff aside. We want to have this done. How do we get there?

McNeil: I've seen the momentum just continue to grow within this market, people voicing a positive connectivity to the hotel. For Syracuse and anywhere I've ever lived, I've never seen a project that's given off more positive memories and response.



Riley: I went to the bank the other day and the woman at the bank says, "I never go to our Christmas party. I'm going this year because they just told us it's going to be at the Hotel Syracuse." That's gratifying.

This is a $70 million project. Are you going to make money on this? Is it going to be profitable?

Riley: Yes. Otherwise, we wouldn't be sitting here. That's where all the parts and pieces come into play, as far as the funding is concerned and why it was so necessary for the grants, the designation as the (convention center) headquarters hotel. The grant from the state, that was extremely important, really the keystone. All those parts and pieces bring your basis down, so that $70 million is not what you have to pay for the nut. If you had a $70 million loan on this, it wouldn't make money and it wouldn't survive.



The $15 million from the state and the $15 million from historic tax credits lowers that nut by $30 million.

Riley: Yes, then you get down to what's manageable for this project. We're in Syracuse, New York. If this project was in Boston, our rates would be double, but we're in Syracuse. We can't kid anybody. We have to have rates that are competitive in the Syracuse market. We also have to discount our rates for being the headquarters for the convention center. They gave us the big shot in the arm to get going, and in exchange for that, we need to promote and help the convention center. That's part of our mission.



What's your favorite room here?

Riley: I honestly have got to tell you that changes by the day.

McNeil: Mine just changed today. You can't forgo the grandeur of the Grand Ballroom, the mystique and majestic feel of that room, but the Persian Terrace. The Carl Roters murals are back and in that room. But it changes by the day. It was the Grand Ballroom, but that Persian Terrace. And that 9th floor suite. It's almost like a candy store. Which piece do you want to try today?

Riley: I've been very, very impressed with the 9th floor suite that I saw, and the 8th floor suite is right behind it. We've had a great group of design professionals here. We look at some of the old pictures when we first started. So many of the spaces were dark and dreary and stained and dirty and no lights, and plaster falling down. And when you see them really restored and painted, without even the artwork in them, it's pretty amazing what these construction guys and designers have done.

Will you two be staying overnight on Saturday?

Riley: I hope so. They have a room for me.

McNeil: Yes, I'll be staying.



I know the event Saturday officially ends at 11 p.m., but there is a rumor going around that there will be some after-hours parties going on well into the early morning hours.



Riley: There could be, yes. There might be a few of us that stick around for a while. And if we're found sleeping on one of these couches, just don't wake us up until somewhere around 9.



Ed, did you have your class (Christian Brothers Academy) senior ball here?

ER: Yes, 1972, in the Persian Terrace.

Has your class had reunions here?

Riley: They have in the past. I would assume they will perhaps start having them here again. I want to see this place go back to what it was for a lot of us, for many generations. This is where you came to celebrate. It's where you came to really see what the city was about and enjoy yourself and have that special memory.

It's really about more than nostalgia for you, too. There's a business angle to that, too, isn't there?

Riley: Absolutely. There are only a handful of hotels like this in the country that are restored to this level. This is a very special project. To bring it back to this level so people can see it and the artistry that was originally put into it in the 1920s and then see it recreated now, there aren't that many examples left. And we're very fortunate to have Marriott involved with it. They see potentially what this hotel can do.

That's what makes this so special and separate from most hotels. You feel that's is going to be one of the things that is going to attract people?

Riley: It already has. People look at this, they see these rooms, they understand they've got something special here. That's absolutely what's going to bring people into this hotel.



McNeil: Yes, it has a lot of history and a lot of memories. But there's a younger generation that no one has really considered at this point. They call them the millennials or the Gen Y generation. But as the Gen Y are starting to become active in the business environment, Marriott has done a study and a lot of folks have done a study. They're our next generation of major consumers within our marketplace. They like to experience more of a lifestyle.

You'll start to see trends of people gravitate to live back in the cities, vs. the suburban markets. I think you can see that in Syracuse, based on the occupancy of the condos and apartments. People are looking for a destination to go to that has an experience. I think Syracuse is really going to accelerate and thrive based on that. This hotel affords that to the next generation of travelers, the millennials. It's unique. You don't get this in every other city. You can go to beautiful new hotels, but you don't have the history.

Do you feel you're going to be grabbing business from Carrier Circle or generating new business for the market?

McNeil: There's always going to be some shifting. Sometimes it has to do with the new guy on the block, a trial period, things of that nature, the newness. Our goal is to create economic development within Syracuse. Our goal is hopefully to bring new business in to create a stronger economic base, to bring businesses back into Syracuse and bring conventions into Syracuse. And all that really resonates throughout the city. It's going to provide jobs and economic growth, from taxis to restaurants to shops, to different vendor providers.

The name is changing to the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. Do you mind if people continue, at least locally, to call it the Hotel Syracuse?

Riley: I'm going to call it the Hotel Syracuse. It will take me the rest of my life to call it the Marriott Syracuse. To me, it's the Hotel Syracuse.

Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148
ONONDAGA HILL, N.Y. -- A man fired a pellet gun Tuesday at a person in an Onondaga Community College parking lot.

A male drove past a person in the parking lot of the college's SRC Arena and Events Center around 11:15 a.m. and fired a weapon at a person, the person told campus police. The weapon is believed to be a black pellet gun, police said.

The shooter was described as a short-haired, approximately 25-year-old man, police said. He was driving a dark green SUV that was possibly a Ford Explorer. The SUV was last spotted driving south on OCC Drive.

No description of the second person who was riding in the SUV is available, police said.

Campus police asked anyone with information about the menacing incident to call (315) 498-2311.
POMPEY, N.Y. -- A man charged with burglary was arrested when he got into a chase, drove into a construction zone and crashed into an unfinished section of pavement, the New York State Police said.

James D. Spinner

James D. Spinner, 29, of Wolcott Avenue, Syracuse, was charged with second-degree burglary, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment, and unlawful fleeing a police officer.

Around 2 p.m. on June 16 troopers responded to a possible burglary in progress at a home on Gates Road in the town of Pompey.

When troopers got there a relative of the person who had called identified a possible suspect who was seen breaking into houses in the area, state police said. Then troopers spotted the suspect vehicle pull out of a driveway an go north on Gates Road.

They tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop, state police said.

The suspect continued onto North Burdick Street. It was there that he came to a construction zone and crashed into an unfinished section of pavement in the roadway, state police said.

State police said the only damage was to the suspect vehicle. The suspect, who was not hurt, tried to run away but was immediately arrested, state police said. The suspect was later identified as Spinner.

Spinner was arraigned in Pompey Town Court and ordered held at the Onondaga County jail without bail.
Auburn, NY - When William LeVea was sentenced at 79 years old to six to 18 years in prison for killing Chris Spack in a road rage crash in 2009, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann expected him to spend the rest of his life in prison.

LeVea, 85 formerly of Fulton, is still alive and he has asked three times in two years to be set free. Each time, the parole board has listened to Spack's family and the other victims and rejected LeVea's request.

LeVea asked again in June for a compassionate early release from prison and once again the Spack family is fighting his release.

"We'll never back down from William LeVea," said Julie Legnetto, Spack's sister.

Thursday, Chris Spack's mother, daughter, sister and two brothers asked for the public's help in keeping the man that killed their son, brother and father behind bars.

They are asking people to sign a petition that will be presented to a member of the parole board who meets with the family on July 1. And they are asking people to send letters to the parole board urging them to keep LeVea in prison.

LeVea will meet with the board a week after the family, and the board could decide his case within weeks.

LeVea pleaded guilty in 2011 to aggravated vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated for the Nov. 20, 2009 killing of Spack, 41, of Camillus. During the high speed drunk driving crash on Route 370 LeVea repeatedly rammed Spack's vehicle until it spun into another vehicle.

"This is a man who doesn't care about anyone else," said Dian Adsit, the assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case.

Each time LeVea asks for parole it reopens wounds for the Spack family.

"It's hard to go through this pain again," said Tim Ellis, Spack's brother.

The state's compassionate release program was designed to allow inmates who were expected to die within six months to be released to a hospital, nursing home or hospice, Adsit said.

In 2009, (coincidentally the year LeVea was accused in the road rage case) the state changed the law to allow any inmate to apply for compassionate release, Adsit said. And there's no limit to the number of times an inmate can apply for compassionate release, she said.

The law says that a compassionate release is considered when the inmate is so "physically or cognitively debilitated or incapacitated that there is a reasonable probability that he or she no longer presents any danger to society."

LeVea suffers from the infirmities of old age, including a heart condition, for which he received a pacemaker in prison, Adsit said. A request in 2014 that he be released early on medical grounds was denied and the board told LeVea he couldn't apply for release a compassionate release until June 2016, prosecutors said.

The parole board also refused to release him last year when he came up for a regular parole review. That decision was based, in part, on belief that LeVea would return to crime if released. His decades long criminal history includes robbery and two assaults, one of which was so severe the victim died from his injuries.

Budelmann said he believes the law should be changed. Anyone who has been convicted of killing should not receive an early release on medical grounds, he said.

In the meantime, the Spack family will, once again, make the case to the parole board that for the sake of the victims and the safety of the community, LeVea should die in jail.

Interested in sending a letter to the parole board?

Letters must arrive in Albany by July 1 and they must contain William LeVea's name and inmate id of DIN#11B0677.

Send letters to: Janet Koupash, director

Office of Victim Assistance

NYSDOCCS

1220 Washington Ave.

Albany, NY 12226

email submissions may also be submitted to doccsvictimassistance@doccsny.gov
Readers looking to revisit another era of Syracuse will be excited for Brian Abbott's newest release, a local doctor offers his advice on how to live a well balanced life, and libraries seek to provide continued education and outreach for children as the school year ends.

The Syracuse Mysteries

After a childhood spent raised on Agatha Christie mysteries, Syracuse native Brian Abbott felt that it was only a matter of time before he began writing his own. Intrigued by the use of nursery rhymes that Christie was known for, Abbott sought to find a rhyme that could inspire his work that Christine hadn't already used. "Fortunately, I happened upon the English nursery rhyme 'Who Killed Cock Robin?' And the result is Death at Danforth House," says Abbott of his second book in the Syracuse Mystery Series.

Featured previously for his first book, "Death on Stoneridge", Abbott returns to Syracuse in 1987, this time focusing on a successful young author named Robin Lyons. Lyons invites a select group of people to his home for a murder mystery weekend, but fictional fun becomes all too real when Robin turns up dead. Abbott says, "For me, the mystery genre is endlessly appealing. I enjoy the challenge of creating a puzzle and matching wits with the reader."

Murder mystery events are something Abbott is well versed in, hosting the occasional interactive sleuth adventure at the DeWitt Community Library where patrons 16 and older are invited to discover the means, motive, and opportunity for the murderer. Abbott also hosts a mystery book club at the library.

Abbott is also an advocate for those who also wish to become published writers. Abbott volunteered as a Municipal Liaison in Syracuse for last year's National Novel Writing Month, and is looking forward to performing the same community role this fall. When asked if he had any further advice for new writers Abbott advised to be ruthless in editing, "A lot of exposition about characters' background gets written in the first draft which may help define the character for the writer but may not be necessary for the reader. Cutting what's not absolutely necessary makes for a better manuscript and story."

Abbott's books are available on Amazon.com.

Health Advice

Syracuse Integrative Family Physician and motivational speaker, Kaushal B. Nanavati, MD has recently published a book meant to provide a well-balanced life inside and out.

Nanavati asks readers to think of your overall health as a tree, "Think of the trunk as disease prevention, the branches as disease management, and the leaves as innovations, some of which become new branches and others of which fall by the wayside. The roots of the tree are wellness promotion. Nutrition, physical exercise, stress management, and spiritual wellness are the roots of health, peace, and contentment. Feed these roots to make real, positive change in your life."

"CORE 4 of Wellness: Nutrition | Physical Exercise | Stress Management | Spiritual Wellness" has been well-received by Nanavati's patients, with one even making a point to share that they felt like reading the book was like being able to sit down and ask their favorite doctor for his advice on all aspects of life.

"Core 4 of Wellness" is available on Amazon.com.

Summer Reading

Public libraries across Onondaga County are encouraging young readers of all levels of ability to engage in a variety of projects and programs this summer. With some branches starting as early as this weekend, many OPL branch have their own programs scheduled to keep children engaged in reading and creative challenges. The libraries are also participating in a "Zoo To You" program where an educator from the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park brings an animal to the library.

Teens have their own Summer Reading website where they can accrue badges over the summer. The badges are broken down in to four main categories: Read, Make, Library Experience, and Community. Teens can sign up for an online account and keep track of their participation in order to be able to receive the badges from their teen librarian.

Visit the Onondaga County Public Library website for schedules and more details on what is offered at each branch.

Have a book to share?

Are you a local author or have you come across a book set in Central New York? Tell us about it. Send a brief description of the book and the author and we'll add it as a candidate for coverage. Write us at

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2016-06-23-tsk-CuomoZombie.JPG

Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks with reporters Thursday in Solvay, where he rejected the suggestion that the state power authority should take over the ailing FitzPatrick nuclear plant in Oswego County.

(Tim Knauss)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday he does not want the New York Power Authority to take over FitzPatrick nuclear plant, rejecting one of the last best hopes of people who are trying to prevent the money-losing plant from closing six months from now.

Former state Public Service Commission Chairman John O'Mara recently advocated having the power authority take over the reactor rather than allowing it to close.

O'Mara's suggestion echoed previous comments from union officials, Oswego leaders and others trying to save the plant.

But Cuomo said Thursday he does not want to put state taxpayers and ratepayers in the position of having to subsidize FitzPatrick's financial losses. During an appearance in Solvay, the governor said he remained open to any "economically feasible'' plan to save FitzPatrick, but rejected the idea of a NYPA takeover.

"Then the power authority would wind up having to subsidize the entire cost, which would defeat the purpose, because then the taxpayers and the ratepayers would pay the cost again,'' Cuomo said.

O'Mara, a Republican, chaired the PSC under Gov. George Pataki, during a time when the state's power generation industry was deregulated. As part of the restructuring, the power authority in 2000 sold its nuclear plants, including FitzPatrick, to private owner Entergy Corp.

But O'Mara argues that FitzPatrick is too valuable to the local economy and too important to the state's energy plans to allow it to close. As a last resort, NYPA should take FitzPatrick over and hire Exelon Corp., the operator of nearby Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, to run FitzPatrick, he said.



"With this solution readily available, it is inexcusable to stand by and let FitzPatrick close,'' O'Mara wrote in a commentary published earlier this month by Syracuse.com.

Entergy announced in November that it would close FitzPatrick in January 2017, to prevent anticipated losses of up to $275 million through 2020. FitzPatrick, which has 600 workers, has been losing money because of low wholesale power prices based on cheap and plentiful natural gas.

Cuomo said his office has tried "every which way we can to get FitzPatrick to operate, to save the jobs. And we've offered them all sorts of economic packages.''

Cuomo said his office was unable to reach any agreement on FitzPatrick with Entergy Corp.

"The company itself, the private company, has to be reasonable, and we have not found them reasonable in these negotiations,'' he said.

The governor has clashed with Entergy over the company's effort to extend the life of its profitable Indian Point nuclear plant, the other facility it acquired in 2000 from the power authority. Although Cuomo wants FitzPatrick to stay open, he advocates shutting Indian Point for safety reasons.

Entergy officials could not immediately be reached for comment. They have consistently reiterated their plans to shut down FitzPatrick.

"The FitzPatrick facility will be retired at the beginning of next year,'' wrote Entergy lawyer Doreen Saia, in comments submitted to the PSC in May.



Contact Tim Knauss anytime | email | Twitter | 315-470-3023
(Shenzhen)  Two companies battling for control of the nation's leading homebuilder China Vanke Co. have teamed up to fight a controversial asset restructuring plan through which a Shenzhen government-owned company would become Vanke's largest shareholder.

Through two subsidiaries, developer Baoneng Group announced June 23 that it firmly opposes a proposed deal that would make Shenzhen Metro Group Co. the leading Vanke shareholder.

Currently, Baoneng is indirectly Vanke's largest shareholder, as its subsidiaries Shenzhen Jushenghua Co. and Foresea Life Insurance Co. control a combined 24.29 percent.

Shenzhen Metro wants to take the helm through a deal that would see Vanke issue 45.6 billion yuan worth of new company shares to buy its subsidiary Qianhai International.

The proposed acquisition, which Vanke's board voted to back in mid-June, would dilute Baoneng's stake to 19.27 percent.

Also opposing the deal is state-owned China Resources (Holdings) Co., a Baoneng rival that's now Vanke's second-largest shareholder. If Shenzhen Metro steps in, the China Resources stake would fall to 12.13 percent from 15.29 percent, making it the No. 3 shareholder.

By teaming up as Vanke's current largest shareholders, Baoneng and China Resources could potentially prevent the deal from passing at a general shareholders' meeting. The plan needs support from owners of at least two-thirds of all shares.

Shortly after Baoneng announced its opposition, a China Resources statement on a social network said Baoneng's position had been "noted." It also reiterated its challenge to the validity of the Vanke board decision.

China Resources and Baoneng oppose the plan on grounds that it would dilute the rights of existing shareholders and negatively impact Vanke's earnings per share.

China Resources was Vanke's largest shareholder for many years before last year, when the Baoneng subsidiaries started buying the developer's shares in large quantities on the secondary market.

Vanke founder and Chairman Wang Shi called Baoneng's move a hostile takeover and launched what's now an ongoing effort to shake off the controlling stakeholder. He now supports the deal with Shenzhen Metro, which some have called a white knight rescue plan.

Meanwhile, China Resources is looking for ways to reclaim the crown as Vanke's biggest shareholder, said an independent member of Vanke's board of directors, Hua Sheng, in a Shanghai Securities News article June 24.

"Apparently, the conflict over the preliminary (asset restructuring) plan between the opposing sides is fundamental and cannot be reconciled immediately," said Hua, who voted in favor of the Shenzhen Metro deal.

China Resources' three representatives on the Vanke board voted against the plan. Independent director Zhang Liping abstained, citing a conflict of interest. Seven others, including Hua and two other independent directors, voted yes.
ABB and BIMCO move into Singapore

ABB is to open a new integrated operations centre in Singapore, the third facility of its kind.

At the end of the Singapore working day, the centre will handover to colleagues in Norway and Finland and this process will continue across the world when a new centre is opened in the US later this year.



The centre is a realisation of ABBs principle of the Internet of Things, services and people, the company explained Sensors and software on board a ship transmit equipment and performance data via satellite link, which allows shipowners, in collaboration with ABB, to monitor the performance of their whole fleets. At the centre, ABB can analyse data and work with the ships on board and shoreside team to plan maintenance and troubleshoot.



The opening of the new integrated operations centre in Singapore will ensure the very best service for our clients, said Mahesh Krishnappa, VP local business unit manager for ABBs marine and ports business in Singapore. Our service engineers are available 24/7 but there are clear benefits for customers when they can speak to an engineer who is working during regular working hours with a ships data in front of them.



The centre were opening is just one example of how our advanced technologies can help Singapore become a smart nation, whether it is in transport and infrastructure, industry or utilities, enabling productivity, efficiency and sustainable development. said Johan de Villiers, managing director of ABB in Singapore and Southeast Asia.



When using its integrated operations system, shipowners can implement a way of working that can save up to 50% on drydocking costs on ABB equipment if monitoring, pre-survey, and project execution are managed in close co-operation between ABB and the shipowner. Data is collected from systems and used as input and maintenance work during drydockings.



Richard Windischhofer, SVP integrated operations at ABBs marine and ports business unit, said ABBs integrated operations centre is a real world consequence of big data and increasing connectivity in the shipping world. We have only scratched the surface of what this could mean in the future but the addition of the Singapore facility will increase our capacity to create smarter services.



ABB can currently connect to around 600 ships, the company claimed. As for BIMCO, the organisation has opened a new office in Singapore in order to increase services to its members in the Southeast Asia region and boost collaborations with regional maritime associations. BIMCOs new Singapore contact is general manager, Maite Bolivar Klarup, who brings 16 years of commercial maritime experience to the role. The office, located in central Singapore, will also be shared with staff from the Baltic Exchange and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, forming a small hub of maritime organisations in the area.




JSC Latvian Shipping Company (LSC) has extended its loan facility on two MRs.

The extension of the Latgale and Zemgale loan with Credit Agricole is for a further two years at $33.2 mill.

LSC Management Board chairman, Robert Kirkup, said: We are pleased to have been able to reach an agreement with the bank on continued co-operation. An extension of the existing bareboat charters was a mandatory pre-condition of the lending bank in order to provide sufficient security and stable cash flow for the loan facility.

The Ice Class MRs were built and acquired in 2011 from Hyundai Mipo.
Several factors in products tanker rates crash

This year, product tanker rates have fallen much more than was initially expected thus far.

Gibson Consultancy & Research said that its forecast spot rates across all tanker sectors would be lower this year on average relative to 2015, however, the scale and speed of the correction exceeded expectations. A number of factors were at play. For example, the supply of tonnage was rising. Thus far in 2016, we have seen around 44 MRs, 25 LR2/Aframaxes and eight LR1/Panamaxes delivered (5.5 mill dwt), with a further 10 million dwt to come this year alone, Gibson said. It was therefore of little surprise to see rates under pressure, at least from a supply side perspective. However, the demand side was less supportive than originally anticipated. In the West, product tankers were pressured by a lack of arbitrage business. The key Europe/US Atlantic Coast TC2 trade has suffered from high gasoline stocks along the Atlantic seaboard, making it difficult for traders to place cargoes. Equally, the backhaul US Gulf/Europe TC14 has shown few signs of strength, as diesel stocks on the Continent remained high. Even with the recent drawdown, due to strikes in France, the arbs have been challenging to say the least, Gibson said. LRs in the region suffered a similar fate. Far East naphtha price premiums over European narrowed to $6.25per tonne earlier this month, the lowest premium in three years, owing to a temporary oversupply of light distillates (gasoline/naphtha) in the region. The result was painfully low LR freight rates. The arbitrage may have since improved, but still sits below workable levels. The picture East of Suez was not much better despite some positive demand side developments. Saudi net product exports surged in the first quarter of this year, following significant downstream investment in recent years. For example, 1Q16 net exports stood at 940,000 barrels oer day, vs 440,000 barrels per day over the same period of 2015, yet the market weakened. In addition, India both exported and imported above average volumes in the first quarter, although export capacity is likely to be pressured by strong domestic demand. Stockpiling ahead of Ramadan failed to support freight, with Argus reporting that Turkey and India dominated gasoline exports to the Middle East during the period, reducing the demand for European barrels, whilst rising exports from North Asia also competed with flows from the West. Competitively priced LPG also squeezed out some naphtha cargoes, whilst at the same time, European naphtha producers found it more profitable to sell to regional buyers. However, a demand rebound may be on the cards later in the year. Demand for naphtha in the East is expected to increase over the second half of 2016, as new petrochemical projects ramp up. Much of this additional demand will be met from new condensate splitter capacity in the Middle East, as well as increased arbitrage flows from Europe. Furthermore, as the crude market rebalances and product stocks ease, trading opportunities are expected to increase. Longer term, a period of weaker refining margins could once again see capacity rationalisation in ageing refining centres, increasing the need for long haul imports and with that, increased tanker demand. Today, optimists may even take comfort from meteorologists predictions that the 2016 hurricane season may be the most active in years, perhaps injecting some volatility into the freight market, Gibson concluded.




Ternsund fitted with WinGD technology

The first dual-fuel 2-stroke engine employing the low-pressure X-DF gas admission technology developed by Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD) has been installed in the newbuilding 15,000 dwt chemical tanker Ternsund.

The 5-cylinder, 500 mm bore, Wartsila RT-flex50DF engine with the X-DF technology was fitted as the vessels main engine driving a single propeller. Ternsund was ordered from by AVIC International Ship Development (China), Shanghai, and completed by AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding at Jiangdu for Terntank Rederi, based in Skagen, Denmark. She underwent sea trials from 22nd-28th May, 2016 and is scheduled to be delivered by the end of this month. During the trials, the Wartsila 5RT-flex50DF engine, rated at a maximum power of 5850 kW at 102 rev/min, was run continuously for several days in its gas mode and a series of automated fuel changeovers from diesel mode to gas mode and back were also executed. In addition, as customary in sea trials, the engine was run at a range of load points in both gas and diesel mode, including a high load level set to fully exploit the sea margin of the Ternsund with its hull in new condition without fouling. All aspects of the trials were successfully passed, AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding reported. Ternsund is a twin-hull chemical tanker designed to meet Ice Class 1A. She is the first of four ordered by Terntank from AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding. The engine was built for a design speed of 14.5 knots. It was delivered to the shipyard in October, 2015 by WinGDs engine manufacturer Yuchai Marine Power (YCMP) based in Zhuhai, China. Destined to operate predominantly in northern European waters, with its Wartsila 5RT-flex50DF engine the vessel will meet the strict limits on SO x in SECAs, due to the extremely low sulphur content of natural gas. At the same time, the X-DF technology also enables compliance with IMO Tier III limits on NO x in gas operation without additional exhaust gas after-treatment. Meanwhile, China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC) and Wartsila announced that the latter had transferred its 30% shareholding in WinGD to CSSC. WinGD will continue as an independent, international company to develop and innovate its 2-stroke low-speed marine engine portfolio. With the transfer of the shares in WinGD from Wartsila to CSSC, we will be able to establish even closer co-operation with one of the leading global shipbuilding conglomerate CSSC enabling us to accelerate the development of reliable, efficient and innovative 2-stroke low-speed engines meeting the market demands of merchant shipping of the future. WinGD will continue to work with the Wartsila Corp service network to serve our customers for after-sales support. explained Martin Wernli, WinGD CEO.




Wiernicki outlines IACS achievements

ABS chairman, president and CEO, Christopher Wiernicki concluded his term as chairman of IACS by encouraging the organisation to continue setting high standards for performance and raising the bar of excellence.

We set a clear and aggressive agenda for my term as chairman and I am very proud of the work we accomplished collectively elevating safety by achieving our top priority of Goal-based Standards recognition by the IMO, raising the profile of cyber security and setting a firm foundation for improved working relationships with industry organisations including the IMO,Wiernicki said.These initiatives demonstrate foresight and commitment of IACS members, and they strengthen IACS in its critical role. Heading discussions with IMO, Wiernicki described the organisations recognition of IACS-developed rules regarding goals and functional requirements of the International Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (GBS) as monumental. This powerful endorsement represents a new era in maritime safety and reinforces the role of IACS as trusted technical advisor to the IMO,said Wiernicki.It is a key accomplishment for several reasons  It provides a consistent framework and philosophy for goals, requirements and verification; strengthens the IACS-IMO relationship providing for even further means of continuous improvement; and reinforces the importance of IACS and class in marine safety leadership. Another noteworthy milestone claimed during Wiernickis tenure was recognising and elevating the importance of cyber system safety by promoting the expert group to a panel, which positions it among the top IACS focus areas, and creating a dedicated industry joint working group. Leading complex conversations to align industry, Wiernicki began a legacy to develop the next generation of safety systems. We live in exciting and challenging times,he said.Successfully navigating converging regulatory, technology and classification evolution requires strong technical leadership, and IACS is firmly on a charted path of success. I am honoured to be in the forefront of this effort as chairman of IACS and chairman of ABS, and I look forward to celebrating continued achievements that improve maritime safety. Wiernicki assumed the role of IACS Chairman at the end of the 71st session of the IACS Council in Paris on 2nd July, 2015, and will chair his final Council meeting in Washington, DC, on 28-29th June, 2016.




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For Diwali, try some of the best Indian restaurants on Treasure Coast
Staff from Coastal Living, the magazine which awarded Stuart with the "America's Happiest Seaside Town" designation in April, will be visiting the city and Martin County this weekend to see and taste what makes Stuart special. (KELLY TYKO/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

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By Kelly Tyko of TCPalm

STUART  "America's Happiest Seaside Town" will be in the spotlight this weekend.

Staff from Coastal Living, the magazine which awarded Stuart with the annual designation in April, will be visiting the city and Martin County to see and taste what makes Stuart special.

"With Stuart being named the No. 1 Happiest Seaside Town, we at Coastal Living thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to come to Stuart and celebrate with the town in real life," Coastal Living Travel Editor Tracey Minkin said.

Stuart was named the top town in April after a nationwide online vote. The top 10 finalists were selected by magazine editors' assessments of each town's "coastal vibe," as well as factors including the number of sunny days, air quality, commute times, crime ratings and standard of living.

While magazine staff will be broadcasting their weekend visit on Coastal Living Radio and through social media, the big event they'll be attending is Sunday's Rock'n Riverwalk concert featuring Ryan and Friends from 1 to 4 p.m. on the Riverwalk Stage in downtown Stuart.

County and city officials along with Stuart Main Street and the Downtown Business Association worked to organize the magazine's tour, Martin County Tourism and Marketing Manager Nerissa Okiye said.

Minkin said it's the first time in the contest's five years that the magazine has visited a top town after its win. Stuart also is the first winning Florida town.

"We will be there in real-time and sharing the fun with our followers all weekend long," Minkin said. "We're going to take surfing lessons, see the sea turtles, tour around, walk your main street, eat in your restaurants, shop for sandals and meet locals."

HOW TO FOLLOW COASTAL LIVING'S VISIT

Facebook: Facebook.com/CoastalLivingMag

Instagram: @coastal_living

Snapchat: @coastal_living

Find Coastal Living Radio at CoastalLiving.com
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Dayri Turro-Quintana, 24, Miami; warrant for violation of probation, uttering forged bills.

Michael Mora, 26, Homestead; warrant for failure to appear, burglary of a structure.

Joshua Yuhas, 31, 1000 block of Southeast Darling Street, Stuart; warrant for fugitive from justice, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, robbery.

Samuel Poling, 32, 2900 block of Southeast Jefferson Street, Stuart; warrant for false and fraudulent motor vehicle insurance application.

Tyler Cyriaque, 19, 3400 block of Southeast Jake Court, Stuart; warrant for violation of probation, criminal use of personal I.D.

Enrique Fernandez, 43, 700 block of North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce; out-of-county warrant, St. Lucie County, retail theft, organized fraud, dealing in stolen property, grand theft. (BOTH NAMES CORRECT PER TYPED REPORT/RECENT BOOKINGS PAGE)

Shane Staton, 31, 9000 block of Southeast Hobe Ridge Avenue, Hobe Sound; warrants for burglary of dwelling while armed, grand theft, grand theft of a firearm.

Edwin Christy, 81, Kittery, Maine; warrant for violation of probation, homicide, negligent manslaughter  vehicular.

Courtney Hawley, 28, Lutz; possession of a controlled substance (opiates).

Christin Wright, 24, 800 block of Northwest 10th Terrace, Stuart; possession of a controlled substance (suboxone); possession of a controlled substance (methadone).

Jason Greathouse, 42, 2100 block of Southwest Salvatierra Boulevard, Port St. Lucie; aggravated assault with a firearm; resisting arrest with violence; corruption by threat of a public servant.

Robert Dickinson, 26, 2600 block of Southwest Union Terrace, Port St. Lucie; operating while driver's license revoked for habitual traffic offender.
The MUOS-5 satellite was lifted and mated to a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41. Launch is targeted for 10:30 a.m. Friday. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE)

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By Staff report

United Launch Alliance's Atlas V is set to rocket back into action Friday morning, attempting its first flight in more than three months.

ULA last week said that the rocket had been cleared for a 10:30 a.m. June 24 launch of a Navy communications satellite, at the opening of a 44-minute window.

WATCH HERE | Atlas V set to launch at 10:30 a.m.

The rocket will fly in its most powerful configuration, with five solid rocket motors strapped to the first stage, to lift the Navy's fifth Mobile User Objective System satellite, built by Lockheed Martin. The MUOS constellation provides smart phone-like communications for warfighters around the globe.

The last time the Atlas V launched on March 22, its Russian-made RD-180 main engine shut down six seconds too soon. The rocket's upper stage burned for an extra minute to enable an International Space Station supply mission to reach orbit.
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By Staff Report

VERO BEACH  The Public Service Commission could decide July 7 whether Vero Beach can continue providing electricity within Indian River Shores without the town's consent.

The Shores has asked the commission to allow it to evict Vero Beach  and all its electric equipment and facilities  from its property once the franchise agreement with the Shores ends in November. PSC staff, however, is recommending against the Shores' petition, saying Vero Beach has the right and obligation to provide electric service to the Shores customers, as outlined in the state's territorial orders approved by the PSC. The Shores failed to show changing those orders is necessary, according to the PSC recommendation released Thursday.

The town claims it has the constitutional right to prohibit Vero Beach, and any other electric service, from using the town's property without compensation or permission. About 3,500 Indian River Shores residents are Vero Beach electric customers. The town wants Vero Beach to sell the Shores portion of the system to Florida Power & Light Co.
A water sample from the North Fork of the St. Lucie River is collected by Ashley Hurley, an environmental specialist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (left), and given to Dale Majewski, program manager with the Port St. Lucie Public Works Department, Thursday near Port St. Lucie. Crews from the city, DEP and the state Health Department planned to test 23 sites for bacteria on the river Thursday. (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

SHARE Gerry Harrington, Port St. Lucie Police Department marine officer (from left); Dale Majewski, a Port St. Lucie public works manager; and Rick Schichtel, Port St. Lucie Police Department marine unit supervisor, travel down the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on Thursday in Port St. Lucie. The police department offered the boat so the DEP and public works employees could test river water for bacteria, the first of three monthly tests to be conducted during the rainy season. (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) An environmental specialist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and two members of the Port St. Lucie Public Works Department, assisted by two Port St. Lucie Police Department Marine Unit officers, collected water samples Thursday from the North Fork of the St. Lucie River near Port St. Lucie. The water will be tested for several things, including fecal matter and enteric bacteria. (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

By Tyler Treadway of TCPalm

Early Thursday morning a Port St. Lucie Police Department boat sat quietly in a cove along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River.

But the officers weren't on a stakeout looking for criminals; they were assisting in the search for bacteria polluting the river.

Four teams from the Port St. Lucie Public Works Department, the Florida Department of Health and the state Department of Environmental Protection fanned out Thursday to take water samples at 10 canals and seven sites on the North Fork, all within the city, as well as six sites in the river and its tributaries upstream from Midway Road.

Except for a few brief periods, water in the North Fork has had high levels of enteric bacteria since July 2015, according to the health department website.

Pets, wildlife, livestock, leaky septic tanks, faulty wastewater pipes and boaters dumping instead of pumping their waste are among the many possible sources of enteric bacteria, which is an indication of fecal pollution. Because contact with contaminated water can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes, it's as much a health issue as an environmental one.

Signs posted by the health department's St. Lucie County office warn against swimming in the water. Boating, kayaking and canoeing is safe as long as you don't ingest any water.

"The health department tells us there's too much bacteria in the river," said Dale Majewski of the Port St. Lucie Public Works Department, who's leading the project. "We want to find out where it's coming from and figure out what to do to stop it."

TESTING THE WATERS

In the still water where Howard Creek drains into the North Fork, Ashley Hurley, an environmental specialist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, showed Majewski how to take water samples, label them for processing and store them on ice.

Hurley asked the marine patrol officers to cut the boats engines to keep the propeller from stirring up water and fouling the samples.

Those samples will be tested for levels enteric bacteria as well as fecal coliform and E. coli, also bacteria from warm-blooded animal intestines. Further analysis will show if the bacteria comes from humans by testing for substances found only in human digestive systems, such as artificial sweeteners.

Sample sites are areas with a large number of septic tanks and where large amounts of nutrients are expected to be washing into the river from farmland and lawns. The teams will take two more sets of samples during the summer rainy season and samples in February, March and April to cover the rainy season.

"During the summer wet season there's a lot of runoff, so we expect there to be higher bacteria counts," Majewski said. "But we want to test during both the wet and dry seasons to get the best overall picture."

Results from the first round of tests should be ready in about six weeks. After the dry-season tests, a final report with recommendations for getting rid of the bacteria will be given to the Port St. Lucie City Council.

"Obviously, what we find will determine what we recommend," Majewski said.

PIGGYBACK PROJECT

The Port St. Lucie project piggybacks on a similar testing program conducted by Martin County that looked for bacteria sources at 14 sites around the St. Lucie River Estuary.

That series of tests found "proof positive of human waste leeching into the estuary" at Old Palm City and the Golden Gate neighborhood, both areas with lots of old septic systems, said Deborah L. Drum, Martin County's ecosystem restoration manager.

Armed with that information, the Martin County commissioners ramped up its septic-to-sewer program and moved Palm City and Golden Gate to the top of the priority list.

About 56,000 Port St. Lucie households are connected to sewer systems, Majewski said, but about 20,000 still have septic tanks.
A plume thought to be blue-green algae showed up Friday morning at Bathtub Reef Beach, causing lifeguards to advise people to stay out of the water. (PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARTIN COUNTY)

By Laurie K. Blandford of TCPalm

MARTIN COUNTY  Lifeguards are advising people to stay out of the water at Bathtub Reef Beach because of possible blue-green algae.

A large green plume showed up on the beach Friday morning because of a light south wind and no surf, said county Ocean Rescue Chief Brad Beckett.

The plume is on the southern end of the county part of the beach, said county spokeswoman Gabriella Ferraro. When asked about its size, she said it was big enough for lifeguards to see what they thought was blue-green algae lapping up against the shore.

Lifeguards began to advise the public about not coming into contact with the water starting some time between 8 and 9 a.m., Ferraro said. Double red flags were flying there Friday afternoon.

The beach is slightly more than a mile north of the St. Lucie Inlet.

Health department officials were at the beach Friday afternoon, Beckett said, and officials from the state Department of Environmental Protection were on their way to test the water.

Salty water typically kills blue-green algae, a freshwater species also known as cyanobacteria. So a confirmed sighting on an ocean beach would be rare.

Thats a big question: If it is in fact blue-green algae, how did it survive so long in saltwater? asked Mark Perry, executive director at the Florida Oceanographic Society in Stuart. Maybe its a different species of algae.

The society moved a summer camp beach outing Friday from The Tub to Stuart Public Beach.

Salty water typically kills blue-green algae, a freshwater species also known as cyanobacteria. So a confirmed sighting on an ocean beach would be rare.

Thats a big question: If it is in fact blue-green algae, how did it survive so long in saltwater? asked Mark Perry, executive director at the Florida Oceanographic Society in Stuart.Maybe its a different species of algae.

The society moved a summer camp beach outing Friday from The Tub to Stuart Public Beach.

Staff writer Tyler Treadway contributed to this report.
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By Laurie K. Blandford of TCPalm

PALM CITY  A natural gas leak caused a road closure and evacuations Friday afternoon in Palm City that are expected to last into the night, said Fire Rescue and sheriffs officials.

Construction workers hit a 6-inch commercial gas line about 1 p.m. on Southwest High Meadow Avenue south of Southwest Martin Highway, said Martin County Fire Rescue spokesman Dan Harshburger and sheriffs traffic Sgt. Todd Schimelfanick.

Although it didnt appear to be a major leak, Schimelfanick said, two homes were evacuated as a precaution. No businesses were evacuated.

High Meadow Avenue was closed from Martin Highway to Interstate 95, Schimelfanick said. Fire Rescue crews and gas company officials had started working by 2 p.m. to close the gas valve.

Sheriffs officials are hoping to open a lane to traffic in the next hour or so, said Schimelfanick about 6:30 p.m. He also said he expected the closures to last five more hours as gas company employees work to cap the leak, weld it shut and let it cool.

Until then, traffic is being diverted to Southwest Berry Avenue and Southwest Golden Bear Way, he said.
By Andrew Atterbury of TCPalm

MARTIN COUNTY  With a second candidate sneaking in just before deadline, the race for Martin County superintendent of schools is officially on.

On Thursday  one day before deadline  Stuart attorney Scott King filed for his candidacy. He is the lone challenger to first-term incumbent Laurie Gaylord.

King said concerns over a drop in Martin County School District's state exam scores  particularly among elementary students  led in part to his decision to run.

"I believe we've got a crisis going on in the elementary schools that has to be urgently addressed," King said Friday.

King, 50, moved to the Martin County in 1999 after an investment-banking stint in Australia. He studied engineering and later earned his MBA from the University of Michigan before pursuing law at the University of Florida.

He has practiced estate law in Stuart since 2011.

King said he was "involved with a few county commission races" but never has ran for office.

He has three children in public elementary school and chose to live in Palm City for the quality of education there.

Downward-trending state exam scores illustrate a daunting pattern developing in Martin County, King said.

Florida Standards Assessment and end-of-course exam scores were slightly lower in 2016, although still above state average in nearly every category. King attributes Martin County's decline to a lack of coordination and planning.

"We've got enough people who know what the problems are in the district," King said. "We just need to be able to execute."

The district needs to re-examine how the curriculum is provided and developed, King said. Professional development for administrators and educators is key, King said, and should be regarded with a higher priority.

Transparency should be encouraged at the district, King said, and school staff should be able to freely talk about the issues.

"Are we happy with being above state average, or do we want to seek excellence?" King asked "No doubt there are challenges, but we have to be open and honest to get the best ideas."

MARTIN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Four-year term, $122,845 annual salary

Incumbent: Laurie Gaylord, first elected in 2012

Gaylord served on the Martin County School Board from 2002-2012 and has a background in certified auditory-verbal therapy.

Her opponent, Scott King, has practiced estate law in Stuart since 2011 and previously worked in investment banking.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. speaks during a news conference in Doral, Fla., on June 3, 2016. Rubio now will run for re-election to his Florida Senate seat, but can he retain it? (AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File)

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By Isadora Rangel of TCPalm

Republican Marco Rubio jumped into the U.S. Senate race Wednesday with a presumptive lead over U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, as a poll released the same day showed he would beat the Treasure Coast Democrat.

But Democrats look at Rubio's seven-point lead over Murphy in a recent poll with optimism, saying he should be polling above 50 percent.

Being an incumbent senator, Rubio is more well-known across the state than Murphy, and he garnered even more publicity during his failed presidential bid, Democratic pollster and consultant Steve Vancore said. Murphy hasn't established name recognition outside his congressional district.

Another reason to celebrate: Rubio didn't beat Murphy by a landslide in the most recent Quinnipiac poll, and previous polls show Murphy winning by one point.

"Marco should be crushing (his opponents) in this area, but he's not," Vancore said.

Republicans who consider Rubio their best bet to keep the seat pressured him to run. He performed better than other candidates in the polls and another poll shows almost half of Florida voters want him to run. After running a presidential campaign, Rubio also has a broad donor network to bankroll him.

Murphy came out swinging in a telephone news conference shortly after Rubio's announcement, hinting at his strategy to go after the Republican. He pointed out Rubio pledged not to run for re-election when he entered the presidential race and had the worst attendance record in the Senate while he sought the White House. With the Orlando shooting still fresh in the news, Murphy slammed Rubio for voting against a Democratic proposal to stop gun sales to suspected terrorists.

TRUMP FACTOR

The outcome of a potential Rubio-Murphy matchup would rest largely on the presidential race and Donald Trump's effect on other candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

A set of Quinnipiac polls released Tuesday show Democrat Hillary Clinton has an 8-point lead over Trump in Florida, the largest lead in all presidential swing states.

Trump's inflammatory comments about immigrants could cause Hispanic Republicans to stay home on Election Day, Vancore said, harming Rubio, a Cuban American who won 55 percent of the Latino vote in his 2010 election. With voters becoming more partisan in recent years, a split ballot  meaning Florida elects Rubio and Clinton  is unlikely to happen, said Susan MacManus, political science professor at the University of South Florida.

"Whether Rubio likes it or not, he is very much tied to Donald Trump at the top of ticket," she said.

Rubio tried to distance himself from Trump in his candidacy announcement, saying in a news release, "the prospect of a Trump presidency is also worrisome to me" and "we will need senators willing to encourage him in the right direction."

PRIMARY HURDLES

Murphy still has to worry about a contentious Aug. 30 primary with U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, a liberal firebrand from Orlando, and Palm Beach County attorney Pam Keith, a political newcomer. Rubio will face Manatee County homebuilder Carlos Beruff, who's funding his campaign and already launched a statewide ad campaign to raise his name recognition. Four other Republicans dropped out right before or after Rubio jumped in the race.

Turnout in state primaries is normally low, and more partisan voters show up. So how many people vote Aug. 30  and whether they will back Murphy, a former Republican, over progressive Grayson  will be crucial, MacManus said.

It's likely Rubio and Murphy will come out of their respective primaries battered by attacks from their opponents. Murphy and Grayson have been exchanging fire. Grayson is going after Murphy after a CBS Miami report found he exaggerated his resume and misrepresented information, and Murphy has pounded on a congressional ethics investigation into Grayson's management of his hedge funds. Beruff attacked Rubio on the day of his announcement for being an establishment candidate who broke his pledge not to run for the Senate.
Indian River Shores Mayor Brian Barefoot (left) and Vero Beach Mayor Jay Kramer. (FILE PHOTOS)

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By Colleen Wixon of TCPalm

A few phone calls. A meal at The Lemon Tree. A chance meeting at the Vero Beach Dog Park.

"Just two guys talking," as Vero Beach Mayor Jay Kramer described his conversations with Indian River Shores Mayor Brian Barefoot over the past few months.

The result: Lawsuits between the two municipalities have been dropped, and both sides are optimistic about future discussions that could lead to Vero Beach selling its Shores customer base to Florida Power & Light Co.

On Tuesday, Vero Beach City Council agreed to continue talks with FPL and the Shores about a partial sale, stopping short of calling them "negotiations." The two municipalities have been at odds for years over Vero Beach electric rates. Indian River Shores sued Vero Beach, claiming the city has no legal right to force Shores residents onto its electric grid after the franchise agreement ends in November. Vero Beach countersued. Each side decided this month to drop its respective lawsuits.

Kramer said he and Barefoot just started talking one day. They met with little fanfare and without lawyers, staff members and other council members. Finally, Kramer needed council approval to spend staff time and money researching the numbers.

"We didn't want to build up expectations," he said. "It was two guys sitting down calmly."

Barefoot said the two communicated by phone several times soon after Kramer became mayor in November. They met at The Lemon Tree on Ocean Drive. And they ran into each other at the dog park, where Barefoot brought his year-old Labradoodle to play with the other dogs.

The two mayors often discussed the electric issue  without coming up with a price tag for the partial sale  and sometimes they just talked, Kramer said. Barefoot said he wanted to establish a framework or a starting point for clearing up numbers and costs.

Kramer said he has made no promises to Indian River Shores other than agreeing to keep an open mind and get the conversation going.

"I don't think (the Shores) likes lawsuits any more than we do," Kramer said. "We're going to look at all the options."

While Barefoot gives Kramer credit for "coming through" and putting the issue on the Vero council agenda, Barefoot also took action. Indian River Shores Town Council agreed to drop its lawsuit against Vero Beach in a show of good faith.

Barefoot said Vero officials always said they opposed negotiating with someone who was suing the city. Now that the Shores has dropped its suit, both sides can move toward an agreement, Barefoot said.

Still unknown is whether the meetings actually will produce a partial sale. The two sides could be millions of dollars apart. In August, FPL offered $13 million for Vero Beach's 3,500 electric customers in Indian River Shores. But it was well below $42.5 million, Vero Beach's estimate for the value of its system in the Shores.

City Councilman Dick Winger has been adamant in opposition to any deal that would leave remaining Vero Beach customers to pay higher rates.

Kramer, who is running for county commissioner, is in a tough position because he has to represent Vero Beach residents' interests, but will be asking for county residents' votes, Barefoot said.

"He's got a lot of county residents watching how he behaves here," Barefoot said.
St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara gives an update June 12, 2016, to the media about searching the home of Orlando nightclub shooter, Omar Mateen, in Fort Pierce. (FILE PHOTO)

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By Will Greenlee of TCPalm

ST. LUCIE COUNTY  Sheriff Ken Mascara said his agency is assisting the FBI every day with its investigation into Orlando nightclub mass shooter Omar Mateen, who was a longtime county resident.

"After the shooting we've been in constant contact with the FBI and continue to be on a daily basis," he said.

Three days after the shooting, he and other top level chiefs and sheriffs attended a "top secret" meeting with the FBI to update law enforcement agencies on the shooting investigation, Mascara said Thursday.

Dozens attended.

"A tremendous amount of sensitive information was shared," he said. He declined to disclose specific details about the meeting, but said attendees had to have a special clearance to get in.

MORE | From childhood to mass shooting, what happened to Omar Mateen?

Mateen, 29, was living in a condominium he owned in the 2500 block of South 17th Street with his wife and child, and working as a security guard at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie. He grew up in St. Lucie and Martin counties and received a degree in criminology from what is now Indian River State College.

On June 12, he embarked on a shooting spree at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, that left 49 dead and dozens injured. Mateen died after a confrontation with law enforcement officials.

Stuart Police Chief David Dyess attended the 90-minute gathering at an FBI office in West Palm Beach, said Cpl. Brian Bossio, police spokesman.

"Unfortunately, there is nothing that he can discuss about it," Bossio stated.

Mascara said such meetings are conducted about three times a year by the FBI "even when there's nothing happening."

"This was done special in response to the Orlando shootings," he said.

Master Sgt. Frank Sabol, Port St. Lucie Police spokesman, said his agency regularly participates in intelligence briefings with state and federal agencies. He declined to say whether police attended the meeting.

"We assure the people that we are doing everything that we can to ensure the public's safety," he said.

Capt. Brian Bergen, of the Martin County Sheriff's Office, also attended the meeting, but would not speak about it, said Christine Christofek, sheriff's spokeswoman.
Slot machines at the Seminole Casino Brighton. (FILE PHOTO)

There are eight pari-mutuel sites in Florida where slot machines are legal. Fort Pierce Jai-Alai & Poker would like to increase that number by one.

The fronton on Kings Highway in Fort Pierce could become home to what we used to call one-armed bandits after Tuesday's unanimous vote by St. Lucie County commissioners to give voters in November the chance to decide the issue.

Yet actually gaining approval for a $100 million facility in Fort Pierce is still a long way off. Even if a referendum passes in November, the state Legislature will still have the final say  and that could be years away.

If an economic and fiscal impact report prepared by an Orlando firm of economists for Fort Pierce Jai-Alai & Poker is to be believed, adding slots to the fronton could be a game changer. The report claims slot machines could add 500 permanent jobs and another 659 construction positions at the fronton and pump millions of dollars into city and county coffers and the local economy.

The slot machines would be housed in a 55,000-square-foot casino/bar that would include a 5,000-square-foot restaurant, according to the report.

It's not the first time this issue has come up at the jai-alai fronton.

In 1994, a push for 47 casinos in the state was defeated locally after a packed meeting in the same commission chambers. Leading the anti-casino charge was then-Sheriff Bobby Knowles, who warned that allowing gambling here could have dire consequences.

"We know, from the experience of other communities that have adopted casino gambling, that resident calls for law enforcement services will go up," Knowles said. "There will be more thefts, robberies, violent crimes, auto accidents, quick-money scams, prostitution, drug offenses and loan sharking ... There will also be an increase in human misery because of impulsive gambling.

"When people have gambled away the rent money and the grocery money, the result will be more alcoholism, spouse abuse, robbery and other crimes ... Everywhere you find casino gambling, you also will find organized crime," the sheriff said.

Knowles offered a visual I've never forgotten: Allow casino gambling at Fort Pierce Jai-Alai, he warned, and you'll see a line of prostitutes walking from Avenue D to Kings Highway.

So, with that in mind I was a little surprised no members of the public spoke either for or against the latest slots crusade on Tuesday.

"Perhaps people have become more accustomed to the prospect of gambling than they were 20 years ago," suggested Assistant County Administrator Mark Satterlee this week.

I wondered why no one had talked about traffic concerns or challenged the number of jobs that slot machines might generate at the fronton. Satterlee said it's far too early to even think of the effects of an expansion on Kings Highway, a road high on the county's improvements wish list for years.

We have no indication if Fishkind & Associates' estimate of 500 new jobs is anywhere near accurate; we don't even know if they'd be minimum-wage positions, full- or part-time.

"This is all at a very early conceptual stage," Satterlee said, adding the county has no additional information about the proposal.

We have no estimate of where the gamblers would come from  locally or farther afield. Research 20 years ago suggested a land-based casino might attract more locals, while a cruise ship with gambling would interest more visitors than residents.

The current state of gambling in Florida is in flux anyway.

Gov. Rick Scott failed to nail down a new casino gambling pact with the Seminole tribe ahead of this year's legislative session. Lawmakers discussed, but ultimately refused, a special session to hammer out the issue.

Meanwhile, communities all over Florida, just like Fort Pierce, are salivating at the prospect of all that lovely tax money from expanded gambling. At present, only eight pari-mutuel sites in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have slot machines after referendums authorized their use in 2005.

Palm Beach and Gadsden counties await state Supreme Court decisions on expansion. Not far behind are four more counties eager for easy money: Lee, Washington, Brevard and Hamilton counties.

"If we win, you're going to have the potential of at least 19 pari-mutuel facilities having slot machines," said Brian Ballard, a lobbyist for the Palm Beach Kennel Club.

It looks to be a busy year or two if there's a yes vote in November. Couldn't happen in St. Lucie County? Don't bet on it.
Anthony Westbury is a columnist for TCPalm.com.

Cell or radio towers near residential areas are rarely popular with homeowners, but few attract as much organized opposition as a structure proposed on Veterans Memorial Parkway in Port St. Lucie.

The 150-foot tower is to be used primarily by the adjacent Seventh-day Adventist Church to broadcast its Eternal Hope Radio shows within a 10-mile radius. Yet it was a comment from the church's agent that had nearby Villas of Village Green residents really seeing red.

Church representative Ron Crider of Global American Enterprises of Vero Beach told Planning & Zoning board members on June 7 it costs about $1,500 month to rent space on a taller tower on Jennings Road.

To trim those costs, Crider said, the church wants its own tower, which it will share with a similar low-power Catholic radio station in Stuart.

While the new tower is designed for radio transmissions, Crider said, it could offer antenna space to up to four cellphone companies, too. That could bring in $2,000 a month in income from each carrier, he noted.

Patty McCurdy and Mike Ferrara, who live in the Villas of Village Green, only a stone's throw across the highway, are appalled. The church seems to be acting like a business, they both said.

"It's all about the church making money," McCurdy charged, "and that's not an acceptable reason to put up a 150-foot tower" near their homes.

Ferrara, 82, said he's collected 200 petitions from neighbors who also oppose the project.

"There are too many towers in Port St. Lucie, anyway," he argued.

Ferrara has a point there.

I was surprised to learn that within 4 miles of the tower site there are 31 existing towers containing 142 antennas. A city-owned tower is less than 1,000 feet from the church at Lyngate Park.

Ferrara feels the city needs to better regulate how many towers are permitted. He's also worried about the health effects of radiation emitted by existing towers.

Crider said staying on a commercial tower would cost the church up to $400,000 over the next 20 years. That's far beyond the budget of a small congregation, he said. He claimed supporters of the tower also have their own petition circulating with 600 signatures so far.

Neighbors believe the proposed tower would be incompatible with the area, that it will reduce property values and that a new tower violates the city's policy to co-locate communications towers wherever possible.

But wait, there's more.

The church has been trying for some time to sell a 10-acre parcel to the immediate south of the sanctuary. The land is zoned for institutional uses that could include another church, an assisted living facility, a school or group care home. The asking price is $649,900.

The Planning & Zoning Committee sided with residents and recommended denial of the radio tower at its June 7 meeting. The proposal is due to go to the full City Council on June 21, but Crider has asked to table the application until he can prepare a more detailed presentation.

While he admitted the cellphone tower business is "a huge moneymaking one," Crider claims that is not the church's intention here.

I share residents' skepticism about that. The church is prepared to spend about $100,000 on a new tower as a way to save money over the long term. Yet selling its land also would net the church a substantial amount. It's almost as if the tax-exempt church wants to have it both ways  saving money and making a whole lot more of it, if possible. In that sense it seems to be operating more as a business than a house of worship. And that's troubling.

Longtime church member Dale Ernsberger told me "it was never about money for us." He pointed out the tower could be valuable in times of emergency to inform the public about closed roads, etc. Ernsberger said the 300-member church has a $2.2 million mortgage on its property. Even selling the adjacent land "wouldn't put a dent in that," he said. "We are absolutely not money hungry, we're just fighting to keep the radio station on the air."

So, folks, don't touch that dial. There's much more to come with this radio saga.

The church intends to bring this back in late July if the City Council agrees on Monday to table the application. I think one way or another we can expect more static on the airwaves to come.
Algae blooms this week in the water behind Janet MacNaughton's house in Palm City. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Eve Samples Columnist SHARE Algae blooms this week in the water behind Janet MacNaughton's house in Palm City. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) Algae blooms this week in the water behind Janet MacNaughton's house in Palm City. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) Algae blooms turned blue Friday behind Janet MacNaughton's house in Palm City. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

A carpet of blue-green algae is spreading across the shores of Americas Happiest Seaside Town.

It's lapping under the Riverwalk behind Stuart City Hall.

It has slicked boat ramps in Palm City. The neon gunk has fouled the water at Sandsprit Park, one of the Stuart community's most popular waterfront spots.

Consider this official notice to the editors at Coastal Living magazine, which named Stuart "America's Happiest Seaside Town" in April:

The designation is totally incongruous with what's happening in this city on the St. Lucie River.

This is a man-made disaster.

And it's likely to get worse, not better, as discharges from Lake Okeechobee continue this summer.

MORE | Coastal Living staff visiting Stuart this weekend

Already, algae has choked the river-fed canal behind Janet MacNaughton's home in Palm City. In photos from her backyard, it's difficult to discern where the lawn ends and the mat of green and blue algae begins.

MacNaughton emailed the images to Gov. Rick Scott, state Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and Stuart resident Kevin Powers, who is a member of the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board.

"You have talked for long enough," she wrote in the email. "You have played around building oversized retention ponds, otherwise known as reservoirs. How about you start thinking about the people that employ you  the voters."

Each day since Jan. 30, the St. Lucie River has been blasted with polluted fresh water from Lake Okeechobee. By Thursday, 143 billion gallons had poured into the St. Lucie, a normally brackish tributary of the Indian River Lagoon.

The low salinity, warm weather and waterborne nutrients are a recipe for blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. It's been confirmed toxic in parts of Stuart, Palm City and Lake Okeechobee.

The algae bloom was entirely predictable. And it was preventable.

This election year, we have a chance to make our voices heard on this issue.

For decades, Florida's politicians have made excuses about why they can't stop the Lake Okeechobee discharges; why they can't restore the southward flow of lake water to the Everglades.

Gov. Scott has opposed purchasing more land in the Everglades Agricultural Area, where water could be cleaned and sent to the Everglades.

And too few state leaders have had the backbone to fight him on this.

This week, our Treasure Coast Newspapers Editorial Board hosted the first of its interviews with candidates running for election this year.

As we consider whom to endorse in races for Congress, the state Legislature and city and county offices, we will heavily weigh candidates' strategies for protecting the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon.

Many of the candidates are among the boosters touting Stuart as the "Happiest Seaside Town"  even though the current state of our river makes it look like the crappiest.

Our politicians can fix this. We voters must demand it.

Learn more about the water quality in your area:
A cat stands in a cage at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast on June 1 in Palm City. (JEREMIAH WILSON/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

It should have been a triumphant moment.

Earlier this month Miami-Dade County opened a state-of-the-art animal shelter, featuring catwalks, new surgical space and more housing for animals. Ideally, said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, the new "Pet Adoption and Protection Center" would be a no-kill facility. In 2012, the county adopted a "no kill" resolution aimed at reducing the euthanasia rate at the county-owned shelter, and Gimenez says up to 90 percent of dogs and cats now are being saved.

Yet as Gimenez spoke, protesters across the street waved signs calling the new facility a "deception" center.

The nonprofit Pets Trust has actually filed a lawsuit, accusing officials of underfunding efforts to make Miami-Dade a true "no kill" county. Critics say the county-owned shelter plays a "numbers game," turning away pets to keep the shelter's population down; and the county's policy of trapping feral cats, spaying or neutering them and releasing them back into the wild has resulted in hundreds of thousands of cats roaming the county  and environmentalists complain that puts other animals, particularly birds, at risk.

It's worth bearing all this in mind as the Martin County Board of Commissioners launches its Domestic Animal Control Task Force, in response to complaints about the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast  perhaps with an ultimate goal of making Martin a "no kill" county.

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast euthanizes significantly fewer animals than it did just five years ago; but hundreds  perhaps thousands  of animals are still put down annually.

Activists say they want to see those numbers drop  drastically.

"Animals should not be euthanized at a county shelter simply because you don't have room, or you don't like the way the animal looked at you," said Virginia Sherlock, a local attorney and leading critic of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.

So at the urging of Sherlock and others, Martin County commissioners last week voted to create the task force, which among other things will look at what it would take to make Martin County "no kill."

It's absolutely worth considering  though as Miami-Dade's experience suggests, it might not be clean or simple.

"No kill" sounds like the default moral position; yet the debate over no-kill shelters is "the animal welfare world's vicious fight," as Slate.com put it in a 2014 article.

PETA, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, oppose "no kill" shelters, saying they euthanize fewer animals because  shades of Miami-Dade  they take fewer animals. The organization posted videos on its website of sick or injured pets turned away from "no kill" shelters because waiting lists are already months long.

Those animals might not be euthanized, PETA said, but many die anyway  in far worse conditions.

Other tactics designed to move animals out the door, like free adoptions, can put animals in the hands of hoarders or unprepared owners and lead to a "boomerang" effect, where previously adopted animals bounce back to the shelter, says PETA.

And as USA TODAY reported in 2012, going "no kill" can be costly. Austin, Texas, no longer euthanizes healthy and treatable animals to make room in its shelters; its euthanasia rate has dropped below 10 percent. But to get there, "Austin has increased its animal-control budget by about $2 million over three years to add officers, veterinarians, medical care and a larger shelter."

But Austin also works with more than 90 rescue organizations, which get $1 million in grants for "spay/neuter programs, shelter care, behavior training, advice for new pet owners and other services."

And that's the key, say local activists. Right now, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is an "open access" shelter, taking all comers. Maybe some of those animals could and should be routed to other area rescue organizations. Then the argument becomes, maybe some of the money Martin County pays the Humane Society  $560,000 this year via a contract that's about to expire  should also be routed to those other organizations.

Some Humane Society supporters think that's the real motivation here  an attempt to hijack the gravy train.

Let's give the society's critics the benefit of the doubt and say they simply want to save more animals. It's a laudable goal, and maybe the task force can figure out a way to do it.

But if we wind up turning animals away, or incurring big new expenses  the howling has just begun.
Marijuana clone plants that are used to grow medical marijuana are displayed under a light Oct. 16, 2013, at The Joint, a medical marijuana cooperative in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

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By Editorial Board

The 1936 film "Reefer Madness" wound up becoming a campy cult classic because the movie, originally designed as a warning about the dangers of marijuana use, so overdramatized the issue that it's message simply couldn't be taken seriously.

Now, with a slew of new polls showing Floridians overwhelmingly support the legalization of medical marijuana, opponents of Amendment 2  the proposed constitutional amendment to legalize medical pot  are themselves edging closer to unintentional satire.

The "Vote No on 2" campaign has launched a series of broadsides, including a recent video warning darkly that if the measure passes, up to 5,000 marijuana dispensaries could open across Florida, more pot shops than McDonald's, 7-Eleven and Starbucks combined.

Just a month earlier, the group had warned that up to 2,000 pot shops might open in Florida; estimates from "No on 2" appear to be growing faster than the proverbial weed itself.

But the claim is one toke over the line, according to PolitiFact Florida, which rated it as "half true." While the state health department has projected 1,993 medical marijuana dispensaries could be needed to serve potential patients, PolitiFact noted this figure isn't definite; the agency and the Legislature would decide the actual number of dispensaries and how they are regulated if and when the amendment passes.

"No on 2" believes the amendment is "simply a guise to legalize pot smoking in Florida." The measure looks as if it may have enough support to pass when voters go to the polls this fall, and the campaign is trying to create the impression that legalizing marijuana for medical purposes will turn Florida into a dystopian stoner's paradise.

That's politics  but it's also too bad. For what Floridians need now isn't reefer madness, but a clear-eyed assessment of the potential drawbacks  and benefits  of marijuana legalization.

Currently, medical marijuana is legal 25 states and the District of Columbia, but critics note the federal government still considers marijuana a "Schedule I" drug, and possession remains a federal crime. As such, doctors can't "prescribe" it, though they may "recommend" it to treat epilepsy, the nausea caused by chemotherapy and other maladies.

Florida's Amendment 2 would allow doctors to use their own judgment to determine what conditions could be treated with marijuana, but critics say this relatively lax standard could amount to de facto recreational legalization. And in fact, there's some data to suggest that legalization for medical purposes can lead to an increase in both marijuana use and marijuana abuse/dependence in people 21 and older.

That's an issue worth discussing  without the hysterics.

Would our kids be at risk? Actually in Colorado, marijuana use among teens appears to have dropped since the state legalized recreational use.

At the same time, a recent federal report indicates the legalization of marijuana may be related to a surge in drugged-driving deaths.

These are all legitimate, relevant issues. Legalizing medical marijuana could make our roads less safe and could lead to more drug use across the board. At the same time, it could ease the suffering of tens of thousands of Floridians. What's that worth?

The Treasure Coast Newspapers Editorial Board currently takes no position on Amendment 2; like many Floridians, we still have questions and some misgivings. Nonetheless, we believe in the need for informed debate on this issue.

And we fear that if opponents ratchet up the rhetoric to frighten voters, any chance at rational discussion is destined to go up in smoke.
A lone flip-flop, covered in green algae, sits abandoned Thursday on the boat ramp at Leighton Park in Palm City. (ED KILLER/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

The phone calls, emails and social media flooding this newsroom this week is heartbreaking. Residents of our fine community are struggling as they literally watch a river system die before their very eyes.

A horrid fluorescent green algae is spreading from shore to shore throughout the St. Lucie River.

This isn't some river in some far away land where we can shrug our shoulders, hit a "dislike" button and swipe on to the next post.

This is OUR river. This is our estuary.

We're supposed to protect it, right? We're supposed to cherish it, count our blessings and be grateful for it every day we live along its shores or cross its bridges.

At least that's what I was taught. I was taught that by my family, which has lived along its shores since 1946 (my mom's side) and a few blocks off it since 1885 (my dad's side). I was taught it by the educational system in Martin County Schools that had me attend the Environmental Studies Center for one day each year.

Our waters are important. They are special. They are alive.

If we take care of them, they will take care of us. Directly or indirectly.

But right now, the St. Lucie River is dying again, or almost near dead.

What's this river on now, like it's 12th reincarnation? Since the flood gates first opened in the 1930s, this river has been killed off more times than a zombie on "The Walking Dead".

The St. Lucie River is the largest true natural river on the east coast of Florida south of where the St. Johns River flows to sea through Jacksonville. Go check a map. It's ecological importance to scores of Florida fisheries both inshore and offshore almost cannot be measured.

Like an insidious disease, the algae is poisoning the summer for residents of Palm City, Stuart, Rio, Sewall's Point, Snug Harbor, North River Shores and Lighthouse Point. Port St. Lucie, Rocky Point and Sailfish Point, you're next. The waterfronts of Jupiter Island, Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island and White City could be affected within weeks if the rain keeps falling, the temperature stays in the 90s and the wind lays low.

The easy thing to do when we get mad about these problems is point fingers at our elected officials. But who else has the resources to fix a mess of this magnitude? And I am calling out, like I have in the past, everyone from our city and county commissioners all the way up to the president and everyone in between. If you are in any kind of office where taxpayers pay your salary, you need to find a way to step forward and say you will do something, anything.

The urgency to do something is immediate.

This problem is our BP Oil Spill. It needs to be addressed the same way.

To start, close the dam gates. That's spelled right  dam. At the St. Lucie Lock and Dam, a solid pour of algae rolls like a waterfall through the five open gates. It can easily be seen moving with the black muddy water in the C-44 Canal from where it came 27 miles to the west, from Lake Okeechobee. It is swiftly entering the estuary, 14 feet below, as the gates empty more than 1 billion gallons per day into the St. Lucie River.

No water, means no new infection of algae. If the gates could close for 30 days, perhaps the salinity in the estuary entering on the incoming tides could help kill off the algae. Temporarily.

Perhaps mechanical removal could help clean some of it out of the river.

I know, sounds crazy right? Ok, you have a better idea?

That's where we are right now. Think outside the box.

Could an algaecide help? Dispersants? Like with the oil spill?

I know these would also have adverse affects, but we're at a critical stage where we might have to be willing to kill a few fish, manatees, dolphins and birds in order for future generations of their kind to live.

It would be nice if we had a leader somewhere. But a good leader seems to be as scarce as a spot of algae-free water right now.

I'm not running for any office, but all I can tell you is that if I was the governor of this great state, I would be here by now. I would tell you, even if it was only partly true, I would try everything in my power to solve this problem.

Forget building reservoirs 20 years from now and declarations of emergency for lame loan programs, I'm talking boots on the ground, boats in the water, scooping it up, screening it with filters, something.

It's time to get moving on this and try to do whatever we can to kill off this algae.

Or else it is going to kill us.

Ed Killer is the outdoors columnist for Treasure Coast Newspapers and TCPalm.com, and this column reflects his opinion. Friend him on Facebook at Ed Killer, follow him on Twitter @tcpalmekiller or email him at ed.killer@tcpalm.com or call him at 772-221-4201.
SHARE Barbara Faehnle /SUBMITTED TO YOURNEWS Etienne Bourgeois of Palm City won a national award at the world's largest beer competition.

By Etienne Bourgeois, YourNews contributor

PALM CITY  Etienne Bourgeois of Palm City was presented the Bronze Medal for Light Lagers at the 38th annual American Homebrewers Association (AHA) National Homebrew Competition. The award was announced June 11 at the Homebrew Con 2016 awards banquet held at The Baltimore Convention Center.

Bourgeois, a member and president emeritus of the Treasure Coast Brewmasters, began homebrewing in 2011 and has won multiple awards throughout his four-plus years in the hobby; however, this is his first on a national level.

The 2016 National Homebrew Competition had a total of 7,962 entries from 3,396 homebrewers located in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and 13 other countries. A total of 484 homebrew clubs entered. The first round took place at 12 regional sites across the country. The top three entries at each site in each of the 31 brew style categories advance to the final round of the competition, presented every year at the National Homebrewers Conference, which, in 2016 for the first time ever, went by its new name, Homebrew Con. This year, the final round of judging took place June 9 at Homebrew Con, where 1,074 entries were evaluated by the judges.

"The American Homebrewers Association is thrilled to congratulate Etienne Bourgeois on his award," said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. "He beat out many outstanding competitors at the National Homebrew Competition  the world's largest international beer competition  and that's something to be extremely proud of."

The AHA National Homebrew Competition recognizes the most outstanding homemade beer, mead and cider being produced by homebrewers worldwide. Over its 38-year history, the National Homebrew Competition has evaluated 126,873 brews. The first competition, in 1979 in Boulder, Colorado, judged 34 beers. A complete list of winners at the National Homebrew Competition can be found at https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/competitions/national-homebrew- competition/winners/

Etienne Bourgeois is a professional engineer with the Florida Department of Transportation and a part-time Realtor with Bourgeois Real Estate Group. Homebrewing is simply a hobby for Bourgeois, who works on perfecting his craft after hours and on weekends. The Treasure Coast Brewmasters meet at various locations in Martin County on the second Tuesday of each month. More information can be found at http://www.tcbrewmasters.org
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Theres no shortage of small speakers on the market, but what makes KISS AVs system compelling is their profile: These speakers are thin enough that they can be mounted on the wall on either side of your flat-screen TV. Whats more, theyre light enoughjust two pounds eachto not need screws to hang on the wall; all you need is a few 3M Command strips.

KISS AV founder Jim Murray told me his brands acronym stands for Keeping It Super Simple when he demoed the speaker system for me at the CE Week show in New York City earlier this week. Murray is raising cash on Kickstarter to bring the speakers to market. About the size of a large hardcover book and just three inches thick, the secret behind these speakers is the airflow design. Its a patented system called Sonic Vortex that was originally intended for use in high-end luxury speaker systems to deliver more bass and better sound clarity.

To deliver performance similar to a large speaker cabinet in a small form factor, Murray designed a port that spirals around a sealed enclosure inside a relatively shallow cabinet. Fins inside this spiral port guide and accelerate the air until it emerges from multiple small openings circling the active driver.

K.I.S.S. AV KISS AVs Sonic Vortex features a spiral port design that delivers the same performance as the conventional bass port in a much larger enclosure.

The speaker hosting the amplifier has Toslink and coax digital audio inputs, stereo RCA inputs, and a connector for the other speaker. The speaker also has a Bluetooth radio for wireless music streaming.

The KISS AV system is compatible with many TV remotes, meaning it will see and know when your TV is being turned on and off, and will also turn off the speakers. The basic system includes just the two speakers for $199; a $399 pledge will add a wireless subwoofer. Murray expects to deliver the speakers in October.

From what I heard at the demo, youll want the sub: while the speakers produce great sound (and from a surprisingly wide angle and distance given their size), the subwoofer really adds to wow factor, even in a booth on a noisy show floor.

Why this matters: The conventional approach to achieving great sound in a home theater can not only cost a lot of money, it can also be difficult to strike just the right balance. Murrays KISS concept looks and sounds extremely promising, but hell have to navigate the pitfalls of crowdfunding before he can deliver.
The advent of a brave new world of connected products and services in the Internet of Things is forcing organizations of all sizes across nearly every industry to reconsider how they will interact with their customers in the future. As a consequence, a growing number of companies are thinking about how they have to redefine their businesses to better serve their customers going forward.

These ideas were showcased at the recent PTC LiveWorx conference in Boston. The event drew approximately 5,000 attendees from a wide array of enterprises worldwide to demonstrate how previously standalone technologies and applications now are converging to enable the idea of IoT to become a reality.

Acquisition Binge

For years, PTC has made its money selling on-premises product lifecycle management, service lifecycle management and related software applications to various manufacturers, industrial companies, and consumer products producers, among others.

Over the past few years, it has made a series of strategic acquisitions to focus on the unique requirements of a new generation of connected products and services.

It acquired IoT platform ThingWorx in 2013. It purchased Axeda in 2014 to enhance its IoT connectivity and security capabilities. In 2015, it acquired Coldlight to strengthen its IoT analytics, and Vuforia to add augmented reality technologies to its portfolio. In 2016, PTC bought Kepware to expand its communications connectivity to industrial automation environments.

Fundamental Changes

These moves have put PTC in the middle of the IoT market and changed the nature of its customer relationships in many ways.

First, PTC has found itself at the leading edge of an emerging market that still requires significant customer education. As a result, PTC has teamed with Michael Porter, the legendary Harvard professor, to discuss the strategic implications of IoT with corporate executives.

It also is working with brand-name customers, such as Caterpillar, to produce real-world case studies that clearly illustrate how sensor-embedded products, augmented reality technology, and cloud-based applications can be integrated to fundamentally change the nature of field service, customer support and end-user training.

For instance, rather than forcing a field worker to call a help desk when a piece of construction equipment fails, Caterpillar is teaming with PTC to deploy IoT applications and solutions that enable the field worker to identify the issue and resolve it  in many cases without help desk intervention. That can reduce downtime and customer support costs while increasing user productivity.

At the same time, Caterpillar is gathering real-time data regarding the performance and reliability of its equipment, which it can use to improve its design.

No Job for Customers

Companies used to rely on their customers to notify them of problems and risked losing them in the process, due to dissatisfaction with the quality of their products. In essence, the customer was the sensor in the old world of customer support, notifying the vendor when the product failed.

In todays world, customers are far less tolerant of product failures. They also have many more options if they become disenchanted with their vendors products. Therefore, it is imperative for vendors to redesign their products so the suppliers can assume a greater share of the burden for ensuring the availability and performance of their products.

Building connected products that are supported with more automated and interactive support tools is becoming an essential strategy for restructuring the vendor-customer relationship in the IoT.
It was reported earlier this month that Samsung may replace Android with its own Tizen OS on all the Korean company's mobile devices. Now, another big smartphone manufacturer, Huawei, is said to be considering a similar course of action.

A report from The Information says the Chinese company is building an alternative operating system as it "doesn't want to be on the crutch of Android." The move is partly prompted by a recent statement from Google CEO Sundar Pichai that suggested the company wants more control over OEMs' devices.

In addition to improving Huawei's EMUI custom Android skin, former Apple mobile UI designer Abigail Brody is spearheading the new OS development team. The project is said to be taking place somewhere in Scandinavia and includes ex-Nokia employees.

Huawei stands at number three behind Samsung and Apple on the list of world's largest smartphone manufacturers, mostly thanks to the popularity of its mobile devices in China. The company is looking to improve its current Android experience, which has been criticized for its poor user interface and attempts to imitate iOS.

Some of the problems that Brody will address with the next version of EMUI, set for release this fall, include its "glaring cosmetic issues." These will likely include the introduction of an app drawer, redesigned icons, and a "very clean, fresh" color palette to replace the OS's current drab scheme.

Brody said she believes Huawei has the potential to be "the world's No. 1, the most advanced and favorite 'lifestyle-centric' ecosystem, and without having to copy Apple at all, ever!"

Introducing its own operating system is just a "contingency plan" that's still in the very early stages of development, but if Google really does start making more demands of OEMs, and if Samsung starts the ball rolling by moving entirely to Tizen, don't be surprised to see Huawei wave goodbye to Android.
AT&T has confirmed it is officially rolling out the Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates for the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+. The updates are now available to access from the settings menu on the smartphones and are being rolled out OTA (over the air) to customers of the network using the devices.

It's been a long wait, but one that is finally over for AT&T customers who have been stuck on Android 5.1 Lollipop on Samsung's current flagship phablets, the Galaxy Note 5 and its curved edge companion, the Galaxy S6 Edge+.

AT&T announced the news on its online support pages, indicating that the Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates for the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (N920A) and Galaxy S6 edge+ (G928A) are now available for download.

Users can wait for the OTA rollout or access the download immediately by visiting the settings menu on their device, navigating to the "About Phone" menu, and then downloading the approximately 1.4 GB update. Users will be required to use a Wi-Fi connection in order to do so, as is generally the case with major software upgrades.

AT&T customers have been rightfully frustrated with their carrier, as the network has been extremely late to the party in releasing Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates for many of the most popular and recent flagship devices. With Android N just around the corner, and the new Galaxy Note 7 soon to be revealed and released, it seems particularly disturbing that AT&T has been so far behind all of its major competitors in releasing the Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates to the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+.

As two of Samsung's most recently released premium smartphones, the two handsets should have received priority, yet all of the other big four carriers released their updates for the devices months ago. Verizon and Sprint customers with the phones got their updates back in March, while T-Mobile followed with its version of the software upgrade in April.

There was additional good news in the AT&T support forum for owners of the Galaxy Note 4 on the AT&T network, as a schedule of release was posted that states that the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for Samsung's 2014 flagship phablet would be released sometime this month. Considering there's just a little more than a week left in June, that bodes well for Note 4 owners who are anxiously awaiting their upgrade as well.

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A report in late April claimed that Samsung was testing both a flat and curved display Galaxy Note and planned to release only one. The edge variant appears to be the winner, as sources say Samsung is not considering the launch of a flat version.

After the launch of the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge in February, many believed that Samsung would also launch a flat screen and curved screen Galaxy Note 6 in the summer. That notion first came into question when a report surfaced in late April claiming that the company was indeed testing a flat and curved display Note 6 but was only planning to release one model.

Reports soon followed claiming that the Galaxy Note 6 name was being changed to Galaxy Note 7 in an effort to match the company's current flagship Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge smartphones. It was also revealed that the device would ship with an advanced iris scanner on board for enhanced security and payment authorization.

With only weeks to go before Samsung's Unpacked event reportedly scheduled for Aug. 2, a report from the Korea Herald states that Samsung is no longer considering launching a flat screen version of the Galaxy Note 7.

Samsung seems to appear confident with its decision in only offering a dual curved edge display Galaxy Note 7 since the device is reportedly entering mass production in July and the company plans to have 5 million handsets built in time for its August release.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is expected to sport a 5.8-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED curved display and run Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, with an expected Android 7.0 N software update shortly after Google releases the upgrade in Q3 2016.

The Note 7 is believed to be powered by a Snapdragon 823 chip and to contain the largest amount of RAM Samsung has included in any of its smartphones, 6 GB of RAM. It is believed to use the same front and rear camera setup found on the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, a 12-megapixel rear snapper and 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

Users should also expect enhanced S Pen functionality, and like the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, the Galaxy Note 7 will rock the same waterproof and dust-resistant case.

Are you looking forward to a dual-edge curved display-only Galaxy Note 7, or do you think Samsung should also release a flat variant? Please let us and our readers know in the comments below.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced on Wednesday that it has decided not to conduct a state-sanctioned bear hunt this year.

During a meeting held in the Panhandle town of Eastpoint, state wildlife commissioners voted 4-3 in favor of postponing another hunt at least until next year.

Brian Yablonski, chairman of the FWC, explained that he is leaning toward having a pause in bear hunting activities in the state, though it doesn't necessarily mean that the practice will be removed entirely.

Opponents of the bear hunt argue that the practice is not needed, and despite the growing number of wild bears in Florida, the animals are still considered to be endangered.

They believe that limiting bear encounters with humans can be done by educating the public about the animals and introducing better ways of waste disposal in order to discourage bears from foraging in people's garbage.

"The problem in Florida is not an excess of bears but an excess of trash," Florida Humane Society director Kate MacFall said.

Biologists in the state had submitted a recommendation in which the bear hunt for this year would involve reducing the number of hunting license issued to hunters, increasing reporting requirements and limiting the area where people can hunt bears in. However, this plan was ultimately rejected through a 4-3 vote by the FWC.

The proposal to conduct another bear hunt reignited a long-standing debate between animal rights groups and those who are in favor of hunting down the animals. Animal and environment conservationists have already held protests throughout Florida in opposition of the move.

Growing Bear Population In Florida

According to state estimates, Florida currently has about 4,350 individual bears living within its borders, which is a 60 percent jump from numbers recorded in 2002. In Central Florida alone, there are already 1,230 wild bears, a 19 percent increase from 2002 estimates.

Human encounters with bears have also been increasing in recent years. In 2015, as many as 243 wild bears have been killed by vehicular traffic in different parts of Florida. This is a seven-fold increase from figures taken in 1990.

Last year, The FWC has received 6,094 nuisance calls related to bear activity, which is a noticeable increase from the 4,092 the agency had in 2011. Some of the calls involved bears causing harm to people.

Sherri Hutchins, a vocal supporter of the state-sanctioned bear hunt, said her daughter almost died after having been attacked by a wild bear near Eastpoint a couple of years ago.

She said that the bears have become a nuisance to local communities, tearing up properties, killing animals and attacking residents.

Those who oppose the bear hunt, however, insisted that the bears aren't a nuisance, and that more studies on local bear populations are needed to properly assess the situation.

Susan Conyac, a resident of DeBary, Florida, said the bears in their community do not bother them because residents aren't allowed to leave their garbage out unless it's time for pick-up during mornings.

State animal experts said the state-sanctioned bear hunt is just one of the ways the government is using to manage local bear populations and reducing the animals' interactions with people.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering grants to local communities to help them obtain garbage cans that are more bear-resistant.

The agency is also making efforts to ban the harvesting of palmetto berries, which is a favorite treat of wild bears, on state-owned lands as well as warn residents to secure proper trash cans in order to prevent the animals from digging through their garbage.

Resumption Of Bear Hunting

In 1974, the state government of Florida added black bears to its list of protected species. This move was followed by the placement of a ban on all bear hunts two decades later.

The FWC removed the bears from protected species list in 2011, but the prohibition on bear hunts remained in effect until 2015.

Last year, the agency issued 3,778 bear hunting permits and even held a weeklong hunt. The hunt was stopped two days into the event after participants killed as many as 304 bears, which is already near enough to the FWC's set limit of 321 individual bears.

Photo: D. Griebeling | Flickr

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Remember the little-known Chinese firm Shenzhen Baili Marketing Services Co., which alleged that Apple was infringing its patents and had ripped off the company's 100C smartphone design for the iPhone 6? Turns out Baili is yet another patent troll!

As reported by us, Baili had sued Apple Inc. and its distribution partner Zhongfu Telecom. An injunction was issued by the Beijing Intellectual Property Office, ordering the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus smartphones to be off store shelves in Beijing. Apple appealed the ruling and continues to sell the 2014 models of the iPhone in Beijing stores.

However, in a twist to the tale, it turns out - unsurprisingly at that - that Shenzhen Baili is essentially a patent troll. After the incident, the Wall Street Journal checked out the credentials of the aggrieved company and made an astounding discovery: Baili as well as Digione, its parent company, "barely exist."

Reportedly, Digione has been missing from the market for more than a year. One of the reasons for its demise is "buggy" devices.

"Phone calls to the company, Shenzhen Baili Marketing Services Co., ring unanswered. Its websites have been deleted. Visits to its three registered addresses found no company offices," disclosed the publication.

The company does not manufacture the 100C smartphone - the model which the iPhone 6 is said to infringe - anymore either. The digging around by the publication suggests that all Baili seems to be doing is protecting its patents.

Since the patents are in Baili's name, it seems that the company's goal is to arm-twist Apple into some form of settlement. The lawsuit could potentially have the Chinese company hitting the jackpot: according to the Wall Street Journal, Baili and Digione are bankrupt.

If Digione can wrangle some money as part of the patent infringement lawsuit settlement, then Baili smartphones could potentially make a comeback. Even if the company does not enter the smartphone space again, it would still have some much-needed money by the looks of things.

While it would seem that Baili is suing Apple for copyright infringement only to make a quick buck, the company's lawyer Andy Yang begs to differ.

"The issue here is not whether Digione makes phones anymore, but whether the iPhone 6 infringes on this patent," said Yang.

Yang adds that Baili would continue to drag Apple into court and could even include the 2015 iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models in the lawsuit.

China is an important market for Apple and if push comes to shove and Baili continues its plans, Apple could potentially have to pay it out to make the patent trolls vanish.

Photo: Karlis Dambrans | Flickr

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The Sony PlayStation Neo is apparently coming this year after all, but it should not take any toll on the PS4's life cycle.

Things are heating up in the console gaming department, with both Sony and Microsoft working on their next-generation consoles with hefty improvements. In addition to powerful specifications, the new PlayStation Neo and Xbox Scorpio, respectively, are also expected to deliver full backward compatibility to further sweeten the deal.

With no announcement from Sony at the recent E3 2016, however, many wondered whether the PlayStation Neo is indeed ready to debut this year, especially since the PS4 is still riding the high tide. Would the PS Neo cut the PS4's success short if it launches this year?

In a new interview with Gameswelt, Sony Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida assures that's not the case. The PlayStation Neo will hit the scene later this year, but it will not shorten the PS4's life span. It will come as an alternative, not a replacement.

"PS4 is PS4, you know the new high-end PS4 is still PS4, so you know the life cycle is not going to be shorter," says Toshida.

Simply put, having a newer, higher-end PlayStation console out and about should not affect PS4 owners, as the two consoles will coexist and complement each other.

Yoshida's comment came in response to a question about the life cycle of console generations, pondering whether a console's life span is now shorter if companies such as Sony and Microsoft unleash new hardware before the end of an existing device's life cycle.

Judging Yoshida's answer, PlayStation gamers will merely have another option. The PlayStation Neo will come at the high-end segment, offering superior hardware and performance at a higher price point, while the existing PS4 will continue to be available as a more affordable option, still powerful bot more toned-down compared to the new generation.

Consequently, PS4 owners can rest assured that their consoles are not reaching the end of their life cycle just yet. Those who decide to upgrade will do so because they want the latest and greatest, not because their existing console suddenly becomes worthless once the new generation comes out.

Lastly, Yoshida's comments regarding Microsoft's E3 announcements are also worthy of note. While Sony decided to keep its PlayStation Neo under wraps and focus on other things at E3, Microsoft announced the first official details regarding Project Scorpio at the conference.

"I was surprised," says Yoshida, referring to Microsoft's Project Scorpio announcement at E3. "I was not expecting them to talk about [it]. It's very very super interesting what they are doing."

It's interesting indeed, and we're looking forward to seeing the future of console gaming as Microsoft and Sony unleash their latest hardware. We'll keep you posted as soon as more details hit the surface, so stay tuned.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Huawei is reportedly developing its own OS as a backup plan to Google's omnipresent Android.

Huawei, which is the third biggest smartphone manufacturer worldwide, uses an Android skin dubbed EMUI on its handsets. However, it looks like the OEM wants to increase its independence from Google, just in case the cooperation with the tech giant goes sour.

The Information reports that a Huawei team is building the mobile OS in Sweden in cooperation with former Nokia employees.

Keep in mind that Huawei is not the first Android phone manufacturer that is dabbling into alternative OSs for its devices. Samsung already deployed the Linux-based Tizen OS on its proprietary IoT hardware, but there is a chance that the company will expand the functionality to mobile devices.

According to the report, Huawei's OS "isn't far along."

One confirmed and significant change is bound to happen to EMUI, however. It is no secret that Western reviewers often blamed the UI for copycatting iOS. In October 2015, Huawei recruited former Apple designer Abigail Brody to look after the revamping of its Android skin. Huawei announced that the overhauled, redesigned software will be showcased in September 2016.

What changes could the EMUI go through to make it more appealing?

If the sources of The Information are correct, we might witness the appearance of an app drawer and a new design for the way-too-obvious iPhone resembling icons, alongside a "very clean, fresh" color scheme.

The main colors in EMUI's present state are grays and browns. If the rumors come true, Brody will bring brighter tones, such as whites and blues, to the table.

Huawei is building up to be a global player in smartphone manufacturing, but the company is currently emptying its wares in the Chinese market. One point of interest for the company will be to ink a deal with one of the large carriers in the U.S., such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile. At the moment, the company only sells its unlocked devices online.

Among other reasons, the unoriginal software contributes to the company's lack of credibility in the developed markets.

Brody understands the inherent difficulties that come with visual rebranding and says that the company's "pain points" and "glaring cosmetic issues" can be fixed.

The Information also notes that the designer is confident in Huawei's potential to become the No. 1 global smartphone manufacturer. The position is currently occupied by Samsung, despite a year over year decline of 0.6 percent in shipments.

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Neptune was discovered in 1846, but the last of the gas giant planets is not finished giving up its secrets. Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) have reporting finding a dark spot in the atmosphere surrounding the world, where one had never before been seen.

This dark vortex is a high-pressure system in Neptune's gaseous layer, driving atmospheric components upward. This action forms bright, pancake-shaped clouds which were first spotted by amateur astronomers in July 2015. Almost immediately, professional astronomers suspected a dark, unseen companion was driving the formation of the pancake-shaped clouds.

"Dark vortices coast through the atmosphere like huge, lens-shaped gaseous mountains. And the companion clouds are similar to so-called orographic clouds that appear as pancake-shaped features lingering over mountains on Earth," Mike Wong of the University of California at Berkeley said.

Now, that theory has been confirmed by researchers using the most famous of the space-based observatories. This marks the first time one of these features has been discovered on Neptune since the turn of the century.

"When NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft flew by Neptune in 1989, astronomers were surprised to see such a gaping, dark hole at southern latitudes in the giant planet's cyan-colored atmosphere. The dark spot later disappeared. But the Hubble Space Telescope captured a new northern dark spot of comparable size in 1994," the HubbleSite reports.

The dark vortex was imaged by professional astronomers on May 16, 2016. The region is as long as the width of the continental United States. The HST is the only observatory in, or above, the world able to detect these dark vortices traveling around the distant planet, sitting at the edge of the solar system.

Large storms on Jupiter can last for several decades or centuries, as they slowly evolve over time. However, similar systems on Neptune are short-lived, and show great diversity in their life spans, sizes and shapes. This most distant world in our solar system is home to the highest wind speeds ever recorded anywhere in our family of planets.

Astronomers hope that by studying this newly discovered vortex, they can learn more about how such systems form, change over time and eventually dissipate. This data could also provide new insights into the inner workings off the atmosphere of Neptune.

Neptune revolves around the sun at a distance 30 times greater than that traced out by our home world, taking nearly 165 years to complete a single journey around our parent star.

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Almost 400 years after one of the Raleigh Colonies disappeared, archeologists working on Roanoke Island in North Carolina say they have uncovered artifacts believed to be the remnants of the lost colony.

The First Colony

In the late 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I attempted to establish a permanent English settlement in the United States through the efforts of Sir Walter Raleigh.

But just three years after the settlement, the English colonists disappeared and no one knows why.

Now, experts from the First Colony Foundation found two small pieces of blue and brown pottery that may have been an apothecary or medicine jar. The fragments were unearthed during a dig at Roanoke Island.

Archeologist Eric Deetz, who described the discovery as "exciting," personally verified the pieces, which are very small and fragile.

"A single piece is as good as a whole pot," Deetz tells The Huffington Post.

Deetz and his team hope that the pottery pieces could help shed light on the colonists who vanished in 1590, which sparked one of the greatest American mysteries.

Indeed, the colonists had only been living on Roanoke Island for a while when its governor John White returned to England to get supplies. When he came back to the island, his settlement was gone completely.

Deetz said approximately one century had passed before any other colonists moved on the same land.

Why The Pottery Pieces Are Important

Researchers say that because of the pottery pieces' location and style, it is relatively easy to find the lost colony. Deetz says there is no doubt that the fragments they unearthed were part of the time period.

The pottery itself was tin-glazed, which was a form common during the 1570s to the 1620s, he says.

Deetz says he is in awe that the artifacts had survived even after all these years.

Although there have been other shards of pottery discovered at Roanoke Island, their size have made them impossible to classify outside of being identified as European. Deetz says these were the type of pottery that would not have a "shelf life."

However, it is unclear whether the Raleigh colony owned the apothecary jar. And although the recent pottery pieces are small, Deetz says they are large enough to give him and his colleagues the shape, size and form of the pot.

Jami Lanier, who was involved in the project, says the discovery is important because of what it could tell the researchers.

"The most important value is the stories they can tell and they are pieces of the puzzle that can perhaps help solve the mystery," says Lanier.

The artifacts have since then been sent out of North Carolina for further documentation and tests. Deetz says that once the pieces are returned, they will likely be displayed in the National Park Service's welcome center.

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T-Mobile Simple Choice customers traveling to Europe this summer are in for quite a treat, as the Un-carrier is offering free, "unlimited speed" mobile data with Summer Unleashed.

Traveling abroad is always exciting, but one big drawback is that roaming is expensive and disappointing, requiring you to shell out a small fortune for slow data speeds. T-Mobile wants to change all that with attractive plans for travelers this summer.

Earlier this month, T-Mobile announced a $30 tourist plan for travelers visiting the United States, and now it has a new deal in place for travelers visiting Europe. With its latest offer, T-Mobile wants to boost the summer fun with free high-speed internet for free across Europe.

Between July 1 and Aug. 31, T-Mobile will boost the speed of roaming data for Simple Choice customers to offer unlimited speed data, with no additional expenses involved.

While transfers on foreign networks are usually capped at a meager 128Kbps, T-Mobile is boosting the speed up to "4G LTE speeds" in select regions across Europe. Moreover, customers will also be able to enjoy unlimited text messaging and a discounted rate on international voice calling at 20 cents per minute.

In typical fashion, T-Mobile CEO John Legere highlights the great benefits the Un-carrier is offering as opposed to the greedy practices of rival carriers.

"The carriers see your summer trip as the perfect occasion to slam you with insane international roaming charges. When you travel with the Un-carrier, you'll never come home to surprise overages or crazy fees," says Legere.

With this new offer in place, Simple Choice customers will be able to share every special moment during their vacation abroad using their mobile phones the way they want to, the CEO further touts.

"Share every fantastic moment and don't pay a penny more for your data!"

The offer is available on nearly all of T-Mobile's roaming partners in Europe, with Andorra left out of the mix. In addition to the deal in Europe, T-Mobile also added Belize to the list of destinations where Simple Choice customers can roam freely and enjoy unlimited data and texting, as well as low, flat-calling rates.

Lastly, T-Mobile also has a sweet treat for those traveling this weekend: one hour of free in-flight Wi-Fi on all Gogo-equipped domestic flights from June 24 through June 26. This offer even applies to AT&T and Verizon customers "who never get thanked by their carrier," the press release points out.

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Qualcomm Sues Chinese Phonemaker Meizu Over IPR | TechTree.com

Qualcomm Incorporated announced that it has filed a complaint against Meizu in the Beijing Intellectual Property Court. The complaint requests rulings that the terms of a patent license offered by Qualcomm to Meizu comply with China's Anti-Monopoly Law, and Qualcomm's fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory licensing obligations. The complaint also seeks a ruling that the offered patent license terms should form the basis for a patent license with Meizu for Qualcomm's fundamental technologies patented in China for use in mobile devices, including those relating to 3G (WCDMA and CDMA2000) and 4G (LTE) wireless communications standards.

Qualcomm has negotiated extensively and in good faith with Meizu to sign a patent license agreement consistent with the terms of the rectification plan submitted by Qualcomm to, and accepted by, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in 2015. Although Qualcomm would have preferred to reach a resolution with Meizu without the need for litigation, Meizu, unfortunately, has been unwilling to negotiate in good faith and enter into a license agreement on the rectification plan terms while unfairly expanding its business through the use of Qualcomm's innovations without compensating Qualcomm for the use of Qualcomm's valuable technologies. In contrast, more than 100 other companies have already accepted the rectification plan terms, including the largest Chinese mobile device suppliers.

"Qualcomm's technologies are at the heart of all mobile devices. Meizu is choosing to use these technologies without a license, which is not only unlawful, but is unfair to other licensees that are acting in good faith and respectful of patent rights, and ultimately damaging to the mobile ecosystem and consumers," said Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm Incorporated. "We are, and have been, a good partner in China, and we are pleased to see how China's mobile ecosystem is thriving. Chinese smartphone suppliers are succeeding both domestically and globally, and we are pleased to help drive that growth. Qualcomm looks forward to continuing to increase its level of commitment to, and investment in, China across both the wireless and semiconductor ecosystems."

TAGS: Meizu, Qualcomm, Intellectual Property
The Right Time

Building the Lab

Ok to Fail

Opening the Market

As part of doing business, California accumulates volumes of data on everything from crime rates to charter school programs.Recognizing the potential for using that information to make better decisions and improve life for residents, the state has committed to creating open data portals. But without user-friendly applications that filter and present the information in meaningful ways, the value of that data remains largely locked up in dense spreadsheets and databases.Thats where the new California Innovation Lab comes in.The innovation lab is the first major initiative of the Office of Digital Innovation and Technology Engagement, an office announced in February thats aimed at driving innovation for the states Department of Technology.The lab is being billed as a tech habitat that will boost engagement and transparency by giving state employees and their partners a place to build, test and deploy open source technologies in a cost-effective and efficient way.This is a significant paradigm shift on how the state will approach technology in the future, said Scott Gregory, the state geographic information officer, who will manage the lab with a team of staffers. I truly believe that by providing an environment for us to start to experiment and develop using open source technology, were going to see incredible results.The lab will officially launch in mid-July, Gregory said. But work is underway now to establish policies, hire staff and build out the first two open source applications that will use available data to help the state operate in a more sustainable way.California may very well be the first state to launch an innovation lab, though Nicole Neditch, senior director of community engagement at Code for America, is confident it wont be the last.But for now, all eyes are on the state, with Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom anxious to see Californias government take up the mantle of innovation.By creating a shared space for testing and developing new open source solutions, Newsom said, I hope that this new office will spur a culture of innovation within state government and lead the nation in using technology to bring the government closer to the people.Theres more pressure on governments than ever to close the gap between their IT systems and the private sector, according to Dan Hon, who was formerly with Code for America and now runs a consulting business.The last decades recession didnt help. As government technology has been hollowed out over the years, Hon said, theyve concentrated on project management and procurement. That left little time or resources to innovate.The best and the brightest have been inventing the future in California for decades, said Newsom, whos been an advocate for advancing government technology and is running for governor in 2018. But here in Sacramento, just a few hours away from SiliconValley, government struggles to upgrade its digital infrastructure.Innovation has been thriving at the city and county levels. Theres San Franciscos business portal, for example, or Los Angeles project aimed at reducing accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.A major factor thats prevented that innovation from translating to the state is engagement, Neditch said, with citizens more connected to their local government.Scale is another factor, according to Hon. Where theres a smaller amount of money at play, he said, then its easier to take a risk with it.Many insiders saw the states approach in 2015 toward redesigning the child welfare case management system as a huge step in the right direction. Hon was on the team that helped overhaul that RFP process and said he was encouraged by the determination he saw.It feels like theres a lot of energy, Neditch said. Weve got a long way to go to catch government IT up to the rest of the world. But theres a shift thats happening nationally.Since announcing the lab, Gregory said state leaders have spent months developing policies and standards for how the program will work.Theyve also been staffing the lab. Gregory is hiring five new people, plus making minor changes to existing staff. He said interest has been very high, with applicants coming from outside the state and from new talent pools.Theyre even looking at ways to facilitate a virtual workforce, allowing contributors to telework to help attract more millennials, according to Chris Cruz, chief deputy director of operations at the Department of Technology.The lab will reside within CalCloud, a secure cloud platform for government services. And projects will be developed using OpenShift, a platform-as-a-service cloud product by Red Hat Enterprise Linux, according to Gregory.Its really going to help us drive toward a more open, agile application development focused on open source technologies, he said.The first application thats being developed in the lab is called Green Buyer, created during the states first code-a-thon in October. The state provided competitors with open data sets related to sustainability. Mike Philips and Zac Palins team won byusing that data to build a user-friendly app that helps workers and citizens better understand how many sustainable products departments buy each year.The state is also developing Smart Fleet, a green score card for the Department of General Services fleet management that came out of the code-a-thon, according to Gregory.Both of those applications should go live in late August, Gregory said. And more code-a-thons will be coming.The lab will be a platform for workers from different departments to come together to try to solve common problems, Gregory said.Once its officially open later this summer, he said, vendors interested in working with the lab will go through the normal process to procure state work. But rather than jump into traditional project mode, theyll enter a sandbox-style space where they can test and innovate.When they come into this innovation lab environment, theyll be able to provision a virtual machine, be able to choose the operating system they want to work on, be able to choose their network configuration, be able to choose the technologies they want to start to test and build  with ultimately the hope that theyll end up deploying these technologies, Gregory said.The lab will share code theyve developed, so state departments dont have to reinvent the wheel to tweak the application for a specific need. They plan to aggregate those developments on a GitHub page, which Gregory said should also go live this summer.Hon recommended that the team look for technology services that are coming up for an overhaul and already have money attached to them. Some might be programs that residents interact with directly. Others might be behind the scenes, in finding ways for state workers to do their jobs more efficiently.Regardless, when it comes to picking projects, both Neditch and Hon said they hope the state will focus on solving problems that will impact large numbers of citizens.Gregory agreed: Data and information becomes extremely important when it touches the lives of individuals. And thats our goal: to make that engagement of technology simple and meaningful and transparent and open.For an innovation lab to work, teams have to be given some freedom. That can be tricky, Hon pointed out, in a government environment thats known for extensive oversight.A lot of times we come into these things and we build applications and we always are afraid of failure, Gregory said. This is an area where we are allowed to because its a laboratory environment.That leads to the question of whether it is appropriate for state employees, whose salaries are paid by taxes, to spend time doing what some might argue is experimental work.I think theres a lot more failure that happens when you dont experiment, Neditch responded.Everyone has gotten used to government IT projects that take five years to complete, she said. And by the time theyre done, the system is already outdated.Id rather fail on a Post-it note or a simple Web application rolled out to a small group thats costing us a lot less money, Neditch said.The innovation lab will allow employees and partners to finish off open source code to deliver new applications that dont involve critical systems, said Cruz.Its really not costing us additional dollars, he said. Whereas how we do business today in a privatized way  where were out department by department, in a silo-basedmentality, procuring services for hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars  were not doing that here. Were starting out with free code and were repurposing that codeamongst the community. So the risk, I see, is not as great as compared to what we have in place today.Projects that come out of the innovation lab still might falter, Hon acknowledged. But its all about resiliency.We cannot necessarily reduce the amount of risk, he said. But the question is, how quickly can we recover our position and how costly will it be?Traditional state projects limit the vendor pool, Hon said, which can hinder competition and creativity. So one of his biggest hopes for the innovation lab is that it helps open state technology to smaller enterprises, including nonprofits and startups.For a long time, the private sector was afraid to touch government as a market, said Neditch. Finally, she said, it seems that door is cracking open.That doesnt mean theres no place for companies such as Deloitte and CGI, according to Hon, with some instances where massive, waterfall-style projects still make sense. Most of the states mainframes are still on IBM, for example.But its really valuable for the state to say, We dont just have to go to IBM anymore because weve broken this contract up into smaller parts, Hon said.Cruz said hes convening a vendor advisory council to get input on best practices, including recommendations for open source projects that will work well in the innovation lab.Were completely open to collaborating, Gregory said. So if there are open source solutions out there from companies and vendors that want to participate, by all means, there will be room in that sandbox to play.
Theres nothing like a good scare to make the state Legislature get religion. Open government is the religion we mean here. And the scare comes from the California Legislature Transparency Act, an initiative that appears to be headed for the November ballot.Republican activist Charles T. Munger Jr. and Sam Blakeslee, a former state senator, are the primary sponsors of the California Legislature Transparency Act, which would change the state constitution to require that all bills be available for public and legislative review at least 72 hours before theyre voted on; that all open proceedings of the Legislature must be recorded by the Legislature and those recordings be made available to the public, and that members of the public be allowed to record and broadcast or post on the internet recordings of any open Legislative proceeding.It would squeeze much of the secrecy out of the Legislature, especially those bills that have their contents replaced wholesale by something unrelated to the original subject  an insidious process known as gut-and-amend  and then get voted on before the public, or even legislators, can react.The idea that bills should be available for study for three days before theyre put to a vote in either house is one this Editorial Board has long advocated. State Sen. Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga, and Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, among others, for years have been putting forward bills to require such 72-hour publication, but their efforts have died at the hands of majority Democrats.But now that the CLTA will be put to voters rather than to self-interested legislators, Democrats are ramming through Senate Constitutional Amendment 14, by Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Vacaville, which passed the Senate last week, the Assembly Rules Committee Tuesday and Assembly Appropriations Wednesday. SCA 14 has provisions that parallel those in the CLTA, but are weaker, with more escape clauses.Why? Cynics might say its an attempt to keep the CLTA from becoming constitutional law, either by drawing more votes than that initiative in November or by confusing enough voters that both measures get rejected. Put us down as cynics.By way of comparison, the CLTA requires the Legislature to publish a bill online and to distribute a printed copy to members of the house in question 72 hours before a vote; SCA 14 requires only the online publication, which means, as Mr. Munger and Mr. Blakeslee pointed out in a letter to Sen. Wolk, legislation might be posted at 1 a.m., starting the clock when no one is looking. How many bills might be posted late on a Friday night, seeking the cover of a weekend?There are other important differences. The CLTA requires the Legislatures audiovisual recordings of its proceedings to be accessible on the internet and downloadable for 20 years; SCA 14 requires only that they be reasonably accessible, whatever that might mean. The CLTA grants a right to individuals to record legislative proceedings (except legitimately closed sessions) and to transmit them; SCA 14 grants only an authorization to make recordings, subject to reasonable restrictions, with no right to challenge those restrictions.Legislators should either drop their weaker, decoy initiative or write the stronger provisions of the CLTA into it  for true legislative transparency.
Under the leadership of the current Brazilian president, "in the Amazon alone, deforestation has nearly doubled since 2018," the British journal recalled. | Read More
Cinesite has been awarded vfx work on the new adaptation of Neil Gaimans American Gods for Starz. The award includes the series opener as well as work throughout the subsequent episodes.



The 10-episode series is being produced by FremantleMedia North America for release in 2017 by Starz. Bryan Fuller and Michael Green are the writers and showrunners, with David Slade set to direct the pilot and additional episodes.



The miniseries will be based on the book of the same name by Neil Gaiman, which was published in 2001 and won the 2002 Hugo, Nebula, Locus, SFX Magazine and Bram Stoker Awards, all for Best Novel.



The series posits a war brewing between old and new gods. The traditional gods of mythological roots from around the world are steadily losing believers to an upstart pantheon of gods reflecting societys modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs. The plot centres around Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), an ex-con who becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane), a conman, but in reality the Norse god Odin. Together, they embark on a cross-country mission to gather the forces of the old gods in preparation to battle the new deities.



Were really excited to get to work with Kevin Tod Haug (VFX Supervisor) with on this adaptation of Neil Gaimans much-loved novel with David and the team at Fremantle says Chloe Grysole, General Manager of Cinesite Montreal. This series will give us a chance to do some incredibly creative and visually stunning work and marks a return for us into the world of high-end television series.

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The Chairman of EVCOM, Steve Garvey, made the following statement on behalf of the UKs largest membership association for the live and visual communication industry.

EVCOM supports the strongest possible trade links with the European Union, regardless of the UKs membership of it. We urge the UK Government, the European Council and the European Commission to work closely and constructively towards an orderly exit for the UK from the EU.

The live and visual communication industry is significant, contributing approximately 2% of UK GDP. The success of EVCOM members in exporting to the EU and global markets is vital to the continued ability of our members to contribute to the success of the UK economy. Our members look to political leaders to provide stability, certainty and clarity at the earliest opportunity to support business decisions concerning investment, employment and international trade.

In particular we believe it is vital to continue to allow the free movement of people, capital, goods and services between the UK and the rest of Europe. While the UK will remain a member of the EU for some time, it is essential that our members are able to deliver events and produce screen content in the EU after the Brexit process is completed.

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Vietnam took market share of EU trade away from other Southeast Asian nations last year, a trend that might continue after it concluded a free-trade agreement with the regional bloc.

In 2014, Vietnam passed its neighboring countries to become the largest exporter to the US, more than the traditional workshops like Thailand and Malaysia.

Vietnam took advantage of the trend of moving manufacturing operations in Asia in the context of rising labor costs in China to attract investment from corporations such as Samsung Electronics.

Although trade between the EU and Singapore, which is still the EUs largest partner in Southeast Asia, increased last year, its market share in the total value of trade decreased from 25.1% to 24.1%.

Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia also lost their market share to Vietnam

Currently Vietnam is the second country in the ASEAN signing a free trade agreement with the EU. Telephone, electronic products, footwear, clothes and coffee are its main exports to the EU.

The total trade turnover between the EU and ASEAN increased by 12% last year. According to the EU data, trade turnover between China and the EU rose to $520.8 billion in 2015, more than double that of ASEAN.

Vietnam accounted for 19.1 percent of the 201.4 billion euros (US$227 billion) in total trade between the EU and members of ASEAN last year. That figure is up from 15.8 percent in 2014, according to data from the EU delegation in Singapore.

Vietnam is one of the growing markets and weve seen a very positive development with our trade relationship with that country. That growth coupled with the finalization of the free trade pact points to a dynamic trade relationship in the future, Michael Pulch, EU ambassador to Singapore said on June 15.

EU aims at Vietnam and Singapore in a business initiative to expose small and medium-sized companies in Europe to opportunities in Southeast Asia.

The EU will support the promotion of meetings between companies in the two regions in a variety of industries  from water, food to other beverages.

Signs of Vietnams trade prominence are growing: In 2014, the nation overtook its ASEAN neighbors to become the biggest exporter to the US, powering ahead of traditional manufacturing hubs such as Thailand and Malaysia. Vietnam has capitalized on shifting production patterns in Asia as labor costs in China rise.

While EU trade with Singapore, which is still the blocs biggest partner in Southeast Asia, increased last year, its market share of total trade fell to 24.1 percent from 25.1 percent. Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia also lost market share to Vietnam.

Vietnam is the second nation in ASEAN after Singapore that the EU has concluded a free-trade pact with. Exports from Vietnam to the EU are dominated by telephones, electronic products, footwear, clothing and coffee.

Vietnam has also matured into demanding more advanced technologies, which Europe is still a key provider of.
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are considering a VND122-billion (US$5.35 million) proposal to fully repair Binh Tay, the 88-year-old market in Vietnam's biggest Chinatown which has been deteriorating.

More than 1,000 shops at the market would be temporarily relocated, and their owners are already contributing to the repair fund, Tuoi Tre newspaper said citing the plan submitted by District 6.

The facelift has been promised without compromising the architecture of Binh Tay, it said.

Built in 1928 by a rice trader who hailed from China, the 25,000-square-meter market is appreciated for its Chinese architectural style that is vividly reflected in its bagua- shaped design.

The bagua is a Chinese religious motif that incorporates eight trigrams such as the sky, fire and wind and the trigrams are arranged octagonally around the circle denoting the yin and yang.
Taiwans Wei Yu Engineering Company has sought licenses from the central province of Ha Tinh to build a US$1 billion livestock farming and food processing complex and a $1.5 billion wharf.

The farming project would have 16 pig, chicken and vegetable farming zones and food processing plants, news website VnExpress reported.

The other involves construction of five wharves at Vung Ang Port.

The two will require a combined 1,000 hectares in the Vung Ang Economic Zone.

Ha Tinh authorities have asked Wei Yu Engineering about its financial plans and expected economic benefits from the projects.
Vietnam's rice exports in 2016 could fall 13.2 percent from a year earlier to 5.7 million tonnes as supply was dampened by drought and salination, a government news website reported on Friday.

Rice exports in January-June by Vietnam, the world's third-biggest exporter of the grain after India and Thailand, is seen down 8.4 percent annually at 2.73 million tons, the website quoted the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) as saying.

The annual estimate is lower than the association's earlier forecast of 6.5 million tons as Vietnam suffers from its worst drought in 90 years that dragged the country's economic growth last quarter to the lowest in two years.

A farm ministry official urged farmers to boost production to make up for supply losses in the previous crop, while future demand from key markets like China, Philippines and Indonesia is seen solid, the report said.

Vietnam exported 2.3 tonnes of rice in the first six months of 2016, almost the same as the corresponding period a year ago, government data showed.
I ate dog just once, and it was an accident. A Chinese scrap-metal dealer with whom I'm friendly invited me to a fancy hotpot restaurant in Chongqing. As the waitress delivered bowl after bowl of dunkable vegetables and raw meats for cooking at our table, I pointed to one and asked: "What's this?" My friend's answer, in heavily accented English, sounded like "duck." It tasted like a meaty hair ball.

As the magnitude of my mistake sank in, I thought of Yulin, the southern Chinese town infamous for its annual dog meat and lychee festival, which opens this week. In recent years, the festival has become synonymous with animal cruelty, attracting celebrity outrage from the likes of Ricky Gervais and Leona Lewis. But it's also emblematic of a larger failure -- one that my unintentional experiment instantly brought to mind.

For years, scandals have been undermining confidence in China's food supply, ranging from plasticizer in baby formula to "poisonous fake mutton" sold to (gulp) hotpot restaurants. In 2014, authorities shut down a decade-old, nationwide ring that had been selling some 70,000 diseased pigs a year to underground slaughterhouses.

The dog meat trade offers a vivid example of why these problems are so persistent. Visitors to Yulin's festival have witnessed dogs being slaughtered on streets or in filthy abattoirs. Many of the animals were likely strays or kidnapped, raising serious concerns about disease. Some may have even had rabies. And yet thousands will be consumed over the 10 days of the festival.

That may sound shocking. But with few qualified food inspectors, and plenty of more mainstream worries, regulators aren't in any hurry to crack down, especially in regions where dog eating is acceptable and contributes to local coffers.

The story is much the same at wet markets across China, whether the animal is a dog or a duck. Despite the best intentions of officials in Beijing, the vast scale of China's agricultural sector -- with hundreds of millions of farmers -- makes it difficult to monitor. And its economic importance means that local governments are keen to protect it, no matter how abhorrent the practices. Two years ago, I watched as chicken vendors at a Shanghai-area poultry market were tipped off to a bird flu-related culling and simply fled with their animals.

Even when regulators have tried to crack down, vendors have wised up. The dog meat industry now cleverly advertises itself as a collection of modern, large-scale breeding operations -- even though one study found that those breeders tend to be fronts for unsanitary home operators. Their shady counterparts in the pork business have set up similar schemes.

The results are depressing but not surprising: The dog meat festivals continue, food scandals persist and China's leaders acknowledge that they have a long, long way to go.

It's not all bad news, however. For one thing, dog meat, never all that popular in China, is becoming less so by the year. Chinese consumers are also increasingly health conscious and willing to spend more for quality food. In time, market forces could have as much of an impact as an army of regulators.

Dog lovers, too, have reasons for optimism. In 2009, the government issued a draft animal welfare law. Although it hasn't yet passed, its mere existence is a remarkable step for a country that was largely agrarian only a generation ago. More humane butchering will, in time, lead to safer butchering.

Meanwhile, my friend hasn't forgotten the look on my face as I unwittingly consumed my one and only bite of dog. "It's not for everyone," he told me recently. "But I'm sorry."

Adam Minter is an American writer based in Asia, where he covers politics, culture, business and junk. He is the author of "Junkyard Planet: Travels in the Billion Dollar Trash Trade," a bestselling and critically acclaimed account of his decade writing and reporting in the world's scrap yards.
Thanh Hoa Obstetrics Hospital where two baby girls were given to wrong parents four years ago. Photo: Le Hoang/VnExpress

Two couples in Da Nang city and Thanh Hoa Province who thought they have been living happily with their own infant daughters for the last four years discovered recently that their babies had been switched in the hospital after delivery.

They both had daughters through a C-section at Thanh Hoa Obstetrics Hospital on October 6, 2012, and one couple moved to Da Nang.

The Da Nang couple said they sought a DNA test as they realized that the more their daughter grew up the less she looked like either of them.

The test results confirmed their suspicion and so they traveled back to the Thanh Hoa hospital early this month.

They looked up all baby girls born the same day and, with the hospitals documents and DNA samples, found their real daughter was living with the Thanh Hoa couple.

Both families agreed to swap their daughters.

They said the children have not shown any adverse psychological signs in the few days since the switch.

A hospital spokesperson admitted to news website VnExpress that medical staff had mistakenly changed the babies four years ago.

The hospital is negotiating with the families over compensation.

The province health department has begun an investigation to identify the persons responsible.
Three suspects caught by Quang Tri border guards with 79.3 kilograms of TNT explosives. Photo: Manh Hung

Border guards in the central province of Quang Tri on Thursday night caught three people smuggling 79.3 kilograms of explosives.

The suspects, a 21-year-old woman and two men aged 41 and 57, were riding a motorbike, carrying three bags of TNT explosives near La Lay Border Gate.

The trio said they were transporting the explosives to illegal gold miners in the area and the neighboring province of Thua Thien-Hue.
Nguyen Thi Mai Hanh with her daughters Ta Thi Thu Trang (L) and Ta Thi Thu Van (R). A recent DNA test confirmed Hanh's concern that nurses had given Trang to her by mistake 42 years ago. Photo courtesy of the family

Nguyen Thi Mai Hanh went to a DNA testing center in Hanoi one day last autumn without telling anyone in her family.

After the tests were done, the 64-year-old sat outside, waiting for the result, butterflies in her stomach.

The door opened and a paper was handed to her. One look at it and she passed out.

I was praying she would be my daughter, Hanh told Thanh Nien amid sobs.

But the DNA test confirmed her decades-long fear that nurses at a Hanoi obstetrics center had given her the wrong baby girl 42 years ago.

The 32 baby

Hanh is the mother of four children.

After she gave birth to her third on October 10, 1974, she was weak and so the nurses let her rest.

When a nurse came with a baby 12 hours later, she immediately feared there was a mistake because the baby had number 32 written on its feet while her baby's number had been 33.

The nurse told her the number must have become blurred and looked like 32 after the baby had a bath.

Since there were no other babies born on the day, she had to accept baby number 32.

The nurses insisted the baby was mine. But in my heart, I knew they were wrong.

My mother's instinct told me that my baby was somewhere else.

She and her husband returned to the center three days later, hoping someone would show up wanting to exchange babies, but that did not happen.

The couple named the baby Ta Thi Thu Trang.

Ta Thi Thu Trang (L) in an old family photo with Nguyen Thi Mai Hanh, her husband and their other three children.

They chose not to share their concerns with anyone.

The more she grew up, the more she seemed different from all of my other children: her face, her actions, Hanh said.

She raised the child amid whispers that she was the result of a love affair.

The urge to shield Trang from public criticism somehow made her love her even more than the other children, she said.

Her husband, who died 12 years ago, had told her to let it go because their family was happy no matter what.

But eventually she decided she had to know the truth.

She told Trang a couple days after the test on her 41st birthday on October 10, 2015, and Trang cried for three days.

The lost child

Ta Thi Thu Trang and her youngest daughter at their house in Hanoi. Photo: Le Nam

Trang and her husband sell noodle soup in the same house she herself grew up to raise their three children.

She remembers being teased often about being the odd one out in the family and Hanh protecting her every time.

She remembers one time when Hanh took her to visit some relatives. One of them told her that she might be a neighbor's child because she looked different. Hanh grabbed her by the hand and took her out of the house immediately.

I saw her cry.

Trang said she was her parents favorite child and dearly loved by her brother and sisters.

Even in my wildest dreams, I never thought I was not of their blood.

But after knowing the truth, her feelings are mixed.

I feel sorry for myself for not knowing my origin. Who am I really? Where are my real parents? Are they still alive?

And I feel sad for my mom. She has gone through a lot to raise me up.

The family has spent the past few months searching for Hanhs real daughter and Trangs parents.

They have spread the message on Facebook and run ads in several newspapers.

They have visited the obstetrics center, now located at 12 Le Truc in Dong Da District, but the staff said the documents from that time have been lost.

The Hanoi police and health authorities have stepped in to help with the search.

A health official said the task is difficult because the people working at the center at that time are now very old or deceased.

Ta Thi Thu Van, Hanhs eldest child, said whatever happens Trang would remain a beloved member of the family.

It has been like that for more than 40 years, and nothing will change.
A fisherman in front of the Don Sahong cofferdam in Laos. Photo credit: International Rivers

Construction work on the Don Sahong Dam in Laos is progressing at a rapid pace, amid urgent questions about its impacts on the food security and livelihoods of those near the site as well as up and downstream the Mekong River, according to International Rivers.

Reports from the ground show that the Hou Sahong Channel, which is crucial to seasonal fish migration, is completely blocked, the environmental advocacy group said in a statement.

It said the developers have not released any evidence to show that proposed mitigation measures to enable fish passage through the area will be effective.

June is a critical time for fish migration, but with the Hou Sahong Channel blocked, the future of fishery resources and the livelihoods of fishing communities are in peril.

Local communities depend on this period for a significant amount of their annual income from fishing, Pianporn Deetes, International Rivers Thailand campaigns director, told Thanh Nien News.

However with construction of the Don Sahong Dam, communities in Siphandone and across the Mekong Basin are now living in a state of uncertainty and fear over their future.

Lack of agreement

In early January, the government of Laos held a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the cofferdam project.

This announcement followed months of silence on the status of the Mekong River Commissions (MRC) Prior Consultation procedure. During Prior Consultation, the four lower Mekong governments were unable to reach agreement on how to proceed with the dam.

Six months into the process, the governments of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam all requested an extension to Prior Consultation and called for further studies, including a Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment.

There is no evidence that the requested studies have been carried out and no information as to whether and how the concerns of neighboring countries have been addressed.

The MRCs Technical Review of the Don Sahong Dam, published in February 2015, also underscores the ambiguity surrounding the proposed mitigation measures, which are critical to the projects success, according to International Rivers.

'The project should not proceed'



Last week, the United Nations Special Procedures echoed concerns over the impacts of the Don Sahong Dam in a report to the UN Human Rights Council.

The report highlights the projects potential violations of local peoples rights to adequate food and housing, information and participation, and the rights of indigenous people.

The Special Procedures requested responses to these concerns directly from Mega First Corporation Berhad, the governments of Laos and Malaysia and from the Mekong River Commission. They have not received any replies.

Maureen Harris, International Rivers Southeast Asia program director, said construction of the Don Sahong Dam should be immediately suspended in order to address the outstanding concerns of Mekong governments and communities, which include the need for a transboundary impact assessment and transparency on the studies conducted so far.

The project should not proceed until the developer is able to prove that the Don Sahong Dam will not cause significant harm to the Mekong Rivers rich fisheries and the millions of people that depend on them.
Police in Tokyo on Wednesday arrested a Vietnamese man suspected of sexually assaulting many Japanese women on the street.

Pham Minh Toan, 23, was arrested as police suspected he was involved in at least eight assault incidents this year, according to Tokyo Reporter.

The report said in one case on May 26, Toan allegedly approached a woman in her 20s from behind, pushed her down, ripped her stockings and touched her.

She was injured and only recovered after two weeks.

Toan admitted to touching the woman but told the police that she fell on her own, the report said.

He is studying Japanese at a vocational school.
A man carries a EU flag, after Britain voted to leave the European Union, outside Downing Street in London, Britain June 24, 2016.

Britain's shock vote to leave the European Union - the first time a member state has chosen to pull out - sends the post-World War Two unification process that has underpinned peace and prosperity on the continent into reverse.

The loss of Europe's second biggest economy and one of its two main military powers triggered a scramble to shore up the remaining 27-nation bloc, amid a rising tide of eurosceptic populism, rather than any radical move towards closer union.

Britain's vote plunges the EU into its third major crisis of the decade after the euro zone debt turmoil that began in Greece and last year's influx of a million migrants and refugees.

Despite months of seesawing opinion polls, few in the top echelons in Brussels, Berlin or Paris had believed voters would ultimately risk a so-called Brexit.

British exit negotiations could be long and divisive, with Germany and northern allies keen to keep London as close as possible to the EU market while others, notably France, may seek a tough line to discourage further fragmentation.

So the priority for the governments and institutions at the heart of the EU will be to negotiate a smooth divorce and prevent contagion.

"Europe will continue but it must react and rediscover the confidence of its peoples," French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault tweeted in a first reaction. "It's urgent."

While financial markets react instantly to shocks such as Brexit, the deeper impact on economies takes time to show. The International Monetary Fund has said Brexit could leave Britain's economy more than five percent smaller by 2019 than if it stayed in the bloc. The vote has added to uncertainty over the global economy.

The exit process is also unclear. Article 50 of the EU treaty, which sets out how a state can leave the bloc, offers little detail. Although it provides for a two-year withdrawal, many say it will take longer and some fear the process will become bitter, disrupting European affairs across the board.

Anti-EU nationalists around Europe, energized by the British Leave campaign that took on and defeated the political and business establishment, are already demanding their own referendums on EU membership or on whether to abandon the euro.

Angry public mood

Poland's Europe minister, Konrad Szymanski, a member of a eurosceptic nationalist government that has clashed with Brussels over the rule of law since it was elected last year, said the EU risked losing more members if it did not reform.

EU diplomats point to Denmark, the Netherlands and possibly France as states where political pressure for a British-style vote will be strongest, but they see no chain reaction of other countries voting to secede.

Continental governments are likely to reject calls for plebiscites, but they all face a similar angry public mood, fueled by fear of globalization, falling living standards for many poorer workers and anxiety over immigration.

Those same forces have propelled outspoken billionaire Donald Trump to the brink of the Republican nomination for the U.S. presidential election. Trump applauded the result, saying Britons "took back control of their country". Most other U.S. leaders had warned Brexit would weaken Europe and undermine Washington's interests in the region.

Calls for the European Union to do less, and to focus on essentials, have already begun. But there is little agreement on what those essentials should be.

Since its inception, and especially since France rejected a European defense community in 1954, European unity has been a political project promoted through economic interdependence.

"Europe advances in disguise," Jacques Delors, the architect of the EU's single market and common currency, famously said.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the EU should be reformed to concentrate on the economy. Others in France and Germany want to see it do more to control Europe's external borders and manage migration to address citizens' concerns.

Yet migration policy is deeply divisive.

On behalf of the 27 leaders I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27." -- European Council President Donald Tusk

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who defied Brussels by shutting out migrants, plans a referendum in October to reject EU policy of sharing out quotas of asylum seekers stranded in Greece and Italy.

Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party whose rise prompted Prime Minister David Cameron to call the plebiscite, gloated that the EU was now "dying" and said he hoped this was "the first step towards a Europe of sovereign nations".

Plunging support for EU

EU leaders set out to rebut such notions. European Council President Donald Tusk, the man who chairs the bloc's summits, declared: "On behalf of the 27 leaders I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27."

Quoting the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, he added: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

But they are also aware of plunging public support for the EU in most member countries.

An anti-immigration eurosceptic came within a whisker of winning Austria's presidency last month, and eurosceptics in the Netherlands and Denmark have won referendums against aspects of EU policy in recent months.

The British vote is a far more dramatic blow and will prompt soul searching and conflicting reflexes about the way ahead.

"This is a bad day for the European dream," said former European commissioner Pascal Lamy, the Frenchman who was right-hand man to Delors in the 1980s and 1990s.

Britain had always been the most semi-detached of EU members. It acceded belatedly in 1973 after shunning the foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community in the 1950s. And it never joined the euro or the Schengen zone of passport-free travel.

Yet it has wielded strong influence as the most free-market country and the bloc's main financial center, and its departure is bound to sap the EU's self-confidence and change the power dynamics among remaining members.

With Britain gone, Berlin faces a much more difficult life as EU's reluctant hegemon.

For four decades, Europe has been steered by a balance among German political federalism, France's tradition of a state-led economy, and Britain's economic liberalism and free-trading.

With Britain gone

With Britain gone, Berlin faces a much more difficult life as the bloc's reluctant hegemon, with an economically weak French partner and a group of southern countries that want it to underwrite their debts and their banks' deposits.

There are several potential areas for battles among the remaining EU countries: what terms to give a departing Britain, whether to deepen euro area integration and how to respond to the widespread loss of public confidence.

Britain has been the strongest supporter of a free trade and investment partnership under negotiation with the United States, which could become a collateral casualty of Brexit, given public opposition in Germany and Austria as well as France.

The eight other countries outside the euro zone - including Sweden, Denmark and Poland - have lost their strongest ally in London and will be a weaker minority in the EU.

"Brexit will oblige some countries to take a decision. They can't stay one foot in and one foot out," former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta told Reuters, citing the four central European countries that form the so-called Visegrad group, as well as Denmark and Sweden.

Letta said the 19-nation euro zone must move forward as the core of "ever closer union". That vision sends a chill through Warsaw and Prague.

For now, differences between Germany and France, which both hold elections next year, are too wide to permit an early initiative to deepen the monetary union.

But European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker insisted Brexit was not the beginning of the end for the bloc.

Answering that question from a reporter in Brussels, Juncker replied simply, "No." This drew applause from EU officials in the room as Juncker left after taking just two questions.
A photo shot and tweeted from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. House Rep. Katherine Clark shows Democratic members of the House staging a sit-in on the House floor ''to demand action on common sense gun legislation'' on Capitol Hill in Washington, United States, June 22, 2016. U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark/Handout via Reuters.

A blackout of television cameras in the U.S. House Representatives during the Democrats' gun control sit-in may have spurred public interest in the protest as it forced the demonstrators to use social media to broadcast their message.

Democrats leapt on Facebook Live and Twitter's Periscope after the cameras, controlled by the House, went dark Wednesday when presiding House officer and Republican Representative Ted Poe declared the chamber not in order during the protest.

As Democrats took to alternative forms of video broadcasting, their message gained tremendous momentum from social media. On Twitter, the hashtags #NoBillNoBreak and #HoldTheFloor have been tweeted at least 1.4 million times.

Of the roughly 20 members of Congress who remained at the sit-in overnight, 19 of them used Facebook Live for a total combined viewership of 3 million.

It really connected with people out there, Congressman Scott Peters told Reuters. "This whole phenomenon with [live video] struck a nerve."

Peters used the application Periscope, which is connected to the social media platform Twitter, to send out video.

Without that, think about it, it would have been a caucus meeting where we talk to ourselves," he added.

In remarks Wednesday outside the Capitol, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi praised how her party harnessed social media.

"Without you and without the technology of Periscope [the sit-in] would just be a debate in the Halls of Congress unrecorded because they turned off the microphones," Pelosi said. "But we raised our voices. They turned off the cameras and we went to Periscope."

Congressman Mark Takano, who began posting live videos from the chamber to his Facebook page Wednesday afternoon and continued to throughout the night, said the social media video helped him connect with constituents.

"Once I got started with the live streaming I didnt feel like I could let down the people who were following me, said Takano. It was a way to push out a message.

Even C-SPAN, which typically broadcasts footage recorded by the House cameras, picked up live video from four different members of Congress roughly two hours after the House cameras shut down, according to communications director Howard Mortman. It marked the first time the channel broadcast a live social media feed from the House floor.

"Something interesting is happening with Facebook Live that's bringing more openness to the political process," said Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, in a post to his social media profile Thursday.

"It's a way to share anything you want with the world using just your phone."
Dutch far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders sits in a courtroom of the courthouse in Schiphol, the Netherlands March 18, 2016.

Dutch anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders called on Friday for a referendum on the Netherlands' membership in the European Union after Britain voted to leave the 28-member bloc.

Wilders, who is leading opinion polls, said if he is elected prime minister in March general elections in the Netherlands he too will call a referendum.

We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy," he said in a statement.

"As quickly as possible the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union."

A survey by a television channel Een Vandaag this week found that 54 percent of the people in the Netherlands, a founding EU member, want a referendum.

Dutch voters have twice voiced strong anti-EU sentiment at the polls, most recently in April when a vast majority rejected the Ukraine-EU treaty in a nonbinding referendum. [A5N162015]

"It is time for a new start, relying on our own strength and sovereignty. Also in the Netherlands," Wilders said.

"If I become prime minister, there will be a referendum in the Netherlands on leaving the European Union as well. Let the Dutch people decide.
Two activists with the EU flag and Union Jack painted on their faces kiss each other in front of Brandenburg Gate to protest against the British exit from the European Union, in Berlin, Germany, June 19, 2016. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke/File Photo

Britain's bitterly contested referendum on whether to quit the European Union was too close to call on Friday as early results showed a deeply divided nation while the pound was hammered on financial markets.

Bookmakers adjusted their odds to reflect an even chance of a 'Brexit' as the Leave camp grabbed an early lead, before results from Glasgow and parts of London helped the Remain side to inch ahead as a nail-biting national count proceeded.

With results declared from 103 of 382 voting districts plus parts of Northern Ireland, Remain was ahead by 50.6 percent to 49.4 in the referendum, in which a vote to break with Europe could usher in deep uncertainty over trade and investment and fuel the rise of anti-EU movements across the continent.

Initial results suggested those in favor of quitting the EU were outperforming pollsters' expectations. They scored close to 70 percent of the vote in Hartlepool in northeast England and in Basildon, near London.

It was not clear whether an expected pro-EU vote in the capital would be sufficient to redress the balance.

A workers counts ballots after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in Islington.

"I think this could be extremely close. There is a disaffected vote," said John McDonnell, finance spokesman for the opposition Labour Party, which had favored a vote to Remain.

"People are concerned about how they have been treated with austerity and how their wages have been frozen for about seven years. A lots of people's grievances have come out and we have got to start listening to them."

Sterling swung wildly, initially rising on expectations of a Remain win but then tumbling by nearly 10 cents. It later trimmed some of its losses but was still three percent down on the day by 0200 GMT.

"Markets are very nervy at the moment," said Joe Rundle, head of trading at ETX Capital in London. "If Leave wins there will be carnage for cable," he said, referring to the sterling/dollar exchange rate.

Prime Minister David Cameron had urged Britons to vote Remain, warning that the alternative was a leap in the dark that would hurt trade and investment, bring about a self-inflicted recession, undermine the pound and push up shopping bills and the cost of holidays.

Advocates of going it alone said a 'Brexit' would invigorate the economy by freeing business from suffocating EU bureaucracy, and allow the country to recover its sovereignty and regain control of immigration.

Britain's 27 EU partners are anxiously watching the vote, fearing the departure of the bloc's second biggest economy would weaken Europe's global clout and fuel the rise of eurosceptic movements in other countries.

Ralph Brinkhaus, a senior ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, told Reuters: "The released polls show the expected neck-and-neck race. It will remain exciting until the early morning hours. I hope that the British have decided against a Brexit."

Plunging pound



Financial markets had initially been reassured by opinion polls showing a likely win for 'Remain', and by comments from prominent anti-EU campaigners that they expected to lose.

Nigel Farage, head of the UK Independence Party, told Sky News as voting ended: "It's been an extraordinary referendum campaign, turnout looks to be exceptionally high and looks like Remain will edge it."

Farage said his prediction was based on "what I know from some of my friends in the financial markets who have done some big polling". Government minister Theresa Villiers, who also campaigned for Britain to leave, told Sky her instinct was that the Remain side had won.

Opinion polls put Remain in the lead by margins of 52-48 or 54-46 percent. The surveys, and Farage's comments, pushed the pound to its highest level this year, above $1.50, but it then plunged on the early results.

Workers begin counting ballots after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, June 23, 2016.

Professor Vernon Bogdanor, a politics expert who tutored Cameron at Oxford University, told BBC television there was a possibility that Leave would win.

"One can't deny it's a real kick to the British establishment because all three party leaders have favored a Remain vote, business on the whole favored a Remain vote, the financial leaders have favored a Remain vote. The people have not taken their advice," he said.

Immigration angst

A vote to leave would send decades of European integration into reverse, marking the first time an independent nation has broken away. It would threaten to open further cracks in a grouping already reeling from successive crises over Greek debt and a mass influx of refugees from Syria and elsewhere.

A vote to stay would leave the EU intact, with its most free-market proponent still a member. However, what began as a domestic political gambit by Cameron has polarized the country and exposed wider challenges facing Europe: public angst over immigration and the falling living standards of many in the world's richest region.

Marred by the murder of a pro-EU UK politician, Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed in the street a week ago, the campaign and its divisive rhetoric highlighted the populist wave also seeping into the U.S. election race.

A defiant Farage said he was not conceding defeat, even though he feared the result would go against him.

"I hope I am wrong, I hope I am made a fool of, believing that to be the case. Either way, whether I am right or wrong, if we do stay part of this union it is doomed, it is finished anyway. If we fail tonight it will not be us that knocks out the first brick from the wall, it will be someone else," he said.If it votes to stay, Britain has been promised a special status exempting it from any further political integration, but European leaders will still have to address a sharp rise in euroscepticism across the continent.

A Brexit vote, however, would deal a potentially fatal blow to the career of Cameron, who called the referendum and campaigned for the country to stay in, against a Leave camp led by rivals from within his own Conservative Party.

"Thank you everyone who voted to keep Britain stronger, safer and better off in Europe - and to the thousands of Remain campaigners around the UK," Cameron said on Facebook.

In a letter, 84 eurosceptic Conservative lawmakers called on Cameron to remain prime minister regardless of the result. It marked the first attempt to heal the deep rifts that have opened up in the ruling party since the start of the campaign.

The signatories included prominent Leave campaigners Boris Johnson, the former mayor of London, and Michael Gove, a cabinet minister and personal friend of Cameron.

But despite the statement of loyalty, Cameron would face huge pressure from the country at large to step down as prime minister if Britons have defied him and voted to leave.

Weather disruption

Results are due to be announced throughout the night.

The vote came on a day when London and parts of southeast England were hit by torrential rain, causing floods and widespread transport chaos.

Five London polling stations opened late as staff struggled to get there, and two closed briefly because of flooding but were re-opened in back-up locations. Local media reported some voters had to wade through water to reach a polling station.

"In London/southeast and want to vote in the #EURef? Make sure you plan now to get back to your local polling station by 10pm!" the Electoral Commission said during the evening on Twitter as commuters struggled with train cancellations.

Among those affected was Johnson, who cast his vote with just 25 minutes to spare after returning to the capital from his daughter's graduation in Scotland.

"Let's see, let's see. It's in the hands of the people now," he said when asked how he felt about the vote.
Britons voted in a referendum on Thursday to leave the European Union. Following are answers to key questions on what will happen next in Britain's relations with the bloc:

1. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

The EU is in shock and entering uncharted territory. No member state has ever left and Article 50 of the EU treaty, which sets out how a state can exit the bloc, offers little detail. Although it provides a sketchy legal framework for a two-year period of withdrawal (see below), many fear the process can quickly become acrimonious, disrupting the economy and European affairs across the board.

Cameron has said he will notify the Union "immediately" that Britain is leaving by invoking Article 50. But it is not clear how quickly Britain will set that two-year clock ticking and the EU itself cannot, officials believe, trigger the process itself.

Having lost, Cameron faces huge pressure from his divided Conservative party to resign, although he should remain premier until the party elects a successor. Pro-Brexit potential successors may try to prevent him launching the departure process right away. EU leaders have hoped Cameron might deliver formal notice when they meet him at a summit on Tuesday but many seem willing to give Britain several weeks to get organized.

Some Brexit campaigners have suggested Britain should wait before triggering Article 50 to give more time for negotiation, possibly even to win better EU membership terms or to secure a deal to retain British access to EU markets once it has left.

EU leaders have ruled out further talks on membership -- "Leave means leave," they say -- and many want a quick, two-year divorce while negotiating terms for a future, arms-length relationship may take much longer. However, major EU powers appear keen to see as orderly a transition as possible to a new relationship. That could involve Article 50 negotiations being extended beyond two years to allow time for a broader deal. But such an extension requires the consent of all 28 member states, and reaching that unanimity could be problematic.

A deal Cameron struck with EU leaders in February to curb immigration, protect London finance interests from the euro zone and opt out of "ever closer union" is killed by the referendum.

If no treaty is agreed, EU law simply ceases to apply to Britain two years after it gives formal notice it is leaving.

Until a departure treaty is signed -- which requires assent from Britain and a majority of the remaining 27 states weighted by population -- Britain remains, in principle, a full member of the EU but will be excluded from discussions affecting its exit terms. In practice, many expect British ministers and lawmakers to be rapidly frozen out of much of the Union's affairs.

Some Brexit campaigners have also said Britain should act more quickly, for example to stop funding the EU budget or curb immigration from EU states. That could provoke EU reprisals.

"The Article 50 process is a divorce: who gets the house, who gets the kids, who gets the bank accounts," a senior EU official said, referring to priorities such as settling the EU budget and the status of Britons living in other EU states and of EU citizens in Britain -- several million people in total.

Failing to stick to Article 50 would be "messy divorce territory", the official told Reuters: "It is spouses, instead of working through lawyers, throwing dishes at each other."

An array of laws and EU entitlements will cease to apply to British business and citizens, creating what Brexit campaigners say will be opportunities for more growth and more selective immigration but which Cameron has said will do long-term damage to the economy and Britain's global influence.

New trade barriers would hurt both sides' economies. But the EU fears a political "domino effect" would cost more long-term.

2. WHAT'S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?

European Parliament leaders meet at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT).

European Council President Donald Tusk, who will chair the summit next week and has spoken to all the leaders in the days before the vote, will deliver a statement in the name of the Council, the EU's governing body, once the result is official.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU chief executive, hosts Tusk and European Parliament President Martin Schulz at his Berlaymont headquarters in Brussels at 10:30 a.m. (0830 GMT). Also present will be Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose government holds the rotating EU presidency.

Look for a mantra of Three Rs: Regret - at losing nearly a fifth of the EU economy and more of its military and global clout; Respect - for the will of the British people; and Resolve - to keep the rest of the Union together. Leaders will also remind Britain that it remains a full member for the time being.

Foreign ministers are gathering for a regular meeting in Luxembourg. The German and French foreign ministers will meet counterparts from the other four EU founders -- Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. All the bloc's ministers will discuss the vote over lunch from 1 p.m.

Tusk has plans, as yet unconfirmed, to fly to key capitals, Rome, Berlin and Paris over the weekend to discuss the next steps. Foreign ministers of the founding six may meet in Berlin on Saturday. EU envoys meet in Brussels on Sunday and Juncker may bring forward to Sunday from Monday a meeting of the 28 members of the Commission. French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel meet in Berlin on Monday.

Britain's commissioner, close Cameron ally Jonathan Hill, faces being stripped of his sensitive portfolio overseeing banks and financial services. He may choose to resign. That would allow a new British premier to appoint someone else to the Commission, albeit for a limited period until Britain leaves.

Some euro zone finance ministers have said they may meet at the weekend, though Eurogroup officials say there are no plans.

EU leaders meet in Brussels for a 24-hour summit starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. EU officials expect Cameron to report on the vote and what Britain will do next, then go home that evening.

Leaders may agree to meet again in July.

3. WHAT IS ARTICLE 50?

This 261-word section of the Lisbon Treaty has the following key phrases:

- A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention ... The Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union.

- It shall be concluded ... by the Council, acting by a qualified majority.

- The Treaties shall cease to apply to the State in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after the notification ... unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.

- The member of the European Council or of the Council representing the withdrawing Member State shall not participate in the discussions ... or in decisions concerning it.

4. WHERE DOES THE EU GO FROM HERE?

The Union needs quickly to fill a 7-billion-euro hole in its 145-billion-euro annual budget, which is currently fixed out to 2020, as it loses Britain's contributions while saving on what Britons receive from EU accounts.

The EU will also want to clarify as quickly as possible the status of firms and individuals currently using their EU rights to trade, work and live on either side of a new UK-EU frontier.

Britain is likely give up its six-month presidency of EU ministerial councils, due to start in July next year. Its place may be filled by Estonia or, possibly Malta or Croatia.

EU leaders may push for a quick show of unity on holding the bloc together in the face of eurosceptics inspired by the result in Britain -- including National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who leads polls for next April's French presidential election.

Divisions between Berlin and Paris on managing the euro zone probably rule out a big move on that front before both hold elections in 2017. Closer EU defense cooperation, without skeptical Britain, may be revived. A major EU security policy review is already on the summit agenda as is a new push to tighten control on irregular immigration from Africa.

Many leaders caution against alienating voters by moving too fast on integration, which they say has alienated voters. Summit chair Tusk wants to launch a formal process of reflection on where the Union has failed to connect with people.

5. SO WHAT CHANGES?

In principle, nothing changes immediately. Britons remain EU citizens and business continues as before. In practice, many believe trade, investment and political decisions will quickly anticipate British departure from the bloc. The EU could also face a Britain breaking apart if europhile Scots make another push for independence and seek to join the EU on their own.

There is a "Brussels consensus" that Britain must be made an example of for leaving and will face a chilly future, cast out to perhaps talk its way back later into some kind of trade access in return for concessions such as free migration from inside the bloc and contributions to the EU budget - things which Brexit voters want to end but which the likes of Norway and Switzerland have accepted in varying forms.

However, cautious diplomats do not rule out surprise turns.
Marites Flor, seen after she was released by Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants in Jolo, on the southern Phlippine island of Mindanao, on June 24, 2016

A Filipina hostage released by southern Philippine militants on Friday broke down in tears as she recounted how her Canadian boyfriend had been beheaded a week earlier.

Marites Flor was abducted in September by Abu Sayyaf militants, along with three others, two of whom -- Flor's partner Robert Hall and fellow Canadian John Ridsdel -- were killed.

Flor cried as she recounted how the kidnappers led away Hall to be beheaded after a ransom deadline lapsed last week. Ridsdel had been killed in April.

"It was painful to see them so happy before they did the beheading. They just put handcuffs on him and took him out," she said.

The four were seized in September aboard yachts at a tourist resort on Samal island, about 500 kilometres (300 miles) to the west of Sulu, known as a hideout of the militants.

On Friday, Flor was dropped off at dawn outside the house of a local politician on Sulu, provincial police chief Wilfredo Cayat told AFP.

Incoming Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he and his aides were "able to negotiate" for her release.

Duterte says he is currently trying to secure the release of the fourth hostage, Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad.

Philippine military patrol a highway in Indanan town, Sulu province, on the southern island of Mindanao.

"Hopefully, God willing, the Norwegian will be freed soon," the firebrand politician -- who has vowed to crack down on crime -- said in a speech from his hometown of Davao, with Flor beside him.

Indonesian sailors kidnapped

Flor was released the same day Jakarta announced that seven Indonesian sailors had been kidnapped at sea off the southern Philippines, in waters where Abu Sayyaf is known to operate.

Following the announcement Jakarta banned any Indonesian-flagged vessels from sailing to the Philippines.

"This hijacking issue is a serious matter and cannot be tolerated anymore," senior transport ministry official A. Tonny Budiono said in a statement.

It's not yet clear how significantly trade will be affected by the ban, but it could severely disrupt a major flow of goods from Southeast Asia's largest economy -- including natural resources like coal -- to the Philippines.

Philippine authorities told AFP they were working to verify the report but a local analyst said it was likely Abu Sayyaf was behind the abduction.

Earlier this year the group kidnapped 14 Indonesian sailors, holding them in their stronghold in the southern Philippines. They were later freed but there was no information on whether a ransom was paid.

The defence ministers of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed this week to consider coordinated steps including possible joint patrols to tackle a wave of seaborne crime in the Sulu and Celebes seas, which together form a key waterway among the three countries.

The Abu Sayyaf is a loose network of a few hundred Islamic militants formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network that has earned millions of dollars from kidnappings-for-ransom.

It is a radical offshoot of a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines that has claimed more than 100,000 lives.

Although Abu Sayyaf's leaders have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, analysts say they are more focused on their lucrative kidnappings-for-ransom than setting up an Islamic caliphate.
Italy Prime Minister Matteo Renzi gestures as he talks during a news conference at Chigi Palace in Rome, Italy June 20, 2016.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Friday called for the European Union to change direction following Britain's vote to leave the bloc.

"We have to change it to make it more human and more just, but Europe is our home, it's our future," Renzi said in a tweet.

During the morning, Renzi spoke with French President Francois Hollande by telephone, sources in the prime minister's office said. Global financial markets plunged after referendum results showed a near 52-48 percent split for leaving.
Migrants in a dinghy reach out towards Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) rescuers on board of the MOAS ship Topaz Responder around 20 nautical miles off the coast of Libya, June 23, 2016.

Ship crews pulled more than 2,000 migrants from overcrowded boats in the Mediterranean on Friday, Italy's coastguard said, as people smugglers stepped up operations during two consecutive days of good weather.

More than 7,100 people have now been plucked from international waters since Thursday, many of them on the dangerous journey from Libya.

Europe's worst immigration crisis since World War Two is in its third year, and there has been little sign of any let up of the flow of people coming from North African to Italy since last year.

A cultural mediator from Italian NGO EMERGENCY carries a migrant baby on board of the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) rescue ship Topaz Responder around 20 nautical miles off the coast of Libya, June 23, 2016.

Ships belonging to Doctors without Borders, Migrant Offshore Aid Station, Italy's navy, the EU's border agency Frontex, and the bloc's anti-people-smuggling mission Sophia, all helped take the migrants off nine boats on Friday.

About 60,000 boat migrants have been brought to Italy so far this year, according to the Interior Ministry.
A second Scottish independence referendum is "highly likely", First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday, raising the prospect that the United Kingdom could tear itself apart after voting to leave the European Union.

Scotland, a nation of five million people, voted decisively to stay in the EU by 62 to 38 percent in a referendum on Thursday, putting it at odds with the United Kingdom as a whole, which voted 52-48 in favor of an exit from the EU, or Brexit.

"As things stand, Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against her will. I regard that as democratically unacceptable," Sturgeon told a news conference in Edinburgh.

"I think an independence referendum is now highly likely."

A vote for independence would end the 300-year-old union between Scotland and England, its far bigger southern neighbor, dealing a body blow to the United Kingdom at a time when it is likely to still be dealing with the complex fallout from Brexit.

It would also transform the political landscape in the rump of the United Kingdom by making it much harder for Labour, the main opposition to the ruling Conservatives, to win power in London, as the party has relied on Scottish votes in the past.

Scots rejected independence by 55 to 45 percent in a 2014 referendum, but since then Sturgeon's pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) has become much more powerful.

EU membership was one of the key issues in 2014, with those campaigning for Scotland to stick with the United Kingdom arguing that an independent Scotland would not be able to remain a member of the bloc.

Sturgeon said many Scots who had voted against independence for that reason were now re-assessing their decision.

"I intend to take all possible steps and explore all options to give effect to how people in Scotland voted (on Thursday), in other words to secure our continuing place in the EU and in the single market," she said.

Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who are the main opposition force in Edinburgh politics, said she did not believe a second independence referendum would help Scotland achieve stability or be in the best interests of its people.

"The 1.6 million votes cast in this (EU) referendum in favor of 'remain' do not wipe away the 2 million votes that we cast less than two years ago (to stay in the UK)," she said.

Independence before Brexit?

The SNP holds massive sway, however. It won all but three of Scotland's 59 seats in the national parliament in London in a general election last year, and holds 63 seats in the devolved parliament in Edinburgh to 31 for Davidson's Conservatives.

Nevertheless, calling a new independence vote would not be straightforward and the SNP, tempered by caution since Sturgeon took over as leader from firebrand Alex Salmond, would want to first be sure that it would win.

Where the last independence campaign fell down is widely considered to be the economic argument. An independent Scotland would, it was projected at the time, stick with its old currency, Britain's pound, with national finances underpinned by an oil price then over $100 but now roughly half that level.

Sturgeon would have to build a robust economic independence strategy to convince those who in 2014 were emotionally inclined to leave the UK but voted to stay in because of the economics.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, who called the EU referendum and campaigned for a "Remain" vote, announced after the result on Friday that he would resign by the autumn.

He said he would leave it to his successor to decide when to trigger article 50, the mechanism by which an EU member can leave the bloc. There would then be a two-year window for Britain to negotiate the terms of its exit and execute it.

Sturgeon said Scotland "must have the option" to hold an independence referendum within that timescale -- much sooner than anyone had thought possible before the vote for Brexit.

As well as bringing further turmoil to the rest of the United Kingdom, Scottish independence would also be likely to cause political headaches for the 27 remaining EU members.

Some European politicians were quick to suggest that an independent Scotland should be welcomed into the fold.

"Europe is open to new member states. That is totally clear," said Manfred Weber, leader of the largest bloc of lawmakers in the European parliament.

Geert Bourgeois, separatist president of the Belgian region of Flanders, said Scotland should be admitted as a full member without delay.

"It would be quite Kafkaesque, if there were a part of the country that wanted to stay in the EU, if the EU turned around and made them join the back of the queue," he said.

But the government in Madrid, for one, is unlikely to take such a benign view given that it faces a strong separatist movement in Catalonia, which like Scotland is pro-EU.
Dutch far-right Party for Freedom leader Geert Wilders answers questions during a Reuters interview in Budapest after Britain voted to leave the EU.

Britain's vote to leave the European Union fired up populist eurosceptic parties across the continent on Friday, giving fresh voice to their calls to leave the bloc or its euro currency.

Right-wing and anti-immigrant parties in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France demanded referendums on membership of the union, while Italy's 5-Star movement said it would pursue its own proposal for a vote on the euro.

Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch anti-immigrant PVV party, said he would make a Dutch referendum on EU membership a central theme of his campaign to become prime minister in next year's parliamentary election.

"I congratulate the British people for beating the political elite in both London and Brussels and I think we can do the same," Wilders told Reuters. "We should have a referendum about a 'Nexit' as soon as possible."

On Thursday, Britons voted to leave the 28-nation EU, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.

"There is no future any more (for the EU)," Wilders said.

France's far right National Front party also called for a French referendum on European Union membership, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda.

Party leader Marine Le Pen celebrated the result by displaying the British flag on her Twitter page.

France's far-right National Front political party leader Marine Le Pen, talks next to Northern League leader Matteo Salvini during a news conference at the end of the "Europe of Nations and Freedom" meeting in Milan, January 29, 2016.

"Victory for freedom!" she said. "We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries." Her deputy, Florian Philippot said: "Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit."

Le Pen said last month that if she won next year's French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU.

She is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the vote, although polls see her losing the run-off.

Analysts and a few FN officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy was partly to blame for holding the party back in the past. But the Brexit vote could help it overcome this, Ifop pollster's analyst Frederic Dabi said.

"Our turn"

The populist anti-immigration Danish People's Party (DF), an ally of Denmark's right-leaning government, also called for a referendum on membership of the European Union.

"I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have it now," DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl said.

Danish People's Party (DF) leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl is pictured giving thumbs-up in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 18, 2015.

The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance.

Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a "slimmer EU".

In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats, which has the support of around 17 percent of voters according to a poll last month, said it would step up pressure for change.

"We demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum," party leader Jimme Akesson said.

Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) called for the heads of the European Commission and European Parliament to resign after the Brexit vote, and said it may also call for a referendum unless the EU is reformed.

Italy's second most popular party, the opposition 5-Star Movement described the result as a lesson in democracy and promised to pursue its own proposal for an Italian referendum on the euro.

The party, considered a genuine contender for government at the next general election, wants Italy to hold a "consultative" or non-binding referendum on whether to remain in the euro zone.

"Whether you like it or not the British people have chosen," said lower house deputy Alessandro Di Battista, a member of 5-Star's leadership committee.

The right-wing Northern League, a member of Italy's opposition center-right, was more outspoken. "Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn," party leader Matteo Salvini said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss Chinas plans for reviving the ancient Silk Road trade route to Europe during talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing this weekend. Russias finding its own road to better trade ties with its neighbor isnt running entirely smoothly.

Joint projects are losing momentum and trade between the two countries is declining as Russia struggles with its longest recession in two decades. While Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov says a solid package of agreements and commercial projects will be signed during Putins visit, there wont be anything approaching the huge energy deals of past meetings with Xi.

Its impossible to sign super-sized agreements at each summit, Ushakov told reporters in Moscow on Wednesday. The most important thing is to start to implement them.

Squeezed by the crash in oil prices and U.S. and European sanctions over the Ukrainian conflict, Russias looking east to try to expand trade with China, its biggest single partner, as its economy suffers a second year of recession. Putins eager to show that sanctions havent left Russia isolated by fostering economic, military and diplomatic ties with China, even as he also reaches out to other powers including India and Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told Putin that relations between their countries are developing rapidly after he snubbed a U.S. appeal not to make a rare bilateral visit by a Group of Seven leader to Russia in May.

Putin, Xi

Putin and Xi meet on June 25 to discuss energy, transport infrastructure, aircraft construction and rocket production, Ushakov said. Theyll discuss integrating planned trade and transport corridors under the Silk Road initiative with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union of former Soviet states. Rosneft PJSC Chief Executive Officer Igor Sechin and Gazprom PJSC CEO Alexey Miller will join Putins delegation, he said.

More than 50 agreements are being worked on, Ushakov said, declining to provide details. The Silk Road talks seek to develop a new level of partnership, which means building a common economic space on the whole Eurasian continent.

Putins pivot to China initially brought tie-ups involving Russias biggest state-run energy companies, with the $270-billion oil supply deal agreed on by Rosneft in 2013 and a $400-billion natural gas contract clinched by Gazprom in 2014. Most of the framework accords on energy signed in the past two years havent led to firm contracts, however.

Sanctions fear

One exception was a $12-billion loan agreement signed by the Arctic Yamal LNG project and Chinese lenders in April after almost two years of talks. Chinese companies also got minority stakes in some mining projects.

Chinese investments are starting to flow into Russian agriculture, which is shielded from some competition by Putins ban on food imports from Europe and the U.S. in retaliation for the sanctions.

The Chinese take a long time to decide, Boris Titov, chairman of the Russian-Chinese Committee of Peace, Friendship and Development, said by e-mail. All the big banks are afraid of how sanctions may affect them, since theyre part of the international payments system.

Medium-sized Chinese companies are entering Russia in fields such as engineering and agriculture with encouragement from the government in Beijing, though theyre treading very carefully because theyre concerned about the business climate, said Titov, who will be part of Putins delegation.

Trade decline

Russias trade with China fell by 26 percent in 2015 to $68 billion amid lower oil prices and a weaker ruble, leaving the countries far off their target of $100 billion. China is grappling with its slowest growth in 25 years amid weakening trade, rising debt and capital outflows that have spurred unease after the worlds second-largest economy missed its 2015 target for expansion.

Russias considering selling a 19.5 percent stake in Rosneft to Chinese and Indian investors in a deal that could raise at least 700 billion rubles ($10.9 billion) as Putin seeks to narrow the budget deficit and meet spending commitments before his possible re-election bid in 2018. Indias expanding its presence in Russia with state-run Oil & Natural Gas Corp. and a consortium of smaller producers buying 49.9 percent in Rosnefts Vankorneft unit, one of Russias largest crude suppliers. Rosneft had been in talks with China on a stake in the company.

Reliable partner

Gazprom planned to follow its first contract with China with another 30-year deal in 2014 to deliver gas from western Siberia. Its still working on that project, which may be discussed during this visit, the company said. Gazprom reached a framework agreement on a third gas-pipeline route from Russias Far East when Putin visited Beijing last September and plans a memorandum of understanding this time on gas-storage facilities and gas-fired power generation in China, Vedomosti reported Wednesday. Gazprom declined to comment.

Financial relations arent developing as quickly as Russia expected. The Finance Ministry intended to sell bonds of about 6 billion yuan ($912 million) this year to develop ties with the Chinese market, but now says it isnt sure China will complete all the technical preparations in time.

Difficulties in the global economy had an impact on our collaboration, leading to a certain drop in the total trade, and we are convinced it is a temporary phenomenon, Putin told Chinas Xinhua news service in an interview published Thursday. Russia and China are developing a comprehensive partnership, said Putin, who called Xi a very good friend and a reliable partner.

Cooperation with China remains promising, Ushakov said. There is no doubt that the level and depth of cooperation will increase.
Russian prosecutors have launched a criminal case against Nikita Belykh, the governor of the Kirov region, who was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe in a Moscow restaurant, the Investigative Committee's spokesman said on Friday.

There is no political subtext to the case against Belykh, who is accused of taking a bribe of 400,000 euros ($444,240), Vladimir Markin, the spokesman, said in a statement.

Belykh has been critical of the Kremlin and was formerly leader of a liberal opposition party.
Sinn Fein politician and Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness attends a general election count at the Royal Dublin Society centre in Dublin, Ireland February 27, 2016.

Northern Ireland's deputy leader Martin McGuinness called on Friday for a vote to unite the two sides of the Irish border as stocks tumbled in the economic and political fallout from Britain's decision to quit the EU.

Ireland has the EU's fastest-growing economy but also more to lose from Brexit than any other member state, with far-reaching implications for its trade, economy, security of energy supplies and peace in British-ruled Northern Ireland.

After 56 percent of Northern Irish voters sought to remain in the EU compared to the 52 percent of the United Kingdom as a whole who voted to leave, Sinn Fein's McGuinness demanded that London call a referendum on a united Ireland.

"The British government now has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the North in any future negotiations with the European Union and I do believe that there is a democratic imperative for a 'border poll' to be held," McGuinness told national Irish broadcaster RTE.

"The implications for all of us on the island of Ireland are absolutely massive. This could have very profound implications for our economy (in Northern Ireland)."

The call from Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland's largest Irish nationalist party, was rebuffed by pro-British First Minister Arlene Foster and Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who said there were much more serious issues to deal with.

Kenny called an emergency cabinet meeting shortly after the result and afterwards published a plan his government had prepared in advance, listing actions it would take over trade, investment, British-Irish relations and Northern Ireland.

"Unambiguously negative"

Ireland's central bank had warned that a withdrawal would hurt economic growth and jobs and significantly impact the financial sector, while a government-commissioned report found it could cut trade with Britain by at least 20 percent.

Irish banks, whose exposure to the UK accounts for around 21 percent of total assets, led the Irish stock market eight percent lower, with shares in Bank of Ireland and permanent tsb down 25 percent and 21 percent down at 1345 GMT.

Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers Ryanair, building materials group Kingspan and packaging producer Smurfit Kappa also fell sharply. The local bourse was down by as much as 16 percent earlier on Friday.

The yield on Ireland's benchmark 10-year bonds was marginally higher at a near record low 0.84 percent. The country's debt agency said its funding position was strong with limited financing needs for the rest of the year and through the first half of 2017.

The cost of insuring exposure to Irish government debt nearly doubled on Friday, surging to the highest level in nearly 2-1/2 years.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan, who earlier this week said an estimated cumulative Brexit-related hit on the Irish economy of as much as 1.6 percent of GDP would be "containable", said the outcome would not derail his immediate budget plans.

"There is nothing catastrophic for Irish fiscal policy on the horizon," Noonan told national broadcaster RTE with the caveat that the hit to economic growth could limit his budget plans beyond 2018.

Investec Ireland said it will likely cut its GDP forecasts for 2016 and 2017 that are currently in line with government predictions of 5 and 4 percent, calling the referendum result "unambiguously negative" for the Irish economy.

Davy Stockbrokers said that while it did not think a Brexit will be sufficient to push Ireland into recession, it could lower growth by 1 to 2 percent in both years.

Ratings agency S&P said Brexit had no immediate impact on Ireland's sovereign ratings and it expected the Irish economy to stay resilient enough to withstand the negative impacts.

Brexit may not be all bad for Ireland, and Noonan said there may be some upside if companies keen to stay in the EU moved to Dublin from London. The contingency plan calls for marketing efforts to be intensified in sectors like financial services for firms wanting to be based in the EU.

Border controls

But of most concern to Dublin is the impact on Northern Ireland, which has the only land frontier between the UK and the rest of the EU. It was marked by military checkpoints until a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian violence.

Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan told Reuters this week that the reintroduction of a hard border would have to be considered in any negotiation and that the return of controls, for customs or security, could pose a difficult challenge for the peace process.

The dismantling of military border posts was a key aspect of the peace deal between Catholic nationalists seeking a united Ireland and Protestant unionists who wanted to keep Northern Ireland British. Over 3,600 died in the conflict.

Kenny said Ireland would do its utmost to keep the country's decades-old common travel area with Britain. His plan says that options for possible customs and excise controls, including the role of modern technology, would be analyzed with a view to minimizing trade restrictions.
Protesters depicting Statue of Liberty (L) and Europa on the bull take part in a demonstration against Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) free trade agreement ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit in Hannover, Germany April 23, 2016. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Britain's looming exit from the European Union is another huge setback for negotiations on a massive U.S.-EU free trade deal that were already stalled by deeply entrenched differences and growing anti-trade sentiment on both continents.

The historic divorce launched by Thursday's vote will almost certainly further delay substantial progress in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) talks as the remaining 27 EU states sort out their own new relationship with Britain, trade experts said on Friday.

With French and German officials increasingly voicing skepticism about TTIP's chances for success, the United Kingdom's departure from the deal could sink hopes of a deal before President Barack Obama leaves office in January.

"This is yet another reason why TTIP will likely be postponed," said Heather Conley, European program director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington.

"But to be honest, TTIP isn't going anywhere, I believe, before 2018 at the earliest," she said.

Both the U.S. Trade Representative's Office and the trade office of the European Commission, the EU's executive body, declined to comment on the implications of the "Brexit" vote.

TTIP negotiators are still expected to meet in Brussels in mid-July as scheduled, but those talks were aimed at focusing on less controversial issues while leaving the thorniest disagreements for U.S. and EU political leaders to resolve. And it is unclear when Britain will launch formal separation proceedings, which will take at least two years.

But analysts said both sides have been reluctant to put their best offers on the table with a new U.S. president due to take office in January and French and German leadership elections nearing in 2017.

The Brexit also will preoccupy EU officials in coming months as they launch their own negotiations with London over the future terms of UK-EU trade, and sort out their post-Brexit priorities, said Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, director of the European Centre for International Political Economy, a Brussels-based think tank.

Britain's departure could leave U.S. negotiators facing a European side that is more dug-in on some issues, said Chad Bown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a think tank in Washington.

"As the UK is part of the coalition of liberal trading economies in the EU, the U.S. is losing one of the more like-minded countries from the group in Brussels sitting on the other side of the negotiating table," said Bown, a former World Bank economist.

However, Lee-Makiyama, who also sees little chance of a deal before 2018, said Britain's departure could eliminate one source of disagreement because the UK has insisted on a financial services chapter in the trade deal.

"The only real proponent of banking regulation in TTIP is the UK. Germany and France are probably willing to let it go," he said. "It still leaves about 20 outstanding issues at nearly the same level of difficulty."

The TTIP negotiations, which started three years ago, have unable to settle major differences over agriculture, where the EU side has shown little willingness to alter food safety rules that prohibit American beef raised with hormones or genetically modified foods, or open its closely guarded geographical food naming rules, such as for Asiago and feta cheeses.

European negotiators have complained that the United States has offered too little to open up its vast federal, state and local government procurement markets to European vendors with "Buy American" preferences in place.

Europe also wants access to key U.S. sectors such as maritime transport and aviation, while American negotiators have been frustrated over lack of access to some 200 European sectors ranging from healthcare to education.

The two sides also are far apart on how to resolve disputes. The U.S. side favors a traditional binding arbitration approach, while the Europeans want a court-like system that allows for appeals.

More progress has been made on harmonizing regulations for things like car seat belt anchors, clothes labeling and pharmaceutical inspections.
A fighter of Syria's Manbij military council fires a weapon on June 15, 2016 on the outskirts of the northern Syrian town of Manbij

US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters advanced Thursday into the Islamic State jihadist group's bastion of Manbij in northern Syria, sparking fierce street fighting as they push to take the city.

Backed by air strikes by the US-led coalition bombing IS in Syria and Iraq, fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance entered Manbij from the south, a monitoring group said.

The advance marked a major breakthrough in the battle for Manbij, once a key link on the supply route between the Turkish border and IS's de facto Syrian capital of Raqa.

The loss of the city would deal another blow to IS following a string of recent battlefield defeats, including the taking by Iraqi forces earlier this month of the centre of the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

On the humanitarian front, the United Nations said it would begin flying desperately needed aid from Damascus to the northeastern city of Qamishli, which has been inaccessible by road for more than two years.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said SDF forces were able to break through IS defences in Manbij a few hours after taking control of a village on the city's southwestern outskirts.

Director Rami Abdel Rahman said clashes and air strikes around Manbij were ongoing late Thursday.

An SDF commander at the front told AFP that IS fighters were using car bombs and other explosives to try to slow the assault.

"Our forces, in coordination with the coalition, are determined to advance inside the city and eliminate all Daesh fighters," he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

230 coalition strikes

Abdel Rahman said tens of thousands of civilians were trapped inside the city, though some 8,000 had been able to flee since the start of the SDF offensive on Manbij on May 31.

He said six civilians including a child were killed Thursday by a mine as they tried to flee the city, which had a population of about 120,000 before the start of Syria's civil war in 2011.

The SDF managed to encircle the city on June 10 but its advance slowed as IS fought back, including with almost daily suicide bombings.

At least 63 SDF fighters and 458 jihadists have been killed since the start of the offensive, according to the Observatory.

The jihadists have held Manbij since 2014, the year IS seized control of large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq and declared its "caliphate".

The US-led coalition of Western and Arab states launched air raids against IS in both countries the same year and in recent months has stepped up support for ground forces like the SDF.

A statement from US Central Command said the coalition had carried out 73 strikes in the Manbij area last week and a total of 233 since the assault began.

The coalition on Thursday said Thursday that the SDF had yet to penetrate the centre of Manbij.

British Major General Doug Chalmers told reporters that SDF forces were in "the outer element of the city rather than the city proper".

Formed in October 2015, the 25,000-strong SDF is dominated by the powerful Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) but includes an Arab contingent of around 5,000 fighters.

Airlift planned

The Manbij assault has coincided with another offensive launched by Syrian regime forces against IS in its stronghold province of Raqa.

Three Russian soldiers supporting regime troops in the area were seriously wounded on Tuesday when their vehicle hit a landmine, the Observatory said, adding that they were recovered by Russian forces.

However, the foreign ministry in Moscow said all its soldiers were "alive, in good health and in their barracks".

Syria's conflict began five years ago with the brutal repression of anti-government demonstrations. It has killed more than 280,000 people and displaced millions.

The UN on Thursday said it planned to fly in humanitarian aid to the cut-off city of Qamishli, near the Turkish border.

"We have run out of meaningful means to reach people over land," the UN's humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Yacoub El Hillo, told reporters.

He said the airlift "will bring life-saving assistance to a very large number of people".

Qamishli lies in Hasakeh governorate, which can only be reached by road in Syria by driving through the IS-held provinces of Raqa and Deir Ezzor.

Russia and the United States launched a major effort last year to bring about peace talks between the government and rebel forces, but the negotiations faltered and a partial truce announced in February has all but collapsed.

Clashes have been especially intense in and around Syria's second city of Aleppo, where the Observatory said six people including a child died Thursday in rebel shelling of pro-regime neighbourhoods.

And seven civilians, including two children, died in regime air strikes on rebel-held eastern neighbourhoods, the monitor added.
Two Canberra Girls Grammar students have stardom in their sights after being accepted to audition for the new season of X Factor.

Year ten students Chelsea Bonanno, 16, and Maria Tsiokantas, 15, put in an application for the reality TV series back in April, and were invited to audition in Sydney at the beginning of May.

Year 10 students Maria Tsiokantas 15, and Chelsea Bonanno 16, have made it through to the live auditions round on X Factor Australia. Credit:Jamila Toderas

They wowed the producers and made it through to another round of auditions the same day, but then had an agonising six-week wait to hear anything.

"It was last week they called us and said, 'congratulations you're through to the live auditions' and we were so excited," said Bonanno.
A confident bet by the sharemarkets that Britain would remain in the European Union quickly turned sour, leading the ASX to post its worst day since August last year.

A strong performance in sharemarkets and riskier assets such as the Australian dollar overnight indicated the market had all but etched in a victory for the Remain camp in Britain's referendum on EU membership.

As the results were drip fed to the markets shortly after polls closed at 7am AEST and the likelihood of a victory for the Leave camp emerged, sharemarkets around the region sold off heavily.
But I do care about the isolationist small-mindedness that seems to have driven the Brexit vote; the shrinking vision, the reduced hearts and minds of what was once a rather grand outward-looking nation. The danger, as many have commented, is that it gives heart to similar xenophobic, anti-globalisation types.

It's of minor importance to Australia, worth only a couple of percentage points of our exports. If the Poms want to shoot themselves in their economic foot by withdrawing from a powerful trade bloc, I don't care.

The same populist forces that swung the British public - that demonise migrants and, especially, refugees, that push a myth of a smaller, protectionist future being better  are at work here and more broadly in the world. That's a worry.

Leave won the day. Credit:Bloomberg

Many of the protagonists know no better. They are people with minds closed to the reality of the world being made a better place by maximising engagement, by welcoming differences and enlargement. There are others, the worst of them, happy to exploit ignorance for their short-term advantage. It sells newspapers. It can win an election. It can give an aspirant power.

The ignorant still view the interactions of nations as zero-sum games. They don't grasp that globalisation is a win-win process, that the sum of our individual nations is indeed greater than the parts. They are blind to the lessons of post-WW2 Europe and the post-Cold War world as greater internationalism was embraced across trade and human movement.

The lack of confidence in a nation's ability to absorb migrants, to compete in a wider world, is a little sad. In the end, that's what Brexit was really about.
Add to this the likelihood of political turmoil at home. Cameron, in effect, has just lost a national vote of confidence. It's doubtful he can remain as prime minister. Most members of Parliament - Labour and Conservative alike - were supporters of the Remain campaign. What confidence does the electorate any longer have in them? Scotland has supported remaining in the EU, so demands for Scottish independence might surge anew. This vote will shake the UK to its foundations.

It's a momentous choice - and not in a good way. The immediate risk to Britain's economy is grave, because the vote creates enormous uncertainty. This is likely to persist for months, until it becomes clear what kind of new trading rules will govern Britain's economic relationship with Europe and the rest of the world.

This was never supposed to happen. Three years ago, when UK Prime Minister David Cameron promised his country a referendum on remaining a member of the European Union, he was sure of victory. The country had other ideas. On Thursday Britain voted to quit.

It may shake the European Union almost as badly. Britain is only one EU member, but among the biggest and most influential. The first country to leave the union in this fashion, it will now resolve to prove that exit works. If, against the odds, it succeeds, other EU members could be tempted to do the same.

Britain has made its choice. It's a momentous one with big consequences. Credit:Matthew Horwood

Anti-EU sentiment is not confined to Britain. In 10 EU countries recently polled by the Pew Research Center, the union is viewed unfavourably by roughly one in two citizens. A median of 42 per cent want powers returned to national governments, versus 19 per cent who want more transferred to the EU. Today, the union is less popular in France than it is in Britain. An election is approaching in Spain, as is a referendum on constitutional reform in Italy. The shock of Brexit is sure to reverberate.

There'll be time later for blame -- and there's plenty to go around. For the moment, amid all the uncertainty, the priority must be to restore calm. This means rowing back from the rhetorical excesses of the campaigns, with each side predicting doom if the other had its way. Instead, so far as possible, the emphasis should be on continuity over discontinuity.

As Britain prepares to leave the EU, it will seek and should quickly be promised access to Europe's market on friendly terms, akin to those enjoyed by Norway and Switzerland. This is a matter of compelling mutual interest. To make this possible, the UK will have to accede to an array of EU rules and regulations, with details to be decided. In coming to this new accommodation, neither side should take a maximalist position. After the bogus certitudes of the referendum debate, a spirit of compromise is called for.
All jokes aside, it's hard not to feel sorry for Scott Morrison.

It must be tough backing a doomed cause. A cause so doomed that, even though you must know on some rational level that it will fail, and that soon gay couples will be clogging up chapels and bickering over bomboniere, you nonetheless feel compelled to engage in the world's most hectically-expensive and inconvenient delaying tactic: a plebiscite.

It's like when your kid won't go to sleep and keeps insisting he "needs" a glass of water. Except  because this is the Coalition's conservative wing we're talking about and not a recalcitrant four-year-old, although you'd be forgiven for not always noticing the difference  this delaying tactic means the entire citizenry is obliged to haul itself off the couch and into a polling booth to formalise what the majority of them think anyway. To wit (and I paraphrase): "If you want to get married, good luck to you. Now can I get back to my couch?"

Oh, and it will cost us $160 million.
The ramifications of an unprecedented exit from the EU are largely unknown for those who polled in favour of Brexit in the UK on Friday.

But, for me, one thing about the future of Britain is clear.

It will take a long time for it to get out from under the dark cloud caused by this ugly, divisive debate.

In the weeks leading up to the vote I saw nothing but a Britain filled with hate - spurred by political campaigns punctuated with lies, overt racism and poisonous rhetoric.
Swing voters tend to be low-information voters. But when veteran pollster Peter Hart convened a group of 11 "blue-collar and economically struggling" voters from suburban Pittsburgh, in research for the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, it seemed that Donald Trump's campaign messages had pierced the fog.

"He speaks my language," said one participant in the more than two-hour discussion expertly guided by Hart on Tuesday.

A majority of the group favoured a temporary ban on immigration by Muslims, though one participant did point out that there is no way to discern who is, and is not, a Muslim. A slightly slimmer majority supported building a wall on the Mexican border, and plenty of hands also went up to support deporting 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US, though a barrage of qualifications soon followed, suggesting few were eager to see the theory of deportation rendered into reality.

On the whole, the group gave the impression of citizens at sea, troubled by the economy, frustrated by politics and unclear exactly what powers are shaping their world and to what end.
A Hollywood movie starring Australian Kodi Smit-McPhee has been caught up in an animal rights drama over the slaughtering of bison.

Production of The Solutrean is being investigated over allegations that five bison were killed for scene that takes place after a hunt in contravention of American Humane Association regulations.

Smit-McPhee, most recently seen in Gallipoli and X-Men: Apocalypse, stars in what is described, in echoes of The Revenant, as an Ice Age epic set 20,000 years ago about surviving dangerous conditions to get home after a hunting expedition goes bad.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has left open the possibility of Labor doing a deals with key independents like Nick Xenophon if the party wins enough seats to form a minority government.

After gaining traction with warnings over the future of Medicare - branded a "dishonest scare campaign" by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull - ALP strategists believe the election could be closer than has previously been expected.

But it remains unlikely that Labor could pick up the 21 seats it needs to win outright, with a hung Parliament its best-case scenario at this stage.
Australia's peak lawyer group is calling on government agencies and company lawyers to raise the number of women barristers they brief to represent them in court to narrow the gender gap at the bar.

The Law Council of Australia will on Friday unveil its "equitable briefing" policy, which for the first time sets a national target that aims for women barristers to be briefed in at least 30 per cent of all matters, and paid 30 per cent of all brief fees by 2020.

Former president of the Victorian Bar Association Fiona McLeod, SC, says the bar is among the worst professions for unequal pay. Credit:Roger Cummins

One of Australia's most senior female barristers, Fiona McLeod, SC, said the bar was among the worst professions for unequal pay, due in part to the lack of opportunities for women to work on more expensive cases, despite their experience.

Ms McLeod said that the same pool of barristers may be being briefed out of "habit", while unconscious bias also played a role.
There was corresponding pain for equities with tens of billions wiped off sharemarkets around the world. In Australia alone, the ASX200 finished the day $50 billion or 3.2 per cent lower, as investors braced for the volatility to come.

The British pound fell to its lowest level against the US dollar since 1985.

But in the immortal words of the late, great Douglas Adams, DON'T PANIC.

Instead use it as an opportunity to review your portfolio. Don't buy gold because of Brexit, but you might end up buying gold as a defence against the next Brexit or unexpected geopolitical event. Some fund managers argue the election of Donald Trump as US president is a significant investment risk.

"Gold has been one of the strongest performing assets all year," Eliseo says. "It hasn't just been rising as a result of Brexit, it's one of the great event hedges out there. When there's a geopolitical shock gold tends to do well, as well as other safe-haven assets such as the [US] dollar and bonds."
Mick Gatto has complained that in an article titled "Judge bribes, military arms sought: the Mafia's alleged Australian operations", Fairfax suggested that he is associated with illegal cannabis transportation. Fairfax acknowledges that Mr Gatto has not been charged with or found guilty of drug trafficking. If the article suggested association with drugs, Fairfax apologises.
Activists have climbed onto the roof of Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's office to send a message about climate change and the Great Barrier Reef.

Two protesters unfurled a banner reading "Dump Dutton and the climate action blockers" on Friday as part of a series of organised moves throughout the week.

Protesters hold banners outside Peter Dutton's electorate office in Strathpine. Credit:350.org

They left disappointed not to have been able to enter the Immigration Minister's Dickson electorate office, in Strathpine, north of Brisbane.

Protester Lesley Hughes, from Clear Mountain in the electorate's south, said the 50 or so activists were looking to draw publicity to climate change and its impact on the Great Barrier Reef, which has suffered the greatest bleaching event ever recorded.
Ballarat is set to host White Night for the first time in 2017, joining cities such as Paris, Sao Paulo and Melbourne.

Tourism and Major Events Minister John Eren made the announcement on Friday at the Mining Exchange, which will glitter from dusk to dawn in March next year for the world-famous festival.

Artwork by The Pitcha Makin Fellas and OCUBO is projected onto the Royal Exhibition Building as part of this year's White Night Melbourne. Credit:Getty Images

Producer David Atkins will become the new artistic director of White Night Melbourne and White Night Ballarat.

Mr Atkins produced the Sydney Olympic Games' opening and closing ceremonies.
"Our goal is to provide affordable legal services to everyday people  over charging or unjustified costs goes against not only the foundations of our business but the very core of our mission and our values," a Slater & Gordon spokesperson said.

When challenged on the bills  one of which Mr Moll took to the Supreme Court  Slater & Gordon reverted to the original bills, a total of $27,433. The company says this was a discount and that its billing practice is industry standard and not unusual.

When Gippsland resident John Moll, 54, queried his Slater & Gordon bills, they came back almost double the original amounts. Across the two bills  for a workers compensation case and superannuation claim  Slater & Gordon billed Mr Moll $6126 for contact with him over nearly three years ($37 for each letter, $22 to leave a message or take a phone call, $18 for every email opened).

An injured supermarket worker who received bills of more than $50,000 for legal work by Slater & Gordon has described his treatment as "beyond a joke".

But former Slater & Gordon lawyers have spoken about unrelenting budget pressure in the past five years in the listed law firm. And several were concerned that the famous firm was overcharging clients. "In my view the costs being sought (from the client) were excessive, they just didn't stack up," said one senior personal injuries lawyer, who declined to be named.

Legal experts earlier this year urged regulators to audit Slater & Gordon over fears that clients' interests might be put at risk as the firm scrambles to repay its debts to banks. The firm announced a nearly $1 billion loss in February after it purchased a troubled British legal and compensation claims business called Quindell last year.

After hurting his back pushing a faulty roll-cage at Coles Traralgon in 2012, Mr Moll engaged Slater & Gordon on his compensation case. It did some conciliation work and lodged an impairment claim, but the case stalled as the injury remained unstable. When he changed lawyers, Slater & Gordon billed Mr Moll $14,183. He asked for an itemised bill, thinking this amount was high. The new bill totalled $23,916. When his new lawyer challenged this 12-page bill, Slater & Gordon reverted to the original amount.

A similar thing happened to his claim for income protection and Total and Permanent Disability under his superannuation insurance. (The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia recommends claimants do these themselves, but it's a growth industry for firms like Slater & Gordon. Last year the association accused lawyers of "milking" up to 35 per cent of disability payments and charging "$3500 just to fill out a form").

Slater & Gordon was successful in getting Mr Moll about $12,000 of income protection, but his TPD claim was rejected. For this he was charged $13,250. Again, this seemed high to Mr Moll. So he requested an itemised bill, which was suddenly double the original: $26,496. He took this bill to the Costs Court of the Victorian Supreme Court and Slater & Gordon backed down, again, to the original amount.
A woman who helped her nephew rape her daughter could walk free in as little as a year.

The woman, who cannot be named to prevent the girl being identified, was on Friday sentenced to a maximum of four years' jail, with a minimum of two years.

She has already served 453 days in jail for breaching her bail conditions, by repeatedly contacting her daughter after her arrest.

The Victorian County Court was told that after the woman's marriage broke down, she moved into a Caroline Springs home owned by her nephew, and the two fell into a sexual relationship.

At the time, he was 37 and she was 50.
The mother of a Perth man who escaped an armed kidnapping in Nigeria on Wednesday believes her son's Army Reserve training may have helped him elude a group of militants who shot dead a driver and snatched seven of his work colleagues.

Tim Croot was part of a convoy of Macmahon Holdings employees travelling to work at 5.30am local time in Calabar, in the south-east of Nigeria, when the group came under gun fire.

His mother Leanne told The Australian the 24-year-old had called her on Thursday to reassure her he was safe.

"Timmy was worried about us being worried," she said.
Brexit is also in large part an expression of rising English nationalism, says Davies, and it feeds on the same drivers as other the nationalist, anti-EU movements rising across Europe. Think Marine Le Pen's National Front in France, or Austria's far-right Freedom Party, which in April missed winning the presidency by less than a percentage point. Boris Johnson, former mayor of London, led the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union. Credit:Harry Page/Bloomberg "The EU is an organisation that was created after the Second World War for calming down the nationalism of member states, and it did so very successfully," according to Davies. "But many people have now forgotten all about that." That might be because the bloc has floundered in addressing more recent challenges, such as the euro area's difficulties in rebounding from the financial crisis and the sudden influx of refugees arriving from the Middle East. Donald Trump arrives by helicopter to his Trump Turnberry Resort in Ayr, Scotland. Credit:Getty Images

"The more unsuccessful the union is, the more natural it is that the movements in the other direction are strengthened," Davies says. The backlash Brexit represents is understandable, according to Simon Fraser, who until last year was Britain's top career diplomat and is now a managing partner of Flint Global, a firm in London that advises corporations on how to navigate the EU. "People are challenging the conventional wisdom around trade, openness and cooperation" because they feel let down, says Fraser. That's by no means all the EU's fault. For decades, Brussels has served as a convenient scapegoat for national leaders looking to dodge blame for unpopular policies. But the EU has, like other institutions that set the terms of the global economy since World War II, failed to adapt to the upheavals that followed the end of the Cold War, according to Fraser. The question of how to integrate China and Russia, in particular, into largely Western-built economic and security structures was left unanswered. Those institutions were unable to help governments ameliorate inequality or the impact of globalisation on jobs and wages for many in the West. And yet, says Fraser, "we need a system for running the world; you need systems that set shared rules".

There's a word for where the world is heading now: "G-zero," a label coined by Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, a New York-based political-risk consultancy, and economist Nouriel Roubini in a Foreign Affairs article five years ago. The reference was to the progressive irrelevance of the G-7, G-8 and then G-20 to global governance. Trade was an early indicator. The last full-blown global deal was the so-called Uruguay Round in 1995. Since then, only partial and regional trade pacts have been achievable. Now, as support dwindles for the Trans-Pacific Partnership and a proposal to deepen commerce between the US and the EU, the prospects for even regional agreements are fading. "Brexit fits very closely" into this procession towards a world without collaborative international institutions, says Bremmer, noting that campaign on both sides has been almost entirely inward-looking. "We have moved from a situation in which the transatlantic relationship was the most important thing, to everyone for themselves". The US presidential contest has also been isolationist, forcing even Hillary Clinton to abandon support for the TPP trade deal she helped to get signed as secretary of state. As for Trump, his "position is about as far as you can imagine from the US world order," says Bremmer. "His view of the world is about who pays for the evening meal - you got the buffalo wings, you pay for them." Brexit may hold a more optimistic lesson, however, especially if the Remain camp wins. The changes under way could also produce new or restructured arrangements for international management, rather than the Hobbesian world Bremmer fears.

China's leaders, for example, have looked on with puzzlement at the British debate. China may champion national sovereignty and chafe at US dominance, but it is also pragmatic, says Kerry Brown, director of the Lau China Institute at King's College London. It gains from the existing economic order and sees multilateral economic institutions as useful - in the EU's case, to the tune of $US590 billion in trade last year. "The UK is a very attractive destination for Chinese investment and financing, but after withdrawal from the EU it would be less interesting," says Brown. So when Chinese President Xi Jinping said on a visit to Britain last year that he wanted a united EU, with Britain helping to deepen Chinese-EU ties, he wasn't just chalking up a political favour to British Prime Minister David Cameron. Although the Brexit movement may well encourage similar efforts to leave in other EU countries, it is likely at the same time to accelerate new ideas to reshape the union, according to Davies. Already there are signs that some EU leaders have taken the message to heart. On Tuesday, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said that even if Britain votes to stay, "we will simply not be able to go on as before". He called on Germans to recognise the EU's value to them and to understand that they do not carry an unfair share of its burden. Such calls to reform the EU have been made before - to little effect. In the long term, however, Europe can't simply return to a "normal" era in which nation states were pre-eminent, according to Davies, because that was never the norm but a brief and bloody aberration from other forms of European union, such as empire.
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Sen. Bernie Sanderss Thursday speech was billed as a Where Do We Go From Here?

The answer, according to his schedule, was to another Where Do We Go From Here speech on Friday morning where hell give a speech with that exact same billing in Albany, New York.

Its the song that never ends. It just goes on and on, my friends.

Sanders has acknowledged that he wont be the Democratic nominee for president. Yet despite this fact, he continues to campaign for the presidencywith all the vigor of a candidate who thinks he can still win.

Do you want to be ambassador to Narnia? late-night comedian Stephen Colbert reportedly joked to the senator during a pre-tape of his show.

Regardless, Sanders came onto his New York City stage to hard rock music backed by an electric guitarthis political revolution is not about Bernie Sanders its about you and millions of other people, Sanders began. What this campaign has shown, not just in winning 13 million votes, but in taking the establishment all over this country is that millions of people are willing to stand up.

Elections come and go, he continued, but what is more important is that political and social revolutions continue our goal from day one has been to transform this nation, and that is a fight we are going to continue.

And then he started sounding crazy.

Sanderswith a completely straight facecompared his campaign to gay rights movement, womens suffrage, and other various major progressive and labor movements that have been successful over the past century.

He then held forth on what his campaign had accomplished.

What the system is designed to do, what corporate media is designed to do, is that we cannot achieve real change... what our campaign has been about, and is about, is saying, Sorry, were thinking big. We want real change, Sanders thundered, pausing for a dramatic swig of his water bottle. Real change is not easy, and real change never takes place from the top-on-down, always from the bottom-on-up.

Clinton leads Sanders by nearly 1,000 delegates, according to the Associated Pressa reality that the Vermont senator himself acknowledged this week when he told C-SPAN, It doesnt appear that Im going to be the nominee.

Despite this admission, his campaign churns onan amped up crowd attended his speech at The Town Hall in Times Squareand he continued to send out email appeals for fundraising as recently as Thursday.

And there was a distinct turn from a presidential campaign to those down ballot.

We are going to go all over this country, Sanders insisted Thursday evening, saying that he would be backing candidates at every level: in mayors races, in contests for state legislatures, in Congressional bids and Senate campaigns. In fact, on Friday Sanders is scheduled to hold a rally backing a Congressional candidate in Syracuse, New York.

Never, ever lose your sense of outrage! the senator shouted, to raucous clapping and chants from his crowdhis biggest applause line of the night, judging by the reaction he received for it.

On Capitol Hill earlier this week, Sanders looked ready to return to his old job and settle back into his previous role. The senator-turned-candidate-turned-maybe-just-senator-again reclined in a seat near the back of the chamber as his colleagues from both parties ambled over to shake hands and share laughs.

Sen. John McCainanother member of the chamber who knows a thing or two about losing a presidential electiondraped his arm over the democratic-socialists shoulder and whispered into his ear. They both grinned.

Sanders spent his campaign ripping Washington for dysfunction and corruption. But back on the Senate floor, as it geared up to take another vote that would accomplish nothing, he was among peers.

Sanderss followers are as dogged as ever. Winnie Wong, an organizer with People for Berniean outside group not officially affiliated with the campaign put together in part by alums of the Occupy Wall Street movement, Wong includedpromised the movement would never die.

She was at the Chicago Peoples Summit last weekend, which brought together 3000 Bernie-friendly progressive activists. She says she and her fellow activists plan to follow Bernie to Philly and do whatever he directs. Shes thinking of running for New York state senate in 2018. People for Bernie built an email list with tens of thousands of names.

For people who are in the movement, there is no such thing as failure, Wong said, noting that he got about 11 million votes in the primary: He made possible the ideology of democratic-socialism. He made it mainstream.

The organizational infrastructure will still get things done after Bernie drops out (because, in theory he will, at some point). In the same way that Occupy laid the groundwork for People for Bernie, People for Bernie may lay the groundwork for something elsethough it remains to be seen what that will be.

The energy is not going to dissipate because its not centralized. Its so much bigger than 2008, and I think most people dont actually realize that, especially the Democratic party elite. I say this with my tongue half in cheek, but they dont really, actually understand how the internet works, and I do.

Others are, well, less impressed. Joe Trippi, who ran Howard Deans 2004 presidential campaignalso a bid by a Vermont outsider that looked potentially promising for about five minutessaid he never took Sanders seriously, and nobody else should have.

Trippi argued that Clinton polled at about 58 or 59 percent among Democratic primary voters, as long as 18 months ago. Any progressive challenger to her leftor any combination of progressive challengerswould have scooped up about 42 or 43 percent of the Democratic primary electorates vote.

He never got very close and was never going to, he argued, saying the media overhyped the race.

It was totally the press wanting to create a race where there wasnt one. Just the mechanics of how a primary worksyou could have taken a look at the first 3 or 4 states and known that he was never going to get much over 40 to 43 percent of the vote, ever, from South Carolina on, he said. The moment you know that, you could have predicted every state from there on in.

But Bernie was willing to take advantage of that press attention Thursday, teasing a Where Do We Go From Here speech before another Where Do We Go From Here speech the next daythis was Bernies revolution, and while he could still get the spotlight, dammit, this revolution was going to be televised.
Talk about shock and aweand, in this case, a heaping helping of exasperation and eye-rolling.

In a presidential campaign cycle that has been full of surprises, CNN President Jeff Zucker has outdone himself by hiring as an on-air analyst Donald Trumps recently fired campaign manager, Corey Lewandowskia man who has periodically shoved and bullied reporters at campaign events, including a CNN journalist, and has regularly displayed a thoroughgoing contempt for the news medias role in the democratic process.

Zucker and CNN spokespeople didnt respond to email and voicemail messages from The Daily Beast requesting comment.

The key question is: given his fanatical loyalty to his former boss, what will he able to reveal or say beyond repeating loyalist talking points?

Lewandowski, in his debut CNN appearance on Erin Burnetts OutFront show on Thursday night, was asked if he had signed a non-disclosure agreement when he worked for the Trump Organization.

He replied that he had signed a document that meant he would keep certain information confidential.

I dont plan on ever breaking that, Lewandowski added. I will tell you Im not here to release the private information of family members, or discussions that took place behind the scenes that the public has really no need to be aware of.

So, Burnett persisted, did that mean he would never make disparaging remarks about Donald Trump?

Let me tell you who I am, said Lewandowski. I am a guy who calls balls and strikes, I am going to tell it like it is. Ill tell you exactly like it is, whether you like it or not. Im a straightforward person. Thats not going to change. If something is wrong, Ill tell people its wrong. If something is right, Im going to tell people its right.

Even if that means saying something bad about Trump, Burnett asked.

Im going to say it is like it is Im going tell you what I think, for sure.

Huffington Post political reporter Michelle Fields, who as a journalist for the Trump-friendly Breitbart News outlet filed a criminal complaint against Lewandowski after he manhandled her at a Republican primary night event in Jupiter, Florida, last March, told The Daily Beast: I think its sad that a news network would hire someone who pushed one of their reporters and threatened thema reference to an incident last year involving CNN reporter Noah Gray.

Fields added: My heart goes out to all his new female coworkers who will have to deal with him daily. I imagine CNN HR will be busy this year.

Its a predictable irony that around the same time that reports of Lewandowskis new source of income were surfacinghis compensation a rumored $500,000, according to industry gossipthe presumptive Republican nominee was tweeting a bitter complaint about CNNs journalism and linking to the Trump-friendly Breitbart News story taking issue with CNNs fact-checking of the candidates Wednesday policy speech attacking his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

Here is another CNN lie, Trump tweeted. The Clinton News Network is losing all credibility. Im not watching it much anymore.

The majority of staffers in the CNN newsroom, including executives and senior producers, learned of Lewandowskis arrival as their new colleague from a Thursday afternoon report by Politico media correspondent Hadas Gold.

CNNs chief media reporter, Brian Stelter, who hosts the Sunday media analysis show Reliable Sources, subsequently confirmed Golds scoop in a story of his own, which noted that Lewandowskis hiring by CNN is bound to be controversial, even within the newsroom

That, it turns out, is an understatement.

Television news business insiders both inside and outside CNN expressed amazement to The Daily Beast that the cable network would recruit Lewandowski, who has displayed in various on-air appearancesincluding a 29-minute exclusive interview with CNNs Dana Bash on Monday, shortly after he was sacked and escorted out of Manhattans Trump Tower by a security guardan absolute loyalty to his former boss, a zealous devotion to talking points, and an unwillingness to acknowledge the obvious, most recently that his firing came about because of dissention within the understaffed Trump campaign organization.

One insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, described CNN staffers as furious with Jeff for hiring Lewandowski, who will be chairing the New Hampshire delegation at next months Republican National Convention, to join CNN-paid Trump defenders Jeffrey Lord and Kayleigh McEnany on the regular political panels.

But a different insider described some CNN staffers as simply resigned to the new hire, and amused that Zucker would follow his trademark practice of taking a big risk for the news operation in hopes of reaping a commensurate reward in ratings and attention. Lewandowksi, who has an intimate knowledge of Trump and the workings of an often-opaque campaign organization, could prove a valuable resource both for CNN reporters and viewers, this insider argued.

But if so, that would be a departure of Lewandowskis usual practice of lionizing his preferred candidate and demonizing Clinton.

According to knowledgeable sources, Lewandowski also met with MSNBC executives on Monday to discuss a possible contributors deal, but the executives there decided not to make him an offer out of concern that he would bring little to viewers beyond his fervent support of his former boss, and that the non-disclosure agreement that he signed with the Trump campaign would prevent him from serving as a candid analyst.

This whole thing is astonishing to me, said former CNN Washington bureau chief Frank Sesno, who directs George Washington Universitys media and public affairs department. CNN might get a little gold star for hiring what passes for a big name in the political world and locking him down exclusively. Thats part of how the political game is played and it will probably help ratings.

But Lewandowskis credibility becomes CNNs credibility. If he peddles talking points and lies, then CNN will be peddling talking points and liesto their own peril.

Besides Fields, Gray was another journalist Lewandowski treated roughly during a campaign event last year in Massachusetts.

Mediaite quoted The Washington Posts account: After CNN reporter Noah Gray left the pen to document a group of protesters who unveiled a sign reading Migrant lives matter, Trumps campaign manager Corey Lewandowski turned to campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks and said: Hey: Tell Noah, get back in the pen or hes f blacklisted, according to a recording of the incident.

As Gray went into the crowd to film reaction to the sign, which had already been taken down, Lewandowski confronted him directly: Inside the pen, or I will pull your credentials. Media goes in the pen. Lewandowski at first said the order was because of security, but then said: Im telling you. Im telling you. Media stays in the pen.

An executive for one of CNNs rivals, who agreed to be identified as from a network that is not Fox, declined to comment on Lewandowskis new job, except to say, When your opponent is doing himself in, just stand back and dont get in the way.

A different television insider opined: Jeff Zucker just sent a clear message to all of CNNs journalists by hiring a thug who routinely threatened and bullied the press.

Frank Sesno, for his part, said that CNN might benefit from Lewandowksis presence if he helps the network report on an almost impenetrable campaign, and you can bring in somebody who could actually shed light on on that campaign and provide something that has value the viewer.

But, Sesno added, if all hes going to do is be the Trump analyst and hit Trump talking points, all it proves is that even the most disastrous reality show can be capable of generating spinoffs.
PARIS  As Britains Brexit vote to leave the European Union approached, apocalyptic prophecies could be heard echoing from one corner of the Continent to the other. In a particularly extraordinary statement, European Council President Donald Tusk declared, Brexit could be the beginning of the destruction of not only the EU but also of western political civilization in its entirety.

Now the deed is done, the vote taken, the Leave faction has won and shock waves are spreading around the world. British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced his resignation, the pound sterling has tanked and stock markets from Tokyo to New York have taken huge hits. The Kremlin is rejoicing and far-right-wing nationalist parties in Europe are exulting.

Indeed, so is Donald Trump, who landed in Scotland a few hours after the Brexit results came in and declared, They took back their country, its a great thing... People are angry all over the world.

Right-wing politicians who have made EU-bashing the acceptable face of parties once known for thinly disguised racism and xenophobia echoed Trumps enthusiasm.

Frances Marine Le Pen, who wants to pull France out of the European Union, which it helped to found after World War II, said, Europe [meaning the EU] will be at the heart of the next presidential campaign. And, take note, extremist or not, she is expected to win the first round of that contest by a substantial plurality, even if she loses to a more moderate figure in the second round runoff for the presidency.

And then theres Russia, which annexed Crimea and cranked up a hybrid war of rebellion in Ukraine because people in Kiev had the temerity to favor a closer alliance with the EU and distance themselves from the Kremlin.

For Russian President Vladimir Putin, anything that undermines the unity and credibility of Western Europe is a plus. The former U.S. Ambassador in Moscow, Michael McFaul, says bluntly that the result of the U.K. referendum is Putins victory.

More responsible leaders are trying rather desperately to shore up confidence in the future.

The unpopular French president, Francois Hollande, with eloquence unusual for him, said the European Union must re-think the way it works. It is, he said, a big idea and not only a big market.

But at least two years of negotiations, maybe more, will be required before we know how bad (or good) things really are, and whether the big market, much less the big idea, can survive.

In the meantime, from health clinics in France to the beaches of Italy and far beyond, there are countless questions to be answered.

When the soon-to-be erstwhile British Prime Minister David Cameron gave his consolatory speech about the British publics decision to ++ditch U.K. membership in the European Union++[[ http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/06/24/brexit-shock-pound-collapses-as-britain-plunges-into-isolation.html ]], he said two things that Brits now sunning themselves by their pools at their summer homes in sunny Tuscany and the Greek islands might note with special interest: I would also reassure Britons living in European countries and European citizens living here there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances. (Our italics.) We can assume immediate in this case means that, essentially, they can stay for lunch, and, likely the rest of the summer.

He also said, There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold. Initial, of course, being the operative word here since it implies that there will be a phase of adjustment as Europe decides what to do. And, make no mistake, the ball is now in Europes court, not the U.K.s.

What Cameron said next is what really counts. We must now prepare for a negotiation with the European Union, he said before announcing we didnt mean he and that he had no intention of staying on to lead those negotiations, which very well could be hostile. German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier called the vote a sad day for Europe before calling an emergency EU foreign ministers meeting for Sunday, to which the U.K. is not invited.

Italys Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called an emergency meeting on Friday to try to sort out what to do next as European markets spiraled out of control. The day before the vote, he wrote an open letter urging the U.K. to stay. It would be a mistake for which you the voters primarily would pay the price," he wrote. Who really wants Britain to be small and isolated?

The questions that now remain are daunting for the 2.2 million Brits who live abroad, and the 1 million who have holiday homes in sunny spots like Italy, Spain and Greece. The only certainty is that things will change, and those changes almost certainly wont be for the better.

Briton Ian McHugh, 51, is an entrepreneur who bought a dream villa in Tuscany in 2012 that he has fixed up with the intention of retiring in Italy. He was as shocked as anyone to wake up on Friday morning to news that the Leave campaign has forced a Brexit.

I'm not concerned that my movements to and from Italy are going to be restricted. However I do worry about the long term economic effects of the decision, both in the U.K. and also with other discontented countries from the remaining 27, he told The Daily Beast. We really don't need another recession. But the electorate have spoken and now we all just need to focus on making it work.

Just how it is all going to work is what is most complicated.

Putting aside for the moment how the Brexit vote will affect the E.U. economically, which will be felt most in the northern nations that have lucrative business deals with the U.K., and where bilateral negotiations will likely be more favorable for the UK, lets focus for a moment on the Brits who live and work in Europe.

All manner of issues are at stake. Those Brits who live and work in Europe now dont have to bother with work permits, permits to stay, or student visas for those Brits studying abroad in Europe. They dont have to get a European drivers license, and they dont have to pay value added tax on hotels and holiday homes like, say, Americans or Russians do.

Then theres the question of healthcare and pensions. How can a non-European, which is what Brits are about to be, expect to enjoy the same EU-tax benefits on pensions if they are suddenly EU-outsiders? And will they now have to pay for health care if they get sick on the continent and summer islands as non-EU citizens do?

Those who supported the vote to leave made vague promises that the EU would treat UK citizens differently than other non-Europeans. But that doesnt seem to be an easy promise to fulfill. Right now Europe is facing a massive immigrant and refugee crisis that makes free movement from country to country ever more difficult. Brits, now no longer EU citizens, surely cant still use the fast-track EU Only passport queues.

Anyone who has lived in the EU for five years or more can apply for a restricted EU long-term residency status under EU law, which is what many Brits abroad are no doubt scrambling to do. But that residency is far more restricted than actual EU citizenship, and it would mean that Brits cant vote in local elections and may be required to speak the host nations language, according to the European Unions webpage outlining citizenship rights, which crashed momentarily on Friday, no doubt from a rush to find out information.

Property ownership, of course, is another matter. According to A Place in the Sun, one of the most popular resources for Brits living in Europes sunny spots, The main area of contention is how property inheritance and taxation laws would apply; at the moment the rules treat EU and non-EU citizens differently.

Getting a mortgage to buy property would also be tricky since EU banks automatically treat non-EU citizens as high risk, making it harder to get loans and open accounts. The list goes on and on.
When a penniless Good Samaritan thwarted two San Diego brothers during their ghoulish game of using homeless humans as paintball targets, they allegedly went hunting for payback.

They got it in spades.

Austin Mostrong, 20, along with his cheerleading girlfriend Hailey Suder, 18, and younger brother Preston, 19, gathered at around 5:15 p.m. on April 24 and allegedly tracked down 50-year-old grandfather George Lowery to the Santee, California, encampment where he and his wife, Penny, had sheltered for years, according to friends and authorities.

Lowery had already beaten pancreatic cancer but on this night he couldnt fend off the fiends, who prosecutors say used fists and feet to brutally beat and hog-tie him, before forsaking him to rot in the woods.

His dear wife Penny eventually found her bound and injured husband under a piece of wood.

I seen a piece of plywood that goes to where we stay, Penny Lowery told NBC 7 . I heard gurgling. When I picked it up he was gurgling for his life.

According to his widow, the Mostrong brothers were miffed because four days earlier, Austin had been caught accosting two men whom Lowery was trying to protect from being shot with a paintball gun.

They were shooting him with a paintball gun. My husband took the paintball gun from him, Penny Lowery told NBC 7 back in April, one day after pulling the plug on her husbands life support.

I know he was doing what George always does: sticking up for the underdog, a close family friend, Ashley Ballum, told The Daily Beast.

Like he was telling them, What did we do to you? Theres no reason to fight over anything!

He only wanted peace.

Why Austin Mostrong was walking free to begin with is hard to comprehend. The elder Mostrong brother had been busted on April 20 for another assault charge, although details of that arrest remain murky.

A San Diego District Attorney spokeswoman refused to provide The Daily Beast with the time or location of the earlier assault incident that involved two male victims.

One thing is certain: Mostrong copped a guilty plea to three misdemeanors and skated out of court, only on the hook to serve three years probation and to pay a fine and complete 10 hours of community service.

At some point, deputies say they were able to place the brothers and cheerleader Hailey Suder at the rural crime scene along the San Diego River where Lowery was beaten to a pulp and where detectives say he suffered from severe trauma to his upper body.

Penny Lowery was able to get help to shuttle her husband, who was barely breathing, to a local hospital.

But Lowerys daughter, his baby girl Katey Torres, arrived too late.

She wrote on Facebook that she learned about the attack on her dad after speaking to her older brother around 6 p.m. on April 24. George was beat up. you need to go get penny and take her to go see him at the hospital... I drove up to go get penny and the whole road was blocked off and taped off with crime scene tape cop cars and cops and detectives everywhere you look and I yelled down the street to the cops and started to cry is this all for my dad??? the daughter posted on her page.

A deputy at the crime scene delivered the gutting news that her dad was unlikely to pull through, Torres goes on to say in the Facebook post.

I spent the roughest and most fucking worst 5 days of my goddamn fucking life in that hospital dad right by your side holding your hand talking into your ear hoping you could hear me hoping youd wake up...you were unconscious since mom found you down in the river, she wrote on Facebook.

She went on to call out her dads alleged attackers: the heartless brothers.

You were taken too soon. Brutally murdered by some fucking punk kids half your age dad. My dad would be 51 years old July 25th and these kids Austin Freeman and Preston Freeman took your life away from you she wrote, referring to the brothers by a different surname.

Once she made it to the hospital, Torres says she was too late to say goodbye.

He was unconscious the whole five days fighting, she said. We couldnt even talk to him.

Soon after the attack, Suder was nabbed and slapped with a murder charge, according to an initial press release from the San Diego Sheriff's Department.

On her Facebook page, Torres wrote : Finally they got the ones that my mom saw at the crime scene. Well get every one of them that was behind this tragedy that robbed my father of his life. May they rot in prison, if they even last that long.

Suder appeared in court on Thursday, red-faced and weeping, despite the fact that her charges were downgraded from murder to accessory after the fact. If shes found guilty she no longer will serve 25 years of prison time but likely just under 4 years. Shes due back in court June 29.

Meanwhile, Preston Mostrong and his brother Austin have both pleaded not guilty to the murder of Lowery and face life in prison if convicted. Their preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 26.

Attempts by The Daily Beast to reach attorneys for all three accused were unsuccessful.

This was not a random act, San Diego Lt. Kenneth Nelson told The San Diego Union-Tribune . I cant think of another reason other than viciousness. Why else make a special trip down to the riverbed.

Lt. Nelson described the scene as horrific and said that the trio seemed to be playing a bloodsport by attacking some of the most vulnerable in our society.

After the Mostrong brothers were arraigned in May, Deputy District Attorney George Modlin told reporters outside the hearing that the bloodletting was brutal, heinous, just cold-hearted and that once their case is presented, there will be no doubts as to their alleged guilt. Id say the murder charges and the torture charges are very much warranted in this case, he added.

Meanwhile, George Lowerys legacy lives on.

Already, the familys efforts to raise money for expenses incurred as a result of his death have well-exceeded their goal.

And even though its been months since the family lost their beloved patriarch, his gentle and altruistic spirit wont die. His family members can still hear his signature laugh; friends grieve not being able to see him smile.

Still his daughter remains distraught.

From the second I got to the hospital the Dr told me there was no hope for you dad. I never left that hospital I stayed right by your side you know I was you know I'd never leave you dad, Torres wrote after Lowerys untimely death.

Torres still hopes a miracle could bring him back or erase what happened. I keep thinking I'm going to see you walk through my door or I'll hear my phone ring and itll be you asking what I'm up to, she posted. I always hear your laugh... I look at every guy riding a bike hoping its you hoping I can run up to you and hug you again and tell you how much I love you..hear you tell me I love you... I love you so much dad and idk how Im going to grow without you by my side.

The praise of Lowerys spirit extended beyond family, too.

For Ashley Ballum, who took Torres into her home and was her maid of honor for her wedding, Lowery was poor on paper but richer than most others when it came to soul.

He was just always smiling, always happy, she told us. Always giving hugs and wanting to make sure everybody was okay.

Whatever he had to his name he wanted to share with others, acquaintances said. Material things mattered little to Lowery. He was focused on the happiness of his wife Penny and his children. It was humbling to see that they were still happy, loving people that even with the little amount they had they still tried to give back to us, Ballum said.

Lowery routinely wanted to supply Ballums kids with trinket gifts like a magnetic board to create messages on the fridge or a dolls brush and comb that she says her kids will always cherish.

And while he couldnt spoil his daughter with material gifts, whenever he came across some extra money, Ballum says he made sure to buy something special from a thrift store that [Katey] really liked.

As parents they never complained.

Every time I saw you you had the biggest smile on your face nothing could bring you down you were the toughest strongest man I know, Torres stressed in her post. You loved with every inch of your body and you never cared what people thought.. Youd help Any stranger with any task no matter the difficulty youd stop everything your whole day to help this one person.

Her friend Ballum acknowledged that life as a homeless person at the encampment where George and Penny lived was fraught with peril.

There were times when he would say People are messing with me or People are stealing stuff, she remembered.

After Lowerys brutal death, Ballum hopes each of his alleged attackers suffers for their horrific actions.

I think everybody involved deserves the max sentence, Ballum said. Whether you sat there and watched it and didnt do anything or if you partook in itthis could have been prevented.
Kingsley Amis used to joke that the argument for his nations entry into the European Union could be described as, Britain will lose her independence but at least she will suffer economically. Well, Britain hasnt yet acquired her independencethat will come after many painful months of exactly the sort of pettifogging bureaucratic wrangle most Eurosceptics claimed to loathe in the first placebut at least she has suffered an economic catastrophe unseen since the 1980s.

In eight hours after news of the Brexit broke, the U.K. lost $350 billion, which, as Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt remarked Friday morning, is a greater amount than they contributed to EU budget over last 15 yearsincluding rebate. This has transformed the country overnight from the fifth largest economy in the world to the sixth. It has been overtaken by France, a development that the John Bulls out in force today with Union Jacks must be savoring.

Historical analogies can be a little hysterical at times like these, even if the bar has been set by Lindsay Lohans Twitter feed. Still, it is hard not to agree with Russian analyst Ivan Kratsevs assessment that Brexit is tantamount to German re-unification in reverse and spells the end of an epoch that began in 1945 when Europe was facing a far greater refugee crisis and also seeking to avoid another world war. It was then that the original case for better together was put forth and eventually carried through by a succession of Tory and Labour governments, underwritten by NATO hard power and Marshall Plan subsidies.

Conservatism is traditionally not rooted in the wholesale dismantling of even badly flawed or malfunctioning political institutions. But David Cameron gambled his career and legacy on the hope that cooler heads in his party would prevail, and perhaps that a risible opposition leader who looks like he gets lost in his own living room would rally to the common cause of pragmatic internationalism.

Instead, Cameron is now out of a job and almost certain to go down as one of the most disastrous prime ministers in British history. His heir apparent, meanwhile, is the Bullingdon Clubs most famous man of the people who helped advance the Brexit argument by intimating that Barack Obama is a closet Mau Mau rebel. (The president doesnt end his term until mid-January, whereas the PM succession will occur in October, so there is every likelihood that Obama may have to do bilateral business with Boris Johnson.)

Just because Marine Le Pen, Geert Wilders, Gerry Adams, Vladimir Putin and Ali Khamenei are all having a nice day, the triumphal Brexiteers reassure us on the morning after, doesnt mean that we need to worry. Nor does the fact that the EUs largest military will have little say in shaping urgent responses to global events, even before its divorce from Brussels is finalized.

While it retains the decision-making privileges of membership; in reality, the Guardian reported today, power will rapidly drain away and British diplomats can expect to be marginalized in the councils of Brussels. The U.K. will keep its veto in some areas, such as tax and foreign policy, but diplomats say Britains voice on other EU decisions, for example, on economics and business, will count for little.

And who will want to compromise on anything with a lame-duck Westminster? Everything you own in a box to the left was more or less how the presidents of the European council, commission and parliament greeted the will of the British people, who will now have to count on the magnanimity of these officials in negotiating new trade deals.

Brexit will also lead to a new sort of migration headache as 1.2 million Britons living in EU countries will now either have to repatriate or cut individual work or residency visa arrangements with their hosts, while 3 million non-British residents with EU citizenship will have to do likewise.

How did this happen, and who is to blame?

There were many lies peddled by the Leave camp, none more so than by its grinning junior conductor. Early in the evening, after the latest bookmakers and pollsters had had their say, Nigel Farage all but conceded defeat, rightly professing himself shocked that slightly more than half the country could ever take him seriously.

Farage had insisted throughout the debate that Britain was spending over 50 million per day, or more than 350 million a week, on the EU (the actual figure is less than half that amount) and that a Brexit would mean redirecting those funds to the National Health Service, a claim which the official Leave UK organizers, of which he was not one, had turned into a prominently advertised campaign pledge. But today, on Good Morning Britain, Farage confessed that all that had been a bit of a porky and Leave had been wrong to promise it. So there wont be a palpable increase in the health of society? Sadly, no.

The grinning ex-commodities trader also declined to tell presenter Susanna Reid how much he thought this piece of propaganda, aimed particularly at a decisive geriatric electorate, had contributed to Leaves narrow victory or whether that victory could now be seen as honestly or fairly attained.

Farage is but a symptom of a national nervous breakdown, one that was long in the making and entirely avoidable. James Bloodworth, author of a timely book, The Myth of Meritocracy, which more Remain advocates ought to have read before Thursdays plebiscite, rightly notes that Tony Blairs New Labour government, in its mad dash for more integration in 2004, did little to address then-incipient concerns about a steady rise in immigration.

The pace of newcomers to Britain far outstripped Labour estimates by orders of magnitude: instead of absorbing 13,000 foreign nationals per year, it has absorbed hundreds of thousands. And while most of these arrivals have ended up giving back more than they took out of society, they nevertheless had an unsettling effect on everyone else. Most revealing was what older immigrants who came to Britain in the 60s and 70s, mainly from the Commonwealth, thought of their younger counterparts. They wanted fewer of them.

No doubt the ongoing misery in Syria and the broader collapse of the Middle East has contributed to this growing disillusionment: 630,000 foreigners arrived in the last year alone. But there were other, older grievances to contend with. The decline of heavy industry, particularly in the midlands and the north, and its replacement by a metropolitan service economy, slowly created an entire underclass of angry, resentful Britons who never quite felt at ease in their own country, much less in 27 others.

The most prescient and sage Eurosceptic was the late historian Robert Conquest, who wrote in the late-1990s, To say that the larger federal unit will provide so much of a counterattraction, as against nationalism, that it will win in the political field is speculationand a speculation not justified by the experience of other multinational federations. The world has seen many such arrangements break upnot only the USSR, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia but also the United Arab Republic, the Federation of the West Indies, and Malaysia. Indeed one might add in this century the union of Sweden and Norway, and of Austria and Hungary; and, earlier, two separate attempts to form a Central American union.

Indeed, Brexit will now likely lead to Scottish secession or a reinvigorated second attempt at it, as Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond have both made clear. It may also re-stoke old embers of Northern Irish troubles, as Sinn Fein seems eager to do. And it has already encouraged other departures from insurgent parties and political movements in EU, from France to Italy to the Netherlands.

The tragic irony is that this self harm was actually begun by the most idealistic champions of keeping Europe whole and free. Bloodworth puts it better than I can: Labour politicians who saw the English working class as a superfluous force who had nowhere else electorally to go. They pushed and pushed and pushed them and today, finally, the great unwanted have pushed back. The salt of the earth were treated as the scum of the earth and, unsurprisingly, they wouldnt stand for it.

There is a lesson here for America, too. But I fear we may be too late to heed it.
President Obamas 2008 election, with an unprecedented turnout and 69 percent of the 15 million new voters casting their ballot for him, rattled the Republicans.

Even more unsettling was the demographic make-up of these new voters; this was not the groupAfrican Americans, Asians, Latinoswho comprised the GOP, which was 92 percent white. Equally troubling was that for the first time, blacks had voted at a rate virtually equal to whites.

Caught between the right-wing hardening of the partys ideology and the massive influx of new voters, who were repulsed by key planks in the GOPs platform, the Republicans chose disfranchisement as the only tool to put the white back in the White House.

Republican-controlled state legislatures, claiming that there was widespread (but still yet to be documented) voter fraud, crafted a series of laws designed to curtail access to the ballot box. The U.S. Supreme Court, in Shelby County v. Holder (2013), followed up in a 5-4 decision by gutting the Voting Rights Act and removing the ability of the Justice Department to review changes in voting requirements prior to enactment by a state, county, or municipality that had a proven history of discrimination at the polls.

Texas is a case in point. Almost the moment Shelby County v. Holder was announced, that states Republican-dominated legislature put through a highly restrictive voter ID law, S.B. 14. A phalanx of civil rights organizations, including the NAACP and the League of United Latin American Citizens, minority voters, and Mexican American legislative and Hispanic judges associations, immediately sued the state of Texas. During the two-week trial in the fall of 2014, the attorney general of Texas, Greg Abbott, argued that the law was necessary to stop and prevent rampant voter-identification fraud. Yet, out of ten million votes, he could produce only two documented cases of voter impersonation. On the other hand, it became clear that nearly 600,000 Texans, mainly poor, black, and Hispanic, didnt have the newly required IDs and often faced financial and bureaucratic obstacles in obtaining them.

Thus, in September 2014, in a stinging dressing-down of the state, district court judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ruled that Texass voter-ID law creates an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote, has an impermissible discriminatory effect against Hispanics and African- Americans, and was imposed with an unconstitutional discriminatory purpose. Texas, she emphasized, had levied an unconstitutional poll tax on its citizens.

Ramoss ruling, which declared that Texas had deliberately created discriminatory voting requirements, was a trip wire to reinstate the Voting Rights Acts Section 5 preclearance statute in Texas. The state, therefore, intended to fight the decision. The first order of business, though, was to seek immediately a judicial delay to allow the voter ID law to remain in place during the upcoming midterm election. Chaos would reign at the polls, argued Texas attorney general Abbott before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, were the law changed this close to an election. He also assured the court that keeping the voter ID law in place would not substantially injure the plaintiffs.

On October 14, 2014, the Fifth Circuit judges agreed and granted Texass request to allow a deliberately discriminatory law to operate during the all-important midterm election. As the judges saw it, This is not a run-of- the-mill case and Ramoss ruling substantially disturbs the election process of the State of Texas just nine days before early voting begins. Thus, the value of preserving the status quo here is much higher than in most other contexts.

The U.S. Department of Justice, civil rights groups, and individual voters then joined together and raced to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the Fifth Circuits ruling. While the U.S. Supreme Court, led by Justice Antonin Scalia, ruled in favor of the state without any comment on the merits of S.B. 14, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs dissent was incisive, tearing away at the supposed chaos that might occur in the election if the discredited voter-ID law was suddenly jettisoned. There is little risk, she wrote, of disrupting the election process. All Texas needed to do was reinstate the voter identification process it employed for ten years (from 2003 to 2013) and in five federal general elections. After all, she observed, the new requirements for voter ID had only been used in three state elections where the voter turnout ranged from 1.48 percent to 9.98 percent. While those Texas primaries were relatively low stakes, Ginsburg noted, the November 2014 election would be the very first federal general election conducted under the new voter-ID regime. And that was the problem. The Supreme Court, she wrote, could not allow a purposefully discriminatory law, one that likely imposes an unconstitutional poll tax and risks denying the right to vote to hundreds of thousands of eligible voters to be used in a federal election. But that is precisely what the U.S. Supreme Court did.

Excerpted from White Rage by Carol Anderson. Copyright  Carol Anderson 2016. Published by Bloomsbury USA. Reprinted with permission.

Carol Anderson is professor of African American studies at Emory University. She is the author of many books and articles, including Bourgeois Radicals: The NAACP and the Struggle for Colonial Liberation, 1941-1960 and Eyes Off the Prize: The United Nations and the African American Struggle for Human Rights: 1944-1955. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
LONDON  The curse of the hot-hand fallacy has condemned Prime Minister David Cameron to the ranks of the worst leaders in British political history.

After a remarkably risky hot-streak, Cameron got reckless enough to take one big gamble too many.

He bet that holding a referendum on membership of the European Union would stave off a minor electoral challenge from the right without doing too much harm.

He thought he had a hot handhe couldnt lose. He should have listened to the psychologists who first identified the fallacy back in 1985they published ample evidence that there was no such thing as a hot streak; success in one random event does not lead to more in another.

For Cameron, the over-confidence ended in catastrophe. He lost the vote; and hundreds of billions of pounds are being wiped off the economy; Scotland is threatening another independence vote; civil war has gripped the Conservative Party; Britain may lose its AAA rating; and Cameron is out of a job.

On the most seismic day in British politics for generations, Cameron announced that he would resign as prime minister. He will remain in post as a lame-duck caretaker to try and calm the raging markets until a successor is chosen.

Incredibly, this comes 13 months after Cameron secured the Conservative Partys first majority government in 20 years.

With the chance to serve as prime minister until the end of the parliamentary term in 2020, Cameron should have been eyeing up a spot in the Pantheon of prime ministerial greats.

But then his greatest strength, good fortune, turned against him. He believed he could get away with one last gamble, one more crisis.

I am a very lucky person, said the prime minister earlier this year when a portion of his inheritance got caught up in the Panama Papers. I had wealthy parents who gave me a great upbringing.

Indeed they did.

A distant relative of the royal family, Cameron was educated at Eton College, Britains most exclusive boarding school, before studying at Oxford. In love, there was more of the same. I'm very lucky! he said, of Samantha Cameron, the daughter of Viscountess Astor and Sir Reginald Sheffield, 8th Baronet.

This is not to say Cameron relied only on his good luck, he was a terrifyingly efficient as a PR executive for a TV company and was said to have been a sharp and perceptive briefer as a young advisor in the Conservative Party.

Once he had succeeded in taking over as Conservative leader in 2005, he faced off against Prime Minister Tony Blair for a couple of years. He was able to hone his skills before his first major electoral test came against the new prime minister, Gordon Brown.

Cameron was blessed. He was lucky that Brown blew his chance for a snap election before voters turned against the brusque Scot. Cameron was lucky that Brown was such an unconvincing prime minister.

The next permanent Labour leader he faced? Ed Miliband. The next? Jeremy Corbyn. Lucky, lucky, lucky.

When Cameron began his second term last year, he had already won two referendums and promised a third.

Camerons idol, Margaret Thatcher, had warned that referendums are a device of dictators and demagogues" but still he plowed on.

To put it in context, there have only been three national referendums in British history. Cameron has now overseen two of them. In his first, he successfully upheld Britains traditional first-past-the-post voting system, a referendum that was promised to the Liberal Democrats as part of the coalition deal, but the public never got excited about. He then agreed to a regional referendum in Scotland on the question of independence, before opening the gates to a referendum on the European Union.

If the Scottish referendum had taught Cameron one thing, it should have been that it is almost impossible to control the forces you are unleashing in a patriotic nationwide vote.

The stunning growth of the Scottish National Party almost blew Cameron away in a referendum he would never have offered if he thought he might lose. He came close to allowing Scotland to seize independence for the first time since the bloody era of William Wallace seven centuries ago.

A late promise of more devolved powers, seemingly dreamed up in a last-minute panic, helped to save the union. The job got done, just in the nick of time.

A U.K. Independence Party official summed up Camerons ability to get out of seemingly impossible scrapes. If a single phrase were to sum up his political career it would surely be in one bound he was free, said Patrick OFlynn.

Its hard to believe that this emboldened Scottish National Party, which Cameron had accidently awakened, would then sweep Labour out of their traditional Scottish heartlands at the next general election and ensure that Cameron would be returned to power in 2015, this time with a small majority of his own rather than a coalition government with Liberal Democrats.

It sounds like he got pretty fortunateor, as Cameron might say, I am a very lucky person.

And yetjust one year laterhe was forced to resign in disgrace on Friday after the pound suffered its sharpest fall since it was floated in the 1970s and so much money was wiped off the value of Britains top companies in a few hours that the country is now poorer than France.

Alongside the financial disarray, there was more constitutional woe for Britain as centuries of wounds were re-opened.

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, said a second referendum on independence was now highly likely because Scotland had voted resoundingly for Remain in the EU and was being forced out regardless.

Politicians in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland also called for a fresh referendum. The British government now has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the North in any future negotiations with the European Union, said Sinn Feins Martin McGuiness.

If that wasnt enough, Spain responded to the result by calling for joint control of the disputed island of Gibraltar in the Mediterranean.

All of this was deemed a risk worth taking, primarily because Cameron was nervous that UKIP might steal some of his partys votes in the 2015 general election, or that some of his Members of Parliament might defect. Of course, he also argued that a referendum on Europe was the right thing to do.

But it was a fundamental miscalculation that leaves Camerons legacy shattered.

In the history books, he will jostle with the likes of Gordon Brown, Neville Chamberlain and Jim Callaghan among Britains least impressive prime ministers.
This was the week Bernie Sanders finally seemed to admit defeat in the Democratic presidential primary. It doesnt appear that Im going to be the nominee, a downtrodden Sanders conceded in a little-watched C-SPAN interview on Wednesday. So when he booked a last-minute appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Thursday night, it seemed as though this might be the moment that he officially endorsed rival Hillary Clinton.

But alas, to his supporters delight and the Democratic Partys displeasure, Sanders told Stephen Colbert on Thursday that his campaign is absolutely continuing on after tonight.

Sanders received a huge ovation and chants of Bernie! Bernie! when Colbert introduced him during the afternoon taping by saying that "as of 4:01 Eastern Time he was still a Democratic candidate for president of the United States." Following the interview, but before the episode aired, Sanders was set to deliver a speech at New York Citys Town Hall titled Where We Go From Here.

Have you finished writing the speech? Colbert asked, offering his services if needed. "Is there anything you're going to announce in the speech that you may want to have some help phrasing?" When the candidate declined to list any big personal announcements that he would be making, Colbert tried a more direct question: Are you continuing your campaign after tonight?

Absolutely, Sanders replied.

Are you still a candidate?

Yes.

Are you going to drop out of the race?

No.

Then, the host asked, Are you going to endorse Hillary Clinton this evening?

No, Sanders said with a laugh.

Finally, Colbert changed tacks, posing this question to Sanders: What is it you want?

Sanders dismissed the suggestion that his decision to stay in the race is a negotiating tool to help make his agenda central to the Democratic Partys platform, instead saying, We want our 12 million supporters to be heard.

For what its worth, during his speech to supporters Thursday evening, Sanders said his revolution is just getting started, adding, "Our goal from day one has been to transform this nation and that is the fight we are going to continue.

One topic about which Sanders was unequivocal was the outreach that Donald Trump has been making to those who #FeelTheBern but arent yet ready to say #ImWithHer. "My supporters are smart enough to know that we don't want a bigot to become president, Sanders said, a statement that contradicts a recent poll claiming nearly a quarter of his supporters will vote for Trump in the fall.

Sanders also admitted that his campaign went further and faster than he ever could have predicted, but he rejected Colberts suggestion that his campaign represented some unrealistic idealism. Twice he said, These are not radical ideas, adding to Colbert, they are not seen on the TV very often, for a variety of reasons, including some of your sponsors.

Towards the end of their interview, Colbert did coax Sanders into reminiscing about some his favorite moments from the past year, asking him to envision a world where youre going to end your campaign at some point. The Vermont senator listed memories as diverse as speaking in front of huge and enthusiastic crowds and meeting people afflicted by Flints water crisis as highlights.

I almost wish I had a camera with me all the time, Sanders said, momentarily forgetting that nearly every moment of his past year was documented by professional photographers. There are beautiful, beautiful people out there who really love this country and want to transform this country, Sanders concluded, and that was the most gratifying aspect of this whole thing.
The children at Sandy Hook elementary school had just been standing for the daily Pledge of Allegiance when the gunman shot his way into the school and murdered 20 of them, along with six adults on that morning four years ago.

On Wednesday, the Republican congressman filling in for the speaker of the House used the same oath to delay a band of Democratic representatives from continuing a sit-in demonstration for action on gun control.

Members are asked to remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, intoned the speaker pro tempore, Rep. Ted Poe of Texas.

Poe then led a recitation of the very words that had been broadcast over the Sandy Hook schools public address system on Dec. 14, 2012. The moment was all the more shameful because one of the protesting Democrats had just read aloud the names and ages of the 20 youngsters who had been in their final hour when they stood with their hands over their hearts.

Charlotte Bacon, 6 years old.

Daniel Barden, 7.

Olivia Engel, 6.

Josephine Gay, 7.

Dylan Hockley, 6.

Madeleine Hsu, 6.

Catherine Hubbard, 6.

Chase Kowalski, 7.

Jesse Lewis, 6.

Ana Marquez-Greene, 6.

James Mattioli, 6.

Grace McDonnell, 7.

Emilie Parker, 6.

Jack Pinto, 6.

Noah Pozner, 6.

Caroline Previdi, 6.

Jessica Rekos, 6.

Avielle Richman, 6.

Benjamin Wheeler, 6.

Allison Wyatt, 6.

The list had been accompanied by an hour of impassioned speeches about the need for sane gun control. The talk had culminated with the dramatic announcement of a 60s-style sit-in on the carpeted floor of the House.

Mr. Speaker, we sit down so we can stand up for America, declared Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland.

The response from the speaker pro tempore was typical.

Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the chair declares the House in recess until noon today, he said.

The House recessed at 11:25 a.m. The protesting Democrats were still sitting when Poe called the body back into session 38 minutes later.

The House will be in order, Poe said, The House will be in order.

To be in order meant to stop sitting on the floor. The protesters remained where they were. Poe invoked one way to get them to their feet.

The chair wishes to call on the chaplain for the prayer, Poe said. Will members please be in order for the prayer by the chaplain?

Rev. Patrick Conroy stepped up to do as bid.

Father of mercy, we give you thanks for giving us another day, he began.

Conroy seemed to perceive no irony in such an opening minutes after the reading of the Sandy Hook victims names. None of those youngsters would ever see another minute.

Bless the members of the peoples House, Conroy continued. May all their deliberations give rise to understanding. You have called us to serve this nation by your divine inspiration... 

Conroy also seemed to perceive no irony in saying this to an institution that had failed to do anything in the aftermath of those murders and thousands upon thousands of other gun killings.

May we reach the destiny you have in mind for us, and may all that is done be for your greater honor and glory. Amen.

To our greater shame and infamy, the most recent of those victims included 20-month-old Rashad Halford of Fresno, California, shot on Tuesday night while in his fathers arms. The boy succumbed to his wounds early Wednesday morning, too young even to learn the pledge that another cleric, Rev. Francis Bellamy, had composed for schoolchildren back in 1892.

The speaker pro tempore now used the Pledge of Allegiance to keep the protesters on their feet. But the oath was no sooner done than the protesters were back to sitting.

Under clause 2 of rule I, the chair is charged with preserving order and decorum in the proceedings of the House, Poe said. The chair finds that the House is currently not in a state of order due to the presence of members in the well who are not under recognition.

Poe could have been a principal addressing rebellious pupils.

The chair would ask members to please leave the well so that the House may proceed with business, he went on.

Poe then declared another recess at 12:03 p.m. Ten hours and one minute later, at 10:04 p.m., the speaker himself, Paul Ryan, stepped up. He looked more disturbed by having these Democratic representatives still sitting on the carpet than he ever does by gunshot victims sprawled on streets across America.

The chair wishes to make an announcement regarding decorum in the House chamber, Ryan said. The chair appreciates that members will differ on matters of policy and will seek to express those differences. 

He continued, But the chair would hope that the business of the House could be conducted in a fashion that reflects positively on the dignity and decorum of this institution to which we all belong and serve. The chair would ask members to please leave the well so that the House may proceed with business.

That business had led to the Congress doing nothing at all, even when it came to preventing people on the terrorist watch list from acquiring weapons. Rep. Pete King of New York introduced the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act at the behest of the Bush administration back in 2007.

The Democrats were against it because they wanted to show they were against anything Bush, King recalled on Thursday.

He has reintroduced the bill every two years with a changing roster of supporters and opponents. It was never even discussed in the House chamber.

Nobody would mention it, King noted.

That has all changed.

Suddenly the whole Congress comes to a halt over it, King marveled.

The Democrats were now so passionately in favor of the bill that they were staging a sit-in demanding a vote on it.

And now the Republicans are against it because they want to show theyre for guns no matter what, King said.

King was not about to join the sit-in. He did seem pleased that a compromise version of the bill reached the Senate floor on Thursday. But the bill was tabled, for the time being neither passed nor killed.

The sit-in continued at the House, where the Republican leadership pushed a pre-dawn vote on a spending bill. The legislation included Zika research funding but also had provisions the Senate seems all but sure to reject. The House then recessed until after the Fourth of July holiday, having virtually guaranteed that there would be no imminent action on either guns or Zika.

The sit-in by the Democrats continued past noon on Thursday. The leading protester, Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, told his fellow protesters that they had to continue the fight after the break. Never, ever get lost in a sea of despair, Lewis said. We must never, ever give up or give in. We must come back here on July 5th more determined than ever before.

The sit-in then ended after 25 hours, just around the time a 4-year-old girl identified as Shakeya Holmes was shot above the eye and killed in North Philadelphia, in the republic for which the flag stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
In 2014, Milo Moire burst onto the contemporary performance art scene with her provocative PlopEgg Painting: naked and squatting over a canvas outside Germanys annual Art Cologne fair, the Swiss conceptual artist conceived an abstract painting by disgorging paint-filled eggs from her vagina.

Lest fair-goers mistake Moires art for a burlesque show, the artists statement clarified that PlopEgg Painting was in fact a manifestation of the creation [of] fear, the symbolic strength of the casual and the creative power of femininity.

Two years later, Moire continues to achieve fame by making a spectacle of herself under the guise of art, of coursemost recently, with her Mirror Box performance, in which she invited strangers in Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, and London to reach into a reflective box and caress her breasts or vagina for 30 seconds.

Performing in Londons Trafalgar Square earlier this week, the artist was arrested for public indecency, spent 24 hours in a cell, and was given a four-digit finean apposite metric of success.

Following her release, Moire told Dazed magazine that her arrest in London was indicative of the U.K.s Brexit debate.

The U.K. should remain in the EU, she said, adding: Europe is like a big family, in which you cant choose the members and you prefer some more than the other [sic], but what Europe unites is the blood of freedom which flows in all. Keeping Great Britain in the EU makes this family stronger.

As with all of her performances, Moire captured Mirror Box on film. We see male and female passersby over age 18 engage Moiresome timid, others smiling for the camera or creepily holding the artists gaze, which she meets with variously seductive and complacent expressions.

And thats just the censored version. Viewers have to pay 8 to experience the performance piece in all its pornographic glory.

The titillating component of watching a conventionally attractive, naked woman allow strangers to grope her or flex her impressive kegel muscles in public evidently integral to Moires message.

In her artists statement, Moire explains the meaning behind Mirror Box:

The audiences reflection on the mirrored box simultaneously becomes a visual metaphor for the role reversal from voyeur to the object of view: a constant play of inversions analogous to our roles in the digital world.

She also notes that Mirror Box was inspired by Valie Exports Touch Cinema, a performance in 1968 wherein Export invited men and women on the street in Vienna to touch her breasts through a styrofoam box.

Moires Mirror Box is thus an uninspiring replica of a performance that was somewhat groundbreaking for a feminist artist in the 60s. Whether Moires audience pondered the effect of the digital world that her piece references is unclear.

But Mirror Box, like PlopEgg Painting, has certainly attracted attention. This is arguably the only takeaway from contemporary performance art: it enables people like Moire to orchestrate shocking, absurdist spectacles and call them art.

The more controversial the spectacle, the more attention it gets in person and online.

Indeed, since PlopEgg Painting, Moire has come out with ever more provocative performances, including one titled Naked Selfie outside Art Basel last year, which involved posing nude with awkward or leering locals (shockingly, it was such a success that she performed it again in Dusseldorf and Paris, in front of the Eiffel Tower).

When these heavy-handed, pseudo-intellectual performances influence culture, its often because they inspire satire. Even performance art pioneers in the 60s and 70s were satirized (think The Great Gonzo smashing a rock while screaming Art! in an early season of Jim Hensons The Muppets; or being booed during one of his performances and grumbling backstage, What do these people know about art!).

Among Moires other notable performances is an underwater video piece, Fluid Ecstasy, which presents a metaphysically ambivalent ambience that documents our prenatal state of becoming in the form of a visual metaphor, according to the artists statement.

Alas, this viewer failed to grasp the ambivalent ambience of watching a perennially nude Moire gliding above the ocean floor a la Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon.
Porn dog doesnt sound like a terribly appealing job at first, but pups with that title are breaking new ground for cops across the country.

According to a Facebook post from Utahs Weber County police force on June 21, a new K-9 specializing in tracking down illegal and child pornography is the latest of a new type of trained hound to join police forces nationwide.

The one-year-old black labironically named URLhas been specially trained to sniff out electronic storage devices such as zip drives, cell phones, SD cards, external hard drives, and tablets.

We realize some of you may be skeptical and wonder how is this possible, reads part of the Weber County police forces post. URL does not actually search for illegal materials, but rather his highly sensitive nose has been trained to detect the unique chemical compounds found in the certain electronic components.

URL comes from the same Indiana-based trainer as Bear, the K-9 who played a key role in the arrest of Subway pitchman and child molester Jared Fogle. Though there were reportedly only about five dogs in the U.S. trained to sniff out electronic devices when the FBI raided Fogles Indiana home last July, police departments across the country are increasingly utilizing the trained pups to hunt down electronic media.

I thought I was being punked, but it does work, DOJ prosecutor Steven DeBrota told NBC News. I became a believer. I think it's going to become a regular law enforcement technique.

Experts say that the canine cops could be used not only to investigate child porn cases, but also in other electronics-related operations, including counterintelligence and counterterrorism probes.
Actor Lee Min-ho's fans donated W11.86 million to help children in need to celebrate the actor's birthday (US$1=W1,155).

The money donated to Holt International Children's Services will be used to help children in single-parent families and those in foster homes.

Lee's fans have participated in charitable works to support Lee, such as donating blood to those in need, helping quake victims in Haiti and giving support to low-income families.

Lee is currently promoting his latest film "Bounty Hunters" in China ahead of its release in July and plans to appear in a new TV soap in November.
Millionaires in Asia are wealthier than their counterparts in other regions of the world, including North America and Europe, according to a report by the Capgemini consulting firm.

According to the report, Asian millionaires wealth was worth $17.4 trillion in 2015, more than double the $8.4 trillion in 2006. In North America, millionaires saw their wealth increase from $11.2 trillion to $16.6 trillion over the same time period.

Moreover, the sheer number of millionaires in Asia grew by 9.4 percent over last year. The report said there were 5.1 million Asian millionaires in 2015, the majority, 2.7 million coming from Japan and another one million from China. The U.S., by contrast, had 4.5 millionaires.

The report found that Asian millionaires increased their wealth by nearly 10 percent in 2015 compared to just over 2 percent in the U.S. and Canada.

The report said Latin American millionaires fared the worst, seeing their fortunes reduced by 3.7 percent, which was caused by volatility in the Brazilian stock market. European millionaires, meanwhile, saw a 4.8 percent increase in wealth.

Asian millionaires' wealth is largely centered around financial services, technology and healthcare.

"It's a more entrepreneurial source of wealth," said Bill Sullivan, head of global financial services market intelligence at Capgemini, according to CNN.

According to the BBC, millionaires were worth $60 trillion globally last year, a 400 percent jump from 30 years ago. It could be as much as $100 trillion by 2015, Capgemini said.
As we head toward the Democratic National Convention, I often hear the question, "What does Bernie want?" Wrong question. The right question is what the 12 million Americans who voted for a political revolution want.

And the answer is: They want real change in this country, they want it now and they are prepared to take on the political cowardice and powerful special interests which have prevented that change from happening.

They understand that the United States is the richest country in the history of the world, and that new technology and innovation make us wealthier every day. What they don't understand is why the middle class continues to decline, 47 million of us live in poverty and many Americans are forced to work two or three jobs just to cobble together the income they need to survive.

What do we want? We want an economy that is not based on uncontrollable greed, monopolistic practices and illegal behavior. We want an economy that protects the human needs and dignity of all people - children, the elderly, the sick, working people and the poor. We want an economic and political system that works for all of us, not one in which almost all new wealth and power rests with a handful of billionaire families.

The current campaign finance system is corrupt. Billionaires and powerful corporations are now, through super PACs, able to spend as much money as they want to buy elections and elect candidates who represent their interests, not the American people. Meanwhile, we have one of the lowest voter turnout rates of any major country on earth, and Republican governors are working overtime to suppress the vote and make it harder for poor people, people of color, seniors and young people to vote.

Our criminal justice system is broken. We have 2.2 million people rotting behind bars at an annual expense of $80 billion. Youth unemployment in a number of inner-cities and rural communities is 30 to 50 percent, and millions of young people have limited opportunities to participate in the productive economy. Failing schools all around the country produce more people who end up in jail than graduate college. Millions of Americans have police records as a result of marijuana possession, which should be decriminalized. And too many people are serving unnecessarily long mandatory minimum sentences.

What do we want? We want a criminal justice system that addresses the causes of incarceration, not one that simply imprisons more people. We want to demilitarize local police departments, see local police departments reflect the diversity of the communities they serve and end private ownership of prisons and detention centers. We want to create the conditions that allow people who are released from prison to stay out. We want the best educated population on earth, not the most incarcerated population.

The debate is over. Climate change is real. It is caused by human activity, and it already is causing devastating damage in our country and to the entire planet. If present trends continue, scientists tell us the planet will be 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer by the end of the century - which means more droughts, floods, extreme weather disturbances, rising sea levels and acidification of the oceans. This is a planetary crisis of extraordinary magnitude.

What do we want? We want the United States to lead the world in pushing our energy system away from fossil fuel and toward energy efficiency and sustainable energy. We want a tax on carbon, the end of fracking and massive investment in wind, solar, geothermal and other sustainable technologies. We want to leave this planet in a way that is healthy and habitable for future generations.

What do we want? We want to end the rapid movement that we are currently experiencing toward oligarchic control of our economic and political life. As Lincoln put it at Gettysburg, we want a government of the people, by the people and for the people. That is what we want, and that is what we will continue fighting for.
Yet the deal is not without risk, something the administration acknowledges.

Although U.S. officials never said such conduct ended, the administration used a technicality to drop those sanctions as part of last year's seven-nation nuclear deal. The agreement also allowed the Treasury Department to license American firms to do business in Iran's civilian aviation sector. The changes enable Boeing to sell up to 100 aircraft to Iran Air, by far the most lucrative business transaction between the U.S. and Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and U.S. Embassy hostage crisis.

Exactly five years ago, the Obama administration slapped sanctions on the Iranian company for a number of infractions. Iran Air used passenger and cargo planes to transport rockets and missiles to places such as Syria, sometimes disguised as medicine or spare parts, the Treasury Department said at the time. In other instances, members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps took control of flights carrying sensitive cargo.

Boeing's historic $25 billion deal with Iran Air potentially rides on hopes that Tehran would stop its past practice of using the airline's planes to ferry fighters and weapons across the Middle East.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said that the sale and any possible follow future deals depend on Iran's good behavior.

The U.S. could revoke the license for the deal if planes, parts or services are "used for purposes other than exclusively civil aviation end-use" or if aircraft are transferred to individuals or companies on a U.S. terrorism blacklist, Kirby said.

Any suggestion "that we would or will turn a blind eye to Iran's state sponsorship of terrorism or their terrorist-supporting activities is completely without merit," Kirby said.

The details of the arrangement between Boeing and Iran Air aren't entirely clear. Iran's Transportation Minister Abbas Akhoundi said it could match the $25 billion package between the Islamic Republic and Boeing's European rival, Airbus. Iran Air has stated its interest in purchasing new Boeing 737s -- single aisle jets that typically fly up to five hours. It also wants 777s -- larger planes that can carry passengers for 12 hours or more.

But if Iran Air continues supporting Iranian military or Revolutionary Guard operations, it would put the Obama administration or any successor in a bind.

Revoking the license and suspending future plane transfers risks angering the Iranians, who've already complained about not receiving sufficient benefit for their nuclear concessions. It also could mean billions in lost revenue for a large American company with more than 130,000 employees in the United States.

Still, officials may have no choice.

In imposing the sanctions on June 23, 2011, the Treasury Department said Iran Air had been shipping military-related electronic parts on behalf of the Iranian military for more than a decade. It noted two shipments in 2008 involving raw materials such as titanium sheets that can be used in advanced weapons programs. And it said Revolutionary Guard officers discouraged Iran Air pilots from inspecting dangerous cargo.

The sanctions, which prevented American individuals and companies from doing business with the airline, came in the early months of Syria's five-year civil war, which has now killed as many as a half-million people.

Iran has provided billions of dollars in assistance to Syrian President Bashar Assad and deployed troops and fighters from its proxy Hezbollah force to battle rebel groups. The U.S. has helped what it terms moderate rebels, while trying to start a peace process.

Although the accusations against Iran Air focused on terrorism and conventional weapons, the sanctions were authorized under an executive order targeting proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.

The technical distinction is important because President Barack Obama and other top officials insisted over months of negotiations with Iran that they would only lift nuclear-related sanctions in a final deal, and leave those linked to terrorism or human rights concerns untouched.

Critics of Obama's engagement with Iran have complained in recent months about U.S. financial concessions beyond the scope of the nuclear pact. Secretary of State John Kerry has been lobbying foreign banks to resume business with Iran, though many are wary because of the country's money laundering record and the risk of running afoul of U.S. regulators.
A 61-year-old woman was injured on Smith Mountain Lake on Tuesday morning when her personal watercraft exploded.

The incident happened sometime after 11 a.m., near channel marker R-26, according to Officer Shannon Smith with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Jeanne Mosher was flown to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Her injuries do not appear to be life-threatening, according to DGIF Lt. Chris Thomas.

The explosion occurred when the victim attempted to start her Polaris personal watercraft while docked, according to DGIF Sgt. Karl Martin. The explosion threw the victim off the watercraft and into the water. The womans husband heard the explosion and was able to pull his wife to shore before calling 911, Martin said.

Thomas said the explosion appeared to have been caused by gasoline vapors that ignited. The Polaris was the only vehicle involved.

In addition to DGIF and the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire/Rescue squad, medics from Bedford County Rescue responded.
The White House on Wednesday condemned North Korea's launch of two mid-range ballistic missiles, calling it a "flagrant violation" of the Norths international obligations.

"I do think that the impact of these provocations will be to only strengthen the resolve of the international community that has such serious concerns with North Korea's behavior," White House spokesman Josh Ernest told reporters. The U.S. "will do what we have done in the past, which is work with the international community, particularly our allies in South Korea and Japan."

"We'll also continue our ongoing dialogue with the Chinese and the Russians about what additional pressure can be applied to the North Koreans."

"And the key here will be to continue to work with our allies and partners to address this destabilizing threat in Northeast Asia," he added.

Ernest said the missiles were tracked over the East Sea, where they fell. "NORAD [North American Aerospace Defense Command] was also monitoring the launches and determined that they did not pose a threat to North America," he added.
Inmates are filling the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections' old jail facilities. (Photo: Brian Bohannon, Special to the C-J)

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By Morgan Watkins, The Courier-Journal / USA TODAY Network

As Kentuckys prison population rises and county jails become overcrowded, the state may reopen a pair of private prisons to temporarily take in more than 1,600 inmates.

The state stopped housing inmates in private prisons in 2013, but there has been unexpected growth in the number of state prisoners over the last seven months, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary John Tilley said. State prisons are at capacity, and county jails are housing a record number of state inmates.

Over 11,000 of Kentuckys roughly 23,600 state inmates are being held in those facilities, and many county jailers say they cant handle any more, Tilley said. In the short run, only one option seems viable: the temporary use of private prisons.

The state could transfer around 1,642 inmates to the Marion Adjustment Center in St. Mary and the Lee Adjustment Center in Beattyville, which are owned by the Corrections Corp. of America (CCA), Tilley said. Those facilities are closed but still are being maintained.

"This doesnt represent a change in philosophy," he said. "This is simply a pragmatic approach to a problem of capacity that we have at the moment."

Tilley said he discussed this issue with legislators Thursday at a meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue.

CCA is aware of the justice cabinet's interest in using its facilities, Jonathan Burns, the company's director of public affairs, said in an email Friday. The company had conversations with government officials earlier this year, but the state hasn't contacted it about this specific proposal.

However, Burns said CCA would be willing to reopen those prisons if the state decides to move forward with that plan.

The private-prison option is still under review, but the executive branch has the authority to implement that course of action if it's deemed appropriate, Tilley said. They are not recommending the use of the Otter Creek Correctional Center in Wheelwright, which is more remote in location.

Before the CCA-owned Otter Creek facility closed, there were reports of sexual abuse that occurred within its walls. Tilley said the state's No. 1 priority would be accountability if the other private prisons are reopened.

"We'll do everything in our power to avoid any of those problems that have existed in the past," he said.

The factors behind Kentucky's increasing prison population include high numbers of drug-related arrests and parole violators and a high percentage of felony offenders who are getting prison time, Tilley said. Those same things contributed to the state's spike in inmates back in the '00s.

The Louisville Metro Department of Corrections isn't immune to Kentucky's overcrowding problems.

The department is using the previously shuttered jail facility located above the Louisville Metro Police Department to house around 97 inmates, but some prisoners still have to sleep on the floor, Assistant Director Steve Durham said.

"We're ready for the Kentucky Department of Corrections to take the next step," he said. "I know they're working hard to find a solution..."

As of Friday morning, the Louisville Metro DOC had 2,069 inmates in its custody, but its fixed-bed capacity totals just 1,793 beds, Durham said. Around 300 state inmates in its care await transfer into state custody, but there's nowhere to put them.
Donald Trump will travel to Iowa for 2022 election rally

Former President Donald Trump will travel to Iowa next week to help boost Republicans ahead of Election Day.
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Xerox this week continued its tradition of filling the corner office from within its own ranks, naming as CEO Ursula Burns replacement Jeff Jacobson, who joined Xerox in 2012 after a stint leading Presstek and before that working for Eastman Kodak.

Burns confirmed last month plans to step down as CEO of Xerox, which she has led since 2009, after she was promoted to replace then-CEO Anne Mulcahy. They share a footnote in business history as the first women to lead a Fortune 500 company in back-to-back tenures as CEO.

Xerox is in the process of carving out its business-process outsourcing operations as a new, publicly traded company called Conduent, with Xerox to retain its legacy document technology operations. This month, Xerox turned to an outsider to lead Conduit in former Infosys executive and New Jersey resident Ashok Vemuri, while having yet to identify a headquarters location for the new company.

Jacobson, 56, is currently president of Xerox Technology and will continue in that role until the separation is complete, with Xerox expected to publish full details on the process in July. Xerox shares (NYSE: XRX) were up slightly in after-hours trading Thursday after the announcement before dropping 4 percent as of Friday afternoon to $9.58 amid a global sell-off in stocks following the United Kingdoms vote to exit the European Union.

Jeff is a great leader with a passion for our business and employees, deep customer relationships and a clear strategic vision to capitalize on the opportunities ahead, Burns stated in a press release. During his four years at Xerox, Jeff has driven significant productivity and cost efficiency efforts while maintaining our commitment to innovation, quality and leading technology. With his previous public-company CEO experience and his track record and achievements at Xerox, the (board) and I are confident he is the best person to lead Xerox forward.

Speaking in early June at a print industry trade show in Germany, Jacobson noted Xeroxs historical relevance and its efforts to reinvigorate sales through inkjet printing technology and other platforms.

When I joined Xerox four years ago, I was truly thrilled to join this company, this industry icon that is Xerox, Jacobson said in his address posted online by PrintingNews.com. There are strong growth opportunities in this industry  capturing the big vision, the vision for (combining) the physical and digital in innovative ways to create new solutions, new businesses and new supply chains.

Jacobson was previously CEO of Presstek, a maker of digital offset printing presses and accessories whose headquarters he moved to Greenwich from Hudson, N.H., in 2007. In its final fiscal year in 2011 as a publicly traded company, Presstek lost $12.4 million on sales of $120 million and reported an accumulated deficit of nearly $83 million. Striking a deal for Presstek to be taken private, Jacobson left the company, which moved its headquarters back to New Hampshire.

Before joining Presstek, Jacobson was chief operating officer of Rochester, N.Y.-based Kodaks $3.6 billion Graphic Communications Group, also leading Kodak Polychrome Graphics, a $1.7 billion joint venture between Sun Chemical and Kodak that had an office in Norwalk until 2009.

Jacobson is a graduate of the State University of New York Buffalo and holds a masters degree in industrial relations from Cornell University as well as a law degree from Pace University.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman
More Living Summer-only dining spots in Connecticut

Nothing says summer on the shoreline like a lobster roll  Connecticut style. Meaty chunks of lobster drenched in hot, melted butter loaded into a toasted hot dog bun  one of the Nutmeg State's finest contributions to cuisine.

Whether you venture to a year-round restaurant to seasonal, side-of-the-road shack, summer is prime time for this succulent sandwich. The hunt for the perfect lobster roll will take you from Fairfield County all the way along the I-95 corridor to where Connecticut meets Rhode Island. These rolls are worth the ride.
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It was inevitable.

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., a leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events, is making its first foray into the Northeast Thursday through Saturday, June 23-25, at Mohegan Sun.

The company is known for its high-end auctions in some of the wealthiest areas of the United States: Las Vegas, Palm Beach, Fla., and at its headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz.

It was only a matter of time until they made it to one of the wealthiest regions in America  the corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C. The event is expected to draw participants and observers from the entire region.

The inaugural Northeast Auction was a massive undertaking, explains Gary Baker, Mohegan Sun spokesman and director of conventions. About 18 months of planning have gone into the project, which requires vast open space for the auction items, as well as for those attending, and enormous security.

Were set to make our debut Northeast Auction at Mohegan Sun one of the most exciting automotive experiences on the East Coast this year, said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO, in a written statement. Clientele and enthusiasts from the Northeast and Canada have asked us to host an event in this region and we found Mohegan Sun to be the perfect venue with a central location.

More Information Mohegan Sun, Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville. Gate tickets for Thursday, June 23, are $50, $43 seniors, military and students, $23 children. Friday, June 24, gate tickets are $60, $50 for seniors, military and students; $23 children. On Saturday, June 25, tickets are $65, $55 for seniors, military and students, $28 children. Gates open at 8 a.m.; events run through early evening. barrett-jackson.com See More Collapse

About 550 original and modified vehicles will be featured. Ticket holders may explore the outdoor staging area, where photography will be allowed. The auction takes place indoors, in the Mohegan Sun Arena. Numerous automotive displays and merchandise also will be offered indoors and out. Rodney Scearce, a Barrett-Jackson spokesman, said the company anticipates returning next year.

Our goal is to make this a successful and long-term event. This year marks the first time Barrett-Jackson has held an auction in the Northeast, and the response weve seen from consignors, bidders and fans alike has been incredible.

Baker said Mohegan Sun is anticipating about 75,000 visitors. It will be broadcast live on Velocity and the Discovery Channel.

On the docket will be autos owned by celebrities, including a 1984 American Motors Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler SUV, owned by the late journalist Charles Kuralt, of Essex; a 1953 Dodge Power Wagon Pickup, previously owned by actor Tom Selleck; a restored 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible from rockabilly legend Brian Setzer, and a 1955 Volkswagen Beetle, previously owned by Jerry Seinfeld. According to Barrett-Jackson, the auction also will include several autos from the Golden Age of the Ford Muscle cars. Included will be a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429, a two-owner car that still has its original specification sheet, manuals, brochures, warranty card and owner data plate.

Original Ford Mustangs and Shelbys of the 1960s and early 70s are the epitome of desirable, classic American muscle, Jackson said. Our bidders seek them out and, in fact, a Boss 429 was our top seller at our last auction in Palm Beach. The ones featured in our inaugural Northeast docket will surely bring a lot of attention from the bidders in the arena.

pasboros@ctpost.com; Twitter:@PhyllisASBoros
Cash-strapped Hyundai Merchant Marine is poised to join the biggest alliance of shipping companies in the world.

The move vaults a significant hurdle on Hyundai Merchant Marines road to recovery after it persuaded vessel owners to slash charter fees.

The shipping company is expected to get a new lease of life once creditors swap debt into equity in August.

Hyundai Merchant Marine is in talks to join the 2M global shipping alliance, which includes the No. 1 and 2 players Maersk and MSC. The two sides have already agreed in principle that Hyundai Merchant Marine can join.

Alliances are now essential for global shipping companies since it is impossible for a single firm to cover every route.

New global alliances have emerged recently as the worldwide shipping industry underwent a major crunch, but Hyundai Merchant Marine was left out.

A spokesman at Hyundai Merchant Marine said, "Joining the 2M alliance will give us a major boost. We will wrap up talks as soon as possible."
BRIDGEPORT  Four nursing homes around the state, including one in the city, have been fined in connection with residents who broke bones, required surgery or wandered away.

On Aug. 24, Bridgeport Health Care Center was fined $640 in connection with a resident who left the facility Aug. 1 and was found at a store down the road. A video showed the resident climbed over a patio wall. The person made it seven-tenths of a mile before being returned safely to the home about an hour later, the citation said.

The home failed to follow its policy of having a photo of every resident who needed one-on-one monitoring at the front desk, the citation said. The director of nursing told state inspectors that a licensed practical nurse should have asked one person to watch the resident, the home should have called a special code and the supervisors should have met to plan a search for the resident, the citation said.

In response to the incident, a plan was put in place involving residents who were at risk for wandering, and all of the staff members were retrained, the citation said.

In two separate citations on April 8, Cassena Care at Norwalk was fined a total of $5,370 for a case in which a now-former director of nursing blocked a resident from going to the hospital to maintain the resident count at the home, state records show.

A day after the incident, on Oct. 10, the resident needed emergency cranial surgery and then was placed in hospice care, a citation from the state Department of Public Health said. DPH officials did not have information on whether the resident had died, department spokeswoman Maura Downes said.

The home was fined $3,000 in one DPH citation that said the resident had a change in mental status, was lethargic and difficult to arouse, but an ambulance call was cancelled. A registered nurse said the former nursing director had ordered the staff to try to keep residents at the home to maintain the resident census, the citation said.

A doctor had ordered the resident sent to the hospital and received a text that the director had refused to do so, the citation said. The doctor did not follow up, thinking the resident had been hospitalized, the citation said.

The home was fined $2,370 in connection with the same residents care, a second citation said. A doctor said he should have been notified that the resident had not gone to the hospital as ordered on Oct. 9 and should have been told of the change in the residents mental status, the citation said.

Officials from the home could not be reached for comment.

On May 23, Meadowbrook of Granby was fined $1,815 in connection with a resident who rolled out of bed Jan. 23 and broke a hip.

After the fall, the resident was hospitalized, but returned to the home with no documentation showing that the hips had been X-rayed, the citation said. Two days later, the person was in pain and was sent back to the hospital, where X-rays showed a broken hip, the citation said. The resident underwent surgery to repair the hip.

The state found that a nurses aide had raised the bed to care for the resident, but went to a bathroom and should have lowered the bed before leaving the residents side, the citation said. The aide was retrained about the importance of lowering the bed, the citation said. Administrator Rachel DeMaida declined to comment.

On April 20, Greenwich Woods Rehabilitation in Greenwich was fined $630 in connection with a resident who fell on March 6 and broke a thigh bone.

The resident was found on the floor and initially did not appear to be injured. Two days later, a registered nurse changed the electronic medical record to say that on March 6, the resident was in pain and the injured leg appeared to have shortened by one inch, the DPH citation said.

The nurse did not notify a doctor, did not obtain an order for an X-ray and changed the record at the direction of a director of nursing services who is no longer at the home, the citation said. After an advanced practice registered nurse ordered X-rays on March 7, the fracture was diagnosed and the resident was hospitalized, the citation said.

Administrators at Bridgeport Health and Greenwich Woods could not be reached for comment.

This story was reported under a partnership with the Connecticut Health I-Team (www.c-hit.org).
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WASHINGTON  House Democrats ended their sit-in after 251/2 hours but pledged to continue the fight for as long as it takes to get votes on expanded gun-purchase background checks and denying guns to those on the terrorism watch list.

Democrats led by civil-rights icon U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., had promised to hold the House floor until House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., scheduled the votes  which Ryan refused to do.

After late-night shouting matches between chanting and singing Democrats and angry Republicans, Ryan gaveled through two items of business and adjourned the House until July 5.

Democrats including U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty  whose 5th District includes Newtown  pledged this was the beginning, not the end, and they would be back.

I feel energized and Im not exhausted, actually, said Esty, who stayed all night on the House floor and as of 3 p.m. Thursday had not slept since rising at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. I really had the feeling that something historic was happening.

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, who did just a little better with three hours of sleep early Thursday, said the sit-in succeeded in giving Americans reason to hope legislative answers to mass shootings and overall gun violence could become a reality.

I think we achieved something important, which is to galvanize people around the country to stand up to the absolutist pro-gun crowd, said Himes, who represents the 4th District, much of Fairfield County. People have really become energized that we have to meet the irresponsible gun advocates with passion of our own.

On yet another tumultuous day of crossfire on the gun issue, the Senate on Thursday turned back Republican efforts to kill a bipartisan compromise by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, which would deny guns to anyone on two narrower lists aimed at the worst-of-the-worst, but would set up court procedures for winning back gun-purchase rights within 14 days.

The 52-46 vote to preserve the Collins measure was procedural. Although it won the votes of eight Republicans, including Collins, it fell eight short of the 60 needed to ultimately win final approval.

Nevertheless, Senate Democrats rejoiced.

Between the Senate filibuster, the House sit-in, and this vote, we have helped create a massive uprising of support in favor of laws to make our nation safer from gun violence, said U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who led the nearly 15-hour filibuster that laid the groundwork for the Collins proposal. While I know we are far from the finish line, this has been a momentous last eight days for this crusade.

The fact that we are having votes is progress, said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. The American people are rising up  we saw it during the House sit-in, during the Senate filibuster, and in the outpouring of support we have seen for these efforts.

Murphy and Blumenthal voted against killing  tabling, technically  the Collins proposal.

The all-night sit-in on the House side unfolded amid dimmed lights and no live coverage by C-SPAN. House TV cameras were shut off by the Republican leadership, leaving C-SPAN to rely on grainy video feeds from House Demo crats via Periscope.

Upon emerging into the hazy sunshine outside the Capitol, Democrats led by Lewis and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., sang the civil rights anthem We Shall Overcome.

Ryan made clear to reporters he had no intention of budging.

We are not going to allow stunts like this to stop us from carrying out the peoples business, he said. If this is not a political stunt, then why are they trying to raise money off this?

Later he said: I dont think this should be a very proud moment for democracy or the people who staged these stunts.

Ryans words evoked angry responses, including from U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, whose 3rd District covers much of New Haven County.

Speaker Ryan had the temerity to say that this is a political stunt  a political stunt, DeLauro said on the House floor before the sit-in ended. Let me just say to you, do you want to say that to the families of those 20 babies who were massacred and slaughtered in Newtown, at Sandy Hook? A political stunt?

Democrats were unbowed, promising to keep at it even though majority Republicans have a virtual lock on what happens  and doesnt happen  in the House.

With respect to July 5, I dont know, said Himes. Come what may, Republicans will pay a price for their unwillingness to discuss what the vast majority of Americans are demanding.

dan@hearstdc.com
Here are your Crowdfund with Cat Cliff's Notes!

The first season of Entrepreneurs new web series covered topics such as what in the world equity crowdfunding means to what language is most effective in getting people to contribute to a crowdfunding campaign.

If you are interested in learning more about what it means to invest in a startup through equity crowdfunding or how to raise money through more traditional, donation-based crowdfunding, then welcome. This is your video-tutorial-introduction-to-crowdfunding crash course. Heres a complete list of each episode we have published so far.

If you have questions about crowdfunding that we havent answered yet, tweet at me! I am @CatClifford on twitter. Use the hashtag #CrowdfundwithCat and follow along with the conversation.

In this first episode of Crowdfund with Cat, Alon Hillel-Tuch, a co-founder of the crowdfunding platform RocketHub, walks us through what equity crowdfunding is and how its different from the more traditional donation-based crowdfunding.

In this second episode of Crowdfund with Cat, Alon Hillel-Tuch, a co-founder of the crowdfunding platform RocketHub, explains that as of May 16, a law change will mean that everyone can potentially be an investor in equity crowdfunding. Anyone with the cash and the interest will be able to invest in startups.

Here we explore what kind of entrepreneurs would be best suited to raise money with equity crowdfunding and who should be considering investing in startups through equity crowdfunding.

Even still, investors can indeed be rewarded handsomely for taking a savvy risk on the right startup. How does that work, though? We answer that in our fourth episode of Crowdfund with Cat. In particular, what needs to happen for an investor to make money on an equity crowdfunding investment?

Episode 5: 3 Foundational Secrets to Running a Rockstar Crowdfunding Campaign

In our fifth episode of Crowdfund with Cat, Brian Meece, the co-founder of crowdfunding platform RocketHub, walks us through the foundational principles of running a successful crowdfunding campaign.

The co-founder of crowdfunding platform RocketHub, Brian Meece, talks to us in this sixth episode of Crowdfund with Cat about what an effective crowdfunding video should look like. He also lays out the framework for how to produce one with limited resources.

In the seventh episode of Crowdfund with Cat, Brian Meece, the co-founder of crowdfunding platform RocketHub, explains when and how crowdfunding campaign owners should be communicating with their crowdfunding backers.

Women raise more money with crowdfunding than men do, all other things being equal, according to a study of nearly 10,000 Indiegogo campaigns.Thats because women tend to use more positive and inclusive language and that builds community with potential investors, says UC Berkeley Haas School of Business Assistant Professor Andreea Gorbatai. In the eighth episode of Crowdfund with Cat, we take a closer look at the language that comes naturally to women that makes them successful crowdfunders.

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On June 10, the transfer of my collection of temple rubbings of Angkor Wat (historic temple in Cambodia) to the Center for Global Studies in Brien McMahon High School was commemorated by a reception at CGS. Your education reporter, Silvia Foster-Frau, wrote a superb article (published on June 13) about the historic significance of Angkor Wat and the educational impact anticipated in their new home.

Because of an egregious oversight on my part, Dr. Susan Wallerstein was not properly credited for her invaluable role of facilitating the secure and safe transfer of these nine artworks. From concept (late 2015) to realization, she was a staunch source of support to both CGS Director Julie Parham and me.
Eric Krelle sat at the downtown coffee shop where it all began. He looked a little dazed. He looked like he might cry.

I knew that we were right, he said this week. But I never thought it would come to this conclusion. I still dont believe it.

A couple of years ago, Eric was just a normal dude, a steady Omahan with a steady job, a husband and father of three. But he was also a man with a bit of an obsession. He stoked this obsession through late-night research, fueled it by spending hours upon hours intently staring at blown-up images of seven-decade-old photos and grainy film footage. He did this until he unlocked a hidden history that seemingly had eluded the U.S. government, the Marine Corps and historians since 1945.

He knew he was right. He knew it. But he didnt know what to do next. So he called me, and two years ago we met for the first time in this downtown coffee shop.

Calling you was actually the hardest part, but I had to, said the shy 40-year-old. I wanted to tell somebody the truth.

Through a sequence of events that seems like the plot of a movie  fitting, since it will be a TV documentary that airs July 3  Erics amateur sleuthing made it all the way to the highest reaches of the military. It led down a meandering path toward a conclusion that the Omahan still cant quite believe.

Thursday morning, the Marine Corps officially acknowledged that it has since 1945 misidentified one of the men in the most iconic photo in U.S. history, the photo of six Marines raising a flag on Iwo Jima.

John Bradley, the famed flag raiser, World War II-era celebrity and father of best-selling Flags of Our Fathers author James Bradley, isnt in the famous photo, they said. Pfc. Harold Schultz, an anonymous Marine grunt who lived an anonymous life in Los Angeles, is in the famous photo.

Those revelations followed two lengthy investigations, one by the Smithsonian Channel and one by the Marine Corps itself, that included forensic analysis, facial measurements, a review of 70-year-old military records and a private investigator.

But it started right here in Omaha, when Eric Krelle and an online buddy from Ireland started researching the iconic photo in their free time on their computers and came to the same conclusion the Marine Corps acknowledged Thursday.

That work led to my original 2014 column that introduced Krelle and Irishman Stephen Foleys research and laid out the case that Bradley wasnt in the photo, but Schultz was.

That column led to the interest of a retired Marine officer with Hollywood connections. That in turn led to the Smithsonian Channel documentary premiering July 3, which led to the Marine Corps inquiry, which led to a statement issued Thursday morning from the Pentagon.

The Marine Corps now believes Navy Pharmacists Mate 2nd Class John Bradley was not in the ... image, the statement said. Based upon the evidence reviewed, another Marine, Pfc. Harold Schultz ... was the sixth man caught in the frame of what is considered the most famous war photograph.

Simply put: Eric Krelle changed a little piece of American history. He did so from the iMac desktop computer in his living room.

I think it took outsiders to question such an icon, to really dig deep, said Marine Lt. Col. Matthew Morgan. It took people who werent bound by the cultural catechism.

Morgan is not an outsider. Hes a Marine officer who deployed five times, including twice to Iraq, and ascended to become the public affairs director for the Marine Corps Forces Command before retiring in 2013. Hes connected inside the Marine Corps, and hes connected to the film industry, too, having served as a military adviser on several war movies, including Clint Eastwoods American Sniper in 2014.

Morgan read my 2014 column and called me, excited. He told me that he and another military adviser had previously noticed that the man long believed to be John Bradley in the famous Iwo Jima photo didnt look much like Bradley in dozens of other photos taken that day atop Iwo Jimas Mount Suribachi.

He told me that on the set of American Sniper, the crew  many of whom had worked on Eastwoods adaptation of Flags of Our Fathers  spent time theorizing that Bradley wasnt in the famed photo. But if not Bradley, they thought, then who?

Armed with the answer provided by the research of Krelle and Foley, Morgan decided to make a documentary about the photo.

That documentary, eventually funded by the Smithsonian Channel, hired a forensic analyst who used high-resolution images and facial identification technology and also rechecked Krelle and Foleys existing research that was detailed in my 2014 column. He prepared a 50-page report confirming that the Marine Corps had incorrectly identified one flag raiser.

Morgan and the films other producers were now certain. But there was one other organization that needed to be convinced: the U.S. Marine Corps.

We were the humble friars walking into the Vatican, (bringing up) The Last Supper and saying You think thats Peter, but thats not Peter,  Morgan said. You better have your boots laced up if you are going to go in and make that claim.

The Corps asked for and received the Smithsonian Channels research. Morgan and the documentarys production team also met several times with Corps officials.

The Marine Corps commandant, Gen. Robert Neller, then formed a panel headed by a retired three-star general and staffed by active-duty and retired Marine officers as well as two military historians. That panel reviewed all available images, film, statements and previous investigations, according to a Marine Corps statement, and reported its findings to Neller in April.

Those findings were identical to those of the Smithsonian Channel and Omahan Krelle, the Marine Corps confirmed Thursday. John Bradley  a well-known corpsman, subject of a hit book and movie, and a hero who saved countless lives on Iwo Jima and received the Navy Cross  isnt in the photo, although the Marine statement does point out he helped raise another flag earlier that day.

Schultz  who was wounded on Iwo Jima, received a Purple Heart, left the Marines and then all but disappeared from the memories of his fellow veterans  is in the famed photo.

Our history is important to us, and we have a responsibility to ensure its right, Neller said in the statement.

John Bradley and Harold Schultz left behind precious few bread crumbs about the real history behind the flag-raising photo, leaving us to speculate: What did they know and when did they know it?

Bradley went on a war bonds drive that made him, Ira Hayes and Rene Gagnon national celebrities. He left the Navy and moved back to his native Wisconsin. He owned a funeral home. He refused hundreds of interview requests and almost never spoke of the war. He died in 1994.

Six years later his son, James, would co-write Flags of Our Fathers, which zoomed to the top of the best-seller lists, resulted in the Eastwood-directed movie and made John Bradley a celebrity all over again.

We go to great lengths (in the documentary) to say that this in no way diminishes his service, Morgan said. This man received the Navy Cross for doing things far more important than putting up a flag.

Harold Schultz moved to Los Angeles after the war. He lost a young fiancee, a woman named Mary, when she died of a brain tumor. He sorted mail for the U.S. Postal Service for decades. Nearly every evening he accepted an invitation to dine at his neighbors apartment, eating with Rita Reyes and her children. At age 60, Harold got married for the first time, to Reyes.

He attended at least one Iwo Jima reunion and got Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthals autograph  an act that put him tantalizingly close to the man who snapped the flag-raising photo.

Schultz died in 1995 and wife Rita died in 2013. The filmmakers combed military records, census records and even hired a private investigator. They still didnt find a single relative who knew him, beyond his stepchildren, who learned very little about his time in World War II. They didnt find any old friends who knew of his hidden spot in American history.

The Mystery Marine remains mysterious.

Morgan thinks Harold Schultz knew the truth. He thinks Harold Schultz took his secret to his grave. Maybe it was because he was shy, he said. And maybe it was because he was a Marine.

For me, personally, its very important that we recognize that Marines like Harold Schultz are out there, Morgan said. I have a basic sense from my time in uniform that the men most worthy of our honor dont seek it. And Harold Schultz is an example of that.

Which leads us back to Eric Krelle, sitting in an Omaha coffee shop, blinking back tears.

Hes thinking about John Bradley and Harold Schultz. Hes struggling to explain why the correction to history he uncovered matters.

He tells me that he is the son of a Vietnam War veteran, William Krelle, who now suffers from Alzheimers disease. He tells me that hes the grand-nephew of a Marine who fought at Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest battles in World War II, and then in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, one of the bloodiest of the Korean War. He exchanged letters with his great-uncle, which sparked his interest in Iwo Jima, which was the only reason he ever came to study the photo in the first place.

Eric said he was driven by an image in his head, an image tied to a thought that he could leave something small for posterity. It is an image of his three children someday traveling to Washington, D.C., driving to Arlington National Cemeterys back gate and looking up at the Marine Corps War Memorial, the 60-foot-tall bronze statue that depicts the famed flag raising.

I dont want them to see what the Marine Corps or the government want them to see, Eric said as he pictures his children looking up at that monument. I want them to see the truth.

And that is what Eric Krelle has done. He has completed the most stunning of magic tricks: He has taken a vanished Marine named Harold Schultz and made him reappear, for military leaders, for the history books, for the American public.

His name will now be attached to that monument, Eric Krelle said as he sits inside a little coffee shop. His name will be there. It has to be.

Contact the writer: 402-444-1064,
ARCADIA  Leland E. Boots Hurlburt, 91, of Arcadia passed away Saturday, June 18, 2016, at Valley County Health System Hospital in Ord.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 28, at the United Methodist Church in Arcadia. The Rev. Dr. Jeff D. Hale will officiate. Burial will be in the Arcadia Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Arcadia Fire and Rescue Department or the donors choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Leland Edward was born March 26, 1925, to Wesley and Lottie (Turvey) Hurlburt in Custer County near Westerville. He was raised on a farm near Arcadia and attended Hillside Country School.

In 1945, he entered the United State Navy and served as a 2nd Class Seaman. As a young man he worked in the sugar beet fields at Scottsbluff, harvested wheat, drove a truck for five years and also drove the bus for Arcadia for five years. On Dec. 11, 1948, Leland was united in marriage to Doris Kamarad at Loup City. The couple farmed their entire married life. In 1984, they moved into Arcadia.

Leland was a member of the American Legion Post 500 of Lincoln. Boots enjoyed the farm, especially during the spring when he could watch the new calves. He also followed his grandchildren with their events. He liked music, especially polka music. Boots enjoyed westerns on TV, and playing pool and cards.

Survivors include his wife, Doris of Loup City; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald and Laura and Daniel and Peggy, all of Arcadia; eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three stepgreat-grandchildren and two stepgreat-great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Lorayne Hurlburt of St. Paul.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant twin siblings, Mary and Joseph; a brother, Dale; and a sister, Louise Walker.
A Brooklyn, N.Y., man faces a July 15 preliminary hearing in Edwardsville on charges that he allegedly created fake debit and credit cards using tools such as a laptop computer and magnetic stripe readers along with stolen personal information such as credit card numbers.

Xion S, Morren, who turns 23 next week, was charged by the Madison County States Attorneys Office with one count of Identity Theft. He had been held at the Madison County Jail on $100,000 but was allowed to leave Madison County and return to New York while he is out on bail.
LaBest Pet Resort & Spa is having an inaugural donation drive, Operation: War Dogs, through Labor Day. The donation drive is being held to support the U.S. War Dog Association (USWDA), a non-profit organization that sends care packages to U.S. military working dogs and their handlers.

In 2002, the USWDA began sending care packages overseas that included items to protect the military dogs from the harsh weather and terrain. It has since sent items like dog boots to protect the dogs paws from the heat and terrain and Doogles to protect their eyes from the sand storms as well as cooling vests to protect the animals from high temperature and heat stroke.

Money donated to the USWDA can also help with expenses to bring the war dogs home. This includes transportation, veterinary and surgical expenses, medication, rehabilitation, and helping find them a loving, forever home.

During the LaBest Pet Resort & Spas Operation: War Dogs donation drive, donors can bring by any donations to LaBest located at 4933 Indian Hills Drive in Edwardsville or mail a check written out to United States War Dog Association. LaBest will be accepting donations through Sept. 5, and donations can be anything from treats, leashes, collars, Kong toys or a monetary donation.

LaBest has special gifts for those who donate from $25 to $100. Those who donate $25, will receive a commemorative army dog tag necklace or USWDA bandanna. Donors who donate $100 dollars or more will receive a choice of a free day of doggie day care, a day of lodging or 15 percent off grooming or teeth cleaning.

Also, LaBest will have American flag dog paws for donors to write down their name and pets name to hang on the wall with all of the other donors.

Amy French, the LaBest Pet Resort & Spa Area Manager, explained that the USWDA cause is one that is very near and dear to the hearts of those of at LaBest. Not only do we have three veterans, myself included, that are a part of our staff, we also feel that it is important to ensure that the four-legged members of our Armed Forces are well taken care of and supported as well, she said. These animals are aiding our military by doing search and rescue, bomb and explosive detection, and much more.

There is no greater sacrifice that can be made than that of being a part of the Armed Forces, and anything that we can do to provide support to the men, women, and dogs that are helping protect us is a worthy cause to us, French added. We urge everyone in our community to come help out and make a difference.

Call LaBest at (618) 692-6399 for additional questions or visit its website at www.labestinc.net.
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Linkedin Dadan Wardhana, Wim Heijman and Rico Ihle (The Jakarta Post) Wageningen, Netherlands  Fri, June 24, 2016

Indonesia has institutionalized the human right to adequate food for all its residents under Food Law No. 18/2012. Some policies for enhancing access to sufficient, safe and nutritionally balanced food have been developed.



The law has been implemented by increasing domestic food productivity, by establishing governance structures that link relevant institutions and by empowering local communities.



How successful has the policy been since nutrition and food security were declared priorities for the country more than three decades ago?



On the supply side, under pressure of agricultural land degradation, natural disaster shocks and a high population growth rate, the government aims at increasing food production. It subsidizes fertilizer and seeds for producers. The subsidies in 2015 amounted to Rp 35.7 trillion (US$2.75 billion) for fertilizers and Rp 900 billion for seeds, which amounts to about 17 percent of the total production costs.



Along with this subsidy policy, the government also encourages new technologies and tries to improve extension performance. Yet, the imports of rice and other staples by the government are also increasing from 500,000 to 3 million tons annually.



Also, to increase food accessibility, the policy aims at stabilizing food market prices and implementing the rice for poor people policy. The State Logistics Agency (BULOG), the national agency responsible for food distribution and price control, seems to be struggling to fill rice stocks for the Indonesians who are high rice-dependent consumers and to support maximum food consumer prices in the market.



A recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) study found that the domestic price of rice increased to 60 percent greater than its international prices in the period from 2010 to 2012.



Despite the manifold political initiatives, Indonesia still faces a substantial food security problem. It has made little progress in reducing food insecurity and has particularly performed poorly in increasing adequate access to food for all its citizens.



Compared to other ASEAN members, Indonesia has a low global food security index.



According to The Economist Intelligence Unit, in 2015 the score was 46.7 on a range of zero to 100 where 100 is the most favorable. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) reported that in the period from 2012 to 2014 about 21.6 million Indonesians were undernourished  that is, about 8.5 percent of the total population.



In summary, Indonesia should diversify its policy scenarios to reduce food insecurity, rather than focusing policy attention on domestic production of staple foods. The involvement of the governments at provincial and regional levels in enhancing food security may develop a broad spectrum of policies.



For improving food security, the central government could allow local authorities to take responsibility for increasing food productivity and for restructuring food supply chains and distribution. This responsibility is reliant upon technical ability and financial constraints.



Decentralized food supply management may be advantageous to promote successful governance for building local resilience in food issues. Of course, the central government should be able to control regional authorities on such a food security scheme along with BULOGs tasks. Is the BULOG able to deal with the food insecurity issue?



Indeed, the national logistic network today seems inefficient to control food availability and affordability. Its costs are still high, about 25 percent of total gross domestic product (GDP), or about 14 percent of total food production. Such inefficiencies are caused by the poor infrastructure that results in high transportation costs because of the long distances between producers and consumers. With stronger regional authorities, the regional governments could cooperate in establishing local food reserves that are close to consumers since the food is a perishable commodity. Such an integrated network would be successful for the accessibility of locally produced food.



This local participation is more beneficial because of the regional heterogeneity of Indonesia. Every region has unique cultural, geographic and economic characteristics. Therefore, local governments can determine the best option for achieving nutrition and food security targets based on local food diversity.



To attain the goals, their role in enhancing food resilience is to develop the strategic planning of food management that should fit into land use planning, social and economic development plans and budget constraints. The plans include the schemes of agricultural extension, production input provision and food distribution and these scenarios connect the sectors and their environments.



Additionally, the local governments could establish cooperation between the private and public

sectors.



Hence, they will improve food supply chains involving the relationships between food producers, industries, traders, financial institutions, universities and consumers. Technically, each governmental level, then, should understand the process of change and the connectedness of natural shocks, land uses, food production and distribution, human behaviors, local economies and regional properties. The overall aim should be that the governments at various levels are sufficiently able to manage the food stocks.



To build up connections between sectors and regions, cooperation between the various levels of government in and across regions is crucial. Neighboring regional economies are likely to influence one another.



This cooperation should expand and strengthen the integrated food logistics network. Geographic proximity as well as similar institutions and organization structures allow the sharing of information. Regions may benefit from this proximity.



This gain can foster the collaboration between neighboring regional governments through exchanging ideas and initiatives. For instance, provincial governments can initiate this cooperation. The communication between local authorities enables decision-making in addressing food shortages in vulnerable regions by providing the necessary infrastructure. This would also include identifying which municipalities or regencies could be nodes for production, local reserves or distribution chains to reach consumers.



Overall, allowing the local authorities to take responsibility may enhance general food availability and accessibility. Decentralized food logistics management is a promising contribution to the achievement of regional development goals.



Fostering political and economic cooperation and coordination between neighboring regions can be a powerful factor bringing about various synergy effects that will boost local resilience against food market shocks.

***

The writers are members of the Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group, Wageningen University.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Pierre van der Eng (The Jakarta Post) Canberra  Fri, June 24, 2016

There is increasing concern about Indonesias slowing gross domestic product (GDP) growth during the last few years to 4.8 percent during 2015. Slowing economic growth has several consequences; most importantly it foreshadows slower growth of new employment and income opportunities. It also puts a cap on the growth of government spending, as the budget deficit is limited to a maximum 3 percent of GDP.

Several op-ed pieces in the media in recent weeks have emphasized that Indonesian producers need to improve productivity. Directly and indirectly, commentators have expressed concerns about Indonesias low productivity performance, noting the need for technological change in order to improve productivity and increase economic growth.

But how do we know that Indonesias productivity is not changing much? Economists explain GDP growth in different ways. One is to disaggregate it according to the main sources of growth, or the key inputs used in production processes: capital and labor. If GDP growth exceeds the combined growth of capital and labor, a country experiences productivity growth. This growth of total factor productivity (TFP) is a black box, and difficult to analyze further. But it is a starting point for discussion about the sources of economic growth, or the lack of it.

Echoing the work of a generation of economic historians, such as Angus Maddison, Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman wrote in his 1994 book The Age of Diminishing Expectations: Productivity isn't everything, but in the long run it is almost everything. A countrys ability to improve its standard of living over time depends almost entirely on its ability to raise its output per worker.

But estimating TFP growth is not easy. While it is now possible to approximate the growth of employment, estimating the growth of capital stock in an economy is not without significant difficulties. So too in the case of Indonesia.

Indonesias Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has fine-tuned employment estimates since the 1970s through the Sakernas employment survey. In 1997, the BPS also made a start with estimating Indonesias capital stock, but it has yet to start publishing official estimates on a regular basis.

A few years ago I expanded this BPS research to estimate capital stock in Indonesia in the long run, and to use these estimates to approximate TFP growth in Indonesia during 1880-2008. It turned out that increasing capital stock explained 62 percent of GDP growth, and the mobilization of people in gainful employment combined with improvements in education a further 31 percent, leaving just 6 percent for TFP growth.

But there were phases with significant TFP growth spurts: 1933-1941, 1951-1961, 1967-1974 and 2000-2008. Each was short, and came after a period of economic crisis: the early 1930s, the mid-1940s, the mid-1960s and 1997-1998. Following each crisis, capital formation (investment) slowed and producers were required to be innovative and make the most of the people they employed and the capital they mustered. It was very different to the 1880-1929 and 1975-1997 periods when TFP growth was negative, although economic growth was positive, especially during the Suharto era.

Using recent national accounts data from the BPS to update these estimates, it now turns out that TFP growth explains an unprecedented 29 percent of GDP growth during 2000-2015. This is at a time when capital formation has been at an all-time high of 32 percent of GDP during 2010-2015. It is difficult to see it go much higher than that.

Nevertheless, the growth of capital stock is around 5-6 percent per year, no longer the 11-12 percent seen during the Suharto years. At the same time, employment growth is slowing due to decreasing population growth since the 1980s, and improvements in educational attainment remain slow but gradual. In other words, Indonesias economic growth may be held back by productivity growth, but productivity growth in the country has actually been at historically unprecedented levels during 2000-2015.

It may be good to look more closely at what sustained this productivity growth in Indonesia during these 15 years, rather than harp on that it is too low. For example, it is often forgotten that most of Indonesias economic growth is driven by the growth of domestic demand, rather than foreign demand for Indonesian products. And that most companies meeting increased domestic demand are Indonesian companies, rather than foreign firms operating in Indonesia. Indonesian firms rely on each other to produce and deliver the increasing amounts of goods and services that Indonesian end users are buying, creating new employment in the process.

Somehow, companies in Indonesia find ways to overcome the difficulties that cause Indonesia to languish in the bottom half of countries in the World Banks Doing Business project. How do those companies overcome credit constraints, transportation and infrastructure shortcomings, bureaucracy, etc., and what policy-relevant lessons can be drawn? Answers to such questions may foster productivity and economic growth, rather than vague calls for technological change and productivity growth.

***

Pierre van der Eng is an associate professor in international business at the Australian National University. He published the book Business in Indonesia: New Challenges, Old Problems with former finance minister M. Chatib Basri. His research on estimating TFP was published in Explorations in Economic History in 2010.

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Linkedin Maya Dania (The Jakarta Post) Singapore  Fri, June 24, 2016

Popular culture in Indonesia exposes widows to stigmatization; they are labeled sexually lascivious and given other unsavory traits, like the image of the Wests femme fatal. While widows are commonly portrayed as objects of mens sexual desire, being a widow is actually economically depriving.



The UN declared June 23 as International Widows Day to address the poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents in many countries. Widows are among the worlds most disadvantaged groups and are prone to poverty and marginalization. According to the Global Widows Report of 2015, there are 258 million widows and 590 million children of widows globally. In developing countries, 15 percent of all widows live in extreme poverty and widows with daughters and no sons to inherit their husbands property experience even more serious conditions.



In several cultures, widows are subject to patriarchal customs, confront discrimination inheritance rights and suffer abuse in the context of property disputes, as the UN has noted.



For example, in India, the sati ritual used to be common among widows, whereby the wife would throw herself onto the funeral pyre of her husband. While the practice is no longer popular, thousands of Indian widows who have lost their income and are ostracized in their home villages move to the Hindu temple town of Vrindavan, known as the city of widows. When men die, their wives are often left without a permanent place to live or any useful property.



Undeniably, Asia is home to the largest number of widows. Following China and India, Indonesia is in the top five countries with the highest number of widows in the world, according to the Loomba Foundation. According to its 2015 report, in 2010 there were almost 10 million widows in Indonesia, covering almost 10 percent of the countrys female population and the highest in ASEAN.



In Indonesia, a much higher proportion of widows are reported to be older women. The 2010 national census reported that 61 percent of widows were older females living alone, mostly in rural settings, as they often outlived their older husbands. Furthermore, widows are less likely to remarry than widowers. The smaller number of older men and the reluctance of younger men to marry older women diminishes the odds of widows remarrying.



There is also a segment of young widows as the result of early marriages, usually with small children. A lack of education and inadequate income continue to be an imminent driver of survival sex to escape poverty. When widows can only choose sex work to make an income, this may contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS, as the UN noted in 2004.



Also, another survival strategy of widows to improve their lives is to withdraw their children from school and depend on child labor, or even to sell or give away young daughters for child marriages, according to the 2015 report of the Womens UN Report Network.



Our patriarchal culture expects women to be the passive actors in marriage, where men are the breadwinners. Living in reliance, the loss of a husband often pushes women into poverty. The loss of an adult male disrupts already deprived families.



Indonesian widows are evidently highly vulnerable to extreme poverty, social exclusion, the threat of HIV/AIDS transmission and insecure property rights. Furthermore, many widows still suffer stigma and often experience marginalization and deprivation of their rights to shelter, inheritance, child protection, food security and justice. However, widowhood is still invisible and remains under the radar in society and among policymakers.



The post-2015 sustainable development agenda promises to leave nobody behind  but widows are constantly left behind. Widowhood was not addressed in the former Millennium Development Goals, and it is also not among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.



Correspondingly, in the ASEAN Communitys post-2015 vision, widowhood is not a common concern in its people-centered approach. In Indonesia, widowhood is neglected by social care policies and widows are excluded by key players and crucial agents in sustainable development.



Widowhood is a root cause of poverty. Therefore, it is vital that Indonesia accommodates actions to reduce the poverty of widows and to empower them.

***

The writer graduated in Southeast Asian studies from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, and is a research fellow at the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Chia Yan Min (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Palo Alto, California  Fri, June 24, 2016

Singapore has come in fifth on a list of cities ranked by ability to attract and support female entrepreneurs.

The Republic is ahead of cities such as Hong Kong, Paris, Washington and Shanghai, according to a new study by US technology giant Dell and market research firm IHS.

New York topped the ranking, followed by the Bay Area, which includes parts of San Francisco and San Jose. London was ranked third and Stockholm, fourth.

The findings were unveiled at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which is being held over three days ending today on the Stanford University campus in California.

More than 700 entrepreneurs and 300 investors from around the world are taking part in the summit, including at least seven representatives from Singapore.

The Dell and IHS study assessed five key characteristics - capital, technology, talent, culture and markets - in 25 global cities.

Cities, instead of countries, were identified in order to show the impact of local policies and programmes as well as national laws and customs.

In addition to the overall ranking, Singapore came in third - after Stockholm and Beijing - on the technology front. The Republic also came in fifth for having a culture that is friendly towards entrepreneurship and women-owned firms.

Cities around the world still have some way to go towards addressing the obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs, said Ms Karen Quintos, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer at Dell.

For instance, access to funding is a significant challenge for many female business owners around the world, exacerbated by the fact that the venture capital industry is dominated by men.

Ms Quintos, who presented the research during the summit, noted that the highest-ranked city had a score of just 59 out of 100.

"We cannot ignore the role that biases play to varying degrees everywhere... We have to continue to collect data to truly understand the ecosystem and address the obstacles that women face," she said.

"Innovation and job creation by women entrepreneurs is critical for a thriving global economy, yet our research shows some cities and countries are doing far more than others to encourage and support this important subset of the start-up community."

Ms Grace Sai, chief executive and co-founder of The Hub Singapore, a community and co-working space, said female entrepreneurs tend to be under-represented in venture capital fund portfolios.

"This could reflect the very small number of female venture capitalists... The human brain carries unconscious biases and pattern recognition among VCs is commonly used in selecting founders, which makes the gender imbalance a deep, systemic issue that we all have to be aware of," she noted.

Ms Sai, one of the Singapore delegates attending the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, added: "Personally, I do not feel gender- discriminated in Singapore. In fact, the gender gap is more felt in Silicon Valley than at home.

"This could be because Singapore's start-up ecosystem is still nascent and is hence less competitive, or it could mean that a leapfrog effect has taken place - where we have learnt from the Valley's shortcomings and are doing our best in overcoming ours on home ground."

Cities most supportive of female entrepreneurs:

1. New York

2. Bay Area

3. London

4. Stockholm

5. Singapore

6. Toronto

7. Washington D.C.

8. Sydney

9. Paris

10. Seattle
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 23 2016

Amid the growing Islamic radicalism that has influenced many countries, including Indonesia, the country has to look no further than local wisdom to teach children peace and tolerance.

Education expert Muljani Nurhadi said Wednesday that the government should incorporate local values in school curriculum that have already carried messages of peace and tolerance.

The government has to harness these two things because, currently, they are only used sporadically in the regions, Muljani said during a discussion at the Culture and Education Ministry building in Senayan, South Jakarta.

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Linkedin Corry Elyda (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24 2016

Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnamas quest to run in the gubernatorial election is almost secure as three political parties have committed to endorsing him.



Hanura, which has 10 seats on the City Council, announced on Thursday that it would endorse the governor, making it the second party to do so after NasDem. NasDem has five seats on the City Council.



The party earlier delivered its support but it was only from the regional executive board. This time, the endorsement is from the partys central board, Hanura chairman Wiranto said.



And its not only Hanura. The Golkar Party, which has nine seats on the City Council, will also announce its support for Ahok.



Golkar politician Nurul Arifin, spokesperson for the partys chairman Setya Novanto, confirmed that Setya would officially declare Golkars support for Ahok on Friday.



Its true, she said.



With endorsements from the three parties, it will be enough for Ahok if he wants to run through a political party as the requirement only demands 22 seats to nominate a candidate.



However, Wiranto said it did not matter whether Ahok ran on an independent ticket or through a political party. We decided to endorse Basuki because he is brave, smart, creative and does not have a personal agenda in leading the city, the former Indonesian Military commander said.



We do not want to be trapped in shallow considerations of choosing a candidate only because of their closeness to us, he said.



With the endorsement from the three parties, Ahok has secured 24 seats from the City Council.



Ahok came to Hanuras headquarters to receive an endorsement letter and expressed his gratitude for the support.



Ive known the Hanura Party since it was formed. I often met with Pak Wiranto and he often delivered his support to me, he said.



Ahok, who reiterated that he would run as an independent, has nonetheless hinted that he has approached some other political parties, particularly the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). The PDI-P brought Ahok in to become deputy governor with then governor Joko Jokowi Widodo in 2012. At that time, Ahok was nominated by the Gerindra Party.



Ahok will run with Heru Budi Hartono, the current head of the Jakarta Financial and Asset Management Board. He will be assisted by the volunteer group Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok). Teman Ahok recently garnered one million ID-backed signatures. The group only needed around 550,000 IDs to secure Ahoks right to run as an independent candidate.



On Wednesday, former members of Teman Ahok admitted to collecting fake IDs and engaging in foul play to gather them. Some former volunteers said they engaged in corrupt practices and did so for money.



Besides the accusation of fake IDs, Teman Ahok also faces another allegation from PDI-P politician Junimart Girsang. Junimart claims that the volunteer group received Rp 30 billion (US$2.3 million) from developers.



All accusations have been denied by Teman Ahok.

__________________________________

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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama will discuss support offered by three political parties with his group of volunteers, Teman Ahok, to decide whether to proceed with his independent bid for next year's gubernatorial election.

The People's Conscience Party (Hanura) officially declared its support for Ahok in the 2017 election on Thursday, following the Nasdem Party's declaration of support in February. The Golkar Party is expected to announce its official support for the incumbent governor on Friday.

Three parties officially support me. I want to ask Teman Ahok whether they want me to use the toll road or travel along the rough road? We will discuss [the matter] further, Ahok told journalists at City Hall on Friday morning.

The backing of political parties could smoothen Ahoks way to reelection to the capital's top post.

Yet the governor said he would prefer to stick to his independent candidacy, adding that he wanted to prove to the public that he really managed to obtain one million copies of identity cards from voters supporting his bid.

He said he would also keep Jakarta Financial and Asset Management Board (BPKAD) head Heru Budi Hartono as his running mate, but remained open to other options, such as current Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat, for the election next year. (rin)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Angry protesters have thrown rocks at police officers who prevented them from meeting with Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama as he launched an integrated child-friendly public space (RPTRA) in Penjaringan Indah, North Jakarta.

Ahok has reportedly been unpopular among residents in Penjaringan after the eviction of people from the Kalijodo red-light district and residents of Pasar Ikan and Akuarium villages.

The police anticipated a possible disturbance during the event and transported the governor to the area using an alternative route to avoid any possible attacks.

The disturbance occurred when the protesters started to throw rocks at the police, who tried to ensure Ahoks security after he inaugurated the park. A civil servant was injured and taken to the hospital.

Ahok said he had been warned by the North Jakarta mayor and the Public Order Agency not to attend the event because many people were still angry at him, but he insisted on making an appearance.

I told the police that I would go to the inauguration. How can a country be controlled by the masses? Will we let thugs control us? Im not a coward when it comes to my duty, Ahok said at City Hall on Friday, adding that the protesters attacks were an act of cowardice.

Ahok said he was actually welcomed by women and children in Penjaringan as he suggested residents should register with the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS). Some of them even took photos with him.

The governor expressed doubts that the protestors were in fact Penjaringan residents.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said people were angry because they were unable to meet Ahok and express their grievances. He said the incident occurred 1 kilometer away from the launch ceremony at the park.

He said the police were forced to use tear gas to disperse the violent protesters. However, he said no one was arrested over the incident. (bbn)
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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Bank Indonesia (BI) expects the effect of Britains exit (Brexit) from the European Union on global financial markets, including the impact on the rupiah, to be temporary.

Around midday on Friday, the Indonesian currency was down more than 1 percent against the US dollar, falling below the psychologically significant level of Rp 13,400.

"We perceive it as reasonable, because there is a flight to quality [of assets]. But in general, Indonesia's economy is in a good shape, thus we view this as a temporary thing only," BI governor Agus Martowardojo said in Jakarta on Friday.

He further said that the British pound had depreciated by around 10 percent, falling to the lowest level in 30 years, as the results of the referendum came through. The euro depreciated by around 2 percent.

"This is a risk-on period, where investors are heading to countries considered safe, and those are more than likely the US and Japan. Consequently, other countries are experiencing a weakening of their currencies," Agus explained.

Earlier, Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro said the impact of the pro-Brexit victory, which is set to be formally announced on Friday evening Jakarta time, to cause turmoil in stock markets. "The impact is felt not only in Indonesia but in the whole world, in the movement of currencies and shares," he said. (ags)
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Linkedin Danica Kirka and Jill Lawless (Associated Press) London  Fri, June 24, 2016

Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, according to tallies of official results Friday, sending global markets plunging, casting British politics into disarray and shattering the stability of a project in continental unity designed half a century ago to prevent World War III.

The decision launches a yearslong process to renegotiate trade, business and political links between the United Kingdom and what will become a 27-nation bloc, an unprecedented divorce that could take decades to complete.

"The dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom," said Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party. "Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day!"

Tallies by British broadcasters of near-complete official results Friday showed the "leave" campaign winning with 52 percent of the vote. Turnout was high: 72 percent of the more than 46 million registered voters went to the polls.

Polls ahead of the vote had showed a close race, but the momentum had appeared to be on the "remain" side in the week before the vote. The result shocked investors, and stock markets plummeted around the world.

The pound suffered one of its biggest one-day falls in history, plummeting more than 10 percent in six hours, from about US$1.50 to below $1.35, on concerns that severing ties with the single market will hurt the UK economy and undermine London's position as a global financial center.

The UK would be the first major country to leave the EU, which was born from the ashes of World War II as European leaders sought to build links and avert future hostility. With no precedent, the impact on the single market of 500 million people  the world's largest economy  is unclear.

As results poured in, a picture emerged of a sharply divided nation: Strong pro-EU votes in the economic and cultural powerhouse of London and semi-autonomous Scotland were countered by sweeping anti-Establishment sentiment for an exit across the rest of England, from southern seaside towns to rust-belt former industrial powerhouses in the north.

"A lot of people's grievances are coming out and we have got to start listening to them," said deputy Labour Party leader John McDonnell.

The vote is likely to cost Prime Minister David Cameron his job. The leader of the ruling Conservative Party called the referendum largely to silence voices to his right, then staked his reputation on keeping Britain in the EU. Former London Mayor Boris Johnson, who is from the same party, was the most prominent supporter of the "leave" campaign and now becomes a leading contender to replace Cameron.

After winning a majority in Parliament in the last election, Cameron negotiated a package of reforms that he said would protect Britain's sovereignty and prevent EU migrants from moving to the UK to claim generous public benefits.

Critics charged that those reforms were hollow, leaving Britain at the mercy of bureaucrats in Brussels and doing nothing to stem the tide of European immigrants who have come to the UK since the EU expanded eastward in 2004. The "leave" campaign accuses the immigrants of taxing Britain's housing market, public services and employment rolls.

Those concerns were magnified by the refugee crisis of the past year that saw more than 1 million people from the Middle East and Africa flood into the EU as the continent's leaders struggled to come up with a unified response.

Cameron's efforts to find a slogan to counter the "leave" campaign's emotive "take back control" settled on "Brits don't quit." But the appeal to a Churchillian bulldog spirit and stoicism proved too little, too late.

The slaying of pro-Europe lawmaker Jo Cox a week before the vote brought a shocked pause to both campaigns and appeared to shift momentum away from the "leave" camp. While it isn't clear whether her killer was influenced by the EU debate, her death aroused fears that the referendum had stirred demons it would be difficult to subdue.

The result triggers a new series of negotiations that is expected to last two years or more as Britain and the EU search for a way to separate economies that have become intertwined since the UK joined the bloc on Jan. 1, 1973. Until those talks are completed, Britain will remain a member of the EU.

Exiting the EU involves taking the unprecedented step of invoking Article 50 of the EU's governing treaty. While Greenland left an earlier, more limited version of the bloc in 1985, no country has ever invoked Article 50, so there is no roadmap for how the process will work.

Authorities ranging from the International Monetary Fund to the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England have warned that a British exit will reverberate through a world economy that is only slowly recovering from the global economic crisis.

"It will usher in a lengthy and possibly protracted period of acute economic uncertainty about the UK's trading arrangements," said Daniel Vernazza, the UK economist at UniCredit.

The European Union is the world's biggest economy and the UK's most important trading partner, accounting for 45 percent of exports and 53 percent of imports.

In addition, the complex nature of Britain's integration with the EU means that breaking up will be hard to do. The negotiations will go far beyond tariffs, including issues such as cross-border security, foreign policy cooperation and a common fisheries policy.

Among the biggest challenges for Britain is protecting the ability of professionals such as investment managers, accountants and lawyers to work in the EU.

As long as the UK is a member of the bloc, firms registered in Britain can operate in any other member state without facing another layer of regulation. It's the same principle that allows exporters to ship their goods to any EU country free of tariffs.

Now that right is up for negotiation, threatening the City, as London's financial heart is known, and its position as Europe's pre-eminent financial center.

Many international banks and brokerages have long used Britain as the entry point to the EU because of its trusted legal system and institutions that operate in English, the language of international finance. Britain's financial services industry is also surrounded by an ecosystem of expertise  lawyers, accountants and consultants that support it.

Some 60 percent of all non-EU firms have their European headquarters in the UK, according to TheCityUK, which lobbies on behalf of the financial industry. The UK hosts more headquarters of non-EU firms than Germany, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands put together.

"We believe this outcome has serious implications for the City and many of our clients' businesses with exposure to the UK and the EU," said Malcolm Sweeting, senior partner of the law firm, Clifford Chance. "We are working alongside our clients to help them as they anticipate, plan for and manage the challenges the coming political and trade negotiations will bring."

JPMorgan Chase Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said earlier this month that a vote to leave would force his bank to move jobs to mainland Europe to ensure that it could continue to service clients in the EU. Other global businesses with customers in the rest of the EU will be in a similar situation.

The only question that remains is whether the dire economic predictions economists made during the campaign will come to pass.

"Uncertainty is bad for business," Vernazza said. "A sharp fall in UK risky asset prices, delays to investment, disruption to trade, and a loss of business and consumer confidence mean the UK economy is more likely than not to enter a technical recession within two years."

___

Associated Press writers Raphael Satter in London and Shawn Pogatchnik in Dublin contributed to this report.
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Canada will continue to monitor the case of Canadian citizen Neil Bantleman after the Indonesian Supreme Court reversed his acquittal, despite the Indonesian government recently stating that Canada could not intervene.

Bantleman, a former teacher at the Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), was sentenced to 11 years in prison for the sexual assault of minors.

"The government of Canada will continue to work to ensure that Canadian national Neil Bantleman be accorded full application of Indonesian law to which he is entitled, including transparent examination of all evidence," Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Donald Bobiash said in a statement released on Friday.

The statement also noted that Bantleman's legal team would be deciding on appropriate follow-up action, but did not provide further details.

The Indonesian government has asserted that Canada cannot intervene, but said a second appeal could be filed to challenge the Supreme Court ruling according to the law.

The statement was conveyed by Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi following a request on June 3 by Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Maurice Dion for a copy of a Supreme Court ruling in February that overturned the acquittal of Bantleman and teachers assistant Indonesian Ferdinant Tjong. The request was met on June 9. (dmr)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama has defended his supporters grouped in Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok), saying the volunteers have fairly and properly collected photocopies of voters identity cards.

Ahoks statement follows claims from former Teman Ahok members who had said that copies of IDs had been collected recklessly.

Teman Ahok has a good system in place. All the people that have submitted copies of their IDs will receive a notification message from Teman Ahok, the governor said at City Hall on Thursday.

If you did not submit a copy of your ID card for me but get a notification saying you did, you would know about it and you could complain to Teman Ahok, he added.

Former Teman Ahok members Paulus Romindi, Richard Sukarno, Dody Hendaryadi, Kusnun Nurun and Dhella Noviyanti claimed the support group had duplicated photocopies to reach the target of one million copies set by Ahok.

The copies of ID cards are required by law for Ahok to run as an independent gubernatorial candidate. Although prospective candidates for next years election in Jakarta are only required to submit at least 532,000 ID copies, Ahok has demanded Teman Ahok collect at least one million copies to be sure that Jakartans want him reelected as governor.

Teman Ahok said on Thursday that the five people that made the claims had been dismissed from the group because of doubts over the validity of ID copies they had provided. Teman Ahok accused them of secretly working for opposing political groups to tarnish Teman Ahoks credibility.

Those members were caught cheating in the notification process of the ID card collection; therefore they have been dismissed by Teman Ahok, Ahok said. (bbn)
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Linkedin Anggi M. Lubis (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24 2016

Comprising of youth from various religious communities in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Rabu Langit Community is no ordinary art community.

The Islamic school students have used art to criticize the phenomenon they observe to have arisen from the interaction between religious and cultural leaders  locally known as Tuan Gurus  and their followers, says Rabu Langit leader Fatih Qudus Jaelani.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

The police have guaranteed that garbage trucks transporting solid waste from Jakarta to a landfill in Bantar Gebang, Bekasi, West Java, will not have their passage blocked.

The trucks are now free to take garbage to the Bantar Gebang dump. We have secured the way, said Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono in Jakarta on Friday as reported by tribunnews.com.

Awi did not explain what measures the police had taken.

Hundreds of people blockaded the access road to the dump on Thursday to stop garbage trucks from Jakarta taking their loads to the facility.

The incident occurred after the Jakarta administration sent a third letter to the two operators of the dump -- PT Godang Tua Jaya and PT Navigat Organic Energy Indonesia  advising that it would soon take over management of the 100-hectare facility.

Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama had expressed concern over the blockade, calling it an act of thuggery designed to stop the city from taking over management of the dump. He also instructed the police to arrest anyone who attempted to block access to Bantar Gebang.

Meanwhile, Ahok guaranteed on Friday the welfare of workers after the taking over of the management of the facility, saying they would be paid Rp 3.1 million monthly in accordance with the Jakarta minimum wage level.

After the takeover, the wages of all workers will be equal to the minimum wage in the city, said Ahok at City Hall on Friday. (bbn)
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Linkedin Lorne Cook (Associated Press) Brussels  Fri, June 24, 2016

Top European Union officials were hunkering down in Brussels Friday to try to work out what to do next after the shock decision by British voters to leave the 28-nation bloc.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is hosting talks with the leaders of the European Council and Parliament, along with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency.

The four will try to agree on a European position on the vote, which could see a member country leave the bloc for the first time ever, ahead of a summit of EU leaders in Brussels starting on Tuesday.

Parliamentary leaders were meeting separately, and European commissioners  the EU's executive body  could hold separate talks later.

EU officials have been aware of the possibility that a British vote to leave might come, but while the possibility of an exit is enshrined in EU law no one is sure how a departure would play out.

The head of the biggest bloc in the parliament fired an early warning shot at Prime Minister David Cameron that Britain should expect no free ride as it negotiates its departure.

"There cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom. The British people have expressed their wish to leave the EU. Leave means leave. The times of cherry-picking are over," European Peoples Party leader Manfred Weber said.

He insisted that the exit negotiations "should be concluded within two years."

This insistence on a "hard exit" is aimed at discouraging other countries from wanting to leave the bloc in the belief that they might be able to negotiate a comfortable partnership from the outside.

Many European officials fear the UK vote will play into the hands of the far right and left and fuel calls for referendums in other countries.

The exit vote also raises troubling questions about the future of Europe in the wake of the economic crisis, concern about Greece's place in the euro and the EU's inability to manage the refugee emergency.
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara has become a bustling ecotourism center thanks to foreign investors, who hold an estimated 80 percent of the tourism business in the city.

Bambang Susanto, an expert staff member from the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister, said many foreign investors in Labuan Bajo cared more about environmental issues in the city than local entities.

Labuan Bajo is a hub for the prominent Komodo National Park and several diving spots in the area.

"An interesting fact is that foreign investors are more concerned about the environment than the local government, which tends to grant building permits recklessly," Bambang said in Jakarta on Thursday.

The government has prevented building permit issuance in the Komodo National Park to preserve the exclusive habitat of the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard species on Earth.

Currently, the government is surveying and listing potential spots for future tourism development around Labuan Bajo. We have identified at least ten tourist destinations in Manggarai and Ruteng, Bambang said. (ags)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Members of the crew of the tugboat Charles are to speak to authorities regarding the fate of their companions, who were taken hostage while sailing off Sulu in the southern Philippines, a shipping company official has confirmed.

Armed militants several days ago intercepted the Charles, which was manned by a crew of 13. Seven of the men were abducted in two stages within the span of two hours; the remaining six were allowed to go free.

The Abu Sayyaf militant group is strongly suspected to be behind the incident, having committed two similar abductions in the area this year. However, the Philippine government has not disclosed the identities of the perpetrators, pending clarification.

"We have made an initial report; when the ship docks in Samarinda [in East Kalimantan], we will make a further report," Rusianto Bersaudara spokesperson Taufikrahman said on Friday as quoted by tempo.co.

Taufikrahman said the company was continuing to maintain communication with the six crewmen, who are still on their way back to Indonesia following the incident, which occurred in the waters off Sulu on June 20.

The East Kalimantan Police, in whose jurisdiction the company that owns the Charles is headquartered, said two Indonesian warships were currently escorting the tugboat and barge Robby 152 to the Semayang Balikpapan Harbor; it is unknown on what date the vessels will arrive.

The crewmen are expected to speak to the police and convey details of the incident. The coal tugboat was originally scheduled to dock at Samarinda Harbor on June 27, from where it set sail on June 4.

Taufikrahman said representatives from the shipping company would head to Jakarta to meet with the National Police and the Foreign Ministry on Friday. (liz/bbn)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya & Erika Anindita Dewi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

The Golkar Party has promised not to complicate the candidacy of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama by attempting to intervene in his choice of deputy governor after it officially threw its support behind the incumbent governor.

The party will let Ahok chose his own running mate, Golkar Jakarta executive board head Fayakhun Andriadi said. Ahok has chosen Financial and Asset Management Board (BPKAD) head Heru Budi Hartono as his running mate.

We dont have any deputy governor candidates for Ahok. We only want Ahok to have the easiest candidacy as possible. Ahok can choose a deputy governor himself; he knows best. We only want to see the results of Ahoks work, Fayakhun said during a press conference on Friday.

Golkar is the latest political party to officially back the outspoken governor for the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election after the NasDem Party and the Hanura Party pledged their support. If Ahok decides to contest the election with the backing of the parties instead of as an independent, the minimum threshold would be met as the three political parties combined have 24 seats on the City Council. The minimum threshold for a party to nominate a candidate is 22 seats.

To officiate their support, Golkar chairman Setya Novanto handed over a letter stating the partys support of Ahok on Friday.

"We from Golkar abide by the system, so this decision has passed the party's internal mechanism," Golkar's politician Nurul Arifin said in a statement.

The General Elections Commissions requires any political party that supports an independent candidate to include an official letter of support. (rin)
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

The Indonesian government has asked Philippine authorities to help ensure the safety of Indonesian vessels in Philippine waters, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said on Friday.

"There should be security personnel for all Indonesian barges that cross our territory into the Philippines, including during unloading and on the journey back to our country," Luhut told journalists.

The request was made on the heels of a recent kidnapping of seven Indonesian sailors in the waters of Sulu, the southern Philippines, the third such incident this year by two different groups of pirates that the government has yet to identify.

Previously, following a spate of kidnappings of Indonesian sailors by the Abu Sayyaf militant group in the southern Philippines, Transportation Minister Ignatius Jonan asked the Philippine ambassador to ensure the security of Indonesian vessels in waters between the two countries, particularly for economic reasons, Luhut said.

As security remains uncertain, the government issued a moratorium on coal exports to the Philippines, which, Luhut said, would affect both countries' economic well-being, especially the Philippines as 96 percent of its coal needs were supplied by Indonesia.

Earlier this year, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia agreed to perform joint sea patrols to maintain security in waters bordering the three countries. The matter is still under deliberation, particularly by the countries' defense ministers, Luhut said.

"Joint patrols are yet to be performed as there are differences between the officials and their counterparts in the Philippines," Luhut said, adding that Indonesia hoped the Philippines would give a favorable response to the matter. (dmr)
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Linkedin Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post)  Fri, June 24 2016

Like many emerging countries, Indonesias economy has relied heavily on household consumption. Thus, on the back of a persistently sluggish economy, the government wants do almost everything it can to revive peoples purchasing power, including by exempting more people from paying income tax.

A home to over 250 million people, Indonesia saw consumption growth slow to below 5 percent year-on-year (yoy) in the past two quarters as a result of a global economic slowdown. In an effort to boost consumption, the government has recently taken a bold move by increasing the non-taxable income (PTKP) threshold, an action that could see it lose trillions of Rupiah in potential tax revenues.

[The policy] can lead to potentially lower tax revenues but we must also hope that private consumption can increase above the base line, Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro said on Wednesday.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24 2016

The police arrested three underage boys who allegedly broke into and robbed a house in Pulogebang, East Jakarta, in the wee hours of Thursday morning while the owners were away.

East Jakarta Police spokesperson Comr. Husaimah said the three perpetrators, two 15-year-olds and one 17-year-old, entered the house by breaking the door lock of a storage room beside the main house with a screwdriver.

They first stole a television and took it to their friends house, she said, as quoted by tribunnews.com.

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Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24 2016

Comr. Gen. Tito Karnavian will soon be named as the next National Police chief to replace retiring Gen. Badrodin Haiti after he passed a confirmation hearing with the House of Representatives on Thursday.

During his meeting with House Commission III overseeing human rights and legal affairs, Tito said he would optimize the mapping of radical and intolerant groups as an early detection and preventive measure.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing has repatriated dozens of Indonesians found working illegally in several areas in China, a diplomat said on Friday.

The Indonesians' illegal status was revealed following the arrest of a major agent for the distribution of migrant workers in Shanghai recently, Indonesian ambassador to China and Mongolia Soegeng Rahardjo said. Local officials subsequently found evidence of migrant workers illegally working in areas including Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin, Chongqing, Shanxi, Liaoning, Xian and Shandong.

"Most of them were given passports by the West Jakarta Immigration Office. The placement of illegal migrant workers in China would have been prevented if the immigration were more careful in selecting the applicants who get passports," Soegeng said as quoted by Antara news agency, without giving further details on the number of people repatriated.

The migrant workers were employed in factories or in houses to nurse children and elders, and were promised salaries of 4,000 yuan (US$ 604) per month by the agent . Several women, meanwhile, were also tricked into working as prostitutes in spas or karaoke parlors.

Preventive measures should begin in Indonesia with stricter issuance of passports, Soegen said, adding that careful overseeing of applicant profiles and their destinations would help lower the number of Indonesian migrant workers illegally working abroad.

The Indonesian embassy in Beijing repatriated 90 illegal Indonesian migrant workers last year, and a further 27 Indonesians so far this year. (afr/rin)
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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Indonesia faces two huge challenges in addressing sporadic and widespread electricity shortages and in its efforts to increase the electrification ratio through the 35,000 MW mega power plant project.

Indonesian Electrical Society (MKI) secretary-general Heru Dewanto said on Thursday that the first challenge was redefining state-owned power firm PLN's role, whether as an agent of development or profit-oriented corporation.

He also said the government must be able to balance economic development and sustainability in conjunction with the mega power plant program.

"The program definitely needs to be evaluated, hows progress going, how big is the challenge and how do we realize this project within the remaining time," Heru explained.

From 2011 to 2015, PLN business flourished significantly. Electricity sales increased sharply, from 157 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2011 to over 202 TWh in 2015. Its number of customers increased from 45 million in 2011 to over 61 million in 2015, and the electrification ratio increased from 71.2 percent in 2011 to 88.3 percent in 2015.

Yet, Indonesia continues to suffer sporadic and widespread electricity shortages on account of various reasons. In addition, the country is also facing power quality issues and energy efficiency on the supply and demand side.
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah & Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Indonesia must be aware of a possible domino effect of the Britains exit from the European Union, although Brexit will most likely not have a direct impact on the economy in the near future, Bank Central Asia Economist David Ernest Sumual says.

The Brexit effect will not significantly affect Indonesia and ASEAN trade as export volume to the UK is small at only 0.9 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively, of total trade, he said. However, prolonged political risk could affect the economy.

"The majority of Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU, we need to see if the UK can stand up to separatist issues," David told thejakartapost.com on Friday in Jakarta.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he would resign immediately after leave won the tally. The victory for the "Leave UE" campaign has fanned speculations that more countries could withdraw from the EU amid the fragile recovery of the world economy.

Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Agus Martowarojo said the central bank would keep an eye on capital flows in the country. As of mid-June, BI recorded Rp 70 trillion of capital inflows into Indonesia, a jump from Rp 30 trillion in the same period last year.

"We believe the world is shocked and we acknowledge there will long-term implications following Brexit [] The impact will be limited to the financial sector," he said underlining that the UK may take two years to complete the procedures required to leave the 28-year-old bloc. (ags)
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

The government has condemned the latest incident in a string of kidnappings of Indonesian sailors in Sulu waters, southern Philippines, while pledging the safe return of the hostages.

"This is the third incident, this cannot be tolerated," Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said on Friday while addressing reporters.

Retno said the government would everything in its power for the safe release of the seven crewmen taken hostage.

"The Indonesian government asks the Philippine government to ensure safety in the southern Philippine waters so as not to disrupt economic activities in the surrounding area," she asserted.

Retno said the Indonesian government was ready to cooperate in that regard. Earlier this year, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia agreed to strengthen cooperation in the form of a joint patrol to maintain security on the bordering waters of the neighboring countries, as it is a key sea lane, especially for economic activities. The discussion of the details is still on going, Retno said.

Retno did not disclose the identity of the perpetrators, but a wife of one of the sailors had previously said her husband had told her the boat was taken hostage by a faction of the Aby Sayyaf militant group. (bbn)
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Indonesia has decided to continue a moratorium on coal exports to the Philippines on the heels of the recent kidnapping of Indonesian sailors in the neighboring countrys Sulu waters, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on Friday.

"More than 90 percent of coal demands in the southern Philippines depend on exports from Indonesia. The moratorium will continue until there is security assurance from the Filipino government," Retno said.

She gave the statement following a meeting at the Office of the Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister, which was attended by Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, National Police chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and Indonesian Military commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo.

The meeting also decided that a crisis center, which previously worked to release Indonesian sailors held captive by the Abu Sayyaf militant group in April, would immediately begin efforts to secure the release of the seven Indonesian sailors kidnapped by two Filipino groups on June 20, Retno said.

Indonesian officials would continue intensive communications with their counterparts in the Philippines, Retno said, in order to receive detailed information regarding the status and location of the kidnapped sailors.

Although information is circulating on the identities of the kidnappers and the location of the Indonesian hostages, the government still needed clarification, Retno said. "The communication aims to decide on the strategies that will be employed to rescue the sailors," Retno added. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Property sales in industrial parks throughout Greater Jakarta have plunged, reaching a new low of approximately 13.4 hectares in the second quarter of 2016, down from 144 hectares in the same quarter last year, according to a property consultant.

Cushman & Wakefield Indonesia has reported a drop in the sales of industrial land in the second quarter of the year to 67.3 percent, decreasing from 72.8 percent during the same period last year.

So, developers should be cautious before opening a new industrial estate, as the sales rate of the industrial land from existing projects is quite low, said Arief Rahardjo, Cushman & Wakefield director of research and advisory services, in Jakarta on Thursday.

Cushman & Wakefield Indonesias survey shows a net demand decrease of about 31 percent quarter-on-quarter, with an average purchasing size below 2 hectares per transaction.

It has continued to decrease because major industrial factories have yet to enter the country, especially in Bekasi or Karawang [West Java], where automotive companies have often built their factories, Arief said.

However, the consultancy company reported that industrial estates in the Bekasi and Karawang corridors still dominated transactions, with around 60 percent of the total industrial estate purchases occurring there. Other demands were absorbed by industrial estates in Serang, Banten. (vps/ags)
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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24 2016

In Islamic schools, the notion of radicalism and terrorism are given no room to grow as teachers refrain from discussing parts of the Quran that could lead students to misinterpretation and violence.

During a discussion intended to curb radicalism that the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) held with representatives of hundreds of Islamic schools in Greater Jakarta on Thursday, teachers revealed that the most effective way to prevent radicalism was by not mentioning controversial topics to students and by making them understand that the core principle of Islam was peace.

Mahyudin, a teacher at Majmaul Anhar Islamic school in Bogor, West Java, was aware that many acts of violence and terrorism were committed in the name of religion. However, he emphasized that it could happen as the perpetrators had knowledge only of selected chapters in the Quran but not its complete contents.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Fri, June 24 2016

A boat carrying five passengers capsized in bad weather in waters around Hinako Island, West Nias regency, North Sumatra, on Wednesday night. Three of the passengers were priests.

Four passengers were rescued, having reportedly drifted at sea for almost 12 hours. Priest and North Nias regency legislative councilor Herman Baeha had yet to be found as of Thursday afternoon.

North Sumatra Police spokesperson, Adj. Sr. Comr. MP Nainggolan, said the survivors had been found on two separate islands in West Nias waters. The two priests were found stranded on Asu Island at 3 a.m. on Thursday. The boat owners Syahnan and Jimmy had been found stranded on Bogi Island the same morning.

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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama has acknowledged irregularities in the acquisition of land in West Jakarta by the housing and building agency for the construction of low-cost apartments.

He slammed housing and building agency officials for the purchase of land in West Cengkareng, West Jakarta, owned by the fisheries, agriculture and food security agency.

We suspected that we had purchased our own land. The citys land certificate in West Cengkareng may have been forged, Ahok said at City Hall on Thursday

Ahok learned of the irregularities after receiving a report on city finances for the 2015 fiscal year from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) on Thursday.

The governor believed that a land mafia was involved in the land acquisition.

City secretary Saefullah said both agencies were responsible for the land acquisition.

The land in Cengkareng is owned by the fisheries, agriculture and food security agency , according to a land deed issued in 2013. There are people who have claimed the land as theirs. The agencys negligence allowed this happened, Saefullah said.

He also blamed the housing agency for not checking the background of the land before the transaction took place with people who claimed the land worth Rp 600 billion (US$44.89 million) as theirs.

The people who claimed to own the land were reportedly going to sue the city administration for having not paid Rp 200 billion of the Rp 600 billion transaction.

A crime took place. The BPK has started investigating the irregularities, Saefullah said. (bbn)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

The Jakarta administration is teaming up with Bekasi in West Java to facilitate the takeover of the Bantar Gebang waste treatment facility following the city's plan to cancel the contract with operators PT Godang TUa Jaya and PT Navigat Organic Energy Indonesia.

"Jakarta and Bekasi had agreed that Jakarta can directly manage its own waste in Bekasi without intermediary operators. Any objections and blockage must be reported to the police," Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama said at City Hall on Friday.

Hundreds of people blocked the trucks of Jakarta Sanitation Office from entering Bantar Gebang on Wednesday. The protestors opposed Jakarta's plan to self-manage its own waste in the facility. Jakarta was set to terminate its long-run contract with the two operators and would run the facility on its own.

Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi said his administration would assist Jakarta in the Bantar Gebang takeover. He promised to prevent similar incidents from taking place and make sure that Jakarta's dump trucks could enter Bekasi. He said he would involve the police if any provocative actions taken place in Bantar Gebang.

The land is owned by Jakarta. We fully support Jakarta as our partner and the capital of the country. We dont want this waste problem to embarrass the whole country, Rahmat said after a meeting with Ahok at City Hall. (rin)
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Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong and Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/ Purworejo  Fri, June 24 2016

Unruly permit issuance and rapid extractive industry expansion have led to a string of disasters in several parts of Indonesia, particularly in Java, which is on the brink of ecological collapse as most of its forest areas have been converted.

Industrial activities have led to steep forest cover decline in Java, from 15 percent in the early 1990s to 3 percent currently. The deforestation has led to disasters such as flooding and landslides, which have been exacerbated by the recent extreme weather in Indonesia, according to Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) senior researcher Soeryo Adiwibowo.

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Linkedin Ina Parlina and Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Natuna, Riau Islands/Batam  Fri, June 24, 2016

President Joko Jokowi Widodo made his first visit to Natuna, Riau Islands, on Thursday, aboard a warship in a robust display of Jakartas sovereignty over the territory.

On board the Navys KRI Imam Bonjol, Jokowi, who has been looking to shift the nation from its Java-centric development agenda to a more inclusive development program, brought his focus to bear on developing the region, which is rich in fisheries and natural resources.

Such development of Natuna Islands will be essential not only to ensure local peoples welfare, but also to prevent other countries from enforcing any claim over Indonesias vast maritime territory, as Jakarta remains adamant that there is no dispute over its claims in the South China Sea.

Border regions, such as Natuna, which is located about 550 kilometers northeast of Batam Island, have long been neglected. In 2002, Indonesia lost its case against Malaysia over Sipadan and Ligitan  two small islands off East Kalimantan  as a result of Kuala Lumpurs effective occupancy of the islands, and because of Jakarta tardiness in preparing a legitimate claim.

In a rare gesture, the President on Thursday held a limited Cabinet meeting on board the Imam Bonjol in the Natuna Sea, some 30 minutes from the main Natuna island, instructing his ministers to focus on economic development, while at the same time maintaining the countrys territorial integrity.

Significantly, the Imam Bonjol recently arrested a Chinese fishing vessel operating illegally in Indonesias exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Taking place in a cabin only able to accommodate around 10 people, each minister gave their presentation to the President.

First, the President instructed [us] to develop the economy  particularly in terms of fisheries and oil and gas  in Natuna Islands and the surrounding area, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi told a press conference after the meeting.

(-/-)

Other ministers attending the meeting were Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said, National Development Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil and Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo.

In the meeting, Susi discussed developing an integrated maritime and fisheries center in the area, while the government is also seeking to relocate about 6,000 fishermen from overcrowded fishing grounds around Java Island to less crowded, fish-rich waters, including those around Natuna.

Its better than having other people [illegal poachers] operating here, Luhut said.

Sudirman identified around 16 oil and gas blocks in the area, of which five are already operating and 11 are still in the exploration stage.

One of the gas-rich blocks in Natuna is the East Natuna block, which has total proven reserves of 46 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas, making it the largest gas reserve in Asia. However, the gas field has a high CO2 level of around 71 percent, necessitating advanced technology and huge investment to develop it.

As reported earlier, the block needs between US$20 billion and $40 billion in investment. State-owned Pertamina, US-based ExxonMobil, Frances Total SA and Thailands PTT Exploration and Production (PTT EP) are among the oil and gas firms reportedly interested in the block.

Aside from economic development, the meeting also discussed a plan to improve national defense in Natuna and its surroundings. However, Luhut said the government was still studying the plan.

During Jokowis brief time on board the Imam Bonjol, the warship also took a brief tour of Indonesias waters surrounding Natunas main island.

Luhut insisted that Jokowis rare gesture was not aimed at showing Indonesias teeth to China amid the latters recent assertiveness in the South China Sea. We remain friendly with China and other countries, the top security minister said.

The Riau Islands administration praised Jokowis visit, calling on the President to name Natuna as a special economic zone (KEK) to boost more integrated development and attract foreign investment into the area, just like its neighboring Batam Island.

If Natuna is managed using the same pattern implemented in Batam, we will have better development there, and investors will have more opportunities to invest, Riau Islands administration spokesman Hery Mokhrizal said, adding that the administration had formally filed the proposal with Jokowi.

Imam Bonjols captain, Maj. Ali Setiandy, said Jokowis visit certainly boosted the morale of the Navy in maintaining the countrys sovereignty in the Natuna waters in line with the existing rule of law, including taking stern measures against illegal fishing.

We are here and ready to carry out our duty in line with existing regulations, he added.

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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo instructed his Cabinet ministers to develop the fisheries and energy sectors in the Natuna, Riau Islands, during a limited meeting held on board the Imam Bonjol warship in the area on Thursday, in a bold move to convey Indonesia's sovereignty to the international community in recent light of fishing spats in the region with China.

"Aside from economic developments in the fields of fisheries as well as oil and gas, the Indonesian Military (TNI) commander also conveyed plans to develop the defense infrastructure in Natuna and its surrounding area," Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said in a statement.

Retno said Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti confirmed in the meeting plans for integrated marine and fisheries-centered development in the area. In recent months, a string of incidents involving Chinese fishing boats have led to the detainment of a number of Chinese nationals, whom the government claim were fishing in their traditional fishing zone. Indonesia has rejected such claims, saying that they were encroaching on Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In the field of energy, Retno said Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said confirmed that from the 16 oil and gas blocks surrounding the Natuna Islands, five blocks were running production while 11 others were in the exploration stage.

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, who was also present at the press conference, responded to questions from reporters regarding power supplies.

"The minister said gas was being diverted to Pemping Island and would provide electricity supply of approximately 50 megawatts," Luhut said.
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

The kidnapping of seven Indonesian sailors in southern Philippine waters was carried out in two stages, a minister has said of the latest incident in a string of kidnappings in the same area.

"The incident in Sulu waters occurred in two stages on Monday, the first at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time and another at 12:45 p.m. local time by two different armed groups," Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said on Friday.

She did not provide further details, such as on the identity of the kidnappers.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said the first group of armed men had taken with them three crewmen, while four more were abducted by the following group. Arrmanatha declined to comment on whether the kidnappers were members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.

Retno said the ministry had confirmed on Thursday that seven of the 13 crewmen aboard the tugboat Charles 001 and its barge Robby 152 were taken hostage, after reports of the kidnapping had spread earlier this week.

The remaining six crewmen were set free and were currently on their way back to Samarinda, East Kalimantan, where they had originally sailed from, she said.

Earlier this week, the wife of a sailor taken hostage said she had been contacted by her husband, who had told her that the crew members had been taken hostage by a faction of the Abu Sayyaf group. The kidnappers reportedly asked for a ransom of 20 million ringgit to release the hostages.

This is the third kidnapping of Indonesian sailors in Sulu waters. The previous two incidents, carried out by the notorious Abu Sayyaf group, ended with the release of the hostages following intensive negotiations. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Police have arrested five men on suspicion of raping a 13-year-old junior high school student in Pamekasan regency on the island of Madura in East Java.

Pamekasan Police detective chief Corm. Bambang Hermanto said the police had received a report from the victims parents on June 20.

We followed up the report by arresting five culprits and naming them suspects, Bambang said as quoted by kompas.com on Friday.

Those suspects, known by their initials, namely MA, 23, RW, 22, ML, 20, AM, 22, and MR, 18, are now being detained at Pamekasan detention center. Police are still hunting down another suspect, IR, 20, who remains at large.

The victim reportedly sustained psychological trauma in the gang rape, which reportedly occurred on June 11. (dmr)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Publicly listed poultry company Malindo Feedmill has allocated Rp 200 billion (US$14.8 million) in capital expenditure (capex) this year for a new feed mill in Lampung to increase its production capacity to 1.5 million tons per year.

Malindo director Rewin Hanrahan said the new feed mill, the sixth to be operated by the company, was expected to be operational by the end of 2017. Malindo is one of the countrys big players in the animal feed and day-old chicks business.

The development of our new feed mill will cost around Rp 200 billion to Rp 300 billion, with a production capacity of 150,000 metric tons per year, Malindo finance director Rudy Hartono Husin said at a shareholders meeting in Jakarta on Friday.

He added that 70 percent of the capex funds would come from bank loans.

In the first quarter of this year, Malindo recorded a 15.87 percent increase in net sales to Rp 1.3 trillion. The companys net profit grew 187.6 percent year-on-year to Rp 52.15 billion.

The achievement was driven by an 11.1 percent increase in poultry feed sales, a 44.1 percent hike in day-old chick sales and 1.7 percent sales growth in the broiler business. (vps/ags)
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Linkedin Wahyoe Boediwardhana (The Jakarta Post) Surabaya, East Java  Fri, June 24 2016

Surabaya District Court sentenced Hariyono, the mastermind behind the murder of Samsul, an antimining activist, to 20 years in prison on Thursday.

At the time of the murder, Hariyono had been head of Selok Awar-awar village in Pasirian district, Lumajang regency, where Samsul was murdered last year.

The Surabaya District Court also convicted co-defendant Mad Dasir for the murder of Samsul, known as Salim Kancil, and sentenced him to serve the same 20-year sentence as Hariyono.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Palu  Fri, June 24 2016

A terrorism observer who is also a former terrorism convict, Nasir Abbas, said he was so concerned for Santoso, alias Abu Wardah, and the members of the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) he led that he expressed a willingness to go into the forest to persuade Santoso and his people to surrender.

Its enough, Santoso. Come down. Surrendering is better. Have mercy on your family. What are you up to? Indonesia does not fight against Muslims. Indonesia respects and gives consideration to Islam, Nasir said in Palu, Central Sulawesi, on Wednesday night.

Nasir, who is a former chairman of Mantiqi III Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), was in the city to talk in a forum on radicalism undertaken in the name of religion. He said what Santoso and his men had been doing was a deviation from Islamic teachings. Thus, it had to be stopped to prevent it from causing more harm.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24 2016

Attorney General HM Prasetyo on Thursday defended the head of the Jakarta Prosecutors Office, Sudung Sitomorang, who has been implicated in a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigation.

On Wednesday, the Jakarta Corruption Court confirmed an attempt made by state construction firm PT Brantas Abipraya (BA) officials Sudi Wantoko and Dandung Pamularno to bribe Sudung and the head of the special crimes division of the Jakarta Prosecutors Office, Tomo Sitepu, to halt an investigation into the company.

Prasetyo said the Attorney Generals Office (AGO) had launched an internal investigation into Sudung and Tomo with regard to the allegations, but the team found no evidence that could incriminate the two prosecutors.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

Cyrus Network founder Hasan Hasbi has said that if Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok) is required to have its finances audited, the same requirement should be imposed on political parties that will nominate candidates in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election.

We should be fair. They call for an audit of Teman Ahok finances, but they dont want to be audited, said Hasan, who is a major donor of Teman Ahok, the main supporter group for Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama in next years election.

Several politicians demanded an audit of Teman Ahoks finances following a report about the disbursement of Rp 30 billion (US$2.23 million) to the group from developers carrying out reclamation projects in Jakarta Bay.

However, Hasan said Ahok had told Teman Ahok to prepare financial reports soon after he registered with the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) as an independent gubernatorial candidate.

Teman Ahok has announced that its volunteers have collect 1 million photocopies of Jakarta voters identity cards, much higher than the threshold of 532,000 required for independent candidates to indicate voter support.

Hasan, who is also a political adviser to the governor, said he did not know whether Ahok would run as an independent candidate or would prefer to be nominated by one of the three political parties that have expressed their support for his reelection bid.

It is up to Ahok, Hasan added, as reported by tribunnews.com. (bbn)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24 2016

Property developer Sinar Mas Land is preparing to build a digital hub in its Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) City, South Tangerang in Banten, to cater to growing information technology (IT) start-ups as part of its business expansion strategy.



Inspired by the prominent technology hub Silicon Valley in the US, the company  which is part of diversified conglomerate Sinar Mas Group  plans to create an ecosystem where start-up companies, technology experts and educational institutions can meet up.



Our vision is to make this digital hub equivalent to Silicon Valley where all like-minded people can collaborate with each other, Sinar Mas Land CEO Michael Widjaja said recently.



Michael claimed that the creation of the digital hub would enable start-ups to find talented staff to assist with the development of their own companies.



He cited the success of US-based ride-hailing application Uber and homegrown ojek (motorcycle taxi) app Go-Jek as examples of the collaboration.



Construction of the digital hub will begin in 2017 on a 25.86-hectare site and is expected to finish in 2020. For the first phase of the project, Sinar Mas Land has allocated between Rp 300 billion (US$22.61 million) and Rp 400 billion.



The company claims that the hub will provide technological infrastructure to support the daily operations and activities of technological companies located at the hub and people who visit the area.



Another element to be introduced at the digital hub is solar-panel charging. Segways and electric bikes will be there as well, he said.



University students around the area are part of the market that Sinar Mas Land expects to cater for. BSD City itself is looking to see more universities established to add to the existing ones already there, such as the Prasetiya Mulya Business School and Swiss German University.



As reported before, IT and online businesses in Indonesia are thriving, with new start-ups in various sectors. President Joko Jokowi Widodo has made it his mission to develop the countrys IT and electronic commerce environment.



The goal is to make IT and e-commerce  and similar start-ups in the creative economy sector  significant economic growth drivers. Jokowi toured several prominent IT giants, namely Facebook, Google and Twitter, during his visit to the US early this year.



The importance of start-ups is also highlighted by banks and other financial services firms that are racing to find and nurture their own special breeds, in the hope that that the new companies will flourish and contribute positively to their operations.



Meanwhile, in addition to establishing the digital hub, Sinar Mas Land is looking to provide an integrated mobile application for its residents in BSD City. It is partnering with digital technology firm Kresna Graha Investama to launch the One Smile app in August.



The app will provide information and services to enable residents to book a place at any restaurant or buy movie tickets without any hassle, said Irvan Yasni, Sinar Mas Land chief technology officer.



Sinar Mas Land is planning to build an integrated operation center or township command center as well this year to improve several aspects in the area, such as water services, security, parking and traffic management. (win)

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Linkedin Xinhua (The Jakarta Post) St. Petersburg, Russia  Fri, June 24 2016

Russia and China are close allies with their ties running at a very high level and bilateral cooperation expanding steadily, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an exclusive interview with Chinese news agency Xinhua.

We see each other as close allies, so of course we always listen to each other, by this I mean we keep in mind each others interests, he said in an hour-long exclusive interview here with Xinhua President Cai Mingzhao ahead of his Saturday state visit to China.

He noted that mutual trust between Moscow and Beijing has reached an unprecedented level and laid a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation, which now covers a variety of areas including trade, energy and infrastructure.

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Linkedin Intan Tanjung (The Jakarta Post) Bali  Fri, June 24, 2016

Nusa Dua in Bali is hosting an international-scale travel fair until Saturday.

The Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) brings together 220 foreign and local tour operators as buyers and 154 sellers from hotels, destination marketing organizations (DMO) and inbound travel operators, as well as local tourism boards from 22 provinces in Indonesia. In its third year, the event aims to promote the potential of Bali and surrounding destinations.

Tourism is the fourth biggest sector in contributing to foreign exchange in Indonesia, said Tourism Minister Arief Yahya. But unlike other sectors, only [the income from the] tourist sector increases.

The official booth of the Tourism Ministry's Wonderful Indonesia campaign promotes accommodation and tour packages at the fair.(JP/Intan Tanjung)

Aiming to attract 20 million tourists by 2019, the government has started accelerating development in areas that have high tourist potential. One of the efforts is to focus on 10 destinations that have been dubbed the new Bali, which were revealed during a seminar held on the first day of the tourism fair.

Morotai, Tanjung Lesung, Mandalika and Tanjung Kelayang are already acknowledged as special economic zones. At the moment, we are also creating a foundation and single management system for the other six, said Arie Prasetyo from the Tourism Ministry's initiative to accelerate the development of priority tourist destinations.

The other six destinations are areas that have already proven popular, namely Lake Toba, Wakatobi, Thousand Islands, Borobudur, Mount Bromo and Labuan Bajo.

(Read also: How to enjoy the long weekend in Bali)

Our target is to establish a tourism management authority that will coordinate development and authorization matters, because these six destination dont yet have a management [structure]."

But our responsibility is not only to focus on the area, but on a bigger scale, to deliver development in the designated areas, Arie added.

Buyers meet with ASITA tour operators at the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair on Thursday.(JP/Intan Tanjung)

Bali, meanwhile, will not be left behind. The concept of introducing Bali and beyond as a whole offers a lot of potential, Center for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) strategic marketing expert Alfons van Duijvenbode said during the seminar.

CBI is part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and is commissioned by the country's Foreign Affairs Ministry. Van Duijvenbode has assisted several destinations in Indonesia, beyond Bali, to be developed as tourist destinations.



We see that destinations beyond Bali are largely unknown. But Bali and beyond, in our view, is a win-win concept, Alfons said.

(Read also: Six free things to do in Bali)

He explained that Bali could become a gateway or a hub to connect visitors to outer islands, offering different attractions and experiences.

Bali is a gateway and a loved brand, typically a repeat destination, and the destinations in outer island piggyback with Bali [] People are looking for extraordinary combinations and experiences, he added.

Arief said he was optimistic about the success of the BBTF and aimed to raise US$520 million through buyer-seller transactions this year, $120 million higher than last year's revenue. The government also aims to scale up next year's event by inviting international sellers to participate as exhibitors.

We want to make the BBTF the largest international travel mart, better than ITB Berlin [the worlds largest travel fair], he said. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 24, 2016

The UKs decision to leave the European Union has been a hot topic among Indonesian students who are studying in England, with many concerned that they will be affected.

Okky Irmanita, an Indonesian studying for her Msc degree in Media Management at Glasgow University, told ANTARA News on Friday, The discussion is endless because most of us are curious about whether we will be affected immediately, like when there are currency value shifts between the rupiah and pound sterling.

(Read also: Brexit: What would this mean for the youth?)

As a recipient of the Education Funds Management Council (LPDP) scholarship, Okky said the scholarship funds are usually transferred in pounds. We have some pounds to cover our living costs here. I made a transaction yesterday when the currency was still Rp 19.799 [to 1]. Now its already 18.100. The pound sterling has fallen from yesterday and that automatically affects the value of our savings as well, she explained.

She added, Back in September 2015, when I was about to depart from Indonesia, I exchanged my rupiah to pounds sterling and the exchange rate was Rp 22,000 per pound sterling.

Okky also expressed concerns about the possibility of a rise in grocery prices. Im worried that the prices for commodities in the supermarket will rise significantly due to the UKs dependency on the EU for several commodities. For example, some fruits are imported from Spain, cheese from the Netherlands and pasta from Italy, she said.

(Read also: Brexit effect on Rupiah only temporary: BI)

Meanwhile, Cory Fadila who is currently studying International Accounting and Finance at the University of Birmingham hopes that Brexit will have an impact on tuition fees in the country, Nowadays, the tuition fees for students from the EU is only half of what international students pay. So I hope [Brexit] can raise the price of tuition for EU students and lower international students tuitions, she said.

Currently, tuition in the UK is classified into three categories: local students (free of charge or cheapest for masters degrees), EU students (low price) and international students (most expensive). (asw)
The British people have voted and the results are in: we are going to leave the European Union.

But whats going to happen next? We take a look at the possibilities.

The pound

(Chris Radburn/PA)

Sterling has already had a rough ride as the polling results came in, and more turmoil could follow.

The pound dropped to its lowest level in more than 30 years at 1.3305 dollars, wiping around 10% off the value of the currency, and one analyst said its definitely tin hats time.

The Cabinet

(Dominic Lipinski/PA)

A major overhaul of Cabinet is likely as the Tories try to heal the deep wounds created by an intensely bitter and personalised blue on blue campaign.

Mr Johnson is almost certain to enter Cabinet, while Michael Gove has been spoken of as a deputy prime minister.

The position of George Osborne looks uncertain as many pro-Brexit MPs privately insist he cannot stay Chancellor after the way he has used Treasury figures to attack their cause.

The Labour Party

(Peter Byrne/PA)

There could be major backlash against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn from MPs who feel he led a lacklustre effort to keep Britain in the EU. Labour infighting resurfaced as the polls were counted, with many of the partys heartlands overwhelmingly backing Brexit.

The EU

(Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP)

The Leave vote will formally trigger withdrawal from the EU by invoking article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which would then lead to a two-year negotiation period on the terms of the divorce. However there is disagreement over whether the trigger is pulled right away.

Some in the Brexit camp have said Britain may continue as an EU member for up to four years, so could hold informal talks with Brussels first.

Negotiations will determine whether the UK remains part of the single market without being in the Union, as Norway currently does. However, this would mean the UK would still have to accept free movement of labour.

Other options include a Canadian-style free trade deal, a Swiss-style bilateral agreement, or reverting to the basic terms of commerce offered by membership of the World Trade Organisation.

Immigration

(Philip Toscano/PA)

The pro-Leave side signalled before the vote that they intend to bring in emergency legislation to try to halt an influx of migrants if Britain votes to quit the EU.

They said an Asylum and Immigration Control Bill would end the automatic right of all EU citizens to enter the UK by the next election.

The Courts

(Wavebreakmedia/Thinkstock)

Emergency legislation will be brought to ban European judges giving rulings on UK laws, the Leave side have said.

A European Union Law (Emergency Provisions) Bill would be fast-tracked through parliament to immediately end the rogue European Court of Justices control over national security, allow the Government to remove EU citizens whose presence is not conducive to the public good, including terrorists and serious criminals, the Leave side said.

A European Communities Act 1972 (Repeal) Bill would mean that by 2020 the legal basis for the supremacy of EU law in the UK will be gone as parliament decides which parts of EU law to keep.

The United Kingdom

(Jane Barlow/PA)

With Scotland more firmly pro-EU than their English neighbours, there will be fear that the Scottish National Party will use the Leave vote to push for a second independence referendum.

If that wasnt enough to break up the union, the Good Friday agreement was based in EU law, which means the Brexit vote could undermine the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Finance

(Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Further legislation would see a Finance Bill that would abolish the 5% rate of VAT on household energy bills by the date of the next general election by amending the Value Added Tax Act 1994, and will be a major benefit for low income households. This will be paid for by savings from the UKs contributions to the EU budget.

A National Health Service (Funding Target) Bill would require that by the next general election, the NHS receives a 100 million per week real-terms cash transfusion over and above current plans, the Leave side have said.
85% of students think that Britain leaving the EU is the wrong decision, according to our survey.

announced The National Student ran a twitter poll at 5am, as it wasthat the Leave campaign had claimed victory in the historic referendum on European Union membership.

Of the 100 people who had voted by 8.30am, 85% believed that the wrong decision had been made.

Confirmation that Britain would leave the EU came shortly before 5am, when, with around 100 constituencies still left to vote, it was calculated that the Leave majority was too high for Remain to catch up.
We asked students for their immediate feelings on Britains decision to leave the European Union, and their answers were divisive.

Students are angry, terrified, surprised - and most of all worried about a future that they now feel that they've lost control over.

Here's what we asked them:

It's looks like #Britain is leaving the #EU. If you're a student or recent graduate, we want to know how you're feeling #Brexit #EUref  The National Student (@NationalStudent) 24 June 2016





And heres what they said:





@NationalStudent Terrified. Im about to start a PhD. Went on to a lower contract at work to do it. Now I'm scared I can't afford it.  Michael J. Hollows (@MikeHollows) June 24, 2016





@NationalStudent Shocked. I had more faith in our country. Infuriated that racists and bigots of the leave campaign will think they've won  Hollie Geraghty (@Hollie_geraghty) June 24, 2016





@NationalStudent Pissed off. Lost. Terrified. The usual reactions to your own country destroying itself from the inside out.  Ben Robins (@BMLRobins) June 24, 2016





@NationalStudent I'm feeling like the vindication of racists who've never met a brown person in their lives has trumped my EU citizenship!  Adjusted Tiktaalik (@StarlessGazer) June 24, 2016

@NationalStudent all the most odious maniacs - Farage, IDS, Rees-Mogg - are celebrating tonight  Calum Henderson (@CaldoHendo) June 24, 2016

@NationalStudent worried, and very annoyed...especially at Cameron

So much could go wrong because of the risk he's taken  Calum Henderson (@CaldoHendo) June 24, 2016
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An island refuge: Ukerewe, a haven for Tanzanias albino people

TANZANIA: Its an hour after dawn on Ukerewe Island in Lake Victoria and Alphonce Yakobo, face and hands withered by the scorching sun that has tortured his pigment-free skin for all of his 57 years, is vigorously sweeping the leaves outside his house.



By AFP

Friday 24 June 2016, 05:16PM

Two young albino sisters sit on a motorbike during International Albinism Awareness day on Ukerewe Island on Lake Victoria. Photo: Carl De Souza/AFP

This is the best time of the day: the day has begun but the sun is not yet up, he says. In a few minutes time Yakobo will put on a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and smother sunscreen over every bit of his exposed skin.

Yakobo suffers from a genetic condition called albinism, meaning his body does not produce melanin leaving his skin, hair and eyes devoid of pigmentation and protection from the sun.

Like all people with albinism, Yakobo has very poor eyesight and is extremely vulnerable to skin cancer.

But the sun overhead is not the only threat to albinos.

Here in Tanzania, as well as in Malawi and some other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, albino body parts are sought after for potions and charms thought to bring luck and wealth, and many fall victim to murderers who dismember their bodies to supply this grisly black market trade.

Canadian charity Under The Same Sun (UTSS) has documented 161 attacks on people with albinism in Tanzania in recent years, including 76 murders, more than anywhere else in Africa.

Yet Ukerewe island is relatively untouched by this phenomenon.

There were times when I was afraid in the past, but now I thank God because we can sleep at night without a gun, says Yakobo, who works as a fishmonger in Ukerewe market.

Here, we are safe, we are surrounded by water, no one can commit a crime and escape easily, said Yakobo, who has three wives but regrets that not one of his 11 children is albino. We could talk, and I would feel like I had passed on a part of myself.

Over the years, Ukerewe has become known as a haven for people with albinism.

People say that it started long ago when families would abandon their albino relatives on the island, believing their unusual, ghostly appearance was the sign of a curse. They survived and thrived and others, ostracised by society, made their way there too.

In many respects, Ukerewe is at the forefront of integration of albinos in society. And I think the fact that its an island plays a big part in the minds of people, but reality is a bit more nuanced, says Harry Freeland, founder of the non-governmental organisation Standing Voice and the maker of a documentary about Ukerewe.

According to the Ukerewe Albino Society (UAS) there are 75 people with albinism living on the island of 200,000, a proportion roughly in keeping with the national average.

As elsewhere in Tanzania, body-snatchers have come to the island to dig albino corpses from their graves and in 2007 one person was attacked and had his white hair cut for use in witchcraft, says Vicky Ntetema, director of the Tanzanian branch of UTSS.

But we have never had an albino murder, points out Ramadhan Khalifa, president of Ukerewes albino community.

Ukerewe is unique in that sense, says Freeland. It was in Ukerewe that the first census was done. The initiative came from the former president of UAS, and it was in 2006.

Im not afraid of being attacked, says Kajanja Neema, 36, dissecting tiny fish for the evening meal, along a busy street from the main town of the island.

His brother Zacharia accompanies his songs with an air guitar. Yes, Ukerewe is safer than the mainland, but its not perfect, he said, Sometimes, people say they will kill us, and we never know if they mean it or not.

Even if physical violence is rare, discrimination is not.

Hadija Namtondo is a 30-year old mother with black skin and a four-year-old albino son called Riziki. When his father saw the colour of the child, he was not happy, and he has abandoned us, she says.
Britain votes to break with EU

UNITED KINGDOM: Britain has voted to break out of the European Union, striking a thunderous blow against the bloc and spreading alarm through markets, led by a spectacular plummet of pound sterling to a 31-year low against the dollar.

politics

By AFP

Friday 24 June 2016, 01:03PM

Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at a results party at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Photo: Rob Stothard/AFP

Investors scrambled to sell the pound, oil and stocks as Britain took a lurch into the unknown, becoming the first country to quit in the EUs 60-year history, a culmination of decades of suspicion over European aims of creating an ever-closer political union.

With results in for virtually all voters from areas that took part across Britain, the result was 52 per cent for Leave and 48% for Remain  with heavyweights including London yet to be declared.

Sterling tumbled to $1.3466, its weakest level since 1985.

In Thailand, Bangkok Bank exchange rates for the pound went from B49.67 per pound at 8:30am Friday to B45.91 per pound at 11am.

Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day, said top anti-EU campaigner Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, who has promised Britons the chance to retake power from Brussels and rein in high immigration.

If the predictions now are right, this will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people, he told supporters in Westminster.

Britains national broadcaster BBC and Sky News both predicted a final victory for the Leave campaign.

Lured by the promise of regaining control of their own destiny and reining in high levels of immigration, Britons chose to break from a 28-nation alliance that has offered unfettered trade access and the free movement of labour across its borders.

Their decision will undoubtedly re-awaken fears of a domino-effect ripple of exit votes in EU-sceptic members that could imperil the integrity of the bloc, already struggling with twin economic and refugee crises.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who led the ultimately doomed struggle to sway voters in favour of sticking with Brussels, will face immediate pressure to resign.

The bookmakers favourite to replace him is former London mayor Boris Johnson, a rival from within his ruling Conservative Party who was the Leave camp figurehead.

The result means the worlds fifth largest economy must now go it alone in the global economy, striking a new trade relationship with the bloc it is abandoning and brokering new deals with all the countries it now trades with under the EUs umbrella.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has said the EU will not be bending over backwards to help Britain in those negotiations. Analysts say it could take the island nation a decade to secure new trade accords worldwide.

In a worst-case scenario, the International Monetary Fund has warned that the British economy could sink into recession next year and overall economic output would be 5.6% lower than otherwise forecast by 2019, with unemployment rising back above 6%.

Thousands of jobs in the City could be transferred to Frankfurt or Paris, top companies have warned. The Brexit camp has argued that the business world will adapt quickly, however, with Britains flexible and dynamic economy buoyed by new economic partners and selective immigration.

The campaign has left Britain riven in two, marked by the brutal murder of pro-Remain British lawmaker Jo Cox, a mother of two who was stabbed, shot and left bleeding to death on the pavement a week ahead of the vote.

European leaders will open a two-day summit on Tuesday (June 28) to grapple with the British decision.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned this month that a British departure would be a shock requiring quick action to avert the disintegration of the bloc.

Small countries that are economically at least as affluent as the UK are the main ones at risk, especially Denmark and potentially also Sweden, said Carsten Nickels of the Teneo analyst group in Brussels.

Immigration and an erosion of economic security have become rallying cries for populist challenges that remain scattered across in Europe, just as they have for Donald Trumps campaign in the US presidential election.

The bloc will have to learn lessons not only from events in Britain but from the rest of Europe, Juncker said ahead of the referendum, warning against a rapid push for more integration.

This Euroscepticism is not only present in Britain, he said.
China mounts rescue efforts as tornado toll hits 98

CHINA: Emergency personnel mounted rescue efforts amid scenes of carnage today (June 24) as the toll from hurricane-force winds and a tornado in China rose to at least 98 dead, with hundreds more injured.

deathdisastersweather

By AFP

Friday 24 June 2016, 10:06AM

Residents walk amongst the rubble of destroyed houses after a tornado hit Yancheng in Chinas Jiangsu province Photo: Johannes Eisele/AFP

Whole villages were levelled and huge trees felled when winds of up to 125 kilometres per hour struck around Yancheng city, the official Xinhua news agency said.

So far 98 people have been confirmed dead and about 800 injured, it cited local authorities as saying.

President Xi Jinping ordered all-out rescue efforts after what Xinhua said was one of the worst disasters ever to hit Jiangsu, including the worst tornado to hit China in half a century.

Sun Yazhou, a resident of Funing county, one of the hardest-hit areas, was driving a concrete mixer truck when a tornado passed him, tearing the glass out of his vehicle windows.

The sky was completely dark. I was scared, but I had nowhere to run. I had to wait it out, he said.

At a Funing county hospital, a factory worker with head and arm injuries and on an intravenous drip said he had been swept out of his workplace by the tornado, despite clinging to a door as he tried to hold it shut against the storm.

It all happened so fast. I have never seen anything like this before in my life, he said.

I thought for sure I was going to die, he added. I cant believe I am still alive.

The factory  which employed around 1,000 workers  and its dormitory were destroyed.

I have nothing now. My money, my things, all gone. It was so scary, he said.

In the town of Lixin, cars and houses were destroyed and trees uprooted. Bulldozers dug up rubble while rescue workers dug through debris for survivors.

Flooding is common during the summer monsoon season in the south of China, but rainfall has been particularly heavy this year.

Many parts of China have been lashed by torrential rains this week as summer rainstorms have been heavier than usual, causing damage across the country.
Migrants throng to see Suu Kyi

SAMUT SAKHON: Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday (June 23) urged Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand to show their love and honesty toward their host country as the Nobel Peace Prize laureate received an overwhelming welcome from her compatriots who turned up in droves to catch a glimpse of their national hero.

Myanmarimmigrationpoliticsweather

By Bangkok Post

Friday 24 June 2016, 09:26AM

Myanmar migrant workers braved driving rain during the wait to meet Ms Suu Kyi at Talay Thai. Photo: Chanat Katanyu

She also called on Myanmar workers in Thailand to comply with Thai laws.

She is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha today (June 24) at Government House.

Ms Suu Kyi, along with her delegation, arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport on a three-day state visit at 11:45am yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak received her on behalf of the Thai government.

Many Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand were waiting in eager anticipation for her arrival as they hope their democratic icon and national heroine will bring reforms to Myanmar and help improve their lives back home.

From the morning onward, thousands of Myanmar workers in Thailand, particularly in coastal Samut Sakhon and nearby provinces flocked to the Talay Thai seafood market in Samut Sakhon to welcome Ms Suu Kyi who was scheduled to meet them in the afternoon.

However, an incident occurred when about 200 Myanmar migrants were forced by officials to leave the market compound, as they said the hall in the market where Ms Suu Kyi would meet their representatives was limited to only 500 selected Myanmar workers who had been assigned seats.

Many others were unhappy they were not given a chance to see her as they were kept behind barricades outside the venue. They then tried to block a motorcade carrying the selected Myanmar workers from entering the compound. Police and local authorities had to rush in to restore order and were able to successfully calm the crowd.

About 4:15pm, Ms Suu Kyi arrived at the market. When her motorcade passed the gate, Ms Suu Kyi opened the car window and waved to the workers to follow, prompting many of them to burst through the barricades, spilling over the entrance gate of the compound in front of the hall.

However, only about 300 Myanmar workers were actually present at the hall, so officials had to remove the other 200 seats to make the hall appear full.

Addressing the gathering, Ms Suu Kyi, who is also Myanmars foreign minister, said that her Myanmar compatriots were the first group of people she wanted to meet during the visit. She said working in Thailand had given some security to Myanmar workers but also led to difficulties and her government would coordinate with Thailand to help them.

Myanmar workers in Thailand are guests of their host country; therefore, you should love, be honest and behave well toward the hosts, Ms Suu Kyi said in Burmese.

When they encounter problems, they should talk them through with the Thai people, Ms Suu Kyi said, stressing the need for Myanmar migrants to follow the laws of Thailand.

Small problems may sometimes occur, but [Myanmar migrants and Thais] should love each other and be united so we can live together for a long time and continue to improve cooperation between the two countries, Ms Suu Kyi said.

The Myanmar government will also expedite efforts to verify the nationality of all Myanmar workers and will see to it that illegal workers become legal, she said.

There are about 1.4 million legal Myanmar workers in Thailand and the number of Myanmar migrants in the country might reach 2 million if illegal workers are included, according to local officials.

Following the speech, Ms Suu Kyi came down from the stage and talked to Myanmar workers in the hall.

Some workers also complained that brokers charged them expensive fees to apply for passports and work permits.

Ms Suu Kyi said she will alert the relevant authorities to solve the problem. She also warned them not to use the services of brokers to obtain any documents.

After the meeting, she left in her motorcade and waved to the Myanmar workers waiting outside amid heavy rainfall.

Workers who could not enter the hall were dismayed that they were sidelined.

A 45-year-old Myanmar female worker said: I have been waiting to see Ms Suu Kyi since 6am, but officials told me to get out of the hall. They said the hall was already full.

Some said that workers who were allowed inside the hall were mostly legal workers from large factories while those waiting outside were workers who still have problems.

Minnaing, a 38-year-old Myanmar worker in Samut Sakhon said: It is unfair. All Myanmar migrants are equally proud of our mother [Ms Suu Kyi].

Kha Kha Hlaing, a coordinator from the Myanmar embassy, said she was not permitted to enter the hall, either.

See original story here.
Phukets 1st Pie Festival

Start From: Saturday 2 July 2016, 05:00PM to Saturday 2 July 2016, 08:00PM Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun.

Phukets very first pie-eating contest (no hands allowed!), divided into separate age groups for kids and adults. Delicious apple pie will be the centerpiece of this evening of the celebration, where the islands pie-eating champions will be crowned.
On Demand

We have a new story every day on the front page of thephuketnews.com. Also like us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/thephuketnews) and be the first to watch all the new stories. Finally you can watch any segment, any time by going to thephuketnews.com/tv where all the stories are listed for you to enjoy. All our programs can be enjoyed in High Definition when watching on the internet.

In-Room VDO
Twinpalms Residences Montazure breaks ground

PHUKET: The construction team for Twinpalms Residences MontAzure broke ground last week when bored piling began on the development of the resort residential project located in Kamala.

constructionpropertyeconomics

By The Phuket News

Friday 24 June 2016, 12:00PM

MontAzure recently awarded the piling contract to renowned Thailand contractors Seafco following Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval of the project.

MontAzure Executive Director Setthaphol Boottho, said, We are delighted to be working with Seafco. They have a long and successful track record and were selected based on their knowledge, ability, principals and experience. All our partners in this project are of the highest international standards, and we are again proving our commitment to excellence and uncompromising standards with their appointment.

The Twinpalms Residences MontAzure development, a B15 billion collaboration of independent luxury resort brands Twinpalms and MontAzure, covers 454 rai, from the hills of Kamala to the beachfront.

Seafco CEO Narong Thasnanipan said: We are honoured to win this contract and become such an important and integral part of the MontAzure project. I am confident our four decades of experience and expertise will ensure we are another high quality addition to their impressive team.

Launched in February 2016, Twinpalms Residences MontAzure comprises 75 upscale branded freehold condominiums located on 100 metres of beach frontage between Millionaires Mile and the Amanpuri headland in Kamala.

The development will be operated and managed by Twinpalms when completed in 2018.

The project offers one and two-bedroom units with penthouses having access to a private roof top and pool and prices ranging from B8 million to B93 million.

Pre-construction sales have been brisk with half of the units already sold with strong interest from Bangkok investors attracted by the prospect of better performing yields outside the capital markets in well managed prime real estate developments offering a higher return on investment than the Bangkok residential market, reports MontAzure.

Twinpalms Residences MontAzure is the first phase of the MontAzure project which also includes 13 ultra-luxury private hillside estate villas called The Estates, an international branded five-star hotel, four beach clubs, a medical and wellness centre, retail units and a 200-rai nature reserve.

MontAzure is a joint venture of three of the most notable property and hotel investment groups in Asia  ARCH Capital Management (Hong Kong & Shanghai); The Narai Group (Thailand); and Philean Capital (Singapore), part of Pontiac Land Group.

Partners in the project include global hospitality leaders InterContinental Hotel Group, who will open the InterContinental Phuket Resort in 2019.
Two Chefs are stepping it up again



By Shayan Amin

Friday 24 June 2016, 12:00PM

Two Chefs owners Henrik Ojelind and Billy Agren have not created a flourishing chain of restaurants in their 16 years on Phuket through sheer luck or complacency. With Swedish chef Billy at the helm, the team of skilled and well-trained Thai chefs in the kitchen are focused on maintaining quality and upholding standards in all four of their restaurants.

Attention to detail and listening to their clientele have kept them a front-runner on the dining scene, serving a range of international cuisines, including Scandinavian specialities and expertly executed Thai food. Their most recent additions and updates to their menu are bound to attract a variety of diners  from vegetarians and casual eaters to fine diners and seafood junkies.

To their starters, the new Rustic Flatbread with caramelised red onion jam makes for a light beginning to any meal, especially if youre eating in a group. The combination of tomato, fresh basil, feta cheese and grape tomatoes make for an excellent way to whet your appetite.

The Skagen Toast, while not a new addition the menu, is always a great option. Seafood, house-made mayonnaise and dill on toast with lemon is delightful and a must-try for anyone visiting Two Chefs for the first time.

The new Summer Salad, however, is what more adventurous palates will appreciate. The combination of oranges and smoked salmon, along with the apple cider and sesame in the dressing creates a bright, flavourful combination that has you reaching for more.

The pasta menu has added Basil Pesto Tagiatelle and Aglio E Olio Spaghetti, both of which are great options for vegetarians.

A unique addition to the menu is the 8-hr Australian Braised Beef. Homey and flavourful, the meat breaks away into tender, unctuous bites that come together perfectly with the snap peas, beetroot and carrots stewed alongside it. For those looking for a hearty steak, Two Chefs have added in grilled rib-eyes  served with Bearnaise or chimichurri.

The largest change, however, is the expansive addition of seafood. All the locations have added a huge range of seafood dishes, cooked in various styles.

Extensive care has been put into making sure the seafood is of the highest quality, and consistently fresh. The Grilled Shrimp with Aioli and Chimichurri sauce, serves as a testament to well-prepared seafood. Perfectly cooked and seasoned, the chimichurri sauce especially makes for a sharp, salty contrast to the sweetness and delicacy of the shrimp.

There is a whole host of new desserts. Mango sticky rice is probably the least exciting for Phuket residents, but Apple Crumble, Banana Flambe, Raspberry Creme Brulee and Lemon and Coconut Cheescake make for a range of desserts that will satisfy most, if not all people.

Two Chefs understands the importance of listening to their customers. Rest assured that if you have any ideas for the menu or criticisms, they will be sure to account for it. The entire menu, both new items and old are curated meticulously to make sure they are always providing maximum value to customers.

More than just a restaurant, Two Chefs is also host to a variety of events. From the recently-feted Philippines Independence Day (complete with a Lechon pig!) to the weekly Sunday Roast and Fridays All You Can Eat Ribs and Wings, Two Chefs is also looking forward to hosting a Reggae night as well as Swedish Midsummer Party on June 24 at their Kata Center location. Their amazing live band plays special playlists for each of the events and performs nightly, on rotation at all locations. Assuredly, Two Chefs is a solid option for any night  celebratory or relaxing.

Visit facebook.com/TwoChefsThailand, www.twochefs.com or call 076-330065.
Many South Dakota farmers expect below-average yields this year

Dry fields in the southeastern part of South Dakota and wet fields in spring in northeastern South Dakota could mean lower crop yields.
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Showers likely along with a possible rumble of thunder early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Showers likely along with a possible rumble of thunder early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%.


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President Barack Obama speaks in the White House briefing room in Washington, Thursday, June 23, 2016, on the Supreme Court decision on immigration. A tie vote by the Supreme Court is blocking President Barack Obama's immigration plan that sought to shield millions living in the U.S. illegally from deportation. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
DRACUT  Dracut police say no one was injured in a three-vehicle crash involving a school bus at Bridge and Pleasant streets on Tuesday.

A pickup truck, an SUV and a school bus were involved in the crash, which snarled traffic in the area about 11:30 a.m.

Deputy Police Chief David Chartrand said there were no reported injuries and no students on the bus that was involved. It was not immediately clear if any citations would be issued.

 ROBERT MILLS
By Katie Lannan

STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

BOSTON  A bill filed Thursday by Gov. Charlie Baker would elevate assault of a police officer from a misdemeanor offense to a felony and require judges to sentence someone found guilty of causing "serious bodily injury to a police officer" to at least one year in prison.

Rep. Paul Frost of Auburn on June 15 filed similar legislation that has already attracted 50 cosponsors in the Legislature, with six more planning to sign on, a Frost aide said Thursday. Frost filed his bill with Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury) and Reps Kate Campanale (R-Leicester) and Timothy Whelan (R-Brewster), a retired state trooper who noted in his support for the bill that police officers "serve as that thin blue line between order and chaos."

During a morning appearance on Boston Herald Radio, the governor said the bill was inspired by preliminary review of court decisions involving Jorge Zambrano, the man authorities say shot and killed Auburn Police Officer Ronald Tarentino during a traffic stop.

The bill would "give judges more discretion with respect to when they could call for a dangerousness hearing," Baker said, noting that Zambrano had been charged with other offenses before the May 22 shooting, but not all the charges were eligible for dangerousness hearings.

"The second thing it does is it creates a new category for assault and battery on a police officer, which is basically if you do bodily harm to the police officer, then that would be considered a felony," Baker said of the bill. "The idea here is if some kid touches an officer while he or she is being removed from a club or a bar or something like that, that should probably still be treated as a misdemeanor, because thats kind of no harm, no foul."

State law now characterizes assault on a police officer in the same way as on any other public employee, Baker said.

He said the bill would ensure the penalty for engaging with a police officer in an "aggressive and dangerous way" would be "higher than the equivalent of, you know, pushing a postal clerk."

In cases involving serious injury, judges would be banned from suspending or reducing sentences or continuing the case without a finding.

The bill calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in state prison or a county jail, and a maximum of 10 years in prison or two and a half years in jail. People convicted of a felony assault on a police officer would not be eligible for probation until they had served at least a year of their imprisonment.

A fine of between $500 and $10,000 could also be levied.

"Police officers have difficult, dangerous jobs," Baker wrote in a message to lawmakers accompanying the bill. "Under current law, people who assault police officers during the course of their duties are treated the same as those who assault any other public employee. This state of the law fails to recognize the seriousness of certain assaults on police officers and the danger to the community posed by people who would assault a police officer."

Baker said he hopes lawmakers will take up his bill quickly and that he imagined legislators would find ways to amend it once they do so.

"They are fond of telling me there are always ways to perfect the legislation that we file, so I am sure that they will have thoughts about this," he said.

With 38 days remaining until the end of formal sessions, Baker said he "certainly will" return to the issue at the start of the new term in January if his bill does not pass before July 31.
But the tribe has a long way to go
At a time when India needs all the support it can get for its Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) membership, Switzerland, who had earlier extended its complete support, has now opposed New Delhis bid citing it being a non Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) state.

According to sources, Switzerland has now joined the group of countries opposing Indias bid for NSG.

This comes as a shock for India as earlier, during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Switzerland, the European nation had extended its complete support.

"I am thankful to the President for Switzerland's understanding and support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We have both agreed to support each other for our respective bids for the non-permanent membership of the UNSC," Prime Minister Modi said while delivering the joint statement with the Swiss President.

Also read: India secures Switzerland's support for NSG membership

Meanwhile, in another blow to India, China has said that the NSG will not discuss its membership bid into the elite group, adding that New Delhi will first have to sign the NPT, as it is a must and a major criteria set up by the NSG.

Director-General of the Arms Control Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Qun asserted that Indias membership has never ever been on the agenda of the NSG and that there is no such agenda item for the two-day plenary, adding that there is no point of China opposing or supporting India as well as the membership of other countries.

One thing is clear that Indias membership has never ever been taken up as an agenda item. In the two plenary sessions, there was no extraordinary session on this matter. There is no such agenda matter. In the caveat there could be observations and interventions but thats all, he said.

Earlier, highly placed sources said that China is not the sole opponent to India's member ship to the NSG, but Brazil, Austria, Ireland, Turkey and New Zealand too have opposed India's entry, citing it's not being a signatory of the NPT for nuclear weapons and weapons technology.
Israel Police maintains a file containing information on crimes committed by tens of Members of Knesset, Channel 10 News correspondent Raviv Drucker reported.

According to the report released on Sunday 13 Sivan, some of the crimes are serious in nature, adding the unit has information on all of the 120 MKs pertaining to their actions during the previous Knesset. Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein is demanding an explanation from Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich and Major-General Meni Yitzchaki, who prepared the document in his capacity as head of investigations and intelligence. Edelstein has called on both to arrange to meet with him as to date he has not received a satisfactory explanation for the document.

MK (Yesh Atid) Elazar Stern is calling on Attorney General Mandelblit to become involved to remove the cloud of guilt from MKs as soon as possible. Stern told Israel Radio on Wednesday 16 Sivan he believes the system will address the matter as it should.

MK (Machane Tzioni) Miki Rosenthal expressed concerns over the real purpose of such a document, demanding police launch an investigation against anyone and everyone if there is suspicion of law-breaking but fears the document may be to extort elected officials.

In response to the Channel 10 report, police seek to allay fears, explaining nothing improper was done in the gathering of information. The statement to the media explains any such investigation, against an elected official, must first have the stamp of approval of the attorney general prior to proceeding.

According to Channel 2 News, among the ministers appearing on the black list is Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, who is responsible for Israel Police. The information pertaining to him reportedly dates back a number of years.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Over the past 24 hours the administrative order banning a 15-year-old Yitzhar resident from entering Yehuda and Shomron, including his own home, has prompted a social media protest under the slogan, A Bench for the Yitzhar Minor. Already dozens of supporters have reserved a bench for him close to their homes.

On the Facebook page appear photos from Netanya, Rosh Haayin, Haifa, Jerusalem, Migdal HaEmek, Bar Ilan University and more, including Brooklyn, New York. The minor said that he prefers not to leave Israel, but its heartwarming to see support from the Diaspora. Honenu invites others to submit photos to the page as well.

Honenu Attorney Chai Haber, who is representing the minor, informed the IDF Central District Commander who issued the order that a suitable location for the minor has not been found and therefore he has been staying at home despite the order ordering him to leave Yehuda and Shomron. Also removing him from his home and school would be a severe violation of his rights and detrimental to his education.

According to the administrative order the minor was obligated to leave his home on Tuesday 15 Sivan, for a location outside of Yehuda and Shomron in which he could be under house arrest at night, a situation which requires strict police surveillance. If he does not leave of his own accord the GOC will instruct him where to stay.

Two administrative orders were served to the minor on the night of May 31, 2016 during a police raid on his home. As with all administrative orders, they were issued without presenting any evidence and without bringing the youth to trial. The claim against the minor is that he constitutes a danger to the security of the State. It is based on confidential information which indicates his involvement with disturbances and injury to Palestinians. By request of his Honenu Attorneys a hearing was held for the minor. However, the representative of the Homefront Command refused to specify what the evidence against the minor is or even the dates on which the incidents occurred, which precludes him from giving an alibi.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Police working with veterinary inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ashkelon Municipality on Wednesday 16 Sivan confiscated four tons of meats unfit for human consumption. In addition, dozens of liters of pirate alcoholic beverage were confiscated as well.

Also present were officials from the Ministry of Health. They all moved in on Wednesday morning. They report in total, four tons of meat, 32 liters of alcoholic beverage, 1,400 packages of dry foods, 1,000 cans of food and 30kg of dairy products were confiscated and being destroyed  all unfit for consumption.

The Health Ministry inspector issued a temporary closure order on one of the business.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Efforts are ongoing to prevent the second destruction of the Shomron community of Arnona, located near Ofra in the Binyamin Regional Council. The community is home to tens of families and the High Court two years ago ordered is destroyed after determining it was built on private Palestinian land. The demolition of the community must be carried out by the end of 2016. Activists warn any attempt to expel the residents of Amona and raze the community a second time will mark the end of the current coalition government as the resistance will be formidable.

Likud MK Miki Zohar and David Bitan have introduced a bill that permits delaying the evacuation of any yishuv for seven years providing that yishuv is at least ten years old, which Amona is. The bill stipulates this is so when there are no landowners demanding the land returned.

The original Amona was established in 1997 and the 2006 evacuation resulted in a bloody confrontation with police and soldiers. The High Court in 2014 ruled the entire community is illegal and must be removed by December 25, 2016.

The Bayit Yehudi party has signaled numerous times that any attempt to evacuate any yishuv will result in the party breaking from the coalition immediately. The current Amona residents have also announced they are uninterested in compensation as former Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon offered them to relocate and to rebuild larger homes and accommodate many more families. However, this time around the residents are determined to stay where they are and they will not be bought out.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
A 17-year-old Jewish teen reported on Tuesday 15 Sivan that a number of Arab males attacked him and beat him in a park in the Jaffa area of Tel Aviv. He told police his attackers shouted anti-Semitic slurs as they beat him. He was also injured when slashed with pieces of a broken glass bottle.

According to the Ynet report, the Sharon region student was visiting the area when attacked. He was on leave from his military boarding school when the assault took place. He fought with the five attackers as they shouting stinking Jew. He posted the attack on his Facebook page.

Police report an investigation has been launched.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Firebombs were hurled at vehicles on Dov Yosef Street located on the hill heading into the southern Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo on Wednesday night the eve of 17 Sivan. Police and fire fighters responded as a blazed resulted from the attack. Bchasdei Hashem there was no loss of life or injuries.

Ofir Ayoubi, who heads the local community council in Gilo, calling on police to address the attack aggressively, pointing out vehicles were targeted in the attack. He calls on using an iron fist policy on those responsible.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group)
Minister Tzachi Hanegbi, who was appointed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to probe the Yaldei Teiman (missing Yemenite children) from the late 1940s and early 1950s, spoke with Kol Chai Radio host Betzalel Kahn on Thursday morning 17 Sivan.

Hanegbi explained that it has been some 70 years and in fact, anyone who was involved has left public service so he is hopeful today, much can be learned that remains closed in the past. There is an increasingly audible call to the state to declassify all of the information pertaining to the Yaldei Teiman under the Freedom of Information Law.

Kol Chai:

One of the names that is constantly mentioned in former President Shimon Peres, citing his involvement.

Hanegbi:

At the time, Peres was in his 20s since today, he is in his 90s. I doubt he was counted among the national leaders at the time. He may however know a name and prefer not to mar ones memory by releasing information.

MK (Likud) Nurit Cohen Told Kahn that on her side of the family, her mom lost relatives and she hopes to spearhead efforts to declassify everything under the Freedom of Information Law since she feels enough time has passed and it is high time to give parents and families closure. She feels that it is high time to stop protecting people and for those people to stop hiding.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
While the religious Zionists live under the illusion their service in the IDF is applauded, they have yet to understand the senior ranks of the IDF is one of the remaining good old boys networks in the country and everything possible is being done to keep right-wing kippa-wearing officers from the General Staff and from becoming Chief of Staff. Undoubtedly the soldiers emerging from the mechina yeshivot are applauded for their dedication and commitment, but that is fine for as long as they do not move too far up the ranks. One pristine example of this would be Brigadier-General Ofir Winter, who has been fighting the system since trying to rise up above colonel. His promotion to brig.-gen. was delayed for years and today, it is clear he is no longer in line to become a chief of staff.

As part of the new IDF multi-year plan, which goes into effect in the coming months, the army is working to have younger officers and as a result, it is going to let go of some of the older ones serving today.

One of the provisions of the multi-year plan clearly sets a maximum age of 32, after which one cannot become a battalion commander. This in essence closes the doors of moving up the ranks beyond company commander to any of the dati leumi inductees and officers that learned in yeshiva gedola before entering the military for by the time they complete basic training, NCO certification, officers school and serve as a platoon commander, deputy company commander and company commander, it will be too late to continue up the ranks.

The bulk of the IDF inductees from the dati leumi community enlist at 18 so it will not impact them, but the bnei torah, those who studied in yeshiva gedola will no longer be able to long at the IDF for a long term career.

IDF officials insist it has nothing to do with keeping bnei torah out of the higher ranks but it is all about having younger officers. Officials insist that having older commanders compromises the performance of the officers as some of the battalion commanders were already 37 when moving into the slot and that is too old.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Rishon LTzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita during a recent shiur explained to participants that a period of time ago, he attended a rabbinical conference in Moscow. He stated he was asked to give a shiur, which he did, and following the event, he was told he and a number of others were being taken to meet with President Putin.

I thought he would shake our hands and that would be it he explained, but the meeting lasted for an hour and a quarter.

Rabbi Yosef quotes President Vladimir Putin saying The Egyptians with the magicians are gone, as are the Greeks with their culture as are the Romans. The only ones who survived are the Jews. Can you tell me why this is? President Putin is quoted adding Permit me to respond. You survived in the merit of your Torah and your rabbis.

Rav Yosef:

I heard what he said and asked him to repeat it.    . Listen rabbosai, he is a president who is a goy. He is not a Jew and did not convert, not by Tzohar or anyone,   . That he did not make me Obama and Putin

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
It appears that despite adhering to the strict conditions of his parole since his release after decades in a US federal prison, nothing is going to change for the better for Jonathan Pollard.

According to The Daily Beast report, the US intelligence community fears that Pollard may still reveal secrets  even after his 30 years imprisonment, and therefore, officials are going to continue compelling him to adhere to extremely strict restrictions.

Some of the sources and methods used to develop some of the intelligence exposed by Mr. Pollard not only remain classified but are still in use by the intelligence community today, Jennifer L. Hudson, a senior official in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, said in a written statement.

Pollard remains under GPS monitoring and lives under constant watch and with many restrictions. Worst of all, he continues to yearn to come to Israel, where he wishes to settle and live out his life, but he is prohibited from leaving the United States.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro was among the speakers at the official ceremony held in Texas on Wednesday, 16 Sivan. The ambassador thanked all involved and praised the long-standing firm relationship between his country, the US, and Israel. The first planes are scheduled to arrive in an Israel Air Force base in December 2016. The following video shows the ambassadors remarks at the official ceremony.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The Supreme Court handed President Barack Obama a significant legal defeat Thursday, refusing to revive his stalled plan to shield millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation and give them the right to work legally in the United States.

In response, Obama sharply criticized congressional Republicans for refusing to consider his nominee to the Supreme Court, and he vowed that existing programs implemented under his executive authority to prioritize deportations would continue.

Addressing reporters in the White House briefing room, Obama said the current deadlock in the Supreme Court, where his nominee would have broken a tie, not only sets the administration back but takes us further from the country that we aspire to be.

The courts liberals and conservatives apparently deadlocked, which leaves in place a lower courts decision that the president exceeded his powers in issuing the directive.

The nondecision on the presidents deportation plan was the most serious consequence of the Supreme Courts short-handed status. The delay in announcing the tie  the case was argued months ago  indicates the court tried to find a compromise that could draw five votes.

The court has had only eight members since Justice Antonin Scalias death in February, and Senate Republicans have said they will not act on Obamas nomination of Judge Merrick Garland before the November election.

The courts one-sentence disposition of the case means that the important legal questions it raised about the presidents powers will remain unanswered for now. And it means that the issue of immigration, which already dominates the presidential election, escalates in importance.

Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton supported Obamas action and has said she will expand it. Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump has drawn a hard line on illegal immigration and would almost surely have rescinded it.

The immigration program, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), would allow illegal immigrants in those categories to remain in the country and apply for work permits if they have been here at least five years and have not committed felonies or repeated misdemeanors. Obama also expanded a 2012 policy, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which covered those brought to this country as children.

In his remarks to reporters Thursday, Obama stressed that the DACA program would not be affected by Thursdays development at the Supreme Court. It does not affect the existing dreamers, he said, using the term for people brought to the United States as children and covered by the program.

He also said that enforcement policies developed by my administration are not affected, meaning that undocumented immigrants who have put down roots and have not committed crimes will remain low priorities for deportation.

We will continue to implement existing programs that area already in place, Obama said, but the administration will not be able to expand those programs.

He said the remedies for the current impasse were for the Senate to take up his Supreme Court nomination and for congressional Republicans to join Democrats in passing comprehensive immigration reform. Failing that, he said, voters should make their voices heard in the November elections.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., welcomed the Supreme Courts nondecision, calling it a win for Congress and for the constitutional separation of powers.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who led the states opposing Obamas plan, said: Todays decision keeps in place what we have maintained from the very start: One person, even a president, cannot unilaterally change the law. This is a major setback to President Obamas attempts to expand executive power, and a victory for those who believe in the separation of powers and the rule of law.

Obama announced the executive action at issue after House Republicans could not agree on comprehensive immigration reform.

The administration said the program is a way for a government with limited resources to prioritize which undocumented workers it will deport. As a practical matter, the government has never deported more than 500,000 people per year and often sends home fewer than that.

But the Republican-led states that challenged the action called it one of the largest changes in immigration policy in our nations history, and said Obama could not implement the program without the approval of Congress. They said it violated legal requirements for individual decision-making by the administration before deferring deportation. They said the sweeping policy change meant that millions would become eligible to work and receive a host of government benefits.

The states sued to block Obamas order as soon as he announced it. A district judge ruled that the states had legal standing to sue and stopped implementation of the plan.

A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit agreed on a 2 to 1 vote. Judge Jerry Smith rejected the administrations argument that DAPA was a form of prosecutorial discretion in which a government with limited resources sets priorities for deportation.

The program, Smith wrote, is much more than nonenforcement: It would affirmatively confer lawful presence and associated benefits on a class of unlawfully present aliens. Though revocable, that change in designation would trigger eligibility for federal and state benefits that would otherwise not be available to illegal aliens.



(c) 2016, The Washington Post  Robert Barnes, William Branigin
It was September 2014, and machine gun and artillery fire had erupted in small villages just west of Kobani, Syria. The Islamic State had started a siege on the border town, strategically entering through nearby villages. That same week, researchers at the University of Miami who were tracking online extremist groups saw a flurry in activity.

It was like the spreading of a fever, said Neil Johnson, head of research for the study. Johnson and his team saw an uptick in the creation of pro-Islamic State groups on Russian social media platform VKontakte.

Measuring the rate of creation of these online groups is essential to a new studys claims that a mathematical model can help predict terrorist attacks. The research attempts to scientifically determine the relationships between online extremist groups and real-world attacks.

The study, published last week by the journal Science, identifies hardcore pro-Islamic State groups on social media by searching for key words, such as mentions of beheadings, and zeroing in on specific community pages and groups. These groups trade operational information, such as which drone is being used in an attack or how to avoid detection, as well as fundraising posts and extremist ideology.

An uptick in the creation of these groups correlated with terrorist attacks, the study found. When the team used the model they created on their set of data, they found that the model correctly predicted the Kobani attack they observed in 2014.

Such groups are often shut down by social media platforms such as Facebook or VKontakte once their extremist content is identified by website moderators. Members of these groups then disperse and multiply, Johnson said, often forming other, smaller groups. Its this pattern that makes the identification of these aggregates, and the individuals who interact with them, so useful.

The data suggests that theres no such thing as a lone wolf in that sense, Johnson said. If an individual looks alone, the chance is that they will at some stage . . . have been in an aggregate. And if you look long enough, they will be in another aggregate soon.

Does this mean that this algorithm can not only show when an attack is likely to occur but also point to individuals who might be ripe for radicalization? Johnson is hesitant to say that the model is truly predictive right now. Hes most enthusiastic about nailing down a pattern of behavior that could help clarify how radical groups, terrorist attacks and online activity interact.

It always seems to me to be that we know that the Internet has an influence on this behavior, but how? I can see things online, but Im not gonna go and do something, he said. So it puts a science, a starting point, of whats going on.

The study is not without its skeptics. This is a potentially valuable approach, and more research should be done on the approach, said J.M. Berger, a fellow in George Washington Universitys Program on Extremism, told the New York Times. But to jump ahead to the utility of it, I think, takes more work.

Andrew Gelman, a statistical and political science professor at Columbia University, also cautioned against how applicable the model is in a blog post.

Research suggesting that social media monitoring be used in counterterrorism also raises concerns about privacy and the potential for abuse.

Its hard to pick apart the privacy component when youre talking about something as loaded as radical extremism, said Megan Price, executive director of Human Rights Data Analysis Group. But I think we have to extrapolate out from that what are the other ways that this might be implemented? Its not necessarily clear what the definition of those groups is.

Price cited undercover monitoring of radical activist groups in the 1960s as an example of domestic surveillance designed to quash political freedom. Historically, the government has never needed much encouragement to expand their surveillance activities, she said.

In terms of digital privacy, Johnson sees his model as less invasive than other surveillance tactics. Our approach pushes the focus from individuals to groups that fed the fire within the individual. So that is arguably good since instead of potentially having to track one percent of Facebook or VKontakte users being on some watch list because of what they have Googled, he said. The focus is on the few hundred aggregates that lie out there.

But Price isnt sure that this study is a step in the right direction. Its just splitting hairs, she said. What they are flagging is the growth of these aggregate groups, but the way they are defining growth is by tracking individuals. I dont know if operationally it makes a difference in terms of privacy.

Special to The Washington Post  Karen Turner
What you need to know about Jiangsu's deadly tornado

2016-06-24 14:56

A bird's eye view of a tornado-hit village in Funing, Jiangsu province, on Friday. [Photo/Jiangsu Communication Broadcasting Station]

Place: Yancheng, East China's Jiangsu province

Time: 2:30 pm, Thursday, June 23, 2016

Casualties: 98 killed and about 800 injured

Rescue efforts:

Search for the people through the debris has been completed, cleaning efforts are underway.

More than 1,300 police officers have been called in to assist with the rescue efforts and displaced residents.

The city has activated its highest response system following the extreme weather.

The photo shows the aftermath of the tornado. [Photo/Jiangsu Communication Broadcasting Station]

Why it caused such huge casualties

The tornado has been scaled at EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which indicates its wind speed will reach between 218 kilometers to 266 kilometers per hour, the state broadcaster China Central Television reported.

The Enhanced Fujita scale has six scales from EF0 to EF5.

Yancheng city government said that the tornado on Thursday was the second strongest one that has ever struck the city, just weaker than the one on March 3, 1966.

The tornado struck densely populated areas, along with gales, rainstorms and hailstorms, to cause the huge casualties in the eastern city of Yancheng, Jiangsu province on Thursday, according to media reports and experts.

Two girls sleep at a temporary settlement in a primary school of Shuoji town, Funing county in Yancheng, Jiangsu province, on June 24, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

How it forms

Two strong air masses met over Yancheng city, said Han Guirong, an expert from the Meteorological Bureau of Jiangsu Province. The warm mass moved northwest and the cold moved southwest, with whirlwinds forming near the ground, he said.

Strong winds on the ground have fortified the whirlwinds to form the tornado, but it was a coincidence for the tornado, hailstorms and other severe weather conditions to happen at the same time there, Han said.

Why in Jiangsu

Jiangsu province has so many tornados because of its low-lying plain, many rivers and lakes, as well as its location at a transition zone of subtropical and warm temperate zones where severe weather conditions are more common.

Jiangsu has recorded the most tornados in China between 1961 and 2010. More than 20 take place every year in the province.

About 43 tornados on average happen annually across the country between 1991 and 2014, most in the afternoons in summer and early autumn.

Villagers search for valuable things and clean debris of their homes at Beichen village in Funing county, Yancheng, Jiangsu province, on June 24, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hard to predict

The environment in which a tornado forms is similar to that of a thunderstorm or a gale, so it is very hard to identify it, according to Wu Zhifang, chief forecaster with Guangdong provincial meteorological bureau.

China has no special tornado alert system, and tornados are classified as strong convection weather.

The US is the country with the most tornados  an average of 1,122 every year from 1982 to 2010, according to National Climate Center under CMA.

What you should do in a tornado?

Leave your car, hide in low-lying areas.

Stay away from utility poles, trees, billboards, and walls which may collapse.

Stay in solid houses or underground spaces.

Weather forecast for disaster areas

Heavy rains in short periods on Friday, gales with speed up to 24.4 meters per second.

Cloudy on Saturday, temperature to reach 30 degrees.

Heavy rains possible on Sunday.
Losing the election wouldnt necessarily be the end of Donald Trump, as nice as that might be to imagine. It might only be the beginning.

Indeed, theres one particular second act for Trump that makes an uncanny amount of sense. A Trump-branded TV network, whether online or on cable, could simultaneously be profitable for Trump, outrageously entertaining  and a continued catastrophe for our hyper-polarized political system.

The 2016 presidential race revitalized Trumps reputation as a ratings draw. When he announced his campaign last June, The Apprentice franchise was in the ratings decline common to aging shows. The Miss Universe pageant was bouncing around from night to night in search of viewers. His campaign let Trump insist that both shows were victims of political correctness, rather than diminished interest. It let Trump prove that he could draw audiences to a new arena: cable news.

But its not merely Trumps metastasized personal brand that makes a Trump TV network such a wickedly smart business idea. The conservative media landscape is ripe for a realignment.

A number of conservative media entrepreneurs responded to the Obama administration by founding news publications. And though their successes are mixed, they have explored new models for content and distribution that another organization  the Trump organization, perhaps  might be able to use on a larger scale.

Breitbart.com, the flagship of the late Andrew Breitbarts network of sites, claimed a niche as the site that would give Trump the kind of coverage he believes to be fair. Glenn Becks streaming television channel the Blaze has been plagued by management turmoil, but Beck leveraged his subscribers into a 2012 deal with the Dish Network to distribute the Blaze as a cable channel.

Meantime, the election, which once seemed as though it might be a triumph for Fox News, instead became a conundrum for the network. Trumps feud with Megyn Kelly sharpened the contrast between her and Bill OReilly as she prepares to negotiate a new contract, and Trumps unexpected success has pushed Fox News executives to confront just how far into the fever swamps they dare to tread.

Finally, a number of significant Republican media figures are free agents, or nearing the ends of their contracts  and available, potentially, for TrumpTV.

Mike Huckabee opted out of his Fox News show in 2015 as he prepared to run for president again; he has since returned as a contributor but doesnt have his own show. Former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palins forays into reality television have been less than successful, but she has shown surprising persistence as a political commentator.

And most significant, Rush Limbaughs monster-size deal with iHeart Media runs out this year. A start-up would be hard-pressed to match his $400 million contract, but his comments about law student Sandra Fluke made Limbaugh so radioactive to advertisers that he might be available to another bidder at a reduced price. If not Limbaugh, a Trump television network might be able to convince conservative conspiracy theorist and Trump backer Alex Jones that he could have wider distribution without having to give up the editorial independence that allows him to declare 9/11 an inside job and speculate about sinister chemicals in jet contrails.

Trump himself probably lacks the patience and eye for detail that would be required to scoop up these disparate pieces of the conservative radio, television and online landscapes and mold them into a new-media golem. But in an environment where Al Gore could sell Current TV for $500 million, someone eager to capitalize financially and politically on the enthusiasm for Trump could step into that void.

In aesthetic terms, such a network could be a baroque marvel. In political ones, it would be catastrophic.

Fox News has a long record of providing lawmakers with incentives for prolonging unproductive investigations into supposed scandals. But vast, paranoid territory lies beyond the boundaries Fox News has staked out for itself.

Consolidating the small nation-states that occupy that intellectual landscape into a single outlet would create a powerful alternate reality. And as this election suggests, a significant number of Americans already see the country and the world in ways that bear little resemblance to the one occupied by their fellow citizens.

A network that unified and amplified those fictions wouldnt just allow Trump to remain a player in American politics without being elected president. It would make it harder for us to agree on the facts that define our country, and the tools that are acceptable to use as we try to improve it.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post  Alyssa Rosenberg
With two Baltimore officers now acquitted in the death of Freddie Gray, including the only one charged with murder, states attorney Marilyn Mosby faces the difficult choice of whether to proceed with four more trials. Her decision almost certainly has to be no, and the criticism that she rushed to charge the six officers without sufficient evidence, if only to limit the growing civil unrest in Baltimore, now looks like a valid one. Prosecutorial decisions should be made based on the evidence and the law, not on how they will play on the streets.

The lawyers for officers Edward Nero and Caesar Goodson, both found not guilty by Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams, have laid out a road map for how to defend the four remaining officers, one of whom already received a mistrial after a jury could not reach a verdict. And one key element is provided by Maryland law: try your case before a judge, rather than a jury. Maryland is one of 16 states that allow defendants to waive a jury trial without the consent of the prosecution, according to the National Center for State Courts. In federal court, in Virginia and 33 other states, prosecutors must agree to a defendants request to waive a jury trial. Prosecutors in those states likely would not agree to waive a jury in such a high-profile case. In Maryland, they had no choice.

Having a judge hear the case instead of a jury removes much of the emotion and extraneous detail from the consideration of guilt or innocence. Judges have experience with crimes, with criminals, with the tactics and tricks of prosecutors and defense attorneys. They are less likely to be swung by the emotional resonance of a case, or how it will play with their neighbors. Judges are accustomed to making unpopular decisions; civilian jurors are not.

For Goodson, the judge was Williams, who had already heard Neros case and acquitted him. Williams is a former federal civil rights prosecutor and Baltimore city assistant prosecutor, but he was tough on the prosecution here, and gave plenty of signals that he wasnt going to roll over for them. Three times he said prosecutors failed to turn over evidence to the defense. Isnt that your duty, counsel? To turn things over? Williams asked shortly before opening statements. What else is out there that you didnt turn over?

The prosecution witnesses did not go well, another sign that Mosby rushed to charge before fully assessing the case against the officers. A prosecution expert testifying about whether Goodson gave Gray a rough ride in the back of the police van that day concluded, I cant say. Somebody, a witness, had to testify that criminal behavior was involved. This was a case of murder, which requires intent, which required showing that Goodson meant to toss an unsecured prisoner around in the back of his van. Street surveillance videos also did not make the case for a rough ride.

And though the prosecution had a Maryland medical examiner who was confident that Grays death was not an accident, the defense was able to counter with its own expert, former Washington, D.C., chief medical examiner Jonathan Arden, now a favorite of the defense bar. He said he believed the fatal neck injury Gray suffered came after the last stop, after he had been checked on multiple times during his ride to the station. As a battle of experts goes, that could create doubt even in a juror, much less a judge. And Williams said in his ruling there were equally plausible scenarios about where during the ride to jail Gray suffered his fatal neck injury. He said he reviewed surveillance footage from one sharp right turn by the van more than a dozen times and was unable to draw the same conclusion as prosecutors, that it was a malicious fatal maneuver by Goodson.

Prosecutors won a small victory by forcing Officer William Porter to testify, even though he faces his own trial and has already been tried once  to a hung jury. But Porter gave them the bare minimum, saying only that it wasnt his responsibility to ensure Grays safety, it was the drivers.

Baltimore police vans have video cameras in the back to monitor their prisoners. But in another strike against the prosecution, the camera in Goodsons van wasnt working. Baltimore police have moved to upgrade and modernize their vans, but that wont help the prosecutors in any future Gray-related prosecutions.

States attorney Mosby faces a difficult choice now. Dismissing charges against the remaining four officers could set off the civil unrest she presumably forestalled by charging them less than two weeks after Grays death. But proceeding with four more trials after losing two and getting a hung jury on a third would probably be seen as unfair by the police and legal community, and further poison the relationship between her prosecutors and the city police, who must work together on every other case in the city every day.



(c) 2016, The Washington Post  Tom Jackman


A vehicular terror attack was reported in the Kiryat Arba area a few minutes ago. Additional information to follow.

3:06PM IL: There was a vehicular attack near the Elias Gate to Kiryat Arba, the hitchhiking post near the main entrance to the community, adjacent to the gas station. The terrorist has been neutralized. Soldiers in the area opened fire, critically wounding the terrorist.

There appears to be one or two victims from the attack, Bchasdei Hashem with non-serious injuries.

3:20PM IL: The terrorist in this case was a female. Authorities are now reporting she died of her wounds after IDF soldiers fired at the approaching vehicle. The area remains closed by the IDF at this time.

Magen David Adom reports two people in their 50s, a male and female, are being transported to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, both with light injuries.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group)
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani toured the new Leket Israel facility, including a behind-the-scenes look at the inner working of one of Israels largest food collection and redistribution operations, considered to be the most innovative in the country and a worldwide leader. Giuliani, who serves as Chair of Greenberg Traurigs Cybersecurity, Privacy and Crisis Management Practice, is in Israel visiting the firms Tel Aviv office. The visit came after Leket released a breakthrough study on food waste in Israel considered to be a groundbreaking in terms of how western governments can combat hunger.

The report, the first of its kind in Israel, highlighted the economic, social and environmental benefits of rescuing unused food for the more than two million Israeli citizens living below the poverty line. The report found that more than 2.5 million tons of edible food, with a market value of NIS 8 billion is wasted in Israel annually. The research demonstrates the significant economic and social impact of food rescue to Israels national economy. Rescuing 25 percent of food waste translates to a savings of NIS 3 billion, equivalent to the food purchasing gap between the food insecure and food secure. The cost of such food rescue is 75 percent lower than the alternative of providing support, subsidies or allowances to the needy, and additionally offers significant environmental benefits.

Giuliani was escorted on the visit by Leket Israel Founder and Chairman Joseph Gitler, himself a former New York City resident, and Leket Israel CEO Gidi Kroch. He then addressed the organizations staff on the importance of their work in food recovery. The trip was arranged by Greenberg Traurig.

Leket Israel is a non-profit organization that leads the safe and effective collection and distribution of surplus nutritional food in Israel. In addition to the hard work and dedication of its 58,000 annual volunteers, the key to Lekets success is the efficiency of the main logistics center. Giuliani toured the 21,500-square-foot warehouse, which is equipped with high capacity refrigeration and cargo trucks to assure the safe storage, sorting and distribution of millions of pounds of food that is collected and donated to the organization annually.

I was honored to meet Joseph Gitler and the Leket team and hear the unique story of Lekets ability to deliver vast quantities of excess food to the people of Israel who need it most, said former Mayor Giuliani.

We are thrilled to host Former New York City Mayor Giuliani on a tour of Lekets logistics center, said Leket Israel Founder and Chairman Joseph Gitler. We are excited to show former Mayor Giuliani how we are closing the gap in food insecurity in Israel.

Greenberg Traurig maintains a long-standing commitment to participating in and giving back to the communities in which we live and work and were pleased to be able to make this connection between Former Mayor Giuliani and Leket Israel. We have been recognized as the most philanthropic law firm in the United States. said Greenberg Traurig Managing Shareholder of its Israel office Adv. Gary Epstein.

Leket Israel-The National Food Bank is the leading food rescue non-profit organization that rescues fresh, perishable food, which would otherwise be considered waste, from farms, hotels, military bases and catering halls in an effort to aid the quarter of the countrys population that lives below the poverty line. The organization works with 190 non-profits throughout the country to distribute nutritious food to more than 140,000+ Israelis weekly. Last year alone, Leket collected more than 25 million pounds of food for the needy.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Aircraft wreckage potentially from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has been found on an island off the east African coast, an Australian official said Friday.

Transport Minister Darren Chester, who oversees the search for the Boeing 777 than vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board, said a piece of aircraft debris was found on Pemba Island off the coast of Tanzania.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which is conducting the search on Malaysias behalf, is seeking further information to determine whether the debris is from Flight 370, Chester said in a statement. It did not say when the debris was found.

Several pieces of the plane have washed up over the past year on coastlines around the Indian Ocean, which is consistent with drifting models based on it having crashed in the Indian Ocean southwest of Australia.

The bureau announced on Wednesday that debris found on an Australian island earlier this month was not from Flight 370.

The airliner vanished on March 8, 2014, after flying off course during a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing.

Authorities say the plane likely crashed in the Indian Ocean, but officials have had no luck finding the main wreckage despite an extensive underwater search of a vast area. Crews are expected to complete their sweep of the 120,000-square kilometer (46,000-square mile) area by August, and there are no plans to extend the hunt beyond that.

More debris was found earlier this month washed ashore in Madagascar by a man who previously found a part of Flight 370, but the pieces have yet to be examined by investigators.

(AP)
TV host's production is on national tour

From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-06-24 08:16

I Love Fairy Tales, starring celebrated TV hosts Zhou Zhou (left) and Ju Ping, features famous stories like The Three Little Pigs.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Tigger is one of Zhou Zhou's favorite cartoon characters.

In 2006, when Disney's theater production Winnie the Pooh toured the Chinese mainland, Zhou, a veteran host of children's shows on China Central Television, was pregnant.

She watched five shows in Beijing. When her son was born later in the year, she lovingly called him Tigger, after the tiger friend of the teddy bear, Pooh.

"I am born in the Year of the Tiger, too!" the 41-year-old says, referring to the Chinese zodiac.

Her friend helped bring the production to China, and Zhou got a chance to observe how the team prepared, rehearsed and made the 90-minute show happen.

The experience inspired Zhou to make her own children's plays.

Zhou Zhou plays the role of Little Red Riding Hood in the play I Love Fairy Tales. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In 2014, as a producer and an actress, she made her first children's play, I Love Fables.

Involving singing, dancing and multimedia, the play is based on the classic story of a race between a tortoise and a hare and linked with four Chinese fables. It toured the country with more than 40 performances, attracting more than 40,000 viewers.

Zhou also invited her colleagues from CCTV, including Ju Ping, a famous children's show host on Chinese TV, to act in the show.

After the successful first attempt, Zhou made her second play, I Love Fairy Tales, which premiered in Beijing on June 1, International Children's Day, in 2015. In the next three months, the play was staged more than 60 times, proving to be another success for Zhou.

This year, I Love Fairy Tales is on a 100-city tour of the country, including Chongqing and Qingdao in Shandong province.

I Love Fairy Tales has five well-known stories, including The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood.

[Photo provided to China Daily]

This time, rather than performing in the show, Zhou is focusing on being the producer and working on the script.

"The story is crucial. I can still recall how the simplicity of Winnie the Pooh touched me," says Zhou.

The Disney production shows friends of the cartoon bear planning a surprise party for him while getting the audiences to keep him distracted so that he doesn't remember that it is his birthday.

"I have watched many Chinese children's plays, most of which are educational and complicated. As long as the story is complete, reasonable and the link of each cue and interaction works smoothly, the audiences will like the show," she says.

"Many Chinese children's plays, animations and books usually have good and bad guys. The bad guy is defeated or influenced by the good guy. I don't want my works to be so clear about good and bad. It's just a simple story, which makes it fun."

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Zhou was born and raised in Nanchang, East China's Jiangxi province. She won first place in a TV-hosting competition held by CCTV in 1995 and came to Beijing that year. At 26, she produced her first show, Childhood, which interviewed celebrities about their younger days. It was the first of its kind on Chinese TV and also made Zhou popular as a host.

"I'm not afraid of failure and I am a very optimistic person," says Zhou, who attributes her personality's development to her sister, who is six years older. "I grew up in the shadow of my sister because she was always the top student in school. I was usually compared with her in the family, by our teachers and others.

"But I wasn't unhappy. On the contrary, I like being different and creative, and surprising people."

She also attributed the success of her plays to her son, who is 10 now. She considers her two plays as gifts to him.

[Photo provided to China Daily]

"Before becoming a mother, I worked on children's shows because I like children and my job. But motherhood changed me. It taught me many things and now I am not just a TV host but also a child psychologist," she says.

Having grown up reading folk tales from One Thousand and One Nights and books by Hans Christian Andersen, Zhou still dreams of becoming the princess in The Princess and the Pea.

"I would feel very proud if my plays left something in children's memories," she says.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn
BETTING BONANZA Punters yesterday gambled 25million on the outcome of the EU referendum in the busiest day for political betting in British history.

Industry experts now believe more has been bet on the referendum than the 100million riding on last years General Election.

Ladbrokes said its biggest bet on Leave yesterday was 5,000 at 4-1 while it took a 30,000 bet on Remain at 1-10.

LOST CALL Troubled phone maker Blackberry suffered a 450million loss in three months as it was forced to pay for the cost of massive restructuring.

The Canadian firm has been struggling to compete against the smartphone makers Apple and Samsung.

It is trying to move away from handsets and towards software that can be used by companies.

BUILDING BOOST Construction contracts reached 6.1billion last month, dispelling fears that the EU referendum would cause a slowdown in industry activity.

Building deals rose 8 per cent compared with May last year, according to research by construction firm Barbour ABI.

Last months figure was boosted by the commissioning of a 1.3billion offshore windfarm in the Moray Firth in Scotland.

Separate figures showed contracts for construction of offices in the UK reached 2billion in the first quarter, the highest level since 2008.

PAGE TURNER Publishing group Future has bought a magazines business for 14.2million.

The firm, which owns reviews website TechRadar and Total Film magazine, has acquired Miura Holdings  the parent company of Imagine Publishing.

Imagine has a portfolio of 19 knowledge and science magazines.

Future reported last month it had narrowed losses to 300,000 in the six months to March 31, compared with 1.3million a year earlier. Shares rose 10.8 per cent, or 0.85p to 8.75p.

SUPERFAST DEAL Broadband company CityFibre has signed a contract with a US firm to roll out superfast internet in Edinburgh.

The AIM-listed business, which lets providers use its fibre optic cables to offer their own internet services, has teamed up with voice and data services company Level 3 Communications.

In April, it reported revenues had risen 67 per cent to 6.4million in 2015, up from 3.8million a year earlier. Shares were up 1.6 per cent, or 1p to 63p.

CONTRACT DOGFIGHT British defence firm Meggitt has won a 14.2million contract to supply parts to the US Air Force.

The five-year deal will see it produce equipment used to operate the cockpit enclosure of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
While most companies in Britain will have been nervously waiting for the outcome of the EU referendum yesterday, for energy firms there is another issue looming.

This morning the watchdog is to announce the result of a two-year long investigation into the cost of gas and electricity.

It was hoped by consumer groups that this probe  which has set the industry back 80million  would pose a threat to the profits of the Big Six.

In the end, its likely to be a damp squib.

The Competition and Markets Authority found that 70 per cent of consumers were paying too much for their energy, with the average annual bill costing 1,066 despite the availability of deals of around 735 per year

When the investigation was launched by the Competition and Markets Authority in 2014, it came as former Labour leader Ed Miliband called for prices to be frozen as part of his election campaign.

The industry probe, which was launched by regulator Ofgem before being taken on by the CMA, was trumpeted as having the potential to break up the top companies dominating the market  British Gas, E.On, EDF, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE.

Rather than this radical action, the recommendations could even make things worse for bill payers.

The CMA had found that 70 per cent of consumers were paying too much for their energy, with the average annual bill costing 1,066 despite the availability of deals of around 735 per year.

In its first findings last summer, the watchdog said that overcharging had cost consumers 1.2billion. It later raised that figure to 1.7billion, and claimed overcharging had reached highs of 2.5billion.

The energy companies fiercely rejected the claims, with British Gas parent Centrica saying the calculations lacked credibility and SSE alleging the CMAs analysis contained serious errors.

It was pressure that seems to have paid off.

The watchdog is now expected to drop these figures from todays report. Instead of saying how much customers are losing every year, it is expected to highlight how much they could save. Essentially it flips the blame for energy overcharging from the energy firms to the consumers.

A second concern highlighted by the CMA in its early reports was the barriers faced by customers wishing to switch suppliers, and the reluctance of people to seek out the best deal.

Its initial suggestion to tackle the lack of shopping around was to create a database of customers who had stuck with a standard tariff  the most expensive rate  for more than three years, and allow rival companies to contact them with offers of better deals.

This idea was blasted by industry players and consumer champions alike as a spammers charter  opening the door to customers being bombarded with unwanted junk mail.

Steve Armitage, managing director of energy software company UD Group, said: This database idea goes against other things we value like privacy and security of financial information. They cant force people to switch, and a wider problem is the apathy caused by a lack of trust of these big suppliers.

It is another proposal that many now expect to be dropped. Prepayment meters have also been looked at by the CMA, who found that this method of paying for energy posed a risk that the most vulnerable customers could miss out on the best deals.

It proposed a cap on tariffs from mid-market providers such as Ovo Energy and First Utility to save customers 300m. But again the energy companies fought this, particularly the smaller names. They claimed that restrictions could see them forced to exit the market, which could serve to worsen the problem by limiting competition and driving prices up further.

Much of the CMAs work so far has also been spent undoing the work of the regulator Ofgem. Its botched attempt to clean up the energy market saw companies banned from offering any more than four types of tariffs.

The industry probe was trumpeted as having the potential to break up the top companies dominating the market  British Gas, E.On, EDF, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE

The idea was that this would make it easier to compare the different options available.

But energy firms complained it had stifled competition and the proposal has been shelved.

Steve Smith, former board member at Ofgem and current non-executive director at comparison website Flipper, praised this move as the CMAs big win from the investigation.

But he cautioned: What we need to do is make sure that we dont get Ofgems rules replaced by some more silly rules from the CMA.

Perhaps most damaging for consumers could be a suggestion that the CMA will remove the requirement for comparison websites to show all available deals on the market.

At the moment these internet sites, which households use to shop around for cheap deals list the best rates available. They are supposed to show all tariffs, regardless of whether they offer kick-backs to the website.

But now the CMA will allow the websites to agree exclusive deals with suppliers in a bid to stimulate competition. It is feared this could force smaller firms, who typically have the lowest prices, to raise their tariffs in order to pay commission to a comparison site to get to the top of the rankings  something they dont now have to do.

Armitage, who also acts as an advisor to Ofgem and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, said: The timing of the CMAs report on the same day as the result of the EU Referendum is significant  Im not one to believe in coincidences.

The announcement is going to be lost in the noise about EU membership. Its not going to detail anything spectacular in terms of breaking up the Big Six.
EDFs nuclear plant at Hinkley Point could face further delays after its workers launched legal action against the company in French courts and asked for the project to be put off.

The Works Council at EDF claims the energy firm has refused to grant access to key documents and that staff have been left unable to form a clear view on Hinkley.

The plant was due to be running by 2017 but the company is now aiming for completion by 2025, and has yet to make its final decision on how to raise the 18billion needed.

Delays: The Hinkley Point plant was due to be running by 2017 but EDF is now aiming for completion by 2025

The decision was due in May, but delayed to consult the unions. Some representatives of EDF workers have asked for Hinkley to be put off for another three years  something the French energy company does not wish to do.

Their concerns echo those of senior managers at EDF, who last week wrote to the Energy and Climate Change Committee calling for Hinkley to be postponed.

In May, EDFs UK boss Vincent De Rivaz faced questions from MPs over its failure to reach a funding decision last month, as had been promised.

If EDF fails to make its decision by September, it will be called back before the select committee again in October.

Jean-Luc Magnaval, secretary of the EDF workers committee, has said that even if judges force EDF to hand over the documents in question, the unions will struggle to come to a decision by their set deadline of July 4.

EDF said it had supplied comprehensive information on the project to the unions and participated in meetings to enable representatives to reach a decision in time.
Leave camp wins Britain's Brexit vote: official

From:Xinhua | 2016-06-24 15:14

Ballots are counted in Edinburgh, Britain, late June 23, 2016. The Leave camp has won Britain's Brexit referendum on Friday morning by obtaining nearly 52 percent of ballots, pulling the country out of the 28-nation European Union after its 43-year membership. (Xinhua/Guo Chunju)

LONDON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Leave camp has won Britain's Brexit referendum on Friday morning by obtaining nearly 52 percent of ballots, pulling the country out of the 28-nation European Union after its 43-year membership.

With nearly all the results have been counted, more than 17 million people voted to leave while around 16 million others voted to stay at the bloc. Official result was quoted by local media.

Britain has become the first country to quit in the bloc's 60-year history, a culmination of decades of suspicion over European aims of creating an ever-closer political union.
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By Tom Allon

I have never visited my fathers birthplace in Kosice, Czechoslovakia. In fact, I find that part of the world quite confusing. I couldnt tell you the difference between a Czech and a Slav or what area the Czech Republic occupies.

My father, who passed away in 1999, was an incredibly complex man who survived the death camps of the Holocaust and then returned to an Eastern Europe where his familymother, father, two brothers and a sisterwere but a memory. He made a few European pit stops in Vienna and Paris before deciding to raise a family in America.

I often think that his will to live after losing so many close to him is itself a miracle. His loss is unfathomable, more than anyone should bear in a lifetime, much less at the age of 16 when we in America are mostly worried about college, sex and our future prospects.

He wore his pain stoically. Most people did not know the baggage he carried in his heart. But those close to him saw the immeasurable pain and damage the war had inflicted. He was a man who always thought doom was around the corner, that any silver lining was about to be eclipsed by a dark cloud.

It is Fathers Day as I write this and a glance at my Facebook feed shows countless pictures of fathers and pithy tributes. It is hard to sum up a huge relationshipone that has so many layers and ups and downsin a short tribute. But many try to do this and it makes us feel good that, even though our fathers are gone, we can honor their memory on this Hallmark holiday.

Ive been thinking a lot about my father lately, more than 17 years after he suddenly dropped dead while on vacation in Florida. He died at the age of 73, tanned, with his mind still crystal clear and his love for my mother still fierce.

At the time, it all seemed so tragican unexpected bursting of an artery, a relatively young man felled just as he was beginning to enjoy being a new grandfather. A big hole opened up in my mothers heart for the loss of her beloved.

I went through the normal stages of grieving. But because my third child was born just three weeks after Dads sudden death, the focus shifted quickly. My child-related insomnia was exacerbated by the shock of losing a parent, the first death of someone close to me. My heart ached. I wore his clothing for a few months to feel close. I attended daily prayer groups to say the Jewish prayer for the dead. Life marched on and there were young kids, a newly fragile mother and a growing business to distract me from thinking too much about my dad and his painful life.

But last month I visited his brother, my only living relative of his generation, and the memories and the aches came flooding back. My uncle regaled me one weekend with stories about how he and my father eluded the Nazis in the mid-1940s, how they were able to procure false Christian identity documents for 9,000 other Jews, and how my father protected his young lovemy motherduring the war.

It occurred to me that while my father must have suffered deeply in his teenage years because of the loss of his family, his life after that was filled with much joy. His love affair with my mother, which started when they were both tweens in 1937, stayed strong for the 51 years of marriage they enjoyed. My father saw his two sons grow up in New York, go to prestigious colleges and find success in their chosen professions.

He even got to see the promised land: two of his grandchildren, Jonah and Tess, were the apple of his eye in those few years he got to enjoy them at the end of his life.

Fathers Day does force us to think of our dads and the impact they had on our lives. I was blessed to be raised by a man who was always there when I needed him; I never questioned where he would be when the chips were down. Of course, we all have our quibbles with each of our parentsthey should have done this more, they shouldnt have done that, whatever.

But now, as a father of three wonderful children who are each entering their adult years too rapidly for me to ponder, I have a greater appreciation for my fathers sturdiness and devotion to family.

In this week after Fathers Day, I think of the famous phrase: Ninety percent of life is just showing up.

Heres to all dads like mine, who never stopped showing up.

Thats all we can ask.
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By John Amato

There is absolutely no logical reason why our politicians in Albany could not have passed that bill to end the statute of limitations for those adults who had been molested as children by pedophile priests and others.

What is the matter with these elected officials? Are they afraid of the great and powerful Catholic church? This bill should have been enactednow. Once again the bishops, cardinals and other church hierarchy can get away with continuing to protect those priests who molested thousands of innocent children for decades.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, who are the heads of the Archdiocese of New York and the Brooklyn/Queens Diocese, should be ashamed of themselves and should step down immediately from their respective positions. They are hypocrites in clerics clothing who have continued to protect these pedophile priests.

John Amato

Fresh Meadows
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By Patrick Donachie

Delicious and fresh food is on the menu for the Jamaica Farmers Market, which celebrated its opening weekend for the year last Saturday.

Between 500 and 1,400 people attend the Jamaica market each day, according to a spokesman for Down to Earth, which runs the market. Assorted vendors, including Alexs Tomato Farm, based in Sprakers and Gajeski Produce, located in Riverhead, offer vegetables, baked goods and other special treats.

Down to Earth currently operates nine farmers markets throughout New York City, as well as several others upstate. The organization, which was founded in 1991, coordinates with vendors that can supply fresh produce for attendees.

The Friday market will also include Merediths Country Bakery, which specializes in baked goods and is based in Kingston, and Migliorelli Farm, which is located in Tivoli and will offer fruits, vegetables, beverages and specialty foods.

The event, sponsored by Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, has been held in the community since 1974, and this year marks the first time that EBT cards will be accepted for purchasing items.

The Farmers Market will be held every Friday and Saturday through Nov. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located on Parsons Boulevard between Jamaica and Archer avenues Friday and at 90-40 160th St. between Jamaica and 90th avenues Saturday. The markets annual Harvest Festival will be held Oct. 15.
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By Patrick Donachie

After months of protracted negotiations and uncertainty, the state Legislature voted to extend Mayor Bill de Blasios control over the New York City public school system for only one yearthe same length of time the city was granted the year before.

Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-Smithtown) had pushed for a one-year extension, in contrast with Mayor de Blasio, Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who wanted the mayor to have a three-year agreement. The Democratic-controlled Assembly had originally passed a three-year extension, but state Sen. Jose Peralta said that Republican lawmakers were resolute that de Blasio only get one year.

It was kind of a game of chicken who was going to blink first. When it was all said and done, the Republicans didnt budge, he said. I was always in favor of more than one year. I think you need stability.

The deal, one of several finalized during a flurry of activity in the closing hours of the legislative session, sets up another struggle between de Blasio, Republican state lawmakers and Cuomo over the process of mayoral control, which will now unfold in an election year for the mayor.

While one-year extensions are no way to treat our children, families or educators, this action is a crucial acknowledgement by state lawmakers that the education progress we have made in New York City could not have happened without our accountable control of the school system, de Blasio said.

The legislature first passed mayoral control in 2002 for former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The decision placed greater accountability for New Yorks public schools on the mayor. Both de Blasio and Bloomberg contend that schools improved under the system.

Before mayoral control, autonomous community school districts controlled schools. The Legislature initially granted Bloomberg seven years of control, and passed an extension in 2009.

De Blasio advocated for a seven-year extension in 2015 but was only granted one year. This years deal requires school districts to release information on how they allocate funding and will also allow charter schools to switch authorizers more easily.

De Blasio and Republican legislators had a contentious relationship that was further abraded by de Blasios support for Democratic upstate candidates during the 2014 election. De Blasio also traveled to Albany for a hearing on mayoral control, but skipped a second session held in New York City to the ire of Republican lawmakers. Peralta, who was critical of the mayor for skipping the hearing, said the final deal was a shot across the bow at de Blasio, cautioning him from becoming too heavily involved in upstate politics.

They said, remember that you are a creature of the state, Peralta said, in reference to Republicans view of de Blasio, so dont get involved in our business.
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By Bill Parry

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation Tuesday to rename the Jackson Heights Post Office in honor of Jeanne and Jules Manford, the late Flushing residents who fought for the advancement of equal rights for LGBT Americans. U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) introduced the bill while U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer introduced companion legislation in the Senate earlier this month.

Last week, we faced a terrible and tragic attack on the LGBT community in Orlando, Crowley said on the House floor prior to the vote. Today, we stand in honor of two individuals who, when faced with a hateful act of violence themselves, were inspired to start a movement couched in acceptance and support. Jeanne and Jules were instrumental in the fight for equal rights, and their incredible legacy can be felt throughout Queens, New York, and they entire country. It is only fitting that we name the post office that sits along the route of the Queens Pride Parade in their honor.

Jeanne Manford publicly denounced the beating of her gay son, Morty Manford, for protesting news coverage of the LGBT rights movement in 1972.

Later that year, Jeanne and her husband, Jules, founded the Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, an organization that advocates on behalf of the LBGT community as well as their families and friends. The couple opened their Flushing home, at 171st Street off 35th Avenue to gay New Yorkers who were outcasts in their own homes.

They became pioneers in the American gay rights movement and today, PFLG has more than 350 chapters and over 200,000 members in all 50 states.

Jeanne and Jules showed how love and passion can move us to make a positive change in our community, Gillibrand said. Their advocacy is deeply ingrained in the LGBT community here in New York and around the country  beginning with their unmatched love for their son, to the Queens Pride Parade that marches every year on 37th Avenue, to their founding of an organization that for the last 44 years has fought for LGBT equality. This designation would be a fitting tribute to honor their courage in their decades-long fight for the LGBT community.

After her death in 2013, President Obama posthumously awarded Jeanne Manford the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the highest honors an American civilian can receive, for her advocacy work. Jules Manford died in 1982.

Morty Manford was a founding member of the Gay Activists Alliance, which he was heavily involved with until he died from AIDS in 1992.

Jeanne and Jules Manford were not only loving, accepting parents to their openly-gay son, Morty, but they also served as loving, accepting parents to the entire LGBT community, Schumer said. It is a truly fitting tribute to the Manfords legacy of work.

Jeanne Manford was the original grand marshal of the Queens Pride, which passes in front of the Jackson Heights Post Office, located at 78-02 37th Ave.

City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), who founded the march and festival, applauded the House vote.

Jeanne and Jules Manford were the parents of the gay rights movement, they allowed their home to be used as the cradle for gay liberation and were the first parents of an openly gay child to support that child in public, Dromm said. Jeanne and Jules blazed new trails for the LGBT community by standing up for their openly gay son Morty Manford. This renaming is a fitting tribute to the Manfords and all they believed.
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By Patrick Donachie

Community members asked for better options for pedestrians in downtown Jamaica during a public workshop Tuesday sponsored by the city Department of Transportation.

The workshop was held at the Jamaica Center for Art and Learning to gather ideas for the DOTs streetscape plan on how to improve the business district for residents and commuters.

We are going to prioritize what we look at from hearing from you, Erin Maciel, a DOT landscape architect, said.

The DOTs study area encompasses Jamaica and Archer avenues up to Hillside Avenue, stretching from Sutphin to Merrick Boulevard, and the streetscape study is one of the actions included in the Jamaica NOW Action Plan.

Montgomery Wilkinson, a member of the Jamaica NOW Leadership Council who lives in Locust Manor, said public plazas or small parks for people who live and work in the area would be welcome on Jamaica Avenue.

They should keep the people in mind, and not just the car traffic, he said, pointing to areas like Times Square or Fulton Street in downtown Brooklyn as places where the city has mitigated excess congestion. I think Jamaica can be a model in that approach.

After the presentation, the audience broke into groups dedicated to discussing particular main streets in the study area. In the Archer Avenue session, participants echoed Wilkinsons concerns. Several people said the area was saturated with buses. More than 50 city and regional bus lines pass through downtown Jamaica, not including the commuter vans that bring people from outlying residential areas to the downtown corridor.

You look at the Queens bus map and they dont even have space to list all the lines, Maciel said, while looking at a map of the downtown area draped across a folding table.

Earl Simons, the director of government and community relations at York College, said pedestrians had little room to walk on sidewalks after leaving station stops at Sutphin Boulevard, where the LIRR and JFK AirTrain are located, as well as Jamaica Center. He pointed toward a photo showing a stretch of Archer Avenue where the sidewalk was partially blocked by parked vehicles.

Were just a few minutes away from the LIRR, he said. But you walk down Archer from Sutphin and thats what you meet.

After collecting community input, the DOT team will prepare design concepts and return in the fall for another workshop to present their ideas. People can input their ideas at nycdotfeedbackportals.nyc/downtown-jamaica/.

The study is scheduled to conclude in the spring of 2017, and
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By Mark Hallum

A man was stabbed in College Point after an altercation at 4:20 a.m. Friday, police said.

According to NYPD, the incident occurred at 121st Street and 22nd Avenue and the 23-year-old male victim was rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital in Flushing, where he was in stable condition.

No arrests have been made and the investigation was ongoing, police said.

On June 15, a 21-year-old College Point man was transported to New York Presbyterian-Queens after a fight in a park left him with head trauma and in critical condition, according to the NYPD. The victim was on life support with no arrests following the incident. No arrests have been made.
Times' Game of the Week Preview: Central Valley at Aliquippa

Central Valley and Aliquippa are set to face off in arguably the biggest game of the year in the WPIAL. Check out the Times' Game of the Week preview.
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By Christopher Collins of the Times Record News

While at least two Texas legislators are drafting proposals that would limit the construction of wind turbines near military bases, a similar effort is underway in North Carolina.

The Times Record News reported on Thursday that Texas Rep. James Frank is working with a New Braunfels senator to propose legislation limiting state tax abatements awarded to wind energy projects in a 25-mile radius of military installations.

North Carolina's legislative body already has begun a push to limit wind energy development in prescribed areas of the state where lawmakers believe the structures could interfere with military flight training missions, The Charlotte Observer reported.

The proposal recently passed a vote in the state's Senate and is being considered in its House. The measure reportedly would prohibit wind energy development in large swaths of central and eastern North Carolina.

In North Texas, two possible wind farm developments in Clay County could threaten flight training missions and radar operations at nearby Sheppard Air Force Base, according to base officials and wind energy opponents. The worst case scenario, they say, is that Sheppard's missions are moved elsewhere and Wichita Falls loses an estimated $750 million in annual economic impact.

Representatives of Horn Wind LLC, the developer of the projects, and Alterra Power Corp., the Canada-based owner, have repeatedly said they want to minimize any potential impact the developments have on Sheppard missions.

They also have contracted with a aeronautics consulting firm to determine whether projects in Bluegrove and Byers would unduly interfere with base operations. The study had not been completed as of Thursday.

Though Rep. Frank said he a proposal to protect military installations from wind farms has been drafted, no measure can be considered until the Texas Legislature next meets in January.

As it stands now, Texas wind energy developers are required only to receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before starting construction  the FAA may or may not consider the consequences projects have on military operations.

The Department of Defense's siting clearinghouse could arbitrate negotiations in Clay County's wind developments, though the agency's involvement is not required.
Times Record News Racers get ready to descend the Ninth Street Hill outside of the Downtown YMCA. Usually, about 35 racers participate in the Soap Box Races, which return Saturday.

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By Times Record News

Get ready to eat some dirt.

The Wichita Falls YMCA is taking over downtown from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday with its annual Soap Box Races event, when youth heave-ho, dig in and climb their way to the top of the hill on Ninth Street  one of precious few hills giving shape to the flat landscape that is Wichita Falls.

The gravity of the hill outside of the Downtown YMCA  along with how the driver keeps his head down to avoid wind resistance  will zip the young racers to victory.

Saturday's event will include three divisions  the Superstock for those 7 to 12 years old; Superkids for special needs children, who will take the seat beside a youth driver; and the Build-Your-Own group, for adults who eschew the racing kits and instead choose to make their own snazzy racer (the only requirements are that the nonmechanized cars must have brakes and a steering wheel).

Participants have spent the last few weeks practicing for the event, which got its start at the YMCA decades ago, though after several years of going dormant was returned to the YMCA schedule in 2009.

The revived Soap Box Races zipped down the Ninth Street Hill, at first, in October but the event was moved to the summertime in 2014, which seemed to improve attendance.

Besides watching all the racing action, spectators can expect to have a little fun of their own, thanks to a bounce house, face painting, concessions and a car show, too.

This is the fourth year for the car show, organized by Christians in Action Youth, with categories for everything from 1950s and older cars to bikes and motorcycles. Awards will be given in several categories, from Best Paint to Lowrider.

Proceeds from the car show benefit Christians in Action Youth, while money raised from Saturday's race are used to benefit YMCA youth.

Admission to the Soap Box Races is free, though an entry fee is required for the car show.

Usually, about 35 youth go for racing glory at this popular annual event.

For race information: Call the YMCA at 322-7816.

For information on the car show, call 762-6161.
File Photo

Mac Thornberry

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By John Ingle of the Times Record News

President Barack Obama's attempt to prevent the deportation of millions of illegal immigrants received a crushing blow Thursday when the U.S. Supreme Court tied on its decision in the administration's fight against Texas and 25 other states.

U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Clarendon, said the court's decision reasserted the roles of Congress to create laws. While it doesn't address immigration reform, it does remove the protection the president's executive order would have provided.

He also commented briefly on a vote across the pond that could result in the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.

"It just reaffirms that the president cannot rewrite law on his own," he said. "That is a very important constitutional protection. So I think it's a very positive thing."

Thornberry said the House filed an amicus brief in March to join the Texas-led lawsuit. The Senate soon followed, filing their amicus brief in April.

The congressman explained that when the president tried to write a law through executive order, it came at the expense of Congress' ability to make law. He said the Supreme Court decision also reaffirmed the president overreached his constitutional responsibility.

Texas Sen. John Cornyn agreed with the court's ruling.

"By going around Congress to grant legal status to millions of people here illegally, the president abused the power of his office and ignored the will of the American people," he said in a statement. "The president can't circumvent the legislative process simply because he doesn't get what he wants, and I'm glad the Rule of Law was affirmed."

Thornberry also commented on the situation in the United Kingdom where citizens headed to the polls on Thursday to decide whether or not it should remain in the European Union. Simply put, he said the decision is their's and won't change its relationship with the United States, despite claims that leaving could be harmful.

"I believe that there is a special relationship between the United States and U.K. based on shared language, shared history, shared culture," he said. "That special relationship will continue regardless of whether they vote to stay in the European Union or not."

Thornberry chastised the president for traveling to Europe and interfering in the matter when he made comments about the difficulty that would be created in negotiating trades with the U.K. if it leaves the E.U.

"It takes a long time, and the point is that the U.K. would not be able to negotiate something with the United States faster than the E.U.," Obama was quoted as saying in April. "We wouldn't abandon our efforts to negotiate a trade deal with our largest trading partner, the European market, but rather it could be five years from now, 10 years from now before we were able to actually get something done."

Thornberry said, "I think that's wrong. I think that's interfering in their decision. Whatever their decision is, I think our ties will be among the strongest, if not the strongest, we've got with another country."

The thought that intelligence sharing would also be harmed with a "leave" vote is also unfounded, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said. He said intelligence sharing is based on the nations' relationships, not on whether the U.K. remains part of the E.U.
In this image from video provided by House Television, House Speaker Paul Ryan stands at the podium as he brings the House into session Wednesday night, June 22, 2016, in Washington. Rebellious Democrats staged an extraordinary all-day sit-in on the House floor to demand votes on gun-control bills, shouting down Ryan when he attempted to restore order as their protest stretched into the night. The sit-in was well into its 10th hour, with Democrats camped out on the floor stopping legislative business in the House, when Ryan stepped to the podium to gavel the House into session and hold votes on routine business. Angry Democrats chanted No bill, no break! and waved pieces of paper with the names of gun victims, continuing their protest in the well of the House even as the House voted on a previously scheduled and unrelated measure to overturn an Obama veto. (House Television via AP)

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13th District Rep. says more legislation would not have prevented Orlando nightclub shooting

By John Ingle of the Times Record News

House Democrats were breaking the rules of the governing body with their impromptu, 26-hour sit-in, 13th District Rep. Mac Thornberry told the Times Record News on Thursday.

What's more, he said, was his colleagues on the other side of the aisle politicizing the whole gun legislation issue just hours after an amendment attached to a spending bill had failed in the House Appropriations Committee by a 16-31 vote. Taking over the House as well as using cellphones and social media to broadcast the sit-in on the House floor didn't coincide with rules to bring an issue up for vote outside of getting through committees.

"You can always bring a bill up for a vote if you can get 218 signatures on a discharge petition," he said. "There are regular ways under the constitutional process to get a bill up for a vote, and this one does not have enough support to accomplish it."

In step with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Thornberry also said it was a "stunt" and a way for House Democrats to fire up their base to help presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

Thornberry, who said the House will begin discussions on legislation that would address the mental health side of the argument when the body returns on July 5, said the type of gun legislation House Democrats are wanting would not have prevented the tragedy of 49 people being shot and killed at an Orlando nightclub on June 12. The American-born gunman legally purchased the firearms, he said.

The sit-in, he said, wasn't about taking steps to address the issue, rather it was about playing partisan politics.

Thornberry said the pendulum in the debate of protecting privacy versus public safety when it comes to mental health, information gathering and other issues.

"One of the main things the FBI director had asked for was greater access to some public databases, and the Senate was not able to pass it," he said. "But when it comes to terrorist attacks, gathering information is the key to preventing them, and ... we've taken a step backward in recent years."

Texas Sen. John Cornyn told the upper chamber's members on Thursday that Congress needs to do what it can to prevent terrorists from getting weapons, but balance it with protecting constitutional rights. He said an amendment he submitted as well as one from colleague Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, would address guns getting into the hands of terrorists, but the difference lies with due process.

"We all believe that terrorists should not get access to guns, but we can't do this in a way that denies who we are as a people or denies our most fundamental law of the land, which is the due process provisions of the United States Constitution," he said. "We know that this is not the last time that terrorists will try to attack American citizens here at home. It's going to happen again, sadly, unless we wake up and provide the FBI and our counterterrorism officials the intelligence they need so they can stop these sort of lone wolf terrorists in place."

Democrats have been pointing fingers at Republicans for not taking action on gun legislation in recent years, despite it being an issue for decades. Thornberry said House Democrats had their chance for a couple years when they had control of the White House, Senate and House, but it wasn't en vogue at the time.

"They rammed through Obamacare and Dodd-Frank and Cash-for-Clunkers and stimulus and all sorts of things," he said. "Of course, they could have passed anything they wanted to at that time. The problem was that they didn't think, politically, that it was the thing to do. Now they seem to think it is the politically the thing to do even though none of these things would have prevented something like Orlando."
A man shouts calm as protesters face off with Baltimore Police during a violent protests following the funeral of Freddie Gray April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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The acquittal of Officer Caesar Goodson on all counts in the death of Freddie Gray should prompt Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby to re-evaluate whether or how to pursue the cases against the four remaining officers charged.

Goodson, as the driver of the van in which Gray was injured, was most responsible for his safety. If evidence isn't strong enough to prove he was criminally responsible, it's hard to see how they could convict the others, particularly on charges of manslaughter and assault. Moreover, Mosby needs to ask whether her deputies' courtroom tactics threaten to harm the relationship between police and prosecutors.

From the start, the interplay between police and prosecutors was unusual. Rather than the typical procedure in which police investigate and hand over their findings to the state's attorney's office, Mosby announced last April that her office would conduct its own, parallel investigation. That decision had great symbolic importance at the time, as it helped reassure residents who might not have trusted the objectivity of Baltimore police to investigate their own.

But the tangible fruits are hard to discern. A top deputy in the sheriff's office who was assigned to case said in an affidavit this week that he had "no involvement in the investigation whatsoever," and prosecutors have presented little evidence beyond what police found. Many officers assigned to the task force expressed surprise when Mosby announced an aggressive slate of charges against the officers just a day after they handed over their findings, wondering what she had found that they hadn't. The answer seems to be not much.

Prosecutors promised in this trial to show that Goodson gave Gray a "rough ride," driving erratically to injure Gray by causing the handcuffed but not-seat-belted detainee to crash into the walls or floor of the van. But the surveillance video footage they introduced offered no convincing evidence, nor did they present any witnesses who had seen abrupt stops, starts or turns. The best they offered when probed on the point was conclusions based on "logical inferences." We'll grant that Goodson's unexplained decision to stop the van and check on Gray before calling for help seems suspicious, but it's a big leap from that to depraved-heart murder.

Prosecutors fought all the way to Maryland's Court of Appeals to compel testimony from Officer William Porter, and they got him to acknowledge that it would have been possible to safely seat-belt Gray. But Porter's testimony that Gray was in no obvious medical distress and was able to support his weight on his legs after the point at which prosecutors contend he received a catastrophic neck injury substantially clouded the state's narrative.

Many are second-guessing Mosby's decision last year to bring the charges she did, accusing her of acting based on political interests not on her responsibility as a prosecutor. We give her the benefit of the doubt that she and her deputies believed they had a real case. Indeed, it's worth noting that Mosby's office chose not to present to a grand jury the false imprisonment charges against three officers that she had initially announced. As the facts became clearer, prosecutors adjusted course.

We have arrived at a moment when it is necessary to do that again. However strongly prosecutors believed in their case, the acquittals of Goodson and Officer Edward Nero showed they simply didn't have the evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The questions in the trials of the remaining four officers  Lt. Brian Rice, Officer Garrett Miller, Porter and Sgt. Alicia White  are somewhat different, so it's possible that cases can be proven against them on some charges. But it's hard to believe at this point that they have any hope of convictions on manslaughter or assault.

Prosecutors also need to take a step back and evaluate whether they did more harm than good by accusing police of trying to steer their investigation and the medical examiner's findings toward a conclusion that Gray's death was an accident. The police investigation was anything but cursory  we know because Baltimore Sun reporter Justin George was in the room for most of it  and to suggest it was a sham impugns the integrity of the 30 officers involved, up to and including Police Commissioner Kevin Davis.

Granted, the courtroom invective was not one-sided; Det. Dawnyell Taylor lashed back at prosecutors when she was on the witness stand last week, accusing them of childish behavior and dismissiveness toward evidence that didn't support their theory. But it is the prosecutors who will determine the direction and the tone of the cases going forward. (Indeed, the only reason Taylor testified in the first place was as a "remedy" Judge Williams crafted for the prosecution's failure to hand over evidence to the defense.)

Mosby will doubtless feel substantial pressure to continue prosecuting these cases as aggressively as she has so far. The preparations city leaders have made for the possibility of further violent unrest in the wake of Thursday's decision speak to just how high the stakes are. But Mosby's job is not to mount prosecutions to placate the public. It is to follow the evidence. The courts have seen what she has in regard both to Gray's initial arrest and his ride in the police van, and they have found it lacking. Announcing such serious charges may have been reasonable last May, but continuing to pursue them now isn't.

The Baltimore Sun
Guns

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Jon H. Bear, Wichita Falls

This letter is written in answer to a recent letter, which appeared in the paper Monday, June 20.

The writer stated that the AR-15 is an assault rifle and automatic. That is not true. The AR-15 is not an assault rifle as it is semi-automatic only.

Sometimes called an "auto-loader," meaning that when the spent cartridge case is ejected from the chamber, another cartridge is placed in the chamber, but the rifle will not fire until the trigger is pulled again.

The AR-15 is not a select fire weapon. It can only be fired by pulling the trigger for every shot.

The rifle Mr. Sewell is talking about which is fully-automatic and has select-fire capabilities is an M-16, a military rifle, and came along before the AR-15.

The AK-47 is an assault rifle and can be fired fully-automatic. I am not sure of the select-fire, but it probably is capable thereof. This rifle is of Russian origin, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, and put in service in 1947/48. The "A" stands for automatic; "AK" is automatic Kalashnikov.

It is estimated that there is one AK-47 for every seven people in the world. There is also a semi-automatic only version available for civilian purchase.

In today's paper, I read that two female pro-gun advocates have joined in the discussion  welcome.
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Sen. Bill Nelson, a common-sense moderate Democrat from Florida, stood on the floor of the U.S. Senate Monday and spoke, for just a bit, about the days when I first got to know him.

"I have been a hunter all my life," he told his fellow senators. "I grew up on a ranch. I own numbers of guns. But my guns are for hunting."

Indeed, that was precisely my first impression of Nelson back when I spent the night at the Nelson ranch outside Melbourne with a few other Florida high school guys. We were members of the Key Club service organization, planning ways to help Nelson become president of Key Club International at our upcoming Toronto convention. (Yes, he won.)

Nelson seemed born to be a rancher and very much a gun guy, in the eyes of this city kid. He also seemed born for politics  I pegged him as a future Florida governor (close but not quite right).

On Monday, Nelson was still the gun guy I knew. He was, after all, standing next to large pictures of two superb killing machines. "This is an AR-15," Nelson said, pointing at the first gun. "It is the civilian version semi-automatic of the military version M16." And, pointing to the second weapon: "This is what the killer in Orlando a week ago took in. It's the same caliber, .223. It's a collapsible stock. It's the Sig Sauer MCX."

Next he asked the key question every thinking American can answer: "Do we think that a person that is on the no-fly list ought to be able to buy one of these lethal killing machines?"

You and I, of course, can easily buy either or both of these military-modeled assault weapons. And earlier this month, Omar Mateen, a man on a mission, walked into a Port St. Lucie, Fla., gun store and bought a new MCX just as easily as any of us could. Even though he was on the U.S. terrorist watch list in 2013 and 2014 and was interviewed three times by the fees. In an ad featuring a soldier in full combat gear, MCX's manufacturer Sig Sauer boasts the weapon is "the first true mission-adaptable weapons system engineered to be silenced, light and short." (The MCX's silencer is not about protecting tender ears of deer.) Mateen executed 49 people, wounded 53  and proclaimed allegiance to Islamic State terrorists.

After Senate Republicans, fearful of the National Rifle Association's clout, answered Nelson's question by defeating four small bills, he said: "What am I going to tell 49 grieving families?  What am I going to tell the community of Orlando that is trying to come together in the healing? Sadly, what I am going to have to tell them is that the NRA won again."

But one of the few courageous Republicans in Washington, quiet-speaking Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, was determined to push for a real reform. She joined with Nelson and seven other bipartisan co-sponsors to forge a reform that would prevent people on the no-fly list from buying firearms, yet also give them a quick appeal process.

Collins is built with enough steel to lead her party's spineless leaders back to the common sense path that was once their national security strength. Sen. Barry Goldwater, who posed for "I'm the NRA!" ads also proclaimed: "I'm completely opposed to selling automatic rifles.  I've never used an automatic or semi-automatic for hunting.  They have no place in anybody's arsenal. If any SOB can't hit a deer with one shot, he should quit shooting."

And Ronald Reagan, declared in 1989: "I do not believe in taking away the right of the citizen for sporting, for hunting and so forth, or for home defense. But I do believe that an AK-47 (then considered the assault rifle of choice)  is not a sporting weapon or needed for defense of a home."

Importantly, Collins' bipartisan proposal would also instantly alert the FBI if anyone who appeared on the watch lists in the last five years bought a gun  the only proposal that would've given officials even a chance of stopping Mateen from his massacre.

That proposal was added by the former Florida ranch kid, Bill Nelson. Even if it gets through Congress, it will be a micro-mini victory. It only affects an estimated 2,700 people who are on the no-fly list and other added selectees. But even a glimmer of common sense happening in Washington these days will seem like big news.

Martin Schram, an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service, is a veteran Washington journalist, author and TV documentary executive. Readers may send him email at martin.schram@gmail.com.
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ALBANY -- The venue for Sen. Bernie Sanders' midday speech Friday at the Empire State Plaza was filled about an hour ahead of the candidate's scheduled appearance.

The Democratic presidential candidate will appear as part of his New York tour addressing the question of "where we go from here" at 1 p.m. at the Egg.

A few hundred people had lined up by the time the doors opened at 11 a.m. The Lewis A Swyer Theatre, the smaller of two venues in the Egg, has a capacity of 450.

Tracey Taeger, 27, of Middleburgh, Schoharie County, said she read a Facebook post at 3 a.m. Friday saying Sanders would speak in Albany later in the day. An hour later, she hit the road.

"He's really the face of the future," said Taeger, wearing a rainbow T-shirt and hat, each with Sanders' campaign logo.

In November, Taeger plans to write in Sanders or vote for Jill Stein, the likely Green Party nominee. "I have friends who feel the same way, all over the country," she said.

On Friday morning, Sanders said on the "Morning Joe" show on MSNBC that he would vote for Hillary Clinton.

As news that Sanders said he would vote for Clinton rippled down the line, attendees grappled with the question of who they would support.

Erik Maahs, 51, shaking his head, called the decision of whether to support Clinton or Stein a "bind."

The Kingston man has supported Sanders throughout the campaign. He ticked off what he sees as Clinton's positives  her experience, having a woman in the White House  and her negatives, calling Clinton a "warmonger" and a "hawk."

"I want big change like everybody else," he said, waiting on line before the theater doors opened, "but maybe it can never work that way."

Later, he added, "It's such a mess. It's a joke."

The consistency of Sanders' message was a top reason attendees said they supported the Vermont senator.

Several people said they would vote for Stein or write in Sanders as a third-party candidate.

The Sanders campaign narrative has emerged for supporters as an inspiring arc.

"Initially, I was like, 'OK, Hillary Clinton is fine,'" said Kyle Caffrey, 30, of Delmar. But seeing crowds in Iowa and the landslide New Hampshire win made him realize Sanders was "a viable candidate."

He said he wants his vote to have "the most positive impact possible," and he said he would vote for Clinton only if it appeared New York would cast its delegates for likely Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Howard Neville Rolls, 58, said he wondered if Sanders would make more change outside the presidency. But he said the choice between Trump and Clinton is "premature."

Trump supporter Morris D'Absolon wearing a Make America Great Again hat and a Trump button, said he was at the Sanders event to hear what's next for Democrats.

The Albany man said he follows politics closely, and saw Sanders in April, the same day Trump was in town.

If Sanders badmouths Trump, D'Absolon said he might stand up and yell, "Hey, that's my guy."

Several people on line compared the U.K. vote to exit the European Union with the upcoming U.S. election.

For Suzanne Bishop, 65, of Ballston Lake, that vote serves as a cautionary tale. The retired schoolteacher said not voting would serve as a vote for Trump.

"How many people who stayed home made that decision?" Bishop said.

Jonathan Shapiro of East Greenbush said he wanted Sanders to tell his supporters to "bite their tongues" and vote Clinton in light of the U.K. results.

Both anti-Clinton and anti-Trump sentiment is strong among those gathered. One person said the major-party choices are "equally scary." Several said they support Stein.

Of 162 people polled Friday before Sanders' speech, 78 said they would not vote for Clinton or Trump, should Sanders not be nominee or pursue a third-party run. These people said they would either vote for Stein or libertarian candidate Gary Johnson, write in Sanders or stay at home. Sixty-three people said they would support Clinton. Two said they would support Trump, and 19 were unsure.

Green Party supporters also joined the queue outside the Egg, carrying signs for Stein.

As the Democratic primary battle crept toward its fever pitch in April, Sanders drew thousands at an Albany rally at the Washington Avenue Armory.
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Albany

Two of the four out-of-state construction workers charged with the June 5 kidnapping and torture of a co-worker in a Colonie hotel room gave police evasive answers when questioned about the alleged attack, court documents revealed Friday.

"I don't know what happened to him. He was out drinking and partying," Mark Skaggs, 33, of Ansted, W. Va., allegedly told a Colonie police officer on June 5, after what investigators said was a vicious assault on Dwayne Hastings, inside a Days Inn near Albany International Airport.

Another defendant, Dallas Fox, 43, of Hickory, N.C., told police: "I don't know what happened tonight in the other room. I don't know how Dwayne got beat up. The last time I saw him was this morning in the lobby when I went to get a cup of coffee."

The defendants  who include Shane "Chong" McCallister, 29, of Mount Lookout, W. Va and Michael Grimmett, 32, of Ansted, Va.  gave police videotaped statements, court documents show.

The men and Hastings were working for Carlyle Construction of Bowersville, Ga., on a mausoleum at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna, which is owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. Fox told police that Grimmett is his brother and that Skaggs and McCallister are his cousins.

"I don't know Dwayne. I just met him when he got up here with my cousins Shane and Mark," Fox told police, according to court papers. "He was in (another hotel room) I think with Mark and Shane staying with them."

Fox told police that after the men returned from work, he was drinking in his hotel room and planned to go to bed when Grimmett entered.

"Right before I went to bed my brother Michael came into my room and had blood on his head. He said that he fell or something like that," Fox told police. "I helped Michael clean up his head with my jeans."

Police received a call Sunday night from Hastings' girlfriend, who said he was being held captive by four co-workers. The accused attackers, armed with a knife, beat and kicked Hastings and left him with cuts, puncture wounds, several fractures and bite marks to his "face, hand, back and penis," according to police.

The four men have been indicted on charges of second-degree kidnapping, which carry up to 25 years in prison, and attempted first-degree gang assault and attempted first-degree assault, which each carry up to 15 years in prison.

McCallister pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on the indictment, which was unsealed in Albany County Court Friday by acting Supreme Court Justice Roger McDonough. He is being held in the Albany County jail.

The other defendants are expected to be arraigned Monday.

rgavin@timesunion.com  518-434-2403  @RobertGavinTU
BALLSTON SPA  A Troy man was sentenced Friday to 5 years in prison for a machete attack last year in Waterford, the Saratoga County District Attorney's Office said.

Kenneth A. Ford, 26, of 663 Second Ave. pleaded guilty in May to felony assault.
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Bethlehem

A Capital Region company whose roots date to the cleanup of an anthrax attack at the U.S. Capitol more than a decade ago is poised to bring its microbe-busting technology to the nation's agribusiness industry.

Up until now, sterilization technology developed by The Sabre Companies, based in Slingerlands, has primarily been used at government behest in the aftermath of large-scale biological outbreaks.

Backed by a federal certification for its proprietary gas-based system from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Sabre is spinning off a new company, called BioWall, aimed at food processing and livestock companies, said John Mason, company founder and chief science officer.

The company already has a branch office in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where it spearheaded the decontamination of 11 massive poultry facilities in the Midwest during a 2015 outbreak of avian flu. Tens of millions of chickens and turkeys were killed. "The Midwest is where a large portion of the nation's food processing firms are located," Mason said.

The BioWall technology is based on a gas called chlorine dioxide, which can be used inside large structures to kill bacteria, viruses and all other single-celled organisms. "We get a sterilization level kill with it," Mason said. "It is like completely resetting the building."

As the gas degrades, it does not leave behind any carcinogenic or toxic byproducts, he said. And because the chlorine dioxide molecule is smaller than the bacteria and viruses, the gas can penetrate into porous objects where microbes might be. Mason said it is a breakthrough from the "old 'tear out and replace' method" used after an area becomes contaminated.

The technology was used in 2001 to clear the U.S. Capitol after someone mailed packets of weaponized anthrax to that and nearby government buildings. It has also been used to sterilize a 20 million cubic-foot hospital, municipal water systems and by the petroleum industry.

Potential new customers will include operators of massive food processing plants, cattle barns, livestock transportation facilities, commercial kitchens, and pharmaceutical labs, Mason said.

After years of reviewing the technology, which is trademarked as DiKlor, the EPA granted it a certification as safe and effective in 2014. That allowed the system to be marketed commercially. Previously, each use of the technology required its own approval from the EPA.

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Kevin Bette, board chairman of BioWall and president of First Columbia, a Capital Region real estate developer, said he had firsthand experience with the system in a Florida real estate development several years ago. A project built with contaminated drywall made in China began to discolor and cause corrosion of wiring, as a likely result of bacteria in the water used during its manufacture.

After the buildings were treated with DiKlor, the issues ceased. "The gas penetrated into the drywall and killed the bacteria that were in it," Bette said.

The company is expecting to grow quickly over the next two years, Mason said. It has 125 employees, mainly at its headquarters and research lab in Slingerlands, as well as at small manufacturing operations in Albany, Texas and Oklahoma. Mason said the workforce should double as research, manufacturing and sales departments expand.

"We are looking for engineers and people with a technical background," Mason said.

bnearing@timesunion.com  518-454-5094  @Bnearing10
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Colonie

The future of the Capital Region's high-tech economy was on display Thursday at the Center for Economic Growth's 20th annual tech awards luncheon at the Desmond Hotel.

The gathering was the first public event attended by CEG's new CEO, Andrew Kennedy, a top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo who joins the organization next month.

And it highlighted established stalwarts  companies like CommerceHub, nfrastructure and Outmatch that have already made their mark  along with emerging stars such as Free Form Fibers and WorkOrder.es.

But the event didn't just look forward. It also acknowledged local tech trailblazers, entrepreneur Larry Davis and venture capital attorney Richard Honen, who are still actively involved cultivating the next generation of local startups after decades of leading the charge.

The keynote speaker was Alfred Poor, editor of the online publication Health Tech Insider, who revealed some of the most promising advances in "wearable" technology being developed for the health care sector, from infant onesies that can monitor babies in their cribs to socks that can help stroke patients learn to walk again.

Poor, who lives outside of Philadelphia, said that it has been the smart phone revolution that has really been a driving force behind these new emerging technologies that go way beyond wristwatches like the Fitbit that help people track their exercise.

He said it was the race by companies like Apple and Samsung to make better smart phones that has driven the rapid technology advances supporting a new wave of medical devices that can easily be worn and in some cases inserted into the body itself.

"What's amazing is there are millions of these phones being built every year, and so what that's done with the economy of scale is driven the cost down on the sensors, the processors, the memory, the storage and batteries," Poor said. "All these components, and more than that, increasing competition to make them smaller, faster stronger, less power consuming."

Because of that, venture capital investing in digital health technologies worldwide has been increasing exponentially, from $1.7 billion in 2012 to $5.7 billion in 2015, Poor said. And this year, that number is expected to grow to $8.1 billion, an increase of 42 percent.

"So there's a lot of money flowing into this, and a lot of people trying to pick the winners," Poor said.

One of the early winners is called the Mimo, a onesie for infants that monitors their sleeping and can be less intrusive for parents than video or audio monitors that often keep new parents awake at night.

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The Mimo monitors breathing, temperature, body position and knows when a baby is asleep or awake, and parents can set alerts if they want to be woken up, say if the baby wakes up or has turned over

"It tells you something has changed and needs your attention," Poor said. "So you don't have to spend all your time staring at the (video monitor) screen."

Perhaps the greatest benefits and greatest societal benefits, Poor said, could be in hospital settings, where wearable technologies could take vital signs for patients on a continual basis, freeing up nurses who normally collect that data, and revealing more real-time data about patients. One such device, currently only used in medical research, is a business card-size device called the BioStampRC. Poor said that if introduced in clinical settings, such devices could save hospitals a lot of money while helping patients.

"They (nurses and doctors) will be able to spend more of their time delivering care," Poor said.

lrulison@timesunion.com  518-454-5504  @larryrulison
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What do you call a convicted killer who drove from Staten Island to Albany and executed a man across the street from the governor's mansion?

A star witness.

Norbert "Jah" Grigger, 42, the triggerman in the Oct. 31, 2009 gangland-style hit on Ray "Mecca" Brooks, 36, at 181 Eagle St, just helped federal prosecutors in Brooklyn convict James "Q" Cureton, 43, the man who literally cleaned up the murder scene, of participating in a drug and firearm-related murder.

Grigger's rap sheet includes a 1991 manslaughter conviction on Staten Island for fatally shooting a 19-year-old man who "stared" at him. When Grigger was denied parole in 1998, the state Parole Board noted his record included shooting into a crowd and wounding a victim in the stomach.

More Information Contact Robert Gavin at 518-454- 2403 or email rgavin@timesunion.com. On Twitter: @Robert GavinTU See More Collapse

Grigger admitted to the federal government he was involved with a slaying in Baltimore, Anthony L. Ricco, Cureton's high-profile Manhattan lawyer, told Law Beat.

"He's a psychopath," Ricco said. "You watch this guy testify, you'd think you were talking to a person who is giving you directions on how to get to Coney Island ... it's scary to think that this guy will walk out of jail one day and he is going to. You'll see."

It was Grigger, not Cureton, who shot Brooks in the head inside the Eagle Street apartment. But federal prosecutors used Grigger to convict Cureton  not the other way around.

"I just think it's an interesting phenomenon of society that we say, 'OK. We're more interested in prosecuting the guy who is sort of like the go-fer cleanup guy and we want a life sentence for him," Ricco said, "but (not) the guy who put a bullet in the back of this guy's head."

In 2011, Grigger and Cureton dodged state murder charges in Albany that were largely based on an incriminating letter written by Grigger found by parole officers who searched his Staten Island apartment. Grigger's then-attorney, Bryan Rounds of Kingston, attacked the legality of the search, which made the letter likely to be suppressed. Grigger and Cureton cut sweet plea deals to attempted third-degree weapon possession right before their murder trial started with now-state Supreme Court Justice Thomas Breslin presiding.

The duo received prison terms of no more than 2 to 4 years in prison; Grigger served under six months.

In 2013, Grigger was charged in a separate federal drug conspiracy case in Brooklyn. He would cooperate with prosecutors in that case and subsequently in their case against Cureton.

And that's why five years later, the murder of Brooks whose body was discovered as children began to trick-or-treat in the neighborhood  would be solved with the help of the man who pulled the trigger. This time, federal prosecutors tried Cureton for the drug-related killing, but with Grigger cutting a deal to be a songbird for the government.

The facts of the case are straight from the world of the film "Pulp Fiction."

Grigger, Cureton and Brooks were all members of a Staten Island-based drug crew that dealt cocaine and heroin. Staten Island is located in the federal Brooklyn-based Eastern District of New York, which gave prosecutors there jurisdiction in this drug conspiracy case.

In 2009, Brooks was selling cocaine in Albany provided to him by Grigger, who had obtained it from a supplier in Brooklyn. It was Cureton's job to get the proceeds of Brooks' drug dealing and give it back to the supplier.

By mid-2009, a problem arose  Brooks owed Grigger and the drug supplier $37,000, court papers show. Grigger drove to Albany to confront Brooks, who explained business was slow. So Grigger returned to Staten Island and met with the drug supplier who gave him $25,000. He asked Grigger to retrieve the lost drug proceeds or kill Brooks.

Grigger chose the latter and headed to Albany with Cureton, who arranged to get Brooks' girlfriend out of the apartment so no witnesses would be around. The pair went inside. Grigger shot him twice in the head and neck. Cureton brought a spray bottle with him to remove traces of evidence that he and Grigger had been there, prosecutors said.

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They went back to Staten Island, eventually to be arrested.

"This verdict sends the clear message that drug traffickers who use violence as a tool of their trade will be investigated, apprehended, and held fully accountable for their crimes," U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District Robert Capers said after the conviction Tuesday.

Of course, it also sends the message that drug traffickers who use violence as a tool of their trade can testify against a co-defendant who played a lesser role in a murder.

New attorney in Porreca case

Albany attorney Cheryl Coleman is the new defense lawyer for Michael Chmielewski, the man charged with first-degree murder and accused of fatally stabbing Colonie hairstylist Jacquelyn Porreca in an Aug. 21 robbery.

Coleman was retained after Chmielewski's former attorney, Gaspar Castillo, was suspended by the Appellate Division's Third Department on allegations he improperly maintained client funds and an escrow account, mixed personal money in an attorney trust fund, did not promptly pay clients money they were entitled to receive, and failed to keep required bookkeeping records.

Sean Moreland, Chmielewski's co-defendant, is defended by Paul DerOhannesian of Albany.

rgavin@timesunion.com  @RobertGavinT
[June 24, 2016] Global Intellectual Property Firm Murgitroyd Expands Strategic & Search Capabilities

Global intellectual property (IP) attorney firm Murgitroyd has expanded its IP strategy and patent searching capabilities with the addition of industry heavy-hitters Michael Chernoff and John Wootress and a 16-strong patent engineer team to its staff. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005353/en/ Michael B Chernoff (Photo: Business Wire) Messrs Chernoff, Wootress and colleagues will enhance Murgitroyd's offering in the areas of: Patent research - including searching worldwide patents and non-patent literature to provide search reports that will assist with patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity and IP landscaping projects;

Patent analytics - detailed patent reviews, including patent categorization, filing and grant trends, and analysis of key inventors and companies;

IP strategy - optimization and management of global IP portfolios for start-up and established companies. Mr Chernoff was previously the Chief Intellectual Property Officer of MDB Capita Group, LLC and joins Murgitroyd as Director, IP Strategy and Portfolio Management. He brings over 22 years of experience in the field of IP to his role at Murgitroyd.



Prior to heading up IP Strategy at MDB, Mr Chernoff served as Director of Legal Services, Patent Operations at Accenture (News - Alert), as Associate Patent Counsel for Worldcom, and as an Associate at the boutique IP law firm Burns, Doane, Swecker and Mathis LLP. Before that, he was a Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mr Chernoff is ranked as one of the "World's Leading IP Strategists" in the 2015 and 2016 editions of Intellectual Asset Magazine's IAM Strategy 300.

Mr Wootress was previously the Director of Intellectual Property at MDB Capital Group, LLC, and joins Murgitroyd as Director, IP Research and Analysis. He brings over 16 years of experience in the IP field to his role at Murgitroyd. Prior to managing the IP Services Division of MDB, he served as Deputy General Counsel for Belkin International, as an Associate General Counsel for Aristocrat Technologies Inc. and as an Associate at Merchant & Gould. Mr Chernoff commented: "We are very excited to join Murgitroyd with our team. Our commitment to high quality patent research and outstanding customer service fit perfectly and enhance Murgitroyd's principles of innovation, invention and entrepreneurship". Murgitroyd's CMO, Jamie LeLiever commented on the appointments: "We are delighted to welcome Michael, John and the team to Murgitroyd. Their reputation precedes them and we look forward to further enhancing the Murgitroyd customer experience with their expertise on board". ENDS About Murgitroyd Murgitroyd ranks among the largest groups of patent and trademark attorneys in Europe, with over 60 patent and trademark professionals and 260 staff. Its 14 European offices in the UK, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Switzerland provide local and European representation. It also has direct representation rights in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, two client liaison offices in the United States, together with the addition, with today's acquisition, of an office carrying out patent searching services in Managua, Nicaragua. The firm works across all industrial sectors. Visit murgitroyd.com for further information. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005353/en/

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[June 24, 2016] RELLECIGA Leads Bikini Sponsorship of this Summer's Bratislava Fashion Days

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading luxury swimwear brand RELLECIGA took this June's Bratislava Fashion Days by storm, turning up the heat at Eastern Europe's biggest fashion event with leading supermodel Karolina Mikova. The exclusive bikini brand co-sponsored the occasion with luxury car-maker Mercedes Benz. Bratislava Fashion Days was held on June 20 in the heart of Bratislava, Slovakia's stunning capital. The event has been running for over ten years, and is a must-attend for European fashion followers. It is particularly celebrated for featuring a blend of well-known names and exciting new designers. This isn't the first time RELLECIGA has supported Bratislava Fashion Days: the brand also featured in the Summer 2015 and Spring 2016 events, and was greeted with huge support. European CEO Marian Glett explained why fans love RELLECIGA, and why RELLECIGA is a perfect fit for Bratislava Fashion Days. "Each RELLECIGA bikini is unique to the designer, and this means that our bikinis are not only top-quality, but also extremely varied in terms of colors, lines, and ideas  ceating a range that satisfies even the biggest of shopping lovers. What's more," he continued, "RELLEIGA's attention to unique details means our designs really stand out, and each one has a distinctive way of highlighting the beauty of the female body".



As well as being skilled at creating beautiful, sexy pieces, RELLECIGA's designers are also closely attuned to global fashion trends. Lace is undoubtedly the hottest trend of this summer, inspiring RELLECIGA designers to create super-fashionable and intricately crafted lace bikini sets. RELLECIGA's runway outfits also proved that the brand is still at the cutting edge of fashion: outfits were carefully accessorized with sunglasses, hats, and trendy sandals, giving a complete summer look. RELLECIGA's lead stylist Michaela, who designed all of the runway outfits, said, "We wanted to show the audience how our bikinis should be worn in real life. After all, a beach outfit isn't finished without stylish accessories!"

About RELLECIGA RELLECIGA is a leading international bikini brand with a mission to design swimwear as beautiful as the woman wearing it. The first bikini brand to feature in New York's iconic Times Square, RELLECIGA is known for creating swimwear that is unique and sexy without compromising on quality. RELLEIGA is also the creator of the versatile and innovative RIKINI, the first bikini that can be worn six ways. Website: http://www.relleciga.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Relleciga

Instagram: http://instagram.com/rellecigaswimwear

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RELLECIGABIKINI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RellecigaSwimwear To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/relleciga-leads-bikini-sponsorship-of-this-summers-bratislava-fashion-days-300289831.html SOURCE http://www.relleciga.com

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[June 24, 2016] Sam's Club Brings Scan & Go Shopping Innovation to Longmont

Sam's Club will open its first location in Longmont Thursday, June 30, offering more savings, services and shopping convenience to local families and business owners. Doors open at 1200 South Hover in Longmont following an 8:00 a.m. grand opening ceremony. "We're excited to open our doors and show our commitment to this community through the local products we carry and organizations we support," said Club Manager Brad Arndt. "We are also looking forward to our members discovering the convenience of our new Scan & Go shopping app and our enhanced Club Pickup ordering service." New club innovations The Longmont club will be one of the first Sam's Clubs in the country to offer the convenience of Scan & Go shopping. The mobile app makes members' checkout process faster and more convenient by being able to scan UPC codes on items as they load them into their cart. When they are done shopping and ready to check out, they can pay directly on their phone from anywhere in the club and bypass the checkout line. The Longmont club will also offer Club Pickup, which enables members to order household or business items at SamsClub.com and will be ready for pickup in less than 24 hours. Commitment to community The grand opening celebration will focus on the company's commitment to being the club of the community by awarding nearly $35,000 in grants to several local nonprofit organizations, including $25,000 to the Longmont Humane Society. In addition to the Sam's Club Giving grant program, the company also supports the area by sourcing products from local and regional businesses. Sam's Club is proud to carry almost a dozen items made in Colorado, including products from Honey Baked Fish Company, Boyer's Coffee, Boulder Canyon Natural Foods, and Rice's Lucky Clover Honey. Through the company's Road Show program, several other regional businesses, like Ecocabins, EcoVessel and Alida's Fruits, will be featured during grand opening weekend.



Grand opening ceremony to feature local officials, special events Longmont Mayor Dennis Coombs and members of the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce will be among those attending Thursday's grand opening ceremony. The national anthem will be performed by the Longmont Chorale.

To add to the excitement, Chris Harris Jr., cornerback for the Denver Broncos, will be signing autographs for fans at the new club Friday, July 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sam's Club will also showcase a variety of food samples and product demonstrations throughout grand opening weekend. Membership information A Sam's Club membership is an investment that more than pays for itself. Whether buying for a household or a business, a Sam's Club member can access exclusive savings on merchandise and outstanding benefits. Memberships range from $45 to $100. Sam's Club Savings and Business memberships run $45 per year and include Instant Savings which are limited-time promotional discounts that are electronically loaded on a member's card and automatically applied at the time of purchase of the item.

memberships run $45 per year and include Instant Savings which are limited-time promotional discounts that are electronically loaded on a member's card and automatically applied at the time of purchase of the item. A Sam's Club Plus membership costs $100 per year and includes early shopping hours and Cash Back Rewards meaning Plus members earn $10 in Cash Rewards for every $500 they spend in qualifying pre-tax purchases. As part of a grand opening membership promotion, residents can get up to a $30 gift card when they sign up as a new member. Non-members are encouraged to visit the new Longmont club and take advantage of a free One-Day Pass available online or in the club at the Member Service Desk. About Sam's Club Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products, savings and services to millions of members in 652 clubs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. To learn more about Sam's Club, visit the Sam's Club Newsroom, shop at SamsClub.com, and interact with Sam's Club on Twitter and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005662/en/

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[June 24, 2016] THINKWARE Releases the IDEA Design Award Winning DASH CAM X330 and X350 in the United States

SAN FRANCISCO, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- World leading dash cam company, THINKWARE, released the THINKWARE DASH CAM X330 and X350 in the United States. THINKWARE's latest model X350 includes Wi-Fi functionality allowing users to connect their devices to the camera as well as a Safety Camera Alert feature which, when connected to the external GPS antenna, provides drivers with regularly updated information on verified speed/red-light camera locations and registered speed traps. The THINKWARE DASH CAM X330 is simple to install and comes equipped with a 1080p Full HD camera along with an array of useful features such as external GPS support for location info and Safety Camera Alerts, a generous 2.7" LCD display for viewing footage/settings, various autonomous recording modes, Sony CMOS Image sensors, and a Format Free system for universal video playback compatibility. The THINKWARE DASH CAM X350 is equipped with the same standard features but with an added built in Wi-Fi to connect with your smart devices on THINKWARE's proprietary aplications (both iOS and Android). Both X330 and X350 models also comes with Viewer software to provide convenient and accurate reviewing of all recorded footage at home on your PC or MAC.



Before its launch on June 18th, the THINKWARE DASH CAM X330 and X350 both won the 2016 International Design Excellence Award for their unique design, sleek look, and practicality. The International Design Excellence Awardsalso known as IDEAis a premier international design competition sponsored annually by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and judged by renowned design experts from around the world. Heung Bok Lee, CEO of THINKWARE stated, "X330 and X350's modern design and fundamental function will provide higher satisfaction to customers. We expect that this consumer oriented model could become a necessity for every car owner."

THINKWARE is currently the #1 brand in the highly competitive Korean dashboard camera market and its award winning DASH CAM devices are also available in stores and online throughout the United States. About THINKWARE:

Global IT corporation THINKWARE was founded in Korea in 1997. Through consistent research and development in the field of smart car technologies, THINKWARE has established itself as the market leader in various sectors such as dashboard cameras, electronic maps, navigation, mobile applications, and tablet PCs. Spearheading the competition with world-class image processing technologies and intuitive user friendly interface, THINKWARE debuted their DASH CAM lines in the US market in April 2014. THINKWARE has confirmed the export of their DASH CAM lines to 10 other countries including UK, Australia, Singapore, and Japan. At CES 2015, THINKWARE was honored with the Innovation award of the year in the interior car accessories category for excellence in technology and design. Hye Young Park

+82-2-589-9222

[email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/382697 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thinkware-releases-the-idea-design-award-winning-dash-cam-x330-and-x350-in-the-united-states-300289171.html SOURCE THINKWARE

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[June 24, 2016] The U.S. Army Announces National Winning Teams of the 2015-16 eCYBERMISSION Competition

The U.S. Army is pleased to announce the 2015-16 national winners of the 14th annual eCYBERMISSION competition. The winning teams were announced this afternoon at the National Judging and Educational Event (NJ&EE) awards luncheon. Sponsored by the U.S. Army, one of several science, technology, engineering and math initiatives offered by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the web-based competition challenges 6th-9th graders with proposing solutions to real-world problems. "The U.S. Army is committed to answering the nation's call for increased STEM education opportunities for students," said Louie R. Lopez, Program Manager for eCYBERMISSION. "Congratulations to the 2016 national winners and STEM-in-Action grant recipients for your commitment to solving community issues." The winning teams were chosen from 20 national finalist teams, which were selected from more than 7,000 teams that entered the 2016 competition. Since the program's inception in 2002, eCYBERMISSION has awarded state, regional and national competition winners over $10 million in U.S. Savings Bonds. "The national winners represent an outstanding group of students whose remarkable projects not only demonstrate an advanced aptitude in STEM, but also serve as an inspirational reminder of the ingenuity that comes from igniting students' natural curiosity," said Dr. David Evans, NSTA executive director. "We congratulate the student winners and commend their advisors for engaging and empowering the students to make a real difference in the world around them." Each member of the four national winning teams received an additional $5,000 in U.S. E.E. Savings Bonds (matured value), bringing the total received to $9,000 each. The 2015-16 national winning teams are: Sixth grade: Las Chicas de Puerto Rico, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Bria Roettger, Janat han, Janeliz Guzman Acevedo, and Luz Figueroa-Rodriguez from Ramey School worked with team advisor Ingrid Rapatz-Roettger and investigated the effects of Saharan dust levels on local respiratory issues and how to create an effective warning system for people who suffer from asthma in Puerto Rico.



Seventh grade: Silver Bullet, Whiteface, Texas

Blade Henry, Elizabeth Casarez, Kaden Moses, and Kaylah Deavours with Science Rocks U worked with team advisor Laura Wilbanks and looked for cost effective ways to heal wounds in a world with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Team results identified colloidal silver as the material with the largest zone of inhibition and greatest ability to fight bacteria. Eighth grade: Artemis, Frisco, Texas

Ashwin Koduri, Rushil Chander, and Sonya Ganeshram from Academic Center of Science worked with Bhagyashri Chander and developed a new safety device for the hearing impaired to help notify a user of dangers. Their application can convert emergency light signals (strobe lights) and gas leak detection information into an SMS text alert as well as into a vibratory response for a device worn by a person who is hearing impaired.

Ninth grade: Myto-Critters, Taos, New Mexico

Ashley Martinez, Sierra Ferguson, Zachary Ginn from Taos Middle/High School worked with Laura Tenorio and investigated the impact of antibiotics on mitochondrial function and health in comparison to natural antibiotics. They determined that the antibiotics tested had indications of mitochondrial toxicity while none of the natural antibiotics had any impact on the mitochondria. Team research indicates that natural antibiotics could be better for reducing mitochondrial toxicity and improving health. NJ&EE is a weeklong event that focuses on educational opportunities and team building exercises. This year's event featured a STEM Challenge, where students participated in various STEM demonstrations and hands-on activities. Other highlights included a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress, sightseeing at the National Mall, and a live-streamed National Showcase where students displayed and demonstrated their winning ideas. For more information about the eCYBERMISSION competition, visit www.ecybermission.com or contact Mission Control at 1-866-GO-CYBER (462-9297) or via email at [email protected]. About Army Educational Outreach Program The AEOP Cooperative Agreement was formed by the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) and includes Virginia Tech as the lead organization, the Academy of Applied Science, American Society for Engineering Education, the Technology Student Association, the University of New Hampshire and NSTA. AEOP is charged with addressing national needs for a STEM literate citizenry through a portfolio of educational opportunities which includes unique experiences, competitions, and high school internships that aim to spark an interest in STEM and encourage participants to pursue college and careers in STEM fields. The Army is committed to increasing the STEM talent pool in order to ensure our national security and global competitiveness. For more information on AEOP, visit www.usaeop.com. About NSTA The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005671/en/

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[June 23, 2016] Wayne Cooper Joins Board of Advisors of Recruiter.com

FARMINGTON, Conn., June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Recruiter.com, an online global recruiting and career service, today welcomes Wayne Cooper to its board of advisors. Miles Jennings, CEO of Recruiter.com, said "Wayne Cooper is an exceptionally talented business person that we are proud to add to our advisory board. He not only has decades of operational and financial experience, but specific work in the recruitment sector. Wayne built up Kennedy Information into a very strong business and its "Red Book" of recruiters into the largest directory of its kind in the world before eventually selling the business to BNA. His experience, network, and advice will be invaluable to our company as we expand." About Recruiter.com, Wayne Cooper said, "I'm excited to help Recruiter take a leadership role in the employment ecosystem and build strategic value for the business. With an incredible network, wealth of career and recruiting content, and cutting edge technology platform, Recruiter is uniquely positioned in the marketplace. Recruiter's Job Market platform makes sourcing candidates from thousands of recruiters friction-less." Wayne is currently Chairman of Chief Executive Group, which publishes Chief Executive magazine and operates the Chief Executive Network and Senior Executive Network, as well as the Chairman of < rel="nofollow" href="https://bongarde.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bongarde Media. He was also the Chairman of Pyramid Research, a company Greenhaven acquired from the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2001, turned around and sold to United Business Media in September 2008 for a 10x increase in equity value.



He served as CEO of Kennedy Information, which offered the Red Book of recruiters, from 1996 through 2003; as CEO, he grew the company by over 650% during his tenure and orchestrated the sale of the company to The Bureau of National Affairs for a 30x increase in shareholder value. He was also the Chairman and CEO of Vizium, a marketing services company founded by Greenhaven Partners and sold to Carat Worldwide. Prior to Greenhaven, Wayne was a consultant with Bain & Company and Monitor Company in Boston, London, Milan and California (working with leading corporations to improve their strategies and business performance) and managed Monitor's L.A. office and expansion to Korea. Before that he worked at Goldman Sachs and The World Bank.

He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Stanford University. Wayne is the past Chairman and President of the Specialty Information Publishers Association (SIPA). He also serves on the boards of several civic non-profit organizations, and is an active member of Young President's Organization, AIPAC and various organizations that promote tolerance education throughout the world. About Recruiter.com Recruiter.com, Inc., is an online global recruiting service that offers an industry-leading job market technology platform. With a highly engaged membership base, Recruiter.com works with hundreds of clients and employers and manages a social media following of more than 2.8 million people. Recruiter.com was voted Top Tech Company to Watch in 2014 by the Connecticut Technology Council, cited as one of the Top 35 Most Influential Career Sites in 2014 by Forbes and listed by Inc. as one of the 9 Best Websites for Finding Top Talent. The career, HR, and recruiting experts of Recruiter.com have been cited and featured in hundreds of sites and publications, including: Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Mashable, Business Insider, Inc., Fox Small Business, Time, The Next Web, Yahoo Small Business, US News, Business2Community, Bloomberg and SmartBrief. Visit https://www.recruiter.com or follow Recruiter on Twitter @RecruiterDotCom. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wayne-cooper-joins-board-of-advisors-of-recruitercom-300289630.html SOURCE Recruiter.com, Inc.

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[June 24, 2016] Leading Global Satellite Operator SES Partners with Singapore EDB's Office for Space Technology and Industry

SES (News - Alert) (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) today inked an agreement with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), marking its inaugural cooperation with EDB's Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) to explore greater development and innovation in satellite technologies, hardware and software tools for satellite networks of the future. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160623006519/en/ Leading Global Satellite Operator SES Partners with Singapore EDB's Office for Space Technology and Industry (Photo: Business Wire) SES and EDB will work with Singapore research institutes and industry partners in the design, prototyping and production of technologies for mobility applications in the aeronautical, automotive and maritime sectors. Other potential areas of collaboration with EDB include the development of software to manage next generation satellite networks, as well as producing innovative, compact components for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, which will continue to advance Singapore in realising its vision of a Smart Nation. The partnership will also pave the way for collaboration between Singapore and Luxembourg universities and research institutions to develop state-of-the-art satellite and radio communications technologies. Beh Kian Teik, Executive Director at EDB's OSTIn, said, "We are pleased to be working with SES to explore innovation opportunities in space technology and communications. SES is a leading operator in the satellite communications market and will further boost the maturity of R&D in Singapore's space sector. This partnership also validates the growing capabilities of our space industry and the growing strength of our research institutions." "Singapore has een home to SES in Asia for the past 15 years and is an important centre for our business. The country has rapidly risen into a world-class R&D and innovation hub, and in partnering with EDB and collaborating with local industry and research partners, we are excited to play a role in further developing the emerging local space and satellite sector and realising Singapore's space aspirations," said Deepak Mathur, Senior Vice President Commercial, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East at SES.



Follow us on: Twitter (News - Alert): https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites

Facebook (News - Alert): https://www.facebook.com/SES.YourSatelliteCompany YouTube (News - Alert): http://www.youtube.com/SESVideoChannel Blog: http://en.ses.com/4243715/blog SES Pictures are available under: http://www.ses.com/4245221/library About SES SES (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) is the world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of more than 50 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide. SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the satellite industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements. SES holds a participation in O3b Networks, a next generation satellite network combining the reach of satellite with the speed of fibre. Further information available at www.ses.com. About OSTIn The Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) was established under the Singapore Economic Development Board in 2013 to ensure Singapore has a role to play in the global space industry, and in doing so, capture economic value for Singapore. A whole-of-government approach is taken to facilitate the growth of the space industry in Singapore. Chaired by EDB's Chairman, Dr Beh Swan Gin, OSTIn's steering committee is made up of the following ministries and agencies: EDB, A*STAR, MCI, MOE, MFA (News - Alert), MTI, MOT, MINDEF and NRF. OSTIn's goal is to create for Singapore a vibrant space ecosystem where companies can tap on our deep engineering and research capabilities to innovate and commercialise new space-related products and services. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160623006519/en/

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[June 24, 2016] Robotic Software Platforms Market - ABB, Fanuc, KUKA, iRobot, Cyberbotics, Skilligent, and The Orocos Project are Key Companies

PUNE, India, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Global robotic software platforms market analysts say the emergence of self-reconfigurable and transformer robots market is a major trend that will boost market growth in the next few years. Advances in technology have transformed robotics from handheld/static instruments to remote technology-enabled machines and from teaching to self-learning entities. One such innovation is the self-configurable modular robot, which is created by connecting a number of modules with memory units and CPUs. These machines can change shapes depending on the task at hand. Each module of such new generation robots can communicate with the others and take decisions before performing a task. Complete report on robotic software platforms market spread across 54 pages, analyzing 7 major companies and providing 24 data exhibits now available at http://www.sandlerresearch.org/global-robotic-software-platforms-market-2016-2020.html The analysts forecast global robotic software platforms market to grow at a CAGR of 4.17% during the period 2016-2020. According to the robotic software platforms market report, a key growth driver is the rising demand for service robots for medical applications. The preference for professional service robots in the healthcare sector is a major factor driving the global robotics software platforms market. Healthcare industries require frequent reprogramming and testing of robots. Some of the medical applications in which professional service robots are used are assistance in surgeries, pill dispensing, and needle placement to name a few. The demand for robotic software platforms is scaling up as they enable industries to reprogram the machines frequently, modify, and test their robots to suit multiple application demands. In 2015, the APAC region dominated the global robotic software platforms market with a 66% stake in the overall market share. The market is booming in this region as many manufacturers are adopting robots in their plants to increase productivity and meet the demands put forth by industries such as automotive and healthcare. Government orders and offers that encourage local robotics industry toboost exports, loans at low interest and other incentives for robotic factories, and rising labor wages are some of the factors that will contribute to growth in the market in this region in the coming years.



The robotic software platforms market report estimates that this will reach USD 8.15 billion by 2020, should the market sustain a CAGR of 4.57% during the forecast period. A rise in use of industrial robots in the automotive, electrical, food and beverage, and metal industries was observed in the past decade in China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Indonesia. By 2022, the UK plans to invest USD 2.8 billion in the European Commission's robotics research and innovation program, which will distribute funding to robotics sectors, ranging from industrial to domestic and from agriculture to space sectors. Countries such as the US, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada are the major users of robots in their manufacturing, service, and healthcare sectors. Researchers and academics are the major end-users of robotics software platforms in this region. The following companies are the key players in the global robotic software platforms market: iRobot, ABB, Fanuc, Kuka, Skilligent, Cyberbotics, and the Orocos Project. Other prominent vendors in the market are: Aethon, Energid Technologies, EZ-Robot, Honda, NEURALA, and Siemens. Order a copy of Global Robotic Software Platforms Market 2016-2020 report @ http://www.sandlerresearch.org/purchase?rname=55556

Another related report is Global Cleanroom Robots Market 2016-2020, analysts forecast global cleanroom robots market to grow at a CAGR of 5.39% during the period 2016-2020. One trend which will boost market growth is the integration of IoT in robotics. The development of IoT and technological enhancements has fueled the adoption of automated technologies in industries. The high demand and use of smart devices, wireless, and cloud technology will influence the future of robots in terms of range of utility and mode of operation. Browse complete report @ http://www.sandlerresearch.org/global-cleanroom-robots-market-2016-2020.html Explore other new reports on Software and Services Market @ http://www.sandlerresearch.org/market-research/information-technology/software-and-services About Us: SandlerResearch.org is your go-to source for all market research needs. Our database includes thousands of market research reports from over multiple leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over several micro markets. With comprehensive information about the publishers and the industries for which they publish market research reports, we help you in your purchase decision by mapping your information needs with our huge collection of reports. Connect with Us: G+ / Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/106598308303011242341/posts Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandlerResearch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandler-Research/524957830948790 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCQLoqvZE2Py7AxNeNlBXoA Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SandlerResearch/ Contact:

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[June 24, 2016] Converged Technology Group Named to CRN's 2016 Solution Provider 500 List

NEW YORK, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Converged Technology Group (www.convergedtechgroup.com), an award-winning Managed Services Partner (MSP) serving clients throughout the Northeast, announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Converged Technology Group to its 2016 Solution Provider 500 list. The SP500 list is CRN's annual ranking of the largest technology integrators, solution providers and IT consultants in North America by revenue. As CRN's predominant channel partner award list, the SP500 has served as the industry standard for recognition of the most successful solution provider companies in the channel since 1995. CRN has also released its 2016 SP500 Newcomers list recognizing 47 companies  including Converged Technology Group  that made their debut in the SP500 ranking this year. "For the past 10 years, Converged Technology Group has been focused on driving meaningful business outcomes through the IT solutions we design and implement as well as the ongoing support we provide for our customers. For us to be able to do that on a scale that allows us to be represented in a list of the nation's most elite solution providers is an accomplishment that we take great pride in achieving," says Leo E. Galletta, President and CEO, Converged Technology Group. "Our team of solutions architects, implementation engineers and NOC engineers are among the best in the industry, and I would like to thank them for their diligence and determination in providing the unique combination of consultative advice and professional services that differentiate us from other integrators in the market. I also want to thank our customers, many of whom have relied onus as a true technology partner for many years; we appreciate their trust, and will continue to earn it every day by helping them leverage their investments in technology to increase their revenue and productivity, reduce costs and mitigate risks."



"The 2016 Solution Provider 500 represent a total, combined revenue of over $334 billion  a testament to their success in keeping pace with the rapidly changing demands of today's IT market," says Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. "This prestigious list recognizes those companies with the highest revenue and serves as a valuable industry resource for vendors seeking out top solution providers to partner with. We congratulate each of the Solution Provider 500 companies and look forward to their continued success." A sampling from the 2016 Solution Provider 500 list will be featured in the June issue of CRN and at www.CRN.com/sp500.

More Information: Did you know Converged Technology Group was also named one of the world's most progressive managed service providers by MSPmentor this year? Learn more here: http://bit.ly/28PjMMj.

this year? Learn more here: http://bit.ly/28PjMMj. Learn how Converged Technology Group helps its clients choose technology solutions that drive meaningful business outcomes: http://bit.ly/28Mmhfa.

Find out how Converged Technology Group's Assist360 managed services offering helps clients support their IT infrastructure while lowering total cost of ownership: http://bit.ly/1X6VuPd. About the Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com About Converged Technology Group

Converged Technology Group is an award-winning Managed Services Partner (MSP) focused on improving IT performance and business outcomes while lowering the cost of technology support for businesses in healthcare, financial services, education, retail, legal and other cutting-edge industries. Located in New York City and Islandia, NY, Converged Technology Group provides enterprise networking, collaboration, data center, cloud solutions and managed services to both regional and multinational corporations. The company provides business-critical uptime all the time, and helps clients design, implement and operate their IT infrastructure, communication and computing systems for the greatest return on their IT investments. For more information on Converged Technology Group, please contact us at 631-468-5728 or [email protected], and visit our website at www.convergedtechgroup.com. Media Contacts:

Anthony Malley

Director Business Development & Marketing

Converged Technology Group

631-468-5728

[email protected] Lisa Hazen

Account Manager

Communication Strategy Group

631-239-6335

[email protected] Melanie Turpin

The Channel Company

(508) 416-1195

[email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/382991LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/converged-technology-group-named-to-crns-2016-solution-provider-500-list-300289705.html SOURCE Converged Technology Group

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[June 24, 2016] NewSchool of Architecture & Design Hosts Its Annual Graduate Showcase

SAN DIEGO, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NewSchool of Architecture & Design (NewSchool) will host its annual Graduate Showcase (GradShow) beginning at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 24 at NewSchool's campus, located at 1249 F Street in San Diego's downtown design district. The yearly gathering is an exhibition showcasing thesis projects and final portfolios created by the upcoming graduating classes. The event highlights disciplines from the variety of programs offered at NewSchool, which includes architecture, construction management, design and digital media arts. Each year, more than 100 individual projects exhibit the best work from graduates and include large-scale renderings, models and digital media on display. "NewSchool's GradShow is a wonderful presentation showcasing our talented, soon-to-be graduates and the amazing work they've designed," said Marvin Malecha, President and Chief Academic Officer of NewSchool of Architecture & Design. "This annual tradition is a great way for families, friends and even potential employers to observe unique projects, models and renderings. Our students should feel a great sense of accomplishment  this is their time and I encourage all of our graduates to relish the moment." GradShow begins with an Employers Only Event in the afternoon from 12 p.m.  2 p.m. where local companies and press are invited to view the work created by the talened individuals from NewSchool. This exclusive occasion serves as a reverse job fair-like atmosphere where opportunities for engagement and dialogue between students and prospective employers are reached. Many former graduates of NewSchool have secured employment during this event and attending employers have benefited greatly as they are given the chance to explore the next generation of innovative leaders all in one convenient location. NewSchool's GradShow will conclude from 6 p.m.  9 p.m. with a special gathering for graduates and their families, friends and members of the community.



Following GradShow, NewSchool's 31st Annual Commencement will take place on Saturday, June 25 at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in San Diego, Calif. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and celebrate 128 students who have completed or will complete their degree requirements from New School's Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design, Interior Design, Construction Management and Digital Media Arts programs. For information on NewSchool of Architecture & Design's Annual GradShow and Commencement, or to preview student work, coordinate coverage of the event or set up interviews with graduating students, please contact Rachael Lighty at [email protected].

To register for tickets for the GradShow visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/newschool-gradshow-2016-tickets-25033490845. To register for tickets for the NewSchool of Architecture and Design's 31st Annual Commencement Ceremony please visit: http://newschoolarch.edu/events/graduation-2016/. About NewSchool of Architecture & Design: Located in downtown San Diego, NewSchool prepares students for career success in design fields through an emphasis on interdisciplinary and global design skills, industry collaborations and real-world projects. Programs of study include architecture, construction management, product design, media design, game development, design studies, and interior architecture & design. The school's design environment provides inspiration for the school's students and faculty, recognized for their work regionally and internationally. NewSchool is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. NewSchool's Bachelor and Master of Architecture programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NewSchool is a member of the Laureate International Universities network  a global network of more than 80 campus-based and online universities in 28 countries. Through this network, students at NewSchool are prepared to work in a global and diverse work environment through the school's collaborations with sister institutions in the Laureate network, including award-winning schools such as Domus Academy in Milan, Italy. For more information about Laureate International Universities, visit www.laureate.net. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160624/383229 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160111/320919LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newschool-of-architecture--design-hosts-its-annual-graduate-showcase-300289955.html SOURCE NewSchool of Architecture & Design

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[June 24, 2016] Bank of the West Announces Winners of the San Francisco-based 2016 International Hackathon Hosted in Partnership with BNP Paribas

SAN FRANCISCO, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of the West, in partnership with parent company BNP Paribas, announced the winners of its second annual International Hackathon, which was held over the weekend at Galvanize in San Francisco. Winning teams received a cash stipend and are automatically entered into the next phase of the competition, which is a 10- week bootcamp beginning in July and culminating with a 'Demo Day" in Paris on December 2, 2016. "The hackathon provided a great opportunity for our employees to continue engaging with innovative companies," said Andy Harmening, vice chairman of the Consumer Banking Division at Bank of the West. "We believe that relationships with FinTech companies can be symbiotic; these companies can evolve more quickly with a bank as a partner, and their specific expertise is insightful in our rapidly evolving digital world. The annual hackathon is an opportunity to showcase startups' creative solutions and to collaborate and explore how their applications could bring added value to our customers. We look forward to continuing on this journey of the International Hackathon." The first phase of the 2016 International Hackathon took place simultaneously in eight cities  San Francisco, Paris, London, Brussels, Berlin, Istanbul, Rome and Warsaw  where designers, developers, and startup teams were invited to work over a 48-hour period on the overarching theme of "making customer journeys more effortless for the client." Bank of the West put forth two local challenges, focused on relevant customer journeys: "I want to buy a home" and "I want to track progress against my goals." Winners of these two challenges, specific to the San Francisco competition, are: KaChing, a company that makes it easy for parents to create custodial investment accounts for their kids so that families can start investment portfolios with the touch of a button.

Spacequant, a company that provides an automated research platform for commercial real estate investors; helping analyze where to invest and how well a property is likely to perform. "The weekend was a tremendous opportunity to exchange ideas and see the future of banking come to life in very tangible ways. Innovation is a major business driver and a key commitment we have made throughout the business globally," said Pierre Ramadier, senior executive vice president, head of Bank of the West's Wealth Management Group. "The collaboration at the hackathon showcased new ways of thinking about how it is possible to empower our clients and support our teams in the delivery of a world-class client experience. I am excited by the partnerships that are being forged through this and other forums globally." Second Phase During the second phase of the competition the two winners will have exclusive access to experts from the Bank. The startups will receive mentorship from Bank of the West and BNP Paribas' professionals to refine their solutions, validate the business opportunity, and perfect their pitch. The 10-week bootcamp concludes with an opportunity to present their solutions at an international Demo Day in Paris on December 2, 2016. During this event, the winning startups from each country pitch to a variety of BNP Paribas' executives, as well as external thought-leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs, and investors. Third Phase During the third and final phase, winning teams from the international Demo Day are given the opportunity to participate in a tailored incubation program. This provides the winners with an opportunity to draw on greater BNP Paribas resources, including financial support, cutting-edge workspaces, a customized acceleration program, plus introductions to key suppliers and other potential partners. The teams will retain the intellectual property rights produced from their work during the International Hackathon. Bank of the West presented BNP Paribas' first-ever International Hackathon in 2015. News and updates regarding the 2016 International Hackathon will be available on Twitter @BankoftheWest (#InternationalHackathon). About Bank of the West's Wealth Management Group Bank of the West Wealth Management provides wealth planning, investment management*, personal banking, philanthropy, and trust services. The group is part of BNP Paribas' global wealth management business of more than 6,300 professionals in 30 countries worldwide with more than $10.4 billion** in assets under management in the United States and 325 billion ($370 billion) in assets under management globally as of March 31, 2016. About Bank of the West Bank of the West is a regional financial services company chartered in California and headquartered in San Francisco with $77.2 billion in assets as of March 31, 2016. Founded in 1874, Bank of the West provides a wide range of personal, commercial, wealth management and international banking services through more than 600 branches and offices in 23 states and digital channels. Bank of the West is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, which has a presence in 75 countries with 189,000 employees. Follow us on Twitter: @BankoftheWest About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 75 countries, with more than 189,000 employees, including more than 146,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporate and institutional clients) to realize their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. Follow us on Twitter: @BNPParibas_pr *Securities and variable annuities are offered through BancWest Investment Services, a registered broker/dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC, and an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Financial Advisors are Registered Representatives of BancWest Investment Services. Fixed annuities/insurance products are offered through BancWest Insurance Agency in California, (License #0C52321), through BancWest Insurance Agency in Utah and through BancWest Investment Services, Inc. in AZ, CO, IA, ID, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, WA, WI, WY, HI, GUAM and CNMI. Bank of the West and its various affiliates and subsidiaries are not tax or legal advisors. BancWest Investment Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of the West. Bank of the West is a wholly owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas. **Assets under management refers to assets under administration, management, advisement, and on deposit, including assets with our affiliate BancWest Investment Services as of March 31, 2016. Deposit and loan products offered by Bank of the West, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. In South Dakota, Bank of the West operates under the name Bank of the West California. Bank of the West Wealth Management offers products and services through Bank of the West and its various affiliates and subsidiaries. Investment and Insurance products:







NOT FDIC INSURED NOT BANK GUARANTEED MAY LOSE VALUE NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

https://twitter.com/BankoftheWest https://www.facebook.com/BankoftheWest/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bank-of-the-west http://blog.bankofthewest.com/ To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bank-of-the-west-announces-winners-of-the-san-francisco-based-2016-international-hackathon-hosted-in-partnership-with-bnp-paribas-300289820.html SOURCE Bank of the West

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What you need to know about Colts starting quarterback Sam Ehlinger
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This underrated Spotify feature makes your music sound better  how to turn it on

It's been hiding in plain sight all along. The Spotify equalizer is easy to find and activate, and will make your music sound better. Here's how to turn it on.
Halfnoise is the solo project of founding Paramore drummer Zac Farro, an outlet for his own smooth brand of electro pop. The brand new video for his latest track Know The Feeling makes it clear that hes relishing his time away from the kit as he lays his silken vocals down over a bed of glistening synth.

Having first started writing his sophomore album a few years back while touring Australia and New Zealand, hes developed a bit of an affinity for our neck of the woods, and has decided to release his the album locally through Pilerats.

On the clip itself, Zac added, The Know The Feeling video was a collaborative effort between myself, a few good friends, and director Aaron Joseph. When I initially showed my friends the music they said it made them feel as if they were hanging out with me. That was the main inspiration for the video. Using my car, my house plants, my instruments, and my friends we tried to create this world that sort of represented mine along with a storyline that pulls from the lyrical content. Hence the title, its meant to be all about the feeling.

Hes self-producing all of his tracks, and were getting quite excited to hear the rest when the whole album finally drops.
Paging Future Classic, if your A&R guys are on the lookout for the next Flume, we may have just found him in the most unlikeliest of places. His name is Richard Blomfield, hes a professional nurse, and he knows how to make a banger.

As ABC News reports, Blomfield, an English expat, lives in the far-western Queensland town of Bedourie where he works at one of Australias most remote medical clinics. But the unlikely producer has dreams of EDM superstardom.

For most of my life Ive been playing around with music, he said. Ive been blessed to be born into a slightly musical family, and Ive enjoyed doing my own projects over the years  either on my own or with other people.

Hes not slack, either. Since arriving in Bedourie less than a year ago, hes completed three self-produced and self-released albums. Its very easy to self-publish an album these days, he said.

I felt I had no excuse after all these years not to put some compilation of work on the internet for sale, as a kind of brief embodiment of my work and thinking at this point in time. After all, theres not much else to do in the small regional town.

Its just a natural extension to do what I can do out here in this remote environment, he said. There arent too many musical instruments in sight, so the computer has turned out to be quite a useful medium by which to make music.

In a sense its given me the inner peace that I need to come forward with new original work, Richard said of his new home. Bedourie and this whole area, especially Bedourie, has been the key to my work of late.

[include_post id=415323]

So what do his productions sound like? Well, you can check em out for yourself in the playlist below or over on YouTube where Richard has helpfully uploaded his discography. Theres definite shades of early Chemical Brothers and The Crystal Method in there.

In terms of ambitions Im just going to stay in the creative flow of things and hopefully itll open up some doors and opportunities, Richard said. Maybe to do some work with others, Id like to offer myself as a support act for rock bands going around the world.

I dont want to leave this job Im in here and I do love it, [but] I think there would be a place to have a bit of alternation now and then. It would be good for both worlds.

(Photo: Ash Moore / ABC News)
The Northern Territorys biggest cultural celebration has finally announced its absolutely jam-packed 2016 program. This August, Darwin Festival 2016 will unleash an incredible string of performances, exhibitions, and events on the NT capital.

This years music lineup is one of the biggest in the festivals history, topped by the legendary Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett, and boasting sets from the likes of Northeast Party House, Methyl Ethel, L-Fresh the Lion & Sampa the Great, and more.

Australias North was a coastline of international trade for centuries before Captain Cook was born, said Artistic Director Andrew Ross. This Festival is a vibrant reflection of our international home, from the Philippines to Ireland and especially from right here.

During the Festival you can relish the very best the world has to offer. Its fun, its reflective, its familiar and its surprising; its about being here in Darwin together at this moment in time.

Head to the official Darwin Festival website for the full program and ticketing info. Tickets for Darwin Festival 2016 are on sale 12 noon Thursday, 23rd June.

Darwin Festival 2016

Peter Garrett

Gawurra

Tamara-Anna Cislowska

To the Mountains

Black Jesus Experience

Moses Gunn Collective

Northeast Party House

Stonefield

Methyl Ethel

Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds

L-Fresh the Lion & Sampa the Great

Club Awi

The Rails

Prophets

Hetty Kate

Darren Hanlon

Jam Sessions

Thursday, 4th August  Sunday, 21st August 2016

Darwin NT

Tickets: Darwin Festival
Unlocking The Truth are the Brooklyn metal trio who made headlines after they netted a $1.7 million deal with Sony Records despite still being in their first year of high school.

The three youngsters became something of a mild sensation online after footage surfaced of them busking on the streets of New York City with their particular style of heavy metal.

However, a new documentary on the group, entitled Breaking A Monster, shows how behind the headlines and television appearances, a disturbing picture was emerging.

As the trailer for the MIFF-approved doco shows, the boys were constantly at odds with their label and manager Alan Sacks, who all fight for control of the boys careers and themselves.

The boys eventually severed ties with both Sony and Sacks and its not hard to see why when you take a look at this excerpt from the film that takes place backstage at a music festival.

Like a similarly unnerving and frankly depressing clip recently shared by Consequence of Sound, it shows just how exploitative major labels and Hollywood managers can be.

The clip features the boys arguing with Sacks about a news interview, with Sacks goading the band into being compliant and repeatedly throwing their seven-figure record deal in their faces.
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remains the most important thing about Great Britain as far was we're concerned and closer to home, here are some of the most important MSM news stories . . .And this is thefor right now . . .
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Switzerland's talks with Brussels on curbing immigration from the European Union have been complicated by Britain's vote to leave the bloc as EU officials focus on unravelling that relationship, President Johann Schneider-Ammann said on Friday.



Neutral Switzerland has until February to implement a binding 2014 referendum demanding limits on the influx of foreigners to a country whose population is already a quarter foreign, so needs a deal by summer to have legislation in place.



But with EU preoccupied with the loss of major member Britain, Swiss officials fear, chances are fading for a quick deal with outsider Switzerland.



"The EU signalled a readiness to intensify discussions after the Brexit referendum. At the same time it is clear that the search for a solution has not become simpler with the withdrawal of the UK," he said.



Asked about contacts with EU political leaders, he wryly noted: "This morning, if you're Swiss, you cannot get anything in Brussels."



Talks continue on a technical level, he said, but it was far from clear that a political deal could be struck soon.



Unilateral Swiss curbs remained an option although he would prefer a mutual accord, he told reporters in Bern. Analysts warn that a unilateral move could risk other agreements with the EU.



Switzerland is seeking to negotiate a compromise with Brussels, which has insisted it cannot brook any impediments to the free movement of people enshrined in bilateral accords. Negotiations have been on hold until the Brexit vote.



The biggest immediate impact of the Brexit vote was a spike in the Swiss franc's strength against the euro, prompting Swiss National Bank intervention to rein in a currency whose surge poses a major headache for the export-led economy.



Schneider-Ammann said the government was keeping a close eye on the franc and was in close contact with the SNB.



ECONOMIC ACCORDS AT RISK



Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter had warned this month the Swiss bid for a deal allowing it to curb immigration could be doomed should Britons vote to leave the bloc.



Schneider-Ammann had lobbied the leaders of Germany, France and Italy for a deal when they attended the opening of the Gotthard rail tunnel this month, but Swiss officials acknowledge the EU will likely be focused on the Brexit fallout.



Swiss diplomats hope it can clinch a deal with Brussels that avoids immigration quotas. The two sides had agreed to hold fast-track talks should Britons vote to remain in the EU.



Implementing unilateral curbs on immigration could torpedo a series of bilateral economic accords that include free movement of people and which stand or fall together.



The Swiss government estimates losing the accords with the country's biggest trading partner could cut output by as much as 7 per cent of gross domestic product by 2035. Business leaders have also said they would find it harder to get qualified staff.



"The agenda of the EU will be certainly very full for the next two years. For Switzerland it will be basically impossible to find a common agreement of how to implement the (quotas)," private bank Bank J Safra Sarasin said.



"A unilateral decision by Switzerland would bear the risk that other bilateral agreements will be cancelled by the EU. This would be very harmful for trade and scientific research in particular and negatively impact potential growth."



Switzerland is the EU's fourth-biggest trading partner, and more than 1 million EU citizens live in Switzerland. - Reuters
The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched Erteqa a new initiative which aims to increase the level of customer services across the telecoms sector in the country.



It will adopt six major standards for the evaluation of customer service centers and several minor criteria including rating the ease and smoothness of service delivery and the customers experience with employees in terms of professionalism, efficiency and interaction.



The ratings standards will also assess the service centers facilities, prominent display of products and services, as well their innovativeness.



Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, the director general of the TRA, said: "At the TRA, we believe that the customer should be at the heart and priority of our services to achieve excellence and promote leadership."



The UAE, he stated, puts its own touch when it comes to quality and excellence.



"This unique effort makes our standards different from anywhere else in the world, as we work to always become number one in our initiatives  having learned from our wise leadership to not compromise on excellence," remarked Al Mansoori.



Saleh Al Abdooli, the CEO of Etisalat Group, said: "It is our honour to be part of the Erteqa initiative, which reflects the strategic orientation of the UAE Government to promote happiness for individuals and society."



"In response to this initiative, Etisalat will mobilize our resources and human abilities towards innovation in the various fields to promote our services to a level where we can achieve the highest customer satisfaction and happiness," he added.



Osman Sultan, the chief executive of Du, said: "We are fully committed to following the methodology set forth by the TRA, and we are proud to play our role in developing services that enhance the happiness levels of individuals and communities in our society."



"As we grow our Smart City, we have come to the realisation that telecom services play a key role in day-to-day life and we are completely dedicated to steadfastly digitising and developing smart telecommunications services throughout the UAE. We are working hand in hand with our partners in this initiative, TRA and Etisalat, for the benefit our country and its progress," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed global oil market conditions and efforts to maintain its stability with US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, state news agency SPA reported on Thursday.

In a brief statement, SPA said the two men talked about "supporting joint efforts for the stability of the energy markets and providing energy to world markets in a sustainable manner." It gave no further details.

Prince Mohammed, the son of King Salman, is on a visit to the United States aimed at restoring frayed relations with Washington and to promote an economic plan to reduce the kingdom's dependence on oil revenues.

He is in New York this week, mainly for meetings with business leaders and investment bankers, after visits to Washington and the US West Coast.

Prince Mohammed is overseeing Saudi Arabia's ambitious economic plan - known as Vision 2030 - aimed at transforming the kingdom into a global investment power.

A key part of Saudi's Vision 2030 is the restructuring of its Public Investment Fund (PIF), which would become a hub for Saudi investment abroad, and a partial privatisation of its state oil giant Saudi Aramco via a stock market listing. --Reuters
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Mammootty's Rorschach hits all the right notes, except in the end | Movie Review
S Nihal Singh

BRITAINs decision to leave the EU after a bitter and divisive campaign symbolised by the murder of the British MP Jo Cox has roiled world markets and posed the most serious crisis for the 28-nation group since its inception. The post-World War II idealism that brought warring nations together has undergone a dramatic change.

Britain must now begin the process of formalising the divorce over two years and sort out the ramifications of separating from the EU, most notably in its relation to the common market, and possible domestic fallout in terms of Scotland that largely voted to remain in the EU seeking another referendum to seek independence from the UK.

It is indicative of the joy of supporters of Brexit that the leader of the UK Independence Party, Mr Nigel Farage, should declare the referendum result as independence day. And far right leaders in France and the Netherlands, Ms Marine Le Pen, and Mr Geert Wilders, have been quick to call for votes in their countries to leave the EU.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The major European members, Germany and France, must now act quickly to steady the EU ship by calling an early summit to reassure members that the British act is not contagious. There are good reasons for the rest to stay together, despite dissension.

The EU is facing three kinds of crisis: a large dose of Euroscepticism, inability to act together in the face of a major crisis such as the flood of refugees and the still shaky foundations of the common currency, the euro, with its members in an unequal relationship.

Beyond these crises looms the central question that was not resolved through two world wars: how to tame the power of Germany? Britain, together with such countries as France, was a balancer, but since the UK has opted out, it will disturb this balance.

Ironically, the very evils of nationalism the EU and its earlier avatars were meant to banish are raising their heads again. In the case of Hungary and Poland in particular, nationalistic and nativist tendencies are being blatantly promoted and the rise of the right and anti-EU rhetoric in major member states are ominous signs. It is ironic that Germany, which dominates EU policy-making, should host an Alternative for Germany party which has gained strength in the face of the unique welcome Chancellor Angela Merkel gave Syrian refugees.

Ms Le Pens National Front has never been shy in proclaiming its Euroscepticism and is now considered a likely run-off candidate in next years French presidential election. Italy, Greece and Spain have their own anti-establishment parties, with anti-establishment candidate winning Rome and Turin mayoral contests against a once anti-establishment party candidates, now ruling dispensation.

Where does the task of fixing a broken EU begin? The idealism that built the EU vanished in the 2008 recession and the feeble growth of most member states. The young, of course, take for granted the great benefits of visa-free travel and the ability to work anywhere in the EU. There are other tangible benefits of a common market in boosting trade. Yet the deep shoots of nationalism are negating the very rationale of a group like the EU.

The most shameful aspect of the EU in recent times has been the refusal of many members to share the burden of hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-torn Middle East, some signifying their Muslim faith in refusing to give them asylum. Ms Merkel was left holding the baby. She paid a political price at home and completed a shady deal with Turkey for stemming the flow of refugees.

Many critics of the EU decry the bureaucracy of Brussels, the groups headquarters. Like all large organisations, the EU has its share of bureaucrats who guard their turf and take rigid positions. It is the task of the leadership to undertake spring cleaning. But the more immediate problem is of fixing the major fault lines that have emerged.

Germany must take the lead because it is the largest aid-giver while Greece is at the other end of the scale. Apart from Athens continuing economic woes, there is widespread dissatisfaction with the traditional Berlin cure of following austerity policies for debt-ridden economies. Perhaps it is time to loosen the purse strings, although German hesitation is understandable, given that it is the main banker in doling out money, which comes from the countrys taxpayers.

The present state of the EU highlighted by Britains own problem of reconciling itself to the fall from a once Great Britain to its present more humble status, poses a broader question: how to make the group useful and beneficial as it is in so many ways, more attractive and sexy to the young?

The turn to the far right and nationalist jingoism are expressions of the citizens search for something they are missing in the EU. Tawdry deal-making at interminable summits are no substitute for enthusing EU citizens.

Besides, the virtual common membership of the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has given a new twist to a problem familiar to all in the days of the Cold War. We are not quite in a new Cold War but Russias understandable resentment over the Wests attempt to swing Ukraine to its side has raised knotty questions.

Despite Russias reduced status, Ukraine is the cradle of Russian roots in the Orthodox faith, with eastern parts of the country, largely Russian speaking, still attached to what many view as their motherland. The events on the Maidan in Kiev that led to regime change and an aggressive swing to the EU encouraged by Washington resulted in Moscows backing for pro-Russian rebels in the east, leading to two Minsk agreements with Western powers with an imperfect peace in place. It did not make sense for the EU to assume that Moscow would accept a country with a vast population so intimately connected with Mother Russia and sharing borders with it to be hived off.

In any event, Moscows relations with the West have entered a turbulent phase with NATO gearing for reinforcing troops and equipment on states bordering Russia to reassure nervous neighbours such as Poland and the Baltic states. These moves detract from the central purpose of the EU.

Britains exit gives an opportunity to EU members to revisit their organisation to correct its deficiencies in order to return it to the outlook of its founders in a vastly changed Europe and world. It would be a pity if the opportunity were lost.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service



Srinagar, June 24



An unidentified militant was killed in an ongoing gunfight in Handwara Waderbala forest in north Kashmir, the seventh ultra to be killed in three anti-militancy operations in frontier Kupwara district since Thursday morning.

The Army said one militant was killed in Handwara Petha Waderbala, where an operation was going on since Thursday.

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The operation had started yesterday, when a group of 3-4 militants was intercepted by the Army in Waderbala, 95 km from here. There was a brief exchange of fire and searches were carried out in the dense forest area. A contact with militants was established again late on Thursday and one militant was killed in the gunfight.



The identity of the slain militant is being established, but most probably he is a Pakistani national, defence sources said, adding that the operation was still underway.



Six unidentified militants were killed in two separate gunfights on Thursday. Three militants were killed in an encounter in Dobwan forests of Lolab area of the district.

In another gunfight last evening in Waterkhani forests of Drugmulla area of the district, another three militants were killed by the security forces.

Meanwhile, security forces on Friday averted a tragedy after detecting and defusing an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) here.

An IED weighing 5 kg, planted in a rice cooker, was detected by the police near a flyover at Hyderpora in Srinagar this morning, a police official said.

He said the IED was destroyed by a bomb disposal squad. With PTI inputs
Johnson Thomas

Roland Emmerichs 1996 release Independence Day practically revolutionised the scale of sci-fi blockbusters. And the visual calisthenics displayed then were simply outrageous. It was a brave film that showed the White House being blown-up on a never-seen-before scale.

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This sequel, a reboot of sorts, puts the focus on most of the modern architectural wonders in order to work a bang-for-buck magic. Its 20 years since the originals alien attack and Earth has become a much safer place, a united force under Madam President of the USA, Lanford (Sela Ward)s stewardship. A unified, cleaner, much more advanced Earth has prepared itself strategically and scientifically, using leftover alien technology for another possible extinction attempt.

Then comes the unexpected alien intrusion and experts as well as former leaders converge back to Area 51 in order to combat the seemingly irreversible. Captain Hiller (Will Smith) may be out of the picture but fresh blood in the form of new heroes, his son(Jessie T Usher) and orphan fighter pilots (Liam Hemsworth and Travis Tope) get to do the unimaginable deed.

Screenwriters Dean Devlin, Nicolas Wright, James A Woods, James Vanderbilt and Emmerich himself have put together an efficient framework to pull-off all that heavy-duty effects frenzy. The effects are bigger, the destruction is much more pulverising and the technology on display is out of this world.

The new batch of aliens are leaps ahead in scientific advancements and its mans intelligence as well as cunning that plays a vital role in pulling off this rescue mission. Theres no doubt that Emmerich has put in a lot of effort in crafting something that looks fancier than the original, but the experience is not as likeable or for that matter, freely enjoyable!
New Delhi, June 24

Terming the developments at the NSG meet in Seoul as an embarrassment to India, the Congress on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi needed to realise that diplomacy needed depth and seriousness and not public tamasha.

We do not know why India showed its desperation and allowed the country to be equated with Pakistan on the issue of NSG membership, party senior spokesman Anand Sharma said.

Its high time Prime Minister Narendra Modi realises that diplomacy requires gravitas, depth and seriousness. Modi needs to realise diplomacy needs depth, not public tamasha, he said.

The world saw the PM make a spectacle of himself and India. Now India faces embarrassment unnecessarily, Sharma told reporters.

He said the intense lobbying by the Modi government was unnecessary.

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Sharma said, This kind of intense lobbying by Prime Minister Modi and his government, we can understand, should have been done for the UN Security Council membership. When there is no obstacle when it comes to nuclear trade within the NSG countries, it was unnecessary.

The plenary meeting of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group ended on Friday without any decision on Indias membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.

Ahead of the meeting, India had pushed its case with a number of countries, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge.

Modi had also met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent urging him to take a decision on Indias membership on merit while seeking Beijings support but China persistently opposed Indias bid. PTI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 24

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Russian President Vladmir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tashkent. The Russian President reached out to India and said, India is a special and privileged partner. Russia was also one of the member states that strongly supported Indias membership application for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in Seoul.

The SCO leaders today officially approved the memorandum on Indias obligations to become a SCO member. It also approved a similar procedure for Pakistans SCO membership.

While China backed Pakistans case for SCO membership, Russia provided a strong backing for Indias entry into the grouping. Modi, in his meeting with Putin, thanked Russia for its support in the SCO and said India as BRICS chair would keep up the momentum generated by Russia.

Modi also held bilateral talks with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon on the sidelines of the summit.

During his talks with the Tajik leader, the two countries decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in a manner befitting the strong bonds between the two countries. Both leaders spoke of the intensification of trade and economic linkages, working towards better connectivity between the two countries and of the ongoing security cooperation. The yearly celebration of the International Day of Yoga was a special item of discussion.

Earlier in the day, Modi met Lukashenko where the two leaders emphasised the need to take the relationship to new heights.
New Delhi, June 24

Parliament's monsoon session is likely to begin from July 18, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Friday.

"Earlier, number (of the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies MPs) was a problem in the (upper) house, but since we have improved our tally in the house considerably after the recent Rajya Sabha elections, all important bills, including the GST, should be passed this time around," Naqvi said.

He said now BJP alone has 54 members in the Rajya Sabha, while total number of the NDA members in the house has gone up to 62, and 10 other Independent members have also expressed their support to the Narendra Modi government.

"As far as the GST is concerned, most of the Congress members also are in favour of it," he said.

The minister said that the session might begin from July 18.

"Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) is yet to decide the exact dates (for the monsoon session of Parliament)", he said, adding that the committee will meet on June 29 to finalise the dates.  IANS
Seoul, June 24

India on Friday failed in its determined bid to clinch membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in the face of strong China-led opposition after which it gave vent to its unhappiness over the hurdles created by Beijing.

In a clear setback to its efforts to join the 48-nation grouping, a two-day NSG plenary ended here after deciding against accepting India's membership application.

China, which had made no secret of its opposition, succeeded in scuttling India's bid despite a significant majority backing the Indian case. Thirty-eight countries supported India, according to Indian officials.

Beijing was unrelenting in thwarting India despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting in Tashkent yesterday to support India's case on its merits.

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An upset India later accused "one country", a clear reference to China, of persistently creating procedural hurdles during the discussions on its application.

"We understand that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country, a three-hour-long discussion took place last night on the issue of future participation in the NSG," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

"The NSG plenary in Seoul earlier in the day decided against granting India membership of the grouping immediately and said it will continue to have discussions on participation of countries which have not signed the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

"An overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported India's membership and appraised India's application positively. We thank each and every one of them. It is also our understanding that the broad sentiment was to take this matter forward," he said.

Besides China, countries such as Brazil, Switzerland, Turkey, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand were also opposed to India's entry because it is not a signatory to Nuclear non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In its statement, at the conclusion of the plenary, NSG declared its "firm support" for the "full, complete and effective" implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime.

However, it said it had discussions on the issue of 'Technical, Legal and Political Aspects of the Participation of non-NPT States in the NSG' and decided to continue its discussion.

Confirming that the India's application was discussed during the two-day deliberations, the statement, under a sub-heading 'Outreach', said it shared information on all aspects of the 2008 statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India and discussed the NSG relationship with India.

Defending its opposition to entry of non-NPT countries such as India into NSG, Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was guided by the rules of the 48-nation grouping which were not directed against any specific country.

It also advocated an "out of the box" thinking to arrive at a consensus over the issue of entry of non-NPT countries into NSG.

"China wants two things; we must abide by the rules of NSG because these kind of rules are not directed against any specific country. We must strive for consensus by thinking out of the box," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a briefing in Beijing.

Earlier, Wang Qun, Director General of China's Department of Arms Control, told reporters here that for a country to be a member of NSG, signing of NPT "is a must" and warned: "If exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether".  PTI
Tashkent, June 24

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held separate bilateral talks with Presidents of Tajikistan and Belarus to explore ways to expand cooperation in areas of trade and investment with the resource-rich Central Asian countries.

The Prime Minister held the meetings on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Uzbekistan capital.

In the meeting between Modi and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, both leaders reviewed diverse aspects of the bilateral ties and emphasised the need to take relations to new heights.

"During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the anniversary of 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Belarus focusing on all the different spheres of bilateral ties.

"The two sides emphasised the need to take relations to new heights. The diversification of trade, encouraging the possibility of Indian investments in potash mines in Belarus and collaboration in the field of science and technology particularly by drawing on the talent of the youth were priority areas of discussion," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

In the meeting between Modi and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, it was decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in a manner "befitting" the strong bonds between the two countries.

"They spoke of the intensification of trade and economic linkages, working towards better connectivity between the two countries and of ongoing security cooperation. The yearly celebration of the International Day of Yoga was a special item of discussion," said Swarup.

Earlier, Modi attended the SCO summit where he said the partnership between India and the grouping will help protect the region from threats of radicalisation, violence and terror and drive its economic growth.  PTI
New Delhi, June 24

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the central government is likely to re-investigate around 186 cases of anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and some other states.

A total of 3,325 people were killed in the 1984 riots. Delhi alone accounted for 2,733 deaths while the rest occurred in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states.

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Prima facie it was found that 186 riot cases could be re-investigated and the SIT is examining them, a senior Home Ministry official said.

However, in each of the cases, prosecution has to take permission of the respective courts.

The move comes months ahead of the Assembly polls in Punjab.

Delhi Police had closed 241 cases citing lack of evidence. Justice Nanavati Commission had recommended reopening of only four of them but the BJP wanted all the cases reinvestigated.

The CBI had reopened and re-investigated only four cases: of these, the agency had filed a charge sheet in two and in one, five persons, including a former MLA, were convicted.

The SIT was set up on February 12, 2015, on a recommendation by the Home Ministry-appointed Justice (retd) G P Mathur committee.

The three-member SIT comprises two Inspector General rank IPS officers and a judicial officer.

At the time of formation of the SIT, around one-and-a-half-years ago, the government had said it would submit its report within six months. However, the work of the SIT got delayed due to unknown reasons.

On December 10, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modis government had announced an additional compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of each of those killed in the 1984 riots, triggered by the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.

Last month, the Home Ministry had announced that 1,020 families, who had been hit by the riots and migrated to Punjab from different parts of the country, will be given Rs two lakh each as part of a centrally-sponsored rehabilitation scheme.  PTI
New Delhi, June 24

Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentarian Subramanian Swamy directed his attacks to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley as he threatened a bloodbath on Friday after the politicians campaign against some technocrats left the former, as well as the party, seething.

"People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath," he tweeted.

People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a blood bath  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 24, 2016

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In another apparent swipe at Jaitley, whose photographs of meeting with the Bank of China Chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing in a lounge suit appeared in newspapers on Friday, Swamy asked the BJP to advise ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian cloths when abroad.

"BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters," Swamy said in another tweet.

The post comes a day after the minister made his displeasure at criticisms against Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian and Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das known on microblogging site Twitter as he wrote: An unfair and false attack on a disciplined civil servant in the Finance Ministry.

Neither politician, however, named the other in his post.

Swamy, always a nifty user of social media, has been particularly active recently as he began his campaign against officials of the Finance Ministry.

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His post on Friday, however, particularly his choice of words, is believed to have left the BJP and its leadership angry.

Sources in the party said the organisation has been concerned about Swamys unbridled criticism aimed at the Finance Ministry, although they are also believed to be in no hurry to act, instead choosing to wait and watch.

A senior BJP leader sought to dispel the widely held belief that Swamy had RSS support, claiming that the saffron organisation would never support anything that would clearly harm the central government's and party's image.

Read: STATECRAFT- Carry on Dr Swamy, writes Harish Khare





Opposition, however, sees Swamy's attacks as infighting in the government and whether the party will rein him in.

JD-U leader Pawan Verma claimed that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah sent Swamy to the Rajya Sabha, what the latter says will hold significance".

"There is a great internal fight going on in the party and the government. People are asking questions about it and want to know whether Swamy will be checked," he said.

RJD spokesman Manoj Jha also raised similar queries.  PTI

 Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 24, 2016
New Delhi, June 24

Twitter was abuzz with users' response on Brexit after Britain voted in favour of exiting the European Union (EU) on Friday.

Here are some of the best comments by twitterati on Brexit: Finace Minister Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley): "We respect the referendum's verdict. We are also aware of its significance in the days ahead and in medium term."

Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das (@DasShaktikanta): "Brexit: No need for any knee jerk reaction. We are in constant touch with regulators."

Brexit: No need for any knee jerk reaction.We are in constant touch with regulators.  Shaktikanta Das (@DasShaktikanta) June 24, 2016

US Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump): "Just arrived in Scotland. Place is going wild over the vote. They took their country back, just like we will take America back. No games!"

Just arrived in Scotland. Place is going wild over the vote. They took their country back, just like we will take America back. No games!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2016

In response, American journalist Roland Sebastian Martin (@rolandsmartin) tweeted: "This man is utterly clueless about #Brexit. First, he never even knew what it was. And Scotland voted to stay!"

American actor Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) also responded to Trump: "'Back' to what? 1945? Scotland voted against #Brexit 60+ per cent, you wee-man dolt."

British novelist JK Rowling (@jk_rowling): "Scotland will seek independence now. Cameron's legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen."

Indian fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar (@atulkasbekar): "Wait, did scotch whiskey just get cheaper by ten per cent?"

Former Central Intelligence Agency employee Edward Snowden (@Snowden): "No matter the outcome, #Brexit polls demonstrate how quickly half of any population can be convinced to vote against itself. Quite a lesson."

No matter the outcome, #Brexit polls demonstrate how quickly half of any population can be convinced to vote against itself. Quite a lesson.  Edward Snowden (@Snowden) June 23, 2016

London-based reporter Joel Lewin (@JoelLewin): "10 per cent- this is pound's worst fall ever. Next was 4.3 per cent in 1978. The experts were indeed wrong- not pessimistic enough"

British political commentator and author Imogen Lloyd Webber (@illoydwebber): "Old have decided for the young but don't have to live with it. Devastating."

Old have decided for the young but don't have to live with it. Devastating. #Brexit pic.twitter.com/dl2PDHoiuT  Imogen Lloyd Webber (@illoydwebber) June 24, 2016

A day ahead of the vote on Brexit, a team led by researchers from the Imperial College Business School, London, on Thursday said it tracked 21,000 messages sent from British Twitter users who were engaged in discussion about the EU Referendum using hashtags such as "#Brexit", "#LeaveEU", "#Go", "#Remain", etc.

They monitored both the topics in tweets to other users and the overall volume of Twitter traffic in relation to the EU Referendum across Britain, to get an insight into how polarised people's views are in the lead up to a major political event.

The most active users in the Leave group were shown to both engage in dialogue and provide information whereas people supporting Remain were more likely to just provide information to fellow users, according to the researchers.  IANS
Washington

NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered an unexpected mineral in a rock sample on Mars, a finding that suggests the red planet hosted explosive volcanoes during its evolution.

The Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, has been exploring sedimentary rocks within Gale Crater since landing in August 2012.

In July last year, on Sol 1060 (the number of Martian days since landing), the rover collected powder drilled from rock at a location named "Buckskin.

Analysing data from an X-ray diffraction instrument on the rover that identifies minerals, scientists detected significant amounts of a silica mineral called tridymite.

Tridymite is generally associated with silicic volcanism, which is known on Earth but was not thought to be important or even present on Mars, researchers said.

The discovery of tridymite might induce scientists to rethink the volcanic history of Mars, suggesting that the planet once had explosive volcanoes that led to the presence of the mineral.

"On Earth, tridymite is formed at high temperatures in an explosive process called silicic volcanism. Mount St Helens, the active volcano in Washington State, and the Satsuma-Iwojima volcano in Japan are examples of such volcanoes," said Richard Morris, NASA planetary scientist at Johnson.

"The combination of high silica content and extremely high temperatures in the volcanoes creates tridymite," said Morris.

"The tridymite was incorporated into 'Lake Gale' mudstone at Buckskin as sediment from erosion of silicic volcanic rocks," he added.

The findings will also stimulate scientists to re-examine the way tridymite forms.

Researchers examined terrestrial evidence that tridymite could form at low temperatures from geologically reasonable processes and not imply silicic volcanism. They found none.

They will need to look for ways that it could form at lower temperatures.

The study was published in the journal PNAS.  PTI
Tribune News service

Dehradun, June 24

Governor KK Paul today sought information about disaster management preparedness in the state in view of the advent of monsoon.

The Governor held a meeting with Amit Negi, secretary, Disaster Management and AS Hyanki, secretary, PWD, to get information about the preparations for disaster management.

He said with the onset of rainy season, focus was needed on areas prone to floods and landslides. Early warning systems and doppler radar systems must be operated soon. Disaster management rehearsals should be held and the persons concerned should remain alert, Paul stated.

A special survey of areas where houses were on river banks must be done and roads blocked by landslides must be cleared. All relief possible should be provided to locals, tourists and pilgrims, the Governor told the officials.

He said road safety must be ensured during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra.

The officials informed the Governor that 350 JCB machines had been placed on the yatra route to clear any landslides and mudslides. He was also informed that the work on Balliwala and Ballupur flyovers would be completed by June 30 and August 31, respectively.

Paul said before the flyovers began operating, road safety must be ensured and people should not be inconvenienced. Arun Dhaundiyal, OSD and secretary to the Governor; Amit Negi, secretary, Disaster Management; AS Hyanki, secretary, PWD; PWD chief engineer and National highway engineer attended the meeting.

Governor presented book on Swami Vivekananda

The Governor Dr KK Paul was presented a book titled Swami Vivekananda: Footprints in Uttarakhand Himalaya, which has been written by Dr Shuchismita Sengupta Pande, in Dehradun on Friday. Besides the book, the Governor was presented with a calendar based on the same theme.

The Governor appreciated her creativity and said the book would be of great value to those who wished to know about Swami Vivekanandas life. Dr Pande is additional commissioner in Food and Civil Supplies Department.
Karachi, June 24

At least three people were killed and another 32 injured when a bomb ripped through a busy square in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, police said on Friday.

The bomb was planted on a motorbike parked along the road in Almo Chowk of Quetta city and it exploded when people were busy in shopping during the holy month of Ramadan.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Quetta Chaudhary Manzoor said the blast was caused by explosives weighing around 68 kg.

Three people were killed and 32 injured in the attack," a police official said.

"The injured include five children and a woman who are being treated at the Civil hospital while three persons were killed in the blast," he said.

The victims  some in critical condition  were taken to the Civil Hospital ,Quetta.

Security officials rushed to the spot and have started investigations, he said.

No group has claimed responsibility the attack, which has occurred in an area in which Taliban and Baloch nationalist militants are active.

Eye witnesses said the blast damaged dozens of shops and homes near the blast site.

On Thursday, the US advised its citizens against travelling to Quetta due to a heightened threat in and around the city.

Two policemen were killed last month and five others injured in an explosion near Balochistan University in Quetta.  PTI
Melbourne: The 21.5-billion dollar Australian rail and mine project of Indian energy giant Adani Mining faces another legal hurdle after a community group asked the Supreme Court to scrutinise the Queensland government's decision to approve the firms Abbot Point Terminal expansion. Whitsunday Residents Against Dumping, claiming to save the Great Barrier Reef, sought a hearing to determine whether the environment department properly considered legislative tests when approving the contentious port expansion. PTI

Prachanda cancels trip due to arrest fears

Kathmandu: Nepals Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda has cancelled his visit to Australia, apparently due to fears he may be arrested for war crimes. An email circulated by the office of the New South Wales premier said Australian human rights activists had lodged complaints citing Prachanda's poor human rights record during the 1996-2006 Maoist insurgency which left thousands dead and many more missing and displaced. ians

Indian-Americans indicted in multi-million fraud

Washington: An Indian-American couple has been indicted in a multi-million financial fraud in the US and faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Pethinaidu Veluchamy, 70 and his 65-year-old wife Parameswari, who owned First Mutual Bancorp in Illinois, intentionally hid cash and assets from creditors after defaulting on $40 million in personal and corporate loans, according to the indictment. pti

Colombian President, rebels sign ceasefire

Havana: An agreement aimed at ending more than five decades of conflict between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group was signed at a ceremony presided over by Cuban head of state Raul Castro. It requires FARC to lay down all of their weapons within 180 days of the conclusion of a final peace accord. The government and the FARC reached agreements on land reform, political participation, drugs and drug crop, and redress for the victims of the strife. IANS

Chicago University welcomes Rajan back

Washington: Welcoming Raghuram Rajan back to academics, the University of Chicago has said the outgoing RBI Governor's experience will be of great benefit when he returns to research and teaching later this year. "We are eager to welcome Prof Rajan back to the Chicago Booth faculty," said University of Chicago Booth School of Business Dean Sunil Kumar. Last week, Rajan, 53, studied at IIT, Delhi then obtained an MBA from IIM, Ahmedabad. He received his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. pti
Brussels, June 24

The European Unions chief concerns over Britains vote to leave the group are political but losing its second-largest economy will have a huge economic impact as well.

Below are some of the main economic risks and benefits for the EUs remaining 27 members.

BUDGET/ECONOMY

Other members will have to fill in at least some of the shortfall from a lack of its contributions.

Britains total contribution to the EU budget for 2016 has been set at 19.4 billion euros ($21.4 billion), including its rebate and customs duties. It receives about 7 billion euros, mainly agricultural and regional subsidies, leaving a gap to fill of just over 5 per cent of the total EU budget.

Germany, the EUs largest member, would inevitably have to provide the most extra cash. Germanys Ifo institute estimates that would be 2.5 billion euros.

UniCredit says there would be manageable negatives for the euro zone, with a trade impact, a financial flight to safety and uncertainty possibly leading to tighter financial conditions and postponed investment. It would revise down its 2017 forecast for GDP to 0.5-1.0 percent from the current 1.6 percent.

TRADE

The rest of the European Union has a trade surplus of around 100 billion euros in goods with Britain, while Britain exports some 20 billion euros more in services than it imports, the same gap as for financial services.

Many economists forecast Brexit would at least temporarily reduce UK growth, uncertainty hitting domestic demand and weakening the pound, with a resultant impact on EU goods exports to Britain, which make up some 2.6 per cent of rest-EU GDP in 2014.

A UK demand shock, linked also to a possible reintroduction of import tariffs, of 10 per cent could lead to a reduction of rest-EU GDP by 0.26 per cent.

Brexit campaigners say the EU would want to agree a free trade deal with Britain even if the country left the bloc.

However, Oliver Schulz, an economist at Citi, reasons that could play more into the hands of the EU given there tends to be more focus in trade deals on goods than on services, and financial services in particular.

Switzerland, where financial services are a larger share of GDP than in Britain, has no general access to EU financial service markets and runs a financial services trade deficit with the bloc.

The EUs main service export to Britain, tourism, is unlikely to be affected.

INVESTMENT

The United Kingdom is consistently the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in the European Union, according to UNCTAD data, with an average of some $56 billion per year in the 2010-2014 period. EU partners supply just under half of this.

Some 72 per cent of investors in an EY study in 2015 cited access to the European single market as important to the UKs attractiveness to FDI.

There is a risk some FDI would be diverted to other EU countries if Britain lost access to the EU single market.

MIGRATION

One of the main arguments for Brexit campaigners is to limit migration of workers from other EU countries, even though both Norway and Switzerland have had to accept free movement of people in return for access to EU internal markets.

If Britain did cap immigration, it could have a negative impact on eastern European countries, from which some 1.2 million workers were in Britain in late 2015.

The impact could be most acute in the countries with the most citizens in Britain - Poland (8,53,000 in 2014), Romania (1,75,000) and Lithuania (1,55,000)

By contrast, other affluent western European countries, such as Germany, could as a result see higher inflows of EU migrants.

This might be beneficial economically, if politically difficult.

IRELAND, BENELUX HIT HARDEST?

Research by the Bertelsmann Foundation sought to break down the impact by country and determined that the impact of a soft exit could be worse in Ireland than in Britain, based on their degree of trade dependence on Britain.

The Benelux countries and Sweden would take the next biggest hits, while the impact on Germany would be very limited given that its auto and other manufacturing sectors have many other markets.

The Belgian region of Flanders will suffer a 2.5 per cent decline in GDP, according to its premier Geert Bourgeois, who believes his region would be hit hardest after Ireland.

DYNAMIC EFFECTS

The Bertelsmann study also looks into dynamic effects, such as a potential loss of productivity because a decreased openness to trade reduces international competition and lowers the incentive to improve competitiveness.

With dynamic effects, the long-term impact on German GDP would range between 0.3 and 2 percent below the value if Britain remained in the European Union.  Reuters
EDINBURGH, June 24

A second Scottish independence referendum is "highly likely", First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday, raising the prospect that the United Kingdom could tear itself apart after voting to leave the European Union.

Scotland, a nation of five million people, voted decisively to stay in the EU by 62 to 38 per cent in a referendum on Thursday, putting it at odds with the United Kingdom as a whole, which voted 52-48 in favour of an exit from the EU, or Brexit.

"As things stand, Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against her will. I regard that as democratically unacceptable," Sturgeon told a news conference in Edinburgh.

"I think an independence referendum is now highly likely." A vote for independence would end the 300-year-old union between Scotland and England, its far bigger southern neighbour, dealing a body blow to the United Kingdom at a time when it is likely to still be dealing with the complex fallout from Brexit.

It would also transform the political landscape in the rump of the United Kingdom by making it much harder for Labour, the main opposition to the ruling Conservatives, to win power in London, as the party has relied on Scottish votes in the past.

Scots rejected independence by 55 to 45 per cent in a 2014 referendum, but since then Sturgeon's pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) has become much more powerful.

EU membership was one of the key issues in 2014, with those campaigning for Scotland to stick with the United Kingdom arguing that an independent Scotland would not be able to remain a member of the bloc.

Sturgeon said many Scots who had voted against independence for that reason were now re-assessing their decision.

"I intend to take all possible steps and explore all options to give effect to how people in Scotland voted (on Thursday), in other words to secure our continuing place in the EU and in the single market," she said.

Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who are the main opposition force in Edinburgh politics, said she did not believe a second independence referendum would help Scotland achieve stability or be in the best interests of its people.

"The 1.6 million votes cast in this (EU) referendum in favour of 'remain' do not wipe away the 2 million votes that we cast less than two years ago (to stay in the UK)," she said.

Independence before Brexit?

The SNP holds massive sway, however. It won all but three of Scotland's 59 seats in the National Parliament in London in a general election last year, and holds 63 seats in the Devolved Parliament in Edinburgh to 31 for Davidson's Conservatives.

Nevertheless, calling a new independence vote would not be straightforward and the SNP, tempered by caution since Sturgeon took over as leader from firebrand Alex Salmond, would want to first be sure that it would win.

Where the last independence campaign fell down is widely considered to be the economic argument. An independent Scotland would, it was projected at the time, stick with its old currency, Britain's pound, with national finances underpinned by an oil price then over $100 but now roughly half that level.

Sturgeon would have to build a robust economic independence strategy to convince those who in 2014 were emotionally inclined to leave the UK but voted to stay in because of the economics.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, who called the EU referendum and campaigned for a Remain vote, announced after the result on Friday that he would resign by the autumn.

He said he would leave it to his successor to decide when to trigger article 50, the mechanism by which an EU member can leave the bloc. There would then be a two-year window for Britain to negotiate the terms of its exit and execute it.

Sturgeon said Scotland "must have the option" to hold an independence referendum within that timescale  much sooner than anyone had thought possible before the vote for Brexit.

As well as bringing further turmoil to the rest of the United Kingdom, Scottish independence would also be likely to cause political headaches for the 27 remaining EU members.

Some European politicians were quick to suggest that an independent Scotland should be welcomed into the fold.

"Europe is open to new member states. That is totally clear," said Manfred Weber, leader of the largest bloc of lawmakers in the European Parliament.

Geert Bourgeois, separatist president of the Belgian region of Flanders, said Scotland should be admitted as a full member without delay.

"It would be quite Kafkaesque, if there were a part of the country that wanted to stay in the EU, if the EU turned around and made them join the back of the queue," he said.

But the government in Madrid, for one, is unlikely to take such a benign view given that it faces a strong separatist movement in Catalonia, which like Scotland is pro-EU.  Reuters
Shanghai, June 24

A violent storm in eastern China that packed gale-force winds and hail killed 98 people and injured hundreds as it flattened power lines, overturned cars and ripped roofs off houses in Jiangsu province.

The storm, which included a tornado, struck mid-afternoon on Thursday near Yancheng city, a few hours drive north of Chinas commercial capital Shanghai, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said.

Winds reached 125 kph and battered several townships in Funing county, the official Xinhua news agency said.

I heard the gales and ran upstairs to shut the windows, Funing resident Xie Litian, 62, told Xinhua.

I had hardly reached the top of the stairs when I heard a boom and saw the entire wall with the windows on it torn away. When the storm subsided and Xie escaped, all the neighbouring houses were gone. It was like the end of the world, Xie said.

The latest death toll stood at 98, with another 800 people injured, state-run China National Radio reported on its website on Friday, citing a provincial meeting on the disaster. State media earlier reported 78 deaths and about 500 people injured.

Pictures posted online showed injured people lying amid destroyed houses, overturned cars, split tree trunks and broken power lines.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, currently visiting Uzbekistan, called for a comprehensive rescue effort, ordering Chinas cabinet to send a team to oversee relief efforts, Xinhua reported.

Premier Li Keqiang ordered authorities to ramp up search and rescue work and medical treatment for the injured, it reported.

Xinhua earlier reported that about 200 people had serious injuries. Power and communications were down in some areas and emergency supplies, including 1,000 tents, had been rushed to the scene, the civil affairs ministry said in a statement.

Chinas summer often brings severe weather. Earlier this week floods in the south killed at least 22 people and left 20 missing.

Last June, a freak storm led to the sinking of a Yangtze River cruise ship that killed 442 people, many of them elderly tourists. Only 12 people survived when the Eastern Star capsized in what was Chinas worst shipping disaster in seven decades.  Reuters
Edinburgh, June 24

Scotland sees its future firmly in the European Union, its leader said on Friday as most of the rest of Britain voted to leave, raising the spectre of a new independence vote and the possible dissolution of the United Kingdom.

Scotland voted by a margin of 62 percent to 38 percent to remain in the European in a referendum on Thursday, putting it at sharply at odds with the United Kingdom as a whole, which voted 52 percent to 48 percent to leave.

Most voters in Northern Ireland also voted to remain and Irish nationalist leaders there called for a poll on leaving the United Kingdom and uniting with Ireland.

Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status, First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday after partial results were announced.

We await the final UK-wide result, but Scotland has spoken - and spoken decisively.

One key reason Scots rejected independence in a referendum almost three years ago was because independence meant leaving the EU too. Some Scots who wavered but eventually voted to stick with the UK in 2014, may now prefer to join the secessionists.

Splitting Scotland from the UK would end three centuries of shared history, upending another successful economic relationship shortly after the now-impending divorce between Britain and the EU.

Sturgeons Scottish National Party (SNP), running the devolved Scottish government, has repeatedly indicated that if the vote were divergent north and south as it is, it would want the question to be asked again.

But she did not mention a new independence vote in the immediate aftermath of the result. Calling a new vote would not be quick or simple and the SNP would want to first ensure a new vote could be won.

Where the last Scottish independence campaign fell down is widely considered to the economic argument; a new Scotland was then projected to stick with its old currency, the pound, and was underpinned by an oil price then over $100 but now roughly a half of that level.

Sturgeon would have to build a robust economic independence strategy to convince those emotionally persuaded in 2014 but not economically so.

She would also have to make sure that the maelstrom around Britains EU exit does not sweep away some of the support the SNP currently has.

There are other big factors hindering a divorce. One may be fears that a lightweight EU, without Britain, is a less attractive partner for Scotland, which sends two thirds of its output to the rest of the UK.

Another rests on concerns about what a border between England and Scotland would do to both security and the economy.

It could be that in the panic that ensues after a British exit, some people might want to stick with what we still have, said a lawmaker from the SNP, speaking on condition of anonymity.  Reuters
Washington, June 24

Expressing concern over Chinas recent actions in the disputed East China Sea to unilaterally raise tensions in the region, top American senators have said they stand firmly behind US commitment to Japans security.

As the international community awaits the International Tribunal on the Law of the Seas decision regarding Chinas excessive maritime claims to the South China Sea, we are also concerned by Beijings recent action to unilaterally raise tensions in the East China Sea, four top Senators said in a statement.

The statement was jointly signed by Senators John McCain and Jack Reed, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Bob Corker and Ben Cardin, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

We stand firmly by President (Barack) Obamas statement from April 2014, that the United States commitment to Japans security is absolute and Article 5 of our Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security covers all territories under Japans administration, including the Senkaku islands, the Senators said.

China and Japan both claim a small group of islands in the East China Sea, known as Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese.

China established an air-defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea in 2013, raising protests from the US and several Asian countries. The US responded by sending two B-52 bombers inside the zone without notifying Chinese authorities.

Japan earlier this month summoned the Chinese ambassador to Tokyo after a Chinese navy vessel encroached upon what Japan considers its territorial waters in the East China Sea for the first time.

The US said Chinese fighter jets made an unsafe interception of a reconnaissance flight in international airspace over the East China Sea earlier this month.

Tensions have renewed in the East China Sea after Japan used the G7 meetings to criticise China and express opposition to any intimidating, coercive or provocative actions in both the East and South China seas, drawing an angry reaction from Beijing.  PTI
London, June 24

The following are reactions from world leaders and politicians on Friday to Britains referendum vote to leave the European Union:

EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT DONALD TUSK: We are determined to keep our unity as 27 ... I will propose that we start a period of wider reflection on the future of our union.

GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER: The news from Britain is really sobering. It looks like a sad day for Europe and Britain.

FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER JEAN-MARC AYRAULT: ... said he was sad for the United Kingdom.

Europe will continue but it must react and rediscover the confidence of its peoples. Its urgent.

GERMAN FINANCE MINISTER WOLFGANG SCHAEUBLE: I had hoped for a different result. Now we must look forward and deal with this situation ...

The EU process for an exit from the European Union is clearly defined and will be applied. Europe will stand together now.

NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER ERNA SOLBERG: ... called the vote a signal from both the British voters and many other voters around Europe who feel that the EU is not providing good enough answers to todays challenges.

HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR ORBAN: Brussels must hear the voice of the people, this is the biggest lesson from this decision ...

Europe is strong only if it can give answers to major issues such as immigration that would strengthen Europe itself and not weaken it. The EU has failed to give these answers.

POLISH FOREIGN MINISTER WITOLD WASZCZYKOWSKI: This is bad news for Europe, for Poland ... We will be trying to use this situation to make the European politicians aware why this happened. And it happened because this concept, which was created some time ago, is no longer popular in Europe.

SWEDISH EU MINISTER ANN LINDE: We must show people why we believe the EU is important, why we need to remain. We have to look at the things that matter in peoples everyday lives, perhaps where there have been ambiguities, where theres been arrogance and where people have felt its been an elite project ... It is a very serious situation for Great Britain, but also for the EU.

MARINE LE PEN, HEAD OF FRENCH FAR-RIGHT NATIONAL FRONT PARTY: Victory for freedom! We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries.

FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND NICOLA STURGEON: Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status.

MANFRED WEBER, WHO REPRESENTS GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKELS POLITICAL GROUP IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: (The decision) ... causes major damage to both sides, but in first line to the UK ... There cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom ... Leave means leave. The times of cherry-picking are over.

GIANNI PITTELLA, LEADER OF THE SOCIALISTS AND DEMOCRATS IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: It is sad but it is not the funeral of the European Union. EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT MARTIN SCHULZ I expect that the negotiations on the exit will now begin quickly.

NIGEL FARAGE, LEADER OF THE BRITISH ANTI-EU PARTY UKIP: The EU is failing, the EU is dying.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT MEMBER BEATRIX VON STORCH OF THE EUROSCEPTIC GERMAN AFD PARTY: The European Union has failed as a political union.

DUTCH ANTI-IMMIGRATION LEADER GEERT WILDERS: We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy ... As quickly as possible, the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union.

ANTON BOERNER, HEAD OF GERMANYS FOREIGN TRADE ASSOCIATION: That is a catastrophic result for Britain and also for Europe and Germany, especially the German economy. It is disturbing that the oldest democracy in the world turns its back on us.

THILO BRODTMANN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GERMANYS VDMA ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION: Brexit will hurt investor confidence in Europe as an industrial centre.

A BRITISH OFFICIAL WORKING AT THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION: Its the Brussels bubble who is shocked. There were signs. Nothing has changed, its going to take some time before we know what will happen.  Reuters
XD's maximum payload is 2,091 pounds and max tow rating is 12,314 pounds, Nissan said. This truck had 850 pounds of bagged gravel and about 600 pounds of people aboard, yet accelerated very well. Photos: Tom Berg

What does it take for a pickup to be considered American? Nissan is a Japanese company, but its Titan XD is American all the way through. Nissan executives, who showed off the pickup at their headquarters near Nashville in April, say it was designed in California, engineered in Michigan, and assembled in Mississippi.

Its 5.6-liter (342-cubic-inch) gasoline V-8 is built in Desherd, a small city in southeast Tennessee. The powertrain plant there is about to celebrate its 19th year of production, mostly of Nissan auto engines, but also V-6s and V-8s for vans and pickups. The Endurance V-8 has been around a while and has direct fuel injection, but engineers have updated it with, among other things, advanced variable valve event and lift, or VVEL, to add power and save fuel.

Introduced in 2004, the Titan half-ton pickup ran into a solid wall of loyalty to Americas Big Three brands, and its sales languished. So did Titan development, as Nissan appeared to focus on automobiles. But in recent years truck specialists have been redesigning the Titan, and came up with a new 5/8-ton model called the XD, for eXtra Duty. The first XD was diesel-powered, using Cummins new ISV5.0 V-8 diesel, which we wrote about following its introduction last December.

Now comes the XD Gas, with that Endurance V-8. Both versions use the same chassis, though with about 500 pounds less mass, the Gass front suspension is slightly softer. Each will haul and tow more than a traditional 1/2-ton pickup but ride better and cost less than a 3/4-ton truck. Research with pickup owners showed theres a need for this model, said Rich Miller, who headed the program for both XDs. Owners of 3/4-ton pickups said they seldom pull really heavy trailers. And about 75,000 owners switch between the two categories each year, so why not offer something they can stay with? Thus the XD at what Im calling a 5/8 ton.

The engine and truck perform very well, we found on a jaunt from Nissans headquarters near Nashville to the engine plant. Most of the route was on well-paved but twisty back roads, and the return to our hotel in Nashvilles West End district was on freeways. What the routing showed was the XDs smooth ride, as we drove first one carrying 850 pounds of bagged gravel, then another whose bed was empty.

With 390 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, acceleration was brisk, though the go-pedal needed serious pressure and revs climbed past 4,000 to the 6,000-rpm limit. The engine made pleasing mechanical sounds but the exhaust was muted. The new VVEL engine is supposed to be more economical, but with this kind of driving, the readout on the instrument panel showed between 13 and 14 mpg. A lighter foot should raise the numbers, though thats something that customers experience will determine.

The 5.6 gas gets a 7-speed automatic transmission from Jatco, a Nissan subsidiary. It was very smooth with shifts barely noticeable in normal driving and still smooth and positive under full power. Its top three ratios are overdrives, so the engine loafs at highway speeds  under 2,000 rpm at 70 mph and about 2,200 at 80 mph. The transmissions selector lever is on the column. It includes a tow-haul switch that raises shift points when loads are heavy or lowers them when theyre not. Tow-haul also causes downshifting on downgrades to try to keep road speed to what cruise controls been set to.

This year, Nissan's powertrain plant in Decherd, Tenn., will assemble about 1.4 million engines, including this 5.6-liter Endurance V-8.

Owners of heavier pickups tend to prefer diesels, Nissan executives said, so XD diesel sales are expected to be almost double that of the gasoline version. More than half of all Titans will be the restyled and revived half-tonners, which are due out this summer. They will get the 5.6 V-8 or a 4-liter V-6.

With revised trucks, handsome interiors  five trim levels ranging from nice to posh  and well performing powertrains, executives hope that Titan sales will increase. Their official target for the first year is 100,000  a modest number in this hot segment, but as one exec quipped, Our plan is to exceed the plan.
Commercial vehicles weighing more than five tons will be prohibited from traveling on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia, Penn., for security purposes during the Democratic National Convention, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced.

Interstate 95 between Exit 13 and Exit 22 will be off limits to large commercial vehicles from July 23 at 12:00 p.m. until midday on July 29.

"The rerouting of commercial vehicles off I-95 is associated with the security for the Democratic National Convention," said Leslie S. Richards, PennDOT secretary. "PennDOT and regional transportation partners will utilize a combination of electronic message boards and stationary signs to guide commercial truck drivers along alternate routes during this temporary restriction.

Drivers are being urged to travel on interstate highways outside of the Philadelphia region if possible during the convention to avoid being diverted off of Interstate 95.

Among the types of commercial vehicles to be restricted from the area during the convention are delivery trucks, utility vehicles, parcel trucks, small dump trucks, buses, flatbed and stake trucks, refrigerated and box trucks, large delivery trucks, refuse trucks, cement mixers, buses and all tractor trailer combinations.

All interstate highways and expressways in the Philadelphia region will remain open to passenger vehicles throughout the convention.

PennDOT said it is working closely with regional transportation partners to coordinate travel-related messaging and the use of electronic message signs to inform commercial drivers and travelers of I-95 travel restrictions in Philadelphia during the event.

Messages will be posted on 109 permanent and portable electronic message signs beginning July 16, and continuing throughout the week of the convention.

For more information, click here.
Three Sand Springs students earned spots in the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain.

The program, celebrating its 40th year, is held from June 11-26. All students receive full scholarships for the program.

Oklahoma Arts Institute Director of Public Relations Anne Peters said the students go through an audition process each year and a panel of three judges selections students for each discipline, including photography, acting, drawing, painting, ballet, chorus, orchestra and more. Nearly 1,000 students competed for 273 spots.

We have students whove never studied at this caliber before, Peters said. We look for their potential to do well here.

Students spend at least six hours per day studying one of the nine disciplines in the literary, visual and performing arts as part of the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. They also attend a variety of performances, lectures and demonstrations.

The work of the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute has been part of Oklahomas cultural landscape for four decades, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said in a statement. It may be even more critical than ever in a year like 2016, when a difficult budget environment has eliminated fine arts classes in many schools around the state. Art enriches life and programs like OSAI are an inspiration to Oklahoma young people and their families.

Jack Thompson, a student at Charles Page High School, is studying orchestra.

This is my first year attending the Oklahoma Arts Institute. Im excited to have the opportunity to play with the best high school musicians in Oklahoma, Thompson said in a statement. Being a part of this great program and learning from the outstanding faculty will help me become a better bassoonist.

Blake Simpson, also a student at Charles Page High School, is studying acting.

OSAI is an amazing opportunity! I went for the first time two years ago for acting and it completely changed the way I look at life and acting as a whole, Simpson said in a statement. Quartz Mountain is a place where everyone is accepted and art flourishes and I am so honored to be a part of it again!

Katayla Mongold, a home schooled student, is studying orchestra.

I am excited to attend the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain for a third year, Mongold said in a statement. I appreciate the opportunity to further my skills as a violinist. OSAI is not simply a two-week summer camp. It is an opportunity to connect with other focused students and professionals currently working in various fields. The experience impacts me long after it comes to an end. OSAI affords me the opportunity to learn new techniques and skills and to appreciate the skills of others in many disciplines.

OSAI culminates in ONSTAGE weekend, June 24 and 25, which consists of concerts, performances, film screenings and gallery exhibitions where each OSAI student has a chance to present their work.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Backers of a proposed state question designed to benefit education decried on Friday a legal challenge to the measure.

OCPA Impact, the lobbying arm of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, on Thursday filed a legal challenge to the ballot title and gist of State Question 779.

Supporters earlier this year gathered 301,512 signatures, well above the 123,725 names required to get the issue on the Nov. 8 ballot.

If approved by voters, it would increase the sales tax by 1 cent to provide a $5,000 teacher pay raise and fund additional programs in common education, higher education and CareerTech.

Amber England is executive director for Stand for Children Oklahoma, which supports the measure.

She said at a Capitol press conference Friday that the legal challenge was filed by an anti-public education organization as a delay tactic. She said supporters of the measure will file a legal response by July 1.

It is time to let the people vote, England said.

Supporters wore red shirts reading Yes for 779.

Anna King, an Oklahoma City parent, called the proposal a comprehensive solution to low teacher pay and funding woes in common education.

She said she was tired of OCPA fighting public education.

You know, this group has fought against public education every step of the way, King said. Weve had enough. Its time to let the people vote to invest more in our schools and our teachers. Obstructing direct democracy, especially at such a critical time for our schools, is shameful.

The measure previously withstood a legal challenge lodged by OCPA Impact alleging it contained more than one subject in violation of the Oklahoma Constitution.

For years, Ive listened to this OCPA group espouse ways to dismantle our public schools, saying there is no such thing as a teacher shortage and theyve referred to us as the education blob, said Tulsa Public Schools teacher Shawna Mott Wright.

To have them now profess they believe teachers need a pay raise, but only in another manner is so disingenuous. They couldnt care less about seeing schools funded.

She talked about a fellow teacher with much less experience than her who left Oklahoma for significantly more pay in Texas.

University of Oklahoma President David Boren led efforts to garner the signatures to get the measure on the ballot.

The measure is expected to generate about $615 million a year for education. It contains no sunset provision for the sales-tax increase. It would require a vote of the people to reverse it once it took effect.

Proponents say it is needed because lawmakers have failed to adequately fund education. Critics say it would make the states sales tax the highest in the nation.

Lawmakers this past session were unable to deliver a teacher pay raise supported by Gov. Mary Fallin.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Two Republicans are hoping to unseat Sen. Nathan Dahm in Senate District 33.

Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, will face Larry Curtis and Patrick Pershing in Tuesdays Republican primary. Both challengers are from Broken Arrow.

The winner must garner 50 percent plus one vote to avoid a runoff. The runoff primary is set for Aug. 23.

Meanwhile, the winner of the Democratic primary between Kimberly Fobbs and Randal E. Burris will advance to the Nov. 8 general election ballot. Both are from Broken Arrow.

Curtis, 35, is the planning commission director for Rogers County.

He is a graduate of Broken Arrow High School. He holds a bachelors of arts management from the University of Tulsa and a masters from the University of Oklahoma in urban design studies.

It is first attempt at public office.

I am running because I want our state to be in better place, Curtis said. I believe whenever our teachers are ranked 50th in country, we are doing not only our children disservice but our teachers a disservice as well. We need to have stable state budget from year to year and we need a revamp of tax codes in order to help us with that.

His top issues are education, jobs and the state budget.

He is not happy with how Dahm has represented the district.

I dont believe he is listening to the citizens of District 33, he said.

Pershing, 34, is a national service representative for Solaray Corporation, a wholesale distribution warehouse out of Sapulpa.

He is originally from Nebraska, where he graduated from high school. He is married with two children.

It is his first attempt at public office.

I believe our current leadership really has failed to address the issues that are important to the public, especially the voters of District 33, Pershing said. They have basically conveyed to me that they are upset with Sen. Dahm and his inability to vote on the issues that mattered most to them. I am running to give a voice to the voters District 33.

His top three issues are education, economic development and heath care.

He said he has primarily self-funded his campaign to avoid ties to special interest groups.

Dahm, 33, is seeking a second term. He was home-schooled and earned his high school diploma. He is a self-employed software developer.

He said he is running to continue representing the district by fighting for peoples rights and limited government.

His top three issues are protecting rights, focusing on core government services and making the state a beacon of liberty.

He said he has authored a number of pieces of legislation ranging from protecting privacy to making government transparent.

I strongly believe in protecting individual rights and that would include the Second Amendment and the right to life, Dahm said.

Burris, 57, is a veterinarian. He is married with three grown children. It is his first attempt at office.

He said he is tired of seeing how the state treats education, which he says is his top issue.

He is also concerned with the states failure to accept Medicaid expansion, which would bring in hundreds of millions of dollars to the state to help the least among us.

He said infrastructure is one of his top issues.

He graduated from high school in Oklahoma City. He holds a bachelors in microbiology and doctor of veterinary medicine, both from Oklahoma State University.

I dont think Mr. Dahm is adequately supporting nor properly representing the views of the people in the 33rd district, he said.

Kimberly Fobbs, 50, made a failed attempt in 2006 for the state house.

She is a small business owner, married with two children.

She graduated from high school in Texas. She is a former member of the Judicial Nominating Commission.

She wants to be a voice for the voiceless.

I felt it was time to step up and more importantly, that we had one of the most dangerous and potentially harmful senators representing our district, she said.

She said Dahm has some really disturbing views about the role of government. Dahm considers himself a constitutionalist, but picks and chooses what parts of the constitution to uphold, she said.

Her top three issues are family, freedom and fairness.

She said the state needs to better fund education and health care. In addition, the state leads the nation in incarceration rates, which needs to be addressed, she said.
In this episode of Morning Edition, we discuss the award of 7.5 million dollars by the court
Lawrence Mooney will host a two-part special from the Sydney Comedy Festival, Best of the Fest for the Comedy Channel.

The specials will feature local and international comedians at the Enmore Theatre including Steve Hughes, Larry Dean, Anne Edmonds, Dave Hughes, Ivan Aristgueta, Daniel Sloss, Dom Irrera, Aunty Donna and Akmal.

The Sydney Comedy Festival is Sydneys biggest annual comedy event. Every year, hundreds of the worlds funniest comedians take to stages across Sydney to entertain. Foxtel was there on opening night at the Cracker Night gala to film a showcase of comedic talent creating the Best of the Fest for The Comedy Channel.

Lawrence Mooney is one of this countrys most celebrated stand up comedians nominated for The Barry Award at The Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 and winner of Best Show at The Sydney Comedy Festival 2015. Lawrence has hit the microphone with his unique view of the human condition for 21 years and is also well known to TV audiences as host of Dirty Laundry Live and featured on Its a Date.

Friday July 15 and Friday July 22 at 9pm on The Comedy Channel.


In the latest objections to Struggle Street , residents of Sunshine, in Melbournes west, are even suggesting strategies to discourage filming.

Sunshine resident Charlie Davison suggested people not co-operate with interviews.

Some have suggested that residents should engage in legal activities that will disrupt their filming, she noted on social media.

A suggested example was flooding their [SBS] screen with images that cant be shown on TV  such as wearing T-Shirts advertising alcohol and tobacco products.

But logo pixellation would probably thwart that idea.

Sunshine Business Association president Bruce White told News Corp You find people who are struggling and people doing it tough everywhere so we dont want that associating with just our suburb.

Struggle Street is not a story that resonates here like it did in Mount Druitt and there are things happening here that are really positive.

A spokeswoman for SBS said, We are still in the early stage of the production process, however the series will be filmed in Queensland and Victoria exploring, through personal stories, challenges, such as industry downturn and transition, unemployment and other issues of social and economic hardship, which reflect the challenges of Australians across the country.

She also said the second series would air late next year.
Dutch production giant Talpa Media has won a court case over an adaptation of The Voice in China, with a Beijing court ordering Chinese producers to use a different name for their show.

Shanghai-based Star China Media produced The Voice of China for four seasons licensed through Talpa before a collaboration expired in January.

Talpa subsequently signed a contract with another Chinese production company, Zhejiang Tangde, to produce seasons five to eight, but Star China is due to launch a new season next month known as 2016 The Voice of China -which it has already cast.

But the Beijing Intellectual Property Court ruled this week that Star China Media must immediately cease using the name The Voice of China in all publicity, promotions, auditions and advertisements for its singing competition talent show.

However it did not rule that the show must end.

Star China Media claimed Talpa had terminated their contract unilaterally after demanding the company pay a sky-high fee  hundreds of times more than its initial licensing fee of more than 2 million yuan ($A409k) four years ago. Talpa denied the accusation, and accused Star China of preparing a fifth season without a legal contract.

If Stars new show uses intellectual property from The Voice such as rotating chairs or a similar logo Talpa has warned of further legal steps.

The news comes just days after Chinese regulators imposed stricter limits on adaptions of foreign shows.

According to the regulators edict, only independent, innovative programs with Chinese cultural genes, characteristics and style can sustain themes of the Chinese dream, core socialist values, patriotism and outstanding Chinese cultural traditions.

Source: South China Morning Post
The purpose of a visit by Deputy Commander of Ukraines National Guard Mykola Balan to Warsaw is the continuation of contacts with Polands Ministry of National Defense and National Police.

Mykola Balan told Ukrinform while being on an official visit in Warsaw.

"In the near future, were planning to sign a cooperation agreement during a visit by the Polish delegation to Kyiv. This will take place in late July - early August," Balan said.

According to him, the purpose of his current visit to Warsaw is to continue contacts with the Polish Ministry of National Defense, as well as the Polish police.

"The main issues discussed during the visit are the continuation of cooperation, exchange of experience, joint exercises of staff officers, as well as subdivisions, the development of training facilities, Balan said.

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Ukrainian Armed Forces have not used airplanes in Donbas because of the Minsk agreements, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko told the graduating class of Kharkiv University of Air Force pilots at a military airfield in Chuhuyiv town, Ukrinform has reported.

"By complying with its commitments stipulated by the Minsk agreements, our Armed Forces do not use military aircraft in Donbas," Poroshenko said.

According to him, at the same time, the pilots are on combat duty in anti-air defense, transportation of the injured troops and military equipment.

Concerning the aviation potential of Ukraine, Poroshenko said that "only eight countries in the world possess the technology for manufacturing an entire aircraft and boast a full ownership of the system for training flight personnel. And Ukraine is one of those countries."

He noted that the year 2016 is declared the Year of Aviation in Ukraine, and the government has provided UAH 2.5 billion for repairing aircraft.

tl
Chairman of the Permanent Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, MP Volodymyr Aryev has said that the coordinating body of the PACE issued a declaration on common values and steps towards the Russian Federation. In protest, he along with the representative of the British delegation left the session of the Assembly, the legislator wrote on Facebook.

"After debates in the Assembly, where the vast majority of the delegates voted against flirting with Russia who has failed to fulfill the requirements, the coordinating body of the PACE issued a declaration on common values with Russia and necessity for getting closer with Russia. I and a Briton left in protest the session. He also said that because of this European attitude the British subjects voted against the EU," said Aryev.

According to him, "everyone can do what he likes and does not take into account the opinion of the Council of Europe, because to avoid responsibility is just a matter of time" after such decisions were made.

In addition, the lawmaker expressed his disappointment with the actions of the PACE President Pedro Agramunt.

tl
First Deputy Speaker Iryna Herashchenko has said high-level consultations between Ukraine and the European Union on the possible effects of British referendum on further relations between the countries will be held in the near future, the official wrote on Facebook.

"Consultations between Ukraine and the EU concerning the consequences of [British] referendum for our bilateral relations will be held at high level very soon," the lawmaker said.

She noted the need for such consultations has arisen in connection with the Brexit results and Britains possible exit from the EU.

Moreover, she said that Ukraine expects the decision to obtain a visa-free regime with the EU already this year.

Also, the Verkhovna Rada Deputy Speaker has pointed out the importance of the EUs ongoing joint policy regarding the anti-Russian sanctions to implement the Minsk agreements in full.

tl
Microsoft Corporation had been going slow on their mobile phone market but rumors suggests that their "Surface Phone" would still be available.

The Surface Phone which will be powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 830 processor which is expected to arrive in 2017. The launch of this new processor will coincide with the launch of Windows 10's Redstone update, The Motley Fool reported.

Also, three versions of the Surface Phones will be released by Microsoft: one for prosumer, one for consumer, and one for enterprise markets. The first one, for consumer, will be having 4 GB of RAM configuration and 64 GB of internal storage. The prosumer version, on the other hand, will have 6 GB of RAM configuration and 128 GB of internal memory storage. The one for enterprise markets will be the top-end version. It will have 8 GB of RAM configuration and 512 GB of internal memory storage. The first two will be powered by 14nm Intel Kaby Lake while the top-end one will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 830 chipset, The Country Caller reported.

Those specifications would make Microsoft's Surface Phones the beefiest smartphones that will be available in the market. However, it would still be difficult to boost Microsoft's contribution in the global market. Microsoft's share in the smartphone market recently dropped below one per cent.

Microsoft refuses to admit defeat in the smartphone market. This is one of the reasons why the company would still release the Surface Phone for three markets mentioned earlier despite the sales results of the first Continuum Phones they have released -the Nokia Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL.

Also, Microsoft reached nearly 10,000 employees in layoffs, most of which are from Nokia's handset unit which is in Finland. This is a clear sign that Alphabet's Google and Apple are winning in the mobile phone battle.
Google Nexus 2016 Phone rumors have been swirling around the specs but little did we know that this smartphone is HTC-built device.

It seems like the previous rumors on Google Nexus 7 may no longer be valid since there is a new leak of the smartphone stating that it will be named HTC Marlin.

Google Nexus 2016 HTC

Rumors leak indicate two versions of Google Nexus 2016 phone. Both devices are expected to be developed for high-end range. The Google Nexus 2016 HTC phones are said to be called HTC Marlin and Sailfish, Pocket-Lint reported.

Google Nexus 2016 HTC specs

Before the rumors revealed HTC Nexus specs, there were news on Google Nexus 7 which will arrive this year. However, after a render on HTC Nexus 2016 leaked on the internet, this might be another clue on the smartphone's design that is similar to HTC 10.

The Taiwanese phonemaker might make Google Nexus 2016 HTC with similar design and place premium features for higher specs, IBTimes reported.

Another speculation on the HTC Nexus specs include 4 GB of RAM and possible Android Nutella with better specs than the previous Nexus 5X that's packed with 5.2 inch display, 12.3 MP rear camera and runs Android Marshmallow.

Google Nexus 2016 HTC price

If the rumor about Google Nexus 2016 HTC Marlin as premium flagship is true, then the price might be between $400 and $500. HTC mid-range smartphones are usually priced around $300. Thus, the HTC Marlin and Sailfish, dubbed as high-end devices, could be a lot more expensive than that.

Google Nexus 2016 release date

Nexus 5X has been on sales and this could indicate the upcoming Google Nexus 2016 to arrive soon. Rumors on the release date of HTC Nexus indicate that the phone will be released sometime in October after all of the Android developer preview milestones have been reached.

What do you think about Google Nexus 2016 HTC? Have you heard any other rumors around the flagship?
Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro 2016 finally gets its 'license' from Federation Communication Commission (FCC). This means, the device is ready and might soon be released in international market, including the United States'.

Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro 2016

Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro was initially released in China earlier this year and the FCC approval seems to confirm that the mid-range smartphone will arrive in US anytime soon. The FCC has given certification for both single SIM and dual SIM versions.

Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro specs

Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro 2016 is packed with impressive specs. With Quad-core CPU 1.8 GHz and Adreno 510 GPU, the 6-inch device runs Android Marshmallow and is powered by 5,000 mAh battery cell.

Galaxy A9 Pro features Super AMOLED screen with resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and 367 ppi. The screen is already protected using Corning Gorrilla Glass 4. The smartphone is equipped with 4 GB RAM and internal memory of 32 GB. Storage is expandable using microSD card up to 256 GB of capacity.

On the camera, Galaxy A9 Pro 2016 boasts 16 MP on its rear camera and 8 MP for its secondary camera. It supports video recording with HDR quality (1080 p @30 fps). Other features include turbo-charging and fingerprint sensor, GSM Arena reported.

Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro price in USA

The license dropped by FCC indicates the smartphone is going to be released in the US.

Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro 2016 price in USA could be around $533. The smartphones international release tend to have lower price than the devices released in China. So it can indicate that Galaxy A9 Pro 2016 will arrive at that price or cheaper, TechTimes reported.

Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro 2016 release date

The smartphone has just earned many approvals including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the latest certification from FCC. This indicates that Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro is ready and might be launched later this year in US and other countries.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court asserted again as a fact that the value of creating a diverse student body allows university officials to consider race in making admission decisions.

The Supreme Court technically supported the plan of the University of Texas that has been the subject of a legal battle for years.

The 4-to-3 decision of the Supreme Court was a surprising victory for supporters of affirmative action, who had engaged the term with hopes up that the court would not use the case to prohibit all uses of affirmative action, Washington Post reported.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy's written majority opinion stated it again that the rulings of the previous high-court regarding diversity justifies some disruption on the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection, which the government is generally forbidden to make decisions based on race.

Justice Samuel Alito along with Justice Clarence Thomas and Chief Justice John Roberts expressed their opinions by saying the court's decision was incorrect, and most likely the same with the high court decision in 2013 - in an earlier chapter of the same case, Wall Street Journal reported.

A law professor at the University of Chicago - Justin Driver, stated the decision was an indication that affirmative action is safe not only at the University of Texas, as well as around the nation.

Professor Driver stated that the policy of the University of Texas had been recognized by legal experts to be vulnerable to challenges for the reason that it augmented a rare admissions plan.

President Obama made a formal salute to the decision, and the president told reporters at the White House that he is glad that the Supreme Court gave assistance to the basic notion as the diversity is an essential value in their society, NY Times reported.

President Obama also said that they are not a nation that guarantees equal end results, however, they do strive to provide an equal chance to everybody.
Mount Saint Mary's University will be having a new president after February issue where two professors were fired.

The former president of Mount Saint Mary's University Simon Newman stepped down from his position last March after having an issue last February where two professors were fired. This was after the controversial statement of the former president of the university. He allegedly said that first- year students are like little bunnies that need to be strangled. A new president, an Army general will take over the university, Your4State.com reported.

The new interim president of Mount Saint Mary's University would be Brigadier General Timothy Trainor, Ph.D. The incoming president said that he is very excited about this opportunity. After he heard the news that he will take over as president, he started engaging with staff, faculty, and students in the campus.

General Trainor, 55, was a retired general who was serving in the Academic Board as dean at the US Military Academy, West Point, New York. The incoming president planned that he would speak with people in the campus regarding the small Catholic School on Emmitsburg. After previous engagement, Trainor said he would figure out the full strategy for the next couple of years. The main goal he set was to boost student retention rate and national rankings, The Baltimore Sun reported.

The students and faculty were very excited to have a new leadership at Mount Saint Mary's University. The Vice President of Enrollment Management and Students affair at the university, Michael Post, said that Dr. Trainor is going to bring leadership sense in the university which will have a great impact in the community. He also said that Trainor is an amazing leader.

Trainor's first day at the university is the same day freshmen students would be moving in. He even said that he would help the students get settled. Trainor's term in Mount Saint Mary's University will last until 2018.
Union Pacific Plans to Invest $1.7 Million in its Montana Rail Infrastructure

Union Pacific plans to invest $1.7 million in 2016 to improve Montana's transportation infrastructure. The company's multi-million dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency. Freight railroads like Union Pacific operate on track built and maintained without taxpayer funds. Union Pacific's private investments sustain jobs and ensure the company meets growing demand for products used in the American economy.

Union Pacific's planned investment covers a range of initiatives: $1.7 million to maintain railroad track in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

$1.7 million investment in the rail line along the Montana Subdivision south of Lima to replace 11,419 railroad ties.

This year's planned $1.7 million capital expenditure in Montana is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015 Union Pacific invested more than $5.8 million strengthening Montana's transportation infrastructure.

"We constantly evaluate our customers' needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily," said Wes Lujan, Union Pacific vice president - Public Affairs, Western Region. "Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific's unwavering safety commitment."

Union Pacific plans to spend $3.75 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling approximately $33 billion from 2006-2015. These investments contributed to a 25 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.

ABOUT UNION PACIFIC

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2006-2015, Union Pacific invested approximately $33 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

The statements and information contained in the news releases provided by Union Pacific speak only as of the date issued. Such information by its nature may become outdated, and investors should not assume that the statements and information contained in Union Pacific's news releases remain current after the date issued. Union Pacific makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.
June 24 2016

A narrow vote for Britain to exit the EU by 51.9 per cent to 48.1 per cent has sent shockwaves through the construction sector as businesses grapple to understand the potential consequences In advance of the crunch vote many figures voiced concerns that a decision to Leave could have on confidence going forward, not to mention the high reliance many have on sourcing staff from the continent.Peter Wilson, director, Timber Design Initiatives commented: Brexit will completely stymie entries by British starchitects to all those competition projects in Europe that theyve been doing pretty well in up until now. Will we see Chipperfield et al relocating completely to offices in Europe?From a personal perspective, I couldnt have done the work Id been involved in over the past several years had it not been for substantial European funding - for which there was, and is, no equivalent in the UK. Brexit will hit University funding very hard since a very substantial proportion of their research funds come from Europe, with whatever UK research funding as exists already increasingly pointed to what are known as the Russell Group of universities (aka the elite - traditional ones like Cambridge, Edinburgh, Oxford and St Andrews.Despite a slim UK-wide majority for Leave many nations and regions of the UK voted Remain, notably Scotland which voted 62 to 38 per cent in favour of staying in the EU, sparking concerns of a prolonged period of constitutional uncertainty.
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Wyoming Business Tips for July 3-9

A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Cindy Unger, WSBDC business adviser

I am in the process of starting an ecommerce business. What advice can you give me about shipping options? Randy, Casper

Shipping is fundamental to your customer experience and can make or break an online business in multiple ways.

Not only are shipping and packaging necessary distribution functions, but they also are an important element of your marketing strategy. Your website may represent the connection between your company and customers, but the shipping process connects products directly to customers.

Packaging must be the first consideration. Safe transport, weight, size, expense and image are all factors involved in the choice of packaging materials, and the many options available on the market today do not make these decisions easy.

The next consideration is customer shipping payment options.

In a 2015 survey done by UPS, 45 percent of shoppers abandoned their carts when the orders did not qualify for free shipping. The survey also found that 85 percent of respondents were willing to accept a five-day delivery time frame in order to get the free shipping. As a retailer, your choices in terms of providing free shipping are to increase product prices to cover shipping costs, cover the shipping costs out of your profit margins, or combine strategies by increasing prices slightly and cutting profit slightly.

If you are charging shipping, another strategy is to charge what you get charged. Having a real-time shipping cost calculator on your website can win a lot of trust from customers. This is an especially good option if you are selling heavy or oversized products that absolutely cannot ship for free. The final option is to offer flat-rate shipping. You can offer a flat rate for all sales or calculate flat rates for particular weight ranges. This alternative works best if you have a limited selection of products.

Both online and catalog merchants also should think about shipping as a marketing tactic. You want to encourage orders that will reduce shipping costs in conjunction with boosting the average dollar value of the sale. Amazons offer of free shipping for orders of $49 and up is the prime example of this strategy.

Subscription offers are another good way to increase sales volume while decreasing shipping costs. Once the first subscription product has been shipped to quickly satisfy the customer, the products necessary to fulfill the remainder of the subscription can be scheduled to ship on time via the least expensive method.

One of the most important secrets to successful ecommerce is to conquer the challenge of shipping profitably.

As your business grows, shipping from nearby warehouses and trucking packages to shipping points near the customer are alternatives that can reduce costs. Fulfillment warehouses may be the best solution. Extra expenses may be eclipsed by shipping costs that are far lower than anything a small business could negotiate.

If you are doing your own shipping, consider arranging to directly pay for inbound traffic. This tactic could greatly increase your volume with a shipper and result in lower negotiated rates for your outbound traffic.

Consider the alternatives carefully, experiment with different tactics, and be sure to re-evaluate on a regular basis.

A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments are available at www.wyen.biz/blog1/.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.
When Cody Rhodes was released from his WWE contract last month it was met with shock, at first; until acceptance that his decision was ultimately for the best kicked in.

Now a month after his release, he is still being talked about by his former employers who are keen for him to agree on a deal; a return is not on the cards but his business and merchandise sales, however, are another matter.

Merchandise Rhode

WWE want Cody to sign a contract that allows them to sell his likeness through merchandise (imagesunalisharma14.blogspot.com)

Cody Rhodes despite no longer being contracted to the WWE, recently met with representatives of the company in order to discuss the possibility of a deal of similar standing to a legends contract.

Considering the age of the former Stardust character being just 30-years-old the prospect of a legends deal at such a young age seems ridiculous but it is not his in-ring ability they are showing a renewed interest in.

The prospect of the deal in place would allow WWE to release merchandise and other items while using the likeness of Cody or any other character he was personified.

A number of legends are currently assigned to legend contracts which oblige them to speak on behalf of the WWE prior to promotional events when they are required - however the offer presented to Rhodes is not believed to require him to promote the company.

The former Intercontinental Champion is set to wrestle his first match since his departure from WWE on August 19 for Evolve where he will square off against Johnny Gargano at EVOLVE 66.

Rhodes (w/ Brandi Rhodes) is also set to face Mike Bennett (w/ Maria Kanellis) at Wrestling Under the Stars in Pittsfield Massachusetts on August 26, he will be following this match up with a Kurt Angle the following night in Wappingers Falls, New York.

Legends contracts

X-Pac is current the youngest superstar assigned to a legends contract at 44-years-old (image:whatcultute.com)

Currently, there are 12 males and females assigned to legend contracts including:

The Boogeyman (age - 51)

Brie Bella (age -32)

Eve Torres (age - 31)

Rhyno (age - 40)

Ric Flair (age - 67) Hall of Famer

Ricky Steamboat (age - 63) Hall of Famer

Sgt. Steamboat (age - 67) Hall of Famer

Shawn Michaels (age - 50) Hall of Famer

Sting (age - 57) Hall of Famer

Superstar Billy Graham (age - 73) Hall of Famer

Tatanka (age - 55)

Tatsumi Fujinami (age - 62) Hall of Famer

X-Pac (age - 44)
ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Elizabeth Pepin Silva, a surf filmmaker and photographer based in Ojai, poses for a portrait during a visit to Surfers Point in Ventura on Monday.

SHARE ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Elizabeth Pepin Silva, a surf filmmaker and photographer based in Ojai, packs up her camera and tripod after a visit to Surfers Point in Ventura on Monday. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Elizabeth Pepin Silva, a surf filmmaker and photographer based in Ojai, scans the beach during a visit to Ventura's Surfers Point on Monday. Contributed photo/Elizabeth Pepin Silva Mayra Aguilar flies down the line at her home break in Southern Baja, Mexico. She is the subject of a documentary called "La Maestra" that Ojai resident Elizabeth Pepin Silva made with film partner Paul Ferraris. Contributed photo/Elizabeth Pepin Silva Kia'i Tallett, age 18 months, duck dives a wave with her mom at a break on the Big Island of Hawaii.

By Doug Thompson, Special to The Star

Filmmaker Elizabeth Pepin Silva uses her keen eye for work, but she didn't need her sharp senses to recognize the sexist practices of the 1990s surf media. Magazines featured photos of men riding big waves while cute blonde women in bikinis posed nearby.

"More and more women were in the lineup in the 1990s, and I thought the surf magazines would pick up on it," said Pepin Silva, 51, who lives in Ojai and learned to surf in Northern California 30 years ago. "I expected to see more pictures of women surfing and there weren't any. I started getting really pissed off about it."

Pepin Silva began photographing women surfing in 1995, first with her long lens from shore and eventually in the water. Her lens captured the female surfers without any posing or makeup, just surfers before, during and after a session.

The photos ran in mainstream surf magazines, as well as women's surf magazines. The photos of female surfers turned into her project "Water Women," which is has been displayed in galleries such as the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco and The ARTS at Marks Garage in Honolulu.

It's an ongoing project, now numbering more than 1,000 photographs, and can be viewed online at http://otwfront.net/category/photographs/waterwomen.

"I want the women to be as they are and celebrate beauty in all its various shapes and forms," Pepin Silva said. "I have photos of blond, skinny girls, and African American women, elderly women and 4-year-old kids."

Film flow

Today, Pepin Silva creates films through her company On The Water Front Creative. She also organizes surf film nights every few months at the Ojai Valley Grange, and at 7 p.m. Saturday is a showing of the "Great Highway," about the history of surfing in the Bay Area, focusing on Ocean Beach.

"The filmmakers will be at the screening and will answer questions afterward," said Pepin Silva, who moved to Ojai five years ago with her husband, David Silva, from the Bay area, in pursuit of warmer weather and warmer surfing. "The film night is also a benefit for the Grange, which is an agriculture based nonprofit."

Pepin Silva worked at a public TV station in San Francisco in the 1990s and learned how to make documentaries. In 2001, she began working on "One Winter Story", a documentary about the first woman to surf Mavericks, the monstrous wave that breaks in the freezing waters off Half Moon Bay in Northern California.

"That film will show Oct. 10 at the grange, and we'll have Sarah Gerhardt, the star of the film there," Pepin Silva said. "We'll also have Frosty Hesson of the film 'Chasing Mavericks' there to answer questions."

After "One Winter Story," last year Pepin Silva created the documentary "La Maestra," about a young Mexican teacher and surfer in southern Baja.

The 30-minute film profiles Mayra Aguilar, a teacher in a tiny rural fishing village in Baja, Mexico, who becomes the first Mexican woman surfer in her area. Told in Spanish with English subtitles using mainly Mayra's voice, the film shows how she has gone on to inspire both her students and other local women to take up the sport and follow their dreams.

"I want to create high-quality, surf films that actually have a story," said Pepin Silva. "Our films are not the usual loud music and ripper shots, what we call surf porn, but something that even non surfers can get something out of."

She collaborates with her film partner Paul Ferraris, and their next project is on Linda Benson and Joyce Hoffman, the first two professional women surfers in the U.S. The two had an intense rivalry in the 1960s.

Despite the demands of filmmaking and photography, Pepin Silva still finds time to surf.

"Oh God yeah, I will be surfing until I am in my grave," she said. "We have about 20 different surfboards. I prefer long boards and just like to cruise. I surf between Emma Wood and Hobson Beach. I started surfing because I love being in the ocean and that connection just gets stronger the more I surf."

For more: http://otwfront.net/la-maestra/
Contributed Photo/Santa Barbara County Fire Department A plane on Saturday drops retardant on the Sherpa Fire in Santa Barbara County. Crews got the blaze 45 percent contained and hope to reach full containment Thursday.

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By Megan Diskin of the Ventura County Star

Officials said Thursday that the northeast portion of the Sherpa Fire in Santa Barbara County will be monitored from the air over the next few days before full containment is declared.

The steep, rocky terrain in that area of the blaze is too dangerous for firefighters and remains uncontrolled, said Lee Beyer, a fire information officer with California Interagency Incident Management Team 4.

However, "there is no fire activity down in that section," Beyer said.

To put out flames in that area, agencies have relied on aircraft, which will continue to monitor the site over the next three or four days, Beyer said. Seven helicopters remain available to drop water, officials said.

The Sherpa Fire is 93 percent contained, with the northeastern terrain making up the 7 percent that's not contained, Beyer said. The blaze has burned 7,474 acres.

Nine people have been injured. A water treatment plant for El Capitan State Beach is the only structure damaged by the fire, although 270 structures were threatened at one point, officials said.

More than 1,000 people were assigned to fight the fire Thursday, but that number was expected to be more than cut in half Friday as the problem continues to be wrapped up, Beyer said.

Despite the progress, firefighters' efforts continued after they put out several small spot fires overnight Wednesday, work that continued Thursday afternoon, officials said.

Most mandatory evacuation orders have been downgraded, but remain in place for El Capitan Canyon and Refugio Canyon just north of the blaze. These areas may reopen Saturday, officials said.

Refugio State Beach will reopen Saturday, but El Capitan State Beach is expected to be closed through at least July 25, officials said.

The progress crews have made over the past few days has occurred partly because of favorable weather changes, but upcoming conditions could raise fire danger.

A red-flag warning was issued for the area and is expected to be in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Low humidity levels and winds up to 50 mph will create dangerous fire conditions, forecasters said.

For current fire information, Santa Barbara County residents can dial 211, call the Sherpa Fire Information Line at 800-325-9604, or visit http://countyofsb.org.
SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE William Hansen, 29, of Simi Valley.

By Staff Reports

A Simi Valley man was arrested this week in connection with a home-invasion robbery last year in Santa Rosa Valley, officials said Thursday.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office began investigating William Hansen, 29, after the crime occurred on Sept. 9 in the 3300 block of Cajon Circle. The robbers entered the home in the early morning hours, tied up the victims and took an undisclosed amount of money and personal property, officials said.

The investigation led to some of Hansen's previous residences in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, authorities said. Stolen vehicles, firearms, evidence of a chop shop and other criminal activity was recovered, officials said.

Hansen was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of first-degree robbery and soon after the Ventura County District Attorney's Office filed the felony charge against him, authorities said. He remains in county jail in lieu of $200,000.
SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE George Hallmark, 56, of Ojai. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Michelle Fearing, 47, of Ojai.

By Staff Reports

An Ojai Valley man was arrested early this week on suspicion of stealing money from his 85-year-old father, authorities said Thursday.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office said the investigation began about 2:30 p.m. April 19 when the man, George Hallmark, called authorities to report that the person he hired to manage his father's finances was suspected of stealing money from his father. Hallmark, 56, told authorities the theft had occurred between December 2015 and March 8.

However, during the investigation, detectives discovered Hallmark and his ex-girlfriend, Michelle Fearing, 47, of the Ojai Valley, were using the victim's money illegally, officials said. Hallmark and Fearing opened credit accounts in the victim's name over the past three years, causing debt to pile up, authorities said. As a result, the victim's home deteriorated from a lack of maintenance and became uninhabitable, officials said.

Both Hallmark and Fearing confessed to misusing the victim's money and spending large amounts of it at casinos across Southern California, authorities said. Fearing was arrested June 17 and Hallmark was arrested at 8 a.m. Monday in the 100 block of Rockaway Road in Oak View, officials said. They were both booked into county jail in connection with elder abuse and identity theft, authorities said.

Adult Protective Services and Ventura County code enforcement were brought in to assist in to provide a healthy and stable environment for the victim, authorities said.
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By Staff Reports

A Simi Valley man has been sentenced to 364 days in jail for the attempted extortion of a woman he met through the OK Cupid dating app.

Last month, Alex Scott Roberts, 20, pleaded guilty to felony attempted extortion and misdemeanor unauthorized distribution of sexual images, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office said.

Authorities said Roberts met a woman on OK Cupid and sent her false photos of himself that misrepresented his physical stature. He requested she send him revealing photos. Roberts then manufactured a false online identity and demanded nude photos of her. When she refused, he posted the images so her friends and family could see them. He then falsely claimed his account had been hacked, the DA's office said.

Roberts also was sentenced to three years of probation and is required to get sex offender counseling and pay more than $2,500 in fines and fees.

The case was investigated by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and the Southern California High Tech Task Force.
JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Cary Kievman, of Moorpark, discovered a mother bobcat and her kittens on his property Wednesday.

SHARE JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Cary Kievman, of Moorpark, discovered a mother bobcat and her kittens on his property Wednesday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A screen shot from Cary Kievman's video of a bobcat in his Moorpark backyard. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Cary Kievman, of Moorpark, discovered a mother bobcat and her kittens on his property.

By Cheri Carlson of the Ventura County Star

Early Wednesday morning, Cary Kievman had just stepped onto his back patio when a bobcat ran by and jumped his fence.

"It went fast, so I didn't know if it was a mountain lion or a bobcat," said Kievman, who lives in a gated Moorpark neighborhood.

He grabbed his phone and tried to find the animal, getting as close as possible to get video  something, in hindsight, he knows wasn't a good idea.

The adult bobcat was growling as he moved closer. But the two stayed separated by a fence, and after about a minute, the bobcat moved farther up a small hill and away from Kievman.

Then, he spotted kittens on the hill dotted with brush. Wildlife experts said their presence likely added some intensity to that first meeting.

"I'm sure she was scared. She probably would have run away even more easily if it wasn't for the fact that she had kittens around," said Joanne Moriarty, wildlife ecologist with the National Park Service.

For the past 20 years, researchers at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area have studied the bobcats living in the hills of Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Bobcats are not a threat to humans, Moriarty said. While they generally stick around natural, open space, they sometimes do wander into more urban environments.

"We know they are certainly around urban areas," Moriarty said. "We know they go next to houses. We do get occasional sightings from people."

Kievman has lived in his home for eight years. He has spotted coyotes in the area, but Wednesday was his first bobcat sighting.

Video courtesy of Cary Kievman.

He called 911 and several local agencies responded, including the fire department and animal control. In the end, however, wildlife groups decided to leave the bobcats alone.

"We very rarely immobilize bobcats," said Lt. Jon Healy with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. That's especially true when there are kittens.

On Wednesday, there wasn't a need to do so, he said.

Officials at Fish and Wildlife and the National Park Service said they expect the bobcats will move on their own shortly.

Bobcats typically have kittens in the spring and most litters usually come around the same time. This year, kittens were born in mid-March.

The mothers and kittens will stay in their first den, usually thick areas of vegetation, for three or four weeks before the mom scouts out a new location.

"They will use the (dens) for shorter and shorter periods of time," Moriarty said.

By 10 to 12 weeks old, the kittens start following the mother around, no longer needing a spot to stay and wait for her to come back. This year's kittens are reaching that age about now.

The bobcats in the Kievman's backyard likely would have moved on within a week or two, even if they hadn't been discovered, Moriarty said.

The fact they were found hopefully will make them want to move sooner rather than later, she said.

Kievman and his children, ages 9 and 11, left their Moorpark home and went to their Ventura beach house on Wednesday. His daughter, who had heard the growling, was upset and scared, he said.

Video courtesy of Cary Kievman.

When they came back later, they spotted the bobcats through a window. They were on the hill, which is also Kievman's property. He got more cellphone video  this time from farther away  and said he counted five tiny kittens.

"I think it's beautiful," he said. But he thinks they would be better off somewhere else, farther from homes, people and roads.

Kievman thought the bobcats should have been moved. His backyard, which is in the middle of the neighborhood, was unsuitable habitat for the animals, he said.

Healy said bobcats have probably crossed through that community many times but have not been seen. He advised people to leave animals alone if they spot them.

"Always give wild animals space whether you're hiking, if it's in your backyard, or if it's in an urban (area)," he said. "They are wild animals, and most of them are not accustomed to being approached by people."
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A hard block of social media platforms at local schools creates an in loco parentis role for schools that is not necessary.

School districts in the East County that were surveyed by Star reporter Mike Harris last week reported a range of policies, from a hard block on social media to a block on content to a monitoring role.

We support current digital content filters in place that block online violence, pornography, hate sites and gambling. But extending that block to social media sites such as Twitter or Instagram or Facebook creates a false protection of children and stimulates children to hunt out the worst content on those applications because we will have made it off limits.

The blocking of those applications on school systems does not mean those children, whether high school or middle school, cannot access the sites. They can, on their mobile devices, as long as they have received parental approval.

That is what we believe is key here. We think this remains an area where parents can and should exert influence and control. The tidal wave of information available in the digital world simply cannot be contained with a tiny plug here and there inserted by well-meaning officials. But understanding the context of that information and its value in our lives is something that parents must be willing and able to instill in their children.

We need to understand how social media is being used as an instantaneous communication platform for people all around the globe. Like all such robust tools in our lives, we must take the time to teach our children their value, how to use them and how they are abused. Simply saying "no" to them is not creating a learning environment that will help them cope in this new digital world.

We applaud the quick reaction by Las Virgenes school district technology officials to the report of a violent image on Instagram at school. But don't build walls to try to keep children out.
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Re: your June 20 article, Guns divide us more than ever:

The divide on guns is a result of the media publishing tragic stories, but none about how guns were used to save a life, prevent a home invasion, or prevent a robbery, rape, etc. These events happen more than the negative impact of guns. I read about them every month, published in the American Rifleman magazine.

The cry for more laws, more gun control is a typical response to a gun tragedy. Its always the gun thats blamed, not the shooter, who may be a terrorist, a mentally disturbed person or a criminal. Punish the 85-plus million people who obey gun laws, thinking this will appease the anti-gun group.

If one wants to lower gun violence, the following will help: Electronic screening at all schools and public events  expensive, but effective. Eliminate gun-free zones, where everyone is vulnerable and where most shootings take place. Make it easier to obtain concealed carry licenses  then criminals will be more hesitant to attack someone, not knowing if they could be armed.

Lastly, if one uses a gun in a crime, add 5 to 10 years to the sentence. These measures will reduce gun crime.

In closing, laws already exist in California so that one cannot buy a gun at a gun show, gun store or from a private party without going through a background check. California has the toughest gun laws, but still ranks high in gun crimes.

Marty Ryzak, Newbury Park
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Re: Dan Thomassons June 21 column, Long way from fixing gun problem:

I believe we are at an important point in our history. Our government officials are stripping us of our liberties at an alarming rate, and we are helping them with our supporting votes.

Thomasson's statement of needed courage to fight gun violence is misplaced. The courage needed is to stand up to our governments weakness on domestic terrorism and attacks on our Constitution. Religious freedoms and the First Amendment are not protected if you are Christian and a defender of the Constitution. You are looked at as the enemy by this government.

The right to defend ourselves afforded by the Second Amendment is as relevant as ever. As long as we are armed and self protected we will never be invaded by a conventional military force. The other benefit afforded Americans, by the right to keep and bear arms, is that we cannot be ruled ever again by a tyrannical government.

Our real problem is our leaders disdain for the Constitution and their refusal to address the real problems with our national security. We are not making the country less secure with gun ownership. America has been invaded, not by conventional armies, but by homegrown terrorists and immigrants. Immigrants that do not want to assimilate, but to fundamentally change our culture and kill us.

Americans need to get serious with our voting responsibilities and refute opinions such a Thomasson's. Our country and culture are on the verge of becoming a failed experiment.

Chris Hare, Moorpark


On Friday, Alexis Bellino from Bravos The Real Housewives of Orange County continued the party for her husband Jims 48th birthday (Photo credit: Al Powers).

The couple and a group of friends dined at LAVO, enjoying Pomegranate Lemonada specialty cocktails along with Lobster and the signature Kobe meatball before heading up to the club.

Photo credit: Al Powers.


To help celebrate Armed Forces Day on May 19, The Mob Museum will be offering a specially priced admission ticket to past and current military members. Beginning Friday, May 18 and running through Sunday, May 20, Museum visitors who have a military ID can purchase a ticket for $5 dollars.

The work and sacrifices of the men and women in the military are extremely important to our organization. We want to extend our thanks and allow them to see how another American battle continues to be fought by brave men and women in law enforcement, said Jonathan Ullman, executive director of The Mob Museum.

Located in downtown Las Vegas, The Mob Museum is a world-class destination that presents an exciting and authentic view of the Mobs impact on Las Vegas history and its unique imprint on the world. It reveals an insiders look at the events and people on both sides of this continuing battle. True stories of Mob history are brought to life in a bold and contemporary style via engaging exhibits and multi-sensory experiences. The Mob Museum puts the visitor in the middle of the action through high-tech theater presentations, iconic, one-of-a-kind artifacts and interactive, themed environments.

The Museum has acquired some of the most iconic artifacts in Mob history including the barber chair Albert Anastasia was sitting in when murdered in NYC, and the brick wall from the St. Valentines Day Massacre in Chicago.

Visitors to the Museum learn about some of organized crimes biggest names including, Al Capone, Dion OBannion, George Moran, Charlie Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Ben Siegel, Sam Giancana, Joe Bonanno, Frank Rosenthal, Mickey Cohen, Tony Cornero, Whitey Bulger and John Gotti .

The 41,000-square-foot Mob Museum includes approximately 17,000 square feet of exhibition space on three floors in addition to a specialty retail store, special event areas, educational areas and office space. Admission is $18 for adults ages 18 and over; $12 for children ages 5 to 17 and students ages 18 to 23 with ID; $14 for seniors, military, law enforcement and teachers; and $10 for Nevada residents of all ages. Museum hours will be Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
AirCraft Company Vietnam-Germany GBR has proposed the Quang Tri Peoples Committee to develop a $200 million solar power project in Trieu Son and Trieu Trach communes, Trieu Phong district.

Previously, the provincial leaders licensed the investor to carry out a survey to choose the most suitable site.

The plant will cover an area of 130 hectares and have a designed capacity of 100 megawatts. The project will be funded by German Development Bank (KFW) and European international financial organisations.

According to the provincial leaders, the site to develop the project is under the provinces solar power development plan, offering numerous advantages including low population density, convenient traffic infrastructure for equipment import, and favourable weather conditions.

At the working session with the investors representatives, Nguyen Duc Chinh, Chairman of the Quang Tri Peoples Committee, requested the investor to compile a detailed construction plan and then complete procedures for the investment certificate.

Chinh also requested the Quang Tri Department of Industry and Trade to collaborate with relevant agencies to support the investor during the construction process.

In early June, the Dak Lak Peoples Committee negotiated with South Korean investors to develop two solar power projects with the total investment capital of $1.2 billion in Ea Sup district.

Notably, the leaders of the Dak Lak Peoples Committee visited South Korea to attend a working session with representative of SolarPark Korea Co., Ltd. to discuss plans to develop a solar power plant.

The investor has yet to release the official investment capital as well as the plants designed capacity. It expects to invest between $0.6 and $1 billion in the plant with a capacity of 300-500MW

In addition, Dak Lak licensed a join venture between Long Thanh Infrastructure Development and Investment Joint Stock Company and Namu Company to implement the construction of a 120MW solar power project with a total capital of $200 million. The construction will be implemented after the investor receives the investment certificate in approximately six months.

Previously, Canadian CMX Renewable Energy Inc. sought a license to construct a 150MW solar power plant in the central province of Ninh Thuan with an investment volume of $150 million.
The new suite of solutions is comprised of two machines  both of which balance user interface design with intelligent tools to help physicians prevent misuse and medical errors in the operating room.

Perioperative care is increasingly complex with more sick patients, requiring more tasks to accomplish at the same time and with the same resources in a highly regulated environment. In a fast-paced environment such as the operating room, rotating clinical staff need easy-to-use equipment so they can focus their time on patient treatment rather than operating machines.

This is the first time we have such great integrated anesthesia solutions in Vietnam. It is good news for not only our anesthetists but also the patients. It helps control the anesthesia in the most effective way with a full range of indicators provided, said Association Professor, PhD Cong Quyet Thang, chairman of the Vietnam Society of Anesthesiologists.

The new GE anesthesia machines intelligently package and connect monitoring devices, innovative parameters and advanced ventilation tools into a single, integrated system. With these new machines, Vietnam is now offered modern technologies that help to improve anesthesia administration and perioperative care, resulting in safer surgeries.

The Carestation 600 Series recently received the iF Design Award 2016 for its excellence in product design from the iF International Design GmbH. The iF Design Award is one of the most celebrated and valued design competitions in the world receiving 5,000 submissions from 70 countries every year.

By creating a product that helps reduce the number of medical errors in the operating room, we are improving the standards of safe anesthesiology in the country, ultimately improving safe surgery, said Nilesh Shah, general manager of Life Care Solutions for GE Healthcare Asia Pacific. The Carestation 600 Series anesthesia machines help to address many market demands in the country  an anesthesia machine that is simple, smart and agile but also still reliable and cost-effective.

Simple

In order to focus more time on the patient, anesthesia technology must balance intuitive user interface design with software intelligence to deliver information that can help enhance patient care. The new machines combine second generation digital touchscreen technology with familiar tactile controls that are easy to operate.

Smart

Owning to the smart alarms and notification system as well as all the protective and gas flow mechanisms, the new machines not only help ensure medical effectiveness but also avoid misuse and medical errors. Combined together in the machines, hardware and software options unite precision and speed with a sense of command and control to help improve patient care and enhance workflows.

Agile

In the operating room that keeps getting smaller, workspace optimization is critical. Designed with essential flexibility, the machines utilize cutting-edge technology and head-turning design in a compact and transport-friendly system that can move anywhere without any difficulties.
Dedicated to serving the manufacturing industry and supporting its progression along the value chain, MTA Vietnam 2016 is back for its 14th edition. This years event makes headway as the premier platform catering to the precision engineering, machine tooling, and metalworking industries in Vietnam and beyond its borders. The show will provide a unique event where local and overseas industry professionals can converge, network, and explore fresh prospects.

Held between July 5 and 8 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, the mega expo will host companies from 20 countries and regions, including the presence of 13 international group pavilions. The event will showcase a plethora of state-of-the-art technologies and engineering solutions all under one roof.

The ongoing importance of MTA Vietnam 2016 is evident by the strong support and participation from many well-known industry suppliers and manufacturers across the high-value sectors of manufacturing. The event will feature a strong line up of companies representing the industry value chain, with such luminaries in attendance as Akyapak, DMG MORI, Ficep, Guehring, GF Machining Solutions, Goodway, and Haas.

This years event attracts a large number of prominent international exhibitors along with many new-to-market companies, adding to the growing momentum of the show since its inception.

Bystronic, a prominent returning exhibitor will display their latest precision high-quality bending machine. Meanwhile, Trumpf, a manufacturer of fabricating equipment will feature a new laser cutting machine and a cost-effective laser welding solution.

Exhibitors positive feedback from the show underscores its broad appeal to industry players. George Wei, vice general manager of Hosea Precision Co. Ltd, said that MTA Vietnam 2016 is an ideal platform to meet up with potential trade partners and generate business deals. The event also represents a unique opportunity for us to build and maintain our market position in Vietnam and in the region.

Sharing this view, Lester Lee, regional marketing manager of Hypertherm Asia Pacific, said that This is our first time participating directly in a trade exhibition in Vietnam. We look forward to the opportunity to connect with potential buyers, valued channel partners, and end users at MTA Vietnam. With live metal cutting demonstrations at our booth, this firm hopes to present the consistent, superior cut quality produced by Hypertherms systems.
The quartet features professional musicians of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, respected for skillful performances and a passionate love for classical music, proven through hundreds of concerts in Vietnam and abroad.

Quartet musicians include viola player Tran Thi Ngoc Thuy, cellist Dao Tuyet Trinh, and violinists Trinh Minh Hien and Thuy Ha.

Artist Tran Thi Ngoc Thuy plays viola in the National Symphony Orchestra. She graduated from Vietnam National Academy of Music and continued her study at Codarts University of the Arts in the Netherlands, majoring in viola performance. She also participated in the master classes of professor and artist Nobuko Imai in Japan.

Cellist Dao Tuyet Trinh is lead cello of Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra. She has performed in many countries such as Russia, China, the US, Thailand and is also a member of the Red River chamber group, performing in America, Thailand and China. In 2012 Dao Tuyet Trinh was awarded the Meritorious Artist title.

Artist Trinh Minh Hien began playing violin at age 6. In 1987 she was accepted into the Vietnam National Academy of Music with the highest score. During her 16 years of pursuing music, Trinh Minh Hien has always been an excellent student and graduated as valedictorian in 2003.

After her graduation, Trinh Minh Hien became an official member of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, participating in many major symphony programs of the orchestra asfirst violin, concert master of the orchestra, and is currently leader of second violins in the orchestra.

Trinh Minh Hien also participated in master classes with international experts and a symphony performance course in Tokyo in 2006. Besides classical music, she has also studied other genres like flamenco, jazz, latin and electronic music. She has also played in 2 string quartets - Apaixonado quartet and Musica Amore.

Artist Thuy Ha began playing violin at age 5, and started pursuing a music career at the age of 8. After graduating from the Vietnam National Academy of Music with honors in 1999, Thuy Ha became a member of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra and one of the orchestras violinists. Besides working in the orchestra, Thuy Ha is also known as the first violinist in many chamber ensembles. She is also an experienced and dedicated violin teacher. Artist Thuy Ha is currently leader of second violins of Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra.

During Romance in Classic, Musica Amore will present compositions by Alexander Borodin, Franz Schubert, W.A. Mozart, J. Massenet, George Gershwin, and Carlos Gardel.

Tickets cost VND200,000. For students, members of Heritage Space, and Dolphin Plaza residents, tickets cost VND100,000.
Photo: VNA

State President Tran Dai Quang made the remarks at a June 23 meeting with business people who attended a forum on Vietnamese enterprises connectivity and integration in the era of new-generation FTAs held by the Finance Ministry in conjunction with the National Assemblys External Relations Committee and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

Active international integration and cooperation are strategic orientations of the Party and State to realize the national establishment and development, which have gained a number of achievements, contributing to expanding exports, attracting more foreign investment, improving the investment environment, enhancing the national and business competitiveness and completing the socialist-oriented market economy.

Viet Nam has established trade ties with more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, joined efforts in building the ASEAN Economic Community and engaged in 15 new-generation FTAs, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), an agreement with the EU and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

He hailed the business communitys contributions to national achievements, asking them to set forth specific action programs, focusing on long-term strategies for production, business and market development in order to improve the competitiveness of their products and services.

The State President also urged ministries, agencies and localities to pay more heed to raising public awareness of international integration as well as challenges and opportunities afforded by the new-generation FTAs.

The State leader suggested making the best of the deals in the time ahead with the importance placed on trade promotion, enhancing the role played by trade representative offices, technological application in management, and connecting local firms with regional and global value chains.
Their diverse fields of operations cover food and beverage, agriculture products, water treatment, construction materials, as well as stainless steel and wire production.

Kgomotso Ruth Magau, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Vietnam, said that, South Africa not only realises the considerable importance of establishing a favourable trade relationship with Vietnam, but also views Vietnam as a staunch and long standing ally. Over many years, our relationship has culminated into a steady exchange of diplomatic cooperation as well as the acceptance of bilateral agreements.

South Africa and Vietnam have strengthened cooperation in environment, science and technology as well as many other areas, especially after the two sides inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in December 2012, the action programme on wild animal protection in June 2013, and an MoU on science and technology in June 2015.

The trade turnover between Vietnam and South Africa tops Vietnams relations with African countries. Over the past decade, the total bilateral trade volume between the two countries has more than quintupled, from $192 million in 2007 to $920 million in 2013, with a jump to $1.2 billion in 2015. South Africa is a gateway to Africa, giving Vietnamese goods better access to the region.

There has been a joint trade commission from Vietnam to South Africa in June, which lay down the basis for continued collaboration in the future. Vietnam and South Africa have set the target to achieve $3 billion in bilateral trade by 2020. This business delegation from South Africa to Vietnam is our first step to bolster the trade relationship between our two countries, Magau added.
A "Vote Remain" activist urges people to vote outside Kings Cross station in central London. (AFP/Odd Andersen)

A record 46.5 million people registered to vote in the once-in-a-generation referendum, many of them facing torrential rain, floods, and cancelled trains to take a momentous decision that is being watched across Europe and the world.

Nigel Farage, leader of the pro-"Leave" UK Independence Party, told Sky News that it "looks like Remain will edge it" just as polls closed after a vitriolic battle focused on immigration, the economy and Britain's very identity.

After an "extraordinary" campaign, it looked like turnout had been "exceptionally high", he said. Turnout in the tiny British outpost of Gibraltar was 84 per cent, according to BBC News.

One of the final surveys, a YouGov survey, indicated a 52-48 per cent advantage for the "Remain" camp, led by Prime Minister David Cameron who made a high-stakes gamble by promising the referendum in 2013.

The poll surveyed a representative sample of people who had voted but was not a nationwide exit survey.

World stocks had already rallied in hope of a "Remain" win. Sterling hit a 2016 high earlier in the day. London, Frankfurt and Paris stock markets all made gains.

Official results will start to trickle in within hours but a solid indication is not expected until at least 0300 GMT (11.00am Singapore time).

CRISIS

European leaders fear a so-called Brexit would trigger the biggest crisis in its 60-year history of the bloc, set up to forge peace after two world wars.

Jenny Watson, who chairs the Electoral Commission referendum overseers and will announce the official result, said recounts would not take place "simply because the vote was close". "If it's a dead heat then it's a dead heat. There is no casting vote," she told the BBC.

Leave figurehead Boris Johnson, the former London mayor, said the race was "very close", as he returned to the British capital from Edinburgh.

Several polling stations had to be relocated due to flooding and one was being run on a generator due to a power outage.

The referendum asks: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?"

Commentators suggest Brexit could trigger a constitutional crisis in Britain, prompting another Scottish independence referendum.

There are also fears it could prompt other EU countries, disillusioned with how Brussels has handed the eurozone and migrant crises, to try to break away.

VOTING IN A LAUNDERETTE

Polling stations have been set up at locations including churches, schools and even a launderette and a windmill.

Outside a polling station in suburban Biggin Hill, south of London, 55-year-old Steve Annett, who works in publishing, said: "We're stronger together working with our European neighbours. "Obviously the economy is a major concern," he told AFP.

Meanwhile pensioner Wendie said older people were "fed up of being taken over, our laws being taken over by the EU. Why can't we rule our own country?"

Thousands of people queued to vote in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, which borders Spain.

Gibraltar's mayor Adolfo Canepa told reporters he was worried about the future if Britain left the EU. "I know what it was like to live for all those years when the frontier was closed and I wouldn't like to put my children and grandchildren through that again," he said.

The often acrimonious campaign has exposed a wide gulf between Britons on the country's often troubled four-decade membership of the European club.

EU leaders have warned Britain - the world's fifth-largest economy - that there would be no turning back from a vote to quit.

"Out is out," European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said on Wednesday, dismissing any talk of a post-vote renegotiation of Britain's membership terms.

In many European countries, newspapers pleaded "Please don't go" while several monuments were lit up with the British flag.

CAMERON INVOKES CHURCHILL

At his final rally on Wednesday, Cameron implored people to stay in the bloc, invoking Britain's cigar-chomping wartime prime minister Winston Churchill. "Churchill didn't give up on European democracy ... and we shouldn't walk away," he said.

The referendum battle was shaken by the brutal murder of Jo Cox, a pro-"Remain" Labour lawmaker and mother of two who was stabbed and shot in the street one week before the vote.

Thomas Mair, 52, has been charged with her murder and had a provisional trial date set for November at a court hearing on Thursday.

EU leaders will begin a two-day summit on Tuesday to deal with the outcome and decide how to cope with the risk of similar referendums on the continent.
The People's Committee of central Nghe An Province has proposed Transport Ministry and relevant authorities upgrade an old terminal at the Vinh Airport into an international one. The provincial committee has managed to launch an international flight from Vinh City to Thailand's Bangkok and vice versa this month.- Photo baonghean.vn

Nguyen Xuan Duong, chairman of the provincial People's Committee said that the current terminal at Vinh Airport, which was designed to receive three million passengers a year, was put into operation last January.

However, the terminal has only served seven domestic flights from Vinh City to Ha Noi, HCM City, Da Nang, Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat, Nha Trang and Pleiku. No international flights have been planned so far.

In the meantime, the provincial committee has managed to launch an international flight from Vinh City to Thailand's Bangkok and vice versa this month. As scheduled, there would be two flights per month.

Duong said to serve the first international flight to Vinh City, the Vinh Airport has taken advantage of an old temporary terminal, which was built in 2013 on an area of 800 square metres.

The one-storey terminal has become overloaded due to the large number of passengers to Bangkok, adversely affecting the airport's service quality and security.

Duong said another international flight from Vinh City to Singapore was scheduled to operate by the end of this year and one more flight from Vinh City to Japan would be launched next year.

Thus, it was necessary to upgrade the terminal to meet the development needs of Vinh City, he said.

The current terminal of the Vinh Airport in central Nghe An Province has a total floor area of 11,700 square metres, including four boarding gates, 28 check-in counters, and other facilities meeting international standards.

The terminal served up to 1,000 passengers at peak hours. Total investment for the construction of the terminal and expansion projects was worth VND1.2 trillion (US$54 million), invested by Airports Corporation of Viet Nam.
FBI gets an unexpected lesson in interrogation from a former Nazi
In this Oct. 26, 2015 photo, John Ashe, a former president of the United Nations General Assembly facing tax charges in a bribery case, leaves federal court in New York. Ashe died on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at his home in Dobbs Ferry, New York. He was 61. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Photo byAUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN

University of Texas Tim Riedel and Szu Yu Liu, right, try to repair a 3D printer at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas.
Cambodian community activists in the US are conducting a campaign to urge their compatriots to ask their representatives to co-sponsor a resolution that calls for respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Cambodia.

House Resolution 728 was introduced by Congressmen Alan Lowenthal, (D, CA), and Matt Salmon, (R, AZ) in May. It needs 55 votes before it can be sent to the executive branch for action to be taken.

This resolution is seeking co-sponsors from other US congressmen, Rany Lushenski, a member of the group Cambodian Americans for Human Rights and Democracy, told a gathering at the Harvest Moon restaurant last week. Therefore, Im asking you to call your congressmen to support the resolution HR 728 in order to have free elections in Cambodia.

The resolution condemns all forms of political violence in Cambodia, urges the Cambodian government to end human rights violations and calls on the government to respect press freedom, citizens rights to protest, assembly freedom of speech. It supports elections reform and free and fair elections in 2018 with the participation of international observers. It also calls for an end to charges against opposition politicians.

Rep. Ed Royce, chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rep. Eliot Engel (D, NY), Rep. Niki Tsongas (D, MA), and Rep. Steve Chabot (R, OH), have now co-sponsored the resolution.

Prom Saonora, honorary president of the Cambodian American Alliance (CAA), is going from state to state and using his online network to convince community members. However, he faces some challenges.

The problem with our Khmer people is that they seldom meet their representatives, Saonora told VOA Khmer. They didnt know that the congress has a big say on aid; thats why they have to contact the congress if they want things done. They wanted to have a say on the resolution HR 728, but didnt know how until CAA advised them.

The most important thing is that people in Cambodia are now under pressure from the government who bend the law at will like an elastic band, said Saonora. This is important. If we can change that, there will be peace and prosperity in Cambodia.

Congressman Lowenthal also urged the Cambodian community to join his campaign.

At a rally early this month where almost two hundred Cambodians converged on the Capitol, he told them of the importance of the resolution.

I need the support of you to ask my fellow members in congress to co-sponsor this resolution, he told the protesters. The more support we have, the stronger our case in the House of Representatives to pass this resolution and to demonstrate that the United States strongly supports human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Cambodia, which does not exist today.
Cambodian survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime appealed for clarity in their compensation claims and complained about a general lack of awareness of legal procedures at the Khmer Rouge tribunal.

Several survivors gathered on Friday at a restaurant in Phnom Penh, including Sem Hoeun, 53, who was forced by the regime to be a porter, carrying fertilizer made from the remains of the dead to feed the agrarian revolution.

She said she still lives with the pain and suffering of those days, and called on the countrys current leadership not to treat it people brutally and badly.

Hoeun added that she wanted compensation but was unsure of how to make a request.

An estimated 1.7 million Cambodians died during the rule of the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. So far only the former head of the notorious S-21 security center, Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, has been sentenced for crimes against humanity, while the regimes second-in-command Nuon Chea and its head of state, Khieu Samphan, are still on trial.

Kranh Tony, a representative of the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) who helps oversee reparations, without elaborating, said the court was continuing to seek redress for survivors through 17 projects.

Neth Pheaktra, an ECCC spokesman, said the court was seeking more funding for reparations projects, adding that if and when more funding came through it would be brought to the trial chamber, meaning when [it] sees that there is the possibility to implement [more reparations], the compensation will be provided.

Sos Tonh, 54, called for a system of collective compensation that could see money spent on community projects.

I dont know what I want because we hear the words compensation and compensation, but how could they offer us compensation. Now, with this gathering, I mean I want a religious hall or school for the next generation of Cambodian kids, he said.

He added that the Khmer Rouge beat and killed his father and three siblings in the 1970s.
Fierce fighting has erupted in eastern Afghanistan after militants linked to Islamic State staged coordinated overnight attacks on Afghan security forces outposts and civilian areas, officials said Friday.

The clashes in the district of Kot in Nangahar province continued into the morning, leaving at least 30 IS militants dead and several others wounded, provincial government spokesman Attahullah Khogyani told VOA.

He confirmed three civilians, including two women, were also killed while 12 more were wounded.

Residents in the area say Afghan forces have also suffered casualties but officials have not yet responded to these claims.

The IS attack in Kot is the first major operation the militant outfit has undertaken outside neighboring Achin district, which is believed to have turned into a main regional base for the Middle Eastern terrorist organization.

The Afghan province borders Pakistan and officials say many IS fighters are former members of the extremist Pakistani Taliban, which is waging a deadly insurgency against the neighboring country.

The Afghan air force, with the help of U.S. drones, has conducted frequent strikes against IS bases in the province and officials claim to have degraded the groups ability to expand influence to other parts of Afghanistan.

The militant group has also been challenged by Afghanistans Taliban insurgency and deadly clashes between the two have left dozens of fighters dead on both sides, though Taliban insurgents downplay its losses and the strength of IS in Afghanistan.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani agreed Friday to meet with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain in Tashkent.

The meeting was confirmed by the deputy spokesman to the president of Afghanistan, Shah Hussain Murtazawi.

The two presidents were to meet after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tashkent.



Previously, Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani met the adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

Based on a joint press release, both sides agreed to develop a high level mechanism for consultation and coordination on various important issues relating to bilateral relations and cooperation. The issues include security and movement of people and vehicles between the two countries. The proposed mechanism will be co-chaired by two officials and will include the participation of the countries' national security advisers. It will also have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of both countries.

The main purpose of the working group would be not only to address and resolve issues of concern to both sides but also to prevent the recurrence of violent incidents like those that occurred recently in Torkham.
Cambodia has deported 39 suspected criminals to mainland China, including 25 Taiwanese whom Beijing insists it has jurisdiction over despite protests from Taipei.

The chief of the Interior Ministry's Immigration Investigation Bureau, Gen. Ouk Haiseila, said the 25 Taiwanese and 14 Chinese were sent to China on Friday on a special plane dispatched by the Chinese government.

He said they were sent to China because they had committed crimes against Chinese citizens. They are accused of defrauding victims in China using phone calls made over the internet.

Rights activists and Taiwanese authorities say such deportations reflect the great influence China exercises over Cambodia through aid and investment.
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders told a packed town-hall meeting Thursday night in New York City that while elections come and go, political and social revolutions continue.

Sanders continues to campaign, speak out and rally thousands at appearances across the country, even after opponent Hillary Clinton has clinched the Democratic Party nomination.

The Vermont senator has yet to concede the race or officially endorse Clinton, but both have started putting together a platform.

Sanders promises to attend next month's convention in Philadelphia with what he says will be the most progressive platform in Democratic Party history.

In his speech, Sanders repeated the positions he has made the center of his campaign, including a living minimum wage, free college tuition, and reforming the election process, including ending what he calls the "absurd situation" of superdelegates  party leaders who usually pledge themselves to the so-called establishment candidates.

Sanders said the political revolution is not about him, but about people at what he calls the "grass-roots" level  such as school board members, mayors and state legislators.
Sub-Saharan Africa will feel the economic reverberations of Britains exit from the European Union, analysts say, although the nature and extent of the impact is hard to predict.

East Africa, a region with a strong British colonial legacy, will feel blow back from Brexit, according to Aly-Khan Satchu, a financial analyst and proprietor of Nairobi-based Rich Management.



Its very difficult to model because were now in a very disruptive, fast-moving, fluid environment, no one knows exactly whats going to happen, said Satchu. And I think that naturally is going to lead to a slowdown in business. And probably investments, so yes, I think East Africa is part of the collateral damage.

Britain is one of the largest foreign investors in Kenya. The British government says that bilateral trade with Kenya totals more than $1.7 billion.



For example, Safaricom, which is the biggest company here in Kenya, is 40 percent owned by Vodaphone. Our biggest brewery company, which is East African Breweries, has a majority shareholder, Diageo, which is U.K.-based," said Satchu. "We export a lot of fresh vegetables, if you ever take a walk around a supermarket in the United Kingdom, youll find a lot of Kenyan wares up for sale. So, a strong relationship thats been there, for eternity.

Currency exchange



The more immediate shock for Africa may come in the form of currency exchange. Both the euro and the British pound are sinking hard.



And the South African rand, a notoriously volatile currency, had dropped eight percent against the U.S. dollar as the market opened Friday in Johannesburg, its worst decline since 2008.



The governments of both Kenya and South Africa sought to reassure citizens and investors Friday. Officials in both countries issued statements that they can withstand any shocks.



A British exit from the European Union means that Britains trade deals and aid agreements will have to be renegotiated. That could affect billions of dollars worth of commerce and development assistance for Africa. Analysts say it is too early, however, to say whether the new arrangements would be better, worse or about the same.



South Africa is the top EU and UK trade partner on the continent.

Trade issues



Because the European Union is such a huge trading partner and donor throughout the continent, the upset brought on by Britains exit could have wider-reaching consequences, says Daniel Silke, director of the Cape Town-based Political Features Consultancy.



Having said that, the EU has always been an experiment, said Silke. It was an experiment for the UK to enter the EU, as it was for the EUs entire existence. And we are not quite sure, and I think most analysts could not be 100 percent sure on the effects of a leave vote.



Nigeria is the U.K.s second largest trade partner on the continent, after South Africa.



But its important to look at the volume. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, most British imports come from other European countries and China. Nigeria gets most of its imports from China and the U.S. Britain comprises just 4.3 percent, or about $2 billion, of its imports.



In Lagos, economist Chuba Ezekwesili doesnt think there will be a major impact on Nigerias economy, but said Brexit does introduce uncertainty over British trade and aid commitments.



Youve basically told people, you know what, were a much smaller market than when we were part of the EU, said Ezekwesili.

Minor West Africa impact



Analysts expect the impact on West Africa to be relatively minor in the beginning, though there could be issues later.

Charles Fe Doukoure, an economist and statistician based in Ivory Coast, says commercial trade in the region is primarily conducted with France.



In the medium term, there could be consequences because the European market will have difficulties, notably the French market, which in turn will impact West African economies, said Doukoure. West Africa, for the most part, is a privileged zone for the European Union. So exiting this zone might, perhaps, create some hurdles to the U.K. in terms of investment opportunities in the West African space.



British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced he's stepping down, which lends even more uncertainty to the future, notes Kenyan analyst Satchu.



Youve then got a situation where youre getting new leadership, or a situation where youve got to re-negotiate with all your European partners, said Satchu. And one worries from Africas point of view, whether Africa will be at the table at a time when they really need to be there because so much will be negotiated and agreed. But, you know, is Africa the priority? And I think thats going to be the challenge.



The results of Thursdays referendum do not mean Britain is instantly out of the European Union. It could take two years, or longer, to sort out the departure. And it could take even longer for the full impact to ripple out to Africa and the rest of the world.
What: "Brexit" is an abbreviated term that refers to Britain's possible withdrawal from the 28-nation European Union. It is an adaptation of "Grexit," a reference to a possible Greek exit from the eurozone.

When: On June 23, British voters voted to break away from the EU.

Referendum question: Voters were asked, "Should the UK remain a member of the EU or leave the EU?" The question was recommended by Britain's Electoral Commission and accepted by the government and parliament.

Why: To appease the Conservative Party and undermine EU opponents, Prime Minister David Cameron promised to hold a referendum on the issue if he was reelected in 2015. Conservatives, now in the majority, have been split on the question of EU membership for some 40 years. Grassroots Conservatives generally favor leaving the EU.

Significance: Proponents of a British exit believe it will free Britain from rules that are adverse to job creation and allow the country to choose its laws and trading partners. EU advocates contend Britain's membership in a bloc of like-minded countries would help sustain the country's global influence and military and economic security.

Eligible voters: Citizens over age 18 could cast ballots on the Brexit question. This includes citizens in Britain and the Commonwealth of Nations, an intergovernmental group of 53 member states.

How long will it take to leave the EU? Once Article 50 is triggered, which formally notifies the intention to withdraw, a two-year clock starts running. During that period, Britain will continue to abide by EU treaties and laws -but it will not take part in any decision making.

What will happen during that time? The UK would begin negotiating out the terms of its departure. The biggest issues include such things as what financial regulations would still apply to the City of London, trade tariffs and movement rights of EU citizens and UK nationals. The agreement would have to be ratified both by the European council and the EU parliament.

What is the likely impact of Brexit on the EU? Some believe Britain quitting its membership could encourage other nations to follow suit with referendums of their own.
"Hurrah for the British! Now its our turn. Time for a Dutch referendum!"

That was what Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders tweeted after hearing the results of Thursday's Brexit referendum on European Union membership.

Wilders was not the only right-wing politician calling for a referendum in the hope of seeing more countries leave the EU. Wouter van der Brug, a political science professor at the University of Amsterdam, said the success of other rightist parties partly depends on the EUs response to them.

The European Union "should be a bit more modest and accept the fact that many citizens now feel that European unifications have moved too far," he said. Officials in Brussels should "maybe push for more democratization of the EU and more options for democratic accountability and democratic representation in the EU, rather than pushing for further integration without public support.

Eurosceptic parties are popular, not only in France and the Netherlands, but also in Austria, Denmark and Italy. Most critics of the EU have made immigration the main pillar of their political campaigns.

Ozkan Golpinar, an adviser to the Dutch government on cultural affairs and a member of the Dutch Council for Culture, is of Turkish descent. He said he felt that the rhetoric of the right-wing politicians such as Wilders was pushing immigrants who have settled in the Netherlands to leave.

"People who have been living here for 30, 40 years are pushed back toward the countries where their parents come from, or their grandparents came from," Golpinar said. "Some people feel the need to make a choice. The thing that made the Dutch great was their openness, was their willingness to open up to other countries."

EU facilitates free movement

Gabriella Ader, a young Dutch-Italian media professional, said there are no work opportunities for her peers in Italy. She said she saw people blaming the European Union for the economic crisis, but she contended that Italy could not continue without its membership.

Forty percent of the young people are unemployed in Italy," she said. "Because you have the economic crisis, a lot of young people really want to get out of Italy and try to find work in the other countries of the European Union. And since theyre part of the European Union, its easier for them to travel, to find a job, to earn money.

Reaction in the Netherlands:



The Netherlands holds the presidency of the EU Council until July 1. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has indicated it is unlikely a similar vote on EU membership will be held in his country, where referendums are nonbinding.

Dutch voters rejected a referendum on the European Constitution in 2005.
For once, media hyperbole matches reality. Britains vote to leave the European Union has sent shockwaves around the world with the initial one hitting the financial markets. The British pound crashed to levels not seen since 1985 and billions of dollars are being wiped off the value of British and European companies.

With the markets plunging and a majority of Britons voting against the EU, Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would resign but remain as a caretaker until Britains ruling Conservative Party selected a replacement in the next three months.

Will Brexit trigger exodus?



Who will replace him isnt the most important question following the referendum, although it will likely trigger a civil war within the Conservative Party. Across Europe, politicians are asking whether the European Union can survive Brexit or whether the British vote set in motion dynamics that will see other member states leave too?

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier greeted the result with dismay. This is a sad day for Britain and for the EU, he said. But that view isn't shared by Europes far-right nationalists. Even before the Brexit vote populists in Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden were pushing for their own referendums. They are likely now to be emboldened.

France's far-right politician Marine Le Pen tweeted that the vote is a victory for liberty.

What doesnt kill you, makes you stronger, said European Council President Donald Tusk as he sought to put a brave face on the result. He added that the EUs remaining 27 members are determined to keep our unity. Europe is the framework for our common future. But he admitted there would have to be serious reflection on what the vote means for how the European Union functions.

Not only is the EUs future being questioned. To some, the British union's own survival is cast into doubt.

Scotland, Ireland



Despite British Leave campaigner Nigel Farage greeting the result as dawnbreaking on an independent United Kingdom, Scottish nationalists warned they are likely now to seek another referendum  one to break with the English. Scotland massively backed the Remain camp with 62 percent of the Scots voting to stay in the EU.

In Northern Ireland, the only part of Britain to share a land border with another EU country, the reaction from the Irish Republican party Sinn Fein was immediate and sharp. Party chairman Declan Kearney warned that the British government had forfeited any mandate to represent the interests of people here in the north of Ireland in circumstances where the north is dragged out of Europe as a result of a vote to leave.

His party colleague and Northern Irelands deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, called for a border poll on a united Ireland.

As politicians and markets took in the result, Peter Mandelson, a British Labour Party politician and chairman of the strategic advisory firm Global Counsel, said the next few years will be full of uncertainty and difficulty for Britain and Europe. It will take two years for the British government to negotiate with our erstwhile partners. It will take many more years for negotiations on Britains future relations with Europe, he said.

He argued the period of uncertainty should be shortened as much as possible, saying the British government, whoever leads it, should trigger the formal process for the divorce as soon as possible.

Formal divorce



Cameron, announcing his resignation early Friday, said he would leave it to his replacement to decide when to set in hand the formal negotiations for the divorce. Analysts said the prospects are that a new Conservative government will be much more anti-EU in tone and that in turn could lead to much more acrimonious talks. EU leaders and officials warned in the run-up to the referendum that Britain would have to pay a price for departure  if for no other reason than to deter any other members considering an exit.

For the British governmentand governments across Europethe more immediate concerns are being focused on the huge economic fallout from the referendum. Carl Weinberg of High Frequency Economics, an investment consultancy, warned clients Thursday that if sterling denominated assetslike gilts, corporate bonds and equities drop like a stone immediatelya dynamic could trigger serious losses at global financial institutions.

Market scrutiny



With financial turmoil now raging, EU countries will come under intense market scrutiny and some analysts have expressed concern that debt-ridden countries like Portugal, Spain, Greece and Italy will come under increased pressure.

Britains Financial Times newspaper warned Friday: Brexit will harm the EUs cohesion, confidence and international reputation, undermining the Wests liberal political and economic order.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair told broadcaster Sky News there will be very big consequences. He dubbed the vote result a tragedy, saying that Leave campaigners are trying to take the country back to a world that doesnt exist anymore. He cautioned: You can ride the anger of populism but it doesnt supply the answers to the problems and challenges thrown up by globalization.
Britain has made a historic decision to leave the European Union in a referendum that stoked passions on issues of immigration and sovereignty, and prompted the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron.

The British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction, Cameron told reporters outside 10 Downing Street Friday.

Cameron said that transition should happen in October.



WATCH: Cameron statement after Brexit vote

Analysts say voters stunning decision to quit the EU meant Cameron lost his mandate. The man who led the 'Leave' campaign, former London Mayor Boris Johnson  also of Camerons Conservative Party  is widely expected to replace Cameron as prime minister.

With all counties reporting results Friday morning, the "Leave" cause won 51.9 percent of the vote. The news prompted a negative reaction in Asian markets and the British pound tumbled to a three-decade low.

Turnout was high, at 72 percent  the highest in a national poll in more than two decades  despite torrential rainstorms on referendum day, reflecting the strong feelings that the debate evoked in a nation whose immigration rate has doubled in the past 16 years.



WATCH: Leave campaign leader Nigel Farage reacts to vote

The vote appeared to be driven by anti-establishment sentiments and the feeling the EU governing structure has taken too much control away from the common British citizen.

Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day, anti-EU campaigner Nigel Farage told supporters in Westminster early Friday. Farage heads Britains UK Independence Party, which favors implementing tough immigration restrictions. He said the election predictions would be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people.



WATCH: EU Council President David Tusk reacts to vote

New chapter of uncertainty



The decision to quit the EU opens a new chapter of uncertainty for Britain, which must now forge new trade relationships with continental Europe and begin the process of disentangling from the 28-member bloc, reversing a process that began more than four decades ago when Britain joined what was then the European Economic Community.

Revelers celebrated outside 10 Downing Street early Friday as passing cars honked in support of the decision.

Analysts say that disengagement may take two or more years to complete.

Voters appeared to have defied calls by government and business, which forecast dire economic consequences for Britain. The British treasury predicted that leaving the EU would cost the average family nearly $6,000 a year.

On Friday, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said the bank is prepared for the shock, and said it is making available nearly $345 billion in financial support.

Business leaders' warning



Business leaders warned that new immigration restrictions that could result from a Brexit would cause them to transfer thousands of British jobs to countries still in the EU.

In the end, British voters appeared to choose the risk of independence over what many "Leave" supporters view as overreach by an undemocratic EU governing apparatus that is only getting bigger and more intrusive.

The EU has just gone into every nook and cranny. It started off as a trade agreement. It moved towards a community. It now is a union and it wants its own currency and now wants its own defense forces. Well, its only a matter of time before it becomes a country, Lord David Owen, a former foreign secretary, told VOA.
Global stock markets dropped sharply, oil prices fell and the value of the British currency plunged to a three-decade low Friday after the unprecedented vote for Britain to leave the European Union. Worried investors sought safe havens for their money, buying up gold and certain government bonds.

Key U.S. stock indexes were down 3.3 percent or more in Friday's trading. European markets also fell, with London's key index off 3 percent and France's plunging 8 percent.

The Bloomberg financial news service estimated that Asian stocks lost $700 billion during Friday's trading. Japan's stock market fell so sharply that officials stopped trading for a brief time to calm things down.

The major credit rating agencies said Brexit would hurt Britain's economy. Moody's said the vote signaled a long period of "uncertainty" that would "weigh on Britain's economic and financial performance." S&P said Britain's credit rating might be downgraded. Fitch called the vote "credit negative."

Harvard law professor Hal Scott, who researches international systems, said the economic fundamentals had changed for Britain, but not enough to spark a recession unless there is an "irrational" panic. He predicted that the current market turmoil would go on for "a while."

The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, urged Britain and Europe to negotiate a new economic relationship in as "smooth a manner as possible." She said the IMF welcomed measures announced by the British and European central banks to ensure banks can continue to make loans.

Uncertainty worries lenders and investors, who tend to stop making loans during times of crisis, which can further slow the economy and worsen the problem. The Bank of England has set aside $342 billion to help provide "liquidity" to keep markets running.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said policymakers have the tools necessary to "support financial stability," which is important to economic growth. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said his agency was ready to support member countries.

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso told reporters Japan was closely watching the "extremely nervous" foreign currency markets, while South Koreas government pledged to "take all necessary measures" to soothe the foreign exchange market.

So far, the biggest victim from the vote appeared to be the pound, which dropped in value from $1.50 to around $1.34 at one point.

The lower value of the British currency will make imported goods more expensive there, which could boost inflation. But the cheaper currency also means British-made goods will be less expensive abroad, and thus easier to sell on global markets and boost British exports.
Brussels Demands Immediate Brexit Negotiations to Limit Fallout

After the global shock caused by Britains vote to leave the European Union, EU officials in Brussels are scrambling to contain the economic and political damage.



Some analysts have questioned the future of the EU itself now that it is set to lose one of its biggest political and economic powers. The leaders of the EUs institutions issued a robust joint response Friday, however, promising to stand strong and protect the well-being of Europes people.



In pointed remarks to the news media, EU Council President Donald Tusk said the remaining 27 nations must come together.



Today, on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27. For all of us, the union is the framework for our common future, said Tusk.



His counterpart at the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, demanded an immediate start to negotiations on Britains withdrawal.

Protecting the eurozone

The member states who remain in the EU must discuss how to improve the EU and how to protect, especially the eurozone countries, how to protect the eurozone in the next coming months, said Schulz.



The European Central Bank and the Bank of England have said they will do everything in their power to restore stability. Economist Gregory Claeys of the Bruegel Institute doesnt expect the market volatility to be long-term.



"Together in fact they should be able to take care of the situation. The situation is not as bad as for example the one we had in 2008 and 2009, because the financial sector is in a much better situation," said Claeys.



It is the longer term political damage to the European Union that some fear could prove fatal. Anti-EU parties in the Netherlands and Italy already have demanded their own referendums.



For now, the British flag flies alongside those of its EU allies, but after 43 years, the countdown has begun to Britains exit  a seismic shift in the geopolitical order of Europe.
China continues to harvest organs from prisoners on a massive scale, according to a new report that finds prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong practitioners, remain the primary target.

In 2006, Canadian human rights lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Asia-Pacific Secretary of State David Kilgour began an investigation into accusations of the Chinese government's role in harvesting the organs of Falun Gong practitioners.

Their published findings, "Bloody Harvest: Revised Report into Allegations of Organ Harvesting of Falun Gong Practitioners in China," attracted international attention.

On Wednesday, they published an even more comprehensive report that finds the scale of organ harvesting has significantly increased. According to these latest findings, the number of China's annual organ transplant surgeries far surpasses Beijing's official estimate of 10,000.

"We look at individual hospitals that do transplants through their websites, their publications, their newsletters, their back calendars and patient volume and so on, and at a variety of indicators going hospital by hospital," Matas told VOA. "There are around 900 hospitals that do transplants. We don't give a specific figure but we can say it is much larger than the 10,000 a year  at minimum 60,000 a year and probably more than that."

China's former Health Minister Huang Jiefu once stated that, prior to 2014, executed prisoners were the main source of harvested organs. However, China puts to death only a few thousand prisoners annually, leaving a large supply of harvested organs unsourced. Matas and Kilgour concluded that Falun Gong prisoners of conscience were the primary source of the organ supply.

Documentary film corroboration

In 2015, Canadian documentary filmmaker Leon Lee won a Peabody Award for Human Harvest, which follows Matas and Kilgour as they interview patients and their family members who went to China to have organ transplant surgery.

"In Canada and America, the waiting time to receive kidneys or livers can be two or three years; most of the patients we interviewed waited two weeks at most  it was less than a month before they went to have the surgery," Lee told VOA.

Lee said investigators posing as transplant patients recorded calls to more than 100 hospitals inquiring about problems relating to organ transplant procedures. They discovered that, when asked about the source of the organs, approximately 15 percent of doctors admitted the organs were mainly from Falun Gong practitioners.

"Among the top-rated hospitals we investigated, we discovered that hospitals with an organ-transplant department had a huge growth trend in the number of organ transplants after the year 2000," he said. "We believe that this organized governmental action is widespread throughout the whole country, not private affairs conducted by an individual doctor and a public security organ."

Testimonies in exile

Before Crystal Chen came to the United States, she was twice detained by Chinese authorities who placed her in a women's forced labor camp in Guangzhou.

Speaking with VOA from New York, she recalls "special health benefits" Falun Gong practitioners received at the camp.

"I remembered they performed blood tests on us Falun Gong practitioners, not just once, but regularly, and it was to prepare for a possible match," she said.

Fellow Falun Gong practitioner Ma Chunmei also completed multiple sentences in a women's forced labor camp in Jilin province before arriving on U.S. soil in 2004. One day in 2002, she was forcibly taken for bone marrow testing at a hospital, despite her otherwise perfect health.

"I knew they wanted to harm me," Ma recalled. "They performed three blood tests but gave me no results. After I was released from the camp, one of practitioners, who happened to be a doctor, told me they were doing a bone marrow test to see if my kidney was a match."

In 2002, Meng Lan was sentenced to forced labor for attending a Falun Gong event in Beijing. Her detention featured not only multiple episodes of torture by camp officials, but twice weekly blood tests.

According to Zhang Erping, a spokesman for the New York-based Falun Dafa Information Center, Chinese officials have a specific reason for targeting Falun Gong practitioners.

"When Western reporters posing as transplant patients inquired about the origins of the organs, some hospitals directly told them the organs came from Falun Gong practitioners because they exercise and are healthy so the organs are guaranteed to have no problems," he told VOA.

International condemnation

In December 2013, the European Parliament passed a motion urging the Chinese Communist Party officials to stop forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience.

Enver Tohti, a Uighur from Xinjiang province and former surgeon, testified before the European Parliament, saying that before he left China for England in 1998, he himself conducted a live organ harvesting surgery.

One day in 1995, Tohti recalled, he was sent to an execution ground in Urumqi to harvest the kidneys and liver of a prisoner who had been shot to death. Upon cutting into the body, he found that the blood continued to circulate, indicating the prisoner was not completely dead.

"From my experience, this occurrence of this type of event is entirely possible," he said. "Before China's health care reform, when doctors lost their jobs, it was very hard for them to find another one, especially at hospitals like the railway hospital I worked at, because it is like a paramilitary unit. When the boss told you to do something, you must obey the orders."

On June 13, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution urging China to stop harvesting the organs of prisoners of conscience.

However, Chinese embassy spokesperson Zhu Haiquan responded that the allegations of organ harvesting were fabricated.

The Chinese government emphasized that from 2015 onward it had completely stopped using death row prisoners to source organ transfers, and has now adopted a voluntary organ donation system.
Just hours after his last public performance in Beirut Wednesday night, a Syrian refugee dancer jumped from his seventh-floor balcony in an act of despair that experts say is increasingly prevalent among refugees living in Lebanon.

In a June 13th Facebook post interpreted as a suicide note, Hassan Rabeh, 25, asked forgiveness from family and loved ones. He also cited despair over the Syrian regime of Bashar Al-Assad and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory

Rabeh, 25, was a member of the Sima Dance Company, founded in Damascus in 2003. Comprised of dancers and graduates of the Syrian Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts, Sima gained regional fame in 2013 after winning the Arabs Got Talent television contest. Rabeh, who wore his hair long, can be seen in the YouTube video below:

About 1.2 million Syrians are registered as refugees in Lebanon, says the UN Refugee Agency. That means refugees constitute one in four people of Lebanons total population, competing for jobs, schooling and other resources. As many as a million more may be awaiting registration, which the UN temporarily suspended in May on orders of the government in Beirut.

Worsening conditions

Five years into the Syrian war, these refugees face a multitude of challenges. A 2015 assessment by the UN Refugee Agency, World Food Program and UNICEF found that 16% of the Syrian refugees sampled were living in unacceptable and dangerous conditions. Eight in ten households said they struggled to buy food. Joblessness and mounting debt increased their reliance on assistance, putting stress on Lebanons economy.

The situation is not getting better, UNHCRs Lebanon representative Mireilla Girard said June 20 in comments marking World Refugee Day. Humanitarian assistance can cover a certain number of needs for the most vulnerable, but we cannot pay the rent for everyone, the electricity cost for everyone, the water cost for everyone.

Syrian refugees face an increasing risk of exploitation into the sex trade, early marriages and forced labor, according to a recent Freedom Fund report.

They also face resentment and discrimination over Syrias aggressive role in Lebanons 15-year civil war. And because of tough residency requirements, they live in constant fear of deportation.

Living the 'humiliation'

A 2014 UN Population Fund study found that 41% of Syrians have considered suicide as an option to the hardships they face as refugees in Lebanon.

Those who knew him say that in spite of his success as a dancer and teacher in Beirut, Rabeh was severely troubled.

I didnt know much about Hassan, London-based journalist Mohamad-Ali Nayel blogged Thursday. I knew he fled Damascus a few years back and I could tell that Beirut was chewing through his sanity. Each time we spoke he struck me as always upset, uttering things that made no sense to me, but did to him. I felt that he was always trying to convey what he felt in words that couldnt quite translate the immensity of his sadness and the injustice he felt.

He couldnt stand living the humiliation of Beirut, he added.
Even though the government and FARC rebels signed a cease-fire accord Thurdsay, thousands of Colombians will be forced to flee their homes each year because of violence by other armed groups, the U.N. refugee agency said.

Colombia's government and rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia signed the agreement to end hostilities, bringing them close to ending Latin America's longest-running insurgency. The half century of war has killed more than 200,000 people.

But powerful organized crime involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining and extortion will keep displacing Colombians, said Martin Gottwald, acting head of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees office in Colombia.

"We have to be cautious, as this is only the beginning of the peace process and not the end," Gottwald said.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Rodrigo Londono signed the accord in Havana, where talks began in late 2012. The pact lays out how some 7,000 rebels will demobilize and lay down their weapons over the coming months. A final agreement is expected to be signed in Colombia in July.

Santos and the FARC agreed the final accord would be put to the Colombian people to approve.

Almost 7 million

The decades of fighting among government troops, leftist guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary groups have uprooted 6.9 million Colombians, a figure ranking Colombia first in the world, followed by Syria and Iraq, according to the UNHCR.

Nearly four years of peace talks and a unilateral cease-fire declared by the FARC last summer have led to a decline in the number of Colombians displaced. But government figures show 113,700 people were freshly displaced last year, many forced from their homes by organized crime groups.

"It is likely that displacement figures for 2016 will be close to those of 2015, due to ongoing violence in various parts of the country, particularly in border areas and at the Pacific Coast," Gottwald said.

Ending forced displacement hinges on making sure organized criminal gangs, known as BACRIM, do not take over territory once controlled by the rebels, Gottwald said.

More are fleeing gangs

Colombia's presidential adviser for human rights, Paula Gaviria, has said violence by BACRIM causes more people to flee their homes than that by FARC rebels.

In March and April alone, the UNHCR reported that more than 6,000 Colombians fled to escape clashes between armed groups fighting over territory in the western province of Choco, an area rich in gold and silver.

Afro-Colombian and indigenous groups are particularly at risk, because their ancestral lands are often located in resource-rich areas, Gottwald said.

Experts say there is no shortage of criminal groups, with more than 3,000 members, who could fill the vacuum of power.

The rise of new criminal gangs, including Colombia's powerful Urabenos, stems partly from a failure of the demobilization of paramilitary groups.

A 2003 peace accord led to more than 35,000 paramilitary fighters handing in their weapons, but many remained armed and formed new criminal groups.
Appalled at the incidence of sexual harassment and abuse in Indias cities, ElsaMarie DSilva co-founded the Red Dot Foundation, whose crowdsourcing platform collects anecdotes and data, then maps dangerous and safe public spaces.

Inspired by a cousins medical work in Myanmar, Michael Lwin left his job as a U.S. corporate attorney to join his relative in setting up Koe Koe Tech, a social enterprise providing mobile health information to improve maternal and child health in the Asian countrys rural areas.

DSilva and Lwin are among more than 700 innovators and investors gathered for the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford University in Californias tech-centric Silicon Valley. President Barack Obama addressed them Friday as summit-goers wrapped up three days of talks, workshops, mentoring, networking and pitch competitions designed to woo investors.

WATCH: ElsaMarie D'Silva on mapping

I believe all of you represent all the upside of an interconnected world, all the optimism and the hope, the president said, after acknowledging the economic upheaval contributing to Britons vote Thursday to leave the European Union. The White House had opposed Brexit.

Entrepreneurship, the president said, empowers people to come together and tackle our most pressing problems.

Local issues, global relevance

Many of the entrepreneurs, coming from 170 countries, set out to address local challenges but found their solutions could have broader relevance.

The Red Dot Foundations sexual harassment mapping app, launched in December 2012, has become the largest crowd-sourced map in India, Kenya, Cameroon and Nepal, DSilva notes in her bio as an Aspen Institute New Voices fellow. The app, called Safecity, has a catchy slogan: Pin the creeps.

We thought it was going to be only an online platform where people would come together and report anonymously their personal experiences of sexual violence in public spaces, DSilva, the foundations co-founder and managing director, told VOA.

Instead, the Safecity app serves as a tool to further engage communities and enhance public safety. The foundation leads public education campaigns about sexual violence and related legislation. It encourages reticent victims to tell their stories. And it collaborates with community groups, other NGOs and local police to find relevant neighborhood solutions using evidence-based data, DSilva said.

 Weve seen a lot of good work where police have changed their beat patrol timings or increased patrolling, she added. Municipal authorities have fixed infrastructure like street lighting.

WATCH: Michael Lwin on his health care app

Koe Koe Tech targets Myanmar

Lwins Koe Koe Tech also has expansion plans  for Myanmar. The Rangoon-based company, which Lwin started with his cousin Yarzar in May 2013, has grown to 25 employees. Earlier this month, it was awarded $150,000 from the U.S. Agency for International Development. The money will support testing the health impact of its app, called maymay, and scaling up its use throughout Myanmar.

More than two-thirds of the countrys residents live in rural areas with limited health care access and only a third of pregnant women deliver their babies at health facilities, Lwin said. That puts them at great risk for complications, right?

But widely available smartphones and the maymay app put some health care within reach, Lwin said. He estimated it makes 1,500 physicians available for phone consultation or video chats. Soon, itll be 10,000 doctors available.

The entrepreneurs own Myanmar-born parents immigrated to the United States to study medicine before he was born. So I had the benefit of this geographic lottery, Lwin said. He was motivated to set up business in their homeland as part of trying to understand where my parents came from.

WATCH: Ozoigbo on building team around yourself

Building business acumen

Nigerian-born Stephen Ozoigbo said he also feels an obligation to aid his native country and continent. A longtime Californian, he said he uses his Silicon Valley-based African Technology Foundation to build fellow Africans business acumen and risk appetite and to help emerging entrepreneurs find resources.

African entrepreneurs are challenged by knowledge gaps  that we see cut across the entire cycle, said Ozoigbo, who holds advanced degrees in information technology and business and describes himself as a serial entrepreneur.

Like DSilva and Lwin, Ozoigbo sees mobile phone technology as a key empowerment tool, especially for women entrepreneurs.

Women can go to school on the phone and use it to conduct business and seamless transactions, taking more control of their own financial lives and economics, he said.

Regardless of their sex, African entrepreneurs also must overcome risk aversion, he added.

The fear of failure in Africa is a cultural fear, so we also need to work on our risk appetite in looking at certain markets, certain environments, where we can actually make change happen  and understanding local problems and solutions, he said.

Connecting the continents to the West, particularly Silicon Valley, is our main path for trying to bridge some of these gaps.

U.S. benefits

Whether addressing community problems or building connections for companies and countries, the summit's entrepreneurs stand to gain much more than investors.

Their home countries will profit, too.

U.S. officials said that the more they invest in entrepreneurship abroad, the more those communities become markets for American-made goods.

VOAs Esha Sarai contributed to this report.
The British people on Friday voted by a narrow margin to break away from the European Union, a move that some European leaders are labeling a grave mistake.

The president of the European Council, Donald Tusk said Britain made a mistake in leaving the EU, which is the worlds largest single market. Thatll have consequences, he said. And I dont believe other countries will be encouraged to follow that dangerous path.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he knows Britain "will remain a strong and committed NATO ally, and will continue to play its leading role" in the alliance, which he said in a statement "remains committed to closer cooperation with the European Union."

In a message posted on his official Twitter account, German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel described the vote as a bad day for Europe.

Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault similarly took to Twitter to air his displeasure with the vote, saying he was sad for the United Kingdom.

Europe will continue but it must react and rediscover the confidence of its peoples. Its urgent, Ayrault said.

More than 70 percent of registered voters participated in the referendum, which passed by a margin of nearly four percent. The referendum was seen by many Leave supporters as reflecting British sentiment on immigration, sovereignty, security and Britains economic future.

"We have fought against the multinationals, we have fought against the big merchant banks, we've fought against big politics, we've fought against lies, corruption and deceit. And today, honesty, decency and belief in nation, I think now, is going to win," Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party, told a group of supporters following the vote.

Several European leaders saw the successful British EU exit as an opportunity to push for similar referendums in their countries, including Frances far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who hailed the Brexit decision as a victory for freedom.

As I have been asking for years we must now have the same referendum in France and EU countries, the National Front leader said on Twitter.

Dutch Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders called for the Netherlands to hold a referendum on its EU membership shortly after news broke of the results. Wilders, who is currently leading in opinion polls, said if he is elected prime minister in the countrys March general election, he will call for a referendum.

We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy, he said in a statement. If I become prime minister, there will be a referendum in the Netherlands on leaving the European Union as well. Let the Dutch people decide.

A survey conducted this week in the Netherlands by the Een Vandaag television channel showed the 54 percent of Dutch people are in favor of a referendum.

In an effort to stem the tide of other European countries that may want cut ties with the union, EU Parliament President Martin Schulz said he will speak with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on how we can avoid a chain reaction of other countries choosing to leave.

"The chain reaction that is being celebrated everywhere now by euroskeptics won't happen," he said.

He went on to say that Britain made a mistake in leaving the EU, the worlds largest single market. Thatll have consequences, he said. And I dont believe other countries will be encouraged to follow that dangerous path.
The British people on Thursday voted by a narrow margin to break away from the European Union, a move that some European leaders labeled a grave mistake.

"We take note of the British people's decision with regret," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday. "There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process."

Merkel added that she would host talks with the leaders of France and Italy and European Council President Donald Tusk in Berlin on Monday.

Also next week, Tusk will host the first EU summit without Britain to discuss the British decision to leave the union. David Cameron, who announced Friday morning that he would step down as British prime minister later this year, will attend only the first day of the two-day summit, which starts Tuesday.

Earlier Friday, Tusk said Britain had made a mistake in leaving the EU, the worlds largest single market. Thatll have consequences, he said. And I dont believe other countries will be encouraged to follow that dangerous path.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he knew Britain "will remain a strong and committed NATO ally, and will continue to play its leading role" in the alliance, which he said in a statement "remains committed to closer cooperation with the European Union."

'Bad day' for Europe

In a message posted on his official Twitter account, German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel described the vote as a bad day for Europe.

French President Francois Hollande said he deeply regretted the decision for Britain "and for Europe, but the choice is theirs and we must respect it."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault took to Twitter to air his displeasure with the vote, saying he was sad for the United Kingdom.

Europe will continue but it must react and rediscover the confidence of its peoples. Its urgent, Ayrault said.

A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he expected that the EU would continue to be "a solid partner" for the United Nations, and that the United Kingdom would "continue to exercise its leadership in many areas."

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde called on British and European authorities to work "collaboratively" to ensure a "smooth transition" to a new economic relationship, and to clarify the procedures that will guide the process.

High voter turnout

More than 70 percent of registered voters participated in the referendum, in which the campaign for Britain to leave the union was approved by a margin of nearly 4 percentage points. The referendum was seen by many Leave supporters as reflecting British sentiment on immigration, sovereignty, security and national economic future.

Several European leaders saw the successful British EU exit as an opportunity to push for similar referendums in their countries, including Frances far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who hailed the Brexit decision as a victory for freedom.

As I have been asking for years, we must now have the same referendum in France and EU countries, the National Front leader said on Twitter.

Netherlands wants referendum

Dutch Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders called for the Netherlands to hold a referendum on its EU membership shortly after news broke of the results. Wilders, who is currently leading in opinion polls, said that if elected prime minister in the countrys March general election, he would call for a referendum.

We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders and our own immigration policy, he said in a statement. If I become prime minister, there will be a referendum in the Netherlands on leaving the European Union as well. Let the Dutch people decide.

A survey conducted this week in the Netherlands by the Een Vandaag television channel showed the 54 percent of Dutch people in favor of a referendum.

Following the vote in Britain, leaders in and around Europe sought to soothe the fears of their own people after initial indications showed economic markets around the world tanking. Euro stocks and markets in Britain, France and Germany dropped by 7 to 10 percent shortly after opening, while U.S. stocks were down sharply at midday.

Acting Prime Minister of Spain Mariano Rajoy sent a message of "serenity and tranquility" to the Spanish people, and encouraged them not to promote uncertainty in the face of Britain's exit.

Putin welcomes pro-Brexit vote

Following a meeting Friday of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters that he thought British voters chose to leave the EU because no one wants to feed and subsidize weaker economies, support other countries, entire peoples." He also said British voters were unhappy about a deterioration of the security situation against the backdrop of powerful migration processes.

The Russian president also responded to comments made last week by Cameron, who said Putin would welcome a pro-Brexit vote, and then added he suspected that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi would also welcome it.

"The statement by the British prime minister, Mr. Cameron, before the plebiscite, the referendum, in which he voiced the Russian position, has no basis in fact, Putin told reporters in Tashkent, adding that he thought the statement was "an improper attempt to influence public opinion."

Putin said, "No one has the right to assert something about Russias position," adding, "This is nothing other than a manifestation of a low level of political culture.
President Barack Obamas years-long push for immigration reform effectively ended Thursday when a Supreme Court deadlock cast into question the future of millions of undocumented immigrants and dashed the administrations hope to make immigration reform a key part of his legacy.

I have pushed to the limits of my executive authority, Obama said. We now have to have Congress act.

The president suffered a disappointing setback when the Supreme Court split 4-4 on his plan to shield an estimated 4 million undocumented immigrants from deportation. The deadlock keeps in place a lower-court ruling that stalled his immigration plan. The president called it a heartbreaking development for those affected.

Question of authority

In the lower-court case, Texas and 25 other states claimed that Obama did not have the authority to shield the undocumented immigrants and that the president had illegally circumvented Congress by issuing the executive order.

The development laid bare how deeply divided America remains, particularly on the question of immigration, and how those fissures exist in all three branches of government.

As a U.S. senator campaigning for president, Obama vowed to overhaul the countrys broken immigration system. Now, with just a few months left in his presidency, Obama and the Republican-led Congress still remain at bitter odds on the issue.

The Senate passed a bipartisan proposal, but the House of Representatives refused to act on it.

'A real blow'

This is a real blow to him because his movement on immigration was a core part of his legacy, said Norman Ornstein, political scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. There was deep frustration that even after the Senate moved in a strongly bipartisan way, the House simply refused to take it up.

Obama argued Thursday that inaction in Congress had forced him to act.

I was left with little choice but to take steps within my existing authority to make our immigration system smarter, fairer and more just, he said.

But his critics have claimed that Obama has repeatedly overreached as president.

Todays decision keeps in place what we have maintained from the very start: One person, even a president, cannot unilaterally change the law, said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. This is a major setback to President Obamas attempts to expand executive power, and a victory for those who believe in the separation of powers and the rule of law.

Low expectations

Although there is bipartisan agreement on some issues, like criminal justice reform, analysts say Congress and the White House will most likely accomplish very little more before he leaves office in January.

We know there isnt much left with this Congress, Ornstein said.

Congress has refused to consider Obamas pick to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court, leaving the high court without the ninth justice who would have cast the tie-breaking vote in the immigration case.

Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland in March to replace Justice Antonin Scalia, who died suddenly in February.

Republicans in the Senate have rejected calls to hold confirmation hearings for Garland, saying the vacant court seat should be filled by the next president following November elections.

Obama pointed out the court did not issue a decision on the merits of his plan and simply could not break the tie because it was missing a ninth judge. Still, the president added that he had done as much as he legally could do to reform the immigration system.
Seven Indonesian sailors have been abducted at sea in the southern Philippines, the government in Jakarta said Friday, the latest in a recent string of abductions in the waters between the two countries.

Indonesian officials said 13 sailors were on a tugboat that had been carrying a coal barge in the Sulu Sea on Monday when it was hijacked by armed groups.

Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi said the government will do "everything possible to free these hostages." He added, "the safety of these seven Indonesian citizens is our priority."

Officials in Jakarta said they could not confirm whether a ransom demand had been made, or whether the captors were members of the southern Philippine-based militant group Abu Sayyaf.

Abu Sayyaf began as an insurgent group calling for a separate Muslim state, receiving seed money from al-Qaida in the 1990s.

The group has since resorted to kidnapping foreign tourists and holding them for ransom as authorities intensified operations against terror groups following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the United States.

Abu Sayyaf released 10 Indonesian sailors last month who had been held captive since March.

The group beheaded Canadian national John Ridsel last month after a $6.5 million ransom for him was not received.
In the midst of a presidential campaign season where sustained economic recovery, job creation and trade have returned to the fore, Deputy Secretary of Labor Christopher Lu talked with VOA's Adrianna Zhang about the Trans-Pacific Partnership and outlook on job creation efforts. Lu said more needs to be done despite recent gains.

VOA: Job creation has been a central talking point throughout the 2016 presidential campaign. Can you talk a bit about what your department has been doing to create more jobs?

CL: I think it's important to look at the economic recovery as a whole. When the president came into office in January 2009, we were in the middle of the greatest recession in our lifetime. Since that period of time, because of the actions that the president took, we've now had 75 consecutive months of job growth. We've created 14.5 million jobs. So we are proud of our economic record, but there's probably more that needs to be done. And the Department of Labor plays a central role in helping to train people for jobs and helping them get those jobs.

VOA: But some recent jobs data was disappointing. In May, we only added 38,000 jobs, which is a sharp slowdown. Is this a worrying sign?

CL: We never read too much into one month of jobs numbers, whether the numbers are very good or the numbers are disappointing, as they were last month.

I think there are a couple of pieces of data to put into context. I think the 38,000 jobs we created last month also need to be seen in the light of the fact that we were in the middle of a major strike going on at that period of time involving Verizon and the Communications Workers of America.

It's estimated that [that strike] cut job growth by about 35,000 jobs, so when you add that back in, we are about 80,000 jobs created, and that's basically the number of jobs we needed to keep pace with increasing population.

I think we also look more broadly at some of the other economic indicators, whether it's retail spending, whether it's initial unemployment insurance claims, and that paints, frankly, a more positive picture about where the economy is.

But again, we don't read too much into one month's numbers whether they are good or bad. But obviously we have much more to do to keep this recovery going. And the president has talked about the importance of more infrastructure spending, about the passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and about doing more to train Americans for jobs in the 21st century.

VOA: What can we expect for the next month or the month after?

CL: I don't make predictions about where the unemployment or the employment numbers are. All I know is that it's important for us to take sensible policies to keep this recovery going, and the president has put out a list of items that can keep this economy going. Unfortunately, Congress has not backed him up on those proposals.

VOA: What can be done to improve things?

CL: There are a couple of important things. We know, for instance, one way to create good paying jobs is to put more money in infrastructure spending. That's roads and bridges. Those are good paying jobs in the construction industry. It also spurs more jobs in the manufacturing sector.

Traditionally, in this country, roads and bridges have been a bipartisan issue; we did get an infrastructure bill passed last year, but we need to put much more money into it. It's not only good for creating jobs, but, frankly, commerce is improved in this country when we have roads that don't have potholes in them, when we have bridges that are sustainable, when we have mass transit and airports that run. We have under-invested in infrastructure for a long period of time.

Another tangible way that we keep this recovery going is by investing in training and improving the skills of American workers. When the secretary and I travel around the country, I'm always talking to employers who tell me that they're ready to hire people, but they can't find the skilled workers that they need. And I talk to job seekers who tell me that [they] want that job, but [that they] don't have the skills necessary. It's one of the opportunities  challenges, frankly  we have at the Department of Labor.

We often say that we are a little bit like Match.com. We help to connect employers to job seekers, and one of the ways we do that is by improving the skills of the job seekers.

VOA: Are new jobs as good as the ones people lost?

CL: It's hard to say on an individual basis what jobs people have gained, what jobs people have lost. What we know is that during the economic recoveries we have had for the last six years, the initial jobs that we created tended to be more lower-wage jobs.

As the recovery has gone on, we've had more middle-waged jobs. But overall, we need to do more not only creating jobs, but gaining paying jobs that allow people to raise families, send their kids to college, save for retirement. And it's one of the reasons why we are putting so much emphasis here on improving the skills of the workers, because it's not enough just to help workers get minimum wage jobs. We want to help them rise into the middle class. That's going to require them to have the skills they need for good-paying jobs, whether it's in health care, IT, education or advanced manufacturing. These are good-paying jobs that help Americans live middle-class lives.

VOA: But isn't it more probable that laid-off steelworkers are getting jobs as burger-flippers?

CL: ... What is clear is that over the last 20 or 30 years, manufacturing in this country has gone down. A lot of the traditional industries in this country have decreased because of foreign competition.

But we've also in this country had a remarkable transition to a service economy and really wonderful high paying jobs in IT, for instance. That is an industry that didn't exist 20 or 30 years ago. But what's key is to ensure that that you know steelworkers that have been laid off get the job training they need so that they can compete for those good-paying jobs. That's one of the things that we at the Department of Labor focus on.

VOA: Trade deals such as TPP are often touted as job-creating deals. How will TPP help the United States and the other countries with job creation?

CL: The United States is a country that relies on exports. Right now there are 18,000 taxes put on other countries  TPP countries  on the products that we want to sell overseas. So what TPP does is reduce or eliminate these tariffs, and that will make it easier for U.S. companies to sell their goods overseas. It is estimated by the year 2030 there will be over 3 billion middle-class consumers  or [people] interested in buying U.S. products  in Asia. That's good for U.S. companies. Thats certainly good for U.S. workers as well.

VOA: But does TPP have a prayer of getting passed? Presidential candidates in both parties are trashing it as a job killer, and many voters appear to be buying it.

CL: We're obviously in the middle of the presidential election season and, you know, a lot of things get said during campaigns. What I'm confident [about] is that trade has traditionally been a bipartisan issue. The president strongly supports it. The leaders in the House and Senate on the Republican side support it as well. And we are optimistic that that TPP can get done before the end of the year.

VOA: When presidential hopefuls like Donald Trump and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) say large-scale free trade deals kill jobs, why do you think so many voters believe them?

CL: Well, I'm not here to talk about the presidential election. But what I can tell you is the fact [that] TPP is a great opportunity for U.S. companies that sell products overseas, and that jobs that rely on selling, on exports, traditionally pay higher than those that don't involve exports. You know, some of the fastest-growing states in the United States, Washington State being a great example, are major overseas exporters.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to sell everything from cars to agriculture and consumer products to three billion consumers in Asia, and we ought to take advantage of that.

VOA: Do free trade agreements get too much blame for lost manufacturing jobs? You know we blame countries like China and Vietnam for stealing our jobs with cheap labor. But China actually is also losing jobs in industries like manufacturing.

CL: I am acutely aware of the economic distress that is happening in many parts of this country. And you know, there are instances where you can point to trade deals in the past that have led to jobs going overseas.

More broadly, there's been a globalization where, you know, obviously companies go to the places where there's the cheaper labor, where there's access to the raw materials that they need.

What I'm encouraged by are a number of U.S. companies that are bringing jobs back from other countries because they realize that the U.S. worker is the best worker in the entire world, that there is access to raw materials you need here, that there is the transportation of goods that is easier when you're selling to U.S. consumers, that making the product here is often more cost-efficient. So I'm encouraged by the number of companies that are bringing their products back from overseas.

VOA: Do you think we are actually losing jobs to automation and high-tech innovation?

CL: If you look at over the last 100 years, people have always had concerns, rightfully so, about what automation will do to the American worker, whether it was the auto assembly plants of Henry Ford in the early 1900s, whether its the advent of the computer in the 1960's or 70's, whether was the rise of the Internet over the last 10 or 20 years. Every time there has been a new technology, people have feared that this will be the end of workers. That's never been the case. But what it does speak to is that you need a different set of skills to compete in the 21st century economy. And those skills need to be refreshed throughout somebodys lifetime.

There was a period of time where you could graduate from high school or college, and whatever skills you had at that period of time was what you would need to remain competitive in the workforce for the rest of your life. Thats just not the way it is now. You know, I think about myself.

I graduated from college and law school when there was no Internet. So, I don't know what the job market of 20 or 30 years from now will be, but I realize that in order to be competitive, we always need to be in this mind frame of lifelong learning and always be training for the jobs of tomorrow. That's one of the highest priorities we have here at the Department of Labor.

VOA: How can the Department of Labor help encourage innovation, in terms of preparing laid-off workers to acquire skills that accommodate future jobs?

CL: One of the best secrets of our workforce system right now is community colleges. Community colleges have the ability to be very flexible to cater their training programs to ensure that whatever the job  whether in healthcare, IT, manufacturing  if there's a skill that an employer needs and it's a skill that job seeker lacks, the community colleges can help provide that training.

One of the other amazing things right now that we have is the Internet. You can take an online course to help you become a coder that can get you a great-paying job. And so, what we need to do is understand that the way that you train workers is not the traditional - you know, to go take a course  there are other alternative ways of doing it. The apprenticeships are a wonderful example.

In Germany and Switzerland they have a centuries-old system of apprenticeships. When you go and you work on the job, you get an education, but you spend time with that actual employer learning how to do the job while you're working. We're trying to import that to the United States right now. The president has called for doubling the number of apprenticeships. We last year put $150 million into apprenticeships; this year we're putting $99 million into apprenticeships. And this is not just apprenticeships to be electricians and plumbers and pipefitters, which are wonderful jobs, but we have a very robust system of apprenticeships in areas like IT, like advanced manufacturing, health care, cyber, white-collar professions. We're trying to tailor the training systems to the needs of the job seekers and the needs of the employers.

VOA: And yet Republicans would say that we should get rid of such programs that require taxpayer funding.

CL: We don't do tax policy here. But I will tell you about regulations; that the regulations that we have down here at the Department of Labor have been thoughtful. They've been the result of extensive public comment. And theyve been aimed at how we can best protect workers and ensure that we are updating some of the important regulatory oversights of the past decades.
An international migration watcher says 19 Ethiopian migrants suffocated to death earlier this month along Zambia's border with Congo inside a container truck, where survivors inside banged on the sides until border officials opened it.



The International Organization for Migration reports the deaths occurred as the victims were being transported by a suspected trafficking syndicate in Chembe district in Luapula Province of Zambia. It says they were crammed into the truck, which was carrying bags of beans and groundnuts.

Spokesman Joel Millman says data on migrant deaths in this region is unreliable. He says the media rarely reports on this lethal illegal smugglers trade, so it is hard to know how many migrants lose their lives while transiting through Zambia to South Africa.

Millman told VOA this particular incident was widely reported in the Zambian media. This, because pedestrians heard pounding from inside the containerized truck while stopped at a checkpoint and alerted the authorities. He says authorities found at least 19 dead migrants when they opened the container.

There were almost 100 in the container. Happily, most of them survived. But, you can just imagine, if they had not heard the pounding, what could have happened an hour later," he said.

Millman says 76 survivors, including 18 children are being transferred to a protective shelter run by the IOM. He says migrants routinely die while being trafficked, but this incident represents the largest number of known migrant deaths.

There have been some amazing, horrifying cases on that route in the past. I think it was last year or two years ago, there was an incident of drowned migrants who were being seen eaten by alligators or crocodiles," Millman said. "So, we know it is a real tough migrant route and some of the casualties have been horrific. But, we had not seen a container truck and suffocation like this before.

IOM reports a recent rise in the number of irregular migrants, particularly from the Horn of Africa, entering Zambia. It says irregular migrants are detained and put in prisons. It says most of those taking this smugglers route are Ethiopians, but other nationalities include Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe.
A good journalist becomes good by learning to weave complicated ideas and simple facts into a compelling narrative that can inform, sometimes without the reader even knowing it's happening.

Joy Hakim is a good journalist, and that's why she decided to write textbooks.

Textbooks! Only the words "Pop Quiz" strike more dread into a student's heart. They are those thick, often boring, dusty tomes that students must slog through during class and for homework. They are almost universally despised for their ability to make even the most interesting topics read like a legal contract.

But the thing is, there is compelling stuff in those bulky science and history books. Ideas that can spark careers and dreams.

And that's what Hakim wants to get at.

Three decades ago, a newspaper asked her to cover a meeting about the poor quality of school textbooks. I left that meeting astonished by what I had seen," she said. "And I thought, 'Oh, I can take a year and write a U.S. history. No big deal.' It took ten years from the time I started until I actually had a book in hand. And I expected it to be one book. It never occurred to me it would end up ten books.

This isn't boring!

But it did, and the kids love them.

In one history class at Graland Country Day School in Denver, students are reading one book from Hakim's "A History of Us" series to guide discussions on the Civil War.

"Its a page turner for sure," says seventh grader Ryan Gaghen. "You dont realize how much youre actually learning because it keeps you engaged.

It makes me actually want to keep reading instead of saying, 'Oh my gosh, this is over. Thank God!' as I do in other textbooks, says William Forbes, another student.

WATCH: A History of US in school

How did Hakim do it? First, she avoided typical publishing protocol, which calls for a collaborate committee of writers; she decided her books would have a greater impact if she was the one and only author.

When you think of the books that you like, the literary books ... its an author talking to the reader," she says. "Especially somebody who has some passion. I really care about what Im writing.

The second rule: everyone needs an editor. So, Hakim recruited world-class subject experts  plus a highly specialized team of product testers. I actually paid children to be my editors," she says with a laugh. "And then I gave them a code. When you read this manuscript, put in the margin B for boring, G for good, NC for not clear.

Teaching by telling stories

Most importantly, Hakim says she focused on the time-honored tradition of explaining through stories. Her series has now sold millions of copies and been honored with teacher and parents choice awards. So have her science books, including one that starts like this:

Fifteen year old Albert Einstein is miserable. He is trying to finish high school in Germany, but he hates the school, its a strict, rigid place. To make things worse, his parents have moved to Italy. They think he should stay behind until his schooling is completed.

Young Einstein gets expelled, and no one today knows exactly why. But Hakim continues the story: ...a letter from the school provides a powerful clue. Your presence in the class is disruptive and affects the other students.

Now who can't relate to that, at some point or another during their education?

Of course, this story has a happy ending: Einstein becomes one of the worlds leading scientists. Its a theme  that kids dont have to give up despite setbacks  that appeals to Josiah Davis, another young student of history.

My favorite story was in [the Civil War book] War, Terrible War, which took place in 1855 to 1865," he says. "It was Chapter Seven, [the part] about Abraham Lincoln and how he went from a country boy basically to a president, and so its sort of inspiring to see how someone really small in the world can do something really big.

Inspiring students to do something big is why history teacher Beth Gaffga uses Hakims books for class discussions. She says one of her favorite sentences in the series describes the Reconstruction period after the Civil War as, "hopeless, hopeful times." Talking with Hakim, she says she keeps that phrase on her whiteboard while students learn about the period.

I have them make predictions," Gaffga says. "Whats going to be hopeless about it. What might be hopeful. And whats awful and whats noble. Your sentences make us think, is what I like.

Hakim is now writing a new series about evolution and biology.

She says its challenging to find publishers for the alternative textbooks she writes, but shell keep trying for the sake of children and stories that help people think.

Her books are available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble websites, and you can learn more about Hakim at her website www.joyhakim.com.
It sounds like a tale of corporate greed: A particularly effective African anti-venom soon will be completely unavailable because its manufacturer decided it was not profitable.

Remaining stocks of the drug expire at the end of June.

The situation has prompted aid groups like Doctors Without Borders to sound the alarm over the imminent shortage of Fav-Afrique, which treats bites from 10 types of snakes.



We are upset about the decision of Sanofi Pasteur to stop Fav-Afrique because we need the anti-venom, said Dr. Monica Rull, a health advisor for Doctors Without Borders. We need an anti-venom that is polyvalent and its easy to use, not thinking too much about which type of snake has bitten the patient.



The aid group estimates that 30,000 Africans die of snakebites each year.



'Polyvalent' anti-venoms

Rull said there are other anti-venoms available in Africa, but none are as effective as Fav-Afrique, and few are polyvalent  meaning they can treat multiple poisons. That matters because patients often cant accurately identify the species of snake that attacked them.



But the sad story of the demise of Fav-Afrique is a complicated one, says Dr. Jean Lang of pharmaceutical company, who contends governments and donors are equally responsible for this poisonous situation.



Lang was part of the team that developed Fav-Afrique two decades ago. He spoke to VOA from Sanofi Pasteurs facility in Lyon, France.



While tests have shown that Fav-Afrique is very effective, he says his product has commercial disadvantages. Production is lengthy and complicated, and it will take at least two years to make a batch to replace the one that is now expiring.

Fav-Afrique has to be refrigerated  a tall order for rural African clinics  and treatment is expensive, with the average patient needing multiple courses that total about $500.



The people who decide at the ministry of health of these African countries, of course considering the price of the product ... when you face a five-fold cheaper product and you consider they are equivalent, because you are not a scientist or a physician, he said.



Fav-Afrique's demise



When the company decided in 2010 to discontinue Fav-Afrique, they announced they would share the technology with anyone who wanted to resume production. No one has stepped up, Lang says.



He says he is worried the death of Fav-Afrique is a symptom of a bigger disease in the healthcare industry. He says his company is urging donors, governments and aid organizations to step up to fund essential pharmaceuticals like vaccines and anti-venoms.



I think there are vaccines that are also under threat because no one realizes that even with the market failure, we are going below some fair return for investments, he said. And thats apparent to us with the measles vaccine, for example. So there are other vaccines that, if we dont rethink, most of the new vaccines we are making are driven out of the business cases of our company.



As the boardroom battle rages over who will pay for these lifesaving medications, the burden is now falling to those who can least afford it  patients, who may pay with their lives.
The U.S. Marine Corps said Thursday that it had misidentified one of the men in an iconic photograph showing the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II.

The Marines created a review panel this year after two amateur historians working for the Smithsonian Channel raised doubts about the identity of one of the Marines.

The panel agreed with the historians that Private First Class Harold Schultz of Detroit was in the photo and that Navy Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class John Bradley was not. Schultz died in 1995.

The other Marines in the photo were Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, Harlon Block, Michael Strank and Franklin Sousley.

'Ensure it's right'

"Our history is important to us, and we have a responsibility to ensure it's right," Marine Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said Thursday in a statement.

The well-known image shows six Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during a bloody battle on the Japanese island. The photograph, taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal in February 1945, also was used as the basis for an enormous bronze statue at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

"Although the Rosenthal image is iconic and significant, to Marines it's not about the individuals and never has been. Simply stated, our fighting spirit is captured in that frame, and it remains a symbol of the tremendous accomplishments of our Corps  what they did together and what they represent remains most important. That doesn't change," Neller's statement continued.

Bradley's son, James Bradley, wrote the best-selling book Flags of Our Fathers about the flag-raisers. It was later made into a movie directed by Clint Eastwood.

Bradley, who expressed shock in May when the Marine Corps began its investigation, declined to comment to the AP on Thursday when reached by phone.

His publisher, Random House, released a statement Thursday saying Bradley would update an afterword for his book that explained the new information.

Two flag-raisings

The historians found the discrepancy after viewing photos from an earlier flag-raising and a second one, which Rosenthal captured.

In May, Bradley had told AP he believed his father confused the first and second raisings of the flag.

Iwo Jima is part of the cluster of Japanese Volcano Islands south of Tokyo. It was the site of an intense 36-day battle that began on February 19, 1945, and involved about 70,000 U.S. Marines and 18,000 Japanese soldiers. More than 6,500 U.S. servicemen died in the battle.

The capture of Iwo Jima was strategically important to the U.S. because it prevented Japanese planes from taking off from there and intercepting American bombers.
Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen set off Friday for two friendly nations in Latin America, her first overseas trip after a month in office, to lock in ties that could be disrupted by China. She'll also meet officials from a wider group of countries including the United States.

Tsai left Friday for a nine-day trip to Panama and Paraguay at the invitation of both hosts. In Panama she will attend the inauguration ceremony of the Panama Canal expansion project, an event Sunday due to draw heads of state and dignitaries from about 70 countries.

The president faces the risk that China will pull away some of 22 states that Taiwan has diplomatic relations with, including Panama or Paraguay, as her governments relations with Beijing grow increasingly strained. Taiwan looks to those nations as a voice in the United Nations and for signs of Taiwans legal legitimacy.

China and Taiwan bought off each others allies in poor parts of the world until former president Ma Ying-jeou took office in 2008 and opened talks with Beijing. Tsai, however, disputes Beijings one China condition for dialogue, so they have not talked since she came aboard May 20. The condition requires that both sides see each other as part of a single country.

China has seen proudly self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory since the civil war of the 1940s, rather than as its own country.

Tsais appearance at the Panama Canal ceremony may give her a rare chance to meet U.S. officials who seldom mix with Taiwan leaders, says Alexander Huang, strategic studies professor at Tamkang University in Taiwan. China has diplomatic relations with the U.S. and opposes Washington's official contact with Taiwan, despite staunch informal ties between the two.

There might be a chance to talk to the secretary of state or the wife of (Vice President) Joe Biden, Huang says. It gives an excuse for foreign leaders or dignitaries to shake hands with President Tsai. If shes not taking this trip and then if something unexpected happens, then people will blame her for not going.

The presidents trip also includes two transit stopovers in the United States, a sign that Washington believes she wont damage already fragile U.S.-China ties. U.S. officials cut off her partys previous president, anti-China firebrand Chen Shui-bian, from transit stops in the continental United States.

Tsai's visits in Latin America also will cement ties with Panama and Paraguay, Taiwan foreign ministry officials say. Like many of that nations that Taipei has diplomatic relations with, it gives them both development aid. Competition for the most aid pitted China against Taiwan over diplomatic allies before 2008. China, with growing economic and diplomatic power, has ties with more than 170 nations.

Tsai is due to meet Panamas President Juan Carlos Varela to discuss proposals to send Taiwan technical staff to help the Panama in agriculture, education and technology. She also is expected to tour a container terminal run by Evergreen Marine, a Taiwan company and the worlds fourth largest shipping line.

In Paraguay, she is scheduled to meet with President Horacio Cartes and speak to the Paraguayan legislature. She also is scheduled to review the progress of joint cooperation projects.

We hope this first trip as president Tsai can show sincerity in strengthening our relations with diplomatic allies, foreign ministry Deputy Minister Javier Hou told reporters.
U.S. President Barack Obama spoke Friday at the Global Economic Summit at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, urging young entrepreneurs to "expand and broaden" the benefits of the world's interconnected nature, on the day after Britain completed a historic referendum resulting in a decision to exit the European Union.

Obama told his audience of young innovators that "the world has shrunk. It is interconnected." He said innovators are "catalyzing and accelerating that interconnection" despite its challenges and the fears it awakens.

Regarding the British vote, Obama said he spoke earlier Friday with outgoing British Prime Minister David Cameron, assuring him that the United States will maintain its "special relationship" with Britain.

He said he is confident that Britain is "committed to an orderly transition out of the EU." He said he also spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and agreed to work closely with EU members in the weeks and months ahead.

Obama said the summit "is a place that celebrates our ability ... to discover and learn and build and question and reimagine," to create new ways to work with one another. He said the power of entrepreneurship is the power to transform the world. He said starting new businesses helps individuals and families succeed, putting people on the path to prosperity.

At the summit, global philanthropist Kamran Elahian told VOA that the Berkeley, California-based BIT-AMENA initiative, which educates young innovators in global entrepreneurship, wants to help create 10 million "innovation jobs" in the next 10 years.

Alternatives

Elahian said entrepreneurship is an alternative to the forces that fuel terrorism and unrest.

"We really need to understand that we are sitting on a ticking bomb and we need to go and create alternatives for these young people. ... We need to go inspire at least 50 million young people as early as high school to start to think that there is a way that they can become agents of change, that they can become high tech entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, and bring social impact into their countries," he said.

Elahian said such efforts are especially important to women, as they establish a more independent role in their communities.

"The women face additional obstacles because of cultural traditional values but it is the first time in the history of the evolution of our species that they have a chance, and many of them have noticed this," he said.

Obama noted in his remarks that, for the first time, 11 Cubans are attending the three-day summit, which wraps up on Friday.
Tibetan nomads protesting the forced closure of their businesses were beaten by police Thursday near Lake Tsongon in the Chabcha (Tsolho) region of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai province, China.

The incident followed a similar one June 2 in the neighboring nomadic village of Tanakma, where police demolished people's homes and businesses.

Several photographs and videos of Thursday's protest, which were posted on social media, show the protesters holding banners that read "we need to survive, we need to eat." In the footage, a man who appears to have suffered an injury to his face and head is visible as a county-level Communist Party leader named Dukjam orders the protesters to shut down their businesses.

Tibetan nomadic communities have thrived for centuries near the shores of Lake Tsongon, a body of saltwater also known as Lake Kokonor and "the blue lake." Many Tibetans consider the lake holy. A steady buildup of commerce along its shores has not only excluded most commercial participation by local Tibetans but has also driven their families farther from the area.

In 2015, when local Tibetans demanded the right to continue operating businesses near the lake, government officials responded by saying only businesses with a minimum 10 million yuan (about $1.5 million) to invest could secure permits to operate near the water. Such a demand excludes almost all local entrepreneurs.

As of late Thursday afternoon, exiled Tibetans told VOA that phone access to the region had been blocked.
Pope Francis said Saturday that the world should never forget or minimize the Ottoman-era slaughter of Armenians, and he urged Armenians and Turks to find peace and reconcile with one another.

Francis and the patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos Karekin II, participated in an ecumenical ceremony and prayer for peace at the Republic Square in Yerevan attended by thousands of people.

"A century has just passed from the 'Great Evil' unleashed upon you," the pontiff said. "This immense and senseless slaughter, this tragedy that your people experienced in the flesh, remains impressed in our memory and burns in our hearts. Here I would again state that your sufferings are our own. ... May God bless your future and grant that the people of Armenia and Turkey take up again the path of reconciliation."

Earlier in the day, at the Genocide Memorial and Museum in Yerevan, Francis paid tribute to the 1.5 million Armenians killed in 1915. His remarks came a day after he denounced the World War I-era mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as genocide.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli said Saturday that Francis' labeling of the killings was "unfortunate." He said the use of the word "genocide" reflected the papacy's "Crusader mentality," according to comments published by the Turkish daily Hurriyet.

Accent on reconciliation

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi tried to clarify the intentions behind the pope's use of the word "genocide" and insisted the Vatican has good relations with Turkey.

Speaking to reporters in the northwestern city of Gyumri, Lombardi said that the Holy See was not aiming to renew conflict with Turkey by repeating the term, and he stressed that the pope has always called for reconciliation.

Last year in April, Turkey recalled its ambassador to the Vatican after Francis used the term "genocide."

Francis placed a wreath at the Armenian memorial Saturday and stood silently in prayer before an eternal flame that overlooks a hillside in Yerevan.

"I pray here, with pain in my heart, that such tragedies will not happen again, that humanity does not forget and knows how to overcome evil with good," the pope wrote in the guest book in Italian. "May God protect the memory of the Armenian people! Memory cannot be stifled or forgotten! Memory is a source of peace and future!"

WATCH: Pope Francis visits Armenian memorial

Later in the day, Francis traveled to Gyumri to preside over the only public Catholic Mass scheduled for his trip.

Francis has frequently denounced the slaughter of Christians by Islamic extremists in the Middle East, saying the indiscriminate attacks against religious minorities is an ecumenism of blood, a martyrdom shared by all Christians.

'Martyrdom'

Recently, however, he said he preferred to use the term martyrdom over genocide when describing the persecution of Christians.

Historians estimate that up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks between 1915 and 1917. Many scholars have viewed the event as the 20th centurys first genocide.

Armenia has long sought international recognition of the event as genocide, while Turkey acknowledges that hundreds of thousands of Armenians died, but has denied that their killings constituted a campaign of genocide.
Russia reacted to Britains vote to exit the European Union with a mix of pleasure, understanding and concern.

Some Russian politicians celebrated the Brexit, taking aim at the EU and its Western allies.

Brexit reflects the crisis in the EU governance model, tweeted senior Russian lawmaker Alexey Pushkov, adding that it was a personal failure of [U.S. President] Barack Obama.

Obama, and other Western leaders, had urged Britons to vote to stay in the 28-member regional grouping.

The Kremlins efforts to disrupt European unity and Russian state medias fomenting of euroscepticism have led many analysts to conclude that Moscow favors the Brexit choice.

"Nobody wants to feed and to subsidize weaker economies, provide for other states, for whole nations  this is an obvious fact, said President Vladimir Putin in comments explaining why he understood the Brexit vote. People are dissatisfied with the decision of the security issues that have sharply deteriorated in the face of strong migration processes. People want to be more independent."

'Anti-American act'

The Kremlin views the Brexit as weakening both the EU and the Euro-Atlantic alliance with the United States, said Ilya Kravchenko, an expert for the Russian International Affairs Council.

Moscow tends to view Brexit as an anti-American act, he told VOA by email. Because Britain is seen in Russia as a Washington trumpet, and with todays referendum result, can change its position on key issues, which as of yet, include sanctions and Ukraine.

Some Russian officials raised hopes that without Britains strong support for sanctions against Russia in the EU, the punitive measures over its actions in Ukraine might be softened.

Without Britain, the EU will have no one so zealously upholding Russia sanctions, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin tweeted.

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko expressed hopes that sanctions would continue against Russian aggression.

Sanctions relief will not come sooner because of Brexit, Kravchenko said, because secession is going to be a years-long process.

Meanwhile, Russias actions in Ukraine are viewed by an absolute majority of the EU members as crucial for European security today, not in a couple of years, he said.

Baltics regret Brexit

Baltic states, among the most concerned with a weakening of EU resolve against their much larger and historically dominant neighbor, expressed regret at Britains vote to leave the union. Lithuanias President Dalia Grybauskaite tweeted a concise reaction to Britains vote: Brexit: respect, regret, re-engage.

Latvia's Foreign Ministry said it regretted the vote but vowed to maintain close relations with Britain and protect its national interests.

Estonias Foreign Ministry called the British No to the EU decision a great loss that would impact the economy. But in a statement, the ministry said there was no impact on Britains contribution to security as a member of the NATO military alliance.

Britain was among the founders of NATO and will stay with the main principles of the organization, Kravchenko said. And it is not going anywhere when it comes to regional security or its commitments to allies in NATO.

Brexit fallout

The Russian president acknowledged that Brexit would undoubtedly have consequences for the world and Russia. Russias concern was stability and predictability in Europe, said the Kremlins spokesman as both were being brought into question on Britains vote.

Russias currency and stocks took an expected hit as markets dropped worldwide. Putin said markets would recover in the midterm.

About 40 percent of Russian trade turnover is with the EU, Kravchenko said. If there is a recession in the European economy, the demand for oil, gas and other Russian goods falls. Russia, unfortunately, is not immune to the negative effects of Brexit.

But Russia is not significantly affected by Brexit, tweeted Russias former finance chief, Alexei Kudrin. We have our own problems.

Moscow is expecting a chain reaction that might follow the secession of Britain from the EU and is well aware of right-wing populist parties in France and Holland scoring points from Brexit, Kravchenko said.

And what is more sufficient for Russia, most of those nationalists dont really care about Russian actions in Ukraine or elsewhere, unless they can somehow damage their national interest, he said. But the spread of secessionism in the EU will lead to a weak euro currency, in which many Russian oligarchs keep their money. They cant look at it positively.

Public opinion

In the Russian capital, Sergei Shust, a logistics manager, said it would be better for everyone if the U.K. stayed in the European Union.

"It will keep the EU more stable," he said. "There will be less tension, we will understand each other better ... so I think that normal Russians want the same. What's good for the EU is good for us  it makes for fewer grievances.

Other Russians on the streets of Moscow disagreed.

Librarian Lena Vasilyeva welcomed the vote for Brexit.

Ive always felt that England didn't really fit in the European Union because they have a different culture and currency," she said. "So I think it was a good decision. The European Union is very dependent on America; therefore, the European Union is against Russia. But England is a very strong empire. Maybe if it is no longer with the European Union, it could partner with Russia. That's why I think this is a good thing for Russia.

Restaurant businessman Andrei Kostin said the news was not so important for ordinary Russians, "because we respect any choice made by the people of Britain.

"It's a matter for Britain and the European Union," Kostin added. "I think they'll work out their relationship by themselves.
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders told MSNBCs Morning Joe on Friday that he will vote for Hillary Clinton in the upcoming November general elections.

The senator said stopping Donald Trump from entering the White House as president is one of his goals.

Yes. The issue right here is Im going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump. I think Trump in so many ways would be a disaster if he were elected president, he said.

Sanders continues to campaign and speak at rallies across the nation even though Clinton secured early in June the number of delegates needed to become the Democratic Party nominee. He dismissed the idea that he should withdraw before the Democratic Convention.

Why would I not want to do what we can when I want to fight to make sure that we have the best platform that we possibly can, Sanders said insisting that his presence aimed to involve the American people in the political process.
Northern Ireland's deputy leader Martin McGuinness called on Friday for a vote to unite the two sides of the Irish border as stocks tumbled in the economic and political fallout from Britain's decision to quit the EU.

Ireland has the EU's fastest-growing economy but also more to lose from Brexit than any other member state, with far-reaching implications for its trade, economy, security of energy supplies and peace in British-ruled Northern Ireland.

After 56 percent of Northern Irish voters sought to remain in the EU compared to the 52 percent of the United Kingdom as a whole who voted to leave, Sinn Fein's McGuinness demanded that London call a referendum on a united Ireland.

"The British government now has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the North in any future negotiations with the European Union and I do believe that there is a democratic imperative for a 'border poll' to be held," McGuinness told national Irish broadcaster RTE.

"The implications for all of us on the island of Ireland are absolutely massive. This could have very profound implications for our economy (in Northern Ireland)."

The call from Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland's largest Irish nationalist party, was rebuffed by pro-British First Minister Arlene Foster and Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who said there were much more serious issues to deal with.

Kenny called an emergency cabinet meeting shortly after the result and afterwards published a plan his government had prepared in advance, listing actions it would take over trade, investment, British-Irish relations and Northern Ireland.

Unabiguously negative

Ireland's central bank had warned that a withdrawal would hurt economic growth and jobs and significantly impact the financial sector, while a government-commissioned report found it could cut trade with Britain by at least 20 percent.

Irish banks, whose exposure to the UK accounts for around 21 percent of total assets, led the Irish stock market <.ISEQ> eight percent lower, with shares in Bank of Ireland and permanent tsb down 25 percent and 21 percent down at 1345 GMT.

Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers Ryanair , building materials group Kingspan and packaging producer Smurfit Kappa also fell sharply. The local bourse was down by as much as 16 percent earlier on Friday.

The yield on Ireland's benchmark 10-year bonds [IE10YT=TWEB] was marginally higher at a near record low 0.84 percent. The country's debt agency said its funding position was strong with limited financing needs for the rest of the year and through the first half of 2017.

The cost of insuring exposure to Irish government debt nearly doubled on Friday, surging to the highest level in nearly 2-1/2 years.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan, who earlier this week said an estimated cumulative Brexit-related hit on the Irish economy of as much as 1.6 percent of GDP would be "containable", said the outcome would not derail his immediate budget plans.

"There is nothing catastrophic for Irish fiscal policy on the horizon," Noonan told national broadcaster RTE with the caveat that the hit to economic growth could limit his budget plans beyond 2018.

Investec Ireland said it will likely cut its GDP forecasts for 2016 and 2017 that are currently in line with government predictions of 5 and 4 percent, calling the referendum result "unambiguously negative" for the Irish economy.

Davy Stockbrokers said that while it did not think a Brexit will be sufficient to push Ireland into recession, it could lower growth by 1 to 2 percent in both years.

Ratings agency S&P said Brexit had no immediate impact on Ireland's sovereign ratings and it expected the Irish economy to stay resilient enough to withstand the negative impacts.

Brexit may not be all bad for Ireland, and Noonan said there may be some upside if companies keen to stay in the EU moved to Dublin from London. The contingency plan calls for marketing efforts to be intensified in sectors like financial services for firms wanting to be based in the EU.

Border controls

But of most concern to Dublin is the impact on Northern Ireland, which has the only land frontier between the UK and the rest of the EU. It was marked by military checkpoints until a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian violence.

Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan told Reuters this week that the reintroduction of a hard border would have to be considered in any negotiation and that the return of controls, for customs or security, could pose a difficult challenge for the peace process.

The dismantling of military border posts was a key aspect of the peace deal between Catholic nationalists seeking a united Ireland and Protestant unionists who wanted to keep Northern Ireland British. Over 3,600 died in the conflict.

Kenny said Ireland would do its utmost to keep the country's decades-old common travel area with Britain. His plan says that options for possible customs and excise controls, including the role of modern technology, would be analyzed with a view to minimizing trade restrictions.
The image many people have of the stereotypical U.S. gun owner goes something like this: a flag-waving, Bible-thumping redneck who clings tightly to his firearms and lashes out at even the smallest government effort to regulate them.

That is not Dave Makings.

Makings, a retired university professor, owns a pistol, a couple of shotguns, a deer rifle and a Chinese version of the AK-47 semiautomatic assault rifle. He lives in rural southern Idaho, where he uses his guns to hunt for pheasants, deer, and elk - and in the event he needs them for self-defense. Guns also are a hobby for him, he says.

In those ways, perhaps Makings is like many gun owners. But he defies the gun owner stereotype in that he is not opposed to gun control measures.

Makings supports expanded background checks. He wouldn't mind restrictions on assault rifles, even if it meant giving up his AK-47. "I'd be very willing to give it up if it were part of a comprehensive program" to reduce violence, he says.

"The Second Amendment gives you a right to have a gun," Makings said in an interview with VOA. "It doesn't give you a right to have whatever weapon you want."

The viewpoints of people like Makings are often not heard in the debate over gun control that inevitably erupts after mass shootings, such as the one in Orlando, Florida, this month that left 50 people dead.

Instead, the debate tends to pit anti-gun advocates against the National Rifle Association and other pro-gun groups that reflexively oppose any gun control efforts.

"Being in southern Idaho, there are some of those more extreme folks out here," Makings concedes. "But I think there are a great many of us who are in that middle."

Polls show momentum

There's plenty of data to suggest he's correct.

A recent poll by Pew Research Center suggested 49 percent of U.S. gun owners favor banning high-power assault rifles.

Eighty-five percent of gun owners support mandatory background checks for all gun sales, according to another poll last year by Johns Hopkins University.

"When we poll Americans, we see strong support even among gun owners for stricter standards and increased accountability," said Daniel Webster, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, who helped conduct the poll.

Even among NRA members, numerous polls have shown there is wide support for gun control proposals, including background checks.

Congress reacts

But Congressional efforts to place tighter curbs on firearms have repeatedly failed, thanks to a partisan divide over the issue.

After the Orlando shooting, Democratic lawmakers tried to pass legislation meant to strengthen background checks and prevent those on terror watchlists from buying guns. The bills failed to pass, because of Republican opposition.

Kevin Green, a gun owner from Hillsboro, Oregon, says he is "quite angry" nothing has been done to stop gun violence. "It seems to me that Republicans are interested in being reelected, in scoring points with the NRA," he told VOA.

Green, who owns a .270 rifle to hunt deer and elk, supports universal background checks and says the terror watch list gun restrictions seem "reasonable."

"I don't think by limiting the type of gun we can own or the way in which we can buy them, that's not a slippery slope to Armageddon," he says. "We're not going to lose the Constitution or the Bill of Rights."
Lawmakers in Sri Lanka unanimously passed the Right to Information bill, which is aimed at restoring transparency and good governance in a country plagued by corruption and misrule.

Sri Lankan deputies in the 225-member parliament approved the bill Friday without calling for a vote after two days of debate.

The new law gives citizens access to public information except personal data, national security information, financial and commercial policy decisions, intellectual property and medical reports.



The law stipulates that information would be withheld, if its release were deemed to violate parliamentary privileges.

A five-member Right to Information Commission will monitor and ensure compliance and will have powers to hold inquiries and hear appeals.

During last years presidential campaign President Maithripala Sirisena promised the new law, since Sri Lanka has had a long history of official secrecy.

The bill was originally introduced in 1996, but was delayed by successive governments citing national security issues, while Sri Lanka was at war with Tamil rebels until 2009.
Shortly after Tunisias 2011 revolution, 25-year-old Issam Nouaili set sail for Europe from this southern port town, taking advantage of lax border controls in the ensuing chaos. But the good life he hoped for did not lie on the other side of the Mediterranean.

Instead, he found himself working in the gritty underbelly of Paris, first demolishing buildings and then flipping pizzas, paid under the table as an illegal migrant.

I was disgusted with life in France, he said. It was very hard to find work without papers.

Three years later, Nouaili went home. Unlike many young Tunisians, he now has a job. After enrolling in business training, he opened up his own auto parts business seven months ago.

The training was really good, said Nouaili, showing off his stock of tires and bolts. It changed my life.

Both the training and startup funds for his business were bankrolled by the French government, amid a broader European effort to find solutions to the migrant crisis that has brought nearly 215,000 asylum seekers to its shores this year.

Their plight came into renewed focus on Thursday, as Medecins Sans Frontieres tweeted it had rescued more than 1,100 people at sea.

Lack of opportunity

While roughly 10 percent of Tunisians live abroad, this tiny North African country is hardly Europes biggest headache. The post-revolutionary uptick in illegal migration  with up to 25,000 Tunisians heading to Europe in the first months of 2011  has since slowed to a trickle. One reason: tougher border controls and cooperation agreements with the European Union and individual member states.

Earlier this year, the EU also struck a deal with Turkey to curb the numbers of migrants arriving on its shores, mostly from war-torn Syria and Iraq, along with sub-Saharan Africa.

Yet Tunisia may offer a telling tale of what comes next. For those returning here, or those who never left, the prospects are bleak. Five years after the countrys uprising  partly fueled by the self-immolation of an unemployed man  rising insecurity has driven away tourists and foreign investment.

In the poorest regions  including the southern Medinine governorate where Zarzis is located  about one-third of young Tunisians are jobless, rising to nearly two-thirds among college graduates. Earlier this year, protests over jobs and lack of economic opportunities spread across the country.

Training help

The training program for returnees  part of a broader migration deal between France and Tunisia  offers a bright spot of hope.

In Zarzis ADDCI, the NGO overseeing the program in the southern part of the country, says 90 percent of the start-up businesses are still running.

We tell the trainees that if they dont make their project a success, they penalize others who want the same help, says ADDCIs President Faycal Dchicha.

Yet Dchicha is the first to admit the project is no solution to Tunisias broader problems. Fewer than 500 people have graduated from the course to date.

I think you need to do a great project of development that offers more chance for young people here, says Dchicha, who describes opportunities developing the solar energy sector and organic farming for European markets.

Analyst Susan Fratzke of the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based nonprofit, agrees that broader development responses are needed if migration's root causes are to be addressed.

But this may be no time to find them  at least not in Europe.

Right now, the European public wants immediate results, Fratzke says. When youre looking at large-scale infrastructure and development projects, the results are anything but short term.
Israels military said that its troops shot and killed a Palestinian woman after she rammed her vehicle into a West Bank checkpoint Friday, injuring two Israelis.

The army said in a statement that the woman accelerated and crashed into a stationary vehicle at the entrance to the settlement of Kiryat Arba.

The two injured Israeli civilians, identified as a couple in their 50s, were taken to the hospital.

The Kiryat Arba settlement is near the West Bank city of Hebron, which has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Fridays incident is the latest in a series of attacks that killed more than 200 Palestinians, 32 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese since October.

According to Israeli authorities, most of the Palestinians were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks.

Others were killed in clashes with security forces or by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.
The spokesman for the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations said the U.N. has accepted responsibility for its lack of swift response during the February massacre of internally displaced persons in the South Sudanese city of Malakal.

The U.N.s Nick Birnback said some peacekeepers did not respond in time to protect civilians who were attacked by gunmen Feb. 17 and 18 at the U.N. Protection of Civilian (POC) compound. At the time, the U.N. had contingents from Rwanda, Ethiopia and India in Malakal. Thirty people were killed, and 123 others were wounded in the attacks.

In the process of an inquiry, we looked at the systems that were in place and how those systems could be strengthened, but we also looked at individual unit responsibility. The U.N. peacekeeping is currently engaging directly with the concerned troop-contributing countries to address the underperformance of certain UNMISS (United Nation Mission in South Sudan) personnel, and that includes training and preparedness.

Birnback said the U.N. Peacekeeping Department will repatriate some peacekeepers and their commanders who were on duty during the attack. Birnback confirmed that the U.N. Peacekeeping Department has been investigating the Malakal attack in South Sudan in order to prevent it from happening again in future peacekeeping operations.

There will be action taken, whether [against] individual units as a whole or those in command of certain units.

Birnback said the U.N. has been reviewing its posture and stepping up measures to improve safety in what he terms a very challenging environment. Birnback pointed out that responsibility also rests with those who carried out the attack. He added the U.N. will send back those peacekeepers and commanders who did not respond appropriately during the attack.

We work with our troop-contributing countries. We need them. We thank them for their service. But when something happens that involves a unit not responding in a way that it needed to, its logical that both us and the troop-contributing country in question will take whatever action is necessary to make sure that does not happen again, and that does include repatriation of individual units when appropriate and repatriation of commanders who did not live up to their responsibility.

On Wednesday, U.N. Peacekeeping Operations Chief Herve Ladsous said nobody expected the crisis in South Sudan would go on for such a long time and that there would be such huge numbers of internally displaced persons in U.N. protection sites.

I visited them (U.N. POC sites) 2 weeks ago. The Secretary-General [Ban ki-Moon] launched an investigation after the very grave incidents in Malakal on the 17th and 18th of February in the POC sites. We did take that very much to heart. Even though the two reports are not quite out, they are being reviewed by the lawyers and should be out soon. We gave the Secretary-General a list of recommendations on this incident.

Ladsous said there was a lack of responsiveness from some U.N. peacekeepers in Malakal, and there was apparently also a lack of understanding about the rules of engagement by some. He noted that some uniformed personnel reacted very well, while some did not.

Ladsous spoke to reporters about the February incident in Malakal at U.N. headquarters in New York following consultations late Wednesday with the U.N. Security Council.
The U.N.s World Food Program reports it soon will begin regular flights of food and other relief supplies from the Syrian capital, Damascus, to the northeastern city of Kamishly. The WFP says the air bridge service will be open for all humanitarian organizations operating within Syria.

The World Food Program reports its initial plan is to have 25 humanitarian flights over a one-month period. It says the planes will carry 1,000 tons of relief supplies and that 70 percent of the first loads will be food. The remaining 30 percent will consist of non-food items.

Humanitarian flights over one month



WFP spokeswoman Bettina Luescher says planes will take off from Damascus International Airport for Kamishly airport, which is under government control. We will bring food in for 150,000 people and we will concentrate on food in the beginning because the food situation on the ground has been really dire, she said.

Kamishly is on the border with Turkey and close to Iraq. It is under control of both the Syrian government and Kurdish forces, with the latter controlling the majority of the city.

Luescher says a number of international agencies, including the World Health Organization, U.N. refugee agency and International Committee of the Red Cross, are interested in ferrying desperately needed relief supplies to the inhabitants of Kamishly.

Islamic State blocking aid



She says it has not been possible to deliver aid by land to Hassakeh governorate, where Kamishly is located, since early 2014. The reason is that Islamic State, also known as ISIS, controls nearby Raqqa and Deir Ezzour governorates.

As in all places, we would rather do this by land convoys  but because of the ISIS controlling in other areas and problems with getting across border points to the neighboring country, we are using the airlift option this time, said Luescher.

As of June 23, Luescher says the WFP has provided food rations for 3.5 million people in 12 of Syrias 14 governorates. She says the agency is aiming to reach a total of 4 million people with food aid in the next few weeks.
The U.S. military has launched its first airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan since President Barack Obama expanded the authorities under which U.S. troops can attack the insurgents.

Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook confirmed Friday that the strikes were carried out in the southern portion of Afghanistan under the new authorities. He said the strikes hit their intended target, though he would not elaborate.

The goal, Cook said of the strikes, would be a strategic effect on behalf of the Afghan forces that we are enabling.

This month, Obama expanded U.S. military involvement in the war-torn country to allow more airstrikes against the Taliban, as long as those strikes can help the Afghan offensive succeed.

Previously, U.S. commanders were authorized only to use airstrikes to protect U.S. forces on the ground, to protect Afghan forces when they face being overrun by the Taliban, or to go after the Islamic State or the remnants of al-Qaida.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter said at a defense technology summit on June 10 that the new authorities would allow the military to use force in a better way."

There currently are 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. That number is set to decrease to 5,500 by the end of this year, according to the Obama administrations policy.

The Afghan military has struggled in the battle against the Taliban since taking the lead from foreign troops in 2014.
Residents in storm-battered rural West Virginia have begun digging out from historic floods that killed at least 23 people and devastated entire communities with landslides and mudslides.

President Barack Obama declared Saturday that a major disaster existed in the state's hardest-hit areas, the southeastern counties of Greenbrier, Kanawah and Nicholas.

Authorities were braced for more fatalities as search teams fanned out over the area. Few details were available late Saturday on the missing or the dead.

The White House said federal aid would include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, as well as low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. A statement said additional money would be earmarked for aid to individuals and business owners hit by the disaster.

As much as 35 centimeters of rain (nearly 14 inches) fell in the region, with most of it falling in just several hours on Thursday. Rain has continued intermittently, and weather radar tracked a line of storm cells late Saturday stretching south to north in the flood-stricken area, just west of the community of White Sulphur Springs.

The deluge caused creeks, streams and rivers in the mountainous state to burst out of banks. The floods swept away houses, roadways, utilities and personal items belonging to residents of the distressed region.

"The damage is widespread and devastating," Governor Earl Ray Tomblin said Friday. "Our focus remains on search and rescue."
Britain has made a historic decision to leave the European Union in a referendum that stoked passions on issues of immigration and sovereignty, and prompted the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron.

Markets across Europe plummeted at opening Friday morning, as investors reacted to Britain's vote to leave the union after more than 42 years.

For Zimbabweans, both in the UK and those at home the reuslts of the referendum has solicited mixed feelings.

Studio Sevens Chris Gande reached a Zimbabwean living in the United Kingdom, Ezra Sibanda who says he is happy with the results of the referendum.

Said Sibanda: "I voted for Britain to leave the European Union the reasons being that the free movement between European countries was not benefiting me as an African or someone coming from outside Europe."

He said for people like him from outside the EU even with better qualifications they were not getting jobs ahead of these from the European block.

Meanwhile, an economic commentator, Walter Nsununguli Mbongolwane tells Studio Seven the results of the referendum will not, in any way, be good news for Zimbabwes targeted sanctions that were imposed on president Mugabe by Britain and the EU.

"The European Union has its own laws of dealing with Zimbabwe. They are not going to listen to what Britain wants from Zimbabwe. And also the engagement of Britain and Zimbabwe is not going to happen because the fundamentals that saw the sanctions imposed still remain the same." he said.
Top U.S. Envoy for Africa, Linda Thomas-Greenfield heads to four African countries next week, including three in southern Africa, but Zimbabwe is not on her list, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department.

The statement, released Wednesday, reads as follows:

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield will travel to Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, and Malawi, June 23-July 1. In Uganda, June 23-24, she will have meetings with government officials, civil society representatives, and youth leaders.

On June 26, Assistant Secretary Thomas-Greenfield will begin a visit to Zambia, Botswana, and Malawi focused on the recognition and consolidation of democratic gains in the region. She will be accompanied in these three countries by Ambassador Alexander Laskaris, Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, United States Africa Command.

In each of these countries, Assistant Secretary Thomas-Greenfield will meet with government officials and civil society representatives. Additionally, in Zambia, she will meet with a group of Mandela Washington Fellows from President Obamas Young African Leaders Initiative and will visit U.S.-trained Zambian peacekeeping troops who have served in the Central African Republic. In Botswana, she will launch a U.S. government innovation grant to a youth NGO focused on civic education. In Malawi, she will meet with Malawi Defense Forces representatives to discuss military cooperation.

Be sure to follow the Assistant Secretary on Twitter @StateAfrica for more updates throughout her trip.
The opposition MDC T party said it will soon unveil a new strategy to punish Zanu PF-linked businesses.

The party said it will launch what it calls a massive consumer boycott campaign to encourage Zimbabweans to boycott supermarkets, productsand businesses linked to the ruling Zanu PF government functionaries.

Zanu PF had a number of big companies, most of which have either collapsed or struggling with its officials also owning several companies.

MDC T spokesman Douglas Mwonzora said so far they have identified about 19 companies and some products that are associated with companies and individuals that they are not going to support.

And this target is passive. We are simply not going to buy in their shops. We are not going to do anything. We are not going to loot those shops, we are not going to harass them, we are not going to burn the shops. We are simply staying away from buying from these shops, Mwonzora said.

Mwonzora did not want to reveal the list of the targeted businesses, though he said Gushungo Holdings, a dairy company owned by the first family and Choppies Supermarkets owned by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko are among the 19 companies.

Mwonzora accused these businesses of corruptly getting government contracts and tenders which result in the loss of tax-payers' hard-earned money.
Libya must return to being a stable and solid country. So tweets Prime Minister Renzi from Washington, assuring Prime Minister Sarraj, finally at Tripoli that he will do all he can.

Those that share Renzis thinking in Washington, Paris, London and Rome are the very people that have used war to destabilise and shatter the Libyan state and are now going to collect the fragments through the international aid mission to Libya.

This idea of theirs is filtered down through authoritative voices. Paolo Scaroni, the head of ENI has operated among factions and mercenaries in Libya. Now vice president of Rothschild, he declares to the Corriere della Sera that:

it is necessary to put an end to the sham of Libya, a country invented by Italian colonialism. We must work towards creating a government in Tripolitania, that appeals to foreign forces to help it stand on its feet; a government that pushes the Cyrenaica and Fezzan to create their own own regional governments, with the long term aim of forming a federation. In the meantime, each one would manage their energy sources present in Tripolitania and Cyrenaica.

Ernesto Preziosi, the Partito Democratico MP for the Catholic Movement, put forward a similar idea in Avvenire: to form a Libyan union of three states Cyrenaica, Tripolitania and Fezzan that have in common the oil and gas community supported by an ad hoc European military force.

This is the former policy of eighteenth century colonialism, modernized by the US/Nato strategy to serve a neo-colonial end. It has wiped out entire nation states (Yugoslavia, Libya) and splintered others (Iraq, Syria), to control their territories and their resources.

Libya possesses almost 40% of African oil, valuable due to its high quality and the low extraction costs, and huge reserves of natural gas, from which, US and European multinationals can extract today profits, by far superior to those that were obtained before by the Libyan State. Furthermore, by eliminating the National State and negotiating individually with groups in power in Tripolitania and Cyrenaica, they can secure the privatization of state energy reserves and therefore, their direct control.

In addition to black gold, US and European multinationals want to seize white gold: the huge reserve of fossil water from the ground water table, that stretches under Libya, Egypt, Sudan and Chad. The possibilities that this offers have been demonstrated by the Libyan state. It has built acquaducts that carried drinking water and for irrigation, millions of cubic meters each day extracted from 1,300 wells in the dessert, for 1,600 km right to the coastal cities. This makes the land of the desert, fertile.

Disembarking in Libya on the official justification of helping it and liberating it from Isiss presence, the US and the largest European powers can also reopen their military bases, that had been closed by Gaddafi in 1970, in an important geostrategic position at the intersection between the Mediterranean, Africa and the Middle East.

Finally, with the mission of helping Libya the US and the biggest European powers divide among themselves the spoils of the biggest looting in the century: 150 billion dollars of funds from sovereign Libya that were confiscated in 2011, that could be quadrupled if Libyan energy exports return to their previous levels, the sovereign funds, at the time of Gadaffi, invested to create a currency and independent financial organisms of the African Union (the reason for which it decided to overthrow Gaddafi, as evidenced from Clintons e mails) shall be used to dismantle the remnants of the Libyan state. A state that never existed because in Libya there were only a multitude of tribes. So declares Giorgio Napolitano, convinced of this, to the Senate of the Kingdom of Italy.
Polls have closed in the U.K. on Brexit, the movement for Britain to leave the European Union, with the results still too close to call, but if you were curious how Englands most famous boy wizard voted, we can tell you exclusively that it was a staunch remain. Earlier this week I spoke to Daniel Radcliffe, the 26 year-old who was once Harry Potter, whos in New York rehearsing for the Edward Snowdeninspired play Privacy at the Public Theater, and promoting his new movie, Swiss Army Man, in which he plays a farting corpse, about his homelands current schism, and he had some pretty passionate thoughts:

Brexit is really scary. I obviously want us to stay. There are economic reasons  but the main reason is that, in this era, divided we fall. Cmon, guys, lets stick together. The idea of nationhood is one that I can kind of take or leave. I am very proud of being English and Im very proud of everything England is giving the world that I am associated with. But its not an actual  what does [Kurt] Vonnegut call them in Cats Cradle? He calls them granfalloons, where theres a name for a fake bond. Because were all British, were all part of the same country. But people in France arent that fucking different. Were all just human beings and that should be the thing that I think is celebrated about us rather than tiny, petulant differences. But its really scary. Similar to the Trump thing, I feel like we started off being like, Itll never happen. Dont worry about it. And now its like, Oh no, we could not be a part of Europe in what is it  a few days? Ive already sent in my postal vote. So Im done. Ive voted.

You can dress it up however you want, but ultimately, with a lot of the people who want to exit, theres a sense of jingoistic We dont want to take orders from bloody Frenchies. Its the worst kind of nationalism, the worst kind of patriotism, and its scary as shit, and a woman was killed! It worries me that  we dont really have a version of Trump, but our very far right wing party, they obviously would never have incited somebody to that violence. Im not saying they did that because they didnt. But equally, you spend that much time fearmongering about race and religion and thats going to have an effect sometimes. Its just scary and sad, and I hope were still a part of Europe in a couple of weeks time.
Photo: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images

If you werent aware of Tom Hiddleston until the debonair Brit and possible future James Bond kissed Taylor Swift on a beach in Rhode Island last week, I am sorry for you. Youve been missing out. But whether youre a newly intrigued Swifty or a die-hard Hiddlestoner, you surely want to know more.

I had the pleasure of hanging out with Hiddleston for a couple of hours at the end of April  just a few days before he met Swift at the Met Ball  and he is as charming as advertised. And tall (six foot two). And well-dressed (custom-tailored navy suit with an open-collared white shirt and no tie). I cant shed further light on whether the #Hiddleswift snogfest was a publicity stunt, but I can sate your curiosity about the snogger. Here are 28 things you learn from hanging out with him.

1. He loves to dance  and not just at the Met Ball with Taylor.

Theres an entire sector of YouTube dedicated to mash-ups of Hiddleston dancing (and doing celebrity impressions, and speaking different languages). My personal favorite would be this dance-off between him and close friend Benedict Cumberbatch.

Anyone whos known me for any length of time knows that I love dancing, Hiddleston says. At a party Ill be the first person on the dance floor and the last sweaty mess at the end of the night. I dont even think I can dance particularly well. I just have always had great enthusiasm for it and enjoy it.

2. Hes not a party animal, though.

I keep my head down in London, he says. Its so boring. I just have long breakfasts and meet up with my sisters  the older one is a journalist, the younger one an actress  and go and play with my niece and go and catch up with my mom and dad. Just try to be normal for a bit, do normal stuff, read books, think about how I might want to redo the kitchen.

3. All of the stuff the internet loves about him hes been doing since he was a kid.

Impressions and dancing, these are two things that if you ask my sisters and my oldest friends, theyll be like, This is literally what he has done since he was 5, he says. I remember being 3 or 4 and we would clear the sofas back to the wall and my mom would play the piano and [my older sister] and I would dance. Its just the sweetest thing, and its such a happy memory.

Also, he says, I used to do my own radio show  for an audience of one, I hasten to add. But I would do impressions of the newsreader and the weatherman and the DJ. I just always did all these different voices.

4. Dont read too much into the idea that hes the perfect boyfriend.

Theyre all lies, he says. He mentioned that work has sometimes tested his personal relationships. Being away a lot is a real thing, but Im getting better at that, too. Im getting better at bridging the gap. When I asked him for a status update on his dating life this April  he was last rumored to be dating Elizabeth Olsen, his co-star in the Hank Williams biopic I Saw the Light  he said, I think some things have to remain sacred, then added, You could write that Im single. Theres no ring on this finger.

5. Tilda Swinton taught him the serenity prayer.

He recites it upon showing up late to meet me for lunch at the Crosby Street Hotel, then explains that Swinton used to say it when they played impossibly hip vampires living in Detroit in Jim Jarmuschs Only Lovers Left Alive. Id never heard it before until she said it. Shes a very wise woman.

6. Menus are just suggestions to him.

Eggs Benedict is not on the lunch menu, but if you are Tom Hiddleston and ask politely and flash your Tom Hiddleston smile, that will not be an obstacle.

7. But he wont eat just anything.

When offered goat at a dinner in Vietnam while shooting King Kong: Skull Island, he says, I didnt partake. I should have, but I was just thinking I needed to be in one piece for the shoot.

8. He will ask you questions about yourself.

Is it a ploy to not have to talk about himself the whole time? Maybe. Or maybe hes actually curious about people. Either way, itll turn you into mush.

9. He will also compliment your vocabulary.

By the way, excellent use of sui generis. People dont use that enough.

10. Yes, he knows he has a tendency to ramble.

I wish this wasnt being recorded, he says, hiding his head in his hands, laughing.

11. Theres nothing high maintenance about him.

When the waiter asks if hed be more comfortable with a clean set of silverware, he replies, Honestly, dont dirty any more plates. Keep these plates dirty and Ill be fine.

12. If you go back to his hotel room, you might get a serenade.

After playing Hank Williams, he brings his acoustic guitar with him everywhere. Its an enormous source of pleasure and joy, he says. I just noodle around, but I have a base musicianship I didnt have before. Picking up new skills  like instruments and combat moves and how to ride a cavalry horse  is partly why he loves acting. The only thing thats constant is that everything will change and people change, he says. The privilege we are afforded is that we get to have these very intense new experiences, which you then carry with you.

13. He actually read Norse mythology to play the Marvel supervillain Loki, and he can recite it from memory.

Hiddleston tells me about an obscure myth in which Loki was female. He/she, Loki the demigod, had changed his or her shape and now represented as a woman. If that ever happens in the movies, Im not sure Ill be able to deliver on that. Hes willing to try, though. I would dress in drag if called upon to do it, he says, but I dont think thats quite what they meant. Its not Loki in drag. Its actually a woman, so they would cast a woman. Or somebody who identifies as a woman. Hear that? Hes woke, too.

14. The man can keep a secret.

Hiddleston has known since 2012 that hed be in Thor: Ragnarok, but he never slipped up to the press. People were trying to pry that information out of me last year, he says, but he stayed rigorously coy and on message about Guillermo del Toros Crimson Peak, which he was promoting at the time. But he never worried about Loki coming back. Thor 2 finishes with Loki on the throne. I knew that eventually the Thor narrative and mythology would have to pick up where we left off.

15. The last book he read was Jonathan Franzens Purity.

It made me laugh and laugh and laugh.

16. Mistaking him for Michael Fassbender is so 2012.

There was a moment when Prometheus came out that people congratulated me on my performance in Prometheus, Hiddleston says. Thats over, but he still managed to go undercover while working at Londons fancy Rosewood Hotel as prep for The Night Manager, an adaptation of the John le Carre novel in which he played a soldier turned hotel worker turned spy. It was hilarious, Hiddleston says. Nobody recognized me until the morning. Under the cover of night I was invisible, and then at breakfast time, people were like, Hang on, are you that actor? I would say, I couldnt possibly comment. Later, during filming, he worked the front desk of a functioning hotel in Marrakesh, handing out keys to actual guests who had no idea who he was. The Marvel fans among the staff called him Mr. Loki, though.

17. Hes got a sensible view on his sudden fame.

Its not that you change but people around you change and that takes some getting used to, he says. It has to do with visibility and anonymity. Its odd. Theres a before-and-after. Before is you walk into a room and you meet someone and they dont know you and you dont know them and you get to know each other. The after is you walk into a room and you meet someone and they know who you are and you dont know them and that interaction is changed as you get to know each other.

Hiddleston finds fame hard to conceptualize because its a construct. Ive said this before, but fame is a collection of other peoples opinions, and nobody has any control over that. You can only control who you are. In a way, that gives me peace. Its a corollary to the work, and if youre lucky then you start to have a platform to then say what you want to say and make choices. Playing Loki gave him the chance to pursue passion projects during breaks in Marvel servitude: Coriolanus onstage in London, Crimson Peak, I Saw the Light, an adaptation of J.G. Ballards bonkers dystopian novel High-Rise, and The Night Manager.

18. His friendship with Benedict Cumberbatch began with bruises.

The Brits who would each become the internets boyfriend first bonded while training to play cavalry officers in Stephen Spielbergs War Horse. There was no faking it, Hiddleston says. We had to ride those horses at the front of a phalanx of 90 on a double rein, single-handed, holding sabers out in front of us. So it was very intensive. We both fell off the horses a lot in training. It was very humbling. You get to know someone very quickly when youre both learning something like that together.

19. Hell show you King Kong: Skull Island footage on his iPhone. (And it looks amazing.)

At one point, Hiddleston whipped out his phone to show me a slow-motion video of him running through a swamp in Vietnam with (presumably fake) bullets flying at him and a helicopter carrying the camera right overhead. The entire shoot, he says, was incredibly sweaty and physical. The most physical thing Ive ever done. Hes also very proud of the movie being the first big-budget American picture to be allowed to shoot in Vietnam since the 60s. It was a big deal, and I dont say that lightly, he says. He also hints that his character, a British Special Air Services officer, will clash with the American characters over military strategies, specifically because of his outsiders perspective on the war.

20. You dont want to corner him in a dark alley.

In the past two years, Hiddleston has learned spy techniques from a British paratrooper for Night Manager and jungle tracking from a Navy SEAL for Kong. Improvisation is key, he says. What you want to do is distract the person youre being cornered by and react in a very unexpected way, which is essentially you use whatever you have on hand. So say someone comes to pick a fight with you in the pub and youre carrying a drink or whatever, you put both your hands up and say, Please, please, please, I really dont want to do this. Then just when theyre not expecting it you throw your drink in their face and they cant see and then you have a split second to make a decision. We practiced these scenarios. Its extraordinary what happens to adrenaline as youre doing it because it feels very real.

By the way: He also knows capoeira, which he learned while playing Loki.

21. He thinks moral conviction is sexy.

One of the major appeals of his Night Manager character, Jonathan Pine, he says, was Pines willingness to give up his identity to avenge the murder of a woman hed loved. I found his sense of moral fire romantic, Hiddleston explains. Romantic in the sense that hes a man whos willing to stand up for something, to fight or die for a principle, a cause. Hiddleston says he was moved by Pines choice to live within the jaws of the beast, infiltrating the inner circle of an international arms dealer, played by Hugh Laurie, whom le Carre describes as the worst man in the world. If those jaws snap shut at any time, hes a dead man, says Hiddleston, and nobody would be the wiser.

Also sexy: This NSFW sex scene from The Night Manager.

22. No kids yet, but he already has a parenting philosophy.

When we somehow get on the topic, Hiddleston tells me that he believes in the sanctity of childhood and the privilege of boredom parents can bestow on children. Meaning, he believes its parents job to create a safe environment for their kids, so they will get bored, so they start making up things to do. They get a self-generated creative impulse to do something, to play a game, to paint a picture, to climb a tree, play hide-and-seek, read a book, or just stare out the window. That time you never get back. You never get the staring-out-of-the-window time back that you get granted as a child, if youre lucky. Not every child gets that. Im so grateful to have had a childhood that dragged out over time.

He actually feels sorry for todays kids  and people in general. What is socialization now? Is it just staring at your phone? I was in LAX yesterday and we were waiting to board. I looked up and every single person I could see in the airport was glued to their phone. I realized I was glued to my phone, too.

23. He gets tired of social media, too.

I dont use [Twitter] as much as I used to, but only because I find it distracting from working, he says. My great strength, and my great weakness, is that I cant do anything by halves. So when I do something I do it to the exclusion of everything else. Which is great for the work and less great for my life, if you know what I mean. Im all in, and I can say that with absolute confidence knowing that every director will back that up. But I say its a weakness because I cant switch it off.

24. Its not always fun to listen to him talk about his movies.

In High-Rise, Hiddleston plays a psychologist named Dr. Lange, who begins the movie by spit-roasting a dog. He also has some very sexy sex with Sienna Miller along the way. Still, you might fall asleep listening to him explain it: Lange is a physiologist with a professional detachment, whose day job is to disassemble the machine parts of human engineering. So hes capable of intellectualizing emotion, saying its just certain chemicals being distributed by our glands and organs around the body. He has this coolness about him, but when push comes to shove and the extremity of the chaos thats taking place within the high-rise reaches fever pitch, that detachment is challenged. Who are you? There is a huge moment of self-recognition that happens within Dr. Lange of an acceptance of a new identity, a new nature. This is when life is devolved to sort of a more feral landscape and he accepts it: This is who I am now. I forage for my food.

25. It was tough for him to see Crimson Peak and I Saw the Light bomb last year.

Its not the best piece of news, he says. But on the bright side, its been very instructive in that I now realize there are certain things I cannot control because I know that The Night Manager has been a big hit in the U.K. I didnt work on The Night Manager any more or less hard than I worked on Crimson Peak and I Saw the Light. He goes on: Whats that Andy Warhol quote? Im paraphrasing, but, Make art, let other people decide if its good or bad, and while theyre deciding make more.

26. Hed do them all again, though.

Ultimately, Hiddleston says, it helps to divorce his experience of making a film from the two hours an audience spends deciding if they like it. I spent five months of my life working on I Saw the Light, working 12 hours of every day, he says. There are things about everything Ive done that I carry with me forever. Friendships you make and experiences that happen off-screen that belong to you entirely, and you treasure those deeply. So for me, every project is a huge investment of time and energy. Its much more than just two hours screen time.

27. He regrets saying that he wanted the Bond rumors to stop.

I shouldnt have said that, he says. It came out of frustration during a press junket for The Night Manager where all anyone wanted to ask him about was 007. I havent had any spoken engagement with [Bond producers] Barbara Broccoli or Michael Wilson, and the expectation of an inevitability  I was just engaging with it every day. That was just the sheer volume of journalists whod have ten minutes to talk about The Night Manager and Jonathan Pine, who I really thought about, and they wouldnt want to talk about Jonathan Pine. Theyd want to talk about James Bond.

Nevertheless, he is flattered people are talking about it. Im a huge fan of James Bond, but it feels presumptuous to consider it before its real, he says. Im also a huge fan of expensive Champagne, nobodys written about that. I think one should be able to say one is a fan of something without it meaning that youre throwing your hat into the ring to play that role. So I still remain an enduring fan of the James Bond series, but at this point, I havent had a real conversation with the producers of those films, and I believe that Daniel Craig will continue to play James Bond.

28. Never fear, Hiddlestoners! His dancing days are far from over.

If you were present at a party with my friends, I would dance like a lunatic, but I also believe in the moral seriousness of The Night Manager, or the rigor required in trying to investigate why Hank Williams was Hank Williams, or the deep intellectual provocation of a piece of work like High-Rise. It doesnt change the fact that I might do an impression of Chris Evans tomorrow. To quote Walt Whitman, I contain multitudes.
John Turturro and Riz Ahmed in The Night Of. Photo: Craig Blackenhorn/Courtesy of HBO

HBOs procedural mini-series The Night Of is the longest, bleakest Law & Order episode ever. Co-written by novelist and screenwriter Richard Price (Clockers, The Wire) and directed by writer-filmmaker Steven Zaillian (A Civil Action), it draws out its account of an accused killers odyssey through New York Citys criminal-justice system over eight grim yet engrossing hours, lingering on the distinctive language of cops, lawyers, judges, jailhouse guards, accused criminals, convicted felons, and anxious relatives; situating their troubles within the context of a broken system; and finding the pulse in situations and settings that you thought had been done to death. This is not an especially innovative series: Its based on the British mini-series Criminal Justice, created by Peter Moffat, and it follows the Slow TV template recently perfected by the likes of American Crime and The People vs. O.J. Simpson, giving each scene maximum space to breathe, often more than it needs. But the net effect is hypnotic, like reading a fat crime novel filled with memorable characters and atmospheric details. Like Prices novels Clockers and Freedomland, which gave deeply unglamorous crimes the Dostoyevsky treatment, this one draws equally on 19th-century fiction and the kinds of stories that cops, lawyers, and social workers tell each other in bars after work.

Riz Ahmed (Nightcrawler) plays Nasir Khan, a Pakistani-American college student from Queens who impulsively borrows his dads cab so that he can attend a party in Manhattan. A young woman named Andrea (Sofia Black-DElia) gets into the cab, and because shes pretty and teasing and troubled, he drives her to her Upper West Side apartment, spends a debauched night with her, and wakes up to find her dead beside him, drenched in blood from stab wounds. Did he kill her? Although nearly everyone assumes he did  why wouldnt they, since he fled the scene with the bloody knife in his pocket?  we just dont know. Price and Zaillian adopt a kind of modified Rectify viewpoint toward the issue of guilt or innocence. They treat it as a MacGuffin that lets them explore what happens to a first-time and possibly innocent suspect passing through a system that has little empathy, less money, and even less patience.

Nasirs lawyer, Jack Stone (national treasure John Turturro, in a role James Gandolfini was originally set to play), is a sharp-witted man with a been-there smirk and a low-key cynicism (The truth can go to hell because it doesnt help you, he tells Nasir). He also has a wicked case of psoriasis on his foot, and the more time Stone spends with Nasir, the more this starts to feel like a symbolic affliction, like the ulcer that the crack dealer Strike treats with vanilla Yoo-Hoo in Clockers. Stone carries himself like a man who is no longer capable of outrage or surprise, but his clients dim prospects nag at him, undermining his world-weary pose. The scene in episode two where Stone negotiates his fee with Nasirs parents (Payman Maadi and Poorna Jagannathan) is all the more cringe-inducing for being so understated: His initial offer is a $75,000 retainer, but when he hears that they have only $8,000 in their checking account, he drops it lower, then lower still, partly because its a high-profile case that he knows could make his career, but mostly because the whole scenario upsets him in ways he cant articulate. Although it would be a stretch to call Stone a secret idealist, he has, ahem, an itch that needs scratching. I have the strength of ten, he says. Do you know why? Because my heart is pure. At first you cant be entirely sure if hes kidding about this, because theres a hint of a grin in his voice  as is often the way Turturro delivers a sentiment. (Hes a warm actor.) But pretty soon you figure out its neither an ironic nor a sincere description of Stone. Its a wish.

Stones foil, Detective Box (the great character actor Bill Camp), is dealing with his own psychic distress. Most of the people who pass through his interrogation room are guilty as hell. He wonders if this nervous, polite young man will prove to be an exception, but hes also on guard against letting doe-eyed civilians play him for a sucker. Christian, Jew, Muslim, what have you, he tells Nasir, theres an immense sense of relief when [suspects] just let go and finally tell you the truth. He keeps talking to Nasir even though Stone has warned him never to respond; because the kid is decent, he cant help replying, then going silent for a while, then talking again.

The mini-series offers a second suspect in the form of Andreas stepfather, played by Paul Sparks, an actor who excels at playing instantly unlikable men. Is he hiding a terrible secret or do we just assume the worst of him because hes so introverted and cold? What will become of Nasir? Will he be punished for the crime hes been accused of, justly or unjustly? The real tragedy is that the system renders such questions largely irrelevant. Nasirs familys bank account will be bled regardless, and hell spend weeks or months on Rikers Island, staving off assaults by allying himself with a disgraced ex-boxer played by Michael Kenneth Williams. For all its procedural exactness and gallows humor, The Night Of is a tragedy about a society that punishes itself by signing off on a hobbled system of crime and punishment that creates more frustration and sadness than justice. The Night Of communicates this sense of underlying despair through its in-the-belly-of-the-beast sound design  a depressive symphony of distant guffaws, clanging cell doors, and Kubrickian air whooshes  and through its cinematography, which smushes its people into the edges or corners of the frame. Sometimes characters are cropped from the neck at the bottom of the frame line, as if they were shipwreck survivors who can barely keep their heads above water.

*This article appears in the June 27, 2016 issue of New York Magazine.
An Austin-based group is poised to renovate the former Waco Independent School District alternative school building at 805 S. Eighth St., hoping to convert the structure built in 1922 into loft apartments as a companion to the West Campus Lofts recently completed next door.

A group of investors headed by Warren Hayes, owner of Hayes Modular Group Inc., will spend about $3.5 million to gut the interior of the three-story structure down to its walls and add more than 30 loft apartments while giving the exterior a fresh look that maintains its historic charm.

A friend of mine from Dallas told me about that piece of property, and I fell in love with that building, Hayes said. I did a little research and discovered it was built in 1922 as a school and has been one just about ever since.

Waco architect Milton Scott designed the building, Hayes said.

He hopes to have the project completed by August 2017, in time for occupancy by college students attending class that fall, Hayes said.

Already Hayes and his team have put their stamp on that neighborhood with the opening last August of West Campus Lofts, a 128-bed apartment complex offering up to four bedrooms and four bathrooms in a single unit and lease rates ranging from $575 to $925 a bed per month, all bills paid.

It is about 95 percent occupied, said Kristina Hayes, a Hayes Modular Group vice president who manages the property.

The development group received $482,769 in Tax Increment Financing Zone funds from the city of Waco to complete West Campus Lofts, and Warren Hayes estimated the investment group spent about $5.5 million on the property.

West Campus Lofts received a 2016 Award of Distinction from the Modular Building Institute, which named the complex Best of Show in the permanent category.

In presenting the project for consideration, Hayes Modular Group wrote, If we wanted to develop a new 51,000-square-foot student housing project near Baylor University, we had to do so by preserving the historical significance of an adjacent Milton Scott designed structure. The challenge: Use 21st-century building techniques that focus on efficiency and connectivity and have it properly complement a local historical masterpiece that has endured the test of time through its strength of design and beauty of simplicity.

He concluded in his application that West Campus Lofts is a highly efficient structure that blended in practically and gracefully with the character of the century-old community.

Now, Hayes said, he will turn his attention to the hulking, 57,000-square-foot school building hoping to duplicate the companys success.

We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to take somebodys design work of nearly 100 years ago and modernize it to create a unique living experience, Hayes said. We definitely will maintain the interior structural integrity while restoring the exterior to how it looked in 1922.

Today, the building, though stately, is showing its age. Plywood hides the windows.

You would never build a building today like this one was built, Hayes said. You wouldnt put in 14-foot-high ceilings, 12-to-14-inch concrete walls or 16-foot-wide corridors in a modern building. It is very strong, structurally, and its beauty is the strength of its design.

Hayes said he bought the building, which once served as home to South Waco Junior High, from a Dallas group that had acquired it from the Waco school district. It was among several surplus properties the district has sold in recent years, this one fetching $510,000 for school coffers.

Changing neighborhood

The face of the neighborhood around West Campus Lofts has changed in the past couple of years, and Hayes said he likes what hes seen.

Nearby, Chick-fil-A and Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers have opened restaurants, soon to be joined by Raising Canes Chicken Fingers and Panera Bread.

Dilapidated structures are falling near Interstate 35 on the west side of the highway, where a retail center, a sit-down restaurant and at least two hotels reportedly will take shape in the next few months, according to Bland Cromwell, a commercial real estate specialist marketing the area.

Construction has begun on a new location for McGregor-based TFNB Your Bank for Life, with an opening planned in spring or summer of 2017.
Federal, state and local authorities continue their search for a Central Texas truck driver who skipped out on his trial earlier this month before he could be sentenced to life in prison without parole for sexually abusing a young family member.

And the trail could lead to central Mexico.

A 54th State District Court jury in Waco convicted 58-year-old Aurelio Ibarra of continuous sexual abuse of a child and indecency with a child by contact, but the native of Mexico and longtime Groesbeck resident was not in court when the jury returned its verdict.

Ibarra attended the first two days of his trial but was a no-show on the last two days. Judge Matt Johnson continued the trial without him and was forced to delay sentencing until Ibarra is brought back to Waco.

Prosecutors alerted the U.S. Marshals Service, which has a fugitive task force, and since have been tipped that Ibarra may be back in the area of his hometown, San Felipe, a city in the state of Guanajuato.

Mauro Israel Gutierrez, director of a newspaper in San Felipe, contacted the Tribune-Herald last week and said residents in the south central Mexico city reported that Ibarra was there. The editor asked for a way to contact authorities to report his whereabouts.

McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna did not return phone messages left at his office, and Christi Hunting Horse, one of two assistants who prosecuted Ibarra, declined comment about the ongoing search.

Ibarras attorney, Tony Diaz, of Austin, said he has not heard from his client since June 7, the last day Ibarra attended his trial.

I have no idea where he is, Diaz said. I was very surprised that he absented himself. I have no idea if he is dead or alive or if he has a visa or what. He must have seen something I didnt see at trial because I thought he had a real chance at acquittal. It is just a shame.

A spokesman in the Waco U.S. Marshals Service office referred questions about Ibarra to a spokeswoman in the agencys Washington, D.C., office. She declined comment, but directed questions about extradition of those wanted by U.S. officials to the Department of Justice website.

Authorities must first locate Ibarra and apprehend him, which had not been done as of Friday evening.

Trial testimony revealed that Ibarra lived in Groesbeck for decades and has family there and in Waco. He also has family in Mexico.

Ibarra was convicted of sexually abusing a young female family member from January 2008 to July 2011, beginning in Limestone County when the girl was age 9 or 10, and continuing in Waco.

The jury also recommended a 20-year prison term and a $10,000 fine on the second count.

Johnson issued an arrest warrant and revoked Ibarras bail when he failed to show up for court. However, authorities also must obtain a provisional warrant with intent to extradite and work with the U.S. State Department and Mexican officials to seek Ibarras arrest.

The Justice Department Office of International Affairs conducts a review of the case and will assign an assistant U.S. attorney, according to federal protocols.

The arrest warrant is filed in the district where the fugitive is located. He then would be entitled to an extradition hearing in front of a magistrate.

In jury summations June 9, Hunting Horse told the panel that Ibarra came to court looking angry and appeared to be offended that he had to endure a criminal trial. But he ran away, she said, when he saw the writing on the wall.

He comes in here with a lot of machismo, she said. But when he realized this girl has all these people standing up for her, he hightails it out of here. I just pray to God that we find him.
The new Robinson city manager likes a challenge.

After a month on the job, Craig Lemin has received an earful about city street conditions from residents while also working to prepare the proposed fiscal year 2017 budget.

Lemin, who has 32 years of experience in public service, said besides liking the area and being close to his children in Fort Worth, he was attracted to the position because he thinks his experience can help Robinson.

I thought, Can I go in there and take everything Ive learned and help move this city in the right direction?  he said. It looks like a city that has a lot of things in place, it just needs a person to come in and bring it together. I like to feel like Im making a difference.

Lemin signed his contract with the city at a special meeting May 10, not long after the council opted to end its contract with former city manager Bob Cervenka. City leaders have faced growing tension with residents over the years as street improvement work has not lived up to expectations.

Lemin said he has already allowed a few residents to take him to see some of the street damage and has learned the city took on a pretty ambitious project. The one-size-fits-all project didnt succeed, and now hes working to gather information on how to best move forward, he said.

Lemin said he has met with city employees to review true costs of the work done so far and to develop options for how the city can move forward with a more efficient plan.

I think the one thing people are going to have to recognize is were not going to be able to do as much as was promised, he said

The amount of work needed will take longer and cost more than originally reported, he said.

Mayor Bert Echterling said hes excited Lemin joined the city.

Developing a plan

It seems as if Mr. Craig is digging in and learning pretty quickly what some of our deficiencies are and he looks like hes developing a plan to put us on the right path, Echterling said. Im laying back a little bit and letting him get a feel for the job, and its really like an outside opinion coming in getting a fresh point of view.

Echterling said Lemin already has discovered the importance of improving city streets and will bring the council a plan with options on how to address improvements.

Lemin retired from the city of Azle in January. He served as the city manger from February 2004 until January and managed 130 employees and an $18 million annual budget. He said there are a lot of similarities between where Robinson is now and where Azle was when he first got there.

Both cities faced heavy infrastructure needs and a damaged relationship between city officials and the rest of the community. However, in this case, Robinson is in good shape financially, whereas Azle was on the verge of being broke.

Lemin said its a little different parachuting into the middle of it versus working his way up the ladder like he did in Azle.

Knowing that, he said, as he moves forward preparing a proposed fiscal year 2017 budget he will include options because he knows the council has a better feel for the communitys needs.

Lemin was the city of Azles assistant city manager and director of administrative services from January 2001 to February 2004 and served as the Azle police chief for six years after working his way up through the ranks. He also was a Benbrook Police Department detective.

Lemin said he has been in positions of leadership much of his life as he immerses himself in his work. Lemin, who has a masters in public administration from the University of North Texas, said schools teach a lot of theories about how to manage. The key is to be adaptable, he said. There are times when a city manager must play an authoritarian role, while others its best to serve as a mentor, he said.

Staying flexible

Lemin said its important to be flexible, not micromanage staff and to be approachable. Lemin said hes not into summoning people to my office and recognizes that smaller cities function better as a strong team or with a family-like feeling.

We all have to work together, and no one department is more important than the other, even though sometimes some think they are, he said. None of them can do what they need to do without the support of the others. Its all interconnected.

Lemin said its his responsibility to help improve the relationship between the city and its residents. The best way to do that is to be honest and accessible, he said. Each employee has to be professional and efficient and if someone makes a mistake, own up to it and correct it, he said.

Just be honest. Most people, if youll explain to them why youre doing something, theyll understand, he said.

Lemin said one of the better aspects of Robinson that most residents may not be aware of is how water-secure the city is for years to come. Lemin said at a time when the state of Texas is facing severe water shortages, the city of Robinson is in a strong position in regards to accessing water and because of that, has room for growth.

I know just from my short time here, there are some parts of the community that want to see Robinson grow and there are some people that dont, he said.

But the benefits of having the interstate nearby is that the city can grow along that route, while still maintaining a small-town feel in the middle of the city, he said.
A traffic stop along Interstate 35 in northern McLennan County led to the seizure of more than 8 ounces of methamphetamine, 7 grams of heroin and more than $12,700 in cash Thursday, authorities said.

Rocky Edward Montoya, 57, was arrested after McLennan County Sheriffs Deputy Jeremy Bost pulled over a vehicle Thursday for expired registration near a truck stop in Ross, Sheriff Parnell McNamara said. Bost and his drug dog Kilo started duty with the sheriffs office Wednesday.

The irony of this is that this individual was arrested by our narcotics unit about two months ago for the same thing, and then he bonds out and he is found with much more narcotics and much more cash, McNamara said. This was a really good takedown.

Bost searched the vehicle with Kilo and found cash, meth, heroin and a container of suspected liquid morphine, said Capt. Shawn Lippe, who oversees the organized crime unit. The street value was estimated to be about $25,000.

Montoya was arrested on separate drug charges about three months ago after McGregor police served a search warrant at Montoyas home, McNamara said. Bost also arrested Montoya after the McGregor warrant, he said.

Bost worked for the McGregor Police Department at the time, and Kilo made the move from McGregor to the sheriffs office with Bost.

He was arrested by the K-9 officer when he worked for McGregor, but then he got to be reunited with the same K-9 officer, who is now working for McLennan County, McNamara said.

Lippe showcased the seized drugs and cash Friday, saying that the seizure is a good attempt to get uncontrolled drugs off the streets.

Anytime you can take away half a pound of methamphetamine off the street, that is a good deal. That is a win for law enforcement, Lippe said. That is a lot of drugs that isnt going to be sold.

Montoya was arrested on felony charges of manufacturing or delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

He remained in McLennan County Jail on Friday with bond set at $70,000.
A new state transportation fund has allowed regional officials to add $130 million in projects to their long-range plan, including an expansion of Hewitt Drive and major improvements to Loop 340.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization board approved six new road projects for the Connections 2040 plan Thursday. The plan, which lays out the local priorities for state transportation improvements during the next 24 years, can only include projects that have identified funding sources.

MPO director Chris Evilia said Proposition 7, which Texas voters recently approved, could provide $130 million to the Waco area by 2040 under conservative estimates. Evilia said the amount could be up to twice that much, but funding distribution formulas wont be known until next year.

He said the MPOs timeline for starting the new projects begins in 2025.

That doesnt mean we couldnt go earlier than that, Evilia said.

In any case, he said, putting the projects in the plan now allows the Texas Department of Transportation to begin design work immediately.

The MPO has held public meetings on the proposed new projects, and the Hewitt Drive project has received some of the strongest support.

The $23.2 million project would widen Hewitt Drive to six lanes, improve drainage and add continuous sidewalks and a signalized crosswalk. The proposed expansion would not include bike lanes.

Half the project area would be in the city of Waco and half in Hewitt. The road section runs past Midway High School and Midway Middle School, and Midway Independent School District has endorsed the project.

City Manager Adam Miles, who sits on the MPO board, said Hewitt Drive is very congested at peak hours, especially around the schools.

Miles said Hewitt Drive businesses have expressed opposition to having a raised median in the road, but some medians should be considered to improve pedestrian safety for students.

Evilia said no design decisions have yet been made on the median issue, but in the past the MPO board has wanted to leave the existing continuous turn lanes along Hewitt Drive.

As a planner, I would not recommend that, but its not my decision to make, Evilia said.

Another project in the Hewitt area, at Spring Valley Road, is also seen as a school safety issue.

The amended plan sets aside $19.3 million to upgrade Spring Valley between Sun Valley Boulevard and Hewitt Drive. The project would add a center turn lane, add bicycle lanes, improve drainage and add a continuous sidewalk and enhanced crosswalk.

Midway officials have pinpointed traffic along the road as a safety hazard for Spring Valley Elementary.

Other projects are as follows:

 $18 million to widen east Loop 340 between Marlin Highway and Williams Drive to a four-lane divided roadway.

 $34 million to build a new overpass for Loop 340 at Marlin Highway.

 $18.6 million to extend frontage roads and realign on- and off-ramps along West Loop 340 between Interstate 35 and West Waco Drive.

 $2.2 million to realign on- and off-ramps on West Highway 84 between Texas Central Parkway and Loop 340.
President Obama promised in June 2011 that the tide of war is receding. In the wake of Orlando, it is clearer than ever that Obama substituted wishful thinking for counterterrorism policy. The tide is not receding. It is coming in, and Americas political leaders are too busy with recriminations and political posturing to notice we risk drowning.

Obama led the way with a grand strategy of restraint. He precipitously withdrew U.S. forces from Iraq, refused to do anything to prevent the collapse of Syria and allowed the Islamic State group to rise from the ashes and conquer a swath of the Middle East. In Afghanistan, he undermined his own surge by pre-announcing the withdrawal of U.S. troops on an arbitrary deadline. His recent decision to re-authorize combat operations by the few remaining U.S. troops there is proof of the failure of his earlier strategy.

Obamas foreign policy legacy is that jihadist groups around the world are stronger, larger and more popular than ever. They have more operational space and safe havens, and they are capable of carrying out terrorist attacks from Boston to Paris to Brussels to Orlando with impunity.

Unfortunately, neither of this years candidates for president is likely to prove more effective at waging war against jihadists.

Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, promised to murder terrorists wives and children, reinstitute waterboarding and worse tactics and, finally, ban all Muslims from immigrating to the United States.

Trump does not understand that many of the United States most important allies in the fight against jihadism are Muslims  in part because he seems incapable of distinguishing between the two groups. If the worlds 1.6 billion Muslims were waging war on America, we would know. In fact, jihadists borrow the language and symbolism of Islam and claim to be the only true representatives of the religion, but they are a miniscule fraction of the worlds Muslims.

Afghans, for example, have suffered more from the Taliban and al-Qaida than the United States ever has  and they have fought longer and harder against them. The Afghans I met and worked with while serving in the U.S. Army and the Central Intelligence Agency were among the most courageous warriors and citizens I have ever met. They have a greater stake in the fight against jihadists and a greater ability to glean useful intelligence about the enemy. Trumps policies would alienate Muslims worldwide, driving our most important allies into the arms of the enemy.

In contrast to Trump, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has had more opportunities to take real action against jihadists. Unfortunately, she has demonstrably failed. As a member of Obamas team, she shares blame for its counterproductive policies in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. She oversaw the United States failures to rebuild a functioning state in Libya, allowing that country to descend into chaos and become a jihadist safe haven. And like the rest of her party, she seems more concerned with getting rid of guns than the terrorists who use them.

Clinton illustrates her poor judgment in other ways too, such as her support for the Iran nuclear deal. The deal depends for its success on the trustworthiness and rationality of the theocratic regime in Tehran  an astonishingly high-risk gamble. Obama and Clinton want to tout the nuclear deal as proof that diplomacy works. In truth, the deal constitutes the articles of surrender codifying Americas defeat in the Iraq war, recognizing Irans de facto regional hegemony in the aftermath of our withdrawal.

This year Americans face a choice between two candidates, and two political movements, that are incompetent, unserious and dangerously ill-prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century. Unfortunately, no third alternative has presented itself. Americans should steel themselves for rough years ahead. In the longer run, we urgently need to begin cultivating a new political movement of seriousness and integrity. If we dont get that, attacks such as the one in Orlando will only continue and escalate.

Paul D. Miller teaches public policy and is the associate director of the Clements Center for History, Strategy and Statecraft at The University of Texas at Austin. He served as director for Afghanistan and Pakistan on the National Security Council staff from 2007 through September 2009. He is also a research fellow at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Follow him on Twitter.
From what weve seen on Capitol Hill this week, weve decided to add a question to any further interviews we do with legislative candidates, federal or state: Do you solemnly swear to resist the temptation to engage in cheap political stunts, petty political payback or other demeaning displays of immaturity that raise questions about the sanity of us in the home district who placed you in a position of power?

This newspaper believes wholeheartedly in the Second Amendment. We also believe its absolutely crazy to vehemently insist that the mass shooting deaths in Orlando this month are terrorism  and then turn around and resist at least some well-intentioned efforts to block suspected terrorists among us from getting their hands on firearms.

Sure, determined terrorists defeated by such laws can probably get their firearms through illicit means. But the point is we dont need to make it any easier for them to get guns  and such a law, of course, shouldnt block any law-abiding person from procuring a gun.

Unfortunately, the lack of cooperation in the U.S. Senate on Monday  when no less than four gun-control measures (Republican and Democrat) were voted down  devolved into childishness over in the House. Democrats decided to undermine the stature of the Republican-run chamber by staging a loud sit-in to demand votes on gun legislation.

If the Democrats PR stunt wasnt bad enough, Republican leadership then reacted with pettiness, stingily shutting down the cameras which C-SPAN uses to cover the Capitol  the same cameras that routinely broadcast each and every screwball speech given by Texas Republican Louis Gohmert. In response, Democrats employed streaming video from cellphones to show a chamber in full rancor (which C-SPAN broadcast).

And if that werent enough, our own congressman, Republican Bill Flores, head of the resolutely conservative Republican Study Committee, reportedly had to restrain Gohmert during the latters screaming match with equally unhinged Democrats about whether radical Islam was the cause of 49 Orlando deaths this month.

No American should tolerate any of this. Extremists on either side are making it impossible for grownups among the elected to discuss compromise and address problems, whether immigration, selecting Supreme Court justices or keeping guns out of the hands of suspected terrorists (while, yes, ensuring due process to safeguard Second Amendment rights).

Two more bills to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists failed Thursday, this time both Republican in origin. In 10 days, these lawmakers will wax eloquent about the Founders on the Fourth of July. In doing so, they will show only how short they themselves truly measure up.
No cigar

So James Williams and the Engage Cuba Texas State Council think there are billions of dollars to be made selling things to Cuba. They must also believe in the tooth fairy. The entire rest of the world has been trading with Cuba for years. What can the Cubans possibly get from us that they cant get from someone else?

Does anyone really think the Castro crime family has been sitting on billions of dollars for the past 50 years just waiting for relations with us to improve so they could spend that money on American goods? They could have bought everything they need from their Chinese brethren in the meantime. But they havent because half a century of communist thuggery has left the Cuban people poor as church mice. Where will all this money come from? We will probably give it to them through the Export/Import Bank.

Williams says, Its time to end 50 years of failed isolationist policy toward Cuba. By the same token, years of engagement by the rest of the world has also failed; the Cuban government is just as repressive today as it ever was. And the irony of establishing free trade with a country that is so obviously not free seems to be lost on these wishful thinkers.

Tourism may not be much help either. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world visit Cuba every year, but soon learn that the Cuban government allows little contact with Cubans outside hotels, bars, cabarets, and other venues set up just for the foreign tourists. Just as well. Who wants to be under constant surveillance by the secret police? Besides, why go to Cuba when the Virgin Islands and dozens of other Caribbean destinations are available? Of course, progressive fellow travelers may see a trip to Cuba as a sacred political pilgrimage.

This is American hubris at its worst: The rest of the world cant change Cuba, but, by God, we can.

Nothing in Cuba will improve until the Castro brothers are dead.

David B. Anderson, Waco

Signs to where?

Last week a sign was posted on Interstate 35 at the new exit for Bruceville. That sign calls the exit Frontage Road, not Bruceville.

The city of Bruceville has put up with no northbound or southbound exits and no northbound entrance to I-35 for a very long time. The only way to leave Bruceville going north was to go south to Eddy or to go the long way through Lorena or all the way to Spring Valley Road. To exit I-35 from the northbound side, you had to exit at Eddy and go the long way to Old Moody Road or exit at the Woodlawn exit and then go back to Bruceville. Now we have an exit but it doesnt acknowledge the fact that the city of Bruceville is even there.

Were a small community that has been a part of McLennan County since 1882. The Texas Department of Transportation should mark all exits from I-35 for Bruceville with our citys name.

Glenda Wheeler, Bruceville
WAVERLY  A Des Moines lawyer made his first of many expected trips to Waverly last week to educate local farmers on how they could get involved in a lawsuit against a large seed producer.

Chris Poynor led the information session at Honey Creek June 16. Not many farmers made an appearance, but he expects that to change.

This was his first town hall in Waverly, as well as his first meeting in Nebraska. He spent last summer traveling across Iowa leading information sessions, and attendance grew with every return trip. Hes planning at least a few more town halls in Waverly before harvest.

Ive put down everything else, Poynor said. This is what Im doing.

Hell be doing three town halls a day, five days a week, across the state all summer.

He hopes hell be able to help corn growers gain some sort of compensation after prices collapsed in 2013 and 2014 following actions made by a large seed producer.

In 2013 and 2014, Swiss-based Syngenta marketed and sold modified corn seed U.S. farmers prior to Chinese approval. The country then rejected U.S. corn shipments, causing billions of dollars in losses.

Syngenta sold the seed to farmers by maintaining that import approval from China was on the way.

The modified corn only accounted for three percent of the nations crop, but once the harvested corn is combined, its nearly impossible to keep the strain isolated, Poynor said. Without being able to distinguish which corn was which, China refused to accept a majority of shipments.

The group of lawyers behind the suit estimates that China had rejected 1.4 million tons of corn by April 2014, which cost U.S. farmers billions of dollars.

Thats when Poynor and company came in to the picture to assist farmers in receiving compensation.

Its essentially a negligence claim, Poynor said.

Seventeen lawyers from across the country are working on the lawsuit, Poynor said. Most, like him, work in small firms or operate solo practices.

Also like him, many have dedicated themselves solely to the lawsuit, completing similar five-week circuits through various states affected by the corn rejections.

Poynor said one of the reasons he became involved was frustration at how the seed maker treated farmers.

For me the infuriating part of this whole thing is that this is a calculated risk for them, he said. Syngenta was basically gambling with other peoples money.

Farmers in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Kentucky, Texas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Arkansas, Louisiana and Minnesota have already filed suit against Syngenta, according to the lawsuits website. Poynor estimated the number of suits filed to be around 50,000.

The suit is not a class action, Poynor pointed out. Instead, it is a mass tort. Each plaintiff files their own individual suit. All of those cases are filed in Minnesotas state court, where Syngenta has a U.S. headquarters.

Poynor and the other lawyers involved will select a handful of cases they feel represent the larger community and send those before a judge, rather than all 50,000 suits.

The judges decision in the five or so cases selected will then be applied to the remaining thousands of cases to decide damages, Poynor said. He expects the representative cases to go to trial early next year.

Settlement checks will be based on actual production, so farmers with more acres of corn will receive more payment.

If youve got 5,000 acres, youre going to get a bigger check, he said.

Poynor added that farmers who did not plant the Syngenta corn could also file suits, as the shipment rejections included all types of corn, not just the modified seed.

There are no fees for joining the lawsuit, and more information can be found at midwestcornlawsuit.com.

Anyone interested in filing their own suit should consider getting their paperwork in before harvest, Poynor said.

Its open right now, but we dont know how long thats going to be, he said. Our plan is to do these meetings through the summer and into the fall up until harvest starts. Certainly once you get past harvest its going to be too late.

Beyond helping farmers recoup their losses, Poynor and the other lawyers working the case hope the suit will encourage other seed manufacturers to be more cautious in the future.

The hope is that they and other companies will have pause before they try to do something like this again, Poynor said.
A young student from London is nearing the end of a weeks work experience placement at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, working on her Great Grandfathers aircraft. Beth Halbard, aged 16 has spent the last few days working alongside the museums Technicians and Apprentices, helping to restore the wing box section with seat from the Handley Page Hampden P1344. This particular section of the aircraft has close family links and was the seat where her Great Grandfather, George Shepherd, sat on the Hampdens final flight on 4 September 1942. George Shepherd was a Corporal Engine Fitter on 144 Squadron Royal Air Force and serviced the Hampden currently being restored at the museum. As a Technician, he rarely had the opportunity to fly in the aircraft he serviced, but the lack of Ground Crew in Russia meant there was a need for each aircraft to carry a technician as fifth crew member. George ended up flying on his aircraft, P1344, which turned out to be the aircrafts final flight.

Hampdens were required to provide aerial protection for Arctic Convoys and to meet this demand, 16 aircraft from 144 Sqn and 16 from 455 Sqn RAF flew out to Vaenga, northern Russia. After departing from Sumburgh, Shetland Islands on the evening of 4 September 1942, the museums Hampden example, with George aboard, suffered with icing problems and diverted slightly north to find lower ground, avoiding the mountains. This action took the aircraft directly above a Luftwaffe base at Petsamo in northern Norway and was subsequently hit by ground fire from anti-aircraft battery, followed by attacks from two Messerschmitt 109 fighters who helped bring it down. This air battle resulted in Flight Sergeant Miller and Sergeants Robertson and Garritys loss of life, and whilst Pilot Officer Perry and George both survived the crash landing; Perry was badly injured. George covered him in cloth to help keep him warm before going on the run for over 30 hours, eventually being captured. He spent the rest of the war in Stalag Luft V111b and was involved in the long marches, where he walked over 500 miles in 52 days in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. Eventually liberated by the US Army, George returned to the UK and was demobed at RAF Cosford, just a stones throw away from the museum where his aircraft now lives.

Six decades later, Beth visited the RAF Museum Cosford with her parents and Great Grandfather to view the Hampden. She was studying the Second World War at school and George surprised the whole family when he wrote notes to help with her project, detailing what happened during his flight in the Hampden back in 1942, something he had kept from the family for over 60 years. Almost a decade after first viewing the Hampden and with an interest in aviation and engine mechanics, Beth was on the lookout for a hands-on, engineering work placement and the RAF Museum Cosford was her number one choice. Beth has now spent five days in the museums Conservation Centre, temporarily part of the team, helping to restore the aircraft to its former glory.

Beth Halbard said: There is a huge respect within the family for my Great Grandfather about everything he went through. Seeing the aircraft being restored to its former glory and playing even just a small part of that is a huge honour. My Great Granddad didnt really speak about his experiences in the RAF, but I remember how emotional he got when he was reunited with his Hampden and it was after this that we could appreciate what he went through.Beth has been put to work in a variety of roles during her placement, including helping with aircraft moves, the removal of aircraft wheels from the Catalina as well as bench work learning how to work with various metals.

RAF Museum Conservation Centre Manager, Darren Priday said: I first met Beth aged 9, when she visited the project with George and other family members. Last year Beth approached me about attending work experience with us as she is interested in completing an aeronautical degree. How could we refuse such a request with her connections to our Hampden. Hopefully after spending time with us she will have a better understanding of the aviation industry; she will always be welcome back.

The Hampden is one of the museums longest running conservation projects, which has progressed considerably over the last year. As one of only three examples of the type remaining, the significance of this project is huge and is being led by one of the museums skilled Aircraft Technicians. This work includes manufacturing a forward fuselage (above the lower longeron) hand built andwhere possible, incorporating existing fixtures and fittings from the original cockpit. Another major component manufactured on site has been the aircrafts tailplane which now has an operational flying control system (elevator and rudder) and the surfaces have been covered in Irish Linen and sprayed into Bomber Command green/brown camouflage pattern. The rear fuselage external structure is close to being finished with just a few small tasks to be completed on the bomb bay sidewalls. Internally, the wooden floor is being fitted; once installed this will allow for further rebuilds to be progressed.

From 9-14 November visitors will be able to get up close to all of the current conservation projects undertaken by the team at Cosford, which include the Wellington bomber, Dornier Do 17 and the Range Safety Launch. For more details on the open week, visit www.rafmusuem.org/cosford.
The 90th Missile Wing, along with the 153rd Airlift Wing and the Wyoming Army National Guard, celebrated a Joint Services Multicultural Event at F.E. Warren Air Force Base June 22, 2016.

In the past, more than seven cultural and diversity events were held separately throughout the year, focusing on a particular culture or group. This event commemorated a variety of different groups in one large joint efforttruly highlighting the importance and significance of diversity.

Today as we celebrate our differences, said Col. Stephen M. Kravitsky, 90th MW commander. We also appreciate the unification of our country, founded on the belief that all are equal and all deserve liberty and freedom.

The theme for this years multicultural event was equality state of mind and more than 300 people attended to learn about the diversity that makes up the base and country.

Booths set up by various organizations  such as the chapel, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Asian Pacific heritage, Womens History Month, Pride Awareness and Native American heritage group were at the event to provide information and answer questions.

This was a team effort, I think everybody was pleased and it worked out well, said James Hunt, 90th MW Equal Opportunity director. This was a chance for people to experience different cultures and different beliefs.

Diversity is essential to the military services branches as people are necessary for the mission to be successful.

One of my priorities as commander is creating an environment for Airmen to thrive, said Col. Paul Lyman, 153rd Airlift Wing commander. A huge part of that environment is a sense of inclusion and a sense of diversity. We have not become a strong nation based on single-minded thinking, its from all the inclusion weve ever had
The following companies are subsidiares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft: ABFS I Incorporated, ABS MB Ltd., Alex. Brown Financial Services Incorporated, Alex. Brown Investments Incorporated, Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft mbH, Ambidexter GmbH i.L., Argent Incorporated, BHW - Gesellschaft fur Wohnungswirtschaft mbH, BHW Bausparkasse Aktiengesellschaft, BHW Holding GmbH, BT Globenet Nominees Limited, Bainpro Nominees Pty Ltd, Baldur Mortgages Limited, Bankers Trust Investments Limited, Bayan Delinquent Loan Recovery 1 (SPV-AMC) Inc., Berkshire Mortgage Finance, Betriebs-Center fur Banken AG, Better Financial Services GmbH, Better Payment Germany GmbH, Borfield Sociedad Anonima, Breaking Wave DB Limited, Cardales UK Limited, Cardea Real Estate S.r.l., Cathay Advisory (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cathay Asset Management Company Limited, Cathay Capital Company (No 2) Limited, Cedar (Luxembourg) S.a. r.l., Chapel Funding, China Recovery Fund LLC, Consumo Srl in Liquidazione, D B Investments (GB) Limited, D&M Turnaround Partners Godo Kaisha, DB (Barbados) SRL, DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Asing) Sdn. Bhd., DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Tempatan) Sendirian Berhad, DB Alex. Brown Holdings Incorporated, DB Aotearoa Investments Limited, DB Beteiligungs-Holding GmbH, DB Boracay LLC, DB Capital Markets (Deutschland) GmbH, DB Cartera de lnmuebles 1 S.A.U., DB Chestnut Holdings Limited, DB Corporate Advisory (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., DB Delaware Holdings (Europe) Limited, DB Direkt GmbH, DB Elara LLC, DB Energy Trading LLC, DB Equipment Leasing Inc., DB Equity Limited, DB Finance (Delaware) LLC, DB Global Technology Inc., DB Global Technology SRL, DB Group Services (UK) Limited, DB HR Solutions GmbH, DB Holdings (New York) Inc., DB IROC Leasing Corp., DB Impact Investment Fund I. LP., DB Industrial Holdings Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, DB Industrial Holdings GmbH, DB Intermezzo LLC, DB International (Asia) Limited, DB International Investments Limited, DB International Trust (Singapore) Limited, DB Investment Managers Inc., DB Investment Partners Inc., DB Investment Partners Limited, DB Investment Resources (US) Corporation, DB Investment Resources Holdings Corp., DB Investment Services GmbH, DB London (Investor Services) Nominees Limited, DB Management Support GmbH, DB Nominees (Hong Kong) Limited, DB Nominees (Jersey) Limited, DB Nominees (Singapore) Pte Ltd, DB Omega BTV S.C.S., DB Omega Holdings LLC, DB Omega Ltd., DB Omega S.C.S., DB Operaciones y Servicios lnteractivos Agrupacicm de lnteres Econemico, DB Overseas Finance Delaware Inc., DB Overseas Holdings Limited, DB Print GmbH, DB Private Clients Corp., DB Private Wealth Mortgage Ltd., DB Re S.A., DB Service Centre Limited, DB Service Uruguay S.A., DB Services (Jersey) Limited, DB Services Americas. Inc., DB Servizi Amministrativi S.r.l., DB Strategic Advisors Inc., DB Structured Derivative Products LLC, DB Structured Products Inc., DB Trustee Services Limited, DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited, DB UK Bank Limited, DB UK Holdings Limited, DB UK PCAM Holdings Limited, DB US Financial Markets Holding Corporation, DB USA Core Corporation, DB USA Corporation, DB Valoren S.a. r.l., DB Value S.a.r.l., DB VersicherungsManager GmbH, DB Vita SA., DB lmmobilienfonds 5 Wieland KG i.L., DB lo LP, DBAH Capital. LLC, DBCIBZ1, DBFIC Inc., DBNZ Overseas Investments (No.1) Limited, DBOI Global Services (UK) Limited, DBR Investments Co. Limited, DBRE Global Real Estate Management 18 Ltd., DBRMS4, DBRMSGP1, DBUK PCAM Limited, DBUSBZ1 LLC, DBUSBZ2 S.a. r.l., DBX Advisers LLC, DEBEKO lmmobilien GmbH & Co Grundbesitz OHG, DEE Deutsche Erneuerbare Energien GmbH, DEUKONA Versicherungs-Vermittlungs-GmbH, DEUTSCHE BANK AS., DI Deutsche lmmobilien Treuhandgesellschaft mbH, DISCA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, DWS Alternatives France, DWS Alternatives Global Limited, DWS Alternatives GmbH, DWS Asset Management (Korea) Company Limited, DWS Beteiligungs GmbH, DWS CH AG, DWS Distributors Inc., DWS Far Eastern Investments Limited, DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA, DWS Group Services UK Limited, DWS Grundbesitz GmbH, DWS International GmbH, DWS Investment GmbH, DWS Investment Management Americas Inc., DWS Investment S.A., DWS Investments Australia Limited, DWS Investments Hong Kong Limited, DWS Investments Japan Limited, DWS Investments Shanghai Limited, DWS Investments Singapore Limited, DWS Investments UK Limited, DWS Management GmbH, DWS Real Estate GmbH, DWS Service Company, DWS Shanghai Private Equity Fund Management Limited, DWS Trust Company, DWS USA Corporation, Deposit Solutions, Deutsche (Aotearoa) Capital Holdings New Zealand, Deutsche (Aotearoa) Foreign Investments New Zealand, Deutsche (New Munster) Holdings New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Access Investments Limited, Deutsche Aeolia Power Production Societe Anonyme, Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (UK) Limited, Deutsche Asia Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd, Deutsche Asset Management (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Australia Limited, Deutsche Bank (Cayman) Limited, Deutsche Bank (China) Co. 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Sociedad Anenima Espanola, Deutsche CIB Centre Private Limited, Deutsche Capital Finance (2000) Limited, Deutsche Capital Hong Kong Limited, Deutsche Capital Markets Australia Limited, Deutsche Capital Partners China Limited, Deutsche Cayman Ltd., Deutsche Custody N.V., Deutsche Domus New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Equities India Private Limited, Deutsche Finance No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Foras New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur lmmobilien-Leasing mit beschrenkter Haftung, Deutsche Global Markets Limited, Deutsche Group Holdings (SA) Proprietary Limited, Deutsche Group Services Pty Limited, Deutsche Grundbesitz Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., Deutsche Grundbesitz-Anlagegesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Deutsche Holdings (BTI) Limited, Deutsche Holdings (Grand Duchy), Deutsche Holdings (Luxembourg) S.El r.l., Deutsche Holdings Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 3 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 4 Limited, Deutsche India Holdings Private Limited, Deutsche India Private Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services (Ireland) Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services Limited, Deutsche International Custodial Services Limited, Deutsche Investments (Netherlands) N.V., Deutsche Investments India Private Limited, Deutsche Investor Services Private Limited, Deutsche Knowledge Services Pte. 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Casla de Bolsa, Deutsche Securities Saudi Arabia, Deutsche Services (Cl) Limited, Deutsche Services Polska Sp. z o.o., Deutsche StiftungsTrust GmbH, Deutsche Strategic Investment Holdings Yugen Kaisha, Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, Deutsche Trustee Services (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Trustees Malaysia Berhad, Deutsche Wealth Management S.G.I.I.C. SA., Deutsche lmmobilien Leasing GmbH, Deutsches lnstitut fur Altersvorsorge GmbH, Durian (Luxembourg) S.a. r.l., EC EUROPA IMMOBILIEN FONDS NR. 3 GmbH & CO. KG i.l., Elizabethan Holdings Limited, Elizabethan Management Limited, European Value Added I (Alternate GP.) LLP, Fiduciaria Sant Andrea S.r.l., Finanzberatungsgesellschaft mbH der Deutschen Bank, Funfte SAB Treuhand und Verwaltung GmbH & Co. Suhl "Rimbachzentrum" KG, G Finance Holding Corp., German American Capital Corporation, Grundstucksgesellschaft Frankfurt Bockenheimer LandstraBe GbR, Grundstucksgesellschaft Miesbaden LuisenstraBe/Kirchgasse GbR, Hollandsche Bank-Unie, ISTRON Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs-GmbH, IVAF l Manager S.a.r.l., Immobilienfonds Buro-Center Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben I GbR, J R Nominees (Pty) Ltd, Joint Stock Company Deutsche Bank DBU, Jyogashima Godo Kaisha, KEBA Gesellschaft fur interne Services mbH, Kidson Pte Ltd, Konsul lnkasso GmbH, LA Water Holdings Limited, LAWL Pte. Ltd., Leasing Verwaltungsgesellschaft Waltersdorf mbH, Leonardo lll Initial GP Limited, MEF I Manager. S. a r.|., MIT Holdings Inc., Maher Terminals Holdings (Toronto) Limited, Morgan Grenfell & Company, MortgageIT, MortgagelT Inc., MortgagelT Securities Corp., OOO "Deutsche Bank TechCentIe", OOO "Deutsche Bank", OPB Verwaltungs- und Treuhand GmbH, OPB-Oktava GmbH, OPB-Quarta GmbH, OPPENHEIM Capital Advisory GmbH, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Manager GmbH, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, PADUS Grundstcks-VermietungsgeseIlschaft mbH, PB Factoring GmbH, PB Spezial-lnvestmentaktiengesellschatt mit Teilgesellschaftsvermogen, PCC Services GmbH der Deutschen Bank, PT Deutsche Sekuritas Indonesia, Pan Australian Nominees Pty Ltd, Plantation Bay. Inc., Postbank Akademie und Service GmbH, Postbank Beteiligungen GmbH, Postbank Direkt GmbH, Postbank Filialvertrieb AG, Postbank Finanzberatung AG, Postbank Leasing GmbH, Postbank lmmobilien GmbH, Quantiguous, R.B.M. Nominees Pty Ltd, RREEF, RREEF America LLC., RREEF China REIT Management Limited, RREEF European Value Added I (G.P.) Limited, RREEF Fund Holding Co., RREEF India Advisers Private Limited, RREEF Management LLC., RoPro U.S. Holding Inc., Route 28 Receivables. LLC, SAB Real Estate Verwaltungs GmbH, SAGITA Grundstucks-Vermielungsgesellschaft mbH, SAPIO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, Sal. Oppenheim, Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. Beteiligungs GmbH, Sharps SP l LLC, Stelvio lmmobiliare S.r.l., Suddeutsche Vermeigensvewvaitung Gesellschaft mit beschrenkter Haftung, TELO Beleiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Tempurrite Leasing Limited, Thai Asset Enforcement and Recovery Asset Management Company Limited, Treuinvest Service GmbH, Triplereason Umited, VOB-ZVD Processing GmbH, WEPLA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Wealthspur Investment Ltd., World Trading (Delaware) Inc., lmmobilienfonds BuroCenter Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben II GbR, lmmobilienfonds Wohn- und Gescheftshaus Koln-Blumenberg V GbR, and norisbank GmbH.

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AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
Coles: not so much down, down but up, up?

The no. 2 supermarket chain is speaking to suppliers about raising prices on lower-profile grocery items by at least 10 per cent, broker Citi says. Lower-profile grocery items are things such as cleaning products, shoe polish, sauces, stationary and electrical goods such as light bulbs.

While conversations between supermarkets and suppliers are common at the end of the financial year, the extent of the price rise has raised eyebrows.

"We have heard feedback from suppliers that Coles is raising prices on lower profile grocery items," analyst Craig Woolford told clients.
The age of criminal responsibility will be lowered by one year from the current 14, the Ministry of Justice said Wednesday, announcing measures to cope with an increasing number of...

Police on Wednesday made an emergency apprehension of a man in his 40s on suspicion of killing his wife and their two teenage sons at their home in Gwangmyeong, just south of Seoul...
Visitors to Fiona Stanley Hospital will now be greeted with a portrait painted by one of Australia's most prestigious artists in honour of the hospital's namesake, Professor Fiona Stanley.

The painting, unveiled by Health Minister John Day on Friday, was commissioned three years ago and painted by Mary Moore.

A portrait of Fiona Stanley now hangs on the walls of Fiona Stanley Hospital.

The public hospital in Perth's southern suburbs was named after former Australian of the Year, Professor Stanley, a name chosen via a public competition when the hospital was first mooted in 2005.

Mr Day said the painting, hung in the hospital's main concourse, reflected Professor Stanley's strength, determination and wisdom.
"We'll sleep here tonight," she said, indicating the one gray blanket they had between them. "What else can we do? We are desperate. We don't have anything." Iraqi security forces look at literature found on top of a small cage that the Islamic State used to hold prisoners in the Nazal district of Fallujah. Credit:New York Times As fighting in Fallujah continues, about a third of the city has been cleared of insurgents, said Colonel Christopher Garver, a US military spokesman in Baghdad. US officials believe the city will eventually fall fully into government hands. The battle has not yet played out as many feared it would: as a vicious, house-to-house fight like the conflict US Marines faced in 2004. Iraqi federal police use a commercially-made drone, connected to one of their cellphones, to observe the accuracy of their mortar fire, in the al-Risala district of Fallujah. Credit:New York Times

"The Islamic State did not fight seriously this time because the big leaders left their fighters on their own," said Colonel Mohammed al-Jumaili, a commander of a government-allied Sunni militia in Anbar province. He said that many of the local Islamic State fighters resisted at first, but began escaping with their families once it became clear that the loose, pro-government alliance of soldiers, policemen, Shiite militiamen and Sunni fighters was winning. He continued: "In 2004, many people of Fallujah had resisted the American troops because they viewed the US as invaders and that it was an Islamic obligation to fight them. This time the people realised there is a difference, that there is no purpose to fight your own people." Iraqi government fighters rest between operations in the Nazal district of Fallujah this week. Credit:New York Times Commanders said that the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, built up its defences on the city's perimeter, and that once Iraqi forces punched through, they were able to move easily on the city centre as many Islamic State fighters fled. "This is the Nazal area, the most difficult area for the Americans in the first war," said Lieutenant General Abdulwahab al-Saadi, the commander of the Iraqi counter-terrorism forces that have taken the lead in the battle. He was surrounded by rubble, with the sounds of explosions and gunfire ringing from the distance.

A member of the Iraqi federal police, left, and forces loyal to the Iraqi government displayed a captured Islamic State flag in the Nazal district of Fallujah. Credit:New York Times Al-Saadi moved through the streets carrying a tablet computer that showed maps of the battlefield, and with a radio in which he could call in coordinates for artillery and airstrikes. At one point, he stopped to talk to his soldiers - some holed up in houses, others on rooftops along with snipers - and to take pictures. Suddenly, one of his men was shot in the leg, the source of the bullet unknown. Everyone ducked for cover, and the soldier, who was not seriously wounded, was hustled off in a Humvee, blood streaming from his calf. Iraqi federal police fire artillery toward Islamic State-held areas of Fallujah. Credit:New York Times There is so much destruction that some parts of the city look as if they are out of a science fiction film. Dust being whipped up adds to the apocalyptic feel. But other sections are relatively intact.

With each turn in the Fallujah fight, and in the discussion of how the Islamic State could be uprooted from the city of Mosul and its remaining Iraqi strongholds, the broader question of Iraq's ability to reconcile as a multi-sectarian state hovers over everything. Families displaced by fighting in the Anbar Province occupy half-built structures at a camp in Amiriyat Fallujah. Credit:New York Times Even if the Islamic State is eventually pushed from all of its territory in Iraq, it is likely to endure as a Sunni guerrilla insurgency, like al-Qaeda in Iraq before it. But the most important question is whether its ideology will remain appealing to Iraqi Sunnis, many of whom saw the Islamic State as a protector against the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. Ryan Crocker, a former US ambassador to Iraq, warned in an online column recently that victory in Fallujah, instead of bringing a lasting peace, is likely to worsen Iraq's sectarian divide because of the dominant role here of Iran, the region's pre-eminent Shiite power, which has stood in the way of political outreach to Sunnis. Iraqi counterterrorism forces move through the heavily damaged Shuhada neighborhood in Fallujah. Credit:New York Times

"The Iranians and their proxies dominate the political arena as they do the battle space, and there will be no outreach to Sunnis," he wrote. Many Fallujah residents, who fled to the desert in the thousands recently, adding to a worsening humanitarian crisis, said life under Islamic State rule was fine for them until the government siege began in December. A woman from Fallujah sits in the half-built structure she and her four children call home at a camp in Amiriyat Fallujah, a government-held city in Anbar Province of Iraq Credit:New York Times One man who made it through detention and was back with his family said he was treated well and was happy to name all the Islamic State members he knew - many of them his neighbours. The man, Abdulhamid Abdella, 47, believes there should be no mercy for anyone who joined the group: "Believe me, if it was my own son, I would slaughter him."
by Adrian Gibson

It is clear that something funky has been going down at Bahamasair, given the governments rogue - almost dictatorial and sneaky - advancing of $30m to the airline to purchase its new fleet from the French company Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) at a price tag of $100m to replace its aging Dash-8 300 fleet.

Whats more, I have now flown in the ATR planes twice in recent weeks and, as a frequent flyer of Bahamasair, I am most disappointed. Let me establish at the outset that Bahamasair is my preferred airline. If I am travelling, I always check to see if they fly to a particular place and, if they do, though I would sometimes be required to pay more for a ticket than another carrier, I pay because of their record of safety, excellent pilots and my overall comfort. Ive been flying Bahamasair from before I knew myself, often between Long Island and Nassau and elsewhere. Believe it or not, I have developed a trust and comfort with Bahamasair that, perhaps, many other Bahamians can attest to feeling themselves.

That said, the new ATR planes are, in my opinion, inferior to the Dash 8s.

The government has been short on the details of Bahamasairs purchase of three 50-seat ATR 42-600 and two 70-seat ATR 72-600 planes.

The government recently described Bahamasairs $30m as an advance to enable the carrier to purchase its new fleet. The advance was purportedly repaid.

Last week, Michael Halkitis, Minister of State for Finance, said the Government had advanced funds without a guarantee to enable Bahamasair to start purchasing its ATR planes, as the $120m loan financing for the new fleet had yet to be completed.

The governments accounts for the nine months to the end of March, 2016, showed a subsidy of more than $44m to the airline, when the House of Assembly had only approved $14.8m for the full 2015-2016 fiscal year.

Mr Halkitis explained that Bahamasair had secured financing from a consortium featuring CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank and Credit Suisse to purchase its new fleet, but the facility had not been put in place by the time the first aircraft were due for delivery.

But the question remains: under what authority it was able to advance the funds to Bahamasair? How did the executive branch of government take it upon themselves to go around the Parliament? The House did not approve the additional expenditure. Further, that expenditure was not accounted for in the mid-term budget.

Since Bahamasair is insolvent, has the government guaranteed the financing that the airline has secured from the financial consortium?

According to former aviation minister and FNM MP for Central Grand Bahama Neko Grant: Bahamasair is broke. For the benefit of the people on the street and for the children in school, if Bahamasair were to sell everything that it owns, including the staple machines on the ticket counter, they will still have to find, as of June, 2014, $23m to pay its outstanding debts.

The 2013/2014 Annual Audited Report of Bahamasair, tabled in the House of Assembly, shows that Bahamasairs liabilities exceed its current assets by $23,523,763. The report further said that Bahamasair Holdings Ltd showed a deficit of $555,124,254 at year end (2014) and that it doubted the companys ability to continue as a going concern without the continued financial support of the shareholder. The main shareholder is the government, the taxpayers of The Bahamas.

Recently, I flew on one of the new ATR planes and observed how unusual and chaotic the boarding process can be. Passengers have to board three rows at a time, otherwise the plane would tip over. When deplaning, passengers must exit the plane from back to front, with those to the front sitting and waiting their turn until persons in the backrows deplane. The boarding times are now much longer.

Whats more, the cabin - when compared to the Dash 8s - is much smaller and narrower. Space between the seats is limited. Even more, on two occasions I observed as the luggage was first loaded onto the plane before the passengers could board the flight.

When the planes take off and land, because the plane is so low, you could feel every bump of the runway. I am also informed that the ATR models do not handle rough weather well.

So, was there an inducement or incentive to buy these types of planes? Did anyone do due diligence in investigating the challenges with this aircraft?

Surely, Bahamasair has been around long enough to understand the demographic they serve, yet the purchase of these planes tells me that they do not.

The financing of the planes and the transparency that you would expect, given the chequered history of Bahamasairs previous acquisition of aircraft, should have resulted in officials dotting every I and crossing all Ts.

Who made the decision to purchase these planes? Who were the experts/consultants?

Why didnt Bahamasair purchase the new Dash 8 400s which are better for the Bahamas and have proven to be workhorses. Why not stay within that group of aircraft?

I understand that Bahamasair pilots - assigned to fly the ATRs - recently travelled to France for training in a flight simulator. Apparently, there was no space to accommodate them and so they had to travel to Singapore to train. How much did that cost?

Whatever happened to the McKinsey Report on Bahamasair? Why wasnt it released? Taxpayers paid $1m for that report and yet we dont know its contents. Did that report recommend that Bahamasair use 19-seat aircraft if it desired to continue servicing the Family Islands? Did they suggest that Bahamasair expand upon its international routes?

Bahamasair recently remodelled its hangar to accommodate the new aircraft. How much did that cost? Who was the contractor that got the job and was it put out to tender?

Why isnt Bahamasair going to New York, Georgia, California and even Europe (they once had larger aircraft that travelled to Europe). To make the airline profitable, would expanding the airlines routes to tourist markets not be the best approach to ensure that planes are full?

An offer was made to refurbish the current Dash 8 300s at a cost of $2m to $5m per aircraft. Why did the government not agree to such a proposal?

As it stands, is Bahamasair linked to any international carriers? Do they currently code-share with any international carrier?

Code-sharing is a global distribution system so, for example, one could catch American Airlines from Orlando, Bahamasair from Orlando to Nassau and SkyBahamas from Nassau to Cat Island. A person can pay for a single ticket and it would be as though one was travelling on a single carrier, although a flight might have been operated by another carrier.

Today, Bahamasair is operating three types of aircraft, but do they have adequate, qualified technical staff to fly, fix and maintain these planes? Once pilots begin flying the ATR aircraft that is currently here, they wont be able to fly the Dash-8s or the 737 jet anymore. So, do they have the manpower?

Are the Dash-8s being sold? Has the government entered into negotiations with anyone?

Who received the finders fee relative to the deal with the ATRs? How much was it? Will such a fee also be in the works if the Dash-8s are sold?

We, the people, would like for these questions to be answered.

_________________________________________________________

First published in the The Tribune under the byline, Young Man's View, here

View Adrian Gibson's archive here

____________________________________________________

The views expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of WeblogBahamas.com (which has no corporate view) or its Authors.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 24, 2016 | 08:30 AM | FRANKFORT, KY

After the governor vetoed legislation earlier this year that would have created a new Kentucky driver's license to meet the tougher federal standards of the Real ID Act, a panel of lawmakers gathered this week to discuss a path forward.

The state will first ask federal officials for an extension to meet the tougher standards, Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner John-Mark Hack said during Thursday's meeting of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation. He added that Kentucky previously received an extension but that it expires on Oct. 10.

When Committee Co-Chair Rep. Leslie Combs, D-Pikeville, asked the likelihood of another extension being granted, Hack said he was "pretty confident."

Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder, asked what would happen if the extension wasn't granted. Hack said in that unlikely circumstance Kentuckians would need a passport to board a plane starting as early as January 2018. Keene said that would create a hardship for many residents because a passport can take weeks to receive and cost $135 with fees. That's almost $100 more than a driver's license would have cost under the legislation vetoed by the governor.

Had the governor not vetoed the legislation, known as Senate Bill 245, Kentucky would have joined 24 other states that are certified as Real ID compliant  including Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and Tennessee. Instead, Kentucky remains one of 24 states operating under an extension that expires in October, including Illinois and Virginia. Missouri is considered to be noncompliant.

Combs said SB 245 was introduced by Sen. Ernie Harris, R-Crestwood, who built a bipartisan coalition to get it passed so Kentucky wouldn't find itself in this spot.

"I want to take just a moment to thank Sen. Harris for his work on that bill  because that was difficult to get through this session," she said. "He put a lot of time and effort in getting this done."

Hack defended the governor's veto to committee members.

"The governor believes the commonwealth needs additional time to better understand our current position relative to the demands of a fully unfunded federal mandate of REAL ID," Hack said. "He also believes that this 2005 federal initiative could, in fact, be substantively changed depending on the outcome of our federal elections in November."

Hack said Kentucky currently complies with many of the Real ID requirements and is addressing additional requirements.

"There are a number of requirements that Kentucky will request exceptions or workarounds which allow for meeting the spirit and real intent of the Real ID legislation without the extensive cost and inconvenience to the state's citizens," he said, adding Virginia and California have also asked for similar workarounds.

Some of the provisions of Real ID Hack objected to include forcing people with valid Kentucky driver's licenses to make an additional trip to their local driver's license office with verification of their Social Security numbers.

"There are several very costly provisions that go beyond the intent of the federal legislation and impose an unnecessary costly burden on the states," Hack said.

Combs asked Hack to report back in October on the status of the extension request. She said she wants to know if legislation needs to be introduced during next years regular session to help bring Kentucky in compliance.
Rita Redmond was a true lady who felt that every pupil had something to gift to the world
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Andra Day may not be the most recognizable name at this years jazz fest, but after a stunning show at the Burton Cummings Theatre Thursday night, theres no denying she deserves her headlining status.

The 31-year-old Spokane native perched on a stool with a vintage mike in her hand, giving off a 1950s housewife vibe in her pale jumpsuit, flats and hair done up in a scarf, and opened the night with the soaring Forever Mine, the first single from her Grammy-nominated debut album, Cheers to the Fall.

Days voice is deeply expressive  a single run can have tinges of sadness, desperation and romance and is executed with such control it feels like the musical equivalent to a shiver.

Lets get real stank for a minute, she chuckled before sliding into a down and dirty version of Gin & Juice that allowed the grittiest parts of her voice and sassiest parts of her personality to shine through.

Day, born Cassandra Monique Batie, is incredibly well-spoken and charisamatic; she carefully discussed the serious inspirations behind many of her songs, but was also lighthearted and casual, letting out many laughs as she chatted with, not to, the crowd.

One of the most powerful moments of the night came in the form of Rearview, a song about the heartbreak that Ive inflicted and experienced, she said. Day, accompanied by only a piano, powered through the emotional ballad as if she were singing it for the first time; it was raw, vulnerable and beautiful.

JOHN GIAVEDONI PHOTO Andra Day performs at the Burton Cummings Theatre on June 23, 2016.

Having only one albums worth of tracks to pull from meant there were a handful of covers injected into the set, but all of them were infused with Days signature style. No Makeup by Kendrick Lamar was a moving interpretation, made only more powerful by the personal anecdote about using makeup as a crutch for self-confidence that preceded the song. Mississippi Goddamn by Nina Simone and a medley of Bob Marley hits exhibited the skill she has for creative arrangements.

Her biggest single to date, Rise Up, made an appearance about halfway through  as her voiced danced through the falsetto notes perfectly and hit the powerful crescendos with ease, it further solidified the thought that Day is the kind of artist recordings do not do justice to. She is meant to be heard live, as the intricacies and difficulty of her specific brand of R&B/hip hop/jazz amalgamation are so much more impressive when you see it happening right in front of you. Rise Up earned her a well-deserved and humbly accepted standing ovation.

After an all-too-short 50 minute set, Day returned for a brief encore. You guys showed way too much love, you know I couldnt leave you quite yet, she said with a laugh before charging through an explosive version of Queens I Want It All that ended in her third standing ovation of the night.

Day left nothing wanting, except maybe a slightly longer set, but that will come when she has more material to work through. For now, what she offered was flawless.

Detroit-born Khari Wendell McLelland was first on the stage Thursday night with a socially conscious set of soul, funk and folk inspired tunes, whose topics broached slavery, immigration, generational divides, the trouble with love, perseverance and many others in the span of only 30 minutes. McLellands voice has an impressive range, a beautiful vibrato and powerful upper register, and though he did struggle with a few pitch issues, they were easily overlooked by an audience charmed by his endearing personality and deep emotional connection to the lyrics he sang.

erin.lebar@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @NireRabel

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JOHN GIAVEDONI PHOTO Andra Day performs at the Burton Cummings Theatre.
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This article was published 24/06/2016 (2315 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE PAS, Man.  About 2,000 people remained out of their homes Friday as fire crews battled wildfires threatening two communities in central Manitoba.

Residents from Easterville and the Chemawawin First Nation, 450 kilometres north of Winnipeg, were ordered to leave on Thursday as the fires crept to within half a kilometre.

Volunteer firefighter Vincent Lachose said it was like a ghost town.

Beverly George / Facebook

We were out last night going door-to-door, said Lachose. In the years Ive lived here, Ive never seen it this quiet.

Chief Clarence Easter, who was in Winnipeg, said hed heard reports of damage but hadnt confirmed them. Manitoba Sustainable Development said there were no reports of losses, and the office of the Fire Commissioner said sprinklers had been put out to protect the homes in both communities.

Easter said he wasnt going back to the First Nation because it was blocked off.

Right now were still under evacuation notice. Until thats removed, we cant go home. Its unsafe, Easter said. Were trying to assess how many people we have in the city, where theyre at and trying to accommodate everybody and keep everybody safe, thats our main objective.

Shawn Feely of the Canadian Red Cross, which was handling the evacuation from the reserve, said some residents drove out themselves, while about 500 were taken by bus to Manitobas capital.

We sent them to Winnipeg and we are hosting them in hotels, providing food, shelter and clothing, and any other necessities that they might need, Feely said.

We also have a group of about 100 in The Pas.

Feely said about 200 people stayed behind to fight the fires.

The last few buses, along with four Red Cross workers, were leaving Friday morning, he said.

Theres a lot of smoke in the community. Flames were not in the community, (but) theyre on the outside, said Feely, who added the Red Cross was working closely with First Nation officials.

The Red Cross was not asking for donations for evacuees.

At this point theres no need. The fires not in the community. We have an agreement with the federal government to support and theres no plan at this point in time to go appeal.

The Manitoba government was handling the evacuation of Easterville and said about 70 from that community went to The Pas.

A government update said the fire was about three square kilometres in size. Seven ground crews, two water bombers and four bulldozers were holding it at the edge of the communities.

A graduation ceremony on the Chemawawin reserve was cut short Thursday before grads got their diplomas because of the evacuation order.

Melissa Houle of Easterville, who attended the ceremony, said the grad started at 3 p.m. but half an hour later people got word from the Red Cross to get out.

She drove her family through the night to get to Winnipeg.

I packed my bag and jumped into my truck and took all my nieces and my nephews with me, she said.

Arlene Young said she and her three young children didnt even have time to pack a bag, so when they woke up this morning in a hotel in Winnipeg, they didnt have even a brush or clean clothes.

But since her three-year-old daughter has breathing problems, wed rather be here than to be around smoke.

June Thomas of Chemawawin spent Thurday night in a tent with her family a safe distance away.

I think most of us were shocked that happened, she said. I know how it feels to be homeless  kind of frustrating. But at least were OK.

A total of 119 wildfires have been recorded in the province to date. The average for this time of year is 236.

 With files from CTV Winnipeg

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version had Feelys first name spelled incorrectly.
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OTTAWA  The federal government is freezing the 20 per cent cap on the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers a company can hire.

Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk said the controversial temporary foreign worker program needs an overhaul and will announce her plan for more changes later this year.

But for now, the cap, which was set to go down to 10 per cent beginning July 1, will instead stay where it is.

I believe this is a prudent step to take as we work to develop a better temporary foreign worker policy and fix some of the problems with the program that emerged under the previous government, Mihychuk said in a statement Thursday.

The previous Conservative government started phasing in a cap on low-wage temporary foreign workers  low-skilled employees paid less than the provincial or territorial median hourly wage  in June 2014, as part of reforms that also included disallowing use of the program in regions of Canada with high unemployment rates.

Those changes followed a series of controversies dogging the program, including reports of fast-food franchise restaurants favouring temporary foreign workers over local employees.

Employers who first began hiring low-wage temporary foreign workers before the cap came into effect will still be able to use it for 20 per cent of their workforce.

Those who started using the program after that point, or who are hiring temporary foreign workers for the first time, are subject to a 10-per-cent cap.

All the other program requirements  including having employers ensuring that Canadians and permanent residents have the first opportunities to apply for available jobs  will remain in place while the cap is frozen.

Ron Davidson of the Canadian Meat Council says meat-processing plants that have been dealing with severe labour shortages will welcome the relief, even if it does not solve all their problems.

Everything helps. This does not solve the problem, but it all helps, Davidson said.

The Liberal government already quietly suspended the cap on low-wage temporary foreign workers for seasonal employers earlier this year.

Seafood processors have said that 180-day exemption will help them get through labour shortages in their busiest time of the year.

A memo obtained by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act suggests Employment and Social Development Canada believes lifting the cap would likely create more problems than it would solve.

The Jan. 6 memo, prepared for Mihychuk ahead of a meeting with a Manitoba pork processing plant, outlined some of the concerns the minister could expect the company to raise, including the cap on low-wage foreign workers.

Employers in this sector contend that the cap on low-wage temporary foreign workers prevents processing plants from meeting labour needs, says the memo.

The industry is particularly concerned with its ability to operate with the decrease of the cap to 10 per cent as of July 2016.

The memo also says the government had already brought in administrative changes that allow temporary foreign workers who have been nominated for permanent residency to be excluded from the cap, so that employers can count them as Canadians instead.

The memo also recommended Mihychuk encourage the company to move away from temporary foreign workers  using it only as a last resort  rather than focus on more changes to the program.

The labour needs of the pork industry are year-round, therefore a long-term solution of hiring more Canadians and/or permanent residents rather than relying on temporary foreign workers is desirable, says the memo.

The House of Commons standing committee on human resources studies potential reforms to the program this spring, but will not release its report until after MPs return to Parliament Hill in September.

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ST. JOHNS, N.L.  The head of Newfoundland and Labradors Crown corporation Nalcor Energy is slated to give an update today on the troubled Muskrat Falls hydro project.

Stan Marshall is expected to speak to the media in St. Johns at 10:45 a.m. local time following a technical briefing.

Marshall said last month that there was little chance the project would be cancelled despite soaring costs and delays.

At the time, he said substantial progress had been made but that there will likely be more delays and he would provide a full status update after assessing cost overruns.

He said the report would include changes at the senior management level to better control delays at the sprawling work site near Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Labrador.

The province has already spent more than $4 billion building the dam and power house on the lower Churchill River, with cost projections for the province soaring to about $7.7 billion from $6.2 billion.
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LETHBRIDGE, Alta.  A judge sentenced a southern Alberta couple Friday for failing to get proper medical treatment for their son who later died of bacterial meningitis, but saved his harshest criticisms for the boys father and his lack of remorse.

Justice Rodney Jerke sent David Stephan to jail for four months and gave his wife, Collet, three months of around-the-clock house arrest  she will only be allowed to go out for medical appointments and church.

Both will be on probation for two years after they complete their sentences and will have to complete 240 hours of community service by 2018.

Collet Stephan, second from left, wipes away a tear as she and her husband David Stephan arrive at the courthouse with their children in Lethbridge, Alta., Friday, June 24, 2016.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Initial reaction to house arrest for Collet was some muted cheering but the crowd was angry at David Stephans jail time, with one man yelling, What?

The Stephans, whose family helped start a nutritional supplements company, were found guilty in April of failing to provide the necessaries of life to their son.

You have affected many people  your conduct has left an unerasable and chilling impact on all of us, Jerke told them in court.

This case was about whether parents, who failed to take a sick boy to a doctor, should be held criminally responsible. The trial was not about vaccination. This is far beyond a child who simply has the sniffles.

Their trial was told the Stephans thought he had the croup or flu and treated him with hot peppers, garlic, onions and horseradish  even though a family friend who was a nurse said she thought 19-month-old Ezekiel might have meningitis.

Jerke said that although both parents were wilfully blind to the boys condition, the father was especially so.

He said David Stephan, 33, seemed more concerned about being punished than about his inaction when his son was sick.

Mr. Stephans post-conviction actions demonstrate a complete lack of remorse, the judge told the court in Lethbridge, Alta. To this day he refuses to admit his actions had any impact.

During sentencing arguments, the court was shown a video interview David Stephan did with the producers of an anti-vaccination documentary in which he criticized the justice system for targeting his family.

He called it a parental rights issue, blamed the media and called for public support at a rally outside the courthouse.

Jerke also said David Stephan had greater moral culpability because he called his father instead of 911 when the toddler stopped breathing.

He described the Stephans as usually being caring and attentive parents, but not at the time Ezekiel was ailing.

Any reasonable and prudent person would have taken action, he said.

The prosecution had asked for a sentence in the range of three to 4 1/2 years, but Jerke said that was too much. But he also said he could not comply with the defence request for a suspended sentence because of the aggravating factor that Ezekiel was a vulnerable young child.

Outside of court, David Stephans brother-in-law was grateful the punishment wasnt worse.

Obviously were saddened by the whole process but were extremely grateful that there was some leniency granted, said Eric Sveinson.

Prosecutor Lisa Weich wouldnt say if she was disappointed with the sentence but said she was glad the Crown could get justice for Ezekiel.

Unfortunately, nobody can speak for him. He couldnt even speak for himself. That was at the forefront of our thoughts as we went through.

The Stephans were given a heros welcome by tearful supporters when they arrived at the courthouse Friday with their three children.

People in a crowd of about 70 shouted, We love you as the couple hugged and thanked them. David Stephan told them he appreciated their love at a time when what he called misinformation had turned people against him and his wife.

A handful of counter-protesters, most of them medical doctors, set up across the courtyard.

You can not impose your personal views on your children in a way that endangers their life, said Dr. Kirsten Jones, a general surgeon from Lethbridge. Those children have a right to grow up to become independently thinking adults and to form their own moral judgments at that time.

The trial heard the little boy was too stiff to sit in his car seat and had to lie on a mattress when his mother drove him from their rural home to a naturopathic clinic in Lethbridge to pick up an echinacea mixture.

The Stephans never called for medical assistance until Ezekiel stopped breathing. He was rushed to a local hospital, and died after being transported to Calgary Childrens Hospital.

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OTTAWA  At a currency exchange centre in downtown Ottawa, two blocks from Parliament Hill, simple signs taped to the wall mid-afternoon warned those in line that the clerks had run out of British pounds.

The U.K. currency was trading at a deep discount Friday in the wake of that countrys narrow decision to opt out of the European Union  a boon to travellers, perhaps, but evidence of much broader fear throughout Canada and around the world about the financial, economic and political fallout.

From Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to two of his most senior cabinet ministers and the governor of the Bank of Canada, the message was clear and simple: Stay calm, and carry on.

But there was no avoiding the palpable sense of panic.

Markets took a beating. The S&P/TSX composite index was down 239.50 points to 13,891.88 by end of day trading, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 611.21 points to close at 17,399.86, a 3.4 per cent drop.

The Canadian dollar ended the day down 1.41 cents to 78.3 cents US.

Of particular significance to Canada was the potential impact on the future of the Canada-EU free trade pact the Liberals want finalized by next year. Experts in both Canada and the U.S. warned the deal was likely on life support.

Trudeau, in Quebec City to mark the provinces Fete nationale holiday, did his best to soothe jangled nerves, saying Canada is well positioned to weather the global uncertainty thats sure to ensue.

Our shared histories and common values make us natural trading partners and we will continue to work with both of them as we move forward with this new decision, he said.

In a statement of his own, Finance Minister Bill Morneau warned Canadians to expect some market and economic volatility, but that Canadas banks were well-funded and global markets are resilient and orderly.

Depending on the effects on global markets, the federal government may have to revise its economic and revenue outlook, including the always-pivotal price of oil, which was down on the Brexit news.

The ensuing uncertainty will have a short-term effect on markets that could, unchecked, cause longer-term problems, warned Kathy Brock, a professor in the school of policy studies at Queens University in Kingston, Ont.

Were going to have to see what the effects are because that is something that the Trudeau government will have to contend with, Brock said.

It will be one of the more serious issues that its facing, particularly if there is an economic downturn.

Trudeau, Morneau, Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion and former Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney had all spoken out in favour of Britain remaining in the EU prior to Thursdays referendum.

A Commons committee in February was told that federal officials believed they could have more influence in the EU if Britain remained a member, given the U.K. had a strong voice there and a sympathetic ear for Ottawa.

As for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement the Liberals had hoped to finalize next year with the EU, International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland would only say Friday that she spoke with the EU trade commissioner and that Canada remains committed to growing global trade.

Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose called on the Liberals to quickly ratify the deal so it does not become a casualty of a period of uncertainty in Europe.

Fen Hampson, a foreign policy expert at the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ont., was less optimistic, given the potential cascading consequences for the EU: I would say CETA is probably dead.

Ambroses statement said the results showed the role a referendum can play when citizens are asked to determine critical questions about their countrys future  a subtle nod to her partys persistent push for a referendum on Canadian electoral reform.

Richard Haas, president of the American-based Council on Foreign Relations, said the results should be a warning to politicians to not underestimate populist sentiment, the degree of alienation some citizens feel from their governments and anxiety arising from lack of job security.

What Brexit shows, to some extent, is the danger of deciding truly consequential or even historic issues through referenda, Haas said in a conference call.

Many MPs took to Twitter to express their thoughts on the vote.

Conservative MP Jason Kenney chided Trudeau for wading into the referendum, calling it a terrible, short-sighted gaffe.

Liberal MP Hedy Fry tweeted that the vote  along with calls in other European nations like France, Italy and the Netherlands to hold their own EU exit referendums  signals the demise of EU & of security and stability regionally and globally.

Green party Leader Elizabeth May tweeted that she was proud of the Greens in the U.K. who campaigned for the remain side, calling the results shattering.

NDP MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau tweeted her reaction in the form of an animation of a music video by the band Weezer along with the songs four-word title: Say it aint so.
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An attempt to use an environmental licence appeal to disrupt the completion of the southwest transitway project has failed.

Sustainable development Minister Cathy Cox issued an order June 16, dismissing a request for a public hearing into Manitoba Hydros relocation of its transmission lines along the Parker wetlands.

Coxs ruling, which still needs to be approved by the Pallister cabinet, is a moot point as most of Hydros work in that area has been completed but it signals how shell likely decide on a second appeal of a similar licence issued to city hall for the transitway project along Parker lands.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Cal Dueck of the Parker Wetlands Conservation laments that The environmental rules are so lax.

The environmental rules are so lax, said Cal Dueck, spokesman for the Parker Wetlands Conservation Committee, who supported a public hearing. It seems that whatever (city hall) wants for this project, its going to get its way. It seems no one cares about the environment.

Dueck said the appeal of the Hydro project had been filed by the late David Sanders, who was concerned about the impact the work would have on the plant life in the Parker wetlands. Dueck said its disappointing to see that no one in authority is paying attention to the research Sanders had done on the shortcomings of the transitway project.

There have not been any proper studies (on the impact on the Parker lands) and there arent go to be, said Dueck, who along with Sanders and others also challenged the environment licence issued to city hall for the transitway project.

Dueck acknowledged that Coxs decision on the Hydro licence may be repeated for the appeal against the citys licence.

We remain hopeful, Dueck said. Eventually, someone will say enough is enough and conclude that protecting the environment is more important than a bus route that doesnt benefit most Winnipeggers.

Sanders wanted the project halted and a public hearing before the Clean Environment Commission.

There seemed little likelihood the province was going to intervene in Hydros portion of the work along the Parker lands. Even though Sanders had appealed the environment act licence issued to Hydro, the utility was allowed to begin work in February of this year.

Coxs decision included a summary of Sanders reasons for appeal, which faulted the Hydro project for its lack of information regarding the presence of vegetation and wildlife within the project area, no public hearings were held before the licence was issued, and the licence approval process failed to consider the projects impact along with the impact caused by the transitway project.

Tracy Braun, the director of the environmental approvals branch which issued the licence to Hydro in August and had recommended no hearings take place, told the Free Press in January that legislation allows proponents to initiate construction work even when licences are being review but the proponents would face repercussions if the licences are eventually quashed.

However, Braun added that environment staff found nothing to support Sanders appeal, concluding there is no wetland plant species at risk along the Hydro transmission corridor or even where the city plans to route the transitway.

The Hydro lines had to be removed to allow the city to start construction of the transitway route, which is expected to get underway sometime in July.

Hydro agreed to relocate two transmission lines and sell the land, where the transitway corridor will be constructed, to city hall  in a controversial deal that cost city taxpayers $20.4 million.

The old transmission towers have been removed throughout the entire length of the corridor along the transitway route and new single-pole tubular towers have been placed to the west of the decommissioned line. Power lines have been strung on the new towers and the lines energized.

Hydro officials said only minor clean-up and site remediation works is left to do. Hydro might be required to carry out more work but that wont be determined until final designs for the transitway route are released by the consortium designing and building the transitway.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca

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The bootlegging of alcohol on a troubled Manitoba First Nation is being cited as the trigger for a violent attack that left a long-time resident dead at the hands of three local teens.

Cliff Malnyk, 52, was stabbed with a knife and table leg and then left unconscious as his home on the Bloodvein First Nation was set on fire in February, 2014. He died from a combination of blood loss and smoke inhalation.

One of the accused, who was 17 at the time, pleaded guilty this week to second-degree murder. In exchange, the Crown agreed not to seek an adult sentence against him.

Cliff Malnyk was found dead inside his burned-out house on Bloodvein First Nation, Manitoba.

Two other co-accused, who were 15 and 17 at the time, remain before the courts.

Lawyers have submitted a joint recommendation for a maximum youth sentence of seven years custody and supervision. The only issue for Queens Bench Justice Vic Toews to decide is whether he should be given credit for his time spent in custody. A decision is expected next Wednesday.

Court heard the three youths had been drinking alcohol at a party on the night in question when somebody smashed a window of the home. They believed they knew who did it  and suspected the person had been put up to it by Malnyk.

A plan was formed to get revenge on Malnyk by going to his home, bursting inside and stealing cash and the alcohol he was illegally selling in what is supposed to be a dry community.

Defence lawyer Greg Brodsky told court this week his young client was only planning to participate in a robbery that night.

He didnt know about the knife, he didnt know about the table leg. He should have known when you go to do a robbery, things are liable to get out of control, said Brodsky.

The accused admits punching and kicking Malnyk, then looting the home of money and liquor. It was during this time the other accused fatally stabbed him, then set the house on fire. The victims daughter saw the aftermath and tried to rescue him, only to be assaulted by the killers as they fled.

Brodsky said his client actually tried to stop them from killing the victim but they threatened he would be the next one killed. His guilty plea to second-degree murder is based on him being a party to the deadly attack.

The youth has a horrific background which includes 20 prior convictions, many of them for acts of violence. Brodsky said its par for the course living in Bloodvein, a community of about 1,000 residents located about 200 kilometres north of Winnipeg on the east shore of Lake Winnipeg on the Bloodvein River.

The accuseds grandmother and two cousins have previously been the victims of homicide, court was told. The boys father is also a known bootlegger, like Malnyk.

My time in custody Ive learned how to control my anger, the youth told Toews this week. Ive had a few ups and downs. But I have no excuses. I take full responsibility.

The weekend Malnyk was slain included another killing in the community. And one of the boys still before the courts in the Malnyk case is also accused of carrying out that second attack. Timothy Goosehead, 31, was stabbed outside a reserve home only hours after Malnyk was killed, and before RCMP had made any arrests.

The eruption of violence happened at a time when the local RCMP detachment was operating with just two officers, down from a usual complement of four.

www.mikeoncrime.com
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Condoms are always in style. Thats the catch phrase for a new public campaign introduced Thursday to urge young women to have a conversation with their boyfriends.

Thats why the campaign says condoms are always in style, to destigmatize condoms and to normalize the conversation. Were not there yet. Were better off than we were 10 years ago but theres still a huge discomfort with youth striking up that conversation, whether its with their parents, their friends, their teachers, said Dr. Pierre Plourde, a medical officer of health with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Condom campaigns are nothing new; the health authority unveiled their first campaign five or six years ago in response to a resurgence of sexually transmitted infections.

Supplied Above: New ads features young women wearing colourful scarves festooned with condoms with the tagline Condoms are always in style.

Over the last five years weve seen a levelling off; we cant prove its because of condom campaigns. Weve seen a levelling off of chlamydia. Gonorrhea came way down and may be starting to resurge again. Syphilis has continued to increase so theres still significant disease out there, Plourde said.

In 2014, the year featured in an infographic that accompanies the poster campaign, there were 3,103 new chlamydia cases in Manitoba, and 78 per cent of them were among youth between the ages of 15 and 29. The same pattern plays out for gonorrhea with a rise in cases, mostly in young people under 29.

Were just realizing you cant let your guard down, like any campaign you have to go for many, many years to get the message across. It takes time. It takes several years, Plourde said.

The difference this time is the target of the campaign: women. Posters in bus shelters, on post-secondary campuses, and washrooms in restaurants and bars depict young women, Caucasian, indigenous and black. Each features a young woman wearing a scarf festooned with condoms and the tagline Condoms are always in style.

Focus groups from past WRHA condom campaigns that targeted men suggested young women be highlighted in the next campaign.

Our last campaign, which was protect yourself from what you cant see, showed a condom covering the word chlamydia  it was a phallic symbol, essentially, Plourde said.

The girls (in the focus groups) said, Thats all about guys. What about us girls? Can you have a campaign some year where the girls are featured, where it speaks to us? Plourde said.

Condoms arent just a guy thing. Theyre a girl thing too. Young women need to take responsibility as much as young men and thats how this came about, Plourde said.

New Winnipeg Regional Heath Authority Sexually Transmitted Infection billboard at a bus shelter at Arlington Street and Sargent Avenue. JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Theres also an online presence at www.getsomecondoms.com. The website address plays on current code for getting sex; get some is a popular vernacular expression for carnal relations.

The click-through rates are pretty good, about four times what one would normally get, so at least theres a catchy hook there, Plourde said.

Finally, in some downtown and Point Douglas-area health clinics and youth centres, the WRHA is also distributing free condoms, for the demographic that cant afford to buy them, the medical officer said.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca
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Crews were on Friday holding a 350-hectare wildfire at the edge of Easterville and the Chemawawin First Nation with no injuries and no property damage.

The provincial department of sustainable development said Friday afternoon that most residents have left the combined community 450 kilometres north of Winnipeg, though the evacuation is not yet complete.

The size of the fire is estimated at 350 hectares and crews have held it to the edge of the community with two water bombers, four bulldozers and seven ground crews. There are no reports of losses to buildings or infrastructure, provincial officials said in a news release.

Beverly George / Facebook

The province said the fire is to the south of the community, but road access to the east has not been affected.

Evacuees from Easterville have been directed to The Pas, while residents of the Chemawawin First Nation are headed to Winnipeg. Co-ordination of the First Nations evacuation is being handled by the Canadian Red Cross, the province said.

The Red Cross said Friday that 1,300 residents have left the community, with another 50 still expected to leave Friday afternoon. Most have their own cars, but buses are being provided for other evacuees. Theyre going first to a registration centre at the Holiday Inn on Ellice Avenue near the Winnipeg airport, where they are assigned hotels which the Red Cross declined to name.

Their food and necessities are being covered.

Grand Rapids band councillor Heidi Cook said Friday afternoon that, We had a couple of families come to Grand Rapids from Easterville, because its the closest community. Theyre bunking with families.

Cook said that the band council is encouraging the Easterville families to go where help is being provided, though I wouldnt want to go to Winnipeg, given the experience there in some longer-term evacuations of indigenous communities.

They tried to get into the Northbrook Inn in Grand Rapids  the only hotel in the area but were turned away, Cook said.

Northbrook manager Pinal Patel said that, as soon as the wildfire broke out, fire crews and provincial officials snapped up his rooms, leaving only one room with a single bed which could not accommodate the Easterville families.

In Manitoba, 19 new wildfires, all caused by lightning, were reported Thursday throughout northern Manitoba:

Leaf Rapids, nine; Lynn Lake, four; Wabowden, two; Gillam, three; and Oxford House, one.

A total of 119 wildfires has been recorded to date. The average for this date is 236.

For further general information on the fire status, maps, travel restrictions, burning permit cancellations or other restrictions go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/mbgovnews.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 23/06/2016 (2316 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Burt Barkman is 80 years old now, but if he ever wanted to return to his youth, there was always the hangar.

Inside the building at the Springfield Flying Club there is Barkmans 1947 Er Coupe, which he has been flying since 1950. Without incident, hes quick to add. And all around is what at first seems to be just another collection of memorabilia  until you notice the gas station.

Of course, its not a real gas station, but a meticulously recreated version of a place and time Barkman holds dear. There is a facade of a British American gas station, circa 1950, which even includes a telephone booth (kids, ask your parents). There are glass oil containers, which were used back in the day, vintage signs, a spark-plug machine and old maps.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Burt Barkman with his service station facade and 1951 gas pump part of his lifelong collection of gas station items stored in his hangar. He is selling everything at this Sunday morning at an auction held in his hangar at Lyncrest Airport. And, of course, a restored BA gas pump sitting on its own island, one of Barkmans prized possessions.

I always dreamt Id like to have a little BA station just for the memories, Barkman said.

And now Barkmans memories are for sale. This Sunday morning, theyll be auctioned off at the hangar. The Er Coupe. All the oil cans. The old radar set. The propellers that line the walls. And the entire BA station, facade and all.

There comes a time and a place where you have to hang it up, Barkman reasoned. Why should I wait until Im horizontal in some hospital bed?

Barkman came by his collection honestly. You see, back in 1950, he was a 16-year-old boy pumping gas at the British American station in Steinbach, where he was born and raised.

You had the leather bow tie, the leather hat, he recalled. The whole schmeer.

When a car rolled in, the gas attendants would rush out. They cleaned the windows, all of them. They cleaned headlights and the tail lights. They checked the oil, checked the water in the radiator, checked the fan belt and battery. They even whisked the floor inside car of sunflower seeds and such.

For a two-dollar fill. Really, he said.

That restored gas pump? Its set at 26 cents a gallon, the same price as when Barkman was a teenage gas jockey.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A North Star oil stand from the 1930s. It all started so innocently. Some 15 years ago, Barkman, who spent the bulk of his days working in the auto industry  from pumping gas to management  went to an auction in Niverville. He cant remember why, but was struck instead by a three-bladed wooden propeller. He bought it.

Then stuff happened, he said.

After building the hangar in 2002, he started to collect whatever he could related to aviation or the oil-service industry. But after purchasing his last item this spring  a vintage BA cooler  Barkman decided the time had come to move on. Ive shut it down, he said.

The other day, sitting in his hangar of memories, Barkman said it will be difficult to part with his collection because Every item has a story. But no regrets.

Ive enjoyed it immensely, he said. Weve had thousands of people through here. Its a lot off fun. Ive got a (guest) book thats signed with oohs and aahs. That gives you satisfaction.

Barkmans favourite comment in the guest book was by a little girl who wrote, Finally, finally. Some old guy has become cool.

He laughed out loud: Thats priceless. You cant buy that stuff.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A restroom sign from 1932. Supervised refers to being cleaned often. But you can buy Barkmans stuff. Although theres one of his antiques not for sale: a 1947 Plymouth Special Deluxe, and not surprisingly it has direct ties to the old British American station of his youth, too.

Back in 1952, the car was owned by Mr. Peters, the town barber, who was extremely proud of his vehicle. When he drove around town, the barber never exceeded 20 miles an hour.

One day, while filling up the Plymouth, Barkman told the barber, Id like to own that car one day.

After all, Barkman told Mr. Peters he was making 35 cents an hour and expecting a raise to 45 cents. Then Ill be in the money, he told the barber.

In 1985, more than 33 years after vowing to buy the car, Barkmans phone rang. It was the Peters family asking if he was still interested.

Not only did Barkman promise to restore the old Plymouth, which had fallen into disrepair, he vowed to return to Steinbach to take Mr. Peters and his family out for supper at Smittys. And Ill take you around the town at 17 miles an hour, he added, just like the old barber used to do.

Thats exactly what Barkman did. Unfortunately, Mr. Peters had died shortly before the car was restored. But still.

They (the family) were absolutely thrilled to get a ride in the car again, Barkman said.

For Barkman, you see, there is no great secret to the collection. It has always been a portal to the past. His past.

Nostalgia, he said. How things were. Life was so simple compared to today.

Does Barkman miss those days?

Very much so, he replied.

Dont misunderstand. Barkman is not overly sentimental. Theres no tearing up. No second thoughts.

But there will be one last trip to the pump.

Ill be here Saturday night, Im sure, opening up a pop, he said, smiling. Reminiscing for the last time. Because Sunday its all going to be gone.

There comes a time.

randy.turner@freepress.mb.ca

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A Ford Edsel clock, this is part of Burt Barkman's lifelong collection of gas station items in his hangar. He is selling everything at this Sunday morning at an auction held in his hangar at Lyncrest Airport.
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This article was published 24/06/2016 (2315 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  Andrea Berger was at home in her London flat Thursday night to watch the early returns on the Brexit referendum.

Early results did not look good but the Winnipeg native slept for a bit, having confidence the remain side would prevail after final polls suggested it had the edge.

When she awoke in the wee hours of the morning and turned on the television, that wasnt what had happened.

SIMON DAWSON / BLOOMBERG A pedestrian walks underneath rows British Union flags suspended above Regent Street in London, U.K., on Tuesday, May 24, 2016.

I was in complete shock, Berger, 28, told the Free Press from London Friday.

When she went into her office, the reaction was the same across the board.

People came in and they were hugging, she said. There were tears in the office. I cant even express the level of paralysis this has caused. By midafternoon most of my colleagues decided they couldnt even function at work anymore.

Berger grew up in River Heights and Charleswood but moved to London six years ago to pursue a masters degree. She now works at a London think tank. Her parents were born in Austria and she has both Canadian and EU passports, but was working in England on her Austrian passport thanks to the EU labour ties. She voted in the referendum however because she is a Canadian, and while other EU citizens werent eligible, Commonwealth citizens living in the UK were.

Like most other residents of London, Berger cast her ballot to keep the United Kingdom in the European Union. Now she isnt certain she wants to stay somewhere she may not be wanted. Anti-immigrant rhetoric lay beneath much of the leave sides campaign.

I love living in the UK, she said, noting the multiculturalism in London reminded her of Canada. That was turned on its head today. There were deep divisions created and at the moment it is a difficult place for someone who is fundamentally an immigrant to the UK.

David Michon moved to the UK from Winnipeg eight years ago to pursue a career in journalism. Now an editorial consultant, he too awoke around 4 a.m. in London and found overnight his new country had made a stunning decision.

There has been a lot of confusion and shock, he said.

Everywhere he went Friday people were talking about it. He said hes living in the UK on an ancestry visa, because his grandparents are British, and he isnt concerned about his own status. But his boyfriend is Italian and although he has been in Britain for a decade, the anti-migrant emotion in the leave campaign has left them feeling uneasy.

All of a sudden it doesnt feel like home like it used to, said Michon.

He said hes not sure what happens next for either him or his adopted country.

Its going to be years before this is finalized, he said.

In Winnipeg, British citizens were also absorbing the news. Susan Prentice, a professor at the University of Manitoba who has a dual Canadian-British passport, went to the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival last night and didnt stay up late to watch the results because she didnt think she had to worry.

This was a most unexpected outcome, she said. i was calm. I was pretty sure it was going to be a non issue.

She too awoke to find out she had been wrong.

I was very saddened, she said. Im distressed. I think it will introduce a lot of political and economic dysfunction. Its a loss for the UK.

She said on a personal level shes not sure what will happen to her British EU passport, and what impact it may have on her ability to do another sabbatical on continental Europe, as she did in France previously.

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca
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It was an open letter to a police chief that received nationwide attention.

Fourteen-year-old Brianna Jonnie wrote Winnipeg Police Service Chief Devon Clunis in March to say she felt scared she was at higher risk than her peers of going missing and/or being murdered because she is indigenous. She also believed there was a difference between how police  and the community  treat cases of missing indigenous girls.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Brianna Jonnie, 14, holds the photo of herself that she submitted to Winnipeg police Chief Devon Clunis, along with a letter about her fear of going missing. Brianna gave Clunis instructions about what to do if she disappeared: If I go missing and the WPS has not changed the behaviours I have brought to your attention, I beg of you, do not treat me as the indigenous person I am proud to be.

My mom needs me, and I want to have my future. And if I do go missing and my body is found, please tell my mom you are sorry. Tell her I asked to be buried in my red dress, for I will have become just another native statistic.

Brianna said she saw differences in the way society and the police treat missing people. She noted it took four days after Tina Fontaine  a 15-year-old girl whose slain body was pulled from the Red River in August 2014  was reported missing before the first request was sent out for the publics help.

She sent her letter not only to Clunis, but also Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman, then-Manitoba premier Greg Selinger and provincial government ministers Gord Mackintosh, Kerri Irvin-Ross and Eric Robinson, and the Winnipeg Free Press.

In the days after the letters contents became known, Brianna met with all of them and expressed hope things would change and her letter would make a difference.

The office area of the missing persons unit is located on the third floor of the new Winnipeg Police Service headquarters on Graham Avenue.

Even though the officers have only been stationed inside the building for a few days (there are paper signs on the walls telling people which offices are whose and where the elevator is located) they are already making the new cubicles their own.

On one wall, as she did in her former Public Safety Building office, Det.-Sgt. Shaunna Neufeld has posted a couple dozen mugshots of past missing adults, youth and children.

Many are people who were successfully located and reunited with their loved ones. The outcome for others wasnt as positive.

Two have served as a template for how Neufeld, the co-ordinator of the missing persons unit, handles cases as she goes through her day.

One was a man with dementia who went missing and was later found dead outside his vehicle in another province. The other was a woman who crawled into a van parked outside the seniors facility she lived in and was discovered alive in a garage elsewhere in the city.

He went missing about a month after I came to this unit, Neufeld said. It taught me to get information out there fast. And, when a person has access to a vehicle, you can see how far they can go quickly. I flood information out there.

Because of the woman, Neufeld says, she now tells people, Check your sheds. Check your garages. Check your vehicles.

There are a total of 14 people in the WPS unit: one sergeant, one detective-sergeant, seven detectives and five civilians who man the phones and computers from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Friday, and take calls from people who cant find a loved one or from a group home where a youth placed by Child and Family Services has walked out the door. (Calls during other hours are taken by police personnel elsewhere in the building.)

This is my sixth year here, Neufeld said. When I started here, there were five detectives. In Canada, we have the largest missing persons unit. But that may be because other departments have a combination of missing persons and the major crime unit.

But it is also because, overall, our numbers are high. There definitely was a need to bring in a couple of more detectives.

Neufeld is quick to quash a common misconception: that you have to wait 24 hours for a person to be missing before you call the police.

If someone is missing and deviated from the norm, call us. We do ask people, Have you checked with hospitals? Family? Friends? Frequent locations they go to? We do ask that some legwork be done by them.

Each morning, Neufeld meets briefly with unit officers and new files are handed out. Other cases are closed through the day as people are located.

She says in the first three months of 2016 the unit is juggling an average of 84 missing person files a day, a 38 per cent jump from the same time period in 2015.

Our guys are out on the move a lot, Neufeld said. They are talking to people. A lot of what we do is just intel.

A daily average of 84 missing-person files works out to 2,137 cases in the first quarter of 2016.

Of those, there were actually 687 missing people. But for every Thelma Krull or Reid Bricker  high-profile cases from 2015 of adults who have yet to be located  there are many others who go missing more than once.

Theyre not seniors with dementia walking out of care homes repeatedly. Theyre not people who may have committed suicide or run afoul of criminals. Theyre youth who have fallen under the care of Child and Family Services and who have been placed in CFS facilities, whether in a foster home or group home.

In fact, the statistics up to the end of March showed a staggering 84 per cent of missing persons are youth who are wards of CFS. As well, 67 per cent of missing persons are youth who have left a CFS affiliated group home.

Twenty-five individuals alone account for a fair portion of the statistics: they had each been reported missing 15 or more times in the first three months of 2016.

Neufeld says when youth go missing, it is a concern.

These youth are at a high risk of sexual predators, she said. They connect with people who do drugs.

I wish we had more tools to put in place to keep them safe and not running. But when youre 13 and not at home and you have no sense of family and structure and boundaries, youre not putting things up for success further down the road.

If theyre addicted to meth, they wont stay put.

While the number of missing persons goes up and down on any given day, the one constant is how she and the officers feel about missing people of any age.

We care about everyone, Neufeld said. If youre assigned a file, youll have it until it is donethere are a few open files that are decades old.

With some, we have a firm belief what happened, but we still havent located their bodies.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Police Service missing persons unit banner in new headquarters.

On a recent grey day, a Winnipeg Free Press reporter and a photographer cram into the back of an unmarked cruiser while Det. Tina Bramadat and another detective get into the front seat. Bramadat begins typing on the onboard computer while the other detective guides the vehicle out of the garage and onto the street.

Bramadat has five missing person files today; the other detective has seven.

The detective (who doesnt want to be identified) says the first case the pair will work on is a teenage girl who left a Child and Family Services-connected facility.

She took off last night, he said. She is on our radar as a young woman we are concerned about. We are going to check on a spot she has been at before.

A quick drive to an apartment block in the Broadway area and the cruiser comes to a stop a few doors down the street. The two officers get out. Its 11:15 a.m.

We park a little ways away  there are certain people who recognize the cars, the detective said.

The two go to the rear of the building and return seven minutes later.

They claim they havent seen her for two days, the detective said as his phone rings.

A couple of minutes later, he hangs up. It is someone he met while working another case, who has some information about a missing person.

We spend a lot of time with people. When people are co-operative, it is easier. To me, any call I get is good. It shows they want to assist in an investigation.

The next stop is at another small apartment building five minutes away. The officers spend less time inside the building than it took to drive there.

Hes not being totally honest with us, but they were co-operative and allowed us to look around. The suite was so small it only took a minute to check everywhere, he said.

But the quick visit turns up another lead. Driving to an intersection a few blocks west of the apartment, Bramadat says the area sounds familiar, a location from an earlier case.

As the cruiser pulls onto the street and up to a house sliced into three suites, Bramadats partner agrees, they have been here before.

Just 65 minutes after visiting to the first location on Broadway, the young indigenous woman police were looking for was hustled out of the house  along with another young woman who had an outstanding warrant.

Both are put into the back of the unmarked cruiser. The officers wait until the agency that operates the group home the missing girl lives at picks her up; the other youth is taken to headquarters to be processed.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Detective Tina Bramadat updates information on mobile computer.

This was another missing-persons case where the subject didnt want to be found  she wanted to stay missing.

Evidence of this is seen a few hours later. By dinner, the girl is on the run again.

Neufeld says it is a typical case and shes not surprised when the girl is reported missing again.

May was an extremely busy month for us, there were 80 youth missing and 25 or 30 adults, she said.

They come in spurts. When the (Red River) Ex comes, our youth numbers go up. In warm weather, our numbers go up. On cold days or drizzly rain, the numbers of kids go down. But our adults are pretty constant around the year.

When it comes to missing people, Neufeld said, Winnipeg Transit is our friend. If a senior is missing, we flood Winnipeg Transit with information.

The drivers see people as they go by. We also notify taxi drivers, and social media is also helping a lot.

Back at police headquarters, Lori (who didnt want her last name used) and another civilian employee (who didnt want to be identified) are fielding missing-person calls.

Many are stressed people when they call, Lori said. Every day is different. Every police call is different Ive been here 11 years and Ive seen a lot  or you hear a lot.

When the call comes in, the caller is asked why they believe the person is missing and to provide some detail about their concerns. They get descriptions of the person, including what clothing they were wearing. They try to get banking information, phone numbers, Facebook and other social-media accounts. And whether they are on medication or have addiction issues.

Priority is given to people with dementia and people who have left a suicide note.

If there are any immediate safety concerns, a call immediately goes out, Neufeld said.

Abductions by strangers are rare in Canada, but Neufeld says every year the WPS get 15 to 20 calls of children being abducted by a parent. Case in point: this weeks snatching of two children, 11-year-old Montana Giesbrecht, and her nine-year-old brother, Josh. Police believe they may be with their mother, Sandra Giesbrecht, who, as of Wednesday, is wanted on a Canada-wide arrest warrant.

We havent had an AMBER Alert since Ive been in this department, Neufeld said. We have to have concern of grievous or bodily harm to send one out.

Neufeld says if a family is able to rally people to help search for a missing person, the police have no control over them. She says police also have no control on whether or not the case is featured prominently in the media.

We do the same with everyone we do ground searches, but when we do it its evidence-based or where we think a person will be, she said.

The hardest thing for a family is to wait and not know. You feel compelled to just do something.

Neufeld says its why when a body is found  or recently when a boot and a portion of a body was found in the Red River near Selkirk  they contact families of long-term missing people to let them know when it is not their loved one. And they also call the family of the person they believe the body to be to let them know DNA testing is being done.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Detective Tina Bramadat , right, leaves police headquarters with partner that can not be identified.

No one from the Manitoba government was available to be interviewed in regards to the high number of youth who repeatedly go missing. A spokesman for Child and Family Services and the Department of Families released a statement saying both departments provide specialized placements for individual youth.

Children who run have experienced significant trauma and so they often live in a state of fight or flight, the spokesman said.

Careful responses and building relationships is a key to reducing running behaviours. Case plans and supportive services including stable, skilled placement programs are necessary to meet the needs of these children.

The spokesman said the departments try to engage the youth in a safety plan with an ultimate goal to remain in their placement and/or return to placements on their own.

Debbie Besant, chief executive officer of the General Child and Family Services Authority  one of the four entities in Manitoba mandated with overseeing different CFS agencies responsible for children  said there are restrictions on what workers can do with youth.

We cant lock doors, Besant said, noting that would violate the fire code. And the human rights code prevents unlawful detentions. We do not have the ability to lock children up. There is no provision for that.

Besant said the authority work with youth to develop a care plan and network.

If they go on an unexplained absence, we have a network to reach out and look for them.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Detective Tina Bramadat's badge and gun.

Ultimately, the WPS missing persons unit comes under the responsibility of deputy chief Danny Smyth.

Smyth says he sees the statistics coming from the unit. He also sees the number of repeat youth who go missing while in CFS care.

It is a real concern for us, he said. It is a community problem and the community needs to play a role in it.

During the period of time they are gone, they are really being vulnerable. The worst-case scenario is for them to be vulnerable and somebody preys on them.

The young people account for a fair amount of the work done by missing persons (unit) and our general patrol. Its a real challenge to CFS. Even the staff, theyre not trained to be confrontational or prevent (youth) from leaving. They can just walk away, and then they call us. They are not secure facilities and they are there voluntarily.

Smyth says hes hoping with the new provincial government settling in, politicians will take a fresh take on the issue.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Detective Tina Bramadat.

As for Brianna Jonnie, who started the conversation with her open letter, she says she was glad every official she met with admitted there was a problem that needed to be fixed  even though not everyone agreed on a solution.

She says she appreciated Clunis honesty when she met with him. He told her when he became chief he recognized there were issues in the police department, and while everyone has their own natural biases, he has worked hard to address them during his time in the position.

Brianna says Clunis assured her everyone in the missing persons unit care very much about the kids who go missing and treat all cases the same, based on where they fall in the triage system.

She says she is willing to give Premier Brian Pallisters new government a fair chance to address the problems that exist within Child and Family Services, but she worries it doesnt seem to care as much about indigenous issues as previous governments.

Meanwhile, Brianna says she was disappointed with the hateful comments directed towards her, many with racist overtones, in the wake of the letter but she appreciates the many comments from people, both indigenous and non-indigenous, thanking her for her efforts.

Brianna says she has noticed an increased sharing of missing persons reports recently on social media.

While I was not looking for all the media attention when I first wrote my letter, I do not in any way regret writing it, she said. I believe it started a conversation that needed to be had.

If even one person looks at the situation from a changed point of view or changes the way they speak about indigenous girls, then it is worth it.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSPolice jacket in the Missing Persons Unit in new headquarters- June 16, 2016 -(See Kevin Rollason story) ( Eds This ride along was restricted on what we could photograph- one detective would not be named or photographed ( male )- We were not allowed to photograph detectives arriving outside or near a scene of investigation- Nor were we allowed to photograph any youths in any manner) JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSWinnipeg Police Service civilian employees working missing person telephones- June 16, 2016 -(See Kevin Rollason story) ( Eds This ride along was restricted on what we could photograph- one detective would not be named or photographed ( male )- We were not allowed to photograph detectives arriving outside or near a scene of investigation- Nor were we allowed to photograph any youths in any manner) JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSWinnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Detective Tina Bramadat leaves police car during investigation- June 16, 2016 -(See Kevin Rollason story) ( Eds This ride along was restricted on what we could photograph- one detective would not be named or photographed ( male )- We were not allowed to photograph detectives arriving outside or near a scene of investigation- Nor were we allowed to photograph any youths in any manner) JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSWinnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Detective Tina Bramadat checks into computer system before her and her partner leave headquarters- June 16, 2016 -(See Kevin Rollason story) ( Eds This ride along was restricted on what we could photograph- one detective would not be named or photographed ( male )- We were not allowed to photograph detectives arriving outside or near a scene of investigation- Nor were we allowed to photograph any youths in any manner) JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Detective Tina Bramadat gets ready to leave police downtown headquarters on investigations , June 16, 2016 -(See Kevin Rollason story) ( Eds This ride along was restricted on what we could photograph- one detective would not be named or photographed ( male )- We were not allowed to photograph detectives arriving outside or near a scene of investigation- Nor were we allowed to photograph any youths in any manner) JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Detective Tina Bramadat talks with person in downtown Winnipeg , June 16, 2016 -(See Kevin Rollason story) ( Eds This ride along was restricted on what we could photograph- one detective would not be named or photographed ( male )- We were not allowed to photograph detectives arriving outside or near a scene of investigation- Nor were we allowed to photograph any youths in any manner) JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSWinnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Detective Tina Bramadat talks with person in downtown Winnipeg , June 16, 2016 -(See Kevin Rollason story) ( Eds This ride along was restricted on what we could photograph- one detective would not be named or photographed ( male )- We were not allowed to photograph detectives arriving outside or near a scene of investigation- Nor were we allowed to photograph any youths in any manner) JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Detective Tina Bramadat talks with person in downtown Winnipeg , June 16, 2016 -(See Kevin Rollason story) ( Eds This ride along was restricted on what we could photograph- one detective would not be named or photographed ( male )- We were not allowed to photograph detectives arriving outside or near a scene of investigation- Nor were we allowed to photograph any youths in any manner)
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Schools should not tell students that their parents beliefs and culture are irrelevant or incorrect, Tory rookie MLA James Teitsma declared in the legislature this week.

Teitsma cited former-justice Murray Sinclairs Truth and Reconciliation Commission report on residential schools as justification for schools staying out of family beliefs.

But Teitsma said in an interview Friday that his own six children have never experienced such issues in their schools in his Radisson riding, and that his comments had nothing to do with an ongoing controversy in which Steinbach-based Hanover School Division will not allow classroom discussion of sexual identity issues.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES James Teitsma

When I read the TRC report, its heartbreaking, Teitsma said. You want to apply them (TRC findings) to your own journey. My parents took great care to instill their values in me.

Teitsma spoke in the legislature during time for members statements, telling MLAs that the coincidental timing of having one child graduating high school at the same time his wife is about to give birth, compelled him to speak.

He told the house: Its important that public and independent schools realize too that their role is to help the parents. Its not just the parents right to choose the type of education that their children have, its their responsibility.

Some have said that our schools should be places where the beliefs and cultural identity of parents are deemed irrelevant, or worse, something to be resisted or corrected. But such thinking is wrong.

My indigenous colleagues surely remember Justice Sinclair saying how wrong it is to prevent the transmission of cultural identity from one generation to the next.

Teitsma said Friday that he was not making any specific references.

Nothing comes to my mind, he said.

Prior to running for office, Teitsma worked for a lobby group that opposed abortion, same-sex marriage and Bill 18, the NDP legislation that directs high-school administrators to work with students who ask to form a gay-straight alliance.

His riding covers parts of both River East Transcona and Louis Riel school divisions, which both want greater parent involvement, he said.

The school is there to assist parents, Teitsma said. Ive been impressed by their passion.

The NDP opposition declined to comment.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
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Eventually, the days become shorter, sunscreen gives way to sweaters and summer fades away. But for Gordon Bell High School students, the glow of summer camp has stayed with them since their first visit.

With the help of the Sunshine Fund, 49 Gordon Bell students are heading to Camp Cedarwood later this summer. The camp is promoted as a resort for teens and campers are given the chance to enjoy hot tubs, beach volleyball, tubing, archery, water sports, crafts, drama and even BMX biking.

Its a wonderful opportunity to get out of the city and see a part of Manitoba theyve probably never been to and to just be kids, said Anna Gall, the schools guidance counselor.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Jasmine Suwala (far left, long hair), Sierra Loiselle, Larry Paton, Tiara Myers (red striped), Salina Tewelde (centre), Abdihakim Hedoon, Eveline Kabuha and Whitney Munyaka are some of the 48 Gordon Bell high school students who will be attending camp this summer through the Sunshine Fund.

Last year, Gall got in touch with Liz Kovach, the executive director of the Manitoba Camping Association & Sunshine Fund. Gall said the school had the opportunity to send two students to Cedarwood, but she wanted to send more who would benefit from a week at camp. The Sunshine Fund ended up sending 49 students to camp last summer.

Theyre all thrilled and excited about going back and have encouraged their friends to go because it was such a positive experience for them, said Gall.

I cant tell you how much it means to us.

The students said it was the camps environment that created a lasting change within their own lives. For some, coming out of their shells and becoming more confident is a strong memory from last summer.

Honestly, I was always shy; I couldnt make friends that easily, said Salina Tewelde, 14. But going there, I made friends, I opened up. It taught me how to be more friendly and how to open up and make friends. So thats a memory thats always with me.

Fourteen-year-old Larry Paton said his favourite things at camp were archery and tubing. In archery, we put a balloon in the centre and I was the only one that hit it, he said. He said he set a goal to have fun every day.

The returning campers said the cheerful camp environment was a breath of fresh air from day-to-day life in the city. Everywhere you went, you would always see someone smiling or laughing, said 15-year-old Sierra Loiselle.

Tiara Myers, 15, said how nice it was to see people unplug from their phones. Its nice to have people smiling for once, just talking with people. Even if you dont know them personally, its good to know that you can have fun and have them smile.

Abdihakim Hedoon, 15, Eveline Kabuha, 14, Whitney Munyaka, 15, and Jasmine Suwala, 13, havent been to Cedarwood before and are looking forward to making some camp memories of their own. Whitney and Eveline are both from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and arrived in Winnipeg last November. Both girls are looking forward to canoeing and kayaking for the first time.

Many of the teachers were excited about our summer plans, said Gall. But for the students sometimes its difficult because theres nothing to do. Theres a lack of structure.

She added that some of the students had never heard of activities like tubing or paintballing. Even if youre in the city, all of those activities cost quite a bit of money, whether its paintballing or whether its any water sports. Even just to get out of the city sometimes its cost prohibitive, she said.

Last fall, Gall received letters from parents describing the impact that camp had on their child. It gave them such a boost in their confidence and self-esteem and really increased their can-do spirit, said Gall.

Salina said her mom noticed a change when she came back from camp. My mom was really happy because she noticed that I was very happy. So she said, Im so happy that youre happy.'
Opinion

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This article was published 24/06/2016 (2315 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When does public service only mean some of the public?

In June of last year, the streets of Toronto were filled with a whos who of Canadian politics. There they were  Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, Green party Leader Elizabeth May and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, along with other politicians  walking arm-in-arm in the Pride walk along Yonge Street. It was campaign time, and this was an important place to be. If you were a politician, you were progressive, accepting and  God forbid  liberal in your position on gay rights.

The missing face was that of our soon-to-be-outgoing prime minister. Stephen Harper. Despite his failing national popularity, he simply couldnt bring himself to play the Pride card. He just couldnt. This was the man who, within months of being elected to office, set his sights not on health or economic reform, but on social reform.

This bombastic bigot surprised us all with his big heart and willingness to accept diversity.

In the summer of 2005, under Liberal prime minister Paul Martin, Canada became the fourth country in the world, and the first outside Europe, to legalize same-sex marriage. In December 2006, the newly elected Conservatives tried to introduce legislation to restore the traditional definition of marriage without affecting civil unions and while respecting existing same-sex marriages. Because the Conservatives had only a minority government, the motion was easily defeated.

Leap ahead more than 10 years, in the context of one of the most tragic mass murders in North American history, the shooting at a gay nightclub in Orland that left 49 people dead. It would seem certain conservatives are still not willing to support the LBGT community. Provencher MP Ted Falk  like his former leader, Stephen Harper, is saying no way to Pride parade organizers in Steinbach.

It was surprise enough to hear a Pride parade was going to happen in the ultra-conservative and religious community. But even its mayor, Chris Goertzen, has told Steinbach Pride organizer Michelle McHale a letter of official support is forthcoming.

So lets talk about the jobs of our public servants. Heck, lets talk about your job and mine.

I recall sitting in a leadership training seminar not that long ago. Our affable speaker was strolling past tables of attentive executives and came to a purposeful stop in front of me. He said, Scott, do you represent yourself in your job?

My cynical self concluded it was some type of trick question, and somehow the answer was to be cheese sandwich or something equally absurb. But no, my logical self spoke confidently: Yes. Who else would I represent if not myself?

To the surprise of no one in the room, I was incorrect. We were quickly advised there was no job description in the world that was created with me in mind. Jobs are created to represent and serve only the interests of employers. Employees would change over the years, but the mandate of that role would not. Imagine my disappointment when I was told my job was not all about me.

Back to the freshly re-elected MP of Provencher. Lets forget the name for a moment and think only of the position. On the Parliament of Canadas website, members describe their role in a variety of ways. I am first and foremost a representative of the people and accountable to those who elected me, one MP says. So my trainer was right. We dont represent ourselves personally in our jobs.

Here is a fictitious example: a deeply religious MP is asked to attend the birthday celebration of a constituent who has turned 95 years old. But the constituent has been married four times and claims her recipe for a long life is because she dances and drinks whiskey daily. This is offensive to the MPs religious beliefs. Does the politician refused to attend?

If we say yes, is it always yes? Is there never a time when personal beliefs intersect with political obligation?

Our politicians are elected and mandated to serve the entire public, not 25 or 50 per cent, and not just those who contribute to campaigns or offer blind support.

Several decades ago, television provided the stage to deal with a variety of social issues, including gay rights. On one fledgling show, in its first season, the issue of homophobia was set on its ear. The main character through a series of comedic events was surprised to learn one of his best bar buddies was gay. The episode shocked a nation, including then-U.S. president Richard Nixon.

The main character of this groundbreaking show may be the most openly racist in television history. But even this bombastic bigot would surprise us all with his big heart and willingness, albeit reluctant, to accept diversity.

His name was Archie Bunker. And that, people, was 45 years ago.

Can we please move on?

Scott Armstrongs career in media spans more than 30 years. He has taught journalism at a college level, and most recently worked as general manager at CJOB.
Opinion

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OTTAWA  A year after the Senate expense scandal hit its peak with the release of the auditor generals report, and three months after the only senator to be put on trial for his expense claims was acquitted of all charges, the upper chamber seems intent on dragging out this saga as long as humanly possible.

On Monday, the Senate board of internal economy, which oversees administration of the upper chamber, hired an Ottawa law firm to investigate whether it would be worth pursuing legal action against seven senators who the auditor general found had made improper claims and who havent repaid the money. That includes former Manitoba senators Rod Zimmer, who died earlier this month, and Sharon Carstairs.

Four days later, Sen. Mike Duffy said the same committee is coming after him to repay almost $17,000 in expenses uncovered during his criminal trial and which the Senate now says were out of bounds. That includes costs for makeup, personal training and personal photos.

The Senate remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, efficiency and accountability, with respect for taxpayers dollars as our guiding principle, reads a statement released Thursday afternoon by Sen. Leo Housakos, chairman of the board of internal economy.

On the surface of it, all of this might seem like the right way to go. The auditor general has cited those senators for having made improper expense claims. They have all insisted they did nothing wrong and followed the rules the Senate had at the time. Maybe it should now be up to a civil court to decide who is right.

But at this point, so much money has already been spent to ferret out this rot in the upper chamber, one almost cant see the point of pursuing it any longer. Maybe the lawyers can shine a light not only on whether the Senate has any legal hope of actually winning, but also how much more money is going to be spent on this.

The audit that uncovered the allegedly improper claims cost us $23.5 million. The money owing by those seven senators amounts to $528,525.70. The Senate already recouped about $266,000 from 23 other senators identified in the report. If every cent of what is still owing is repaid, the audit will have cost almost 30 times more than the money it is attempting to recover.

Surely a 30:1 ratio isnt anywhere close to value for money, and thats not even including whatever costs the Senate is paying the law firm to figure out if it should sue, and then the costs of actually filing seven different civil suits.

There are good arguments to be made that these audits were worth it. They uncovered a sense of entitlement in the Senate and forced the Red Chamber to come out of the dark ages of accountability. There are now new ethics and conflict-of-interest codes, and starting July 1, there will be a more detailed model of disclosure on expense reporting to the public. There is a cringe-worthy irony in the fact the Senate thus far has not disclosed what that new model is, but we will get to see it when the fall quarterly expense statements are produced.

So we have to wait to judge whether the Senate has learned its lesson at all about maintaining ridiculously vague rules and leaving the decisions on what is and isnt a legitimate expense largely up to the senators making the claims.

As for Duffy, the payback demanded of him for embarrassing the former Conservative government continues. Its not surprising Duffys lawyer is seeking sympathy for his client, but he is unlikely to find many takers. A man who charged the Senate for personal training and makeup artists isnt going to garner much in the way of public support.

That said, according to his lawyer, Duffy lost out on more than $155,000 in salary during the time he was suspended without a pay. A suspension, his lawyer rightly notes, was not meted out to any of the senators identified in the audit report. Only Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau were suspended. His legal bills are also certainly sky-high.

Right now, pursuing Duffy for expenses that include $8 in personal photos is about petty politics rather than getting value for taxpayers.

Mia Rabson is the Winnipeg Free Press parliamentary bureau chief.

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @mrabson
Opinion

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Our beautiful world is not as resilient as we hope, and the first months of 2016 were alarming. The average monthly world temperature jumped by record amounts.

The Arctic was more than 5 C above normal, and the Greenland ice melt started a full month earlier than usual.

Southeast Asia is suffering from an unprecedented drought impacting 330 million people, and deaths in India and Pakistan are rising due to the current terrible heat wave, hotter to date than the devastating heat wave those countries experienced in spring 2015.

In Canada, spring wildfires are destroying thousands of homes and businesses and hundreds of thousands of acres of forests.

With such terrible experiences already, what will life be like in 10 or 20 years? Our timelines for cutting carbon emissions are woefully inadequate if we are to prevent massive human suffering and life loss.

It is inevitable that efficient, safe, clean renewable energy will overcome the fossil fuel economy.

The terrible weather extremes we are witnessing today clearly argue we must accelerate the renewable-energy transition to provide a safer future.

In the Second World War, we defeated an existential threat that required retooling the entire economy for the greater good.

The war mobilized a manufacturing economy out of the Depression.

In 1939, our nation had a minimal arms-manufacturing industry. By 1943, 900,000 Canadian workers weekly produced a plethora of armaments, equipment and supplies that were instrumental in a life-changing victory.

The war economy required most people to suffer through shortages and rationing of so many goods and services as we produced non-productive goods  weapons and bombs  expensive investments designed to be destroyed.

Now we are facing another, truly global existential threat: climate change. But there is a difference from the Second World War. Creating our renewable-energy network will produce highly productive goods and services of great value to society for many decades.

There is opposition we must face head-on. There has been, and continues to be, insidious and overt sowing of uncertainty about the global scientific consensus around climate change.

This creates doubt for many citizens. Also, the rise of rugged individualism over the past several decades means there is plenty of suspicion toward any thoughts of collective action, and too often without thought of consequences for future generations. Climate change is a collective problem; we must address the problem together.

Corporatism dominates many pillars of society  politics, higher education, religion and the media, all of which are essential to mobilize humanity. There is major resistance to changing a status quo that has immensely profited powerful corporations.

These are imposing obstacles to be sure. But the threat of a devastated planet is a powerful motivator for change.

We have the advantage of having over seven billion people, a collective mind that can create energy transformation. And we live in one of the most amazing countries in our world, Canada  a country worth saving. And we are blessed to live in a province that has shown once again to have the collective ability to respond to crises with acts of kindness, money and generosity to aid our devastated neighbours.

The solutions are straightforward, but we must act now.

Research has proven a renewable-electric network based primarily on wind, solar and existing water power can meet our energy requirements, and the developments will revitalize global, national and regional economies.

Renewables reduce our collective greenhouse gas emissions and protect our health through improved air quality.

We must demand changes. Connect with your political leaders, municipally, provincially and federally. Politicians hearing only corporate lobbyists respond to corporate needs.

If our collective voices are raised, they will represent us, the majority. We need powerful and influential leaders who can communicate the urgent need for change and provide the political will to lead our citizens toward a safer reality.

We, and our children, deserve no less.

University of Lethbridge Prof. James Byrne has studied climate change impacts and solutions for 30 years. Robert C. Dickson is a family physician in Calgary, Alta., and a member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.
Opinion

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Five decades after Martin Luther King marched for equality, those who marched with him wear it as a badge of pride.

Over time, they spread out in different directions. They became business leaders, musicians, politicians. No matter where their paths went, they shared one pivotal thing in common: when history marched forward, they chose what we now unequivocally know was the right side. The words marched with Martin Luther King followed them into the rest of their lives.

Those exact five words are easy to find. They rise in the biographies of thousands of black civil rights activists such as John Lewis, now a U.S. congressman who helped lead this weeks historic sit-in for gun control on the floor of the House of Representatives. They are listed high in obituaries of departed rabbis and Christian clergy. They figure into the modern resumes of then-young white supporters, such as U.S. presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders.

History tends to remember those who choose the right side, especially when it was unpopular.

Many marched. Many stood together, behind and beside. Their choice helped make history, and then was there enshrined.

This week, I idly wondered: what about those who stayed silent? Who saw the winds of change breezing into their backyards and shut their windows? Which community leaders were in a prime position to stand with King but stayed home, fearing its effect on their image, their comfort or their re-election hopes?

There must have been many, but history does not record them well. The idea of who did not march with Martin Luther King crops up mainly to rebut dubious modern claims; as for the others, unless they were active opponents, their role (or lack thereof) has largely been forgotten. They simply were not there.

Which is to say: history tends to remember those who choose the right side, especially when it was unpopular. It also remembers the most heinous of those who chose wrongly, and the innocents who lost their lives in the struggle. It drifts away from those who had the opportunity to take steps forward and did nothing.

Thats OK. They had their chance to swell the tide of change and chose not to be a part of it.

  

I think about this as news flies about the first Steinbach Pride, set for July 9. To be clear, I do not equate the event with Martin Luther Kings civil rights marches: these are different movements, in different places and times. Its the matter of how history flows that interests me most.

As of this writing, Steinbachs mayor Chris Goertzen, MLA Kelvin Goertzen, and MP Ted Falk have all declined to attend the Pride parade in the southeastern Manitoba town. Falks refusal hit headlines the hardest, if only because he initially claimed a scheduling conflict with a frog-jumping festival; in the great book of dodges, that one may go down as one of the most immediately transparent.

(On that note, one of the big winners in all of this is Frog Follies. The festivals organizers certainly didnt ask to wind up in the middle of the debate, but they responded with conviction and grace in support of Steinbach Pride. Plus, their St-Pierre-Jolys event sounds like a great family-fun time.)

When pressed, Falk acknowledged he wouldnt attend even if it werent for Frog Follies. Ive been clear on this issue many times, he said in a statement. Just as I respect the right of people to participate in this event, I am hopeful the event organizers will be respectful of my choice, and the choice of many others, not to participate.

Its true that if he went, it would not be an honest show of support. Mere weeks ago, Falk was one of the Conservative convention delegates who opposed a move to strike an anti-same-sex-marriage provision from the partys policy handbook. That proposal, led in part by Winnipeg-raised Calgary MP Michelle Rempel, passed on a vote of 1,036 to 462.

Falk later told Pembina Valley Online that the removal of the provision was his biggest disappointment from the convention. Whatever his personal views, even his own party is moving forward on this issue without him.

Still, Falk represents the people of his riding, in a nation that was among the first to entrench LGBTTQ* equality in law. His constituents include members of an LGBTTQ* community that faces dire threats to rights and safety at home and around the world. Of course they hope for elected representatives to affirm and celebrate their inclusion.

Its evident that affirmation wont come from Falk, but by now we know which is the right side of history. Organizers and LGBTTQ* people from Steinbach will not march alone: many have spoken up to say that they will stand beside their friends and neighbours. This inaugural Steinbach Pride will thrive without politicians; in time, it will be remembered among other such firsts.

In fact, you can count on this: in 20 years, and again in 30, enterprising reporters from the community will put together a retrospective. They will ask those who walked on the day to describe how it all happened. Do you remember the first question will begin, and the answer will be I do, I was there.

If Falk and other representatives dont want to be part of it, then perhaps they shouldnt. After all, if Falks views ever change, then he should not have the opportunity to say he was there at this particular beginning. So let the record note his absence, and move on; history may not remember him kindly for it, but most likely it wont remember him in this story at all.

What it will remember: a Saturday in July 2016, when hundreds of LGBTTQ* people, their neighbours and friends spilled into the sunlight of a rural prairie city. It will remember how they celebrated the ties that bind them to their community and how they declared their humanity in the face of ongoing oppression.

It should be a beautiful day for a parade. Personally? I wouldnt want to miss it.

melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca
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HAVANA  In a ceremony meant to mark the symbolic end to 52 years of fighting, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and leftist guerrilla commander Timoleon Jimenez shook hands on a ceasefire pact Thursday that paves the way for a final peace deal and the rebels complete disarmament.

With UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and six Latin American presidents in attendance, Santos and Jimenez celebrated the deal  which overcomes the last major obstacle to a larger peace accord  as a historic moment for a country that has been at war with itself for the past five decades.

This is the end point of the armed conflict, said Santos.

May this be the last day of the war, said Jimenez, leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who is better known by the nom de guerre Timochenko.

Santos said this week he wants to sign a final peace accord in time for Colombias July 20 independence anniversary, but officials with knowledge of the talks say it will likely take longer to iron out the last few details and a signing ceremony in August is a more realistic target.

Still, the agreement signed Thursday essentially maps out the complex choreography of getting 7,000 heavily armed rebel fighters to leave their jungle camps, lay down their guns and turn their insurgency into a legal political movement. With drug-trafficking gangs and other armed criminal groups still powerful in parts of rural Colombia, the rebels retain deep fears they will be left defenceless to attacks from their longtime enemies, despite assurances government security forces will protect them.

But after 31/2 years of formal negotiations, the most delicate aspects of the peace talks have been settled.

There is nothing big and substantial left that will pull the two parties apart, said Bernard Aronson, the U.S. special envoy to the Colombian peace process, who also attended Thursdays ceremony. The finish line has been defined. Absent some unanticipated extraneous event, this is the end of the war.

The conflict has killed an estimated 220,000 people and forced nearly seven million Colombians from their homes over the decades  the highest number of what the UN considers internally displaced persons in the world.

Santos said Thursday a final peace accord will be signed in Colombia. The accord will then be subject to approval by Colombian voters through a referendum. While government negotiators and the FARC had been at odds over the form the referendum would take, they announced Thursday the plebiscite would be defined by Colombias judiciary  meaning the rebels accepted the governments position.

For the FARC, the most difficult part of the peace process essentially boiled down to two highly sensitive issues.

The rebels did not want a peace deal that would put them in prison. And they refused to give up their guns if it meant they would be exposed to bloody payback from their enemies.

They reached an agreement last year on the first point. Essentially, FARC rank-and-file members whose only formal criminal charge is rebellion will receive a blanket amnesty.

FARC leaders with convictions in absentia or who are charged with serious crimes  including terrorism, murder, kidnapping and drug trafficking  will be eligible for an alternative judicial process.

If they agree to testify to crimes and fully disclose their roles in the conflict, they will be eligible for sentences that are less punitive than prison and resemble something closer to community service. But if they withhold information or do not tell the truth, they could be tried by Colombias criminal justice system and face the risk of lengthy terms in conventional prisons.

Critics of Santos and the peace deal say that amounts to a wrist-slap for FARC commanders and a betrayal of the conflicts victims.

Under the terms of the agreement, the rebels will gather in 22 protected zones and eight camps, where they will disarm in phases once the final accord is reached. Colombian security forces will provide security, but unarmed UN observers will be present in the camps with the rebels to oversee the process.

FARC fighters will begin by giving up heavy weapons, followed by rifles and, eventually, sidearms.

The presidents of Mexico, Venezuela, Chile, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic also attended Thursdays ceremony.

 Washington Post
Susan Zeller, an associate professor of nursing at Winona State University, recently took 10 WSU nursing students to Finland, Estonia, Sweden and Iceland. Zeller will be presenting on her observations from her recent trips to Finland to explore the health, healthcare, people and culture of the land at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, at the Sons of Norway meeting at Central Lutheran Church, Grace Hall.
WASHINGTON  For years, Sen. Al Franken has kept one of his most potent political weapons in check: his wit.

The former Saturday Night Live comic was determined to establish himself as a serious senator after winning his Minnesota seat by a razor-thin margin. So on entering the Senate in 2009, he embraced the low-key life of a freshman lawmaker, allowing his inner-nerd to flourish as he dove into legislation and limited his media contacts to home-state reporters.

Those days are ending. Since winning re-election in 2014, Franken has grown more comfortable with the national political spotlight. And hes ready to use it to help unite Democrats behind Hillary Clinton.

Franken is understated about his higher profile  there has been some buzz that he could be a dark-horse vice presidential pick. I think as the campaign progresses everyone will have a larger role. I think I will along with so many of my colleagues, Franken told The AP.

But Democratic colleagues relish the idea of Franken unleashed.

I think that hes incredibly intelligent, but I think that he does something to Donald Trump that would be very effective, which is to make a joke out of him, said Minnesota U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison.

Franken acknowledges he has a special skill.

Well, you know I was a performer, so I tend to make my events more enjoyable for the audience, he said. I speak seriously, too, but I know how to speak to the crowd.

Franken gained fame as a comedy writer and performer on Saturday Night Live. He later hosted a liberal radio show on Air America and wrote political books attacking conservatives, like Lies: and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them, A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right.

When Franken arrived in Washington, he got advice from a Clinton aide on navigating the transition. He said he focused on being a workhorse not a show horse and eschewed national news outlets. I wanted to let Minnesota media know that this wasnt about me becoming a national figure, this was about me doing work for Minnesota, he said, and I think now they know that.

He focused on help for children, seniors, farmers and Native Americans. Among his achievements was inserting a provision in President Barack Obamas health care overhaul that forces insurers to spend up to 85 percent of premiums directly on health care.

He really gets to the heart of a lot of issues, said Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat.

Franken has embraced his life as a senator, but he admits that once in a while, he does have a pang of regret about the life he left behind.

I really miss hanging around funny people, he said.

Franken hasnt been able to shake some of the funnyman baggage. Theres one crack he would like to permanently retire. Hes read so many headline variations of Its no joke! Franken is a senator! that he has a poster hanging in his office showcasing many of the references.

And he still gets laughs. At a breakfast for constituents, Franken told roughly 150 people gathered in an ornate hearing room about the origins of the wild rice porridge they were eating. He said it was developed by French-Canadian voyageurs, early settlers in Minnesota. But Franken questioned the authenticity of cream in the dish. I dont know about the voyageurs, he said. Its so hard to get a cow in your canoe.

A compact, energetic man, Franken takes seriously his role as a liberal warrior, following in the footsteps of progressive hero Paul Wellstone, who held the Senate seat before dying in a 2002 plane crash. Franken stresses his support for mental health funding, better treatment for substance addiction, tougher gun control and more support for families.

Franken was an early backer of Clinton, whom he has known for more than 20 years. They met when he worked on material for the Clintons for a Washington comedy dinner. She campaigned for him in 2008. He insists she has a goofy sense of humor that doesnt often emerge.

Franken is quick to play down rumors that he could be a vice presidential prospect. He stressed that to his knowledge he is not being vetted for the job.

If Hillary Clinton came to me and said, Al, I really need you to be my vice president, to run with me, I would say yes, but Im very happy in the job that I have right now, he said.

His schedule is busy. So far this year, Franken has traveled to Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Michigan and Massachusetts for Clinton and has campaigned for at least nine Senate candidates.

Still, heres one thing Franken hasnt done for the campaign: He hasnt written funny lines for Clinton.

Ive learned not to offer jokes, cause you just get your heart broken, he said.
A clumsy act of censorship by House Republicans Wednesday says more about the partys timidity than it could possibly have intended. The Republican leadership abruptly shut down the video feed from the House floor to prevent CSPAN viewers from seeing a protest by House Democrats, who were pressing for action on gun control.

The same House has endured debates on war, impeachment, taxes, and any number of other contentious issues  all with the cameras rolling. A call to action on guns, though, was apparently too much for the tender feelings of Speaker Paul Ryan, whose office shut down CSPANs access.

It was a telling move. Censorship is not something that politicians who are confident of the righteousness of their beliefs bother with. If anti-gun control lawmakers genuinely believe their abject fealty to the gun lobby is in the public interest, they should have no problem with debating gun-control proponents in front of the cameras. Likewise, if the Democrats who support gun control were really so misguided, the Republicans would presumably want the American people to see them Wednesday as they argued for a bad cause.

Rather, turning off the camera is a desperation move for those who know they have no excuse and need to hide from the public. Pulling the plug on coverage of the gun protest was uncomfortably similar to the actions of a much earlier Congress, which forbade members from even discussing the issue of slavery out of deference to the powerful cotton lobby.

In those days, Massachusetts representative and former president John Quincy Adams led the fight against the so-called gag rule, which led to calls for his ouster from the House. He was admonished for breaking the rules of the House  just as a spokeswoman for Ryan justified the shut-off on Wednesday by saying, the House cannot operate without members following the rules of the institution.

Pro-slavery interests in those days were afraid of even allowing discussion on the House floor, and the supine agreement of politicians of the day has gone down in history as evidence of that lobbys power. The gun lobby is not as vicious, but the damage it enables in contemporary America certainly ranks it among todays gravest problems, and it seems to have a similar stranglehold on lawmakers and a similar ability to command unprecedented crackdowns on the airing of dissenting views in Congress.

History proved why 19th-century pro-slavery politicians had good reason to fear what would happen if they didnt go to such extraordinary lengths to prevent debate.

Speaker Ryan, what are you afraid of?
WISCONSIN DELLS  A farmers market is coming to downtown Wisconsin Dells  at least for a day, and probably for longer  and the city and its new Dells River Arts District are looking for farmers from around the state to join in.

A single-day, Sunday-morning trial for a Wisconsin producer-only market will be launched this Sept. 11 on the south side of Oak Street where it meets Broadway, Dells Business Improvement District (BID) Committee Chairwoman Kelli Trumble announced Wednesday at the committees semi-monthly meeting.

If the trial run goes as organizers within the BID hope it will, the Dells River Arts District Farmers Market will occur every Sunday starting Mothers Day, May 14, 2017, and running through October.

Qualified vendors interested in participating in this event should submit their application as soon as possible as vendor spots are limited, according to a new page on the citys website (www.citywd.org/, go to Farmers Market at the bottom of the left hand column of topic buttons).

The city is seeking someone to manage the market. Anyone interested can contact Trumble at ktrumble@dellscitygov.com or City Clerk Nancy Holzem at nholzem@dellscitygov.com.

The goal for this inaugural event is almost like a screening and interviewing process for the vendors for 2017, Trumble said at Wednesdays meeting.

A BID sub-committee including former Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau Member Community Relations Manager, Dells business owner and Design Review Committee Member Maria Rosholt and local farmer and chocolatier Lisa Nelson spent the past year developing the framework for the concept, Trumble said at the meeting.

The organizers hope the farmers market will appeal both to local residents and to visitors probably on their way out of town on a Sunday, Nelson said, with farmers offering value-added baked items, cheese, chocolate maybe.

The goal is that its very family friendly, on Sunday when a lot of people are checking out of hotel rooms, and we also have multiple churches downtown within walking distance, Trumble said, noting that the nearby High Rock Cafe is considering developing a menu built on whats being sold at the farmers market.

Nelson will spend the coming weeks scouring the region for farmers and vendors, she told the BID committee.

My hope is to do a little bit of recruiting in Madison and start attending markets closer by to find interest and hand out postcards to farmers and value-added vendors, she said.

The goal of the organizers will be market to maintain a reputation as a well-balanced farmers market, and applicants will go through a review process, according to the web page.

Concerns about possible interference with local businesses already on Oak Street and ensuring that the planning for the market goes through proper city review and approval procedures both were discussed by attendees at the meeting, and Trumble agreed to keep those issues at the forefront.
Lucille Weber

Lucille Weber, 87, of Lake Delton, died Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at St. Clare Hospice House in Baraboo.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Cecilias Catholic Church in Wisconsin Dells, with the Rev. Eric Sternberg celebrating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Wisconsin Dells. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Lucille was born in 1929 in Portage, the daughter of Valentine and Helena (Peterson) Baggot. She met her husband, Jim Weber, while working at Coldwater Canyon. Lucille was just 19 when they married in June 1948, which lasted nearly 63 years until Jim passed away. Early in their marriage Lucille worked at Badger Ordnance and helped Jim with a paint and wallpaper business. She partnered with Jim in numerous other businesses they built together. Lucille operated their drive-in restaurant and assisted with their apartment and warehouse storage rentals. Lucille and Jim were also co-owners with her sister, Betty Neubauer and husband, Bob, of the Wisconsin Dells Coca-Cola Company for over 35 years.

An accomplished piano player, Lucille played with local bands and often played upon request when out with friends. Lucille and Jim liked to bowl and she won several trophies. She also enjoyed gambling and had an uncanny knack at winning keno and penny slot machines.

Lucille was a devoted wife and mother, fixing scraped knees, sewing torn hems, attending school activities and driving kids to and from events. Her husband and children always came first and she made sure the family spent time together over a home cooked meal. Lucille is loved and will be greatly missed.

Lucille is survived by two daughters, Susie Weber (husband Rick Nehls) of Custer, South Dakota, and Kristee (Marvin) Weber-Mickler of Lake Delton and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and two sisters, Alice Pierce and Elizabeth Betty Neubauer.

A cancer survivor, Lucille endured months of treatment and required some extra care. The family is grateful for Lucilles niece, Holly Weber, who shared a special friendship with Lucille and assisted the family with her care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Cecilias Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org would be appreciated.

Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Lake Delton assisted the family with arrangements. For online condolences and information, visit www.pichafuneralhome.com.
Don't you dare tell Miss Lucille Green she's getting old. According to her she's just getting started.

In a recent interview with NewsChannel 7 Miss Lucille said "I love people, and I love my seniors."

And take it from someone who knows, she is tough to keep up with. Five days a week you can find Miss Lucille at the Glenwood Community Center in Panama City where she cooks for the seniors. She arrives at the center long before anyone else, checks out what's in the small pantry and then decides what should be on the menu for that day.

"I just cook an ordinary meal every day," said Miss Lucille. "One meat, two vegetables, dessert and drink. That's what we have every day. Five days a week."

Local organizations often donate food to help keep the pantry stocked. In fact as she told us, "you name it, I cook it. That's what we use for food."

She discovered she had a knack for creating delicious dishes when she was 15, and that passion is still as strong today.

"Since I retired I just said, I wanted to do something to help the seniors. I don't want to sit around the house so I decided to come and start cooking for them."

Cooking for "her seniors" is something Miss Lucille has done for seven years. She never knows how many people will show up on a given day.

"It varies." said Miss Lucille. "Some days it's ten some days it's seventeen."

Anyone who meets Miss Lucille can't help but like her. Once they hear what she does for the center they can't help but admire her. That includes many members of the Woman's Club of Panama City. They've donated hundreds of pounds of food to the center and recently surprised Miss Lucille with a brand new deep fryer.

Her response, "All right, all you men get out there and go fishin', we need some fish to fry Friday."

Miss Lucille knows she'll one day have to hang up her apron.

"It's gonna happen," she said. "Cause my knee tells me it gonna happen." Until that day she will continue to cook up good times for anyone who visits her kitchen.

"We are open from 9 to 3 five days a week," said Miss Lucille. "So if anybody would like to come and join, it'd be a good program to come and join"

The seniors at the Glenwood Community Center don't just get together to eat. They go on trips and are very competitive at bingo and other games.




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Material testing continues on French steam generators

24 June 2016

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Parts of some steam generators at 18 nuclear power units in France may have similar anomalies discovered in the steel of the pressure vessel of the Flamanville EPR, utility EDF has informed the French nuclear regulator.

The upper and bottom heads of the reactor pressure vessel for the EPR under construction as Flamanville 3 were manufactured at Areva's Le Creusot facility in September 2006 and January 2007, respectively. A high carbon content in those parts prompted Areva to review the company's quality management process in 2015.

The French regulator, the Autorite de Surete Nucleaire (ASN), requested Areva and EDF conduct an analysis to identify any other components in operating nuclear power reactors that could be affected by a similar anamoly to that of the Flamanville EPR vessel.

The steam generator vessel bottom (Image: ASN)

The ASN also asked EDF to justify the mechanical resistance of the steam generator bottom heads that had been manufactured by Areva's Creusot Forge facility or by Japan Casting and Forging Corporation.

Steam generators are heat exchangers between the water circulating in the primary circuit - at a temperature of about 350C and a pressure of 155 bar - and the water in the secondary circuit that supplies steam to the turbines. There are three steam generators in 900 MWe pressurized water reactors, while the larger ones feature four.

The bottom heads are semi-sperical forged parts that form the lower part of the steam generators, helping to contain water in the primary circuit. "The quality of design, manufacture and monitoring during operations is an important issue", the ASN said.

Steam generator bottom heads can be produced using different technologies, it noted. Those likely to be affected by a high carbon content are those forged from a solid steel ingot. The regulator has identified 18 French reactors - of both 900 MWe and 1450 MWe capacity - that could be affected.

EDF informed the ASN that its initial analysis showed the strength of these components was adequate to keep the reactors in service.

However, the ASN has requested that further investigations are carried out on the parts. EDF is to perform non-destructive tests on the outer srface of the vessel bottoms to identify areas having a high carbon content. It will also carry out ultrasonic tests to look for signs of defects in the components.

The ASN noted that further analyses continues on other forged components of the vessel, the prerssurizer and the steam generators, which may also be affected by the anomaly.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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Mexican dry storage facility nearing completion

24 June 2016

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An independent used fuel storage installation (ISFSI) at Mexico's Laguna Verde nuclear power plant has been built in record time, with fuel loading into the facility's storage canisters expected to begin this month.

Laguna Verde's completed ISFSI pad (Image: Holtec)



The facility is being built by Holtec International as a turnkey project for Mexico's national utility, Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), according to a contract signed in December 2014. Project teams from Holtec and CFE have completed all design and engineering work, fabrication of major equipment and construction of the storage pad, as well as a subterranean canister transfer facility, in 16 months.

The project is now in the final stages of implementing the security systems to guard the facility, Holtec said. The delivery of dry storage systems and other systems are in progress and dry run demonstrations are under way. Holtec's Site Services group is preparing to begin loading of an initial instalment of 13 HI-STORM FW storage modules this month. Loading will end in November.

Laguna Verde's two 800 MWe boiling water reactors supply about 4% of Mexico's electricity. Unit 1 came on line in 1989 and is currently licensed to operate until 2029, while unit 2 has been operating since 1994 and is licensed to operate until 2034. Used fuel from the units is currently stored underwater in the plant's storage pools, which have already been re-racked to extend their storage capacity. The ISFSI will allow fuel assemblies which have been cooled in Laguna Verde's pool to be moved into dry-cask storage.

The HI-STORM FW system is Holtec's highest-capacity multi-purpose canister (MPC) system. It consists of interchangeable sealed metallic MPCs which contain the fuel itself; a vertically ventilated storage overpack constructed from a combination of steel and concrete, which contains the MPC during interim storage; and a variable weight transfer cask (HI-TRAC VW) which contains the MPC during loading, unloading, and transfer operations. The system provides physical protection of the used fuel, radiation shielding, and passive heat removal during interim storage.

Laguna Verde's ISFSI pad will be able to hold 130 casks of used fuel. CFE project manager Federico Gonzalez said the facility was necessary for the continued operation of Laguna Verde. "The completion of this loading campaign will signify the reduction of 18% of the fuel assemblies in the [used] fuel pool," he said.

Holtec senior vice president for operations PK Chaudhary said the "diligence and collaborative spirit" exhibited by the teams had seen a process that would typically take three years "completed in a mere 16 months, with the highest levels of safety and quality".

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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Cloud shaped like a heart released into the sky

By: Mahesh Sarin

(Scroll down for video) A company in Cambodia, is renting machines that can produce clouds and release them into the sky.

The Khmer Cloud Making Service in Phnom Penh, believes that its machines that can produce custom made cloud shapes is perfect for events and parties.

aWith our cloud making machines you can create clouds of any size and shape, and set them all free in the air. Surprise the one you love with tens of clouds of their favorite shapes and symbols.

aEntertain your kids and those of your guests by making their own clouds with a single gesture of their hands. Our cloud making machines can bring all this fun right into your backyard or patio,a the company wrote on its website.

The company uses a proprietary soap and light gasses like Helium, to produce the clouds. The clouds are 100 percent environment friendly, and the process of cloud making is simple.

The cloud making machine compresses the air and mixes it with the foaming liquid to form what looks like a thick mass of bubbles.

When this mass is cut from the machine, it floats smoothly to the sky. The air inside the micro-bubbles expands to allow the mass to fly and remain intact.

The clouds are so well-formed that they can last for quite a long time. Depending on the size, the clouds can last from a few minutes to an hour.

Even though the company is in Cambodia, it is ready to serve anyone in the world who is interested to have some fun.
Sonia de la Cruz Chocca with William Rojas Tojar

By: Feng Qian

(Scroll down for video) A groom surprised his bride and wedding party guests by showing up as a clown.

However, he was not alone. The groom asked his co-workers to join him in dressing like clowns and they agreed.

The groom, William Rojas Tojar of Peru, works as a street performer who goes by the name of aChupetin.a

He decided to wear his work gear when he finally tied the knot with his partner of ten years, Sonia de la Cruz Chocca.

The groom was wearing a black suit with big black shoes, and his face was painted in classic white clown makeup around the eyes and mouth and black on the lips along with a red nose.

The bride was wearing a traditional white dress to the ceremony that took place at the Mary Immaculate Church in the city of Huancayo.

When the couple left the altar, they passed under a bridge of balloon swords made by the groomas fellow street performers.

aAs a person, as a professional, as a clown, I wanted to be an example that there is no place for prejudice,a he said.

William has been working as a street artist for the past 16 years.
A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took
More than $18,000 worth of snakes stolen from an exotic pet store have been returned to their rightful owner.

Pet store owner Don Everson told WOWT 6 News the snakes were returned Thursday. Police traced the theft to a home in Harlan, Iowa.

A thief was caught on surveillance cameras over the weekend stealing the snakes from Bart's Exotic Pet Store in Omaha. The video shows him grabbing eight snakes and a supply of frozen rats in just two minutes.

"After I watched it the second time I knew who it was," said Everson. "Over the last 6 months he was in here 3 or 4 days a week."

He said he gave police a name and they did the rest. Everson said the man had recently put a snake he wanted to buy on layaway. Police are interviewing a suspect who is currently in custody on a separate charge.

Everson said he's glad to have them back in his care.

"Being stuck in a freezer, they wont live very long," Everson said. "it's not hard for those snakes to get sick especially around cold."

Video shows the suspect put the snakes in a container with frozen mice; he was afraid the careless move might be deadly for the snakes. Thursday evening police returned all eight snakes back over to Everson. He said they all seem to still be in good health.
Wrexham & Wales Reacts To Leave Vote

This article is old - Published: Friday, Jun 24th, 2016

Reaction to the overnight Leave vote for Wrexham and the UK is emerging

Wrexham, Wales and the UK all voted Leave yesterday with the results emerging formally in the early hours of this morning. We have been documenting some of the reaction on our twitter feed, however some more lengthy statements have been made locally and from Cardiff.

Glyndwr University issued a statement from their Vice Chancellor, We are reassuring all of our students that their best interests are our highest priority. We will do whatever is within our power to inform and support them as arrangements for the UK to leave the EU are developed and implemented over the coming months and years.

In particular, we are reassuring current students paying EU-level fees and incoming EU students for 2016/17 that they will not be financially disadvantaged during their time at our University as a result of the referendum result, regardless of the timing of the UKs exit from the EU. We will also reassure our partners in EU countries on this.

The statement adds: Whatever the future landscape looks like, Wrexham Glyndwr University will remain international in its outlook and will cherish educational, research, cultural and economic links. 

Local MP Ian Lucas has written a lengthy note on his Facebook page which notes, The majority of the people I represent voted to leave the EU because they do not believe it worked for them. Their concerns relate to unmanaged change in their communities with no adequate response from Government, at all levels, to large scale migration. We must address those concerns both my managing the level of migration and by investing in places affected by it.

Referring to tumultuous days ahead Mr Lucas says: My job, with other MPs, is to chart a course that will calm, direct and take us forward and to look after the interests of my constituents. That is what I intend to do.

First Minister Carwyn Jones has written a long statement with the first few words setting the tone, I am deeply disappointed with the result. A Cabinet meeting is planned for Monday.

Plaid Cymrus Leanne Wood issued a statement via twitter:

A message from @LeanneWood. Join today for the future of Wales https://t.co/sDxJjdaWsK pic.twitter.com/yDcqjPe7ig  Plaid Cymru (@Plaid_Cymru) June 24, 2016

There is no EU Leave specific statement from the Welsh Conservatives that we can spot, however Welsh Leader Andrew Davies has written a note regarding the forthcoming departure of David Cameron, We owe David Cameron a great debt of gratitude for his leadership in opposition and as Prime Minister for the last six years

UKIP Wales have not issued any formal reaction, however have been busy sharing pictures and video of Nigel Farage

You can relive our live coverage from last night here


BOC's international SME matchmaking on the rise Updated: 2016-06-24 10:19 By Jiang Xueqing(China Daily)

Pedestrians walk past a Bank of China sign at its branch in Beijing, Mar 26, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Encanwell Environmental Science and Technology Co Ltd, an air pollution monitoring and alerting system developer in Hebei province, could never have imagined forming a joint venture with Ventilairsec, a French positive input ventilation system manufacturer, without the help of their matchmaker - Bank of China Ltd.

The two companies signed an agreement during a cross-border investment and trade cooperation conference jointly held by BOC and the Hebei provincial government in Tangshan last week.

The conference attracted nearly 200 companies from 22 European countries and more than 500 Hebei companies, allowing them to discuss business opportunities face to face.

Damien Terny, export manager of Ventilairsec, first met with top executives of Encanwell during a matchmaking event for SMEs from both countries held by BOC and the French Ministry for the Economy and Finance in Paris last year.

"The interest for us at that time was to find the right partner in China to grow in this market," he said. "Before meeting the Chinese company, we heard many things about the air pollution in China and thought it was important to learn directly from people in related industries in China. A few months later, we had the first MOU to work together."

Because their businesses are complementary to each other, the two companies reached an agreement to form a joint venture in Hebei to develop and produce smart indoor air quality control systems, with a total investment of $210 million. Their target clients include kindergartens, primary and middle schools, hospitals and hotels in China. The initial investment will be $35 million, of which Encanwell will contribute 70 percent and Ventilairsec 30 percent.

Also benefiting from BOC's matchmaking, Hebei Tangshan Pengfei Machinery Equipment Co Ltd reached a 100-million-yuan ($15 million) agreement with a Serbian company to build white sugar packaging production lines.

Through the Serbian partner's introduction, it also cooperated with a German company on a 150-million-yuan project to manufacture intelligent parking systems. The first batch of products will be exported to Germany this month.

Liu Yunpeng, general manager of Pengfei Machinery, said: "Our company is in transition to redirect part of our business from lifting equipment manufacturing to intelligent parking and automated warehousing system manufacturing. It's in accordance with the adjustment of industrial structure in China. BOC helped us make a breakthrough by introducing us to our first overseas client."

The company received a loan of 8 million yuan after reaching the agreement for cooperation with its Serbian partner and is seeking more support from the bank.

Since 2014, BOC has held 23 cross-border matchmaking fairs for more than 7,000 SMEs from 52 countries and regions.

Chen Siqing, president of BOC, said: "Pushing forward cooperation among Chinese and Central and Eastern European companies is a crucial step of BOC's program to join hands with Hebei to promote structural reform, economic transition and coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region."

The bank will provide financial services to qualified companies during their entire business life cycle to help them develop cross-border investment and trade.
The Detmold District Court has announced its verdict in the trial of the almost 95-year-old Reinhold Hanning, an SS guard at the Auschwitz extermination camp from 1942 to 1944. It is expected to be the last trial of someone who directly participated in the Holocaust.

The court found Hanning guilty of complicity in murder in 170,000 cases: i.e., all those who fell victim to the machinery of death at the camp from January 1943 to June 1944. Judge Anke Gudda spent over an hour explaining the ruling.

She stated that the defendant had made himself criminally responsible and that even 70 years later, such a judgement was important for the survivors and offspring of those who died in Auschwitz and other camps. Although there was no punishment that could match the horrific atrocities, such a trial was the least that could be done to provide survivors with a measure of justice, the judge added.

Despite its long delay the ruling has historic significance. For the first time, according to Cornelius Nestler, a lawyer for one of the joint plaintiffs, a German court declared that an SS guard was jointly responsible for all the murders committed at Auschwitz. State prosecutor Brendel, who called for a prison sentence of six years, described it as a milestone in coming to terms with the Nazi injustice in Germany.

During World War II, between 1.1 and 1.5 million people were murdered at Auschwitz. During the trial, many documented the atrocities in the camp. Nonetheless, Leon Schwarzbaum, whose family died at Auschwitz, said after the sentence, I do not want Mr. Hanning to go to prison. He is just an old man.

The judge acknowledged the statements of the joint plaintiffs Erna de Vries, Leon Schwarzbaum, Hedy Bohm and William Glied. She praised their statements because it was thanks to them that the victims received a voice and a face. Turning to the joint plaintiffs, she said, Your pain lasted throughout your lives, while most of the perpetrators were able to return to their normal lives. We will not forget your statements.

Hanning observed most of the process from his wheelchair with his head bowed, not daring to look at the survivors. Their statements, the judge stated, were immensely important to get a sense of the atrocities, in order that such genocide never happens again. We can only hope that these reports have not left you unmoved, Mr. Hanning!

The entire camp was like a factory, whose purpose was to kill people, said Judge Grudda. One could not remain blameless in Auschwitz. The defendant had contributed to the seamless carrying out of mass extermination and was guilty as a result.

You watched for two-and-a-half years as people were murdered in gas chambers. You watched for two-and-a-half years as people were shot. You watched for two-and-a-half years as people starved. He had solidarised himself with the perpetrators and at least accepted the deaths as a price to be paid. Twice in Auschwitz he had been called up, but refused deployment to the front.

The statement that Hanning never served on the ramp was a self-serving declaration. As is well known, this is where people were selected to be sent straight to the gas chambers, while the others were exterminated by labour. We consider it to be completely irrelevant that you, Mr. Hanning, never stood on the ramp, stated Gudda. It was equally excluded that you never experienced people going to the gas chambers.

During the trial, Hanning expressed regret about his SS membership in a statement and declared, I am ashamed of myself that I watched those injustices happen and did nothing to counter them. He wished that he had never been in the concentration camp. The judge said the court could not determine how honestly he meant this.

By contrast, Hannings defence relied on decades of jurisprudence, which is even applied by the German High Court. Accordingly, concrete participation in a criminal act must be proven. In line with this, the defence demanded an acquittal and has announced an appeal.

Lawyer Johannes Salmen argued that the defendant was just following the orders of his superiors and, as a result, was implicated in the Nazi system, against which he was defenceless. There was only indirect evidence, such as documents, to show that Hanning was at Auschwitz, and concrete participation, for example in the selection of individuals on the ramp, could not be proved. As an ordinary worker without a high school qualification, he had not been able to foresee the consequences of his actions.

One argument of the defence deserves notice, however, not because it cleared the defendant, but because it criticised post-war justice in Germany. The defence lawyer said, My client was an ordinary worker. Were the judges and state prosecutors who handed out death sentences for a trifle not aware of what they were doing? Were they convicted of complicity in murder?

He also referred to the fact that, from the founding of the Federal Republic until the Auschwitz Trial in the mid-1960s, the political elite and judiciary systematically pursued neither Nazi criminals nor members of the judiciary who were involved in the Nazis crimes, but rather did everything to cover them up.

Even thereafter, a court only convicted a perpetrator, if he was ever brought before the court, if it could be proven beyond doubt by documents or witness statements that they had concretely participated in a murder or other criminal offence. This led to horrific scenes at the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials, because the extremely traumatised witnesses had to make absurdly precise statements about the crimes of which the defendants were accused.

No small part in the failure to hold Nazi criminals accountable in court was played by the fact that the judicial apparatus was adopted almost fully intact from the period of Nazi rule. Even judges and prosecutors extremely compromised by rulings on their acts of terror were not held accountable and remained in office.

The central office for investigating Nazi crimes would often not even initiate criminal proceedings against the perpetrators. The central office was founded in 1956 and was blamed for delays in a series of criminal proceedings.

Christine Siegrot, the lawyer for joint plaintiffs Moshe Haelon and Yaakov Handeli, complained during Hannings trial that the central office usually remained inactive, resulting in many Nazi perpetrators not appearing before a court, or, as in the case of Hanning, only decades later. Both her clients were taken to Auschwitz from Thessaloniki in Greece in April 1943.

In her plea to the court, Siegrot documented the Nazi past of many jurists, judges and prosecutors. She mentioned names and connections, Even federal prosecutors were among them, and into the 1990s, the lawyer said.

This favourable treatment of the perpetrators by the judicial system was only broken through in 2011, by the Munich district court. It convicted John Demjanjuk, SS volunteer in the Sobibur extermination camp, of accessory to the murder of 28,060 people and sentenced him to a suspended sentence of five years. An appeal was filed against the decision, but no ruling was issued because the defendant died in March 2012. Only after this ruling were survivors who had participated in the Holocaust, even at subordinate levels, systematically pursued.

Another recently concluded ruling against an SS member is yet to come into force. The Luneburg District Court sentenced the so-called accountant of Auschwitz, Oscar Groning, to five years imprisonment for accessory to murder in 300,000 cases. In Hanau, a trial against a high-ranking SS guard did not take place, because the defendant died shortly before the trials commencement.
In the opening stages of the Australian federal election, controversy emerged over Jim Casey, the Greens candidate for the seat of Grayndler in Sydneys inner-west. Labor incumbent and former deputy prime minister Anthony Albanese denounced Casey as a Trotskyist who wanted to overthrow capitalism. On May 11, the Murdoch-owned Daily Telegraph published a front-page appeal for voters to save our Albo, and declared that Casey was a Greens extremist committed to class war.

The basis of the accusations against Casey was that he is a former member of the now-defunct International Socialist Organisation, which falsely claimed to be socialist. Casey still employs phony leftist rhetoric as a political representative of the Greens and a senior union bureaucrat, and even occasionally describes himself as a socialist.

Throughout the campaign, however, Casey has been at pains to stress that his politics are not radical, but are based on common sense and a bit of egalitarianism.

In his most explicit remarks, in an interview with Buzzfeed in early June, Casey insisted that he opposed the socialist reorganisation of society. I dont think anyone wants a revolution. Revolutions are dangerous, difficult, bloody, hard thing, he said. The Greens candidate added that he wanted systemic social change that was done peacefully.

In other words, Casey is promoting the fraud that the interests of working people can be advanced within the framework of the profit system following more than three decades of social regression presided over by Labor and the Liberal-National Coalition alike, in line with deep-going austerity measures by capitalist governments around the world.

His comments, aimed at placating the Murdoch press and reassuring the ruling elite that they have nothing to fear from even the most left-wing of Greens representatives, were in line with the election campaign being waged by the Greens nationally.

Since Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced the double dissolution election on May 8, prominent Greens, including the partys leader, Richard Di Natale have called for a Labor-Green coalition government, in which the Greens would take ministerial positions. Di Natale and the Greens are presenting themselves as the party of parliamentary stability.

This is under conditions of an unprecedented crisis of the two-party system and mass hostility to Labor, the Coalition and the entire parliamentary establishment. According to polling, it is likely that neither major party will secure sufficient seats to form a majority government in their own right. The corporate press is filled with commentaries bemoaning the prospect of a hung parliament and a Senate without a clear majority. The fear in ruling circles is that such a state of affairs will prevent the imposition of the wholesale assault on social spending and living standards being demanded by finance capital.

Di Natale and Greens have made clear their willingness to step into the breach and impose the dictates of the corporate elite. They have repeatedly invoked the Greens-backed minority Labor government between 2010 and 2013 as a model to be emulated. That government carried out sweeping cuts to education, healthcare and welfare, and aligned Australia with the US military build-up in the Asia-Pacific against China.

In this context, the Greens pre-selection of an individual with Caseys political history for a seat they have a prospect of winning from a key Labor leader, has a broader significance. It highlights the pernicious role of a layer of Greens leaders, who use their ties to pseudo-left organisations, such as Socialist Alliance and Socialist Alternative, along with the corporatised trade unions and various community groups, to promote a capitalist party, which is moving rapidly to the right, as a progressive alternative.

Chief among such representatives is Lee Rhiannon of the NSW Greens, who is standing for re-election to the Senate. Rhiannon was a member of the Socialist Party of Australia, the Stalinist organisation that was formed on the basis of support for the Kremlins brutal suppression of the 1968 Czechoslovakian uprising. She is a fixture at various protests over cuts to education, the persecution of refugees and other social issues, at which she invariably seeks to channel discontent behind the official parliamentary set-up.

Adam Bandt, one of the partys most prominent figures, who was elected to the House of Representatives in the seat of Melbourne in 2013, claimed to be a Marxist during his student years in the 1990s, before working as an industrial lawyer for a firm with close ties to the unions. Scott Ludlam, Greens senator for Western Australia, likewise has relations with Socialist Alliance and other protest groups. A host of lesser-known state-based figures within the Greens have similar political histories.

The composition of the Greens is a result of its origins. Founded as a national organisation in 1991, the Greens were an amalgam of various state-based environmental groups that developed over the preceding two decades.

Amid the collapse of the Stalinist regimes in Eastern Europe, a layer of the middle class, which had previously proclaimed some allegiance to socialism, moved rapidly to the right. Members of the Communist Party, and various middle-class radicals, including in the Democratic Socialist Party (DSP, the predecessor of Socialist Alliance) gravitated towards the pro-capitalist and environmentalist nostrums of the Greens, which explicitly rejected the revolutionary role of the working class and the fight for socialism. A clear expression of this realignment was the DSPs decision in 1990 to establish a new publication entitled Green Left Weekly.

The amalgamation of the state-based organisations, spearheaded by Bob Brown and the Tasmanian Greens, was not without frictions. Ongoing tensions between the wing of the party represented by Brown, and subsequent leaders, Christine Milne and Richard Di Natale, on the one hand, and the so-called left of the Greens, particularly in NSW, have been widely publicized.

Nevertheless, the Caseys and Rhiannons coexist with the openly pro-capitalist representatives such as finance and defence spokesman Peter Whish-Wilson, an entrepreneur and former Wall Street banker. There is a division of labour. While figures such as Whish-Wilson signal the Greens pro-business and militarist program to the ruling elite, Casey, Rhiannon and others seek to broaden the partys base with populist phrase-mongering, largely among affluent layers of the upper middle class.

Figures such as Casey and Rhiannon are consciously seeking to head-off a developing political radicalisation among millions of workers and young people. They have closely followed developments throughout Europe and the United States, which have seen the rise of left-populist individuals and parties benefiting from a collapse of the traditional parties of the ruling elite.

In the United States, Bernie Sanders won mass support in the Democratic primaries for US president on the basis of his claims to be a democratic socialist. He is now seeking to direct the millions of young people who supported his campaign behind the candidacy of Hilary Clinton, a war criminal who personifies the status quo. Similarly in Britain, self-proclaimed socialist Jeremy Corbyn won the leadership of the British Labor Party in 2015 through an outpouring of hostility to the political heirs of Tony Blair.

Most significant is the experience of Greece. Support for PASOK, the equivalent of the Labor Party, collapsed as it implemented the austerity dictates of the European ruling elite. In January, 2015, Syriza, the Coalition of the Radical Left won national elections by claiming to oppose the social cuts supported by all of the capitalist parties.

Backed by the pseudo-left internationally, Syriza betrayed its election promises, striking a deal with European authorities within a month of gaining office. In July, the government repudiated the results of a referendum in which 62 percent of the population voted against further austerity measures. The government has participated in the brutal Europe-wide persecution of refugees, while gutting pensions, healthcare, education and other essential services. Last year, Rhiannon and Socialist Alliance organised a forum to promote the creation of a Syriza-type party in Australia, which Rhiannon declared would be centred on the Greens.

The Greens are preparing to enforce a social reversal no less severe than that imposed on the Greek working class by Syriza. Whichever parties form government, they will likely be reliant on the Greenseither as coalition partners, or in guaranteeing a majority in the Senate. In the event of a Labor-Green coalition, Casey, Rhiannon and their colleagues will serve as the defenders of, and apologists for, a government that will carry out the deepest spending cuts in the post-World War II period. It will also escalate Australias involvement in US-led wars in the Middle East and Washingtons military preparations in the Asia-Pacific for conflict with China.

The Socialist Equality Party alone is warning of the role of the Greens and its pseudo-left wing, as part of its fight to build a revolutionary leadership of the working class, based on a socialist and internationalist program, in preparation for the mass social struggles against the next government and its program of war and austerity.

To contact the SEP and get involved, visit our web site or Facebook page.

Authorised by James Cogan, Shop 6, 212 South Terrace, Bankstown Plaza, Bankstown NSW, 2200
Wednesdays speech by Hillary Clinton in Raleigh, North Carolina makes it clear the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential candidate, if elected in November, would escalate the anti-worker economic agenda of the Obama administration that has already created the greatest levels of social inequality in modern American history.

Since clinching the nomination, Clinton has sought to assure both Wall Street and the military intelligence apparatus that she would be a far better steward of the domestic and foreign interests of American capitalism than her Republican opponent Donald Trump. She reiterated Wednesday that Trump would run up our debt and cause another economic crash.

Clinton has already lined up the support of billionaires Warren Buffett and George Soros and a list of former executives from some of corporate Americas largest companies, including General Motors, Delta Air Lines, Costco and Alphabet, the parent company for online search giant Google. She also has received far greater backing from Wall Street than Trump.

Well aware that the seething social discontent in America prohibits her from simply repeating President Obamas absurd claims that life has never been so good, Clinton sought to cover her right-wing economic proposals with rhetoric about economic inequality, largely borrowed from the campaign of Bernie Sanders.

She referred to stagnant and falling real wages, long-term joblessness, the crushing debt burden students face and the nations decaying schools and infrastructure without mentioning that Obama, with her full support, had overseen this state of affairs for the last seven-and-a-half years.

Clinton gave the novel explanation that well-meaning business leaders and politicians from both partieswhose sincerity I do not doubtwere simply misguided. Too many leaders in business and government have lost sight of our shared responsibility to each other and to our nation. And they let Wall Street take big risks with unregulated financial activities.

She failed to mention that it was her husband Bill Clintons administration that abolished the Depression-era Glass Steagall Act and deregulated the financial industry, spurring one financial bubble after the other, culminating in the 2008 crash and the social catastrophe that followed. For their services, both Clintons have been handsomely rewarded.

We need to make sure our economy works for everyone not just for the rich or the well-connected, Clinton preached with a straight face.

At the same time, Clinton reiterated Obamas nostrum that those without work or serious prospects for a future were largely at fault because they were not keeping up with technological advances. The old model of work where you could expect to hold a steady job with good benefits for an entire career is long gone. She praised the flexibility of the new jobs that have been createdlargely part-time, low-paid and so-called independent contractorssuggesting that 401(k)s and health benefits should be portable from one job to another.

So what does Clinton propose?

1. We need to slash unnecessary regulationsLets free entrepreneurs to do what they do best: innovate, grow and hirethey need to be free from red tape.

Translation: More tax cuts, deregulation and government payouts to large corporations and start-up companies.

2. Establish an infrastructure bank that will bring private sector dollars off the sidelines and put them to work here.

Translation: Instead of a public works programs, Clinton proposes more public-private partnerships aimed at handing over public assets to profit-making companies. This would accelerate the contracting out of good-paying jobs and continue the slashing of public sector jobs, which fell by more than 600,000 under Obama.

3. I want to expand incentives like the new markets tax credit, empowerment zones and other ideas that bring business, government and communities together to create good jobs in poor or remote areas. Places that have lost a factory or a mine, where generations of families used to work.

Translation: Companies will be given waivers from federal job safety, environmental and wage and hour laws in order to entice US and international corporations to exploit economic desperation in areas already ravaged by deindustrialization.

4. Rewrite the rules, so more companies share profits with employees and fewer shift profits and jobs overseas.

Translation: Boost the efforts of the trade union bureaucracy to push so-called profit-sharing schemes, in lieu of wage increases. These hold workers livelihoods hostage to economic crisis and the shortsighted and even criminal business decisions of the corporate bosses, over which workers have no control.

5.  Lets liberate the millions of Americans who already have student debt by making it easier to refinance, just like a mortgage. Lets make it easier to have debt forgiven by doing national service.

Translation: There will be no amelioration of the crushing levels of student debt. Instead, students will be able to be subject to the same predatory schemes that mortgage companies used in the run-up to the housing market crash in 2007-08. Heavily indebted students should be turned into indentured servants and forced to do national service, which most ominously could include, if the Pentagon needs more manpower, going off to fight Americas imperialist wars.

Clinton made sure to pay tribute to the trade unionswhich have collaborated in the slashing of wages and shifting of health care and pension costs from the employers to workers, while reducing strikes to the lowest level since World War II. Saying I believe we should strengthen unions, she assured the labor bureaucracy that their financial interests would be protected under a Clinton administration, which would provide government funding to union apprenticeship programs and facilitate the investment of union pension funds in infrastructure and commercial development projects.

In a nod to the AFL-CIO, Clinton endorsed the economic nationalism promoted by the unions, which has long been used to divide American workers from their brothers and sisters internationally, subordinate them to the profit interests of their own capitalists, and pave the way for trade war and militarism. Earlier in the week, she denounced Trump for using Chinese labor to produce his brand name suits and ties.

Well aware that the millions of workers and young people who voted for Sanders largely hate her pro-business policies and record, Clinton urged young people in particular not to grow weary with their miserable situation. There are great ideas out there, she said pathetically, we are going to be partners in a big bold effort to increase economic growth and distribute it more fairly.

As the Socialist Equality Partys candidate for US president, I reject the right-wing economic policies advanced by Clinton, which are dictated entirely by the profit needs of American capitalism. The working class in the US and around the world did not create the global economic crisis and must not pay for it!

The SEP calls for a vast redistribution of wealth to secure basic social rights, including the right to a decent-paying job, quality education, affordable housing, universal health care, a dignified retirement and access to leisure time and culture.

The SEP advances a program not for the improvement of capitalism, but for the establishment of socialism. The social rights of the working class cannot be secured without a direct attack on the interests of the capitalist class and the domination of the financial aristocracy over economic life.

This means an end to the private ownership of the large corporations, with all those valued above $10 billion transformed into publicly owned enterprises under the democratic control of the working class. To provide quality jobs to all those who need them, the SEP calls for a multi-trillion-dollar public works program to rebuild infrastructure throughout the country.

We furthermore call for an end to the squandering of trillions of dollars on weaponry to conquer and oppress workers in other countries. Instead, trillions should be poured into social needs, to hire millions of doctors, nurses, teachers, construction workers and others to raise the material and cultural level of the population and put an end to poverty and want forever.

Regardless of who is elected in November, whether it is Trump or Clinton, the ruling class is preparing to escalate the assault on the working class. I call on all workers and young people to prepare for the struggles to come by supporting our campaign and joining the Socialist Equality Party.
Hundreds of thousands marched across France against the Socialist Partys (PS) regressive labor law yesterday, amid explosive anger over the PS failed attempt to ban the protest in Paris. Workers participating in the demonstrations stressed they were determined to continue fighting the labor law, including initial attempts by the corporations to impose massive givebacks in contracts negotiated under the terms of the labor law, as well as the PS escalating attacks on democratic rights.

In Paris, some 70,000 people marched in a small, tight circuit around Bastille Square laid out at the demand of Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. Though the entire length of the march was only 1,600 meters, the government deployed over 2,100 heavily-armed riot police to guard the protest. They sealed off the square, searching everyone who attended, and deployed water cannon and squads armed with pistols and guns firing rubber bullets.

Police confiscated scarves, masks, helmets, bottles, or any object they considered demonstrators could use to protect themselves against tear gas rounds or baton charges, or to hide their identity. Though there were no clashes during the Paris march, police arrested 95 people, largely for having objects that could be used for clashes with police.

Smaller, undeclared protests took place at the Paris Stock Exchange, the Gare de Lyon train station, and near Republic Square.

There were large protests in most of Frances major cities. In Marseille, trade union sources counted 45,000 demonstrators at the march and said that anger over the PS threat to ban the Paris protest played a major role in the turnout. They also rejected the PS attempts to blame protesters for isolated acts by unidentified rioters.

In Normandy, thousands of workers and youth marched in the port city of Le Havre, in Rouen, and in Caen, and 8,000 people marched in Lyon.

In Rennes, there were violent clashes between protesters and police, who drew an unusual public rebuke from police prefect Christophe Mirmand for detaining, searching, and illegally verifying the identity of journalists even after they were shown the journalists press cards. I have just reminded the local directorate of public security of the guidelines regarding proper treatment of journalists, Mirmand told the press.

In Limoges, hundreds of people marched, including Camille Senon, the 91-year-old survivor of the fascist massacre at Ouradour-sur-Glane in 1944, who has refused a decoration from Prime Minister Manuel Valls and said that the PS labor law is unacceptable.

Faced with a continuing radicalization of oppositional sentiment among workers, the PS, still reeling from its sudden climb-down from the attempt to ban the protests, is escalating its attacks on basic democratic rights. It responded yesterday with threats to ban left-wing organizations critical of the government.

Each time we can dissolve organizations that are involved in violence, we will do so. We did so with groups tied to radical Islam, we did it for far right groups. And if needed, we will obviously do so for the ultra-left, Valls said. He added that he is worried about the rise of this ultra-left, which opposes the institutions of the Republic and represents hundreds of individuals.

Valls said he was responding in particular to those who cast doubt on police and the government, as if we were organizing this violence ourselves to discredit social opposition.

It is not only ultra-left groups that are criticizing the PS government and the security forces, however. As ever-broader layers of people attend the demonstrations, they are raising questions about the complicity between the PS, the security forces, and the unidentified groups of rioters whom the PS is seizing upon as a pretext to try to ban the demonstrations.

Even Stalinist General Confederation of Labor (CGT) leader Philippe Martinez felt compelled to raise questions on this issue, after the PS accused trade unions of complicity in the actions of rioters who damaged the Necker Hospital during protests last week. I am not blaming the policemen. They have orders not to intervene against rioters, Martinez said, adding: Why are no orders given to the police to prevent rioters from attacking?

Yesterday it was announced that the CGT, together with other unions and human rights groups, is calling for investigations into the security forces handling of the protests.

WSWS reporters spoke to protesters at the Paris demonstration around Bastille Square. Fred, a railway worker, and his son, a student, both criticized the PS government and called for a broader mobilization of the working class in struggle.

Freds son, who also participated in the demonstration, insisted that the workers and youth were determined to oppose the law, whose consequences would be disastrous: We would work a lot more and we wouldnt necessarily make any more money  The bosses will get to thinking they are better than we workers, which is already the situation. But it will get even worse if this law passes.

The government pretends like were the same as rioters, they say we are being used by the rioters, but its the reverse, they are the ones who are using the rioters.  I really wonder where the rioters come from. I think the government pulled them out of a hat, Fred said.

Fred recalled the last major revolutionary struggle of the French working class, the 1968 general strike. He said there should be another general strike, adding: It would have the same magnitude as in 1968, and it would spread to other countries. Governments would fall one after the other.

Fred added that he was angry about inequality in society. When I see the wage levels in France, I find them unacceptable given the work that we do.  The bonuses, the stock options [that CEOs get] are unacceptable.

The WSWS also spoke to Yannick, an auto worker with PSA Peugeot-Citroen in Paris, who said he was opposing both the labor law and ongoing contract negotiations based on the law at PSA. So we are fighting on two fronts, against the labor law and the agreements implementing the labor law at our company, Yannick said.

He criticized the PS for using denigration and provocation. They even provoke situations to try to turn public opinion against the demonstrators.

He added, I cant believe that the bosses can crush the workers for decades, or forevermaybe some of them think so, or hope to do that. But sooner or later, there is a reaction. You cant heat a pressure cooker forever, there is a maximum capacity, afterwards it explodes. Sooner or later, the bossesthey are the same everywhere on the planetsooner or later they will provoke a social explosion. Today we are mobilized in France, there are mobilizations in China, in every country in the world where there are workers. Everywhere there is oppression by the bosses, exploitation, there is a reaction.
China says ready to help India address its nuclear energy needs Updated: 2016-06-24 11:26 (Xinhua)

SEOUL - China stands ready to help India address its nuclear energy needs, should that be required, an official of the Chinese Foreign Ministry has said.

Wang Qun, director-general of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks to reporters here on Thursday on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

China understands India's sentiment on developing nuclear energy to meet climate changes, Wang said, adding that this is also the common challenges confronting the developing countries.

Noting that India has bilateral cooperation with many NSG members in nuclear energy, Wang said that subject to India's needs, China also stands ready to explore cooperation in this field, so as to help India address its nuclear energy needs.

The Chinese official also pointed out that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is not at odds with the Paris Agreement on climate change, and on the contrary, they are mutually reinforcing and supportive.

One of the pillars in the NPT is to ensure the legitimate rights of country in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, he added.
Baltimore police officer Caesar Goodson, Jr., one of six implicated in the Freddie Gray police brutality case, was acquitted of all charges Thursday morning. The not guilty verdict by Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams was the third exoneration of the cops involved in the April 12, 2015 murder of the young African American man.

Last month, the same judge acquitted Officer Edward Nero of misdemeanor charges, and in December, he declared a mistrial after a jury failed to agree on manslaughter and other charges against Officer William Porter. The latest ruling makes it even more unlikely that the remaining defendants, Officer Garrett Miller and Lt. Brian Rice, will be held accountable. Their trials on charges of assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office are scheduled for July. Rice also faces a manslaughter charge.

Shortly after the social upheaval in Baltimore against the killing of Gray last April and June, Marilyn Mosby, the Maryland state Attorney, stood on the steps of the downtown War Memorial and called on the citizens of Baltimore and throughout the country to put their trust in the judicial system. Appealing to the protesters, she said, I heard your call for No Justice, No Peace. Your peace is sincerely needed as I work to deliver justice on behalf of this young man.

The aim of Mosbys appeal, along with those issued at the time by President Obama and the political establishment as a whole, was to dissipate mounting popular opposition to police brutality throughout the US and revive illusions in the deeply discredited judicial system. Far from securing justice, however, the courts, with the full backing of the Obama administration, have once against exonerated the killer cops.

After being arrested for carrying what the police alleged to be an illegal switchblade, later found to be legal, the handcuffed 25-year-old was put into the back of a police van without seat belt restraints, against Baltimore police force regulations. He was then given what is commonly known in Baltimore as a rough ride. Gray suffered a severe spinal injury during the ride, which led directly to his death a week later. Officer Goodson was the driver of the van.

The incident was followed by explosive popular protests, and in turn, by a brutal crackdown on the citizens of Baltimore that involved mass arrests, a declared state of emergency, a citywide curfew, and the deployment of 5,000 National Guard troops, just 40 miles from the US capital of Washington, DC.

Believed to be the strongest of the six cases, Goodson was the centerpiece of the prosecutions series of trials. Bearing the most criminal responsibility as the driver of the van, he was the only officer to be charged with the more serious crime of depraved heart murder, one carrying up to 30 years in prison. With the two acquittals and one mistrial in their favor, the police union is already putting pressure on Mosby to drop the remaining cases.

The events of both the Freddie Gray murder and the subsequent judicial charade is anything but an accidental or isolated case. Even before these incidents, the systemic character of police brutality and rough rides were well established in the city. Though known by other names such as nickel ride in Philadelphia, the act of giving a rough ride as payback to allegedly unruly prisoners is a common practice throughout the country. This practice involves purposely driving police vans in a manner to cause harm to detainees, who are deliberately handcuffed but not restrained in the vehicle.

An often cited investigation by the Baltimore Sun revealed in 2014 the incredible frequency and scope of not just rough rides, but many forms of police brutality in the city of Baltimore. The study found that over the course of four years the city paid nearly $5.7 million in settlements and court judgments in as many as 317 lawsuits for police misconduct.

As is becoming more and more apparent in the wake of media attention on US police brutality in 2015, the ongoing violent crackdown on protesters in France, and the recent police killings at an education demonstration in Mexico, the growing epidemic of police brutality is not a problem unique to Baltimore, or even the United States. Rather, it is the common response of the ruling elite internationally to the growth of working class opposition to inequality, deteriorating social conditions, and sanctioned state violence.

The facts of the Freddie Gray case fly in the face of this narrative spearheaded by Black Lives Matter and other middle class protest groups that police brutality is solely the result of racism. Baltimore is a city dominated by black political officials. Of the six officers involved, three are white, three black, one a woman. During the protests, the citys black mayor, Stephanie Rawlings Blake, denounced protesting youth as thugs. The black state attorney Marilyn Mosby called for peace and faith in the justice system.

This has all been overseen by the first black president, who has militarized local police forces and authorized the crackdown on the citizens of Baltimore, turning the city into a military encampment complete with military grade weapons and the National Guard. Despite all the cosmetic civil rights investigations launched by the Obama administration, the presidents Justice Department has come down on the side of the police officers in every Supreme Court case involving police brutality, according to a survey by the Washington Post last year.

The failure of the prosecution to secure a conviction in any of these first three cases is another step in the legal sanctioning of state violence by consistently shielding murderous cops, even in the most blatant criminal cases.

Already this year there have reportedly been over 550 police killings in the United States, with only a tiny fraction resulting in convictions of the police officers involved. The source of police brutality and the militarization of the police force cannot be understood in racial terms. It can only be understood by recognizing the fundamental class antagonisms that are tearing society apart.
Another clash between Chinese fishing trawlers and Indonesian navy vessels in the South China Sea near Indonesias Natuna Islands on June 17 has led to sharp diplomatic exchanges. The confrontation followed a similar incident last month.

According to spokesman Edi Sucipto, the Indonesian navy intercepted 12 foreign vessels fishing illegally inside the 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Natunas. As Indonesian warships approached, the vessels fled. Warning shots were fired and eventually one Chinese flagged trawler was stopped and boarded. Its seven crew members were detained. No one was hurt.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a press conference on Sunday one of the fleeing boats was damaged by gunfire. One crew member was injured and hospitalised on Hainan Island, where he was recovering. Chinese coast guard vessels, she said, were immediately sent to the site to protect Chinese fishing boats and fishermen and rescue and treat the injured.

For the first time since last November, when Beijing formally recognised Indonesian sovereignty over the Natunas, China made clear that it maintained its territorial claims inside the EEZ around the island group.

Hua declared: The incident took place in waters that are Chinese fishermens traditional grounds and where China and Indonesia have overlapping claims for maritime rights and interests. She condemned the wilful resort to force and urged Indonesia to stop taking actions that complicate, exaggerate the dispute and undermine peace and stability.

On Thursday, Hua expressed hope that Indonesia could meet China half way in maintaining stability in the region.

However, Indonesian President Joko Widodo travelled to the area on Thursday, sending a blunt message to Beijing that his country would assert its sovereignty over the waters around the Natunas. Aboard a navy warship near the islands, which lie between Singapore and Borneo, Widodo held a meeting with members of his cabinet, discussing issues such as fishing, energy programs and military plans for the area.

The cabinet later issued a statement saying that the presidents visit was an affirmation that the [Natuna] islands are the sovereign territory of Indonesia.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said China had previously said it had no sovereignty issues with Indonesia. At the same press conference, Rear Admiral A. Taufig R. accused China of trying to mark out their territory with the presence of coast guard vessels.

Behind these increased tensions is the tough stand on fishing and maritime rights taken by the Widodo administration, with the encouragement of the US. Washington has exploited every territorial dispute in the South China Sea to try to drive a wedge between China and its South East Asian neighbours. This tactic is part of the US pivot to Asia aimed at undermining Beijings influence and militarily encircling China in preparation for war.

Unlike the other nations in the region, particularly Vietnam and the Philippines, Indonesia does not have direct land claims against China. Jakarta has tried to maintain good relations with Beijing and act as a mediator in the region, even as Washington has pressed Jakarta for closer economic and military cooperation. Indonesia has strong trade and investment ties with China.

Evan Laksmana of the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank told the Financial Times that if Beijing tried to enforce its position in the Natuna EEZ it would be harder for Jakarta to hold its neutral position on the South China Sea disputes.

In coming weeks, the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague is expected to rule under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in a case brought by the Philippines, with Washingtons support and assistance, to challenge Chinas maritime claims in the South China Sea.

If, as widely anticipated, the ruling favours the Philippines, the US is preparing for stepped-up diplomatic and military pressure on China, which does not recognise the jurisdiction of the court. Already, in a massive show of force, two US Navy carrier strike forces have been exercising this week in the nearby Philippine Sea.

Even after Widodo signed a US-Indonesian Strategic Partnership, Jakarta has proved reluctant to endorse the so-called freedom of navigation incursions by US warships within the 12-nautical-mile territorial limit around Chinese-controlled islets in the South China Sea.

Nevertheless, Indonesia has more aggressively defended its claims around the Natunas and is collaborating more closely with Washington. In October 2015, Jakarta signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation with the US and agreed to work closely to combat and deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing both in Indonesian waters and in the broader ASEAN region.

This agreement includes US training in fisheries enforcement and access to vital US intelligence. The latter would include information from the extensive US satellite and maritime aircraft surveillance.

The Indonesian military, which has longstanding ties to US imperialism, has adopted a more aggressive attitude to China, in particular over the Natuna Islands. It has been pushing hard over the past few years to turn the small ramshackle garrison in the Natunas into what air force commander Agus Supriatna last year called the Pearl Harbour of Indonesia.

The government is funding plans for an upgraded airfield and port, along with moving marines, air force special units, an army battalion, three frigates, a new radar system, drones and five US supplied F-16 fighter aircraft to the island group. In the two incidents, this month and in May, naval frigates replaced fisheries vessels in confronting Chinese coast guard vessels.

Washington is increasing its involvement. On May 14, the US Senate Armed Services Committee voted for an amendment to the 2016 US Defence Authorisation Act, providing $425 million in funding over the next five years to boost maritime security in Asiathat is, the naval and coast guard capacities of Chinas neighbours, including Indonesia.
Thursday morning the Supreme Court issued a terse one-line decision, The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court, in United States v. Texas, a case arising from the Obama administrations November 2014 guidance that would have deferred deportation for certain immigrants, principally young people who grew up in the United States without papers and undocumented parents of citizen children.

In a case filed by Texas, along with 25 other states, in the border town of Brownsville, a United States district judge enjoined the Obama administrations deferred-action program, ruling that the states had standing on the flimsy ground that they incur the expense of providing drivers licenses to the additional inhabitants. Judge Andrew S. Hanen then agreed with the challengers and invalidated the program altogether, finding that the Obama administration did not follow the necessary procedures for adopting regulations under the federal immigration statute.

The district judges ruling was upheld 2-1 by a panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which covers most of the Deep South. The Supreme Courts decision leaves these reactionary rulings in effect, but creates no national precedent binding on other federal courts.

The case has been considered a bellwether for executive authority over immigration, particularly since last January when the Supreme Court issued an extraordinary order that directed the parties to address whether deferred action violates a constitutional provision, Article II, Section 3, stating that the executive branch shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

With the death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, last Aprils oral argument seemed perfunctory, as the eight justices appeared to be divided evenly and unable to find any common ground for compromise.

While the Texas courts injunction purports to be national in scope, there is nothing to stop a district court outside the Fifth Circuit from entering a contrary ruling and creating a conflict in the lower courts. To date none has done so, however.

Thursdays ruling has been portrayed in major media outlets, including The New York Times, as effectively ending what Mr. Obama had hoped would become one of his central legacies, the shielding of as many as five million undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Obamas proposed measure would have meant merely a temporary stay on deportations of some undocumented immigrants, who, treated as criminals, would have to register with the Federal government and could subsequently be deported at its discretion.

In fact, the Obama administration has for years waged a relentless campaign against immigrants, deporting an estimated 2.5 million people since coming to power in 200923 percent more than under Republican president George W. Bush and more than all 20th century presidents combined.

Commenting on the unfortunate decision, Obama boasted of his own right-wing anti-immigrant credentials, declaring, Since I took office, weve deployed more border agents and technology to our southern border than ever before. That has helped cut illegal border crossings to their lowest levels since the 1970s.

Reuters news reported last month that the Obama administration would be targeting Central American immigrants, among the most impoverished at-risk people seeking refuge in the United States. Obama administration officials told Reuters that the raids would specifically target mothers and their children, as well as orphans and other children traveling alone. According to current estimates, the Obama administration has close to 30,000 orphans and unaccompanied children detained under barbaric and inhumane conditions.
Two poles of society have been revealed ever more clearly in recent months in the conflict over refugee policy in Germany. On one side, the persistent solidarity within the population for people forced to flee from devastating wars in the Middle East and the intolerably miserable conditions in Africa; on the other side, the state, government, media and established parties, which day after day campaign for the tightening of asylum laws and incite hatred against refugees.

In this atmosphere, the stance of the Left Party has become increasingly apparent. After the events of New Years Eve in Cologne, Left Party deputy chairperson Sahra Wagenknecht publicly advocated a cap on the number of refugees to be admitted into the country and with the approval of Alternative for Germany (AfD) deputy chairman Alexander Gauland declared: Those who abuse our hospitality have forfeited the right to hospitality.

Wherever the Left Party is in power it implements the inhumane refugee policies of the German government. That goes for the state of Brandenburg, where the Left Party has governed with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) since 2009, as well as Thuringen, where Left Party member Bodo Ramelow is premier in a coalition government with the SPD and the Greens.

According to a survey by Focus magazine, with around 1,080 deportations from January to April of this year, Thuringen is, along with Bavaria and Saxony, one of the three German states with the highest repatriation rates. In Thuringen, 30.5 percent of refugees with rejected asylum applications were deported. The national average is 17.9 percent.

Increasingly seen by the population as a right-wing party, and having suffered a defeat in the last state elections, some Left Party politicians are now attempting to pose as friends to refugees prior to the Berlin state elections.

Katja Kipping, Petra Pau and others organize publicity-friendly on-site aid missions such as the fundraising campaign of Berlin state chairman Klaus Lederer at the Office of Health and Social Affairs in January. They are also allowing the offices of leading candidates to be used for the coordination of aid and fundraising campaigns. Petra Pau, the Left Party candidate in the Marzahn district of Berlin, arranged a meeting with representatives of the advocacy group Alle Bleiben (Everybody Stays), which supports the right to residency for Roma.

In mid-June, representatives of several refugee initiatives and anti-racist groups gathered at a Welcome2stay congress in Leipzig, largely initiated by the Left Partys parliamentary fraction. At the congress, party chair Katja Kipping called for a societal awakening against social indifference and racism. She appeared alongside a trade union representative from Ver.di and a Solidarity4all grouping from Greece, which is the byproduct of the discredited Syriza party.

The party paper Neues Deutschland states that they had attempted to disseminate harmony and not bring up existing differences in the first place. After the election setback in Baden-Wurttemberg and Rheinland-Pfalz, and above all in Sachsen-Anhalt where the Left Party was pushed into third place by the AfD, it could use some publicity. Why not get the vote of every last refugee aid worker? the paper wrote.

In their Berlin election platform, the Left Party put forward this vague demand: Defend refugees and open up a perspective. They hoped that younger Berliners would no longer be reminded of the period from 2002 to 2011 when the Left Party governed with the SPD under Klaus Wowereit and held the positions of the senator for social issues, work and integration as well as the senator of economy.

In their first year of governing, the Red-Red coalition continued unabated the deportation policies of the CDU-SPD senate under Eberhard Diepgen (CDU). As a May 5, 2006 Christian Democratic Union (CDU) inquiry in the house of representatives found, approximately 6,000 asylum seekers were deported from Berlin in the years 2002 and 2003 alone and a large number of them were imprisoned beforehand. It was not until 2004 that this number fell, due to the European Unions eastward expansion. Many refugees came from Eastern European countries and that meant they now had to be dealt with under European law.

Like Diepgens senate, the Red-Red (SPD-Left Party) coalition coldly carried out the deportations. They allowed those affected to be taken away in the middle of the night in police raids without regard to minors or sick people and separated families. Dozens of refugees attempted to commit suicide, started hunger strikes or died on the run from police and border guards. Many of those deported were imprisoned in their homelands, tortured or murdered.

The Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS), and later the Left Party, did not even close the deportation prison in Grunau that became infamous under Diepgen. In the coalition contract, they only agreed to the removal of the bars inside and better visiting rooms. The deportation detainees had to pay for the cost of their barracking themselves.

When demonstrators gathered at the prison in May 2006 to protest the inhumane deportation policy of the Red-Red senate, including members of the WASG, which in the same year merged with the PDS to form the Left Party, the Red-Red senate sent the police.

At no point did the Left Party consistently advocate for the right to stay of Roma who fled to Berlin during the war in Yugoslavia, or for protecting the Kurds who sought to escape Turkish attacks on their villages.

Protests by Roma, which culminated in the occupation of party headquarters in various cities at the end of 2002, led to nothing but empty promises from PDS social senator Heidi Knake-Werner. In the end, the Roma were ruthlessly sent back to Belgrade without winter clothing despite cold temperatures.

In mid-May 2009, more than 100 Romanian Roma again attempted to escape to Berlin when right-wing pogroms erupted in their homeland. They spent the summer months in Gorlitzer Park in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin, until police drove them out by force. The Red-Red senate brought them to a camp in Spandau, Berlin, which was also used as a deportation centre for other refugees. Left Party senator Knake-Werner offered them 250 for travel expenses if they would leave voluntarily.

After her departure from the government in 2009, the former German Communist Party (DKP) member Heidi Knake-Werner became chair of the Berliner Volkssolidaritat (Berlin Peoples Solidarity organisation) and heads a refugee home in Marzahn-Hellersdorf.

In 2013, the current social senator Mario Czaja (CDU) appointed Heidi Knake-Werner to a cross-party council for cohesion. Along with ex-government head Diepgen, former SPD social senator Ingrid Stahmer and others, she will review the planned container village for refugees as part of the Masterplan for Integration and Security.

When in 2011 the Left Party was voted out on the basis of their right-wing politics, she justified the deportation policy on the grounds of political pressure. The then economic senator Harald Wolf wrote in his book Social Democrat-Left Party coalition in Berlin: A (self) critical balance sheet: The political room to manoeuvre in regional politics for a humane refugee policy is extremely limited by the federal government. Thats why there were also deportations under the Red-Red coalition.

Wolf is right when toward the end of his book he calls the Left Party a party within the state apparatus. The danger that the population also recognises this truth and turns against all of the established parties, including the Left Party, is something he and other Left politicians are all too aware of. That explains his cynical call for the organization of a smart and deliberately calculated division of labour between the parties in the state apparatus and the parties outside of the state apparatus.

In other words: the latest activities of the Left Party in refugee initiatives and anti-racist and social protests are aimed at containing the growing opposition of workers and youth and preventing them from turning against the ruling parties.
Thomas Mair, the fascist charged with the June 16 murder of Labour Party MP Jo Cox, appeared Thursday for a pre-trial hearing at the Old Bailey criminal court in London.

Mair appeared via video link from Belmarsh jail, where he is being held in custody. A provisional trial date was set for November 14, with further pre-trial hearings scheduled for September and October.

Mair was witnessed stabbing and shooting Cox to death outside a library as she was about to meet some of her Batley and Spen constituents in the village of Birstall, West Yorkshire. Eyewitnesses heard Mair shout Britain First several times during the murder. Britain First is the name of a fascist organisation formed in 2011.

The political assassination took place under conditions in which a right-wing, xenophobic atmosphere demonising immigrants has been whipped up by both the Leave and Remain camps in the run-up to Thursdays referendum on the UK membership of the European Union (EU).

Cox was an outspoken supporter of the Remain campaign for the UK to stay in the EU and campaigned in support of refugees. Both of these policies are strongly opposed by Britains far right. Cox also protested in January this year, via social media, a demonstration in support of a vote to leave the EU held near her constituency by Britain First.

On Monday the Times reported that Cox was about to launch a report in parliament warning of the dangers posed by nationalist radicals. Cox, the newspaper reports, was to launch the report on June 29 in the Houses of Parliament and had recorded a video to be played to guests.

The report was authored by Tell Mama, an organization that describes itself as a supporter of victims of anti-Muslim hate and a public service which also measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents. The Times states the report shows an 80 percent increase in Islamophobic attacks and warns that Yorkshire, the county where Mrs Cox was born, is a hotbed of far-right activity.

Speaking to the Times, Fiyaz Mughal, director of Tell Mama, said, In the last 18 months South Yorkshire is one of the leading areas in the country [for Islamaphobic incidents].

West Yorkshire is also the location of the organisers of the fascist Redwatch web site, which regularly publishes photographs and information, including personal details, of left-wing individuals and organisations. It places the names of enemies, with all their data, including photographs, telephone numbers and addresses on the sites web pages. Among its main targets are anti-fascist groups.

When asked his name at his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court in London last Saturday, Mair replied, My name is death to traitors, freedom for Britain.

According to the crime summary case, presented by Crown Prosecution Service barrister David Cawthorne, as Mair was arrested he told police officers he was a political activist. Describing his frenzied attack on Cox, the barrister said Mair was seen to stab her repeatedly. Cawthorne said that when Cox fell to the ground, Mair took a firearm from a black bag and shot her three times. He then continued to stab her. Whilst doing that, Cawthorne said, the defendant was heard to say words to the effect of Britain first, keep Britain independent, Britain always comes first, this is for Britain.

The prosecution summary of the crime states: Initial searches [of Mairs home] have recovered newspaper articles relating to Jo Cox and ideological material relating to extreme right-wing and white supremacist organisations/individuals.

Within a week of the murder, a substantial body of documentary evidence has emerged pointing to Mairs decades-long activity as a fascist--going back at least to 1991.

Mair was a subscriber to the far right South African Patriot, a South African magazine founded in 1980 and published by a pro-apartheid group, the White Rhino Club. It was re-established in 1991 as South African Patriot In Exile. The Daily Telegraph reported that the Club described the magazines editorial stance as being opposed to multi-cultural societies and expansionist Islam.

The magazine was edited by former National Front member Alan Harvey. The National Front, a UK fascist group, was founded in 1967. The Daily Mirror reported that a blog post attributed to Harvey, dated January 2006, described Mair as one of the earliest subscribers and supporters of S. A. Patriot.

He requested, If anyone knows of his new address then we would be very grateful to learn the details.

The newspaper reported last week that Harvey told the Mirror he was trying to set up an S.A. Patriot group in the Yorkshire area at the time, and sent letters to everyone in the area they had contact details for.

Documents published by the United States-based civil rights group, the Southern Poverty Law Centre, include two letters Mair wrote to the South African Patriot In Exile, the earliest in 1991.

The 1991 letter begins with Mair, who listed his address as Batley, UK, writing, I recently received copies of SA Patriot Nos 28 and 29, via the British National Front. I was most impressed by your publication and the insight it gives into the South African scene. He adds, The nationalist movement in the UK also continues to fight on against the odds.  Despite everything I still have faith that the White Race will prevail, both in Britain and in South Africa, but I fear that its going to be a very long and very bloody struggle.

In his 1999 letter, Mair writes, I was glad you strongly condemned collaborators in the White South African population. In my opinion the greatest enemy of the old Apartheid system was not the ANC [African National Congress] and the Black masses but White liberals and traitors.

The SPLC also published documents establishing Mairs support for the US-based neo-Nazi National Alliance group. Mair is reported to have purchased books from the National Alliance, founded by William Pierce, author of the notorious racist tract, The Turner Diaries. These included guides on how to build homemade explosives, guns and a copy of Ich Kampfe, a handbook for members of Hitlers Nazi Party. The SPLC published four receipts dated 1999 and 2003 showing that Mair spent $620 (436) on the literature.
Germany plans an unprecedented military buildup. This was clear from the speech given by Chancellor Angela Merkel to the Business Forum of the CDU in Berlin on Tuesday night. We confront asymmetric conflicts, of hitherto unknown proportions, Merkel told German business leaders. The defence capability of the European Union, however, is still not geared up to ensure security even in our own territory.

The conclusion of the chancellor: There has to be convergence between a country like Germany that today spends 1.2 percent of gross domestic product for defence and a country like the United States of America, which outlays 3.4 percent of gross domestic product on defence. It would not be expedient in the long run to say simply that we will hope and wait for others to undertake our burdens of defence, she said.

Merkels speech has been greeted in the bourgeois media for what it is: Another milestone in the return of German militarism following the announcement of the about-turn in German foreign policy by Federal President Joachim Gauck, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen at the Munich Security Conference in early 2014.

On Thursday the Handelsblatt proclaimed in large print Germany upgrades and called Merkels declaration a turning point. In the past 25 years, the paper wrote, Federal governments of different persuasions gratefully pocketed the peace dividend and the proportion of military expenditure to GDP had fallen by 3.4 percent in the mid-1980s to just 1.2 percent. Now Merkel has signalled that she is ready to up the ante.

The business newspaper indicates what is meant by the federal government upping the ante. The Handelsblatt cites the military commissioner of the Bundestag, Hans-Peter Bartels (SPD), who states that in order to recruit the planned additional 7,000 soldiers and equip the army with tanks or helicopters, the Bundeswehr (armed forces) must increase the proportion of GDP in the foreseeable future by 1.4 to 1.5 percent, The paper then concludes: As of today, that requires an extra 9 billion a year.

To justify the massive upgrade, the paper repeats the official mantra of the federal government of a world out of joint that forces Germany to act. The new era had not come by chance. The Ukraine conflict and terrorism have alarmed Berlin, simultaneously increased the expectations of its allies and placed special new demands on the Bundeswehr in relation to NATO deterrence plans directed against Russia.

The Handelsblatt is well aware that the military upgrade involves the acquisition of raw materials and new markets for Germanys export-hungry industry. In early 2013 the newspaper ran an editorial headlined Expedition Resources: Germanys New Course, noting that current policy to secure raw materials has reached its limits and that Berlin must once again be ready to wage wars over resources.

Merkels announcement that Germany seeks to converge with US military spending to secure its own territory, underlines that the German elite is again prepared to secure its economic and geostrategic interests against its former post-war allies if necessary.

In a recent long article on the referendum on United Kingdom membership of the European Union, Der Spiegel warned that the EUs disintegration could lead to the breakup of its alliance with the US. As the biggest central power on the continent Germany would then finally be forced to take the leading role, the magazine wrote.

In another recent article in Foreign Affairs titled, Germanys New Global Role, Foreign Minister Steinmeier distances himself from the US and highlights Germanys new claims to be a superpower. He bluntly declares Germany to be a major European power, which was forced to reinterpret the principles that have guided its foreign policy for over half a century.

Behind the backs of the population, the military upgrade is already taking place at full speed. Handelsblatt reported that the same German armament giants who built up Hitlers Wehrmacht in the 1930s are currently preparing new tanks for the German army. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall have set up a depot in a secret location where they collect used battle tanks from Austria and Sweden. In total, German industry has already bought up more than 100 Leopard 2 combat tanks. Well maintained and oiled they are now to be brought up to the armament standard of the 21st century for 5 million each and receive a second life in the Bundeswehr.

The tank upgrade is just one project among many. The current military report of the government lists more than 20 projects with a budget of over 60 billion. On the list are various tank models, Tiger support helicopters, A400M transport aircraft, Euro Fighters, missile-type Iris-T and Meteor warships (including frigates, corvettes and the 180 multi-role vessel) and a tactical air defence system.

Just 75 years after the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany, Merkels latest speech made terrifyingly clear that the German elite is quite prepared to follow in the footsteps of its wartime predecessor.
Secretary of State John Kerry met Tuesday morning with several of the State Department diplomats who drafted an internal dissent memo calling for the US to launch air strikes against the Syrian government, supposedly as a means of bringing an end to the five-year-old war that has claimed well over a quarter of a million lives and driven over half the Syrian population from their homes.

The New York Times reported that Kerry and 10 of 51 mid-level operatives who signed the memo engaged in a surprisingly cordial conversation over the memo, which was leaked to the media virtually before the ink on it was dry.

There was nothing surprising about the tone of the meeting. Traveling in Europe when the memo surfaced in the press last week, Kerry described it as an important statement.

The reality is that the policy proposed in the memo is one that Kerry has himself advocated within the Obama administration for years as a means of turning the tide in a war for regime-change that has employed Al Qaeda-linked and CIA-backed Sunni militias as proxy forces.

In 2013, the then-newly installed secretary of state was one of the most bellicose proponents of a direct US military intervention to topple the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad after the Obama administration declared its red line over the use of chemical weapons. It was Kerry who laid out the brief for war in August of that year, based on the fraudulent claim that Assad government forces were responsible for a chemical weapons attack in the Damascus suburbs.

The Obama administration stepped back from the threatened direct military intervention in the face of overwhelming popular opposition to another Middle East war and amid deep divisions between the US military brass, on the one hand, and the State Department and CIA, on the other, about the advisability of such an intervention.

Instead, the administration embraced a chemical weapons disarmament plan brokered by Moscow. Subsequently, in 2014, it launched air strikes and sent hundreds of Special Forces into Syriain direct violation of international lawon the pretext of fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a viciously sectarian Islamist militia that Washington had tacitly supported until it overran much of Iraq, routing US-armed and trained security forces.

That this was a phony war was exposed by Russias own military intervention in Syria a year later, which succeededtogether with Syrian government troopsin dealing serious blows to both ISIS and the Al Nusra Front, the Al Qaeda Syrian outfit that Washington still protects.

This is the situation that has prompted the State Department dissent memo. The so-called "rebels" backed by Washington are not only in a state of shambles, but are turning the guns supplied by the CIA and the Pentagon against each other.

The cease-fire, which the State Department dissidents claim to want to enforce through military escalation, has been used by Washington to funnel more weapons to the Islamist militias, reposition their forces and blunt the Russian-backed Syrian army offensive. It has not, however, succeeded in shifting the tide of battle in support of the Western-backed forces.

Thus the need for what the State Department operatives call a more militarily assertive US role in Syria, based on the judicious use of stand-off and air weapons, which would undergird and drive a more focused and hardnose US-led diplomatic process.

In other words, another exercise in shock and awe, with US Tomahawk missiles and smart bombs raining down on Damascus, just as they did previously on Kabul, Baghdad and Tripoli, will set things right.

This argument, completely in sync with the militarist ideology of the criminals in the Bush administration who orchestrated the war based upon lies that destroyed Iraq, is combined with a humanitarian appeal.

The statement asserts that the moral rationale for taking steps to end the deaths and suffering in Syria, after five years of brutal war, is evident and unquestionable. No one would suspect from this cynical rationale that the five years of brutal war are the direct product of the massive regime-change operation orchestrated by Washington itself. The argument, however, dovetails with the hypocritical pro-imperialist campaign waged by the pseudo-left, including such organizations as the International Socialist Organization in the US, the New Anti-capitalist Party in France and the Left Party in Germany, which have gone so far as to extol this CIA-backed regime-change operation as a revolution.

The frustration expressed by the State Department dissidents is not just with the failure of Obamas Syria policy, but with that of US imperialisms entire Middle East strategy over the course of a quarter-century.

In the wake of the Moscow Stalinist bureaucracys liquidation of the Soviet Union, Washington embarked on a course of unending war based upon the conviction that militarism and neocolonial conquest could offset the historic crisis and economic decline of American capitalism. The crude ideology justifying this strategy of criminal aggression was summed up by the Wall Street Journal at the time of the first Gulf War in 1991 with the slogan, force works.

As it turned out, however, it didnt. A quarter-century of US wars in the region have yielded only a debacle, killing and maiming millions, turning tens of millions into homeless refugees, and leaving the social fabric of the entire region in tatters.

The answer provided by the authors of the State Department memo to this debacle is yet a further military escalation, this time with the distinct threat of triggering a nuclear world war.

We are not advocating for a slippery slope that ends in a military confrontation with Russia, the memo states, quickly adding that its authors recognize that the risk of further deterioration in US-Russian relations is significant and that military steps may yield a number of second-order effects.

Among these second order effects are the killing of Russian and Iranian military personnel deployed with Syrian government forces, the likelihood of the bringing down of both US and Russian warplanes, and an escalation of mutual hostilities.

This is where the slippery slope that the State Department dissenters are not advocating leads. Such a progression is hardly an accident. From the outset, the US proxy war for regime-change was launched with the aim of depriving Moscow and Tehran of their principal ally in the Arab world in preparation for direct confrontation with both countries.

The call for a direct US military intervention against Damascus has been made under conditions in which tensions between Washington and Moscow are today greater than at any time since the height of the Cold War. Continuous NATO military exercises on Russias western borders and the deployment of anti-missile systems in Eastern Europe designed to prepare a winnable nuclear war against Moscow point to the mounting danger of a confrontation between the worlds two major nuclear powers.

The Obama White House has dismissed the proposals in the State Department memo. There is no inclination to roll out a major new military intervention before the November elections. The American ruling establishment has always been loath to provide the American people even the remotest opportunity to express their attitude to war.

Whichever party wins, however, the incoming administration will embark on a dangerous escalation of militarism. Both the Democratic and Republican presumptive candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, have expressed their support for intensified bombing, the imposition of a no-fly zone and other acts of aggression. More fundamentally, the drive to war is rooted in the steadily deepening crisis of American capitalism and the uncontainable tensions building up in US society.
Socialist Equality Party candidates in the Australian election, Will Fulgenzi and Peter Byrne, were interviewed by SBS Radio last Sunday, presenting the partys anti-war and socialist campaign before a broad audience of immigrant listeners across multiple language programs.

A government-funded network, SBS Radio broadcasts 74 different language programs, with around half a million podcasts downloaded by listeners in Australia and around the world monthly.

Fulgenzi and Byrne were interviewed in Melbournes Federation Square as part of SBSs election exchange series, which involves broadcasts from public areas featuring candidates from a range of parties.

Byrne, one of the SEPs Senate candidates in Victoria, spoke with SBS Radios Olga Klepova in an interview that was distributed to each of the broadcasters language programs. Fulgenzi, the SEP candidate for the seat of Wills in Melbourne, spoke with broadcasters from SBS Radios Italian, Arabic, Hindi and Greek programs.

In each interview, Byrne and Fulgenzi emphasised the SEPs fight for a new anti-war movement of the working class, in opposition to the entire political establishmentLabor, Liberal-National and Greens.

There have been non-stop wars in the Middle East in the last period, Fulgenzi told the Arabic program. The United States government as well as the Howard government here, with the full support of the Labor Party, used the fraudulent banner of the war on terror to justify the bombing of the defenceless...

Whats now appearing in these elections is a concerted attempt by all of the major parties to keep the issue of war out of the election. They all support the US and Australian military build up against China, and they are determined to keep the population in the dark about it.

Fulgenzi also defended the rights of immigrants and refugees.

Were totally opposed not only to the offshore detention system, he explained, but the entire reactionary framework of border protection. We believe that workers from every country of the world should be able to live and work wherever they choose, with full citizenship rights.

The system of border protectionwhich is supported by Labor, Liberal and the Greensis thoroughly nationalist. Its aimed at whipping up divisions between workers in Australia and their counterparts in the Middle East and Asia in particular, and blaming immigrants and refugees for the social crisis, which capitalism itself is responsible for.

Fulgenzi spoke live-to-air on the Greek-language program, with each question and answer translated as the interview proceeded. The SEP candidate was asked about the partys attitude toward the Syriza government in Greece.

Our party is intransigently opposed to Syriza, he replied. We warned, if you read the World Socialist Web Site, at the beginning of 2015, before Syriza was elected, that it would inevitably betray its promises to end austerity. Yannis Varoufakis and Alexis Tsipras carried out the most monstrous political betrayal of workers and young people in the July referendum, which was called ostensibly in order to give the working class a choice as to whether to oppose or support austerity

What this really demonstrates is that there is no way forward in the struggle against austerity within the framework of capitalism. What has happened in Greece is a warning to the working class around the world. This is not just a Greek issuein every country the agenda of finance capital is the same. Theyre seeking to bleed the working class dry to make us pay for the breakdown of world capitalism.

***

Several of the interviews can be accessed online:

 Fulgenzis interview with the Hindi program is online here.

 Byrnes interview is online here.

 Fulgenzis interview with SBS Radios Greek program can be accessed here. (Under the Select Broadcast tab, click on Sun, 19th Jun, and scroll to the 38-minute mark of the recording.)

To contact the SEP and get involved, visit our web site or Facebook page.

Authorised by James Cogan, Shop 6, 212 South Terrace, Bankstown Plaza, Bankstown NSW, 2200.
Unrest is growing among Sri Lankan estate workers as plantation companies refuse to increase wages and move instead to abolish the existing wage structure and impose a revenue-sharing scheme, akin to a share-cropping system. The previous collective agreement expired 15 months ago.

The plantation unions are currently collaborating with the companies and the government to impose this attack on these workers, who are among the most oppressed section of the Sri Lankan working class.

Plantation workers from Hatton and Maskeliya in the central hills district spoke with World Socialist Web Site reporters last week about their worsening working and living conditions, voicing their anger over the companies and the unions.

Workers at Ingestre estate at Dickoya near Hatton were involved in a bitter struggle last year against the suspension of seven workers in July 2015. The seven workers were victimised because they protested over low wages. The estate management continuously harasses its employees.

Kamala said the Ingestre estate refused to reinstate her after she took maternity leave. Management is delaying my 25,000-rupee maternity and gratuity funds because of this and now Im employed as a casual worker, she said. They want to increase casual labor. Retired employees and workers who return after working two years in the Middle East on approved leave are hired as casual workers. The new recruiters are not regulated.

The company only pays 30 rupees per kilo of tea leaves. How can we earn enough income when theres not enough to harvest? Some days I only pluck seven kilos. My salary last month was 4,000 rupees ($US28).

Leaders of the Democratic Peoples Front (DPF), the National Union of Workers (NUW) and the Up-country Peoples Front (UPF) recently announced that the government would provide the companies with loan funding to pay a 100-rupee increase in the daily wage.

Another plantation worker angrily denounced the deal. Even if this pittance is paid, it wont be enough to buy a kilo of sugar. These days a kilo of sugar costs 130 rupees, a coconut 50 rupees and a kilo of wheat flour 98 rupees. And with this meagre salary we are supposed to educate our children. The unions collect membership fees but they are not concerned about our problems.

Krisnasamy, a construction worker, explained that he lost his job because of company cost-cutting. He opposed the abolition of the wage system and the imposition of revenue sharing. Under the new system a workers family is assigned a certain number of tea bushes or part of an estate to maintain and pluck tea leaves, which are then supplied to the company. The plantation pays the worker after deducting its expenses.

Krisnasamy called on plantation workers to reject this exploitative system and said he supported the Socialist Equality Partys campaign to defend the victimised Ingestre workers. Krisnasamy, who had visited tea plantations in the south Indian state of Tamil, said: I visited the plantations at Ootti, and working and living conditions there are even worse than ours. Their daily wage is just 120 Indian rupees or $1.80. As you say, workers must unite all over the world to fight against this capitalist system.

Selva said plantation workers cultivate vegetables and find part-time jobs because their wages are so low. I wear this clothing from morning to night. The government provides us nothing. The unions use workers as trump cards and get privileges. Ive stopped paying subscriptions to the unions.

Selva explained there had previously been a doctor for each estate division but a doctor from the town hospital now had to cover five divisions. Injured workers had to find their own transport to the local hospital because ambulance services had stopped.

Many families in Ingestre live in temporary sheds. Narendiran and his family live in a mud hut. One side of my shed collapsed in the last rains. There are nine temporary sheds around here, he said.

Anthony is from Glenugie estate in Maskeliya, where three workers were sacked and another four were suspended from the companys Deeside division. They were victimised after they were accused of leading a strike against managements productivity demands. He complained that management had stopped repairing workers homes.

The roof sheets of my house are damaged and the walls get wet when it rains. We have to keep buckets inside our home whenever it rains. We are the third generation living in this home without any repairs having been made by the estate, he said.

Anthony said workers had to pluck 20 kilos per day to complete their 16-kilo target because management cut two kilos for water on the leaves and another two kilos for a commission.

One worker said she had quit the Ceylon Workers Congress and joined the NUW but that it was also useless.

None of these unions defend workers interests, she said, and pointed out that many workers and youth had left her estate and moved to Colombo because they could not could earn enough to live in the estates.

She said estate workers labour from eight in the morning until 3.30 p.m. without lunch because the tea bushes are too far away. We take bread and plain tea to the fields for lunch. By lunch time the bread is dry and the tea cold. If the price of essentials is not going to be reduced, then our salaries must be increased. The unions originally demanded 1,000 rupees per day but now they have abandoned this call.

Ive visited the Maha Uva estate, which has a revenue-sharing system. Each worker has been allocated 1,600 tea bushes but if the bushes have no leaves they dont have any income. These workers are facing severe difficulties. We should not accept such a system.

Krisna, from Ann Field estate at Hatton, said half that 87-hectare estate is now closed and has become forest again. There are 110 casual workers at Ann Field division but the permanent workers have been reduced to 60, he said.

Krisna said a union official told him that Planters Association chairman Roshan Rajadurai declared that when car workers went on strike for a wage increase in Japan, the owner shut down the company and merged it with a more technologically developed firm, sacking many people. The Planters Association boss Rajadurai said that if estate workers demanded a wage rise they would face the same consequences.

Chandra from Ann Field estate opposed the revenue sharing system. Today, the company pays 30 rupees per kilo of leaves, she said. Tomorrow, they will reduce that even to 10 rupees, saying that tea prices have gone down, and we would be compelled to give the leaves because we cant eat them. Its true the trade unions are helping the companies impose this system on us.
James Cogan, SEP national secretary and Senate candidate for New South Wales, condemns the conspiracy of silence that surrounds Australias integration into the US-led preparations for war against China and Russia.

Cogan calls for workers and youth to support the fight by the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement, to build an international anti-war movement on the basis of a socialist and revolutionary perspective.

The Australian election and the fight against the danger of world war

To contact the SEP and get involved, visit our web site or Facebook page.

Authorised by James Cogan, Shop 6, 212 South Terrace, Bankstown Plaza, Bankstown, NSW 2200.
Fujian Normal University graduates form a "band" for their underwater graduation photos shot at a swimming pool in Fuzhou, capital city of East China's Fujian province, June 19, 2016. The graduates spent over two months to prepare for their final pictures as it's not easy to pose below the surface in 4.5 meter deep water, according to graduate Liang Yedan. But Liang believes the photos will be his best graduation present. [Photo/CFP]
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - The man accused of killing FSU Professor Dan Markel walked into a Tallahassee court on Friday and left in custody without bond being set.

Sigfredo Garcia pled not guilty in court Friday June 24th, as defense attorneys argued there was not enough evidence to keep him in jail.

Garcia, in handcuffs, appeared in court Friday morning for a hearing on whether there is substantial evidence for the state to deny a bond be set in the Markel murder case.

The hearing was supposed to determine whether there is significant evidence to deny setting a bond, but the defense argued that a lack of witnesses required the hearing to be pushed back to a later date.

The state argued they had clear evidence linking Garcia to the murder and recognized him as a flight risk, claiming that his indication to flee, along with his criminal history, makes Garcia a danger to the community.

Garcia's defense attorneys maintained that the state has only presented hearsay statements that were not substantial evidence. Garcia's lead attorney, Jim Lewis, also argued that a proper hearing could not take place without questioning witnesses from law enforcement officials and asked that the hearing be moved until a subpoena could be issued.

The defense also asked to file motions regarding the state's plans to pursue the death penalty in the case, claiming his client should be provided with additional representation. He also asked to file a motion to improve Garcia's isolated living conditions in jail, which he claimed to be inhumane.

Judge Terry Lewis did not issue a ruling on the bond hearing, instead allowing for witnesses to be brought in for cross-examination. The court did not set an official hearing date, but it is set to be scheduled for next week.

(Story Continues Below)

Garcia is currently being held at the Leon County Jail under charges of first-degree murder in the case of Dan Markel's death. Garcia was arrested for Markel's murder in Broward County on May 25th, then extradited to Leon County on June 1st.

Garcia, along with co-defendant Luis Rivera, were charged with first-degree murder following the death of Dan Markel who was found shot to death in his driveway in July of 2014. The FSU law professor was divorced from his wife, Wendi Adelson who moved to south Florida with their children after his death.

Police say her family's desire to have Adelson and the children live in south Florida may have been motive for his murder.
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - The major party political conventions don't happen for another month, but the presumptive Republican and Democratic nominees are waging quite the war of words.

This week, Hillary Clinton called Donald Trump unfit to lead the economy. Trump says he's great for the economy. How are the two candidates trying to get their message across when it comes to this issue? Also, is Trump changing the tone of his campaign after firing Corey Lewandoski?

In the wake of the Orlando nightclub shooting, Democrats in the House of Representatives held a sit-in on the house floor for nearly 25 hours, calling for legislative action on gun control.

To discuss what these issues mean for the race for the White House, WTXL's political contributor Ed Moore, Ph.D. joined Jade Bulecza in the downtown studio.
Philippine provocation under a cloak of legality Updated: 2016-06-24 08:42 By LU YANG(China Daily Europe)

The unilateral arbitration case forcibly pushed forward by the Philippines is a provocation against China under a legal cloak. Essentially, it is not aimed at resolving the country's territorial disputes with China, but a naked attempt to repudiate China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.

By partitioning China's Nansha Islands in their entirety into different ones in its arbitration case submitted to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, and asking the court to make a ruling on the maritime rights of the islands and reefs "occupied or controlled" by China, Manila is deliberately falsifying the nature of its disputes with Beijing on territorial sovereignty and maritime demarcation in the South China Sea.

This partition trick is a serious infringement of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. China enjoys sovereignty over the Nansha Islands as a whole and such a legal fact has gained international recognition and acquiescence. In its arbitration case, the Philippines intentionally shies away from mentioning some islands and reefs, including those illegally occupied or claimed by itself, in an attempt to deny China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and whitewash its illegal occupation of some of China's Nansha Islands.

The exclusion of Taiping Island, the largest of the Nansha Islands where Taiwan stations its troops, from the islands and reefs "occupied or controlled" by China, also constitutes a serious violation by Manila of the one-China principle. All these testify that the Philippines' arbitration appeal is an unconcealed challenge to China's territorial sovereignty over the Nansha Islands.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the basic fact of the integrity of China's Nansha Islands should be taken into full consideration in defining China's maritime rights. In a note to the secretary-general of the UN on April 14, 2011, China's permanent mission to the UN pointed out that the stipulations of the convention and China's maritime law endow China's Nansha Islands with the right of territorial waters, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. However, in its arbitration case, the Philippines is attempting to fragment the Nansha Islands, proposing that the legal status of the listed islands should be determined one by one. Manila has also argued that these islands belong to atoll or low-tide heights that it says only enjoy a right of 12-nautical-mile waters under the UN convention. Such arguments are a wanton challenge to China's maritime rights based on the nature of Nansha Islands as an entirety.

The intrigue to partition China's Nansha Islands also highlights the Philippines' attempt to evade territorial sovereignty and maritime demarcation disputes in its arbitration case. The settlement of territorial sovereignty disputes is beyond the scope of the UN convention and thus inapplicable to international arbitration or other compulsory procedures. In 2006, China also excluded the settlement of maritime demarcation disputes by compulsory arbitration based on the convention. In this sense, the court in The Hague has no jurisdiction over the Philippines' arbitration case, and Manila's enforced arbitration requirement is essentially an abuse of the convention's compulsory settlement procedures.

Aside from its lack of jurisdiction, the arbitration court's indiscriminate endorsement of the Philippines' partitioning of China's Nansha Islands is a serious departure from the fair and a prudent attitude a court should hold. According to Article 9 of Annex VII of UNCLOS, in the absence of one of the two conflicting parties, the arbitration court should verify whether it enjoys jurisdiction over the case and whether all the requirements are factual and have a legal basis before making a ruling. The court should dismiss the Philippines' unreasonable arbitration appeal and fully respect the fact that China's Nansha Islands have an integral geographic existence if it strictly bases its work on facts and laws. The nonidentified endorsement of the Philippines' fragmenting of the Nansha Islands demonstrates the court has already been reduced to being Manila's agent and lacks objectivity and fairness.

The illegal and invalid arbitration farce staged by the Philippines and the court does not alter the fact China's Nansha Islands are an entirety nor China's legal rights and interests.

The author is a Beijing-based observer of international issues. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily European Weekly 06/24/2016 page13)
The man announced in April as the next CEO of The Memorial Foundation will not be leading Ya
Nation mourns an elegant diplomat Updated: 2016-06-24 08:42 By Fu Jing(China Daily Europe)

Legacy of Wu Jianmin, former ambassador to France and the Netherlands, recalled after his tragic death

On June 18, I heard the sad news of the death of Wu Jianmin, a veteran Chinese diplomat who served in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France.

Wu, 77, who was also a French-language interpreter for the late chairman Mao Zedong and premier Zhou Enlai, died in a car accident in Central China's Hubei province, where he was scheduled to deliver a speech.

In newspapers, on television and on social media, people from all walks of life have shown their deep sorrow and heartfelt respect for this mild, eloquent, visionary and peace-loving bridge-builder, who had continued to speak at functions long after his retirement. Many have shared touching memories of Wu.

I had known him for years, as a diplomat and opinion leader, who always told fascinating China stories. In addition to our interviews, he frequently appeared at events organized by China Daily.

Wu spoke at an international seminar on China's reforms and their implications for the European Union, an event coorganized by China Daily, on April 1, 2014, in the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, where President Xi Jinping wrapped up a western European tour by giving a speech on China-EU relations.

Joining a host of prominent speakers, Wu urged peace-building at a time when there were geopolitical concerns in several regions. I was deeply impressed by his way of dealing with ordinary everyday matters.

At the time, he was 75 years old, but he was traveling alone. My friends arranged to pick him up and drop him at the airport in Brussels. Shortly after he checked in and sat down to wait for his flight to Beijing, he sent us a thank-you message. When he landed, he emailed us immediately, thanking us again.

In writing to me, he began with nin hao, which is usually a way for the young to address the old in Chinese culture. After that, he sometimes shared with me his articles by email. Hearing of his death, I could not help but read our email exchanges again.

As Xi recently paid his second state visit to Europe within three months, Wu would certainly have commented on the significance of the trip, on how it will bring China and Central and Eastern Europe closer. Or he may have chosen to talk at an event on the sidelines. But we will not hear his voice any more.

Although his passing is mourned, he can rest peacefully for several reasons.

First, for his efforts when he was working as China's ambassador to France: His spirited efforts led to the so-called honeymoon period of Sino-French relations and between China and the EU. Although it didn't last long, the honeymoon is frequently discussed in reference to China-Europe bilateral relations. At present, China-EU ties are not in ideal shape, but you cannot deny that China's relations with some member states is similar to a honeymoon period.

Second, Wu's legacy from his time as president of China Foreign Affairs University, from 2003 to 2008, is tremendous. Many students and graduates have shown their profound respect since Wu's death, vowing to follow the example he set and strive to work as professional diplomats.

Third, after his retirement, Wu became keen on supporting dialogue platforms to boost understanding between China and the rest of the world. In doing so, teams of young people have learned how to push public diplomacy and how to convince others with sincerity and solution-based approaches. Such workshops for "young ambassadors" ensure they will carry on his mission to bridge the gap of understanding and make this world a peaceful place.

On hearing this, I feel Wu can rest in peace.

The author is deputy chief of China Daily European Bureau. Contact the writer at fujing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 06/24/2016 page11)
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US should reflect on who are revisionists Updated: 2016-06-24 08:42 By Shen Dingli(China Daily Europe)

Although the nation feels China's growing military strength warrants meddling, it was Japan that sparked flare-up in disputes

US President Barack Obama has merely half a year to go before leaving office, and to consolidate his administration's strategy of rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific before leaving office, he visited Vietnam and attended the G7 Summit in Japan.

Obama was the third United States president to visit Vietnam since the Vietnam War ended in 1975. While it is commendable that these two former foes turn their animosity to friendship, Washington is inspired by its geostrategic intent and wants Vietnam to be part of its rebalancing strategy.

The US is deeply upset by China's rapid rise. To sustain its regional leadership, it has not only dispatched its bombers and destroyers to challenge China, it has also been strengthening its alliances and partnerships. Vietnam is seen as being useful to the US strategic plan, and Obama may announce the lifting of the decades-long arms embargo that the US has imposed against this former adversary.

Although the US feels that China's growing military strength warrants its meddling, the facts clearly establish who has changed the previous regional balance. It was Japan that sparked the flare-up in the territorial disputes due to its "nationalization" of the Diaoyu Islands in 2012.

The US should reflect on who are the revisionists, in terms of both history and territory, and which country is upsetting the status quo.

And while it is true China has reclaimed land in South China Sea, it was Vietnam that started such activities. Hanoi has been doing such reclamation work for decades, and is still doing so. Some of this reclamation work has been in the Xisha Islands, which it has acknowledged belong to China. Therefore, blaming China for the deteriorating situation in the East and South China seas is hardly fair. The US argues that China is carrying out its reclamation work too fast and on too large a scale. But if China proceeded more slowly and on a smaller scale impressively, would the US change its attitude? No, it would still point an accusing finger at China.

Tokyo and Hanoi welcome Washington being a counterbalance to China, but they should be aware that the US is using them as tools for its own purpose.

Vietnam should be mindful of its ideological gulf with the US, and realize that buying a few weapons from the US is hardly going to make it more competitive with China. Since Vietnam and China have proven that they are able to resolve their differences, as shown by the Beibu Gulf Demarcation Agreement, they should continue to negotiate and make mutual concessions to find solutions to their outstanding disputes.

US leadership in the region can be respected so long as it is unbiased. But to impose an order with partiality is unsustainable. President Obama's rebalancing strategy has not attained much during his tenure. With his departure, the strategy might be adjusted or dropped. With the renewed efforts to draw up a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, various stakeholders in the region are developing a greater sense of collective identity as well as common security. As this makes further progress, the US' rebalancing will lose its market.

The author is professor and associate dean at Fudan University's Institute of International Studies. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily European Weekly 06/24/2016 page13)
LONDON - The president of the European Parliament says he expects negotiations on Britain's exit from the European Union to start quickly.

Martin Schulz told Germany's ZDF television Friday that he expects British Prime Minister David Cameron to invoke Article 50 of the EU treaty, which would set in motion the exit process.

Schulz says years of suspense would be "neither in the interests of Great Britain nor in the interests of Germany, France, Italy or the other member states of the EU."

He says: "I assume that the negotiations on the exit will now start quickly."
LONDON - European Union President Donald Tusk says the bloc will meet without Britain at summit next week to assess its future after British voters chose to leave the 28-nation bloc.

Tusk says the group is "determined to keep our unity at 27" nations and not have any more defections.

Speaking in Brussels on Friday, Tusk says he is confident in the EU's future, adding that "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."
Russia's Rosneft mulling share sale to CNPC Updated: 2016-06-24 08:44 By Lyu Chang(China Daily Europe)

Russia, the world's top oil producer, is reported by Bloomberg to be seeking Indian or Chinese buyers for a 19.5 percent stake of its oil giant, Rosneft, as part of efforts to cover budget deficits and privatize its state-owned sector.

China National Petroleum Corp and India's Oil and Natural Gas Corp have shown interest in the sale, which would fetch at least 700 billion roubles ($10.8 billion; 9.5 billion euros), sources familiar with the matter said. Rosneft, the country's largest oil producer, will remain the controlling shareholder.

Wang Zhongcai, general manager of the overseas oil exploration unit of CNPC, also known as PetroChina, said in April that the company, as a longstanding partner of Rosneft, intends to participate in Russia's privatization plan.

Rosneft declined to comment, while CNPC was not immediately available.

Russia is putting more focus on energy cooperation with Asia, as China and India are expected to consume 4.8 million to 6 million barrels of oil per day respectively by 2040, according to data from the International Energy Agency.

Experts say the privatization will bring benefits to Russia, given the falling oil prices coupled with plummeting Russian rouble. But buyers must carry out substantial analysis, they warn.

"There are still many uncertainties over future oil prices despite a slight rebound, so it is hard to tell whether Russian oil assets are worth that amount of money," says Gao Jian, a senior analyst at commodities consultancy Sublime China Information Co Ltd.

There are also political factors and management risks to be considered while dealing with Russian companies, especially in the state-regulated energy sector, he says.

Rosneft has been aiming to export its oil riches to China. CNPC and Rosneft have set up a joint refinery project in Tianjin, which is under construction and expected to be commissioned by 2019. The refinery project will have a crude oil processing capacity of 16 million metric tons.

Earlier reports said the Russian company has offered CNPC a stake in East Siberian oil producer Taas-Yuryakh with reserves of nearly 1 billion barrels as a part of their broader cooperation in 2013.

Bloomberg contributed to this story.

lvchang@chinadaily.com.cn

A worker checks a pressure gauge at an oil-pumping station near Rosneft's Suzunskoye oilfield, north of the Russian Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. Photos Provided to China Daily An employee works on a drilling rig at Rosneft's Samotlor oilfield outside the West Siberian city of Nizhnevartovsk, Russia, in January.

(China Daily European Weekly 06/24/2016 page25)
One of the heads of Breaking the Silence, Yehuda Shaul said regarding a village in the West Bankin perfect Englishthat "it's interesting that they've (the residents) returned, because a few years ago, the settlers poisoned the entire village's water."

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I went to Breaking the Silence to try to understand what they meant. They referred me to me an alleged incident that occurred in 2004 wherein several Palestinians lodged a complaint over chicken carcasses thrown into a well.

They wrote about this on the Breaking the Silence website, and they put a short video on their Facebook page showing Shaul attributing the events to the work of hooligans. The fact that there are these hooligans who may or may not have thrown chicken carcasses into the well doesn't make Shaul's words true.

He talked about "the poisoning of the entire water supply." This never happened. He talked about the "entire village being evacuated for a period of several years. This also never happened.

Jews poisoning wells is a well-known anti-Semitic trope. (Photo: Shuttershock)

When we take everything that Shaul has said, and combine them with the words of Breaking the Silence activist Avner Gavriyahuan activist who claims that the IDF shoots at innocent Palestinians as if they are playing a videogamethe result isn't criticism, but demonization.

With this cheap propaganda, people all over the world will come to the conclusion that Israel treats the Palestinians in the same way that the Nazis treated the Jews. This isn't how to bring about the end of the occupation. This is not how to promote mutual understanding and reconciliation between Jews and Palestinians. This is how you increase hostility and hatred. This is how you push peace farther away.

The Independent, Al Jazeera, and other media outlets published a story saying that "Israel is cutting off water to Palestinians during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan." This is false information. There was no stoppage of water in the West Bank.

Al Jazeera published another article with a response from the West Bank Civil Administration. Meanwhile, the leftist British newspaper insisted in the story that they got the information from Palestinian sources and didnt find it necessary to fix what they wrote.

The Palestinians took the story a step further this week, saying, "Rabbi Shlomo Melamed, the head of the West Bank Rabbinical Council, gave the settlers permission to poison Palestinian drinking water."

There is no rabbi with that name who heads the West Bank Rabbinical Council. In fact, the West Bank Rabbinical Council doesn't exist at all.

Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) exposed this concentric circle of lies; the first circle consists of the lies being spewed by Yehuda Shaul regarding the "poisoning of the wells" in one village.

The second circle was an official Palestinian Foreign Ministry communique regarding the "poisoning of wells throughout the West Bank," together with Rabbi Melamed and his council, and claiming that the story was covered on Israeli channel 10.The message included a warning over the expected deaths of thousands of Palestinians, and a condemnation of the silence in the international community on the issue.

The third circle was an official communique coming from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which combined what Shaul was saying and the alleged rabbis of the alleged rabbinical council which allegedly support poisoning Palestinian wells.

If we actually examine the water infrastructure in the West Bank, we see that there has been an infrastructure revolution since 1967.

The West Bank water supply was never shut off (Photo: Shutterstock)

When Israel first took the West Bank, only four out of 700 towns had running water. By 2004, that number had grown to 643 out of a total of 708 towns with running water in the entirety of the West Bank. And while the water needs of the Jewish areas are greater than those of the Palestinian villages, Israel doesn't need to use water resources such as aquifers as much, while the Palestinians do. The civil administration has caused an incredible revolution for the benefit of the residents there.

There's no need to ask the representatives from Breaking the Silence to tell the whole storythat goes against their agenda. But there's no reason to create a falsehood. There's no reason to take one Jew who cheats and robs, and then turn all Jews into cheaters and robbers.

These methods are distasteful when racists do it against Muslims, and they're distasteful when they're used by anti-Semites against Jews. They are also distasteful when used methodologically by Breaking the Silence activists against the State of Israel. We must strive for a civilized Israel, but there's no need to turn Israel into a monster.
The Knesset is in a storm following an unusual bill proposed by Chairman Yoav Kisch (Likud) that would prohibit members of Knesset from petitioning the High Court of Justice, which came to light on Thursday.

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In Kisch's opinion, the "march of MKs to the High Court of Justice" needs to stop, but the oppositionand some members of the coalitionwere outraged and claim that this bill constitutes a damage to the Supreme Court and to MKs' rights.

The bill will be brought forward for an accelerated debate in the House Committee. "The bill's goal is to strengthen the separation of powers and require members of Knesset to exhaust the proceedings in the legislature," said Kisch, "This phenomenon of MKs who are actually making a legitimate democratic fight in the Knesset and in the plenum but then lose and take it to the High Court has become a phenomenon that simply undermines the status of the Knesset.

Yoav Kisch (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

"I don't want to generalize, but this is usually done for the media and PR benefit of the MK. If it's something that is personally related to the MK, then there's no problem, but when it's matters of state that were handled in the Knesset, and the Knesset decided on them, such matters must not be brought in a petition to the High Court of Justice. Others can petition: citizens or organizations."

The chairman rejected the criticism that the bill has received in the Knesset, saying, "Hypocrisy is rejoicing. Members of the opposition are speaking about the death of democracy whilst they are crudely trampling the principles of the separation of powers and majority rules."

The main obstacle now facing the bill is opposition from within the coalition from Kulanu. Its faction chairman, MK Roy Folkman, said that his faction would not allow the bill's passage into law.

The opposition joined in their outrage. Leader of the Opposition Isaac Herzog said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the person responsible for the bill. "The right to stand before the High Court of Justice has been available to MKs for decades. The attempt to harm it is the gun that Netanyahu has been pressing to the temple of the law enforcement and judicial systems and brings Israel closer to the extreme end of the delicate democratic balance in Israeli society."

MK Michael Rozin (Meretz) said, "Less than a month since MK Kisch was appointed chair of the House Committee, and he's already working to amputate democracy's arms and legs. If MK Kisch were familiar with the Supreme Court and not fed de-legitimization by his friends on the right, then he would know that not every problem is solved in the plenum, and sometimes we have to go to the High Court of Justice." MK Shelly Yachimovich (Zionist Union) dubbed the bill "the wild, unequal and unconstitutional new law from the Likud school."
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan expressed his disappointment over the resignation of UK Prime Minister David Cameron. "Cameron's resignation is sad and unfortunate, but proves how much of a responsible and respectable leader he is. I met him when he served as leader of the opposition. At that time and throughout his years as PM, he has developed a deep friendship with Israel. He just recently helped pass an important decision against the BDS movement in Britain."
Former defense minister Moshe Ya'alon came to Rabin Square in Tel Aviv Thursday evening to sign copies of his 2008 book "The Long Short Road" as a part of Book Week. In his book, Ya'alon tells his story and analysis of the major events that have impacted Israel in the 15 year prior to the publication of his book. In those years, Ya'alon was the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, IDF deputy chief of staff, and IDF chief of staff.

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"Read the book, and look at what I did in the past seven years," the former minister of defense said. Ten of children, women, and men lined up to receive a personal dedication from Ya'alon and express their support for his return to the political arena.

Moshe Ya'alon at Rabin Square (Photo: Moti Kimchi)

"I came to tell him to continue (what he is doing)," said Danny from Ramat Gan. "We believe in him, and it is important to me that he personally signs the book for me." Ido, a five year old, shook hands with Ya'alon: "I came with my dad because he really wanted to by the book and shake his (Ya'alon's) hand. I also ended up shaking his hand."

At the event, Ya'alon commented on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's refusal to meet with President Reuven Rivlin: "There's always been a problem with Abu Mazen. He opposes the very existence of the State of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people, and all the rest is all stories, narratives, etc. Thus, he is better off examining himself regarding what he accuses us for in terms of peace process failures. He has never opened the door, but rather always slams it shut and runs to accuse us."

Regarding his possible reentry into political life, Ya'alon noted, "I said when I resigned that I inted to run for the national leadership. As for how, we'll wait and see. I am still a member of Likud, and the question if I can do this with or without Likud. I need to decide that in the future."
A female Palestinian attempted to carry out a car-ramming attack at Elias Junction, located at the entrance to Kiryat Arba close to Hebron on Friday afternoon. The attacker failed to do so and instead struck another car.

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The attempted attack, Friday (:  ")

X

An Israeli man and a women, who are a married couple, were lightly wounded. Magen David Adom were called to the scene to provide medical assistance. The couple, both in their 50s, were evacuated Shaare Tzedek Medical Center in Jerusalem

The terrorists' car at the scene

The female terrorist has been shot and neutralized.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants Europeans living in the British capital to feel welcome in the city despite the result of the EU referendum.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Khan praised London's "nearly one million European citizens" as hard-working, tax-paying residents contributing to civic and cultural life.

"You are welcome here. We value the enormous contribution you make to our city and that will not change as a result of this referendum," Khan said.
The IDF completed recently the construction of its "cyber headquarters": The control center for defending the army's data and online communications. The situation room for cyber defense, which was begun two years ago, has been running operations for several months in an enhanced manner, and it is intended to allow the IDF to fully function, even under severe cyber attacks.

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The subterranean facility that was established in the center of the country and spreads several stories underground will be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with "cyber defense" soldiers, relevant intelligence personnel, and others, as the situation warrants. Col. H. from the C4I (Computer Service) Directorate will command the unit with the title "head of defense operations department."

Last week, Brig. Gen. Danny Bren, the founder of the first cyber defense unit, retired from the IDF. Bren also served as the commander of Lotem, the IDF's technological brigade that includes the army's largest software houses. With his resignation, his role has been split into two: the new commander of the defense brigade, called Brig. Gen. N., and the Lotem commander, Brig. Gen. Rami Malachi.

The IDF is reshaping the face of its cyber defense efforts. (Archive Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

Today, the IDF's cyber activities are concentrated in two different entities: the C4I Directorate, which is more focused on defense matters, and the Military Intelligence Directorate (MID, also known as Aman), where offensive capabilities are also developed. As part of the framework of the Defense Brigade, an intelligence unit was recently established, aimed at providing cyber defense solutions.

With the headquarters now complete, Eisenkot has before him the decision of what the exact structure of the new cyber branch will be. Several options are on the table for the new branch, which is expected to begin operating in 2017, among them consolidating all related activities under a single roof.

Even though its direct responsibilities over cyber warfare are limited to military networks, the IDF is in close cooperation with civilian cyber bodies  the national cyber warfare HQ in the Prime Ministers Office, the Defense Ministrys cyber HQ (responsible for protecting the ministrys networks, as well as those of military industry companies), and the Shin Bets cyber HQ (which protects the countrys critical infrastructure).

(Archive Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

According to Brig. Gen. Bren, who is retiring after 30 years of service, the quick pace of technological change, as well as its availability, is eroding Israels technological advantage over its enemies. Everyone (took) a significant leap on cyber (warfare) matters. The speed of change is so high, that the IDF needs to ask itself whether it can change in a pace that suits the times.

According to Bren, Israel is the only democratic nation in the world that has enemies who desire its kinetic destruction, who have cybernetic abilities, and who combine these two together into a single operational idea. These enemies are called Iran and Hezbollah.

When asked about the question of human capital, and of the salary gaps between IDF commissioned and non-commissioned cyber defense officers, Bren says, People dont leave because of money. If its a reasonable pay gap, they stay because of the challenge. They leave only when they feel that their time is being wasted. We encourage initiative and innovation. What is a successful start-up, after all? Crazy developers, an idea, and an investor. We have an investor, since the IDF pays the salaries, crazies are in abundant supply, and operational ideas? (Lets just say) I wish reality were more dull.

israelwu@yedioth.co.il
President Barack Obama on Friday designated the site of a watershed event in the history of US gay rights, the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, as a national monument, the first one to honor the contributions of gay Americans.

The Stonewall Inn gay bar in Manhattan's Greenwich Village was the scene of a police raid that triggered riots and ignited a long struggle to bring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the American mainstream and guarantee their rights.
Col. Kenneth Moss took command of the 374 Airlift Wing from Col. Douglas DeLaMater, 374 AW outgoing commander, during the official wing change of command at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 24, 2016.

A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another.

"To be selected as the commander of PACAFs best wing is the honor of a lifetime," Moss said. "I'm joining a team of All-Stars, and I'm happy to be a part of it. I'm also looking forward to making our alliance with Japan even stronger."

Moss comes to Yokota from Pope Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was the commander of 43rd Airlift Group. He has more than 4,000 flying hours in a variety of aircraft, including the C-21A, C-130 Hercules and KC-10A Extender.

The new wing commander said he looks forward to serving with the men and women of Yokota as they contribute to international peace, security and stability.

We are the fortunate ones," Moss said to the Airmen of the 374 AW. "We live in a beautiful place (Japan), we work with friends that we call family, and our work makes the world a better place every day.

"Your accomplishments have established a global reputation for excellence; together we will continue to build on that reputation," he added. "I look forward to working with all of you."

DeLaMater, who helped establish and solidify that reputation, relinquished his command and leaves active duty Air Force to serve as a civilian Airman. He is scheduled to be a simulator instructor with the C-130J Super Hercules at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

"It's a great honor for me to have served amongst all of you as you have done all that I asked of you as your commander, and far more," DeLaMater said. "Our Japanese brothers and sisters have graciously made us feel as though we live amongst family, and made it possible for Japan to become home. It is because of you that these American Airmen will stand beside their JASDF wingmen and defend Japan as they would defend their own homeland."
The 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Quality Assurance team oversees five units across Kadena and plays a vital role in each.



Members of the 18th LRS QA team put every effort into ensuring their squadrons products are always mission-ready.



Quality Assurance is like a checks-and-balances system, said Tech. Sgt. Kyle Gamm, 18th LRS quality assurance evaluator. We make sure the flights are running properly. If theyre not, we identify any problems and use them as a training tool so they can efficiently run the mission.



These support operations cannot be accomplished without logistics so its critical to the mission all aspects of the job are being performed properly.



Within this QA office, we have representatives for vehicle maintenance, fuels, vehicle ops, Travel Management Office, and supply/material management, said Tech. Sgt. Larrance Ritter, 18th LRS quality assurance evaluator.



Having all of these units under their influence means the LRS QA office conducts multiple inspections every day.



We have a lot of inspections,

Ritter

said. Well have Pacific Air Forces Inspector General inspectors come here, or our respective functional managers will come and inspect sections. Our perspective is to catch it now and fix it at our level.



In order to identify what problems exist and how to fix them, QA evaluators use regulations, which can come from PACAF, when performing their work.



Its not just reading a regulation, its actually learning to interpret it,

Gamm

said. Different words in different sentences could totally change the way its read.



These regulations are constantly updated and contain supplements the evaluators often use when performing inspections.



Were not going down to the flights looking for something to write-up, Ritter said. Our job is to identify if theres something that needs fixed. Its better to fix it in-house versus someone outside coming in and telling us that were doing it wrong.



The 18th LRS QA office as a whole completes at least 120 inspections per month. They not only do inspections, but they also do personal evaluations to ensure Airmen are correctly performing tasks.



We dont want the flight to get a surprise call,

Ritter

said. Well announce ourselves in the section, let them know what were looking at, do our job, and then on our way out well back-brief them.



QAs purpose is to ensure that processes are performed correctly so the mission can be carried out.



If a process isnt getting done correctly or somebody is taking shortcuts and its not identified, ultimately, it could end up in mission failure, Gamm said. Somebody could get hurt. We try to make sure they have the best information to do their mission.




'Now You See Me 2' star pours praise on Beijing subway Updated: 2016-06-22 16:12 (chinadaily.com.cn)

Mark Ruffalo praises the Beijing subway. [Photo/workercn.cn]

Now You See Me 2 star Mark Ruffalo showed up in Beijing on June 19 at the movie's press conference. In the following days, Ruffalo posted his little tour around the city on his Facebook page.

Ruffalo posted that he tried to live as a local Beijinger. But in fact, he is more like a tourist experiencing pretty much everything the city has to offer: climbing the Great Wall, visiting the Imperial Palace, practicing tai chi, eating Beijing roast duck and Chinese hotpot.

Aside from that, he went out of his way to take a subway ride, showing approval for his experience, "Not so different than NYC except nicer, newer, cleaner and about 10% the price for a fare".(sic)

As reported, Ruffalo took his son and his family to Beijing this time, as his son's birthday falls on June 19. "I love Beijing, so I must bring him along," he said.

Ruffalo is an American director, actor and film producer, he was known for his portraying of Bruce Banner in the movie Hulk.
One of two remaining Doolittle Raiders passes

With the passing of retired Staff Sgt. David Thatcher, the Air Force Reserve Command offers condolences to the Thatchers and the Doolittle Raider Family.



Thatcher was one of two remaining members of the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo led by Air Force Reservist Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle as they flew off the deck of the USS Hornet on April 18th 1942.



Thatcher, 94, died Wednesday in Missoula, Montana,



The Air Force Reserve Command honors Doolittle, Thatcher and so many others as the command reflects on the past 100 years of Reserve Airpower. Looking back at the century of service to our nation, the Air Force Reserve pays honor to the Citizen Airmen who have served and given their lives for the nation and the values it holds dear.


Air Force officials announced fives bases as candidates for the next round of active duty-led KC-46A Pegasus basing on June 23.The bases include Dover Air Force Base, Delaware; Fairchild AFB, Washington; Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota; Travis AFB, California; and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.The Air Force Reserve Command operates classic associate units at Dover McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Travis The KC-46As are expected to begin arriving at the second active duty-led global mobility wing in fiscal year 2020.The KC-46A Pegasus aerial tanker remains one of our top acquisition priorities, said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. It is absolutely essential that we replace our aging tanker fleet so we have the aircraft necessary to maintain the nations global reach for years to come.Air Mobility Command will soon conduct detailed, on-the-ground site surveys of each candidate base in approved assessment areas. They will assess each location against operational requirements, potential impacts to existing missions, housing, infrastructure and manpower.Additionally, AMC will develop cost estimates to bed down the KC-46A for each candidate base. Once the site surveys are completed, the results will be briefed to Air Force leadership who will select preferred and reasonable alternatives for the operating location. The Air Force plans to announce the second active duty-led KC-46A preferred alternative by the end of 2016."Bringing the KC-46A online is a critical first step in recapitalizing a tanker fleet that has been at the heart of global response for more than five decades," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. "This great new aircraft will achieve better mission-capable rates, suffer less maintenance downtime, and improve the U.S. military's ability to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises and contingency operations around the world.The Air Force also stressed the importance of its strategic basing process in creating deliberate, repeatable and standardized decisions.In this process, the Air Force uses criteria-based analysis and military judgment, said Jennifer Miller, the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations. We look forward to the next phase of the process when the preferred alternative is announced and our candidate base communities have an opportunity to participate by providing input for the environmental analysis.The KC-46A will provide improved capability, including boom and drogue refueling on the same sortie, worldwide navigation and communication, airlift capability on the entire main deck floor, receiver air refueling, improved force protection and survivability, and multipoint air refueling capability.
This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

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Shanghai fans plan tribute to Michael Jackson Updated: 2016-06-22 16:26 By Mei Jia(chinadaily.com.cn)

Michael Jackson projected on the LED screen of Citigroup Tower. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Shanghai-based Xu Hao and his friend Zhao Yongbin have brought the King of Pop to the city's biggest outdoor screen.

Estimated to cost at least 500,000 yuan ($76,000), the LED screen covering the Citigroup Tower on the Bund is about 140 meters tall and 43 meters wide.

"Michael Jackson has never performed on the mainland. So, to mark the 7th anniversary of his death, we tried to arrange for fans to dance with him," Xu told China Daily.

"It's a dream come true," he added.

June 25 is an important day for Jackson's fans in the country and they hold events to express their love for the idol.

Explaining how the idea came about, Zhao said Xu was not content with flash mobs and candle-lit nights and was thinking about "something big".

They then spent time collecting money, not only for the LED screen but for a video shoot with the Chinese fans.

They plan to release the video clip worldwide on Saturday, together with special events in Beijing and Shanghai.

"We're glad if the world sees Chinese people act, motivated by their love for their idol," Xu said.

According to head of Jackson's Chinese fan club Zhang Rui, known as Keen, on MJJCN.com, the news of the giant screen reached some of Jackson's friends in the United States.

Michael Prince, Jackson's long-time recording engineer, called the idea superb, and beyond amazing, Zhang said.

Related:

Jacksons theme park to be built in Shanghai
UK Prime Minister David Cameron resigns following EU referendum result Updated: 2016-06-24 18:38 By Angus MacNeice(chinadaily.com.cn)

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks after Britain voted to leave the European Union, outside Number 10 Downing Street in London, Britain June 24, 2016. [Photo by Jiang Shan/China Daily]

After his referendum campaign failed to deliver a decision for the UK to remain in the European Union, David Cameron fell on his sword on Friday, saying that Britain will have a new prime minister in a matter of months.

Cameron was joined by his wife Samantha outside his residence at 10 Downing Street on Friday morning where he delivered a brief but emotional speech.

"The British people have voted to leave the EU and their will must be respected," he said. "The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered. I do not think I can be the captain to take the country to its next destination. In my view I think we should have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October."

Cameron added that it would be up to the next prime minister  whoever that may be  to decide when to notify the European Council about the UK's intention to exit the EU, triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Agreement. This is a notification from the EU to the President of the European Council saying that a nation wishes to leave the union.

Members of parliament took to social media to express their views on Cameron's decision to stand down.

"I don't believe it. Cameron standing down," Conservative MP Mark Garnier wrote on Twitter. "The last thing we need is the uncertainty of a leadership challenge."

Labour MP Diane Abbott's comments were more biting: "Cameron signals his exit just after he splits the country in two. What a legacy."

Conservative MP Michael Fallon told the BBC that it was the "honourable thing to do" as Cameron had "lost the argument".

Bookmakers Paddy Power put former London mayor and leader of the Leave campaign Boris Johnson as the 11/8 favourite to replace Cameron as the next prime minister. Johnson is followed in the odds by Home Secretary Theresa May (2/1) and Conservative MP Michael Gove (6/1). The pair flanked Johnson on the Leave campaign trail.

Having unwillingly led the United Kingdom out of the European Union, Cameron used his speech to remind people about other parts of his legacy.

"I'm very proud and very honored to have been Prime Minister of this country for six years," he said. "I believe we've made great steps, with more people in work than ever before in our history, with reforms to welfare and education, increasing people's life chances, building a bigger and stronger society, keeping our promises to the poorest people in the world and enabling those who love each other to get married whatever their sexuality, but above all restoring Britain's economic strength."
As a homeowner, you probably already know that you should be working to maintain your home. But, chances are, you Read More
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Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Slovenia on the 25th anniversary of your Statehood Day on June 25.

"As a valued NATO ally and member of the European Union, Slovenia plays a vital role in promoting security, human rights, and democracy in the region and around the world.

"Our shared values and interests form the basis for our enduring relationship, including our extensive people-to-people ties and growing economic partnership. The United States greatly appreciates your contributions to stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans and in the fight against ISIL. And we will continue to work with Slovenia to advance peace, regional integration, and economic growth for both our countries in years to come.

"As you celebrate this special day, the people of the United States send best wishes to all Slovenians."
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Washington, DC - The United States congratulates the Government of Colombia on reaching agreements with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on a bilateral ceasefire, a timetable for disarmament, and security guarantees for demobilized combatants. Although challenging issues remain as the two sides continue negotiating a final peace agreement, today's announcement represents important progress in ending Colombia's 52-year conflict.

This progress is a testament to the courage and leadership shown by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos during four years of difficult negotiations.

Under Plan Colombia, the United States partnered with Colombia for more than 15 years and under administrations of from both our political parties to strengthen Colombia's democratic institutions, safeguard its citizens, and improve the lives of the Colombian people. We will now be Colombia's partner in peace. This is why President Obama announced Peace Colombia in February, a new strategic framework for our bilateral assistance focusing on peace accord implementation, as well as the Global Demining Initiative for Colombia, which the United States co-sponsors with the Kingdom of Norway. We will stand ready to help the Colombian people as they work toward a just and lasting peace.
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Wellton, Arizona - Need help preparing for the Citizenship exam? On Thursday, July 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, the Wellton Library will host Practica ciudadania at 6:00 p.m. Review test subjects, learn interview tips, and more.

There is no charge to attend.



Please note, instruction will be provided in Spanish.



The Wellton Library is located at 28790 San Jose Avenue in Wellton. For more information, call (928) 785-9575.
Senegalese President Macky Sall has pardoned Karim Wade, the son of his predecessor and a former minister who was jailed for graft in March 2015, the justice ministry said Friday.

In detention since his 2013 arrest, Wade was serving a six-year sentence after being convicted of illicitly amassing a fortune worth at least 178 million euros ($198 million).

Wade was "freed on Friday morning. He then left Dakar to go to Qatar," said Soro Diop, press officer for the ministry.

Sall had raised the possibility of a pardon in an interview with French broadcaster RFI on June 2, saying "A lot of people are asking that he be released," and adding that "they should not lose hope."

The younger Wade was an extremely divisive figure in Senegalese politics in the run-up to the country`s last election when his father`s bid to seek a third term sparked deadly riots.

Many believed Abdoulaye Wade, in power from 2000-2012, was trying to line him up for succession.
Washington: Initial attempts to download information from the flight data and voice recorders of an EgyptAir plane that crashed into the Mediterranean last month have been unsuccessful, according to a US official.

The recorders are being flown to the offices of the French aviation accident investigation bureau near Paris, which has better equipment for extracting the information than is available in Egypt, the official said.

The official was not authorized to publicly discuss developments in the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The recorders, also known as black boxes, were extensively damaged when EgyptAir Flight 804 traveling from Paris to Cairo plunged into the sea on May 16, killing all 66 people on board.

French and US investigators have overseen the effort to extract information from the recorders. The recorders are made by Honeywell, a US company. The plane, an Airbus A320, is made by an aircraft maker based in France.

The black box memory units typically provide investigators with critical data, including the pilots' conversations, details about how the plane's engines, navigation systems, and auto-pilot were working, and even information about smoke alarms.

The pilots made no distress call before the crash, and no group has claimed to have brought down the aircraft.
Mexico City: Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on Thursday vetoed a section of anti-corruption legislation that angered business leaders by requiring firms and individuals who win government contracts to make their assets and interests public.

Congress approved seven bills last week to create a National Anti-Corruption System in a country plagued by graft that costs it billions of dollars per year.

But the business community, which had pressed lawmakers to pass the sweeping anti-graft legislation, criticized a measure added at the last minute and backed by Pena Nieto`s ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

Pena Nieto met with business leaders this week.

"The government has carefully listened to the voices that argue that this measure is excessive and would make the National Anti-Corruption System inoperable, as it would be impossible to process millions and millions of (asset) declarations," Humberto Castillejos, Pena Nieto`s legal adviser, said in televised remarks.

The president requested Congress to hold an extraordinary session to change the legislation, Castillejos said.
Washington: South Asian groups in the US have expressed disappointment over a Supreme Court decision blocking two immigration reform programmes of Obama administration which was benefitting thousands of illegal migrants from the community including those from India.



The Supreme Court's failure to reach a consensus will leave millions of undocumented individuals, including several hundred thousand South Asians, bereft of any immigration options and will ensure that they continue to operate as a part of our shadow economy, South Asian Association of North America (SAAB North America) said yesterday.



"As an organisation committed to the South Asian community, we are intensely frustrated that the Supreme Court refused to validate these Executive Actions which would have served to legitimise thousands of individuals who are now forced to remain on the margins of society and, unlike millions of those before them, are denied the American dream," said SABA North America president Vichal Kumar.



"Today's ruling is a catalyst for the next Congress to act and ensure that all immigrants have a path to the full benefits of citizenship and allow us to live up to our core values of fairness and opportunity," said Suman Raghunathan, executive director of the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).



"This is a disappointing outcome that leaves over 4 million people uncertain about their future and keeps them in the shadows. The President's approach was sensible and consistent with prior executive actions.

This unsatisfying outcome underscores the importance and the urgent necessity for Congress to take up immigration reform," said Immigration co-Chairs Kalpana Peddibhotla and Tejas Shah.



SAALT expressed its profound disappointment that Supreme Court 4-4 split in US v. Texas failed to reach a decision on the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs, part of the President's executive action on immigration issued in November 2014.



The original DACA program announced in 2012 remains, and the Supreme Court ruling upheld a lower court ruling blocking the DAPA and expanded DACA programs.



"As a result of today's ruling, millions of immigrants, including 450,000 undocumented Indian Americans alone, cannot contribute to the economy and pursue their dreams. The only real solution is legislative change through Comprehensive Immigration Reform," SAALT said.



Nearly 225,000 Indian and Pakistani individuals are eligible for DACA and DAPA. India ranks among the top 10 origin countries with individuals eligible for DACA, and ranks third among individuals eligible for DAPA. At least 23,000 Indian and Pakistani youth are eligible for DACA and expanded DACA. At least 200,000 Indian and Pakistani individuals are eligible for DAPA.
Washington: The US Supreme Court`s 4-4 tied decision over President Barack Obama`s immigration policy, which left nearly five million undocumented immigrants in a legal limbo, became the most important issue at the conference of Latino politicians of America.

"The community is very disappointed", the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Official`s (NALEO) president Arturo Vargas told EFE news at the NALEO annual conference held on Thursday.

NALEO, one of the most important Hispanic organisations in the US, is holding a conference in Washington from today to June 25 and thousands of Latino officials and national leaders across the country are participating.

The Supreme Court decided to block Obama`s plan to legalize millions of illegal immigrants is something that Vargas "had expected from this Supreme Court", evenly divided between the four liberal justices and four conservative.

The draw among eight judges of the High Court, and the absence of the ninth judge after the death of the ultra-conservative Justice Antonin Scalia last February, blocked Obama`s plan to lift the threat of deportation from undocumented residents.

Vargas added that the immigration reform bill must be advanced because it is the "only law that is going to fix the situation".

Among the political leaders who attended the conference is California congressman and the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Xavier Becerra.

"The eight judges in the Supreme Court are those who will tell us whether our relatives, neighbours or friends will have the opportunity to emerge from the shadows or whether our children will have access to higher education," Becerra said during his speech at the NALEO annual conference.

Although both likely candidates, Hillary Clinton of the Democratic Party and Republican Donald Trump, rejected a NALEO invitation, Senator Bernie Sanders, who won the votes from Latinos with his "comprehensive immigration reform" bill, attended the conference.
Sydney: A piece of aircraft debris found off the coast of Tanzania will be examined to see whether it could be from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Australian officials said on Friday.

Australia's Transport Minister Darren Chester gave no description of the fragment found on

"The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is seeking further information on the debris to ascertain whether it was from the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777,

The bureau said Malaysian officials were in contact with Tanzanian authorities to arrange for the piece to be examined.

The final location of

But pieces of debris thought almost certainly to have come from the plane have washed up on the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion and Mauritius as well as in South Africa and Mozambique.

In May, Chester said three more pieces were to be tested -- two from Mauritius and another from Mozambique, but gave no further details.

Australia is coordinating the underwater search for the plane in the southern Indian Ocean far off its western coast and so far some 105,000 square

Australia, Malaysia and China -- which had significant numbers of citizens on the plane -- have said the hunt will be abandoned once the agreed search area is thoroughly combed.

Officials from the three countries met earlier this week to discuss the search and Chester said discussions were productive but gave no further details ahead of a ministerial meeting planned for late July.
Aurangabad: It seems that Bihar's law and order has taken a back seat in the state once again. A day after five men gang-raped a girl in Motihari district, another girl was attacked with acid here on Friday.

As per CNN-NEWS18, the victim has been referred to Gaya medical college in a very critical condition.

The 14-year-old girl and her mother today received burn injuries when allegedly a man threw acid on them at Rafigunj area in Bihar's Aurangabad district, the report added.

"The man had barged into the girl's house at Raja Nagar and threw acid at her apparently for rebuffing his advances and injured her grievously," Deputy Superintendent of Police P N Sahu said, as per PTI.

He further said, "Her mother, who was present at the spot, too sustained burn injuries as the acid sprinkled on her too. Her mother was admitted in a primary health centre at Rafiganj."

The cop further informed that the girl, a Class IX student, suffered severe injuries on her face and other parts of the body. The girl had yesterday rebuffed advances by the man when she was returning home from her tuition classes.

The attacker is absconding and a probe has been initiated, he added.

(With PTI inputs)


Chennai: Days after a lawyer was hacked to death in broad daylight in the city, a young Infosys employee was killed in a similar fashion at Nungambakkam railway station on Friday morning.

24-year-old S Swathi, a resident of Choolaimedu, was waiting at platform number 2 to take the suburban train to reach her workplace at Mahindra Tech Park when a man, wearing green shirt and black pants, approached her.

After a few minutes of heated arguments, he took out a sickle from his travelling bag and hacked attacked her multiple times. Swathi tried to run but lost balance and fell on the ground.

Her assailant escaped before those present on the platform could react; Swathi lay there bleeding to a painful death. Her body lay on the platform for two hours before it was shifted to the mortuary.

Reports said that the police suspect that someone known to her was behind the dastardly attack and is questioning her family and friends to get some leads.
Raipur: In a bid to check air pollution, the Chhattisgarh government has decided to impose a ban on commercial vehicles like buses older than 12 years and trucks and auto-rickshaws which have been running for more than 10 years.

"Chief Minister Raman Singh has given directives to senior officials to undertake stern steps to control pollution and protect the environment in the interest of the masses," Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board Chairperson Aman Kumar Singh said yesterday.

Buses older than 12 years and trucks running for more than 10 years should not be given permits from now onwards and the owners will be given a time limit of one year to buy new vehicles for registration, he said.

Registration would also not be done of more than eight years old vehicles coming from others states, he said.

Also, no permits will be sanctioned in Raipur, Durg-Bhilai and Bilaspur to autorickshaws which are more than 10-years old, he said

The auto-rickshaw owners will be given a one-year period to convert their vehicles. After the expiry period, the owners will not be given permits.

Singh said that e-rickshaws will be encouraged by being provided financial assistance.

In another important step to conserve the environment, an online monitoring of pollution levels of industrial units should be done, he said.

If the managements of industries violate guidelines more than twice a month, then steps should be taken to close down the defaulting units, he said.

The Chief Minister has also directed the officials to prepare a master plan to curb pollution in the state capital Raipur, Singh said.

Raipur was listed as seventh top polluted cities in the world by World Health Organisation (WHO) last month.

A strong action plan has been drafted which will help Raipur city to overcome?pollution?menace over the next two years,?the official mentioned.

A master plan to handle solid waste material in Raipur would be prepared soon and the squatters residing in and around railway tracks would be provided free domestic gas connections under the Prime Minister's 'Ujjwala Project' to curb coal-induced pollution, he said.

"A survey will be conducted soon in this regard to distribute domestic gas connections.The chief minister has ordered the officials to launch a survey soon," Singh said.

The government has also planned to plant 23.90 lakh saplings during monsoon in the capital this year while a sewage treatment plant will also be set up here to treat domestic waste, he added.
New Delhi: Inspired by a historic referendum in Britain, the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday sought a similar procedure to ensure full statehood for Delhi.

Britain has voted by 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the European Union (EU) after 43 years.

Notably, the AAP has been pushing for full statehood for Delhi and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been raking up the issue at times.

Taking to microblogging website Twitter, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said:

After UK referendum, delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 24, 2016

AAP leader Ashish Khetan also demanded the same:

After the UK referendum on EU exit, it's time to have a referendum on full statehood of Delhi. In a democracy the will of the ppl is supreme  Ashish Khetan (@AashishKhetan) June 24, 2016

In May, the Delhi government unveiled its draft bill for full statehood to Delhi and invited suggestions from the public.

The BJP, however, said that only Parliament was empowered to prepare and pass the law in the matter as per the Indian Constitution.
New Delhi: BJP and Congress today hit out at the AAP government for hiring a Public Relation agency to publicise its works, saying it was "wasting" public money for "image makeover".

"Instead of Spending on Public Welfare-AAP Government spends Tax-Payers money for Professional help to build image! (sic)," Ajay Maken, president of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) tweeted.

BJP MLA and Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta said: "18 months after the historic win, the Kejriwal government requires a PR agency and is spending crores to improve its image".

"The government hired a private PR agency despite having an army of media advisors, own advertising agency -- Shabdarth and Directorate Information and Publicity. It is wastage of hard earned public money," he said.

Reacting to it, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds information and publicity portfolio, said the government committed no crime by hiring a PR firm.

"Some tv channels are saying the AAP government has spent Rs 200 crore to hire a PR agency. This is incorrect. Hiring a PR agency to publicise government's works is not a crime. Let the Lt Governor order a probe into the matter," Sisodia told reporters here.

The AAP government has appointed PR firm Perfect Relations as its media consultant.
New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Friday asked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to allow an `impartial` probe into the NDMC officer MM Khan murder case by not giving it `political colour` and added that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government should realise that they are no longer a street organisation.

"The AAP which is the ruling party of Delhi they have to realise that they are no more a street organisation who can say anything which is not in tune with the constitutional provision. While the investigation is on, the AAP and the Delhi Chief Minister continues to attack the Delhi lieutenant government and some other people. It is very unbecoming on the part of the Delhi Government. While the case is being investigated if you try to draw a political color to it then it will dilute the case," Rijiju told ANI here.

Rijiju said the Center has full faith in the Delhi Police, and therefore, is making `good progress` in the case.

"They (AAP) are the ruling party and they must behave in that way. The matter related to MM Khan murder case is being investigated fairly and impartially by the Delhi Police. And we have full faith in Delhi police. We have full faith in LG and Delhi Police that the truth will come out and the guilty will be punished," he added.

He further said that the Delhi Government headed by the AAP is playing politics and is throwing the great opportunities they have received from the people of Delhi to serve them and work for them.

As the controversy rages over the murder of NDMC legal adviser MM Khan, the Delhi police had yesterday claimed it is conducting an impartial probe into the matter and gave clean chit to BJP MP Maheish Girri and NDMC vice-chairman Kanwar Singh Tanwar.

The AAP had earlier alleged that lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung`s role in the Khan case was `suspicious` and demanded his arrest. "His (Jung`s) role is suspicious in the case. Why had he written to the NDMC, seeking action against Khan? We demand that the L-G be arrested and sacked from his position," AAP Delhi unit convener Dileep Pandey said at a press conference.

LG Jung`s office had yesterday issued a statement calling the AAP`s allegations as "frivolous" and said the murder was a grave tragedy for Mr. Khan`s family.

"Everyone understands that the claims of the AAP are frivolous and, therefore, the attempt to draw political mileage from this tragedy is sad," a statement from Mr Jung`s office said.

The statement clarified that a letter was submitted by Mr Girri to the L-G on May 10 stating that in any dispute between the Licensee and the Licensor, in this case regarding that of a prominent hotel in central Delhi, arbitration would rest before the L-G under Clause 54 of the License Deed.

This letter was forwarded to the Chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council "for necessary action as per law".
London: Nigel Farage, the leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party, said on Friday that Britain should now have a "Brexit government" after it voted to leave the European Union.

"We now need a Brexit government," he told reporters outside parliament. "We`ve left behind a failing political union."
Edinburgh: A second Scottish independence referendum is "highly likely" and should take place before Britain leaves the European Union, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday.

Scotland voted to stay in the EU by 62 to 38 percent in a referendum on Thursday, putting it at odds with the United Kingdom as a whole, which voted 52-48 in favor of leaving.

"It is a statement of the obvious that the option of a second independence referendum must be on the table and is on the table," Sturgeon told a news conference.

"As things stand, Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against her will. I regard that as democratically unacceptable," she added.

"I think an independence referendum is now highly likely."

Scots rejected independence from the rest of the United Kingdom by 55 to 45 percent in a 2014 referendum, but since then Sturgeon's pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) has surged, winning several elections.

EU membership was one of the key issues in 2014, with those campaigning for Scotland to stick with the United Kingdom arguing that an independent Scotland would not be able to remain a member of the bloc.

Sturgeon said many Scots who had voted against independence for that reason were now re-assessing their decision.
London: Britain`s vote to leave the European Union fired up populist eurosceptic parties across the continent on Friday, giving fresh voice to their calls to leave the bloc or its euro currency.

Right-wing and anti-immigrant parties in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France demanded referendums on membership of the union, while Italy`s 5-Star movement said it would pursue its own proposal for a vote on the euro.

Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch anti-immigrant PVV party, said he would make a Dutch referendum on EU membership a central theme of his campaign to become prime minister in next year`s parliamentary election.

"I congratulate the British people for beating the political elite in both London and Brussels and I think we can do the same," Wilders told Reuters. "We should have a referendum about a `Nexit` as soon as possible."

On Thursday, Britons voted to leave the 28-nation EU, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.

"There is no future any more (for the EU)," Wilders said.

France`s far right National Front party also called for a French referendum on European Union membership, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda.

Party leader Marine Le Pen celebrated the result by displaying the British flag on her Twitter page.

"Victory for freedom!" she said. "We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries." Her deputy, Florian Philippot said: "Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit."

Le Pen said last month that if she won next year`s French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU.

She is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the vote, although polls see her losing the run-off.

Analysts and a few FN officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy was partly to blame for holding the party back in the past. But the Brexit vote could help it overcome this, Ifop pollster`s analyst Frederic Dabi said.

"OUR TURN"

The populist anti-immigration Danish People`s Party (DF), an ally of Denmark`s right-leaning government, also called for a referendum on membership of the European Union.

"I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have it now," DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl said.

The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance.

Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a "slimmer EU".

In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats, which has the support of around 17 percent of voters according to a poll last month, said it would step up pressure for change.

"We demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum," party leader Jimme Akesson said.

Austria`s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) called for the heads of the European Commission and European Parliament to resign after the Brexit vote, and said it may also call for a referendum unless the EU is reformed.

Italy`s second most popular party, the opposition 5-Star Movement described the result as a lesson in democracy and promised to pursue its own proposal for an Italian referendum on the euro.

The party, considered a genuine contender for government at the next general election, wants Italy to hold a "consultative" or non-binding referendum on whether to remain in the euro zone.

"Whether you like it or not the British people have chosen," said lower house deputy Alessandro Di Battista, a member of 5-Star`s leadership committee.

The right-wing Northern League, a member of Italy`s opposition centre-right, was more outspoken. "Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn," party leader Matteo Salvini said.
Brussels: After Britain voted to leave the European Union, the next hours, days and weeks will be crucial for the future of the bloc.

Here are the next steps after "Brexit":

Foreign ministers from the EU`s six founding countries -- France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg -- will meet in Berlin on Saturday.

Ambassadors from the 28 member states are set to meet in Brussels on Sunday to prepare for next week`s European Summit.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will host French President Francois Hollande, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and EU President Donald Tusk in Berlin on Monday.

They are set to discuss plans for a long-rumoured Franco-German initiative on reforms for the EU to dispel doubts on the project in the wake of Brexit, and a better integrated defence and security strategy for Europe.

On Monday the European Commission`s top officials, who are nominated by the EU`s 28 member states, begin mapping out the long road to an official Brexit at an extraordinary meeting in Brussels.

MEPs have also called for an extraordinary session of the European Parliament to be held in Brussels on Monday in the case of a Brexit vote.

The 28 EU leaders -- still including British Prime Minister David Cameron, who says he will resign in October-- meet on June 28 and 29 in Brussels to digest and debate the results of Thursday`s Leave vote.

It was originally due to be held on June 23 but was postponed after the British referendum date was announced.

Cameron has said he will leave it to his successor to trigger Article 50 of the EU`s Lisbon Treaty, officially notifying EU leaders of Britain`s intention to leave. But the EU wants Britain to do it immediately.

On July 1, the Netherlands hands over the EU`s six-month rotating presidency to the relatively inexperienced Slovakia, which now must lead the negotiations towards Brexit.

Britain had been due to take the helm at the end of 2017 but will now give that up.

EU civil servants delay summer holidays to begin the painstaking legal work to bring about Brexit.

The official British divorce from Europe would take at least two years. But Tusk has warned that the whole process of negotiating trade and immigration deals with a non-EU Britain could take seven years in all.
Poland: Poland`s foreign minister on Friday, said that Britain`s vote to leave the EU meant it was time to rethink the old Franco-German model of closer European political integration.

"We have to reconsider the future of European integration", Witold Waszczykowski told the PAP news agency, questioning whether the push for "one political body with centralised authorities" could work.

After negotiating a new relationship between the EU and Britain, "perhaps the EU, the eurocrats, and European politicians will reflect on how to develop Europe in order to avoid further exits."

"It`s a day of reflection, a day of serious discussion about whether the direction of change in the EU that was decided many years ago, the Franco-German model, is what Europe wants," he added.

Britain`s decision to leave the EU "means a different Europe. We must negotiate a new Europe," said Waszczykowski, whose right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party has long railed against closer political integration with Brussels.

He also warned against the "eurozone`s domination of the EU".
Edinburgh: Former First Minister and Scottish National party leader Alex Salmond said he believes Scotland must now stage a second independence referendum before the UK`s exit from the European Union (EU) is effected within the next two years.

Britan on Thursday voted narrowly -- 51.9 per cent to 48.1 per cent -- to exit the EU.

Salmond said on Friday the Brexit vote, despite a large majority in Scotland in favour of the EU, is a material change in Scotland`s constitutional position.

Salmond told BBC Radio Scotland: "This changes the whole context of Scottish independence".

implement her manifesto pledge to call for a second referendum if there was "a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will".

"I`m quite certain that Nicola will start to implement that manifesto."

His intervention implies that he expects Sturgeon to press for a quick second poll.

She has been hesitant on the case for an immediate referendum because there is no clear or substantial support for it in recent opinion polls.

Sturgeon is due to make a statement in Edinburgh later on Friday. While insisting that her government is given a direct role in the UK government`s negotiations with the EU on exiting, the first minister could also demand that Westminster gives Holyrood the legal authority to stage a second referendum if it wants to.

Scotland held a referendum in September 2014 where voters were asked: "Should Scotland be an independent country?".

The "No" side won, with 55.3 per cent voting against independence and 44.7 per cent voting in favour.
Rajkot: The Rajkot police on Thursday arrested a retired senior accountant in the murder case of his own son.

According to reports, retired accountant Naran Vasoya hired contract killers to kill his elder son Dipesh Vasoya.

The police have also nabbed two others, who carried out the alleged murder for money, in connection with the case.

33-year-old Dipesh Vasoya, a resident of Manhar Plot area here went missing on Tuesday evening after he went to meet a man who rang him up saying that he had found his lost cell phone.

However, on Wednesday morning, Dipesh was found dead in a ditch in Raiyadhar area of the city.

According to reports, the local police grilled one suspect and his nephew in connection with the missing mobile phone.

Finding their answers non satisfactory, the cops continued the probe when they confessed the crime and claimed that it was Naran who had given them a contract to kill Dipesh.
Islamabad: The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the applications of Pakistan and India for the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) could not be considered in isolation from the goal of maintaining strategic stability in South Asia.

"It has been Islamabad's consistent position that the question of Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) membership for non-NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty signatory) states must be dealt with in accordance with a single, uniform, non-discriminatory and fair criteria," said MoFA spokesperson Mohammed Nafees Zakaria, while answering a question on efforts put in by Pakistan to block India's entry in the NSG during a media briefing here on Thursday.

He, therefore, added, "It is absolutely essential for the NSG to consider the Indian and Pakistani applications simultaneously and in an even-handed manner."

Saying that Islamabad has been making efforts to muster support of the NSG members for its membership, Zakaria added: "Pakistan's NSG membership is in the interest of nuclear trading countries as it will further promote NSG's non-proliferation objectives by the inclusion of a state with nuclear supply capabilities and its adherence to NSG Guidelines."

Earlier in the day, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that exception for NSG membership could disturb strategic stability in South Asia.

"Pakistan has made notable efforts over the years to strengthen its export controls, command and control and nuclear safety and security. The President also said that any exception given for NSG membership could disturb strategic stability in South Asia," MoFA said in a statement.

Pakistan President Hussain, who held a bilateral meeting with the Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Head of State Council Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), discussed the subject of Pakistan's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

India is seeking its induction into the elite group of NSG.
New Delhi: While Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has made a lot of noise over the issue of PM Narendra Modis degree, he has now himself landed in trouble after a website claimed that he got admission into IIT- Kharagpur through fake quota and not on merit.

A website named 'thelotpot.com' has made big revelations regarding Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief's IIT-Kharagpur background.

As a proof, the website also posted a copy of an RTI reply on Kejriwal's admission into IIT-K which showed that there is no record of the AAP chief's rank card while the same is available for most of the students.

In support of its claim, the website further quoted a report by 'Hindustan Times', which talked about an illegal discretionary admission quota held secretly and illegally by the IIT-K for children of its staff and teachers for over four decades  admitting dozens of students to seats which the institution failed to secure through IIT- Joint Entrance Examination.

The students whose score cards are missing are those who got admitted through this illegal quota as preserving their score cards will expose the IIT- authorities for this grave illegal work, the website claimed.

However, this quota system got banned in 2005 and Kejriwal got into the IIT-K in 1985, it further claimed.

Interestingly, firebrand BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, who had sought details of the process by which Kejriwal got admission into IIT-Kharagpur in the 1980s and was awarded a B Tech (Hons) degree, has tweeted the expose made by the website.

Big Big Expose: Kejriwal got in IIT through fake Quota- Not on Merit- Documents Exposed https://t.co/brV1AJn75J via @thelotpot  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 24, 2016

Addressing a press release on Thursday, Swamy had cited an RTI reply from the institute which was asked to provide the basis of Mr Kejriwal's entry into B Tech programme and his All India Rank (AIR) in any competitive exam such as the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE).

This information is not available, the institution said in the RTI reply, he added.

"All his life he (Kejriwal) has done fraud. He says he was a meritorious student in IIT but I have records of how he got his admission...which I will reveal in a press conference. Till now I was Rajan ke peechhe and he is now gone," Swamy had said.
Seoul (South Korea): India will have to wait for some more time to gain membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), as the 26th plenary meeting of the group held in Seoul, South Korea, concluded on Friday without any fruitful results for New Delhi.

- Expressing confidence, the MEA said, "We are confident that the NSG will recognise these benefits as it deliberates further on this issue."

- Indias participation in the NSG will further strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and make global nuclear commerce more secure, Swarup said, adding it would advance energy security and make a difference to combating climate change.

- Commenting on China's claim that India needs to sign the NPT first before joining the NSG, he says there is no contradiction between the NPT and India's closer engagement with the NSG.

- "It is also our understanding that most countries want an early decision. A few countries raised issues regarding the process for India's participation in the NSG. It is self-evident that process issues would not arise if these countries were actually opposed to our participation. This is corroborated by our own bilateral engagement with each of these countries," Swarup says.

- It has been suggested that Indias participation in the NSG requires it to join the NPT. Our stand on the issue is well-known, Swarup said.

- Even as India failed to gain membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Vikas Swarup underlines that a number of countries supported Indias membership and appraised New Delhis application positively. On behalf of the nation, he thanked each State. "It is also our understanding that the broad sentiment was to take this matter forward," the MEA said.

- The Nuclear Suppliers' Group says it discussed technical, legal and political aspects of the participation of non-NPT States in the elite group.

- Participating Governments called on all the States to exercise vigilance and ensure effective implementation of all UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) relevant for the working of NSG.

- Brazil supports India's bid for NSG but called for common criteria for all non-NPT states. It further states that New Delhi has by far a better nuclear proliferation record than Islamabad.

- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launches a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after China and Switzerland opposed India's bid for Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) membership in Seoul meet.

Also Read: Shocker for India, Switzerland makes u-turn on NSG bid

Also Read: China, Switzerland oppose India's bid for NSG membership; Arvind Kejriwal seeks explanation from PM Narendra Modi

- Canada supports India's bid for NSG in the top body meet, reports say.

Also Read: China remains unmoved, says NSG will not discuss India's bid

- China says it is ready to hold nuclear bilateral talks with India.

- Switzerland, who had earlier extended its complete support, today opposed New Delhi`s bid, citing New Delhi's non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) status.

- China does not back Pakistan or India to be admitted in NSG till they follow rules laid down by the members, says Chinese chief negotiator Wang.

- Would like to see healthy bilateral relations between India and China, like to see them work out whatever differences they have, says US State Department.



- Have made it very clear how seriously we want Indias application to be taken up inside Nuclear Suppliers Group, says US State Department.

- NSG top body heads of delegation meet begins in Seoul.

- High-level NSG meet to continue on Friday in Seoul, delegates arrive at the venue.

- High-level NSG meet to continue on Friday in Seoul, induction of non NPT countries like India to be discussed

- Members of NSG to visit DMZ (demilitarized zone) on Friday, the conflict point between North and South Korea

The first-day meeting of the two-day 26th Plenary of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group concluded here late Thursday evening with no consensus emerging on India's induction to the elite group so far.

However, India's hope has not been shattered yet, with the deliberations by heads of the NSG delegations set to resume on Friday.

Meanwhile, highly-placed sources told news agency ANI that China is not the sole opponent to India's membership to the NSG, but Brazil, Austria, Ireland, Turkey and New Zealand have also opposed India's entry, citing its non-NPT status.

Mexico, however, backed India's membership.

Sources further said the meet also did not discuss the induction of Pakistan into the elite group.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent early today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to make a fair and objectives assessment of New Delhi's application to the NSG and to judge it on its own merit.

Briefing the media about the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Prime Minister Modi had asked China to contribute to the emerging consensus in the ongoing NSG plenary meeting in Seoul.

"In fact, the rest of the meeting was devoted to this issue. Prime Minister Modi urged China to make a fair and objective assessment of India's application and judge it on its own merit," Swarup said.

"He (Prime Minister) said China should contribute to the emerging consensus in Seoul," Swarup quoted Prime Minister Modi as saying," he added.

Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar on Wednesday left for Seoul to make a last minute push for New Delhi's entry into the elite group.

According to sources, this move is being seen as a final push on India's part to make its case. Jaishankar, who is not a part of the negotiations in the NSG's inner circle, will reportedly lobby for India's bid.

This comes days after Jaishankar made a two-day trip to China on June 16 and 17 to discuss the matter with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

China, till now, has been playing the role of a dampener on the issue of clearing the way for India's admission to the NSG by repeatedly stating that it is not on the agenda of the grouping, which began its plenary session in Seoul on Monday.
Thiruvananthapuram: BJP today urged the CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala to quash all decisions taken by the previous Congress-led UDF regime during the end of its tenure and probe all corruption charges against it.

The saffron party raised the demand in a draft political resolution passed in the state committee meeting convened here.

"The LDF government should show readiness to quash all the decisions taken by the previous ministry. It should also fulfill its promise to investigate all corruption allegation cropped up against them," it said.

It specifically demanded withdrawal of permission granted to the controversial Aranmula airport project by the state government.

The proposed project in Pathanamthitta district had run into trouble from the start with environmentalists and local Aranmula Heritage Protection Committee coming out against it.

The resolution also said that the Left government's stand in the proposed 163 MW Athirappilly hydro power project and Mullaperiyar dam issues was "mysterious".

The government and the CM's stand amounted to insulting the people and environment activists in these issues, it said.

Kerala and Tamil Nadu are at loggerheads over the dam in Idduki district of Kerala, but under administrative control of Tamil Nadu as per a 999-year lease agreement, the dam caters to the irrigation needs in southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

Kerala has been pressing for a new dam on the ground that the present one is dilapidated, but Tamil Nadu says it is safe. Based on the report by the Empowered Committee, the apex court had allowed TN to raise the water level to 142 feet in 2014.

The Athirapally project, which received techno economic clearance in 2005, has raised fears among environmentalists that clearance to it would result in destroying wildlife in Athirapally-Vazhachal forest ranges along Western Ghats.

On June 22 last year, Kerala High Court had said the project cannot go ahead without environmental clearance from the Centre.

The resolution also alleged that besides the anti-incumbency wave against the Oommen Chandy government, its "secret alliance" with communal forces had also helped CPI(M) come to power in the May 16 Assembly polls.
Jamshedpur: Maoists blew up a guest house of the Jharkhand forest department and set afire eight vehicles of a construction company at Hurungda in Seraikela-Kharswan district today.

A group of Maoists came to the spot in the wee hours and blew up a forest department's guest house lying abandoned for years till renovation began ten months ago, before setting ablaze eight vehicles of a construction company working in the nearby area, Superintendent of Police Inderjeet Mahatha said.

Some leaflets of the Maoists were found on the spot.

The incident occurred when most of the security personnel, deployed in the area for the past several months, left for an anti-Maoist operation last night, Mahatha said.

The company has been engaged in the construction of canals under Suru dam project.

Mahatha said a major portion of the canal was completed under tight security arrangements by the district administration.

The construction work of the project remained stalled for decades, but the administration has decided to complete it by providing adequate security, he said.

A hunt was launched in the nearby jungles to flush out the Maoists involved in the incident, he said.
New Delhi: An outspoken former justice of Supreme Court Markandey Katju no spared no time in attacking PM Narendra Modi over his frequent foreign trips in light of setback received by India regarding its NSG membership in Seoul on Friday.

The Press Council of India chairman took to Twitter, apparently taking on Modi who has visited many countries ever since he took charge as PM in 2014.

Someone asked me what will happen after Modi's present foreign trip.

My answer : another foreign trip  Markandey Katju (@mkatju) June 24, 2016

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also wasted no opportunity in claiming that PM Modis foreign policy has been a completely failure.

The AAP chief also stated that the PM needs to explain what he does on his foreign jaunts.

PM Modi has completely failed on foreign policy front. He owes explanation on what did he do on his foreign jaunts? Kejriwal tweeted.

PM Modi has completely failed on foreign policy front. He owes explanation on what did he do on his foreign jaunts? https://t.co/rNHlzWS02Q  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 24, 2016

Kejriwals remarks came as Indias attempts to get membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group was stalled, with China leading a group of countries that are insisting on New Delhi being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Kejriwal's deputy in Delhi government, Manish Sisodia too said the PMO must be questioned for NSG defeat.

For its defeat on the NSG issue, shouldnt the PMO be questioned which is only focused on weakening state governments? Is there anyone to question or is everyone busy? he tweeted.

Indias application for NSG membership was taken up at the 48-nation blocs special session in Seoul on Thursday, and is also being discussed on Friday.
New Delhi: In what is certainly not going to go down well with the Union Cabinet ministers, Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, Friday, made a very sarcastic remark saying that ministers in 'coat and tie' look like waiters.

While taking to Twitter, the Bharatiya Janata Party MP wrote:, BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters.

Of late, Swamy has launched a tirade against the Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian. The firebrand BJP leader has demanded their sacking saying they are not working towards India's interests.

On Thursday, the Rajya Sabha MP fired a fresh salvo targeting Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, while making light of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's support for the official.

Meanwhile, Swamy on Thursday also put on hold his demand for sacking Chief Economic Advisor following the government's strong support for him but said that he "will wait for events to prove truth."

The BJP MP had publicly attacked the RBI Governor, saying he was "mentally not fully Indian" and also written to the Prime Minister demanding that he be denied an extension. Last week, Rajan announced that he was not taking a second term.
Tashkent: India and Russia Friday discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the civil nuclear energy and hydrocarbon sector as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to take forward the special and privileged bilateral partnership.

Modi and Putin, during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit here, discussed a range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

"The two leaders discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy, partnership in the gas and petrochemicals sector. They also discussed furthering cooperation in the space sector. Matters relating to trade and investment also came up," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

He said President Putin welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO that has kick-started the process of India's accession as into the powerful grouping as a "full member".

India will have to sign around 30 other documents in the course of the year to complete the process for membership. Pakistan is also being inducted into the SCO as a full member.

Putin said Russia was looking forward to India's chairmanship of BRICS, adding it has grown in influence.

"President Putin said India is a special and privileged partner. There is long standing friendship between Russia and India. He welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO and looked forward to India's Chairmanship of BRICS, which has grown in influence," said Swarup.

He said the Prime Minister thanked Russia for its support to India in SCO and said India as BRICS chair would keep up the momentum generated by Russia.

India has assumed chairmanship of the influential bloc BRICS comprising five countries having 42 per cent of the world population and combined GDP of over USD 16 trillion.

India will host the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-China-South Africa) summit later this year. Russia had the chairmanship of BRICS and it was passed onto India.

The 7th BRICS summit was held in the Russian city of Ufa on July 8-9 last year.

"Both leaders recalled old cultural connections and agreed to find ways of further invigorating cultural ties," said Swarup.
Pune: Peeved by "disrespect" to Pune Mayor Prashant Jagtap, the Nationalist Congress Party and its ally Congress in Pune Municipal Corporation will boycott Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s Smart City event scheduled here on Saturday.

However, the opposition Shiv Sena, which is an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Maharashtra government, has not yet made up its mind whether to attend the function or not, said party spokesperson Neelam Gorhe.

With the latest verbal outburst between the two ruling partners, speculation was rife in state political circles whether the Shiv Sena would boycott Modi`s function here.

Accusing the BJP of trying to "hijack" the function organised by the state government, Jagtap said he had to ask for an invite and later was shocked to see his name missing from the list of invitees for the function.

However, as a protocol formality, Jagtap plans to receive Modi at the Pune Airport, but will not attend the main function as the first citizen.

The PM will launch the first set of 20 Smart City projects with a proposed investment of Rs 48,000 crore at a major function here on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of the Smart Cities launch.

He will be joined by Governor CV Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu at the event where the `Make Your City Smart` contest and Smart Net Portal shall also be inaugurated.
Meerut: Although, the political relationship between India and Pakistan remains largely stretched, the latter has recently shown its generosity by allowing a 91-year-old Indian to fulfil his long cherished dream of visiting his ancestral home in the neighbouring country.

According to a 'Times of India' report, 91-year-old Krishna Khanna still cherishes sweet old memories of his childhood in the 1930s when as a boy of five he had played along with his grandfather at their home in Udhoke, Pakistan.

However, in a strange twist of fate, during pre-partition riots in 1947, his family was forced to flee from Udhoke to Sheikhupura, a city considered much safer.

He still remembers how his family, which was cowering inside a Gurdwara then, was saved from a blood-thirsty mob that had converged outside its gate by the army.

"But I have no bitterness... "Both our countries suffered. All I want to do now is see my ancestral village in Pakistan one more time. It's my last wish," Khanna was quoted as saying.

Khanna, who had been relentlessly trying to obtain a visa for 10 agonizing years, got the news - which he had waited for long.

The Pakistan government had finally granted Khanna his wish  he was allowed to visit Udhoke and Sheikhupura with permission to three others to accompany him.

An over-joyed Khanna will soon be visiting his ancestral home along with his 80-year-old brother Jagdish.

Manzoor Ali Memon, Press Minister at the High Commission, was quoted as saying, ''We believe in positive action. Issuing visa to the senior gentleman is a gesture which is purely from our heart."
Washington: The US today said that there is "a path forward" for India to become a full member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group by the end of the year, hours after the group's plenary meeting ended in Seoul with no decision on India's membership in face of strong China-led opposition.

"We are confident that we have got a path forward by the end of this year," a top Obama administration official said.

"It needs some work. But we are confident that India would be a full member of the (NSG) regime by the end of the year," the official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Refusing to divulge the discussions and opposition to India's membership within the 48-member grouping, the official said details of the internal deliberations are confidential.

But the US strongly believes in India's membership in the NSG and the Obama Administration has "worked closely" with New Delhi and other countries on this issues, the official said.

Without going into details of deliberations, the official referred to a similar discussion within the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to which India was inducted early this month after months of discussions within its member countries.

Like NSG, decisions within MTCR is taken with consensus.

"We expected a discussion on the role that India will play and where it has been," said the official.

"We were able to end discussion this week and we have a clear path forward for India to become a full member by the end of the year," the official asserted.

"That's our expectation," the senior administration official reiterated when asked if US expects that India's NSG membership could be achieved by the end of this year.

"Our expectations is that this would be finished by the end of this year," the official said.

The NSG ended its plenary meeting in Seoul with no decision on India's membership.

China, which had made no secret of its opposition, succeeded in scuttling India's bid despite a significant majority backing the Indian case. Thirty-eight countries supported India, according to Indian officials.
Tashkent: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here.

During the talks with Belarus, the two sides discussed the anniversary of 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Belarus, focussing on all the different spheres of bilateral ties.

Both sides stressed on the need to take relations to new heights. The diversification of trade, encouraging the possibility of Indian investments in potash mines in Belarus and collaboration in the field of science and technology, particularly by drawing on the talent of the youth were priority areas of discussion, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement.

Modi met President Rahmon on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. The two leaders decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in a manner befitting the strong bonds between the two countries.

Both leaders spoke of the intensification of trade and economic linkages, working towards better connectivity between the two countries and of ongoing security cooperation. The yearly celebration of the International Day of Yoga was a special item of discussion, the statement said.
This article was originally published on Money.com.

The presidential campaigns filed their latest financial disclosures this week, showing Hillary Clinton is beating Donald Trump handily in the money race. Trump spent some of the week trying to show he can catch up, with his first public pleas for funds.

We've combed through the campaign expenditures. That's one of the best ways of understanding how a modern campaign works. That might be especially true of the Trump disclosures, which turn up interesting news-such as the cost of hats and ads-that might not show up in bigger campaigns that outsource some functions to specialists. And the disclosures keep turning up surprises, like the cost of hotels (higher than you'd think for Trump's lean campaign) and wine.

o The Trump campaign is just as hands on with social media as you'd imagine. The May report shows $79,717.60 in spending on Facebook ads during the month. That seems to be done in-house. The Clinton campaign has no similar line on its report. It's likely that the campaign has spent money to boost Facebook posts, but that's probably done through outside ad experts. (The Clinton campaign did not respond to an email asking for clarification).

READ:Donald Trump Forgives $50 Million in Campaign Loans

o Those emblematic Trump hats cost real money. Trump reports spending $207,868.13 on hats in May (yes, they are indeed made in America). That's only a part of what Trump has spent on various sale items and giveaways. There's another $694,000 on mugs, t-shirts and the like. Overall, that's more than $900,000, or 13 percent of Trump's May spending -- surely the highest share of any presidential campaign spent on this kind of stuff. That said, selling hats has never been a key presidential fundraising tool before Trump.

o Every kind of fundraising, with or without hats, is expensive.The Center for Responsive Politics (CRP) calculated that in the 2012 election cycle the Barack Obama and Mitt Romney campaigns spent $1.3 billion between them. Of this, $179 million, or 12.8 percent went to fundraising. If the Trump hats were his campaign's only fundraising expense, they'd be par for the course.

Story continues

o Advertising is far and away the biggest campaign cost.According to the CRP's OpenSecrets.org, of the 2012 Romney and Obama spending, $763 million went to ads. The bulk of that went to television, though at least $94 million went to web ads.

o On broadcast spending, it makes sense for candidates not to rely on parties and political action committees. Super-PACs, which spend money to elect a candidate but are not technically part of the campaign have many fewer restrictions on raising funds. But candidates are entitled by law to the lowest broadcast advertising rates. This makes a big difference in tight media markets. In the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, Super-PACs had to spend much more to buy the same ads.

o There are some strange, and potentially unnerving recipients of campaign cash. On the Trump side, the May finance report shows $35,000 in expenditure for web advertising to a firm called "Draper Sterling" the name of two of the principals in the Mad Men television series. According to reports in Gawker and Think Progress, it's hard to determine just what this firm actually does. Meanwhile, on the Clinton side, there are payments of $73,452 to Clinton Executive Services Corporation. That's a company set up, apparently, to manage technology for the Clintons. If the name sounds a bit familiar, it's because the same company also paid the bills for Hillary Clinton's infamous private mail server.

o It's not clear that Trump's lean operation really is more efficient. Take hotels. In May, the Clinton campaign, with a paid staff of reportedly around 700, spent $283,000 on what we could identify as hotels (that includes all the bookings on Expedia.com. The Trump campaign, meanwhile, spent about $252,000, not much less -- and surprising considering his campaign staff is only a tenth the size of Clinton's.

o How money gets spent is a source of tension between campaigns and the national parties. Insiders who are used to navigating the party system take in a lot of money from campaigns. Often the parties want candidates to work with experts and vendors they know, and effectively make it a condition for Congressional candidates to get party funds.

o The ultimate insider is the candidate with the outsider campaign: Trump. As many outlets have reported, 20 percent of Trump's spending went to his own properties. That includes a whopping $423,371.70 to rent Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida resort, and about $13,000 to his son's winery. Trump has paid most of these bills out of his own pocket. But so far he's called that a loan. Donors will be looking at whether Trump ultimately foots the bill, because even active supporters aren't eager to help Trump turn a profit on his campaign.

See original article on Fortune.com

More from Fortune.com
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday arrived at the Palam Airforce base in New Delhi from Tashkent after completing his two-day trip to Uzbekistan during which the Prime Minister held talks with several global leaders and formally joined the SCO after signing a Memorandum of Obligation.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) earlier described the Prime Minister's visit as a 'productive visit'.

"Thank you Tashkent! A short but productive visit for the SCO Summit ends as PM @narendramodi departs for India," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted soon after the Prime Minister left.

Prime Minister Modi earlier today also held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the16th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here.

President Putin said India is a special and privileged partner, asserting that there is a long standing friendship between both the nations.

Putin also welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of the SCO and looked forward to India's chairmanship of BRICS, which has grown in influence.

After holding talks with Putin, Prime Minister Modi paid floral tribute at the bust of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.

The Indian Prime Minister, who arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit, also held bilateral meetings with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
New Delhi: With the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Friday rejecting India's application for membership of the 48-nation grouping, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and blamed him for the setback.

Gandhi put out just a one-line tweet in reaction to the NSG decision but that was enough to send across the message.

He tweeted:

NSG: How to lose a negotiation by Narendra Modi #FailedModiDiplomacy  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 24, 2016

Earlier on Friday, the NSG rejected India's membership bid on the ground that it was still not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)  a prerequisite to become a member of the NSG.

Several nations, notably China, opposed granting India the membership.

This despite the fact that the Indian government, including PM Modi himself, had lobbied hard for the membership of the elite nuclear club.
New Delhi: In an apparent swipe at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy on Friday warned those asking him to exercise restraint of a ''bloodbath" in case they over-stepped their limits.

The noted lawyer and BJP MP took to Twitter, apparently, to take his attack against those in the Finance Ministry to a new level.

People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a blood bath  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 24, 2016

Though he did not name Jaitley, Swamy was obviously referring to Finance Minister's call for restraint and discipline in the wake of his attacks on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian on Wednesday.

Jaitley, while referring to Swamy's attack on Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, had on Thursday asked his party members to follow discipline.

In another apparent swipe at Jaitley, who was photographed dressed in a lounge suit when meeting Bank of China Chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing, Swamy asked BJP to advise ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian cloths when abroad.

"BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters," Swamy said in another tweet.

Swamy has been active on Twitter over the last two-three days, attacking officials of Finance Ministry and taking swipes at Jaitley.
Hyderabad: US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Friday reiterated his country`s full support for India`s bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

He said the US remained committed to nuclear cooperation with India and the latter`s accession to NSG. His comments came even as a plenary of the 48-member bloc in Seoul failed to take a decision on India`s membership, mainly due to China`s objections over India not signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

He, however, refused to comment on China opposing India`s bid for NSG membership.

Verma declined to comment on the stand taken by China at the NSG meeting in Seoul saying it`s an ongoing discussion.

"Because it`s an ongoing discussion, I don`t want to get in the middle of that. Let us see how they evolve," he said while answering a query at a media conference here.

Verma said they would wait for the outcome of the Seoul NSG meet.

"We have been supportive (of India`s bid for NSG membership) at the highest possible level and we will continue to do so," he added.

"I don`t want to answer hypothetical questions," he quipped when asked if India fails to get NSG membership will it affect the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

"We are committed to nuclear cooperation. We are committed to this arrangement and we are also committed to India`s accession to NSG," he said.

The ambassador recalled that it was six years ago that President Barack Obama affirmed strong support for India`s entry into the NSG. "We reaffirmed that many times over the years. We worked with India on its membership. We think they present a strong case and have been strongly supportive of its accession (to NSG)," he said.

On Britain voting to leave the European Union, the envoy said it was for the people of Britain to judge now how best to take this forward.

"It was a democratic process; we have to see how the implementation rolls out. This is something for the people of Great Britain to judge now how best to take this forward," he said.

He recalled that President Barack Obama had hoped Britain would remain in the EU. "But this is how that nation took on a different path. We have to see how implementation rolls out in the weeks and months ahead," he said.

On Raghuram Rajan`s exit as Governor of Reserve Bank of India, the ambassador termed this as an internal matter of India. He hoped that the US would continue to have a "terrific dialogue" with his successor.
New Delhi: A Haryana-based RTI activist has filed a Public Interest Litigation demanding a ban on social messaging Apps like WhatsApp and Viber as they pose a major threat to national security.

According to reports on Friday, the PIL has been filed by Sudhir Yadav, an RTI activist, who has urged the apex court to examine the matter thoroughly.

In his petition, Yadav claimed that these messaging apps were helping terrorists and criminal elements by encrypting the messages.

Intercepting such encrypted messages is virtually impossible - a problem investigating agencies on trail of terrorists admit they are facing.

Even super-computers can't decipher and intercept these messages. Decrypting a single 256-bit encrypted message would take hundreds of years, Yadav stated.

Such apps - including Whatsapp, Viber, Telegram, Hike and Signal - were thus a threat to national security and should be banned, the petition said.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India will hear the case on June 29.
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir DGP on Friday called for strengthening the security for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and asked officials to keep Jammu-Srinagar national highway under continuous surveillance.

DGP K Rajendra Kumar reviewed security setup, including deployment of forces, for the Amarnath Yatra at a high level meeting held at the Police Headquarters (PHQ) here in the evening.

"The officers should identify the sensitive places and strengthen the security grid after making joint efforts. Joint patrolling should be carried out round the clock in these (yatra routes) areas", Kumar said.

He said the highway should be kept under continuous surveillance to foil any attempt of disruption of the yatra by miscreants.

"All busy places, including langars, should be brought under security cover and intelligence gathering accelerated and shared for making preventive measures," Kumar said.

"CCTV cameras should be utilised to get footage of busiest places. Round the clock functioning of joint control rooms and supervision of arrangements by the senior officers should be put in place," he said.

He added that sufficient manpower from different security agencies will be put on the pilgrimage duty to strengthen the deployment grid.

During the meeting, officers from different security agencies gave detailed information about deployment of personnel along the route from Lakhanpur to Jawahar Tunnel and the places of stay of pilgrims.

Police helplines will be established at different places for the convenience of pilgrims, he said.

People's cooperation is a must for keeping law and order maintained and the field staff should develop sincere relationship with the public to achieve better results, Kumar said.

The DGP also asked for strengthening the communication network and maintain liaison about the arrival and departure of pilgrims.

Duty magistrates and the civil administration should be provided full cooperation in the performance their duties, he said.

Earlier, Jammu IGP Danish Rana briefed the meeting about security arrangements put in place for pilgrims.
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has revoked an administrative order slapping Public Safety Act (PSA) on a youth accused of desecrating a temple on the ground that he suffers from "psychiatric disorder".

The home department said on Thursday evening that the detention order issued by the Jammu district administration on June 20 against Yasir for desecrating a temple "is not justified and hence has not been approved".

All PSA detentions in Jammu and Kashmir have to be approved by the home department. The law is seen as harsh and is usually invoked against anti-national elements, smugglers and hardcore criminals.

A person detained under the PSA can be kept in preventive custody for a maximum period of two years without any judicial intervention.

A resident of Doda district, Yasir had allegedly tried to vandalize an ancient Hindu temple in Roop Nagar area of Jammu city on June 14.

The incident triggered violence in the area with protesters torching four vehicles and pelting stones at the local police station.

The state government next day made a statement in the Assembly, saying the youth had been found to be "mentally challenged" after he was interrogated by the police following his arrest.

The opposition MLAs denounced the use of PSA against Yasir in the assembly on Thursday, wondering how could a mentally challenged, who hardly knows the implications of what he has done, be detained under a law meant to deal with anti-national elements.

The state government has now said since this is the first FIR lodged against the youth who has no previous criminal record and as such the normal provisions of law invoked against him by the police should be enough to deal with what he has allegedly done.
Srinagar: Eighteen policemen including two officers were injured Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara town after an irate mob attacked a police post with stones.

"Eighteen policemen including the station house officer (SHO) of Kupwara police station and an assistant sub-inspector were injured when an unruly mob resorted to heavy stone pelting at the police post in Kupwara town after the Friday prayers," a senior police officer told IANS here.

"The incident happened after a separatist leader made an inflammatory speech at the local mosque," he said, adding police exercised utmost restraint to ensure that no civilian casualty occurs.

"Some of the injured policemen have sustained serious injuries and have been shifted to hospital for treatment."

Stone-pelting incidents have also occurred in the volatile town of Sopore in Baramulla after the Friday prayers.
Kozhikode: The Karnataka police on Friday arrested three persons in connection with the incident of a nursing student being forced to drink toilet cleaner in Gulbarga.

The first-year Dalit student from Kerala is now undergoing treatment at a hospital here with severe stomach and foodpipe problems, PTI reported.

It is believed that the student was forced to drink toilet cleaner as part of ragging.

Meanwhile, a team of Karnataka police will meet the victim tomorrow to record her statement.

"A team of policemen from Karnataka has already arrived while higher ranked officials will arrive here tomorrow," Sub Inspector of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (KMCH) police station, Habib, said.

The 19-year-old student was allegedly force-fed toilet cleaner by her seniors at the hostel of Al Qamal College of Nursing in Gulbarga on May 9, seriously damaging her foodpipe.

Based on her statement, city police on June 22 registered an FIR against five of her seniors. A copy was sent to Gulbarga Police Commissioner for further investigation.

She was admitted to a private hospital in Gulbarga after the incident, but her condition worsened after five days and she was sent back home with another Keralite student.

She was then admitted to Thrissur Medical College Hospital, after which she was referred to KMCH on June 2.

Doctors at KMCH had suggested a major surgery as the chemicals of the toilet cleaner severely damaged her food pipe following which she had been admitted to the ICU.

(With PTI inputs)
Kochi: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has recently raised concerns over what he thinks is Kerala's 'biggest terror' and urged the newly-appointed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to deal with it firmly. In an open letter to CM Vijayan, the acting genius highlighted the perils faced by the people in this state.

Mohanlal began by stating that he was not writing a 'friendly' letter to CM but as a layman to draw his attention to a host of issues ranging from garbage collection, road accidents to women's safety.

Writing in his blog 'The Complete Actor', the silver screen idol described garbage as Kerala's "greatest terror". "If anyone asks me about a terrorist that Kerala fears the most, I would say garbage. Keralites who dump their garbage out in the open are also only increasing in numbers because they don't have any place to dispose of their garbage," the 56-year-old actor said.

Mohanlal, an actor par excellence, also spoke of road accidents killing "more people than a war" and demanded that rules be made and adhered to in the matter.

Mohanlal's letter has been very well received by politicians across the state and the common man.`While Bollywood icons like Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have drawn backlash on social media for their comments on 'intolerance', people of Kerala have widely approved Mohanlal's appeal to cleanse the 'God's Own Country' of all societal evils.

The CPM, which is leading the ruling LDA coalition, has responded positively. "Mohanlal is a great actor, he has given a suggestion which the Chief minister will respond to positively. There is a lot of hope, this is there in the agenda of the LDF government and try to implement," said CPM lawmaker MB Rajesh.

An avid blogger, Mohanlal, has acted in more than 300 Malayalam movies in last three decades, besides other languages. He is a 4-time national award winner.
Bhopal: Two days after he was granted bail by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Vyapam scam accused mining baron Sudhir Sharma on Friday walked out of the jail here to an enthusiastic welcome by his supporters.

Sharma was released from the prison at around 4.30 pm, jail superintendent Akhilesh Tomar told PTI.

He first visited a Hanuman temple near the prison where his supporters, who had come in 50-odd vehicles, mostly SUVs, burst fire crackers, distributed sweets, and garlanded him.

"I am innocent. I have full faith in judiciary. I will get justice," Sharma told reporters after his release from the prison after nearly two years.

To a question, he ruled out possibility of political conspiracy behind his arrest.

During his 692-day in jail, he wrote a Hindi book titled 'Aisi hoti Jail', he said, adding he plans to help NGOs that work for jail inmates.

The High Court had on June 22 granted him bail in three cases related to the Vyapam (MP Professional Exam Board) scam as other accused in these cases were already out on bail.

He had got bail in another Vyapam-related case earlier.

The Special Task Force (STF) of MP police - which was probing the massive racket where recruitment examinations for various government posts and educational courses were allegedly rigged - had arrested Sharma in four cases in July 2014.

He is accused of helping at least 12 persons clear the contractual teacher grade II, police constable, platoon commander and forest guards recruitment examinations through illegal means.
Mumbai: Stung by the article in a BJP journal daring Shiv Sena to exit the alliance in Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party on Friday demanded a clarification from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis if it was his party's official stand and said his government would be in trouble if the lead partner chooses a course of self-destruction.

Reacting sharply to state BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari's article in the party fortnightly 'Manogat', Sena leader Sanjay Raut reminded Fadnavis that his government would have to depend on a party like the NCP if it opted to break the alliance.

The article, 'When are you taking talaaq Mr Raut', had dared the Sena to take "divorce" while enumerating the sacrifices BJP has made in past couple of decades-and-a-half to keep the tie-up intact.

The write-up in the BJP came in the backdrop of growing strains in the relations between the two parties with Sena mounting scathing attacks on the Centre through its mouthpiece "Saamana", often in a mocking tone.

Bhandari's article also drew an analogy from the Bollywood flick 'Sholay' in which a jailor character, played by Asrani, asks policemen to march in different directions, only to later on find that no one is standing behind him.

"Probably Raut and his party president (Thackeray) are apprehensive that if they do walk out of the government no one from the Sena would be left standing behind them," it stated.

Taking serious objection to the article, especially about personal references against him, Raut said criticism should be made on policy decisions and not on a personal level.

"Fadnavis should immediately clarify if the views expressed by a certain BJP leader (Bhandari) is the official stand of the party. We believe that such comments cannot be made on a personal level. Criticism should be made against policy decisions and not on a personal level. Making below the belt remarks only shows their level of thinking," Raut said.

"It seems they (the BJP) want to finish off their own government and thereby drown Maharashtra. We have taken the issue very seriously. Remember your government stands with our support. Otherwise, you have the option of taking the support of Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare and Ajit Pawar (referring to the NCP). People will answer you then," he added.

Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire said in Aurangabad that "people like Madhav Bhandari should be aware of the wrath of Shiv Sainiks over his comments against the Sena leadership."

Wrangling between BJP and Shiv Sena, long time allies and partners in Maharashtra and at the Centre, have assumed a shrill pitch in recent times.
Mumbai: The University of Mumbai will declare the TYBCom Results 2016 on June 24 (Friday).

Third Year Bachelor of Commerce examination 2016 were held in the month of April-May 2016.

All the final year BA students will be able to access their results on official website of Mumbai University: Mu.ac.in

Steps to check TYBCom result 2016 online on official website:

1. Log on to the official website of Mumbai University Mu.ac.in

2. Go to the result widget and click on TYBCom result sem VI 2016.

3. Enter and submit your hall ticket number.

4. View your TYBCom result 2016 and save the PDF copy of the score card.

5. Students are also requested to take a print out of their result for reference purpose. India.com wishes you all the best!
New Delhi: After the unexpected decision of Britain to leave European Union (EU), British population is madly searching to figure out what European Union is now.

A Google report showed that 'What is the EU?' is the second most searched term since the announcement of the historic Brexit referendum this morning.

Google Trends Twitter account declared an increase of 250% of people searching 'What happens if we leave EU?'. Other popular related search term includes 'What does it mean to leave EU?', 'Which countries are in the EU', 'How many countries are in the EU?'

As per The Telegraph reports, Twitter user John Brennan noticed an increase in the number of people searching for 'How to emigrate?' Such data reveals that now Brexiters are regretting their decision to vote for Britain's exit from EU.

The search engine giant also saw spike increase in searches for 'Move to Ireland', 'How to move to France' and 'How to leave UK'.
Kathmandu: Nepal`s Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda has cancelled his visit to Australia, apparently due to fears he may be arrested for war crimes.

Prachanda, who was to visit Australia at the invitation of his party`s overseas arm, axed the trip at the last moment on Thursday night, citing the political situations in Nepal. But an email circulated by the office of the New South Wales Premier told a different story.

Australian human rights activists lodged complaints citing Prachanda`s poor human rights record during the 1996-2006 Maoist insurgency which left thousands dead and much more missing and displaced.

Prachanda was scheduled to inaugurate a convention of the People`s Progressive Forum, the party`s foreign wing in Sydney, the capital of the New South Wales. Responding to complaints by rights defenders, the Premier`s office said the issue should be brought to the attention of the New South Wales Police.

An email by Gayle Mitchell, correspondence manager of the Premier`s office, said it had forwarded the email to Troy Grant, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice, and the police.

According to officials, this led Prachanda to cancel his visit to Australia. The officials said Prachanda and other Maoist leaders had not visited Western democracies since they left the government in 2012.

In 2013, Nepal Army`s Colonel Kumar Lama was arrested in Britain. Lama, who was serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan, was on a vacation in London when he was arrested on charges of torturing two persons in an army barrack. Lama`s case is being tried in London as a criminal offence under Section 134 of the Criminal Justice Act (1988).

Universal jurisdiction comes into play when a state fails to provide justice due to either incompetence or unwillingness, rights activists say.
Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Astronaut Tim Peake who recently returned to earth from the International Space Station (ISS) recounts that he missed some of the small pleasures of life like using normal toilet and witnessing weather up there.

Since the time he has returned, he is enjoying even the smallest of pleasures on planet Earth.

But there are perks to being back home, Major Peake said in webcast comments at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, on his third day back from the international orbiter on Tuesday.

"Using the loo, gravity is your friend. That's one of the things we do look forward to," he laughed.

Maj Peake spent six months on the ISS, where relieving oneself involves the use of suction hoses to separate waste from the body.

Other things he had longed for, the 44-year-old space traveller said, were earthly smells, fresh air and rain.

"The rain, it's something that you don't feel up there... Any weather down here whatsoever feels unique and it feels very special."

(With AFP inputs)
Meerut: A 17-year-old Dalit girl bobbitised a man who allegedly attempted to rape her at knifepoint, police said today.

The incident took place last evening when the girl had gone to relieve herself at a jungle in Incholi area here, a police spokesperson said.

The girl snatched the knife from the accused Raees (23) when he attempted to force himself on her, and attacked his private parts with it.

Villagers arrived at the spot after hearing his cries and admitted him to a hospital, where his condition is stated to be serious.

Police said they have registered a case against the man after a complaint by the girl.

They said security has been stepped up in the village as a precautionary measure, since the accused and the girl belonged to different communities.
Mathura: Two persons, alleged to be members of security staff of Jawahar Bag encroacher Ram Vriksh Yadav, were arrested today from Gokul barrage area and arms and ammunition and Rs 20,000 cash recovered from them, police said.

Anil and Devesh, both resident of Badaun district, were arrested from Gokul barrage area under Sadar Bazar police station.

"A .315 bore rifle and 10 live cartridges were recovered from Anil while a .32 bore pistol, 31 cartridges and Rs 20,000 were recovered from his brother Devesh's possession," SSP Babloo Kumar said.

The brother duo were part of the Ram Vriksh's group that had attacked advocates, tahsil staff and litigants on April 4, he said, adding that at that time they were identified but arrested today.

The SSP said chief security officer of Ram Vriksh Yadav, Viresh Yadav would also be arrested soon.
Ballia: "Two people were killed and three others injured when the jeep in which they were travelling collided with a mini-truck near Phephna village here", police said today.

The jeep, which was ferrying passengers from Buxar in Bihar, collided with the mini-truck coming from Ballia last night, police said.

The driver of the jeep, who is yet to be identified, and a passenger, Rani (22), were killed on the spot, police said, adding that the injured have been admitted to the district hospital here.
Washington: At least 14 people, including an eight-year-old boy, died in sudden flooding in US state of West Virginia, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin said on Friday.

Calling the flooding "among the worst in a century for some parts of the state," Tomblin told reporters that damage is widespread and devastating. The death toll could rise further, Xinhua reported.

The West Virginia governor added that search and rescue missions were a top priority.

A state of emergency has already been declared in 44 of the state's 55 counties, according to an ABC News report.

Rescue efforts are still underway to save some 500 people, including employees and customers, who have been stranded inside a mall since Thursday afternoon after a bridge connecting the shopping centre to a main road collapsed and washed away, said the report.

As much as 8 to 10 inches of rain fell in six to eight hours in parts of West Virginia, said the National Weather Service, calling the amount of rain in such a short time likely a "one-in-a-thousand-year event".
Aden: Clashes in several areas across Yemen today killed 22 Shiite rebels and 11 members of pro-government forces, military officials said, after peace talks hit a new barrier.

Fierce battles erupted in the northern Jawf province when Huthi rebels attacked loyalists in al-Motoon district, triggering a counter attack by government forces backed by warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition, a military official said.

The fighting left 13 rebels dead, while eight loyalists were killed by mistake in an air strike that missed its target, the official added.

Further south, three Huthi rebels were killed in clashes in Bayhan, Shabwa province, another military official said.

And in the southwestern flashpoint city of Taez, six rebels and three loyalists were killed in renewed fighting when insurgents attacked government troops on the southwestern outskirts of the city, a military official said.

Clashes have continued despite a UN-brokered ceasefire that entered into effect on April 11 and paved the way for peace talks in Kuwait.

Those talks received a new blow yesterday when government representatives demanded a full withdrawal of Iran-backed rebels from territory seized since 2014.

On Wednesday, the rebel delegation said it would not sign up to any deal on military and security issues until there was agreement on a consensus president and a national unity government to oversee the transition.

The peace roadmap put forward by UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed proposed the formation of a unity government in tandem with the withdrawal and disarmament of the rebels, although he acknowledged major differences between the two sides' timetables.

Despite a 15-month Saudi-led military intervention in support of the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, the rebels and their allies remain in control of swathes of territory they have overran since 2014, including the capital Sanaa.

More than 6,400 people have been killed since the intervention began, the majority of them civilians, and there has been growing international pressure for an end to the conflict. (AFP)
Washington: President Barack Obama designated the first LGBT national monument Friday, bestowing the honor on a New York bar and surrounding area considered to be the birthplace of America`s gay rights movement.

The monument includes Greenwich Village`s Stonewall Inn bar, the small park next door, and the immediate vicinity, where protests that came to be known as the Stonewall Uprising erupted in 1969 following a police crackdown.

"The designation will create the first official National Park Service unit dedicated to telling the story of LGBT Americans," the White House said in a statement.

On June 28, 1969, officers arrived at the Stonewall Inn to enforce a law that forbid the sale of alcohol to gays.

Customers resisted the police crackdown and a crowd gathered outside, with riots ensuing on nearby streets.

In the days that followed, demonstrations and clashes with police continued, and nearby Christopher Park became a gathering place for members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community to express their frustrations and steel their resolve.

The events are "widely considered to be a watershed moment when the LGBT community across the nation demonstrated its power to join together and demand equality and respect," the White House said.

Christopher Park and Stonewall Inn remain to this day a rallying spot for the LGBT community.

Following the Orlando massacre, the deadliest mass shooting in US history that left 49 dead at a gay nightclub earlier this month, thousands gathered in the area.

It`s also where the gay community gathered to celebrate the Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage in all 50 states on June 26, 2015.

The designation of the monument comes just days before the one-year anniversary of that decision.

Gay rights groups heralded Obama`s announcement Friday.

"The Stonewall National Monument will pay tribute to the brave individuals who stood up to oppression and helped ignite a fire in a movement to end unfair and unjust discrimination against LGBTQ people," president of Human Rights Campaign advocacy group, Chad Griffin, said in a statement.

Within a year of the Stonewall Uprising New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago began to hold annual pride marches. Traditionally held in June, New York`s is scheduled for Sunday.

Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park and their immediate surroundings were classified national historic sites in 2000.

The Stonewall National Monument will report to the National Park Service.
London: Britain`s vote to leave the European Union instantly put the question of Scottish independence back into play on Friday, with Scotland having voted heavily for the UK to remain in the bloc.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the result put an independence referendum "on the table", adding that it was "highly likely" within two years.

She had made her intentions clear throughout the referendum campaign: if Scotland was pulled out of the EU against its will, that would be grounds for a second referendum on seceding from the United Kingdom.

The UK as a whole voted by 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU.

However, Scotland voted strongly for Britain to remain -- by 62 percent to 38 percent, with a majority in all 32 of its local authority areas.

Wales and England -- except London -- voted for Britain to leave the EU, while Northern Ireland voted for it to stay in.

Sturgeon said her devolved government would now draw up legislation to allow a second Scottish independence referendum.

Citing a clause in her Scottish National Party manifesto, she said there had now been a "significant and material change in the circumstances in which Scotland voted against independence" in 2014, when 55 percent of Scots voted to stay in the UK.On the first train Friday between the main Scottish cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, commuters came to terms with the result.

"It`s a bad day. It`s a big shock. We voted for Remain but we`re being pushed out of the EU," said Bethany Swanson, 18, a student nurse at Edinburgh Napier University.

A disappointed Tom, 59, from Glasgow, said if there was a new referendum on Scotland leaving the UK "and there`s a No, it will kill the opportunity to go for independence. You can`t be able to call for a third referendum."

Hugh Brown, 64, a project manager, saw the result as "a good thing. I see it as a benefit for Scotland", because if London wants to keep Scotland in the UK, "they`ll have to give us more power".Sturgeon said she wanted to give effect to how Scotland voted -- namely "to secure our continuing place in the EU, and in the single market in particular".

That could give the British government scope for avoiding a second Scottish independence referendum.

While Britain has voted to leave the EU, it may retain continued access to the European free trade zone.

Pro-EU London Mayor Sadiq Khan alluded to this option, as he mentioned those areas that voted "Remain".

"Although we will be outside the EU, it is crucial that we remain part of the single market," he said.

It should be "the cornerstone of the negotiations with the EU" and it was "crucial" that London, Scotland and Northern Ireland had "a voice" in those discussions, Khan said.

Despite Sturgeon`s declared zeal for another referendum, Professor Michael Keating, the chair in Scottish politics at Aberdeen University, said the SNP would play it canny.

"They won`t stage it until they know they are going to win it," he told AFP.

And the latest polling evidence suggests breaking with Brussels would not make Scots any more likely to want secession from Britain.

A TNS survey of 1,008 Scottish voters between May 4 and 22 found that 56 percent of Scots would vote to stay in the UK post-Brexit, excluding "don`t know" voters.

The pro-EU Ruth Davidson, leader of the resurgent Scottish Conservatives, said: "The 1.6 million votes cast in this referendum in favour of `Remain` do not wipe away the two million votes that we cast less than two years ago."The vote also raises questions about the future for Northern Ireland, which shares the UK`s only land border, with the Irish Republic.

Northern Ireland voted 55.8 percent in favour of staying in the EU.

The UK and Ireland share a Common Travel Area of minimal or non-existent border controls dating back to Irish independence from Britain in the 1920s.

But "Remain" campaigners raised the prospect of a post-Brexit EU frontier being erected on the Irish border -- something that would not be relished on either side.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny tried to soothe concerns.

"The Irish government will do our utmost in upcoming discussions to maintain the Common Travel Area and minimise any possible disruptions to the flow of people, goods and services between these islands," he said.

Sinn Fein, which wants a united Ireland, said it now wanted a referendum in Northern Ireland on joining the republic.

The province was being dragged out of the EU against its will, said its deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, the Sinn Fein politician urging London to allow Northern Irish people "to have their say on their own future".

Some politicians in the pro-British community said they would welcome such a poll because they feel they would comprehensively win it, burying the issue for decades to come.
Vienna: Austrian President Heinz Fischer on Friday called the British decision to leave the European Union a "wake up call" for Europe.

Saying he does not fear a "domino effect" of referendums across the continent, he also expressed his belief that Austria will be able to manage in the aftermath of the British departure from the EU, Xinhua reported.

Fischer nonetheless described the outcome as a "shock" that made Europe "hold its breath".

Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern also expressed disappointment at the outcome of the British referendum, claiming Europe will now lose some of its global standing.

"Today is not a good day for Great Britain, for Europe, and also not a good day for our country," Kern said.

In response to the notion that the British outcome may lead other EU member states to call for similar referendums, Kern said these would "make no sense", and noted that no such referendum would be held in Austria.

He said one must now learn from the result of the British referendum, and "draw very clear conclusions".

This includes paying attention to the concerns of the populace, and the showing of political leadership. He also argued that up to now pro-EU advocates have been "much too defensive".

Meanwhile, the heads of Austrian economic and industrial groups expressed dismay at the outcome of the British referendum on its EU membership, and have called for new ways forward.

President of the Austrian Economic Chambers Christoph Leitl stated the outcome of the vote was "unfortunate". He said the Austrian government and other social partners now have the task of mitigating the negative consequences on Austria.

In addition EU decision-makers must act with "cool heads" as the separation of Britain from the EU takes place, with the phase of uncertainty to be kept as short as possible.

The director of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research Karl Aiginger expressed similar sentiments, noting that while the decisions of the British has led to some uncertainty, it has provided the EU with the chance to implement some long-overdue reforms and measures that could bring back economic growth.

Europe must strategically tackle the issue of economic recovery and not be caught up in the issue of the Greek crisis, or the migrant crisis and "forget everything else", he added.

President of the Federation of Austrian Industries Georg Kapsch said the EU is now required to "provide quick answers for its future viability, to solve the crisis of confidence".
Jiangsu: People scrabbled through the rubble of their homes on Friday after hurricane-force winds and a tornado left at least 98 dead in China, with hundreds more injured.

Whole villages were levelled and huge trees felled when winds of up to 125 kilometres (77 miles) per hour struck around Yancheng city in the eastern province of Jiangsu on Thursday, the official Xinhua news agency said.

In Shizhuang, scores gathered beside a large fishing pond where a male corpse floated in the water, as workers cleared up fallen electricity poles nearby.

A distraught woman who thought he was her missing husband was held up by relatives, as another bystander asked: "How come no one is pulling him up yet?"

So far 98 people have been confirmed dead in the storm and 846 have been hospitalised with injuries, Yancheng`s deputy mayor Wu Xiaodan told a press briefing, according to the city`s verified microblog.

President Xi Jinping ordered "all-out rescue efforts" after what Xinhua said was one of the worst disasters ever to hit Jiangsu, including the worst tornado to hit China in half a century.

In Funing County, one of the hardest-hit areas, residents shifted through the fallen bricks and pillars of their destroyed homes, many with their roofs torn off, and rubble spilled into a river.

Wu, the official, said that 28,104 houses in the county had been affected.

Funing resident Sun Yazhou was driving a concrete mixer truck when a tornado passed him, tearing the glass out of his vehicle windows.

"The sky was completely dark. I was scared, but I had nowhere to run. I had to wait it out," he told AFP.

Zhou Xiang, head of the provincial fire corps, said the search for survivors in the debris had been completed, according to Xinhua, and the clean-up was now underway.

More than 1,300 police officers had been mobilised to help, the agency added.

The wards of a hospital in Funing county were all full, with extra beds crowding the hallways.

Sitting on a gurney in the hospital corridor, Chen Shaoxi nursed a head injury and broken leg that he sustained while saving his elderly neighbours from the storm.

"If it weren`t for my dad, those two would have been dead," his son Wang Minming said.

A factory worker with head and arm injuries and on an intravenous drip told AFP he had been swept out of his workplace by the tornado, despite clinging to a door as he tried to hold it shut against the storm.

"It all happened so fast. I have never seen anything like this before in my life," he said.

"I thought for sure I was going to die," he added. "I can`t believe I am still alive."

The Canadian Solar factory -- which employed around 1,000 workers -- and its dormitory were destroyed.

"I have nothing now. My money, my things, all gone. It was so scary," he said.

Workers and People`s Liberation Army soldiers were removing fallen high voltage electricity poles around the factory, where buildings had been stripped of their roofs by the storm and their windows blown out.

Reports said more than 360 rescuers were deployed at the factory, where two employees of the firm, which is based in West Guelph, Ontario, were missing.

Flooding is common during the summer monsoon season in the south of China, but rainfall has been particularly heavy this year.

Many parts of China have been lashed by torrential rains this week as summer rainstorms have been heavier than usual, causing damage across the country.

Ten people were killed in Beicheng village near the factory -- the youngest only nine years old.

Villager Tang Yuxing told AFP that his neighbour, a cook in her forties, was walking home from work at the factory but got caught up in the tornado, which flung her up into the air and killed her on impact.

Her husband works abroad in Singapore, and her son had just left home for college in the provincial capital of Nanjing.

"It`s just her alone now, lying in the morgue all by herself," he said. "All it took was a crazy wind, and a life was lost."
Bogota: Some 400 UN personnel will monitor a disarmament deal ending Colombia's civil war and courts will rule in July whether a referendum can be held to endorse the ceasefire, officials said.

The announcements came yesterday after the Colombian government and the country's biggest rebel force, the FARC, signed a definitive ceasefire agreement, one of the last steps toward ending the half-century conflict.

The next step will be to sign a full peace agreement, which will launch a six-month UN-monitored disarmament process.

Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin told Radio Caracol that at least 400 UN observers would come to monitor the demobilization and disarmament. She said she expects the United Nations to fund the operation.

The estimated 7,000 members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) will gather in 23 "normalization zones" for demobilization.

Analysts cautioned that several other points of discussion remain to be settled between the two sides, including how to reintegrate FARC members into civil and political life.

The sides also have yet to agree on where the final deal would be signed.

The government wants it to happen in Bogota while the FARC prefers Havana, where the peace talks have been hosted.

"Some points remain to be negotiated, but it seems clear after yesterday's signing that there will soon be a final accord," said Arlene Tickner, an international relations expert at the University of the Andes in Bogota.

The 180-day deadline for disarmament "seems a relatively short time," she however noted.

President Juan Manuel Santos said ahead of Thursday's signing that he hoped for a full peace deal by July 20, though the timing remained unclear yesterday.

Holguin said the signing of the final agreement was "very, very close."

She said the constitutional court was expected to rule "around the beginning of July" on the government's call for a referendum.

In their ceasefire accord sealed Thursday, Santos and FARC rebel chief Timoleon Jimenez promised to abide by the court's decision.

If a referendum does take place, it would be a symbolic gesture that would take place after the signing of the final peace deal.
Havana: An agreement aimed at ending more than five decades of conflict between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group was signed here at a ceremony presided over by Cuban head of state Raul Castro.

After the members of the respective delegations added their signatures on Thursday, Castro handed the document to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC chief Rodrigo Londono, who shook hands amid applause, EFE news reported.

The bilateral cease-fire requires FARC to lay down all of their weapons within 180 days of the conclusion of a final peace accord, according to a joint statement read to reporters in the Cuban capital, where Colombia and the rebels have been negotiating since November 2012.

The rebels` demobilisation, which is supposed to take place in three phases, will be monitored by an UN-supervised international team.

The "totality of the FARC armament" will be handed over to the UN for the construction of three monuments agreed upon by the government and the rebels, the statement said.

Also mandated is the establishment of eight camps and 22 "temporary normalization zones" to facilitate the disarming of the rebels and their preparation for returning to civilian life.

The final peace pact will be signed in Colombia, Santos said in Havana, where he and Londono - better known as "Timochenko" - were joined by Castro and the presidents of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro; Chile, Michelle Bachelet; the Dominican Republic, Danilo Medina; El Salvador, Salvador Sanchez Ceren; and Mexico, Enrique Pena Nieto.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was also present.

"Not only did we agree on end to the confrontations, but we also defined a precise schedule for the FARC to lay down their arms forever. This means no more and no less than the end of the FARC as an armed group," Santos said.

"We were adversaries, from now on we will have to be allies for the good of Colombia," Timochenko said.

Prior to concluding the cease-fire, the government and the FARC reached agreements on land reform, political participation, drugs and drug crop, and redress for the victims of the strife.

The Colombian government maintains that the final peace accord should be put to a vote in a referendum.
Copenhagen: Denmark's populist anti-immigration party called on Friday for a referendum on the country's membership of the European Union following Britain's decision to leave, but the prime minister rejected such a possibility.

The Danish People's Party (DF), an ally of the right-leaning government, said it wanted a referendum about continued membership once Britain has negotiated the terms for its future cooperation with the union.

"I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have it now," DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl told broadcaster DR.

The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. In total, the four parties have only one seat more than the opposition bloc. The DF holds 37 seats in the 179-seat parliament.

Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance. Those two parties hold 51 seats, while the minority government holds just 34 seats and depends on other parties to pass laws.

Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a "slimmer EU".

"We belong in the EU," Rasmussen told a news conference. "I do not foresee that there will be a situation in the foreseeable future where we need to take a break with that".

An opinion poll this week showed 59 percent of Danes would be against holding a referendum similar to the British on EU membership, while 33 percent were for a vote.

A spokesman for the biggest opposition party, the Social Democrats, holding 47 seats in parliament, told the same broadcaster that it was in Denmark`s clear interest to remain within the EU.

The leader of Britain`s UK Independence Party, Nigel Farage, said before the result was known that Brexit would trigger a domino effect in which several Northern European countries would leave the EU, starting with Denmark.

In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats has long demanded a referendum on the country`s EU membership.

"The Sweden Democrats will now increase our pressure on the government, and we demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum," party leader Jimme Akesson said by email.

In December, Danes voted and rejected adopting several EU justice and home affairs laws in order to stay within the cross-border policing agency, Europol.
WASHINGTON: Britains decision to quit the European Union could send damaging shockwaves through the bedrock Anglo-American special relationship, raising questions about Londons willingness and ability to back U.S.-led efforts in global crises ranging from the Middle East to Ukraine.

The loss of the strongest pro-U.S. voice within the 28-nation bloc, as a result of the Brexit referendum, threatens to weaken Washingtons influence in European policymaking and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to further challenge the West, analysts and former diplomats say.

The British referendum on Thursday, widely seen as reflecting an increasingly nationalistic and inward-looking public, also risks the splintering of the United Kingdom itself, which could further reduce its role and stature in world affairs.

Britain`s departure -- which is not immediate and must be negotiated with the EU -- could present the next U.S. president with a decision on whether to turn to other key European partners like Germany and France, essentially downgrading a special U.S. bond with London forged in World War Two.

Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and the president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, said Britains ability to press its views and policy preferences with its European allies and within NATO, where it provided strong political backing to the United States, will be diminished.

You clearly have a much weaker Britain whose sway in European capitals is lessened by the vote, Daalder said. As a result, he said, the United States likely will have to work harder to maintain trans-Atlantic and European unity.

Anything that divides Europe, he added, is a win for Russia because that has been a policy of Putin and of Russia.

A U.S. intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "This is certain to encourage the Russians to continue and probably intensify their campaign of supporting far-right nationalist movements in Western and Eastern Europe as part of their effort to neuter NATO.

Phil Gordon, a former senior foreign policy adviser to Obama, expressed concern that Europe will become inwardly focussed on Britains departure and independence movements on the continent, leaving the United States to shoulder more of the international burden.

The more time it spends on doing that, the more resources it spends on coping with the consequences of that, the less time and money and political capital it is going to have to help us with global challenges, he said.

The administration of President Barack Obama was rattled by the stunning turn of events, including turmoil in world financial markets and British Prime Minister David Cameron`s subsequent resignation announcement.

British officials sought to reassure their U.S. counterparts that Brexit would not portend a withdrawal from world affairs, a U.S. official said. Some of those officials may not survive the change of leadership or further British political upheavals that could be spurred by the vote.

REBUKE TO OBAMA

While Obama insisted on Friday that Britain would remain an indispensable partner, the outcome of the referendum delivered a clear rebuke to the U.S. president, who made an unusually strong intervention into British politics against "Brexit" during a visit to London in April.

Britain`s vote to leave the EU threatens not only Obama`s security efforts across the globe but the U.S. economic recovery and the international trade agenda he is pursuing in his final seven months in office.

A similar mix of U.S. populist anger and anti-establishment sentiment has fuelled the rise of Donald Trump as presumptive Republican nominee in the November U.S. presidential election.

"The drivers of Brexit are the same as the drivers of nationalist movements in western Europe and the U.S.," Clifford Young, President of Ipsos Public Affairs in the United States, told Reuters.

Cameron has cooperated closely with Obama in the security sphere. Britain has been a major military player in U.S.-led campaigns against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, an active ally on the ground in Afghanistan and a strong supporter of sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraines separatist conflict.

Heather Conley, director of the Europe Programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Britains divorce from the EU, which could take up to two years, would now be an all-consuming process that could distract it from such efforts.

"There`s just not going to be an enormous amount of attention of policy bandwidth given to the migration crisis, fighting ISIS, or focussing on continued ceasefire violations in Ukraine and maintaining sanctions against Russia," she said.

It comes down to when we need the UK and its leadership, whether in the Security Council or NATO, its attentions will be focussed domestically, she said.

Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, called Brexit -- which dealt the biggest blow to the European project of unity since World War Two -- "a cloud without a silver lining."

"Im not suggesting that we`re about to return to a situation of conflict in Europe," he said. "But Im wary that it will tear from the fabric of prosperity and stability."

While U.S.-British intelligence sharing  one of the closest relationships of its kind in the world  is expected to withstand the political turmoil, some experts said counterterrorism cooperation with European partners could suffer at a time when Islamic State has targeted European capitals.

It will make cooperation in Europe on counter terrorism harder as most of the former British intelligence chiefs predicted before the vote, said Bruce Riedel, a former CIA official now at the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington.

But Michael Morell, a former acting CIA director, rejected that view, saying counterterrorism cooperation is too important to let politics of any kind affect it.

Adding to U.S. concerns is the threat by Scottish nationalists to mount a new referendum on independence for Scotland, where nearly two-thirds of voters voted to stay in the EU. In addition, Northern Ireland`s deputy leader Martin McGuinness called for a vote to unite the two sides of the Irish border.

The break-up of the United Kingdom would raise questions whether it should retain its veto in the United Nations Security Council, where it has been a mostly reliable supporter of U.S. initiatives.
A general view shows waste heaps at Belaruskali potash mines near the town of Soligorsk, some 130 km (81 miles) south of Minsk, August 31, 2013. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko/Files

MINSK/MUMBAI (Reuters) - The Republic of Belarus said it might cooperate with Uralkali, the first sign the two sides might work together since the Russian potash producer broke off an alliance in 2013 and triggered a drop in global prices.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's comments on Thursday sent shares of rival potash companies higher as previous co-operation between the world's two biggest miners of the crop nutrient helped manage supplies and underpin prices.

Potash Corp of Saskatchewan and Mosaic Co gained 6 percent in New York, while Germany's K&S AG added 5 percent in Frankfurt.

Uralkali is the world's biggest potash producer, while state-controlled Belaruskali ranks second.

"New Uralkali shareholders are coming to me every month saying: 'Accept us,'" Lukashenko said at an event in Minsk, Belarus' capital. "We are not against it. Let's unite, on our conditions.

"Let's resume work and agree how much we will produce."

Lukashenko did not disclose his conditions. The previous joint venture was based in Minsk, which was then a crucial condition for Belarus and the main concern for Uralkali.

Uralkali declined to comment. Its major shareholder, Uralchem, was not available for comment.

The collapse of Uralkali's joint venture with Belaruskali caused competition to intensify and drive down prices, which have not fully recovered.

Talk of cooperation among major players comes after Germany's K&S AG said this week it would carefully manage output of its new Canadian mine, Scotiabank analyst Ben Isaacson said.

"We think there could not be a better signal for investors to revive optimism," he said.

Lukashenko also said Minsk signed a potash supply contract with India on Wednesday. Belaruskali's Belarussian Potash Co trading arm later said, however, that it was still finalizing the deal, which it expects to sign this month.

"I think it's a wonderful contract, taking into account the current prices," Lukashenko said, without disclosing prices or volumes.

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A major Indian customer, who requested anonymity, said both sides were close to signing the deal.

In 2015, Uralkali was the first major producer to sign a one-year contract with India to supply 800,000 tonnes of potash at $332 per tonne.

India and China, the world's biggest fertilizer consumers, usually sign contracts earlier in the year. This year, deals were delayed by high stocks held by farmers.

India's deal would be a rare instance of that country signing a potash supply contract with a major producer before China.

(Reporting by Andrei Makhovsky in Minsk, Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai and Polina Devitt in Moscow; additional reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg; Writing by Polina Devitt; Editing by Mark Potter and Lisa Von Ahn)
Brussels: Britons voted in a referendum on Thursday to leave the European Union. Following are answers to key questions on what will happen next in Britain`s relations with the bloc:

1. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

The EU is in shock and entering uncharted territory. No member state has ever left and Article 50 of the EU treaty, which sets out how a state can exit the bloc, offers little detail. Although it provides a sketchy legal framework for a two-year period of withdrawal (see below), many fear the process can quickly become acrimonious, disrupting the economy and European affairs across the board.

Cameron has said he will notify the Union "immediately" that Britain is leaving by invoking Article 50. But it is not clear how quickly Britain will set that two-year clock ticking and the EU itself cannot, officials believe, trigger the process itself.

Having lost, Cameron faces huge pressure from his divided Conservative party to resign, although he should remain premier until the party elects a successor. Pro-Brexit potential successors may try to prevent him launching the departure process right away. EU leaders have hoped Cameron might deliver formal notice when they meet him at a summit on Tuesday but many seem willing to give Britain several weeks to get organised.

Some Brexit campaigners have suggested Britain should wait before triggering Article 50 to give more time for negotiation, possibly even to win better EU membership terms or to secure a deal to retain British access to EU markets once it has left.

EU leaders have ruled out further talks on membership -- "Leave means leave," they say -- and many want a quick, two-year divorce while negotiating terms for a future, arms-length relationship may take much longer. However, major EU powers appear keen to see as orderly a transition as possible to a new relationship. That could involve Article 50 negotiations being extended beyond two years to allow time for a broader deal. But such an extension requires the consent of all 28 member states, and reaching that unanimity could be problematic.

A deal Cameron struck with EU leaders in February to curb immigration, protect London finance interests from the euro zone and opt out of "ever closer union" is killed by the referendum.

If no treaty is agreed, EU law simply ceases to apply to Britain two years after it gives formal notice it is leaving.

Until a departure treaty is signed -- which requires assent from Britain and a majority of the remaining 27 states weighted by population -- Britain remains, in principle, a full member of the EU but will be excluded from discussions affecting its exit terms. In practice, many expect British ministers and lawmakers to be rapidly frozen out of much of the Union`s affairs.

Some Brexit campaigners have also said Britain should act more quickly, for example to stop funding the EU budget or curb immigration from EU states. That could provoke EU reprisals.

"The Article 50 process is a divorce: who gets the house, who gets the kids, who gets the bank accounts," a senior EU official said, referring to priorities such as settling the EU budget and the status of Britons living in other EU states and of EU citizens in Britain -- several million people in total.

Failing to stick to Article 50 would be "messy divorce territory", the official told Reuters: "It is spouses, instead of working through lawyers, throwing dishes at each other."

An array of laws and EU entitlements will cease to apply to British business and citizens, creating what Brexit campaigners say will be opportunities for more growth and more selective immigration but which Cameron has said will do long-term damage to the economy and Britain`s global influence.

New trade barriers would hurt both sides` economies. But the EU fears a political "domino effect" would cost more long-term.

2. WHAT`S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?

European Parliament leaders meet at 8 a.m. (0600 GMT).

European Council President Donald Tusk, who will chair the summit next week and has spoken to all the leaders in the days before the vote, will deliver a statement in the name of the Council, the EU`s governing body, once the result is official.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU chief executive, hosts Tusk and European Parliament President Martin Schulz at his Berlaymont headquarters in Brussels at 10:30 a.m. (0830 GMT). Also present will be Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose government holds the rotating EU presidency.

Look for a mantra of Three Rs: Regret - at losing nearly a fifth of the EU economy and more of its military and global clout; Respect - for the will of the British people; and Resolve - to keep the rest of the Union together. Leaders will also remind Britain that it remains a full member for the time being.

Foreign ministers are gathering for a regular meeting in Luxembourg. The German and French foreign ministers will meet counterparts from the other four EU founders -- Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. All the bloc`s ministers will discuss the vote over lunch from 1 p.m.

Tusk has plans, as yet unconfirmed, to fly to key capitals, Rome, Berlin and Paris over the weekend to discuss the next steps. Foreign ministers of the founding six may meet in Berlin on Saturday. EU envoys meet in Brussels on Sunday and Juncker may bring forward to Sunday from Monday a meeting of the 28 members of the Commission. French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel meet in Berlin on Monday.

Britain`s commissioner, close Cameron ally Jonathan Hill, faces being stripped of his sensitive portfolio overseeing banks and financial services. He may choose to resign. That would allow a new British premier to appoint someone else to the Commission, albeit for a limited period until Britain leaves.

Some euro zone finance ministers have said they may meet at the weekend, though Eurogroup officials say there are no plans.

EU leaders meet in Brussels for a 24-hour summit starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. EU officials expect Cameron to report on the vote and what Britain will do next, then go home that evening.

Leaders may agree to meet again in July.

3. WHAT IS ARTICLE 50?

This 261-word section of the Lisbon Treaty has the following key phrases:

- A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention ... The Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union.

- It shall be concluded ... by the Council, acting by a qualified majority.

- The Treaties shall cease to apply to the State in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after the notification ... unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.

- The member of the European Council or of the Council representing the withdrawing Member State shall not participate in the discussions ... or in decisions concerning it.

4. WHERE DOES THE EU GO FROM HERE?

The Union needs quickly to fill a 7-billion-euro hole in its 145-billion-euro annual budget, which is currently fixed out to 2020, as it loses Britain`s contributions while saving on what Britons receive from EU accounts.

The EU will also want to clarify as quickly as possible the status of firms and individuals currently using their EU rights to trade, work and live on either side of a new UK-EU frontier.

Britain is likely give up its six-month presidency of EU ministerial councils, due to start in July next year. Its place may be filled by Estonia or, possibly Malta or Croatia.

EU leaders may push for a quick show of unity on holding the bloc together in the face of eurosceptics inspired by the result in Britain -- including National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who leads polls for next April`s French presidential election.

Divisions between Berlin and Paris on managing the euro zone probably rule out a big move on that front before both hold elections in 2017. Closer EU defence cooperation, without sceptical Britain, may be revived. A major EU security policy review is already on the summit agenda as is a new push to tighten control on irregular immigration from Africa.

Many leaders caution against alienating voters by moving too fast on integration, which they say has alienated voters. Summit chair Tusk wants to launch a formal process of reflection on where the Union has failed to connect with people.

5. SO WHAT CHANGES?

In principle, nothing changes immediately. Britons remain EU citizens and business continues as before. In practice, many believe trade, investment and political decisions will quickly anticipate British departure from the bloc. The EU could also face a Britain breaking apart if europhile Scots make another push for independence and seek to join the EU on their own.

There is a "Brussels consensus" that Britain must be made an example of for leaving and will face a chilly future, cast out to perhaps talk its way back later into some kind of trade access in return for concessions such as free migration from inside the bloc and contributions to the EU budget - things which Brexit voters want to end but which the likes of Norway and Switzerland have accepted in varying forms.

However, cautious diplomats do not rule out surprise turns.


Yangon: A group of men from a village in central Myanmar destroyed a mosque in the first serious outburst of inter-religious violence in months, coinciding with a rise in tensions over how to refer to the Rohingya, the country`s persecuted Muslim minority.

Villagers from Thayethamin, a remote settlement a two-hours` drive northeast of Myanmar`s largest city, Yangon, destroyed the mosque on Thursday after a dispute over its construction and beat up at least one Muslim man, media, and a police spokesman said.

Religious tensions simmered in Myanmar for almost half a century of military rule, before boiling over in 2012, just a year after a semi-civilian government took power.

Hundreds died in clashes in northwestern Rakhine State between Rohingya Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, leading to the organized expulsion of Rohingya by Rakhine mobs. More violence between Muslims and Buddhists in other parts of the country followed in 2013.

Photographs that circulated on social media on Friday, purportedly from the village, showed a seriously damaged building, furniture scattered along the streets and a large group of men roaming around, some armed with sticks.

Further details of the incident were unclear. Reuters was unable to verify the photographs.

"Things are well under control now and action hasn`t been taken against anyone yet," said colonel Zaw Khin Aung, spokesman of the Police Headquarters based in Myanmar`s capital, Naypyitaw.

The violence coincides with a rise in tensions over how to refer to the Rohingya, a 1.1-million group of Muslims living in apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine since the 2012 violence.

Country leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won in a landslide in historic November elections, faces a daunting task of resolving ethnic and religious tensions and ending human rights abuses in the state.

On Monday, she told the U.N. Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, that the government would not use the term "Rohingya" because it viewed it as inflammatory.

The Rohingya identify themselves by that name. Many have lived in Myanmar for generations, but many Myanmar Buddhists call them "Bengali" - a term implying they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Suu Kyi has appealed to people not to use either term and instead refer to the "Muslim community in Rakhine State".

The U.N. on Monday called on the Nobel peace prize winner to make putting an end to the abuses the government`s "top priority". It said that the violations, which include executions and torture, may amount to crimes against humanity.


Brussels: Britain will remain a strong ally and continue to play a leading role in NATO despite its vote to leave the European Union, alliance head Jens Stoltenberg said Friday.

"The UK will remain a strong and committed NATO ally and will continue to play its leading role in our alliance," Stoltenberg said in a statement.

He said NATO would also provide a platform for continued cooperation between its European member states in the face of new security challenges.

"Today, as we face more instability and uncertainty, NATO is more important than ever as a platform for cooperation among European allies, and between Europe and North America," he said.

"The alliance remains committed to closer cooperation with the European Union," he added.

Some 22 of the 28 EU nations are also NATO member states.

Stoltenberg told reporters separately that he was concerned "about a more fragmented Europe but it is important now to look forward and work on how we can strengthen cooperation."

He said British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon had phoned him earlier Friday to offer assurances the London "was not only committed to NATO but also to NATO-EU cooperation."

NATO leaders meeting in Warsaw next month are due to issue a full-dress statement on enhanced cooperation with the EU, he noted.

Britons voted 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU on a groundswell of resentment at what was seen as Brussels` interference in key aspects of daily life.

Britain, nuclear armed and wielding veto powers in the UN Security Council, has had a major say in EU foreign and defence policy.

It has jealously guarded its sovereign right to decide what it does with its own military, shooting down any suggestion that the EU could one day have an army of its own.

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Pyongyang: The top North Korean official for US relations today said that his country is now a nuclear threat to be reckoned with, and Washington can expect more nuclear tests and missile launches like the ones earlier this week as long as it attempts to force his government's collapse through a policy of pressure and punishment.

"It's the United States that caused this issue," Han Song Ryol, director-general of the department of US affairs at North Korea's Foreign Ministry, told AP in his first interview with an American news organisation since assuming the post three years ago.

"They have to stop their military threats, sanctions and economic pressure. Without doing so, it's like they are telling us to reconcile while they are putting a gun to our forehead."

Han defended the North's test-launching on Wednesday of two medium-range ballistic missiles. Foreign military experts believe that, once perfected, such missiles could deliver nuclear warheads to US bases in Japan and possibly to major US military installations as far away as the Pacific island of Guam, where long-range US Air Force bombers are deployed.

The tests indicated technological advances in the North's missile capabilities. They were quickly condemned by Washington, Tokyo and Seoul as a "provocation" and a violation of United Nations resolutions.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said US policy calling for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula hasn't changed.

"The capabilities that the DPRK continues to pursue are doing nothing obviously to get us to that goal," he said. "We urge the North to take the necessary steps to prove that they're willing to return to the six-party talk process, so that we can get to that goal."

Han dismissed the criticism, saying North Korea has no choice but to build up its military deterrent as long as the world's largest superpower, and the country that first developed nuclear weapons, remains an enemy.

He noted that the US recently deployed nuclear-powered submarines and strategic bombers capable of dropping nuclear weapons on North Korea to the region, and earlier this year conducted training for precision airstrikes on North Korea's leadership, along with simulations of an advance into the capital, Pyongyang, with the South Korean military during joint annual exercises.

"This launch was a significant and novel step that my country must take to produce a powerful nuclear deterrent," Han said. "The real provocation is coming from the United States. ... How can my country stand by and do nothing?"

Han said North Korea has never recognised a longstanding United Nations Security Council ban on its testing of nuclear weapons or long-range missiles, though the world body has ratified the resolutions and imposed heavy sanctions on North Korea for continuing them, including a round of new sanctions imposed after its latest nuclear test in January. North Korea says that test was its first of an H-bomb.
Istanbul: One person was killed and 16 others wounded in a car bomb attack against the Turkish security forces Thursday in the southeast of the country carried out by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), officials said.

A passing civilian truck driver was killed when the car bomb went off in Omerli in the southeastern Mardin province outside a building of the Turkish gendarmerie, a branch of the army which looks after domestic security, the Mardin governor`s office said in a statement.

It said that five civilians were wounded, one seriously, and 11 soldiers and family members staying in lodgings nearby lightly injured by broken glass.

The PKK has staged near daily attacks against the Turkish security forces since a truce collapsed last July. The government has launched military operations against the group which activists claim have caused needless civilian casualties.

The Mardin governor`s office statement emphasised that after the latest attack the military campaign against the PKK would continue "with determination".

The PKK had earlier this month claimed a bombing outside police headquarters in Midyat, also in Mardin province, that killed six people, including a pregnant policewoman.
Islamabad: Pakistan and Afghanistan will set up a high-level bilateral mechanism to coordinate on security issues and amicably address border-related matters, officials said today, days after violent border clashes left casualties on both sides.

The decision was taken during a meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent.

Afghan National Security Adviser Haneef Atmar was also present at the meeting.

Pakistan and Aghanistan agreed to constitute a high-level bilateral mechanism for consultation and coordination on issues relating to bilateral relations and cooperation, including security, movement of people and vehicles between the two countries and other relevant issues, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.

The proposed mechanism will be co-chaired by Aziz and Rabbani and with the participation of the National Security Advisers of the two countries. "It will also have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of both countries," the statement said.

The main purpose of this mechanism would be not only to address and resolve issues concerning the two countries amicably but also to prevent recurrence of violent incidents like the ones witnessed recently in Torkham, it said.

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed due to clashes between the two sides in which a Pakistan army Major and an Afghan border guard were killed earlier this month.

The clash had started when Pakistan refused to stop construction of a security gate to stop illegal crossings.

Torkham is one of the busiest of the eight established crossing points on the 2,500-kilometre-long porous border between the two countries, which is used by some 25,000 travellers every day.

The two countries also took this opportunity to review other aspects of bilateral ties and reaffirmed respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to the principle of non-interference into each other's internal affairs.

Aziz and Rabbani reiterated their desire for strengthening bilateral relations for promoting peace, stability, counter terrorism and economic progress of both the countries.

The two sides specifically expressed their firm commitment to continue serious efforts towards eliminating the scourge of terrorism which poses a grave threat to the peace and security of the two countries, and the region.

They also stressed the need for continuing joint efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through timely and concrete actions resulting in tangible outcomes, including in the framework of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group process - involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US.
Yerevan: Pope Francis began a three-day visit to Armenia on Friday, just over a year after he enraged Turkey by using the term genocide to describe the mass killings of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire.

The pontiff`s 14th overseas trip since his 2013 election is expected to see him highlight Vatican concern over instability, conflict and the plight of Christians in the war-torn Middle East, which has seen Armenia take in many refugees.

But his visit will also be closely followed in Ankara, which rejects the idea that a genocide took place during World War I and has accused international powers of using disputed history as a means of bullying Turkey.

On his way to Yerevan, Francis told reporters that Britain`s decision to exit the European Union means Europe must bear "great responsibility" to ensure the well-being of its population.

"The people`s will has been expressed," Francis said. "This requires of us great responsibility to ensure the well-being of the people of Great Britain, as well as well-being and coexistence of the whole European continent."

Highlights of the papal trip will include a visit to Armenia`s main memorial to the 1915-17 killings, a meeting with members of the country`s small Roman Catholic community and the release of two doves in the direction of Mount Ararat from the Khor Virap sanctuary near the border with Turkey.

The 5,160-metre (16,900-feet) high Mount Ararat was Armenian until 1915 and is now located inside Turkey. It features in the Bible as the place where Noah`s Ark supposedly came to rest.

Francis is the second pope to visit Armenia since it re-emerged as an independent state from the ashes of the Soviet Union.

John Paul II went there in 2001 to attend celebrations marking 1,700 years of the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, which was the first country to have the faith as its state religion.

John Paul was also the first pope to recognise the slaughter of Armenians as genocide, although he did so only in writing.

Francis pronounced the word during a mass at St Peter`s last year, winning great praise from Armenians at the cost of infuriating Turkey, which withdrew its ambassador in protest.Francis`s visit "bears religious, political, and humanitarian messages," said Father Shahe Ananyan, a cleric in the Armenian Apostolic Church, to which the vast majority of the country`s population belong.

By visiting the Tsitsernakaberd genocide memorial on Saturday, "the pontiff makes it clear that he is steadfast in his position on the matter," Ananyan added.

"This is a message to the entire Catholic world, to those who didn`t yet recognise the genocide. This will favour international recognition."

Over 13,000 people have booked tickets to attend the mass the pope will preside over in Gyumri with pilgrims from Lebanon and Georgia`s Armenian-populated Javakheti region expected to be among them.

In an Armenian-rite mass at St Peter`s basilica in April 2015, Francis said the massacres suffered by Armenians between 1915 and 1917 are "widely considered the first genocide of the 20th century".

Vatican officials have avoided using the term in the build-up to the visit and it is unclear whether Francis will risk inflaming tensions with Turkey by doing so at any point.

In a video message to the Armenian people ahead of the trip, Francis said their history provoked pain and admiration.

"Admiration because you have found in Jesus`s cross and in your spirit, the ability to always recover, including from suffering that has been among the worst humanity has experienced, pain for the tragedies that your fathers lived in the flesh."

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Riyadh: The Saudi Interior Ministry announced on Friday that two Islamic State (IS) members attacked their own family and killed the mother, a media report said.

The two brothers -- Khalid and Saleh -- launched the attack on Friday morning at their house in Riyadh, in which the father and another brother were seriously injured, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The police said the twins trapped their mother in the storeroom and stabbed her to death, according to Xinhua.

The two were arrested at dawn and police are trying to ascertain the reason behind the attack.
LOS ANGELES: A fast-moving central California wildfire that more than doubled in size on Friday has killed two people and destroyed 100 structures, authorities said.

Officials were weighing whether to expand evacuation orders in the rural area of the state.

The so-called Erskine Fire broke out on Thursday afternoon in the foothills of Kern County about 42 miles (68 km) northeast of Bakersfield, and three firefighters were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, officials said.

The fire has led hundreds of residents to evacuate and the Kern County Fire Department said on Friday afternoon two people had died, though it did not identify the people or release further details.

High temperatures likely to surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) on Friday and bone-dry vegetation from a five-year California drought were stoking flames.

"Everything is just working into a perfect storm," Kern County fire Captain Mike Nicholas said in a phone interview.

The rapidly expanding blaze 150 miles (241 km) north of Los Angeles has destroyed 100 structures, including homes, outbuildings and detached garages, Nicholas said.

Another 1,500 structures are threatened.

The estimated size of the fire jumped from 8,000 acres (3,237 hectares) early on Friday to more than 19,000 acres (7,689 hectares) before noon local time, Nicholas said.

Morgan Rivers, an evacuee from the blaze, told Los Angeles television station KABC she lost the house that belonged to her late grandmother.

"It`s fully mine now and I just lost it after getting it last year," Rivers told the station.

On Friday, authorities warned the more than 3,000 residents of the community of Lake Isabella on the shore of a reservoir to be prepared to evacuate.

A contingent of 600 firefighters was battling the blaze with hundreds more en route, according to the government fire tracking website InciWeb.

"Our firefighters have been engaged in a firefight of epic proportions, trying to save every structure possible," Kern County Fire Department Brian Marshall said at a news conference.

Local television stations showed footage of burned-out lots covered in gray ash, with only the metal frames of benches and virtually unrecognizable appliances not consumed by flames.

The fire did not appear to threaten Sequoia National Forest to the north, Nicholas said.

The blaze, which was 0 percent contained, was one of several large wildfires burning in parched California.

To the south, firefighters were struggling to manage the so-called San Gabriel Complex fire in the foothills of Los Angeles County.

As of Friday, it had burned over 5,600 acres (2,266 hectares) of chaparral and short grass, and containment lines were drawn around 30 percent of its perimeter, according to InciWeb.
United Nations: The UN Security Council is strongly condemning two North Korean ballistic missile launches this week, calling them a "grave violation" of a ban on all ballistic missile activity that is contributing to the country's nuclear weapons programme.

The council reiterated its demand that North Korea end its "flagrant" violations, halt all nuclear tests and ballistic missile activity, and comply with five UN sanctions resolutions imposed since the country's first nuclear test in 2006.

In a statement approved today by all 15 members, the council said yesterday's launches improve North Korea's nuclear delivery systems and increase tensions in the region.

The council urged all countries to redouble efforts to fully implement sanctions against North Korea, especially those imposed in March which were the toughest in two decades.
Beirut: US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters advanced today into the Islamic State jihadist group's bastion of Manbij in northern Syria, sparking fierce street fighting as they push to take the city.

Backed by air strikes by the US-led coalition bombing IS in Syria and Iraq, fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance entered Manbij from the south, a monitoring group said.

The advance marked a major breakthrough in the battle for Manbij, once a key link on the supply route between the Turkish border and IS's de facto Syrian capital of Raqa.

The loss of the city would deal another blow to IS following a string of recent battlefield defeats, including the taking by Iraqi forces earlier this month of the centre of the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

On the humanitarian front, the United Nations said it would begin flying desperately needed aid from Damascus to the northeastern city of Qamishli, which has been inaccessible by road for more than two years.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said SDF forces were able to break through IS defences in Manbij a few hours after taking control of a village on the city's southwestern outskirts.

"Fierce street fighting between buildings" erupted as they entered the city, said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman, whose group relies on a broad network of sources inside Syria to monitor the conflict.

An SDF commander at the front told AFP that IS fighters were using car bombs and other explosives to try to slow the assault.

"Our forces, in coordination with the coalition, are determined to advance inside the city and eliminate all Daesh fighters," he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

Abdel Rahman said tens of thousands of civilians were trapped inside the city, though some 8,000 had been able to flee since the start of the SDF offensive on Manbij on May 31.

He said six civilians including a child were killed today by a mine as they tried to flee the city, which had a population of about 120,000 before the start of Syria's civil war in 2011.

The SDF managed to encircle the city on June 10 but its advance slowed as IS fought back, including with almost daily suicide bombings.
State of New York: Senator Bernie Sanders on Thursday exhorted his millions of supporters to fight to implement progressive policies to transform America, saying the general election was more than about beating Donald Trump.

In a speech lasting more than an hour, the 74-year-old from Vermont, who challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination from the left, failed to mention the victorious secretary of state even once.

Instead, he insisted that the popularity of his campaign, particularly among people under 45, proved the establishment could be beaten and urged his supporters to continue the fight for radical change.

"We have got to work tirelessly to make sure that Trump is not president. But that is not good enough," he said in New York less than six months before Americans vote for a new president in November.

"What we have got to do is to continue the vision of transforming this country. And the most important way I know we can do that, is for all of us to get involved in the political process," Sanders said.

Trump has inflamed large swathes of America by running a divisive campaign that has insulted ethnic minorities, called Mexicans rapists, demanded a ban on Muslims entering the country and denigrating women.

"The cornerstone of his campaign is bigotry," said Sanders, vowing to do "everything I can" to defeat Trump, even "if I have to run all over this country to do it."

Sanders said the Democrats` platform for the election would be its most progressive in history, but warned promises on paper counted for nothing if they were not enacted.

"That platform doesn`t mean anything unless we make certain those ideas are incorporated into public policy," he said.

The platform would oppose trade deals, fight to ban the sale and distribution of assault weapons and expand background checks on those buying weapons, he said.

His speech was a battle cry for his followers to continue to campaign for change from the ground up, stretching from school boards, to city councils, state elections and federal politics.

"I have no doubt that a strong, well-organized grass-roots movement can... defeat the establishment and that is precisely what we have got to do and what the political revolution is about," he said.

Clinton for all intents and purposes won their at-times bitter battle for the Democratic nomination earlier this month by clinching the number of delegates needed to become the party flag bearer.
YEREVAN, JUNE 23, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Government has proposed to the Parliament to convene an extraordinary session on June 27 at 12:00.

Deputy Chief of Staff/Minister of the Government Artur Sargsyan said the agenda will include drafts on amendments of Legal Acts, Electoral Code, and Laws on Reproductive health and rights.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh says overnight June 23-24 Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire regime by firing small arms and under-barrel grenade launcher /GP-25/ (1 grenade) in the northern direction of the contact line.

The Ministrys announcement reads: Overnight June 23-24 relative calm was maintained in Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime by firing mainly small arms and under-barrel grenade launcher /GP-25/ (1 grenade) in the northern direction of the contact line.

The Defense Army forces refrained from taking counter measures and continued confidently fulfilling their military duties.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. In a few hours Pope Francis will arrive in Armenia. The spiritual leader of the Catholic world called pilgrimage his visit to Armenia. The slogan of the visit is entitled Visit to the first Christian Nation.

I ask you to pray for me, in a few days I will go as a pilgrim to an eastern land, Armenia, the first among the Nations to receive the Gospel of Jesus, Pope Francis said showing the audience that the visit to Armenia is not an ordinary visit, but rather it is a pilgrimage to a country which was the first to adopt the Christianity in the world.

I think this visit is first of all a gesture to express admiration towards the old church which during his long history remained faithful to the Jesus Christ, as well as it is an expression of loyalty towards that country: the country which first became a Christian. Pope Francis will express his gratitude and respect to the Armenian people who grew up with a Christian spirit and managed to maintain their faith and identity for centuries. This visit is also very important for the Diaspora Armenians, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches Leonardo Sandri said during an interview with LaStampa journal. He will accompany Pope Francis during his visit to Armenia.

Director of the Vatican Press Office Federico Lombardi said Pope Francis visit outlines his desire to show his closeness to the Armenian people who had suffered a lot during their long history, as well as to share the aspiration for peace with Armenians. He informed that Pope Francis will meet the descendents of the Armenian Genocide victims during his visit to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial.

As Armenpress reports, Pope Francis visit to Armenia has long been in the spotlight of the international media, almost all prominent international media write about his visit. In particular, RomeReports writes that Pope Francis will speak about easing the tensions on the Caucasian region, will move forward the idea of reconciliation with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Reuters published an article on the occasion of Popes visit to Armenia which is entitled Pope Francis will visit Armenia after irking Turkey with genocide label.

The Guardian writes: Pope Francis will visit Genocide Memorial in Armenia. Pope Francis is expected to avoid using the word genocide to avoid rift between Turkey and Vatican.

The Wall Street Journal says: Pope Francis will visit Genocide Memorial in Armenia. Three-day papal trip skirts Azerbaijan but risks antagonizing Turkey.

The Independent also in its article concentrated on the fact whether Pope Francis will use the word genocide during his visit in the Genocide Memorial.

Pope Francis will travel to Armenia on Friday to start a three-day trip that will test the Vatican's already-strained relations with Turkey, NBC News writes, which is also interested in whether Pope will use the term genocide. The Pope's visit is officially to honor the country's status as the first nation to recognize Christianity, news agency writes.

German Deutsche Welle also published an article entitled Armenia prepares for Pope Francis visit. His visit will be one of the most significant religious events of the last decade.

On June 24 Pope Francis will arrive in Armenia. He will hold meetings with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, then the Armenian leadership and the representatives of public and diplomatic sectors. At the end of the day Pope Francis will meet Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.

On June 25 Pope Francis will visit the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex and the Museum-Institute of the Armenian Genocide. After that he will visit Gyumri together with Catholicos of All Armenians where a liturgy will be delivered in Vardanants Square. The same day ecumenical ceremony and Pray for Peace will be held in the Republican Square, Yerevan.

On June 26, Pope Francis will meet the Armenian Catholic Bishops, will participate in liturgy and ecumenical dinner. After that he will meet the delegates and philanthropists of the Armenian Church.

Pope Francis and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II will sign a Joint statement. They will deliver a prayer in Khor Virap monastery.

On June 26 Pope Francis will depart for Rome from Yerevan.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union, after it became clear Britain had voted for Brexit in a historic referendum, reports the Independent.

Speaking after all 32 local authorities delivered a vote to Remain in Scotland, the First Minister welcomed her countrys unequivocal vote to stay in Europe. But despite the vote, the country still faces having to exit the European Union after the Leave campaign edged ahead across the UK.

After all the results north of the border were declared, Ms Sturgeon said: "Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status.

She added: "Scotland has contributed significantly to the Remain vote across the UK. That reflects the positive campaign the SNP fought, which highlighted the gains and benefits of our EU membership, and people across Scotland have responded to that positive message.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. As Pope Francis begins a three-day journey to Armenia, he sent a telegram to President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, Armenpress reports citing Vatican Radio.

The telegram reads: In the moment in which I undertake my Apostolic Voyage to Armenia in order to draw from the ancient wisdom of that people, to confirm them in the faith, to support every effort along the path of peace and reconciliation, I address to you, Mr President, and to the whole Italian nation my cordial greetings, which I accompany with an encouragement to the entire country to remain on the front line of solidarity, looking to the future with confidence and hope.

Pope Francis aircraft will land in Armenias Zvartnots Airport at 15:00.

After the official welcoming ceremony at the airport, the Pope will depart for Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, where a welcoming ceremony will take place.

Later on the same day, Pope Francis will meet President Serzh Sargsyan in the Presidential Palace, and then with Armenian officials, representatives of the society and diplomatic corps. The first day of the visit will be concluded by a meeting of Pope Francis with His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin.
EREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. During a press conference on June 24, resident of the Gndevaz village Marianna Arshakyan said the St. Virgin Mary Church is in a poor condition.

According to her, the frescos are getting erased; the walls of the church are breaking.

The St. Virgin Mary Church was built in the 17th century. My last visit to the church was in 2013. Back then the church was in a normal condition, however visiting the church now has become dangerous, because the walls are breaking apart, she said.

Culture Ministry official Suren Shakaryan said the Ministry is aware of the issue because the regional inspector is operating nearby and is briefing the ministry on the condition of the church.

According to him, the community leaders of Vayots Dzor are obliged to find a solution for the issue, because the Church is registered in the Vayots Dzor Monument list as a monument of local importance.

According to Shakaryan, in addition to the St. Virgin Mary church, there are other churches which are in an even worse condition, which are being renovated firstly.

More than 200 monuments are registered in our list which are in an emergency condition, that is why selection is made as to which one to renovate first, he said.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Pope Francis has arrived in Yerevan.

President Serzh Sargsyan and Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Garegin II welcomed the Pope in the Zvartnots Armenia International Airport.

The welcoming ceremony was held by a special protocol. The Pope was welcomed by a childrens choir, and upon arrival was offered the Armenian symbolic apricot and lavash.

A brief conversation will be held with President Sargsyan and Catholicos Garegin II in the Presidential Terminal of the airport. Afterwards Pope Francis will depart to Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where a welcoming ceremony will be held, followed by the official launch of the state visit.

Afterwards Pope Francis will arrive in the Presidential Palace, where a private meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan will be held. Then, President Sargsyan and Pope Francis will deliver announcements addressed to officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of the society. Then the Pope will return to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin  his official residence during the visit.

Photos by Mkhitar Khachatryan

Pope Francis will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial on June 25. Later on the same day, a mass will be held in Gyumris Vardanants Square. A number of other events are scheduled to take place in Gyumri, after which the Pope will return to Yerevan, where the most important and most open event for the society during his visit will take place in the Republic Square.

A peace prayer will be delivered, which will be preceded and followed by a joint festive concert of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Choir  dedicated to Pope Francis visit to Armenia.

In the morning of June 26, a mass will be held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, which will be delivered by His Holiness Catholicos Garegin II with Pope Francis.

Several events will be held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, after which Pope Francis and Catholicos Garegin II will visit one of the most important shrines of the Armenian people and the Armenian Apostolic Church  Khor Virap- where they will pray together and release doves towards Ararat. Afterwards the Pope will head to the airport to return to Rome.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Thousands of faithful have gathered in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin to participate in the welcoming ceremony of Pope Francis.

Pope Francis departed for Etchmiatsin immediately from the airport, where he was welcomed by President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II.

The meeting of Pope Francis and Catholicos Garegin II will take place in the Mother See.

Pope Francis will arrive in the Presidential Palace, where he will have a private meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan, followed by announcements by the President and the Pope addressed to Armenian officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of the society.

Afterwards the Pope will return to the Mother See Residence, which is his official residence during the visit.

Pope Francis will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial on June 25. Later on the same day, a mass will be held in Gyumris Vardanants Square. A number of other events are scheduled to take place in Gyumri, after which the Pope will return to Yerevan, where the most important and most open event for the society during his visit will take place in the Republic Square.

A peace prayer will be delivered, which will be preceded and followed by a joint festive concert of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Choir  dedicated to Pope Francis visit to Armenia.

In the morning of June 26, a mass will be held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, which will be delivered by His Holiness Catholicos Garegin II with Pope Francis.

Several events will be held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, after which Pope Francis and Catholicos Garegin II will visit one of the most important shrines of the Armenian people and the Armenian Apostolic Church  Khor Virap- where they will pray together and release doves towards Ararat. Afterwards the Pope will head to the airport to return to Rome.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Pope Francis political and religious message addressed to Armenia speaks about the importance of Armenia for the Christian world, Armenpress reports, National Assembly MP Artak Davtyan and political scientist Styopa Safaryan spoke about Pope Francis visit to Armenia.

The National Assembly MP identified two important issues: first of all, Pope Francis was initially supposed to pay a regional visit, however, it was changed, and secondly, Popes message where he clearly states that it is a pilgrimage, is very important for all of us.

The name of the pilgrimage is not a coincidence, it will be very hard to imagine a pilgrimage to Azerbaijan. Pope Francis visit will be a very strong signal to Turkey, Artak Davtyan said.

Political scientist Styopa Safaryan considered the Popes visit as an extremely important historical event.

To say that Armenia is the first Christian country, to say that this nation had suffered a lot in order to maintain its faith in this complicated region is an extremely important for Armenia in such a political situation. I am confident that if Pope Francis would not have delivered such a message and condemned the Genocide, perhaps the process of the recognition of the Genocide by Germany and any other state would not have taken place so easily. Now, in fact, Pope Francis is targeting Armenia as a key state in the Caucasus for the Christian community and the world, Safaryan said.

He said this step only increases the political security of Armenia However, it depends on us how Armenia will use all this.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador of Armenia to the Holy See Michael Minasyan is participating with positive emotions in the welcoming ceremony of Pope Francis in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin.

To ARMENPRESS question What is the message of the Armenian people to the world with this visit, the Ambassador answered: We exist, we are happy and proud of our country.

On June 24 Pope Francis arrived in Armenia on a three-day visit. The Pope was welcomed by President Serzh Sargsyan and His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II in the Zvartnots Airport.

A welcoming ceremony took place in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin. The Pope is scheduled to arrive in the Presidential Palace, where a private meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan is due to take place, followed by announcements for Armenian officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of the society.

Pope Francis will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial on June 25. Later on the same day, a mass will be held in Gyumris Vardanants Square. A number of other events are scheduled to take place in Gyumri, after which the Pope will return to Yerevan, where the most important and most open event for the society during his visit will take place in the Republic Square.

A peace prayer will be delivered, which will be preceded and followed by a joint festive concert of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Choir  dedicated to Pope Francis visit to Armenia.

In the morning of June 26, a mass will be held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, which will be delivered by His Holiness Catholicos Garegin II with Pope Francis.

Several events will be held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, after which Pope Francis and Catholicos Garegin II will visit one of the most important shrines of the Armenian people and the Armenian Apostolic Church  Khor Virap- where they will pray together and release doves towards Ararat. Afterwards the Pope will head to the airport to return to Rome.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Pope Francis is arriving in the Armenian Presidential Palace, where a welcoming ceremony will take place. A private meeting with President Sargsyan is scheduled, after which the President and the Pope will make announcements for Armenian officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of the society.

Afterwards Pope Francis will return to the Mother See Residence, which is his official residence during the visit.

Pope Francis will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial on June 25. Later on the same day, a mass will be held in Gyumris Vardanants Square. A number of other events are scheduled to take place in Gyumri, after which the Pope will return to Yerevan, where the most important and most open event for the society during his visit will take place in the Republic Square.

A peace prayer will be delivered, which will be preceded and followed by a joint festive concert of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Choir  dedicated to Pope Francis visit to Armenia.

In the morning of June 26, a mass will be held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, which will be delivered by His Holiness Catholicos Garegin II with Pope Francis.

Several events will be held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, after which Pope Francis and Catholicos Garegin II will visit one of the most important shrines of the Armenian people and the Armenian Apostolic Church  Khor Virap- where they will pray together and release doves towards Ararat. Afterwards the Pope will head to the airport to return to Rome.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Pope Francis was met by Argentine-Armenian pilgrims singing and chanting joyfully at Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Armenpress reports the Pope approached the group of pilgrims in the yard of the Mother See, photographed with them, blessed them and left.

On June 24 Pope Francis arrived in Armenia on a three-day visit. The Pope was welcomed by President Serzh Sargsyan and His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II in the Zvartnots Airport.

A welcoming ceremony took place in Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Pope has already arrived in the Presidential Palace, where a private meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan is taking place, which will be followed by announcement for Armenian officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of the society.

Pope Francis will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial on June 25. Later on the same day, a mass will be held in Gyumris Vardanants Square. A number of other events are scheduled to take place in Gyumri, after which the Pope will return to Yerevan, where the most important and most open event for the society during his visit will take place in the Republic Square.

A peace prayer will be delivered, which will be preceded and followed by a joint festive concert of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Choir  dedicated to Pope Francis visit to Armenia.

In the morning of June 26, a mass will be held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, which will be delivered by His Holiness Catholicos Garegin II with Pope Francis.

Several events will be held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, after which Pope Francis and Catholicos Garegin II will visit one of the most important shrines of the Armenian people and the Armenian Apostolic Church  Khor Virap- where they will pray together and release doves towards Ararat. Afterwards the Pope will head to the airport to return to Rome.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Historical changes have occurred in Armenia during the 25 years of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Vatican, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said at the Presidential Palace addressing to Pope Francis. We are grateful for Your blessings addressed to the ancient Armenian land and its much-suffering people. We are very happy to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Vatican next year and we confirm that historical changes have occurred for us during this period, Armenpress reports the President mentioning.

President Sargsyan added that really historical developments have taken place during this period, such as Pope John Paul's visit to Armenia, erection of Saint Gregory's statue at St. Peter's Basilica, as well as the Devine Liturgy delivered by Pope Francis on the 100tyh anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. We attach great importance to bestowing Gregory of Narek with Doctor of the Universal Church, the President mentioned.

On June 24 Pope Francis arrived in Armenia on a three-day visit. The Pope was welcomed by President Serzh Sargsyan and His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II in the Zvartnots Airport.

A welcoming ceremony took place in Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Pope has already arrived in the Presidential Palace, where a private meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan is taking place, which will be followed by announcement for Armenian officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of the society.

Pope Francis will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial on June 25. Later on the same day, a mass will be held in Gyumris Vardanants Square. A number of other events are scheduled to take place in Gyumri, after which the Pope will return to Yerevan, where the most important and most open event for the society during his visit will take place in the Republic Square.

A peace prayer will be delivered, which will be preceded and followed by a joint festive concert of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Choir  dedicated to Pope Francis visit to Armenia.

In the morning of June 26, a mass will be held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, which will be delivered by His Holiness Catholicos Garegin II with Pope Francis.

Several events will be held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, after which Pope Francis and Catholicos Garegin II will visit one of the most important shrines of the Armenian people and the Armenian Apostolic Church  Khor Virap- where they will pray together and release doves towards Ararat. Afterwards the Pope will head to the airport to return to Rome.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. The visit of His Holiness Pope Francis will include great representation: 83 journalists will accompany him, Armenian Foreign Ministers Spokesperson Tigran Balayan said, reports Armenpress.

He informed that director of the Vatican Press Office Federico Lombardi will hold briefings with the journalists after the ceremonies in Gyumri and Etchmiatsin.

Concerning the coverage of the visit to Khor Virap monastery, only personal photographers will work there, and the entry of journalists to the Presidential Palace will be limited.

Balayan said Pope will return Yerevan from Gyumri by plane, therefore, they did not organize the transportation of journalists taking into account the limited time.

Pope Francis aircraft will land in Armenias Zvartnots Airport at 15:00.

After the official welcoming ceremony at the airport, the Pope will depart for Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, where a welcoming ceremony will take place.

Later on the same day, Pope Francis will meet President Serzh Sargsyan in the Presidential Palace, and then with Armenian officials, representatives of the society and diplomatic corps. The first day of the visit will be concluded by a meeting of Pope Francis with His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin.
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. The Vienna and St. Petersburg meetings are of key importance for Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Thank to them it became possible to reach a ceasefire which is the only and most important precondition for effective negotiations, Armenpress reports OSCE Minsk Group American Co-chair James Warlick told The Voice of America.

Of course, Nagorno Karabakh conflict cannot be settled by one or two meetings, but this was a huge progress. The Presidents try to find ways out during these meetings, he said.

Warlick added that as a result of the talks the parties have agreed upon increasing the OSCE monitoring mission. According to him, despite the latest clashes between Karabakh and Azerbaijani troops, it is possible to reach a peaceful and negotiated settlement. If the sides do not see any opportunity for a negotiated conflict settlement, they will just stop negotiating. Both Presidents realize the resumption of war will have tragic consequences for the region, he said.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon campaigned for Britain to stay in the European Union

Britain's vote to leave the European Union instantly put the question of Scottish independence back into play on Friday, with Scotland having voted heavily for the UK to remain in the bloc.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the result put an independence referendum "on the table", adding that it was "highly likely" within two years.

She had made her intentions clear throughout the referendum campaign: if Scotland was pulled out of the EU against its will, that would be grounds for a second referendum on seceding from the United Kingdom.

The UK as a whole voted by 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU.

However, Scotland voted strongly for Britain to remain -- by 62 percent to 38 percent, with a majority in all 32 of its local authority areas.

Wales and England -- except London -- voted for Britain to leave the EU, while Northern Ireland voted for it to stay in.

Sturgeon said her devolved government would now draw up legislation to allow a second Scottish independence referendum.

Citing a clause in her Scottish National Party manifesto, she said there had now been a "significant and material change in the circumstances in which Scotland voted against independence" in 2014, when 55 percent of Scots voted to stay in the UK.

- Commuters absorb result 'shock' -

On the first train Friday between the main Scottish cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, commuters came to terms with the result.

"It's a bad day. It's a big shock. We voted for Remain but we're being pushed out of the EU," said Bethany Swanson, 18, a student nurse at Edinburgh Napier University.

A disappointed Tom, 59, from Glasgow, said if there was a new referendum on Scotland leaving the UK "and there's a No, it will kill the opportunity to go for independence. You can't be able to call for a third referendum."

Hugh Brown, 64, a project manager, saw the result as "a good thing. I see it as a benefit for Scotland", because if London wants to keep Scotland in the UK, "they'll have to give us more power".

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- Single market question -

Sturgeon said she wanted to give effect to how Scotland voted -- namely "to secure our continuing place in the EU, and in the single market in particular".

That could give the British government scope for avoiding a second Scottish independence referendum.

While Britain has voted to leave the EU, it may retain continued access to the European free trade zone.

Pro-EU London Mayor Sadiq Khan alluded to this option, as he mentioned those areas that voted "Remain".

"Although we will be outside the EU, it is crucial that we remain part of the single market," he said.

It should be "the cornerstone of the negotiations with the EU" and it was "crucial" that London, Scotland and Northern Ireland had "a voice" in those discussions, Khan said.

Despite Sturgeon's declared zeal for another referendum, Professor Michael Keating, the chair in Scottish politics at Aberdeen University, said the SNP would play it canny.

"They won't stage it until they know they are going to win it," he told AFP.

And the latest polling evidence suggests breaking with Brussels would not make Scots any more likely to want secession from Britain.

A TNS survey of 1,008 Scottish voters between May 4 and 22 found that 56 percent of Scots would vote to stay in the UK post-Brexit, excluding "don't know" voters.

The pro-EU Ruth Davidson, leader of the resurgent Scottish Conservatives, said: "The 1.6 million votes cast in this referendum in favour of 'Remain' do not wipe away the two million votes that we cast less than two years ago."

- Irish unity question raised -

The vote also raises questions about the future for Northern Ireland, which shares the UK's only land border, with the Irish Republic.

Northern Ireland voted 55.8 percent in favour of staying in the EU.

The UK and Ireland share a Common Travel Area of minimal or non-existent border controls dating back to Irish independence from Britain in the 1920s.

But "Remain" campaigners raised the prospect of a post-Brexit EU frontier being erected on the Irish border -- something that would not be relished on either side.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny tried to soothe concerns.

"The Irish government will do our utmost in upcoming discussions to maintain the Common Travel Area and minimise any possible disruptions to the flow of people, goods and services between these islands," he said.

Sinn Fein, which wants a united Ireland, said it now wanted a referendum in Northern Ireland on joining the republic.

The province was being dragged out of the EU against its will, said its deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, the Sinn Fein politician urging London to allow Northern Irish people "to have their say on their own future".

Some politicians in the pro-British community said they would welcome such a poll because they feel they would comprehensively win it, burying the issue for decades to come.
The world's major central banks rush to deal with financial chaos after Britain's referendum decision to quit the EU

The world's major central banks rushed Friday to deal with financial markets chaos arising from Britain's shock referendum decision to quit the European Union.

Britain has voted to leave the EU by 52 percent to 48 percent, sparking markets turmoil and the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron -- who had backed the failed remain campaign.

The news sparked a raft of announcements from the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank, the Swiss National Bank and the US Federal Reserve, as they clambered to curb dizzying global stock market losses.

The announcements stemmed losses on major European markets like London, Frankfurt and Paris, but Madrid and Milan were still more than ten percent down on jitters ahead of weekend Spanish elections.

"The liquidity support promised by the Bank of England -- and subsequently the ECB and Federal Reserve -- appears to have been the main catalyst for the turnaround," said Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell.

In reaction to chaotic trade, the BoE swiftly announced that it was ready to pump 250 billion ($370 billion, 326 billion euros) to aid the smooth running of markets, declaring it will take "all necessary steps to meet its responsibilities for monetary and financial stability".

"As a backstop, and to support the functioning of markets, the Bank of England stands ready to provide more than 250 billion of additional funds through its normal facilities," BoE governor Mark Carney said in a televised statement following the Brexit vote.

"The BoE is also able to provide substantial liquidity in foreign currency, if required."

The British central bank added that it had already "undertaken extensive contingency planning" and was working closely with Britain's Treasury as well as with other domestic authorities and key central banks.

The European Central Bank separately said that it was on stand-by to open the liquidity floodgates if needed.

"Following the outcome of the UK referendum, the ECB is closely monitoring financial markets and is in close contact with other central banks, it said in a separate statement.

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"The ECB stands ready to provide additional liquidity, if needed, in euro and foreign currencies."

The Bank of Japan said it stood ready to work with other major central banks to inject ample liquidity to counter wild volatility in markets.

And the Federal Reserve added it was "prepared to provide dollar liquidity through its existing swap lines with central banks... to address pressures in global funding markets, which could have adverse implications for the US economy".

Britain's decision to leave the EU -- following a bitterly-contested referendum -- has rocked global stock markets and sent the pound crashing to its lowest level in more than three decades.

Brexit could also force the BoE to act urgently to prop up the British pound with intervention in the foreign exchange market.

- G7 warns on volatility -

The central bank governors of the G7 nations -- comprising the United States, Canada and Japan as well as Britain, France, Germany and Italy -- said in a joint statement that they "stand ready" to provide needed liquidity.

"We recognise that excessive volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates can have adverse implications for economic and financial stability.

"G7 central banks have taken steps to ensure adequate liquidity and to support the functioning of markets. We stand ready to use the established liquidity instruments to that end," they added.

The statement followed a conference call among officials from the Group of Seven leading economies to discuss Friday's historic vote results.

Switzerland's central bank added that it had "intervened" in the foreign exchange market to stabilise the Swiss franc, considered a safe haven currency, following the Brexit verdict.
US oil prices fall about 5% as the dollar strengthens after Britain votes to quit the EU

Britain's surprise vote to leave the European Union drove a sharp oil selloff Friday, with crude prices sinking around five percent on worries that global growth could slow further.

Analysts said that crude investors also headed for safer assets after the Brexit vote spurred huge volatility across markets.

New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate for August delivery, lost $2.47 at $47.64 a barrel.

In London, Brent North Sea crude for August fell $2.50 to $48.41 a barrel.

The Brexit vote drove a new level of uncertainty into the markets, with economists forecasting that the split will hit Britain's economy significantly, possibly driving it into recession next year, and dragging down European growth overall.

"Recessions cause low oil prices and the UK break with the EU raises concern of a recession in Europe," said James Williams of WTRG Economics.

In addition, he said, the process of arranging the separation will be lengthy and difficult.

"Every major headline on the negotiations for the next two years has the potential to move the oil market," he said.

Tim Evans of Citi Futures cautioned that Friday's oil market moves are just an initial reaction and not the full price adjustment to Britain's decision.

"We think confidence has been shaken and that the lack of physical tightness exposed by the initial decline will be highlighted, leading to a further wave of selling," Evans said.

Despite the losses -- which came after traders bid up oil in expectation of a "Remain" vote -- crude prices were still close to high levels for the year, helped by more signs of tightening.

Matt Smith of ClipperData pointed out that Saudi inventories have contracted more sharply in the past six months than any time on record.

In the United States, the number of active oil drilling rigs -- an indicator of future production -- fell by seven to 337 after three straight weekly gains.

"We are starting to see world oil production decline with natural declines, lack of new drilling and strife," said Williams.

"The world is burning off some of the excess inventory that has been built, which is constructive."
Traders work in central London on June 24, 2015 following the announcement of the EU referendum results

Moody's cut Britain's credit rating outlook to "negative" Friday, saying the vote to pull out of the European Union could hurt its economic prospects.

While retaining the country's overall rating at a high "Aa1", Moody's said after the Brexit vote that it expects the country's growth to slow, economic policy-making to suffer and the country's finances to weaken while it struggles through the details of the breakup.

"During the several years in which the UK will have to renegotiate its trade relations with the EU, Moody's expects heightened uncertainty, diminished confidence and lower spending and investment to result in weaker growth," it said.

"Over the longer term, should the UK not be able to secure a favorable alternative trade arrangement with the EU and other countries, the UK's growth prospects would be materially weaker than currently expected."

During the talks with the European Union on how to structure future political, economic and trade relations, Moody's believes that many investment and spending decisions in the country will be put on hold.

Much depends on the future trade relationship between Britain and the EU. Currently trade is completely open between the two.

Moody's also said that the change in government that will come with the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron will create uncertainty over the country's financial discipline.

It said that Britain's savings from not having to contribute to the EU budget will not compensate for the negative effects of lower growth.
By Kanupriya Kapoor and Manuel Mogato JAKARTA/MANILA (Reuters) - Indonesia said on Friday a halt on coal shipments to the Philippines will remain in place until Manila can secure its waters after seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped, the latest in a string of abductions. Philippine authorities could not immediately confirm the hostage-taking but said a Filipino woman held since September was freed on Friday by Abu Sayyaf, an Islamist militant group that has amassed tens of millions of dollars from kidnappings for ransom. It was unclear whether the sailors were taken by Abu Sayaff, which has beheaded two Canadian nationals in recent weeks after ransom deadlines passed. The group is still holding men from Japan, the Netherlands and Norway. Indonesia is concerned that piracy in the Sulu Sea area, a major sea traffic corridor for the world's top thermal coal exporter, could reach levels previously seen in Somalia. "The moratorium on coal exports to the Philippines will be extended until there is a guarantee for security from the Philippines government," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters. Indonesia supplies 70 percent of the Philippines' coal import needs, which Indonesian data shows stood at about 15 million tonnes, worth around $800 million, last year. Analysts say $40 billion worth of cargo passes through the Sulu Sea area a year, including supertankers from the Indian Ocean that cannot use the crowded Malacca Strait. Marsudi said earlier the seven Indonesians were kidnapped by two different armed groups in attacks on a tugboat towing a coal-carrying barge and that the government would "try all options to free the hostages". Fourteen Indonesians were abducted in two separate assaults on tugboats in March and April but were freed in May. In April, the Indonesian navy instructed all commercial vessels to avoid piracy-prone waters near the southern Philippines. Filipino captive Marites Flor, abducted from an upscale resort in September along with Canadian Robert Hall, was freed at dawn on Friday on Jolo, an army spokesman said. Hall was beheaded on June 13. In Davao City, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said they were "able to negotiate" for the release of two captives, a Norwegian man and Filipino woman. "The kidnapped Norwegian could not get out yet because he could not cross because of the rough seas," Duterte said, adding "there will be time that I will have to confront the Abu Sayyaf". Alarmed at the frequency of attacks, port authorities in some areas of Indonesia, particularly Kalimantan on Borneo, have stopped issuing permits to ships taking coal to the southern Philippines. (Additional reporting by Fergus Jensen in JAKARTA and Enrico Dela Cruz in MANILA; Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor and Randy Fabi; Editing by Martin Petty)
THURSDAY, June 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Drug monitoring programs appear to help reduce deaths from prescription painkillers called opioids, a new study finds.

In an effort to curb overdose deaths from powerful painkillers such as OxyContin and Vicodin, all states except Missouri have implemented prescription-drug monitoring programs to track high-risk patients and prescription providers. But there have been conflicting findings about the effectiveness of these programs.

For instance, a study published June 23 in the New England Journal of Medicine found no change in opioid use or overdoses among disabled workers on Medicare between 2006 and 2012, despite tighter regulations.

But the current study -- based on data from 1999 to 2013 -- found that monitoring programs were associated with the prevention of about one opioid painkiller overdose death every two hours nationwide.

"Today, opioid overdose deaths are more common than deaths from car crashes. Our study provides support that prescription-drug monitoring programs are part of what needs to be a comprehensive approach to the prescription opioid epidemic," said lead author Dr. Stephen Patrick, an assistant professor of pediatrics and health policy at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, Tenn.

The largest reductions in opioid overdose deaths were in states with the most thorough monitoring programs, researchers found. These tracked a greater number of substances with abuse potential and updated their data at least weekly.

Although the study can't prove causality, states with the most thorough programs had 1.6 fewer opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 people than states without such programs, according to the study. The findings were published June 22 in the journal Health Affairs.

Between 1999 and 2014, more than 165,000 people died nationwide from prescription opioid overdoses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The drugs are frequently misused because they produce euphoria as well as pain relief.

"Congress is currently considering legislation to bolster the U.S. public health response to the opioid epidemic. Our findings suggest that investments in upgraded prescription-drug monitoring programs will pay dividends in lives saved," Patrick said in a Vanderbilt news release.

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has more about opioids.
A man stands in a Remain campaign office during the referendum on whether the United Kingdom should stay in or leave the European Union, in Gibraltar on June 23, 2016 (AFP Photo/Jorge Guerrero)

Madrid (AFP) - Spain said Friday it was closer to asserting control over Gibraltar after Britain voted to leave the European Union, prompting London to jump to the defence of its overseas territory.

The tiny rocky outcrop on Spain's southern tip has long been the subject of an acrimonious sovereignty row between London and Madrid, which wants Gibraltar back after it was ceded to Britain in 1713.

"Our formula... is British-Spanish co-sovereignty for a determined period of time, which after that time has elapsed, will head towards the restitution of Gibraltar to Spanish sovereignty," Spain's acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo told Spanish radio.

"The Spanish flag is much closer to the Rock."

But Britain's Minister for Europe David Lidington sought to ease concerns in the 33,000-strong territory, which awoke to news of Brexit with quiet shock.

"I want to be absolutely clear. The United Kingdom will continue to stand beside Gibraltar," he said in a statement.

"We will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against your wishes."

- 'Will never be Spanish' -

In a speech to Gibraltar's parliament, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo scorned Margallo's comments.

"Let others make irrelevant noises about flying flags over our Rock if they want to waste their breath," he said.

"Such ideas will never prosper.... Gibraltar will never be Spanish in whole, in part or at all."

Spain's conservative government, which has been in place since 2011 and is expected to win elections Sunday -- albeit without an absolute majority -- has been particularly vocal about its desire to see Gibraltar come back into its fold.

The Rock is now worried that it will be at the mercy of Madrid without the protection of the EU, which has had to intervene in the past to ease rows between the two, particularly over the flashpoint border crossing.

Story continues

It is also concerned about its flourishing economy, which depends in large part on its access to the EU's single market.

Margallo said the issue of Gibraltar was no longer within the remit of the European Union, after Britons voted to leave the bloc in Thursday's referendum.

"It is now a bilateral issue that will be negotiated exclusively between the United Kingdom and Spain," he said.

The idea of joint-sovereignty is not new, and such a proposal was etched out between Britain and Spain in 2001 and 2002. But it was binned after Gibraltarians rejected it in a November 2002 referendum.

Gibraltarians also turned out en masse to vote in the EU referendum, and 96 percent of those who cast their ballot chose to remain in the European Union.

Alfredo Vasquez of the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses said people in the Rock were still trying to digest the news.

"There is a bit of shock. We knew it was going to be close but generally the indications seemed to point towards a Remain result. It's a little bit surprising."

- Spanish workers in fear -

They were not the only ones to wake up in shock.

Spanish workers on the other side of the border, many of whom depend on jobs in Gibraltar for their livelihood, reacted with "a lot of concern and fear."

The border town of La Linea de la Concepcion is of particular concern.

Unemployment in this 72,000-strong city stands at 40 percent, one of the worst-hit places in Spain, and the majority of those who work do so over the border.

Juan Jose Uceda of the Association of Spanish Workers in Gibraltar said the grouping feared that the "work situation for thousands of Spaniards and foreigners working in Gibraltar will become more difficult."

They fear that the crucial land border crossing to Gibraltar could be affected as it has been in the past.

In one particularly belligerent row over disputed waters, Spanish authorities upped border checks in 2013, creating hours-long logjams and forcing the European Commission to wade in and ease the crisis.

But Spain's acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sought to ease concerns in a televised address.

"With regards to Spanish citizens working in Gibraltar... their rights have not changed," he said.
RENO, Nev., June 24, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oroplata Resources, Inc. (Oroplata or the Company) (OTCBB:ORRP) is pleased to announce it entered into an agreement with the vendor of the Western Nevada Basin Project ("WNB Project") to immediately eliminate the existing net smelter royalty (NSR).

With the elimination of the overriding NSR, Oroplata will now acquire a true 100% interest in the WNB Project. The vendors of the project agreed to remove the originally proposed NSR for a consideration of 636,943 shares of common stock in the Company.

The WNB Project covers the central portion of an area first identified as lithium rich by the United States Geological Survey. The WNB Project includes 500 mining claims covering approximately 10,000 acres. The Company also has an exclusive option to acquire an additional 600 mining claims for a total of 22,000 acres.

Craig Alford, Oroplatas CEO commented, This cashless transaction to remove the potential burden of a long-term 3rd party royalty is a significant achievement for the Company. It gives us full rights and control over the development of the exciting Western Nevada Basin Project and should make it much easier to negotiate any potential supply contracts with lithium carbonate end users as anticipated demand increases in the region.

About Oroplata: Oroplata Resources Inc. is focused on becoming a substantial profitable Lithium producer by the rapid development of valuable production-grade Lithium Brine deposits in Nevada and throughout the southwest U.S.

www.oroplataresourcesinc.com

Craig Alford B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc., P.Geo. (CEO/Director)

craig.alford@oroplataresourcesinc.com

Safe Harbor Statements



Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as expects or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, estimates, intends or believes, or that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the Companys ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Companys filings with the SEC. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the ability to locate and acquire suitable interests in alternative medicine manufacturing operations on terms acceptable to the Company, the availability of financing on acceptable terms, accidents, labor disputes, acts of God and other risks of the alternative medicine industry including, without limitation, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or permits, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements included in this news release are reasonable; however, no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The world is an uncertain and chaotic place today, and as our bank accounts and 401ks feel the burn of the Brexit, some of us may turn to another British export to soothe our nerves: Scotch whisky. Drink upthe Brexit may also be coming to your liquor cabinet.



In 1994, the U.S. inked a treaty with the European Union on a zero-for-zero tariff on distilled spirits. As a result, most liquor exports and imports between the UK and US have been tax-free for 22 years. Now that the UK is leaving the EU the deal might be up in the air.



According to the Distilled Spirits Council, a major U.S. liquor lobby, UK spirits imports into the US were valued at $1.55 billion in 2015. A whopping 74% of those imports were Scotch. The UK is the top market for US spirits, with $231 million in exports in 2015 (American whiskey makes up 88.5% of that).



There are serious issues to resolve in areas of major importance to our industry and which require urgent attention, notably the nature of future trade arrangements with both the single market and the wider world, wrote David Frost, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, in a press release this morning.



Leaving the EU would be a leap in the dark for our great British food and drink industry and could lead to years of negotiations on new trade deals  with no guarantees at the end, said UK environment and food secretary Liz Truss during a visit to the Glenkinchie Distillery in Scotland on Monday. The Scotch industry supports nearly 40,000 jobs throughout the UK.



But dont start hoarding Laphroaig just yet. You have two years to savor your scotch before the Brexit comes to your liquor store. Cheers to that.

--

Nicole Goodkind is a reporter and producer at Yahoo Finance. Send comments/complaints/etc. to @NicoleGoodkind



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By John Ruwitch WENXI, China (Reuters) - Despite its sputtering economy - or perhaps because of it - China's labour market may be able to provide more jobs for laid off workers than many think. The working age population is shrinking by several million each year and the number of workers willing to migrate beyond their home province is falling, leaving jobs available for those willing to travel. This suggests concerns about mass unemployment as China cuts down its industrial capacity and the risk that this could lead to social unrest may be overdone. Take Li Xi, 34, for instance. After losing his job of 15 years at Highsee Iron and Steel in the slow-growing northern province of Shanxi, Li was not out of work for long. Encouraged by friends to join them at an electronics factory 1,000 km (620 miles) to the south, he made the journey to Suzhou near Shanghai. The rest was easy. "On the first day I did a health check, and on the second day I was working," Li said. China's economic growth slowed to a 25-year-low in 2015 of less than 7 percent and Beijing has flagged layoffs as it reduces massive surplus industrial capacity and gears the economy more to services and consumption. Sources said in March that China was expecting to lay off 5-6 million state workers in the next two to three years as it curbs production capacity and pollution in rust-belt provinces. While there is scant official data to build an accurate picture of Chinese unemployment, Chang Chun Hua, China economist at Nomura, said the jobs market can handle the unemployment pressures for now. The working age population has been shrinking since 2012. Last year, the number of people between the ages of 16 and 59 shrank by 4.87 million, government statistics show. In 2014, the age group contracted by 3.71 million. At the same time, the government says a higher-than-expected 5.77 million jobs were created between January and May this year. "In general, the current unemployment pressure is still manageable for the Chinese government," Hua said. BIG SHORTAGE On a recent visit to Shanxi, several laid-off workers including Li said they were able to find work quickly and relatively easily. To be sure, their new jobs were often ones that paid a similar salary, or less. They went to other factories and construction sites, or worked in small family-run stores. One delivered ice cream. Some migrated far from home to find work. Hua said the northeast rust-belt provinces of Liaoning, Heilongjiang and Jilin are reeling from China's economic slowdown. Workers are fleeing to the economically stronger regions like Tianjin and Beijing nearby to find jobs. Further down the coast in the Yangtze River Delta, powerhouse provinces such as Zhejiang and Jiangsu are providing labour jobs "at a decent pace", Hua said. A municipal government survey in 2014 in Suzhou, where Li found a job, showed that 62 percent of 500 manufacturers in different sectors faced a labour crunch. Half said they had a hard time recruiting. In the south, the manufacturing hub of Guangdong  known as the factory of the world for its output of everything from garments to shoes and toys  is providing work for migrants from nearby Guangxi and Hunan and the inland provinces of Henan and Hubei, among others. Some Guangdong factories are relying more on day workers to help them cope with unpredictable demand. Still, migration is slowing down nationally, government data shows. The number of migrant workers in China stayed basically flat in 2015 after years of growth. The once-bulging army of labourers who sought jobs outside of their home province dropped by 1.5 percent  the first decline in six years. "Given the wage pressures and declining working age population, the negotiating power of rural workers that are willing to migrate is getting better," said Trinh Nguyen, senior emerging Asia economist at investment and financial services firm Natixis in Hong Kong. BOTH SIDES Many economists are sceptical of China's official unemployment rate, which has been about 4 percent for years despite the dramatic slowdown in growth from double-digit rates in the previous decade. They suspect real unemployment is higher. Purchasing managers' indexes show employment growing in service industries, but falling steadily in manufacturing. Economic research group Fathom Consulting estimated in a June report that China's real unemployment and underemployment rate was 10.1 percent in 2015 and could rise to 12.9 percent in 2016. "The core issue is: What kind of job can they find and what kind of pay can they get for a new job?" said Cui Ernan, an economist with Gavekal Dragonomics, an economics research consultancy, in Beijing. "If they lower their expectations for their pay or for the role that they are working in then it's not that hard for them to find a job." Wang Liang went back to work in April at a steel mill in Shanxi that reopened after a revival in steel prices. He left a job at a nearby plant making coking coal, the fuel that fires the mills. As he ate a lunch across the street from the factory, he did not seem particulary worried about the prospect of the mill closing down again if steel prices force it back into the red. "When it's open, I'll work there. If it closes, I'll go back to a coke plant. There are four or five of them nearby," he said. (Reporting by John Ruwitch; Editing by Neil Fullick)
- By Mayank Marwah





General Motors (GM) is now aiming to expand its engineering base in Canada.

The company said it would be creating around 1,000 jobs over the next two years in Ontario, where it proposes to carry out its research work on connected and driverless technology. The automaker plans to pour in $10 million in Kapuskasing, Ontario's cold-weather facility where tests on new products would be conducted.





General Motors' statement comes amid rising worries about the fate of the Detroit automakeras last two assembly facilities in Oshawa in Southern Ontario. Ontario has been one of the key auto hubs for global carmakers such as General Motors, Ford (NYSE:F), ChryslerA (FIATY), Honda (HMC) and Toyota (TM). However, in recent years the auto industry in Canada has been falling behind Mexico and Southern U.S. states where automakers are opening manufacturing hubs and producing vehicles at much lower costs.

Hereas a rundown on General Motorsa plan for its Canadian operation.

GM aims for Canada expansion

Canada has been losing ground and facing difficulties in attracting innovation and investments. However, General Motorsa plan to invest in the country comes as good news for the auto sector. Mark Reuss, executive vice president of General Motors, said, aWe selected Canada for this expansion because of its clear capacity for innovation, proven talent and strong ecosystem of great universities, startups and innovative suppliers.a

General Motors will be focusing on autonomous vehicle technology, controls development, wireless connected technology, active safety and infotainment in its Canadian facility. These technologies can be applied in any of the 10 million vehicles the company manufactures each year worldwide. This is going to be a big drive in the development of autonomous cars in Canada.

Story continues

Earlier during the year General Motors Canada had opened its 2908 at Communitech innovation lab in Waterloo, Ontario to carry out its work on smartphone application, ride-sharing services as well as develop ideas for urban and public transit. Ontario is, in fact, the first major region to permit on-road testing of autonomous vehicles.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti said, aWe are very proud of Markhamas status as Canadaas high-tech capital and thrilled that the new General Motorsa R&D center is coming to Markham.a With more than "1,100 high-tech and life sciences companies, our city is an ideal location for this new center for information technology and automotive innovation."

Moreover, in April this year, General Motors announced that it purchased a portion of land in Southeastern Toronto. The carmaker will open and lay the foundation for a new urban mobility campus that would comprise offices and research and development facilities along with a provision for a space selling electric vehicles.

Driving toward autonomy

According to auto experts, semi-automated vehicles are expected to hit the roads and be widely popular in a decade followed by the arrival of fully autonomous vehicles in a few years. In May, A Property and Casualty Insurance Compensation CorporationA President and CEO Paul Kovacs said at a research forum that the advent of groundbreaking technology combined with the transformation of the auto insurance industry is going to change the auto world drastically.

General Motors has made enormous investment in building this future technology. The company acquired Cruise Automation, a San Francisco-based startup firm that develops autonomous vehicle technology, in a billion-dollar deal. Cruise Automation is a 3-year old company employing 40 people. This is a strategic move undertaken by General Motors to help it take on the likes of AlphabetA (GOOG), Apple (AAPL) and Tesla (TSLA), also investing in driverless technology. The companyas move to invest in Canada is also in line with its long-term plan in the development of autonomous technology.

Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned in this article.

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This article first appeared on GuruFocus.






Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton condemned Thursday's Supreme Court deadlock that blocked President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration, calling the decision "unacceptable."

She added that the ruling showed "us all just how high the stakes are in this election."

"As I have consistently said, I believe that President Obama acted well within his constitutional and legal authority in issuing the DAPA [Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents] and DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals] executive actions," she said in a statement.

"These are our friends and family members; neighbors and classmates; DREAMers and parents of Americans and lawful permanent residents. They enrich our communities and contribute to our economy every day. We should be doing everything possible under the law to provide them relief from the specter of deportation."

She called the court's decision "purely procedural" and added that it "casts no doubt on the fact that DAPA and DACA are entirely within the President's legal authority."

"This decision reminds us how much damage Senate Republicans are doing by refusing to consider President Obama's nominee to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court," she said. "Our families and our country need and deserve a full bench, and Senate Republicans need to stop playing political games with our democracy and give Judge Merrick Garland a fair hearing and vote."

The presumptive Democratic nominee said the ruling is a "stark reminder of the harm Donald Trump would do to our families, our communities, and our country."

"Trump has pledged to repeal President Obama's executive actions on his first day in office," she said. "He has called Mexican immigrants 'rapists' and 'murderers.' He has called for creating a deportation force to tear 11 million people away from their families and their homes."

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks about the worst mass shooting in U.S. history that took place in Orlando, Florida, at the White House in Washington, U.S., June 12, 2016. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

In a 4-4 decision, the court ruled in United States v. Texas to enforce the prior decision of a lower court, which effectively blocks Obama's plan to shield millions of immigrants living in the country illegally from deportation and ends the initiative through the end of his presidency.

Story continues

The ninth seat on the court is vacant after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February.

The court heard in mid-April the challenge to Obama's signature immigration-related actions in what was one of the most closely watched cases of its term. The court appeared "deadlocked" in the case.

It's a huge blow for the Obama administration, and it raises the stakes for November's election, as it hands off the issue to the next president.

House Speaker Paul Ryan quickly made a statement after the decision was announced. The Wisconsin Republican said the decision "vindicated" Article 1 of the Constitution.

"The Supreme Court's ruling makes the president's executive action on immigration null and void," he said in the statement. "The Constitution is clear: The president is not permitted to write laws  only Congress is. This is another major victory in our fight to restore the separation of powers."

Obama's executive actions, proposed in 2014, aimed to focus deportation efforts on criminally engaged immigrants while providing relief to those who reside in the country illegally but are otherwise law-abiding and meet certain qualifications.

Soon after, lawyers representing Texas and 25 other Republican-led states filed a suit in federal court in Brownsville, Texas. Those states claimed that the costs of issuing state identification cards to the immigrants would be a heavy burden. A US district judge sided with the states, saying they had the standing to sue the federal government. That decision was upheld last year in the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

During the challenge, conservative Justice Anthony Kennedy and Chief Justice John Roberts, one of whose votes the Obama administration would have needed to prevail in the case, "sharply questioned" the administration's attorney, according to The Los Angeles Times.

"Kennedy said Congress, not the president, had the authority to decide which groups of immigrants could stay lawfully in the United States," the paper reported.

"It is a legislative act, not an executive act," Kennedy said, according to The Times.

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VW to Pay Roughly $10.2 Billion to Settle Emissions Claims

A source briefed the Associated Press, saying the money would go mainly to compensate 482,000 owners.

According to an Associated Press report, Volkswagen has agreed to pay about $10.2 billion in order to settle claims in the United States from its emissions-cheating scandal. USA Today also reported that the German automaker expected to pay $10 billion in fines and compensation for owners.

The money would go to owners of cars with 2-liter diesel engines that were programmed to cheat on emissions test. There are roughly 482,000 owners total.

Although the source wasnt identified, the person said some of the money would also go to the government in penalties. Owners of these cars could receive anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000, depending on the age of the car.
U.S. Supreme Court Limits Drunk Driving Test Laws

Police must obtain a search warrant before requiring drivers to submit to blood tests, the court ruled June 23.

The U.S. Supreme Court has placed new limits on state laws that make it a crime for a driver suspected of drunk driving to refuse alcohol tests. Now, police must obtain a search warrant before requiring drivers to take blood alcohol tests, but not breath tests, the high court ruled in a 7-1 case on June 23.

The ruling in Birchfield v. North Dakota, No. 14-1468, came in three cases where drivers challenged implied consent laws in Minnesota and North Dakota. The state supreme courts upheld those laws. Justice Samuel Alito, writing the majority opinion, wrote that the Fourth Amendment permits warrantless breath tests incident to arrests for drunk driving but not warrantless blood tests, adding that breath tests do not implicate "significant privacy concerns."

"Because the impact of breath tests on privacy is slight, and the need for BAC testing is great, the Fourth Amendment permits warrantless breath tests incident to arrests for drunk driving. Blood tests, however, are significantly more intrusive, and their reasonableness must be judged in light of the availability of the less invasive alternative of a breath test," he wrote.

Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in a separate opinion, said they would have required search warrants for both breath and blood alcohol tests, while Justice Clarence Thomas argued in his opinion that both searches should be held to be constitutional under the exigent circumstances exception to the warrant requirement.
DUBLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union has very significant implications for Ireland and the European Union as a whole, the Irish government said ahead of an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday.

"This result clearly has very significant implications for Ireland, as well as for Britain and for the European Union," a government statement said.

"The government will meet later this morning to reflect on the result. Following that meeting, the Taoiseach (prime minister) will make a public statement." (Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Panama Finally Opens Expanded Canal

Called a "risky bet" by The New York Times because of questions about the design and whether enough steel and concrete are in its new locks, it is a colossal bet by the country of Panama. The COSCO Shipping Panama, a Chinese container ship, made the first transit of the new canal June 26.

A colossal gamble by the Panama Canal Authority and the country of Panama, the expanded Panama Canal opens to commercial ship traffic on June 27. The project took nine years to complete and has cost $5.4 billion -- although an investigative article by The New York Times reported at least $3.4 billion in disputed costs arose during it.

This is the first expansion of the canal since it was completed in 1914. The older lock system has two lanes of side-by-side traffic, while the new locks provide one large lane and allow four transits per day. The older lock system will continue to be used.

The first ship to transit the expanded canal was the COSCO Shipping Panama, a Chinese container ship that was scheduled to make the trip on June 26.

There are questions about whether the new locks are big enough for both the canal's new tugboats and the giant Neopanamax ships the expansion is designed to accommodate, according to The Times' analysis, which reported the low winning bid for the project included a budget for concrete that was 71 percent smaller than the next lowest bidder's concrete budget and that the winner's budget for steel to reinforce the concrete was "roughly 25 percent less."

The project's success may be undercut by a slowdown in global trade, especially trade from China -- cargo traffic between ports on the U.S. East Coast and northern Asia ports declined by 10.2 percent in 2015, and lower oil prices are allowing some shipping lines to use longer routes, AP reported. But its report quoted Jorge Luis Quijano, the Canal Authority's administrator, as saying the shipping market is cyclical and he is confident the volumes will rebound.

Even though Neopanamax ships can carry far more than the Panamax ships that travel through the original canal, the expanded canal is unlikely to significantly change crude oil and petroleum product flows, except for U.S. propane exports, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted last week.

Panamax vessels can carry 300,000 to 500,000 barrels of capacity of petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Neopanamax ships have estimated capacities of 400,000 to 600,000 barrels, according to EIA.

Maersk, the global shipping company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, praised the project, saying the expansion of the Panama Canal "represents the largest project at the Canal since its construction 102 years ago and shows the Panama Canal Authority's commitment to enhancing global trade by accommodating larger vessels." Maersk has about 88,000 employees and reported $40 billion in 2015 revenue.
Running a company successfully is a challenge no matter where you are located, but in some business-friendly cities and states entrepreneurs have a relatively easier time.

Small Business Friendly States and Cities

According to a new study by Thumbtack, San Antonio and Nashville are the friendliest cities to small businesses.

Among the states, Texas and Utah are the top favorites. Connecticut and Illinois, on the other hand, fare poorly as they are deemed the least friendly states for doing business. Syracuse and Oxnard are the worst ranked cities.

Participants said the most important factor impacting their success and ability to start, grow and sustain a thriving business is regulation thats straightforward and easy to follow.

Key Drivers of Business Friendliness

Professionals who found their governments to be small business-friendly were most likely to rate them positively on tax regulations, licensing requirements and labor and hiring rules. Thats because these factors have consistently ranked among the top concerns for businesses since 2012.

In this years survey, the influence of these factors depended on the level of government.

Perceptions of licensing friendliness were more critical for city rankings because local authorities are often more responsible for permits, licensing and other forms to run a business.

Skilled professionals on Thumbtack report that when government regulations complicate obtaining licenses and permits, hiring employees, and paying taxes, it is harder to start and grow a business, Lucas Puente, economist at Thumbtack told Small Biz Trends.

The highest-rated governments make regulations easy to comply with and enforce them consistently. They also invest in helpful training programs and government websites. These insights provide a roadmap for policy makers to create environments that foster entrepreneurship and innovation-outcomes critical for continued economic growth.

About the Survey and Thumbtack

Thumbtack is an online platform dedicated to connecting local small businesses with customers. Those businesses range from plumbers and house painters to therapists and more. Businesses are able to compete for customers interested in their services via the use of a bidding system.

The annual Thumbtack Small Business Friendliness Survey has been conducted since 2012. For this years study, Thumbtack surveyed more than 12,000 U.S. small business owners who collectively graded 35 states and 78 cities on the government policies that impact their businesses.

To mark the fifth anniversary of the survey, Thumbtack also released a special report highlighting the top policy concerns for skilled professionals with in-depth case studies of five cities from five different regions: Austin, Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis and San Francisco.

Photo via Thumbtack

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Augmented Reality

Alive Studios to Launch Augmented Reality Storybook for Elementary Students

Alive Studios, which creates supplemental reading and math materials for students in grades preK-3, is introducing its first augmented reality children's storybook.

While the printed version of the first book, "Amos Alligator Arrives at the Airport," must be purchased, the app that makes the story come alive with 3D interactive animation on tablets and smartphones is free.

Augmented reality is the integration of digital information with the user's environment in real time. Unlike virtual reality, which creates a totally artificial environment, augmented reality uses the existing environment and overlays new information on top of it.

With the Amos Alligator Arrives at the Airport app, young readers will be able to point their tablet or smartphone at the print version of the book and see the characters come to life on the device. As the reader touches the screen, they can interact with the characters. Children can have the book both read to them or read it themselves.

What is expected to be the first in a series of augmented reality storybooks, "Amos Alligator Arrives at the Airport" will teach the letter A, the sound it represents and several words that include the letter that are relevant to Amos's adventure.

"It's so funny when teachers see our animated characters pop into their mobile devices," said Cynthia Kaye whose title at Alive Studios is chief zoo keeper. "They get as excited as the kids do."

The new augmented reality storybook will be demonstrated at ISTE 2016 June 26-29 in Denver.

The storybook app is available now on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. The printed book can be purchased from Alive Studios.
Virtual Schools

California Virtual Academies to be Audited by State Controller

Californias Superintendent of Public Instruction has contracted with the states highest-ranking accountant to conduct an audit of California Virtual Academies (CAVA), a network of 14 online charter schools that enrolls about 15,000 students.

Superintendent Tom Torlakson said in a statement that the state controllers investigation has been prompted by serious question raised about a number of [CAVAs] practices.

These questions include whether the nonprofit's online charter schools:

Are organizationally separate from K12 Inc, a for-profit company that these nonprofit charter schools contract with;

Accurately reported attendance, enrollment and dropout graduation rates to the California Department of Education (CDE);

Appropriately allocated and reported shared expenses; and

Appropriately identified, accounted for and disclosed related-party relationships.

The goal of the audit is to make sure these schools are spending public education funds properly and serving their students well, Torlakson said.

The audit started June 20 and will continue through June 30, 2017. It will cost the CDE $300,000.

The CDE contracted with the controllers office because [w]e have significant experience auditing school districts, said Taryn Kinney, spokeswoman for controllers office.

The audit states that the concerns with CAVA include poor student performance rates; possible overstated attendance and enrollment records to spike funding; related-party relationships and transactions between the not-for-profit charter schools and the for-profit K12 Inc.; and the charter schools' organizational independence from K12.

K12 is a Virginia-based for-profit that operates CAVA schools and other online charter schools, providing curricula, management and instructional services. K12 earns tens of millions of dollars annually in state funding. State Attorney General Kamala Harris is currently investigating the publicly traded company as part of a larger examination of online charter schools.

The audit openly questions relations between CAVA and K12, stating that some of the charter schools board members were related to top CAVA administrators who were hand-picked by K12, Inc. One previous review indicated instances in which the same individual served on the board of multiple charter schools and instances in which individuals who served as charter school management also served on the schools board.

Representatives of K12 could not be reached for comment.

Last week, three educational reform organizations released a report addressing the underperforming virtual charter school sector, calling on states to overhaul legislation and to close chronically low-performing schools.

The Call to Action to Improve the Quality of Full-Time Virtual Charter Schools urges state leaders to work within state policy frameworks to close chronically underperforming full-time virtual charter schools, saying its their legal and moral responsibility.
- During a phone conversation on Thursday, 23 June 2016, President Uhuru Kenyatta told Barack Obama that Kenyas decision that refugees must return to Somalia is final and Kenya will not go back on it

- In May 2016, Kenya announced a deadline of November 2016 to shut down camps and repatriate Somali refugees

- Kenyatta asked Obama to continue assisting Somalia by helping them secure its territory and create an environment where the refugees would feel safe as they return home to help rebuild their country

On Thursday night, U.S. President Barack Obama called President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss a range of issues, amongst them the planned repatriation of Somali refugees.

READ ALSO: Uhuru Kenyatta and Somali president face-off over Dadaab at State House

He reassured Obama that Kenya was not vacating its international obligations and would ensure the refugees return to Somalia will be done in an orderly and humane way and no refugees would be put in harms way.

Kenyatta has so far discussed the refugee issue with other global and regional leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

He continues to take a firm stand that the refugees must return to Somalia. It estimated about 10,000 jobs have been created and will be lost come November.

READ ALSO: Somalia president sends another warning to Kenya over Daadab

Dadaab refugee camp Arial views AFP

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the worlds largest refugee camp is located in Dadaab, Kenya, which is home to more than 600,000 Somali and Sudanese nationalities.

The camp has five interlocking refugee camps near the border with Somalia and as such, poses national security concerns for Kenya.

The biggest threat being al-Shabaab militant group that is based in the war torn country.

Despite this existing security threat as well as being a burden on Kenya's economy, the camp has been receiving billions of dollars from international donors- a donation Kenya considers too little to have any impact from foreign countries.

READ ALSO: Kenya makes final decision on world's largest refugee camp

According to the UNHCR, there are 420,711 Somali registered refugees in Kenya. There have been 6,436 Somali refugees new arrivals in Kenya from January to August 2015.

Dadaab refugee camp in northern Kenya

Refugees continue to lead their lives in limbo, pondering over their next move even though most of them want to live, study and work in Kenya.

Newsdeeply.com says there are widespread fears of a repeat of the notorious Usalama Watch in 2014, when thousands of Somalis were violently rounded up in an effort to force refugees out of Nairobi.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
- Kenyan socialite, Pesh, was arrested in Ghana according to grapevine and is currently serving a ten-year jail term at a Ghanaian correctional facility

- Pesh shot into infamy circa 2015 when she leaked her private photos on social media and rode on the new found fame to become Kenya's 2015 sensation

Pesh shot into infamy after sharing her naked photos on social media. Her well endowed derriere, laid bare, gave her a legion of followers.

READ ALSO: Kenyans attack an Eldoret Socialite who posted private photos online

A month after sharing the photos online, the girl became the talk on the Kenyan blogosphere. With the photos, came the fame which she took to the Nairobi party scene.

She was a regular at all the big parties in Nairobi and would be seen in the company of Nigerian men and foreighners who had a dime to spare- Pesh had become a socialite.

Socialite Pesh in a photo that she took before vanishing off the Kenyan social media.

The TUKO gossiper has been sufficiently informed that Pesh, in her many wanderings, met a Ghanaian drug lord who recruited her in the trade. The money was good and her task was easy.

READ ALSO: Bel Akinyi: the new socialite in town?

After identifying herself as a socialite, it was possible for her to travel around the world in the guise that she was servicing her clients for pay. A common assumption was that Kenyan girls were selling like hot cake in West Africa.

Quite on the contrary, Pesh was being used to peddle drugs on a network that spanned from Ghana, Paris and the United States.

READ ALSO : See what Gloria Muliro thinks of Kenyan socialites

Pesh went off the radar circa July, 2015. It was around the time that she posted on her social media that she was travelling to Ghana.

Pesh's last post on social media before she went missing.

Early in 2016, her family which was looking for her could not find her. Her close friend was answering her phone calls but could not reveal where Pesh was .

Pesh in her glory days.

It was assumed that something tragic happened to her causing her disappearance. True to speculation, something did happen to her. She was reportedly arrested at a Ghanaian airport with Cocaine. She was on her way to do her delivery in the United States.

She has been in remand ever since and an unconfirmed report indicate that she is currently serving a ten-year jail term after she was convicted by a Ghanaian magistrate.

SOURCE: breaking news in Ghana

Source: TUKO.co.ke
By Sanjeev Miglani and Serajul Quadir

DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh's central bank is unlikely to extend the contract of U.S. cyber security firm FireEye (FEYE.O) to investigate the electronic theft of $81 million of its money, sources at the bank said on Wednesday, citing high costs as one of the factors.

The move comes as law enforcement in Bangladesh and the United States have reported little progress in identifying the criminals more than four months after one of the biggest cyber heists to date.

FireEye's Mandiant forensics division was hired by Bangladesh Bank weeks after the cyber heist in early February. It said in an interim report that hackers took control of the bank's network, stole credentials for sending messages on the SWIFT transactions system and used "sophisticated" malicious software to attack the computers the bank uses to process and authorise transactions.

Mandiant has said it needs 570 hours of more work to complete its investigations, a director on the board of Bangladesh Bank told Reuters. The bank has already paid about $280,000 to the company at an hourly rate of $400, he and other officials said on condition of anonymity.

Another official familiar with the computer security systems at the bank said it did not want to extend Mandiant's contract because board members were not sure what tangible results could come from further investigation.

FireEye said in a statement that it would seek to help with the investigation even after completing its assignment for Bangladesh Bank.

"We have uncovered and provided Bangladesh Bank and the global financial community extensive data about this unprecedented financial attack and how to prepare for the future, and will continue to support law enforcement and the industry past the close of our engagement," the statement said.

The bank director said Bangladesh Bank planned to seek external help in the investigation, but only after drawing up new terms of reference on the basis of its own internal investigation, a police inquiry and a government-appointed probe.

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Cost was a factor in the Mandiant decision, the director said.

"Its charges are so high," the director said, adding a formal meeting of the board on Thursday was scheduled to formally end the contract.

FireEye said that the $400 per hour figure cited by the Bangladesh Bank officials was not a standard rate for its services.

"The pricing and duration of our investigative work is unique to every incident," the statement said.

A third bank official said the initial purpose of hiring Mandiant had been achieved: identifying and addressing lapses in the bank's computer security.

At Thursday's board meeting, terms for a possible new contract for an external investigator will be finalised, the bank director said. It wasn't clear if FireEye would be invited to bid.

(Additional reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
LUXEMBOURG, June 24 (Reuters) - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that European leaders should work on keeping Europe together after British voters opted to leave the European Union.

"It is important now that we keep Europe together and that we don't fall into hysteria or shock," Steinmeier said on arriving at a meeting of foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

"I hope that at today's meeting we can send a common signal for the future, a clear signal that we lose a member state but work on making Europe strong," he added. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek)
lloyds antonio horta osorio

Reuters

The CEO of Lloyds Banking Group moved to reassure staff that the bank's contingency plans in event of a Brexit were being activated.

In a memo to staff seen by Business Insider, Antonio Horta-Osorio said: "We announced in April that we were undertaking contingency planning in the event of a leave scenario. We will now continue this work at pace as negotiations between the UK Government and the EU begin."

Shares across the banking sector collapsed as the UK voted to leave the European Union in a referendum on June 23.

A spokesperson for Lloyds said: "We remain committed to our purpose of helping Britain prosper through our focus on UK retail and commercial banking, funding business investment, and serving the financial needs of our customers to support them throughout this period and beyond."

Here's Lloyds on Friday. It's been absolutely crushed:

Lloy

Reuters

Here's the memo:

"Yesterday many of you will have voted on the United Kingdoms membership of the European Union. The outcome of the Referendum has now been confirmed. Throughout the campaign our focus has been to support our customers and the UK economy, and that focus is as important today as ever.

For our customers and our Group, the message is clear  we are open for business. I know I can rely on you all to provide the service that our customers have come to expect, and importantly reassure them that they can continue to use our banking and insurance services as they currently do. Please use the materials made available to you to support these conversations.

The UKs decision to leave the EU means there may be a period of uncertainty as the markets, our industry, and our customers adjust to what the result means.

I would like to make clear that our core strategy does not change. As one of the UKs best capitalised banks we remain committed to helping Britain prosper, continuing our support for the UK economy, and providing banking and insurance services that our customers rely on.

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While we are a UK-focused banking group, we do support customers in Europe and further afield and colleagues based in these locations may be wondering what the outcome means for them. There are no changes for any Group colleagues as a direct result of the Referendum outcome.

NEXT STEPS

We announced in April that we were undertaking contingency planning in the event of a leave scenario. We will now continue this work at pace as negotiations between the UK Government and the EU begin. This programme of work will help us understand, respond and adapt to any future changes.

I ask all of you to remain focused on reassuring our customers and providing them with the banking and insurance products and services they depend on us for.

In the coming weeks and months we will provide regular updates to help you understand important developments, and what any potential changes mean for the Group and our customers.

I have been very proud of all of the work you have been doing to support our customers, and I know I can rely on you to continue doing this and to deliver on our promise to help Britain prosper.

Antonio Horta-Osorio"

NOW WATCH: Watch David Cameron announce his resignation after the UK voted to leave EU

See Also:
A logo of Shell is pictured at a gas station in the western Canakkale province, Turkey April 25, 2016. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

LONDON (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) said it will work with the British government and European institutions on any implications for its business from Britain's decision to leave the European Union, a spokesman said on Friday.

Shell, which was in favor of Britain remaining part of the EU, said its priority was to continue supplying energy to customers in Europe and the United Kingdom.

"We will work with the UK government and European institutions on any implications for us," a spokesman said.

(Reporting by Karolin Schaps; editing by Jason Neely)
By Marja Novak

LJUBLJANA, June 24 (Reuters) - Slovenia plans to counter-balance economic risks from Britain's decision to leave the European Union by improving the efficiency of its public sector, pursuing privatisation and attracting more foreign investors, a deputy prime minister said on Friday.

The minister, Boris Koprivnikar, who is also a minister of public administration, said Britain's 'Brexit' move would force Slovenia to pay even greater attention to public finances in order to reach its goal of reducing the budget deficit.

"We need to adapt to conditions on the markets by effective management of public finance mechanisms," Koprivnikar said in an interview.

Exports, which amounted to 24 billion euros last year, are the main driver of the Slovenian economy and could suffer if Britain's decision hurt Slovenia's main economic partners which include Germany, Italy, France and Austria.

On Thursday the government said the budget deficit should fall to 1.6 percent of GDP in 2017 and 1 percent in 2018 versus a deficit of about 2.2 percent seen this year.

Last year Slovenia managed to cut budget deficit to below 3 percent of GDP, as required of EU members, for the first time in seven years.

According to Koprivnikar, the deficit targets should be met although public sector wages are due to increase by some 2.5 percent in 2017 after an increase of about 5 percent this year, in line with earlier agreements with trade unions.

He also said Slovenia will continue with privatisation to attract strategic investors which will improve the performance of its companies.

Over the past decades the country refused to sell a number of its major banks and companies so the government still controls about 50 percent of the economy.

The biggest sale that is due to start this year is the initial public offering of shares of largest bank Nova Ljubljanska Banka.

(Reporting By Marja Novak; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
JOHANNESBURG, June 24 (Reuters) - South African furniture retailer Steinhoff International said on Friday Britain's Poundland's board had rejected a proposal about a possible cash offer.

Steinhoff bought a 23 percent stake in no-frills retailer Poundland and was considering a full cash bid, the company said on June 15, as the furniture conglomerate continues to hunt for acquisitions in Europe after listing in Frankfurt last year.

"We have since been notified that the Board of Poundland has not accepted our proposal regarding a possible cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Poundland," Steinhoff said in a statement.

The South African group added that it had noted the British retailer's lower profit and recent drop in share price.

Shares (Berlin: DI6.BE - news) in Poundland were down more than 9 percent at 185 pence by 1146 GMT, outpacing a 4.5 percent drop in the FTSE 100 after Britain voted to exit the European Union.

"The Board of Steinhoff is considering its position and a further announcement will be made in due course," the furniture retailer said.

The South African group has lost out in two other takeovers in Europe this year. It failed to win Britain's Home Retail (Other OTC: HMRLF - news) , which owns Argos, and was unsuccessful in a bid for Darty (Other OTC: KESAF - news) in France. (Reporting by TJ Strydom; Editing by Ed Cropley)
Hedge funds around the world were divided on the prospects of a U.K. vote to leave the European Union, putting millions of dollars at stake on bets on both sides.

The surprise leave vote roiled the financial world Friday, battering the British pound and sinking stock markets in Europe, the U.S. and Asia amid a bracing for an uncertain future. Hedge funds in the U.K., which manage about $400 billion and generally are tight-lipped, were unusually vocal on both sides of the Brexit debate in the lead-up to Thursday's referendum.

Michael Farmer, co-founder of RK Capital Management and who donated 200,000 to the pro-Brexit campaign, had predicted that a stay vote would cast a gray cloud of depression over the country.

Andrew Law, the chairman and chief executive of Caxton Associates LP who had donated the same amount to the other side, said the risks of tearing up this trading relationship would be horrific. The New York-based fund with a London office made bets against the pound this year, pointing to volatility in the currency market.

In addition to Mr. Law, the remain camp included David Harding of Winton Capital Management, Manny Roman of Man Group PLC, one of the worlds biggest hedge-fund firms, and Ewan Kirk of Cantab Capital Partners. Crispin Odey of Odey Asset Management, Paul Marshall of Marshall Wace and Savvas Savouri of Toscafund Asset Management LLP were among the investors pushing for an exit.

Regardless of their public stances, some hedge-funds are likely to profit on the market turmoil.

George Soros earlier this month expressed confidence that as the vote neared, the remain camp would strengthen. Later, in a column for the Guardian, the 85-year-old billionaire investor warned a vote to leave the EU would devalue the pound by more than 15% or possibly even 20%. Soros Fund Management LLC, which manages $30 billion for Mr.Soros and his family, recently sold stocks and bought gold and shares of gold miners in anticipation of global market turmoil. (Years ago, Mr. Soros bet against the British pound in a trade that ultimately earned $1 billion of profits.)

Anne-Sophie DAndlau, co-founder of Paris-based hedge fund firm CIAM, said a Brexit would create real turmoil and bought put options -- the right to sell at a predetermined price -- to protect part of her portfolio.
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - June 23, 2016) - Imperial Metals Corporation ("Imperial" or "Company") (III.TO) reports that the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Environment have issued the necessary authorizations to allow Mount Polley Mine ("Mount Polley") to return to normal operations making use of its repaired and buttressed Tailings Storage Facility ("TSF").

Over the past two years the management and staff at Mount Polley have worked tirelessly in close cooperation with regulatory agencies, First Nations and members of the local communities, to repair and buttress the TSF following the Best Applicable Practices identified in the Independent Expert Engineering Investigation and Review Panel ("Panel") report.

A number of important conditions and milestones were met by Mount Polley as it worked toward receipt of the regulatory authorizations required to return to normal operations. Thorough investigations by the Panel, the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and a team from Golder Associates Ltd. (the Engineer of Record retained by Mount Polley) all concurred on the failure mechanism that led to the breach of the Perimeter Embankment in August of 2014. The updated design of the embankment in this specific area reflects the results of these investigations. Furthermore, all the existing TSF embankments were investigated, and foundation conditions throughout were comprehensively characterized. These investigations led to modification of the embankments to assure that the stability of the structure meets or exceeds all applicable legislative requirements and guidelines. It should be noted that use of the existing facility was recommended as a result of an assessment of alternative sites and technologies.

The design and operating philosophy of the TSF follows the Best Applicable Practices guidelines identified in the Panel report. To ensure the TSF is operated in accordance with Best Applicable Practices on an ongoing basis, Mount Polley appointed an Independent Engineering Review Panel in January 2015 to provide ongoing review.

Since the breach of the Perimeter Embankment, Mount Polley has completed significant rehabilitation of the areas that were impacted by the breach, and will continue necessary rehabilitation and monitoring of those areas.

Research and monitoring to date indicates the environment is recovering rapidly. No long lasting impacts are anticipated at this time.

Brian Kynoch, President, said, "A return to normal operations is important to the region as Mount Polley is a significant contributor to the economy, directly providing approximately 350 jobs, as well as supporting the local communities of Likely, Williams Lake and the surrounding region. Mount Polley is committed to working with First Nations and local communities to complete rehabilitation of the areas impacted by the breach and we thank all those involved in the rehabilitation for the excellent work that has been completed to date."

About Imperial

Imperial is an exploration, mine development and operating company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns the Red Chris and Mount Polley copper|gold mines in British Columbia, and the Sterling gold mine in Nevada. Imperial also holds a 50% interest in Huckleberry Mines Ltd. and in the Ruddock Creek lead|zinc property, both in British Columbia.

Forward-Looking Information and Risks Notice

Certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking information which is prospective in nature and reflect the current views and/or expectations of the Company. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of statements such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "targets", "projects", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information in this press release includes, without limitation, expectations that the Mount Polley TSF will continue to achieve the key Best Applicable Practices identified in the Panel report; that Mount Polley will continue necessary rehabilitation and monitoring of the areas impacted by the TSF breach; and that, in accordance with indications arising out of the research and monitoring conducted to date, the environment is recovering and there should be no long-lasting impacts.

Forward-looking information is not based on historical facts, but rather on then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business and the industry and markets in which the Company operates. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. We can give no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause Imperial's actual results, revenues, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements constituting forward-looking information. Important risks that could cause the Company's actual results, revenues, performance or achievements to differ materially from the Company's expectations include, among other things, those hazards and risks disclosed within the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2015 and other public filings which are available on the Company's profile on sedar.com. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Imperial does not undertake to update any forward looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain.
There has been a significant increase in the number of GP-led transactions reviewed by LPs over the past 12 months, according to a study by Capstone Partners focused on GP-led Secondaries.
YEREVAN, JUNE 23, ARMENPRESS. The Vatican archives prove that during the WWI the Turks did not pursue a goal of replacing Armenians, as the current Turkish authorities claim, but pursued a goal of exterminating them, German historian Michael Hezeman told during a conference headlined The Vatican and the Armenian genocide at Armenian-Genocide Institute Museum, presenting the results of his research done in the archives of the Holy See of Rome.

At that time the Turkish leadership had a goal to exterminate the Christian population. There are indisputable evidences that forceful solution of the Armenian issue had been planned years before the World War I. The war was just a pretext for them to implement what they had been looking forward for years. The Young Turks wanted to strengthen the Turkish nation by creating a homogeneous population sharing common values. They believed that only Turks could form the population of the future Turkey, who would be consolidated by on and the same religion, Sunni Islam. Ethnic and religious minorities could have no place in this ideology, Armenpress reports the historian mentioning. He quoted the July 16, 1915 report of the U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Henry Morgenthau addressed to Washington as saying, it appears that a campaign of race extermination is in progress under a pretext of reprisal against rebellion.

Hezeman also quoted Talaat Pasha as saying The Turkish Government uses the war as a pretext to get rid of its domestic enemies, which are the local Christians, and this is done without the interference of foreign diplomatic missions in Turkey.

The German historian brought a number of other examples proving that the Armenian Genocide really took place. He added that according to the Vatican documents show that the number of victims caused by the Turkish atrocities exceeds 1 million. He stated that the Armenian Catholic Patriarchy wrote in February, 1916 that 1 million deaths were already recorded not counted the massacres in the Syrian deserts.
barack obama

President Barack Obama would like to dispel the notion that Donald Trump is America's most successful businessman.

In an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek published Thursday, Obama dismissed the idea that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee was America's most successful entrepreneur.

"Theres no successful businessman in America who actually thinks the most successful businessman in the country is Donald Trump," Obama said.

He added: "I know those guys, and so do you, and I guarantee you, thats not their view."

Throughout the interview, Obama attempted to push back on Trump's economic vision. The president said that he often advises interns not to "believe people when they tell you they wish they could go back to the good old days," a major theme of Trump's campaign.

But the president also pinned some of the anxiety about trade that's fueled Trump's rise on corporate leaders and shareholders who failed to share profits with their employees.

"If I am a CEO in a boardroom right now, I should be thinking about, how do I make sure my workers are making a decent wage? And if Im a shareholder, that is something I should be paying attention to, too, because if youre not, thats when you start getting the kinds of political pushback that youre seeing here in the United States. Thats how you start getting a Brexit campaign," Obama said, referring to Britain's referendum on whether to leave the European Union.

He added: "Over time, youll strangle this goose thats been laying you all these golden eggs. Share the eggs."

Obama's comments came as presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has sought to undermine Trump's business record.

In a speech on Tuesday, the former secretary of state repeatedly noted the rockier parts of Trump's career in business, noting his bankruptcy filings in the 1990s.

"He's written a lot of books about business. They all seem to end at Chapter 11. Go figure," Clinton said.

Story continues

NOW WATCH: 'When does this stop?': Obama slams Trump's Muslim ban





More From Business Insider


After 10 years of work and $5.4 billion in investments, the new access lane to the Panama Canal will open on Sunday, tripling the capacity of the original canal, which was inaugurated more than a century ago.

As readers might imagine, expectations have been building up for quite some time, and so have investments. In fact, so much money has been spent around the world, from New York to Brazil and even the Netherlands, that the $5.4 billion price tag suddenly seems insignificant.

For instance, in order to be able to welcome the mega ships that will go through the Canal, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey spent $6 billion in harbor deepening tasks and related projects, Beth Rooney, an assistant director with the port, said.

Related Link: The Panama Canal Is About To Double In Capacity

Now, in the eve of the new lane's debut, a few questions arise. In a context of softness in the shipping industry, will the investments pay off? Will the expansion of the Canal have an impact on global economy that is comparable to the one the original Canal had?

One thing is for sure: Taking into account that the renewed Canal will allow ships to transport almost three times as many containers as they could before the overhaul, some products  like natural gas, which couldnt be carried across the Canal  will be able to go from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean much faster.

Nick Pansic of MWH Global went on to explain, Its not just a matter of importing more stuff to meet our [the U.S.s] demand, but theres a real opportunity for the export of agricultural products more efficiently to Asia.

Panama Canal Authority officials are so optimistic the global shipping slump will end, they are thinking about how the canal will host even larger ships, a USA Today article read. And, while such ships still represent a very small percentage of the total fleet, and thus, do not need immediate attention, the Panama Canal Authority has reserved some land, just in case they decide to build a fourth set of locks in the future.

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Disclosure: Javier Hasse holds no positions in any of the securities mentioned above.

See more from Benzinga

 2016 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
(Recasts and adds details)

By Jeb Blount

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 23 (Reuters) - Brazil's state-led oil company Petrobras said on Thursday its pension fund has 22.6 billion reais ($6.8 billion) in unfunded liabilities, a new financial burden for what is already one of world's most indebted firms.

The shortfall at the country's second-largest pension fund is the latest setback to Petrobras' efforts to preserve cash needed to pay nearly $130 billion in debt. It also comes at a time when Petrobras revenue has plunged due to falling oil prices and investor confidence has been shattered by a massive corruption scandal.

The company, formally known as Petroleo Brasileiro SA , said that under Brazilian law the amount it and the fund's beneficiaries must immediately plan to cover is 16.1 billion reais ($4.8 billion).

The law makes Petrobras responsible for half of the adjusted shortfall and beneficiaries must cover the rest through higher retirement contributions, it said.

The fund, Petros, has more than 75,000 beneficiaries.

Petrobras said contributions needed to cover the shortfall can be spread out for up to 18 years starting in 2017.

Seeking to reduce debt, the company has cut its investment program, once the world's biggest, by more than half, threatening future revenue by limiting development of some of the world's largest oil discoveries. Attempts to raise cash and pay debt by selling about $14 billion of assets have also faltered due to the corruption scandal.

The Petros liabilities, based on an audit, are as of Dec. 31, 2015.

($1 = 3.336 reais) (Reporting by Stephen Eisenhammer and Jeb Blount; Editing by Sandra Maler and Edwina Gibbs)
Published On Jun 24, 2016 01:19 PM By Aman

In order to compensate owners of around 4,82,000 cars in the USA affected by the Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen has agreed to dig deep into their pockets. A source familiar with the negotiation told AFP that Volkswagen will have to shell out a humongous $10 billion to settle US claims.

The 2.0-litre diesel car owners who are affected by this emissions scandal will each receive up to $7,000 in cash, and Volkswagen will also be funding an entire program to fight air-pollution. The source also disclosed that the owners of the affected cars will have an option to sell their cars back to Volkswagen at the amount before the scandal came out in public in September, or they can keep the cars and the German brand will bear all expenses to fix them.

All this chaos came into the public eye after Volkswagen admitted in September last year to installing a software on diesel cars that tricked emission tests in the US for meeting environmental standards. After the software based device was turned off, the vehicles under the scanner emitted 40 times the permitted nitrogen oxide which caused a furore within the automotive industry. Not only in the US, Volkswagen later admitted to have used the same software in over 11 million cars worldwide for its passenger car brands Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi as well.

A financial settlement might not be the only end to all the trouble Volkswagen is facing in the US. However, a court hearing on the final settlement is supposed to happen on July 26, 2016. Even if the situation gets bailed out in US, there are other parts of the world, including Europe, waiting for Volkswagens attention to tackle the emissions scandal.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, praised credit unions small business lending Wednesday and touted the need for regulatory relief for the industry.

NAFCU has met with senior policy advisors for both Clinton and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump about the need for regulatory relief for credit unions.

Small businesses  which should be the engine for creating new jobs across America  they need to be free of red tape, they need access to credit, Clinton said in a speech on the economy in Raleigh, N.C. We need to slash unnecessary regulations, making it easier to get start-up capital from community banks and credit unions. If you have an idea for a small business, we want you to get started.
Russia's Vladimir Putin is embarking on an Asia charm offensive to beef up his country's international profile, as the economy reels from a deep recession amid Western sanctions and a slump in oil prices.



Putin is due to arrive in China this Saturday for an official state visit and a number of business deals as well as cooperation in security and geopolitical arenas are expected to dominate the agenda.

The trip comes on the heels of the European Union's agreement this week to extend energy, financial and defense sanctions on Moscow for another six months in retaliation against the latter's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Washington also maintained its current sanctions program in May.

More than two years of sanctions, combined with sliding crude prices and a crumbling currency have taken a toll on the nation ; gross domestic product shrank 3.7 percent in 2015 and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) anticipates a 1.8 percent decline this year.

"Russia is attempting to show the West that it is not isolated from the world. It hosted its economic forum in St. Petersburg last week drawing a string of powerful businessmen and politicians. Putin is now headed to China, and will likely visit Japan in September," said Lauren Goodrich, Stratfor's senior Eurasia analyst.

While Moscow has long maintained robust relationships with Asian heavyweights, including China, Japan and India, there are a number of timely factors propelling Putin and his counterpart Chinese President Xi Jinping to deepen bilateral ties.

Washington's pivot to Asia, China's 'One Belt, One Road' (OBOR) infrastructure program and Indian Prime Minister Modi's recent U.S. trip give Russia a unique opportunity to exert its presence in Asia and signal its independence from the West, pointed out Stuart Rollo, research assistant at the University of Sydney.

Increased investment from China will likely be Putin's primary focus as he looks to mitigate Russia's current economic pain.



Story continues

"Russia is desperate for new partners and markets for its military industry--which China can foster," said Goodrich. At the St. Petersburg forum, Russia signed a string of deals to develop rocket engines, airplane engines and helicopters for China while talks also advanced on potential Chinese participation in a high-speed rail project between Moscow and Kazan.

The visit could also produce insight on the 19.5 percent stake in state-owned oil giant Rosneft (: ROSN1-MZ), dubbed the crown jewels of Russia Inc, that Moscow is looking to sell. "We need the money," Putin admitted this week after data showed May's federal budget deficit stood at 5.5 percent of gross domestic product, wider than the government's 3 percent target.

Companies in India and China have expressed interest in the $11 billion deal and Putin's trip could involve some of the most serious discussions between Rosneft and various Chinese energy companies, said Goodrich. So far, Kremlin officials have indicated their preferred outcome would be joint ownership between China and India.

"Strengthening energy ties with China and India would serve Putin's geopolitical interests further, while also stealing market share from the Saudis," noted Mark McNamee, Central and Eastern Europe analyst at Frontier Strategy Group.

While Russia's focus remains on trade and military, Xi is likely to concentrate more on geopolitical matters.



"In economic terms, other than energy, Russia is unable to offer much of anything to China," said McNamee. Indeed, steady energy relations will be crucial for Xi after Russia surpassed Saudi Arabia to become China's largest oil supplier in March.

"Of far more importance is the political support Russia offers, regarding foreign policy matters at the United Nations , Group of 20 and other venues ... China, naturally, is happy to have a useful ally as it seeks to reform the existing U.S.-led order to attain its geopolitical goals," McNamee continued.

OBORXi's landmark program to revive the ancient trading routes of the Silk Road encompassing Asia, Central Asia and Europeis a key area where China needs Russian cooperation.

The influence Russia wields over smaller states in the region to secure enthusiastic participation as well as its mineral and energy wealth, which will be used in the broader economic development of member states, will be crucial for China, explained Rollo of the University of Sydney. If OBOR discussions between Putin and Xi go well, it could produce a rival to regional trade agreements, specifically the American-led Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TIIP), Rollo added.

Xi may also use the visit to discuss Chinese interests in the South Caucasus nation of Georgia . The country's Black Sea ports, east-west highway and railway infrastructure are invaluable assets for China's trade ambitions connecting the Eurasian interior and Europe, according to Stratfor.

Russia could also prove to be a useful partner tensions amid China's various territorial disputes with its Asian neighbors. Earlier this month, three Russian navy ships and a Chinese frigate passed through the disputed East China Sea at the same time, but there was no confirmation that the move was planned.

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Recent controversy over a credit union account opened to help the family of convicted Stanford University student Brock Turner got some in the industry questioning whether and how credit unions can refuse services to members, and it appears credit union boards play a big role in determining the answer.

The controversy centered around the Beavercreek, Ohio-based Wright-Patt Credit Union, which faced harsh public criticism a few weeks ago after Turners father set up a legal support fund there. Turner, 20, was accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster on the Stanford campus. Earlier this month, he was sentenced to six months in jail plus three years of probation.

The sentence, which some said was too light, sparked an outcry against the judge in the case, Turners parents and later Wright-Patt, which has $3.3 billion in assets and 321,000 members. Wright-Patt later posted a Facebook message that read in part: Wright-Patt Credit Union is aware of the account in question that was established as a legal support fund by the father of an individual convicted of sexual assault in California. When opening a new account, we confirm the membership eligibility and qualifications of the account owner in adherence with our bylaws and applicable law. Beyond that, we respect the privacy of our members and their intended use of the account.
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COLUMBUS  In the 91 years that the All-Ohio State Fair Band has marched midways and performed for thousands of fairgoers, only five men have taken on the role of fine-tuning 200 young musicians into a cohesive band in a matter of four days. Donald F. Santa-Emma took his final bow as director of the band at the conclusion of the 2015 Ohio State Fair, and Brian Dodd will take the reins at this years Ohio State Fair as the bands sixth director.

At times, its overwhelming to realize that I am a part of that legacy, said Dodd, currently the West Holmes High School band director, in Millersburg. Those guys have really set the bar high. I am excited and very nervous, he said.

The kids really enjoy working with (Dodd) and thats very important, said Santa-Emma, who said Dodds enthusiasm and energy is a good match for the position. Teaching music and educating children is Dodds passion and why he has stayed in the music industry for more than 30 years.

Musical resume

Dodd graduated from Philo High School in Muskingum County where he said, up until his senior year of high school, he thought he would pursue a career in the medical field. Finally, something just clicked before my senior year and I decided I really wanted to do music, he said. He received his bachelors in music education from Ohio State University in 1985 and has been teaching ever since.

For 14 years, he served as the band and choir director for East Knox High School, in Knox County, Ohio, and has been serving as the band director for West Holmes High School for 17 years. I just havent been able to think about retiring yet, said Dodd. I just finished my 31st year (of teaching music education), and I still enjoy it.

Dodd is very familiar with the State Fair Band, having sent students to participate in the band and choir every year since he began teaching in 1985. I have only missed (attending) two fairs in 31 years, he said. And each year he goes, he also makes a point to visit the students who take livestock projects from his home school.

Joining the staff

Ten years ago, Dodd received a call from Santa-Emma asking him to serve as the percussion instructor. Dodd would serve as an assistant director working with the percussion section for the next nine years before becoming director. (Brian) enjoys working with students, said Santa-Emma. I told him, its important that he enjoy it. You end up learning quite a bit from the kids.

Especially when those kids come from all across the state and all walks of life. From urban schools to small rural schools, the State Fair Band invites 200 of Ohios best musicians to be a part of the band. Ohio has some of the best (music programs) in the country, said Dodd. Really, the state fair band exists because of those programs.

In fact, the All-Ohio State Fair Band is the longest running program of its kind in the country, said both Santa-Emma and Dodd. That in itself makes it such a big deal, said Dodd. Santa-Emma said the goal has always been to try and have one student from each of the 88 counties in Ohio. While the band hasnt met this goal yet, more than 60 Ohio counties have been represented at a time.

Long hours

Four days prior to opening day, band members gather  some returning from previous years, some meeting for the first time  and immediately begin rehearsing. From 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. those students will learn 50-60 pieces of music and practice marching the grounds until opening day. You have four days to take 200 kids from all over the state and turn them into a cohesive unit, said Dodd. And we always do. By the time the fair opens, you think they have been together all their lives and by the time the fair ends they dont want to leave each other, he said.

Traditions

Dodd said the State Fair Band is rooted in its traditions, which he plans to continue, but also add some new ones of his own. For example, at the end of every performance since 1925, the band has always played John Philip Sousas Stars and Stripes Forever and each sit-down performance starts with Beautiful Ohio, another Sousa classic.

As far as his own traditions go, Dodd says he plans to tread lightly his first couple years, wanting to incorporate newer music favorites in a mix of marching classics. Through his work with the percussion section, he has been able to develop some creative drum features and STOMP style pieces. Dodd hopes with his new position he can continue to highlight different sections of the band with their own musical features. You dont set out to start traditions, they just kind of happen, said Dodd. When the time comes, we will know the things we want to continue to do.

Passion

There is a Mark Twain quote Dodd likes to share that sums up his life: The secret to success is to make your vocation your vacation.

I love that quote because that really is what it is for me, he said. I believe quite strongly that music is for everybody.

Creating the Ohio State Fair Band

As the newest director of the All-Ohio State Fair Band, Brian Dodd got his first opportunity in selecting around 200 of Ohios best young musicians to perform at the 2016 Ohio State Fair. This year, Dodd said the application process moved to an online platform. A packet of information describing how to apply was sent out to all Ohio schools.

Students can only be in the band if they are nominated by their high school band director, said Dodd. Once a student is nominated, they can fill out the online application and their band director fills out a portion with a recommendation. The application is not just about playing ability, but can if they can handle the workload in the short amount of time  four days to learn 50-60 pieces of music, said Dodd.

The application also takes into account a students physical abilities. We average six to eight performances a day and we march everywhere we go, sometimes carrying chairs from place to place, said Dodd, explaining students march with an instrument in one hand and a chair slung over their shoulder in the other.

He added, its rather impressive how the group can march somewhere and, in a matter of minutes, be set up for a concert. Directors also try to get musicians from as many different parts of the state as they can.

Rehearsal begins

Once selections are made, students start arriving Saturday morning, four days before opening day. The students do a quick sight reading performance for the parents and brief demonstration of what they will be doing during fair week. Following the demonstration, auditions begin for section chairs and part assignments. By the evening meal, students know who got the chair positions, what parts they will play and will receive their packet of music. For the next three days, its rehearsal time from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

A cohesive unit

Dodd said one of the biggest challenges is taking 200 students who just met and creating one cohesive unit that can make music together. These kids come in and maybe they dont know each other, but they can make music together and thats something they have in common, he said. Their musical skills improve and their leadership skills improve and then they go back to their home high schools just better players and better leaders, said Dodd.

I think the state fair is a melting pot  its featuring the best of Ohio, he said. I think the state fair band and choir are just another way of showcasing what our young people do, just like the sale of champions.
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- It is no longer news that the Britain have pulled out of their membership of the European Union (EU)

- Many allies of Britain, including Nigeria will no doubt feel the impact of this decision

- Economic experts say there is a risk of a contagion effect beyond the borders of Britain

As a member of the British Commonwealth, Nigeria has strong economic ties with Britain.

Nigeria is Britain's second largest trading partner in Africa after South Africa, with 6 billion (about N2.4 trillion or $8.52 billion) in bilateral trade volume last year.

Nigeria and Britain have long standing political and economic ties

The decision of Britain to pull out of the EU will affect Nigeria in different ways.

Legit.ng lists seven reasons how Brexit will affect Nigeria.

Read below:

Gross Domestic Product

1. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United Kingdom would shrink over time and a weaker and smaller UK economy would scale back its investment in development projects in Nigeria.

Immigration and Visa application

2. It would foster anti-immigration around the world, and this will affect Nigeria who have a large population of its citizens in diaspora. It is expected that Britain will be very strict on visa applications especially from countries like Nigeria which has a large visa applicants to the United Kingdom.

Investment potential

3. Investment in Britain by Nigerian businessmen would be less attractive since the country would no longer offer full access to the lucrative EU market. Trade agreements between EU countries and non-EU countries are negotiated by the European Commission.

Integration and economic development

4. The benefits of deepening integration and socio-economic development through economic blocs in Africa especially Nigeria would be punctured due to Brexit.

Tough immigration policies

5. Brexit will bring about enforcement of tougher immigration policies that would affect Nigerians travelling to the UK and the estimated over 2 million Nigerian migrants in the country.

May fuel secessionist sentiments

6. It will have a strong influence on secessionist sentiments in Nigeria as the unification of the United Kingdom will be affected, as some regional agitators in Nigeria would find the example worth emulating.

Nigeria internal politics

7. The toll of Brexit on Nigeria would have deeper implications on Nigeria's politics because it is a signal that political unions can no longer be seen as self-perpetuating.

Source: Legit.ng
- 800 days have passed since the deadly Boko Haram sect abducted more than 200 girls from their school in the Chibok towm

- Only one girl, Amina Ali Nkeki, was rescued since their capture

- However, neither the group nor her family know the whereabouts of the rescued Chibok girl

- Amina was last seen during the meeting with President Buhari in Abuja

The Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) and the family of the rescued Chibok girl Amina Ali Nkeki demanded her whereabouts as the girl was last seen during the meeting with Presidetn Muhammadu Buhari.

The group in statement marking the 800th day of the mass kidnap of the more than 200 schoolgirls by the deadly Boko Haram sect also asked what the government is doing to try to rescue the other girls.

READ ALSO: Rescued Chibok girl arrives at presidential villa (Photos)

Yakubu Nkeki, an uncle of Amina, told The Associated Press by telephone:

Even this morning people came to my house asking if I had been able to find out her whereabouts. It's outrageous! Some people are crying! We don't understand why the government wants to keep her family away.

Amina Nkeki was found on May 17 in the Sambisa forest, notorious hideout of the insurgents, more than two years after she was abducted from a school in Chibok by the Boko Haram.

President, Muhammadu Buhari with a rescued Chibok girl

READ ALSO: Is President Buhari deceiving Nigerians?

The girl was flown to the capital, Abuja, two days after her rescue for a meeting at which President Buhari promised her the best care and rehabilitation.

The BBOG campaigners said no one has seen her since, not even leaders of the Chibok community where the girls were abducted.

Ali earlier stated that some of the girls have died but most are alive, raising hopes they could still be rescued.

Source: Legit.ng
By Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean court on Friday issued the first warrant for the arrest of a Volkswagen AG executive in connection with its cheating of vehicle emissions tests, in another blow to the German automaker's efforts to move on from the scandal. The warrant is the first to be levelled against a Volkswagen executive anywhere in the world after the firm in September admitted to using software to falsify pollution tests on some diesel cars, spurring legal action in the United States, Germany, South Korea and elsewhere. "This is just the beginning of the investigation," an official at the prosecution office said, declining to be named because the investigation was ongoing. The Volkswagen Korea executive, identified by his last name Yun, faced five accusations including fabrication of documents and violation of the Air Quality Preservation Law, Seoul Central District Court spokesman Shin Jae-hwan said. "The court acknowledges the reason and the necessity of the arrest," he told Reuters, declining to give further details or name the executive. A Volkswagen Korea spokeswoman declined to comment. South Korea has taken a particularly hard line against the automaker, filing a criminal complaint against two other executives, fining it 14.1 billion won (9 million pounds) and ordering it to recall 125,522 vehicles. About 4,400 Korean consumers also have filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and sister marque Audi demanding compensation over the false emissions claims. Sources in the United States on Thursday said Volkswagen would pay more than $10 billion to settle claims by nearly 500,000 owners and fund efforts to offset pollution. The South Korean arrest warrant comes after German prosecutors on Monday said they were investigating former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn and another executive over whether they effectively manipulated markets by delaying the release of information about the test cheating. South Korean prosecutors would cooperate with their counterparts in Germany and the United States, the official said in Seoul. The scandal has triggered a slide in Volkswagen's share of Asia's No.2 diesel car market, where it competes with dominant domestic players Hyundai Motor <005380.KS> and Kia Motors <000270.KS>. Volkswagen said in April it would set aside 16.2 billion euros ($18.2 billion) and slash its dividend to cover the costs from the scandal. ($1 = 1,177.9000 won) (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Michael Perry and Stephen Coates)
Being married is totally different from being in a relationship. It is a different ball game entirely and you would not expect to judge the two using the same criteria. Nigerian men could be stringent when it comes to the specifications they lay down with the women they want to marry.

All women are beautiful and appealing to Nigerian men; however, not all of these women are qualified enough to be married. Ask men. They know the ladies they turn to when it is time for them to ease the pent up sexual tension they have stored in their bodies and they know those they call when it is time to enter the clubs and have fun recklessly.

As much as people think men do not have pay attention to certain things, they have standards with which they operate and have qualities they expect their future partners to possess. Some Nigerian men would encourage some ladies to go bad or train them to be wild, yet they know they could never settle down for women like that because they have goals and objectives too.

The ladies they toy with are basically women that help them pass the time; they are women that are flexible and have little or no strong moral codes. If you have direction as a woman, a man should not have to toss you from side to side. Find below the types of women Nigerian men want to marry:

1. Home keeper

Nigerian men love to marry women who can help them run their homes. Women they can leave the affairs of their homes to; they would help them run and manage their properties in their absence and would add value to their lives.

Women that are home keepers would raise children the right way and instill core values and morals into their lives at the same time. Men feel more relaxed knowing they have women like that in their lives. Women like these are family oriented.

READ ALSO: 10 levels of disappointment every Nigerian youth goes through

2. Women they chase hard

Women like that do not fall cheaply into mens traps. They are virtuous women who know what they want in men and would only settle down with one that has matching dreams and goals with them.

Men recognize the potentials embedded in women like these and would do anything to make them theirs. Women like that are considered treasure mines.

3. Ladies that are intelligent

Honestly, no man wants to marry a dummy. Men love women who are smart and intellectually challenging. Women like these fit into organizational role and would rise fast in their chosen fields of career.

However, men who are not as sound as them may feel intimidated by them and keep off as their ego would always be bruised. Men are naturally proud; they would no doubt want to be in control of women like these knowing how much respect the women like that command in the society.

4. Ladies who are genuine

Some ladies are honest and genuine; when they love, they love in totality. Ladies like these are rare considering how much importance ladies attach to materialism now.

Men want to marry ladies who they know would stick with them through thick and thin. They do not have to worry about the ladies cheating while they are trying to hustle and make something out of their lives.

5. Ladies who are not afraid to invest in them

Men appreciate it when they meet women who are ready to invest in them. Ladies like these understand the concept of the word team and do everything they could to make the men rise in the different fields they may want to explore.

Men know that ladies like these would go to any length in seeing them happy and would move mountains for them towards the fulfilment of their life goals.

6. Women that are appealing

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder; Nigerian men go for women who are appealing to them. Women like these may not necessarily be the most beautiful woman in the world but would have strong features that would suit the needs of the men.

Men also love it when they meet women who have just more than beauty. They know the traits possessed by the women could get transferred to their offspring so they choose carefully.

7. Consistent and dedicated women

Men love it when they meet women who are as dedicated and committed as they are. Women like these know it is not solely up to men to make relationships and marriages work.

They also contribute their own quota and are keen on the success of the union. Nigerian men want to marry women who would not stop doing that very thing that made the men fall in love with them in the first place.

8. Ladies that are not morally loose

Most men try having their fill of sex with women before they get married; they tore clubs and go after chain of girls that will be ready to give them their cookies. Sometimes, men do not have to try so hard to find women who would be willing to share their beds with them.

However, they appreciate women who are not morally loose. The ladies may not necessarily be virgins; they know they could train the innocent ones until they become the ideal sexual partner they want.

9. Ladies that are classy

Nigerian men love to marry women who fit their social status. They love it when they are seen with women who are classy; women who know how to dress and behave publicly.

Ladies like these do well when it comes to decorating the house and giving it a homey feel. They are a perfect blend of chic and industriousness.

READ ALSO: 10 Nigerian fashion trends we are glad to see dead

10. Women with voluptuous shape

Sometimes, Nigerian men throw caution to the wind and go the African way; they love big things. Women who have curves, hips and big busts are chosen over every other type of women out there. Some of them like the idea of having their hands full when they touch the women.

They do not want to feel bones when they touch or lie with these women; they would rather go for women that are fleshy. These ones would give them a bouncy feel whenever they lie with them.

READ ALSO: How to disvirgin a girl

Source: Legit.ng
Editor's note: Abdulkadir Inuwa Suleiman in this piece writes on the brevity of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to fight corruption among Nigeria elites or public office holders.

Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria's president

In many Nigerian cultures, there is this concept that one should grip offenders by the wrist as opposed to holding them by the elbow since they will not be able to easily wriggle free when held by the wrist. Some cultures also warn of the perils to the farmer if he tarries in arresting the thief since the thief could make the first strike of accusing the owner of the farm of theft.

So it is with the vampires that have over successive governments pillaged the resources of our country. We left them to help themselves to the public till as we cheered them on as elites or ruling class even when their self-chosen kleptomaniac makes such appellations antithetical.

A brave administration, President Muhammadu Buharis government, finally rose up to the task of apprehending these thieves and they have today turned on the rest of us, branding us as the offenders that are trampling on their right to loot the treasury.

They have even gone the extra length of meting out punishments because we are finally growing the spine to call time on their crimes.

We are all gritting out teeth as the economy gets more challenging but the global slump in demand for crude oil and falling prices were enough to bring us to this sorry pass.

What did us in is the insurrection by militants that have been blowing up pipelines to disrupt revenue from crude oil. Gas infrastructure also took hits leaving the nation mostly in darkness.

But these are no militants as the demands presented on their behalf by geo-political leaders gave a clear indication of what the real issues are. For one, they think we have no right to investigate or prosecute Niger Delta persons that stole or helped themselves to money derived from oil sales  their warped logic is that we cannot stopped them from stealing money sourced from their own part of the country.

READ ALSO: Shocking: Dasuki makes startling revelations about his trial

Of course, in furtherance of freeing anyone they decided to invite to share out of the oil money, the militants also curiously demanded the unconditional release of former national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and all charges dropped against him in the record setting arms purchase scandal.

This suggests that the points at which crises are exploited to blackmail government may differ but those pulling the strings remain the same.

Any indignation we felt from those perverted demands has now been dwarfed by the natural outrage that accompanied the claims that military officers that stole money meant for buying weapons for the anti-terror war should have been allowed to continue in service simply because they are from certain geo-political zones. It turned out that those mandatorily sent on retirement cut across the country and across religious divides.

The common denominator with all of them was the theft they engaged in or being political officers as was the case with others.

The leniency shown this officers, who were mostly just retired without prosecution, is turning out to be a national misstep. Instead of retreating into retirement with contrition  rueing the ignominy that should prevail until their dying days, these ex-military men appeared set to surpass their original crimes with that of insurrection as they are reported to have teamed up with the militants with each one allegedly running independent groups as a franchise for the larger destabilization machine.

Thugs who until a few weeks ago were fugitives are now bragging about their military capabilities and skills after possibly getting training from their disgraced seniors.

READ ALSO: Revealed! What FG has sworn to do to Dasuki

They also boast about superior weapons that could only have been purchased with proceeds from the vandalized public tills.

But one thing stands in between them and the punishment they want to inflict on Nigeria, on the rest of us. The nations only saving grace is its professional military, the same one the compromised officers were sacked from.

This perhaps explains the ploy to destabilize the military being the only obstacle in their way.

After series of propaganda against the present crop of service chiefs failed to dent their impeccable standing among Nigerians, militants were used to fly the kite that there was a military coup in the offing.

Several intentions can be adduced from this ridiculous claim. One is to expect that the news would leave President Muhammadu Buhari jittery and untrusting of the military leadership and therefore carry out a cleansing that will get rid of patriotic officers and open the way for other possibilities.

A second possibility is that the ex-military officers in their desperation to distance themselves from the ongoing atrocities in the Niger Delta gave the militants the script meant to make serving officers look like the threat to Nigerias democracy.

In both scenarios, the accusers conveniently omitted to mention or give indications as to who these officers are that told them to sustain attacks in the creeks.

Could it also be a slip that the officers they allude to are now the same one that has joined them as patrons? What else should we be worried about in terms of the chain of command of this threat?

Ordinarily, Nigerians have nothing to fear about a coup so we should be able to continue demanding that those who have stolen our money should return it or face the wrath of the law. To do this effectively however, we must look higher than the militants and the ex-military officers to their connections in government.

That the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) through Presidential Investigative Committee on Arms Procurement had a pilfering member in the person air commodore Umar Muhammed (rtd), who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on suspicion of corruption, created a credible link for trailing those bent on destroying credible national institutions.

Worryingly, the DSS dragnet has also fingered the minister of defence, Mansur Dan Ali and the chief of defence staff (CDS) alongside the national security adviser, Major General Mohammed Babagana Monguno (rtd) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, Ibrahim Magu as co-travellers with air commodore Mohammed.

In fact Dan Ali lives in the guest house of the arrested air commodore who offered him the accommodation as soon as he was appointment as minister.

They are yet to convince Nigerians that they did not all conspire to perpetrate the ONSA scandal. They must all therefore be investigated as they can never deny their association with the air commodore.

It must be established if they are the remnant of the insidious threat to national security that have been propping up the militancy in the Niger Delta.

Like we later discovered that Boko Haram was allowed to grow in order to justify diverting huge sums for arms purchase only for them to be stolen, there is something fishy about the way militancy has been given free rein in the Niger Delta and the ONSA scandal is not isolated from it. We must thus apprehend the thieves in this case before they apprehend us.

Abdulkadir Inuwa Suleiman writes from Katsina, Katsina State.

This article expresses the authors opinion only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Legit.ng or its editors.

Your own opinion articles, feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments are welcome at info@naij.com.

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Source: Legit.ng
Chieftain denies claim APC disowned Buhari's former minister in Abuja court

Reports that the former minister of mines and steel, Uche Ogah, has been disowned by the ruling party before a Federal High Court in Abuja has been debunked.
Global leaders from business, civil society and universities meet in New York, United States, today for the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit. They will debate what the organisers call the tremendous market opportunity for businesses  to invest, innovate and collaborate to create a more sustainable future for all.



I cant help balking at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being pitched as a business opportunity. Free market policies and privatisation appear to have made the world less sustainable and more unequal over the past few decades. Look no further than the structural adjustment programmes of the 1980s, and consequent underinvestment in state services, for an example of this in developing countries.



These days, the role of business in achieving the SDGs is a hot topic. The phrase public-private partnership is now ubiquitous, while campaigners criticise moves by government agencies to tie aid to free market reforms. Whatever ones take, it is clear that all businesses must be encouraged to take social and environmental sustainability more seriously.



So I was interested to hear Mark Malloch Brown, chair of the new Business and Sustainable Development Commission, make the business case for the SDGs at a Danish conference earlier this month.



Malloch Brown himself is unequivocal. Companies that are on the front foot and understand their environment are going to be the future winners, he told a packed summit. The companies that crouch back  [will be] consigned for the corporate scrapheap.



He told me he believes three kinds of companies will thrive. One kind he calls disruptors: tech-based businesses that are completely changing sections of the global economy, cutting out old jobs, creating new jobs. Another is the radical incumbents: older, corporate statesmen of global business that are nonetheless innovating and forging new partnerships. And then there are the local insurgents: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that quickly exploit opportunities opening up in supply chains and distribution networks.



Malloch Brown cites energy as an example of this last category. In countries where the national grid is no longer (or has never been) the main way of distributing power, SMEs are learning how to sell local, sustainable, off-grid energy.



But dont these smaller players also let governments off the hook over service provision, I ask him? Its a key issue, Malloch Brown says. And, in some ways, the role of the state will change. It will become more of a regulator and franchiser of some sets of [private sector] services than in the past.



The tax base of developing countries is too weak, he says. With health, for example, Malloch Brown envisages countries providing a basic primary health package for citizens, but as treatments go up the scale of cost and complexity, youre going to see the introduction of much more health insurance-type schemes.

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This seems an alarmingly stripped back model of state service provision. I ask if he thinks technology can help increase tax incomes in developing countries, given its now easier for watchdogs to monitor money flows, and harder for corrupt officials to move money out of countries.



Yes, I think it will, he says. I think were entering an era of much greater transparency. From the Volkswagen emissions dodging scandal to the Panama Papers leak, theres now a virtuous cycle where corporates are finding if they have bad secrets, its harder and harder to permanently hide them.



This has got to be a private sector which is long-term, patient, transparent, pays its taxes in the countries where it operates, [and] meets local labour rules, he adds.
Pregnant women in Latin American countries were more likely to seek an abortion after receiving health alerts about Zika virus, according to a study co-authored by Princeton University researchers and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The researchers analyzed data from Women on Web -- an online portal that pairs patients with doctors able to prescribe abortion pills -- and found that many Latin American women using the site reported Zika as their reason for seeking an abortion. Because abortions are illegal or highly restricted across much of Latin America, many pregnant women seek outside options like Women on Web, which serves women who are less than 10 weeks along in their pregnancy and have no severe illnesses.

The researchers found a particular uptick in Women on Web abortion requests in countries that issued health advisories about Zika, but also legally restrict abortions. The mosquito-borne virus is associated with microcephaly, a congenital condition that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads. The researchers defined an "advisory" as a formal warning from the government to avoid pregnancy, a declared state of national emergency or a caution about pregnancy risk from medical professionals.

The findings highlight the need for Latin American women to have access to safe and legal reproductive options, especially as Zika continues to spread, the researchers said.

"Zika will inevitably spread to other countries where safe abortion is restricted," said co-author James Trussell, the Charles and Marie Roberton Professor of Public and International Affairs, Emeritus, at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

"Therefore, we must ensure that all reproductive choices are safe, legal and accessible," Trussell said. "To do otherwise would be irresponsible public health practice and unjust policy."

"A countrywide policy that is impossible to follow if you are pregnant or cannot avoid pregnancy is an unusual and important public issue," said lead author Abigail Aiken, a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton's Office of Population Research, which is based at the Woodrow Wilson School.

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As Zika began to emerge as an epidemic in Latin America, research and media attention quickly focused on the possible effects of Zika on reproduction. Yet, little attention was paid to how the virus would impact women specifically.

In November 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert highlighting the risks of Zika. As more governments and health organizations began to respond, the researchers -- which also included co-authors James Scott from the University of Texas at Austin, Rebecca Gomperts and Marc Worrell from Women on Web, and Catherine Aiken from the University of Cambridge -- became interested in investigating the effects these health alerts had on women.

The researchers organized the data by self-reported country of origin and then divided the women into three groups. The researchers defined Latin America as South and Central America and America and the Caribbean.

Group A comprised women who had received the advisory and were living in countries with Zika, but with legally restricted access to abortion. Group B was made up of women in countries where Zika cases hadn't yet been reported and no advisories were distributed but had legal restrictions on abortion in place. Group C contained women in countries with Zika outbreaks and legally restricted access to abortion, but with governments that had not issued public health alerts.

Finally, the researchers studied a control group of countries where a rise in abortion requests was unexpected: Chile, Poland and Uruguay. This group allowed them to ensure that the requests were actually related to the Zika virus and not just a global rise in demand for Women on Web services. All women in Latin America were asked specifically if they were seeking an abortion because of the virus.

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"These groupings allowed us to examine the effects of government responses to Zika and requests for abortion as well as whether abortion requests occurred even in countries with no active transmission," Aiken said. "It's entirely possible, for example, that women in these countries might still have been worried about the possibility of Zika even though no active transmission had yet been confirmed."

Using data from five years before the PAHO announcement, the researchers modeled trends for abortion requests for each country. They then used the model to forecast the expected number of requests after the PAHO announcement was issued. The researchers examined their data using a regression discontinuity design, a test used by scientists to produce clear before-and-after effects. In this case, the researchers could effectively examine requests for abortion before the PAHO alert was issued and afterward.

An increase in abortion requests was pronounced for Group A. Among the eight countries in this group, all except Jamaica were associated with increases in requests for abortion. The highest figures were found in Brazil, where abortion requests were 108 percent higher than expected, and Ecuador, where they were 107 percent higher than expected.

"Brazil was 'ground zero' for Zika in Latin America, which may explain the significant increase," Aiken said. "Cases of microcephaly had already been identified there at the time of this study, and so women had been concerned about the risks and had been exposed to a lot of media coverage."

For Group B, only small increases in requests for abortion were found in Argentina and Peru. In Peru, officials had sparked concern about Zika by asking local governments to declare a state of emergency, the researchers said. No statistical increases were found for Group C.

"We cannot definitely attribute the rapid acceleration in requests in the first group to worries about Zika, but many women reported Zika as their reason for seeking abortions, so there is definitely a strong correlation," Aiken said. "Our study provides a window on how Zika has affected the lives of pregnant women in Latin America."
An old technology that uses natural bacteria predators, called bacteriophages, is the focus of new research at the University of Nevada, Reno. The technique is being used to reduce salmonella bacteria in meat products.

Assistant Professor Amilton de Mello, from the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources at the University of Nevada, Reno, presented his research at the international American Meat Science Association's conference that ends today in Texas.

"We were able to reduce salmonella by as much as 90 percent in ground poultry, ground pork and ground beef," de Mello reported. "We're excited to be able to show such good results, food safety is an important part of our work and salmonella is one of the most prevalent bacteria in the nation's food supply."

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food borne illnesses in the United States. The bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever, vomiting and abdominal cramps. In people with weaker immune systems, or in young children and the elderly, it can be fatal. It is estimated to cause one million foodborne illnesses in the United States every year, with 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

De Mello's research treated meat products infected with four types of salmonella by applying Myoviridae bacteriophages during mixing. Bacteriophages are commonly found in our environment. They are viruses that can only harm specific bacterial cells and are harmless to humans, animals and plants.

In the experiments, the salmonella bacteria was inoculated on refrigerated meat and poultry trim, then the treatment was applied to the meat before grinding. The bacteriophages invaded the cells of the bacteria and destroyed them.

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"On the final ground meat products, there was a 10-fold decrease of salmonella," de Mello said. "The results are very encouraging and we're hoping this can be adopted by the meat industry to increase food safety."

De Mello was invited to speak about his research at the 69th Annual AMSA Reciprocal Meat Conference in San Angelo, Texas. Overall, his research focuses on positively impacting meat industry operations, production costs, meat quality attributes and animal welfare.

His broad research program approaches important "from farm-to-table" steps such as animal welfare, meat quality and food safety. His current research is related to pre-slaughter physical conditions, value-added products, pre- and post-harvest food safety interventions, effects of physiologic parameters on muscle-to-meat transformation, beef nutritional values and control of salmonella and E. coli during processing.

The meat science program at the University was invigorated with the hiring of de Mello in December 2015 and the opening of his new meat research lab. In addition to his research, he teaches about the meat industry, food safety and quality systems and advanced meat science in the University's Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Sciences.

"We are creating a very broad meat science program," he said. "We have meat-quality projects. We have experiments involving animal welfare and food safety. We offer students research and teaching experiences by using our main meat lab and three collaborating ones here on campus. Students can go to our Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station in the morning, follow animal harvest activities in our USDA-inspected meat processing plant, learn about animal welfare practices and spend the afternoon in the lab developing research."

The University's experiment station houses the meat processing plant, feedlot facilities, cattle working areas and 650 acres of irrigated pasture, all just 15 minutes from the main campus in downtown Reno.

"Amilton brings an abundance of energy and expertise to the program," Bill Payne, dean of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, said. "He's one of 10 new faculty in the College who will allow us to better connect with and support agricultural producers in ways that have not been possible for many years."
Scientists have previously identified a series of genetic errors that commonly occur inside cancerous blood cells, but it hasn't been clear exactly how those genetic malfunctions create immature blood cells that overpopulate, crowd out healthy cells and spread in patients with acute myeloid leukemia or AML. Now, researchers at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered how a set of faulty genetic instructions keep blood stem cells from maturing, a finding that further explains the development of AML.

In a study published in the journal Cancer Cell, researchers reveal how a mutation in the gene DNMT3A, which has been found in approximately 20 to 30 percent of cases of AML, gives normal cells faulty genetic instructions that contribute to the development of cancerous cells. In particular, they found that this gene mutation removes a check or "brake" on activity of "stemness" genes -- genes that tell cells to remain as undifferentiated stem cells. These faulty instructions lead to the creation of immature precursor cells that can become AML cells, the researchers report.

"Due to a large-scale cancer sequencing project, the DNMT3A gene is now appreciated to be one of the top three most frequently mutated genes in human acute myeloid leukemia, and yet the role of its mutation in the disease has remained far from clear," said the study's senior author G. Greg Wang PhD, a UNC Lineberger member and an assistant professor in the UNC School of Medicine Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

"Our findings not only provide a deeper understanding of how this prevalent mutation contributes to the development of AML," Wang added, "but it also offers useful information on how to develop new strategies to treat AML patients."

AML, one of the most common acute leukemia types in adults, involves over-production of immature blood cells that then crowd out normal, healthy cells. The American Cancer Society estimates there are nearly 20,000 new cases diagnosed and more than 10,000 deaths in the United States each year. Studies have found that just close to 23 percent of people with the disease live five years in the United States.

To try to understand how the mutation helps drive the disease, UNC Lineberger researchers created one of the first laboratory AML models for studying somatic, or non-inherited, mutations in the gene DNMT3A. The gene codes for a protein that binds to specific sections of DNA with a special chemical tag that can influence activity and expression of the underlying genes in cells.

The researchers found that specific a somatic mutation in DNMT3A caused AML cells to have a different pattern of chemical tags that affect how the genetic code is interpreted and how the cell develops. In particular, they found that in cancerous cells with somatic mutation of DNMT3A, a set of so-called "gene enhancers" -- the DNA sequences that code for "on" switches for other genetic regions -- for several genes known as "stemness" genes were left unchecked. Stemness genes tell cells to keep characteristics of stem cells. With the control switches, or gene enhancers, for the stemness genes left unchecked, the stem cells in the blood were left with a constant "on" switch, allowing the cells to "forget" to mature.

"In acute myeloid leukemia, the expression of these stemness genes are aberrantly maintained at a higher level," Wang said. "As a result, cells 'forget' to proceed to normal differentiation and maturation, generating immature precursor blood cells, and a prelude to full-blown cancer."

They also found that while the DNMT3A mutation is required for acute leukemia development, the mutation itself is not sufficient to cause cancer alone. Instead, they found that the mutation cooperates with another genetic defect in a gene called RAS to drive cancer, said the study's first author Rui Lu, PhD, a Lymphoma Research Foundation postdoctoral fellow at UNC Lineberger and in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

"We found the RAS mutation stimulates these immature blood cells to be hyper-proliferate, however, these cells cannot maintain their stem cell properties, while the DNMT3A mutation itself does not have hyper-proliferative effects, but does promote stemness properties and generates leukemia stem/initiating cells together with the RAS mutation," Lu said.

In addition to contributing to a better understanding of the disease, Wang and his colleagues also reported they tested a potential treatment in cells with the DNMT3A mutation. They found AML cells with the DNMT3A mutation were sensitive to specific drug inhibitors of DOT1L, a cellular enzyme involved in modulation of gene expression activities. As DOT1L inhibitors are currently under clinical evaluation, this translational finding suggests a potential personalized strategy for treating the human AML carrying DNMT3A mutation.
As more coal-fired power plants are retired, industry workers are left without many options. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though.

In a new study published in Energy Economics, researchers from Michigan Technological University and Oregon State University offer hope for coal workers for high-quality employment in the rapidly expanding solar photovoltaic industry.

Joshua Pearce, who holds a dual appointment in materials science and engineering as well as electrical and computer engineering at Michigan Tech, helped assess what it would take to retrain workers for a different energy field.

"Although coal investors can simply call their brokers to move their money to more profitable industries, coal workers are left with pink slips and mortgages," Pearce says. "Fortunately, the solar energy industry sector is growing at an incredible rate--and they are hiring."

Along with co-author Edward Louie, of the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University, Pearce found that the growth of solar-related employment could absorb the layoffs in the coal industry in the next 15 years. To determine this, Louie and Pearce compared existing coal industry jobs--and the salaries and skill sets of these positions--to ones in the solar industry. Then they estimated the cost of returning to school and re-training time.

Pearce notes that the estimates are simply examples and could vary, although there are numerous low cost options for solar training that people could pursue while still employed. He adds that the appendices from the study will be most useful to current coal workers, where people can look up an existing job and go over the best potential fits in the solar industry and the training necessary.

"Many of these coal miners have transferable skill sets already," says Christopher Turek, the director of Solar Energy International. "These range from mechanical and electrical expertise, all the way to their confidence in working in a highly technical field with a strong focus on safety."

Currently, based on data from The Solar Foundation, the photovoltaic energy industry is bringing on new workers 12 times faster than the overall economy. As of November 2015, the solar industry employs 208,859 solar workers, which is already larger than the roughly 150,000 jobs remaining in the coal industry. And the photovoltaic energy sector is expected to continue expanding.
Millions of people will likely be in harm's way as a new hurricane season unfolds in the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts up to eight hurricanes in the 2016 season, and as many as four major storms with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

What people do -- or don't do -- to get out of harm's way is of keen interest to disaster and emergency response officials.

Plans and contingencies work best when they are based on reliable predictions. Having a good idea of what people are likely to do, when they're likely to do it and how they are likely to go about it helps authorities choose the best evacuation strategy. It gives them useful information about what kind of traffic surge to expect and how best to steer it.

Researchers at the University of Delaware's Disaster Research Center have been studying evacuation data and predictors for years and have published two new papers that may help to improve prediction models used by emergency planners, leading to more efficient evacuations and possibly saving lives.

DRC includes scientists from multiple disciplines and collaborates with many others around the world. In these papers, they worked with researchers from Cornell University.

"It is an interdisciplinary project," said Rachel Davidson, professor of civil and environmental engineering and co-primary investigator with DRC Director Tricia Wachtendorf on two major National Science Foundation grants that have supported the study. "And we're working closely with practitioners to make a link from research to practice."

Sociologists, psychologists, engineers and meteorologists all have been part of the work, as have the Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Carolina State Emergency Management and the American Red Cross, Davidson said.

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The goal is to sharpen planners' insight on how many people may leave from a given area, when they are most likely to make their move and where they are likely to go.

It's not easy to guess what a human being will do. The brain processes many factors as it moves toward a decision -- past experience, perception of risk and how it interprets present conditions, to name just a few. Those factors are hard to pin down in the best, most stable of times, let alone when the winds start to howl and the rain starts to pound.

Hurricanes, too, can be quite unpredictable, as evidenced by the ever-changing "cone of uncertainty" included in forecasts as storm systems approach.

But expansive review of data gathered in prior evacuations reveals patterns that can be analyzed and incorporated in regional models, based on mathematical predictions and controls, to strengthen the reliability of predictions in future storms.

That's what the two new papers show. Both draw on data from the eastern part of hurricane-throttled North Carolina, where the Outer Banks and other coastal areas have seen more than their share of evacuation orders.

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One of the papers, published by Environmental Hazards, looks at demographic data to see which factors influence the decisions of various groups and their likelihood of evacuating when mandatory orders are issued versus voluntary orders.

"Social and environmental cues influence behavior," said Sarah DeYoung, postdoctoral researcher at DRC who was the lead author of that paper and has just accepted a tenure-track position at the University of Georgia.

"But we understand, too, the temporal nature of that," Davidson said. "It's not like people make a decision on Day 1 and follow through with that. They see what happens and change their minds, too."

The study, based on survey data collected in 2011 through phone interviews with North Carolina residents in Wilmington, Raleigh, Jacksonville and the Outer Banks, looked at respondents' "threshold for evacuation" -- whether they had a high threshold and were less likely to evacuate or a low threshold and more likely to evacuate.

Those lines moved a bit, depending on whether the storm discussed was a higher or lower category of strength and whether the evacuation order was mandatory or voluntary.

But in general, DeYoung said, white respondents had a higher threshold than non-white respondents, a finding that was particularly interesting given that other studies in the United States suggest that non-whites evacuated later.

"This was really notable for us," said Wachtendorf, associate professor of sociology and the lead social scientist on the research. "Is it that minority segments of the community are willing to leave but don't always have sufficient resources to do so? Is it because, as other research suggests, they have less trust in officials and, particularly after what happened after Hurricane Katrina, they believe they can't rely on officials if they stay? It really points to an area where more research is needed."

Respondents who had ignored previous evacuation warnings were also more likely to ignore an order in the future.

And DeYoung said most people saw wind as more dangerous than water, but in reality it is the storm surge and flooding that causes more deaths. Most hurricane-related deaths occur in areas where people decided not to evacuate. Wachtendorf said this could lead people to dismiss the threat of lower category storms, with relatively lower wind speeds, despite the threat flooding can pose.

One recommendation is to increase public awareness of the risk associated with drowning and flooding versus the probability of death caused by wind damage.

Research in progress points to other important factors in the decision-making process, including concern about traffic jams, caring for pets and livestock, and fear of crime in public shelters.

"It's a moving target," Davidson said. "There are challenges in science and challenges in engineering. But understanding people's behavior is one of the most challenging parts."

"That's one reason why the interdisciplinary approach is so valuable," said Wachtendorf.

The second paper, published on Science Direct in the journal Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice and authored by Kecheng Xu, a graduate student in Cornell University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Cornell professor Linda Nozick, describes new models that estimate the number of evacuees in specific evacuation zones and predicted accurately what individual households would do about 70 percent of the time. Accuracy improves as data are aggregated regionally.

The work by the civil engineers on the project used data collected by the social scientists to inform many of the assumptions for their models.

Having reliable models puts the power of the knowledge into useful form for planners and helps them shape effective, efficient evacuation plans that could save lives in the future.
Policies placing first-year college students assessed as needing remedial math directly into college-level quantitative courses, with additional support, can increase student success, according to a first-of-its-kind study published in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Educational Research Association.

Among entering students assessed as needing remedial algebra, 56 percent of those assigned to and enrolled in college-level statistics passed, but only 39 percent of those assigned to and enrolled in elementary algebra passed. In addition, the statistics students subsequently accumulated more credits than the remedial algebra students.

"Our findings provide the first causal evidence that placing students assessed as needing remedial math courses directly in college-level courses, such as statistics, with additional support, can lead to better student outcomes," said Alexandra W. Logue, a study author and research professor at The City University of New York (CUNY).

Prior research has found that completion of math remediation may be the single largest academic barrier to increasing college graduation rates. More than 80 percent of students who are assessed as needing significant remediation in math never complete that remedial coursework. Previous research also shows that U.S. colleges assess a total of about 60 percent of their new freshmen as unprepared for college-level work, most often in math. Students assessed as needing remediation are more likely to be members of minority groups and from lower-income backgrounds.

Study authors Logue, Mari Watanabe-Rose, and Daniel Douglas -- all of CUNY -- conducted the first randomized, controlled trial to evaluate some of the varying approaches offered by colleges for students to fulfill their math requirements.

Conducted at three CUNY community colleges, the study randomly assigned 907 students entering college in the fall of 2013 -- students who had all been assessed as needing remedial math -- to one of three course types. These courses included: (1) traditional, remedial, non-credit elementary algebra; (2) the elementary algebra course with weekly workshops; (3) or college-level, credit-bearing introductory statistics with weekly workshops.

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Logue and her colleagues found that students who were assigned to college-level statistics, with weekly workshops to provide additional student support, were not only more likely to pass than students assigned to remedial elementary algebra, but also more likely to pass than those in algebra with weekly workshops.

Further, the students who were randomly assigned to remedial algebra with weekly workshops were less likely to ever show up for their college classes than were the students assigned to the other two course types. These findings suggest that assigning students to lengthy remedial courses or treatments may discourage some students from attending college altogether.

The study authors also found that by the end of the third semester after enrolling, 57 percent of the students who had taken statistics had satisfied their institution's college-level general education quantitative course requirement, compared to only 16 percent of the students who had taken the non-credit remedial algebra class.

The authors also found no statistically significant relationship between student racial demographics and pass rates, suggesting that using alternatives to remedial courses can also help close race-based graduation gaps.

"Our findings indicate that each year, at CUNY alone, thousands more students would satisfy their college-level general education quantitative course requirement if they were placed in college-level introductory statistics, with additional support, rather than remedial algebra," said Logue. "Our results show that students do not need to first pass remedial elementary algebra to subsequently pass college-level statistics and to make progress in college."

"This approach would remove the largest academic barrier preventing students from graduating college in the United States," Logue said. "It would be a significant step toward boosting college graduation rates, particularly among under-represented, at-risk groups who are most likely to be placed in remedial courses."

Logue also noted that moving away from remedial math courses would save American taxpayers millions of dollars on classes that are largely unsuccessful for students.

Prior research has suggested several reasons why students assessed as needing remedial courses might perform better in college-level courses such as statistics. For example: (1) some students may be assessed inaccurately as needing remediation and have the skills to perform college-level work; (2) being assigned to a remedial course may decrease a student's motivation, since remedial courses do not offer credit, often have a stigma attached, and delay a student's graduation; and (3) college-level statistics is less abstract than algebra and uses everyday examples.

Logue noted that not all math faculty, however, support the idea of students taking statistics instead of elementary algebra. Some faculty believe that every student should show evidence of knowledge of elementary algebra, regardless of his or her major, Logue said. However, other faculty are supportive of alternatives to traditional remedial courses, and Logue and Watanabe-Rose are working with some such CUNY faculty to align and streamline the quantitative course requirements at those faculty's colleges.
Brazil's microcephaly epidemic continues to pose a mystery -- if Zika is the culprit, why are there no similar epidemics in other countries also hit hard by the virus? In Brazil, the microcephaly rate soared with more than 1,500 confirmed cases. But in Colombia, a recent study of nearly 12,000 pregnant women infected with Zika found zero microcephaly cases. If Zika is to blame for microcephaly, where are the missing cases? Perhaps there is another reason for the epidemic in Brazil. According to a new report by the New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI), the number of missing cases in Colombia and elsewhere raises serious questions about the assumed connection between Zika and microcephaly.

Recently, the New England Journal of Medicine published the preliminary results of a large study of pregnant Colombian women infected with Zika. Of the nearly 12,000 pregnant women with clinical symptoms of Zika infections until March 28, no cases of microcephaly were reported as of May 2. At the same time, four cases of Zika and microcephaly were reported for women who were symptomless for Zika infections and therefore not included in the study itself.

Is it possible that more time is needed for births to give rise to the high numbers seen in Brazil? The numbers don't add up according to the NECSI report. The Zika and microcephaly cases that are not part of the study show that there are many more pregnancies affected by Zika without symptoms. Because there are four cases of microcephaly with Zika, and none in the study, there should be about four times as many cases of Zika that are unreported. This means there are at least 60,000 Zika-infected pregnancies in Colombia.

The NECSI report analyzes the data and shows that the four cases of Zika and microcephaly that have been observed till April 28 are just what would be expected due to the background rate -- of the 60,000 pregnancies about 20,000 births would already be expected. The expected microcephaly rate for countries with no reported infections of 2-in-10,000 births gives exactly four cases. The study also notes that until April 28 there has been a total of about 50 microcephaly cases in Colombia, of which only four have been connected with Zika. The four cases are expected for the coincidence of Zika and microcephaly in the same pregnancies even if Zika is not the cause.

In light of this evidence, NECSI says the cause of microcephaly in Brazil should be reconsidered. One possibility that has been raised is the pesticide pyriproxyfen, which is applied to drinking water in some parts of Brazil to kill the larvae of the mosquitos that transmit Zika. Pyriproxyfen is an analogue for insect juvenile hormone which is cross reactive with retinoic acid, which is known to cause microcephaly. A physicians group in Brazil and Argentina, the Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center, and NECSI have called for further studies of the potential link between pyriproxyfen and microcephaly.
Winston Peters is returning to his old stomping ground. Hell be talking to a free public meeting at the Matua Hall, at 110 Levers Rd on Friday, June 24, from 7pm.

The New Zealand First leader will apply the theme Its common sense to what he considers to be the relevant topics of the day. Then he will take questions.
While her owners basked in the air-conditioned comfort of a shopping mall, this little dog was waiting in a brutally overheated car. In fact, the temperature in Sacramento, California, was around 91 degrees on Thursday. When firefighters arrived on the scene, after being called by a concerned passerby, they found the temperature inside the car had surged even more dangerously. "It was 160 degrees in the car," Chris Harvey of the Sacramento Fire Department tells The Dodo. "We checked it with our thermal imaging camera."

"Unacceptable," Harvey wrote that day in a tweet. "When warm, never leave pets in cars." Luckily for this dog, firefighters got her out of there. When the owners returned to the car, they were given citation by mall security. It's shaping up to be a sad summer for pets in cars. Already, we've seen case after case of people leaving their dogs to swelter - and we know the results are often fatal.

"We go on these calls all summer long," Harvey says. "Unfortunately people are not thinking -- or thinking they're hoping to be in and out in five minutes." Temperatures surge inside cars - 80 degrees outside, for example, can spell 99 degrees inside in just minutes. And even if it's only in the low 70s, the temperature can skyrocket to 116 degrees within an hour, according to the Humane Society of the United States. For information on what you should do if you see a pet trapped in a hot car, click here.
It's been about a year since the animal shelter on Ash Road in Lubbock, Texas, closed its doors. Which made the sight of a lone dog tied to a pole outside all the more baffling - and heartbreaking.

Whitney Turrentine was driving past the former shelter on Tuesday when she spotted the severely malnourished dog amid a halo of flies, waiting in the Texas sun. Someone, she noted in a Facebook post, had dumped her there.

Dodo Shows Soulmates Dog Goes Everywhere In His Dad's Kangaroo Pouch

"I pulled up to the dog and she was just like wagging her tail ... and like, 'Thank you so much,'" Turrentine would later tell KCDB 11 News. It turned out the dog, whom she named Gracie, wasn't waiting for those doors to open - but for a better life. And within days, she was well on her way.

Turrentine brought Gracie to the Lubbock Animal Shelter Adoption Center. Once there, a plea for a foster family went out on social media. That plea was answered. "We haven't been able to take dogs in for over a year now because we've been full where we keep them," Laci Holcombe of Saving Grace Pit Bull Rescue tells The Dodo. "So the only way we've been able to help is if someone offers to foster. Thankfully, one of our followers did that."

Holcombe says it's unlikely Gracie was tied to the pole for too long, suggesting passersby, like Turrentine, would have spotted her quickly. The dog's real torment began long before she was dumped at the shelter. "It takes a long time for a dog to get that skinny," Holcombe says. "She was probably starved by whatever human she was with."

Sadly, Gracie, who's a pit bull mix and now about 2 years old, was likely bred for profit before she was rescued. "Someone started breeding her as soon as they could and probably made a bunch of money off her puppies and then dumped her," Holcombe says.

Lubbock Animal Services has also faced criticism for leaving a sign on a building it vacated last year - something that may confuse people looking to surrender their pets. But Holcombe says that's unfair. "The fault needs to fall on the person who starved her and abandoned her," she says. And praise needs to be extended to the chain of caring that began when a woman stopped her car to help a dog waiting at doors that had long been closed. Thanks to them, the doors to a new life are now wide open.
<p>Roberta Sa Griner</p>

In the company of a caring person, a dog's loyal heart may very well be the most enduring thing the world has ever known. But though that heart might be hard to break, when it does, it shatters. That's what's happened to King, time and time again. Two years ago, the friendly pup's original owner decided he didn't want King anymore, so he dropped him off at a North Carolina animal shelter - despite being warned that he'd likely be euthanized within days. Fortunately, a rescue group intervened in time to save his life, but that was just the beginning of a new set of hardships.

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A woman volunteered to foster King, but after her husband decided he was too "scary-looking," he immediately hauled the dog back to the shelter. It was closed, so he tied King to the fence out front. The rescue group was again notified, and a new foster family was found for King. But two days later, he was homeless again after the family learned of a breed restriction where they lived. This time, King was kept inside a boarding facility for about two months, until a more permanent foster home could be found. That's when dog rescuer Roberta Sa Griner stepped in. "I started fostering him, and he was really good," Griner told The Dodo. "He was with me for about three months, then a woman adopted him. She had King for a little over a year. Then she contacted me out of the blue and said she wants to give King back."

King was noticeably upset after being dumped back into foster care, but Griner was eventually able to place him with a new family. A few months later, they too gave up on him, saying they could no longer afford him. This week, King ended up back with Griner - his heart thoroughly broken. "He is a phenomenal dog, but after being dumped so many times, it's really getting to him," she said. "He's just so insecure now. He just cries. He's become really attached to this blanket, like his security blanket. He just sits, crying into the blanket."
A hungry young gorilla was recently discovered all alone, foraging for food in a village in eastern Cameroon. Villagers spotted the gorilla in a mango tree and contacted the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, which reached out to In Defense of Animals - Africa to help the gorilla, estimated to be around 5 years old, get back to where he belongs.

Parry was discovered all alone, scrounging for food near a village. | Amy Hanes/Ape Action Africa

Sadly, this gorilla didn't seem to belong anywhere. He was unusually friendly with humans, which was a bad sign for his survival in the region, where gorillas are illegally hunted for their meat. Luckily, people knew just the place: the Mefou Primate Sanctuary, run by Ape Action Africa. The gorilla was welcomed into the sanctuary in early June and named Parry, after a longtime supporter of the sanctuary. Still, the details of Parry's origins are a mystery.

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He was likely abandoned after being kept as a pet. | Amy Hanes/Ape Action Africa

"We will never know exactly where Parry came from," the organization wrote on Facebook, "but he is very friendly and has no fear of humans, suggesting that he may have been kept as a pet." It isn't uncommon for young apes to be torn from the wild and sold as pets after their mothers are killed for meat, the organization wrote. Typically, once the baby apes grow to be 4 or 5 years old, they become harder to manage, so they're often abandoned in the forest, left to fend for themselves.

Parry was brought to a sanctuary, where he hit it off with Apollinaire, who has been caring for gorillas for 15 years. | Amy Hanes/Ape Action Africa

An X-ray showed bullet fragments in Parry's arm, confirming the sad story the sanctuary feared: Parry's mother was likely killed before Parry was kidnapped and sold. "We can never replace the family that Parry has lost, but we have made a lifelong commitment to providing him with friendship and happiness amongst our other gorilla orphans," Ape Action Africa wrote.

Bullet fragments in Parry's arm give rescuers hints about his troubled past. | Ape Action Africa

Soon, Parry will be ready to meet the other gorillas, who will form a new kind of family for him. He's already grown curious about them from a distance.

Parry is fascinated by the other gorillas. He'll soon get to meet them. | Amy Hanes/Ape Action Africa

When Parry saw Chickaboo, Luci and Chris, three of the sanctuary's other gorillas, he seemed to feel calm. When they moved out of sight, he became anxious until they returned. When the three came back, they stayed close to Parry's enclosure.

Since arriving at the sanctuary, Parry has been regaining his strength. | Ape Action Africa
Krismon the orangutan waited an incredible 19 years for his rescue. Back in 1997, Krismon was sold into captivity after his mother was killed in front of him. He was given to a member of the Indonesian military. For the first few months, the army official's family treated the infant ape like a human baby, keeping him in the house and playing with him.

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But, as often happens, when the little orphan began to grow up, the novelty wore off. The family, perhaps realizing that they couldn't handle the soon-to-be adolescent, decided to lock him up. Krismon was placed in a narrow metal cage in the family's yard. But while the young orangutan easily fit through the tiny square door when he was first locked up, after languishing outside for month after month without love or care, he soon grew too big to fit back out again. And that's where he was found nearly two decades later.

"The tiny door became too small for him after he grew big," the Orangutan Information Centre (OIC) wrote on Facebook. "He was locked there for many years." The army official passed away last year, and OIC had "persistently investigated" the situation since then. Last month, in conjunction with the Natural Resource Conservation Agency, OIC was finally able to rescue Krismon from his rusting prison. Now a full-grown male orangutan, Krismon barely had room to move around. Though orangutans are arboreal, he couldn't climb. He could barely even lie down to rest.

He also appeared to have been tethered around his neck at one point and had survived mostly on rice, the OIC told a blog called Changing Times. The family also reportedly had a female infant orangutan who died. "I am still shocked that such a big orangutan was being kept in such a small cage," Panut Hadisiswoyo, director of the OIC, told the blog. "It is horrifying." Unfortunately Krismon isn't alone in his sad plight. Each year thousands of wild babies are stolen away from their mothers, who are often killed just so their infants can be sold into the exotic pet trade, where they face poor care and often outright abuse. In other cases, the infants may be used for meat or traditional medicine. Just last week, an orangutan was rescued in Thailand after his owner realized he couldn't care for him. The man turned in the orangutan's "belongings" to Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand along with the ape - and they included things like children's clothing, bags of candy and a go-kart.

Though more and more people are realizing the horrors these animals face as pets, there are many who support the pet trade - even if they're well-meaning. "When we took Krismon away, the family members were all crying," Hadisiswoyo told the blog. "People have a total misconception about what it is to love an orangutan. I tried to explain to them that this is not the way to care for a wild animal." But Krismon's many years of waiting are finally at an end. He was transferred to the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, where he will be assessed and treated. If he's able to be rehabilitated, he may return to the wild; if not, he'll finally have a safe home through the center.
Canadian companies and workers in the U.K. woke up Friday facing unexpected decisions about their future in a country that voted to close its gateway to the rest of Europe.

Canadian firms with offices and investments in the U.K. saw their stocks fall Friday amid a bloody global market mess in reaction to Britains decision to leave the European Union, an outcome that took many by surprise.

The campaign to remain  or Bremain  gained momentum in the days prior to Thursdays referendum and investors forecast voters would opt for the status quo. But in the end, 52 per cent of Britons voted to leave  or Brexit  the 28-member politico-economic union.

The Canada-U.K. Chamber of Commerce said Friday that most of its 300 members  including every major Canadian corporation with British operations  had clearly backed the remain side.

That sentiment was consistent with the countrys six other bilateral chambers of commerce, said the Canadian chambers president William Swords.

Our members are surprised, as is the country as a whole, and people are reflecting on what it means for their firms in particular, he said. This is uncharted territory for everyone.

The U.K.  a popular hub for North American corporations that serves as a gateway to European trade  must now reassure multinationals that the country remains open to trade and that skilled workers will be able to stay, he said. Britain is Canadas fifth-largest trading partner, accounting for about $21.2 billion in trade.

Although its too early to gauge the full global trade ramifications, Canadian businesses are debating the merits of relocation, Swords added.

Canadians who work and live in the U.K. are similarly concerned about their future prospects if global multinationals decide to pull out.

A lot of expats are feeling very uncertain about what our future holds, said 30-year-old Nancy Hitzig, a Canadian who moved across the pond in 2013.

Hitzig, who voted to Bremain, now works in fundraising for the City of London Sinfonia and is worried that the arts sector will suffer if corporate donors leave, putting her job at risk.

I worry about the falling pound and the economic uncertainty and the job security uncertainty  those are the things that are going to keep me up at night.

Those most exposed Canadian businesses include Brookfield Asset Management, aircraft simulator CAE Inc., train maker Bombardier Inc., Great-West Lifeco and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).

All were reluctant to say much in the immediate aftermath, but offered statements insisting they believed in the long-term stability of the country.

However, if they stay, their London office property values may fall by as much as 20 per cent within three years, as businesses relocate and the economy stagnates, according to Green Street Advisors LLC.

Brookfield, which has a large exposure with investments in Londons Canary Wharf, said it remains confident that the U.K. will continue to attract international capital and be one of the leading business centres in the world.

Bombardier, which has aerospace operations in Ireland, said it will continue to work with the government and other industry stakeholders to create the necessary business environment to ensure our future success.

The CPPIB, which has infrastructure investments across the U.K., said it expected the results of the vote to have an immediate impact on markets, as well as its portfolio, but that it has an exceptionally long investment horizon.

As any investor, we have a bias to stability over uncertainty, yet periods of dislocation can present compelling opportunities that short-term investors are unable to pursue, it said in a statement.

While Canadian companies avoided publicly showing their political biases, some of Americas largest banks contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to stop Britain from withdrawing.

Some suggested a Brexit would force them to move thousands of workers out of London, the headquarters for their European operations, which they used as a financial springboard to sell their services to the rest of Europe without having to get regulatory approval in each individual country.

Canadian companies will weigh their options over the next two years as Britain negotiates its exit terms, said Michael Manjuris, a professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management who specializes in European business and economics.

I dont think theres going to be an instant exodus or anything of that nature.

However, he believes Canadian and global multinationals, particularly the big banks, will re-establish their European headquarters in Germany, France or the Netherlands.

He likened the situation to the fallout from the election of the first separatist Parti Quebecois Premiere Rene Levesque in 1976, when many banks and insurance companies relocated their headquarters outside the province  including the Bank of Montreal.

While several prominent companies are exposed to the chaos in the U.K., they have had plenty of time to prepare for the long-known risk of an exit, said Campbell Harvey, a professor of finance at Duke Universitys Fuqua School of Business.

Their plans should kick in today. If they do not have plans, then it is a gross failure of basic risk management.

With files from Bloomberg

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The surprising decision by U.K. voters to file for divorce from the European Union could put implementation of Canadas free trade agreement with Europe on hold.

Greg Tereposky, a partner at law firm Borden Ladner Gervais, who specializes in international trade, said the U.K. is a main entry point for commerce and trade to Europe, and if the U.K. loses access, it would be a negative for Canada, he said.

Canada must now consider whether the details of a free trade deal reached with the European Union change, given the U.K.s looming exit that could take two years or more to implement.

Negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the 28-member European Union first began in 2009, with the agreement in principle reached in 2013. Implementation is not expected before 2017.

We are lousy in these free trade negotiations in Canada. It takes forever, said Andreas Schotter, a professor of international business at Western Universitys Ivey School of Business. Then you have a deal and then it takes another eternity until ratification and actual implementation.

The CETA deal requires ratification from all 28-member states as well as the European Parliament. No jurisdiction has ratified the agreement yet, including Canada.

The U.K. was a big promoter of the CETA, and there was some pushback on ratification from some EU member states, Tereposky said. Without the U.K. helping the process, one wonders whether the ratification of the agreement will be much more difficult to achieve.

Canada could consider cutting a separate deal with Britain or possibly tweaking the CETA agreement into a deal with the U.K. and the other 27-member nations of the EU.

But it may be difficult for Canada get the attention of both U.K. and EU officials, who will be dealing with a multitude of issues related to the U.K.s exit in the coming years, Tereposky said.

My view on this, and its entirely speculation, but we will have CETA go into a holding pattern, at least for the foreseeable future, he added.

The reality is other European leaders will be preoccupied about what to do about the Brexit vote  and whether it will set in motion a similar push from other disgruntled countries within the European Union to leave.

Marvin Ryder, a business professor at McMaster Universitys Degroote School of Business, noted that Canadas largest trading partner is the United States followed by China.

The U.K. was Canadas fifth-largest trading partner last year, accounting for about $21.2 billion (U.S.) in total trade, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Trade in goods between the EU and Canada is worth almost 60 billion ($67 billion U.S.) a year.

By comparison, cross-border commerce with the United States was more than $540 billion (U.S.) last year.

However, if Britain encounters difficulties in negotiating deals with the European Union  and those EU countries are expected to stand tough as a deterrent to others leaving  it could result in benefits here.

We dont know if our trade will go up as they seek other friends, Ryder said. No one knows. They may turn to Canada and say, Can we buy some of your cheese. Can we buy some of your butter?

With 52 per cent voting to leave, the U.K. vote initially wreaked havoc on stock markets, sent the pound sterling to its lowest levels in three decades, and strengthened the U.S. dollar as well as gold.

Philippe Brugere-Trelat, portfolio manager of Franklin Mutual European Fund, noted that both equity and debt markets in the United States could become a place of refuge for investors  and Canada could benefit as a secondary choice.

Volatility comes from uncertainty and theres a lot of that right now, he said.

In nervous times, flows move towards the U.S. dollar. The loonie is getting clobbered as U.S. dollar strength persists, said Rahim Madhavji, president of KnightsbridgeFX.com, a Toronto-based online foreign currency exchange.

The people of the U.K. have single-handedly impacted the value of the Canadian dollar and global sentiment. We are in a very connected world, said Madhavji in a note to investors.

And a weaker loonie could result in a boost to Canadian manufacturing and exports.

The average Canadian citizen doesnt like a low dollar, because they are looking forward to a vacation south of the border, said Ryder, who predicts the loonie will settle down to about 75 cents against the greenback.

The Canadian dollar will soften which is good news for the business sector, he said.

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Now that Finance Minister Bill Morneau has attended to the urgent business of plumping up the Canada Pension Plan, what next in the world or retirement savings?

In the wake of CPP reform, a lot of people are going to say, tools down, weve got the job done, says Tom Reid, senior vice-president of group retirement services at Sun Life Financial. But theres still a lot more work to be done, right?

Right.

One might consider that a constant and rigorous review of the countrys retirement savings system demands an ongoing examination of the role of the corporate sector. What kind of job is your company doing for you?

We know the trend line: the migration away from defined-benefit pension plans, which pay out a guaranteed sum to the employee, and the migration to defined-contribution pension plans, which transfer the investment risk to the employee. It is the employee who now assumes the stress, if not the savvy, of an investment manager.

For a growing group of Canadians, gone are the days of not having to worry about asset allocation and ROI. Arrived are the sad days of woefully studying the anemic returns on those money market funds. (Reid advocates for target date funds, which reduce equity exposure and increase fixed-income exposure the closer the employee gets to retirement.)

Of course, companies like Reids benefit precisely because of all that money that needs to be managed, so lets get that out of the way first. (Sun Life administers close to $70 billion in assets on behalf of about 1.3 million Canadians.)

Reid says theres about $200 billion of assets in defined-contribution plans in Canada. And then there are the fees, a deep irritant especially when the returns are pitiful.

The average plan that we administer with 1,000 members has fees of 40 basis points, all in, says Reid, meaning a modest 0.4 per cent. Fees have come down dramatically over time, he says.

So DC plans are here to stay and will multiply in number going forward. I could find but a single example of a newly created defined-benefit plan, or at least relatively new. In 2009, the TD Bank announced it was going against the DC trend, launching a pension plan that would provide employees with the security of a regular retirement income designed to be the best fully bank-paid pension plan in the industry.

The plan targets employees with earnings below the CPP maximum pensionable earnings of $54,900 and offers a top-up provision on the salary above that limit. The words fully bank-paid pension jump right off the page.

If anyone knows of other examples, please write.

Otherwise, the corporate world continues to shun defined-benefit plans in favour of their defined-contribution cousins. Or a company might offer a group RRSP plan (not, technically, a pension plan). Or possibly a deferred profit-sharing plan. Or, alternatively, nothing at all.

Prospective employees examining what a company has on offer might consider this: the median savings rate for DC plans in Ontario is 10 per cent, with a 5 per cent contribution from the employee and 5 per cent from the employer. Anything less, I would argue, is inadequate.

So CPP in this scenario becomes what Reid calls the base layer. On top of that base layer of CPP, you can create a pretty strong retirement outcome, he says.

This, of course, is the objective. Reid sees this as a three-legged construct. CPP is one. Personal savings is another. And company-incentivized savings is the third.

One of the key principles that weve been espousing for a long time is that there should be universal access to a workplace savings plan, he says. Reid advocates for something along the lines of Quebecs Voluntary Savings Retirement Plan.

Quebecs VSRPs are to be phased in, starting at the end of this year for companies with 20 or more employees. Enrolment is automatic, though there is an opt-out option.

Investment savings will be managed by external administrators. Employers are under no obligation to contribute. Eventually, the VSRPs will be extended to businesses with as few as five employees.

I think creating universal access with automatic enrolment would be a remarkable accompaniment to CPP reform, Reid says. I think we could create, easily, the strongest retirement savings system in the world.

Perhaps easily is a step too far. But what is clear is that the job of secure retirements is far from done.

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Toronto's real estate industry is mounting a vigorous offense against a parking tax, one of a dozen new taxes being considered by the city.

The parking levy would disproportionately burden commercial property owners and small businesses would be particularly vulnerable, says a coalition of business groups.

The tax is one way the city could raise funds for desperately needed public transit and other vital infrastructure.

But it would amount to a 44 per cent business tax increase, according to the Real Estate Industry Coalition, which includes property owners, the building industry and shopping centres.

Real estate industry sources say that the city's revenue projections, based on a KPMG report, are at least 30 per cent too high.

KPMG estimates Toronto could generate between $191and $575 million with a daily tax of 50 cents to $1.50 for every paid and unpaid parking spot.

Its burden on the industry is profound, said Brooks Barnett, manager of government relations and policy for the Real Property Association of Canada (REALpac).

Toronto real estate is credited by city staff with helping make the city as buoyant as it is. If they want to ensure that buoyancy continues, why add another level of burden, he told The Star.

Toronto doesn't even have a reliable inventory of parking spaces, says the coalition. The KPMG estimates are based on old Metrolinx and Toronto Parking Authority counts that put the number of spaces at 1.05 million, including 195,000 paid spots.

Many of the parking spaces - more than 200,000, including hospitals and other public institutions - would likely be exempt from the tax. Large commercial property owners would look for ways to appeal their bills, said the coalition.

That's what happened in Vancouver when it introduced a similar tax in 2006. Of 29,600 parking lot assessments, 5,100 were appealed in the first year.

The coalition will release its own report on the parking tax implications before city staff presents its recommendations in the fall to council on the best ways to supplement Toronto's ailing finances. The KPMG report goes before on Tuesday.

The parking levy would cost the average mall tenant $10,000 a year meaning the store would have to generate another $167,000 in sales, according to the International Council of Shopping Centres.

It's certainly a significant tax, said Lionel Miskin, chair of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA). The biggest impact would be on suburban strip malls with a lot of small businesses and a lot of parking.

"They're highly taxed to begin with. Now the city wants to double tax in effect - 'Yeah we're taxing your property and that includes the parking spaces you have and now, we're going to tax those parking spaces a second time,' " he said.

"Many of these businesses are marginal, many are struggling. If a restaurant goes out of business it's not only the owner and his family who are affected, it's also the employees and their families," said Miskin.

Mayor John Tory has said he isn't ready to endorse any of the 12 taxes contained in the KPMG report.

But Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth) said the parking levy is one of the most reasonable revenue sources on the table.

"We would be building rapid transit to the Scarborough town Centre. It's incongruous we would not support that (parking tax) given the relationship between transit and large parking lots," she said.

But the business groups say the parking levy is easily confused with another tool before the city - a parking sales tax. That would be a user fee that has the added benefit of discouraging some people from driving for some trips. That's in keeping with the city's stated goals of reducing congestion and encouraging active transportation.

But KPMG says that a parking sales tax of 5 to 20 per cent would raise only $30 to $121 million per year.

Among the other tools KPMG looked at were alcohol, hotel and amusement taxes, development charges, a municipal income and sales tax, road pricing and development levies.

The Real Estate Industry Coalition includes the REALpac; the Toronto Financial District Business Improvement Association; the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD); the Commercial Real Estate Development Association; the International Council of Shopping Centres and, the Building Owners and Managers Association.

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LOS ANGELES  A premium luxury sedan born from the ashes of the Fisker Karma  a Tesla rival that wowed the automotive world before collapsing into bankruptcy three years ago  will soon begin rolling off a production line at Californias newest car factory.

When it is up and running, the Karma Automotive factory in Moreno Valley, about 60 miles (96.9 kilometres) east of downtown Los Angeles, will produce as many as 3,000 of the high-end Karma Reveros annually. The cars, again competing with Tesla, will be four-door luxury electric sedans priced above $100,000 (U.S.).

Karma Automotive joins Tesla on a list of locally based car and bus manufacturers, including Faraday Future, BYD and Atieva that together are making California ground zero for the electric vehicle market.

Like those companies, Karma is backed by Chinese money. The bankrupt Karmas assets were purchased in 2014 by Wanxiang Group, a Chinese auto parts giant that also owns A123, the battery company that produced power packs for the Fisker cars.

Faraday, which recently announced its plan to build cars at a $1-billion facility in Nevada and another smaller factory in the San Francisco area, is owned by Chinese entrepreneur Jia Yueting. Atieva, a Silicon Valley-based electric car company, is controlled by the Chinese state-owned Beijing Automotive Industry Corp. BYD, which employs 160 workers at a plant in Lancaster that builds electric buses, is owned by the Chinese BYD Auto Co.

On a recent weekday morning, inside a massive, anonymous warehouse, bits and pieces of aluminum-bodied cars moved slowly along broad conveyor belts.

In one area, welders behind heavy masks were being trained to turn rectangular sections of metal into a working chassis. Across the way, 15-foot-tall robots were using rivets to join the frame sections to body parts. Further down the production line, car bodies that had been dipped in paint tanks were baking in a superheated drying oven.

Technicians wearing hard hats and goggles watched the welders and robots, fine-tuning their efforts, making sure the practice vehicles were up to premium luxury automotive standards.

When theyre done, the Reveros will look and drive a lot like their predecessor Karmas. Though the new car will have its own front and rear fascia design, it will be powered by the same engine and same A123 battery, and contain many of the Karmas interior and exterior design elements, as the car built by honoured designer Henrik Fisker.

That car had a combined 400-plus horsepower and 960 pound feet of torque, and a top speed of 125 miles per hour. It could travel about 50 miles on electric charge alone, and 230 miles using its combined gasoline and electric powertrains.

Sleek and low-slung, the Karma won Automobile Magazines Design of the Year award in 2011, and was named Luxury Car of the Year for 2011 by Top Gear Magazine.

The Karma was loved and revered, said Jim Taylor, the energetic auto veteran who, after decades with General Motors, is now Karmas chief marketing officer. They nailed the design. Youd be crazy to change it.

Taylor and a Karma team scouted factories and courted governmental assistance in Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, South Carolina, Michigan and other locations before settling on Moreno Valley.

In the end, Taylor said, it was location more than handouts than lured Karma to California. While other states offered cash and tax incentives, Southern California offered the good weather and cultural amenities that help lure the best engineers and designers.

Even a low-volume car factory requires an enormous footprint. Karmas Moreno Valley facility has 32-foot ceilings and occupies 550,000 square feet. When full production begins, 100 workers will build cars here, in addition to 600 other employees at Karmas design offices and as many as 150 more engineering and sales staff in an office in Troy, Mich.

Building the factory, inside an existing warehouse, involved complications. A fully-functioning production line was among the assets orphaned by the Fisker bankruptcy. But the assets were still in the shuttered Fisker Scandinavian factory.

The good news is that weve got it, Taylor said he was told. The bad news is  its in Finland.

The Finnish production line was broken down into parts, boxed and sent by ship to the U.S., then brought by train to California, where it was reassembled inside the Moreno Valley warehouse.

Also in the Fisker inventory were 120 finished Karma cars, and parts and pieces to build dozens more  though these too were scattered between factory, warehouses, dealerships and parts suppliers, and were in what Taylor called varying degrees of rust and disrepair.

Those bits were all shipped to California, and became the test vehicles Karma would use to train its workers and robots to make new cars. Some will become crash test vehicles. Others will be scrapped. Still others might actually become new Reveros.

When they are for sale, Taylor said, the first vehicles may go to people who still own their original Karmas.

There are 1,300 owners in the U.S. who are fanatics, Taylor said. They want to have the first crack, and there should be a way to do that.

Taylor said that what goes around doesnt necessarily have to come around, and that Karma will not be forced to make the mistakes its predecessor car company made  which he said included having to put cars into the market, in order to satisfy investor demands, when they werent ready to sell

We have no pressure that this car has to be in showrooms by Thanksgiving, Taylor said. Well reveal the car this summer, and the pricing.

Even at this late date, in fact, Taylor said the company has not decided whether its distribution system will be modelled on the Detroit tradition, selling cars through franchised dealerships, or go Tesla-style, selling cars direct to the consumer. Karmas solution might be a little of both, Taylor said, or might vary region to region.

Stressing that the Moreno Valley factory investment underscores Karmas parent companys long-term commitment to building electric vehicles, Taylor said Wanxiangs founder and president, Lu Guanqui  said to be worth $6.5 billion, and to be the 18th richest person in China  is no short-term flipper.

Asian companies are taking the long view, Taylor said. This is a mission in his mind, for his kids, and for their kids.

Karma Automotives owners may need all the patience they can muster. Despite the rapidity with which Karma has gotten up to speed  producing vehicles in a factory that was empty less than a year ago  electric vehicles account for less than 3 per cent of all U.S. auto sales, and even industry leader Tesla has still not turned a profit.

The ability of a company like Tesla to generate excitement, and high stock prices, has a lot of other companies convinced theres money to be made in the EV space, said Kelley Blue Book senior analyst Karl Brauer.

Thats somewhat ironic because Tesla has never actually made money, and several other EV start-ups, including Karmas predecessor, all went bankrupt. The challenge for the Karma will be convincing people to give it another try after a fairly high-profile failure.

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Chantal Pontbriand, the Montreal native who was appointed director and CEO of Torontos Museum of Contemporary Art last fall amid much fanfare for her wealth of international experience, has left the museum less than a year into her tenure.

On Thursday, rumours began circulating that Pontbriand, 64, who only took her post in October, had abruptly severed ties with the museum. By Thursday evening, senior museum officials had confirmed that Pontbriand was in fact no longer with the institution.

Pontbriand did not respond to a request for comment.

The departure is a shocking turn of events for MOCA, which has undergone wholesale transformations of its mandate, philosophy and even location in the space of less than a year.

After securing a new home last summer in the Automotive Tower, a century-old building on Sterling Road in the citys west end, MOCA, then known as MOCCA, packed up its old location last July and entered a state of limbo, awaiting the completing of its new location in 2017.

The arrival of Pontbriand in October of last year was hailed as a significant coup by many, including MOCCA board chair Julia Ouellette, who said that Pontbriands appointment marks an exciting and important moment for the Museum and for the Canadian arts community. Her experience in Canada and abroad will strengthen Canadas presence and enliven our engagement in the global visual arts conversation.

Arriving with an impressive resume that included stints at the Sorbonne in Paris and at Londons Tate Modern, Pontbriand promised to remake MOCA as a model for the museum of the 21st century. She billed the new MOCA as an agora, a gathering place with public and social progress at its core, and was given carte blanche to reimagine the institution as she saw fit.

On March 29, the museum held a public event to launch its new brand identity and plot its programming for its first year of operation, beginning in May 2017. There, Pontbriands ambitious plan became even more so: She announced the museum would expand its footprint to five floors of the Automotive Tower from its initial three; and that it would eventually occupy an additional building adjacent to the tower as well.

This is what the post-2000 world is about: how to live together, Pontbriand told an audience at the event that included city councillor Ana Bailao and Mayor John Tory. The role of the 21st-century museum is to be a place to work out democracy and that is what this museum will be about.

The new MOCAs inaugural exhibition, Odyssey 2040, was slated to be curated by Pontbriand herself. Its status is now unclear.

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Halifax police admitted Thursday that drugs, money and possibly weapons have gone missing from exhibit vaults.

Supt. Jim Perrin said an audit of a vault containing drug exhibits found 90 per cent of samples being sought last year couldnt be found, and the alarming result prompted a closer look this year.

At a news conference Thursday, Perrin said the follow-up audit produced better results, but he said Halifax Regional Police are still looking for dozens of exhibits that may have been misplaced, destroyed or stolen.

Ninety-per cent of audited exhibits missing in an exhibit room is alarming, Perrin said, noting that the initial audit looked at only whether the exhibit was in the place it should have been. The subsequent audit involved a wider search.

We have staff working on that full time to do a deeper dive into the files to see if we can locate where they are.

Perrin said 70 of 500 exhibits sought in a sample audit are still missing. The police service has more than 10,000 in storage and along with illicit drugs, missing items could include high-risk exhibits, such as weapons and money, he said.

The officer said he didnt have a list at hand.

The first audit was prompted by an investigation into the conduct of a Halifax police officer, later charged with theft, breach of trust and obstruction of justice in connection with evidence related to a drug investigation. That case is still before the courts.

The 2015 audit also found 24 per cent of the drug exhibits in the sample couldnt be found in a second drug vault, and 55 per cent of the evidence in a money vault wasnt where records indicated.

After the follow-up in May, 52 per cent of the drug exhibits in the first vault still couldnt be found, 12 per cent in the second vault was missing, and 32 per cent of the money evidence was unaccounted for.

Our primary concern is to find out what happened to these missing exhibits, Perrin said.

John Sewell, co-ordinator of the Toronto Police Accountability Coalition, said he wasnt surprised by what Halifax police had found.

Theres usually not nearly enough independent oversight of what police are doing with very valuable materials  in terms of evidence and money, said Sewell, who said he couldnt recall a similar problem with the Toronto police force.

Rogue officers may make off with it because they dont think theyre ever going to be caught  and theyre probably right about that.

As well, Sewell, a former mayor of Toronto, suggested police officers cant be expected to be proficient at record keeping.

They should be hiring people who are specially trained for that, he said.

Perrin stressed that no court cases, past or present, have been affected by the poor record keeping.

If we had a court case with missing evidence, then Im confident I would have heard about it, he said.

An officer would have gone to court and called to the stand to tender exhibits, and there wouldnt be any exhibits to tender. That would equate to a crisis. I would know about that.

Some of the drugs in the sample may not even be part of a court case, given that police sometimes have the option of seizing illicit goods without laying charges.

The audits found evidence reports were rarely accurate, exhibit locations were inaccurately recorded, training for drug unit members needed to be standardized, and the drug vaults needed to be modernized.

The audit included 34 recommendations, some of which have already been implemented, Perrin said, adding that it had been years since similar audits had been ordered. Annual spot audits are among the recommendations being considered.

At the end of this, we may be able to account for where all those exhibits went, Perrin said. Police officers make mistakes . . . . It happens.

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MONTREALPriests and anyone else in the orbit of the church will be forbidden from being alone with children and other vulnerable people as part of a pilot project, the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Montreal said Thursday.

The goal is to create a safety net for everyone associated with the Catholic Church in Montreal, canon Francois Sarrazin said in an interview.

Imagine if you are alone in a room and a child accuses you of hitting them, how will you react? Sarrazin asked. Whether its true or not, you need a witness. Not being in the room alone with someone who is vulnerable is simply being prudent.

He said the policy will be introduced in a handful of churches across the city, starting in September.

For Carlo Tarini, a spokesman for an association of victims of priests, the new rules are too little too late.

He said the policy is just a way for the church to protect itself against lawsuits stemming from child-abuse scandals that have rocked the citys diocese and the Roman Catholic Church across the globe.

The church knows that victims have gotten help from lawyers and have been successful in court and they will push forward for compensation when such cases are made public, Tarini said.

Recently, the Clerics of St-Viateur, a Catholic religious order that ran a school for deaf children in Montreal, was sued after 150 people came forward to say they were victims of child abuse at the boarding school between 1940 and the early 80s.

Between November and February, the order, along with a Quebec government-run health institute that took over the school, reached an out-of-court settlement with the plaintiffs for $30 million  reportedly the largest sum awarded to victims of a church sex-abuse scandal in Quebec.

Sarrazin said the policy doesnt only apply to priests but to all employees of parishes and churches, volunteers and anyone else in the orbit of the diocese.

Archbishop of Montreal Christian Lepine said in a statement he will create a new bureau in the diocese called the Service of Responsible Pastoral Ministry, which will be tasked with rolling out the new policy.

Sarrazin said details will be made available at a later date.

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Quick  whos the president of the European Council? How about the president of the European Commission? Which is more powerful? How were they selected? For terms of how long? What countries are they from?

While were at it, please discuss the terms acquis communautaire and snakes in a tunnel as they relate to European enlargement and convergence. Explain why France and Germany use the euro currency even though neither met the criteria for joining the euro group on the day it was created or, in Frances case, on most days since. Explain what good it did  if any  for the people of France and The Netherlands to reject the proposed European constitution in separate referendums in 2005.

If you score better than, say, three out of nine on my little quiz, then you can go ahead and keep insulting the intelligence of everyone in the U.K. who voted to leave the EU in Thursdays referendum.

Cards on table: If I were British I would have voted to remain in the European Union. Im upset at the victory of anti-EU forces, worried about what comes next, and well aware that Leave won, in part, by peddling horror stories about immigrants and fantasies about rivers of taxpayer money that would reverse flow back to London from Brussels if only Brits shucked off the Euro yoke.

This outcome is bad for trade, opportunity, and the habits of accommodation that Europe learned slowly and at catastrophic human cost through the blood-soaked 20th century.

But this drama played itself out in the realm of politics. Most of the protagonists with microphones and podiums on either side of the campaign were politicians. And almost the only thing I know about politics is that victory must be earned.

The EU needed to make a case for itself, needed to be a felt and comprehensible necessity in the lives of its people, or something like this was always possible. The EU must still make a case for itself, if it wants to keep the British decision from spreading across the continent. (One hunch I hope pollsters will test: I suspect any party that promises an in-or-out referendum in any country will now see its voter support rise.)

And the thing about the EU is, it has often been a rickety contraption. Its decisions are inscrutable, its spokesmen distant, its processes hard to learn and quick to change, like some eternal institutional bait-and-switch. Bookstores near the vast EU campus in Brussels sell copies of The New Practical Guide to the EU Labyrinth, which has gone through 15 editions in 25 years and whose current cover illustration depicts faceless figures groping their way up and down staircases that run in every direction, like an Escher print. And thats a book written by and for people who think the EU is a great thing!

Meanwhile, the EU and all the people in it have been buffeted by crises and outrages that could hardly fail to leave an impression on ordinary voters. A banking crisis that rose out of nowhere in 2008, despite the bland assurances of experts in nice suits. A near-constant terrorism alert that erupts now and then into slaughter. Wave after wave of refugees and migrants, on a scale far beyond anything Canada has chosen, to its credit, to shoulder.

Over the years the same leaders who were widely known to be scoundrels at home  smirking Nicolas Sarkozy and convicted Silvio Berlusconi and poor, lost David Cameron  would troop off to Brussels to meet late into the night, and who could explain their decisions? Who could believe these goofs were building something better together than the messes they had left at home?

Sure, the enemies of Europe told lies and sold fear. But everyone lies in campaigns. Everyone peddles fear, in crude or genteel ways. The 65-year project of European construction must be sturdy enough to withstand those assaults or they will wash it away. A nation, the French historian Ernest Renan wrote, is a referendum every day. The European Union, born from war as an antidote to nationalisms worst excesses, cannot go on forever without earning the consent of the governed.

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HALIFAX  The son of a decorated 94-year-old veteran who has been fighting for months for a bed at the federally-funded Camp Hill Veterans Memorial hospital in Halifax said he feels emotional and relieved that his father is getting his wish.

Peter Blendheim, who spells his name differently from his father Petter Blindheim, said he met with Halifax MP Andy Fillmore on Friday and was informed that his father would be admitted as an allied veteran to one of the 13 beds available at the hospital.

Its emotional for me and emotional for my family, said Blendheim in a phone interview. Now my father can go there in peace and be happy.

Petter Blindheim, a veteran of the Norwegian Royal Navy and merchant marine, could be admitted as early as next week, his son said.

Ottawa initially rejected entry to Camp Hill for Petter Blindheim last October. The family appealed that decision and in January, Veterans Affairs again refused his entry because it said Norwegian forces fighting from England didnt qualify as official allies.

The department later recanted that position, but last week rejected the former sailor  who has fallen repeatedly and broken his arm  on the basis that Ottawa can pay for any necessary care at provincial facilities.

On Friday, Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr announced that Ottawa had reached a new agreement with the Nova Scotia Health Authority to expand veterans access to beds in the Camp Hill hospital.

Hehr said a review would be conducted to better address long-term care for veterans countrywide.

The veterans health care regulations are not currently compassionate or flexible enough to address the urgent needs of our veterans, so as we undertake a review to better address long-term care needs, this measure will provide the flexibility necessary to help veterans and their families, Hehr said in a statement.

Fillmore acknowledged Friday that his Liberal governments decision took time.

Sometimes, getting things right takes longer than wed like it to, said Fillmore in a statement.

(This) decision provides a starting place to look at the process which has been so challenging over the last few weeks, and introduce much needed flexibility and compassion for other veterans in the future.

Blendheim said his family is relieved. He said when he told his father the news, he was more concerned about other veterans than himself.

I said to him, You got your bed in Camp Hill, and he turned to me and said, But not just for me. It wont look good. What about the other veterans? said Blendheim.

Blendheim said the decision will give his 73-year-old mother a much-needed break from caring for her husband, who needs help with everything from using the bathroom to washing.

Shes having a really hard time with her own health. She has arthritis in both her legs ... She can hardly walk herself, said Blendheim, adding that his parents have been together for nearly 50 years.

Just to watch them try to function here, she can hardly walk so shes pushing and almost falling into the wheelchair when shes trying to take him to the bathroom.

Petter Blindheim was commended by the Royal Norwegian Navy for his courage when a torpedo sank a vessel he was serving on in November 1942.

After torpedoes struck the Montbretia, Blindheim ran to the deck and removed a primer from the depth charges he oversaw to help ensure they wouldnt go off and kill sailors in the water as the ship sank.

After the war, he emigrated to Canada and worked as a tradesman, spending most of his career working at a shipyard.

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Jason Kenney wouldnt tell me when we exchanged emails on Wednesday whether hes going to leave federal politics to unite Albertas conservative forces. I suspect he doesnt know yet. He did say hes getting very close to a decision.

Here are the options facing the Conservative MP for Calgary Midnapore. He could stay in federal politics and remain a hard-working opposition MP. He could run to replace Stephen Harper as the federal partys leader. That was what most people, including close friends of the former immigration minister, assumed until a few weeks ago he would do.

Or he could go home to Alberta, try to win the Progressive Conservative leadership vacated by his former federal cabinet colleague Jim Prentice, and then try to unite Alberta PCs with the Wildrose Party  over, it seems, the objections of his former federal Conservative caucus colleague, Brian Jean. And then try to defeat the provinces NDP premier, Rachel Notley, at the next election.

Notice I said try, three times. None of these steps is a slam-dunk. Beating Notley might be the easiest part. Albertas first NDP government has struggled with the same bundle of lousy news that allowed Notley to unseat the PCs in the first place: chronic low oil prices and rising unemployment. Her NDP has been behind Wildrose in polls all year, and in one poll they fell back to third place behind the PCs.

But Id be reluctant to bet even on Notleys political demise. She has three years to turn things around, and Alberta has much more often returned incumbent governments than ejected them after a single term.

Meanwhile, Kenney would have to reunite Albertas conservative parties. You could say he has experience, as a senior lieutenant to the guy who managed it at the federal level in 2003, Stephen Harper. The problem is that he was also a senior lieutenant to Stockwell Day, who tried to unite the parties before Harper did. And he was a senior lieutenant to Preston Manning, who tried to do it before Day did. Kenney knows these things fail more often than they succeed.

If for some reason he has forgotten, he could ask Prentice, who was the white knight swooping in from Ottawa (well, from semi-retirement in Toronto, but close enough) to rally the Alberta right, way back in 2014. It ended badly.

And Prentice had advantages Kenney doesnt. The Conservative government in which hed served hadnt yet lost. The Alberta PCs were the senior partner in any merger talks; in fact they, too, were still in power.

Its hard to remember now, but Prentice returned to Alberta as a kind of juggernaut, sweeping all before him. He managed to get nine Wildrose MLAs to defect to his party  including the leader, Danielle Smith. This had two main results. First, it awakened PC antibodies against the intruders, and Smith lost the nomination battle to run as a PC candidate. Second, it hardened the resolve of the Wildrose rump against the PCs. The survivors of Prentices raid against Wildrose are not likely to look more kindly on a union today than they did only two years ago.

None of this amounts to an argument that Kenney is the wrong man for the task. Hes smart, widely read and travelled, almost comically hardworking, and was a key contributor to Harpers success, when Harper was successful. Like Harper, he would run near the right end of the leadership spectrum. You could argue that would make him more attractive to Wildrose members after he wins the PC leadership.But its debatable whether you can win the leadership these days from the right. Ted Morton, a political scientist turned politician, used to try.

Kenney endorsed Morton when he ran for the Alberta PC leadership in 2006 and finished third. Morton tried again in 2011, without Kenneys endorsement, finished fourth, and threw his support to the guy who wound up losing to Alison Redford. Its not exactly a trail blazed in glory.

Politics is often the art of the impossible. In 2002 when Stephen Harper returned to federal politics, not a lot of columnists predicted a decade at 24 Sussex Drive for him. In 1990 it was fashionable in some circles to call Jean Chretien yesterdays man. If human agency counted for nothing in this business it would be no fun to write about it. But the road to power in Alberta is suddenly trickier than it has been for decades. Surely Jason Kenney, one of the keenest students of politics Ive met, has noticed this.

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Mayor John Tory will back a plan for three supervised injection sites in Toronto, following a push for formal approval by the citys medical officer of health, the Star has learned.

After a series of public meetings, a report from medical officer of health Dr. David McKeown released Friday afternoon recommended council support implementation of three sites. Hes asking council to approve a letter of support on behalf of the city for a necessary application to the federal government.

As drug-related overdose deaths have continued to rise, earlier this year McKeown recommended looking at supervised injection within existing community health centres  at the Queen West Central Community Health Centre at Queen St. West and Bathurst St.; at the South Riverdale Community Health Centre at Queen St. East and Carlaw Ave. and at The Works city-run facility at Yonge and Dundas streets.

McKeown has advocated for the sites as a solution public health issue.

After community consultation found overwhelming support for the sites, Tory is now expected to endorse the plan, according to a source with knowledge of the process.

Tory had earlier stopped short of backing such sites, saying there needed to be a rational debate.

His position would set him apart from friend and fellow Mayor Jim Watson in Ottawa, who has said he would rather focus our efforts on treatment programs despite an endorsement of supervised injection sites from the citys own board of health, the Ottawa Citizen reports.

Councillor Joe Cressy, who chairs the Toronto Drug Strategy implementation panel, says supervised injection is necessary to save lives.

Preventing overdose deaths should be a top public health priority for our city, he said in a statement Friday, pointing to a staggering 77 per cent jump in the number of deaths in the last 10 years, from 146 in 2004 to 258 in 2014.

The introduction of supervised injection services in Toronto represents our response to the growing overdose crisis, and a bold statement in our ongoing efforts to care for every resident of our city.

McKeowns recommendation will go to the board of health next week and then council for final approval  likely to pass with Torys pledged support.

The community centres must apply to the federal government for exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

While the previous Conservative federal government changed legislation to make the exemption process more onerous on applicants, Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal government has signaled they are open to approving such sites.

A recent consultation on a sweltering summer night in the heart of the Queen West community was early indication local support for the sites is strong.

These arent numbers, theyre people, Cressy told the room of more than 100 residents about the need to curb climbing overdose deaths. They live in our community.

The crowd overwhelming agreed, loudly cheering and applauding those who stood before the microphone in the gym at Trinity Community Recreation Centre to call the move very courageous and insisting a local site would be one of the best expressions of the downtown neighbourhoods inclusive spirit.

According to McKeowns report, 96 per cent of 1,285 people surveyed online believed integrated supervised injection sites would be beneficial. Support was equal for the three proposed sites based on location-specific surveys.

Concerns, raised by 14 to 36 per cent of those surveyed depending on the site, largely focused on community safety and negative stigma on the surrounding communities, according to McKeowns report. He recommended collaborating with neighbourhood police to address those concerns around safety.

The sites will require funding from the provincial government, the report outlined, a total of $1.8 million in annual operating costs and one-time funds for renovations totaling $350,000.

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A group of parents, paranoid and horrified by a recent string of child-luring attempts near a Scarborough elementary school, have launched a sign campaign to alert the community and deter predators.

This has just shaken everything up, said Melissa Chee-Aloy, who launched the campaign this week as a mother of two students.

I was horrified when I heard.

On June 3, a man and woman in a car approached two girls, aged 7 and 8, near a park just behind Fairmount Public School during lunch break. The couple suggested the students would have more fun with them, said parent Kirsten Caspersen, involved in the campaign.

That same afternoon, a boy in Grade 6 dropped his bike and fled the schoolyard after two men in a cargo van invited him in to play video games. Another boy was approached in a van three days later on his way to school, said Parthi Kandavel, the local trustee on the Toronto District School Board.

A fourth incident occurred more recently, police confirmed Thursday.

Kandavel said theres no ability to tell if they were linked.

Before, kidnapping threats were not on Caspersens radar. Now its like this paranoia . . . I panic if I dont see (my kids) at all times, she said.

The dangers arent lost on her daughters, Zoe, 11, and Lexi, 8.

Im very anxious about all this, said Zoe.

Her friend and classmate was one of the boys approached. Before leaving on a recent mother-daughter trip, Zoe asked her dad to keep Lexi at home because I was just so afraid that she was going to get taken.

Lexis had some sleepless nights, their mom said. But the second-grader isnt perturbed when her big sisters around: I feel safe with her.

The campaign, which has parents selling the bright yellow lawn signs to other moms and dads from the sidewalk alongside Fairmount this week, hopes to see them planted in front yards around the community as a reminder to both parents and prowlers.

Its a warning, said Caspersen.

The incidents have whipped up a feeling of fear in the neighbourhood, a close-knit community by the Scarborough Bluffs unaccustomed to the threat of predators.

In the mornings with her kids, Caspersen is now watching them constantly. She arrives early in the afternoon to pick them up.

You get criticized for being a helicopter parent, then you get criticized for not being enough of a helicopter parent.

Parthi Kandavel called a community meeting to address concerns at the school on June 13, attended by parents as well as the superintendent, principal, a police detective and constables from 43 Division.

An action plan has emerged. Police, including undercover officers, have upped their presence around the premises. Community resource officers have discussed safety protocols with students in the classroom. The school doors are now locked nearly 24/7, while lunch-hour supervisors have walkie-talkies to contact the office directly in case of an incident.

Kandavel said psychology plays into the effort.

Flashy orange vests and pylons that mark off an artificial barrier where the schoolyard merges into a city park send messages of security and vigilance, he said  strong deterrents to any predators.

Kandavel added the apparent criminals may have recognized the community as a close and relatively secluded one: They assumed thered be a lot of trust, as there is.

Caspersen says the school and police should be doing more to prepare the children for summer, when they may be more exposed. Were sort of running up against the administration, she said.

A Toronto District School Board spokesperson said it will likely avoid taking up the campaign banner, but approves of the signs. Dozens have been sold by the group so far, fanning out to the lawns of surrounding neighbourhoods.

Kandavel is in discussion with Coun. Gary Crawfords office about a possible fence to divide the school property from the park, where the first two students were first approached. Security cameras are another possibility.

Were all concerned about the same thing, said Melissa Chee-Aloy, which is the kids that we hand over, and, ideally, the kids that they hand back to us at the end of the day.

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Marina Dykhtan spent months looking for the perfect home in Vaughan. At the top of the self-proclaimed nature lovers list of must-haves was that the house back onto a ravine.

So when a two-door-garage home in Maple came on the market in 2007, the mother of three jumped on the listing, and loved what she saw: a backyard that blended in with a thick forest behind it, the sounds and sights of rare birds flying overhead, and chipmunks peeking in from beyond a chain fence.

Before she sealed the deal, Dykhtan says she did her due diligence and asked the city about the likelihood of development on the neighbouring property, which she knew was privately owned. Dykhtan and other neighbours said they were told by the citys planning department that such a notion was far-fetched. Its environmentally protected land. It wont be developed for 99 years, Dykhtan said she was told.

A decade later, the 4.5-hectare environmentally sensitive property at 230 Grand Trunk is at the centre of a development saga that residents say has left them feeling betrayed by the city.

Developer Cam Milani is proposing to build 105 townhomes on Oak Ridges Moraine land that is believed to contain a number of endangered and rare species. Earlier this year, an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) settlement was struck between the developer, the city and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) that allows the land to be developed based on further environmental studies.

The city says the details of the settlement cant be made public because of confidentiality provisions. Milani did not respond to requests for comment about the development.

Residents say they feel misled by the city, and dont know what to believe anymore. Dykhtan said she was shocked when she saw a sign for the development proposal on the property late last year. For me, its like my whole belief was destroyed because . . . the only reason why we moved there was I, personally, wanted to be closer to nature and I wanted to see the trees and the birds, she said.

The property was previously owned by landowner Eugenio Iacobelli, who spent much of his life trying to see the land developed. He appealed the citys designation of the land as natural areas within the Oak Ridges Moraine to the OMB.

The land had always been protected as open space, said local Vaughan Councillor Sandra Racco, who added that the city even considered buying the property at the time to protect it, and had plans to defend the land at the OMB hearing.

And thats the city position the residents remember. It was clear the city always told us they were on our side, said local resident Furio Liberatore.

Residents say that changed after April 2015, when Milanis Dufferin Vistas bought the property from Iacobellis widow for nearly $4 million, according to land registry papers. According to a condition of the sale, the final payment would be made in the first week of October 2015, once the outstanding OMB hearing was over  and under the condition the land could be developed.

The hearing never happened. On Sept. 30, residents were told in a letter from the city that the OMB settlement had been reached.

Residents say they were shocked when they received the notice of settlement  and have been searching for information since then.

I dont know how we got to this, said resident Codruta Papoi, speaking at a TRCA meeting. Everything has changed since this developer took over.

Residents wonder how a piece of land considered off-limits for decades managed to get a stamp of approval from the TRCA and the City of Vaughan.

The city says it appeared at the OMB in support of a settlement, with Milani. We cannot specify the nature of the settlement negotiations with the appellant or discussions that took place in closed session in respect of the settlement as that would breach confidentiality requirements.

The TRCA says it alone intervened on behalf of the environment. At a heated TRCA meeting last month, the conservation authority blasted Vaughan for leaving it alone at the altar to protect the environmental features of the land.

TRCA was placed in a unique situation of attending an OMB hearing in opposition to the proposed land use designation without the support of the provincial, municipal and regional partners, said Kathy Stranks, a manager in the CEOs office, in a letter about the development.

The normal process is that the TRCA and the municipality work together . . . and in this situation we were on our own to make sure the environmental policies were implemented, said Carolyn Woodland, senior director of planning, green space and communications with the TRCA.

The OMB settlement divides the land into three parts: an eastern portion that contains significant wetland and endangered species that will not be developed, a middle portion that requires further study, and a western portion, where the woodlot once stood, which has been approved for lowrise development.

In a motion passed in May, the TRCA said any further settlement would have to include the involvement of all levels of government and consider all environmental policies.

Extensive studies are needed before the land can be approved for further development, Woodland said.

Racco says she has convened a working group of residents to sit down with Milani and find a mutually agreeable plan for how development takes shape. She wants to avoid the matter ending up at the OMB again, and the possibility of losing control, she said.

The property still needs to be rezoned before a subdivision could be built. At a public hearing for zoning this week, the TRCA weighed in on the developers request and said the studies submitted by Milani on the environmentally sensitive lands were incomplete and deficient. Staff is expected to do a peer review of the studies and bring a report forward to council on the subdivision plan in coming weeks.

Liberatore says its the responsibility of the municipality to protect and conserve environmentally sensitive lands. I feel that the municipality is failing in this respect, he said. I hope the city has the best interests of the residents moving forward.

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ENDANGERED NATURE

The property at 230 Grand Trunk Ave. contains large, mature trees and, on the eastern portion, a seasonal stream, wetlands and steep, hazardous slopes leading into a valley. It has an assortment of wildlife that experts have described as significant.

Butternut tree

This is a medium-sized tree species classified as endangered in Ontario. The tree, which produces edible nuts, can reach up to 30 metres in height. The butternut can be recognized by its compound leaves made up of clusters of small leaflets arranged in a featherlike pattern. The site features four medium-sized trees.

Green frog

The site is said to be home to green frogs, who live in or near shallow, permanent bodies of water such as springs, swamps, brooks, ponds and lakes. In winter, they hibernate underwater.

Bullfrog

The largest frog in North America, bullfrogs need large permanent bodies of water to breed, but may spend part of the summer in smaller ponds. They are typically found in water along a well-vegetated shoreline and are known for their voracious appetite, eating virtually any animal they can swallow, including insects, birds, mammals and even other bullfrogs. Though not identified as a species at-risk, bullfrog populations have declined in due to harvesting for their legs, considered a delicacy.

Eastern wood-pewee

Though not found on the property, this bird is believed to be in the vicinity and so could be affected by new development. The small, forest-dwelling bird, which reaches up to 15 cm long, is deemed a species of special concern due to several factors, including habitat loss. Adult birds generally have greyish-olive upper parts and pale under-parts, with pale bars on their wings.

Source: OMB, Government of Ontario, Ontario Nature

Correction  June 24, 2016: This article was edited from a previous version that included an incorrect photo of a green frog.

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When they were last on Canadian soil, the Pusuma family took sanctuary in a Toronto church as they fought to avoid being sent back to their native Hungary.

On Thursday, 18 months after leaving Canada, Jozsef Pusuma, his wife, Timea Daroczi, and their daughter Viktoria (Lulu) were welcomed back by their loyal supporters who battled for the Roma familys return.

Im happy to be here, back for a free life. I feel home, said an exhausted Pusuma, as he and his family walked out from the Pearson Internation Airport customs area to the applause of more than a dozen supporters from the Windermere United Church and Romero House.

Thank you, Canada for giving my family a new life. We have fought for so long and today Im free.

Barbara Sheffield, a member of the church, said she was thrilled to see the family back and justice having persevered.

We fought for more than three years to seek justice. Many times we were down about the process but today is one of celebration. Its great to see goodness in the world happens as it should, she said.

Family friend Paulina Derbez said its a miracle to see the Pusumas back.

Everyone worked so hard to support the family. We never gave up hope, said Derbez, who hugged the family as her husband, Martin Boyd, and daughter, Isabella, waved the cardboard sign they made to welcome Lulu home.

The Pusumas homecoming, on temporary residence permits, was a rare scene  few failed refugees who had previously been removed from Canada have been able to return on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

However, if it wasnt for the stubbornness and persistence of the family and their supporters  and new Liberal Immigration Minister John McCallum  it would not have happened.

Pusuma, a one-time researcher for Viktoria Mohacsi, a prominent Roma and former member of the European Parliament, fled Hungary for Toronto with his family in 2009 after his relatives were allegedly threatened by anti-Roma thugs.

The familys asylum claim was heard in 2010 and later rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board.

With help from their supporters, they moved into a Toronto church while pursuing complaints against their lawyer Viktor Hohots with the Law Society of Upper Canada, along with other failed Roma refugee claimants.

The Pusumas were forced to move out of sanctuary and leave in December 2014 amid delays of the Law Society investigation, which finally brought the complaints by 13 Roma refugees before a disciplinary tribunal.

In March 2015, Hohots admitted to professional misconduct and was suspended from practice for five months and barred from practising refugee law for two years.

Former Conservative Immigration Ministers Jason Kenney and Chris Alexander refused to reopen the Pusumas case despite the allegations  and later, the admission of professional misconduct by the disgraced lawyer.

In February, McCallum, Alexanders Liberal successor, reconsidered the familys plea and arranged the Pusumas return on humanitarian grounds.

Their case against Hohots also helped prompt Legal Aid Ontario to put in place a new system to vet and weed out bad refugee lawyers to ensure asylum seekers receive quality legal representation.

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2000 - 2022   24 .-   .       focus-news.net,                 () .                  24 .                 24      .       .       24 .
Facebook was a big-league player in last years federal election  it may even have helped drive up the impressive voter turnout numbers.

But while Canadian politicians of all stripes were using the social medium in new and interesting ways, the same cannot really be said of the media.

The Canadian medias less-than-innovative efforts to come to grips with Facebook are analyzed in an interesting new study by Carleton journalism and communication professors, published in a chapter of a recently released book on the 2015 federal election. (The book is titled, as coincidence would have it, The Canadian Federal Election of 2015.)

With more than 20 million Canadians using Facebook, voluntarily pouring personal information and opinion into the public sphere, its little wonder that politicians would see the medium as a valuable channel  to send and receive data about the electorate.

And use it they did in the last campaign, for question-and-answer sessions with the leaders and, in Justin Trudeaus case, to unveil the Liberal partys platform.

Behind the scenes, digital teams for all parties were using Facebook to find and send ads to their target demographics, and cull audience data on which messages were gaining resonance during the nearly three-month-long campaign.

Facebook usage also produced some unintended consequences for politicians  notably the candidates whose reckless postings of the past came back to haunt them in the election and, in some cases, resulted in the end of their would-be careers in politics.

The media, to be fair, covered that Facebook dimension of the campaign. But the new study, by Carleton Universitys Josh Greenberg, Chris Waddell and Mary Francoli, found that most print and broadcast media still didnt really know what to do with Facebook as the election was underway. Politicians may have been using it to find new voters, but the media outlets werent using Facebook to find new audiences.

The jumping-off point for the study was the partnership announced between CTV and Facebook before the 2015 election  to see what that yielded for political coverage  but the analysis ended up with findings that stretch far beyond one network and into much of the traditional media as a whole.

Three broadcast networks were part of the study, as well as three major newspapers, including the Star, the National Post and the Globe and Mail. Researchers tracked the number of Facebook posts by each media outlet, sorted them by content and counted which posts gained the most traction.

The detailed findings are too extensive to list here, but in summary, the researchers found that media organizations were using Facebook too often to post yesterdays news or recirculated items, and all but CBCs Politics page (and the Stars, in the final weeks of the campaign) were dominated by non-election stories.

Nor was the media getting much interaction with the public through Facebook.

The findings from our study do not suggest that Canadians turned to the Facebook pages of the media outlets we studied to actively engage with campaign issues or to get others involved in electoral politics, the study states.

Though CTV promised that its Facebook partnership would produce coverage in a way that no other media organization can, the Carleton academics research found that there was ultimately nothing overly distinctive or different in any of the ways that the big media outlets used the social medium during the election.

Thats a problem that needs to be fixed. As Waddell, one of the authors, said in an email to me, it highlights the continuing question for the media on whether to treat Facebook as a collaborator or a competitor. When people get their political news through Facebook, its Facebook getting the lions share of advertising dollars and audiences.

The risks for media are loss of more advertising revenue  loss of traffic on news websites and, I think most important, brand obliteration, Waddell said. People who view news on Facebook have no idea where it comes from, or who is the source  so much for newsrooms competing for who can be first with something.

Waddell stressed that the authors want this research to be just the start of a long, hard look into how Facebook can coexist with the media, and how they can mutually benefit amid a shared desire to gather advertising and audiences.

Thats not just a lofty goal. With the traditional media now struggling with questions about its future existence and sustainability, news outlets are going to have to find a way to work with Facebook  better than they did in the 2015 campaign, according to this study.

Or, as the book chapter itself warns in its conclusion: The future of political journalism will have to accommodate the powerful role of Facebook in the media ecology of today.

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How do you like them apples?

Cider has joined beer on Ontario supermarket shelves.

Premier Kathleen Wynne made it official on Friday at a Sobeys outlet in Waterloo.

This summer, people can, for the first time, buy cider as well as beer in grocery stores across Ontario, Wynne said.

As part of our shakeup of beverage alcohol sales, we are making it more convenient to buy cider, while expanding its availability in a socially responsible way, she said.

We are also increasing opportunities for our provinces fast-growing craft producers, who have turned locally made cider into one of Ontarios emerging success stories.

Cider will be sold at the 60 supermarkets already selling beer. Eventually, 450 of Ontarios 1,500 supermarkets will be licensed to sell six-packs and cider and 300 of them will be allowed to sell wine.

Wynne also announced that another 70 grocery stores are expected to be selling beer, cider, and wine this fall.

The cider business is booming in Ontario, which is home to many craft producers.

Sales of domestic cider at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario jumped 54 per cent last year.

Thomas Wilson, chair of the Ontario Craft Cider Association, said the expansion to supermarkets is good news for the fast-growing industry.

We are thrilled with the opportunities government has provided to open up our local products to reach Ontario consumers, said Wilson.

These opportunities help us move forward on our vision to further our world-class cider industry using local fruit from Ontario farmers, creating jobs in local communities across the province.

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MANILA, PHILIPPINESAbu Sayyaf extremists rejoiced as they watched two Canadians being beheaded in the jungles of the southern Philippines, said a still-shocked Filipino hostage who was freed Friday.

Marites Flor tearfully recalled to reporters the harrowing moment when Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall were handcuffed and led away to a nearby jungle clearing to be separately decapitated in April and early this month by the ransom-seeking militants.

She said that Hall, who was killed early last week, was her fiance. Ridsdel was beheaded by the militants in April.

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Its so painful because I saw them moments before they got beheaded, Flor told reporters in southern Davao city, where she was flown to meet President-elect Rodrigo Duterte after her release in nearby Sulu province.

They were watching it and they were happy, she said of the militants, adding that she did not witness the killings.

Flor said she was slapped and threatened and her fellow hostages were beaten when the militants disliked what they were doing. They told me, Roberts head has been chopped off. Youre next, she said. They treated us like dogs, like children.

Flor was abducted with Hall, Ridsdel and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad from a yacht resort on southern Samal island in September last year and taken to the jungles of the predominantly Muslim island province of Sulu. The militants killed the two Canadians after ransom deadlines lapsed.

The captives were among some two dozen people held by the Abu Sayyaf this year.

On Friday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said that seven Indonesians were abducted by armed men who raided their tugboat and taken to Sulu, in a third such attack. Six others were released with the vessel, she said.

Duterte said he was told that Sekkingstad may already be on the way out of captivity, but did not provide details and appeared unsure of his statement. He later went into a meeting with the Norwegian ambassador.

Duterte cut short his speech in a nationally televised police ceremony when officials arrived and brought the 38-year-old Flor, who appeared still distraught, to the stage where he spoke. Duterte tried to console her and quietly asked a few questions.

Shortly before facing Flor, Duterte asked the Abu Sayyaf militants to stop ransom kidnappings, which he said have given the country a very bad image. He warned people against joining the Abu Sayyaf, suggesting a major offensive was forthcoming.

There will be, I said, a reckoning one of these days, he said.

It was not immediately clear if a ransom was paid to secure the freedom of Flor, who appeared in Abu Sayyaf videos tearfully pleading for her life and those of her companions. In a final video, she called on Duterte to save their lives before the extremists killed Hall a few days later.

Rebels belonging to the larger Moro National Liberation Front and a Sulu official, Abdusakur Tan, helped negotiate Flors release with an Abu Sayyaf commander identified as Hatib Sawadjaan, two officials from the military and police, who monitored the talks, told The Associated Press.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the killings and called on other nations not to pay ransom if their citizens are abducted to discourage the brutal militants from carrying more ransom kidnappings.

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YEREVAN, ARMENIA  Pope Francis denounced what he called the ideologically twisted and planned genocide of Armenians by Ottoman-era Turks a century ago as he arrived in Armenia on Friday for a deeply symbolic weekend visit to mark the centenary of the massacre.

In the most carefully watched speech of his visit, Francis ad-libbed the key word genocide to his prepared text that had conspicuously left it out.

And rather than merely repeat what had said last year  that the slaughter was considered the first genocide of the 20th century, Francis declared it genocide flat out on the first day of his three-day visit to the country.

Sadly that tragedy, that genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples, he said.

In the run-up to the visit, the Vatican had backed off using the term genocide, mindful of Turkish opposition to the political and financial implications of the word given Armenian claims for reparations.

But Francis, never one to shy from speaking his mind, added the word in at the last minute in a speech at the presidential palace to President Serzh Sargsyan, Armenian political and religious leaders and the diplomatic corps.

They gave him a standing ovation.

Many historians consider the massacres of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians genocide. Turkey rejects the term, says the death figure is inflated and that people died on both sides as the Ottoman Empire collapsed amid the First World War.

In a largely Orthodox land where Catholics are a minority, Armenians have been genuinely honoured to welcome a pope who has long championed the Armenian cause from his time as an archbishop in Argentina and now as leader of the 1.2-billion strong Catholic Church. His 2015 declaration that the massacres were genocide sealed their affection for him.

I shook the popes hand but didnt have the time to kiss it, 42-year-old Yerevan resident Nazik Sargsyan said. Im sure Gods blessing has come down on me with that handshake.

Small groups of residents lined his motorcade route, and a gaggle of schoolchildren wearing white T-shirts and yellow neckerchiefs  the colours of the Vatican flag  greeted him at the airport with a big banner written in Italian: Armenia Welcomes Pope Francis.

In his initial remarks in the ornate Armenian Apostolic Church in Etchmiadzin, Francis spoke of the holy sign of martyrdom of Armenians who died at the hands of Ottoman Turks starting in 1915.

With the Apostolic patriarch Karekin II by his side, Francis praised Armenia for becoming the first nation to declare Christianity the state religion in 301 and for keeping alive the light of faith even in its darkest times. He urged all Christians to unite to prevent religion from being exploited and manipulated today, an apparent reference to the current-day Islamic extremist attacks on Christians in the Middle East.

It is vitally important that all those who declare their faith in God join forces to isolate those who use religion to promote war, oppression and violent persecution, exploiting and manipulating the holy name of God, he said.

The Vatican has long cheered the Armenian cause, holding up the poor nation of 3 million mostly Orthodox Christians as a bastion of faith and martyrdom in a largely Muslim region.

President Sargsyan, Karekin and a handful of other officials greeted Francis on the tarmac of the Yerevan airport in a low-key welcome ceremony. A girls choir serenaded and the pope, patriarch and president then walked behind a goose-stepping military official along a red carpet into the airports VIP lounge before heading to Echmiadzin, the seat of the Oriental Orthodox church where Francis will stay as a guest of Karekin.

Francis endeared himself to Armenians around the world last year when he celebrated a Mass marking the 100th anniversary of the slaughter and, from the altar of St. Peters Basilica, called it the first genocide of the 20th century. Turkey immediately recalled its ambassador in protest and accused Francis of spreading lies.

Blessed is the hour when the feet of Pope Francis touched our soil! exclaimed local resident Simon Samsonya as Francis arrived. He won the love of the Armenian people with his message at the St. Peters Cathedral on the eve of the 100 years anniversary of the genocide.

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LONDONBritish Prime Minister David Cameron's decision to resign after losing the referendum vote on European Union membership will set off an intense Conservative Party leadership battle.

In calling a referendum on Britain's membership in the European Union, Cameron made a gamble that sank his career  and set his country on a course to leave an international alliance it joined more than 40 years ago. Speaking to assembled reporters outside his Downing Street office Friday, he said he would stay on for as long as was necessary for stability's sake, but that he could not be the one to lead Britain out of Europe.

I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, he said, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination.

Cameron said a new prime minister should be in place by a party conference in October.

Among the possible contenders are former London Mayor Boris Johnson and Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who both helped lead the leave campaign, and Home Secretary Theresa May.

Global reaction to British PM's announcement

Other Cabinet members are likely to contend as well. Treasury chief George Osborne's chances seem damaged by the Brexit vote as he had argued strongly to remain in the EU.

Conservative Party rules call for the party's members of Parliament to choose two candidates through a series of ballots, and then the entire party's membership will choose between those two.

If only one candidate surfaces by the close of nominations, he or she is declared the leader and the choice then must be ratified by the membership.

Johnson is expected to make a statement Friday morning after the victory of his leave campaign.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said it is too early to speculate about who will replace Cameron, who became party leader in 2005 and led the party to two general election victories.

I think it is a bit too early to start speculating about that, he said. There is plenty to do now to help make this decision work, to stabilize our economy, to reassure our allies and to continue the program we were all elected on last year.

He said Cameron has done the honourable thing by resigning.

Cameron had been expected to serve several more years. He was re-elected last year with a majority vote but lost control of the debate on the EU.

I think he's actually been pretty stunned by the strength of the 'leave' cause, Cameron biographer James Hanning told The Associated Press several days ahead of the referendum. The golden rule is, never hold a referendum unless you're confident of winning it, and I think he thought that the moderate voices would prevail by some distance.

The British people have made a decision to take a separate path, Cameron said Friday morning.

That decision was bitter news for Cameron, who called the referendum to puncture growing support for the anti-EU UK Independence Party and placate the strongly euroskeptic right wing of the Conservatives.

Victoria Honeyman, a lecturer in British politics at the University of Leeds, said Cameron had seen EU battles poison the leaderships of former Tory leaders John Major and William Hague and feared a civil war in the Conservative Party.

She said the referendum was about defusing that time bomb  but Cameron has moved from having one ticking time bomb to having another ticking time bomb.

When he promised the referendum, in 2013, Cameron said it would settle this European question in British politics once and for all.

He told voters he would forge a new deal between Britain and the EU that would make remaining an attractive prospect. At a Brussels summit in February, he won changes to welfare benefits that he said would reduce immigration and an exemption for Britain from the EU's commitment to ever-closer union  a phrase that stirs images of a European super-state in some patriotic British hearts.

But many voters proved resistant to Cameron's message that Britain is stronger, safer and more economically secure within the EU than it would be outside it.

The concessions he gained were dismissed as paltry by leave campaigners, who said they would do little to limit immigration from other EU nations because the bloc guarantees free movement among member states. It's a subject that resonated with many voters, who have seen hundreds of thousands of people come to Britain over the past decade from new EU members in eastern Europe.

More on thestar.com:

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BEIRUTDaesh militants abducted about 900 Kurdish civilians in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo over the past three weeks, forcing the captives to build fortifications for the extremists in retaliation for a Kurdish-led assault on a nearby Daesh  also known as Islamic State  stronghold, activists said Friday.

Reports also emerged Friday that at least 26 of those abducted have been killed for refusing to follow Daesh orders.

The abductions come amid fierce fighting for control of Manbij  a key Daesh stronghold in this Syrian province  where the extremists are being routed from the town centre by the predominantly Kurdish and U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces.

Some of the abducted Kurds have been press-ganged into digging trenches and shelters for Daesh, according to Kurdish media activist Rezan Hiddo, while others have been forced to wear Daesh uniforms and ordered to fight at the fronts.

On Friday, the mostly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) battled Daesh militants inside Manbij after having encircling the stronghold in a weeks-long offensive that has been backed by U.S.-coalition airstrikes.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported that coalition jets struck targets around the town. The SDF has lost 89 fighters since launching its campaign for Manbij on May 31, according to the Observatory. Also, 463 Daesh militants have been killed.

The push by the SDF into Manbij has been slow as the U.S.-backed fighters first focused on capturing dozens of villages and farms near the town in the past weeks.

The town lies along the only Daesh supply line between the Syrian-Turkish border to the north and the Daesh extremist groups self-styled capital of Raqqa, which lies to the southeast, in the Daesh-held neighbouring province of Raqqa.

If Manbij is captured, it will be the biggest strategic defeat for Daesh in Syria since July 2015, when the extremist group lost the border town of Tal Abyad.

The U.S. has embedded 300 special forces operators with the SDF. The White House says they are advisers. French special forces operators are also embedded with the group.

SDF spokesman Sherfan Darwish told The Associated Press that the Daesh militants began abducting Kurdish civilians in retaliation for the offensive on Manbij.

Whenever Daesh is defeated, they retaliate against civilians, Darwish said, adding there were whole families among those taken.

The abductions have been taking place mostly in areas under Daesh control, from the western Manbij countryside to the towns of al-Bab and al-Rai, according to Hiddo. He said the ongoing campaign has prompted families to flee the towns in fear.

Darwish said all captured males above the age of 12 were sent against their will to the front lines to help fortify Daesh positions.

The militants have killed 26 of the captives for resisting detention or refusing orders, according to Hiddo. His report could not be independently confirmed and Daesh made no immediate claim over the abductions or the killings.

Many of the civilians are being held in a Daesh prison in Qabasin, Hiddo said. Those forced into labour are digging fortifications underneath homes in al-Bab.

They (Daesh) are digging a city underneath the town to protect themselves from airstrikes, Hiddo added.

Daesh has not engaged in any negotiations for the release of the Kurdish civilians, nor asked for any ransom, Hiddo said, speaking from the nearby Kurdish stronghold of Afrin.

The extremist group has a history of mass kidnappings in areas they control in Syria and Iraq and has mostly targeted Christians and Kurds in the past.

The Observatory also said that said Daesh fighters stormed homes in several villages they control near al-Bab, including Arab, Qabaseen and Nairabiyeh, and took with them mostly men.

In 2014, Daesh abducted nearly 200 Kurdish students near Manbij as they were en route from the Kurdish town of Kobani near the Syrian-Turkish border to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, the provincial capital, to take their exams. Most were later released.

In February 2015, Daesh kidnapped more than 200 Christians from northeastern Syria. The Christians were released over a period of a year, after Daesh collected millions of dollars in ransom.

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BRUSSELS  European Council President Donald Tusk says the bloc will meet without Britain at a summit next week to assess its future.

He commented after Britain voted to leave the 28-nation EU, with 51.9 per cent voting for the leave side and 48.1 per cent voting to remain.

Tusk also expressed confidence in the future of the EU, saying: What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.

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U.K. votes to leave the EU in historic referendum

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What happens now that Britains voted to leave the EU?

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KABULThe U.S. military has launched its first airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan since President Barack Obamas decision earlier this month to expand Americas involvement against the insurgents, two U.S. officials said Friday.

The two officials confirmed to The Associated Press that the airstrikes began this month but wouldnt elaborate on their outcome.

U.S. military spokesman in Kabul, Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, said U.S. forces have conducted a limited number of strikes under these new authorities but that it is too early to quantify the effects achieved.

The strikes are only being used where they may help the Afghans achieve a strategic effect, Cleveland said, stressing that the U.S. military is still in the process of fully operationalizing new authorities.

In Washington, Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, told The Associated Press that the expanded U.S. military authorities have been in effect for about the last week or so.

Obama decided in early June to expand Americas involvement with more airstrikes against insurgents, giving the U.S. military wider latitude to support Afghan forces, both in the air and on the ground.

Since all foreign combat troops pulled out of Afghanistan at the end of 2014, leaving only an advisory and training contingent of international forces behind, the Afghan military has struggled in leading the fight against the Taliban and other militants.

The 9,800 remaining U.S. troops in Afghanistan are scheduled to drop to 5,500 by the end of this year, but the pace of that decline has yet to be decided. One factor in determining future troop levels is the extent to which NATO allies are willing to remain involved in training and advising the Afghans.

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LONDONBritons have voted to leave the European Union, their concerns about immigration and what some saw as the ever-increasing power of the 28-member bloc trumping the attraction of being part of a single market of more than 500 million people and a European project forged from the ashes of World War II.

WHAT HAPPENS FRIDAY?

Prime Minister David Cameron, head of the ruling Conservative Party, announced he would step down by October. Speaking to reporters outside his Downing Street office, he said it wouldn't be right for him to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination.

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson, also a Conservative, was the most prominent supporter of the leave campaign and now becomes a leading contender to replace Cameron. Johnson said Friday he was sad to see Cameron resign but didn't say whether he plans to replace him.

U.K. Independence Party chief Nigel Farage, who spoke several times late Thursday and early Friday, is also expected to make further statements.

WHAT HAPPENS TO ECONOMY?

The pound suffered one of its biggest one-day falls in history Friday, plummeting more than 10 per cent in six hours on concerns that severing ties with the EU will hurt the U.K. economy and undermine London's position as a global financial centre. Authorities including the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of England had warned Britain's exit would send shivers through a world economy that is only slowly recovering from the global crisis that began in 2008. Now economists will wait to see if their predictions come to pass.

WHAT ABOUT THE NEIGHBOURS?

EU leaders will see Britain quitting as a dangerous precedent and a potentially fatal blow to the European project. Some face growing euroskepticism from their own citizens and may feel the need to make a strong case domestically for why the now-27-nation bloc has a future. This could lead to reforms of how the EU works. Future negotiations may be overshadowed by a sense of betrayal and the feeling that an example needs to be made of the U.K. to discourage others from leaving too. The fallout could also hit Europe's fragile growth. Germany's Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble recently said that it would be a miracle if a withdrawal of Britain would come without economic disadvantages. On the other hand, a British exit, or Brexit, could spur the European Union into action. Since joining the club in 1973, Britain has shaped the bloc mainly by putting the brakes on the drive toward ever-closer political union, a project that could now be revived with gusto.

COULD LAWMAKERS DECIDE TO IGNORE THE PROCESS?

Britain's referendum doesn't automatically trigger an exit from the European Union, which has led a few commentators to suggest that lawmakers might simply decide to ignore or slow-ball the process. So could they? In legal theory that is possible. In practice that is absolutely not possible, said Alan Renwick, the deputy director of the Constitution Unit at University College London. If there is a vote for Brexit then on Friday the PM will indicate how the process of Brexit will begin.

THE WAY FORWARD MAY NOT BE STRAIGHTFORWARD

The result will trigger a new series of negotiations as Britain and the EU search for a way to separate economies that have become intertwined since the U.K. joined the bloc on Jan. 1, 1973. Under Article 50 of the Treaty of European Union, talks would likely last two years, with the possibility for extension if all of the remaining 27 EU nations agree. But the clock starts ticking only when the U.K. notifies the EU that it wants a divorce  and some on the leave side have suggested that this won't occur until 2018. However, the EU may not accept a delayed exit. U.K. negotiations with the European Union will prove difficult, given that EU leaders will not want to set a precedent for an easy withdrawal for other countries that could reconsider their status, such as Denmark, said Howard Archer of IHS, a research firm. No matter what, the EU will face issues. Alongside economic woes, troubles with Greece and the inability to agree on how to manage a refugee emergency, a British exit would deepen Europe's existential crisis.

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Britain will never be the same after leave vote

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LONDONScottish leader Nicola Sturgeon says a new Scottish referendum on independence is highly likely because of Britains vote to leave the European Union.

She said Friday legislation will be prepared for a possible new vote. Independence was defeated two years ago in a Scottish referendum.

Sturgeon said she would do everything possible to keep Scotland inside the EU. She said this means another referendum has to be on the table.

Britains decision to leave the EU represents a substantial, material change in Scotlands relations and could justify another independence vote, she said.

This potential second referendum would come two years after pro-E.U. Scottish voters rejected independence and opted to remain united with England, Wales and Northern Ireland in September 2014.

RELATED:Stay or go, the future of Britain is still in Scottish hands: DiManno

Backlash over the outcome also touched Northern Ireland and Wales, pointing to possible internal pressures tearing at the United Kingdom even as it looks toward the difficult process to break with its European partners.

The vote here makes clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union, said a statement by the Scottish National Party, which added there would be consequences to the outcome of the Britain referendum.

In Thursdays vote, Scottish voters supported the Remain campaign by a large margin, with every area in the country voting in favor of staying in the EU

Sixty-two per cent of voters supported Remain, compared with just 47 per cent in England.

Sturgeon said in a statement early Friday that her country delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU

Alex Salmond, the driving force behind the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, said Friday morning that he expected Sturgeon to begin the process of seeking another Scottish referendum, as indicated in the partys 2016 manifesto.

According to that document, Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will gives the Scottish Parliament the right to hold another referendum.

Decisions have consequences, Fiona Hyslop, Scotlands external affairs minister, told reporters Friday morning. If the United Kingdom has made a decision against the interests of the Scottish people that will have consequences.

Likewise, in Northern Ireland, 11 of 18 constituencies supported the Remain campaign

Sinn Fein, the Irish nationalist party dedicated to ending British jurisdiction over Northern Ireland, immediately announced that the Brexit results justified a united Ireland. The Republic of Ireland remains a member of the EU, so when Britain leaves the union, the Emerald Isle will now have a new line of partition.

English votes have overturned the democratic will of Northern Ireland, Declan Kearney, Sinn Feins national chairman, said in a statement Friday morning.

This British government has forfeited any mandate to represent the economic or political interests of people in Northern Ireland.

In Wales, First Minister Carwyn Jones was quick to express displeasure with the vote. In a statement, Jones said that the referendum was grounds for an entire re-working of the relationships within the United Kingdom, putting the country into entirely different footing.

J.K. Rowling, the Scottish author of the bestselling Harry Potter books, tweeted on Friday that Scotland will surely seek independence now.

In 2014, Rowling had donated 1 million pounds ($1.38 million U.S.) against the cause of Scottish independence, arguing for the continued union of Great Britain.

Camerons legacy will be breaking up two unions, she wrote Friday of the British Prime Minister. Neither needed to happen.

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U.K. votes to leave the EU in historic referendum

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Photos: Britain votes to leave European Union

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Lisa Alamia had the jaw surgery in December. She underwent the procedure to correct a serious overbite, and it was a success, according to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. The 33-year-old woke up and had minimal swelling.

But then she began to talk.

And she sounded . . . different.

Very different.

The voice coming out of Alamias mouth didnt sound like it belonged to a Houston-area native.

It sounded very British.

My daughter laughs at the way I say tamales. I used to be able to say it like a real Hispanic girl, Alamia told KHOU. Now, I cannot.

Alamia said her surgeon thought the voice change was would go away as I healed, according to the hospital.

But months later, she still speaks as if shes from across the pond.

Eventually, she saw neurologist Toby Yaltho at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates, who diagnosed her with a very rare condition: Foreign Accent Syndrome, or FAS.

This is a fascinating and very rare case, Yaltho said in a release. Most neurologists work their entire careers and never come across FAS.

The rare speech disorder was first described in 1907 by French neurologist Pierre Marie, and since then, there have been only about 100 documented cases.

A person with FAS has an accent considered by the patient, others and doctors to sound foreign and unlike the patients previous dialect.

Previous exposure to such an accent isnt necessary.

FAS usually follows stroke, while its also been diagnosed following traumatic brain injury, cerebral hemorrhage and multiple sclerosis. Only a few cases seem to have psychological origins.

In the case of Alamia, Yaltho conducted MRI scans to see if she had suffered a stroke, seizure or another injury that led to FAS. The neurological exam also included an electroencephalogram to detect abnormal brain waves.

The cause of Alamias FAS remains a mystery.

Everything came back normal, Yaltho said in a release. There was no evidence of stroke or other abnormalities.

Meanwhile, Alamia was still in Texas, walking around with a voice that sounded like that of a stranger.

Mom comes out as mum.

And kidding sounds like kitten, she told KHOU.

The rarity of the condition makes some reluctant to share their diagnoses.

I didnt know the reaction I was going to get from people, Alamia told KHOU. So I didnt know if theyre going to judge me. Are they going to think Im lying or even understand how Im speaking?

An Indiana woman named Ellen Spencer, who began speaking with a French-sounding accent following a stroke-like episode, recounted the reactions she would get from people following her FAS diagnosis.

Peoples would say, youre making it up; its fake; she sounds stupid,  she said on National Public Radios Snap Judgment program. But theres no question, something happened in my brain.

In one case, reported in 2011 in BMJ Case Reports, a 55-year-old Texas man spoke with what multiple medical personnel noted said sounded like a Cockney accent.

After he suffered a seizure, his new accent seemed to have reverted to his Texas accent.

The new accent in people with FAS may persist for only months, or years.

The condition could also be permanent. Treatment includes speech therapy, which Alamia is undertaking.

There is no known cure for FAS.

The human brain is a complex organ, and we dont know if we will ever be able to completely understand what causes FAS, Yaltho said.

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LONDONFaced with the reality of the Brexit vote, European Union leaders are now preparing for a scenario few of them would have seriously considered to be a possibility only months ago.

There was no lack of doomsday rhetoric in recent weeks. European Council President Donald Tusk warned that Britains leaving the EU could seriously threaten Western political civilization.

There certainly are other countries where demands for similar referendums could now gain momentum:

Sweden

The country views itself as the Scandinavian equivalent of Britain: It refused to introduce the euro as a currency. And in terms of EU politics, Britain and Sweden agree on 90 percent of all issues.

Hence, the Brexit would raise particular worries in Sweden. The country accepted hundreds of thousands of refugees last year but has struggled to integrate some of them. Consequently, Swedens far right has gained momentum in a development that has reminded some of the rise of pro-Brexit U.K. Independence Party (UKIP) in Britain.

Most Swedes still have a positive impression of the EU. However, this could potentially change now that Britain has voted out. One of the central questions will be whether EU leaders will try to strengthen cohesion by deepening cooperation and focusing on core members, or whether they will loosen the union to allow national governments to have a bigger say.

Swedes probably would start to have bigger doubts about whether their voice as a smaller country without the euro would still be heard in Brussels, should the EU continue its integration process.

Denmark

Denmark held a referendum last December, although with a much more limited impact: Danes decided against handing over more powers to the EU.

That alone is not enough to predict whether Danes will really want to vote out: In fact, most citizens of EU member states think that Brussels should not become more powerful than it is, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.

As in Swedens case, two arguments will be particularly likely to influence voter behavior. First, many Danes fear that more immigration or an influx of refugees could threaten the small nations welfare system. Second, Denmark has up until now relied on Britain as a strong ally in negotiations with the EU as both countries have had similar policy stances.

Without Britain, Denmark wont have the locomotive to tow Danish interests, political scientist Marlene Wind of the University of Copenhagen was quoted as saying by Bloomberg News before the Brexit vote.

Greece

The Greek governments debt crisis has mostly disappeared from the public debate and the headlinesbut it will return sooner rather than later.

Greek newspaper Kathimerini fears that this ongoing crisis combined with the Brexit could ultimately become a threat to Greeces EU membership status.

Athens main concern should be that a victory for Leave will weaken the eurozones resolve to bolster Greeces position within the single currency, which could require more tools and a greater level of integration than currently exists, the paper argued before the British vote.

In many ways, Greece depends on greater burden sharing in a closer-integrated eurozone. But this would likely remain off the cards after Brexit, Wolfango Piccoli, research director of political risk consulting company Teneo Intelligence, was quoted as saying by the paper.

Hence, what Greece fears most is not an anti-EU referendum influenced by right-wing parties, but rather the EU pushing Greece out in order to save cohesion among the remaining members.

The Netherlands

Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad had a clear message for the British ahead of Thursdays referendum. Dont leave me this way, a cover storys headline read.

But this may not reflect how most Dutch think about the EU.

Geert Wilders, the head of a right-wing populist party, supported a Brexit and hopes for a similar referendum to take place in the Netherlands. If we want to survive as a nation, we have to stop immigration and stop Islamization, Wilders told the BBC in a recent interview.

We cannot do that inside the European Union, said Wilderswho is currently leading in the countrys polls.

Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is not known to be a particular friend of the EU, either. In fact, he has gained quite the opposite reputation. Last May, European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker greeted Orban, saying, Hello, dictator, while TV cameras were recording the awkward incident.

Despite disagreements, Orban recently urged Britain to remain part of the EUbut he did so most likely because EU-skeptical Britain is an important partner for the Budapest-based government.

Orban is planning to hold a referendum in Hungary that could hurt EU cohesion. After last years influx of refugees into the country, Hungarians will be asked to decide whether the EU should be allowed to resettle refugees despite a lack of consent by national parliaments affected by the decision.

In Hungary, it might not be a clear-cut in or out referendum about EU membership that could cause trouble but rather a referendum that is designed to indirectly question Brusselss authority.

France

The French are some of the biggest EU skeptics: 61 per cent have an unfavorable view of the union. (In comparison, in Hungary, only 37 per cent of the population hold a similar opinion.)

Besides Germany, France is continental Europes driving force. But it also faces a multitude of problems, including a weak economy and a high terrorism threat. Some of the origins of these problems have been blamed on the EU or conditions created by its member states.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for instance, is widely known for her support for austerity measures that were adopted after the last recession. Contrary to Germany, France still has not managed to fully escape high unemployment numbers and weak economic growth. Many French also watched with disbelief when Merkel opened Germanys borders to Syrian refugees in 2015.

This could play into the hands of the right-wing National Front party, which is expected to gain more political power in upcoming elections. The partys leader, Marine Le Pen, supported Brexit, indicating what could be next for France should her party ever rule the country.

Scotland

Britain has had two crucial referendums within only two years, but with todays Brexit result it might need to prepare for a third oneand potentially Europes only pro-EU referendum in a long time. Scotland voted to remain part of the United Kingdom in 2014, but the country is mostly pro-EU.

Considerations to join the EU were being conducted in a surprisingly public and detailed manner in the days leading up to the vote. On Friday, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said another referendum on Scottish independence is highly likely because of Britains vote to leave the European Union.

More on thestar.com:

U.K. votes to leave the EU in historic referendum

Barely United Kingdom awakens to Brexit hangover: Potter

Photos: Britain votes to leave European Union

Pro-Remain Obama weighs in cautiously on Brexit, Trump hails Leave vote

David Camerons resignation will set off leadership battle

Canada will weather Brexit storm says Trudeau

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In the wake of the unexpected Brexit result, political leaders in Britain and across Europe must work to contain the damage. If Britain is to renegotiate its relationship with the European Union, the process should be calm and deliberative. To do that, leaders in Britain must ensure unity and sort out their priorities, and leaders elsewhere in Europe must decide how best to respond to an EU member state wishing to leave.

The result demonstrates that the United Kingdom is anything but united. An overall margin of 51.9 per cent to 48.1 per cent is hardly a resounding mandate, particularly given the stark regional and other divisions. Majorities in London (60 per cent), Scotland (62 per cent) and Northern Ireland (56 per cent) voted to remain, while the leave side was strongest in the English countryside. Parsing the vote, strong majorities of young people, and of educated people (Oxford voted 70 per cent and Cambridge 74 per cent to remain) prefer not to leave. Meanwhile, the leave campaign drew its greatest support from anti-establishment, anti-elite voters, concerned foremost about immigration and economic inequality.

The result reignites conflicting nationalisms in Britain, with Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon quickly announcing that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the EU, and Sinn Fein viewing the result as an impetus for a referendum on a united Ireland. Attempting to maintain their United Kingdom will be an important order of business for British leaders.

British leaders must also decide how to approach the negotiations with their European partners. It is clear the settlement David Cameron negotiated with other EU leaders will not be implemented, but the fallout of the referendum is confusion in the short term. That confusion is amplified by the internecine conflict within the Conservative Party  only amplified by David Camerons resignation  and simmering dissensus in the Labour Party, many of whose voters are dissatisfied and frustrated with what they see as a neo-liberal EU regime.

Despite their fiery rhetoric during the campaign, the Brexit camp appears to have no concrete plans for how to negotiate a new relationship, offering only poorly thought-out or underspecified platitudes that everything will be better after a Brexit, not unlike the angry nostalgia peddled by Donald Trump in the United States. They now have an enormous responsibility to negotiate a good deal and minimize the damage for Britain, which will be far from easy.

On the other side of the Channel, EU leaders must also work to contain the damage. The first steps may be decided as early as next week, where Britain will likely be sidelined during upcoming EU meetings. The litany of challenges facing the EU is long, from underperforming eurozone economies characterized by stubborn unemployment coupled with a continuing refugee crisis and rising geopolitical tensions.

Euroskepticism also remains high on the continent, with populists, such as Marine Le Pen in France and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, cheering the British result. The first priority of European leaders must be to counteract the return to nationalism that threatens to further weaken the achievements of the European project. Elections in France and the Netherlands next spring, and Germany in fall 2017, offer the chance to insert some sanity into political debates, and presage a return to stability.

The EU has survived many crises and will doubtless survive this one. Jean Monnet, one of the architects of European unity, wrote in his memoirs, Europe will be forged in crises, and will be the sum of the solutions adopted for those crises. Yet calls for reforming the EU are undeniably strengthened by the Brexit result, even if British voters were hoodwinked by years of misinformation in the British tabloids about the relative costs and benefits of EU membership. The decision by one member of a group to leave offers the others the chance to reflect on the nature of the group and whether changes might be desirable. Yet the dynamic between 27 member states versus one that wishes to leave does not favour Britain.

The negotiations themselves will take up to two years from the moment Article 50 of the EU treaty is invoked  which Prime Minister Cameron has said may not happen until the fall, even though some other European leaders suggested negotiations should start immediately. The delay would provide some breathing room for banks and others in the British financial and other sectors to decide whether and how to move business to the continent.

In any case, it is clear the negotiations will be enormously complex. The U.K. is inextricably tied to the rest of Europe, and this is not like a simple divorce. Cameron and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney are right to reassure that there will be no immediate change. As in a divorce, the best outcome is usually when the participants are pragmatic and calm. Sometimes the parties may even decide to end the marriage but strengthen their relationship.

Willem Maas is associate professor at York University and fellow at the European University Institute.

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Ontarios new climate plan is bold. And thats what is needed. As CEOs of three major organizations (a forestry company, a clean tech firm, and Canadas biggest environmental group) we recognize this is a moment of extraordinary technological, economic and environmental change. The world is shifting toward cleaner growth and we understand, viscerally, that leading through this transition requires bold action.

But ambitious plans always court scrutiny. In our opinion, the main criticisms launched over the past week miss some essential realities that underpin the need for this particular climate plan at this particular moment.

First, there are those who criticize the plans destination. What they call a move to fundamentally change our economy is in fact Ontarios response to global changes that are already in motion. Last year, for the first time, global investment in renewable energy exceeded that in fossil fuels. The booming clean tech market is set to exceed $2 trillion by 2020. And massive cost reductions are scaling up solar panel and electric car battery technologies faster than imagined. In line with governments around the world, Ontario is aiming to incentivize these kinds of investments; its plan is about keeping us with the front of the pack.

The province has made progress in this direction over the last decade, phasing out coal and reducing emissions by 19 per cent while growing its economy. Ontarians, for our part, are also embracing this global shift. Were demanding increased transit infrastructure. Were starting to live in more energy efficient homes and buying lower-emission vehicles. Some already have solar panels on their roofs. We want to live  and believe we should live  in vibrant communities with less pollution.

We support Ontarios plan, because it is designed to get us further and faster down that path. And pace matters. Accelerating progress is critical to achieving our Paris climate commitment and to grasping an early mover advantage as other global jurisdictions move in the same direction.

That brings us to a second criticism  not about the destination, but about the path. Ontarios plan includes a range of strategies  carbon pricing, regulations, and public investments. Some argue this is too much government involvement. Ontario should simply have stuck with carbon pricing, they say, and let the market take care of the rest.

Its true that putting a price on carbon is the most cost-effective way to boost energy efficiency and innovation. And thats what Ontarios system will do. It starts with a modest fee (about $17/tonne), which will rise gradually over time, to give people and business time to adjust. A carbon price is critical. But its wrong to suggest it is a silver bullet solution that will drive all of the changes we need at the pace we need them.

This is a complex job and it will take a set of policy tools to get it done  to complement the price signal, and spark broader, faster innovation. For example, regulatory standards are a smart way to spur more energy efficient buildings and vehicles. Public investment is a critical tool to support innovation at the R&D stage and to build the 21st century infrastructure we need now.

The fact is: most major technology innovations of the past century  from the smart phone to the oilsands  were achieved through a mix of public and private investment. And thats what Ontarios plan calls for now. Strategies, such as creating a clean tech fund and starting a Green Bank (based on best practices from Vermont, New York and the U.K.), will accelerate the development of smart electrical systems, zero-emission vehicles and other clean technologies that are necessary to Ontarios success in a changing world.

Of course, Ontarios plan isnt perfect. There are important details that still need to be addressed  such as ensuring public investment is done by arms length, expert bodies removed from day-to-day politics. But on the whole, Ontario is right to be bold  both in its destination and its path. Taking a clear vision of where the world is heading, and mobilizing a range of resources to get us there  thats how you lead through change.

Jim Lopez is President and CEO, Tembec; David Miller is President and CEO, WWF Canada, and Annette Verschuren is Chair and CEO, NRStor. All are leaders of Smart Prosperity:smartprosperity.ca.

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In voting to leave the European Union, Britons have embarked on a bold but perilous experiment.

They are turning their backs on expert opinion. They are ignoring the advice of the mainstream elites who argue further economic integration is both inevitable and necessary.

They are, in effect, trying to de-globalize themselves.

It will be interesting to see if they can do it

The motives of those who voted to leave the EU in Thursdays referendum were not always noble.

Racism played a role as did plain old xenophobia. Those leading the leave campaign were hardly Churchillian. They included Nigel Farage, the odious leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party as well as former London mayor Boris Johnson, a buffoonish toff who may well end up being the countrys next prime minister.

But the leavers were also responding to a real weakness in both the EU and other arrangements like it.

Global integration may serve that abstraction known as the economy. But it doesnt always help real, flesh-and-blood people.

In effect, the roughly 17 million Britons who voted to quit the EU were saying: We dont like whats going on.

How will the experiment work out? First, the United Kingdom  in some form  will survive. I say in some form because boundaries may change. Scottish separatists will demand, and this time might win, a referendum to split off from Great Britain.

But the loss of its EU status will not send what remains of Britain back to the Stone Age. When the dust clears and the markets relax, the U.K. will still be one of Europes biggest economies.

Still, the transition is not going to be easy. Britain has been part of the EU for 43 years. Its economy has been successfully integrated with that of the continent. Commodities and parts flow effortlessly across borders.

Its in the economic interest of both Britain and the EU that at least the tariff-free aspect of this relationship continue. But divorces are notoriously messy. The EU may not wish to reward a country that has just spurned its love.

Some Canadians fret about whether Britains exit will undermine the tentative Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between this country and the EU. It may. Europe may turn inwards as it focuses on the British problem.

Or conversely, it may not. Britains leaving might encourage the Europeans to strengthen their trans-Atlantic ties.

In any case, it wont much matter. We get along fine without a European trade and investment pact. So do the Europeans.

While the full story wont be known for months, there are some immediate lessons that can be drawn from Britains decision to leave.

First, democracy and advanced capitalism arent always compatible. Britains voters were asked whether they wanted to stick with a globalized system designed to increase wealth in the aggregate. The majority looked at what they were getting out of the arrangement and said no.

Second, nationalism is alive. There was a time, not so long ago, when the nation-state was viewed as passe. It is not. When Britains leavers said they didnt want to be governed by bureaucrats in Brussels, they meant it.

Third, full labour mobility is, politically, a step too far. The conceit of the European Union was that it had erased borders  that EU citizens could travel, work and live anywhere.

Thursdays referendum showed that a lot of Britons simply dont agree. If the polls are right, a lot of other Europeans dont agree either. They fear an unrestricted flood of newcomers will drive down wages. Sometimes, these fears are justified.

Fourth, the refusal of centre and left parties to deal with any of this has allowed the hard right to monopolize antiglobalization sentiment. In Britain, the right dominated the leave campaign in part because there was no one else.

In the United States, would-be presidential nominee Bernie Sanders articulated a centre-left critique of globalization. But his Democratic party didnt agree. Now demagogue Republican Donald Trump has the field to himself.

Its hard to imagine Trump winning on his platform of nativism and antiglobalization. But then it was hard to imagine Britain would quit the EU.

Thomas Walkoms column appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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In light of this week's shocking vote in the U.K. to leave the European Union (known as "Brexit"), the Trans Pacific Partnership, or TPP, comes into sharp relief. While one developed economy votes to isolate itself from the world, will another?

Discussion has trended increasingly against the deal. But this view should be rejected. That's because the TPP will open new trade opportunities among the 12 countries, including the U.S., who signed the agreement on Feb. 4 in Auckland, New Zealand. Protectionist measures tend to stifle the global economy. Just watch what happens now that the UK has started down the protectionist path.

The TPP followed seven years of negotiations but has not yet entered into force. This agreement is comparable to the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the U.S. and European Union. China is not part of the TPP.

President Obama has supported TPP and other trade agreements as a cornerstone of his efforts to generate freer trade and to build a more inclusive world.

Yet populist forces in the U.S. and beyond have expanded over the past two years to oppose freer trade.

Concerned by weakness in economies worldwide and declining workforce participation, political leaders have adopted the populists' cause. They have spoken out against TPP and TTIP and introduced more protective trade measures.

The World Trade Organization (WTO)warned that this is would be detrimental to the economy.

In a recently released report, the WTO pointed out "that between mid-October of last year and mid-May of this year G20 economies introduced protectionist trade measures at the fastest pace since the 2008 financial crisis."

The WTO report said that "this trend coincided with a slowdown in global trade, now in its fifth year. Moreover, it was contributing to the persistent slow growth of the global economy."

Although this increase is, according to some economists, "far less substantial than that seen in the 1930s," its existence "is contributing to keeping the world in the economic doldrums."

The fear here is that rising levels of protectionism could cause economic problems similar to the 1930s when erecting trade barriers "contributed to making the (Great) Depression worse."

When disorder creeps into the economic relationships between nations, they withdraw from the world and turn in on themselves.

The concern is that current movements could become cumulative and exacerbate the difficulties that already exist.

This is the time when things should move in the opposite direction. Rather than embracing greater protectionism, people should support freer trade deals.

Closing off trade in the name of allegedly protecting jobs only reduces trade between nations, labor productivity and competitiveness.

This is where leadership becomes difficult.

Given the concerns and disorder that exist, people are inclined to jump to leaders that promise quick solutions.

While these types of solutions may provide relief in the short-run, they almost always result in greater pain in the long term.

This is an age in which information spreads easily and rapidly, cooperation and interaction are vital and greater trade and sharing increase prosperity.

The Great Depression provided us with evidence of what can happen when people close their doors and turn into themselves. We cannot let that happen again!

See full Brexit coverage here.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
Energy Transfer Equity (ETE) is set to walk from its agreement to buy rival natural gas pipeline company Williams Cos. (WMB) after Del. Vice Chancellor Sam Glasscock ruled late this afternoon that ETE's lawyers at Latham & Watkins acted in good faith when they decided they could not issue a tax opinion required to close the deal.

Williams has not yet said if it will appeal the decision to the Delaware Supreme Court, which would have to act quickly to overturn the lower court judge's ruling. Williams shareholders are set to vote on the deal on Monday, and closing must occur by Tuesday or ETE will be able to walk. Williams did say in a release that it "does not believe ETE has a right to terminate the merger agreement." The target added that it "remains committed to closing the merger" and would "take appropriate actions to enforce its rights under the agreement" if ETE terminated the deal. Williams also advised its shareholders to vote for the deal.

The Williams release notwithstanding, Glasscock's ruling is heavily fact-dependent and cites only three Delaware decisions in 138 footnotes, which may make the Supreme Court reluctant to step in, since the high court general defers to the findings of fact made by lower court judges.

"It is clear to me," the judge wrote at the start of his 58-page opinion, that the deal "is now manifestly unattractive" to ETE. As a result, he said, "I approached this matter with a skeptical eye." But, he cautioned, "just as motive alone cannot establish criminal guilt, motive to avoid a deal does not demonstrate lack of a contractual right to do so."

The decision came after a two-day trial on Monday and Tuesday and capped months of sparring between the two companies, which agreed in September to a deal that was then worth $38 billion in cash and stock. But as oil and gas prices continued to fall, the $6.05 billion in cash that ETE had agreed to pay made the deal increasingly unattractive to the prospective buyer, since borrowing that money would have put the combined company under considerable financial pressure.

ETE's Kelcy Warren wanted to nix the deal as early as December, former ETE CFO Jamie Welch said in his deposition in the case, and company executives and outside advisers worked to come up with a way out. In April, ETE said that its tax lawyers at Latham & Watkins would be unable to opine that one aspect of the deal's complicated structure merited tax-free treatment. Since the provision of that opinion was a condition to closing, ETE claimed it was under no obligation to consummate its purchase of Williams.

The target argued that ETE was not using commercially reasonable efforts to close the deal but was in fact pressuring Latham not to issue the ruling. But ETE's head of tax Brad Whitehurst testified that he discovered the tax issue only in late March, and Laurence Stern and Tim Fenn, his tax lawyers at Latham, corroborated that claim to Glasscock's satisfaction.

In the Delaware case, Williams used Sandra Goldstein, Antony Ryan and Kevin Orsini of Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York and Kenneth Nachbar of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell in Wilmington. Energy Transfer retained Michael Holmes, John Wander and Michael Charlson of Vinson & Elkins in Houston and Rolin Bissell of Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor in Wilmington.

For the merger, Williams took financial advice from Barclays' Gary Posternak and Barbara Byrne and Lazard's Albert Garner and Doug Fordyce. For legal advice Williams tapped a Cravath team led by Minh Van Ngo and Richard Hall with Andrew Needham and Christopher Fargo on tax and a Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher team led by Steven Talley, Eduardo Gallardo and Robyn Zolman with Eric Sloan on tax.

Energy Transfer's outside legal advisers were led by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz's David Katz, David Lam and Alison Preiss with T. Eiko Stange on tax. Latham & Watkins was special tax counsel. Laurence Stern and Tim Fenn led that effort. Bill Finnegan, Ryan Maierson and Mark Gerstein also worked on the deal. William McKee and William Nelson of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius also provided tax advice to ETE.
A worker attaches roofing to a house under construction at the KB Home Magnolia at Patterson Ranch community in Fremont, California. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg)

BANKING

33 biggest U.S. banks pass Fed stress tests

The nations largest financial institutions have enough armor to withstand the turmoil of a major and prolonged U.S. and global recession, the Federal Reserve said Thursday.

The annual stress tests show that the 33 largest financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, all hold more capital than they did the year before. They also hold enough capital that, even if faced with billions of dollars in losses from loans during an economic crisis, they would still function.

The stress tests were created in the wake of the financial crisis and Great Recession, when the U.S. housing market imploded and several large banks failed or were rescued by U.S. taxpayers at a cost of $700 billion.

This is the sixth round of stress tests the Fed has performed.

Under the Feds most extreme scenario in this years test, the U.S. economy falls into a deep recession, causing the stock market to plunge by 50 percent. Unemployment exceeds 10 percent, housing prices drop by 25 percent, and commercial real estate prices fall by 30 percent. Yields on short-term Treasurys would go negative.

The Fed said Thursday that the 33 largest banks would have $526 billion in loan losses under the most extreme scenario.

 Associated Press

HOUSING

New-home sales dropped in May

Americans pulled back from buying new homes in May, reversing strong gains made in April as sales fell sharply in the Northeast and West.

New-home sales dropped 6 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted rate of 551,000 from a downwardly revised 586,000 in April, the Commerce Department said Thursday. Still, sales are 6.4 percent higher year-to-date. Job growth and low mortgage rates have helped drive the increase.

Mays median sales price was up 1 percent from a year ago to $290,400.

Northeast sales slumped 33 percent from April to May; the West suffered a 15.6 percent decline. Sales barely slipped in the South and improved 12.9 percent in the Midwest.

Sales of existing homes reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.53 million, the best since early 2007.

 Associated Press

Also in Business

 From news services
A South Korean court on Friday issued the first warrant for the arrest of a Volkswagen executive in connection with the companys cheating on vehicle emissions tests, another blow to the German automakers efforts to move on from the scandal.

The warrant is the first leveled against a Volkswagen executive anywhere in the world after the company admitted in September that it used software to falsify pollution tests on some diesel cars, spurring legal action in the United States, Germany, South Korea and elsewhere.

This is just the beginning of the investigation, an official at the prosecution office said, declining to be named because the investigation is continuing.

The Volkswagen Korea executive, identified by his last name Yun, faces five accusations, including fabrication of documents and violation of the Air Quality Preservation Act, said Shin Jae-hwan, spokesman for Seoul Central District Court.

The court acknowledges the reason and the necessity of the arrest, he told Reuters, declining to give further details or name the executive.

A Volkswagen Korea spokeswoman declined to comment.

South Korea has taken a particularly hard line against the automaker, filing a criminal complaint against two other executives, fining it 14.1 billion won ($11.97 million) and ordering it to recall 125,522 vehicles.

About 4,400 Korean consumers also have filed a class-action lawsuit against Volkswagen and sister marque Audi, demanding compensation over the false emissions claims.

Sources in the United States said Thursday that Volkswagen would pay more than $10 billion to settle claims by nearly 500,000 owners and fund efforts to offset pollution.

The South Korean arrest warrant comes after Mondays announcement by German prosecutors that they were investigating former Volkswagen chief executive Martin Winterkorn and another executive over whether they effectively manipulated markets by delaying the release of information about the test cheating.

South Korean prosecutors will cooperate with their counterparts in Germany and the United States, the official said in Seoul.

The scandal has triggered a slide in Volkswagens share of Asias No. 2 diesel car market, where it competes with dominant domestic players Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors.

Volkswagen said in April that it will set aside 16.2 billion euros ($18.2 billion) and slash its dividend to cover the costs from the scandal.
The Transportation Security Administration offers a practical, bare-bones app designed to get you as smoothly as possible through that curse of the modern traveler: the security line. Its not flashy, but it has a lot of valuable information, including estimates of how long it will take you to get through any airports security checkpoints, local weather and information on TSA procedure. If you have questions about what you can bring through the security line and to your final destination, you should find it here. You can get an easy glimpse of delays at airports across the country, too, so you can get an idea of whether your connection will turn into a gate camp-out.

To be honest, this is not going to become a go-to app for you. Its not always reliable, and sometimes crashes when opening. But its one you may want to think about downloading when you travel, particularly if youre headed to or through an airport that youve never been to before.

Free, for iOS and Android.
NEW YORK  Branden Jacobs-Jenkinss path to national distinction began with zigs and zags around the theaters and arts programs of Washington. It was at Studio Theatre that, as a child, he saw his first professional production, a bravura staging of Waiting for Godot with African American actors playing Samuel Becketts famous existential clowns.

My father fell asleep, but I was glued to it the whole time, he says. It was during a class at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, run by a local theater maker the kids knew as Mr. McNugget, that the drama bug began evolving into a virus.



Fiction writing had been his first passion, stoked by the short stories and novels he devoured. I spent my lunch money on used books, he says. But somehow, theater kept veering into his field of vision. At the writing program for teenagers he attended for five summers at the University of Virginia, the playwrights were always the coolest kids, he says. Later, when he was an undergraduate at Princeton, a creative writing professor asked him to walk back with him to his office.

He turned to me and said: I think youre a playwright. And I think you need to deal with that. 

Even with some difficult fits and starts, Jacobs-Jenkins, who grew up in Washingtons Takoma Park neighborhood, has dealt with it, and quite well. This year, in what amounted to his most important recognition to date, his play, the tragicomic Gloria, set in a magazine office where an unspeakable horror occurs, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for drama. The other finalists posed formidable competition: Lin-Manuel Mirandas Hamilton, the eventual winner, and Stephen Karams The Humans, which won the Tony Award this month for best play, during the same ceremony at which Hamilton was crowned best musical.

From left, James Konicek, Kathryn Tkel, Jon Hudson Odom and Erika Rose in Branden Jacobs-Jenkinss An Octoroon. (Scott Suchman/Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co.)

To have made it at the tender age of 31 into such an elite circle is no minor achievement. Moreover, its only one of the indicators of Jacobs-Jenkinss deserving inclusion in a cadre of younger playwrights putting a refreshing stamp on American theater, a group that includes Karam, Annie Baker, Amy Herzog, Sam Hunter, Matthew Lopez and Anne Washburn. Other evidence of the singularity of his talent and the depth of his formidable intellect is on view at Woolly Mammoth Theatre, where his scalding antebellum satire, An Octoroon, ends a well-received run this weekend.

That engagement coincides with the debut at New Yorks Lincoln Center Theater of his latest piece, War, a comedy in which, in characteristic style, he explores the confoundingly and eternally unsettled perceptions of racial identity, as embodied by the family of a dying black woman.

As Ben Brantley put it in his New York Times review of War: His specialty is the ambiguity of self, particularly as defined by skin color, and the futility as well as the necessity of looking for solid answers.

Ambiguity is an apt word for Jacobs-Jenkinss dramatic metier. His ironic use of historic theatrical themes and devices to place on a continuum the racial anxieties of our own time is indeed a hallmark. In Appropriate, a comedy Woolly Mammoth staged in 2013, Jacobs-Jenkins invoked the work of a range of playwrights, from Tennessee Williams to Tracy Letts, to tell the story  in hilarious fashion  of a Southern white family coming to grips with a dead patriarchs Klan membership. (The decision by an African American playwright to write a play consisting entirely of white characters came across itself, as the plays title suggests, as a sly turning of the tables on cultural appropriation.)

For An Octoroon, which is an adaptation of a 19th-century plantation melodrama, The Octoroon, by Irish playwright Dion Boucicault, Jacobs-Jenkins invokes a tasteless vestige of minstrelsy, the tradition of white actors putting on blackface, as both a kind of homage and a critique. Its impossible to imagine anyone but a playwright of color being able to get away with this, which may have been one of Jacobs-Jenkinss points. In his sardonic renovation of the 1859 play, the application of cosmetic ethnicity becomes an equal-opportunity transgressive act: While a Latino actor wears blackface, a white actor playing a Native American smears on red makeup, and a black actor appears in whiteface.

What Im really surprised by is Brandens reverence for the [original] play, while at the same time his disdain is equal, says Nataki Garrett, director of Woollys Octoroon. And they come with equal measure in the writing. His play poses a very honest question about identity in the 21st century, and uses it to ask, what does it mean to have a codified existence?

No writer wants to be pigeonholed as a one-issue wonder, and in fact, Jacobs-Jenkins has swerved in plays such as Gloria  which draws on aspects of his own experience as an intern at the New Yorker  away from the matters examined in Appropriate and An Octoroon. (Although Gloria, too, explores a type of appropriation, in the guise of a writer who oversteps by asserting in a memoir his role as a central figure in the horror.) At the same time, Jacobs-Jenkins observes that African American playwrights, on the lofty order of August Wilson and Suzan-Lori Parks on down, have found it hard to avoid weaving the narratives of oppression and the legacy of slavery prominently into their plays.

Erika Rose, Kathryn Tkel in An Octoroon. (Scott Suchman/Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co.)

I will not deny that this is a significant bedrock of my work, Jacobs-Jenkins says, sitting recently in a cafe on the periphery of the Theater District. The unique nature of black experience in this country requires us to make a statement about a perceived idea of history, he adds. I still feel like Im in that conversation.

The theater impulse may have been triggered by a grandmother in Arkansas, Helen Tate, the first family member to go to college and an amateur dramatist in her own right, writing Passion plays for local churches.

Words were, for him, too, always his lifes blood. As a kid he was a champion speller who tied for 18th place one year in the National Spelling Bee, a record finish, he says, for any Washington entrant. He was also a bit of a bookish know-it-all, even around his mother, Patricia Jacobs, a Harvard Law School graduate who raised him after his parents split up. (Benjamin Jenkins, his father, retired as a dentist for Marylands prison system.)

My mother had a wall of degrees in our house, and she would walk me up to the wall and say, When you have this many degrees, you can tell me what to do,  he says.

Uncertain of exactly what to do with his life, he graduated from St. Johns College High School in Washington and enrolled at Princeton, leaving four years later with a degree in anthropology and certificates in creative writing and theater. A year after graduating, he was accepted into the masters program in performance studies at New York University, an interval that served as his invitation to the brimming menu of downtown theater.

But his introduction to the life of a playwright, at the Public Theater, in 2010, was for him a disaster. That production of his early play Neighbors featured black actors in blackface, an aspect of the piece that became the focus of an article in the Times. It was subsequently panned by the paper as simultaneously overheated and undercooked, a reception that sent him into a tailspin.

Id written it thinking it would never be produced, he says. As fate and talent would have it, though, the play got me some fellowships and awards. After the run of Neighbors, he used some of the money to move to Berlin, where he thought he might settle in and disappear.

The Neighbors thing was hard for him, says Benj Pasek, a close friend and one of the songwriters of the hit musical Dear Evan Hansen, which started at Arena Stage and is moving to Broadway in the fall. Hed met Jacobs-Jenkins at a workshop out west and loved his new friends embrace of culture both high and low. Watching Bravo and watching Pinter is how he describes the two sides of Jacobs-Jenkinss artistic nature.

The German interlude gave the playwright needed perspective. When he returned to New York and started writing again, Jacobs-Jenkins lived for a while on Paseks couch. And by 2013, when favorable reviews started appearing for Appropriate and later, An Octoroon, the embrace by the theater community became steadily stronger. Although the future is unclear for Gloria, which opened last year to glowing notices at off-Broadways nonprofit Vineyard Theatre, it is not difficult to imagine it finding its way to a commercial run.

Not that Jacobs-Jenkins is about to abandon his penchant for sowing discomfort.

Im not interested in a linear tale of divorce in the black community, he says. My dream audience member would turn to the audience member next to them and say, What just happened to me? 
Alison Wright, best known for her role on the FX series The Americans, performs in Eric Bogosians 100 (monologues) series. (100 (monologues))

Today, when murders are streamed live and even Scott Baio is full of hot tweets, it may be hard to imagine a man shaking up anything by performing monologues in a theater.

But thats exactly what happened when Eric Bogosian arrived in the 1980s.

Bored stiff by Broadway, inspired by punk rock and creatively wide open, he performed masterfully constructed monologues as fluidly as a DJ spinning records at the Danceteria.

Bogosian could dart from cowboy to panhandler, British rocker to neighborhood bully, self-loathing talk show host to slick Mr. Business without so much as stopping for a sip of water.

It was sort of like speed metal, he says now. You get out there and do that set after set after set, and you walk off the stage and youre just drenched with sweat, and thats the show.

Ethan Hawke remembers, as a young actor, watching the performance and feeling like somebody took the roof off of my head.

It wasnt some play where you wore a suit or you had a glass of Chablis afterward, the actor said. It was street art. It felt illegal.

Actor, director, and playwright Eric Bogosian. Bogosian created the 100 (monologues) project in 2014. (Monique Carboni/For The Washington Post)

Performance art meets stand-up meets sketch comedy, adds Sam Rockwell. I cant really think of an equivalent. Maybe Lenny Bruce or Louis C.K. or Bill Burr. But I dont know of anybody who was doing what Eric was doing. Its almost like a different medium.

Bogosians daring, one-man shows started small before leaping into theaters, packing houses and winning awards. Eventually, Bogosian moved into movies and TV and today, hes better known as Capt. Danny Ross on Law & Order: Criminal Intent than for any of his stage roles.

Which is part of why, on a recent Saturday, a series of actors arrived, in shifts roughly three hours apart, at a small studio in Lower Manhattan. They were here for a special project thats taken two years and counting. Bogosian is having 100 monologues he wrote between 1980 and 2000 filmed and posted online.

These monologues need to be preserved, said Mike Carlsen, 36, the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt actor who came to do a 1981 piece called Nice Shoes. Nobody is doing this anymore. Nobody is willing to get on stage for an hour and a half and just talk, talk in 10 or 15 characters. This is important.

Bogosian launched 100 (monologues) early in 2014. The idea is to recruit a slate of actors, some familiar (Hawke, Rockwell, Vincent DOnofrio, Jennifer Tilly), some virtually unknown. The writer and actor, now 63, could certainly have performed the monologues himself, but thats not the point. He wants to see these characters interpreted by others. Hes the director and tries to post a new monologue on the projects website every month. Hes at 54 and growing.

I think it just started as a Hey, wouldnt this be fun with all these friends and colleagues who are just great actors,  says director Jo Bonney, Bogosians wife. But now that its moving along, he sees the scale of it and as it accumulates, hes becoming proud of it.

1 of 14 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  How do you get some of the worlds best actors to film 100 monologues for free? You ask. View Photos Eric Bogosian leads a slate of acclaimed actors through 100 of his monologues. Caption Eric Bogosian leads a slate of acclaimed actors through 100 of his monologues. As a young actor in the 1980s, Ethan Hawke remembers seeing Eric Bogosian perform and feeling like somebody took the roof off of my head. Decades later, he signed on to Bogosians 100 (monologues) project. Monique Carboni/For The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

There is no business plan. Actors work for a deferred $300 fee and potential, future ownership share of the site, though Bogosian tells them not to count on much, if anything. So far, 100 (monologues) has cost about $75,000, with Bogosian kicking in $30,000, raising $25,000 on Kickstarter, and receiving a $20,000 donation from Fela! producers Stephen and Ruth Hendel.

Many of the actors have known Bogosian for years.

That includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, a close friend, who he sadly notes was set to play the ceramic tile salesman from 1986s Drinking in America before his death in 2014. (Brian dArcy James ended up doing the monologue.)

Phil was, to me, the epitome of what this whole exercise was about, Bogosian says. He is a person who becomes a character, inhabits the character, but he always plays it a little broadly so you know that hes acting. Its not real. Were not trying to be real. Im not a method actor. Its a contrived thing. But if you can get the audience to think and feel that theres a real person there, youve succeeded in some really crazy, delicate operation.

Not every actor is a close friend. Tilly is a professional poker player who met him at a game. Bogosian told her about 100 (monologues). Tilly felt an instant connection to the writing. It felt so New York City.

Youre walking down the street and you hear someone crying on the phone, someone breaking up with their boyfriend, fights on the street. If you could just write down the rhythm of what people sound like and how they talk and how they interacted, it would be the most brilliant screenplay. Thats what Eric captures.

Galleries of characters

You, you with the glasses.

Saturday morning. Cameras rolling. Carlsen, needing a shave and wearing a deliciously outdated Members Only leather jacket, taunts the camera in thick street-speak. He is the first of four actors scheduled for a shoot that is scheduled to run into the night. Bogosian and his son, Travis, 25, first assistant director, oversee the nine-person crew.

Come here for a second, says Carlsen, in character. I wanna ask you a question. . . . How ya doin there, Mike?

Nice Shoes was inspired by an encounter Bogosian had in the late 70s in Little Italy. A guy tried to steal his boombox. In the monologue, Carlsen, standing alone but aiming his menace at a camera representing the aforementioned Mike, bullies his target to give him his new shoes.

The director doesnt say much. A few weeks earlier, he talked through the script with Carlsen and also showed him a clip he found useful, of a violent scene from Robert Altmans The Long Goodbye.

Carlsen showed up ready. The call sheet set aside more than two hours for just him. Carlsen effectively nails Nice Shoes in five minutes. Thats no small feat. Many shoots have gone smoothly. Others have been tougher, with the actor needing to be fed lines like breath mints.

Wow, Bogosian says, standing and clapping. Jesus, Mike. Great. Weve never seen anybody nail the take the first time.

Later, during a break, Bogosian analyzes Carlsens performance.

Youll see that in an actor like Mike, he says. He knows hes good, he wants the world to know hes good, he doesnt have time for fear. I make a lot of parallels with professional sports with what we do. And you see this in utility players. Theyre sick and tired of not being appreciated. Now Mike knows how good he is. He just doesnt have time to be afraid. And hes got an opportunity to flex his muscles. Which is what I want these things to be.



Actor Mike Carlsen, left, works a monologue called Nice Shoes, inspired by an encounter Eric Bogosian had in the late 70s in Little Italy. The monologue is part of the 100 (monologues) project started by actor, director and playwright Eric Bogosian (right). (Monique Carboni/For The Washington Post)

Bogosian did not start his own career as a monologuist. After graduating from Oberlin College in 1976, he came to New York City and wrote and directed plays with full casts. He founded the dance program at the Broome Street loft known as The Kitchen, a space famous for performances by Mapplethorpe, Brian Eno, Meredith Monk and the Beastie Boys.

In 1978, Bogosian began experimenting with a tape recorder as a way to improve his voice on stage. He discovered the method helped him develop characters and monologues.

I knew the direct address was one thing that makes theater exciting, [particularly] for a contemporary audience thats used to rock bands playing to them, Bogosian says. To see people talking to each other on stage kind of leaves out the audience. Talking to the audience would step it up. And then there were all the taboos you can screw with. The first one, like any blue comedy, is sex stuff. You talk about sex in a very rude way. And youve got peoples interests. But death, also death . . . I had one bit where I walk out and its supposed to be me talking to the audience. I say, Its great to be here tonight. And then I go on and on and on about how, basically, if I died up here tonight that actually the audience would find it more memorable than if I just did the show. Honestly, really, you would dine out on that for months. I was there. That guy died on stage. How great. Come on. Be honest. It makes people kind of tingle a little bit.

Back then, he drank, smoked, did heroin. Bogosian cleaned up in 1984 and, two years later, had a huge hit with Drinking in America. In 1988, Oliver Stone adapted his play Talk Radio, with Bogosian starring as the abrasive, doomed shock jock Barry Champlain.

The monologues, or galleries of characters, as he calls them, captured a range of human behavior and emotion, including vulnerability, anger, bravado and paranoia.

Performances were intense.

When people heard that we had children together, I think they were genuinely concerned for me and my children, Bonney says. I would always go, hes an actor, and hes acting. Thats not to say he didnt have all that energy and intensity and moments of anarchy and anger. But those were just elements of a human being.

Salty after all these years



Behind the scenes of Eric Bogosians 100 (monologues) project. (Monique Carboni/For the Washington Post)

His curly hair is grayer now and he watches what he eats, admitting that the slice of cheese pizza hes folded over for lunch is a rare indulgence. But Bogosian hasnt necessarily softened up. Witness his recent criticism of the French weekly Charlie Hebdo. Hes also not afraid to confess his perhaps irrational distaste for Jake Gyllenhaal, who he inserted into one of his monologues to represent Hollywood pretention.

He loves high art, but hes not too snooty to talk about the thrill of playing the mad villain in a Steven Seagal blockbuster, as he did in 1995s Under Siege 2: Dark Territory. He also isnt one to complain about his legacy or that his most innovative stage work isnt being properly recognized.

One of the first things that attracted me to do what I do is that its ephemeral, Bogosian says of his one-man shows. We knew when we made these things they were here today, gone tomorrow.

He brings up Extreme Exposure, an anthology of other peoples monologues that Bonney edited in 1999.

Lord Buckleys in there. Brother Theodore. Real heroes of mine, and nobodys ever heard of them, Bogosian says. I have pride but, I mean, I feel that way about a lot of my work. Ive written three novels that no one knows about. I have a whole bunch of plays that I cant get produced in New York City. If I stay in this zone of why isnt this work more something, I just see that as self-indulgent. So I just keep working.

That doesnt mean hes ready to let his monologues go. Hes performed them in spurts over the years, including a short run at Labyrinth in 2013 and four shows in Dallas earlier this year. But Bogosian isnt interested in reviving them for a lengthy theater run.

I dont want to be the old punk guy, he says. There are a couple of guys who can pull that off. Iggy can do that. Carlin could do that. And I have these images if I just lost another 20 pounds and got on speed and started chain-smoking again, I could get out there. But why?

To hear him tell it, the idea of filming began small, sparked by a few conversations with friends after Theatre Communications Group published the monologues in a single volume in 2014. The project became more involved after the shoots began. And watching him oversee a 100 (monologues) shoot, its obvious how much Bogosian enjoys watching other actors work.

Take Alison Wright, who arrives in early afternoon after Carlsen leaves. The English actress has become a favorite for her portrayal of Martha Hanson on The Americans. Bogosian assigned her Gated, a piece that centers on a broker interviewing a family looking to move into a fenced-off community.



English actress Alison Wright delivers a monologue called Gated in a theater in New York City. The piece centers on a broker interviewing a family looking to move into a fenced-off community. The monologue is part of the 100 (monologues) project started by actor, director and playwright Eric Bogosian. (Monique Carboni/For the Washington Post)

Paid or not, Wright takes her assignment seriously.

Our performances on stage are fleeting, theyre transitory, she says. This is going to be on the Internet for everyone to see forever.

While Carlsen blasted through his scene, Wright tries hers over several takes. She experiments with starting in one spot, walking across the set, and taking a seat behind a desk. She dials up the charm on her second take, a syrupy sweet sell so pleasing that Bogosian, watching from the wings, breaks into a broad smile.

At one point, during a break, Bogosian praises Wright for making the character just on the verge of being scary.

Theres a quality thats evolving where shes almost conspiratorial, he says after another take. This is what all great sales people do. That Ive got something to share that not anyone else has.

When Bogosian tells her theyve got everything they need, Wright asks to do one more take, her wild card.

Wild card? Bogosian asks.

Like the one that doesnt look like anybody else in the room, she says.

A few minutes later, Wright leaves and Bogosian and his crew take a break until the third actor of the day arrives. Walking around Manhattan, Bogosian talks about how sometimes, just a small flourish  the way an actress touches her ear during a take, the emphasis of a single word  reveals something new about a piece hes known for 30 years.

Its magical, he says. I dont know whats happening. I dont know what Im seeing. I dont know how it works. Im not always sure why one is good and one is bad, but when it all comes together, its just a gorgeous thing.


Steamed mandu at Zannchi, a new Korean restaurant in Georgetown. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

There are at least two reasons you want to acquaint yourself with Zannchi: Its Korean repertoire adds a dash of diversity to Georgetown, and its mandu, available steamed or fried, represent one of the best bargains around.

Six bucks gets you two fat dumplings, swollen with fluffy ground pork and scallions, and shaped with a handle that makes them look like kettlebells from the gym. Eat both dumplings, and you might not have room for further exploration of the list. (So take one home, or, better yet, share.)

Zannchi popped up in March and marks the effort of Eunjung Kim, a May recipient of an MBA from Georgetown University. The 40-seat dining room is her debut restaurant, although not her first time serving meals to strangers. In her native Korea, Kims family owns a small chain of eateries called MyungDong, from which she borrowed the recipe for Zannchis eye-catching mandu.



Eunjung Kim opened Zannchi in March, two months before receiving an MBA from Georgetown University. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

Zannchis impressive and classic bibimbap with a side of kimchi. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

The menu is small: a handful of what are described as tapas, including an elegant cheese omelet presented as finger food, plus a dozen rice bowls and kimbap, or rolls. The bowls are represented by a classic bibimbap that sputters on its way to the table and impresses the recipient with its cover of peppery crumbled beef, crisp bean sprouts, julienned carrot and sunny egg. The rolls include caramelized kimchi bound in rice and dried seaweed, a pungent meatless repast. Kim expects to be able to pour beer and wine next month. Yet theres no missing alcohol when meals can be washed back with Zannchis refreshing house-made fruit drinks, one of which stars pineapple and orange juices swirled with fresh mint.



Japchae  glass noodles with assorted vegetables  at Zannchi. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

Your order might show up all at once, yet plates might be slow to be cleared. The service, in other words, could use some polishing. The room, on the other hand, shows attention. Slate-blue banquettes and wood-trimmed windows make a minimalist statement thats balanced with whimsy near the entrance: a display of golden plates cascading from ceiling to floor.

Zannchi translates from Korean to feast, a billing that suits this small pleasure, a genial addition to its neighborhood.

1529 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-621-9162. zannchi.com. Rolls and bowls, $9 to $17.50.
Newspapers in London on June 24 show the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron after his country voted to leave the European Union. (Daniel Sorabji/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

Britain voted Thursday to leave the European Union, a group of 28 countries that united because of a plan more than 50 years ago to prevent World War III.

About 72 percent of British voters turned out at the polls, and 52 percent voted to leave the E.U.

The dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom, said Nigel Farage, leader of the U.K. Independence Party. Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day!

The decision begins a long process to renegotiate trade, business and political links between the United Kingdom and what would become a 27-nation bloc. The process could take years to complete.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who had led the campaign to keep Britain in the E.U., said he would resign by October.

Cameron wanted his country to stay in the E.U., a bloc of European nations that was founded more than 50 years ago. Voters decided Britain should leave. (Ben Stansall/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, he said, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination.

Immigration was one of the big issues in the referendum, or vote on a political question. The side that favored leaving the European Union accused immigrants of straining Britains housing market, public services and available jobs.

Former London mayor Boris Johnson was one of the biggest supporters of leaving the European Union. He described the E.U. as a noble idea which was no longer right for Britain. He said the result in no way means the United Kingdom will be less united or less European.

[Quiz: How well do you know Europe?]

The result of the vote shocked investors, and stock markets plummeted around the world on concerns that severing ties with Europes single market will hurt the British economy and undermine Londons position as a global financial center. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney sought to reassure the markets.

We are well prepared for this, Carney said. The Treasury and the Bank of England have engaged in extensive contingency planning. . . . We have taken all the necessary steps to prepare for todays events.

The European Union started in 1958 with just six members: France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Those countries leaders sought to build links and avoid future military conflicts. Britain joined what was then called the European Economic Community in 1973. Since that time, the European Union has grown to 28 members, including many in Eastern Europe. The talks about how Britain will leave the union are expected to last at least two years.
Dear Amy: Recently, I ended an on-and-off relationship with a co-worker.

What makes this situation even messier than it would be typically is the fact that I ended it because I caught him sleeping with our boss.

While our personal relationship was allowed (although secret), other co-workers and I are all aware that his ongoing relationship with our boss would likely lead to both of them being terminated.

Our boss is aware of the past he and I share, but the two of them have continued their relationship. Worse even, they continue to be rude to me in the workplace and make me very uncomfortable.

Even passing these people in the hallway has become intolerable, but I am otherwise happy with my job and do not wish to leave.

How can I (or should I), bring this up to HR (or a higher level) without seeming like a scorned lover who wants revenge?

Wondering

Wondering: But  you are a scorned lover seeking revenge. I assume that jilted lovers are the primary vehicles for HR learning about workplace problems.

By sleeping around at the office, your co-worker risks facing the exact scenario you are describing. His relationship with you was allowed, presumably because you either dont report to each other or are of equal professional status. His relationship with your boss is not allowed because his boss is in a position to damage his (or your) status at work.

Although I dont think rudeness in the hallway or your discomfort about this is necessarily actionable, this seems to have created the classic toxic environment at work, at least for you. HR can counsel you and/or reprimand both other parties.

Dear Amy: I am lucky enough to have access to a small beach home, and I love going to the beach. Unfortunately, there is a little clutch of people who live nearby who enjoy getting together at the beach. They seem to think it is their right to make fun of people or to talk about those who are missing from their little group that day. They are the neighborhood gossips, who know everything about everyone.

They like to persuade people to sit with them. Anybody who sits with them witnesses their childlike behavior. If you dont sit with them, they say you are a snob.

My response is, I just need some peace and quiet  alone. That is really not true, Amy. I like talking to some people at the beach, but I dont like to destroy people who dont happen to be in the group.

These people are loudmouths, and one especially can be crude (to say the least), but I think people are afraid not to be with them for fear that they will become the center of talk.

The worst thing is that this makes me want to avoid the beach. But why should we have to avoid the beach? Do you have a response to end this petty nonsense? Beach season is here, and I want to enjoy it.

Surf-and-Sand Lover

Surf-and-Sand Lover: There is no question that regular cliques form on the beach, with groups of people gathering together to claim their usual spots, but please  dont turn the beach into the middle-school cafeteria.

You dont seem to want to join this clique of beach-meanies, so dont. Wave and say hello and head to another spot. You dont need to declare your intention to be alone. Be cordial and friendly, but dont join them. It is your precious vacation, and you should spend it exactly the way you want to.

If you do join them, the way to avoid being the topic of mean gossips is to starve them of the oxygen that turns their sparks into a flame. You do this by being polite and asking them a couple of innocuous questions so they can talk about themselves. If they make unkind and uncalled for remarks about others in your presence, you should be brave enough to say, Whoa. Thats not fair. If you are branded a snob because you are kind and considerate, then own it with pride.

Dear Amy: Homeowner was concerned about unkind remarks family members might make during a housewarming party because of their slightly run-down neighborhood (which Homeowner likes).

Inviting neighbors to this housewarming party would allow both sides to take the measure of the other. It would be inclusive, and might also prevent these unkind assumptions before they take hold.

Been There

Been There: Of course! Great advice. Thank you.

Amys column appears seven days a week at washingtonpost.com/advice. Write to Amy Dickinson at askamy@tribpub.com or Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.
Have we made any progress in the past two decades? Not compared with the world of Independence Day: Resurgence, where global peace has reigned since aliens were defeated in 1996; the United States has a female president whom people actually admire; and earthlings can fly to the moon in minutes.

In real life, the situation looks more dire. We may have iPhones and Skype, but we also have daily mass shootings and the Kardashians.

Plus, our blockbusters just keep getting stupider.

When Independence Day came out in July 1996, the action movie earned its monster success. It wasnt perfect, but the characters were endearing, the script was rife with quotable one-liners, the special effects actually looked special, and the sight of the White House getting demolished could still pack a gut punch.

Roland Emmerichs belated sequel offers up more destruction than the first and less of everything that made the original a crowd-pleaser.

The follow-up shoehorns in all of the actors who could be persuaded to return  alas, Will Smiths hotshot pilot tragically died during a test flight  plus a slew of others. As the movie begins, former president Tom Whitmore (Bill Pullman) appears to have aged considerably. Stooped and senile, he spends his days sketching circles and rambling on about how theyre back, and this time we wont be able to stop them.

What could he possibly mean?

Hes not the only one having visions. Theres also the African warlord Dikembe (Deobia Oparei) and, returning from the first installment, Dr. Brakish Okun (Brent Spiner). All are sharing wavelengths with the long-gone aliens.

Meanwhile, the next generation has arrived in the form of fighter pilots Dylan Hiller (Jessie T. Usher, playing the son of Smiths character), President Whitmores daughter Patricia (Maika Monroe) and her fiance, Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth). Jake is exactly the maverick youd expect him to be. So honorable! So insubordinate! Even his hair, standing up at an array of angles, appears to have a beautiful mind of its own.

You know where this is going: The aliens return on a 3,000-mile-long spaceship to lay waste to our perfect planet. Nearly everyone dies, except the ho-hum characters weve just met. People say science-ish things like It has its own gravity, and great men get to make great speeches. (So much for the female president.)

But wheres the urgency? Weve seen all this destruction before, and not just in the original movie. You cant sit through a series of trailers at the theater without seeing one city or another get obliterated by terrorists, typhoons, Transformers. Even superheroes are doing it.

If we cant be shocked into caring about the destruction of our entire planet, Emmerich and his army of co-writers better at least give us a reason to care about these characters. Thats not going to happen with such an overstuffed cast of new and old, none of whom leaves an impression, except perhaps for Jeff Goldblums David Levinson, who is saved only by the charm of the actor who plays him.

Meanwhile, the CGI is astoundingly obvious, especially during one scene when the president (Sela Ward) stands in front of a huge crowd, which has been superimposed over a green screen like a bad paint job.

In the movie, earthlings had 20 years to prepare for another attack, but they didnt. In the 20 years since Independence Day, Emmerich has reveled in destruction, in Godzilla, The Day After Tomorrow and 2012, among other movies. Its bad enough that he wants to destroy our planet again and again. But does he have to take movies down with him?

Independence Day: Resurgence

(120 minutes , at area theaters) is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and destruction and some strong language.
Jamie Leeds, right, the owner of Hanks Oyster Bar and other restaurants in the D.C. area, married Tina McDaniel on May 14. They met at a fundraiser last year. (Ana Isabel Photography)

When chef and restaurateur Jamie Leeds knows what she wants, she pursues it.

Back in 2002, she visited the Washington area as a restaurant consultant and saw so much untapped potential that she decided to stay and open a restaurant. Three years later, she opened the first Hanks Oyster Bar location in Dupont Circle. Since then, she has opened additional Hanks Oyster locations (on Capitol Hill and Old Town Alexandria), along with a new pasta bar, Hanks Pasta Bar, and a cocktail bar, Twisted Horn. A new Hanks location, Hanks on the Water, is expected to debut at the Districts latest Southwest waterfront project, the Wharf, in 2017.

That is why it is not surprising that after only two months of dating Tina McDaniel, she bought her an engagement ring. I knew, very early on, that this was the woman I wanted to spend my life with and marry, Jamie says.

It all dates to back to Presidents Day weekend in 2015. It was Feb. 15, the day after Valentines Day, and Jamie and Tina had plans with friends to attend a Her Human Rights Campaign fundraiser at Town Danceboutique.

That night, it was cold and icy, and both women were tempted to bail and stay home. Luckily, after some encouragement from friends, they didnt.

Tina Mcdaniel, left, married Jamie Leeds at Hank's Pasta Bar on May 14, 2016. (Ana Isabel Photography)

Things just kind of happened, in a weird, meant-to-meet-each-other sort of way, says Tina, an independent communications consultant.

At the party, she recognized Jamie from Hanks Oyster Bar on the Hill and had a mutual friend make a formal introduction. They hit it off right away and began chatting about food, family and other passions, in a small nook near the bar.

I would consider myself a foodie . . . and I was very fascinated with the fact that Jamie was a chef. I remember asking her all of these questions like, Whats your favorite bite? Whats your favorite restaurant?  Tina recalled.

People approached them throughout the night, looking to chat, get drinks or dance, but the pair politely shooed them off, finding themselves rapt in conversation until the clubs lights flickered.

[Are you getting married in the Washington region? Tell us why we should feature your nuptials here]

From the minute I met Tina and we started talking, it was like everything fell from around us, Jamie says. I was totally enamored by her and felt like I could just be myself around her. I didnt have to put on an act . . . and that felt really comfortable.

That night, they exchanged numbers and soon began swapping flirty texts. Intrigued, Tina went home and Googled Jamie to learn more. She happily discovered that Jamie was not only successful but also single. (Six days before their encounter, Jamie had been named one of the Washington Blades Most Eligible LGBT Singles.)

Later that week, they went on their first date, to Iron Gate restaurant in Dupont Circle. This time, they both were determined not to let a little snow  okay, a lot of snow  alter their plans.

I remember looking forever for parking and having to teeter across icy sidewalks in tall, red heels. I see Jamie pulling her large SUV right in front of the restaurant, on top of a snow bank, and just leaving it there, recalls Tina, laughing.

At a quiet table near the fireplace, the couple chatted until closing time. From the very start, our connection has been strong and passionate, while comfortable and natural, Tina says.

Several days later, the D.C. region suffered a massive snowstorm that shuttered most restaurants and markets in the region. Jamie braved the icy roads to hand-deliver a warm meal from Hanks Oyster Bar to Tina. They ate and watched the storm pass together.

I was nervous in the beginning, thinking, Oh, God, this is just too good to be true. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, Tina added. But it never did.

After a few weeks of dating, Jamie asked Tina to be her girlfriend. A few weeks after that, she bought Tina a diamond necklace and an engagement ring.

She gave Tina the necklace right away but held off on giving her the ring until later, entrusting it to a friend in an effort to keep her from jumping the gun, she says.

From there, things progressed rapidly, and in early June, they bought a home together in Chevy Chase.

I think some people looked at us with raised eyebrows, but we didnt give it a second thought, Tina says. Everything just felt right and natural, like, This is the way it should be. 

Jamie had intended to pop the question on a planned trip to Greece in the fall, but when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Marriage Equality Act on June 26, she decided a proposal to Tina would be the best way to celebrate the monumental day.

That night, the pair met at the Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, where Jamie had been invited to conduct a cooking class. Delayed by packing and rush hour traffic, Tina arrived at the hotel several hours later than expected. When she got to the room, she discovered champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and Jamie fast asleep on the bed.

Jamie quickly hopped out of bed, presented Tina with the ring and asked her to be her wife.

On May 14, Jamie, 54, and Tina, 40, exchanged vows in front of 170 guests at the recently opened Hanks Pasta Bar in Old Town Alexandria. The ceremony was the first event to take place on the top floor of the new restaurant.

We are hoping to give it some good mojo, Jamie said days before the wedding.

Jamie beamed as Tina glided down the aisle in a princess Zuhair Murad gown, purchased at Kleinfeld Bridal, of Say Yes to the Dress fame, in New York. Anna Bran-leis, the owner of DC Empanadas and a friend of the couple, officiated the ceremony.

In a nod to Jamies seafood-centric ventures, the ring-bearer carried decorated oyster shells. During her vows, Tina quoted the lovable bear Winnie the Pooh, reciting to Jamie: If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.

Afterward, friends, family members and foodies gathered and nibbled on bites from local chefs, including steamed buns by Scott Drewno of the Source; a sushi spread by Kaz Okochi of Kaz Sushi Bistro; a sampling from Lebanese Taverna; a watercolor wedding cake designed by Tiffany MacIsaac of Buttercream Bakeshop; and, of course, pasta and oysters from Jamies restaurants. Guests were also treated to some late-night eats: pizza from D.C. Slices and New York-style, kosher hot dogs.

At the reception, Jamie surprised Tina with a choreographed routine to You Got It (The Right Stuff) by New Kids on the Block, one of her favorite groups. A group of friends, outfitted in bright blue boas, danced in step behind Jamie as she grinned and mouthed the cheesy boy-band lyrics to her new bride:

All that I wanted was you.

You made all my dreams come true.

Are you getting married in the Washington region? Tell us why we should feature your nuptials here at wapo.st/weddings.
Mayor Muriel E. Bowser is among the District politicians whose donor bases are disproportionately white and wealthy, a report by a liberal think tank found. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

D.C. politicians are funded by donors who are whiter and wealthier than the constituents they serve, an analysis by the liberal think tank Demos found.

While white residents make up 37 percent of the District population, they represented more than two-thirds of donors to D.C. Council candidates between 2012 and March 2016, the report says.

And about 60 percent of campaign donors in that time period had annual incomes higher than $100,000. Just a quarter of District residents earn that much money.

[Read the analysis here]

While it comes as no surprise that wealthy people are more inclined to spend on political races, the Demos analysis is the first comprehensive look at the demographics of District campaign contributors in recent years. Analysts matched campaign donors to a voter database used by Democrats that includes race, gender and income.

[2016 council candidates report finances  and Gray has lead]

Demos examined the 2014 mayoral race, which was characterized by an unusual level of fundraising because of hotly contested primary and general elections. Muriel E. Bowser unseated incumbent Vincent C. Gray in the Democratic primary and went onto defeat independent David Catania.

The analysis only examined individual donors, not the corporate donations that have frequently drawn accusations from critics of pay-to-play politics.

Bowser raised $2,115,335 in donations, 69 percent from donors who gave more than $1,000. Catania collected $845,881, of which 59 percent came from large donors. And Gray raised $774, 996, with 71 percent of it from large donors. In total, donors giving more than $1,000 accounted for 67 percent of all money raised by the three candidates in 2014. Small

donors giving $50 or less accounted for less than 2 percent.

Of the three candidates examined, Catania had the highest share of white donors at 81 percent.

More than half of Gray and Bowsers donors were white, even though each had a political base of mostly black supporters.

Nearly a quarter of Bowsers donors reported income of less than $60,000, a bigger share than her rivals. Women also made up nearly half of the donors to the first female mayor in 20 years, and were just under 40 percent of Gray and Catanias financial backers.

All candidates filled their coffers with disproportionately high numbers of high-income donors.

The fact that big donorsoverwhelmingly white, male and high-incomehold such outsized influence in a city that is extremely diverse both demographically and economically is deeply problematic, the Demos report said.

John Falcicchio, the mayors chief of staff, dismissed suggestions that the rich have out-sized influence with the Bowser administration.

If you look at the mayors record on what she has done as mayor, she has focused on raising the minimum wage, investing in affordable housing, education and homeless services, which is clearly an agenda that focuses on creating more pathways to the middle class, said Falcicchio.

The Council is also weighing the nations most ambitious paid family leave mandate and requiring national chains to give two weeks notice to employees regarding their work schedules.

But this week, the council rejected a proposal from Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) to bar contributors from receiving city contracts valued at greater than $100,000 for one year after donating to a campaign.

Demos highlighted its findings to push for public financing that would encourage more small donations, noting that such giving comes from a more diverse pool.

Some political observers say the disparities in the Demos report reflects the citys income disparities between whites and African-Americans.

The impacts of the wealth gap can be found in nearly every economic sphere, including in political contributions, said Chuck Thies, who managed Grays unsuccessful mayoral re-election campaign in 2014.

While the Demos analysis describes disparities by comparing donor demographics to the population of the District, it found 32 percent of donors live elsewhere, including Maryland and Virginia.
An honor guard presents the colors during the swearing-in of the Prince Georges County Council and County Executive Rushern L. Baker III in 2014. (Mark Gail/For The Washington Post)

The Prince Georges County Council is considering a charter amendment that would add two at-large seats to the panel, expanding the county legislature from nine to 11 members.

The proposal is part of an ongoing government-reform effort aimed at discouraging parochialism, supporters say, while also giving lawmakers in the regions least-affluent county opportunities to provide broader representation.

It has reignited a long and bitter battle over whether residents would benefit from expanding their government so that elected officials could serve longer, or are better off limiting the scope of public office.

We are nine individual parts, with everyone wanting a piece of that pie in their district to help their district, said council Chairman Derrick Leon Davis (D-Mitchellville) during a recent briefing. Governing, he said, requires people who understand they are not just accountable to their districts but to nearly a million people in Prince Georges County.

University Park resident Laura Donnelly, a longtime government skeptic, sees it differently.

We dont need two more seats, she said. More of them means more to bribe.

The bill introduced in the council June 14 would create a ballot referendum proposing the at-large positions. If the bill is approved by the council with the required two-thirds majority, voters will decide in November whether to add the seats.

In an effort to avoid allegations that the bill is about advancing specific political careers, the legislation was sponsored by the councils four first-term members, who can seek a second term on the panel regardless of whether the new seats are created.

The remaining five members are serving their second and final terms but would be able to run at large in 2018 if voters approve the change.

When Prince Georges formed its first charter government in 1970, there were five at-large council members. The next year, voters approved six additional council members, one at large and the rest district-based. After a ballot referendum in 1980, the council shrank to nine members, all district-based.

With district representation, legislators can be more sensitive to community-specific problems and give a voice to underrepresented constituencies, advocates say. But such a structure has also led to fights over resources and elevated district priorities over county ones.

When youre fighting over pennies, Davis said, you never get to fight for dollars.

At-large council members could be more impartial and focus on countywide priorities, officials said. Legislatures in neighboring jurisdictions  including the District and Montgomery and Arlington counties  all include at least some at-large members. In Fairfax County, the chairman of the Board of Supervisors is elected at large.

None of those jurisdictions has term limits, though Republican activist Robin Ficker is collecting signatures for a ballot measure in Montgomery that would cap the number of council terms at three.

Prince Georges officials say broader representation, and the opportunity for council members to serve up to four terms, would give Prince Georges more seniority on regional boards that include elected officials and increase the countys influence in state and regional affairs.

This goes far beyond any individual election, said council member Mel Franklin (D-Upper Marlboro). This is about the long-term view of the county.

Historically, however, Prince Georges voters have not been open to similar changes.

In 2004, council member Thomas R. Hendershot (D-New Carrollton) pushed unsuccessfully to add two at-large seats. Opponents viewed it as an attempt by the term-limited lawmaker to prolong his political career. The measure was soundly defeated.

More than a decade later, supporters of at-large seats say the council needs to change if it wants to effectively tackle regional issues such as health care, housing and transportation.

Weve tried very hard to be non-parochial,said council member Andrea C. Harrison (D-Springdale). But when you are elected by a certain group of people . . . they want you to wholly look at their interests.

David S. Harrington, of the countys chamber of commerce, said that Prince Georges cannot afford to have the regions least-experienced lawmakers. We are no longer this farm at the border of Washington, D.C., he said.

But to county activists, expanding the legislature would be an expensive bloating of the bureaucracy and one more in a series of failed efforts by Prince Georges politicians to circumvent voter-imposed term limits.

Under the proposal, a council member elected to a district and then an at-large seat could end up serving at least 16 years, essentially doubling what is now possible.

County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) was the third politician in recent history to ask voters to change the countys 1992 term-limits law. His 2014 proposal to extend limits from two to three terms was narrowly rejected at the polls.

Longtime county activist Sarah Cavitt said she is certain that adding at-large seats would worsen the system.

There are specific problems with running at large, she said. Its expensive, and only those who get a lot of money contributions can run. You need significant name recognition, and that narrows down the pool of possible candidates.

The council will hold a public hearing on the issue at 7 p.m. July 11. Council members must vote before their August recess to be able to place the question on the ballot this fall.

Correction: Earlier versions of this article incorrectly described the last time the Prince Georges County Council changed its makeup. In 1980, the council went from 11 seats to nine following a ballot referendum. The change was not the result of a charter review.
THE DISTRICT

No charges for officer who fatally shot knife-wielding man

A D.C. police officer who fatally shot a man wielding a knife and brass knuckles last year will not face criminal charges, federal prosecutors said.

The incident occurred about 1:50 p.m. Nov. 19, when Darick Napper, 34, of Southeast Washington approached an officerin a cruiser at Clay Terrace and 53rd Street NE, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District said in a statement.

Prosecutors said Napper  carrying a knife with a nine-inch blade and wearing brass knuckles with serrated knives over each knuckle of his left hand  put his face near the officers partially opened drivers-side window.

The officer, whom prosecutors did not name, reversed her cruiser to put space between her and Napper, got out and stood behind her open car door, the statement said.

Prosecutors said the officer repeatedly ordered Napper to drop the knife but Napper ignored the command and banged on the hood of the cruiser.

The officer drew her weapon and again told Napper to drop the knife, according to prosecutors. Napper replied,I will kill you out here and moved quickly toward her before the officer fired one shot, the statement said.

Prosecutors said they found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer used excessive force under the circumstances.

 Justin Wm. Moyer

Man arrested in 2015 fatal shooting

A man was arrested and charged with murder Thursday in a 2015 shooting, D.C. police said.

About 1:40 p.m. Dec. 9, officers responded to the report of a shooting in the 3500 block of East Capitol Street SE, D.C. police said in a statement. There, they found 23-year-old Michael Tyrone Jones Jr., of Southeast, dead of multiple gunshot wounds, police said.

On Thursday, members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 32-year-old Kenneth Bellamy II, of Southeast, according to the statement. Bellamy was charged with first-degree murder while armed in Joness shooting, police said.

 Justin Wm. Moye

VirgiNIA

Official accused of stealing student lunch money

A Fairfax County Public Schools official has been charged with embezzling a large sum of money intended for student lunches at an elementary school, police said.

Fadwa Sarsaur, 51, of Alexandria, is facing three counts of embezzlement for allegedly taking the money from several different lunch accounts at Baileys Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences in Falls Church over three years, police said. Police did not say how much was taken.

The investigation began June 16 after a food-services manager discovered discrepancies in accounting records. Sarsaur turned herself in to the Fairfax County jail Friday.

 Justin Jouvenal
D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, left, at a news conference Thursday, praised detectives on the case, as well as the Gun Recovery Unit. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Police early Friday arrested a 17-year-old who they say threatened to shoot up his ex-girlfriends high school in Greenbelt using an AK-47 assault weapon that authorities said was found in his District home, along with 180 rounds of ammunition.

He had been sought since June 14, when the ex-girlfriend reported the threats she received via text messages on her cellphone, according to court records. The search warrant application filed by D.C. police says the teen threatened to come to Eleanor Roosevelt High School and shoot it up and made a threat of mass violence when he told her that he was going to kill her along with anyone inside the school.

Several parents of Roosevelt students said they were unaware of the alleged threat until they saw media reports Friday. The school system said the principal, Reginald McNeill, sent a letter home to parents three days after the suspect had threatened to carry out the attack.

Paul Dynan, who lives within walking distance of the school and will have a student there next year, said the notification came too late for parents to take precautions.

It seems that lives are lost when this kind of information is sat on, Dynan said. I get more notices home about head lice than about a guy with an actual AK-47 and an ax to grind.

D.C. Police arrested a 17-year-old on June 24 who they say was planning to shoot up Eleanor Roosevelt High School, his ex-girlfriends high school in Greenbelt, Md. (WUSA)

Prince Georges County school officials said two Greenbelt police officers and two county police officers were at the school on the final two days of classes  June 17 and June 20  to provide additional security. They said that the principal sent a letter about the threat to parents June 20.

The letter advised parents that an individual that does not attend the school said the threat would be carried out on June 17. Please be assured the threat was not carried out. Greenbelt City Police conducted an investigation.

Roosevelt, with a magnet program in math, science and technology, is regarded by many as a top high school in Prince Georges County. It has 2,500 students, and while its seniors had already graduated before June 17, other students were in school for most of that week. June 17, a Friday, and the following Monday were early dismissal days.

[D.C. police chief says mass shooting averted with quick detective work]

The suspect, who is not being named because he is a juvenile, was being detained in the District on Friday awaiting extradition to Maryland, where court documents say he faces charges that include making threats of mass violence. He has not yet been charged in connection with the weapon. A D.C. police spokesman said detectives are still investigating links between the seized AK-47 and the young suspect.

Police also said that, in addition to the mass-violence charge, the teen has been charged in arrest warrants issued in Prince Georges County with possession of child pornography. Authorities alleged that he posted pictures of his ex-girlfriend in a sex act on public Internet forums because she would not date him again.

D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, speaking Thursday, praised detectives on the case. If anybody thinks for one second that the actions of the Gun Recovery Unit didnt save countless lives, youre making a mistake, she said.

The search warrant application says the young womans mother contacted Greenbelt police on June 14. In one text message, according to police, the teen wrote to his ex-girlfriend that he has guns and that she has seen his guns and knows he has them and will use them on her. In another, police said he threatened to come to her house on June 17 and beat the door down and kill her family.

Greenbelt police contacted authorities in the District, who interviewed the young woman and obtained a search warrant for the young mans apartment in the Kenilworth neighborhood of Northeast Washington. Police at the high school in Greenbelt also were notified.

The ex-girlfriend told police that she had been in that apartment in Kenilworth and had seen a handgun, kept under a couch cushion in the living room, that her then-boyfriend would carry it around the house showing off. The woman said that she saw a larger firearm in the teens bedroom.

The search warrant return filed in court says that police searched the apartment June 16 and found the assault rife, ammunition, spent shell casings ejected from weapons that had been fired, false identification cards, marijuana and a pellet gun.

Lynh Bui and Jennifer Jenkins contributed to this report.
A Fairfax County schools official has been charged with embezzling a large sum of money intended for student lunches at an elementary school, police said.

Fadwa Sarsaur, 51, of Alexandria, is facing three counts of embezzlement for allegedly taking the money from several lunch accounts over a three-year period at Baileys Elementary School in Falls Church, police said. Police did not disclose the amount of money taken.

Fadwa Sarsaur (Fairfax County Police Department)

The investigation began on June 16 after a manager in food services discovered discrepancies in accounting records. Sarsaur turned herself into the Fairfax County jail on Friday.
A Herndon man who authorities said could be armed and in emotional distress was found dead on Saturday, Fairfax County police said. Foul play is not suspected in the mans death.

Police had been searching for Kenneth R. Hirsch since last Wednesday when he was reported missing.

Hirsch left home on around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday in the 1400 block of Kingstream Drive around 4:45 p.m. His dog was with him.

Police said Hirsch may be experiencing emotional distress and be in possession of a firearm, police said. They warned he should not be approached.
Brendon Jennings Cordova, 19, of Vienna, was arrested and faces charges of sexual battery for allegedly touching the buttocks of an 11-year-old girl at a Target in Farifax County. (Courtesy of Fairfax County Police)

Fairfax County police arrested a 19-year-old Vienna man on sexual battery charges for allegedly touching the buttocks of an 11-year-old girl in a Target department store on June 18, officials said.

Authorities charged Brendon Jennings Cordova with three counts of aggravated sexual battery after he turned himself into authorities on Thursday. Police had been searching for a man who reportedly fondled the girl inside the store in the 2900 block of District Avenue about 5 p.m.

The girl told her father after they returned home, and he reported the incident to police. Security video from the store confirmed the girls account, police said.

Police continue to investigate to determine whether there are other victims in the case and ask the public to contact them with any information.
Alexandria police said they are investigating the death of a person in an area on King Street.

Few details were immediately available and the persons name was not released.

On Twitter, police called the incident a sudden death investigation and said it occurred in the parking lot of a Safeway grocery store in the 3500 block of King Street.

Crystal Nosal, a spokeswoman for Alexandria police, said in an email that the medical examiner is now handling the case. She said there was nothing overtly suspicious about the death.
Federal public defender Paresh Patels office is crowded with hundreds of petitions filed for inmates seeking early release because of a Supreme Court decision last year. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Hundreds if not thousands of federal prisoners are likely to have their sentences shortened  and in some cases get immediate release  due to one of the final opinions written by Justice Antonin Scalia.

Scalias little-noticed opinion focused on one phrase in federal law but has created uncertainty and upheaval for judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys facing a pile of prisoner requests to have their cases reviewed.

Federal inmates have until Sunday to try to challenge their prison terms after the Supreme Court labeled 12 words in the criminal code unconstitutionally vague in an opinion announced by Scalia last June, eight months before his death.

The ruling eliminated a section of law that prosecutors relied on to seek stiffer penaltiesfor defendants they said were especially dangerous. Defense attorneys had decried the wording because it was used to brand too many defendants as violent.

U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein in Maryland has had to hire two new attorneys to help respond to the hundreds of petitions from federal inmates seeking early release. (Michel du Cille/The Washington Post)

This wave of sentencing appeals across the country coincides with separate efforts by reform advocates to roll back decades of lengthy, mandatory prison terms created during the nations war on drugs. President Obama has commuted the sentences of nearly 350 people.

[Lack of resources, bureaucratic tangles have slowed Obamas clemency effort]

Unlike the low-level, nonviolent inmates the administration has targeted for clemency, prosecutors such as U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein in Maryland are concerned the new court ruling will lead to the early release of truly violent people. It also could be painful for victims families if sentences imposed years ago unravel.

The finality for the families that we thought came with the appellate process is no more, said assistant U.S. Attorney Debbie Dwyer, who is overseeing hundreds of sentencing petitions in Rosensteins office. We dont know when it will end. This makes the process seem endless.

Rosenstein has hired two lawyers to help respond to requests to revisit more than 580 old cases, including one involving the kidnapping and murder of three women in Prince Georges County in 1996. He worries about the diversion of resources from prosecuting crime in Baltimore, which recorded nearly 350 homicides in 2015.

For defense attorneys, the courts decision provides a new avenue to challenge lengthy sentences for prisoners who received severe penalties for nonviolent offenses, such as resisting arrest.

It was a dumping ground, said Amy Baron-Evans of the Sentencing Resource Counsel Project of federal public defenders. It ended up sweeping in crimes that no one would think of as being violent.

Filings from inmates are piling up in judicial chambers throughout the country. In Atlanta, one judge took the unusual step this spring of flagging the names of 110 prisoners from her district eligible to refile for shorter sentences to alert them to the deadline this month  one year from the date the Supreme Court decision was handed down.

In Richmond last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, which covers Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, received more than 500 filings for sentence reviews, according to the clerks office. In the same period last year, there were 18.

More than 350 petitions have been filed in the 8th Circuit in St. Louis since May, contributing to a record number of filings in a single month.

The law at the heart of the opinion was passed in the 1980s to toughen existing punishments for felons with guns.

The typical sentence for a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years. But in 1984, Congress passed the Armed Career Criminal Act, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years, to enable prosecutors to try to get people with guns and a history of violence off the streets by ratcheting up sentences.

The 8-to-1 Supreme Court opinion last year struck one piece of the act that the court said led to inconsistent, arbitrary enforcement and did not provide fair notice to defendants about which types of crime qualify as violent felonies. The phrase refers to conduct that presents a serious potential risk of physical injury to another.

That vague clause, the court said, leaves grave uncertainty about how to estimate the risk posed by a crime.

The courts opinion cleared the way for inmates sentenced under the act to have their prison terms trimmed by at least five years. Prisoners are not asking for new trials but for another shot at sentencing by a federal judge.

Isaac Edwards was one of them.

In 2010, Edwards made a run for it after police caught a whiff of marijuana coming from his car during a routine traffic stop in Baltimore. Police nabbed him after a brief chase, then discovered a gun in a black handbag in the back seat. Edwards was charged as a felon in possession of a firearm.

To have Edwards face the mandatory 15-year prison term, prosecutors needed to show he met certain requirements. A defendant has to have three previous convictions for serious drug offenses or for violent felonies, or a combination of the two.

The law cites some specific crimes that qualify: burglary, arson and extortion. Other crimes qualify if the offense involves the attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against a person.

But the Supreme Court struggled during four earlier cases to offer better guidance to lower courts on what types of crimes counted under the law, finding that attempted burglary, for instance, was covered, but not drunken driving.

By the time Edwards was picked up after the traffic stop, he had two state drug convictions. The third strike against Edwards, now 31, was running from the police after being approached for loitering near a public housing unit in Baltimore in 2005.

Prosecutors argued that he should get the 15-year term because fleeing in the 2005 case amounted to conduct presenting a serious potential risk of physical injury as outlined in the problematic part of the law.

If a prosecutor really wants to slam a guy with a long record, they have an interest in portraying any and every part of that history as qualifying, said Douglas A. Berman, an Ohio State University law professor who writes the Sentencing Law and Policy blog.

Defense attorneys say its been used in a technical way, he said, to get those who didnt deserve to get slammed.

Edwardss attorneys challenged his sentence under the courts new interpretation. Instead of serving a mandatory 15 years, a federal judge in Baltimore cut Edwardss sentence in half. He will be released in December, his attorney said, after serving seven years.

The language overturned by the Supreme Court in the criminal code echoes in other parts of the justice system.

Nearly identical words about career offenders appear in federal sentencing guidelines, which use a formula to give judges a recommended range of possible prison time for the defendants who come before them.

Federal public defenders and the U.S. Justice Department agree that the Supreme Court ruling negates those words in the guidelines for defendants sentenced since Scalias 2015 opinion.

The Supreme Court separately is being asked to settle a dispute about whether inmates punished before the 2015 opinion should have another chance at sentencing.

The Justice Department says they should not, according to the governments court filings. The judges who handed down those prison terms were not bound to a particular mandatory sentence and imposed what they thought were appropriate punishments that should stand, the government says.

To the public defenders, that position is at odds with the Obama administrations advocacy for clemency. If the court rules that the decision does apply retroactively to the guidelines, another 6,000 federal inmates sentenced between 1992 and 2015 could ask to have their prison time cut, according to an estimate from the public defenders sentencing project.

Prosecutors say the sky is going to fall and all of these violent people are going to be let out, said federal public defender Paresh Patel, who is handling appeals for the Maryland office. People are not getting a windfall. They were wrongly sentenced as career offenders.

Justice Department spokesman Patrick Rodenbush said the administrations position is fully consistent with its clemency efforts. The guidelines apply only to individuals convicted of specific crimes of violence and are wholly distinct from grants of clemency to drug offenders who have been vetted for public safety concerns.

Prosecutors worry about the ripple effects of Scalias opinion. Inmates and their lawyers argue that the courts decision to eliminate words in one law should stick to other areas of law with parallel language. These filings raise new questions about what types of crimes meet the technical definition of a crime of violence and how judges assess a persons criminal past.

In response to the Supreme Courts decision, attorneys for Dustin John Higgs in May asked the 4th Circuit for permission to challenge his death sentence.

Higgs was sentenced in 2001 for ordering the murders of three young women in Beltsville. The women were shot to death on a desolate stretch of federal land near the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Higgs was convicted of using a firearm during a crime of violence  in this case kidnapping and murder.

Higgss attorneys are not saying he is innocent but that the court ruling means the firearms convictions are void because, without the problematic language, murder and kidnapping now fail to categorically qualify as crimes of violence. 

In their court filing, Higgss attorneys say that murder and kidnapping can be accomplished without the intentional use, attempted use or threatened use of violent physical force.

Prosecutors say Higgs will not be released from prison any time soon because he will still be subject to the nine death sentences he received on the murder and kidnapping convictions, which are separate from the firearms charge.

Even if Higgs does not personally benefit, prosecutors say, a new interpretation in his case could upend plea agreements with others facing similar firearms counts. The uncertainty is already changing the way prosecutors draw up and negotiate charges.
Rachel Cox was killed in 1983 on New Year's Eve. (Family photo via U.S. Attorney's Office)

A Woodbridge, Va., man was found guilty Friday of first-degree murder in the 1983 New Years Eve murder of a Washington woman.

After three days of deliberations, a D.C. Superior Court jury found 58-year-old Joseph A. Barber guilty in the slaying of Rachel Cox, 43, in her apartment in the 3300 block of Sixth Street SE.

During the seven-day trial, prosecutors argued Barber  a convicted sex offender  forced his way inside Coxs home, sexually assaulted her and then stabbed her 12 times as Coxs then-18-year-old daughter was out celebrating New Years Eve with friends.

[Trial in 1983 New Years Eve slaying hinges on DNA evidence]

The cold case, which was reopened in 2013, was challenging for prosecutors. There were no eyewitnesses and no murder weapon found. Prosecutors, however, had Barbers DNA from Coxs body. That DNA, which was tested in 2013, led authorities to Barber.

Barbers attorney argued that his client was innocent and that the DNA of at least three other men that was also found at the crime scene indicated someone else killed Cox.

In 1984, months after Coxs death, Barber was convicted in the rape of a 10-year-old girl who lived near Cox. He spent 19 years in prison.

Barber is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 20 by Judge Robert E. Morin and faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years to life.
David Thatcher, on the far right, and the crew of the Ruptured Duck, one of 16 bombers that took part in the Doolittle Raid on Japan in 1942. (U.S. Air Force)

Growing up during the Depression, one of 10 children born to a dairy farmer in southern Montana, David Thatcher dreamed of leaving home and seeing the Pacific Northwest. After seeing a plane fly high overhead one day, he decided that aviation was his ticket out of town.

Mr. Thatcher joined the Army Air Corps in 1940, fresh out of high school, and one year later, after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and pushed the United States into World War II, he volunteered for a top-secret mission that sent him far past the Northwest  on an aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet, headed straight for the coast of Japan.

On April 18, 1942, then-Cpl. Thatcher was one of 80 aviators who participated in a daring daylight air raid on Tokyo and other cities, bombing factories, munitions depots and other targets in an effort to retaliate for Japans Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Led by Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, a former test pilot and engineer, the so-called Doolittle Raid brought Americans back from the brink of despair following four months of bitter defeats in Hawaii, Guam, Wake Island and the Philippines.

Mr. Thatcher, a gunner who was awarded the Silver Star for helping his four crewmates survive after their plane crash-landed off the coast of China following the Tokyo bombing run, died June 22 at a hospital in Missoula, Mont. He was 94.

The cause was complications from a stroke, said a son, Jeff Thatcher. Mr. Thatchers death leaves Richard Cole, 100, who served as Doolittles co-pilot, as the sole surviving member of the raid.

Staff Sgt. David Thatcher and Lt. Col. Richard Cole, the last two survivors of the Doolittle Raid, were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2015 in a ceremony at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (Gary Landers/AP)

James Scott, a journalist and the author of Target Tokyo (2015), a history of the operation over Japan, said the 16 B-25 bombers that Doolittle commanded that day carried out what was primarily a morale-boosting attack that did only a pinprick of damage to the enemys war capabilities.

However, it spurred Japanese commanders to go on the offensive against U.S. forces. The result, when the Japanese navy attacked at the Battle of Midway two months later, was a decisive American victory that shifted the balance of power in the war back to the United States, Scott said.

Mr. Thatcher and his crewmates on the Ruptured Duck, as they nicknamed their plane, were supposed to drop their bombs on Tokyo and continue on to China, where they would land on a gravel runway in the mountains before regrouping with American forces. The Doolittle Raiders were forced to take off 650 nautical miles off the coast of Japan  and about 170 miles farther than planned  because the Hornet was spotted by Japanese boats that reported the carriers position over the radio.

Led by pilot Ted Lawson, the Ruptured Duck struck a steel mill and other factories before continuing on to China. Low on fuel, flying through rain and darkness, Lawson attempted an emergency beach landing on a Japanese-occupied island just off the Chinese coast.

The plane clipped a wave on its way down and flipped, throwing Mr. Thatchers crewmates through the nose of the plane and onto the beach. All four were severely injured; Mr. Thatcher, stationed in the planes rear, was briefly knocked unconscious and escaped with little more than a bump on the head.

If they hadnt been thrown out, they would have been killed, as the whole front end of the plane was smashed, he later told the Billings Gazette. There was no medical help whatever, and I was the only one able to walk.

The 20-year-old Mr. Thatcher gathered the crew and, assisted at times by local fishermen and villagers who discovered the crew shortly after the crash, bandaged their wounds, including a deep gash on Lawsons left leg.

Mr. Thatcher was awarded the Silver Star for helping to save the lives of his four crew members following a crash-landing off the coast of China. (U.S. Air Force)

Pursued by Japanese soldiers, Mr. Thatcher and some of the Chinese villagers used improvised stretchers and chairs to ferry the wounded airmen across the island and by boat to the mainland. A group of Chinese guerrillas helped them reach a hospital, where Lawsons leg was amputated.

In 1943, Lawson wrote a best-selling account of the raid and crash-landing, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, that was made into a popular film of the same name one year later. Mr. Thatcher was portrayed by Robert Walker, with Van Johnson playing Lawson and Spencer Tracy starring as Doolittle.

Mr. Thatcher later flew 26 bombing missions over North Africa and Europe before retiring at the rank of staff sergeant in 1945. In addition to the Silver Star, his decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross and five awards of the Air Medal.

David Jonathan Thatcher was born in Rapelje, Mont., on July 31, 1921, and grew up on a ranch near the town of Absarokee. His father distributed dairy products in Billings, Mont.

Mr. Thatcher moved to Missoula after retiring from the military, working as a clerk and then a letter carrier for the Postal Service until his retirement in 1980.

In addition to his wife of 70 years, the former Margaret Dawn Goddard, survivors include three children; two sisters; one brother; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Doolittle was awarded the Medal of Honor, the militarys highest award for valor, for leading the Tokyo raid. He died in 1993.

Although Mr. Thatcher and the rest of his crew survived the raid, the operation came at a cost. All 16 bombers were lost. One airman was killed while bailing out over China, and two others drowned while trying to escape capture by the Japanese. Of eight aviators captured in China, three were executed and five were given life sentences. One died of starvation.

And in retaliation for assisting U.S. forces, the Japanese killed an estimated 250,000 civilians in eastern China following the raid.

Mr. Thatcher participated in reunions for the surviving members of the Raiders nearly every year, and in 2015 he and Cole, the other surviving Raider, were recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal.

In 2011, Mr. Thatcher told Nebraskas Lincoln Journal Star that he never expected the bombing run to acquire the recognition it did. We didnt think it was important then, he said. We thought it was just another mission.
Having a battery of medical tests may seem like a good idea  it seems as though your doctor is leaving no stone unturned in the quest for hidden disease. And getting the right test at the right time can be lifesaving.

But undergoing testing that you dont need not only is a waste of time and money but also can cause harm. It can expose you to radiation, cause unnecessary anxiety and lead to expensive follow-up tests and treatments that themselves carry risks, sometimes even more so than the disease youre screening for, says Tanveer Mir, chair of the Board of Regents of the American College of Physicians.

Here are five examples of common tests that are done more often than necessary.

[A $10,000 blood test?!? Yes, really.]

Stress tests for heart disease

Why you usually dont need one: Many people get the test  also called a treadmill or exercise test  as part of their routine checkup. But if youre at low risk, the tests, which involve having you walk on a treadmill while connected to an electrocardiogram to measure your heart health, arent recommended. And they can produce misleading results that may require further testing, says Mark Creager, president of the American Heart Association and director of the Heart and Vascular Center at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, N.H.

When its warranted: An exercise stress test may be necessary if you have symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, or if your doctor determines that youre at increased risk of a heart attack because of high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking or other risk factors.

[Doctors estimate $6.8 billion in unnecessary medical tests]

Chest X-rays before surgery

Why you usually dont need one: Many hospitals routinely order pre-surgery X-rays. But for low-risk patients, those tests find something that requires your surgeon or anesthesiologist to change your care only about 2 percent of the time, according to a study published last year in JAMA Internal Medicine. In most cases, a medical history and physical exam will give your doctors all of the information they need.

When its warranted: A chest X-ray before surgery is necessary if you have a history of heart or lung disease, or symptoms of those conditions. You should also have a chest X-ray if youre older than 70 and havent had one in the past six months or if youre having surgery on your heart, lungs or any other part of your chest.

CT scans for headaches and concussions

Why you usually dont need one: If youre suffering from a bad headache or you hit your head hard, getting a CT scan  which combines multiple X-ray images to create 3-D images  may seem to make sense. But the test is often not needed.

In fact, 1 in 3 CT scans for minor head injuries arent useful, according to a 2015 study. Concussions cant be seen on a CT scan, explains the lead author, Edward Melnick, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Yale University.

In addition, 1 in 8 visits to a doctor for a headache or migraine leads to a CT or MRI scan, according to a 2014 study from the University of Michigans medical school. But even for people with recurring headaches, only 1 to 3 percent of scans finds a significant abnormality.

When its warranted: In most cases, a neurological exam that includes questions about the injury and symptoms can determine whether you or your child has had a concussion. Expect a CT scan only after a car crash, a fall from a bike when youre not wearing a helmet, or another serious accident, or if you have worrisome symptoms, such as confusion, loss of consciousness, weakness or tingling on one side of the body or loss of hearing or vision.

For headaches, imaging tests may be appropriate if you have unusual symptoms or an abnormal neurological exam or if your doctor cant diagnose the problem based on your symptoms.

[Liquid biopsy study offers hope for a blood test to find cancer]

Carotid artery ultrasounds

Why you usually dont need one: Pitched as a simple, painless way to assess your risk of a stroke, the test checks for clogging in the carotid arteries, which are on either side of your neck. But among people who dont have any symptoms, fewer than 2 percent of those who have blockages of those arteries end up having a stroke.

The test doesnt expose people to radiation, but it often suggests that they have a blockage when in fact they dont, according to a 2014 review in Annals of Internal Medicine.

When its warranted: The benefits of the test outweigh the risks if you have a history of stroke or mini-stroke (also known as a transient ischemic attack), which is often marked by sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face or difficulty speaking or understanding.

Pelvic exams for women

Why you usually dont need one: Theres no good evidence that pelvic exams help detect ovarian cancer or allow doctors to ease benign problems such as fibroids or cysts by treating them earlier, according to a 2015 review in JAMA Internal Medicine. On the other hand, they can make women feel uncomfortable and anxious  and slightly increase the risk of unnecessary surgery. For that reason, the American College of Physicians no longer recommends routine pelvic exams.

When its warranted: A pelvic exam may be necessary if youre experiencing possible warning signs of ovarian cancer, fibroids or cysts, such as unusual vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding, persistent bloating, pelvic pain, discomfort during sex or urinary problems such as leakage or incontinence. Even if you dont need a full pelvic exam, most women do need to undergo routine screening for cervical cancer.

Copyright 2016. Consumers Union of United States Inc.


A trap holds mosquitoes at the Dallas County Mosquito Lab in Hutchins, Tex. The trap had been set up near the location of a confirmed Zika virus infection. (L.M. Otero/AP)

Communities across the country are preparing for the arrival of the Zika virus, but they arent preparing equally.

One county is ready to leap into action with a fleet of helicopters and planes to spray for disease-transmitting mosquitoes. Others facing a similar risk of the disease cant afford much more than educational coloring books. Some localities have signed up private contractors to wage war on disease-carrying mosquitoes. For others, the only line of defense is an overworked parks employee responsible for all kinds of maintenance  Chuck in the truck, as one expert put it.

As the mosquito season kicks into full swing, the story playing out across the country is one of haves and have-nots. With no aid in sight from the federal government, local officials are preparing as best they can for the possibility that Zika could soon spread within the United States. But the task has fallen to a patchwork of state and local programs that have a huge disparity in financial resources and manpower.

In Lee County, Florida, the countrys best-funded mosquito control authority plans to mobilize its fleet of helicopters, airplanes and on-the-ground workers over a one-square-mile area wherever a Zika case surfaces.

In Alabama and New Mexico, officials are handing out hundreds of thousands of mosquito-themed coloring books to schoolchildren, hoping to teach them and their families how to avoid the mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus.

In South Dakota and a few other states, authorities are collecting and shredding mountains of old tires, a favorite breeding ground for the mosquitoes that spread Zika.

[As the mosquito season arrives, is the U.S. ready for Zika?]

Places with ample funding, such as New York City, have extensive efforts underway to control the mosquitoes that carry the virus and respond aggressively should the disease begin to spread locally. Yet many areas of the South and Southwest  which are at far higher risk of Zika because they are home to the diseases primary mosquito vector  have so few dollars that they are relying largely on a mixture of public education and good luck.



A flier is left on the doorknob of a home by an inspector from the Miami-Dade County mosquito control department on June 21. The department was responding to complaints about mosquitoes by a resident in a neighborhood. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

Zika infections are especially dangerous for pregnant women, putting their fetuses at risk of developing severe birth defects, including microcephaly, in which the brain fails to grow properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring at least 265 pregnant women with Zika infections in the continental United States, and that number is expected to grow. Eight U.S. pregnancies have already resulted in birth defects.

[What happened to the babies of six women infected with Zika in the U.S.]

So far, the Zika cases detected in the United States are in people who contracted the virus while traveling or whose sexual partners were infected abroad. Infected people have the potential to pass the virus to others through mosquitoes; infected men also can pass it to their sexual partners.

The Obama administration asked Congress for $1.9 billion in emergency funding to fight Zika four months ago. On Thursday, lawmakers failed again to reach agreement before the House adjourned until July 5. House Republicans approved a $1.1 billion package that received no Democratic support because funding would be partially paid for by cuts to the Affordable Care Act and shifting money from funds set aside to fight Ebola. The legislation also would prevent any Zika funding from being sent to Planned Parenthood.

The White House accused Republicans of putting politics ahead of the health and safety of Americans, particularly pregnant women and their babies.

This plan from congressional Republicans is four months late and nearly a billion dollars short of what our public health experts have said is necessary to do everything possible to fight the Zika virus, and steals funding from other health priorities, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said late Wednesday. The plans limits on birth control services for women in the United States and Puerto Rico, he said, is a clear indication that they dont take seriously the threat from the Zika virus or their responsibility to protect Americans.

[Bipartisan talks on Zika break down ahead of July 4 recess]

The CDC plans to send rapid-response teams at the states request to any community on the mainland or Hawaii where the virus begins to spread locally. The expert teams will help state and local authorities monitor cases, perform lab tests and plan for mosquito control.



Robert Muxo of the Miami-Dade County mosquito control department takes a sample of water that was standing in a potted bromeliad on June 21, 2016. Larvae from the Aedes aegypti mosquito was detected in the sampling. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

But for the most part, mosquito control remains the responsibility of local authorities.

CDC Director Tom Frieden said he was encouraged by the dedication of communities around the country aiming to educate the public and reduce the risk of infection.

But not having the [federal] funding hinders states, cities and counties and makes it harder to protect pregnant women, he said. CDC is scraping together funds to meet immediate needs  but this is no way to fight an epidemic.

And while the risk of outbreaks might be low, the consequences could be devastating, Frieden said. You are now in a situation where you could be sitting on your patio somewhere in the U.S. South and you get a mosquito bite and your life changes, he said.

Even if federal funding materializes, it may be too late, some public health experts warn.

[Heres what the CDC plans to do when Zika hits here]

Without additional resources, the already-depleted health departments in many states and localities arent actively looking for infections in humans, said Peter Hotez, a tropical disease expert at Baylor University.

There may be cases appearing that are not getting diagnosed, he said. Right now, if things dont change, Im worried we wont realize weve had a Zika epidemic until months from now, when we start seeing microcephaly cases on obstetric wards.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Zika virus and its spread across North and South America. (Daron Taylor,Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post)

The CDC has warned that local transmission is most likely to occur in areas that have reported cases of dengue or chikungunya in the past, two viruses related to Zika and spread by the same mosquito  the Aedes aegypti.

In Alabama, one of the states considered at high risk, officials have expanded testing capacity at state labs. Some counties have exemplary vector control programs, said Jim McVay, who oversees health promotion and chronic disease for the state public health department. But particularly in the rural counties, you have almost none.

That poses practical problems for communities with few public employees.

Are you going to pick up the garbage on the street three days a week, or have somebody go out and spray tonight? Because you cant do both, McVay said.

The state has also tried to recruit citizens to eliminate standing water around their homes, in part by sending out educational Skeeter Beaters coloring books to children in third grade and under.

In New Mexicos Dona Ana County, a sprawling farming community across the border from Ciudad Juarez in Mexico, officials also are relying on a Spanish-

English coloring book that features Keeko the mosquito bandido. More than 12,000 copies have been distributed to grade-school children.

New York City, with far greater resources, developed an extensive plan to fight Zika even though the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have never been documented there. But the CDC estimates that the mosquito has a potential range north of the city, and Aedes albopictus, the other mosquito that can transmit Zika, is present.

New York established a Zika call center that approves testing requests from health-care providers; selected 21 primary-care clinics and emergency departments as sentinel sites to look for locally acquired cases; and used geospatial analysis to identify neighborhoods where pregnant women may be at high risk, because people travel frequently to Zika-affected countries. The city has distributed thousands of Zika testing information cards, and the city subways carry travel warning messages.

The Lee County, Florida, independent mosquito control district has an annual operating budget of more than $16 million. That includes four planes, 11 helicopters and scores of spray trucks. That arsenal is primarily to combat the nuisance mosquitoes that populate the countys salt marshes. But if Zika arrives, officials plan to use every tool at their disposal to eliminate the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in a one-square-mile radius around where an infection occurs.

We want to keep it where there is no local transmission; thats our goal, said Shelly Redovan, a spokewoman for the countys mosquito control district.

Aedes aegypti was behind deadly yellow-fever outbreaks during the 19th century in New Orleans, Hampton Roads in Virginia and Memphis. In the early 20th century, fighting the mosquito, primarily throughout the South, became a priority of the federal government.

But as yellow fever was largely eradicated in the United States and the use of air conditioning and window screens became widespread, it became more of a nuisance than a public concern.

The Aedes aegypti hasnt been an issue for the past century, said Joe Conlon, technical adviser for the American Mosquito Control Association and a former U.S. Navy entomologist.

In recent years, officials in many localities have been far more concerned with Culex mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.

Controlling the two types of mosquitoes is very different. Aedes aegypti fly no more than 150 yards in their lifetimes and prefer to lay eggs in man-made containers. They require an intense, boots-on-the-ground campaign to eradicate breeding habitats on individual properties. Culex mosquitoes lay eggs in lakes, ditches, gutters and neglected pools and are usually treated with spray trucks and planes over larger areas.

Many communities are facing the unenviable choice of trying to fight the mosquitoes that could cause a Zika outbreak, while also treating for the mosquitoes that spread West Nile, said Dan Markowski, of Vector Disease Control International, a private mosquito control service that contracts with numerous states and localities.

Almost no place has the resources to do both well, he said.

Dallas County, Texas, which had nearly 400 cases of West Nile in 2012, has been on the lookout for Zika, in part because the county has seen periodic cases of dengue and chikungunya. In February, Dallas reported the first sexual transmission of Zika.

Public enemy number one is still the Culex mosquito for West Nile. Thats still going to be our number one vector-borne disease here, said Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Zachary Thompson. But the fact that you have Zika with the potential for local transmission  that raises the bar.

Thompson said he and his colleagues around the country feel added pressure these days because there are growing demands and almost no new resources.

Were all stretched thin, Thompson added. There needs to be an infusion of federal dollars focused on vector-borne illnesses. It cant just be a local fight with local dollars.
TEXAS

Truce in battle over Alamo library

A group that served as guardian of the Alamo for more than a century and the Texas General Land Office reached a settlement Friday in a dispute over ownership of about 38,000 books and artifacts that had been kept at the Texas shrine.

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas filed suit in March 2015 after the agency headed by George P. Bush declared that the state owned the organizations private library collection. Bush also had announced he was ending the groups management of the downtown San Antonio landmark. The Daughters began caring for the Alamo in 1905, raised money in 1945 to build the library and then donated it to the state.

Under terms of the agreement, the state agency drops any ownership claims to the library collection and pays $200,000 to cover the Daughters legal fees.

The collection of books, maps, flags and other artifacts used by researchers is being moved from the Alamo grounds to Texas A&Ms San Antonio campus.

The General Land Office became involved with the Alamo in 2011 at the behest of the legislature.

More than 30 people who attended an event with motivational speaker Tony Robbins have been treated for burns after walking on hot coals, Dallas fire officials said. (Michael Hamtil/AP)

 Associated Press

Dozens hurt walking on coals at seminar

More than 30 people who attended an event with motivational speaker Tony Robbins have been treated for burns after Robbins encouraged them to walk on hot coals as a way of conquering their fears, Dallas fire officials said. Five people were taken to a hospital Thursday night; the others were treated at the scene for burns to their feet and lower extremities, Dallas Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Jason Evans said.

The hot coals were spread outside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center as part of a four-day Robbins seminar called Unleash the Power Within. Coal-walking is a regular part of some of Robbinss seminars.

Representatives for Robbins said about 7,000 people walked across the coals and only five requested any examination beyond what was readily available on site. The fire walk is a voluntary experience, and trained medical staff is on hand, a spokeswoman for Robbins Research International said.

 Associated Press

CALIFORNIA

Wildfire in southern mountains kills 2

A wildfire roaring through mountain communities in central California has killed two people, authorities said Friday.

Kern County Fire Capt. Tyler Townsend told KBAK-TV that two residents were found dead in Lake Isabella, a popular recreation area east of Bakersfield. No details were available.

The wind-whipped fire has destroyed 80 homes in the southern Sierra Nevada and exploded to more than 29 square miles. It erupted Thursday afternoon and moved so fast that many people had little time to flee as propane tanks exploded and smoke obscured the path to safety.

 Associated Press
Riots broke out at a gay bar in New York City on June 28, 1969, launching the gay rights movement. Now it will be the first national monument in honor of gays and lesbians in the U.S. (Whitney Shefte/The Washington Post)

If anyone can be considered the foremost authority on the historic 1969 Stonewall uprising, it is Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt, and for two simple reasons:

First, Lanigan-Schmidt, a snow-bearded 68, is among the few still alive who participated in the riots that ushered in the modern gay rights movement. As he can explain, many of those rioters were gay or transgender street youth who never made it past a brutal life on those streets. And if they did, they then had to face down AIDS just over a decade later.

And second, theres proof he was there.

[The governments ban on gay blood donors isnt science, its bias]

Im the skinny white kid in the striped T-shirt, he says, looking at the photo taken by the Village Voices Fred McDarrah of a group of street youth during the second night of the riots. Lanigan-Schmidt can recall the others in the photo only by their street names. Thats Miss Boston or Miss New Orleans, I forget which. Twiggy, Black Twiggy, Missy, Besame, Drag Queen Chris.

All street kids, says Lanigan-Schmidt, now a well-regarded artist, sitting in the Hells Kitchen studio he has lived in since 1975. I dont know of anyone who is still alive.



A group of youths pose in front of the Stonewall Inn during the second night of the riots over the June 27, 1969 weekend. Thomas Tommy Lanigan-Schmidt (striped shirt) stands at the far right. (Fred W. McDarrah/Getty Images)

Now that Stonewall has been named the first LGBT-related national monument by President Obama, the National Park Service will face the unenviable task of figuring out how to portray the role those street kids and others played during the six days of unrest in Greenwich Village. It wont be easy. Still combustible 47 years later, the Stonewall uprising has a history thats led to high-profile arguments, lawsuits and protests of its very own.

[With Stonewall, Obama designates first national monument to gay rights movement]

At a public hearing about the proposed monument in the Village last month, David Carter, whose 2004 book, Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution, is regarded by many to be the most definitive account of the riots, told Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis to be scrupulously accurate.

Its important that the LGBT civil rights movement be included in legitimate and valid U.S. history and civil rights history, says Carter. And hes worried that myths, instead of proven fact, will take hold.

The broad contours of what happened early in the morning of June 28, 1969, are generally agreed on: A police raid targeted the Stonewall Inn, whose clientele was largely gay men, along with some transgender men and some lesbians. But this particular raid on the sanctuary  a common incident at a time when homosexuality was very much considered deviant behavior and illegal in 49 states  did not go according to plan. Many resisted arrest.



A police officer grabs a youth by the hair as another officer clubs a young man during a confrontation in Greenwich Village after a gay power march in New York in August 1970. (AP)

Before long, a crowd gathered outside the bar. After patrons were seen being roughed up, there were shouts, including one of gay power, and then the shouting turned physical. Police and a small group of bar patrons were trapped inside the bar as the protest grew larger and angrier, with pennies, rocks and bricks heaved at police. It was terrifying, Seymour Pine, the New York Police Department deputy who led the raid, told PBS. It was as bad as any situation that I had met in during the Army.

[Graphic: How gay rights have spread around the world over the last 224 years]

A larger team of riot officers arrived, and the police and others trapped in the bar were able to escape. But the crowd swelled into the thousands, and the battle against the police extended into the early hours, and continued off and on for five more nights.

A gay rights movement quickly gained momentum. The feeling of things being different started in the event itself, Lanigan-Schmidt says.

But exactly what happened has become hotly contested.

Last years fictionalized movie Stonewall, by director Roland Emmerich, managed to unite nearly all key LGBT groups in condemnation of the film, which imagined a clean-cut blond Indiana teen as the hero  and the spark of the whole conflagration. It was crushed by critics (The Washington Posts Ann Hornaday called it as lamentably flat-footed as it is inexcusably inauthentic), and activists accused it of whitewashing the riots by minimizing the role of transgender activists such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.

But who, exactly, deserves the credit? Could it, as a persistent theory (mildly alluded to in the Emmerich film) suggests, be Judy Garland?

In his 1997 book, The Gay Metropolis, journalist Charles Kaiser raised the prospect that a funeral service for Garland held on the first night of the riots on the citys Upper East Side inspired a grieving gay fandom to stand up to police bullies. Kaiser points out that he was careful to characterize it as a theory and not fact, though he does say that even today, he hears from people who definitely think its reasonable.

Lanigan-Schmidt is not one of them.

[Supreme Court rules gay couples nationwide have a right to marry]

There are people who connect [Garlands funeral] to the narrative of Stonewall, and youre not going to tell them it doesnt connect, so let them have it, he says. It didnt start the riot off, believe me.

Carter attacks the theory in his book, too, writing that no eyewitness account of the riots written at the time mentions Garland as an inspiration or cause. Both he and Lanigan-Schmidt point out that the street youth most responsible for the riots were more likely to be listening to rock and R&B  not Judy Garland.

Another prominent Stonewall icon has been Williamson Henderson, who founded the Stonewall Veterans Association. The group is a fixture of New Yorks annual Pride Parade, known for motoring along in the vintage blue 1969 Cadillac that Henderson claims he drove to the Stonewall on that fateful night.

Henderson says the NYPD locked both him and the car up during the first night of the riots. He, too, has his skeptics, going back at least to 2000, when journalist Duncan Osborne of the LGNY news tabloid published a critical report of Henderson and the SVA that suggested he might not have even been at the Stonewall and that there was no record of any cars being towed. (Carter also found no evidence to support any of Hendersons claims.)

Henderson sued for libel, but the case was dismissed. He brushes off the criticism today, saying, There are questions about a lot of people.

Another oft-repeated story is that violence in front of the Stonewall was sparked by police officers rough treatment of a lesbian patron being ushered out of the bar in handcuffs. Various accounts have the woman aggressively fighting back after an officer hit her with a billy club. She was giving them their moneys worth, one witness told Carter.

Many accounts from that night, including from two Village Voice reporters at the scene, credit this clash with launching the crowd into violence. But who is this mysterious woman?

She has never been identified. Many though, including LGBT activists and Kaiser in The Gay Metropolis, have suggested that woman might have been Storme DeLarverie, a well-known lesbian entertainer at the time.

The cop hit me, and I hit him back, she told Kaiser.

But she also denied to Kaiser that she sparked the riots. DeLarverie was 48; none of the reports at the time mentioned that the woman was either middle-aged or of mixed race. Carter also dismisses the possibility in his book, writing in a footnote that, among other things, DeLarverie was far too famous in that community to have gone unrecognized in such a pivotal fight.

To Lanigan-Schmidt, though, the squabbles over who was really there that night are largely beside the point. Hes simply pleased at how far things have come.



Lanigan-Schmidt discusses those historic events at his home in Manhattan. (Whitney Shefte/The Washington Post)

His own story seems pretty typical of its time: He grew up knowing he was gay and feeling like an outcast in Elizabeth, N.J., and in his Catholic family.

When I was a kid, I had the book of Catholic quotations. Its actually a very subversive book  there are more quotes from Oscar Wilde in there than just about anybody. So I asked my father, innocently enough, Who is Oscar Wilde?  he recalls. And with his eyes looking like pinwheels in hell, he says, He was a homosexual! And I couldnt understand why he was so angry.

Desperate for an escape, he took a train to the city when he was 18 and never really looked back, almost immediately getting swept up in the Village street scene. He panhandled and worked as a messenger so that he could afford an apartment and began working on his art  mixed-media sculptures often made with discarded materials he salvaged from the street.

In 2012, the Museum of Modern Art put on a retrospective of his work, Tender Love Among the Junk, at its PS1 branch, praising him for exploring gay sexuality, class struggle, and religion through a trashy opulence concocted from household items and dollar stores.

His apartment is both stuffed and orderly, with small samples of his work placed among rolls of foil and collected swatches of fabric and sequins. It has the dark shimmer of a grungy Aladdins Cave.



A man lights candles at a memorial outside the Stonewall Inn in New York for victims of the Orlando shooting. (Julie Jacobson/AP)

He has his own theory of why the raid on the Stonewall prompted such anger. It was the only place we could dance slow together, he says. For that reason alone, the Stonewall was sacred to me, he says, and believes it was for others, as well.

When police tried taking that away on that night, he says, it was one push too far.

Hes also not particularly worried about who may or may not have participated in the riots. Theres no way for me to know, he says. I cant say they werent there because there were just too many people there.

More important, Lanigan-Schmidt says, was the symbolism of people getting together and making it a masterpiece of action.

And naming the Stonewall a national monument, to him, still seems almost unimaginable. Its like me looking up the book of Catholic quotations and seeing Oscar Wildes name, he says, except now anyone looking at a list of national parks is going to see it.
AFGHANISTAN

U.S. airstrikes are a debut of broader role

The U.S. military has carried out its first airstrikes against Taliban targets in Afghanistan since President Obama authorized limited offensive operations against the insurgency this month, the Pentagon said Friday.

Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook declined to offer details on the strikes, saying only that they were in southern Afghanistan and that no U.S. forces were in the area. The new powers will allow U.S. troops to accompany conventional Afghan forces.

Obamas decision broadened U.S. support roles in Afghanistans grinding conflict more than a year after international forces wrapped up their combat mission and shifted the burden to Afghan troops.

The goal is to put greater pressure on the Taliban, which controls or contests more territory in Afghanistan than at any time since it was ousted by a U.S.-backed intervention in late 2001.

Obama, whose final term ends in January, is under pressure from former commanders and envoys to Afghanistan to forgo plans for a scheduled reduction in the number of U.S. troops to 5,500 from the current 9,800 before he leaves office.

Italian and French archaeologist team, digging in the outskirts of Pompeii, have discovered four skeletons and gold coins in the ruins of an ancient shop. (AP/AP)

 Reuters

LEBANON

Hezbollah vows to send ghters to Aleppo

Hezbollahs leader said the Lebanese militant group will be sending more fighters to Syrias Aleppo province, where pro-government forces are battling Syrian rebels on several fronts.

Hassan Nasrallah made the pledge despite the heavy losses the Shiite group has incurred in fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assads forces in war-racked Aleppo province this month.

In a speech addressing supporters to mark 40 days since the killing of top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine in Syria, Nasrallah called the fight for Syrias largest city and its province the great battle of the Syrian war.

We will increase our presence in Aleppo, he said, adding that there can be no retreat and no doubt.

Hezbollah, a Shiite group that is also part of the Lebanese government, has sent thousands of fighters to support Assads forces in the civil war next door. The conflict is now in its sixth year; more than 1,000 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in the battle.

Nasrallah said that it is natural that his fighters are involved in the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, in order to protect Lebanon.

 Associated Press

ARMENIA

Popes genocide point likely to anger Turkey

Pope Francis departed from his prepared text to use the word genocide to describe the mass killings of Armenians in 1915, a description that infuriated Turkey when he said it a year ago.

In an address to Armenias president and the diplomatic corps, Francis used the Armenian term Meds Yeghern (the great evil), but then added to his prepared text that genocide to refer to what he also called the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century.

There was no immediate reaction from Turkey, which last year recalled its ambassador to the Vatican after the pope used the term. The envoy was kept away for 10 months.

Turkey accepts that many Christian Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces during World War I, but it contests the figures and denies that the killings were systematically orchestrated and constitute a genocide. It also says many Muslim Turks perished at that time.

 Reuters

Police ofcers gun goes off in Puerto Rico park, hitting 2: Authorities say a police officer stationed at a childrens park in Anasco in western Puerto Rico is under investigation after her gun allegedly went off and wounded two teenagers. Police said an 18-year-old man was grazed by a bullet and a 14-year-old girl received burns on her neck from a bullet fragment. Authorities said that the officer reported that her gun was in her holster the entire time and that she does not know how it went off.

Skeletons, coins found in Pompeii dig: Italian and French archaeologists have discovered four skeletons and gold coins in the ruins of an ancient shop on the outskirts of Pompeii, officials said Friday. The skeletons are those of young people, including an adolescent girl, who perished in the back of the shop near the ancient Roman town when Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered it in ash in A.D. 79, said a statement from the area office of the famous archaeological site near Naples.

 From news services
Amy Studdart is a fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

On Thursday, 52 percent of my British compatriots voted to leave the European Union. Politicians and pundits seemed shocked by the result, which caused markets to tumble and cost Prime Minister David Cameron his job. But the U.K.s international ambivalence didnt come out of the blue; it was built on decades of fears and fissures. Here are some great books, a binge-worthy political drama and some really rubbish TV to help you better understand Europe and Britains role within it.

Jean Monnet: The First Statesman of Interdependence, by Francois Duchene

The founding father of the European project, Monnet was simultaneously French, British and American. Throughout the two world wars, he led the charge for a more collaborative approach among the worlds democratic leaders. In the aftermath, he traded on his contacts, reputation and intellect to build a European community that could secure permanent peace. Duchenes biography of Monnet is a masterpiece as relevant to America as it is to Europe.

This Blessed Plot: Britain and Europe From Churchill to Blair, by Hugo Young

Britain and its leaders have long struggled with the countrys European identity. Do we have a closer affinity with America and the Anglosphere, or with France, Germany and Italy? How do we balance the pride at having been the worlds superpower with being one among equals in the European project? Those questions have never definitively been answered, leaving Britain to lurch back and forth in its commitment to the E.U. This Blessed Plot, written after the launch of the euro, traces this history from Winston Churchill through Tony Blair.

Borgen

Borgen is the European equivalent of House of Cards. The show, which chronicles the rise of a fictional prime minister of Denmark, pulls off an incredible feat: It turns coalition building and compromise into political drama. Reportedly inspired by the current Danish commissioner in Brussels, Margrethe Vestager (well known in Silicon Valley for leading the E.U. crackdowns on Google and Apple), Borgen is a compelling snapshot of the art of modern European politics.

European Spring, Philippe Legrain

Even many fervent Europeanists believe that the European Union is a flawed attempt at realizing a worthwhile idea. The fear-mongering and sloganeering around the British referendum have detracted from the more substantive debate over whether the E.U. lives up to its own ideals. Legrain is a controversial figure in Brussels, having been unceremoniously banished from the corridors of the European Commission after one too many fights with his colleagues. Nonetheless, this book about Brusselss response to the euro crisis is as well-informed a critique of E.U. decision-making and its impact on European citizens as you are likely to find.

Eurovision Song Contest, 1980-2008, as hosted by Terry Wogan

Break out your cheapest vodka, gather your closest friends, and turn up the volume. If you really want to understand Europe (and Britains place within it), theres no better place to start than this competition hosted by British national hero Terry Wogan. Imagine that your entire extended family gets together once a year to sing karaoke. At the end you vote, more on the basis of long-held grudges and favor-trading than anything to do with one anothers musical gifts. Thats Eurovision. The last time we Brits won, back in 1997, Sir Terry was disappointed, as was the rest of the United Kingdom: Thats the whole point of it, of course, to sneer at the foreigners. To win was to have cared, and were above that. Honest.

Twitter: @amystuddart

Read more from Outlook and follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter.
Rosa Brooks is a professor at Georgetown University Law Center and a former Pentagon official. Her next book, How Everything Became War, will be published in August.

Appalled by the trial and execution of his mentor Socrates in 399 B.C., the Greek philosopher Plato published his own remembered (or imagined) version of Socrates final speech to the citizens of Athens. Today, Platos Apology of Socrates stands as the most famous example of the literary form that came to be known as the apologia: a text that is not, in fact, an apology at all but rather an elaborate defense.

Though it is wholly without literary pretensions, Derek Chollets The Long Game stands squarely in the tradition of Platos Apology. Chollets measured prose doesnt hide his passionate conviction that President Obama has been as much a victim of demagogic politics as Socrates ever was  though in Chollets narrative, the villains are Beltway insiders, the news media and other assorted (though mostly unnamed) critics, rather than the Athenian authorities.

Chollet, who served under Obama in several senior national security positions, is convinced that the president has redefined the purpose and exercise of American power for a new era, leaving America stronger at home and abroad. Yet his foreign policy has been dismissed as a failure, not just by his political opponents, but also . . . by much of the Democratic foreign policy establishment.

The Long Game is an extended but not wholly persuasive effort to prove the critics wrong. Obamas foreign policy, Chollet argues, reflects a far-sighted understanding of the limits and possibilities of Americas role in a complex world. Chollet distills Obamas strategic approach into a checklist consisting of eight criteria for evaluating decisions: balance, sustainability, restraint, precision, patience, fallibility, skepticism and [American] exceptionalism.

"The Long Game: How Obama Defied Washington and Redefined Americas Role in the World" by Derek Chollet (PublicAffairs)

In Chollets sympathetic recounting, even many of Obamas most seemingly glaring missteps take on the character of wise presidential efforts to project global leadership in an era of seemingly infinite demands and finite resources. Thus, Chollet devotes his first chapter to what many consider Obamas worst foreign policy debacle: his 2012 declaration that the use of chemical weapons by Syrias Assad regime would cross a red line, followed, when Assads forces used sarin nerve gas to attack a rebel-controlled area outside Damascus in August 2013, by a series of apparent volte-faces on whether, when and how the United States would respond.

Obamas red line comment was a result of thinking out loud, Chollet acknowledges, and it forced the presidents staff to scramble for ways to make it meaningful. Ultimately, he argues, the presidents August 2013 decision to use limited, precision airstrikes to destroy Syrias chemical weapons stockpiles was the right move  but events soon took an odd twist.

First, Obama  shortly after announcing his decision to launch airstrikes imminently  developed a sudden determination to seek congressional approval before moving forward. But he accompanied his request for congressional approval with a statement that he planned to strike with or without it, which won him few allies on Capitol Hill. Indeed, it soon became apparent that Congress would probably vote against the planned airstrikes, putting the president in a bind: Was he truly prepared to launch unilateral U.S. airstrikes in the face of a congressional no vote?

Just when things looked most awkward, a deus ex machina arrived onstage in the surprising form of Russian President Vladimir Putin. To the White Houses astonishment, Putins government undertook to push Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to agree to the destruction of his chemical weapons stockpiles. This led Obama to announce that U.S. airstrikes were no longer necessary, and the Syrian civil war soon reverted to the status quo ante: Assads chemical arsenal was destroyed, but conventional weapons continued to cause mass carnage on all sides.

It is not easy to make lemonade out of this one, but Chollet does his best. Had Obama gone forward with his airstrikes, he declares, the strikes would have only eliminated a small fraction of Assads chemical weapons arsenal, Islamic State forces might have seized some of the remaining weapons, and substantial numbers of American troops would have had to be deployed to Syria. Instead, Syria was persuaded to give up its chemical weapons without a bomb being dropped, an outcome that unquestionably made America safer. Obama knew he would face a barrage of criticism for defying . . . the Washington playbook,  but he remains immensely proud of this episode, which Chollet dubs an incontrovertible if inelegant example of what academics call coercive diplomacy, using the threat of force to achieve an outcome military power itself could not accomplish.

Readers may be less satisfied. After all, if military force could not have eliminated the threat of Syrian chemical weapons and might in fact have had catastrophic results, its hard to see much wisdom in Obamas initial plan to use airstrikes. Regardless, it seems rather strange to credit Obama with a purely accidental happy ending.

Chollet is an earnest and intelligent defender of the president he so clearly admires, but he doesnt have much good material to work with. The ongoing Syrian war remains a catastrophe, and Afghanistan and Libya continue to unravel. Iraq is little better: While the White House maintained a steady focus on events there, the rapid rise of the Islamic State still surprised Obamas team, as did the rapid collapse of the Iraqi Army.

Chollet is on firmest ground when he turns to Obamas progress on climate change, his initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region and his nuclear deal with Iran, all compelling examples of far-sighted diplomacy. There are more achievements he could cite, as well: the diplomatic rapprochement with Cuba, better relations with India and the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, to name but a few.

Ultimately, however, The Long Game is unconvincing. Too often, it reads rather like a White House news release. Chollet blames most criticism of Obamas foreign policy on the shallowness of Beltway insiders  though he seems to forget that Obama swept into office in 2008 with the hearty support of most of those insiders and stocked his National Security Council with more, installing Hillary Clinton at the State Department and Robert Gates at the Pentagon.

Obama has made some mistakes, Chollet acknowledges, and his conspicuously soaring rhetoric . . . sometimes left a gap between concept and action. But Chollet never really grapples with the critiques of Obamas foreign policy that come from within his own party: concerns about targeted killing, indefinite detention and the renewed drift toward U.S. military engagement in multiple Middle Eastern conflicts get virtually no mention.

All the same, theres something rather poignant about The Long Game, which is imbued, like Platos Apology, with a subtle undertone of mourning.

At times, Chollets descriptions of Obama verge on the worshipful: As a student of history, Obama is constantly aware of [the] tragic cycle between U.S. ascendancy and U.S. decline, and while he has tremendous faith in his convictions, he considers his accomplishments with a hint of . . . modesty. Yet somehow this paragon of presidential virtue  this brilliant man who prizes deliberation, is comfortable with complexity and nuance and resists knee-jerk responses  ended up with precious few champions.

Chollet, loyal to the last, does his best to convince readers that Obamas critics have gotten it all wrong  but much of the time, he seems most anxious to convince himself.
The June 20 front-page article Doctors urge use of HPV vaccine  cited oncologists advocating greater use of the human papillomavirus vaccine. Transmission of HPV is nearly always by genital contact, so equating failure to advocate HPV vaccination, as one oncologist did, with failure to advocate for colonoscopies is rubbish. As far as we know, colon cancer is not communicable. Cancer from HPV, however, follows a voluntary human act.

In addition, the number of cervical cancers projected to be prevented by the vaccine is exactly that: a projection. Even the Gardasil 9 vaccine, which covers nine strains of HPV , does not claim to prevent all cancer-causing viruses, nor do we know how long immunity will last. It may be that periodic boosters will be advised, but all is conjecture at this point.

What is also conjecture is the presumption that the entire population would engage in promiscuous sexual behavior, thus needing population-wide protection similar to vaccination against airborne and water-borne diseases. Promotion of contraception and HPV vaccination helps to make this a self-fulfilling prophecy just when the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Report found a drop in sexual activity among youths.

Hanna Klaus, Bethesda

The writer is founder of the Teen STAR Program and the Natural Family Planning

Center of Washington.
Oh, God  and I mean the entreaty seriously  the Trump/evangelical summit in New York was just as bad as some of us feared.

More than 900 conservative Christian leaders, put in a susceptible mood by a prayer guide (Acknowledge any personal feelings that would keep you from honoring Mr. Trump for his participation), witnessed Donald Trump field some softball questions. This was reassuring enough to reward him with a standing ovation and positive buzz. Trump can now (accurately) assume that these clerics and activists wont be giving him much more trouble.

Many participants insist they havent yet given Trump their endorsement. The whole event, however, was taken  by the media, public and Trump campaign itself  as an evangelical Christian stamp of approval. Seldom has a group seemed more eager to be exploited.

No one, remarkably, asked Trump to explain the moral theory that has guided his gyrations on the abortion issue  from supporter of partial-birth abortion to advocate of punishment for women who have abortions. That, presumably, would have been impolite. And few were offended when Trump used the occasion to question Hillary Clintons faith. Shes been in the public eye for years and years, he said, and yet theres no  theres nothing out there. It is like watching a man insult a mirror.

In the course of the event, Trump promised to nominate judges whom evangelicals would favor; to change laws that restrict church involvement in partisan politics; and to foster a cultural ethos that allows the unapologetic usage of Merry Christmas. You get racism, misogyny, torture and an authoritarian as commander in chief, one evangelical leader wrote me, but youll get to hear Merry Christmas in stores. Now thats the art of the deal.

Donald Trump won South Carolina's presidential primary with strong evangelical support. Yet evangelicals remain bitterly divided, as many question his stance on social issues ranging from abortion to gay marriage. (Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post)

There is a case for reluctant support of Trump over Clinton  a weak one, I think, but embraced by some serious people. Yet this event was not the tortured search for partial truths in a fallen world. It was a sad parody of Christian political involvement, summarizing all the faults and failures of the religious right.

We were reminded, first, that many religious conservatives are a cheap political date. Chuck Colson often described how, during the Nixon administration, religious leaders (as opposed to, say, union leaders) were easily impressed and tamed by proximity to power. After Tuesdays meeting, the Christian writer Eric Metaxas, in promoting his radio show, tweeted, I WAS RIGHT THERE! Why such wide-eyed reactions from some in attendance? A panting desire for affirmation rooted in feelings of inferiority? A disorienting fear of fading cultural influence? Echoes, in embracing a billionaire, of the prosperity gospel? Whatever the motivation, the public has seen a movement content with a pat on the head and a scratch under the chin.

We are reminded, second, that much of the religious rights criticism of President Bill Clintons character was a ploy. Franklin Graham now argues that because Abraham lied, Moses disobeyed God and David committed adultery, Trump should get a pass, not just on his personal behavior but also on his deception, cruelty and appeal to bigotry. It is a non sequitur revealing the cynical subordination of faith to politics.

Third, we are seeing a group focused on the rights and privileges of their own community, rather than the welfare of others  the poor, struggling and vulnerable. Many in that room do wonderful good works. But they have reduced Christian political involvement to a narrow, special interest  and a particularly angry and unattractive one. A powerful source of passion for social justice  a faith that once motivated abolitionism and various movements for civil and human rights  has been tamed and trivialized.

It is not the first time. During the civil rights movement in the 1960s, one of the main organs of white evangelical opinion, Christianity Today, defended voluntary segregation, criticized the March on Washington as a mob spectacle and took the side of the University of Mississippi against James Meredith. While that magazine is now a vocal advocate of racial reconciliation and social justice, the bad political choices of many evangelicals at a defining moral moment still damn and damage their movement.

It is happening again. Evangelical Christian leaders, motivated by political self-interest, are cozying up to a leader who has placed bigotry and malice at the center of American politics. They are defending the rights of their faith while dishonoring its essence. Genuine social influence will not come by putting Christ back into Christmas; it will come by putting Christ and his priorities back into more Christians.

Read more from Michael Gersons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook .
Iraqi soldiers patrol the streets of Saqlawiyah, northwest of Fallujah, on June 8, during an operation to regain territory from the Islamic State. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

Seth Moulton, a Democrat, represents Massachusettss 6th congressional district in the House.

Losing a friend in war is always hard. Losing a friend to a battle we already fought and won is worse.

Thats how my close friend Lt. Col. Ehab Hashem Moshen was killed recently by the Islamic State near Fallujah  refighting a battle in Iraq that the Marine Corps fought a decade ago. The Marines won that fight. The problem is that the Obama administration didnt follow through on a political plan to maintain the peace.

In April, I visited some of the almost 5,000 troops that President Obama has put back in Iraq, and I witnessed a recurring theme: We have a military plan to defeat the Islamic State  and, as initial gains in Fallujah this week demonstrate, its going well in many respects  but we have yet to articulate a political plan to ensure Iraqs long-term stability.

Sometimes its impossible to tell whether its 2007 or 2016. The battle plans I hear from our commanders in Iraq today are the same ones I heard at the beginning of the surge, down to the same cities and tribal alliances. My question is: How will this time be different? The silence is deafening.

Carl von Clausewitz taught us nearly 200 years ago that War is a mere continuation of politics by other means. We have to have a political endgame, or the sacrifices our troops continue to make will be in vain. Its not the militarys job to develop that political plan  thats where the administration comes in  but its painfully clear there isnt one.

Without a long-term political strategy, we can expect to send young Americans back to Iraq every time Iraqi politics fall apart, a new terrorist group sweeps in and we find ourselves required to clean up the mess.

Lets not forget that, fundamentally, the crisis in Iraq today is political. When the Islamic State overran much of the country, it didnt just defeat the Iraqi army; the soldiers of the Iraqi army put their weapons down and went home because they had lost faith in then-Prime Minister Nouri al-Malikis sectarian government. Only if we can help bring lasting change to Iraqi politics will Iraq be able to defend itself without our help.

Unfortunately, the presidents response to the Islamic State in Iraq has missed the mark: You dont fix Iraqi politics by training Iraqi troops. We need a comprehensive military and political plan. The good news is that we now have an Iraqi prime minister who is aligned with our interests and has the support of the Iraqi people to reform their government. He faces plenty of entrenched political opposition, however, and thats where the United States can help.

First, we can provide resources directly to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to support his agenda of reform. Second, we can help the disenfranchised Sunnis have a stronger voice in their government by encouraging them to unite politically, just as we did during the surge. Third, we must counter the malign interests of Iranian agents working to inflame sectarianism among Shiite leaders and in the Iraqi media. And fourth, we can broker a reasonable agreement between the Abadi government and our closest allies, the Kurds. All this will take a stronger diplomatic presence. We built the largest U.S. Embassy in the world in Iraq, knowing that Iraqis would need continued political mentorship, but then we left it half-empty. Its time we fixed that.

As a four-tour Marine veteran of Iraq myself, I share the presidents deeply held wish that our continued involvement were not necessary. It would be great if we could simply hand the ball to the Iraqis and wish them well. But hope is not a strategy, and the past five years have proved that that approach doesnt work.

Some will say that meddling in foreign politics often makes things worse, and Ill be the first to say that its hard to do well. But we made tremendous political progress in Iraq during the surge. Under the strong leadership of then-Ambassador Ryan Crocker, we kept a lid on sectarianism, curtailed Iranian influence and led reconciliation among many disgruntled tribesmen. Yes, the leverage of 100,000 U.S. troops helped, but Crockers close coordination with his military counterpart, Gen. David Petraeus, was what mattered most; there are far more elements of U.S. power and influence we can bring to the table than boots on the ground.

More important, the alternative to robust political mentoring in Iraq is sending young Americans back again and again. Fixing Iraqi politics is difficult, but Id much prefer having a heavy, long-term diplomatic presence than losing more lives refighting battles we already won.

My friend Ehab was a brave Iraqi soldier, one of the best officers in his generation. He died an Iraqi hero, and given how many times he put his life on the line for my team and me, I believe hes an American hero as well. Hes a great example of our many Muslim allies who fight Islamic terrorists every day. We need more brave men like Ehab to win this long war. We must work harder to ensure his death wont have been in vain.
This month, on their way from Taiwan to Japan, a group of U.S. senators inadvertently flew over a set of islands that both the Chinese and Japanese claim as their own. The Chinese government was incensed.

I obtained a formal protest letter from the Chinese Embassy in Washington sent to the Senate Armed Services Committee this week demanding that no U.S. official ever again fly in a straight line from Taipei to Tokyo, which takes you over what the Japanese call the Senkaku Islands and the Chinese call the Diaoyu Islands.

Diaoyu Dao has been an inherent territory of China since ancient times, the Chinese Embassy wrote. The American aircraft entered Chinas territorial airspace in violation of international law and the norm of international relations, which was a serious provocation against Chinas sovereignty and security. . . . China will staunchly defend its territorial sovereignty over Diaoyu Dao.

The incident was just the latest signal that the Obama administrations strategy to deter Chinese aggression and encourage Chinas good behavior in the South and East China seas is falling short. President Obama has tried to build a policy on diplomacy, quiet warnings and restrained military gestures. Its not working. China has rebuffed them all, and if it loses and then ignores an arbitration case shortly as expected, then its not clear his administration has any new tools in its toolbox.

China has laid claim to a number of islands in the South China Sea, building airbases on tiny spits of land while installing radar and missile batteries. Here's why. (Jason Aldag,Julie Vitkovskaya/The Washington Post / Satellite photos courtesy of CSIS)

Over the past few weeks, the administration has tried to maintain the image that its South China Sea strategy is viable. At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore this month, top defense and military officials insisted that the policy still might bear fruit and restrained themselves from saying anything that might upset their Chinese counterparts.

Unlike last year, Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carters keynote speech at the conference contained no messages crafted to send tough signals to the Chinese officials in the room. He briefly criticized Chinese aggression toward the end of his remarks.

Chinas actions in the South China Sea are isolating it, at a time when the entire region is coming together and networking. Unfortunately, if these actions continue, China could end up erecting a Great Wall of self-isolation, he said.

Asked directly how the United States plans to change Chinas strategic calculation that maritime expansion is in its best interest, Carter had no real answer. He pointed to the upcoming decision by an international tribunal on a case between China and the Philippines as a big opportunity for the region to return to a rules-based international order and quickly added, I wouldnt single out China.

The White House had made it clear to Carters staff that it wanted no disruptions ahead of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which was to begin only days later, several U.S. officials told me. Only one week earlier, the White House scolded Carter after he gave a speech more critical of China at the U.S. Naval Academy. The White House was not upset at the content of the speech, officials said, but resented that Carter made headlines and upstaged Obamas visit to Hiroshima.

Even Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., head of the U.S. Pacific Command, who last year coined the phrase great wall of sand to protest Chinese island reclamation, avoided any criticism of China at the Singapore conference. Weve seen positive behavior the last several months with China, he told reporters, praising what he said were Chinese efforts to avoid incidents in contested waters.

Carter and Harriss charm offensive was not returned in kind by the Chinese military officials at Shangri-La. Adm. Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the joint staff development for Chinas Central Military Commission, gave a fiery speech in which he declared that China had done nothing wrong in the South China Sea and has no intention of abiding by the ruling of the international tribunal Carter touted.

Sun then accused the United States of openly flaunting its military force, and on the other hand pulling in help from cliques, supporting their allies in antagonizing China.

As of yet, U.S. moves to respond to Chinas expansion and militarization in the South China Sea have not persuaded China to change course. The United States has sailed ships through contested waters, deployed U.S. troops and equipment in the Philippines, held huge military exercises with India and Japan, moved two aircraft carrier groups into the region and invested millions of dollars in new security partnerships.

China continues to harden its military facilities on artificial islands it built in the South China Sea, has begun sailing navy ships in the Senkakus and has ramped up its harassment of fishing boats from other countries in disputed waters. China reportedly is planning new construction on disputed islands in the Scarborough Shoal, and U.S. officials worry that China will soon announce a new Air Defense Identification Zone in the South China Sea.

The diplomatic effort to get all Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries together to stand up to China had recent setbacks as well. Last week, the United States worked behind the scenes to get all of the ASEAN foreign ministers to issue a statement criticizing Chinas actions in the South China Sea. They issued a very strong statement but then retracted it only hours later under heavy Chinese government pressure. Now the Chinese are working hard to cut a side deal with the Philippines by offering the new president in Manila a new railway system.

The Obama administration has never been willing to use the big tools at its disposal  for example, economic sanctions  to confront Chinese maritime aggression, and theres no sign that reluctance will change.

If there were economic consequences of some kind involved, we would be more likely to get their attention, said Bonnie Glaser, a senior adviser for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But most people in this administration are reluctant to say we are going to put the whole relationship at stake over this. And when you get to the final months of an administration, you begin to lose leverage.

To the unresolved problems the Obama administration will bequeath its successor  Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, North Korea  you can add Chinas assertiveness in the South and East China seas.
WHAT NOW for Europe? After Britains vote to exit the European Union, European leaders will be tempted to keep the rest of the E.U. together by making an example of the continents second-largest economy. In fact, insisting that Britains exit be unnecessarily difficult would lead to more economic pain for all.

Start by remembering why a generation of leaders built organizations such as the E.U. Nation-states have come together in international institutions to make their conduct regular and predictable, which promotes the free flow of goods, money, people and ideas and the wealth-creation that follows. Over the past 70 years, these institutions have been remarkably successful, keeping the peace in much of the world and setting conditions for an unprecedented growth in prosperity.

But such institutions are always imperfect, because it is exceptionally difficult to get independent countries to agree on common rules. They are always subject to exaggerated criticism, because the benefits of cooperation inevitably require some surrender of sovereign control. It takes brave leadership, of the sort Prime Minister David Cameron lacked when he agreed to hold a referendum, to explain the benefits and defend against demagogic attacks on the hated status quo or shadowy elites.

Now, if leadership continues to be lacking, we may learn that such institutions are far easier to dismantle than they are to build. Scotland and Northern Ireland, where majorities voted to stay in Europe, may decide to leave the United Kingdom. Other restive provinces in Europe (such as Catalonia) will seek to break up other nations. Meanwhile, France, the Netherlands and other countries will debate following Britain out of the E.U.

Can all this be accomplished cheerfully, with a happy nod to returning democratic control closer to the people and no price to pay? Possibly. But anyone passingly familiar with European history of the past century knows that, when relations between even seemingly enlightened countries breach, very dark forces can take control. Some voters Thursday may have been motivated by a carefully researched resentment of Brussels-imposed regulations, but others were moved by more emotional fears of refugees and other foreigners. Unscrupulous leaders are exploiting similar anxieties from France to Poland and in between.

Managing the U.K.s demand for a divorce will be a complex task, with implications for the whole world economy. Whoever leads Britain after Mr. Cameron must strive to keep the country as interconnected with Europe as possible, following the model of Norway or Switzerland. Europe, in turn, must resist the understandable urge to punish a country that has just spurned it, and allow a graceful exit. Europe has tried the alternative path of unrestrained nationalism, escalating rounds of retributive economic policy and the autarkic misery that resulted.

Donald Trumps substance-free railings against stupid trade deals and free-riding allies echo the appeal to voters suspicions that prevailed in Britain. Brexits success should offer one more argument against complacency to those who fear Mr. Trumps appeals to bigotry. But no precise analogies can be drawn between Europe and the United States, nor between Mr. Trump and the Brexiteers. Americans still have an opportunity to make their own decisions and write their own history.
Police officers stand guard outside the Baltimore courthouse before a not-guilty verdict was issued in the trial of police officer Caesar Goodson, charged in the death of Freddie Gray. (Michael Reynolds/European Pressphoto Agency)

Jon O. Newman is a senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

The acquittal Thursday of another Baltimore police officer charged in the death of Freddie Gray, like the acquittal 25 years ago of the Los Angeles officers who beat Rodney King, reveals the inadequacy of the criminal-law remedy. Suing the police for money under a strengthened federal civil rights law would be a better response to police misconduct.

Right now, however, federal law makes it more difficult to sue a police officer for denying a citizen his constitutional rights than for injuring him by ordinary negligence. If an officer negligently drives his car and injures a citizen, the victim can win money just by proving negligence, and the city that employs the officer pays whatever the jury awards.

But when an officer uses excessive force or makes an unlawful arrest or search, proving wrongful conduct is not enough. Under Section 1983 of the federal civil rights statute, the officer can escape liability with the special defense of qualified immunity  showing that he reasonably believed his conduct was lawful, even if it was not. And if the jury finds the officer liable, federal law does not require his employer to pay the award.

Juries, and even judges in non-jury trials, are reluctant to convict police officers of a crime, even in the face of ample evidence. With rare exceptions, they simply will not say guilty and risk sending an officer to prison. Suing the officer for money damages in a federal civil rights suit is the only realistic way to establish police misconduct and secure at least some vindication for victims and their families.

But Congress needs to strengthen Section 1983 in three ways. First, the defense of qualified immunity should be abolished. If an officer violates the Constitution, the victim should win the lawsuit, just as he or she wins when hit by an officer negligently driving his vehicle.

Second, the city (or county or state) that employs the officer should pay a damage award, just as a governmental employer pays for injury caused by an officers negligent driving. A jury would be more willing to rule against a city than to make a police officer pay out of his own pocket.

Third, the local U.S. attorney, not just the victim of the unconstitutional conduct, should be authorized to bring the suit. When federal law has been violated, a federal lawyer should act on behalf of the victim. A jury is more likely to take the matter seriously if a U.S. attorney sues than when the victim is the plaintiff, who can sometimes be perceived as a not very respectable member of the community.

There is no reason for federal law to make it more difficult to hold a police officer accountable for denying constitutional rights than for injuring by negligent conduct. Congress should act to make a strengthened Section 1983 remedy available for the next episode of police misconduct.
Members of the Lei of Aloha for Orlando group place a portion of a 100-foot lei  a ceremonial garland made of tea leaves  outside the Orlando Regional Medical Center to honor the victims of the Pulse nightclub massacre. (Joe Burbank/Associated Press)

Michael B. Mukasey was U.S. attorney general from 2007 to 2009 and a U.S. district judge from 1988 to 2006. Jamil N. Jaffer is a former associate counsel to President George W. Bush.

Omar Mateen may have acted alone, but, sadly, his is not an isolated case. The carnage in Orlando, like that in San Bernardino, Brussels and Paris, offers three specific lessons for policymakers willing to learn from these tragic events.

The first is that we cannot afford to disarm unilaterally in this war by limiting the legal authorities used by our law enforcement and intelligence professionals to identify and apprehend these killers before they strike. Here in the United States, we have made just that mistake. In the aftermath of the illegal disclosures of classified information by Edward Snowden, a bipartisan coalition of liberal Democrats and libertarian Republicans joined with President Obama to limit the collection of telephone and Internet metadata that disclosed no content but offered a way to determine whether suspected terrorists were communicating with people in the United States.

Meanwhile, the president unilaterally conferred on foreigners located overseas certain protections once available only to U.S. citizens and green-card holders. Worse still, U.S. companies, feeling burned by the Snowden disclosures, limited their compliance with government requests to the minimum required by law and made it harder for the government to obtain even legally authorized access to customer information. In the current environment, we should insist that U.S. companies and the government find a way to work together.

The second lesson is that we are safer when we take the fight to the terrorists overseas, instead of waiting until they attack us at home. This is true whether the attacks at home are undertaken by trained operatives, as in the cases of Paris and Brussels, or by those radicalized at home, as in the cases of San Bernardino, Calif., and Orlando. People such as Mateen take inspiration from two sources: a radical interpretation of Islam and the apparent success of terrorists at home and abroad.

Putting al-Qaeda on the run after 9/11 made it harder for that group to plot attacks and to maintain a steady recruiting and incitement pipeline. It also made al-Qaeda a less attractive focus for potential adherents in the West who sought to attach themselves to what looked like a successful movement  the wave of the future. Unfortunately, weve seen a resurgence in al-Qaeda activity where weve been less effective at combating it, from Africa to certain parts of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

More troublesome, the Obama administrations decision to take only limited action against the Islamic State has given that group more room to recruit, plot and incite others to violence, and to boast on the Internet of its success. This hold-and-poke policy has given the Islamic State the location, capital and cachet that is at the heart of the new radicalism manifesting itself here.

The third lesson is that no measures that may stoke emotions but are ultimately ineffectual  such as race- or religion-baiting, closing our borders to certain religious minorities or national groups, or building massive walls to be paid for in some mythical way by a foreign government  are likely to have a measurable impact on the ability of terrorists to operate against us at home. Nor will the unwillingness of the president, or the obvious reluctance of his former secretary of state, to describe the problem for what it is  radical Islamic terrorism  help us.

In particular, the presidents hectoring speech was no help, with his try for rhetorical jujitsu by asking what good it would do simply to call the problem radical Islam. The point is not simply to call the problem by its right name, but also then to do something about it such as developing links with reform-minded and mainstream, moderate Muslims, rather than arguing about phraseology while simultaneously mocking the seriousness of those who dare question the administrations failed Islamic State policy. Unfortunately, this White House too often reaches out to apologists who have seized the microphone and worries too much about optics instead of focusing on substance.

In sum, neither of the major U.S. presidential candidates today nor the current president, in their respective responses to the Orlando attack, offer any hope that they truly know how to confront this very real and growing threat.

There are solutions to this serious problem, but they require concerted leadership and a commitment to action. Sadly, that does not appear to be in the offing. In one camp we hear platitudes and a continuation of the past seven years of failed policies. In the other, we hear religion-baiting and half-baked, unworkable policies that make no sense and fail to address the problem. Unless both political parties and their candidates get serious, the freest and most powerful nation on Earth will squander its moral and material advantages, and put us all at grave risk.
MANY PEOPLE feel frustrated and angry at the acquittal of a Baltimore police officer who drove the van in which Freddie Gray suffered a fatal spinal injury. Another black man unnecessarily dead at the hands of police; another case with no one held accountable. The fact that evidence at least was aired and carefully weighed in an open court of law offers some consolation  but not enough. Now it is more essential than ever to ensure that lessons are learned from the tragic case and procedures changed, even if no one is held criminally responsible.

Citing insufficient evidence, Judge Barry G. Williams on Thursday found Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr. not guilty of all charges in the April 2015 death of Gray. The death of the 25-year-old man, who had been arrested after essentially looking the wrong way at police and fleeing, sparked days of violent protest in Baltimore. Of six officers charged, Mr. Goodson faced the most serious charges, and his acquittal marks the third time that prosecutors failed to secure a conviction. The trial of one officer ended in a hung jury, and another officer was acquitted last month, also by Judge Williams.

Those results have caused some to double down on criticism of Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosby for bringing the charges in the first place. They say she acted in haste for political reasons of trying to quell the turmoil that engulfed the city. To be sure, fault can be found with some of the offices actions  particularly with some questionable conduct during Mr. Goodsons trial  and Ms. Mosby would do well to determine if there are weaknesses in her office that should be addressed. Why werent prosecutors able to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt? That, though, is not meant to second-guess her decision to bring charges. Prosecuting police officers is always difficult and, as former state senator Clarence M. Mitchell IV pointed out, it showed courage to bring charges when it appeared that the police had done something wrong. And it is clear from the $6.4 million the city paid to settle the civil suit brought in Grays death that police bear responsibility for his death.

Grays death also made clear the long-standing problems with Baltimore police and what many African American residents see as a pattern of harassment and excessive force in their neighborhoods. The Justice Department has an ongoing investigation into the police departments practices that hopefully will result in bringing about changes that can help prevent other people from being treated as callously as Gray was.
I was riveted as I followed this weeks House sit-in [House Democrats stage sit-in to force votes on gun control, PowerPost, June 23] led by Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), the civil rights icon. C-SPAN and live-streaming sites covered the event while major news outlets focused on business as usual. Business as usual is why the corporate media and Beltway insiders missed how far the outsiders would get in this election cycle.

Americans want legislators to work together. They want the House and the Senate to discuss what matters to citizens and to find answers. The gun debate is more important than the trading of insults that has become the hallmark of politics today, and it is not just about radical Islamic terrorism. The gun debate is also about the lives that are taken on a daily basis by guns that are too easily accessible.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) could have walked in and saved the day. He could have listened to what was being said on the floor and recognized that it was more than a publicity stunt. Mr. Ryan could have sat down on the floor next to Mr. Lewis and said, None of these bills work; lets work together to create one that will.

He could have stayed up all night drafting legislation. He could have called for a vote. Mr. Ryan could have been a leader. Instead, he chose his own publicity stunt of adjournment.

Jean McMahon, Washington

The gutsy and unprecedented action that Democratic House members took is the personification of what we as ordinary citizens have asked of our elected officials. In the past, sit-ins enabled progress. We wish we were there to stand and sit with you. We hope history is made through your action.

Juan Matute, Claremont, Calif.

Who needs the Constitution when sitting on the floor with your blankie and holding your breath until you turn as blue as your state seems like a plan? House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) could have ended the Democrats hissy fit much quicker by bringing in milk and cookies.

Larry Volkening, Houston

Every day, people are gunned down on our streets. Religious leaders speak out on abortion as a pro-life issue. The death of innocent people is also a pro-life issue. Yet the silence is deafening. Not just from Christian leaders but also from leaders of all faiths. Where is their prophetic voice? The silence drives people, especially young people, away from churches, temples, shrines and mosques. What we witnessed in the House on Wednesday and early Thursday was unprecedented. Is this the revolution Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) talks about? Will moral change come without religious leadership?

Ann Marie Cunningham, Chicago

The June 20 Politics & the Nation article AR-15 promotion scrutinized  hit a sore spot with me. In Charles County, volunteer fire departments, the sheriffs department and Crime Solvers have given away guns as door prizes. The gun dealer in Port Lucie, Fla., who sold the guns to the Orlando killer is a former New York City police officer. Mike Hagan, the New Hampshire car dealer featured in the article, is a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan. One would think that the people who have been exposed to the horrors of combat or police work would be the last people to put guns, especially military weapons, on our streets . The war on our streets must end.

Steven W. Brennan, Waldorf

The reason gun advocates resist all attempts to pass any gun control legislation is that the result will eventually be the banning of all guns. When I was young, the blood alcohol content level to be charged with driving under the influence was 0.15 in Maryland. Then it became 0.10; now its 0.08. You know that once a restriction is in place, there will be more aggressive attempts to make more restrictions. Look at just about any government regulation, and you have to concede that. The National Rifle Association sees this, but all the folks wanting sensible gun legislation cant. I honestly do not blame it for its advocacy to keep legislation from being passed.

Terry Murray, Cincinnati
Donald Trump and his apologists have gone out of their way to excoriate radical Islamic terrorism. While reading Joe Davidsons June 20 Federal Insider column, Democrats assail GOP as lax on public-land extremists,  I thought about these excoriations. Mr. Davidson wrote that these extremists are being abetted by Republicans, and Mr. Trump was quoted expressing support for one of the movements leaders. These radical anti-government groups number almost 1,000, according to the column. Many of them call themselves Christians, which would make them radical Christian terrorists. I guess violence against the United States is bad only when its done by someone else.

Daniel B. Johnston, Gaithersburg
Regarding the June 21 news article 4 gun-control proposals fail to advance in Senate:

On Monday, the Senate rejected all four proposals to restrict ready access to guns by those on terrorism watch lists. You might think this would be impossible when a majority of the public favored one or more of the proposals. One can conclude only that these senators either were unconcerned about the will of the people or believed that they knew better about what is best for our security. We all know that the first priority of members of Congress is reelection, so it follows that they dont feel their refusal to do the peoples bidding threatens their chances.

The American people must call their senators and tell them that defying the people has consequences. Unless we rise up in unison and demand action, our feckless Congress seemingly will worry more about reprisals from the National Rifle Association than from the people they were elected to represent.

Ken Derow, Swarthmore, Pa.

T he arrogance and indifference of Senate Republicans to sensible gun control nauseates me. The blood of innocent Americans is on their hands. They demonstrated little to no compassion for their fellow Americans who have lost loved ones to gun violence. I did not vote for the National Rifle Association, yet it appears to have an unacceptable stranglehold on our democracy.

Carole Jennings, Silver Spring

I want to thank the senators who used common sense to vote down four gun-control bills . None of the proposals would have stopped the Orlando shooting nor probably other recent incidents. Placing stricter constraints on Americans is not the way to solve our problem with terrorists.

Every time a gun is used wrongly, the anti-gun forces scream for more restrictions with the ultimate goal of destroying our Second Amendment rights.

The anti-gun politicians and judiciary should look up the definition of infringed because the Second Amendment has been infringed on many times. Give an inch, and the anti-gun forces want a mile.

If the Second Amendment is destroyed, the rest of the Bill of Rights will follow. What will the media say when the right to free speech is taken away?

Danny Mixon, Columbia, S.C.
Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.)  joined by, from left. House Assistant Minority Leader James Clyburn (S.C.) , Rep. Al Green (D-Tex.), Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.)  speaks on Capitol Hill Thursday after House Democrats ended their sit-in protest on the House floor. (Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press)

The extremely rare sit-in by Democrats in the House chamber may have been, as Speaker Paul D. Ryan claimed, a publicity stunt. But it was a righteous one that may improve the prospects of meaningful gun control.

It wont happen immediately. Even after 49 innocent victims died in the Orlando massacre  the worst such shooting in modern U.S. history  Republicans remain adamantly opposed to any new legislation that might keep powerful weapons out of the hands of the next would-be mass murderer.

If Republicans care more about maintaining their standing with the National Rifle Association than saving lives, thats their choice. But polls show majority support for sensible new gun-control measures  and members of Congress should at least have to go on record. Democrats are demanding that the House do its job: Vote yes or no.

One of the bills Democrats want the House to vote on should be a no-brainer: expanding background checks for gun purchases. The other, which would deny the right to buy guns to individuals on the terrorism watch list, is in my view a tougher question. The American Civil Liberties Union has expressed deep concerns about relying on an error-prone and unfair watchlisting system to regulate access to firearms.

I wish the subject of the protest were, instead, a bill to ban military-style assault weapons of the kind used by Omar Mateen and so many other mass shooters. But if we are ever going to get to that point, the logjam has to be cleared. Something dramatic had to happen.

Enter Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a hero of the civil rights movement who knows something about thousand-mile journeys that start with a single step. Lewis also knows something about sit-ins, having staged more than a few, and it was in his office that a group of House Democrats came up with the idea of occupying the chamber to demand gun-control votes.

They achieved no success, of course  not yet, at least.

The speaker of the House has sweeping powers and cannot easily be coerced into anything. Ryan called a recess and Republicans left the chamber, which meant that the C-SPAN cameras that televise House proceedings went dark; Democrats began streaming video of the sit-in via their cellphones. The spectacle of members of Congress sitting on the floor and staging a protest drew nationwide attention. Sympathizers dropped by, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who brought boxes of Dunkin Donuts. As the sit-in stretched into the evening, well-wishers had pizza delivered to the Capitol.

Ryan eventually brought the House back into session, to show it could function despite the ongoing protest, and then finally, in the middle of the night, ordered a recess until July 5. Republicans were free to scurry out of town.

So did the protest have any real impact? Certainly some, and potentially a lot.

First, the tactic rallied Democrats in both chambers to the gun-control cause and put Republicans on notice that the issue wont just go away. Mass shootings happen with depressing regularity, and by now everyone knows the drill: Congress argues about guns for a few days and then does nothing. The sit-in was not a part of the usual script, which makes the ending less certain.

Second, the protest drew widespread attention to the issue at a moment when the debate would otherwise be fading. Whether you thought the sit-in was courageous or absurd, you paid attention. Given what we know about public opinion, it is helpful for advocates of gun control to have the issue in the news. People say they want to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people. Republicans should have to explain why they disagree.

Third, and perhaps most important, the sit-in means that gun control will be an issue in the coming election. Is this smart politics? I believe it is.

Republicans are badly divided and will be led by a nominee rejected by much of the party establishment. Democrats see the potential for winning both the White House and the Senate and making major gains in the House  but only if the party is united and enthusiastic. The gun issue can help motivate the party faithful.

Taking action to prevent Orlando-style killings should also appeal to independent voters. Republicans take the position that nothing at all should be done to keep the next mass shooter from buying an assault rifle. Do they really believe that swing voters agree?

The sit-in was a spark. It might start a fire.

Read more from Eugene Robinsons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. You can also join him Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a live Q&A.
Every morning, I find myself shaking my head as I read yet more vitriol spewing forth from Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. Multiple June 23 articles struck me with their poignancy and simplicity: In the Style article How incorrigible Donny became The Donald, Mr. Trump was quoted as saying, When I look at myself in the first grade and I look at myself now, Im basically the same. The temperament is not that different. A classmate of his said, He had a reputation for saying anything that came into his head. And in the front-page article Trump says he won Scotland. Scots beg to differ, an activist in Scotland said, Nobody wants him around. . . . And he refuses to see or refuses to accept what is reality. Reality, indeed, appears to be missing.

Christine Stelloh-Garner, Huntingtown
Here are the key moments you missed from the marathon gun vote protest Democrats staged on the House floor. The sit-in stretched from June 22 into the morning hours of June 23. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Here are the key moments you missed from the marathon gun vote protest Democrats staged on the House floor. The sit-in stretched from June 22 into the morning hours of June 23. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Gun control advocates were predicting Thursday that they had significantly altered the dynamics of the national gun-control debate, crediting recent episodes of unusual political theater on Capitol Hill.

Tempering that optimism, however, was continued inaction by Congress on actual gun legislation. The House adjourned in the early hours Thursday as GOP leaders sought to short-circuit a remarkable on-floor protest by Democrats. Hours later, the Senate stalled on a bipartisan compromise proposal to keep guns out of the hands of suspected terrorists.

But gun-control supporters believe they have turned a corner toward building greater public support for their cause.

A fire has been lit across our nation said Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) The people have seen the Democratic caucus stand up and fight  not just do the regular routine. Were not going to sit back and do nothing anymore.

The new confidence follows a pair of high-profile, social-media-fueled protests led by Democrats on Capitol Hill in recent weeks. First Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) led a 15-hour filibuster last week that set the stage for a series of gun-related votes. Then, on Wednesday, House members waged a sit-in protest on the House floor that stretched to 26 hours by the time they left.

[How Democrats pulled off their dramatic sit-in on House floor]

Members have just become totally tired and frustrated of every time we have a heart-wrenching tragedy in our country from gun violence, said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), citing the mass shootings in Orlando, Charleston, S.C., and Newtown, Conn.

Lawmakers remained in the well of the House chamber for hours, some wrapped in blankets and gripping paper coffee cups as Wednesday became Thursday, taking turns excoriating Republicans for not taking action to address gun violence. Microphones and official House cameras were switched off under the House rules; lawmakers instead live-streamed the protest from their cellphones to thousands of viewers outside the House galleries.

Republicans moved to take back control of the floor in a series of dramatic overnight clashes. Shortly after 3 a.m., they moved to immediately adjourn until after the July 4 holiday  two days sooner than planned  in order to end the sit-in. Democrats stayed on the floor another 10 hours.

[Why House Republicans arent giving in to Democrats demands for gun votes]

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) harshly criticized the Democratic sit-in at a news conference Thursday, declaring it a gimmick that undermined the institution.

We can disagree on policy, but we do so within the bounds of order and respect for the system; otherwise, it all falls apart, he said. We are not going to allow stunts like this to stop us from carrying out the peoples business.

But it was clear that the stunt achieved its objectives for the Democrats, unifying and energizing the often-fractious minority that has tended to greet each new gun-related tragedy with a sense of resignation that no effective action was possible, given the political potency of gun rights advocates  particularly the National Rifle Association.

Some veteran Democratic lawmakers called the effort unprecedented and expressed optimism that Republicans would eventually have to capitulate.

The sit-in episode took on the cast of a 1960s civil rights protest. It was partly led by Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who a half-century ago was physically beaten in many of them.

Thank you for getting in trouble  good trouble, Lewis told colleagues Wednesday night. Sometimes by sitting down, by sitting in, youre standing up.

[Good trouble: How John Lewis fuses new and old tactics to teach about civil disobedience]

Advocacy groups have seized on the Democrats recent efforts to draw attention on Capitol Hill. On Thursday, they began strategizing ways to pressure lawmakers in their home districts during the July 4 recess.

Everytown for Gun Safety, a group backed by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, plans to deploy volunteer activists to legislators town-hall meetings, though it is still determining which lawmakers to focus on.

The group said its members made more than 181,000 calls to the House over a 24-hour span to express support for the sit-in and that Facebook and Twitter posts by its members reached more than 10 million people.

The environment has changed; the atmosphere has changed, said Brina Milikowsky, Everytowns chief strategy officer. Leaders cant run away from the fact that Americans are calling for reforms, and the majority are calling for the measures that weve been pushing.

Another group, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said it generated about 7,200 calls to Ryans office. A spokesman said the group is now looking at ways its state chapters can engage lawmakers at home during the holiday recess.

The NRA did not respond to requests for comment Thursday. But the group tweeted several times in recent days, urging its grass-roots network to call and email senators to oppose new gun-control measures.

[Bipartisan gun control compromise fails to nab 60 votes, but survives a first hurdle]

The Senate delivered a reality check to gun-control supporters Thursday when a bipartisan effort to keep guns away from suspected terrorists failed to garner the 60 votes needed to advance. That amendment, brokered by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), won the backing of a handful of Republicans but also earned the opposition of the NRA and the American Civil Liberties Union, which said it failed to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans.

The compromise survived a test vote on a 52-to-46 margin. But without the 60 votes necessary to vault procedural hurdles, Senate GOP leaders indicated they were ready to move on to other business.

The last major gun-control measure passed the Senate 22 years ago, banning assault weapons as part of the 1994 crime bill, and every significant effort since then has failed in the face of NRA opposition.

But Democrats still claimed a win with Thursdays vote. Even though it wasnt a big victory, it was a victory, said Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), calling it the first time the NRA lost a vote in the Senate since 1994.

Catherine Ho, Paul Kane, Ed O Keefe and Kelsey Snell contributed to this report.
A woman takes a selfie in front of President Obama after his speech at Rutgers Universitys S.I. Newhouse Center for Law and Justice in Newark.

Nov. 2, 2015 A woman takes a selfie in front of President Obama after his speech at Rutgers Universitys S.I. Newhouse Center for Law and Justice in Newark. Andrew Burton/Getty Images

On a recent trip to Asia, President Obama was forced to confront some of the biggest issues of his presidency: rising Chinese aggression, climate change, a rocky global economy.

He also had to deal with a less weighty, but stubbornly persistent problem that has dogged him throughout his second term: the scourge of the selfie.

He complained that patrons pestered him for a selfie at his hotel gym in Vietnam. On a sidewalk in Hanoi, his most enthusiastic admirers spun away from him so they could take a selfie shot with the president in the background.

No sooner had Obama arrived at a U.S. Marine Corps base in Iwakuni, Japan, than he felt compelled to issue an order to the cheering troops: He would shake hands, but no selfies. Otherwise, Ill be here all day, he said.

Obama has complained  with increasing regularity during his final year in office  about the prevalence of the selfie and its intrusion on his personal space. But the president, who has leveraged his image as a tech-savvy and approachable leader to mobilize young voters, has not been willing or able  despite his ample executive powers  to contain the selfie explosion. No blanket selfie ban has been issued.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz poses for a selfie with President Obama during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in April 2014. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The upshot: Obama and the humble smartphone have forever altered one of the most iconic American moments. Never again will citizens interact with their president in quite the same way. #ThanksObama.

[President Obama snaps a selfie at Mandelas memorial service]

Before Obama even had a chance to fully develop and set a course on selfies, there were the mini-scandals. The first came in late 2013 when he attended a memorial ceremony for his longtime political hero Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg. At one point during the service, Obama squeezed together with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and British Prime Minister David Cameron for a smiling selfie taken with the Danish leaders phone.

The selfie never surfaced on the Internet, but a news photographer snapped a picture of the three leaders as they posed together. That photograph was greeted with derision on both sides of the Atlantic.

Fun solemnity and selfies make for an unpalatable combination, a Danish newspaper sniffed. In Washington, the event, naturally, was dubbed selfie-gate.

[Roberto Schmidt, POTUS selfie photographer, weighs in on reactions to Michelle Obama]

Several months later, Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz pulled out a phone and snapped a selfie with Obama during a ceremony for the team on the South Lawn. When Samsung retweeted the photo with a plug for its Galaxy Note 3, senior White House officials began to suspect a setup and issued a formal objection to the commercial use of the presidents likeness.

Girls from the Stone Ridge, of Bethesda, Md., varsity and junior varsity soccer teams take "selfie's" with President Barack Obama at the White House in Washington in 2014. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Maybe this will be the end of all selfies, Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffer joked on CBSs Face the Nation.

[After David Ortiz selfie, White House draws red line]

But instead of steering clear of selfies, the president and his aides chose to embrace their viral power to promote his policies. When filming a lighthearted video with BuzzFeed in January 2015 to encourage young people to sign up for the Affordable Care Act, Obama was enthralled by one prop in particular  the selfie stick  and adamant that he use it properly.

Youll raise it up just below your eye line and strike a really cool, powerful pose, the BuzzFeed video director suggested to Obama in a behind-the-scenes cellphone video.

Im not seeing myself, the president replied. Weve got to reverse it.

The video drew 60 million views and the selfie-stick segment, with Obama mugging for the camera, proved to be the most popular clip. The BuzzFeed crew celebrated by posting their own grainy selfie with Obama on Instagram.

Later in the year, Obama toted a selfie stick around the wilds of Alaska with celebrity survivalist Bear Grylls taking shots designed to promote the presidents environmental policies. The campaign was marred only when Obamas camera-trigger finger obscured one of the selfies, an amateur mistake ridiculed online as a dad move.

For decades, the traditional grip-and-grin photograph has been a standard part of most presidential meetings, and even today it has attributes that recommend it. Unlike the selfie, posed photos taken by the presidents official photographer are almost always in focus and sometimes include a presidential autograph.

I always thought they were as important as the historical photographs I made, said Eric Draper, President George W. Bushs chief photographer. There are thousands of them hanging in homes, offices and government buildings around the world.

The selfie, by contrast, offers a blurred authenticity and intimacy that more traditional photographs cannot match. They may not have the same aesthetic sophistication framed and hanging on the wall, but they have more resonance in the social-media-obsessed virtual world where retweets and likes are precious currency.

That has made the presidential selfie a must-have, even when an official White House photographer is nearby. After Obama had lunch at a Baltimore cafe in January 2015, a half-dozen employees crowded around him and snapped their own shot.

They later received an official White House photo, but it was the selfie that the staff posted online, where it quickly went viral.

I think its more special because it was very casually done, said Dan Scott, a partner at the restaurant whose bug-eyed expression prompted teasing from online commenters. It was a little embarrassing, but whatever. The people who gave me a hard time are the ones who didnt have a chance to get a selfie with the president.

By this year, Obama was such a selfie veteran that he offered some pointers to a woman in Nebraska who was so flustered when he agreed to a selfie that she had difficulty figuring out how to operate her cellphone camera.

He kindly showed me what to do, the retired Air Force veteran told her local newspaper. You can tell in my selfie how excited we were.

But for Obama and his wife, the selfies popularity has increasingly become a burden. First lady Michelle Obama, who has become well known for her short, funny online GIFs promoting healthy eating and exercise, has tried to draw a line in the pixels when it comes to the smartphone portrait.

I dont like selfies, she told a roomful of children at St. Judes Hospital in Memphis in September 2014 after one made a request. But Im going to do selfies for you guys.

She then posed with them.

The president also has made clear his distaste for the genre. At a fundraiser in Springfield, Ill., this year, he joked that he might not have run for the White House had smartphones and selfies been so prevalent in 2008.

Folks just have their phones, they dont want to shake my hand anymore, Obama said. Its like, Hey, Im here, live, in front of you! 

So how did he react just a day later in Hollywood when talk show host Ellen DeGeneres asked for a selfie? He leaned in, of course, put an arm around her and flashed a big grin.

DeGeneres promptly posted the picture on Twitter.

Selfie with the Chief, she wrote.
June 22, 2016 Democratic members of the House, including Rep. John Lewis (Ga.), center, and Rep. Joe Courtney (Conn.),left, participate in a sit-in protest seeking a vote on gun-control measures. Rep. John Yarmuth via AP

Democratic members of Congress are holding a sit-in on the House floor, calling for a vote on gun-control measures.

Democratic members of Congress are holding a sit-in on the House floor, calling for a vote on gun-control measures.

Democratic members of Congress are holding a sit-in on the House floor, calling for a vote on gun-control measures.

Shootings in an elementary school, movie theaters and a church werent enough. Nor was an assassination attempt on a lawmaker. But the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, followed by Republican Donald Trumps calls for new firearms restrictions, have convinced Democrats that they can run and win on the issue of gun control this year.

One reason is Orlandos distinction as the site of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, a fact that has pushed advocates for greater gun restrictions to new levels of outrage. Another is the continuing shift of public opinion across the United States in favor of new laws. And the unusual role that Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, has played in the discussion, bucking his own party by pushing for restrictions and putting some fellow Republicans in a sticky position with their constituents back home.

All of it has prompted Democratic lawmakers to conclude that, even with little hope for legislative action this year, an election looms this fall that could change all.

Weve gotten to the point where it was becoming difficult and it was becoming painful to do moments of silence; many of us felt disingenuous doing a moment of silence knowing that was it, Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said Thursday. Frustration boiled over.

That frustration quickly led Democrats to force a legislative showdown this week. They used procedural tactics to upend House and Senate schedules, pushing Republican leaders to engage on an issue they had considered to be long settled.

Here are the key moments you missed from the marathon gun vote protest Democrats staged on the House floor. The sit-in stretched from June 22 into the morning hours of June 23. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Trump helped, perhaps unwittingly, in that cause. Although he later backed away from his support for new laws restricting gun sales to terrorism suspects, his initial statement gave Democrats an opening, surprised moderate Republicans and triggered bipartisan talks in the Senate.

Those talks ended in defeat Thursday, but this weeks votes, as well as the Democratic sit-in in the House chamber that ended that day, captured the countrys attention in ways the caucus has struggled to do in recent years. And all of it prompted a flurry of preparations to take the issue to voters this fall.

After Sandy Hook, the country needed to mourn, said Erica Lafferty Smegielski, the daughter of the principal killed in the Newtown, Conn., school massacre in December 2012. It was the same after Aurora, Columbine, Virginia Tech. But theyve just become so frequent that everyone is just  were done. The American people are done. The Democratic leaders are done. This week was absolutely historic. . . . Our leaders are finally taking action.

A stunt  or smart politics?

Aides in the campaign arms of House and Senate Democrats said this week that gun control will loom large in dozens of competitive races.

The issue is expected to be a subject of attacks on Republican candidates in at least two House seats in Upstate New York, five swing districts in Florida and districts in rural states such as Colorado, Iowa and Kansas, according to Democratic aides. In the Senate, where Republicans are defending 24 seats, Democrats expect that gun-control-themed messages will resonate with swing voters in Florida, New Hampshire, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Republicans, led this week by House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.), criticized Democrats for their political stunt and admonished them for sending fundraising appeals in the midst of their sit-in.

If this is not a political stunt, then why are they trying to raise money off of this? Off of a tragedy? he asked reporters at a news conference Thursday.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) gaveled the House into session just after 10 p.m. on June 22, after a daylong sit-in by Democratic members, but it was far from orderly. (C-SPAN)

But public opinion shows that Democrats may have an opening. An overwhelming majority of Americans support expanding background checks and restricting access to military-style weapons. And more than 8 in 10 Americans support preventing people on government terrorism watch lists or no-fly lists from owning a firearm, according to a CNN poll released this month.

Such numbers have attracted plenty of attention in the wake of the Orlando massacre, as the nation absorbed the fact that gunman Omar Mateen had previously been under FBI investigation for possible ties to terrorism.

One of the main divisions between Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill this week was over how to block terror suspects from buying guns. Representatives of gun-control groups say that public opinion gives them a chance to erase that division by helping Democrats retake both the House and Senate.

Even before Orlando, gun control had already assumed an outsize role in the 2016 election. Hillary Clinton, the presumed Democratic presidential nominee, has displayed an eagerness to go toe-to-toe on the issue and has brought a level of specificity and urgency to her promises unseen in recent presidential election cycles.

Clinton, who spoke little about gun control during her 2008 presidential campaign, hammered her Democratic opponent, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, for favoring a 2005 law shielding gun manufacturers from liability for the misuse of firearms  and for voting against the 1993 Brady Bill that required federal background checks for gun purchases and mandated a waiting period for those sales.

In the first Democratic debate, when asked whether Sanders was tough enough on guns, Clinton quickly responded, No, not at all.

Its time the entire country stood up against the NRA, she said. The majority of our country supports background checks, and even the majority of gun owners do.

Clinton has repeated the same line of attack against Trump. In a speech in May, she said there was political consensus behind her position, while accusing Trump and the National Rifle Association of being out of step with the majority of Americans.

[Inside Democrats Trump-fueled scramble to take back the House]

Democrats focused the latest gun debate primarily on ideas with widespread bipartisan support, including the goal of keeping guns out of the hands of terrorism suspects.

In the wake of last years deadly shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., Democrats introduced No Fly, No Buy legislation. But a bill failed to pass the Senate in December. Two similar plans died again this week in the Senate. When Democrats seized control of the House chamber this week, it was in the hope of holding a vote on the same plan.

Given the need to win over voters in suburban swing districts, its a proposal that is likely to figure large in many congressional candidates campaign strategies this fall.

These are very popular policies across the political spectrum, and voters are looking at a Congress unwilling to do anything on it, said Doug Thornell, a Democratic campaign strategist who advises congressional candidates.

Thornell also noted that, given the increasingly urban and diverse nature of the House Democratic caucus, gun violence is an urgent topic of discussion back home.

A lot of these members are going home to districts where they have to deal with people who are shot and killed every weekend, he said. Their constituents are asking, What are you going to do? 

The third rail

[In wake of Orlando shootings, gun control getting a fresh look from GOP ]

For years, the power of the NRA seemed so immense that Democrats up and down the ballot avoided the issue of guns, said Brina Milikowsky, chief strategy officer at Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization founded in 2014 by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

For a generation, the gun lobby built up a myth of its own power and turned guns into the third rail of politics, Milikowsky said. Even though a majority of people supported some level of gun control during those years, she said, the political conversation was skewed by the outsized bully pulpit of the NRA.

That began to change with the increasing frequency and visibility of mass shootings, said Mark Prentice, a spokesman for Americans for Responsible Solutions, a nonprofit organization and super PAC founded in 2013 by Gabrielle Giffords, the former Democratic lawmaker who was shot in January 2011 at an event in Arizona.

Prentice said the organizational infrastructure to lobby state and federal lawmakers began to fall into place after the killing of 20 schoolchildren at Sandy Hook Elementary School. That infrastructure is now beginning to show results. He noted that it took several months for gun-control measures to earn a vote in Congress after the Newtown shooting, but just days after the Orlando killings.

Prentice and Milikowsky see grass-roots activity as pivotal. Supporters of Americans for Responsible Solutions spent nearly 500 hours on the phone with Senate offices leading up to the votes in that chamber last week, Prentice said, while Milikowsky said Everytown supporters placed more than 169,000 calls to the House in less than 24 hours.

Our supporters are committed to making 2016 the year of gun safety at the ballot box, Milikowsky said.

Even the NRA seemed to recognize a new appetite for action on gun control by staking a more restrictive stand than it has in the past on allowing firearms in establishments that serve liquor.

A week after the shootings in Orlando, when Trump was sounding more like an ardent gun rights supporter, he suggested that the violence might have been avoided if patrons had been armed.

I dont think we should have firearms where people are drinking, Wayne LaPierre, the associations executive vice president, told CBS on Face the Nation on Sunday.

Trump later clarified in a tweet: When I said that if, within the Orlando club, you had some people with guns, I was obviously talking about additional guards or employees.

Other gun rights advocates predicted that their supporters would participate heavily in an election in which guns are a major issue.

Richard Feldman, president of the Independent Firearm Owners Association and a former NRA lobbyist, said that the Democratic Partys shift away from rural areas means that it can write off 100 million gun owners and that its strength doesnt lie with the gun issue. And it can beat up on those 100 million people and bet that that will work in their benefit. We shall see, but what I know from history is that gun owners care deeply about their firearms and their rights to own them.

Scott Clement contributed to this report.
Riots broke out at a gay bar in New York City on June 28, 1969, launching the gay rights movement. Now it will be the first national monument in honor of gays and lesbians in the U.S. (Whitney Shefte/The Washington Post)

Riots broke out at a gay bar in New York City on June 28, 1969, launching the gay rights movement. Now it will be the first national monument in honor of gays and lesbians in the U.S. (Whitney Shefte/The Washington Post)

President Obama created the first national monument to gay rights Friday when he designated almost eight acres around the legendary Stonewall Inn, a gay nightclub in Greenwich Village that became the a cradle of the movement after riots erupted there almost 50 years ago.

Using his executive authority under the 1906 Antiquities Act, Obama protected a 7.7-acre parcel in Greenwich Village as the Stonewall National Monument in memory of the riots that marked a significant turning point in American gay rights activism. The monument includes the Stonewall Inn itself, Christopher Park and the maze of surrounding streets where the riots unfolded.

The site memorializes the six-day uprising that started June 28, 1969, after police raided the Stonewall Inn, a Mafia-owned club frequented by gay men. Although there had been previous crackdowns on the bar and its clientele, that time it sparked a spontaneous riot by bystanders and those who had been detained.

Raids like this were nothing new, but this time the patrons had had enough, so they stood up and spoke out, the president said in a video released Friday. The riots became protests, the protests became a movement and the movement ultimately became an integral part of America.

Although national monument designations are partly symbolic, they inevitably spur an increase in tourism. Backers of the move said it could bolster the fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, which led to the landmark 2015 Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.

The designation of Stonewall reflects the ongoing cultural shift the national park system has experienced during Obamas presidency, as the president has used his executive authority to recognize sites that resonate with the countrys diverse makeup. Some of his previous designations have singled out places that correspond to seminal moments for African Americans, women, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans, or are located near communities of color.

I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country, the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us, Obama says in the video, which will play on billboards in Times Square at noon Saturday, that we are stronger together, that out of many, we are one.

The National Park Foundation also created a new nonprofit division Friday that aims to raise $2 million to support the site by funding dedicated National Park Service personnel, a temporary ranger station and a visitor center.

[Why Obama chose Stonewall as Americas first LGBT national monument]

Theresa Pierno, president and chief executive of the National Parks Conservation Association, said in an interview that the push to make Stonewall a national monument has helped bring people to the issue in a very intimate way, as both people who had participated in the riots and a younger generation of LGBT Americans rallied to the cause.

The building and the area surrounding it, including Christopher Park, continue to draw people during critical moments affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

People went to Stonewall, and thats where they held vigils, because thats where they connect to their history, Pierno said.

Still, rarely has the president of the United States honored a place that represents such a radical rebellion against the status quo. During the initial stage of the riots, participants rammed a parking meter through the inn and tossed in molotov cocktails, while another set of protesters kicked up their legs in a chorus line to mock the police.

Philip Bockman, who was 27 when he took part in the riots, had grown up isolated in Michigan with no understanding of what it meant to be gay. After being thrown out of the University of Michigan because officials there suspected that he was gay, he moved to New York City and began frequenting gay bars that remained shrouded in secrecy.

But at the start of the riots, Bockman realized how he and other gay people could exercise their political power. Looking around that crowd, I thought, wow, theres a lot of us, he recalled. It was the end of my loneliness.

At times, Bockman added, he and others were reckless.

I ran up and down the streets, I was telling people Come out, come out!  he said, making an allusion to both being open about ones sexual orientation as well as inviting others to take part in the riots.

Tommy Lanigan-Schmidt, another of the participants, described the conditions for LGBT Americans before the riots as prehistoric.

And when Stonewall happens, history begins for us. Our history, defined by us, Lanigan-Schmidt said. Thats the difference. Its us, saying who we are. Its not other people deciding that were sick, or should be felt sorry for, or all these things. The world before Stonewall was very much like the world that the Christian right would want it to be today.

Bockman said it was important to recognize Stonewall for those Americans who dont know what they take for granted about their current rights.

It feels like it legitimizes me as U.S. citizen, as a human being, as part of our country in a way that Ive never been able to fully feel before, he said, adding that although he lives in Philadelphia, he visits Stonewall nearly every week when he commutes to Manhattan to see patients in his psychotherapy practice. Its my past, its my youth and its our movement.

David Nakamura contributed to this report.
The leader of the Scottish National Party, Nicola Sturgeon, leaves a polling station in east Glasgow. (Robert Perry/AFP/Getty Images)

Scottish leaders who overwhelmingly supported Britains membership in the European Union warned Friday of possible renewed bids for independence after British voters turned their backs on the 28-nation bloc.

Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, said a second referendum on Scotlands membership in the United Kingdom was a possibility in the immediate future.

We will begin to prepare the legislation that would be required to enable a new independence referendum to take place if and when Parliament decides, she told reporters in Edinburgh.

Just two years ago, pro-E.U. Scottish voters rejected independence and opted to remain united with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

[These nations could be the next to ponder an E.U. break]

In that earlier vote, the separatist campaign could not successfully demonstrate that a newly independent Scotland would automatically earn E.U. membership: For Scottish Europhiles, the safest option in the September 2014 referendum was to remain in the U.K.

But Britains rejection of the European Union has outraged millions in Scotland as well as in Northern Ireland, pointing to the internal pressures the U.K. faces as it looks toward the difficult process of breaking with its European partners.

If Brexit will redefine the relationship of Britain with continental Europe, it could also significantly alter the borders of the U.K. itself.

Passport-control checks and physical barriers could soon be installed between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the only portion of the U.K. that will now share a land border with an E.U. member state.

In Thursdays vote, 56 percent of voters supported the pro-E.U. Remain camp in Northern Ireland, where significant E.U. investment has meant a new chapter of prosperity for a region that has not forgotten decades of sectarian violence.

Sinn Fein, the Irish nationalist party dedicated to ending British jurisdiction over Northern Ireland, immediately announced that the Brexit results justified a united Ireland.

English votes have overturned the democratic will of Northern Ireland, Declan Kearney, Sinn Feins national chairman, said in a statement Friday morning.

This British government has forfeited any mandate to represent the economic or political interests of people in Northern Ireland, he said.

Likewise, 62 percent of Scottish voters sided with the Remain camp, compared with just 47 percent in England.

I am proud of Scotland and how we voted yesterday, Sturgeon said. We proved that we are a modern, outward-looking and inclusive country, and we said clearly that we do not want to leave the European Union.

Decisions have consequences, Fiona Hyslop, Scotlands external-affairs minister, told reporters. If the United Kingdom has made a decision against the interests of the Scottish people, that will have consequences.

[Crisis mode for E.U. leaders]

In Wales, where 52 percent of voters backed Brexit, despite the billions of euros the region has received from Brussels in structural funding, First Minister Carwyn Jones was quick to express displeasure with the vote.

In a statement, Jones said the referendum was grounds for an entire reworking of the political relationships among Britains devolved capitals, putting the country onto an entirely different footing.

The potential details of a second Scottish referendum remain unclear, as do those of a newly independent Scotlands accession to the E.U.

Sturgeon declined to comment, and the Scottish National Party declined to elaborate on her Friday morning speech.

A second Scottish referendum would probably occur in a notably different economic environment than in 2014. For one, Scotland ran up a deficit last year roughly twice the size of the rest of the U.K.s, due among other things to lower tax revenue from fallen oil prices.

A second Scottish referendum could also lead to border controls between Scotland and an England increasingly wary of E.U. migrants. Those potential borders could curb the billions of pounds of commerce that flow between the two countries every year.

For many, the vote has already struck at the heart of the United Kingdom, politically integrated since 1707.

J.K. Rowling, the Scottish author of the best-selling Harry Potter books, tweeted Friday that Scotland will surely seek independence now.

Camerons legacy will be breaking up two unions, she wrote of the British prime minister. Neither needed to happen.

Read more:

A British vote to leave the E.U. could shatter the United Kingdom

Three big ways Brexit could affect Americans personally

What Brexit means for the future of Europe

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
After months of campaigning, the "leave" camp has won and Britain will be leaving the European Union. The Post's Adam Taylor talks about what that means for the country and Europe. (Adam Taylor,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

After months of campaigning, the "leave" camp has won and Britain will be leaving the European Union. The Post's Adam Taylor talks about what that means for the country and Europe. (Adam Taylor,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

Britains historic vote to leave the European Union plunges the 28-nation bloc into an existential crisis, dealing the dream of an integrated Europe its greatest blow since the march toward unity began in the aftermath of World War II.

That effort now faces a great leap back, with Britains exit carrying global ramifications. Its departure is set to upend trade deals and is already roiling financial markets, including those in Asia, North America and Europe. It will splinter  and significantly weaken  the E.U., the bloc of nations most closely allied with the United States. A newly divided Europe, observers fret, may also embolden Russia while diluting the power and influence of the West.

The fear of E.U. supporters now is that the British vote may have captured a zeitgeist, a deep-seated resentment of globalization that spans the Atlantic, a feeling that may translate into greater nationalism and a stand-alone mentality. The question is whether Britains move to become the first nation to exit the union will mark the start of a cascade of similar referendums that could threaten the blocs very survival.

[Live updates: Britain votes to leave E.U.]

Populists across Europe lauded the British vote as an opportunity to abandon the European project of political and economic unity. Right-wing leaders in France and Holland, among other countries, tweeted their support for E.U.-exit referendums.

As it departs the union, Britain may lose much of its voice in European affairs. But the rest of Europe stands to suffer, too; most experts predict at least a freezing if not a serious rollback of decades of strides toward regional integration. The E.U., experts say, will be forced to take a hard look at itself. Its caretakers now must undertake not only a messy extraction of Britain, but a reinvention of the bloc in a manner that makes it more accessible and vital to voters across Europe.

Britains exit is likely to provoke a crisis of tremendous proportions, one beyond any that we have known so far, said Steven Blockmans, a senior research fellow at the Center for European Policy Studies. You are not dealing with just one crisis but several interlocking ones.

[Britain shocks the world, breaks with European Union]

Even if the rest of the E.U. manages to hold itself together without Britain, the fallout could still be severe. A continent already facing a convergence of woes  including a refugee crisis, lingering sovereign debt problems and a continuing, low-grade war in Ukraine  will now find its attention monopolized by protracted negotiations over Britains withdrawal.

Uncertainty and unpredictability always create challenges to our security, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview Friday. It is a more unpredictable situation now than before the U.K. decided to leave.

When the E.U. and Britain finally do part ways  a process expected to take at least two years  the bloc will be greatly diminished.

1 of 56 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Britons react to cutting ties with the European Union View Photos Many celebrated the referendum results Friday and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he will resign after Britons went to the polls the day before. Caption In late June, many celebrated the referendum results, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he will resign after Britons went to the polls. June 26, 2016 People walk over Westminster Bridge wrapped in Union Jacks, toward the Queen Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the Houses of Parliament in central London. Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue.

Gone will be its most significant military and diplomatic power, as well as the second-largest economy in a union stretching from Ireland to Greece, Latvia to Portugal. Whats left will be a bloc more centered than ever on its most populous and economically powerful nation  Germany.

That reality is likely to generate new tensions.

The Germans remain reluctant leaders unwilling to embrace the kind of muscular diplomacy, backed by military strength, that the region may need to exert serious global influence. Some of Germanys neighbors, mindful of two world wars in the 20th century, still distrust Berlin.

Those old concerns are now compounded by newer ones  notably Berlins insistence on strict fiscal discipline as the linchpin of E.U. membership. A strain of fear is already running through the German government as it contemplates the loss of Britain  whose conservative prime minister, David Cameron, largely backed Chancellor Angela Merkels austerity crusade. Berlin now fears a ganging up by nations including France, Spain and Italy, which may seek to overthrow Merkels austerity-first policy.

[World markets plunge after Brexit vote]

Yet, if the Germans do not lead, who will? France is too distracted, a nation mired in economic stagnation and a war on terror. The Italians and the Spanish, meanwhile, are still struggling with financial hardship, political volatility and large-scale unemployment.

In some ways, we [Germans] are feeling what the United States often experiences, said Jurgen Hardt, foreign policy spokesman in the German Parliament for the ruling coalition. When a strong nation is not leading, everybody asks, Where is the leadership? But then, if you take responsibility and start to lead on some things, they say Oh, we dont want a single leadership. 

Britains exit is set to deal an especially powerful blow to Brussels, the seat of the much-maligned E.U. institutions. Baked into the city is a sense that the European Union can only expand, not contract, with grand construction projects breaking ground to house more European bureaucrats. Until just a few weeks ago, few officials in the E.U. capital actually expected that Britain could leave, diplomats and analysts said. No detailed plans for what to do in the event of a departure have been drawn up, leaving officials scrambling for a response now.

The vote leaves a question mark over the futures of more than 3 million non-British E.U. citizens living in Britain  from Polish plumbers to Italian restaurateurs  and the more than 1 million Britons living in continental Europe. Yet some argue that perhaps this is for the best. Britain, a holdout on joining the regions common currency, the euro, was always different. And those supporting the exit campaign dismiss the negative rhetoric as doomsaying.

We can find our voice in the world again, a voice that is commensurate with the fifth-biggest economy on Earth, former London mayor Boris Johnson, an exit supporter, told reporters in London. I believe we now have a glorious opportunity: We can pass our laws and set our taxes entirely according to the needs of the U.K. economy, said Johnson, a Conservative member of Parliament who could replace Cameron.

Despite polls showing high distrust of the E.U. in several member states, and increasing anti-Brussels sentiment from governments such as those in Poland and Hungary, some observers say Britain may be an outlier. Historically, its emotional links to the continent have been tenuous at best  Britain often sees the English Channel as a cultural as well as a physical barrier between it and Europe.

At the same time, less influential nations  particularly in Eastern Europe  have gained hugely from E.U. grants and labor mobility laws that have granted young Poles, Slovaks and Czechs the ability to find jobs just as easily in Berlin, Munich or Paris as in their home countries.

There is no other member state with a majority in favor of leaving the European Union, even not in those states with governments critical of the E.U., like Poland or Hungary, said Hardt, the German lawmaker. The mood in those states is not comparable to the mood in Britain. I do not think they are close to having 50 percent of the people willing to leave.

Birnbaum reported from Brussels.

Read more

As Britain voted on E.U., striking parallels emerged with the U.S. political debate

The stunning collapse of the British pound, in one chart

What Brexit means for the future of Europe

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
A Syrian boy holds a banner dropped by a Syrian Democratic Forces alliance plane reading in Arabic: The will of the Syrian people will break the chains of the terrorists on Thursday in northern Syria. (Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty Images)

Islamic State militants have abducted some 900 Kurds in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo over the past three weeks amid fierce fighting for control of a nearby Islamic State stronghold, a Kurdish official and Syrian activists said Friday.

The abductions began shortly after the predominantly Kurdish and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) began an offensive May 31 to capture the stronghold of Manbij from the extremists.

The extremist group, also known as ISIS, has a history of mass kidnappings in areas it controls in Syria and Iraq and has mostly targeted Christians and Kurds in the past.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the 900 civilians were detained near the ISIS-held town of al-Bab. SDF spokesman Sherfan Darwish told the Associated Press that the seizure of more than 900 is in retaliation for the SDF offensive against the town of Manbij.

Whenever Daesh is defeated, they retaliate against civilians, Darwish said, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State, adding that there are whole families among those abducted.

Darwish said all captured males older than 12 were sent against their will to the front lines to help fortify Islamic State positions.

The Observatory said ISIS fighters stormed homes in several villages they control near al-Bab, including Arab, Qabaseen and Nairabiyeh, and took with them mostly men.

In 2014, the Islamic State abducted nearly 200 Kurdish students near Manbij as they were en route from the Kurdish town of Kobani near the Syrian-Turkish border to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, the provincial capital, to take exams. Most were later released.

In February 2015, ISIS kidnapped more than 200 Christians from northeastern Syria. The Christians were released over a period of a year, after the Islamic State collected millions of dollars in ransom.

Opposition activists reported clashes inside Manbij on Friday and airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition.

Since the offensive to take Manbij began last month, SDF fighters have captured dozens of villages and farms near the town, which is surrounded on all sides as SDF forces slowly push into Manbij.

The town lies along the only ISIS supply line between the Turkish border and the extremist groups self-styled capital, Raqqa. If Manbij is captured, it will be the biggest strategic defeat for the Islamic State in Syria since July, when it lost the border town of Tal Abyad.
President Obama pauses while speaking about Britains exit from the European Union during the Global Entrepreneurship Summit on Friday at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Britains decision to leave the European Union could make it more difficult to maintain transatlantic agreement on sanctions on Russia over Ukraine, and distract Britain and the E.U. from other pressing foreign policy issues as they disentangle their ties, analysts said Friday.

On the day after the historic vote known as Brexit, with financial markets plummeting worldwide, foreign policy and national security analysts were trying to predict the implications for the United States in its relations with the E.U and Britain, allies that separately and together have been key partners on a host of global issues, from the war in Syria to the nuclear deal with Iran.



Some adversaries immediately saw chinks in Europes armor as a result of the vote. Politicians in Moscow predicted it would sap the E.U. of a strong member and ultimately hasten the lifting of sanctions with damaging effects for the United States.

In my opinion, the most important long-term consequence of all this is that the exit will take Europe away from the anglo-saxons, meaning from the USA, said the Kremlins small-business ombudsman, Boris Titov, in a Facebook post. Its not the independence of Britain from Europe, but the independence of Europe from the USA.

Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, tweeted as much, writing that Russian President Vladimir Putin benefits from a weaker Europe. UK vote makes EU weaker. Its just that simple.

In a stunning victory for the "Leave" campaign, Britain has voted to exit the European Union. Here's what happens next. (Jason Aldag,Adam Taylor/The Washington Post)

[Some possible Brexit consequences]

When President Obama visited London in April, he said Britains membership in the E.U. magnifies its influence and warned they would have to go in the back of the queue for future trade deals if they left. He sounded more conciliatory on Friday, saying the special relationship between the two countries would endure.

But analysts said the British vote could signal a more inward-looking Europe as it copes with the decision.

One of the strongest cards we have to play against Putin is transatlantic unity, said Julianne Smith, a national security analyst with the Center for a New American Security. This creates two years of navel gazing and internal debate about where do we go from here and Britains place in Europe. We lose our ability to stand together.

[Stunned reactions to Brexit votes, in five charts]

The loss of a British voice within the E.U. means Washington will have one less like-minded friend in diplomatic issues involving Europeans.

Its still an important partner, one of the most militarily capable and diplomatically accomplished partners there is, said Karen Donfried, president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. To not have the E.U. benefit from the role Britain plays is a net negative.

1 of 56 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Britons react to cutting ties with the European Union View Photos Many celebrated the referendum results Friday and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he will resign after Britons went to the polls the day before. Caption In late June, many celebrated the referendum results, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he will resign after Britons went to the polls. June 26, 2016 People walk over Westminster Bridge wrapped in Union Jacks, toward the Queen Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the Houses of Parliament in central London. Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue.

But some analysts say the concerns are being overblown. Britains military will continue to operate within NATO, which is separate from the E.U.

Britain is providing troops and equipment to coalitions that are waging military operations in Iraq, Yemen and Syria. Michael OHanlon, a national security analyst with the Brookings Institution, said that while Britains contribution is larger than its size would warrant, it is still no more than 10 to 15 percent of what the United States commits.

The stakes are important, but theyre not astronomically big to begin with, he said.

It may have repercussions down the road, he said of Britains breakup from the E.U. Maybe its military will become a little smaller. But we need to take a chill pill on worries about the downsides of withdrawal.

Indeed, some argue that Britains exit from the E.U. could free London to act more forcefully and, for instance, impose harsher sanctions against Russia.

A sovereign Britain, one able to act completely independently of the supranational European Union, will be a more powerful force on the international stage than it is now, said Nile Gardiner, a onetime aide to former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who now heads the Heritage Foundations Center for Freedom that is named after her. I think that far from welcoming Brexit, Putin fears it.

The biggest unknown is whether the British move will have a cascading effect.

If three or four other countries do this as a copycat, then we have a more interesting problem, said Barry Pavel, director of the Atlantic Councils Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security. Theyre opting out of an economic union, and I dont think its good, but its not as catastrophic as people are playing out  yet. We have to wait and see what happens.

Anti-E.U. parties in several European countries have said they plan to agitate for a referendum as Britain did. Marian L. Tupy, who analyzes the effects of globalization at the Cato Institutes Center on Global Liberty and Prosperity, called the British vote the beginning of the end for the European Union.

With every electoral cycle, pro-European parties are losing support and parties the E.U. calls dismissively populist are increasing in popularity, he said. It was only a matter of time before an E.U. country had either elected an anti-European government or held a referendum on it. The British were the first.

Tupy, who supports the breakaway as an expression of freedom, considers the security aspects negligible. The United States shares its intelligence more judiciously with other countries on the European continent than it does with Britain, he said.

But Smith of the Center for a New American Security said intelligence sharing and cooperation inevitably will be weakened in a divided Europe.

Whether its counterterrorism or a resurgent Russia or challenges in the Middle East, our ability to put forward common strategies is in question in a very distressed Europe, she said. This is a crushing blow.

Read more:

Brexit vote shocks the world and brings immediate consequences

Scottish leader threatens independence referendum

Striking parallels between Britain and the U.S.
The damage inside the burnt U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on Sept. 13, 2012, following an attack on the building late on Sept. 11. (GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

A federal judge set a September 2017 trial date for Ahmed Abu Khattala, a U.S.-designated terrorist whom prosecutors accuse of leading the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans.

U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Casey Cooper of Washington gave notice in a scheduling order issued Thursday for a major terrorism trial in the nations capital, roughly five years after the attacks that killed U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three others on Sept. 11, 2012.

While the trial date might slip if unexpected disputes arise, both sides agreed to the calendar, which anticipates several stages of pretrial legal battling  including over how much classified evidence each side seeks to disclose and use.

The trial will be complicated by the backdrop of a chaotic civil war in Libya, which has fed a refugee crisis in Europe and been exploited by militants allied with the Islamic State. Prosecutors have already turned over about 20,000 pages of material to Abu Khattalas defense; most of it is classified and much of the governments case remains secret, including what witnesses it might seek to bring from Libya.

A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District declined to comment about Coopers order, citing pending litigation. Federal public defender A.J. Kramer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The notice came about six weeks after the Justice Department announced it would not seek the death penalty against Abu Khattala, who has pleaded not guilty after being indicted on 18 counts, including charges of murder of an internationally protected person, murder of an officer or employee of the United States, killing a person in an attack on a U.S. facility and providing material support to terrorists resulting in death.

In January 2014, the U.S. government designated Abu Khattala a terrorist and Ansar al-Sharia, an armed militia that seeks to establish sharia law in Libya, a terrorist organization.

[Meet Ahmed Abu Khattala, an alleged ringleader of the Benghazi attacks]

The Obama administration authorized Abu Khattalas capture in a June 2014 U.S. Special Operations raid in Libya after he was lured to a villa south of Benghazi.

In court papers, U.S. authorities alleged that Abu Khattala told others that he thought the American diplomatic presence in Benghazi was cover for a U.S. intelligence-gathering facility and vowed to do something about this facility.

[Benghazi suspect captured in secret raid]

Last year, a lawyer for Abu Khattala, standing next to the defendant, said in court that everyone agrees what happened in September 2012 was a tragedy and Americans suffered a tragic loss. Defense attorney Jeffrey D. Robinson added, Mr. Abu Khattala agrees it was a tragic loss but disagrees he is the person responsible for it.
People walk over Westminster Bridge wrapped in Union Jacks, toward the Queen Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the Houses of Parliament in central London.

June 26, 2016 People walk over Westminster Bridge wrapped in Union Jacks, toward the Queen Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the Houses of Parliament in central London. Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

In late June, many celebrated the referendum results, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he will resign after Britons went to the polls.

Many celebrated the referendum results Friday and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he will resign after Britons went to the polls the day before.

Many celebrated the referendum results Friday and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he will resign after Britons went to the polls the day before.

European leaders went into crisis mode Friday after the surprise vote by Britain to exit the European Union, locking themselves inside emergency meetings even as nationalists across the region issued rallying cries to follow in Londons footsteps.

From Dublin to Paris to Berlin, governments confronted their worst-case scenarios and scrambled to form a consensus on how to now extricate Britain from the 28-nation bloc as British Prime Minister David Cameron said he planned to step down in defeat. Top leaders of the E.U.s executive and legislative branches, meanwhile, met Friday morning in Brussels. E.U. ambassadors  all 28 of them, for now  convened in the afternoon in Luxembourg. Foreign ministers from the six founding E.U. nations were set to meet in Berlin on Saturday.

[Live updates on Britains vote to leave the European Union]

The flurry of diplomacy was laying the groundwork for a previously planned E.U. summit on Tuesday, when talks on how to handle what could be a painful, messy process of a British exit are set to start. Cameron said he did not plan to immediately trigger the clause of the European treaty that would start up to two years of exit negotiations.

He indicated that he would leave exit decisions to his successor.

Even as key political figures reacted with shock  Damn! Its a sad day for the E.U., tweeted German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel  others cautioned that it was now up to the E.U. to prove its worth to the people of the continent. The E.U., critics say, has veered too far from its initial concept as a customs and economic union, meddling in national budgets and labor laws while being viewed as a remote bureaucracy by many across the region it serves.

[Britain shocks world, breaks with E.U.]

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who bears most of the burden of holding the E.U. together, called Britains departure a turning point in Europe and of European integration and offered an impassioned plea for the rest of the bloc to stick together. She also called for swift but fair breakup negotiations with London that maintain Germanys partnership with as closely as possible.

The rest of the E.U. nations, she said, should not forget that at the core of the bloc was a mission greater than economics or politics. She called for the remaining states to stick together in globalized times.

With a nod to history, she emphasized that Germany has a responsibility to ensure Europes peaceful future with or without Britain in the E.U.

We should never forget, especially in these times, that the idea of the European Union was an idea of peace, she said. After centuries of most terrible bloodshed, the founders of the European integration found the way to reconciliation.

E.U. leaders now face the challenge not only of managing the mechanics of a British exit but also of making the bloc feel more relevant to the regions grass roots, in order to ensure its survival.

After Britain voted to leave the E.U., European Council President Donald Tusk said the bloc is "determined to keep its unity." (European Council)

[Scottish leader vows new independence referendum]

Meanwhile, Austrian foreign minister Sebastian Kurz told state broadcaster ORF on Friday that a domino effect on other countries cant be ruled out.

Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, said E.U. law will still apply in Britain until it officially leaves. He said he had spoken to the regions leaders and would seek continued European unity.

But he conceded that reflection on the future of the bloc was needed.

I have proposed to the leaders that we consider a wider reflection on our union, he said. These last years have been the most difficult in the history of our union. . . . But what doesnt kill you makes you stronger.

[Markets plunge after Brexit vote]

Amid sharp falls in both the British pound and the euro, many Europeans acknowledged that the path ahead would be hard.

The United Kingdom . . . will go its own way, Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament, told German public broadcaster ZDF. I think the economic data show this morning that it will be a very difficult way.

Anti-E.U. forces across Europe, for their part, were jubilant. Nationalists on the continent, including in Sweden and Denmark, immediately called for similar referendums. In the Netherlands, right-wing leader Geert Wilders, already rising in the polls there, lauded the British vote.

Hurrah for the British! Now it is our turn. Time for a Dutch referendum! he tweeted under the hashtag #ByeByeEU.

In France, Marine Le Pen, eyeing next years presidential race as the leader of the French anti-E.U. National Front party, vowed to pursue a referendum on Frexit  or a French exit  as a campaign pledge.

Victory for liberty! As I have demanded for years, it is now time to have the same referendum in France and in E.U. countries, she wrote on Twitter.

Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, also hailed the British vote. Britons took back their country, he told reporters during a business-focused trip to one of his golf resorts in Scotland. Thats a great thing.

[Donald Trump, in Scotland, celebrates Brexit vote]

Britain may face tough terms for an exit and may struggle to withdraw  as many exit supporters suggested  while still maintaining free access to the 27 other nations that form the worlds largest integrated consumer market. The E.U. stance, as with many major decisions, will come down largely to the positions of Germany and France, which are likely to drive a hard bargain with London to discourage domestic copycats.

We respect the result of the British referendum, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble told reporters in Berlin. I would have wished for a different result. Now we have to look forward and deal with this situation.

Stephanie Kirchner in Berlin and Andrew Roth in Moscow contributed to this report.

Read more

Britain shocks world, breaks with European Union, British leader to step down

These countries could be next now that Britain has left the E.U.

Pound takes Brexit battering; markets down

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
About 1,300 nurses at Kaiser Permanente's Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC) went on strike Thursday joining nearly 5,000 striking nurses in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota now in the sixth day of a weeklong walkout at the states largest hospital chain, Allina Health. Nurses in both areas are facing similar attacks on their work conditions and living standards.

Nimfa, a nurse at LAMC, told the World Socialist Web Site, A big part of this strike is our working conditions and our struggle to give safe patient care without permanently breaking our backs. Some of the main issues are chronic understaffing, heavy patient loads and issues with supplies and equipment.

In Minnesota, nurses are facing an attack on their own health care benefits, with Allina demanding that the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) accept a new health plan that would impose higher co-pays and deductibles on health care workers. Nurses overwhelmingly rejected management demands in February and June, and after months of fruitless negotiations and growing militancy of rank-and-file nurses the MNA had little choice but to call the strike.

Management, however, has only been encouraged by the limited character of the strike, which is scheduled to end Sunday at 7:00 a.m. CDT, and involves less than half of the MNA members in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Allina is pressing ahead with its plan to slash health care benefits and impose an automated staffing system, which will increase workloads on already over-burdened nurses.

Nurses on the picket lines in the Twin Cities expressed their determination to resist these demands, and were encouraged by the nurses strike in Los Angeles. Monique, a nurse with six years of experience at Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis, told the WSWS, We should all be united--not just us MNA nurses--but nurses in Los Angeles, Verizon workers, and so on.

There is a deep desire of health care workers to unify their struggle against the giant non-profit hospital chains that provide billions in profits for the giant pharmaceutical, insurance, medical technology companies and their top administrators.

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Washington and Lee University found that seven of the 10 most profitable US hospitals cleared more than $160 million in 2013 from patient care services despite having a non-profit status. The study, published last month, led researchers to conclude that the most profitable hospitals in the country establish monopolies in their communities, allowing them to mark up prices charged to private insurers. The system is broken when non-profit hospitals are raking in such high profits, lead researcher Gerard Anderson said.

The attack on nurses has been accelerated by Obamas misnamed Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, which has been a catalyst for hospital chains to streamline their costs at the expense of workers. The measure has also spurred major corporations to shift health care costs to their employees, under the threat of Obamas so-called Cadillac Tax on supposedly overgenerous health care plans.

Nurses at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston are preparing a one-day strike on June 27 over inadequate staffing for the hospitals Tertiary Care center, short staffing for critically ill children and lack of proper staffing to allow nurses to take rest and meal breaks.

While nurses are striving to unite their struggles, the biggest obstacle is the unions, which claim to represent them. The National Nurses United (NNU) and its affiliates in Minnesota, California and Massachusetts, have limited the strikes to a week or less, giving all the leverage to management, which have hired or are preparing to hire replacement nurses. In addition, the AFL-CIO and the Change to Win labor federations are opposed to a broader mobilization of millions of other workers, including railway, postal, educational, supermarket, retail and other industries, who are working without contracts or under extended labor agreements.

Over the last 18 months, as the contracts for some 5 million workers expired, the AFL-CIO and Change to Win have systematically isolated each section of workers, extending contracts or calling limited, isolated strikes, only to starve workers back into submission. The most recent examples are the betrayal of the seven-week Verizon strike, and the concession contract forced through on Thursday against 14,000 steelworkers at ArcelorMittal.

Last July top union officials held a closed door White House meeting with President Obama to discuss how to contain the widespread determination of workers to recoup lost wages now that corporate profits and the stock markets had fully recovered from the 2008 crash. The NNU and other unions are allied with the Obama administration and the Democratic Party, and are only seeking to have a seat at the table in imposing sweeping wage and benefit concessions on workers.

In an effort to give themselves a left cover, while they collaborate with the Democrats austerity measures, the executives from the NNU and its state affiliates endorsed Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Like Sanders they will all fall behind the Democratic presumptive candidate, Hillary Clinton, the personification of the corrupt relationship between corporate America and the government.

If the nurses struggle is not to be betrayed, rank-and-file health care workers must take the conduct of the fight out of the hands of the unions, reject their bankrupt strategy of limited strikes, and fight for the broadest mobilization of the working class behind their struggle.
From Cosmopolitan

Bangladesh - one of the few predominantly Muslim countries where prostitution is legal - is home to a walled brothel district, where many of the women sex workers were either trafficked or born inside the brothel's walls. Photojournalist Sandra Hoyn recently visited the Kandapara brothel in the Bangladeshi district of Tangali to capture images that show what life inside the brothel walls is really like. The result is a series of beautiful but often heartbreaking photos.

Cosmopolitan.com spoke with Hoyn via email about what it was like to be a visitor to one of the oldest and largest brothels in Bangladesh.

Cosmopolitan.com: How did you find out about the Kandapara brothel?

Sandra Hoyn: "I am interested in human relationships, in various factors of human life, [and] especially human existence on the edge of society. I read that Bangladesh is one of the few Muslim countries where prostitution is legal. The Kandapara brothel in the district of Tangail is the oldest and second-largest in the country - it has existed for some 200 years. I was curious about living in the brothel and [the women's] situation in the society."

How did you gain access to the brothel? Was it as simple as just walking in?

"I spent four weeks from January to February 2016 in Bangladesh. At the beginning it was difficult to get access to the women and customers. I was there with a translator and a local photographer. The first week, I didn't take photographs, I just walked around and talked with them. Taking intimate photographs was possible after they trusted me. Some customers didn't want to be in the photographs, especially those with a rich family. But other customers didn't care at all about it.

Even without understanding our language (just with the help of a translator sometimes) some of the girls and me became very close. Most of the women in my photographs found me, and they asked me for photographs and selfies when I walked through the streets in the brothel. Every day I met with them, they became more open and wanted to share their experiences. Every time I tried to get in contact with a girl on my own it was more difficult - many didn't want to and didn't let that mask fall. So I decided to walk through the brothel and wait until the girls spoke to me. These girls I visited regularly."

Story continues

You mention in your piece for the Washington Post that women inside the brothels are "weak but also powerful." What makes them powerful, and how did you see them wield that power?

"The most vulnerable stage is when a young sex worker enters the brothel at the beginning as a bonded girl, usually from 12 to 14 years. Coming from poor families, the girls are often victims of trafficking. Bonded girls have no freedom or rights. They belong to a madam, have debts, and are not allowed to go outside or keep their money. When they have paid all their debts, usually between one to five years, they are independent sex workers in the brothel (mostly between the age of 18-35) and they have more rights. Then, they can refuse customers and keep their own money. From the moment that a woman has paid her debts, she is free to leave the brothel. But these women are socially stigmatized outside their 'homes' and thus often choose to stay and continue supporting their families with their earnings.

Many women have their 'boyfriends,' or regular customers who pay them. I know one woman who has turned down the marriage proposals of her most faithful client because she doesn't trust that he will let her keep her money. She'd rather maintain her independence as a sex worker.

In the brothel the women are smoking, dancing, talking loudly, and sometimes fighting with the men. In the public area, this counts as bad manners. It depends on their status, but they can also refuse customers if they dont like them.

The women also took care of me, made sure that nothing happened to me, and stayed with me to avoid misunderstandings. Sometimes when some men came to close to me, the women protected me and kicked the men out of the brothel."

What was it like for you, personally, to be in the walled brothel? How did you feel, what was going through your mind?

"I have had mixed feelings. Of course often I felt pity, sad. Sometimes I felt very bad to be taking pictures. But I always had to remind myself that I am a photojournalist. Sometimes it is difficult to keep the journalistic distance. Taking portraits of Pakhi, a 15-year-old girl, together with a customer she didn't like at all was a bad experience. She is like a friend to me. It felt like I was abusing her when I took those pictures. But I forced myself to do it, it wouldn't be real if I didn't show it. Her custumer came in a group of five men who all wanted to have sex with her one after another. This was horrible.

When the women have free time, they danced and laughed together.

The brothel is like its own microcosm, it is a city in a city. In the narrow streets, there are food stalls, tea shops and street vendors. I spent every day from morning till evening in the brothel and some days I forgot where I was. It was sometimes like everyday life in another city with it's own rules. Many of the clients enjoy drinking alcohol, which is forbidden outside for Muslims. I saw many men going to the brothel just to drink a tea or have a talk with the women.

Inside the brothel, the women didn't wear the hijab, just when they leave the brothel to go shopping. When the women have free time, they danced and laughed together. They are joking with each other, kidding the customers. The girls laugh a lot, are very lively and cheerful. They play and often forget their sadness. There are also a few customers who are really in love with their girls.

Most of them have sad stories - but they are really strong, at least outwardly. I admire that they manage their lives under these circumstances and do not give up. They are not just survivors or victims, they are fighting and enjoying their life in their own way. They still have dreams. Most women have the dream to earn enough money in the brothel to buy their own house outside when they are old, and they want to not be dependent on men. They want earn enough money to give their children at least a good school education. They want them to have a better future than they did."

Why do you think it's important that people see what life is like inside the walled brothel?

"The sex workers are not treated like normal citizens, but they are a reality that society has to accept. Their environment should be improved. Recognizing the existence of sex workers is the first step to ensure that they have a right to live a normal life as any other human being.

Getting this problem out in the open will hopefully bring change. Public awareness is important."

Sandra Hoyn's interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Follow Hannah on Twitter.
Johnny Depp's daughter Lily-Rose Depp has visited him in the Bahamas as he plans to remain on his private island amid his divorce from Amber Heard.



"He has no plans to return to L.A.," a source tells PEOPLE of the actor. "He misses nothing about L.A. but his kids, and they are visiting him in the Bahamas." According to the source, his daughter Lily-Rose Depp, 17, has already visited him on the island, and his son Jack, 14, is expected to arrive with his mother, Vanessa Paradis, in a few days.



"Having his kids around is always great for him. He has really missed his kids," the source says, adding that Depp has also had friends "flying back and forth for visits" to the island. "He likes being surrounded by people and everyone is trying to cheer him up."



The actor has been staying on the island since concluding the European half of his tour with his band, The Hollywood Vampires.









VIDEO: Amber Heard Withdraws Request for Temporary Spousal Support



Depp avoided making a return to L.A. when a hearing to extend Heard's temporary restraining order was pushed to August. Heard, who is accusing Depp of domestic violence, was granted the restraining order less than a week after filing for divorce.



In a response to Heard's initial court filing, Depp's attorney, Laura Wasser, alleged in court documents that Heard "is attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse."



"Johnny was very nervous about the court date," the source says. "He really didn't want to return to L.A. for court. He was very relieved that his lawyer was able to figure things out for now."



According to the source, Depp hopes to settle the divorce out of court. "He doesn't talk badly about Amber and just wants to move on," the source adds.



Depp will return to the U.S. in July to continue his concert tour with The Hollywood Vampires. "He seems excited about the concerts," says the source.
After three months, police in Pennsylvania say they've arrested the two armed men who allegedly ambushed a backyard barbecue, fatally shooting five people while injuring three others, PEOPLE confirms.



A press release from Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr.'s office contends Cheron Shelton, 29, and Robert Thomas, 27, are each facing six counts of criminal homicide for their alleged roles in the March 9 shooting, which occurred in the Wilkinsburg section of Pittsburgh.



The shooting killed four adults, including a woman who was eight months pregnant.



Investigators allege Thomas, armed with a pistol, fired 18 shots at the party's 15 attendees. Police claim the shots sent the partygoers scattering, with several taking cover behind a fence. Detectives allege that Shelton shot 30 rounds from his rifle directly at the fence. They believe the shooting was retaliatory.



 Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.



According to police, those killed in the shooting were Brittany Powell, 27, and her siblings, Chanetta Powell, a 25-year-old pregnant woman, and Jerry Shelton, 35.



Medical examiners have determined Chanetta Powell's unborn son died because she did, police claim.



The other victims were a cousin of the siblings, Tina Shelton, 37, and their friend, Shada Mahone, 26.



Cheron Shelton is not related to any of his victims, according to police, who say he planned the shootings with Thomas upon learning Lamont Powell was at the cookout.



Efforts to reach their lawyers were unsuccessful Thursday.



Both defendants also face six counts each of aggravated assault and reckless endangerment along with a single criminal conspiracy charge.
Europe woke up Friday to find Britain has left the building.

A clear majority of British voters chose Brexit, voting to leave the European Union (EU). And Europe, as Italian broadsheet La Repubblica put it, was "stunned."

"The unthinkable has happened: the Brits want to leave the EU," said Germany's Der Spiegel under the headline "The Big Bang."

Across the continent, the sentiment was similar: shock and awe at a result few had expected. European news outlets gave blanket coverage to the Brexit vote, with most expressing surprise and many pointing to similar separatist tendencies across the continent.

"Victory! The freedom I have asked for for years," tweeted Marine Le Pen, leader of France's anti-EU and anti-immigration party the National Front. "We should now have the same referendum in France and other EU countries," she wrote. Her niece, the National Front politician Marion Marechal Le Pen, seconded that notion: "From Brexit to Frexit, it is now time to import democracy into our country. The French should have the right to choose!" she posted on Twitter.

Marion Le Pen

VICTORY ! #EUref #Brexit

- Marion Le Pen (@Marion_M_Le_Pen) June 24, 2016

Italian conservative newspaper Il Tempo noted the country's right-wing Lega Nord had similar pro-independence goals, quoting Lega Nord head Matteo Salvini, who thanked "the courage of free citizens" of the U.K. before declaring: "Now it's our turn." An editorial in French conservative paper Le Figaro warned of a "domino effect" of separatist movements across Europe.

However, news outlets in Hungary and Poland - the two EU countries with the most Eurosceptic governments - took a reasonably objective approach to news Friday morning of Britain's Brexit vote. Hungary's online daily Origo played the story of Britain's historic vote straight, relating news of the referendum under a headline "Brexit Drama: The British Leave." News portal NOL played up the danger to the Hungarian economy posed by Brexit, declaring that "Hungary is Sure to Lose Now That Britain Choose Brexit."

Story continues

"The U.K. is out of the EU, but Poland remains in," Jaroslav Kaczynski, a former prime minister of Poland and chairman of the country's ruling right-wing Law and Justice Party told leading news daily Gazeta Wyborcza. But Kaczynski did seize on the news of Britain's Brexit decision to call for Poland to renegotiate its treaty with the EU.

Read More: J.K. Rowling Says She's Never "Wanted Magic More" After U.K. Votes to Leave EU

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who has been an outspoken advocate for the Remain movement, responded to the Brexit vote with a plea for other EU members to fight to stay in. "We have to change it to make it more human and more just. But Europe is our home, it is our future," he tweeted.

Dobbiamo cambiarla per renderla piu umana e piu giusta. Ma l'Europa e la nostra casa, e il nostro futuro.

- Matteo Renzi (@matteorenzi) June 24, 2016

Much of the European coverage focused on the possible economic impact of the Brexit vote, with Le Figaro predicting "tremors" across the stock market and most outlets pointing to the historic drop in the value of the British pound, which fell to a 31-year-low against the U.S. dollar. Spain's El Pais newspaper said Brexit would "impact Spain home sales, tourism and expats," and the country's El Mundo broadsheet noted that Spanish risk premiums soared in the wake of the vote. Spanish media also pointed to results in British-run Gibraltar, which borders Spain, noting that its residents voted, almost unanimously, to stay in the EU.

German public broadcaster ARD quoted Markus Kerber, head of the BDI, the umbrella association representing German industry, as saying Brexit would have a "hard and immediate" impact on business. "In the coming months we expect a significant drop in business with the Brits," he said. "We do not expect any new direct investment by German companies [in Britain]." The German Foreign Office called the result "truly sobering" and said it was "a sad day for Europe."

The view from Asia was quite different. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV responded to the news of Brexit in real time via its social media Weibo account. It listed four major implications of the vote for Chinese viewers. They included: 1. a weaker British Pound makes it cheaper for the Chinese to go to the U.K. to shop or study 2. No impact on visa restrictions for Chinese visitors. 3. Some 50,000 EU students in the U.K. might leave, opening up more spots for Chinese students. 4. A-list shares seen as high-risk assets will be sold.

Qiu Lin, a wildly popular Chinese blogger, agreed that Brexit represents an opportunity for China.

"The EU doesn't recognize China's new economic status, and British politicians have been trying to convince the EU to change their attitude toward China," he wrote in a post viewed more than 34.5 million times. "Britain has many cooperation projects with China and trade ties between us are relevantly close as well. Therefore, Britain holds a positive attitude in terms of admitting China's economic might."

Conservative parties represented in the European Parliament have now called for a rapid exit by Britain from EU institutions. Crisis sessions involving leading EU politicians are set for Friday in Brussels. Unraveling Britain's legal ties with the EU will take time. Most expect a formal exit to take at least two years and some have suggested that it could be delayed until national elections in Britain, scheduled for 2020.

Ariston Anderson in Rome, Rhonda Richford in Paris, Nick Holdsworth in London, Pamela Rolfe in Spain and Patrick Brzeski in Tokyo contributed to this report.

Read More: British Media Stunned By Surprise Brexit Vote
German media reports said late Thursday afternoon that a masked gun man was killed when police stormed a movie cinema.

The police was responding to what had been described as a "threat situation" at a movie theater in Viernheim, Germany, near Mannheim. A major police action became necessary at the Kinopolis movie theater in the town, Zeit Online cited a police spokesman as saying. He didn't identify the gunman. Reuters also said the gunman was shot.

Unsourced German media reports in tabloid Bild and broadsheet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung had said that an armed man had entered the movie theater and fired at least one shot. The reports said 20-50 people were believed to have been injured. Reuters also said that as many as 50 people were injured. Some local reports said the attacker used some form of gas.

German tabloid Bild said elite police forces were believed to have surrounded the theater after the gunman barricaded himself inside.

A spokesman for police in nearby Mannheim, said the police force there was not directly involved in the incident, but had sent officers to support their colleagues in the town.

More to come...
Top Gun actress Kelly McGillis was reportedly assaulted by a stranger who broke into her North Carolina home last week.

After a short struggle with the suspect, identified by news station WYFF4 in Greenville as Laurence Marie Dorn, McGillis was able to get ahold of authorities, the actress wrote in a lengthy Facebook post.

Im alright. Scratched and bruise, the actress, who starred as Tom Cruises love interest Charlie in the 1986 classic, wrote on Facebook. I feel very thankful it turned out well. But who I feel heartache for is the little girl that was with her. Mental illness takes many hostages. I dont know her namebut I would like to asked that you pray for her and her mother. [sic]

Dorn has been charged with second-degree burglary, misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor stalking, assault and battery, and interfering with emergency communication, according to WYFF4.

The Henderson County Sheriffs Office could not be reached for additional information.

Read More: Star Wars Gets Kenny Loggins Top Gun Treatment
Boris Johnson (left) kisses a wild salmon as he is shown around Billingsgate Fish Market in London with porter Greg Essex, uncle of TV presenter Joey Essex, on the final day of campaigning before Thursday's EU Referendum.

Good morning! Here's everything you need to know in the world of advertising today.

1. WPP CEO Martin Sorrell says Britain's decision to vote to leave the EU has left him "very disappointed." Sorrell laid out his immediate concerns about Brexit including the "resulting uncertainty" which will "slow decision-making."

2. European advertising company stocks have been hurt after Brexit vote. WPP, Publicis Groupe, and Havas were among those that saw their stock price drop following the news that Britain will leave the EU.

3. IPG CEO Michael Roth says that volatility caused by Britain's decision to vote to leave the EU "should normalize." Roth said in a statement: "Longer-term, as long as open trade remains a priority, markets should normalize, and thats the time-line were focused on."

4. Ryanair has launched a promotion for people who "need a getaway" after the EU referendum result. An ad for the deal uses the famous "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" monkeys and replaces them with UKIP leader Nigel Farage, former London Mayor Boris Johnson, and justice secretary Michael Gove.

5. YouTube is officially incorporating live-streaming capabilities into its mobile app. Previously live-streaming was not available in YouTube's app, which has allowed Facebook and Twitter to get ahead on live-video.

6. Facebook now offers political bias training to its staff, COO Sheryl Sandberg announced. It follows allegations from former news "curators" at Facebook that the social media network has an anti-conservative bias.

7. Unilever has pledged to eradicate sexist female stereotyping from its ads. The company promised it will "advance portrayals of gender" across more than 400 of its brands - which include Knorr, Dove, Cif and Surf.

8. A German appeals court has ruled that Adblock Plus' "Acceptable Ads List" business model is illegal. The court said that ad blocking itself wasn't illegal, but that Adblock Plus asking companies to pay to appear on its whitelist is in breach of German unfair competition law. The case was brought by Business Insider parent company Axel Springer.

Story continues

9. Martha Stewart told us how it felt to suddenly become a billionaire in a single day when Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia launched its IPO. "That was a great day," the publishing and commerce entrepreneur said at Cannes.

10. Martha Stewart also explained what it was like to spend five months in jail. Stewart spent five months in jail for obstructing a federal securities investigation, where she spent time developing her skills in cookery and craft.

NOW WATCH: LG pulled off its craziest marketing stunt yet to promote its latest vacuum cleaner





More From Business Insider


11 things we all need to know about the Brexit

11 things we all need to know about the Brexit

People are saying the world is ending, that this is the worst political decision in recent memory, and that this is the greatest thing the UK could ever do. So whats the real situation here? Lets look at the Brexit, and what exactly it means.

1. Defining Brexit.

Brexit, which is an abbreviation for British Exit, was a referendum vote held yesterday in Great Britain over whether or not Britain should leave the European Union. In a tight vote (52%-48%), the outcome is that Britain is leaving the EU; thus, they are Brexiting. They are the first European nation to exit the EU, so were kind of in unchartered territory here.

2. The prime minister is resigning.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced Friday morning that due to this news, he will resign. He was opposed to Britain leaving the UK, and thus said he thinks their should be new leadership in office for the transition to happen. Many blame him for the Brexit as he was the one who first introduced the referendum  a delivery on a campaign promise.

EU Referendum in United Kingdom

3. This has big financial implications.

In the immediate aftermath of the decision, the pound dropped to its lowest level in years. The Brexit also impacted stock markets around the world, many of which went into steady decline. There is concern that the decision will lead to a British recession, which would then have global implications.

4. Heres why those in favor support the Brexit.

Those who supported the Brexit largely felt that Britain was being held back by their attachments to the EU. They also wanted the UK to have firmer control over its own borders, and make it more difficult for people from abroad to come and live and work in there. Basically they didnt think Britain was getting as much out of the EU as they were putting in.

5. Heres why those opposed dont support it.

They believe that its economically and politically beneficial for Britain to be part of a union of nations. It makes it easier for immigrants to enter the country which in turn helps pay for public services. Also it makes doing business with other nations in the EU easier, and provides a level of international security when all the countries in the EU are working together.

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6. Heres what Obama has to say.

The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States @POTUS pic.twitter.com/gI76eRleD0  The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 24, 2016

7. And Trump.

Just arrived in Scotland. Place is going wild over the vote. They took their country back, just like we will take America back. No games!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2016

8. And Clinton.

"We respect the choice the people of the United Kingdom have made." Hillary #BrexitVote pic.twitter.com/58yM8oDkL6  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 24, 2016

9. And Bernie.

What worries me very much is the breaking down of international cooperation. On the other hand, I think what this vote is about is an indication that the global economy is not working for everybody. Its not working in the United States for everybody and its not working in the UK for everybody.

10. Young people in the UK are pretty opposed to it.

75% of people ages 18 to 24 voted to remain in the EU. Many of them are sharing their opinions on social media:

Majority of young people have voted stay.. but old people with their lives sorted already have decided our future  Hobbie Stuart (@HobbieStuart) June 24, 2016

Love how old people are voting Brexit when its my future that'll go into shambles and not yours  Shaun Owen (@AnthonyOwen123) June 14, 2016

all these old people backing brexit but who's gonna be the people picking up the pieces when they're all gone. the younger generations.  saffron! (@MVFFlN) June 14, 2016

11. Heres what will happen next.

It is technically possible that another vote will be held, but it is highly unlikely. In order for Britain to leave the EU they need to invoke something called Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Invoking this Treaty will begin the formal legal process of withdrawing. The process could take more than two years.

The post 11 things we all need to know about the Brexit appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Year after year film releases from January through June get the short end of the stick during the Oscar season, when latter-year entries  many of them fresh off exposure-boosting festival circuits  drown everything out.

There are exceptions, of course, but mostly, without the help of critical kudos and other precursor awards that deign to have long memories, quality work is frequently left in the also-ran pile. In an effort to keep the spotlight trained on deserving contenders, here is a long list of players wed like to see remembered by the Academy later this year.

[NOTE: This list only includes films theatrically released to the public through the years midway point. Not all festival entries are eligible.]

Best Picture: Weiner

Rather than save it for the documentary feature category, why not just call one of the years best movies exactly what it is? This Sundance hit is somehow the perfect movie for now: Flawed heroes, media obsession with titillation yielding obfuscation of substance  its brilliantly in tune with the zeitgeist. Lucky for us Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinbergs cameras were there to capture the unraveling of a noble politician who is, tragically, all too human.

Best Director: Jeremy Saulnier, Green Room

Saulnier had already proven his chops on the 2014 Appalachia thriller Blue Ruin, but with Green Room  a pot-boiler centered on a punk rock band under siege by neo-Nazis in a remote music venue  he took things to the next level. The director finds a unique balance of tone between the horrifying and, when release is needed, the humorous, while maintaining a sense of geography throughout that is of the utmost importance with a claustrophobic film like this.

Best Actor: Ethan Hawke, Born to Be Blue

Ethan Hawke delivers a riff on soulful, haunted jazz legend Chet Baker in Born to Be Blue. Its one of the actors finest outings, particularly of a piece with his recent tendency to test his boundaries and dabble in new areas. Gleaning what he could from documentaries like Lets Get Lost and recollections of the enigmatic performer from friends and biographers, Hawke ultimately made the character his own.

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Best Actress: Susan Sarandon, The Meddler

Sarandon delivers one of her greatest performances yet as the title character in Lorene Scarfarias sweet dramedy about a well-intentioned mother who moves to Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter (Rose Byrne) after the death of her husband. Whether playing the effects of scarfing down a bag of weed or being romanced by the wonderful J.K. Simmons, Sarandon is sublime. But more than that, the performance is one of the most accurate portrayals of grief seen on film in recent years.

Best Supporting Actor: John Goodman, 10 Cloverfield Lane

It may have been a modest genre release in the years first quarter, but 10 Cloverfield Lane nevertheless delivered some of the first award-worthy work of the year. Goodmans steely presence added as much to the creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere of Dan Trachtenbergs film as the tight confines of its set. It might even be the most dialed-down work of his career, but either way, its reason enough to keep reminding the Academy that this guy STILL doesnt have an Oscar nomination to his credit.

Best Actress: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, 10 Cloverfield Lane

While her co-star has deservedly garnered attention for his chilling portrayal of a man holding hostages (or are they?) in a bunker, Winstead goes toe-to-toe with Goodman as his captive and delivers a nuanced, tense performance that makes the thriller work. Winstead has been one of our most underrated actresses for a while, deserving Oscar attention for her stunning turn in Smashed. And while 10 Cloverfield Lane could be dismissed as an entertaining genre picture, it in no way diminishes her serious work.

Best Actress: Sally Field, Hello, My Name is Doris

Field has previously won Academy Awards for deadly serious roles (Norma Rae and Places in the Heart), so its wonderful to see her cut loose in an exuberant turn as a woman in her 60s attracted to a younger man. Refusing to act her age and taking a stab at finding joy, Field is electric. Its a tricky balancing act to elicit an audiences laughter and empathy without ever seeming pathetic, and she carries it with charm.

Best Supporting Actor: Ralph Fiennes, A Bigger Splash

Fiennes has found something of a calling in comedy with films like The Grand Budapest Hotel, Hail Caesar! and I Am Love director Luca Guadagninos latest. Here the humor is considerably dark, and Fiennes finds so many ways to hide his characters deep-seeded unhappiness behind layer after layer of gregarious swagger. Its one of the most electrifying performances of his career, a stark contrast to the more sober work that established him.

Best Original Screenplay: The Lobster

Owing plenty to Bunuel and Ionesco, Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthymis Filippous tale is bleak and dryly comical dystopia, finely calibrated to land at just the right pitch. The Lobster is an impressive spectacle of tonal balance and thematic punch, providing the actors with plenty of opportunity to play.

Best Original Screenplay: Zootopia

One of the most subversive movies this year in discussing race and gender politics just happens to be a cute animated movie full of furry animals that will appeal to kids. Zootopia is in some ways a predictable success coming from the Mouse House, but also much more clever and hilarious than you could even hope.

Best Cinematography: The Witch

While everyone was still cheering Emmanuel Lubezkis work with natural light on The Revenant ahead of his third-straight Oscar win in February, Jarin Blaschkes play with candle-lit interiors and what the sun gave him to work with outside was finally making its way into theaters. It was an equally gorgeous accomplishment, capturing production value that ought to be considered as well (set and costume design were painstakingly authentic on the picture).

Best Costume and Production Design: Hail, Caesar!

As always, the work production designer Jess Gonchor puts into a Coen brothers project is a notable extension of their vision. On this 50s-set romp through Hollywoods Golden Era, the Oscar-nominated craftsman (along with set decorator Nancy Haigh) came through with truly lush environments and sets, playing off the inherent artifice of filmmaking at every step. Meanwhile, costumer Mary Zophres threads popped exquisitely from character to character, allowing her to play in ways she hasnt really been afforded on previous Coen collaborations.

Best Costume Design: Zoolander 2

The movie is goofy as hell, but that doesnt mean you should overlook the mind-blowing costuming work done by Leesa Evans, who has collaborated frequently with Judd Apatow and created the toons-to-life look of Scooby-Doo. She excels at making her lead actors looks impossibly stylish, whether its Penelope Cruz clad in red leather or Owen Wilsons perfectly arranged scarfs. But its Kristen Wiigs wildly over-the-top costumes as a fashion designer that truly steal the scenes.

Best Film Editing: Krisha

There is much to praise about Trey Edward Shults Spirit Award-winning debut: actress Krisha Fairchilds blistering performance as a black sheep wrecking her family all over again; composer Brian McOmbers effective, ambient score; cinematographer Drew Daniels dazzling camera movement; Shults own deft handling of the material from the directors chair. But where his vision really comes together, in a kaleidoscope of haunting visual and aural juxtaposition, is in the filmmakers edit.

Best Production Design: High-Rise

Translating J.G. Ballards 1975 novel to the screen was no easy feat for director Ben Wheatley, and the end result was a mixed bag. The design of the picture, however, is one of its most defining characteristics. Production designer Mark Tildesley and set decorator Paki Smith lifted Ballards world off the page and into an elaborate visual feast.

Best Original Score: Midnight Special

David Wingos collaborations with director Jeff Nichols have gone sorely underpraised over the years. What he worked up for Midnight Special was another subtle mixture, but one that nailed the requisite atmosphere. It was also a nice ode to the lo-fi genre films that served as an inspiration for the film, the kind of soundtrack you might expect to hear pulsing at a drive-in theater.

Best Original Song: Im So Humble from Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

Honestly, you could flip a coin on the entries from Popstar, a compendium that would have been a great contender for the Academys defunct original song score category. The stand-out, though, might be Im So Humble, a catchy Adam Levine-infused pop track that really soaks up the satires themes of celebrity.

Best Sound Editing: The BFG

This one is a slight cheat: Steven Spielbergs latest opens July 1, a day after the mid-year deadline. But lets cut it some slack. Much attention will rightly be paid to the visual effects artists who brought the world of Roald Dahls fantasy novel to life here, but that world is also translated with acute aural complexity as well, courtesy of sound legends like Richard Hymns and Gary Rydstrom.

Best Sound Mixing: 13 Hours

The movie itself was a bit of a dog for various reasons, but as ever with Michael Bay movies, it excelled below the line. The sound in particular was crisp and alive, crucial to the experience of the films more riveting sequences, tightly balancing sound effects with other elements for a precise mixture.

Best Visual Effects: The Jungle Book

This one pretty much goes without saying. Jon Favreau and his team shot the entirety of The Jungle Book on sound stages in downtown Los Angeles, and the end result, after some painstaking work by effects houses MPC and Weta, is a fully-realized world with some of the most state-of-the-art visuals weve seen on the big screen yet. Frankly, the film could probably qualify for animated feature consideration. But Disney wont likely try for that given other in-house contenders, like

Best Animated Feature Film: Finding Dory

Pixars latest is as handsome as any endeavor from the toon house. It tugs the heartstrings and builds nicely on characters established 13 years ago. It sacrifices interesting and complex storytelling for straight-up emotion at turns, so it might not be as deserving across the board as the best of Pixar, but it undoubtedly deserves a home here. Even a slightly compromised Pixar film is a bar worth aiming for in the realm of animation.

Best Documentary Feature: O.J.: Made in America

With a theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles ahead of its television debut, Ezra Edelmans O.J.: Made in America is technically eligible for Oscar consideration. And if the documentary branch of the Academy passes it up  which, given its perennial quirks, would not shock  it will be a facepalm the likes of which we havent seen since Hoop Dreams. A 503-minute deep dive into all the potent, relevant themes also explored by the similarly brilliant FX miniseries The People v. O.J. Simpson, this is what a socio-political treatise on an entire nation looks like.

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In 2008, the University of Texas-Austin rejected Abigail Fisher's college application. On Thursday, Fisher got rejected again  this time by the U.S. Supreme Court.

America's highest judicial body ruled 4-3 against the white 26-year-old, who spent the last eight years arguing, unsuccessfully, that UT's race-conscious admissions process was the reason she was turned down by the school and unconstitutional.

The ruling was a win for racial equity in education, as it allowed UT to keep using race as a factor when considering admissions.

But as Fisher's academic mediocrity continues to dominate headlines  and discussions about college admissions continue to focus on white people whining that black and brown students are stealing their spots at America's colleges  it's important to remember that the plight of racial minorities in schools does not live and die with affirmative action.

Here are three issues in American education that are equally pressing:

1. Segregation

America's public schools are more racially segregated today than they were in 1968.

The percentage of black students in the American South attending majority-white schools has dropped to pre-1968 levels; the rate plummeted from 44% in 1988 to in 2011, according to a recent study by UCLA's Civil Rights Project.

This amounts to almost total racial segregation in some areas. The worst offender is where 64.6% of black students attend schools that are 90-100% minority.

Latino students face similar disparities out West; in , over 50% attend schools that are 90-100% minority. In four Northeastern and Midwestern states, the majority of black students attend schools that are 90-100% minority.

Why is this bad? Black and Latino students are far more likely to attend schools where the majority of students are poor. This has a direct correlation to school underfunding as well as lower pay and qualifications among teachers, which are all major predictors of lower achievement among students.

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2. School discipline

You may have heard of the school-to-prison pipeline  low- or zero-tolerance disciplinary policies that push children out of schools and into the criminal justice system via suspensions and expulsions. These policies' impact on black children is especially damning.

A recent study from the University of found that black students accounted for 50% of public school K-12 suspensions and expulsions across 13 states in the South, despite making up 24% of students. At public schools in Boston and New York City, the problem is especially pronounced for black girls, who are six times more likely to be suspended than their white counterparts, according to a report from the African American Policy .

The Justice Policy Institute frames the problem quite simply:

"Especially for older students, trouble at school can lead to their first contact with the criminal justice system," researchers Libby Nelson & Dara Lind write. "And in many cases, schools themselves are the ones pushing students into the juvenile justice system  often by having students arrested at school."

In a nation with the highest incarceration rate in the world  and a criminal-justice system that locks up black people at a disproportionate rate  this is a dilemma with staggering consequences.

A 2014 study from the Center for Economic and Policy Research has some troubling news for black college graduates. The unemployment rate for black grads aged 22-27 hovered at 12.7%, which was twice the nationwide average of 5.6%, and three times what it was for black grads before the Recession hit in 2008, Mic previously reported.

3. Post-graduation debt and employment

What's more, black students tend to get saddled with higher rates of undergraduate student debt than their white counterparts. The problem stems in part from differences in family wealth.

Even after enduring a racially discriminatory education system, a higher-ed degree costs more pays off less for black grads than others.
The U.K., along with many other parts of the world, woke up Friday morning to the news that it had voted to leave the European Union in a historic referendum by a margin of 52% to 48%.

But the now official Brexit, as it was dubbed in the media, has been a long time in the making. Heres how and why the question of whether to remain within the E.U. or not was put to the British people in the first place.

1. The last time a similar referendum was held was 40 years ago

In 1975, the ruling Labour government held a referendum on whether Britain should leave what was then known as the European Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to the European Union. The U.K. had not been a signatory to the Treaty of Rome that created the EEC in 1957, and had seen two attempts to join  in 1963 and 1967  rebuffed by then French President Charles de Gaulle before it was finally being accepted in 1973, after de Gaulles tenure ended.

The referendum two years later, asking the question Do you think the UK should stay in the European Community? saw an overwhelming vote in favor of staying. Every British county except two voted Yes for a victory margin of about 67% to 33% with a 64.5% turnout.

2. Many have tried and failed since then to hold another

The Labour Partys attempt to win the countrys 1983 election on a platform of withdrawing from the EEC resulted in failure, with the Conservative government led by Margaret Thatcher being re-elected by a considerable margin.

Fourteen years later, four years after the EEC became the E.U. through the 1993 Maastricht Treaty, the newly formed Referendum Party of Sir James Goldsmith contested the 1997 general elections with a promise to hold a referendum on U.K. membership to the union. However, it only managed to win about 2.6% of the vote and did not capture a single seat in parliament.

3. Cameron made a promise, and kept it

The current U.K. Prime Minister, David Cameron, rejected calls for a referendum on his countrys continued membership of the E.U. in 2012, but announced less than a year later that his Conservative government would hold one if re-elected in 2015.

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Soon after he was voted in for a second term, the European Union Referendum Act 2015 was introduced in the British Parliament to kickstart the process that culminated on Friday.

Subsequently, in a speech to the Parliaments House of Commons in February 2016, Cameron announced that the referendum would be held on June 23. A staunch advocate of remaining within the E.U., Cameron announced his resignation soon after the results of the vote were declared on Friday.

There is still a long road ahead, with the process of officially seceding from the E.U. set to take at least two years and with many factors to be considered, but the people of the U.K. have made their voice heard. Unlike 1975, this time they want to leave.
Many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, but this can be very tough to define. There is great debate regarding which metrics are the best to focus on in this regard, and which are not really quality indicators of future performance. Fortunately, with our new style score system we have identified the key statistics to pay close attention to and thus which stocks might be the best for momentum investors in the near term.



This method discovered several great candidates for momentum-oriented investors, but today lets focus in on Banco Bradesco S.A. BBD as this stock is looking especially impressive right now. And while there are numerous ways in which this company could be a great choice, we have highlighted three of the most vital reasons for BBDs status as a solid momentum stock below:



Short Term Price Change for Banco Bradesco



A great place to look for finding momentum stocks is by inspecting short term price activity. This can help to reflect the current interest in a stock and if buyers or sellers have the upper hand right now. It is especially useful to compare it to the industry as this can help investors pinpoint the top companies in a particular area.



With a one week price change of 2% compared to an industry average of -0.5%, BBD is certainly well-positioned in this regard. The stock is also looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the four week price change compares favorably with the industry at large as well.



Quarter EPS Estimate Change for Banco Bradesco Stock



While looking at price performance or full year earnings can be essential to understanding a momentum stock, you shouldnt forget about the current quarter EPS and the trend in estimates there. This change can signal how a stock might perform in the next earnings season which is obviously vital for momentum investors.



Right now, BBD is seeing a nice trend over the past month when it comes to this quarters earnings estimate projections. In the time frame, EPS estimates for Banco Bradesco have gone up by 3.3% compared to an industry average move of 2%, suggesting that not only is BBD heading in the right direction, but it is seeing an increase relative to the industry too.



BBD Earnings Estimate Revisions Moving in the Right Direction



While the great momentum factors outlined in the preceding paragraphs might be enough for some investors, we should also take into account broad earnings estimate revision trends. A nice path here can really help to show us a promising stock, and we have actually been seeing that with BBD as of late too.

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BANCO BRADESCO Price and Consensus

BANCO BRADESCO Price and Consensus | BANCO BRADESCO Quote

Over the past two months, 2 earnings estimates have gone higher compared to no downward revisions for the full year, while we are also seeing 2 upward revisions with no downward revisions for the next year time frame too. These revisions have helped to boost the consensus estimate as two months ago BBD was expected to post earnings of 69 cents/share for the full year, though today it looks to have EPS of 83 cents for the full year now, representing a solid increase which is something that should definitely be welcomed news to would-be investors.



Bottom Line



Given these factors, investors shouldnt be surprised to note that we have BBD as a security with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Momentum Score of A. So if you are looking for a fresh pick that has potential to move in the right direction, definitely keep BBD on your short list as this looks be a stock that is very well-positioned to soar in the near term.



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BANCO BRADESCO (BBD): Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
Ships belonging to the Italian navy, coast guard and various humanitarian organizations rescued close to 4,500 migrants bound for Europe Thursday, as boatloads of asylum-seekers set off from North Africa prompted by a calming of waters in the Mediterranean Sea.

The migrants were picked up from about 40 different boats, a spokesman for Italys coast guard told Reuters. The body of a woman was taken from one of the rubber boats. Across the Mediterranean, Libyas navy intecepted another 1,000 people off the coast of the African countrys port city Sabratha, a spokesman said.

According to a humanitarian group called the Migrant Offshore Aid Station, the sudden surge in departures is probably the result of week-long, unfavorable weather conditions coming to an end.

The number of refugees attempting to make the treacherous crossing to Greek islands has reduced by about 98% in 2016 compared to the same period last year, due to an agreement between the European Union and Turkey, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

[Reuters]
Global production disruptions and a slump in U.S. crude inventories have eased crude oversupply concerns somewhat. The recent rebound in oil prices from the mid-Feb lows had a positive impact on the energy sector. Moreover, bullish forecasts from Florida-based brokerage investment company Raymond James Financial, Inc. RJF hinted at the beginning of a strong oil price rally.

Yesterday, both WTI and Brent crude climbed 2% to $50.11 per barrel and $50.91 a barrel respectively, settling at their highest level since June 9. The Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE) increased 3.5% in the last five days and was the biggest gainer among the S&P 500 sectors. Following the steady recovery in oil prices, mutual funds that have significant exposure to the energy sector could be solid investments.

Global Output Tumbles

Oil prices are taking a breather thanks to a host of macro issues round the globe including production disruption in Canada due to the Alberta wildfires, militant attacks and the threat of a nationwide strike in Nigeria. Also, the political rout in Venezuela and a fall in U.S. shale production benefited oil prices.

Additionally, Saudi Arabias newly appointed Oil Minister Khalid Al-Falih said on June 22 that crude oversupply has disappeared. Al-Falih added that now a gradual upward movement in the price of oil can be witnessed.

The WTI crude price had fallen to a 12-year low mark of $26.21 per barrel in mid-February. Similarly, Brent crude prices went down to $30.06 a barrel on Feb 11. Both WTI and Brent crude prices are now hovering around $50 per barrel, reflecting a whopping jump of more than 90%.

U.S Crude Stockpiles Slumps

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that U.S. commercial crude oil inventories fell 917,000 barrels to 530.6 million for the week ended June 17. U.S. commercial crude oil inventories posted the fifth consecutive weekly decline.

The EIA also projected on June 21 that U.S. shale production might slump in July, registering the seventh straight monthly decline in domestic crude output. U.S. shale production will most likely fall by 118,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 4.723 million bpd next month.

Story continues

Crude Price Expected at $80 per Barrel by 2017

Recently, Raymond James Financialprojected that West Texas Intermediate (WTI) will average between $70 per barrel and $80 per barrel by the end of next year. The brokerage firm said that given the developments over "the past few months they now perceive that tightening global oil supply/demand dynamics will support a much higher level of oil prices in 2017."

Moreover, if we see the price trend over the last few months, we can say that oil prices are definitely walking on the bullish path, bouncing off their multi-years lows. So, although Brexit concerns continued to weigh on the markets, investing in energy mutual funds could be a sensible investment strategy.

Buy These 4 Energy Value Mutual Funds

Against this backdrop, we have selected four energy mutual funds that boast a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). Moreover, these funds have encouraging year-to-date returns. They also have minimum initial investment within $5000 and low expense ratios.

We expect these funds to outperform their peers in the future. Remember, the goal of the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank is to guide investors to identify potential winners and losers. Unlike most of the fund-rating systems, the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank is not just focused on past performance, but also on the likely future success of the fund.

Vanguard Energy Investor VGENX seeks capital appreciation for the long run. VGENX invests a major portion of its assets in equity securities of companies from the energy sector. The fund has a year-to-date return of 20.6% and an expense ratio of 0.37% as compared to the category average of 1.47%. VGENXhas a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.

Columbia Global Energy & Natural Resources Z UMESX seeks capital growth for the long run. UMESX invests the lions share of its assets in securities of domestic and foreign companies from the natural resources and energy industries. Columbia Global Energy & Natural Resources Z has a year-to-date return of 13.8% and an expense ratio of 1.07% as compared to the category average of 1.40%. UMESXhas a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.

Guinness Atkinson Global Energy GAGEX invests a large bulk of its assets in securities of both domestic and foreign companies engaged in exploration, production and distribution of energy. GAGEX seeks long-term growth of capital. The funds year-to-date return is 15.5%. GAGEX has an expense ratio of 1.41% as compared to the category average of 1.47%. Guinness Atkinson Global Energyhas a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #2.

Fidelity Select Energy FSENX invests a huge chunk of its assets in securities of companies that are engaged in the energy industry. FSENX seeks growth of capital and invests mainly in common stocks. Fidelity Select Energy has a year-to-date return of 17.4% and an expense ratio of 0.79% as compared to the category average of 1.47%. FSENXhas a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.

About Zacks Mutual Fund Rank

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward. Pick the best mutual funds with the help of Zacks Rank.

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Just like consumers, investors love to shop big-box stores for bargains, albeit with a twist. While the average customer browses the aisles for DVDs or a GPS, share-buying types are more interested in that sweet little steal that goes by acronym ROI: return on investment.

Trouble is, lots of investors have headed elsewhere looking for happy returns -- especially to e-commerce giants such as Amazon.com (AMZN) and eBay (EBAY).

"As quickly as mom-and-pop stores were replaced by Wal-Mart Stores, Target Corp. and Best Buy Co. (BBY) over the last 50 years, it just took a tenth of that time -- five years -- for e-commerce to overcome those retailers," says K.C. Ma, director of the Roland George Investments Institute at Stetson University.

Why? As much as technology, it also boils down to the retail basics.

"Common complaints about big-box stores include poor customer service, long lines, apathetic employees and a very time-consuming process," says Gary Tsarsis, clinical assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate School of Business.

[See: 10 Energy ETFs That Will Clear Your Conscience.]

Yet some big-box stalwarts have proven, or at least hope to, that they can jab a lifeline into to the World Wide Web and draw critical cash transfusions -- while others tout their tactile advantages over the virtual marketplace.

"There will be continued room for a group of resilient legacy retailers who know their markets that want to touch, feel and smell the merchandise," says Eugene Fram, professor emeritus of marketing at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Saunders College of Business.

Here we examine seven big-box retail stocks either faring well or flailing in their quest to stay relevant. So check that shopping list -- and if your friendly broker takes those newfangled computer chip credit cards, so much the better.

Target Corp. (TGT). Down 18 percent since last June, Target actually beat Wall Street's expectations on first-quarter earnings. But light revenue sent investors running for the express checkout lanes. It trades at $69, but clever retail experiments include localized merchandise in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Story continues

"Investors looking for dividends and value would be better off buying Target," says Jesse Cohen, senior editor at Investing.com. "The retailer has recorded six consecutive quarters of traffic growth, while its digital efforts have seen the company's e-commerce sales rise sharply in recent months."

Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD). Attention, Kmart shoppers: The corporate parent is in deep financial doo-doo.

"Sears has closed more than 300 stores in the past two-plus years," Tsarsis says. "Since Edward Lampert took over Sears in 2004, the company's theoretical value has gone from $11 billion to approximately $1.5 billion."

Nor is Sears a bargain-basement buy.

[See: 8 Soaring Stocks That Suffered the Big Bounce.]

"Once the top U.S. retailer, Sears is suffering through an incredible implosion with more pain foreseen ahead," Cohen says. "Years of declining sales and massive operating losses have pushed it to the brink of bankruptcy."

Home Depot (HD). Home Depot has a future filled with promise. Besides benefiting from the recent housing boom, HD stock has been unstoppable since 2010, up more than 300 percent to $128 per share.

The same rising tide on the housing front has lifted competitor Lowe's Companies (LOW).

"Home Depot is No. 1 in the right sector," says Jordan Kimmel, managing member of FACTS Asset Management in New York. "They understand stakeholder management."

Macy's (M). Macy's inspires the same investor jitters that other department store chains do: It's off 54 percent since mid-July 2015 to $33 per share. But prior, it hit a bull run lasting more than four years; share prices more than tripled.

At least one pundit sees it as a plum value: "I've invested in Macy's because I feel it will be a long-term survivor," Fram says. "It has already taken steps to move to lower price levels, retain its 'sales' format, close unproductive stores, and provide higher-styled private brands."

TJX Companies (TJX). Sometimes when prices go up, it's a great thing -- and the company that runs Marshall's and T.J. Maxx discount stores has been on an uninterrupted climb over five years, more than tripling to $77 a share.

"TJX has compelling prospects," says Peter Cohan, a visiting lecturer at Babson College who teaches strategy and entrepreneurship. Out of many big-box stores, "TJX is the only one that has a competitive advantage consumers find attractive: the ability to buy brand-name clothing at a low price and sell it at a discount."

Nordstrom (JWN). Famous for half yearly sales, the high-end retailer has weathered a more ominous halving: Share prices this last year tumbled 50 percent.

Yet like its brick-and-mortar cousin Macy's, Nordstrom climbed the previous four years without a hitch, up 83 percent.

So what next for the Seattle-based chain? In an age of razor-thin margins among online competitors, consumers may be tired of Nordstrom's lofty prices -- and unwilling to wait half a year for a break. "Nordstrom has very high costs and very little traffic -- a recipe for trouble," Cohan says.

Wal-Mart Stores (WMT). Always low prices? Ask the nearest white-knuckled investor. Wal-Mart recently spent five months with a stock market hangover, slumping 22 percent. It's since recovered, but concerns remain over a massive $2.7 billion in committed wage increases.

The future depends on how WMT handles the apples and oranges of retail. On the one hand, it faces intense competition from dollar stores including the surging Dollar General Corp. (DG), whose stock is up 53 percent since mid-November.

[Read: Why Warren Buffett Snapped Up Apple Stock.]

And while Wal-Mart expects to grow online sales 20 to 30 percent in the near future, that could ironically cannibalize in-store sales. Meanwhile, privately owned superstore competitors Costco and Meijer continue to grow without the pressure of shareholder demands.





More From US News & World Report


Just like consumers, investors love to shop big-box stores for bargains, albeit with a twist. While the average customer browses the aisles for DVDs or a GPS, share-buying types are more interested in that sweet little steal that goes by acronym ROI: return on investment.

Trouble is, lots of investors have headed elsewhere looking for happy returns -- especially to e-commerce giants such as Amazon.com (ticker: AMZN) and eBay (EBAY).

"As quickly as mom-and-pop stores were replaced by Wal-Mart Stores, Target Corp. and Best Buy Co. (BBY) over the last 50 years, it just took a tenth of that time -- five years -- for e-commerce to overcome those retailers," says K.C. Ma, director of the Roland George Investments Institute at Stetson University.

Why? As much as technology, it also boils down to the retail basics.

"Common complaints about big-box stores include poor customer service, long lines, apathetic employees and a very time-consuming process," says Gary Tsarsis, clinical assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate School of Business.

[See: 10 Energy ETFs That Will Clear Your Conscience.]

Yet some big-box stalwarts have proven, or at least hope to, that they can jab a lifeline into to the World Wide Web and draw critical cash transfusions -- while others tout their tactile advantages over the virtual marketplace.

"There will be continued room for a group of resilient legacy retailers who know their markets that want to touch, feel and smell the merchandise," says Eugene Fram, professor emeritus of marketing at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Saunders College of Business.

Here we examine seven big-box retail stocks either faring well or flailing in their quest to stay relevant. So check that shopping list -- and if your friendly broker takes those newfangled computer chip credit cards, so much the better.

Target Corp. (TGT). Down 18 percent since last June, Target actually beat Wall Street's expectations on first-quarter earnings. But light revenue sent investors running for the express checkout lanes. It trades at $69, but clever retail experiments include localized merchandise in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Story continues

"Investors looking for dividends and value would be better off buying Target," says Jesse Cohen, senior editor at Investing.com. "The retailer has recorded six consecutive quarters of traffic growth, while its digital efforts have seen the company's e-commerce sales rise sharply in recent months."

Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD). Attention, Kmart shoppers: The corporate parent is in deep financial doo-doo.

"Sears has closed more than 300 stores in the past two-plus years," Tsarsis says. "Since Edward Lampert took over Sears in 2004, the company's theoretical value has gone from $11 billion to approximately $1.5 billion."

Nor is Sears a bargain-basement buy.

[See: 8 Soaring Stocks That Suffered the Big Bounce.]

"Once the top U.S. retailer, Sears is suffering through an incredible implosion with more pain foreseen ahead," Cohen says. "Years of declining sales and massive operating losses have pushed it to the brink of bankruptcy."

Home Depot (HD). Home Depot has a future filled with promise. Besides benefiting from the recent housing boom, HD stock has been unstoppable since 2010, up more than 300 percent to $128 per share.

The same rising tide on the housing front has lifted competitor Lowe's Companies (LOW).

"Home Depot is No. 1 in the right sector," says Jordan Kimmel, managing member of FACTS Asset Management in New York. "They understand stakeholder management."

Macy's (M). Macy's inspires the same investor jitters that other department store chains do: It's off 54 percent since mid-July 2015 to $33 per share. But prior, it hit a bull run lasting more than four years; share prices more than tripled.

At least one pundit sees it as a plum value: "I've invested in Macy's because I feel it will be a long-term survivor," Fram says. "It has already taken steps to move to lower price levels, retain its 'sales' format, close unproductive stores, and provide higher-styled private brands."

TJX Companies (TJX). Sometimes when prices go up, it's a great thing -- and the company that runs Marshall's and T.J. Maxx discount stores has been on an uninterrupted climb over five years, more than tripling to $77 a share.

"TJX has compelling prospects," says Peter Cohan, a visiting lecturer at Babson College who teaches strategy and entrepreneurship. Out of many big-box stores, "TJX is the only one that has a competitive advantage consumers find attractive: the ability to buy brand-name clothing at a low price and sell it at a discount."

Nordstrom (JWN). Famous for half yearly sales, the high-end retailer has weathered a more ominous halving: Share prices this last year tumbled 50 percent.

Yet like its brick-and-mortar cousin Macy's, Nordstrom climbed the previous four years without a hitch, up 83 percent.

So what next for the Seattle-based chain? In an age of razor-thin margins among online competitors, consumers may be tired of Nordstrom's lofty prices -- and unwilling to wait half a year for a break. "Nordstrom has very high costs and very little traffic -- a recipe for trouble," Cohan says.

Wal-Mart Stores (WMT). Always low prices? Ask the nearest white-knuckled investor. Wal-Mart recently spent five months with a stock market hangover, slumping 22 percent. It's since recovered, but concerns remain over a massive $2.7 billion in committed wage increases.

The future depends on how WMT handles the apples and oranges of retail. On the one hand, it faces intense competition from dollar stores including the surging Dollar General Corp. (DG), whose stock is up 53 percent since mid-November.

[Read: Why Warren Buffett Snapped Up Apple Stock.]

And while Wal-Mart expects to grow online sales 20 to 30 percent in the near future, that could ironically cannibalize in-store sales. Meanwhile, privately owned superstore competitors Costco and Meijer continue to grow without the pressure of shareholder demands.

A former longtime staff writer, editor and columnist at the Chicago Tribune, Lou Carlozo writes about investment for U.S. News & World Report, and personal finance for Money Under 30 and GOBankingRates. He is based in Chicago. Connect with him at linkedin.com/in/loucarlozo.
With a blockbuster movie hitting theaters on Friday, The Shallows star Blake Lively is about to have a big summer. For anyone who's ever wanted to know a little more about the 28-year-old star, here's a little bit.

1. Her breakout film role was The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Source: GR8/AP

Lively's first major film role was playing Bridget Vreeland in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the film adaptation of the young adult novel of the same name. She starred alongside fellow teen stars Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrera. In 2008, the motley crew reconvened for TSOTTP 2  and Lively recently told SiriusXM that "there is a strong chance that their might be a third" which, it must be said, is a lot for a pair of pants to handle.

2. She was born and raised in Los Angeles.

Source: Matt Sayles/AP

Lively has been living that Hollywood life for years  as many pointed out after Lively captioned a photo of herself on Instagram "L.A. face with an Oakland booty," (come on, Blake) she's actually from Tarzana, not Oakland. She's a Valley girl, folks.

3. Lively was an overachiever in high school.

Source: Matthew Simmons/Getty Images

As a high school student at Burbank High, Lively balanced acting with AP classes, cheerleading, show choir and serving as class president.

4. She dated her Gossip Girl costar.

Source: Charles Sykes/AP

From 2007 to 2012, Lively was better known as Serena van der Woodson in the CW teen drama series Gossip Girl. While she was on the show, she dated costar Penn Badgley off and onscreen (where Badgley played Dan Humphrey) for three years, until they split in 2010.

5. She got to go to a White House state dinner.

Source: Andrew Harnik/AP

Because of her very Canadian husband Ryan Reynolds (the two married in 2012) Lively snagged an invite to a White House state dinner held in honor of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March.

6. She loves having babies.

Source: Evan Agostini/AP

Lively and Reynolds already have one child together, a daughter, James, born in 2014, and sort of confirmed this week that she's pregnant with a second. In an interview earlier this month on NBC's Today, Lively said "I'm one of five kids. My husband is one of four, so we're officially breeders ... You can go on our website and we will give you some of our children."

Story continues

7. She's a great cook.

Source: Charles Sykes/AP

Lively has vocally proclaimed her love for food and cooking, and once took classes at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. She's even done a cooking segment for Vogue  check it out here if you'd like to make a sausage and brie puff pastry and be like Blake.
The No. 1 rule in babysitting is never take your eyes off the kids.

Viewers will have no problem sticking to this code of conduct when the rebooted Adventures in Babysitting premieres Friday on the Disney Channel. A remake of the 1987 teen comedy, this Disney version shakes up things in a lot of fun and modern ways.

In the original, for instance, Elisabeth Shues suburban character Chris and her charges experience an endless array of mishaps while trying to save Chris friend in the big bad city of Chicago. But in this version, two babysitting rivals (Disney stars Sabrina Carpenter and Sofia Carson) have to travel from the suburbs of Seattle to rescue Trey (Max Gecowets), one of the kids they were supposed to be watching until he sneaks out to go to a concert.

Also Read: 'Descendants' Star Sofia Carson Named Radio Disney 'Next Big Thing' (Exclusive)

Au courant cell phone mix ups and references to digital photography and GPS navigation move the story along in small ways but are not as important as the modernized and sophisticated way both of the movies leading ladies are portrayed. Carpenter (Girl Meets World) is winsome and believable as Jenny, an overachiever with big dreams for her future. Shes also really good with kids and cares about their well-being despite a misstep or two.

Carson (Descendants), who is very believable as Lola, is the exact opposite of Jenny. Shes a little older and a lot wilder and fails to see the importance of college  or at least thats what she says. Lola doesnt set out to be a babysitter but a mounting parking ticket problem makes the job a much-needed revenue stream. Along the way  this is Disney after all  Lola learns that she actually likes children and has an unexpected knack for relating to them.

What makes Jenny and Lola so likable is that they are resilient, brave and fully realized in ways the teenage girls in the nearly three-decade-old original were not. Sure, they like cute guys and makeup and all of that but there is a lot more depth and intelligence to which viewers can relate.

Story continues

Also Read: 'Girl Meets World' Creator on Show's Biggest Storyline: 'This Could Not Possibly Be a Love Triangle'

The younger kids  three of whom are biracial  are also well-rounded and include a glamour queen (Mallory James Mahoney), an aspiring chef (Jet Jurgensmeyer) and a roller-derby loving tough girl (Madison Horcher). Although Mahoneys look veers too close to JonBenet Ramsey territory, the little actress turns her character Katy into so much more than a pageant girl. Gecowets Trey and Nikki Hahns Emily are tweeners who sulk a little more than they should but also turn out to be characters worth liking.

The only shortcoming of note in this re-imagined Adventures in Babysitting is a rap battle between Jenny and Lola. In the first movie, the kids were forced to perform a blues number. The writers should have gone with the blues or any genre other than rap because these youngsters have, um, noticeably limited rap skills. Plus, the scene in general is as implausible as it is unnecessary and thats saying a lot in a small-screen offering full of happenstance and high jinks.

But when it comes to small-screen choices the whole family can watch this summer, youd be hard pressed to find anything more exciting, funnier, sweeter and more racially diverse than Adventures in Babysitting. What a worthwhile reboot.

Adventures in Babysitting premieres Friday June 24 at 8 p.m. ET on the Disney Channel.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Fox, Netflix, Disney: US Media Companies Lose Billions in Value Following Brexit Vote

15 Most Beloved Disney/Pixar Animated Shorts, Ranked (Videos)

Disney Channel's 'Descendants' Sequel Adds China Anne McClain as Ursula's Daughter
After opposing to the pending merger of Anthem Inc. ANTM and Cigna Corp. CI, the California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has now raised his voice against another pending mega merger between Aetna Inc. AET and Humana Inc. HUM. Jones urged national antitrust regulators to block the deal by raising concerns over the viability of the deal. He contends that the mega deal, worth $34 billion, would curb competition and hurt consumers in the state, rather than doing good as professed by the companies involved.



This resistance from Jones comes after the deal got a green signal from California's other insurance regulators. The approval, however, came with riders like the acquiring company will have to keep premium increases at bay and invest $50 million in communities.



During the first-quarter earnings release, Aetna indicated that its pending acquisition of Humana is progressing well and will be closed in the second half of 2016. So far, the deal has received approvals from almost 14 of the 20 necessary states, while six state approvals are remaining. The company is also working closely with the Justice Department which is conducting its review on the deal.

AETNA INC-NEW Price

AETNA INC-NEW Price | AETNA INC-NEW Quote

HUMANA INC NEW Price

HUMANA INC NEW Price | HUMANA INC NEW Quote

According to Jones, the merger will lead to market consolidation and cause a greater concentration in the health insurance market in the already saturated California. The acquisition would mean the absence of one more insurance company from the market and more power in the hands of the acquiring company, which will gain in size and scale. Greater power might result in mistreatment of customers by the company by way of insufficient handling of grievances or undue hike in premium.



These concerns are not baseless. Looking back at the pre- Obamacare industry, the prevalence of consolidation and market dominance had resulted in decline in competition. Big insurers, dominating large markets, hardly ever bothered to provide even basic information to consumers, such as the performance of health insurance policies, procedures to claim, the size of the provider network and cancellation procedures.



The executives of the companies involved however, are defending the deal by saying that the merger will help them to add scale to their businesses and enable unnecessary costs incurred in duplication of services provided to patients. They are also of the opinion that by gaining in size they will be in a better position to negotiate with hospitals for claims and lower their overall administrative costs. Investment in technology from the saved costs, expanded access to care by gaining quick access to new markets are the other advantages of the merger cited by them.



Though Obamacare reined in the malpractices by the players, it is feared that some of these may occur again with only a handful of players in the market creating an oligopolistic structure.



Aetna carries a Zacks Rank # 3 (Hold).

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Johannesburg (AFP) - A South African court on Friday threw out President Jacob Zuma's attempt to appeal against a ruling that he should face almost 800 corruption charges, piling pressure on the embattled leader.

Zuma had tried to overturn a court order that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) should reinstate the charges that were dropped in 2009 shortly before he came to power.

The charges relate to alleged corruption, racketeering, fraud and money laundering over a multi-billion dollar arms deal.

The president has battled several corruption scandals while in office, as well as enduring growing criticism focused on South Africa's record unemployment and poor growth rate.

"We seriously considered whether the appeal would have reasonable prospects of success and came to the conclusion that there are no merits in the arguments," Judge Aubrey Ledwaba told the High Court in Pretoria.

"The applications for leave to appeal are dismissed."

In 2009, state prosecutors justified dropping the 783 charges by saying that tapped phone calls between officials in then-president Thabo Mbeki's administration showed undue interference in the case.

The move cleared the way for Zuma, leader of the African National Congress (ANC) party, to be elected as South Africa's president just weeks later.

The tapped phone recordings, which became known as the "spy tapes", were kept secret until they were released in 2014 after a legal battle fought by the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA).

The DA hailed the court decision as a victory, and claimed that the charges were automatically reinstated by the ruling.

"The prosecution against President Jacob Zuma must proceed," it said in a statement.

"The NPA must give President Zuma a date by which he is to appear in court."

- Key electoral test -

A government spokesman told AFP that "the presidency noted the court decision and it is being studied".

Story continues

Pressure for Zuma to resign would increase if some or all of the charges were reinstated.

However he could still petition the Supreme Court of Appeal and even go to the Constitutional Court, the highest in the land.

"The question now will be the role of NPA. Will they protect Zuma?" independent political analyst Daniel Silke told AFP.

"Their position has been murky and the question is will they show allegiance to the country or to the ruling party?"

The ANC faces testing municipal elections on August 3 when the DA and the Economic Freedom Fighters party hope to gain ground with voters frustrated with lack of progress in South Africa since apartheid rule ended in 1994.

"President Zuma's image has suffered a great deal of late, and this decision could not have come at a worse time," Mcebisi Ndletyana, professor of political science at the University of Johannesburg, told AFP.

"The party at this stage cannot do with a president who is facing corruption charges."

Zuma, 74, will have completed two terms in 2019 and is not eligible to run for president again, but the ANC could replace him ahead of the next general election.

In March, the president lost another major legal case when South Africa's highest court found he violated the constitution over the use of public funds to upgrade his private residence.
South Africas political community is brimming with stories about Indians unprecedented influence there, but Pratap Kumar Penumala isnt celebrating. The Durban-based emeritus professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is worried that the smell of scandal swirling around an India-born family could stir broader anti-Indian sentiment in the country that inspired Mahatma Gandhis politics a century ago.

President Jacob Zumas friendship with the three Gupta brothers  Ajay, Atul and Rajesh, who run one of South Africas most successful conglomerates  is well known: Zumas family members have worked for the Guptas in the past, and their bond is such that the Zumas and the Guptas collectively are often dubbed the Zuptas. The Guptas immigrated to South Africa in 1993 from a small town in northern India and now own more than a dozen companies with interests spanning computers, media, mining, finance and armaments. But allegations of cronyism boiled over this spring after South Africas Deputy Minister of Finance Mcebisi Jonas accused the Guptas of promising him the finance ministers job, a charge the family denies. Under a barrage of criticism, the Guptas resigned from the directorship of their flagship family company and fled the country, leaving an increasingly anxious Indian community behind. They feel that the Guptas have done a disfavor to them, Penumala says.

Some contribute publicly, others discreetly. But they all support the party in power.

Far from the heated electoral battle in America, a debate over campaign financing and the proximity of political leaders to big business is also brewing in Africa. The Gupta saga reflects the dramatic rise in influence of the Indian diaspora on the continent, as well as the challenges they face  particularly allegations that they finance corrupt despots from South Africa to Uganda. Calling out influence peddling by Indian businessmen isnt new. Nor are the prospects of a backlash  often fueled by xenophobia and economic woes. But todays worries signal a revival of concern that had receded significantly since attacks against Indians in Uganda in the 70s, Fiji in the 80s and Kenya in the 90s.

Businesspeople finance politicians everywhere, so campaign financing is natural, Sudhir Ruparelia, founder of one of Ugandas largest conglomerates and the countrys richest man, says, pointing out that its entirely legal to do so. Were fully above board, he adds. Many Ugandan Indians see President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, as a long-term ally. Museveni, after all, apologized for predecessor Idi Amins 1972 eviction of 70,000 South Asians, invited Indian business leaders to return and helped get them back stolen property. But critics of Museveni  who won another five-year term in April  feel that the prosperous Indian community funds only the president, skewing elections. The Indian community is supporting Museveni big time, says Henry Mugazi, head of the Alliance for Campaign Finance Monitoring, a Kampala-based election watchdog in Uganda. Some contribute publicly, others discreetly. But they all support the party in power.

Gettyimages 514145184

Businessmen Ajay and Atul Gupta.

Source: Muntu Vilakazi/Getty

Worries of a broader backlash against the Indian community in both Uganda and South Africa are fed by signals that its already begun. In February, ahead of the Ugandan presidential election, for example, the Indian high commission in Kampala cautioned Indians against attending political rallies after a member of the community was attacked. And in South Africa, home to a 1.3-million-strong Indian diaspora, the extremist Economic Freedom Fighters Party, led by Julius Malema, accused Zuma of selling the country over a plate of curry. Phumlani Mfeka, another radical youth leader, effectively made a call to arms last October, with a tweet that read A good Indian is a dead Indian, before citing attacks against Indians in past decades as examples.

Many of the allegations simply reinforce deep-seated stereotypes. Through the colonial era, Indians generally backed the British in South Africa and East Africa and were involved in frequent clashes with angry locals, Kumar explains. The stark economic differences that persist between the Indian community and others havent helped. Some typically Indian traits have also left the community alienated to a certain extent, says Sanjiv Patel, a third-generation agro-industrialist in Uganda and member of Musevenis National Resistance Movement. We keep businesses within our families and dont trust outsiders, says Patel, noting that Indians also like showing off.

For a nieces wedding back in 2013, the Guptas  whose family spokesman declined OZYs request for comment  flew in a chartered plane full of Indian guests, two decades after they left India for South Africa. The Zuma government allowed the plane to land at a military air base, triggering controversy.

Allegations of influence peddling by the Indian diaspora have also historically emerged when their economic clout has intersected with politics in their adopted homes, as Indian diplomat T.P. Sreenivasan learned the hard way. As Indian high commissioner in Suva in 1987, he was ordered to leave by Fijis government after Indian leaders won elections in the Pacific island country. There was an unstated social contract that the Indians could work in the plantations, in the economy, but should stay away from politics, Sreenivasan says. When that contract broke down is when clashes occurred. A decade later, Sreenivasan faced unusual complaints in his first meeting with members of the Kenyan opposition after taking over as high commissioner in Nairobi. They were really upset because the Indian community was financing only the ruling party, not the opposition, says Sreenivasan, now retired.

He communicated the concerns to Indian business leaders, who continued their one-sided funding. Then, in 1997, armed locals broke into the Indian high commission, pinned Sreenivasan down and broke his leg with iron rods. That was a message, and one that may again be relevant to remember, Sreenivasan says. Fund everyone, fund no one or get out.
* CEO says UK must compete more with EU and world at large

* CEO says Airbus to review investment strategy

* Modern plant builds wings on site of WW2 bomber factory

* UK faces future competition for next plane project (Recasts throughout, adds quotes, background)

By Tim Hepher

PARIS, June 24 (Reuters) - Airbus urged Britain on Friday to remain competitive for industrial investments after it voted to leave the European Union, as aerospace experts warned it could no longer take for granted a strategic position inside the European planemaker.

"The world will not stand still, nor will Europe," Airbus Group Chief Executive Tom Enders said in a statement.

"I hope the divorce will proceed with a view to minimising economic damage to all impacted by Brexit. Britain will suffer but I'm sure it will focus even more now on the competitiveness of its economy vis-a-vis the EU and the world at large."

Airbus, founded in 1970 and spread between major plants in Britain, France, Germany and Spain, builds wings for Airbus passenger jets in the UK where the group employs 15,000 people.

With major aircraft investment decisions already taken for the next decade or so, Airbus has said its UK operations will not be affected any time soon, but has warned it could reconsider its position in the country in the long term.

Enders, who campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU and has stressed the importance of maintaining favourable government policies towards aerospace, said, "of course we will review our UK investment strategy, (as) everybody else will".

In part, that reflects changes already under way as Europe's largest aerospace company - for years a political football of European governments - imposes a more market-driven culture following an overhaul of its shareholder structure in 2013.

Its Broughton wings plant in Wales is one of the newest and most efficient, yet it occupies a site whose history neatly illustrates Britain's back-and-forth relationship with Europe.

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Deliberately placed beyond the range of Germany's Luftwaffe to assemble bombers in the late 1930s, it eventually became a core part of the emblematic project to re-unite Europe's aerospace industry and share development costs in peacetime.

On Thursday, however, voters in surrounding Flintshire voted to leave the EU by more than 56 percent.

Shares in Airbus Group fell 6 percent, but avoided the worst of the post-referendum turmoil on financial markets as analysts cited the short-term benefits of a stronger dollar, making its planes more competitive against U.S. rival Boeing.

But the company, which moves aircraft parts between its four 'home' nations, is vulnerable to any downturn that hurts air travel and faces uncertainty over the terms on which the UK can trade with the EU in future. Border tariffs alone, if revived, would hit Airbus hard, according to strategy chief Marwan Lahoud.

FIGHT FOR INVESTMENT

Although Airbus and the European Union are not directly connected, some analysts say Britain's newly detached status from the Franco-German core that both runs the EU and still influences the company will only accelerate existing competition with emerging suppliers like India, China, Mexico and Canada.

Even within Airbus, Germany and Spain have long coveted wings production, sparking industrial battles at home.

"Britain has always had to fight to remain one step ahead of competitors and make sure it was 1,000 percent more efficient and has done well in terms of wings," said aerospace industry commentator Howard Wheeldon.

"The immediate situation is that nothing changes, but what will inevitably change is the longer term where there will be a fight for investments in the next generation of wing programmes."

The Leave campaign argued that top companies had made clear that investments in the UK would continue after Britain exits.

Airbus is not expected to start work on an all-new plane until some time next decade but it frequently tinkers with existing models and its factories are under pressure to hold onto work due to barter deals with countries that buy planes.

"Deals in places like India and China are increasingly about technology transfer and Britain will now be higher in the queue when it comes to transferring work," one source said.

The UK's share of Airbus work on the A350 has already slipped by several percentage points from 20 percent previously.

Some industry watchers see a two-tier company emerging, mirroring Britain's separation from the Franco-German core and leaving the UK exposed to industrial poaching, but company officials insist 'integration' plans under Enders are working.

Others worry 'Brexit' may have lit a fuse that could cause deeper instability in Europe, something that has traditionally filtered down towards aerospace, due its strategic importance.

"I think Britain will muddle through as it usually does, but my concern is the knock-on impact it could have on Europe, with disruptive political parties taking this as a cue... and the world of working together being undermined," said former Airbus UK head Robin Southwell.

(Editing by Andrew Callus and Anna Willard)
In 2016, aliens are enjoying a renaissance. The sequel to alien-centric 1996 blockbuster Independence Day opens in theaters this Friday. New episodes of The X-Files aired this year for the first time in more than a decade. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has announced that if elected, she would open classified files on Area 51, the Nevada Air Force base rumored to house evidence of the existence of extraterrestrial life.

But the impact of any alien news today is unlikely to match that of 17 minutes of grainy black-and-white film footage debuted in 1995. Released by London-based producers Ray Santilli and Gary Shoefield, the so-called alien autopsy tape appeared to show three government pathologists in full-body hazmat suits dissecting the pale, potbellied corpse of an extraterrestrial being, presumably recovered from a UFO crash at Roswell in 1947.

The film was dropped at a moment when the population was primed for paranoia: not only was pop culture full of the paranormal, but it was also a time of heightened real-life suspicion, the year of the Oklahoma City Bombing and the Unabomber Manifesto. So its no surprise that the tape set off immediate controversy. A documentary special purporting to be an objective investigation into the authenticity of the filmdubbed Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction?was so popular it aired on Fox three times, at one point attracting 11.7 million viewers to a single screening. In TIME, Richard Corliss noted that on the nascent Internet, amateur UFOlogists studied the footage with an intensity not lavished on any home movie since the Zapruder film.

Yet was the alien autopsy real or not? For a decade, that remained the million-dollar question.

It was impossible to establish the films provenance. Santilli and Shoefield claimed to have bought the footage from a retired military cameraman in the U.S., but they refused to identify him, citing privacy concerns. A private investigator hired by Fact or Fictions producers couldnt track him down. The following year, Santilli taped an interview with the cameraman, but the man didnt give his name or show his face; though it was broadcast on Japanese TV, the segment did little to reestablish the cameramans credibility, or even proof of his existence.

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Meanwhile, several enthusiasts and experts featured in Fact or Fiction came forward to claim that their statements had been edited to make them sound less skeptical of the film than they were. By 1996, a consensus had developed that the film was probably a hoax. An episode of The X-Files called Jose Chungs from Outer Space, which also aired on Fox that year, mocked the autopsy video with its own take on the genre. Dead Alien! Truth or Humbug? features doctored footage of an autopsy performed by doctor-turned-FBI agent Dana Scully. Its so embarrassing, Scully groans, rolling her eyes.

It wasnt until more than 10 years later that the truth about the original autopsy video  or at least some of it  came out.

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Hosted by British TV presenter and journalist Eamonn Holmes, Eamonn Investigates: Alien Autopsy somehow managed to out-do Fact or Fiction. The show, which aired on the Sky network in Britain in 2006, featured much b-roll of a human in a cheap alien Halloween mask wandering city streetsbut it also featured Santilli admitting to Holmes that the film he sold Fox was a fake, one he claimed was based on a real alien autopsy film. He had seen the original film in full once, he claims, but by the time he had gathered the money to buy it, it had become too damaged to use. So he and Shoefield built a set, hired actors and filmed their restoration so theyd have something to pitch to networks. The cameraman in the Japanese TV interview, Santilli also revealed, was a homeless man he picked up off the street.

Its no different than restoring a work of art like the Mona Lisa, Santilli said  a statement that could only be true if restoring the Mona Lisa meant painting an entirely new painting, of a different woman, on a different canvas, and passing it off as the original.

Eamonn Investigates revealed other key players in the drama too. For example, John Humphreys, a sculptor based in Manchester, England, was part of the team that won a BAFTA for Digital Effects for cult TV series Max Headroom in 1987, and later worked on shows like Doctor Who. Humphreys told Holmes he was hired to make the fake alien corpse for the film, constructing the aliens realistically bendable joints from lamb bones he sourced from a local butcher.

Why did Santilli and Shoefield decide to come clean in 2006, after 10 years maintaining their story? Eamonn Investigates aired on April 4, three days before the premiere of Alien Autopsy, a comedy film loosely on the exploits of Shoefield and Santilli. Both had executive producer credits on the movie. So by 2006, the autopsy film had gone full circle: from real footage to restoration to 100% fictional feature film.

Where does this leave the alien autopsy in 2016, as interest in extraterrestrial life seems poised for a resurgence?

The rise of the Internet and social media means that hoaxes can spread more quickly today than ever before. But in the age of Wikileaks, it seems hard to believe that the government could keep a secret of the magnitude of a UFO crash under wraps for long. Advances in digital special effects also mean that seeing isnt always believing. Footage of yet another alien autopsy, this one supposedly performed in Russia by the KGB, has been floating around YouTube since 2008  yet almost no one seems to think it is real.

But curiosity about other worlds and the beings that might live on them remains. And who knows  maybe one day authentic evidence of alien life will emerge. If so, the story of the alien autopsy hoax of 1995 implies that many of us would be ready to listen.
Allergan plc AGN announced that the FDA has expanded the label of its antibiotic, Avycaz. The label now includes phase III data on Avycaz plus metronidazole for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) caused by designated susceptible microorganisms. The label has also been updated to include phase III data from a subset of patients with infections due to ceftazidime-nonsusceptible (CAZ-NS) pathogens, as well as a subset of patients who had pathogens producing certain extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs).



Allergan, which is selling its generics business to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited TEVA for net cash/equity proceeds of about $36 billion, is working on expanding and strengthening its branded business. The company has more than 70 projects in mid-to-late stage development and is also working on expanding the labels of existing products.



Earlier this month, the FDA had accepted for review a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for the 72 mcg dose of Linzess for use in the treatment of adults with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). A response from the agency should be out early next year.



Meanwhile, interesting pipeline candidates include abicipar (age related macular degeneration), rapastinel (depression), ubrogepant (migraine), XEN45 (glaucoma) and tavilermide (dry eye) among others.



Although the termination of the combination agreement with Pfizer, Inc. PFE was disappointing, we remain optimistic about the stand-alone companys growth prospects. We expect Allergan to continue pursuing tuck-in acquisitions and buying R&D assets.



Allergan is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AMPH is a better-ranked stock in the healthcare sector with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Pfizer is also a Zacks Rank #1 stock.



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Hello Chris, I hope this note finds you well. For your America by Air series I want to share some pictures of a flight I took in 2009 from central Arkansas to Front Royal, Virginia, in a rather weather-beaten Grumman Ag Cata plane I bought for the heck of it:

I spent about three years working on it and learning to fly the little plane before taking it on a 1000-mile cross-country flight. Its a 1963 lite frame, as the dusters call it. I first saw one of them in a dusters field in Delaware some 40 years ago on the way to the beach. I passed that same plane several years off and on while taking the same route, and I told myself Id love to have one. Now I have two.

They are really great planes to flyquite simple, very agile in the air, and able to handle quite a bit of weight when used for what it was originally designed: ag work!

The first several pictures I took on my trip are those of the Arkansas River and Mississippi River. I flew out of Woodson Arkansas eastward. Heres a picture flying rather low (as in 800 feet or so) over the Arkansas River:

This picture, using a disposable color-print camera, is about 40 miles south of Little Rock and reflects a rather undeveloped view of this portion of the statevery little in the way of dense populated regions. Also, its close to a town called Slovak, a center of immigration in the late 19th Century and a community that still exists with one church and several houses just north of Stuttgart, Arkansas.

Heres a picture I took with a digital camera when crossing the Mississippi River:

I had just departed West Helena, Arkansas (where I re-fueled), a town about 40 plus miles south of Memphis. The airport there was a duster field. There was a series of barges plying the river upstream with goods on the way to Memphis or beyond. The [above] photo, looking upriver towards Memphis, shows one barge moving south. Although not seen too well, there was an incredible line of barges (pushed by tugs) going south towards New Orleanssomething I had seen in a previous flight (with no pictures!) in 2008 when I flew into Arkansas from Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Here are a few more pictures continuing my journey from a grass strip in Arkansas, across Tennessee, and up Virginia to the Front Royal airport near the entrance of Skyline Drive.
By David Randall

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Britain's unexpected decision to leave the European Union spurred a global stock market selloff that has inspired some opportunistic U.S. investors to move in the opposite direction.

Operating on the belief that the initial rout might be an over reaction, even in some European stocks, several fund managers said on Friday they were buying up shares of big blue chips, domestic companies that are insulated from a lot of European activity and even European companies that might have been overs old.

"We are looking to put cash to work in some of our favorite companies which are cheaper today," said Kevin Dreyer, the co-chief investment officer at Gamco Investors Inc, noting holdings such as razor blade and sunscreen-maker Edgewell Personal Care Co (EPC.N) that were down more than 3 percent in morning trading.

The benchmark S&P 500 was also down about 3 percent in midday trading.

Still, some investors gravitated toward U.S. companies that are relatively insulated from Europe and can withstand what many expect are coming referendums in France and Scotland over their EU membership, as well as a summer that is expected to remain volatile at least until the U.S. presidential election in November.

U.S. stocks and bonds are a "great" buying opportunity on Brexit, said Gregory Peters, a senior investment officer at Prudential Fixed Income with more than $621 billion of assets.

"Uncertainty will be a multi-year event, which will clearly benefit the U.S. from rates to risk assets (except for financials), as the U.S. will benefit from capital flows," he said.

Several fund managers said they were drawn to U.S. companies that had little exposure to Europe.

John Boland of Maple Capital Management, an investment manager based in Vermont, said his firm has been considering some stocks that look too beaten-down because of Brexit-induced turmoil. For example, he bought shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG.N) when it was below $400 a share early Friday.

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Theyre a U.S.-focused company, so it was illogical for them to be down. Thats what were looking for, companies that have no ties or minimal ties to the EU market, Boland said.

Salesforce.com Inc (CRM.N) "looks to be the most mispriced based on the Brexit vote" among technology stocks because Europe accounts for only 17 percent of its revenue, FBN Securities said. And Gary Bradshaw, a portfolio manager at Hodges Capital Management, said he had put in buy orders Friday for companies such as Home Depot Inc (HD.N) that are more domestically oriented.

Those who did take a chance on European shares during a selloff that sent the Euro Stoxx 50 index of blue-chips down about 7 percent said they focused on housing and infrastructure companies that could come out of any 'Brexit'-induced recession in a better position.

"There's a significant demand for new housing in Britain, any new government will support it, and interest rates will remain close to zero. The housing companies with strong balance sheets will only get bigger, stronger and better after this," said Sammy Simnegar, portfolio manager of the Fidelity International Capital Appreciation fund.

British homebuilder stocks were particularly hard hit Friday, with Taylor Wimpey PLC (TW.L) dropping 29 percent and Berkeley Group Holdings PLC (BKGH.L) losing 21 percent.

Michael Underhill, a portfolio manager at RidgeWorth Investments, said that he was buying shares of Groupe Eurotunnel SE (GETP.PA), which fell 14.5 percent, and Italian airport operator Atlantia SpA (ATL.MI), which declined 9 percent, because he expects the market is over exaggerating the impact that the so-called 'Brexit' will have on European travel.

"You will see some more passport controls and higher security, but at the end of the day the business of logistics and travel will keep grinding higher," he said.

(Reporting by David Randall, Ross Kerber, Jennifer Ablan, Noel Randewich and Lewis Krauskopf. Writing by David Randall; editing by Linda Stern, Nick Zieminski and Bernard Orr)
SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Global mining company Anglo American Plc (AAL.L) said on Friday that it is progressing with wage negotiations at its flagship Los Bronces copper mine in Chile, and is looking to finalize talks with workers at other operations in the country.

This year, Anglo American needs to negotiate contracts with seven unions in Chile amid low prices for the red metal.

"We're conversing within an early (wage negotiation) process with the two unions at our Los Bronces operation whose contracts expire at the end of August this year," a company spokesman said.

"Agreements have already been reached and signed with the supervisors' union and with the two unions at the Chagres (smelter)," the spokesman added.

Los Bronces produced 401,715 tonnes of copper last year.

Anglo American is also in negotiations with workers at the smaller El Soldado mine, where workers said on Friday that they would vote on a strike next week after receiving an offer from the company that they deem insufficient.

El Soldado produced 35,840 tonnes of the red metal in 2015.

(Reporting by Fabian Cambero; Writing by Gram Slattery; Editing by Sandra Maler)
London (AFP) - Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party, said Friday Britain should now have a "Brexit government" after it voted to leave the European Union.

"We now need a Brexit government," he told reporters outside parliament. "We've left behind a failing political union."

His remarks came shortly before Prime Minister David Cameron, who led the failed Remain campaign, announced he would resign, saying a new leader should be installed by early October.

"There is still a massive disconnect between Westminster, SW1 and real communities," Farage said, reiterating a central message of his referendum campaign.

"The election was won in my view in the Midlands and the North and it was the old Labour vote that came to us and we, particularly as a party, campaigned as hard as we could in those areas," he said.

"The EU is failing, the EU is dying, I hope that we've got the first brick out of the wall," he said.

As results were still coming in earlier on Friday, Farage told a jubilant Leave party in central London: "This will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people."

"We have fought against the multinationals, we have fought against the big merchant banks, we have fought against big politics, we have fought against lies, corruption and deceit," he said.

"And we will have done it without having to fight, without a single bullet being fired, we'd have done it by damned hard work on the ground," he added.
Conservatives unhappy with the prospect of a choice between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in November have been teased with the promise of an alternative candidate for months now. There was Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristols attempt to draft retired Marine General James Mattis. Then his attempt to get conservative pundit David French to throw his hat in the ring. Both failed.

In fact, the list of people Kristol has approached and been unable to convince to run against Trump as an alternative conservative candidate is rather long. So for frustrated conservatives hearing this week that a new organization, Better for America, has promised to announce the name of a new and recognizable alternative to Trump, the reaction is predictable:

Really? No. Really, really? Because weve heard this before.

Related: A New Map that Ought to Scare Trump Supporters

However, according to the conservative website The Federalist, and an op-ed written by Better for America founder John Kingston III, there will be a third-party candidate and the announcement is coming soon.

Few, if any, serious analysts believe that an independent presidential candidate, particularly one launching a bid this close to a general election, has a path to victory. But for presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump, the worry isnt that hell lose to a late-arriving conservative challenger so much as it is that hell lose because of one.

Given the demographic disadvantage Republicans have faced in recent years, if an independent candidate were able to siphon off even a relatively small percentage of the vote, the results would be fatal to even a strong GOP standard-bearer. And polling suggests that Trump, well, isnt particularly strong.

Related: Trump Goes All-in, Forgives $50 Million in Campaign Loans

Kingston, an early supporter of the presidential ambitions of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, wrote Wednesday, [I]n May I declined my invitation to be a delegate to the Republican National Convention. I could not support a candidate like Donald Trump, whose behavior disqualifies him to be a PTA member, let alone president.

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In his time of despair about a Trump candidacy, Kingston writes, I discovered a remarkable grassroots coalition of lawyers, pollsters, ballot access professionals and others who shared the belief that something had to be done.

That nonpartisan coalition, Better For America, arises from the belief that we can, and must, offer Americans hope for a more qualified candidate in 2016. We are preparing a path to the presidency for one of the best among us to stand up and give this country what it desperately wants  a better choice for president.

In his CNN piece, Kingston didnt explicitly guarantee that a credible candidate would take up his groups invitation and run against Trump. But writing for the Federalist on Thursday, Bethany Mandel and David Marcus -- suggesting they had access to a meeting of Better for America supporters earlier in the week -- appeared convinced.

Related: Heres the Glaring Problem with Trumps New Attack on Clinton

They wrote, The group, comprised of religious leaders and political operatives, is in the process of selecting that candidate, and its chief strategist Joel Searby has confirmed that three recognizable names have already committed to run if asked. At an off-the-record dinner in New York City on Tuesday night, Better For America laid out its plan and the considerable talent and resources behind it.

One of the most significant challenges to a third-party run will be getting a candidate on the ballot in the first place. Many states have strict rules about what a candidate must do to have his or her name appear on the ballot, and some have deadlines that have already passed.

Mandel and Marcus, however, seem convinced that wont be a problem either.

This may sound a bit pie in the sky, but Better For America has already mobilized to establish access in the states with the earliest deadlines, they write. Should a compelling new candidate enter the race and show some legs, the group is ready to pounce on the opportunity to put him or her on the ballots.

How realistic the Better for America challenge will be is unclear at this point. But for Team Trump, there is serious risk involved if there is any challenger at all.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Antonin Scalia

On Thursday, the US Supreme Court upheld race-based decisions in college admissions in the landmark Fisher v. University of Texas case.

The court ruled 4-3 in the university's favor, with Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, and Sonia Sotomayor delivering the opinion of the court, and Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and John Roberts dissenting.

Justice Elena Kagan recused herself from the case.

Perhaps one of the most important justices for the outcome of the case was not on the bench for the decision. Antonin Scalia, a staunch opponent of race-based admissions, died in February at 79. Along with Kagan's recusal, Scalia's death removed the possibility of a 4-4 split decision.

The UT case centered on Abigail Fisher, a white woman denied admission to Texas' flagship public university in 2008, who claimed that her race played a factor in her rejection. She argued that the university denied her admission in favor of less-qualified black and Hispanic students and that her constitutional right to equal protection was violated.

For its part, UT argued that its "holistic" admissions plan did not make race the sole factor but only one component of the contributions that an applicant would bring to campus.

When the case was first heard in 2013, the justices originally looked to vote 5-3 against Texas. But the court deferred that decision and voted a compromise decision instead, Business Insider's Peter Jacobs wrote, citing legal journalist Joan Biskupic's 2014 book on Justice Sonia Sotomayor, "Breaking In: The Rise of Sonia Sotomayor and the Politics of Justice."

Abigail Fisher Affirmative Action

The case was then sent back down to the lower courts to be reevaluated, with the understanding that the Supreme Court would most likely rehear it.

Story continues

After Scalia's death, the justices were forced to decide the case without the possibility of a split because there were seven justices on the bench.

Perhaps surprisingly, Kennedy emerged as the unlikely hero of affirmative action, voting for the first time to uphold an affirmative-action program.

Aside from allowing a possible split decision, Kent Greenfield, a law professor at Boston College Law School, thinks that Scalia's presence may have altered Kennedy's decision.

"If Scalia had been on the court, [Kennedy] might have been persuaded to write the case differently," Greenfield told Business Insider in an email.

He continued, further stating the impact of Scalia's death on the case:

"This is a case in which the court could have been different with Scalia, in the sense that it might have been 4 to 4, but Scalia is such a powerful advocate for color-blindness in the law that one could imagine Scalia having some impact on Kennedy's views."

NOW WATCH: A Supreme Court Justice is under fire for racial remarks he made at a hearing





More From Business Insider


* Trade and labour deals need to be renegotiated

* Exports from Britain to EU now tariff-free

* Brexit raises risk of automakers moving plants to EU

By Norihiko Shirouzu

BEIJING, June 24 (Reuters) - Executives at Asian automakers with factories in Britain, largely set up to export to the European Union, say they could slow investments in Britain or pause them for now, after the country voted to leave the 28-nation bloc.

Automakers, including Toyota and Nissan, had been among the manufacturers that have warned that a period of uncertainty would follow a Brexit vote, as trade and labour deals with Europe are renegotiated. Most on Friday estimated it could take around two years.

Toyota and Nissan had said in the run-up to the vote that continued membership of the European Union was preferable for their operations: a vote to leave would create new challenges for an industry that employs some 800,000 people in Britain.

"We don't have any choice but to be more cautious with our investment decisions, including moves like whether to produce a new or significantly redesigned vehicle model in the UK," said one official at a global automaker with manufacturing capacity in Britain, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Tata Motors' Jaguar Land Rover is Britain's largest carmaker, followed by Nissan, which has been in Britain for three decades and makes 475,000 cars a year in the country, most of them for export inside the European Union and beyond.

Sunderland in northern England, where Nissan has its operations, was among the constituencies that surprised pundits by voting to leave.

"Big question for automakers . . . is what kind of trade deals with the EU would be negotiated. That is the big unknown," a second executive at a global automaker said.

TARIFF-FREE EXPORTS

Exports from Britain to the European Union are free of tariffs and duties. Toyota has said duties under new trading deals could be as much as 10 percent, hitting either prices or margins, and denting sales.

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Toyota produced about 190,000 cars in Britain last year. Of that, 75 percent went to the European Union. Only 10 percent was shipped and sold within Britain.

South Korea's auto association said it was worried a departure could revive a 10-percent tariff on exports of passenger vehicles to UK -- unless a separate deal is negotiated.

"This could inevitably undermine the price competitiveness of South Korean automakers in UK, as opposed to Japanese and German rivals which have production bases there," said Kim Tae-nyen, vice president at the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA).

Aside from Toyota, Tata and Nissan, others manufacturing in Britain include BMW, GM and Honda.

Honda produces around 140,000 vehicles per year, including the CR-V crossover SUV and Civic sedan at its plant in Swindon. Half of its production is exported to the EU.

Some industry officials have said the exit even raises the prospects of those automakers moving Britain-based manufacturing capacity elsewhere in the EU bloc.

For now, officials said efforts would turn to lobbying hard for better trade deals.

"Obviously, trading deals to be worked out subsequently could be a worse situation than we have now, or better, or all the same. We don't know, and that's the problem," said the second executive.

(Additional reporting by Naomi Tajitsu in TOKYO, Aditi Shah in NEW DELHI and Hyunjoo Jin in SEOUL. Editing by Bill Tarrant.)
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Friday he expects a period of uncertainty and some instability in global markets as Britain was on the verge of Brexit but the immediate impact on Australia will be limited. "The impact on Australia immediately, directly, from a legal point of view, will be very limited because it will take some years for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, to negotiate an exit," he told reporters. "However, we've seen already large falls on stock markets and there will be a degree of uncertainty for some time." (Reporting by Swati Pandey; Editing by Kim Coghill)
VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) called for the heads of the European Commission and the European Parliament to resign after Britain voted to leave the European Union. The party narrowly lost last month's presidential election and has mounted a legal challenge against the result. The constitutional court has until July 8 to decide whether the run-off has to be repeated. "With a bit of decency and respect for a good future of Europe, they shall resign immediately," FPO head Heinz-Christian Strache said of the head of European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz. Strache said an Austrian referendum on European Union membership could become a political target for the FPO if the EU continued to be unwilling to introduce reforms and if countries such as Turkey were given a chance to join. (Reporting by Kirsti Knolle; Editing by Alison Williams)
Shares of Avery Dennison Corporation AVY crafted a 52-week high of $77.38 on Jun 23. The fresh high came on the back of expected benefits from its focus on productivity, acquisitions and performance of Pressure-sensitive materials.



The stock dropped a notch lower at $77.12 at the close of trading yesterday, with a solid one-year return of over 25.6% and year-to-date return of 23.1%. The average volume of shares traded over the last three months was roughly 708K. Avery Dennison has a market cap of $6.9 billion. The company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 6.61%.

AVERY DENNISON Price and Consensus

AVERY DENNISON Price and Consensus | AVERY DENNISON Quote

Growth Drivers



Avery Dennison remains focused on driving growth through acquisitions. Recently, the company signed a definitive agreement to acquire Mactac Europe from Platinum Equity for $226 million (200 million), including assumed debt.



The acquisition is in line with the companys strategic priority to penetrate high-value segments like pressure-sensitive materials for graphics applications. It will increase capacity to support growth of both graphics and tapes. The buyout is anticipated to close within three months, subject to customary conditions and approvals. It is expected to have an immaterial effect on EPS in 2016 and will be approximately 10 cents accretive to EPS in 2017.



Avery Dennison is focused on driving growth through differentiated quality, service and innovation, with the specific goal to accelerate growth in high-value market segments such as tapes, graphics, RFID and emerging markets. In addition to boosting growth in high-value categories, it is striving to escalate bankable growth in lesser differentiated categories such as base materials for bar code labels in Pressure-sensitive.



The company is increasing competitiveness by lowering costs and tailoring go-to-market strategies. Finally, productivity improvement, which has been the companys core strength over the years, remains a priority.



Avery Dennison reently hiked its quarterly dividend by 11% to 41 cents per share, reflecting its commitment to enhance shareholder value. Its share repurchases activities will also augment growth.



Moreover, Avery Dennison stands to gain from continued deployment of lean and six sigma, ongoing innovation and product reengineering, and investments in automation and restructuring.



Avery Dennison currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).



Other Stocks to Consider



Other favorably placed stocks in the same sector include ACCO Brands Corporation ACCO, Altra Industrial Motion Corp. AIMC and Crown Holdings Inc. CCK. While ACCO and Altra Industrial Motion sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Crown Holdings carries the same rank as Avery Dennison.



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Photo: Instagram/Azealia Banks



As rumors continue to swirl about Azealia Banks lightening her skin  as Yahoo Beauty reported last week  the rapper struck back on Instagram Tuesday, claiming that the public is getting it all wrong. Im working on a huge article about skin lightening. Including the differences between skin bleaching and skin lightening. Skin whitening and skin brightening. All four of these things are different, Banks wrote.

Bankss Instagram post. (Photo: Instagram/AzealiaBanks)



Followers piled on to contradict her claims and cite the harmful chemicals in and side effects of any treatment for lightening skin. User @woah_taylor_woah wrote, They all have something [to] do with changing your natural skin tone, girl, and @tomo_xxii chimed in, Just like theres a difference between tanning, sunbathing, and getting darker  dont lie to yourself; there is no difference lol. You dont have to justify anything.

As we eagerly await Bankss write-up, we decided to consult skin care professionals. According the the website for the U.K.s National Health Service (NHS), which puts three main methods  chemical peels, creams, and laser treatment  into the same category: skin lightening. The NHS does not distinguish between this and skin brightening  nor does it single out skin whitening or skin bleaching.

The site says that only chemical peels are long-lasting (not permanent) but can be expensive, painful, and risky, and can cause scarring and infection. It adds that deep peels are not really suitable for darker skin. Skin-lightening creams, the site claims, can cause serious side effects if used incorrectly and can cause thinning of the skin, kidney, liver, or nerve damage, and abnormalities in a newborn baby, among other complications. Laser skin lightening works by either removing the outer layer of skin or damaging the cells that produce melanin. The site says this method can cause scarring and skin infection.

Story continues

Related: Is Kylie Jenner Opening a Kylie Cosmetics Makeup Store? Shes Saying So on Snapchat



According to the website for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some people looking to lighten their skin are now turning to injectable products. In Kim, a pharmacist at the FDA, is quoted as saying: These products pose a potentially significant safety risk to consumers. Youre essentially injecting an unknown substance into your bodyyou dont know what it contains or how it was made. The site warns that injectable skin lighteners can cause liver disease and Parkinsons disease.

In general, consumers should be cautious of any product marketed online with exaggerated claims on safety and effectiveness, Kim says. They also should consult their health care practitioner before deciding to use any new product.

Related: Some People Get Skin Orgasms From Listening to Music



The FDA has also warned against noninjectable over-the-counter skin-bleaching products, like creams, as many contain ammoniated mercury, which is not approved by the FDA.

Skin-bleaching products are widely used in Africa, according to the website for the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), where unnamed additives in conjunction with ingredients like hydroquinone, mercury, and corticosteroids are causing serious health disorders  and sometimes death.

Banks hasnt revealed whether she has actually turned to skin-lightening products  and if so, what kind  but its safe to say that if she is, whatever shes using is posing a major health risk, whether she wants to hear from her legions of fans or not.





Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.


Aziz Ansari called for an end to Muslim hate speech and gun control legislation in an essay published Friday, in which he argues that not only is Donald Trump's "hate-filled rhetoric" dangerous, but also "makes no sense."

In a New York Times opinion piece called "Why Trump Makes Me Scared for My Family," the Master of None creator and actor explains how the Orlando, Fla., massacre led to "new levels" of prejudice. The actor says in the essay that "visceral" and "scary" hate speech about Muslim Americans that came after the Orlando attacks, and events like it, makes him afraid for his family of Muslim immigrants.

"In our culture," Ansari writes, "when people think 'Muslim,' the picture in their heads is not usually of the Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or the kid who left the boy band One Direction. It's of a scary terrorist character from Homeland or some monster from the news."

Ansari remembers being a student in New York after the 9/11 attacks, when someone yelled "Terrorist!" at him from a car window passing by. He argues that knee-jerk reactions and spewing generalized hate at groups like Muslim Americans doesn't solve anything and simply "makes no sense."

"The vitriolic and hate-filled rhetoric coming from Mr. Trump isn't so far off from cursing at strangers from a car window," Ansari says, adding that "xenophobic rhetoric" has been a part of Trump's campaign since the very beginning. "This is a guy who kicked off his presidential run by calling Mexicans "rapists" who were 'bringing drugs' to this country."

He also argues that "the overwhelming number of Muslim Americans have as much in common with that monster in Orlando as any white person has with any of the white terrorists who shoot up movie theaters or schools or abortion clinics," explaining that blaming an overly generalized group like Muslims for every shooting in the country isn't a solution to anything.

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"By Mr. Trump's logic," Ansari continues, "after the huge financial crisis of 2007-08, the best way to protect the American economy would have been to ban white males.

"He has said that people in the American Muslim community 'know who the bad ones are,' implying that millions of innocent people are somehow complicit in awful attacks. Not only is this wrongheaded; but it also does nothing to address the real problems posed by terrorist attacks."

In a tweet promoting the essay Friday, Ansari simplified his argument as such: "Trump wants to ban Muslim immigrants like my parents. I wrote a piece for @NYTimes telling him to go f - himself."

Ansari ends with a call for gun control legislation in Congress. "One way to decrease the risk of terrorism is clear: Keep military-grade weaponry out of the hands of mentally unstable people, those with a history of violence, and those on F.B.I. watch lists. But, despite sit-ins and filibusters, our lawmakers are failing us on this front and choose instead to side with the National Rifle Association."

Read More: 'Awards Chatter' Podcast  Aziz Ansari ('Master of None')
Theres nothing funny about the rhetoric coming out of presidential contender Donald Trumps mouth, as far as Aziz Ansari is concerned.

The Master of None funnyman got serious for a New York Times op-ed piece published Friday, saying Donald Trumps hate speech makes him afraid for my family.

Today, with the presidential candidate Donald J. Trump and others like him spewing hate speech, prejudice is reaching new levels, Ansari, the son of Muslim immigrants, wrote. Its visceral, and scary, and it affects how people live, work and pray. It makes me afraid for my family. It also makes no sense.

Also Read: Mark Cuban Says Donald Trump Would Bomb on 'Shark Tank' So Fast 'It Would Make Your Head Spin' (Video)

Ansari said that, while being Muslim American already carries a decent amount of baggage, the shooting at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub this month  during which Omar Mateen fatally shot dozens of people  has made things even more tense.

As the actor sees it, the Muslim-American population as a whole shouldnt be branded because of the actions of a minuscule minority.

There are approximately 3.3 million Muslim Americans. After the attack in Orlando, The Times reported that the F.B.I. is investigating 1,000 potential homegrown violent extremists, a majority of whom are most likely connected in some way to the Islamic State. If everyone on that list is Muslim American, that is 0.03 percent of the Muslim American population. If you round that number, it is 0 percent, Ansari calculated.

Also Read: Mad Man Donald Trump Paid $35K to Mysterious 'Draper Sterling' Ad Agency

The overwhelming number of Muslim Americans have as much in common with that monster in Orlando as any white person has with any of the white terrorists who sh oot up movie theaters or schools or abortion clinics.

Ansari went on to single out the vitriolic and hate-filled rhetoric coming from Mr. Trump, taking issue with Trumps previous claim that those in the American Muslim community know who the bad ones are.

Story continues

Not only is that wrongheaded, but it also does nothing to address the real problems posed by terrorist attacks. By Mr. Trumps logic, after the huge financial crisis of 2007-08, the best way to protect the American economy would have been to ban white males, Ansari wrote.



Related stories from TheWrap:

EMMY BUZZ: Can Aziz Ansari's 'Master of None' Crack the Crowded Comedy Categories?

Donald Trump Regrets Calling Elizabeth Warren 'Pocahontas' Because It Insults Pocahontas

4 Things Donald Trump Got Factually Wrong About the Orlando Shooting
Aziz Ansari calls out Donald Trump for spewing hate speech and prejudice against immigrants, specifically Muslim Americans, in a New York Times op-ed.

Its visceral, and scary, and it affects how people live, work and pray. It makes me afraid for my family, Ansari writes. It also makes no sense.

Referencing the Orlando attacks, the comedian and actor writes about the Muslim American communitys struggle to distance itself from terrorists and constantly ward off Islamophobia. He quotes Trump who said on the campaign trail that Muslims know who the bad ones are.

The overwhelming number of Muslim Americans have as much in common with that monster in Orlando as any white person has with any of the white terrorists who shoot up movie theaters or schools or abortion clinics, Ansari writes.

In one anecdote, Ansari recalls being called a terrorist while crossing the street, before he was a recognizable public figure. Tying the experience back to Trump, the actor writes, The vitriolic and hate-filled rhetoric coming from Mr. Trump isnt so far off from cursing at strangers from a car window.

In the piece, Ansari also calls for gun control, and expresses frustration about what he perceives as contradictory safety precautions. Despite sit-ins and filibusters, our lawmakers are failing us on this front and choose instead to side with the National Rifle Association. Suspected terrorists can buy assault rifles, but were still carrying tiny bottles of shampoo to the airport.

Ansari wrote, Trump wants to ban Muslim immigrants like my parents. I wrote a piece for @NYTimes telling him to go f himself, while posting the article on Twitter.

Trump wants to ban Muslim immigrants like my parents. I wrote a piece for @NYTimes telling him to go fuck himself: https://t.co/MCDsQyz2jy  Aziz Ansari (@azizansari) June 24, 2016

Related stories

Story continues

Daniel Radcliffe Calls Brexit Vote, Donald Trump 'Scary as S--t'

Kanye's 'Famous' Video Features Nude Donald Trump, Taylor Swift and Caitlyn Jenner

Donald Trump Calls British E.U. Exit Vote a 'Great Thing'
(Reuters) - Wales forward Gareth Bale will find it difficult to break down Northern Ireland's defence in the all-British last 16 Euro 2106 clash at Parc des Princes on Saturday, said Irish striker Kyle Lafferty. Bale is joint-top scorer at Euro 2016 with three goals after helping Wales to top spot in their group, but will likely come up against a stubborn Irish backline, who have let in seven goals in their last 13 fixtures. "Gareth Bale is a standout player -- you don't play for Real Madrid if you're an average player -- but I honestly believe we've got one of the best defences in the tournament," Lafferty told British media. "I don't think they've been given enough praise for what they've done. It's going to be a tough game but hopefully we'll be celebrating at the end." Northern Ireland's played out a 1-1 draw with Wales in March and Lafferty said he felt the fighting spirit in Michael O'Neill's squad will see them win on Saturday. "We played against Wales three or four months ago, we know about their players," the 28-year-old said. "It's going to be a tough game, they've got some world-class players, but with our heart and determination we honestly believe that we can go on and beat anyone." (Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru; editing by Ken Ferris)
Small groups of protesters rallied on Thursday, June 23, in Baltimore after a judge found a police officer not guilty in the death of Freddie Gray. Officer Caesar Goodson Jr. was found not guilty on all charges, including second-degree murder. Goodson was the driver of the van that carried Gray after his arrest.

A group of protesters rallied outside of the Baltimore circuit court where the trial was held, expressing their frustration. Later in the day, more protesters rallied in the Penn-North neighborhood, which was the epicenter of the unrest a year ago. The Penn-North protest can be seen in this video. Baltimore police also held a community event in Penn-North on Thursday evening.

Goodsons acquittal is the second judgment offered in the cases against six police officers. Officer Edward Nero was acquitted last month. The first case, against Officer William Porter, was ruled a mistrial in December. His new trial will be held in September.

Freddie Gray was arrested in April 2015 and suffered a severe neck and back injury while in police custody. He died a week later from his injuries. His death sparked protests and a day of unrest in Baltimore. Credit: Instagram/Travis Washington (tjasuegafilmz)
London (AFP) - The Bank of England "stands ready to provide" more than A250 billion of funds to aid the smooth functioning of markets after the Brexit vote, governor Mark Carney said Friday.

"As a backstop, and to support the functioning of markets, the Bank of England stands ready to provide more than A250 billion ($370 billion, 326 billion euros) of additional funds through its normal facilities," Carney said in a televised statement.

"The Bank of England is also able to provide substantial liquidity in foreign currency, if required," he added.

The British central bank had earlier said that it would take "all necessary steps" to ensure monetary and financial stability after Britain's referendum decision to leave the European Union.
By Steve Slater

LONDON, June 24 (IFR) - Thousands of bankers in Britain are fretting about their job security as the industry faces upheaval in trading operations and regulations in the wake of Britain's decision to quit the European Union.

Britain employs 2.2m bankers and other financial and professional services staff, and banks including HSBC and JP Morgan had warned they could move thousands of jobs to Europe in the event of a Brexit.

Bankers privately fear London could bear the brunt of investment banks cutting staff given the pressure to slash costs, especially if a slump in capital markets activity continues or Britain's economy slows.

While the Brexit news rocked European financial markets, cities including Dublin, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam are hoping to take advantage of a power shift, or at least an erosion of London's status as Europe's dominant financial hub.

"Inevitably there will be a shift. I think London will get an element of dilution in the coming months and years and no doubt there will be another financial centre that will benefit from it," said Etay Katz, financial regulatory partner at law firm Allen & Overy.

More than three-quarters of capital markets business across the EU is conducted out of Britain.

"In the months ahead  we may need to make changes to our European legal entity structure and the location of some roles," JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon said in a memo to staff shortly after the Brexit vote was confirmed.

JP Morgan employs 16,000 staff in Britain, and Dimon had already warned that leaving the EU would be a "terrible deal" for the UK economy and up to 4,000 jobs could move. In addition to its European headquarters in Canary Wharf, it employs thousands more around the country, including in Bournemouth.

HSBC CEO Stuart Gulliver has said it would probably move about 1,000 investment bankers to Paris if Britain quit the EU. That would affect a fifth of its 5,000 investment bankers in London - mainly those involved in operations linked to Mifid II, the EU market rules covering a range of products from derivatives trading to bond pricing.

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Morgan Stanley could move around 1,000 of its roughly 6,000 employees in Britain elsewhere in Europe, a source at the bank previously said.

PASSPORTING

The crucial issue for financial firms relates to "passporting", the rules that enable banks in one EU country to provide cross-border services to clients elsewhere in the single market. Those arrangements could now be scrapped outright, or be the subject of renegotiations over several years.

Analysts at Keefe Bruyette & Woods said that such issues leave the big US banks heavily exposed to Brexit risk. Based on JP Morgan's guidance that a quarter of its UK staff could be at risk, they said that called into question 2,000 jobs at Citigroup and 4,200 across Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley.

Analysts warned that Brexit would also make London less attractive for overseas banks if it restricts the free movement of labour for EU workers.

WORRY

The regulatory framework governing the banking industry is another major worry. While Britain has often been at odds with the EU over regulations (for example, over bankers' bonuses), bankers said the framework of EU financial rules provided a broadly supportive environment for the industry, even if it could be frustrating.

Those issues will be hammered out over the next two years, although banks are unlikely to wait until such rules are decided before acting.

"Banks can't just wait for clarity on what the government wants to do, on the negotiations - they need to ensure they can continue to serve clients," said a senior banker at a US bank involved in contingency planning.

"The only sure way of doing that right now is moving large parts of your business to another EU country. They can't risk negotiations turning out badly."

That may involve shifts in structure rather than people, and also less dramatic transfers of where trades may be booked. Even so, being outside the EU is likely to add more costs and complexity for banks, bankers said - not to mention potentially reducing the tax banks pay in the UK.

"People are not going to wait two years until they put the fire into the engine," A&O's Katz said.

"The boards of the large banks in Europe will need to take decisions based on certain assumptions. They will not be able to wait for crystal clarity on how the scene is going to play out in practice."

COMPLEX

Major banks have said contingency plans have been in place for months, and Britain's financial regulators have been in frequent contact. In the last two weeks, the US Federal Reserve and ECB also stepped up their scrutiny of how banks were preparing. But bankers said most of the focus had been on liquidity and it was only about two weeks ago that many thought there was a realistic chance the back-up structural plans might be needed.

Banks sent emails to rattled staff saying there would be a period of "complex" and "time-consuming" issues to resolve, and advised them to think about clients first.

The British Bankers' Association said a significant amount of contingency planning had been done and the industry was well prepared.

The BBA, which represents 200 UK and foreign banks in the country, remained neutral during the debate, saying most of its members did not take a formal position.

But a BBA survey in March showed 57% of banks thought leaving the EU would have a negative impact on Britain, compared with just 4% who said it would be positive.

Banks employ about 417,000 people in Britain. Adding in insurance, fund and asset management, legal and accounting services, management consultancy and other financial services swells the number of employees to 2.2m, or 7% of UK employment.

(Additional reporting by Gareth Gore)
LONDON (Reuters) - European shares plummeted more than 8 percent on Friday, led by the banking sector, and headed for their biggest ever one-day percentage fall after Britain voted to leave the European Union after a landmark referendum. British Prime Minister David Cameron said that he would resign following the results. The FTSEurofirst 300 <.FTEU3> was down 8.5 percent at 1,244.03 points by 0723 GMT after falling up to 1,239.68. The pan-European STOXX Europe 600 <.STOXX> slumped 8.8 percent. Financial stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off, with the European banking index <.SX7P> falling 14 percent, putting it on track for its worst ever one-day percentage fall as well. European insurers <.SXIP> were down 12.7 percent, while auto shares <.SXAP> fell 10.5 percent. Shares in Barclays slumped 25 percent, Royal Bank of Scotland was down 23 percent and Lloyds fell 23 percent. (Reporting by Atul Prakash; Editing by Vikram Subhedar)
By Ben Hirschler and Martinne Geller

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Shocked chief executives from Mumbai to Denver woke up on Friday to face tough decisions over how to respond to Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

In Britain itself, businesses as diverse as engineering group Rolls-Royce, drugs giant AstraZeneca, housebuilders and makers of Scotch whisky were braced for disruption in the short and long term as the pound plunged to its lowest level since 1985.

Big business -- with a very few exceptions -- has been strongly in favour of remaining in the world's biggest trading bloc, primarily because of ease of access to 500 million European consumers.

"The weeks and months ahead are going to be a nervy time for business leaders," Simon Walker, director general of British business lobby the Institute of Directors, said on Friday.

Jaguar Land Rover, Britain's biggest carmaker, has estimated its annual profit could shrink by 1 billion pounds ($1.4 billion) by 2020 if Britain returns to World Trade Organization rules for trade with Europe.

Shares in the company's owner, India's Tata Motors , slumped more than 10 percent.

Makers of Scotch whisky, who export about 90 percent of what they produce, have stressed the importance of the EU, which swallows about a third of those exports, but also the clout EU membership gives in negotiations with fast-growing markets such as India, which has a 150 percent tariff on imported spirits.

Some investors warned of a coming British or even global recession as sterling collapsed to hit its lowest since 1985, while FTSE futures fell 8 percent.

The president of Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal , the world's second-largest steelmaker, said the vote was extremely disappointing. "We are greatly concerned for the negative impact this will have, not only on Britain and the EU but also on the global economy," said Kosei Shindo.

Martin Sorrell, the boss of the world's biggest advertising group WPP, said: "This decision will create tremendous uncertainty, which will slow economic activity and decision making."

Story continues

STERLING HEADACHE

Big swings in sterling will be a headache for some international companies, with a fall in the currency hitting profits earned in Britain.

International companies with sizeable sterling exposure include Denver-based Molson Coors, owner of Carling beer, which is heavily reliant on the UK.

Aside from market access, streamlining of regulations within the EU has made life simpler.

Pharmaceutical companies, for example, enjoy a one-stop shop in the form of the European Medicines Agency -- based in London - which approves new drugs for all EU countries, while the EU's open airspace deals have fostered a surge in air travel and common policies on agriculture and food safety have allowed for smoother supply chains and richer eating.

Companies in those sectors have fretted that Britain outside the bloc would disrupt the regulatory landscape.

"This creates immediate challenges for future investment, research and jobs in our industry in the UK," said Mike Thompson, CEO of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.

AstraZeneca said it was concerned for the competitiveness of the British life sciences industry and would work to ensure patient access to medicines, amid worries that leaving the EU could delay drug approvals.

Access to workers is another important factor for companies. Automotive industry executives, who are heavily reliant on exports, ranked tapping a skilled workforce a close second to accessing EU markets in a survey on reasons to remain in March.

Ahead of the vote, some British-based multinationals such as Diageo, Unilever and Rolls-Royce had expressed their support for "Remain" directly to employees, although most stopped short of this.

Government figures show 12.6 percent of Britain's economic output is linked to exports to the EU's 27 other members, for whom only 3.1 percent of output is linked to exports to Britain. And 80 percent of British businesses trading overseas do so with the EU.

The Confederation of British Industry has estimated there could be between 550,000 and 950,000 fewer jobs by 2020 in the event of Brexit.

For banks, a huge concern has been the threat that financial institutions based in London could lose their EU "passports", or the automatic right to sell services across the bloc under single low-cost system. That has made bank shares particularly volatile in the run-up to the referendum.

Brexit uncertainty has also helped push British merger and acquisition activity this year at its lowest as a proportion of global activity since records began in 1980.

($1 = 0.7428 pounds) (Additional reporting by Kate Holton, Ritsuko Ando and Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Keith Weir)
By Ben Hirschler and Martinne Geller

LONDON (Reuters) - Chief executives from Tokyo to Denver prepared for long-term disruption, job cuts and lower profits on Friday after Britain's vote to leave the European Union raised widespread fears over economic growth and sent share prices spinning.

In Britain itself, businesses including aerospace, housebuilders and drugmakers fear a range of difficulties from slumping demand to new regulatory hurdles as the pound plunged to its lowest level since 1985.

British Airways owner IAG warned that it would no longer meet its annual profit target and car manufacturers including Ford, which employs around 14,000 people in the United Kingdom, indicated that it could ultimately lead to job cuts.

"Ford will take whatever action is needed to ensure that our European business remains competitive," the company said, adding that it had not changed its investment plans yet.

World stocks headed for one the biggest slumps on record as investors predicted the impact of the narrow 52 vs 48 percent vote for Britain to leave the European Union would damage economic confidence across the globe.

The president of Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal, the world's second-largest steelmaker, said the vote was extremely disappointing.

"We are greatly concerned for the negative impact this will have, not only on Britain and the EU but also on the global economy," said Kosei Shindo.

Those who campaigned for Britain to leave had said a weaker pound could help UK exports, but it will also reduce the value of foreign companies' UK earnings and raise questions about access to the EU market.

"This decision will create tremendous uncertainty, which will slow economic activity and decision making," said Martin Sorrell, the boss of the world's biggest advertising group WPP.

Jaguar Land Rover, Britain's biggest carmaker, has estimated its annual profit could shrink by 1 billion pounds ($1.4 billion) by 2020 if Britain returns to World Trade Organization rules for trade with Europe.

Story continues

Shares in the company's owner, India's Tata Motors, fell 8 percent.

IMMEDIATE STEPS

Some businesses signaled an intention to push for a settlement between the UK and the EU that would minimize damage to their business, while others took immediate steps.

"This is a lose-lose result for both Britain and Europe," said Airbus CEO Thomas Enders. "We will review our UK investment strategy, like everybody else will."

Volkmar Denner, CEO of Bosch, said its investment plans would not change, for now, but it was preparing for a weaker British currency: "We have significantly raised our hedging ratios in order to counteract a possible depreciation of the British pound."

The German appliances maker plans to invest 25 million euros in Britain this year.

Randstad, the world's second-largest employment services company, said it might need to restructure, as in did during the financial crisis in 2009, to cope with disruption to the jobs market.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who campaigned for Britain to remain in, said he would resign and leaders in Scotland, which voted strongly to stay in Europe, said they would consider holding a referendum to leave the United Kingdom.

Makers of Scotch whisky, who export more than 90 percent of what they produce, fear market access could be jeopardised.

"There are serious issues to resolve in areas of major importance to our industry and which require urgent attention, notably the nature of future trade arrangements with both the single (European) market and the wider world," said David Frost, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association.

Some investors warned of a coming British or even global recession as sterling collapsed to lowest since 1985.

Housebuilders Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Developments and Persimmon saw their market values slump by more than a fifth on fears of a sharp economic downturn.

Bank shares such as Barclays and Credit Suisse also tumbled, as well as domestic retailers like Sports Direct and Marks & Spencers. Meanwhile safer-haven sectors, like gold miners and tobacco, outperformed.

STERLING HEADACHE

Big swings in sterling will be a headache for some international companies, with a fall in the currency hitting profits earned in Britain.

International companies with sizeable sterling exposure include Denver-based Molson Coors, owner of Carling beer, which is heavily reliant on the UK.

But for multinationals reporting in sterling, there will be a short-term boost to profits, when expressed in pounds.

Aside from market access, streamlining of regulations within the EU has made life simpler.

Pharmaceutical companies, for example, enjoy a one-stop shop in the form of the London-based European Medicines Agency, which approves new drugs for all EU countries, while the EU's open airspace deals have fostered a surge in air travel and common policies on agriculture and food safety have allowed for smoother supply chains.

Companies in those sectors have fretted that Britain outside the bloc would disrupt the regulatory landscape.

Ahead of the vote, some British-based multinationals such as Diageo, Unilever and Rolls-Royce had expressed their support for "Remain" directly to employees, although most stopped short of this.

Rolls-Royce said on Friday the medium and long-term impact would depend on the relationships struck by Britain with the EU and the rest of the world.

Government figures show 12.6 percent of Britain's economic output is linked to exports to the EU's 27 other members, for whom only 3.1 percent of output is linked to exports to Britain. And 80 percent of British businesses trading overseas do so with the EU.

The Confederation of British Industry has estimated there could be between 550,000 and 950,000 fewer jobs by 2020 in the event of Brexit.

For banks, a huge concern has been the threat that financial institutions based in London could lose their EU "passports", or the automatic right to sell services across the bloc under single low-cost system. That has made bank shares particularly volatile in the run-up to the referendum.

Brexit uncertainty has also helped push British merger and acquisition activity this year at its lowest as a proportion of global activity since records began in 1980.

It could also impact large deals already in process, such as Anheuser-Busch InBev's $100 billion-plus takeover of SABMiller and the $30 billion merger of London Stock Exchange Group and Deutsche Boerse.

($1 = 0.7428 pounds)

(Additional reporting by Kate Holton, Ritsuko Ando, Yuka Obayashi and Laurence Frost; editing by Keith Weir and Philippa Fletcher)
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Thursday night and talked about continuing in the presidential race until the end. Sanders was adamant that he has no plans to drop out of the race and said he is not endorsing Hillary Clinton yet. Colbert asked what exactly he wanted from former Secretary of State Clinton before he would endorse her, and Sanders replied that he wants the millions of people who voted for him to still have a voice in this race.

Sanders said that his campaign has been talking with Clintons to get her to come out very strongly in moving toward making public colleges and universities tuition-free. There is another goal that Sanders and Clinton are working on together, and thats to defeat Donald Trump. Colbert asked Sanders if he needed to say anything to his supporters to make sure they dont vote for Trump, and Bernie replied, My supporters are smart enough to know that we do not want a bigot to become president of the United States.



The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on CBS.

Watch Colbert slam the Senate for failing to pass gun control bills.

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Cynthia LuCiette, on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.


Bernie Sanders moved closer to an endorsement of Democratic primary rival Hillary Clinton on Friday, saying he would back the presumptive nominee in her likely general election face-off with presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Asked on MSNBC's Morning Joe whether he'd vote for Clinton in the fall, Sanders, who plans to remain in the Democratic race through the party convention in July, responded, "Yes."

"I think that the issue right here is I'm going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump," Sanders continued. "I think Trump in so many ways will be a disaster for this country if he were to be elected president. We do not need a president whose cornerstone of his campaign is bigotry."

"JUST IN: @BernieSanders says "yes," he will vote for @HillaryClinton in November"

But Sanders muddied the waters in a CNN interview Friday morning, saying that "in all likelihood" he'd back Clinton in the fall but indicating he wanted to see the party pushed in a more progressive direction.

Who will Bernie Sanders vote for in November? "In all likelihood it will go to Hillary Clinton," Sanders says.http://cnn.it/28RHYeV

In his MSNBC interview, Sanders reiterated his intention to stay in the race through the Philadelphia convention, saying he wanted to "fight for the strongest possible platform." Sanders delivered a speech in New York City on Thursday night outlining his priorities for the platform, including a $15 minimum wage, campaign finance reform, an end to closed primaries in which only registered party members can vote and curtailing the influence of superdelegates.

Sanders' comments Friday morning come two days after he admitted in a C-SPAN interview that it "doesn't appear" he will emerge as the nominee. Clinton clinched the nomination two weeks ago, proclaiming victory after wins in New Jersey and California.

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While Sanders' likely support for Clinton in the fall comes as no surprise, political observers will be closely watching how extensively he campaigns for her. Distrustful of Clinton's more centrist record, many of Sanders' supporters remain unwilling to back her candidacy, with only 55% of his voters saying in a recent Bloomberg poll that they'd pull the lever for her in November.

Trump, whose populist stance on free trade overlaps with Sanders', has made a direct appeal to the Vermont senator's supporters, inviting them in a Wednesday speech to "join our movement, so together we can fix the system for all Americans."

10:56 a.m. Eastern: This story has been updated.
Bernie Sanders

Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders essentially threw his support behind the party's presumptive nominee, Hillary Clinton, on Friday morning.

On MSNBC's "Morning Joe," when asked whether he would be voting for Clinton in the November presidential election, Sanders replied, "Yes."

Sanders appears to have made the announcement as a show of Democratic unity against presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

"The issue right here is, I'm going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump," Sanders said. "I think Trump, in so many ways, will be a disaster for this country if he were to be elected president."

He continued: "We do not need a president whose cornerstone of his campaign is bigotry, is insulting Mexicans and Latinos and Muslims and women, who does not believe in the reality of climate change when virtually every scientist who has studied this issue understands we have a global crisis."

Sanders said his role through the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia next month would be to "fight for the strongest possible platform" for the party.

Sanders has not yet officially dropped out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. But based on delegate totals from the Democratic primary contests, it's virtually impossible for him to win.

Earlier this week he acknowledged for the first time that he knew he probably would not win the Democratic nomination.

"It doesn't appear that I'm going to be the nominee, so I won't be determining the scope of the convention," he told C-SPAN.

Here's video from Sanders' "Morning Joe" appearance:





More From Business Insider


Donald Trump Delivers Campaign Speech

The United Kingdom was not supposed to leave the European Union.

For weeks, despite volatile poll swings, the conventional wisdom held that once Britons went into polling places, they would choose the perceived rational option: Stay with the safe option and remain in the EU.

On Thursday night, UK voters handed conventional wisdom a dose of reality about the global order.

There will be a lot of immediate talk in the US about what this means for its big coming event: the 2016 presidential election.

More specifically, what does it mean for Donald Trump?

If there's one conclusion to draw from the Brexit result, it's that while nationalist sentiments may not necessarily be visible to political elites, the right person with the right cause can easily bring them out.

"Populism is rising everywhere as people decide that government does not listen and does not care," veteran Republican pollster Frank Luntz told Business Insider.

"But this is even more significant, because Britain has never been the source of populist uprisings like this. If Britain can vote itself out of Europe, America can vote itself in for Trump."

In the UK, the Remain camp was the safe bet. The probability of Britain remaining in the EU, as late as Thursday morning, was 86%, according to Betfair.

In the US, the safe bet is Hillary Clinton. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has an increasingly gigantic lead over Trump in polls  much larger than the lead ever was for Remain. Trump is running what increasingly appears to be a sinking campaign.

But the Brexit vote makes one thing clear: For the foreseeable future, all bets are off.

And this could foreshadow more political disruption in the coming months.

The vote "does really support the Eurosceptic movements across Europe: the National Front in France, the Five Star movement in Italy, the Alternatives for Deutschland," and more, said Ian Bremmer, the president of the geopolitical-risk firm Eurasia Group.

Story continues

To that end, Scotland's first minister announced early Friday that the country sees its future with the EU, indicating that it could hold another referendum to potentially split from Britain. A far-right party in the Netherlands, meanwhile, called for its own EU referendum.

As Bremmer pointed out, there's no immediate direct conclusion to draw about its implications for the US.

Yet the parallels are there, on the surface: Trump is the US answer to the growing tide of populism and nationalism across the world.

NOW WATCH: Clinton raised 5 times as much money as Trump in May  here's a breakdown of their funds





More From Business Insider


Perhaps youve noticed the words produced with genetic engineering on food packages in your grocery store. Many large food companies have instituted their own labeling policies for genetically engineered foods ahead of the July 1 deadline for Vermonts mandatory, on-package GMO labeling law. But after months of political wrangling, leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee have reached an agreement in a last-ditch effort to preempt the Vermont law.

Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, and ranking Democrat Debbie Stabenow of Michigan have joined together on a bill that would nullify Vermonts law and allows food manufacturers to use a scannable QR code, or in some cases a toll-free number, to inform consumers about a product's GMO content. While the bill would immediately block states from carrying out GMO labeling laws, it would allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take two years to set a standard for mandatory disclosure of GMO ingredients through the manufacturers choice of regular text, a symbol, or the use of a QR code or phone number.

Jean Halloran, director of food policy initiatives at Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, says the new bill could make it nearly impossible for consumers to make informed choices about what theyre putting into their shopping cart if it passes the Senate and then the House of Representatives.

This bill falls far short, and doesnt meet consumer needs at all, says Halloran. Consumers have stated their preference for on-package mandatory GMO labeling that they can use at a glance, and they deserve to know whats in their food. In addition, according to the bill, not all genetically engineered foods would be considered genetically engineered for labeling purposes, Halloran notes. It excludes, for example, highly refined sugars and oils.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), which has sued to block Vermonts law, has been pushing Congress to set a national GMO labeling standard that would include voluntary GMO labeling and prevent any state from enacting its own GMO labeling law.

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The GMA is backing the legislation, saying that it "enables transparency, clarity and consistency in disclosure and reflects the wide variety of ways that consumers will get this information about the foods they buy.

Yet nearly 90 percent of Americans want mandatory labeling on genetically modified foods, according to a recent poll of 800 registered voters commissioned by a coalition of consumer and environmental groups, including Consumers Union. Additionally, fully one-third do not own smartphones capable of scanning digital codes, which would leave large swaths of Americans completely in the dark, Halloran says.

Campbell Soup Company, ConAgra, General Mills, Kelloggs, and Mars are among the companies that have said they will implement GMO labeling policies nationwide, rather than labeling their products just for Vermont. But now its unclear if they will follow through with their promised policies if the new law passes. Many of these companies say they are voluntarily labeling GMOs to increase transparency, Halloran says. I hope they really mean it.

The bill still needs to be brought to the Senate floor for a vote, which may take longer than its supporters would like, as Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has placed a hold on the bill. The bill will need 60 Senators in support to bring it to the floor. In addition, the House of Representatives would also need to vote, and the House wont meet to vote again until July 5. While that means the federal bill wont be enacted before the Vermont deadline, Congress could still pass the bill in July and nullify the Vermont law after its taken effect.



Halloran says that Consumers Union will be watching the bills movement closely and will be urging the Senate not to pass it. If you agree, you can send your senators a message here.







More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

Best used cars for $25,000 and less

7 best mattresses for couples





Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.
By Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Friday pledged to build support in the U.S. House of Representatives for legislation keeping firearms from people on terrorism watch lists, despite repeated gun control failures this week in Congress.

The "Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act" was introduced by nine House members representing diverse states stretching from Hawaii to Delaware, including some who have led the gun control fight for years.

"If you can't get on a plane because of the danger that may pose, there is no reason you should be able to purchase a dangerous weapon," said Republican Representative Carlos Curbelo of Florida, in a refrain that has ricocheted through the U.S. Capitol since the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando.

The legislation, identical to a bill by Senator Susan Collins of Maine that was debated on the Senate floor on Thursday, would halt sales of weapons to people on a "no-fly" list barring them from boarding airplanes, or a "Selectee" list in which they are subjected to special airport screenings.

Over the past two weeks, the Senate failed to advance this or several other proposals placing new constraints on gun sales, as the U.S. mourned the deaths of 49 people killed at an Orlando nightclub with 53 others injured.

Curbelo said he met with House Speaker Paul Ryan's top aide to inform him of the bill. The lawmaker left that meeting with no assurances it would advance, but simply "no objection from the speaker's office" to the legislation being introduced, Curbelo said.

He added that the bill's sponsors now must build support "amongst our colleagues" in a House that has a concentration of conservative Republicans opposed to most gun control ideas.

Many Republicans have argued that travelers can mistakenly be placed on terrorism watch lists and denying them the ability to buy weapons would stomp on their constitutional rights.

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"We cannot let that argument stop, into perpetuity, our ability to advance wise legislation in this matter," countered Republican Representative Scott Rigell of Virginia.

Rigell, a co-sponsor of the bill, introduced himself to reporters at a press conference as a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, which lobbies against gun controls, and an owner of 10 firearms, including an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle that is similar to the weapon used by Omar Mateen, the Orlando shooter.

(Reporting By Richard Cowan; Editing by David Gregorio)
The New York Times

HOUSTON  Tony Earls hung his head before a row of television cameras, staring down, his life upended. Days before, Earls had pulled out his handgun and opened fire, hoping to strike a man who had just robbed him and his wife at an ATM in Houston. Instead, he struck Arlene Alvarez, a 9-year-old girl seated in a passing pickup, killing her. Is Mr. Earls licensed to carry? a reporter asked during the February news conference, in which his lawyer spoke for him. Sign up for The Morning newsletter
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Ralph Stanley, a pioneer of bluegrass and Appalachian music, died today, June 23rd, following a battle with skin cancer. He was 89.

Ralph Stanley on His All-Star Album With Robert Plant

His grandson Nathan Stanley, who had been touring with the banjo legend in recent years, confirmed the news on Facebook. "My heart is broken into pieces. My papaw, my dad, and the greatest man in the world, Dr. Ralph Stanley has went home to be with Jesus just a few minutes ago," he wrote, adding, "My Papaw was loved by millions of fans from all around the world, and he loved all of you. If he was singing and on stage, he was happy."

Born on February 25th, 1927, in Stratton, Virginia, Ralph Edmund Stanley teamed up with his guitar-playing sibling Carter in 1946 and began incorporating the folk traditions of the region and Carter Family-style harmonies into their duo the Stanley Brothers and their backing band the Clinch Mountain Boys. Initially the Stanley Brothers performed live on radio stations in Virginia and sang Bill Monroe's songs, but began writing and arranging their own material and recorded sessions for Columbia, Mercury and King Records that established them as key figures in the early growth of traditional bluegrass music. Their 1951 recording of the traditional song "Man of Constant Sorrow" has been adapted and re-adapted numerous times in the following years and they found favor with the folk movement of the Sixties. Sadly, Carter died in 1966 at 41 years old, and Ralph was forced to carry on as a solo artist.

Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys remained a popular fixture at bluegrass festivals for another 50 years, and the band was an incubator for country and bluegrass talent with members including  at various points  Larry Sparks, Keith Whitley and Ricky Skaggs.

In 1976, Stanley was awarded an honorary doctorate of music from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee  hence his usual "Dr." prefix. He also performed at the inaugurations of presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and was given a National Medal of Arts and a Living Legends medal from the Library of Congress. Amazingly, he didn't join the Grand Ole Opry until 2000.

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That same year, his music found an entirely new audience when he performed on the hit soundtrack for the Coen Brothers' film O Brother, Where Art Thou. That multi-million selection included an updated version of "Man of Constant Sorrow" (performed by Union Station's Dan Tyminski) and Stanley's a capella rendition of "O Death." The latter won a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2002, beating out Tim McGraw, Lyle Lovett, Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. The soundtrack proved to be an influential touchstone for the growth and rise of Americana music, which is steadily growing in profile and popularity. Stanley also appeared on the Lawless soundtrack in 2012, singing a bluegrass version of the Velvet Underground's "White Light/White Heat."

In spite of the advances of age and poor health, Stanley continued touring into his 80s, backed by family members like his son Ralph Stanley II and grandson Nathan. He is survived by his wife Jimmie, three children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Related
By Darrin Zamit Lupi ABOARD THE TOPAZ RESPONDER (Reuters) - Ships manned by humanitarian organizations, the Italian navy and coast guard helped rescue about 4,500 boat migrants on Thursday as calm seas returned to the Mediterranean, prompting a surge in departures from North Africa. Rescue operations were continuing, an Italian coast guard spokesman said. The corpse of a woman was taken from a large rubber boat, and the migrants were collected from a total of about 40 different vessels, he said. The Topaz Responder, a ship run by the Malta-based humanitarian group Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), said earlier in the day that around two dozen migrant boats had been spotted in the sea about 20 nautical miles from the Libyan port city of Sabratha. Libya's navy intercepted about 1,000 migrants on board eight rubber boats off Sabratha on Thursday morning, spokesman Ayoub Qassem said. He said the migrants were from Arab as well as sub-Saharan African countries. "The mass movement is probably the result of week-long, unfavorable weather conditions" that have come to an end, MOAS said on Twitter. The Topaz Responder picked up 382 sub-Saharan African migrants from three different large rubber boats. The Bourbon Argos, a ship run by humanitarian group Doctors without Borders, plucked 1,139 migrants from 10 boats, and two other humanitarian vessels picked up 156 more. The Italian navy said it had rescued 515 from two dinghies, German humanitarian group Sea-Watch said it had 100 on board, and the Italian coast guard, which coordinates rescue operations, said it had deployed several boats. An agreement between Turkey and the EU to stop migrant departures for the Greek islands has reduced boat arrivals by 98 percent during the first five months of the year from the same period of 2015, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. But arrivals in Italy continue at about the same clip as last year, and the deadly central Mediterranean route has already claimed 2,438 lives, IOM said. Italy has been on the front line of Europe's worst immigration crisis since World War Two and now in its third year. More than 320,000 boat migrants came to Italy from North Africa in 2014-15. As of Wednesday, 56,328 boat migrants had been brought to Italy in 2016, a 5.5 percent decrease on the same period of last year, according to the Interior Ministry. Nigerians, Eritreans and Gambians were the top three migrant nationalities this year, the ministry said, and more than 125,000 are now living in Italian shelters. (Reporting by Darrin Zammit Lupi on the Topaz Responder migrant rescue ship, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva, and Ahmed Elumami in Tripoli; Writing by Steve Scherer; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Cynthia Osterman)
TOKYO (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan is taking steps to remain in close contact with other central banks, Deputy Governor Hiroshi Nakaso said he told a meeting of cabinet ministers on Friday after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Nakaso, who was speaking to reporters after the meeting, declined to comment on whether the central bank will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the "Brexit" aftermath.

(Reporting by Stanley White; Writing by Tony Munroe; Editing by Chris Gallagher)
A second New York-born right-winger with an inexplicable hairstyle is all but certain to be in a two-person run-off to lead their country this year.

For Donald Trump in the U.S., read Boris Johnson in the U.K. The former mayor of London, who was born in Manhattan when his father was studying economics at Columbia University, has long harbored ambitions of succeeding David Cameron as Prime Minister  and after his old schoolfriends resignation Friday morning, he might now get the chance.

Over the next three months, the Conservatives 330 MPs will whittle down the leadership candidates down to two, when the partys estimated 150,000 membership will decide who will lead a country of 64.1m people until the 2020 general election. MPs will feel obliged to make sure Johnson is one of those two, Conservative lawmakers acknowledge, because that membership would go ballistic if they didnt get a chance to vote for the great entertainer of British politics.

Johnson, the U.K.s most popular politician, gambled big by opposing Cameron over Britains European Union in/out referendum, despite belonging to the same Conservative Party (and having known Cameron since the two were at prestigious Eton College). But it was Johnson who quickly became the poster boy of the race, while the Prime Minister struggled to persuade the electorate that leaving the E.U. would badly damage the UKs economy.

In the end, the bet paid off. In defiance of bookmakers, 52% of the country put their x in the Leave box of their ballot papers on June 23; despondent Remain proponents left their end of campaign party early.

Cameron immediately announced his intention to resign, but will stay in office until his successor is elected by the Conservatives ahead of their annual party conference in October. Johnson described his longtime rival as brave and principled this morning, but is now a huge favourite to take his job and home at No 10 Downing Street. He is expected to spend the weekend setting up his campaign team.

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The former Mayor is a well-known wit who once described the likelihood of his becoming Prime Minister as about as good as the chances of finding Elvis [Presley] on Mars or my being reincarnated as an olive. But this morning he struck a more sombre, statesmanlike tone, insisting that leaving the E.U. does not mean isolationism: We cannot turn our backs on Europe, we are part of Europe.

Read more: Boris Johnsons Quest for 10 Downing Street

The party is hardly united behind Johnson, though. Many MPs who backed Cameron over the E.U. are wounded by the result after what was a particularly vicious campaign and want to rally behind a Stop Boris candidate. A source close to Johnson told TIME they are keeping an eye on Mark Harper, the well-liked chief whip who is nevertheless a virtual unknown outside of Parliament. A member of the Opposition Labour Party says he would fear Harpers keen intelligence if he somehow made the final two and beat Johnson.

Most likely is Theresa May, the Home Secretary. Although she supported Cameron over the E.U., May is a long-standing Euroskeptic whose public backing for the campaign was widely perceived as lukewarm at best. A prominent Brexiteer says: If you look at the last Labour government, they changed Home Secretaries more often than they changed their underpants. May has been Home Secretary for six years  Its going to be Boris plus another person and that other person could be May.

The biggest casualty of the Remain campaign was Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, a close friend of Cameron who was for a long time considered the favourite to succeed him. Osborne warned that Brexit would result in 30bn of spending cuts and tax rises, which Conservative Brexiteers immediately dismissed as a punishment that they would oppose when brought to Parliament. A calculated politician who was previously considered a master electoral tactician, Osborne will have worked out that he cannot now command sufficient support among MPs and likely will not stand.

Johnson could also face a challenge from fellow Brexiteers, but the man he would fear most, Lord Chancellor Michael Gove, is unlikely to stand. Both publicly and privately Gove, who is credited with giving the Brexit campaign an intellectual backbone, has been emphatic that he has no ambition to be Prime Minister.

More probable are energy minister Andrea Leadsom and Chris Grayling, a cabinet member who has so far refused to rule out a leadership tilt. Although Leadsom had a strong Brexit campaign with her calm, authoritative manner playing well in television debates, neither are likely to get the MPs they need to make the run-off. The point of a Grayling candidacy, it is thought, would be to make sure he is in the frame to get a big job afterwards.

The oddmakers say its Johnson versus May. They were badly wrong over the E.U. referendum, but with Camerons resignation still fresh it seems unlikely that they are making a second mistake.
In the wake of Britain's vote to leave the European Union, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced his resignation  and former mayor of London Boris Johnson is a leading contender to take Cameron's place.



Johnson was the most prominent supporter of the "leave" campaign as voters headed to the polls over the historic decision widely known as Brexit. And, with the results in, Johnson has emerged as the big winner.



In a statement on Friday, Johnson paid tribute to Cameron, calling him "brave" and "one of the most extraordinary politicians of our age."



Although he did not mention succeeding Cameron, he hailed voters' decision in favor of Brexit.









Who Is Boris Johnson? Leader of Brexit Supporters Could Be Britain's Next Prime Minister| politics, London, Around the Web



"They have decided it is time to vote to take back control from a European Union that has become too opaque and not accountable enough to the people it is meant to serve," he said.



"And to those who may be anxious both at home and abroad, this does not mean that the United Kingdom will be in any way less united, it does not mean it will be any less European."



Johnson, with his shock of wild blonde hair, has gained prominence following the Brexit vote  but just who is the flamboyant politician? Here are four things you need to know about the former London mayor.



1. He Was Born in America



Don't be fooled by his thick British accent, Johnson was born in New York and has held a U.S. passport.







His family lived in the city after his father, Stanley  a prize-winning poet  won a fellowship.



2. He Got Stuck on a Zip-Line During the 2012 London Olympics. No, Really



During a promotional appearance for the London Olympics, the former journalist became stuck on a zip-line and was left dangling as onlookers snapped photos.







The stunt looked promising as Johnson took off down the line, waving two U.K. flags. But things began going downhill  or down line  when he began sliding the opposite way before coming to a halt.



"I want you to know, it's very, very well organized," he joked of the event. "Get me a ladder. I think they needed to test it on somebody going a bit faster."





Story continues

Who Is Boris Johnson? Leader of Brexit Supporters Could Be Britain's Next Prime Minister| politics, London, Around the Web



3. He Faced Backlash After Criticizing President Obama



During Obama's April visit to London to meet with Queen Elizabeth II on her 90th birthday  and to urge Britons to vote against the Brexit  Johnson penned an essay published in The Sun blasting the president's opposition to Brexit.



"For the United States to tell us in the U.K. that we must surrender control of so much of our democracy  it is a breathtaking example of the principle of so-as-I-say-but-not-as-I-do," Johnson wrote. "It is incoherent. It is inconsistent, and yes it is downright hypocritical."



He also mentioned a bust of Winston Churchill that was removed from the Oval Office in 2009, writing, "some said it was a symbol of the part-Kenyan President's ancestral dislike of the British empire."



Many condemned Johnson's essay, with Nicholas Soames, a Conservative Parliament member and a grandson of Churchill, calling it an "appalling article" that is "totally wrong on almost everything."





Appalling article by @BorisJohnson in Sun totally wrong on almost everything. Inconceivable WSC wld not have welcomed Presidents views a Nicholas Soames (@nsoamesmp) April 22, 2016







Mask slips again. Boris part-Kenyan Obama comment is yet another example of dog whistle racism from senior Tories. He should withdraw it. a John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) April 22, 2016





4. He's Had to Apologize  a Lot



Johnson's mussed blond hair, sharp wit and rogue ways have grabbed the attention of many Britons during his eight-year stint as mayor. But the former journalist has had his share of dark moments.



The politician was forced to apologize for racist comments after calling Black people "piccaninnies" in 2008, according to CNN.



He also came under fire for referring to people from Papua New Guinea as cannibals, according to the Associated Press.
By Scott Malone

BOSTON (Reuters) - A sterling silver skull ring, a fake Stanley Cup ring and a pen holder shaped like a rat have drawn the most interest from bidders in Saturday's auction of former Boston mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger's possessions, officials said.

Those items and hundreds more, including dinner plates with Queen Elizabeth's image, a punching bag shaped like a man's torso and head and a copy of the Bible, were among those seized when the FBI caught up with Bulger in hiding in a Santa Monica, California, apartment in June 2011.

Bulger, now 86, ruled Boston's underworld for a quarter-century before fleeing in 1994 after a corrupt FBI agent tipped him that arrest was imminent. He survived 16 years on the lam - many atop the bureau's "10 Most Wanted List" - before agents found with him with $800,000 in cash and a small arsenal of weapons.

It is unclear how much the items will sell for, said Jason Martinez, assistant program manager for asset forfeiture at the U.S. Marshals Service, which is overseeing the auction. Proceeds will be paid out to Bulger's victims.

"Our goal is to maximize the profit for the victims; we hope his notoriety adds to that," Martinez said Friday.

Buyers placing bids online ahead of the auction had pushed the price of the rat mug to $2,600, the fake Stanley Cup ring to over $3,000 and the skull ring to $4,400, Martinez said.

Patricia Donahue, whose husband Michael was slain by Bulger's gang, said she was skeptical that the auction would raise much money.

"This is a joke. This is flea-market material," she said, standing in front of a table bearing back issues of "Soldier of Fortune" magazine. "This is an insult to the victims."

Bulger was convicted in 2013 of crimes including 11 murders he either committed personally or ordered. He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences, which he is serving at a federal penitentiary in Sumter, Florida.

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His longtime girlfriend, Catherine Greig, who lived in hiding with Bulger, was sentenced to eight years for harboring a fugitive, a sentence that was extended by another 21 months in April after she refused to answer questions as to whether anyone helped the couple while in hiding.

Mob stories have long fascinated Americans, as reflected in the success of books and movies ranging from Mario Puzo's "The Godfather" to "Black Mass," a book chronicling Bulger's rise to power and eventual flight which was turned into a 2015 film starring Johnny Depp as Bulger.

Martinez said he was not worried if Bulger's items were bought by people who viewed gangsters as glamorous.

"What they do with this after they buy it is out of our control," he said.

(Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Phil Berlowitz and David Gregorio)
By Brad Brooks

CURITIBA, Brazil (Reuters) - For weeks, his possible earth-shattering testimony in Brazil's biggest corruption scandal has been the talk of the nation, filling endless pages in newspapers and magazines.

Breathless reports stated that Marcelo Odebrecht, the former chief executive of Latin America's largest construction firm, was on the cusp of turning state's witness, and he would deliver the biggest catch of all - a confession of funnelling millions in illegal campaign donations to suspended President Dilma Rousseff.

There is just one problem, said Carlos Lima, a lead prosecutor in the sprawling kickback probe at state-run oil company Petrobras (PETR4.SA): None of the above is true.

"Marcelo Odebrecht has never said a word to us, he has not spoken with a single prosecutor," Lima told Reuters from his office in the southern city of Curitiba. "It's bewildering, these stories I'm reading, saying that Marcelo has reached some deal with prosecutors. He's not even close."

Rousseff, who has denied any wrongdoing, faces impeachment in a separate Senate trial for allegedly breaking budget rules to help win re-election. She has not been accused of personal corruption, but Brazil's chief prosecutor has asked the Supreme Court for permission to investigate her for trying to obstruct the Petrobras probe.

The two-year graft investigation into Petrobras is the driving force behind Brazil's political turbulence. It has seen scores of top executives and politicians jailed amid allegations that billions were paid in bribes and stoked popular anger at Brazil's ruling class.

At the centre of it all lies Odebrecht, a firm that spans 15 divisions spread across two dozen countries and has 130,000 employees. It is responsible for most of the building behind the Olympics that will start this August in Rio de Janeiro.

If the firm's executives decide to tell all, few doubt that little of the political establishment will be left standing. Many senior politicians were named in documents seized at the company's offices as apparently receiving bribes.

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Lima said he does not know who is responsible for all the false reports about Marcelo Odebrecht. "I think it is from people who are trying to both help and hurt him, those who may be exposed by any testimony he might actually give."

That significantly ratchets up the intrigue surrounding the once all-powerful head of the Odebrecht firm, now serving over 19 years in jail on corruption convictions.

"Either someone is trying to force an accord on us, which simply will not work," Lima said. "Or, even more duplicitous, somebody is releasing false information in the hope that it would destroy any accord, in the hope that Marcelo stays silent."

A spokeswoman for the Odebrecht firm, who refused to say who is legally representing Marcelo Odebrecht, said in an email the company had no comment on Lima's remarks.

Since his June 2015 arrest, the bespectacled, wiry Odebrecht, who turned his family's company into Brazil's largest employer and one of the top-five private sector groups, has maintained a defiant stance.

Before his conviction, he told a congressional panel that as a parent, he would be more upset with one of his children who tattled on the other, than the one who may have been up to mischief - indicating he would never be a rat.

But last August, his father, Emilio, former head of the conglomerate, reportedly told his son to testify so the company could minimize its financial losses.

Then in March, investigators said that in an Odebrecht raid they found a spreadsheet containing the names of over 300 public officials and others plus amounts of money paid to them, totalling tens of millions of dollars. It is not yet known how much of that may have been bribes or legal campaign contributions.

On that news, the firm announced it was ready to cooperate with prosecutors.

In addition to plea deals with individuals, federal prosecutors have separately signed five leniency deals with companies for lighter sentences in return for information. They have not identified the companies, but Odebrecht is not among them.

Lima acknowledged that Odebrecht could possibly provide the most information, given the size of the company and its deep ties to politicians. But he also said it was not certain that any request for a leniency deal from Odebrecht would be approved.

"We have one space left, there is only one company remaining that will be awarded a leniency deal with us," he said. "Maybe it's Odebrecht, maybe it's not. It depends entirely on who brings us new and substantiated information that we can use."

(Reporting by Brad Brooks; Editing by Tom Brown)
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - A prosecutor at Brazil's federal audit court (TCU) recommended that it should bar acting Planning minister Dyogo Oliveira from public office for involvement in an accounting scandal under the previous government, according to a document seen by Reuters. The prosecutor is analyzing possible wrongdoing in public accounts during 2014 when Oliveira was part of the government of President Dilma Rousseff, who has since been suspended pending trial by the Senate on charges of breaking budgetary rules. The prosecutor's recommendation also includes former central bank chief Alexandre Tombini, who has already left office, and the former head of state lender BNDES, Luciano Coutinho. (Reporting by Marcela Ayres; Writing by Marcelo Teixeira; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
If there is a regnant consensus among the men and women who steer the Western world, it is this: The globe is flattening. Borders are crumbling. Identities are fluid. Commerce and communications form the warp and woof, weaving nations into the tight fabric of a global economy. People are free to pursue opportunity, enriching their new homes culturally and economically. There may be painful dislocations along the way, but the benefits of globalization heavily outweigh its costs. And those who cannot see this, those who would resist it, those who would undo itthey are ignorant of their own interests, bigoted, xenophobic, and backward.

So entrenched is this consensus that, for decades, in most Western democracies, few mainstream political parties have thought to challenge it. They have left it to the politicians on the margins of the left and the right to give voice to such sentimentsand voicing such sentiments relegated politicians to the margins of political life.

Recommended: Why Britain Left

No longer. In 2016, the consensus crumbled, torn apart by a failure of empathy, and a failure of imagination.

In Britain, Boris Johnson led the Brexit campaign to victoryand perhaps to 10 Downing Street. In the United States, Donald Trump will ride his message of America First to Clevelandand perhaps to the White House. And they are not alone. In Austria, Norbert Hofer advanced to the threshold of the Hofburg Palace. In Hungary, polls show growing support for the far-right Jobbik party. Across the Western world, populist ethno-nationalism is rising, and unscrupulous politicians have spotted the opportunity, and are eagerly riding it to power.

To oppose it, political elites turned to fear. They compared Trump to Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini. They warned Brexit would plunge Britain into a black hole. They evoked the specter of Europes bloody past. These tactics barely worked in Austria. And they narrowly failed in Britain. It is an open question whether it will succeed in the United States.

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This was the failure of empathy. The economic benefits of globalization are diffuse, it turns out, and its costs highly concentrated. For the worker whose factory has shuttered, cheaper T-shirts offer scant consolation. And the costs of cultural dislocation, although more difficult to quantify, are equally real. It is no coincidence that cultural discontent increases in the U.S. and the U.K. as a direct function of agethe further removed voters feel from the culture into which they were born, the more alien they feel in their own lands. Instead of addressing the pain many voters felt, politicians spent years telling their constituents they were wrong. Not just wrong, in fact, but dangerously ignorant.

Recommended: How American Politics Went Insane

Take the Republican U.S. presidential debate in Charleston, South Carolina, early in the primary season. When Trump suggested slapping tariffs on China, his rivals pounced on his obvious error. Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz scolded Donald Trump about the dangers of protectionism, as if delivering an Econ 101 lecture to a recalcitrant child. China doesnt pay the tariff, the buyer pays the tariff, Rubio said. Perhaps sobut factory workers also pay the costs of free trade, and thats a much higher tab. That, somehow, went unmentioned.

Compounding this is a profound failure of imagination. Trump wants to make American great again; the Brexit campaigners promised to make Britain great again. They offer a false nostalgia, an illusory promise to restore a vision of national greatness that never truly existed in the first place. But it is a promise of change, a promise that things will be better once more.

David Frum has argued that the vote is a reaction against the arrival of 630,000 foreign nationals in 2015 alone, which he terms the greatest mass migration since perhaps the Anglo-Saxon invasion. And on this side of the Atlantic, 80 percent of Trump supporters in the Republican primary believed immigrants create more burden than benefit.

But the Western political establishment is inclined to dismiss such reactions as bigotry that should not be dignified with a response. Instead, they deploy slogans of the status quo: Remain, Stronger Together. These are intended as dark warnings of the costs of change, and intimations that those who vote for it are motivated solely by prejudice and ignorance.

Recommended: The Re-Re-Re-Re-Reboot of Donald Trump

And here is where the failure of imagination proved catastrophic for the established elites. They failed to paint a vision of a better, brighter future. They failed to offer a persuasive account of how much their people had gained. They failed to address the real concerns of their constituents, or to acknowledge that the interests of different constituencies sometimes diverge. They looked at those who pointed to the flaws in the global consensusfrom Bernie Sanders to Nigel Farageand saw only ideologues making outlandish promises.

They audaciously gambled that by presenting a stark choice, an all-or-nothing vision of globalization, they could persuade their voters to go all in. They seem not to have seriously considered that voters would embrace the alternative.

On Friday morning, Britons woke to a plunging pound, a rudderless state, and an unsettled future. Instead of making Britain great again, the vote threatens to make an end to Great Britain. Scotland and Northern Ireland may break away. The economic fallout is only beginning. Decades of laws must now be re-written. And it may be too late for regrets: Britons, Europe says, are stuck with the result for which they voted.

Perhaps Britains parliamentary democracy played a crucial role. Its voters are accustomed to electing representatives who make stark promises, and then watching as they work out the painful compromises necessary for governance. This fueled the anger of recent decades, as voters looked on powerlessly as campaign pledges dissolved or picked up ballots devoid of representatives who would accurately reflect their opinions. Cameron gave them the chance to voice directly their own, unmediated viewswithout the filter of representative democracy to reconcile them with other constraints.

At least a few of those voters are stunned by the result. I voted Leave but didn't think my vote would count, one told the BBC. I never thought it would actually happen.

Well, it happened.

And now Americans are left to make sense of it. I think its a great thing that happened, said Donald Trump. Good on you for ignoring all the fear mongering from special interest globalists who tend to aim for that apocalyptic One World Government that dissolves a nation's self-determination and sovereignty, cheered Sarah Palin.

Whether Trump produces a similar success in November may depend less on what he does between now and then than the way the political elites he is challengingin his own party, and on the other side of the aislechoose to respond. Will they display enough empathy to convince angry, hurting voters they understand their pain is real? Will they exercise enough imagination to offer a positive vision of the future, one that promises them that Americas greatness lies ahead, and not behind?

If not, then I never thought it would actually happen will become their political epitaph, as well.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
On signs and in speeches, Brexit supporters emphasized one particularly resonant argument: taking their country back from the faceless bureaucrats of the European Union. Now that theyve won the historic referendum, however, some of the most important details about what comes next will be determined not by British voters, but instead by the very union they want to leave.

The basics of what happens next are outlined in Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, a document widely seen as the EUs de facto constitution, but described by experts as incredibly vague when it comes to deciding how states leave. The text of the article also makes clear that Britain will face a long and arduous path if it decides down the road to try to rejoin the union. That request, it notes, shall be subject to the procedure referred to in earlier articles detailing what would-be EU members need to do. Put another way, London would be starting at the very beginning  and with many EU powers likely to bear grudges well into the future.

As soon as Britain formally notifies the EU of its intention to leave  a step that might not happen for months  it will enter into a two-year negotiating period in which the remaining EU states dictate the terms of their future relationship with Britain. During this period, Britain will remain part of the EU and is expected to abide by its obligations as such, but it will be excluded from the other member states discussions about the exit.

The final say rests with a qualified majority of EU member states, meaning at least 20 of the remaining 27 EU members, which must also comprise 65 percent of the EUs total population. If the EU fails to reach an agreement on Britains exit in under two years, member states can extend negotiations by a unanimous vote.

Its impossible to separate this negotiation from the question of Britains future, Jeff Rathke, a former U.S. foreign service officer and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Foreign Policy.

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Rathke said issues running the gamut of Londons future interactions with Brussels would be negotiated, including free trade, movement of people, law enforcement, and security cooperation. He doubted the EU could finish these talks in under two years unless it made them a priority to the detriment of other more pressing issues.

Using Article 50 is unprecedented, Rathke said. The complexity of this negotiation will also be unprecedented.

While Britain cant directly shape the EUs negotiating position, it does maintain significant leverage because of its sheer economic clout. Britains gross domestic product represents nearly 5 percent of the world economy, and trails behind Germany and France as the third largest in Europe.

Key exporters that will remain in the EU depend on Britain as a market for their products, so of course Europe will not want to cut off its nose in spite its face, he said, adding Britain, as one-sixth of the European economy, clearly has leverage, but its not unlimited.

Powerful EU states are already beginning to make clear that theyll go to bat for their own interests. On Friday morning, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that as the Brexit proceeds she would look out for the interests of German citizens and the German economy, but urged her fellow EU leaders to carefully negotiate the terms of its future dealings with London and not to act out of haste or pique.

EU members must prove to be willing and able to not draw quick and simple conclusions from the referendum in Great Britain, which would only further divide Europe, she said, adding that her counterparts should calmly and prudently analyse and evaluate the situation before making lasting decisions.

Similarly, Poland said it would aim to secure the rights of its citizens living in the UK. Polish leaders havent tried to hide their unease about a Brexit. In the run-up to the vote, European Council President Donald Tusk, a former Polish prime minister, said he feared a Brexit could be the beginning of the destruction of not only the EU but also of western political civilisation in its entirety.

Photo credit: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images
Britons living abroad within the European Union and Europeans living in the UK are being assured that they won't have to pack up their bags or book tickets home immediately following the UK's historic vote to leave the EU.

In his statement following the referendum results, British Prime Minister David Cameron sought to reassure the 1.2 million British expats living in countries within the EU, and the 3.3 million Europeans living in the UK.

"I would also assure Brits living in European countries and European citizens living here that there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances," he said.

Moreover, he added: "There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel."

The historic outcome of the Brexit referendum has far-reaching implications, that also extends to travel and mobility.

The UK's largest travel association, ABTA, released a statement Friday adding that British travelers are free to move between the UK and the EU as usual, and that European Health Insurance cards remain valid for now.

Likewise, Air Passenger Rights remain unchanged and summer holiday plans will be unaffected.

In fact, holidaymakers will unlikely see any changes over the next two years, the timeframe given for the UK to negotiate its exit from the EU.

- Pound takes nosedive, will affect spending power -

Perhaps the most immediate travel impact from the Brexit outcome is the value of the British pound, which went into a freefall immediately following the news.

While foreign visitors will see more bang for their buck while on holiday in the UK, British tourists abroad will see their spending power diminish significantly in the next while.

Air travel experts also point out that low-cost airlines like easyJet, Ryanair and Germanwings will have to negotiate new air service agreements for travel in European and British airspace, which could risk spiking air fares.

Likewise, customs and immigrations lines at European airports are likely to grow longer, once Britons switch to non-EU processing lines.

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Ahead of the referendum, ABTA also released a study predicting possible consequences of Brexit on the travel industry, which revealed a few interesting trends, stats and figures.

- Brexit on UK travel -

Here are a few highlights from the report "What Brexit might mean for UK travel," prepared in partnership with Deloitte:

-76 percent of holidays abroad that Brits undertook in 2014 were in EU countries

-63 percent of inbound visitors in 2014 were from the EU

-The UK's biggest source market of inbound visitors from within the EU is France, followed by Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands

-The most popular European destinations among British travelers are Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece.

Roaming fees

The EU introduced caps on mobile phone roaming charges for EU citizens who use their phones in other EU countries. A complete ban on additional roaming fees takes effect in June, 2017. Brexit would effectively exclude Britons from benefitting from the cap.

Freedom of movement

Following their exit from the EU, the UK will be able to seek new bilateral visa agreements with non-EU countries which could open more doors.

European Health Insurance Card

The EHIC allows cardholders access to local health services on the same terms as those available to locals. Brexit now makes the EHIC subject to negotiations for British holidaymakers.
Berlin (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday warned EU member states against drawing hasty conclusions about Britain's decision to quit the bloc, as that risked further splitting Europe.

"We take note of the British people's decision with regret. There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process," she said.

But "what the consequences of this would be... would depend on whether we -- the other 27 member states of the EU -- prove to be willing and able to not draw quick and simple conclusions from the referendum in Great Britain, which would only further divide Europe," said Merkel.

Member states should "calmly and prudently analyse and evaluate the situation, before making the right decisions together," said Merkel, who will host talks with French President Francois Hollande, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and European Council president Donald Tusk in Berlin on Monday.

Recalling the founding aim of the EU, Merkel urged Europeans to "never forget that the idea of European unity was an idea of peace."

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier admitted that "we don't have an answer to all the questions that have arisen from" the vote.

But "what the people expect from us is that they want to see that the EU is in a position to solve problems, to help people".

"We must concentrate on finding common European solutions in areas which are lacking. Common European answers on the refugee crisis, do more in terms of employment and growth while ensuring that the EU also finds joint answers to the changing security situation," he said.
Under U.K. rules, Brits who left their homeland at least 15 years ago did not have voting rights in the Brexit referendum, nor can they vote in other British elections. That rule runs counter to many other countries, including the U.S., whose citizens have lifetime voting rights, so long as they retain American nationality. And it has the some of the millions of Brits living abroadwho heavily favored the Remain side, but who had no right to vote on Thursdayvery unhappy.

Read More: Brexit Shows a Global Desire to Throw the Bums Out

It would made a difference. This is part of our inheritance and our society that we should have the right to choose the future of, says Charlotte Oliver, a British lawyer in Rome, who moved there 15 years ago to be with her Italian boyfriend, with whom she now has two children, both British citizens. Im shocked and horrified.

British expats in Europe brought a legal challenge in U.K. courts earlier this year to try win the right to vote in Thursdays referendum. The E.U. Court of Human Rights had ruled that the regulation was a violation of European citizens rights. Prime Minister David Cameron said at the time that the government would review the rule, but not until after the referenduma decision that might have proved fateful to the Remain side.

Read More: Heres How Brexit Will Affect Your European Travel

Statistically, there is no certainty that long-term expats votes would would have swung the referendum in the opposite direction. Yet the arithmetic, and the widespread shock among expats in Europe on Friday, suggests that the results would have been far closer with them in it.

Of the five million British citizens living abroad, about 1.2 million of them live in the other 27 E.U. countries, most of those in Spain, Ireland and France, according to U.N.; it is not known how many of them have been abroad for more than 15 years. That 1.2 million figure is roughly the same as the 1.269 million more Brits who cast Leave votes over Remain votes on Thursday.

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Read More: These Brexit Voters Think They Have Made a Horrible Mistake

On Friday, expats in Europe say they awoke with a sick feeling in their stomachand a sense that all the decisions over their futures would now change significantly. There are countless practical considerations  over pensions, passports, health care and other issuesmuch of which is still unknown. British expats said an immediate worry was whether they would maintain the right to work in the other 27 E.U. countries, or whether they can continue to be able to move freely across the continent on non-E.U. British passports.

Keenly aware of those anxieties, Cameron in his speech on Friday morning said he wanted to assure Brits living in Europe that there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances.

The word immediate hardly sounded reassuring to British expats, however. Instead, they see inevitable problems aheadespecially as the details of any British departure are subject to negotiation with the other 27 E.U. countries, where there is considerable anger over Britains decision.

We need to apply for French citizenship, says Gavin Quinney, a British wine-grower in Bordeaux, who moved from London 16 years ago, with his wife. Me and several thousand other people will be looking at doing that, he said by phone, adding that since moving to France in 2000, and buying a 60-acre vineyard and chateau for around the same price as a nice house in the suburbs of London, the couple had raised four children to be bilingual and French-educated. Nonetheless, he says, they remained proud Brits, and he still hopes to keep his U.K. citizenship, but as a dual citizen with France. I will be Googling French immigration lawyer Bordeaux right after this phone call, he says.

Like others, Quinney also believes the Brexit is a game-changer for his business, since much of the 200,000 bottles he produces a year are sold to the U.K., which imports French wines tariff-free, under the E.U.s single market.

There are other unknowns, tooincluding the status of retired Brits, thousands of whom live in the sun-baked parts of mainland Europe. Some say they now fear their British pensions might drop in value against the Euroand indeed, the value of the pound sterling has plummeted. People are in difficulty anyway because they are trying to live on their pensions, says Heather Tombs, who runs an expat consultancy in Dordogne, called France Made Easy, for the large British population there. It is not easy, and it will be worse now.

One such retired Brit is Maureen Webster, 66, who moved from Newcastle to Frances Vendee region in 2014, and now runs a bed-and-breakfast there. She worries that her grandchildren would no longer hop across the English Channel regularly to visit. I dont have the words to describe how devastated and appalled I feel, she says.
Madrid (AFP) - Brexit burst into Spain's election campaign Friday, with the outgoing conservatives pledging stability in the face of the rising far-left, anti-austerity coalition Unidos Podemos.

Opinion polls suggest the conservative Popular Party (PP) will come first in Sunday's election though without an absolute majority, tailed by the coalition which, like Greece's Syriza, rejects EU-backed spending cuts.

"It is really important to convey a message of institutional and economic stability," said acting prime minister and PP head Mariano Rajoy in a televised address after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

"It is not the moment to fuel or increase uncertainty."

He did not directly mention Unidos Podemos, which wants to end the EU-backed austerity policies Rajoy put in place after coming to power in 2011 and which he claims pulled Spain from the brink of economic collapse.

But his deputies did.

Acting foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo slammed the coalition as being "eurosceptic," saying it wanted to drop the euro.

"Radicalism and populism never bring stability," added PP Secretary-General Maria Dolores de Cospedal.

"We need a government that will work for Spain's stability and in favour of the European project."

Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias denied wanting to drop the euro, but said Europe had to "change course."

"No one would want to leave Europe if it were fair and united," he wrote on Twitter.

Sunday's elections are the second in six months, after polls in December resulted in a hung parliament and parties were unable to agree on a coalition government.

Voters have the choice between four major political groupings after the last year's emergence of Podemos and centre-right upstart Ciudadanos overturned the traditional two-party dominance.

Opinion polls say Unidos Podemos is on course to come second and overtake the 137-year-old Socialist party (PSOE).

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PSOE chief Pedro Sanchez on Friday also criticised liberal EU policies, but denounced "populism... which put forward false solutions to Britons' real problems."

It is as yet unclear how Brexit will influence Sunday's polls.

Sara Morais of polling institute GAD3 said it could benefit both the Podemos coalition and the PP.

"There could be more votes in favour of stability," she said.

"But Brexit also demonstrates the power of the people... The message is that things can change. That can reinforce Podemos."
(Adds context on UK operations, market reaction.)

TORONTO, June 24 (Reuters) - Canadian plane and train manufacturer Bombardier Inc said on Friday it was committed to its operations in Britain, but it was too early to speculate on the impact of the country's vote to leave the European Union.

"As always, we are committed to our businesses, all our employees and our customers in the UK, and we will continue to work with the Government and other industry stakeholders to create the necessary business environment to ensure our future success," said the company in a statement.

The company has about 5,000 workers in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where it manufactures and designs aircraft wings, fuselages and other parts, including wings for its new CSeries jet, and services planes.

Bombardier is also Britain's last train manufacturer, with a plant in Derby. In 2014, it signed a key contract to manufacture train cars for Crossrail, a project to connect London's Heathrow Airport with Essex, to the east.

Shares were down 2 percent at C$1.94 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Allison Martell; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
British Airways Airbus A380-800

Shares of British Airways' parent company, International Airlines Group, have been getting pummeled since Britain's decision Thursday to leave the European Union.

IAG stock is down more than 20% in London, while shares of the company trading in Madrid are down 25%.

But the British exit from the EU, or Brexit, may pose an even greater and more complicated issue for IAG.

Even though IAG's operating headquarters is in London, the company is actually registered in Spain.

This arrangement has worked well for the company, which formed in 2011 after the merger of British Airways and Spain's national airline, Iberia.

But with Britain's decision to detach itself from the EU, IAG could be left in a precarious state should the incoming nationalistic UK government impose foreign-ownership restrictions on British airlines.

Foreign-ownership restrictions for airlines are customary around the world. The US limits foreign ownership to 25%, while the EU's cap is at 49.9%. Because British Airways is now 100% owned by an EU company, IAG may be put in a position in which it will have to divest its holdings.

IAG was very fortunate that it decided to register in Spain instead of the UK. Had the company registered in Britain, it would be subject to non-EU ownership restrictions as soon as UK breaks away. IAG also own the Irish national airline Aer Lingus as well as the Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling.

In a statement to Business Insider, IAG chief financial officer Enrique Dupuy de Lome attempted to allay investors' fears over the future of his company:

"INTERNATIONAL CONSOLIDATED AIRLINES GROUP, S.A. (IAG) believes that the vote to leave the European Union will not have a long term material impact on its business. In the short term, however, in the run up to the UK referendum during June, IAG experienced a weaker than expected trading environment. Following the outcome of the referendum, and given current market volatility, while IAG continues to expect a significant increase in operating profit this year, it no longer expects to generate an absolute operating profit increase similar to 2015."

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IAG has yet to mention any possible foreign-ownership restrictions.

According to Airways News senior business analyst Vinay Bhaskara, IAG's ownership stake in British Airways could be a problem, but it depends on how much close economic cooperation the UK is willing to engage in with Europe.

Even if IAG isn't forced to cut back on its British Airways ownership stake, the company still faces some significant headwinds.

Though IAG reported a 14.1% traffic increase in May, the company indicated that business had been slower than expected during the run-up to Thursday's referendum.

*The original version of the story misstated the date of IAG's formation. The story has been changed to reflect the correct date, which is 2011.

NOW WATCH: Brexit is bad news for 'Game of Thrones'  heres why





More From Business Insider


London (AFP) - Whether they live at home or abroad, here are some of the consequences facing British nationals once Britain leaves the European Union following the shock referendum result.

- Britons at home -

- Visas

The impending Brexit could have a major impact on freedom of movement for Britons.

The defeated Remain campaign has suggested that British nationals may no longer enjoy visa-free travel throughout the EU.

Currently, Britain's passport allows nationals visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 175 out of 219 countries, according to the Henley and Partners Visa Restrictions Index 2016.

- Holidays

The Mediterranean package holidays and sunshine breaks so beloved of Brits would become a lot more expensive as the pound slides against the euro.

Currently agreements allow any airline from an EU country to operate with unlimited frequency or capacity in European airspace, something that could be restricted for British carriers after Brexit.

In addition, EU citizens can claim compensation when flights are cancelled or heavily delayed.

Mobile phone roaming fees across the EU, loathed by holiday makers and business travellers, fell sharply in April and will be scrapped by Brussels outright next June.

- Jobs

Several international companies could shift their bases out of Britain to remain in EU territory, involving job losses or transfers abroad.

The City of London financial hub would be no exception.

JPMorgan Chase chairman Jamie Dimon, which employs around 16,000 people at six sites in Britain, warned the US bank could lay off 1,000 to 4,000 workers. US investment bank Morgan Stanley said it could transfer 1,000 out of 6,000 jobs from Britain to the EU, while Goldman Sachs said it would shift at least 1,600 jobs.

- Brits abroad -

Around 4.9 million British nationals live outside the UK, with about 1.35 million in Europe.

Spain is home to the largest concentration of British expats in the European Union. Officially there are about 310,000 but many in Spain but many do not bother to register, with estimates suggesting between 800,000 to a million live in the country.

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Another 250,000 live in Ireland, 185,000 in France and 100,000 in Germany, according to UN figures.

The British government in its Brexit assessment said: "Many UK citizens would want any negotiations to secure their continued right to work, reside and own property in other EU states, and to access public services such as medical treatment in those states.

"UK citizens resident abroad, among them those who have retired to Spain, would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed."

- Pensioners

With the pound at 30-year lows, retirees living out their days in the sun in Europe face the value of their pensions plunging.

Some could seek French or Spanish citizenship as a way of securing their prospects.

"Some people... would really have to tighten their belts," Terrie Simpson, an estate agent in Eymet in the Dordogne region of France which is very popular with British expats, said ahead of the referendum.

"Retired people here will suffer. For some pensioners their pension could drop by a third but they won't have the means to go back to England."

- Healthcare

Britons living in the EU could face changes in their status regarding healthcare coverage.

In France, expats currently benefit from the French system under a convention between London and Paris. Britain's National Health Service currently covers the cost of treatment in France.

- Brussels bureaucrats

Britain's members of the European Parliament would be out of a job and on the Eurostar back home from Brussels. The small army of around 1,000 British civil servants in the EU institutions face an uncertain future. Some have already prepared to seek Belgian nationality in order to improve their job security.

- New frontiers? -

- The UK's only land border

Brexit raises the prospects of controls being erected on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which could have a huge impact on trade and movement on the island.

The UK and Ireland have shared a Common Travel Area since Irish independence in the 1920s.

- British nationals in Gibraltar

Gibraltar's chief minister is worried that Spain could once again shut the sole border crossing on which so much of the tiny British peninsula's economy depends.

Gibraltarians may have to take flights or ferries via third countries in order to get into Spain.
ZAGREB (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union could slow down the bloc's enlargement process that Balkan states see as their route to prosperity, the foreign minister of Croatia, the EU's newest member, said on Friday. The Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, which went though war and economic turmoil in the 1990s, are all at different stages of joining the now 28-nation EU. But Croatian Foreign Minister Miro Kovac said the British Brexit vote could slow the pace at which candidate nations join the EU. "We also want stability in southeastern Europe and we will work so that Brexit does not have too much effect on the enlargement process," Kovac told regional broadcaster N1 TV. "However, we must be realistic. Im afraid that there will be an effect on that process and that it may slow down a bit. Croatia was the second former Yugoslav republic to join the bloc, in 2013, after Slovenia in 2004. Britain's EU referendum on Thursday, won by the "Out" campaign by a 52 to 48 percent margin, forced the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealt the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two. (Reporting by Igor Ilic; writing by Ivana Sekularac; editing by Giles Elgood/Mark Heinrich)
british bar brexit sad

Recession talk is red hot right now.

In the wake of the United Kingdom's vote to exit the European Union, analysts and economists are abuzz with the possibility of a serious economic downturn in the UK or possibly spreading elsewhere.

The most likely to fall into a recession (which on a country-level basis is thought of as two consecutive quarters of GDP contraction) is obviously the UK.

In fact, some analysts said in reaction to the Brexit that a UK recession was the most likely outcome.

"The feedback-loop between financial market reaction and the real economy will play a crucial role in how forceful global implications will be," wrote Marvin Barth and the macro-research team at Barclays.

"We expect at a minimum a minor recession in the UK and significant slowing of euro area growth in the year ahead."

The basic idea is that an exit from the EU would make it more difficult and expensive for the UK to trade with the continent, hurting economic growth.

Jacob Nell and Melanie Baker at Morgan Stanley said that a recession is certainly on the table for the UK, but it primarily depends on the manner in which the country exits the EU.

"In a 'civilized divorce' scenario, where the uncertainties are progressively reduced and the economy avoids recession, we see the MPC on hold," said the economists. "In an 'acrimonious divorce' scenario, where the uncertainties interact and amplify each other, we see the economy in a referendum recession by year-end."

Additionally, the EU is likely to see economic growth, which is already anemic, slow even further, and there is a seriously higher possibility of a recession there.

"I like to think over the longer term countries will figure it out  and will continue to trade with one another  but it could take up to three years to iron out the new order and in the meantime economic activity and GDP growth in European countries will feel the impact," said Mark Bogar of BNY Mellon's boutique The Boston Company.

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"In my opinion the Eurozone will go into recession again during that time.

trader brexit sad

While the direct impact on the UK and EU are obvious, the risk of contagion to other markets has also risen. Further exits from the EU are possible, and financial uncertainty could spread throughout the globe, which puts the entire world economy at risk of a slowdown according to analysts.

"The vote to leave could result in a global recession," said Arif Husain, portfolio manager at T. Rowe Price. "Its likely that the chances of a global recession have risen above 50%."

Global recessions typically have a higher threshold, though definitions vary. Most economists define a global recession to mean a slowdown to only 2% to 2.5% growth. And while a global recession isn't necessarily the most likely scenario, the rate at which the idea is popping up is notable.

"On our estimates, global GDP growth would likely fall back below 3% annually in the high stress scenario, thus re-entering the danger zone for a global recession," wrote the economics team at Morgan Stanley.

"At 2.7% annually in 2017, on our estimates, global real GDP growth would be inching precariously close to the recession threshold of 2.5% annually."

For the US, there is slightly less fear, as direct exposure to the UK by way of trade is not particularly high and America's internal dynamics are stronger. However, after the weak jobs report and the flashing of recession fears domestically, another negative shock is not a welcome development.

"Tallying up our ... analysis, we see a possible GDP hit of anywhere from 0.2% to 0.6% to US GDP over the next year," wrote Neil Dutta of Renaissance Macro on Friday. "Taking the high end of the range implies that US growth could slow to 1.5% over the next year."

While there is still plenty of uncertainty, both economically and politically, following the Brexit vote, the fears of a recession in various parts of the globe are real and rising.

NOW WATCH: Boris Johnson was swarmed by dozens of Brexit protesters shouting 'shame on you'





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For American consumers, the impact of U.K.s vote to ditch the European Union may seem an ocean away. But the Brexit fallout may be seen at the gas pump, with the swift decline in oil prices Friday adding some fuel to gasolines current downswing.

Analysts have said drivers can expect more savings this summer amid forecasts for strong gas demand and a slow recovery for oil prices. Now that oil refineries have completed the switch to summer-blend gasoline, pump prices have begun moving south again, and the market selloff after the Brexit vote could hasten those declines.

U.S. oil futures were down 4.7% to $47.75 a barrel in recent trading, slipping further away from a 2016 high of $51.23 a barrel posted on June 6. New York Harbor gasoline followed suit, shedding 4.7%, or 8 cents, to $1.54 a gallon.

According to GasBuddy.com, the national average for a gallon of gas was $2.32 as of Friday. Thats about 4 cents cheaper than a week ago. Drivers are expected to find the lowest gas prices for the Fourth of July weekend since 2005. Barring unforeseen supply disruptions, gas prices during the entire summer driving season also are on pace to reach their lowest level in more than a decade.

The Brexit-fueled oil selloff should lock in those savings for road-trippers.

A lot of the drop today is emotional, but todays decline will likely lead to a continuation of the decline in the national average, said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst at GasBuddy.com. If Britain had remained [in the EU], maybe gas prices going into Fourth of July would have perked up slightly.

Although crude sharply retreated in tandem with stocks, U.K. oil is a small fraction of global supply, according to International Energy Agency data. The U.K. accounts for 1 million barrels per day, while worldwide crude output totals 96 million barrels per day.

Stewart Glickman, an analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, suggested that uncertainty over the EUs future is driving the selloff.

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We think the strong impact on crude markets today reflects fears not just of what this means for England, but also of what might come next across the eurozone. Still, in a market which is global in nature, a flight to quality seems reasonable in our view, Glickman wrote in a research note to clients.

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Predictably, the Brexit vote prompted Donald Trump to engage in a round of self- congratulation about his signature issue: immigration.

He pinned the decision by UK voters to disengage from the European Union on public distress over the wave of immigrants that has washed up on the British Isles.

Theyre angry over borders, theyre angry over people coming into the country and taking over, nobody even knows who they are, Trump said. They took back control of their country. Its a great thing.

Related: Brexit Wins -- Is President Trump Next?

Hes probably not wrong about the anger. According to research cited by the website Vox, the number of foreign-born residents in the UK has risen dramatically over the past 20 years, from 3.8 million in 1993 to 8.3 million in 2014. And there was no end in sight.

Long-Term International Migration, UK, 1970 to 2014 (annual totals)

Brexit





Source: Office for National Statistics, Long-Term International Migration and International Passenger Survey

Trump also wasted no time yesterday in crowing about a terse statement from the U.S. Supreme Court letting stand an appeals court decision that was a setback for President Obamas efforts to ease restrictions on some 5.5 million immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally or were brought here illegally by their parents.

Todays 4-4 Supreme Court ruling has blocked one of the most unconstitutional actions ever undertaken by a president, Trump said in a statement. "[Hillary] Clinton has pledged to expand Obama's executive amnesty, hurting poor African-American and Hispanic workers by giving away their jobs and federal resources to illegal immigrant labor  while making us all less safe.

Again, Trump is not wrong. The high court did prevent implementation of two executive orders issued by Obama.

Related: Obamas Dream Act Dooms Immigration Reform

The first in November, 2012, was The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the so-called Dream Act, which would halt the deportation of about 1.2 million eligible young people brought into the U.S. illegally by their parents  many of whom had spent their entire childhoods in America and had never known life in another country.

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The other, issued in November 2014, would expand that program and make millions more eligible by including people who have a son or daughter who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident, according to a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Because that program, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Resident (DAPA), made some 4.3 million illegal immigrants eligible to be considered lawfully present in the U.S. and thus able to claim federal benefits such as Medicare and state benefits such as a drivers license, Texas and other 24 states sued Washington. They were granted an injunction to prevent the executive orders from being enforced until a trial could be held.

Related: Obamas Guileful Deportations Are Timed to Boost Clinton

The federal government countered, asking a federal district court to deny the injunction because the states did not have the right to challenge the Presidents orders. The court let the injunction stand, and the feds appealed to the Fifth Circuit, which upheld the lower-court ruling.

What the Supreme Court meant when it said, The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court, was that it was deadlocked (because of a vacancy) on whether the states had standing to sue. So the injunction that was issued remains in place and the president will likely leave office without really moving the needle on illegal immigration  apart from presiding over an administration that has deported 2.3 million people, a 23 percent increase from the George W. Bush years.

What Trump was wrong about, then, was the implication that the presidents executive orders were unconstitutional. That is an issue that remains to be decided.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Following the news that the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union in a narrow result  the first country to leave the EU since it was formed in 1993  celebrities have reacted to the shocking referendum en masse. Among them was Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who was in support of the U.K. staying with the EU.

In response to the result, a Harry Potter fan tweeted at Rowling, imploring her to to which the writer conceded that she's never "wanted magic more."

Source: Twitter

I don't think I've ever wanted magic more.https://twitter.com/jotiele/status/746190986259247108 ...

Additionally, Rowling was critical of former London mayor Boris Johnson, one of the leading figures for the Leave campaign, for suggesting that the U.K. will still be united despite the vote.

"Always good to kick off by showing you don't understand a key issue," she wrote.

Always good to kick off by showing you don't understand a key issue.https://twitter.com/c_kandrews/status/746285378995363840 ...

Rowling previously took aim at the Brexit vote  and specifically, the parties interested in leaving the EU  in an heartfelt essay on her website Tuesday. In the piece, she compared the narratives from the Leave campaign to the process of creating villains and monsters in fantasy novels.

"The Leave campaign's narrative has descended to this: We are being exploited or cheated by the EU," Rowling wrote. "If we can't see that Britain will only regain superpower status if we leave the union, we must be unpatriotic, cowardly or part of a corrupt elite. ... In a few days' time, we'll have to decide which monsters we believe are real and which illusory. Everything is going to come down to whose story we like best, but at the moment we vote, we stop being readers and become authors. The ending of this story, whether happy or not, will be written by us."
If you talk to Nigel Farage for long enough, you quickly realize that there are two topics that can cause the mask of bonhomie to slip  two things that he hates more than anything else in the world. Those things are the European Union and David Cameron. Today, he has beaten them both.

For the former commodities broker, it has been a long and turbulent journey to this moment. When he first stood as a candidate for Parliament for the newly formed United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), in the Eastleigh by-election in 1994, he came in a dismal fourth, barely edging out Screaming Lord Sutch of the Monster Raving Loony Party by fewer than 200 votes. As recently as last year, he seemed to some like a spent force, having failed to win a seat as an MP in the 2015 general election: He resigned as the UKIPs leader, then un-resigned, then saw his party plunged into months of damaging infighting.

Even during the referendum campaign, the idea of Farage standing triumphant come June 24 appeared far-fetched. The larger-than-life, beer-drinking voice of the English proletariat had been sidelined by the official out campaign, Vote Leave, whose  largely Tory  members were well aware of what was once termed the Farage paradox: The fact that as support for UKIP rose, support for Brexit actually tended to fall, with centrist voters put off by his strident anti-immigration tone.

Tensions between the two camps accordingly ran high. Farage praised Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, the senior Tories leading the Leave campaign, but called the campaigns staff cretins and apparatchiks. When they ensured he was excluded from the BBCs big eve-of-referendum debate, his allies circulated the emails and personal phone numbers of senior BBC and Vote Leave staff, urging activists to bombard them with complaints. And when Farage unveiled posters depicting hordes of refugees on Europes borders (in an unfortunate echo of Nazi propaganda), Johnson and Gove condemned him as narrow-minded, insular, bigoted, and xenophobic.

By the eve of the vote, it wasnt just the case that many, including Farage himself, were convinced that Leave would lose. It was that many Euroskeptics were already laying the groundwork for blaming that defeat on their obnoxious fellow traveler. Senior figures in the Leave camp, speaking anonymously, claimed that hed put off moderate voters  that he cared less about victory and more about positioning the UKIP to mop up disgruntled voters on the losing side, the way the Scottish National Party had after the unsuccessful referendum on independence in 2014.

Instead, today, Farage stands in excelsis. His sacrifice of a career in the city of London, and all its attendant riches, has been vindicated  he has, after innumerable campaigns and a near-fatal plane crash (which left him with debilitating back and shoulder pains), fulfilled what he sees as Margaret Thatchers dream of separating Britain from Europe. He started election night with a gloomy appearance at a party hosted by his supporters  only to see his gloom turn to euphoria as the results came in. With Johnson catching up on sleep, it was Farage who became the face of Brexit triumph, launching into three separate victory speeches. During the last, delivered outside Parliament amid a throng of flag-waving activists, he called for June 23rd to become a national holiday  a more palatable comment than his observation in the early hours that Britain had won its independence without a bullet being fired, given the fatal shooting of pro-Remain MP Jo Cox last week.

The truth is that, for all his flaws, this referendum would never have happened without Farage. It was he who capitalized on the publics anxieties about the surge in immigration that started under Labour and continued under the Conservatives. When Cameron broke his cast-iron guarantee to offer a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, on the grounds that the treaty had already been passed into law, it was UKIP that gave disillusioned activists and voters a home. And it was this siphoning of support, combined with pressure from the Tory back benches that forced Camerons hand.

Similarly, for all his flaws, the referendum could never have been won without Farage. Yes, he was toxic to the undecided voters in the center  those whom Vote Leave targeted with its (false) promises of 350 million (about $477 million) a week that would no longer go to Brussels and its reassurances that the risks of Brexit had been overplayed. But it was Farage who could turn out the hardcore Euroskeptic supporters  who could speak most directly to those who wanted their countrys sovereignty restored and the immigrants kicked out.

Perhaps the most fascinating question is what comes next  what Farage does now, having achieved his hearts desire, beyond quitting his job as a member of the European Parliament with a song in his heart, and embarking on an extensive victory tour of Britains breweries.

Already, there has been a concerted effort from leading Tories to push UKIP back to the margins. A succession of smooth, sensible men and women have been popping up on the news broadcasts to say that the important thing now is to get the right deal, to minimize dislocation, to wait to invoke Article 50 (the formal mechanism by which a country leaves the EU) until after the French elections next spring or the German elections next autumn. Gove and Johnson have also stated explicitly that they do not share Farages vision of a low-immigration country: They would like a gate, not a wall.

The line from UKIP has long been that they are the keepers of the true Tory flame, and that once Britain was out of Europe  and the duplicitous, smooth-talking Cameron had been ditched  there could be some kind of reconciliation with the Conservative Party. The veteran political journalist Michael Crick reported this month that Farage had duly been offered a peerage, and a place in a hypothetical Johnson administration. Farage called today for a Brexit government  with himself presumably included.

But is such a rapprochement really likely? It is far easier to imagine a future for UKIP as a kind of ginger group, holding the governments feet to the fire, and in the process continuing to claim the mantle of the true voice of British nativism  as opposed to the treacherous, caviling Westminster elitists who will try to make Out look as much like In as possible.

There is also a bigger prize to be won. One of the surprises of the 2015 general election was the way in which UKIP  traditionally seen as a home for disaffected Tories  hoovered up the votes of Labour supporters in the former industrial heartlands of the North. The UKIP collapse into infighting appeared to stall its progress toward becoming the natural party of opposition in such areas  but the referendum results have revealed, yet again, the gap between Labours metropolitan, progressive, pro-European activists and MPs and the old-fashioned working-class voters upon whom it has traditionally relied.

Farage has always maintained that leaving the European Union is his one great goal in politics  the sole purpose of the party he joined as a founding member in 1993, and which he has led, on and off, since 2006. But it is hard to see him tearing up his UKIP membership card and returning to the Tories  or, indeed, the Tories accepting him.

By winning the referendum, Farage has reshaped his country in his own image. His is the face of Brexit  the cause of Britains departure from the European Union, and very possibly of Scotlands departure from Britain in turn. Whatever the temptations of the quiet life, he will surely be driven to play an equally prominent role in determining what the independent nation of his dreams will actually look like.

Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images
From ELLE

Today's news that Britain has voted to leave the European Union has sent stock markets plunging and hammered the British pound, which hit its lowest point in decades.

Although it will likely take years for Britain to untangle itself from the EU, many in the fashion industry are left questioning what the change could mean for their livelihoods. Of course, London is a major fashion player, with the fashion industry contributing an estimated $38 billion to the UK economy in 2014, according to the Business of Fashion.

A weak pound and uncertainty about new tariffs could mean major challenges for UK-based businesses, which often source fabrics and produce in other parts of Europe.

Before last night's vote, the British Fashion Council surveyed its members and found that the vast majority-90% of members-wanted to remain in the EU. (Nearly 500 designers opened the e-survey, with 290 responding.)

"There was an overwhelming support from our designer survey for the UK to remain in Europe and there will no doubt be upset and dismay at today's result that will prompt an outreach to our friends, partners, business colleagues in Europe," Caroline Rush CBE, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, tells ELLE.com. "We now have a role to play in keeping government updated on our industry's priorities and keeping the designer community updated on any likely impact to business as our country prepares to leave the EU over the coming years."

This turmoil is predicted to affect prices of items coming into and out of Britain, as well.

"The cost of a weaker pound impacts all retailers, so it will be passed on to consumers," Bruno Monteyne, senior analyst at Sanford Bernstein, told the Financial Times.

And it's this uncertainty that experts think will play a major and immediate role on luxury businesses. Stocks for fashion houses like Burberry, Mulberry, and Jimmy Choo dropped sharply Friday morning.

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"The biggest impact of Brexit is increased volatility in the market that is already volatile which probably means a decrease of consumer sentiment," Mario Ortelli, senior research analyst at Sanford Bernstein, told Business of Fashion. "This is not good for the luxury goods companies and if we look at the trading of the shares of the luxury goods companies, probably this Brexit decision will increase the pressure of the market going down, probably the luxury goods companies valuation will falter in the short term amidst this volatility."

How Brexit will affect travel and immigration is also a huge question mark right now. London-based designer Christopher Kane, who is Scottish, told The New York Times his business has "all of these amazing seamstresses from Italy, from all over Europe, that have been working with us for five years  How much would it cost for us to get them Visas?"

Traveling into and out of the UK for business and events like fashion week could also be met with new barriers, depending on the agreements reached in the coming years.

Still, the British Fashion Council confirms to ELLE.com that London Fashion Week will take place this fall as originally planned.

In the week leading up to the vote, the British designers of Sibling, Sid Bryan and Cozette McCreery, took to the runway of their Men's Fashion Week show in T-shirts saying "In," to show their opposition. In February, Christopher Bailey of Burberry was one of more than 100 business leaders to sign a letter in the Times of London that argued, "Britain will be stronger, safer and better off remaining a member of the EU."

Today, designers including Vivienne Westwood have posted their reactions on social media.

As Kane told The Times, "The fashion industry is not going to know what hit it. It's quite scary."
Beijing (AFP) - Britain's decision to quit the world's largest single market presents China with a golden opportunity to seek better business terms with a more isolated UK, analysts said Friday, pointing out that London has not had its own trade negotiators for 40 years.

"Now that the referendum has happened, I would imagine that China will be quick to seize the opportunities," Guy de Jonquieres, senior fellow at the European Centre for International Political Economy, told AFP.

If a departing Britain fails to secure good trade terms with the European Union or other potential partners, he said, it would be very vulnerable negotiating with China.

London and Beijing have both proclaimed a new "golden era" of relations between the former imperial power -- whose forces repeatedly invaded China in the 19th century -- and the rising Asian giant, now the world's second-largest economy.

Last year two-way trade between them reached $78.54 billion according to Chinese Customs -- almost 14 percent of China's total business with the EU -- with the Asian country enjoying a surplus of more than $40 billion.

A falling pound will of itself make Chinese exports more expensive in Britain.

But since entering the European Union in the 1970s Britain has had no trade negotiators, said de Jonquieres, noting that London's eagerness to court China would give it no leverage with Beijing.

"The British government has acted in a way that suggests it is prepared to a large extent to woo China hard if not indeed to dance to Chinas tune," he added.

"The idea that Britain on its own could negotiate a deal that gives it better access to Chinas market is implausible."

Geo-strategically, he said, it was "an extraordinary opportunity to peel off a very close US ally, in fact the closest US ally in Europe".

- Chance for bargains -

Many foreign firms setting up in Britain in recent decades have done so partly to gain access to European markets, a benefit which could come under threat following Brexit, with clouds of uncertainty hanging over their future relationship.

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"It will be hard for (China), as an investor, to consider and make strategies for the EU and Britain as a whole in future like how it did before," Cui Hongjian, director of department for European Studies at China Institute of International Studies, told AFP.

But Chinese investors are very "acquisition oriented" and will be looking out for bargains, said Christopher Balding, professor of political economics at Peking University HSBC Business School.

British finance minister George Osborne -- a prominent Remain campaigner whose political future is now in doubt -- has long sought to promote London as a hub for international trading of China's yuan currency.

Britain was the first Western country to issue yuan-denominated sovereign debt and Chinas central bank issued its first offshore yuan denominated note in London in 2015.

But ahead of the vote John Goodrich, an editor for Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, wrote on its website: "An exit from the EU would likely jeopardise that status."

London had the largest pool of yuan deposits in Europe, he said, "but the strength of the city as a financial hub outside the European Union is uncertain".

- Ruled the world -

Beijing respects the referendum result and was looking to the strategic long-term perspective in its relationship with Britain and the EU, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Friday, adding: A prosperous and stable Europe serves the interests of all."

But hours after the vote a commentary on the website of the state-run China Daily newspaper estimated it would take 500 British officials 10 years to negotiate a new trade deal with China.

While the two countries have knitted closer economic ties there have been bumps in the relationship, and last month Queen Elizabeth II was caught on camera saying some Chinese officials were very rude during a state visit last year by President Xi Jinping that drummed up billions in Chinese investment.

Britains departure from the EU should prompt more cooperation with China, Liang Haiming, chief economist of a Chinese investment company, wrote in the state-run Global Times days before the vote.

"The nation that once ruled the world" had "become less influential today", and would need to look to China for mutual assistance "in the global landscape", he said.

"So is it really bad for China if the UK withdraws from the EU?"
The United Kingdom appears to be closing in on an unprecedented moment.

After a tight race, the "Leave" camp has won the landmark referendum. British voters have decided to withdraw the United Kingdom's membership from the European Union. The country will be the first to leave the 28-member group.

As of Friday morning, the Leave campaign edged out Remain 52% to 48%.

The "Leave" vote does not mean that Britain will immediately leave the European Union. It simply means that Parliament will take the voters decision into consideration. The decision is up to Prime Minister David Cameron, who could potentially ignore the voters completely  though he made earlier promises to respect the referendum results, no matter what direction they ultimately took. [Update: David Cameron has resigned.]

Prime Minister David Cameron, who supported the Remain campaign.

What does this mean for the United States? It is difficult to tell so soon, but markets are already poised to take a big hit and many economists have said they fear the move could leave the U.K. permanently poorer, lead to job losses across Europe, and possibly even trigger a global economic slowdown.

This story is developing.

June 24, 2016, 10:10 a.m.: This story has been updated.
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's decision to quit the European Union led to sharp falls in property-related stocks on Friday on the expectation the recent cooling of both residential and commercial markets, a major driving force of the economy for years, will deepen.

'Remain' campaigners had warned house prices could fall if Britain left the European Union as a result of Thursday's referendum.

"We have seen a significant slowdown in the volume of transactions in the run up to the referendum and its likely that will continue," said Andy Pyle, UK head of real estate at KPMG.

Big variations across regions and different property assets are expected.

"At its simplest, Brexit impacts commercial real estate if it reduces GDP growth, impacting long-term employment growth and future demand for office space," said analysts at UBS in a note.

KPMG said it would expect companies' appetite to enter new property leases and increase their liabilities would diminish, particularly if Britain's departure from the EU weakens London's financial district.

"Given the potential for banks to need to transfer business undertaken in London into the euro zone, we could see a particular decline in Londons dominant position as Europes leading financial and business center, which would impact real estate demand in the City in particular."

Analysts at UBS agreed that the London office market looked particularly vulnerable because of its exposure to financial tenants. They calculated that British Land <BLND.L> has the highest exposure to financial tenants of those stocks it covers.

The FTSE 350 Real Estate index <.FTUB8600>, which had risen 8 percent in 2015, was down 15 percent on Friday. Shares in British Land plunged by nearly 20 percent while Land Securities <LAND.L> was down around 17 percent.

Marino Valensise, head of multi asset & income at Baring Asset Management, said his firm had been cutting its exposure to UK property assets as well as British shares in general ahead of the vote and was considering reducing it further.

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UBS said property stocks could yet fall another 10-20 percent.

HOUSEBUILDERS SLUMP

Among housebuilders, Bovis Homes <BVS.L> and Bellway <BWY.L> fell 24 percent, while Redrow <RDW.L> was down 19 percent.

Peter Andrew, deputy chairman of the Home Builders' Federation, said though it was too early to understand the implications of Brexit, there remains an acute housing shortage in Britain, which could provide a buffer.

That view was echoed by David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments.

"There is a structural under-supply of quality homes in the UK, and we have a clear strategy to address this, supported by a strong balance sheet to execute our growth plans," he said.

Some estate agents said, for the time being, rental accommodation in the residential market may be favored.

"We expect the domestic buyers to remain subdued, perhaps opting for rental accommodation, but we do we expect more interest and volumes from overseas buyers," said Charles Curran, principal, Maskells Estate Agents, pointing to the weakness in sterling attracting overseas buyers.

Real estate investment adviser London Central Portfolio (LCP), which specializes in prime central London property, said it had already received interest from Asian and Middle Eastern investors.

(Writing by Elaine Hardcastle; Editing by Adrian Croft)
The 52% of the British electorate who voted the U.K. out of the E.U. yesterday have signaled clearly that they want to take back control. They want to be governed by British leaders, observe British laws and control British borders. Theyve listened to dire predictions from pro-European British politicians, European politicians, economists, bankers, academics, think tank wonks, movie stars, athletes, members of the clergy, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. And its pretty clear that a majority of British voters dont trust any of them. This was a vote against the entire political class. The bums have been tossed.

Read More: The Brexit Vote Means Its Crunch Time for the Global Economy

Theres nothing unique to Britain about this sentiment. Populist political parties in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Poland and Hungary are banging this same drum with gusto. Listen to Trump and Bernie Sanders. The velocity of change on todays train has riders scrambling for the emergency brake.

British voters have taken firm actionand they will now face the consequences. The bargaining with E.U. governments over new trade agreements will take years. The political and legal uncertainties for British and European companies will inflict serious economic pain. Immigration into Britain will slow, because thats what happens when recession takes hold.

Read More: The 6 Biggest Consequences of the U.K.s Brexit Vote, So Far

Prime Minister Camerons successor will probably be Boris Johnson or Theresa May. Johnson has both inspired and annoyed a lot of people. May is a safer choice, and one Europeans are more likely to negotiate with in good faith. But the process to choose a new PM will be chaotic, and nothing can be forecast with much confidence.

Expect a series of emergency meetings among E.U. leaders in coming days. Their message for Britain: If youre leaving, go quickly. We dont need the uncertainty. In particular, France and Germany face national elections next year. They will want to make clear to voters in their own countries that exit comes with a heavy cost.

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Read More: Just How Bad Could Brexit Be for the U.S.? This Bad

There will be much speculation in coming days about the exact shape of Britains relationship with the E.U. Will the U.K. try to follow Norway, a member of the European Economic Area but not the E.U.? That would provide privileged, but not total, access to the single market, but the U.K. would still have to contribute to the E.U. budget and accept regulations drawn up in Brussels.

Will it look to imitate Switzerland, which relies on individual agreements with E.U. members to gain partial access to the single market? Thats not the best result for Britains all-important finance sector, and Switzerland still accepts free movement of labor from other E.U. states.

Or Britain could look for inspiration to Canada, which has built a comprehensive economic and trade agreement with the E.U. that would provide the fullest possible (though still incomplete) access to the single market without having to send money to Brussels or offer open borders to E.U. workers. But European negotiators are unlikely to make it that easy. There are other possibilities, but they will all take time to hammer out.

Some fear that Scotland, which voted heavily in favor of remain, will now move quickly to call another independence referendum, as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has threatened. With oil at current prices, thats a dangerous proposition for a government that would need the export revenue. Two years ago, Scottish voters chose to remain within the U.K. with oil selling at more than double its current price. Leaders of the Scottish National Party will use the threat of a new vote to pressure the new prime minister to make the most favorable possible deal with the E.U., but the last thing Britain needs right now is another source of frightening uncertainty.

There is a larger question here for Britain, Europe, America and the world: Do political and business leaders understand the growing demand for change? Can they meet those demands without inflicting irreversible damage on their politics and their economies?
Madrid (AFP) - Spain said Friday it was closer to asserting control over Gibraltar after Britain voted to leave the European Union, prompting London to jump to the defence of its overseas territory.

The tiny rocky outcrop on Spain's southern tip has long been the subject of an acrimonious sovereignty row between London and Madrid, which wants Gibraltar back after it was ceded to Britain in 1713.

"Our formula... is British-Spanish co-sovereignty for a determined period of time, which after that time has elapsed, will head towards the restitution of Gibraltar to Spanish sovereignty," Spain's acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo told Spanish radio.

"The Spanish flag is much closer to the Rock."

But Britain's Minister for Europe David Lidington sought to ease concerns in the 33,000-strong territory, which awoke to news of Brexit with quiet shock.

"I want to be absolutely clear. The United Kingdom will continue to stand beside Gibraltar," he said in a statement.

"We will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against your wishes."

- 'Will never be Spanish' -

In a speech to Gibraltar's parliament, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo scorned Margallo's comments.

"Let others make irrelevant noises about flying flags over our Rock if they want to waste their breath," he said.

"Such ideas will never prosper.... Gibraltar will never be Spanish in whole, in part or at all."

Spain's conservative government, which has been in place since 2011 and is expected to win elections Sunday -- albeit without an absolute majority -- has been particularly vocal about its desire to see Gibraltar come back into its fold.

The Rock is now worried that it will be at the mercy of Madrid without the protection of the EU, which has had to intervene in the past to ease rows between the two, particularly over the flashpoint border crossing.

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It is also concerned about its flourishing economy, which depends in large part on its access to the EU's single market.

Margallo said the issue of Gibraltar was no longer within the remit of the European Union, after Britons voted to leave the bloc in Thursday's referendum.

"It is now a bilateral issue that will be negotiated exclusively between the United Kingdom and Spain," he said.

The idea of joint-sovereignty is not new, and such a proposal was etched out between Britain and Spain in 2001 and 2002. But it was binned after Gibraltarians rejected it in a November 2002 referendum.

Gibraltarians also turned out en masse to vote in the EU referendum, and 96 percent of those who cast their ballot chose to remain in the European Union.

Alfredo Vasquez of the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses said people in the Rock were still trying to digest the news.

"There is a bit of shock. We knew it was going to be close but generally the indications seemed to point towards a Remain result. It's a little bit surprising."

- Spanish workers in fear -

They were not the only ones to wake up in shock.

Spanish workers on the other side of the border, many of whom depend on jobs in Gibraltar for their livelihood, reacted with "a lot of concern and fear."

The border town of La Linea de la Concepcion is of particular concern.

Unemployment in this 72,000-strong city stands at 40 percent, one of the worst-hit places in Spain, and the majority of those who work do so over the border.

Juan Jose Uceda of the Association of Spanish Workers in Gibraltar said the grouping feared that the "work situation for thousands of Spaniards and foreigners working in Gibraltar will become more difficult."

They fear that the crucial land border crossing to Gibraltar could be affected as it has been in the past.

In one particularly belligerent row over disputed waters, Spanish authorities upped border checks in 2013, creating hours-long logjams and forcing the European Commission to wade in and ease the crisis.

But Spain's acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sought to ease concerns in a televised address.

"With regards to Spanish citizens working in Gibraltar... their rights have not changed," he said.
Vote Leave supporters celebrate as they walk through Parliament Square in London on June 24, 2016. (Photo: Anthony Devlin/PA via AP)

Britains historic Brexit vote to leave the European Union immediately incited intense online reactions, including jubilation, disappointment, anger and confusion.

Slideshow: Britains Brexit battle >>>

After the results of the EU referendum were announced Friday morning, the British markets plunged, shockwaves sped through the global economy and U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he would resign.

I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months. I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination, Cameron said to reporters outside 10 Downing Street.

Eurosceptics celebrated the moment as an Independence Day of sorts for the United Kingdom, while Britons who believe they are stronger within the EU lamented the largest blow to European unity since World War II.

#WhatHaveWeDone started trending on Twitter.

Im sorry to every immigrant who has been made to feel unwelcome. Im sorry for everyone who didnt vote for this. #WhatHaveWeDone ????  Samantha Shannon (@say_shannon) June 24, 2016

#WhatHaveWeDone never seen my mother so upset????  thankyou Caspar (@emiliadaisyy) June 24, 2016

Other popular hashtags included #shocked and #ashamedtobeBritish.

Story continues

Apologies to all of the EU & all the lovely immigrants who will suffer from this. Were not all like that, we promise #ashamedtobebritish  Mummy Lady (@blurghhhhhh) June 24, 2016

Today This country is smaller, weaker, vulnerable, isolated and significantly less relevant. #EURefResults #ashamedtobeBritish  Jonathan Izard (@jonathanizard) June 24, 2016

If youre looking for me this weekend, I can be found in bed mourning my EU passport. #shocked #Brexit  Steph Addenbrooke (@steph_add) June 24, 2016

Many people in Britain and beyond braced themselves for what is to come in the U.K. and world financial markets, while dealing with the disruptions that have already come to pass.

FTSE 250 down 11.4%  biggest drop on record says @fastFT pic.twitter.com/G7W6VKAhI5  Patrick McGee (@PatrickMcGee_) June 24, 2016

Goodbye EU, hello recession ???????? The  & market has dropped severely. What a mistake. #EUreferndum  Amelia (@ameliaaa06) June 24, 2016

https://twitter.com/DavidClinchNews/status/746187114795114496/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Financial Times just gave up. pic.twitter.com/nhk810zbBL  Johan Norberg (@johanknorberg) June 24, 2016

10%- this is pounds worst fall ever. Next was 4.3% in 1978. The experts were indeed wrong- not pessimistic enough pic.twitter.com/2MK6q8EkMF  Joel Lewin (@JoelLewin) June 24, 2016

Others frustrated with the results started sharing a video from Good Morning Britain of Nigel Farage, leader of the U.K. Independence Party and a key Brexit campaigner. In the video, Farage said one of their main promises about British independence might not come to pass.

Leave voter on BBC: Im shocked & worried. I voted Leave but didnt think my vote would count  I never thought it would actually happen.  Laura Topham (@LauraTopham) June 24, 2016

and in the end, Britain, which had colonized the world, destroyed itself in fantasies that it was being colonized in turn  historians.  Ted Scheinman (@Ted_Scheinman) June 24, 2016

Despite the Leave campaigns victory, their celebrations were not as ubiquitous on social media Friday, in part because the young adults of Britain leaned heavily toward Remain. Still, Farage was not alone in expressing his pride in the U.K.s new path.

Weve got our country back. Thanks to all of you. #IndependenceDay  Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) June 24, 2016

Maybe everyone who doesnt like the outcome would prefer to live under a dictatorship, we have a vote for a reason #WhatHaveWeDone  Bridgett Johnson (@Bridge1010) June 24, 2016

A nation should be able to govern itself. Happy Independence Day Britain! #Brexit  Melissa Cannon (@Observer1992) June 24, 2016

Politics of fear, threats, punishment, grief & virtue signalling. #IndependanceDay Long live democracy & freespeech https://t.co/AsqrfhXRFT  Jane J (@AntiEU_101) June 24, 2016

So proud to be there at 6am, clothes still damp from campaigning in the rain at 10pm, to hear the declaration of our independence #Brexit  Johnny Shilton (@Johnny_Shilton) June 24, 2016

I have had asleep & I am still buzzing over Brexit & so excited for the future  David Jones (@DavidJo52951945) June 24, 2016

Nope a nation has put its hand up and pushed back on a fundamentally anti-democratic vanity project https://t.co/BIGq4t6rkB  Pip (@PhilipOrPip) June 24, 2016

What a Glorious Morning for Great Britain! Congratulations Britons! Peace & Prosperity to All! ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/d2RNhroWX3  Dr Teck Khong (@DrTeckKhong) June 24, 2016

#iVoted and #IVotedLeave because this #EUref is our chance to get up, get out and get on. Britain & Europe can do better than the EU.  George Morrall (@GeorgeMorrall) June 23, 2016

Far-right politicians in other European nations also celebrated Brexit and called for the opportunity to do the same. In France, Marine Le Pen, the president of the National Front, tweeted, Victory for freedom! As I have asked for years, it is now time to have the same referendum in France and other countries of the E.U. Florian Philippot, one of the partys vice presidents, tweeted a similar message.

Victoire de la liberte ! Comme je le demande depuis des annees, il faut maintenant le meme referendum en France et dans les pays de l'UE MLP  Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) June 24, 2016

La liberte des peuples finit toujours par gagner ! Bravo le Royaume-Uni. A nous maintenant ! #Brexit #Frexit  Florian Philippot (@f_philippot) June 24, 2016

Geert Wilders, the founder and leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom, an anti-immigration party, echoed these sentiments. He said Britain is pointing Europe toward a future of liberation.
By Ben Hirschler

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union spells regulatory uncertainty for drug companies, with the London-based European Medicines Agency (EMA), which approves treatments for all EU countries, expected to have to relocate.

The association of Germany's pharmaceuticals industry said on Friday that Europe's equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would need to move to a city within the EU, bringing administrative headaches for companies.

Britain's biggest drugmaker, GlaxoSmithKline, said the exit vote "creates uncertainty and potentially complexity for us in the future", though the impact on its global business would be small, while the UK pharma trade association warned of challenges to future investment, research and jobs.

Industry executives fear upheaval at the EMA could snarl the EU's drug approval process and Britain may have to develop its own domestic regulatory system, leading to further confusion.

Although Britain could continue to take part in the EMA system if it remains in the European Economic Area, like Norway, many of those supporting its exit from the EU oppose that option.

As a result, British patients could move to the back of the queue for new medicines as companies prioritise the larger EU market, and some medicines could be left in regulatory limbo.

The EMA, with a full-time staff of more than 600, is the largest EU body in Britain and has overseen pan-European drug approvals since 1995 from its headquarters tucked away among global banks in London's Canary Wharf.

An EMA spokeswoman said it was premature to comment on its future. "It is too early to foresee the implications of this decision and at this stage we are waiting for further guidance from the European Commission," she said.

Drug companies and healthcare officials in Sweden, Denmark, Italy and Germany have all expressed interest in hosting the EMA instead of London, since firms in these countries are keen to be located close to the region's key regulator.

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CURRENCY IMPACT

The impact on profits of Britain's EU exit will be limited for many global drug manufacturers as the United States is by far the largest market for prescription medicines and Asia is also of growing importance.

GSK said it did not anticipate a material hit to its business -- and in the short term analysts expect it to enjoy an earnings boost from a weaker pound as overseas revenues are translated into sterling.

AstraZeneca, which reports in dollars, and Swiss rival Roche won't enjoy such a currency lift but both said it was vital that Britain continued to support the life sciences industry in the wake of the referendum.

The pharmaceuticals industry employs more than 70,000 people in the UK and accounts for 25 percent of all business research and development spending in the country.

Many scientists are concerned that funding for academic research, which has been well supported by the EU in recent decades, will now be jeopardised, along with important UK-European research collaborations.

"Now that the direction has been set to leave the EU, it is crucial that the government develops clear plans to safeguard the future of science and research in the UK," said Robert Lechler, president of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

(Additional reporting by Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt; Editing by Keith Weir)
By Matt Spetalnick and Yara Bayoumy WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Britains decision to quit the European Union could send damaging shockwaves through the bedrock Anglo-American special relationship, raising questions about Londons willingness and ability to back U.S.-led efforts in global crises ranging from the Middle East to Ukraine. The loss of the strongest pro-U.S. voice within the 28-nation bloc, as a result of the Brexit referendum, threatens to weaken Washingtons influence in European policymaking and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to further challenge the West, analysts and former diplomats say. The British referendum on Thursday, widely seen as reflecting an increasingly nationalistic and inward-looking public, also risks the splintering of the United Kingdom itself, which could further reduce its role and stature in world affairs. Britain's departure -- which is not immediate and must be negotiated with the EU -- could present the next U.S. president with a decision on whether to turn to other key European partners like Germany and France, essentially downgrading a special U.S. bond with London forged in World War Two. Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and the president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, said Britains ability to press its views and policy preferences with its European allies and within NATO, where it provided strong political backing to the United States, will be diminished. You clearly have a much weaker Britain whose sway in European capitals is lessened by the vote, Daalder said. As a result, he said, the United States likely will have to work harder to maintain trans-Atlantic and European unity. Anything that divides Europe, he added, is a win for Russia because that has been a policy of Putin and of Russia. A U.S. intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "This is certain to encourage the Russians to continue and probably intensify their campaign of supporting far-right nationalist movements in Western and Eastern Europe as part of their effort to neuter NATO. Phil Gordon, a former senior foreign policy adviser to Obama, expressed concern that Europe will become inwardly focused on Britains departure and independence movements on the continent, leaving the United States to shoulder more of the international burden. The more time it spends on doing that, the more resources it spends on coping with the consequences of that, the less time and money and political capital it is going to have to help us with global challenges, he said. The administration of President Barack Obama was rattled by the stunning turn of events, including turmoil in world financial markets and British Prime Minister David Cameron's subsequent resignation announcement. British officials sought to reassure their U.S. counterparts that Brexit would not portend a withdrawal from world affairs, a U.S. official said. Some of those officials may not survive the change of leadership or further British political upheavals that could be spurred by the vote. REBUKE TO OBAMA While Obama insisted on Friday that Britain would remain an indispensable partner, the outcome of the referendum delivered a clear rebuke to the U.S. president, who made an unusually strong intervention into British politics against "Brexit" during a visit to London in April. Britain's vote to leave the EU threatens not only Obama's security efforts across the globe but the U.S. economic recovery and the international trade agenda he is pursuing in his final seven months in office. A similar mix of U.S. populist anger and anti-establishment sentiment has fueled the rise of Donald Trump as presumptive Republican nominee in the November U.S. presidential election. "The drivers of Brexit are the same as the drivers of nationalist movements in western Europe and the U.S.," Clifford Young, President of Ipsos Public Affairs in the United States, told Reuters. Cameron has cooperated closely with Obama in the security sphere. Britain has been a major military player in U.S.-led campaigns against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, an active ally on the ground in Afghanistan and a strong supporter of sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraines separatist conflict. Heather Conley, director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Britains divorce from the EU, which could take up to two years, would now be an all-consuming process that could distract it from such efforts. "There's just not going to be an enormous amount of attention of policy bandwidth given to the migration crisis, fighting ISIS, or focusing on continued ceasefire violations in Ukraine and maintaining sanctions against Russia," she said. It comes down to when we need the UK and its leadership, whether in the Security Council or NATO, its attentions will be focused domestically, she said. Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, called Brexit -- which dealt the biggest blow to the European project of unity since World War Two -- "a cloud without a silver lining." "Im not suggesting that we're about to return to a situation of conflict in Europe," he said. "But Im wary that it will tear from the fabric of prosperity and stability." While U.S.-British intelligence sharing  one of the closest relationships of its kind in the world  is expected to withstand the political turmoil, some experts said counterterrorism cooperation with European partners could suffer at a time when Islamic State has targeted European capitals. It will make cooperation in Europe on counter terrorism harder as most of the former British intelligence chiefs predicted before the vote, said Bruce Riedel, a former CIA official now at the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington. But Michael Morell, a former acting CIA director, rejected that view, saying counterterrorism cooperation is too important to let politics of any kind affect it. Adding to U.S. concerns is the threat by Scottish nationalists to mount a new referendum on independence for Scotland, where nearly two-thirds of voters voted to stay in the EU. In addition, Northern Ireland's deputy leader Martin McGuinness called for a vote to unite the two sides of the Irish border. The break-up of the United Kingdom would raise questions whether it should retain its veto in the United Nations Security Council, where it has been a mostly reliable supporter of U.S. initiatives. (Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed, Mark Hosenball, Jonathan Landay, Patricia Zengerle, David Brunnstrom, Roberta Rampton, and John Walcott; editing by Stuart Grudgings)
(Adds more Merkel quotes)

BERLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union is deeply regrettable and marks a watershed moment for European integration, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday.

Merkel told reporters she had invited the leaders of France and Italy as well as the European Council president to Berlin on Monday to discuss how to secure European unity after Britain referendum vote to quit the 28-member bloc.

"We have to recognise the decision of the majority of the British people with deep regret today," she said. "There is no point beating about the bush: today is a watershed for Europe, it is a watershed for the European unification process."

Merkel said Germany had a particular interest and responsibility in European unity succeeding.

"I have therefore invited EU Council President Donald Tusk, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to Berlin for talks on Monday."

Merkel said it was important that all the other 27 EU member states analysed the situation together in a calm and sober manner and did not rush into any decisions.

(Writing by Caroline Copley; Editing by Paul Carrel/Mark Heinrich)
By Nigel Stephenson

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - For some traders it felt like the end of the world, while others greeted Britain's vote to leave the European Union in stunned silence.

It was an outcome most had ruled out. But on the whole, they said, markets coped well and functioned with minimal disruption.

When London traders left the office on Thursday, sterling was riding high at almost $1.50 and UK shares were up, suggesting confidence Britons would vote to stay in the EU. Bookmakers' odds put the probability of a "Remain" victory in the referendum at 85 percent.

But as results indicated Britons had opted to quit the EU after 40 years, sterling suffered its biggest fall in the era of floating exchange rates and global share prices sank.

"It's like the world is about to end," said a Tokyo-based equity trader at a U.S. bank. "We had a bunch of orders cancelled, funds deciding not to act or do anything in this volatility."

Traders in Asia had come to the office early and some London dealing rooms were staffed throughout the night to handle market moves on the historic vote.

Others had a rude awakening.

"I got up at 3.30 a.m. for some unknown reason and just turned on the TV and suddenly saw what was going on," said a bond trader at a French bank in London. He immediately drove to the office.

Some banks, wary of a repeat of the chaos that followed last year's surprise decision by the Swiss National Bank to remove its cap on the franc against the euro, had placed limits on trading on electronic platforms in connection with the vote.

Barclays, one of the biggest banks in the foreign exchange market, stopped accepting new stop loss orders on Thursday and other banks acted to limit their exposure to a vote to leave.

Exchange operator Euronext said it would take special measures in anticipation of higher volatility and volumes.

On Friday, exchanges in Australia and Singapore raised margins on some stocks and bond futures contracts.

Extreme volatility in Japan's Nikkei 225 triggered the Japan Exchange Group's circuit-breaker calming mechanism for the first time since May 2013, suspending trading for 10 minutes.

Story continues

Naeem Aslam, chief market analyst at retail broker Think Forex, said he was in the office from Thursday morning until the final result came through and was greeted with stupefaction.

"The first reaction on the floor was complete silence as it became clear that Brexit was the final outcome ... There was a feeling of shock and disbelief," he said.

SKELETON STAFF

John Wraith, head of UK rates strategy at UBS Investment Bank in London, said most investors had cut back their holdings of relatively risky assets so market moves came in thin volumes.

"It was a skeleton staff (overnight), but shock was the first reaction and it was all hands on deck to deal with the volatility," he said.

As European markets kicked into gear, there were further big moves. Benchmark German government bond yields hit record lows and European shares were expected to open down 6-7.5 percent.

Rumours -- unfounded -- swirled that the London Stock Exchange would not open at 8:00 a.m. (0700 GMT) as normal.

In fact, it opened with its usual pre-market auction. A glut of sell orders resulted in a mismatch of bid and ask prices on several stocks, meaning more than half the FTSE 100 constituents did not have opening prices at 8:00 a.m..

Auctions were extended to allow participants time for price discovery and full trading was under way about 20 minutes later.

Half of the stocks on Italy's FTSE MIB index also failed to open on time as circuit breakers were triggered.

One trader at a European brokerage said the broker market structure held up "very well and was not at all like the old days when the markets would systematically shut down".

Major European exchanges reported no problems.

"It was a bit fraught on the trading floor because the market was positioned so badly, but it wasn't like the 2008 financial crisis. It's not been what I would call panic stations," said Michael Hewson, chief market strategist at CMC Markets.

(Additional reporting by Denny Thomas, Michelle Price and Saeed Azhar in Hong Kong, Rebecca Howard in Wellington, Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo, Vikram Subhedar, Jamie McGeever, John Geddie and Dhara Ranasinghe in London; editing by John Stonestreet)
By Nigel Stephenson

LONDON (Reuters) - For some traders it felt like the end of the world, while others greeted Britain's vote to leave the European Union in stunned silence.

It was an outcome most had ruled out. But on the whole, they said, markets coped well and functioned with minimal disruption.

When London traders left the office on Thursday, sterling was riding high at almost $1.50 and UK shares were up, suggesting confidence Britons would vote to stay in the EU. Bookmakers' odds put the probability of a "Remain" victory in the referendum at 85 percent.

But as results indicated Britons had opted to quit the EU after 40 years, sterling suffered its biggest fall in the era of floating exchange rates and global share prices sank.

"It's like the world is about to end," said a Tokyo-based equity trader at a U.S. bank. "We had a bunch of orders cancelled, funds deciding not to act or do anything in this volatility."

Traders in Asia had come to the office early and some London dealing rooms were staffed throughout the night to handle market moves on the historic vote.

Others had a rude awakening.

"I got up at 3.30 a.m. for some unknown reason and just turned on the TV and suddenly saw what was going on," said a bond trader at a French bank in London. He immediately drove to the office.

Some banks, wary of a repeat of the chaos that followed last year's surprise decision by the Swiss National Bank to remove its cap on the franc against the euro, had placed limits on trading on electronic platforms in connection with the vote.

Barclays, one of the biggest banks in the foreign exchange market, stopped accepting new stop loss orders on Thursday and other banks acted to limit their exposure to a vote to leave.

Exchange operator Euronext said it would take special measures in anticipation of higher volatility and volumes.

On Friday, exchanges in Australia and Singapore raised margins on some stocks and bond futures contracts.

Extreme volatility in Japan's Nikkei 225 triggered the Japan Exchange Group's circuit-breaker calming mechanism for the first time since May 2013, suspending trading for 10 minutes.

Story continues

Naeem Aslam, chief market analyst at retail broker Think Forex, said he was in the office from Thursday morning until the final result came through and was greeted with stupefaction.

"The first reaction on the floor was complete silence as it became clear that Brexit was the final outcome ... There was a feeling of shock and disbelief," he said.

SKELETON STAFF

John Wraith, head of UK rates strategy at UBS Investment Bank in London, said most investors had cut back their holdings of relatively risky assets so market moves came in thin volumes.

"It was a skeleton staff (overnight), but shock was the first reaction and it was all hands on deck to deal with the volatility," he said.

As European markets kicked into gear, there were further big moves. Benchmark German government bond yields hit record lows and European shares were expected to open down 6-7.5 percent.

Rumours -- unfounded -- swirled that the London Stock Exchange would not open at 8:00 a.m. (0700 GMT) as normal.

In fact, it opened with its usual pre-market auction. A glut of sell orders resulted in a mismatch of bid and ask prices on several stocks, meaning more than half the FTSE 100 constituents did not have opening prices at 8:00 a.m..

Auctions were extended to allow participants time for price discovery and full trading was under way about 20 minutes later.

Half of the stocks on Italy's FTSE MIB index also failed to open on time as circuit breakers were triggered.

One trader at a European brokerage said the broker market structure held up "very well and was not at all like the old days when the markets would systematically shut down".

Major European exchanges reported no problems.

"It was a bit fraught on the trading floor because the market was positioned so badly, but it wasn't like the 2008 financial crisis. It's not been what I would call panic stations," said Michael Hewson, chief market strategist at CMC Markets.

(Additional reporting by Denny Thomas, Michelle Price and Saeed Azhar in Hong Kong, Rebecca Howard in Wellington, Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo, Vikram Subhedar, Jamie McGeever, John Geddie and Dhara Ranasinghe in London; editing by John Stonestreet)
As Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU), the British Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation. The European project of greater unity that was conceived from the ashes of World War 2 also received a deathblow, making this the most significant historical moment, perhaps of all times.

Of course, a Brexit poses serious treats to the British economy. While Britains banks took a $130 billion battering, with Lloyds and Barclays PLC BCS getting hammered the most, tech majors are also subjected to disappointment. Most of the tech majors were for Bremain as Britains tech firms need unrestricted access to the European market in order to compete efficiently. British firms will now face skill shortage, regulatory headaches and less investment on top of rising borrowing costs that they had to bear because of the uncertainty ahead of the referendum on EU membership.

Bank of England and the European Central Bank have promised to protect markets from Brexit panic by injecting liquidity if required, but, for the time being the global markets are subject to fresh bouts of volatility and one hardly expects Britain to be spared.

Britain Votes to Leave European Union

British voters have decided to leave the EU, a stunning development indeed! Market pundits had warned that a Brexit will negatively affect financial conditions and the global economy. Fed Chair Janet Yellen had said that such a move would usher in a period of uncertainty and fuel volatility in world markets. We have already witnessed the pound crashing to its lowest level since 1985, with the sterling falling below $1.35.

The leave campaign secured around 51.8% vote, while the remain camp received 48.1% vote. England overwhelmingly voted for Brexit, but, Scotland and Northern Ireland backed remain, indicating a split down the middle. Those who campaigned for Brexit must be on cloud nine as the U.K. escaped EUs shackles and are now in a position to utilize its full potential as a thriving economy. However, we shouldnt forget that such a vote goes against common wisdom of economic prudence and the redoubtable opinions of notable economists.

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Brexit to Hamper Britains Economy

As U.K. opts to leave the EU, their future relationship hangs in the balance. Spanning across 28 countries and encompassing more than 500 million consumers, the EU is Britains biggest trading partner. About 75% of British firms that trade goods globally do so with the EU. Access to a single market has helped British firms expand their business.

But, a Brexit will now push Britains economy into a recession, resulting in a drop of 3.6% in GDP and around 500,000 job cuts. U.K also stands to lose other essential benefits including free movement of goods, services, capital and people. Moreover, U.K. wont be able to tweak or play a significant role in influencing the laws of the single market.

Cameron had earlier cautioned that a potential Brexit will adversely affect British spending on healthcare. He forewarned that Brexit will dry up around 40 billion pounds in U.K. public finances by 2020.

Britains Financial Sector Faces the Axe

Financial services that account for almost 10% of the U.Ks economic activity will largely be affected by the vote. Around 2.2 million financial industry workers face years of uncertainty. Many also fear the risk of job cuts, as Londons status as Europes premier financial hub is now at stake. All international and British banks had warned that they could move thousands of jobs if Britain opts out of the EU.

Morgan Stanley MS had said that it could move around 1,000 of its roughly 6,000 employees currently in Britain to the EU. The CEO of rival firm, JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPM, Jamie Dimon told staffers that the bank may have no choice but to overhaul its UK business model, casting doubts over its 16,000 workforce.

Job security fears climbed to levels unseen since the 2008 financial crisis, which has made the mood somber in the high-rise banking hub of Canary Wharf, home to banks such as HSBC Holdings plc HSBC and Barclays. (read: Are U.S. Bank Stocks Fated for a Huge Fall Post Brexit?)

Brexit to Hurt U.K. Tech Firms

U.K. leads the tech firm industry in Europe and so it isnt surprising which camp they were for. Their allegiance was further cemented by EUs move toward a single digital market. They are now in the process of making sure phone users can enjoy movement from member state to member state without having to pay roaming fees.

Such policies have become popular with U.K. network operators as they believe EU membership is good for their business. BT Group plc BT has clearly mentioned that the companys prospects are better if the UK stays in a reformed EU. Many of U.K.s unicorns favor a EU membership, according to a report published by The Guardian in May.

But, now they are in for a shocker. A survey of U.K.s tech workers by Juniper Research has found that seven in ten believe a Brexit will have a negative on the tech industry and U.K. will find it immensely hard to lure and employ individuals from the EU countries. (read: Tech firms reel from Leave's Brexit win)

Bottom Line

As discussed above, Britains decision to leave the EU has dropped a bombshell on two of its major sectors, finance and technology. Energy and big auto companies are also expected to fall victim of Brexit. (read: Brexit Mandate: 4 Sectors & Their Stocks Under Pressure)

British firms are already reeling under heavy borrowing costs, thanks to the referendum on EUs membership. According to analysts at Standard and Poors, companies such as Travis Perkins and Travelodge have both raised funds with new bonds in recent months, eventually paying more than what one would expect for companies of their size and creditworthiness.

The vote has dampened the capital expenditure of many firms. In fact, the vote will now heighten volatility in the capital markets, which will lessen demand for U.K.s assets until and unless we get a greater clarity about the exit settlement.

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In a closely-watched referendum, British citizens decided on Thursday to exit the European Union, with 52% voting Leave versus 48% for Remain.

The shocking outcome resulted in a global market sell off and caused gold to rally. British Prime Minister David Cameron also resigned.

The concern is that the Brexit decision could signal other member countries to hold referendums to leave the EU, according a client note sent this morning by Bridgewater Associates, the worlds largest hedge fund with $170 billion under management.

The UK voting to leave the EU is a clear warning signal that the rise in populist/separatist positions has reached levels that they can change the status quo significantly, Bridgewater's co-CIO Greg Jensen wrote in the note seen by Yahoo Finance.

The EU is made up of 28 (now 27) member countries, and it allows for the free movement of goods, services, workers and capital. Basically, if youre a citizen of an EU member country, you can freely live and work in another member country and use its health-care system and other services.

According to Bridgewater, other European countries holding referendums could pose "huge problems."

"Given how easy it is to move capital within the Eurozone, any rise in risk of a country leaving could easily cause a pickup in capital outflows that could threaten the countrys banking system (as we saw during the sovereign debt crisis). And this could extend to other countries perceived as potentially vulnerable to leaving as well," the note said.

It continued: "The ECB would then be faced with the choice of whether to step in (increasing its exposure to a country that might walk away from the liabilities) or institute capital controls like in Greece last year. The prospect of such pain and disruption lowers the probability of such an event occurring. But even given the low probability, it looks to us like markets are under-discounting the risk."

In all, Bridgewater noted that on a global scale, the Brexit is a "rather modest political outcome." But that said, it resulted in a 10% swing in the stock market.

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It's something that fund managers and investors are going to have to pay attention to going forward.

The global economy and financial system relies on the euro and the ECB, and the continued existence of the euro depends on the cooperation of the Eurozone countries. If the UK leaving the EU caused a 10% swing, what would a set of political events that raised questions about the future functioning of the ECB cause? Managing this risk seems to us to be an important part of managing money in this secular environment.

A Bridgewater spokesperson didn't respond to an email request for comment at the time of publication.

Reuters first reported the contents of the memo.

--

Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance.

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Raoul Pal: the Brexit vote is about so much more than Britain leaving the EU
The voters have spoken. Britain will leave the European Union, after some 17.4 million people put their x beside Leave in polling stations up and down the country.

But none of that necessarily matters. The whole thing could be called off.

Thats because the referendum is not legally binding. In the U.K. only parliament gets to sets the laws, and the legislation that created the E.U. referendum did not say parliament had to act in accordance with the result.

So theoretically, this means Prime Minister David Cameron could decide to put the results of the referendum to a parliamentary vote, rather than going straight to the E.U. to ask to leave. The UK Parliament is thought to be about 3/4ths in favour of Remain so this would negate the result.

Or, MPs could use the threat of departure to negotiate the favourable deal with the E.U. that eluded David Cameron back in February. They could then put that deal to a second referendum, if they so wished. A petition calling for a second referendum has already garnered over 100,000 signatures, so they could still say they had popular support. And theres a long history of other member states simply handing out another ballot paper when voters get the wrong result  in Ireland, for example, which reran a referendum on an E.U. treaty in 2001.

Or, lastly, they could simply ignore the results of the referendum altogether and say it is too harmful to Britains economic and political future to go along with.

Heres the thing  none of this is likely to happen. Cameron, or whoever replaces him, will almost certainly invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty (the mechanism for leaving the E.U.) or begin other negotiations designed to withdraw.

Why? Because to do otherwise would be to go against the will of the people. 17.4 million voters have made it clear that they do want to leave the E.U., and there would be revolution in the streets if those votes were ignored. Cameron has said repeatedly he will respect the results of the vote.

But its worth noting that, as things stand, the Prime Minister has not invoked Article 50, and Britain still remains a member of the E.U. Until he does well, anythings possible right?
London (AFP) - Britain's messy break-up with Europe will be the culmination of decades of half-hearted and often hostile relations with neighbouring countries.

The nation's troubled ties with the European Union, culminating in Thursday's dramatic referendum vote to leave the bloc, are rooted in its island history and defiant sense of independence.

Some Britons still recall with pride that they were last successfully invaded in 1066.

The nation's resistance to the Nazis in World War II is also central to British identity, particularly for older voters.

"Britain has never really internalised the European project because of its very different history during the 20th century -- it is less frightened of the consequences of leaving," Robert Tombs, a history professor at Cambridge University, told AFP.

Politicians at Westminster have also pursued an often two-faced approach to the EU, complicating the relationship even further.

"One face is a hostile, sceptical and largely domestic one that has helped drive euroscepticism in Britain," said Tim Oliver of the London School of Economics.

"The other face, largely seen in Brussels, is a constructive, engaging one that has seen the UK shape the EU in a large number of ways."

In his victory speech on Friday, top Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson, a former mayor of London and ex-Brussels journalist, sought to heal the divide over Britain's identity.

"This does not mean that the United Kingdom will be in any way less united nor indeed does it mean it will be any less European," he said.

"We cannot turn our backs on Europe, we're part of Europe. Our children and grandchildren will continue to have a wonderful future as Europeans," he added.

He said the European Union was "a noble idea for its time" but was "no longer right for this country".

- Pragmatic decision to join -

Britain initially stood back from post-war efforts to foster European unity, with senior figures believing that its foreign policy goals were best pursued through its empire.

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But as the empire declined and Britain watched trade flourish on the continent, it applied to join the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1961, four years after its creation.

French president Charles de Gaulle twice vetoed its efforts, but Britain eventually joined in 1973.

Labour prime minister Harold Wilson called a referendum on membership in 1975 to try to appease the eurosceptic, protectionist wing of his fractured party. He secured 67 percent support for staying in.

Conservative leader Margaret Thatcher was a cheerleader for EEC membership, seeing it as a pragmatic decision to join a tariff-free trading bloc.

But as prime minister from 1979 she was soon riling her European colleagues, demanding a rebate on Britain's EEC contributions which she eventually secured in 1984.

She was also fiercely opposed to the bloc's growing political integration, fearing the creation of a "European super-state".

Her visceral "No! No! No!" approach triggered her downfall in 1990.

It also exposed deep fractures in the Conservative party on Europe, which completely handicapped the pro-European John Major's 1990-1997 premiership and remain unhealed to this day.

"Black Wednesday" in 1992 saw the pound tumble out of the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) which had pegged it to the German mark.

Then a Conservative rebellion through 1992 and 1993 nearly brought down Major's government over the Maastricht Treaty which turned the EEC into the European Union.

- Frustrations of membership -

In 1997, new Labour prime minister Tony Blair came into office wanting Britain to join the euro but met a wall of domestic opposition born of the scarring ERM experience.

Since then, a standoffish, one-foot-in, one-foot-out approach has become the default position for successive governments.

Britain remained outside the single currency and the border-free Schengen zone, two of the EU's defining pillars.

Against a backdrop of restive Conservative backbenchers and core eurosceptic voters leaking away, Prime Minister David Cameron in 2013 promised a referendum, aiming to resolve the issue once and for all.

During the referendum campaign, Cameron sold Britain's place in the EU as a pragmatic marriage of convenience rather than a place where Britain's heart lies.

In TV debates, he repeatedly insisted that he was frustrated by the EU and wanted to reform it but stressed that membership was good for Britain's economy.

Britons disagreed, voting by 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the bloc, prompting Cameron to resign on Friday after six years in office.
Photo: Getty Images.

Update, 3pm June 26 2016 : Over 3.2 million people have now signed a petition on parliament's website calling for a second referendum on Brexit.

The petition, which was actually launched before Thursday's EU Referendum, states: "We the undersigned call upon HM Government to implement a rule that if the remain or leave vote is less than 60% based a turnout less than 75% there should be another referendum."

Thursday's turnout was 72.2%, the highest for a national ballot since 1992, with 52% voting to leave the EU and 48% voting to remain.

Parliament considers all petitions that attract over 100,000 signatures for a debate. Prime Minister David Cameron, who announced his resignation after the vote, has previously said there would be no second referendum.

Somewhat ironically, the petition was started by Oliver Healey, a Leave campaigner who had feared before the referendum that the UK would vote to stay in the EU by a narrow margin. In a Facebook post shared earlier today, Healey wrote, "Due to the result, the petition has been hijacked by the remain campaign... I am it's (sic) creator, nothing more!"

Though some European Union officials have pushed for a speedy withdrawal, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday that she believed there was no need for Britain to rush through the process. Merkel spoke in favour of creating an objective, good environment for talks about the exit, saying that the EU has no need to be particularly nasty about Britains choice to leave.

Update, 11.50 am June 24 2016:

Reactions to this morning's result of a Brexit continue to unfold. At a press conference, Boris Johnson has paid tribute to a newly resigned David Cameron, calling him an "extraordinary politician". Johnson expressed that nothing would change over the short term, and there was "no need for haste", according to a video from the conference, posted by the Guardian.

Elsewhere, Donald Trump has hailed the UK's decision for a Brexit as a positive move, writing on Twitter this morning after touching down at his golf resort in Scotland: The UK had taken back control. It is a great thing.

Story continues

Update, 8.34 am June 24 2016:

David Cameron has resigned as Prime Minister. In a statement outside 10 Downing Street this morning, he told the press that he is "very proud of what he has done as Prime Minister," but that the public "have chosen another path."

According to the Guardian, he added that he will do what he can to "steady the ship" and that he believes "Britain can find a way outside of the EU, and find a way."

Turnout was the highest for a national ballot since 1992, reports The Telegraph, with 72.2% of the electorate heading to the ballot box. Of those that voted, it was the youngest age bracket  aka those that will have to live with today's decision the longest  who most wanted to remain as part of the EU, with over 70 percent voting to stay. The over-65s, however, overwhelmingly voted for Brexit.

Original article published 8:04am , June 24th, 2016:

At approximately 6am today it became official: Britain has voted to leave the European Union. After months of campaigning, 17,410,742 million people voted to leave the EU, while 16,141,241 voted to remain. That's a 52% majority.

If you went to bed before 11pm and only just woke up, then you might be more than a little shocked to see that result, what with UKIP leader Nigel Farage and several media outlets still predicting a win, albeit tight, for the Remain camp up until midnight.

But in the hours that followed, it became clear that Leave was gaining significant ground with the North East leading the way, and the rest of the UK  bar Scotland and London  following suit.

So, what happens now? Well, everything and nothing. The first most obvious affect of the result is on the economy, with the pound already plummeting to levels not seen since 1985, according to the Guardian. And then there's the question of whether or not David Cameron will remain Prime Minister, considering he was firmly pro-remain. While 84 Tory MPs last night wrote a letter backing the PM, Farage, arguably the loudest voice on the leave side, has made it clear that he wants a pro-Brexit politician to lead negotiations.

With all 32 areas of Scotland voting remain, it's unsurprising that The Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon has already hinted at a call for another Scottish Independence referendum, while a healthy dose of Twitter users are attempting to do the same for London. Wishful thinking? Perhaps.

This story will be updated throughout the day.

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By Michelle Nichols and Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Britain's United Nations ambassador asserted on Friday that the country's strength as a world power would not be weakened by its exit from the European Union and vowed that London would never give up its U.N. Security Council veto. Britain voted on Thursday to leave the European Union, which it joined more than 40 years ago, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and sending global financial markets into a tailspin. "The UK is and will continue to be a diplomatic power. The UK is and will continue to be a permanent member of the Security Council. We take those responsibilities incredibly seriously," Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters. Britain is one of five permanent veto-wielding powers on the 15-member Security Council. The other permanent members are France, the United States, China and Russia. In the wake of the British referendum, leaders in Scotland and Northern Ireland - where the majority of people voted to remain in the EU - have raised the prospect of breaking away from the United Kingdom, leaving just England and Wales. Northern Ireland could be reunited with Ireland, which is already a U.N. member, while Scotland could vote for independence from Britain and then become the United Nations' newest member state. If such a scenario played out, Scotland and Northern Ireland would need to agree on Wales and England assuming the permanent membership of the U.N. Security Council and veto power. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the former bloc's republics agreed - by signing the Alma-Ata Protocol - to transfer the Soviet Union U.N. membership to Russia, which included the U.N. Security Council veto power. "The fundamentals of the UK's strength in the world will endure. Our economy, our world class diplomacy and armed forces, our commitment to international development, helping the world's poorest, and above all, here at the United Nations, our permanent seat on the Security Council," Rycroft said. It would be virtually impossible for any other country to try and strip Britain of its Security Council veto as the U.N. Charter would need to be amended. That requires approval by two-thirds of the 193-member General Assembly and the five Security Council veto powers. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Friday he expects Britain to continue its leadership at the world body, particularly on development issues. "At the U.N., we look forward to continuing our work with the United Kingdom and the European Union, both important partners," Ban's spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement. "When we work together, we are stronger." He said that as Britain and the European Union begin to negotiate a departure, Ban "trusts in Europe's well-proven history of pragmatism and common responsibility in the interest of European citizens." (Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - David Cameron should stay on as prime minister to help reassure voters in Scotland and northern Ireland, and to try to calm markets after Britain voted to leave the European Union, a senior Conservative lawmaker said on Friday.

Andrew Bridgen, who had campaigned to leave the European Union, told Reuters: "We need stability now. Yes, he should (stay on)." When asked how long Cameron should stay on, Bridgen said that was a decision for the prime minister.

"Things need to be dealt with after this momentous decision, we need to reassure Scotland, northern Ireland and we need to manage the economic fallout."

Together with England and Wales, Scotland and northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper, editing by Mark John)
By Stephanie Kelly NEW YORK (Reuters) - British tourists Britain visiting New York awoke Friday to news of their country's vote to leave the European Union and, in daze over the surprise outcome, had to contend immediately with effectively higher costs for everything as the pound plummeted. "Apocalyptic," is how South London resident Greg Rowland, 49, described the referendum results while making his way through the tumult of Times Square. One of the biggest effects for British travelers abroad was a sharp drop in the British currency. At one point on Friday, sterling fell over 11 percent to its lowest level in over 30 years, $1.3228. "It was a good thing I paid for my hotel yesterday morning," said Rowland, whose region voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. The resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron, effective October, was difficult to comprehend while abroad, Rowland added. Illyanna Valentina, a 25-year-old from South London, travels abroad every few months for her job as a writer and will feel the pinch from higher costs. "It's strange and shocking, the fact that it's happening and I'm here," Valentina said, noting how she has been using cash for much of her visit to New York. "You really can't help but think ... how difficult life will be for the people in the UK who have either built lives there or either now feel sort of displaced," said Valentina, the British-born daughter of a Russian immigrant. Freya Gill, a 34-year old from Yorkshire, a region whose majority voted to leave the EU, was "shocked" by the result. "It hasn't directly affected us while we are on holiday, but it is worrying for the value of the pound and how long it is going to remain worth what it is," Gill said. (Reporting by Stephanie Kelly; Editing by Daniel Bases and Cynthia Osterman)
Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant celebrates its 10th anniversary in true flavours of Germany by introducing an array of new beers and food menu, which you can Prost (cheers) to all night long in any of their six outlets around Singapore.

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

Curating only the finest tastes from Germany, Brotzeit will be introducing four new, exclusive beers from German heritage breweries Franziskaner and Lowenbrau, which have been around since 1360s and 1380s.

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

It includes draft beers like Franziskaner Dunkel Hefe and Lowenbrau Original Munchner Dunkel Lager, for those who appreciate darker beers; Franziskaner Hefe Weissbier and Lowenbrau Original Munchner Lager for a lighter, fruiter alternative.

Whats beer without some bites? Executive Chef Claus Schwarzman has put together a menu, serving only the freshest seasonal dishes that will complement well with these beers.

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

Aufschnittplatte (Regular $20/ Large $28). For starters, opt for a platter of cold cuts and cheeses to share among three to four friends. The mustard seeds, which has the texture of caviar, goes really well with thinly sliced Black Forest Ham, Mozzarella Cheese and Caramelised Onions.

Did you know, Brot in German means bread, while Zeit is to have a good time, so Brotzeit literally means its always a good time to have bread, or share a meal. The cold cut board is served with The Fladen, a typical flatbread from Germany, made using three different types of flours (wheat, rye and dark rye flour).

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

Gulaschsuppe ($13.50). A hearty bowl of spicy beef goulash to warm the tummy before filling the night with drinks. Typically eaten in the cold Winter, the soup is made with chilli, red pepper, bell pepper and beef cubes and potatoes.

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

Spargel Mit Seebarsch ($32). The pan fried seared sea bass with white asparagus is available for a limited season of two months only, starting from May 2016. The white asparagus are imported from Germany every week, which has a juicier and sweeter note as compared to the green asparagus we see in our local markets.

Story continues

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

Brotzeitplatte mit Ripperl ($98). You havent truly been to Brotzeit without having their signature roasted pork knuckle, sausages, and honey Bavarian pork ribs. The set comes with two sides of your choice, dont miss out on their Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage dish that resets your palate from the strong meaty meal.

The roasted pork knuckle is marinated with beers and roasted to perfection over 48 hours, until it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside; it is said that the recipe is so exclusive, not even the chefs know what goes into the packet of seasoning.

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

To pry open and savour the pork knuckle, simply pull apart the protruding bones at the top and tear it side ways to enjoy.

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

The spices used to flavour each sausage is blended in Germany to achieve a consistent taste internationally, it is then produced locally by a German butcher which strictly adheres to Brotzeits recipe.

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

Ribs and beers cant go wrong. Keep your hands busy by dirtying them with these sweet caramelised ribs, best paired with a pint of dark larger.

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

Brotzeit 10th Anniversary

Nachspeisenplatte ($29). A meals not complete without desserts to end the night. Best shared with two to three friends, the dessert medley comes with donut-shaped beer battered apple slices, profiteroles with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, a chocolate cake served with a side of chocolate sauce, along with some berries.

If youre in need for some jolly good German-inspired after hour session with the boys (or girls), be sure to pair your pints of beer with the Brotzeitplatte mit Ripperl platter of pork knuckle, ribs and sausages. Dont miss out on the white asparagus dishes too, or youll have to wait for the following harvesting season!

Expected Damage: $30  $40 per pax

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant: Discovery Walk at 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, #01-27 Singapore 238895 | Tel: (65) 6834 4038 | Website

The post Brotzeit Celebrates 10th Prost-perous Anniversary With Four Exclusive New German Beers And Food appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
By Julia Fioretti and Alastair Macdonald BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A night of thunder and torrential rain left Brussels flooded at dawn on Friday as British voters delivered a metaphorical lightning bolt to the European Union and left compatriots working there in tears. Britons employed in the EU civil service and in the ranks of lawyers and lobbyists who ply their trade in Europe's capital went to bed reassured by polls pointing to a vote to remain in the EU in Britain's referendum on Thursday. So they reacted with shock, sadness and flashes of anger when they woke to find compatriots back home had backed Brexit. A British woman broke down in tears at the gates of one international school, where parents from many nations dropped off children on a day rendered eerily calm after a stormy night by a general strike in Belgium that halted public transport. "I am grieving," said another Briton, who has worked Brussels for 30 years and called Brexit "a complete tragedy". "We cant predict what we have done to our children." Many fear for their jobs and, if not that, then for promotions. To join the 55,000-strong European civil service, staff must in general be EU citizens. So once Britons lose that status, their positions will be in jeopardy, depending partly on what arrangements Brussels negotiates with London. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wrote to staff to reassure Britons that he would do everything in his power to ensure they could keep their jobs. "Disappointment, of course," European Commission official William Floyd said when asked how he felt about the referendum result. "They need us. I think I do a useful job here and I'm going to go on carrying on doing it." SURPRISE There were damp eyes and grim faces among some Britons at the EU executive, even as Juncker won an unusual ovation from staffers in the press room for telling journalists that it was not the beginning of the end for the EU. The bloc's leaders delivered assurances that the fallout will be managed, though even they could not conceal surprise after opinion polls had shown the trend moving to Remain. "We had two speeches ready. But we had spent a lot more time on the one for Remain," an official involved in preparing one of those statements. "To be honest, that was a much nicer speech." Some Britons are applying for Belgian passports as long-time residents or switching allegiance to the countries of their European spouses. Mayors of boroughs and towns around Brussels told Le Soir newspaper their town hall staffs had been bombarded by requests on Friday from Britons seeking citizenship. Florence Reuter, mayor of the upmarket suburb of Waterloo, said five of her town's estimated 450 British residents had filed requests for Belgian citizenship and dozens had asked about the process. Joyce Hill, a British pensioner who has lived in Brussels for decades, told Reuters she had formally received Belgian nationality on Thursday, the very day of the Brexit referendum whose outcome she said was, simply, "sad, sad, sad". "The Brits were always semi-detached (from the EU)," she added. "They were never really in, so the fact that they've chosen to come out is sad but not enormously surprising." The eventual status of Britons in the EU service will be negotiated between London and Brussels. "People are in shock, but were civil servants, were practical, we plough on, the British head of a department in one of the EU institutions said. Some have said they will look to moving to the private sector  or to a probably expanded civil service in London  rather than remain in a well-paid but uninteresting function  a golden cage as one senior EU official put it. (Additional reporting by Alastair Macdonald and Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, Asias largest genre film festival, announced a huge 302 title lineup for its 20th edition.

American actor-director Matt Rosss Cannes prize-winning family drama Captain Fantastic will open the festival on Jul. 21. Closing the festival will be Yeon Sang-hos latest animated feature Seoul Station, a prequel to Yeons Cannes live action film Train to Busan.

In celebration of the 130th anniversary of Korea-France bilateral relations, the festival will dedicate a showcase to French company Gaumont. Other special programs include a David Bowie tribute, and a Nakashima Tetsuya retrospective.

BiFan will also take a look back on its own past twenty years through a program titled 20 Years, 20 Favorites. The section features earlier works of major film makers including Darren Aronofskys Requiem for a Dream, Christopher Nolans Memento, and Na Hong-jins The Chaser.

The festivals industry program, BiFan Industry Gathering, will feature its signature project market Network of Asian Fantastic Films, as well as two new sections Korea Now and Made in Asia. NAFF recently announced its line-up and included a spotlight on five Malaysian projects. Newly launched, Korea Now is intended to further boost the rise of the Korean film industry, which the festival styles as K-Movie syndrome. Other objectives are to trigger a discussion on freedom of expression and to accelerate Korea-China co-production.

Genre films that were considered B-movies have since become mainstream in Korea. We are interested in reflecting that trend, and (reflecting) what is taking place in neighboring Asian countries, said Jay Kim, general manager of the festival.

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Los Angeles (AFP) - A fast-spreading fire in central California has destroyed at least 80 buildings and is threatening 1,500 more, prompting the evacuation of 10 neighborhoods, the authorities said Thursday night.

The fire three hours north of Los Angeles -- dubbed the Erskine fire -- had spread to an estimated 5,000 acres (20 square kilometers), prompting the mobilization of hundreds of firefighters, the news website Inciweb said.

The authorities closed several highways and evacuated two schools and a retirement home in the agricultural and oil region after the blaze started Thursday afternoon due to unknown causes.

The blaze is "extremely dangerous, extremely volatile," Kern County Fire Captain Tyler Townsend told the Los Angeles Times. "It's one of the most devastating I've ever seen."

California is experiencing a record five-year drought. Trees and brush are at risk of igniting from the smallest spark.

Temperatures that climbed to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) earlier this week increased the risk of fire.

More than fourteen large fires are currently raging in the United States, mostly in the southwest, where a record heat wave left at least five dead earlier this week.
By Rory Carroll

SAN FRANCISCO, June 23 (Reuters) - Staff for California's air regulator on Thursday recommended the state extend its carbon cap and trade system beyond 2020, a move supported by utilities and some environmental groups but opposed by environmental activists representing low income communities.

The show of support comes after the state failed to sell any permits covering 2016 emissions at a recent state-run auction and market participants await the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the program.

Market regulators maintained that selling the permits, the proceeds of which fund low carbon programs like the state's bullet train, is not the primary point of the program - cutting carbon emissions is.

"The fact that there were allowances that were offered at auction but weren't sold doesn't say anything about the overall success of the program," said Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board (ARB), suggesting industries were keeping a lid on carbon emissions rather than buying permits to emit more.

ARB staff on Thursday said the state is on track to meet its 2020 emissions reduction target of returning to 1990 levels and signaled its support for an extension of the carbon pricing program out to 2030, when cuts will have to be much deeper.

Legislation that would pave the way for the program to continue into the future has yet to come up to a vote and the exact level of support by lawmakers is unclear. The legislature also has yet to appropriate about $3 billion in cap and trade revenues.

Katie Valenzuela Garcia, an activist who sits on the board's Environmental Justice Advisory Committee, said the program should not continue without significant changes.

"I'm concerned by preliminary data from the adaptive management tool that show that the gross numbers for cap and trade facilities are going up," she said, arguing that industries are buying carbon permits so they can maintain or increase emissions from plants.

Story continues

She and others on the committee worry that carbon markets give companies the flexibility to keep their most polluting refineries and factories open and said those facilities are often located in low income communities of color.

An ARB staff member on Thursday said Washington state intends to allow businesses there to use California permits to meet that state's emission reduction goal, a move that could boost demand for California carbon permits.

The fact that Washington wants to include California permits in its program is a testament to the state's leadership on environmental issues, Nichols said.

California will release a draft of its plan to cut emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 later this summer. The plan is expected to include cap and trade.

(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Andrew Hay)
By Prak Chan Thul PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodia deported 25 Taiwanese nationals wanted on fraud charges to China on Friday, ignoring attempts by Taiwanese officials to have them returned to Taiwan. A team of 90 Chinese police arrived in Phnom Penh to pick up the 25 Taiwanese nationals and another 14 Chinese nationals detained in Cambodia over suspected involvement in internet and telephone fraud. The detainees, some in tears, were forced to squat on the tarmac as the police searched them, removed their belongings and handcuffed them. "Ninety Chinese police came here and picked them up themselves from the airport," Cambodian immigration officer Uk Heisela told Reuters. Cambodia, one of China's closest allies, detained the Taiwanese and Chinese nationals in coordination with Chinese authorities who are attempting to halt the proliferation of scams that have cost billions of dollars. Cambodia does not have official relations with self-ruled Taiwan and considers the island part of "one China", in line with Beijing which considers the island a breakaway province. "Please, don't consider Cambodia as a hiding place or for doing illegal businesses," Heisela said, confirming that the Taiwanese nationals were deported under the one-China policy. Taiwan's foreign ministry said it was "deeply unsatisfied" with the way Cambodia handled the case. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China was appreciative of Cambodia's handling of the issue under the "one China" principle and that the suspects would have their rights guaranteed. Cambodia has deported more than 200 people suspected of involvement in fraud rings to China since November. Human Rights Watch said the group should have been allowed to appeal the decision to deport them in court. "Sending a SWAT-style team to bundle these Taiwan and China nationals away without any sort of hearing or appeal process clearly demonstrates that China thinks that international laws and standards somehow don't apply to them," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy director in Asia. China is Cambodia's largest foreign investor and Cambodia is one of Beijing's staunchest regional allies. (Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing and J.R. Wu in Taipei; Editing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Nick Macfie)
Cambodia deported 25 Taiwanese nationals wanted on fraud charges to China Friday, a police officer said, despite vehement opposition from Taipei which wanted the suspects returned to Taiwan.

Taipei accuses Beijing of "abducting" its citizens from countries that do not recognise the island's government -- such as close China ally Cambodia.

"The Chinese plane just took off from the Phnom Penh airport with the suspects," Cambodian immigration officer Uk Heisela told AFP.

He added that the 25 Taiwanese suspects were joined by 14 Chinese nationals, all of whom were recently arrested for allegedly running a telephone fraud scam targeting victims on the mainland.

"Chinese police came with the plane. Each suspect was escorted by two Chinese police," he added.

Taiwan's foreign ministry slammed the move Friday and said Cambodia went ahead with the deportation "despite strong demand from our side".

"The foreign ministry expresses its strong dissatisfaction about the handling and has instructed our representative office in Ho Chi Minh city to express our serious concerns and deep regrets to the Cambodian side," it said in a statement.

It added that Cambodia faces significant pressure from Beijing to uphold its 'one China' policy.

A foreign ministry spokeswoman said Taiwan was only aware of 18 nationals on board the plane, though Cambodian police insist the number is 25, including ten who were not carrying passports.

China considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though the island has ruled itself since 1949 following a civil war split.

Taiwan insists citizens deported from third countries should be returned to the island and not to mainland China.

But Cambodia, one of Beijing's closest allies in Southeast Asia, refuses to differentiate between China and Taiwan, simply referring to nationals from the latter as "island Chinese".

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In April Malaysia and Kenya also sparked uproar in Taipei when they returned Taiwanese nationals accused of crimes to mainland China.

Observers saw the deportation cases as Beijing's effort to pressure the new Taiwanese government that took office in May.

China does not trust the traditionally pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Taiwan's new president Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly pledged to maintain the "status quo", but she also has not bowed to pressure to accept Beijing's definition of cross-strait relations.
PARIS, June 24 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister David Cameron has a 'huge responsibility' in the outcome of Britain's referendum on leaving the European Union and the negotiations following the vote will take years, Publicis Chief Executive Officer Maurice Levy said on Friday.

"David Cameron has a huge responsibility," Levy told Reuters in a telephone interview. "We're entering unchartered territory. It's a wake-up call," he said, calling for other European top leaders in France, Germany and Italy to build a "more cohesive" European Union.

The CEO of the world's third-largest advertising company predicted that the city of Frankfurt in Germany would probably benefit from the British vote as a financial center.

Publicis, which generates about seven percent of its revenue in Britain, will not be impacted by Britain's decision to leave the EU, Levy said. The impact on the European economy will be much more limited than the one that followed the financial crisis of 2008, he added.

(Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain; Editing by Geert De Clercq)
LONDON (Reuters) - There is little appetite among the majority of Conservative lawmakers to depose Prime Minister David Cameron who should now prepare to negotiate Britain's exit from the European Union, Vote Leave chief Matthew Elliott told Reuters. "I can detect little appetite among Conservative MPs for the prime minister to go: the vast majority want him to be the one who stays in place and implements this decision," Elliott, who is not a lawmaker, said of Britain's vote to leave the EU. "There is no need to implement Article 50 straight away - in fact it would be foolish to do so. The best thing is to take stock of this, for the PM to talk with cabinet colleagues, with parliament and other member states." No member state has ever left and Article 50 of the EU treaty, which sets out how a state can exit the bloc, offers little detail. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge)
Ottawa (AFP) - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reached out to Britain and the European Union after Britons voted to split from the bloc, saying Canada would "continue to build relationships with both parties."

"The UK and the EU are important strategic partners for Canada with whom we enjoy deep historical ties and common values," the prime minister said in a statement.

"We will continue to build relations with both parties as they forge a new relationship."

Britain is Canada's third-largest trading partner after the United States and China, and Ottawa had supported Britain staying in the EU.

The former British colony is also seeking to finalize a free trade deal with the EU, signed in 2014.

Both the Canadian dollar and the Toronto stock market were down slightly, in response to the Brexit.

Trudeau commented, "We are well positioned to weather global market uncertainty as we have done in the past."
* Valuations seen falling, providing opportunities

* Funds big investors in UK infrastructure, real estate

* CPPIB says UK still attractive market

* OTPP says continues work on new UK opportunities

By Matt Scuffham

TORONTO, June 24 (Reuters) - Canada's largest pension funds see opportunities to invest in UK real estate and infrastructure at discounted prices following Britain's decision to leave the European Union, fund executives said on Friday.

The funds, which manage over C$1 trillion ($768 billion) of assets and are among the biggest investors in U.K. real estate and infrastructure, anticipate valuations falling as a result of Britain's decision to leave the bloc, presenting opportunities for investors willing to take a long-term view.

"The Canadian plans are great investors and I think, as opportunities present themselves, they will take advantage of them. It's at times of dislocation that people often get a really good deal," said Hugh O'Reilly, chief executive at OP Trust, one of Canada's 10 biggest public pension funds.

Canada's large pension funds have differentiated themselves from international rivals by investing directly in infrastructure and real estate as an alternative to choppy equity markets and low-yielding government bonds.

In the U.K., Canadian funds own or have a stake in assets including London City Airport, the High Speed One rail link connecting London to the Channel Tunnel, the country's National Lottery operator Camelot, Scotland's biggest gas network and the ports of Southampton and Grimsby.

Their long-term investment perspective means they can look beyond short-term volatility to invest in assets they believe will deliver strong returns in future years, executives say.

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, one of the world's biggest dealmakers and Canada's biggest public pension plan, said the fallout from the vote could provide compelling opportunities and the U.K. remained an attractive market.

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"The U.K. and Europe continue to be very important and attractive markets for us. As any investor, we have a bias to stability over uncertainty, yet periods of dislocation can present compelling opportunities that short-term investors are unable to pursue," a spokesman for the fund said.

The funds continue to view Britain as a good investment over the longer term despite concerns over the impact that the decision will have on London's standing as a financial centre.

"The economic fundamentals in the U.K. are very solid. We think there are, and may continue to be, great opportunities from an investment point of view. In terms of the position of the City (of London), I think what matters there is access to capital plus its talented people," O'Reilly said.

Lisa Lafave, senior portfolio manager at the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, another of Canada's 10 largest funds and a big investor in U.K. real estate, also said she anticipated the vote to leave would present buying opportunities.

"There may be some positive opportunities in the short-term. Timing will be important to protect from any downside," she said.

A spokeswoman for the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Canada's third-biggest public pension plan, said the fund was continuing to work on new opportunities in the U.K.

Earlier this year, a consortium of Canadian pension funds purchased London' City airport, effectively a vote of confidence in London's future as a financial centre regardless of the outcome of the vote.

($1 = 1.3024 Canadian dollars) (Editing by Alan Crosby)
By Matt Scuffham TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's largest pension funds see opportunities to invest in UK real estate and infrastructure at discounted prices following Britain's decision to leave the European Union, fund executives said on Friday. The funds, which manage over C$1 trillion ($768 billion) of assets and are among the biggest investors in U.K. real estate and infrastructure, anticipate valuations falling as a result of Britain's decision to leave the bloc, presenting opportunities for investors willing to take a long-term view. "The Canadian plans are great investors and I think, as opportunities present themselves, they will take advantage of them. It's at times of dislocation that people often get a really good deal," said Hugh O'Reilly, chief executive at OP Trust, one of Canada's 10 biggest public pension funds. Canada's large pension funds have differentiated themselves from international rivals by investing directly in infrastructure and real estate as an alternative to choppy equity markets and low-yielding government bonds. In the U.K., Canadian funds own or have a stake in assets including London City Airport, the High Speed One rail link connecting London to the Channel Tunnel, the country's National Lottery operator Camelot, Scotland's biggest gas network and the ports of Southampton and Grimsby. Their long-term investment perspective means they can look beyond short-term volatility to invest in assets they believe will deliver strong returns in future years, executives say. The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, one of the world's biggest dealmakers and Canada's biggest public pension plan, said the fallout from the vote could provide compelling opportunities and the U.K. remained an attractive market. "The U.K. and Europe continue to be very important and attractive markets for us. As any investor, we have a bias to stability over uncertainty, yet periods of dislocation can present compelling opportunities that short-term investors are unable to pursue," a spokesman for the fund said. The funds continue to view Britain as a good investment over the longer term despite concerns over the impact that the decision will have on London's standing as a financial center. "The economic fundamentals in the U.K. are very solid. We think there are, and may continue to be, great opportunities from an investment point of view. In terms of the position of the City (of London), I think what matters there is access to capital plus its talented people," O'Reilly said. Lisa Lafave, senior portfolio manager at the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, another of Canada's 10 largest funds and a big investor in U.K. real estate, also said she anticipated the vote to leave would present buying opportunities. "There may be some positive opportunities in the short-term. Timing will be important to protect from any downside," she said. A spokeswoman for the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Canada's third-biggest public pension plan, said the fund was continuing to work on new opportunities in the U.K. Earlier this year, a consortium of Canadian pension funds purchased London' City airport, effectively a vote of confidence in London's future as a financial center regardless of the outcome of the vote. (Editing by Alan Crosby)
Television makes up the majority of The Weinstein Company's business, founder Harvey Weinstein told a panel Friday at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France, where he also sang the praises of Netflix and Amazon.

"Sixty percent of our business - maybe more - is in the television business  it's going through the roof," he said, propped up by reality shows including Project Runway. And while the legendary producer has a cabinet full of Oscars, he also produces Mob Wives. "I'm embarrassed about it, but it makes so much money I have to check my integrity at the door," he joked.

The company will produce seven or eight more TV projects by the end of next year, he said. The shift has changed not only the company that was built on Oscars, but his own attitude of how to approach projects, Weinstein said.

"I can just say, 'War & Peace? Two more hours.' 'Doctor Thorne? Another hour.' In fact, in the U.K. it was three episodes, but [creator] Julian [Fellowes] and I though it should be four, and so we did it," he said. (That show airs on Amazon.)

The critical reaction to his Marco Polo series for Netflix has not been strong - Weinstein cited a particularly brutal New York Times review as the worst of his career - but he pointed out that the show is still a hit for the SVOD service.

Read More: Cannes Lions: Will Smith Says Hollywood "Smoke and Mirrors" Marketing "Is Over"

"In television, the critics can't kill you," Weinstein said. "If people watch one they will watch two or three. Netflix is paramount in that."

Both Netflix and Amazon have "improved the business greatly," he said, reinvigorating creativity in programming by taking on risky projects such as Amazon's Transparent and taking up the space that the mid-budget indie movie used to occupy.

Behemoths Google and Apple will be next to take a bite out of television, Weinstein predicted. "We're at the stage where Netflix and Amazon are producing, Google and Apple are not far behind," he said. "They will be in the content business in the next second. They are going to emerge. They are global players and they have the pipeline.

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"The model is going through deep, deep changes and, as somebody said yesterday, you used to be able to market yourself out of a movie if it wasn't perfect. Now within three hours on social networks, if someone is in a matinee, the word is out. You have to make them great or you're not gonna last," he said.

When asked what his formula will be to add to his 82 Oscars going forward, Weinstein said his strategy of making a quality film for the theater will not change: "When I see people watching films like Pulp Fiction on their phone, I think, 'Why did I bother?'"

Read More: Amazon Prime Lands Julian Fellowes' 'Doctor Thorne' Series From Weinstein Co.

He added, "I just talked to Bob Iger at Disney recently, who is having one of the greatest streaks ever, and I said the reason you're having it is because the movies are great. They're just executed perfectly."

And Weinstein indicated that well-made studio tentpoles have affected the indie film business as well.

"For me it used to be that the studios would make a blockbuster and they were so, so bad that a week later there was space in the marketplace, so that's changed just on a business level," he said.

While TWC will not make films for phones, it is experimenting with short-form series, including a set of 10-minute shorts based on the world of his Oscar-winning movie The Artist.

The next step is also working with a big brand. "We are going to take a piece of IP and create a movie," Weinstein said, without adding details. He did say that his dream brand to do a deal with would be Coca-Cola, but wouldn't say if there was a polar bear movie in the future, for instance.

As for using data to decide what properties to make or buy, Weinstein dismissed the notion, joking: "I still use my gut. Why not? It's big enough."
TOKYO (Reuters) - Canon Inc (7751.T) Chief Executive Fujio Mitarai said on Friday he was "very dismayed" by Britain's shock decision to leave the European Union, saying the move hurt Japan's economic growth prospects.

"In Japan, while we can expect to see a temporary surge in the value of the yen, the U.K.'s decision could also bring a halt to the economic recovery that had been underway," Mitarai, head of the camera and printer maker, said in a statement.

"We look to the Japanese government to implement strong monetary measures."

Europe accounted for 28 percent of Canon's sales in 2015, although it does not provide details by country.

(Reporting by Ritsuko Ando; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
TOKYO (Reuters) - Canon Inc <7751.T> Chief Executive Fujio Mitarai said on Friday he was "very dismayed" by Britain's shock decision to leave the European Union, saying the move hurt Japan's economic growth prospects. "In Japan, while we can expect to see a temporary surge in the value of the yen, the U.K.'s decision could also bring a halt to the economic recovery that had been underway," Mitarai, head of the camera and printer maker, said in a statement. "We look to the Japanese government to implement strong monetary measures." Europe accounted for 28 percent of Canon's sales in 2015, although it does not provide details by country. (Reporting by Ritsuko Ando; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
The automotive industry, which had raised concerns over the U.K.s potential exit from the European Union, was nonetheless confident in the future of the European car market after voters backed Brexit.

As businesses around the world prepare for a new era of trade with the U.K, American and European automakers on Friday reiterated their commitment to the region. Jaguar Land Rover, the British manufacturer owned by Tata Motors (NYSE:TTM) of India, said its just business as usual and nothing will change for us, or the automotive industry, overnight.

We are a British business with a strong manufacturing base in this country, we call Britain home and we remain committed to all our manufacturing sites and investment decisions, Jaguar Land Rover said in a statement, adding that it will manage the long-term implications of the voters decision. Europe is a key strategic market for our business, comprising 20% of global sales, and we remain absolutely committed to our customers in the EU.

Automakers had been warning that the industry would face economic uncertainty if Brexit became a reality. Toyota (NYSE:TM) wondered aloud if cars built in the U.K. would be hit with tariffs of 10%, equal to the tax paid on U.S. cars shipped to EU countries. Toyota exports nearly 90% of its U.K.-made vehicles, and 75% of production supports sales in the EU. Including all makes, the U.K. exported 77% of the 1.59 million vehicles built there in 2015.

On Friday, Toyota issued a statement saying it will closely monitor and analyse the impact on our business operations in the U.K., and how we can maintain competitiveness and secure sustainable growth together with the UK automotive industry and other stakeholders.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, a group representing U.K. car companies and suppliers, called for the U.K. government to secure tariff-free trade deals with the rest of Europe and other global markets.

A poll released in March by the SMMT revealed that only 9% of its members supported Leave.

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The British public has chosen a new future out of Europe. Government must now maintain economic stability and secure a deal with the EU which safeguards U.K. automotive interests, said Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Ford (NYSE:F), the two largest U.S. automakers, are among the top sellers across the pond. The top marque in the U.K. this year is Ford, which has a 12.9% share of the car market, according to SMMT data on new-car registrations. GMs Vauxhall brand holds second place at 10.1%.

In a statement, General Motors said its important for trade negotiations between the U.K. and EU to conclude in a timely manner.

It is also important that business continues to benefit from the free movement of goods and people during this period, GM added. Communication on the development of the future relationship with the EU should also be clear and transparent. We fully support remaining part of the European Economic Area.

Ford, which directly employs 14,000 people in the U.K., promised to continue working with U.K. and EU institutions to ensure they understand our concerns which mirror those of the majority of the U.K. and European auto industry.

While Ford will take whatever action is needed to ensure that our European business remains competitive and keeps to the path toward sustainable profitability, we have made no changes to our current investment plans and will not do so unless there is clear evidence that action is needed, the company said.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (NYSE:FCAU) echoed recent remarks made by its CEO, Sergio Marchionne, who said a Brexit would be not that disastrous for the Italian-American company.

The U.K.s exit from the European Union is not expected to have significant impact on FCA, either in industrial or other terms, although the result of the referendum raises questions about the future of Europe, said a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles spokesperson in Italy. Particularly the fact that FCA NV is tax resident in the U.K. is not expected to have financial consequences or require changes in the Groups governance, given the worldwide global distribution of FCAs operating activities and locations.

Related Articles
The murmur of lapping ocean waves and the crash of breaking surf are familiar to any beachgoer. But scientists recently discovered a remarkable ocean sound unlike any other, produced by a unique combination of water movement and underwater geography in the Caribbean Sea.

While the sound is at a frequency inaudible to human ears  about 28 octaves below the lowest note on a piano, according to the researchers  it can be detected in space, from the disruptions it causes in Earth's gravity field.

Bounded by South America, Central America and the Caribbean islands, the semi-enclosed basin of the Caribbean Sea acts like the body of a giant whistle, the scientists wrote in the study. And what produces the sound is a recurring but very slow-moving and low-amplitude wave pattern that travels the length of the sea in a 120-day cycle. [Video: 'Whistling' Ocean 'Heard' in Space]

Known as a Rossby wave, its motion combines with pressure on the sea bottom to generate an inaudible solo that resonates from the basin, much like how air blown into a whistle produces a melodic toot.

"When you blow a whistle, you hear something because the air oscillates  pulses in and out of the whistle  and radiates a wave," the study's lead author Chris Hughes, a researcher at the National Oceanography Centre in Liverpool, in the United Kingdom, told Live Science.

"In this case, the water is pulsing in and out of the Caribbean Sea. As the mass of water changes over time, we can detect that oscillating mass from the impact it has on Earth's gravity field," he said.

Motion of the ocean

The researchers' discovery was part of a larger project called "Weighing the Ocean," which aims to measure changes in the mass of all the oceans on Earth over time. Hughes, a professor of sea-level science at the University of Liverpool, explained that as masses of ocean water shift, satellites can detect small changes in Earth's gravity field in response.

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Instruments told them that ocean-bottom pressure in the tropics was consistent throughout the year  with one exception.

"We had one particular instrument in the Caribbean Sea that was behaving differently, and we didn't know why," Hughes said.

Highly detailed computer models of ocean activity  with "hundreds of millions of grid points"  all showed the same thing: in the Caribbean Sea, the slow but steady momentum of the Rossby wave recurred in a pattern, Hughes said. It traveled across the length of the sea, and every 120 days it would dissipate at the western boundary and then reappear in the east, starting its journey westward all over again, the researchers discovered. [Sea Science: 7 Bizarre Facts About the Ocean]

A cog in Earth's climate engine

The A-flat note generated in the basin  dubbed the "Rossby whistle" by the scientists  is certainly interesting, but there are more practical applications that could arise from knowing about this wave pattern, such as to help predict sea level change and the risks of flooding, Hughes said.

"Because this oscillation takes 120 days and keeps oscillating over long time scales, it might be possible to predict what sea levels along the South American coast could be doing many months in advance," Hughes explained. "Quite small changes in what we call "mean sea level"  over a long time scale  can make a big difference in the probability of floods that result from storms and more rapid changes," he said.

The oscillation could even have implications for Earth's climate engine, Hughes added.

As soon as the current leaves the Caribbean Sea, it enters the Gulf of Mexico and becomes the current in the Gulf Stream, the fast-moving and powerful Atlantic Ocean current that is a major part of the climate system.

"This whistle effect is sucking energy out of the current as it goes through the Caribbean Sea," Hughes said. "That might actually have an influence on how the Gulf Stream and the whole climate system operates."

The findings were published online Sunday (June 19) in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Original article on Live Science.

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From Popular Mechanics

Around 241 million visually impaired people around the world earn less than the equivalent of $1,045 a year. But 80 percent them could be cured if they had the money and access to the right doctors.

Statistics like these can feel permanent, but those numbers were unacceptable to Larry Brilliant (yes, that's his real name), co-founder of the Seva Foundation, which focuses on eliminating blindness worldwide. His organization's work on correcting visual impairment in poor countries the focus of a new HBO documentary Open Your Eyes, which debuts on July 18.

Open Your Eyes follows a three-day period in which a Nepalse wife and husband, both severely visually impaired for more than a decade, undergo surgery correcting one of their eyes. The wife cannot remember what her husband's face looks like and has never seen her grandchildren. But the film also follows another, broader story: one of the technological advancement that allowed the cost of cataract surgery to fall from $500 to $2.

Brilliant, who prefers going by Larry, founded Seva in 1978, taking its cues from the Northern California culture just starting to recognize technology's role in changing global problems (Steve Jobs was an early advisor, and gave the Foundation an Apple II to analyze eye care survey results).

It was a dose of brutal honesty that helped Larry realize how technology and public health must intertwine. He once told a colleague that Seva was going to give poor people with vision problems back their sight. "He yelled at me, in front of his class. 'That's not f**king appropriate technology! It costs $500 to do that!'" Larry says. "And I said, 'What if it was two dollars? Would that make appropriate?'" Brilliant realized his goal would be driving down the cost of eye surgery so somebody making 50 cents a day could use it.

Larry's work began with Harold Ridley's intraocular lens (IOL), one of the 20th century's unsung marvels, which is still used to treat cataracts. The IOL emerged out of the chaos of World War II. Ridley was a doctor in the British Royal Air Force, and during one sortie, a fellow pilot forgot to wear his flight goggles. A German bullet hit his plane, and splinters of acrylic plastic lodged in his eyes. Ridley, a surgeon before the war, operated once the mission was over. He noticed that the acrylic plastic caused no inflammation in the eye-it was not rejected as a foreign object as happens with wood or metal.

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After the war, Ridley tried to put that discovery to use. But his early efforts with IOLs were mostly failures. By the 1950's, there was a joke that Ridley's lenses worked better as IUDs than IOLs. As the technology changed, better lenses emerged. The IOL improved but it remained expensive. David J. Apple and John Sims, ophthalmologists writing in Survey of Ophthalmology, wrote in 1996 that "implantation of lOLs on a wide scale in the rural areas of these [developing] countries is still an impossible dream, mainly for socioeconomic reasons."

When Seva began its mission to make this technology more affordable, the first step was to change where the products were produced. The group bought a factory in Florida. "We took it apart in Florida, shipped it-many of us carried parts it-to southern India," says Brilliant. Waiting for him there was Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy, known as Dr. V. Venkataswamy had become known for starting the Aravind Hospitals, which used paying patients to subsidize poorer ones. Aravind was also known for its aggressive expansion; Dr. V openly spoke of McDonald's as an inspiration.

"That's not f**king appropriate technology! It costs $500 to do that!"

"The folks at Aravind were amazing," Brilliant recalls. "They were the cleanest, most meticulous. They had a zero infection rate in their hospital." That reputation has remained consistent throughout the years. "Aravind is now the largest, and I would say best, eye hospital in the entire world," Brilliant says. Larry credits Ridley with inventing the IOL, but he credits Dr. V with bringing it to scale.

"We started off by bringing one manufacturing plant that could make a pretty thick piece of plastic that you could put in the eye, that was a tremendous improvement," Brilliant says. "We started getting tens of thousands of patients." And when Aravind and Seva bought more manufacturing plants, that brought another major change. "We got the foldable ocular lens," say Brilliant. "You just put it in with a needle and then the eye would puff up." Thanks to its manufacturing scale, Aurolab, Aravind's manufacturing wing, has been able to bring down the cost of a lens to around $1.60, Brilliant estimates.

Open Your Eyes deals with the consequences of this history. These cost reductions allow a hospital in Nepal, which neighbors India, to have one day of free surgeries a month. These surgeries allow for the Neplese husband and wife to travel to the hospital and see each other for the first time in over a decade.

As director Irene Taylor Brodsky notes, what's really striking about correcting someone's vision is how it allows people to see themselves. "It really shifted their perspective and understanding of their age and understanding of their lives. They both joked that, after all these years, they have the hands of a dead men," she says. "You want to see other people, but you also want to see yourself."
Celebrities around the world have responded to the U.K.s historic decision to leave the E.U., where the Friday morning confirmation that the Leave campaign had won with 52% to 48% for Remain sent shock waves around the world.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, a strong Remain supporter, took to Twitter and said Scotland will be seeking a new independence referendum.





Many couldnt help themselves and poked fun at the sterlings dramatic plunge  among them former Swedish Prime Minister, Carl Bildt.

Musician Cher said Brexit is the best decision for the British public, followed by a retraction: How Could I Have Been So Blind.





Edward Snowden remarked on what the vote means for the rest of the world.



Piers Morgan says the decision to leave shows why Donald Trump has a good chance of winning the presidency.





Performer Lily Allen did not mince her words but was more restrained here.

Richard Branson called it a sad day for Britain but its people would get through it.





British comedian and Remain supporter, James Cordon, was among the many expressing sheer disappointment.

Film-maker Michael Moore asked Europe to take the U.S.

Ryan Seacrest called it a day for the history books

As expected, supporters of the Remain campaign like Daily Mail columnist, Katie Hopkins, posted messages of triumph.
Don Lemon (Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)



In college during the 80s at Louisiana State University, CNN anchor Don Lemon recalled being deeply closeted   a gay man among his friends, mostly straight frat guys  but he was always interested in the gay bar nearby. However, he was not interested in having people see him entering or leaving the venue.

After I finally built up the liquid courage to do it, I never turned back, Lemon, 50, explained to the New York Times in a story about gay celebrities talking about their first experiences at gay bars. The eclectic music, the light show, the cute guys milling about, the club kids dancing on speakers: It was gay heaven! I didnt have to pretend anymore. I was finally at home.

On Friday, in a move that shows how things have changed, President Obama designated The Stonewall Inn  site of the 1969 rebellion credited with igniting the modern movement for gay rights  a national monument. On June 28, 1969, about 200 people refused to cooperate with police after one of their regular raids on the bar in New York Citys Greenwich Village. Instead, the people rioted in what has been called the Rosa Parks moment for the gay community.

Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights, Obama said in a statement. I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country, the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us. That we are stronger together. That out of many, we are one.

Related: Out and Proud in Hollywood

Obamas announcement comes 11 days after the shocking mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., that left 49 people dead and 53 others injured. The tragic event has not only prompted a new national conversation about gun control but also one about the importance of gay bars as a place of joy, discovery  and, at times, shelter for the LGBTQ community.

CNNs Anderson Cooper, who broke down on-air while reading the names of the victims at Pulse, underscored the importance of such a place.

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Anderson Cooper (Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

I cant tell you how many bars and clubs Ive been to over the years, the 49-year-old told the newspaper. Every gay man in America remembers the first time they went to a gay bar and how they felt.

Designer Alexander Wang, 32, certainly does.

Alexander Wang (Photo: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for Time)



The first gay club I went to was probably when I was 16. It was called City Nights in San Francisco, he told the Times. I remember I would have to get a fake ID as it was an 18-and-over club. But all my friends were older at that point because I lived by myself in S.F. and made friends from just going out. Night life was my escape from the day to day. I would go every Thursday: hip-hop night. I was very lucky to have the community I grew up in be so supportive.

For Andy Cohen of Watch What Happens: Live, gay bars were a place to feel at home.

Andy Cohen (Photo: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images for Parsons School of Design/The New School)



I used to sneak away from my straight friends at Boston University and go to Chaps (gay bars often have hypermasculine names) in Bostons Back Bay, said Cohen, 48. It was quite literally like stepping into another world. When I moved to New York in 1990, the Works on Columbus Avenue and Uncle Charlies on Greenwich Avenue were where I built a community of friends. Pre-Internet, gay bars were integral in our social development. They were an escape from the (often unfriendly) outside world, packed every night of the week, and everyone inside was a friend.

MSNBCs Rachel Maddow, 43, confessed that she used a fairly terrible fake ID to get into the venues when she was a teenager.

Rachel Maddow (Photo: Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

I was 17 years old, and equally scared of being caught for being underage, and of being recognized by anyone I knew, she said. I dont even think I ordered a beer. I just remember frantically playing pinball and not speaking to anyone the whole time I was there. That fake ID was my lifeline for years because it got me into the only places where I could find the gay community that I so wanted to be part of. Gay bars and clubs were the alpha and the omega for me then.

Actress Jane Lynch, 55, recalled that her first trip to a gay bar was intimidating.

Jane Lynch (Photo: Todd Williamson/Getty Images)



The first gay bar I ever went to was the Cubbyhole when it was on Hudson Street in the West Village [of New York], she said. It would have been around 1984, which made me 23-ish and I was fresh out of graduate school. I looked very straight and very Midwestern cornfed. I walked around the block before I got the nerve to go in because the lady bouncers looked so fearsome and eyed me suspiciously. When I finally tried to walk in, the door lady stopped me and asked: Do you know where you are? This is a lesbian bar.

Yeah, I know, I said nonchalantly, as if Id been walking into dyke bars since the beginning of time, Lynch said.

Rosie ODonnell recalled wanting to go to a gay bar so badly as a teenager that she hid where she was really going.

Rosie ODonnell (Photo: Rommel Demano/Getty Images)



It was 1980, maybe 1981. I was  19, living at my dads home in Commack, Long Island. My neighbor was housing a relative from England for the summer. We were both gay newbies, the 54-year-old ODonnell told the newspaper. There was only one gay club that we knew of. I think it was called Thunders. In French the word for lightning is eclair. How I remembered that from ninth grade French? No idea. I asked my dad if I could use the car to go out. Where to? he asked (at 10 p.m. on a Friday night). The bakery, I said, to get eclairs. Silence, and then, he said OK. Peter and I drove the dented white Volare to the strip mall in Commack. We danced the night away  drinking Bud Light. I felt happy and free. On the way home we made sure to stop at the Candlelight diner  around 2 a.m.  to pick up eclairs. Dad was clueless. From that day on, bakery was our code word for gay bar.

Maybe one day soon a code word wont be needed.
By Kieran Guilbert DAKAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A farming technique practised for centuries in West Africa, which transforms nutrient-poor rainforest soil into fertile farmland, could combat climate change and revolutionise farming across the continent, researchers said on Tuesday. Adding kitchen waste and charcoal to tropical soil can turn it into fertile, black soil which traps carbon and reduces emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, according to a study carried out by the University of Sussex in England. The soils produced by the 700-year-old practice, known as "African dark earths", contain up to 300 percent more organic carbon than other soils, and are capable of supporting far more intensive farming, said the anthropologist behind the study. "Mimicking this ancient method has the potential to transform the lives of thousands of people living in some of the most poverty and hunger stricken regions in Africa," said James Fairhead, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Sussex. The research was carried out by anthropologists and soil scientists who lived with communities in Liberia and Ghana while analysing almost 200 sites across the countries, the study said. A previous top-down approach from the scientific community and lack of engagement with African farmers may explain why such a simple method had not been studied until now, Fairhead said. "Relations of power in West Africa had been hiding the skills and wisdom of local farmers," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "Scientists need to pay more attention and respect to existing practices, especially if these practices can boost food production and sequester carbon." Similar soils created by pre-Columbian era inhabitants of Brazil's Amazon forest have recently been discovered, said Dawit Solomon, author of the study published last week in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Environment. "What is most surprising is that ... these two isolated indigenous communities living far apart in distance and time were able to achieve something that the modern-day agricultural management practices could not achieve until now," he said. An estimated 180 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are affected by soil degradation, which costs them $68 billion a year, according to a 2014 report by Agriculture for Impact. Climate change, desertification, the depletion of mineral nutrients, improper use of fertiliser and a lack of infrastructure are compounding the problem, the report found. (Reporting By Kieran Guilbert, Editing by Emma Batha. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)
London (AFP) - Chanting and cheering, "Leave" supporters hailed early victories in the EU referendum at a lavish party in London featuring a large cake decorated with a champagne bottle and a Union Jack flag.

Whenever a Brexit result came in, champagne corks popped as campaigners shouted out the name of the region voting in their favour at the party in the Millbank tower block in Westminster.

"The eurosceptic genie is out of the bottle and it will now not be put back," UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage said at the party.

"EU's finished, EU's dead," he said, as the cheerful crowd chanted: "Out! Out! Out!"

Arron Banks, a multi-millionaire funder of the pro-Brexit campaign, said: "I'm feeling quite confident. I think it's still all to play for."

The mood was far more subdued at the "Remain" party in London's Royal Festival Hall where supporters were glued to TV screens clutching beers -- some with their hands over their mouths.

At the Lexington bar in Angel in central London, where many "Remain" supporters had gathered, there was also a sense of suspense.

"It's tight. I do worry about the prospects of this country if we don't stay," said 20-year-old Harlan Matthews.

"I am concerned about the polarisation of the vote. Geographically, it appears to be divided."

Early results showed "Leave" victories in northern England and "Remain" wins in London.

"People in London have a different identity. We are Londoners first, then European, then British," said 33-year-old Beverly David.

"This is incredibly close. We have no idea where this is going to go," she said in the crowded bar, where some supporters wore "IN" shirts.

Julius Beltrame said: "This is a protest vote on an international scale. This is an inheritance of 30 years of neo-liberal economics."

"I never felt less British and more Londoner," the 39-year-old said.

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Ian Buerger, 26, said he had voted "Remain" but really wanted to vote "Leave".

"There are legitimate arguments on both sides. The debate has been poisonous and it doesn't end tonight," he said.

- 'Win we must' -

In Manchester, where the result was due to be declared in the 19th century town hall later on Friday, campaigners from both sides were in a tense wait in the glare of television lights.

"I'm very excited, there is definitely a buzz in the air, that's for sure and above all we don't have anything to lose," said Luke Thomson, chief of staff for a UKIP European Parliament lawmaker.

In case of Brexit, the 22-year-old admitted that he would lose his job since there would no longer be British MEPs but he said: "Yes that's fine, it's a price worth paying."

To him, the winning argument of the "Leave" campaign has been "democracy, without a doubt".

At a neighbouring table, "Remain" campaigners followed the results on their laptops.

EU supporter Neal Carmichael, Conservative MP for Stroud in Gloucestershire, said he was feeling relaxed.

"I feel excited, I feel optimistic," he said.

"We have a long way to go to be sure we have won, but win we must," he said.
BEIJING (Reuters) - The board of China-backed Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) approved $509 million in investments for its first four projects on Friday. Three of the four projects are co-financed with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the United Kingdom Department for International Development and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The projects, announced previously, are power grid upgrades in Bangladesh, slum renovation in Indonesia and highway construction in Pakistan and Tajikistan. "We are working on a number of additional projects and look forward to bringing them to our Board for its approval later this year," said AIIB president Jin Liqun. AIIB was proposed by Chinese president Xi Jinping two yaers ago and began operations in January. It counts 57 founding member countries and $100 billion in committed capital. AIIB plans to invest $1.2 billion this year. The bank is holding its first annual meeting in Beijing on Saturday. (Reporting by Beijing monitoring desk and Elias Glenn; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Kim Coghill)
By James Pearson SEOUL (Reuters) - China maintains its opposition to India joining a group of nations seeking to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons by controlling access to sensitive technology, said the head of the arms control department in China's Foreign Ministry. The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) met this week in Seoul, but China said it would not bend the rules and allow India membership as it had not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the main global arms control pact. "Applicant countries must be signatories of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT)," Wang Qun, the head of arms control department in China's Foreign Ministry, was quoted as saying in Seoul on Thursday night. "This is a pillar, not something that China set. It is universally recognized by the international community," Wang said according to a statement released by the Chinese foreign ministry on Friday. China is leading opposition to a push by the United States to bring India into the NSG which aims to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation by stopping the sale of items that can be used to make nuclear arms. The issue of India's membership was not formally discussed at the NSG meeting this week, Wang said on Friday. The United States, which has a nuclear cooperation deal with India, considers it a nuclear power that plays by the rules and is not a proliferator, and wants to bring Asia's third largest economy into the 48-member group. India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington. On Friday, on the sidelines of the plenary meeting of the NSG, Wang stressed China considered it important to handle new memberships under a consensus and that there was no move yet to allow a non-NPT state to join. "International rules will have to be respected, big or small," Wang told Reuters. "Big like NPT. Small like the rules and procedures of this group." "The important question of which we are concerned, is how to deal with the question of participation of countries within the group of non-NPT states. It's a formidable task." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue on Thursday at a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a regional summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, but there was no breakthrough. One diplomat at the NSG plenary in Seoul said the groups outgoing chairman, Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi, would act as a facilitator to continue to search for an accession deal. Opponents argue that granting India membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate India's rival Pakistan, an ally of China's, which has responded to India's membership bid with one of its own. Pakistan joining would be unacceptable to many, given its track record. The father of its nuclear weapons program ran an illicit network for years that sold nuclear secrets to countries including North Korea and Iran. (Reporting by James Pearson in Seoul and Michael Martina in Beijing; Writing by Jack Kim; Editing by Michael Perry)
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China, Russia and Mongolia signed a development plan on Thursday to build an economic corridor that will boost transport links and economic cooperation among the three neighbours, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The plan comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping said Chinese companies invested nearly $15 billion (10.38 billion pounds) in countries participating in Beijing's new Silk Road initiative last year, up one-fifth from 2014.

The plan was signed by Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj in the Uzbekistan capital of Tashkent.

Xi called on the three countries to build the economic corridor, strengthen cooperation in transportation infrastructure connectivity, port construction, industrial capacity, investment, trade and economy, cultural exchanges and environmental protection in an effort to expedite results, Xinhua said late Thursday.

"We three sides should actively engage in the discussion of building cross-border economic cooperation zones, enhance industrial tie-in, boost sub-regional cooperation in our adjacent areas, and promote the common development of our adjacent areas," Xinhua reported Xi saying.

(Reporting by Engen Tham; Editing by Sam Holmes)
Michael Corbat Brian Moynihan

Citigroup CEO Michael Corbat is attempting to reassure employees following Britain's surprise decision on Thursday to leave the European Union.

In an internal memo sent to staff on Friday, the chief executive said the bank has been preparing for this outcome since last year.

In addition to the volatility and potential broader economic implications spurred by Brexit, it could also hurt global banks like Citi because many of them have large workforces in the UK.



Citi employs more than 9,000 people in the UK. Its shares are leading declines among the biggest US banks in the wake of the news  down 8% as of 12:23 p.m. in New York.

London-based employees who are not British citizens are now facing uncertainty about the future of their immigration status in the UK, and some firms might consider moving their European headquarters out of London.

Here is the full memo, which was cosigned by Jim Cowles, the CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa:

"You are no doubt aware that yesterday, after a long and thorough debate, the British public has voted to leave the European Union.

"The UK is unlikely to formally exit the EU for at least two years, and during this period there will be no change in the way Citi is able to conduct its business.

"Last year, we created a group of senior leaders from across our businesses and functions to ensure we were prepared for this possible outcome. While the result of the vote is not what we would have preferred, our diligent work over the past six months means we can be confident that Citi is well positioned to continue to serve our clients.

"One thing that is very clear today is that our clients need our support. Yesterday's vote is having significant repercussions within the financial markets, which could affect the UK economy. This is a critical time for our client relationships, and we ask that you provide clients with all possible support as they work through how yesterday's vote affects them.

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"For those EU nationals currently working in the UK and UK nationals in the EU, the outcome of the vote has no immediate effect on the terms of your employment. Should you have additional questions, please contact your manager or your local HR representative.

"We will update you regularly throughout this upcoming period. Thank you for your hard work, continued focus and all that you do for our clients."

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This clever teacher used apples to teach kids about bullying, and now her lesson is going viral

This clever teacher used apples to teach kids about bullying, and now her lesson is going viral

Rosie Dutton, a relaxation and mindfulness instructor in the UK, just taught a very important lesson to a room full of children  and now its going viral on Facebook. Dutton brought two apples into the classroom, and the apples looked identical on the outside. They were both red, round, and nearly perfect-looking; however, one of them had a secret.

[T]he children didnt know this, but before the class I had repeatedly dropped one of the apples on the floor, you couldnt tell, both apples looked perfect, she wrote in her Facebook post. We talked about the apples and the children described how both apples looked the same; both were red, were of similar size and looked juicy enough to eat.

Then, Dutton took the apple shed dropped and said mean things to it, in front of the entire classroom. She insulted its appearance, its intelligence, and asked students to do the same as she passed it around the room. You can imagine what happened next  she took the apple that she hadnt dropped, and said nice things to it, and had the students follow suit.

After the round of insults and compliments, she cut the apples open, and the children surveyed the insides of the apples. The apple that had received compliments looked perfect and delicious, while the apple that had been insulted looked bruised and nearly inedible.

They really got it, what we saw inside that apple, the bruises, the mush and the broken bits is what is happening inside every one of us when someone mistreats us with their words or actions, Dutton wrote.

This was a really clever way to teach the kids about bullying  we often cant see the damage we do to each other on the outside, but when you look inside, there it is. It really got the kids in the classroom thinking, and maybe other teachers will start to use this lesson, too.

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You can see her whole Facebook post here, which at this point has 172k reactions and 202k shares.

Today in one of our classes I introduced the children to two apples (the children didn't know this, but before the class... Posted by Relax Kids Tamworth on Tuesday, June 21, 2016

The post This clever teacher used apples to teach kids about bullying, and now her lesson is going viral appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Hillary Clinton Gives Economic Address In Columbus, Ohio

Hillary Clinton reacted to the United Kingdom's historic vote to exit the European Union, saying in a Friday statement that the "first task" of US leaders must be to ensure the fallout does not economically harm Americans.

"We respect the choice the people of the United Kingdom have made," the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said.

Clinton continued: "Our first task has to be to make sure that the economic uncertainty created by these events does not hurt working families here in America."

The UK shocked the world on Thursday when it voted to bolt the EU. Markets plunged into chaos, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would resign his post later this year.

Clinton said it was important the US "make clear America's steadfast commitment to the special relationship with Britain and the transatlantic alliance with Europe."

She also took a swipe at her Republican opponent, Donald Trump.

"This time of uncertainty only underscores the need for calm, steady, experienced leadership in the White House to protect Americans' pocketbooks and livelihoods, to support our friends and allies, to stand up to our adversaries, and to defend our interests," Clinton said. "It also underscores the need for us to pull together to solve our challenges as a country, not tear each other down."

President Barack Obama shared a similar sentiment, saying Friday that "the people of the United Kingdom have spoken" and "we respect their decision."

Trump, however, took a starkly different position. The New York businessman cheered the UK's decision and drew parallels between the so-called Brexit vote and US general election.

"They took their country back, just like we will take America back," he said.

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By Chris Kahn NEW YORK (Reuters) - Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton regained a double-digit lead over Republican rival Donald Trump this week, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Friday. The June 20-24 poll showed that 46.6 percent of likely American voters supported Clinton while 33.3 percent supported Trump. Another 20.1 percent said they would support neither candidate. Trump had enjoyed a brief boost in support following the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, as he doubled down on his pledge to ban Muslims from entering the country, cutting Clinton's lead to nine points. But Trump's rise in popularity appeared to be only temporary, unlike his lasting surge among the Republican field last year after the attacks in Paris and in San Bernardino, California. Clinton's 13.3 percentage point lead is about the same as she had before the Orlando attack. Trump's slip this week came as he struggled to show that he can keep up with a Clinton campaign apparatus that has dwarfed his in size and funding. Campaign finance disclosures released earlier this week showed Trump started June with a war chest of just $1.3 million, a fraction of Clinton's $42 million. Trump sought to ease concerns among his allies by saying that he could tap his "unlimited" personal wealth if needed, and also by bolstering efforts to raise money through fundraising events and online donations. Meanwhile, Republican leaders including House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker continued to express reservations about their new standard bearer, who has angered some in the party with his fiery rhetoric. Ryan and Walker both said over the past week that they felt Republicans should follow their "conscience" when deciding to support the party's likely nominee, instead of urging party members to support him. The poll only captured some of the voter reaction to Britain's decision in Thursday's referendum to exit the European Union, a move that some pundits say suggests Trump's insurgent candidacy has tapped into a broad and powerful anti-globalization wave sweeping Western countries. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online and included interviews with 1,201 likely voters in all 50 states. It has a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of 3.3 percentage points. (Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Leslie Adler)
* Shares in UK banks, asset managers sink

* UK financial industry employs 2.2 million people

* Banks fear losing right to serve EU customers

* Some argue sector would bloom outside the EU (Adds Wall Street bank shares falling, bankers bracing for M&A drought)

By Sinead Cruise, Andrew MacAskill and Lawrence White

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's 2.2 million financial industry workers face years of uncertainty and the risk of thousands of job cuts after the country voted to quit the European Union, an upheaval that threatens London's dominance of finance.

The 'Vote Leave' campaign fronted by a slew of Conservative lawmakers and financial industry veterans claimed victory over its 'Britain Stronger in Europe' rival, after 52 percent of Britons voted to support their plan to leave the 28-nation club.

The news hammered the stock values of banks from mainland Europe to Wall Street giants with large operations in London, pushing job security fears to levels unseen since the financial crisis of 2008.

Some of Europe's top lenders, from France's Societe Generale to Britain's Lloyds, saw one fifth wiped off the value of their stock. Shares of elite wealth managers Schroders, Aberdeen Asset Management and St. James's Place fell sharply.

The referendum outcome casts uncertainty over the future of Britain's financial services industry and its ability to sell products into the European Union.

All depends on the divorce between Europe and Britain, and the latter's ability to retain access to the European free market.

European government officials had said UK-based firms could lose these privileges after Brexit, a move that could prompt banks to shift some of their operations to Frankfurt, Paris or Dublin if they want to serve EU clients.

The mood in the restaurants and coffee shops in the high-rise banking hub of Canary Wharf, home to JPMorgan, Citi, HSBC and Barclays, was sober and contemplative.

Investment banks have already warned they could move thousands of jobs if Britain opts out of the EU, while the European Central Bank has signalled it could force euro trading out of London, the world's largest foreign exchange market.

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Some sought to play down fears of a hit to Britain's banking sector, pointing to contingency plans and experience navigating crises.

Goldman Sachs Chairman Lloyd Blankfein and Jes Staley, CEO of Barclays - which suffered the biggest one-day fall in its share price on record on Friday - said they would work with the authorities as the terms of the exit become clear.

HSBC Chairman Douglas Flint described work to establish fresh terms of trade with European and global partners "as complex and time consuming".

Wall Street bank Morgan Stanley said the significance of the decision would not be known for some time.

A person familiar with the matter earlier told Reuters the bank could move roughly 1,000 of its 6,000 employees currently in Britain to elsewhere in Europe if Britain quit the EU.

Jamie Dimon, CEO of rival JPMorgan, told staffers his bank may need to make changes to its European legal entity structure and the location of some roles to comply with new laws, casting a pall over its 16,000 strong workforce.

Some bankers advising companies on takeovers and initial public offerings (IPOs) have all but written off big-ticket activity for the rest of 2016, after the outcome poleaxed company valuations and executive confidence.

In Britain's second-largest financial hub of Edinburgh, the referendum result sparked talk the city could benefit.

"I am already hearing rumours from contacts in London that big financial companies are instructing lawyers to look at Edinburgh as a hub," said Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, chief executive of Business for Scotland, adding he expected a fresh Scottish independence vote by 2020.

Nearly two-thirds of voters in Scotland wanted to stay in the EU, and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday a second independence referendum is highly likely. A referendum held in 2014 was narrowly defeated.

However, the City of London Corporation, which oversees the capital's financial district, said the leave vote should not lead to a major exodus.

The British Bankers' Association Chief Executive Anthony Browne reassures people that banks across the country would be operating as normal on Friday.

"People will be able to take money out of cash machines," he said.

JOY AND PANIC

Months of bitter campaigning has left the industry - which earned the nation 190 billion pounds ($260 billion) in 2014 - divided, with investment banks and insurers pitted against many fund managers and brokers who wanted a Brexit.

Property investor Richard Tice, a co-founder of Leave.eu, a British Out campaign, and one of the few prominent City figures in favour of leaving, told Reuters he cried tears of happiness after the vote.

"There is huge joy, delight and pride. We have changed the course of history in the UK. It is very simple, everyone needs to calm down and do what we do well which is working and playing hard."

But there was little of that joy in trading rooms.

Sterling fell to its lowest level since 1985, the year before Britain's deregulation of financial markets that helped propel the City of London into one of the world's major financial centres in the so-called 'Big Bang'.

"Leave's victory has delivered one of the biggest market shocks of all time ... Panic may not be too strong a word," Joe Rundle, head of trading at ETX Capital, said.

Sources at banks said memos emailed internally to rattled employees advised them to think about clients first.

"...The juniors are freaking out. I will tell them to focus on their job and wait for the volatility to pass but the reality is much, much starker, we'll have a crash and big layoffs," a senior investment banker at a U.S. bank told Reuters.

The Bank of England said on Friday it would take all necessary steps to shield Britain's economy from the shock decision.

Some commentators said the volatility would be temporary and would soon subside when international investors drawn by a fall in sterling began to scour financial markets for bargains.

The turmoil handed a windfall to some. Crispin Odey, a billionaire hedge fund manager who backed the Brexit campaign bet on a fall in financial markets and told Reuters: "I think I may be the winner." ($1 = 0.7316 pounds) (Additional reporting by Carmel Crimmins, Richard Leong and Olivia Oran in New York, Vikram Subhedar, Freya Berry, Simon Jessop, Anjuli Davies, Carolyn Cohn, Maiya Keidan and Huw Jones in London; Editing by Rachel Armstrong, John O'Donnell and Susan Thomas)
STATEN ISLAND, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2016 / Coffee Holding Co., Inc. (JVA) ("Coffee Holding" or the "Company") announced today that it has entered into an Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Assets (the "Agreement") with Coffee Kinetics LLC, a Washington limited liability company, doing business as Sonofresco ("Sonofresco") for the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Sonofresco. Founded in 1999, Sonofresco is a manufacturer of commercial table top coffee roasters and a wholesale supplier of green coffee beans. Sonofresco's customers include retail coffee and home roasting businesses and Sonofresco oversees importers in the Asian, Australian and New Zealand markets. Revenues generated by Sonofresco are split almost equally between sales of roasting machines and sales of unroasted green coffee beans. Jerry Whitfield, the head of Sonofresco, will continue to serve as an advisor to our Sonofresco business. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close on or about June 30, 2016.

"This is a very exciting transaction for us," said Andrew Gordon, President and CEO of Coffee Holding. "Sonofresco expands our already extensive reach in sales of high end specialty gourmet Arabica coffees by giving us access to Sonofresco's significant customer base, which will more than double the number of our green coffee customers. In addition, through the synergies of this acquisition, we will be able to offer Sonofresco customers our extensive list of over 90+ specialty Arabica beans which were not available to them before. We intend to expand Sonofresco's roasting machine sales both domestically and in the overseas market using our highly scalable platform with our established relationships, market reputation and presence and our overall financial capabilities. We intend to vertically integrate Sonofresco's current business model by offering products complimentary to their table top roasters, such as grinders and espresso machines, in order to give customers a more complete turn-key roasting operation. We expect that this deal will be accretive to both our bottom and top line numbers," continued Andrew Gordon, President and CEO of Coffee Holding.

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About Coffee Holding

Coffee Holding Co., Inc. is a leading integrated wholesale coffee roaster and dealer in the United States and one of the few coffee companies that offers a broad array of coffee products across the entire spectrum of consumer tastes, preferences and price points. Coffee Holding has been a family-operated business for three generations and has remained profitable through varying cycles in the coffee industry and the economy. The Company's private label and branded coffee products are sold throughout the United States, Canada and abroad to supermarkets, wholesalers, and individually owned and multi-unit retail customers.

Forward Looking Statements

Any statements that are not historical facts contained in this release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the closing of the acquisition, the expected synergies and operating results from the Sonofresco acquisition and the Company's outlook on future operations. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements upon information available to management as of the date of this release and management's expectations and projections about certain future events. It is possible that the assumptions made by management for purposes of such statements may not materialize. Such statements may involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those relating to product demand, pricing, market acceptance, hedging activities, the effect of economic conditions, intellectual property rights, the outcome of competitive products, risks in product development, the results of financing efforts, the ability to complete transactions, and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement for events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.

Company Contact

Coffee Holding Co., Inc.

Andrew Gordon

President & CEO

718-832-0800

SOURCE: Coffee Holding Co., Inc.
Bogota (AFP) - Some 400 UN personnel will monitor a disarmament deal ending Colombia's civil war and courts will rule in July whether a referendum can be held to endorse the ceasefire, officials said Friday.

The announcements came a day after the Colombian government and the country's biggest rebel force, the FARC, signed a definitive ceasefire agreement, one of the last steps toward ending the half-century conflict.

The next step will be to sign a full peace agreement, which will launch a six-month UN-monitored disarmament process.

Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin told Radio Caracol that at least 400 UN observers would come to monitor the demobilization and disarmament. She said she expects the United Nations to fund the operation.

The estimated 7,000 members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) will gather in 23 "normalization zones" for demobilization.

Analysts cautioned that several other points of discussion remain to be settled between the two sides, including how to reintegrate FARC members into civil and political life.

The sides also have yet to agree on where the final deal would be signed.

The government wants it to happen in Bogota while the FARC prefers Havana, where the peace talks have been hosted.

"Some points remain to be negotiated, but it seems clear after yesterday's signing that there will soon be a final accord," said Arlene Tickner, an international relations expert at the University of the Andes in Bogota.

The 180-day deadline for disarmament "seems a relatively short time," she however noted.

- Full peace deal close -

President Juan Manuel Santos said ahead of Thursday's signing that he hoped for a full peace deal by July 20, though the timing remained unclear on Friday.

Holguin said the signing of the final agreement was "very, very close."

She said the constitutional court was expected to rule "around the beginning of July" on the government's call for a referendum.

Story continues

In their ceasefire accord sealed Thursday, Santos and FARC rebel chief Timoleon Jimenez promised to abide by the court's decision.

If a referendum does take place, it would be a symbolic gesture that would take place after the signing of the final peace deal.

It was not clear what would happen if Colombians rejected the deal in a referendum after it was signed.

Once the peace deal with the FARC is passed, the government will turn to planned peace talks with the country's second-biggest rebel group, the leftist National Liberation Army (ELN).

It must also carry out its pledge under the ceasefire to tackle the paramilitary groups and drug gangs that have aggravated the conflict.

"The paramilitaries are the main threat to the accords," FARC negotiator Pablo Catatumbo told reporters in Cuba where the ceasefire was signed.

The Colombian conflict started in the 1960s as a rural uprising for land rights that spawned the communist FARC.

The fighting has drawn in various leftist rebel groups, right-wing paramilitaries and drug gangs over the decades.

It has left 260,000 people dead, 45,000 missing and nearly seven million displaced, according to official figures.
Many people take the colorful world for granted, but when these colorblind brothers are exposed to every hue, shade and tone for the first time, it was overwhelming enough to make them cry.

Read: Baby Thrives Despite Being Born With His Brain Outside His Skull: 'They Expected Him To Pass Any Day'

James and Jace Papenhausen, of San Diego, are both colorblind. But their worlds became much brighter when their dad Jim Pappenhausen bought them a pair of EnChroma glasses to help them see color for the first time in their lives.

To prepare them for the big event, other family members can be seen in the video holding up colorful objects like a brightly designed beach towel, or multicolored balloons.

"Wait, what color's this?" James can be heard saying in the video before he put his glasses on as he pointed to the orange balloon. "Oh, I thought it was blue."

As he takes it all in, he begins sobbing, and wraps his arms around his younger brother.

Jace reciprocates, despite not yet having seen through the glasses, but once he puts them on, he, too, begins crying.

"It's so bright," Jace said through sobs. "It's so different. That towel is completely different."

Tthe brothers are speechless as they take in the new world around them, save for identifying some colors their mom points out.

Jace even picks up what appears to be a lime green wrapper strewn on the floor in fascination.

Read: A Colorblind Dad Sees His Children in Color for the First Time

One friend teased in the comments of jpapenhausen's video, "I want to take them to the fair and see if the green pig is still his favorite!"

According to EnChroma's website, colorblindness affects 1 in 12 men, and 1 in 200 women.

"We're had some incredible reactions from some of our users," Julie Trinh of EnChroma told InsideEdition.com

Trinh explained that not every person with colorblindness experiences the glasses immediately  many take a little longer for their eyes to adjust, and see the change more gradually.

Story continues

But, touched by their reaction, Trinh said the company sent them another pair of EnChroma glasses so the brothers could experience the new world of color together.

Watch:This Colorblind Man Sees Color For the First Time and He Can't Stop Smiling

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The 911 system is for life-threatening emergencies only  and that doesn't include getting a wrong pizza order or being "bored."

But some people have used 911 to do report such problems, which can make their call a crime. InsideEdition.com takes a look at some of the most bizarre 911 calls.

Man Calls 911 to Complain He's 'Too High,' Officers Find Him Surrounded by Junk Food

In October, an Ohio man called police to complain he was too high after smoking pot, according to reports.

Authorities were called to the home by a 22-year-old man who had smoked marijuana, according to the police report.

The officer responding to the call could reportedly hear the man groaning from a room in the house.

Read: The Walking Dead! Videos Reveal The Dangers of Smoking 'Spice' Synthetic Weed

The officer found the man on the floor in the fetal position and was surrounded by a plethora of Doritos, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish and Chips Ahoy cookies, according to the report.

The man also told the officer he couldnt feel his hands because he smoked too much weed, according to the report.

The smoker sent the cop to his car where he had allegedly smoked the drug and the officer recovered a glass pipe, rolling papers and a glass jar containing marijuana.

The unidentified man declined medical treatment and he was not charged with a crime.

Cops Say A Man Called 911 To Complain That His Girlfriend Wouldn't Have Sex With Him

A disgruntled South Carolina man called 911 in October to gripe that his girlfriend wouldn't have sex with him, according to an arrest report.

When Spartanburg Police went to Patrick Doggett's home in response to a domestic disturbance call on Wednesday, he told an officer that he had dialed 911 because his girlfriend "would not give him any a**," according to an arrest report obtained by The Smoking Gun.

His girlfriend reportedly told police the 53-year-old had been drinking all day. According to the report, she told officers that he got into bed with her "but she had her grandchild with her. He then got up and called 911, according to the report.

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Doggett was placed under arrest for public intoxication and was transported to the county jail. However, he has not been charged with dialing 911 without an emergency.

It is unclear if he has entered a plea.

Two Drug Dealers Dial 911 in Hilarious Call and Give Themselves Up

In January, police in Rexburg, Idaho, released the audio from a 911 call a year prior that came when a pair of paranoid drug dealers said they wanted to surrender because they thought undercover narcotics cops were tailing them. They weren't.

"They thought they was being followed," Rexburg Police Capt. Randy Lewis told InsideEdition.com. "Every time a car would go by, they would get out and throw up their hands. But no one stopped. Then they got irritated."

And called 911.

"Hi, uh, were the two dumb asses that got caught trying to bring some stuff through your border and all your cops are just driving around us like a bunch of jack wagons," says Leland Ayala-Doliente, 22, who was traveling in a car with Holland Sward, 23 and 20-plus pounds of marijuana, headed for Montana.

The dealers had more than 20 pounds of neatly packaged pot.

"Id just like for you guys to end it. If you could help me out with that, we would like to just get on with it," he added.

The stunned dispatcher replied: "You got caught doing what?"

The man details how the pair has drugs and a dog, and would just like to give themselves up.

Ayala-Doliente said: "And, yeah. A bunch of your cops driving around in a bunch of civilian cars not wanting to pick us up. I dont know whats the deal. I was just wondering if you could help us out and just end it."

"The dispatcher handled himself real well," Lewis said, cracking up. "He was like, 'Are you kidding me?' We get prank calls all the time. But this is just so fricking funny."

The men were convicted of drug trafficking and are currently incarcerated at a state rehab facility.

Woman Dials 911 After Pizzeria Mixes Up Toppings

On a recording of a March 911 call, a woman told the dispatcher that she had ordered a small pizza  half cheese, half bacon  from Empire Pizza in Hartford, Connecticut. Instead, she was handed a pie with half cheese, half hamburger, she said.

"I have a question," the customer, who identified herself as Ashley, said. "If I order a pizza and they don't wanna give me my money back, can you guys do something?"

The confused dispatcher replied: "Ma'am, um, I'm not sure. That's something you have to take up with them, but that's not something you would dial 911 for. 911 is for life-threatening emergencies only."

The dispatcher explained that the situation was not a police matter but Ashley kept calling back.

But she insisted she'd like an officer involved, saying if the pizzeria was able to call the police "when I went over there and started arguing," she should be able to enlist the help of an officer too.

Read: A New York City Rat Carries a Slice of Pizza In a Subway

As the call shows, the dispatcher finally gave in, and said she can have an officer meet her outside the pizzeria. "Don't go in and say anything to them until you speak with an officer," she said.

It is unclear what happened.

Officers did not comment on whether she has been charged for misusing 911, according to reports.

Woman Called 911 to Complain About Lack of Cheese on Her Pizza

"Sir, please do not call police to complain that your pizza did not have enough cheese on it."  RNC (Police) (@RNC_PoliceNL) June 17, 2016

A Canadian woman called police to complain that the pizza she received from a local restaurant did not have enough cheese on it, earlier this month.

The unidentified woman in Newfoundland, Canada, thought her pizza was unsatisfactory and wanted to do something about it.

Instead of celebrating the end of the week with a pizza, she called 911 Friday to issue the emergency," and not to the pizzeria she ordered from.

Constable Geoff Higdon of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary told the CBC: The individual had an issue with the company she bought the pizza from, and there wasn't enough cheese, and had approached the company and didn't like whatever response they had given.

I'm not sure if by calling us they assumed there was some sort of action we could take, or what the situation was, but of course we advised the individual they just needed to speak with the manager of the company and not the police.

The constable said that the dispatcher described the call as THE call  that one call that will always stick with you as completely bizarre.

There is no word on whether the woman was arrested or fined for tying up the emergency lines or if she ever called the actual pizzeria to complain.

Read: Buon Appetito! The World's Largest Pizza Makes History by Stretching More Than a Mile

Man Thinks He Hears Police Helicopters, Calls 911 to Admit to Growing Pot

In December, cops say a Florida man allegedly growing marijuana heard what he thought were police helicopters and called 911 to turn himself in  but they weren't looking for him.

Jasper Harrison, 47, was reportedly in a storage unit when he heard helicopters above him and apparently became worried they were there for him, so he called police.

But the Edgewater Police were investigating a mans death that happened to be on the same street.

The helicopter wasnt even a part of the polices brigade; It belonged to a local TV station.

Police say when he called the cops, he alerted them to his whereabouts, and when they say they arrived they found marijuana growing inside the unit.

He faces charges of cultivating cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of the drug with intent to sell. He was released from jail on bond.

According to Volusia County Court, he has not entered a plea and will have a court hearing next month.

View: America's Most Notorious Killers

Man Calls 911 to Chat About Hitler 'Because He Was Bored'

In February, police arrested a 28-year-old Florida man because he was calling 911 out of boredom, authorities say.

DeLand Police say Michael Gilman called 911 at least six times in one day, including five times in a five-hour time span, to save himself from monotony.

They say he discussed random topics such as his eligibility to vote, being poor, as well as Adolf Hitler on the calls.

At about 1 a.m. on Saturday, police arrived to Gilmans home, where he was still on the phone with the 911 dispatcher. According to a police report, an officer heard him talking about Hitler and Jews.

When the officer asked Gilman what he was doing, he allegedly said: Talking to your dispatcher because Im bored.

View: The Best Celebrity Mugshots

Police say he also asked the dispatcher to throw people out of their homes in order to serve and protect. Gilman also allegedly tried to report an emergency at The White House.

He was arrested and charged with misuse of the 911 system.

Gilman was later found guilty by a judge in Volusia County Court and was ordered to serve probation.

Watch: Dumb and Dumber: Two Drug Dealers Dial 911 in Hilarious Call and Give Themselves Up

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New York City's annual Pride March begins this weekend, along with a three-day slate of events and activities geared toward the LGBTQ community. Here are just some of the options that Pride-goers in the Big Apple can look forward to.

Friday, June 24

The annual Trans Day of Action starts Pride festivities on Friday. Located at Hudson River Park's Pier 46, and beginning at 3 p.m., this rally encourages people to fight for their transgender brothers and sisters with a rally and short march.

Every year, hundreds gather at the official NYC Pride Rally to remember the "Gay Power" demonstration that took place one month after the June 1969 Stonewall Riots. YouTube celebrity Todrick Hall hosts this year's rally from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., which will also feature a performance by Season 8 RuPaul's Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen. The event is free and open to the public, and takes place at Hudson River Park's Pier 26. VIP Passes are available as well.

Those looking to kick off their Pride weekend with a neon-themed dance party can find their fix at Fantasy, the official kick-off party of NYC Pride. The party goes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the Diamond Horseshoe beneath Times Square.

Source: Dennis Van Tine/Star Max/IPx/AP

Saturday, June 25

Formerly known as Rapture on the River, this year's Teaze takes place from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hudson River Park's Pier 26. This is NYC Pride's exclusive Saturday event for women celebrating Pride. include DJ Samantha Ronson and Grammy Award-winning artist Mya.

The 23rd Annual New York City Dyke March steps off at 5 p.m. on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. The march, which is a demonstration of First Amendment rights, is open to all "self-identified" dykes regardless of group or political affiliation.

Those looking to shout their pride from a rooftop can do so at the VIP Rooftop Party. Featuring three DJs and three levels of dancing, the event starts at 2 p.m. and tickets start at $45.

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The official Saturday night NYC Pride event, WE Party: Graffiti, takes place at NYC's famous Hammerstein Ballroom. The club experience also features a full theatrical production and tickets start at $110.

Source: Dennis Van Tine/Star Max/IPx/AP

Sunday, June 26

New York City's official Pride March begins at noon on 36th Street and Fifth Avenue and runs down Fifth Avenue, culminating at Christopher and Greenwich streets. This year's grand marshals include transgender celebrity Jazz Jennings, Syrian refugee Subhi Nahas and HIV/AIDS awareness advocate Cecilia Chung.

You can download a map of the route, which highlights special needs sitting areas, to help you find a spot!

Once you've finished the March, head over to the NYC Pride Dance on the Pier, which features multiplatinum recording artist Fergie and ends with a display of fireworks over the Hudson River.

Women looking for their own rooftop party can attend Femme Fatale, the newest official Pride weekend event. The party starts at 4 p.m. and tickets start at only $25.

A

Concurrent with the Pride March, NYC PrideFest goes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Hudson Street between Abingdon Square and West 14th Street. PrideFest is New York City's annual pride fair, which lines Hudson Street with vendors, entertainers and activities. The event is free and RuPaul's Drag Race season 6 winner Bianca Del Rio will host.

Read more:

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Orlando Shooting Victim Edward Sotomayor, Jr. Is Being Hailed a Hero for Saving Boyfriend

Orlando Shooting Survivor Reconnects With the Police Officer Who Saved His Life
From Cosmopolitan

The Symptoms

Right around the time Katie Davis hit puberty at age 12, she started feeling fatigued all the time. "My whole family thought, 'You're just starting your period, you're moody,'" remembers Katie, now 22.

But then one day she stood up from a nap at her home in Ohio and fainted. She was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, where doctors ran blood tests. "I could barely wake up to see anyone at that point," Katie says. "I was physically unable to do anything. It was scary. I was so out of it."

One strange thing kept happening during her stay that confused both her and the medical staff: her heart rate and blood pressure would randomly rocket up or plummet so low that nurses would rush into her room thinking she was crashing - but she was just sleeping. The hospital soon discharged her without a diagnosis when all tests came back normal.

Back home, her daily quality of life quickly crumbled.

"I was stuck on a mattress on my living room floor for three months," Katie recalls. "Besides going to doctors, I never left the house." Her mom kept insisting to doctors that something wasn't right, but each one said the same thing: She's just going through puberty. She just got her period. She's just afraid to start middle school. "Doctors were telling me this was all in my head, and they wanted me to see a psychiatrist, but my mom never believed it," Katie says.

She ended up skipping sixth grade altogether while she suffered at home, needing her mother to bathe her and "do everything" since she could barely sit up. She lived like that for a full year.

The Diagnosis

When she was 13, Katie visited a cardiologist for yet another test: the tilt table test. Katie was strapped to a movable table so the doctor could observe her heart rate and blood pressure while the table tilted her from lying down to standing. Usually, the heart rate and blood pressure go up a little bit, just like when you get up from a chair. But for Katie, after just four minutes, her vitals dropped, and she fainted.

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The cardiologist diagnosed her with dysautonomia - a condition where the "automatic" functions of the body that don't require our conscious control, like temperature regulation, digestion, blood pressure, and heart rate, fail. There is no cure for Katie's type of dyautonomia, a fairly common condition called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which is estimated to affect 1 out of 100 teenagers and up to 3 million adult Americans. Approximately 80 percent of sufferers are young women of childbearing age.

"I was obviously happy to hear a doctor to tell me I'm not crazy," Katie says, "but with no medication and no cure, it was crushing at same time. You want something you can fix, not something you have to live with for life."

The causes of dysautonomia are varied and not well understood. Lauren Stiles, the president of the advocacy organization Dysautonomia International and a published POTS researcher, says that current research is focused on finding a connection between autoimmune diseases and POTS. About half of patients acutely - suddenly - come down with the condition, after triggering events that could include a viral infection, getting your period, pregnancy, or injury. But finding a diagnosis is often tough. According to one study of 700 patients, the average delay until diagnosis was nearly six years, and 83 percent of them were told it was all in their heads.

"A lot of medical conditions that primarily affect young women have a long history of being regarded as anxiety or PMS," says Stiles. "There's probably an inherent bias in medicine that if someone looks fine on the outside, there can't really be something that wrong with them."

Also, because POTS was only first clinically defined in 1993 by the Mayo Clinic, many doctors aren't aware of or trained in how to make the diagnosis, Stiles says, though her organization is working to change that via physician education courses around the country.

For Katie, learning her diagnosis was just the beginning of a long road of coping with a chronic illness.

The Aftermath

For the first several years after her diagnosis, Katie pushed through it as best she could and attended high school, though she was so physically exhausted that she slept through many classes. Her teachers knew, but she was afraid to tell her peers for fear of their judgment or disbelief that something was really wrong with her. "It's so hurtful to tell someone what you're going through and have them not believe you because you look fine," she says.

In her senior year, Katie met a guy whom she eventually fell in love with and confided in; they are now happily married and are building their first home together.

But she still can't stand up longer than three minutes, so she uses a wheelchair to get around. Since she can't work, she keeps busy with projects around the house - cooking, cleaning, decorating, reading. One day, she hopes to have a child through adoption or surrogacy and fulfill her dream of becoming a mom.

Katie's treatment now mostly consists of making sure she has enough salt in her system, drinking tons of fluid, and wearing compression socks, and she credits her husband and her family for helping her find the strength to tell her story.

"I have such a good support system," she says. "That's why I'm happy today."

Kira Peikoff is the author of No Time to Die, a thriller about a girl who mysteriously stops aging. It is available now. Connect with her on Facebook or tweet her @KiraPeikoff.
Lyle Denniston, the National Constitution Centers constitutional literacy adviser, looks at how state governments may feel more emboldened to sue the federal government over policy disagreements after Thursdays immigration decision.

capitol400

THE STATEMENT AT ISSUE:

For nearly eight years, Obama has assumed powers never granted or envisioned to him by our founding documents, and dared his critics to sue him if they disagreed. They did: some 26 states, to be exact. And thats not all. Multiple states have sued the administration on other issues, especially with respect to EPA overreach. And a federal judge recently upheld the House of Representatives suit challenging Obamas decision to give taxpayer money to health insurers without Congress having ever appropriated the money.

 Excerpt from a news release on Thursday by the Institute for Policy Innovation, a Dallas-based conservative research organization, following the Supreme Courts 4-to-4 decision leaving in place lower court orders forbidding the federal government from carrying out President Obamas broad new immigration policy on deferred deportation of undocumented foreign nationals living in the U.S.

WE CHECKED THE CONSTITUTION, AND

A shrewd foreign observer, Frenchman Alexis de Toqueville, remarked after his visit to America in the 1830s that scarcely any political question arises in the United States that is not resolved, sooner or later, into a judicial question. That has always had a positive ring to it, and Americans have long enjoyed the idea (wrong in fact) that almost anyone could take a legal dispute all the way to the Supreme Court.

One has to doubt, though, that the founding generation thought it was such a good idea for politicians who cannot work their way out of partisan gridlock to hand over to the courts their disagreements over policy. Those who wrote the Constitution thought of the courts as the least dangerous branch in the government they were forming, even though they understood that the prime task of the courts would be to protect peoples liberties from the other, political branches.

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To do that, courts have to remain outside the political arena; they should not be seen as doing the political labor that the other branches were assigned. The reality of modern life in government, however, is that partisan disagreements seem regularly to find their way into the federal courts. The notion seems to be something like dont compromise, sue.

The Obama years in the White House have brought this approach into new prominence. It is possible that the seeds of this phenomenon were planted when, soon after the President took office, Republican leaders declared that they would do whatever they could to ensure that he had only one term in the White House. But, believing that he had something of a progressive mandate from his election (and, then, his reelection), the President began to flex his executive muscle, using powers that either were novel or unprecedented, or at least controversial. As a result, he and the agencies of his government have become prime targets in the courts.

The list of very prominent lawsuits against policy initiatives by this President is long and still growing. And it can happen quickly. For example, right after two agencies of the government announced new policies to protect transgender people from gender discrimination in programs paid for with federal funds, 11 states sued, picking out what they assume would be a friendly federal court in Texas.

The pattern is now entirely familiar. The Presidents health care plan could not be stopped in Congress, so case after case about Obamacare has gone into the courts. State governments were among the first to sue. The Supreme Court has faced those lawsuits five times in the past couple of years; the president won some, his adversaries won others.

One of the most prominent lawsuits against the White House came in the legal claim that Obama exceeded his powers under federal law and the Constitution when, in November 2014, he adopted on his own a broad new policy to limit the deportation of potentially millions of undocumented immigrants. Twenty-six states sued, and succeeded in persuading the lower courts to stop the policy from going into effect.

That result got approval, of a sort, in the Supreme Court on Thursday. With one Justice short, because of the death of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, the eight-member court found itself unable to agree on the states challenge, so they split 4 to 4. That had the effect of upholding, without an opinion, the orders of the lower court against enforcement of the policy.

The President, of course, was disappointed. Unable to persuade Congress to adopt an overhaul of immigration policy, he had used what powers he believed he had. And that effort has now failed.

But one of the side-effects of that outcome was that state governments are now entitled to feel emboldened about their right to sue the federal government over policy disagreements. The administration had asked the Supreme Court to throw out the states lawsuit entirely, contending that they had suffered no injury from a policy that was within the presidents discretion, and that they had gone to court just because they preferred a different immigration policy approach. That was a serious question under Article III, which limits the power of the federal courts to deciding genuine legal controversies.

In recent years, the court has been fairly restrictive in its interpretation of who may sue under Article III. And there is no way to escape the reality that the court knew, in the immigration case, that the Article III limitation was very much at issue, even a dominant question. A 4-to-4 split did not provide a firm answer, but unless the court could be persuaded (perhaps after getting a new ninth colleague) to rethink how open to make the courts to state government lawsuits, that kind of litigation is sure to grow. A former state attorney general of Texas once remarked to the press, not altogether in fun, that I go to the office in the morning, I sue the federal government, and then I go home.

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Officer Caesar Goodson (L) arrives at the courthouse in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., June 20, 2016. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

The acquittal of Baltimore police officer Caesar Goodson in Freddie Grays death on Thursday has spurred new doubts that the remaining four officers facing trial in the case will be convicted.

Some, including the president of Baltimores police union, are now urging Baltimore states attorney Marilyn Mosby to drop the charges against the officers whose trials are still scheduled throughout the summer and fall, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Since Goodson faced the most serious accusations of all six officers originally charged, experts say Thursdays acquittal means it's unlikely that any of the other officers involved in the case will be found guilty of their lesser charges.

Goodson, who was charged with second-degree depraved-heart murder, had driven the police van in which Gray is believed to have suffered a spinal injury that resulted in his death.

This was the only case she possibly could have won, Peter Moskos, an associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and former Baltimore police officer, told Business Insider.

[Goodson] was the most culpable because Freddie Gray was his prisoner. The other cases are weaker, and the prosecutions never shown that a crime has happened.

After an eight-day bench trial that concluded Monday, Judge Barry Williams cleared Goodson of all charges, including manslaughter, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and misconduct in office.

Baltimore City Attorney Marilyn Mosby

Its now fully within Mosbys purview to drop or proceed with the charges against the remaining officers, according to former Maryland prosecutor Rene Sandler.

Mosby has an absolute obligation to carefully review each case to decide whether they should proceed, Sandler told Business Insider.

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My view of this case from the beginning was that the prosecutor rushed to judgment, that the prosecutor overcharged, and that the prosecutor didnt take the time to fully and completely investigate this case before charging, she said.

Had the prosecutor slowed it down and done her due diligence in this case, that could have made a huge difference in terms of the outcome of this case."

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Costco Wholesale COST has experienced a decrease in sales recently, presumably due to difficulties involving transitioning customers from American Express AXP to Citigroup C cards.

Costco ended their 16-year relationship with American Express after the two firms could not agree on renewal terms. The new partnership was announced in March of 2015, and involves Citi exclusively issuing their co-brand credit cards in all U.S. locations along with Visa V replacing American Express go-to Costco credit card.

Problems with New Deal?

The new cards became available for use on Monday, when Citi acquired the Costco Portfolio from American Express. However, many customers have complained, citing lengthy wait times as well as difficulty activating their new cards.

As SeekingAlpha points out, Citi states it has issued 11M cards and already received 1.5M customer calls by late Wednesday. However, the call volume is slowly normalizing. According to Bloomberg, some customers have experienced delays in service while others have not yet received their cards.

Why the Switch?

The partnership is believed to serve as a way for Costco to reduce costs. Specifically, analysts believe that the deal should save Costco anywhere between $60M-$150M per year moving forward.

Costco currently sits at a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). There is 100% agreement in downward estimate revisions for the current quarter, and 67% agreement in downward revisions for next quarter. That coupled with an average EPS surprise of -1.91% have negatively impacted the outlook for Costco.

COSTCO WHOLE CP Price and EPS Surprise

COSTCO WHOLE CP Price and EPS Surprise | COSTCO WHOLE CP Quote

Although this deal may benefit Costco, at this point it is important to lower expectations and watch what happens over the next few months, as this could be a rocky stretch for COST shares.

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PRAGUE, June 24 (Reuters) - The European Union must change quickly not just because Britain has voted to leave the bloc but to strengthen support for its citizens, Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said on Friday.

Sobotka said the British vote did not mean the end of the EU and the bloc should agree Britain's leaving "quickly and rationally".

"The European Union must change quickly," he said on his Facebook page.

"Not because Britain has left, but because the European project needs much stronger support of its citizens. Europe must be more ready to act, be flexible, less bureaucratic and much more sensible to the diversity that the 27 member states represent."

(Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Alison Williams)
Already having shot the first two episodes of The Leftovers third and final season, co-creator Damon Lindelof can see the finish line getting closer. But whats there? How will the HBO drama end? Will the last scene shock or comfort viewers? Definitely not shock, he promises our sister site Deadline. As for comfort  well, thats all relative.

RELATEDCable/Streaming Renewal Scorecard 2016: Whats Coming Back? Whats Cancelled? Whats On the Bubble?

According to the Lost vet, when breaking down Season 3, the creative team started with the very end [and] eventually said, What do we want the last scene of the series to be [and] what do we want that scene to evoke emotionally? [The] conversations started in a very abstract way and as they developed sort of formed themselves into, OK, we know what that last scene is  now, how are we going to get there?'

Lindelof cautions fans that The Leftovers that concludes next year might not feel quite like The Leftovers to which they are accustomed. Besides the fact that the show is moving to a new setting (Australia) and getting fresh blood (Romes Lindsay Duncan), its also, obviously, ending, and thats infusing it with a certain degree of energy thats different, perhaps, than the previous seasons.

How do you hope The Leftovers ends? Hit the comments.

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In a shocking and historic decision, the United Kingdom voted in a referendum on Thursday (June 23) to leave the European Union by a vote of 52 percent to 48 percent.

U.K. Votes to Leave European Union

Dance music artists were quick to react to the news, taking to social media to express their views on the vote.

Didn"t see that coming

A photo posted by Paul Oakenfold (@pauloakenfold) on Jun 24, 2016 at 5:02am PDT

----------------------

- Disclosure (@disclosure) June 24, 2016

What the FUCK!!! ---- Still not sinking in

- Disclosure (@disclosure) June 24, 2016

Moving to Mars with Bowie

- Disclosure (@disclosure) June 24, 2016

Just got off a 12 hour flight and seeing Brexit news what the fuuuuuck. Racist times. --

- United Hairline (@atrak) June 24, 2016

Thoughts and prayers for Britain and Europe #Brexit

- Oliver Heldens (@OliverHeldens) June 24, 2016

And the world just changed... --

- seth troxler (@sethtroxler) June 24, 2016

*applies for Irish passport for son*

- Annie Mac (@AnnieMac) June 24, 2016

If the UK leaves the EU and America elects Donald Trump in the same fucking year this may just well be the end of the universe as we know it

- EDM KLAY THOMPSON (@Jauzofficial) June 24, 2016

This is the beginning of children of men coming true

- Jewish Cracker (@Mat_Zo) June 24, 2016

Luckily we're to USA and Europe on tour today to forget all about this nightmare.... For a week -- --

- Gorgon City (@GorgonCity) June 24, 2016

Who's at terminal 5 and want to join in drowning sorrows in the lounge?

- Gorgon City (@GorgonCity) June 24, 2016

TODAY IS A VERY VERY SAD DAY #BREXIT pic.twitter.com/UoI4G0Erc9

- Claptone (@Claptone_) June 24, 2016

My face when I read about #brexit this morning. pic.twitter.com/wvdQb1tgsy

- #SUMMERONYOU (@SamFeldtMusic) June 24, 2016

I HOPE in our generation we realize to move forward we gotta bring our people out the dark ages

- &dagger (@killthenoise) June 24, 2016

Everybody is talking about #brexit and then there's @kanyewest talking about himself. https://t.co/HAflpxOh40

Story continues

- Dyro (@Dyro) June 24, 2016

I wish I could hug everyone in the world, make em feel worthy & give em jobs so they wouldnt do such bad things out of frustration & fear --

- luney [HYPERHOUSE] (@annalunoe) June 24, 2016

once more I ask u, look out for ur brown mans by not voting for that reptile

- hotel garuda (@hotelgaruda) June 24, 2016

Nationalism has always been terrifying. #Brexit pic.twitter.com/5FOPWpi5j8

- Tommie Sunshine (@tommiesunshine) June 24, 2016

Hey future humans, now would be a good time to press the reset button on this simulation.

- Gramatik (@Gramatik) June 24, 2016

Mostly popular Google search in the US last night "what happens if America leaves the EU?" #Merica #FuckYa

- PARTY FAVOR (@partyfavormusic) June 24, 2016

as an Indian mans I find it strangely amusing that Britain left just because of a vote

- hotel garuda (@hotelgaruda) June 24, 2016
'Make America White Again':A politician's racist billboard ignites uproarTennessee candidate says he pines for days of 'Leave it to Beaver' when he could leave his door unlockedLindsey Bever, Washington PostFirst posted: Thursday, June 23, 2016 12:34 PM EDT | Updated: Thursday, June 23, 2016 01:01 PM EDTAn independent candidate for Congress has been swept up in a wave of criticism for his campaign billboard vowing to "Make American White Again."Rick Tyler, who is running for Tennessee's 3rd congressional district, put up the billboard alongside Highway 411 in Polk County to make a point, he said, that "the Leave It to Beaver, Ozzie and Harriet, Mayberry' America of old was vastly superior to what we are experiencing today.""It was an America where doors were left unlocked, violent crime was a mere fraction of today's rate of occurrence, there were no car jackings, home invasions, Islamic Mosques or radical Jihadist sleeper cells," Tyler wrote Wednesday night on Facebook.But the billboard's message, a spin on Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, has been widely derided a tasteless display of bigotry and racism.It was taken down Tuesday night, according to ABC affiliate WTVC Tyler did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Washington Post.But his campaign website, featuring an illustration of the White House surrounded by a dozen Confederate flags, explains his motivation for the advertisement."The 'Make America White Again' billboard advertisement will cut to the very core and marrow of what plagues us as a nation," according to his website. "As Anne Coulter so effectively elucidates in her book, 'Adios America,' the overhaul of America's immigration law in the 1960's has placed us on an inevitable course of demise and destruction. Yes . . . the cunning globalist/Marxist social engineers have succeeded in destroying that great bulwark against statist tyranny . . . the white American super majority."Without its expedited restoration little hope remains for the nation as a whole."Tyler, a 58-year-old self-described "entrepreneur, pastor and political candidate," ran as an independent in the 2014 Senate race, getting less than half a percentage point of the vote against Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.Tennessee's primary is Aug. 4.An independent candidate for Congress has been swept up in a wave of criticism for his campaign billboard vowing to "Make American White Again." (Rick Tyler for Congress/HO)
In a shocking and historic decision, the United Kingdom voted in a referendum on Thursday (June 23) to leave the European Union by a vote of 52 percent to 48 percent.

U.K. Votes to Leave European Union

Dance music artists were quick to react to the news, taking to social media to express their views on the Brexit vote.

Didn"t see that coming

A photo posted by Paul Oakenfold (@pauloakenfold) on Jun 24, 2016 at 5:02am PDT

----------------------

- Disclosure (@disclosure) June 24, 2016

What the FUCK!!! ---- Still not sinking in

- Disclosure (@disclosure) June 24, 2016

Moving to Mars with Bowie

- Disclosure (@disclosure) June 24, 2016

Just got off a 12 hour flight and seeing Brexit news what the fuuuuuck. Racist times. --

- United Hairline (@atrak) June 24, 2016

Thoughts and prayers for Britain and Europe #Brexit

- Oliver Heldens (@OliverHeldens) June 24, 2016

And the world just changed... --

- seth troxler (@sethtroxler) June 24, 2016

*applies for Irish passport for son*

- Annie Mac (@AnnieMac) June 24, 2016

starting to get less comfortable in this world we live in

- KAYTRA (@KAYTRANADA) June 24, 2016

If the UK leaves the EU and America elects Donald Trump in the same fucking year this may just well be the end of the universe as we know it

- EDM KLAY THOMPSON (@Jauzofficial) June 24, 2016

This is the beginning of children of men coming true

- Jewish Cracker (@Mat_Zo) June 24, 2016

Luckily we're to USA and Europe on tour today to forget all about this nightmare.... For a week -- --

- Gorgon City (@GorgonCity) June 24, 2016

Who's at terminal 5 and want to join in drowning sorrows in the lounge?

- Gorgon City (@GorgonCity) June 24, 2016

TODAY IS A VERY VERY SAD DAY #BREXIT pic.twitter.com/UoI4G0Erc9

- Claptone (@Claptone_) June 24, 2016

The other day I held the door open for a clown. I thought it was a nice jester. #EURefResults

You fucking retards.....

- Oliver Jones (@I_Skream) June 24, 2016

- Oliver Jones (@I_Skream) June 24, 2016

We're fucked.

Story continues

- HUX XL (@Huxley_Music) June 24, 2016

I can't deal with this. I'm watching Agatha raisin to try to forget

- HUX XL (@Huxley_Music) June 24, 2016

My face when I read about #brexit this morning. pic.twitter.com/wvdQb1tgsy

- #SUMMERONYOU (@SamFeldtMusic) June 24, 2016

I HOPE in our generation we realize to move forward we gotta bring our people out the dark ages

- &dagger (@killthenoise) June 24, 2016

It seems like a country should need a hell of a lot more than 50 percent of a vote to break from a bond like the European Union.

- The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi) June 24, 2016

Everybody is talking about #brexit and then there's @kanyewest talking about himself. https://t.co/HAflpxOh40

- Dyro (@Dyro) June 24, 2016

I wish I could hug everyone in the world, make em feel worthy & give em jobs so they wouldnt do such bad things out of frustration & fear --

- luney [HYPERHOUSE] (@annalunoe) June 24, 2016

Can we still enter Eurovision Song Contest or what

- JACKMASTER (@jackmaster) June 24, 2016

Nationalism has always been terrifying. #Brexit pic.twitter.com/5FOPWpi5j8

- Tommie Sunshine (@tommiesunshine) June 24, 2016

Hey future humans, now would be a good time to press the reset button on this simulation.

- Gramatik (@Gramatik) June 24, 2016

Mostly popular Google search in the US last night "what happens if America leaves the EU?" #Merica #FuckYa

- PARTY FAVOR (@partyfavormusic) June 24, 2016

once more I ask u, look out for ur brown mans by not voting for that reptile

- hotel garuda (@hotelgaruda) June 24, 2016

as an Indian mans I find it strangely amusing that Britain left just because of a vote

- hotel garuda (@hotelgaruda) June 24, 2016
COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Denmark's populist anti-immigration party called on Friday for a referendum on the country's membership of the European Union following Britain's decision to leave, but the prime minister rejected such a possibility. The Danish People's Party (DF), an ally of the right-leaning government, said it wanted a referendum about continued membership once Britain has negotiated the terms for its future cooperation with the union. "I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have it now," DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl told broadcaster DR. The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. In total, the four parties have only one seat more than the opposition bloc. The DF holds 37 seats in the 179-seat parliament. Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance. Those two parties hold 51 seats, while the minority government holds just 34 seats and depends on other parties to pass laws. Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a "slimmer EU". "We belong in the EU," Rasmussen told a news conference. "I do not foresee that there will be a situation in the foreseeable future where we need to take a break with that". An opinion poll this week showed 59 percent of Danes would be against holding a referendum similar to the British on EU membership, while 33 percent were for a vote. A spokesman for the biggest opposition party, the Social Democrats, holding 47 seats in parliament, told the same broadcaster that it was in Denmark's clear interest to remain within the EU. The leader of Britain's UK Independence Party, Nigel Farage, said before the result was known that Brexit would trigger a domino effect in which several Northern European countries would leave the EU, starting with Denmark. In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats has long demanded a referendum on the country's EU membership. "The Sweden Democrats will now increase our pressure on the government, and we demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum," party leader Jimme Akesson said by email. In December, Danes voted and rejected adopting several EU justice and home affairs laws in order to stay within the cross-border policing agency, Europol. (Reporting by Teis Jensen, additional reporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard, Erik Matzen and Johan Sennero in Stockholm; Editing by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Alison Williams)
IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 23, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against TransEnterix Inc. ("TransEnterix" or the "Company") (TRXC). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares between February 10, 2016 and May 10, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm prior to the August 1, 2016, lead plaintiff motion deadline.

If you purchased shares of TransEnterix during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by email at joon@khanglaw.com.

There has been no class certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.

According to the complaint, there were deficiencies within the Company's 510(k) submission regarding the SurgiBot that undermined the likelihood that the SurgiBot would receive FDA clearance, which would leave the Company unable to commercialize the SurgiBot in 2016 and would impair the Company's ability to obtain approval for and commercialize its other robotic surgery platform in the United States.

If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit, or if you have any questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by email at joon@khanglaw.com.

This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

Contact:

KHANG & KHANG LLP

Joon M. Khang, Esq.

Telephone: 949-419-3834

Facsimile: 949-225-4474

joon@khanglaw.com

SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP
By Dinky Mkhize PRETORIA (Reuters) - The death toll from street violence in South Africa's capital has risen to five, police said on Thursday, after two more bodies were found following clashes triggered by the ruling party's choice of a mayoral candidate for a local vote. Police said they also arrested about 200 rioters who attacked foreign-own shops in Pretoria as public anger mounted over economic hardship in the build-up to an Aug. 3 election likely to become a referendum on President Jacob Zuma's rule. Colonel Noxolo Kweza, police spokeswoman for Gauteng Province, said those arrested would be charged with violence, possession of unlicensed firearms and damage to property. Disturbances flared on Monday night when residents of Pretoria's impoverished townships began setting cars and buses alight after the ruling African National Congress (ANC) named a candidate in the Tshwane municipality where the capital city is located, disregarding the choice of regional branches. The ANC leadership named senior party member and former cabinet minister Thoko Didiza as its candidate for Tshwane, overriding regional branch members and refusing to back down as the violence mounted. The protests morphed into looting of shops in the past three night and shells of burned-out cars still blocked some roads. Two suspected looters were shot dead on Tuesday night after an ANC member was shot dead on Sunday as party factions met to decide on a candidate for mayor of Tshwane. Sporadic looting continued in parts of the capital on Thursday. Kweza said the situation was "calm but tense in some of the areas". Speaking to the media for the first time since the clashes erupted, Didiza said she felt at home in Tshwane. "I do not feel foreign in Tshwane, even with the latest incidents, which I think do not reflect the feelings of the people of Tshwane," she said at a meeting in Johannesburg called by the ANC to parade its provincial mayoral candidates. Leaders urged Tshwane residents to shun tribalism and accept Didiza even though she does not originally hail from the area. The ANC has been in power since the end of white-minority rule in 1994 but critics say it is losing its touch in areas - including Pretoria - where it was once unassailable. Record unemployment and a looming recession have exacerbated discontent with President Jacob Zuma's leadership since the Constitutional Court ruled he had violated his oath of office by refusing to refund to the state some of the 240 million rand ($16.25 million) spent on refurbishing his private residence. (Additional reporting by Zimasa Mpemnyama in Johannesburg; Writing by James Macharia; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
A handful of faded photographs has long been Suntali Rasaili's only treasured momento of her teenage daughter, allegedly executed by Nepali soldiers at the height of the Maoist insurgency.

But a decade after Maoist rebels signed a peace pact, families of victims are also hoping for justice, as Nepal prepares this month to start investigations into crimes committed during the conflict.

Rasaili is among thousands filing complaints with two commissions, one of which is headed by a high-ranking judge and the other by a senior parliamentary official.

The commissions have a two-year term and were set up to probe murders, rapes, forced disappearances and other atrocities.

"I feel like I won't find any peace until I die... not unless I get justice for my daughter," Rasaili told AFP.

One night in February 2004, dozens of soldiers turned up at Rasaili's home, demanding to see her daughter Reena whom they suspected of being a Maoist.

Plucking the 17-year-old from her bed, the soldiers barred her parents from leaving the house, the family says. Hours later, three gunshots rang out across the isolated hamlet.

Reena's body was found slumped next to a tree and the soldiers were gone. She had been shot in the head, eye and chest, according to activists who took up the case.

"Reena enjoyed school, she used to say that once she finished her studies and got a job, she would take care of the family and look after us in our old age," Rasaili said.

"Her death tore apart our family. After that I never wanted to let any of my children out of my sight, I was scared they would never come back," she added.

More than 17,000 people were killed, 1,300 people disappeared and thousands were displaced during the decade-long war that ended in 2006.

The peace deal signed between Maoists and government forces included plans for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Commission for Enforced Disappearances.

But Nepal only established the two bodies in 2015 after years of political infighting over how to bring justice to victims of abuses committed by both sides.

Story continues

Activists say the delay reflects authorities' reluctance to find the perpetrators, many of whom still occupy positions in the military and political parties.

"Whether it's the Maoists or the police or the army, all the people involved in these crimes are on the same page," said Ram Kumar Bhandari, coordinator of the National Network of Families of the Disappeared and the Missing.

"They have come together to cover the truth and hide the truth."

- Amnesty concerns -

The commissions have already received some 27,000 complaints of abuse, and one of the commissions has extended this month's filing deadline because of the huge response.

But concerns have been raised about the safety of those willing to testify to investigators, because there is no protection programme for witnesses.

Local media recently reported that security forces had tried to gain details of complainants in western Nepal, prompting the army to issue a statement saying such attempts do not reflect official policy.

"We will support and cooperate with the commissions, there is no question of threatening anyone or trying to influence investigations," army spokesman Tara Bahadur Karki told AFP.

Rights groups are also alarmed after Nepal's ruling coalition, which includes the Maoists, agreed a deal allowing for alleged perpetrators identified by the commissions to be pardoned.

The legislation comes after the commissions, which can recommend prosecutions but not issue punishment, were given discretionary powers to grant amnesty in cases. Rights groups condemned that law as a move to protect perpetrators.

The Supreme Court, acting on petitions from victims challenging the powers, has repeatedly rejected amnesty, but the Maoists say it is critical to achieving peace.

"The most important question is reconciliation. In our society, we don't need to prosecute and punish anyone for the sake of revenge," Maoist leader Dinanath Sharma told AFP.

"When we talk about establishing peace in the world... amnesty is important, forgiveness is important."

- Fight for truth -

Since the conflict ended, Nepal's courts have issued several arrest warrants for alleged perpetrators, but only one case has resulted in convictions: that of five former rebels jailed in 2014 for murdering a journalist.

For those left behind, calls for forgiveness strike a hollow note.

"I am never going to find peace unless I know the truth about what happened," said Shobha Bhatta, whose husband disappeared at the hands of Maoist cadres in 2001.

Bhatta, now 39, was forced to raise two children alone while battling bouts of depression and without ever knowing what happened to her husband.

As Bhatta prepares to file a complaint with a commission, she said the prolonged wait had deepened her determination to find answers.

"I cried for a long time but you can't cry forever... I know I am not the only woman who lost a loved one," she told AFP.

"There are thousands of us and we will fight together until we know the truth."
From Cosmopolitan

Three-year-old twins Oliver and Aria Orr died in a hot pickup truck in Bossier City, Louisiana, on Saturday. Prosecutors have yet to determine whether they'll file criminal charges against the twins' parents in their children's deaths, ABC 30 reports.

The children's mother reportedly had fallen asleep earlier that day and woke up later to find the door of the house wide open and her children missing. She contacted her neighbors to tell them. Eventually, one of the neighbors searching for Oliver and Aria found them not moving or conscious inside their father's truck parked outside their home. They were taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. Autopsies confirmed their deaths were heat-related. Police believe the children were trapped inside the truck for at least two hours.

A spokesman for the Bossier City Police Department told PEOPLEthat detectives believe the 3-year-olds may have used a footstool they found to get into the truck and are exploring the possibility they may have closed the truck's door on their own but were then unable to get out. KSLA reports a step stool was found next to the truck.

The twins' father Travis Orr works as a deputy with the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office and was not home at the time. He has taken an administrative leave since the incident. "It was an unfortunate tragedy that he's going to need some time to process," the same spokesman told PEOPLE.

The deaths come just three weeks after Oliver was hospitalized after suffering from an unspecified near-fatal injury.

Follow Tess on Twitter.
From ELLE

The questions regarding who will take the reins at Dior following Raf Simons' exit may have finally been answered today, with Reuters reporting that Maria Grazia Chiuri will come on board as creative director. Here, five things you need to know about Chiuri, who'd be the first woman creative director in Dior's 70-year history, if the news proves true:

She joins from Valentino

Chiuri had been at Valentino since 1999 after being asked by Valentino Garavani himself to join the accessories team. In September 2007, following Mr. Valentino's decision to retire, Chiuri and co-designer Pierpaolo Piccioli were appointed creative directors of all the accessories lines of the fashion house. The following year the appointment was extended to include the men and women's collections as well as the Haute Couture line.

She has fashion in her blood

Chiuri, the daughter of a dressmaker, was "born into fashion," she tells W Magazine, and spent her teens scouring flea markets for vintage bags. She studied at the European Institute of Design in Rome and cut her teeth at the Fendi design studio.

She has a knack for accessories

While at Fendi she helped create the Baguette bag, and brought the same magic to Valentino with Rockstud shoes and bags. "I love them!" Chiuri has said of the hit design. "If you count in my wardrobe, it's all Rockstuds in every color. The shoes, bags-the same shoes in different colors. I love the fact that after so many seasons, I love them like the first day."

She's more of a behind-the-scenes sort of person

In an interview with Fast Company Chiuri notes, "We had to learn to express ourselves. In the past, we were designers. We never had to describe why we had to make a dress in this way or that way. For me, I am very shy. It was so difficult. It's still not easy today."

She has a sense of humor

After showing a fall 2015 collection that was critically acclaimed across the board, Chiuri and Piccioli let Ben Stiller, as Derek Zoolander, close the show to announce the sequel to his 2001 fashion-industry parody. The duo remembered going to the theater to see the first Zoolander during Milan Fashion Week all those years ago, they told us in 2015, and had joked with Stiller in the past about their love of "Blue Steel." When Stiller asked to walk in their show it was a no-brainer.
A dissident Hong Kong lawmaker appeared in court Friday to answer what his supporters say are politically motivated misconduct charges.

Leung Kwok-hung, 60  a leading pro-democracy figure widely known as Long Hair because of his signature locks  arrived at the citys Eastern Magistrates Court dressed in a black T-shirt printed with the likenesses of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and Aung San Suu Kyi. He was accompanied by some four dozen demonstrators from his political party, the League of Social Democrats (LSD), who brandished banners and chanted slogans.

The citys Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said in a statement Thursday that Leung had willfully and intentionally misconducted himself by not declaring a payment of $250,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $32,200) made to him by Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy founder of Apple Daily, one of the territorys biggest newspapers.



Its almost like a smear, Leung tells TIME. Its time for us to consider whether these are politically oriented prosecutions.

The payment was made on May 22, 2012, reportedly through Lais then assistant Mark Simon. Simon, a U.S. Navy veteran, has been long accused of being a former spy by Hong Kongs pro-Beijing camp  a claim he scoffs at . Chinese state media has also tried to discredit Hong Kong activists by suggesting that they act under U.S. direction and with U.S. funding.

Leungs a good guy, a fighter for Hong Kong, and frankly I have no idea what theyre going on about, Simon tells TIME.

Leungs lawyer, Jonathan Man, tells TIME that the charges against Leung were being brought on a technicality. Leung, he says, is claiming that the money was for the LSD, not for [him] personally, so [he didnt] need to make that declaration at all.

Leung is an outspoken promoter of universal suffrage in the territory, and was arrested in 2014 for his participation in the 79-day pro-democracy protests, known as the Umbrella Revolution.

Story continues

Its difficult not to suspect its connection with the September [legislative] elections, Willy Lam, adjunct professor of Chinese politics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong tells TIME. [Leung] might be forced to end his political career. It looks like an instance of politicization of the ICAC to put pressure on radical [pro-democracy] legislators.

Leungs case has been adjourned to the District Court, where a second hearing will be held on July 8.
You may finally be able to dump your cable box and its $10-to-$20 monthly fee.

But will you believe that promise when it comes from the companies that have foisted that box on you for years? You may have to decide sooner than you thought.

A group of cable operators last week announced a new proposal called Ditch the Box, pledging to ship apps for smart TVs that could do pretty much everything cable boxes could do (except pause or record shows).

The group pushing Ditch the Box called the Future of Television Coalition  said its aiming to provide an alternative to the Federal Communication Commissions flawed proposal to Unlock the Box. The Unlock the Box deal pushed by FCC Chair Tom Wheeler would not only free you to use the hardware of your choice but would let you watch in an app of your liking.

Cables new deal

The Ditch the Box plan is something of a compromise between the status quo and the FCCs Unlock the Box plan, and its backed by the Motion Picture Association in addition to the Future of Television Coalition members including Comcast (CMCSA) and other major cable operators as well as AT&T (T) and Dish Network (DISH).

Comcast is part of the group backing Ditch the Box.

Heres how Ditch the Box would work (as an outline, a FAQ and a presentation to the FCC explain): Your cable or satellite service would provide apps built on the HTM5 standard that you would install and run on smart TVs, tablets, streaming players, and other connected devices at no extra charge. If you watch cable TV, the video would come on a walled-off part of your cable internet bandwidth, and you would be free to return every one of your cable boxes  and their button-encrusted remotes  to your cable operator.

(This use of a managed connection would exempt your viewing from any data caps set by your cable company; other video services would not be so fortunate.)

if you use satellite, however, your programming would continue to be beamed down from orbit to your homes dish, and youd still need one gateway device to share that video over your home network to your screens.

Story continues

Youd be able to look for programming in your smart devices built-in search instead of having to open the subscription-TV app. But you would have to launch that app to browse for shows. It would be somewhat like how you can search for a movie from a smart TVs home screen to see if its on Netflix  but if you dont know what you want to watch, you have to launch the Netflix app to see whats on.

Future of TV members pledge to ship these apps in two years, with the FCC empowered to enforce deadlines.

Whats not bundled

This concept adds up to a major advance over Big Cables current crop of apps, many of which disable iOS and Android features to prevent you from watching the TV content you pay for on an actual TV. But it does not cover digital-video-recorder capabilities  easily added with cloud-based DVR systems like the one in Comcasts upcoming HTML5 and Roku apps. It doesnt exclude them, either; thats something the FCC would have to negotiate.

These apps are supposed to be free. But one current software alternative to a box, DirecTVs RVU system, comes with a fee. AT&T, that satellite services owner, wouldnt clarify if a future DirecTV app would cost extra.

The Ditch the Box plan also requires you to accept your cable or satellite services interface. If somebody else can come up with a better front-end for your subscription TV  which, having seen too many of them, would not be hard  they couldnt put it into the market.

That shortfall led the user-rights group Public Knowledge to respond with a critical post that said "Ditch the Box" does not allow for true user interface competition. That is one thing that Wheelers "Unlock the Box" would have enabled, since it called for allowing third-party developers to write their own apps as long as they complied with a standard  including measures to stop copyright infringement  defined by the cable operator.

The FCC may be falling apart on this

Ditch the Box does seem good enough to fracture the FCC  even after President Barack Obama endorsed ending the cable boxs reign in an interview with Yahoo Finance.

Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, nominated to the FCC by Obama in 2012, told Broadcasting & Cable that it has become clear the original proposal has real flaws and that We need to find another way forward."

(Rosenworcels office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Yahoo Finance.)

Without Rosenworcels vote, Wheelers proposal cant advance past the five-member commission. Republican appointees Ajit Pai and Mike ORielly cant stand the idea. Summed up ORielly in an onstage appearance at the cable industrys INTX show in Boston last month: Put it in the trash where it belongs."

Obama may not like that, but he is a little busy at the moment.

A counterproductive cable strategy?

Before you hang your head at yet another victory for cable orthodoxy  coming after decades of failed attempts to open the market for pay-TV hardware  remember were only at this point because of cables own attempts to escape an earlier regulatory regime: CableCards.

Back in 2004, the FCC began requiring cable companies to provide consumers with CableCards  credit card-size modules you can plug into a TiVo to watch cable. But cable companies werent required to use the cards in their own boxes and consequently provided lousy support for them. That changed in 2007, when the FCC established a rule that effectively forced cable operators to use the cards in their own boxes.

Starting in 2013, the cable industry lobbied Congress to repeal that rule, saying it was obsolete and raised the cost of cable. The cable industrys campaign to work the refs paid off in late 2014 when Congress approved a measure to get rid of the mandate that cable operators use the CableCard. But Congress also signed off on an amendment calling on the FCC to research a CableCard replacement.

That set up a working group called the Downloadable Security Technology Advisory Committee, DSTAC for short, that last summer endorsed an app-based approach as one way to resolve this issue  at about the same time that Comcast began work on its HTML5 app. One year and an ambitious Wheeler proposal later, having apps replace all of a cable boxs viewing function has become the middle ground of the debate.

But if the subscription-TV industry had let CableCard lie three years ago, we might not even be having this discussion. Thanks, cable lobbyists?

Email Rob at rob@robpegoraro.com; follow him on Twitter at @robpegoraro.




By Marton Dunai BUDAPEST (Reuters) - The Netherlands should hold its own referendum on whether to leave the European Union following Britain's vote in favor of exiting the bloc, the leader of the Dutch anti-immigrant PVV party, Geert Wilders, said on Friday. Wilders' Eurosceptical party is leading opinion polls in the Netherlands, one of the six founder nations of what has become the EU, ahead of a parliamentary election expected next March. "I congratulate the British people for beating the political elite in both London and Brussels and I think we can do the same," Wilders told Reuters in an interview. "The Dutch would like to be in charge again of their own budget, their national borders and their immigration policy." "We should have a referendum about a 'Nexit' as soon as possible." On Thursday Britons voted to leave the 28-nation EU, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two. Wilders said he expected several other countries to hold plebiscites of their own, adding that the EU's efforts to forge a political union were doomed but that the countries of Europe needed to preserve economic cooperation. "There is no future any more (for the EU). There is a future for cooperation like we see in Asia, like we see in Latin America, where there are also bodies where people cooperate economically but not politically any more," he said. Wilders said he would make a Dutch referendum on EU membership a central theme of his campaign to become prime minister in the run-up to the 2017 parliamentary election, adding that this would allow him to tackle other issues as well. "Within the concept of national sovereignty everything comes together. I think we will benefit (from Nexit) not only economically but also ... (in tackling) the Islamisation of Europe, immigration, the threat of Islamic terrorism that we see growing, the emergence of asylum seekers," he said. "We cannot deal with (these issues) today (within the EU)." Unlike Britain, the Netherlands uses the euro currency and is also a member of the open-border Schengen zone and so is more deeply integrated in the EU. (Reporting by Marton Dunai; Editing by Gareth Jones)
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders called on Friday for a referendum on the Netherlands' membership in the European Union after Britain voted to leave the 28-member bloc. Wilders, who is leading opinion polls, said if he is elected prime minister in March general elections in the Netherlands he too will call a referendum. We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy," he said in a statement. "As quickly as possible the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union." A survey by a television channel Een Vandaag this week found that 54 percent of the people in the Netherlands, a founding EU member, want a referendum. Dutch voters have twice voiced strong anti-EU sentiment at the polls, most recently in April when a vast majority rejected the Ukraine-EU treaty in a nonbinding referendum. [A5N162015] "It is time for a new start, relying on our own strength and sovereignty. Also in the Netherlands," Wilders said. "If I become prime minister, there will be a referendum in the Netherlands on leaving the European Union as well. Let the Dutch people decide. (Reporting By Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Kim Coghill)
London (AFP) - The battle over Britain's future in the European Union turned into a white knuckle ride Friday as first results from a historic referendum showed a greater-than-expected chance of the island nation leaving the 28-country bloc.

Sterling and stock markets plummeted as investors feared a historic blow against the alliance, an economic and political force created 60 years ago out of a determination to forge lasting peace from the carnage of two world wars.

The pound hit a seven-year low of $1.36 while stock markets in Sydney and Hong Kong slumped by three percent.

Economists have warned that a Brexit will usher in a period of great economic uncertainty in Britain and across the world.

"If the predictions now are right, this will be a victory for real people. A victory for ordinary people. A victory for decent people," said leading Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, the head of the UK Independence Party.

After months of banking on Britain remaining in the bloc, major bookmakers switched sides as the results came in, making the "Leave" camp strong favourite.

With results in for 200 of the 382 areas that took part across Britain, the final result was on a knife edge -- 51.7 percent for "Leave" and 48.3 percent for "Remain" -- with heavyweights including London yet to be declared.

"The Remain campaign appears to be in serious trouble," said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at the brokerage Oanda.

"While there is still a long way to go, it is clear that people has significantly underestimated how many would vote to leave."

- Incredibly close -

At the all-night Lexington Bar in central London, jittery punters cheered whenever "Remain" appeared to regain the upper hand.

"This is incredibly close. We have no idea where this is going to go," said 33-year-old "Remain" supporter Beverly David.

A record 46.5 million people had registered to vote, many of them braving torrential rain and floods to take a momentous decision after a highly charged battle over immigration, the economy and Britain's very identity.

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"It's far more confused. It does look very close so that makes the prediction even more difficult," said London School of Economics professor Kevin Featherstone.

In Brussels, the prospect of the world's fifth-largest economy quitting the European club has raised concerns of a domino effect of exit votes that would imperil the integrity of the bloc, already buffeted by the eurozone and migration crises.

A defeat for "Remain" would lead to immediate pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron to stand down. The Conservative Party leader took a high-stakes gamble by promising the vote three years ago but it has deeply divided his party and the nation.

- Crisis -

Brexit could trigger a constitutional crisis in Britain, too. If the country votes to leave the EU while Scotland chooses to stay, it could trigger a new independence referendum just two years after Scots voted against going it alone.

The first results from cities in northern England showed stronger-than-expected support for a Brexit. Champagne corks popped at an anti-Brussels party attended by Farage.

But a strident declaration of some heavily populated areas of London for "Remain" helped redress the balance.

One of the final polls, a YouGov survey, indicated a 52 percent-48 percent advantage for the "Remain" camp.

An Ipsos MORI poll said telephone interviews conducted on referendum day showed "Remain" at 54 percent and "Leave" at 46 percent.

- 'Too close to call' -

Leading Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson joined 83 other Conservative MPs in signing a letter released Thursday that insisted the prime minister should stay in his post regardless of the result of Britain's decision.

Johnson, the former London mayor, said the race was "very close", as he returned to the British capital from Edinburgh.

Several polling stations had to be relocated due to flooding and one was being run on a generator due to a power outage.

Polling stations were set up at locations including churches, schools and even a launderette and a windmill.

EU leaders have warned Britain that there would be no turning back from a vote to quit.

"Out is out," European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said Wednesday, dismissing any talk of a post-vote renegotiation of Britain's membership terms.

EU leaders will begin a two-day summit Tuesday to deal with the outcome and decide how to cope with the risk of similar referendums on the continent.

In many European countries, newspapers pleaded "Please don't go" while several monuments were lit up with the British flag.

Britain's referendum battle was shaken by the brutal murder of Jo Cox, a pro-"Remain" Labour lawmaker and mother of two who was stabbed, shot and left bleeding in the street one week before the vote.

Thomas Mair, 52, has been charged with her murder and had a provisional trial date set for November at a court hearing on Thursday.
Freetown (AFP) - Saudi Arabia's government has allocated 800 places to Sierra Leone for hajj pilgrims, lifting a two-year ban imposed due to the Ebola crisis, officials said Friday.

Saudi authorities in 2014 banned people from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia -- the three nations that bore the brunt of the outbreak.

But the Planning Hajj Committee in Muslim-majority Sierra Leone announced Friday that the Saudi authorities had granted 800 places, although more had been requested.

"The government had requested accommodation for 3,000 pilgrims but due to limited accommodation, the Saudi authorties had turned down the request," a committee source told AFP.

"A three-man pre-hajj delegation (will go) to Mecca Friday to negotiate to double the quota to 1,600 for the pilgrimage to the Holy Land."

Ebola quarantines in west Africa sealed off hundreds of thousands of people from the outside world when the tropical virus was at its height, following the first cases that emerged in Guinea in December 2013.

Sierra Leone declared it had no more cases of the viruses on March 17.

The news that pilgrims would be permitted to make the trip to Mecca -- a religious requirement once in the life of every Muslim -- was greeted with relief from those forced to delay their journeys.

"It's a dream come true after being in hibernation for the past two years and I will definitely make the hajj this year," said Mohamed Kamara, who recalled being ready to board a flight from Freetown to Jeddah in 2014 when civil aviation authorities announced the ban.

In past years, President Ernest Bai Koroma has personally provided financial support to more than 40 percent of pilgrims making the hajj but officials would not say whether such provisions would be made this year.
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday met the leader of radical Palestinian group Hamas for unscheduled talks following reports Ankara was close to agreeing a deal on normalising ties with Israel.

Erdogan received the Doha-based Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, whose group rules the Gaza Strip, at the Ottoman-era Yildiz Palace in Istanbul, the official Anadolu Agency reported, quoting presidential sources.

Turkish press reports have said Israel and Turkey could hold final talks on normalising ties on Sunday but this had yet to be confirmed.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday there was a "large possibility" the negotiations would take place by the end of this month.

Anadolu said Erdogan and Meshaal discussed how to ease the humanitarian problems of the Palestinians and how to bridge the differences between Hamas and the other main Palestinian group Fatah.

The report made no reference to the Turkish talks with Israel.

Previously tight relations between Israel and key NATO member Turkey were significantly downgraded after Israeli commandos staged a deadly pre-dawn raid on a six-ship flotilla in May 2010 as it tried to run the blockade on Gaza.

Two of Turkey's key conditions for normalisation -- an apology and compensation -- were largely met, leaving its third demand, that Israel lift its blockade on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, as the main obstacle.

According to the Hurriyet daily, a compromise has been reached with Turkey set to send aid for Palestinians via the Israeli port of Ashdod rather than sending it directly to Gaza.
By Keith Bliss of Cuttone & Co.

And then there were 27

The campaigning is over, the votes have been cast, the speculation is now irrelevant, and the speeches have been catalogued for history. Britain is leaving the EU. The bloc is down to 27 now, and there are many who are nervous that the number will grow smaller over the years unless true institutional reforms are enacted.

Regardless of ones opinion of the outcome, this is a profound event both politically and economically, and without question the most disruptive episode for the bloc since the Lisbon Treaty was signed 59 years ago. Now that the British people have spoken, there will be a long chain of events that need to occur before a true exit is completed. The UK Parliament will have to enact additional legislation, trade and migration agreements will have to be amended, the UK will have to formally invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, andof courseBritain will have to seat a new prime minister before the formal break up happens, since David Cameron has resigned and has declared that he will not be the one to transition Britain out of the EU.

I imagine up to the point of complete separation there will be all manner of hysterical comments from many circles around the globe speculating what this all means. My great hope is that calmer, rational minds take the lead on developing and executing against the punch list of items that need to be completed, and that a war does not fester between Britain and its European partners. From an economic perspective, the EU needs the UK more than the UK needs the EU. So, it would behoove the plutocrats in Brussels to play nicely so as to minimize the possible disruption to millions of peoplenot just Brits, but all Europeans.

Disruption will prevail for some time to come in the markets

Now that the unthinkable has occurred, where will this leave the markets? All asset classes have been affected, and my sense is that a new order of volatility will prevail. Sure, we will see some moderation in the coming sessions from todays carnage as the wholesale oversold and overbought conditions will slowly be worked off. But, equities, bonds, commodities, and currencies will be analyzed more than ever as traders and investors alike will be skittishand most likely trigger happyto dump out of positions, thus enhancing the volatility.



Markets hate uncertainty, and they hate changes to the status quo. The Brexit event has proven that once-unimaginable changes to the status quo, or changes to our impenetrable institutions, can occur. It also proves that the possibility of a change to the status quo always leads to a lot of uncertainty. Trading with reckless abandon in risk assets will not be smart or warranted for the foreseeable future.




BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has reassured Britons working for the EU executive that he will do everything in his power to keep their jobs safe following Britain's vote to leave the European Union, he wrote in an email seen by Reuters.

"You work for Europe. You left your national 'hats' at the door when you joined this institution and that door is not closing on you now," Juncker wrote in an email to all staff on Friday.

"Let me assure you that I will do everything in my power as president of the Commission, to support and help you in this difficult process."

EU civil service jobs are generally restricted to EU citizens and Britons will lose that status once their country has completed its departure.

Senior officials have said they may leave the EU service, however, since career moves into the higher grades in Brussels requires political patronage from EU member governments.

"As European civil servants you have always been loyal to our union, contributing tremendously to our common European project. And so it will be in this spirit of reciprocal loyalty that I will work together with the presidents of the other European institutions to ensure that we can all continue counting on your outstanding talent, experience and commitment," Juncker wrote.

(Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; @macdonaldrtr and Jan Strupczewski; editing by Philip Blenkinsop)
Brussels (AFP) - A stunned EU on Friday urged Britain to leave as "soon as possible" amid fears the devastating blow to European unity could spark a chain reaction of further referendums.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande led calls for the European Union to reform in order to survive a traumatic divorce with Britain.

In a sign that the bloc wants to move on swiftly, EU chiefs told Britain in a strongly-worded joint statement to "give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be."

The uncompromising stance came after Prime Minister David Cameron said he would resign and leave the negotiations on Britain's departure from the 28-nation club to a successor who will be named by October.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said he was "very sad" that Britain had voted to leave, but repeated that there would be "no renegotiation" of Britain's membership.

Juncker, a former Luxembourg premier and strong federalist, said "no" when asked if the vote spelled the beginning of the end for a European Union that faces a huge rise in populist and eurosceptic parties.

- 'A wake-up call' -

Worried European leaders will hold a series of crisis talks in coming days, with Merkel saying she would host the leaders of France and Italy along with EU President Donald Tusk in Berlin on Monday to try to chart a reform plan.

"We take note of the British people's decision with regret. There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process," Merkel told reporters in Berlin.

With global markets in turmoil, she said it was important to "not draw quick and simple conclusions from the referendum in Great Britain, which would only further divide Europe."

Hollande said the Brexit vote was a "grave test for Europe," adding that the bloc "must show solidity and strength in its response to the economic and financial risks."

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He said the British should leave "with the shortest possible delay".

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi echoed calls for reform, saying "Europe is our house" and that "the house needs to be renovated, perhaps freshened up".

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, whose debt-hit country went through a referendum on its way to a bitterly-fought debt bailout, said the result could be a "wake-up call" for the EU to "change its policies".

But he warned that it could also be "the start of a dangerous path backwards for our peoples."

EU chief and former Polish premier Tusk -- who had earlier warned that a Leave vote could "end Western political civilisation" -- put on a brave face, saying that "what does not kill you makes you stronger".

He insisted that the bloc was "determined to keep our unity at 27" and said the remaining leaders would meet separately without Cameron on the sidelines of a summit of the full 28 in Brussels next week.

The European Parliament will meanwhile pass a motion at an emergency meeting on Tuesday urging Cameron to trigger the exit process by invoking what is known as Article 50.

- 'Chain reaction' fear -

The biggest fear was of contagion, with immediate calls by far-right leaders in France and the Netherlands for their countries to hold their own votes on EU membership.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen said the British result was a "victory for freedom", while Dutch anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders said "the Dutch people deserve a referendum as well."

Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican US presidential nominee, also weighed in with his support while on a visit to Scotland, saying the vote for Brexit was a "fantastic thing," evoking a "real parallel" with his own campaign.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz said he was speaking to Merkel to avoid a "chain reaction" of eurosceptic success across Europe, adding that it would "absolutely not happen."

Several European leaders expressed "sadness", including Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, whose country goes to the polls on Sunday in yet another test for Europe's traditional politics.

Britain's decision to leave also sparked reaction further afield.

Binali Yildirim, the prime minister of Turkey -- whose EU membership bid and migration crisis deal was a key part of the pro-Brexit campaign -- said he believed the EU "should look at these (Brexit) developments and review its future vision."

Earlier this week, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey could hold its own referendum on whether or not to continue its EU accession process.

Turkish deputy premier Nurettin Canikli meanwhile warned that "the period of the disintegration of the European Union has begun. And the first vessel to have departed is Britain."

Britain's departure from the EU has also sparked wider fears for the international order, but UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he expected the EU to remain a solid partner.

And NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg agreed that Britain would remain a "strong ally" of the US-led but largely European military alliance.
BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Union should send clear signals for a reform of its policy following the British decision to leave the 28-member bloc, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Bavarian ally said on Friday. "This is not a good day for Europe. I regret the decision of the British people to leave the EU," Horst Seehofer said, adding Brussels and London should now agree quickly and prudently on their future relationship. "The European Union must now send clear signals for a reform of its policy," said Seehofer, head of the Christian Social Union (CSU), the sister party of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU). "The CSU wants a citizen-friendly European Union in which the national identity and the autonomy of the regions and municipalities are preserved," Seehofer said, adding the EU needed less centralization and egalitarianism. (Reporting by Michael Nienaber; Editing by Caroline Copley)
By Alissa de Carbonnel BRUSSELS (Reuters) - An impasse between EU nations on whether to allow Monsanto's Roundup and similar weed-killers to continue to be sold means that the European Commission, rather than national politicians, will decide the issue next week. With most EU attention focused on Britain's shock decision to quit the bloc, everyday work continued in Brussels on Friday where an "appeal's committee" of representatives from the 28 member states failed to agree on whether to extend the licence for the herbicide glyphosate after it expires next week. Contradictory findings on the carcinogenic risks of the chemical have pitted farming and chemical lobbies against consumer and environmental groups. The European Crop Protection Association said banning the chemical could harm farmers, increase food prices and damage the environment. But lingering safety concerns made some EU countries reluctant to approve its continued use. The Commission - after failing to win support for a 15-year renewal of the licence - had offered a 12 to 18 month extension to allow time for a further study by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). But France and Malta voted against that and seven countries, including Germany, Italy and Austria, abstained, according to EU sources, meaning there was not the required majority. "The Commission regrets that no decision could be taken by the member states, in spite of its efforts over recent weeks to accommodate requests and concerns," a spokeswoman for the EU executive said. The issue is now on the Commission's agenda for Monday. If the licence is not extended, manufacturers will have six months to phase out products containing the widely used herbicide. Monsanto has defended the safety of glyphosate and has not ruled out a legal appeal if its licence is not extended. Jonas Oxgaard, senior analyst at investment bank Bernstein, has estimated Monsanto could lose earnings of up to $100 million if the EU were to halt glyphosate sales. Environmental groups said the Commission should take its cue from the lack of political consensus over the chemical. "We are glad EU governments have represented their citizens," said Bart Staes, a Green group member of the European Parliament. "Forcing through the authorisation would raise major democratic concerns about the EU's decision-making process." (Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
Brussels (AFP) - Britain's referendum on whether to remain in the EU has taken place in a climate of growing euroscepticism across the bloc, and is just the latest of many EU plebiscites.

National referendums over the past 44 years have often determined the direction taken by the EU, whether by admitting new members, expanding its powers via treaty changes, or embarking on new projects.

- Norway stays out -

Norwegians voted to stay out of the expanding European Economic Community in September 1972 and again in November 1994 when Austria, Finland and Sweden joined what has since become the EU. Norway is the only country to have decided at a referendum not to join.

- No Brexit in 1975 -

Britain did not hold a referendum on whether to join the EEC in 1973, but the Labour government of Harold Wilson organised a popular vote in 1975 in which voters decided to stay in by 67.2 percent.

- The Euro and treaty changes -

The Maastricht Treaty, laying the groundwork for the European Union and for European monetary union, did not go smoothly.

On June 2, 1992, Danes surprised European neighbours when they turned down the treaty by 50.7 percent.

They backed an amended version by a narrow margin in May 1993, but only after Denmark had secured greater autonomy in defence, currency, citizenship matters and judicial cooperation.

A slight majority of French voters, 51.05 percent, approved the treaty in a referendum held on September 20, 1992.

Two countries held referendums on joining the euro, which was created in 1999.

In September 2000, just over 53 percent of Danes rejected the single currency, and in September 2003, neighbouring Sweden found that 56.1 percent of voters wanted to keep their krona.

- French and Dutch block the European Constitution -

When asked to approve the European Constitution in May 2005, almost 55 percent of French voters said "No" and more than 61 percent of the Dutch rejected the draft three days later.

- Ireland says 'No' then 'Yes' -

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The Treaty of Nice contained key institutional reforms needed for the bloc's eastwards enlargement in 2004.

It only faced a referendum in Ireland where it was initially rejected by 54 percent in June 2001 as supporters underestimated local opposition.

After obtaining guarantees regarding Ireland's cherished military neutrality, a second referendum was approved by 62.9 percent on October 19, 2002.

It was the same story with the Treaty of Lisbon, negotiated to partly replace the stalled constitution: on June 12, 2008 Ireland said "No", but approved it with a second vote in October 2009.

- Ukraine -

In early April 61 percent of Dutch voters rejected a key European pact with Ukraine in a non-binding referendum seen as a barometer of anti-EU feeling.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will continue as an important player on the world stage despite British people having voted to leave the EU in a referendum, the EU's foreign policy chief said on Friday. "We will continue to act as a force for peace, a provider of security, and a staunch supporter of international cooperation and multilateralism," Federica Mogherini said, adding she regretted Britain's decision to leave. A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and one of the European Union's two main military powers, Britain has been one of the most vocal members of the 28-member bloc in calling for sanctions against Russia in the wake of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek; editing by Philip Blenkinsop)
* EU, United States clinched data transfer pact in February

* EU privacy watchdogs asked for improvements

* Washington offered more clarity on use of bulk surveillance

* EU member states have to approve data pact

By Julia Fioretti

BRUSSELS, June 24 (Reuters) - The European Union and the United States have agreed changes to a data transfer pact that is key to transatlantic business, including stricter rules for companies holding information on Europeans and clearer limits on U.S. surveillance.

The revised EU-U.S. Privacy Shield was sent for review by European member states overnight. They are expected to hold a vote in early July, several EU sources said, at which point it will enter into force.

Cross-border data transfers by businesses include payroll and human resources information as well as lucrative data used for targeted online advertising, which is of particular importance to tech companies.

However, revelations of mass U.S. surveillance practices three years ago caused political outrage in Europe and fuelled distrust of big U.S. tech companies such as Facebook, Google and Apple.

Brussels and Washington rushed to hammer out the data pact after the EU's highest court last year struck down the previous system, Safe Harbour, on concerns about mass U.S. surveillance practices, threatening data flows that are key to billions of dollars of business.

For 15 years Safe Harbour allowed both U.S. and European firms to get around tough EU data transferral rules by stating they complied with European privacy standards when storing information on U.S. servers.

EU privacy regulators expressed concern about an initial deal struck in February.

The U.S. government has now explained further the specific conditions under which intelligence services might have to collect data in bulk and safeguards on how the data is used, EU sources said.

A letter from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, seen by Reuters, gives an example of the United States seeking information on the activities of a terrorist group in the Middle East believed to be plotting attacks against Europe.

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If Washington does not have information such as names, phone numbers or email addresses it would collect communications "to and from that region for further review and analysis to identify those communications that relate to the group," the letter says.

"Thus, even when targeting through the use of specific selectors is not possible, the United States does not collect all communications from all communications facilities in the world."

The United States also explained how a new privacy official - whose role would be to field complaints from EU citizens about U.S. spying - would be independent from the intelligence services.

(Reporting by Julia Fioretti; editing by Philip Blenkinsop/Keith Weir)
By Victoria Bryan

LONDON (Reuters) - Airline stocks plunged on Friday and IAG (ICAG.L) said it would no longer meet its profit targets this year after Britain's vote to leave the EU raised concerns over travel demand and flying rights.

Airlines with a strong focus on the UK market were worst hit, with IAG, easyJet (EZJ.L), Wizz Air (WIZZ.L) and Ryanair (RYA.I) all down by 18-22 percent. British bank HSBC (HSBA.L) downgraded all European carriers to "reduce".

Ahead of the vote, airline bosses had warned that a so-called Brexit could lead to a slide in demand for leisure and business travel, though analysts say that a fall in the pound could make leisure travel to the UK more attractive.

IAG said on Friday that, while it does not expect the Brexit vote to have a long-term material impact on its business, profit will take a hit in the short term.

"Following the outcome of the referendum, and given current market volatility, while IAG continues to expect a significant increase in operating profit this year it no longer expects to generate an absolute operating profit increase similar to 2015," the company said in a statement.

FLYING RIGHTS

A Brexit could also lead to detrimental changes to airlines' flying rights. As an EU member state, Britain is currently part of the EU's single aviation market, which allows airlines to fly freely to and within member states.

While the UK government is expected to seek to rejoin the single aviation market, there is no certainty this will be achieved.

HSBC said that if Britain did not rejoin the single aviation market 30 percent of easyJet's operation could be affected, or 40 percent if its Swiss air operators certificate (AOC) is also called into question. The bank said that about 30 percent of Ryanair's operations could be hit and 25 percent at Wizz Air.

Brokerage Concorde puts easyJet's exposure at 45 percent, IAG at 35 percent, Ryanair at 27 percent (excluding Ireland) and Wizz Air at 15 percent.

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To get around any restrictions, easyJet could seek an EU-based AOC for its continental European operations, while Ryanair and Wizz could set up a UK-based AOC.

"Implementing new corporate structures would add overhead costs and reduce operational flexibility," HSBC analysts said.

CONSIDERING OPTIONS

EasyJet said it is working on a number of options to allow it to continue flying in all of its markets and has already written to the UK government and European Commission to urge them to ensure Britain stayed in the single aviation market.

"We remain confident in the strength of easyJets business model and our ability to continue to deliver our successful strategy and our leading returns," CEO Carolyn McCall said in a statement.

Eastern European carrier Wizz Air could also suffer from reduced demand from Polish and Hungarian workers flying to and from the UK, said Daniel Tunkli, airline sector analyst at Concorde Securities in Budapest.

"That market is now under serious risk, but what precise implications it might have remains to be seen. I doubt the UK will now send guest workers home, but if they begin to require visas and generally just make air travel more cumbersome, that will hurt Wizz Air," he said.

Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) Chief Executive Carsten Spohr said that he considers the impact of Brexit on the German carrier's business as "manageable" because Britain accounts for only 5 percent of group revenue.

(Additional reporting by Marton Dunai in Budapest; Editing by David Goodman)
News came around 12 a.m. ET last night that a countrywide referendum in the U.K. had resulted in a vote for its exit from the European Union after 43 years. The music business has reacted with trepidation, and the impact of the decision will be significant. The statements below, from the country's leading trade bodies as well as the European Commission, telegraph their resolve to see this dramatic change through.

Statement from International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI):

As an international recording industry, with businesses across all 28 EU Member States, the interest of our sector was for the UK to remain in the European Union. The decision of the UK to leave the EU creates a great deal of uncertainty which could last for a considerable time. In this difficult period, IFPI will continue to work hard to ensure that our members' interests are best represented on all the issues we deal with. -- CEO Frances Moore.

Statement from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) & BRIT Awards:

The outcome of the EU Referendum will come as a surprise to many across the music community, who will be concerned by the economic uncertainty that lies ahead and the impact this may have on business prospects.

However, the UK public has spoken, and once the short-term political and macro-economic consequences have played out, this decision will mean new priorities for the music industry in our work with Government. We will, of course, press the Government to swiftly negotiate trade deals that will ensure unimpeded access to EU markets for our music and our touring artists. Our Government will also now have the opportunity to legislate for stronger domestic copyright rules that encourage investment here in the UK and which will protect UK creators from piracy and from tech platforms siphoning off value through copyright loopholes. We are confident that British music will remain hugely popular across Europe and we will work hard to make sure UK labels are able to capitalise on that demand. -- Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive. Read more here.

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Statement from the Association of Independent Music (AIM)

Following today's result on Brexit AIM will liaise closely with our members, other trade bodies and colleagues across the music industry to ensure that the strength and standing of the independent music community in the international marketplace is not diminished by these events. -- Alison Wenham, CEO.

Joint statement from the leaders of the European Commission (video of the press conference is below):

In a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but respect it.

This is an unprecedented situation but we are united in our response. We will stand strong and uphold the EU's core values of promoting peace and the well-being of its peoples. The Union of 27 Member States will continue. The Union is the framework of our common political future. We are bound together by history, geography and common interests and will develop our cooperation on this basis. Together we will address our common challenges to generate growth, increase prosperity and ensure a safe and secure environment for our citizens. The institutions will play their full role in this endeavour.

We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty. We have rules to deal with this in an orderly way. Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union sets out the procedure to be followed if a Member State decides to leave the European Union. We stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the United Kingdom regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union. Until this process of negotiations is over, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, with all the rights and obligations that derive from this. According to the Treaties which the United Kingdom has ratified, EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a Member.

As agreed, the "New Settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union", reached at the European Council on 18-19 February 2016, will now not take effect and ceases to exist. There will be no renegotiation.

As regards the United Kingdom, we hope to have it as a close partner of the European Union in the future. We expect the United Kingdom to formulate its proposals in this respect. Any agreement, which will be concluded with the United Kingdom as a third country, will have to reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations. -- Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament; Donald Tusk, President of the European Council; Mark Rutte, Holder of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU; and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission.
DailyFX.com -

Talking Points:

- Currencies slightly balance on London open as desks go online

- Risk off flows seen across the board as the FTSE 100, DAX 30 open lower by more than 7%

- More than half of the FTSE 100 stocks failed to open for trade initially

Volatility is extreme with the Brexit results. Learn good trading habits with the Traits of Successful Traders series

European desks opened to a new reality today as the UK voters cast their votes and decided to Brexit from the European Union. The final results showed the Leave camp prevailed by 51.9% to 48.1% margin.

The market has seen extreme moves, and indeed risk off is apparently the order of the day. The FTSE 100 and DAX 30 both opened lower by more than 7% before stabilizing slightly after. This marked the worst drop for the FTSE 100 since 2008, and more than half of the stocks on the index failed to open initially. UK bank stocks took a major hit with Lloyds showing a drop of -30% while RBS was down -34%.

Currencies stabilized somewhat in the aftermath of some extreme moves as the British Pound and the Euro are seeing a bounce higher versus the US Dollar at the time of writing (The GBP/USD set a low around 1.32, while the EUR/USD traded near the 1.09 handle).

Yen strength has halted somewhat as well, while the sentiment linked Australian Dollar bounced from around the 0.73 handle.

Volatility is expected to remain extremely elevated, which might suggest that trading this environment should be approached with caution (if at all)

FTSE 100 (CFD:UK100) 5-Minute Chart: June 24, 2016

European Market Reactions as London Opens Post

DAX 30 (CFD:GER30) 5-Minute Chart: June 24, 2016

European Market Reactions as London Opens Post

GBPUSD 5-Minute Chart: June 24, 2016

European Market Reactions as London Opens Post

EURUSD 5-Minute Chart: June 24, 2016

European Market Reactions as London Opens Post

USDJPY 5-Minute Chart: June 24, 2016

European Market Reactions as London Opens Post

AUDUSD 5-Minute Chart: June 24, 2016

European Market Reactions as London Opens Post

--- Written by Oded Shimoni, Junior Currency Analyst for DailyFX.com



original source

DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets.

Learn forex trading with a free practice account and trading charts from FXCM.
BERLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - European Parliament President Martin Schulz expects negotiations over Britain's departure from the European Union to begin quickly, he said on Friday after Britain's vote to leave the bloc.

"The United Kingdom has decided to go its own way. I think the economic data show this morning that it will be a very difficult way," Schulz told German television station ZDF.

"I expect that the negotiations on the exit will now begin quickly," said Schulz, who noted a fall in the pound after the referendum result and added: "I don't want the euro to experience something similar."

(Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Noah Barkin)
BERLIN (Reuters) - The presidents of the national parliaments in Germany, France, Luxembourg and Italy said on Friday they would continue work on European integration following Britain's vote to leave the EU. Norbert Lammert, president of Germany's parliament, spoke with his counterparts from France, Italy and Luxembourg after the Brexit vote, and the four officials agreed to "hold tight to the historic achievements of the European Union," his office said in a statement. The officials also agreed to consult closely during Britain's exit negotiations, the statement said. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by John Stonestreet)
London (AFP) - European stock markets and the British pound plunged at the start of trading Friday after Britain voted to leave the European Union, with banking stocks leading the way down.

London's FTSE-100 index was down 5.0 percent around 0745 GMT off earlier lows with banking stocks Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and Lloyds all losing close to a quarter of their market value.

"The British people have voted against the economic warnings of the overwhelming majority of expert economic opinion. Not surprisingly, this morning the referendum result has sent shockwaves through global financial markets," said Daniel Vernazza, economist at UniCredit Research.

In the eurozone, the damage was even greater, with the Paris CAC-40 index falling by over 10 percent. Financials BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole plunged by 17 percent, while Societe Generale dropped 21 percent.

The Frankfurt DAX index also dropped by over 10 percent at one point, before recovering somewhat to a 8.7-percent decline. Banking stocks Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank both plummeted by over 16 percent.

Among smaller European exchanges, Madrid fell nearly 12 percent, Athens by 15 percent, Amsterdam nearly 9 percent, Prague 10 percent and Warsaw by nearly 8 percent.

Sterling crashed 10 percent to $1.3229 at one point, its weakest level since 1985, while the greenback itself slumped below 100 yen for the first time in two-and-a-half years as traders fled to safety.

With stock market investors heading for the exit across Europe, they also sought the relative safety of government bonds. The price on the German benchmark 10-year sovereign bond rose sharply, pushing its yield into negative territory for only the second time in its history.

UK government bonds also rose, taking their 10-year yield to a historic low.

Gold, a traditional refuge asset, struck a two-year high.

The Swiss franc, another favourite for jittery investors, also rose sharply, prompting Swiss central bank intervention in the foreign exchange market to cap the rise.
As the results of a referendum which will change the face of Europe slowly emerged overnight on June 24, the first reactions came from eurosceptic parties elsewhere on the continent, who gleefully celebrated Britains decision to leave the European Union.

Today Brexit, tomorrow Frexit, proclaimed a triumphant Marine Le Pen, leader the French populist Front National party, using the common term for a British exit from the bloc.

Now, as the E.U.s leaders grapple first with their disbelief and then with the horror of their union showing the first signs of splintering, their challenge will be to seize momentum back from the euroskeptics and convince the world that they can contain the crisis.

The offensive began soon after the first salvos from the populists, with European Council President Donald Tusk urging against hysterical reactions and reiterating that we are determined to keep our unity. Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the E.U.s executive branch, took a gruffer tone at a press conference when asked if it was the beginning of the end of the E.U. No. Thank you all, he declared before walking off stage without elaborating.

But Europeans across the bloc will be demanding more comprehensive answers as they look to the British example and wonder whether they too should be asking for more from the E.U.

The question is can the E.U. send a signal early on that it wants to tackle some of the bigger underlying issues that have aggravated people, says Jan Techau, the director of the Carnegie Europe think tank, citing the Eurozone crisis, concerns about the democratic processes in Brussels, and the migration issue as key concerns. Can they create some sort of hope out there that now the warning shot has been heard?

The next few days will be crucial for the setting the tone, and the first challenge is overcoming uncertainly about the exact procedure for leaving the E.U. While Article 50 of the E.U. treaty says that a nation must trigger their exit by informing the bloc of their intention to leave, there is no timescale set out for doing this in the event of a referendum.

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And while it may be in the British governments interest to put off triggering Article 50 while it deals with domestic fall-out and selects a new Prime Minister to replace David Cameron, pressure was building in Brussels for the U.K. to come to the table with their negotiating position quickly and calm the financial markets.

The negotiations must immediately start, says Manfred Weber, leader of the European Peoples Party, the centre-right grouping in the European Parliament. We need clarity  we have to avoid any kind of uncertainly. That means we cannot wait until the British Tory governing party is electing a new prime minister.

The E.U. leadership is aware not only of the impact of the next few days on the markets and public opinion within the bloc, but also in the rest of the world. The U.K. was considered one of the E.Us most influential members, a military and economic power with a seat on the U.N. Security Council.

France and Germany are reported to be in talks to try and come up with a striking E.U.-wide foreign policy or security initiative to regain the global momentum. But Chris Bickerton, a lecturer at Cambridge University and author of The European Union: A Citizens Guide, is sceptical. Its difficult to see what they would suggest which would in some way be an appropriate response to the UK vote, he tells TIME.

For Bickerton and Techau, a more forceful response to reassure the world of the E.U.s future political and economic stability would be bold steps to shore up the Eurozone by creating a more integrated political backstop for the single currency. In other words, greater integration between the 18 countries using the euro.

However, that is exactly the kind of move which could backfire with E.U. electorates looking to seize back control from Brussels. What from the outside would seem to make Europe stronger could from the inside make it more fragile, says Bickerton.

In the longer term, E.U. officials concede they need a new vision if they are the counter the growing popularity of fringe parties and eurosceptic outfits. And although recent polls suggest citizens in no other E.U. nation would actually vote to leave the bloc if there was a referendum right now, the post-war dream of a united Europe looks more distant by the day.

The glue is even more brittle than before, says Techau. The sense of togetherness, the feeling that the project itself is valuable, this sense that in the end we need to keep this in-tact, I think that is already weakened and we will see it weakened further.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union leaders are determined to keep the unity of the EU after Britain voted to leave the 28-nation bloc, the chairman of the leaders Donald Tusk said on Friday, noting the EU had been prepared for such an outcome. "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," Tusk told reporters in a statement. "I want to reassure everyone that we are prepared also for this negative scenario," he said. Tusk said there was no way to predict all the political consequences of the vote, especially for Britain, but that it is not a moment for "hysterical reactions." "Today, on behalf of the 27 leaders I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27," Tusk said. EU leaders, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, are scheduled to meet on Tuesday in Brussels. Tusk said the 27 leaders of countries remaining in the EU would meet informally to discuss how to handle Britain's decision to leave. "I have offered the leaders an informal meeting of the 27 in the margins of the European Council summit," Tusk said. "And I will also propose to the leaders that we start a wider reflection on the future of our Union." Under EU law, a country that wants to leave the bloc has two years for negotiations on the terms of the divorce, starting from the moment it formally notifies the EU of its intention. Some British officials who campaigned to leave the EU have suggested that London could delay such notification, to make time for informal talks on the best possible exit deal. Tusk appeared to take a firm line. "All the procedures for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU are clear and set out in the treaties," Tusk said. Cameron said on Friday Britain would probably make such a notification only in October. (Reporting By Jan Strupczewski; editing by Philip Blenkinsop)
This Even Stevens star is having a baby!

This Even Stevens star is having a baby!

No, Shia LaBeouf is not going to be a father (though that would be a THING when or if it happens).

Another Even Stevens star is going to be a parent and its Shias big sister on the Disney Channel classic! Christy Carlson Romano is having her first child!

#BIGREVEAL on my #SecretProject with my hubby and dad-to-be @thebrendanrooney #ItsAGirl #preggers #momlife #nextchapter http://celebritybabies.people.com/2016/06/23/christy-carlson-romano-pregnant-expecting-daughter-brendan-rooney/ A photo posted by Christy Carlson Romano (@thechristycarlsonromano) on Jun 23, 2016 at 12:28pm PDT

Christy exclusively told People.com her big news and most exciting of all, the baby is due on CHRISTMAS!













I am flabbergasted at the serendipity of having a baby on Christmas. Its our favorite holiday! Romano revealed. What a gift well have this year. Feeling so blessed and grateful  and a little nauseous.

Another cute thing about Christy and her hubby (Writer/Producer Brendan Rooney) is that they celebrated Fathers Day together, though at the time, their baby news was still a secret.

Beating the heat! #fathersday #summer #pool #spf A photo posted by Christy Carlson Romano (@thechristycarlsonromano) on Jun 19, 2016 at 12:13pm PDT

The couple met 5 years ago while they were both students at Columbia.

Awww, it seems like just yesterday Christy Carlson was gracing our TV screens as Ren Stevens.

renstevens

The post This Even Stevens star is having a baby! appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Miss Missouri, Erin O'Flaherty, is beaming with pride, and we can't blame her!

ET chatted with the newly crowned pageant queen via satellite on Friday, where she dished all on being the first out lesbian Miss America contestant.

WATCH: Newly Crowned Miss Missouri Is the First Openly Gay Miss America Contestant

"I'm on cloud nine," the 23-year-old South Carolina native gushed. "I'm ready to go to Miss America, and I'm really happy to have made history. I'm definitely the first openly gay Miss Missouri, and the first woman to go into the Miss America competition openly gay."

Twitter

O'Flaherty, who came out to her family and friends when she was 18 years old, said she's excited to be a role model for the LGBT community.

"In the past few days, I've received several messages from other contestants that are out in other states," she explained. "So, that's awesome to hear that maybe I won't need to be the only one going to Miss America this year openly lesbian. That is really exciting."

Although she appears to be as confident as ever now, O'Flaherty told ET she didn't always feel that way. In fact, she once felt terrified of publicly being her true self.

WATCH: Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell Wins 2016 Miss America Pageant

"As far as girls who aren't out yet, I would say, take the leap," she advised. "I was so scared as well -- it's a lot to build yourself up to, [coming] into your own in the public eye and [to] step into who you really are. But it's so freeing, and I saw most of my success after I came out because I was able to present myself as exactly as who I am."

O'Flaherty also revealed that she actually fell into pageants "by chance" while attending college at the University of Central Florida.

"There was a Miss UCF pageant, and [one year], Sarah York was Miss UCF," she remembered. "I didn't really know much about her, but I saw her at all of our campus events. I saw how she carried herself with grace and poise, and I just decided that I wanted to be her."

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"So, the next year, I enrolled in the Miss UCF program," she continued. "I did very well, and it was through that that I learned about the Miss America organization."

WATCH: Vanessa Williams Makes Triumphant, Musical Return to Miss America Pageant

Aside from breaking ground as Miss America's first out lesbian, O'Flaherty also hopes to spend her reign by raising awareness for suicide prevention, a cause she says hits close to home.

"When I was 13, I lost one of my best friends to suicide," she explained. "It was through the grieving process that I realized that there were warning signs and maybe this could have been prevented. So, I'm now an advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and also the Trevor Project, which is the nation's leading crisis intervention and suicide prevention resource for LGBT youth."

"It's really cool for me to merge my suicide prevention efforts with the LGBT community, because I know exactly how it feels to come out," she continued. "So, that's really exciting and I'm hoping to really be a champion to suicide prevention this year."

As ET previously reported, O'Flaherty sent her first official tweet from the Miss Missouri Twitter account on Wednesday.

WATCH: The Top 5 Most Famous Miss Americas Ever

"Hey there! Erin here, officially signing in as Miss MO 2016," she wrote. "So excited to serve this amazing state."

Hey there! Erin here, officially signing in as Miss MO 2016. So excited to serve this amazing state  pic.twitter.com/MRlYYYLqsC  Miss Missouri (@MissAmericaMO) June 23, 2016

This fall's Miss America competition is scheduled for Sept. 11 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. As we patiently wait to see who takes home the crown, watch the video below to hear more on five of the pageant's most famous contestants.

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T.I. is breaking his silence on the terror surrounding a fatal shooting at his New York City concert in May.

Speaking with ET, the 35-year-old rapper reveals what was going through his mind at the time of the incident.

"I mean, just getting everybody with me somewhere safe," he said softly. Responding to our condolences for the tragic situation ["Sorry that happened, that's terrible"], T.I. added, "Yeah. I am, too."

NEWS: T.I.'s Stepdaughter Zonnique Pullins Arrested for Carrying a Gun in an Airport

T.I. previously offered his own condolences to the families affected by the shooting, which left one man dead and three wounded, in a post on his Instagram account.

"My heart is heavy today. Our music is intended to save lives, like it has mine and many others. My heartfelt condolences to the family that suffered the loss and my prayers are with all those injured," he wrote last month.

The altercation took place in the green room on the third floor of Irving Plaza in Union Square on May 25. One male victim died from a gunshot to the stomach after being rushed to Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital.

Rapper Roland Collins, who goes by the stage name Troy Ave, was among the three injured individuals and has been arrested in connection with the shooting. He is charged with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon, and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His bail hearing is set for July 1.

T.I. previously told TMZ that he wouldn't be making any comments on the pending criminal case, but added: "I got love for Troy and I just think he has enormous potential. I know he has his own relationship with God. All he gotta do is keep God first and he'll pull through."

T.I. is currently busy promoting the upcoming season of his hit reality show, T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle, returning to VH1 on Monday, July 18 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. He's also hard at work on a new album, Dime Trap, due out later this year.

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WATCH: Shooting at T.I. Concert at NYC's Irving Plaza Leaves One Dead, Three Wounded

Related Articles
Fear about a possible global recession continues to swirl following the United Kingdoms decision to exit the European Union.

Marc Faber, Swiss investor and editor of the Gloom, Boom & Doom Report, thinks there has been an overreaction to the news.

The markets are going down because the economic news globally is unfavorable, Faber told the FOX Business Networks Connell McShane. Were moving into a recession that has nothing to do with Brexit.

Faber added: I do not think that its as dramatic as the market reaction has been. Its just been that the market participants believe that to stay in the EU would be favorable, and to leave would be unfavorable."

The Swiss investor compared the current situation between the U.K. and the EU to Switzerlands historic fight for its own freedom.

In the 13th century we fought the Habsburg Empire to be free and not to have foreign justice and foreign laws and not to pay taxes to foreign overlords, he explained. This is precisely what the EU does with all the countries. They want to impose courts of justice, taxes, regulations, new laws and most of which inhibit economic growth. This is a victory for freedom and for people, the Brits.

Faber also said the Brexit will be the perfect excuse for global central banks to coordinate the monetary policies to print even more money.

Related Articles
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Britain is expected to submit an application to leave the European Union following Thursday's referendum, after which it would have two years to negotiate an exit. Below are possible consequences for Britain and the EU of a Brexit. ECONOMY Britain would no longer be subject to EU budget rules, which limit a government's budget deficit to 3 percent of gross domestic product and public debt to 60 percent of GDP. It could therefore run whatever budget shortfall it wants without admonishment from the European Commission and other EU ministers. It would also be free from the Commission's monitoring and advice on future actions. FINANCE Financial services firms based in Britain, from banks to clearing houses and funds, could lose their money-spinning EU "passports", which allows them to sell services across the 28-nation bloc with low costs and a single set of rules. The passporting system has contributed to making London one of the world's most important financial centers. Some American, Japanese and other non-European banks that have European headquarters in London have said they would consider moving parts of their business inside the European Union, in the event of a Brexit. TRADE The rest of the EU has a trade surplus in goods of about 100 billion euros ($110 billion) with Britain, while Britain exports some 20 billion euros in services than it imports, principally due to financial services. Brexit campaigners say if would be in the EU's interest to agree a free trade deal with Britain even if it leaves the bloc. However, there tends to be more of a focus on goods than services in free trade deals. Switzerland, where financial services are a larger share of GDP than in Britain, has no general access to EU financial service markets and runs a financial services trade deficit with the bloc. COMPETITION British companies acquiring EU peers would still need approval from the UK competition watchdog and the European Commission, resulting in more legal costs and the risk that each delivers a different ruling. Britain will have a free hand to aid ailing companies or industries without fear of EU action but it will also not be able to oppose subsidies granted by EU governments to their own national champions. ENERGY Leaving the EU could make UK energy infrastructure investment costlier and delay new projects at a time when the country needs to plug a looming electricity supply gap. The uncertainty after Brexit could make energy investors demand higher returns for the risk of less favorable conditions. Oil and gas majors BP and Shell are among energy companies who warned about the potential downside. CLIMATE Britain is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Europe and its utilities are among the largest buyers of carbon permits in the EU Emission Trading System (ETS). Although most analysts believe Britain will remain in the cap-and-trade scheme, the vote is viewed as bearish for the market as Britain would no longer be able to drive tough reforms to drive up the price. Brexit would also disrupt the bloc's plans to share out the burden of its Paris climate change pledge. The environmentally minded also worry that EU climate targets would be less ambitious without British leadership to balance against more reluctant member states such as coal-dependent Poland. AVIATION A Brexit could call into question EU agreements on open airspace that have granted the region's airlines unlimited access to the skies of fellow member states, benefiting both UK and EU airlines. It would also affect transatlantic routes because of the EU-U.S. Open Skies agreement, which gives British airlines unlimited flying rights to the United States. FOREIGN POLICY Along with France, Britain is the leading foreign policy power in the European Union, boasting a large military and close ties with the United States. After a Brexit, Washington has made clear it will be less interested in London as an ally because of a perceived loss of influence. Britain would no longer be bound by joint EU positions, for instance on economic sanctions against Russia. Britain would remain a member of NATO. JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS Britain has multiple exemptions from justice and home affairs policies, notably not being part of bloc's Schengen zone of free travel. It is not clear what restrictions Britain might place on foreign arrivals. The EU has vowed to respond in kind. Britain currently recognizes other EU members' arrest warrants, exchanges police information, including personal data, and is a member of the bloc's police agency Europol. Its future involvement, including access to EU databases, could diminish, meaning less cooperation on policing and fighting crime. (Reporting by Brussels newsroom; Editing by Pravin Char)
LONDON (Reuters) - Following are reactions from world leaders and politicians on Friday to Britain's referendum vote to leave the European Union: -- EU LEADERS -- EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT DONALD TUSK "We are determined to keep our unity as 27 ... I will propose that we start a period of wider reflection on the future of our union." BORIS JOHNSON, LEADING FIGURE IN "LEAVE" CAMPAIGN "We can find our voice in the world again, a voice that is commensurate with the fifth-biggest economy on Earth ... I believe we now have a glorious opportunity: we can pass our laws and set our taxes entirely according to the needs of the UK economy ... "There is now no need for haste and ... nothing will change over the short term." JOINT STATEMENT BY EU LEADERS "We will stand strong and uphold the EU's core values of promoting peace and the wellbeing of its peoples ... together we will address our common challenge to generate growth, increase prosperity and ensure a safe and secure environment for our citizens ... "We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would necessarily prolong uncertainty ... "As regards the United Kingdom, we hope to have it as a close partner of the European Union also in the future ... Any agreement, which will be concluded with the United Kingdom as a third country, will have to reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations." BRITISH PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON, WHO CAMPAIGNED TO KEEP BRITAIN IN "I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination ... it is in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required." GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL "We have to recognize the decision of the majority of the British people with deep regret today," she said. "There is no point beating about the bush: today is a watershed for Europe, it is a watershed for the European unification process." FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS HOLLANDE ... said negotiations on Britain's exit must be swift, adding: "The British vote is a tough test for Europe." FRENCH PRIME MINISTER MANUEL VALLS "It's an explosive shock. At stake is the break-up pure and simple of the union. Now is the time to invent another Europe." JEROEN DIJSSELBLOEM, DUTCH CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF EURO ZONE FINANCE MINISTERS "The worst thing we could do is allow more instability into the EU," he said. "Alas, the British have chosen that, and we must make another choice ... Simply deepening or enlarging the European Union is not the way forward." NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER ERNA SOLBERG ... called the vote a "signal from both the British voters and many other voters around Europe who feel that the EU is not providing good enough answers to today's challenges". HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR ORBAN "Brussels must hear the voice of the people, this is the biggest lesson from this decision ... "Europe is strong only if it can give answers to major issues such as immigration that would strengthen Europe itself and not weaken it. The EU has failed to give these answers." JAROSLAW KACZYNSKI, HEAD OF POLAND'S RULING LAW AND JUSTICE PARTY "Brexit is a very bad event, Poland's place is in the European Union ... The conclusion is obvious: we need a new European treaty." POLISH PRESIDENT ANDRZEJ DUDA "Everything must be done to prevent other countries leaving." ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER MATTEO RENZI "We have to change (the EU) to make it more human and more just, but Europe is our home, it's our future." ACTING SPANISH PRIME MINISTER MARIANO RAJOY "In little more than half a century, Europeans have built the greatest space for peace, freedom and prosperity in all of humanitys history. And, despite the serious setbacks like the one we face today, nobody should doubt that we are going to continue working to build tomorrow." SWEDISH EU MINISTER ANN LINDE "We must show people why we believe the EU is important, why we need to remain. We have to look at the things that matter in people's everyday lives, perhaps where there have been ambiguities, where there's been arrogance and where people have felt it's been an elite project." MANFRED WEBER, WHO REPRESENTS GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL'S POLITICAL GROUP IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT "(The decision) ... causes major damage to both sides, but in first line to the UK ... There cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom ... 'Leave' means 'leave'. The times of cherry-picking are over." GIANNI PITTELLA, LEADER OF THE SOCIALISTS AND DEMOCRATS IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT It is sad but it is not the funeral of the European Union. PABLO IGLESIAS, HEAD OF THE SPANISH ANTI-AUSTERITY PARTY PODEMOS A sad day for Europe. We must change the route. Nobody would want to leave a fair and caring Europe. We have to change Europe." GREEK PRIME MINISTER ALEXIS TSIPRAS "We urgently need a new vision and beginning for a united Europe - for a better Europe, more social and democratic." ITALIAN FORMER EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT ROMANO PRODI "Great Britain voted like European countries did during the last elections. The wealthy voted to stay in Europe, while those who have been excluded from globalization, by this deranged European austerity, voted to leave ... "Citizens do not hate Europe; they hate this Europe -- the way it's been managed in these years. It's a policy that they do not understand, that hurts them, that destroyed the middle class." CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MIRO KOVAC "Im afraid that there will be an effect on (the EU enlargement) process and that it may slow down a bit. -- OUTSIDE THE EU -- U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, WHO HAD URGED A VOTE TO REMAIN "The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision. The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship." RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN "I think it is understandable why this happened: first, no one wants to feed and subsidize weaker economies ... "(Second), people are apparently dissatisfied with the resolution of security issues, which has become more acute against the background of powerful migration processes." CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN HUA CHUNYING "The impact will be on all levels, not only on relations between China and Britain ... China supports the European integration process and would like to see Europe playing a proactive role in international affairs." THE GLOBAL TIMES, PUBLISHED BY THE RULING CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY'S OFFICIAL PEOPLE'S DAILY "This referendum will probably be a landmark event that proves Britain is heading in the direction of being a small country with few people, writing itself off as hopeless and acting recklessly." U.S. REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DONALD TRUMP "They took back control of their country. It's a great thing ... "People are angry, all over the world ... They're angry over borders, they're angry over people coming into the country and taking over. Nobody even knows who they are. They're angry about many, many things." POPE FRANCIS "It was the will expressed by the people and this requires a great responsibility on the part of all of us to guarantee the good of the people of the United Kingdom, as well as the good and co-existence of the European continent." -- NEXIT? FREXIT? -- MARINE LE PEN, HEAD OF FRENCH FAR-RIGHT NATIONAL FRONT PARTY "Victory for freedom! We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries." NIGEL FARAGE, LEADER OF THE BRITISH ANTI-EU PARTY UKIP "The EU is failing, the EU is dying." MATTEO SALVINI, HEAD OF ITALY'S RIGHT-WING NORTHERN LEAGUE "Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn." EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT MEMBER BEATRIX VON STORCH OF THE EUROSCEPTIC GERMAN AFD PARTY "The European Union has failed as a political union." DUTCH ANTI-IMMIGRATION LEADER GEERT WILDERS We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy ... As quickly as possible, the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union." -- FUTURE OF UNITED KINGDOM -- NICOLA STURGEON, FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND, WHERE A LARGE MAJORITY VOTED "REMAIN" "I think an independence referendum is now highly likely ... intend to take all possible steps and explore all options to give effect to how people in Scotland voted, in other words to secure our continuing place in the EU and in the single market." THOMAS OPPERMANN, PARLIAMENTARY FLOOR LEADER OF GERMANY'S SOCIAL DEMOCRATS "If Scotland gains its independence in the end and again joins the European Union, then that would not balance out the loss for Great Britain, but I would warmly welcome the Scots in Europe." MARTIN MCGUINNESS, NATIONALIST DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER OF NORTHERN IRELAND "The British government now has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the North in any future negotiations with the European Union and I do believe that there is a democratic imperative for a 'border poll' to be held." ARLENE FOSTER, PRO-BRITISH FIRST MINISTER OF NORTHERN IRELAND "There is no way even, if there was a border poll, that it would be in favor of a united Ireland." ACTING SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER JOSE MANUEL GARCIA-MARGALLO "It's a complete change of outlook that opens up new possibilities on Gibraltar not seen for a very long time. I hope the formula of co-sovereignty - to be clear, the Spanish flag on the Rock - is much closer than before." (Compliled by Kevin Liffey)
(Adds quotes, details)

By Ingrid Melander

PARIS, June 24 (Reuters) - France's far right National Front party called for a French referendum on European Union membership on Friday, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda at home.

The anti-immigrant, anti-euro FN, was the only major French political party to call for Britons to vote to leave the EU.

"Victory for freedom!" said FN chief Marine Le Pen, who displayed the British flag on her Twitter page. "We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries."

Her deputy Florian Philippot said it was now France's turn to vote to leave the EU. "The liberty of peoples always wins in the end! Bravo to the United Kingdom," he wrote on Twitter. "Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit."

Since taking over from her father as FN leader, Jean-Marie, in 2011, Marine Le Pen has reworked the image of the FN to make it more mainstream. The party has done better, election after election - in the first round.

But it still loses in run-offs, and now controls less than a dozen small and medium-size municipalities.

Analysts, but also a few FN top officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy, was partly to blame for this by putting off key older voters.

Britain's "Leave" vote can go a long way to help it overcome this, Ifop pollster's analyst Frederic Dabi said.

"It's good news for Le Pen because the European issue was one of the key drags on FN voting," Dabi said.

"Older voters, executives, feared a leap in the unknown because of its anti-EU stance. But the UK is setting a precedent. If it goes well there, it will make the FN's stance look much more mainstream."

Usually omnipresent in French media, Le Pen had become largely silent over the past few months after suffering a huge disappointment in regional elections in December.

The Brexit vote could well throw her back on the front scene.

Le Pen had said last month that if she won next year's French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations with Brussels on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU in a referendum, she said.

Le Pen is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the 2017 presidential vote. However polls see her losing the run-off.

(Additional reporting by Andrew Callus; Editing by Richard Lough and Alexander Smith)
South Korean men's wear brand Solid Homme is launching in the US, exclusively via Mr Porter, reports Women's Wear Daily.

According to the online retailer, Solid Homme fills a gap in the market, offering a compromise between designer and contemporary looks.

Mr Porter will offer 21 pieces -- from footwear to apparel to accessories -- from Solid Homme's fall collection, inspired by French painter Matisse and ranging in price from $200 to $1,185.

Solid Homme was founded in 1988 by Woo Youngmi and is sold in 25 stores across Korea. The brand hopes to extend its offer to 30 more stores worldwide by 2020.
By Chris Arsenault RIO DE JANEIRO (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Government cutbacks to Brazil's pioneering social housing program, which has provided homes for several million people, will undermine property rights and increase inequality in South America's largest economy, analysts warn. Hailed by the United Nations as a "success" in reducing Brazil's housing shortage, the multi-billion dollar "Minha Casa, Minha Vida" (My House, My Life) program has become a target for spending cuts as the country's interim government grapples with a budget deficit and recession. More than 4.2 million new houses are under contract to be built as part of the program, according to government figures. However, analysts fear that cuts worth tens of millions of reais will disrupt construction. "Six million Brazilian families are homeless or living in precarious housing," said Maria Luisa Mendonca, a University of Rio de Janeiro professor, who studies land conflicts. "For them, these cuts matter a lot," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The Ministry of Cities announced last month spending on the program would be reduced by 1.5 percent without providing a time frame for the cuts, without specifying how much this would mean. Under the former government of President Dilma Rousseff, who was suspended from office last month for allegedly breaking budget laws, spending on the program was expected to be $210.6 billion reais ($67 billion) over the next three years, according to data released in March. "We are at a moment of transition," the cities minister, Bruno Araujo, said in a statement. "We are being cautious, assessing what promises we can keep," he said in May, pledging to continue the program "to the extent that the economy allows". The Ministry of Cities did not respond to phone calls or emails requesting an interview. ASSESSING PROMISES Data of how much has been spent on the initiative since its creation in 2009 is unavailable but government data shows more than 2.6 million low cost homes have been built. The program has been criticized for corruption, inefficiency and poor construction, said Maureen Donaghy, a public policy professor at Rutgers University in the United States, who studies housing markets. But due to its scale, the initiative actually made a "dent in the number of people needing secure housing", Donaghy told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "That has to be recognized." For Michel Braga, whose old house in a slum was washed away during a landslide, the program provided a rare chance to obtain an official property title. Most residents of Brazil's informal settlements, or favelas, a key source of housing for the working poor, do not have formal deeds certifying that they own their ramshackle properties. "It's much better here than it was in the favela," Braga, a car wash attendant, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. His new apartment in a gated complex of beige concrete buildings on clean streets stands in stark contrast to the unplanned red-brick favela perched on the adjacent hillside. Braga said he was "first on the list for one of these new apartments", because his old home had been destroyed by a natural disaster. SECURE HOMES Those on a low income normally apply for a subsidized home, put their name on a waiting list and are then selected through a lottery system. Like other residents of the apartment complex, Braga pays modest condominium fees of about 119 Brazilian reais ($35) a month for maintenance. Mortgage costs under the scheme vary depending on a person's income and are paid to a government-backed bank. In Braga's case, his monthly mortgage payments are less than maintenance costs. Saimon Lima, a 34-year-old computer programmer, waited two years after putting his name on the official list before getting an apartment through the initiative. He hopes the government will continue building subsidized homes as millions of other Brazilians lack secure accommodation. "There is danger in nearby communities," Lima told the Thomson Reuters Foundation as security guards stood nearby. "But in here it's safe." Along with concerns over poor construction quality, opponents of the program say Brazil's government needs to save money during the recession. The free market, not government money, should determine how homes are built, critics say. Residents of the subsidized properties cannot sub-let the homes or use them to run other businesses. But they can sell the apartments once they have paid off their mortgages, residents said. HOUSING LADDER "If not for the government, I wouldn't have this," said retired construction worker Jose Amaro pointing to his two-bedroom apartment with barred windows. "Now, I have a deed of ownership," 71-year-old Amaro told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. More than 20 percent of Rio de Janeiro's 6.5 million residents live in favelas, with most lacking formal property deeds - a trend seen across Brazil's major cities. The "My House, My Life" program has been a step in the right direction for getting the poor onto the housing ladder, said Denise Morando, a professor of architecture at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. "The program represented a major break from previous practices by bringing the issue of social housing to the center of the government agenda," Morando said. Cutting spending now would not be wise even with government finances stretched to their limit as the housing deficit is worsening in five of Brazil's nine largest cities, Morando said. (Reporting By Chris Arsenault. Editing by Paola Totaro and Jo Griffin. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)
janet yellen

The Federal Reserve is paying close attention to the market sell-off and will step in if it needs to, it said in a statement Friday.

Markets are selling off after Britain voted to leave the European Union in its referendum  a move that many investors had not expected.

Earlier this week, Fed chair Janet Yellen said a Brexit vote could create volatility and have significant consequences for the US economy.

Here's the brief statement from the Fed:

"The Federal Reserve is carefully monitoring developments in global financial markets, in cooperation with other central banks, following the results of the U.K. referendum on membership in the European Union. The Federal Reserve is prepared to provide dollar liquidity through its existing swap lines with central banks, as necessary, to address pressures in global funding markets, which could have adverse implications for the U.S. economy."

Earlier Friday, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said the central bank could pump up to 250 billion ($345 billion) into the financial system to steer the economy through a "period of uncertainty and adjustment." Also, the Swiss National Bank said it intervened in the foreign-exchange market, and would remain active, after the franc soared against the euro.

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NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's Fertiliser and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT) aims to boost output by two thirds to a million tonnes in 2016/17 after a sharp fall in liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, its chairman said on Friday.

Asian LNG prices have declined by 75 percent since 2014 because of falls in global oil prices, reducing the cost of the feedstock to produce ammonia for fertiliser production.

FACT resumed LNG imports in April after a gap of more than a year, buying at $7.79 per million British thermal units (Btu), Chairman Jaiveer Srivastava said.

"We never thought, nor even dreamt, that we would get LNG at this rate" Srivastava told Reuters.

The company issued a tender on Friday seeking to import 10.39 trillion Btu of LNG equivalent in three cargoes over the year to August 2017.

"We may get $5-$6/mBtu (price for LNG import)," Srivastava said.

FACT's LNG purchases will also help India's top gas importer Petronet LNG to reduce losses at its Kochi terminal.

"Last year capacity use at Kochi was about 2 percent. This year it could be 5-6 percent," said Petronet LNG's head of finance, R. K. Garg.

(Reporting by Nidhi Verma; Editing by David Goodman)
Beirut (AFP) - The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement said Friday that the offensive on the city of Aleppo was the "greatest battle" in Syria, pledging to dispatch more fighters to support Syrian regime forces.

In remarks broadcast on the Shiite group's Al-Manar television, Hassan Nasrallah said his party would "increase our presence in Aleppo... because the real, strategic, greatest battle is in Aleppo and the surrounding area."

He spoke at a commemoration event for Mustafa Badreddine, a Hezbollah commander killed in an explosion on May 12 near Damascus international airport.

Hezbollah has intervened in Syria's complex war on behalf of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and has dispatched thousands of fighters to Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs provinces, among others.

Aleppo city -- once Syria's economic hub -- in particular has seen an uptick in violence over the past two months between government forces in the west and rebel groups in the east.

Regime fighters, backed by Hezbollah and government and Russian warplanes, are seeking to close off the last rebel route out of the city.

"We are facing a new wave, or a new phase, of military operations in Syria that will be fought in the north, specifically in the area of Aleppo," Nasrallah said.

He announced that 26 Hezbollah fighters had been killed in the offensive this month, a rare admission of casualties for the group.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war-torn country and tallies casualties, at least 25 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in fighting south of Aleppo city.

"Fighting in defence of Aleppo is in defence of the rest of Syria, of Damascus. It's in defence of Lebanon and Iraq and Jordan," Nasrallah said via video-link.

"This is why it is our duty to be in Aleppo -- and we were, and we will stay in Aleppo."

More than 280,000 people have been killed since Syria's war erupted in 2011, and millions have been forced to flee their homes.

Story continues

International efforts to reach a political solution to the war have faltered and a ceasefire brokered by the US and Russia has all but collapsed.

In Aleppo, several temporary freezes on fighting have been announced in an attempt to bolster the broader truce but violence has steadily risen.

Nasrallah accused the United States of securing the truce in Aleppo to give rebels a change to re-arm.

"Who benefitted from this truce? Those who brought thousands of fighters, artillery, ammunition, to revive their offensive (on Aleppo)," he said.
Art Bastard is a promising title for a portrait-of-the-artist documentary. It suggests that were going to see a movie about how art, far from being made by nice guys, is fueled by currents of rage and illegitimacy  a disdain for everything respectable. Thats certainly true of the work of Robert Cenedella, the painter Victor Kanesfkys lightly diverting doc is about. The artist himself has almost no visible demons to speak of. White-bearded and potato-faced, with the mild conversational style of an accountant from the Midwest, Cenedella was, in fact, an illegitimate child (something he never seems to harbor much resentment about), but he grew up to become a gentle, friendly, bar-hopping prole of an artist. Yet he reveals surprising layers, and thats true, too, of his madly grabby and energized paintings.

When you first see one, for a few seconds it can look like youre staring at something thats been propped up on the sidewalk by a New York street painter. The canvases, with their busy grayish backgrounds and splashy dabs of gaudy, shocking color, are big overstuffed crowd scenes that look not so much drawn as scrawled. The technique, at a glance, is a touch vulgar. Its art in the raw.

But thats almost the trick that Cenedella is playing. Look closely, and youll see that each of the faces hes drawn (in one canvas, there might be 70 of them) is different from the face next to it. A few of them always seem to be screaming, but each one has a personality, a distinct look and attitude, almost a history. Cenedellas paintings call up echoes of other artists  the street scenes of Ben Shahn, the head-trip portraiture of R. Crumb, the village squares of Bruegel  but he doesnt have the graphic technique of any of those people. Hes making primitive pop extravaganzas that feel like Wheres Waldo? illustrations drawn by a mad German Expressionist. But thats their grandeur  the fact that Cenedella creates such an insanely detailed, swirling diorama of urban life without being touched by any left-hand-of-God technique. Hes a joyful contradiction: a virtuoso of non-virtuosity, who seems driven to turn everything hes ever observed into the worlds most giant, teeming album cover. His work defines  and sits right on  the line between the sacred and the satirical, the high and the low, insider art and outsider art. Hes a visual entertainer of crude genius who, somehow, doesnt fit in.

Except that he sort of does. Art Bastard tries to nudge the audience into viewing Cenedella as a more subversive figure than he really is. Its not, for instance, that he never had entree into the moneyed chic of the Manhattan art world; at several points he did. The film just insists on communicating that in unclear bits and pieces. It takes us back to the late 50s, when Cenedella attended the Arts Students League of New York, where his teacher was George Grosz, the lion of German Expressionism whose early drawings, going back to the 20s, had prophesied the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany, but who arrived in the U.S. without the halo of prestige that accrued to him after his death. He taught Cenedella to see the lines of the natural world (or, more precisely, he taught him that the natural world has no lines), and the self-portraits that Cenedella did in that school have a stunning classicism. By the early 60s, when he was barely out of his teens, hed developed his full-blown surrealist-mural style, and the art world proved to be both his enemy and his friend.

The revolution of abstract expressionism, in the 50s, didnt exactly favor an artist who leaned on crazy baroque portraiture. But that revolution was offset by an even bigger revolution  the paradigm-detonating earthquake that was Andy Warhol. Against the backdrop of pop art, Cenedellas canvases suddenly looked hip, even though he himself thought pop art was a sham. In 1965, he staged the Yes Show, a gallery installation that was intended as a scathing parody of pop art but was taken as the real thing (making him the original version of the current pop-art scavenger Mr. Brainwash). It was a triumph; people turned out to see it in droves.

And then? Then Cenedella didnt produce another canvas for 10 years; instead, he went into advertising. The film never begins to explain why, and thats a crucial omission. We learn about a lot of other things around the edges: Cenedellas loving alcoholic mother, his sly-boots English-professor birth father, the secret of his tomato sauce (celery), his favorite artist (Grant Wood), his passion for the New York Rangers. But the closest the movie comes to having a dramatic arc  which even a good documentary needs  is the chip on his shoulder that Cenedella still carries around over how the art-world establishment left him out. He was perceived as too lowbrow. But, of course, if he himself rejected the art world as much as it ever refused to roll out the drip-painted carpet for him, then that kind of blows a hole in the movies thesis.

Hes a populist painter, after all. And he does get commissions, notably a solo show in the Saatchi & Saatchi building in 1988 and an invitation to paint the grand mural of caricatures overlooking the grand dining room of Le Cirque 2000. That makes sense: Cenedellas art was a perfect billboard for the ritzy scruffy high/low glamour of New York in the 80s and 90s, and the fact that he wasnt allowed to show his most outrageous painting  a scandalous life-size image of Santa Claus hung on a crucifix  hardly meant that his art as a whole was being rejected.

When the Santa painting finally did get displayed, in the front window of the Art Students League across the street from Carnegie Hall, it caused a stir  but, of course, that just burnished Cenedellas reputation, and the work he did afterwards erupts with a scathing satirical joy: blistering landscapes of oil companies at war (with corporations like Coca-Cola and Exxon each represented by its own military tank), and a painting of the New York Stock Exchange trading floor in which the gleeful frenzy of moneymaking, though obviously meant to be a comment on Wall Street avarice, carries a Cenedellian tone of humanity. Even in their lust for riches, each little figure on the canvas remains an individual; the glory of the painting is that it separates the sin from the sinners. And in a way, thats the sneaky appeal of Art Bastard. It reveals Robert Cenedella to be an artist far too infused with life to ever let a movie like this one live up to its title.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 23, 2016 / Lundin Law PC announces a class action lawsuit has been filed against Ability, Inc. ("Ability" or the "Company") (ABIL) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws between September 8, 2015 and April 29, 2016. Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period should contact the Firm in advance of the July 25, 2016, lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, please contact Brian Lundin, Esquire, of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or via e-mail at brian@lundinlawpc.com.

No class has been certified in the above action. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

According to the complaint, the Company failed to disclose that: (1) Ability overstated its income by not accounting for commissions; and (2) Ability materially overstated its operating results by improperly recognizing revenue on multiple element sales transactions.

Lundin Law PC was created by Brian Lundin, a securities litigator based in Los Angeles.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact:

Lundin Law PC

Brian Lundin, Esq.

Telephone: 888-713-1033

Facsimile: 888-713-1125

brian@lundinlawpc.com

SOURCE: Lundin Law PC
adele

Seven months after its release, Adele's record-setting album "25" is finally available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Prime, according to Rolling Stone.

Adele famously held off on featuring "25" on streaming services upon its release back in November, citing a personal distaste for the medium.

"I believe music should be an event," Adele told Time in December. "For me, all albums that come out, Im excited about leading up to release day. I dont use streaming. I buy my music. I download it, and I buy a physical [copy] just to make up for the fact that someone else somewhere isnt. Its a bit disposable, streaming."

With physical copy and download sales alone, Adele's album sold 3.38 million in its first week and became just the sixth album to sell more than 8 million copies in the US since 2001.

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HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finland's foreign minister, eurosceptic Finns party leader Timo Soini, said one must respect the result of Britain's EU referendum, adding that any "retaliation" in future negotiations between the EU and Britain must be ruled out. "The nation has had its say," he said on a party news website. "Any retaliation and whinge (in EU-Britain negotiations) is out of the question." Kaj Turunen, a Finns party MP and chairman of the parliament's commerce committee, said this was not the time for Finland to leave the euro zone. "In this situation, an own currency doesn't have any chance," he said on his Twitter account. Finnish lawmakers in April held a rare debate on whether the Nordic country should quit the euro after 53,000 people signed a petition to force the issue into parliament. (Reporting by Jussi Rosendahl; Editing by Alison Williams)
London (AFP) - The first mainland result declared in Britain's historic EU referendum on Thursday gave a very slender lead to the campaign to stay in the bloc, but was much closer than expected, an expert said.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the northeast of England voted "Remain" by 50.7 percent, with 49.3 percent backing "Leave", on a turnout of 68 percent.

"Wow. That could be a very big worry" for Prime Minister David Cameron's "Remain" side, Professor Simon Hix of the London School of Economics told reporters in London.

He said that under his projections, if the whole of Britain was split evenly, Newcastle should have voted "Remain" by a margin of 18 points.

Earlier, Gibraltar had been the first of the 382 local counting areas to declare, voting overwhelmingly in favour of staying in the EU, as had been expected.

The territory on Spain's southern tip voted 95.9 percent "Remain", against just 4.09 percent -- 823 votes -- for "Leave".
Fourteen people were killed after being swept away in devastating flash floods resulting from historic rain in parts of West Virginia on Thursday night.



Among those killed was a preschooler whose body was recovered from a stream Friday morning after he was swept away Thursday while playing in his backyard.



The boy, identified as 4-year-old Edward McMillion, was under the watch of his grandfather who tried to save the boy but was unable to pull him from the current, according to the Washington Post



"He saw him; he chased him," Jackson County Sheriff Tony Boggs told the newspaper. "He got close to him  and he may have even grabbed him. But he couldnat get him out."



Authorities searched for the boy on Thursday afternoon, but had to suspend their search when another storm hit.





Search still underway for missing 4-year-old Ravenswood boy swept away in flood water. pic.twitter.com/Lo4Ta3nUSN a Chris Williams (@ChrisWCHS) June 24, 2016





Early Friday morning, 85 first responders came together to pray and begin a new search. Their efforts ended in tragedy when the young boy from Ravenswood's body was found about a mile from where he was last seen.





BREAKING: Rescue crews have found the body of the 4-year-old boy swept away by flood waters in Ravenswood yesterday. pic.twitter.com/0qwiiLNUMk a Hillary Hall (@HillaryHallWOWK) June 24, 2016





A state of emergency was declared in 44 of the state's 55 counties and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said the flooding was "among the worst in a century for some parts of the state." Tomblin said that search and rescue efforts remained a priority as 200 National Guard members had been deployed to help people trapped in flooded homes and cars.



Another young boy, 8-year-old Emanual Williams, was found unresponsive on Thursday, hours after falling into a creek while walking with his mother and sister along its bank, authorities told WOTV.



The boy's mother tried to save him as he fell into the rushing water that was 20-feet deep. The child was later rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.





Story continues

Dive teams still searching for an 8 year old Emanual Williams. Wheeling PD says the boy slipped @WTOV9 pic.twitter.com/NQ1o26Rf3x a Brittany Grego (@BrittWTOV9) June 23, 2016





Others remain unaccounted for and the death toll is expected to rise. At least 500 people were stranded in a shopping mall overnight after a bridge connecting the mall to a main road collapsed and washed away, officials told ABC News.





WEST VIRGINIA FLOOD: 500 people are trapped inside a shopping mall. https://t.co/NuJHvbcJjA pic.twitter.com/ah3yJhjZU1 a KGUN9 On Your Side (@kgun9) June 24, 2016





Some people chose to remain at the mall even after first responders came to rescue them today because their homes had flooded. At least 100 homes have been destroyed in the floods.
WASHINGTON, June 24 (Reuters) - China's top central banker said on Friday that it was important for China's yuan exchange rate to become more flexible and convertible for the country's development goals and transition to a market economy.

Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of the People's Bank of China, told an audience at the International Monetary Funda that China's yuan exchange rate "serves the overall development strategy."

He added that it was important that "the exchange rate policy is meeting the higher requirement of the market economy. Which means that the exchange rate must be more flexible, and the convenience and flow of current account, capital account money can be more free." (Reporting By David Lawder)
Donald Trump Meets With RNC's Fundraisers in New York

A former Donald Trump adviser said Friday that the wave of negative news resulting from the presumptive Republican nominees attacks on a US federal judge ultimately led to the firing of campaign manager Corey Lewandowski.

In a conversation with Kilmeade and Friends, the adviser, Michael Caputo, said the campaign recognized the attacks on US District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel were a mistake and that was reflected with a drop in the polls.

I think there are a lot of lessons learned all around, Caputo said of the Curiel attacks.

Trump's Curiel comments were strongly rebuked at the time by House Speaker Paul Ryan and condemned from all sides of the party. Trump had insisted that Curiel's Mexican heritage compromised his impartiality in cases involving Trump University because of Trump's campaign pledge to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

I think the leadership change came out of that as well, Caputo said, in apparent reference to Lewandowskis firing. And youre going to see a whole different campaign going forward.

The remarks were first flagged by BuzzFeed.

Caputo said in the interview that he was exuberant at the change, explaining that his excitement got the best of him when he celebrated the firing on Twitter. He later resigned as a result.

There were some rivalries that existed long before, Caputo said when asked why he didnt get along with Lewandowski.

CNN announced Thursday that Lewandowski had been hired by the network as a political commentator.

NOW WATCH: Donald Trump's 'strange' morning habit tells you everything you need to know about him





More From Business Insider


By Laila Kearney and Barbara Goldberg (Reuters) - At least 20 people in West Virginia have died in the U.S. state's worst flooding in more than a century, and hundreds more have been rescued from swamped homes, government officials said on Friday. The mountainous state was pummeled by up to 10 inches of rain on Thursday, causing rivers and streams to overflow. "The damage is widespread and devastating," Governor Earl Ray Tomblin said at a news conference. "Our biggest challenge continues to be high waters." A spokeswoman for the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said the state medical examiner had put the death toll at 20. The hardest-hit area was Greenbrier County in the southwestern part of the state, with 15 deaths, she said. Multiple rivers have risen to dangerous heights, including the Elk River, which reached 32 feet, the highest since 1888, Tomblin said. Government officials are focusing resources on rescuing those trapped or swept away by the flooding, he said, adding that some 66,000 residences are without power. The governor declared a state of emergency in 44 of 55 counties and deployed 200 members of the West Virginia National Guard to help rescue efforts on Friday. Though rivers were expected to crest by Friday night, the rescue and recovery effort is likely to last through the weekend, said Tim Rock, spokesman for the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. "There have been towns that have been completely surrounded by water," Rock said. "People say there is 8 to 9 feet of water in their house. "It's at least into the hundreds forced to get emergency shelter," he said. "Even if you can get back into your home, who knows what kind of shape it's in." West Virginia received one-quarter of its annual rainfall in a single day, National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira said. Rains eased on Friday with only scattered showers expected. The storms that drenched West Virginia were part of a severe weather system that has swept through the U.S. Midwest, triggering tornadoes. (Reporting by Barbara Goldberg and Laila Kearney in New York, and Ian Simpson in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler and Cynthia Osterman)
From Esquire

First Street bisects the very top of Capitol Hill in Washington. On the rather shady side-in very many ways-is where the United States Congress works. Across the street, the Supreme Court of the United States sits bathed in limitless sunshine, in the literal sense, if not the metaphorical one.

It has been quite a 24 hours on First Street at the top of Capitol Hill in Washington. Let's start where the hammerlike summer sun coats the Court's whitened sepulcher in a blinding glare. In brief, here's what the Court decided on Thursday morning: It likely saved affirmative action by deciding that a woman named Abigail Fisher was not entitled to damages from the university to which she wasn't qualified to have been accepted in the first place. Then, the Court deadlocked, deciding not to decide, and leaving in place a ruling that potentially could bring chaos and ruin to four million people currently living in the United States.

Fisher v. Texas, in which Fisher had been granted an absurd second bite of a wormy apple in an attempt to destroy affirmative action, was a farce almost from the start. In merciful brief, Abigail Fisher was denied entrance to the University of Texas. This, as the folks at ProPublica later demonstrated, was because she didn't have the academic chops to succeed there. Fisher sued. In 2013, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied her claim. She brought the case to the Supreme Court, which sent it back to the Fifth Circuit. That court upheld its previous ruling.

Preposterously, Fisher appealed again to the Nine Wise Souls, who preposterously granted the case another review. By now, Fisher had graduated from another school. During oral arguments, Fisher's lawyer was forced to admit that one of the measures of relief his client was seeking was the restitution of her $100 application fee. Today's result, one hopes, has driven a stake through the heart of this zombie bullshit.

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(Oral arguments also were notable for containing the late Antonin Scalia's last official outburst of contempt from the bench against those he considered less than him; Scalia said of African-American college students: "There are those who contend that it does not benefit African-Americans to get them into the University of Texas where they do not do well, as opposed to having them go to a less advanced school, a less a slower track school where they do well. One of, one of the briefs pointed out that most of the black scientists in this country don't come from schools like the University of Texas They come from lesser schools where they do not feel that they're pushed ahead in classes that are too fast for themI'm just not impressed by the fact that the University of Texas may have too fewer. Maybe it ought to have too fewer.")

As is the case in most things on that side of First Street these days, the Court's decision reflected that it's operating down a skater these days. The decision was 4-3, with Justice Elena Kagan recusing herself because of a conflict of interest. Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony (Weathervane) Kennedy seemed most impressed with UT's attempt to craft an affirmative action program to meet the shifting standards by which such programs have been judged-a mechanistic view of things that is completely unsurprising. But it's important to remember in the history of this case that when it first came before the Court in 2013, in what is now known as Fisher I, only a stinging draft dissent circulated by Justice Sonia Sotomayor kept Kennedy from ruling in Fisher's favor.

Today's result, one hopes, has driven a stake through the heart of this zombie bullshit.

Alas, later in the morning, the Court split 4-4 in United States v. Texas, thereby letting stand an injunction freezing the president's executive order known as DAPA, which would allow some four million undocumented immigrants to stay in this country without fear of prosecution or deportation. The injunction was issued in February by Judge Andrew Hanen of the Federal District Court in Brownsville, Texas, and Judge Hanen is quite the piece of work his own self. In May, for example, it was Judge Hanen who demanded that the Justice Department release to him the personal information of every person who had applied for DAPA protections in any of the states that were fighting the president's order in Court. However, because there are only eight Justices, the gift of Judge Hanen to American judicial history remains intact.

Because of the deadlock, there aren't any opinions to analyze. However, it's likely that the Court split right down ideological lines. (By the way, this means that any statements made by the members of the conservative wing of the Court regarding originalism and the unitary executive have been the purest moonshine.)

Tell me again how this upcoming election doesn't matter. Tell me again how there's no real difference between the two major candidates. Tell me again why you would risk having a vulgar talking yam appoint the tie-breaking justice, and likely at least two others besides. Tell me again why you're voting for Gary Johnson or Jill freaking Stein. Then tell the four million people whose lives just got tossed into the MixMaster.

I'll hold your coat, and call the ambulance when they're done with you.

Update (4:56PM): Abigail Fisher was litigating her denial of admission to the University of Texas, and not to its law school. Thanks to the self-correcting internet for proving me to be an idiot again.

Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page.
PARIS (Reuters) - France fears Britain may downsize its military ambitions once outside the European Union, leaving its neighbor to a role as the only significant power in the region, according to French defense ministry sources. Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian published a column on Wednesday in Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper in which he urged Britons to vote to remain in the EU, stressing the importance of Britain's defense relationship with its European partners as the west battles jihadi groups in the Middle East and Africa. "Europe will be stronger with the UK, and the UK will be more secure and more influential if it remains with us," he wrote. Speaking after Thursday's vote to leave, the sources said France still hoped that relationship could continue in some form. "We have one main partner in Europe when it comes to defense and that is the United Kingdom," one said. "That's the country best-placed to deploy forces abroad when necessary, and with whom we can do high-level defense industry cooperation." "All this needs to continue because it is in our interests," said the source, "We want to be sure that after this vote there won't be a strategic withdrawal by the United Kingdom, that it will continue to be a player on the international scene." President Francois Hollande said on Friday that France's close relations with Britain over defense would be preserved. A more detailed position could be outlined over the coming days, the ministry sources said. (Reporting by Simon Carraud; writing by Andrew Callus; editing by Richard Lough)
Eymet (France) (AFP) - British expatriates living in a sunny corner of France they have dubbed "Dordogneshire" grappled Friday with Britain's shock vote to leave the European Union.

"It was a huge shock," said estate agent Terrie Simpson. "Frankly, I never thought they would vote to leave".

"People are afraid. The pound is dropping," she said. "It's going to be difficult for people who want to buy" property in France.

Around 4.9 million British nationals live outside the UK, with about 1.35 million in Europe, many of them in Spain or France.

Many retirees in Dordogne fear the effects on their pensions, recalling the financial crisis of 2008 when many Britons in the region sold their homes and shipped out.

Healthcare is another concern as British expats currently benefit from the French system under a bilateral convention between London and Paris.

Dordogne has long been a magnet for British pensioners, and the 13th-century bastide town of Eymet is host to some 200 families from across the Channel.

Overall, between 6,000 and 8,000 Britons live in the area.

Publican Rupert Bache said he was upset about the "nationalist and mean-spirited side" aspect of the Brexit debate and feared that other countries could follow suit in "an atmosphere like we saw in 1933".

But while many said they were opposed to Brexit, they were quick to acknowledge the EU's shortcomings.

"Frankly, we all agree the European institution needs to be shaken up," Bache said.

Seventy-year-old Scotsman Ken Napier, who has lived in the area for 18 years, said: "I like Europe a lot for the single market and its positive effect on the economy, but I don't like the rules imposed by Brussels to the detriment of British law."

The Royal Navy veteran regretted that he could not vote in Thursday's referendum because he has lived abroad more than 15 years.

Napier said he would have voted "Leave" -- unlike his wife, who is also Scottish.
It is easy to see why Matthew McConaughey might have been attracted to the new Civil War drama, Free State Of Jones, because if ever there was a role that fits this actor like a glove it has to be Newt Knight, the Mississippi farmer who led a group of white farmers and runaway slaves in a revolt against the confederacy during the Civil War.

Writer-director Gary Ross (The Hunger Games, Seabiscuit) reportedly spent ten years researching this true, but relatively unheralded, story and brings it to screen in a way that doesnt try to let any fact slip by unnoticed by the audience. In fact there are more graphic factoids on display than just about any historical movie I have seen in a long while. Add to that, unnecessary flash forward 85 years in the future to a 1948 courtroom involving the great grandson of Knight involved in a miscegenation trial and we get the idea. Those scenes are full of speechifying as is the rest of this very well-intentioned and often entertaining if overlong, film.

As I say in my video review (click the link above to watch), sometimes it can be a drawback though when a filmmaker gets too passionate about the research and historical material, losing sight of the core reason for making the film in the first place. I have a feeling a lot of moviegoers will be thinking they are stuck in summer school taking a make-up history course with all the real life truths Ross script throws at them.

That aside, Ross is too good a director, and this too good a yarn, to let the facts get completely in the way of a good time, and once the main action gets going and Knight begins putting together his band of renegades, Free State Of Jones takes on the air of a good old-fashioned Civil War-set Western. This defiant act by Knight represented the first Southern-based mixed race community, even one that was outnumbered, on the run in the swamps with woefully fewer weapons at their command. Still the message  and there are lots of them  is clear here. Knight stands for the fact that ALL men are equal and rails against prejudice and exploitation even in such an explosive time. This tells the tale from a different POV, that not all the South was unified in their support of slavery or the Confederacy. That makes this Civil War flick definitely different, but ultimately it will likely pale in comparison to Nate Parkers upcoming Sundance sensation, The Birth Of A Nation which deals with a slave revolt from the point of view of those slaves.

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Ross loads this film with one scene after another of this white man standing for the rights of everyone. In McConaugheys hands it works as far as it goes but still there is a feeling we may have seen one too many of these stories where the understanding white guy takes the slaves under his wing and tries to atone for the sins of society. There isnt a whole lot of complexity to Newt whose last name is apt  he does seem like a bit of white knight here. But he is quite a character, a man in the Deep South who also takes a black woman (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) as his common law wife. Keri Russell plays his first wife and the relationship is intriguing. McConaughey plays him for all hes worth and commands the screen. Mbatha-Raw also is impressive, as is Mahershala Ali as Moses, a runaway slave who plays a key role in the rebellion. He is heartbreaking. The bad guys are a bit on the one dimensional side.

It does seem a bit odd that Newt Knights story has not been exploited in any big way before, at least cinematically, but Free State Of Jones might be in for a rough ride with a prime summer release this weekend against invading aliens (Independence Day: Resurgence) and man- and woman-eating sharks (The Shallows), not to mention blood thirsty teen fashion models (The Neon Demon). So you have to admire new distributor STX offering an adult alternative on a wide-release basis. Producers are Ross, Scott Stuber and Jon Kilik.

Do you plan to see Free State Of Jones? Let us know what you think.

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FRANKFURT/ZURICH, June 24 (Reuters) - French private equity group Astorg has agreed to acquire Swiss industrial software group Autoform for almost 700 million Swiss Francs ($721 million), people familiar with the deal said.

Germany's competition watchdog has already cleared the deal, according to a filing on its website.

Autoform, which makes software that helps carmakers to fashion sheet metal into new vehicles, was valued at about 19 times Autoform's expected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), the people said.

Astorg and Autoform were not available for comment.

Autoform was founded in 1995 as a spinoff from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. It operates in a specialised niche of the broader field of industrial design known as "product lifecycle management" (PLM) led by names such as Autodesk, Dassault, PTC and Siemens .

Permira, HgCapital and TA Associates were runners-up in the auction, the people said. Reuters had reported in May that Autoform's founders had asked investment banking boutique Altium to find a buyer for the company. ($1 = 0.9714 Swiss francs) (Reporting by Arno Schuetze and Oliver Hirt; Editing by Georgina Prodhan)
Caracas (AFP) - Opponents of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro finished giving their fingerprints to electoral authorities Friday to wrap up a key stage in their drive for a referendum to remove him.

Already used to queuing for hours to buy food in an economic crisis, this week they lined up at electoral offices for a sometime frustrating process.

Officials were taking their electronic fingerprints to authenticate signatures on a petition calling for a recall referendum. That is just one stage in a months-long bureaucratic procedure.

One voter in the northern city of Maracay, civil servant Felix Rodriguez, skipped work to come and give his signature.

He has no flour, milk or meat in his kitchen. His old truck is broken down and there are no spare parts available.

"Prices are going up every day, on top of the shortages," he said. "Whether you have money or not, you've got problems."

In Maracay the electoral office opened late, due to electricity cuts.

The queue stretched for several blocks in the 30-degree Celsius heat. Rodriguez had to rush back to the office.

"I took a risk by leaving work," he explained. In the end, he said angrily, "I won't be able to validate my signature."

- 1.3 million signatures -

Friday was the fifth and last day of the fingerprinting process, which could make or break the bid to hold a recall vote on Maduro.

The opposition MUD coalition has accused the government of sabotaging the process through delays, obstacles and veiled threats to suspend the process.

Of the 1.3 million signatures recorded by the electoral board in the initial petition, at least 200,000 must be authenticated to pass to the next phase, with a minimum amount required in every state.

Opposition lawmaker Delsa Solorzano said 326,000 fingerprints have already been submitted overall. These have yet to be validated by the National Electoral Council (CNE).

It said it will do so by July 26.

The next step will require the collection of four million more signatures to call a full referendum.

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The opposition is rushing to complete the recall process by January 10, the cutoff date to trigger new elections.

After that date, a successful recall vote would simply pass power to Maduro's hand-picked vice president.

Maduro vowed there will be no referendum this year.

"If there is one, we will go and win it. If there isn't, political life in this country will go on," he said.

- 'Economic war' -

Venezuela is grappling with an economic crisis sparked by the plunge in prices for its crucial oil exports.

People face shortages of basic foods and goods as well as electricity blackouts.

Deadly looting erupted last week. Authorities said at least five people were killed and more than 400 arrested.

The opposition says Maduro's economic management is to blame. They denounce the jailing of his political opponents.

Senior opposition leader Henrique Capriles was on the northern island of Margarita, where final decisive results of the fingerprint count were being keenly awaited Friday.

"With this great conclusion we will teach them a lesson," he said of the government.

Maduro blames the crisis on an "economic war" by his capitalist rivals.

He has alleged irregularities in the signature process and challenged the referendum bid in the courts.

Waiting in line at a supermarket in Caracas, Ramon Bernay, a retired economist of 64, said he stood by Maduro in spite of the country's problems.

"I wait in line every day and the situation is annoying," he said.

"But I hold out, because the cause of it is an economic war by the bourgeoisie."
Rough Draft Studios and the Animation Guild have reached an agreement for a multi-year deal covering animated features and television series created by the studio.

Glendale-based Rough Draft is best known for work on Futurama and The Simpsons Movie along with a variety of animated television shows and commercials. Its sister studio Rough Draft Studios (Korea) has been the production facility for The Simpsons for over two decades along with working for Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Television Animation and Warner Bros.

Rough Draft previously had a contract with the Animation Guild for work on 2007s The Simpsons Movie but that deal had lapsed.

The guild, which operates as Local 839 of the Intl. Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, did not disclose terms of the deal. The pact will cover as many as 70 employees.

Our talks with Rough Draft were smooth and productive, and there were no major issues that slowed down our bargaining, said business representative Steve Hulett. I can tell you that were very pleased to come together on a deal. Rough Draft has been one of the premiere animation houses in Los Angeles for years, and reaching agreement on the studios future productions means a lot to the Guild and its members. Our officers and executive board members are very happy Rough Draft is signing a contract.

The Animation Guild has contracts covering Disney, Warner Bros. Animation, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and DreamWorks Animation. It has over 3,000 members.

The Writers Guild of America covers the writing work on a few shows such as The Simpsons and Family Guy.

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Will the UKs vote to leave the European Union affect one of the biggest American series, Game of Thrones?

The fantasy dramas primary filming location is Northern Ireland  which, being part of the UK, also is set to depart the EU  with additional shooting done in Spain, Croatia and Malta as well as Iceland and Morocco.

The Northern Ireland-based production is being funded by NI Screen and Invest NI and also is enrolled in the UK Film and TV Tax incentives program, which is not impacted by the Brexit vote and some expect to even grow outside of the EU. For the first several seasons, the series also received money from the European Regional Development Fund  created to spur economic growth across the EU  which wouldve been affected by the Leave vote, but I hear that GoT stopped receiving subsidies through that fund one or two seasons ago. So the filming incentives GoT currently receives should remain in place. There is also no immediate impact expected for Starzs drama Outlander, which is filmed in Scotland.

We do not anticipate that the result of the EU Referendum will have any material effect on HBO producing Game Of Thrones, HBO said in a statement.

RelatedBrexit: What Happens Next

NI Screen also confirmed this morning that its funding will stay in place following the Brexit vote.

This statement is to confirm that Northern Ireland Screens production funding comes from the Northern Ireland Executive through Invest NI and does not use monies provided from European funded programmes, the organization wrote. We look forward to business as usual.

According to Northern Ireland officials, GoT received 9.25 million in grants for the first three seasons, generating 65 million in economic impact.

Game Of Thrones is based in Belfast with filming in the Titanic Studios and at locations across Northern Ireland including the North Coast, Tollymore Forest Park, Castle Ward and the banks of the Quoile in Downpatrick.

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The bulk of the series already has been produced. Season 6 is ending its run on HBO this Sunday, with two likely shorter final seasons  rumored to be seven and six episodes each  remaining.

RelatedBrexit: What Hollywood And Europes Power Players Fear After Shocking Vote

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The University Grants Commission (UGC), in June this year, undertook an important step towards making universities and educational institutions in the country safe, by notifying Indias first gender  neutral regulations. By doing so, the UGC has made it compulsory for all educational institutions to act against and register complaints on all gender based violence perpetrated against employees and students, regardless of their sex. Until now, only women employees and students were able to seek redressal against sexual harassment, while men, who could also be subject to harassment, were not able to register any complaints.

Gender neutrality, or the idea that policies, languages and social institutions should avoid distinguishing people on the basis of gender, in order to avoid discrimination, is a concept that is slowly being spoken about in India. We take a look at how the concept is entering into various fields:

Gender neutral laws: This is one area which has seen heated arguments between mens rights organisations and feminist groups, with a growing debate for making rape laws gender neutral. Currently, under section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), only women can be the victims, and men the perpetrators. According to those batting for more gender neutral laws, this leaves out transgenders who are raped, or men who are victims of male rape. The laws on sexual harassment have been framed with the assumption that rape is a means of satisfying the desires of the perpetrator, hence making women the victims. However, there is a growing evidence that such assaults may not only be out of desire, but may also be a show of dominance, superiority, or of aggression, hence making it possible for men to get raped by other men, who are not transgenders, purely out of reasons of dominance. Most male victims of rape hesitate to complain about the harassment for fear that they would be termed as homosexual. Hence, making rape laws gender neutral could provide solace to male victims of sexual harassment as well.



Educational institutions and work places: Schools in UK and Australia are changing gender norms in school uniforms by allowing girls and boys to wear trousers or skirts, irrespective of their gender. In the United States, a directive was issued recently which asked every public school in the country to allow transgenders access to bathrooms of their choice, as a step towards making bathrooms gender neutral. A preschool in Sweden has gone the gender neutral way by completely avoiding the pronouns his and hers and replacing it with friends. Books and toys are also chosen and placed in such a way that they dont emphasise on gender - dolls are placed along with cars and tractors. In India, in June last year, the NALSAR Law University in Hyderabad took a step towards gender neutrality when it issued the countrys first gender neutral graduation certificate to Anandita Mukherjee, who had requested authorities to address her as Mx, instead of the usual Mr. or Ms. The institute accepted this without any questions and issued her a graduation certificate in the name of Mx. Anandita Mukherjee.

Gender lines are blurring in the kind of job profiles that people are accepting. Where earlier, men hesitated in taking on previously female oriented profiles such as receptionists, flight attendants, secretaries, etc, a US based study has revealed that men are also being drawn towards people oriented roles, especially post recession. Also, more men are refraining from going the 24 hour work day way, and seeking a balance between their work and families. Organisations today have also started to adopt a more gender neutral and gender sensitive view which recognises the end results as yardsticks for assessment, rather than the number of hours put in, making it possible for women to climb the ladder. It is also becoming easier for women to get back to work, after taking a career break, with the compensation based on their years of experience and qualifications, and not the period of time that they were on leave. In some organsations, as per the HR policies, companies are not allowed to ask their employees about the marital status and children. However, women have still not been able to completely break the glass barrier, and on an average, are not paid on par with their male counterparts with the same qualification.

Fashion and parenting: Internationally, fashion is going the gender neutral way, with departmental stores such as Selfridges in London taking a step forward by setting aside a dedicated space to Agender, a store-within-the-store, where gender neutral labels like Nicopanda, Ann Demeulemeester and Yang Li are available. Though India has been holding on to the typical norms of femininity and masculinity in fashion till now, things are changing slowly, with celebrities becoming more open to embracing gender neutral fashion. Online retailer, Jabong.com recently released an ad which boldly showed men sporting long hair, eye shadow, ear rings and nose rings. Actor Ranveer Singh also made a statement when he graced the cover of the LOfficiel Indias February 2016 issue, sporting a nose ring and Guccis silk georgette pussy bow blouse.

Some families are also adopting the gender neutral way of parenting, by moving away from the traditional method of assigning chores based on gender. Hence, where typically the father would go to office, and the mother would do all the household work, a number of homes today have both the mother and the father working and doing household chores together. This helps prevent children from stereotyping the roles that their parents play, leading to a more gender neutral society.
On Jun 23, 2016, we issued an updated research report on General Motors Company GM. The company continues to gain from its investments in the U.S., directed toward strengthening its operations along with new product launches. It will also benefit from new contracts and initiatives undertaken to make its vehicles more advanced, safer and fuel efficient.



However, General Motors faces challenges due to the scaling down or closure of its manufacturing operations, as well as recall-related repair and compensation expenses. The companys estimates have been declining ahead of its second-quarter 2016 earnings release. However, the automaker has delivered positive earnings surprises in recent quarters and expects earnings per share to increase in 2016.



General Motors is focused on investment in innovative technologies and vehicles which should provide sustained growth while maximizing shareholder value. In Apr 2016, the company announced an investment of $788.7 million in the Spring Hill manufacturing plant. The investment will be utilized for an all-new, high-efficiency engine program, and other projects which will modernize the vehicle programs at the plant. Simultaneously, it announced a $118 million investment in the Bay City Powertrain facility.



The company is presently focused on autonomous vehicle development. In Mar 2016, General Motors announced the acquisition of Cruise Automation through which it will be able to use Cruises deep software talent to develop autonomous vehicle technology.



General Motors is also focused on alternate transportation models. In Jan 2016, it launched a new car-sharing service called Maven to seize the opportunities in ride- and car-sharing services. In May 2016, the automaker expanded Maven to Boston, Chicago and Washington, D.C.



General Motors expects 2016 earnings per share in the range of $5.25$5.75, higher than $5.02 recorded in 2015. Management also anticipates higher adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) and adjusted EBIT margin. The company plans to further improve its results this year by launching new vehicles, expanding its business and driving efficiency in core operations.



However, General Motors has been forced to scale down or discontinue its manufacturing operations in some regions due to production constraints such as high costs and unfavorable currency translation effects. The automaker is facing a challenging situation in Russia on account of declining sales due to a weak economy.



In addition, General Motors has been facing the heat for delaying the recall of 2.6 million vehicles with defective ignition switches. It has coughed up $2 billion as settlements for these faulty switches with the U.S. Justice Department, shareholders and consumers. It also paid around $575 million to resolve shareholder litigations, and to settle death and injury claims.

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GENERAL MOTORS Price and Consensus

GENERAL MOTORS Price and Consensus | GENERAL MOTORS Quote

Zacks Rank



Currently, General Motors carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



Some better-ranked automobile stocks include Lear Corp. LEA, Oshkosh Corporation OSK and Superior Industries International, Inc. SUP, all sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).



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Star Wars creator George Lucas will abandon plans to build the Lucas Museum in Chicago and move it to California.

Two years ago, Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson chose Chicago as the site to build the museum, which would showcase his art collection along the citys lakefront. This gift was worth about $1.5 billion and would have been the largest philanthropic contribution in Chicagos history.

This project has been on hold since November 2014 because the group Friends of the Parks filed a federal lawsuit blocking construction. The group argued among other things, that the museum would benefit a private interest more than Illinois residents and would tarnish the citys lakefront. Although Friends of the Parks hinted at a compromise, it did not withdraw its lawsuit, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Chicagos loss will be another citys gain, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. This missed opportunity has not only cost us what will be a world-class cultural institution, it has cost thousands of jobs for Chicago workers, millions of dollars in economic investment and countless educational opportunities for Chicagos youth.

In May, Lucas was looking at San Francisco as a site for his museum. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also said the city would welcome Lucas museum.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art would be perfect for Los Angeles, Garcetti said in a statement. We would welcome the opportunity to be a permanent home for this incredible collection, which would become part of a museum culture that is unrivaled in the United States.

[The Chicago Tribune]
LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Benchmark 10-year euro zone sovereign bond yields fell to a fresh record low below zero on Friday as investors rushed to the safety of German government debt after Britain's dramatic and historic decision to leave the European Union.

The yield fell as low as -0.09 percent, according to Tradeweb data, before recovering some ground to -0.3 percent.

Investors sold riskier euro zone bonds like Spanish and Irish paper. The spread between Irish and German bond yields widened as much as 20 basis points to 88 basis points , and the Spanish/German yield spread widened a similar amount to 158 basis points.

"On the European continent, we have to brace ourselves for serious ripple effects. The Brexit shock, the resulting uncertainty and likely market upheaval will also dampen growth in the euro zone for the remainder of this year," said Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg Bank in London.

(Reporting by Jamie McGeever; Editing by William Schomberg)
(Adds quotes from Steinmeier, Weber)

BERLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - The 27 countries left in the European Union after Britain's vote to leave should refrain from taking revenge, but focus on building consensus in areas such as security, migration and economic growth, German officials said Friday.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told the ZDF television station there was hard work ahead negotiating the terms of Britain's exit, but European leaders were committed to charting a new course that tackled high rates of youth unemployment and other issues raised through the UK referendum.

Steinmeier said he told EU foreign ministers at a meeting in Luxembourg on Friday to focus on rebuilding a strong Europe, not hashing through differences with Britain.

"We have to accept the decision that was made, and not go looking for revenge," said Steinmeier, who will meet the foreign minister of France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg - the six founding EU members - in Berlin on Saturday.

Manfred Weber, who represents German Chancellor Angela Merkel's political party in the European parliament, said it was imperative to start negotiations with Britain soon about its departure, to ensure stability and avoid uncertainties.

"We want to negotiate a new relationship, not a nasty divorce," Weber told the Muencher Merkur newspaper. "My goal would be to wrap up the exit negotiations within about a year."

German officials are worried France, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland and Hungary could also seek to leave the EU after Britain's vote, German newspaper Die Welt said on Friday, citing a finance ministry strategy paper.

Steinmeier said political parties in some EU member states would likely push for similar popular votes, but he knew of no specific country that was seriously considering leaving the bloc. He said a majority of Germans supported continued membership in the EU.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal)
BERLIN/FRANKFURT, June 24 (Reuters) - Germany imposed limits on fracking on Friday, dealing a blow to efforts to develop shale gas.

Under legislation passed by its lower house of parliament, fracking will be banned in clay formations, which typically lie between 1,000 and 2,500 metres deep.

Scientific test drilling will be allowed but only with the permission of the relevant state government and under the watch of independent experts.

Fracking for deep-lying or "tight" gas typically 4,000 to 5,000 metres deep, which has been done for more than 30 years in Germany, will continue but under more stringent regulation.

In tightening its rules on fracking Germany follows France, which has banned the practice, and the Netherlands, which last year introduced a moratorium on shale exploration until 2020.

The German ban is indefinite but parliament will reassess it in 2021 under a compromise reached between the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and the left wing Social Democrats (SPD).

Fracking involves blasting chemicals and water into rock formations to release trapped gas. Opponents cite the risk of triggering earthquakes and contaminating drinking water.

Germany's gas industry has warned restricting fracking could increase the country's dependence on imported energy, much of which it imports from Russia.

"Shale gas is an important option, where we have practically given away our chances with this legislative package," said Christoph Loewer, managing director of German oil and gas association BVEG in Hanover.

Germany could extract between 320 billion and 2.03 trillion cubic metres of gas from depths below 1,000 metres in northern Germany, according to the Federal Institute for Geosciences (BGR).

That dwarfs the 110 billion cubic metres of conventionally available gas still left, according to estimates by BGR.

Germany last year extracted 9 percent of its domestic gas demand.

Companies involved include BEB Erdgas and Erdoel, Mobil Erdgas-Erdoel, GDF Suez E&P Deutschland, Wintershall and Dea.

(Reporting by Caroline Copley and Vera Eckert)
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Talking Points:

- Markets saw extreme volatility as British voters elected to leave the European Union. But this is not likely a cut-and-dry situation, as it may take over two years for the split to be negotiated.

- Weve already seen threats of intervention from Japan and actual intervention out of Switzerland; and we may be sitting at the forefront of even more globalized Central Bank action in preparation of the split of the UK from the EU.

- Conditions are expected to remain volatile at least until the end of the week. And this may be a really bad weekend for holding risk, as this is still very much a fluid situation with some very uncertain ramifications. Goldman Sachs has said that the economic impact at this point is incalculable, so retail traders may want to take note and exercise caution. This could be a great time to brush up on the approach by improving risk management, or learning about new indicators that can assist in more normal, less chaotic market conditions. If youd like to learn about SSI, please click here, and if youd like a shorter-term indicator, please check out our recently-unveiled Grid Sight Index indicator.

A surprising twist in the Brexit vote has roiled capital markets around the world. While markets were banking on a remain vote going into the exit polls, a majority leave vote brought considerable risk aversion across capital markets. This led to jaw-dropping moves across the spectrum as the British Pound posted a historic drop to a fresh 30-year low while risk aversion began to run high around-the-world.

The British Pound dropped by 12% in a little over six hours as news of the referendum vote was filtered in to markets. This sent prices below the Financial Collapse low of 1.3500 before recovering; and that recovery has seen a 3.9% bounce off of the lows. And this is a currency, so a 3.9% movement in a day is jaw-dropping, much less a 3.9% movement retracing an earlier -12% slide. This is still extremely volatile, and will likely remain as such at least through the weekend. So, the same advice that we offered yesterday, saying that traders should tread cautiously if at all in these conditions will continue to persist.

Story continues

Chaos in the British Pound

Global Markets Brace for Massive Impact from Brexit

Created with Marketscope/Trading Station II; prepared by James Stanley

But this is still very much a fluid situation: Now that the votes have been cast to leave the European Union, this sets in-place a slow moving political process that could see the divorce between the UK and the EU drag out even longer than the mandated two years.

First thing first: Yesterdays referendum isnt technically legally binding, so Prime Minister David Cameron does not have to honor the vote. But all signs indicate that he is going to respect the will of voters, and this was confirmed earlier this morning when he announced his resignation from his Prime Minster post in order to allow fresh leadership to guide the United Kingdom in this new direction. Speaking of the United Kingdom, last nights vote to leave all but ensures yet another Scottish Referendum for independence, as Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday that the country would do what is necessary to secure their place in the European Union. She went on to say that a second independence referendum is now highly likely.

The next step for Mr. Cameron is to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin the legal process for the UK to leave the EU. Once this happens, well see a series of negotiations between politicians from each side to decide exactly how to best organize the impending split. Article 50 allows for two years for this process, but this can be extended by both sides agreeing to the need for additional time. The UK has been a part of Europe since the EUs predecessor, the EEC, since 1973; and this has produced decades worth of trade deals and legislation that will take some time to unravel.

On Tuesday and Wednesday of next week we have an EU Summit (June 28-29), and this could be an opportunity for Mr. Cameron to give notification of the UKs intention to leave; although he may wait a few months before doing so in order to allow his successor to take those reigns. It is likely that the topic of Brexit will be at the top of discussions at this summit, and EU leadership has already begun talking about a special meeting to be held in July in which the UK will not be invited so that EU leadership can discuss strategy moving-forward.

The Ramifications Arent Localized to Just the UK and Europe

Probably one of the most profound events last night was the global market reaction to a vote to leave. While this was a threat for months leading into last nights vote, a recent swing to the remain side in last minute polls had built-in the expectation that British voters would elect to stay. But as we discussed yesterday, this was a dangerous prognostication because many of those expectations were being driven by bookies odds. And while bookies did a far better job of forecasting last years General Election, they soundly whiffed on last nights referendum as they were universally predicting that voters would elect to stay.

The vote to leave brought a near-immediate impact to capital markets. The British Pound fell dramatically to a fresh 30-year low; and the Euro put in an aggressive down-side move as well, dropping by more than 500 pips from yesterdays high. Risk aversion ran high as the US Dollar strengthened against every currency other than the Yen, and global equity markets put in big moves lower as investors buckled their safety belts for fear of rougher waves ahead. Already were seeing rate expectations out of the United States dwindle even further, as markets are now pricing in a 12% probability of a cut in rates by the Federal Reserve before the end of the year.

In response to the massive surge in the Japanese Yen, we heard the Finance Minister Taro Aso pledge readiness to intervene in markets in the effort of quelling Yen strength; and this helped to provide some support to USD/JPY after a quick drop below the psychological 100-level.

Risk Aversion Offset by Intervention Prospects in the Japanese Yen

Global Markets Brace for Massive Impact from Brexit

Created with Marketscope/Trading Station II; prepared by James Stanley

And as the Swiss Franc saw safe haven flows increasing, the Swiss National Bank intervened in the effort of stabilizing CHF. Mark Carney said that the Bank of England was ready to add 250 Billion into the Financial System to offset risk aversion emanating from Brexit, and the European Central Bank said that they are also standing by to add liquidity to markets if needed.

We are likely sitting in front of considerable Central Bank activity, or at the very least the prospect of Central Bank activity, which could certainly hasten volatility across capital markets as the prospect of additional action increases on the back of the impending Brexit.

Another market that saw considerable capital flows in the realm of risk aversion was Gold, as prices ran up by as much as 8.6% overnight as news of the referendum filtered through markets. That move has moderated, and Gold is currently up 5.9% since yesterdays 5pm ET close, and if we are, in fact, sitting in front of more Central Bank action, this is likely a market for traders to focus on. While the US Dollar and Japanese Yen may have to contend with intervention or loose policy threats from Central Banks, Gold can continue to see capital flows as investors look to harness the risk of their portfolios.

Global Markets Brace for Massive Impact from Brexit

Created with Marketscope/Trading Station II; prepared by James Stanley

--- Written by James Stanley, Analyst for DailyFX.com

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* Risk assets retreat as results point to close call on Brexit

* Sterling slumps 4 pct in broad selloff, yen rallies

* Plenty of risks remain, likely limiting longer-run reaction

By Wayne Cole

SYDNEY, June 24 (Reuters) - Global share markets shed early gains and sterling tumbled in Asia on Friday as early results from the UK's vote on European Union membership proved unnervingly close, sparking a wave of profit-taking across risk assets.

Sterling collapsed to $1.4475, having earlier stretched to a high for the year at $1.5022. The euro turned tail to hit $1.1324 and the yen recouped early losses to stand at 104.90 per dollar.

Futures for Japan's Nikkei shed 1.1 percent from its U.S. close, and EMINI futures for the S&P 500 were down 0.4 percent, having climbed 1.76 percent on Thursday.

Financial markets have been racked for months by worries about what Brexit, or a British exit from the European Union, would mean for Europe's stability.

Early opinion polls had favoured the "Remain" camp. An Ipsos MORI poll put the lead at 8 points while a YouGov poll found 52 percent of respondents said they voted to remain in the EU while 48 percent voted to leave.

Yet a trickle of official results showed the margins were nail-bitingly tight. Traders were particularly spooked by returns from Sunderland showing a large majority for the "Leave" camp and just a narrow win for "Remain" in Newcastle.

Safe-haven bonds immediately came back into favour, with U.S. 10-year Treasury futures jumping 19 ticks.

Commodities likewise swung lower as a Brexit would be seen as a major threat to global growth. U.S. crude eased 29 cents to $49.83 a barrel in erratic trade.

(Editing by Lincoln Feast)
London (AFP) - Britain's EU referendum has prompted a global outpouring of warnings in recent months about the potential consequences of a Brexit, ranging from the gloomy to the downright apocalyptic.

- End of Western civilisation? -

European Council President Donald Tusk gave perhaps the most dramatic of any warning from a global leader, suggesting last week that this could be the end of the West as we know it.

"As a historian, I am afraid this could in fact be the start of the process of the destruction of not only the EU but also of Western political civilisation," he told Germany's Bild newspaper.

- Black Friday -

The British pound took a wild ride on the markets as results began coming in Thursday night, with a series of victories for the anti-EU camp fuelling a slump in the currency hours after it touched a 2016 high of $1.50.

US billionaire George Soros, who famously profited by betting against the pound in a 1992 currency crisis, predicted a "Black Friday" if Britain votes to leave.

"If Britain leaves the EU it will have at least one very clear and immediate effect that will touch every household: the value of the pound would decline precipitously," he wrote in the Guardian on Monday.

- Curtains for Cameron? -

Prime Minister David Cameron took a huge gamble in calling the referendum in 2013.

As the results began trickling in Thursday night, 83 lawmakers from his Conservative Party released a letter urging him to stay in his post regardless of the outcome.

But there is a widespread belief that after leading the campaign to stay in the EU, Cameron would have no choice but to quit if he lost.

Conservative former finance minister Ken Clarke put it bluntly: "The prime minister wouldn't last 30 seconds if he lost the referendum."

- Global economic hit -

"A UK vote to exit the European Union could have significant economic repercussions," US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said this week.

Story continues

"It would usher in a period of uncertainty that is very hard to predict," she added, warning of volatility in global markets.

The International Monetary Fund issued a similarly downbeat assessment, warning that Brexit could deal the British economy a "negative and substantial" blow, possibly sinking back into a recession.

The Washington-based lender also warned that "contagion effects" from the decision could hit markets worldwide.

In a report released last month, the British Treasury offered two potential scenarios, neither of them cheerful: either a 3.6-percent or six-percent drop in GDP two years after a Brexit.

- Drawn-out trade talks -

Roberto Azevedo, head of the World Trade Organization, warned that re-negotiating Britain's trade deals would prove a huge headache following a Brexit.

British exporters would risk an extra 5.6 billion ($8.2 billion, 7.2 billion euros) of annual customs duties, he said this month -- and it would also need to renegotiate the terms of its WTO membership.

"Key aspects of the EU's terms of trade could not simply be cut and pasted for the UK," Azevedo said.

"Negotiations merely to adjust members' existing terms have often taken several years to complete - in certain cases up to 10 years, or more."

- 'Out is out' -

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker warned on the eve of the vote that there would be no turning back if Britain decided to quit the EU.

"Out is out," he said firmly.
Investors are fleeing to safety as the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union.

As of 9:15 a.m. ET, gold has soared 5.21% to roughly $1,329 an ounce. The precious metal had dived as low as $1,255 an ounce at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday and soared as much at 7% around 11:50 p.m. ET.

Following the vote currencies are going wild and stocks diving around the world, investors appear to be trying to find a safe haven for their assets.

The rally in gold may not be over yet, as analysts expect the desire for safety to continue.

"Brexit has seen a wave of risk aversion and for the US dollar to strengthen versus other currencies," said Robin Barr, commodities strategist at Societe Generale on Friday.

"We expect the impact on metals to play out via three main channels; increased safe-haven appeal for gold, weakness in the industrial metals sector (UK exit from the EU to lead to a retrenchment in economic growth in Europe, the US and elsewhere) and more generally, a wave of risk aversion across most of the commodity complex."

"The argument for a gold rally is straightforward," said James Steel, chief precious metals analyst at HSBC.

"The uncertainty spurred by this vote will likely elicit sufficient gold purchases to buoy prices. The link is the interconnection between gold and wider financial markets."

Both Steel and Barr projected that gold will climb as high as $1,400 an ounce over the next few weeks.

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After the United Kingdom voted Thursday to exit the European Union, Google Search traffic showed that some voters may not have been entirely sure what their decision meant.

Google Trends reported that searches involving the referendum have spiked in the past 24 hours, with some of the most searched items involving what would happen if the country decides to leave the EU.

What does it mean to leave the EU? was the most searched question about the EU since the results were announced, Google reported.

"What is the EU?" is the second top UK question on the EU since the #EURefResults were officially announced pic.twitter.com/1q4VAX3qcm  GoogleTrends (@GoogleTrends) June 24, 2016

The second most searched question, however, was something that voters should have probably considered earlier: What is the EU? Other basic questions, such as, How many countries are in the EU? cracked the top five. Google also announced that results for What happens if we leave the EU had tripled since the polls closed.

Slideshow: Britains Brexit battle >>>

London residents, who voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, were also seemingly busy searching for a last resort. The term moving to Gibraltar soared almost 700 percent as the results were announced Thursday.

Similarly, those in Northern Ireland were searching getting an Irish passport after that area voted to remain. And across the country, how to emigrate was a popular search term, which is somewhat ironic given the importance immigration held in the debate leading up to the referendum.
A Texas grand jury declined Thursday to indict a former cop who was captured on cellphone videos slamming a teenage girl and pushing her face-first into the ground as officers tried to break up a pool party.

Eric Casebolt, a white officer, was seen throwing then 15-year-old Dajerria Becton into a patch of grass and then pulling his gun on two other teens who tried to intervene.

Read: Black Lives Matter Protesters Attempt To Shut Down Airport

The teenagers were African-American. Casebolt was suspended following the June 2015 incident, which sparked outrage and demonstrations in the town of McKinney, as protests churned across the country over police treatment of blacks.

Casebolt, who had once been named by the McKinney Police Department as "Officer of the Year," later resigned.

An attorney for the Bectons said the family will now file a lawsuit over the highly publicized incident. We currently live in a time in which the public servants who are hired to protect and serve are not required to uphold the very law they are sworn to enforce, lawyer Kim T. Cole said, according to The Dallas Morning News.

The message is clear. Police are above the law. This must change, Cole said.

Casebolts attorney, Tom Mills, said, Were glad that the system worked in his favor in this case, the paper reported.

McKinney Police Chief Greg Conley also criticized Casebolts behavior at the time, calling his actions indefensible and saying the officer was "out of control."

Casebolt was one of 12 cops who arrived at the daytime party, where residents had called police to complain of overcrowding and rowdy behavior at the fenced-in swimming pool.

Casebolt is seen arguing with several teens and yelling at them to Get your a**es out of here!

He is seen grabbing Becton by the arm and dragging her to a section of grass where he wrestles her to the ground. The girl, who was wearing a bikini, is seen crying and screaming Call my momma!

Story continues

As other teens watched and recorded the struggle on their cell phones, Casebolt is seen yelling, Get out of here, or youre going too.

Read: Graphic Video Released by Chicago Authorities of Cop Killing Black Teenager

When two boys stepped up, Casebolt pulled his gun out of his holster and chased them, just as two other officers approached and appeared to intervene.

On the video, Casebolt then returns to Becton, who is lying on the grass, and pins her to the grass with his knees.

His attorneys told reporters last year that Casebolt had been under stress from two previous calls that day  one in which a husband shot himself to death in front of his family, and another where he helped talk down a girl who was threatening suicide, the paper said.

McKinney police turned the incident over to the Texas Rangers for an independent investigation. In January, the Rangers turned over the results of that inquiry to the Collin County district attorneys office, the paper reported.

On Thursday, the McKinney Police Department issued a short statement announcing the grand jurys decision and said officers would sponsor a community forum on Monday.

Watch: See What Happened Before 'Officer of the Year' Pulled Out His Gun and Tackled Teen

Related Articles:
* Greeks voted against euro bailout last year

* But still had to accept further austerity

* See British vote as overdue comeuppance for Brussels

By Lefteris Karagiannopoulos

ATHENS June 24 (Reuters) - Worn down by years of EU-mandated austerity, many Greeks on Friday welcomed Britain's decision to leave the European Union as an overdue slap in the face for a Brussels bureaucracy they say is out of touch with ordinary people.

"This is a good thing, it will smash Germany's economic strength and other countries will follow (Britain)," said Christos Peppas, 48, who works at the Bank of Greece, the central bank.

Sipping a coffee at an outdoor Athens cafe on Friday morning, Peppas said: "Britain will be fine. It will decide its own fate and its economic policy."

Before the British, Greeks held their own referendum to send a message to Brussels, but without the same result.

One year ago, Greeks overwhelmingly voted against the terms of a financial bailout, delivering what was then one of the biggest blows to European integration.

But faced with the potentially devastating fallout of quitting the euro zone, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras caved in, negotiating a third bailout with lenders worth up to 86 billion euros, and accepting the conditions attached.

Britain never adopted the euro, but Nigel Farage, head of the UK Independence Party, said at the time that the Greek vote was the beginning of the end of the whole EU project.

"Europe doesn't have a future," said George Fountas, 36, a driver. "At some point we should do the same. Of course Britain doesn't have the crisis we have, things are different."

Some Greeks said they wished Greece had stood its ground.

"I wish we had the nerve of the English," said jeweller Stavros Karidis, 53. "These people will stick to the verdict of the referendum."

Referring to British Prime Minister David Cameron's pledge to resign, he added: "He (Cameron) is not called Alexis." (Additional reporting by George Georgiopoulos; Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
By Lefteris Karagiannopoulos ATHENS (Reuters) - Worn down by years of EU-mandated austerity, many Greeks on Friday welcomed Britain's decision to leave the European Union as an overdue slap in the face for a Brussels bureaucracy they say is out of touch with ordinary people. "This is a good thing, it will smash Germany's economic strength and other countries will follow (Britain)," said Christos Peppas, 48, who works at the Bank of Greece, the central bank. Sipping a coffee at an outdoor Athens cafe on Friday morning, Peppas said: "Britain will be fine. It will decide its own fate and its economic policy." Before the British, Greeks held their own referendum to send a message to Brussels, but without the same result. One year ago, Greeks overwhelmingly voted against the terms of a financial bailout, delivering what was then one of the biggest blows to European integration. But faced with the potentially devastating fallout of quitting the euro zone, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras caved in, negotiating a third bailout with lenders worth up to 86 billion euros, and accepting the conditions attached. Britain never adopted the euro, but Nigel Farage, head of the UK Independence Party, said at the time that the Greek vote was the beginning of the end of the whole EU project. "Europe doesn't have a future," said George Fountas, 36, a driver. "At some point we should do the same. Of course Britain doesn't have the crisis we have, things are different." Some Greeks said they wished Greece had stood its ground. "I wish we had the nerve of the English," said jeweller Stavros Karidis, 53. "These people will stick to the verdict of the referendum." Referring to British Prime Minister David Cameron's pledge to resign, he added: "He (Cameron) is not called Alexis." (Additional reporting by George Georgiopoulos; Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
Brussels (AFP) - Brussels awoke to a grim dawn after Britain voted to leave the EU, with people in the heart of Europe left stunned and sometimes emotional by a decision which will affect many personally.

"I can only say that today I am profoundly sad," one of thousands of British nationals who work in the European Union district told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Like all European civil servants he was subject to strict rules on speaking to journalists, especially on a topic as sensitive as Brexit.

One of his colleagues was in tears. Though German, she spent all her university years in Britain and cannot help pointing the blame -- anonymously -- at the pro-Brexit campaigners.

Tears were not in short supply on a damp, grey Brussels day after one of the biggest electrical storms to hit the city in years -- which came just as the polls were closing in the British vote.

"I was really in tears" for British colleagues who face being out of a job, said Rebecca Harms, leader of the Greens group in the European Parliament.

"This is not going to be pretty, but no reason to panic," another European diplomat added hopefully.

Even the eurosceptics were in a state of shock as they gathered for a hastily organised breakfast at a hotel near European Parliament.

"I was surprised. I was not expecting that result," said Syed Kamall, head of the European Conservatives and Reformists group and an MEP from London.

"It's a strong signal for Europe," said Kamall, who supported the Leave side in the referendum.

But he added: "I hope we maintain good relations" with Europe.

-'Great day!'-

At the colossal European Parliament building, the hallways early Friday remained almost empty.

"Now it's Denmark's turn," shouted out a smartly dressed Dane as he walked briskly through the hallways.

A group of Germans gathered further down the corridor.

"There'll be a referendum in Scotland of course. And Northern Ireland. Maybe even Wales. That's how I see things," one said.

Story continues

A Frenchman added: "It's a great day for French-speakers!"

"German speakers more like," snapped back another.

On everyone's lips is a possible resignation by Jean-Claude Juncker, the grizzled veteran of European politics who heads the EU Commission.

Despite the historic day, few MEP's in the end trickled into the parliament, perhaps because of the general strike that has blocked public transport in Brussels.

Huddled in their offices were senior MEP figures such as parliament president Martin Schulz and liberal leader Guy Verhofstadt.

The influential German MEP, Manfred Weber pointed the finger at the Brits as he brainstormed the best way forward.

"The biggest problem for the moment is for Great Britain. The pound has lost a lot, and not the euro," said Weber who leads the right-centre EPP group, the party of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The Bavarian then launched into a series of "what ifs" and to-do lists for Europe.

But even in the heart of the European capital, no one is really sure what comes next.
Groupon, Inc. GRPN shares were up about 3.08% in yesterdays trading session after the company revealed its plans to expand OrderUp, its on-demand food delivery service. OrderUp has formed an alliance with U.S.-based Qdoba Mexican Eats. As a part of this alliance, Qdoba will leverage OrderUps delivery network.

Per the deal, through OrderUp, customers in as many as 40 markets will be able to place orders from Qdoba (at 675 locations) and get it delivered at their doorstep. The two entities have already started the service in a few markets like Baltimore, Charlottesville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Nashville and Richmond and its expected to be rolled out to other regions in the near future.

As Groupon puts it Were thrilled to partner with Qdoba and provide them with the scale and end-to-end ordering and delivery capabilities they need to reach new customers.

Groupon had acquired OrderUp in 2015 for approximately $69 million. In Mar 2016, the company had expanded OrderUp to offer services in Pittsburgh and even collaborated with institutions like University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham University in the region for delivery services.

Since the beginning of this year, Groupon has been undergoing a business transition under CEO Rich Williams. The daily deals company is now striving to redefine itself as a local marketplace. Meanwhile, expanding its food delivery business will not only diversify its revenues but also significantly boost its local business.

On the other hand, Qdoba will likely benefit from Groupons strong local customer base.

Groupon carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the sector include Internap Corporation INAP, Atlassian Corporation Plc TEAM and Castlight Health, Inc. CSLT, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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Three teachers have resigned from Blackstone Valley Prep  a charter school in Rhode Island  after their Slack chats were hacked to uncover intense, rude gossip about their students.

These private conversations held on the group chat app Slack between teachers were made public to the "entire school community," according to the Providence Journal.

A teacher's email account had reportedly been hacked and sent a mass email to students, faculty and staff, the Journal reported. It included a link to a Google Doc with the private Slack messages. And they are bad.

"Man I wish we could hit them," one teacher wrote.

"Here's how Hudson spelled Ta-Nehisi Coates: Tonahese quotes," a teacher wrote.

"f***ing idiot," another responded.

"I CANNOT WITH HER I HOPE HER STUPID SON FAILS ALL HIS CLASSES."

Teachers also refer to the students as "idiots" and "toxic", the Journal reported, and one called a student a "dumb ass."

"I want to be crystal clear, many of the comments written are deeply disturbing and offensive," Executive Director of the school Jeremy Chiappetta wrote in an open letter online. "As the founding school leader, executive director of the organization, and parent of three scholars in the program, I am deeply saddened and disappointed. Parents put their trust in teachers and the school, and that trust has been violated."

It's not just gossiping teachers that have gotten the school in trouble. The charter school has been accused of contributing to the "yawning achievement gap between white and minority students in Rhode Island," the Journal stated in an editorial.
From Country Living

Uninvited wedding guests can be bothersome, but what happens when a rattlesnake crashes your wedding? One Colorado couple recently found out, when their wedding photo shoot was interrupted by a venomous reptile.

Fresh off of tying the knot at a church in Fort Collins, Johnny and Laura Benson decided to spend the hours before their reception taking wedding photos at the scenic Horsetooth Reservoir.

As the newlyweds were walking through the fields and posing for photographer Maddie Mae, the photoshoot took a dramatic turn when a rattlesnake bit Johnny on the ankle. He recalled to The Washington Post:

"I felt this bump against my leg and, and I wasn't sure I got bit or not. But I felt it. I looked down, and there it was, rattling. I was like, 'You gotta be [kidding] me. Did this really just happen?'

He could barely believe it happened until he saw the bite marks on his foot. After flagging down a nearby park ranger, paramedics soon arrived on the scene. (Rattlesnake bites are venomous, so quick medical care is a must.)

Authorities considered calling in a helicopter to send over anti-venom, but Johnny wasn't showing any serious symptoms yet. Still, as a precaution, he was taken to the emergency room, where workers confirmed that his bite was free of venom. (Hooray!)

Throughout the entire ordeal, Laura was right by his side, as was their photographer Maddie Mae, who captured many unforgettable photos along the way. "As an adventure wedding photographer, I often wade in chest-high water, hike into jungles in Costa Rica, or go on 10-mile hikes with couples up mountains on their wedding day," she tells us. "I never would have guessed that my only indoor church wedding this year, in my home town, would actually become the biggest adventure, and my craziest wedding story to date."

Luckily, Johnny and Laura were only an hour late to their reception, after being cleared to leave the hospital. "When we came up, everyone was jumping up and down, and cheering and crying, " Laura told The Washington Post. "It was wonderful."

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(h/t The Washington Post)

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On Thursday and just about two weeks after America's deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, Hawaii Gov. Daniel Ige made history, signing into law a gun control bill that will make Hawaii the first state to enter its gun owners into a FBI database.

Through Senate Bill 2954, any Hawaii resident who owns a gun or applies for a permit will be entered into the bureau's "Rap Back" system, which notifies authorities when they are arrested anywhere in the United States.

"This is about our community's safety and responsible gun ownership. this system will better enable our law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of all Hawaii residents and visitors to our islands," Ige said in a statement.

Hawaii Gov. Daniel Ige

The National Rifle Association was quick to issue a statement, saying SB2954 lends itself to "unwarranted invasions of privacy" that fly in the face of the Second Amendment. "The lawful acquisition, possession, carrying, or use of a firearm does not justify subjecting citizens to ongoing monitoring," the statement read.

Thursday also marked the passage of two other gun control bills in the state which disqualify individuals with a history of mental health disorders or domestic abuse from owning a gun.

The new gun laws come on the heels of the 25-hour long sit-in carried out by House Democrats, a response to the Senate's failure to pass four gun control measures on Monday.
Vivienne Westwoods London store. Photo: Getty

Britains vote to leave the European Union will affect more than immigration and travel  its also expected to do a number on the UK economy. And since fashion is a major part of said economy  Business of Fashion estimates that the industry brought in 26 billion ($38 billion) for Britain in 2014  many designers have been very outspoken about the outcome of the so-called Brexit vote.

In May, more than 280 Brits in the fashion and creative industries signed a letter expressing their desire to remain in the EU  and several of those people were quick to come forward with their disdain of the result. Its a tragedy, we want to make the world a better place, we must cooperate, Britain cannot go it alone, tweeted Vivienne Westwood after the votes had been counted. And Alexa Chung got personal, writing, Scooping flesh out. Setting some aside in a jar marked immigrant. Unclear where to scatter myself.

So, in terms of business, what exactly are they worried about? I consulted Yahoo Finance Managing Editor Sam Ro for an explainer.

According to Ro, there are several reasons why so many British businesses are pro-remain. Firstly (and this isnt so much about money as it is to save face), brands are hesitant to associate themselves with the somewhat Trump-like ideology that comes along with splitting up the EU. A lot of it is about Britons blaming claiming that immigrants are taking their jobs, says Ro. Voting to leave comes with xenophobic connotations. To put it bluntly, your customer base may associate you and your brand with racists.

In terms of actual cash being brought in, Ro says that the fast-falling GBP (its value is now the lowest its been since 1985) could initially be a boon for British businesses that frequently export goods overseas and are popular with tourists. A weak local currency makes exported goods cheaper to foreign buyers. A weak local currency also makes a country a more affordable vacation destination for tourists, wholl now be able to snatch up more merch.

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Explains Ro, The CEO of a UK luxury brand that sells much of its wares to China or the US may think that leaving the EU is good for business, even though it may be bad for the economy as a whole.

Thats because the uncertainty that comes along with Britains new non-EU stance will almost certainly kill economic growth. The sudden resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron, plus the looming possibility of job losses and another recession all add up to a chaotic situation. With all that uncertainty hanging over them, most consumers would rather save their money than spend it on things like fashion and luxury items, Ro says.

As it is, the weakened pound has already begun to greatly affect the worth of several high profile brands. Business of Fashion reports that the stock values of companies like Jimmy Choo, Burberry, and Mulberry have decreased by about 122 billion.

Kering, the French luxury goods holding company that owns Brit brands Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Christopher Kane, released a statement Friday that said, As a global business evolving in a global market, Kering has a long and successful history of adapting to change. While it is too early to further comment on the implications of this referendum on the luxury business, Kering is confident in its ability to adapt to this new environment. (We) will continue to welcome initiatives to bolster collaboration, be it with regards to trade, talent or the exchange of ideas.

But seemingly self-assured as Kering may be, others realize that the fashion and luxury industries wont necessarily be able to stay afloat in Britains uncertain new economic state without some element of partnerships. Said Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, We now have a role to play in keeping the government updated on our industrys priorities and keeping the designer community updated on any likely impact to business as our country prepares to leave the EU over the coming years.

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Beirut (AFP) - Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday said his group would not be affected by fresh US sanctions because it receives its money directly from Iran, not via Lebanese banks.

In a speech broadcast by the Shiite party's Al-Manar station, Nasrallah brushed off assertions that Hezbollah would be hurt by US sanctions on Lebanese financial institutions that work with the group.

"We do not have any business projects or investments via banks," Nasrallah said, insisting the group "will not be affected."

"We are open about the fact that Hezbollah's budget, its income, its expenses, everything it eats and drinks, its weapons and rockets, are from the Islamic Republic of Iran," he added.

Iran was instrumental in Hezbollah's inception three decades ago and has provided financial and military support to the group.

In December, the US Congress voted to impose sanctions on banks that deal with Hezbollah, considered a "terrorist group" by the US.

And last month, Lebanon's central bank instructed the country's banks and financial institutions to comply with the new measure against the Lebanese Shiite group.

Hezbollah has fiercely criticised the law and accused central bank governor Riad Salameh of "yielding" to Washington's demands.

"As long as Iran has money, we have money... Just as we receive the rockets that we use to threaten Israel, we are receiving our money. No law will prevent us from receiving it," Nasrallah said.

The Hezbollah chief also warned that some banks were applying the law too harshly and shutting down the accounts of Lebanese charities.

Earlier this month, a bomb exploded outside the Beirut headquarters of BLOM BANK, one of the country's largest, wounding one person.

Several Lebanese newspapers known to be critical of Hezbollah said at the time the explosion was a "message" to banks complying with the US ruling.

Washington has labelled Hezbollah a global terrorist group since 1995, accusing it of a long list of attacks including the bombing of the US Embassy and Marine barracks in Lebanon in 1983.
"It's like an episode of Green Acres every day," jokes Amani Duncan, vp brand marketing at C.F. Martin & Co., Inc. while seated in her well-appointed office above the "pickin' parlor" in the 183-year-old company's headquarters in rural Nazareth, Pa. (population: 5,703). "I don't dress like anyone here, I don't look like anyone here, but none of that matters -- those are just accoutrements."

Indeed, Duncan's music business bona fides are many, having spent two decades working for such veteran executives as Lyor Cohen, Sean Combs, Julie Greenwald, Kevin Liles and Jason Flom and with an array of acts including Jay Z, Melissa Etheridge, Lenny Kravitz, Gorillaz. LL Cool J and Slipknot among many others. But preserving the legacy of an instrument that Neil Young and Bob Dylan cherish is about as far a left turn as this major-label refugee could take. (Martins start at $500; a vintage model -- like one accidentally destroyed during a scene in the 2015 movie The Hateful Eight -- can be priceless.)

Now five years in, Duncan, 45, exponentially has grown the venerable brand's visibility and hip factor. Ed Sheeran, Elle King, Of Monsters and Men, Hunter Hayes and Sturgill Simpson are among the youthful emissaries of the Martin Guitar Ambassador Program she created. Martins accent rooms across the Ace Hotel properties. You also can see the six-strings (the company produces 150,000 guitars a year; in 2015, revenue was north of $125 million) all over TV's Nashville, on co-branded Burton Snowboards and on social media. And helping celebrate the centennial of Martin's storied model: The Ballad of the Martin Dreadnought, a documentary selected at multiple film festivals.

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None of it would have been possible without Duncan's post-college career crisis, when she deferred law school and sat adrift at her parents' house in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. That's where she one day thumbed through the yellow pages, "went to 'record companies' and saw 'Def Jam,' " says Duncan. An internship followed, catapulting her through radio and video promotion positions at Island Def Jam and Virgin Records, where she was employed during Janet Jackson's 2004 Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction." ("Luckily I can say with a clear conscious I knew nothing about it," says Duncan.)

Billboard caught up with the married stepmom of two at Martin HQ, where she oversees a staff of 10, in advance of the Summer NAMM convention June 23-25 in Nashville.

Even though your office is only a couple of hours from New York City and Philadelphia, does it feel like a world away?

When I first came to Nazareth after working as [chief marketing officer] for Sean Combs in midtown Manhattan, I had no idea where this was. I thought I was lost. But my belief is being open to everything because you never quite know what you may be doing next. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

What are the challenges of marketing a heritage brand?

Guitar players are some of the most passionate -- and opinionated -- people I have ever met. We have a very strong core of more middle-aged players, and here I come trying to get Ed Sheeran fans, surfers and snowboarders without losing that core. The last thing you want is to alienate the people who have been with you from day one and own 10 Martin guitars.

Is there a sweet spot for consumers?

I realized it's like six degrees of separation. Hearing Dierks Bentley say he got a Martin because Neil Young had one; Neil Young borrowed Dylan's; and Dylan was a fan of Woody Guthrie, who played a Martin. I started tracing these lines of inspiration because everyone wants to be like their guitar hero.

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Do you play guitar?

Now I do. We would be talking about these really technical things - x-bracing, neck profiles, tonewood and I was sitting there like a poseur. As a marketer I'm tactile, always touching and need to experience it. I take lessons where I live in South Orange, NJ. It's opened up a whole world for me and helped me market better.

How does Martin compete against Gibson and Fender, two strong brands with their own devoted followings?

Well, we don't. We're strictly acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars. Fender and Gibson have way bigger offerings than we do. It's a different business model. I'm trying to cement Martin as a lifestyle brand. It's why I wanted to be in hotels, but I was looking for something that felt authentic and would appeal to a new generation of consumers. The Ace was the perfect storm: It's cool, it's hip, it's a hang-out spot. We've done some really cool activations, like partnering with Bowery Presents for 5 at 5 (five songs played at 5 o'clock) played on a Martin. Filmed and recorded, we put it on social media, and bam!

How did you first get into the music business?

I was lost. I was about to go to law school and had a panic attack because for the first time I thought "I don't' know if this is what I want." I sat on the couch for a couple of months not knowing what the hell I was gonna do. One day I said, "I'm gonna work in the music business!" I didn't even know what that meant. My mom was like, "Oh God." I picked up the Yellow Pages when they still had Yellow pages and literally went to "Record Companies" and saw Def Jam. I was like, "I think I know Def Jam, yeah, hip-hop. Oh, they have an LA office, okay." The person who picked up the phone was Tina Davis, west coast head of A&R.

That would never happen today.

I was like, "Hi, my name is Amani Duncan and I'm a recent graduate and i'm looking for an internship." Then I heard, "Whatever, show up tomorrow," and she hangs up. I told my mom, "I got a job!" I left out the Intern part. I showed up the next day and was clueless!

Ace Hotel & Martin Guitar Expand Partnership With Music Outreach Programs, Concerts & More

How did it go?

People from the New York office would come out all the time-- Lyor, Kevin, Julie and Chris [the late Chris Lighty]. I didn't know what I was doing, but no one really knew I was an intern. When artists would come to town I would pick them up and take them to radio interviews, in-stores, video shoots, recording studios. I was acting like a regional rep but didn't know it, I was just making things up but getting noticed.

Which artists were your working with?

They had a great roster. Redman was the first Def Jam artist I took around L.A. Over time I worked with Jay-Z, L Cool J, EPMD, Method Man, Foxy Brown, everybody

Which projects were you most proud of there?

I created original programming with Jay'Z's Blueprint album for MTV Unplugged, which was the first time in ten years they had a hip-hop artist. Jay is amazing. Honestly, he's so smart and professional and was at a point with that album where he was pushing himself creatively.

[[{"fid":"618249","view_mode":"media_original","type":"media","attributes":{"height":1860,"width":1240,"alt":"Amani Duncan","class":"media-element file-media-original"}}]]

What did you pick up from Lyor Cohen and Julie Greenwald?

Lyor challenged you. You had to defend your work. He was going to be provocative and push back and see how much you wanted and believed in it. Julie was also unrelenting but amazing and caring and had a good balance. She was the lone female voice in a sea of men. She had to be on top of her game all the time and was. She inspired all the women coming up.

Why did you leave?

As an African American woman it became really hard to promote hip-hip videos. The same tone and tenor, same girls, same story line - it just became very linear and boring and started troubling me. I'm not saying rock videos don't do the same thing, but I wanted to expand my reach. I also needed to know if I was good or it was the brand that made me good. It was a huge risk because they were revamping Virgin and it felt like moving from the Yankees to a triple A team.

How was Virgin?

I became VP of Video Promotion and did some of my best work. I got a chance to work with the Gorillaz on their amazing animation videos; 30 Seconds to Mars who became the first American band to shoot a video in China; and Lenny Kravitz whose It's Time for A love Revolution became his first top 10 album.

How was the market evolving then?

The record business was continuously changing: huge marketing and promotion budgets became smaller and smaller and we had less to launch albums with and album cycles became shorter. That's when my thinking started to change. I told my team we needed to change the way we look at our artists: They're brands and we need other brands to be associated with them or a release and do strategic partnerships.

How did that work?

Lenny's a prime example. He was very skittish about brands. And I said, "Listen, you have to trust me. I will not compromise your brand as an artist. I will keep the integrity. You need smart, organic authentic strategic partnerships." We brought in Levi's, MySpace and Southwest Airlines and it was awesome. That's when I started running the department more like an agency.

How did you end up working for Sean Combs?

I was looking for the next thing and was increasingly in the agency and branding worlds. I was looking at agencies, because every blue chip company has a music initiative or component. He got in touch and said he was looking for a chief marketing officer. We met but I had not intentions of talking the job, but he's good.

What makes him so good?

His ethos and winning and moving into the future. I respect him as a business man, he's so smart. And talk about diversifying. I was overseeing everything from fragrances, spirits, an ad agency, P.R. firms, muic, charity, TV/films--it was a marketer's dream. Everyday presented a new challenge. I'm meeting with Estee Lauder, on a plane to LA to Fox Searchlight Pictures, doing the White Party and working with Malaria No More and Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Every day presented amazing opportunities.

What did you learn from him?

I would watch him go into a room and you could see the energy shift. At first, everyone is sitting back, a little reserved and hands off, then you start seeing them slightly move in, become more engaged, their body language changes. It was almost like the rhythm of a song -- you start slow and melodic and you build and then crescendo. And [Combs] knew when he had them, and he'd close the deal.

An acoustic guitar company isn't a milieu where one would expect to find a female African-American marketing executive. Would you agree?

Absolutely. I'm one of the few, and am constantly proving myself. But I've had to walk into rooms and convince everyone I knew what I was talking about--but that happened even in pop and rock. After the hard knocks, the wins, the losses, moving across the country, asking for what I felt I deserved ... I won't say I didn't have to work twice as hard as my counterparts, because I did, but I know my worth. I'm at a point where I don't have to prove anything.

What do the words BE THE WAY on the wall behind you mean?

It simply means no one in life is going to give you anything so stop expecting them to. You need to be the way. That means be persistent, consistent, indispensable -- just create the path, don't wait for someone else to create your journey.

This article has been expanded from its original publication in the July 2 issue of Billboard.
House Democrats held a sit-in on Wednesday to demand a vote on gun control in Congress. Cameras were shut off early on into the protest, which led C-SPAN and anyone following the event to turn to social feeds, including Periscope and Facebook Live, to watch the play-by-play.

The protest, which lasted more than 24 hours, inspired a social media following under #NoBillNoBreak as representatives brought out sleeping bags and ordered pizza going late into the night on Wednesday and into Thursday morning. Live streams on Periscope and Facebook kept viewers in tune with the speeches and updates throughout.

According to a post by Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, 19 House members live-streamed the event using Facebook Live, and those feeds have been viewed more than 3 million times. On Twitter, C-SPAN and #NoBillNoBreak were trending throughout the night.

"Live is unfiltered and real," Zuckerberg said in the post. "And it's bringing us moments we wouldn't see otherwise - from birthday parties to locker room celebrations to late-night sessions in the United States Capitol."

Periscope saw a similar uptick in usage, with House broadcasts being seen more than 1 million times after the platform created a channel in the app for users to easily find the protesters using Periscope to stream the event.

"Everyone is carrying around a smartphone," said Periscope senior engineer Aaron Wasserman. "Why shouldn't we democratize people's ability to speech and broadcast and share their stories? Yesterday, it happened to be people who normally have a voice that was taken away when they restricted broadcast equipment."

Read More: C-SPAN Turns to Social Media After Cameras Shut Off During Gun Control Protest

See Zuckerberg's full Facebook post below.

Read More: #NoBillNoBreak: Celebrities Take to Twitter to Support House Sit-In

June 23, 4:30 p.m. PT: Updated to include Periscope stats.
Action movies had destroyed national landmarks before  think, most famously, of the conclusion to 1968s Planet of the Apes. Yet when the original Independence Day debuted its first commercial during the Super Bowl on Jan. 28, 1996, it was a whole new era of Hollywood carnage. Watch it below:

It looked like your typical alien-invasion movie  right up until the moment the White House gets blown to kingdom come.

More than anything else  more than its importance to Will Smiths career, more than its excellent grasp of computer science  ID4 remains most influential for its wanton detonation of famous buildings and structures. Such devastation helped entice viewers in massive numbers  at the time of its release, its final $306.1 million tally was the second-largest haul in domestic box-office history. Moreover, it initiated two decades worth of monument destruction, which will continue again this Friday courtesy of its long-awaited follow-up, Independence Day: Resurgence. Heres a rundown of its explosive legacy.

Related: Vivica A. Fox on Independence Day: Resurgence: I Felt Like That Young Girl 20 Years Ago Who Got That Call

When the film premiered on July 2, 1996, it delivered a smorgasbord of monument wreckage beyond just the White House, including the ends of Big Ben, Capitol Records, the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, the Manhattan Bridge, St. Basils Cathedral, the Statue of Liberty, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the U.S. Bank Tower, and the U.S. Capitol Building. In the process, it turned director Roland Emmerich into cinemas preeminent purveyor of catastrophe.

The lesson Hollywood took away from ID4 was simple: blow up stuff people recognize. Two years later, Mimi Leders Deep Impact would ruin large swatches of America (including the Statue of Liberty) courtesy of an unstoppable meteor and resulted tsunami. And that same summer, Michael Bay indulged in his own asteroid-obliteration impulses, targeting NYCs Grand Central Station and Chrysler Building in particular with Armageddon. Watch the trailer:

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Emmerich would revert to city-smashing form with 1998s Godzilla, in which NYC takes a beating courtesy of Japans famous radioactive monster. And proving that he was anything but finished with large-scale mayhem, the director would make civilization suffer even more in 2004s The Day After Tomorrow, with tornadoes and tidal waves prefacing a new ice age that puts the planet  including the Statue of Liberty again  in a deep freeze. Watch below:

Moviegoers would soon be battered with likeminded imagery. Evil mutant Magneto opted to relocate San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge at the conclusion of 2006s X-Men: The Last Stand, and Lady Liberty would again suffer an ignominious fate in 2008s Cloverfield, which saw a Godzilla-like creature decapitate her. In 2009s Knowing, the end of the world is ushered in by giant cascading solar-flare fire that unfurls through Times Square, among other places, much to star Nicolas Cages chagrin.



Related: 15 Questions for Independence Day: Resurgence Star Jessie T. Usher

Meanwhile, serial monument offender Emmerich went global for 2012, in which the apocalypse strikes everywhere from the Vegas Strip and the Sistine Chapel to the Taj Mahal and  most hilariously  all of Los Angeles. Watch below:

Though the Eiffel Tower was decimated in 2009s G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, its 2013 sequel Retaliation went even further, taking out both Big Ben and the London Eye. And apparently figuring the third time was the charm, Emmerich - following on the heels of 2013s exceedingly similar Olympus Has Fallen  laid waste to the American commander-in-chiefs home once more in 2013s White House Down.

Both 2012s The Avengers and 2013s Man of Steel brought superhero-cinema urban ruin to new heights (lows?). And after rampaging through Manhattan via Emmerich in 1998, Godzilla returned to American shores to demolish the Golden Gate Bridge in 2014s reboot. Even The Rock couldnt stop a titanic earthquake from razing significant portions of the West Coast in San Andreas.

Now Resurgence is set to resume what its 20-year-old predecessor started, complete with deadly UFOs so large, they seem to cover entire oceans. Although no matter its landmark-annihilating action-movie excess, itll have a tough time topping the absurd majesty of its monument-destroying subgenres finest member: Trey Parker and Matt Stones genre parody Team America: World Police. Watch below:
The United Kingdoms decision to leave the European Union sent shockwaves through the world on Thursday night. The full impact of the decision wont be felt for months or even years, but one place where change will be immediate is travel.

When the vote to leave the EU was announced, the British pound plummeted, dropping 11% and reaching as low as $1.32  which is the lowest its been since 1985 when the pound fell to $1.05. The pound has now leveled out to $1.36.

As the summer travel season ramps up, the timing of Brexit could have a huge impact on US travelers planning to visit Europe. Heres what you need to know:

London is calling

Deciding whether you want to visit the UK boils down to simple math. In June 2015, the British pound was at $1.56. Today, its $1.32. Simply put, this summer it will be more affordable to visit major cities like London and Edinburgh than it has been in past years. From food to retail and hotels, your money will go farther. For instance, last June a standard room at the Strand Hotel in Londons West End would have cost you 259 or $404 a night. Right now, the same room will cost $352 a night.

According to Patrick Surry from Hopper, a travel prediction site, the border implications of Brexit could also benefit travelers. Additional border controls are likely to make London less attractive as a European transit hub, Surry told Yahoo Finance. Along with a cheaper pound easing local operating costs, this could lead to lower fares to the UK in the medium term.

Watch the euro

After the Brexit announcement, the euro also dipped about 3%, reaching $1.10. On June 24 of last year, the euro was at $1.12. Admittedly, traveling to countries like Paris, Greece and Italy wont be wildly cheaper than last summer, but every saved dollar counts.

Airfare could increase

The UKs membership in the EU has let it enjoy the benefits of the European open skies agreement. This deal was inked in 1994 and allowed any EU airline the freedom to fly to any point in Europe.

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This agreement has made it possible for low-cost airlines like Ryanair and easyJet to successfully operate in Europe, offering affordable airfare for visitors hopping from country to country. The competition among these low-cost carriers has benefited travelers flying to Europe from the UK, but that might change in the next couple of years. (Though the Brexit vote was Thursday, It will take a couple of years for the UK to actually separate from the EU.)

Once it leaves EU, the UK will have to create new air service agreements for its airlines to travel to other countries, which could ultimately result in higher airfare.

In the long run, any British exclusion from European open skies agreements would reduce competition and put upward pressure on prices within and to/from Europe, says Surry.

EasyJets Chief Executive Carolyn McCall responded to the Brexit news by pleading for the government to leave aviation out of its decision.

We have today written to the UK Government and the European Commission to ask them to prioritise the UK remaining part of the single EU aviation market, given its importance to trade and consumers, she wrote in a statement on the easyJet website.

Major carriers like British Airways are also feeling the impact. The International Airlines Group (IAG), owns the airline and released a statement saying it doesnt believe the UK referendum will have a long-term impact on its business. However, the airline does believe the initial shock of the Brexit news might affect airfare in the short-term.

While IAG continues to expect a significant increase in operating profit this year, it no longer expects to generate an absolute operating profit increase similar to 2015, wrote Chief Financial Officer Enrique Dupuy de Lome.

Brace for longer lines

Similar to how Canadian travelers get to use the US citizen line at customs checkpoints in the states, EU citizens get to use a separate and shorter customs line at European airports. This could all change with Brexit.

In 2015, 75 million passengers arrived and departed from Londons Heathrow airport. It is safe to assume that a large number of these travelers belonged to countries in the EU, which means they used a separate line and faced fewer restrictions in customs. With Brexit, it is likely that they will now use the general line (used by US citizens), and if the airport doesnt allocate money and resources to deal with gridlock, things could quickly become a nightmare.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Charlie Leocha, president of the consumer advocacy group Travelers United, expressed his belief that the UK could face the same issues that the US encountered while installing automated border control kiosks at customs checkpoints around the country.

Improving the process for customs and immigration in the US took major cooperation from airlines and airports over an extended period of time. The problems weve had with this in the US are going to replicate in the UK  and its going to be a mess, he said.

Well hold out faith that hes wrong, but just in case, its probably a good idea to bring an extra magazine to read in the customs line if youre traveling through Heathrow.

Have you have questions about what Brexit means for US travel? Email us at yfmoneymailbag@yahoo.com.
Hundreds of civilians arrived to a field hospital in the opposition stronghold of Douma in east Damascus on June 24 after getting food poisoning, according to local reports.

More than 800 were reportedly hospitalised, including 337 children.

This video was shared by a local media activist group and is described as showing people hospitalised in east Ghouta after eating pre-cooked Ramadan meals distributed by a locally based charity network. Credit: YouTube/Smart News Agency
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union shows that Brussels must listen to the voice of the people and give proper answers to such pivotal issues as migration, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday. Orban told public radio that the issue of migration had a key role in the British debate ahead of Thursday's referendum. "Brussels must hear the voice of the people, this is the biggest lesson from this decision," Orban said. Orban said British people were not satisfied with the policies that the EU took on the migration crisis. "Why is Hungary in the EU? Hungary is in the EU because we believe in a strong Europe," Orban added. "But Europe is strong only if it can give answers to major issues such as immigration that would strengthen Europe itself and not weaken it. The EU failed to give these answers." Orban said the majority of Britons had interpreted EU answers to the migration crisis as ones that would weaken Europe. He added that Visegrad countries in Central Europe would soon hold discussions about the British vote. When asked what will happen to hundreds of thousands of Hungarians working in Britain, Orban said the most likely solution would be that Britain would sign an agreement with the EU in which such issues would be dealt with. (Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Alexander Smith)
From Good Housekeeping

Swedish furniture retailer IKEA is recalling almost 3 million children's safety gates because the locking mechanism is unreliable and may result in injury to children.

The company urges customers with any model of Patrull safety gate to immediately stop using them and return them to an IKEA store for a full refund without proof of purchase.

IKEA said Thursday it has received reports that the gates have opened unexpectedly, causing children to fall down stairs, with medical attention needed in at least six cases. The company issued similar warnings about two models - Klamma and Smidig - last year. They're now expanding the recall to include the Patrull Fast and Patrull safety gate.

IKEA, a leading global home furnishings group, has more than 300 stores in 27 countries. It said the company has zero tolerance regarding child safety and that the faulty gates had opened despite "approved tests to applicable standards."
By Justin Madden RIVER GROVE, Ill. (Reuters) - As law enforcement officers across the United States feel the heat about excessive use of force, dealing with the mentally ill was the training focus for Cook County sheriff's deputies this week. Participants grappled with intense scenarios, such as a man who believes his wife and brother are having an affair, and who refuses to take his medication and then holds a knife to his own throat. The week-long training took place at Triton College near Chicago. "Someone who is suffering from mental illness is no different than that person who is having that asthma attack or the person who is having that heart attack," said Bob Maas, a crisis intervention trainer and 16-year sheriff's deputy. "The only difference is that their illness is in their head, so why would you want to arrest somebody?" However, subjecting the mentally ill to arrest and use of excessive force is a frequent criticism leveled at many law enforcement agencies nationwide. In some cases, such incidents have resulted in high-profile deaths that leave everyone demanding more training for law enforcement. The nonprofit Treatment Advocacy Center said in a 2015 report that Americans with mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed by police than other civilians. The advocacy group said at least a quarter of the hundreds of Americans killed by police annually are severely mentally ill. In Chicago last year, the fatal shooting by city police of 19-year-old Quintonio LeGrier, who suffered from mental issues according to relatives, sparked a national discussion about officer training for dealing with the mentally ill. LeGrier had called police three times asking for help before he was shot, but the dispatcher hung up on him when he would not give his name. As a result of the shooting death of LeGrier, Chicago in January announced reforms, including new training, in dealing with the mentally ill. This week, Cook County jail deputies and correctional officers received training - using role playing and plastic blue guns - on how to deal with people who are having a severe episode and are potentially violent. An estimated one-third of the jail's inmates have some form of mental illnesses. "The reality is, Cook County jail is now a mental health hospital and sheriff's police officers are now pseudo-psychologists, pseudo-social workers, and that's just the reality that was handed to us," Cook County sheriff's spokesman Ben Breit said. (Editing by Ben Klayman and Matthew Lewis)
Preaching by the water isnt exactly a new idea.

Jesus taught on the shore by the Sea of Galilee and even from a boat.

This summer, some area churches got on board with an idea of having a Sunday worship service at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area.

Nine Missouri Synod Lutheran Church congregations have joined forces to cover the preaching and some incidental expenses.

The public is invited to the services which take place at 9 a.m. Sundays. Coming in from the west off County Road 19, would-be worshippers go past a park office and toward the left where there is a lodge. Across the road (north) from the lodge is where the services take place.

This is the first year the churches have tried this. The idea came from a church member, said the Rev. Jonathan Ripke, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church at Hooper.

I know theres a lot of people at the lakes and maybe we ought to go there, the member said last summer.

Ripke liked the idea.

I shared that with our elders and with the fellow pastors in the circuit. They were very enthusiastic about that idea and really encouraged us to look at that a little bit further, Ripke said.

They talked with members from various churches to determine a good place for a service. And they found one.

One of our members said hed even seen folks having outdoor weddings there, Ripke said.

The first worship service took place on Memorial Day weekend. About 20 participated in that service which was no longer than about 35 minutes.

Services consist of singing, praying, Scripture reading and a message.

We thought we wanted to do the simplest, shortest service we could, Ripke said.

Numbers of participants have varied during the week, but the response has been positive.

I think the folks that have been there said they really appreciate the outdoor setting, Ripke said. They like that its fairly relaxed and they can come as they are  and I think theyre grateful for the opportunity to gather with other Christians.

Were hoping we can share Gods word with as many folks as we can.

Churches participating in the outdoor services are: St. Peters of North Bend; Trinity and Good Shepherd in Fremont; St. Pauls of Arlington; Our Redeemer of Wahoo; Trinity Lutheran in Blair; St. Peters in Scribner; Trinity in Howells and Immanuel at Hooper.

Participants need not be Lutheran to attend the outdoor services.

Ripke noted that a vicar made a quip about John Wesley, which went over real well with Methodists in the group.

Pastors from the different churches take turns conducting the services.

Participating churches still have services at regular times in their buildings. For instance, Immanuel continues to have its 10:30 a.m. worship service.

We didnt intend for this to replace the service at our church, but to be an additional worship opportunity for folks out there at the lakes, Ripke said.

Ripke likes the idea of taking church outside of the church.

Weve handed out some flyers, he said. One of our elders was handing out a flyer and a lady took his hand and looked right into his eyes and said, very genuinely, Thank you very much for this, like she was really moved. It made him feel really good.

Signs also have been ordered and will be posted to let people know about the services.

What would happen if they got a big crowd?

If we get 10,000 people there some weekend, we might have to do what Jesus did and push out a little bit from shore, he said.

So far, numbers of worshippers have been small, but Ripke hopes more will attend. They plan to continue having the services through Labor Day weekend.

Wed love for this to become part of the weekend experience at the lakes for folks who would want to partake, he said. Wed hope this would be something that could continue for years to come, but we put that in Gods hands.
By James Oliphant

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans cheered after the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday thwarted President Barack Obamas plan to offer millions of undocumented immigrants relief from deportation, but any sense of triumph might last only until the November presidential election.

If recent history is a guide, the stalled cause of immigration reform could energize Hispanic voters in support of likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, hurting Republican Donald Trump's chances of reaching the White House.

Four years ago, Obama, seeking reelection to a second term, made Republican opposition to reform a central theme of his campaign. He ended up swamping his opponent, Mitt Romney, by almost a 3 to 1 margin among Latino voters, who now make up around 12 percent of the U.S. electorate.

Republican hopes for securing a larger share of that vote this election already seemed grim given Trumps vow to deport the estimated 11 million immigrants in the country illegally and to build a wall along the southern U.S. border.

Democrats were quick to assail the ruling and voice concern about the fate of the 4 million or so immigrants who were to be shielded from deportation by Obamas executive action. But it was also clear that they believe the high court has handed them a potent weapon to spur Latinos -- the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. electorate -- to vote in greater numbers.

The Latino voting bloc is expected to swell to 27.3 million in 2016, up 4 million from 4 years ago.

The prospect of Clinton filling the current vacancy on the top court with a liberal-leading justice who could, potentially, protect immigration-reform programs, may galvanize those voters as well. Republicans in Congress have refused to accept Obama's pick for the top court to fill the vacancy left by the death of conservative justice Antonin Scalia in February.

The justices' ruling on Thursday sent the question of the legality of Obama's program back to a Texas federal court for trial, leaving open the possibility that the matter could return to the high court on appeal at a later date.

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The courts decision just adds fuel to the fire thats already raging, said Brad Bannon, a Democratic strategist. Each of these events raises the intensity and the Latino turnout even more.

In the wake of the ruling, immigration activists vowed payback in November's election and staged protests on Thursday.

FIRING UP LATINO VOTERS

A recent survey by Latino Decisions, a polling firm, showed that about half of the U.S. Hispanic electorate showed greater enthusiasm to vote in 2016 as compared to 2012, with support for Obamas pro-immigrant executive orders running high.

We should expect similar dynamics this fall, perhaps even more so given the election is likely to determine the ideological direction of the Supreme Court, said David Damore, an analyst for the firm.

Given Trumps unpopularity with Latino voters, the question for many Democrats both in and outside the Clinton campaign has been less about attracting the blocs support and more about making sure it votes in large enough numbers to help offset Trumps expected advantage among white voters.

The courts decision may also help make traditionally Republican states with increasing Hispanic populations such as Arizona more competitive this election, strategists in both parties said.

Reed Galen, a Republican strategist in California, said the ruling could boost Democratic hopes in Latino-heavy battleground states such as Nevada, Colorado, and Florida.

The issue isnt getting [Latino voters] fired up, Galen said. Its getting them to show up.

Galen believes there is little his party can do now to mitigate the damage he believes Trump has done to its appeal among Hispanics. A Republican National Committee "autopsy" report after Romney's defeat said it was essential for the party to broaden its appeal to Hispanic voters by embracing immigration reform.

Trump has pushed the envelope on immigration so far for Republicans, I dont know this [decision] is going to be any more damaging, he said. The barns already been blown up.

But Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, the president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, a conservative advocacy group, disagreed. He said Republicans in Congress could still enact reform this year, which would ward off Trumps deportation threat while building stronger ties with Latino voters.

This is the quintessential green light for Republicans to put their money where their mouth is, Rodriguez said.

Many Republicans were careful on Thursday to applaud the courts ruling on the grounds that it curtailed what they viewed as an abuse of executive authority by Obama, without delving into the underlying immigration issues.

The Constitution is clear: The president is not permitted to write laws -- only Congress is, said Paul Ryan, the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ryan supports comprehensive immigration reform.

Trump, however, went further, praising the ruling and saying the election now held the key to blocking further illegal immigration.

The election, and the Supreme Court appointments that come with it will decide whether or not we have a border and, hence, a country, he said in a statement. He has vowed to reverse Obamas executive actions on immigration as president.

(Reporting by James Oliphant; editing by Stuart Grudgings)
IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 23, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Banco Bradesco S.A. ("Banco Bradesco" or the "Company") (BBD). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares between April 30, 2012 through May 31, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm prior to the August 2, 2016, lead plaintiff motion deadline.

If you purchased shares of Banco Bradesco during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

There has been no class certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.

According to the complaint, the Company made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose that: Banco Bradesco was involved in bribery with the Brazilian Finance Ministry's CARF; the Company's executives were planning on avoiding a $828,000,000.00 tax fine by Brazil's Internal Revenue Service; several of Banco Bradesco's CEO, executives, directors, and employees were engaged in bribery, corruption, and money laundering; Banco Bradesco's internal control of financial reporting, procedures, and disclosure controls were ineffective; and as a result of the above, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On May 31, 2016 news reports disclosed that the Company's CEO was indicted by Brazilian police on corruption charges. Upon announcement of this news on May 31, 2016, shares of Banco Bradesco fell nearly 6% on that same day.

If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit, or if you have any questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

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This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

Contacts

Joon M. Khang, Esq.

Telephone: 949-419-3834

Facsimile: 949-225-4474

joon@khanglaw.com

SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP
This is important: President Obama designated the iconic Stonewall Inn an LGBT historic monument

This is important: President Obama designated the iconic Stonewall Inn an LGBT historic monument

In the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando, one of the worst tragedies to ever target the LGBTQ community, President Obama has made a historical decision. On Friday, CNN reported he has named the iconic Stonewall Inn and its surrounding area in New York City the nations first national monument to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.

The Stonewall Inn was the site of the historic LGBT riots after being raided by police on June 28th, 1969. This sparked protests, marches, and eventually a national movement that has led to the rights and protections for our LGBTQ family and friends today.

This week Im designating the Stonewall National Monument as the newest addition to Americas national park system, Obama declared in a video released by the White House. I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country  the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us, that we are stronger than ever. That out of many, we are one.

The shooting in Orlando has made this announcement more crucial than ever.

The recognition of Stonewall as a national monument is an important step in recognizing our vibrant past and spotlighting the unique contributions LGBT Americans make to the rich fabric of our nation, Wendy Stark, executive director of the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, told CNN. Its never been more important to observe LGBT history in this way.

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Were truly touched by this news and hope it always serves as a reminder that *love* is what brings this country together.

Watch the official video below:

The post This is important: President Obama designated the iconic Stonewall Inn an LGBT historic monument appeared first on HelloGiggles.
In March, Yahoo Beauty told you about British makeup artist and beauty mogul Charlotte Tilburys highly anticipated celebrity collaboration, Hot Lips.

The collection honors famous women that Tilbury knows and works with  think Salma Hayek, Liv Tyler, Sienna Miller, Kate Bosworth, Miranda Kerr, Kim Kardashian, and more. Each celeb was involved in the shade named after her, and all of the colors evoke their signature looks. So its no surprise that Kim K.W. is a shimmery, pink nude that was created especially for the reality star.

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Collection

Lipstick is powerful. It has the ability to completely change your state of mind: It can boost your confidence, pick you up when youre feeling down, re-energize you, add instant glamour to any outfit and immediately enhance your beauty, Tilbury said in a statement. Theres happiness in every tube!

Miranda Kerr debuted her shade, a striking bombshell matte red, at the InStyle Awards. Tilbury shows us how to get the supermodels bright lip look in this video.

Not only are the new shades stunning, a portion of each purchase for the first two months goes towards Women for Women International, which Tilbury describes as an amazing charity.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
The President of the United States is one of the most influential people in the world. As Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump dominate headlines ahead of the November election, and with the June 24 release of Independence Day: Resurgence featuring Sela Ward as the franchises first female president, its a good time to look back at some of the most memorable fictional presidents in film and television.

These leaders are usually challenged by an enormous obstacle over a complicated plot line, or are often thrown into action hero-type roles. The 1990s was full of examplesthink Harrison Ford battling Russian terrorists in Air Force One or Morgan Freeman preparing for a comet colliding with Earth in Deep Impact. The one common trait that is consistent among these films varied story lines: unforgettable quotes.

Perhaps the best example is in 1996s Independence Day, when Bill Pullmans character, President Thomas Whitmore, gives a motivational speech at an Air Force base before retaliating against alien invaders, We cant be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps its fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution but from annihilation.

As many dramatic faux-presidential roles as there have been, there are as many that are hilarious. Jack Nicholson portrayed the president in Mars Attacks!, in which TIME said in its 1996 review, You have to admire everyones chutzpah. In Head of State, Chris Rock hilariously plays Mays Gilliam, an accidental candidate to the presidency with a sharp mouth, who The New York Times reflected, Helped us imagine [Barack Obamas] transformative breakthrough before it occurred. Though its Hollywood, one can agree: the presidency isnt an easy job.
From Harper's BAZAAR

It's officialGwyneth is an Airbnb addict. And, we can't blame her, what with the stunning villas she's been finding for rent in Mexico and now, on the French Riviera. After spending time in one of the site's premiere estates in Punta Mita, the goop founder and Academy Award winner returned to a rental for her latest jaunt on the Cote d'Azur. The seven bedroom and bathroom villa, situated close to Cannes' city center, fits fourteen comfortably and features a jaw-dropping pool with views of the Mediterranean. The large kitchen would be perfectly suited for a personal chef-should guests choose to employ one for their stay-or for prepping healthy meals, as one does when they're a best-selling cookbook author.

In town for the Cannes Lions Festival, it seems that after a stellar experience in Mexico, the mother of two now prefers luxury rentals to five-star hotels. And why not? The 40 million dollar home certainly outweighs other high end accommodations when it comes to privacy and space. The Taboo Villa comes complete with loads of outdoor space, multiple living areas and a classic wine cellar to boot.

The seaside villa is available for rent for a price tag of $9,955 per night, but should you be looking to simply experience this villa among others on your trip through Cannes, you'll only need to spend one night and day enjoying all of the home's amenities to meet the seller's minimum stay requirements.
By Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - An international group that monitors money laundering worldwide decided on Friday to keep Iran on its blacklist of high-risk countries but welcomed Iranian promises to improve and called for a one-year suspension of some restrictions on Tehran. At a meeting of its 37 members in South Korea, the Financial Action Task Force also moved to keep North Korea on its blacklist and urged countries to be on guard against Pyongyang's attempts to bypass sanctions to finance illicit weapons programs. "The FATF welcomes Iran's adoption of, and high-level political commitment to, an Action Plan to address its strategic (anti-money laundering and anti-terror financing) deficiencies," the task force said in a statement. "The FATF therefore has suspended counter-measures for 12 months in order to monitor Iran's progress in implementing the Action Plan." The statement said that if Iran fails to improve its record on money laundering and financing terrorism as promised, the FATF's call for vigorous counter-measures will be reinstated. If there is improvement, the task force will consider further positive steps. The decision confirmed a Reuters story from earlier this week. Iran has lobbied to get off the blacklist and is likely to treat the FATF announcement as a major victory. Tehran has complained it is not getting economic benefits promised it during last year's negotiations on a nuclear deal with six major powers. As a result of that agreement, many international sanctions against Iran were lifted. The United States, however, still has sanctions in place that prohibit trade with Iran in dollars and Iranian access to New York's financial system. Banks remain wary of getting into trouble with U.S. authorities. Sanctions experts, banking sources and Western officials say little will change regarding financial institutions' "hands off" approach to Iran, above all due to concerns about the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) omnipresence in the Iranian economy. The IRGC is still under international sanctions. "Practically speaking the FATF decision changes little since global financial institutions will continue to voluntarily implement strict counter-measures given their serious concerns over Iran's illicit financial conduct," said sanctions expert Mark Dubowitz of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Despite the encouragement for Tehran, the FATF reiterated concerns about "the terrorist financing risk emanating from Iran and the threat this poses to the international financial system." The FATF reiterated its appeal to countries around the world to "continue to advise their financial institutions to apply enhanced due diligence to (Iranian) business relationships and transactions." (Additional reporting by Jonathan Saul in London and Parisa Hafezi in Ankara; Editing by Bill Trott)
In Aleppo, Syria, security expert Shane Bell pulled a crew of journalists from a demonstration by the militant al-Nusra Front when a man made a throat-slashing motion at him. In Turkey, Bell was with other reporters who were caught without face masks when government forces used tear gas against a crowd of protesters.

Were lucky here because the West doesnt do that as much, Bell told a small group of journalists after showing them a photograph of an armored vehicle in Kenya using a water cannon to spray demonstrators  and potentially any journalists there to cover them  with magenta dye, so that they could be tracked down later. But times are changing.

Bell is the managing director of Global Journalist Security, which offers training courses modeled on those taught to journalists who are deploying to war zones. But the reporters attending Thursdays course, which had the cringe-worthy name of Put the Boot in the Campaign Boot Camp, are instead heading to the hostile environments of Philadelphia and Cleveland, homes of the upcoming Democratic and Republican conventions.

Sipping on coffee in blue upholstered chairs that matched the rich carpet of Washingtons National Press Club, the reporters nodded along with Bells PowerPoint presentation, illustrated with his anecdotes from the worlds battlefields. Though you wouldnt know it for his plaid shirt, square glasses, and Australianisms  his equally light-hearted and harrowing demonstration was peppered with yous all  Bell navigated these conflicts as an Australian commando and later, as a journalist and security expert.

But Bell said the same lessons of foreign correspondence that can come at such a high cost still apply to covering the U.S. presidential election. Among the most important: Always trust your gut, come prepared, and have an exit plan. He also stressed the importance of never escalating confrontation, putting the story ahead of ones safety, or thinking a press credential will offer protection; it might actually make you more of a target.

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Later in the presentation, Bell showed another photograph and asked the reporters to identify the potential dangers. A brawl had broken out in the middle of a large crowd. One man sat on the ground looking dazed, shoulders sprayed in pink, as another pulled up on his shirt.

This is at a Trump rally? one of the journalists asked Bell.

Yep, Bell answered grimly.

Is that blood on that guy? another ventured.

Yep.

While Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont has yet to concede to presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, its GOP presidential pick Donald Trump whos giving organizations such as Global Journalist Security new business.

Bell said demand seems to be growing for safety courses for journalists covering the 2016 presidential election, as continued violence surrounding Trump rallies and his campaigns own targeting of the media forecast clashes in Cleveland in July.

Trump has the ability to pour petrol on things, Bell warned. He added later, Donald Trump knows how to incite a crowd. Hes good at it.

The city of Cleveland itself seems to have made a similar calculation, stocking up on thousands of sets of riot gear and taking full advantage of some $50 million in federal security funds. The government has designated both the Republican National Convention in Cleveland and the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia as special national security events. Yet just on Thursday, a district court judge ruled that the Clevelands proposed 3.3-mile protest-free zone around the convention site was unconstitutional.

Beyond the potential for any journalist to get caught up in a mob or between protesters and counter-protesters, Trump has a unique relationship to the reporters who cover his campaign.

At rallies and on social media, the big-haired and bigger-mouthed New York real estate mogul regularly calls out individual reporters or organizations for what he claims is unfair reporting or bias against him, and hints for supporters to commit violence against protesters.

Id like to punch him in the face, Trump told a crowd gathered at a February rally in Las Vegas as a protester was escorted out.

The concern for security experts like Bell is that the jump from the campaigns media blacklist to an agitators hit list isnt all that far amid the potential powder keg of mass protests.

Asked by a reporter how bad he thinks the conventions could get, Bell cautioned that his job was to prepare them for the worst-case scenario. With the caveat that he didnt want to be discriminative about a certain type of Trump supporter, he said his biggest concern was about a single anarchist or hostile actor, male aged 18-32, who hasnt got a job and sees this as youre going to take the person hes going to vote for away. He may lash out even if no one explicitly tells him to, Bell said.

So, one journalist asked, should reporters lie about which outlet they represent?

If I was at a Trump rally Id say Im Fox, of course, not CNN, Bell said, though he added, You dont want to lie.

Courses like those given by Global Journalist Security are hoping to fill the education gap thats grown as much of the media attention of the past few decades focused on the conflicts of the Middle East rather than the growing unrest at home, Bell told Foreign Policy in an interview after his presentation.

Bell would know; at one point during his demonstration, he recounted how two journalist friends, Jim Foley and John Cantlie, were taken hostage by the Islamic State after lingering for hours in an internet cafe. The militants later killed Foley in a broadcast beheading; Cantlie is believed to still being held as a hostage.

Weve all been concentrating on the Middle East and these hostile areas and not realizing the problems you face back here, Bell said. Theres potential threats facing journalists at these conventions from both sides, as you see from the civil unrest lesson that journalists are often putting themselves right in the middle, without thinking of whats behind you or beside you.

Photo credit: JOSH EDELSON / Stringer
Tera Kucera is the new executive director of Care Corps Family Services in Fremont.

Kucera has served in an interim capacity as executive director for the last six months.

Before that, she was a volunteer, who did intake work, helping to assess clients needs. She managed the shelter program on weekends.

We are very happy to have Tera continue to lead the terrific team at Care Corps, said the Rev. Scott Jensen, board president. We thank her for the great job shes done thus far, and we know that our best days are yet to come thanks to her leadership.

Originally from Texas, Kucera moved to Nebraska when she was 17. She has worked in retail management for the past 20 years, having been employed by Blockbuster, Direct Buy, Famous Footwear and Bath and Body Works.

After her mother died of cancer three years ago, Kucera altered the course of her career path and decided to return to school. She was taking college courses when she came to Care Corps in March 2014 as an AmeriCorps volunteer.

She was hired as a case manager in 2015 and then became interim executive director. She replaced Michael Wehling, who had resigned after five years at the nonprofit to serve at the Stephen Center in Omaha.

When I was asked to step into the interim position, I felt I could use my many years of management and leadership skills to help transition Care Corps into the future, Kucera said.

Kucera and her husband, Tom Barr, were married on May 1. She has two daughters, Taylor, 25, and Tyler, 20, and a granddaughter, Izzabell, 3.

She enjoys working at Care Corps.

Every day is a new adventure, Kucera said. Every day, I am able to see individuals and families that are getting back on track and being sustainable in their own community.

Care Corps serves homeless and near-homeless individuals and families in the Dodge County area, providing case management and services through housing programs, prevention, life skills education, an emergency shelter program and after-care.

Care Corps Family Services is celebrating 20 years of serving area residents.

Last year, the agency served more than 500 individuals.

Volunteers are needed. Those interested in volunteering their time or resources may call Lindsey Valla, development and public relations director, at 402-721-3125.

The public is invited to an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 9 at Care Corps, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont.
HERZLIYA, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2016 / SuperCom (SPCB) will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss the results of the first quarter 2016, to be held Monday, June 27, 2016 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

To participate in this event, dial 866-932-0173 domestically, or 785-424-1630 internationally, approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the beginning of the call. Additionally, you can listen to the event online at www.investorcalendar.com/IC/CEPage.asp?ID=175082 or on the SuperCom website (http://www.supercom.com).

If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the event archive will be available at www.investorcalendar.com or http://www.supercom.com.

About SuperCom

Since 1988, SuperCom has been a leading global provider of traditional and digital identity solutions, providing advanced safety, identification and security solutions to governments and organizations, both private and public, throughout the world. Through its proprietary e-Government platforms and innovative solutions for traditional and biometrics enrollment, personalization, issuance and border control services, SuperCom has inspired governments and national agencies to design and issue secured Multi-ID documents and robust digital identity solutions to its citizens and visitors. SuperCom offers advanced, secure mobile payments ranging from mobile wallet to mobile POS, using a set of components and platforms to enable secure mobile payments and financial services. SuperCom is a global provider of a unique all-in-one field-proven RFID & mobile PureSecurity advanced solutions suite, accompanied by advanced complementary services for various industries, including healthcare and homecare, security and safety, community public safety, law enforcement, electronic monitoring, livestock monitoring, and building and access automation. SuperCom's website: http://www.supercom.com.

SOURCE: Investor Calendar
Irish fans at Euro 2016 were in high spirits again on June 22 as they waited in the French city of Lille for their teams decisive Group E clash with Italy. This video show fans surrounding a group of French police officers, singing stand up for the French police to the tune of the Village Peoples Go West, and eventually persuading the cops to take part in their dance routine.

Ireland beat Italy 1-0 with a late goal in Lille later that evening, securing the teams qualification for the last 16 of the Euros. Credit: Pol Seoige
Dublin (AFP) - The leaders of Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland dismissed a call Friday for a vote on unification after Britain's shock decision to leave the European Union.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said there were "much more serious issues to deal with in immediate terms" and recalled parliament for an emergency session on Monday, national media reported.

Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster also dismissed the idea of a referendum on unification.

Northern Ireland voted in Thursday's historic referendum to stay in the EU, but Britain as a whole voted to leave the bloc.

The results prompted calls by the nationalist Sinn Fein party, which shares power in the government in Belfast, for a referendum in the province on uniting with the Republic of Ireland to the south.

"We have a situation where the north is going to be dragged out on the tails of a vote in England... Sinn Fein will now press our demand, our long-standing demand, for a border poll," national party chairman Declan Kearney said.

The possibility of such a vote is included in the 1998 peace accords that largely brought an end to three decades of violence in Northern Ireland over whether it should stay in Britain or join the republic.

But it requires that there is a serious shift in public support for unification, a test that Foster said "has not been met, so therefore I don't believe it will happen".

The Irish government said the decision by Britain to leave the EU had "very significant implications for Ireland", with which it shares a border.

In a speech, Kenny said he was "very sorry" at the decision but respected the will of the British people.

He said contingency plans had been drawn up on the potential impact on Ireland, particularly on trade.

The implications on the vote on relations with Northern Ireland "will be a particular priority", he said.

The contingency plans reveal that Irish diplomats will be instructed to emphasise that despite its strong ties to Britain, Ireland remains a member of the EU.
ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Friday called for the European Union to change direction following Britain's vote to leave the bloc. "We have to change it to make it more human and more just, but Europe is our home, it's our future," Renzi said in a tweet. During the morning, Renzi spoke with French President Francois Hollande by telephone, sources in the prime minister's office said. Global financial markets plunged after referendum results showed a near 52-48 percent split for leaving. (Reporting By Gavin Jones)
ROME (Reuters) - Italy's opposition 5-Star Movement, the country's second-most popular party, described Britain's vote to leave the European Union as a lesson in democracy on Friday and vowed to pursue its own proposal for an Italian referendum on the euro. The anti-establishment party, considered a genuine contender for government at the next general election, believes strongly in direct democracy and wants Italy to hold a "consultative" or non-binding referendum on whether to remain in the euro zone. The party's leaders avoided voicing an opinion on the result of Britain's referendum, which showed a near 52-48 percent split for leaving, but applauded the fact it had been held. "Whether you like it or not the British people have chosen, and they have every right. A popular vote is always a conquest," lower house deputy Alessandro Di Battista, a member of 5-Star's leadership committee, told Reuters. The party made big gains at local elections last weekend and is running almost neck-and-neck with Matteo Renzi's center-left Democratic Party in national opinion polls. A general election is not due until 2018 but could come earlier if Renzi fails to win his own constitutional referendum in October. The right-wing Northern League, a member of Italy's opposition center-right, was more outspoken. "Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn," party leader Matteo Salvini said in comments on Facebook and Twitter. Both Salvini and 5-Star's founder, Beppe Grillo, vowed to pursue a legislative change to allow an ad-hoc exception to the Italian constitution, which forbids referendums to be held on international treaties such as those that hold the EU together. Such an exception was made in 1989, when Italy held a consultative referendum on whether to give certain powers to the European Parliament. Grillo, writing in his blog on Friday, said 5-Star had already collected enough signatures to start this process and pave the way for a referendum on Italy's membership of the euro. (Reporting By Gavin Jones; Editing by Mark Bendeich)
Recently, the Washington Post listed 36 possible Donald Trump running mates, including his daughter, Ivanka. And there has been a debate since 2008 about Bill Clinton as a VP candidate. Does the Constitution allow these scenarios?

ivankabill

On the Ivanka candidacy as part of a possible dad-daughter ticket, the 34-year-old business woman could cost Donald Trump some electoral votes if she doesnt move out of Manhattan. But she would appear to have few constitutional barriers to running as a part of a Trump-Trump ticket. In the case of former President Bill Clinton, he has two constitutional amendments as very large barriers blocking a Clinton-Clinton ticket.

To be sure, there seems to be little interest, at least publicly, in these proposed family presidential tickets from the potential VP candidates themselves, but the mere possibility of discussing them can shed some light on the murky concept of who can run for and is eligible to be Vice President.

In theory, anyone elected or named as Vice President needs to be eligible to hold the office of President, if the President is unable to serve in the office due to death, disability or resignation.

The Constitution originally stated three qualifications for someone to serve as President: The President must be at least 35 years of age, be a natural born citizen, and must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years. The 12th Amendment, ratified in 1804, also said in its final sentence that no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States.

Later, the 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, set term limits on the presidency. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of President more than once.

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Ivanka Trump has a few interesting wrinkles in a prospective VP run. She was born on October 30, 1981 in New York City. Her father was also born New York City; her mother, Ivana, was born in the Czech Republic, and she became a naturalized American citizen in 1988, seven years after daughter Ivanka was born.

Ivanka Trump will be at least 35 years old before this 2016 presidential election. And unless there is a legal case that both parents of a candidate need to be American citizens at the time of a candidates birth, she doesnt seem to face a citizenship issue.

But Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump live in the same state  does that make Ivanka ineligible to run as Vice President? Not quite. According to the Constitutions Article II, The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves.

So electors just in New York state could vote for Donald Trump or Ivanka Trump in the Electoral College, but not both. Dick Cheney solved that problem before the 2000 election by establishing residence in another state, which could be a very easy solution for the Trumps, with their real estate holdings.

As for Bill Clinton becoming the next Vice President, the 12th and 22nd Amendments are formidable barriers. The 22nd Amendment says no one can be elected as President more than twice and the 12th Amendment says the Vice President needs to be constitutionally eligible to be President.

Eugene Volokh from the UCLA School of Law looked at this scenario back in 2015, when academics started dissecting the meanings of the words eligible and electable. Volokh points to one theory from Bruce Peabody and Scott Gant that a former two-term President could serve as Vice President in some scenarios. For example, Congress could approve the nomination of a former President as Vice President under the 25th Amendment, which allows for a new Vice President to be named when that office is vacant.

Volokh also cited the authoritative work from Yales Akhil Amar on the same subject. It would seem that a two-term incumbent is ineligible to the presidency (within the meaning of the Twelfth Amendment) precisely because he is made unelectable to that office (by the Twenty-second)  and is thus barred (by the Twelfth) from being elected to the vice presidency in the first place, argues Amar.

And of course, Hillary and Bill Clinton are also from the same state as the Trumps. Would Bill Clinton establish residence in a different state if he ran as Vice President?

For now, it seems highly unlikely that either Ivanka Trump or Bill Clinton will be a 2016 vice presidential nominee. And well know for sure by late July, when the parties meet at their conventions.

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Ivanka Trump wearing a pair of strappy pumps from her own company. This particular style is not named in the lawsuit. [Photo: IvankaTrump.com]



Fashion entrepreneur and shoe designer Ivanka Trump is being called out as a thief by high-end Italian footwear company Aquazzura. The footwear brand filed suit against Trump for allegedly stealing at least three of its designs and using them in her own, eponymous shoe line, the Huffington Post reports. Also named in the suit is Marc Fisher, the manufacturer Trump collaborates with, as well as two other companies. The suit accuses the companies of repeated infringement and deceptive trade practices.



One of the main complaints in Aquazzuras suit, which was filed Tuesday in a Manhattan federal court, is related to the super-sexy Wild Thing shoe (550), a fringy, high-heeled sandal that looks almost identical to Trumps Hettie stiletto (105), which sells through US retailers like Bloomingdales, Lord and Taylor, and Nordstrom. Lets compare the two designs below: fringe covered in the front, reddish orange, and an ankle-wrapped tie with tassels. We think they look pretty similar, but Aquazzura will have to let a judge decide.

[Photos: Courtesy of Farfetch.com, left, and Pinterest, right]



Before he filed the suit, the founding designer of Aquazzura, Edgardo Osorio, called out Trumps supposed thievery during Paris Fashion Week on Instagram, writing, One of the most disturbing things in the fashion industry is when someone blatantly steals your copyright designs and doesnt care. You should know better. Shame on you@ivankatrump! Imitation is NOT the most sincere form of flattery.



Osorio told Footwear News he has nothing against Ivanka Trump personally, but rather with the copycat culture of the womens footwear industry. I plan to do the same with Steve Madden and other people who have ripped us off, he told the publication. Even some of my direct competitors are copying me  Sometimes I look at the buys in department stores, and I see copies of my shoes. We need to be harder with our retailers. They need to protect us. You cant cannibalize one business with another.

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[Photos: Courtesy of Farfetch.com, left, and Lyst.com, right]



Other designs Trumps company has been accused of stealing include AquazzurasForever Marilyn and Belgravia shoes.

Marc Fishers CFO, Matthew Burris, told Yahoo Style, This is a baseless lawsuit aimed at generating publicity. The shoe in question is representative of a trending fashion style, is not subject to intellectual property law protection, and there are similar styles made by several major brands. The lawsuit is without merit, and we will vigorously defend ourselves against the claim.



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Jack Evans, who waited 54 years to wed his longtime partner George Harris on the day the Supreme Court legalized gay married in all 50 states, died Thursday night at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He was 86.



Rev. Eric Folkerth, pastor of Northaven United Methodist Church, where Evans and Harris, 83, were members, announced the death.



"I'm sorry to inform you that Jack Evans died last night at Baylor hospital. As many of you know, Jack had been fighting lung issues for some weeks and was never able to overcome them. George and I prayed with Jack before his death, and he was definitely at peace at the end," Folkerth wrote on Facebook.



The men, of Dallas, were the first same-sex couple to marry in Dallas County, Texas, on June 26, 2015, soon after the Supreme Court's landmark decision.



On the day of his wedding, Evans told PEOPLE: "We're having a blast."





Jack Evans, Who Waited 54 Years to Wed Partner George Harris on Day of Supreme Court Ruling, Dies at 86  Days Short of First Anniversary| Real People Stories



The couple had been through their share of hardships (both were fired for being gay at one point in their careers) but had said it was worth the wait  though not so much for the "I do's."



"I was more concerned about when I was going to kiss!" Evans said, laughing.



Harris told PEOPLE last year: "I came to Dallas in 1956 and we being Texans said, 'We want to wait this out.' And I said, 'I hope we live this out.' "



"Jack was gregarious, funny, a strong believer in social justice, and a mentor to generations of LGBTQ people, and their straight allies. He lived through remarkable social change for LGBTQ people, marveled at those changes, and was a key part in those social changes happening," Folkerth wrote.



"To see the care that he and George gave to each other, not only on every average day, but also in the quiet of a hospital room, was an inspiration to me on countless occasions.



"Please pray for George, and for all of us who were a part of his extended family."
MARINE ON ST. CROIX, Minn.  Under a canopy of trees, they met on the park trail and waited for instructions from their guide. In a gentle voice, Chris Brandt spoke to the eight adults assembled on a recent Sunday at William OBrien State Park north of Stillwater, Minn.

This is called The Pleasure of Your Senses,? she told them, inviting them to close their eyes, tilt their heads skyward and listen closely to the surrounding sounds.

Leaves rustled in the wind. Water lapped against nearby rocks. And the faint sound of childrens laughter echoed from far away.

Next, Brandt asked them to inhale deeply, taking note of what they smelled: the scent of pine, smoke from a campfire, damp soil.

Other trail hikers walked briskly past, but the group continued to stand still and soak their senses in nature  oblivious to the curious looks they were getting.

This, to the uninitiated, is what forest bathing looks like.

A wellness trend that takes nature therapy to new heights, the practice involves consciously absorbing the sights, smells and sounds of nature, usually in a wooded setting. It can be performed solo or with a trained guide. A hit on the West Coast already, its just starting to catch on in Minnesota as a non-pharmaceutical treatment for ailments such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety issues and attention deficit disorder. Several studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure and production of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as improving a persons mood. Imagine immersing yourself in warm water  you kind of melt, explained Brandt, a hospice nurse and one of two certified forest therapy guides in Minnesota. Doing that in nature has a similar effect of feeling calm and peaceful.

Japanese origins

The idea of forest bathing as preventive medicine comes from Japan. In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries coined the phrase shinrin-yoku  meaning forest bathing  to describe the practice of essentially showering oneself in nature for better health.

Though it was popularized in the 1980s, forest bathing actually has roots in ancient Shinto and Buddhist practices.

The modern version appeals in particular to the overworked urban dweller who flees downtown Tokyo to retreat to the pine forests to the north, where there are nearly 50 official forest therapy trails. Hikers on these trails can have their blood pressure checked by park rangers for a forest-bathing research project funded by the government.

Closer to home, our industrialized lifestyle and increased reliance on technology have created what some are calling a nature deficit. Americans spend a whopping 87 percent of their time inside, on average, according to a 2001 survey by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Weve worked so hard to make life easier for us, said Jean Larson, who teaches about forest bathing at the University of Minnesotas Center for Spirituality and Healing. Now weve got it so easy that weve separated ourselves so far from nature that theres something in us that is saying, No, its not right.?

Being outside in fresh air and away from e-mail and other pressures for at least 15 minutes is enough to start the healing process, said Larson, who also manages the nature-based therapeutic services at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Just giving our brains a chance to reboot  thats what nature restoration therapy is all about, she said. When we are directing our attention, were behind the screen, were working seven hours behind a computer, and our bodies are reacting like were in the jungle, taking the time to look away makes a difference. Seeing leaves moving, were looking at it, but we dont have to spend a lot of time to figure it out.

It gives our bodies and minds a chance to restore.

How the body and mind benefit from nature is a question scientists worldwide are pursuing.

Some research has shown that even looking at a picture of a nature setting has a soothing effect on the brain. And other experiments have revealed that getting outside can spur creative thinking and improve the brains ability to focus.

Japanese researchers are probing a possible connection between spending quality time in nature and an increase in a variety of white blood cells that can protect the body against diseases.

For Brandt, the evidence is apparent every time she leads a walk in the woods. Shes been conducting shinrin-yoku walks around Minnesota for about a year, leading people on a methodical, slow and contemplative walk.

Its not a nature walk where we identify plants and animals. Its not an exercise walk in which were getting from point A to point B, said Brandt, of May Township. Its about spending mindful time in nature.

Typically, the walks cover less than a mile and take three to four hours. Participants dont talk much, allowing them to fill all their senses with whats around them. Along the way, she offers a series of invitations to connect with nature more intimately.

As an example, she invited the men and women on her recent walk at William OBrien to play a game called Whats in motion? They were to look for things that were moving and reflect on them  the flap of a butterflys wings, the rivers current or a dog walking past on the trail.

What they do is anchor you in the present moment, Brandt explained of the experiential-based exercises. Its kind of like when youre in the zone and you lose track of time, because youre so present with whats going on that it feels timeless. Thats what we try to provide and cultivate  a feeling of timelessness.

With her talking stick in one hand and her poem book in the other, Brandt has taken people on shinrin-yoku walks as a remedy for all kinds of ailments.

Ive taken people out who have lost their loved ones, people who are grieving and need help finding peace, she said. Ive taken people out who are in transitions in their lives and are trying to figure out which way to go next. People who have health care issues, like ADHD or high blood pressure, or theyre just stressed out. After something like this they feel so relaxed.
When Jamie Lynn Spears was negotiating her documentary deal with TLC, she had one main rule: "It has to be honest."

Jamie Lynn Spears on 'Flirty' New Music: The Ram Report

"Letting cameras into my world was really scary, because of my background. It could take on a different life that I didn't want it to," she tells Rolling Stone Country. "So it was important for me that it was real, that it didn't become some cheesy story. And the only way to do that was be really honest."

The Louisiana native wanted the film to serve as a reintroduction of sorts, taking her from child actress and teen mom to the singing, songwriting wife and mother that she is today. She by no means dodges the tabloid bait of her past, addressing her pregnancy at age 16, along with the hardships of constantly being referred to as "Britney's little sister." But the now 25-year-old also shows just how normal her home life is, as she juggles parenting with her songwriting and recording career.

"I started from the last time the world really knew me and I told my story from there to where I am now. And that bridges the gap," says Spears. "People met me as a child, but they don't understand how I became the adult I am today. Telling the story of being in Nashville, writing constantly, and being a mother and being honest about what it took to be where I am now . . . It's important for me to introduce myself as an artist and as a woman, because people only remember me as a little girl."

Jamie Lynn Spears: When the Lights Go Out airs this Sunday, June 26th on TLC. Watch a preview here.

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[The Hollywood Reporter spoke with an assortment of the biggest names in late night about changes to the volatile variety talk category at the upcoming Emmys for a magazine story. Some longer Q&As from those interviews are going online.]

For chronology junkies, Jimmy Kimmel was the first of the late-night figures The Hollywood Reporter spoke to in the pre-Emmys run-up, because like the president of the Hair Club For Men, he isn't just an Emmy contender, he's also the host of this September's ceremony on ABC.

Since it launched in 2003, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has picked up four nominations in the outstanding variety series category, though Kimmel says he's never had an acceptance speech in his pocket, in part because of the domination of newly departed favorites like Jon Stewart's incarnation of The Daily Show. He also insists he isn't expecting to have a better shot this year, saying that shows that "serious" topics have the advantage.

In this conversation with THR, Kimmel discusses his own show's approach to the serious topics of this year, the challenges of filling a writing staff in this age of talk show proliferation and how the current viral video stage really started with Matt Damon.

Jon Stewart and Daily Show have been an 800-pound gorilla in your category for a long time and I was curious as to how its dominance sort of colored the way you viewed the Emmys these past few years.

It actually makes it nicer and more relaxing because you didn't feel like you had any pressure to compose any kind of an acceptance speech. Not once did I ever have a piece of paper folded up in my tuxedo. And by the way, I've seen that. There's nothing sadder than the person kind of putting that speech back in their pocket in the audience after someone else's name was announced. It's kind of heartbreaking. Somebody should make a coffee-table book out of those never-read acceptance speeches.

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Does that make you look at this year's show differently, not just because you're obviously hosting it, knowing things are at least hypothetically more wide open than they have been in past years.

Oh, not really. I hadn't really thought about it. Listen, the shows that deal with more, I guess you might say "serious" topics probably have a better chance of winning. So I never really go in there thinking we have any chance to win.

Read more: Conan O'Brien on Taking 'Conan' on the Road and How He's Like Winston Churchill

I'm looking at the nominees from last year and since last year, half of the nominees in the variety/talk category either don't exist anymore or have changed hosts. Is that the sort of a sea change that you can feel when you're in the middle of it?

Well people certainly talk about it a lot, and I think it's something that's been happening so much lately it's not nearly as big a deal as it use to be. I think it used to happen once every like five-and-a-half years, and now it seems to happen once every five-and-a-half months. Just because there are so many more shows, so none of it seems as important as it used to and of course it was never important in the first place.

How does it feel to you to suddenly have seniority in this landscape almost?

Well, Conan still has seniority, but it feels weird. You know, you never think of yourself as kind of the old veteran, but ideally, that's what happens.

Does it change your approach, knowing that you've been on for a certain number of years and knowing the people have expectations of you and maybe seeing all these young pups, as it were, coming up? Does that change your approach at all, or do you keep doing the same thing?

I think it's like being an athlete in a way, you have more confidence, you know what to do, you know how to prepare for the job, which is a long slog. People sometimes ask me, "What do you guys have coming up next season?" And I always say, "There's no next season, there's next week." We just keep going. We don't take the summer off, we have a few weeks here or there, so it's a hard job and I do enjoy and I get some comfort from talking to other people who do it about that. Because there's nobody else with whom you can discuss that without sounding like an asshole.

Do you actually have time to watch anybody else in late night?

You know mostly I do what everybody else does. If there's some sketch that I've heard about, I watch it on YouTube or on the world wide web.

Is there someone on your staff who's keeping an eye on what everybody else is doing just to make sure that you guys aren't doing those things?

Yes.

What does that job consist of?

There is a guy who sits and makes transcripts of every other show and then we go through every night and make sure we don't repeat jokes. Really the hardest one is looking through and making sure we don't repeat our own jokes from Valentine's Day of 2008, you know? It's like, "Oh you guys already did this bit," and it's like, "Oh god." We'll go that far as to nix things because we did them nine years ago. I don't know why we do it, but we do. It's just a thing for me.

What is the line between repeating something because it's shtick, because it's a bit you're doing, and repeating something just, repeating something?

Yeah, there are always running jokes, but there are certain things that are clearly not running jokes that you're just kind of repeating yourself. I think once you start doing that, you're done. So I try to avoid it. I think you always have to come up with new things, it's hard for the younger writers, the writers that come in and are new. One of the most difficult things I ever tried to do when I was a young man was I tried to write a spec script for The Simpsons and every topic that we came up with had been done. It wasn't so easy to look them up at that time, because we didn't have the Internet, but we had a hard time even finding subject matter that hadn't been covered and I can't imagine how difficult that is now, 15, 16 years later. You really have to come up with new stuff constantly.

When your team thinks about the competition as it were, is it just Fallon and Colbert, or is it everybody out there at the same time.

It's nobody in a way. This idea I think is an old idea of competition because in the old days, you could only watch one thing at a time. If Carson was on at 11:30 and then Joan Rivers was also on at 11:30, you had to choose between them. It's just not the case now. People are putting together their own patchwork of shows so, in a way, everything is your competition and in a way nothing is your competition.

Read more: Seth Meyers on Standing vs. Sitting Down and Being Wrong About Donald Trump

How about tonally though, because obviously there are a lot of you guys in late night and you're all, as you say, doing slightly different stuff, or very different stuff in terms of your approach to the material, which material is on topic, etc. Do you pay attention to what the more "political" late-night shows are doing, or is that just not your thing?

I pay probably less attention than you might imagine I would do. The main reason we pay attention is so we don't repeat things that have already been done. Sometimes we have to scratch things. You saw, for instance, Beyonce had her Lemonade video. And I think in that case I felt like, "Oh, people are going to do a video parody of this so maybe that's something we should shy away from and decide to do something else." So sometimes you even try to predict what other people might do and avoid it sometimes for no reason. But in that case, both Colbert and Corden did pretty good parodies of it, so I'm glad we did something else.

From the outside, everyone looks at this election cycle and assumes that it's been comedy gold, but has it produced a challenge in the sense that it's so ridiculous that it's not forcing people to be creatively funny, do you think?

I don't think so. All you really want is something that the nation is focused on, because one of the big challenges as far as telling jokes and writing comedy bits go is sometimes you have to educate the audience on what you're even talking about and when they already know what you're talking about, you just kind of cut that part of it out. It's helpful, it's a little bit of a short cut. I don't have to explain who Donald Trump is to the audience before I make a joke about him. I do have to explain who Dennis Hastert is to the audience before I make a joke about him. I don't think of it as a bad thing. To me it's a challenge because everybody is talking about it, but it's the kind of challenge that I think we all like.

Exactly, if Trump says something dumb or if Hillary makes a flub, there has to be some awareness that there are 10 other people with similar jobs getting ready to make the same joke; so how much to you have to out-think the room on that?

What I usually do is if with my writers, if I see more than one of the same joke, like sometimes you get three writers will write basically the same joke, and if that happens, even if it's funny I'll skip it because I feel like that's a joke that's going to be made. It's almost inevitable.

Along those lines if there are this many shows on at this moment, that means this many writers' rooms working. Is it harder to find fresh voices? Is the marketplace strained at all?

In a way it's easier. Almost everyone has Twitter and Instagram or whatever, and then there are people who make videos and post them. A couple of my writers I hired after just watching some videos they made themselves online. In the old days you just had a piece of paper with a bunch of jokes and comedy bits on it. On one hand, when you look at the videos you can see more fully realized versions of their jokes and also when they have Twitter you can look back and see like, "Okay, this guy may have like three funny pages of jokes, but let's see was he funny every day for a couple of years?" You can really look back and see their consistency right there online. Or lack of it.

And you have competition that airs only one night a week in some cases, that do only half-hour a week in some cases, that have sort of the looser limits of cable. From your point of view, what are some of the advantages and the disadvantages of doing an hour, doing it nightly, doing it on network?

Read more: Hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and More on What It Takes to Win Late Night Now

When it comes to like, awards and that kind of stuff, there are no advantages to doing the show every night. If we only had to do 30 shows a year, I can guarantee you 26 of them would be very strong. But, the advantage for me is you can be looser and there's not so much pressure and focus on what you're doing. You can try new things. I think from a creative standpoint, it's probably more fun to do the show every night. From a, "What one episode are your voters going to look at and judge" it's probably disadvantageous, a disadvantage.

When you're not thinking of Emmys, how often are you jealous of the people who get to do it one night a week?

I get jealous at midnight when I'm still working on the show or when I will spend like a whole Saturday working on something. Really when I get tired is when I get jealous.

Does that happen more or less now? You've sort of grown up in this business, in this time slot, etc. Are you doing a better job of managing time of avoiding getting worn out?

It's relentless, it doesn't vary. A lot of it is because I'm a lunatic and everything has to go through my filter and so I can't just kind of leave something alone and let somebody else put it together and present it to me. I know that that's a flaw in my personality but I also feel like it makes the show more me. I think that it's a good thing, professionally and it's a bad thing personally, probably.

From your point of view on the outside, can you tell the difference between the shows that have gone through the host's personal filter and the ones that feel more room-written?

Sure, absolutely.

OK, I'm not going to ask you to call anyone out, but what is it that you're seeing from your point of view?

I think in the old days, you just get a bunch of jokes about current events on cards and then your job as the host was to put them in order and read them. That's not how we do it. We go through a grueling process every day of writing our monologue and I think that that's something you can't really do anymore because there are so many other shows.

You mentioned that you tend to watch other shows, basically when someone tells you something was good, and you watch it online. Has the responsibility of viral video and "going viral," has it changed the emphasis of what you do on a nightly basis from doing say a cohesive hour to maybe targeting one bit per night?

I don't think I've ever done that. I don't think I've ever, ever approached it that way, where we need to put a viral video on. The only time that it hits me is at the end of the night when they say, "What do we want to feature? What do we want to put on our homepage on YouTube tonight?" Then you have to think about it, but I think that once we start getting paid by YouTube significantly, I'll think about that. But until then, I really try to focus on the whole hour of the show.

And the network hasn't started coming to you and saying, "Hey, where's tonight's viral video?"

No, this whole viral video thing really started with our Matt Damon video, so you can't really force it, there are elements that are almost guaranteed to get a certain number of views but you really don't know. Some things you put months of work into and they do okay, and then you'll go out of the street and shoot something and you turn around and it has 6 million views.

Do you ever look out at the landscape though go, "Oh, dot, dot, dot, forced it on that one. That's someone going for that viral push"?

I suppose people are doing that and I think it's good and bad. I think it raises your profile and more people see your show, which I guess from a creative standpoint is ultimately your goal, but it also lets people know that they do not have to be there watching in the middle of the night, because when they wake up it's going to be very easy to press a button and see what you've done and cherry pick. It's a lot like the record industry in a way, where the focus use to be on albums and now its on singles, now that you can buy one song off an album, it's hard to sell them in a complete form.
Unlike Americans, TV viewers in the UK were not able to see John Olivers Last Week Tonight edition from last Sunday, in which he blasted Brexit, until after theyd cast their votes on Thursday. Sky said it was compelled to delay the blistering 15-minute screed, owing to UKs pesky Ofcom regs that prevent broadcasters from airing things that might actually impact voting. Unlike newspapers, which are allowed to print things that might actually impact voting. Which is just what Sky owner Rupert Murdochs British newspapers did, only The Sun and Sunday Times backed Brexit.

In defense of whoever came up with this reg, nobody reads newspapers. Even so, this juxtaposition had Oliver fans undies in a bunch this week, and many complained via social media  where Olivers show also was posted Sunday night, on YouTube.

On YouTube, Olivers video is closing in on 7 million viewers, and loads of newer post-Brexit-voting comments from disciples of Aristophanes, including:

F*ck you John Oliver you establishment shill, we have just won! #Brexit

Eat sh*t, you worthless little bankster puppet. Brexit wins!

and

I changed my last 100 today at the bank. got a nice solid rock, probably gonna use it as a doorstopper.

RelatedBrexit: What Happens Next

In a statement issued to reporters covering the situation, Sky said that, before the Brexit vote, it had complied with the Ofcom broadcasting restrictions at times of elections and referendums that prohibit us showing this section of the programme at this moment in time adding, We will be able to show it once the polls have closed.

My homeland is on the edge of doing something absolutely insane, and on some level I kind of understand, Oliver said in the show Britons could not handle seeing before casting their votes. There is an innate desire to tell Europe to go f*ck itself. The EU does not make itself easy to love.

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It is a complicated, bureaucratic, ambitious, overbearing, inspirational and consistently irritating institution, and Britain would be absolutely crazy to leave it especially because, if it stays, it can reap all the benefits while still being a total dick about everything, Oliver says in the segment. And that is the British way.

Anyway, see above for Olivers takedown of Brexit that was considered too hot for British voters to see before casting their votes.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAgKHSNqxa8&w=970&h=546]

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BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Joint statement by Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, Mark Rutte, holder of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, on the outcome of the United Kingdom referendum "President Tusk, President Schulz and Prime Minister Rutte met this morning in Brussels upon the invitation of European Commission President Juncker. They discussed the outcome of the United Kingdom referendum and made the following joint statement: "In a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but respect it. This is an unprecedented situation but we are united in our response. We will stand strong and uphold the EU's core values of promoting peace and the well-being of its peoples. The Union of 27 Member States will continue. The Union is the framework of our common political future. We are bound together by history, geography and common interests and will develop our cooperation on this basis. Together we will address our common challenge to generate growth, increase prosperity and ensure a safe and secure environment for our citizens. The institutions will play their full role in this endeavor. We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would necessarily prolong uncertainty. We have rules to deal with this in an orderly way. Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union sets out the procedure to be followed if a Member State decides to leave the European Union. We stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the United Kingdom regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union. Until this process of negotiations is over, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, with all the rights and obligations that derive from this. According to the Treaties which the United Kingdom has ratified, EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a Member. As agreed, the New Settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union, reached at the European Council on 18-19 February 2016, will now not take effect and ceases to exist. There will be no renegotiation. As regards the United Kingdom, we hope to have it as a close partner of the European Union also in the future. We expect the United Kingdom to formulate its proposals in this respect. Any agreement, which will be concluded with the United Kingdom as a third country, will have to reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations." (Reporting By Jan Strupczewski)
A California federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking Heritage Auctions from going forward with its original plan to sell on Friday the Emmy statuette that Whitney Houston won in 1986 for her performance in Saving All My Love for You.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has convinced U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson that it is likely to prevail in the lawsuit filed Wednesday against Heritage and the Whitney Houston Estate that a sale of the Emmy would constitute copyright infringement and conversion. The complaint states that when an artist is recognized for an achievement, it lends a copy of the Emmy statuette to the artist to signify and symbolize the honor, and while artist's heirs and successors in interest are permitted to retain custody, the Academy makes clear an honoree or heir can't sell it.

The Television Academy told the judge, "If Heritage's highly publicized auction is allowed to go forward, it will undermine the prestige of the Emmy Award and tarnish the Television Academy's reputation, leaving the impression that the highest honor in the television industry is a commodity available for sale to the highest bidder."

In response to a push for a TRO, Heritage said that the Academy presented no evidence that Houston ever assented to or was aware of the property restrictions and couldn't overcome copyright law's "first sale doctrine," which gives those who legally obtain copies of copyrighted work the right to sell, display or otherwise dispose of that particular copy notwithstanding the interests of the copyright holder. Heritage also told the judge that the Academy didn't establish rules reserving ownership rights until years after Houston won her Emmy, and that a sticker on the bottom of the statuette purporting to retain title couldn't impose obligations on Houston and her heirs.

If the statuette was merely a loan instead of a transfer of ownership, then the "first sale doctrine" wouldn't apply.

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In a ruling late Thursday, Anderson gave the first round to the Academy for establishing a strong likelihood of success on the merits of its claims.

"Specifically, the Court concludes that the Television Academy has met its burden that the Emmy statuette given to Ms. Houston for her to take home, as opposed to the prop statuette presented during the awards ceremony, contained the label stating that the statuette 'is the property of and all rights are reserved by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences,'" he writes. "Contrary to Heritage's assertion that the Television Academy is attempting to enforce an agreement between the Television Academy and Ms. Houston that she did not sign or agree to be bound by, the label is instead evidence of the Television Academy's ownership of the statuette, not evidence of an unenforceable agreement between the parties."

The Television Academy, represented by attorney David Quinto, also succeeded in the factor necessary in obtaining a TRO by convincing the judge it would suffer irreparable harm with the transfer of Whitney Houston's Emmy.

The effect of the decision means that Heritage is for now barred from going ahead with the planned auction, although it will get another chance to make arguments before a judge possible converts the TRO into a preliminary injunction. Anderson has set a hearing on an order to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not issue for July 7 and has told the Television Academy that it needs to put up a $10,000 bond in the interim.
IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Deutsche Bank AG ("Deutsche Bank" or the "Company") (DB). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares between April 15, 2013 and April 29, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm prior to the July 11, 2016, lead plaintiff motion deadline.

If you purchased shares of Deutsche Bank during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by email at joon@khanglaw.com.

There has been no class certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.

According to the complaint, the Company failed to disclose that (1) Deutsche Bank has serious and systemic failings in its controls against financing terrorism, money laundering, aiding against international sanctions, and committing financial crimes; and (2) Deutsche Bank's internal control over financial reporting and its disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit, or if you have any questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by email at joon@khanglaw.com.

This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

Contact:

KHANG & KHANG LLP

Joon M. Khang, Esq.

Telephone: 949-419-3834

Facsimile: 949-225-4474

joon@khanglaw.com

SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP
Brussels (AFP) - European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Friday denied that Britain's shock vote to leave the EU was the start of a process of disintegration for the bloc.

"No," Juncker told a press conference in Brussels when asked if "Brexit" was the beginning of the end for the European Union, before immediately walking out to applause.
BERLIN (Reuters) - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said it was up Jonathan Hill, Britain's EU commissioner, whether to stay in office following the UK vote to leave the European Union, Germany's Bild newspaper reported on Saturday. Juncker will lead a meeting of the EU's 28 commissioners on Monday, including Hill, a key ally of British Prime Minister David Cameron, who on Friday announced his plans to resign by October. "That is primarily a personal decision for Lord Hill, whom I admire greatly as an experienced politician," the paper quoted Juncker as saying, when asked about Hill's future after the British referendum. Hill oversees banks and financial services. Britain's 73 members of the European parliament may also leave the body before the end of their current terms in 2019, Juncker was quoted as saying. "Many members of the British independence party spent their time in the European Parliament working against the institution to which they belonged. Since they couldn't wait for Britain to leave the European Union, I imagine they will not stay any longer than they have to," he said. However, Juncker said the situation was different for the roughly 1,000 Britons who work as EU bureaucrats, since they worked for Europe and not Britain. (Reporting by Andrea Shala; Editing by Tom Brown)
If we ask parents what they want for their kids, one answer were likely to hear is: I want them fully prepared for the real world once they g
London (AFP) - Britain's shock vote to leave the European Union is the culmination of an often troubled relationship over recent decades.

Here are key dates in Britain's ties with the EU:

- August 9, 1961: Britain makes its first formal application to join what was then the European Economic Community (EEC) under Conservative prime minister Harold Macmillan.

- January 14, 1963: France's then-president Charles de Gaulle vetoes the application for the first time. He says "Non" again on November 27, 1967 after Britain reapplied.

- January 1, 1973: Britain finally enters the EEC at the same time as Ireland and Denmark, after De Gaulle has left office.

- June 5, 1975: In a referendum on membership of the EEC, Britain overwhelmingly votes "Yes" , with over 67 percent in favour.

- November 30, 1979: Prime minister Margaret Thatcher demands a rebate on Britain's contribution to the European budget in a speech which became best known for a phrase attributed to her as: "I want my money back!"

- September 20, 1988: Thatcher gives a landmark speech in the Belgian city of Bruges which became a rallying cry among eurosceptics for less European political integration.

- November 22, 1990: Thatcher is forced to resign. Her growing euroscepticism was seen as a contributing factor as many felt it was lowering Britain's influence in Europe. EU Commission chief Jacques Delors, a favourite target of the eurosceptics, is immortalised, shortly before Thatcher's exit, in the tabloid Sun's headline "Up Yours Delors".

- February 7, 1992: The Treaty of Maastricht, which underpinned the next stage of European integration, is signed. Britain secures an opt-out from joining the single European currency.

- July 23, 1993: Prime minister John Major holds a confidence motion in his government over the Maastricht Treaty after serious infighting in his Conservative Party over Europe. He is caught on camera calling eurosceptic ministers plotting against him "bastards".

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- April 20, 2004: Labour prime minister Tony Blair, a europhile, announces his intention to hold a referendum on the European constitution. It is never held, after France and Denmark rejected it.

- January 23, 2013: Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron promises a referendum on EU membership if his party wins the next general election.

- May 22, 2014: The anti-EU UK Independence Party tops the polls in European Parliament elections with more than 26 percent of the vote, securing 24 seats.

- May 7, 2015: Cameron's Conservatives win a surprise outright majority in the election, clearing the way for a referendum.

- February 20, 2016: Cameron announces a date for the referendum after negotiating key reforms at a summit in Brussels.

- April 15, 2016: Referendum campaign begins.

- June 23, 2016: Britain votes by 52 percent to 48 percent to quit the European Union dealing a thunderous blow to the 60-year-old bloc. Prime Minister Cameron swiftly announces his resignation as world markets plummet.
Khloe Kardashian was initially not on board with her brother Rob Kardashian's engagement to Blac Chyna  and she didn't want her sisters to be, either.



In a new clip from Sunday's episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Khloe and siblings Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian West and Kourtney Kardashian read about their brother's marriage plans on TMZ while getting primped in a makeshift glam room during their Vail, Colorado, vacation.



"Rob Kardashian: my family didn't know jack about my engagement," Kim reads as her sisters listen. When the 35-year-old comes to the part of the article that notes the famous family has yet to publicly comment on Rob's news, Khloe whispers, "Why would we congratulate him."



She then advises, "And no one should congratulate them, that's so desperate and fake of whoever does first, because I know someone's gonna break."







Kardashian proposed to fiancee Blac Chyna in April after opting not to join the rest of the Kar-Jenner gang on the ski trip. The 29-year-old, who is now expecting his first child with Blac Chyna, opted not to clue his family in ahead of popping the question.



"In reality, none of us really care we just want Rob to be able to tell us when he's going to do something big like this," Kylie, 18, says in an interview from the clip.





Related Video: Rob Kardashian Says 'Everything Is Exciting' About Blac Chyna's Pregnancy But Wants to Keep It 'Private as Can Be'



During a previous episode of the reality show, the siblings found out about Rob's big news  and reacted negatively. "That's so f---ed up," remarked Khloe.



Kourtney, however, came to her brother's defense, charging, "Maybe he thinks that you guys are judgmental because clearly you are."



Things have since changed post-filming.



An insider previously told PEOPLE, that the family has now come around to Rob's romance, acknowledging that Chyna has had a positive impact on the dad-to-be's life.



"They feel like Chyna saved him," the insider said. "The [Kardashian sisters] have gotten over their issues with Chyna now. They've welcomed her in."



Keeping Up with the Kardashians airs Sundays (9 p.m. ET) on E!
* Brexit stifles primary markets

* 7-year UST yield tighter by 20bp

* 10-year UST yield tighter by 18bp

By Mike Gambale and Paul Kilby

NEW YORK, June 24 (IFR) - No deals priced in the LatAm primary market on Friday.

PIPELINE:

Petrobras Argentina is preparing an up to US$500m bond sale to fund a tender for all of its US$300m of outstanding 5.875% 2017s, according to a filing with local regulators.

The borrower is seeking to raise 10-year money and has mandated Citigroup and Deutsche on the deal. The announcement comes after Pampa Energia agreed earlier this year to purchase a 67.2% stake in Petrobras Argentina for US$892m.

Argentina's Province of Salta wrapped up roadshows last week after marketing a 144A/Reg S bond transaction through Deutsche Bank and Citigroup. Ratings are CCC+/B by S&P and Fitch.

Mexican real-estate developer Grupo GICSA finished investor meetings last week through JP Morgan and Santander. The company has been marketing a US dollar bond, which is expected to be rated BB/BB-.

Argentine confectionery company Arcor, rated B1/B+, will start roadshows on Friday to market a possible 144A/RegS bond through Itau BBA, JP Morgan and Santander.

The company will be in New York and Los Angeles on Friday and will head to London and Boston on June 27 and wraps up in New York on June 28.

Proceeds are going to fund a tender for any and all of its outstanding 7.25% 2017s. Holders are being offered a purchase price of 101.813 if they validly tender by the expiration date of July 1.

Celulosa Argentina is eyeing an up to US$250m seven-year bond sale, according to a filing with local regulators. The pulp and paper company has been in discussions with bankers from Citigroup and Credit Suisse about financing options, the company said.

Bolivia is hoping to sell an up to US$1bn 10-year bond in the coming months, according to Economy Minister Luis Arce Catacora.

Proceeds would go mainly towards investment in healthcare, specifically hospitals. Bolivia is rated BB by S&P and Fitch and one notch lower at Ba3 by Moody's.

(Reporting by Mike Gambale and Paul Kilby; Editing by Marc Carnegie)
Imagine a nation in which millions of children, some as young as 5, worked. They toiled in coalmines, glass factories and textile mills, some up to 18 hours a day.

Imagine a nation in which employers paid workers as little as possible, many less than $1 per day.

Imagine a nation in which workers typically labored ten to 12 hours, six days a weekthough some, as in the steel industry, worked seven days.

Though many Americans today might think of Social Security as Franklin D. Roosevelts most significant domestic achievement, it was another New Deal law that changed that nation into one in which children were protected, workers were fairly paid and hours were limited, to eight hours a day and five days a week. Though it has far less name recognition today, the Fair Labor Standards Actthe FLSA, signed on June 25, in 1938changed the entire employment culture of the United States and easily rivals Society Security in its importance.

The law had a long road to passage. For years, whenever state and federal officials passed laws to protect workers, the U.S. Supreme Court had struck them down. Most importantly, the Court declared, in 1905s Lochner v. New York, that a law establishing a 60-hour workweek was unconstitutional for violating the sanctity of contract and economic liberty.

The fight to prohibit child labor had been a cause celebre among progressive reformers and Socialists for decades at that point. In 1903, legendary union radical Mother Jones castigated the legality of child labor: Some day the workers will take possession of your city hall, and when we do, no child will be sacrificed on the altar of profit!

Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter

Similarly, the struggle for the 8-hour day lasted most of a century. It moved forward on May 1, 1886, when hundreds of thousands of workers struck, nationwide, for the 8-hour day. The cause moved backwards three days later when, in Chicagos Haymarket Square, a bomb killed eight policemen breaking up a meeting of anarchists who were protesting the polices earlier killing of strikers.

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It took the Great Depression, however, to make change stick. Fast-forwarding to the 1930s, ever more Americans supported reducing the workday. If workers toiled fewer hours, employers could hire more workers, which was a major concern during those years. Many also believed in 8 hours for work, 8 hours for sleep, 8 hours for what we will. Some unions and even employers, most famously Kellogg, pushed the 6-hour day. So it should be no surprise that in his 1936 re-election campaign FDR championed the U.S. working class. Something has to be done about the elimination of child labor and long hours and starvation wages, he said. He won in a landslide.

Frances Perkins, the Secretary of Labor and first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet, led this effort. As early as 1911, after the tragic Triangle Fire killed 146 NYC textile workers, Perkins served the cause of working people, including pushing for what became the FLSA.

So, too, the increasingly large, vocal, and powerful labor movement, then split between the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, became famously the folks who brought you the weekend.

Resistance remainedthe National Association of Manufacturers, for instance, asserted that the FLSA constitutes a step in the direction of communism, bolshevism, fascism, and Nazismbut the FLSA became law.

Today, most Americans still support the FLSA whether or not they know about the actual law. And, in the face of growing concern about economic inequality, FLSA provisions remain newsworthy.

For example, the fight for a higher minimum wage has proven quite successful in cities from Seattle to Birmingham voting to hike their minimum wages. Most recently, California and New York passed laws to gradually move towards $15 an hour. Last month, the Obama Administration announced a new rule that will increase the number of workers eligible for overtime by about 4,200,000. Alas, the global struggle against child labor still is an uphill struggle: the International Labor Organization reports 168 million children still work including 85 million in hazardous work worldwide.

Today, Americans take for granted minimum wages and overtime rates and the fact that children dont work. But thats only because laws like the FLSA protectedand still protectAmerican workers from the dangers of unregulated capitalism. The current push across the nation to drastically raise the minimum wage suggests a widespread belief in the efficacy of such laws. So, happy birthday to the FLSA and heres to strengthening it further.

The Long View

Historians explain how the past informs the present

Peter Cole is a Professor of History at Western Illinois University. He is the author of Wobblies on the Waterfront: Interracial Unionism in Progressive Era Philadelphia and currently is writing Dockworker Power: Race, Technology & Unions in Durban and the San Francisco Bay Area.
By Anthony Lin New York (Reuters) - As the reality of Britain's vote to exit the European Union sank in on Friday, international law firms began sending out emails, warning actual and potential clients of issues that could arise due to "Brexit." Some set up 24-hour hotlines to field queries. But behind the marketing push, lawyers on both sides of the Atlantic said that any spike in advisory work might be short-lived and the long-term impact of Brexit on law firms could be adverse. The uncertainty that comes with it has the potential to sap business and threaten London's leading position in the global profession. U.S. and U.K. firms dominate legal advisory work on large international transactions, and London has long been their European hub. In recent years, the promise of more work in the British capital has led firms from New York, Chicago and other U.S. cities to expand their presence in London. Christian Leathley, a New York partner with British law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, said Brexit would likely produce an initial flurry of activity as clients raised questions about what it would mean for their business in the U.K. and Europe. But Leathley, whose firm has set up a Brexit task force, said there were still few clear answers. Were in a black hole, he said, noting the U.K. had adopted EU law in a host of areas, including public health, transport, competition, intellectual property and human rights. With Brexit, those laws will become blank sheets of paper, and Parliament now faces the monumental task of passing new laws before Britain leaves the EU. Leathley said he thinks that will take years, possibly far longer than the two years envisioned for withdrawal under the EU treaty. Tony Williams, a former managing partner of British law firm Clifford Chance, said the long period of uncertainty was bound to make international companies eyeing British investments think twice. A certain level of [mergers and acquisitions activity] will be put on hold, possibly indefinitely, said Williams, who now works as a legal industry consultant. Lucinda Low, the head of international offices for U.S. firm Steptoe & Johnson, which has an office in London, said there may be bright spots for some lawyers. She said the newly separated United Kingdom will need to negotiate new trade deals with EU nations. That will invariably increase regulatory red tape and complicate disputes, creating work for law firms with large trade practices, like Steptoe. But she said she thinks the overall impact of Brexit on the profession is likely to be negative. A major concern about Brexit is whether it will diminish London's status as a global financial hub. Low said she believes London will remain an important trade and legal centre, but said the economic climate ahead would be rocky. I wouldnt expand in London now, Low said, though I wouldnt pull out either." Williams said he thinks any advisory work Brexit produces in the short-term would be outweighed by the loss of work in M&A and other areas. It was to handle such work in U.K. and across Europe that many U.S. law firms expanded in London, recruiting top local partners and even forcing British firms to compete with New York associate salaries. But Williams said that U.S.-led growth may come to an end as the London deal flow slows after Brexit. Most of these offices are now quite large and they need a certain number of shovelfuls of coal coming in to keep going, he said. I think they will be looking hard at layoffs and redundancies. (Reporting by Anthony Lin; Additional reporting by Dena Aubin, Karen Freifeld and Brendan Pierson; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Mary Milliken)
(Adds meeting details)

* Leave camp wins by 52-48 percent split

* PM Cameron will step down by October

* Sterling hits lowest level for three decades

* More than $2 trillion wiped off world stocks

* Scottish leader says new independence vote likely

By Guy Faulconbridge and Kate Holton

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain has voted to leave the European Union, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow since World War Two to the European project of forging greater unity.

Global financial markets plunged on Friday as results from a referendum defied bookmakers' odds to show a 52-48 percent victory for the campaign to leave a bloc Britain joined more than 40 years ago.

The United Kingdom itself could now break apart, with the leader of Scotland - where nearly two-thirds of voters wanted to stay in the EU - saying a new referendum on independence from the rest of Britain was "highly likely".

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet French, German and Italian leaders in Berlin on Monday to discuss future steps, and foreign ministers of the bloc's six founders -- Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg -- will meet on Saturday morning.

An emotional Cameron, who led the "Remain" campaign to defeat, losing the gamble he took when he promised the referendum in 2013, said he would leave office by October.

"The British people have made the very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction," he said in a televised address outside his residence.

"I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," he added, choking back tears before walking back through 10 Downing Street's black door with his arm around his wife Samantha.

The pound fell as much as 10 percent against the dollar to touch levels last seen in 1985, on fears the decision could hit investment in the world's fifth-largest economy, threaten London's role as a global financial capital and usher in months of political uncertainty. The euro slid 3 percent.

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World stocks saw more than $2 trillion wiped off their value although Britain's FTSE 100 stock index recovered much of its early losses. U.S. stocks fell sharply, with the Dow Jones industrial average dropping over 500 points.

INVENTING ANOTHER EUROPE

Quitting the world's biggest trading bloc could cost Britain access to the trade barrier-free single market and means it must seek new trade accords with countries around the world. A poll of economists by Reuters predicted Britain was likelier than not to fall into recession within a year.

The EU rose out of the ashes of two world wars and fascist and communist totalitarianism to unite a continent of democracies. It faces economic and political damage without Britain, which has the EU's biggest financial centre, a U.N. Security Council veto, a powerful army and nuclear weapons.

"It's an explosive shock. At stake is the break-up pure and simple of the union," French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said. "Now is the time to invent another Europe."

Merkel called it a watershed for European unification.

The result emboldened eurosceptics in other member states, with French National Front leader Marine Le Pen and Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders demanding their countries also hold referendums. Le Pen changed her Twitter profile picture to a Union Jack and declared "Victory for freedom!"

The vote will trigger at least two years of divorce proceedings with the EU, the first exit by any member state. Cameron, in office since 2010, said it would be up to his successor to formally start the exit process.

His Conservative Party rival Boris Johnson, the former London mayor who became the most recognisable face of the Leave camp, is now widely tipped to seek his job.

"We can find our voice in the world again, a voice that is commensurate with the fifth-biggest economy on Earth," he told reporters at Leave campaign headquarters.

Lawmakers from the opposition Labour Party launched a no-confidence motion to topple their leader, leftist Jeremy Corbyn, accused by opponents in the party of campaigning tepidly for its Remain stance.

"INDEPENDENCE DAY"

There was euphoria among Britain's eurosceptic forces, claiming a victory over the political establishment, big business and foreign leaders including U.S. President Barack Obama who had urged Britain to stay in.

"Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day," said Nigel Farage, leader of the eurosceptic UK Independence Party, describing the EU as "doomed" and "dying".

The shock hits a European bloc already reeling from a euro zone debt crisis, unprecedented mass migration and confrontation with Russia over Ukraine. Support for anti-immigrant and anti-EU parties has surged across the continent.

U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, whose own rise has been fuelled by similar anger at the political establishment, called the vote a "great thing". Britons "took back control of their country", he said in Scotland where he was opening a golf resort. He criticised Obama for telling Britons how to vote, and drew a comparison with his own campaign.

Obama said he had spoken with Cameron and that the United States' relationship with Britain would endure.

"While the UK's relationship with the EU will change, one thing that will not change is the special relationship that exists between our two nations," he said in a speech.

Britain has always been ambivalent about its relations with the rest of post-war Europe. A firm supporter of free trade, tearing down internal economic barriers and expanding the EU to take in ex-communist eastern states, it opted out of joining the euro single currency and the Schengen border-free zone.

Cameron's ruling Conservatives in particular have harboured a vocal anti-EU wing for generations, and it was partly to silence such figures that he called the referendum.

The 11th hour decision of Johnson - Cameron's schoolmate from the same elite Eton private boarding school - to come down on the side of Leave gave the exit campaign a credible voice.

World leaders including Obama, Merkel and Chinese President Xi Jinping, NATO and Commonwealth governments had all urged a Remain vote, saying Britain would be more influential in the EU.

DARKEST HOUR

The four-month campaign was among the most divisive ever waged in Britain, with accusations of lying and scare-mongering on both sides and rows over immigration which critics said at times unleashed overt racism.

At the darkest hour, a pro-EU member of parliament was stabbed and shot to death in the street. The suspect later told a court his name was "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain".

The campaign revealed deep splits in British society, with the pro-Brexit side drawing support from voters who felt left behind by globalisation and blamed EU immigration for low wages. Older voters backed Brexit; the young mainly wanted to stay in. London and Scotland supported the EU, but swathes of England that have not shared in the capital's prosperity voted to leave.

Support for Remain among Scots prompted Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to declare it "democratically unacceptable" for Scotland to be dragged out of the EU, two years after voting to stay part of the United Kingdom. "I think an independence referendum is now highly likely," she said.

The financial turmoil comes at a time when interest rates around the world are already at or near zero. The shock could prevent the U.S. Federal Reserve from raising interest rates as planned this year or even provoke a new round of emergency policy easing from central banks.

Left unclear is the relationship Britain can negotiate with the EU. EU officials have said UK-based banks and financial firms could lose automatic access to sell services in Europe.

Huge questions also face the millions of British expatriates who live freely elsewhere in the bloc as well as millions of EU citizens who live and work in Britain.

(Additional reporting by William James, Kylie MacLellan, Sarah Young, Alistair Smout, Costas Pitas, Andy Bruce and David Milliken in London, and Steve Holland in Turnberry, Scotland; Writing by Mark John and Pravin Char; Editing by Peter Graff and Anna Willard)
Legendary has landed the hot project Bad Blood, which will be written and directed by Adam McKay and star Jennifer Lawrence as the founder of controversial blood testing company Theranos.

A bidding war erupted over the pitch package after McKay, whose previous film The Big Short was critically acclaimed and nominated for the best picture Oscar, and four-time Oscar nominee Lawrence became attached.

Lawrence would play Elizabeth Holmes, founder of the blood-testing startup that at one time boasted a $9 billion valuation. Theranos' projected value has since plummeted, following news that the company is under investigation for inaccurate testing that took place at their California labs.

The 32-year-old entrepreneur, who is rarely seen without a black turtleneck, has continued to stand by Theranos despite CMS regulators trying to ban her for two years from owning or operating a blood lab.

The package, which received bids from numerous studios and production companies, includes the film rights to a book proposal about the Theranos controversy by John Carreyrou, who previously wrote about the company for The Wall Street Journal.

Universal will distribute the film via its deal with Legendary. McKay, Will Ferrell and Kevin Messick are producing via their banner Gary Sanchez, along with Lawrence.

Read More: Watch THR's Full, Uncensored Actress Roundtable With Jennifer Lawrence, Brie Larson and More
I have been in the U.K. for the past two weeks on business for Colonial Williamsburg, which gave me the chance to have a front seat in the run up to the Brexit vote yesterday.

A highly unscientific sampling of British friends, colleagues in the City and that old staple, London cab drivers, revealed two trends.

First, there was real ambivalence about whether to remain in the EU or leave. Many said that they had gone back and forth in the previous weeks as they tried to sort out the merits of each side. Even those who had eventually come to a decision before the vote admitted that there were strong arguments both Leave and Remain. It struck me as a classic head/heart divide, with Brits thinking that remaining would be the better move, economically, while at the same time feeling that leaving would be an emotionally satisfying assertion of independence. (One friend who voted leave reminded me that we Americans were the original Brexiteers, way back in 1776, so we could hardly object if they left the EU.)

Second, no one seemed to be able to explain the consequences of either remaining or leaving. What would change? When would it change? And how, if at all, would this affect Joe Blogs, the British equivalent of our Joe Sixpack?

This deep uncertainty was derived from the deep uncertainty over how the other EU members would react to the vote. Would Brussels be grateful that the Brits voted to remain, and therefore be more flexible on issues of widespread concern, such as immigration? Or would Brussels pocket the vote and refuse to concede a thing? Alternatively, would a U.K. that voted to leave now have far more leverage to negotiate a more favorable deal with Brussels? Or would Brussels have to play hardball and not concede an inch to deter other EU members, such as the Netherlands, from following Britains lead and opting out as well? The reality, at least on Day 1 following Brexit, is that still no one knows. It is likely that negotiations between London and Brussels will take months and perhaps years to fully play out. Predicting today what will or will not happen seems wildly premature.

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As it plays out, the UK will no longer be led by Prime Minister David Cameron. Listening to his resignation speech this morning, I admired his poise at publicly announcing the end of his political career, which was triggered by a crushing, very personal, defeat. I detected a certain nobility in his willingness to fulfill his reelection campaign promise to hold a national referendum on EU membership and then to so graciously accept the outcome. Let us hope that the Tories can find another leader with as much integrity.

President Obama, on his most recent visit to the U.K., made an argument for why Britain should remain in the EU  appropriately so, in my view. But now that the vote has gone the other way, what should Washington do?

Lets start with some incontrovertible facts. Britain is our closest ally, with whom we have an unprecedented intelligence-sharing arrangement. It is a key member of NATO and a nuclear power. It is one of our largest trading partners and a source of significant foreign direct investment in the United States. It has unrivaled diplomatic relations with other Commonwealth countries around the world and is a stalwart supporter of the rule of law and international institutions.

At a time when Britain faces an uncertain future, when its financial markets are in turmoil and its currency is being battered, now is the time for Washington to reassure the Brits, both publicly and privately, that the United States stands with them. The Obama administration can help stabilize the financial markets and explain that America will do all it can to assist London as it goes through this transition. (A memo to this effect should have been drafted for Secretary of State Kerry a month ago.)

Is there a risk that aligning ourselves with Britain will alienate our other friends and allies in Europe, most notably Germany? Of course. But there is also the risk that an America that is seen as abandoning its closest ally in its time of need might just be viewed as being a less-than-reliable friend to the other 27 members of the EU. Lost among all the other commentary in the last 24 hours is the fact that the United States now has the opportunity to reassert itself as the leader of a reimagined transatlantic alliance.

Photo Credit: Ian Forsyth / Stringer
TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Libyan forces fighting Islamic State in its stronghold of Sirte said on Friday that four of their troops and 10 militants were killed in heavy clashes around the port area as militants tried to flee the city under siege. Brigades from the nearby city of Misrata, allied with the country's U.N.-backed government of national unity, launched a campaign to retake Sirte last month. They rapidly recaptured ground west of the coastal city, but their advance slowed as they closed in on its centre. Islamic State militants, who exploited Libya's security chaos to seize Sirte last year, have been fighting hard to defend territory they still control in the residential centre. "Brigades of Bonyan Marsous intercepted a group of Islamic State militants on Friday attempting to escape from the coastal side of the city," said Rida Issa, a spokesman with the government's operations room. "The clashes were massive and have resulted in four troops killed and 24 wounded. After the clashes ended, our forces found about 10 bodies of militants." Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has had no official national army, but brigades of former rebels who once fought together against him have steadily turned against one another and allied with rival political forces on the ground. Misrata city forces, among the most powerful military brigades, are aligned with the U.N.-backed unity government that arrived in Tripoli in March. It is seeking to replace two other rival governments that were set up in Tripoli and the east in 2014, and to unite Libya's many political and armed factions. (Reporting by Ahmed Elumami; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Dominic Evans)
EXCLUSIVE: Julianna Margulies is in final negotiations for her first job after wrapping a distinguished run as the title character in The Good Wife. She will join Richard Gere, Walton Goggins, Peter Dinklage and Bradley Whitford in the indie film Three Christs, the Jon Avnet-directed adaptation of the Milton Rokeach book The Three Christs Of Ypsilanti. Eric Nazarian and Avnet adapted the novel, and filming begins July 19 in New York. Pic is set in 1959 at a Michigan state mental health hospital, where a charismatic psychiatrist and his young assistant use new controversial methods to treat their three schizophrenic patients who all claim to be Jesus Christ. Gere plays the psychiatris. Margulies will play his wife and former research assistant and secretary. While supportive of her husband, shes cooped up with two young daughters and resentful of his long hours and of his young attractive female assistant. She is not above using her charms  and the occasional provocative sexual encounter  to be sure she continues to keep his attention. The three-time Emmy-winning actress is repped by WME.

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From ELLE

As anyone who loves Transparent or Mozart in the Jungle can attest, some of the best television isn't happening on TV at all. Amazon, for one, has been amping up its programming and just last week debuted the brilliant pilot for The Last Tycoon. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's last, unfinished novel, the show tells stories surrounding a fictional movie studio in 1936, during the Golden Age of Hollywood (bonus: Mad Men's costume designer Janie Bryant brings the era to life and the fashion is so good). Among the stars are Matt Bomer, who plays Monroe Stahr, the dashing studio executive, and Lily Collins, who plays Celia Brady, the ambitious 19-year-old daughter of the studio head.

The Last Tycoon is Collins' first work since she starred in the 2014 rom-com Love, Rosie. She spent time working on the Warren Beatty film Rules Don't Apply, out this fall, and deliberately taking time off. "I think I deserved a bit of a break after that one, but I also wanted to reevaluate the types of projects I really wantedto do and what I felt passionate about." She calls Tycoon writer and director Billy Ray a "visionary" and partially credits him as one of the reasons she decided to do a foray into TV. "It just seemed like a really amazing nugget of gold to happen upon. I read it and it kind of just took over my brain," she says.

Here, Collins chats more with ELLE.com about her new role, the time she wanted to be a talk show host, and her love of vintage fashion.

What kind of research did you have to do for the role?

I had read [The Last Tycoon] before, ages ago, so I reread it. I saw the movie version with Robert De Niro. I really just kept reading about the period as much as I could. I love watching old movies anywayI grew up with my mom watching old movies and being immersed in the history of old Hollywood. So, for me, it felt like home. [My character Celia's] mentality, her sass, spunk, and intellect is something that I could draw from many women in my life but also many real people that I had read about over the years.

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Like who?

They're not necessarily of the '30s, but Katharine Hepburn, obviously Audrey Hepburn, Liz Taylor, and Lana Turner.

What were some old movies you liked?

Well, I was really big on all of the Audrey films like Funny Face, Roman Holiday. From a totally different period, I loved all the John Hughes films, those were my staples I watched with my mom, and then all the Bob Hope Road Tos..., I like all the Marx Brothers films. It was just kind of an array-some were black and white, some were early color, it just was all about for me watching films that told stories in such a different way that they allowed the camera to linger on people's expressions and faces longer and tell stories in a slightly more romantic way, as opposed to kind of maybe the fast paced-ness of today.

Celia as a character is really strong. She declares she doesn't want a "country club life" and is pretty forward about her desire for [Matt Bomer's character] Monroe. Did you find that surprising about her, especially since she's based in the '30s?

I think part of why she pursued him or why she was so forward about it was that she grew up with a father that was very vocal and very blunt and gets what he wants done in the studio because of his powerful voice. I think the mom is also very encouraging of her speaking her mind, she obviously comes from an older generation, so when she was Celia's age, she wasn't allowed to speak out like that. So she's encouraging her daughter to use her voice.

For Celia, her love of Monroe far surpasses the girl-loves-boy theme. I think she respects him so much in terms of his vision and his demeanor and what he stands for and his heart, she is just not shy. She's rough around this guy and she loved him all her life, but now she's finding her womanhood, and she's not afraid to use it-and that may be to her detriment at some point, but I think as viewers it allows us to see this funky, sassy girl, who is vulnerable at times. She's really a sign of what's to come in terms of women and their drive and what will soon be a very strong period of important, vocal women working as well as voicing their opinions among the men.

She's also pretty ruthless about her career ambitions. There's a scene where she pitches her movie to the studio executivehave you ever gone after something you wanted like that?

Oh, gosh. Starting at 16 years old I was in boardrooms of older executives pitching talk shows. I wanted to be the youngest talk show host for a really long time. I would go into these boardrooms and just stand there and pitch like [Celia] did, mostly men, like 40 and 50 years old, and I would just go on and on and on and I was so passionate. I felt like I had great ideas and some of them I think were great, but it was just timing and it wasn't the time yet for young people to really have a voice in media. It was before YouTube and Instagram. So, I was never afraid of going after what I wanted, and making that known, and being vocal about it, just like Celia. In that regard I was like, Oh yeah, her tenacity and determination is totally something I can relate to.

I was never afraid of going after what I wanted, and making that known.

What did you do when you were told "no"?

I just took the "no" just as "no, not right now," not "no, this isn't for you." I accepted that those people didn't see my vision the way that I did, and that was okay and I'd move on and someday someone would. Everything happens for a reason and, of course at times it's very discouraging, but at the end of the day you can't take it personally and move onward because if you let it sit with you, then it starts to eat away at you and you're allowing someone else to steal your excitement. No one wants that. It was a long process of learning that.

We have to talk about the fashion in 'The Last Tycoon' because it's absolutely incrediblewhat was it like working with [costume designer] Janie Bryant?

Oh my god, she's so fantastic. I love her accent, I love her demeanor, I love her aesthetic and her eye. She's like a ball of fire-she's so sweet. She's very much like Celia. She's got this Southern charm and femininity yet she's so tenacious and she speaks her mind and she knows what she wants-she's brave and she's a hard worker, and I just really respect her so much. Every detail, like the nuances of the outfits and every centimeter or millimeter counts when you're dealing with her clothes you know, and she really sources the most amazing vintage clothing-the colors I would have thought wouldn't have worked on me, she just foresaw making me pop and I trust her implicitly. I think she's a wonderful person.

And had you seen her work in 'Mad Men'?

Oh, yes, oh, yes. When I heard that she was doing [Tycoon], that was another draw for me. What she did on Mad Men for years was so amazing. It's really hard to do period in a way that is not caricature-y and in a way that makes it still relevant to today, and I think she does that. She has all those nuances and the little small details that no one would maybe notice, but they're there, and they make you as an actress feel better, and you carry yourself differently, and she gets that.

What do you love about old Hollywood fashion?

I just love the fact that everyone gets dressed up to do the most menial things, like it just takes such respect in the way that they look, especially with women. [I like] that the whole body shape of all the dresses are so feminine and curvaceous and very attractive, and the fabrics were beautiful. Everything was, I think, more handcrafted. I mean, I know we have obviously couture today in fashion houses that are very well and beautifully crafted, but the normal clothes that were so accessible to everyone also seemed to be that way back then. I think everyone just looks so put together, and it's just fun to run around in those kind of clothes, and all the under layers, although they're really annoying to put on because there's so many. They make you stand differently.

So you have to wear 1930s undergarments?

There's like everything-and so many layers of it and they're all very tight!

How would you describe your own personal style compared to what you wear on screen?

I'm a little bit more comfortable. I love wearing jeans, and I don't wear stockings, which is what they wore [back then], everywhere. I like to be comfortable but I also like to look put together all the time. I don't wear dresses all the timeit's nice to save those moments for certain occasions and to make it feel extra special. In the '30s, every day was an event. And, as much as I love that idea, I think nowadays it's nice to have the differentiation of when you dress up and when you don't. I think it makes it a little bit more special.

You've said that you love vintage shoppingany favorite era?

I used to love going for the '80s. I would go find a bunch of vintage tour t-shirts and the Levi's jeans, and big jackets, oversized coats. I'd also go kind of '70s retro-y. But now when I go, I'll [take] whatever I see and I'll mix and match with my own wardrobe. I never go with something in mind. I like having an array of generations in my outfits!

What's your favorite funny memory from shooting?

I remember I was doing that pitch with Monroe, we did it a couple of times and I was getting really, really into it and [the director] Billy [Ray] yelled "cut!" and he came over and said, "Brilliant, I loved it, but did you hear yourself go a little 'Cookie' in there?" He was referencing Empire and apparently as I was pitching, I just went full on Cookie. He said, "You got so into it, but you got so modern that you were giving me such sass-you took me out of the '30s...but it was brilliant!" It was just so funny, me standing there, in the Biltmore Hotel dressed in the 1930s going full-on Cookie.

Watch the first episode of The Last Tycoon for free on Amazon.
It seems like absolutely everybody and their mother has something to say about the recent referendum in Great Britain that ended in a vote in favor of leaving the European Union  the Brexit, if you will  and f Lindsay Lohan is no exception.

Twenty-eight-year-old expat Lohan, who moved to London in 2012, sounded off on the Brexit vote on Twitter on Thursday in a string of since-deleted Tweets, many of which had the hashtag #REMAIN, in which she implored the British er.

She began by urging the people of Sunderland to vote "Remain" and then, getting very upset when results showed that they didn't. But the Shetland Islands did, earning LiLo's love and affection.

Source: Jezebel

At the very least, it's clear that Lohan felt very passionately about the Brexit and its effect on her adopted homeland. Which is more than we can say for Donald Trump, whose tweets betrayed his dire misunderstanding of the situation.

But before you call for Lohan and the British twin she met at summer camp to run for co-prime ministers, take note. By Friday, the actress seemed to mostly be over her Brexistential angst, and was back to making cute Instagram posts and cheerful Tweets. Chin up, darling.

It's a sunny day! Yay!! #tgif ?https://www.instagram.com/p/BHCKNiABVj9/
Actor Wilson Cruz, best known for his role on My So-Called Life, was among the stars who took the stage Thursday night at Logo's third-annual Trailblazer Honors special. The event, which airs Saturday and honors pioneers in the fight for equality, was this year dedicated to the victims of the shooting at gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Fla.

Cruz's mother's stepsister, Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, was among the people gunned down, and he spent a few minutes at Trailblazer Honors telling her story.

Cruz explained that she loved to dance, especially to salsa music, and the last time he saw her it was in his mother's kitchen in Orlando when she told him that her son Isaiah had recently come out. McCool, who Cruz said was a "mother of 11 and mother figure to many more," vowed to protect Isaiah, which is just what she did in her last act on June 12.

"For so many Latino LGBT youths, Latin nights at clubs like Pulse are a refuge. They're the first places we can celebrate our love of our music, our culture and who we are," said Cruz. "For Brenda, it was the place she could spend time with her son where he was his most authentic self. And it was beautiful. On the night we lost 49 community members and allies, Brenda protected her son by jumping in front of the gun. She had beat cancer twice so maybe she thought she was indestructible. But more likely it was instinct - a lioness protecting her cub. I want people to remember Brenda McCool's name. She's a hero, not only because she saved Isaiah's life that night, but because she was a proud and fierce advocate for all of her LGBT family."

Read More: Logo Trailblazer Honors: RuPaul, Harvey Fierstein Speak Out Against Orlando Shooter on Behalf of LGBT Community

He continued: "So to honor all of the innocent lives we lost, our community must stay visible and stay proud. Brenda would want that. She'd want us to get back out there and dance. And I, for one, don't intend to let her down."

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With that, Cruz did a bit of salsa dancing in place, and it was clear he had already moved Emma Stone and honoree Billie Jean King, who took the stage next.

His remarks also seemed to cause Chloe Grace Moretz, who later presented another Trailblazer Honors award, to cry as she can be seen wiping away tears in the below video, which The Hollywood Reporter is exclusively debuting.

Cruz told THR on the red carpet ahead of Thursday night's taping in New York that he was there because he wanted to make sure McCool wasn't forgotten and that people knew what kind of mother she was.

"She was devoted and showed unconditional love to all of us," he said. "And I want people to remember her and her name, and if I can be here tonight to shed a little light on who she was as a person, that's why I wanted to be here."

Read More: 'My So-Called Life' Alum Wilson Cruz Mourns Relative Who Died in Orlando Shooting

The longtime LGBT advocate will next appear on ABC's Mistresses in a recurring role and is the executive producer of the upcoming documentary Out of the Box: How America Came Out on TV. The actor's past TV credits also include Fox's Red Band Society and Logo's Noah's Arc.

When asked what message he has for the LGBT community in the wake of the shooting, Cruz told THR, "I think I want them to remember that this movement has shed a lot of blood. This is not the first time we have seen violence acted upon our community. It is the worst example of it," he said, citing the Stonewall riots and transgender lives lost. "It's time that we put our attention on the violence that is acted upon our community, and I think because we turn our gaze to it, we can make the kind of difference we made with marriage equality, we can do that same thing with gun violence. I think as a collective voice we're powerful and we can make a real difference."

Trailblazer Honors will be simulcast on Logo and VH1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Saturday.

Read More: Broadway Stars Join to Record "What the World Needs Now Is Love" as Orlando Charity Single
London To Implement Charge for Older Motorcycles

Another European capital city has committed to hitting riders of older motorcycles with a fee in an attempt to improve EU air quality.

Last week, RideApart reported that Paris is preparing to ban motorcycles made before 1999 from certain parts of the city during the day. Violators of the ban will face 35 (US $40) fine.

London has long had a congestion charge  which is currently set at 11.50 (US $17)  to discourage cars from entering the heart of the city. The daily charge was designed in part to reduce pollution but also to better ensure that emergency vehicles could make it through the citys infamously narrow and crowded streets.

london2

Motorcycles and scooters have hitherto been exempt from the charge. But plans are in the works to start charging two-wheeled vehicles made before 2007, when Euro 3 emissions standards were first applied to motorcycles.

London motorcyclists have known about this and were expecting to see the charge applied when London introduces its new Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2020. UK website Bike Social is now reporting, however, that the charge could be implemented as soon as next year.

A number of motorcyclists have expressed anger at the possibility of a sped-up schedule but the city is desperate to reduce its pollution levels, which are consistently in violation of EU regulations. For example, within the very first week of 2016 London managed to exceed its pollution limit for the entire year.

READ MORE: Riding on the Wrong Side: British Riders Are Better | RideApart

Lane splitting in London

RideApart Managing Editor Chris Cope is based in the UK and rides through London often. He says that pollution is a very serious problem.

Theres a thing in London known as The Black, or, less poetically, black snot, he explained. After being in London for a few hours you can blow your nose and what comes out is as black as coal. Its scary to think about that stuff sitting in your lungs. But Im not sure charging motorcyclists is going to fix that.

London is home to a number of venues that draw classic bike enthusiasts, such as the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club http://thebikeshed.cc/london-venue/ in Shoreditch. A handful of these venues (BSMC being one of them) will be included in the forthcoming Ultra Low Emission Zone. However, there is some good news for those classic bike riders. The government presently plans to exempt motorcycles made before 1973 from the charge.
By Jonathan Gould and Andreas Kroner

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German regulators contested plans for a merged Deutsche Boerse-London Stock Exchange to be based in London following Britain's vote to leave the European Union, while one politician even said the deal was now as good as dead.

Deutsche Boerse <DB1Gn.DE> and LSE <LSE.L> agreed in March to a $30 billion merger to create a European trading powerhouse that would be domiciled in Britain with headquarters in both London and Frankfurt.

Two German regulatory sources told Reuters on Friday, however, that there was increasing scepticism about London being the base for the holding company of the combined group.

"There is rising irritation and increasing concern that London as a base poses a problem," one of the sources said after the Brexit vote.

The exchange regulator in the German state of Hesse, where Deutsche Boerse is based and which has the power to block the deal, declined to comment.

The state minister to whom the regulator answers, however, said Brexit would play a role in the decision about whether to approve the deal.

"We will take account of yesterday's decision in our review," Tarek Al-Wazir wrote on his Facebook page. "We will wait and see whether the plans remain in their current form."

"MERGER IS DEAD"

German politicians turned more critical of the deal. Michael Fuchs, a leading politician in Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party, demanded the German government work to ensure the combined company's seat be outside the United Kingdom.

"Out is out," Fuchs told Reuters. "There cannot be a London base for the merged company after the Brexit."

Hesse Premier Volker Bouffier also said the domicile of the merged group should move to Frankfurt.

Thorsten Schaefer-Guembel, a senior politician with ruling coalition members the Social Democrats (SPD) was more categorical: "As of today, the merger is dead, there are no two ways about it," he told regional broadcaster HR.

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Deutsche Boerse Chief Executive Carsten Kengeter said the merger still created opportunities despite the vote, pointing out that the German exchange was already active in other financial centers outside the European Union.

"The Brexit decision is a setback for Europe but it's also a good chance for a renewal and a constructive reform debate for the EU," he told national broadcaster ARD.

"To maintain economic strength that can then be translated into growth and jobs, we have to do all we can to combine the strengths of different financial centers rather than divide them," Kengeter said.

BRAVE FACE

Earlier on Friday, the LSE and Deutsche Boerse vowed to press ahead with the merger, saying the vote outcome did not change the strategic rationale of the deal.

They have stressed that London's busy trading center and a post-trade hub in Frankfurt are highly complementary.

They say the merger's "liquidity bridge" would connect the investment community in London with companies that are the biggest users of capital on the continent, even if the UK is outside the EU.

Analysts said the exchanges were trying to put a brave face on the setback delivered by UK voters, with shareholders and regulators looking afresh at the LSE being outside the EU.

"It is now less likely that the deal will go through," Equinet analyst Philipp Haessler said.

The LSE and Deutsche Boerse boards urged shareholders on Friday to back the deal. LSE shareholders are due to vote on the deal at a general meeting on July 4 while Deutsche Boerse shareholders can tender their shares until July 12.

A special committee created by the exchanges to deal with the referendum would meet as often as needed to deal with the implications of Brexit, the companies said.

The terms of the merger agreement cannot be changed, however, Deutsche Boerse CEO Kengeter said.

But a source familiar with the merger plans said the question of the holding company's location was one of the main issues the committee would consider. Any change in company structure would have to take place after the deal had closed, which is currently expected in early 2017, the person said.

Shares in Deutsche Boerse closed 9.3 percent lower, lagging a 7 percent drop among German blue chip shares <.GDAXI>, while LSE's stock fell 8.6 percent.

(Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin and Noor Zainab Hussain in Bengaluru; editing by David Clarke)
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Friday he did not expect a major impact on the Malaysian economy from Britain's decision to leave the European Union. Najib said Malaysia's economic exposure to Britain only accounted for about one percent of its total trade. "We should increase this, and there may be an opportunity to do so now if the U.K. reaches out to strategically important nations beyond the EU," he said, adding that he was sad to see Prime Minister David Cameron step down. (Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Nick Macfie)
In the wake of the United Kingdoms shocking vote to exit the European Union, fears that the country could enter a recession spread around the globe.

David Malpass, an economist and senior economic advisor for Donald Trump, said he doesnt think the U.K. will see a major economic downturn, and believes the vote is an indication people are tired of globalism.

This is a big sign that globalism has exceeded its bounds, Malpass told the FOX Business Networks Stuart Varney. Remember Obama and Christine Lagarde, the head of the IMF, had both basically campaigned. Theyd gone to the U.K., said dont leave. That was the voice of globalism and that was rejected in the vote.

Malpass said he is worried that the EU is in decline, doesnt believe it is bad for the United States.

What we want is a faster growing world and the EU bureaucracy has stood in the way of that, he said. Its in the U.S.s interest to have Europe growing a lot faster.

He added he believes the outcome paves the way for better trade, and even more trade in Europe.

Many who supported the U.K.s vote to exit the EU cited migration and regulation as major deciding factors. Across the pond in the U.S., Donald Trump, who supported the U.K.s exit, also is focusing part of his financial plan on curbing government regulation to stimulate economic development.

You have to have more effective regulation, Malpass said. We have this giant government overreach that has a chance to be rolled back. Thats what creates growth. You get lots more jobs, meaning millions and millions of more jobs, if youve got the federal government more within its own boundaries.

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A prosecutor has charged a Minnesota man for murder in the suicide death of his ex-girlfriend, alleging that he harassed and stalked her to the point that she killed herself, PEOPLE confirms.



Jessica Damian Haban, 28, of Stewartville, Minnesota, bore two children to Long Vang, 34, during an allegedly tumultuous, nearly 11-year relationship. She killed herself on Dec. 17, 2015, at her home.



The two were "culturally married" in 2010, according to Haban's published obituary.



Now Vang, who was booked June 10, sits in the Olmsted County jail in Rochester, charged with third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and stalking. He has not yet entered a plea, a spokesman for the Olmsted County District Court tells PEOPLE.



In announcing the charges, Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem's office alleges that during the couple's time together, "Mr. Vang subjected his partner to ever-increasing levels of domestic abuse. The abuse was verbal, emotional, mental, and physical."



"In May 2015, Mr. Vang's abuse resulted in a traumatic brain injury to his partner," according to the prosecutors office. "Ultimately his partner took her own life to escape the relationship."



Said Ostrem in a statement: "I believe Mr. Vang's conduct directly contributed to the death of his partner. Mr. Vang was clearly aware of the precarious state of his partner's emotions following her hospitalizations and he continued his relentless contacts until her death."



The prosecutor says he's aware such charges may be unprecedented in Minnesota or elsewhere. "We have put a lot more scrutiny into charging this than in a typical case," he told the Star-Tribune. "We know there are going to be some challenges and some questions. We plan to have our ducks in a row."



The Olmsted County Public Defender Office declined to comment on Vang's case.





Man Charged with Murder After His Ex-Girlfriend Commits Suicide to 'Escape the Relationship' in Rare Case, Says Prosecutor| Crime & Courts, Murder, True Crime, Real People Stories

In their own statement shared with PEOPLE, Haban's family said "knowing Mr. Vang has ben charged has brought our family some comfort."



 Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.



"This case has brought back many emotions of all that knew and loved Jessica, especially us her family," they added. "We are hoping and praying that through the court system there will be some justice for Jessica and that Mr. Vang will be held accountable on some level for years of abuse."



Haban previously had spoken with authorities about the abuse she experienced from Vang, reports the Post-Bulletin.



A criminal complaint says that on May 11, 2015, Haban called 911 to report that Vang was allegedly throwing things at her. She alleged he'd overturned a coffee table and used it to restrain her on the couch, then broken the phone as she tried to call police, who showed up and said they found Vang hiding behind a vehicle near the garage.



Less than two weeks later, according to the Post-Bulletin, Vang allegedly punched Haban in the head with a closed fist in their home.



A domestic abuse no-contact order was issued in August 2015, but three months later a witness who "expressed fear that Vang would seriously injure or kill" Haban told police that Vang was allegedly contacting her, the newspaper reports.



Haban shared her fears with a social worker on Dec. 7. But after being hospitalized for mental health treatment, she called the social worker on Dec. 10 and asked to be discharged. The social worker learned Haban had been released on Dec. 13  three days before Haban killed herself.



"Jessica was a beautiful, highly talented young woman," her obituary reads. "She excelled in everything she did. She loved her children with all her heart and did everything she could to make their dreams come true."



"She aspired to be a cosmetologist, also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved to dance and was the Zumba queen of fitness. She had such an eccentric and loving personality; her smile could light up a room. She really made an impact on many people's lives and was known for her caring heart, long conversations and putting others in front of her own personal needs. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and genuine friend."



"We all love and miss her so much!"
A man in Turkey has been given a one-year suspended prison sentence for insulting the countrys President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, by depicting him as the character Gollum from Lord of the Rings.

A court in the southwest province of Antalya sentenced Rifat Cetin to one year in jail, suspended for five years, and took away his parental custody rights, the BBC reports. The crime of insulting the President of Turkey can result in up to four years in jail.

Cetin has insisted that the post he uploaded to Facebook in 2014, which shows three pictures of Erdogan alongside images of Gollum with similar facial expressions, was harmless. He will reportedly appeal the verdict, claiming that the law cannot apply to him because Erdogan was Prime Minister, not President, at the time.

Gollum is depicted in the Lord of the Rings books and films as a small, slimy creature driven mad by his desire for the ring.

Erdogan and his government have been criticized for becoming increasingly intolerant of dissent. Nearly 2,000 cases  against a former Miss Turkey and a 12-year-old boy among them  have been opened for insulting the Turkish leader in recent years. Cetin is not even the only person in trouble for comparing Erdogan to Gollum, with a physician named Bilgin Cifti being terminated from his job last year for sharing similar images.

[BBC]
This 19-year-old man has no legs and only one arm, but he's not one to shy away from a good prank to terrify complete strangers.

Read: Firefighters Rescue Teen Girl Who Got Stuck in Barney Costume in Prank Gone Horribly Wrong

Nick Santonastasso, known on the internet for his motivational speeches and hilarious pranks, pulled off a doozy during a recent trip to Union Square Park in New York City.

Santonastasso decided to really blend in for his latest rocking joke, scaring passersby while disquised as a statue.

Santonastasso teamed up with YouTube-famous prank team Jeana and Jesse from PrankvsPrank and make-up artist Lex of MadeYewLook to complete the look he'd need.

Lex painted the man's entire body a brassy camoflauge, to resemble the other statues in the park.

Then, Jeana and Jesse outfitted him in an earpiece to help him coordinate when potential victims were coming his way.

Santonastasso perched himself on a pedestal and "when curious marks approach to look at the statue and read the plaque, he scares them," the description read.

"Excuse me," he can be heard saying in the video to two girls, who let out a bloodcurling scream as they were walking by.

Read: Unsuspecting House Hunters Get Spooked at 'Paranormal Activity' Home in Terrifying Prank

He asked one man who stood beside him checking his phone, "I think my earpiece is falling out. Want to push that in a little bit?"

"Can I get some of that?" the human statue asked a man who was eating a pizza.

As an elderly woman walks by in a cane, he even tells her, "I've been here 300 years!"

Watch: Pranksters Freak Out New Yorkers With a Remote-Controlled Pizza Rat

Related Articles:
The Marine Corps announced Thursday that the late Private First Class Harold Schultz appears in the iconic World War II image of U.S. soldiers raising the American flag on Iwo Jima  and not John Bradley, the Navy hospital corpsman who became the subject of the bestseller Flags of our Fathers and a Clint Eastwood film adaptation.

The announcement supports claims by amateur historians Eric Krelle and Stephen Foley that the Marines had made mistakes in identifying the six men in the photo taken atop Mt. Suribachi on Feb. 23, 1945, by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, following one of the wars most violent battles with Japanese forces. The research, first profiled by the Omaha World Herald in 2014, made headlines more than a month ago when the Marines confirmed having launched an investigation. That probe is now the subject of the Smithsonian Channel documentary Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima, which airs July 3.

In early May, just days after the probe was announced, Bradleys son James, author of Flags of our Fathers, said he didnt think his father was in the flag-raising in the iconic photo, but rather that his father participated in one earlier that day. Speaking by phone on Thursday, Krelle argues that the results of the Marine Corps inquiry may help people understand why John Bradley was so quiet about the photo when he was questioned. Maybe he knew he wasnt part of that actual event.

Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter

However, Schultz kept his involvement in the photo mostly secret from his family. Speaking to TIME by phone, Dezreen MacDowell, 54, his stepdaughter and his only known remaining family member, said she never found out that he was in the photo until a few years before his death in 1995 at age 70. At that point, at a dinner, he said, in passing, I was one of the flag-raisers on Mt. Suribachi. I said, My God, Harold, you were a hero. And he responded, No, not really, I was a Marine. And then didnt want to speak any more of it. He just felt like he was doing his duty to his country.

What his family did know about Schultzs life was that he grew up in Detroit and lied about his age to join the Marines on Dec. 23, 1943. After being injured on Iwo Jima on March 13, 1945, he received a Purple Heart. Back in the states about a year later, he got a job with the U.S. Postal Service in Los Angeles and sorted mail until he retired in 1981. Since marrying her mother Rita Reyes Schultz in his 60s, MacDowell remembers him as a man who liked going to horse races at Santa Anita and Del Mar, listening to big band Glenn Miller, and watching movies featuring actresses Hedy Lamarr and Maria Montez.

Reflecting on how he would have reacted to the Marine inquirys conclusion this week, she says Schultz would have been more than a bit embarrassed by the attention. He never sought fame or glory.
David Cameron has announced his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after the shock victory for the campaign to leave the European Union.

Cameron said in a statement Friday that he is likely to be gone by the time of the Conservative Party conference in October.

The leave camp secured 51.9 percent of the vote in the U.K. with 17.4 million votes, throwing markets around the world into turmoil and prompting sterling to hit its lowest level since 1985.



The Prime Minister's statement came as stock markets around Europe saw significant falls.

Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, sought to calm markets Friday morning with a pledge to provide an extra 250 billion ($344 billion) in liquidity. He assured markets that U.K. banks were well-funded as their share prices tanked.

The European Central Bank also confirmed in a statement that it "stands ready to provide additional liquidity" if needed.



The vote, which some opinion polls had failed to predict, has also raised the prospect of further constitutional turmoil in the U.K. Leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party, Nicola Sturgeon, has warned that Scotland could soon be holding another independence referendum.

The opposition Labour Party is also in disarray, with several lawmakers seeking a vote of no confidence in leader Jeremy Corbin over his lackluster support for the remain campaign.

Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel, told reporters in Germany Friday that she deeply regretted the vote but added that the situation called for calm and "not to rush into any decisions".



Across Europe, stock markets sank, with the pan-European STOXX 600 (^STOXX) index closing around 7 percent lower on the day.



Markets around the world have been roiled by the shock result:



In Japan, the Nikkei 225 closed 7.9 percent down.

Sterling hit a more-than-30 year low against the U.S. dollar at $1.3224.

The prices of Brent and WTI crude oil futures dropped around 4 percent.

The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes fell as much as 14 percent.

Story continues

One of the leaders of the leave campaign, and frontrunner to succeed Cameron, former London mayor Boris Johnson, told a news conference that Thursday night's vote showed that "Britons had voted to take back control from an EU that was too opaque" but added that "we cannot turn our backs on Europe."

Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, warned against "hysterical reactions".



"Today, on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27. For all of us, the union is the framework for our common future," he said in a statement.

The ramifications of the result are reverberating across the U.K., EU and the wider political and economic establishment.



Nigel Farage, the leader of the U.K. Independence Party (UKIP) who has been a prominent member of the leave campaign, claimed victory, saying June 23 would become known as the U.K.'s "Independence Day" and should be declared a national holiday. The UKIP leader also called for a "Brexit government."

The vote to leave will have implications across Europe for the global financial industry, especially as the City of London played on its access to the European Union.



In a memo to staff, JPMorgan (JPM)'s chief executive, Jamie Dimon, warned staff on Friday "we may need to make changes to our European legal entity structure and the location of some roles. While these changes are not certain, we have to be prepared to comply with new laws as we serve our clients around the world."

Lloyd Blankfein, chairman and chief executive of Goldman Sachs, sought to calm markets' nerves in a statement emphasizing that the bank has a "long history of adapting to change" and has been planning for the potential consequences of this result "for many months".

The total has shown a wider margin of support for the leave campaign. Nonetheless, several declarations from inner-city areas in London, Northern Ireland and Scotland showed strong support for remaining in the EU.

As the result became apparent, some nationalist Scottish and Northern Irish politicians slammed the result, saying that it did not represent their electorates' views.

The referendum's expected result was not predicted by most analysts. Several polls released earlier Thursday had pointed to a lead for the remain camp and prominent members of the leave campaign, including Farage, had been ready to concede victory to the remain camp.

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From Cosmopolitan

German authorities have killed a masked gunman who entered a movie theater near Frankfurt on Thursday afternoon local time. The man was carrying what appeared to be a rifle as well as an ammunition belt. He fired four shots into the air, according to The Guardian.

The man held several hostages, police spokeswoman Christiane Kobus said, but she didn't have a precise number.

Officers "successively entered the cinema and were able to locate the man and the people he was holding," Kobus told the Associated Press. "There was a threat situation and the man was then shot dead by a colleague."

Initial reports said as many as 50 people were injured, but officials are now saying none of the theatergoers were hurt.

"We believe that there were no injured people, and that the people who were in the cinema with the perpetrator could be freed uninjured," Peter Beuth, interior minister of Hesse, the region where the incident took place, said.

It's unclear, Beuth added, whether the weapon was real.

Authorities are still trying to determine the identify of the suspect and his motivations for entering the Kinopolis theater in Viernheim, Germany, which is about an hour drive from Frankfurt.

The Associated Press contributed to this report, which will be updated as more information becomes available.
Last week, Baron Brooks couldn't figure out why his phone wouldn't stop ringing and why his Facebook page had suddenly been flooded with messages from available women wanting to date him.



It would have been a nice problem for a single Jewish guy to have, except for one thing: The women were calling because they'd seen Baron's picture in a $900 ad taken out in an Idaho newspaper by his father, Arthur Brooks, 78, of Beverly Hills, California, who is determined to "marry off" his son and get a few more grandchildren.



When Baron, 48, a Salt Lake City health food broker, realized what had happened, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.



"I was horrified and humiliated, but I had to admit it was also pretty hysterical," he tells PEOPLE. "I love my father, but he can get a little crazy. He's like Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm  he means well and doesn't mean to get into trouble, but it always blows up in his face."



Baron, who has dated numerous women over the years but has never found the right person to marry, had just returned to Utah after visiting his dad in Los Angeles on Father's Day, when he heard about the ad in the Coeur d'Alene Press from one of the newspaper's reporters.



"She said, 'Are you the guy looking for the wife?' and I thought, 'Oh, my God,'" he says. "Then when she sent me a link to the ad. I about had a heart attack."



Next to a large photo of Baron and the headline "Looking for a Wife," Arthur Brooks wrote, "I am looking for a wife who is ready, willing and able to have children as soon as possible. I look just like my picture except I now have grey hair."



 Need a little inspiration? Click here to subscribe to the Daily Smile Newsletter for uplifting, feel-good stories that brighten up your inbox.



Then, hoping to entice more takers, he added: "You will probably be between the ages of 34-38, but that is flexible. You will be attractive, being height and weight proportional. Ideally, you will have no children from previous marriages, but that is also flexible. I am 5'5" and if you are 5'8" and like to wear high heels, it may not work."



Religion was open, he noted, "but if you voted for Obama or plan to vote for Hillary, you are not for me."





Matchmaking Dad Takes Out an Ad to Get His 48-Year-Old Son Hitched: 'If You Like to Wear Heels, It May Not Work'| Real People Stories, The Daily Smile

Baron was furious when he discovered his father had become a meddling matchmaker, but his dad won't return his calls, he says, until after he meets with several potential brides and "narrows the field" for him on June 25 and 26 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. (He's not talking to the media either). Arthur plans to provide the woman he selects with round-trip airfare and lodging to meet his son.



"He took out the ad when he was on vacation in Idaho a few weeks ago," Baron tells PEOPLE, "even though there aren't many Jewish people there. I guess he figured the women there were conservative and would want to have children. He had no idea it would embarrass me. He just thought, 'Hey, this is a really good idea.' "



Arthur, who breeds and races thoroughbred horses, is "neurotic and nutty  a 'take no prisoners' kind of guy who once he makes up his mind on something, can't see the end of it," he adds.



His father, who has congestive heart failure, "is very unhappy that I haven't gotten married yet and given him grandchildren," says Baron, who has one older sister with a daughter. "He wants the family name to go on and he's afraid he will die before I get married and have children."



Baron says he now plans to travel to Coeur d'Alene this weekend, hoping to find his father and have a good talk with him.



"I'll let him do his thing, but then I want to sit down with him," he tells PEOPLE. "I know my dad means well and probably didn't realize how crazy this was going to get. If I weren't in this story, I'd be laughing my ass off. What can I do? He's my dad. And I love him."
When it comes to piecing together a cohesive big picture from the whirlwind of information and opinions that swept across the Fremont area throughout the week on several Costco-related events and activities, one might be left pondering: What does it all mean?

Understanding the answer to that query requires first, a bit of knowledge on official municipal procedures and regulations: more specifically the ability to distinguish between a resolution and an ordinance. Second it necessitates a familiarity with the phases of project development that a large company considers moving its operation into a community.

THE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

To understand the meetings impacts and meanings, differentiating between a resolution and an ordinance becomes essential.

An ordinance is law. However, before it can be passed and enacted, an ordinance must undergo three separate readings by the city council.

Tuesday night, the Fremont City Council received and held the first readings of each of four ordinances involving two areas south of Fremont, the Hills Farm property and Roadway Subdivision land. No action has yet been taken on those ordinances.

Two of those ordinances involved annexation of the land into the City of Fremont. If and when the land is approved for annexation by the city it will then be subject to all the rules, regulations and benefits that such membership includes such as utility, police and fire service and also local taxes.

The other two ordinances involved zoning changes that would make the properties more conducive for Costcos project.

A resolution on the other hand, represents a decision a city makes on a certain action. It is usually temporary or a one-time action. In this case the city, property owners and Costco are all entering various agreements detailed in three separate resolutions. Those resolutions were considered by the Council, Tuesday night. All resolutions are conditioned upon the closing of the purchase of the 417 acres of Hills Farm property by Costco. In a sense, Costcos purchase of the land serves as one of the initial dominos that will set in motion the progression of the project. But as of yet, that purchase has yet to be completed.

At Tuesdays meeting, the City Council approved all resolutions agreements. However, no land has been annexed or rezoned. Those actions will not occur until after two more readings of the four ordinances described earlier.

PHASES OF DEVELOPMENT AND THE COSTCO PROJECT

Most cities, including Fremont follow the general phases of project development when it comes to proposals similar to Costcos plan. A conversation with Troy Anderson, Fremont Director of Planning, outlined some of those five basic development stages. They generally proceed in the following order: annexation and zoning discussion, the current phase of the Costco proposal; subdivision creation; site development; construction; and lastly, continued regulation of the facility.

The first two phases involve annexation and zoning. Those phase denote the current juncture of Costcos proposal. The city meetings on Monday and Tuesday pertained to the proposed zoning and annexation ordinances under consideration by the city.

The next two phases of development are subdivision creation and site development. These phases include the design of roads, infrastructure, waste water facilities and etc. These phases also include environmental assessments (EA) and traffic impact analyses (TIA).

At Monday nights meeting, Jack Frank, Costcos vice president of real estate informed the board that traffic and environmental analyses will occur, however before those happen the initial phases of zoning and annexation must be completed. Moreover, Frank also ensured city officials that air quality and hydrology assessments would also occur.

Our goal is to be a good neighbor, Frank told city officials.

Poultry experts and Costco representatives were on hand to field questions from City Council. Many of those questions were gathered during the initial days and months prior to this weeks meetings, and they addressed concerns raised by both opposition groups and other community members.

Cecilia Harry, executive director of the Greater Fremont Development Council, commented on those long weeks of information gathering.

(City Councils) questions (to Costco and poultry experts) reflected that they were attentive and wanted to help the public get the information that was requested, Harry said.

During the question and answer period of the Tuesday nights meeting, several people of the estimated 300 community members in attendance walked out of the meeting.

It was hard to watch so many people who have asked for more information about the project leave in the middle of the Councils questions to Costco, Harry said. It was a lost opportunity for those who walked out.

For those who stayed, Harry said the questions and responses afforded enormous information.

Since Tuesdays meeting, Harry has received much positive feedback from community members.

They have been reassured that this is a strong project with tangible benefits to the community, Harry said. They also appreciate the better understanding of how the Department of Roads and the Department of Environmental Quality will work to address transportation infrastructure and protect our environment.

Next weeks meetings related to Costco will be Monday June 27at 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday June 27 at 6:45 p.m. Both meetings will be held at Christensen Field.
From Esquire

In this universe we process television linearly. Programs go forward. They have a beginning and end. But, to the Hollywood actors, directors, and producers who make it, television doesn't exist. From that vantage, television would look flattened-like a cycle of projects or other jobs. They're just going through their careers like carts on a track.

Because Hollywood is a flat circle, Matthew McConaughey told Rich Eisen that he's talked to True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto about reviving his character Rustin Cohle.

"I miss Rust Cohle, man. I miss watching him on Sunday nights. I miss watching True Detective on Sunday nights," McConaughey said. "I was a happy man when we made that for six months, because I was on my own island."

McConaughey said he'd definitely return to play Cohle. He doesn't care about moving from the big screen to the small screen, because that idea doesn't really exist anymore.

"It would have to be the right context, the right way," he said. "That thing - when I read it, I knew in 20 minutes if I can play this guy, Rustin Cohle, I'm in."

Late last month, HBO's new head of programming said that it was unlikely that True Detective would return for a third season. And after the disaster that was Season Two, it's probably a good thing to just let the show die.

[contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="true" headline="" customtitles="True Detective Is Probably Dead" customimages="" content="article.45266"]

But, maybe, if McConaughey actually returns for another season as Cohle, it might be worth it to give the show another chance. As McConaughey said, he'd only do it if things went the right way. At this point, you have to really respect the actor's career choices the last half-decade-The Lincoln Lawyer, Mud, Magic Mike, Dallas Buyers Club, The Wolf of Wall Street, Interstellar, etc., etc. On top of doing great work, he's found some truly well-written projects to work on. Should he return for a third season, we can at least trust his judgement that it won't be quite as shitty as Season Two.

Story continues

Can we get an alright to that, Matthew?

[h/t: Entertainment Weekly]
The London bookies already are touting Boris Johnson as the prohibitive favorite to succeed David Cameron as prime minister in the wake of Thursdays cataclysmic vote to take Great Britain out of the European Union.

No one else in Britains Conservative Party has quite the stature and sheer political firepower to succeed the deflated Cameron, who announced Friday morning that he will step down as Prime Minister later this year after failing to convince a majority of British voters of the need to remain in the EU.

Related: Brexit Wins -- Is President Trump Next?

Johnson praised his long-time ally Cameron as a brave and principled man and spoke of his sadness over the Prime Ministers decision to step down. But Johnson, age 52, the former two-term mayor of London who led the Brexit crusade to victory as a Tory member of Parliament, could barely disguise his glee in having engineered a successful movement that could change the course of geo-political history.

Only slightly betraying his own surprise over the Brexit campaigns 52 percent to 48 percent referendum victory, Johnson sought to calm the frayed nerves of millions of British citizens and financiers as global markets tanked and the value of the British pound dropped.

"Some people are now saying, that was wrong, and that the people should never have been asked in this way, he said. I disagree. I believe it was entirely right and inevitable and indeed that there is no way with dealing with a decision on this scale except by putting it to the people.

Most Americans know little about Johnson, a colorful and erudite figure who favors a disheveled, uncombed look and who often rides a bike to work  but that will change soon.

Like Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Johnson has tapped into potent voter resentment of the political and economic establishment and suspicions about the effects of free trade and immigration.

Story continues

Related: 3 Ways the Brexit Affects You

When he previously worked as a journalist, Johnson was a pioneer of Euroscepticism, mocking the European Union as an opaque and incompetent power structure whose leaders dashed from one crisis to another while stifling economic growth and fiscal stability. As a writer for The Daily Telegraph based in Brussels in 1989, Johnson established himself as one of only a handful of journalists who wrote critically of the European Commission and frequently mocked officials, including the then president, Jacques Delors.

More recently, he has helped stir the pot of growing public resentment towards the millions of refugees fleeing Syria and the Middle East pouring through Europe to Englands doorstep. Earlier this month, Johnson joined forces with the governments justice secretary and employment minister to pledge new, stringent Australian-style immigration controls by 2020.

The politician who once said his chances of becoming Prime Minister were about as good as the chances of finding Elvis on Mars, urged voters to seize what he described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the whole course of European history.

Johnson has a famously thin skin and is known for his outbursts, as when he lashed out at President Obama recently for meddling in British domestic affairs after the president warned of the economic and trade risks Great Britain faced in pulling out of the EU.

Johnson greeted Obama during his last trip to Europe in April with a broadside in Britains best-selling Sun newspaper that described the presidents views on the risks of Brexit as incoherent and downright hypocritical.

Related: Five questions for Britain and Europe after Brexit vote

And in highly controversial, racially-tinged language, Johnson called Obama the part-Kenyan president. Johnson suggested that Obama may have been motivated to remove a statuette of Winston Churchill from the White House because of an ancestral dislike of the British empire.

Among his other more notable quotes throughout his political career:

On Arnold Schwarzenegger: "My speaking style was criticized by no less an authority than Arnold Schwarzenegger. It was a low moment, my friends, to have my rhetorical skills denounced by a monosyllabic Austrian cyborg."





On Liberal Democrats: "The Lib Dems are not just empty. They are a void within a vacuum surrounded by a vast inanition."





On drug use: "I think I was once given cocaine but I sneezed so it didn't go up my nose. In fact, it may have been icing sugar."

Related: Heres the Bad News for America If Britain Leaves the EU

On the wealthy: We should be helping all those who can to join the ranks of the super-rich, and we should stop any bashing or moaning or preaching or bitching and simply give thanks for the prodigious sums of money that they are contributing to the tax revenues of this country, and that enable us to look after our sick and our elderly and to build roads, railways and schools.





On Londons job market: "London is a fantastic creator of jobs - but many of these jobs are going to people who don't originate in this country."

Johnson, 52, was born in Manhattan to upper middle-class British parents. He was educated at prominent European schools and studied classics at Balliol College at Oxford. He began his career in journalism at The Times and subsequently moved to The Daily Telegraph, where he honed his reputation as a ruthless critic of the European economic alliance.

Related: An Anti-Trump Conservative Group Sharpens Its Knives

He entered politics in 2001, when he was elected as a member of Parliament for Henley. Under the Conservative leadership of Cameron and Michael Howard, Johnson held cabinet-level positions for culture, communications and creative industries, and later higher education. Johnson remained active in journalism and became one of the most well-known politicians in Britain.

He emerged as the Conservative candidate for mayor of London in 2008 and handily defeated the Labour Party incumbent. One of his more notable policies during his first term was banning the drinking of alcohol on subways and buses. He also focused on economic development with a special emphasis on the financial sector. After winning a second term, he hosted the 2012 London Olympic Games. He stepped down as mayor this year after winning a seat in Parliament.

At some point in the next three months, the ruling Conservative Partys 330 members of Parliament will nominate two candidates to be considered by the partys roughly 150,000 members to lead the country until the 2020 general election.

Johnson is all but certain to be one of those candidates, although the party is far from united behind him. Many of the Tory MPs who backed Cameron on the EU issue are bitter about the referendum results and may rally behind a Stop Boris candidate, according to Time magazine.

If thats true, then it is a haunting echo of the Stop Trump movement within the GOP that is gaining momentum again in the U.S.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on Thursday vetoed a package of anti-corruption bills, asking Congress to change a measure that would have forced people or firms who receive government funding to publicly disclose their assets. Pena Nieto has made the push for tougher anti-corruption laws a top priority of his government, which has been embroiled in several conflict-of-interest scandals and accused by critics of a lax attitude toward graft. But lawmakers from his Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, last week voted down a provision in the legislation that would have required elected politicians and other public officials to reveal their assets, taxes and potential conflicts of interest. Humberto Castillejos, the president's legal adviser, said the measure was also too broad in requiring regular citizens, including foreigners, to publicly disclose such information. "The presentation of the declarations of millions and millions of Mexicans who ... earn their living honestly would in no way help combat corruption," Castillejos said in a live broadcast, adding the measure violated protections for personal data and human rights. Castillejos did not comment on the other aspects of the bills, which would increase fines and jail time for public officials convicted of bribery, embezzlement and illegal enrichment as well as create an independent anti-corruption prosecutor. The presidency plans to ask Congress to meet in an extraordinary session to discuss the changes. It was Pena Nieto's first presidential veto since he took office in 2012. (Reporting by Anna Yukhananov and Luis Rojas; Editing by Peter Cooney)
North Korea's test of a new medium-range missile could help the nuclear-armed state develop an operational intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of striking the US mainland by 2020, a US think-tank said on Friday.

The US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said Wednesday's test of a so-called Musudan missile was a "partial success" that demonstrated the full performance of the weapon's propulsion system, and "at least a minimally functional" guidance system.

The Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres (1,550 to 2,500 miles), with the upper estimate covering US military bases as far away as Guam.

After a string of four failed launches in previous months, North Korea tested two Musudans just hours apart on Wednesday.

The first was seen as a failure, but the second was hailed by leader Kim Jong-Un as a complete success and proof of the North's ability to strike US bases across the Pacific.

The second missile was fired at an unusually elevated angle to attain a maximum height of between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres -- restricting its horizontal range to just 400 kilometres.

Experts said the unusual trajectory was chosen to give the engine a full workout while avoiding any provocative overflight of a neighbouring country like Japan.

Writing on the US-Korea Institute's website 38 North, aerospace engineer John Schilling said testing six Musudans in quick succession until one of them finally worked suggested the North's main target was a propaganda victory.

"This isn't so much an engineering programme, so much as an exercise in tossing a coin or rolling a die until it comes up with the result they like," he said.

As a result, and despite the relative success of Wednesday's launch the Musudan cannot be considered a "reliable" weapon, Schilling said.

"But even if this is just a propaganda stunt and the Musudan is to be quietly abandoned, this partial success increases the likelihood that North Korea's KN-08 and KN-14 road-mobile ICBMs will reach operational status early in the next decade," he warned.

Story continues

Both ICBMs use the same ex-Soviet engine as the Musudan, but in a clustered and multi-stage configuration capable of reaching much of the US mainland.

While neither missile has been flight tested, Wednesday's Musudan test would provide valuable data for scientists working on the longer-range engines.

"Regardless of the ultimate fate of the Musudan, the credibility of the road-mobile ICBMs has increased a few notches," Schilling said.

"We still don't expect them to have those missiles operational before 2020, but early flight testing by that date is increasingly likely," he added.
By Antoni Slodkowski YANGON (Reuters) - A group of men from a village in central Myanmar destroyed a mosque in the first serious outburst of inter-religious violence in months, coinciding with a rise in tensions over how to refer to the Rohingya, the country's persecuted Muslim minority. Villagers from Thayethamin, a remote settlement a two-hours' drive northeast of Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, destroyed the mosque on Thursday after a dispute over its construction, and beat up at least one Muslim man, media and a police spokesman said. Religious tensions simmered in Myanmar for almost half a century of military rule, before boiling over in 2012, just a year after a semi-civilian government took power. Hundreds died in clashes in northwestern Rakhine State between Rohingya Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, leading to the organized expulsion of Rohingya by Rakhine mobs. More violence between Muslims and Buddhists in other parts of the country followed in 2013. Photographs that circulated on social media on Friday, purportedly from the village, showed a seriously damaged building, furniture scattered along the streets and a large group of men roaming around, some armed with sticks. Further details of the incident were unclear. Reuters was unable to verify the photographs. "Things are well under control now and action hasn't been taken against anyone yet," said colonel Zaw Khin Aung, spokesman of the Police Headquarters based in Myanmar's capital, Naypyitaw. The violence coincides with a rise in tensions over how to refer to the Rohingya, a 1.1-million group of Muslims living in apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine since the 2012 violence. Country leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won in a landslide in historic November elections, faces a daunting task of resolving ethnic and religious tensions and ending human rights abuses in the state. On Monday, she told the U.N. Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, that the government would not use the term "Rohingya" because it viewed it as inflammatory. The Rohingya identify themselves by that name. Many have lived in Myanmar for generations, but many Myanmar Buddhists call them "Bengali" - a term implying they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Suu Kyi has appealed to people not to use either term, and instead refer to the "Muslim community in Rakhine State". The U.N. on Monday called on the Nobel peace prize winner to make putting an end to the abuses the government's "top priority". It said that the violations, which include executions and torture, may amount to crimes against humanity. (Additional reporting by Aung Hla Tun; Editing by Nick Macfie)
The U.K.'s historic vote to leave the European Union has shifted the global economy, financial markets and central banks into unchartered waters. FOXBusiness.com talked to Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Adviser, at Allianz following the Brexit vote and where we go from here.

In the next few weeks the U.K's conservative party will try to get its act together and unite behind a new leader said El-Erian. "It needs to do this quickly," he stressed. While Boris Johnson, former London Mayor and supporter of Brexit, is widely seen as Prime Minister David Cameron's replacement, El-Erian says that is not a certainty.

"Right now, they disagree on what will come next in their economic relationship, with the UK looking for time and Germany pressing for the immediate implementation of Brexit and, at least as yet, there seems to be no Plan B" cautioned El-Erian. "Markets don't function well with such unknowns, especially as Europe can't ignore the U.K. which is the world's fifth largest economy," he said.

Cameron's push for a U.K. referendum may go down in history as the worst political gamble ever. While his motives were political in nature for his Conservative party, El-Erian warns that the consequences are enormous for him, as well as for the unity of the UK and for Europe. Cameron, who said he would step down in October as a result of Brexit probably won't last that long, according to El-Erian. Austan Goolsbee, chief economist of the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board, said the same during a FOX Business Network interview on Friday.

Before the vote, the U.K. and other European countries were looking at growth in the range of 1% to 2%, levels considered anemic by most economists. El-Erian cautions the developments in the U.K. could shave off at least another 0.5%. The question he says is "how bad it will be."

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen is unlikely to escape the Brexit unscathed as investors try to determine the impact to the U.S. economy which itself is barely growing at 2%. On Friday orders for U.S. durable goods, such as planes, dropped 2.2%, more than the 0.5% economists had been forecasting.

Story continues

A not so great read.

Suzanne OHalloran is Managing Editor of FOXBusiness.com and a graduate of Boston College. Follow her on @suzohalloran.

Related Articles
Devon Berryanns son likes to wear nail polish and girls clothing, including tutus. The six-year-old from Pennsylvania often talks about liking other boys at school and how he hopes to marry them and adopt babies one day.

And thats all just fine with his mum. She just wishes other people were as open-minded.

So, after learning that her son had been teased for having his nails painted, Devon has written a heartfelt appeal to let children be who they want to be.

Taking to her Facebook to share a picture of her little boy wearing a tutu, Devon penned an open letter with the hope of encouraging people to be more accepting.

Maybe he will outgrow it. Maybe not, she wrote in a post that has since been shared over 20K times. I love and accept him for who he is. I always thought that doing that would protect him from the pain of hurtful words and bullies, and I didnt worry.

Devon Berryann shared this image of her son in a tutu alongside an inspiring message (Photo: Facebook/Devon Berryann)

But a couple of days ago, Devon almost had a change of heart when her son came home from school and told her that kids were making fun of him for wearing nail varnish. It made Devon question whether she should try to talk him out of wearing it, and encourage him to hide that part of himself.

For the first time ever I was scared that he would be gunned down one night when he was out having a good time with his friends, she wrote. In that moment I was so terrified that I wondered if it would be better to stop appeasing him.

But then Devon reminded herself of all the reasons she always let her son be the person he wanted to be.

Because it makes him happy, she wrote. Because nothing hurts more than seeing your child truly sad. Because pretending to be someone youre not to please other people only leads to self-loathing. To depression and to suicide. And that too made me afraid. Why do I have to fear for him because of what he likes and who he cares about?

After realizing that she shouldnt be trying to change her son, Devon instead focused on trying to change the attitudes of others.

Story continues

I want this world to change. To be better for him. To DESERVE him. Because he is a wonderful, amazing person, she wrote. As scared as I am, I know that this world is not going to change with more fear. It has plenty of that. What it needs is more love and acceptance.

So instead of taking away the things that bring her son so much joy, she bought him more nail polish, let him wear wear his favorite tutu and she posted his picture on Facebook with her inspiring message of acceptance and love.

So here he is world, she concluded her post. See my boy for the amazing person he is. Show him love. Show him acceptance. Help us change the world into one that deserves him.

Clapping hands emoji.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
RABAT (Reuters) - Morocco said on Thursday that it had dismantled a suspected militant cell inspired by the radical group Islamic State and that it had arrested 10 men who were planning attacks in the North African kingdom. The interior ministry said in a statement that the cell was operating in the eastern city of Oujda, and the town of Tendrara in the same region bordering Algeria. This was the latest in a series of radical Islamist groups that Morocco has said it has broken up. It said 10 members of the group were meeting in a safe house and planning to rob a mall in the city of Oujda to fund their attacks across the kingdom. The group includes an Algerian national living in Morocco illegally, according to the statement carried by state news agency MAP said. Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ), the judicial part of the Moroccan domestic intelligence service, has actively tracked suspected militants since Islamic State seized large parts of Syria and Iraq in 2014-15. Hundreds of fighters from Morocco and other Maghreb states like Tunisia and Algeria have joined Islamist militant forces in Syria. Some are threatening to return and create new jihadist wings in their home countries, security experts have said. Nearby Libya has become a major draw for jihadists from North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa as Islamic State has taken advantage of the security chaos there to build a base, operate training camps and take over the city of Sirte. The Moroccan government has said it believes that 1,500 Moroccan nationals are fighting with militant factions in Syria and Iraq. About 220 have returned home and been jailed, and 286 have been killed in battle. Morocco, an ally of the West against Islamist militancy, has been the target of militant attacks, most recently in 2011 in Marrakesh when an explosion tore through a cafe and killed 15 people, mostly foreigners. (Reporting By Aziz El Yaakoubi; Editing by Toni Reinhold)
Pennsylvania authorities believe the mother of many of the 12 girls allegedly rescued from the home of 51-year-old Lee Kaplan was living in the home herself  even as Kaplan allegedly sexually abused her daughter, Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler tells PEOPLE.



Savilla Stoltzfus and her husband, Daniel Stoltzfus, both face charges after authorities allege Daniel admitted that in exchange for financial support, he "gifted" his then 14-year-old daughter to Kaplan, who faces several sex crimes charges. Authorities allege Kaplan impregnated the girl, now 18 and the eldest of the girls in the home, and that she had two children by him: a six-month-old and a 3-year-old.



"[Savilla] was in the residence at the time the police arrived," Heckler tells PEOPLE. "She was living there with her children and Kaplan and had been ... for some period of time."



The 12 girls allegedly living with Kaplan range in age from six months to 18-years-old. Aside from the two children of the eldest girl, authorities believe the remaining girls in the home were the sisters of the eldest girl and the daughters of Daniel and Savilla Stoltzfus.



Daniel Stoltzfus is charged with conspiracy of statutory sexual assault and child endangerment; Savilla Stoltzfus is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.



 Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.



Heckler says one police officer believes he saw Savilla Stoltzfus at the home two years before, when police responded to a neighbor complaining about Kaplan allegedly burning garbage in his yard.





Mother of Girls 'Rescued' from Pennsylvania Home Lived with Them and Their Alleged Captor| Crime & Courts, Sexual Assault/Rape, True Crime

Heckler: Stoltzfus's Became Business Partners with Kaplan After Being 'Shunned' From Amish Community

Heckler tells PEOPLE when officers visited Kaplan's home two years ago, Kaplan told officers he was watching after the girls as a favor to his business associate.



Daniel Stoltzfus owned a metal fabrication business but lost his company and home in 2009 due to foreclosure, Heckler says. Daniel Stoltzfus and Kaplan met at an auction involving metal fabricating equipment, he says. According to Kaplan's arrest affidavit, which was obtained by PEOPLE, Daniel Stoltzfus "gifted" his then 14-year-old daughter to Kaplan "in thanks for helping his family out of financial ruin."



Heckler says Stoltzfus was Amish but that at the time of his relationship with Kaplan, he had been "shunned" by the Amish community.



Police are investigating whether Kaplan abused the other girls in the home.



"By supporting the financial one-way or another [of the family, Kaplan] got access to one 14 year old and a whole group of young [alleged] victims waiting," Heckler tells PEOPLE.



Kaplan and both parents are being held on $1 million bail. They will all appear in court for hearings scheduled for June 28, where they will enter pleas.
By Alan Baldwin LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone welcomed Britain's vote to leave the European Union on Friday and said it made no difference to a global sport dominated by British-based teams. "I have been a supporter of this all the way through," the 85-year-old Briton, whose headquarters are in London, told Reuters. "I think it's the best thing. We should be ruling ourselves," Ecclestone added. "If we've got something to sell, and it's a good product at the right price, people will buy whether they are Chinese, Italian or German...people will just get over this and get on with their lives." Eight of the 11 teams have factories in England, including champions Mercedes and Renault. Ferrari, the sport's most successful team, and Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso are in Italy while Sauber are Swiss. The Formula One calendar has 21 races, with Azerbaijan making its debut this month, but the European Union stages just seven. While Ecclestone spoke for his business, which had estimated turnover of $1.9 billion in 2015, former champions McLaren took a different view. Executive chairman Ron Dennis wrote to the Times newspaper before the vote highlighting the "potentially grave consequences" of Brexit. "McLaren is based in the UK; more than 3,000 families are affected by our fortunes, as are our British suppliers and their employees," he wrote. "Remaining in Europe is fundamental to the prosperity of the McLaren business." Chris Aylett, chief executive of Britain's Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) whose sector accounts for 10 billion pounds ($13.65 billion) a year in the economy, said change also brought opportunities. "Europe is a major market but so is the United States. There's hardly a race anywhere in the world that doesn't have products that are made in the UK," he told Reuters. "Over time, will we lose things? We would anyway, even in the EU," he said. "We have the best place in the world for motorsport and Hyundai decided to put (their) world rally (team) in Germany. Toyota doesn't base its motorsport here. Renault do, Mercedes do. You can't win them all." Aylett said every car at this month's Le Mans 24 Hour race used British transmissions and every engine had British parts. "We get the business here because these companies over the years have provided winning solutions. If you don't win, you're out of business," he said. "That doesn't really rely on whether you are in the EU or outside." ($1 = 0.7326 pounds) (Editing by Ed Osmond)
(Updates career history, reporting lines.)

By Kristen Haunss

NEW YORK, June 24 (Reuters) - UBS has hired Barry Zamore, the former head of US trading of performing leveraged loans at Credit Suisse, to run loan trading, according to sources.

Zamore, who is expected to start at the bank in New York in July, will report to Philip Olesen, global head of credit trading at UBS, the sources said.

A veteran of the US$880bn loan market, Zamore worked at Credit Suisse since 1993 before leaving earlier this year. He led the fight to remove loan trading assignment fees from the market. An assignment fee is charged on trades completed by banks that are not the administrative agent of the loan.

Most banks, but not all, will agree to waive assignment fees for other dealers that have joined a so-called no-fee consortium, which Zamore began in the early 2000s.

A UBS spokesperson declined to comment. Zamore also declined to comment.

(Reporting by Kristen Haunss; Editing By Jon Methven)
MAPUTO (Reuters) - Mozambique's prosecuting authority on Thursday promised parliament it would thoroughly investigate three state firms accused of swindling the government out of more than $2 billion, state media reported. Attorney-General Beatriz Buchili told the National Assembly her office was seriously probing state tuna company Ematum, Mozambique Asset Management (MAM), and maritime security company Proindicus for illegal conduct. Ematum borrowed $850 million from foreign financiers in 2013 to finance "fishing infrastructure" via a government-backed bond, but the project has dismally underperformed and has since been converted into a defence project. While state investment arm MAM borrowed $535 million to build shipyards to cater for a burgeoning offshore gas sector, but missed a May deadline for its first loan repayment, pushing Mozambique to the brink of a crippling default. The state attorney will also investigate former president Armando Guebuza, who was at the helm when government guaranteed the multi-billion dollar loans that it says equate to about 20 per cent of Mozambique's total foreign debt. Buchili said her office would strive to "gather information on how these companies were set up, how they function and how they obtain funds". An International Monetary Fund mission is currently in Mozambique following revelations in April that the country had failed to disclose more than $1 billion of secret, government-backed borrowing. (Writing by Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Heavy flooding in West Virginia has killed at least four people and left hundreds of people trapped in a shopping mall after an overpass bridge collapsed Thursday night.

A state official said Friday that some areas were experiencing the worst flooding in 100 years, and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has declared a state of emergency in 44 counties. At least four fatalities have been reported so far: A man drowned, and an 8-year old boy was swept away by swift-moving water, according to the Associated Press. Authorities are also searching for a toddler who was also reportedly swept away in the storm.

In addition, more than 500 people remained stranded in an Elkview mall after a bridge connecting the mall to a main road was swept away by the flooding during the thunderstorm.

Emergency crews were working to rescue the hundreds of shoppers and employees trapped at Elkview Crossings Mall after the overpass bridge collapsed Thursday night, according to WSAZ. Stranded shoppers were fighting over hotel rooms at the La Quinta inn in the mall, and attempting to buy blankets and pillows so they could sleep in their cars. Restaurants in the mall were out of gas and water. The overpass bridge collapsed when Little Sandy Creek flooded during heavy rains.

About 40,000 people were without power on Thursday because of the storm. At least two nursing homes needed to be evacuated, and many major highways were shut down. The storm came just days after a tornado delivered 80 mph winds to the state on Tuesday.
Murphy Oil Corporations MUR Canadian unit, Murphy Oil Company Ltd. ("MOCL"), has completed the sale of Syncrude Canada Ltd. to Suncor Energy Inc. SU, a leading crude-oil producer in Canada. The transaction was announced on Apr 27, 2016 and it had an estimated value of $741 million (C$937 million).

The sale will allow Murphy Oil to divest its 5% non-operated stake in the Syncrude oil sands property located in Alberta, Canada, which produced an average 15,600 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the first quarter of 2016.

Murphys Strategy

Murphy Oil is currently streamlining its operations through asset divestments to focus extensively on E&P ventures in the U.S. A systematic asset divestment strategy will also enable Murphy Oil to fund projects that support its long-term growth strategy.

MURPHY OIL Price

MURPHY OIL Price | MURPHY OIL Quote

Notably, the companys strategy of focusing on unconventional resources in North America while maintaining its global offshore presence has been paying off. Murphy Oils first-quarter production levels were above expectations due to strong contributions from the Eagle Ford shale in Texas and higher oil production in offshore Sabah, Malaysia and Canada.

However, due to the recent sale of the Syncrude assets and wildfires in Canada, Murphy Oil now expects second-quarter production to be 8,400 barrels oil equivalent per day (Boe/d), lower than the prior guidance of production of 177,000180,000 Boe/d for the quarter

Recent Asset Sales

Murphy Oil sold natural gas processing and pipeline assets, which supported the Montney natural gas fields in the Tupper and Tupper West areas of northeastern British Columbia, to pipeline company Enbridge Inc. ENB for a total cash consideration of $378 million (C$538 million), after adjustments.

The sale proceeds were deployed for the purchase of a 70% working interest in Kaybob Duvernay lands and a 30% non-operated working interest in Montney lands from the affiliates of Athabasca Oil Corporation. This move is expected to help Murphy to expand its footprint in the unconventional shale business of North America.

Story continues

Peers Strategies

In a similar move, Devon Energy DVN is planning to divest non-core assets worth $2 billion to $3 billion in 2016. The company is currently in talks to sell its 50% interest in the Access Pipeline in Canada. Year to date, the company has announced asset sale of nearly $2.15 billion. (Read more:Devon Energy to Sell More Assets; Ups Capex, Output View)

Zacks Rank

Murphy Oil currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

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The devastating attacks at gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida, have put a lot of gay Muslims in the unbearable position of being stuck between two worlds.

Hamed Sinno, the openly gay frontman for popular Lebanese alternative band Mashrou'Leila, perfectly captured this struggle during a concert in Washington, D.C., the day after the shooting.

"There are a bunch of us who are queer who feel assaulted by that attack who can't mourn because we're also from Muslim families," he said. "This is what it looks like to be called both a terrorist and a faggot."

LGBT Muslims often come from immigrant families where homosexuality is looked down upon.

A majority of Muslims in the U.S. are immigrants  63%, according to a 2011 Pew Research Center study. Many hail from the Middle East and North Africa, where homosexuality is stigmatized and criminalized. This has presented a challenge for LGBT Muslims like Sinno, who said closeted Muslims can't openly grieve with conservative family members who may not approve of homosexuality.

Hamed Sinno is a Lebanese-American singer and the frontman for alternative rock band Mashrou'Leila.

The Arab musician says he's frightened by the anti-Arab and anti-Muslim sentiment in the U.S.

While Sinno insists that neither the struggle of dealing with xenophobia or homophobia is more important than the other, he personally feels a lot of prejudice directed at Muslim and Arabs than the LGBT community in the Middle East

In an interview with CBS, Sinno highlights how xenophobia has him afraid of walking along the streets in America:

"Honestly, I get kind of scared walking down the street because I am very visibly Arab. It's not like one of those things where I pass as being anything else, I just look straight-up Arab."

"And I feel like the amount of aggression directed at the Arab community and the Muslim community at this point is much more frightening actually than the kind of aggression that is addressed towards the LGBT community in Lebanon," Sinno added.
Aung San Suu Kyi vowed Friday to work towards bringing home hundreds of thousands of Myanmar people who fled her impoverished and war-torn country under its former military leaders.

The democracy champion was speaking during her first visit as a state leader to neighbouring Thailand, where legions of low-paid Myanmar migrants prop up the economy with back-breaking labour.

Over 100,000 refugees who fled ethnic conflicts with the Myanmar army are also kept in Thai camps along the border.

"What we want is that all people displaced from our country should come back to us and should come back to the kind of conditions which they will never want to move again," Suu Kyi told a press conference in Bangkok.

"For this we will need to do a lot of work," she cautioned, stressing that it would take time to revive an economy battered by mismanagement under the former junta, whose five-decade reign plunged the country into brutal poverty.

"Job creation is of the greatest importance for our country. Everywhere I've been in Myanmar people have talked about their need for jobs," she said.

After a decades-long campaign against Myanmar's repressive military leaders that included years under house arrest, Suu Kyi is now steering the country's first civilian government in generations after sweeping historic November polls.

She was speaking Friday next to Thai junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who said the two governments would work together to repatriate the refugees when both sides agreed "the situation is right".

Most of the refugees in the camps are ethnic Karen displaced by a lengthy war with Myanmar's army.

The violence abated following a 2012 ceasefire, but conflict with other ethnic rebel groups around the country continues.

The two leaders were speaking after signing an agreement aimed at bolstering rights for Thailand's Myanmar migrant labourers.

Pushed across the border by economic desperation, many arrive in Thailand to find themselves at the mercy of abusive employers, corrupt officials and trafficking gangs.

Story continues

But there is still a long way to go before economic opportunities and wages in their home country will match those available in Thailand.

On Thursday Suu Kyi received a rapturous welcome from thousands of her countrymen when she visited a seaport outside Bangkok, where tens of thousands of Myanmar migrants work in fish processing plants and on ships -- often for less than the 300 baht ($8.5) minimum daily wage.

Many in the crowd were eager to share their hardships with the popular leader.

Suu Kyi was initially scheduled to visit a refugee camp in Ratchaburi province Saturday but the visit was later cancelled.
(Deletes extraneous word in 2nd paragraph)

* "No future" left for EU, Dutch eurosceptic says

* Brexit should lead to Frexit - France's National Front

* Italy's Northern League says: "It's our turn"

By Dominic Evans and Marton Dunai

LONDON/BUDAPEST, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union fired up populist eurosceptic parties across the continent on Friday, giving fresh voice to their calls to leave the bloc or its euro currency.

Right-wing and anti-immigrant parties in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France demanded referendums on membership of the union, while Italy's 5-Star movement said it would pursue its own proposal for a vote on the euro.

Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch anti-immigrant PVV party, said he would make a Dutch referendum on EU membership a central theme of his campaign to become prime minister in next year's parliamentary election.

"I congratulate the British people for beating the political elite in both London and Brussels and I think we can do the same," Wilders told Reuters. "We should have a referendum about a 'Nexit' as soon as possible."

On Thursday, Britons voted to leave the 28-nation EU, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.

"There is no future any more (for the EU)," Wilders said.

France's far right National Front party also called for a French referendum on European Union membership, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda.

Party leader Marine Le Pen celebrated the result by displaying the British flag on her Twitter page.

"Victory for freedom!" she said. "We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries." Her deputy, Florian Philippot said: "Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit."

Le Pen said last month that if she won next year's French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU.

Story continues

She is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the vote, although polls see her losing the run-off.

Analysts and a few FN officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy was partly to blame for holding the party back in the past. But the Brexit vote could help it overcome this, Ifop pollster's analyst Frederic Dabi said.

"OUR TURN"

The populist anti-immigration Danish People's Party (DF), an ally of Denmark's right-leaning government, also called for a referendum on membership of the European Union.

"I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have it now," DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl said.

The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance.

Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a "slimmer EU".

In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats, which has the support of around 17 percent of voters according to a poll last month, said it would step up pressure for change.

"We demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum," party leader Jimme Akesson said.

Italy's second most popular party, the opposition 5-Star Movement described the Brexit vote as a lesson in democracy and promised to pursue its own proposal for an Italian referendum on the euro.

The party, considered a genuine contender for government at the next general election, wants Italy to hold a "consultative" or non-binding referendum on whether to remain in the euro zone.

"Whether you like it or not the British people have chosen," said lower house deputy Alessandro Di Battista, a member of 5-Star's leadership committee.

The right-wing Northern League, a member of Italy's opposition centre-right, was more outspoken. "Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn," party leader Matteo Salvini said.

(Reporting by Martin Dunai in Budapest, Ingrid Melander in Paris, Teis Jensen in Copenhagen and Gavin Jones in Rome; Writing by Dominic Evans; editing by John Stonestreet)
By Dominic Evans and Marton Dunai

LONDON/BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union fired up populist eurosceptic parties across the continent on Friday, giving fresh voice to their calls to leave the bloc or its euro currency.

Right-wing and anti-immigrant parties in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France demanded referendums on membership of the union, while Italy's 5-Star movement said it would pursue its own proposal for a vote on the euro.

Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch anti-immigrant PVV party, said he would make a Dutch referendum on EU membership a central theme of his campaign to become prime minister in next year's parliamentary election.

"I congratulate the British people for beating the political elite in both London and Brussels and I think we can do the same," Wilders told Reuters. "We should have a referendum about a 'Nexit' as soon as possible."

On Thursday, Britons voted to leave the 28-nation EU, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.

"There is no future any more (for the EU)," Wilders said.

France's far right National Front party also called for a French referendum on European Union membership, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda.

Party leader Marine Le Pen celebrated the result by displaying the British flag on her Twitter page.

"Victory for freedom!" she said. "We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries." Her deputy, Florian Philippot said: "Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit."

Le Pen said last month that if she won next year's French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU.

She is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the vote, although polls see her losing the run-off.

Story continues

Analysts and a few FN officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy was partly to blame for holding the party back in the past. But the Brexit vote could help it overcome this, Ifop pollster's analyst Frederic Dabi said.

"OUR TURN"

The populist anti-immigration Danish People's Party (DF), an ally of Denmark's right-leaning government, also called for a referendum on membership of the European Union.

"I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have it now," DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl said.

The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance.

Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a "slimmer EU".

In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats, which has the support of around 17 percent of voters according to a poll last month, said it would step up pressure for change.

"We demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum," party leader Jimme Akesson said.

Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) called for the heads of the European Commission and European Parliament to resign after the Brexit vote, and said it may also call for a referendum unless the EU is reformed.

Italy's second most popular party, the opposition 5-Star Movement described the result as a lesson in democracy and promised to pursue its own proposal for an Italian referendum on the euro.

The party, considered a genuine contender for government at the next general election, wants Italy to hold a "consultative" or non-binding referendum on whether to remain in the euro zone.

"Whether you like it or not the British people have chosen," said lower house deputy Alessandro Di Battista, a member of 5-Star's leadership committee.

The right-wing Northern League, a member of Italy's opposition centre-right, was more outspoken. "Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn," party leader Matteo Salvini said.

(Reporting by Martin Dunai in Budapest, Ingrid Melander in Paris, Teis Jensen in Copenhagen, Gavin Jones in Rome and Kirsti Knolle in Vienna; Writing by Dominic Evans; editing by John Stonestreet)
By Gabriela Baczynska LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - As Britain's shock decision to leave the party broke on the European Union on Friday, EU ministers met as planned in Luxembourg, where they reacted to the news but quickly moved on to what the bloc does best -- sticking to the routine. "No panic," a senior diplomat told Reuters, describing the mood around the conference table. "Then the usual points, as scheduled." Echoing government leaders and the heads of EU institutions, the foreign and EU affairs ministers called in chorus for a quick and orderly divorce from Britain. "Let there not be a vacuum. Europe has to continue," Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders, who chaired the sitting of the bloc's generally humdrum General Affairs Council, told reporters. Those statements out of the way, as financial markets gyrated and the world agonized about Europe's postwar integration going into reverse, ministers kept calm and carried on in the corridors of the building in Luxembourg, where they meet periodically away from Brussels. They consulted on the bloc's legislative program for 2017 and an agenda item on increasing transparency in EU lawmaking. "Nothing changes right away, so even this is not enough of a direct shock to trigger an immediate strong reaction," another diplomat said of the ministers' Brexit discussion over lunch. Others suggested the tendency of the "Brussels bubble" to push knotty problems to one side was part of the reason voters in Britain had become disillusioned with the Union - a stance shared by many elsewhere. "So, they express their views about the diminishing geopolitical role of the EU without Britain," one envoy said. "And then they go back to their agenda." (Editing by Alastair Macdonald and John Stonestreet)
SEOUL (Reuters) - Nissan Motor Co Ltd's South Korean unit said it has filed a lawsuit over claims by the government that the automaker had cheated on emissions with its Qashqai diesel sport utility vehicle. The environment ministry this month fined Nissan 340 million won ($290,000) and ordered the recall of more than 800 Qashqai vehicles sold, accusing the Japanese automaker of using a so-called defeat device in its Qashqai model. "We have filed the lawsuit to dispute the ministry's accusations," a spokesman at Nissan Korea said. The ministry has also filed a complaint with prosecutors against Nissan Korea and its president Takehiko Kikuchi, charging them of violating an environment law. "We believe that we have taken appropriate legal action," a ministry official said on Friday. South Korea conducted tests on 20 diesel vehicles made by various automakers after it had found Volkswagen AG manipulated emissions of some vehicles sold in the country. A South Korean court on Friday issued the first warrant for the arrest of a Volkswagen official in connection with its cheating of vehicle emissions tests. (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker insisted on Friday that Britain's decision to leave the EU was not the beginning of the end for the bloc.

Answering that question from a reporter at a packed news conference in the EU executive's Brussels headquarters, Juncker replied simply, "No." That drew applause from EU officials in the room as Juncker left after taking just two questions.

He had begun his news conference by reading out a joint statement issued earlier by the heads of EU institutions.

(Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; @macdonaldrtr; Editing by Alissa de Carbonnel)
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The chair of the council of euro zone finance ministers said on Friday there was no reason to call a meeting of the body following Britain's vote to leave the European Union. Speaking after a meeting of the Dutch cabinet, Jeroen Dijsselbloem said it was for the British to decide when to apply to leave the bloc, but that the period of uncertainty should be kept as short as possible. "The British will have to set the procedure in train themselves, but the period of uncertainty must be kept as short as possible," said Dijsselbloem, who is also Dutch finance minister. Asked whether an independent Scotland would be eligible to join the European Union, he said it was too early to speculate. (Reporting by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Alison Williams)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will offer Britain no special treatment and it should leave the bloc within the two years set by the EU treaty, the German leader of the main centre-right bloc in the EU parliament said on Friday. "We respect and regret the decision of the British voters. It causes major damage to both sides, but in first line to the UK," said Manfred Weber, who represents German Chancellor Angela Merkel's political group in the European Parliament. "Exit negotiations should be concluded within two years," he added in a statement. "From our point of view, there cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom. The British people have expressed their wish to leave the EU. "Leave means leave. The times of cherry-picking are over." Speaking to reporters after meeting fellow party leaders in parliament, he said "nobody will be punished" for the vote and that it would be in the interests of business in Britain and the rest of the EU for swift clarity on the legal situation. However, Britons could not expect to continue access to the EU's single market if they wanted to maintain full control over their affairs without respecting EU rules: "If you want to have full sovereignty that means you cannot have access to the single market of the European Union," he said. His Socialist opposite number, Italian Gianni Pittella, told reporters: "It's sad but it's not the funeral of the European Union." (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; editing by Philip Blenkinsop)
jack daniels

The world's best-selling American whiskey has had few masters in its 150-year history, and even they don't know all its secrets.

Jeff Arnett, the current Master Distiller for Jack Daniel's, admitted he didn't know why the brand was called Old No. 7.

"There's a lot of I guess mystery and myth that has formed around it whether it was a lucky number or whether it was a recipe number," Arnett told Business Insider.

Arnett worked at the Lynchburg, Tennessee, distillery for seven years before being appointed the seventh Master Distiller for Old No. 7  a number that binds him to the brand.

"I always tell people it's gotta be the luckiest number in the world, so maybe that's something that Jack and I have in common that it's my lucky number and it was his as well."

"At the end of the day, the truth is we don't know. Jack named the brand and it was a secret that he took to his grave," Arnett said.

Founded in 1866 by Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel, America's oldest registered distillery produces every drop of Old No. 7 along with Gentleman Jack, Single Barrel, Tennessee Honey, and Tennessee Fire.

The Jack Daniel's family is sold in more than 165 countries and remains one of the most valuable brands in the world.

NOW WATCH: You've been mispronouncing these 11 Scotch brands  here's the right way to say them





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Seoul (AFP) - Pyongyang on Saturday rejected the UN Security Council's sharp criticism of its latest missile tests and blamed the United States for driving the divided peninsula toward an "uncontrollable extreme phase".

North Korea this week conducted its most successful tests to date of a powerful home-grown missile it hopes will one day be capable of launching nuclear attacks on the US mainland.

They drew a strong rebuke from the UN Security Council, which described the launches as "grave violations" of resolutions banning the North from developing ballistic missiles.

The 15-member council called for sanctions to be redoubled after holding an emergency meeting over the tests.

But Pyongyang rejected the criticism, calling it "a product of high-handedness wantonly violating the sovereignty of an independent state".

"This is an unreasonable deed of turning black into white," a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.

North Korea has conducted a string of failed missile launches this year which, coming hot on the heels of its fourth nuclear test in January, have escalated international tensions.

At a rare congress of the ruling party in May, leader Kim Jong-Un vowed Pyongyang would push ahead with its nuclear weapons programme despite UN sanctions and near universal condemnation.

North and South Korea have technically been at war for decades, and Seoul has rejected recent overtures for peace talks with Pyongyang as an "insincere" propaganda ploy.

Saturday's KCNA statement blamed the US for ratcheting up tensions between the neighbours by sending weapons to South Korea.

"Its (the US's) sustained strategic mistake and rash deed are now driving the situation on the Korean peninsula to the uncontrollable extreme phase," it warned.
BELFAST (Reuters) - Northern Ireland's pro-British First Minister dismissed a call on Friday by her Irish nationalist deputy leader for a referendum on Irish unity as "opportunistic" and said there is no way such a poll would be approved. The British province's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said earlier on Friday that the British government has a "democratic imperative" to call a vote on whether Northern Ireland should leave the United Kingdom after Britain voted to leave the European Union. "There is no way even if there was a border poll that it would be in favor of a united Ireland," Arlene Foster, the leader of the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party, told Radio Ulster. (Reporting by Amanda Ferguson, writing by Padraic Halpin)
OSLO (Reuters) - The European Union should recognize that many citizens in Britain and the EU are not satisfied with the direction of Europe, the Norwegian prime minister told broadcaster NRK on Friday. "I believe they will listen to the signal from both the British voters and many other voters around Europe who feel that the EU is not providing good enough answers to today's challenges," Solberg said following the outcome of the Brexit vote. Unlike Nordic neighbors Sweden, Denmark and Finland, Norway is not an EU member but has close ties to the union and has adopted its rules on free trade and other key provisions. (Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Terje Solsvik)
OSLO (Reuters) - Norway's $850-billion sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, has filed a complaint against Volkswagen , as part of a joint legal action following the carmaker's emissions scandal, the fund said in a statement on Friday. The fund said the complaint was filed to the Braunschweig District Court in Germany and is part of the lawsuit filed by law firm Quinn Emanuel on behalf of institutional funds in connection with the scandal.. It is Volkswagen's largest shareholder without a seat on its supervisory board and said in May it planned to join class-action lawsuits filed against Volkswagen over the German automaker's emissions scandal. The fund, which holds 1.02 percent of VW, has long been critical of Volkswagen's governing structure, where the Porsche and Piech families hold 31.5 percent of the capital but control 50.7 percent of voting rights. In the past, it said it had written to Volkswagen about its concerns over the companys leadership structure. Separately, the fund voted against every proposal to discharge the members of the board of Volkswagen for their activities in 2015 at the firm's annual general meeting on June 22, according to voting records published on its website. It also voted in favor of a shareholder proposal to approve a special audit of how Volkswagen's management and board handled the emissions scandal. (Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Gwladys Fouche and Jane Merriman)
Madrid (AFP) - Spain's premier on Friday sought to reassure Britons living in Spain after the Brexit vote, saying that for now, they would keep the same rights to live and work there.

Spain is home to the largest concentration of British nationals living outside their country in the European Union, and many of them have watched the Brexit campaign with concern.

In a televised address, acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said EU treaties governing Britain's ties with the rest of the bloc would remain in force while London negotiates the terms of its exit in a process he said could take "at least two years".

During that time, nothing would change for Britons in Spain, nor for Spaniards in Britain, who would maintain the same rights they have enjoyed until now as EU citizens.

"Their rights to move freely, to work, to pay social security contributions, to receive pensions, to invest, to vote or be elected in local elections will not be affected at all," he said.

"The same applies to the rights of British citizens who live or work in our country or in the rest of the EU," he added.

"While there is is the first time that a member state decides to leave the union, the treaties foresee a negotiated and organised exit procedure."

Officially, some 300,000 Britons are residing in Spain, but many do not bother to register, with estimates suggesting between 800,000 to a million live in the country.

Whole swathes of Spain's southern coast have been transformed into little outposts of Britain with pubs and other shops catering to their tastes.

One of the EU's main tenets is the freedom of its citizens to live and work in any member state and be entitled to social security and health care.

Many Britons living in Spain fear they will lose these benefits when Britain leaves the 28-nation bloc.
Orihuela (Spain) (AFP) - For years, thousands of Britons made a home of the warm beaches of Orihuela on Spain's Costa Blanca. But after Brexit, many feared Friday their golden time in the sun could be over.

This 82,000-strong southeastern town that sprawls from the interior countryside to the touristy coast houses the largest British community in Spain with more than 13,500 enjoying the area's 320 sunny days a year.

On the seafront in the Coffee del Mar, cafe owners Andy and Anthony were watching Prime Minister David Cameron's resignation live on television after Britons voted to leave the European Union, standing behind the bar near a sign advertising jacket potatoes.

"The pound is already dropping," said Andy Wigfield, 54.

"It will affect our business. Pensions will be lower, travelling here or buying a property will be more expensive, and we have to see what happens with free health access."

Anthony Stonier, 49, added that Britain would have been better inside the EU.

"It's better the devil you know," he said.

"This is the unknown and for me it's scary. We don't know how Spain will react with us."

As if anticipating this concern, acting Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sought to reassure Britons living in Spain Friday, saying that for now, they would retain the same rights to live and work there.

- Health main concern -

Still, Brexit left many Britons scratching their heads.

Sitting on the seafront under a radiant morning sun, Patricia Hawkins was sipping a coffee with obvious concern, her husband and two dogs next to her.

"For most of us, the main concern is the health system. We are old people and we use it a lot," said Hawkins, in her 70s, who has lived here for 11 years.

"Now we don't pay but who knows what's going to happen."

Spain is home to the largest concentration of British nationals living outside their country in the European Union.

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Officially, just over 300,000 Britons are residing in Spain, but many do not bother to register, with estimates suggesting between 800,000 to a million live in the country.

Healthcare is one of their biggest concerns, as many are retired, elderly and need treatment, which is covered by Spain's healthcare system under EU mechanisms that allow them to get the same medical care as locals.

But what happens now is anyone's guess.

Will Britain reach bilateral agreements with Spain about expatriates' rights?

Or will British pensioners be forced to resort to private healthcare or pay into Spain's social security system -- a costly endeavour either way.

- 'Pay consequences' -

Britons started coming to Orihuela towards the end of the 1980s when it expanded to the coast with the construction of vast urban areas on what were once fields.

Now, it has become a messy urban agglomeration of villas, pubs, malls and real estate agencies where English is the language of choice.

With Brexit, "many will have to go," said Dave Jones, editor of the local English daily Costa Blanca News.

"These are middle-class people without too much money who can't pay for healthcare, and if the pound falls, pensions won't cover their living costs."

Robert Houliston, who has been in Orihuela for 15 years and founded a local political party to defend the interests of expatriates, was also pessimistic.

"We'll pay the consequences in the United Kingdom but also the British community living here," he said.

"The great majority are in favour of staying... Here they are not rich people with big yachts and big villas, they are old and modest but they voted with their head."

And the local economy, which relies largely on tourism, could also suffer.

"This could destroy us," said Carlos Campo, a restaurant owner.

"We live solely on British people for eight months of the year."

But it was not darkness for everyone.

Walking on the seafront with her dog Bruno, Jean Law was extatic.

"I can't believe it, I'm so happy," shouted the 72-year-old who voted to leave the European Union.

"If I have to pay for healthcare, I will. But my life is coming to a close, it doesn't matter. I voted for the freedom of my children and grandchildren."
By Lesley Wroughton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of the OAS regional bloc, Luis Almagro, on Thursday blamed President Nicolas Maduro's government for Venezuela's crisis, saying the South American oil-rich nation was now mired in poverty, corruption and violence. Addressing the permanent council of the 34-nation Organization of American States (OAS), Almagro argued that Maduro's government had violated basic democratic principles, which had altered the constitutional order of the country. Despite strong opposition from Venezuela and allies like Ecuador and Bolivia, a majority of member states voted in favor of Almagro presenting his report on Venezuela to the council. The move technically invoked the organization's democratic charter, which could eventually lead to Venezuela's suspension. But with little support for suspending Venezuela from the OAS, it is unclear when or whether the OAS could take up the matter again. The meeting came as Washington opened new talks with Maduro's government this week to ease tensions between the ideological foes. The State Department described talks between veteran U.S. diplomat Tom Shannon and Venezuelan officials in Caracas as positive. Almagro said Venezuela's crisis had reached breaking point. "These challenges cannot be blamed on external forces," he told the council, "The situation facing Venezuela today is the direct result of the actions of those currently in power. "Venezuela should be one of the most prosperous and influential countries in the region. Instead, it is a state mired in corruption, poverty and violence. It is the population who suffers the consequences," he added. Almagro cited Venezuela's "unprecedented and unnecessary" humanitarian crisis, the jailing of opposition members and reports of torture as examples of abuses by the government. Almagro called on member states to support calls by Venezuelans for a referendum to recall Maduro. "Fundamental freedoms, human rights and democracy don't exist just when it's convenient. We are compelled to indicate problems wherever they may exist, especially so in a difficult context," Almagro said. "It is in keeping with these standards that we believe the constitutional order in Venezuela has been altered," he added. In a blistering attack on Almagro, which at times got personal, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez accused him of trying to overthrow Maduro through the OAS actions. "This is a coup that is being carried out in this organization to over(throw) the legitimate government of President Nicolas Maduro," Rodriguez said in opening remarks. "How far will we go? What precedent will this set?" She said Almagro had demonstrated impartiality by meeting with leaders of Venezuela's opposition before the council meeting convened on Thursday. "This organization is being used to attack Venezuela," Rodriguez said, "It is a clear infringement of the rules of this organization. Is this how far we've gone?" she said, accusing Washington of influencing member states. "You are using this organization to twist the arms of the countries that are not subjective, but Venezuela will not subject itself to the instructions of any foreign government nor ...to the interference of coups that the secretary general is trying to support," she said. U.S. representative to the OAS, Mike Fitzpatrick, welcomed Almagro's report on Venezuela, saying it "complements and does not compete" with efforts underway to promote dialogue between Venezuela and the opposition. Separate from U.S. dialogue with Venezuela, former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is also trying to mediate between the government and opposition-led National Assembly. "All these processes can and should be proceeding simultaneously," said Fitzpatrick. "Venezuela's situation is complex and it would benefit from multiple, complementary diplomatic initiatives." (Editing by Bernadette Baum and Bernard Orr)
A 12,000 prison inmates will receive the gift of a second chance next month, in the form of Pell grants to be used on college tuition.

The Obama Administration's Second Chance Pell Pilot program, worth a total of $30 million, will be distributed in installments of $5,815 per person to inmates at 141 state and federal correctional facilities.

Once they are determined eligible to receive the grants, approved inmates five years or less away from release will be able to use them to work towards associate or bachelor's degrees at a pre-approved list of 67 colleges and universities while incarcerated.

Inmates will be able to use the money to pay the costly fees, tuition and book prices that come attached to the price tag of a college education.

Inmates at Monroe Correctional Complex in Monroe, Washington sit in on a college world history course.

The Pell grant pilot program reverses a mandate in President Bill Clinton's 1994 crime bill that prohibited inmates from receiving financial aid resources such as Pell grants. Critics of that bill argue that educating inmates helps to reduce the rate of recidivism.

Though that 1994 ban remains in place today, Obama administration officials have pushed forward with the creation of pilot programs like Second Chance, which constitutes less than 0.1% of the Pell program's overall $30 billion budget for non-incarcerated recipients.

"We all agree that crime must have consequences, but the men and women who have done their time and paid their debt deserve the opportunity to break with the past and forge new lives in their homes, workplaces ad communities," Education Secretary John B. King Jr. said on a call with reporters on Thursday, according

"This belief in second chances is fundamental to who we are as Americans."
The Obama administration is taking more steps to help people leaving the prison system transition back into society. On Friday, the Departments of Labor, Justice, and Education will announce new grant funding to programs aimed at helping former inmates get jobs and get an education. The secretaries of each agency will speak at an event hosted by the liberal Center of American Progress on Friday.

The bottom line is that we are less safe when the stigma of incarceration prevents americans from truly ever shedding their prison jumpsuits, said White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett on a press call previewing the announcement. Which is why she says the administration is supporting initiatives to allow formerly incarcerated individuals to enjoy the second chance they deserve.

Those initiatives include 67 two and four-year institutions that have agreed to enroll 12,000 people incarcerated in either state or federal prisons in both educational and training programs. According to a White House Fact Sheet, people in prison are 43% less likely to return if they participated in an educational program, which in turn, saves the prison system money.

The institutions were selected via the Second Chance Pilot Program, which circumvents a Congressional ban on using Pell Grant funds for prisoners. U.S. Education Secretary John King said Thursday the administration is using its experimental authority to implement the pilot program that stirred a bit of controversy when it was announced last summer. A group of House Republicans introduced the Kids Before Cons Act to block the Department of Education from implementing the pilot program; the bill is still in committee.

Having an inmate receive Pell grants doesnt take a nickel from anybody else, former Education Secretary Arne Duncan told the Atlantic last year. This never pits one group over another, and its not robbing Peter to pay Paul. Its just trying to have a few more people have access to what could be a life-chance-forming opportunity.The schools will begin offering classroom-based instruction, online education, or both at 141 corrections facilities across the U.S.

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The Department of Labor is also distributing over $30 million in grant funding to programs and organizations, from GoodWill to labor unions, to provide jobs and job training to people in high poverty areas, formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as high risk youth. The Department of Housing and Urban Development is also awarding 7 organization $8.7 million to address housing issues.

The initiatives announced Friday build on efforts the Obama administration has been undertaking while criminal justice reform packages stall in the U.S. Congress. Bills in both the House and Senate addressing mandatory minimum sentences and other issues facing the criminal system. What we would like to do is see those bills move forward as quickly as possible, Jarrett said Thursday. There is a great cross-section of stakeholders who are supportive of it so theres really no reason why it wouldnt move forward right away.

In the coming weeks, the administration expects to roll out more efforts and host more summits including one aimed at sharing the stories of children of people in prison and efforts to help the youth of Baltimore.
Barack Obama

President Barack Obama reacted Friday morning to the UK's historic Brexit vote, saying in a statement that he respected the people's choice to leave the European Union.

"The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision," Obama said.

He continued: "The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security, and economic policy."

The president sought to reassure the EU that the US would continue to have a strong relationship with it.

"So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond," he said.

Obama added: "The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."

Obama was an opponent of the so-called Brexit, saying in April he wanted the UK to remain a part of the EU. At the time, he warned that the UK could fall "to the back of queue" when negotiating trade deals with the US if it decided to abandon the political-economic union.

The UK shocked the world on Thursday when it voted to abandon the EU. Markets plunged into chaos, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would resign.

NOW WATCH: Trump praised Scotland for voting to leave the EU  it didn't





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LONDON  A British vote to leave the European Union sent shockwaves through that country and Europe on Friday, forcing British Premier David Cameron to resign and spurring calls for similar votes in other nations in an already troubled EU.

Leave won 52 percent of the vote and Remain had 48 percent, marking the first time that a country has decided to leave the EU.

The vote comes at a time when the union is also dealing with internal tensions about its migration crisis, as well as with high unemployment and growing anti-EU sentiments among the European public.

The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered, Cameron said in London as he announced that he would resign by October.

I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I dont think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination, he said.

Cameron had fought for remaining in the EU by arguing that a so-called Brexit would hurt Britains economy. He faced off with Brexit supporters from within his own Conservative Party.

The mostly Conservative Vote Leave platform and the right-wing UK Independence Party had lobbied for a Brexit, arguing that this was the only way to protect Britains sovereignty and control EU migration.

Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day, UKIP leader Nigel Farage said.

However, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the government would try to keep as many trade ties with the worlds largest economic bloc in place as possible as it renegotiates its relationship with the EU.

He also warned that Britain was already now a semi-outsider, even though the divorce process is only set to be launched by Camerons successor.

The biggest effect from the British referendum was that other countries were starting to doubt the EU, Farage said.

Indeed, other eurosceptic parties across Europe heralded the Brexit vote as an argument for holding their own anti-EU referendums.

EU officials said that will not happen.

The leaders of the European Unions 27 other countries are determined to keep our unity, EU President Donald Tusk said, while warning against hysterical reactions.

Today, on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27, Tusk added.

The leaders would conduct talks without Cameron during a summit in Brussels next week, Tusk said, adding that he would push for a wider reflection on the blocs future. Foreign ministers of the EUs founding nations are also set to discuss the matter in Berlin on Saturday.

On Monday, Tusk will travel to Paris and Berlin to hold talks with French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel respectively, according to an EU source.

In another sign of potential trouble ahead, some observers warned that the Brexit decision would encourage support for a second referendum on independence for Scotland, which voted for Remain by a large majority.

The United Kingdom has made a decision against the interests of the Scottish people and that will have consequences, SNP lawmaker Fiona Hyslop told the BBC.

Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein said the British government had forfeited any mandate to represent the interests of Northern Ireland, where a majority also voted to remain.

Early on Friday, the pound fell below the 1.35-dollar level for the first time since 1985. Several other stock indices plummeted

Most cities in northeastern England returned large majorities for Leave after Thursdays vote, while Scotland and Northern Ireland overwhelmingly voted for Remain.

Several London areas also voted strongly for Remain, with 79 percent opting to stay in the EU in the citys southeastern borough of Lambeth, as national turnout averaged 72 percent.

A YouGov survey among 5,000 voters showed that, among those with a standard school education, 66 percent voted for Brexit, while 71 percent of those with university degrees cast pro-EU ballots.
Palo Alto (United States) (AFP) - US President Barack Obama said Friday he was confident that Britain would make an "orderly transition" out of the European Union, and insisted the special relationship between Washington and London would not change.

"Yesterday's vote speaks to the ongoing changes and challenges that are raised by globalization," Obama told an audience at Stanford University, one day after British voters opted to leave the bloc in a historic referendum.

After speaking to British Prime Minister David Cameron, Obama said he was "confident that the UK is committed to an orderly transition out of the EU."

He called Cameron, who has said he will resign in the wake of the vote, "an outstanding friend and partner on the global stage."

"We agreed that our economic and financial teams will remain in close contact as we stay focused on ensuring economic growth and financial stability," the US president said.

Obama said he also called German Chancellor Angela Merkel and emphasized that the US and its EU partners would "work closely together" in the coming months as the transition falls into place.

"But while the UK's relationship with the EU will change, one thing that will not change is the special relationship that exists between our two nations. That will endure," Obama said.

"The EU will remain one of our indispensable partners. Our NATO alliance will remain a cornerstone of global security," he said.

"And our shared values, including our commitment to democracy and pluralism and opportunity for all people in a globalized world -- that will continue to unite all of us."
By Ayesha Rascoe

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Friday designated the site of a watershed event in the history of U.S. gay rights, the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, as a national monument, the first to honor the contributions of gay Americans.

The Stonewall Inn gay bar in Manhattan's Greenwich Village was the scene of a police raid that triggered riots and ignited a long struggle to bring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the American mainstream and guarantee their rights.

"Welcome to the family," the National Park Service said in a tweet welcoming its 412th site.

LGBT rights advocacy groups hailed the national recognition, saying it will help highlight the gay communities' continued struggles, especially in the aftermath of the June 12 mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Florida that killed 49 people.

"This new national monument will be a source of inspiration to a new generation of Americans across the country standing up for equality and uniting to show the world that love conquers hate," Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said.

The move was the latest of several steps Obama has take on gay rights during his presidency.

In 2010, he signed a law repealing a policy that had banned gays from serving openly in the U.S. military. In 2012, he became the first president to support gay marriage, a stance he has admitted took time to evolve. His administration also supported the legal challenge that led to the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide.

"There is important distance yet to travel, but through political engagement and litigation, as well as individual acts of courage and acceptance, this movement has made tremendous progress toward securing equal rights and equal dignity," Obama said in a proclamation officially designating the historic site.

The events of late June and early July 1969 in New York helped start the modern American gay rights movement.

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A week of violent clashes on Christopher Street between patrons of the Stonewall Inn and police, who had periodically raided the bar, arresting gays under morals laws of the era, became known as the Stonewall riots.

The crackdown was also tied up in a dispute between the Mafia, which owned the bar, and corrupt police officers seeking payoffs for protection. But it unleashed a year of protests, culminating with the first gay pride parade in 1970.

This year's weekend LGBT pride festivities started in New York on Friday with a street fair and were to culminate with Sunday's parade through Lower Manhattan. Events were scheduled across the country in San Francisco, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City and elsewhere.

Obama's designation protects about 7.7 acres (3.1 hectares) of land, including the Stonewall Inn and nearby Christopher Park. U.S. lawmakers representing New York, in a statement, called the site "a beacon for liberation."

It drew renewed attention in the wake of this month's massacre in Orlando at another gay venue, a nightclub called Pulse. Mourners in New York flocked to the inn and created a makeshift memorial after the shooting, the worst such attack in modern U.S. history.

In honor of the new monument, the White House will release a video that will be played on billboards in New York's Times Square on Saturday. U.S. officials will also hold a designation ceremony at Stonewall on Monday.

(Reporting by Ayesha Rascoe and Susan Heavey; Editing by Will Dunham and Dan Grebler)
Washington (AFP) - President Barack Obama designated the first LGBT national monument Friday, bestowing the honor on a New York bar and surrounding area considered to be the birthplace of America's gay rights movement.

The monument includes Greenwich Village's Stonewall Inn bar, the small park next door, and the immediate vicinity, where protests that came to be known as the Stonewall Uprising erupted in 1969 following a police crackdown.

"The designation will create the first official National Park Service unit dedicated to telling the story of LGBT Americans," the White House said in a statement.

On June 28, 1969, officers arrived at the Stonewall Inn to enforce a law that forbid the sale of alcohol to gays.

Customers resisted the police crackdown and a crowd gathered outside, with riots ensuing on nearby streets.

In the days that followed, demonstrations and clashes with police continued, and nearby Christopher Park became a gathering place for members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community to express their frustrations and steel their resolve.

The events are "widely considered to be a watershed moment when the LGBT community across the nation demonstrated its power to join together and demand equality and respect," the White House said.

Christopher Park and Stonewall Inn remain to this day a rallying spot for the LGBT community.

Following the Orlando massacre, the deadliest mass shooting in US history that left 49 dead at a gay nightclub earlier this month, thousands gathered in the area.

It's also where the gay community gathered to celebrate the Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage in all 50 states on June 26, 2015.

The designation of the monument comes just days before the one-year anniversary of that decision.

Gay rights groups heralded Obama's announcement Friday.

"The Stonewall National Monument will pay tribute to the brave individuals who stood up to oppression and helped ignite a fire in a movement to end unfair and unjust discrimination against LGBTQ people," president of Human Rights Campaign advocacy group, Chad Griffin, said in a statement.

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Within a year of the Stonewall Uprising New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago began to hold annual pride marches. Traditionally held in June, New York's is scheduled for Sunday.

Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park and their immediate surroundings were classified national historic sites in 2000.

The Stonewall National Monument will report to the National Park Service.
San Francisco (AFP) - President Barack Obama, who had warned against Britain quitting the European Union, said Friday that Washington would respect the British voters' decision to do just that.

The US leader said Britain and the European Union would both remain "indispensable partners" of the United States and that the "special relationship" with London would endure.

"The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision," Obama said, in a statement from his White House office echoed by presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

But, in a nod to Washington's frustration that its ally has been unwilling to back a European project seen as a cornerstone of Western power, Obama also paid tribute to the EU.

"The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security, and economic policy," he said.

"So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond," he said.

"The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."

Clinton also stressed "America's steadfast commitment to the special relationship with Britain and the transatlantic alliance with Europe."

"This time of uncertainty only underscores the need for calm, steady, experienced leadership in the White House to protect Americans' pocketbooks and livelihoods, to support our friends and allies, to stand up to our adversaries, and to defend our interests," she said.

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"It also underscores the need for us to pull together to solve our challenges as a country, not tear each other down."

The statement clearly alluded to her Republican rival Donald Trump, who hailed the British vote as "a fantastic thing" that had parallels with his own presidential campaign.

"People want to take their country back, they want independence," Trump said in Scotland, where he was visiting one of his golf courses.

Clinton said she respected the choice made by the people of Britain, but said the first US priority should be to "make sure that the economic uncertainty created by these events does not hurt working families here in America."
President Obama announced Friday that the Stonewall Inn, the site of the 1969 riots credited with launching the LGBT rights movement, will be named a National Historic Monument.

The White House released a video honoring the Stonewall Inn, which the administration said will be the first official National Park Service unit dedicated to telling the story of LGBT Americans, just days before the one year anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision guaranteeing marriage equality in all 50 states.

In the video, Obama said: I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country, the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us: that we are stronger together, that out of many, we are one.

On June 28, 1969, a riot ensued at the bar after the New York Police Department raided the establishment to block the sale of alcohol to gay patrons. The people there refused to cooperate with the police as the Stonewall crowd grew.

The Stonewall riots in 1969, I think, obviously was a very pivotal point in our history, activist Eunic Ortiz said in the White House video. It was when we all stood up, and a trans woman of color said, Enough is enough, and it started a movement. And it started a movement that said, Were not less than you. We are your equals.

The bar has been a gathering site for gay rights activists throughout the Obama presidency. Notably, LGBT activists swarmed Stonewall last year after the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages are a constitutional right.

Mourners also congregated there earlier this month after a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., killing 49 people.
From ELLE

A year ago last week, white supremacist Dylann Roof walked into the sanctuary of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina during an evening prayer service, opened fire, and murdered nine African American worshipers, including state senator Reverend Clementa Pinckney.

President Obama came to Charleston in the wake of the tragedy to deliver the eulogy for Reverend Pinckney. During his eulogy, the President admonished that the nation learn from Southern history as we seek new ways of creating a more fair and just nation.

What is true in the South is true for America. Clem understood that justice grows out of recognition of ourselves in each other. That my liberty depends on you being free, too. That history can't be a sword to justify injustice, or a shield against progress, but must be a manual for how to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past-how to break the cycle.

Bree Newsome was listening. The next day she scaled the 30-foot flagpole outside of the state Capitol in Charleston, and temporarily brought down the Confederate flag. "You come against me with hatred and oppression and violence. I come against you in the name of God. This flag comes down today!" she stated. It was an act of civil disobedience that became an immediate sensation in both traditional and social media and kept discussions focused on the issue even after the burials of the Charleston nine.

On July 10, 2015, the Confederate battle flag was officially removed from Capitol grounds.

I had an opportunity to speak with Bree Newsome as we approach the one-year anniversary of this historic moment.

Let's go back a year. Can you remember how you were feeling at that time?

There is more than one anniversary. There are many across a whole stretch of days: the murders themselves, the insulting speculation about whether black residents would riot, the funerals, and the infuriating debates about the flag. I have been reliving feelings connected to all those anniversaries.

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Nine people were massacred in church, and while we laid them to rest that flag was flying like it was a victory.

What stands out the most?

The biggest issue was the blatant disrespect for black life. When we buried the victims of the Charleston massacre, the American flag was at half-mast. The South Carolina state flag was at half-mast. But the Confederate battle flag was still flying high.

Nine people were massacred in church, and while we laid them to rest that flag was flying like it was a victory.

Was this what moved you to action?

I knew it would not be permanent, but this was an important act of civil disobedience. This flag was not flying over Dylann Roof's house. It was not flying over my neighbor's house. It was not flying over the local gas station. This flag was flying on government property.

That flag has not been flying continuously since the Civil War. The state of South Carolina raised it in 1961 as a specific statement of opposition to the Civil Rights movement and a symbol against black people gaining equality. I had strong feelings about the flag for a long time, but last summer it became intolerable.

You are not the only one who had those feelings. The effort to remove the Confederate battle flag from display on South Carolina state property has been a genuine social movement for decades. Governor David Beasley made the first attempt to move the flag from the statehouse dome in 1996.

And the NAACP started its boycott [of tourism in South Carolina] more than 15 years ago in 2000! It is important to remember how much struggle it took to get something down that never should have been up in the first place. Even at the end it took too long. Dylann Roof committed those murders on June 17. The flag came down on July 10. That is almost a month. I will never forget that the 4th of July came and went last year and the flag was still there. That hurt. Deeply.

But thanks to you, there were a few hours on June 27, 2015, when the flag was not flying.

Not only me. That action to take the flag down that day was the work of a group of organizers. There were about ten people in the group of organizers. Effective activism requires collective action and organizing. Another activist, James Ian Tyson was there with that day. He helped me to get over the fence and spotted me as I climb the flagpole and came back down.

The physical battle to climb up there and get that flag was like the struggle to dismantle systemic racism.

But you were the person we watched scale a 30-foot pole. I remember thinking how effective your action was because it was visually breathtaking, and there was that high-quality video of you against a blue sky, with that highly controversial symbol in your hands. I was not surprised when I later learned you have training as a filmmaker.

I am a filmmaker, but I can't take credit for that part of it. It was [fellow activist] Todd Zimmer who had a vision for the film. The reason I had to climb the flagpole was more practical. Previously, someone attempted to get to the flag by putting a ladder against the flagpole. After that incident the state installed a fence. If we were going to get the flag, someone was going to get over that fence and go up there and get it.

It mattered that scaling the flagpole was difficult. The physical battle to climb up there and get that flag was like the struggle to dismantle systemic racism. Nothing about it is easy.

By the time you came back down, there were officers waiting to arrest you and James. Were you frightened?

No. We were fully expecting to be arrested when we started. I have been arrested for protest before. The first time I was arrested was during a political protest as part of the Moral Mondays movement in North Carolina. Our goal was to bring attention to the conservative laws of the North Carolina state legislature, especially the restrictions making it harder for so many people to vote.

I was not afraid to be arrested, but the experience did give me an appreciation for how vulnerable the civil rights protestors were. The first time I was handcuffed I thought, "This is scary. I know I am going to be ok, but those young people were going into jails where they really had no idea if they were going to make it out alive." After that I started reading everything I could about earlier protest movements. What they faced and what they sacrificed became very real to me.

What are the most important lessons you have learned from studying this history?

I have begun to realize just how long it takes to make change. When I first got involved in political organizing I was frustrated that we were doing all this work, having meetings, showing up at the Capitol, getting arrested, and nothing was changing. People were dying. It seemed liked every month we saw another tape of another black boy or man being killed. We protested. Nothing changed. Nine people massacred in their church and we can't even get the Confederate flag lowered to half-mast! It was and is so frustrating. But the more I study history the more I realize change is really slow.

Emmett Till was murdered in 1955 and the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965. Ten years. A full decade. Trayvon was killed in 2012. I wish our movement had made more progress, but we are only four years since his death, not even halfway through a decade. Reading that history has given me some perspective.

But I am still impatient. This doesn't mean we just sit and wait for ten years! We have to keep agitating. We have to agitate every single moment of those years. It is the only way to make any progress. Just like the struggle to climb that flagpole. We have to keep moving.

Do you see change? Are things different?

That is so hard to say. On the one hand-no. South Carolina released Officer Michael Slager from jail on bond. We all saw him shoot unarmed Walter Scott in the back and now he is free on bond! How is that justice? On the other hand, some people think it is great that Dylann Roof is facing the death penalty. But I worry that it leads us to think, "Well, we have taken care of Roof, so now there is no problem." Then we never focus on more systemic racism. We never dig deeper. There is no justice there either. If we execute Dylann Roof, don't we just live in a society where violence begets more violence?

Here we are, just days after the worst mass shooting in American history. It has taken me a whole year to just begin to process what happened in Charleston, South Carolina and then-Orlando. More hate. More violence. These are separate incidents, but they aren't. We can't just deal with the symbols. We can't just take down the flags. We need to do so much more.

What more should we do?

I am still young in the movement. I am still learning. But it has become clear to me that our issues our interconnected. We need to address issues together-Medicaid expansion, minimum wage, voting rights, gun control, police accountability, all of these are connected. We have to do all of this work at the same time. We can't just do them one at a time. The intersections are important.

Intersectional work is difficult. Are you optimistic?

I would not have risked my life scaling a flagpole if I didn't think we would win.
Since its launch in 2009 by the people behind Net-a-Porter, The Outnet has become the go-to site for any savvy shopper who loves style but prefers to be smart with their money. Sure, the site peddles discounted designer duds, but dont be fooled  this isnt a dumping ground for the luxury retailers surplus product. More than 90 percent of the stock on the site is bought directly from the designers and brands by the Outnets own dedicated team of buyers. So, how do they buy in advance with the confidence that the item will still be hip by the time it hits the site? The same way all buyers do  they attend fashion weeks, identify the trends, and buy them  but The Outnets team just do it in bigger bulk.

A job where you travel to all the fashion capitals, attend fashion shows, shop a lot, and then predict which items will be hot one or two seasons later sounds pretty sweet, and the Outnets Chief Merchant, Shira Suveyke, (along with her team) does it season after season. We caught up with Suveyke to chat about her job  and tips on how you can get one just like it.

Photo: Courtesy of the Outnet

1. Dont be afraid of change!

Shira Suveyke: I studied economics and Business Management at Boston University, and I wanted to move to New York when I graduated. My first job out of college was working at Deutsche Bank, but I quickly learned that I didnt have a real passion for finance. Im analytical and strong in mathematics, but that doesnt mean thats what I want to be doing every day. Id always worked in retail through high school and college as summer jobs, and always just enjoyed that job, but didnt really understand what a career in fashion or a career in retail would be. I grew up in Philadelphia, and people owned small businesses  they were doctors or lawyers or dentists or accountants. They had very traditional careers, but being in New York, I was surrounded by people in the fashion industry, whether they came from an editorial perspective, magazines, stylists, or buyers  everybody works for a fashion company. So once I was exposed to it, I think it gave me the confidence to go for it and to really put myself out there, and say, OK  I can take this analytical side of my capabilities and the strength that I have  but how can I apply the analytics to the business of fashion? And that was it.

Story continues

2. Know your brand.

SS: I went to Ralph Lauren working in the buying office at 650 [Madison Ave.] for the retail stores. It was such an amazing place to learn design, to learn about a luxury brand, to be immersed in a company that has such a strong brand identity and DNA, everything. I wore Ralph every single day and just loved it. You loved the brand, and you believed in it, and put yourself in the customers shoes, and it set the tone.

3. Think out of the box and reach up!

SS: Put yourself in the mindset for the job that you want  not necessarily operating in the job that you have. If youre an assistant buyer, and you want to be a buyer, operate like youre the buyer! Deliver those results. You dont have to operate within your box. You have to be reaching up. You have to set your sight on what that next position is. Dress that part, act that part, deliver on that part. Youll get promoted that much quicker.

4. Passion, love, and long hours are key ingredients!

SS: I think that people from the outside dont always understand how hard-working the fashion industry is. They think its really glamorous. And it is. We have glamorous lives, glamorous wardrobes, we sit front row at fashion shows and do loads of travel to beautiful cities like Paris, Milan, and London. It sounds pretty silly to complain about being in those cities, but the reality is, the hours can be grueling  especially during fashion weeks. Youre going from appointments to shows  loads of travel. I think its a surprise to a lot of people when they get into the industry just how tough those hours can be, especially during the fashion weeks and the markets. I work incredible hours, and I think all the more reason why you need to have that passion and love for what you do, because when youre putting in that time, you also need to enjoy it.

5. Get experience!

SS: Im a big believer in experience. I think you need practical experience all through school. Youve got to work your way up. You need to also show up to that first job and really demonstrate that you are there to learn and you are there to work hard. Show up with humility, and be willing to work hard. Dont ask when youre going to have my job. You know, youll get there.

6. Look the part.

SS: I think you need to understand the DNA of the company youre looking to work for. If its a fashion brand, what is the aesthetic of that company? I always think its strong to mirror that DNA, so if youre working at a cool contemporary brand, you want to dress a little cooler and more contemporary. If youre going to work for a luxury house, you probably want to be a bit more sophisticated in your style. Of course, you want to appear professional. Ive had people show up with chipped nail polish! We have a team environment, and Im really big on team and everybody is part of it. Theres not one person whos individually responsible for the success of the Outnet. So having that great social media profile is fantastic, as long as it doesnt eclipse what were building as a team.

7. Dont stress out too much.

SS: Be patient. Youll get there. I remember buying the book, Quarter-Life Crisis. Youre like, Whats my life going to be? You want to have it all figured out at 23 25. Theres no crystal ball. Youre going to get there when you get there. So let it happen, and enjoy the ride.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - An annual gay pride parade in the Turkish city of Istanbul will not go ahead on Sunday, organizers said in a statement on Friday after the governor's office banned the march citing security risks and declined the group's request to read a statement. "We are announcing with sadness that we will not be able to hold the 14th Pride March," the Istanbul LGBTI and Pride committee said in a statement on its website, but added this was a violation by the authorities of their right to demonstrate. "The Governors Office has chosen to violate the 'Law on Meetings and Demonstration Marches' guaranteed by the Constitution as a democratic right," the statement said. The Istanbul governor's office last week said the marches had been banned out of concern for public order. Security in the city is already tight after a series of bombings blamed on Islamic State and Kurdish militants in recent months. But the ban also follows a warning from an ultra-nationalist youth group that it would not allow the marches, calling them immoral and threatening violence. Istanbul riot police fired tear gas and rubber pellets on Sunday to disperse a march for transgender people, which was also prohibited by the authorities. While homosexuality is not a crime in Turkey unlike many other Muslim countries, homophobia remains widespread. Critics say President Tayyip Erdogan and the Islamist-rooted AK Party he founded have shown little interest in expanding rights for minorities, gays and women, and are intolerant of dissent. Historically the gay pride parade in Istanbul - a city seen as a relative safe haven by members of the gay community from elsewhere in the Middle East, including refugees from Syria and Iraq - has been a peaceful event. But last year police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse participants, after organizers said they had been refused permission because it coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, as it does again this year. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Daren Butler)
orlando memorial

The body of the man behind the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, has been buried in a South Florida cemetery, and the family members of people buried near him aren't happy about it.

Omar Mateen was interred at the Muslim Cemetery of South Florida outside Miami, several news outlets including the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Mateen was fatally shot by the police during the massacre at Pulse nightclub that killed 49 people earlier this month.

The grave is unmarked, and media outlets learned of the burial only by checking death records.

One man said he was considering having his wife exhumed and moved to another cemetery.

"I don't see her resting in peace among people like that," Andrea Wade, whose wife is buried 30 yards from Mateen, told NBC News.

Others objected to Mateen's burial on religious grounds.

"He's claiming he's a Muslim," Sultan Mamun, whose father is buried at the cemetery, told NBC News. "But we don't believe he is a Muslim because our religion doesn't permit killing."

Mohammad Dandia, who works at the cemetery, called Mateen's actions "horrendous" but wouldn't judge whether the decision to bury him there was right or wrong.

"He has to be buried somewhere, right?" he said, according to South Florida's WPLG.

NOW WATCH: The number of times Obama has had to respond to mass shootings during his presidency is staggering





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The immigrant community in the U.S. took a blow after the Supreme Court's split 4-4 decision Thursday (June 23) to prevent President Barack Obama's immigration policy -- which would protect millions of undocumented immigrants, mostly Latinos, from deportation -- from taking effect during his presidential term.

A "heartbreaking decision for the millions of undocumented families who made their lives here, raised their families here who hoped for an opportunity to work, pay taxes and serve in our military and more fully contribute to this country," said Obama, who has been actively pushing for immigration reform.

'Pa'l Norte' & More Powerful Latin Songs About Immigration for Immigrant Heritage Month

Latin artists such as Ozomatli, Carla Morrison, Becky G and Los Tigres del Norte, who don't shy away from political issues, condemned the ruling and, through a statements sent to Billboard, expressed solidarity with the immigrant community.

"The Supreme Court's decision highlights the deep divide in this country regarding immigration. We believe that it raises the stakes in the upcoming presidential election and encourage all to voice their opinion at the ballot box, in contacting your elected representatives or in protest. We in Ozomatli believe that immigrants highlight the best of humanity, demonstrating the will to not only to survive, but to succeed and thrive. We also believe that the choice of learning how to live with one another is an inevitable task that is better to choose now rather than later." - Raul Pacheco, Ozomatli

"This is a very sad moment for all my brothers and sisters in the US. If you need a tag for me, use Mexican but i am really a citizen of the world, just like everyone else. I know for a fact that the reason behind immigrants leaving their native country is far more important then anything we could ever imagine. Its survival, its equality, its dreams, its a life we all want and only some of us have the courage to fight for. In my heart I really hope that one day we can see far more than economical interests, borders, and walls and seek more for a planet interested and invested in a more harmonious and loving way of life. At the end of the day we need support as humans, we need to recognize that this is not about who is who, but we as a planet. We need to come together and give ourselves the opportunity to be valuable and live a life without fear and free to help one another. This is not about immigrants, this is about our rights as human beings and being valued in every little corner of this world that is ours, to live and to reciprocate a more loving way for generations to come." - Carla Morrison

"We are heartbroken that an issue so important to thousands of families across this nation will remain unresolved. In this nation of immigrants, it is unconscionable to have families torn apart. We need to raise our voice together to demand that this matter be resolved as soon as possible in a just and humane way so that our immigrant brothers and sisters can continue contributing to this great country." - Los Tigres del Norte

"My grandparents are immigrants, so it's heartbreaking to see so many people, some as young and ambitious as me, threatened with deportation. They just want to provide their families with a better chance at life. Isn't that what we all strive for, on a human level?" - Becky G
sarah palin

Sarah Palin said she hoped the shackles of the United Nations would be removed from the US after the United Kingdom voted to exit from the European Union.

It is time to dissolve political bands that connect us to agendas not in our best interest, the former Republican vice presidential nominee wrote in a Facebook post. May UN shackles be next on the chopping block.

Palin, a fierce supporter of Donald Trump who continues to maintain a large following, invoked the US Declaration of Independence to espouse her support for the UKs so-called Brexit vote.

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, she wrote. The UK knew  it was that time. And now is that time in the USA.

Palin continued: The Brexit referendum is akin to our own Declaration of Independence. May that refreshed spirit of sovereignty spread over the pond to America's shores!

The UK shocked the world Thursday when it voted to abandon the EU. Markets plunged into chaos, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would resign later this year.

The former Alaska governor praised the UK for ignoring all the fear mongering from special interest globalists who tend to aim for that apocalyptic One World Government that dissolves a nation's self-determination and sovereignty... the EU being a One World Government mini-me.

America can learn an encouraging lesson from this," she concluded.

NOW WATCH: TRUMP SPOKESWOMAN: Why the Republican Party has 'miserably failed'





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Bernie Worrell, the keyboardist, songwriter and synthesizer pioneer who served as co-founder of Parliament-Funkadelic and a key Talking Heads collaborator, died on Friday after a battle with cancer, according to his Facebook page. He was 72.

Diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in January, Worrell was the guest of honor at a massive benefit concert last April, with the likes of George Clinton, Questlove, David Byrne and Meryl Streep performing and paying tribute. In mid-June, however, his wife Judie Worrell announced his health had taken a turn, writing, Bernie is now heading Home.

As a member of Parliament-Funkadelic, Worrells synth playing provided the funk innovators with some of their most distinctive and immediately recognizable elements, which subsequently became signature sounds of the more futuristic strains of R&B, and the bedrock of hip-hops West Coast g-funk wave, with Dr. Dre in particular sampling Worrells music almost religiously. From the gurgling, staccato Minimoog bassline of Flash Light to the whiny, minor-key synth lines on P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up), Worrell introduced a wealth of completely new elements into pop musics sonic vocabulary. Former bandmate Bootsy Collins described Worrell as the Jimi Hendrix of the keyboards, while Talking Heads frontman Byrne once noted, Bernie changed the way I think about music, and the way I think about life.

Born George Bernard Worrell in New Jersey, Worrell began playing piano at age three, and performed with the Washington Symphony Orchestra at age 10. He attended Julliard and the New England Conservatory of Music, and met up with fellow New Jersey native George Clinton while playing in bar bands. He followed Clinton to Detroit, where Funkadelic rewrote the rules of black popular music several times over throughout the 1970s.

Worrell only appeared on a single track of Funkadelics 1970 self-titled debut, but he featured heavily on follow-up Free Your MindAnd Your Ass Will Follow, and by the time of 1971s psych-rock freak-out masterpiece Maggot Brain, he was firmly ensconced in the lineup, even singing lead on single Hit It and Quit It.

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Worrells role as a keyboardist, songwriter and arranger grew throughout the decade as Funkadelic and Parliament  during the 70s, the two groups consisted of the same core members  evolved into a more radio-friendly, dance-oriented outfit, alongside former James Brown bassist Collins, who arrived in 1972. Thanks to his grasp of classical music composition, as well as his ceaseless curiosity in exploring state-of-the-art synthesizer technology, Worrell was essential in imposing structure and melodic order onto the groups more freewheeling experimentations.

Parliaments Mothership Connection elevated the collectives profile substantially in 1975, reaching No. 4 on the R&B album chart and becoming the first P-Funk album to go platinum. The groups popularity peaked with Funkadelics One Nation Under a Groove, which topped the R&B chart for six straight weeks in 1978, while Parliaments Motor Booty Affair and Funkadelics Uncle Jam Wants You both reached No. 2 in the months that followed. The P-Funk staples co-written by Worrell in this period include Mothership Connection (Star Child), Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadaloop) and Flash Light, which still stands as perhaps the groups most widely played and influential single track.

Worrell recorded a solo album in 1978  All the Woo in the World, produced by Clinton  and recorded with Collins for his splinter group Bootsys Rubber Band, whose 1977 album Ahhthe Name is Bootsy, Baby! is a particularly essential funk collection. But as loose and sprawling as the P-Funk universe could be, the spine of the group began to splinter at the end of the 70s, and Worrell officially left in 1981.

Shortly after his departure, Worrell was recruited by Jerry Harrison, guitarist for the art-rock/New Wave group Talking Heads, whom Worrell had never heard. Though he found their earlier music stiff, Worrell joined the group as a session musician, contributing synthesizers to 1983 album Speaking in Tongues, which would go on to become the Heads highest-charting release. He toured with the group for years, and his importance to their live sound is made abundantly clear in the Jonathan Demme-directed 1984 concert film, Stop Making Sense.

During the 80s, Worrell also recorded with Keith Richards, Fela Kuti, and Jack Bruce, and after the breakup of Talking Heads, he released a spate of solo albums in the early-90s. (1991s Funk of Ages is the clear standout.) He continued to record and tour throughout the following decades, with groups the Bernie Worrell Orchestra and Bernie Worrells Woo Warriors, and as part of the supergroup Black Jack Johnson alongside rapper Mos Def. Worrell was the subject of Philip Di Fiores 2005 documentary, Stranger: Bernie Worrell on Earth, and he had a role as a member of Meryl Streeps bar band in Demmes 2015 feature Ricki and the Flash.

Worrell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Parliament-Funkadelic in 1997, and performed with the reunited Talking Heads during the groups induction in 2002. Earlier this year, he was given an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the New England Conservatory of Music.

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(Adds context on market reaction)

LIMA, June 24 (Reuters) - Peru's outgoing Finance Minister Alonso Segura said on Friday that he was monitoring local markets after Britain's vote to leave the European Union, but he said economic impacts would likely be indirect and felt in the medium-term.

"It's unfortunate," Segura told Reuters in an emailed statement. "What's needed is a world that's more integrated, not one that fractures. It's worrisome that these separatist initiatives are happening in other parts of the world."

Britain is not a major trading partner with Peru, but global volatility hit local markets after a majority of British voters backed a British exit or "Brexit" from the EU.

Peru's sol currency closed 0.9 percent lower on Friday after retreating from steeper losses earlier in the day. Peru's mining-heavy select stock index slipped 1.7 percent as shares in base metals producers Southern Copper Corp and Volcan tumbled.

Shares in Peruvian precious metals miner Buenaventura , however, climbed more than 4 percent as gold prices rose on support from safe-haven seekers.

Peru is a leading producer of copper, zinc, gold, silver and tin. It implemented a free trade agreement with the EU in 2013 and mostly ships minerals, coffee, cotton and fishmeal to member states.

Segura will step down as finance minister on July 28 when president-elect Pedro Pablo Kuczynski takes office.

Kuczynski, a 77-year-old former investment banker and free-trade champion, had said on Thursday that a triumph of the Brexit camp would be a "tragedy," according to local newspaper El Comercio.

(Reporting By Marco Aquino; Writing by Mitra Taj; Editing by Phil Berlowitz and Sandra Maler)
Grace Kelly

The Colonial-style home in Philadelphia where actress Grace Kelly grew up and Prince Rainier III proposed to her has hit the market for $1 million, Curbed reports.

The Henry Avenue home in East Falls, the northwest section of Philly, has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and an upstairs door that still includes notches that tracked Kellys growth before she became an Oscar-winning actress and Princess of Monaco.

Photographs show the stately actress and her smitten prince snuggling on a couch and showing off her engagement ring to her parents in the homes living room.

Kellys father, Olympic athlete John B. Kelly, built the 4,000-square-foot house in 1935. Unfortunately, it changed hands in the 1970s and fell into disrepair and, apparently, disrespect. A few years ago, Pennsylvania SPCA Law Enforcement officers followed up on a tip and arrived at the residence to find one dead cat, 14 flea-infested ones, and cat feces everywhere, according to Philadelphia Magazine.

The home has been cleaned and spruced up, and will be move-in ready by July 5, listing agent Patricia Gernerd told Curbed.

Princess Grace died in a car crash in 1982. As a glamorous actress, she was best known for her film roles in Dial M for Murder, High Society, and The Country Girl, which earned her a Best Actress Academy Award.

The post Philadelphia Childhood Home of Princess Grace Selling for $1M appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com.





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A Filipina hostage released by southern Philippine militants on Friday broke down in tears as she recounted how her Canadian boyfriend had been beheaded a week earlier.

Marites Flor was abducted in September by Abu Sayyaf militants, along with three others, two of whom -- Flor's partner Robert Hall and fellow Canadian John Ridsdel -- were killed.

Flor cried as she recounted how the kidnappers led away Hall to be beheaded after a ransom deadline lapsed last week. Ridsdel had been killed in April.

"It was painful to see them so happy before they did the beheading. They just put handcuffs on him and took him out," she said.

The four were seized in September aboard yachts at a tourist resort on Samal island, about 500 kilometres (300 miles) to the west of Sulu, known as a hideout of the militants.

On Friday, Flor was dropped off at dawn outside the house of a local politician on Sulu, provincial police chief Wilfredo Cayat told AFP.

Incoming Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he and his aides were "able to negotiate" for her release.

Duterte says he is currently trying to secure the release of the fourth hostage, Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad.

"Hopefully, God willing, the Norwegian will be freed soon," the firebrand politician -- who has vowed to crack down on crime -- said in a speech from his hometown of Davao, with Flor beside him.

- Indonesian sailors kidnapped -

Flor was released the same day Jakarta announced that seven Indonesian sailors had been kidnapped at sea off the southern Philippines, in waters where Abu Sayyaf is known to operate.

Following the announcement Jakarta banned any Indonesian-flagged vessels from sailing to the Philippines.

"This hijacking issue is a serious matter and cannot be tolerated anymore," senior transport ministry official A. Tonny Budiono said in a statement.

It's not yet clear how significantly trade will be affected by the ban, but it could severely disrupt a major flow of goods from Southeast Asia's largest economy -- including natural resources like coal -- to the Philippines.

Story continues

Philippine authorities told AFP they were working to verify the report but a local analyst said it was likely Abu Sayyaf was behind the abduction.

Earlier this year the group kidnapped 14 Indonesian sailors, holding them in their stronghold in the southern Philippines. They were later freed but there was no information on whether a ransom was paid.

The defence ministers of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed this week to consider coordinated steps including possible joint patrols to tackle a wave of seaborne crime in the Sulu and Celebes seas, which together form a key waterway among the three countries.

The Abu Sayyaf is a loose network of a few hundred Islamic militants formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network that has earned millions of dollars from kidnappings-for-ransom.

It is a radical offshoot of a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines that has claimed more than 100,000 lives.

Although Abu Sayyaf's leaders have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, analysts say they are more focused on their lucrative kidnappings-for-ransom than setting up an Islamic caliphate.
WARSAW (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union is bad news for Europe and for Poland and it is a signal that some concepts of the block will have to be changed, Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said on Friday. "This is bad news for Europe, for Poland. (...) This is a great dilemma for the eurocrats, we all want to keep the EU, the question is in what shape," Waszczykowski told private broadcaster TV Republika. "We will be trying to use this situation to make the European politicians aware why this happened. And it happened because this concept, which was created some time ago, is no longer popular in Europe," he added. Britain has voted to leave the EU, results from Thursday's landmark referendum showed, a stunning repudiation of the nation's elites that deals the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two. (Reporting by Agnieszka Barteczko and Adrian Krajewski)
(Adds timeframe for franc level against the zloty)

WARSAW, June 24 (Reuters) - Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Friday efforts should be made to prevent other countries from leaving the European Union after Britain voted to leave the bloc.

"One must do everything to prevent other countries from leaving," Duda told reporters, adding that Poland wanted to maintain its economic and defence ties with Britain.

Duda also reiterated that his cabinet would continue to work on legislative solutions to help hundreds of thousands of Poles saddled with Swiss franc mortgages.

The franc briefly rose to its highest level against the zloty currency in a year and a half after the British vote results were published.

(Reporting by Marcin Goclowski; Editing by Justyna Pawlak)
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Friday that Britain's decision to leave the European Union must be followed by "guarantees" for the good of both Britain and countries on the continent. Speaking to reporters aboard his plane shortly after it left Rome for the Armenian capital, Yerevan, Francis suggested the referendum result had to be respected because it was wanted by the people. "It was the will expressed by the people and this requires a great responsibility on the part of all of us to guarantee the good of the people of the United Kingdom, as well as the good and co-existence of the European continent," he said. "This is what I expect," he added. (Reporting by Philip Pullella on papal plane, editing by Steve Scherer)
Yerevan (AFP) - Pope Francis began his three-day visit to Armenia on Friday with a denunciation of the mass killing of Armenians a century ago by Ottoman forces as "genocide", risking Turkey's fury.

The pontiff -- who is making his 14th overseas trip since he was elected in 2013 -- invoked a term Turkish authorities have vehemently rejected during a meeting with Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian.

"Sadly this tragedy, this genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century," Francis said at the presidential palace in Yerevan.

When Pope Francis last used the term in the Vatican in 2015, on the centenary of the killings, Ankara angrily recalled its envoy from the Holy See for nearly a year.

The pontiff expressed the hope that "humanity will learn from those tragic experiences" to prevent a "return to such horrors."

Armenians have long sought international recognition for the 1915-1917 killings as genocide, which they say left some 1.5 million of their people dead.

Turkey -- the Ottoman Empire's successor state -- argues that it was a collective tragedy in which equal numbers of Turks and Armenians died.

The pontiff also highlighted the plight of Christians in the war-torn Middle East, with Armenia taking in many refugees.

"Today Christians in particular, perhaps even more than at the time of the first martyrs, in some places experience discrimination and persecution for the mere fact of professing their faith," he said.

On his way to Yerevan, Francis also commented on Britain's decision to exit the European Union, telling reporters Europe must ensure the well-being of member states' citizens.

"The people's will has been expressed," Francis said. "This requires of us great responsibility to ensure the well-being of the people of Great Britain, as well as well-being and coexistence of the whole European continent."

Story continues

- Visit highlights -

Highlights of the papal trip will include a visit to Armenia's main memorial to the 1915-17 killings, a meeting with members of the country's small Roman Catholic community and the release of two doves in the direction of Mount Ararat from the Khor Virap sanctuary near the border with Turkey.

The 5,160-metre (16,900-feet) high Mount Ararat was Armenian until 1915 and is now located inside Turkey. It features in the Bible as the place where Noah's Ark supposedly came to rest.

Francis is the second pope to visit Armenia since it re-emerged as an independent state from the ashes of the Soviet Union.

John Paul II attended celebrations in 2001 marking 1,700 years of the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, which was the first country to have the faith as its state religion.

John Paul was also the first pope to recognise the killing of Armenians as genocide, although he did so only in writing.

- Suffering and tragedies -

Francis' visit "bears religious, political, and humanitarian messages," said Father Shahe Ananyan, a cleric in the Armenian Apostolic Church, to which the vast majority of the country's population belong.

By visiting the Tsitsernakaberd genocide memorial on Saturday, "the pontiff makes it clear that he is steadfast in his position on the matter," Ananyan added.

"This is a message to the entire Catholic world, to those who didn't yet recognise the genocide. This will favour international recognition."

Over 13,000 people have booked tickets to attend the mass the pope will preside over in Gyumri with pilgrims from Lebanon and Georgia's Armenian-populated Javakheti region expected to be among them.

In an Armenian-rite mass at St Peter's basilica in April 2015, Francis said the massacres suffered by Armenians between 1915 and 1917 are "widely considered the first genocide of the 20th century".

Vatican officials have avoided using the term in the build-up to the visit and a copy of the pope's Friday speech distributed in advance did not contain the word.

In a video message to the Armenian people ahead of the trip, Francis said their history provoked pain and admiration.

"Admiration because you have found in Jesus's cross and in your spirit, the ability to always recover, including from suffering that has been among the worst humanity has experienced, pain for the tragedies that your fathers lived in the flesh."
Yerevan (AFP) - Pope Francis began a three-day visit to Armenia on Friday, just over a year after he enraged Turkey by using the term genocide to describe the mass killings of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire.

The pontiff's 14th overseas trip since his 2013 election is expected to see him highlight Vatican concern over instability, conflict and the plight of Christians in the war-torn Middle East, which has seen Armenia take in many refugees.

But his visit will also be closely followed in Ankara, which rejects the idea that a genocide took place during World War I and has accused international powers of using disputed history as a means of bullying Turkey.

On his way to Yerevan, Francis told reporters that Britain's decision to exit the European Union means Europe must bear "great responsibility" to ensure the well-being of its population.

"The people's will has been expressed," Francis said. "This requires of us great responsibility to ensure the well-being of the people of Great Britain, as well as well-being and coexistence of the whole European continent."

Highlights of the papal trip will include a visit to Armenia's main memorial to the 1915-17 killings, a meeting with members of the country's small Roman Catholic community and the release of two doves in the direction of Mount Ararat from the Khor Virap sanctuary near the border with Turkey.

The 5,160-metre (16,900-feet) high Mount Ararat was Armenian until 1915 and is now located inside Turkey. It features in the Bible as the place where Noah's Ark supposedly came to rest.

Francis is the second pope to visit Armenia since it re-emerged as an independent state from the ashes of the Soviet Union.

John Paul II went there in 2001 to attend celebrations marking 1,700 years of the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, which was the first country to have the faith as its state religion.

John Paul was also the first pope to recognise the slaughter of Armenians as genocide, although he did so only in writing.

Story continues

Francis pronounced the word during a mass at St Peter's last year, winning great praise from Armenians at the cost of infuriating Turkey, which withdrew its ambassador in protest.

- Suffering and tragedies -

Francis's visit "bears religious, political, and humanitarian messages," said Father Shahe Ananyan, a cleric in the Armenian Apostolic Church, to which the vast majority of the country's population belong.

By visiting the Tsitsernakaberd genocide memorial on Saturday, "the pontiff makes it clear that he is steadfast in his position on the matter," Ananyan added.

"This is a message to the entire Catholic world, to those who didn't yet recognise the genocide. This will favour international recognition."

Over 13,000 people have booked tickets to attend the mass the pope will preside over in Gyumri with pilgrims from Lebanon and Georgia's Armenian-populated Javakheti region expected to be among them.

In an Armenian-rite mass at St Peter's basilica in April 2015, Francis said the massacres suffered by Armenians between 1915 and 1917 are "widely considered the first genocide of the 20th century".

Vatican officials have avoided using the term in the build-up to the visit and it is unclear whether Francis will risk inflaming tensions with Turkey by doing so at any point.

In a video message to the Armenian people ahead of the trip, Francis said their history provoked pain and admiration.

"Admiration because you have found in Jesus's cross and in your spirit, the ability to always recover, including from suffering that has been among the worst humanity has experienced, pain for the tragedies that your fathers lived in the flesh."
By Philip Pullella and Margarita Antidze YEREVAN (Reuters) - Pope Francis departed from his prepared text on Friday to use the word "genocide" to describe the mass killings of Armenians in 1915, a description that infuriated Turkey when he said it a year ago. In an address to Armenia's president and the diplomatic corps, Francis used the Armenian term 'Metz Yeghern' (the great evil), but then added to his prepared text "that genocide" to refer to what he also called "the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century". There was no immediate reaction from Turkey, which last year recalled its ambassador to the Vatican after the pope used the 'genocide' term. The envoy was kept away for 10 months. Turkey accepts that many Christian Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces during World War One, but it contests the figures and denies that the killings were systematically orchestrated and constitute a genocide. It also says many Muslim Turks perished at that time. "There is no reason not to use this word in this case," Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told reporters. "The reality is clear and we never denied what the reality is." Lombardi said the pope felt is was important for people to "understand the lessons of the past" and that it often seemed that little was learned from them. He noted that the pope has in the past lamented that the killing of Armenians in 1915 was followed by the Stalinist purges in the Soviet Union in the 1930s, the Nazi attempt to exterminate the Jews, and more recently, the mass killings in the Balkans and the Great Lakes region of Africa. After Friday night's unscripted remarks, which delighted his Armenian hosts, there was great anticipation for what he would say on Saturday morning when he visits Tzitzernakaberd, the "Genocide Memorial and Museum" in Yerevan. (Reporting By Philip Pullella; Editing by Gareth Jones and Dominic Evans)
You may not be as misty-eyed as you were when your child left for the first day of school, but the day your teenager goes to his or her first day of work can be emotional, too. In fact, if the passage of time seems to be flashing by at an unreal speed, you may feel worse.

But now's not the time for soul-searching. For the moment, if your teenager is searching for employment, you'll want to be thinking about several issues to properly prepare your teenager -- and yourself -- for that first job.

[See: 10 Things They Don't Tell You About Your First Job.]

Don't assume it'll be easy to find work. You may remember it being easy to get a summer job. That could be your faulty memory at play, or maybe it was easier to find a summer job than it is now: Fewer teenagers have summer jobs these days, according to a 2015 report from the Pew Research Center. Teen employment has been tracked since 1948. The peak was 1978, when 58 percent of teenagers were employed during the summer. In more recent years, since the Great Recession, 30 percent of teenagers have had a summer job, according to Pew.

There are a lot of factors involved in the disappearance of summer jobs, from more schools starting before Labor Day (fewer days to work) to teenagers volunteering or taking unpaid internships to get a leg up on college applications.

The Pew report also noted that there are fewer low-skill, entry-level jobs available than in previous decades. Teen summer employment was hit hard after the last 2007-09 recession and never really recovered.

Lain Ehmann, a mother of two teenagers in Scottsdale, Arizona, says her kids have been discovering how challenging finding work can be.

"My daughter is legally able to work in Arizona, but most places won't hire someone under 16. It's been frustrating for her," she says.

Ehmann also observes that her teenagers "think they can apply for one job and get it. They really don't understand the idea of pounding the pavement and sending out multiple applications."

Story continues

Consider transportation options. Alejandra Pikulski, a mother and business owner in Jacksonville, Florida, says her daughter's first job was at Chipotle.

"The schedule was a nightmare, and let's just say that Uber made a lot of money out of her," Pikulski says.

Pikulski also drove her then 17-year-old daughter to and from work plenty of times. On the bright side, her daughter earned enough to buy a used car. But transportation is something you'll want to consider, especially if your child's work hours overlap with your own. Will helping your teenager with his or her job hurt yours?

[See: 10 Oddly Practical Things You Can Rent.]

Encourage your teen to ask questions during the job interview. Your child is going to have to get a job on his or her own, but you can help with preparation for job interviews. Encourage your teen to ask lots of questions during the process.

Joel Epstein, a father of three, says one of his sons is starting a paid internship in West Bloomfield, Michigan, this month, and he wishes his son had asked a few more questions during the job interview.

"My very bright, award-winning and college-bound teenager accepted a job without knowing the pay rate. He was too embarrassed to ask," Epstein says.

Think about work attire. Depending on the job, your teen may need to buy work clothes. Perhaps not, if the local grocery store or fast-food restaurant provides uniforms. But what if your teenager is working in an office? In any case, Romy Taormina, a business owner and mom of two teenagers in Pacific Grove, California, says her 16-year-old son, Coleman, is working as a lifeguard for two employers this summer, and she suggests finding out as early as possible if your child needs special clothes for the job.

"Go shopping with plenty of notice in case you can't find what you need locally and need to purchase items online and wait for them to arrive in the mail," she advises.

Taormina didn't quite run into this problem, but she almost did. As part of her son's work uniform, he needed a special hat with a lifeguard symbol on it. One of his employers provided a hat, but if it hadn't, she would have had to go shopping in a hurry.

This is a great teaching moment. Your teenager is about to learn a lot about working and the real world, even if you don't get involved in his or her job search.

But if you are one of those parents who to loves to pass on your collection of hard-earned parental pearls of wisdom, this is your chance. Especially if your teen is nervous about making a good impression, he or she may even be interested in listening to you. Maybe.

David Naylor, a management consultant in Rochester, New York, and father of two, shared these tips and many more with his 17-year-old son, Ben, when he began his first job this summer. (Actually, he's working two jobs: cooking at a McDonald's and busing tables at a local restaurant.)

[See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.]

Take initiative. "If there is nothing to do, find a broom and clean something," Naylor told his son.

Be a problem-solver. "Figure out what is the biggest problem your boss is having at work and help find a solution," Naylor advised.

Use your money wisely. Naylor suggested that his son use the rule of thirds. "Take one-third of your paycheck and put it in savings. Use one-third for your expenses, like gas, food, dates ... Take the final one-third and do or buy something fun with it."

Be punctual. Naylor told his son: "Ten minutes early means you're arriving on time."
History made. President Barack Obama named the LGBT landmark Stonewall Inn a national monument on Friday, June 24, the Associated Press reports. This is the first national monument to honor LGBTQ citizens.



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Located on Christopher Street in NYC's Greenwich Village, it is the site of the famed 1969 riots. Violence broke out when police raided the building, which ultimately launched the gay rights movement.



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"I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country: the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us. That we are stronger together, that out of many, we are one," POTUS, 54, said in a statement, via AP. "[It will] tell the story of our struggle for LGBT rights.

According to the site, video with photos of the Stonewall Inn will be displayed on billboards in Times Square on Saturday at noon. Fittingly, Sunday, June 26, marks the one-year anniversary since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in the United States. Additionally, it's pride weekend in NYC, and the pride parade will be held in Manhattan.

Obama's decision to honor the monument comes nearly two weeks after 29-year-old gunman Omar Mateen shot and killed 49 people and injured 53 others at the popular gay club Pulse in Orlando, Florida. The Commander in Chief addressed the tragedy from the White House briefing room on June 12.

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"We pray for their families, who are grasping for answers with broken hearts. We stand for the people of Orlando who have endured a terrible attack on their city," he said at the time. "[This is] especially heartbreaking day for our friends who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came together to be with friends, to dance and to sing and to live."

Gun control has continued to be a hot topic since the incident. On Thursday, House Democrats ended their more than 24-hour sit-in at the House of Representatives. They began protesting on Wednesday to demand a vote on gun-control legislation. According to USA Today, they promised to continue their efforts after Republicans return to the chamber from their prescheduled break.






UPDATE, 11:30 AM: Yesterdays vote speaks to the ongoing changes and challenges that are raised by globalization, President Barack Obama said today of Britains vote to exit the European Union. Speaking at a global entrepreneurship summit at Stanford University, Obama said he had spoken with Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss the votes repercussions in the rest of Europe. We agreed the United States and our European allies will work closely together in the weeks and months ahead, he said.

Obama said hed also spoken with now-outgoing British PM David Cameron, who he called an outstanding friend and partner on the global stage.

Based on our conversation, Im confident the UK is committed to an orderly transition out of the EU, he said. As Britains relationship with the EU changes, one thing that will not change, is the special relationship that exists between our two nations. That will endure, he insisted.

PREVIOUS, 7:33 AM: As the world reacts sharply to the news overnight that the UK has voted to leave the European Union, President Barack Obama issued a statement of support from the White House. It comes after an April trip to London in which he urged the U.S. strongest European ally to remain in the EU.

The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdoms membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy.

So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond. The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world.

Story continues

While in London, Obama said that Europe in the 21st century looks an awful lot better than in the 20th century, and I think a majority of Europeans recognize that. He also warned that a potential Brexit vote could harm the UKs trade status with the U.S., indicating that a trade agreement with the EU would be the States first priority, with the UK falling to the back of the line.

Whatever changes in the relationship between leaders of the U.S. and UK are, they will have to come with a new Prime Minister, after current PM David Cameron resigned early Friday in London after the vote became official. He too had been a staunch supporter of the Remain camp.

Obamas statement today came as U.S. stocks fell sharply in reaction to the shock vote. Virtually every company in the sector opened down on fears that the UK exit could further weaken currencies versus the U.S. dollar, and depress spending. Last year, the value of the Euro dropped 16%, while the British Pound fell 7%, versus the U.S. dollar.

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President Obama said on Friday that the recent Brexit vote in the United Kingdom to leave the European Union wont change the special relationship between the two nations.

During remarks that the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, Obama said he had recently spoken to British Prime Minister David Cameron, a strong supporter of remaining in the E.U., who said he would resign by the end of the year in the wake of the Brexit vote. Obama called Cameron an outstanding friend and partner and said he is confident the United Kingdom is committed to an orderly transition out of the European Union.

President Obama said the vote on Thursday was an indication of the ongoing changes and challenges raised by globalization, but the president said the vote will not have an impact on the U.S.s relationship with the U.K.

One thing that will not change is the special relationship between our two countries, Obama said Friday, adding that the U.K.s membership in NATO was also important.

The President, who also supported Britain remaining part of the E.U., has previously implied that America would be slow to sign a free trade agreement with the U.K. should it vote in favor of leaving the union.

There might be a U.K.-U.S. trade agreement, but its not going to happen anytime soon, Obama said in April, referring to a possible Brexit, adding that the U.K. would be pushed to the back of the queue on trade.

In a statement released by the White House earlier on Friday, Obama said the vote did not impact the U.S.s relationship with the European Union either.

The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world, the statement reads.

President Obama spoke at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Silicon Valley where he also sat in on a panel discussion with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and three entrepreneurs.
This past weekend, President Obama did something that no sitting president has done in over 50 years he went to Yosemite National Park.

Like many dads across the country, the president packed up his family and took them for a Fathers Day road trip (does flying in on Marine 1 count as a road trip?) to New Mexicos Carlsbad Caverns and Yosemite National Park to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

The last sitting president to visit Yosemite was John F. Kennedy, in 1962, according to NBC News.

The president used Yosemite as a backdrop for a speech calling for continuing efforts on conservation and preventing climate change, which he has said is the greatest threat facing future generations.

This park belongs to all of us, this planet belongs to all of us, it's the only one weve got. And we can't give lip service to that notion but then oppose the things required to protect it, he said. On this issue, unlike a lot of issues, there's such a thing as being too late.

The First Family spent the day hiking around Yosemite admiring the sequoias, rocky outcroppings, and waterfalls that inspired Ansel Adams.

You can't capture this on an iPad, or a flatscreen, or even an oil painting, Obama said in his speech. "You've got to come in and breathe it in here yourself."

Like every other vacationing dad, the president even posted some pictures on his Facebook page, where he wrote: They call the valley walls here at Yosemite 'cathedral walls,' and I understand why. Theres something sacred about this place. At places like this, we connect not just with ourselves, but with something bigger with the spirit of America itself.

Touting the administrations Every Kid in a Park project, which gives out free passes to National Parks to every fourth grader, the president wrote: We hope you'll join in the celebration of our nation's parks, forests, and cultural and historical sites. We want all Americans to 'Find Your Park' and spend a weekend or more in the great outdoors.

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LONDON  President Obama, who had urged British voters not to turn their backs on the European Union, said Friday that the U.S. would respect their decision to do so and that the special relationship across the Atlantic would continue.

Obama said that, despite their upcoming divorce, the U.S. would continue to regard both Britain and the E.U. as indispensable partners of the United States.

Britains membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization remained a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy, Obama said. He also commended the E.U. for promoting stability, prosperity and democratic values.

Still, Britains vote to leave the E.U. is a major disappointment to the White House. The U.S. has long regarded Britain, its closest ally, as a bridge to the rest of Europe and sees its usefulness as diminished if it is no longer a member of the E.U.

On a visit to London in April, Obama encouraged Britons to vote to remain in the trading bloc and warned that, if they left, their country would be sent to the back of the queue in terms of striking a new trade deal with the U.S. He said his first priority was to seal a trade pact with the E.U.

Although Obama is generally popular here, many Brits bristled at what they perceived as a foreign leader telling them what to do.

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June 24 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories from selected Canadian newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

THE GLOBE AND MAIL

** Penn West Petroleum Ltd believes a new rule that Alberta's oil and gas regulator has introduced will hamper the company's ability to sell assets - deals the company says are in the works and part of its transformation plan. (http://bit.ly/28PP1Ub)

** Ottawa is bringing other levels of government into its "deep dive" into Canada's housing sector, enlisting the provinces and municipalities with the country's two hottest markets to help it find solutions to the real estate conundrum. (http://bit.ly/28PPkhS)

** Raj Shoan is no longer a commissioner at Canada's telecom and broadcast regulator after more than a year of legal battles that have revealed deep tensions at the commission. (http://bit.ly/28PPlCH)

NATIONAL POST

** Bombardier Inc said it "strongly disagrees" with a decision by Moody's Investors Service to downgrade its debt rating on the same day that it secured a $1 billion investment from the Quebec government. (http://bit.ly/28PPtSA)

** Startup discount airline NewLeaf Travel Co Inc is taking another shot at getting off the ground with plans to offer flights to 12 Canadian cities beginning July 25. (http://bit.ly/28PPwxO)

** BlackBerry Ltd CEO John Chen is ignoring calls to exit the hardware business and betting the leaner smartphone segment will stop losing money by September, even as revenue from the company's software business surpassed dwindling smartphone revenue for the first time. (http://bit.ly/28PPqWZ)

(Compiled by Vishal Sridhar)
Maurice Levy 2008

At 11 last night Publicis Groupe CEO Maurice Levy went to bed comfortably certain Britain was going to vote to remain in the EU.

But when he awoke this morning at 4 he was "stunned" and unhappy to see that Britain had voted, by a slim 51.89% majority, to leave.

"I was stunned to the point that it did exactly feel as if I had no legs," Levy told Business Insider. "It was terrible news. It's terrible for the future of Europe, for the future of the UK, and I believe the UK will suffer more than Europe."

The Paris-based advertising CEO said he respects the "decision of the people" but regrets that people often get it wrong.

There's one possible positive effect: "What I'm hoping is that the Europeans will take this as a wake-up call and they will regroup and they will start to work on an enthusiastic project for the future and for the youth of the European people. I'm really hoping that this is what we will be seeing."

Markets went into turmoil after the referendum result was announced on Friday. The British pound fell to a 30-year low. Publicis Groupe's stock was down 4.9% at the time of this writing.

Levy is confident the Brexit won't have "much consequence" on his business, which has a large presence in the UK.

"We pay our salary, we pay the charges, we pay the costs in British pounds and we receive the revenue in British pounds, so it is limited only to the profit we are making in that country," Levy said. "The UK will have a currency which will be relatively low, so it will probably mitigate some of the consequence that they get because their product will be cheaper and they will be able to export. Therefore the economic crisis that people are expecting will probably not be that tough."

It will be "much tougher psychologically," Levy thinks, adding that the situation will be complicated in the long-run. To that effect, he immediately wrote a letter to his teams in the UK on Friday to reassure them that Publicis sees the UK as "a long-term investment, we are not there just to play games."

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Levy on Cameron: 'There are not words tough enough for his legacy'

David Cameron

British Prime Minister David Cameron  who had wanted the UK to remain in the EU but had nevertheless been the man to call the referendum  announced his resignation following the results on Friday.

Levy said: "The fact that Cameron has left is not really something interesting. He is responsible to history for what happened. History will judge him, and I think there are not words tough enough for his legacy."

Former London Mayor and leader of the Leave campaign Boris Johnson is the bookmaker's favorite to replace Cameron at No. 10 Downing St.

Levy isn't enthused: "I think that he has taken advantage of the fear regarding the problem of immigration and he was just making decisions and lying to the people  considering what Europe has given to the UK ... I don't believe he will [continue to benefit from this]. I think that Europe will be extremely tough and the benefit he is expecting will not be that easy to get."

Cannes and Publicis' new Paris tech expo is hoping to make an annual event like CES

Levy was speaking to us from the Cannes Lions advertising festival where he had just appeared on stage alongside UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell, Havas CEO Yannick Bollore, IPG CEO Michael Roth, Omnicom CEO John Wren, and Dentsu CEO Tadashi Ishii (via video).

Unprecedented: Bollore, Levy, Roth, Sorrell, Wren in person; Ishii via video share stage #canneslions pic.twitter.com/cSejJ02FZi  Noor Warsia (@NFWarsia) June 24, 2016

They were announcing that all of the "big six" holding companies were launching a joint advert sing initiative to help raise awareness of the UN's 17 sustainable development goals.

Levy said: "We had a ceasefire for a few hours and we got together ... there was Bollore, Roth, Sorrell, Wren, and myself on stage and no-one was trying to show off that he is more clever, more intelligent, no-one was nasty, and everyone was really working positively and constructively on helping the UN."

Next week, once Cannes is over, Publicis Groupe is opening its inaugural Viva Technology Paris expo event, which will include speakers such as Alphabet chairman Eric Schmidt and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales.

Publicis will also announce the winners of investment from its "Publicis 90" startup fund and mentorship program.

Levy said Publicis has invested 10 million euros in the fund and 10 million euros in the event and that the company hopes to break even. The ad-agency holding group has also called on partners and media companies to match each investment, which will range between 10,000 euros and 500,000 euros.

"The success that we are seeing [with Viva Technology] happening is such that people are already asking: 'When is the next one?' We will review and we will have another meeting and hopefully it will become a yearly one. We will see," Levy said.

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June 24 (Reuters) - Qualcomm Inc has filed a complaint in a Chinese court against smartphone maker Meizu Technology Co after the tech giant said it was unable to reach a licensing accord with one of the top 10 handset suppliers in its biggest market.

The filing by San Diego-based Qualcomm, submitted to the Beijing Intellectual Property Court on Friday, is the first legal action by Qualcomm as it seeks to uphold terms of its landmark 2015 anti-trust settlement with China's economic policy panel, the National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC). Qualcomm agreed to pay a fine of $975 million in the settlement, the largest in China's corporate history.

The complaint against Meizu asks the court to affirm that Qualcomm's terms for a patent license agreement complies with China's anti-monopoly law and the company's fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory licensing obligations under its 2015 remediation agreement with the NDRC, the company said.

Reuters could not immediately contact officials at Meizu for comment.

Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm's general counsel, said in a telephone interview that the firm has negotiated extensively and in good faith with Meizu to sign a patent license agreement consistent with the terms of the rectification plan submitted by Qualcomm to, and accepted by the NDRC.

"There's no question that Qualcomm's intellectual property has been used and we have not been properly paid," Rosenberg said. He said Qualcomm was not focused on damages, but on leveling the playing field for everyone in China.

Meizu, located in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, was China's eighth-biggest smartphone maker in 2015, shipping 24.82 million devices for the year, according to IDC data.

China is Qualcomm's most important market, making up 53 percent of global revenue of $25.28 billion for the fiscal year ended Sept. 27, with a large chunk of profit coming from higher-margin royalties earned from the company's licensing arm.

As part of its 2015 settlement with the NRDC, Qualcomm agreed to a plan that modified its business practices in China.

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The company has since signed more than 100 Chinese handset manufacturers to licensing agreements under the new terms, but has said it continues to struggle with a handful of key original equipment manufacturers.

"We remain in active discussions with the few key Chinese OEMs that have not yet signed and believe we are making progress in those discussions," Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf said on a telephone conference call in April.

Qualcomm has also been seeking to deepen its presence in the Chinese market by transferring technology and investing in next-generation chip manufacturing.

(Reporting by Matthew Miller; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
QUALCOMM Incorporated QCOM, the worlds leading mobile chipset manufacturer, has filed a lawsuit against smartphone maker, Meizu, in China over the payment of licensing fees. In 2015, the company had inked agreement with the Chinese government for charging Chinese companies for the use of its intellectual properties (IP). The lawsuit is intended to be a litmus test of the implementation of the agreement by Chinese authorities.

According to Qualcomm, as many as 100 Chinese companies had agreed to pay licensing fees, with the exception of Meizu. By using Qualcomms technology without a license, Meizu could hamper its competitive edge in the country, as licensees will incur higher costs of manufacturing smartphones. Moreover, technology licensing fees comprise a major chunk of revenues for Qualcomm. Should the Chinese authorities fail to enforce the licensing agreement properly, the trend of non payment of these fees may spill over to other licensees, which will hurt Qualcomms top line, going forward.

Other Competitive Pressures

For long, Qualcomm has operated as the undisputed leader in the mobile chipset space. However, in recent times, the company has been facing challenges from low-cost chip manufacturers like MediaTek and Rockchip as well as handset manufacturers SoC (System on Chip) projects, such as Exynos by Samsung. Likewise, manufacturers like Sony Corp. SNE have been increasingly adopting MediaTeks SoC for their product lines, bringing in desperate times for Qualcomm. Reflecting this trend, Qualcomms chip-making revenues fell 22% on a year-over-year basis in 2015 due to a 10% drop in shipments. Further, the company is anticipating a 13% decline in shipments this quarter.

Meanwhile, there have also been reports that Cupertino, CL-based Apple Inc. AAPL is contemplating over choosing Intel Corporation INTC for LTE modems for its next line of iPhones.

Qualcomm currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

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The Queen will have to keep calm and carry on now that the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said to FOXBusiness.com that the Palace will not be commenting on or releasing any statement related to Brexit.

In the months leading up to the referendum, it was widely rumored that the Queen was not in favor of Brexit. As well, her grandson, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William said in a speech that in an increasingly turbulent world, our ability to unite in common action with other nations is essential, which many interpreted as his support for staying in the EU. Kensington Palace denied that this was the case.

Still, the monarchy remains politically neutral. The royal family is so neutral that they refrain from voting even in prime minister elections.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who announced that he will resign in a press conference, spoke to the Queen on Friday morning to advise her of the steps he will be taking.

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Thank you. Hello everybody. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Everybody have a seat. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much. That is a good-looking group. Thank you. Well, first of all, let me thank President Hennessy for the introduction and the entire Stanford family for letting us take over the campus for a few days. As some of you know, John is stepping down after 16 years as president of Stanford.

Fortunately for me, I cannot do that, to just stick around longer than my term limit. John, Im sure there are some people who want you to stick around longer, but Ive  Im confident that youre going to do extraordinary things and we could not be prouder of John Hennessy and Stanford and all the great work that they have done.

So please give him a big round of applause.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, summer break  just so all of you, Stanford is not always this quiet. This school is unique. Folks ride on bicycles everywhere and athletes are also computer engineers. This is the place that made nerd cool. So

(APPLAUSE)

So we are thrilled to be here. I know that I am not the first speaker that youve heard from, but many of you have traveled here from a long ways. Weve got more than 170 countries from every region in the world represented. Some of you, this is the first time you are visiting our country. So let me just say on behalf of the American people, not only welcome to our Global Entrepreneurship Summit, but welcome to the United States of America. We are glad to have you.

(APPLAUSE)

I am not going to give a long speech because what I really want to do is have a conversation with some outstanding young people who are part of our panel and were going to introduce in a moment. But I do want to begin by offering some opening thoughts about the time in which we gather here today. And Im going to start with the British peoples decision to leave the European Union, the vote that took place yesterday.

Just a few  a few hours ago, I spoke with Prime Minister David Cameron. David has been an outstanding friend and partner on the global stage, and based on our conversation, Im confident that the U.K. is committed to an orderly transition out of the E.U. We agreed that our economic and financial teams will remain in close contact as we stay focused on ensuring economic growth and financial stability.

I then spoke to Chancellor Merkel of Germany and we agreed that the United States and our European allies will work closely together in the weeks and months ahead.

I do think that yesterdays vote speaks to the ongoing changes and challenges that are raised by globalization. But while the U.K.s relationship with the E.U. will change, one thing that will not change is the special relationship that exists between our two nations. That will endure. The E.U. will remain one of our indispensable partners. Our NATO alliance will remain a cornerstone of global security, and in a few weeks, well be meeting in Warsaw for the NATO Summit. And our shared values, including our commitment to democracy and pluralism and opportunity for all people in a globalized world. That will continue to unite all of us. And that is the work that brings us here today.

OBAMA: The world has shrunk. It is interconnected; all of you represent that interconnection. Many of you are catalyzing it and accelerating it. It promises to bring extraordinary benefits.

But it also has challenges. And it also evokes concerns and fears. And so, part of why this Global Entrepreneurship Summit has been so close to my heart, something that Ive been so committed to, is because I believe all of you represent all the upside of an interconnected world  all the optimism, and the hope and the opportunity that that interconnected world represents.

But its also important in these discussions to find the ways in which we are expanding and broadening the benefits of that interconnection to more and more people. And thats what so many of you are going.

You know, were gathered here at Stanford in the heart of Silicon Valley, which is one of the great hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship not just for America, but for the world. This is a place that celebrates our ability as human beings to discover, and learn and to build, and question, to reimagine, to create new ways to connect and work with each other.

Its where two guys in a garage, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, launched a global company; where student projects became Yahoo and Google. Those were really good student projects.

(LAUGHTER)

My student projects werent as good.

(LAUGHTER)

Its where entrepreneurs, like so many of you, get an idea, and you build a team and you work to turn into a reality, and you launch products and companies and entire industries that transform the world.

Thats the power of entrepreneurship. And its never been more important. In todays world, where our economies have undergone dramatic shifts, where businesses dont stop at borders, where technology and automation have transformed virtually every industry and changed how people organize and work, entrepreneurship remains the engine of growth  that ability to turn that idea into a reality, a new venture, a small business that creates good-paying jobs.

It puts rising economies on the path to prosperity and empowers people to come together and tackle our most pressing global problems, from climate change to poverty.

When people can start their own businesses, it helps individuals and families succeed. It can make whole communities more prosperous and more secure. It offers a positive path for young people seeking the chance to make something of themselves, and can empower people who have previously been locked out of the existing social order  women and minorities, others who arent part of the old boys network. Give them a chance to contribute and to lead.

And it can create a culture where innovation and creativity are valued, where we dont just look at the way things have always been, but rather say, how could things be? Why not? Lets make something new.

This spirit speaks to something deep inside of all of us. No matter who we are, what we look like, where we come from, you look out across this auditorium, youre all of different backgrounds, and cultures, and races and religions. Some of you are from teeming cities, other of you are  are working in small, rural villages.

But you had that same spark, that same creative energy, to come up with innovative solutions to old challenges. And entrepreneurship is what gives people like you a chance to fulfill your own dreams and create something bigger than yourselves.

We live in a time when more than half the world is under the age of 30. And that means weve got to make sure that all of our young people around the world have the tools they need to start new ventures, and to create the jobs of the 21st century and to help lift up entire populations.

OBAMA: And so many of you are already doing this. As I travel around the world, one of the extraordinary things that I had the opportunity to do is to meet young people in every region, and to see the problem solving and the energy and optimism that theyre bringing to everything, from how to generate electricity in environmentally sound ways in remote places that are off the grid right now, to how do you employ women in remote areas who all too often have been locked out of opportunity.

You just see enormous creativity waiting to be tapped. And part of our job, part of this summits job, is to make sure that were put more tools, more resources into the hands of these folks who are changing the world and making sure that all of you know each other, so that you can share best practices and ideas and spread the word.

Now, I know that the daily reality is not always as romantic as all this. Turns out that starting your own business is not easy. You have to have access to capital, you have to meet the right people, you have to have mentors who can guide you as you get your idea off the ground. And that can be especially difficult for women and young people and minorities and others who havent always had the same access to networks and opportunities.

You deserve the same chance to succeed as everybody else. Weve got to make sure that everybody has a fair shot to reach their potential. We cant leave more than half the team on the bench. Thats why weve invested so much time and effort to make sure that America is helping to empower entrepreneurs like you.

So we held our first summit back in 2010. Since then, weve brought entrepreneurs like you together in Turkey and the Emirates and Malaysia, Morocco, Kenya, and all told, weve helped more than 17,000 entrepreneurs and innovators connect with each other, access capital, find partners and start new ventures, 17,000.

(APPLAUSE)

I think of the Tanzanian startup that helps farmers reduce their harvest losses or the company in Nepal thats helping to improve charity (ph) healthcare. There are 11 Cubans who are today, the first Cubans to join us in one of these summits.

(APPLAUSE)

Hola. Mucho gusto. Theyre ready to help create new opportunities for the Cuban people. Where are they? There they are. (APPLAUSE)

I want to thank Antonio Gracias, a leader in private equity and one of our presidential ambassadors for global entrepreneurship, because his support was critical in bringing these young Cuban entrepreneurs here. So thats deserving of a hand.

(APPLAUSE)

Im also pleased to announce that we have a new group of business leaders signing on as entrepreneurship ambassadors. This is something that we started as part of the summit and they have put their time, energy, effort, and in some cases, their money behind entrepreneurs around the world. So our new ambassadors; Sara Blakely, CEO of Spanx.

(APPLAUSE)

Jane Wurwand, CEO of Dermalogica.

(APPLAUSE)

Stephen Jurvetson, partner at Draper Fisher Jurvetson. And

(APPLAUSE)

Patrick Collison, CEO of Stripe.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, supporting entrepreneurs isnt just something we do around the world, its also a key part of how we create jobs and fuel innovation here in the United States. Thats why were working with communities to streamline the process for launching a company. Startup in a day. Thats why were expanding Innovation Corps, our program to equip more scientists and engineers with entrepreneurial skills.

And its why at this summit dozens of top tech companies, from giants to startups, are committing to make their technology work forces look like America, including by publishing data on diversity each year and developing the tech talent of people from all backgrounds. Were very happy for the commitments that theyve made, so give them a big round of applause for that.

(APPLAUSE)

OBAMA: Here at this summit, were also building on our progress with new commitments from government and business and philanthropists. So at last years Paris climate talks, for example, Bill Gates and other top global investors committed to partnering with governments in cutting edge, clean energy solutions.

Today, were launching an initiative to connect some of these global investors and others with clean energy entrepreneurs from developing countries. Were also announcing the Young Trans-Atlantic Innovation and Leaders Initiative, which will bring 200 of Europes innovators to the United States each year to develop their skills.

(APPLAUSE)

And weve got organizations like Endeavor which supports entrepreneurs starting a $100 million fund to invest in companies across Latin America, and the Middle East, in Africa, and Southeast- Asia.

(APPLAUSE)

Investment firms like Capria Ventures, which will help fund international startups. So, these are just a handful of the commitments, and I suspect new ventures that are going to come out of this years summit.

So, all of you budding entrepreneurs, dont be shy while youre here. Talk to the experts, and make your pitch, network with potential investors. Find that mentor who might help you navigate through a tough patch, connect with your fellow innovators. Because ultimately, the world needs your creativity, and your energy and your vision. You are going to be what helps this process of global integration work in a way that is good for everyone and not just some.

Ive spoken about this before. I believe we are better off in a world in which we are trading, and networking, and communicating and sharing ideas. But that also means that cultures are colliding, and sometimes its disruptive and people get worried.

Youre the bridge, youre the glue  particularly the young people who are here, who can help lead toward a more peaceful and more prosperous future that provides opportunity for everybody. And because this is about more than just this one event, or for that matter, this one president, were going to make sure that the United States continues to help developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

We are very proud to announce that next years Global Entrepreneurship Summit will be hosted in India.

(APPLAUSE)

Got the Indian contingent in the house. Im  you know, Ill try to stop by, if Im invited.

(LAUGHTER)

But the point is, I believe in you and America believes in you. And we believe that you have the talent, and the skills and the ambition not just to pursue your dreams, but to realize them, that you can lift up not just your own families, but communities and countries, and create opportunity and prosperity and hope for decades to come. Thats the promise that we see in all of you.

And that is the promise that we see in our outstanding panelists that youre going to hear from. Mia Medot (ph) of Egypt who is a software engineer who started a company called Eventis, which is a one-stop online shop for people who organize events.

Jean Bosco Nzeyimana of Rwanda, who is the founder and CEO Of Habona Ltd., a company that uses biomass and waste to develop eco- friendly fuels that are used in rural Africa.

(LAUGHTER)

Mariana Costa Checa (ph), of Peru. Mariana is the founder over Laboratoria, which gives young women from low-income backgrounds the education and tools they need to work in the digital sector.

(APPLAUSE)

And if that lineup is not enough, you also see it in a guy that you may have heard of, who has done pretty well for himself, the founder and CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg.

Theyre the real experts, lets welcome them on stage, and well start having a conversation with them.

Thank you.
As the official death toll from Thursdays tornado and hailstorm in eastern China rises to 98, with more than 800 injured, rescue workers continue to pick through rubble for survivors amid questions over whether building regulations were adequate and properly enforced.

At around 2:30 pm local time, the city of Yancheng, in Jiangsu province some 300 km north of Shanghai, was buffeted by winds of up to 125 km/h (78 m.p.h.), uprooting trees, flinging cars through the air and causing dozens of buildings to collapse.

Videos posted online showed bodies lying by the side of roads, the injured being transported to overflowing hospitals in pickup trucks and stunned survivors picking through the remains of their devastated homes. More than 200 people remain in critical condition, according to state news wire Xinhua.

I heard the strong wind and ran upstairs to shut the windows, Xie Litian, 62, told Xinhua. I had hardly reached the top of the stairs when I heard a boom and saw the entire wall with the windows on it torn away.

President Xi Jinping, currently on a state visit to Uzbekistan, called for the speedy resettlement of victims as well as the strengthening of meteorological monitoring and geological disaster assessment. Chinese state media described the tornado as the nations worst for half a century.

Nevertheless, the scale of destruction has shocked many. Although tornados are rare in China, there have been 36 deemed serious in Jiangsu province from 1961 to 2010  the highest frequency in the country.

Each municipality in China has its own version of the national Load Code for the Design of Building Structures ordinance based on data from the local meteorological bureau. However, these typically only cover more frequent extreme weather phenomena such as typhoons. Following this disaster, questions will be raised about whether Jiangsus regulations should be enhanced, and whether current rules were followed at all.

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New buildings generally implement these regulations, one academic who specializes in structural engineering and disaster reduction tells TIME, asking to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the subject. However, there are also many old buildings without any safety design, especially in the villages.

According to environmental campaign group Greenpeace, the tornado substantially damaged a hazardous chemical storage warehouse that stored large quantities of hazardous chemicals, including hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen chloride, ammonia and sulphuric acid and nitric acid. The group warned the release of these chemicals could pose significant risk to public health and the local ecosystem.

More than 1,300 police officers have been assisting with rescue efforts, while emergency supplies have been have been dispatched from Beijing. The densely populated area of Jiangsu province affected is known for textile factories and rice farming. Hailstorms accompanying the tornado also caused destruction to homes, shops and commercial buildings.

 With reporting by Zhang Chi / Beijing
By Marilynn Larkin New guidelines for doctors will help them treat migraine headaches that are severe enough to bring patients to the emergency department. According to the guidelines, emergency physicians should avoid injecting migraine patients with morphine or morphine-like drugs, known as opioids. Instead, they should use one of two other intravenous drugs or an injection of sumatriptan. These are the first-ever guidelines for managing migraine in the emergency department (ED), Dr. Mia Minen of NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, told Reuters Health by email. The guidelines were needed, she said, because over 25 different medications are used to treat migraine in the ED, some of which dont have good data to support their use. In addition, she said, despite their known problems, opioids are administered in up to 60-70 percent of migraine visits. At the request of the American Headache Society, Minen and colleagues set out to develop evidence-based recommendations. Searching large databases and clinical trial registries, they found 68 randomized controlled trials testing 28 injectable medications. This kind of trial is considered the gold-standard for medical research. Still, the research team reported in the journal Headache, only 19 of the studies were at low risk of bias. Twenty-eight were at very high risk of bias, which would make their results less reliable. Based on effectiveness, side effects, and other factors, the research team recommended that one of three drugs be tried first - metoclopramide, prochlorperazine, or sumatriptan  because each had solid data to support its use. The corticosteroid dexamethasone was helpful at keeping the headache from coming back, they found. All other medications had lower levels of evidence. Injectable morphine and hydromorphone are best avoided as first-line therapy, according to the guidelines, because theres not much evidence that theyre effective and because it can be risky to take them for extended periods. Minen said the sumatriptan recommendation is especially important because patients can get a prescription as theyre leaving the ED. If it works in the ED, patients can try it at home the next time an attack occurs, which will hopefully prevent additional ED visits for migraine, she said. When appropriate, dexamethasone can also be prescribed to prevent a recurrence, she said. Minen stressed that the ED doctor and the patients primary care doctor should communicate in case any issues arise as a result of treatment and to determine whether preventive treatment would help. Dr. Lauren Doyle Strauss of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told Reuters Health by email that the release of the guidelines is very exciting because until now the approach to migraine treatment has been varied and not standardized, which can lead to inadequate relief and recurrence of headache after going home, which can be frustrating. If you suffer from migraines, she advised, it is important to talk with your doctor about your migraine action plan and which medications are best for you in the emergency room." SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2953xqM and http://bit.ly/28WmaPX Headache, online June 14, 2016.
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It's not always easy to fire family. But it's easier when that family is leaving insults on customers' receipts.

At the All Stars Bar & Grill in Warwick, Rhode Island, customer Dillon Arnold was on the patio as he got his bill, when he noticed that the waiter had entered in his name as "Fatty" on the receipt.

SEE ALSO: Restaurant customer accidentally stiffs on tip, mails it to server a week later

Needless to say, he was not pleased, and posted the receipt on his Facebook account to express his frustration (he has since removed the post).



Owner Tony Ambrosio told local news station WJAR that upon learning the rude waiter in question was his son, he fired him on the spot. He added that his son is no longer allowed on restaurant property.

Image: Facebook

"I'll never go to All Stars on Airport Road again. I usually don't care, but this bs got me offended," Arnold's post had read. "[The server] legit id me as 'fatty' then he wouldn't admit it. They lost mine and my friends [sic] business."

WJAR also reported that Ambrosio offered a full apology on their Facebook page, but it doesn't appear to be there anymore. The restaurant commented on a separate post to say the son also posted an apology for the incident, but deactivated his Facebook account after getting threats.

[H/T: Uproxx]
The point of a disaster epic/alien-invasion hybrid like Roland Emmerichs Independence Day: Resurgence is to give audiences permission to sit back, turn off their brains for a few hours and just feel the noize. But this follow-up to Emmerichs 1996 box-office powerhouse Independence Day is so dumb that it actually forces you to thinktheres almost no other way to stay awake. Why have ostensibly intelligent actors agreed to deliver lines like Theyre going for our molten core, Im coming back. I promise, and, my personal favorite, Someone call a medical team? How come we sometimes see an alien creature or twotheyre your generic moist, spindly, lizardlike things, led by a giant, all-powerful matriarch known as a harvester queenand other times there are none in sight? Why does this movie have no sense of geography? One minute the movies fighter-pilot heroes are buzzing around the environs of the moon, the next theyre sort of doodling around the Atlantic Ocean or near Washington. In the movies universe, Earthlings have supposedly harnessed alien technology in the 20 years since these surly beasties first invaded. But really, alien technology has only made us dumber.

You can forgive Independence Day: Resurgence for being ridiculousits predecessor was too. But you cant forgive it for being boring. In 1996, director Emmerich ushered in the era of the modern disaster spectacle. Now hes just raking over its bones, looking for more explosive ways to grab our attention. Everything in Independence Day: Resurgence is so big that nothing has any meaning, or any weight. All you need to know about the plot is that the alien presence we supposedly vanquished 20 years ago has once again reared its ugly head. Mayhem and mass destruction follow. As you may have seen in the movies trailer, Londons Tower Bridge falls down, but it happens so fast that you barely get time to relish it (if, in fact, you relish that sort of thing). When the Big Kahuna alien ship descends upon the Atlantic Ocean, it does so in a big gray cloud lit through with orange flames, kind of like a giant charcoal briquette. Its just not that exciting. The skyscraper-size harvester queen, with her broad forehead, saliva-slicked jaws and spidery limbs, looks like just about every other alien weve seen since H.R. Giger designed the mother of them all for Ridley Scott in 1979.

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And what is Charlotte Gainsbourg, so gloriously soft-spoken and ultra-cool, doing in the middle of all this? The movie barely makes room for her. Much of the original cast (Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Brent Spiner) has returned, with young actors (Liam Hemsworth, Jessie T. Usher, Maika Monroe) dotting the margins. The idea, probably, is to get multiple generations of moviegoers out to the cinemaplex, but theres little these humans can do to breathe life into this brain-dead behemoth of a movie.

Independence Day: Resurgence works hard to seem progressive. Spiners character, alien researcher Dr. Brakush Owen, has been in a coma for 7,300 days; his co-worker, Dr. Isaacs (John Storey), has cared for him, devotedly, the whole time, and though the nature of their union isnt explored as deftly as it might have been, at least that relationship is there. Then theres the usual device of the feisty woman warriorin this case, Monroes Patricia Whitmore, the daughter of Pullmans ex-prez Whitmore, who brought down the aliens the first time aroundgetting the chance to show she can shoot down space creatures as well as the guys can. Maybe some of us would complain if that dynamic didnt even surface in Independence Day: Resurgencebut its of no consequence anyway. Monroes scenes dont matter any more or less than anything else in the movie.

Goldblum manages to rise above the proceedings via his invisible jetpack of dry witthank God for that. The only newcomer who emerges unscathed is Gainsbourg, who glides through this mess with Zen equanimityeven as chaos reigns, she keeps her cool. And once in a while, the movie jolts itself out of its bombastic blandness with a silly, clever touch, like a vending machine that dispenses cartons of Moon Milk. What is Moon Milk? What does it taste like? Does it come from moon cowsperhaps a colony descended from a certain adventurous bovine who tried to jump over the you-know-what and fell short of the mark? If you, like me, have questions about Moon Milk, you wont find the answers in Independence Day: Resurgence. But at least youll have something to think about while youre watching stuff get blowed upeven if its not, in the immortal words of SCTVs Billy Sol Hurok, getting blowed up real good.
Songstress Rihanna seems to have added a theme song for upcoming blockbuster "Star Trek Beyond" to her growing list of musical feats, with Twitter account @PopCrave spotting an iTunes promo highlighting her new tune.

The song, titled "Sledgehammer" is expected to appear on the soundtrack for the sci-fi film, which is due to be released in theaters on July 22.

The news comes as Rihanna kicks off the UK leg of her "Anti World Tour" Friday night at London's Wembley Stadium, with further show dates lined up in Coventry, Glasgow and Manchester.

"Star Trek Beyond" stars Idris Elba as the movie's main villain, alongside franchise regulars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Simon Pegg, who has co-written the script (via NME).
From Cosmopolitan

Earlier this month, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson told British GQ that he hasn't ruled out a second career as a politician, because after directing, politics is the second-most popular thing actors really want to do. This led to an opinion piece in the Washington Post about how he could actually win if he ran, which no longer seems like a crazy thing to say in this era of "Donald Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee." The Rock saw this piece, and in an Instagram post Wednesday, explained his political interests in a little more detail.

"I care DEEPLY about our country," he wrote, noting that the Post's writer had done a fair amount of research on him. "The idea of one day becoming President to create real positive impact and global change is very alluring. Buuuuut until that possible day, the most important thing right now is strong honest leadership from our current and future leaders of this country." Look how diplomatic he already is! And as an added bonus, just think of all the photos he'll Instagram of first dog Hobbs frolicking on the White House lawn. He's got this politician thing in the bag.

Follow Eliza on Twitter.
From Popular Mechanics

There's no icebreaker like a nuclear icebreaker, and last week Russia launched its biggest yet: the 567-foot, 33,500-ton Arktika. It is no coincidence that the giant ship has been unveiled just as Russia plans to extend its influence in the Arctic region.

The Arktika, launched in St Petersberg, is the first of a new class of ships known as Type LK-60YA, ordered by Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom (eventually there will be three vessels). Its task will be to smash a path through the ice of the Northern Sea Route. Raw power counts for a lot in icebreaking, and by bringing 80,000 hp (60 megawatts) to bear, Arktika will be able to break through floating ice almost ten feet thick. The icebreaker will lead convoys along a route that otherwise would be impassable.

"There are no icebreakers equivalent to Arktika anywhere in the world," Rosatom CEO Sergey Kirienko said at the launching ceremony. He went on to claim that it is more advanced than anything afloat. "The icebreaker Arktika means real new opportunities for our country."

Back in 2011, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the Northern Sea Route could become more important than the Suez Canal for world trade, as it offers a short passage from Europe to the Asian Pacific. The first ships to ply this passageway may be LNG (liquified natural gas) carriers transporting Russian gas to Eastern markets. New icebreakers will play a key role in this expansion.

The previous nuclear-powered icebreaker Arktika, which retired in 2008, displaced just 23,000 tons. So the new generation is almost 50 percent bigger. Russia currently has six nuclear icebreakers in operation as well as more than 30 diesel vessels. Here you can see the Russian ship 50 Let Pobody (the name means "50 years of victory") breaking some serious ice:

The US currently has three icebreakers operated by the Coast Guard. These are non-nuclear, and much smaller than the Russian vessels-they weigh in at 13,000 tons and have a quarter of the power of the Arktika. Even so, the Polar Star can force a passage through ice more than six feet thick. Yet the disparity has some commentators worried about an "icebreaker gap" that would give the Russians an advantage in the Arctic.

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"We're not even in the same league as Russia right now," Coast Guard Commandant Paul F. Zukunft told Newsweek in 2015. The concern is that the Russians will be better placed to exploit gas and oil deposits on the Actic seabed, an area Russia has been seeking to claim as her own.

President Obama has accelerated plans for another Coast Guard icebreaker to be delivered in 2020. According to the Coast Guard, a second new heavy icebreaker will be needed "to ensure continued access to both polar regions and support the country's economic, commercial, maritime and national security needs." The ships cost about a billion dollars each, though, which is not easy to find in the current economic climate.

Arktika will now have her reactors installed, and the ship will be completed in 2017. Her sister ships, Siberia and Urals will follow in 2018 and 2020.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian investigators detained the governor of the Kirov region on Friday, saying they had caught him accepting a bribe in a Moscow restaurant. The governor, Nikita Belykh, has been critical of the Kremlin and was formerly leader of a party, the Union of Rightist Forces. A spokesman for the Investigative Committee said in a statement Belykh was accused of taking a bribe of 400,000 euros ($444,240) and that a criminal case had been opened. Vladimir Markin, the spokesman, denied there was any political subtext to Belykh's detention. Investigators published a photograph on their website of Belykh sitting at a table on which piles of green 100-euro notes were laid out. Russian news agencies reported that Belykh was taken by investigators for questioning. Belykh's press service was not immediately available for comment. Three months from a parliamentary election and with an economic crisis raging, Kremlin critics say Russian officials are keen to keep opponents in check. (Reporting by Alexander Winning, Dmitry Solovyov and Maria Tsvetkova; editing by Andrew Roche)
MOSCOW, June 24 (Reuters) - Negative consequences for the Russian economy from Britain's decision to leave the European Union will be limited, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in a statement on Friday.

"The task for Russian economic policy is to be ready for negative scenarios in global economic development, which means it is necessary to use conservative premises when planning."

"For Russia, (Brexit) means first of all a fall in oil prices, a weakening of the rouble and increased volatility on financial markets ... but this volatility is less than that we have experienced, so the influence on domestic economic dynamics will be limited." (Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya; writing by Katya Golubkova/Dmitry Solovyov; editing by Jack Stubbs)
By Susan Cornwell WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives said on Friday they would advance legislation next year to chop individual and corporate U.S. tax rates. The tax plan, unveiled by House Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republican lawmakers at the U.S. Capitol, is the sixth and final plank of a conservative policy agenda being rolled out in an effort to unify Republicans after a divisive primary campaign for the party's presidential nominee. Ryan, the highest-ranking elected Republican, said the proposal would provide a clear direction for U.S. economic leadership and was needed amid global uncertainty that was exemplified by the British vote to leave the European Union. "For all of these moments of possible uncertainty that are happening around the globe, having strong, powerful, confident, American economic leadership is in need, and this does that," he said. Washington has been unable to summon the political will to reform the loophole-riddled tax code for nearly three decades. Overhauling the code has long been a goal of Ryan, a self-described policy wonk. He was considered the Republican Party's leading voice on taxes and budgets before he ascended to the job of speaker last year. But the labor powerhouse AFL-CIO scorned the Republican blueprint as similar to a tax-cutting proposal made last year by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who Ryan recently endorsed. Ryan and Trump "have striking resemblance - both tax plans benefit the wealthy & corps a lot," the AFL-CIO said on Twitter. Trump's ideas about taxes have appeared contradictory at times. He said in May he is open to raising taxes on the rich, backing off prior proposals to reduce taxes on all Americans and corporations by slashing rates even more deeply than Ryan and House Republicans would. Democrats, including presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton, have pressed for increased taxes on the wealthiest Americans for years. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi criticized the Republican plan as "massive tax giveaways to millionaires and billionaires on the backs of hard-working American families." The plan would consolidate the current seven tax brackets for individuals to three, and lower the top individual income tax rate from 39.6 percent to 33 percent, higher than the 25 percent that Ryan proposed when he chaired the House Budget Committee. Ryan said the goal was to make things so simple the average American could do their taxes on a postcard. The plan would lead to a maximum tax rate of 25 percent on small business income. It would also lower the top U.S. corporate tax rate from 35 percent, the highest in the industrialized world, to 20 percent, as well as shift to a "territorial" style tax system aimed at exempting the earnings of American companies abroad from U.S. taxation. The blueprint also calls for overhauling the tax-collecting Internal Revenue Service, an idea that animates many conservatives who have called for its abolition. (Reporting by Susan Cornwell; Editing by Susan Heavey and Jeffrey Benkoe)
Just hours after Democrats ended their sit-in on the floor of the House of Representatives, two of those who participated were greeted with applause at an AFI Docs screening of Newtown.

The documentary, from director Kim A. Snyder and producer Maria Cuomo Cole, is an intensely personal look at how the families of the victims and survivors of the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School have grieved and grappled with the horrific tragedy.

We are going to deal with guns and not be frightened anymore, Rep. Nita Lowey (D-New York) told the audience gathered at the Newseum.

Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), who in the aftermath of the Orlando shootings walked out of a congressional moment of silence to protest inaction on gun control, said that we cant lose track of the fact that those who would have us slow down in addressing the disease that besets this country want to set it up as, mental health or guns, ISIS or guns, homophobia or guns. The reality is it is all those things, and guns.

He said that the trouble he has with Congresss seven-second moments of silence is that it is merely a brief stop in the day that can be an excuse for not taking meaningful action. The moment of silence, he said, honors nobody.

It is emblematic of an utter neglect of duty on all our parts, he said.

Twenty school children and six educators were killed in the mass shooting. In the aftermath, President Barack Obama ordered a series of meetings and recommendations for action to address gun violence, but Congress blocked legislation several months later to expand background checks.

Among those joining the filmmakers in a panel were two of the parents of children killed in the Sandy Hook shootings, Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley.

On stage after the screening, Barden actually apologized to the audience for the emotional punch of the movie, in which he and Hockley are among those who are profiled as they cope not just with their grief, but with moving forward with their lives.

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Im sorry, I know how this affects everyone, Barden told the audience.

Snyder said that the impetus for the film was to break through a desensitization that was almost dangerous and inevitable for all of us and to really put a human portrait on what the fallout of violence looks like, and of gun violence, every time this is reaped on a community for years, forever.

Daniel Webster, director of the Center for Gun Policy and Research at Johns Hopkins University, said that they provided a research book to Congress in the weeks after the Newtown tragedy because we thought this was a time, and I think we have been proven right.

Congress has not acted, but many states have acted, he said. Many communities have acted. There is an enormous growing movement.

The movie focuses much more on the families, even though the project shows Barden, Hockley and others advocating for action on gun violence through Sandy Hook Promise.

The frequency of mass shootings in the United States also has meant that that movie screenings have taken place in the aftermath of a recent tragedy.

Braden attended a Greenwich, Conn., screening of Newtown on June 12, after the Orlando shooting. He said that he and his wife were processing the news coming out of Orlando with disbelief and horror and sadness and anger and frustration, like most of the country.

They ran into Himes that day, he said. Barden said that what Himes did on the floor of Congress was such a heroic and beautiful act, standing up to our Congress and saying, No more.'

Himes said his reaction to the movie is that there is no way to process the enormity of the horrendousness that was visited on this small town in Connecticut, or the remarkable reaction of optimism and life that Nicole and Mark and 26 other families have exhibited since then. There really is no way.

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Riyadh (AFP) - Gunfire on Friday killed a Saudi policeman in the kingdom's east, where most minority Shiites live, the interior ministry said.

It called the shooting a "terrorist act" which killed the driver of a police car.

The attack happened at 1:45 am (1045 GMT) in the Saihat area of Qatif, a Shiite-dominated district on the Gulf coast, the ministry said.

It was the latest attack in Saihat, where gunmen in January shot dead two policemen escorting a truck used for transporting cash.

Last October, a shooter killed five people at a Shiite meeting hall in Saihat.

Sunni extremists from the Islamic State group claimed that attack as well as others against the minority community.

They have also said they murdered Saudi security personnel, but there was no immediate claim after Friday's killing.

The shooting came despite the deployment of armoured vehicles at checkpoints in the area this week, according to a resident.

Tensions are high in neighbouring Bahrain, where there has been an escalating crackdown on the Shiite majority, just over the causeway from Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.

Protests that began in Saudi Arabia's east in February 2011 escalated after Saudi forces intervened weeks later in Bahrain to help crush a Shiite-led uprising there.

Hundreds were arrested in a Saudi crackdown after the initial protests, according to Amnesty International.

Sporadic unrest has continued since.

Eastern Province is home to most of Saudi Arabia's Shiites, who have long complained of marginalisation in the Sunni-dominated kingdom.

In April, one policeman was lightly injured when a small bomb exploded outside a highway patrol station in the Eastern Province oasis region of Al-Ahsa, where much of the Gulf country's oil reserves are located.
Producer Scott Rudin has been elected to the board of Expedia, the online travel-booking company headed by chairman Barry Diller.

Expedia disclosed Rudins appointment to the board effective June 21 in an SEC filing Thursday, expanding the size of the board from 13 to 14 members.

Rudin, who heads his own Scott Rudin Productions shingle, worked for Diller at Twentieth Century Fox in the 1980s as head of production. Rudins producing credits include for No Country for Old Men, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Social Network and Steve Jobs, and he has also produced numerous Broadway shows including The Book of Mormon, The Crucible, A View From the Bridge and Humans.

In 2012, Rudin teamed up with Diller, chairman of IAC/InterActiveCorp, to launch multiplatform book publishing venture Brightline (later renamed Atavist Books), which shut down in 2014.

Other members of Expedias board include Liberty Media chairman John Malone; Peter Kern, managing partner of private-equity firm InterMedia Partners; IAC vice chairman Victor Kaufman; and Alexandre von Furstenberg, founder and chief investment officer of Ranger Global Advisors and the son of Diane von Furstenberg (who is married to Barry Diller).

Expedia was founded by Microsoft in 1996, and after the dot-com bubble burst was acquired by Dillers IAC/InterActiveCorp in 2003. In 2005, IAC spun off the company as a publicly traded company. For the 12 months ended March 31, 2016, Expedia reported $7.2 billion in revenue and gross bookings of $64 billion. The company bought competitor Orbitz last year for $1.3 billion.

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By Elisabeth O'Leary EDINBURGH (Reuters) - A second Scottish independence referendum is "highly likely", First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday, raising the prospect that the United Kingdom could tear itself apart after voting to leave the European Union. Scotland, a nation of five million people, voted decisively to stay in the EU by 62 to 38 percent in a referendum on Thursday, putting it at odds with the United Kingdom as a whole, which voted 52-48 in favor of an exit from the EU, or Brexit. "As things stand, Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against her will. I regard that as democratically unacceptable," Sturgeon told a news conference in Edinburgh. "I think an independence referendum is now highly likely." A vote for independence would end the 300-year-old union between Scotland and England, its far bigger southern neighbor, dealing a body blow to the United Kingdom at a time when it is likely to still be dealing with the complex fallout from Brexit. It would also transform the political landscape in the rump of the United Kingdom by making it much harder for Labour, the main opposition to the ruling Conservatives, to win power in London, as the party has relied on Scottish votes in the past. Scots rejected independence by 55 to 45 percent in a 2014 referendum, but since then Sturgeon's pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) has become much more powerful. EU membership was one of the key issues in 2014, with those campaigning for Scotland to stick with the United Kingdom arguing that an independent Scotland would not be able to remain a member of the bloc. Sturgeon said many Scots who had voted against independence for that reason were now re-assessing their decision. "I intend to take all possible steps and explore all options to give effect to how people in Scotland voted (on Thursday), in other words to secure our continuing place in the EU and in the single market," she said. Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who are the main opposition force in Edinburgh politics, said she did not believe a second independence referendum would help Scotland achieve stability or be in the best interests of its people. "The 1.6 million votes cast in this (EU) referendum in favor of 'remain' do not wipe away the 2 million votes that we cast less than two years ago (to stay in the UK)," she said. INDEPENDENCE BEFORE BREXIT? The SNP holds massive sway, however. It won all but three of Scotland's 59 seats in the national parliament in London in a general election last year, and holds 63 seats in the devolved parliament in Edinburgh to 31 for Davidson's Conservatives. Nevertheless, calling a new independence vote would not be straightforward and the SNP, tempered by caution since Sturgeon took over as leader from firebrand Alex Salmond, would want to first be sure that it would win. Where the last independence campaign fell down is widely considered to be the economic argument. An independent Scotland would, it was projected at the time, stick with its old currency, Britain's pound, with national finances underpinned by an oil price then over $100 but now roughly half that level. Sturgeon would have to build a robust economic independence strategy to convince those who in 2014 were emotionally inclined to leave the UK but voted to stay in because of the economics. Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, who called the EU referendum and campaigned for a "Remain" vote, announced after the result on Friday that he would resign by the autumn. He said he would leave it to his successor to decide when to trigger article 50, the mechanism by which an EU member can leave the bloc. There would then be a two-year window for Britain to negotiate the terms of its exit and execute it. Sturgeon said Scotland "must have the option" to hold an independence referendum within that timescale -- much sooner than anyone had thought possible before the vote for Brexit. As well as bringing further turmoil to the rest of the United Kingdom, Scottish independence would also be likely to cause political headaches for the 27 remaining EU members. Some European politicians were quick to suggest that an independent Scotland should be welcomed into the fold. "Europe is open to new member states. That is totally clear," said Manfred Weber, leader of the largest bloc of lawmakers in the European parliament. Geert Bourgeois, separatist president of the Belgian region of Flanders, said Scotland should be admitted as a full member without delay. "It would be quite Kafkaesque, if there were a part of the country that wanted to stay in the EU, if the EU turned around and made them join the back of the queue," he said. But the government in Madrid, for one, is unlikely to take such a benign view given that it faces a strong separatist movement in Catalonia, which like Scotland is pro-EU. (Additional reporting by Ana Nicolaci da Costa and Sarah Young in London; Writing by Estelle Shirbon; editing by Stephen Addison)
American Idol season 10 alum Casey Abrams' pilgrimage to Ethiopia is set to debut Friday night (June 24) on the Africa Channel as part of the First Time Africa series.

Abrams was invited by his old high school friend Sean Stromsoe, who was journeying to the country to film a project for Ethiopia Skate, a nonprofit dedicated to raise money to purchase skateboards for Ethiopian children. "He was filming kids and helping out with getting kids on the streets skateboards," he said.

See 'American Idol' Alums Casey Abrams & Haley Reinhart Duet on 'Never Knew What Love Can Do'

Stromsoe and Abrams met when they were both students at Idyllwild Arts Academy in Idyllwild, California. Abrams was in the jazz program and Stromsoe studied film. Stromsoe got in touch with Abrams and asked him to fly out and meet him in Ethiopia and check out the "cool music scene."

Abrams had just gotten out of his label deal with Concord Records and had some time on his hands, so he hopped on a plane and arrived in Africa on Jan. 3, 2014. The journey, he said, was not only spiritual but educational, as the musician made it his mission to "explore the musical realm."

From the second Abrams touched down at the airport, Stromsoe was there to film his arrival. The cameras kept rolling, and a documentary was born.

"Sean had done a couple of things for the Africa Channel in the past, and they have a show where people explore Africa for the first time," he said. "We just took the footage, edited it and made a story out of it."

Watch 'American Idol' Alum Casey Reinhart Host a Backyard Jam

Being so far away from home in a country with limited Internet access meant the locals had no idea who the musician was, as most hadn't seen American Idol. "I think I went to a club only one time and one person recognized me, and she was from Nigeria," he said.

Still, Abrams persisted in his mission to expand his musical horizons and quickly found success. "I went to random clubs and asked people, 'Hey, can I sit in?'" he said. "Sometimes they said no, but most times they said yes."

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As a result, Abrams extended his trip through Feb. 15, when he was invited to participate in a music festival. "I got invited to do this festival, which was Feb. 10, so I decided to stay," he said. "I went there to pursue something with music, and that was a perfect opportunity."

Another bonus: the Idol's birthday is Feb. 12. "I spent my birthday in Africa, so that was really awesome," he said.

The 25-year-old troubadour's hunger to explore new musical horizons is continuing through his travels touring with PostModern Jukebox and "wandering around L.A., sitting in and playing with my bass, getting my bass skills up," he said.

Later this year, he is planning to record a live show in Los Angeles, as well as gathering an "orchestra of people" to "sit around a campfire and sing one of my songs."

"Just fun times," he said.

First Time Africa will air Friday at 10 p.m. ET on the Africa Channel, as well as on YouTube.

Watch a preview of the episode above.
Not since his "Remind Me" duet with Carrie Underwood has Brad Paisley exhibited such chemistry with an onstage partner. This morning on Good Morning America, the country guitarslinger teamed up with pop star Demi Lovato to deliver an especially sultry "Without a Fight," their new duet.

See Brad Paisley Sing About North Carolina Bathroom Law

"There's a tangled mess of sheets on the bed, the lack of sleep pounding in my head / We both regret some of the things we said but we love the way it ended," sang Paisley.

The song is the first single off Paisley's upcoming 10th studio album, a project that includes guest appearances by Mick Jagger and Timbaland. Paisley and Lovato also shared a stage together back in April, performing her single "Stone Cold," with Paisley offering evocative guitar licks.

Paisley, who wrote "Without a Fight" with Kelley Lovelace and Lee Thomas Miller, will bring his summer tour to Connecticut tomorrow night.

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Starting next week, Vermonts grocery aisles will be full of packages with labels showing whether the products contain genetically engineered foods. The states major labeling billthe first in the nationpassed in 2014, yet food companies are still hoping for a last-minute reprieve before the law goes into effect on July 1.

On Thursday, they got a glimmer of hope: The Senate announced a bipartisan bill to create a federal labeling standard for bioengineered foods that would supersede any state regulations. But rather than the simple printed-on-the-package labels that Vermonts law calls for, the federal bill would allow companies to choose between including simple label, printing a call-in phone number, or utilizing a scannable QR code that would give consumers information on the foods contents.

For the first time ever, consumers will have a national, mandatory label for food products that contain genetically modified ingredients, said Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who sponsored the bill, in a statement. She added that she wanted a bill that prevents a confusing patchwork of 50 different rules in each state. Those in favor of this bill are focusing on how it closes glaring loopholes under the Vermont law that would, for example, have allowed a cheese pizza to be labeled as containing GMOs even as a pepperoni pizza with genetically engineered ingredients was not. (Under the state law, foods containing meat cannot be labeled as containing GMOs.)

Stabenow may be presenting the bill as a mandatory labeling lawjust what pro-labeling groups have been pushing forbut it is far from being accepted as such. Organizations that advocate for GMO labeling laws take issue with how the actual labeling would occur.

We dont put nutrition facts in a QR code because people need that information, said Patty Lovel, assistant director of Food & Water Watch. She believes that companies that never wanted to label G.E. products will undoubtedly choose the labeling options that require more effort from consumers to get the information. It would be nice if there was a federal law that would cover all 50 states, but this isnt labeling, Lovel added.

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The bill, which won't be taken up in the House before its members return from summer recess on July 5, will continue the saga of the so-called DARK (Denying Americans the Right to Know) Actthe name pro-labeling groups have given to a series of bills that have attempted to block state-level labeling laws like Vermonts. But passing a federal labeling standard with more gentle regulations was always a backup plan for the food industry.

For the last five years, states have struggled to pass labeling laws. In 2012, 51 percent of California voters opposed a ballot measure to label G.E.s. The next year, Washington gave it a try, and the bill lost, again with 51 percent opposed. Companies poured money into advertising against both measures. In Washington, roughly $29 million was spent on I-522, making it one of the most expensive initiatives in the states history.

But as states such as Vermont, Connecticut, and Maine began to pass G.E. labeling bills, the food industrys fight moved on from attempting to block measures by swaying the public.

The next attempt to stop state-level labeling came through the courts. Just a month after Vermonts bill passed, a collection of industry groups filed suit alleging that mandatory labeling infringed on their First Amendment rights, federal supremacy, and interstate commerce laws.

These suits could still matter, as it will likely be months or years before they are resolved in courtunless a federal labeling bill resolves the matter first. So far, the suits are focusing on Vermont, as Maines and Connecticuts bills only go into effect if a certain number of contiguous states pass similar laws. If not, the labeling laws will become void within a few years.

Lovel mentions that on a recent trip, she saw food labeled to Vermonts standards on grocery store shelves. General Mills, Mars, Campbells, and Kellogg have announced that they will voluntarily add G.E. labels to many of their products nationwide. Several companies are ready to go for July 1, she said. Vermonts laws may not be welcome news to all manufacturers, but these labeled products show that G.E. food labeling canand willhappen in the state.

The only question is how long it will last.

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Original article from TakePart
By Diadie Ba DAKAR (Reuters) - Karim Wade, the son of Senegal's former president, was released from prison after being granted a presidential pardon, a spokesman for President Macky Sall and Wade's lawyer said on Friday. Wade, who served three years in prison, had been convicted on corruption charges, sentenced to six years and ordered to pay a fine of $138 billion ($232.23 million) CFA francs. The presidential decree included pardons for Wade and two others who had been sentenced for "illegal enrichment". A press release from the presidency added that payment of the fine was not covered by the pardon. Wade's lawyer Amadou Sall said his client had left the West African country immediately after his release. When President Sall was elected in 2012 he had pledged to fight corruption, but opposition members and critics said the decision to imprison Wade was a political move intended to eliminate dissent. A United Nations panel also criticized the government last year, saying that Wade had been detained arbitrarily and calling for the payment of unspecified compensation to the former head of four ministries. Wade's Senegalese Democratic Party chose him as their presidential candidate for the 2019 polls while he was in prison but it was not immediately clear whether he was still eligible for the post. (Writing by Makini Brice; Editing by Alison Williams and David Goodman)
Dakar (AFP) - Senegalese President Macky Sall on Friday pardoned Karim Wade, the divisive son of his predecessor, letting the former minister go free after serving half of a six-year sentence for graft.

In detention since his 2013 arrest, Wade was found guilty in March 2015 of illicitly amassing a fortune worth at least 178 million euros ($198 million).

Wade, 47, who held several government portfolios during his father's 2000-2012 rule, was freed in the early hours of Friday morning, said Soro Diop, press officer for the justice ministry.

Diop said Wade had left Dakar for Qatar. According to the Senegalese media and the opposition, he left in a private jet.

The presidency later released a statement saying that the financial sanctions against him remained in place.

Wade was fined the equivalent of more than 210 million euros and his assets were confiscated after his conviction.

Justice Minister Sidiki Kaba said the decision "does not erase the conviction which will remain on his file."

Sall had raised the possibility of a pardon in an interview with French broadcaster RFI on June 2, and had also hinted at a release before the end of Ramadan -- due to finish around July 6.

"A lot of people are asking that he be released," the president told RFI on a visit to France, adding that "they should not lose hope".

- 'Very negative message' -

Wade was appointed the presidential candidate for the opposition PDS party, which is still led by his father, days before his conviction. No other names have been put forward to replace him despite his jail time.

Civil society group "Y en a marre" (We're sick of it) which campaigned against Wade's father's attempt at a third term, said Thursday in anticipation of Sall's decision that his liberation would send out the wrong signals.

"If Karim Wade, who was charged with graft, is freed, that would send out a very negative message to all the people who might be tempted to embezzle public funds," the group said at a press conference.

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"It would say 'yes, get rich and we will (still) release you," they added.

The younger Wade was an extremely divisive figure in Senegalese politics in the run-up to the last election when his father's bid to seek a third term sparked deadly riots.

Many believed ex-president Abdoulaye Wade was trying to line him up for succession.

Wade was charged in 2013 after his father's stunning election defeat to Sall, prompting the PDS and his father to accuse the government of conducting a witch hunt.

After a successful career in finance in London, Wade returned to Senegal two years after his father's 2000 presidential victory and was soon tapped for a series of increasingly important public positions.

Those included simultaneous appointments to key ministerial portfolios, earning him the nickname "minister of Heaven and Earth".

He was also chosen to head the National Agency for the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (ANOCI), which successfully oversaw the transformation of Dakar in time to host the 11th Islamic Summit of 57 Muslim countries in 2008 -- but was also criticised for a lack of financial transparency.

Backed by his father, Wade was also selected to oversee the construction of a new international airport in Dakar, the restructuring of Senegal's chemical industry and the creation of a special economic zone.

Disparaged for his many years living in Europe, he is seen by many voters as more "toubab" -- the west African word for white Europeans -- than Senegalese.
By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Britain's European commissioner for financial services, Jonathan Hill, should consider resigning after his country voted to leave the EU, the head of the European Parliament's economic committee said on Friday. Roberto Gualtieri, a centre-left Italian MEP, also said British deputies might need to reconsider senior positions they held in the assembly before Britain formally withdrew from the EU. "I have built a relationship of friendship with Hill but it is obvious that it would be problematic if Hill maintained his role until the end of Britain's withdrawal procedure," he told Reuters in an interview. The leaders of the main political groups in the European Parliament approved later on Friday a draft resolution urging the Commission to reallocate Hill's functions "with immediate effect", a document seen by Reuters said. The text, likely to be adopted by Parliament without changes on Tuesday in an extraordinary sitting, also urged Britain to "notify immediately" its intention to quit the EU, a move that would trigger the two-year withdrawal procedure laid down in the EU treaties. That echoed comments in Berlin by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who told German broadcaster ARD he wanted to begin negotiating Britain's departure now rather than in October, when Prime Minister David Cameron has said he will resign. Gualtieri, as chair of the parliament's economic and monetary affairs committee, plays a key role in steering through financial legislation proposed by the Commission. He said the capital markets union project launched by Hill to revive the EU's sluggish credit market would be affected by Brexit because of the role played by London as a financial hub. "There is no doubt that the CMU project will be affected ...but this does not mean that it should not be pursued by (the remaining) 27 member countries," Gualtieri said. He said there would be no negative effect on EU banking union plans because Britain had opted out of them. Gualtieri, who has also been a lead MEPs in negotiations with Britain over its future status, said no informal talks should be carried out with Britain. Asked how the EU could exercise pressure to trigger the formal two-year procedure, Gualtieri said: "I believe that a firm position from EU institutions cannot be ignored by Britain." He said British MEPs would keep their roles in parliament until Britain concluded the withdrawal process, but it would not be appropriate for them to keep leading positions there. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; editing by John Stonestreet)
By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European commissioner for financial services, Briton Jonathan Hill, should quickly consider resigning after Britain voted to leave the EU, the head of the European Parliament's economic committee told Reuters in an interview on Friday. Roberto Gualtieri, who is a center-left Italian MEP, also said that some British deputies may need to reconsider their positions held in the European assembly even before a formal withdrawal of Britain from the EU. "I have built a relationship of friendship with Hill but it is obvious that it would be problematic if Hill maintained his role until the end of Britain's withdrawal procedure," he said. As chair of the economic and monetary affairs committee in the Parliament, Gualtieri plays a key role in steering through financial legislation proposed by the European Commission. He said the flagship project launched by Hill to revive the EU's sluggish credit market, called the capital markets union (CMU), would be affected by Britain's decision to quit the EU because of the role played by London as a financial hub. "There is no doubt that the CMU project will be affected by Brexit, but this does not mean that it should not be pursued by 27 member countries," Gualtieri said. He said there would be no negative effect of the British decision on the future of the banking union, another top EU financial project, because Britain has opted out of it. Gualtieri, who has also been one of the lead MEPs in the negotiations with Britain for its future status, said that no informal talks should be carried out with Britain on its withdrawal from the EU. "The Parliament will not accept informal talks," he said, stressing that Britain should trigger the procedure to quit as soon as possible. The Parliament has to approve the terms of the British withdrawal, according to EU treaties. Asked how the EU could exercise pressure to trigger the two-year procedure, Gualtieri said: "I believe that a firm position from EU institutions cannot be ignored by Britain." EU leaders have asked London to trigger the withdrawal procedure as soon as possible. Gualtieri said that British MEPs would keep their roles in parliament until Britain concludes the withdrawal process, but made clear that it would not be appropriate for them to keep leading positions in the Parliament. "It is clear that some aspects concerning the internal reorganization of the European Parliament should be dealt with rapidly," he said. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio)
BERLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - The parliamentary floor leader of Germany's Social Democrats, Thomas Oppermann, said on Friday he would welcome Scotland as a member of the European Union if it were to become independent.

"The Scots have made clear that their place is in Europe and if Scotland gains its independence in the end and again joins the European Union, then that would not balance out the loss for Great Britain but I would warmly welcome the Scots in Europe," Oppermann told reporters in Berlin.

The Social Democrats are the junior party in Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling coalition government.

(Reporting by Oliver Denzer; Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Caroline Copley)
Seven Indonesian sailors have been kidnapped at sea in the southern Philippines, the government in Jakarta said on Friday, the latest in a spree of abductions by armed gangs in the strife-torn region.

The crew were towing a coal barge in the Sulu sea on Monday when their tugboat was hijacked by armed groups, Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi said.

Seven sailors were taken hostage in two separate attacks on the vessel around an hour apart, Marsudi added. The six other crew aboard the tugboat were left unharmed.

"The government will do everything possible to free these hostages," Marsudi told reporters.

"The safety of these seven Indonesian citizens is our priority."

A spokesman for the foreign ministry said he could not confirm whether a ransom demand had been made, or if the Philippine-based Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf was responsible for the abductions.

Earlier this year the group kidnapped four Malaysian seamen and 14 Indonesian sailors, holding them in their stronghold in the southern Philippines. They were freed several months later but there was no information on whether a ransom was paid.

A spokesman for the Philippine government said they were working to verify the report.

If confirmed, it would be the third kidnapping of Indonesian sailors this year.

The defence ministers of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed this week to consider coordinated steps including possible joint patrols to tackle a wave of seaborne crime in the Sulu and Celebes seas, which together form a key waterway among the three countries.

Abu Sayyaf, a small band of Islamic militants, is highly active in the region and specialises in kidnappings-for-ransom.

The group has beheaded two Canadian hostages this year after their ransom demands were not met.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2016 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Deutsche Bank AG ("Deutsche Bank" or the "Company") (DB) and against certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and docketed under 16-cv-03539, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Deutsche Bank securities between April 15, 2013 and April 29, 2016 inclusive (the "Class Period"). This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

If you are a shareholder who purchased Deutsche Bank securities during the Class Period, you have until July 11, 2016 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased. Click here to join this action.

[Click here to join this class action]

Deutsche Bank provides investment, financial, and related products and services worldwide.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Deutsche Bank has serious and systemic failings in its controls against financing terrorism, money laundering, aiding against international sanctions, and committing financial crimes; (2) Deutsche Bank's internal control over financial reporting and its disclosure controls and procedures were not effective; and (3) as a result, Deutsche Bank's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

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On July 22, 2014, The Wall Street Journal published an article entitled "Deutsche Bank Suffers From Litany of Reporting Problems, Regulators Said", stating that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that the Company's U.S. operations suffered from a litany of serious financial-reporting problems that the Company had known about for years but not fixed.

On this news, shares of Deutsche Bank fell $1.05 per share or approximately 3% from its previous closing price to close at $34.80 per share on July 22, 2014, damaging investors.

Over the next two years, more compliance issues at Deutsche Bank came to light, as media outlets and the Company reported investigations by regulators and an internal probe by Deutsche Bank into possible money laundering by Russian clients, causing Deutsche Bank's share price to fall and damaging investors. Finally, on May 1, 2016, The Financial Times published an article entitled "FCA warns Deutsche on 'serious' financial crime control issues", stating that the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") sent a letter to Deutsche Bank on March 2, 2015, accusing it of having "serious" and "systemic" failings in its controls against financing terrorism, money laundering, aiding against international sanctions, and committing financial crimes. The FCA stated that its investigation uncovered, among other things, incomplete documentations, lack of monitoring, and influencing staff to take actions related to specific clients, which all amounted to a "serious" and "systemic" controls failure. On May 1, 2016, Bloomberg published a similar article entitled "Deutsche Bank Said to Be Faulted by FCA Over Lax Client Vetting", stating that the FCA faulted the Company for "serious" lapses in efforts to thwart money laundering and criticized the Company's ability to verify client's abilities and goals, or ensure that it wasn't aiding organizations subject to international sanctions.

On this news, shares of Deutsche Bank fell $1.62 per share or approximately 9% over the next two trading days to close at $17.34 per share on May 3, 2016, damaging investors.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2016 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Gerdau S.A. ("Gerdau" or the "Company") (GGB) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and docketed under 16-cv-03925, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Gerdau securities as American depositary receipts ("ADRs") between June 2, 2011 and May 15, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

If you are a shareholder who purchased Gerdau securities during the Class Period, you have until July 25, 2016 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Gerdau produces and commercializes steel products worldwide. The Company operates through Brazil Business Operation, North America Business Operation, South America Business Operation, and Special Steel Business Operation segments.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Company was engaged in a bribery scheme in collusion with Brazil's Board of Tax Appeals ("CARF"); (ii) Gerdau had defrauded Brazilian tax authorities of roughly $429 million in taxes; (iii) Gerdau's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Defendant Andre Bier Gerdau Johannpeter ("Johannpeter") and other directors and employees of the Company had engaged in bribery, money laundering, and influence peddling; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' statements about Gerdau's business, operations, and prospects were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

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On or about March 26, 2015, Brazilian authorities announced that a Federal Police investigation, dubbed Operation Zelotes, had uncovered a multibillion-dollar tax fraud scheme at the Ministry of Finance ("Finance Ministry"), reporting that as many as 70 companies had bribed members of the CARF, a body within the Finance Ministry that hears appeals on tax disputes, to obtain favorable rulings that recused or waived the amounts that the companies owed. On or around March 29, 2015, it was reported that Gerdau was among the companies under investigation.

On December 4, 2015, the Brazilian publication Jornal do Comercio reported that a report by a committee of the National Congress of Brazil had named Gerdau, along with other companies, as a beneficiary of a tax evasion scheme.

On this news, Gerdau's ADR price fell $0.11, or 6.96%, to close at $1.47 on December 4, 2015.

On or around February 25, 2016, post-market, Brazilian police raided Gerdau offices in connection with Operation Zelotes, as police carried out some 20 court orders for testimony and 18 search warrants in Recife, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Brasilia. Gerdau's CEO, Defendant Johannpeter, was among the individuals ordered to testify by day's end. In an e-mailed statement, Gerdau stated that the Company had never authorized the use of its name in illegal negotiations and that the Company abided by rigorous ethical standards.

On this news, Gerdau's ADR price fell $0.03, or 3.16%, to close at $0.92 on February 25, 2016.

On February 29, 2016, Gerdau announced that it would delay the release of its fourth-quarter financial results as the Company "analyze[d] the case records involving Gerdau in the recent phase of [the] Zelotes Operation."

On May 16, 2016, various news outlets reported that Brazil's federal police had accused Gerdau of evading $429 million in taxes and indicted a total of 19 Gerdau personnel, including Defendant Johannpeter and some of the Company's executives, directors and lawyers, on corruption-related charges including bribery, money laundering, and influence peddling.

On this news, Gerdau's ADR price fell $0.13, or over 7%, to close at $1.72 on May 16, 2016.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
This shark trying to frost some cupcakes is all of us on Friday

This shark trying to frost some cupcakes is all of us on Friday

Things that just go together are pairs like peanut butter and jelly, and Ross and Rachel, and cookies and milk. Things that dont go so well together are sharks and cupcakes, but on a daily basis you dont necessarily expect to see those two hand in hand.

If that combination is something youre trying to picture in your mind right now, dont strain yourself too hard. You can see it IRL for yourself right now, because in honor of the upcoming Shark Week, Georgetown Cupcakes in Washington, D.C. invited a shark into their bakery to help make the cupcakes.

Dont worry, its not like a ~real~ shark. From what we can gather, this shark is maybe the cousin of our friend Left Shark. Or at least he frosts cupcakes like Left Shark.

A video posted by Georgetown Cupcake (@georgetowncupcake) on Jun 24, 2016 at 1:40pm PDT

ITS NOT EVERY DAY YOU SEE A SHARK TRYING AS HARD AS HE CAN TO FROST SOME CUPCAKES.

Well give him points for effort, and these cupcakes lookokay. Fine, wed eat them, because a cupcake is a cupcake. But dont go quitting your day job, Frosting Shark.

With some human assistant, Frosting Shark was able to create a beautiful shark cupcake mosaic. Now THIS looks good enough to eat.

We're celebrating @sharkweek on the #CupcakeCam! Check out our ode to Chompie NOW on TLC.com/CupcakeCam! A photo posted by Georgetown Cupcake (@georgetowncupcake) on Jun 24, 2016 at 2:17pm PDT

The post This shark trying to frost some cupcakes is all of us on Friday appeared first on HelloGiggles.
LONDON (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell <RDSa.L> said it will work with the British government and European institutions on any implications for its business from Britain's decision to leave the European Union, a spokesman said on Friday.

Shell, which was in favor of Britain remaining part of the EU, said its priority was to continue supplying energy to customers in Europe and the United Kingdom.

"We will work with the UK government and European institutions on any implications for us," a spokesman said.

(Reporting by Karolin Schaps; editing by Jason Neely)
Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg knows a thing or two about leadership. After all, Facebook's chief operating officer also served as a Google VP and wrote "Lean In," an advice book for women who aspire to take positions of power.

But Sandberg also knows how to lean on other women for support, and she revealed her inspiration for that mindset to Lena Dunham in a recent interview on Lenny Letter, Dunham's digital newsletter about topics like feminism, style, health, and politics.

In the interview, Dunham asked who taught Sandberg that it was OK "to reach out to other women and ask for support, rather than hide behind false confidence and a sense of needing to be the perfect professional."

Sandberg cited her grandmother, Rosalind Einhorn, who was a first-generation college graduate, cancer survivor, and business owner.

"She grew up poor and her parents divorced, which was unheard of during that time," Sandberg told Dunham of her grandmother's situation.

When diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30s, Einhorn turned her focus to helping other women with the disease and raised money for breast-cancer screenings.

"She literally drove around selling watches out of her car to raise money," Sandberg said.

Sandberg cited her mother, Arianna Huffington, and interviewer Dunham as other sources of inspiration and strength in her life.

"When you look at successful women, they have other women who have supported them, and they've gotten to where they are because of those women," she said.

The two also discussed Sandberg's new initiative, Together Women Can. For more on the initiative and about Sandberg's life, read the full interview on Lenny Letter.

NOW WATCH: Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg And Her Husband Have Done The Impossible





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LONDON (Reuters) - Following are reactions from world leaders and politicians on Friday to Britain's referendum vote to leave the European Union: -- EU LEADERS -- EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT DONALD TUSK "We are determined to keep our unity as 27 ... I will propose that we start a period of wider reflection on the future of our union." BORIS JOHNSON, LEADING FIGURE IN "LEAVE" CAMPAIGN "We can find our voice in the world again, a voice that is commensurate with the fifth-biggest economy on Earth ... I believe we now have a glorious opportunity: we can pass our laws and set our taxes entirely according to the needs of the UK economy ... "There is now no need for haste and ... nothing will change over the short term." JOINT STATEMENT BY EU LEADERS "We will stand strong and uphold the EU's core values of promoting peace and the wellbeing of its peoples ... together we will address our common challenge to generate growth, increase prosperity and ensure a safe and secure environment for our citizens ... "We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would necessarily prolong uncertainty ... "As regards the United Kingdom, we hope to have it as a close partner of the European Union also in the future ... Any agreement, which will be concluded with the United Kingdom as a third country, will have to reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations." BRITISH PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON, WHO CAMPAIGNED TO KEEP BRITAIN IN "I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination ... it is in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required." GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL Merkel said she deeply regretted the British vote: "Today is a setback for ... the European integration process ... Germany has a particular interest and a particular responsibility in European unity succeeding." FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS HOLLANDE ... said negotiations on Britain's exit must be swift, adding: "The British vote is a tough test for Europe." FRENCH PRIME MINISTER MANUEL VALLS "It's an explosive shock. At stake is the break-up pure and simple of the union. Now is the time to invent another Europe." JEROEN DIJSSELBLOEM, DUTCH CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF EURO ZONE FINANCE MINISTERS "The worst thing we could do is allow more instability into the EU," he said. "Alas, the British have chosen that, and we must make another choice ... Simply deepening or enlarging the European Union is not the way forward." NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER ERNA SOLBERG ... called the vote a "signal from both the British voters and many other voters around Europe who feel that the EU is not providing good enough answers to today's challenges". HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR ORBAN "Brussels must hear the voice of the people, this is the biggest lesson from this decision ... "Europe is strong only if it can give answers to major issues such as immigration that would strengthen Europe itself and not weaken it. The EU has failed to give these answers." POLISH FOREIGN MINISTER WITOLD WASZCZYKOWSKI "It happened because this (European) concept, which was created some time ago, is no longer popular in Europe." POLISH PRESIDENT ANDRZEJ DUDA "Everything must be done to prevent other countries leaving." ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER MATTEO RENZI "We have to change (the EU) to make it more human and more just, but Europe is our home, it's our future." ACTING SPANISH PRIME MINISTER MARIANO RAJOY "In little more than half a century, Europeans have built the greatest space for peace, freedom and prosperity in all of humanitys history. And, despite the serious setbacks like the one we face today, nobody should doubt that we are going to continue working to build tomorrow." SWEDISH EU MINISTER ANN LINDE "We must show people why we believe the EU is important, why we need to remain. We have to look at the things that matter in people's everyday lives, perhaps where there have been ambiguities, where there's been arrogance and where people have felt it's been an elite project." MANFRED WEBER, WHO REPRESENTS GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL'S POLITICAL GROUP IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT "(The decision) ... causes major damage to both sides, but in first line to the UK ... There cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom ... 'Leave' means 'leave'. The times of cherry-picking are over." GIANNI PITTELLA, LEADER OF THE SOCIALISTS AND DEMOCRATS IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT It is sad but it is not the funeral of the European Union. PABLO IGLESIAS, HEAD OF THE SPANISH ANTI-AUSTERITY PARTY PODEMOS A sad day for Europe. We must change the route. Nobody would want to leave a fair and caring Europe. We have to change Europe." GREEK PRIME MINISTER ALEXIS TSIPRAS "We urgently need a new vision and beginning for a united Europe - for a better Europe, more social and democratic." ITALIAN FORMER EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT ROMANO PRODI "Great Britain voted like European countries did during the last elections. The wealthy voted to stay in Europe, while those who have been excluded from globalisation, by this deranged European austerity, voted to leave ... "Citizens do not hate Europe; they hate this Europe -- the way it's been managed in these years. It's a policy that they do not understand, that hurts them, that destroyed the middle class." CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MIRO KOVAC "Im afraid that there will be an effect on (the EU enlargement) process and that it may slow down a bit. -- OUTSIDE THE EU -- CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN HUA CHUNYING "The impact will be on all levels, not only on relations between China and Britain ... China supports the European integration process and would like to see Europe playing a proactive role in international affairs." THE GLOBAL TIMES, PUBLISHED BY THE RULING CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY'S OFFICIAL PEOPLE'S DAILY "This referendum will probably be a landmark event that proves Britain is heading in the direction of being a small country with few people, writing itself off as hopeless and acting recklessly." U.S. REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DONALD TRUMP "They took back control of their country. It's a great thing ... "People are angry, all over the world ... They're angry over borders, they're angry over people coming into the country and taking over. Nobody even knows who they are. They're angry about many, many things." POPE FRANCIS "It was the will expressed by the people and this requires a great responsibility on the part of all of us to guarantee the good of the people of the United Kingdom, as well as the good and co-existence of the European continent." -- EUROSCEPTIC PARTIES -- MARINE LE PEN, HEAD OF FRENCH FAR-RIGHT NATIONAL FRONT PARTY "Victory for freedom! We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries." NIGEL FARAGE, LEADER OF THE BRITISH ANTI-EU PARTY UKIP "The EU is failing, the EU is dying." MATTEO SALVINI, HEAD OF ITALY'S RIGHT-WING NORTHERN LEAGUE "Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn." EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT MEMBER BEATRIX VON STORCH OF THE EUROSCEPTIC GERMAN AFD PARTY "The European Union has failed as a political union." DUTCH ANTI-IMMIGRATION LEADER GEERT WILDERS We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy ... As quickly as possible, the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union." -- FUTURE OF UNITED KINGDOM -- NICOLA STURGEON, FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND, WHERE A LARGE MAJORITY VOTED "REMAIN" "I think an independence referendum is now highly likely ... intend to take all possible steps and explore all options to give effect to how people in Scotland voted, in other words to secure our continuing place in the EU and in the single market." THOMAS OPPERMANN, PARLIAMENTARY FLOOR LEADER OF GERMANY'S SOCIAL DEMOCRATS "If Scotland gains its independence in the end and again joins the European Union, then that would not balance out the loss for Great Britain, but I would warmly welcome the Scots in Europe." MARTIN MCGUINNESS, NATIONALIST DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER OF NORTHERN IRELAND "The British government now has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the North in any future negotiations with the European Union and I do believe that there is a democratic imperative for a 'border poll' to be held." ARLENE FOSTER, PRO-BRITISH FIRST MINISTER OF NORTHERN IRELAND "There is no way even, if there was a border poll, that it would be in favour of a united Ireland." ACTING SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER JOSE MANUEL GARCIA-MARGALLO "It's a complete change of outlook that opens up new possibilities on Gibraltar not seen for a very long time. I hope the formula of co-sovereignty - to be clear, the Spanish flag on the Rock - is much closer than before." (Compliled by Kevin Liffey)
Nicosia (AFP) - Four people were killed in a shootout outside a packed restaurant in the Cypriot resort of Ayia Napa that had the hallmarks of a gangland vendetta, police said on Friday.

The deaths in the heart of the resort's nightclub district on Thursday evening raised fears of a blow to tourist confidence just as the holiday island was hoping for a record summer season.

Masked gunmen opened fire on a well-known local businessman, his dining partners and bodyguards as they were leaving the restaurant at around 10:30 pm.

An armed off-duty policeman who was with the businessman returned fire, killing one of the gunmen, identified by police as a 41-year-old Albanian.

Businessman Phanos Kalopsidiotis, 51, was killed. So too was a second off-duty policeman in his entourage, Elias Hadjiefthymiou, 46, and his wife Skevi, 39. The couple were gunned down in front of their teenage children.

The policeman who returned fire was in critical condition in hospital on Friday with wounds to the head, arm, leg and chest.

One of the businessman's bodyguards was also wounded.

The attack took place just 600 metres (yards) from the site of another deadly shooting four years ago in which five people died in a contract killing.

Kalopsidiotis was believed to have been the target of that hit too.

Two years later, his father, Yiannos, was murdered outside his home not far from Ayia Napa.

The resort's nightclubs have long been popular with British and Russian tourists.

Local businesses had been hoping for a bumper year as jihadist bombings have hit bookings to competitor destinations like Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey.

Cyprus is no stranger to gangland hits. They have also targeted suspected underworld figures in second city Limassol and the capital Nicosia, although few have been in such public places.
Each person has potential for power. Because I'm interested in the philosophy of this, I have ended up treating a lot of studio executives; they make up 15 to 20 percent of my patients. Most aren't realistic about what the job is actually going to be.

In a position of power, there are three things that you have to be able to tolerate. One is uncertainty. You have to make your decisions without having enough information. It's never been more true than now. Executives are betting on all kinds of things: What are the distribution systems going to be like in five years? Are there even going to be networks? And the economy itself: There are a million things that are unpredictable.

The second thing is being alone. If you're on a high level, at the end of the day you're making the important decisions by yourself. Human nature being what it is, nobody likes it. At the midlevel, you can pass the important decisions off. But everybody I've seen on a high level who tries to pass off the responsibility has fallen.

The final thing someone in leadership must tolerate is hatred and misunderstanding. Hatred means you're under attack, within and outside of the community. In terms of misunderstanding, often your intent will be mischaracterized, so not only do people hate you, but they hate you for something you haven't even done.

Read More: The Psychology of Hollywood Screamers (You Know Who They Are) Explained

It requires a certain amount of strength to tolerate these things. I tell people when they get promoted, "Just assume this is going to happen because it will." Nobody ever escapes it. Even if things are going well, everything can change on a dime. You need to develop some protocols or tools for functioning that you can live by, whether you're winning or losing at this given moment.

Among the set of protocols you want to develop is what's called a "turnaround." Let's say a star falls out of a movie. The executive making a turnaround has to move very fast to replace the person. There's no time to whine, complain or scream at the guy's agent. The movie might still fall apart, but your effort represents a turnaround because you're in forward motion. You want to make that a habit. Or let's say your movie didn't open well this weekend. The second you know that - and executives seem to know it earlier and earlier - it's very important to maintain your own sense of organization, optimism and vision. If you screw that up, your whole staff will get demoralized.

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I tell my clients to collect as many of these turnarounds as you can. It's like putting bullets in a gun. It's the only thing you have when you execute your decisions in uncertainty. The turnarounds don't say that you're right. They say that if there's a problem, or if you're wrong, you're confident that you can recover; they bring you back to the place where you can take action. Some people are tremendous and don't even blink; others will be debilitated for a day or two.

Getting fired is a macro turnaround. You're dealing with depression and a complete loss of confidence and self-esteem. First of all, anybody who holds a grudge against you is going to take a shot. But that's not what's most bothersome - it's the public loss of faith. Your calls are returned slower than they used to be. Or the stupid stuff, like getting a table at a restaurant. It's like an attack on your value as a human.

I've also had clients whose jobs went to their heads, who used their position to aggrandize themselves by doing things like keeping an A-list director waiting for 15 minutes. It's a mistake; for every action, there is a reaction. Five minutes, maybe. All those little things are called microtransactions. As a leader, every microtransaction with anyone in your field will define your future.

If you're not disciplined in the small things, you're going to have trouble with the big things. Believe it or not, there are calls that even studio heads don't like to make. There are some people nobody wants to call. Besides powerful agents, there are certain actors they don't like to communicate with. So there are certain phone calls that never get made, and nobody knows it - except me. Others might realize six months later they didn't make a certain call when they're short three movies. There are ample opportunities to avoid what you're afraid of, but you always pay the price.

Read More: Why Jennifer Lawrence Gets Money When She Talks (But Hillary Is Vilified)

Another tool is a quick instinct cycle. At the end of the day, Hollywood isn't different from other industries, but it's faster. You're turning out new products at an unprecedented speed. It would be as if Toyota had to come out with a new car twice a month. You could release the greatest movie in the world, and in three weeks or a month, you're facing the same thing again. It's endless.

You want to incorporate as many facts as you can in your calculations, but at the end of the day, it's gut. Based on your intuition, you have to make a decision. A good decision-maker isn't someone who is always right. In fact, he's usually not right. But he makes more decisions and moves through his cycle quickly. The more you do that, the better your instincts get and the more you will be able to tolerate the consequences of your choices.

I've seen the whole culture of a studio improve when the chief is in therapy. When the culture improves, you get, No. 1, more artists who want to work with you, which means more opportunities to make movies. No. 2: If artists see that you're willing to take a risk and back them up, that will create a long-standing relationship, a tremendous benefit to the studio and to the executive. No. 3: If the executive takes a few risks, and those risks work even a little bit, the morale of the whole company goes up. Because then you're saying this whole enterprise is creative and meaningful, and part of your job as the leader is giving the team that feeling. But if it's all done by the numbers and a bit schlocky, it's much harder. It's understandable but not a real greatness of leadership.

The unconscious aspect of leading with power involves what's called the primal shadow. People don't let this part of the shadow come out because it's not nice and doesn't adhere to social conventions. There are people at the top with obvious shadows: They want something and they're not ashamed to tell you what that is. The primal shadow can become a liability if it gets exaggerated, but it's also the part of the mind that - because it's outside the box and doesn't care what people think - is the most creative part of the personality. It's why some stars and directors are insane. I sympathize because they need to keep this part of themselves alive to come up with new ideas, but unfortunately, some shadows get out of control and they become uncivilized.

Being good at wielding power isn't enough. You have to also love the creative process. To me, that's a very high level of power expression. A relatively low-level executive leader is somebody who wants the perks and recognition. As a civilian, I'm in a funny position because a lot of times patients will initially misrepresent themselves to me in terms of their position. Then they find out that I actually know what's going on.

Phil Stutz is a Los Angeles psychotherapist who has treated top Hollywood execs, writers, producers and actors for three decades. He and colleague Barry Michels co-authored the 2011 best-seller The Tools and are working on their second book.

This story first appeared in the July 15 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
SINGAPORE, June 24 (Reuters) - Singapore's central bank, which has ordered Swiss private bank BSI to close its local operations, said on Friday BSI's appeal to a Swiss court against a decision by Switzerland's financial watchdog has no bearing on regulatory action in Singapore.

In an unprecedented move, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has ordered the closure of BSI's operations in the city-state and has levied a fine on the bank in relation to its dealings with troubled state fund, 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). Switzerland also began criminal proceedings against BSI.

"BSI Bank has accepted the financial penalties and other regulatory actions imposed by MAS," a MAS spokeswoman said in an email to Reuters. "We have not received any appeal in this regard."

BSI said on Thursday it is appealing to a Swiss court against a decision by Swiss regulator FINMA regarding business relationships and transactions linked to 1MDB.

BSI could not be immediately reached for comment on Friday. (Reporting by Saeed Azhar; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
A teller counts ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Liam McBurney/PA via AP)



Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Friday (24 June) that Singapore will continue to cultivate ties with the United Kingdom and make the best of the new reality after the British people voted to leave the European Union.

Lee, in a post on his Facebook page, also wished UK prime minister David Cameron well, after the latter announced his intention to step down hours following the Brexit vote.

His comments came after the Leave EU campaign prevailed in the referendum with a margin of 51.9 per cent to 48.1 per cent. Global financial markets tumbled while the pound nosedived to a 31-year low on Friday in the wake of the referendums outcome.

Cameron announced that he would resign as prime minister and that there should be a new leader by October, when the Conservative Party holds its annual conference.

Calling the vote a turning point, Lee said it reflected the anxiety of the British population over immigration, their resentment at having to negotiate with and accommodate European partners, and their desire to assert British identity and sovereignty.

Lee also said the next few years will be uncertain ones for both the UK and the EU.

Cautioning that nobody can foresee all the consequences of Brexit, Lee said that Singapore would need to watch the developments carefully.

The British voters have decided. We wish Britain well. I wish David Cameron well too, who has been a good friend of Singapore and has announced his intention to resign as PM, Lee said.

Singapore will continue to cultivate our ties with Britain, which is a long standing friend and partner, Lee added.

We hope in time the uncertainty will diminish, and we will make the best of the new reality.
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SINGAPORE  Singaporean actress, Oon Shu An, whose five-minute vlog on the price of beauty went viral last year, is back with another thought-provoking piece.

This time, it's an exploration of cultural and personal identity, both in different countries and at home.

Written by local playwright, Joel Tan, and conceptualised by Oon, the four-and-a-half minute video involves the actress delivering a passionate monologue while scenes of different locations are projected on her and the backdrop.

According to Oon, the collaborative effort came to be after a conversation Oon had with the rest about life in general and what's currently happening around the world.

"The best we can try to do is present a point of view that we feel is authentic and hopefully, well-reasoned," Oon tells Mashable.

SEE ALSO: Obituary acknowledging gay son goes viral for all the right reasons

Oon begins the video by talking about how foreigners view Singapore as "the gateway to the world" and her desire to escape the overwhelming crowds for greener pastures.

Oon's travels takes her to countries like the U.S., China and Thailand, and correctly nails the stereotypical views we hold of people in these countries. She also covers how differently she identified with herself in each new place and contrasted them with the wide spectrum of perceptions people had of her.

Referring to the U.S. as "TV land," Oon says: "But here I am the Asian girl who speaks great English; who must be good at math."

About her experience in China, where her ancestors came from: "I'm reminded that for them I'm the girl whose family escape a history of suffering. I could barely speak to find my way, let alone call this my motherland."

At the end of the video, Oon arrives back home in Singapore with a fresh perspective. "Here I am. The world is not my oyster, and I am not its pearl," she admits. "On the trains I look up and see faces I suddenly recognise. Travelers, far from home, homes we only understand in caricatures, pictures in tourist brochures. Trying to make a bed in this place, but all we can see is bodies taking space."

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Oon then ends her monologue with a profound declaration and question she poses to us: "We are all foreign. So what decides who should stay or who should go?"

Since Oon posted the video up on her Facebook page on Wednesday night, it has been met with positive praises from netizens.

EePin Pang commented: "Just chanced upon this but it touched me so much. It's a great collection of thoughts and conveyed so eloquently that my heart swelled with emotion and my mind raced to keep up. Australia's feeling this too and I think your message is quite the important one."

Lee Pei Ling wrote: "Finally, something that resonates with my belief that we are all the same!"

At writing, Oon's video has gone viral with close to 2,000 shares and 1,800 likes. She tells Mashable that in hindsight any reaction, good or bad, to the video meant that at least she'd managed to engage people.

"The positive reactions are a relief," she says. "We are really happy It's always nerve wrecking putting out a video because you never know how people are going to react to it."
Bernie Sanders crosses a Manhattan street. (Photo: Lucas Jackson/Reuters)

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders came to New York City to deliver a speech outlining whats next for his campaign. Despite seemingly impossible odds, his plan doesnt include giving up.

In the remarks, Sanders suggested hes still a long way from conceding and that there is still a chance he could contest the Democratic National Convention next month  even though the partys presidential primary ended with Hillary Clinton coming out ahead and earning enough delegates to secure the nomination.

Before the speech, Sanders and his team spent the day fending off questions about when he plans to give up his quest for the White House and when, if ever, hell endorse Clinton.

Sanders comments included little to soothe his supporters who believe the primary process was rigged in Clintons favor. He said he will be pushing for a change to the Democratic super delegate system and an end to closed primaries, two things his team has repeatedly suggested unfairly benefited Clinton.

Never, ever lose your sense of outrage! Sanders urged supporters in the speech.

On Wednesday night, there was widespread speculation that Sanders might be preparing to concede. This was fueled by his speech being titled Where We Go From Here and his recent CSPAN interview in which he admitted, It doesnt appear that Im going to be the nominee.

Shortly after Sanders arrived in New York on Thursday afternoon, he headed to a Manhattan diner, where his top spokesman, Michael Briggs, was peppered with questions about whether the days speech would be a concession.

No, Briggs said, adding, For the five-thousandth time on this speech alone.

Sanders next stop was a taping of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where the host asked Sanders at least five times when and if he was giving up. During the interview, Sanders acknowledged he doesnt have enough delegates to win, but suggested he would be remaining in the race through the Democratic convention next month to ensure the more than 12 million people who voted for him are heard and have input on the partys platform.

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Look, Im very good at arithmetic.  I understand that Secretary Clinton has a lot more, Sanders said. We have 1,900 delegates going to Philadelphia for the convention. Thats pretty good. She has more, which is not so good for me  but 1,900 delegates is actually quite a lot of people.

Sanders said his team was talking to Clinton and her campaign to ensure she is going to come out very strongly for some of his core issues, including fighting income inequality and establishing free tuition at public colleges and universities. Colbert mockingly pressed Sanders for more specific demands he might have before agreeing to drop out of the race.

As you said, you are negotiating with the Clinton campaign right now to get something from them of your agenda before you endorse the secretary. Is there anything else? Like do you want to be ambassador to Narnia or anything? Colbert asked.

Colbert also asked Sanders if he would be endorsing Clinton on Thursday. Sanders flatly said, No. Though he wasnt ready to embrace Clinton, Sanders dismissed the presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump, as a bigot.

After the Late Show taping, Sanders briefly stopped at his Times Square hotel, which was about two blocks from the site of his speech. When he was ready, Sanders opted to walk to the venue. En route, USA Today reporter Nicole Gaudiano attempted to clarify Sanders position on Clinton. She asked if he planned on endorsing Clinton later in the campaign even though he would not be doing so in his speech.

Im going to endorse you! Sanders said to Gaudiano.

Yahoo News tried a slightly different approach and asked Sanders who his supporters should vote for if the election comes down to Clinton and Trump. Sanders made an audible expression of distaste.

Eh! he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

Inside, some of Sanders supporters were clearly not interested in backing Clinton. When Yahoo News began asking nearby audience members if they could eventually get behind Clinton, Lauren Lindenbach interrupted with a shout of Never!

Lindenbach, a 35-year-old Californian, cited allegations of voter suppression in her home state, Nevada, and New York. She suggested she would go Bernie or bust and vote for Sanders or another likeminded candidate if he does eventually concede.

Bernie or bust is not a catchphrase. It ultimately is a belief that theres no alternative, whether its Bernie leading us or another follower or Berner that steps forward, Lindenbach explained.

Brian Kafel, a 43-year-old set designer who lives in New York, said he didnt feel like he would ever have to choose between Clinton or Trump because New York is a reliably blue state and will likely go to whoever wins the Democratic nomination.

Hillarys going to carry New York with or without my vote, said Kafel.

Kafel further explained that he plans to vote for Sanders or the Green Party candidate, Dr. Jill Stein.

On stage, Sanders framed his political revolution as something that extended beyond his presidential bid. He said he would continue to push for key parts of his platform, including fighting climate change, his education plan, and his efforts to combat income inequality. Sanders expressed support for a $15 minimum wage and curbing the power of Wall Street. On banking, Sanders noted he backs establishment of a modern-day Glass-Steagall legislation, a rule that was repealed in 1999 and separated commercial and investment banks. Clinton has said she opposes reimplementing the Glass-Steagall Act, and Sanders said its an issue he may well bring to the floor of the convention.

Despite implying he could contest the convention, Sanders also noted he would be willing to run all over the country to campaign against Trump. And he provided hints at what he might do beyond the presidential race. Sanders said he is going to begin campaigning for Democrats in other races and noted his campaign launched an effort last week to encourage progressives to get involved in local races.

But for now, Sanders is keeping up his Democratic primary fight.

The struggle continues, Sanders declared as he concluded his speech, before repeating himself for emphasis: The struggle continues.
YouTube comedy team Smosh is stealing a page from Saturday Night Live with their first-ever live Internet broadcast later this summer.

Smoshs Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox will headline Smosh Live!, a variety and sketch-comedy show that will be streamed from the YouTube Space in Los Angeles on Aug. 26 in front of a studio audience. The hour-long sketch portion of the broadcast will include 4-5 skits, a dance number and special guests. The total program including pre- and post-show segments hosted by Smosh Games Jovenshire (Joshua Ovenshire) will run around 90 minutes.

Childhood buddies Padilla and Hecox, who started posting videos on YouTube 11 years ago from the Sacramento suburbs, are scheduled to appear Friday at VidCon in Anaheim, Calif., to discuss the show during a Q&A session at 2 p.m. Smosh today has an online fanbase topping 30 million followers.

Defy Media, which manages the Smosh business, reached an exclusive sponsorship pact for Smosh Live! with the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.s youth-targeted 5 Gum brand that includes branded content before, during and after the live broadcast.

Weve wanted to do this for a long time  its a big undertaking, said Defy chief content officer Barry Blumberg, who said the production will cost well more than double that of recorded video.

Smosh Live! will be available post-broadcast, on YouTube and via other distribution points, after the show. It will have life after live, Blumberg said. In addition, following the live show, Smosh will run a behind-the-scenes video about the making of the show.

News of the Smosh Live! project comes after YouTube announced Thursday it has greenlit a second Smosh movie as part of its new slate for YouTube Red. In the yet-untitled film, luckless Charlie (Padilla) moves into a new apartment inhabited by a narcissistic ghost named Max (Hecox). Max makes Charlies life a living hell until they learn that the only way Max can get into heaven is by working together.

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The duos first feature-length film, Smosh: The Movie, was released last summer and is now streaming on Netflix. The movie, produced by Defy and AwesomenessTV, revolves around an embarrassing video of Anthony that surfaced online before his fifth high-school reunion. The Smosh guys scramble to pull down the clip, teleporting into the pages of other YouTubers like Jenna Marbles, Grace Helbig and Markiplier, before it ruins Anthonys chances of reuniting with his teen crush.

For now, Smosh Live! will be a one-time live broadcast, but Blumberg said he hopes there will be other future live shows. I dont know how often we can do it, he said. It is going to require a full-time group of writers and producers to get the first one done. The Smosh cast and crew includes seven on-camera talent and two staff writers, overseen by producer Joe Bereta.

The show will be tightly integrated with 5 Gums Truth or Dare marketing campaign, which revolves around specialty packs released once a year with foil wrappers that issue various challenges to gum-chewers. Fans will be invited to create content around the 5 Gum challenges and share it on social media, including the hashtags #5truthordare and #vipsweepstakes to be entered for a chance to win tickets to the Aug. 26 show. And during the post-show, the Smosh cast will play their own version of truth or dare with the audience and take questions from fans.

At VidCon, 5 Gum will have an big presence including a stage on the main floor where participants can play Truth or Dare challenges in front of the crowd. The gum brand also is the sponsor of the VidCon Community Wall, encouraging attendees to share their truths on a 120-foot wall and perform dares in a GIF-photo booth.

In addition, talent from Defy properties Smosh Games, the Warp Zone and Clevver will get gummy by playing the 5 Gum challenges throughout VidCon and sharing them on social channels. Plus, 5 Gum samples and swag will be available throughout VidCon at the brands booth and in the Defy Media Lounge.

Among other projects, Smosh recently launched their first comic-book series in stores nationwide and in January debuted their first long-form comedy series, Part Timers, on YouTube. Last year, Anthony and Ian became the first digital celebs to be cast in wax by Madame Tussauds, in an unveiling that coincided with VidCon 2015.

Pictured above: Smoshs Anthony Padilla (l.) and Ian Hecox

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Famechangers 2016: Rewriting the Rules of Celebrity
S'well, Sarah Kauss

Youve probably seen a

Swell water bottle out in the wild, with its unmistakable, sleek, stainless-steel physique and boldly colored exterior, or perhaps faux marble or wood facade.

If you havent, youre bound to see one soon. The company is growing rapidly and is now sold everywhere from mom-and-pop shops to nationwide retailers like Nordstrom and Target to Starbucks stores around the world.

Last year, Swell  the brainchild of CEO Sarah Kauss (No. 49 on the BI 100: The Creators)  pulled in $50 million in sales, a mark that the company hopes to double this year.

But S'well might never have happened at all save for some timely encouragement and wisdom Kauss received from her mother.

Six years ago, Kauss was enjoying a much-needed vacation in Arizona with her mother. At the time, the then 35-year-old Harvard Business School graduate was working a million hours in a demanding but successful career in commercial real estate development. Her mother, who was celebrating five years free of cancer, began reflecting on life.

We had this deep conversation about What would you do if you could do anything?  she almost felt like she had an extra life, Kauss said.

Her mom decided to become a painter. Kauss, a University of Colorado at Boulder alum with an environmentalist spirit, told her mother about an idea to create a reusable water bottle that didnt look like bulky camping gear. Her mother pushed her to take plunge.

I just thought the world needed a more fashionable water bottle, said Kauss, who envisioned something both beautiful and useful that could sell in the store at the Museum of Modern Art (today, the bottles are in fact sold there).

I just thought the world needed a more fashionable water bottle.

But beyond design, Kauss thought her idea could make a significant impact on the environment, an issue she cared deeply about. With the right blend of fashion and function, she thought, S'well could create a water bottle that's so enjoyable to use that people will stop drinking from plastic bottles  50 billion of which clog landfills in the US each year.

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So Kauss returned home to New York and invested $30,000 in savings to start Swell right out of her NYC apartment.

She spent the next six months working to get a prototype of the bottle, find a factory, and launch a website.

I didnt know how big the market was [for water bottles], I thought I was building a product for me and maybe a small group of people like me, Kauss said.

The Oprah effect

The combination of style and functionality  made of non-leaching and non-toxic stainless steel, the bottle keeps liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours  struck a nerve with customers. A few months after launching Swell, early bulk orders came in from Facebook and Harvard, and Kauss landed in Crate and Barrel for the holiday season.

Those first orders were great because it gave me a confidence that people were going to buy [the product], she said.

Then Kauss got a call from a senior editor of O, The Oprah Magazine after sending her a sample bottle. The editor took the bottle on vacation and loved it. She wanted to feature it in the magazine, but had one request: Send every color you have. But the bottles only came in blue, so Kauss scrambled to create a new palate of colors and send them off to the manufacturer.

swell 5944

It was sort of the moment that I said OK this isnt a project, were a company, Kauss recalled.

About four months later, Kauss array of colored bottles made it into the magazines Must Have Things for Summer 2011 list. What was surprising is how long those magazines live for  we have a How did you hear about us? on the website and months and months later people would be saying they saw it in Oprah," Kauss said.

Partnering with Starbucks

On the heels of the Oprah feature, which caused sales to surge in the 600 small retail stores the bottles were sold in at the time, Kauss scored a trial period with Starbucks in 2012 to sell bottles in 140 stores in Atlanta and Austin. The bottles sold out, cementing the partnership with Starbucks, which would become S'well's most lucrative and lasting partner.

The following year, Swell created a hyperlocal collection with Starbucks for its stores in New York City, Seattle, and Hawaii. The bottles were a hit, but it wasnt until Kauss had the chance opportunity to meet Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz (No. 2 on the BI 100: The Creators) that sales really ramped up.

Kauss spotted Schultz standing alone at the grand opening of a Starbucks coffee bar in Seattle, so she grabbed a Swell bottle and introduced herself. Schultz reveled in the story of Swell and wondered why the bottles werent in more stores, Kauss said. He invited her to meet with him and his senior leadership team the next day to discuss expansion.

The impact of that meeting was profound: S'well found itself integrated at Starbucks stores around the world  10,000 locations in North America, as well as Brazil and throughout Asia.

Starbucks is a beast. Theyre amazing. Theyre huge and theyre everywhere, Kauss said.

More than just sheer scope, Starbucks also shared a commitment to higher ideals, including stringent fair trade and sustainability standards. In fact, it took Swells factory nearly two years to meet Starbucks standards.

They do so much work to make sure everything is good for the environment and good for the workers and it makes me feel better when I go there as a customer because I know how much work they do," Kauss said.

Rapid expansion

Buyers are smitten with Swell. In 2015, after rolling out in thousands of Starbucks stores, Swell reached $50 million in sales, a gigantic leap from $10 million the previous year.

The company is continuing its rapid expansion in 2016. This summer, Swell will launch at Starbucks in another 37 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and South Africa. Swell also debuted an exclusive line at Target stores this spring called Sip by Swell, a smaller bottle size at a lower price point ($25), which will roll out nationwide by the holiday season.

Kauss says this year S'well sales could as much as double to $100 million.

Its exciting. Its sort of unbelievable. Youre standing at the ocean and you just dont know how big it is, Kauss said.

swell 5994

Part of the reason the company grew so much last year is its focus on being on trend, a commitment thats grounded in Kauss vision to become the bottle of fashion week. The company now has more than 200 designs and colors  which range in price from $25 for a 9-ounce bottle to $45 for a 25-ounce bottle  and appears at the buzziest events including SXSW, New York fashion week, and TED conferences. S'well also has brand partnerships with celebrities, Kauss said, a marketing tactic that undoubtedly boosts brand recognition, especially on social media.

But ultimately, Swells success comes down to customer loyalty. On average, customers have 5.5 bottles at home, according to Kauss.

Our customers have this great appetite, but I thought eventually wed run out of customers because everybody will have one thats in the market. ... but whats surprising is that we keep coming out with new lines  spring, summer, fall, holiday  just like a fashion brand, Kauss said.

Many customers also appreciate Swells social mission. A portion of profits from every bottle sold go to the US fund for UNICEF  $200,000 since 2015  to help provide clean water to children, and for every wood-surfaced bottle sold a tree is planted through American Forests. But while the charitable aspect is an integral part of the business, Kauss doesnt think its a make or break for buyers.

We dont even talk about it that much with our customers, but its just the right thing to do, Kauss said. Its part of our DNA, its part of our mission statement and part of everything that we do. I think customers are really smart and it has to come from an authentic place.





More From Business Insider


By Hyunjoo Jin

SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean court on Friday issued the first warrant for the arrest of a Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) executive in connection with its cheating of vehicle emissions tests, in another blow to the German automaker's efforts to move on from the scandal.

The warrant is the first to be levelled against a Volkswagen executive anywhere in the world after the firm in September admitted to using software to falsify pollution tests on some diesel cars, spurring legal action in the United States, Germany, South Korea and elsewhere.

"This is just the beginning of the investigation," an official at the prosecution office said, declining to be named because the investigation was ongoing.

The Volkswagen Korea executive, identified by his last name Yun, faced five accusations including fabrication of documents and violation of the Air Quality Preservation Law, Seoul Central District Court spokesman Shin Jae-hwan said.

"The court acknowledges the reason and the necessity of the arrest," he told Reuters, declining to give further details or name the executive.

A Volkswagen Korea spokeswoman declined to comment.

South Korea has taken a particularly hard line against the automaker, filing a criminal complaint against two other executives, fining it 14.1 billion won ($11.97 million) and ordering it to recall 125,522 vehicles.

About 4,400 Korean consumers also have filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and sister marque Audi demanding compensation over the false emissions claims.

Sources in the United States on Thursday said Volkswagen would pay more than $10 billion to settle claims by nearly 500,000 owners and fund efforts to offset pollution.

The South Korean arrest warrant comes after German prosecutors on Monday said they were investigating former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn and another executive over whether they effectively manipulated markets by delaying the release of information about the test cheating.

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South Korean prosecutors would cooperate with their counterparts in Germany and the United States, the official said in Seoul.

The scandal has triggered a slide in Volkswagen's share of Asia's No.2 diesel car market, where it competes with dominant domestic players Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors .

Volkswagen said in April it would set aside 16.2 billion euros ($18.2 billion) and slash its dividend to cover the costs from the scandal.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Michael Perry and Stephen Coates)
By Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean court on Friday issued the first warrant for the arrest of a Volkswagen AG executive in connection with its cheating of vehicle emissions tests, in another blow to the German automaker's efforts to move on from the scandal. The warrant is the first to be levelled against a Volkswagen executive anywhere in the world after the firm in September admitted to using software to falsify pollution tests on some diesel cars, spurring legal action in the United States, Germany, South Korea and elsewhere. "This is just the beginning of the investigation," an official at the prosecution office said, declining to be named because the investigation was ongoing. The Volkswagen Korea executive, identified by his last name Yun, faced five accusations including fabrication of documents and violation of the Air Quality Preservation Law, Seoul Central District Court spokesman Shin Jae-hwan said. "The court acknowledges the reason and the necessity of the arrest," he told Reuters, declining to give further details or name the executive. A Volkswagen Korea spokeswoman declined to comment. South Korea has taken a particularly hard line against the automaker, filing a criminal complaint against two other executives, fining it 14.1 billion won ($11.97 million) and ordering it to recall 125,522 vehicles. About 4,400 Korean consumers also have filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and sister marque Audi demanding compensation over the false emissions claims. Sources in the United States on Thursday said Volkswagen would pay more than $10 billion to settle claims by nearly 500,000 owners and fund efforts to offset pollution. The South Korean arrest warrant comes after German prosecutors on Monday said they were investigating former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn and another executive over whether they effectively manipulated markets by delaying the release of information about the test cheating. South Korean prosecutors would cooperate with their counterparts in Germany and the United States, the official said in Seoul. The scandal has triggered a slide in Volkswagen's share of Asia's No.2 diesel car market, where it competes with dominant domestic players Hyundai Motor <005380.KS> and Kia Motors <000270.KS>. Volkswagen said in April it would set aside 16.2 billion euros ($18.2 billion) and slash its dividend to cover the costs from the scandal. (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Michael Perry and Stephen Coates)
Seoul (AFP) - Hyper-wired South Korea is considering legislation that would ban bosses from bothering their staff at home, after growing complaints about the country's already onerous work-life imbalance.

A bill prohibiting managers from badgering staff at home was submitted to parliament on Wednesday, sponsored by 12 lawmakers from the main opposition Minjoo party.

"As more firms use social media or mobile messengers to send work orders, regardless of time, the stress inflicted on workers has reached a serious level," they said in a statement.

The bill seeks to ban firms from sending employees work-related messages by telephone, text, social media or via mobile messaging apps after official working hours.

The document specially references KakaoTalk, a chat app used by around 80 percent of the South Korean population.

The MPs' statement noted that too many workers were expected to be constantly on call, even when on holiday or late at night.

"More people are demanding rights to disconnect after work hours," it said, adding that the bill would allow workers a personal life free of workplace intrusion.

Similar legislation prohibiting e-mails after regular work hours has been proposed in countries such as France and Germany.

More than 80 percent of South Koreans have smartphones -- one of the highest penetration rates in the world.

Couple that with the country's notorious workaholic corporate culture, and you have a system ripe for abuse, the MPs say.

- Right to 'disconnect' -

In 2014, the average South Korean worker clocked up 2,124 working hours -- the second-highest total among OECD member nations after Mexico and far higher than the average of 1,770 hours.

In a recent report titled "Workers Who Are Scared of KakaoTalk," the Korea Labour and Society Institute said employees are forced to work about 11 extra hours a week on average using electronic gadgets.

"We have reached a point where working on weekends or after-hours -- without pay -- is increasingly becoming a norm," the report said.

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"The use of smart devices for work blurs the boundaries between work and family life, which leads to a negative impact on workfamily and worklife balance," it added.

South Korea prides itself on keeping pace with cutting edge technology, from ultra-fast broadband speeds to Samsung's high-end smartphones.

But its embrace of all things digital has come at a cost, as phones and tablets have morphed into mobile offices for employees that never close.

Some firms have taken unilateral steps to keep off-hours sacrosanct.

LG Uplus -- the country's third-largest wireless operator -- has threatened managers who send KakaoTalk messages to subordinates after 8:00 pm with demotion, or even dismissal.

"We wanted to help our staff enjoy their personal life in the evening, which will eventually foster their creativity," company spokesman Baek Yong-Dae said.

A gradual push-back against the gruelling work ethic that was deemed essential to South Korea's economic rise from the devastation of the Korean War has gathered pace in recent years.

Efforts to promote a life free from stress and information overload have included a series of "space-out competitions" where participants are required to "do nothing" for hours by not talking or using any electronic devices.
South to Sian to Premier in Long Beach, CA - June 30th

If you like bikes, adventure, and surfing this new movie from the people behind Deus Ex Machina should be right in your wheelhouse. Like several other movies I've reviewed recently, this is a road movie about a few guys heading out and looking for adventure.

The difference here is that they are Australian, with a rough and ready customized Land Rover, a pair of old dirt bikes, and a stack of surf boards, and they visit Bali, Sumatra and Indonesia. Here's the trailer:

If you live in Southern California and you are free next Thursday, June 30th at 7pm, you ought to head to Long Beach to see this movie at the Art Theater. Before the movie there is a get-together down the street at BA-Moto. Afterward, the party is at the V Room, so designate a driver or plan on taking a cab home.

If you want to go you'll need to RSVP via email on this Deus Ex Machina page, but there is no ticket price listed anywhere. The Australian premier has a $10 ticket, so best-case scenario is that it is free, worst-case it is still less than a regular movie.

South To Sian (4)

Here is how they describe it: "What began as a three-month trip to a collection of surf breaks off the beaten track turned into a two-year odyssey of exploration, injury, companionship and 4,000km of two-wheeled, single-finned escape from the real-world burdens of modern life. Harrison Roach and Zye Norris pack their bags, a diverse quiver of boards, two bikes and a $50 tent into a 1970s Land Rover and embark on an epic quest from the southern reaches of Bali, through the Indonesian archipelago to Northern Sumatras isolated Lagundri Bay. On boards, on bikes, by boat and four-wheel drive, the pairs journey is to discover if, in these days of GPS and WiFi, the dream of a true pioneering surf adventure is still alive."

South To Sian (7)

One thing looks certain, it is not going to be Long Way Round, 21 Days Under the Sky, or A Story Worth Living. The people involved certainly must be big fans of Bruce Brown's Endless Summer, and On Any Sunday, and if it is nothing but a mash-up of those two movies it should be a nice piece of escapism, and launch another generation of surfers and riders.

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Some people make fun of Deus because of how hip they are, but unlike a lot of places that cater to the hip retro scene they go out to events and race their bikes and get them dirty. It is hard to race head-to-head and elbow-to-elbow with people and not respect them afterwards.

South To Sian (5)

So come on out to Long Beach, what else do you have to do at 7pm on a school night?

Learn more about Bryan and the rest of RideApart's excellent staff here: The RideApart Team

Follow RideApart on Facebook and Twitter, along with@RideApart on Instagram.
LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Bond yields in the wealthy Spanish region of Catalonia rose on Friday after the UK's shock Brexit vote raised breakaway risks in other parts of the euro zone.

Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain, has been seeking independence from the rest of the country, which faces broader political uncertainty as voters head back to the polls on Sunday six months after an inconclusive general election.

Yields on short-dated bonds issued by Catalonia were broadly higher in Friday trade.

Two and three-year Catalan bond yields rose to their highest levels since mid-April at around 4.44 percent and 4.29 percent, respectively.

Five-year bond yields in Catalonia touched 4.69 percent, their highest level in almost three months.

(Reporting by Dhara Ranasinghe, editing by Nigel Stephenson)
Everyones out to get Christopher Soghoian. Tech juggernauts and policy wonks want to get him fired, sue him and vilify him, just to stop him in his tracks. But Soghoian, the principal technologist at the American Civil Liberties Union, wants none of the chase.

At 34, the self-professed nerd rocks a ponytail and a pressed suit  perhaps not what you had in mind for one of D.C.s most feared renegades. Years before Edward Snowden leaked top secret information about the NSA in 2013, Soghoian was goading corporate Goliaths such as Facebook, Netflix and AT&T to quit cozying up to Uncle Sam and letting the government dip its fingers in their massive caches of user data. Everything you do on the grid  your entire call history, your digital footprint, your minute-by-minute location record, your precious personal information  is still vulnerable to random government surveillance, Soghoian says in his latest TED Talk. Its time to cut the cord.

Want to avoid surveillance? TED Fellow Christopher Soghoian has a tip no one should miss in his TED Talk, above.

It hasnt been a losing battle. Surveillance has been making front-page news, partly in thanks to Snowdens high-profile leaks and Apples backdoor battle. And Soghoians whistleblowing work has given him kind of a rebel edge  earning him spots on the Politico 50, alongside the Pope and Elon Musk, as well as MIT Technology Reviews 35 Innovators Under 35. From his Ph.D. informatics research at Indiana University to his strident activism at the ACLU, Soghoian has been a snarling surveillance watchdog  and hes not afraid to make a scene.

At a time when most companies wanted to put their head in the sand and not talk about surveillance, he badgered them into improving their poor privacy practices. In 2009, he rallied 38 other privacy and security gurus to sign a six-page open letter chewing out Google for not properly protecting its users emails, calendars and documents. Six months later, the search engine giant acquiesced and set up default encryption. (Google didnt respond to requests for comment.) Then, after a stint at the Federal Trade Commission, Soghoian browbeat Dropbox, a leading cloud storage company, into admitting that it was misleading its users on how it encrypted their data. In a matter of days, the company reworked its terms and conditions, he says, although a spokesperson couldnt confirm or deny the cause of the update. Sometimes you have to ramp up the pressure a bit, Soghoian says. His decade-plus years of research spans everything from how your cellphone overhears everything to how dangerously easy it is to create a fake boarding pass  and while many arent happy about his whistleblowing  these damning details have been leveraged in court cases again and again. When you piss off people in the right way, in some ways its a pat on the back, he says.

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And boy, has he pissed off plenty of people. The FBI once raided his home and seized his computers for a month after he gave netizens the tools to create fake boarding passes on his site. The FBI declined to comment on the case, which is now closed, but did say Soghoian broke the law. He also lost his job at the Federal Trade Commission for crossing the line after busting a Sprint Nextel executive with a covert recording that was published online soon after. Hes been threatened with lawsuits twice, he says, and sometimes even assassinations  an employee at the Hacking Team, a company that develops spyware for places like the FBI, jested about paying for Soghoians murder with Bitcoin via email. And Soghoians response? Cest la vie, he says, when you fight powerful enemies that are unlikely to give in quickly. Neither the Federal Trade Commission nor the Hacking Team responded to OZYs requests for comment.

Born in San Francisco, Soghoian cultivated his detective streak as a child; hes always loved puzzles. In the same way, Soghoian says he unravels the secrets of government surveillance by sniffing out security shortfalls and dropped clues that have been left exposed by big companies and federal agencies to understand the puzzle of how the government spies on people. And what of national security? Its simply impossible to design a system that is both sturdy enough against skilled hackers and porous enough to allow in the government, he says.

Naturally, Soghoian is vigilant about his own personal security  he employs two-factor authentication, uses password managers and places an owl sticker over his computers webcam to thwart hackers. He also helped create Do Not Track, an anti-tracking device that most major web browsers now use. Even President Obama has joined the privacy bandwagon, with a hyperencrypted Android phone.

Forget about reaching Soghoian the old-fashioned way too: Encrypted communications only, please.

Avoiding Surveillance

Related Articles
By Alwyn Scott

WICHITA, Kansas, June 23 (Reuters) - Aircraft parts maker Spirit AeroSystems Holdings is in "active dialog" with top customer Boeing Co to replace a long-term supply agreement that expired last year but is in "no hurry to get a deal done", Spirit's incoming CEO said on Thursday.

The companies are in discussions about the large volume of parts and components Spirit supplies, including structures for the Boeing 737, 767 and 777 aircraft, after the prior 10-year agreement ended, Tom Gentile told reporters at a briefing here, his first since being named to succeed current chief executive Larry Lawson.

"It is a full-contact team sport," Gentile said of the talks, which involve finance, engineering, operations and legal departments and inputs from the CEO's office to the factory floor.

Signing a new agreement is among the priorities Gentile discussed with Spirit's board when it named him CEO, he said. Gentile currently is chief operating officer and will take over at the end of July from Lawson, who arrived in 2013 and rapidly improved Spirit's profits.

Spirit and Boeing want a new supply agreement, but interim agreements allow them to conduct business so "there's no time pressure", Gentile said. "There's no deadline to get a deal done but both sides would like to do that because it's important."

Work for Boeing accounts for about 85 percent of Spirit's revenue, which totaled $6.6 billion last year, and Spirit is Boeing's largest supplier, Gentile said. Spirit's work for the Boeing 787 is under a different contract.

Spirit is focusing on cutting costs to lift profitability, since much of its sales growth is assured by a large backlog of about 12,500 plane orders at Boeing and Airbus.

But Spirit plans to increase its defense business by bidding for new work and possibly with an acquisition, Gentile said. The company recently was picked to help build the new B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber for the U.S. Air Force, a project in which Northrop Grumman Corp is the prime contractor.

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Speaking on a day when Southwest Airlines said it would delay taking delivery of 67 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, Gentile said he was not worried about weakening demand for new planes or an aviation business cycle downturn.

Economic growth and retirement of old aircraft will continue to drive new plane sales, he said. Demand for twin-aisle planes will be weaker than single-aisles, he said. But if oil prices rise, retirements will rise and drive up new plane demand.

"I'm fairly bullish on the environment," he said.

(Reporting by Alwyn Scott; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday blocked President Barack Obama's plan to spare millions of immigrants in the country illegally from deportation in a split ruling that heartened political foes who had accused him of overstepping his powers. The 4-4 ruling, coming seven months before Obama's term in office ends, marked the latest success that his Republican adversaries have had in thwarting a major policy initiative of the Democratic president. Obama had hoped that overhauling the U.S. immigration system and resolving the fate of the estimated 11 million people in the country illegally would be part of his presidential legacy. The ruling is likely to further amplify the role that the immigration issue will play in the run-up to the Nov. 8 presidential election in which voters will pick Obama's successor. It also leaves in legal limbo the roughly 4 million people Obama's action was meant to help. Obama unveiled his plan in November 2014. It was quickly challenged in court by Republican-governed Texas and 25 other states that argued that Obama overstepped the powers granted to him by the U.S. Constitution by infringing upon the authority of Congress. His unilateral executive action bypassed the Republican-led Congress. Because the court was split, a 2015 lower-court ruling invalidating Obama's plan was left in place. The plan never was implemented because the lower courts had blocked it. The plan was tailored to let roughly 4 million people - those who have lived illegally in the United States at least since 2010, have no criminal record and have children who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents - get into a program that shields them from deportation and supplies work permits. A split ruling was possible because the court was down to eight justices, four liberals and four conservatives, after conservative justice Antonin Scalia died in February. The Republican-led Senate has refused to act on Obama's nomination of appeals court judge Merrick Garland to replace Scalia. In an appearance at the White House after the ruling, Obama expressed frustration at the court's inability to issue a decisive ruling on the merits of the case and at Senate Republicans for "willfully" keeping the court shorthanded. "I think it is heartbreaking for the millions of immigrants who made their lives here, who've raised families here, who hope for the opportunity to work, pay taxes, serve in our military, and fully contribute to this country we all love in an open way," Obama said. Obama said the U.S. immigration system has been broken for two decades and that this ruling set it back even further. The issue of illegal immigration has featured prominently in the presidential campaign. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has called for deportation of all illegal immigrants - most of them from Mexico and other Latin American countries - and building a wall along the Mexican border. The court did not reveal how each justice voted in the ruling, but it was possible the four liberals backed Obama and the four conservatives backed the states. The court appeared divided along ideological lines during oral arguments on April 18, with liberals indicating support for the administration and conservative opposed. 'MAJOR SETBACK' The nation's top elected Republican, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, and others in his party welcomed the ruling. "This is a major setback to President Obamas attempts to expand executive power, and a victory for those who believe in the separation of powers and the rule of law," said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican. The Constitution assigns certain powers to the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal government. The split decision set no nationwide legal precedent on presidential power or immigration law. The ruling indicates that any major immigration policy change that would address the long-term situation of illegal immigrants would have to be enacted by Congress. "We feel that justice has turned its back on millions of immigrants who, much like our founding fathers and mothers, sought a better future for themselves and their children and yet continue to live in the shadows without the respect and dignity that they deserve," said Jorge-Mario Cabrera, a spokesman for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. The Obama administration could ask the high court to rehear the case, as losing parties in two other cases in which the court has split 4-4 have done. The court has not yet acted on those other petitions. The Supreme Court decision does not affect a separate 2012 program aimed at protecting people brought to the United States as children from deportation, which Texas and the other states did not challenge. Obama took the action after House Republicans killed bipartisan immigration legislation, billed as the biggest overhaul of U.S. laws on the matter in decades and providing a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, that was passed by the Senate in 2013. Maya Ledezma, an immigrant from Mexico who lives in Maryland, said would have been eligible for Obama's program because she has lived in the United States for more than a decade and has an 8-year-old daughter who is a U.S. citizen. My life would have changed if the vote had been favorable, she said through a translator during a rally outside the Supreme Court. Republicans have been critical of Obama's use of executive action to get around Congress on immigration policy and other issues such as gun control and healthcare. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton criticized the ruling for "throwing millions of families across our country into a state of uncertainty." Trump said the ruling "blocked one of the most unconstitutional actions ever undertaken by a president." (Additional reporting by Ayesha Rascoe and Emily Stephenson in Washington and Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles)
Rock 'n' roll history remains intact: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant are still the only writers credited with Led Zeppelin's iconic "Stairway to Heaven," and top music lawyers aren't surprised that a jury on Thursday cleared them of a copyright infringement claim.

It's a case nearly half a century in the making, and it may not be over yet. Plaintiff's attorney Francis Malofiy says he lost his case on a technicality and indicated he may appeal the verdict. Malofiy says it's unfair the jury was unable to listen to the sound recording of Spirit's 1968 instrumental "Taurus" and instead were limited to hearing an expert performance of the registered sheet music.

Litigator Robert Jacobs says Malofiy would likely lose on appeal, but that probably won't stop him from trying.

"Malofiy being Malofiy, he's going to appeal it," Jacobs says. "The law is well settled that you're stuck with what the Copyright Office got. That's just the way it is."

Overturning a jury verdict is an uphill battle, and intellectual property attorney J. Michael Keyes says this would be an especially steep one.

"I wouldn't be all that jazzed about appealing on that basis if I were in the plaintiff's shoes," Keyes says. "You'd essentially be challenging an evidentiary motion. That's going to be an abuse of discretion standard. That makes it difficult right off the bat."

Says music litigator William Hochberg: "I think it would be a waste of time and money. I would suggest that they think long and hard about whether they really want to go forward with an appeal."

Read more: Jimmy Page Takes the Stand in "Stairway to Heaven" Trial

Hochberg says a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling could make this case a "stairway to hell" for Michael Skidmore, the trustee who sued on behalf of late Spirit songwriter Randy Wolfe's estate. In Kirtsaeng v. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., the high court held that misconduct by an attorney is a valid basis for a fee award even if the copyright claim isn't frivolous. Given Malofiy triggered more than 100 sustained objections and multiple verbal lashings from U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner, Hochberg thinks this case might qualify and could potentially stop others from pursuing claims.

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"I think would-be plaintiffs basing their claims on music they released decades ago will scratch their heads pretty hard before they come into court, especially in light of having to pay not only their own attorneys fees but also the defense's attorneys fees," he says.

Skidmore testified that he brought this lawsuit as a "labor of love" to continue Wolfe's legacy. In a way, despite the loss, he may have accomplished his mission.

"I'm sure there were far more YouTube hits on 'Taurus' than ever before," says music attorney James Sammataro.

The eight jurors unanimously found that while Page and Plant had access to the song they're accused of copying, the two works don't share copyrightable elements that are substantially similar.

"For a band that has been dogged by claims of copyright claims for decades, this is going to reduce their six other settlements to a footnote," Sammataro says of Led Zeppelin. "This is a win for their artistic integrity."

It's also a win for musicians who rely on building blocks, such as the descending chord progressions at issue in this case. Music litigator Christine Lepera, who represented Timbaland in his copyright infringement suit over "Big Pimpin,'" says expert testimony about prior art is key in cases like this. After all, neither Page nor Wolfe invented the minor-line cliche that's present in their songs. Similar expression can be found in works dating back to the 17th century.

"Just because things are similar it doesn't mean it's the result of copying," Lepera says. "When a jury understands that you can't monopolize certain common elements in music, that's an important point to be driven home."

Read more: Critic's Notebook: The True Inspiration for Led Zeppelins 'Stairway To Heaven'? Who Cares?

Attorneys also say this decision rights a skewed legal landscape following the controversial outcome of the "Blurred Lines" trial. In March 2015, a jury found Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke's song infringed on Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give it Up." Gaye's heirs were awarded millions in damages and a share of the track's future royalties.

"Many of us thought that the 'Blurred Lines' case was a travesty," Hochberg says. "This verdict restores faith in our judicial system."

While "Blurred Lines" has weighed heavily on the music industry, it was a copyright case over the film Raging Bull that allowed Skidmore to bring a lawsuit four decades after the claimed infringement. In that case, the Supreme Court held that the equitable defense of laches doesn't preclude claims brought within the three-year statute of limitations.

Skidmore was able to sue because Led Zeppelin issued a re-release of "Stairway to Heaven" in 2012. Had the group lost this case, it could have opened the floodgates of lawsuits against legacy artists who re-release albums, but Hochberg says the band's win may stave off similar suits.

"The combination of Petrella and 'Blurred Lines' seems to be creating a Gold Rush era for plaintiffs and their attorneys trying to hit paydirt with sometimes specious copyright infringement claims," Hochberg says. "This decision will staunch the flow of those kinds of cases."

Read more: Marvin Gaye Family Seeks 'Blurred Lines' Appeal, Warns of "Devastating Consequences" of Key Ruling (Exclusive)
The model-making company that created Star Wars icon R2-D2 was forced to close its doors and lay off all of its employees after a handful of workers defected to create a competing business, according to a complaint filed last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

McCune Masterworks is suing its former shop supervisor, production designer and vendor for misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair competition, among other claims. The suit claims Monty Shook, Jack Edjourian and John Ferrari conspired to destroy McCune's business by creating a competing company to steal a longtime client.

The company began with artist Grant McCune, who was hired by George Lucas for Star Wars after the filmmaker saw his uncredited work on Jaws. According to the complaint, Shook and Edjourian worked with McCune for more than 20 years on projects including Spiderman, Rambo and Iron Man 2. McCune died of pancreatic cancer in 2010 and his wife Katherine took over day-to-day operations. When Hollywood shifted from miniature models to computer-generated effects, Katherine moved the company into the business of creating high-end models and gifts for consumers.

By 2012, most of McCune Masterworks' revenue came from an annual contract to build 500 automata music boxes for SBIZ/Equity Group, which is worth $3 million, according to the complaint. Around the same time, tensions between Katherine McCune and Shook and Edjourian ran high because the two men felt a model-maker should own McCune.

The suit claims a surreptitious job Edjourian did for SBIZ in 2012 set the stage for the men to leave the company and take the client with them in November 2015. Before they left, they gathered "valuable proprietary information" including confidential client project details and vendor lists.

"Shook and Edjourian took these actions in secret, transferring the files from McCune's computers with an external hard drive while they were still McCune employees, with the clear intent to use this valuable information to further their own business interests," states the complaint. "Forensic analysis shows that after Shook and Edjourian copied the pertinent information, they tried to cover their tracks by wiping a hard drive clean, thus attempting to destroy the evidence of their wrongful and intentional conduct."

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McCune is seeking exemplary, actual and compensatory damages and restitution of at least $3 million.

Defendants have not yet filed a response to the complaint.
LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Sterling's should fall to between $1.25 and $1.30 and the yen and Swiss franc will gain strongly as markets digest Britain's shocking vote to leave the European Union, U.S bank Morgan Stanley said in a note to clients on Friday.

The bank's cross-asset team targetted a fall in the U.S. dollar to just 90 yen from current levels of around 101.60 yen and of the euro to 1.02 Swiss francs from 1.07 francs.

The bank forecast a 15-20 percent drop in European equities.

It recommended selling the Australian dollar against the yen with a target of 70 yen, from 74.50 yen at 0540 GMT.

Among emerging currencies, it singled out the Polish zloty as the best sell.

(Reporting by Vikram Subhedar; writing by Patrick Graham)
EXCLUSIVE: I found it a real honor to be asked to continue the tradition, Jared Leto says of playing Batmans decades-long archenemy The Joker in Warner Bros upcoming Suicide Squad. An Oscar winner, a musician with his band 30 Seconds To Mars and a documentarian, Leto also has been trying his hand as an interviewer with the hefty likes of Edward Snowden, Jeff Koons and ex-VP Al Gore through his AOL Build series Beyond The Horizon.

Having debuted October 6 last year, the Leto-directed series ran for 10 weeks. With a new 10- to 15-minute show every Tuesday, the self-described series about the future of humanity featured one-on-one interviews between Leto and the likes of Gore, Snowden, Deepak Chopra, Walter Isaacson and more on topics of technology, the environment and the security state.

With another season of the stylized series on the horizon and the first season in contention for an Outstanding Short Form Non-Scripted and Reality Series Emmy, Leto recently chatted about his AOL gig and its subject matters. As for the garish elephant in the room, the circumspect actor also discussed tackling the Joker role in the David Ayer-directed DC Comics pic alongside Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis and others  and whether hell be at Comic-Con for WBs Hall H presentation next month ahead of the movies August 5 release.

DEADLINE: Its not like you havent been busy of late. Why did you decide to both direct and host Beyond The Horizon?

LETO: Ive always been interested in leaders and rule breakers and artists and politicians. So I thought it would be a really unique opportunity to sit with these people in an intimate way and to learn a little bit about them and how they see the world.

beyond the horizon jared leto edward snowden

DEADLINE: How did the interview with Edward Snowden come together?

LETO: I had traveled to Russia and met with Snowden, which was a pretty involved meeting that required encrypted communication and the like. And it was fascinating because of who he is and what hes done. And more so because whats going on between our two countries, Russia and the U.S., and to meet Edward Snowden in Russia was unforgettable. After that meeting, we did the actual interview at a later date.

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DEADLINE: You start the show by asking him if he is a traitor. You know the divisive reaction he invokes  so what did you think of Edward Snowden?

LETO: I found him to be someone who had an incredible and very articulate point of view and I wanted to learn more about that. So I was glad we were able to make that a part of Beyond The Horizon. Because, at the end of the day, there was a moment there, regardless of your opinion on him or his actions, and it was easy to connect because we were two Americans sitting in a hotel room in Moscow.

DEADLINE: You do take your own approach when

LETO: Well, Im not a professional journalist, so I think when talking to someone like Al Gore or Edward and all of the other people I interviewed that it was a bit more disarming. I think people felt probably a bit less on-guard. I asked questions that I was interested in asking and learning about and we had conversations that were perhaps more intimate than they may have given somewhere else. There wasnt an agenda that I had so people could speak their mind on a bipartisan playing field. My only agenda was to really share their perspective and investigate that.

AOL Logo 2

DEADLINE: Why did you decide to have Beyond The Horizon on AOL and not say, a cable station or broadcaster, which Im sure would have been open to the idea.

LETO: AOL was the best choice because of the reach and their push into focusing on content. They give artists like me the ability to execute a vision and have real ownership over that vision. That and what I liked about that situation was the freedom that I got from them.

Because Beyond The Horizon was never meant to be conventional or for broadcast, it was always a show that was built for this generation. Something that you can consume on the go via mobile. So I think around 10 to 15 minutes was the sweet spot for us. It seems to be a good length for something thats a bit more involved than a short piece of content that you may find on YouTube or elsewhere thats less involving.

DEADLINE: When are we going to see more of them?

LETO: We have a second season that were prepping for right now. Weve got an incredible list of people lined up. Im going to do it again because it was so rewarding and it was challenging in its own way. It was also really fun and exciting to meet and talk with this people. I liked being able to preserve a moment in time, their perspective, and share some of their thoughts with people all over the world.

sucide squad joker

DEADLINE: So lets talk about something else that a lot of people anticipated being fun and exciting  Suicide Squad. Weve seen bit and pieces and trailers but whats coming?

LETO: You can anticipate a lot of chaos and a hell of a lot of fun. And, I think, something completely different than other movies in the genre.

DEADLINE: With the expectations high and your commitment to the character as high, what was it like playing the Joker?

LETO: Aww, it was a role of a lifetime. Really, it was an incredible honor to be asked to play the part. Look, there have been so many incredible performances of the Joker over the years. Then theres the wonderful artists that have drawn this character and the writers that have written the Joker for 75 years and more through television and film and animated projects. I found it a real honor to be asked to continue the tradition. Im so grateful that I had the chance, thats my honest answer and my thoughts on it.

DEADLINE: So, honest answer, are we going to see you make an appearance at Comic-Con next month with the rest of the Suicide Squad gang?

LETO: (laughs) You never know!

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LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - The city of Sunderland in north eastern England voted more strongly than expected to leave the European Union at a membership referendum on Thursday.

According to official results, 61.3 percent of voters in Sunderland backed leaving the bloc, above the 56.5 percent predicted by J.P. Morgan in analysis published before the vote.

Sunderland, one of the first few results to declare, has a large number of older, lower income voters who polls show are more likely to back so-called "Brexit". If Leave had not been strongly ahead here, it could have indicated they would struggle to break through in areas less favourable to Brexit.

(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Mark John)
A Washington, D.C., man confined to his home was allegedly able to elude authorities and fatally shoot someone after a technician placed a GPS tracking device on his prosthetic leg, according to reports.

Quincy Green, 34, was outfitted with an ankle monitor after he was ordered in April to remain in his home while awaiting trial on a gun possession charge, WUSA reported.

A technician from California-based company Sentinel who fitted Green with his monitoring device reportedly installed it on his prosthetic leg, apparently not realizing the limb was a fake.

Green is accused of removing the leg and using a spare to leave his home. After leaving, he allegedly shot and killed Dana Hamilton on May 14.

Hamilton, 44, was found shot to death on May 14 on a Southern Avenue sidewalk in Southeast DC.

Read: Man Says He Killed Woman, Raped Her Daughter After No One Noticed He Took Off His Ankle Monitor

Green allegedly left the device-toting limb at home, leading authorities to believe he was at his South Capitol Street apartment the entire time, WUSA wrote.

"The device barely moved as Green allegedly sought out Hamilton before shooting and killing him outside an apartment building where the victims family used to live, according to the arrest affidavit viewed by the Washington Post.

Im just so hurt and I just hope I can deal with it, the victims mother, Leslie Hamilton, said. This is the worst thats really happened to me all my life and Im 72 years old.

Why would they put it on a prosthetic leg?! When it was supposed to go on the persons real leg? asked the heartbroken mother, with whom Hamilton lived, WUSA reported.

Read: Why Former Olympian Oscar Pistorius Removed His Prosthetic Legs In Court

Cops reportedly searched for six days for clues to who may have killed Hamilton before someone tipped them off about Green.

Story continues

Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators allegedly showed the gunman had an obvious limp, Fox 5 reported.

A spokesman for Sentinel told the Washington Post that the technician who fitted Green with his device did not follow protocol and put the device over his sock, not realizing the leg was prosthetic.

Law enforcement officials say they were also frustrated by the tragic oversight.

Now we have this young man and [he] eventually kills someone, said Russ Mullins, an Executive Shop Steward with the Fraternal Order of Police. What do you say to the family?

Watch: Boyfriend Kills Girlfriend Then Posts Images of Body on Facebook, Cops Say

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Geneva (AFP) - A Swiss-based IT worker arrested earlier this month on suspicion of stealing documents from the law firm at the centre of the Panama Papers scandal was released from custody on Friday, his lawyer said.

The identity of the man who worked at the Geneva offices of Mossack Fonseca has been withheld.

His lawyer Thomas Barth told AFP he was "arrested at the start of the month" and was released on Friday provided he agreed "not to leave Switzerland until the investigation is over".

Panama-based Mossack Fonseca has lodged criminal complaints in several countries against people it suspects of being involved in last year's leak of a massive trove of documents on offshore companies.

The company claims the leak was the result of a hack that came from foreign servers.

News of the arrest in Switzerland was first given by the local newspaper Le Temps.

The paper said it had no information on whether he was the anonymous "John Doe" who claimed credit for the unprecedented leaks that toppled the prime minister of Iceland and triggered fraud investigations in several countries.

Though offshore companies are not in themselves illegal, they can be used to engage in illegal activities such as tax evasion or money laundering.
Zurich (AFP) - Switzerland's central bank said Friday it had "intervened" in the foreign exchange market to stabilise the Swiss franc, considered a safe haven currency, following the so-called Brexit vote.

"Following the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, the Swiss franc came under upward pressure," the bank said in a statement, adding that it had "intervened in the foreign exchange market to stabilise the situation and will remain active in that market."

As the result of the vote became clear, the Swiss franc strengthened considerably against the European single currency, trading at just 1.06 francs to the euro at 7:00 am (0500 GMT), compared to 1.10 francs to the euro seven hours earlier.

By 0750 GMT, the franc had meanwhile weakened some, trading at 1.085 to the euro.

The Swiss franc, long considered a safe haven currency, already saw its value surging after the publication of various polls in the run up to Thursday's vote suggesting Brexit could win the day in the June 23 referendum.

A stronger franc hits Swiss exporters, which are forced to squeeze costs and cut prices to remain competitive on an international market.

The Swiss central bank introduced a negative deposit rate early last year after it abruptly abandoned its three-year effort to hold down the franc's exchange rate to protect exports.

Last week, the central bank voiced hope that British voters would opt to remain in the EU, and maintained it monetary policy in place.

Bank chief Thomas Jordan at the time warned that the referendum "may cause uncertainty and turbulence to increase," vowing that "we will take measures if required."

The bank stuck with the -0.75 percent deposit rate, which is meant to dissuade foreign investors buying and holding Swiss francs as a safe haven investment.

The target range for the three-month Libor also remained unchanged at between -1.25 and -0.25 percent.

The Swiss rejected membership in the EU in a 1992 referendum.
ZURICH, June 24 (Reuters) - Switzerland's central bank said on Friday it had intervened in the currency market to weaken the Swiss franc in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

"Following the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, the Swiss franc came under upward pressure," the SNB said in a statement. "The Swiss National Bank has intervened in the foreign exchange market to stabilise the situation and will remain active in that market."

On the back of the unexpected Leave vote, the safe-haven Swiss franc rose to its highest level against the euro since August 2015 and had its biggest one-day jump since the SNB removed its franc peg to the euro on Jan. 15, 2015.

The euro has been steadily rising from a low of 1.0623 to around 1.08 francs in early London trade.

(Reporting by Joshua Franklin)
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) together with fighters from the Manbij Military Council captured a hospital from Islamic State in Manbij on June 24, according to local reports.

The forces also captured Qanat Sheikh a village southwest of Manbij.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on heavy fighting between SDF and IS in Manbij.

This video is posted on June 24 by a Kurdish news agency and described as showing scenes inside a hospital in Manbij. Credit: YouTube/firat nuce
Taipei (AFP) - Taiwan's first ever strike by cabin crew, which left 20,000 passengers without flights, ended Friday after China Airlines bowed to almost all of staff's demands.

The strike on the island's biggest carrier ended late in the evening after hours of negotiations between unions and the airline's newly appointed management.

"After a marathon negotiation of four and a half hours, we got a good deal," Chao Kang, the head of the Taoyuan Flight Attendant Union, told hundreds of excited union members gathered outside the CAL office in Taipei.

The strikers, many in tears, chanted: "Victory for flight attendants".

The airline was forced to cancel all flights out of the two main airports in the capital Taipei -- the only exception a chartered service for President Tsai Ing-wen, who left for a state visit to Panama and Paraguay Friday morning.

Crowds of passengers queued up at CAL counters in Taipei's Songshan and Taoyuan airports as the airline tried to get them onto different flights.

Hundreds of flight attendants staged a sit-in outside the firm's office in Taipei on Thursday night, protesting a new requirement that they report for work in Taoyuan -- on the outskirts of Taipei -- rather than downtown Songshan airport.

They say the measure was brought in "unilaterally".

"(It) pressures us to work even more overtime and will seriously affect flight safety," the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union said in a statement on its Facebook page.

The union is also calling for other improvements to conditions, including double pay for working on national holidays.

Tsai gave her thanks to the flight attendants during a short speech before her departure and vowed the government would defend their labour rights.

Both CAL's president and chairman were replaced on Thursday after tendering their resignations before the strike.

Ho Nuan-hsuan, who was officially approved by the board as new chairman on Friday, made an immediate concession, agreeing to reverse the unpopular decision over where flight attendants should report to work.

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"I promise to come up with a satisfactory response (to protesters' demands). Hopefully through the good will of the company, we can work together," Ho told the strikers.

In the end, the new management accepted nearly all the strikers' seven demands.

Ho was appointed by the transport ministry, which is CAL's largest shareholder.

In a statement Friday, CAL urged the government to intervene to bring the strike to a "smooth end".

It described the strike as an "unauthorised surprise attack" on the airline.
Sydney (AFP) - A piece of aircraft debris found off the coast of Tanzania will be examined to see whether it could be from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Australian officials said on Friday.

Australia's Transport Minister Darren Chester gave no description of the fragment found on Pemba Island, the latest in a string of pieces being examined for links to the aircraft lost more than two years ago with 239 people onboard.

"The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is seeking further information on the debris to ascertain whether it was from the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, MH370," Chester said in a statement.

The bureau said Malaysian officials were in contact with Tanzanian authorities to arrange for the piece to be examined.

The final location of MH370, which was on a routine flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it vanished in March 2014, has never been found despite an extensive search.

But pieces of debris thought almost certainly to have come from the plane have washed up on the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion and Mauritius as well as in South Africa and Mozambique.

In May, Chester said three more pieces were to be tested -- two from Mauritius and another from Mozambique, but gave no further details.

Australia is coordinating the underwater search for the plane in the southern Indian Ocean far off its western coast and so far some 105,000 square kilometres (40,540 square miles) have been searched.

Australia, Malaysia and China -- which had significant numbers of citizens on the plane -- have said the hunt will be abandoned once the agreed search area is thoroughly combed.

Officials from the three countries met earlier this week to discuss the search and Chester said discussions were productive but gave no further details ahead of a ministerial meeting planned for late July.
By Marc Frank and Carlos Vargas HAVANA/BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's government and leftist FARC rebels signed a historic ceasefire deal on Thursday that brought them tantalizingly close to ending the longest running conflict in the Americas. The accord, capping three years of peace talks in Cuba, sparked celebrations and tears of happiness among some in the Colombian capital. It sets the stage for a final deal to end a guerrilla war born in the 1960s out of frustration with deep socio-economic inequalities that outlived all other major uprisings in Latin America. "May this be the last day of the war," said bearded FARC commander Rodrigo Londono, better known by the nom de guerre Timochenko, his voice choked, after shaking hands with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos at a ceremony in Havana. Santos, 64, is half-way through his second term and has staked his legacy on peace in the face of opposition from sectors of the country who think the FARC should be crushed militarily. This means nothing more and nothing less than the end of the FARC as an armed group, Santos said, adding that the final peace deal would be signed in Colombia. The children and youth of our country have never known a single day without the violence of the conflict. Neither have the adults. In Colombia, even before Santos spoke, church bells pealed at noon to mark the start of the signing. Crowds in Bogota, the capital, gathered around giant TV screens set up in the streets, dancing, cheering and clapping as the ceremony unfolded. One placard read, "we've finished the war, now let's build peace." About 1,000 people gathered in the Plaza Bolivar, the city's main square, to celebrate despite rain. Some waved flags and balloons, others hugged and wiped their eyes. "Im 76 and have lived this war all my life  I never thought the time would come when these characters would sign peace. Im so happy  I can die in peace," said Graciela Pataquiva, a retired teacher, crying as she spoke. Santos' government says a final deal, which he said will be ready by July 20, would add one percentage point annually to economic growth in Colombia, which over the past two decades has turned itself around from a failing state to an emerging market darling. Thursday's agreement went further than many had hoped, with the FARC committing to putting a final accord to the Colombian people in a plebiscite, a promise made by Santos that had been a key sticking point. Not everybody supports the peace process, and Santos will have to work hard to convince opponents to back it in a referendum. Former President Alvaro Uribe, the leading critic of the talks, said the agreement was "a surrender to terrorism" by Santos. Under the agreement read out by mediators Norway and Cuba, the rebels will lay down their arms within 180 days of a final accord and demobilize into 23 temporary zones and eight camps. The ceasefire will only kick in when the final deal is agreed, although the two sides effectively stopped attacks almost a year ago and violence is already at historic lows. During their transition to democratic politics, the FARC's weapons will be handed over to the United Nations, which will begin a mission to verify the ceasefire. The government will guarantee the safety of ex-rebels and their political allies, who have historically been targets for right-wing paramilitary groups, the accord said. Special protection units, comprised of both ex-rebels and security forces, will guard FARC politicians and other community leaders. Under accords already struck in Cuba, perpetrators of the worst crimes in the war will face "transitional justice" aimed more at finding out the historical truth than meting out harsh punishments. "This is an extraordinary achievement. But there are serious challenges ahead related to security, implementation and guarantees of no repetition," said Roddy Brett, director of peace and conflict studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. "WHAT ABOUT THE OTHERS?" The FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, was one of many 20th century Latin American guerilla movements inspired by Marxist ideology and the success of the 1959 Cuban revolution. Its conflict began an as a peasant revolt before exploding into a war that killed at least 220,000 and displaced millions. Across the region, other rebellions were either crushed by right-wing military governments or convinced to lay down their arms and join conventional politics by the 1990s. But funded by its involvement in the cocaine industry, the FARC grew to a 17,000 strong force operating across vast swaths of territory. Kidnappings for ransom also helped bankroll the rebel group. That began to change in 2002, when Uribe launched a U.S.-backed counterinsurgency campaign that killed many FARC leaders and reduced it to an estimated 7,000 fighters. Even after peace with the FARC, formidable obstacles will remain. The smaller National Liberation Army (ELN) only recently said it would start talks, while gangs born out of right-wing paramilitary groups have taken over drug trafficking routes, filling the vacuum left by rebels, some say. "It's great to end the war with the FARC, but we've got to be serious, we finish with the FARC but what about all the others?" said Jhon Duarte, a 26-year old mechanic, echoing the concerns of many Colombians. Despite the challenges and the opposition from some quarters to letting FARC rebels re-enter society after years of kidnapping and attacks across the country, the mood on Thursday was buoyant. "This is a beacon of hope, our children will be able to enjoy what we could not - a childhood of peace and a life in peace," said Adriana Beltran, a 25-year-old housewife in Bogota. (Additional reporting by Sarah Marsh and Nelson Acosta in Havana and by Luis Jaime Acosta and Julia Symmes Cobb in Bogota; Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Tom Brown and Andrew Hay)
PARIS, June 24 (Reuters) - French oil services company Technip said on Friday there was no reason for Britain's exit from the European Union to impact its merger with FMC Technologies, including plans for London to be the legal headquarters of the new group.

Technip announced an all-stock merger with U.S. rival FMC Technologies in May to create an oil services group with combined revenue of $20 billion.

The new entity will have a complex structure, with three main headquarters, in Paris, Houston and London, where it will be domiciled.

There is no reason why Brexit should impact the deal, a Technip spokeswoman said.

"London is a natural place to put the new company. The operational organization on TechnipFMC is clear also and not London dependent," the spokeswoman told Reuters.

(Reporting by Bate Felix, editing by Gus Trompiz)
Everything is about to change for this boy from Tennessee when one do-gooder noticed he was in need, and decided to rally the community together to support him.

Read: Lunch Lady Who Was Fired For Giving Free Meal to Hungry Student is Offered Her Job Back

It all started two weeks ago when Matt White, of Memphis, saw 16-year old Chauncy Jones Black at a supermarket, asking to carry his groceries in exchange for some glazed doughnuts.

Black apparently took the bus at night to go to the "rich people's Kroger," yet White said he appeared to have been turned down multiple times, and was "ashamed, hungry and broken."

"He had no phone, a bus pass, and he was depending on the graces of a stranger to feed him within the hour before the bus left," 30-year-old White wrote on his post, that has since gone viral. "Needless to say, he and I went on a shopping spree."

In addition to the pack of glazed doughnuts, White listed that he bought the boy vegetables, milk, pasta, cereal and even toothbrushes.

"He told me how he makes straight A's in school and is trying to get a job to help his mom pay rent," White continued.

White then gave him a ride home, and when they arrived, he wrote of his shock at their living conditions: "He wasn't kidding. Him and his mom had nothing. They didn't even have beds or furniture. They were sleeping on pads made out of sleeping bags."

That was when White realized he had to help the boy and his mom get a better life.

He started a GoFundMe page, where in addition to helping Black and his mom raise money, he also wrote that what the boy needed most was a job.

Before he knew it, the community's support started pouring in.

Though the original goal was $250 for a lawn mower, so Black could start mowing his neighbor's lawns for money, the campaign has now reached $92,200 and counting.

"I keep raising the goal because people just keep giving and giving to them," White wrote. "God teaches us to dream and pray big. So I am."

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Other than cash donations, people have started coming by their home and dropping off things like kitchen supplies and a dresser to help them furnish their home.

Black is now getting hired by people in his community to do odd jobs like paint houses and mow lawns.

Read: Once-Homeless Man Graduates College With 3.2 GPA, Now Wants to Help Others

"He kept sayng, 'It's going to look good,' and it does!" one of Black's first clients reported in a voice recording White posted to Facebook. "Yeah, he did a really good job. He was real polite."

Next, Black's mom said in a YouTube video that she hopes they'll be able to get a new home in a safer neighborhood.

According to the GoFundMe page, their relationship extends past giving Black a hand out.

"Chauncy and I will be going to church each Sunday," he wrote, "if you'd like to come hang out with us. We go out for ice cream afterward and have lots of fun."

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From Cosmopolitan

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka Prince William and Kate Middleton, attended a gala dinner tonight at Houghton House, the stunning home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley (OK), and Kate pulled out a dress from deep in her wardrobe archives for the occasion.

She wore a sparkly blush pink Jenny Packham gown that she first donned five years ago, in June 2011 at the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Kensington Palace.

Kate has gone from twentysomething to thirtysomething and had two children in that time, and she looks the same and the dress fits the same too. Has she been frozen in time? Maybe!

She schmoozed and glad-handed at sunset while holding a glass of white wine.

During the event, she and Will joked about why they were at the dinner cooked by five Michelin-starred chefs. (They were actually there to raise money for one of Kate's charities, the East Anglia's Children's Hospices.)

"William has to put up with my cooking most of the time," Kate said, according to People and the Daily Mail.

"It's the reason I'm so skinny," he said.

Guys, the royals do jokes! They recycle fancy clothes! They're just like us!

Get non-boring fashion and beauty news directly in your feed. Follow Facebook.com/CosmoBeauty.

Follow Helin on Instagram.
"It feels like London is in shock," Asya Kovarsky, the Russian-Israeli wife of a British citizen, said in a Facebook message. "My husband is really upset about it. I don't want to move but I feel like he will not want to live here anymore."

Kovarsky works in international relations and most of her London colleagues are foreign citizens. So the Brexit, or the United Kingdom citizens' recent decision for Britain to leave the European Union, will have a huge impact on her social circle.

According to Kovarsky, fear of the future is all anyone can talk about  especially people in mixed-nationality relationships.

Source: Mic/Getty

According to the British Office for National Statistics, there are more than 100,000 couples in London where a British national is dating someone of another EU nationality. more recent migrants" labeled as "Other Whites," 84% of which were born outside the U.K.

Currently, an EU citizen has the right to live and work in any other EU country. But with the Brexit, that could change. "At a minimum, that would mean that people moving to or from Britain would need to worry about passports and residency rules," Vox's Timothy B. Lee wrote. "And it could mean that some British immigrants may lose their right to continue living and working in the UK and be deported."

As a result, multicultural relationships are bound to get tricky. While it's unclear what will happen next, the Independent has reported that British partners might lose the right to immigrate with deported foreign-born partners to their home country, inevitably forcing a long-distance relationship or a break-up.

"We never really thought this would actually happen. I guess we would both have to move if either of us can't stay," Manchester resident Jana Bukolovska told Mic on Facebook. "It could mean going back to the beginning: me moving to Latvia, and my partner to Lithuania in case we don't come up with something else."

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Source: Mic/Getty

Reddit user lolowalsh is concerned the general upheaval will derail marriage plans with his partner from Morocco, who is trying to come to the U.K.

"We just want to to settle together and get married," lolowalsh wrote. "However, this whole referendum is making me confused."

ouples of all kinds are reconsidering their futures in Britain.

"A lot of my colleagues are worried," Kovarsky said. "One of my [non-European] colleagues, whose partner is European...started thinking maybe their future is in Europe, not in the U.K. [The vote] could affect their visa status."

Although she has been living in the U.K. for three consecutive years, the vote could also impact Kovarsky's legal status. British law requires households to meet certain income standards in order to bring a foreign spouse. Kovarsky and her husband initially didn't make enough money for her to move as the wife of a British national, so they spent time living in Belgium and returned to London under EU law.

Luckily, Kovarsky's husband found a job with higher income, so she could finally apply for a British residency if she was threatened with deportation. Not all couples, however, will be so fortunate.

Source: Mic/Getty

Financial journalist Daniele Palumbo, who is originally from Sicily, is anxiously wondering how the Brexit will impact his relationship and family plans. It took Palumbo and his Italian girlfriend years to

"If they put some [new residency requirements] and we are not able to meet these requirements, we will be forced to leave," Palumbo said in a Skype interview. "After all the sacrifice we did to come here and realize our dreams."

Yet even if they are both granted the right to stay, as a finance expert Palumbo worries what new laws will mean for his ability to buy a home and raise a family.

"We are really worried...we don't know [how the Brexit will affect mortgages for non-British citizens] but we fear this. We will have to move out and start again," Palumbo said.

Source: WPA Pool/Getty Images

Palumbo is also concerned about the general atmosphere of the U.K., which he says has turned hostile and "more aggressive" towards non-British nationals after the vote. He worries about how the nationalist sentiment will impact EU citizens, both socially and professionally.

"Everything is so uncertain. [Brexit] is changing a lot of how British people behave with us Europeans," he said, describing how the British are celebrating this vote as a sort of "Independence Day."

Kovarsky agreed. The public pro-Brexit sentiment, she said, "feels like a slap in the face."

Read more:

 Britain Votes to Leave EU in Historic Brexit Referendum

 Brexit: The Scary Reason Why You May Be Jobless This Year

 This Is Why a Brexit Would Be the UK's Equivalent of a Donald Trump Victory
A family beach day has turned into a horrific nightmare for one Texas man.



Brian Parrott, 50, had part of his right leg amputated in an attempt to save his life from a deadly infection from "flesh-eating" bacteria he contracted after a trip to the beach in Galveston on June 12.



The security guard was enjoying a day at the beach with his grandchildren and three children  Brian, 26, Stefanie, 24, and Cody, 17.



Parrottas mother, Donna Dailey, 68, tells PEOPLE her son became ill the day after he returned home from the beach. A couple days later, he noticed a rash and boils on his leg and went to the hospital, where part of his leg was amputated  five days after his trip to Galveston.









Texas Dad of 3 Loses Leg to Rare Flesh-Eating Bacteria He Contracted After Family Beach Day| Real People Stories





Parrott is currently being monitored at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in Houston. A second surgery was performed to flush the rest of the limb out with antibiotics to avoid further infection.



"Doctors hope [the infection] is controlled, and they're watching it real close," Dailey tells PEOPLE. "Every time it seems like it's getting better, then something else happens."



Dailey says doctors haven't given an exact name of the infection, but they did call it a "flesh-eating disease" and believe he likely contracted it through a scratch on his foot.



Due to privacy laws, the hospital was unable to confirm Parrottas condition to PEOPLE, but Diana Martinez, epidemiology program manage for Harris County Public Health, said that her office had opened an investigation into a reported case of Vibrio involving a middle-aged man who was exposed to saltwater, according to the Houston Chronicle.



According to the Galveston Health Department, the rare flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus lives in coastal waters and can cause infection when an open wound is exposed to brackish or salt water.



If an open wound is exposed to untreated water, the area should immediately be washed with soap and fresh water.



Vibrio can also be contracted from eating raw or undercooked shellfish. This form of the illness is called Vibrio diarrheal and most people recover without treatment. However, some people may become sick enough to need extra fluids, antibiotics and possible hospitalization.



The CDC estimates that there are 95 Vibrio vulnificus cases each year in the U.S., including 85 hospitalizations and 35 deaths.



Most at risk for severe illness and death from Vibrio vulnificus are people with a weakened immune system. Mild symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. More severe symptoms include sudden chills, fever, shock and skin lesions.



Several beaches in Galveston were under an advisory for elevated bacteria levels on Thursday. When an advisory is put into place, samples are tested daily until the bacteria levels return to normal. A beach advisory does not mean it is closed, but it is "simply to inform the public of the elevated bacteria level so people can make an informed choice about swimming in the affected waters," the Galveston County Health District says on their Beach Watch Program website.



Dailey says her son's emotions have been a "rollercoaster."



"Sometimes he feels so blessed that it happened to him and not one of the grandkids, then he's upset with himself for not knowing the water was that bad," she says.



The family says there were no warning signs that the bacteria was in the water, and they want to warn others.



"You don't think about it. You know that the water isn't totally clean, but you don't think you're going to lose a limb," Dailey says. "You definitely don't think it's going to happen to you or your family members."



The concerned mother says the family has been overwhelmed by the support theyave received from their community. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with health costs.
From Esquire

(Permanent Musical Accompaniment To This Post)

Being our semi-regular weekly survey of what's goin' down in the several states where, as we know, the real work of governmentin' gets done, and where them Communists were comin' around and they're in the air and they're on the ground.

We begin our tour in the great state of Louisiana. Specifically, we begin in Bogalusa-which is pronounced, I believe, "bughouse"-where a local judge apparently read a lot of Dickens as a boy and identified with too many of the wrong characters. The Times-Picayune tells us the tale.

The SPLC is applying for class-action status as it seeks to recoup what defendants have been forced to pay under the court's policies for fines. The lawsuit's goals appear two-fold. The SPLC is asking a federal judge to block Black from sending defendants directly to jail if they can't pay, and to put a permanent end to the judge's practice of granting payment extensions only if defendants fork over $50 on the spot. The SPLC called Black's extension fee illegal because it appears he created it out of thin air. It doesn't exist in state law and it doesn't have the necessary approval of the state Supreme Court, West said. But the crux of the SPLC's case rests on the Constitution's 14th Amendment, which governs due process and equal protection rights in the justice system. According to the lawsuit, Black doesn't ask whether a defendant can pay a fine-a requirement imposed by the U.S. Supreme Court in a case in the early 1980s. He also doesn't offer any alternatives to jail, such as community service, the option to pay a lesser fine or the establishment of a payment schedule, West said.

I expect to hear loud cries of outrage rising from the throats of all those people who have been so concerned with the due-process rights of gun owners against this blatant-and highly profitable-scheme that is the very antithesis of due process and which, I guaran-damn-tee you, is not the only one in motion in backwater jurisdictions around the country.

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While we still have a bean to bless ourselves, let's skip on up to Tennessee, where a local congressional candidate is making no bones about where he stands. Our reporter from WTVC NewsChannel 9 is on the scene.

In a page titled "The Billboard Strategy," he explains the reasons he wanted the billboard up: "With its towering and massive stature, the billboard sign is difficult to ignore and its message comes across as authoritative and influential." The page goes on to explicitly cite Trump as an inspiration for the sign: "For these reasons we are confident that a widespread and creative billboard advertising game plan could go a long way toward making the Rick Tyler For Congress candidacy both viable and a force to be reckoned with. Clearly we are in uncharted waters, in that there has never been a candidacy like this in modern political history. Of great significance, as well, is the reality of the Trump phenomenon and the manner in which he has loosened up the overall spectrum of political discourse." The website says the billboard on Highway 411 could "make a major splash:" "The Make America White Again billboard advertisement will cut to the very core and marrow of what plagues us as a nation. As Anne Coulter so effectively elucidates in her book, Adios America, the overhaul of America's immigration law in the 1960s has placed us on an inevitable course of demise and destruction. Yes the cunning globalist/Marxist social engineers have succeeded in destroying that great bulwark against statist tyranny the white American super majority. Without its expedited restoration little hope remains for the nation as a whole."

Best of luck, Rick Tyler. Pro Tip: Don't invade Russia in the winter.

Luckily, it's summer now, so we can enjoy Wisconsin without mukluks. We skip on north to see what's up in America's Dairyland and, lo and behold, we find a gun-fondling state legislator who has decided to put the force of law behind barroom shoot-outs-which, we would point out, were banned in fcking Tombstone when the Earp boys were running things.

Talk to us, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Explain the curious nature of your indigenous political fauna.

A state lawmaker wants businesses that ban guns to be held strictly liable for any gun-related injury that might occur in their premises, and to pay triple damages. The "Disarmed Citizen Compensation Act" is the brainchild of Rep. Bob Gannon (R-Slinger). "This bill will give the citizens of Wisconsin a better chance of defending themselves and their loved ones against this scourge of terrorist activity," Gannon said in a news release. But automatically imposing liability on businesses that choose to prohibit weapons may give some of them concern. "I think among a lot of our members, the symbolism would be well received, but the practicality of it might not be," said Steve Baas, senior vice president for governmental affairs with Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. "Generally, they're for tort reform and liability limits."

Well, those are also pretty bad things, Steve, but I take your point. The "practicality" of this particular proposition is that I can sue a bar if it doesn't allow me to pack heat and somebody walks in and shoots me. Can I sue the guy who accidentally shoots me when he's returning fire? Can I sue the biker gang that comes to my defense and takes out the front wall of the saloon with a barrage while I'm bleeding on the floor? Can I just sue everybody, everywhere, for everything? This doesn't sound like tort reform to this reporter.

Our rights intact, let's venture down to where-the-fck-else? Texas, where a judge has decided that the business-friendly, 10th Amendment paradise created by Rick Perry and Greg Abbott should not be allowed to poison its prison inmates willy-nilly. The Houston Chronicle takes a big swig of Shiner Bock and lays down the 411.

"The prisoners in the Wallace Pack Unit are forced both to endure extremely high temperatures and to drink water with impermissibly high levels of arsenic," the judge wrote in the ruling. "Without proper mitigation measures in place, such prolonged exposure to high temperatures poses a substantial risk to the health of all the inmates, young and old." The Texas Department of Criminal Justice knows that heat is a risk and is "deliberately indifferent to that risk," the judge wrote.

Stop coddling these old crooks, dammit. They got water. OK, it can kill you at a distance of 30 yards, but this is prison.

Ellison said that the prison does not monitor the temperatures or the heat index in the dormitories at the Pack Unit and "has taken no steps to lower the temperatures inside the housing areas." The prison recommends inmates drink plenty of water and allows them to take cold showers or wear light clothing. The well water available at the Pack Unit, however, contains arsenic, and most inmates cannot afford to buy enough bottled water to remain properly hydrated, the suit says. Ellison said the state probably could have fixed the problem already if it had used the money it spent defending itself in the lawsuit.

May it please the court, that's one sick burn, Your Honor.

He has not yet heard the case on the constitutionality of the heat but may have tipped his hand by indicating the potentially cancer-causing water and unmitigated heat are unacceptable, said Jeff Edwards, one of the attorneys representing the Pack Unit inmates.

Jesus, either roast them to death or poison their asses, but pick one, will you? It's embarrassing.

Jason Clark, a TDCJ spokesman, said the agency believes the water at the Pack Unit does not need to be replaced in such a hurry. "The water at the Pack Unit is safe to drink according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Department of State Health Services," Clark said. "The federal government's standards regarding arsenic have changed significantly over the last 10 years."

Well, if the water comes up to Texas's rigid environmental standards, that's all I need to know. By the way, the long-range forecast for Grimes County has temperatures in the mid-to-high-90s, probably until Christmas.

And we conclude, as is our custom, in the great state of Oklahoma, where Official Blog Fremen desert guide Friedman Of The Plains brings us the amazing saga of the state senate race in District 13 which has drawn an, ahem, interesting group of candidates. The good folks at NONDOC have been collating the resumes.

As Sen. Susan Paddack (D-Ada) exits her District 13 seat owing to term limits, a diverse cast of candidates has emerged with hopes to take her place. In a nutshell

I'll say.

Too easy?

Do continue.

As reported by NewsOK.com, cowboy-cum-candidate Jet McCoy (Facebook / Twitter) has thus far rustled up the most campaign contributions of any contender in any of Oklahoma's 2016 legislative elections. He'll need that cash to shore up an otherwise thin political resume, because while his reality-TV fame as a three-time contestant on CBS's The Amazing Race with his brother Cord may garner sufficient name and face recognition during the Year of the Trump Train, it offers scant substitute for the civic and political involvement of other candidates.

And

Don't let her good looks fool you into thinking Shawn Howard (Facebook / Twitter) is a porcelain butterfly: This card-carrying member of the National Rifle Association recently received the highest rating of all District 13 candidates from that organization.

Also, too

Carrying a negative balance in his campaign coffer as of the last financing report filed, former math teacher of 31 years, pest-control business owner and certified scuba instructor Steve Jarman (Facebook) also places a heavy emphasis on education.

This is your democracy, America. Cherish it.

Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page.
BRUSSELS, June 24 (Reuters) - Joint statement by Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, Mark Rutte, holder of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, on the outcome of the United Kingdom referendum

"President Tusk, President Schulz and Prime Minister Rutte met this morning in Brussels upon the invitation of European Commission President Juncker. They discussed the outcome of the United Kingdom referendum and made the following joint statement:

"In a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but respect it.

This is an unprecedented situation but we are united in our response. We will stand strong and uphold the EU's core values of promoting peace and the well-being of its peoples. The Union of 27 Member States will continue. The Union is the framework of our common political future. We are bound together by history, geography and common interests and will develop our cooperation on this basis. Together we will address our common challenge to generate growth, increase prosperity and ensure a safe and secure environment for our citizens. The institutions will play their full role in this endeavour.

We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would necessarily prolong uncertainty. We have rules to deal with this in an orderly way. Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union sets out the procedure to be followed if a Member State decides to leave the European Union. We stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the United Kingdom regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union. Until this process of negotiations is over, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, with all the rights and obligations that derive from this. According to the Treaties which the United Kingdom has ratified, EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a Member.

As agreed, the "New Settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union", reached at the European Council on 18-19 February 2016, will now not take effect and ceases to exist. There will be no renegotiation.

As regards the United Kingdom, we hope to have it as a close partner of the European Union also in the future. We expect the United Kingdom to formulate its proposals in this respect. Any agreement, which will be concluded with the United Kingdom as a third country, will have to reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations." (Reporting By Jan Strupczewski)
BANGKOK (Reuters) - A Thai court jailed seven activists on Friday for campaigning against a military-backed draft constitution which will be put to a referendum in August. Authorities arrested 13 people on Thursday while they were handing out leaflets urging people to vote against the charter. Six were released on bail, a lawyer for the group said, while the rest chose not to post bail. "Six have been released but seven will be jailed," said Kumklao Songsomboon of the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights group. In a rare show of unity, political parties on both sides of Thailand's divide have said the draft constitution is undemocratic and will enshrine military power and hobble civilian politics. The junta has banned criticism of the charter in the run-up to the vote. It had already issued rules in May barring anyone from campaigning for either side ahead of the Aug. 7 referendum. Those who violate the rules face up to 10 years in prison. The referendum will be the country's first return to the ballot box since junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha took power in a 2014 coup which he said was needed to end months of street protests that had paralyzed the government. Amnesty International in a statement on Friday urged Thailand to end its crackdown on activists. "These crude tactics represent the latest in series of attempts by the Thai military authorities to muzzle dissent," said Champa Patel, Amnesty International's Senior Research Adviser for South East Asia and the Pacific. "If a small group of activists cannot hand out leaflets, then what hope is there that the rights to freedoms of expression and assembly will be respected in the run up to the referendum?" (Reporting by Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by Dominic Evans)
This Calvin Klein advert has sparked an online debate [Photo: Calvin Klein]

Back in 2014 Myla Dalbesio made headlines for being chosen as Calvin Kleins first plus-sized model. It was such a surreal moment, the 29-year-old model said of her new gig at the time. But not everyone was thrilled about her campaign debut and a furious social media debate ensued about sizing in the modelling industry with many questioning whether the size 14 model should be categorized as plus sized.

Fast forward two years and Coronation Street actress, Catherine Tyldesley has re-ignited the same debate. Posting two images of Myla, alongside the slogan Calvin Kleins first plus-size model, the soap star accused the brand of encouraging eating disorders and body confidence issues.



Tell me this is a joke??, she wrote. PLUS-size?!?! Congrats on giving another generation of girls eating disorders/insecurities.



Catherine Tyldesleys tweet has reignited a debate about plus size categorisation [Photo: Twitter/@Cath_Tyldesley]

And it wasnt long before her words awoke the Twitter beast with many people slamming the fashion brand for promoting unrealistic body ideals.



You should be ashamed @CalvinKlein! Plus-size my a***! one woman wrote.



So this new/ first plus size model for Calvin Klein is a joke, shes a size 10 max ???? added another.



This is "plus size literally only to Calvin Klein, whose definition of a NOT plus size woman is prepubescent male" added a third woman.



Myla Dalbesio doesnt describe herself as plus size [Photo: Rex Features]

Its fair to say the Internet is suitably cross. But, what some are failing to realise is that the picture doing the social media rounds was from the same 2014 campaign. And the accompanying plus-size model tag has likely been photoshopped on. When the ads originally ran in 2014, Calvin Klein never described Myla as plus size (although some media did) and though she has reportedly spent some time on agencies plus-size boards, she doesnt use the term herself, choosing instead to refer to herself as normal-sized.



Story continues

Im not plus size, she told InStyle at the time. In the fashion industry there was no space for anyone in between a size 0 and four and the 12 plus so the only boards that would except girls of my size is plus-size boards and thats how women my size ended up becoming part of that category.

This whole controversy is starting a greater conversation towards more inclusive fashion.

The funny thing is, that for years people have been calling for models who represent normal sizing to be used in high profile ads. Myla calls herself just that, so her appearance in Calvin Kleins campaign could in fact be seen as a step in the right direction towards more inclusivity.



The problem seems to lie more in the whole plus size categorisation than anything else, but as long as the term still exists in the fashion industry, the unrealistic body ideals debate will continue to rage.



What do you think? Join the debate @YahooStyleUK

Facebook Forced To Apologise For Rejecting Ad Featuring Plus Size Model Tess Holliday

Tess Holliday Doesnt Mind Being Labelled Plus Size, Shes Just Sick Of Talking About It
lilian Tintori

The UK just turned its back on unity and voted to leave the EU. Markets are roiling.

Now for some good news.

On Thursday, the Organization of American States for the first time handed down a ferocious indictment of Venezuela's Socialist regime, led by President Nicolas Maduro, in a passionate speech made by Secretary General Luis Almagro:

"The Permanent Council should also take the necessary steps to address the unprecedented and unnecessary humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The Council should express itself clearly on the political prisoners and the persistent reports of torture. The Council should support the will of the Venezuelan people in their call for a recall referendum. It's in accordance with these principles that we must or not act. As Desmond Tutu said, 'If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.' Democracy is the government of the people."

He went on to list a litany of atrocities the government has committed against its own people  things we already know.

We know that that Venezuelans are being denied their right to hold a referendum on the presidency. We know they are starving. We know the press is being tightly controlled or persecuted. We know that politicians who fought for democracy on the streets are now rotting in jail cells.

And that's hardly the half of it.

What we also know is that the OAS has never, within its own chamber, blamed Maduro's government for Venezuela's economic and political disaster.

"These challenges cannot be blamed on external forces. The situation facing Venezuela today is the direct result of the actions of those currently in power," Almagro said.

Of all of Almagro's indictments, this one was perhaps the cruelest:

"On April 5, 2016, the National Assembly introduced special legislation to 'address the humanitarian health crisis.'

Story continues

"This law would allow much needed international humanitarian assistance into the country. On June 9, the Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional."

The Venezuelan people suffer immensely, and their government has actively worked against their relief.

The pink tide is receding

Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez gets into a National Guard armored vehicle in Caracas February 18, 2014. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Perhaps you're thinking "When was the last time this toothless group of mostly Latin American nations did anything for anyone?"

That's not the way to think about this.

The way to think of this is to realize that this is the end of the pink tide's grip over all politics in Latin America. The pink tide is the wave of socialist and left-leaning politicians who rose to power in the region, starting with the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in the 1990s.

After that, Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, and a host of other countries moved to the left. The OAS was a party to this. The left held the body in its grip. And while Chavez was alive, and after that, while left-leaning Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was president of Argentina, it seemed that the body would never stand up for the rights of Venezuelans and try to stop their unimaginable suffering.

Until Thursday.

Almagro suggested the OAS put together a "group of friends" to "help it back on the path to democracy." In all honesty it sounded like the group of friends that stages an intervention for their drug-addicted loved one.

Except the Venezuelan regime is addicted to power, violence, terror, and a failed ideology.

At the end of the speech, Almagro outlined what this group of friends would be doing. It looked a lot like a list of demands the Venezuelan opposition might make, including a referendum before the end of year, the acceptance of international aid, and the creation of a "truth commission" to sort out differences between the regime and its detractors.

"Democracy has no borders," he said. "Democracy is more than an election; it is about freedom. Freedom of expression, association, assembly. It is an empowered citizenry. An independent judiciary. A security apparatus that is trusted by and accountable to the people. It is the legitimate exercise of power, within the rule of law. Democratic governments have a responsibility to their citizens."

I guess we'll have to keep reminding people until it sticks  until the end of time.

NOW WATCH: Movie theater soda is a rip-off  but it's not the highest marked up item out there





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Tom Hiddleston clearly is a man in love - with his shoes. The 35-year-old Thor actor has been photographed so many times wearing the same Aquatalia Ace ankle-high suede lace-ups ($425) that it has created a media sensation. The drama began June 15, after The Sun published photos of Hiddleston canoodling with his new squeeze, Taylor Swift, on a rocky Rhode Island shore.

Someone at Page Six recognized Hiddleston's favorite footwear and quickly slapped together a retrospective of his recent public appearances in the shoes (on the red carpet at the Tribeca Film Festival, at the Wizard World Comic Con in Philadelphia, etc.). Page Six wasn't the only one to notice the boots; Aquatalia sent out a news release with the Sun photo noting that the actor "was spotted  on the beach" wearing the shoes. The release made no mention of Swift, whose flats in the picture cannot be identified.

But it's obvious that the news release had some effect on sales: Hiddleston's Aquatalia shoes are listed as "out of stock" on the company's website.

Hiddleston at the AOL Build Speaker Series

Hiddleston at a SAG-AFTRA Foundation event

A version of this story first appeared in the July 15 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

Read More: Tom Hiddleston Wore $425 Suede Boots on His Beach Date With Taylor Swift
Kelly McGillis says she is "alright" after a home intrusion got physical.

The Top Gun actress took to Facebook to share a scary story about a woman who broke into her home and she said proceeded to attack her. McGillis said it began when she returned to her North Carolina residence and noticed a light on inside.

"When I put my key in the front door it was unlocked. I thought it was strange but I made up the story that maybe I had left it unlocked just as I had left the bathroom light on," she wrote, explaining that when she entered the house she noticed a stranger's shoes.

"A stranger, a woman, came barreling down the hallway and began yelling at me," McGillis continued. "I asked her who she is and why she was in my house and she said 'you know why you've been stalking me in Twitter.' Not true."

WATCH: Mandy Moore Granted Restraining Order Over Alleged Stalker

Getty Images

McGillis, 58, went on to recall in detail her side of what occurred on Saturday:

"At that moment I got worried that there may be someone else in the house with her. We have quite a few guns and lots of ammo and that's when I started to panic. Thinking that if they have one of them I could be shot. I ran out the front door and called 911. She ran out after me and began punching and scratching me trying to grab the phone out of my hand. I began screaming as loud as I could hoping someone somewhere might hear me. I still had my car keys in my hand so I set off the car alarm. That distracted her enough to throw the cell and try to deal with the keys. More fighting ensued. I got the cell phone back and dialed 911 again. More fighting...I finally broke away, got in the truck and drove off trying to find a neighbor to call 911. There was no one around since it was Friday night, so I chased someone in a car, kept flashing my lights and honking the horn. They finally pulled over and she made the 911 call for me. A truly good Samaritan."

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"I'm alright. Scratched and bruise," she concluded. "I feel very thankful it turned out well."

Major Frank Stout of the Henderson County Sheriff's Office tells ET, "Last night, the victim returned home to find the subject in her residence. After a struggle, the victim was able to flee her residence and call 911. A short time later, deputies were able to locate the suspect and place her under arrest without further incident."

The suspect, Laurence Marie Dorn, was charged with second degree burglary, misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor stalking, and assault and battery, according to the sheriff's office, and is being held on a $60,000 bail.

WATCH: Chris Brown's Home Invaded by 3 Armed Men, Aunt Forced Into Closet

On Wednesday, McGillis seemed to still be experiencing some lingering shock, captioning a selfie, "Relaxing at home with some oxygen. My anxiety is/was so high it was best for me to get hooked up."

She also shared a photo from the shooting range and explained, "They rushed me through the conceal and carry course so I am armed and ready. The Henderson County Sheriff's department has been absolutely the greatest."

"Here's my first target practice. I only missed five from the center out of thirty rounds. All hit the target," she said.

Sandra Bullock experienced a similarly frightening incident last year when an alleged stalker broke into her home and she was forced to call 911 while hiding in the closet. Hear the chilling call in the video below.

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Top Gun actress Kelly McGillis is recovering after a horrifying home invasion in North Carolina.

Read: Convicted Robber Throws His Feces at Judge Who Sentences Him to 40 Years in Prison

It happened June 17 when the 58-year-old opened the door to her home in Hendersonville and sensed someone was inside.

She posted about the incident the following day in a lengthy Facebook post.

She wrote: I was trying to get rid of the stuff in my hand to better assess what was going on when a stranger, a woman, came barreling down the hallway and began yelling at me. I asked her who she is and why she was in my house and she said 'you know why you've been stalking me in Twitter.' Not true.

The actress says the suspect, identified as Laurence Marie Dorn, started screaming at her.

The actress struggled to call police and says she escaped in her truck and flagged down a motorist who called 911.

She wrote: She ran out after me and began punching and scratching my (sic) trying to grab the phone out of my hand. I began screaming as loud as I could hoping someone somewhere might hear me.

The motorist told 911: "A woman just pulled me over. She said that someone has just broken into her house."

McGillis was screaming: "Help me!" as the motorist was on the call.

Read: Police on the Hunt for 'Bikini Bandit' Who's Still on the Loose in Southern California

McGillis then took the phone and said: "I don't know her. She says she knows me and I don't know anything about her.

The operator asked: "How did they get in?"

I have no idea. I came home and the door was unlocked, the lights were on. And I said hello? Hello and she came out and just said a bunch of s***, she said.

McGillis says shes upset that her neighbors didn't come to her rescue as she screamed.

The intruder, who had her daughter with her at the time, has been arrested and the child was placed in protective custody.

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The actress told WLOS: I feel you have an obligation when I hear Help! Help! Help! to either help them first or call 911 if it is a dangerous situation. But to flat out ignore it

Watch: 7-Year-Old Punches Armed Robbers Twice as Store Is Burglarized: 'His Instincts Just Took Over'

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One stock that might be an intriguing choice for investors right now is The Toronto-Dominion Bank TD. This is because this security in the Banks-Foreign space is seeing solid earnings estimate revision activity, and is in great company from a Zacks Industry Rank perspective.

This is important because, often times, a rising tide will lift all boats in an industry, as there can be broad trends taking place in a segment that are boosting securities across the board. This is arguably taking place in the Banks-Foreign space as it currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 75 out of more than 250 industries, suggesting it is well-positioned from this perspective, especially when compared to other segments out there.

Meanwhile, Toronto-Dominion Bank is actually looking pretty good on its own too. The firm has seen solid earnings estimate revision activity over the past month, suggesting analysts are becoming a bit more bullish on the firms prospects in both the short and long term.

TORONTO DOM BNK Price and Consensus

TORONTO DOM BNK Price and Consensus | TORONTO DOM BNK Quote

In fact, over the past month, current quarter estimates have risen from 89 cents per share to 92 cents per share, while current year estimates have risen from $3.50 per share to $3.56 per share. This has helped TD to earn a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), further underscoring the companys solid position.

So, if you are looking for a decent pick in a strong industry, consider Toronto-Dominion Bank. Not only is its industry currently in the top third, but it is seeing solid estimate revisions as of late, suggesting it could be a very interesting choice for investors seeking a name in this great industry segment.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



TORONTO DOM BNK (TD): Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
To impress future owners with the Bombardier Global 7000 business jet, Bombardier built a full-size,110-foot-long mock-up of the airplane and have been showing it at airshows and luxury events around the country. (Photos from a recent event at a Beverly Hills hotel show actor Matthew McConaughey taking a turn in the pilots seat.) Now you can take an online video tour of the airplanes unique amenities. Highlights include extra-large windowsnearly twice as big as those in other Global jetsa formal dining area that seats six, a master suite with a full-size shower, a full galley, a video theater, and parquet floors. The 60-foot-long, four-zone cabin will be the biggest of any true business jet, excluding the larger commercial jets repurposed for private use.

The Global 7000 will be the first aircraft powered by General Electrics all-new Passport turbofan engine, which promises to deliver low fuel burns and low emissions. Besides the large cabin, the jet offers a globe-hopping range of up to 7,400 miles nonstop (cruising at Mach 0.85)enough to fly from New York to Dubai or Washington to Beijingand a high-speed cruise capability of Mach 0.9. The Global 7000 aircraft sells for about $73 million, and first deliveries are expected to start in the second half of 2018. (bombardier.com)

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By Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's chief concerns over Britain's vote to leave the group are political but losing its second-largest economy will have a huge economic impact as well.

Below are some of the main economic risks and benefits for the EU's remaining 27 members.

BUDGET/ECONOMY

Other members will have to fill in at least some of the shortfall from a lack of its contributions.

Britain's total contribution to the EU budget for 2016 has been set at 19.4 billion euros (16 billion pounds), including its rebate and customs duties. It receives about 7 billion euros, mainly agricultural and regional subsidies, leaving a gap to fill of just over 5 percent of the total EU budget.

Germany, the EU's largest member, would inevitably have to provide the most extra cash. Germany's Ifo institute estimates that would be 2.5 billion euros.

UniCredit says there would be manageable negatives for the euro zone, with a trade impact, a financial flight to safety and uncertainty possibly leading to tighter financial conditions and postponed investment. It would revise down its 2017 forecast for GDP to 0.5-1.0 percent from the current 1.6 percent.

TRADE

The rest of the European Union has a trade surplus of around 100 billion euros in goods with Britain, while Britain exports some 20 billion euros more in services than it imports, the same gap as for financial services.

Many economists forecast Brexit would at least temporarily reduce UK growth, uncertainty hitting domestic demand and weakening the pound, with a resultant impact on EU goods exports to Britain, which make up some 2.6 percent of rest-EU GDP in 2014.

A UK "demand shock", linked also to a possible reintroduction of import tariffs, of 10 percent could lead to a reduction of rest-EU GDP by 0.26 percent.

Brexit campaigners say the EU would want to agree a free trade deal with Britain even if the country left the bloc.

However, Oliver Schulz, an economist at Citi, reasons that could play more into the hands of the EU given there tends to be more focus in trade deals on goods than on services, and financial services in particular.

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Switzerland, where financial services are a larger share of GDP than in Britain, has no general access to EU financial service markets and runs a financial services trade deficit with the bloc.

The EU's main service export to Britain, tourism, is unlikely to be affected.

INVESTMENT

The United Kingdom is consistently the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in the European Union, according to UNCTAD data, with an average of some $56 billion per year in the 2010-2014 period. EU partners supply just under half of this.

Some 72 percent of investors in an EY study in 2015 cited access to the European single market as important to the UK's attractiveness to FDI.

There is a risk some FDI would be diverted to other EU countries if Britain lost access to the EU single market.

MIGRATION

One of the main arguments for Brexit campaigners is to limit migration of workers from other EU countries, even though both Norway and Switzerland have had to accept free movement of people in return for access to EU internal markets.

If Britain did cap immigration, it could have a negative impact on eastern European countries, from which some 1.2 million workers were in Britain in late 2015.

The impact could be most acute in the countries with the most citizens in Britain - Poland (853,000 in 2014), Romania (175,000) and Lithuania (155,000)

By contrast, other affluent western European countries, such as Germany, could as a result see higher inflows of EU migrants. This might be beneficial economically, if politically difficult.

IRELAND, BENELUX HIT HARDEST?

Research by the Bertelsmann Foundation sought to break down the impact by country and determined that the impact of a "soft exit" could be worse in Ireland than in Britain, based on their degree of trade dependence on Britain.

The Benelux countries and Sweden would take the next biggest hits, while the impact on Germany would be very limited given that its auto and other manufacturing sectors have many other markets.

The Belgian region of Flanders will suffer a 2.5 percent decline in GDP, according to its premier Geert Bourgeois, who believes his region would be hit hardest after Ireland.

DYNAMIC EFFECTS

The Bertelsmann study also looks into "dynamic effects", such as a potential loss of productivity because a decreased openness to trade reduces international competition and lowers the incentive to improve competitiveness.

With dynamic effects, the long-term impact on German GDP would range between 0.3 and 2 percent below the value if Britain remained in the European Union.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; additional reporting by Foo Yun Chee)
(Updates market action; adds quote, background)

By Richard Leong

NEW YORK, June 23 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices rose in late U.S. trading on Thursday, as early official results showed Britons supporting their nation to exit the European Union had a narrow lead, renewing safe-haven bids for lower-risk government debt.

With results in from the first 13 of 382 voting districts, those in favor of ending Britain's 43-year membership in the EU were on 52.4 percent of the vote, while those wanting to stay were on 47.6 percent. It was too early to establish a firm trend in a contest that remained too close to call.

Investors and policy-makers have worried that if Britain leaves the EU it would roil financial markets and harm the global economy, as such a move would lead to renegotiation of U.K. trade pacts and other countries.

Early surveys released shortly after U.K. polls closed showed the "Remain" camp had a decent lead over the "Leave" camp.

"It's going to be a longer night than expected," said Lisa Hornby, fixed-income portfolio manager at Schroders Investment Management in New York. "Treasuries are well bid. People are a little nervous.

"We still have a lot of results ahead of us," she said.

Benchmark 10-year Treasury notes were up 16/32 in price, with the yield at 1.684 percent, down 5.5 basis points from Thursday's closing level, Reuters data showed.

Earlier on Thursday, the 10-year Treasury yield touched a three-week high at 1.749 percent.

(Reporting by Richard Leong; Editing by Sandra Maler and Leslie Adler)
Treasurys spiked and their yields plunged on Thursday as part of the stunning global-market reaction to the EU referendum result.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note fell towards a record low, by as many as 26 basis points to as low as 1.477%. The drop was the most since at least October 2011.

Three major British television networks called the final result for a "Leave" vote just before midnight in New York.

And so as several analysts warned ahead of the vote, we're seeing an unprecedented risk-off reaction in markets as traders realize that a vote to leave the EU is a reality.

Other treasury yields across the curve were tanking, with the 30-year down 20 basis point to 2.357%.

Meanwhile, S&P 500 futures were down more than 4.8% while Dow futures were off 3.7%. The pound suffered its worst drop ever, falling 9% against the pound.

NOW WATCH: We did a blind taste test of wings from Pizza Hut, Domino's, Papa John's, and Buffalo Wild Wings  the winner was clear





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This morning, the Airfare Spot found ridiculously low fares to cities across Spain from Philadelphia, Dallas, or Miami.

For $365 round-trip, travelers based in Philadelphia and Dallas can fly to Madrid or Barcelona from September through mid December. Miami-based flights are available from September through November, and will cost between $395 and $404. For more information on these ticketsall of which are being sold by Unitedclick here.

Delta and KLM, on the other hand, are offering cheap tickets to the Spanish port cities of Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, and Bilbao from the same three U.S. gateways. Flights depart Dallas, Philadelphia, and Miami from September through October or November (depending on your destination).

Trips to these cities start at $470 round-trip, and offer a perfect excuse to either take a rustic, affordable trip to Mallorca or to splurge at one of the best new hotels of the year. After all, why choose when the Sant Francesc Hotel Singular boasts offers travelers tradition and five-star amenities? Think: Santanyi stone pillars, and an on-site restaurant in former stables with an impressive list of local wines.

Recently, Norwegian hosted a similar sale to Malaga ($415 round-trip) from New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. If the trend continues, tickets from the United States to Spain could regularly be found for less than $500.

Melanie Lieberman is the Assistant Digital Editor at Travel + Leisure. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @melanietaryn.
By Estelle Shirbon LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union is a triumph for Nigel Farage, the abrasive anti-immigration politician who tapped into a deep well of popular anger that rivals failed to understand. On a night that seemed to start badly for the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), with the last opinion polls predicting defeat for the Leave camp in Thursday's referendum, Farage said at first it looked like Remain would win. But it ended with victory for him and on Friday morning he declared jubilantly that the vote for a British exit from the EU, or Brexit, heralded a new dawn for the nation. "The EU is failing, the EU is dying. I hope we've knocked the first brick out of the wall. I hope this is the first step towards a Europe of sovereign nation states," he said, predicting that the Netherlands and Denmark would go next. Not for the first time causing outrage, he said the result had been achieved "without a single bullet being fired". The comment drew accusations of insensitivity after the killing of pro-EU lawmaker Jo Cox last week, after which a man charged with her murder told a court his name was "death to traitors, freedom for Britain". But with his blunt approach, Farage has finally achieved the goal he has pursued relentlessly in his 25 years in politics. "It's been a hell of a long journey, this," he told reporters, recalling that in the first election he contested, in 1994, he came second-from-last, beating only comedy candidate Screaming Lord Sutch by a handful of votes. "Now there are 17 million people that voted for Brexit. It's a victory for ordinary people, decent people. It's a victory against the big merchant banks, against the big businesses and against big politics." Farage had languished for years on the fringes of British politics. A member of the European Parliament since 1999, he was best known for trying to disrupt it from within, once telling then European Council President Herman Van Rompuy to his face that he had "the charisma of a damp rag". REVENGE OF THE "LOONIES" So marginal was he considered that in 2006 David Cameron, then leader of the Conservative opposition, dismissed UKIP supporters as "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists, mostly". But Farage, often pictured holding a pint of beer, always ready to bang the patriotic drum, and above all keen to talk about immigration in blunter terms than others in mainstream politics, reached neglected parts of the electorate. "People here don't understand," Farage said on Friday morning in Westminster, central London's political district. "They're too wealthy, they don't get what open-door, mass immigration as a result of EU membership has done to people's wages, to people's availability of getting doctors' appointments, or their kids into local schools. This was the issue ultimately that won this election." Rob Ford, professor of political science at Manchester University, said Farage had tapped into deep disenchantment with politics among people, particularly those without a university education, who felt left behind by Britain's globalized economy. "In terms of the impact he's going to have on Britain and its place in the world, he's more significant than most prime ministers have been," Ford told Reuters. Farage, who as a boy went to a prestigious private school and later worked as a commodities trader, has often been called hypocritical for presenting himself as a man of the people. But Ford said that was missing the point. He said the fact that Farage left school at 16 and didn't go to university set him apart from almost all other significant British politicians. "There was something about his manner and way of thinking and way of discussing the issues that completely resonated with non-graduates at a time when they feel that their entire lives are being run by the know-it-alls, the elites, " said Ford. "He waved the flag, he went down to the pub, he didn't like immigration, he was their man. Simple as that," he said, adding non-graduates, a majority of the population, were fed up with being told what to do by people "who think they're cleverer". "BREAKING POINT" Farage was a key factor in bringing about Brexit. In 2013, with Cameron now in Downing Street and UKIP increasingly looking like an electoral threat, the prime minister promised an in/out referendum on the EU issue in an attempt to defuse internal party tensions and neuter Farage. Cameron's strategy looked good after his Conservatives won a parliamentary election in May 2015. UKIP won 4 million votes but, because of the electoral system, got only one parliamentary seat, and Farage failed to win the seat he was contesting. During the EU referendum campaign, he was marginalized by the official Vote Leave campaign who deemed him too divisive, instead touring the country in a double-decker bus painted purple, the color of UKIP. He was denounced as inflammatory and misleading, including by senior Vote Leave figures, over a campaign poster that showed a snaking line of Syrian refugees trying to get into southern Europe under the headline "Breaking Point". But the voters sided with him. On Friday morning, shortly after Cameron announced his resignation, an ecstatic Farage had the last laugh. "It's right that David Cameron has gone. Not a bad man just on the wrong side of the argument," he tweeted. (Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Timothy Heritage)
Yang Kaiheng at the State Courts. (Photo: Safhras Khan)



Yang Kaiheng, the ex-editor of socio-political website The Real Singapore, pleaded guilty to six sedition charges on Friday (24 June).

The 27-year-old Singaporean entered his plea after the prosecution pointed out loopholes in his testimony, which led Yang to admit that he had lied under oath.

Reading the statement of facts, Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) G Kannan said that Yang was a proprietor and distributor of the website, popularly known as TRS. Yang was also the joint-owner of TRS with his wife, Ai Takagi, DPP Kannan added.

The couple were each charged in February this year with seven counts of sedition over articles published on TRS. They were also each charged with one count of failing to furnish documents to the police.

On the charges against Yang, the prosecution is proceeding with six sedition charges and taking into consideration one count of sedition charge and the charge of failing to furnish documents to the police.

Takagi, a 23-year-old Australian, had pleaded guilty to four counts of sedition, and is currently serving a 10-month jail term.

DPP Kannan also revealed that between December 2012 and April 2015, TRS posted A$548,240.65 in advertising revenue. Between December 2012 and December 2013, the advertising revenue totaled A$91,819.34. Takagi transferred all the advertising revenue to Yangs personal bank account.

The prosecutor told the court that between January 2014 and November 2014, the advertising revenue was used to repay a 30-year housing loan taken by the couple to finance the purchase of a unit in Brisbane, Australia.

DPP Kannan also questioned Yangs behaviour during his trial, and pointed to his lies while he was taking the stand.

Yang only pleaded guilty after seven days of trial, after having been cross-examined for two days and before the conclusion of cross-examination. In the course of the trial, Yang admitted to lying under oath on the stand,  said DPP Kannan.

Yang, who was wearing a long sleeved shirt and pants, stood in the dock while the proceedings were going on before District Judge Chay Yuen Fatt.

DJ Chay adjourned the hearing and asked both the defence and prosecution to submit their mitigation and submission by Tuesday (28 June).
GettyImages 542750128Donald Trump Opens His New Golf Course At Turnberry

Donald Trump said Friday that the United Kingdom's historic decision to bolt from the European Union signaled that the entire EU was starting to crumble.

"Well, it looks like it's on its way, and we'll see what happens," Trump said when asked at a news conference in Scotland whether he would support a breakup of the political-economic body.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee added: "So I could see it happening. I have no opinion, really, but I could certainly see it happening. I saw this happening. I could read what was happening here, and I could see things happening in Germany."

Trump said he hoped "they straighten out the situation because, you know, it can be really nasty."

"What's going on can be really, really nasty," he added.

The UK shocked the world Thursday when it voted to abandon the EU. Markets plunged into chaos, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would resign later this year.

After the votes were tallied, parties from other EU countries were quick to announce plans about what to do next. Scotland's first minister, for instance, suggested the country's future was in the EU, while far-right parties in France and the Netherlands said they should hold their own referendums on leaving.

While the unexpected results were cheered by Trump, US President Barack Obama and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton took a more toned-down approach in a pair of separate statements.

Obama said "the people of the United Kingdom have spoken" and "we respect their decision." Clinton shared a similar sentiment, adding that the "first task" for US leaders was to "make sure that the economic uncertainty created by these events does not hurt working families here in America."

NOW WATCH: Trump praised Scotland for voting to leave the EU  it didn't





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Carl Paladino speaks before a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at JetSmart Aviation Services on Sunday, April 10, 2016, in Rochester, N.Y. (Photo: Mike Groll)/AP

A top Donald Trump ally told Yahoo News this week that the presumptive GOP nominee doesnt need nearly as much money as his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

Carl Paladino, one of the co-chairs of Trumps campaign in New York, said Trump can win with less money by using an non-traditional approach focused on dominating press coverage.

Thats the old conventional campaign question, the first question out of peoples mouth is, How much money do you have and can you afford to overwhelm financially in the race? This is a completely different type of campaign, Paladino said.

Campaign-finance reports released this week showed that Trump is raising far less money than Clinton. In May alone, Clinton and the Democratic National Committee brought in more than twice the amount raised by Trump and the Republican National Committee. The records also showed that Trump ended last month with very little cash left on hand. Trump has ramped up his fundraising efforts in the past week, but Paladino claimed the Trump team is not concerned about the gap.

Interestingly, Paladino went on to borrow language from Democratic candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders and described Trumps bid as a political revolution. Trump made an appeal to Sanders voters in a speech on Wednesday, though Sanders has insisted his supporters wont vote for a bigot like Trump.

Paladino further said Trump does not need a massive campaign war chest because his statements generate press coverage, giving the mogul air time without having to pay for traditional  and expensive  advertisements.

This is a political revolution thats taking place right now and our candidate sucks up all the oxygen in a room when he walks into the room. OK? He has a certain flair  OK?  that he adds in his commentary on issues and the press looks forward to it, Paladino said of Trump. So, hes going to continue to get all the earned media, OK?

Throughout the 2016 presidential race, Trumps campaign has generated far more coverage than both Clinton and his GOP primary rivals, leading to debates about whether the media was unfairly fueling his rise. The Clinton campaign has said it is content to allow Trump to dominate news cycles because much of his coverage is unfavorable.

Story continues

Paladino presented a theory for why Clinton is less able to generate media attention.

The concept  OK?  of having to match Hillary in her fundraising activities, well Hill has to buy ads because she cant be spontaneous in a speech and she doesnt attract, Paladino explained.

Television airtime is a major expense for campaigns, but political war chests are also used to establish a ground game and flood key states with staffers. For example, a Cleveland.com report on Monday showed that Trump and the GOP have placed far less staffers than Clinton and the Democrats in the key swing state of Ohio.

Paladino claimed that Trumps team does have boots on the ground. However, he also argued the typical get-out-the-vote operation is not something Trump needs because of his robust social media presence. Trump, a prolific Twitter user, has almost 9.3 million Twitter followers compared to just over 7 million for Clinton.

The traditional boots on the ground are basically an old way of doing things. Social media today, in one click of a button, OK, you can talk to 100,000 people, Paladino said. So, you know, the old idea of going door to door, knocking on a door, Hi, Im Carl, you know? Well, thats not the modern, Paladino said. She can have all the people she wants but her tactics are clearly old school, her advisers are clearly old school and I dont think shes going anywhere with that stuff.

Trump held a fundraiser in New York City on Tuesday night that Paladino attended. Paladino, asked how the donors there responded to Trump, said the candidate would not be making extensive efforts to woo traditional well-heeled elites. Paladino also suggested that Trump, a billionaire who has given $50 million to his campaign, is not concerned about bringing in other wealthy donors.

Part of this concentration and focus on money has to do with the press pointing out that maybe some of these large donors arent donating anymore or are not interested in getting on the bus and thats a fallacy, Paladino said.

Donald Trumps not going to go out and beg, borrow, and steal from people because one of the basic tenets of his campaign is, Im not going to owe anybody. OK? he continued. When I get in this office  and I will  Im not owing anybody except the American people and the middle class that the Republican establishment forgot about all these years. OK? So, I really dont think thats a big deal. Hes not concerned obviously.
Donald Trump is stepping up to put a $50 million-dent in his campaign cash crisis.



Trump's presidential campaign announced in a press release on Thursday that the billionaire businessman will convert a $50 million personal loan to his campaign into a contribution, per a promise he made last month.



The statement read: "Donald J. Trump has honored the pledge he made on May 13, 2016, when he stated, 'I have absolutely no intention of paying myself back for the nearly $50 million dollars I have loaned to the campaign. This money is a contribution made in order to 'Make America Great Again.' "



"Mr. Trump has fully extinguished (terminated) this loan per his commitment. Therefore, he has personally invested in excess of $50 million dollars in the future of our country," the statement continued.







The move appears to be an attempt on Trump's part to reassure supporters that their donations will not go towards recouping his own hefty out-of-pocket costs.



According to The New York Times, however, Trump didn't have much of a choice in the matter. Federal rules dictate that Trump's campaign had only until August to repay the loan.



Critics on Twitter mocked the billionaire businessman with the hashtag #TrumpSoPoor earlier this week after it was reported that the presumptive GOP nominee's campaign had just $1.3 million in the bank following a disastrous month of fundraising.



Trump dismissed suggestions that the cash crisis could cripple his campaign, saying in a statement Tuesday, "There could be unlimited 'cash on hand,' as I would put up my own money, as I have already done through the primaries, spending over $50 million dollars. Our campaign is leaner and more efficient, like our government should be."





Does Donald Trump Rattle You?





Trump, who claims to have self-funded his primary election, sent out what he described as the first fundraising email of his campaign on Tuesday.



"Mr. Trump and the campaign have assembled an exceptional fundraising operation, which in recent days has been overwhelmed with contributions for the Republican Party," his campaign said in the Thursday statement. "Mr. Trump will continue to ensure the campaign has all of the resources necessary to defeat Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Democrats in November."
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's parliament has granted immunity from prosecution to members of the armed forces conducting counter-terrorism operations as security forces battle Kurdish militants in fighting that has killed thousands in the past year. The law, passed late on Thursday, gives expansive powers to the military as it tries to stamp out an insurgency by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) after last year's collapse of a two-year ceasefire. Before becoming president in 2014, Tayyip Erdogan spent much of his rule as prime minister building up civilian oversight of the military. Critics say the new law undoes some of those reforms. The legislation could make it harder to investigate allegations of rights abuses. The United Nations and human rights groups have raised concerns about such violations during the last year of operations that have been centered in densely populated cities. Hundreds of civilians have been killed, according to opposition parties. Erdogan said 7,500 PKK fighters have been "neutralized" and almost 500 soldiers and police officers killed. Meanwhile, six Turkish soldiers were killed in two attacks on Friday, the military said. Four soldiers were killed when an improvised explosive device detonated in Hakkari province, near the Iraqi border, it said on its website. Rebels opened fire and killed two soldiers near the town of Derik in Mardin province, north of the Syrian border, it said. Turkey, the United States and the European Union all consider the PKK a terrorist organization. It first took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984, and more than 40,000 people, mostly Kurds, have been killed since. The new law requires permission from the military or political leadership for any prosecutions of soldiers. The law will be applied retroactively, thereby covering the operations undertaken over the past year. Civil servants engaged in counter-terrorism activities will also be protected from prosecution, according to the law. It expands the jurisdiction of military courts, where members of the security forces accused of criminal activities during their service will be prosecuted. Military commanders are now able to issue search warrants, it also mandates. (Reporting by Gulsen Solaker in Ankara and Seyhmus Cakan in Diyarbakir; Writing by Ayla Jean Yackley; Editing by David Dolan)
By Nick Tattersall and Daren Butler ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Europe's politicians are failing to combat rising xenophobia and anti-immigrant views, Turkish officials said on Friday, after Britain's vote to exit the European Union deprived Turkey of what had been a major backer in its quest for EU membership. The Brexit campaign and the rise of Europe's populist right have cast further doubt over Turkey's decade-long accession negotiations, a process which was in its early years an anchor for economic and social reforms in the country. President Tayyip Erdogan blamed Islamophobia for holding up Turkey's accession process, accusing the bloc of double standards and warning that more countries could seek to leave. "The practice currently against Turkey is Islamophobic, that is why they are delaying taking us in," he said in a televised speech late on Friday. "If the European Union deepens its inconsistencies and continues on its path, in a short time it will be inevitable for it to face new exits," he said. His comments echoed those of one of the country's deputy prime ministers earlier in the day. "The fragmentation of the EU has started. Britain was the first to abandon ship," Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli wrote on Twitter. Turkey's EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik said the British campaign had been marred by Islamophobia and anti-Turkish sentiment fuelled by mainstream politicians. The "Out" campaign played on voters' fears about immigration by warning of dire consequences if Turkey, a largely Muslim nation of 79 million, joined the EU. Ankara was particularly angered by the response of Prime Minister David Cameron, once a staunch advocate of Turkish accession to the EU, who joked that it would not happen until the year 3000. "This has been a worrying process ... in which mainstream politicians relied on the far right's rhetoric too much," Celik told a news conference. Turkey began EU accession talks in 2005 but has made scant progress despite an initial burst of reforms. Many EU states are not eager to see such a large, mostly Muslim country as a member, and are concerned that Ankara's record on basic freedoms has gone into reverse in recent years. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the EU needed to reflect carefully on the British vote and to embrace more inclusive policies. His foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said the EU's enlargement and integration policies had been a failure. But trade ties are likely to remain strong between Turkey and both Britain and the EU. Britain was Turkey's second-biggest market in 2015, with $10.5 billion worth of exports and total trade volume of $16 billion. Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said Turkey would continue to take steps to maintain and strengthen investment, foreign trade and financial relations with Britain. (Additional reporting by Seda Sezer; Writing by Nick Tattersall; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
By Nick Tattersall and Daren Butler ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Europe's politicians are failing to combat rising xenophobia and anti-immigrant views, Turkish officials said on Friday, after Britain's vote to exit the European Union deprived Turkey of what had been a major backer in its quest for EU membership. The Brexit campaign and the rise of Europe's populist right have cast further doubt over Turkey's decade-long accession negotiations, a process which was in its early years an anchor for economic and social reforms in the country. "The fragmentation of the EU has started. Britain was the first to abandon ship," Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli wrote on Twitter. Turkey's EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik said the British campaign had been marred by Islamophobia and anti-Turkish sentiment fuelled by mainstream politicians. The "Out" campaign played on voters' fears about immigration by warning of dire consequences if Turkey, a largely Muslim nation of 79 million, joined the EU. Ankara was particularly angered by the response of Prime Minister David Cameron, once a staunch advocate of Turkish accession to the EU, who joked that it would not happen until the year 3000. "This has been a worrying process ... in which mainstream politicians relied on the far right's rhetoric too much," Celik told a news conference. Turkey began EU accession talks in 2005 but has made scant progress despite an initial burst of reforms. Many EU states are not eager to see such a large, mostly Muslim country as a member, and are concerned that Ankara's record on basic freedoms has gone into reverse in recent years. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the EU needed to reflect carefully on the British vote and to embrace more inclusive policies. His foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said the EU's enlargement and integration policies had been a failure. But trade ties are likely to remain strong between Turkey and both Britain and the EU. Britain was Turkey's second-biggest market in 2015, with $10.5 billion worth of exports and total trade volume of $16 billion. Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said Turkey would continue to take steps to maintain and strengthen investment, foreign trade and financial relations with Britain. (Additional reporting by Seda Sezer; Writing by Nick Tattersall; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
By Ingrid Melander PARIS (Reuters) - France's far right National Front party called for a French referendum on European Union membership on Friday, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda at home. The anti-immigrant, anti-euro FN, was the only major French political party to call for Britons to vote to leave the EU. "Victory for freedom!" said FN chief Marine Le Pen, who displayed the British flag on her Twitter page. "We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries." Her deputy Florian Philippot said it was now France's turn to vote to leave the EU. "The liberty of peoples always wins in the end! Bravo to the United Kingdom," he wrote on Twitter. "Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit." Since taking over from her father as FN leader, Jean-Marie, in 2011, Marine Le Pen has reworked the image of the FN to make it more mainstream. The party has done better, election after election - in the first round. But it still loses in run-offs, and now controls less than a dozen small and medium-size municipalities. Analysts, but also a few FN top officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy, was partly to blame for this by putting off key older voters. Britain's "Leave" vote can go a long way to help it overcome this, Ifop pollster's analyst Frederic Dabi said. "It's good news for Le Pen because the European issue was one of the key drags on FN voting," Dabi said. "Older voters, executives, feared a leap in the unknown because of its anti-EU stance. But the UK is setting a precedent. If it goes well there, it will make the FN's stance look much more mainstream." Usually omnipresent in French media, Le Pen had become largely silent over the past few months after suffering a huge disappointment in regional elections in December. The Brexit vote could well throw her back on the front scene. Le Pen had said last month that if she won next year's French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations with Brussels on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU in a referendum, she said. Le Pen is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the 2017 presidential vote. However polls see her losing the run-off. (Additional reporting by Andrew Callus; Editing by Richard Lough and Alexander Smith)
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f126290%2ftrumpbrexit

LONDON  You might have heard that the United Kingdom has just voted to leave the European Union. The generation defining result is one that will significantly impact Brits' daily lives. But, Britain isn't the only country that's worried right now.

SEE ALSO: Donald Trumps first tweet about Brexit got shut down immediately

As a shocked Britain reels, Twitter is worrying about what the Brexit result could mean for the presidential election in the United States.

While British people are expressing surprise that the unthinkable has happened, many people all over Twitter are warning that the vote could serve as a wake-up call.

Some feel that the Brexit result is a reminder that a Trump win at the election isn't totally out of the question...

Naturally, Piers Morgan weighed in with his thoughts on the matter...

And some equated UKIP leader Nigel Farage to Trump...



Others expressed panic and fear....

And, others warned that Brexit's lesson is that anything is possible...
From Seventeen

Despite no longer dating Kylie Jenner, Tyga is already linked to the Kardashian-Jenner family for life because he shares a son with Rob Kardashian's fiancee Blac Chyna. But it looks like there could be another komplicated konnection brewing: according to The Cut,he might be dating Amina Blue, one of the models who inspires Kanye West's fashion line Yeezy.

Tyga posted photos of Amina from his vacation in Jamaica, promoting his new single "1 of 1" in the captions.

While it's hard to say for sure if the girl in this photo is Amina, the fact that she reposted the same image to her Instagram makes us think it is.

Last month, she told The Cut that she's single and plans on staying that way for awhile: "I don't plan on dating anyone anytime soon," she said. But hey, maybe Tyga swept her off her feet. Or maybe they're just friends who work together.

So, who exactly is Amina Blue? Even though she's a platinum blonde model, she's actually not related to Lucky Blue Smith. She's famous in the fashion world in her own right. Kanye selected her as a muse for Yeezy last year.

"I didn't think I had the body or the height to do high fashion," she told The Cut, referring to her 5'1", curvy frame.

But Kanye loved her look and asked her to model in two runway shows, serve as a fit model (someone who tries on clothes while they're being made) for the brand, and be featured in his zine.

"He wanted to bring a different body shape into the fashion industry," she told The Cut.

The Tyga/Chyna/Kardashian/Jenner/West web just got a little more complicated.
YouTuber, author, activist and podcast host Tyler Oakley teamed up with record label Heard Well to create a compilation album called Pride Jams that brings together the varying styles of music in the LGTBQ community.

The album, which arrived Friday (June 24), is a compilation of 13 songs put together in celebration of LGBTQ Pride month. This is Oakley's first project with Heard Well, the record label co-founded by social media star Connor Franta, which has previously released a multitude of albums curated by social-media influencers.

Oakley tells Billboard that he created the album in hopes of connecting his audience with new music and artists. "I had been watching what Heard Well had been up to for a while now. And I thought it was a really cool way for influencers to connect their audience to curated playlists to maybe new music, new artists, things like that," Oakley says.

Connor Franta's Music Label Inks Deal With Sony's Red Distribution

The idea for Pride Jams after Oakley attended L.A. Pride and watched the diversity in performances and music styles within the LGBTQ community. "Whether they have varied sexual attractions, or romantic attractions or gender identity or race or nationality, or all these things, we still are one community," Oakley says. "That's really important to showcase the diverse musical stylings that exist within our community -- it's not just top 40 club pop."

Besides showcasing the diverse set of artists, Oakley decided to take the opportunity to the next level by giving back to the community: Proceeds from the album are set to benefit the Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQ youth.

"I wanted it to be all of these incredible artists that know how important it is to be supported or loved and to have them come together to kind of help a next generation have their own voice or get to the point where they can feel supported and loved," Oakley says. "And that's through supporting the Trevor Project and helping them provide services for youth that are going through it right now."

Story continues

Broadway Vet Michael Longoria Enlists 'American Idol' Alumni to Raise Money & 'Spread Some Love' for Homeless LGBT Youth

The album is a compilation of artists including Adam Lambert, Lowell, Mary Lambert, Shamir and more. Oakley wanted to create an album that flowed, even in its diversity. Although Oakley does not have any intention to be a musician himself, the YouTuber would like to continue creating more compilation albums in the future.

"I'd love to do more compilations and share more artists and songs that are special to me that might not get the attention they deserve on the top 40," Oakley says. "But I don't think that one of those artists is gonna be me -- but who knows? You never know."

For now, Oakley is excited about the album -- which is available digitally on iTunes and as a physical copy on Heard Well's site -- as one of his many new ventures.

"One thing that kind of hit me, especially with what's going on in the world right now, was a way to give back to a community that's really helped me find my own identity," he says. "So when it came to Pride Jams, it was a way to kind of showcase something that's so important to being gay or being part of the LGBTQ+ community. The coolest thing about it, the number one thing I try to tell people, is it's great music, it's a great cause, it's supporting the artist, it's supporting kids, and it's a win-win situation, because you also get new jams to fall in love with."

--Reporting by Keith Caulfield
By Patricia Zengerle and Aaron Ross WASHINGTON/KINSHASA (Reuters) - The U.S. government imposed sanctions on a senior police official in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday for his role in what it described as the violent suppression of opposition to President Joseph Kabila's government. Kabila is ineligible to stand in Congo's next election in November after serving two elected terms. Opponents accuse him of plotting to hold on to power by delaying the poll or changing the constitution to remove the term limit, as several African leaders have done. The Treasury Department said Kabila's government has engaged in a pattern of repression, including the arrest of members of the opposition and violent suppression of political protests to avoid scheduling national elections. The department put Celestin Kanyama, police commissioner in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, on its list of "specially designated nationals" whose assets are blocked and are generally blocked from dealing with Americans. Treasury accuses Kanyama of responsibility for dozens of deaths and other actions that have created a "climate of fear" over the past three years. These including raids during "Operation Likofi," commanded by Kanyama, in which uniformed police wearing black masks dragged suspects out of their homes at night at gunpoint, with no arrest warrants. At least 50 young men and boys were reportedly killed and more than 30 others reportedly vanished. In January 2015, when Kanyama was police commissioner, more than 40 people were killed during demonstrations in the capital city, including at least 20 fatally shot by security forces. "Treasury's action today sends a clear message that the United States condemns the regime's violence and repressive actions, especially those of Celestin Kanyama, which threaten the future of democracy for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo," said John Smith, acting director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement. Kanyama was not immediately reachable for comment. Congo's government has rejected accusations that police carried out summary executions during Operation Likofi or used excessive force during the 2015 protests. Congo condemned Treasury's announcement, saying it would infringe upon its sovereignty and undermine bilateral relations. "It will also embolden those who seek to divide our nation and impede our democratic processes," Barnabe Kikaya Bin Karubi, a diplomatic advisor to Kabila, said in a statement. Reuters reported this month that members of Congress and other U.S. officials had been pushing for sanctions against members of Kabila's inner circle, but had run into opposition from European powers wary of moving too quickly. (Additional reporting by Aaron Ross in Kinshasa; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States will work closely and carefully with Britain and the European Union to ensure a smooth transition after Britain voted to leave the European Union, the State Department's No. 2 official said on Friday. "We will work very closely, carefully with both the UK and with the EU to do what we can to make sure the process ... goes smoothly as possible," Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a conference in Washington. "It will not affect the special relationship with Britain." (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
(Reuters) - A Filipino man has been criminally charged in New Jersey with running a large and sophisticated scheme to hack into the bank and credit card accounts of well-known or celebrity customers, U.S. prosecutors said.

According to an indictment made public on Friday, Peter Locsin, 35, conspired with others from February 2012 to January 2015 to compromise accounts belonging to at least five victims at three financial institutions.

Locsin, of Talisay City, Philippines, allegedly accessed the accounts through websites, other online means and phone calls, and used them to make or try to make wire transfers, to order merchandise, to add new cardholders, or to change addresses.

The information that was compromised included names, birth dates and Social Security numbers.

None of the victims was identified in court papers. In June 2015, The Philippine Star newspaper said former FBI director Robert Mueller was among the victims, without saying where it got the information.

Locsin was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. The conspiracy count carries a maximum 30-year prison term.

It is unclear whether Locsin has a lawyer for his defense.

A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman in New Jersey said Locsin is in the custody of Filipino authorities on unrelated charges. The spokesman declined to identify the victims of the alleged hacking scheme.

Mueller is now a partner at the law firm WilmerHale, and his office said he would not comment.

The case is U.S. v. Locsin, U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, No. 16-cr-00229.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
British voters stunning decision to turn their backs on the European Union has left many of the countrys leading TV and film players reeling. Here, some of them reflect on the new, uncertain situation Britain now finds itself in and how it might affect the industry.

Jane Tranters production company Bad Wolf has a first-look deal with HBO, and is producing BBC-New Line TV series His Dark Materials. Previously, as a BBC senior executive, her credits included Doctor Who and Da Vincis Demons:

The news is bleak. Like many I am embarrassed and ashamed of how our politicians, on all sides and all parties, have handled this referendum.

From a practical and cultural point of view, the U.K. television industry is today steeling itself to working with Europe from a position of isolation and unknown financial future and regulation. From a creative point of view, I hope that our writers and dramatists will be given the opportunity to help audiences make sense of what has happened and help us all find healing, tolerance and hope in a way that those who govern us seemingly cannot.

Danny Perkins, CEO of distribution and production company Studiocanal U.K.:

In terms of the film industry, there is a very immediate short-term effect in terms of currency in that most [movie-acquisition] deals are done in dollars, and a lot of European film deals are done in euros. Thats going to mean that the ability to pay, for the U.K. companies, is going to be affected quite dramatically, so that is going to hurt companies. And also, the ability to deliver revenues on international films is going to be affected.

The fact that the U.K. wont have a seat at the table for any discussion on the E.U.s Digital Single Market [strategy] is going to have a big effect on the independent sector. The freedom of movement between [countries] for production and distribution staff is also going to be affected, and the fact that we wont be part of [E.U. funding organization] the Media Program will have a big effect. So there are seismic changes ahead for the independent sector.

Story continues

From a Studiocanal point of view, we are fortunate in that we are part of Vivendi, who are a big international group; we have a footprint that is global  across Europe and now in Australia. For the bigger companies, it is easier to manage this change in that the way that we finance and exploit our films we have the mechanics to deliver upon that, but for the independent sector it is a huge change.

Stephen Woolley, co-head of Number 9 Films, which produced Carol, Made in Dagenham and Breakfast on Pluto:

Its hard to be anything but devastated today. Not for us as producers and filmmakers much but for the generation of young people entering the world and industry we have tried to create. I feel like we have failed them creatively, economically and politically. Its a sad day for all of us and we can only blame ourselves. History will damn our generation for our lack of care foresight and humanity.

We should be embracing our European partners in the struggle to create, not creating more barriers and borders and eventually making us all prisoners. As I said: devastated.

Elizabeth Karlsen, co-head of Number 9 Films:

The Leave vote is devastating. The referendum was called by a Tory [Conservative Party] ego-driven politician in contest with another Tory ego-driven politician with little regard for the fallout. Politicians who were once figures of ridicule, Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson, are now spokesmen for the nation and, as of this morning, seeming future leaders of our country.

Our country is now being praised by the likes of Putin, Le Pen and Trump. Seventy-five percent of under-25s voted to remain  shame on the aging population for depriving a generation of hope and expectation. The stage bears too many similarities to Germany between the wars for comfort.

Stephen Garrett is an exec producer on BBC-AMC spy thriller The Night Manager. His production company Character Seven is developing London-set supernatural series The Rook for Hulu with Twilight author Stephenie Meyers production company Fickle Fish and Lionsgate.

The only certainty was with Remain because then the status quo would prevail. With Brexit, frankly, it is all up in the air. I suspect there will be a mixture of good and bad.

Uncertainty is bad in that all of us,whether we are making TV, drama or movies, are planning a long way ahead. It is process that takes a long time. You are often building relationships predicated on understandings about how legislation works, about how tax breaks work, and, to the extent that this result just throws any of those certainties up into the air, it cant be good for people trying to put together productions that have any European component.

Europe needs the relationships with British producers and financiers as much tomorrow as it did yesterday. So, from an internal industry point of view, Im sure therell be a desire on both sides to try to ensure that the status quo prevails. It doesnt make any sense suddenly for that market to disappear or for it to become more difficult to do business.

Related stories

'Game Of Thrones' Will Roll On, Despite Brexit Vote

President Obama Says He Respects Britain's Decision

U.S. Markets Plunge, Media Stocks Fall on Global Jitters Sparked by Brexit Vote
google-search-uproxx

Shutterstock

The consequences of Great Britain choosing to exit the E.U. are going to unfold for years. Jobs will be lost, trade deals will be renegotiated with less favorable terms, and the British pound might never recover. All of these are consequences that have been talked up in the press for months, but Googles data on what the U.K. is searching for indicates that Britons are scrambling to figure out what it all means.

Google Trends has reported massive spikes in searches for phrases like What happens if we leave the EU and what happens if the pound weakens. Other searches would indicate the rest of the world is worryingly misinformed: What is the EU? has been another major search winner.

This has largely been interpreted as uninformed UK citizens waking up, too late, to the potentially serious consequences of exiting the E.U. But its far more likely that Britons are trying to figure out their next steps. Exiting the E.U. will have enormous implications across British society, from the obvious economic consequences to more long-range ones that we cant predict yet. Unsurprisingly, getting an Irish passport has been heavily searched, as Ireland is still a member of the E.U. and many Britons may have to relocate to keep their jobs.

For the British, these frantic Google searches are just beginning.

(Via Ars Technica)
It took Gus Sharpe about two seconds to make up his mind on the question that tortured his country for months: Should the U.K. remain a member of the European Union or not? To people my age its pretty obvious, says the 19-year-old, whose mop of curly hair makes him look even younger. We stay.

What bothered him about the question was the governments decision to put it to a vote in the first placenot just a survey to assess the public mood but an all but binding referendum to decide whether all British citizens would be E.U. citizens or not. Thats such a personal decision, says Sharpe.

Read More: Heres One Big Winner in the Brexit Chaos

Growing up in the seaside town of Margate, his identity as an Englishman was always intertwined with his sense of being a European. Besides, his E.U. passport has been incredibly valuable to him. It ensures a lifetime of freedom to travel and work in any of the unions 28 member states, each with its own culture to explore, its own charms and opportunities. So my generation has the most at stake in losing that, he says.

But it wasnt Sharpes generation that decided. Across the U.K., polls showed that only about 19% of people between the ages of 18 and 24 supported a British exitthe Brexitfrom the E.U. Among pensioners, who came of age before the E.U. was created, a staggering 59% wanted their country to leave. And when all of the roughly 33 million ballots were counted on Friday morning, the position favored by most pensioners won out by a margin of around 1.3 million votes.

Read More: What Brexit Means

Over the next two years, the country will now have to go through a messy political divorce from its European partners, while British families will try to cope with their own internal splits. As the benefits of E.U. citizenship are slowly stripped away, young Brits will be tempted to put at least some of the blame on their elders, who may struggle to explain what right they had to make such a permanent choice on the nations behalf.

Story continues

In Margate that rift between the generations will be particularly stark. Ever since 2011, when a new museum of contemporary art opened on the towns main promenade along the shore, millennials from London and other big cities have been coming to Margate for the cheap rent and the budding art scene. Dozens of restaurants and shops have cropped up around High Street, selling everything from vegan cookies to bongs and vintage clothes.

Read More: The Brexit Vote Means Its Crunch Time for the Global Economy

At first, I think there was definitely some opposition and suspicion, among the older and more conservative locals, says Sarah Martin, the head of exhibitions at the Turner Contemporary Gallery, which began bringing world-famous artists to show their works in Margate over the past few years.

Investors soon followed. Nick Conington, who made his fortune in the London financial industry, moved down to the coast a few years ago and poured millions of pounds into the rusty old rollercoasters of Dreamland, turning it into a heritage amusement park to attract the hipsters who came from London on the train. Before the Turner Gallery opened all the windows around here were boarded up, Conington told me at the bar of the Sands Hotel, which he opened in Margate three years ago. This used to be considered one of those most deprived High Streets in Britain.

That distinction has since gone away. But Margate is still one of the only places in the country where hardcore opponents of E.U. membership dominate the town council. One of its members, 84-year-old Jeffrey Elenor, came to meet me on referendum day at a Margate pub, wearing a pinstripe suit and a large pin on his lapel that said, VOTE LEAVE. A few of the other patrons, mostly around his age, patted him on the back in solidarity.

To people of his generation, Elenor said, identity and culture are often defined not with reference to Europe or even to Britain, but rather to the town or village where one was born and bred. A Margate lad might not marry a Ramsgate girl, for instance, he said, referring to a town that lies about five miles to the south. Thats when the problems start in a marriage, when you have these differences in understanding.

This was as far as one could get from the globalized idea of the world that the transplants from London tend bring with them, and Elenor can understand their lust for travel. Hes been dreaming of a visit to Moscow ever since he picked up a Russian novel as a kid. He wasnt impressed, though, with all the changes that the new museum has brought to town.

They claim its brought a resurgence of culture. But I dont find it particularly exciting, he said. Paris it is not. Nor did the councilman have much patience for the claim that his generation has less at stake in leaving the E.U., and therefore less of a right to decide. What do they want us to do, move to Australia? he said. This is our choice, too!

Given the opportunity on Thursday, older Brits seized that choice with a lot more enthusiasm than younger ones. The highest turnouts were recorded in areas where pensioners make up more than a quarter of the population, and nearly all of them swung heavily in favor of leaving the E.U. In the district of Thanet, where Margate is located, 73% of voters backed the Brexit.

Not even the recent influx of millennials managed to skew that result, but they may still have some ways of fighting back. An online petition seeking to call a do-over referendum has already gathered more than 160,000 signatures. Mass demonstrations could also put pressure on Parliament not to pass any laws that would formalize the split with Europe, though at this point the legislature clearly intends to go along with the will of the majority.

If the divorce does go ahead, it isnt likely do much good for the newcomers in places like Margate. The arts community wants to stay in the E.U., says Martin. And if we leave, there is a lot of concern that we could start going backward as a community.

There could be less cooperation with European museums, for instance, fewer grants and scholarships from E.U. institutions. More broadly, there is likely to be more incentive for ambitious young Brits to move to Europe or find another way to hold on to the benefits of an E.U. passport. In the last few months, as the chances of a Brexit began to seem real, there was a sharp spike in the number of British applications for citizenship in Ireland, an E.U. member. The Irish government reportedly had to hire 200 new temp workers process all the requests.

Gary-Paul Derriman, who runs a pie business in Margate and is easy to spot around town by his blond Mohawk, wouldnt blame anyone for packing up and moving across the Channel. For him its too late, he says, because hes turning 60 soon. But with these youngsters, Europe is in their bones, he told me, looking across the bar at Sharpe and his friend, who had come to visit him from London. Its not right that us olds should be deciding for them.
David Cameron has announced that he is to resign as prime minister of the U.K. following the historic vote to leave the European Union. In a broadcasted statement Friday morning, the Conservative party leader acknowledged that the British people had decided to "follow another path" to his campaign to remain, and that they therefore "need a new prime minister."

U.K. Votes to Leave European Union: Music Biz Reacts

"I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months. But I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination" he said.

Although he didn't offer a timetable, Cameron said he would be working towards his departure over the next three months, and that a new prime minister should be in place by the start of October.

"Delivering stability will be important, and I will continue in post as prime minister with my cabinet for the next three months," he said. "The cabinet will meet on Monday."

Watch Cameron's speech:

And read the full transcript:

The country has just taken part in a giant democratic exercise -- perhaps the biggest in our history. Over 33 million people -- from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar -- have all had their say.

We should be proud of the fact that in these islands we trust the people with these big decisions.

We not only have a parliamentary democracy, but on questions about the arrangements for how we are governed, there are times when it is right to ask the people themselves, and that is what we have done.

The British people have voted to leave the European Union, and their will must be respected.

I want to thank everyone who took part in the campaign on my side of the argument, including all those who put aside party differences to speak in what they believed was the national interest.

And let me congratulate all those who took part in the "Leave" campaign -- for the spirited and passionate case that they made.

Story continues

The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered. It was not a decision that was taken lightly, not least because so many things were said by so many different organizations about the significance of this decision.

So there can be no doubt about the result.

Across the world people have been watching the choice that Britain has made. I would reassure those markets and investors that Britain's economy is fundamentally strong.

And I would also reassure Brits living in European countries, and European citizens living here, that there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances. There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold.

We must now prepare for a negotiation with the European Union. This will need to involve the full engagement of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments to ensure that the interests of all parts of our United Kingdom are protected and advanced.

But above all this will require strong, determined and committed leadership.

I am very proud and very honored to have been prime minister of this country for six years.

I believe we have made great steps, with more people in work than ever before in our history, with reforms to welfare and education, increasing people's life chances, building a bigger and stronger society, keeping our promises to the poorest people in the world, and enabling those who love each other to get married whatever their sexuality.

But above all restoring Britain's economic strength, and I am grateful to everyone who has helped to make that happen.

I have also always believed that we have to confront big decisions -- not duck them.

That's why we delivered the first coalition government in 70 years to bring our economy back from the brink. It's why we delivered a fair, legal and decisive referendum in Scotland. And why I made the pledge to renegotiate Britain's position in the European Union and hold a referendum on our membership, and have carried those things out.

I fought this campaign in the only way I know how -- which is to say directly and passionately what I think and feel -- head, heart and soul.

I held nothing back.

I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union, and I made clear the referendum was about this and this alone -- not the future of any single politician, including myself.

But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path, and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction.

I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.

This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but I do believe it is in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.

There is no need for a precise timetable today, but in my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October.

Delivering stability will be important, and I will continue in post as prime minister with my cabinet for the next three months. The cabinet will meet on Monday.

The governor of the Bank of England is making a statement about the steps that the bank and the Treasury are taking to reassure financial markets. We will also continue taking forward the important legislation that we set before Parliament in the Queen's Speech. And I have spoken to Her Majesty, the Queen, this morning to advise her of the steps that I am taking.

A negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new prime minister, and I think it is right that this new prime minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the E.U.

I will attend the European Council next week to explain the decision the British people have taken and my own decision.

The British people have made a choice. That not only needs to be respected -- but those on the losing side of the argument, myself included, should help to make it work.

Britain is a special country.

We have so many great advantages.

A parliamentary democracy where we resolve great issues about our future through peaceful debate.

A great trading nation, with our science and arts, our engineering and our creativity respected the world over.

And while we are not perfect, I do believe we can be a model of a multiracial, multifaith democracy, where people can come and make a contribution and rise to the very highest that their talent allows.

Although leaving Europe was not the path I recommended, I am the first to praise our incredible strengths.

I have said before that Britain can survive outside the European Union, and indeed that we could find a way.

Now the decision has been made to leave, we need to find the best way.

And I will do everything I can to help.

I love this country -- and I feel honored to have served it.

And I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed.

News of Cameron's decision spread fast on social media. Louise Mensch, the wife of Metallica manager Peter Mensch and a former Conservative member of the U.K. Parliament, was among those who paid tribute to the outgoing PM. Not everyone was so kind.

I want to reiterate thanking @David_Cameron for his wonderful service to the nation as Prime Minister.

- Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) June 24, 2016

Stunned & deeply saddened that David has decided to resign.

Simply lost for words. Need leadership more now than ever before @David_Cameron- Sayeeda Warsi (@SayeedaWarsi) June 24, 2016

"making history"." #DavidCameron resignation-lose lose event"

"Deep uncertainty for months"

Don't worry,#MarkCarney in charge of UK#chaos- Bonnie Greer (@Bonn1eGreer) June 24, 2016

I'm hearing -and it's not yet 100% confirmed- that he's to be replaced by another useless wanker. https://t.co/ciqdGQ1w5d

- Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) June 24, 2016

Cameron should be made to stay for two years and see us out of the EU. It's utterly wrong that he can create this chaos and then walk away.

- Annie Mac (@AnnieMac) June 24, 2016
David Cameron has announced that he is to resign as prime minister of the U.K. following the historic vote to leave the European Union. In a broadcasted statement Friday morning, the Conservative party leader acknowledged that the British people had decided to "follow another path" to his campaign to remain, and that they therefore "need a new prime minister."

U.K. Votes to Leave European Union: Music Biz Reacts

"I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months. But I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination" he said.

Although he didn't offer a timetable, Cameron said he would be working towards his departure over the next three months, and that a new prime minister should be in place by the start of October.

"Delivering stability will be important, and I will continue in post as prime minister with my cabinet for the next three months," he said. "The cabinet will meet on Monday."

Watch Cameron's speech:

And read the full transcript:

The country has just taken part in a giant democratic exercise -- perhaps the biggest in our history. Over 33 million people -- from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar -- have all had their say.

We should be proud of the fact that in these islands we trust the people with these big decisions.

We not only have a parliamentary democracy, but on questions about the arrangements for how we are governed, there are times when it is right to ask the people themselves, and that is what we have done.

The British people have voted to leave the European Union, and their will must be respected.

I want to thank everyone who took part in the campaign on my side of the argument, including all those who put aside party differences to speak in what they believed was the national interest.

And let me congratulate all those who took part in the "Leave" campaign -- for the spirited and passionate case that they made.

Story continues

The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered. It was not a decision that was taken lightly, not least because so many things were said by so many different organizations about the significance of this decision.

So there can be no doubt about the result.

Across the world people have been watching the choice that Britain has made. I would reassure those markets and investors that Britain's economy is fundamentally strong.

And I would also reassure Brits living in European countries, and European citizens living here, that there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances. There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold.

We must now prepare for a negotiation with the European Union. This will need to involve the full engagement of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments to ensure that the interests of all parts of our United Kingdom are protected and advanced.

But above all this will require strong, determined and committed leadership.

I am very proud and very honored to have been prime minister of this country for six years.

I believe we have made great steps, with more people in work than ever before in our history, with reforms to welfare and education, increasing people's life chances, building a bigger and stronger society, keeping our promises to the poorest people in the world, and enabling those who love each other to get married whatever their sexuality.

But above all restoring Britain's economic strength, and I am grateful to everyone who has helped to make that happen.

I have also always believed that we have to confront big decisions -- not duck them.

That's why we delivered the first coalition government in 70 years to bring our economy back from the brink. It's why we delivered a fair, legal and decisive referendum in Scotland. And why I made the pledge to renegotiate Britain's position in the European Union and hold a referendum on our membership, and have carried those things out.

I fought this campaign in the only way I know how -- which is to say directly and passionately what I think and feel -- head, heart and soul.

I held nothing back.

I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union, and I made clear the referendum was about this and this alone -- not the future of any single politician, including myself.

But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path, and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction.

I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.

This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but I do believe it is in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.

There is no need for a precise timetable today, but in my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October.

Delivering stability will be important, and I will continue in post as prime minister with my cabinet for the next three months. The cabinet will meet on Monday.

The governor of the Bank of England is making a statement about the steps that the bank and the Treasury are taking to reassure financial markets. We will also continue taking forward the important legislation that we set before Parliament in the Queen's Speech. And I have spoken to Her Majesty, the Queen, this morning to advise her of the steps that I am taking.

A negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new prime minister, and I think it is right that this new prime minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the E.U.

I will attend the European Council next week to explain the decision the British people have taken and my own decision.

The British people have made a choice. That not only needs to be respected -- but those on the losing side of the argument, myself included, should help to make it work.

Britain is a special country.

We have so many great advantages.

A parliamentary democracy where we resolve great issues about our future through peaceful debate.

A great trading nation, with our science and arts, our engineering and our creativity respected the world over.

And while we are not perfect, I do believe we can be a model of a multiracial, multifaith democracy, where people can come and make a contribution and rise to the very highest that their talent allows.

Although leaving Europe was not the path I recommended, I am the first to praise our incredible strengths.

I have said before that Britain can survive outside the European Union, and indeed that we could find a way.

Now the decision has been made to leave, we need to find the best way.

And I will do everything I can to help.

I love this country -- and I feel honored to have served it.

And I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed.

//

News of Cameron's decision spread fast on social media. Louise Mensch, the wife of Metallica manager Peter Mensch and a former Conservative member of the U.K. Parliament, was among those who paid tribute to the outgoing PM. Not everyone was so kind.

I want to reiterate thanking @David_Cameron for his wonderful service to the nation as Prime Minister.

- Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) June 24, 2016

Stunned & deeply saddened that David has decided to resign.

Simply lost for words. Need leadership more now than ever before @David_Cameron- Sayeeda Warsi (@SayeedaWarsi) June 24, 2016

"making history"." #DavidCameron resignation-lose lose event"

"Deep uncertainty for months"

Don't worry,#MarkCarney in charge of UK#chaos- Bonnie Greer (@Bonn1eGreer) June 24, 2016

I'm hearing -and it's not yet 100% confirmed- that he's to be replaced by another useless wanker. https://t.co/ciqdGQ1w5d

- Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) June 24, 2016

Cameron should be made to stay for two years and see us out of the EU. It's utterly wrong that he can create this chaos and then walk away.

- Annie Mac (@AnnieMac) June 24, 2016

My TL is full of #Brexit gloating, who will be the worst effected.Last crash at least we could blame the bankers, now we can only blame...us

- lily (@lilyallen) June 24, 2016
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations is concerned by the Syrian opposition's accusations that incendiary weapons have been used in Syria but said on Friday it is unable to verify the reports. The Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee called on U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday to launch an investigation into its accusations that Russia has used air-delivered incendiary weapons and cluster bombs in Syria. The Russian mission to the United Nations was not immediately available to comment on the accusations. "We are concerned about the reports of the use of incendiary weapons in Aleppo, Syria," U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said. "We are not in a position to verify these reports." "We expect that all parties and states involved in the conflict will refrain from their use in this way," he said. Russia deployed warplanes to Syria last year to support President Bashar al-Assad against rebels seeking to end his rule. A crackdown by Assad on pro-democracy protesters five years ago sparked a civil war, and Islamic State militants have used the chaos to seize territory in Syria and Iraq. Incendiary weapons use substances that are designed to set fire to objects or burn people, and cluster munitions are containers that explode in the air to distribute smaller bombs over a large area. Both are banned under the Convention on Conventional Weapons. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy captain who was in charge of 10 American sailors briefly held by Iran in January has been relieved of command because of a "loss of confidence in his ability to command," a Navy statement said on Friday.

Ten U.S. sailors, who were aboard two patrol craft, were detained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Jan. 12 when they inadvertently entered Iranian territorial waters. They were released the next day after being held for about 15 hours.]

Captain Kyle Moses, commander of Task Force 56, was the second person to be publicly reprimanded so far over the incident. In May, Commander Eric Rasch, who was the executive officer of the coastal riverine squadron that included the 10 sailors, was fired.

Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said he had taken corrective action against Moses several weeks ago.

However, after thoroughly examining the findings of the final, comprehensive investigation, I determined that this additional action was necessary, Donegan said in the statement.

Findings of the five-month investigation will be presented by Admiral John Richardson, the chief of U.S. Naval Operations, at a briefing in the Pentagon on June 30 where he will give more details on the incident.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by David Gregorio)
Nearly a year ago, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said the U.S. militarys ban on the open service of transgender troops was outdated and promised the policy would be reviewed. Advocacy groups had grown impatient in the early months of this year, but a report late Friday indicates their wait is almost over.

USA Today, citing an unnamed Department of Defense official, reports the ban will end on July 1 and that Pentagon officials are gathering to finalize the details in the coming days. Individual branches of the armed services would have a year to implement new policies. A study commissioned by the Department of Defense and conducted by the RAND Corporation found that there would be few hurdles to allowing transgender people to serve openly, the New York Times recently reported.

Estimates of how many active duty military members identify as transgender are wide-ranging educated guesses, given that this is not information that the federal government collects. The RAND study estimated that only about 2,500 of the 1.2 million active duty members are transgender, while a study by UCLAs Williams Institute estimated the number to be 15,500, in addition to 134,300 veterans.

Advocacy groups reacted to the news on Friday with approval. This final remnant of Dont Ask, Dont Tell will now be put to rest. This decision is a great victory for the many trans people who have served and sacrificed in the military over the years, the National LGBTQ Task Forces Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan said in a statement. They also served in fear of being discharged from the service for simply being who they are. Thankfully this now will change.

In his statement last summer, Carter also referenced the repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell, the ban on the open service of gay troops that was lifted in 2010, saying we have learned from that reform. Throughout this time, transgender men and women in uniform have been there with us, he said, even as they often had to serve in silence alongside their fellow comrades in arms.
From Popular Mechanics

A South Korean TV news report has surfaced showing American and South Korean attack helicopters bombarding targets in a live-fire exercise. The exercise, which featured American AH-64 Apache helicopters and South Korean AH-1 Cobra helicopters, took place yesterday in a training area in South Korea. The Apaches fire their 70-millimeter Hydra rockets, while the South Korean helicopters fire both Hydras and their three-barrel 20-millimeter gatling gun.

Also featured are OH-58D Kiowa Warrior scout helicopters of the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry, which are temporarily posted to South Korea and due to be retired from the U.S. Army upon their return to the U.S.

The attack helicopters are joined on the firing range by South Korean K-1 main battle tanks, and the three simultaneously fire tank guns, rockets, and gatling guns at range targets. It's an striking level of firepower that would greet any North Korean invasion heading south.

Quick trivia note: at the 1:27 mark, viewers can spot one of South Korea's Russian-made BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles. The U.S. ally received 70 of the heavily armed vehicles in the mid to late 1990s as part of a debt forgiveness deal.
By Terry Wade

HOUSTON, June 24 (Reuters) - With many U.S. states proceeding with investigations of Exxon Mobil Corp's record on climate change, the attorney general of Massachusetts and investment funds of the Rockefeller family on Friday told a Congressional committee it lacked powers to oversee those probes.

The pushback is the latest chapter in a high-stakes fight between the world's largest publicly traded oil company and a coalition of state attorneys general who have said they would go after Exxon to try and force action to tackle climate change.

The House Committee on Science, Space and Technology last week reiterated demands that state attorneys general hand over any records of consultations the prosecutors had with outside environmental groups before their probes were opened.

Republicans on the committee have said about 20 state officials overreached when they jointly said in March they would participate in inquiries into whether Exxon executives misled the public by contradicting research from company scientists that spelled out the threats of climate change.

State officials have said the committee has no right to get involved.

"The Committee lacks authority to interfere with an investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office into possible violations of Massachusetts law by ExxonMobil," said a letter to the committee from the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey that was seen by Reuters.

In another letter to the House panel seen by Reuters, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Rockefeller Family Fund, two investment funds that have been critical of fossil fuels linked to climate change, said the committee's request "imperiled the funds' First Amendment rights" and said "Congress's investigatory power is not unlimited."

Last week, Exxon asked a federal court to throw out a subpoena that would force it to hand over decades of documents on climate change to Healey's office.

Both sides in the standoff have sought to use the First Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom speech and freedom of assembly, among other protections, to press their cases.

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The House committee has complained the inquiries risk stifling free speech and scientific inquiry, and that state officials were coordinating with special interest groups.

Exxon has repeatedly said that it has acknowledged the reality of climate change for years and communicated this to investors.

(Reporting By Terry Wade; Editing by David Gregorio)
Travis Kalanick

Uber CEO and cofounder Travis Kalanick went through a lot of ups and downs as a tech entrepreneur before launching Uber in 2009.

According to Kalanick, rolling with the punches is part of the job if you want to be a startup founder.

But one of the most important job requirements is knowing how to find the entrepreneur's "playground," he said.

In a talk at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford University on Thursday, Kalanick described the zone between conventional wisdom and reality as a playground that the best entrepreneurs seek out and thrive in.

Here's how Kalanick put it:

"I like to say the role of the entrepreneur is to understand the difference between perception and reality. Perception is conventional wisdom, it's what everybody thinks is right, or is the answer. And reality, sometimes it's the same, but often it's very different.

"I like to say the distance between perception and reality is the innovator's playground. But if you are going to play in that playground and you're going to tell the world that they're wrong by doing something over here, it means you have to get used to everybody thinking you're kind of crazy, and you have to get used to everybody saying this is not possible or this is not right, or it's just not going to work.

"And you have to stick to your guns, and if you are correctly seeing the difference between perception and reality, it will eventually work."

You can watch the full video of the talk here.

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Colombia Uber protest Latin America

Authorities in Colombia have launched a crackdown on the ride-hailing service Uber, seizing more than 1,200 vehicles using the service in recent days.

Colombian officials "have been carrying out a crash plan to control the streets and what is happening in terms of illegality" related to Uber's operations, Transport Minister Jorge Eduardo Rojas said, according to Colombia Reports.

The seizures are the latest salvo in Colombia's effort to clamp down on what it deems "illegal" competition to other forms of transport in the country.

In November 2015, President Juan Manuel Santos gave Uber six months to formally register its operations as a taxi company in the country or face a ban.

In a statement to Business Insider, an Uber spokesman in Colombia disputed the characterization of the company as a taxi firm, saying: "Uber is a technology company legally constituted in Colombia. There is no administrative or legal act that has declared our operation illegal, nor are there any rules in the country that prohibit or punish citizens who share their private vehicles."

In March, the South American country issued a $140,000 fine to the ride-hailing service after the country's transport superintendent decided that partners and drivers registered with Uber Colombia and its platform offer an unauthorized service.

The company did not adhere to that six-month deadline, and, according to Colombia Reports, Colombian authorities have started an effort to shut down its operations. As of Thursday, 962 cars using Uber and 253 using UberX had been impounded.

Uber is "an illegal transportation service," Fernando Isaza, the secretary of mobility in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla, said on Tuesday. "We will sanction all the people who violate or facilitate the violation of the norms," he told the Colombian newspaper El Heraldo. Isaza also said on Tuesday that 47 people had been fined for using Uber.

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Colombia Uber protest Latin America

According to the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, cars will be held for five days on the first offense, 20 days on the second, and 40 days on the third. People caught using the app will be given a summons and issued a fine equal to five times the current daily-minimum salary, or about $39.

Amid the ongoing wrangling over Uber's operation in Colombia, the ride-hailing service introduced its UberPool offering, which allows users to share rides. UberPool launched on Tuesday, and Colombian authorities vowed to shut it down as well.

"It is not possible that these persons, that these vehicles, now not only perform illegal trips, but also offer another service that isn't regulated," Rojas, the transportation minister, said the day after UberPool's launch.

Uber has continued to promote its services in Colombia, despite official pronouncements against the app.

An Uber spokesperson in Colombia told Business Insider that the company was not aware of any Uber drivers in the country who had been fined. "Uber is now operating in 17 colombian cities, connecting more than 450k users with 30k drivers with safe and reliable urban solutions like uberPOOL, UberBLACK, uberX," and other services, Uber said in an email.

'The tip of the iceberg'

Uber has refused to register with the Colombian government as a taxi service, and, as in other countries, Uber drivers in Colombia are defined as "associates." The ride-hailing service has also accused the country's government of defending a monopoly held by taxi services in Colombian cities, Colombia Reports notes.

In spite of its clashes with authorities, Uber maintains support among Colombians, particularly the urban population, who, according to Colombia Reports, have long complained about the country's taxi services.

Uber protest in Mexico City

Uber's rough reception in Colombia is the latest pushback it has faced as it makes its way into the Latin American market, following a court-ordered shutdown in Argentina, fees and protests in Brazil, and anti-Uber riots in Mexico.

The hostile reception notwithstanding, the ride-hailing service says it has seen its most rapid growth in Latin America, tripling the number of rides taken using its app in the first four months of this year.

"Today we are close to breaking even in the region," Rodrigo Arevalo, Uber's regional manager for Latin America, told Bloomberg in late May, adding that the company had its eyes on Puerto Rico and Venezuela next.

"We're still only at the tip of the iceberg," Arevalo said.

This post has been updated to clarify Uber's six-month registration deadline and when it was fined. Statements from an Uber spokesman in Colombia have also been added.

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KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda plans to withdraw its troops from Somalia by December 2017, signalling it is scaling back regional military interventions after it said it planned a similar pullback from Central African Republic. President Yoweri Museveni has intervened in several regional security hotspots, deploying troops to help quell unrest in Somalia, Central African Republic and South Sudan in recent years. A staunch ally of the United States, Museveni has faced a groundswell of opposition at home since winning a disputed presidential election in February. Uganda deployed in Somalia in 2007, the first of several troop contingents from the region in the African Union-mandated AMISOM force formed to combat al Shabaab Islamist militants, who had established a power base in the Horn of African country. "Our plan that we have communicated to the African Union is that by December 2017 we want to be out," Paddy Ankunda, Uganda military spokesman, told Reuters late on Thursday. "So unless something major comes up that's the time we want to come out of Somalia." Uganda accounts for about a third of the roughly 22,000-strong AMISOM force. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for twin bombings in Kampala in 2010 that killed 76 people, which it called a punishment for Uganda's troop deployment in Somalia. Although since pushed out of its strongholds, the group remains a potent and deadly threat. Paddy declined to give a reason for the planned Somalia withdrawal, which followed a similar announcement two weeks ago concerning Central African Republic, where Ugandan troops have been helping track down fighters from the Lord's Resistance Army rebel group led by Ugandan Joseph Kony. Museveni, who is widely expected to seek another term in 2021, won February's ballot with 60 percent of the vote, a result rejected by his main rival Kizza Besigye. Besigye has since been charged with treason and is currently in jail awaiting trial. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; editing by John Stonestreet)
By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Britain's looming exit from the European Union is another huge setback for negotiations on a massive U.S.-EU free trade deal that were already stalled by deeply entrenched differences and growing anti-trade sentiment on both sides of the Atlantic. The historic divorce launched by Thursday's vote will almost certainly further delay substantial progress in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) talks as the remaining 27 EU states sort out their own new relationship with Britain, trade experts said on Friday. With French and German officials increasingly voicing skepticism about TTIP's chances for success, the United Kingdom's departure from the deal could sink hopes of a deal before President Barack Obama leaves office in January. "This is yet another reason why TTIP will likely be postponed," said Heather Conley, European program director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington. "But to be honest, TTIP isn't going anywhere, I believe, before 2018 at the earliest," she said. U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said in a statement on Friday that he was evaluating the UK decision's impact on TTIP, but would continue to engage with both European and UK counterparts. "The importance of trade and investment is indisputable in our relationships with both the European Union and the United Kingdom," Froman said. "The economic and strategic rationale for T-TIP remains strong." TTIP negotiators are still expected to meet in Brussels in mid-July as scheduled, but those talks were aimed at focusing on less controversial issues while leaving the thorniest disagreements for U.S. and EU political leaders to resolve. And it is unclear when Britain will launch formal separation proceedings, which will take at least two years. But analysts said both sides have been reluctant to put their best offers on the table with a new U.S. president due to take office in January and French and German leadership elections nearing in 2017. The Brexit also will preoccupy EU officials in coming months as they launch their own negotiations with London over the future terms of UK-EU trade, and sort out their post-Brexit priorities, said Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, director of the European Centre for International Political Economy, a Brussels-based think tank. Britain's departure could leave U.S. negotiators facing a European side that is more dug-in on some issues, said Chad Bown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a think tank in Washington. "As the UK is part of the coalition of liberal trading economies in the EU, the U.S. is losing one of the more like-minded countries from the group in Brussels sitting on the other side of the negotiating table," said Bown, a former World Bank economist. However, Lee-Makiyama, who also sees little chance of a deal before 2018, said Britain's departure could eliminate one source of disagreement because the UK has insisted on a financial services chapter in the trade deal. "The only real proponent of banking regulation in TTIP is the UK. Germany and France are probably willing to let it go," he said. "It still leaves about 20 outstanding issues at nearly the same level of difficulty." The TTIP negotiations, which started three years ago, have unable to settle major differences over agriculture, where the EU side has shown little willingness to alter food safety rules that prohibit American beef raised with hormones or genetically modified foods, or open its closely guarded geographical food naming rules, such as for Asiago and feta cheeses. European negotiators have complained that the United States has offered too little to open up its vast federal, state and local government procurement markets to European vendors with "Buy American" preferences in place. Europe also wants access to key U.S. sectors such as maritime transport and aviation, while American negotiators have been frustrated over lack of access to some 200 European sectors ranging from healthcare to education. The two sides also are far apart on how to resolve disputes. The U.S. side favors a traditional binding arbitration approach, while the Europeans want a court-like system that allows for appeals. More progress has been made on harmonizing regulations for things like car seat belt anchors, clothes labeling and pharmaceutical inspections. (Additional reporting by Phil Blenkinsop in Brussels; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
By Laurence Frost

PARIS (Reuters) - Aston Martin Chief Executive Andy Palmer warned on Friday that Britain's exit from the European Union was likely to require additional "productivity and efficiency" gains at the British sportscar maker.

Palmer urged the UK government to secure tariff-free access to EU markets.

"We acknowledge the decision and the rule of democracy," Palmer said in a statement to Reuters after Britain's referendum vote to leave the European Union.

"Aston Martin will now orientate its business to deliver our mid-term plan in the context of the exit and the market volatility that may exist during the period of transition," Palmer said, adding that a weaker pound should "partially offset" the increased instability.

"As the UK could now be subject to new trade tariff barriers, we also anticipate the need for additional productivity and efficiency in the medium term," he said.

The government must now "maintain economic stability and secure a deal with the EU which safeguards UK automotive interests - this includes securing tariff-free access to European and other global markets."

(Reporting by Laurence Frost; Editing by Richard Lough)
LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - The leader of the UK's opposition Labour party Jeremy Corbyn said Britons voted to leave the EU because they were angry about their treatment by successive governments.

"Many communities are fed up with cuts, fed up with economic dislocation and feel very angry at the way they've been betrayed and marginalised by successive governments in very poor areas of the country," Corbyn told BBC TV on Friday.

He said there would be consequences for British jobs as a result of Brexit, which the government should work to minimise.

"Article 50 has to be invoked now so that we negotiate an exit from the European Union," Corbyn added.

No member state has ever left and Article 50 of the EU treaty, which sets out how a state can exit the bloc, offers little detail.

(Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Stephen Addison)
London (AFP) - British politics was upended Friday by a shock vote to leave the EU which forced Prime Minister David Cameron to resign, triggered a leadership race and raised doubts the country could survive in its current form.

Announcing his resignation outside Downing Street, Cameron said a new leader should be in place by October.

His successor faces an uphill struggle to heal divisions in both the country and the ruling Conservative party and could face pressure to call a new general election, even though it is just a year since Cameron won the last one.

There were already signs that pro-EU Scotland could move to hold a fresh independence referendum, as well as fears that stability in Northern Ireland could be threatened by the move.

The main opposition Labour party was not immune from the turmoil, either.

Its leader, veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn, had campaigned reluctantly to keep Britain in the EU.

An MP has tabled a motion of no confidence in him following the result after many traditional Labour areas backed Brexit.

"The ramifications leave one giddy," wrote political commentator Matthew d'Ancona in The Guardian.

"Yes, this will have immense consequences for the Westminster drama: not only for David Cameron, who bet the farm and lost; but also for Jeremy Corbyn who conspicuously failed to deliver the Labour heartlands," he said.

"But the high political soap opera is belittled by the constitutional and economic implications."

Anand Menon, director of the UK In A Changing Europe academic research group, added: "Nationalist politicians, be they in Scotland, Northern Ireland or England, will be making hay."

- Constitutional crisis? -

Favourite to succeed Cameron is Boris Johnson, the leading Brexiteer and former London mayor.

Other contenders seen as closer to Cameron could include Home Secretary Theresa May and finance minister George Osborne.

Once the leading contender to succeed Cameron, Osborne's hopes may have been damaged by his closeness to the premier and his botched handling of two austerity budgets.

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Whoever wins will face having to unite a party which has experienced bitter divisions during a referendum campaign which has pitched Conservative against Conservative.

They will also inherit Cameron's small House of Commons majority of 16, making it tough to pass any controversial new laws.

Corbyn, who won the Labour leadership last year thanks to grassroots support, much of it from young voters, is deeply unpopular with many MPs.

John Mann, a pro-Brexit Labour MP, said he was "out of touch" with traditional working-class Labour voters who were "sick to death" with his policies.

The constitutional consequences of the vote could run deeper.

Scotland's ruling Scottish National Party has long indicated that a Brexit vote could provide momentum for a second referendum after independence was rejected in a previous vote in 2014.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Friday that Scotland sees its future as "part of the EU", fuelling speculation.

In Northern Ireland, which backed EU membership, there are fears that tensions could be raised following years of calm in sectarian conflict if a hard border with EU member state Ireland is restored.

Republicans Sinn Fein have already called for a vote on uniting Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland after the Brexit vote.

"What the government is now faced with is not only the economic consequences of a break with the EU, but a fracturing of the United Kingdom," said Rodney Barker, emeritus professor of government at the London School of Economics.

"The government has avoided, once again, taking the blame for the erosion of public services, but at the cost of the unity of its party and its country."

Admitting the losses in Labour heartlands, Corbyn made the same point about an anti-austerity vote.

"A lot of the message that has come back from this is that many communities are fed up with cuts," he said.
(Adds United CEO comment, detail on union meeting)

By Jeffrey Dastin

June 24 (Reuters) - United Continental Holdings Inc has reached a deal for the first labor contract in its history that covers all flight attendants at the company, their union and the airline said on Friday, a breakthrough after workers' protests and years of talks.

The deal with union negotiators requires the approval of leaders of United's unit of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA before it formally becomes a "tentative agreement." They are scheduled to meet next week.

The contract, whose terms were not disclosed, will then go to about 25,000 in-flight crew members for a final vote.

Ratification would mark a victory for new Chief Executive Officer Oscar Munoz, who has sought new contracts and harmony with workers for the No. 3 U.S. airline by passenger traffic.

A contract also would be an important step toward integrating United and Continental and reducing flight cancellations.

Since the airlines merged in 2010, their crews have continued to staff separate flights. That means when a flight is at risk of being canceled because it is short-staffed, United cannot bring in reserve employees from pre-merger Continental if it is on a pre-merger United aircraft.

A ratified contract would remove "artificial barriers holding back United" from functioning well during incidents like winter storms that ground planes, said Henry Harteveldt, founder of travel consultancy Atmosphere Research Group.

United's previous management struggled to propose terms that the two flight attendant groups, which have different work rules and cultures, found palatable.

Furloughs by the airline after the merger drew workers' ire. That began to end in 2014, when United offered voluntary buyouts that more than 2,500 employees accepted.

The union entered U.S. federal mediation with United in November. It has regularly staged protests at company meetings, underscoring the strained relations the airline has with a group that represents its face to fliers.

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Munoz's appointment in September created an opening, however. In his early weeks on the job, he met with workers and said people were his priority. That changed tone has won over many at the company, to the point where Munoz has described a "new spirit" at United.

"It's been a long journey," Munoz said in a news release. "Today's agreement honors the invaluable role that our flight attendants contribute to United's success."

The company recently secured deals for pilots, gate agents and baggage handlers. Mechanics still lack a single contract for the combined airline.

(Reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Lisa Von Ahn)
New York (AFP) - Senator Bernie Sanders exhorted his millions of supporters to fight to implement progressive policies to transform America, saying the general election was more than about beating Donald Trump.

In a speech lasting more than an hour, the 74-year-old from Vermont, who challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination from the left, failed to mention the victorious secretary of state even once.

Instead, he insisted that the popularity of his campaign, particularly among people under 45, proved the establishment could be beaten and urged his supporters to continue the fight for radical change.

"We have got to work tirelessly to make sure that Trump is not president. But that is not good enough," he said in New York less than six months before Americans vote for a new president in November.

"What we have got to do is to continue the vision of transforming this country. And the most important way I know we can do that, is for all of us to get involved in the political process," Sanders said.

Trump has inflamed large swathes of America by running a divisive campaign that has insulted ethnic minorities, called Mexicans rapists, demanded a ban on Muslims entering the country and denigrating women.

"The cornerstone of his campaign is bigotry," said Sanders, vowing to do "everything I can" to defeat Trump, even "if I have to run all over this country to do it."

Sanders said the Democrats' platform for the election would be its most progressive in history, but warned promises on paper counted for nothing if they were not enacted.

"That platform doesn't mean anything unless we make certain those ideas are incorporated into public policy," he said.

The platform would oppose trade deals, fight to ban the sale and distribution of assault weapons and expand background checks on those buying weapons, he said.

His speech was a battle cry for his followers to continue to campaign for change from the ground up, stretching from school boards, to city councils, state elections and federal politics.

"I have no doubt that a strong, well-organized grass-roots movement can... defeat the establishment and that is precisely what we have got to do and what the political revolution is about," he said.

Clinton for all intents and purposes won their at-times bitter battle for the Democratic nomination earlier this month by clinching the number of delegates needed to become the party flag bearer.
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f12516%2fscreen_shot_2016-06-24_at_10.52.12_am

Who knew Uzo Aduba could speak Singlish so convincingly?

The Orange is the New Black star was in Berlin for the hit show's fourth season premiere, where she picked up a set of Singlish  Singapore English  versions of quotes from her character, Crazy Eyes.

SEE ALSO: 'Orange is the New Black' pop-up diner in Singapore will serve up gourmet prison food

Netflix told Mashable it took her just 10 minutes to learn the phrases before delivering them smoothly.

In reference to a scene where Crazy Eyes compliments Piper (played by Taylor Schilling) and receives a frosty response, Aduba whips out her Singlish-improved version: "Call her chio bu, lah!

"She confirm like," she nods.

Singlish is the tiny Asian country's creole that mixes ethnic Chinese and Malay loanwords into the English language.

Last month, the prestigious Oxford English Dictionary (OED) gave Singlish a nod by adding 19 common Singaporean terms into its hallowed pages.
By Lesley Wroughton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Dialogue between the Venezuelan government and opposition could provide a platform from which they could request help from the international community, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Tom Shannon said on Friday. Shannon held talks with Venezuelan officials, including President Nicolas Maduro and opposition figures, in Caracas this week amid a punishing economic crisis in the South American nation. A date had not been set for another round of talks, he said. During the visit, Shannon also met with former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. He, along with former presidents Martin Torrijos of Panama and Leonel Fernandez of the Dominican Republic, are trying to facilitate talks between the government and the opposition. Given the diametrically opposed views of each side in Venezuela, internationally mediated talks outside Caracas could help address their differences, Shannon said. "The hope (is) that this can be used not only to address political differences but also to create a platform from which both the government and the opposition can ask for help from the international community to address some of the very significant crises that Venezuela faces now," Shannon told reporters. "It is up to the two parties to determine whether or not the facilitators are the right ones. Our view is that they are at this point," he added. Shannon did not specify what type of help Venezuela could ask for. His three-day visit comes amid increasing concern among Venezuela's neighbors about the situation in the South American OPEC nation. Once among Latin America's most prosperous nations, Venezuela has plunged into unrest and a harsh economic slowdown. Long lines for food and medicines have led to protests and opposition calls for a recall referendum to remove Maduro. Despite protests from Venezuela's Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, a majority of member states from the 34-nation Organization of American States (OAS) on Thursday backed a move by OAS chief, Luis Almagro, to "invoke" the organization's democratic charter on Venezuela. While the move could eventually lead to Venezuela's suspension, there is currently little appetite within the regional bloc to suspend Venezuela, with all member states favoring dialogue as a first step. Shannon said Venezuela felt "uncomfortable" with the OAS process, adding: "They don't like being called out." "My hope is that we will have a follow up date in the very near future," he added. (Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed.; Editing by David Gregorio and Andrew Hay)
Barely Famous, VH1s reality series parody created by and starring Sara and Erin Foster, has changed the title of its upcoming episode and slightly tweaked its content in the wake of the Orlando shooting that took the lives of 49 people at a gay nightclub. The episode, which airs on June 29, was originally titled What Happens in Orlando . Filmed months ago, it chronicles the Foster sisters exploits as they go to Orlando for vacation and visit Universal Studios. In addition, the title change to Vacation Episode, a scene featuring the frisking of an elderly woman has been cut.

Out of respect for the tragic events that took place in Orlando, we have retitled season twos episode two that was shot back in February and slightly edited its content, VH1 said in a statement.

Sisters Sara and Erin Foster payed respects to the victims a day after the Orlando massacre as they rode in the L.A. Pride Parade.

TNT recently pushed the Season 3 premiere of TNTs drama The Last Ship, originally scheduled for the night after the Orlando shooting. It contained a scene involving a shooting at a Vietnamese nightclub.

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Stephen Colbert Takes Off Gloves, Attacks Senate Over Blocked Gun Control Measures
Seoul (AFP) - Seoul prosecutors arrested an executive of Volkswagen's South Korean unit on Friday, as part of an ongoing probe into the emissions fraud scandal that engulfed the German carmaker.

An official with the Seoul Central District Court told AFP that it had issued the warrant to arrest the executive -- identified only by his surname Yoon.

Charges include manipulating documents on emissions tests to get approval for selling Volkswagen vehicles in the country.

Prosecutors plan to question Yoon on whether he was acting under orders from Volkswagen's German headquarters, Yonhap news agency said.

The world's second-largest automaker faces legal action in several countries, after it admitted in September to faking US emissions tests on some of its diesel-engined vehicles.

In November last year, Seoul ordered Volkswagen Korea to recall more than 125,000 diesel-powered cars sold in the South Korean market and fined the firm 14.1 billion won ($12.3 million).

Foreign carmakers, especially German brands like Volkswagen, have steadily expanded their presence in the South's auto market long dominated by the local giant Hyundai and its affiliate Kia.

Sales of foreign cars account for about 15 percent of total auto sales, compared to 10 percent in 2012.

Around 70 percent of foreign auto sales in South Korea are diesel-engined vehicles.
Britain has voted to leave the European Union. Global stock markets are plummeting and the British pound has fallen to a 30 year low. Gold is almost the only market trading higher as investors seek a safe haven. U.S. futures are pointing to sharp losses at the open and crude oil has fallen 4%. Banks are among the stocks getting hit the hardest. Shares of Goldman Sachs sank more than 6% while Morgan Stanley has dropped more than 7%. Morgan Stanley has issued a statement today that the British decision will have a significant impact on its business-the full impact of which wont' be known for quite some time. Analysts say that the British vote has implications for the United States presidential election. The British vote shows that elites are losing ground and we're seeing a populist uprising, some economists say. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was a backer of 'Brexit' and has issued a statement this morning saying a Trump administration pledges to strengthen ties with a free and independent Britain. We do expect to hear reaction from Democrat president candidate Hillary Clinton later today.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) will pay more than $10 billion to settle claims by nearly 500,000 owners stemming from its U.S. diesel emissions cheating scandal and fund efforts to offset pollution, three sources briefed on the agreement said on Thursday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, due to court-imposed gag rules, a source said that owners will receive an average of $5,000 in compensation along with the estimated value of the vehicles as of September 2015, before the scandal erupted. Owners would also receive the compensation if they choose to have the vehicles repaired, assuming U.S. regulators approve a fix at a later date.

As part of the settlements, Volkswagen will to help boost zero emissions vehicles and introduce a program to offset excess diesel pollution from the offending vehicles.

The settlement is valued at $10.3 billion in documents outlining some of the complex settlements, the source added.

Another source said that figure does not include part of the environmental costs, which will raise the overall settlement total. The source would not disclose the overall total.

Volkswagen and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declined to comment.

In September, VW disclosed that it had used sophisticated software to evade emissions requirements in nearly 11 million vehicles worldwide. It also misled the EPA, which had started asking questions in 2014. The company's chief executive officer, Martin Winterkorn, resigned in the wake of the scandal.

COMPLEX SETTLEMENT

Reuters reported last week the initial VW settlement would not include civil penalties under the U.S. Clean Air Act or address about 80,000 larger 3.0 liter Audi, Porsche and VW vehicles that emitted less pollution than 2.0 liter vehicles. A deal covering the 3.0 liter vehicles may still be months away.

The settlement also does not address lawsuits filed by U.S. states or investors or a criminal investigation by the Justice Department.

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In April, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said the settlement will also include an offer to repair polluting vehicles if regulators approve it.

Regulators will not immediately approve fixes for the 2.0 liter vehicles - and may not approve fixes for all three generations of the polluting 2009-2015 vehicles, the sources told Reuters.

The settlement is complex, requiring owners to fill out detailed worksheets about their vehicle to calculate the buyback value.

Reuters reported in April that owners may have two years before having to decide whether to sell back vehicles.

GERMAN PROBE

The EPA, California Air Resources Board, U.S. Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission and lawyers representing owners have been working for weeks to hammer out the final agreements.

VW is not expected to be allowed to resell or export repurchased vehicles, unless they convince regulators that they can be fixed, sources said.

Former owners of the polluting vehicles will also be eligible for compensation - although less than current owners, sources said.

In April, Volkswagen said it would set aside 16.2 billion euros ($18.2 billion) and slash its dividend to cover the costs from the scandal known as Dieselgate - including nearly 8 billion euros to cover buying back and fixing polluting vehicles.

EPA initially said VW's emissions cheating affected 482,000 2.0 liter vehicles produced by VW, but the agency said last week the actual figure is 499,000 - since the original figure did not include some 2012 Passat diesels.

German prosecutors are investigating former CEO Winterkorn and VW brand chief Herbert Diess over whether they effectively manipulated markets by delaying the release of information about the emissions test cheating.

(Editing by Tom Brown and Matthew Lewis)
From Road & Track

Earlier this week, we reported on the details of Volkswagen's potential fix for its TDI emissions scandal as the company nears its June 28th deadline to submit a proposal. As that date gets closer, a few more details have emerged regarding what that fix will entail. If these reports are to be believed, it won't be cheap for VW.

Citing an anoymous source, the Associated Press reports that Volkswagen has agreed to pay out as much as $10.2 billion in the U.S., most of which will be used compensate owners of cars equipped with emissions-cheating software. Each payout for the near-500,000 U.S. car owners affected will be between $1000 and $7000, with most owners set to receive around $5000. The AP source said that the exact figures could change before the settlement is announced on Tuesday.

An earlier report notes roughly $3.5 billion of that alleged settlement money will go to U.S. federal government and California regulators. That report also noted that it might be impossible for VW to fix the cars affected, due to the huge logistical challenges of trying to repair nearly 500,000 cars.

If the $10.2 billion total is factual, it will be far-and-away the biggest compensation ever paid by an automaker, greatly outstripping the $100 million settlement paid by Hyundai and Kia after an EPA fuel economy rating scandal in 2014. And of course, the number could only get bigger for Volkswagen: The automaker still has to present a solution for the millions of European owners affected by the TDI emissions cheat.
Washington (AFP) - The United States wants to wrap up discussions with South Korea on the deployment of a sophisticated defense system, the Pentagon said Friday, two days after North Korea's latest missile tests.

Seoul and Washington have for weeks been in talks about deploying the advanced US THAAD missile system in South Korea to protect against the potential threat from Pyongyang -- a move vehemently opposed by China.

"We would like to see these conversations, as I think the South Koreans would, wrapped up in an as efficient and timely fashion as possible," Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said.

He said discussions had "progressed well," but there were still "some details to work out."

North Korea tested two Musudan medium-range missiles just hours apart on Wednesday.

The first was seen as a failure, but leader Kim Jong-Un hailed the second as a complete success.

South Korea has had reservations about THAAD -- the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System -- primarily because of opposition from China, which sees it as a threat to its own nuclear deterrent.

Beijing also fears the presence of more US military hardware on its doorstep will further tip the balance of power in the Pacific towards Washington.

Pentagon officials spoke with South Korean and Japanese counterparts earlier on Friday to discuss the recent North Korean missile launches, Cook said.

"All three countries reiterated their strong condemnation of these launches and urged North Korea to refrain from provocative actions that undermine peace and security and instead focus on fulfilling its international obligations and commitments," he told reporters.

"The three noted that North Korea's provocations would only strengthen the resolve of the international community."
Dave Grohl provided a fun little anecdote during the Citi/Live Nation party at Cannes Lions that includes his getting stoned at Paul McCartneys house and relying on the mercy of none other than Taylor Swift to save him.

Grohl told the crowd about the time that he had gone to Paul McCartneys house for a party, upon which the former Beatle sat down at the piano to play a new song. At this point in the story, Grohl noted that Paul McCartney is the baddest motherfr in the world.

After McCartney finished his song, he invited Grohl to perform, but the Foo Fighters frontman faced a predicament  he doesnt play the piano and all of Sir Pauls instruments were left-handed; additionally, he had smoked a little pot, so I was already challenged.

Not to worry, however, Taylor Swift offered to play a song for Grohl while he attempted to play one of McCartneys left-handed basses; the song turned out to be Best of You. Swifts heroics led to Grohl commenting that she was Fing Batman when you need him, and complimenting her vocals as way of ending the story before performing Best of You for the party.

You can listen to the entire anecdote and song below.
Kiko Matos and Baron Heisler dont like each other very much. The two were involved in a brawl at a bar, the video of which has since gone viral. Capitalizing on the fiasco, URCC founder Alvin Aguilar set up an MMA exhibition fight  only two rounds  between the arch enemies for Saturday, June 25 in Manila, Philippines.

During a weigh-in on Friday, Matos concealed a spray bottle full of urine behind his back. Right after the photo op, Matos unleashed a spray bottle full of the yellow liquid and began pegging Heisler in the face with it.

Baron, drink my piss, he said.

Fight officials attempted to wrestle the bottle of wee-wee away from Matos, but he was able to shoot off a few more rounds of the golden stuff. After the urinary incident, Matos and Heisler began jawing at each other, almost coming to blows.

On June 21, at a press conference, Heisler kissed Matos when the two were in close proximity of one another. Reporters asked Matos if the pee-spraying was in retaliation of that offense.

After the bladder-juice incident, Matos said:

Its like this, you have to be first. You might get beaten to it. I just beat him to it. He got to me first with the kiss, right? So whatever he does, at least I was able to think of an idea.

Neither man has had formal MMA training, and their bout is more or less of the freak show variety. MMA can be a strange sphere, but this just takes physical peculiarity to a whole new level.

(via Rappler)
On Jun 24, 2016, we issued an updated research report on WestRock Company WRK, a provider of paper and packaging solutions in consumer and corrugated markets.



WestRocks recent spin-off of its specialty chemicals business, into a new independent public company Ingevity Corp. NGVT is a prudent move as it was not in line with the companys core business. The spinoff will better position both businesses to pursue their respective operating priorities and strategies. As part of the separation, WestRock will receive a distribution of $518 million, from which it will retain approximately $438 million for use in general corporate purposes.



Formed by the merger of MeadWestvaco and Rock-Tenn, WestRock is realizing the strategic benefits of the merger, having already achieved an annual run rate of over $350 million of synergies and performance improvements. WestRock expects an annualized run rate of $450$500 million by the end of fiscal 2016. The company remains on track to meet its $1 billion objective by the end of fiscal 2018.



WestRock Company has completed its joint venture with Grupo Gondi in Mexico to create superior packaging solutions for consumers. This joint venture accelerates WestRocks ability to win share in the growing Mexican packaging market, and provides fresh growth opportunities for both the companies. Further, WestRock's acquisition of SP Fiber Holdings, Inc. and its 48% interest in Green Power Solutions of Georgia, LLC (GPS) is expected to generate significant synergies and be accretive to earnings in the second half of fiscal year 2016.



On the flipside, the folding carton markets remain challenged by weak primary demand for processed, frozen, and dry foods. This is in line with the ongoing consumer preference for fresh foods and the shrinking center of the supermarket. Moreover, demand for carbonated soft drinks continues to remain soft, particularly in North America. In addition, merger related costs and unfavorable foreign currency will continue to be headwinds for WestRock in the near term.



WestRocks estimates have gone down 10% ahead of its Q3 results. The company however has a positive record of earnings surprises in the last few quarters.



WestRock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



Stocks That Warrant a Look



Some better-ranked stocks in the same space are Clearwater Paper Corporation CLW and Neenah Paper, Inc. NP. All of these stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).



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The White House is partnering with the New Economy Initiative to host The Detroit Story, a side event highlighting Detroits business environment at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Palo Alto, California.

It is time to tell the Detroit story, to put Detroit back on the global map, and to encourage innovators from around the world to come join the entrepreneurial movement in Detroit led by Detroiters, said Julie Egan, deputy director of the White House Detroit Federal Working Group.

Detroit has a large footprint at this years Summit, with five official delegates. No other city has as many representatives, according to a press release.

Related Link: 'Disneyland' Needs Some Crowdfunding Help

The delegates include Pashon Murray, co-founder of Detroit Dirt, Amy Kaherl, director of Detroit Soup, University of Michigan transportation research scientist James Sayer, Jerry Paffendorf, CEO of Loveland Technologies, and Pam Lewis, the director of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM).

The city of Detroit has come a long way in recent years, and we think a lot of that has to do with philanthropy taking an inclusive approach to investing in support for entrepreneurs," said Lewis.

A panel discussion Thursday evening featured Shinola CEO Jacques Panis and other Detroit entrepreneurs, who discussed why they decided to locate their businesses in Detroit.

According to a press release, the New Economy Initiatives investments in the past decade have led to the creation of over 17,000 jobs in the Detroit area.

See more from Benzinga

 2016 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
jon snow battle of the bastards game of thrones hbo

The ramifications of Britain's decision to leave the European Union could even reach Westeros.

HBO's "Game of Thrones" stands to lose a great deal of funding that it receives for shooting in Northern Ireland, according to Foreign Policy.

The series shoots in Northern Ireland quite a bit. That, for example, is where it was able to pull off the breathtaking "Battle of the Bastards" on the most recent episode.

Additionally, Northern Ireland is the setting for the show's Haunted Forest; the Brotherhood Without Banners' hideout, the Pollnagollum Cave; the Dothraki grasslands; the city of Meereen; and the Starks' home, Winterfell.

So how could Brexit affect "Game of Thrones"?

Setting up productions in those amazing locales is an expensive operation. HBO, and other producers, receive funding from the EU's European Regional Development Fund. The fund is aimed at stimulating the economic growth for countries in the EU.

Now that Britain is leaving the EU, so will Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. That means companies shooting in Northern Ireland will no longer be able to take advantage of the aid and savings provided by EU funding  though it should be noted that the process of leaving the EU is gradual.

Peter Chase, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the US' Brussels office, told Foreign Policy that Brexit "absolutely" puts funding at risk for "Game of Thrones" and other shows and movies.

"It might be up in the air for US studios who want to film in the UK," Chase said. "There are EU programs to help fund all of this. If the UK is no longer part of the EU, that has the potential to go away."

But HBO could be shielded from the effects Chase speaks about. According to an individual close to the production, "Thrones" hasn't recieved funding from the European Regional Development Fund for the past few seasons.

And HBO doesn't seem worried about the Brexit vote.

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"We do not anticipate that the result of the EU Referendum will have any material effect on HBO producing 'Game of Thrones,'" the network said in a statement to Business Insider.

This article has been updated based on information provided after the original publication.

NOW WATCH: 4 things you might have missed on this weeks Game of Thrones





More From Business Insider


The U.K.'s historic decision to divorce itself from the E.U. was a squeaker till the very end  and the vote clinched its narrow victory with the help of the United Kingdom's oldest residents.

A g journalist Trancredi Palmeri indicated was created by YouGov reveals the youngest voters in the U.K. were the most supportive of remaining in the E.U., with 64% of 18 to 24-year-olds voting to stay while only 24% supported the Brexit.

In fact, the chart illustrates how likelihood to support the Brexit correlated, perhaps unsurprisingly, with how old the voter was: The older they were, the more likely they were to support removing the U.K. from the E.U.

While just 39% of voters 25 to 49-years-old voted in favor of Brexit, 49% of 50 to 64-year-olds supported the removal. U.K. voters who are 65-years-old and above voted in favor of leaving the E.U. by 58%, with just 33% of the demographic voting to remain.

As the chart points out  objectively and scathingly  older voters who voted overwhelmingly in favor of leaving will also spend less time on this mortal coil, impacted by the socioeconomic devastation many analysts have predicted will come in the referendum's wake.

Absolutely brilliant poll on Brexit by @YouGovpic.twitter.com/EPevG1MOAW https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Clq7LmNWkAQ5GA1.jpg:large

"This vote is also the grimmest of reminders of the power still held by the older generation, not only in the U.K. but around the world," Fusion's Felix Salmon noted, "Young Britons  the multicultural generation which grew up in and of Europe, the people who have only ever known European passports  voted overwhelmingly to remain. They're the generation that just lost its future."

Prime Minister David Cameron, who accidentally consigned that generation to its fate when his attempt to hamper conservative populism in his nation completely backfired, resigned on Friday.

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"I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union," British Prime Minister David Cameron said Friday, "But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path, and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction."

NPR reported Friday the U.K. removal vote won by just 4%, with 52% of voters supporting the decision and 48% voting to remain. The vote will effectively end the voting bloc's 43-year membership in the E.U., though it could take years of negotiations before the group is officially removed from the union.

VIDEO: British PM resigns.http://apne.ws/28X7FMc

For voters, Brexit essentially came down to two things: the economy and immigration debates sparked by the European refugee crisis. "Many communities are fed up with cuts, fed up with economic dislocation and feel very angry at the way they've been betrayed and marginalized," said Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, NPR reported. He added that those who supported the decision for removal "felt that the price of immigration was just too high, that it was driving down wages, costing people jobs."

"With some white Britons there was a feeling also that the immigration was changing the nature of communities here," said.
From Esquire

A few weeks ago on a hot Monday afternoon, a handful of journalists boarded a double-decker New York tour bus for a cruise around the city, only to be confronted with the unexpected inclusion of a life-sized and unnervingly accurate replica of Daniel Radcliffe's deteriorating corpse. This particular reporter, the first on the bus, actually exclaimed aloud upon the sight. To make it even more unusual, the real, rigor mortis-riddled Daniel Radcliffe later boarded the bus for a casual chit chat. (Having had experience seeing replicas of his own dead body from the Harry Potter days and a consummate professional above all else, he didn't seem too perturbed by it all.)

Radcliffe has been pressing the non-decaying flesh hard to promote Swiss Army Man, which opens tomorrow. Directed by music video-directing team of Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan (making their feature debut), the film tells the story of Hank (Paul Dano), a depressed man marooned on an island. He's about to give up hope when he comes upon Radcliffe's Manny, the most friendly and helpful corpse in cinema history. After Dano's attempts to ride Radcliffe's farting corpse (complete with Manny's erection serving as a compass) don't quite work out, the two team together to help Hank find his way home.

This description makes the movie sound absurd and a bit gross. Which it is. It's also a hilarious, gorgeously shot, deeply moving tone poem about the importance of human life, at times suggesting Cabin Boy as directed by Terrence Malick. This type of film is either Your Thing or not; many audiences members at the Sundance premiere got up and left, but many who remained sang its praises.

The film works in large part because of the committed performance of Radcliffe, whose kind demeanor grounds much of the high-concept strangeness, which is quite an accomplishment for an actor playing a talking corpse. Since the end of the Harry Potter series, Radcliffe has mostly stuck to theater and indie films like What If and Kill Your Darlings, quietly creating a second act for himself beyond Hogwarts. Earlier this week in his publicist's office, he talked about why he knew he had to be the one that Dano rode like a surfboard and beautiful fart shots.

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When you first read the script and saw that you'd be farting a lot, there'd be close-ups of your erection, you'd be in corpse make-up the entire time, and that this would be as unglamorous a role for a leading man as possible... Were you excited? Is that what attracted you to the part?

I guess so. It wasn't like, "Oh great, I get to do animatronic dick shots." I really didn't think of it like, "Oh, I'm going to be really embarrassed," because I wasn't, at any point. The script was really funny and really inventive, and also somehow managed to be profound and hold all that stuff together. It was so unique that I had one of those moments where I went, "OK, imagine you're sitting in a cinema in two years watching Paul Dano ride someone else across the waves at the beginning of this movie. How will that make you feel? Really fucking annoyed, actually." I want to be a part of this. I want to be in that moment. It's one of the most joyous opening sequences of any film, and certainly anything I've ever done.

OK, imagine you're sitting in a cinema in two years watching Paul Dano ride someone else across the waves at the beginning of this movie. How will that make you feel? Really fucking annoyed, actually.

Did you know you had to be Manny?

Absolutely. Paul was already cast. And Manny changed quite a lot after I came on board. Originally, way before I read it, he was much more of a cynical, naysaying kind of corpse. But I think the Daniels were like, "Actually, if you were a real suicidal man, and this corpse was a real downer as well, you probably wouldn't carry him around with you." I think because my energy is quite up most of the time, the directors said, "Let's just make him the most cheerful, curious corpse in the world." I was a mark for Manny from the start, partially because of my physicality, which I was incredibly flattered by. I like the fact that I got a reputation now for just being willing to fucking throw my body into something.

What first attracted you when you read the script, and did anyone try to talk you out of it because it is such a strange, non-commercial idea?

No, everyone was really on board with it. We all read so many fucking scripts all the time, so when you see something like this, which is genuinely so original, it really stands out. Also, by the time I was involved, it had already been through at least one version of the Sundance lab, and it was sort of vaguely known-at least by my agents. They'd worked with Tarantino in some of those labs, I think. So these guys were a serious hot property. Then I watched their videos, and I said, "OK, these are definitely the guys that can make this movie." [When] reading the script, the physical challenge was really exciting, and the chance to be part of something so funny and fucking weird and different was so exciting. And the only thing [I thought] was: "I can see how this is going to be funny, I can even see how it's going to be moving, but I don't know how quite it's going to be epic."

And that's was when I heard the music for the first time that they were getting from Andy [Hull] and Robert [McDowell] from Manchester Orchestra to write. I thought, "OK, now I get it. This is going to be awesome." Dan Kwan said that music is so important, and sometimes they can make music that is so beautiful you can sneak other ideas and weird visuals past. I think they use it as a weapon for luring you into some of their weirder ideas. There are so many shots in this film that are just like... beautiful shots of someone farting.

There are so many shots in this film that are just like... beautiful shots of someone farting.

Half of the movie is this weird, gross-out film, and half is almost Terrence Malick-like in its beauty and profundity. As an actor, how do you navigate these tones? Because it is on you guys to make this thing hold together.

I think that's the moment where you rely on the directors, hugely. For a lot of the film-bar a few moments, and the existential crisis that Manny has up in the trees and the stuff near the end of the film-Manny is just either curious and asking questions or just really happy about something. We were able to keep it in that place a lot on set. We got lucky that everyone who responded to the film, me and Paul and the crew, was there for the same reasons. Like you just said, it's really crazy and out there and fucking funny, but in the same breath it is beautiful and it is profound and it has a really wonderful message. We all came to it that these things would all be holding together in the same moment. When you're all on the same page about that, it makes it a lot easier. There wasn't a moment where I had read a bit and I was like, "Oh shit, I'm still trying to make this funny," and Paul is doing beautiful acting. I think for the most part, we were all pretty synchronized with that. We all really understood what the Daniels wanted, and it became instinctually very easy to get right.

This is quite a lot of trust to have in first-time directors, even if the script was great and the videos were great. Did it feel like a leap of faith?

Honestly, it didn't, because they give you so much confidence when you talk with them. You can tell you're not just talking with someone who's had the notion that they want to direct a film. They've never done a filmbut if you've done as many music videos as these guys have, and you're as ambitious as these guys are, and you've filmed for as little money as these guys have, you're ready to make films. Their technical understanding of it is amazing. Dan Kwan used to be in animation and visual effects, so his understanding of that world is far greater than 99% of directors. I had a huge amount of confidence in them, and I knew that they knew exactly what they wanted from this character. What they wanted him to sound like and look like and all of those things, and when you know that they have that in their heads, it makes you feel free to think, "OK, I'm just going to throw out fucking everything, and you can cut the shit bits." When you realize they both know what they want, and they're keeping an eye on it, as an actor, you relax completely.

I know you did a lovely little romantic comedy with Paul's girlfriend, Zoe Kazan, What If.

Yes!

Did you know Paul beforehand?

Not hugely. But there is another weird side to that triangle, because my girlfriend Erin [Darke] played Paul's wife on Love & Mercy, and now Paul and I have kissed on screen. It's a very incestuous little love triangle going on between us as couples. I'd met Paul a couple of times, and he always seemed really nice. And because Erin had worked with him the year before, she was like, "He's the best, and not just in terms of his acting." When he did Love & Mercy with Erin, he'd just torn his ACL or something-some kind of really bad injury. He had crutches and he left them off camera, and he just did the film. He's tough, he's not precious, and he's just such a beautiful actor. And I think there's something great in this film, which is showing people how funny he is, because he plays a lot of very, very intense characters, and I feel like that's almost what he's known for. But in this film... there's intensity, and Hank has a depressive side to him, but he's so fucking funny.

A lot of it was improvised, and he made my favorite line in the film, where's he carrying me around and imagining his journey home, and at one point he said, "I'm going to be all buff from carrying you around." Those moments were hard, because when Paul would make me laugh, and my only responsibility was to lie completely still in a scene and do fucking nothing. To be the reason things get fucked up is not what you want. There might be occasional moments in the film where you can just see me about to start smirking. The one scene that was impossible not to laugh through-and in fact the take they used is the only one they could have used-is when we're on the bus and Paul is making me sweat and he spits onto his hands and dabs it onto my face. The camera operator and I were making eye contact in that moment as spit was just rubbed all over my face, and he just started fucking laughing, and it was just too much. He asked if someone else could operate the camera because he was having too hard a time from shaking from laughter.

There might be occasional moments in the film where you can just see me about to start smirking.

Sometimes acting is just not doing anything.

For the first 20 minutes of the film, that's all it is for me.

Now, you just did the second Now You See Me, but overall, since the end of the Harry Potter movies, you've been making smaller films like this, Horns, What If, Kill Your Darlings. Is that the mode you feel most comfortable in these days?

I just suppose, generally speaking, that's where the most interesting stuff is being made. If people are putting a huge amount of money into something, they want an absolute cast-iron guarantee it's going to make its money back. There's not many things that can make that guarantee, outside the world of Harry Potter or Marvel or Star Wars. Generally speaking, when you look for challenging material, it's going to be for less money. But that's where the interesting work often is. And sometimes, like in the case of The Woman in Black, which was obviously a few years ago, something made for very little can have commercial success. It does happen, but it's not the be all and end all. I've been in the most successful thing I'm ever going to be in, now I just want to do interesting work.
After winning the Democratic primaries in five states March 15, Hillary Clinton delivered a victory speech that left some listeners cold. "Hillary shouting her speech," tweeted Fox News host Howard Kurtz, " a more conversational tone might be better for connecting with folks at home."

Clinton's take ("When women talk, some people think we're shouting," she said in October) reveals an important point about the differences in how men and women express power: It all goes back to expectations. "Every person has a range of acceptable behavior, and women get punished for the same behavior that men get rewarded for because it's outside their [prescribed] range," says Adam Galinsky, chair of the management division at the Columbia Business School. Some women use expectations to their advantage: "One of the things that accrues Jennifer Lawrence so much power is that she's bubbly and exuberant. That allows her to ask for more money," he says. "She recognizes that her persona gives her greater latitude."

Smartly playing to one's persona as a woman in the workplace can mean exuding warmth, says Linda Carli, visiting associate professor of psychology at Wellesley College. Leaning in the direction of people they're talking to conveys likability, "which is more associated with influence [for women]. People expect women to smile."

Read More: The Psychology of Hollywood Screamers (You Know Who They Are) Explained

But the more male-dominated an environment, the more a lone female executive tends to assimilate leadership characteristics that are traditionally considered masculine, like strength and forcefulness. "If they have to negotiate with men, they will employ a more direct style," says Sabrina Pasztor, assistant professor of clinical management communication at the USC Marshall School of Business. "They will come right out of the gate rather than setting the story up beforehand, which is a more feminine style of speech."

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Former Sony chair Amy Pascal's idiosyncratic email style - peppered with sentence fragments, as revealed in the Sony hack - is an example of adopting masculine syntax, adds Pasztor. "I assume that based on her career trajectory and the culture in which she was embedded, she opted to use that type of speech intentionally," she says. "If you need to operate in this masculine-dominant environment, you need to play that game in terms of the brusque, brief communication pattern."

The problem is that adapting such a traditional model of blunt leadership creates what Galinsky calls a double-bind for female execs. They "violate the norms that women are supposed to be friendly and unassuming," says Pasztor, noting that Yahoo's Marissa Mayer has suffered backlash for adopting a "harsh, abrasive, almost hyper-masculinized style."

Read More: A Shrink Reveals How to Win at Hollywood's Real-Life Game of Thrones

So what's a woman at the top to do? Powerful women are well-versed in an array of communication styles, from masculine aggressiveness to feminine soft power - the ability to lead through persuasion rather than coercion. The key is knowing when to deploy which tactic, and that's where another particularly feminine aptitude comes into play: empathy. "Women can take the temperature of a room really quickly," says Pasztor, who adds that they should use that information to inform their behavior, whether that means sustaining eye contact to express control or refraining from over-gesticulation in a room full of men. "You're skilled at decoding emotions and body language, so if you're not getting the reaction you want, maybe you need to vary your communication style in that moment. And that's where your arsenal of masculine and feminine patterns comes in."

But as more women rise through the ranks - the experts estimate that a group needs one-third representation to begin achieving parity - they aren't the only ones blurring gendered behaviors. "We've seen men use feminine speech effectively," says Pasztor. "People like George Clooney are excellent at playing the empathy card" and mirroring, i.e. verbally acknowledging and reflecting back the experiences of the speaker. The cultural concept of leadership "has changed somewhat in an androgynous direction," says Northwestern University psychology professor Alice Eagly. "It's still masculine but less so. Leadership scholars praise a more transformational form, which has to do with being inspirational so that people will give their best, and women emphasize that."

This story first appeared in the July 15 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Queen Elizabeth started her morning with a historic phone call  and like much of Britain, she is likely still reeling from the day's stunning turn of events.



Prime Minister David Cameron rang the 90-year-old monarch at her Buckingham Palace home early this morning following the news that Britain had voted to leave the European Union.



A short while later he made the trip from his official residence at 10 Downing Street to Buckingham Palace to personally inform the Queen of his intention to step down  something he announced in an emotional press conference at 8:15 a.m.



Privately, she will be saddened by the turn of events, one of her biographers believes. "She likes unity," says Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and author of The Queen's Speech. "The whole situation will worry her. She is 90, has lived through a world war and she doesnat want any more change. She will be saddened and a little bit worried."







"She would think we partnered with Europe and we mustnat let them down," adds Seward. "The whole point of a the EU was that we might be a united Europe and wars wouldnat happen again."



During the last few months, she was privately taking part in the debate at least  and was said by biographer Robert Lacey to have asked dinner party guests a leading question that suggested a certain skepticism about the EU, demanding "three good reasons why Britain should be a part of Europe."



 Want to keep up with the latest royals coverage? Click here to subscribe to the Royals Newsletter.



Today, she may have mixed feelings about the result  and she would certainly, insiders say, be fearful of the looming specter of another referendum on pro-Europe Scotland splitting away from the United Kingdom.



As there was across much of Britain, there may have been a generational divide even within the royal family. The Queen's grandson and heir, Prince William, seemed to signal his support for the union in a speech this spring, saying, "In an increasingly turbulent world, our ability to unite in common action with other nations is essential. It is the bedrock of our security and prosperity and is central to your work." Aides denied he was talking about Europe.





What Did Queen Elizabeth II Do for the First Time in 63 Years?





But as in past times of extreme uncertainty, the royal family may well be beacons of stability and assume greater visibility in the coming months.



"In these unchartered waters, they are the continuity and stability that the British people may be lacking," Seward says. "People will look to them perhaps more than they would have done had it gone the other way. They may be needed more."



What's more, as the British economy takes a massive hit in the wake of the news, the royal family's role in drawing tourist dollars is likely to prove more critical than ever.



"Tourism is a major industry and they help support that," says Seward.
Heres why you shouldnt use Google Chrome to binge-watch

Heres why you shouldnt use Google Chrome to binge-watch

For those of us who are slowly recovering from low-battery anxiety (aka, when youre always a little worried your phone is going to die the moment you need it most), having a browser that we can depend on to withstand our heavy binging sessions is absolutely necessary as well. Orange is the New Black is back, and Im trying not to miss a beat. However, for those of us who use Google Chrome might be in trouble.

giphy (4)

Recently, Microsoft conducted a study pitting the batter power of Edge (their new browser thats replacing Internet Explorer), against the legend that is Google Chrome. In the experiment, Microsoft streamed video using 4 different browsers  Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Opera  and timed to see which browser lasted the longest. Turns out, Chrome was the first to kick the bucket, withstanding a whomping 4 hours and 19 minutes, while its competitors were able to stream video 1-3 hours longer.

Chromes battery life has been a constant complaint amongst MacBook users for years. Google has taken strides to improve Chromes heavy battery consumption  its 2015 update purges memory used on background / idle browser tabs, and halts Flash animations that arent central to a web page. However, according to The Verge, its quick fixes havent done much to truly make a difference. While addressing the issue is much appreciated, there have also been protests that Google isnt making adjustments fast enough.

At least we know someone over at Google is listening, but until this annoyance is completely eliminated, try using another browser for heavy binging  Im an avid Safari user myself, but Edge may be winning a lot of us over.

The post Heres why you shouldnt use Google Chrome to binge-watch appeared first on HelloGiggles.
The United Kingdoms decision to leave the European Union is expected to have an impact on global investments.

In an interview with FOX Business Networks Mornings With Maria, WL Ross & Co. chairman and Strategy Officer Wilbur Ross disagreed with the notion that the U.K.s decision to leave the EU will threaten his investment strategy.

The financials, which is our main exposure in the U.K., are mostly down about 20% or more and they have already been fairly weak for quite a while. So I think, adding on another 20% decline to what had happened before, over discounts the problem, Ross said to host Maria Bartiromo.

Ross says the markets large decline is probably an overreaction while stock volatility remains as confusion within the markets continues.

Stocks around the world plummeted in overnight trading as the global financial market struggled to identify what the Brexit result means for the slow-growing world economy. According to Ross, the U.K. should have remained as part of the EU as uncertainty surrounds the new leaderships strategy moving forward.

I think this will go down as the most expensive divorce in history between the U.K. and Europe. Its going to be very complicated for them [U.K.] to negotiate with the same bureaucrats in Brussels whom they just thumb their nose.

The U.K.-EU trading arrangement is a central economic battleground of the referendum campaign and any imbalance may cause a recession, according to Ross.

In every single year, in the last five, the EU has been the largest single find direct investment source for England. Whether that will continue, its somewhat questionable, he said.

From an investment viewpoint, the Brexit "No" vote is an opportunity for investors who believe growth opportunities are greater overseas than domestically. Ross believes the financial banks wont be hurt as severely as the markets seem to be thinking.

In a strange way, to the degree the pound stays low, that will make it a more attractive place for people to operate because it will stage their international competitiveness, Ross said.

Story continues

Ross said the U.K. economy is a vibrant economy and its strength is demonstrated in the financial and service sectors.

Related Articles
By Scott Malone BOSTON (Reuters) - A woman who contends Bill Cosby sexually assaulted her in 1965 withdrew a lawsuit against the comedian on Friday, a day after a federal judge in Massachusetts had blocked an effort by the entertainer's attorneys have the suit dismissed. Kristina Ruehli is one of more than 50 women who have accused Cosby, now 78, of sexually assaulting them, often after plying them with drugs and alcohol, in a series of attacks dating back decades. Most of these alleged cases are too old to be the subject of criminal prosecution, but Cosby now faces a series of defamation lawsuits by women who claim he smeared their names when he accused them of lying. In a brief filing in U.S. District Court in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ruehli did not say why she was withdrawing a suit filed in 2015. Her lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the Washington Post quoted Ruehli as saying that she had accomplished her goal of drawing attention to Cosby's alleged sexual assaults. Once one of the United States' most beloved entertainers, who built a long career on family-friendly comedy, Cosby's career is in tatters following waves of allegations of sex assault, one of which is the subject of a criminal prosecution in Pennsylvania. Cosby has steadfastly denied wrongdoing and his attorneys in a statement on Friday described Ruehli's move to dismiss her own lawsuit as an affirmation of their client's innocence. "This is now the second of these defamation cases that has been dismissed, either by a court or by a party," they said in an e-mailed statement. A federal judge in Pennsylvania in January dismissed a similar defamation suit against Cosby, saying the plaintiff had not established adequate cause for a defamation claim. "We hope and expect that there will be more and we look forward to fighting any that are not dismissed before a jury of our peers," Cosby's attorneys said. "For those in the media who accepted every allegation raised without question or evaluation, they need to answer the well-known question with respect to Mr. Cosby, 'Which office do I go to get my reputation back?'" Another defamation lawsuit in federal court in Massachusetts, where Cosby and his wife and business manager Camille Cosby reside, is proceeding. That case involves seven women who have accused Cosby of sex assault. The entertainer is due back in a Pennsylvania courtroom next month in connection with the one criminal sex assault case he faces. (Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Tom Brown)
From Country Living

A graffiti artist has been banned from 524 million acres of U.S. public land for two years after pleading guilty to defacing rock formations at seven national parks. According to the National Park Service, Casey Nocket, 23, was ordered last week to serve two years probation and 200 hours of community service.

Nocket was accused of defacing rock formations at seven parks in 2014, including Yosemite and Canyonlands, with acrylic paints and markers. She posted photos of her work on social media under the name "Creepytings," according to the Los Angeles Times. (Her account has since been deleted, though the images are still being circulated online.) The graffiti was first reported by the site Modern Hiker, and the outcry was so passionate there was even a White House petition to track down Nocket and charge her.

"The defendant's defacement of multiple rock formations showed a lack of respect for the law and our shared national treasures," U.S. Attorney Philip Talbert said in a statement. "The National Park Service has worked hard to restore the rock formations to their natural state, completing clean-up efforts in five of the seven parks. They expect to complete cleanup efforts at Death Valley in the near future and at Crater Lake as weather permits."
By Amanda Coyne

Erin O'Flaherty, 23, was crowed the 2016 Miss Missouri on Saturday night, becoming the first openly gay woman to win a state pageant leading to Miss America. O'Flaherty says she struggled with her sexuality growing up as a self-described feminine girl in Florence, South Carolina, and entered the pageant scene as a college student while still, publicly, in the closet. Knowing I might be gay but also being very feminine was kind of confusing for me, O'Flaherty told Cosmopolitan.com, because I didnt fit into the stereotypical category I had in my head for a woman in the LGBT community. It took many years of struggle to figure out who I was, she continued.

Now, O'Flaherty wants to use her year as Miss Missouri to break boundaries, serve as a role model (not to mention prove that an out and proud lesbian pageant queen is as worthy of her tiara as anyone else), and advocate for suicide prevention, including a focus on the Trevor Project, an organization which is dedicated to preventing suicide among LGBT youth.

Why did you want to enter the Miss Missouri - how did you get into pageants?

It was during my freshman year at University of Central Florida. The Miss UCF at that time was a woman I looked up to - I wanted to have the influence on my community that she had, and so I decided to enter the pageant. In 2013, I was crowed Miss University of Central Florida! It was through that I came to learn about, and fall in love with, the Miss America Organization, and so my goals became bigger, and I continued my involvement [in pageants]. The Miss America Organization is a huge provider of scholarships for women also, and after I graduated from UCF, I had some student loan debt.

I actually had taken a couple years off [from pageants], and this year was going to be the last year that I would be eligible to compete because of my age. I just kept coming back to it, thinking, I still want to be Miss America. I felt like I wasnt quite done yet. And all of the girls here [in Missouri] were really welcoming and really sweet, so it wasnt as intimidating as you might think.

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Were you always open about your sexuality when competing in pageants, or was coming out in this context a difficult decision for you?

Its always been an internal struggle, deciding to come out in and of itself. But I never felt like I needed to hide it. Im just not that kind of person. For the most part, my friends and close family Ive always been out to, but I competed for one year before I was [publicly out] - and I knew that once I was open about it, I would actually do much better in pageants because I would know I was presenting who I really was. As Ive become more and more open with who I am, and more comfortable with myself, thats really translated into my performance.

Does your sexuality ever come up in preliminary interviews or during the on-stage Q&A round?

I like to tie in my personal platform of suicide prevention with my personal experience of coming out in the gay community, when you have reactions that are supportive and not supportive, and [wanting to] be a source of support for teens in the LGBT community that are going through the same thing.

It is pretty unheard of to be a gay woman in the Miss America system.

I do talk about it to the judges in that sense. Sometimes there are follow-up questions because it is pretty unheard of to be a gay woman in the Miss America system, but I wouldnt say that there has been an interview at all when that was the only topic of conversation. They ask me about current events, they ask me about my platform, suicide prevention, they really ask about anything that piques their interest  Theyve always been really respectful. In my Miss Missouri interview, they asked me how my parents felt when I came out, which is a little bit of a personal question, but my parents were very supportive, so it wasnt awkward at all, really.

And Ive never experienced homophobia, at least to my face. Most contestants are very accepting of me, and [mostly] it doesnt even come up.

You mentioned your platform is suicide prevention. Suicide is a huge problem in the LGBT community, especially among teens - do you plan on working with the LGBT community on this issue?

One of my best friends committed suicide when I was 13. As I navigated the grieving process, I became educated on the warning signs of suicide. It became my mission to spread this message - suicide is the second leading cause of death in individuals between the ages of 14 and 25, and the 11th leading cause of death, overall. And LGBT youth are actually eight times more likely to try to commit suicide compared to their straight peers. Thats really what the Trevor Project, an organization I do work with, is all about. They act as a resource for LGBT youth; so far, this year, there have been almost 11,000 calls, texts, and chats into their hotline. Thats really staggering.

Otherwise, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is another amazing resource. They hold an annual Out of the Darkness Awareness Walk in cities across the nation. Survivors of suicide - and by survivors of suicide, I mean somebody who has lost a loved one to suicide - come together and do a walk to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide each year.

As Miss Missouri, do you feel like you can be a role model for other young women in the LGBT community?

I hope so - thats really my goal here. Growing up, I was very feminine. Knowing I might be gay but also being very feminine was kind of confusing for me because I didnt fit into the stereotypical category I had in my head for a woman in the LGBT community. It took many years of struggle to figure out who I was. Femme lesbians are underrepresented in the LGBT community. They certainly exist, but many find it very hard to be accepted. Often, they are confused with being heterosexual. This was my experience - one of my best friends, actually, that I met my freshman year of college, we came out around the same time and weve had the same struggle. But I absolutely feel a part of the LGBT community now that I am older. I have been able to connect with other femme lesbians and I am so proud to be a part of this community. I hope that I can just reach someone that needs the help that I could have used back then.

As much as it might be scary for me to come into a conservative state and to be who I am, at the same time, people have greeted me with open arms.

Has it been hard to live in states like Missouri, South Carolina, and Florida where they are generally more conservative than others? Have you felt any pressure to stay closeted for pageants or in your personal life?

I would never, ever let anybody pressure me to do that. This is who I am and the judges chose me! Im not the kind of person who is going to give in to that pressure, but I actually havent felt that much pressure. People have been very accepting so, as much as it might be scary for me to come into a conservative state and to be who I am, at the same time, people have greeted me with open arms. Its really shown me that, here in Missouri, our politics doesnt necessarily match our people all of the time. I know that there might be people who probably really dont agree with it, but Im just going to try to be the best Miss Missouri that I can be and show that [my sexuality] is only one part of me. My service to the state is whats going to make me stand out to them.

Do you feel like youve broken a barrier? Does it feel extra special for you?

I do think it is a big deal to come into Miss America being open, because the visibility for the LGBT community is what we need right now. Im just hoping I can be a voice to speak [on that].

Follow Erin on Twitter and Instagram; follow Amanda on Twitter.
A Virginia resident got a heartwarming surprise from a special team of firefighters on her 100th birthday.

Read: Boy, 11, Saves Up All Year to Surprise His Teachers With a 'Thank You' Dinner

The firemen from Jeanette Cartys local fire department in Norfolk, Virginia, showed up at her doorstep Thursday to wish her a happy birthday.

Her late husband, Joe, served in the department for 30 years from 1942. Her nephew, now retired, was also a member of the Norfolk Fire-Rescue.

Read: Nurse Surprises Co-Worker With Much-Needed Baby Supplies After Hearing She'd Won Custody of Granddaughter

Julian Williamson, Battalion Chief for Norfolk Fire Rescue, told InsideEdition.com: I thought it was a great idea. We're always out in the public  it's a part of what we do  but with her family's service, we wanted to treat her to something special, to keep that family connection going."

He added: "It's not often that we know someone with that kind of connection [to the fire department] that turns 100.

The members of Battalion 3, Engine 11 also brought along the new recruits for Mrs. Cartys big day and presented her with flowers.

The department posted about the event on Facebook.

She seemed really excited about it. She was really surprised, Williamson said.

Watch: Taylor Swift Surprises Newlyweds and Performs 'Blank Space' At Their Wedding

Related Articles:
It's not only markets that are in complete turmoil to the U.K 's decision to leave the European Union.

Stunned reaction to 'Brexit,' as well as to David Cameron's shock announcement that he will resign as the country's prime minister, is pouring in from across the globe.

This piece will be updated throughout the day.

- U.S. President Barack Obama: "The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy. So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond. The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."

- U.S. Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton: "Our first task has to be to make sure that the economic uncertainty created by these events does not hurt working families here in America. We also have to make clear America's steadfast commitment to the special relationship with Britain and the transatlantic alliance with Europe."

- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: "The UK and the EU are important strategic partners for Canada with whom we enjoy deep historical ties and common values. We will continue to build relations with both parties as they forge a new relationship."

- International Monetary Fund's Christine Lagarde: "We take note of the decision by the people of the United Kingdom. We urge the authorities in the U.K. and Europe to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition to a new economic relationship between the U.K. and the EU, including by clarifying the procedures and broad objectives that will guide the process."

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- G-7 (U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the U.K.) ministers: "We, G-7 Ministers and Governors, respect the intention expressed today by the people of the United Kingdom to exit from the European Union. We are monitoring market developments following the outcome of the referendum."

- U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan: "I respect the decision made by the people of the United Kingdom. The UK is an indispensable ally of the United States, and that special relationship is unaffected by this vote."

- German Chancellor Angela Merkel: "Deeply regrets the UK's decision to leave the European Union." Merkel added that Germany has a "special interest and special responsibility" in European unity succeeding, and thus has invited the EU's Donald Tusk, France's Francois Hollande and Italy's Matteo Renzi to Berlin on Monday.

- French president Francois Hollande: The Brexit vote is a "painful choice. And I regret it deeply, for the UK and for Europe. But that's their choice, and we must respect it."

- A joint statement released by the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, holder of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU Mark Rutte, and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission stated: "In a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but respect it. This is an unprecedented situation but we are united in our response. We will stand strong and uphold the EU's core values of promoting peace and the well-being of its peoples."

- Former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair: "I'm very sad, I'm very sad for our country, for Europe, for the world, actually, because it's got vast implications economically and politically, in terms of our security also I think. What is really important now is that we do everything we can to stabilize the situation in our country... The Prime Minister has got a huge task now in trying to bring people together, because the most important thing is that we minimize the bad consequences... This is a very, very sad day."

- Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness called for a referendum on a united Ireland on national Irish broadcaster RTE: "We are now in unchartered waters, nobody really knows what is going to happen. The implications for all of us on the island of Ireland are absolutely massive. This could have very profound implications for our economy."



- Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull: "The impact on Australia immediately, directly, from a legal point of view, will be very limited because it will take some years for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, to negotiate an exit. However, we've seen already large falls on stock markets and there will be a degree of uncertainty for some time."



- U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who is currently in Scotland, tweeted:

- Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Independence party, tweeted:

- Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right Front National movement in France: "Victory for freedom! As I have been asking for years, now we need to have the same referendum in France and in the countries of the EU."

- Mateo Salvini, leader of Italy's anti-immigration Northern League: "Hurrah for the courage of free citizens! Heart, brain and pride defeated lies, threats and blackmail. THANK YOU UK, now it's our turn."



Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook.





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DailyFX.com -

Talking Points:

- UKs Prime Minister David Cameron confirms Britain will need fresh leadership

-Risk off flows seen across the board as safety linked assets surge

- BoE pledged to offer liquidity if required, while the SNB already confirmed intervention in the FX market

Volatility is extreme with the Brexit results. Learn good trading habits with the Traits of Successful Traders series

Financial markets and officials are digesting the fallout of the Brexit decision. UK voters cast their votes and decided to leave the European Union as the aggregated final results showed the Leave camp prevailed by 51.9% to 48.1% margin. England and Wales voted leave, while Northern Ireland and Scotland showed a majority to remain, thus dividing the United Kingdom.

Indeed, we have already seen comments from political parties in Scotland to stay in the EU, as Scotland's First Minister Sturgeon said it is unacceptable for Scotland to be taken out of EU against its will, which could imply a possibility for another Scottish referendum, and further political turmoil may be down the line.

UKs Prime Minister David Cameron held a press conference after the official vote hit the wires, saying that the will of the British people must be respected, and that the UK must now prepare for negotiations.

Cameron said that it is not right for him to try to steer the country after favoring Remain, so Britain will need fresh leadership after a period of stability, set to be three months. Talks with the EU will begin under the new PM, who will decide when to trigger Article 50 (the formal mechanism for leaving the EU).

Once Article 50 is triggered, the UK formally has two years to negotiate its way out of the bloc. In that period, it seems that the market will face further uncertainty regarding the relations between the parties.

On a joint statement by EU officials- Donald Tusk, Martin Schulz, Mark Rutte and Jean-Claude Juncker announced that they regret the decision by the British people, but respect it. The officials said the Union of 27 Member States will continue and that they stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the UK regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union

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The central banks front has been lively as well following the Brexit decision.

BoE governor Mark Carney stated that the bank will assess financial conditions in the coming weeks, and will not hesitate to use additional measures if required.

Carney further emphasized that the bank has undertaken extensive contingency planning and is ready to provide GBP 250 Billion of liquidity if required.

The ECB released a statement as well, saying that the bank will continue to fulfil its responsibilities to ensure price stability and financial stability in the euro area, and that the bank is ready to provide additional liquidity, if needed, in euro and foreign currencies.

The SNB on their part released a rare confirmation that the bank has indeed intervened in the FX market to weaken the Swiss Franc following safe-haven flows to the country. The bank has pledged to remain active in the market.

The BoJ refused to comment on possible future/past interventions at this time, but given the recent movements in the financial markets, this question might be in the spotlight again.

As the world began to come to terms with this new reality, the markets has seen extreme moves, and indeed risk off is apparently the order of the day, affecting almost all financial assets.

The British Pound hit a 30-year low, Shares plunged across the board (with UK bank stocks taking massive hits), Yen and US Dollar surged alongside Gold and treasuries, Oil dropped while and sentiment linked currencies suffered as well. Gilt yields saw the biggest drop since 2009 and hit a new record as market participants scrambled for safety.

Volatility is expected to remain extremely elevated, as implied 3-month volatility readings for the worlds most-traded currencies jumped more than 20 percent, which might suggest that trading this environment should be approached with extreme caution (if at all).

FTSE 100 (CFD:UK100) 5-Minute Chart: June 24, 2016

World Leaders Sound Off on Brexit as Markets Digest Volatility

GBPUSD 5-Minute Chart: June 24, 2016

World Leaders Sound Off on Brexit as Markets Digest Volatility

--- Written by Oded Shimoni, Junior Currency Analyst for DailyFX.com



original source

DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets.

Learn forex trading with a free practice account and trading charts from FXCM.
VIENNA, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's decision to leave the European Union will not immediately have a strong effect on the European steel industry, the chairman of the World Steel Association said on Friday.

"There is no massive direct impact to be expected for the European steel industry in the short term," Wolfgang Eder, who heads the trade group and is also chief executive of Austria's Voestalpine, said in a statement.

However, changes in exchange rates could shift the international balance of power within the hard-pressed sector, he added.

"A significant depreciation of the euro would be a clear negative scenario, as this would make Europe an even more attractive region for exports from China and other regions," Eder said.

(Reporting by Kirsti Knolle; editing by Francois Murphy)
GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Trade Organization said on Friday it was prepared to help Britain and the European Union after the vote to leave the bloc."The WTO stands ready to work with the UK and the EU to assist them in any way we can," WTO director-general Roberto Azevedo said on Twitter.

Azevedo warned in a speech this month that British business competitiveness would suffer if Britons voted to leave the European Union. "While trade would continue, it could be on worse terms," he said at the time of a vote to leave the EU.

He has already said that Britain would have to renegotiate its relationship with the rest of the WTO, which could take years or decades.

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Alison Williams)
Via Facebook

Is the Running Man Challenge played out yet? Well, it certainly isnt as annoying as the Ice Bucket Challenge (or as painful as the 21 Day Pushup Challenge), but even though it has crossed over into your moms Facebook feed, it doesnt mean that there cant still be a little blood left to squeeze from the meme stone. Case in point: Floridas Coral Gables Police Department recently put together a pro-shot Running Man Challenge video of their own, only they werent content to limit it to just essential personnel.

First up in the video, you get Miami Hurricanes mascot Sebastian the Ibis (what, you didnt know what kind of bird he was? Get lost, college mascot poseur), but then you get a menacing-looking Big Show. But as with all Big Show appearances, he switches allegiances almost immediately, breaking into dance with the rest of the Coral Gables PD crew.

So how exactly did Show end up participating in this clip? Well, he is a Florida resident, so maybe they just found him loitering at the local 7-Eleven and asked him to appear. Also, seeing as Shaq surprisingly hasnt made a Running Man Challenge video yet, it means Show has a leg up on his potential WrestleMania 33 opponent. But frankly, were just happy Show has been able to move past his abject hatred of law enforcement to be able to give back to the community.
From Road & Track

A good rule to follow when buying used cars is to not buy someone's old project. For reliability's sake, you're better buying something that's as close to showroom fresh as possible. However, sometimes there are exceptions-deliciously wacko homebrews whose greatness outweighs their potential sketchiness. This E46-chassis BMW M3 qualifies as just such an exception.

Why? Well, someone stuffed the 5.0-liter V10 from an E60 M5 under its hood, and did such a great job, it looks stock. Oh, it's also got a six-speed manual gearbox. You now understand why we're slightly short of breath.

The UK seller is looking to get 30,000 (or roughly $44,000) for this particular car. That's a lot of money for an M3 of this vintage, but consider the noises this thing is bound to make. Also, it's making 500 horsepower. A brand-new M3 only makes 425. Given the choice, we'll always go with the bigger number.

According to the auction listing, the seller did the work on this car, and he or she is only getting rid of it to fund the purchase of an E30 M3. Based on the pictures provided, the swap looks impeccably clean. Everything else on the car looks nice too, though the seller does say it could use a new set of wheels. Just pick up a set of Competition Package rollers and call it a day.

Unfortunately for our American readers, this car would be difficult, if not impossible to import. Not only is it too new for the 25-years-or-older exemption, it has a non-stock engine to complicate matters further. But for our UK readers, this could be an excellent buy.

via CarThrottle
From Cosmopolitan

When you catch a ride using Uber or Lyft, you do so at your own risk.

Under terms and conditions that riders agree to - but few read - at sign up, the app-based ride-hailing companies say they aren't legally liable for the safety of their drivers or the quality of their services. That's because the drivers are independent contractors, not employees.

The terms seem to be at odds with company statements that highlight their efforts to keep riders safe with driver background checks, a code of conduct, and other measures.

Instead, if a rider is injured in a ride-hailing car, the driver appears to be liable. If a driver gets lost and makes a rider late for an appointment, or if a driver assaults someone, the company says it's not involved.

Uber "does not guarantee the quality, suitability, safety or ability of third-party providers (drivers)," its terms say. Riders also agree that the "entire risk arising out of your use of the services, and any service or good requested in connection therewith, remains solely with you."

"That's just a real eye opener," says Stephen Saltzburg, a law professor at George Washington University and frequent Uber user, who admits he didn't read the terms. "If Uber is so confident in the checks and all of this, why is it so anxious to try to shift liability to the user?"

Lyft's terms say it has "no control over the quality or safety of the transportation that occurs as a result of the services." The company also tells drivers that they are responsible for all liability. "The language in the terms of service is a reflection of the reality that people using the platform are on the open road in moving vehicles, which presents a risk," spokeswoman Alexandra LaManna says.

Uber doesn't take on the liability risk of drivers because they are independent contractors, which is common in many industries, says spokeswoman Taylor Patterson. "It doesn't detract in any way from the fact that we take safety very seriously," she says.

Story continues

Uber's app shows riders the driver's name, license plate number, photo, and ratings from other riders. The app also lets friends track a route in real time, says Patterson.

Both Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in liability insurance that covers each driver while en route to pick up a passenger or while carrying one. The policy becomes the primary insurance covering the driver.

Several apps that summon taxicabs have liability waivers in terms and conditions that are similar to Uber and Lyft. But many taxis are different. Riders in New York City who get cabs in conventional ways, for instance, do not have to agree to any terms, said Allan Fromberg, spokesman for the city taxi commission.

The liability waivers also are being tested in court.

Two women who say they were sexually assaulted by Uber drivers in Massachusetts and South Carolina sued last fall, saying Uber misled them about safety. The women say they didn't explicitly agree to terms and conditions, which they weren't required to read before getting accounts. They seek damages and changes to safety practices including driver fingerprint background checks.

Uber sought to dismiss the case, saying the plaintiffs couldn't prove drivers were employees. But a federal judge in San Francisco said there is a sufficient argument that the drivers were Uber employees and that Uber's background check should have revealed a previous assault charge against one of them. The judge also disputed Uber's argument that it's a transportation "broker" and not a common carrier. A 1956 case in which a Pullman Co. railroad employee raped a passenger established that transportation carriers have a duty to protect passengers, the judge said.

A trial is scheduled for March.

People can still be legally bound by the terms if they don't read them, says Saltzburg. The terms could hold up in court with Uber's argument that it merely offers a platform to link riders and drivers, he says.
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  June 24, 2016  Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Braskem SA (BAK), Independence Contract Drilling Inc. (ICD), PetroChina Co. Ltd. ADR (PTR), PBF Logistics L.P. (PBFX) and Murphy USA Inc. (MUSA).

Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.

Here are highlights from Thursdays Analyst Blog:

5 Energy Stocks That Brokers Love Right Now

Earlier this month, oil prices settled above the psychologically important $50 per barrel level for the first time in more than 10 months.

The Oil Rally

Crude prices, which reached $110 per barrel in mid-2014, fell to a 12-year low of $26.21 in Feb as investors worried about the oversupplied market. The commoditys collapse threatened the industrys creditworthiness by hurting cash flows, drying up liquidity and pummeling producers profit margins.

However, indications that supply was easing helped oil prices rebound some 90% since then.

The surge in benchmark crude is being driven by supply outages in Nigeria, Libya, Venezuela and Canada  countries that hold some of the worlds major sources of crude.

The upward pressure in oil prices also reflect the U.S. Energy Department's recent inventory releases that show crude stockpile builds turning into draws. Things have been further helped by a continued decline in U.S. crude production and drop in oil-directed rigs  indicating a break in shale drilling activities.

Will the Momentum Last?

The million dollar question now is whether the rally marks the beginning of a powerful turnaround in oil prices on the back of deep cuts from explorers, or a temporary surge based on optimistic forecasts.

Story continues

Despite oils massive recovery since February, its still under $50  about half the level of two years ago  and far below the breakeven price for many energy companies. Therefore, the commodity is not yet out of the woods and record high inventories amid robust production could still push it to the depths of multiyear lows.

Even the industry, which is cutting deeper, seems to think so. Companies around the world continue to slash jobs, defer/cancel projects worth billions of dollars and renegotiate contracts with suppliers to help protect their balance sheets.

To sum up, even as crude prices continue to make their way up, world oil supply remains in a glut and is likely to remain so through 2016. This might make any oil price strength short-lived.

Confused? Broker Recommendation Can Help

The uncertainty of oil prices means that the future direction of the commoditys movement is anybody's guess. However, fundamentals suggest that the odds are firmly stacked against a sustained rally and point toward sideways-to-flat crude price expectation. In fact, some industry observers feel that the door is open for one more retest of the recent multi-year lows.

On the contrary though, the commoditys recovery to $50, predictably, has had a positive effect on stocks in the sector. In particular, savvy investors might view the price bump as the impetus the stocks need after freefalling for two years. Undoubtedly, still a long way to go, but improving crude prices may have already primed certain oil producers and linked entities for upward momentum.

In such troubled times, it might be a wise decision to go ahead with stocks preferred by analysts who have a deep fundamental knowledge and understanding of the industry and its companies.

Stocks with brokerage upgrades are often in for a good day and probably more. Consequently, a downgrade may indicate rough days ahead. Whatever the movement, the market tends to react to it. Also, research shows that stocks with broker rating upgrades outperform those that aren't upgraded and they almost certainly record better results than those stocks that get downgraded.

Here Are the Stocks

With the help of our Zacks Stock Screener, we have selected 5 stocks that have been given Strong Buy/Buy rating by 80% or more brokers. A favorable Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) further adds value to these stocks.

Braskem SA (BAK) : Together with its subsidiaries, Braskem SA produces and sells thermoplastic resins. Headquartered in Brazil, the company is the largest petrochemical operation in Latin America. Over the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 experienced an increase of 25% to $2.32.

Zacks Rank #1

Strong Buy or Buy broker rating: 100%

Independence Contract Drilling Inc. (ICD) : Houston, TX-based Independence Contract drilling offers land drilling services for oil and natural gas producers primarily in the U.S. It has an excellent earnings surprise history, having beaten estimates in each of the last four quarters at an average rate of 49.68%.

Zacks Rank #1

Strong Buy or Buy broker rating: 85.71%

PetroChina Co. Ltd. ADR (PTR) : Incorporated in 1999, PetroChina is headquartered in Beijing. The company  one of the leading integrated oil companies in the Peoples Republic of China  is involved in the production and distribution of oil and gas, apart from refining and marketing operations. PetroChinas expected EPS growth rate for 3 to 5 years currently stands at 15%

Zacks Rank #2

Strong Buy or Buy broker rating: 100%

PBF Logistics L.P. (PBFX) : Parsippany, NJ-based PBF Logistics operates refined petroleum products storage and transporting facilities. It has an excellent earnings surprise history, having beaten/met estimates in each of the last four quarters at an average rate of 13.68%.

Zacks Rank #2

Strong Buy or Buy broker rating: 100%

Murphy USA Inc. (MUSA) : Murphy USA is a retailer of gasoline products and convenience store merchandise primarily in the US. The El Dorado, Arkansas-headquartered companys expected EPS growth rate for 3 to 5 years currently stands at 15.70%.

Zacks Rank #2

Strong Buy or Buy broker rating: 80%

Bottom Line

The inherent volatility in the energy sector simply cannot be ignored. Also, it may still take some time for the companies to emerge from this prolonged weakness. However, the above-mentioned stock picks are expected to be good bets given their ranks, brokers confidence, past performances and future growth projections.

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Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.



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Harare (AFP) - A Zimbabwean truck driver has been jailed for two years for failing to make way for President Robert Mugabes motorcade, a local daily reported Friday.

The privately-owned NewsDay said Joseph Chakanetsa was also banned from driving trucks for life by a Harare court on Thursday.

He was charged with negligent driving after ignoring the presidential convoy when the veteran ruler was travelling to his home in the upmarket Harare suburb of Borrowdale.

Mugabe travels with a motorcade of more than 10 cars and motorbikes and drivers who interfere with the fleet face arrest or getting beaten up on the spot by the presidential security staff.

"Chakanetsa was convicted on his own plea of guilty after he told the court that he did not realise the presidents motorcade was passing when he drove his truck into Borrowdale Road over the weekend," the paper said.

"He said the noise from his truck prevented him from picking the police siren and when he realised that he had cut through the presidential motorcade, he literally lost his mind."

Chakanetsa was arrested about 10 kilometres from the scene of the incident after attempting to escape by driving through traffic lights and at times in wrong lanes.
Anton Yelchin's sudden death continues to impact the family and friends who loved him dearly, including his Star Trek costar Zoe Saldana, who took to Instagram to mourn the loss of the on-the-rise actor.



"Your sudden and unexpected departure has left us all broken hearted," she captioned an Instagram post showing a photo of the actor beaming while wearing a wide-brimmed hat.



"I woke up today feeling absolute gratitude that I had you as a friend and colleague," she continued. "Your life has been cut short, but I will always tell everyone about you. You were kind, present, old souled, curious, brilliant, funny, humble, honest, and undeniably talent. Good bye Anton, it was an honor to have crossed paths with you."









It's the second social media tribute the actress has paid to Yelchin, having posted a tweet on Monday that honored his "beautiful spirit."



"Devastated by our friend's loss," she tweeted. "We are mourning his passing and celebrating the beautiful spirit that he was. #RIPAnton."





Devastated by our friend's loss. We are mourning his passing and celebrating the beautiful spirit that he was. #RIPAnton a Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) June 20, 2016





Yelchin, 27, was found dead Sunday following a car accident that left him fatally pinned by his Jeep Grand Cherokee to the gate of his home in Studio City, California. The Los Angeles County coroner's office has ruled his death accidental, stating that he died of "blunt traumatic asphyxia."





VIDEO: Costars and Other Celebs Remember Star Trek Actor Anton Yelchin

Star Trek Actor Anton Yelchin" data-ad-channel="peoplenow" data-ad-subchannel="peoplenownews" data-auto-play="no">



Police are currently investigating whether his vehicle  which had been part of a recall by car manufacturer Fiat Chrysler  had a gearshift design that made it difficult for drivers to determine whether the car was in "neutral" or "park" modes.
Zoe Saldana is still trying to come to terms with Anton Yelchin's death, after the 27-year-old actor died in a freak accident on Sunday -- the same day she celebrated her 38th birthday.

The actress took to Instagram on Thursday to pay tribute to her friend and Star Trek co-star, revealing the loss has left her "broken hearted."

WATCH: 'Star Trek' Star Anton Yelchin Dead at 27

"Your sudden and unexpected departure has left us all broken hearted," Saldana posted on Instagram. "I woke up today feeling absolute gratitude that I had you as a friend and colleague."

"Your life has been cut short, but I will always tell everyone about you," she said. "You were kind, present, old souled, curious, brilliant, funny, humble, honest, and undeniably talent."

"Good bye Anton, it was an honor to have crossed paths with you," Saldana concluded her post, along with a picture of Yelchin.

WATCH: Anton Yelchin Died About One Minute After His Accident, Coroner Says

Yelchin's whole Star Trek family is still reeling from the tragic loss. In wake of the actor's death, Paramount Pictures cancelled an upcoming Star Trek Beyond event at the 63rd Cannes Lions festival, where much of the film's cast was set to appear.

"All of us are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Anton Yelchin," Paramount said in a statement to ET. "Out of respect, we are withdrawing our participation in the previously announced Star Trek Beyond event at Cannes Lions this week."

WATCH: Anton Yelchin Talked Playing the Viper Room, Connecting Through Music in His Final ET Interview

Watch the video below to see how more of Yelchin's co-stars and friends have reacted to his tragic death.

Related Articles
This Oregon court cast just majorly changed the rights of pets  yes, pets

This Oregon court cast just majorly changed the rights of pets  yes, pets

There are plenty of pet owners out there who love their furry friends more than they love most (if not all) humans. However, pets have always been considered mere property in the eyes of the law. . . until recently, that is.

Last week, the Oregon Supreme Court issued a groundbreaking ruling that viewed an emaciated dog named Juno as a living being, rather than just a thing. Of course, any human with a heart knows that dogs are more than just things, but under the law, they were considered to be property just as much as a bookcase or a car. Oregon law cared more about who *owned* an animal rather than the animals rights. However, in the case last week, the court unanimously ruled that Junos negligent and abusive owner is guilty, despite a vets gathering evidence via medical exams and treatments without a warrant.

A photo posted by Sammy Nickalls (@sammynickalls) on Feb 7, 2016 at 8:11am PST

The case began six years ago, when the Oregon Humane Society found that a Portland resident, Amanda Newcomb, was beating and starving Juno. Juno had no fat on his body and was kind of eating at random things in the yard, and trying to vomit, according to Oregon Live.

When Juno was brought to the Humane Society, he was given a body condition score of 1.5 on a scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (overweight). The Humane Society vet also drew blood from Juno to make sure he didnt have a condition that would have caused a low body weight. Finding nothing, Newcomb was charged with second-degree animal neglect.

During the trial, the defense tried to argue that because the vet had obtained evidence without a warrant, it was like searching through a chest of drawers  it was illegally obtained, because Juno was Newcombs property. However, the prosecutor argued in response that it was rather like drawing blood from a child suspected of abuse, which is legal. Luckily and awesomely, the court agreed.

Story continues

It is really a landmark ruling, Attorney Lora Dunn of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, told BarkPost. In this specific context, the animal sentience matters.

dogggg

Oregons animal cruelty deputy district attorney, Jacob Kamins, added to Oregon Times that the ruling is the third to boost animal protection efforts in the past two years. Theres a feeling that the issue of animal welfare is really coming into its own in the criminal justice world, he said.

We could not be happier about this landmark decision. Pets are so, so much more than just property  theyre living, breathing beings who feel pain and love. Hopefully, with this decision, we can lessen the former and increase the latter.

The post This Oregon court cast just majorly changed the rights of pets  yes, pets appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Mr. Pichai! Please dont sell Boston Dynamics. It has created me just to prove that it can deliver marketable products in the near term. I can walk, run, crouch, climb stairs, fetch you stuff, load a dishwasher and carry things to the trash. Dont worry if I slip on a banana peel in the process. I can push myself back up, thanks to my extendable neck. And if thats not enough, I dont make much noise and look better than my predecessors. And you know, I can show some cool dance steps as well. All thanks to my creator. So dont write it off just yet.

We could have heard something on these lines from SpotMini, Boston Dynamics latest robodog, addressed to Alphabet Inc.s GOOGL CEO Sundar Pichai if it had a life and thus a voice.

Boston Dynamics, Googles robotics subsidiary unveiled this new dogbot on Thursday on its YouTube page and released some exciting videos of its skeletal as well as plastic-clad version.

So What is SpotMini?

SpotMini is a smaller and quieter version of the Spot robot that Boston Dynamics had developed last year. It has been created to handle everyday household work, a move that hints at the robot makers ability to produce commercial bots.

Unlike its predecessors, the non-hydraulic, all-electric design makes it light, compact, relatively quieter and impressively mobile. Its sensor-fitted limbs can sense depth and distance. It can stay active for about 90 minutes on a single charge, depending on the type of function its performing.

Boston Dynamics has been testing waters with quadruped robots since 2005. The same year, the company introduced the quadruped BigDog combat robot. BigDog weighed 240 pounds. The newer versions were reduced in size with last years Spot weighing 160 pounds. The latest SpotMini weighs just 65 pounds.

ALPHABET INC-A Price

ALPHABET INC-A Price | ALPHABET INC-A Quote

What Say Google?

Well, it appears that SpotMini is Boston Dynamics way to make Google rethink its decision to sell the company. Google is apparently putting the company up for sale citing that it cant deliver marketable products in the near term. Videos posted last time infused fear in employees that humanoids could take up human jobs.

Story continues

According to Georgia Tech engineering professor and robotics researcher Aaron D. Ames, Its really a demonstration of the transferability of fundamental ideas, which is sometimes hard for the public and CEOs and executives to grasp.

He believes that its just a matter of time before these housebots make their way into our homes and take charge of the chores.

Mr. Pichai, are you listening?

At present, Google has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Some better-ranked stocks worth considering are Facebook, Inc. FB, CommVault Systems, Inc. CVLT and Extreme Networks Inc. EXTR, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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A photo shot and tweeted from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. House Rep. Katherine Clark shows Democratic members of the House staging a sit-in on the House floor "to demand action on common sense gun legislation" on Capitol Hill in Washington, United States, June 22, 2016. U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark/Handout via Reuters. (Reuters)

By Amy Tennery

(Reuters) - A blackout of television cameras in the U.S. House Representatives during the Democrats' gun control sit-in may have spurred public interest in the protest as it forced the demonstrators to use social media to broadcast their message.

Democrats leapt on Facebook Live and Twitter's Periscope after the cameras, controlled by the House, went dark Wednesday when presiding House officer and Republican Representative Ted Poe declared the chamber not in order during the protest.

As Democrats took to alternative forms of video broadcasting, their message gained tremendous momentum from social media. On Twitter, the hashtags #NoBillNoBreak and #HoldTheFloor have been tweeted at least 1.4 million times.

Of the roughly 20 members of Congress who remained at the sit-in overnight, 19 of them used Facebook Live for a total combined viewership of 3 million.

It really connected with people out there, Congressman Scott Peters told Reuters. "This whole phenomenon with [live video] struck a nerve."

Peters used the application Periscope, which is connected to the social media platform Twitter, to send out video.

Without that, think about it, it would have been a caucus meeting where we talk to ourselves," he added.

In remarks Wednesday outside the Capitol, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi praised how her party harnessed social media.

"Without you and without the technology of Periscope [the sit-in] would just be a debate in the Halls of Congress unrecorded because they turned off the microphones," Pelosi said. "But we raised our voices. They turned off the cameras and we went to Periscope."

Congressman Mark Takano, who began posting live videos from the chamber to his Facebook page Wednesday afternoon and continued to throughout the night, said the social media video helped him connect with constituents.

"Once I got started with the live streaming I didnt feel like I could let down the people who were following me, said Takano. It was a way to push out a message.

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Even C-SPAN, which typically broadcasts footage recorded by the House cameras, picked up live video from four different members of Congress roughly two hours after the House cameras shut down, according to communications director Howard Mortman. It marked the first time the channel broadcast a live social media feed from the House floor.

"Something interesting is happening with Facebook Live that's bringing more openness to the political process," said Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, in a post to his social media profile Thursday.

"It's a way to share anything you want with the world using just your phone."

(Reporting By Amy Tennery; additional reporting by Angela Moon in New York and Susan Cornwell in Washington; Editing by Andrew Hay)
From Popular Mechanics

The U.S. Interior Department is working with drone makers and map makers to end what is becoming an increasingly aggravating problem: commercial drones flying over wildfires. It's frustrating because even small drones can interfere with aerial firefighting, a common tactic used to combat wildfire. Drones have shown up so frequently at Utah's wildfires that the state has passed a law, HB126, specifically banning them from these areas until the fire is under control.

When a drone shows up, it forces helicopters and air tankers full of water to be grounded. "It makes it difficult for them to complete the mission," says U.S. Forest Service assistant regional fire training specialist Kim Osborn. "Or depending on the fire situation and what's going on, it could be a critical moment in getting water to a certain area or protecting a house, or firefighters are in bad place." The Governor of Utah, Gary Herbert, said the drones had caused evacuations. He called the situation "completely unacceptable" in a tweet.

How can a small drone interfere with a big firefighting operation so much? When facing a wildfire, helicopters are flying lower than usual. It'd be all too easy for a high-flying drone to get sucked into a helicopter's intake or hit a rotor. These drones could kill firefighters, in other words. After almost colliding with a drone, at least one helicopter pilot in Utah has refused to go back up in the air.

Authorities have counted over 20 incidents of drones being piloted over wildfire in 2015, and it's clear that the number is on the rise, with nine reported incidents already this year. The Interior Department is working to create smartphone notifications that will alert drone fliers to temporary restrictions. "It will be successful if we are able to provide real-time information and have it depicted on those mapping programs," said Brad Koeckeritz, the department's division chief for unmanned aircraft systems. The next step would be to create systems that would automatically prevent a hobby drone from flying into temporarily restricted airspace.

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As drones fall in price, their numbers are going up. The FAA expects almost two million to be sold this year. That means the flying machines are bumping up against regulation and safety issues more and more often. Earlier this year, FAA finally announced guidelines for small drones at all.

On the flip side, drones are also being used to start fires in Nebraska.

Source: ABC News
REUTERS - Xerox Corp said Jeff Jacobson, the president of its technology unit, would take over as chief executive after the company splits its business process outsourcing unit into a separate, publicly listed entity. Jacobson, 56, joined Xerox in 2012 and he was appointed the president of the technology business, which includes the company's hardware and software offerings, in July 2014. Xerox will house the company's legacy printer business. Its business process outsourcing operations will be held under "Conduent Inc", which will be led by Ashok Vemuri. Xerox, which announced the split in January, said its current CEO Ursula Burns would become the chairman of the printer company after the separation is completed at the end of 2016. (Reporting by Anya George Tharakan in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirti Pandey)
Most people feel uncomfortable leaving their smartphones behind for a short run to the grocery store much less a trip to another country. But using a smartphone abroad can be expensive. That monthly data deal you negotiated with your local carrier almost always dissolves the moment you touch down on foreign soil.

And the costs for using your apps can soar higher than the jet you flew in on. Instead of counting gigabytes, you get charged by the kilobyte or megabyte. At $2 to $10 per megabyte, one or two songs streamed from Pandora can set you back $20, and the bill for uploading to Facebook that splendid video clip of you feeding the pigeons in Venice's Piazza San Marco could well cover dinner for two at a fine restaurant.

As for calls, they can range from about 50 cents to $5 per minute, depending on the carrier and the part of the world you're roaming. Text messages? Anywhere from roughly 50 cents to more than $1 if youre attaching images.

Nearly every carrier offers some type of world plan, which, for an additional monthly fee of $25 to $120, brings those voice calling and texting charges more in line with your U.S. plan. But still, the data charges remain steep.

When all is said and done, you have a few money-smart options at your disposal, including buying a phoneor just servicein the country youre visiting. No matter which path you take, count on relying heavily (if not entirely) on public and private WiFi hotspots to keep those data costs in check. Here are the details.

Money-Saving Options

Check out your carriers world plan. If your phone is compatible with your host countrys cellular networks and youve got decent WiFi service at the hotel, consider using your carriers world plan. You wont have to futz with your phone and the people you care about can just dial or text your number to reach you (though you should warn them that those phone calls may cost them more than usual). For your convenience, here are links to the plan details of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

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Slip a foreign SIM card into your phone. The service rates of foreign providers are often comparable to those of U.S. carriers. Sometimes they're even cheaper. And that includes data fees. So it behooves you to consider buying a pre-paid SIM card and using it in place of the one in your phone. The cards are available at stores and kiosks in most cities, and certainly in airports.

The SIM card in your phone is often housed in a tray that can be accessed by inserting a pin or open paper clip into a small hole on the side of the unit. On some smartphones, you need to remove the back cover and the battery to reach the card.

If that sounds like a hassle, there's more. You also have to make sure your phone is unlocked, which is unlikely since U.S. carriers typically lock smartphones to their networks, so you cant switch the device to a rival until you get a special code. If your cellular account is in good standing, though, you can request that the phone be unlocked.

Buy a budget smartphone. If replacing the SIM card proves to be too complicated, think about purchasing a low-cost smartphone in the country youre visiting. Or buy one from a trusted retailer such as Amazon. You should be able to find a good deal, especially if you tailor your search to unlocked Android smartphones. The international version of the Samsung Galaxy Prime on Amazon was recently selling for $147, for example. The phone performed very good in our Ratings and it comes with a dual-SIM tray, which means you can potentially use a temporary SIM card from the country youre visiting as well as a SIM card from your U.S. carrier.

Turn off data and go total WiFi. If you can persuade your family and friends to use an app like Skype or Google Voiceaccessible from any smartphone, tablet, or computeryou can host free person-to-person chats and video conferences over WiFi. But you have to pay a little something if you want to speak to people on Skype via their cellphone or landline number. The paid version of Skype ($14 per month) provides you with unlimited calls to mobile and landline numbers over the Web or WiFi and via the Skype app on an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.

With the free Google Voice, you get your own phone number and can make calls to the U.S. or Canada for as little as a penny per minute. (You need a Gmail account.) But a call to Antartica can cost you $2. If people ring you when you're online, you receive the call via the Gmail chat service. When youre offline, the caller is instructed to leave a voicemail message, which is then transcribed and sent to you in an e-mail.

Travel Checklist

 Refer to a user guide or contact your service provider to inquire about any issues that might arise when using your device abroad.

 Before you depart, back up the data on each device, using an external drive or a cloud-based service.

 Dont forget the charger and appropriate power adapters for the outlets at your destination. Many mobile devices can be recharged via a USB port on a laptop as well. A Google search for electrical plugs around the world reveals a number of sources that can help you determine which adapter you need.





More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

Best used cars for $25,000 and less

7 best mattresses for couples





Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.
(Corrects paragraph 6 to attribute quote to representative) TOKYO (Reuters) - India's Tata Sons Ltd has been ordered to pay NTT DoCoMo Inc <9437.T> $1.2 billion to buy DoCoMo's stake in its mobile phone joint venture, the Japanese firm said, citing an international arbitration court ruling. In 2009, the Japanese telecoms group acquired a 26.5 percent stake in Tata Teleservices Limited for around 127.4 billion rupees ($1.88 billion). In April 2014, it announced plans to exit the venture, which struggled to grow subscribers as quickly as its peers. DoCoMo said it held the right to request that Tata find a buyer for its stake at 50 percent of the original price or at fair market value, whichever was higher. (http://reut.rs/28Qdp6m) But Tata failed to find a buyer, and India's central bank rejected Tata's offer to buy the stake, saying a rule change in the previous year prevented foreign investors from selling stakes in Indian firms at a pre-determined price. The Japanese company said in a statement the award was for Tata Sons' breach of their shareholders' agreement. In an emailed statement, a Tata Sons representative said the company has received the arbitration decision and is reviewing it. "Tata Sons has always been and continues to be committed to discharge its contractual obligations in a manner consistent with the law," the representative for the group said. The decision comes at a time when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to pursue predictable policies amid concerns that foreign investments are not adequately protected in Asia's third-largest economy. (Reporting by Chris Gallagher and Tony Munroe; Additional reporting by Himank Sharma; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
Look at that thing. Its hideous. But its also very affordable and smarter than its peers. Were talking about the Mi QiCycle Electric Folding Bike thats going to cost around $455 when it launches in China.

DONT MISS: Galaxy Note 7 shaping up to be Samsungs most powerful smartphone yet

Xiaomi is mostly known for making affordable mobile devices that are inspired by Apples line of products, and it's seen phenomenal success so far. But the company has plenty of other interests, one of them being electric bikes. That really shouldnt surprise you considering bikes are extremely popular in China, especially electric models that can assist with pedaling.

Xiaomis e-bike is good for 45km (28 miles) on a charge, The Verge reports. The 250-watt motor does the heavy lifting, powered by 20 2,900 mAh Panasonic batteries and a smart energy management app. The bike can reach a top speed of 20km/h (12.4 mph). Furthermore, the bike comes with a companion app that can track several things, including distance and speed, but also offer GPS support and calorie tracking.

The Mi QiCycle features Shimano three-speed gears that should come in handy whenever you feel like doing some old school pedaling.

xiaomi-electric-folding-bike-3

The explanation for the unappealing design is rather simple. Not only does the bikes frame have to house a battery, but the bike itself has to be foldable so that it can be easily stowed away. The whole thing is pretty compact, weighing about 14.5kg (32 pounds).

xiaomi-electric-folding-bike-2

Xiaomi also has a more expensive bike for you, made by a startup called iRiding that the company has invested in. The QiCycle R1 non-foldable electric bike costs around $3,000. iRiding is also suspected to be behind Xiaomi's newer Electric Folding Bike model.

Related stories

A hot new smartphone brand might finally be coming to America

Xiaomi's new drone is insanely cheap

The cheapest Android flagship that you won't be able to buy

More from BGR: Mountain biker crashes into a black bear in crazy Instagram video

This article was originally published on BGR.com
UPDATE with reports that gunman is dead: Reports are coming out of Germany that an armed man who opened fire and used tear gas in a cinema complex in western Germany has been shot dead after engaging in a shootout with police. The news was reportedly confirmed by a regional interior minister. Some earlier reports had suggested the man had been arrested. No other injuries were reported.

German police surrounded the cinema in the town of Viernheim, near Mannheim, where the armed man was said to be holed up with hostages. There had been reports of casualties, with local media reporting that as many as 50 people have been wounded while the shooter was barricaded inside the Kinopolis complex. There are reports that the man was wearing a mask and carrying both a gun and an ammunition belt.

Germany has some of the toughest gun control laws in Europe. Germanys National Gun Registry introduced at the end of 2012 counted 5.5 million firearms in use, which are legally owned by 1.4 million people in the country.

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Warner Bros To Remake 'Who Am I'; Pic Is German Box Office Sensation

Thunder Road Buys 'Trigger Warning' Spec: A Female John Wick?
OSAGE  Andy and Lacey Schumacher left a new house they had built in Davenport to move into a 1910 house in Osage that featured a double lot and the chance to decorate fearlessly.

I was afraid to try new ideas in the new home, Lacey said. Here, we could just be creative with the space.

The couple moved into their home, at 1203 Chase St., in September. The two-story house featured an open staircase, four bedrooms, large living room and kitchen and new windows throughout.

We liked the space, said Lacey. Its open and spacious. We like hosting people and gathering people together.

The large yard will be perfect for the couples three young children, Georgia, 7, Lola, 5, and Amos, 3.

The house had been added onto over the years, and in the 1980s had been damaged by a fire in the upstairs. It had been vacant about a year when the Schumachers purchased it.

Andy, pastor at Prairie Lakes Church in Osage, enlisted the help of three church members to do much of the work.

Their plan was to remodel in stages in keeping with their budget. They began by replacing the roof.

In December, they set out to redo the floors in the living room, kitchen and dining room. The dining room subfloor had to be rebuilt to make it level.

The Schumachers also wanted to remove an unsightly brick chimney that had been covered by plywood in a wall of the living room. This led to removing the old ceiling as well.

Removing the ceilings gave the Schumachers an opportunity to install canned ceiling lighting in all three rooms.

The home had not had a fireplace, but the Schumachers believe it may have housed a wood-burner on either side of an interior living room wall that has since been removed.

For the first three weeks of construction, Lacey and the children, who are home-schooled, moved in with her mother in Williams. The family also lived in the homes upstairs during some of the early work.

Decorative tray ceilings were built in the living and dining rooms.

The walls were drywalled. Window trim in all three rooms was replaced and painted. Crown molding was also added and painted. Three bay windows in a breakfast nook of the kitchen were repainted.

The entries into the living room from the front hall, kitchen and dining room were widened to create a feeling of oneness with the adjoining rooms.

The Schumachers will also widen the front door, which will enable them to move in a large living room sofa chosen specifically for the living rooms nautical blue and white color scheme.

Entering the living room from the front hallway, the eye is immediately drawn to a statement-making spherical chandelier from IKEA, which the Schumachers pieced together themselves. It features star-like hanging paper clusters. When shadowed on the ceiling, the stars create the look of fireworks above.

I wanted something unique that would catch your eye as you walked in, said Lacey, who had seen a photo of the chandelier in a decorating magazine.

In the dining room, a pretty but dark chandelier installed by a previous owner was repainted cream bisque.

A hutch was moved from the kitchen to the dining room and repainted inside and out to suit the dining room color scheme. Andy pulled out the glass in the doors and stapled chicken wire to the back of the glass to achieve the desired vintage look. New checkerboard-design pulls were added.

The hutch adds to the dining rooms shabby chic aesthetic, which is also carried by the country dining table that once belonged to Andys grandmother. Lacey painted the table and chairs cream bisque using chalk paint and sanded them for a distressed look.

The chairs were covered with non-matching patterned fabric in a similar color scheme. The back of the hutch display cabinet was painted in turquoise to play off the colors in these fabrics.

Lacey chose not to use matching fabrics so the cushion covers could easily be replaced in case of spills.

The walls were painted in toasted almond, a neutral backdrop for the bright decorative touches used elsewhere in the room.

Airy drapery panels extending to the top of the baseboards were hung at the floor-to-ceiling living room and dining room windows.

Colorful fabric panels were added across the tops of the bay windows in the kitchen.

The kitchen walls are painted in a palladium blue that Lacey chose for its grayish blue-green look. Pendant lighting and drop lighting were used above the kitchen island and in the breakfast nook.

Other remodeling touches in the kitchen include a large single sink to replace a double-sink and installing long-wearing black-stained concrete counters. A white tile backsplash was removed and the walls drywalled and painted.

A stovetop surrounded by white tile in the kitchen island was also removed, for child-safety reasons, and replaced with butcher block. Lacey repainted the island a charcoal color using chalk paint.

A double oven in one wall of the kitchen was replaced with a stove and a microwave.

Relatively new wooden kitchen cabinets were retained but freshened with new hardware.

The couple chose bamboo flooring for all three rooms, a sturdy wood that unifies the entire space and lends warmth.

I like color and I like mixing old and new, said Lacey, who has served as the couples interior decorator. I like to experiment, try new things, give it a whirl.

Less visible but equally important to the home remodel were a new central air conditioner, furnace, water heater and water softener.

Andy said he is pleased with their new living space and how the whole thing flows.

For Lacey, it has provided an outlet for her creativity.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to be creative, to make it our own, she said.

Based on their own experience, the Schumachers would offer the following tips to others wanting to engage in a home-remodel:

Read decorating magazines and watch design shows for ideas. Find pictures of things you like.

Do what you like and dont be afraid to take some risks.

Remember that color changes everything. You can always repaint it if you dont like it.

If you can make it through the demolition part, the fun part is the decorating, said Lacey.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Calling Democrats protest on the U.S. House floor a publicity stunt was demeaning, according to Rep. Dave Loebsack, who participated in the 24-hour sit-in that ended Thursday morning.

House Speaker Paul Ryan was way off base to characterize the sit-in as a political stunt and a fundraiser, the Iowa City Democrat said.

This was anything but a political stunt, Loebsack said. It was serious business, business the American people want us to attend to.

Besides, he said, The takeaway shouldnt be the act itself and what happened over the last 24 hours as much as the hope that what was said and what was done will have some effect in the larger society. The American people are demanding we take action.

Loebsack and other members of the Democratic minority conducted the sit-in to try to pressure Ryan and Republicans to hold votes on gun-control measures.

All we want is a vote, he said. I think we have to have expanded background checks and I think the no-fly, no-buy legislation makes a lot of sense.

So for more than 24 hours, Democrats sat in the House well to call attention to their demand for a vote on those bills. Loebsack said he had meetings to attend so he wasnt there for the entire sit-in.

Although Democratic groups, including Monica Vernons 1st District campaign, sent out fundraising appeals referencing the sit-in, Loebsack denied it was done to raise campaign cash.

That I havent even thought about, he said. Thats something entirely different than what we are talking about here. We want action on these bills.

He hopes sit-ins wont become standard practice in the House.

I hope we have regular order, that we bring bills to the floor that should be brought to the floor, especially bill like these that have such overwhelming support, he said.

The House is adjourned for its annual Fourth of July recess and will return to session July 5.
DES MOINES -- The last time Martin OMalley was in Iowa, he was bowing out of the presidential race after finishing last in the three-way Democratic race.

The former Maryland governor was back in Iowa on Thursday for the first time, visiting grassroots campaign organizers for Hillary Clinton, the partys presumptive nominee, at state party headquarters.

While encouraging campaign volunteers and fielding questions from reporters, OMalley called presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump a fascist, said he thinks supporters of Democratic primary runner-up Bernie Sanders will support Clinton, and that he is focused on helping Clinton win, not whether he would be invited to serve in her administration should she win.

Thats not why Im doing this, OMalley said. At this point in my life, having been a mayor and having been a governor, Im going to put all my energies into this election to make sure we dont careen over the fascist cliff.

OMalley said he pledged to Clinton campaign manager John Podesta that he would do everything I can and be everywhere I can to help Clinton defeat Trump in Novembers election, but that he has no expectation of being offered a chance to work with Clinton should she win.

OMalley plans to make a similar stop Friday in Sioux City and Friday night is scheduled to speak at the South Dakota Democratic Partys state convention banquet.

OMalley, who finished a distant third to Clinton and Sanders in Iowa, said he thinks the runner-ups supporters can be swayed to support Clinton against Trump. Sensing a disconnect between them and Clinton, Trump has made overtures to Sanders supporters.

Donald Trump is absolutely the opposite of that vision for America that Sen. Sanders supported, OMalley said. No one who supported Sen. Sanders for the right reasons should go to Donald Trump.

OMalley said he thinks Democrats are pulling together now for this fall. He said many people who worked for his caucus campaign are now working for Clinton.

OMalleys appearances in Iowa represent the second set of surrogate events this week for the Clinton campaign in Iowa. Earlier this week, state Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald held campaign events in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport to talk about economic issues in the presidential campaign.

Republicans were not impressed by OMalleys appearance on behalf of Clintons campaign. A statement issued by the Republican National Committee noted OMalley earned fewer than 1 percent of state delegate equivalents in the caucuses.

Martin OMalley is back in Iowa, and much like his failed presidential run this visit will also end in defeat, said a statement from RNC spokeswoman Lindsay Jancek. If the best surrogate Hillary Clinton can find is the former mayor of Baltimore, who barely surpassed half a percent in the Iowa caucuses, then her campaign is more like her failed policies -- a train wreck of epic proportions.

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request seeking comment.

During Fridays appearance, OMalley joked to reporters that he felt rusty, having not met with reporters in such a way since the Feb. 1 caucuses, and made sure to show reporters a photograph from his daughters wedding this past weekend in Baltimore.
NORTHWOOD  Gov. Terry Branstad visited North Iowa Friday morning with stops in Northwood and Osage.

Branstad toured the Winifred Hotel on Eighth Street South to support restoration and economic development within the area.

We want to restore it as a working hotel, said Mary Reyerson, president of Waking Miss Winifred.

Waking Miss Winifred, a non-profit organization, purchased the 1912 hotel to be renovated and made into a boutique hotel.

The group formed with the intent of purchasing, renovating and reopening the historic hotel. Though the sign outside says Hotel Northwood the group looks to restore it to its former name, the Winifred Hotel.

Members of the organization met with the governor, gave a tour and told him about the plans for renovations.

We want to keep this front original lobby, restore the dining area and kitchen and add a coffee shop in the back, Reyerson said.

The hotel features two floors with 10 guest rooms each.

They dont have their own bathrooms so well probably lower that to about six rooms each, Reyerson said.

In addition to the removed rooms, the organization would like to add an elevator for more accessibility. Branstad was shown the original fire escape and even got a glimpse of the lime green shag rugs upstairs.

He offered suggestions for looking into various grants, tax credits and avenues for funding available to historic ventures and restoration.

He also said he understands the time it takes and the unforeseen roadblocks that can arise in renovations, citing the restoration of the Iowa Capitol building.

It took nearly 20 years to restore it, I know they started in 1983, Branstad said. The renovations to the Capitol were not completed until 2001.

Ryerson was grateful for the governors visit and support of the project.

The support is huge when it comes to grants, Reyerson said.

After touring the hotel, Branstad revisited the Worth Brewing Co. just around the corner.

I was here, last year, they were just starting work, Branstad said.

Worth Brewing Co. took two old vacant buildings on Main Street and remodeled them into the brewery with the Beehive Ballroom on the second floor.

Branstad did not discuss topics outside of the local projects.
Nancy Diane Thompson

MASON CITY  Nancy Diane Thompson, 64, of Mason City, died Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Cataldo Schott Funeral Home in Forest City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 27, at Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City with visitation also one hour before the service. Burial will be held in Madison Township Cemetery.

Nancy was born April 25, 1952, the daughter of Terry and Elnora Thompson of Forest City. After attending Forest City Schools, she was employed by Good Samaritan Nursing Home and Waldorf College. Later she moved to Mason City, and had currently been employed at NIACC.

Nancy had many loves! She was an avid reader, read many books a week, and enjoyed sharing what she thought of the book. One of her favorite TV channels was the Teen Disney channel. Nancy crocheted many afghans and potholders, and shared them as gifts. Her love for animals was evident, they loved her also, and she always had a treat for them. Nancy enjoyed people and loved talking with them. She especially loved all her nieces and nephews, and remembered their birthdays and ages. She was also always up for new adventures. Another hobby in which she found pleasure was coloring, and recently discovered adult coloring books, with which she was very creative.

Most of all, Nancy loved Jesus Christ, and we have the peace of knowing that she is now walking with Jesus.

Nancy was preceded in death by her grandparents.

She is survived by her parents, Terry and Elnora Thompson; brother, Tracy (Diane) Thompson; sister, Cindy (Roger) Solomonson; sister, Marcia (Craig) Sampson; nephews and niecesTroy (Heidi) Thompson; Justin (Becky Spencer) Thompson; Hollie (Erik) Lampe; Christy (Mike) Price; Jason (Jessica) Deugan; Heather Deugan; as well as 18 great-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the church or charity of the donors choice.

Arrangements are with Cataldo Schott Funeral Home in Forest City; 641-585-2685.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.cataldoschottfh.com
FOREST CITY  Several landowners at a Winnebago County Board of Supervisors meeting earlier this month want to see setbacks for wind turbines placed in the county.

Joe Larson, who represented the landowners, said the setbacks should be 2,650 feet from a residence and 1,500 feet from a property line, similar to a hog confinement.

The recommended setbacks would protect those who consider wind turbines a nuisance because of noise, height and other factors, as well as protect the wind rights of nearby landowners, Larson said.

The supervisors said the concerns were valid, but they were not ready to take action.

Supervisor Terry Durby said he wants to review the concerns along with information from other counties and sources.

The board says they must weigh concerns with the economic impact of wind turbines and with turbine supporters who are less concerned about setbacks.

EDF Renewable Energy has proposed a wind turbine project for Winnebago County. The company is working with landowners to secure spots to place turbines, mostly in the northern portion of the county.

The extra revenue would help ease the tax burden in the county, Supervisor Bill Jensvold said. Yet of the county residents hes spoken with, about 80 percent are against the proposed wind turbine project, Jensvold said.

Lee Kiewet favors the recommended setbacks. He said landowners may be against the proposed project because there are no (setback) rules.

If the county had rules, people may support it, Kiewet said.

Kiewet said landowners may get paid $6,000 to cooperate with a wind turbine company today but that price could increase in five years to $12,000 with a different company. Kiewet said he may decide to cooperate at $12,000.

But if the county doesnt have setback rules, landowners may not be able to make such a choice, Kiewet said.

Although EDF has said it wont place wind turbines too close to residences and property lines, a county policy on setbacks would dictate placement, Kiewet said. The company would need to negotiate with landowners if it wanted to place turbines nearer than 1,500 from a property line or nearer than 2,650 feet to a residence, Kiewet said.

As to economic benefit, Kiewet said if a landowner builds a machine shed, the landowner pays full taxes, may have kids in school and even employ people.

Wind turbine companies get tax breaks, Kiewet said.

The comparison to a machine shed isnt very fair, Durby said. A machine shed is taxed at agriculture rates which are very low.

The estimated annual tax revenue on each wind turbine is $27,000 to $31,000, Durby said.

Larson said the question for the county is whether a wind project company dictates where turbines are placed or if the county does that.

Landowner Dean Balvance said hes not interested in protecting his rights to place a wind turbine on his property.

I do not like to look at them, Balvance said.

He said he is more concerned about protecting the drainage system. When cranes are used to install turbines they can crush drainage tile, Balvance said.

Protecting drainage tile is important and the county wants to make sure any damaged tile is repaired by a wind turbine company, the supervisors said.
The woman I see is frail beyond her years. Wheelchair-bound, her family surrounds her with love and caring as she did them for 50 years.

Her will is as strong as her stubborn streak  as sometimes is her language when frustrated by physical limitations.

She has spunk, this sister Joan of mine. She always has.

She taught me how to ride a bike and bake Red Velvet Cake. But most importantly I always had her support and she sheltered me, without judgment, with a home during troubling times.

Through the years her body has been attacked by diabetes and the losses keep piling up: kidney failure, mobility, partial blindness, heart disease and so much more.

She has had frequent hospital stays but is able to be at home, thanks to her family of caregivers.

She recently traveled to Ventura for her Klemme High School class reunion. A daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter were her entourage for the long, one-day trip. On the way the troupe stopped in Mason City where I was volunteering at the Greek Festival.

I havent seen Joan for a few months and when we greeted she said, Ive regressed, havent I?

I said, Dont make me cry, and we both did.

I will tell one of Joans best stories as I see her lovingly cared for by her children and grandchildren.

She was a young mother on a shopping trip with her three little ones (another child would be added to the mix some years later). The Iowa town square had parking meters. And in the days before minivans and strollers extraordinaire, she was coping as mothers did in those days.

As the 5-year-old boy twirled himself around the adjacent parking meter, she held the 3-year-old girl up against the car bumper for restraint. With the baby girl on her hip, she frantically searched the bottom of her purse for some coins to feed the meter.

Joan said an old man came down the sidewalk, looked at her and walking past said, Lady, these are the best years of your life.

Life does come full circle and Joan is now surrounded by her children, although that twirling boy was heaven-bound at an early age.

I am amazed she made the trip on a hot summer day but determination keeps her going. She plans an even longer journey to a family reunion next month.

She told me if she was going to make the cousin reunion I was going, too  just as our mother used to chide me when I often opted out.

I told her I would visit and we would talk and remember good and not-so-good times, which we have done for years to help us heal.

She put her head against me. I leaned down and she whispered, Please come soon.

I asked, How do you know? Youve had so many ups and downs for so long.

She whizzed off in her motorized wheelchair for the next stop of the day  the rest of us trying to catch up. And I smiled, knowing whatever the next weeks bring, well be together soon.
LISLE, Ill., June 23, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats, teamed up with Walmart and Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families, to honor a Sykesville, Md. military family on Thursday.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7360ece-bb29-43f0-bda1-051ae85bdfd5

Eckrich hosted a special presentation outside a Walmart Supercenter in Hagerstown, Md. to honor, thank and support the Turner family. The family was surprised with a gift of free groceries for one year at Walmart, courtesy of Eckrich. Since launching its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment in 2013, Walmart has hired more than 130,000 new U.S. veteran associates and promoted more than 15,000 associates who are military veterans.

As part of the event, crowds of shoppers were treated to samples of delicious Eckrich smoked sausage and deli meat, live country music and an appearance by Hagerstown Country radio station 104.7. In addition, Eckrich provided local military service members and their families with $25 Walmart gift cards to thank them for their service.

Daniel Turner served in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantryman for four years. He earned eight medals and numerous service and campaign ribbons for his combined four tours of duty. His wife, Ana, is his full-time caregiver and a member of Operation Homefronts Hearts of Valor program. The family has four children.

Were amazed and blessed that Eckrich, Walmart and Operation Homefront did this for us, said Daniel Turner. A year of free groceries is a tremendous amount of help. We will never forget this day.

The surprise is part of the ongoing campaign by Eckrich to honor, thank and support military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront. The Turner family is supported by Operation Homefronts Hearts of Valor program, a network of caregivers for wounded, ill or injured service members. Operation Homefront supports these caregivers through annual retreats, support groups and online communities.

Eckrich, a brand of Smithfield Foods, entering its fifth year of partnership with Operation Homefront, has donated more than $2 million to the organization since 2012. Now through July 4th, Eckrich is donating 5 cents for every purchase of specially marked products, up to $500,000, to Operation Homefront to assist military families.

Eckrich continues to thank, support and honor our military families across the country, said Chuck Gitkin, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Smithfield Foods. We appreciate Walmarts partnership and we are proud to present the Turner family with one year of free groceries.

For more information about Eckrich, please visit www.eckrich.com or follow Eckrich on Facebook and Twitter.

About Eckrich

Founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894, Eckrich has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, Farmland, Armour, Cook's, John Morrell, Gwaltney, Kretschmar, Margherita, Curly's, Carando and Healthy Ones. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

About Operation Homefront

A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront builds strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. With more than 3,200 volunteers nationwide, Operation Homefront has provided assistance to tens of thousands of military families since its inception shortly after 9/11. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefronts expenditures go directly to programs that provide support to our military families. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.net.
VANCOUVER, Washington, June 23, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB:CYDY), a biotechnology company focused on the development of new monoclonal antibody therapies for combating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, announces the availability of Paul J. Maddon, M.D., Ph.D.s June 20 presentation at the ASM Microbe 2016 Conference discussing clinical results from the Companys Phase 2b monotherapy extension study in patients with HIV on CytoDyns website. Dr. Maddons presentation can also be accessed by inserting the following link into your browser:



http://content.stockpr.com/cytodyn/files/docs/ASM+Microbe+Conference+Presentation+by+Dr.+Paul+J.+Maddon+re+PRO+140_June+20+2016_Boston.pdf

The Phase 2b extension study showed that PRO 140 delivered in weekly subcutaneous injections provided full virologic suppression and was well tolerated in selected HIV patients for more than one year, said Dr. Maddon, an inventor of PRO 140 and senior science advisor to CytoDyn. It was exciting to discuss these promising clinical results in an oral presentation to conference attendees.

Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D., president and CEO of CytoDyn, commented: The current standard of care for HIV patients, which is highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has many shortcomings that include required daily dosing of multiple pills and toxicity that can lead to compliance issues. In essence, the clinical results from our monotherapy extension study indicate that PRO 140 may offer a simple, long-acting, single-agent maintenance therapy in select patients after initial treatment with HAART. We are currently evaluating PRO 140 in two Phase 3 clinical trials as both an alternative and addition to HAART.

PRO 140 is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is being studied in HIV-infected patients as a standalone treatment and in combination with standard of care HAART therapy. It has shown to have potent antiviral activity in seven clinical trials with HIV patients infected with the R5 strain of HIV, which accounts for approximately 70% of infected Americans and up to 90% of those newly diagnosed. This Phase 2b study evaluated PRO 140 as a monotherapy in treatment-experienced patients with the R5 subtype of HIV was completed in January 2015, and an extension of the study in certain responder patients is ongoing. In April 2016, CytoDyn announced that 10 HIV-infected patients in this ongoing extension study have achieved complete viral load suppression for at least 18 months, with several patients approaching 20 months. To date, PRO 140 has been evaluated in more than 200 subjects in various studies.

About ASM Microbe 2016 Conference

ASM Microbe 2016 is the merger of the American Society for Microbiologys two premier events, the ASM General Meeting and ICAAC (Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy). The conference provides a forum for attendees to gain valuable insights from the field's foremost leaders, interact with multi-disciplinary microbiologists, and meet leading product and service providers. The 2016 conference website is located at: http://asmmicrobe.org/.

About PRO 140

PRO 140 belongs to a new class of HIV/AIDS therapeutics  viral-entry inhibitors  that are intended to protect healthy cells from viral infection. PRO 140 is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody directed against CCR5, a molecular portal that HIV uses to enter T-cells. PRO 140 blocks the predominant HIV (R5) subtype entry into T-cells by masking this required co-receptor, CCR5. Importantly, PRO 140 does not appear to interfere with the normal function of CCR5 in mediating immune responses. PRO 140 does not have agonist activity toward CCR5 but does have antagonist activity to CCL5, which is a central mediator in inflammatory diseases. PRO 140 has been the subject of seven clinical trials, each demonstrating efficacy by significantly reducing or controlling HIV viral load in human test subjects. PRO 140 has been designated a fast track product candidate by the FDA. The PRO 140 antibody appears to be a powerful antiviral agent leading to potentially fewer side effects and less frequent dosing requirements as compared to daily drug therapies currently in use.

About CytoDyn

CytoDyn is a biotechnology company focused on the clinical development and potential commercialization of humanized monoclonal antibodies for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. The Company has one of the leading monoclonal antibodies under development for HIV infection, PRO 140, which has completed Phase 2 clinical trials with demonstrated antiviral activity in man and is currently in Phase 3. PRO 140 blocks the HIV co-receptor CCR5 on T cells, which prevents viral entry. Clinical trial results thus far indicate that PRO 140 does not negatively affect the normal immune functions that are mediated by CCR5. Results from seven Phase 1 and Phase 2 human clinical trials have shown that PRO 140 can significantly reduce viral burden in people infected with HIV. A recent Phase 2b clinical trial demonstrated that PRO 140 can prevent viral escape in patients during several weeks of interruption from conventional drug therapy. CytoDyn intends to continue to develop PRO 140 as a therapeutic anti-viral agent in persons infected with HIV and to pursue non-HIV indications where CCR5 and its ligand CCL5 may be involved. For more information on the Company, please visit www.cytodyn.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of United States securities laws, including statements regarding CytoDyns Phase 3 and other current and proposed trials and studies and their results and completion. These statements and information represent CytoDyns intentions, plans, expectations, and beliefs and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many beyond CytoDyns control. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements or information. The words believe, estimate, expect, intend, attempt, anticipate, foresee, plan, and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.

CytoDyn disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. While it is impossible to identify or predict all such matters, these differences may result from, among other things, the inherent uncertainty of the timing and success of and expense associated with research, development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of CytoDyns products and product candidates, including the risks that clinical trials will not commence or proceed as planned; products appearing promising in early trials will not demonstrate efficacy or safety in larger-scale trials; future clinical trial data on CytoDyns products and product candidates will be unfavorable; funding for additional clinical trials may not be available; CytoDyns products may not receive marketing approval from regulators or, if approved, may fail to gain sufficient market acceptance to justify development and commercialization costs; competing products currently on the market or in development may reduce the commercial potential of CytoDyns products; CytoDyn, its collaborators or others may identify side effects after the product is on the market; or efficacy or safety concerns regarding marketed products, whether or not scientifically justified, may lead to product recalls, withdrawals of marketing approval, reformulation of the product, additional pre-clinical testing or clinical trials, changes in labeling of the product, the need for additional marketing applications, or other adverse events.

CytoDyn is also subject to additional risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the actions of its corporate, academic, and other collaborators and government regulatory agencies; risks from market forces and trends; potential product liability; intellectual property litigation; environmental and other risks; and risks that current and pending patent protection for its products may be invalid, unenforceable, or challenged or fail to provide adequate market exclusivity. There are also substantial risks arising out of CytoDyns need to raise additional capital to develop its products and satisfy its financial obligations; the highly regulated nature of its business, including government cost-containment initiatives and restrictions on third-party payments for its products; the highly competitive nature of its industry; and other factors set forth in CytoDyns Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 and other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.




HAMILTON, Bermuda, June 24, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bermudas international business groups and stakeholders today made the following statements on the United Kingdoms vote to withdraw from the European Union:



Ross Webber, CEO, Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA):

The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union, and the question now becomes how the actual process of that exit will be carried out. There is naturally much speculation and uncertainty over the votes political implications, as well as its socio-economic impact, and industry around the world will be closely monitoring how this affects the markets and business landscapes of the EU, Britain and their respective trade partners.

In a global economy, Bermuda is affected, like other nations, by such major events. We stand ready to deal with myriad eventualities. No matter how the exit unfolds, we remind our business partners in the UK that Bermuda continues to offer the same stable, attractive, effective and proven blue-chip international business domicile as it has for the past 70-plus years.

Today, in fact, Bermuda is better placed than ever to cater to the contemporary needs of international business. Attributes such as our stand-alone Solvency II equivalence with the EU and our progressive path towards Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) passport rights in Europe may now appear even more attractive than they were a day ago. These are examples of regulatory votes of confidence given to Bermuda as a robust jurisdiction in its own right, and not contingent on our relationship with Britain.

Our island enjoys a strong relationship with Brussels nurtured over decades of collaborative efforts by our government, industry and regulator.

At the BDA we remain focused on helping foster job creation and economic growth in this unique, elite jurisdiction, and we are happy to work with anyone seeking more information about how Bermuda can provide solutions for their business requirements amid an ever-evolving international environment.

International business bodies in Bermuda also reacted to the referendum vote:

Bradley Kading, President and Executive Director, Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers (ABIR):

Bermudas Solvency 2 equivalence finding by the European Union will serve us well as the UK negotiates its multi-year transition out of the EU. The Bermuda equivalency is unaffected by the UK vote. ABIR has excellent relationships with both UK and EU policymakers and regulators. ABIR members provide vital insurance capacity that makes UK and EU insurance markets more competitive. ABIR members will be reviewing corporate structures to determine what changes in their regulatory footprints may be necessary in order to conform with expected changes in European regulatory governance.

Meanwhile, we encourage the Bermuda government and the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) to continue their wise investment in bilateral relationships that lead to important legal agreements on tax cooperation and transparency, and recognition of robust BMA regulation that is in compliance with international standards. These essential actions are necessary to ensure we retain level playing field access to the worlds markets.

Greg Wojciechowski, CEO of Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) and Chairman of ILS Bermuda:

The result of yesterdays UK referendum in no way diminishes the unique strengths that have for decades anchored Bermuda as a world-class, well-respected, and robustly regulated financial centre. Bermudas unique geographic position between two of the worlds deepest capital markets and largest insurance centres has created commercial opportunity for the island as well as a solid platform to provide services to a global audienceand the Brexit result will not impact this. Bermuda will continue to provide a safe harbour amid uncertainty for the foreseeable future.

Whether considering Brexit, the Panama Papers, or other challenges, Bermudas legal, regulatory and commercial infrastructure has always provided clients and associates comfort that their assets and business interests are being managed with due care and protection. While the world wrestles with the impact of the Brexit vote, Bermuda will continue to offer innovative commercial solutions to clients and industry segments we support, and we welcome future opportunities that may arise.

In respect of the BSX, we continue to drive the development of the domestic capital market to the benefit of the country and Bermudians. This includes supporting niche capital market opportunities such the insurance-linked securities (ILS) asset class, for which the BSX is now the global listings leader, with over 70 percent of capacity. In the face of change, Bermudas ILS platform remains a stable centre of excellence for the creation and listing of these structures. As an industry, we stand ready to provide collaborative support to overseas colleagues to help drive the global ILS market.

Grainne Richmond, President, Bermuda Insurance Management Association (BIMA):

As an economic bloc, the European Union is stronger with the United Kingdom in it, yet respect has to be given to the decision of the British people in yesterdays referendum. It will likely take years for a full departure of Britain from the EU, therefore it remains premature to comment on any effects the vote will have on the captive insurance market. BIMA and our members will be monitoring the process closely in the UK.

CONNECTING BUSINESS



The BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Our goal? To make doing business here smooth and beneficial.
SAN ANTONIO, June 24, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valero Energy Partners LP (NYSE:VLP) today announced that it will host a conference call on August 4, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. ET to discuss second quarter earnings results, which will be released earlier that day, and provide an update on partnership operations.



Persons interested in listening to the presentation live via the internet may log on to Valero Energy Partners web site at www.valeroenergypartners.com.



About Valero Energy Partners LP

Valero Energy Partners LP is a fee-based master limited partnership formed by Valero Energy Corporation to own, operate, develop and acquire crude oil and refined products pipelines, terminals, and other transportation and logistics assets. With headquarters in San Antonio, the Partnerships assets include crude oil and refined petroleum products pipeline and terminal systems in the Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent regions of the United States that are integral to the operations of nine of Valeros refineries. Please visit www.valeroenergypartners.com for more information.

Contacts

Investors:

John Locke, Vice President  Investor Relations, 210-345-3077

Karen Ngo, Manager  Investor Relations, 210-345-4574

Media:

Lillian Riojas, Director  Media and Communications, 210-345-5002

To download our investor relations mobile app, which offers access to Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, unit quotes, and upcoming events, please visit Apples iTunes App Store for your iPhone and iPad or Googles Play Store for your Android mobile device.
WILMINGTON, Del., June 24, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rigrodsky & Long, P.A.:



Do you, or did you, own shares of DeVry Education Group, Inc. (NYSE:DV) ?





(NYSE:DV) Did you purchase your shares between February 4, 2011 and January 27, 2016, inclusive?





Did you lose money in your investment?



Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. reminds shareholders of DeVry Education Group, Inc. (DeVry or the Company) (NYSE:DV) of an upcoming deadline involving a securities fraud class action lawsuit commenced against the Company. A complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of all persons or entities that purchased the common stock of DeVry between February 4, 2011 and January 27, 2016, inclusive (the Class Period), alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the Complaint).

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and misleading statements, and omitted materially adverse facts, about the Companys business, operations and prospects. Specifically, the Complaint alleges that the defendants concealed from the investing public that: (1) 90% of DeVry University students from a specific year (e.g., graduates from 2011-2016) who were actively seeking employment did not in fact land or obtain new jobs in their field of study within six months of graduation; (2) 90% of DeVry University students since 1975 who were actively seeking employment did not in fact land or obtain new jobs in their field of study within six months of graduation; (3) one year after graduation, the average or median salary of DeVry University graduates with bachelors degrees was not in fact 15% higher than the average or median salary of graduates with bachelors degrees from all other colleges and universities; (4) as a result, DeVry overstated its growth, revenue, and earnings potential by concealing the true employment prospects of DeVry University graduates to investors and potential students; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants statements about DeVrys business, operations, and prospects were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. As a result of defendants alleged false and misleading statements, the Companys stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 12, 2016. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Any member of the proposed class may move the court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member.

If you purchased shares of DeVry during the Class Period, or purchased shares prior to the Class Period and still hold DeVry, and wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact Timothy J. MacFall, Esquire or Peter Allocco of Rigrodsky & Long, P.A., 2 Righter Parkway, Suite 120, Wilmington, DE 19803 at (888) 969-4242; by e-mail to info@rl-legal.com; or at: http://rigrodskylong.com/investigations/devry-education-group-inc-dv.



Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
aniketm.87@gmail.com wrote:

Newspaper publishers earn their profits primarily from advertising revenue, and potential advertisers are more likely to advertise in newspapers with a wide circulation a large number of subscribers and other readers than with other newspapers. But the circulation of the newspaper that is currently the most profitable one in this city has steadily declined during the last two years, while the circulation of one of its competitors has steadily increased.



Any of the following, if true, would help explain the apparent discrepancy between the two statements above EXCEPT:



A. Advertisers generally switch from the most widely circulated newspaper to another one only when the other one becomes the most widely circulated newspaper instead.

B. Advertising rates charged by the most profitable newspaper in the city are significantly higher than those charged by its competitors.

C. The most profitable newspaper in the city receives revenue from its subscribers as well from advertisers.

D. The circulation of the most profitable newspaper in the city is still greater than than of any of its competitors.

E. The number of newspapers competing viably with the most profitable newspaper in the city has increased during the last two years.



Can someone please explain the OA ?

Acc to me (Yes i got it right) if the # of newspaper competitors have increased then its circulation share will go down, but it can still remain the most profitable one in the city

Lets say :

Before competition :

A -----> 1000 subs (A gets all the ads and hence makes the max profits)

B -----> 100 subs

TOTAL subs 1100

After some time

A -----> 500 (Subs went down steadily)

B -----> 200 (Subs went up steadily)

C -----> 100

D -----> 100

E -----> 150

F -----> 50



But A is still making the most profit (E helps explaining this)



Please correct me if I am wrong. Thanks in advance.
Following a now-familiar patternbusiness interest group responds to aggressive solicitation complaints magnified by tabloids at major NYC tourist destinationFriends of the High Line has launched a campaign to curtail panhandlers dressed as Buddhist monks along their 1.5 mile elevated park.

"Friends of the High Line is aware that there are aggressive panhandlers in the park, many of whom are dressed as monks, and we take this issue very seriously," the group wrote in a press release published this week. "While panhandling itself is legal in New York Cityand therefore legal along the High Lineit crosses the line when our trusting park visitors are touched or their paths are blocked."

So-called "aggressive solicitation," which includes obstruction of pedestrian flow and intimidation tactics like touching or following an individual, is illegal in NYC.



Gabriela Del Valle / Gothamist

To address the issue, Friends has put up signs asking parkgoers to "please be aware" and "do not give money to panhandlers." On Friday morning, we observed two signs between Gansevoort and 30th Street, at 23rd Street and the entrance to the Whitney Museum. The group is also collecting reports of aggressive behavior from parkgoers to send along to the Parks Department and, according to their release, "working behind the scenes to see what long-term legal options we may have." (The Parks Department said in a statement that it is monitoring the situation and "supports the messaging efforts.")

All told it's a step up from tactics used in years past, which were limited to paper signs in High Line elevators and bathrooms.

Tip-soliciting monks have been a source of some confusion at NYC tourist destinations for years now. In 2014 the NY Times, stymied, went so far as to print that "no one seems to know who they really are or where they come from." But their approach seems to be consistentman (or, occasionally, woman) in orange (sometimes brown) robe asks for donations for a temple, sometimes in exchange for peace offerings in the form of a shiny amulet or beaded bracelet.

Spokespeople for local Buddhist organizations have also weighed in. "They're not authentic," Michelle Dunson, of the Buddhist Council of New York City told CBS. "They're not real. They're playing on people's heart strings. It's basically a scam like any other." Shi Ruifa, a Brooklyn monk and president of a confederation of local temples, told the NY Times bluntly that, "they are damaging the reputation of real monks and damaging the reputation of Buddhists in America."

Friends of the High Line says the panhandling situation has recently devolved significantly, citing a CBS dispatch headlined Hassling By Fake Buddhist Monks On High Line Has Grown Worse, Vendors Say. According to the outlet, "nearly a dozen" were observed asking for donations of $2, $5, or $10 on a recent afternoon.

Friends Co-Founder Robert Hammond says that he's been approached by fake monks "dozens of times," many of whom touch his hand. "It's illegal and if it happens to anybody they should notify a parks officer," he said. "But not all of them do that."

"They're not asking for a dollar," he added. "A lot of times they start asking for $20, $5, $10. I've seen people give them $20."

Last November the Post published a video of two undercover cops taking a fake monk to the ground and arresting him, allegedly for reaching into one of their pockets. Hammond said that nothing "that extreme" has happened on the High Line, to his knowledge (according to Friends, two monks were arrested for aggressive panhandling near the High Line last summer).



Parks workers unloading new fake monk warning signs along the High Line on Friday morning (Gabriela Del Valle / Gothamist).

Mike L., who asked that his last name be withheld because he told his boss that he was sick today and then headed over to the High Line, told us on Friday that he visits the park every few months and is familiar with the monks.

"This is the first time I've seen the signs, but I remember seeing the monks last summer," he said. "I was sitting here with my girlfriend and a guy came up with a little gold thing, gave it to me, and then said it was $5, so we gave it back."

"My girlfriend said maybe he was a real monk, but I was iffy," Mike added. "It's shitty that they give real monks a bad name."

This week's signage campaign launched within days of the NYPD's enforcement of mandatory activity zones for costumed characters in Times Square, and the City Council's passage of wide-ranging regulations for ticket sellers near downtown ferry terminals, including steep fines and jail time for aggressive solicitation.

"We hope we don't have to go to that point," Hammond said. "But we're trying this out and we're going to see how it works."

Anecdotally, the signs seem to be having some impact. We walked the length of the High Line from Gansevoort to 30th for an hour Friday, and didn't see a single monk (granted, it was a weekday morning). A Reddit thread contains similar observations. Mike Acosta, visiting from Woodbridge, New Jersey, said he saw one monk this morning, exiting the A/C/E at 8th Avenue. "He didn't talk to us but he talked to a few people," Acosta said.

Earlier this week, fake monks worked their hustle on the Times Square pedestrian plazas, apparently disregarding the green painted boxes where all ticket sellers and tip-solicitors are now technically required to stand. One reporter observed that the NYPD didn't seem to mind.

Additional reporting by Gabriela Del Valle
On November 10th, 2015, 49-year-old Samuel Reyes was arrested in the Bronx on the suspicion that he'd been involved in an armed robbery. He was taken to the NYPD's 49th precinct stationhouse in Morris Park and placed in one of two holding cells directly across from the front desk. The next evening, he was found unresponsive and hanging from a bar in that holding cell, apparently having used a piece of cloth from his robe to hang himself. He was pronounced brain dead at the hospital, and, two days later, had passed away.

Since then, Reyes's family has struggled to get answers from the NYPD about the details of his death, and after months of frustration, they are now suing the NYPD, Commissioner Bratton, and a number of individual officers from the 49th precinct stationhouse, arguing that they could have prevented Reyes's death and should have been more cooperative with the family in the aftermath.

According to the suit, filed yesterday in federal court, Reyes's holding cell was about 25 feet away from the front desk in the police station, within the direct line of vision of the NYPD officer who was tasked with keeping an eye on individuals detained in those cellsbut when he was found dead on the evening of November 11th, that officer was nowhere to be found, the suit alleges.

Reyes was then cut down from the bar from which he was found hanging and transported to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was placed on life support, but remained in NYPD custody. The officers present shackled and handcuffed him to the bed, according to the suit, which notes that "he was not in any conceivable manner or fashion a threat to flee or a threat to do harm to himself or to anyone else." Those officers also allegedly limited Reyes's family's access to his hospital room.

By that point, his family had retained attorneys, who were stunned to see that Reyes was restrained and told the officers present that it was "not only an affront to the Reyes family members, it was barbaric, shocking and an affront to the very humanity of Samuel Reyes and to his family members," as was the limitation the NYPD placed on his family's access to the room. Still, Reyes remained handcuffed and shackled until he died two days later.

Within days of his death, the sergeant who'd allegedly shirked his or her responsibility of watching and monitoring Reyes's holding cell had been placed on modified duty by NYPD Commissioner Bratton, who told reporters that the sergeant was indeed supposed to have been working the front desk at the time of Reyes's death.

"We also have an obligation when they're in our custody for their well being, so I'm very concerned, naturally, that somebody was able to hang himself in one of our cells, a cell that was in view in front of the front desk," Bratton said several days after Reyes's death.

But the suit argues that the fact that someone in a holding cell could hang himself without anyone at the precinct noticing "is more than 'concerning.' Rather, it is sort of shocking! Actually, it is not sort of shocking. It is shocking!" Attorneys for Reyes's family also condemn the treatment that the family, and specifically Reyes's mother, has received from the NYPD since November: they call it "disgraceful and shocking," and say that "the lack of information and the delay in concluding the investigation is very, very problematic and troubling."

They've submitted a Freedom of Information Law request on behalf of the Reyes family, asking for all information that the NYPD has about Reyes's death. However, the suit states that they've been told they can't receive any of that information, including the name of the sergeant placed on modified duty, because the investigation is pending. They were similarly provided with little information when they FOILed the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which looked into a complaint filed by one of Reyes's family members following his death, the suit claims.

Reyes's family has also asked Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office to investigate Reyes's death, per Governor Cuomo's executive order from last summer that appointed Schneiderman as a Special Prosecutor for police-related civilian deaths. They were told the matter didn't fall under Schneiderman's jurisdiction, according to the suit, but that perplexed the family's attorneys, who knew that Schneiderman's office had undertaken a similar investigation the death of Raynette Turner, who died in a holding cell in Mount Vernon last August (though Schneiderman wound up determining that the police were not culpable in that case).

Schneiderman's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Reyes's family's request.

"They said it doesn't really fall into their jurisdiction, but we think it absolutely does fall into the jurisdiction," said Jenny Marashi, one of the attorneys for the Reyes family. "They, under that executive order, are supposed to investigate...otherwise it's sort of like being on a cruise ship and someone dying on the ship, and the person who does the investigation is the cruise ship company."

The family is now turning to civil litigation. According to their attorneys, they're looking to get information from the investigation into his death; monetary damages for the role they allege the city played in his death; and policy changes, both in terms of the NYPD's procedures for monitoring people in holding cells and in terms of providing information to families after such a death.

Reyes's apparent suicide was one of several similar cases in a relatively short timeframe: between May 2015 and February 2016, three people hanged themselves in city holding cells. And the country as a whole has seen an uptick in holding cell deaths: since 2000, over 4,000 people have died while detained in local jails, and the suicide rate increased 23% between 2009 and 2013.

"Jail suicides are something that happen not super frequently, but rather frequently," Marashi said. "There's supposed to be procedures in place to prevent that from happening. Here, it's not really clear what the policies were."

In the case of Sandra Bland, who police said died while in their custody in a Texas jail, her family members publicly questioned the assumption that her death was a suicide, while suing authorities and alleging wrongful death. Similarly, Reyes's family has questioned the official cause of his death, stating that "he would never take his life," though this suit does not explicitly contest that his death was a suicide.

Still, Marashi said, "until we have the report of the investigation, I won't rest completely assured."

The NYPD deferred comment on the Reyes family's suit to the city's Law Department, who said only that it will review the complaint.
With the L Train shutdown looming over parts of Brooklyn and Manhattanand a seemingly unstoppable population boom along the developing Williamsburg waterfrontnew transportation solutions are being tossed at the wall. While the inflatable tunnel isn't going to stick, the East River Skyway couldsure, it may sound like that Monorail idea that was pitched to the people of Springfield, USA, but even Gridlock Sam thinks it could work.

This gondola systemcalled the Skywaywas first proposed in 2014 by New York City's own Lyle Lanley, a dreamer named Dan Levy. His high-speed gondola would connect a number of areas along Manhattan and the Brooklyn and Queens waterfronts, bringing a new car to each station approximately every thirty seconds. But could this ever happen, really?

We spoke with transportation engineer and former DOT deputy commissioner Sam Schwartz (a.k.a. Gridlock Sam) about the idea this week, and he told us that "naysayers" are just one of its obstacles, but that the idea could work, and is solid "engineering-wise."

"We need more capacity across the East River [and] aerial trams should not be discountedRoosevelt Islands has been successful. I suspect a well-designed similar system for Brooklyn and Queens to Manhattan trips would be successful, too." However, Schwartz added, "The pitfallssimilar to the bridgesare land acquisition, clearance over navigable waterways, costs, narrow thinking and naysayers. [It] would need federally elected official support for Coast Guard permit." Those are a lot of hurdles to jump, but Levy has only been emboldened by news that the L train will suspend service between Brooklyn and Manhattan for an extended period of tunnel repair work in the near future.

"Since the L train announcement," Levy tells us, "were seeing intensified interest from the public because the East River Skyway is the only proposal currently out there that offers a new solution to the challenges the shutdown will cause. Traditional solutions like adding buses and ferries and having people use other subway lines are all part of the answer, but they have limitations that call for outside-the-box thinking.

Levy says he has conferred with policymakers and community leaders, and understands the uphill battle he faces to make his (privately-funded) dream a reality. "As you can imagine, building a transportation system over the river requires compliance with many regulations, such as height requirements for ship traffic. All of these are surmountable, but its a process. Weve taken these challenges into account."

As for the engineering and private financing, Levy claims it's all feasible, noting that "gondola systems like this are in use for commuters in cities around the world, so there is strong precedent." (Levy points to London, which began cable car service in 2012, just before the Olympics.)

Phase One of Levy's plan would have a gondola running alongside the Williamsburg Bridge, which could be the most realistic route to make a realityLevy says "the crossing alongside the Williamsburg Bridge means its not necessary to vet a whole new crossing zone from scratch. There are four phases to his plan, which you can see rolled out in this video:

Still, it seems like a pipe dream. So we asked Levy to break down the positives and negatives for us:

There are many positives, starting with an amazingly fast commute into the heart of Manhattan (less than five minutes from Williamsburg to Delancey and Christie), with incredible views. There would be no on-site emissions, making it totally green. Gondolas also have an unparalleled safety record; they are much safer than any other form of mass transit (trains, buses, taxis, etc.). Modern gondolas are silent. It would be high capacity (able to move 5,000+ people per hour per direction), and operates continuously, unlike a train. This means a car will leave the station every 30 seconds, so there would be no need to wait at station. Lastly, it will be a new iconic addition to the citys skyline, and commuters and tourists alike will enjoy using it.

Negatives: None.

Spoken like a true salesman.

If Levy's dream does become a reality, he tells us it could be ready to go in 18 months, and a monthly unlimited pass would cost just $25.
After the Ramen Burger forever altered the fundamental nature of the Japanese dish back in 2013, everyone was looking for a way to cash in on the ramen zeitgeist with their own noodle food mashup, to varying degrees of success. Osaka Grub, a new stand opening up in the Essex Street Market next Tuesday, looks to transform another Japanese culinary staple into a familiar American template, making okonomiyaki sliders using the Japanese pancakes as the buns.

David Senn, a London ex-pat, and Diana Tam, a native New Yorker, met in Tokyo and became enamored with the savory dish, which translates to "what you like." "We take a very traditional approach on our regular okonomiyaki," Senn told us, a version ($8) of which they'll be griddling up at their new quasi-brick-and-mortar. The same batter is then poured into molds to create the slider "buns," which will hold a beef patty, pickled ginger, bonito flakes, and aonori, a type of green seaweed ($6).



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

The duo have been popping up at mobile markets like Hester Street Fair and LIC Flea & Food, where they began their business in 2015. Quick Bites columnist Scott Lynch tried the burgers at Hester earlier this year and determined that the burgers had "potential," which will presumably be maximized with a more formal kitchen to work in.

They'll also be making Hashimaki ($6), a riff on okonomiyaki that's rolled onto chopsticks for portable eating, then topped with either bacon and bonito flakes or a vegetarian mushroom and miso. Karaagedeep fried chickenwill also be on offer, either plain ($6) or as a Karaage Slider ($4) on a potato roll.

Osaka Grub opens inside the Essex Street Market on Tuesday, operating six days a week (excluding Mondays).

For a peek at something similar to what you'll get at their stand, here's us learning how to make okonomiyaki ourselves:

Video by Jessica Leibowitz
In his first major event in New York City since losing the state's Democratic presidential primary in April, Bernie Sanders rallied his supporters and encouraged them to keep their sense of outrage as they attempt to transform the Democratic party leading up to its convention in July. Sanders, who has not officially dropped out of the race, gave no indication that he would continue to seek the nomination, and pledged he would do everything in his power to help defeat Donald Trump.

Sanders also made no mention of Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, during his 70-minute speech that his campaign had titled, Where We Go From Here.

Pledging to influence the Democratic party by pushing for the most progressive party plank in its history, Sanders told the enthusiastic crowd at Town Hall in midtown that were going to open the door for ordinary people, for working people, and young people, rather than wealthy campaign contributors, to be running that party.

Despite chants of third party and never Hillary, Sanders stuck closely to the topics that have energized his supporters, including the expansion of Medicare and the dismantlement of the big banks. He also continued to press his supporters to get involved in politics themselves, announcing that since a speech he made online last week, over 20,000 people had signed up to either run or help someone run for political office.

While expressing his appreciation for the small donations that drove his campaign, one supporter shouted from the crowd, Its because we love you, Bernie. Sanders quickly responded, But its not about me, it has to be about us!



(Getty)

Before the speech, Sanders supporters seemed ready for some degree of guidance from the candidate. While very few conceded that Sanders no longer had a realistic chance of winning the nomination, many seemed encouraged by the impact their candidate had already made on the national discourse.

I believe that Bernie has made a huge impact on the Hillary campaign. Had he not run, Hillary would not be so aligned with a good majority of the democratic voters, said Parisa Vahdatinia, 31, who phone-banked for Bernie and attended his massive April rally in Washington Square Park. I think her opinion has significantly changed about a number of issueseducation, minimum wage, health care. So, even if he doesnt win, even if he doesnt become president or V.P., his impact will reverberate for every Democratic election from here on out.

Directly before Sanders jumped into an attack on Trump, the Vermont Senator indirectly pressed his former Democratic opponent on what might remain the largest policy difference between the two candidatesClintons foreign policy. If we have not yet learned the dangers of arbitrary regime change, then shame on us, Sanders said. Its not enough to talk about overthrowing dictators, you have to be talking about what happens the day after.

But Sanders soon pivoted towards a discussion of Trump, signaling that while he might never fully get behind the former Secretary of State (although he pledged to vote for her this morning) he would still make sure that his supporters steer clear of her general election opponent.

Its hard to imagine a man who has such limited capabilities being president. And its not just that this man wants to get hundreds of million of dollars of tax breaks and that he thinks climate change is a hoax. Its even uglier, Sanders told the crowd, who was booing at the very mention of Trump. Think of the struggles that we have gone through as a nation. Hundreds of years fighting against racism, fighting against sexism, and this guy is making the cornerstone of his campaign his bigotry.

On Wednesday, Trump reached out to Sanders supporters in an attempt to convert their dissatisfaction with the Democratic party into support for his own campaign.

Sitting in the third row, Yvan Mojica, of Forest Hills, was skeptical about Trumps chances of winning over the Bernie crowd.

I think hes out of his mind. I dont think that anybody who truly believes in the values that Bernie represents could possibly agree with anything that Donald Trump is saying or doing, Mojica told Gothamist. Theres too much negativity to his campaign, too much racism, and he represents the corporate elite, which is something we want to get far away from.



(Getty)

Sanders wrapped up his speech by calling again for his supporters to get involved in politics, and to keep the revolution going. The struggle continues, Sanders told the energized crowd before leaving the stage.

Outside Town Hall, campaign workers from several local races where Sanders has endorsed candidates raced to take down information and find voters in their districts. Brendan ONeill, 23, of White Plains, wished that Bernie had been a little more concrete about what happens now and how they can continue to exert influence over the political machine.

I feel like he covered a lot of bases, but he didnt have a real focus, ONeill said. Once the election is over, and once Hillary doesnt need the half of the Democratic party that she doesnt appeal to, the party will go back to letting these huge issues that Bernie brought up slide. They wont need us anymore.
Today's one of those all-too-familiar days where our civilization seems to be teetering on the brink of collapse, and routine disruptions to our city's infrastructure pale a bit in comparison to massive disruptions in international relations. Still, even the Brexit can't keep the weekend from rolling around, and with it comes the annual Pride March, which perhaps you thought you'd get to by subway. With changes on 14 trains this weekend, that might be easier said than done.

Here's what's on tap:

1 trains are not running in either direction between 14 St and South Ferry, from 11:30 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday. Free shuttle buses will run between Chambers St and South Ferry.

2 trains are running local in both directions between Chambers St and 34 St-Penn Station, from 11:30 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday. From 3:45 a.m. on Saturday to 10 p.m. on Sunday, they'll run in two sections: between Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College and E 180, and via the 5 to and from Eastchester-Dyre Av; and between E 180 St and Wakefield-241 St. Also, from 3:45 a.m. on Saturday to 10 p.m. on Sunday, E 180 St-bound 2 trains will run express from Wakefield-241 St to E 180 St.

3 trains will run to and from New Lots Avenue from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday, replacing the 4 in Brooklyn. Also, from 11:30 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday, 3 trains will run local in both directions between Chambers St and 34 St-Penn Station.

4 trains are running local in both directions between 125 St and Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday. Also during that time, uptown 4 trains will skip Astor Pl, and 4 trains will be suspended in both directions between New Lots Av/Crown Hts-Utica Ave and Brooklyn Bridge.

5 trains are not running in either direction between Bowling Green and Grand Central-42 St, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday. From 3:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and from 9:45 p.m. Saturday to 9:30 a.m. Sunday, 5 shuttle service will be replaced by the 2 between Eastchester-Dyre Av and E 180 St.

Uptown 6 trains will skip Astor Pl from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday.

A trains will be rerouted via the F in both directions between W 4 St-Wash Sq and Jay St-Metrotech, from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday. Also during that time, downtown A trains will run express from 145 St to 59 St-Columbus Circle. From 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to 5 a.m. on Monday, A trains are not running in either direction between Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd and Rockaway Blvd. Free shuttle buses will run instead. And lastly, from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to 5 a.m. on Monday, A trains will run local in both directions between W 4 St-Wash Sq and Columbus Circle.

C trains will be rerouted via the F in both directions between W 4 St-Wash Sq and Jay St-MetroTech, from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Also during that time, downtown C trains will run express from 145 St to 59 St-Columbus Circle.

Coney Island-Stillwell Av-bound D trains will be rerouted via the N line from 36 St to Coney Island-Stillwell Av, from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 10 p.m. on Sunday. From 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to 5 a.m. on Monday, Norwood-205 St-bound D trains will stop at 14 St and 23 St.

E trains will be rerouted via the F in both directions between 21 St-Queensbridge and W 4 St-Wash Sq. Free shuttle buses will run between Court Sq-23 St and 21 St-Queensbridge. Also, from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to 5 a.m. on Monday, World Trade Center-bound E trains will run local in Queens. From 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 6:30 a.m. on Sunday and from 11:45 p.m. on Sunday to 5 a.m. on Monday, Jamaica Center/Parsons Archer-bound E trains will run express from the 21 St-Queensbridge F station to Forest Hills-71 Av, and will skip 75 Av, Briarwood, and Sutphin Blvd.

Jamaica-bound F trains will skip 75 Av, Briarwood, and Sutphin Blvd from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday. Also during that time, Coney Island-Stillwel Av-bound F trains will run express from Church Av to Jay St-Metrotech. And from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to 5 a.m. on Monday, Coney Island-Stillwell Av-bound F trains will run local from Forest Hills-71 Av to 21 St-Queensbridge.

G trains are not running in either direction between Church Av and Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts, from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday.

Forest Hills-71 Av-bound R trains will run express from Queens Plaza to Forest Hills-71 Av, from 6:30 a.m. to 12 midnight on Saturday and Sunday.

The Rockaway Park S shuttle service will be replaced with A trains from 6:30 a.m. to 12 midnight on Saturday and Sunday.
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Finding Dory

At the Cinemark

(PG)

Grade: A-

A new lady stands atop the Girl Power podium this summer.

Move over Katniss, Princess Anna and Rey.

Its Dorys turn.

Dory is a blue tang fish, bright blue with yellow fins and a yellow tail.

Weve met Dory before, of course. She helped Marlin, the clownfish, find his lost son Nemo in the 2003 Disney classic that grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide.

Dorys moved from back-up fish to lead swimmer in Pixars latest hit Finding Dory. The film earned $200 million in its first four days of release, the largest opening ever for an animated feature.

All hail, Pixar, queen of family cinema.

Finding Dory has one predictable fault thats softened by two virtues.

The weakness, of course, is that this is a sequel that never swims too far from the original boat, Finding Nemo.

We might call this script Disneys Amazing Grace formula: Nemo and Dory both were lost, but now are found. Cue the choir and lets go home. (Sidenote: Best version of Amazing Grace belongs to Judy Collins. Google it.)

But just because we know the ending, doesnt mean we wont love the movie.

Finding Dory stays afloat because of Pixars brilliant animation and because of the scripts courage to introduce a heroine with a disability into the pantheon of animated lore.

Dory suffers from short-term memory loss. We knew about her disability in Nemo, but this time her struggle with memory takes center stage.

Dory cant find her parents because shes forgotten where shes from. More than that, Dory cant even remember what she said moments ago.

Dory is a humble girl and is forever apologizing for her bad memory. In a subtle subtext to this movie, those who love Dory encourage her to stop apologizing: to stop saying, Im sorry.

Her friends encourage her to accept herself just as she is: embrace her abilities, rather than dwelling on her disability.

By films end, Dory has absorbed that message and begins to see herself as a whole person. She may be different than others, but shes not inferior to others -- in fact, everyone who encounters her has their spirits lifted. Dorys bright and colorful, in every way.

This transformation of Dory from Im sorry to Im OK dovetails with a wider feminist issue thats gaining momentum: encouraging women to stop apologizing so often -- and rather to embrace their power and potential.

But Dory is no feminist tract, rather its an uplifting family story. The handling of memory loss is clearly an intentional choice by plucky Pixar.

The producers talked about the handling of Dorys disability before the film was released.

Dorys memory loss is addressed as the movie progresses as something that she needs to stop apologizing for, said producer Lindsey Collins. We felt it was important that  shes not apologetic about anything.

Dorys condition has been compared to early onset Alzheimers although thats not quite accurate, say researchers.

However, in an article published in the British Medical Journal, clinical neuropsychologist Sallie Baxendale praises the science in Dorys story.

It is perhaps ironic that one of the most neuropsychologically accurate portrayals of an amnesic syndrome at the movies comes not from a human character but from an animated blue tropical fish, wrote Baxendale.

Baxendale was praising Finding Nemo, and Im sure shell have more praise for Finding Dory where the disability is spotlighted.

Disney and the Alzheimers Association missed a golden opportunity -- actually a bright blue opportunity -- to link their two organizations during the run of this movie.

One savvy group of Alzheimers fundraisers in Memphis has set up a Dory donation site for their regional Alzheimers walk.

But the national ALS organization has not jumped on board.

Perhaps thats because Disney didnt want to market the film as one about a disability. Thats understandable, but, if true, a bit cowardly.

Some websites dedicated to awareness about disability have jumped on board, however. A young animated heroine who embraces her disability is an inspiring role model. (For the record, doll manufacturers are starting to create more dolls with disabilities.)

Beyond building awareness of memory loss, Finding Dory also showcases exquisite state-of-the-art animation -- and an enviable cast of people and voices. Ellen Degeneres is the perfect Dory, and her parents are memorable thanks to Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton.

We meet an assortment of cute and funny creatures including Hank the Octopus, Becky the Loon bird, the territorial sea lions and Destiny the huggable shark.

Pixar animators do extraordinary work to make these creatures appealing, despite not having a compelling narrative surrounding Dorys quest. Nothing much happens at the party, but we sure do enjoy spending time with the guests.

Two friendly alerts  one pre one post:

First, theres a very nice scene that follows the closing credits for those willing to wait. Only one loyal Dory fan stuck around the afternoon I was there.

Finally, the Pixar six-minute short film that precedes Dory is a dazzling achievement.

Piper tells the story of a baby sandpiper who overcomes his fear of water thanks to a helpful hermit crab. The animation is even better than in Dory and the story is just plain sweet.

Come early. Stay late.

Footnote: The national Alzheimers organization has a 24/7 hotline to answer questions and help make referrals. Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to call. I tested the process, and Sherry in the Chicago office was wonderful -- and hopes Ill spread the word about their free service.

Alzheimers Helpline: (800) 272-3900, always open.
June 22

On June 22 at 2:23 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Last Chance Gulch for a report of a possible physical altercation. The officers met with the complainant but the suspects had left prior to the officers' arrival. The case is active.

On June 22 at 3:28 a.m., officers responded to the area of Henderson and Euclid for a report of individuals yelling and causing a disturbance. The case is inactive.

On June 22 at 6:35 a.m., an officer responded to the 600 block of Cannon for a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle. The complainant advised that someone damaged the mirror on his vehicle during the night. The case is active.

On June 22 at 10:38 a.m., an officer responded to the Detention Center to meet with a male who had a confirmed warrant for his arrest. The officer met with the individual, a 23-year-old man, who was served with the warrant. The case is inactive.

On June 22 at 12:20 p.m., an officer responded to the 1400 block of Lyndale for a report of criminal mischief. The case is active.

On June 22 at 1:36 p.m., an officer responded to the 1700 block of Warehouse for a report of fraud. The case is active.

On June 22 at 1:47 p.m., an officer spoke with a complainant in the 800 block of Cooke concerning a possible theft. The case is active.

On June 22 at 3:12 p.m., an officer met with a complainant in the 1200 block of Last Chance Gulch concerning found property. The case is active.

On June 22 at 3:17 p.m., an officer responded to the 100 block of Last Chance Gulch for a report of a theft/shoplift. At the conclusion of the investigation, a 35-year-old man was cited and released for theft/shoplift.

On June 22 at 5:14 p.m., an officer responded to the 1300 block of Butte for a report of criminal mischief. There is suspect information and the case is active.

On June 22 at 5:26 p.m., an officer responded to the 1000 block of Helena Avenue for a report of a trespass and theft from a motor vehicle. There is suspect information and the case is active.

On June 22 at 7:59 p.m., an officer responded to the 800 block of Davis for a report of a verbal altercation. At the conclusion of the investigation, a 31-year-old woman was placed under arrest for warrants out of Justice Court and Municipal Court.

On June 22 at 9:17 p.m., an officer spoke with a complainant concerning a lost wallet. The wallet was lost in the Helena area.

On June 22 at 11:27 p.m., an officer met with a complainant concerning a theft that occurred in the 2000 block of Prospect. The case is active.
East Helena Public Schools acceptance of about 50 donated acres comes with environmental cleanup costs but also a vision for future school expansion.

The school district expects to soon close on the Dartman property just north on Valley Drive from Radley School -- a donation from the Montana Environmental Trust Group, which owns the land and controls assets from the Asarco settlement.

While no specific plans are proposed for new school construction, the district feels it needs to be proactive as it approaches capacity with anticipated future growth, said Superintendent Ron Whitmoyer. With current enrollment at about 1,200 students, a 1,300-student capacity and new housing going up, school officials believe facilities accommodating about 1,800 students are needed.

It may not be today but maybe 10 years down the road we need to plan to the future, he said. So were looking at the property as a long-term investment.

Dartman has advantages over other properties the district considered in a 2014 Great West Engineering feasibility report, Whitmoyer noted. The location allows connection to East Helena city services. Estimated cleanup costs also fell lower than other sites. And remediating the property, which has elevated lead levels, progresses the community as it deals with the challenges of Superfund status.

The kind of cool thing here is the piece of property is currently contaminated and has limited usage, Whitmoyer said. Through this deal we can take this property, remediate it and put it back into a healthy condition for the health of the community.

The old Dartman ranch totals more than 150 acres. Historic testing showed elevated lead levels, with at least one sample exceeding 4,000 parts per million. The standard for residential cleanup is 500 parts per million or less.

Dartman has seen some remediation of flood channels and a former residence in 1998 and 2002 due to elevated lead and arsenic levels, according to EPA reports. More recent testing shows elevated lead levels still exist across the entirety of the 50-acre donation, topping out at 2,910 parts per million.

Building a school or schools on the site means the district paying remediation costs. The cleanup plan is similar to what occurred at East Valley Middle School using extensive deep tilling, a process of mixing contaminated surface soils with clean material underneath until contamination dilutes to safe levels.

What the property will not become is the home of a future high school, Whitmoyer said. The site is not large enough for a high school while it could support two elementary schools and one middle school, he said.

A bill last year to give East Helena an option on becoming its own high school district did not get legislative approval but maintains sizable community support.

The district contracted Olympus Technical Services to apply for a grant with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation that, if successful, will infuse $500,000 for the cleanup. The application and conceptual plan calls for a mix of remediation methods averaging nearly $26,000 per acre, with the majority of the nearly $1.3 million in cleanup costs not coming until construction.

Olympus would not answer questions about the conceptual plan or related grant application, citing a company policy against talking to media, and referred questions to Whitmoyer.

The projects conceptual plan calls for deep tilling much of the property while areas will be capped with clean material or asphalt parking lots while playgrounds and other similar areas would be stripped of surface soil and replaced with clean soil.

The DNRC grant, which is subject to approval by the 2017 Legislature, would essentially cover costs of deep tilling the property. The grant is critically important to the district, Whitmoyer said, but ultimately comes down to the decision of 150 legislators and the governor.

Without the grant, the district would have to finance cleanup fully, which it must do via bonding for the remaining cleanup and future construction costs, he said.

Were going to go to the fullest length that we possibly can to be protective without extravagantly spending money just for the sake of spending money, Whitmoyer said. Because were a Superfund site, theres very limited opportunity for additional assistance from outside sources, so this grant is a good opportunity for us.

The current conceptual plan and grant application includes several differences in design from the Great West siting report. Great West identifies soil removal and replacement as the only viable remediation method due to rocky soil conditions that make deep tilling more expensive. The report also shows a north to south 50-acre footprint along Valley Drive, as opposed to the current east to west footprint.

Great West project manager Todd Kuxhaus explained his firms report as a planning level document with an overview of multiple sites. The report is intentionally conservative in its cost estimations, he said, adding that the preliminary nature of the analysis means that more refined analysis could show deep tilling or combined methods as viable.

Whitmoyer noted that the EPAs preferred and much more cost effective remediation method is deep tilling, and the grant application notes concerns among East Helenans of the stream of heavy trucks needed to transport contaminated soil.

The east to west footprint was largely driven by METG with the donation, said East Helena School Board Chairman Scott Walter. As the trust looks to future sale and development of its property, access to Valley Drive likely factored into the offer, he said.

METG East Helena Director of Cleanup & Redevelopment Cindy Brooks said the beneficiaries, made up of federal and state agencies, approved the donation rather than ask for fair market value. Discussions with the EPA, Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Montana Department of Justice all led to approval of the donation after examination of the districts cleanup plan, she said.

It is an ideal property for the school and they desperately need to expand their facilities, Brooks said, while also praising the districts decision to be proactive.

The trust faces an ultimately unknown cleanup cost as the EPA moves toward a final remediation plan, called a corrective measures study. The $94 million settlement with Asarco for East Helena has already partially funded interim measures and cleanup at the smelter site.

With finite assets funding yet to be determined remediation costs, Brooks was asked why the trust is willing to simply give its assets away.

Much of the challenge with the contaminated lands comes with the stigma they carry, she said.

Weve been working with the district on several different parcels back to 2010, and weve incurred technical costs, legal fees and technical teams to put together concepts to pursue for our beneficiaries and all the time incurring costs to the trust, Brooks said. The trust has a responsibility to clean up the site, to manage the funds to facilitate and sell all of its land holdings, and its quite possible we wont be able to get the best deal of the century.

Brooks believes the remediation and development of Dartman may serve as a model for future development and sale of trust lands.

To get a project as big and complicated as East Helena kicked off, the first, it could be a catalyst, and I believe once East Helena Public Schools develops that property, it speaks to the viability of all the rest of the property, she said.
DECATUR  Claire Pschigoda waited with her two sisters and a friend on the St. Paul's Lutheran Church lawn Thursday morning while other children played, jumped and ran around them.

The heat wasn't keeping them from the activities: The girls had other priorities.

Our dad is at work, and he's wanting to hear us on the radio, she said.

Claire, 12, was one of many from the surrounding communities invited to attend the WBGL Backyard Bounce. Four inflatable obstacle courses traveled along with the Christian radio station's morning personalities, Lindsey Capperrune and Johnathon Eltrevoog. The crew has traveled throughout the listening area for the past 10 days broadcasting their show along side the bounce houses. We have a big listening area, Capperrune said. It is our way of stopping by at each location throughout the summer and having some fun.

According to Andrea Gerhard, St. Paul Lutheran Church director of communication, the events entertain almost 1,000 people at each stop. As well as the inflatables, families had opportunities to play games and win prizes, such as gift certificates, candy and other novelty items.This is a healthy crowd, she said. It is one of the biggest crowds I have seen.'

Katie Patrick of Mount Zion brought her children to the Backyard Bounce. The family has visited the event in past years. It's nice because it is free and gets them out of the house, she said. We've been here 20 minutes, and we've done several things.

Decatur was the ninth day of the tour before the last stop in their hometown of Champaign. The show began in Effingham, then traveled to communities in Southern Illinois, Northern Illinois, the Chicago area and other stops in Central Illinois. St. Paul's Lutheran Church co-ponsored the event adding other games and activities to the festivities.

The Backyard Bounce has stopped in Decatur during the past nine years, most recently in Fairview Park. They weren't able to get into the park this year, so we offered up the space, Gerhard said.

Gerhard has found the Backyard Bounce is an ideal time to welcome the public to the church campus. Not only are our kids out here, but kids from day cares too, she said. This is a field trip for them.

The radio personalities enjoy themselves at the events as much as the children. According to the WBGL promotions director Jennifer Briski, the event offers a face with the names the families hear on the radio.

Eltrevoog welcomes the opportunities to step away from the studio and meet the listeners. The thing we don't like about radio is that it is one-way, he said. This is a neat way for us to express our faith to anybody in the community.
Today, a few hours later, Pope Francis will make an historic visit to Armenia.

The visit will go down as one of the most important, if not the most important, events for Armenia this year.

Besides the visits importance politically, spiritual and culturally, it also has economic ramifications.

To start with, theres the internationally marketing of Armenia that will result. Armenia will be front-page news for several days. This is basically free publicity for Armenia as a whole and for the various sites that Pope Francis will visit during his three-day stay.

On June 19, Armenias Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, on its Twitter account, that some 600 had applied for accreditation to cover the Roman Catholic Pontiffs visit to Armenia. Many of these reporters will be from overseas, representing many prominent newspapers and magazines.

If people thought that Kim Kardashians visit to Armenia last year was a big deal in terms of media coverage, Pope Francis will blow her out of the water in terms of international coverage.

From a purely publicity perspective, the fact that Pope Francis has announced that his visit is a personal pilgrimage to the first Christian nation bodes well for Armenia in terms of attracting pious, and the just plain curious, tourists from the world over.

According to The Catholic Register, around 3,000 pilgrims will visit Armenia on the occasion of the Popes visit.

This will be a welcomed shot in the arm for the local tourist trade, especially in Yerevan and Gyumri. Hotel bookings started going up right after the Popes visit to Armenia had been officially announced.

Specialists in the tourist trade estimate that, on average, one tourist who stays up to a week in Armenia spends between US$500 and $1,000. This increases to $1,500 for slightly longer stays.

If those 3,000 pilgrims, we mentioned earlier spend just a few days in Armenia that will translated into a $3 million cash infusion into the local economy.
By Ani Melkonian

Armenia Tree Project is not just any environmental NGO. It is one of those great stories you wish you could be a part of. A story set in the early 1990s about an Armenian-American activist named Carolyn Mugar who had the wisdom and foresight to start an organization that would work to prevent Armenia from desertification.

Flash-forward 22 years later and the organizationis responsible forplantingmore thanfive million trees throughout Armenia and Artsakh. ATP has created hundreds of green jobs in Armenia and even taken important strides in the sphere of environmental education. Its mission is larger than life: planting and caring for trees, these mystic beings without which life on earth would not be possible.

The story has inspired thousands of people as well as organizations such as Birthright Armenia, Armenian Volunteer Corps and the US Peace Corps,whose volunteers have offered their time and skillsto ATP over the years.

Birthright Armenia in particular aims to tie diasporan youth to the homeland and to strengthen their identity through volunteer service and internships. So, naturally, ATP and Birthright have collaborated for many years.

Partnerships multiply the reach, the impact and the value that each organization creates. Our 12 year collaboration with ATP embodies this spirit, says Birthright Armenia Country Director Sevan Kabakian.



Volunteering with ATP offers the perfect opportunity to give back and make adifference. It makes for a rich and diverse experience. Whether youre looking to learn and see more of Armenia, exchange skills, work with village residents, or help educate children in the ways of the environment, explains Communications and Outreach Manager Kristine Hovsepyan, who also manages ATPs volunteer program. Whether youre a tree-hugger or just someone who cares about nature and people, ATP has a green job for you.



There are several areaswhere volunteers can assist ATP:in the Community Tree Planting program, the Forestry division,the Environmental Education department,thePR department oratone of ATPs tree nurseries.

Natalie Shahbol, a Water Science major from California was the latest ATP volunteer from Birthright. During her two month stay Natalie went to Karin Village on a weekly basis to assist with lessons at the Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center. Her activities included assisting the teacher, preparing presentations, and conducting games and activities for visiting schoolchildren.



Having the chance to interact and learn from students has to be one of my favorite parts of volunteering at ATP, says Natalie.

Details about ATPs volunteer program are posted on the Get Involved tab of their website. Typically, volunteers are required to be a part of the Birthright Armenia program, which provides some financial support and structure including homestay housing, language training and a network of other volunteers who participate in excursions and group events.

Candidates for the ATP program must be 20-32 years old and must have graduated from high school. Candidates must also have a minimum stay of four weeks in Armenia in order to be able to volunteer for ATP, and placement depends on the candidates background and specific area of interest which should be outlined in their ATP application form.

When it comes to non-profits, every small action contributes to something bigger. Ultimately, when volunteering for ATP you are volunteering in the greening of Armenia so if thecause strikes a chord with you then be prepared to get your hands and shoes muddy, notes Hovsepyan. If this speaks to you then its time to sign up and help create a greener, more sustainable Armenia.

Armenia Tree Project has planted more than five million trees since its inception in 1994. The NGO is the only major tree planting program in the country and in its 22 years has successfully established four nurseries, two environmental education centers and has greened community areas in every province of Armenia and Artsakh. In the process, the organization has provided employment for hundreds of people and provided vital resources to thousands of village residents. For more information, visit the website www.armeniatree.org.

Photo: A group of volunteers from Birthright Armenia helped ATP establish a small community forest in ParuyrSevak Village
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PLEASANT PRAIRIE  A 9-year-old boy has been returned safely to his family after the car he was sleeping in the back of was stolen from a Pleasant Prairie gas station early Thursday morning, according to police.

Police responded at approximately 2:11 a.m. to the Mobil gas station in Pleasant Prairie at 7511 118th St. for a report of a stolen vehicle, according to a Pleasant Prairie news release.

A caller indicated that the vehicle was stolen while a child was sleeping in the back seat. The father said that he and his two sons were here on vacation from California. They had stopped at the station, and the father and his 14-year-old son went inside, leaving the sleeping 9-year-old in the rear seat of the running vehicle, according to the release.

Moments later, they exited the store and found that their 2016 Hyundai rental vehicle was gone. Officers shared the vehicle description with area law enforcement agencies and began efforts to track the fathers cell phone, which was in the rental car, police said.

At approximately 2:40 a.m., a Lake County Sheriffs Deputy observed the stolen vehicle on I-294 near Willow Road. Illinois law enforcement authorities pursued the vehicle, which initially refused to stop. When the vehicle eventually stopped, the child was found unharmed, still sleeping in the back seat of the vehicle, police reported.

A 58-year-old Kenosha man was taken into custody by Illinois authorities and is being held in the Lake County Sheriffs Department Jail pending extradition proceedings.

It is a good reminder that we need to keep our property secure. We go through a number of thefts from vehicles. When you leave your vehicle...make sure your valuables are out of sight and your valuables are locked up, said Pleasant Prairie Police Chief David Smetana.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this matter is asked to contact the Pleasant Prairie Police Department at 262-694-7353 or Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at 800-807-8477.
Security video camera systems are coming to both East Towne and West Towne Malls in Madison, the malls owner said Friday.

The announcement comes four days after Genele Laird was arrested at East Towne Mall after she allegedly pulled a knife on a mall worker, an incident that was not recorded on video.

What was recorded, by a bystander outside the mall, was Lairds forcible arrest by Madison police officers, prompting protests over how the 18-year-old black woman was treated.

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., owner and manager of the two malls, told the Wisconsin State Journal the installation of security video systems was not because of Lairds arrest.

East Towne and West Towne malls are fully committed to the community we serve, said Sean Phillips, regional marketing director for CBL. As part of this commitment, security enhancements are planned for both East Towne and West Towne malls.

Phillips said CBL had been reviewing camera systems the past few months and selected a system with both on- and off-site monitoring, covering the interior and exterior common areas of each property.

We will continue to work closely with our security provider and the Madison Police Department to ensure we maintain an inviting, welcoming and vibrant destination to shop, dine and spend time with family and friends, Phillips said.
The Madison woman whose videotaped arrest in front of East Towne Mall sparked widespread outrage was ordered released from jail Thursday evening.

Genele Laird, 18, was released at about 7:45 p.m. following the order from Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, according to Dane County Sheriffs Lt. Krista Ewers-Hayes.

Earlier in the day, Lairds friends and family members expressed frustration after they gathered at the Dane County Public Safety Building for an anticipated initial court appearance that they hoped would lead to Lairds release on bail, but were told by court officials that Laird wasnt on the schedule.

We came here to see her and to try to get her out and then they changed their minds, said Lairds sister, Deirdre Thompson, 35, of Danville, Illinois, as tears rolled down her cheeks. So we cant see her, we cant talk to her. It makes no sense.

Laird was readied by Dane County Jail staff to make her court appearance and they werent told why she was never called to appear, according to Ewers-Hayes.

Ozanne would not comment on Lairds release Thursday night and said more information would be released on Friday.

Madison police Sgt. Nick Ellis said he was unaware of Lairds release.

Police Chief Mike Koval did not return calls Thursday night.

Laird was tentatively charged with disorderly conduct while armed, resisting arrest, battery to a police officer and discharge of bodily fluids after an incident at the malls food court where police say she flashed a knife while confronting a person she thought had stolen her cell phone and then threatened security officials. They called police, who took her outside the mall, where she was arrested.

Ewers-Hayes said she did not know if any of the tentative charges against Laird had been dropped.

Video taken by a bystander showed Laird resisting police by kicking her legs as they tried to handcuff her. It showed another officer entering the scene and he helped to forcefully take Laird to the ground before striking her several times with his knee and fist as she struggled with the officers. It then showed the officer using a Taser on Laird while attempting to handcuff her with her hands behind her back.

Koval has defended the officers actions and called for an internal review of the arrest.

But some community leaders and local elected officials have called the video brutal and the officers use of force excessive.

Chris Ahmuty, executive director for the ACLU of Wisconsin, said in a statement the force used in the video appeared to be excessive and called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident to begin restoring public confidence in the MPD.

Community leaders continued to weigh in on the viral video of the arrest Thursday, with open letters from City Council members and Mayor Paul Soglin and a community meeting.

A statement posted online around 4 p.m. that was signed by 11 council members said they cannot see past what seems like excessive aggression in the video of the arrest. The statement also acknowledged the incident has created a division among community members and said its possible that complete wrongdoing cannot be assigned to the police officers or to Laird.

However, we cannot disregard the power imbalance between a young person and trained law enforcement officers, the statement said.

The statement was signed by Alds. Matt Phair, Barbara Harrington-McKinney, Ledell Zellers, Amanda Hall, Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, Marsha Rummel, Zach Wood, Maurice Cheeks, Sara Eskrich, Denise DeMarb and Rebecca Kemble.

Soglin, who issued a statement 15 minutes after the councils statement was posted, said the most important issue is reviewing the specific actions of Laird and the arresting officers. But he said a community that cares should respect both sides humanity and dignity regardless of the results of a review.

Soglin said race will be a central point of discussion when moving forward. Laird is African-American, and the arresting officers are white.

The mayor said his administration will continue discussing topics around race that can cause divisions, including deep-seated institutional racism in this county, to the behaviors of each of us as individuals.

The council members said the arrest affirms that a thorough, transparent and comprehensive review of the Madison Police Department is warranted and should be welcomed.

On June 7, the council approved $400,000 for a study to examine the policies, procedures and practices of MPD, which was met with criticism by Koval.

Laird, who is called Nellie by her friends, was described by them Thursday as outgoing, upbeat and popular and respected for toughing out a life for herself after she dropped out of Madison La Follette High School during her sophomore year.

Most of her jobs have been at East Towne, where she has worked most recently at Lids, located close to the malls food court. She was promoted to assistant manager but relinquished those duties because she felt too much pressure, according to co-worker C.J. Jackson. She just wanted to chill, Jackson said.

Laird could make a shift go by quickly because of her constant chatter, Jackson said. Shell walk into the store and tell you about the underwear she bought at Pink or the perfume she just bought and shed spray it on me, which was annoying but all in good fun, he added.

She is the youngest of 11 children, including eight step-siblings, but all but one sister have moved away from the Madison area and most, if not all, had lost touch with Laird in recent years, according to Thompson, her sister.

She was closer to her friends, said Thompson.

Thompson said she found out about her sisters arrest on Facebook because nobody from Madison contacted her or any other family members.

Laird talked non-stop about everything but she never mentioned her family, according to Collin Davenport, 21, who has known Laird for more than six years and worked with her briefly at the Sprint kiosk at the mall. He also said Laird had been living with her boyfriend but they broke up recently and she moved out. That had no bearing on how she acted on Tuesday, he added. She just made a mistake and so did the police.

Its just that she has gone through some stuff and when that happens you develop that shell. While she tried to keep up a tough exterior, we can all see that she is a sweetheart, he said.

Crazy scenes like that are not common in this mall but they arent rare, either, and Ive never seen any situation handled the way Nellies situation was handled, Davenport said.

I worry that this is going to have a negative effect on Nellie. I just wish this situation was handled more quietly, he said.
Genele Laird, the young black woman whose forcible arrest by white police officers after she allegedly brandished a knife at East Towne Mall became a viral video, will be referred to an alternative restorative justice program and wont face criminal charges if she completes the program, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said Friday.

Her victims each made the decision that restorative justice makes sense in this case, Ozanne said at a news conference Friday, a day after Lairds release from the Dane County Jail where she had been held since the Tuesday incident.

Ozanne, Madison Police Chief Mike Koval and others spoke at the news conference but did not take questions from reporters, citing the ongoing investigations in both a potential criminal case against Laird and an internal investigation into the officers involved in the incident.

Koval has so far not named the officers involved due to threats he said have been made against them.

Laird, 18, of Madison, will be enrolled in Dane Countys pilot Community Restorative Court program, which seeks to hold certain young offenders accountable for misdemeanor-level crimes outside of the formal court system. If she fails to complete the program, Ozanne said he has already written a criminal complaint that would charge her with a mix of felonies and misdemeanors, including discharging bodily fluids at a police officer, battery to a police officer, resisting an officer causing soft-tissue injury, obstructing an officer and disorderly conduct while armed.

The program requires buy-in from victims, police and prosecutors. In this case, Ozanne said, Lairds alleged victims and the police officers she struggled with as they attempted to arrest her all agreed with the disposition. While the Community Restorative Court is reserved for young offenders in South Madison facing misdemeanor charges, Ozanne said he made an exception for Laird after consulting with Madison Police Chief Mike Koval, who endorsed the move.

I think it is especially necessary in light of the community interest and attention which has surrounded this matter, Ozanne said.

The court, which has operated on South Park Street for about a year, is open to low-level, first-time offenders between 17 and 25. Offenders appear before a group of community members who determine an appropriate penalty that can repair the harm done. Calling itself victim-based, offender focused and community driven, the program also seeks to help offenders deal with personal problems to prevent them from reoffending.

Koval said he and others in the department were convinced the court was an appropriate venue for the case and was not just a euphemism for Get out of jail free. He said the officers consent to try the restorative justice court had nothing to do with a bystanders video of the arrest, which has been viewed more than 2 million times, but a conviction that it was the most just response in a city that values community policing.

Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association and legal counsel for the two officers involved, said the officers wrestled with the decision because they didnt want to do anything that might compromise the safety of fellow officers. But he said they were persuaded by Ozannes stated commitment to continue prosecuting those who assault officers or resist arrest.

While Koval and Palmer defended the officers use of force in getting Laird to comply with their demands to put her hands behind and back and stop resisting arrest, Palmer said they appreciate that others, whose views are shaped through personal experiences that are very real, see the video differently.

On Tuesday, Ozanne said, a caller to 911 reported that Laird was out of control and threatening East Towne employees with a knife after she said her cellphone had been stolen. When police arrived, Laird was already outside, the video showed. As an officer spoke with mall security, Laird approached and said she just wanted to leave her name and leave. She was told she needed to stay, Ozanne said, but she insisted on going. Thats when the officer moved to take her into custody.

Wisconsin law and the state and federal constitutions allow an officer to temporarily detain a person while investigating a crime, Ozanne said.

But Laird was initially uncooperative and, as one officer struggled to pull her arms behind her back, another ran up and grabbed one of her arms. As she continued to resist, the second officer kneed her several times and the three tumbled to the pavement, where the same officer continued to knee and hit her then stunned her with a Taser before she was ultimately taken into custody, the video shows.

At one point, Laird can be heard saying she cant breathe, and paramedics were called in. She was evaluated in an ambulance, then taken for further evaluation at a hospital before being taken to jail, Ozanne said. Police found a knife in Lairds backpack, Ozanne said.

After speaking with Lairds attorneys, Ozanne said, he believes she accepts responsibility for what happened and understands that it was her conduct toward fellow community members, including officers involved, that caused this incident.

Lairds lawyer, Syovata Edari, could not be reached for comment after the news conference.

Former Dane County special prosecutor Barbara Franks, who joined Ozanne and Koval at Fridays news conference, said she experienced the same pain others in the black community felt upon viewing the video. But speaking through the lens and the heart of a black mother and grandmother, Franks appealed for common ground between police and communities of color, for many of whom fear and distrust of police remains strong.

Its going to take a willingness on both sides to resist standing proudly in our own indignation, Franks said. It is going to take a willingness on both sides to acknowledge our own complicity.

From my personal experience, most officers are earnestly trying to do their jobs to the best of their ability and to stay alive to go home to their families at the end of the workday, Franks said. However, for the broader law enforcement community, its going to take an acknowledgment that the militarization tactics of yesterday are no longer effective or valid in todays climate.

Lairds sister, Deirdre Thompson, who had come to court on successive days hoping to see Laird released from custody earlier, said her family would have no further comment on the incident.

Since weve gotten the resolution that the family wants, were not going to be making any more press statements, Thompson said.

Others who protested Lairds treatment by police and called for Lairds unconditional release and prosecution of the officers were not satisfied with the resolution.
After months of work, Madison School Board members are nearing completion of the 2016-17 preliminary budget ahead of a scheduled vote Monday.

Among the last-minute tweaks, board members are expected to approve additional resources for students with intensive needs whose behaviors can sometimes disrupt classrooms.

Separately, but also part of the broader effort to address behavioral and academic achievement issues, board member TJ Mertz said he may push Monday to restore some of the 10 staff members set to be cut at district middle schools. Administrators say a majority of those cuts are due to projected enrollment declines.

As it stands now, the proposed $376.5 million operating budget would reduce staff by 1.6 percent and raise property taxes 2.5 percent. It would increase taxes $74 on a $254,549 property, the average-priced home in the district.

The budget is notable for requiring, for the first time, a contribution from all employees toward their monthly health insurance premiums. The approach is customary in the private sector and increasingly common among Wisconsin school districts, although the Madison School Board had long resisted the idea.

Currently, only administrators are required to contribute to their premiums, at 10 percent, while all employees contribute a $20 co-pay per medical visit. There are no deductibles.

Board members spent considerable time this spring debating how much employees should contribute to their premiums. They landed on a differentiated system. Generally, higher-paid workers would contribute more.

Consequently, administrators would continue to pay 10 percent. Non-union professionals would start paying 5 percent. The next tier, which includes teachers, secretaries and custodians, would pay 3 percent. Food-service workers, educational assistants and security personnel are among those who would contribute 1.25 percent.

The average American worker contributes 18 percent of the premium for employer-sponsored single coverage and 29 percent for family coverage, according to a recent survey of private and non-federal public employers by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Employee response to the new approach has been muted at public meetings. One exception was Kathryn Burns, a kindergarten teacher at Shorewood Elementary School. At a May 23 School Board meeting, she acknowledged the districts tight budget but said it is getting more difficult to feel appreciated as a teacher.

Were looking for a show of respect from the district, and its hard not to take this additional burden on us personally, no matter how hard youre trying not to make it that way, she said, adding that the morale of teachers in the district and the country is low.

At a June 13 discussion of premiums, board member Mary Burke said she wants staff compensated fairly but must balance that desire with concern for taxpayers.

The fact is that if we dont make these difficult decisions, we are then asking the residents of Madison to shoulder a bigger and bigger burden, and they have these same issues (with health care costs), she said.

The budget provides for an across-the-board raise for all employees of just 0.12 percent, although many also will get pay bumps due to their years of service or additional educational attainment. Yet for about 1,100 district employees, or roughly one in four, the new approach to insurance premiums is expected to result in a net pay cut.

To keep this from happening, administrators are proposing a one-time benefit stipend for these employees that would bring them back to zero  no paycheck increase, but no cut, either. This will cost the district about $300,000.

District administrators are recommending that the money come from the building maintenance fund, with the expectation that the $300,000 could be restored to the maintenance fund this fall. Thats when the district is expected to have access to $9.27 million in one-time proceeds from a successful Downtown tax incremental financing district.

Board members have not yet made any decisions on how to spend the money  those discussions are to begin in July  though it is generally assumed that the money would be spread over five or more years. Because the money technically is not yet available, the district cannot incorporate it into Mondays vote on the preliminary budget, said Mike Barry, assistant superintendent for business services.

In October, after enrollment and state aid figures are finalized, the board will pass a final budget. At that time, the board could decide to use some of the TIF money for the 2016-17 budget, Barry said.

Earlier this month, board member Anna Moffit submitted a budget amendment proposing the addition of 3.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to the districts intensive support team. The team works with students who are having behavioral challenges in the classroom.

Board colleagues encouraged Moffit to refine her proposal by meeting with administrators. The result, which has now been folded into the administrations budget proposal, would add one FTE to the intensive support team and one FTE to Building Bridges.

Building Bridges is a partnership among the district, Dane County and Catholic Charities that helps students with acute mental health problems. Moffit said she supports the compromise.

This moves us toward building more capacity for kids with intensive needs, which is an area where I think we should be making additional investments, she said.
Police stops dropped nearly 90% in the first quarter of 2016. Police previously had taken thousands of weapons off the street via stops.

A new form must be filled out to record "investigatory stops." "The new form, called a contact card, was two pages long, with 70 fields of information to be filled out....and takes at least 30 minutes to complete. Every card goes to the ACLU for review."

Despite the groundlessness of these racial-bias charges, then-Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy and the city's corporation counsel signed an agreement in August 2015 giving the ACLU oversight of stop activity.

In March 2015, the ACLU of Illinois accused the Chicago PD of engaging in racially biased stops, locally called "investigatory stops," because its stop rate did not match population ratios.

Why? Because of the "Ferguson effect" and an "ill-advised deal with the ACLU."

Someone was shot in Chicago every 150 minutes during the first five months of 2016. Someone was murdered every 14 hours, and the city saw nearly 1,400 nonfatal shootings and 240 fatalities from gunfire.

Years ago when I mentioned to someone I was living in Chicago, I'd often get a reply mimicking tommy guns and Al Capone. (We even had an Al Capone museum here for a few years.) But today, many ask me about the shootings taking place here daily. Over Memorial Day weekend, this year, 69 people were shot. Thankfully, I live some distance from the areas where the vast majority of such violent attacks take place, but it does make you pause and think about the future of the city. A sane man might ask why is this allowed in the United States of America, the land of free and the home of the brave.

Police have said it's not the forms, it's the ACLU. Why should a private advocacy group be given such power over public safety?

Meanwhile, amidst the gunfire, Mayor Rahm Emmanuel has succeeded in getting the City Council to update a transgender bathroom ordinance so that bathrooms are open to whoever wants to use them if they self-identify as whatever sign happens to be on the bathroom door. No questions.

The secular state requires its law enforcement officers, who otherwise can't be trusted, to document for the ACLU why they stop suspicious-looking characters; but it trusts any man who wishes to invade a women's lavatory on his say-so. Of course, he need not say so. He won't be asked; any policeman called in might have to fill out a form and hand it over to the ACLU.

Wild West? Worse than that. At least the Wild West (and Al Capone) knew the difference between men and women.

Okay, I got that off my chest...What does this have to do with Christianity? In fueling shootings in the name of justice, we see moral confusion. The deliberate rejection of commonsense and an objective moral order is a sign of a doubling down on a deeper spiritual rebellion. As I've said before, I write from the precincts of Gadara, which have asked Christ to vacate the public places, as he is unsettling to the desires of some. I say, go ahead and occupy public places with the sign of his Cross, which fills the whole world with an invitation to all prodigals to return to the Father. Sometimes a return begins with the return of clarity: I'm starving and my Father has food.

Yours for Christ, Creed, and Culture,

James M. Kushiner

Executive Director, The Fellowship of St. James

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The purpose of the Council is to advise the Governor and the General Assembly on policy issues impacting Muslim Americans and immigrants; to advance the role and civic participation of Muslim Americans in Illinois; to enhance trade and cooperation between Muslim-majority countries and Illinois; and to build relationships with and disseminate information to, in cooperation with State agencies, boards, and commissions, Muslim American and immigrant communities across Illinois.

Governor Pat Quinn was the first to appoint a Muslim-American Advisory Council. This legislation would make the council official, and continue its service whoever is in the Governor's Mansion.

Not only is the proposed council the first in the nation, it's the first such council representing a religious sector in Illinois. No similar council is in place that represents Catholics, Protestants, Jews or Hindus. Muslims are the third largest religious group in Illinois, following Roman Catholics and evangelical Christians.

The proposed panel, made up of 21 members appointed by the governor and chamber majority and minority leaders, could consist of representatives from Chicago's radical Nation of Islam led by Minister Louis Farrakhan.

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rauner is considering a bill on his desk that would make Illinois the first state in the nation to set up an official Muslim-American Advisory Council.

The Council on American Islamic Relations called for their members to contact state legislators to support SB 574, saying, "Want to ensure that our state government recognizes and partners with the Muslim community in Illinois, the nation and world?"

There was no attention drawn to action on the legislation at Minister Louis Farrakhan's Nation of Islam website, although the minister's anti-Semite thoughts were expressed about the nation's political climate:

We have to make a distinction between members of the Jewish community who sincerely are trying to follow the laws, statutes and commandments of God in their covenant relationship with Him, but among them are those who say they are Jews and they are not. And this is why the scripture refers to them as the Synagogue of Satan because their work is an evil work. They are doing exactly what Satan is supposed to dowhich is to spread evil, not to contain evil to himself but to spread evil to others and make others deviate from the laws, statutes and commandments of God. The Middle East is now filled with death and destruction and that was the aim of Neo-Conservatives who planned this destruction of seven Muslim nations in five years and they are on schedule and the final nation in their sights to destroy is the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The definition of "Muslim" in the legislation did not disqualify a representative from Minister Farrakhan's Nation of Islam from being appointed to the panel. "Muslim" is defined as "an individual who practices the religion of Islam."

SB 574 was considered on the House floor with no substantial discussion, but a bi-partisan group of lawmakers opposed the bill, including Democrats Dan Beiser, John Bradley, Katherine Cloonan, Jerry Costello, Brandon Phelps, Susan Scherer and Andrew Skoog.

There was a substantial number of Democrats and Republicans that did not vote:

The bill began in the Senate, where SB 574 sat as a shell bill until mid-April, when Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) suddenly pulled the bill into motion, amending it and pushing it through committee in a matter of days. The bill was unsubstantially amended in the House, and the Senate approved the House's changes on the last day of session during a flurry of session-end bill passages.

Four GOP senators opposed SB 574: Steve Anderson, Kyle McCarter, Dan McConchie and Chapin Rose. Five GOP senators did not vote:

Governor Rauner has found favor in the Muslim American Community. He was endorsed over Pat Quinn in 2014 by the Urban Muslim Minority Alliance
WASHINGTON DC - Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger wrote his supporters yesterday addressing Orlando, ISIS and the Presidency. In an email, Kinzinger wrote:

Friends,

A little over a week ago, our country was rocked by an atrocious act of terrorism in Orlando. Unfortunately, after attacks in Paris, Brussels, San Bernardino and many, many, other places around the world - terrorist attacks on innocent victims have become far too commonplace.

Let me make something very clear: this attack was spurred by evil and hateful ideology, and this attack was inspired by radical Islamic jihadism. For the president and any candidate hoping to become commander-in-chief, it is imperative that they have the capacity to understand and identify our enemies.

For too many years, I have been warning the President and this Administration of the threat that radical terrorist organizations like ISIS pose to our way of life. My service in the U.S. Air Force and as your representative in Congress has taken me all around the Middle East. I have seen firsthand why it is so important that we destroy ISIS and its affiliates once and for all.
Despite Flipping in Surf 4 Times in a Year, Marines Say New ACV Is the Future of Amphibious Warfare

Some Marine veterans familiar with the vehicle and its operations have worried about the reliability of the ACV.
NASA releases retro posters to attract young minds to go on a mission to Mars.

By India Today Web Desk: NASA is best known for its adventurous expeditions in the vast and unending universe. However, time and again, the American space agency has shown instances of unique marketing stunts.

Recently, NASA has released a series of retro-style recruitment posters to attract the youth from across the world for a mission in Mars.

Here are those awesome Mars recruitment posters from NASA:

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What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on a life-changing journey to the Red Planet!

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By PTI: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Jun 24 (PTI) At least three people were killed and another 20 injured when a bomb ripped through a busy square in Pakistans restive Balochistan province, police said today.

The bomb was planted on a motorbike parked along the road in Almo Chowk of Quetta city and it exploded when people were busy in shopping during the holy month of Ramadan.

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"Three people were killed and 20 injured in the attack," a police official said.

The victims were shifted to the Civil Hospital Quetta, where some of them were said to be in critical condition.

Security personnel rushed to the place of attack and have started investigations, he said.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack but Taliban and Baloch nationalist militants are active in the area. PTI SH SUA SUA

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The legislators are set to lead a delegation to New Delhi to impress upon the Congress High Command to seek justice.

By Mail Today Bureau: As many as 40 Congress legislators, including sacked ministers, who are reportedly unhappy with Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following the reshuffle of the Cabinet, are meeting in Bengaluru on June 25 to chalk out their next course of action.



The disgruntled legislators reportedly complained to former CM S M Krishna about their plight, but he has decided to wait and watch. The legislators are set to lead a delegation to New Delhi to impress upon the Congress High Command to seek justice.

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Three of the former ministers, including senior Congressman V Srinivasa Prasad, and Qamar-ul-Islam and Baburao Chinchansur (both hailing from Kharge's home district of Gulbarga), accused Kharge of nepotism. "Kharge made us scapegoats to further the political career of his son. What was the reason for sacking me? Kharge will have to pay a heavy price for what he has done," said Prasad taking objection to Kharge's son Priyank Kharge, a first-time MLA being appointed as minister.

Islam and Chinchansur alleged that Kharge had shortened their tenure as ministers to promote his son. "I had spoken to Kharge during the Cabinet reshuffle and he had told me that I would not be disturbed. But what has happened here? Why were we removed from the Cabinet? This is grave injustice to the north Karnataka region. I will not sit quiet," he said.

The rebellion in the Karnataka Congress over the Cabinet reshuffle has intensified with four sacked ministers rallying behind former S M Krishna to take up the leadership in the state, as they were of the view that the party was heading towards a doom under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjuna Kharge.

Also Read: Trouble for Congress in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh







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By PTI: From Yoshita Singh

United Nations, Jun 24 (PTI) The UN has said it will sent home those peacekeepers found responsible of "inadequate response" during a deadly attack on its base in South Sudan where 48,000 civilians had sought refuge in February.

The United Nations takes "very seriously" the findings that confusion over command and rules of engagement hampered peacekeepers response to the deadly attack, the world bodys top peacekeeping official has said.

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"We take it very seriously the fact that the Board of Inquiry points to an inadequate response by some of our people on the ground [in Malakal]; there was a lack of responsiveness from some and lack of understanding about the rules of engagement," Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations HervA Ladsous told reporters yesterday after what he described as "very extensive" closed-door consultations with the UN Security Council.

Ladsous did not name the troops countries but UN sources said Ethiopian, Rwandan, Indian and Bangladeshi units were deployed in Malakal at the time of the incident.

An Indian official told PTI that Indian troops were not guarding the camp at the time of the incident.

Ladsous said he has already spoken with the Permanent Representatives to the UN of the countries concerned.

"That time to call names has not come. I have talked to the Permanent Representatives of the country concerned and there will be follow up as there has been. I will not name names at this point but certainly there will be repatriation, in some cases of a unit and in other cases of individual officers," he said.

Ladsous along with Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, and Stephen OBrien, Under-Secretary-General for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, briefed the 15-member Council on that state of what are now known as Protection of Civilian (PoC) sites that have been up and running in for the past two years in South Sudan.

The UN peacekeeping chief stated that "there was no question that at the time, we made the right decision to take in these people ? many of them would be dead now if we had not done that. But then, no one expected the crisis [in South Sudan] to continue for such a long time and that we would still have these huge numbers in our protection sites."

The briefing came after the release of a note to correspondents, in which the Office of the Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said a special investigation and a UN Headquarters board of inquiry were convened to review the circumstances of the violence that erupted in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) PoC site in Malakal from February 17 to 18, in which at least 30 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were killed, 123 others were wounded, and a significant portion of the camp was destroyed.

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According to the note, the preliminary report of the board mentions, among others, that a number of issues contributed to the incident.

On the UNMISS response, there was confusion with respect to command and control and rules of engagement, and a lack of coordination among the various civilian and uniformed peacekeepers in Malakal at the time of the crisis, the note said. PTI YAS ABH

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Natasha Chaku

Melbourne, Jun 24 (PTI) The 21.5-billion dollar Australian rail and mine project of Indian energy giant Adani Mining today faced another legal hurdle after acommunity group asked the Supreme Court to scrutinise Queensland state governments decision to approve the firms Abbot Point Terminal expansion.

Whitsunday Residents Against Dumping, claiming to save the Great Barrier Reef, brought an application to the Queensland Supreme Court that soughta hearing to determine whether the states environment department properly considered legislative tests when approving thecontentious port expansion.

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A former tourism worker and spokesperson for the activist group, Sandra Williams said, "Australias precious Great Barrier Reef is already in poor health, and Indian coal company Adanis controversial port project, which will cause irreparable damage, has raised significant concern in our community."

"We believe the approval of Adanis port proposal was unlawful and, long with many thousands of Australians, we feel that it is wrong to damage the glorious Great Barrier Reef to build a port for an unviable foreign owned coal mine that nobody wants or needs," Williams said.

"There is a question mark over whether the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection properly assessed the project, as required by law, before it gave this billion dollar proposal the green light. It is critically important that the decision, which has such grave implications for the Great Barrier Reef, is properly scrutinised," she said.

"Both state and federal governments in Australia are allowing fossil fuel companies to expand the port, for a coal project that will decimate the Reef and its glorious corals, and threaten marine life, including endangered snubfin dolphins, turtles and giant manta rays."

Meanwhile in response to the latest legal challenge, an Adani spokesperson said that it was yetanother attempt by activists to delay the project - one of the worlds largest coal mines - and highlighted the massive costs to Queensland.

"What we see today is yet another politically-motivated activist attempt to delay a centrepiece of Adanis plans to build a long-term future with Queensland," he said, adding that "this latest challenge is to a science-based approval that has now gone through three exhaustive state environmental approvals processes, and three exhaustive federal environmental approvals processes, and accompanying public consultation processes.

"The activists are again represented by a group committed through multiple challenges to delay investment and job creation through resource projects in this state."

He highlighted that as a PwC report commissioned by Adani released this week noted thatactivist-delays wouldhave cost "our state USD 3.9 billion in a reduction in Gross State Product through 2023-24, and 2,665 jobs through 2023-24."

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"Unusually, the activist advancing this challenge today reportedly said that it would be wrong tobuild a port at Abbot Point. The port already exists, and is strictly regulated. It has operated for several decades," he said. PTI NC ABH

--- ENDS ---
Jaitley, in Beijing on a five-day visit, said he hoped the volatility triggered by Brexit was "only a temporary phenomenon" and that the world would soon settle down.

By Ananth Krishnan: The impact of Brexit on India will only be a "temporary cascading effect" and the strength of India's fundamentals will "dilute" its impact, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said.

Jaitley, in Beijing on a five-day visit, said he hoped the volatility triggered by Brexit was "only a temporary phenomenon" and that the world would soon settle down.

"Decisions like this certainly have at least a temporary cascading effect world over, which we have seen since this morning," Jaitley said. "In structural terms, the world will settle down. Instead of dealing with one entity in terms of trade you will have to deal with two. As far as the rest of the world is concerned, within the European system there will be more impact because of security and other factors."

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TRANSIENT IMPACT OF BREXIT AFTERMATH

India, he said, would feel a transient impact in the aftermath of Brexit but not long-term. "The impact on India, one, because of global integration, certainly, the immediate impact, markets and currencies react disproportionately as we have seen," he said.

"It then settles down because there is a realization which is two fold: now, instead of one entity you will have to deal with two and secondly, the future of both markets and currencies will really depend not on these external shocks but on the strength of the real economy. And if the strength of the real economy in terms of its own fundamentals is sound then the impact beyond the initial few days gets diluted. At best then it becomes a transient impact which reverses itself in due course," he said.

Whether it reflected a broader sentiment against globalisation, which could have adverse long-term consequences for India, Jaitley said that would require further study. "This is an indication that and I hope this is only a temporary phenomenon where popular thinking and governmental thinking are at variance. The political system thinks in one direction, this was across party lines, and people thinks otherwise," he said. "Whether this is a trend against globalisation or a result of some transient factors such as immigration, I think would have to be analysed."

NSG IMPACT ON INDIA-CHINA TIES?

On Friday, Jaitley attended a high-level investment summit and told Chinese investors they would be welcome to help boost India's manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

Asked if political strains in the relationship such as the recent differences over India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group which China has stonewalled could have an impact on other areas of ties, Jaitley said, "The economic relationship normally moves independently because trade will depend on terms of trade. These factors could have some marginal effect, but if at all it is marginal."

"You are not at a stage where countries stop dealing with each other because of businesses. Issues are there and those will be resolved. The boundary issue has existed for decades. Business has expanded notwithstanding that."

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Jaitley said sentiment from Chinese investors was bullish on India, both because of India's own improving investment environment and also the changes happening in China.

There was a realisation that "a lot of investment opportunities in China have been exhausted and therefore they have to break new ground". "One said that in the last two decades everybody had a look at China and now over the next two decades, everybody has to look at India."

While tax rates were one common concern raised by investors, Jaitley said the government was moving towards a regime that would have a more reasonable rate and phase out exemptions.

Also Read: India's NSG bid dashed against the Great Wall

--- ENDS ---
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wants a Brexit-like referendum to assess the people's mood over complete statehood for Delhi.

By India Today Web Desk: Buoyed by Britain's historic decision to leave the European Union, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said a similar referendum will be conducted in the national capital to assess the people's mood over complete statehood for Delhi.

"After UK referendum, Delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood," Kejriwal tweeted. Delhi's full statehood has been one of the first promises made by his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) when it was formed nearly four years ago.

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In his fight with the government over law and order as well as the control over Delhi Police, Kejriwal and his party have been pushing for full statehood for Delhi.

Last month, Kejriwal made public a draft bill on Delhi's statehood which did not include certain areas, forcing the BJP to urge that only Parliament was empowered to prepare and pass the law in the matter as per the Constitution.

Kejriwal had sought full statehood for Delhi, except for small areas coming under the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Cantonment Board.

The BJP hit back, saying the Delhi government's proposal bifurcates Delhi into two parts and will deprive two crore Delhites of the proud privilege of living in the national capital.

Also read:

Kejriwal does Modi virodhi asana to mark Yoga Day, says he is not scared

After Raghuram Rajan, next targets Najeeb Jung and Arvind Kejriwal, says Subramanian Swamy

Modi has a battalion of 'sycophants' like Pahlaj Nihalani, Smriti Irani: Tweets Kejriwal





--- ENDS ---
Devendro's loss in the semi-finals of the Light Flyweight (49kg) category at the World Qualifying Tournament costed him a place in this years Olympics at Rio.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Laishram Devendro Singh's dream of competing in the Rio Olympics came to an end after he lost in the semi-finals of the Light Flyweight (49kg) category at the World Qualifying Tournament here on Friday.

Devendro put up a brave fight before going down 1-2 to Carmona Heredia Samuel of Spain. Devendro however became the third Indian to claim a bronze medal in the competition after Manoj Kumar (64kg) and Vikas Krishan Yadav (75kg).

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There were more disappointing news for Indians in the Light Heavyweight (81kg) division as Sumit Sangwan also saw his Olympic hopes being dashed. Sumit had lost to top seeded Russian Petr Khamukov in the quarter-finals. But he would have remained in contention for an Olympic berth if Khamulov had gone on to win the gold medal.

But the Russian chose to give a walkover in the semi-finals, ending Sumit's chances.

Earlier, Vikas was declared medically unfit and had to concede his bout against Achilov Arslanbek of Turkmenistan while Manoj lost 0-3 to reigning European champion Pat McCormack of Britain.



--- ENDS ---
Britain's Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has confirmed that Conservative party leader David Cameron would continue as Prime Minister.

In the historic referendum, Britain is set to leave EU. Photo: Reuters

By Reuters: Britain's Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has confirmed that Conservative party leader David Cameron would continue as Prime Minister despite losing his campaign to keep Britain in the European Union.

"The Prime Minister's ... been clear that whatever the outcome of this referendum he will continue as Prime Minister," Hammond told Sky News on Friday.

"What the country needs now is a sense of continuity and stability," he added.

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Also read:

Brexit happens, wrecks it for world markets

Brexit: What is UK's referendum about today? Here's what you need to know

Does Brexit matter for India?





--- ENDS ---
Britain has voted to leave the European Union. Here are the possible consequences of the exit and how it is going to affect the global economy.

By Reuters: Britain is expected to submit an application to leave the European Union following Thursday's referendum, after which it would have two years to negotiate an exit.



Below are possible consequences for Britain and the EU of a Brexit.



ECONOMY



Britain would no longer be subject to EU budget rules, which limit a government's budget deficit to 3 percent of gross domestic product and public debt to 60 percent of GDP.



It could therefore run whatever budget shortfall it wants without admonishment from the European Commission and other EU ministers. It would also be free from the Commission's monitoring and advice on future actions.



Photo: Reuters

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FINANCE



Financial services firms based in Britain, from banks to clearing houses and funds, could lose their money-spinning EU "passports", which allows them to sell services across the 28-nation bloc with low costs and a single set of rules.



The passporting system has contributed to making London one of the world's most important financial centres.



Some American, Japanese and other non-European banks that have European headquarters in London have said they would consider moving parts of their business inside the European Union, in the event of a Brexit.



HOW BREXIT MIGHT AFFECT INDIA

Photo Courtesy: NewsFlicks



TRADE





The rest of the EU has a trade surplus in goods of about 100 billion euros ($110 billion) with Britain, while Britain exports some 20 billion euros in services than it imports, principally due to financial services.



Brexit campaigners say if would be in the EU's interest to agree a free trade deal with Britain even if it leaves the bloc.



However, there tends to be more of a focus on goods than services in free trade deals. Switzerland, where financial services are a larger share of GDP than in Britain, has no general access to EU financial service markets and runs a financial services trade deficit with the bloc.



COMPETITION



British companies acquiring EU peers would still need approval from the UK competition watchdog and the European Commission, resulting in more legal costs and the risk that each delivers a different ruling.



Britain will have a free hand to aid ailing companies or industries without fear of EU action but it will also not be able to oppose subsidies granted by EU governments to their own national champions.





ENERGY



Leaving the EU could make UK energy infrastructure investment costlier and delay new projects at a time when the country needs to plug a looming electricity supply gap.



Photo: Reuters



The uncertainty after Brexit could make energy investors demand higher returns for the risk of less favourable conditions. Oil and gas majors BP and Shell are among energy companies who warned about the potential downside.



CLIMATE



Britain is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Europe and its utilities are among the largest buyers of carbon permits in the EU Emission Trading System (ETS).



Although most analysts believe Britain will remain in the cap-and-trade scheme, the vote is viewed as bearish for the market as Britain would no longer be able to drive tough reforms to drive up the price.



Brexit would also disrupt the bloc's plans to share out the burden of its Paris climate change pledge.



The environmentally minded also worry that EU climate targets would be less ambitious without British leadership to balance against more reluctant member states such as coal-dependent Poland.

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AVIATION



A Brexit could call into question EU agreements on open airspace that have granted the region's airlines unlimited access to the skies of fellow member states, benefiting both UK and EU airlines.



It would also affect transatlantic routes because of the EU-U.S. Open Skies agreement, which gives British airlines unlimited flying rights to the United States.

Photo: Reuters



FOREIGN POLICY



Along with France, Britain is the leading foreign policy power in the European Union, boasting a large military and close ties with the United States. After a Brexit, Washington has made clear it will be less interested in London as an ally because of a perceived loss of influence.



Britain would no longer be bound by joint EU positions, for instance on economic sanctions against Russia.



Britain would remain a member of NATO.





JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS



Britain has multiple exemptions from justice and home affairs policies, notably not being part of bloc's Schengen zone of free travel. It is not clear what restrictions Britain might place on foreign arrivals. The EU has vowed to respond in kind.



Britain currently recognises other EU members' arrest warrants, exchanges police information, including personal data, and is a member of the bloc's police agency Europol.



Its future involvement, including access to EU databases, could diminish, meaning less cooperation on policing and fighting crime.



--- ENDS ---

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From animated gifs on falling markets to cats at 10 Downing Street, we bring you some of the best tweets on the Brexit brouhaha.

By India Today Web Desk: Even as Britain voted to leave the European Union, leading to Prime Minister David Cameron announcing his resignation, social networking site Twitter exploded with mirth, with many around the world mocking the choice of thousands of Britons.

From animated gifs on falling markets to cats at 10 Downing Street, the Twitteratti fell over each other in a bid to come up with the funniest tweets on Brexit.

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Of course, Indians were not far behind, with many jumping on the '1947-was-the-original-Brexit' joke bandwagon.

We bring you some of the best tweets on the Brexit brouhaha.

Brexit in a single gif. pic.twitter.com/HBQKT6FwLI Luke Bailey (@imbadatlife) June 24, 2016

Currency traders worldwide right now. pic.twitter.com/otpOPZf9X7 David Feith (@DavidFeith) June 24, 2016

Holy shit, they replaced David Cameron with a cat. pic.twitter.com/0r7KouIHW1 ??bex schwartz (@starbex) June 24, 2016

How does a Briton make an egg?

Well, first he #Brexit.

Then he leaves. Manas (@Spooferman_) June 24, 2016

worlds strongest currency is going to crash and burn because Debra from Colchester, aged 42 and unemployed doesn't like someone's skintone Papi Mac (@iNabber) June 23, 2016

I better not hear a single BRexit voter complain about the economy, austerity or unemployment over the coming years! pic.twitter.com/hPrRw2orTn Mothra P.I. (@Hardywolf359) June 24, 2016

Cameron right now pic.twitter.com/6MNo6ryuRD Pathikrit Sanyal (@BucketheadCase) June 24, 2016

I won't be surprised if someone comes out with a new fitness routine and call it #Brexit

Losing pounds was never this easy. Hello Ray (@Purba_Ray) June 24, 2016

As its last trick the UK has decided to divide and rule itself. #Brexit Osman Samiuddin (@OsmanSamiuddin) June 24, 2016

I hope people who say that there's no way Trump can be elected in Nov are watching the Brexit vote tonight Ryan Evans (@rje) June 24, 2016

The Times - Remain

Sunday Times - Leave

Daily Mail - Leave

Mail on Sunday - Remain

The Sun - Leave

Daily Express - Diana James Melville (@JamesMelville) June 18, 2016

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Kolkata, Jun 24 (PTI) Opposition Congress and Left Front described West Bengals budget for 2016-17 as having no connection with the ground realities in the state.

Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan said that the statistics given in the budget presented in the assembly today was "baseless".

"Baseless statistics have been presented in the budget to fool the people," he alleged, adding that "in this budget, they have tried to encourage drinking in order to increase their revenue. This is ridiculous".

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West Bengal, already grappling with an acute financial stress, today unveiled a full-fledged budget for 2016-17, proposing a 9.1 per cent rise in tax collection against the revised figure of the previous fiscal.

State Finance Minister Amit Mitra proposed a tax revenue of Rs 50,773 crore as against Rs 42,919 crore achieved in 2015-16.

CPI-M legislative leader Sujan Chakraborty said the state government has started a competition of presenting small budgets and small speeches.

"The state has started the competition of presenting small budgets and small speeches. First, it was Governors speech and now a small budget. There have been no clear indication of increasing employment and revenues," Chakraborty said. PTI PNT MD ABM

--- ENDS ---
The bulk SMS service is aimed to enable the pilgrims to become aware about the arduous nature of Yatra and the precautions they are required to take before and during their pilgrimage.

By Ashwini Kumar: The Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board NN Vohra today inaugurated the Shrine Board's Bulk Short Message Service (SMS) which has been started for the first time to add a new facility for facilitating the pilgrims of the annual Amarnath Yatra which commences on July 2.

The bulk SMS service is aimed to enable the pilgrims to become aware about the arduous nature of Yatra and the precautions they are required to take before and during their pilgrimage. Frequent bulk SMSs will be sent on the mobile phones of the intending pilgrims who have registered themselves in advance and have also provided their mobile numbers.

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The SMSs will cover the do's and don'ts and the health advisory to be followed during this pilgrimage. All other important pilgrim related information including weather forecasts or any other messages in case of any emergency will also be disseminated through these SMSs to the pilgrims who have registered in advance.

The Governor has once again appealed to the intending pilgrims and all the stakeholders of the Yatra to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the entire Yatra area, from the base camps onwards, to preserve the natural environment. He has particularly requested the stakeholders not to use polythene or any other non-biodegradable materials.

As earth, water, air, fire and sky are integral parts of Lord Shiva, the Governor has urged the pilgrims to respect the environment throughout the pilgrimage from the Base Camp onwards, along the entire Yatra routes, and do nothing whatsoever which would cause pollution. P K Tripathi, CEO and Jitendra Kumar Singh, Addl. CEO of the shrine board who were present on the occasion have again urged the pilgrims to come fully prepared for the Yatra and carry sufficient woolen clothes as the temperature abruptly falls below 5 degree celsius in the Yatra area. The pilgrims have also been advised to prepare themselves well in advance and undertake 4 to 5 km morning / evening walk every day to achieve physical fitness required for Yatra. The pilgrims have also been advised to consult their physician before embarking on the pilgrimage in case there is any change in the status of their health after having obtained Compulsory Health Certificate some weeks earlier. It was also informed that intending pilgrims must reach at the respective base camps on dates for which they have registered themselves. Further, the access control gates at Baltal/Domel and Chandanwari will remain open from 5 am to 11 am only, after which no pilgrim shall be allowed to proceed further beyond the access control gates. The CEO has again appealed to all intending pilgrims to complete the necessary formalities for registration and timely obtain a pilgrim permit, so that they do not face any inconvenience on the planned date of their Yatra. Keeping in view the very tough nature of the trek, children below the age of 13 years and elderly persons above the age of 75 years shall not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage. CEO stated that for the female pilgrims, saree would not be a suitable dress for the Yatra. Pilgrims are also advised not to use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the holy cave. To avoid getting themselves and their belongings wet due to unpredictable weather, the CEO has advised the pilgrims to carry an umbrella, wind cheater, raincoat and waterproof shoes and to keep eatables and clothes in suitable waterproof bags. To avoid high altitude sickness, as the pilgrimage to the holy cave involves trekking at altitudes as high as 14000 feet, the CEO has advised the pilgrims to drink a good amount of water to combat dehydration and headaches, and follow the prescribed food menu, available at the Board's website.

--- ENDS ---
24-year-old Swathi, who worked as an IT professional in Infosys, was attacked at Nungambakkam railway station.

By Pramod Madhav: A woman employee of IT major Infosys was hacked to death infront of dozens of horrified onlookers at a busy railway station in Chennai today. The victim was identified as 24-year-old Swathi.

A CCTV footage showed the unidentified attacker walking away from the railway station after the attack.

IBM techie found dead in her Bengaluru flat



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The woman was attacked by a man at the railway station and before anyone could react he walked out of the crime scene.

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED:



Swathi, who worked as an IT professional in Infosys, was dropped at Nungambakkam railway station around 6.20 am by her father. As she was waiting to catch a train to her office, a man approached her on the platform. The man, wearing a green shirt and black trouser, started arguing with Swathi over some issue. The two had an animated discussion. Before anyone could react, the man suddenly pulled out a sickle from a travelling bag that he was carrying and slashed Swathi below her jaw. She fell on the ground bleeding profusely. The attacker walked away from the platform as no one came forward to stop him. Cops arrived on the spot later and it took them nearly two hours to remove her body from the spot. A manhunt has been launched to nab the attacker. The police is speaking to the victim's family and friends to gather more clues about the attacker.

Also Read:

TCS techie rape, murder case: Driver Chandrabhan Sanap sentenced to death



Britannica COO jumps to death in Gurgaon, father suffers heart attack



Snapdeal employee Dipti Sarna kidnapping: Accused followed her 150 times, studied her for 1 year



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From K J M Varma

Beijing, Jun 24 (PTI) Defending its opposition to entry of non-NPT countries like India into NSG, China today said it was guided by the rules of the 48-nation grouping which were not directed against any specific country.

It also advocated an "out of the box" thinking to arrive at a consensus over the issue of entry of non-NPT countries into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

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"China wants two things; we must abide by the rules of NSG because these kind of rules are not directed against any specific country. We must strive for consensus by thinking out of the box," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a briefing.

Hua claimed that during the NSGs plenary session in Seoul, China worked together with a couple of other countries to press ahead with the entry of non-NPT states through "creative means".

"This is also major progress achieved at the plenary session. China has been working positively and constructively to that end," she said.

Hua also insisted that the entry of India and other non-NPT states was not on the agenda of the plenary session.

"So it does not make sense to say that China objects their entry. We have seen some media reports in this report. Hope relevant media when making such kinds of reports clear all the facts to avoid misleading the public," Hua said.

Huas remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought Chinas support for Indias NSG membership.

Modi had urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to make a "fair and objective" assessment of Indias application which was before the Seoul plenary as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The plenary meeting of the nuclear trading club ended today with no decision on Indias membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it. PTI KJV ASK PYK AKJ ASK

--- ENDS ---
China's top nuclear negotiator in Seoul took a firm line on the NPT issue, saying that the international proliferation system "would collapse altogether" if exceptions were made for non-NPT countries.

By Ananth Krishnan: China's top nuclear negotiator in Seoul has said that there were "many differences" on allowing non-NPT countries into the NSG and parties were "far apart" on agreeing entry of non-NPT countries.

The negotiator also took a firm line on the NPT issue, saying that the international proliferation system "would collapse altogether" if exceptions were made.

But raising some hopes for the group agreeing to criteria that would later pave the way for India's entry, Wang Qun, the Director General of the Foreign Ministry's Disarmament Department and the top negotiator in Seoul, told the official Xinhua news agency there were "major advancements" in talks on the issue of agreeing criteria.

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DISCUSSIONS ENHANCE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

"Despite many differences in the course of discussion, the Chinese side nevertheless believes such discussions are useful and enhance the mutual understanding of relevant parties. We for our part wish to continue this discussion. And in the meantime, we will also participate in the discussion in a constructive manner," he said.

Wang however warned that the international proliferation system "will collapse" if exceptions were made on the NPT issue, and even said that progress on the Iran and Korean nuclear issues would be derailed.

NPT IS A MUST

"NPT is a must? This is a rule not set by China, but reaffirmed by the international community. NPT represents the cornerstone of the entire non-proliferation regime. If exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation then will be collapsed altogether. In the absence of NPT as political and legal basis, it will be inconceivable for the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] on the Iranian nuclear issue to be reached. And moreover, it will add huge difficulty to the implementation of the JCPOA. And in the absence of NPT as the political and legal basis, how could the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsular be resolved? All these merit reflection. While it's easy to adopt double standards, the consequence can be enormous."

He said parties are "far apart within the group" on the issue but denied China had blocked the talks, saying China had "pushed the group to discuss the issue of non-NPT states' participation in an innovative format".

"It should be stressed that such format is not only more formal, but represents a major result achieved at this annual plenary. China commends the leadership role of ROK in its capacity of Chairmanship of the Group, and China for its part has also made its due contribution."

WILL WORK WITH INDIA

Wang said China would work with India on the issue and understood India's climate change needs. "We believe that NPT as the only international non-proliferation legal instrument, is not at odds with the Paris Agreement on climate change. On the contrary, they are mutually reinforcing and supportive. There are three pillars in the NPT, one of which is to ensure the legitimate rights of country in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. India had bilateral cooperation with many members of the Group in the field of nuclear energy. And subject to India's needs, China for its part also stands ready to explore cooperation in this field, so as to help India to address its nuclear energy needs."

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Also Read

NSG and great wall of China: Beijing says India's entry not on Seoul meeting agenda

US urges NSG members to support India's bid: Will China come on board?

NSG deadlock remains, Seoul dialogue to continue





--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Mumbai, Jun 24 (PTI) Stung by the article in a BJP journal daring Shiv Sena to exit the alliance in Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party today demanded a clarification from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis if it was his partys official stand and said his government would be in trouble if the lead partner chooses a course of self-destruction.

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Reacting sharply to state BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandaris article in the party fortnightly Manogat, Sena leader Sanjay Raut reminded Fadnavis that his government would have to depend on a party like the NCP if it opted to break the alliance.

The article, When are you taking talaaq Mr Raut, had dared the Sena to take "divorce" while enumerating the sacrifices BJP has made in past couple of decades-and-a-half to keep the tie-up intact.

The write-up in the BJP came in the backdrop of growing strains in the relations between the two parties with Sena mounting scathing attacks on the Centre through its mouthpiece "Saamana", often in a mocking tone.

Bhandaris article also drew an analogy from the Bollywood flick Sholay in which a jailor character, played by Asrani, asks policemen to march in different directions, only to later on find that no one is standing behind him.

"Probably Raut and his party president (Thackeray) are apprehensive that if they do walk out of the government no one from the Sena would be left standing behind them," it stated.

Taking serious objection to the article, especially about personal references against him, Raut said criticism should be made on policy decisions and not on a personal level.

"Fadnavis should immediately clarify if the views expressed by a certain BJP leader (Bhandari) is the official stand of the party. We believe that such comments cannot be made on a personal level. Criticism should be made against policy decisions and not on a personal level. Making below the belt remarks only shows their level of thinking," Raut said.

"It seems they (the BJP) want to finish off their own government and thereby drown Maharashtra. We have taken the issue very seriously. Remember your government stands with our support. Otherwise, you have the option of taking support of Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare and Ajit Pawar (referring to the NCP). People will answer you then," he added.

Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire said in Aurangabad that "people like Madhav Bhandari should be aware of the wrath of Shiv Sainiks over his comments against the Sena leadership."

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Wranglings between BJP and Shiv Sena, long time allies and partners in Maharashtra and at the Centre, have assumed a shrill pitch in recent times. PTI MM VT DK NM KIS

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 24 (PTI) Congress-led UDF and BJP today flayed Kerala Governor P Sathasivams speech in the Assembly highlighting LDF governments policies, saying it was a disappointment and lacked concrete plans to address fundamental issues of the state.

While UDF alleged there was nothing new in the address and majority of the projects listed were old and existing ones, BJP called it as disappointment.

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"The policy address does not have any indication about the governments plans to control soaring price hike," Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala told reporters.

"On the Mullaperiyar issue, what we want is the construction of a new dam and not fresh studies. The governments stand is not to protect the interest of the state," he alleged.

Besides Chennithala, IUML leader and former Industries and IT minister P K Kunhalikutty and ex-finance minister and KC(M) supremo K M Mani also criticised the address and said there were no plans in it to solve any of the fundamental problems of the state.

BJP state President Kummanom Rajasekharan said the address lacked constructive projects to rejuvenate the withered financial condition of the state.

"The policy address was a disappointment. The government failed to announce any constructive projects for the comprehensive development of the state," he said.

The announcement that the government would promote private investors was a deviation from the CPI(M)-led LDFs earlier stand, he said.

The BJP leader also criticised the government for not mentioning about its liquor policy in the address. PTI LGK VS ZMN

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New Delhi, Jun 24 (PTI) Congress today targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Indias failed NSG bid, calling it an "embarrassment" to the country and a "huge diplomatic letdown" by his government and questioned the "desperation" to gain membership of the elite nuclear club. The main opposition party also demanded that the prime minister explain what went wrong, saying the government had raised "huge expectations." "The Prime Minister must explain what went wrong and what is his stand on Pakistan particularly and Pakistans record on nuclear non-proliferation," former Union Minister Prithviraj Chavan told reporters at the AICC briefing. Chavan, who was Minister of State in the PMO in the Manmohan Singh government handling various charges including Atomic Energy, also sought to compare the situation in 2008 when the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group(NSG) gave India a waiver and the present failed NSG bid. "It is same NSG, same situation, same countries, and NSG gave India a waiver!" Maintaining that in 2008, nobody raised the issue of Indias NPT status and nobody put precondition about criterion, he claimed it was because of US support and Indias "strong diplomacy" that the country got the waiver. "We are highly disappointed by the outcome of the NSG plenary at Seoul. Government had raised huge expectations. There was last minute flurry of activity by Prime Minister himself, Foreign Minister & various delegations," Chavan said. He said the prime minister made personal pleas to China and other countries but "what is disappointing is that out of 48 countries....anywhere between 10-16 countries have not supported Indias cause." Chavan also said that the statement of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday that India has no objection to entry of Pakistan to NSG is "absolutely shocking". Speaking separately, senior party spokesman Anand Sharma came down hard on the government by terming the developments at the NSG meet as an "embarrassment" to India. He said the prime minister needs to realise that diplomacy needs "depth and seriousness and not public tamasha".

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"We do not know why India showed its desperation and allowed the country to be equated with Pakistan on the issue of NSG membership," Sharma said

"Its high time that Prime Minister Narendra Modi realises that diplomacy requires gravitas, depth and seriousness. PM Modi needs to realise diplomacy needs depth not public tamasha," he said.

"The world saw the PM make a spectacle of himself and India. Now India faces embarrassment unnecessarily," Sharma added. PTI SPG GSN GSN

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Bombay High Court also issued a showcause notice to both Ashish Shelar and Ganesh Pandey for organising Dahi Handi programmes that violate the safety norm.

By Vidya : Bombay high court on Friday granted relief to the Maharashtra chief secretary, the charity commissioner, the BMC commissioner and the director general of police by deleting their names in a contempt petition filed by activist Swati Patil.

Patil had filed the petition stating that the state government and the authorities were negligent towards the lives of youth who got injured and even killed while taking part in the Dahi Handi festivities.

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Division bench of Justice Abhay Oka granted the relief citing that the petitioner was unable to make a case against the people mentioned in the petition.

However, the court excluded BJP leader Ashish Shelar who according to the petitioner had attended a Dahi handi event in Bandra that violated the norms set by the Bombay high court.

Shelar had attended the event organized by BJP Yuva Morcha in 2014, where a human pyramid of nine tiers was made by youth participants.

BJP LEADER ACCUSED OF ORGANIZING DAHI HANDI

However, Shelar's advocate refuted the charges saying that he was not the organizer and that it was organized by Ganesh Pandey who is no longer a member of the association.

According to Shelar's advocate, Shelar was merely an invitee at the event and that Pandey should be liable.

Justice Oka countered Shelar by stating that being an important member of a political party why did he not stop the event that was flouting the rules. The court issued show cause notices to both Shelar and Pandey following which is returnable on July 29.

In 2014, the Bombay High Court had passed an order regulating the height of human pyramids to 20 feet. Public interest litigation was filed against this and the Supreme Court had passed its order in 2015. Public pleader Sandip Shinde told the court that the apex court had disposed the petition. But before the disposal in another order six directions out of 10 by issued by Bombay High Court were suspended by the Supreme Court.



HC SEEKS CLARIFICATION ON THE STATE'S STAND

"In 2015, the state came out with government resolution that brought making of human pyramids under the purview of 'Sahsi Khel' or adventure sport allowing them it increase the height of the pyramid," said Shinde.

According to Justice Oka, the Supreme Court order could be interpreted in two ways making it murky. He further sought clarification on stand taken by the state government on the height of the human pyramid.

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Deepika Padukone is all set to make her Hollywood debut with XXX The Return of Xander Cage and the 30-year-old actor says that it is not about the size of the role, but the experience that makes it worthwhile.

By India Today Web Desk: Deepika Padukone made headlines when she was roped in for her Hollywood debut film XXX The Return of Xander Cage. The 30-year-old actor will be seen opposite Vin Diesel in the film. While many praised the actor for making a splash in the West, others have often criticsed B-Town actors for their blink-and-miss roles in Hollywood films.

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ALSO READ: Neymar stars with Deepika Padukone in XXX The Return Of Xander Cage

ALSO READ: Don't miss out on these new stills of Deepika Padukone and Vin Diesel from XXX The Return of Xander Cage



However, Deepika says that it is not about the size of the role, but the experience that makes it worthwhile.

"You have to look at everything that you get as an opportunity. There is no role too small or too big. I think it's what you make of that opportunity. Sometimes the smallest part teaches you a lot. Not judging from what anyone has done in the past, I do feel lucky that I got the opportunity with XXX," Deepika told IANS at International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) in Spain.

Talking about her Hollywood debut, she said: "It is not about the size of the role but the experience. It was fun."

Deepika will be seen as Serena in the film. XXX The Return of Xander Cage, a sequel to the 2002 film XXX and 2005 film XXX State of the Union, also stars Samuel L Jackson, Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa. The film is slated to release on January 20, 2017.

Commenting on her journey from Bollywood to Hollywood, the Bajirao Mastani actor said, "I think it kind of fell in place... Sometimes certain things happen when it is supposed to. It (the Hollywood film) has been like any other films. I was offered the film and I loved the part."

On the work front, she will start shooting for her next Bollywood film in September.

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The only question which was to be considered was if the doctor had performed his duties to the best of his abilities and with due care and caution, said the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

Only consider if the doc has done his duty to best of his abilities: NCDRC

By Harish V Nair: Hospitals and doctors cannot be dragged to courts and asked to pay compensation merely because a patient was not cured 100 per cent after treatment or a surgery, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled.

WHAT THE RULING SAID

The only question which is to be considered is if the doctor has performed his duties to the best of his abilities and with due care and caution, said the forum.

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"In the very nature of the medical profession, skills differ from doctor to doctor and more than one alternative course of treatment is available, all admissible.

Merely because the doctor chooses one course of action in preference to the other one available, he would not be liable, if the course of action chosen by him was acceptable to the medical profession", a bench headed by Justice JM Malik said.

THE CASE

The Commission made the observation while upholding a judgment of the Haryana State Consumer Commission which refused to order compensation to one Rajesh Taneja who was suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis (which seriously affects the pelvis).

He had contended that he was not cured completely after a surgery at Kaiser Hospital in Panchkula as he still could not walk.

He had sued the hospital and three doctors there seeking a compensation of Rs 90 lakh.

Alleging "unfair trade practice," Taneja contended that the doctors had no knowledge or experience in joint surgeries.

He also alleged that the hospital had no necessary instruments and was not well equipped to perform such operations.

NO NEGLIGENCE

However, after perusing all records, the National Commission came to the rescue of the private hospital saying, "We are of the considered view that the complainant was suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis which is not completely curable and only corrective surgeries are helpful for mobility of the patient.

Therefore, the alternative mode of surgery adopted by the doctors (Girdle stone arthroplasty) was not negligence, whereas, it is only a recognised alternative mode of surgery, when total hip replacement is not possible."

Also Read:

5 Delhi hospitals fined Rs 600 crore for refusing free treatment to poor



Delhi super specialty hospital operates wrong leg, family fumes



--- ENDS ---
The streets and the people of Napoli became a canvas for Dolce & Gabbana's latest campaign. Picture courtesy: Instagram/@dolcegabbana

By India Today Web Desk: Dancing Italians, a fun local vibe and the streets of Napoli (Naples)--not the elements you would expect from a typical fashion campaign.

For their latest fashion campaign, fashion designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce of the eponymous fashion house Dolce & Gabbana took a different route.

Also read: It's a yay for Dolce & Gabbana's new hijab and abaya line

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Instead of hiring a name from the crop of the hottest fashion photographers, the fashion designers chose to work with Franco Pagetti, who's been a war photographer since 1994, having covered conflict situations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, East Timor, Kashmir, Palestine, Sierra Leone and South Sudan.

One of the brand's favourite faces, model Bianca Balti also stars in the campaign. Picture courtesy: Instagram/@leilss4reals

According to a Telegraph report, though Pagetti was apprehensive about accepting the job, the photographer took on the campaign when he was told that the fashion designers expected, "A simple reportage of our clothes in Napoli."

Pagetti was very particular about making sure that the campaign had a very natural feel so no makeup artists or hairstylists were allowed during the shoot. In the same report, the photographer is quoted as saying, "In Baghdad and Libya, I walk around on my own taking pictures. I don't have a bunch of people surrounding me. I want to be alone with my story and the people in front of my camera. More than the models the people of Napoli should be the star of the campaign."

This is one of the best images from the campaign. Picture courtesy: Instagram/@stefanogabbana This is one of the best images from the campaign. Picture courtesy: Instagram/@stefanogabbana

Dolce & Gabbana seem to have made the perfect choice because of the realistic touch Pagetti's brought on board. One sees models interact with locals, who make rather interesting points of visual interest with their dancing, singing and the ways in which they mingle with the models.

Also read: 6 crazy looks from London Collections Men that are sure to impress that girl at the bar

Take a look at this behind the scenes video from the shoot. Doesn't it look like fun?

Backstage Dolce & Gabbana Napoli AD campaign ??????????#madeinitaly???? #sud #genteassaje pic by @francopagetti ?? #DGstyle A video posted by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on Jun 21, 2016 at 11:37am PDT



Talking about his idea behind the shoot, Pagetti also told The Telegraph, "Everyone can take a picture in a studio. People want realness. I encouraged the models to show their souls because we are all are tired of seeing unnatural shoots."

Pagetti's expertise probably also comes from the fact that he's no stranger to fashion photography. The lensman, in fact, started his career at Vogue Italia, after which he switched to conflict photography.

--- ENDS ---
Although it has become inaccessible due to restrictions imposed by Indian Railways, Goa's tourism department has appealed for better rail connectivity to the spot.

By India Today Web Desk: The Dudhsagar Falls, located at the Goa-Karnataka border, has always been one of the most popular landmarks for tourists visiting the region. Most of us have seen it in photos and movies, and have immediately desired to visit the place at least once. After all, to see the waterfalls from the window of a train would be an experience a traveller would want to remember forever.

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But unfortunately, the Falls have become inaccessible owing to restrictions imposed at the nearby railway station by Indian Railways. In order to enable tourists to get a glimpse of this glorious waterfall, the tourism department of Goa has urged the Railway Ministry to improve connectivity to the spot.

Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar has requested Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to intervene and request Indian Railways to operate trains from Vasco to Dudhsagar on a daily basis without "unreasonable restrictions."

Also read: 4 apps that make train travel better



Parulekar has also given word on the fact that the Goa Tourism Department will coordinate and cooperate with the local district administration so that enough safety measures are in place for the tourists.

"It may be recalled that Dudhsagar waterfall was well connected by the South Central Railway. However, last year, the railway authorities banned passengers from alighting at Dudhsagar falls citing safety reasons," the minister said.

Parulekar has pointed out that with the onset of the monsoons, tourists have been expressing disappointment at not being able to visit and view the waterfall.

"Goa is promoting monsoon tourism in a big way and tourists opting for monsoon holidays in Goa wish to add Dudhsagar waterfall to the itinerary," he said.

Parulekar also revealed that the Goa Tourism Development Corporation might also get into a partnership with the South Central Railway to charter a bogie for tourists at areasonable cost.

(With inputs from PTI)





--- ENDS ---
Members of Council of Ex-Muslims gathered outside the London embassies of several countries where not fasting during the month of Ramzan is punishable by law.

Member of Council of Ex-Muslims, Imad Iddine Habib, 'debating' fast defying at outside Pakistani Embassy in Londin (Photo: Twitter/@MaryamNamazie)

By India Today Web Desk: A group of people which calls itself the Council of Ex-Muslims in Britain organised an 'eating' protest in London today to defy fasting rules during the ongoing month of Ramzan.

PROTEST OUTSIDE EMBASSIES

Members of the council gathered outside the London embassies of several countries where not fasting during the month of Ramzan is punishable by law.

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The protest, which was headed by Iranian human rights activist, Maryam Namazie, witnessed scores of 'ex-Muslims' eating outside the Bangladeshi, Egyptian, Iranian, Moroccan, Pakistani and Saudi embassies during Ramzan hours.

Member of Council of Ex-Muslims outside Saudi Embassy in London to defy Ramzan fasting rules. (Photo: Twitter / @MaryamNamazie)

In a first, Mideast hub Dubai eases liquor rules for Ramzan

"We want this action to be in support of all those who are being jailed, intimidated, harassed for publicly eating during Ramadan (Ramzan), for not following Islamic customs. Unfortunately, many of the Islamic countries impose their laws and people are harassed and jailed for just smoking or drinking on a day of Ramadan. Also, we are organising campaign on social media to post pictures eating during Ramadan," said Imad Iddine Habib of the Council.

NUMEROUS PUNISHED ACROSS THE WORLD

This year already, ISIS has caged, flogged and crucified three men found eating and drinking during the fasting period, Namazie said in one of her articles

In Bogor, Indonesia, 13 men found eating were hauled to the police station and made to do push ups as punishment.

In Iran, transgressing fasting rules in public is punishable by fines, imprisonment and flogging; police crackdowns take place every year..

Earlier this month, an elderly Hindu man was beaten up by a constable in Pakistan for reportedly eating and selling food during Ramzan.

Also Read:

80-year-old Hindu man thrashed for eating during Ramzan in Pakistan

French girl stabbed by mad man in what he called Ramzan sacrifice



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The duo, Hariom Bhargav and Madhur, were arrested from Oriental Bank of Commerce Krishna Nagar after the branch manager made a complaint to police regarding stealing of few cheques from the bank.

By Nitin Jain: The Delhi Police has arrested a father-son duo who used to steal cheques from bank customers by fooling them.

The couple, Hariom Bhargav and Madhur, were arrested from Oriental Bank of Commerce Krishna Nagar after the branch manager made a complaint to police regarding stealing of few cheques from the bank.

The complaint was registered on July 14 after which the Delhi Police collected information about the crime and CCTV footage was checked to identify the criminals.

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The police laid a trap and on July 17 when the duo, identified in CCTV footage, visited the bank again the olice team apprehended both the persons.

On sustained interrogation the accused confessed that, along with their gang leader Madhur Kumar, they used to steal cheques either from the cash drop box or from the counters of the bank and further used to delete the name of the payee with the help of a liquid and encash the cheques in account which was opened in the name of one Suman on the basis of forged document so that they cannot be traced out.

Police is on a lookout for Kumar who is still absconding.

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After 2,40,000 hours of hard work, the largest and heaviest boat that could fly was built in 1929.

By India Today Web Desk: Fancy private jets, naval ships and ferries are inventions that brought the world closer but they are products of years of innovation, hard work and technological advancement.

Back in 1929, Dorneir Do-X was the largest and heaviest flying boat in the world.

Dr Claudius Dornier conceived the idea of a giant boat that could fly, in 1924. After 2,40,000 hours of labour work, the aircraft took its maiden flight in 1929.

Source: diseno-art.com

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Due to its weight Dornier Do-X was supported with 12 engines- 6 tractor engines and 6 pusher engines. This large engine setup was indeed a complicated one and could not be controlled by the pilot.

Source: diseno-art.com

A separate engineer was designated to work in the engine control room located behind the navigators station and cockpit. It was the engineer's job to adjust the throttles to the pilot's requirements.

Source: diseno-art.com

The flying boat was financed by the German Transport Ministry but in accordance of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany could not build certain classes of aircraft so it was built in Switzerland.

The interiors of the Do-X were spacious and luxurious. From a salon to a bar, the flying boat had it all for a comfortable journey of 70 to 100 passengers.

Source: diseno-art.com

Source: diseno-art.com

It made its first test flight on July 12, 1929 and few months later carried 169 passengers in a 40-minute flight which went on to become a world record.

Source: diseno-art.com

To make Do-X accessible for civilians, the flying boat in 1930 took off on an international publicity tour to New York while covering west coast of Africa and Brazil. But, the Dornier failed to touch skies commercially.



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Chennai, Jun 24 (PTI) Officials of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have seized heroin worth Rs 40 crore from two Colombo-bound passengers and detained them and an airline staffer for inquiry.

According to DRI sources, the narcotic substance was seized from the duos suitcases in the intervening night of June 22 and 23.

They had concealed the 40 kg heroin in their suitcases among packets of sugar and maida, DRI sources said, adding an airline staffer had helped them in carrying them.

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The three, all Indian citizens, have been detained and interrogation was on, they said.

Meanwhile, DRI officials today seized unaccounted US currency, valued around Rs 30 lakh, from a Colombo-bound passenger.

The passenger, a native of Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, was being interrogated, they said. PTI CORR SA RC DIP KK

--- ENDS ---
Need to know something about HIV? Jacob Alexander's incredible app is here to guide you.

By India Today Web Desk: Birthdays are a huge reason to go crazy. But 22-year-old Jacob Alexander's birthday was different.

On the morning of his birthday, Jacob (who lives in London) received a call informing him that he had tested positive for HIV.

He was shattered, but not broken. What completely depressed him though were his friends' reactions when they came to know 'the truth' about him. They started making excuses to not see him. And did their best to avoid him.



His best friend, with whom he lived, bought a new fridge fearing that if his food was kept in the same as Jacob's, he would 'catch' the infection.

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But here is why Jacob's story is special.

In response to all the negativity around him, Jacob decided to build an app called Positive Project, where everybody who was going through a similar thing could discuss and share vital details about HIV and everything related to it, thereby educating others.

Jacob had realised that people only discriminated against people with HIV because of a lack of knowledge.

Also read:Dad gets his head tattooed to match son's cancer scar



"When I told one person that I had HIV, they visibly flinched," the 22-year-old told Mashable.

"On another occasion I was on the Tube talking to my boyfriend about HIV and people actually got up and moved to a different carriage to get away from me," he added.

At that point, Jacob felt that his whole life was falling apart.

"There is a stigma to HIV and a fear that runs deep," said Jacob.

In fact, Jacob first talked about his HIV in a breathtaking and tear-inducing TED Talk at the University of the Arts, London.

A recent UN AIDS report said that about 50 per cent people behave in a discriminatory fashion when they come to know that someone has HIV.

But Jacob thought that it was about time that people changed their mindset, what with 36.9 million people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide.

Jacob's app shares information on HIV and informs people about the nearest test centres. Users can put a question anonymously and book an appointment for tests.

Jacob, who is a student at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, uploads all the clinical data on his own. His ultimate aim is that people should not hesitate to speak the truth about their medical condition.

We hope he is able to do that with this app, which, by the way, is now available for download on iOS.



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If reports are to be believed, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone will reportedly get Rs 1.3 crore for a four-minute act at an awards show.

By India Today Web Desk: The stage is set and the entire Bollywood has already reached Spain to be a part of the four-day extravaganza. IIFA is all set to kick off and if reports are to be believed, Bollywood's two biggest divas Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone will perform at the awards night. And buzz has it that two actors will draw a hefty amount of Rs 1.3 crore each for their four-minute act.

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ALSO READ: Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor Sonakshi Sinha spread filmi fever in Spain

ALSO READ: Ranveer will always be an important part of my life, says Deepika Padukone



According to a report in Mid-Day , the Piku actor has reportedly demanded Rs 33 lakh per minute and her Bajirao Mastani co-actor is said to have commanded the same amount.

A source was quoted as telling the tabloid, "The organisers were in talks with many celebrities to perform on stage. They even conducted a research to find out which Bollywood celebrities are popular in Madrid and results showed Deepika and Priyanka top the actresses' list and therefore, were ready to shell out a hefty amount to have them in their performance line-up. Normally, Bollywood girls are paid Rs 70-80 lakh for a stage act depending on their popularity and market value."

Buzz has it that since both the divas have forayed in Hollywood with XXX The Return of Xander Cage and Baywatch, their brand value has instantly shot up.

"The brand value of the two girls has shot up after they forayed into Hollywood and if they are asking for that much money for a performance, it is absolutely justified. The organisers have agreed to their demand too," another source added.

Deepika, who will begin shooting for her next Bollywood film in September, has already reached Madrid. Priyanka, on the other hand, is said to fly to Spain on the eve of the awards night.

On the work front, both the ladies are awaiting the release of their Hollywood films.



--- ENDS ---
After the press conference, it was shopping time for Arjun and Mouni.

By India Today Web Desk: IIFA weekend, the four-day film extravaganza, kicked off yesterday with a press conference. While Naagin star Mouni Roy put her best fashion foot forward in a black and pink jumpsuit at the press con, she also went shopping with co-star Arjun Bijlani few hours later.

A lil dressing up for the presscon! In this gorg #secretjumpsuit by @shili_patel ??? Hair by @hairbytabassum Make up by #Albert #iifa2016 @colorstv A photo posted by mon (@imouniroy) on Jun 23, 2016 at 12:01pm PDT

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Arjun also managed to spend some time with friends and newlyweds Sanaya Irani and Mohit Sehgal, before IIFA kicked off.

When friends meet in Spain ..Madrid .#happiness #funtimes#friends #friendsforlife #sanaya#mohitsehgal A photo posted by Arjun Bijlani (@arjunbijlani) on Jun 23, 2016 at 1:13am PDT

IIFA Awards formally opened today with the launch of Mirzya trailer. IIFA Rocks, a musical affair, that is scheduled for today, will be hosted by Manish Paul, Karan Johar and Fawad Khan.

Apart from Arjun and Mouni, TV actors like Mukti Mohan, Sanaya Irani, Mohit Sehgal are also in Madrid to perform at the event.

It seems Shivanya and Ritik had loads of fun during their shopping session.

Partner in crime ..#shopping #madrid #spain#iifa2016 #craziness#friends#naagin @imouniroy A photo posted by Arjun Bijlani (@arjunbijlani) on Jun 23, 2016 at 2:56pm PDT

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jun 24 (PTI) The IMF today called on Britain and Europe to work together to ensure a "smooth transition" to a new economic relationship between them after British people voted to exit from the 28-nation bloc.

"We urge the authorities in the UK and Europe to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition to a new economic relationship between the UK and the EU, including by clarifying the procedures and broad objectives that will guide the process," International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said.

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The IMF has taken note of the decision of the United Kingdom, she said in a statement.

"We strongly support commitments of the Bank of England and the ECB to supply liquidity to the banking system and curtail excess financial volatility.

"We will continue to monitor developments closely and stand ready to support our members as needed," Lagarde said.

In another statement, the Finance Minister of G7 countries and governors of their central banks said they respect the intention expressed today by the people of the United Kingdom to exit from the European Union.

"We are monitoring market developments following the outcome of the referendum on the UKs membership of the EU," the statement said.

"We affirm our assessment that the UK economy and financial sector remain resilient and are confident that the UK authorities are well-positioned to address the consequences of the referendum outcome," the G7 statement said.

Recognising that excessive volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates can have adverse implications for economic and financial stability, the statement said G7 central banks have taken steps to ensure adequate liquidity and to support the functioning of markets.

"We stand ready to use the established liquidity instruments to that end," G7 said adding the US will continue to consult closely on market movements and financial stability, and cooperate as appropriate. PTI LKJ AKJ AKJ

--- ENDS ---
It had been 16 years since I had the opportunity to question Russian President Vladimir Putin. When I interviewed him at the Kremlin in 2000 for India Today, Putin had just taken over as President. He was catapulted to the most powerful post in Russia without too many credentials, except being a former KGB spy, a party loyalist and a black belt in judo.

Putin had been tasked with pulling Russia out of the deep morass it had sunk into-chaos prevailed across the federation, the oligarchs controlled the economy, the new mafiosi ruled the streets and corruption was rampant. But even then he exhibited a quiet determination and a firmness (his rivals called it ruthlessness) to get the job done.

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Raj Chengappa

When I met Putin for an exclusive interaction in St Petersburg last week, along with a select group of editors from across the world, he had become the iron man of Russia. In the intervening 16 years, he had tamed restive federations, rebuilt the country's flailing economy with the bonanza in oil revenues, and most importantly for his countrymen, restored their pride in their nation. The West may regard him as the new Bad Boy but back home Putin is lauded for his audacity in taking Crimea by force from Ukraine even though the sanctions that followed affected their jobs and raised prices. His popularity remains high regardless of the fact that Putin's favourites, dubbed the siloviki, now control the higher echelons of power and business.

The venue for the interaction with Putin was the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) that he had championed as a rival to Davos. The magnificent port city is Putin's favoured pasture-it was here as a young deputy mayor and head of the powerful Committee for Foreign Economic Relations in the late 1990s that he had earned his spurs, as a determined, diligent and tenacious doer who caught the then President Boris Yeltsin's attention. At SPIEF 2016, Putin was the master of ceremonies and spent two hours at the plenary session moderated by Fareed Zakaria, willing to answer any question thrown at him.

It was close to midnight when we met Putin at a conference room in the presidential wing of the Forum. Putin looked fit and fresh despite having had non-stop interactions through the day. When he was reminded by TASS chief Sergey Mikhaylov that his parting words to me in 2000 were, "See you again, soon," Putin turned to me with a smile and said, " See, I kept my promise." I shot my questions to him in quick succession: Would he call up his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and ask him to back India's bid to be a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group? Does India being on the right side of the US after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit put us on the wrong side of Russia? Had he ever tried doing yoga?

Putin answered all of my questions with candour, preferring to talk about yoga first. He admitted that he was "envious of those who did yoga" but despite being a fitness freak "preferred to watch it from the sidelines". On pushing India's case for NSG membership with China, Putin revealed that he was in touch with the Chinese and while they may have a strong point of view which needs to be addressed, he was confident that the outcome would be positive. He then expressed his impatience with the progress of India-Russia relations stating that the bilateral trade turnover, which stood at $10 billion, was low. He said firmly, "There is a need to transform the historical and positive capital into areas of cooperation. We must diversify our relations, expand investment and deepen our engagement."

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The Russian president surprised me though with his blunt observations on whether Russia was upset by the growing closeness between India and the US. At first, he was diplomatic, saying, "It is quite a natural process." He then went on to cite the whimsical nature of US decision-making, by pointing out how before Modi became prime minister, the US had refused him a visa, but lifted the ban with alacrity as soon as he was elected.Putin's meaning was clear: Russia was a more trustworthy friend and Modi shouldn't be besotted by time-servers. Or, as the old Russian saying goes: An old friend is better than two new ones. Mr Modi, please note.

--- ENDS ---
India's bid at the NSG high table was dissolved after questions were raised over the inclusion of non-NPT members into the elite group.

By Smita Sharma: India's hopes for a seat at the Nuclear Suppliers' Group high table was dashed against the Great Wall of China on Friday. According to sources, China had agreed to a discussion on the Indian membership application on Thursday night subject to no decision making. But the India specific bid could not be discussed, as question of technical consequence of inclusion of non NPT members overshadowed the deliberations.

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And Beijing did not stand isolated in the negotiation room. Rather the issue of procedure and criterion became a rallying point for countries like Austria, New Zealand and Ireland. Brazil which had supported India's bid in the plenary and praised its nuclear non-proliferation record stressed on a 'non-discriminatory criterion based process.'



Turkey sought flexibility for Pakistan's possible entry in future into the group. And despite Prime Minister Modi's stop over to Switzerland enroute the United States in early June and an apparent support, the Swiss too stood in support of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

NON-NPT NATIONS WOULD DILUTE NON- PROLIFERATION EFFORTS



In fact global nuclear proliferation, clandestine North Korean nuclear programs and dirty bombs dominated the plenary agenda chaired by South Korea. Apprehensions were expressed that giving the green signal to Non-NPT countries would dilute global non-proliferation efforts. The mood against inclusion of non-NPT members was well laid out in the NSG statement.

'Participating Governments reiterated their firm support for the full, complete and effective implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime' the statement read.

Responding to the NSG statement, the Indian Foreign Ministry cited the 2008 NSG waiver to justify its application. "Paragraph 1 (a) of the September 2008 decision states that the decision on India contributes to the widest possible implementation of the provisions and objectives of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," said Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup. There is thus no contradiction between the NPT and India's closer engagement with the NSG.

Only five countries that acquired nuclear weapons before 1970 were accorded the Nuclear Weapons State status in 1974. India, Pakistan, Israel and South Sudan remain the only four UN member states that have not signed the NPT, which has 190 signatories today.

STRONG SUPPORT FOR INDIA ACROSS POLITICAL SPECTRUM

North Korea had walked out of the NPT after signing it. India Considers its nuclear weapons program as a necessary minimum deterrent from regional nuclear threats including Chinese Arsenal and Pakistani nuclear arms. There is strong support across the political spectrum for India to not give up its nuclear weapons capability and sovereignty, even as it keeps its nuclear program well guarded and has an impressive non proliferation record.

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Earlier speaking to Mail Today in Seoul, Ambassasor Wang Qun, Arms Control Division Director General at the Foreign Ministry in Beijing claimed "dozens of countries shared China's concerns at the meeting." He also added that at current only memberships of NPT signatory countries like Namibia that have expressed a desire to join, are under consideration. And sometime in the future special meetings could be convened for non-NPT bids.

"We understand that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country, a three hour long discussion took place last night on the issue of future participation in the NSG. An overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported India's membership and appraised India's application positively," Vikas Swarup responded.

TECHINICAL, LEGAL AND POLITICAL ASPECTS OF PARTICIPATION DISCUSSED

There was simply a broad reference to the issue in the NSG formal statement that said - "The NSG had discussions on the issue of 'Technical, Legal and Political Aspects of the Participation of non-NPT States in the NSG'and decided to continue its discussion."

Contrary to Islamabad's claims, the Chinese diplomat stressed that it was arguing against entry of all non-NPT countries and the procedure was not just to target India, but would even apply to Pakistan.

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Though top government sources had earlier told Mail Today that the countries raising objections on the question of procedure are not opposed to India. Rather 'they believed India's international record and want to find a way around', a top diplomat claimed.

The MEA in its response reminded, "Our application has acquired immediacy in view of India's INDC envisaging 40% non-fossil power generation capacity by 2030. An early positive decision by the NSG would have allowed us to move forward on the Paris Agreement."

Also read:

NSG in sight

PM has failed on fgn policy front: Kejriwal on NSG issue



India's NSG bid: Seoul meeting inconclusive, China's opposition prevails

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: London, Jun 24 (PTI) ISIS has expressed its delight over the economic impact on the UK and EU following the British referendum and called for attacks in Berlin and Brussels to "paralyse" Europe, according to a media report.

A jihadi Telegram -- an encrypted messaging service popular with militants -- praised the economic chaos that came in the wake of the EU Referendum and urged followers to strike at the heart of mainland Europe, the Mirror reported citing SITE intelligence group.

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The UK voted to leave the European Union after 43 years in the historic referendum. Leave won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent votes.

The vote -- which saw an extremely high turnout of around 72 per cent -- reverses the public verdict back in 1975, when the UK voted to remain a member of then European Economic Community, which later became the EU.

UK military chiefs have warned there is a "serious and direct threat to holiday resorts across Europe" from groups like ISIS.

"There is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria," the UKs Foreign Office (FCO) was quoted as saying.

Anti-terror police are believed to have foiled a major terror attack planned to take place during Irelands Euro 2016 match with Belgium this week. PTI ASK AKJ ASK

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Thousands of people walked across a giant floating art in Northern Italy. This unique artwork by 81-year-old artist Christo Vladimirov Javacheff took a mind-boggling 46 years to come to fruition.

By India Today Web Desk: The last known person who walked on water was Jesus Christ. But now, you can walk on water too. Head straight to Northern Italy where Bulgarian-born artist Christo Vladimirov Javacheff made this possible. Here's how.



Christo conceived the idea to build a floating golden bridge in 1970. "The Floating Piers," project by the 81-year-old artist Christo took years of intricate planning and hard work. And lots of money. The total cost of this installation is a whopping 15 million Euros (approximately $16.7 million).

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For this unique project he built piers out of 2,20,000 polyethylene cubes and covered them in a yellow fabric. He used this to link two mainlands in Italy - the town of Sulzano and the island of San Paolo - on the shores of Lake Iseo.



If you are visiting The Floating Piers today, please take lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat or umbrella. Very high temperatures are expected! Se state visitando The Floating Piers oggi, ricordatevi di portare molta acqua, protezione solare, un cappello o un ombrello. Sono previste temperature elevate! #thefloatingpiers A video posted by The Floating Piers (@floatingpiers) on Jun 23, 2016 at 1:30am PDT

Visitors camped overnight to get the first glimpse of the giant floating pier. The installation is set to be free for the public through day and night, from June 18 to July 3.

People sunbathed, some walked bare foot on the magnificent 'golden' bridge while others took a dip in the lake, under the watchful eye of lifeguards on boats and staff on the walkways.

Dogs and swans can also enjoy #thefloatingpiers Anche cani e cigni possono farne parte A photo posted by The Floating Piers (@floatingpiers) on Jun 23, 2016 at 4:47am PDT



Environmental artist Christo's is well-known for his simple artwork and almost all of his projects are self-funded.



Christo at home in his studio on Howard Street, New York with a preparatory drawing of #thefloatingpiers in 2015. #christojeanneclaude A photo posted by The Floating Piers (@floatingpiers) on May 19, 2016 at 4:28am PDT



In collaboration with his late wife Jeanne-Claude, he rose to fame by wrapping the Berlin Reichstag and the Pont Neuf in Paris in fabric, as well as surrounding islands in Biscayne Bay in Miami with pink cloth in 1983.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrapped Reichstag, Berlin, 1971-95/ http://christojeanneclaude.net/

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By PTI: New Delhi, June 24 (PTI) Jharkhand today demanded five battalions of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to combat Naxalism in the state. Making the demand, state Chief Secretary Rajbala Verma laid stress on the need to strengthen telecommunication and mobile network to control Naxalism.

Verma took part in a meeting to review the progress of development works undertaken in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states. The meeting was held in the pressence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

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"In order to control Naxal problem in the state, Verma demanded five battalions of CRPF to run a special drive in 13 focus areas including Latehar, Banalat, Pesrar, Parasnath, Balumath etc," an official statement said.

Jharkhand already has more than 20 battalions.

Verma urged the Centre to increase the network of banks and post offices for financial inclusion in LWE districts so that Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, MUDRA Yojana, Kissan Credit Card Yojana, Fasal Beema Yojana and others are effectively implemented.

Noting that at presentl only 1500 bank branches are in operation in 4402 panchayats of the state, she said that increased number of bank branches, post offices, computerized sub-post offices will boost financial inclusion and also increase post offices role in financial exchanges specially in payment of MGNREGA wages.

"The CS laid stress on the need to strengthen telecommunication and mobile network to control Naxalism in the state," the statement said.

Noting that new radio and television transmission centres are the need of the hour, Verma conveyed during the meeting that at present proposals for 900 mobile towers are pending in the state and out of the five radio transmission centres, not even a single one lies in Santhal Pargana Commissionery.

Verma also asked the Centre to increase the 5 per cent funds given under NRHM for health-related basic infrastructure, primary health centres and sub-centres and make it expense-flexible.

She also asked the Centre to minimize the requirement of land for Central School and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya from 10 acre and 25 acre respectively to 5 acres so that the pending 8 Central Schools and 11 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas can be opened.

She also urged the Centre to exclude linear projects like canal, tele-communication from the need of acquiring forest clearance. PTI TDS PAL

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By PTI: Ranchi, Jun 24 (PTI) Jharkhand today sought from the Centre five CRPF battalions for effective control of naxal problem in 13 focused areas like Latehar, Balumath, Pesrar, Parasnath and Balumath.

Jharkhand Chief Secretary Rajbala Verma urged Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in this regard during a meeting in New Delhi.

The meeting was convened to review developmental works in left wing extremist-hit areas and review of security measures.

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Officials from Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh and Odisha participated and discussions were held to make development and security measures more effective in 35 left-wing extremism affected districts, including 13 in Jharkhand, in these states, an official release said here.

To broaden financial inclusion in LWE districts, Verma urged the Centre to increase the networks of bank and post offices so that Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, MUDRA Yojana, Kisan credit card yojana, Fasal Bima Yojana etc could be effectively executed, and for this she requested to open bank branches in all panchayats in Jharkhand.

Strengthening of mobile network to control naxal problem and setting up radio and Doordarshan centres was required, she added. PTI PVR DKB

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By PTI: New Delhi, Jun 24 (PTI) Citing the Brexit referendum, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said the national capital will soon have a referendum on full statehood issue.

Last month, the AAP government released a draft bill on full statehood for Delhi and invited suggestions from the public till June 30.

"After UK referendum, Delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood," the Delhi Chief Minister tweeted.

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If Delhi gets full statehood, police, land and municipal corporations and bureaucracy will come under the state government.

Senior AAP leader Ashish Khetan said the will of the people is supreme in democracy and its time to have a referendum on full statehood for the national capital.

"After the UK referendum on EU exit, its time to have a referendum on full statehood of Delhi. In a democracy the will of the ppl is supreme," he tweeted.

The United Kingdom has voted to quit the European Union in a referendum which is being termed as Brexit.

In July last year, the Kejriwal government had asked its various departments to prepare a "draft law and create machinery for" holding referendum on the issue of statehood for Delhi.

The CM had asked the Urban Development Department to come with a feasibility report and specify a timeline. The department was asked to give various options available to the government for conducting such a referendum.

While releasing the draft bill on the statehood for Delhi, Kejriwal, last month, had asked BJP and Congress to "rise above differences".

Kejriwal had said the he would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh , BJP President Amit Shah and Congress president Sonia Gandhi to garner support for the draft bill, which keeps the high-profile NDMC area, out of its jurisdiction. PTI BUN TIR RT TIR

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Lalu said that it was becoming very clear that Centre was following the diktats from RSS and scrapping reservations to poor, Dalits, SC/ST and OBC's.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad has shot a letter to PM Narendra Modi over UGC scrapping of reservation for Other Backward Class candidates for post of professors and associate professors. In his letter Lalu has alleged that Modi govt was flouting rules and regulations to deny OBC candidates what was their right. RJD Chief has demanded PM Modi to personally look into the matter and get a complete report from the HRD Ministry over the decision to scrap reservations to OBC candidates. Lalu demanded that PM should break his silence over the UGC's decision and make his stand clear over the controversial decision.

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LALU ATTACKS PM MODI

Through his letter to the PM, Lalu attacked PM Modi and demanded that the Centre should release figures of number of professors and associate professors from SC/ST and OBC category who are presently posted in all the Central Universities across the country. Lalu said that the Central govt should state facts whether number of such professors and associate professors in Central Universities is in proportion to the present reservation granted to them.

STOPPING FELLOWSHIPS OF OBC'S



Citing the example of fellowship being discontinued recently, for Scheduled Caste students due to dearth of funds, Lalu questioned PM as to why reservations meant OBCs, SC/ST and Dalits were being discontinued in a phased manner. Lalu attacked PM asserting that on one hand the central govt was stopping fellowships to poor and backwards students and on the other hands top industrialists were looting the country of thousands of croeres and running away abroad ( read Vijay Mallya).

Lalu said that it was becoming very clear that Centre was following the diktats from RSS and scrapping reservations to poor, Dalits, SC/ST and OBCs. Lalu said that the idea of scrapping reservation policy from the country was made clear by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat during Bihar elections and Centre was now following RSS's intent.

RESERVATION CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT



Lalu maintained that reservation was a constitutional right and not a poverty eradication program and he threatened to start a movement soon against the Centre's move of scrapping reservation.

It may be noted that after the UGC scrapped OBC quota from professor and associate professor post, 27 per cent OBC reservation in teaching positions will be applicable for the level of Assistant Professor only.

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Manjushree Thapa's third novel All of Us in Our Own Lives portrays Nepal as if through a prism, tracing each channel of light bouncing through glass. In an unparalleled exploration of the socio-economic layers of the country, Thapa examines from each prismatic angle the lives of the Nepalese.

Few nations as small as Nepal receive as much international attention. But, thanks to the country's remarkable geography with its beloved and familiar strains, Gorkha power, the 2015 earthquake and the country's role as chief pawn in the grand match between India and China, Nepal enjoys the concentrated gaze so many Third World countries (usually hastily clubbed together in their culture and deprivation) yearn for. The intricacies of Nepali society, though, remain a mystery, even to close neighbour India. As a frequent visitor, I've often wondered about the social fabric of the country-What happens to the tour operators after tourists return to their homes? What do the women do when they're done making momos and endless daal bhaatwe ordered by the thaliful? Thapa answers all these questions and leaves a few lingering ones, in the aptly titled All of Us in Our Own Lives.

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The book opens with the intriguing Ava Berriden, adopted Nepali child, now Canadian lawyer and soon to be a 'foreign-return' case, coming to her birth country after she hastily joins an international aid foundation in an attempt to escape a flailing marriage and fill the gaps in her life. Next, you have her colleague, the much-travelled, well-spoken, affluent Indira Sharma. Caught between her high-powered job working for women's rights, and her limiting role as a Nepali woman, Indira acts as the conscience of the book. Most intriguing is her tender and troubled relationship with her maid Durga. Then there's recently orphaned, strangely dynamic Sapana Karki, living far up in a village, sitting on the delicate fence between childhood and the looming adult world. Her brother Gyanu, who works in a restaurant in Dubai, returns to their village after their father dies. Here, he meets Ava on her field trip?the interaction changes all their lives irrevocably.

Thapa writes with incredible and equal insight into the chaotic, glossy world of foreign aid in Nepal, and the simple villager's struggle. The reader suspects that Ava's frustration at the disconnect between the two is often reflective of Thapa's own disappointments.

She uses the astute vantage point of identifying as both Nepali and Canadian, doing full justice to both. She slips with ease into the mind of the westernised Nepali woman ('epic' parties, open relationships, free-flowing wine and 'whatevs'), just as easily as she speaks of the burdened, poetic young Nepali waiter living the harsh, low-income Dubai life. For each of her characters, she must switch between genders, classes or situational struggles, retaining only one commonality-ethnicity. In the end, we see exactly what she has set out to show-the intertwined struggles and strengths of being Nepali.

While we could have easily done without the overdose of names sprinkling the narrative, there is a sense that this represents Nepal itself. More jarringly, the book suffers from lazy editing-more than a few sentences are jumbled and words misspelt. Chapters run into each other by mistake.

The poor proofreading while irritating, doesn't eventually matter as the story is captivating and transports one to the misty mountains of Nepal, where each character eventually, magically, finds a crooked peace. At one point, Thapa observes-"Kathmandu was ugly..." And not long after, "Nepal was beautiful". This here is the essence of the book...it sees the forest for the trees, and the country with all its flaws, corruption and eyesores, for what it truly is-beautiful.

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Karuna Ezara Parikh is a writer and television anchor from Delhi







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A joint team of 21 Rashtriya Rifles and Handwara Police are engaged in a gunbattle since last night with a group of militants hidden in the forest area.

By Ashraf Wani: An unidentified militant was killed in a gunbattle with security forces in north Kashmir's Kupwara today, the seventh militant to be killed in three encounters in the district since Thursday.

The fresh encounter broke out in Petha Wadar forest area of Handwara this morning, an army official said.

A search operation was launched by a joint team of police and army after receiving specific inputs about the presence of militants in the area. The hiding militants fired upon them, triggering an encounter in which the militant was killed.

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He said the operation was on when reports last came in.Today's encounter is the third in Kupwara district since yesterday in which a total of seven militants have been killed so far.

Yesterday, three militants were killed in an encounter in Dobwan forests of Lolab area of the district.n another gunfight last evening in Waterkhani forests of Drugmulla area of the district, another three militants were killed by the security forces.

Brigadier Rajiv Pori, who is one of the sector commander in LOC sector in Kupwara, said India Today that infiltration during month of June has increased abruptly and at least 35 to 40 infiltration bids were made by terrorists during last one month.

He added that there are more than 4o launching pads across LOC and heavily armed militants are desperate for infiltration.

Killed militants in three encounters since Thursday morning are all believed fresh infiltrators and are believed from Lashker I toiba.

Army has recovered large quantity of arms ammunition, GPS and maps from killed terrorists.

Intelligence reports have also suggested that some of these freshly infiltrated terrorists have managed to reach south Kashmir and security forces are monitoring the moment of these militants too.

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The trailer of Mirzya is out and it looks stunning.

By India Today Web Desk: Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra teased the fans with two teaser trailers in the past, and they were enough to raise expectations of the audience from the final trailer. And with the recent release of the three-minute trailer, one can easily say that they haven't disappointed the fans.

The first trailer of Mirzya is out and it looks stunning. Each and every frame is a visual treat. Mehra's Mirzya is set to be Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher's Bollywood debut. The two will be seen in a intense love story. The youngest Kapoor has bagged the titular role in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's period drama, wherein he essays the role of a warrior.

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Written by Gulzar, Mirzya is a contemporary take on the love story between the legend of Mirza and Sahibaan (a popular folk lore). The trailer takes draws a parallel between the two love stories - contemporary and folklore.

Ever since the trailer was unveiled on social media, Bollywood stars have showered praises on the film and its star cast. From Aamir Khan to Anil Kapoor to Shahid Kapoor, B-Town has given a thumbs up to the trailer.



Congratulations Mehra! The film looks visually stunning. (1/2)https://t.co/S5IbxWcWRF Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) June 24, 2016

Harsh looks terrific as Mirzya, and Saiyami Kher looks beautiful. Good luck to the entire team. Love. a. (2/2) Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) June 24, 2016

Mirzya !!! 7th October can't come soon enough @HarshKapoor_ @SaiyamiKher @RakeyshOmMehra The film looks ethereal I can't wait #ProudBrother Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) June 24, 2016

Stunning can't wait to watch this. @HarshKapoor_ the boy has grown up looking super.@SaiyamiKher amazing watch .https://t.co/xRRlil2uPK Varun JUNAID dhawan (@Varun_dvn) June 23, 2016

@HarshKapoor_ wishing you all the luck. Looks like a visual treat https://t.co/lDJAOZqT1X Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) June 24, 2016

Shankar Ehsaan Loy have composed the music of the film. Mirzya is set to release on October 7.

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The delegates, post consultations with their respective governments, have resumed dialogue.

By Smita Sharma: After three hours of discussions remained inconclusive on Thursday, the NSG special meeting restarted at Seoul this morning.

The delegates, post consultations with their respective governments, have resumed dialogue.

In the meeting room, the head of delegations along with one other member is present.

The meeting would discuss consequences of the entry of non-NPT nations into the nuke group via-a-vis India's bid.

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While India's Foreign Secretary Jaishankar remains in Seoul, top diplomats are in touch with their countries to assuage concerns.

The press statement is likely to come soon after the conclusion of the NSG plenary.



WHO STANDS WHERE? China remains biggest stumbling block. Austria,Ireland,New Zealand divided on question of merit. Brazil wants non-discriminatory criterion based process. Turkey wants flexibility for Pakistan in future . Question of non-NPT signatory centre stage. 32 positive interventions on India's behalf on Thursday. US,UK,Japan asked for discussions on India's bid in Thursday. France,Germany,Hungary too voiced support in plenary.

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By PTI: Director: Anurag Kashyap

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vicky Kaushal, Sobhita Dhulipala, Amruta Subhash

By Saibal Chatterjee

Unabashedly dark and disturbing, Anurag Kashyaps Raman Raghav 2.0 is a pulsating thriller that delves into the recesses of the mind of a serial killer.

With its drama placed in the larger context of the climate of violence in a big Indian city, the film tells the story of a deranged and depraved contemporary criminal who models himself on Raman Raghav, a real-life serial killer who stalked the streets and slums of Bombay in the mid-1960s.

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The central character, Ramanna (Nawazuddin Siddiqui in scintillating form), kills without remorse ? and often without reason ? even as he taunts the Mumbai crime branch with a blow-by-blow confession that the policemen find hard to digest.

The cop on Ramannas trail is a 30-year-old man Raghavan (Vicky Kaushal, completely believable), who is wracked by his own inner demons.

His relationship with his father is uneasy, he is unable to sleep, is addicted to psychotropic substances and is dangerously trigger-happy. In terms of temperament, there isnt much that separates the cop from the crook.

Kashyap, who has co-written the film with Vasan Bala, turns this shocking crime drama into a flashy genre film bolstered by a throbbing musical score, a frenetic editing rhythm and outstanding performances not only by the two principal actors but also by members of the supporting cast.

Much of the film has been shot in the seediest parts of Mumbai, because that is where Ramanna operates. His weapon of choice is a car wheel wrench that he uses to bludgeon his victims.

As the manic marauder goes about his twisted life driven by a perverse philosophy, policeman Raghavan, who is obviously no less crooked in his ways, finds himself sinking deeper and deeper into a quagmire of moral degradation largely of his own making.

Raman Raghav 2.0 is a film in which the lines dividing good and evil are completely erased. The tale unfolds in a moral vacuum in which murder and mayhem thrive without any hindrance.

Kashyap puts a complex spin on this nihilistic tale by drawing into its scope allusions to communal riots and state-perpetrated violence in order to create a political and social context for the utterly senseless violence that the two characters ? the outlaw and the lawman ? unleash.

In this dehumanized scenario, women are the most vulnerable and that reality is driven home principally by the character of Raghavans girlfriend Simmy Naidu (played impressively by first-timer Sobhita Dhulipala).

She is an independent-spirited woman who lives life on her own terms, but is constantly driven into a corner by the man in her life.

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The other women who pop up in Raman Raghav 2.0 are all victims of the ugliness that the men represent. Ramannas own sister (Amruta Subhash) pays the price for seeking a better life, while Simmys maid gets sucked into the vortex of the Ramanna-Raghavan catfight for no fault of her own.

It isnt an easy film to watch although much of the violence that it depicts is kept off-screen. But the deft manner in which it uses the cinematic resources at its disposal ? which, of course, is influenced in part by the films limited budget ? makes it an immersive cinematic experience. PTI CORR BK

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Monaya, as their fans love to call them, are loving every bit of their Spain holiday.

By India Today Web Desk: Newlyweds Sanaya Irani and Mohit Sehgal are on a Spain holiday these days. The travel buffs seem to be enjoying every bit of their vacation. A day back they were seen catching up with friend Arjun Bijlani, who's in Madrid to attend IIFA Awards along with other TV celebs.

Mohit has shared a picture of his cruise holiday on his Instagram account where the duo are seen having fun in the sea. While the wifie dear is seen planting a peck on hubby's cheek, Mohit is just happy to have her by his side.

When Friends meet in Spain ??#Holiday #Funtym A photo posted by Mohit Sehgal (@itsmohitsehgal) on Jun 23, 2016 at 6:24am PDT

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Sanaya and Mohit tied the knot in a destination wedding in Goa on January 25 this year. The couple headed to Greece for their honeymoon. The travel lovers have now got another opportunity to travel and they are making the most of it.

Mohit was also recently in news for his controversial exit from TV show Sarojini.

A photo posted by Mohit Sehgal (@itsmohitsehgal) on Jun 23, 2016 at 6:25am PDT

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By PTI: From Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Jun 24 (PTI) Nepal has banned its citizens from working in strife-torn Afghanistan, days after 13 Nepali security guards were killed in a Taliban suicide bombing in Kabul.

13 Nepalese nationals working in Afghanistan were killed and five others sustained serious injuries when militants exploded a bomb in a minibus on Monday.

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A cabinet meeting yesterday decided to suspend issuing labour permits to Nepalese nationals for Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Libya until a further notice.

After the Kabul attack, the government made the decision to bar Nepalese nationals from going to the war-hit nations for the purpose of employment.

The government also decided to provide Rs 1 million as compensation to families of the victims. It has also made arrangements for the treatment of those injured in the attack by Taliban.

The meeting also directed the Ministry of Labour and Employment to submit a report after carrying out detailed study of all aspects of the incident.

Moreover, a decision was made to hold diplomatic talks with the Afghanistan government in order to guarantee thesecurity and safety of theNepalese in Afghanistan and also toprovide necessary support for those willing to return home.

The government also evacuated 24 other Nepalese nationals who were working as security guard in the Canadian Embassy in Kabul following the terror attack. PTI SBP AJR AKJ AJR

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By India Today Web Desk: Actor Nivin Pauly, the heartthrob of the Malayalam industry, is currently shooting for the Tamil remake of Kannada thriller Ulidavaru Kandanthe, which was directed by Rakshit Shetty.



The Tamil remake is tentatively titled Santa Maria and is being directed by debutant Gautam Ramachandran.



ALSO READ: Nivin Pauly's Tamil film is titled Santa Maria

ALSO READ: Atlee to team up with Nivin Pauly for a Tamil film?



While the shooting is on in full swing, the Premam actor will team up with another newcomer for a Tamil project.



The project is still in its nascent stage and will be produced under 24AM Studios, the newly floated banner.



Producer RD Raja of 24AM Studios said, "Our third project will be with Nivin Pauly. It will be directed by Prabhu Radhakrishnan, and will go on floors after we complete our project with director Mohan Raja."



After the stupendous success of Malayalam film Premam, Nivin Pauly earned a strong fan base in Tamil Nadu. This project will be Nivin's third Tamil venture after Neram. The project will go on floors after the yet-untitled flick with National Award-winning director Siddharth Siva.



24AM Studios is awaiting the release of Sivakarthikeyan-starrer Remo, which is touted to be a romantic comedy.

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The 21 AAP MLAs, facing the risk of disqualification, have sought a personal hearing before the Election Commission.

By Astha Saxena: Opposition leaders gunning for the AAP over an office-of-profit row have found fresh ammunition after a law student filed a complaint with the Election Commission about 27 legislators of the ruling party and forwarded a copy to the President.

Vibhor Anand pointed out this week that the MLAs have been made chairpersons of Rogi Kalyan Samitis, or patient welfare panels, at various government hospitals, while he attached to his letter a copy of a 2015 Mail Today report on the matter.

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SECYS' SECRETS

The fresh complaint is different from the one against 21 MLAs submitted last year after they were assigned as parliamentary secretaries to six ministers of the Arvind Kejriwal government. Anand says the appointment of the lawmakers "amounts to holding office of profit because in the capacity of chairperson, these 27 legislators are in position of interfering in day-to-day administration of these hospitals."

"I have filed a complaint with the Election Commission regarding the 27 MLAs who have been made the chairperson of Rogi Kalyan Samitis by the Delhi Health Minister. A copy of MAIL TODAY's story on the same has been attached in the complaint," he said.

MAIL TODAY has a copy of the representation. Experts say a constitutional prohibition exists to ensure a lawmaker's ability to take fair decisions is not affected by the lure of offices.

Eight of the 27 MLAs are also parliamentary secretaries. The complaint says only the minister in-charge, local MP, president of the zila panchayat or hospital-incharge can be appointed to the post of chairperson.

"Posted on 15 May '15 'AAP government want room for MLAs in hospitals' Is it not 'Office of Profit'?" tweeted Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken on Thursday with a link to the MAIL TODAY report.

The city's ruling party has been mired in controversy since the AAP government's bill to exclude the post of parliamentary secretary from the office-of-profit pool was turned down by the President.

21 Aam Aadmi Party MLAs who were made parliamentary secretaries by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last year now face the risk of disqualification. The complainant, however, argues that even if the post does not carry any monetary benefit, it gives the MLAs influence.

Rogi Kalyan Samitis comprise members from Panchayati Raj Institutions, NGOs, local elected representatives and officials from the government sector who are responsible for proper functioning and management of the hospitals and health centres.

ON A STICKY WICKET

They have the authority to utilise all government assets and services to impose user fees and are free to determine the quantum of charges on the basis of local circumstances.

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A letter dated May 12 from the AAP administration asked the medical superintendents of all Delhi government hospitals to immediately provide office spaces in the institute premises to the MLAs who have been nominated as chairpersons of the samitis. The communication was signed by city health minister Satyendra Jain.

However, a senior government officer said, "This is no violation as no monetary benefits were given to these MLAs. They were appointed to help the patients and ease out the process at the ground level."

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had justified appointing last year 21 legislators as parliamentary secretaries to ministers for "smooth functioning" of the government. The orders were accompanied by a statement from the AAP government saying the parliamentary secretaries would "not be eligible to any remuneration or perks of any kind."

The EC had earlier issued notices asking them to explain how their appointment as parliamentary secretaries does not fall under office of profit and why their Assembly membership should not be cancelled.

The 21 AAP MLAs, facing the risk of disqualification, have sought a personal hearing before the Election Commission. In their response to the poll body, the MLAs have said that the parliamentary secretary post is without any remuneration or power. A senior party functionary maintained that there was no "pecuniary benefit" associated with the position.

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Also read:

21 AAP MLAs to be disqualified? Appointment as parliamentary secretaries invalid, finds Election Commission

BJP accuses AAP government of Rs 450 crore number plate scam

No political vendetta against AAP, says Goa CM

Delhi woman accuses AAP MLA Dinesh Mohaniya of misbehaviour, FIR filed





--- ENDS ---
A Pakistani provincial government granted 3 million dollars to a hard-line Islamic school, better known as the 'University of Jihad'. Many say that funding such an institution is like rewarding terrorists.

By India Today Web Desk: Over the years, Pakistan has been festered with regular terrorist attacks claiming thousands of lives. Despite the widespread violence caused by the atrocities of hard-line Islamic militancy, a Pakistani provincial government has gone ahead and allocated 3 million dollars to a Taliban-linked seminary Darul Uloom Haqqania or what is better known as the University of Jihad??.



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Darul Uloom Haqqania

Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government granted $3 million to the Darul Uloom Haqqania or the University of Jihad" seminary which is known as a breeding ground for hard-line Islamic extremists. The institution has about 4000 students enrolled in it.

The leaders of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa made an announcement last week that the main aim was to keep the world's most controversial Islamic seminaries operational, reports the Washington Post.

A large number of students study, live and eat in this seminary, and its doing great service for the poor people,?? the provinces Information Minister Mushtaq Ghani told WP.





Photo: Facebook@JHaqqania Photo: Facebook@JHaqqania

Former students of the extremist university



When the United States ousted the Taliban government from power in 2001, the "University of Jihad" produced hundreds of extremists to take part in the fighting. Many of them are still fighting for Afghanistan's US backed government.

Mohammad Omar, the founder of Taliban, Jalaluddin Haqqani, leader of the Haqqani network, and Asim Umar, leader of AL-Qaedas South Asia wing are all believed to be former students of Darul Uloom Haqqania.



Photo: Facebook@JHaqqania

The allocation of funds has left many unsettled

This step by the provincial government has prompted sharp criticism saying it only pushes Pakistan behind in the global fight against terrorism. Reports state that the $3 million grant is more than the annual budget of the National Counter Terrorism Authority.

The Taliban are killing our children, and our government is giving money to their sympathizers,?? Pakistani Senator Shahi Syed told the Washington Post.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's government claims that all the 3 million dollars will be used to build dormitories. However, the motive behind such a huge investment is still murky. The allocation of the money reveals a clear upper hand that religious conservatives have in Pakistani politics.



Close aides to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif say that the funding is a purely local decision.

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) earlier described the Prime Minister's visit as a 'productive visit'.

By Asian News International: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday arrived at the Palam Airforce base in New Delhi from Tashkent after completing his two-day trip to Uzbekistan during which the Prime Minister held talks with several global leaders and formally joined the SCO after signing a Memorandum of Obligation.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) earlier described the Prime Minister's visit as a 'productive visit'.

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"Thank you Tashkent! A short but productive visit for the SCO Summit ends as PM @narendramodi departs for India," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted soon after the Prime Minister left.

TALKS WITH PUTIN



Prime Minister Modi earlier today also held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the16th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here.

President Putin said India is a special and privileged partner, asserting that there is a long standing friendship between both the nations.

Putin also welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of the SCO and looked forward to India's chairmanship of BRICS, which has grown in influence.

After holding talks with Putin, Prime Minister Modi paid floral tribute at the bust of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.

The Indian Prime Minister, who arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit, also held bilateral meetings with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

ALSO READ:

India, Uzbekistan agree to step up security cooperation

PM Modi in Tashkent: India expects fruitful outcome during SCO summit

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New Delhi, Jun 23 (PTI) President Pranab Mukherjeee today asked young scholars from esteemed educational institutes to repay the society for the investments made in them through research, development and innovation.

Addressing 13 scholars of IITs, IISc-Bangalore and IISERs at a first-of-its-kind In-Residence programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, he called upon the students to contribute to the nation, work hard to make India great and address the challenges that the country confronts.

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"This is the first such In-Residence programme for scholars from IITs, IISc and IISERs. Similar programmes exist for writers, artists, grassroot innovators, NIT students and inspirational teachers," a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said.

"Describing them as persons with high level of talent, expertise and skill, the President asked the young scholars to repay society for the investments made in them through research, development and innovation. He asked them to make themselves unique from all others," it said.

Mukherjee described youth as leaders of the new generation and said they should demonstrate the indomitable spirit to bring about change in the country.

"He reminded that a large number of young men and women made major contributions to Indias independence struggle. The President said the purpose of the In-Residence programmes was to democratise the Rashtrapati Bhavan and open it for the people," the statement said.

The President said people of India have the right to know about the Rashtrapati Bhavan and to be part of its life as well as enjoy its ambience.

"The President described the products of Indias higher education institutions as people who are welcomed all over the world. He urged them to always remain fresh, energetic and creative," it added. PTI ABS SRY ZMN SRY

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The estimated turnout for EU referendum is 83.7 per cent, while in the last general election it was 66 per cent, Sky News said, according to Xinhua.

British politician and leader of the UKIP party Nigel Farage has been campaigning for Britain to leave the EU. (Photo: AP)

By Indo-Asian News Service: Britons voting to leave the European Union outnumbered "Remain" partisans by a margin of 6,931 in the first returns from Thursday's referendum.

"Leave" carried the day in the northeastern English city of Sunderland by 61 per cent to 39 per cent, amid turnout of 65 per cent. In Newcastle, just 21 km away, Remain prevailed by 50.7 per cent to 49.3 per cent with turnout of nearly 68 per cent, EFE news agency reported.

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Voters in Gibraltar with 19,322 voted to stay in and 823 voted to leave, were massively in favour of staying in the EU and the Orkney Islands also ended up in the Remain column.



PLEASE STAY

The estimated turnout for EU referendum is 83.7 per cent, while in the last general election it was 66 per cent, Sky News said, according to Xinhua.

Over 80 pro-Brexit Conservative MPs signed a letter calling for British Prime Minister David Cameron to stay in his post regardless of the referendum result on Thursday night.

The city of Swindon, in the southwest, voted Leave by 55 per cent to 45 per cent. Voters in Broxbourne, a suburb of London, likewise opted for a British exit -- Brexit -- from the EU.

A YouGov poll released right after the polls closed showed the Remain side prevailing by 52 per cent to 48 per cent.



ALSO READ:

Brexit pushes back India-China financial dialogue

Indian-origin voters divided in Brexit vote





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By PTI: Mumbai, Jun 24 (PTI) Super luxury British carmaker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today launched the new version of its convertible Dawn here with an asking price of Rs 6.25 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

Dawn comes with a 6.6-liter engine and downs the roof in flat 20 seconds while cruising at 50 kmph, and is the quietest convertible car in the world today, said Sven Ritter, Rolls-Royces Sales Manager for South Asia.

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He said the new four-seater Dawn is the first super-luxury convertible in the country and will be launched in Delhi and Chennai soon.

The firms Asia Pacific Regional Director Paul Harris said Dawn is the pinnacle of luxury and therefore meant for only a select few.

"With the progressive economy, growing appetite for luxury goods and increasing number of successful entrepreneurs, Rolls-Royce has targeted India for future growth," he added.

While refusing to share sales expectation, he said globally the company sold over 4,000 units last year and "with the already strong heritage that the brand has here, we are optimistic about the demand for Dawn. "

He added that the company is not looking at expanding its dealerships here in the near future, which stands at just three now.

It has showrooms in Ahmedabad and Mumbai (Navnit Motors), Hyderabad (Kun Exclusive), New Delhi (Select Cars), and Chandigarh.

Sharad Kachalia, who owns Navnit Motors that has exclusive marketing and sales rights for Rolls-Royce in the country, told PTI that since the company became the authorised dealer in 2005, it has sold over 250 units here.

Refusing to offer any break-up, he said the Ghost, priced at Rs 5 crore, is the largest selling model, followed by the Wraith at Rs 5.5 crore and the Phantom, which is priced at a whopping Rs 8.5 crore.

Kachalia said onroad price of the Dawn will be close to Rs 7.5 crore considering customisation and the 20 per cent road tax, apart from the 183 per cent customs duty. PTI BEN NP ABM BAS

--- ENDS ---
Salman Khan jokingly said in his address at the IIFA inauguration that he should keep mum, as everything he says gets misinterpreted.

By India Today Web Desk: Nearly a week after Salman Khan's shocking remark on feeling like a 'raped woman' after the gruelling shooting schedule for Sultan, the actor is yet to apologise. On Thursday (June 23), however, he had a few words to spare during the inauguration of the International Indian Film Awards (IIFA) in Madrid, Spain.

"I will not take much time, because nowadays the less I speak the better it is," said Salman, and added jokingly that he should keep mum because everything he says gets misinterpreted.



ALSO READ: If Salman Khan feels the need to apologise he will, says brother Arbaaz

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The 50-year-old actor has been asked for a public apology from the National Commission for Women (NCW) and various political parties.

Khan is all set to perform at the IIFA night, where his film Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a front-runner in the nominations for various categories. The 17th edition of IIFA, which travels to several continents, is being held in Spain for the first time.

Various members of the film fraternity have taken a divided stance on Salman Khan's raped woman remark. In an interview to Spotboye.com, Salman said, "While shooting, during those six hours, there'd be so much of lifting and thrusting on the ground involved. That was tough for me because if I was lifting, I'd have to lift the same 120-kilo guy 10 times for 10 different angles. And likewise, get thrown that many times on the ground. This act is not repeated that many times in the real fights in the ring. When I used to walk out of the ring, after the shoot, I used to feel like a raped woman. I couldn't walk straight. I would eat and then, head right back to training. That couldn't stop."

Right after social media erupted over that 'raped woman' analogy, an audio clip from the interviews was released on the internet. It had Salman retracting his words the moment he uttered it, but that went unreported.



While there are people who are backing him, saying he has been quoted out of context, there have been people like Kangana Ranaut and Anurag Kashyap who have denounced the Kick star's remark, calling it horrible and insensitive.



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jun 24 (PTI) Senator Bernie Sanders today said he would vote for his party rival Hillary Clinton in the November general elections to defeat Republican Donald Trump, but stopped short of fully endorsing presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

"Yes, yes," 74-year-old Sanders told MSNBC in an interview when asked if he is going to vote for Clinton in November.

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Sanders, who gave a tough fight to 68-year-old Clinton during primaries, has not yet announced a formal endorsement of his partys presumptive presidential nominee.

In his interview, Sanders said he would work to defeat Donald Trump, the Republican presidential presumptive candidate.

"I think the issue right here is Im going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump. I think Trump in so many ways will be a disaster for this country, if he were to be elected president," Sanders said.

"We do not need a president whose cornerstone of his campaign is -- bigotry, is insulting Mexicans, and Latinos, and Muslims and women; who does not believe in the reality of climate change when virtually every scientist who has studied this issue understands we have a global crisis. This is not somebody who should become president," he said.

"So your vote will be a vote for Hillary Clinton or against Donald Trump?" he was asked.

"What I am trying to do right now is to make sure that the Democratic party becomes the party that represents working people, not Wall Street, that is prepared to have an agenda that speaks to the need of creating millions of jobs, raising the minimum wage to USD 15.00 an hour, dealing with climate change, dealing with pay equity. Those are the issues that we need to have not only in a platform, but we need Democratic leadership to be implemented," he said.

"You said, youll vote for Hillary Clinton, which means you wont vote for yourself. Have you accepted now that you wont be the nominee?" he was again asked.

"Im pretty good at arithmetic, and what I know is that Hillary Clinton has more pledged delegates than I do, and she has a lot more super-delegates than I do," Sanders said. PTI LKJ NSA

--- ENDS ---
Akshay Kumar paid a surprise visit to Asin and Rahul Sharma who are vacationing in Italy.

By India Today Web Desk: Most of the Bollywood stars are either in Spain for IIFA or on a vacation in Europe. While the former are busy preparing for the big night, the latter are having a gala time on their vacation. And after Akshay Kumar and his wife Twinkle Khanna were spotted holidaying in Italy, their close friends Asin and her husband Rahul Sharma have joined the couple.

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ALSO READ: When Akshay Kumar and Housefull 3 gang gatecrashed Asin's home in Delhi



Asin and Rahul were in for a surprise when Akshay paid a surprise visit to Asin and Rahul in Italy.

Khiladi Kumar played cupid for Asin and Rahul. And the lovebirds tied the knot early this year.

Asin, who was last seen in All Is Well, took to Instagram to share picture of her husband Rahul with Akshay.



Trimurti #whenursummerplanscoincide #today #friends #Summer2016 #Italy #Como #nofilter A photo posted by Asin Thottumkal (@simply.asin) on Jun 23, 2016 at 8:21am PDT

Akshay and Twinkle are accompanied by friends Gayatri Joshi and husband Vikas Oberoi on the trip.

Asin also shared a few pictures from her Europe trip on the photo-blogging site.



And that's the beauty I had the privilege of flying #mandatoryselfie #Summer2016 #Italy A photo posted by Asin Thottumkal (@simply.asin) on Jun 22, 2016 at 8:19pm PDT

Postcard from #Milan ?? #Milano #Summer2016 #Duomo #Italy A photo posted by Asin Thottumkal (@simply.asin) on Jun 20, 2016 at 10:36am PDT

?????? #Summer2016 #LakeComo #Italy ???? A photo posted by Asin Thottumkal (@simply.asin) on Jun 21, 2016 at 4:15pm PDT

On the work front, Akshay will be next seen in Neeraj Pandey's Rustom.

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Colombo, Jun 24 (PTI) Sri Lankan Parliament today unanimously passed the Right to Information bill aimed at restoring transparency and good governance in a country plagued by corruption and misrule.

The Right to Information (RTI) bill was adopted without a vote in the Parliament after two days of debate. The opposition moved amendments were all incorporated at the committee stage, officials said.

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The new law gives citizens access to public information except personal data, national security information, financial and commercial policy decisions, intellectual property and medical reports.

During last years presidential campaign President Maithripala Sirisena promised the new law, since Sri Lanka has had a long history of official secrecy.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the lack of such legislation led to large-scale corruption and financial losses to the country through questionable deals.

Speaking in the debate over two days the information Minister Gayantha Karunathilake said that the adoption the bill was a culmination of an idea mooted in 1994.

He said Sri Lankas RTI is the seventh best such piece of legislation in the world.

The opposition raised queries on some of the provisions in the bill which aims to curtail the free flow of information.

The JVP in particular questioned provision if it would hinder information on the proposed Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the move was a key element in the unity governments democratisation programme. PTI Corr NSA AKJ NSA

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By PTI: Colombo, Jun 24 (PTI) Under attack for supporting UK Prime Minister David Camerons failed campaign to persuade British people to remain in the European Union, Sri Lankan government today said the decision was made keeping in view national priorities.

Leading a team of government officials, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harsha de Silva and Telecommunications Minister Harin Fernando had traveled to Britain earlier this month to canvass support for Brexin among the Lankan community in the UK.

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Dinesh Gunawardhana, the leader of the joint opposition group, today ridiculed the move after Britain in an historic referendum voted to leave the EU in a deadly blow to the 28-nation bloc, forcing Cameron to announce his intent to resign.

De Silva said the government was having its economic priorities at the fore when it campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU.

"We want our exports to reach UK with no tariff barriers. Thats why we campaigned," de Silva said.

He said Sri Lankas exports to EU had a 40 per cent UK tax component.

"We want our exports to grow," de Silva said.

In response to the Brexit vote results, de Silva said Sri Lanka now looks forward to signing a trade agreement with UK as its plan B.

"The Prime Minister will soon give details of it," de Silva told the parliament. PTI CORR SUA AKJ SUA

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Guwahati, Jun 24 (PTI) In a heartwarming gesture, troops of border guarding force SSB helped save the life of a villager living along the Indo-Bhutan frontier in Assam and pooled money for his treatment.

Officials said the incident was reported from the Sashipur border out post (BOP) of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Chirang district early yesterday when a local woman approached the paramilitary unit seeking help from them as her husband was seriously ill and required immediate medical assistance.

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They said the SSB post in-charge, Sub-inspector Sunil Kumar, immediately talked to his troops about the womans distress and some jawans deployed in the area for long told him that the her husband, identified as K Narzary (52) of Palau Sonapur village, is known to them for quite some time and that they should provide her all help.

Soon after, officials said, the SSB unit relayed a wireless communication and called an Assam government ambulance available about 8-kms away in Amteka village and in the meantime pooled Rs 11,000 which was handed over to the woman for possible medical expenses.

They said soon after Narzary was shifted to a hospital in Bongaigaon in lower Assam, even as some locals assisted her in the ambulance journey.

Officials said the village and the BOP is located in a far-flung area in the state along the International Border (IB) between India and Bhutan.

SSB troops of 16th battalion are deployed in the area for border guarding tasks.

The force is mandated to secure the 699 km IB with Bhutan and is deployed extensively in Assam. PTI NES RT

--- ENDS ---
Though he did not name Jaitley, he was obviously referring to the Minister who had a couple of days ago urged Swamy for restraint and discipline in the wake of his attacks on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian on Wednesday.

By PTI: BJP MP Subramanian Swamy today virtually launched direct attacks on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley issuing threat of a "bloodbath" on being asked to show restraint and discipline, remarks that have not gone down well with the party.

"People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint dont realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath," he tweeted in an obvious attack on Jaitley.

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Though he did not name Jaitley, he was obviously referring to the Minister who had a couple of days ago urged Swamy for restraint and discipline in the wake of his attacks on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian on Wednesday and his use of the word discipline in defending Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das yesterday.

In another apparent swipe at Jaitley, whose photographs of meeting with the Bank of China Chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing in a lounge suit appeared in newspapers today, Swamy asked BJP to advise ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian cloths when abroad.

"BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters," Swamy said in another tweet.

Swamy has been active on Twitter over the last two-three days, attacking officials of Finance Ministry and taking swipe at Jaitley. But his sharp attacks, especially the use of language like bloodbath, today were said to have left the BJP and its leadership upset. Party sources said there was concern in the organisation and the leadership over the unbridled criticism aimed at the Finance Ministry. They indicated that the party was not in a hurry to act against Swamy, a Rajya Sabha member, but would adopt a wait- and-watch attitude for some time.

A senior BJP leader sought to dispel the impression that Swamy, who is said to enjoy the support of RSS, has its backing claiming RSS would not support such an open attack that harms the governments and partys image. However, opposition leaders saw in Swamys attacks infighting in the government and the party which raised questioned whether he would be checked. JD-U leader Pawan Verma said Swamy was sent to Rajya Sabha by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah and so what he says holds "some significace". "There is a great internal fight going on in the party and the government. People are asking questions about it and want to know whether Swamy will be checked," he said. RJD spokesman Manoj Jha also raised similar queries.

--- ENDS ---
"People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint dont realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath," he tweeted in an obvious attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

By PTI: Taking his attack to those in the Finance Ministry to a new level, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy today issued veiled threat to those asking him to follow restraint saying if he "disregarded discipline there will be a bloodbath."

"People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint dont realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath," he tweeted in an obvious attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

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Though he did not name Jaitley, he was obviously referring to the Minister urging him for restraint and discipline in the wake of his attacks on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian on Wednesday and his use of the word discipline in defending Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das yesterday.

In another apparent swipe at Jaitley, whose photographs of meeting with the Bank of China Chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing in a longue suit appeared in newspapers today, Swamy asked BJP to advise ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes when abroad.

"BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters," Swamy said in another tweet.

Swamy has been active on Twitter over the last two-three days, attacking officials of Finance Ministry and taking swipe at Jaitley.



BJP's disclaimer: Swamy views his own, party RTs not endorsements

Subramanian vs Subramanian: Swamy suspends demand after government backs CEA



Swamy ko gussa kyon aata hai: From Vajpayee to Obama, no one has escaped MP's bullets

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New Delhi, Jun 24 (PTI) Union Minister Uma Bharti was admitted to AIIMS today after she complained of "chest pain" and her condition is stated to be stable and healthy.

The 57-year-old Water Resources Minister was admitted in the new private ward under the supervision of Dr Rajesh Malhotra who heads the orthopaedic department there, said a senior doctor at AIIMS.

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"Sushri Uma Bharti ji was admitted today to AIIMS for her routine knee problem (pain) under Professor R Malhotra, HoD Orthopaedics. She also has mild hypertension for which her cardiac examination was done by Professor Ambuj Roy and her condition is now stable and healthy," AIIMS said in a statement.

A source close to the Minister said she developed pain in the chest at around 6 PM when she was at her official residence at 6, Akbar Road here following which she was rushed to AIIMS.

PTI PLB ENM PAL

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jun 24 (PTI) President Barack Obama today said that the US respects the decision of British people to exit from the European Union and hoped that the United Kingdom and EU will remain "indispensable partners" of America.

"The people of the UK have spoken, and we respect their decision," Obama said in a statement in his first reaction to the result of the historic referendum.

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"The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom?s membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security, and economic policy," he said.

So too is Americas relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond, he said.

"The UK and the EU will remain indispensable partners of the US even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world," Obama said.

In another statement, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said the US will work closely with both London and Brussels and international partners to ensure continued economic stability, security and prosperity in Europe and beyond.

"We continue to monitor developments in financial markets," he said.

"I have been in regular contact in recent weeks with my counterparts and financial market participants in the UK, EU and globally and we are continuing to consult closely. The UK and other policymakers have the tools necessary to support financial stability, which is key to economic growth," Lew said.

Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce said the vote will not change Americas special relationship with Great Britain.

"Prime Minister David Cameron?s decision to step down is understandable. He is a fine leader, and I know he will do all that he can to help everyone on both sides of this debate come together and move forward. UK leadership is critical to global prosperity and security," Royce said. PTI LKJ ZH

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Bhopal, Jun 24 (PTI) Two days after he was granted bail by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Vyapam scam accused mining baron Sudhir Sharma today walked out of the jail here to an enthusiastic welcome by his supporters.

Sharma was released from the prison at around 4.30 pm, jail superintendent Akhilesh Tomar told PTI.

He first visited a Hanuman temple near the prison where his supporters, who had come in 50-odd vehicles, mostly SUVs, burst fire crackers, distributed sweets, and garlanded him.

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"I am innocent. I have full faith in judiciary. I will get justice," Sharma told reporters after his release from the prison after nearly two years.

To a question, he ruled out possibility of political conspiracy behind his arrest.

During his 692-day in jail, he wrote a Hindi book titled Aisi hoti Jail, he said, adding he plans to help NGOs that work for jail inmates.

The High Court had on June 22 granted him bail in three cases related to the Vyapam (MP Professional Exam Board) scam as other accused in these cases were already out on bail.

He had got bail in another Vyapam-related case earlier.

The Special Task Force (STF) of MP police - which was probing the massive racket where recruitment examinations for various government posts and educational courses were allegedly rigged - had arrested Sharma in four cases in July 2014.

He is accused of helping at least 12 persons clear the contractual teacher grade II, police constable, platoon commander and forest guards recruitment examinations through illegal means. PTI LAL MAS KRK TIR SRE

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Manash Pratim Bhuyan

Tashkent, Jun 24 (PTI) As Britain voted to leave the European Union in a landmark referendum, India today said it values its ties with both the UK and EU and will strive hard to strengthen these relationships in the years ahead.

"We have seen the results of the British referendum on EU membership reflecting the choice made by the British people on the issue. We value our multifaceted relationships with both the UK and the EU and will strive to further strengthen these ties in the years ahead," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

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Swarup made the remarks here as he is part of the delegation accompanying Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

The UK voted to leave the European Union after 43 years in a historic referendum. Leave won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent votes.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage hailed it as the UKs "independence day" but the Remain camp called it a "catastrophe".

The vote -- which saw an extremely high turnout of around 72 per cent -- reverses the public verdict back in 1975, when the UK voted to remain a member of then European Economic Community, which later became the EU. PTI MPB ASK AKJ ASK

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A woman held up a doughnut shop at gunpoint, fled the scene with her 'partner in crime' after robbing the store but was later found in a trash can.

By AP: Police in Connecticut have arrested a woman they say held up a doughnut shop at gunpoint and a man who allegedly pedaled her away from the scene on a bicycle.

A worker at a Willimantic Dunkin' Donuts called 911 at 3 AM on Thursday to report that he had been robbed by an armed woman who was whisked away on a bike.

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Officers with a police dog searched the area and found a fake gun and a man with a bicycle in an alley.

The woman was found in a trash can.

Kiara Wilson is being held on $150,000 bail on charges including robbery. Daniel Henderson is being held on $100,000 bail on charges including conspiracy to commit robbery.

Both face arraignment Friday. It could not be determined if they have lawyers who could comment on the accusations.

Very well done, woman!



via GIPHY

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The launch of the Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research came just a day after Prime Minister Modi's call for making yoga even more popular globally.

People participate in a mega event conducted by an NGO on International Day of Yoga in Kerala.

By Neetu Chandra Sharma: At a time when globally the effective management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is believed to lie in detection, screening and treatment along with palliative care, the Narendra Modi government wants to highlight the benefits of yoga in controlling these diseases in a bid to promote alternative healthcare.

NCDs, mostly lifestyle diseases, such as cardiovascular ailments, cancer, diabetes, obesity and hypertension have been a cause of concern for former governments in India as well as in other countries which have planned significant investments to combat this grave health issue.



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YOGA-FYING MEDICAL SCIENCE

However, healthcare experts allege that the present government is trying to link everything to yoga. Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday said that yoga can help in the prevention and management of NCDs.

"Yoga and knowledge in the AYUSH system of medicine can be of great help in not only preventing but also controlling NCDs. The traditional system of medicines can complement modern medicine. Yoga is not only a physical activity, but also a complete science of living. Yoga, as an intervention, is being encouraged as an integral part of NCD prevention and management," said Nadda.

Interestingly, healthcare experts claim that there is maximum hype and minimum science in alternative systems of medicine including yoga for prevention and management of diseases like diabetes.

"Moreover, ayurveda and other forms of alternative medicine are increasingly becoming visible in the public domain, with some officials describing them as effective and emphasising the supposed absence of side-effects," said Anoop Misra, chairman, Fortis-CDOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, chairman, National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC), director, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Diabetes Foundation (India).

PUSHING YOGA AHEAD

The health minister on Wednesday also inaugurated the Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research (CIMR) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

He said that the government has placed significant emphasis on yoga and traditional systems of medicine and the establishment of the integrative centre is a major step forward in the government's efforts to promote yoga as an integrative discipline.

The launch of the Centre came just a day after Prime Minister Modi's call for making yoga even more popular globally.

"The Centre will seek scientific validation of our ancient medicine systems with a focus on yoga. It has been designed as a perfect platform for rigorous research to establish the efficacy of our traditional methods of healing, which in turn should pave the way for their greater international scientific acceptability," Nadda said.

ALSO READ: Away from limelight, a Muslim spreads yoga in Pakistan



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The latest report details almost all the specifications of the smaller Nexus phone, which is codenamed Sailfish or S1 for now.

By Manish Sain: The first rumour regarding this year's HTC Nexus phones surfaced about two months ago. And now a new report by Android Police is suggesting the earlier rumour was correct as far as the phone's name is concerned.



The latest report details almost all the specifications of the smaller Nexus phone, which is codenamed Sailfish or S1 for now. The Nexus Sailfish will have a 5-inch display with 1080p resolution.



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The tech website puts emphasis on the reliability of the source, however, it does not name the source. According to the leaked details the smaller Nexus will pack in a 64-bit quad-core processor, running at 2.0GHz speed. The report doesn't specify the maker of the processor.



The Nexus Sailfish will run on 4GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage, it is yet not confirmed if there will more than one variants or if these are the specs of the base model.



On the back, the Sailfish will have a 12-megapixel camera and also an 8-megapixel camera on the front. It will also carry a fingerprint scanner under the rear camera, similar to last year's Nexus phones.



The new Nexus will also come with a USB Type-C port for connectivity and charging. There will be a 3.5mm audiojack on the top edge, the report says.



Earlier this year, a report had suggested that HTC will be making two Nexus phones for Google this year. Another report two months ago went ahead and said they will be named Sailfish and Marlin. Considering the latest report calls Sailfish as the smaller of the two, we can expect Nexus Marling to a 5.5-inch phone.



It's still too early to say anything for sure, but with these reports we can expect more leaks and rumours to follow in the coming months.

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By Press Trust of India: Cab-hailing app Uber today said it will now present its riders in the US and in some parts of India with 'upfront fare', making it easier for customers to see how much they will have to pay for a ride. The fare will be calculated on the basis of expected travel time, distance, traffic, surge and tolls where applicable.

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The move will also help the US-based firm address its Achilles' heel 'surge pricing' that has received criticism from many users as well as governments like Karnataka. We moved to upfront, per trip fares just like airlines and hotels two years ago when we launched UberPOOL... So in April, we began slowly introducing upfront fares for regular UberX trips in cities across the US and more recently in India, with more to follow, Uber product managers Arundhati Singh and Dennis Zhao said in a blogpost.

To date, hundreds of thousands of riders have experienced upfront fares as part of this rollout, it added. An Uber India spokesperson told PTI that Uber has been testing upfront fares for a small segment of riders across five cities in India since the beginning of this month. These cities include New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, she added.

Also Read: Dear Uber, your incentive scheme is turning drivers into jerks

The company plans to roll out the changes to pricing in the app globally over the next few months, including other cities in India. In the US, upfront payment feature is available in six cities -- New York City, Miami, San Diego, Philadelphia, Seattle and New Jersey. While booking the ride, customers had to mandatorily enter their destinations, which allowed Uber to calculate the fare in advance and show it to riders before they book their ride. Knowing how much a ride will cost in advance is clearly something riders appreciate: today UberPOOL accounts for over 20 per cent of all rides globally. And we now want more riders globally to benefit from this feature, the blogpost said. In India, 25 per cent of Uber's rides in Delhi and Bengaluru are through UberPOOL.

Uber had launched UberPOOL in San Francisco almost two years ago, where the upfront fare feature was introduced for the first time. The company is now taking this product feature to riders across UberGO, UberX and other Uber services. With the new version of the app, the lightning-bolt icon previously used to indicate surge pricing on Uber will go away.

Previously, Uber has defended surge pricing saying it balances demand and supply and that it is always transparent about exactly how much more it is charging customers than the normal fare. Karnataka has already barred app-based cab companies from charging surge pricing. (Now) when fares go up due to increased demand, instead of surge lightning bolts and pop-up screens, riders are given the actual fare before they request their ride. There's no complicated math and no surprises: passengers can just sit back and enjoy the ride, the blogpost said. With upfront price feature surge still remains a component of how a rider is charged for his trip but will not see the surge multipliers and the icon in-app, the spokesperson said.

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The new authentication method makes it incredibly simple to use WhatsApp on a phone using a different number.

By Javed Anwer: It seems WhatsApp has tweaked its SMS-based authentication system. The change is minor but the convenience that it brings to users is huge. The new authentication method makes it incredibly simple to use WhatsApp on a phone using a different number.

This means if you want to keep WhatsApp on a phone that is not your primary phone but with the same primary number, you can do that easily. Earlier too, it was possible but the process to set up WhatsApp used to take longer and involved the authentication with a call.

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Earlier WhatsApp detected the authentication SMS automatically. In case you supplied it with a phone number that was not being used on the phone on which you had installed WhatsApp, the authentication process would fail. The authentication then would be done through a call.

However, in the new set-up, the app allows a user to input the authentication code manually. It still tries to automatically read the SMS but you also have an option to manually input the code. So, in case your authentication message has come on some other phone, you can read that SMS and then input the code manually on the phone where you are trying to setup WhatsApp.



Also Read: Supreme Court to hear plea to ban WhatsApp next Wednesday

The authentication now also shows option to resend the message as well as receive a call. The options are available to users even as the app automatically tries to read the SMS code. Earlier, these options were available only in case of failure of the SMS-based authentication, which would usually take at least 3 to 4 minutes.

Although the new update makes it easier to set-up WhatsApp on a secondary phone, you can still use the app only on one phone at a time. The company associates a WhatsApp account with a number as well as with a device to ensure better security, and possibly privacy, to its users.



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However, this does not mean that that agreement is ready to go forward immediately. It remains for the Iranian and US governments to approve the deals and grant relevant licenses to the companies on both sides of the would-be transaction. This may still be a difficult prospect, as there is some opposition to such expanded trade relations coming both from Iranian hardliners and from the US Congress.

American businesses are still largely banned from doing business with Iran, due to sanctions relating to Irans money laundering, support of terrorism, and human rights abuses. Nuclear-related sanctions were lifted in January under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, but Iranian officials including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have been complaining that the lingering American restrictions have severely limited Irans recovery.

On the other hand, some have speculated that Khameneis commentary may be aimed at undermining the agreement and justifying the cancelation of the JCPOA, because hardliners are wary of the economic and cultural infiltration that could emerge from expanded trade relations with the US and its closest allies. This interpretation of the situation is arguably supported by Western commentators who note that there are several measures the Islamic Republic could take to alleviate the effects of existing sanctions, such as providing international with assurances that they are safeguarded against the risks of money laundering and financial crimes.

Within this context, the emerging Boeing deal has been described as a fundamental testing ground for US re-engagement in the Iranian market. If the aircraft manufacturer is able to overcome the various obstacles to that reengagement, and if it does not appear to open itself up to US sanctions enforcement, other companies might follow suit. In fact, this is true not only of American companies but also of European companies and international banks that remain wary of the possible effects of US restrictions.

This is not the only factor that constrains foreign investor interests in the Islamic Republic, but it is the most discussed, and any sign of improvement in that regard may provide a general boost to investor confidence.

Recent reports about the Boeing agreement indicate that if it goes forward it will likely involve approximately 100 aircraft at a cost of roughly 25 billion dollars. It will also be the first instance of a major American company reentering the Iranian market in the post-nuclear-sanctions era, although it will not be the first such example for Western companies in general. Boeing was preceded  and arguably motivated  by an agreement between Iran Air and the France-based European manufacturer Airbus, which has arranged to sell 118 planes, also at a cost of 25 billion dollars.

This deal was named alongside five others by the Associated Press on Tuesday, as examples of the foreign investment that has already been pursued in the wake of the January implementation of the JCPOA. The others include a memorandum of understanding with German company Siemens, promising the sale of 1.6 billion dollars in transportation equipment and services to Iran, as well as a joint venture agreement whereby French carmaker Peugeot-Citroen will invest 450 million dollars over five years.

Reports on Tuesday pointed out that Peugeot and its Iranian partner Iran Khodro have aimed to produce 200,000 vehicles per year via their joint venture by the year 2018. The article also states that more joint ventures of this sort can be expected in the coming years, and that they will emerge even in spite of persistent criticism from hardliners regarding the prospect of Western entities profiting from the Iranian market.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that additional agreements can be expected along the lines of the Siemens agreement, because Iran has now paid off its outstanding export-credit debts to Germany, which it had resolved to hold back during the period that sanctions were in effect. This reportedly removes a key obstacle to hoped-for expansions in trade between the two countries, thereby opening the door to more German exports and additional general investment in Iran.

Each of these actual and prospective agreements can be expected to contribute to the argument that last summers nuclear deal is serving its intended purpose. However, resistance to those agreements on both the Iranian and the Western side highlights the fact that this purpose is primarily economic and comes at the expense of some political objectives.

In fact, despite the success of the JCPOA in fostering new trade relations between Iran and the West, an editorial in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by US Congressman Keith Rothfus insisted that the Iran deal is failing, in the sense that it has provided noticeable benefits to Iran without constraining the Islamic Republics behavior, especially in areas of foreign policy including its long-range weapons development and its threats to the state of Israel.

Such criticisms could still help to create circumstances in which the Iran deal fails economically, as well, provided that critics such as Rothfus are able to exert enough pressure on the US Treasury Department and individual American companies to obstruct deals like the one currently being finalized between Iran and Boeing.
On Wednesday, IranWire published a report that contradicted the denials that have been repeated by the authorities involved with Sahrifi-Fard and other similar cases. It pointed out that torture during police interrogation is notably commonplace in the Islamic Republic, especially during political crackdowns like those seen at the end of the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, and after massive protests against the disputed reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

Many observers have noted that Iran appears to currently be in the midst of another crackdown that is similar to, albeit more gradual than, the 2009 repression of dissent. Journalists and persons with foreign connections have been arrested en masse over the past several months, in what is widely regarded as a preemptive attack on any individuals or social trends that might suggest cooperation and reconciliation with Western governments in the wake of last summers nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers including the US.

The IranWire report quoted some observers as saying that the laws regarding interrogation have been improving, at least in theory, by barring figures like Intelligence Ministry agents from conducting them on their own. But the same report emphasizes that these sorts of alterations are unlikely to create meaningful change in practice, especially considering that Iranian officials frequently violate the law, and with impunity.

Since 2003, the law has technically considered confessions to be invalid which are extracted under coercion. And yet reports continue to emerge from within Iranian jails describing torturous interrogations and forced confessions, which are not only embraced by the Iranian judiciary but also broadcast on Iranian state media as supposed proof of guilt, or of broader narratives like the claim of Western infiltration.

In some cases, arrestees report being forced to sign confessions even before criminal charges have been brought against them. This has been the case in multiple recent, high-profile cases involving dual nationals. Among the most recent such incidents, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman and project coordinator for the Thomson Reuters foundation, was reportedly forced to confess to interrogators while being held without charge, after she was separated from her two-year-old child and arrested at the airport while trying to return home from a visit to her Iranian parents.

As well as illustrating that forced confessions are apparently still commonplace in instances of apparently political arrest, the accounts of Zaghari-Ratcliffes treatment also highlight the fact that such confessions may be elicited not only through physical but also through psychological torture.

The IranWire report details how many former political prisoners had observed similar tactics whereby one interrogator would seek to secure a confession through physical violence and threats, and if unsuccessful would be followed by another interrogator who would try to make the accused co-operate by giving him false hope.

It seems likely that these tactics were at play in an incident in which Zaghari-Ratcliffe was informed on June 9 that she was going to be released from prison, and conveyed that information to her family before the decision was reversed, leading to her remaining in custody to the present date. Still, no charges have been levied against the woman, although she has vaguely been accused of being a leading member of an infiltration network involved in attempts at soft overthrow of the Islamic Republic.

The International Campaign reports that Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been systematically denied access to a lawyer, even after presenting choices of representation to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps for approval. It also notes that her case is conspicuously similar to those of several other dual nationals, including Iranian-Canadian anthropology professor Homa Hoodfar and French Foreign Ministry staffer Nazak Afshar, both of whom have also apparently been subject to coercive and technically unlawful interrogation.
[June 23, 2016] Silver Spring Networks Opens New Silicon Valley Headquarters, Deploys Its Internet of Things Network in San Jose

Today, Mike Bell (News - Alert), President and CEO of Silver Spring Networks, Inc. (NYSE:SSNI), was joined by Sam Liccardo, Mayor of San Jose, California, executives from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E (News - Alert)) and other local public officials to officially open Silver Spring's new headquarters at 230 West Tasman Drive in San Jose. With an Internet of Things (IoT) demonstration facility, Silver Spring's new headquarters is the innovation and operations focal point for its global customer base. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Silver Spring highlighted Starfish - Silver Spring's public cloud IoT network service - and its deployment across San Jose. Silver Spring and the City of San Jose highlighted how the Internet of Things platform will help contribute to San Jose's Smart City Vision of becoming America's most innovative city by 2020. Starfish is built on open standards-based technology that has a proven track record of delivering over 23.6 million devices across five continents. A reliable and secure network platform, Starfish helps developers, entrepreneurs, enterprises and other third parties support and accelerate the development of new IoT devices and services. The ceremony also provided PG&E the opportunity to showcase its Grid of Things vision, which helps PG&E better serve its customers by offering enhanced personalization while improving the safety and reliability of the energy grid. PG&E has worked with Silver Spring to deploy its IPv6-based platform and solutions for multiple smart grid projects, including its SmartMeter program serving more than five million PG&E electric customers across Northern and Central California.1 "We are thrilled to officially open our new worldwide headquarters in the heart of Silicon Valley, and are grateful to Mayor Liccardo and the city of San Jose for their support," said Mr. Bell. "As Silver Spring's coverage area expands, we are able to unlock benefits for our customers and the communities they serve." "In addition, we are excited to be actively deploying Starfish in San Jose, where we are engaging with some of the hottest entrepreneurs and developers in the Valley who are looking to leverage a trusted IoT network to build the industry's next big innovations," continued Mr. Bell. "We are excited to welcome Silver Spring Networks to San Jose and to be partnering with this innovative company to deploy an Internet of Things network here in our city," said Mayor Liccardo. "This partnership is a great example of how we can embrace game-changing technology and data-driven decision-making in order to help create a safer, more sustainable and productive community and enhance the quality of life for our residents. I'd like to thank Silver Spring Networks for their many, significant investments in San Jose and for being at the forefront of helping cities address some of our biggest 21st century challenges." 'Developer Day' Enables Hands-On Experience With Silver Spring's ProvenIPv6 IoT Network



Silver Spring recently hosted an inaugural 'Developer Day' at its new headquarters where developers and academic researchers learned how to leverage Starfish to create smart city, smart energy, resource conservation, and other IoT applications for public and commercial use. To register your interest for future Developer Days, please visit: www.ssni.com/developer Starfish offers a platform that includes standards-based IEEE (News - Alert) 802.15.4g wireless interoperability standard (Wi-SUN), as well as speeds up to 2.4 Mbps, 10 millisecond latency, up to 50 miles in point-to-point range, and multiple network transports, along with industrial-grade security, reliability, and scalability.

As a part of Starfish, Silver Spring plans to offer a free service plan - Haiku - which includes 5000 messages x 16 bytes per month, ideal for entrepreneurs and start-ups with smaller data needs who want to access a proven IoT network service to develop new IoT applications for the industry. In addition to San Jose, Silver Spring is ramping up Starfish deployment in Bristol, Chicago, Copenhagen, Glasgow, Kolkata, London, and San Antonio. For more information on Starfish, please visit: www.ssni.com/starfish Join the Silver Spring Networks Conversation Read more on the Silver Spring Connect blog at www.silverspringnet.com/blog

Follow @SilverSpringNet on Twitter (News - Alert)

Like Silver Spring Networks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/silverspringnetworks

Learn more about the Wi-Sun Alliance and the value of open standards-based IoT networking at www.wi-sun.org About Silver Spring Networks Silver Spring Networks is a leading networking platform and solutions provider for smart energy networks. Silver Spring's pioneering IPv6 networking platform, with over 23.6 million Silver Spring enabled devices delivered, is connecting utilities to homes and businesses throughout the world with the goal of achieving greater energy efficiency for the planet. Silver Spring's innovative solutions enable utilities to gain operational efficiencies, improve grid reliability, and empower consumers to monitor and manage energy consumption. Silver Spring Networks' customers include major utilities around the globe such as Baltimore Gas & Electric, CitiPower & Powercor, Commonwealth Edison, Consolidated Edison, CPS Energy, Florida Power & Light, Jemena Electricity Networks Limited, Pacific Gas & Electric, Pepco Holdings, Progress Energy, and Singapore Power, among others. To learn more, please visit www.silverspringnet.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements about Silver Spring Networks' expectations, plans, intentions, and strategies, including, but not limited to statements regarding Silver Spring Networks' new San Jose headquarters, the benefits of Starfish, and Silver Spring Networks' projects with the City of San Jose and Pacific Gas & Electric. Statements including words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or "future" and statements in the future tense are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include those described in Silver Spring Networks' documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Silver Spring Networks as of the date hereof. Silver Spring Networks assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. 1 SmartMeter and Grid of Things are registered trademarks of Pacific Gas & Electric. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160623006164/en/

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[June 23, 2016] Sensory's New TrulyHandsfree SDK Simplifies the Development of Voice Activated Products

SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sensory Inc., a Silicon Valley-based company focused on improving the user experience and security of consumer electronics through state-of-the-art embedded voice and vision technologies, today announced the availability of its new TrulyHandsfree SDK, the next evolution of the company's embedded small-footprint voice user interface platform. Designed with software developers in mind, TrulyHandsfree significantly simplifies the development of speech recognition applications, greatly reducing the amount of time necessary to implement a speech-controlled user experience. Summary of TrulyHandsfree SDK Improvements: SDK supports fixed triggers, user enrolled triggers and commands  phrase spotting technology makes TrulyHandsfree highly robust to noise

Speech trigger and commands can be added to an application with less than 20 lines of code

Tasks' details are managed with streamlined modular speech recognition functions

Documentation for TrulyHandsfree 5.0 is easier to digest

All speech recognition models and task configurations are passed as one file, further simplify the API

Available JAVA API for Android  seamless integration with Android Studio (no JNI programming needed) "Integrating always-on, always-listening speech triggers and speech command functionality into the user experience of software and apps used to require a deep understanding of how speech technologies work. With Sensory's latest TrulyHandsfree SDK, we've made it simple for developers to integrate these must-have UX technologies into their products," said Jacques de Villiers, Engineer, Technology Deployment at Sensory. "We've worked closely wit our partners to understand what they wanted and completely redesigned our SDK to incorporate dataflow and inversion-of-control techniques to greatly reduce the overhead and complexity of designing TrulyHandsfree technology into applications."



Sensory's TrulyHandsfree trigger technology has quickly become the most widely adopted keyword voice wakeup technology in the speech industry, with more platforms supported than any other voice recognition technology. Over a billion products utilizing TrulyHandsfree have shipped over the past several years from the world's largest CE manufacturers. The TrulyHandsfree trigger is an extremely noise robust, low power, and highly accurate, embedded phrase recognition technology that listens for a special "wake up" phrase, yet ignores other conversations. TrulyHandsfree can be utilized a variety of different ways, supporting an assortment of wakeup voice triggers including fixed triggers, user-enrolled fixed triggers, user-defined triggers and speaker verification passphrases. TrulyHandsfree also supports high accuracy noise immune command sets and works seamlessly with the applications processors of devices and cloud-based speech recognition technologies, enabling seamless trigger-to-search or trigger-to-cloud speech recognition functionality. The technology can also be combined with Sensory's TrulySecure speaker verification security technology, allowing for trigger-to-speaker-verification applications. TrulyHandsfree runs embedded on device so no cloud connection is necessary, making it secure from shared personal data being stolen from the cloud. Sensory's TrulyHandsfree SDK currently supports the following languages: US English, UK English, Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish. The TrulyHandsfree SDK is available for Android, iOS, Linux, QNX and Windows. Additionally, ultra-low-power deeply embedded ports of TrulyHandsfree are available for leading DSP/MCU IP cores from ARM, Cadence, CEVA, NXP CoolFlux, Synopsys and Verisilicon, as well as for integrated circuits from Audience, Avnera, Cirrus Logic, Conexant, DSPG, Fortemedia, Intel, InvenSense, NXP, Qualcomm, QuickLogic, Realtek, STMicroelectronics, TI and Yamaha.

For more information about this announcement, Sensory or its technologies, please contact [email protected]; Press inquiries: [email protected] About Sensory Inc.

Sensory Inc. creates a safer and superior UX through vision and voice technologies. Sensory's technologies are widely deployed in consumer electronics applications including mobile phones, automotive, wearables, toys, IoT and various home electronics. With its TrulyHandsfree voice control, Sensory has set the standard for mobile handset platforms' ultra-low power "always listening" touchless control. To date, Sensory's technologies have shipped in over a billion units of leading consumer products. Visit Sensory at www.sensory.com TrulyHandsfree is a trademark of Sensory Inc. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150512/215646LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sensorys-new-trulyhandsfree-sdk-simplifies-the-development-of-voice-activated-products-300289156.html SOURCE Sensory

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[June 23, 2016] Samsung Collaborates with Red Hat to Create High-performance Ceph Reference Architecture

Samsung (News - Alert) Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced memory technology, announced today that its NVMe (SSD) Reference Design will be used with Red Hat (News - Alert) Ceph Storage, a software-defined storage platform, in a new high performance Ceph Reference Architecture by Samsung. Samsung's NVMe Reference Design platform, together with Red Hat Ceph Storage, can deliver a highly scalable, more efficient TCO reference architecture that supports unified storage for enterprise IT or cloud environments in handling transactional databases, machine-generated data and unstructured data. The combined storage solution - referred to as the Red Hat Ceph/Samsung Reference Architecture - can be used as is or customized for a specific data center environment with an easier migration path, and can offer positive TCO impact. It can be deployed in an OpenStack environment to support the bandwidth, latency and IOPS requirements of high performance workloads and use cases, such as distributed MySQL databases, telco nDVR content retrieval and financial services. "The data center community will appreciate the importance of the Red Hat Ceph/Samsung Storage Reference Architecture, as the harvesting of data analytics becomes a priority for businesses that want to better understand their customers and stay ahead of their competition," said Jim Elliott, corporate vice president, memory marketing, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. "Data-driven companies in search of performance optimization in an OpenStack environment can benefit from the high performance offered by Red Hat Ceph Storage software and our NVMe Reference Design as a compliment to existing capacity-optimized infrastructure," he added. "We see Samsung as a key partner in our efforts to optimize software-defined storage solutions in the data center," said Ranga Rangachari, vice president and general manager, storage division, Red Hat, Inc. "Our collaborative Ceph Reference Architecture, based on the Samsung NVMe Reference Design, can help customers improve bandwidth, and enable high scalability and low latency. Combined with high IOPS performance, it offers an optimal OpenStack storage solution for many use cases," he added. The Smsung NVMe Reference system is engineered to provide a well-balanced storage server node that includes matching CPUs, networking, and storage-PCIe connectivity to deploy large amounts of NVMe SSDs and maximize the performance of Ceph.



Based on Samsung testing, the Red Hat Ceph/Samsung Reference Architecture can deliver 690K IOPS and 30GB/s in a three-node cluster to meet the requirements of IO-intensive and high-performance workloads. Performance can scale higher with additional nodes. As a result, it offers an optimized pool of high-speed storage designed for OpenStack deployments, virtual infrastructures, and financial service providers, as well as private and public clouds. In addition, the reference architecture can help increase storage efficiency in test or development environments that need to be deployed and dismantled quickly. Designed to improve the provisioning of data center storage in high IOPS Ceph storage clusters, the Samsung NVMe Reference system is a high performance all-flash NVMe scale-out storage server with up to 24 x 2.5" hot-pluggable, advanced NVMe SSDs to provide extremely high capacity in a small footprint. It is based on PCIe Gen3 NVMe SSDs designed to offer the lowest latency in the industry today with an optimized data path from the CPU to the SSDs. Each SSD slot provides power and cooling for up to 25W to support current and future generation, large capacity SSDs, as well as SSDs with varying endurance and performance levels.

The Samsung NVMe Reference system is a dual-socket Xeon-based system with an EIA-compliant, 2RU chassis. It uses 4x 40Gb/s networking connectivity with remote direct memory access (RDMA). To learn more about the Samsung NVMe Reference Design in conjunction with the Ceph Reference Architecture, visit the Samsung booth (#529F) at the Red Hat Summit June 27-30 at Moscone Center West in San Francisco. Also, for more information about the Samsung NVMe Reference Design, please visit http://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/support/tools-utilities/All-Flash-Array-Reference-Design/ About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com. * Editors' Note: Often shortened as NVMe, NVM Express (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is an optimized, high performance, scalable host controller interface, with a streamlined register interface and command set designed for enterprise, data center and client systems that use non-volatile memory storage. For more information, please visit www.nvmexpress.org Red Hat and Ceph are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160623006018/en/

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[June 23, 2016] ADATA Announces New Accessories for iOS, Android and Windows

BREA, Calif., June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ADATA Technology is announcing the release of four new accessories for today's digital lifestyle. The new products include a 3-way lightning card reader for iOS, Android and Windows; waterproof external SSD; MFi certified lightning flash drive and an ultra-small Type-C flash drive. "We developed these new accessories for today's digital world," stated Robert Chen, managing director of North America at ADATA. "Users are creating more and more content and looking for better ways to store and share it. We believe the quality and versatility of these devices will propel them to become a staple anywhere mobile storage is needed and/or collaboration between devices is necessary, may that be the classroom, workplace, home or creative space." New products from ADATA that will increase your ability to store and share content across multiple devices include: Lightning Card Reader Plus for iOS, Android and Windows

The MFi certified AI910 is the only device in its category that allows 3-way share and back up across iOS, Android, and Windows devices, brdging the gap between different platforms. Equipped with SD and microSD card slots for read and write transfer and up to 256GB of extra storage, this versatile device is the ideal card reader for the collaborating student or the professional on the go. It supports over 4GB file data transfer, multiple file formats, and 4K video playback.



Ultra-Small Type-C Flash Drive

The ultra-small UC360 features a USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface and a Type-C reversible connector for easy plug-in. Its high speed read and write capabilities allow for quick file transfers between iOS, Android, OS X, and Windows devices. Waterproof External SSD

The SE730 is the world's fastest and smallest USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C external SSD. Along with being compact and portable, it meets the IPX8 standard for waterproof, IP6X standard for dustproof and Military Standard for shockproof. It's built with highly reliable MLC NAND flash, making it the most secure SSD for your most important files.

Ultra Slim, Compact MFi Certified Lightning Flash Drive

With the Apple MFi certified AI920, you won't worry about running out of storage on your iPhone. AI920 features a USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface and supports video recording directly to the drive. Its ultra-light and compact design nicely fits to iPhones' slim design and makes storage expansion on the iPhone and iPad easy. The device supports nearly 40 file formats, 4K video playback, over 4GB of file data transfer and subtitle play, and one-touch back up. The capacity of the AI920 ranges from 32GB to 128GB. These new accessories will be available in Q3 2016. Additional information about ADATA's Apple accessories products is available at www.adata.com. About ADATA Technology

ADATA offers complete memory solutions, including DRAM modules, USB flash drives, memory cards, solid state drives, and portable hard drives as well as advanced LED lighting. The company's emphasis on quality requires it to perform at the highest standards related to ID design, purchasing and supply-chain management (raw materials), manufacturing processes, quality control, and testing. Through constant innovation and product development, it has won many prestigious international awards, such as the National Gold Award of Excellence in Taiwan, Japan's G-MARK (Good Design Award), CES Innovations award, the iF Design and Red Dot Design awards in Germany. For more information, visit www.adata.com. PR Contact:

Rita Lee

Copernio

(714) 891-3660

[email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/383022 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adata-announces-new-accessories-for-ios-android-and-windows-300289659.html SOURCE ADATA Technology

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[June 23, 2016] Mobile Labs Testing Solutions Now Support Apple's iOS 10

Mobile Labs, provider of enterprise-grade mobile testing solutions, today announced comprehensive support for Apple's (News - Alert) iOS 10 on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Mobile Labs' complete testing solutions, including deviceConnect, Mobile Labs Trust and deviceBridge now support iOS 10. While the new Apple platform is currently in beta testing, Apple is expected to launch the final, stable version of iOS 10 in September. Mobile Labs' deviceConnect supports manual and automated mobile app testing behind the security of a corporate firewall by using a private mobile device cloud. iOS 10 support includes the complete set of device access management and testing capabilities already available for Android (News - Alert) and prior iOS versions: manual testing, automated testing and device inventory management. In addition, support includes dynamic instrumentation that allows users to test unmodified apps, including iOS 10 apps, without the need to create a special app build or to make source code changes. "Now more than ever, a sene of urgency exists around new iOS updates," said Mobile Labs president and CEO Don Addington. "Users look forward to the new features and improvements, and they expect their apps to function appropriately on day one. This adds extra pressure to developers' shoulders to thoroughly test already-deployed apps. deviceConnect's efficiency and security helps you ease that pressure and blow expectations away."



Current Mobile Labs customers can gain the ability to test iOS 10 devices by upgrading to the most recent 7.1 patch and installing Xcode. To learn more about how to ensure that your organization's applications and mobile friendly website provide a high quality experience to iOS 10 users Contact Mobile Labs at 404-214-5804 or visit www.MobileLabsInc.com.

About Mobile Labs Mobile Labs provides enterprise-grade mobile device clouds that improve efficiency and raise quality for agile-based, cross-platform mobile app and mobile web deployments. The company's patented device cloud, deviceConnect, is available in both public and on-premises configurations. deviceConnect provides affordable, highly-secure access to a large inventory of mobile devices across major mobile platforms to developers, test engineers, and customer support representatives, among others. At the heart of enterprise mobile app deployment, deviceConnect enables automated continuous quality integration, DevOps processes, automated testing, and manual app/web/device testing on managed devices. deviceConnect supports all major integrated app development environments (IDEs), such as Xcode, as well as automated app and web testing on real mobile devices using a wide variety of mobile UI test automation tools. For more information, please visit www.mobilelabsinc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160623006290/en/

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[June 23, 2016] ITC Issues Final Determination in '944 Investigation

Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET) today announced that the International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a final determination in ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-944 brought by Cisco (News - Alert) Systems against Arista relating to Arista's Ethernet switch products. The ITC concluded that Arista does not violate section 337 with respect to two of the five patents under investigation (U.S. Patent Nos. 7,290,164 and 7,340,597), finding that two accused Arista features do not infringe the asserted claims. The ITC did, however, issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist order for three patents (U.S. Patent Nos. 7,162,537, 7,200,145 and 7,741,592) asserted against two features. Cisco Systems (News - Alert) had previously dropped one patent (U.S. Patent No. 8,356,296). "Arista respects the Commission's decision and intends to fully comply with the orders," said Marc Taxay, Senior Vice President, General Counsel for Arista. Arista previously announced that it has released a new version of its EOS software containing design-arounds that it believes address the ITC's findings with respect to the features implicated in the Final Determination. Arista intends to seek appropriate regulatory approvals for these design-arounds. "Despite Cisco's rhetoric claiming that the lawsuits are a defensive move to protect its intellectual property, these actions are clearly part of a broader effort to use litigation to preserve Cisco's market position," added Mr. Taxay. "If allowed to succeed, Cisco's scheme would have a chilling effect on innovation. While we will defend our rights in these actions, our primary focus remains on the continued supply of prodcts to our customers."



The next step is for the U.S. Trade Representative to review the matter and decide whether to disapprove the limited exclusion order and cease and desist order. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Appeal Board (PTAB) has also recently instituted an Inter Partes Review of certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,162,537 to determine their validity. About Arista Networks

Arista Networks was founded to pioneer and deliver software-driven cloud networking solutions for large data center storage and computing environments. Arista's award-winning platforms, ranging in Ethernet speeds from 10 to 100 gigabits per second, redefine scalability, agility and resilience. Arista has shipped more than five million cloud networking ports worldwide with CloudVision and EOS, an advanced network operating system. Committed to open standards, Arista is a founding member of the 25/50GbE consortium. Arista Networks products are available worldwide directly and through partners. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward looking statements including, but not limited to, statements regarding the effectiveness of alternative product implementations to address the alleged infringement of certain Cisco patents as well as our ability to continue to provide products to our customers. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward looking statements including: the ability of Arista to import products or related components, the ability of Arista to develop alternative design implementations that are determined to be non-infringing the asserted patents, if contested in the ITC or U.S. Customs, and the ability to obtain favorable determinations by the ITC or U.S. Customs that such alternative product implementations are not covered by the ITC remedial orders, as well as other risks stated in our filings with the SEC (News - Alert) available on Arista's website at www.arista.com and the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Arista disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statement to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160623006370/en/

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[June 23, 2016] DVIGear's DisplayNet Wins Seventh Product Award at InfoComm 2016

MARIETTA, Ga., June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DVIGear, a leading manufacturer of digital connectivity products, has announced that its DisplayNet AV-over-10GbE product family was recognized with awards from two leading industry publications at InfoComm 2016. The innovative uncompressed AV-over-10GbE signal distribution platform has garnered seven (7) total awards from various industry publications. DisplayNet  Zero Compromise, Infinite Possibilities

DisplayNet is an award-winning new concept for AV distribution that leverages proven 10GbE Ethernet technology to switch, extend and distribute uncompressed AV signals in real time with resolutions up to 4K (UHD). DisplayNet delivers unprecedented levels of scalability, versatility and reliability with zero frame latency, zero compression and zero artifacts. DisplayNet supports a wide array of applications including Point-to-Point Extension, limitless Matrix Switching, as well as Video Wall and MultiViewer* displays. DisplayNet is not just new technology; it is a new paradigm for AV system integration. DisplayNet Recognized by Leading Industry Publications

At InfoComm 2016, DisplayNet was recognized with awards from two leading industry publications, Commercial Integrator Magazine (CI) and Sound & Video Contractor Magazine (S&VC). The DisplayNet DN-100 Series won the CI BEST Product of 2016 Award in the IP Enabling Devices category. Tom LeBlanc, editor-in-chief of CI stated, "The CI BEST Awards have become one of the most coveted awards in the industry because the entries are judged independently on their merits by a team of top integrators, as well as the Commercial Integrator editorial team, from around the U.S. Products are rated by their innovation, benefits to the end user and benefits to the integrator. Congratulations to DVIGear for winning in the category of IP Enabling Devices." One of the CI BEST Award judges remarked, "By leveraging DisplayNet to distribute AV using 10GbE Ethernet technology, DVIGear is providing integrators with high-performance solutions for their customers' increasing and varying content distribution needs." NewBay Media's S&VC magazine recognized the product family with their Best of Show Award at InfoComm16 for DVIGear's DisplayNet DN-110 and DN-120 Series transmitters and receivers. The award honors outstanding new products exhibited at the InfoComm16show. Judges, represented by a selected panel of industry experts, AV designers, integrators, and end users, awarded points based on a series of criteria including: innovation; performance against category standard; richness/relevance of feature set; ease of installation/maintenance; and value/ROI. Their assessment was, "this is a comprehensive re-imagining of AV distribution that anticipates the continued rise of 10GbE and the fall of hard-iron matrix switches."



Steven Barlow, President of DVIGear said, "We are pleased that the DisplayNet has been receiving industry-wide recognition." He continued, "We truly feel that this groundbreaking technology will enable highly efficient and cost-effective system design for our customers by leveraging the power of AV-over-10GbE technology." DisplayNet  An Expanding AV Signal Distribution Platform

The DN-100 Series is the first of an expanding line of DisplayNet AV-over-10GbE products. The DN-100TX transmitter unit accepts multiple source signals including HDMI (with embedded audio and HDCP), analog stereo audio, bidirectional IR, RS-232, and 1GbE Ethernet. These input signals are packetized into a single 10GbE link, without the use of CODECs, and are distributed to destinations via an off-the-shelf 10GbE network switch using a single CAT6a or CAT7 cable up to 328 ft. (100 meters). The 10GbE switch provides a highly efficient and reliable means of distributing AV signals from many sources to an array of DN-100RX receiver units, which convert the packetized 10GbE data to AV output signals at the destinations in real time without frame latency or any loss of image quality.

The DN-100 Series distributes uncompressed video with resolutions up to 4K /30p (4:4:4) and 4K /60p (4:2:0) without image artifacts and without frame latency. Video signals may be routed in Point-to-Point, Matrix Switching and Video Wall modes all in the same system. For optimum flexibility, each signal plane (Video, Audio, IR, RS-232, etc.) can be routed completely independently from one another. Advanced audio features are supported, including: networked audio, audio embedding, de-embedding and down-mixing. DN-100 Series transmitter and receiver units are controlled by a DisplayNet Server, which includes powerful DisplayNet Manager software that enables the system to be managed using any third party controller with simple Telnet commands. The DisplayNet DN-100 Series transmitters and receivers are available now for immediate delivery starting at $995 (USD) MSRP per end point. The DN-110 Series provides all the features of the DN-100 Series plus support for Full-Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbps.). The DN-120 Series offers the same capabilities, while providing signal distribution over fiber optic media using industry standard SFP+ optical modules. These next generation products begin shipping in September 2016. Future DisplayNet technology will include support for HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, DisplayPort 1.2 and internal scaling. Scaling in the transmitter units will enable MultiViewer* applications, and scaling in future receiver units will enable more robust Video Wall capabilities as well as full seamless switching regardless of input resolution. About DVIGear

Founded in 1999, DVIGear (www.dvigear.com) is a leading supplier of Digital Connectivity Solutions for a wide range of professional display applications. Located in Marietta, Georgia, DVIGear offers an extensive portfolio of high performance digital video distribution products including: Scalable AV-over-10GbE Systems, Switchers, Splitters, Extenders, Converters, Scalers, as well as long-length copper and optical cables. *MultiViewer capability coming Q4.2016. DVIGear and DVIGear & Design are trademarks of DVIGear, Inc. and may not be used without the prior written permission of DVIGear, Inc. High Resolution Product Photo: DN-100 Series

High Resolution Logo Image: DisplayNet

Award Logos: 7 Best of Show Awards Contact: Joseph Barbier / +1.770.421.6699 / [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dvigears-displaynet-wins-seventh-product-award-at-infocomm-2016-300289680.html SOURCE DVIGear

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[June 24, 2016] Network-1 Announces Settlement Of Patent Litigation With Sony Corporation

NEW YORK, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Network-1 Technologies, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NTIP) announced today that it agreed to settle its patent litigation against Sony Corporation and affiliated entities ("Sony") pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, for infringement of Network-1's Remote Power Patent (U.S. Patent No. 6,218,930). Sony was one of sixteen (16) original defendants named in the litigation. As part of the settlement, Sony entered into a Settlement Agreement and non-exclusive License Agreement for the Remote Power Patent. Under the terms of the license, Sony will receive a fully-paid license to the Remote Power Patent for its full term which expires in March 2020, which will apply to its sales of Power over Ethernet ("PoE") products, including those PoE products which comply with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers ("IEEE") 802.3af and 802.3at Standards. In September 2011, Network-1 initiated patent litigation against sixteen (16) data networking equipment manufacturers in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, for infringement of its Remote Power Patent. Network-1 previously reached settlement and license agreements with eight (8) of the original defendants. The remaining seven (7) defendants in the lawsuit are Alcatel-Lucent USA, Inc., Avaya Inc., AXIS Communications Inc., Dell, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Juniper Networks, Inc., and Polycom Inc. Network-1 seeks monetary damages based upon reasonable royalties. The Remote Power Patent relates to, among other things, delivering power over Ethernet cables to remotely power network connected devices including, among others, wireless switches, wireless access points, VoIP telephones and network cameras. In June 2003, the IEEE approved the 802.3af PoE Standard, which led to the apid adoption of PoE. The IEEE also approved the 802.3at Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE Plus) Standard, which increased the maximum power delivered to network devices to 40-60 watts from the current 15 watts under the 802.3af Standard.



ABOUT NETWORK-1 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Network-1 Technologies, Inc. is engaged in the development, licensing and protection of its intellectual property and proprietary technologies. Network-1 works with inventors and patent owners to assist in the development and monetization of their patented technologies. Network-1 currently owns twenty-eight (28) patents covering various telecommunications and data networking technologies as well as technologies relating to document stream operating systems and the identification of media content. Network-1's current strategy includes continuing to pursue licensing opportunities for its Remote Power Patent and its efforts to monetize two patent portfolios (the Cox and Mirror Worlds patent portfolios) acquired by Network-1 in 2013. Network-1's acquisition strategy is to focus on acquiring high quality patents which management believes have the potential to generate significant licensing opportunities as Network-1 has achieved with respect to its Remote Power Patent. Network-1's Remote Power Patent has generated licensing revenue in excess of $87 million from May 2007 through March 31, 2016.

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements address future events and conditions concerning Network-1's business plans. Such statements are subject to a number of risk factors and uncertainties as disclosed in the Network-1's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, among others, the continued validity of Network-1's Remote Power Patent, the ability of Network-1 to successfully execute its strategy to acquire high quality patents with significant licensing opportunities, Network-1's ability to achieve revenue and profits from the Mirror Worlds Patent Portfolio and the Cox Patent Portfolio as well as intellectual property it may acquire in the future, the ability of Network-1 to enter into additional license agreements, the ability of Network-1 to continue to receive material royalties from its existing license agreements for its Remote Power Patent, the uncertainty of patent litigation and proceedings at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the difficulty in Network-1 verifying royalty amounts owed to it by its licensees, Network-1's ability to enter into strategic relationships with third parties to license or otherwise monetize their intellectual property, the risk in the future of Network-1 being classified as a Personal Holding Company, the continued viability of the PoE market, future economic conditions and technology changes and legislative, regulatory and competitive developments. Except as otherwise required to be disclosed in periodic reports, Network-1 expressly disclaims any future obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein. Corey M. Horowitz, Chairman and CEO

Network-1 Technologies, Inc.

(212) 829-5770 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/network-1-announces-settlement-of-patent-litigation-with-sony-corporation-300289762.html SOURCE Network-1 Technologies, Inc.

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The deadline to sign up for the travel program to Peru has been extended to July 15.

This eight-day trip will feature the must-see sights of Peru and ancient ruins in the area. Travelers will visit historic and cosmopolitan Lima; explore Cuzco, the center of the Inca world; and tour the archaeological sites of the region.

Passengers will take an overnight flight out of Chicago on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 6, and return on Thursday, Oct. 13.

Highlights of the trip include exploring the ruins of the sacred city of Machu Picchu, high in the misty Andes Mountains; touring the beautiful colonial city of Cuzco, famed for its ancient churches and Inca buildings; and spending time in bustling Lima, home to some of the most important sites of Spain's New World empire.

An optional full-day tour while in Cuzco is available to the Sacred Valley, Pisac market and Ollaytaytambo Ruins for $150 per person.

The highlight of the trip will be on Day 6. All travelers will be transferred to Poroy train station to board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride up to the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu.

The ancient ruins were discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Located on the side of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River, this citadel served as a place of worship, a site for star-gazing and a private hacienda of the family of the Inca Pachacutec.

Travelers will have from 3 to 4 hours to spend at the ruins and will enjoy a guided tour of the area.

This trip is being offered by the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce at the very special price of $2,790 per person (Double Occupancy). The price includes roundtrip airfare from Chicago, 7 nights accommodations (3 nights stay in Lima, 4 nights in Cuzco); daily breakfasts and a welcome dinner, international air departure taxes and fees, baggage handling, and all admissions to sites on the itinerary.

We anticipate that this trip will fill up quickly because of the special pricing. A non-refundable deposit of $400 per person is due at the time of registration. July 15 is the registration deadline and due date for payment in full.

Registration for the Peru trip must be done online through the Chamber website at www.charlestonchamber.com. Click on the picture of Machu Picchu at the top of the homepage to be directed to the Peru Express landing page.

From there you can choose the Detailed Itinerary for a day by day listing or the Register Now button to sign up for the trip. Be sure to select the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce as the Referring Chamber from the drop down box at the top of the registration form.

For additional information, call the Charleston Chamber office at 217-345-7041.
CHARLESTON -- The Original Joeys Place, 850 Lincoln Ave., has been inducted into Vienna Beef Hall of Fame.

According to the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame website, restaurants like Joeys Place, owned by Mark Grant and his mother Winola Grant, become eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame based on a variety of criteria, including how long they have been representing Vienna Beef products.

The website also states that the vendor's contribution to their community, philanthropic roles and overall commitment to the quality of their product and the satisfaction of their customers plays a factor in induction.

These are special people who have been on a mission to be the best at what they do, a Vienna Beef press release stated.

Mark and Winola have supported various organizations and causes such as the Newman Catholic Centers Haiti Connection, providing proceeds to the clean water project, where families in Haiti are given water purification systems. Roy Lanham, Newman director, said Mark and Winola have been great partners yearly in providing support to these families. About 850 purification systems have been installed as result of the project.

It is neat to be able to impact people so far away, Mark said.

More recently, Joeys Place provided a large sub sandwich for the Tour de Exchange bike race in May, which supports child abuse prevention organizations.

The two started out at Jimmy Johns before eventually buying and revitalizing Joeys Place. According to the website, Winola initially left the farm to work for Jimmy Johns, which at the time was a new start-up restaurant. Mark worked there also, later inspiring him to own his own restaurant.

I wanted to be my own boss, Mark said.

They bought Joeys Place, which at the time needed significant makeover, according to the website. While they initially did not serve Vienna Beef, later Vienna Beef hot dogs, polish sausages and burgers became staple items on the menu. Now, 23 years later, they continue to serve the community as a restaurant.

Joeys Place joins a growing list of hall of fame inductees including the 83 others in Illinois and many more nationally, a large portion of which are based in Chicago and the Chicago area. Six have been inducted this year.

Mark said the announcement of his induction came out of the blue, but it was an honor.

It is nice to be recognized, he said. We couldn't do it without the community (Eastern and Charleston). We support them, and they support us. It is a circle.

Mark said the plaque will sit next to the door into Joey's Place.
WESTFIELD -- Country Financial representative Matthew Taggart of Charleston has earned a position on the insurance groups distinguished All American team and Master Status honors.

According to a press release, Taggart is among a select group of top Country Financial agency managers and financial representatives who qualified for the 2015 All American award. This is Taggarts ninth consecutive All American award.

All American is awarded each year by Country Financial to agency managers and financial representatives who have excelled in identifying insurance products and financial solutions that fit the needs of their customers. Agency managers and financial representatives who receive the award provide outstanding service to their customers.

Taggart has also achieved Country Financials Master Status designation for the organization. Some 87 financial representatives were selected to receive the honor in 2015. This is Taggarts second consecutive Master Status designation.

Master Status is awarded annually by Country Financial to financial representatives for their continued commitment and success toward providing for the financial security of their customers. These financial representatives also strive to help maintain the company's financial strength, ensuring it can deliver on promises to these customers.

Country Financial has more than 2,000 agency managers and financial representatives in 17 states.

Taggart earned a bachelors degree in business management with a minor in pre-law from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston in 2004 and began his career with Country Financial in 2006.

Taggart and his wife, Leslie, have four children: Grant, Claire, Luke and Kate.

Taggart serves clients in Coles, Clark and Cumberland counties as well as surrounding areas. His office is located at 105 S. Washington St., Westfield, and the office phone number is 217-967-5222. Taggart can also be reached at matthew.taggart@countryfinancial.com or via his business website at www.countryfinancial.com/matthew.taggart.
BEIRUT (AP)  Even as internationally backed forces chip away at Islamic State-held territory in Syria, Iraq and Libya, the militants have demonstrated a stubborn resilience this week in the face of recent losses.

The IS forces dealt an embarrassing setback to the Syrian army near the militants' self-styled capital of Raqqa with a swift counteroffensive that rolled back incremental gains by troops loyal to President Bashar Assad.

Pockets of extremist fighters north and west of Fallujah continued to hold off elite Iraqi special forces Wednesday, preventing them from making significant advances one month after the government launched its campaign to retake the city west of Baghdad.

And in the battle for the Libyan city of Sirte, pro-government forces besieging the IS stronghold were stunned by renewed clashes there, with 36 people killed, a hospital spokesman said.

Just two weeks ago, the Islamic State had suffered setbacks in all three countries in the region where the Sunni militant group captured large tracts of territory in Iraq and Syria two years ago.

Seesaw battles raged in Syria's Raqqa province, with IS fighters retaking areas from government forces Tuesday. Two days earlier, the Syrian troops briefly seized an IS-held oilfield in Thawra and threatened to retake the Tabqa air base, which would have opened a direct line for troops to the city of Raqqa.

The government began its highly publicized campaign to retake Raqqa on June 2.

On Sunday, the troops advanced to within 6 miles (10 kilometers) of the Tabqa base, which is about 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Raqqa and holds strategic and symbolic value for the government. It was the last position held by government forces in Raqqa province before the militants overran it in August 2014, killing scores of detained Syrian soldiers in a massacre documented on IS video.

The commander of an elite, pro-government militia known as the Desert Hawks explained the government's rapid withdrawal from large parts of Raqqa province.

"It is vital to understand that (IS) adopted new tactics to fight the Desert Hawks in this area," said retired Gen. Mohamad Jaber.

Writing on his Facebook page Tuesday, he said the militants were sending explosives-packed vehicles at the pro-government line, and he predicted the battle for Tabqa would be "harsh and mighty."

Activists gave conflicting casualty counts for civilians killed in airstrikes on the city of Raqqa, with death tolls ranging from 18 to 32. Differing casualty figures are common in reporting from Syria's civil war, now in its sixth year.

The activists said the Syrian air force, backed by warplanes from its ally, Russia, had pummeled the Islamic State extremists after government losses earlier this week.

The U.S.-led coalition also has been bombing Raqqa. Col. Christopher Garver, the Baghdad-based spokesman for the coalition, told The Associated Press that four airstrikes were carried out Tuesday near Raqqa. They targeted an IS tactical unit, a finance center, a headquarters and an oil facility, Garver said. He had no reports on casualties.

The activist group known as Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently said at least one of the airstrikes targeted a neighborhood popular among "foreign fighters"  militants who have traveled to Syria to fight with the IS group.

In northern Syria, U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces encircled IS militants in the town of Manbij, a vital position that connects the Turkish border to Raqqa.

As the Iraqi military offensive to retake Fallujah entered its second month Wednesday, clashes continued to try to dislodge IS militants from besieged neighborhoods.

Iraqi special forces pushed into the center of the city last week and retook a government compound and the central hospital. Officials said they are still working to secure the territory.

At the central hospital, Corp. Ahmad Ahmad warned that only parts of the first floor were fully cleared of homemade bombs because teams specializing in defusing the explosives are in short supply and have been mostly deployed to help troops on the front lines.

Ahmad said his forces had not preformed house-to-house searches in surrounding buildings, including the Khalifa Mosque along Fallujah's main highway.

"Right now, we are focusing on clearing the roads," he said, adding that the painstaking process of searching buildings would require more troops and risk greater casualties.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Friday that Fallujah had "returned to the embrace of the nation," and that remaining IS pockets would be "cleaned out within hours." Clashes have persisted, however, with militants holed up in dense residential neighborhoods along the city's northern edge.

On Tuesday, the U.S.-led coalition said only a third of Fallujah has been "cleared," and other parts remain contested. Iraqi commanders say 80 percent of the city is under their control.

Fallujah is one of the last IS stronghold in Iraq. At the height of its power, the group held nearly a third of the country, but a string of territorial losses has left only pockets of territory in Iraq's north and west under IS control. The second- largest city of Mosul is the group's last remaining urban holdout.

In Libya's coastal city of Sirte, fierce fighting with IS militants killed 36 militiamen aligned with the U.N.-brokered government. The militias, mainly from the western town of Misrata, have been battling since May to try to take full control of Sirte, the last bastion of the Islamic State group in the North African country.

After a rapid advance into the city, the militias were slowed by a series of IS suicide bombings.

Along with the 36 militiamen killed, mostly in direct gun battles, about 140 were wounded, said Misrata hospital spokesman Abdel-Aziz Essa.

IS fighters reportedly have hunkered down at their headquarters in the sprawling Ouagadougou convention center built by the late dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Sirte was Gadhafi's birthplace and the place where he fled during the 2011 civil war, when Libyan rebels backed by NATO warplanes forced him out of the capital of Tripoli.
CHARLESTON -- An Indianapolis, Ind., man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly using counterfeit money to purchase merchandise at 17 stores different stores in the area.

June 16, Charleston police responded to seven Charleston area businesses and Mattoon police responded to 10 Mattoon area businesses June 16 for incidents of forgery, according to a Charleston Police Department press release.

Demonte B. Dawkins, 19, allegedly drove around the area paying for "small cost items" with counterfeit $100 bills and receiving merchandise and authentic U.S. currency as change.

Effingham police captured Dawkins while investigating a similar incident in their jurisdiction involving other suspects, the release states. Charleston police arrested him following his capture, and he was placed in the Coles County Jail pending a court appearance.
A recent analysis of economy, quality of life and housing affordability in the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas found only three -- Des Moines, Omaha and Oklahoma City -- that ranked in the top 30 in all three categories.

But local officials wondered how Lincoln, which officially is the nation's 154th largest metro area, would rank on the same scale.

The answer: Very well.

When the economist who put the rankings together added Lincoln to the list, it became the fourth city to hit the "sweet spot," ranking in the top 30 in all three categories.

Josh Lehner, the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis economist who did the research, calls it the "Housing Trilemma."

He used 10 different economic measurements, ranging from quality of life to job growth to housing growth and affordability.

Lincoln got its highest scores in the percentage of the working-age population that's employed, the percentage of cost-burdened renters, how far housing prices are out of whack and quality of life. It got its lowest scores for its low vacancy rate and for the number of startups.

Lincoln has, "very good housing affordability, very strong economy and solid quality of life," Lehner said in an email.

He said Lincoln's percentage of working-age people in the workforce ranked second out of all the metro areas in the study.

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Wendy Birdsall, who was one of the people who asked Lehner to provide the data on Lincoln, said the results shouldn't be surprising to anyone who's lived elsewhere.

"Lincoln is more affordable than cities on the coasts, we have more jobs available here when compared with our neighbors in the northeast and the amenities available here are more than comparable to larger metro areas," Birdsall said in an email.

"As a community, weve really focused our efforts over the past decade or so on finding a balance other, bigger cities lack," she said. "This study clearly shows weve been successful in creating a place that allows people to find a great job, an affordable place to live and have some of the quality-of-life amenities people expect in cities like Kansas City, Denver and Chicago.

You can see Lehner's discussion of his research at: https://oregoneconomicanalysis.com/2016/06/08/the-housing-trilemma/
Museums are, in the view of Alexander Sokurov, centers of culture that bind nations and the world together through reflection on and memories, real or imagined, of the art and objects contained within them.

That is particularly true for the worlds great museums, including The Hermitage, where the Russian director made the eye-opening Russian Ark in 2002 and The Louvre, where Sokurov has set Francofonia, another striking meditation on the nature and value of museums.

Francofonia, however, isnt just a gliding tour through the galleries of the Paris museum. Its the story of a pair of reluctant collaborators -- Louvre director Jacques Jaujard and German Count Franz Wolff-Metternich, who worked in near unspoken fashion to preserve the treasures of the Louvre during World War II.

Wolff-Metternich was the Nazi officer assigned to cultural evaluation and preservation across Europe. Visiting the Louvre after the Germans took over Paris in 1940, he found a museum largely emptied of its contents and Jaujard, who informed him that the paintings, smaller sculpture and other works had been moved to villas around France for safekeeping.

That the Nazis didnt plunder those villas and haul the work back to Germany -- the desire of Adolph Hitler, Joseph Goebbels and other high-ranking Nazi officials -- is evidence of the success of the collaboration.

But Francofonia" isnt an art house The Monuments Men. Its aim isnt to be a wartime thriller or an examination of the politics behind the Nazi plundering and destruction of art.

Rather, Sokurov captures something of the collaboration between the men, that time in Paris and the nature of the Louvre and its collection.

He does so by matching scenes filmed in the Louvre with actor Louis-Do de Lencquesaing playing Jaujard and Benjamin Utzerath as Wolff-Metternich, with vintage footage of 1940s Paris and the German invaders.

Then he brings in Napoleon (Vincent Nemeth), who turned the Louvre into a museum to celebrate the spoils of his wars and Marianne (Johanna Korthals), who passes through the galleries, repeating the French national motto liberty, equality, solidarity.

The journeys of Napoleon, who points out portraits of himself by standing in front of them, and Marianne allow the camera of cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel to capture a slice of the Louvre today and, of course, make a stop at the Mona Lisa.

But Francofonia isnt an art history course on film, either. Rather, the closeups of artwork are most often seen with Sokurov voiceovers about looking in the eyes of people who have come before us, viewing history through art and the nature of museums.

Theres more going on in Francofonia, including a framing device that finds Sokurov in conversation via video chat with Captain Dirk, a merchant ship captain who is sailing into stormy waters with a cargo that includes a large shipment from a museum.

This sounds disparate and disconnected. But Sokurov, who is a marvelous filmmaker, pulls all the elements together into a visually mesmerizing film that both informs, through its docudrama of the collaboration and the Nazi invasion, and stimulates the contemplation of museums, art, culture and history.
In 2011, Rep. Anthony Weiner resigned from Congress in disgrace following the public release of a sexually-explicit photograph of himself that he had sent to a woman on Twitter.

Two years later, Weiner mounted a campaign for mayor of New York and allowed cameras into his home, the campaign offices, his public appearances and the cars he rode in to make an up-close and personal documentary film.

Midway through the campaign, another sexting scandal erupted. Inexplicably, Weiner allowed the documentation to continue and even sat for an interview following his ignominious loss to Bill De Blasio.

Compiled in taut, compelling fashion, that documentation became Weiner, an astonishing portrait of an ego-driven politician (is there any other kind?) in meltdown thats surprisingly funny, head-shakingly devastating and never, ever flinches.

Weiner is first seen, at length, at home with his wife, Huma Abedin, a longtime personal assistant to Hillary Clinton and their then 2-year-old son, Jordan. Having worked their way through the sexting scandal -- Weiner never met the woman to whom he sent the pictures -- the couple was ready to return to public life, with Weiner pursuing his lifelong dream of being New Yorks mayor.

A tireless, avid campaigner, he hits the streets, shaking hands, talking to voters and meeting the press -- the latter sometimes contentiously. But his comeback -- one of his campaign pleas was for a second chance - appears to be happening, his bolster-the-middle-class message pushing him to the top of the polls.

Then, another sexting scandal erupts, this time with Weiner using the name Carlos Danger and sending even more explicit photographs. Stunningly, hes seen as his political life and perhaps his marriage disintegrates even as he flails away to survive.

Directors Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg vividly assemble that story in painful talks with Abedin, reactions of tearful and betrayed campaign staff and Weiners self-delusion as he comes up with a strategy that even he must have known was doomed.

Its frankly hard to believe that Weiner and Abedin, who continues to serve as Clintons personal assistant and serves as vice chairman of her presidential campaign, allowed the documentation to continue after the second scandal.

But they did and the result is a political documentary like no other, a tale of a politician undone not once, but twice by contemporary technology, self-delusion and a desire for public office and power.
A key state lawmaker says Nebraska can enact comprehensive tax reform next year, including income tax cuts, while avoiding the kind of debacle that threatens to close public schools in Kansas.

Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion stated his case Thursday, as the Kansas Legislature convened a special session to address a warning by the state's Supreme Court that schools there might not be allowed to reopen after June 30 without changes to the state's education funding system.

Kansas has struggled to balance its budget following income tax cuts in 2012 and 2013, passed at the urging of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

Critics say Nebraska could end up like its southern neighbor if lawmakers slash income taxes here next year. Nebraska already faces a budget shortfall that might exceed $300 million when lawmakers return to the Capitol in January.

But Smith, who hopes to lead the Legislature's Revenue Committee next year, said tax reform is still possible without forcing dramatic budget cuts or putting the state at financial risk by draining its cash reserve.

He wants lawmakers to examine Nebraska's existing business incentives, sales tax exemptions and tax credits for landowners, and see if more than $500 million in revenue lost to those efforts each year could be repurposed to provide more effective income and property tax cuts.

However, he warned, "we are far from defining exactly what the bill looks like for next year."

Any attempt to eliminate sales tax exemptions, tax incentive programs or property tax credits would be politically complicated.

In particular, property tax credits have been the Legislature's go-to answer in recent years to address cries for relief from farm and ranch owners about high taxes on their land.

Lawmakers even boosted the state's commitment to the program during their most recent legislative session, pledging $224 million in credits for 2017. That still wasn't enough for many landowners.

"If we have an opportunity to find a better instrument to deliver certain and permanent property tax relief, I think we need to consider that," Smith said.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday that while the credits are good in that they provide landowners with "dollar-for-dollar tax relief," there is no guarantee school districts and other local governments will lower their property tax levies as a result.

Ricketts didn't immediately rule out replacing the property tax credits next year.

"I'm open to suggestions," he said.

Business incentives and tax exemptions have already withstood barrages from lawmakers who say they don't benefit the state's economy enough to justify their cost.

Scrapping those efforts might not produce the revenue some hope for, warned Renee Fry, executive director at OpenSky Policy Institute, a think tank that has lobbied against tax cuts in past years.

Business incentives are long-term commitments, Fry said, and the state will continue to owe credits to businesses using those incentives for up to 15 years.

Revenue freed up by eliminating incentives or exemptions should first be used to fully fund K-12 education and address issues with the state's prison system, she said.

Ricketts said any tax cuts will be accounted for in his next biennial budget proposal.

"It's got to fit into the budget," he said.
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After two days of deliberation, a Lancaster County District Court jury has acquitted an Oregon man of assaulting a Nebraska State Patrol trooper last year.

A day later, a separate jury acquitted his fiancee of the same charge but found her guilty of failing to follow a lawful order, a misdemeanor.

"I want to thank God, my family and all the people who supported me through this extremely traumatic and exhaustive experience," Devin James said in a statement to the Journal Star. "I also want to thank the members of the jury for their service."

The verdicts came Thursday and Friday.

James, who wrote a book about unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, after the 2014 shooting of a young black man by police, has said he and Alicia Campbell were stopped outside of Lincoln on Aug. 27 for "driving while black."

Campbell was driving when Trooper Kyle Gress stopped her near 91st Street and Nebraska 2 for going 79 mph in a 65 mph zone.

Gress testified at James' trial for third-degree assault that the two people in the car were confrontational and that both hit him on the arm when he tried to unlock the driver's side door. He said his arm was cut when James grabbed him, and that he broke the car window trying to get free.

But James testified that his training has taught him never to touch or hurt a peace officer, and said any injuries Gress received were self-inflicted.

James is CEO of the Devin James Group and travels the country training law enforcement agencies in bias-free, colorblind and community-conscious policing.

The trooper's dash cam video played during trial shows Gress walking to the passenger side of the car to avoid passing traffic.

The trooper testified that James began interrupting him from the start, making it difficult for him to talk with Campbell. James said he was asking why they were stopped, and when Gress asked Campbell to get out of the car two minutes into the stop, he got nervous and told her not to get out.

At that point, James said, he started recording the stop on his phone.

"My training suggested I needed to record," he testified.

When Gress got to her side of the car, Campbell asked if she was under arrest and why she had to get out. No, Gress replied, but he needed her to get out to complete the stop.

They argued, and both James and Campbell continued to interrupt the trooper, the recording showed. Gress called for backup four minutes into the stop, and Campbell said she'd get out of the car when his supervisor arrived.

In the meantime, James was holding his cellphone in a way that blocked Gress' view of Campbell.

You need to put that down, its an officer safety issue, Gress told James.

In the recording, the phone gets closer to Campbells door and Gress reaches in. He testified he was trying to unlock the door, but James said Gress lunged for the phone and grabbed his left arm, twisting it. The video James took also was played in court and showed the trooper's hand grabbing James left arm.

At that point, Campbell started screaming, Oh my God, and their 5-year-old daughter started to cry in the backseat.

James' video stopped right after Gress reached into the car, and Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Patrick Condon argued it was because James had his hands around Gress' arm. James said he dropped the phone.

When the video started again, Gress was still outside the car, quiet. The couple called 911 from Campbells cellphone, crying as she told the dispatcher a cop assaulted her.

Im so scared, she said.  I want a supervisor here now.

When Gress' supervisor arrived 10 minutes after he called for one, troopers arrested both Campbell and James. They were in jail for three days, and their daughter was placed in state care during that time.

Condon asked the jury to put themselves in Gress' shoes during closing statements on Tuesday.

"He didn't know backup was coming," he said.

Defense attorney Dana London argued that while the prosecution showed James could have handled himself better during the stop, he never did anything illegal and never touched the trooper.

In Campbell's case, jurors found her guilty of refusing to obey Gress' order to get out of the car. She also was found guilty of speeding.
A federal judge has upheld a Lancaster County Court ruling that the plaza space outside of Pinnacle Bank Arena is a nonpublic forum for purposes of the First Amendment.

In a Thursday decision, U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp let stand two trespassing convictions against 78-year-old Larry Ball for handing out pamphlets outside of the arena.

Last year, Lancaster County Judge James Foster found Ball guilty of trespassing and refusing to leave the area when told to do so and fined him $50 on each of two misdemeanor charges that stemmed from his handing out religious leaflets after being told the space was off limits.

"What they're calling a plaza is a sidewalk," Ball said last year.

The city argued that the arena is on land owned by the city and the West Haymarket Joint Public Agency but that the area out front is quasi-public and contracted to tenants for their use and that people should be able to come and go easily.

ACLU of Nebraska promised to appeal Smith Camp's decision to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, saying it puts Ball and others at continued risk of criminal prosecution by engaging in free speech near the arena.

We are disappointed that the court failed to uphold our clients highly protected and deeply valued free speech and religious expression rights," Executive Director Danielle Conrad said in a statement. "... We also renew our call to Mayor Chris Beutler and to the Lincoln City Council to seize this opportunity to establish an appropriate policy that protects all Nebraskans' free speech and religious expression rights in the public space surrounding the Pinnacle Bank Arena."

In April, Smith Camp refused to stop arena operator SMG from enforcing its policy, finding that Ball was not likely to prevail on his argument that the plaza area is a traditional public forum with protections.

"There is no material dispute that the Plaza Area was not traditionally or historically open to free expression, nor is there any material dispute that the Defendants did not intend the Plaza Area to be used for public exchange of ideas," she wrote in the Thursday ruling. "Instead, the undisputed evidence shows that the nature and use of the Plaza Area primarily have been associated with the commercial purposes of the Arena.

"The Court concludes that the Policy is a reasonable restriction on speech."
The Supreme Court on Thursday placed new limits on state laws that make it a crime for motorists suspected of drunken driving to refuse alcohol tests.

The justices ruled that police must obtain a search warrant before requiring drivers to take blood alcohol tests, but not breath tests, which the court considers less intrusive.

Prior to Thursday's ruling, drivers in Lancaster County were given a criminal citation if they refused a blood alcohol test in either DUI cases or in traffic accident investigations where alcohol was suspected, Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister said.

Officials in the police department along with their legal adviser began meeting with city and county attorneys and other law enforcement agencies to determine the effects the ruling has on their policies, Bliemeister said. Changes to policies will begin immediately as staff work to train street officers on new procedures.

The changes will take more time than just issuing a citation, but Bliemeister stresses the department will follow all statutes and case law.

The timeliness of the testing process is going to be a concern, but we feel we will be able to establish standardize practices that will promote efficiency, Bliemeister said.

The ruling came in three cases in which drivers challenged so-called implied consent laws in Minnesota and North Dakota as violating the Constitution's ban on unreasonable searches and seizures. State supreme courts had upheld the laws.

While drivers in all 50 states can have their licenses revoked for refusing drunken driving tests, the high court's ruling affects laws in 11 states, including Nebraska, that go further in imposing criminal penalties for such refusals.

Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito said breath tests do not implicate "significant privacy concerns." Unlike blood tests, breathing into a breathalyzer doesn't pierce the skin or leave a biological sample in the government's possession, he said.

Six justices agreed with Alito's opinion on breath tests, though Justice Clarence Thomas wrote separately to say he would have found both tests valid without a warrant under the Constitution. Thomas called any distinction between breath and blood tests "an arbitrary line in the sand."

Other states that have criminalized a driver's refusal to take alcohol blood or breath tests include Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia.

In a statement, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson acknowledged changes to operating procedures will have to be made.

Generally, law enforcement in Nebraska does not obtain warrants for blood tests, due to prior rulings of the court. The courts ruling today will thus have ramifications not only for drunk driving cases but also other crimes associated with drinking and driving, such as motor vehicle homicide, he said.

In all three cases before the high court, the challengers argued that warrantless searches should be allowed only in "extraordinary circumstances." They said routine drunk driving stops count as ordinary law enforcement functions where traditional privacy rights should apply.

State officials called the testing a legitimate condition on the privilege of using state roads. Prosecutors argued that it was too burdensome for police to obtain a warrant every time a driver refused a test because some rural areas have only one judge on call late at night or on weekends.

But during oral arguments, some of the justices pointed out that even in rural states police can call a magistrate and get a warrant over the phone in just a few minutes.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, wrote a separate opinion saying she would have gone further and required search warrants for both breath and blood alcohol tests. She said no governmental interest makes it impractical for an officer to get a warrant before measuring a driver's alcohol level.

The states garnered support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which argued that public safety is a compelling reason that justified the laws. But civil liberties groups said states can't criminalize the assertion of a constitutional right.

Adam Vanek, national general counsel for MADD, said his group was pleased "that the court recognized public safety concerns far outweigh the minimal privacy concerns when it comes to a breath test." Vanek said the group was hopeful that the court's decision would encourage other states to implement similar laws punishing refusal to take a breath test.
A Fairbury woman and two men were arrested Wednesday after police found 59.2 grams of methamphetamine in their Chevy Impala, according to court documents.

Investigators with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Drug Task Force received information that Ryan Norton, 29, of 1310 N. 25th St., was selling large meth from his home.

During surveillance on Wednesday, officers saw Norton get into the passenger seat of Tara Beau's car with Jordan Ward, 23, a probable cause affidavit for their arrest says.

Officers followed the car as it drove around the block and made several traffic violations. The group was pulled over near 31st and Potter streets, documents say.

Upon contact with police, Norton was shaking, sweating and would not answer questions. Officers found a baggie with meth in it in his left shorts pocket and $659 in his right pocket, documents say.

Officers handcuffed Beau, 23, because she was uncooperative and then found 14.2 grams of meth and $200 in her bag, documents say.

They also found a glass pipe near the center console of the car, which they say Ward claimed as his.

They arrested the three on suspicion of delivering meth within 1,000 feet of a school and possessing money in violation of a state statute.
Bob Lambersons sculpture -- a bicyclist, frozen moments away from face-planting into the dirt -- has sat at the edge of Pansing Park for more than 12 years, and its age is starting to show.

What was rich black paint in 2003 has faded to charcoal gray in spots where rainwater has dripped and the sun has beaten down on Lambersons contribution to Tour de Lincoln, the city's first public art project.

The sculptor, who has his work on display in states including Kansas, Missouri, Indiana and Illinois, has spent more than seven hours and has made several trips to Lincoln from Dannebrog to touch up his work, called Oops!

Lamberson carefully fills in the worn down spots with spray paint, using handmade cardboard stencils. Bits of bright green masking tape cover corners where his stencil doesnt reach.

They get to looking pretty shabby after a while, Lamberson said. The paint fades and in some cases it actually disappears; it gets down to pure metal.

After he finishes painting, he'll need to return in a couple of months to put on the final clear coat.

Tour de Lincoln chair and public art guru Liz Shea-McCoy contacted Lamberson recently and asked him to visit his sculpture and give it a little TLC.

When you look at Oops! you just smile, Shea-McCoy said. Its so fun to see that bike upside down. Theyre whimsical, theyre fun, theyre beautiful.

She first noticed some of the 71 bike sculptures -- 56 of which are spread around Lincoln -- looking a bit unkempt several months ago.

What originally grabbed her attention was the one sitting at Normal Boulevard and A Street, "Look Ma, No Hands," which has since been repainted and de-rusted.

The Tour de Lincoln committee hadnt built in an endowment for maintenance when it planned the project in 2001, so Shea-McCoy had to get creative.

Her first step has been to contact the artists to see if theyre available to refurbish their sculptures -- she's talked to 10 so far.

Some artists have asked for compensation for their work; others have done it for free. If an artist cant visit and the sculpture is in bad enough shape, Shea-McCoy said she might consider hiring somebody else to do the job.

She has also asked people who purchased the sculptures at auction to chip in. But she knows she might also need to reach out to the larger community.

Lincoln is so generous, she said. Lincoln loved these bikes in the past, and they love them in the present."

She said she knows the city's budget is tight so she's taken this on to make sure the bikes dont go away.

Shea-McCoy isnt sure exactly how many bikes need redoing, but she plans to visit and evaluate each public sculpture -- some of them are on private property, like a backyard or patio and some are indoors.

Lamberson, whose wife, Mary, made the bike outside the Country Club of Lincoln, praised Shea-McCoys efforts at running the project in its beginning and her continued enthusiasm.

Liz just did a fantastic job, he said. It was super well-organized and well-run. Weve been a part of a lot of projects like this, and this was absolutely the best one weve ever been involved in.

Tour de Lincoln feeds Shea-McCoys passion for public art, and her biggest desire is to keep it alive for as long as possible.

It was a great project and it continues to have a huge impression on our community, she said.
Ranking right up there with the line, "Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?" is this recent headline in The Washington Times: "Honesty issues aside, voters still back Hillary Clinton, poll shows."

Though Clinton's negatives appear higher than that of any Democrat running for president in, perhaps, all of history -- and Donald Trump's are even higher -- honesty appears not to matter in this election, especially to younger voters.

The Washington Times story is based on a poll taken by the technology company Morning Consult, which found that Hillary Clinton's "56 percent unfavorability rating is driven by the fact that 39 percent of Democrats and 47 percent of independents say she can't be trusted" and that "significant percentages of those who view her unfavorably also say she's flat-out corrupt."

Trump doesn't fare much better. A recent Gallup poll found that just 33 percent say Trump is honest and trustworthy, a mere 1 percent higher than Hillary Clinton. With such numbers, Trump's label of "Crooked Hillary" doesn't have the moral impact it might have if more people thought he was a man of good character. Perhaps if Trump were held in higher regard, his contrast to Hillary Clinton might work to his advantage.

Has the state of our politics sunk so low that voters no longer expect honesty, integrity and character to be factors in deciding for whom they will vote? How can this be? Isn't a person's trustworthiness essential when we decide to buy a house or car, conclude a business deal or get married? If character matters in these and other circumstances, why does it matter less in selecting our next president? And if character doesn't matter, won't that almost ensure that we will get more people running for and serving in office who have less and less of it?

Brandon Rottinghaus is a political science professor at the University of Houston. In the Times story he is quoted as saying: "Trustworthiness by itself is less important than trustworthiness to handle specific issues, like national security or the economy. In the context of the 2016 election, Clinton's low trust numbers may not mean much. If she is matched against a different nominee of the opposing party, she might be in danger. Trump's bucolic approach to politics gives her some much-needed cover."

But doesn't it all go together? If one is dishonest in one's private dealings that must spill over into one's public life, right? Take the Clintons as Exhibit A.

Sometimes one finds a quote from an unexpected source that summarizes an issue. The actor and martial arts expert, Bruce Lee, once said: "Knowledge will give you power, but character respect."

In this election, two people are seeking power, but it looks like whichever one wins will have a long way to go toward gaining respect. Voters have become so angry and cynical about the state of our government and its leaders that they no longer expect to respect them. If that is where we are, does that not say more about us then it does about them?
If Nebraska officials want outside investigations of events in the prison system to have maximum credibility, they should choose investigators without ties to current correction staff.

The review of the recent escape from the Lincoln Correctional Center by two inmates in a laundry truck will be led by two experts from the Virginia Department of Corrections loaned by Virginia Corrections Director Harold Clarke, who headed Nebraskas department from 1990 to 2005.

Nebraskans should take note that Clarke worked with Lincoln Correctional Center Warden Mario Peart, who has been reassigned pending the investigation.

Nebraska Corrections Director Scott Frakes said he expects the review by the Virginia officials, and a separate review by Inspector General for Corrections Doug Koebernick should get to all the facts.

The fact that theres a personal connection involved in the investigation does not mean that the report will provide valuable insight in what went wrong in the escape, of course. And its reassuring that Koebernicks report presumably will provide another perspective.

Its worth noting, however, that this is the second time that an outside investigator had ties to current prison personnel.

The analysis of the 2015 riot at Tecumseh and recommendations on how to improve the prisons physical plant, policies and procedures was written by Thomas Fithan, a security and emergency management administrator with the Washington State Department of Corrections.

Thats where Frakes worked for more than 30 years. He held the position of deputy director of corrections when he was tapped by Gov. Pete Ricketts to head the Nebraska prison system. Other members of the review team work in the Nebraska system.

That report did in fact offer important recommendations, and drew attention to the need for more staffing and more programming to keep inmates busy and productive.

Its probable that the report from the Virginia experts will provide insight and helpful recommendations. But the personal connections involved mean that a question will lurk in the back of the minds of the people who will read it.

The escape of sex offenders Timothy Clausen and Armon Dixon put residents of both Omaha and Lincoln on edge. Dixon assaulted two Lincoln women before he was captured when he came out of a manhole the same day he escaped. Clausen remained on the loose for six days before he was captured in Omaha based on information in an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip.

To protect public safety its important that the investigation into the escape pull no punches. Nebraskans deserve an honest and candid assessment of what went wrong. Nebraska officials should be held accountable.
A state official helping the Nebraska Tourism Commission search for its new executive director says she hopes a replacement for fired director Kathy McKillip can be hired within 60 days.

State Personnel Director Margie Bell gave tourism commissioners the timeline during a Friday morning meeting in a conference room at the Lincoln Community Foundation building.

McKillip was fired May 26 after an examination by state Auditor Charlie Janssen's office uncovered various questionable expenses and business practices by the commission under her leadership. The agency has been without a permanent director since.

Many of the audit findings centered on costs associated with the "Nebraska Nice" campaign, which was crafted by advertising firm Bailey Lauerman under McKillip's guidance.

Some in the travel industry have said they hope McKillip's firing leads to a new tourism campaign with a different slogan.

Bailey Lauerman is continuing to work on phase two of "Nebraska Nice" under an existing contract, staff from the firm told commissioners Friday.

Also Friday, commissioners appointed Deputy Director Heather Hogue to serve as interim director of the independent state agency until a permanent leader is hired.

Bell's timeline for the search is aggressive, said Commission Chairman John Chapo.

"I think it's important," he said. "And I think it's our highest priority."

Bell will help a seven-person subcommittee with the executive director search. The committee is led by Commissioner Deb Loseke of Columbus and includes commissioners Lisa Burke of North Platte, Roger Kuhn of Lincoln and Roger Dixon of Omaha, along with noncommissioners Jeff Maul of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau, Keith Backsen of the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau and Mike Kesselring, a former commissioner from Crawford.
There is an inexplicable connection between humans and animals.

Animals can bring joy and comfort to an ailing person, but taking care of those companions becomes a tall order when health problems arise and the pets owner soon wont be able to care for the animal. Which is why Agrace HospiceCare has launched a new program called Pet Care Connections that will offer patients, both in the facility and in home care, help with the demands of pet ownership in difficult times.

Sometimes, oftentimes, our pets are a really huge part of whats important to us, said Andrea Wipperfurth, Agraces director of clinical service who is heading up the program with Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin. They create such quality for us while were alive that I think its natural, as were moving on out of this life, to think about what will happen to them. Most of our patients are just very grateful to their pets for what theyve been given while theyve cared for them. And they just want to be assured that they are going to be well taken care of.

The idea for the program was conceived after Agraces engagement committee  which ensures that staff are happy and supported in the workplace  brought up a concern that pet care decisions were troubling patients.

The thing they brought up in our very first meeting was its hard for them to watch our patients struggle with some of the decision-making in taking care of their pets, Wipperfurth said. Oftentimes our patients are distraught thinking about what will happen when they arent around to take care of their animals.

Pet Care Connections services being offered include long and short term foster care for all types of household pets (such as dogs, cats, small animals, etc.), adoption, pet visits with the owners as possible, veterinary services, finding discounted pet sitting services, and the creation of a pet supply pantry for patients struggling to financially support their animals.

Underdog executive director Lauren Wojtasiak thinks that the rescues strong existing group of supporters will be excited to see animals up for adoption with a known history  which is often not the case with strays.

Wipperfurth said she believes that Agrace is currently the only hospice center in the Madison area to offer this type of inclusive pet care programming. Although a national organization that offers similar services  Pet Peace of Mind  does have three hospice partners in the state including one with Mercy Hospice and Home Health in Janesville.

Underdog has been a fantastic partner, said Wipperfurth who has previously volunteered as a foster pet parent with the rescue.

Wipperfurth said when she brought up the idea of a partnership, Wojtasiak jumped at the chance.

Wojtasiak said that Underdog had been interested in doing a program like this before and that the rescue has a strong base of volunteers who can help get Pet Care Connections off to a strong start.

We have internal volunteers who are interested in helping with this program and people who work at Agrace who have already submitted foster applications, Wojtasiak said.

Before the Pet Care Connections program came around, staff members have been known to foster patients pets.

Wojtasiak believes that the program will bring much needed relief to patients and families who wont have to worry that their beloved pet will go to a shelter or be euthanized.

(The program) can give a peace of mind to both the patients and their families that their pets will find loving homes, Wojtasiak said.

But, this new program isnt Agraces first foray into supporting the human and animal bond, since they have offered a pet therapy program for the past 11 years as a service for patients both in the center and in home hospice.

Volunteer coordinator Jamie Schrandt oversees the pet program and knows what an impact it makes on the patients and families.

Animal assisted therapy is proven to improve physical and emotional well-being, Schrandt said. If the patient has rapid breathing, you can almost see it slow down when you put the pet on the bed.

Pets in a patients life dont just impact the patient, however, their families benefit from the furry friends as well.

Its also a benefit for families because end of life is a very challenging time for families and its very stressful, Schrandt said. To just see this furry little creature come in, youre able to have a moment where it isnt all about the situation and whats happening. It can just be a fun moment when you can pet a dog.

Pet volunteer Nancy Vidlak of McFarland sees the joy of pet therapy every time she visits Agraces patients, their families, as well as the staff.

Were here for anyone who needs a smile, said Vidlak with her 9-year-old golden retriever Buddy by her side.

Buddy has been a certified therapy dog for two years and is 94 pounds of energy and enthusiasm, according to Vidlak.

Dogs absorb the angst and emotions from the patients and Buddy  who normally doesnt fall asleep in the car on short trips  always goes right to sleep when heading home after visiting, said Vidlak who believes that dogs are a calming influence on those they encounter at the hospice center.

Ive never before had this kind of connection to this kind of job, Vidlak said. Its the most heart touching thing Ive ever done as a volunteer.

Walt Schildknecht, a patient at Agrace, was immediately at ease when Buddy paid him a visit and he began telling stories about owning beagles for many years and taking them pheasant hunting.

(Buddy) is such a nice dog and he knows I like dogs, said Schildknecht as he pet Buddys head.

Shortly after his visit with Schildknecht began, Buddy laid down beside Schildknechts bed on the cool floor on the hot summer day and he wasnt interested in standing back up, even at his owners request.

He has an independent soul, thats my kind of dog, Schildknecht said with a grin.

Buddy and the 15 other Agrace pet partners brighten the days of pet owners and non-pet owners alike during visit days. But, for those patients who own pets of their own, their personal furry companions are more than welcome to visit too.

We want to make it as homelike as possible and having pets visit is definitely part of that, said Liz Kopling, director of marketing and communications at Agrace.

With the assistance of the new Pet Care Connections program, those personal pet visits may be more frequent, which Vidlak thinks could make the pet therapy program even stronger.

There is a much higher need for pet visits than we have volunteers in the program, she said.

Heartland Hospice, another major area hospice group that offers pet therapy, echoes the need for volunteers as they recently lost the availability of their last pet partner.

We would absolutely love to have more, said Heartland volunteer coordinator Brittney Behrendt.

Schrandt said that Agrace is always in need of more volunteers, particularly in the pet program.

Were always, always in need of more volunteers, she said. The pets spread so much joy that we receive a lot of requests for them.

Its also a benefit for families because end of life is a very challenging time for families and its very stressful. To just see this furry little creature come in, youre able to have a moment where it isnt all about the situation and whats happening. It can just be a fun moment when you can pet a dog.Jamie Schrandt,

Agrace volunteer coordinator
RACINE  Approximately 50 people gathered in a large hangar at Batten International Airport Thursday afternoon to express concerns about a federal proposal privatizing the nations air traffic control system.

Its a proposal that could affect airports like Batten, said Airport Manager Dave Mann. It could also also have ramifications for companies like SC Johnson, which use the airport.

The Wisconsin Business Aviation Association hosted a Wisconsin Town Hall meeting featuring Ed Bolen, the CEO of the National Business Aviation Association and Jack Pelton, CEO and chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Together, with other local aviation leaders, the two discussed the potential impact privatization could have on general aviation in communities like Racine.

Bolen defined general aviation as anything that is not military or associated with an airline. According to Bolen, anybody who flies for fun, or businesses that use aviation such as SC Johnson, are considered to be a part of the GA industry.

On July 15 of this year, the Federal Aviation Administration will need to be reauthorized to continue functioning. The reauthorization process provides an opportunity for Congress to update and reform the association to improve and streamline the services provided.

It was during the reauthorization process that U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Penn., proposed a reform to the air traffic control system called the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act. A section of the act would allow for privatization of air traffic control, effectively passing control from congress to an appointed board of directors.

The AIRR Act is transformational legislation that removes over 30,000 people from the federal governments payroll. It prepares the U.S. aviation system for the future, helps ensure a modern, safe system that benefits passengers and the economy, and keeps America competitive in a vital industry all while significantly reducing the federal governments footprint in our air travel, said Shuster in a press release in February.

Bolen and Pelton dont like the idea of a privatized system. They said privatization would hand control of the air traffic control from Congress to the airlines and, in turn, the airlines would manipulate the system to their benefit and every elses detriment.

This is really really concerning, said Pelton.

Pelton worries that a privatized system would strip rural areas and smaller communities, like Racine, that are not major air-traffic hubs of their funding.

Financial impact

Bolen also worries that privatization would significantly affect businesses, both directly and indirectly associated with general aviation. According to Bolen, more than 1.1 million jobs are created because of general aviation. Bolen also said GA allows businesses, like SC Johnson, to be located where they want and still conduct business quickly and efficiently.

Important employers are able to be there because of their access to GA, said Bolen.

The proposal also includes a user-fee system causing pilots to pay to use it, which Mann worries would cause fewer people to fly.

Mann said fewer users would mean less money for smaller airports like Batten International.

Bolen said the privatization of air traffic control was first proposed 20 years ago. He said he fought it then and plans to continue fighting it now.

Our public airspace is supposed to serve the public good, said Bolen. It belongs to the public.
RACINE  A Racine man faces seven drug charges, including four felonies, for allegedly possessing nearly 150 pills without a prescription then reportedly trying to smuggle heroin and other drugs into the Racine County Jail in his rear end.

Munjed H. Hamdan, 31, of the 1000 block of Oregon Street, appeared in Racine County Circuit Court Friday after being charged with two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to deliver as a repeat offender, possession of narcotics as a repeater offender, and possession of marijuana. He also is charged with two counts of misdemeanor possession of illegally obtained prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the criminal complaint, Mount Pleasant police on June 16 found Hamdan sitting in his car outside the Pick n Save, 1202 N. Green Bay Road, where he had earlier exchanged a large amount of cash for smaller bills at the Tri-City Bank inside the store.

Bank employees told police Hamdan made notes while in the bank, exited and entered the store several times, donned different clothes, and seemed to be casing the bank, according to the complaint.

Police reportedly found Hamdan walking in a nearby parking lot and told him to return to his car. Police said Hamdan appeared to be acting suspiciously and that his hands were shaking, according to the complaint.

Police searched Hamdan and found $3,730 in cash, a green glass pipe with methamphetamine residue, and an unlabeled pill bottle that contained 106 pills of Oxycodone, 27 Alprazolams and 16 other pills requiring a prescription, according to the complaint.

Hamdan did not have a valid prescription for any of the drugs, according to the complaint.

The next day, as Hamdan was being processed at the Racine County Jail, a strip search revealed he possessed a folded piece of paper with heroin and a ball of tin foil containing seven strips of Suboxone concealed between his buttocks, according to the complaint.

Corrections officers also found marijuana folded in a piece of paper concealed in a folded-up pants leg, according to the complaint.

Hamdan was in the Racine County Jail Friday, jail records showed. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 29, court records indicate.
MOUNT PLEASANT  Two sisters were charged with disorderly conduct after a disagreement over a bill for a bridesmaid dress apparently turned into a full-blown fight outside a bridal shop.

Chartaya M. Diggins, 31, of the 1800 block of Woodland Avenue, Racine, and Juvosha V. Diggins, 34, of the 2000 block of Loni Lane, Racine, both face misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges in connection with the incident, which occurred Thursday afternoon.

According to the complaint, Chartaya Diggins received a call from the mother of her fiance informing her that $40 was owed on a bridesmaid dress at Image of Racine, 6222 Washington Ave., Mount pleasant.

The phone call angered Chartaya Diggins so much that she and her fiance drove to the bridal store, according to the complaint. Once there, Chartaya Diggins and her fiances mother got into a loud verbal argument over the payment, according to the complaint.

The fiance got both women out of the store, but the argument continued, with the fiance attempting to separate the two women and more family members arriving at the bridal store, according to the complaint.

Workers at the bridal store locked the front door, telling Mount Pleasant police officers that they feared for the safety of themselves and other customers in the shop, according to the complaint.

Store workers told police that the fiances mother arrived at the shop, tried on the dress, and prepared to take it home, according to the complaint. The mother became angry when told there was $40 owed on the dress, since she believed the bride had paid for everything, according to the complaint.

Store workers reportedly told police the argument escalated when Chartaya Diggins arrived. Both women reportedly used profanity and one customer in the store, who had a 4-year-old child with her, locked herself in a changing room in fear, according to the complaint.

Store workers told police that the argument became physical outside the shop, with Diggins allegedly attempting to hit her fiances mother several times, according to the complaint.

More cars arrived at the shop and at one point, eight people were involved in the fight, according to the complaint.

As Chartaya Diggins was being arrested by police, her sister Juvosha Diggins reportedly yelled at officers, claiming the mother of Chartayas fiance should be arrested as well.

Juvoshas actions were again escalating the situation, police said, and she apparently refused several requests to leave the area, according to the complaint.

Police then arrested Juvosha om a charge of disorderly conduct as well, according to the complaint.
In successive fashion, a group of Madison city council members and Mayor Paul Soglin weighed in Thursday on the arrest of 18-year-old Genele Laird.

A statement posted online right after 4 p.m. signed by 11 council members said they "cannot see past what seems like excessive aggression," about video that captured the arrest. The statement also acknowledged the incident has created a division among the community and said it's possible that complete wrong-doing cannot be assigned to the police officers or Laird.

"However, we cannot disregard the power imbalance between a young person and trained law enforcement officers," the statement said.

At the beginning of the statement, the members said they decided to share their thoughts after waiting for Soglin to publicly respond.

Fifteen minutes after the council statement was posted, Soglin issued a statement of his own.

He said he chose to not speak on specific details about the arrest, but shared his thoughts on underlying issues.

Soglin said the most important issue around the arrest, which happened outside of East Towne Mall on Tuesday afternoon, is reviewing the specific actions of Laird and the officers involved. But he said a community that cares should respect both sides' humanities and dignities regardless of the results of a review.

Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said Wednesday that an internal review of the arrest will be conducted.

The mayor said race will be a central point of discussion when moving forward. Laird is an African-American woman. He said his administration will continue discussing topics around race that can cause divisions, including "deep-seated institutional racism in this county, to the behaviors of each of us as individuals."

He made a point, though, that he is not directing criticism at the officers or witnesses involved in the arrest. The council members said they support and appreciate upstanding work by the Madison Police Department on a daily basis.

The council members said the arrest "affirms that a thorough, transparent and comprehensive review of the Madison Police Department is warranted and should be welcomed."

On June 7, the council approved $400,000 for a study to examine the policies, procedures and practices of MPD, which was met with criticism by Koval.

Soglin said the scope of the study will certainly look into the use of force, rules for officers and the public when an officer gives a command.

The council statement was signed by:

Ald. Matt Phair, District 20

Ald. Barbara Harrington-McKinney, District 1

Ald. Ledell Zellers, District 2

Ald. Amanda Hall, District 3

Ald. Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, District 5

Ald. Marsha Rummel, District 6

Ald. Zach Wood, District 8

Ald. Maurice Cheeks, District 10

Ald. Sara Eskrich, District 13

Ald. Denise DeMarb, District 16

Ald. Rebecca Kemble, District 18
Milwaukee can no longer enforce a long-standing requirement that police, firefighters, teachers and other public workers live within city limits, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The court ruled 5-2 that Milwaukees residency rule is subject to a state law barring such restrictions. Its a win for Gov. Scott Walker and fellow Republicans who control the Legislature and passed the requirement three years ago, overcoming opposition from Milwaukees Democratic leaders and others who warned the change would devastate the citys economy.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a Democrat, blasted the ruling, calling it a sad day for his city and the state.

This is not the Wisconsin that we have lived in before and the people of this state have to recognize the dangers when you have one party that controls every level of power, Barrett said at a news conference.

But Walkers spokesman Tom Evenson hailed the ruling.

This is a big win for individual freedom, as city employees now have the ability to choose where they live, and its a win for Milwaukee as they have a larger base to attract employees, Evenson said.

The ruling reverses a state appeals court decision that the residency requirement could not be superseded by the 2013 state law. Milwaukee has required its more than 7,000 employees to live within the city boundaries since 1938, but had put the restriction on hold pending the court fight.

The state law prohibits local governments from enforcing any residency requirements beyond requiring police and firefighters to live within 15 miles of the government unit. It applies statewide, but Milwaukee officials, a bipartisan group of lawmakers and other opponents argued that Milwaukee was clearly the focus as Wisconsins largest and mostly Democratic city and the loudest defender of the residency requirement.

The police and firefighter unions that challenged Milwaukees refusal to follow the law backed Walker in his gubernatorial campaigns, including the two times he defeated Barrett.

Supporters of residency requirements generally argue that there is a benefit to having public workers live in the communities they serve. They say it increases response time and ensures the workers have a vested interest in the area.

Opponents say employees shouldnt be denied the right to live where they like. And they say a residency requirement could limit applicants and inhibits promotions.

The city argued before the Wisconsin Supreme Court that the state law could not be enforced in Milwaukee because it did not affect all cities, towns, counties, villages and school districts in the state equally. Thats a violation of Wisconsins home rule amendment in the state constitution, Milwaukee argued.

But defenders of the law argued it trumps the home rule authority, and the residency requirement is applied uniformly statewide.

Justice Michael Gableman, writing for the courts conservative majority, agreed with the unions and state law takes precedent over the citys residency requirement because it applied equally statewide.

The two dissenting justices  Ann Walsh Bradley and Shirley Abrahamson  disagreed, saying the states home rule amendment gives cities such as Milwaukee the power to self-govern, allowing them greater autonomy over local affairs.

The ruling is expected to affect only Milwaukee because its residency requirement was uniquely tailored to the city. About 100 other cities with some form of residency requirement came into compliance with the state law after it passed three years ago, said Curt Witynski with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
MATC locked down as man with gun arrested; no one hurt

MILWAUKEE  The downtown campus of Milwaukee Area Technical College was briefly locked down after a man was spotted with a gun.

The Journal Sentinel reports that Milwaukee police responded to MATC just before noon Thursday and arrested the man. Police recovered a handgun.

No one was hurt.

Russ Feingold endorses Hillary Clinton for president

MADISON  Democratic Wisconsin Senate candidate Russ Feingold is endorsing presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for president.

In a statement Thursday, Feingold says Clinton won a hard-fought campaign and made history. He says its clear shes ready to take on presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Feingold also congratulated Sen. Bernie Sanders, saying hes done incredible work to build a movement behind issues for middle-class and working families.

Feingold is running against Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, who supports Trump for president but says thats different from endorsing him. A Marquette University Law School this month shows Trump trailing Clinton in Wisconsin by 9 points among likely voters.

Wisconsin Republican Party spokesman Pat Garrett says in a statement Feingold and Clinton are Washington insiders who have fallen out of touch with the people.

Republican wants business move to next deck liable for gun injuries

MADISON  A Republican state lawmaker wants Wisconsin businesses to be held liable for any gun-related injuries that may occur on their premises.

State Rep. Bob Gannon, of Slinger, says he plans to introduce the bill for the Legislature to consider in the session that begins in January.

He says in a press release Thursday that the Disarmed Citizen Compensation Act would give Wisconsin residents a better chance of defending themselves and their loved ones against this scourge of terrorist activity.

Democrats lambasted the idea as irresponsible and dangerous.

Under Gannons proposal, businesses that have a sign prohibiting weapons would be liable for triple the damages to a victim of a gun-related crime there.

Resident who died in Appleton group home fire identified

APPLETON  Authorities have released the name of a man who died in a group home fire in Appleton.

Police identify the victim as 24-year-old Milo Huempfner, a resident of the home.

Huempfners body was recovered after firefighters extinguished the basement fire on Wednesday. A 55-year-old Appleton man who worked at the group home was overcome by smoke when he entered the building to look for occupants. He was treated at a hospital and released. Everyone else who lived or worked at the group home has been accounted for.

Firefighters were called to the home just after 6 a.m. Appleton police Sgt. Dave Lund says an overnight employee of the group home reported the fire.

Post-Crescent Media reports the fire caused about $10,000 in damage. The state fire marshal is investigating.

 Associated Press
The Infamous No-Fly No-Buy Gun Bill HR 2578

By Alan Korwin. June 24th, 2016

Blame the Muslims, the jihad, guns -- do it for safety.

The Infamous No-Fly No-Buy Gun Bill HR 2578:

"Blatant Rape of the Constitution."

-- Legislators who proposed this should be removed from office --

Has anyone even read the bill that has democrats

staging a sit-in on the floor of Congress?

"No district court of the United States

or court of appeals of the United States

shall have jurisdiction to consider the

lawfulness or constitutionality of this section..."

It gets worse.

Under the excuse of fighting terrorism, these democrats, with republican allies, want to deny Americans their individual rights to keep and bear arms -- without probable cause, without due process, and get this -- without being able to view the evidence against them or face their accusers. Their accusers and the evidence remains a secret. Your rights would be denied solely by a secret-police list.

You can't challenge the proposed law's legality because it hasn't got any. It would not pass even the slightest scrutiny, and they know that, hence that clause. My republican senator from Arizona, Jeff Flake, supports this, smiling when he announced it on TV.

The people proposing this 17-page tyrannical travesty should be removed from office. .....

Alan Korwin efficiently tears apart this whole fiasco, which includes the Dem's totally unprofessional sit-in. Constitutional rights appear to be simply summarily suspended.

Be sure to go to our page with the full article.

"You don't have to be Jewish to fight by our side."

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Arrest fear cited for cancelled tour

In public speeches, Chair of CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal often dares the government to arrest him on charge of war-crimes, but what came to light on Thursday is his fear of being arrested in the foreign land.
Australia PM sees uncertainty, instability as UK on brink of Brexit

Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Friday he expects a period of uncertainty and some instability in global markets as Britain was on the verge of Brexit but the immediate impact on Australia will be limited.
Congress picks focal persons to watch over House committees

The Nepali Congress on Thursday named the partys coordinators for parliamentary committees to play a watchful role on both the government and the committees activities.
Cross-border oil pipeline: IOC asks govt to waive taxes on equipment

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has asked the Nepal government to waive taxes on equipment and logistics required for the construction of cross-border petroleum pipeline.
Goon shot at before arrest

Police on Thursday arrested notorious goon Jasman Rai alias Aswin Kumar who has a lengthy rap sheet. They shot at Rai twice in Bijulibazar, Kathmandu, on Thursday before arresting him.
Govt all prepared to conduct elections: DPM Thapa

Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa has said that the government is all prepared to conduct local body election.
Govt forms negotiating team to write protocol

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has formed a negotiating team to represent Nepal in the Nepal-China joint technical team which will develop the protocol to the Transit Transport Agreement (TTA).
Gunman takes hostages in German cinema, is shot dead by police

A masked gunman took hostages at a cinema in western Germany on Thursday before police stormed the complex and shot him dead, police said.
Kabul incident a grim reminder

A pall of gloom descended on Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday, as families and friends of those killed in Kabul suicide attack anxiously waited for the bodies to arrive.
Kabul incident

It is not only the Nepali state but a host of stakeholders that are responsible for the tragedy
Leather exports to India grind to a halt

Export of Nepali processed leather has come to a complete halt for the last three months after Indias Raxaul customs office banned the product.
EU referendum: BBC forecasts UK vote to leave

The UK has voted by 52% to 48% to leave the European Union after 43 years in an historic referendum, a BBC forecast suggests.
Binod Ghimire covers parliamentary affairs and human rights for The Kathmandu Post. Since joining the Post in 2010, he has reported primarily on social issues, focusing on education and transitional justice.
Parliamentary hearing: PHSC starts its work, finally

The Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee (PHSC) has started the process to conduct hearing on candidates nominated for 34 different constitutional posts and diplomatic missions.
PMs Parliament address delayed as NC raises fresh demand

Prime Minister KP Oli address to the Legislature-Parliament has been delayed after main opposition Nepali Congress obstructed the House proceedings demanding the government provide Rs 200,000 to the earthquake victims.
Police rescue three swept by flood

The police rescued three persons who were swept away by a sudden flood in the Balan River on Friday morning.
Sadbhawana bats for unity among Madhes-based parties

Sadbhawana Party, a key Madhes-based party that is protesting against the new constitution, has proposed unity among all the parties protesting against the constitution.
Scots independence vote 'highly likely'

Scotland's first minister has said a second independence referendum is "highly likely" after the UK voted to leave the EU.
Some men never change

Top male politicians are trying to undo the rights given to women by the constitution
Whither forecast

While issuing early warning against floods remains a challenge, forecasting thunderstorms has emerged as another one
Will leave Afghanistan if our security not ensured: Nepali guards

Nepali migrant workers deployed for the security of British Embassy in Kabul have expressed their sadness for not being able to communicate their problems with Nepals acting ambassador to Afghanistan Tirtha Raj Aryal during the latters visit to British Embassy.
Woman killed in road accident

A woman was killed when a truck (Na 3 Kha 5474) collided head-on with a motorcycle (Na 23 Pa 7873) of which she was a pillion rider at Bharatpur Sub Metropolitan City-9 in Chitwan Friday morning.
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Yes, its hard to to tell when one enters the city limits

Yes, they will make the city more inviting

Maybe ... does it really matter?

No, the signs in place are fine

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By Yoon Ja-young



As Korea is heavily dependent on the Chinese economy, a hard landing of the world's second-largest economy will deliver a huge blow to Korea.



McKinsey Global Institute said in a report, titled "China's choice: capturing the $5 trillion productivity opportunity," that China needs to shift from its current investment-led growth model to one centered on productivity.



"China has made substantial progress in its journey toward being a full-fledged advanced economy, but has recently experienced growing pains," the report noted. "The GDP growth rate has slowed, debt has risen and corporate performance has deteriorated."



China's investment-led model led the country's transition to an advanced economy, with its GDP expanding 25-fold and more than 600 million Chinese escaping poverty since 1980.



But the previous model is showing signs of running out of steam, with capital productivity and corporate returns falling. "If China persists with this approach, this could increase the risk of a hard landing," the report noted, warning that its ratio of nonperforming loans could reach 15 percent in 2019.



A hard landing of the Chinese economy will be detrimental to Korea. In terms of the ratio of exports to China to GDP, Korea ranked fourth, following Oman, Angola and Malaysia.



"Among the manufacturing-centered economies, Korea has the highest ratio of exports to China," said Lee Geun-tae, an economist at LG Economic Research Institute. "As it is highly dependent on trade with China, any bad news there increases concerns about the Korean economy as well."



Korea also makes hefty revenue from Chinese tourists, whose spending in Korea triggered production equivalent to 1.58 percent of GDP, the third-highest following Thailand and Singapore. Chinese tourists account for around 40 percent of foreign tourists in Korea, spending about twice as much as Japanese tourists. The slowdown in China will decrease both trade and tourism.



McKinsey advises that China should shift decisively to a productivity-led growth model, which would ensure that capital flows to businesses that can invest in productivity, growth and the creation of sustainable jobs. "This shift could generate $5.6 trillion of additional GDP by 2030, and household income could gain $5.1 trillion compared with an investment-led path," it noted.



Lee said that Korea also needs a new model. "Korea has been accustomed to export-led growth, but it should actively search for growth engines in domestic services to gain momentum for an economic recovery," he said.



He added that deregulation, infrastructure support and a shift from manufacturing-centered policies and thinking would lead to growth in both exports and the domestic economy.




Mary Leonard doesnt look shook up at all.

Thats because she loves summer  the days last longer and theres a different kind of energy, which she has more of this time of year.

She needs it at the moment. Leonard, along with 21 cast members, an orchestra pit of 11, and a large team of designers are the driving force behind the somewhat Elvis-inspired rock n roll musical All Shook Up, which has opened at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as part of the SummerStage series.

Its light and fun, and on a hot summer night you want to come into the air conditioning and get entertained, said Leonard, the shows director. You dont want to see something dark and moody in the summer. We do save that for the school year.

The musical spelunkers through Elvis Presleys canon of hits, from Jailhouse Rock to Blue Suede Shoes, with a generous shot of Burning Love thrown into the mix.

The Joe DiPietro libretto manages to evoke everything from Cry Baby, Footloose, Bye Bye Birdie and even Love Me Tender. Call it musical homage-podge.

The complexity of the shows score, with rock right alongside gospel and ballads, caught Leonards ear more than her eye.

The arrangements are so beautiful, she said.

So is her cast, which this summer is discovering the exacting price of that beauty. With four short weeks of rehearsal, its a lot for everyone to take in.

Theres a point where they just turn a corner, Leonard said. When they come forward, and take it and run with it, its the most rewarding thing that could ever happen. They inspire me.

The plot centers on Chad, a roustabout recently released from prison, who enters a tiny 1950s-era town via a classic motorcycle and puts a boot through the Mamie Eisenhower Decency Act. It seems loud music, tight pants, and necking in public are as outlawed as Chad himself, and he causes a minor sensation in the hearts and minds of those he swivels his hips at.

Borrowing liberally from Shakespeares Twelfth Night, his secret love isnt here disguised as a boy; this time around shes a mechanic, Natalie, who fixes his road hog and just cant help falling in love with him.

For 19-year-old Avital Maltinski, the role hits closer to home than Graceland.

Its so close to my personality, as it is, Maltinski said.

Shes always had a bit of the mechanic in her soul, even though shes been a ballerina since she was 3 years old.

I dont know where it comes from, she said.

Being a musical theater major with three major musicals at UW-L already under her belt, what Maltinski does know is that All Shook Up is one of the most fast and furious shows shes been a part of.

It flies by so fast that youre ready before you even know it, she said.

Shes also good friends off stage with her leading man, 21-year-old Mitchell Gray, who has the devil in his jeans as Chad.

This show has been a blast for all of us to work on, Gray said. People are going to come to the theater and have a great time. Its super fun music; everybody knows the music, most of it, which is cool. But, the twists in the arrangements are awesome.

This is Grays first leading role, and Leonard said hes perfect for it. In fact, he started studying the complicated musical score a month before auditions.

Hes stepped up to the plate every time, Leonard said. Its been a joy to watch Mitchell take the reins and grow. And now, this is huge. Hes up for it. He deserves it.

Gray said he was careful in the direction he chose for Chad; its easy to cruise down the wrong road.

Everybody likes him, Gray said, and hes charismatic and infectious to everyone, so I was trying to play this like, lets get the fun-loving guy, the life of the party that everybody wants to be around.

Still, the material doesnt let him totally hide the peacock, with lines like, Youre the spark plug that makes my engine go purrr. He rolled his eyes and laughed. It was a different time.

Its certainly been a different time down in the pit, where musical director and conductor Kathryn Skemp Moran is in charge of all those glorious tunes.

When I listen to this score, it sounds like one finale after the next, Moran said. Its all these epic numbers.

She likened the intense pace, not to mention the complexity of the arrangements, to musical boot camp.

When its a musical like this, whats on the page is intended, she said. We have this idea of these tunes in our ear already, and its tricky to get those out of our ear and sing whats on the page, to get everybody singing harmoniously together.

But, thats exactly what audiences can expect. And, when being Eisenhower-era bad feels so good, sometimes you just have to shout it from the rooftops.

These students are training to do this as a profession, Moran said, so theyre really excited about it, and excited to share that passion.
Reporter Jourdan Vian's June 18 column, "Pride in the face of hate," belongs on the opinion page, not the front page of the Tribune. Its placement is a very questionable editorial decision, and one more example of the blurring of reportage and commentary, journalism and journaling, fact and bias, so prevalent in the media today.

"Folks like Donald Trump were quick to jump on the 'Hate all Muslims' bandwagon after Orlando" is a false statement. Donald Trump doesn't "hate all Muslims," just as he never said that all illegal immigrants are drug-runners, rapists, murderers, etc. Some are. Trump does recognize and name the threat of radical Islamic terrorism, which Vian downplays in her assessment of the Orlando gay nightclub shooting and portrayal of the Orlando Muslim shooter Omar Mateen.
The Madison woman whose videotaped arrest in front of East Towne Mall sparked widespread outrage was ordered released from jail Thursday evening.

Genele Laird, 18, was released at about 7:45 p.m. following the order from Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, according to Dane County Sheriffs Lt. Krista Ewers-Hayes.

Earlier in the day, Lairds friends and family members expressed frustration after they gathered at the Dane County Public Safety Building for an anticipated initial court appearance that they hoped would lead to Lairds release on bail, but were told by court officials that Laird wasnt on the schedule.

We came here to see her and to try to get her out and then they changed their minds, said Lairds sister, Deirdre Thompson, 35, of Danville, Illinois, as tears rolled down her cheeks. So we cant see her, we cant talk to her. It makes no sense.

Laird was readied by Dane County Jail staff to make her court appearance and they werent told why she was never called to appear, according to Ewers-Hayes.

Ozanne would not comment on Lairds release Thursday night and said more information would be released on Friday.

Madison police Sgt. Nick Ellis said he was unaware of Lairds release.

Police Chief Mike Koval did not return calls Thursday night.

Laird was tentatively charged with disorderly conduct while armed, resisting arrest, battery to a police officer and discharge of bodily fluids after an incident at the malls food court where police say she flashed a knife while confronting a person she thought had stolen her cell phone and then threatened security officials. They called police, who took her outside the mall, where she was arrested.

Ewers-Hayes said she did not know if any of the tentative charges against Laird had been dropped.

Video taken by a bystander showed Laird resisting police by kicking her legs as they tried to handcuff her. It showed another officer entering the scene and he helped to forcefully take Laird to the ground before striking her several times with his knee and fist as she struggled with the officers. It then showed the officer using a Taser on Laird while attempting to handcuff her with her hands behind her back.

Koval has defended the officers actions and called for an internal review of the arrest.

But some community leaders and local elected officials have called the video brutal and the officers use of force excessive.

Chris Ahmuty, executive director for the ACLU of Wisconsin, said in a statement the force used in the video appeared to be excessive and called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident to begin restoring public confidence in the MPD.

Community leaders continued to weigh in on the viral video of the arrest Thursday, with open letters from City Council members and Mayor Paul Soglin and a community meeting.

A statement posted online around 4 p.m. that was signed by 11 council members said they cannot see past what seems like excessive aggression in the video of the arrest. The statement also acknowledged the incident has created a division among community members and said its possible that complete wrongdoing cannot be assigned to the police officers or to Laird.

However, we cannot disregard the power imbalance between a young person and trained law enforcement officers, the statement said.

The statement was signed by Alds. Matt Phair, Barbara Harrington-McKinney, Ledell Zellers, Amanda Hall, Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, Marsha Rummel, Zach Wood, Maurice Cheeks, Sara Eskrich, Denise DeMarb and Rebecca Kemble.

Soglin, who issued a statement 15 minutes after the councils statement was posted, said the most important issue is reviewing the specific actions of Laird and the arresting officers. But he said a community that cares should respect both sides humanity and dignity regardless of the results of a review.

Soglin said race will be a central point of discussion when moving forward. Laird is African-American, and the arresting officers are white.

The mayor said his administration will continue discussing topics around race that can cause divisions, including deep-seated institutional racism in this county, to the behaviors of each of us as individuals.

The council members said the arrest affirms that a thorough, transparent and comprehensive review of the Madison Police Department is warranted and should be welcomed.

On June 7, the council approved $400,000 for a study to examine the policies, procedures and practices of MPD, which was met with criticism by Koval.

Laird, who is called Nellie by her friends, was described by them Thursday as outgoing, upbeat and popular and respected for toughing out a life for herself after she dropped out of Madison La Follette High School during her sophomore year.

Most of her jobs have been at East Towne, where she has worked most recently at Lids, located close to the malls food court. She was promoted to assistant manager but relinquished those duties because she felt too much pressure, according to co-worker C.J. Jackson. She just wanted to chill, Jackson said.

Laird could make a shift go by quickly because of her constant chatter, Jackson said. Shell walk into the store and tell you about the underwear she bought at Pink or the perfume she just bought and shed spray it on me, which was annoying but all in good fun, he added.

She is the youngest of 11 children, including eight step-siblings, but all but one sister have moved away from the Madison area and most, if not all, had lost touch with Laird in recent years, according to Thompson, her sister.

She was closer to her friends, said Thompson.

Thompson said she found out about her sisters arrest on Facebook because nobody from Madison contacted her or any other family members.

Laird talked non-stop about everything but she never mentioned her family, according to Collin Davenport, 21, who has known Laird for more than six years and worked with her briefly at the Sprint kiosk at the mall. He also said Laird had been living with her boyfriend but they broke up recently and she moved out. That had no bearing on how she acted on Tuesday, he added. She just made a mistake and so did the police.

Its just that she has gone through some stuff and when that happens you develop that shell. While she tried to keep up a tough exterior, we can all see that she is a sweetheart, he said.

Crazy scenes like that are not common in this mall but they arent rare, either, and Ive never seen any situation handled the way Nellies situation was handled, Davenport said.

I worry that this is going to have a negative effect on Nellie. I just wish this situation was handled more quietly, he said.

The people who care about her are worried about her future, what happens next, Davenport said. Things like this that go viral usually disappear when the next big thing pops up. But when that happens we cant forget about helping Nellie. Thats when she needs us most.
State Sen. Duey Stroebel recently cited an eye-popping figure to support his call to scrap Wisconsin's prevailing wage, telling Wisconsin Public Radio that the typical flagger on a state road project makes $100,000 a year.

That overstates the earnings potential of a highway worker by a wide margin, according to publicly available wage rates and unions that represent road workers.

A typical flagger on such projects would make about $32,760 a year in salary, according to information from those sources.

The number rises to about $53,000 if benefits are included. Overtime hours could push the figure higher, but still far shy of Stroebel's six-figure estimate.

Stroebel spokesman Ethan Hollenberger told the Wisconsin State Journal in an email that the "$100,000" figure is based on a 2015 analysis from the conservative MacIver Institute. It found flaggers in Waukesha County making prevailing wage would earn "$96,646 a year if they worked full time for the full year" -- a figure that includes salary plus benefits.

But in wintry Wisconsin, road workers aren't on the job year-round, said Kent Miller, a spokesman for Wisconsin Laborers District Council. He said a typical work year for flaggers and other road workers would be about 1,200 hours, compared to the 2,080 hours-per-year benchmark for people working full-time, year-round. That's roughly seven and a half months of the year.

The $32,760 salary estimate cited above is based on a 1,200-hour work year and a prevailing wage rate of $27.30 for a highway flagger in Dane County.

MacIver president Brett Healy told the State Journal in an email that its analysis was done "strictly to give the rate paid some context."

Stroebel, R-Saukville, has been among the most vocal members of the state Legislature in pushing to repeal Wisconsin's prevailing wage, the required pay rate for workers on certain public projects.

He made the "$100,000" claim as part of an argument that lawmakers must fully repeal the wage requirement and find other savings before they consider raising taxes or fees to pay for roads.

Republican lawmakers and Gov. Scott Walker partially repealed the requirement last year, eliminating prevailing wage for projects funded by local governments such as cities and counties but preserving it for state projects. The change takes effect in 2017.
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The board earmarked $1.54 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the dredge, designed to keep channels open and supply sand to nourish eroding beaches up and down the York County coast and beyond.
This is the second article in a three-part VOA series on Islamist extremism in the United States.

The likely Republican presidential nominee -- Donald Trump -- has called for a ban on Muslims entering the United States.

Earlier this month, in a speech the day after the worst mass shooting in modern American history, Trump said, the bottom line is that the only reason the killer was in America in the first place was because we allowed his family to come here. That is a fact, and it is a fact we need to talk about.

If such a ban had been in place in the 1980s, Imran and Amina Bashir would probably still be in Pakistan.

Today, the Bashirs live in Northern Virginia. Imran and his son Danish work in the computer technology industry. His other son, Danyiel, is studying to be a doctor of pharmacy at the University of Baltimore.

At the Bashir home, Imran is cooking dinner while Danish talks with friends on social media about a television program that is popular with many young Americans.

Imran told VOA he speaks to many people about his religion. One reason, he says, is because he is worried about how some politicians talk about Muslims.

We are a middle-class family. We want to just be normal people.

His son Danish says he does not understand Trump.

I am still an American, too. And being an American is about being together, so my view is different from his. His hatred (of IS) is correct. But pointing to people in your own back yard? That doesnt make any sense to me.

Danish says he is lucky to live in a mixed neighborhood and have friends from many backgrounds.

There is no segregation in terms of that. Its equal opportunity. And that is what we have in America. We can come from nothing into becoming something great and achieving our goals. And that is why my parents came to America, he says.

Muslims in the U.S.

The Bashirs and other families show the reality of Muslims in the United States.

More than 3 million Muslims live here. In fact, a recent Pew Research Center report predicted Islam will be the second-largest religion in the United States by 2050.

While some U.S. cities have areas that are mostly Muslim, the majority of Muslims live in mixed neighborhoods  like the one where the Bashirs raised their children.

The Pew study also says a higher percentage of Muslims in the U.S. are better educated and earn higher wages than those who belong to most other religions.

A ban on Muslims?

Yet some politicians describe a picture of Muslims in the United States as isolated and dangerous.

Last March, after the terrorist attacks in Belgium, Senator Ted Cruz, said, We need to empower law enforcement to patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods before they become radicalized.

Around the same time, Donald Trump began calling for a ban on Muslims entering the country.

He suggested that the Muslim faith supports hatred and violence. Where this hatred comes from and why, we will have to determine, he said.

Many legal and terrorism experts quickly called Trumps call for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. unconstitutional and counter-productive.

Seth Jones works at the RAND Corporation, a study group. He is an expert on terrorism. He says banning Muslims from entering the country is a waste of resources.

Jones also says a ban against all Muslims does not deal with the cause of the problem.

This isnt about Islam, this isnt about Sunni Islam. This is about a very small percentage of individuals who hold what we call a Salifi-jihadist world view to establish a global caliphate, he told VOA.

In other words, Jones says a small, unusual group of Muslims wants the entire world to operate under a conservative Islamic government.

Jones says a better solution than a ban on all Muslims is to ask those who oppose Islamic extremist violence to help identify people who might do harm.

Anti-terrorism experts also note that politicians who speak against Muslims actually help the Islamic State group.

Lorenzo Vidino works at The Center for Cyber and Homeland Security at The George Washington University.

The message ISIS sends out (to Muslims) is that the West hates you, the West is at war with Islam. You do not belong in Western society, he says.

As a result, says Vidino, Muslims who used to feel at home in the U.S. may decide to support the Islamic State and act against their country.

Im Jonathan Evans.

In the third part of this series, VOA explores the question What is counter-terrorism?

VOA Correspondents Jeff Swicord and Carolyn Presutti reported this story from Washington. Lisa Bryant reported from Brussels for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted their reporting for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

bottom line  expression the most important part of something; the most important thing to consider

back yard  expression an area near where you work or live

segregation  n. the practice or policy of keeping people of different races, religions, etc., separate from each other

counterproductive  adj. not helpful; making the thing you want to happen less likely to happen

worldview  n. the way someone thinks about the world


Britains decision to leave the European Union prompted Prime Minister David Cameron to resign and markets to fall around the world.

Final results in Thursdays historic referendum gave the Leave campaign 52 percent, while Remain took 48 percent. Voter turnout was reported high across Britain, even with heavy rain falling in many areas.

The outcome shocked many within Britain and across the world since recent opinion polls showed a growing lead for Remain.

UK Independent Party Leader Nigel Farage was the most vocal voice in the anti-EU movement. He said the Leave win was our independence day. He called the results a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people.

The close vote showed how deeply divided Britons are on issues of immigration and sovereignty that became the focus of the Leave campaign.

Cameron: Britain needs fresh leadership

Prime Minister Cameron addressed that divide outside the official residence at 10 Downing Street Friday morning.

The British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path, and as such, I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction. The Conservative Party prime minister said he planned to leave office by October.

Cameron campaigned for continued EU membership. He said an exit would lead to disastrous consequences for Britains economy and national security.

The Leave campaign focused on what it views as uncontrolled immigration to Britain. It argued that Britain cannot effectively regulate the number of immigrants because of current EU rules.

The movement believes the Brussels-based EU imposes too many regulations in Britain. It also argued that EU leaders are not accountable to the British government or its citizens.

British media reported the leading contender to replace Cameron is former London mayor Boris Johnson. He is a Conservative member who served as leader of the Leave campaign.

On Friday, Johnson complimented Cameron for showing bravery for calling the referendum. I think that the electorate have searched in their hearts and answered as honestly as they can.

He added: This does not mean the United Kingdom will be any way less united (or) any less European. We cannot turn our backs on Europe, we are part of Europe.

Top EU leaders said in a statement that Britain will officially remain a member until its exit negotiations are completed, probably in about two years.

European leaders react

European Parliament President Martin Schulz told ITV News he very much regretted Britians decision to leave the EU. But he added: We must respect that and not speak about a crisis because we are well prepared. Schulz said the parliament will hold an emergency session Tuesday to look at next steps

Britains European neighbors also expressed regret at the results and some called for changes in the EU to prevent other countries from leaving.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Europe not to draw any quick and simple conclusions that might create more division.

French President Francois Hollande said, To move forward, Europe cannot act as before. In Italy, Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said Britains decision should be seen as a wakeup call to the rest of the EU.

Analysts say the decision to quit the EU after four decades means Britain faces many uncertainties and will have to start building new trade relationships with the rest of Europe.

World markets plunge

The British vote caused turmoil in financial markets around the world. Stocks went down in Europe, Asia and the United States. The British pound also fell to its lowest level since 1985.

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said there would be a period of uncertainty and adjustment after the result. But he added that Britain had planned for the possibility and is well prepared. He said there would not be any immediate change in the way people travel or how goods and services can be sold.

The rise of the right

In other EU countries, political parties that favor immigration restrictions were quick to congratulate Britain. Many also called for holding similar referendums in their own countries.

The leader of Frances far-right National Front party, Marine Le Pen, called the vote a victory for liberty. She said she believes a similar referendum in France is a democratic necessity.

Le Pen also said she plans to meet with other pro-independence movements in the European Parliament soon to discuss their next moves after Britains decision.

Dutch anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders called for a referendum on EU membership in the Netherlands. Wilders is currently leading in opinion polls in the race for prime minister to be held next March.

It is time for a new start, relying on our own strength and sovereignty. Also in the Netherlands, he said.

The leader of Italys anti-immigration Northern League tweeted: Hurrah for the courage of free citizens! Heart, brain and pride defeated lies, threats and blackmail.

In Germany, Beatrix von Storch of Germanys rightwing populist party AfD, praised Independence Day for Great Britain. She said the EU has failed as a political union.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for Learning English based on reporting from VOAnews.com, with additional reports from the Associated Press and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

referendum  n. a vote of a single political question

ordinary  adj. normal or commonplace

sovereignty  n. complete power to govern a country

accountable  adj. required to be responsible for something

compliment  v. to congratulate or praise

regret  v. to feel sad or disappointed

turmoil  n. state of confusion or disorder

uncertainty  n. the state of being unsure about something

liberty  n. state or condition of people who are able to act and speak freely

courage  n. the ability to do something difficult or dangerous

blackmail  n. the use of threats or manipulation to force someone to do something

populist  n. a member of a political party seeking to represent the interests of ordinary people


The Colombian government and the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (or FARC) signed a ceasefire and disarmament deal this week.

The deal brings Colombia a step closer to ending more than 50 years of guerrilla warfare and terrorism. The conflict has left more than 200,000 people dead.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Rodrigo Londono Echeverri signed the agreement Thursday in Havana, Cuba. Negotiators for the two sides held four years of peace talks in Havana.

Cuba and Norway assisted with the talks.

Cuban President Raul Castro and Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende attended the signing ceremony. Also present were United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, presidents from a number of Latin American countries and United States diplomat Bernard Aronson.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry released a statement about the ceasefire deal. He called the truce, welcome news for the people of Colombia and everyone who desires peace.

The ceasefire is the last major step before both sides sign a final peace agreement. Santos said he expects that agreement will be signed on July 20. That is the anniversary of Colombias independence from Spain in 1810.

Final issues to work out

Small issues need to be worked out before the Colombian people vote on the peace deal in a special referendum.

The main parts of the deal include a ceasefire, disarmament of rebel forces and land reforms. The agreement will give former rebels some political power. The former FARC fighters can avoid prison time in exchange for community service and travel restrictions.

The two sides had expected to sign the final agreement in March. But questions remained on exactly how the conditions in the peace deal would be enacted. Another question was who would control a special war crimes court.

The most important questions are how the deal will be put into place legally. Some Colombia watchers wonder what will happen if the deal falls apart if a more conservative government takes power after Santos leaves office in 2018.

The Marxist FARC rebels launched their campaign against the government as a poor peoples rebellion in 1964. They grew into a dangerous fighting force. FARC turned to drug trafficking and kidnapping to finance its guerilla war.

But the rebels failed to oust the Colombian government.

Im Dan Friedell.

VOANews.com reported this story. Jim Dresbach adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

referendum  n. an event in which the people of a county, state or country vote for or against a law that deals with a specific issue

community service  n. work that is done without pay to help people in a community

drug trafficking  n. the sale and distribution of illegal drugs


Many of the 285 million people who have vision problems live in low-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. The WHO says most people with vision problems could be helped or cured  but only if they can get the right treatment.

Enter Orbis and its flying eye hospital. The nonprofit organization has a plane that is also a state-of-the-art eye clinic. The plane allows medical workers to perform vision screenings and operations around the world.

Orbis has the worlds only flying eye hospital. This June, it introduced its latest model, a MD-10 airplane donated by the FedEx company.

It is the third version of the flying eye hospital.

Dan Neely of the Indiana School of Medicine is a volunteer doctor for Orbis. He has traveled to Jamaica, Southeast Asia and Africa on the new plane. He says this plane has all the newest technology. Some facilities on the ground do not.

You can be in Zambia and the power goes out in the middle of the surgery, Neely said. You can be there needing to scrub your hands for the surgery and you have to use a bucket of water because the waters gone out.

The CEO of Orbis is Bob Ranck. Ranck is a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general.

Ranck explained that the new plane also includes a classroom. Orbis uses the room to train doctors and nurses in the countries where it lands. He said Orbis teaches local health care providers to make it a priority to reduce cases of blindness.

Gary Dyson is a pilot who usually flies cargo planes for FedEx. But he volunteers flying time for Orbis.

"When you see a child who cant see on Monday and they can see on Wednesday, youre hooked," Dyson said.

The change in a patients life after surgery can be dramatic, said Rosalind Stevens. Stevens is a volunteer doctor from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College.

When we remove the patch the next day, the patient breaks into a big smile, she said.

The newest version of the flying hospital will make flights to a few cities in the United States. Then it will provide a medical program in China in September.

Orbis also operates programs in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, China, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Latin America.

Im John Russell.

Mike OSullivan wrote this story for VOA News. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English and VOANews.com. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

vision  n. the ability to see: sight or eyesight

state-of-the-art  adj. using or having the most modern methods, knowledge, or technology

clinic  n. a place where people get medical help

facility  n. something (such as a building or large piece of equipment) that is built for a specific purpose

scrub  v. to rub (something) hard with a rough object or substance and often with soap in order to clean it

bucket  n. an open container with a handle that is used especially to hold and carry water and other liquids

priority  n. something that is more important than other things and that needs to be done or dealt with first

blindness  n. the inability to see

cargo  n. something that is carried from one place to another by boat, airplane, etc.

screening  n. the act of doing a test on a person or a persons blood, urine or sight to look for evidence of a disease

hooked  v. to become connected to something

dramatic  adj. sudden and extreme

patch  n. a piece of material that is worn over your eye because of injury or for medical reasons


This is What's Trending Today....

U.S. Congressional Democrats have been demanding that the House of Representatives votes on gun-control legislation.

The Democratic Party lawmakers began the protest on Wednesday.

Congressman John Lewis of Georgia asked House Democrats to join him in a sit-in on the House floor to force a vote. Lewis was active in Americas civil rights movement, and took part in non-violent sit-in protests half a century ago.

The protest on the House floor continued through the night and into Thursday afternoon. The lawmakers held up pieces of paper with the names of gun violence victims. They spoke about the countrys need for stronger gun control measures.

The U.S. Senate rejected four proposed gun measures earlier this week. The four bills were offered after the deadliest mass shooting in American history. Forty-nine people died in the attack at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

The House of Representatives was supposed to suspend work this week until after the Fourth of July, a U.S. government holiday. But angry Democrats demanded that the House vote on gun-control bills before it closed for Independence Day. They shouted, no bill, no break!

The hashtag #nobillnobreak trended for more than 24 hours on Facebook and Twitter.

The Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, ordered that television cameras on the house floor be turned off. Without cameras recording their protest, the lawmakers turned to social media live-streaming tools, like Facebook Live and Periscope, to film the protest.

After the cameras were turned off, the congressional television channel, C-SPAN, began showing the lawmakers Facebook Live videos of the protest on TV.

And Periscope created a channel for users to watch all of the #nobillnobreak videos.

The House officially adjourned on Thursday, without voting on gun-control measures. Lawmakers will return to work after the July 4th holiday.

John Lewis spoke to reporters after he and the House Democrats ended their protest Thursday afternoon. The fight is not over, he said. This is just one step.

Im Pete Musto.

Ashley Thompson wrote this report with materials from the Associated Press and VOANews.com. George Grow was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

sit-in - n. a kind of protest in which demonstrators occupy a place and refuse to leave until their demands are met

gay - adj. used by those who are sexually attracted to someone who is the same sex

nightclub - n. a place that is open at night, has music, dancing, or a show, and usually serves alcoholic drinks and food

adjourn - v. to end something (such as a meeting or session) for a period of time
As a hot Tuesday cooled off about 6 p.m., Debi Lahaye decided that her German shepherd Koda could stay outside in her fenced backyard for a while.

But when Lahayes husband came home about an hour later, he wanted to know why Koda was bleeding.

Koda had been shot with a pellet gun in the face, just missing his eye, while in his fenced-in yard on North Allen Street, near Bare and Elder streets.

I thought someone had taken a bat to him or something, because the whole side of his face was bleeding, Lahaye said.

The couples veterinarian recognized the cause of the injury by sight. Surgery confirmed the dog was shot with a pellet, which likely exploded on impact, she said.

Koda acted dazed after the shooting, Lahaye said. Now he flinches when Lahaye reaches out to pet him.

Before her husband arrived home Tuesday, Lahaye didnt hear any barking or strange noises while working at her computer. The pellet gun could have had a silencer, she said. Though some suggested the shots could have come from a distance, her veterinarian, Dr. Craig Kelly, described the wound as a head shot.

Kelly was angered enough to contact the North Platte Police Department. Because of the investigation, Kelly declined to comment.

Lahaye described her German shepherd as a gentle dog who never acts

aggressive.

I have to keep him off of people when they come over just because hes going to lick them to death, she said.

While Lahaye wasnt happy about spending $300 for surgery and antibiotics for Koda, she expressed more concern for others.

If whoever [did this] gets by with this, they could do it again to another pet, she said.

The shooting is the latest in a recent string of pellet and BB gun-related incidents in the area. But Investigator John Deal said that North Platte police havent seen more incidents than usual.

In late May, the windows of a downtown North Platte bus stop were shot out, likely with a BB gun. Earlier that month, a man reported being shot by a similar gun in the lower back, and a woman reported having her windshield shot out, each near Ninth and Willow streets.

While its impossible to tell since none of the cases has been solved, I dont think its the same suspect, Deal said.
Travis Grasz took the mochila from his brother Terry along the canal road southwest of Fort McPherson National Cemetery. In just a few seconds, Travis mounted his horse and was on his way to the next exchange Thursday on the annual re-enactment of the Pony Express.

The Grasz family of North Platte has participated in the ride since 1980. On Thursday, they rode about 26 miles total from North Platte east to Brady. Each member of the Grasz group rode about 2.6 miles.

Vic Grasz said he and his oldest son Terry first participated in 1980. Terry turned 14 that June 4 and rode on the re-enactment on June 19, Vic Grasz said.

Weve been riding every year ever since, Vic said.

Vic missed a year because he was in a car accident, and Terry missed a year after he was involved in a car fire.

We have 36 years in, and my other two sons have been riding since they were 14 as well, Vic said. Weve all been raised around horses and Id probably be in the nursing home if I didnt have something like this.

The Pony Express Re-Ride began in Sacramento, California, on June 15 and will arrive in St. Joseph, Missouri, this Saturday.

Terry said he still enjoys participating in the ride.

Its just a lot of fun to repeat history, Terry said. Its

exhilarating.

The National Pony Express Association has organized the rides every year since 1978, when the association was chartered.

We are transporting by horse and rider relay a mochila with commemorative and personal mail, Larry Carpenter, corresponding secretary for the National Pony Express Association, said in an email. It is a 24-hour, 10-day nonstop event. We are a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, dedicated to preserving the history of the Pony Express and the historic trail.

The riders left North Platte along East State Farm Road, following the canal as it winds its way to the east. Pickup trucks pulled trailers carrying the horses for the Grasz family riders, and family members and friends met the riders along the way to offer encouragement.

Troy Grasz, another of Vics sons, lives in Lincoln, but came back for this years ride.

Its just been a family tradition, so its a good time to get back with family and do something that everybody loves, have fun riding horses and bring back a little bit of history, Troy said. In this ride we have seven of the Graszes riding, and then we have my brothers niece who is also riding, and then there are two other families with sisters and brothers riding as well.

As Travis rode off to the east, family members got in their vehicles and headed to the next stop with fresh horses and to prepare the next rider for the next leg of the journey.

Vic still enjoys participating in the ride.

I wouldnt trade it for the world, Vic said.

Correction: Tuesdays story on the Pony Express Re-Ride had incorrect information about the death of a former member of the National Pony Express Association. He and his wife were former participants in the ride, but the accident happened on a mountain trail in California, not on the re-ride.
Chinese smartphone company Meizu may be using processors from MediaTek and Samsung in most of its latest phones. But US chip maker Qualcomm has filed a complaint with regulators in Beijing, claiming that Meizu is using Qualcomms patented technology without a license.

At issue are Qualcomms patents relating to 3G and 4G LTE wireless communications. Qualcomm says its been trying to reach a licensing agreement with Meizu, but that the Chinese phone maker has not signed a deal, which is why Qualcomm is taking legal action now.

While Meizu primarily sells its Android smartphones in China, the company also offers handsets in a handful of other countries including India, Israel, the Philippines, Brazil, and some European countries and the Meizu Pro 5 Ubuntu Edition smartphone is available globally (when its in stock).

Meizu is also entering the US consumer electronics market with a high-end wireless speaker.

News outlets including the Wall Street Journal and PC World have reached out to Meizu for comment on Qualcomms complaint to the Beijing Intellectual Property Court, but Meizu hasnt responded yet.
Updated: 2016-06-24 09:15

(China Daily)

[Photo/China Daily]

In Spanish tradition, proud parents with more than pocket change celebrate the christening of a child with a "los ninos" (children's) cask, a barrel of fine sherry. One of rarest gems of this kind is Barbadillo Versos 1891, a luxury Amontillado sherry from a leading Spanish winemaker's personal collection.

The cask was a gift created for the baptism of former Barbadillo director, poet and sherry expert Manuel Barbadillo when he was born in 1891.

With only 100 bottles in existence, this deep-mahogany colored nectar is now offered by the British wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd in Hong Kong for HK$89,450 ($11,527).

"The exclusive sherry fills the palate with intense nutty, woody and rich dried-fruit flavors, indicating its age," BB&R exults in a press release.

The collector's item has been bottled in fine crystal glass that has been individually carved and etched with gold, while the bottle neck and the cork is hand painted with platinum, all presented in a fine Spanish leather box.
Is Shirish Kunders short film Kriti  which has won much praise since it was released on YouTube on Wednesday night  a copy?

Nepali filmmaker and photographer Aneel Neupane has alleged that Kriti picks up on the central concept of his short film, Bob, which was put out on Vimeo in 2015.

In a detailed Facebook post, Neupane has said that what angered him most is not that Kunder (seemingly) copied his idea for Kriti; it is that while the Bob team struggled to find the funds to make their film, Kunder faced no such issues in directing his version.

While the premise of both Bob and Kriti  a young man and his relationship with a psychiatrist who is treating him for delusions, and the question of whether or not his girlfriend is real or a figment of his imagination  is no doubt similar, the fact is that sometimes, people do have the same creative ideas. Yes, the exact same ideas. It isnt unknown.

Read a review of Shirish Kunder's short film Kriti here

What causes some unease then, is not Kritis more than passing resemblance in terms of plot to Bob (in fact Kriti carries its narrative further ahead than Bob does); it is the similarities in terms of some visuals and dialogues as well.

In the opening scene Kriti  just like Bob  begins with the camera lingering on the psychiatrists framed degrees and then moves on to the conversation between the patient and doctor. While the girlfriend in Bob doesnt suffer from agoraphobia, like in Kriti, she too  conveniently enough  does not have a social media profile. After the first scene, there is a fair bit of divergence in terms of details between the two films, while the overarching narrative does stay the same.

Neupane has said that filmmakers in Nepal are routinely inspired (the euphemism for copying as acknowledged by the film industry) by Bollywood, and that this might be the rare contrary case.

In the meantime, Kunder has refuted Neupane's allegations.

That short film (Bob) was released on 12 May this year whereas we shot Kriti in February, after which it was in post production. How is it even possible to lift the idea, unless I was time travelling? These allegations are technically, factually and logically, baseless, he told PTI.

Kunder also responded to Neupane's point that Bob was released online in October 2015, as a private video on Vimeo, by saying, "Their other claim is that they shared a private Vimeo link with their close friends in October. Now, I am not even friends with the makers and the video was private so how can I see it ? I am not alleging anything against them, but it seems like an act just to gain some publicity.

About the copying allegations, Kunder, 43, said, All of this just spoils the fun of everything.

Is Kriti inspired by Bob or is it simply a coincidence? Watch both the films here, and take a call:

Shirish Kunder's Kriti:

And here is Aneel Neupane's Bob:

 with PTI inputs
Kamaal R Khan has a reputation for needling the film industrys leading lights, often engaging in all-out mudslinging on social media, where he enjoys a considerable following.

However, this once, the self-proclaimed critic may just have bitten off more than he can chew as filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has sent him a legal notice for making defamatory statements against him on YouTube and Twitter.

The incident was triggered with a review of Vikrams film 1920 London that was released in May this year. KRK reviewed the film via a Facebook video. While he begins by panning the film in his video review, the criticism quickly takes on a personal and salacious note: KRK insinuates that Vikram Bhatt makes use of the casting couch, that he stalled the careers of actresses like Sushmita Sen and Ameesha Patel, and alludes to the 2011 suicide abetment case that 1920 Londons leading lady Meera Chopra was embroiled in.

Vikram, via his lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee, sent a defamation notice to Kamaal R Khan in response. KRK tweeted out images of the notice on Twitter on Thursday, 23 June.

"I sent a criminal notice to Kamaal Rashid Khan to which he was required to respond within seven days. The time is up and we haven't heard from him. It's obvious that he doesn't have any justification for his criminal acts of defamation and is apparent that he is lying. Instead, he has chosen to blatantly continue with it, showing a complete disregard to laws and even had the audacity to outrage the modesty of my other client, Ms Meera Chopra," Rizwan Siddiquee was quoted as saying in this Mumbai Mirror report.

KRK, on the other hand, contends that as a critic I have the right to say what I want about a film. If filmmakers start getting offended, everyone will start sending us notices  although it isnt often that one comes across film reviews that focus on the filmmaker and casts personal lives rather than what is unfolding on screen.

Previously, Sunny Leone had filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell against Khan for attributing false comments about rape to her, as well as tweeting derogatorily about her. A complaint was also filed against KRK for making racist remarks about the actor Dhanush when his film Raanjhana had released.

Most recently, Khan had courted Sidharth Malhotras ire when he tweeted in a derogatory manner about Alia Bhatt's photo shoot for a magazine, in which she sported a swimsuit.
New Delhi: Delhi, at the 22nd spot, is the only Indian city to feature in tech giant Dell's 2016 Women Entrepreneur Cities Index (WE Cities) that looks at a city's ability to attract and foster growth of women-owned firms. New York, the San Francisco Bay Area, London, Stockholm and Singapore were the top five cities for high-potential women entrepreneurs, Dell said in a statement.

"WE Cities is the only global gender-specific index that looks at a city's ability to attract and foster growth in firms founded by women entrepreneurs," it added.

Cities, instead of countries, were identified in order to show the impact of local policies and programs in addition to national laws and customs, it said.

The report takes into account characteristics like capital, technology, talent, culture and markets. Other cities in the list include Toronto, Washington DC, Sydney, Paris, Seattle, Munich, Tokyo, Sao Paulo and Milan. Johannesburg, Jakarta and Istanbul were the only cities that ranked below Delhi in the top 25 list.

"Innovation and job creation by women entrepreneurs is critical for a thriving global economy, yet our research shows some cities and countries are doing far more than others to encourage and support this important subset of the startup community," Dell senior vice president and chief marketing officer Karen Quintos said.

She added that the index provides insights to move the conversation with policymakers and city leaders from awareness to action and, in turn, to empower women entrepreneurs to have the greatest economic impact on the world.

"It's time for women to be politically engaged to ensure the right ecosystems are in place for them to scale. If politicians and entrepreneurs partner, dynamic policies can be put in place to close the circle and enhance the process from idea to enterprise," Dell entrepreneur-in-residence Elizabeth Gore said.
New Delhi: The largest ever spectrum auction lined up by the government for September could turn out to be a disappointment unless prices of the 700 mhz band are revised downward. The government is putting on sale spectrum in bands of 700 mhz, 800 mhz, 900 mhz 1800 mhz, 2100 mhz, 2300 mhz and 2500 mhz and a total of almost 2000 mhz of spectrum should be put up for auctions.

It is good move strategically since the industry can fill spectrum gaps through this auction and the government can augment its non-tax revenue receipts. But the pricing of 700 mhz band, on which hinges the overall revenue collection through auctions, is the problem. The 700 MHz band is the most expensive and most effective but is likely to generate less interest from telecom service providers at the current floor price.

The government has been eyeing Rs 98,994.93 crore from communication services this fiscal as per Budget proposals, and this amount includes proceeds from spectrum auction plus other fees levied by the Department of Telecom (DoT). It also includes arrears from auction proceeds in previous years.

The estimated receipts from communication services are about double of the revised estimates for 2015-16 at Rs 56,034.35 crore. But will these ambitious targets be realised at current pricing? The government had fetched about Rs 1.10 lakh crore from the spectrum auction held in March 2015.

A report from HSBC Global Research showed that actual revenue generation from the upcoming auctions would be a fraction of what the government has targeted. "Our initial analysis suggests that total proceeds from spectrum auction are unlikely to exceed $10-12 billion (about Rs 80,000 crore) and we believe a lot of spectrum might remain unsold in 700, 2300, 2500 MHz bands. We see good demand for 1800 MHz, selective demand for 2100 and 700 Mhz bands," the report said. If this is correct, actual proceeds would be a fraction of the revenue receipts the government has targeted through these auctions.

But COAI president Rajan Mathews told CNBC-TV18 in an interview that there will be some demand for 700 mhz in some circles. "There will be some demand for some circles because in some of the circles, the pricing is not too bad because as you recall, it has triggered off from 1,800 pricing. So in some of the smaller circles, the pricing is not too out of line and there maybe some interest in those circles but across the board, A circles, metros, Pan India, I dont think there is an appetite at this point at these prices."

This year, auction of the super premium 700 mhz band would be happening for the very first time, this band is most suitable for fourth generation telecom services (4G). The government expects the sale of airwaves alone to fetch a total of Rs 5.66 lakh crore. Bids for the 700 mhz spectrum would go a long way in reaching this target At the current reserve price of Rs 11,485 crore per mhz for the 700 mhz band, the industry would have to shell out Rs 57,425 crore for 5 mhz spectrum on a pan-India basis.

Trai had recommended a pan-India reserve price of Rs 11,485 crore for 700 MHz, Rs 5,819 crore for 800 MHz, Rs 3,341 crore for 900 MHz, Rs 2,873 crore for 1800 MHz, Rs 3,746 crore for 2100 MHz, and Rs 817 crore each for 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands.

A telecom industry expert said that the 700 mhz band is unlikely to see much bidding and it is possible that the reserve price is revised downwards. This expert pointed out that Reliance Industries, which is in the best position to bid for this expensive band, may choose not to do so since it already owns a sizeable amount of the equally efficient 800 mhz band of spectrum. And other players like Bharti, Vodafone and Idea may not be able to afford this spectrum band due to pricing issues. The industry is struggling under a debt pile of well over Rs three lakh crore and buying expensive 700 mhz band will most certainly increase the debt burden on the industry.

According to calculations by the Economic Times, the revenue potential of the upcoming airwaves sale is more than double of telecom services industry gross revenue of Rs 2.54 lakh crore in FY 2014-15. The Telecom panel has suggested 50% upfront payment and the rest in ten years after a 2-year moratorium for spectrum in 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz, 2300 Mhz bands. For airwaves in 700 Mhz, 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz bands, telcos will require to pay 25% upfront and rest in ten years after a 2-year moratorium.

In the interview quoted earlier, Mathews of COAI said 1800 mhz spectrum will continue to be of principle interest to the industry in the upcoming auctions. "That is the one that is most ardently used for even 4G, long-term evolution (LTE) types of application. So that is going to be there. The next will clearly be the 2,100-2,300. 700 as I said is highly desirable but again because of the pricing, we dont see a whole lot of actual bidding for it. So we see the 1,800-2,100-2,300, so it is not unusual to say look at those reserve prices, you can expect those spectrum bands to be principally bid for."

The industry expert quoted earlier said it is doubtful if much of 700 mhz and entire 2100 mhz can be sold. Former due to pricing issues and latter because it is fit for 3G services when the industry is focusing on LTE. This is the reason for more success in 1800 mhz, 2300, mhz and 2500 mhz bands.
There is an old story.

Once, the house got filled with rats. Too many of them. Someone advised the family to get a cat to kill the rodents. After all, who knows the job better than a cat? The cat was brought in and it did the work meticulously. Within a few days, all the rats are gone but then a bigger problem arose. With no rats left to hunt, our fighter tomcat turned restless. It claimed the first right over food items in the kitchen and, when denied, focused on destroying the utensils in the house one by one, causing the family to lose its sleep. Finally, the family decided to drive the cat away, but it wouldnt go no matter what they did. The cat, thus, became a permanent pain in their lives.

For Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leadership, who launched maverick leader, Subrmanian Swamy to Parliament to spearhead the attack on the Gandhis and gain a psychological advantage over other obstructionist opposition leaders, the 76-year-old pro-Hindutva leader, today, is lot like the cat in the old story.

Swamy has now fulfilled his original mandate (causing a flutter in the house by attacking Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald, Agusta scams) but is now largely jobless. But, he cant sit idle and hence, has begun causing troubles to the same family which hosted it, giving them sleepless nights.

After the successful Operation R3, launched to ensure Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan wouldnt get a second term, Swamy has now trained his guns at Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian and economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das. This is totally unlike the Rajan episode, where Swamy had the silent support of senior BJP leadership who too were upset with Rajan overstepping his mandate and speaking on political issues. Hence, Swamy was given a silent go-ahead. But, thats not the case with Arvind Subramanian and Shaktikanta Das, who are trusted sentinels of finance minister Arun Jaitley and friendly figures to the Raisina Hill.

One could deduce a clear pattern here. Swamy is attacking the finance ministry (the CEA and the Economic affairs secretary) with a two-pronged strategy. One, to destabilise the finance ministry headed by his nemesis Jaitley and claim the right for what is long denied to him despite his credentials after he joined the party in August 2013 - the finance minister berth. Swamy feels his potential has not been recognised by the BJP.

Second, consolidate his position in the BJP leadership by questioning and exposing the mistakes of Jaitley (who appointed officials with a tainted past). While Swamys Rajan move was timed to the expiry of his term at RBI, the attacks on CEA and Das are timed seeing the impending cabinet reshuffle in mind.

But, Swamy has totally missed the plot here. Both Das and Subramanian have kept a relative low profile and have never overstepped their mandate. Both have full backing of Jaitley, evident from his comments shortly after Swamys twin-attacks. Jaitley has expressed full confidence in Subramanian and said his advice has been of great value. In the case of Das, Jaitley has tweeted that it is an unfair and false attack on a disciplined civil servant.

But, by confronting Jaitley, Swamy is probably beginning a fight he cannot finish. To begin with, Swamy do not have a strong case against CEA and Das unlike Rajan, who irked the BJP leader ship with his One-eyed King remark and refusing to toe the government line on GDP growth. This could very well end up as the Waterloo for Swamy.

The charges raised by Swamy against Subramanian  acting against Indias interests siding US and encouraging the Congress party to be rigid on GSTdo not hold much water as Firstpost explained in an earlier article. In the case of Das, too, Swamy hasnt offered any strong evidence to prove that Das facilitated P Chidambarams land deal in Mahabalipuram. The barrage of attacks made on the BJP governments top officials when PM Modi is away and crucial UP election is due next year, wouldnt be taken in good humor by the BJP top brass and not even by the Swamys supporters in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who appeared to side Swamy in the Rajan case.

In the latest episodes, they would ultimately stand by Jaitley, who weighs much more than Swamy in the larger political canvas. Swamy has made the scene even worse on Thursday by openly refusing to acknowledge Jaitleys displeasure on his attacks on the CEA and Economic affairs secretary.

Jaitleyji, kya bole kya nahi bole iss se mujhe kya lena Dena. Will talk to the party president and PM when required, right now its not needed as Ive said what I had to say, Swamy said when reporters cited Jaitleys remarks on the CEA issue to him.

The short point here is this. Swamys attacks on finance ministry have a vivid pattern that is ultimately aimed at FM Jaitley. Swamy is chewing more than what he could bite since PM Modi is not someone who would tolerate dissents within his party like former PM Manmohan Singh.

Especially, when the BJP has already entered its crucial third year and the whole events can potentially upset the BJPs focus on the larger agenda of pushing the reforms process, mainly cornering the opposition to give in on Goods and Services Tax (GST), and preparing ground for 2017 UP polls and 2019 general elections.

Ironically, at this stage when the BJP has barely caught a breath from an array of controversies haunted it in the past (JNU, Rohit Vemula and intolerance episode) and the Congress-led opposition is at its weakest point post the recent Rajya Sabha polls, Swamy is filling the void with his repeated self-goals.

Both PM Modi and RSS are unlikely to tolerate the Swamy Raj this time.
BJP leader Subramanian Swamys attack on the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian, based on latters 2013 testimony (pdf) to the US Congress, has caused much flutter in political circles, even prompting finance minister Arun Jaitley to formally discard Swamys allegations.

Jaitley has issued a warning to the 76-year-old BJP maverick leader saying that his attack on the CEA is unfair. Politicians should exercise restraint while attacking those in government who cannot respond due to their official decorum, Jaitley said.

Remember, Jaitley was largely silent when Swamy mounted a historic, below-the-belt attack on RBI governor Raghuram Rajan that eventually forced the governor throw in the towel in the ring. But, in the CEA episode, Jaitley swiftly responded to back his advisor with a strong warning to the septuagenarian leader. Post this, Swamy, has offered to suspend his demand to sack the CEA if the BJP government considers him an asset despite knowing all about AS. But the question is this.

Was Swamy indeed correct in saying that Subramanian encouraged the US to act against Indias interests in the testimony?

Who said to US Cong on 13/3/13 the US should act against India to defend US Pharmaceuticals interests? Arvind Subramanian MoF !! Sack him!!!  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 22, 2016

Here Swamy is referring the testimony Subramanian made in the capacity of a Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics and Center for Global Development on 13 March 2013 before the Ways and Means Committee of the United States Congress on US-India trade relations.

A closer look at this testimony would, however, tell us that there isnt really anything in the document that was actually against India. At the most, the testimony is an account of facts. Subramanians testimony can be summarised in the following points:

One, Subramanian begins the testimony acknowledging that India is a fast growing economy with a vibrant trade market. Such a market offers opportunities for the US businesses, he says. Subrmanian goes on to explain how US exports to India have been booming across good and services and how there is an improvement in the bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI) flows.

Trade and FDI flows between the two countries are balanced, minimising the scope for macroeconomic and currency-related tensions, Subramanian notes.

Two, Subramanian then goes on to explain the economic troubles India faced at that point in time, such as the sharp drop in the GDP growth from 9 percent to 4.5 percent, high fiscal deficit and dwindling external balance.

This is more of factual representation of the prevailing conditions of the economy then. To counter the adverse economic scenario, Subramanian says, the Indian government initiated economic reforms including opening up segments for foreign direct investment.

Three, at this point, Subramanian lists out the challenges to US companies operating or wanting to operate in India. He observes that there is a weak and uncertain regulatory and tax regime in India, which has bearings across segments such as civil nuclear industry, infrastructure and re-emergence of protectionism in certain sectors. Again, stating a fact.

Four, Subramanian talks about the discrimination US companies faces in India because of the trade partnership agreements India has signed with other countries that are competing with the US, such as Europe, Japan and Singapore. Subramanian explains how this could be detrimental to the larger interests of US companies. Soon, if not already, this discrimination may be the bigger challenge for US business than some recent sectoral measures, Subramanian says.

Where Swamy probably found evidence for Subramanians anti-India activity was the latters counsel to the US that it should seek the support of WTO multilateral dispute settlement procedures to address friction where Indian policies are demonstrably protectionist.

The US should not be reticent in this regard, he says. But, as an academic who offer comments based on his study at a hearing on bilateral trade, one cant find fault with Subramanian for saying this. Subramanian was indeed looking at the Indo-US bilateral trade relations testimony to US Congress from the US point of view, but it is wrong to conclude that he was acting against India. Subramanian has also observed that India has an excellent record of compliance with WTO rules.

In fact, Subramanian is pitching for improvement in India-US trades. There is merit in initiating deeper bilateral trade integration between India and the United States as a framework for giving recognition to the broader strategic imperative of closer cooperation between the two countries, for pursuing further liberalization in both countries and for reversing the discrimination that each is inflicting on the other.

The larger tone of Subramanians testimony is that India is emerging as a power in world economic landscape, despite its domestic woes, that is hard to ignore even for worlds largest economy.

Not many would disagree with Subramanian when he says in 2013 that Indias regulatory environment was challenging and was unlikely to see major improvements in the short-to-medium term. Pointing out the core problems in an economy and deliberately showing a country in bad light are two different things. Subramanians Congress testimony was at best an honest assessment of the situations prevailed in India that time.

He was correct in observing that clearly, one of the major impediments to boosting Indias economic prospects and opportunities for domestic and foreign investors is its regulatory regime, including weak governance, corruption, uncertain tax and investment climate. Improving this regime is a first-order priority for India from a purely domestic perspective but it would also benefit foreign business. Subramanian is bang on this point.

Many of the problems Subramanian elaborated in the testimony such as land acquisition as impediments to creating a favorable investment-friendly climate is relevant even today. When Subramanian notes that such an environment could create dilemma for American business looking at India, he was giving an honest assessment based on facts to the US Congress. There is no sign of a deliberate anti-India narrative here.

The bottom line is this: Swamy has conveniently picked his supportive arguments from the testimony to make his case against Subramanian. Like the Rajan episode, Swamys narrative against Subramanian is built on wrong premises.
Tokyo: Tata Sons Ltd has been ordered to pay NTT DoCoMo Inc $1.2 billion to buy DoCoMo's stake in a joint venture, the Japanese firm said, citing an international arbitration court ruling.

In 2009, the Japanese telecoms group acquired a 26.5 percent stake in Tata Teleservices Limited for around 127.4 billion rupees. In April 2014, it announced plans to exit the venture, which struggled to grow subscribers as quickly as its peers.

DoCoMo said it held the right to request that Tata find a buyer for its stake at 50 percent of the original price or at fair market value, whichever was higher.

But Tata failed to find a buyer, and India's central bank rejected Tata's offer to buy the stake, saying a rule change in the previous year prevented foreign investors from selling stakes in Indian firms at a pre-determined price.

The Japanese company said in a statement the award was for Tata Sons' breach of their shareholders' agreement.

The decision comes at a time when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to pursue predictable policies amid concerns that foreign investments are not adequately protected in Asia's third-largest economy.

Statement from Tata Sons

Meanwhile, a statement from the company said: Tata Sons has received the arbitration award, and we are currently studying it. We will not be able to comment further at this stage, beyond maintaining our consistent position that Tata Sons has always been and continues to be committed to discharge its contractual obligations in a manner consistent with the law.
KATHMANDU (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Nepal has banned its nationals from working in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria after 13 Nepali security guards were killed by a Taliban suicide bomber in the Afghan capital earlier this week, Labour Minister Deepak Bohara said on Friday.

The decision comes after a parliamentary panel ordered Prime Minister K.P. Oli's government to crack down on traffickers who send thousands of migrants each year to conflict-torn countries where they can often face danger or exploitation.

"Our decision is prompted by the security situation in those countries," Bohara told Thomson Reuters Foundation. "If our nationals already working in those countries want to return home, the government will make arrangements for that."

Nepal is one of the world's poorest countries.

Political instability since a decade-long civil conflict ended in 2006 has discouraged investment, stunted growth and curtailed job creation -- forcing hundreds of thousands of Nepalis to migrate overseas in search of work.

To make matters worse, the Himalayan nation is still recovering from twin quakes in April and May last year which killed more than 8,800 people and left two million homeless.

Most go to the Middle East, India and Malaysia to work as guards, drivers, construction workers or domestic staff -- sending home remittances which make up nearly 30 percent of the country's annual gross domestic product.

Many however face a labour abuses such as a lack of freedom of movement, long working hours, unsafe working conditions and withholding of their salaries, say activists.

Bohara said Monday's attack on a bus carrying Nepali guards working at the Canadian embassy in Kabul had forced the government to withdraw issuing work permits for the four nations in the interests of the safety of its citizens.

Analysts however say the ban will not help and will rather prompt human traffickers to transport more Nepalis migrants through India, with which it shares an open border, and then onward to these countries.

(Reporting by Gopal Sharma. Editing by Nita Bhalla. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
A 24-year-old Infosys employee was hacked to death at Nungambakkam Railway Station in Chennai on Friday morning at 6.30 am.

The victim, identified as S Swathi, was waiting to board a train for work, when a young man approached her. He got into a heated argument with her and then attacked her with a sickle, reported The New Indian Express.

Swathi then fell on the ground and was bleeding profusely. The attacker managed to get away from the crime scene, as no one came forward to stop him, reported India Today.



Shopkeepers and passengers on the platform said they were too shocked and had little time to react before the attacker fled the scene, reports International Business Times. The report further said that the victim was reportedly left on the spot at the station for two hours, before the police arrived and contacted the mortuary.

Police sources said there was no CCTV installed in the Nungambakkam Railway Station. Local sources, however, have reported that the young man was wearing a green shirt and black pants and was carrying a travel bag, from which he took out the sickle.



The victim's father Santhana Gopalakrishnan, a retired Central govt employee, had dropped her at the station a few minutes before the incident took place, reported India Today.

Police suspect the assailant to be Swathi's close acquaintance and are questioning the victim's relatives and friends to get to him.

Infosys said in a statement: "We are saddened by the unfortunate incident that has led to the demise of our employee in Chennai. We are working with the local authorities as they investigate the matter and will continue to provide our co-operation and support. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family of the deceased. Infosys will provide all the necessary support to the family in their hour of grief."


Agartala: International borders of the northeastern states would either be fenced or sealed to check trans-border movement of militants and prevent infiltration and cross-border crimes, a top Union Home Ministry official said here on Friday.

"Government has different approach depending upon the northeast India's borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar. We have concrete action plan for the management of the borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar," Union Home Ministry's Border Management Secretary Susheel Kumar told reporters.

"Government has already decided to seal Assam's border with Bangladesh within two years. Most parts of Assam's 263-km-long border with Bangladesh are riverine," he said.

To a question the official said that topography, requirement and approach to manage the 1,640-km unfenced border with Myanmar are completely different from the Bangladesh border.

Four northeastern states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam share a 1,880-km border with Bangladesh, while Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh share a 1,640-km unfenced border with Myanmar.

Susheel Kumar, who came to Tripura on Friday on a three-day visit after meeting officials in Meghalaya and West Bengal, held a meeting with Tripura Chief Secretary Yashpal Singh, senior officials of the Border Security Force, District Magistrates and Collectors of different bordering districts besides senior state government officials.

"By December next year, Tripura's 856-km border with Bangladesh would be completely fenced to check trans-border movement of terrorists, hostile elements, prevent infiltration and check border crimes," he said.

"As per international norms, the barbed wire fencing is being erected 150 yards from the zero line of the borders. Where there are problems, the fencing is being erected at the Zero Line after taking cognisance of the Bangladesh government," he added.

The official, who will visit a few bordering areas during the next two days to assess border management, said that wherever the people's perception is different about erecting the fencing, the concerned District Magistrate and Collectors have been asked to talk to the people.

India had started erection of a fence and putting up of floodlights all along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura several years back to stop infiltration.
Srinagar: The militants, who were killed in two separate encounters in Kupwara on Thursday were affiliated to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the army claimed on Friday

"About 200 to 220 militants are active in Kashmir valley. Among them, about 100 are local militants and rest are foreigners," Commander Eight sector Rashtriya Rifles Brigadier Rajeev Puri said while talking about the successful operations in Kupwara.

He said the number of militants in south and north Kashmir varies as they do not have boundaries.

Playing down the use of new app "Calculator" by militants to keep in touch with their handlers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir without being detected by Army's technical surveillance, the Army officer said "such things keep happening between the security forces and the terrorists".

"Earlier, they were using radio sets and we used to intercept it. They come out with a new thing and we counter it," he said.

Giving credit to human intelligence for successful anti-militancy operations, he said "our human intelligence is very strong. If they succeed in level one (infiltrating from across the LoC), we get them at level two and eliminate them."

Talking about the two successful operations that left six militants dead in Kupwara district yesterday, the army officer said "all the six were affiliated to Pakistan-based LeT outfit".

"The first operation started at Khailia Doban in the north of Lolab valley at around 9 am and resulted in the death of three Pakistani militants of LeT group. The operation ended at 1.30 pm," he said.

"A large quantity of medicines and eatables, carrying Pakistan-made mark, were recovered from the slain militants. Soon after the first operation was over, a second operation took place in Drugmulla's Waterkhai area and three more LeT militants were killed," the officer said.

A huge cache of arms and explosives were seized from both the operations, he said, adding the seizure included six AK 47 rifles, maps, Under Barrel Grenade Launchers, grenades, radio sets, night vision devices, compass and Ground Positioning System (GPS).
Shillong: The Meghalaya cabinet on Friday decided to urge the central government to exempt the state from the purview of the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973, following the National Green Tribunal's ban on rat-hole coal mining in the state.

"The cabinet has mandated the state's mining and geology department to take up with the central government to exempt coal mining in Meghalaya from the purview of the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told the media.

Section 3 of the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973, states that the right, title, interest of the owners in relation to the coal mines shall vest absolutely with the central government.

Following the National Green Tribunal's ban on rat-hole coal mining in the state, the Meghalaya government has taken up with the central government its bid to invoke Para 12 A (b) of the Sixth Schedule through a Presidential notification to exempt the state from the central law.

"We have had several discussions on this issue since last year and we have almost completed it. Therefore, the cabinet has mandated the mining and geology department to take up the issue and expedite the process of getting the state exempted from the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973," the chief minister informed the media.

Moreover, Sangma said his government had come up with its Mines and Minerals Policy, 2012, to regulate mining activities in the state.

The green court had ordered an interim ban on "rat-hole" coal mining in Meghalaya from April 17, 2014, after the All Dimasa Students' Union and the Dima Hasao District Committee filed an application before the tribunal alleging that the water of the Kopili river was turning acidic due to coal mining in Jaintia Hills.

Coal mining in Meghalaya is ostensibly part of the "customary tribal rights".
It is business as usual for former Karnataka minorites welfare minister Qamar ul Islam. His career, his supporters in his constituency Gulbarga (North) in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region say, has been pushed into 'political ICU' by chief minister Siddaramaiah. Not for a moment do the former minister or his cronies think about the life of the 18-year-old nursing student from Malappuram in Kerala, who is in the ICU of the Kozhikode general hospital, after having been allegedly forced to drink a phenyl-based toilet cleaner, which burnt her food pipe and damaged internal organs.

Why 68-year-old Qamar should be bothered is because she is a student at the Al Qamar Nursing College in Gulbarga (Kalburgi), one of the 13 educational institutions  engineering, medical, nursing and polytechnics  owned by Qamar. Till the story broke four days ago, Qamar was not even aware  or that is what he now claims  that she was a victim of ragging at the college hostel. He says he was only told by the principal of the college that a student had been admitted to hospital. Qamar has not bothered to even visit the college since the details of the horrific incident came to light, leave alone taking action against those who are meant to ensure ragging does not take place.

But wait, for Qamar too is crying victimhood.

That he too has been 'ragged' by seniors Siddaramaiah and Leader of Congress Party in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. That just because Kharge Sr wanted Kharge Jr as minister in Karnataka, Qamar was sacrificed, as both are from the same district. If Qamar has his way, Siddaramaiah will pay for what he has done.

What about Qamar?

The 14-year-old nursing college that is run by the Congress senior politician has no anti-ragging cell on its premises. At the hostel, till yesterday there were no anti-ragging posters. When the police team visited the hostel on Friday, every wall had a poster, with handwritten anti-ragging slogans to show everything was hunky-dory.

Unlike Qamar, who is a six-time MLA and has been an MP before, the student's family is at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Her father abandoned the family soon after she was born. A daily wager, the single mother brought up her two daughters, took a Rs 3 lakh loan for this girl to send her to Al Qamar Nursing college.

For the last five months, the Dalit girl was allegedly subjected to systematic verbal and physical abuse by senior students. It is shocking that the college had no system to find out from hostel wardens or other students, what was happening. In a complaint to the police, the BSc nursing student, who happens to be a Dalit, says she was forced to drink the toxic substance on 9 May. The girl needs emergency surgery, but she is too fragile now to be operated upon. Alone in the ICU, she is fighting a tough, lonely battle. Just like she was, all these months, against her seniors.

The police is upset that the college did not inform it about the case. Under UGC guidelines, even if it is an attempt to commit suicide, as the college and the seniors initially claimed it was, the police should be informed. The girl's relatives have also claimed that the college management tried to hush up the case and that they were warned to keep quiet.

The Al Qamar Nursing College has 200 students. But in recent years, the number of students from Kerala taking admission has reduced, says MM Baig, the college administrator. So the college canvasses through agents in towns in Kerala to attract students to take admission. The four-year nursing course costs Rs 1.85 lakh.

"The surgery is done and the body is damaged," said Qamar. But he is talking about the fate of Congress politicians like him who have been dumped during the reshuffle. To Qamar, his political future is more important. So he has called for a Gulbarga bandh on Saturday to show his muscle power. That his followers can bring life in the district to a halt, such is his clout and power.

The Kerala government has promised to take care of the medical expenditure incurred on the girl but Qamar and Siddaramaiah are busy stoking the political fires.

Nursing is a much sought-after profession in Kerala. India, its higher education system and a private college owned by a politician have failed to help a young girl, who came to Gulbarga, to realise her dream of becoming a Florence Nightingale.

"The surgeon who did this bad surgery will be changed after the elections," predicted Qamar.

He, of course, is talking about Siddaramaiah, but it's high time India changed some of its political surgeons too.
Srinagar: Six unidentified militants were gunned down by troops in two separate gun battles in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Thursday, a defence spokesman said.

Troops of counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and special operations group (SOG) this morning launched a massive search operation in the forest area in Lolab in Kupwara district, he said.

"The operation was launched on specific information about presence of a group of heavily-armed militants in the forest area. While the troops were conducting searches, hiding militants opened fire leading to a fierce exchange of fire. Three militants were killed and the operation is still on," the spokesman told IANS.

He said army also gunned down three more militants in another gunbattle in the forest area near Drugmulla in the same district.

"This operation is also still on," he added.
New Delhi: Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti was on Friday admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims) after she complained of "chest pain".

The minister was admitted in the new private ward under the supervision of Dr Rajesh Malhotra who heads the orthopedic department there, said a senior doctor at Aiims.

"Uma Bharti was rushed to the hospital after she complained of chest pain," Ministry spokesperson Samir Sinha said.

A source close to the Minister said she developed pain in the chest at around 6 p.m when she was at her official residence at 6, Akbar Road.

When asked, a senior doctor at Aiims said "she was admitted on Friday evening. She has suffered sprain in the back and also has pain in the knee. Because of the sprain in the back, she may have felt pain on the walls of the chest. A team of experts is monitoring her condition."
Kathmandu: A handful of faded photographs has long been Suntali Rasaili's only treasured momento of her teenage daughter, allegedly executed by Nepali soldiers at the height of the Maoist insurgency.

But a decade after Maoist rebels signed a peace pact, families of victims are also hoping for justice, as Nepal prepares this month to start investigations into crimes committed during the conflict.

Rasaili is among thousands filing complaints with two commissions, one of which is headed by a high-ranking judge and the other by a senior parliamentary official.

The commissions have a two-year term and were set up to probe murders, rapes, forced disappearances and other atrocities.

"I feel like I won't find any peace until I die... not unless I get justice for my daughter," Rasaili told AFP.

One night in February 2004, dozens of soldiers turned up at Rasaili's home, demanding to see her daughter Reena whom they suspected of being a Maoist.

Plucking the 17-year-old from her bed, the soldiers barred her parents from leaving the house, the family says. Hours later, three gunshots rang out across the isolated hamlet.

Reena's body was found slumped next to a tree and the soldiers were gone. She had been shot in the head, eye and chest, according to activists who took up the case.

"Reena enjoyed school, she used to say that once she finished her studies and got a job, she would take care of the family and look after us in our old age," Rasaili said.

"Her death tore apart our family. After that I never wanted to let any of my children out of my sight, I was scared they would never come back," she added.

More than 17,000 people were killed, 1,300 people disappeared and thousands were displaced during the decade-long war that ended in 2006.

The peace deal signed between Maoists and government forces included plans for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Commission for Enforced Disappearances.

But Nepal only established the two bodies in 2015 after years of political infighting over how to bring justice to victims of abuses committed by both sides.

Activists say the delay reflects authorities' reluctance to find the perpetrators, many of whom still occupy positions in the military and political parties.

"Whether it's the Maoists or the police or the army, all the people involved in these crimes are on the same page," said Ram Kumar Bhandari, coordinator of the National Network of Families of the Disappeared and the Missing.

"They have come together to cover the truth and hide the truth."

Amnesty concerns

The commissions have already received some 27,000 complaints of abuse, and one of the commissions has extended this month's filing deadline because of the huge response.

But concerns have been raised about the safety of those willing to testify to investigators, because there is no protection programme for witnesses.

Local media recently reported that security forces had tried to gain details of complainants in western Nepal, prompting the army to issue a statement saying such attempts do not reflect official policy.

"We will support and cooperate with the commissions, there is no question of threatening anyone or trying to influence investigations," army spokesman Tara Bahadur Karki told AFP.

Rights groups are also alarmed after Nepal's ruling coalition, which includes the Maoists, agreed a deal allowing for alleged perpetrators identified by the commissions to be pardoned.

The legislation comes after the commissions, which can recommend prosecutions but not issue punishment, were given discretionary powers to grant amnesty in cases. Rights groups condemned that law as a move to protect perpetrators.

The Supreme Court, acting on petitions from victims challenging the powers, has repeatedly rejected amnesty, but the Maoists say it is critical to achieving peace.

"The most important question is reconciliation. In our society, we don't need to prosecute and punish anyone for the sake of revenge," Maoist leader Dinanath Sharma told AFP.

"When we talk about establishing peace in the world... amnesty is important, forgiveness is important."

Fight for truth

Since the conflict ended, Nepal's courts have issued several arrest warrants for alleged perpetrators, but only one case has resulted in convictions: that of five former rebels jailed in 2014 for murdering a journalist.

For those left behind, calls for forgiveness strike a hollow note.

"I am never going to find peace unless I know the truth about what happened," said Shobha Bhatta, whose husband disappeared at the hands of Maoist cadres in 2001.

Bhatta, now 39, was forced to raise two children alone while battling bouts of depression and without ever knowing what happened to her husband.

As Bhatta prepares to file a complaint with a commission, she said the prolonged wait had deepened her determination to find answers.

"I cried for a long time but you can't cry forever... I know I am not the only woman who lost a loved one," she told AFP.

"There are thousands of us and we will fight together until we know the truth."
In what is one of the best socio-political narratives of eastern UP  summarised in the form of an Urdu novel called 'Aadha Gaon'  celebrated novelist Rahi Masoom Raza often refers to Sarjoo Pandey as a seditious communist leader determined to overthrow the social order. Till the nineties, Pandey was indeed a powerful leader of Ghazipur, considered to be a strong bastion of the communist party of India (CPI).

But Pandeys greatest, and possibly gravest, mistake was to patronise the Ansari brothers  Afzal Ansari and his younger brother Mukhtar Ansari  giving them political legitimacy by inducting them into the party.

Afzal became a legislator, while Mukhtar took to guns and emerged as the most dreaded gangster of the region. Police officers posted in Ghazipur during that time were left aghast, when a legendary figure like Pandey would often come up to them and justify Mukhtars criminality in Marxist dialectics  describing it as a revolution against the Bhumihar-Rajput landlords of Ghazipur, Varanasi and Ballia.

Mukhtar, an ace-shooter capable of bringing down a flying bird with a single shot, surrounds himself with marksmen possessing outstanding firearm skills, and a scant regard for life.

His name features in sensational cases of murder, extortion and property-grabbing all across eastern UP. Though lodged in Jail for more than a decade while on trial for murder (of a political rival), extortion and criminal intimidation, Mukhtar is wanted more by politics in UP, than he was by the police.

When he changes his party, he finds patrons in all the parties. In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, his contest against BJP stalwart Murli Manohar Joshi was seen as a fixed match, meticulously planned to trigger communal polarisation. In fact, the contest helped Joshi to win the election on the basis of communal consolidation, though he initially faced stiff resistance from within the BJPs local organisation.

With the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections drawing near, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav appears determined to capitalise on the muscle power of Ansari brothers in eastern UP  with the merger of Mukhtar Ansari's Quami Ekta Dal (QED) with the Samajwadi Party (SP).

Apparently, in a region that borders with Bihar, power flows through the barrel of guns and deft equations of castes and community. And there are all indications that suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav is desperately trying to harness a judicious mix of guns and caste/community consolidation to win the state Assembly election.

In the social calculus of eastern UP, Yadavs and Muslims form a sizeable social block of nearly 30 percent of the electorate. The SPs eagerness to rope in the Ansari brothers is solely guided by its lust for accretion of votes.

There is a lurking fear in the entire region that the SP have lost its Muslim votes on account of a series of small riots in the area, and because of the state governments image of being a non-performer'. It seems that the deficit in governance is sought to be bridged by inducting Muslim gangsters into the partys fold.

The return of Ansari brothers into mainstream UP politics would define a political trend in Uttar Pradesh. It seems that all political parties have been vying with each other to win over the gangsters, who claim to have a strong caste or communal social base.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs expression of 'righteous indignation' is meant to appease to the urban middle class, his support base in the 2012 Assembly elections. Within hours of the QED-SP merger, Akhilesh removed senior minister Balram Yadav, the one believed to have negotiated the merger.

In sharp contrast to his father, Akhilesh has carefully cultivated his image as a 'suave young leader', who is not associated with people with a rap sheet  in a party often accused of unleashing "goondaraj", every time it comes to power in UP. Remember the manner in which he threw out notorious western UP gangster DP Yadav from the party, on the eve of the 2012 Assembly elections.

In his four-and-a-half year regime as chief minister, Akhilesh has frittered away substantial amounts of his goodwill with the urban middle class. He is seen to be at helm of the countrys largest state, without any clear sense of direction.

This is the precise reason why party president Mulayam Singh Yadav has resorted to his methodology of mobilising support on caste/communal lines. Ironically, Ghazipur and neighbouring Azamgarh  known as communist bastions in the not too distant past  would turn into a battle-field of gangsters, irrespective of their affiliation with political parties.

Like Sarjoo Pandey in the nineties, senior leaders cutting across the party lines would describe their criminals as revolutionaries. Ghazipur is once again weaving a powerful socio-political narrative for the Hindi heartland, with a difference.
Thiruvananthapuram: On Friday BJP urged the CPM-led LDF government in Kerala to quash all decisions taken by the previous Congress-led UDF regime during the end of its tenure and probe all corruption charges against it.

The saffron party raised the demand in a draft political resolution passed in the state committee meeting convened here.

"The LDF government should show readiness to quash all the decisions taken by the previous ministry. It should also fulfill its promise to investigate all corruption allegation cropped up against them," it said.

It specifically demanded withdrawal of permission granted to the controversial Aranmula airport project by the state government.

The proposed project in Pathanamthitta district had run into trouble from the start with environmentalists and local Aranmula Heritage Protection Committee coming out against it.

The resolution also said that the Left government's stand in the proposed 163 MW Athirappilly hydro power project and Mullaperiyar dam issues was "mysterious".

The government and the CM's stand amounted to insulting the people and environment activists in these issues, it said.

Kerala and Tamil Nadu are at loggerheads over the dam in Idduki district of Kerala, but under administrative control of Tamil Nadu as per a 999-year lease agreement, the dam caters to the irrigation needs in southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

Kerala has been pressing for a new dam on the ground that the present one is dilapidated, but Tamil Nadu says it is safe. Based on the report by the Empowered Committee, the apex court had allowed TN to raise the water level to 142 feet in 2014.

The Athirapally project, which received techno economic clearance in 2005, has raised fears among environmentalists that clearance to it would result in destroying wildlife in Athirapally-Vazhachal forest ranges along Western Ghats.

On June 22 last year, Kerala High Court had said the project cannot go ahead without environmental clearance from the Centre.

The resolution also alleged that besides the anti-incumbency wave against the Oommen Chandy government, its "secret alliance" with communal forces had also helped CPM come to power in the May 16 Assembly polls.
One of the reasons BJP got a decisive mandate in 2014 was that its prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, was perceived to be a strong personality who is not to be trifled with. BJP's entire poll campaign was based on Modi's qualities as a dynamic, development-oriented and a decisive leader who could prove to be an antidote to the weak leadership and of Manmohan Singh.

It would seem the electorate agreed. They were ostensibly tired of a feeble PM who had little claim to leadership, being at the wrong end of a dual power centre. The prime minister's office (PMO) during UPA 2 became subservient to a supra-constitutional body of advisors led by the Congress president.

When Modi assumed office at 7 RCR, therefore, he was widely expected to restore the primacy of PMO in letter and spirit and establish the premier's political authority. Scenes of party vice-president tearing up an ordinance cleared by the union cabinet won't be repeated, we were assured. Ministers and members of the ruling party wouldn't dare to cross the Lakshman Rekha.

Or would they?

For BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, that Lakshman Rekha is actually the starting line. A man of knowledge, eccentricity and with an eventful past, Swamy has a fearsome reputation and seemingly tries hard to live up to it. But it is one thing to target rival politicians over cases of corruption or standing up to authoritarian figures and quite another to launch relentless, vituperative attacks and below-the-belt smear campaigns against the government's senior technocrats and bureaucrats in the finance ministry  all men of vast credibility and academic excellence  with an express aim to unsettle the man behind them.

There is little doubt who the real target of the maverick politician's missiles is. But in aiming at Arun Jaitley, one of the senior-most figures in Modi's cabinet, Swamy has effectively challenged the prime minister's writ and authority over the government and his party. And by leaving the finance minister to fend for himself and his troops almost on a daily basis, Modi, through his loud silence, is fuelling the impression that either he has no idea how to box a loose cannon or worse, Swamy is being used as a front.

Both are extremely damaging conclusions that show the BJP and the prime minister in unflattering light. The audaciousness of Swamy's attacks and the collateral damage he has already caused  which may have emboldened him further  make it imperative for the prime minister to come out with a strong, unequivocal statement announcing full faith in his cabinet colleague and the officers under him or to privately deliver a strong message to the reckless MP, asking him not to make any more outrageous statements.

From the evidence on display so far, neither has happened. It can be argued that the prime minister's response is not needed here because a) Jaitley has already countered Swamy's allegations and backed his colleagues in North Block and b) the BJP, through a national secretary, has made it clear that "the party does not agree with his (Swamy's) views. This is completely his personal opinion.

Under normal circumstances, that should have been enough. But when someone dismisses the union finance minister's backing of his Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian by saying: "Let him say what he wants I have nothing to do with what Jaitley says. I can talk to the party president or the prime minister," it represents scaling up of antagonism and careless disregard for party discipline that must be addressed at the very top.

A public attack on the prime ministers most trusted aide and cabinet colleague should in itself be seen as an indirect attack on the former. But there is nothing indirect about Swamys political indiscretions. He has drawn the prime minister directly into the debate with this tweet on Thursday:

Who said:"What about Gujarat? Mr. Modi stands indicted as a mediocre performer ( judged by tax collection&social outcomes)..AS in BS 23/1/13  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 23, 2016

Consider the damages Swamy has already caused and is causing. If a government is perceived to be unable to protect its own officers, from vicious public attacks by its own party men, it can deliver a death blow to Modis efforts to deliver his promise of minimum government, maximum governance. The signals it will send to NRI talent and foreign investors is too obvious to be stated. On the one hand India offers herself as a marketplace for global talent and on the other hand such narrow definitions of patriotism as Swamys will put off accomplished Indians who carry a lot of credibility in their field.

If, as has been suggested in some quarters, that Swamy is eyeing the finance minister's chair, subverting his own government is a strange way of angling for the post.

The prime minister must act upon his return from Tashkent.

Except that he might find that dealing with Swamy might be a tad more difficult than getting Chinese President Xi Jinping to endorse Indias bid to the Nuclear Supplies Group.
New Delhi: Taking his attack to those in the Finance Ministry to a new level, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy on Friday issued veiled threat to those asking him to follow restraint saying if he "disregarded discipline there will be a bloodbath."

"People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath," he tweeted in an obvious attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Though he did not name Jaitley, he was obviously referring to the Minister urging him for restraint and discipline in the wake of his attacks on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian on Wednesday and his use of the word discipline in defending Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das.

In another apparent swipe at Jaitley, whose photographs of meeting with the Bank of China Chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing in a longue suit appeared in newspapers today, Swamy asked BJP to advise ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian cloths when abroad.

"BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters," Swamy said in another tweet.

Swamy has been active on Twitter over the last two-three days, attacking officials of Finance Ministry and taking swipe at Jaitley.
Bengaluru: As sulking MLAs and dropped ministers stepped up their criticism of the major ministry revamp and openly discussed about leadership change, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday went into damage control mode to quell the growing resentment.

Siddaramaiah met senior ministers to chalk out a strategy to control growing discontent after the 19 June major rejig that saw 14 ministers being shown the door and 13 others being inducted.

Congress sources said the chief minister made phone calls to disgruntled MLAs in an attempt to pacify them.

"There is no discontent among us, I'm talking to every one... such things are common whenever there is cabinet reshuffle. I'm talking to all those who have expressed displeasure," Siddaramaiah told reporters here.

He added: "I'm personally talking to all those people who have displeasure. All those reports about displeasure at the MLAs level are false. There are no groups or difference of opinion among us."

Siddaramaiah's move comes in the wake of a few "like-minded" party legislators deciding to meet either on Sunday or Monday to plan their next course of action, keeping the option open of pressing for leadership change.

A series of meetings are being held for the past couple of days by several dropped ministers and ministerial berth aspirants after Siddaramaiah carried out the revamp to improve the party's image with two years left for Assembly polls.

Siddaramaiah said he had not spoken to any ministers individually before the reshuffle "but during the Council of Ministers meeting on 15 June, I had informed (them) that I'm reshuffling and a few ministers will be dropped as we have to take new people in".

"I had clearly told that the dropping of ministers is to make way for new people and not because of any other reasons," he added.

Senior leaders like Srinivas Prasad, Qamarul Islam, Ambareesh and Baburao Chinchansoor have openly criticised Siddaramaiah for dropping them without prior information.

Ambareesh has even resigned as MLA, which, however, has not been accepted.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of senior ministers today, which the chief minister said was to discuss the Deputy Commissioners' meeting on 27 and 28 June, Energy Minister DK Shivakumar expressed hope that those leaders who were now unhappy will continue to work and guide the party without doing any "damage" to it.

Stating that every thing will get resolved and party with unity will fight 2018 assembly polls, he said "a few seniors are speaking against the party, it is causing pain, but those in power will have to get over it... we are like family, everything will be fine."

Siddaramaiah and Mallikarjuna Kharge (Congress Leader in Lok Sabha), whose son Priyank Kharge has managed to find a ministerial slot are under direct attack from senior MLAs who were ministerial aspirants.

Hitting out at Kharge, six-time MLA Malka Reddy today said "...what has he done, making his sons minister, MLA... he wants his family to grow in politics and we should remain like slaves."

"This is nothing but feudal system, he has become feudal lord... worst form of feudal system is persisting in Hyderabad-Karnataka region. He only wants followers not leaders," he added.
New Delhi: Taking his attack to those in the Finance Ministry, and his recent assertions about being "mentally Indian", to a new level, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy on Friday said the party should direct "Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad" and added by way of qualification that "in coat and tie they look like waiters."

BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 24, 2016

"People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath," he tweeted in an veiled attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a blood bath  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 24, 2016

Though he did not name Jaitley, he was obviously referring to the Minister urging him for restraint and discipline in the wake of his attacks on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian on Wednesday and his use of the word discipline in defending Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das on Thursday.

In another apparent swipe at Jaitley, whose photographs of meeting with the Bank of China Chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing in a lounge suit appeared in newspapers on Friday, Swamy asked BJP to advise ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian cloths when abroad. "BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters," Swamy said in another tweet.

BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 24, 2016

Swamy has been active on Twitter over the last two-three days, attacking officials of Finance Ministry and taking swipe at Jaitley.
On Friday, Britain, in a historic referendum, chose to leave the European Union.

Shortly after, at 10 Downing Street, British prime minister David Cameron said that the "will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered" and announced his resignation.

Cameron said that he will resign after Britons voted to leave the EU in defiance of his warnings of economic pain. Cameron promised to try to "steady the ship" over the next months but said a new leader should be installed by early October.

The vote to leave the European Union by the UK put Cameron in a tough spot as he successfully avoided the Scottish independence vote, and also won the General Election with a majority that the Conservative Party hadn't received in almost 23 years. Before his 2015 election, Cameron had vowed to hold a British referendum, this was a big gamble on his part  one that he lost on Friday.

Considering this, though Cameron has always maintained his stance as anti-Brexit and vociferously urged his countrymen to 'remain', he will still be held responsible for being the UK's leader who pushed the country to end its ties with the European Union. Experts have claimed that such a move would destroy Britain's economy and shake the global markets as well.

Britain's vote to become the first country to leave the EU is a shattering blow that threatens the survival of the post-war European project, officials and analysts said. The loss of one of its biggest members will at the very least force major changes on an embattled bloc already struggling to deal with growing populism, a migration crisis and economic woes.

In an emotional speech on early Friday morning, Cameron said:

"The British people have voted to leave the EU and their will must be respected. Across the world people have been watching the choice that Britain has made. This will require strong, determined and committed leadership. I am very proud to have been Prime Minister of this country for six years. I have held nothing back. The British people have made a very clear decision. I think the country requires fresh leadership. I do not think I can be the captain to take the country to its next destination. In my view I think we should have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative conference in October."

The Telegraph UK reported that labour party's Angela Smith said that "Labour needs now to show that it can offer constructive opposition in what is going to be a period of terrible political and economic instability for the country... We need leadership that will do that and commit to the very difficult task of helping to unite a very seriously divided nation."

However, it is interesting to note that Cameron had always maintained that the outcome of the vote would have no impact on whether he would stay in his job or not. Cameron had echoed similar sentiments before the Scottish vote for independence in 2014. However, on Friday his resignation comes across as a preemptive measure and he chooses to jump, rather than be pushed after a possible vote of no-confidence.

Britain voted to leave the European Union by 52 percent to 48 percent, after nearly all the results had been counted. With 374 out of 382 regional results declared, there were 16.8 million votes for "Leave" and 15.7 million for "Remain", making it mathematically impossible for "Remain" to win.

With inputs from agencies
As I write this on the morning of 24 June, the results of the British poll on whether to exit the EU are still coming in, but it looks like the Leave option is winning by a narrow margin (Note: A majority of British voters decided that the UK should leave the European Union, as of Friday). The perceptive S Gurumurthy tweeted that there are three reasons for the anger that seems to have driven that verdict, despite an all-out, full-court press by the ruling Tories: "anger against immigration, against globalisation, and against loss of control over the nation".

Those neo-nationalist sentiments are probably quite closely related to the anger thats driving the Donald Trump campaign in the US, where the primary issue is economic, including inequality and job loss, and the visible deterioration in public services, including roads and bridges. In a sense, Brexit gives a boost to the Trump campaign. It is the very same faceless deep state that Hillary Clinton represents that was given the boot by the British public. Besides, the Orlando mass killing by a man accused of being close to Islamic State also makes Americans paranoid about immigrants.

Now, a point of fact, Britain would largely have been better off staying in the EU, because of that old saw, divided we fall, united we stand". As a stand-alone power, Britains heft is limited and diminishing; but as part of the European Union, which by some measure is the largest single market in the world, it had a lot more clout in trade negotiations.

Theres always been a certain vanity that can best be termed as British exceptionalism, or perhaps precisely English exceptionalism, as the English view the Scots and so on with supercilious disdain. God is an Englishman, goes the title of a book about colonial Brits lording over the despised Indians. Well, my response is, if so, God has a sense of humor. Because the British are doomed to irrelevance as a smallish economy with no great competitive advantage.

As an inveterate Anglophobe, I am trying to not let schadenfreude get the better of me. In some sense, the collapse of Britain is sad, because then we will find it difficult to extract from them the $10 trillion they stole from us in their 200 years of loot; forgetting for a moment the total extinguishing of Indian small-scale industry, as well as lasting damage to culture and nation. But then, it was always going to be difficult to pry reparations from them anyway, I console myself.

The immediate impact on India is quite small. Britain does sell some $460 billion worth of products, heres a breakdown of their top 10 exports, but there are very good second sources for all of them: Machines, engines and pumps, gems and precious metals, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, oil, electronic equipment, aircraft and spacecraft, medical and technical equipment, organic chemicals, and plastics

Its not clear if they have a major competitive advantage in any of these. A culture has developed that disdains engineering and the actual making of goods (odd since it was the very first economy that industrialised, or maybe that is the very reason) as opposed to the creation of theories and ideas (which are respected) and that may be the reason for the rapid de-industrialisation of the UK. The recent efforts by Tata Steel to offload its operations is an example of this lack of advantage.

The one area where Britain has succeeded most notably is financial services centered around the City of London. This is the very area that will, ironically, be most strongly affected by Brexit, as bankers will move operations to continental Europe or maybe even entrepots such as Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong. Britains services exports were over $220 billion in 2015, second only to the US, mostly thanks to the spread of English around the world. British journalism and TV/film do command a premium.

None of this affects India very much, except for those expatriate Indians living in Britain, who may want to rethink their long-term plans. It is almost certain that anti-immigrant sentiment will get worse (especially against brown people, but also against Eastern European whites such as the legendary Polish plumber).

Therefore the steep drop of over 1,000 points in the Sensex this morning is a short-term phenomenon that should right itself soon. It is based on international cues (and herd instinct) without any major local impact. In the long run, an impoverished Britain, with a sterling hammered down, could potentially be a competitor in some of Indias export markets.

Otherwise, the UK doesnt matter much to India: it is only number 18 in terms of total trade in the last 15 years, number five as an export market accounting for only 3.4 percent of Indias exports, and not even in the top 10 as an import market. We can well afford to ignore the UK market.

Theres hardly anything Britain produces that the rest of the world needs: If you said single malt Scotch whiskey, thats true, but theres a fair chance that the Scots will secede from Britain soon (they almost did in the last referendum, and I think more Scots wanted to remain in the EU in Fridays polls than they wanted to remain in the UK in the previous poll). Other than that, fabled British brands are no longer theirs: Rolls Royce is owned by BMW of Germany (along with the Cooper Mini); Jaguar Land Rover is owned by Tata of India, and so on.

Just about the only thing they have is that theres a demand for costume dramas churned out by the BBC (Downton Abbey), journalism, literature music/culture, museums (where they have arranged their global loot nicely), and education. Their biggest cultural export is that lowbrow kitsch, James Bond. I am not sure you can run a country on these things.

General MacArthur said it best about old soldiers: they dont die, they just fade away. The same is true of old empires. And good riddance, too, to the worlds most destructive imperialists.
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Page said Thursday that heavy rain in London may affect the vote, because the British capital is seen as a "remain" stronghold.

The poll of 1,592 people was conducted for the Evening Standard newspaper and was completed Wednesday night.

Polling firm Ipsos MORI says the "remain" camp enjoyed a four-point lead ahead of the vote. But the polling firm's chief executive, Ben Page, says 13 percent of those polled said they still might change their minds.

An opinion poll conducted on the eve of Britain's referendum shows a narrow lead for those who want Britain to remain a part of the European Union.

The Independent says that the result can be expected in the early hours of the morning -- sometime between 5 am and 6 am. But you can get a likely indication of what the result will be.

She noted that an already-scheduled EU summit starting next Tuesday will give countries "the opportunity to discuss all together and calmly how we continue to implement our agenda.

Merkel said after meeting her Austrian counterpart in Berlin on Thursday that she doesn't favour discussing the consequences in small groups of EU countries. "Overall, I think discussions must now be continued with 28 (countries) if possible and otherwise with all countries  that would be 27  but my hopes are pinned on it possibly being able to remain 28."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the European Union should respond in a calm and inclusive way to whatever result emerges from the British referendum on EU membership.

With just about six million of an expected 16 million votes counted, the result was effectively a 50-50 split  but "remain" was underperforming analysts' expectations... ( read more here )

The pound initially soared as polls closed and two opinion surveys put "remain" ahead and two leading supporters of the "leave" campaign said it appeared the pro-EU side had won. But it then suffered its biggest fall in years, plummeting from about $1.50 to almost $1.40 as results began to show stronger-than-expected support for quitting the bloc.

London: The British pound seesawed wildly Friday and betting markets dramatically shortened the odds on Britain leaving the European Union as increasingly mixed signals challenged earlier market anticipation of a narrow victory for "remain."

According to the BBC, voters came out in full force to vote whether UK remains in the European Union or not. UK-wide turnout was 72 percent.

BBC forecasts Leave has won the referendum and the United Kingdom will quit the European Union. Around 70 percent of votes have been counted.

The UK's departure from the European Union is almost certain, with shockwaves hitting stock markets across the world. This comes a day after UK Independence Party (Ukip) leader Nigel Farage has pocketed a lion's share of the credit for the referendum actually taking place...

"The British people have voted to leave the EU and their will must be respected. The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered. There can be no doubt about the result. Across the world people have been watching the choice that Britain has made. This will require strong, determined and committed leadership. I am very proud to have been Prime Minister of this country for six years. I have held nothing back. The british people have made a very clear decision to I think the country requires fresh leadership. I do not think I can be the captain to take the country to its next destination. In my view I think we should have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative conference in October."

British stocks are plunging as the market opens as investors scramble to react to the news. The pound has hit a 31-year low.

He says he will resign by the time of the Conservative party conference in the fall.

Cameron says there can be no doubt about the result of Thursday's historic vote but that he is not the "captain" that will steer the ship through difficult negotiations with the EU.

Prime Minister David Cameron says he will resign by the fall and insists the British people's will must be respected after voters chose to leave the 28-nation European Union.

Cameron's voice broke as he finished his speech, watched on by his wife Samantha outside Number 10. The Cabinet will meet on Monday and a timetable for him stepping down will be drawn up.

"The British people have voted to leave the EU and their will must be respected. The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered. There can be no doubt about the result. Across the world people have been watching the choice that Britain has made. This will require strong, determined and committed leadership. I am very proud to have been Prime Minister of this country for six years. I have held nothing back. The british people have made a very clear decision to I think the country requires fresh leadership. I do not think I can be the captain to take the country to its next destination. In my view I think we should have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative conference in October."

British stocks are plunging as the market opens as investors scramble to react to the news. The pound has hit a 31-year low.

He says he will resign by the time of the Conservative party conference in the fall.

Cameron says there can be no doubt about the result of Thursday's historic vote but that he is not the "captain" that will steer the ship through difficult negotiations with the EU.

Prime Minister David Cameron says he will resign by the fall and insists the British people's will must be respected after voters chose to leave the 28-nation European Union.

Cameron's voice broke as he finished his speech, watched on by his wife Samantha outside Number 10. The Cabinet will meet on Monday and a timetable for him stepping down will be drawn up.

Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, told Radio 4's Today programme: "Of course it's extremely sad news and I would have preferred him to stay on to help make this decision work but it's his decision and I think it's the honourable and decent thing to do. He lost the argument in the referendum campaign and it does answer your question as to who is best placed to take this renegotiation forward." Fallon added, however, that "it's too early to speculate" on who will replace Mr Cameron.

Angela Smith, a Labour MP: "Labour needs now to show that it can offer constructive opposition in what is going to be a period of terrible political and economic instability for the country. We need leadership that will do that and commit to the very difficult task of helping to unite a very seriously divided nation."

"David Cameron has become the latest Conservative leader to fall victim to his partys dangerous obsession with Europe. The Conservatives political maneuvering has taken our country to the brink, and today we have toppled over the edge."

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron said the result of the referendum left Cameron no choice but to resign. In a statement he added: In this immediate period, the government must act quickly to steady the economy, reassure the markets, and immediately set a new course.

"This is a momentous and historic decision and we respect the wishes of the British people," Turnbull told reporters in Devonport.

But he said the global uncertainty and instability the decision would cause underscored the need for Australians to re-elect his conservative coalition at elections on 2 July.

Reacting to Britain's exit from the European Union, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Australians that Britain's decision to leave the European Union was no cause "to be alarmed."

"The Dutch people deserve a referendum as well. The Party for Freedom consequently demands a referendum on NExit, a Dutch EU exit," Wilders said earlier.

"I don't believe there's much interest in a referendum about it," Rutte said when asked about the eurosceptic Wilders' earlier call for a so-called "NExit", shortly after Britain voted to leave the EU.

Rutte, who has been an ardent supporter for Britain to remain within the 28-nation bloc, also refuted far-right leader Geert Wilders' call for a referendum to leave the EU.

"Firstly it's a disappointing result. It's also a stimulus to reform the EU," Rutte told Dutch media, shortly before leaving for Brussels to meet with the EU's top officials.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday said he was disappointed by Britain's decision to leave the EU, but said it should be seen as an incentive to carry out reforms in Brussels.

"We expect the President will have an opportunity to speak to Prime Minister Cameron over the course of the next day, and we will release further comment as soon as appropriate," it added.

"The President has been briefed on the incoming returns in the UK referendum, and he will continue to be updated by his team as the situation warrants," the White House said in a statement.

US President Barack Obama is expected to speak to British Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday following Britain's vote to leave the European Union, the White House said.

He says there has been "extensive contingency planning" and adds: "the Bank of England will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as markets adjust and as the UK economy moves forward."

He admits it "will take some time" for Britain to establish new relationships with Europe and the rest of the world, adding "some market and economic volatility can be expected as this process evolves. But we are well prepared for this."

"Inevitably there will be a period of uncertainty and adjustment following this result, but as the Prime Minister said just this morning, there'll be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move, or the way our services can be sold," he tells a press conference.

The Bank of England "stands ready to provide" 250 billion to support the UK economy, its governor Mark Carney says.

Let's not turn our back on our neighbours. We must work together to meet the challenges of our time. #LabourInForBritain #EUref

Corbyn has been a vocal supporter of 'remain' and has maintained that one must not "turn our back on our neighbours. We must work together to meet the challenges" of current times.

Labour's Jeremy Corbyn has said that he won't resign despite the UK deciding to leave the European Union.

Twitter is quite unhappy with Britain's choice to leave the European Union. Memes, gifs are floating around encapsulating what's actually going on in their mind. Here's a compilation:

He has flown in to attend the ceremonial re-opening of his refurbished Trump Turnberry golf course on the southwest coast, where coach-loads of protesters are planning to greet him.

"I think it's a great thing, I think it's going to be great. I think it's a fantastic thing," Trump tells reporters as he touches down by helicopter in Ayrshire.

Donald Trump shares his views on Britain's vote as he lands in Scotland for his first international trip since becoming the presumptive Republican presidential nominee:

In a landmark referendum, Britain on Friday decided to leave European Union and be on its own.

According to a Reuters report, the 'Vote Leave' and 'UK stronger in EU' camps are neck and neck - 45:44 percent in the last poll published by Opinium. The vote, which echoes the rise of populism, will shape the future of Europe. A victory for "out" could unleash turmoil on financial markets.

A vote to exit the European Union in the referendum could leave Britain's economy more than 5 percent smaller by 2019 than if it stays in the 28-nation club, said the International Monetary Fund last week. In an article in The Wall Street Journal, Greg Ip termed the possible exit of the UK from EU as "the starkest repudiation yet of the postwar consensus favoring ever-deeper global integration".

"A further unraveling would undermine global growth prospects already clouded by aging populations and miserable productivity," he said in the article. Indeed a decision to exit will have a deep impact on the global economy and in turn on India.

Voting gets personal

Breaking down in tears, Anthony Dunn recalled being branded a traitor and told he should leave the country for campaigning for Britain to stay in the European Union (EU) ahead of Thursday's vote. After a campaign filled with confusing and often misleading claims, the 58-year-old Londoner is among many Britons horrified at the way the run-up to the historic referendum has divided their society.

"The most shocking thing about this entire referendum is how deeply personal it has become and how immensely hurtful," Dunn told AFP after attending a television debate. Shaking with anger, he blamed Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservatives, who pressed for the referendum and have led the rival campaigns.

"I am appalled at what the Tories have done to this country. They are ripping us apart," he said. Both sides of the EU debate have accused each other of lies and scaremongering, dubbing each other "Project Fear" and "Project Hate" respectively, and both were criticised by independent bodies for misrepresenting facts.

The often aggressive tone of the debate has caused disquiet in many quarters, particularly after the murder of pro-European lawmaker Jo Cox last week, but political analysts are expecting a high turnout. "While negative campaigning can put some people off, it also mobilises people," said Paul Whiteley, professor of government at the University of Essex.

"Everybody, even if they don't understand this or feel confused, think it's important," he told AFP. Passions are high as the debate has focused on two key issues  the risk that leaving could cause an economic shock, or the unwelcome prospect of further mass migration from other EU countries if Britain stays in the bloc.

Britons in general have no great love of the EU and for most people in the past decade it has been a side issue. Research by Ipsos Mori published this month found significant misconceptions on issues such as the level of EU inward investment  which was underestimated  to the numbers of EU citizens living in Britain -- strongly overestimated.

Polling experts say the campaign has in fact made little difference to public opinion on which way to vote, with the polls close since January with a few brief exceptions.

A Sky News online poll on Wednesday found that 75 percent of respondents did not think the campaigns had been helpful, with 40 percent even saying they had been actively unhelpful.

'Fears and emotion'

Sara Hobolt, a professor in European studies at the London School of Economics, said few voters would have been enlightened by the campaign. "It has become very negative and quite focused on people's fears and emotion, as opposed to trying to give a more nuanced set of information about what the EU is about," she told AFP.

The emphasis on the economy and immigration has given both sides a clear narrative but at the risk of excluding information on other issues, Hobolt said. "It's hard to sift through the information and find out what the actual facts are," agreed Daniel Worwood, a 25-year-old engineering PhD student from northwest England who is backing "Leave".

Things are not helped by the fact that the main political parties are themselves divided on the referendum, although Conservative leader Cameron and opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both back "Remain".



Divisive impact

Amid the confusion there is also concern about the divisive impact of the campaign, in particular the relentless focus on immigration of those backing a Brexit. The Daily Mirror, which supports a "Remain" vote, has described it as "the most divisive, vile and unpleasant political campaign in living memory".

One of the most contentious posters of the campaign was one published by the anti-immigration UK Independence Party (UKIP), showing a long queue of refugees under the headline "Breaking Point". The murder of Jo Cox, a passionate pro-European who had campaigned for Syrian refugees, brought only a temporary respite in the campaign.

A YouGov poll this week found that 50 percent of the public -- and 70 percent of "Remain" voters -- thought the referendum had made British society more divided.

"There has been lots of confusing information and anecdotes and lies, which I don't appreciate," said Chet Patel, a 44-year-old telecoms worker in London who wants to stay in.

"I think a lot of people have not understood the real issues in fact. And hence they are not sure which way to vote."
After Britain voted to leave the European Union, their concerns about immigration and what some saw as the ever-increasing power of the 28-member bloc trumping the attraction of being part of a single market of more than 500 million people and a European project forged from the ashes of World War II.

Here's a look at what happens next:

What happens next?

Prime Minister David Cameron, head of the ruling Conservative Party, is expected to make a statement, most likely outside his official residence at 10 Downing Street. Former London Mayor Boris Johnson has not indicated when he will speak about the "leave" campaign success. UK Independence Party chief Nigel Farage, who spoke several times late Thursday and early Friday, also plans a further statement Friday morning. Cameron's defeat in the referendum represents a political earthquake that may re-shape the Conservative Party leadership, which was deeply split by the Brexit issue, and could cost him his job. "He's almost certainly got to go," said Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London. "There are too many people who will see him as someone who lost his legitimacy and... was outplayed by an opponent who wants to take over as a leader."

What happens to economy?

The pound suffered one of its biggest one-day falls in history Friday, plummeting more than 10 percent in six hours on concerns that severing ties with the EU will hurt the UK economy and undermine London's position as a global financial center. Authorities including the International Monetary Fund, the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England had warned Britain's exit would send shivers through a world economy that is only slowly recovering from the global crisis that began in 2008. Now economists will wait to see if their predictions come to pass.

With the stability of the global economy at risk, early Friday the European Central Bank is widely expected to make a statement to reassure markets.

What about the neighbors?

EU leaders will see Britain quitting as a dangerous precedent and a potentially fatal blow to the European project. Some face growing euroskepticism from their own citizens and may feel the need to make a strong case domestically for why the now-27-nation bloc has a future. This could lead to reforms of how the EU works. Future negotiations may be overshadowed by a sense of betrayal and the feeling that an example needs to be made of the UK to discourage others from leaving too. The fallout could also hit Europe's fragile growth. Germany's Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble recently said that "it would be a miracle if a withdrawal of Britain would come without economic disadvantages." On the other hand, a British exit, or Brexit, could spur the European Union into action. Since joining the club in 1973, Britain has shaped the bloc mainly by putting the brakes on the drive toward ever-closer political union, a project that could now be revived with gusto.

Could lawmakers decide to ignore the process?

Britain's referendum doesn't automatically trigger an exit from the European Union, which has led a few commentators to suggest that lawmakers might simply decide to ignore or slow-ball the process. So could they? "In legal theory that is possible. In practice that is absolutely not possible," said Alan Renwick, the deputy director of the Constitution Unit at University College London. "If there is a vote for Brexit then on Friday the PM will indicate how the process of Brexit will begin."

Top EU officials react

The EU's top officials meet in Brussels at 0830 GMT on Friday.

EU President Donald Tusk, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, European Parliament head Martin Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country holds the six-month EU presidency, are expected to make a statement and address the press at around 1000 GMT.

The EU's 28 European Affairs Ministers meet in Luxembourg to lay the groundwork for Brexit talks at the EU summit on 28-29 June. Talks start at 1230 GMT.

German Soultions

Foreign ministers from the EU's six founding countries  France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg  are expected to meet on Saturday in Berlin, according to European sources.

French President Francois Hollande will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel next week to discuss "European initiatives", expected on Monday.

Franco-German initiative

The Merkel Hollande meet-up could be the occasion to announce plans for a long-rumoured Franco-German initiative on a better integrated defence and security strategy for Europe.

The leaders are seeking to use the plan to dispel doubts on the EU project unleashed by the British vote campaign.

Brussels acts

On Monday the European Commission's top officials, who are nominated by the EU's 28 member states, begin mapping out the long road to an official Brexit at an extraordinary meeting in Brussels.

MEPs have also called for an extraordinary session of the European Parliament to be held in Brussels on Monday in the case of a Brexit vote.

The 'Brexit'summit

The 28 EU leaders  still including British PM Cameron  meet on 28 and 29 June in Brussels to digest and debate the results of Thursday's Leave vote.

It was originally due to be held on 23 June but was postponed after the British referendum date was announced.

Cameron may trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, officially notifying EU leaders of Britain's intention to leave.

Enter Slovakia

On 1 July, the Netherlands hands over the EU's six-month rotating presidency to the relatively inexperienced Slovakia, which now must lead the negotiations towards Brexit.

Britain had been due to take the helm at the end of 2017 but will now give that up.

The way forward may not be straightforward

The result will trigger a new series of negotiations as Britain and the EU search for a way to separate economies that have become intertwined since the UK. joined the bloc on 1 January, 1973. Under Article 50 of the Treaty of European Union, talks would likely last two years, with the possibility for extension if all of the remaining 27 EU nations agree. But the clock starts ticking only when the U.K. notifies the EU that it wants a divorce  and some on the "leave" side have suggested that this won't occur until 2018. However, the EU may not accept a delayed exit. "UK negotiations with the European Union will prove difficult, given that EU leaders will not want to set a precedent for an easy withdrawal for other countries that could reconsider their status, such as Denmark," said Howard Archer of IHS, a research firm. No matter what, the EU will face issues. Alongside economic woes, troubles with Greece and the inability to agree on how to manage a refugee emergency, a British exit would deepen Europe's existential crisis.

Cruel Summer

EU civil servants delay summer holidays to begin the painstaking legal work to bring about Brexit. The official British divorce from Europe would take at least two years.

But EU president Donald Tusk has warned that the whole process of negotiating trade and immigration deals with a non-EU Britain could take seven years in all.

With inputs from agencies
Brussels: European Union nations urged Britain on Friday to quickly exit the bloc and end uncertainty about the future, as Prime Minister David Cameron said he would leave the departure negotiations to his successor, possibly until sometime in October.

Britain's vote to leave plunged the EU into a new existential crisis as it struggles to recover from economic woes, public disenchantment with Brussels-imposed austerity policies in debt-stricken Greece and Europe's inability to manage the refugee emergency.

"We cannot afford to wait until the Conservative Party will find a new leader," said Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak, whose country takes over the EU's presidency next week and will have to supervise preparations for Britain's departure.

Cameron's fellow Conservative and Britain's most prominent "leave" campaigner, Boris Johnson, said early Friday that "it is vital to stress that there is now no need for haste."

But Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders, who an EU meeting in Luxembourg on Friday to prepare next week's summit, said: "You can't have your cake and eat it."

"There is a clear plea from the majority of member states to speed this process up," he added.

Still reeling from the UK decision, and with the pound losing value while markets shook, other top EU officials tried to put on a brave face despite having no clear idea how to negotiate the unprecedented departure of a member state.

They also warned Britain that it would remain a member, with all the obligations that entails, until the talks on leaving are over, which could mean more than two years longer.

The heads of the EU's main institutions said in a statement that they want Britain to act on the vote "as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty."

The statement was signed by European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency.

They added that under the bloc's treaties "EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a member."

Tusk told reporters that Britain's 27 partners were "determined to keep our unity." But, he said, "there's no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event."

He said EU leaders will meet without Cameron next week on the sidelines of a summit in Brussels "to start a wider reflection on the future of our Union."

While he admitted that the last year has been one of the toughest in EU history, Tusk said: "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."

Schulz announced that the European Parliament would hold an emergency session Tuesday morning, hours before a two-day summit of presidents and prime ministers, to debate the next steps.

As if Britain's departure wasn't bad enough, Cameron's resignation and decision to leave exit negotiations to his successor from October raised new worries about how long the process might drag on and possibly fuel the ambitions of others who might want to leave.

Once its intentions are officially notified, Britain would have two years to officially negotiate its departure, although London could be granted an extension if all 27 EU member states agree.

The head of the biggest bloc in the parliament fired an early warning shot, saying that Britain should expect no free ride as it negotiates its departure.

"There cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom. The British people have expressed their wish to leave the EU. Leave means leave. The times of cherry-picking are over," European Peoples Party leader Manfred Weber said.

He insisted that the exit negotiations "should be concluded within two years."

This insistence on a "hard exit" is aimed at discouraging other countries from wanting to leave the bloc in the belief that they might be able to negotiate a comfortable partnership from the outside.

Many European officials fear the UK vote will play into the hands of the far right and left and fuel calls for referendums in other countries.

The possibility to leave exists in the EU's rule book, but it's never been used before.

Whatever decisions are taken, the coming weeks and months will be frantic and uncertain, according to analysts.

"This summer will see the beginning of a tumultuous political crisis that will probably set many EU member states against one another, and will certainly reverberate around the world," warned Giles Merritt from the Friends of Europe think tank.
Seoul: The plenary meeting of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) ended on Friday with no decision on India's membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.

China's stand that India's membership application cannot be considered because it has not signed the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was backed by nearly 10 other countries which effectively torpedoed India's bid although it had the strong backing of the US, the UK, France and a majority of countries in the nuclear trading group.

Earlier, the chief Chinese negotiator, Wang Qun continued to vehemently oppose India's membership of NSG.

Wang, Director General of China's Department of Arms Control, told reporters that there was no consensus on the NSG membership of non-NPT countries like India.

He insisted that for a country to be a member of NSG, signing of the NPT "is a must". This rule has not been set by China but by the international community, he added.

Wang warned "if exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether".

Asked about reports that Beijing was blocking India's membership, he said the NSG has so far not agreed to any agenda item on participation of non-NPT countries. Therefore, there was no point of China supporting or opposing India's membership.

The anti-India stand taken by China again today clearly shows that Chinese President Xi Jinping has not responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's urgings in Tashkent yesterday that Beijing should support India's case.

Seeking China's support for India's membership, Modi had urged Xi to make a "fair and objective" assessment of India's application which is before the Seoul plenary as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
Despite tremendous efforts right from the level of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the official ranks of the Ministry of External Affairs, India's mission to enter the Nuclear Suppliers Group at the Seoul plenary session has failed to materialise. Thanks to an adamant China, who showed the rule book citing Non-Proliferation Treaty as a prerequisite, the Indian endeavour had to end without success. Hope still exists for India in next year's Switzerland plenary session, but here is a post-portem of why the Seoul mission was a disappointment:

Last moment U-turn from Switzerland cost India dearly

While it was expected that barring China, rest of the member-states will rally behind India, after the United States urged them to support our candidature, the biggest shock, however, came from Switzerland. During PM Modi's recent trip to the country, he was assured of its total support at the NSG.

China's continued opposition at NSG



A stubborn China continued to raise the NPT bogey to dissuade members from supporting India citing that New Delhi is not a signatory to the NPT. This is one of the foremost criteria to enter NSG. China exploited this to its advantage and scuttled India's bid for not being an NPT signatory. The Economic Times quoted Wan Qun as saying, " "if exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether".

Not just China, many joined the fray to oppose India

In a major diplomatic failure, not just China and Switzerland but also countries like Brazil, Turkey, Austria, Ireland and New Zealand opposed India, as reported by The Indian Express. The opposition from Brazil however came as a surprise as India is also a member of BRICS, of which the South American nation is a part of. Brazil too referred to the non-NPT signatory clause.

Pakistan-China nexus wrecked India's chances

While reports suggest that Pakistan's bid was not even discussed at the late night special plenary session convened to discuss accession of non-NPT countries, it did collude with China to damage India's chances.The fact that Pakistan applied for membership just after India did was always going to be a tricky issue. Soon after PM Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday at Tashkent, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain also meet the Chinese president. President Hussain reportedly told President Xi that any exception to India will disturb regional stability.

China, a strategic ally of Islamabad, cleverly used Pakistan to raise the issue of India's NPT status. It urged that both South Asian countries must be treated on par and any exception to New Delhi must also be extended to Islamabad.

China's own geo-strategic game hindered India's bid



China aspires to be the next superpower and India is its only serious competitor to claim that position. Naturally, India's entry into the elite group of nuclear traders could have changed the geo-political balance in Asia. So China's opposition was a foregone conclusion. That the United States, the world's largest economy and China's rival, backed India in the NSG made matters worse.

Despite, the MEA saying that only one country  China  opposing India at the meet, reports suggest that the anti-India group is actually much larger. At the end, it was a combination of geo-political considerations, India's non-NPT signatory status and diplomatic flip-flops that torpedoed New Delhi's prospects at Seoul this year.
China stonewalling Indias entry into NSG from the shadows despite multiple ambiguous statements from Beijing (all orchestrated by the Chinese government since all media in China is state controlled), was on predictable lines. Grouping Pakistan with India in saying both must join NPT first means very little because despite Pakistan being a protege of both China and US, more of the former, NSG members were unlikely to vote Pakistan in, given Pakistans record of nuclear proliferation and growing global fears that the country will pass nuclear technology on to terrorist organizations.

What China achieves by blocking Indias NSG membership includes: hinder Indias uranium supply to some extent and access to latest nuclear technology; deny India seat in the nuclear trade group including export of nuclear components by India; deny India the right to build its case for a UNSC seat as an NSG member; give a royal snub to America who was fully supporting Indias NSG membership and exhorting other members to do so; demonstrate to the world Chinas clout as an emerging Great Power, moulding global opinions.

China was also opposed to Indias MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) membership, especially when they themselves have been denied entry into MTCR. But then how could China be accommodated in MTCR with its established record of missile technology and nuclear proliferation to Pakistan, North Korea, Iran and even export of Silkworm missiles to Saudi Arabia decades back. Post Indias admission into MTCR, a senior US official had stated that it (MTCR) "permits India to continue to advance its non-proliferation leadership in the world and contribute to that regime, to limit missile proliferation in the world". This obviously raised China's hackles especially since it views India as getting closer to the US, little realizing its own actions in concert with Pakistan are principally responsible for many developments in recent times.

Sure China is a signatory of NPT but it has indulged in nuclear proliferation in plentiful manner. Without doubt the nuclear programs of Pakistan and North Korea are China initiated and China sustained. In 1986, Chinese scientists began assisting Pakistan with the enrichment of weapons-grade uranium. China not only transferred Tritium gas to Pakistan for 10 nuclear weapons but also provided nuclear technology and co-opted Pakistani scientists in a nuclear test at its Lop Nor test site in 1989. The most significant proliferation activity involved China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation (CNEIC) providing 5,000 specially designed ring magnets to Pakistan.

In his book The Nuclear Express: A Political History of the Bomb and its Proliferation, Thomas Reed, former US Air Force Secretary pointedly stated that China has intentionally proliferated nuclear technology to risky regimes, particularly Pakistan. In his interview with US News, Reed explained that China under Deng Xiaoping, decided to proliferate nuclear technology to communists and radical Muslims in the third world based on the strategy that if the West started getting nuked by radical Muslim terrorists or another communist country without Chinese fingerprints, it would be good for China. China trained Pakistani scientists and gave them the design of the CHIC -4 device, which was a weapon that was easy to build a model for export. There is evidence that AQ Khan used Chinese designs in his nuclear designs. Notes from his lectures later turned up in Libya. China dealt with Saudis, North Koreans, and the Algerians similarly. China tested Pakistans first bomb in 1990. What reinforces Chinese lies is that while China raised a host of objections to exposures in Reeds book, all were withdrawn subsequent to Reed pointing out facts were based on discussions with Chinese scientists. As for North Korea, not only has China actively assisted the formers nuclear program, it apparently wants North Korea to fire at least one nuclear weapon against another country (US, Japan, South Korea?) just to displace the US claim of being the sole country to have nuked another country

Why India terms the NPT and CTBT discriminatory is because these are hardly adhered to in letter and spirit by the

signatories. China claims it has never had an active biological warfare (BW) program but the 1993 US State Department Compliance Report stated that China continues to produce, and weaponize biological agents despite joining the biological warfare convention (BWC). Though China declared in 1997 that it had dismantled the offensive chemical warfare (CW) the US maintains China has an advanced CW program under cover of R&D. The Chinese claim of dismantling its offensive CW program is misleading as sufficient weapons continue to be developed and maintained under pretext of defensive CW program, for which multiple delivery systems are already in place. It is no secret that Pakistan, Chinas protege, too is actively following such programs, perhaps with active help from the mentor. During the Kargil Conflict, Pakistani RPG detachments were reportedly equipped with chemical rockets and the detachments themselves were outfitted with gas masks.

Chinas current stance that it does not believe in waivers, (NPT in case of NSG membership) is hollow because China itself agreed to a waiver in favour of India during the Indo-US Nuclear Deal of 2008. That had happened after a telephonic conversation between the Presidents of US and China. But in the current settings China has adopted a much harsher and aggressive stance all around including Asia Pacific, South Asia or IOR. A significant fallout of China blockading Indias NSG membership despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussing the issue with President Xi Jinping and China signaling that China will play constructive role on the issue is that the Chinese mask is off. Much that India would not say so officially, China obviously considers India as its prime enemy perhaps after the US, blocking Indias NSG membership being just one such indication. But NSG is a side issue in the overall aggression by China that the world faces. The main source of Chinas strength is its economy. But even as its forex reserves had fallen to $3.2 trillion, its external debt had ballooned to $1.68 trillion  and this was before Brexit. China may be making investments left, right and centre but considerable amount of its economy is being used up to pay back the interest on its debt. Among the many weaknesses that China has, this is a major one. That is something the world needs to consider in face of increasing Chinese aggression.

(The author is a retired Lieutenant General)
The story of the Brexit vote is in the detail. By and large, cities such as London and Edinburgh voted to remain in the European Union (EU). Generally speaking, one might even say that educated classes with hope in the job market voted to remain. It is the rural classes that have lost out to technology and global competition over the past quarter-century that voted to leave.

A different factor prevailed in Northern Ireland, where self-perceptions tend to distinguish between the Irish and British identities. The majority of the (Northern) Irish voted to stay in the EU. No doubt, people in Northern Ireland generally feel safer in a more multi-ethnic grouping like the EU than an English-dominated entity like the United Kingdom.

That second pattern is easy enough to understand. The nub of the issue was a search for security  a sense of having a safer economic and political future. That is a very fuzzy and ephemeral thing, that 'Sense of Security'. The pattern in Ireland seems similar to the unease that is often felt in Kargil district about joining Leh districts demand for a Union Territory of Ladakh. Most Kargilis acknowledge that the Ladakh region might be better off separating from the state, but feel safer in the generally Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Both patterns are likely to affect popular thinking in other parts of the world, as a similar sense of insecurity grows elsewhere in the near future. It is important to understand the first pattern in particular, for it could affect thinking in other countries in the European Union, and the presidential elections in the US this November.

Essentially, it reflects economic pessimism. Agrarian portions of the economy have changed radically as technology-driven mass production has silently overtaken the supermarkets shelves of the West. The incomes and prospects of what would once have been called `the rural masses have shrunk, in Britain as elsewhere in the world.

Simultaneously, these sections of the rural population in Britain have had to conform to exacting environmental, conservation, hygiene and marketing standards  generally imposed across the EU after negotiations at Brussels, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, or elsewhere on the Continent. Resentment against tech-generated shrinking prospects gets transferred in many minds on to the organizations that impose those tough protocols.

There are similar feelings in many countries on the European Continent too. These are the sentiments that give strength to politicians like Marie Le Pen in France, Geert Wilders in Holland, and the Alternative for Germany (AFD) party in Germany. The last tends to get support from parts of the former East Germany, where peoples hopes following integration with the West have been belied, industry is in tatters, and agriculture under severe pressure.

To a large extent, Britains vote was about harking back to `the good old days when the Union Jack flew in lonely splendor, and times seemed good. The sad fact is that those who voted to exit the EU will be disappointed. Those good old times are gone  not because Britain joined the EU but because of fundamental changes in global economic patterns, food-related technologies, and the cost-cutting logic that runs supermarket chains.

As for industrial production, the days when `Made in England labels commanded premium prices are long gone. Not only that, China and other new production centres so dominate the global market now Europes overall share of industrial productivity has shrunk substantially.

Apart from high-end motor vehicle and capital goods production in (mainly western) Germany and the market segments which Scandinavian countries still continue to dominate (paper from Sweden, for example), Europe is not an industrial leader any longer. Remaining in or leaving the EU is not likely to make much difference to that.

As pressure increases on sections of the European population which have consciously opted to pay much more for `biological or `natural food products for their tables, the agrarian sector is likely to be hit even harder than over the past quarter-century.

Overall, Brexit will not help to bring back `the good old days. Those are gone forever, EU or no EU. What Brexit does is give us a glimpse of the terribly mistaken ways in which populations in different parts of the world will try and batten down the hatches to try and protect themselves from the economic and geopolitical storms that are upon the world. Next stop: the US presidential elections.
VIERNHEIM, Germany A masked gunman took hostages at a cinema in western Germany on Thursday before police stormed the complex and shot him dead, police said.

No other people were injured, a police spokesman said.

The attacker, who carried a rifle or "long gun", acted alone and appeared to be a "disturbed man", the interior minister of Hesse state, Peter Beuth, told the regional parliament.

Police have not identified the man or established his motive, spokesman Bernd Hochstaedter said, adding that nothing immediately pointed to him having a militant background.

German television showed pictures of heavily-armed police, wearing helmets and body armour, storming the Kinopolis complex in Viernheim, south of Frankfurt, and a couple fleeing the building.

Cinema employee Guri Blakaj told Reuters the gunman, who was aged about 18 to 25 and about 1.7 metres tall, entered the cinema at around 3 p.m. and told workers to go into an office.

He then went into a cinema theatre. Blakaj, who said there were about six staff and 30 cinemagoers in the building, then heard shots fired.

Police special forces stormed the building and shot the gunman.

The identity and motive of the attacker remained unclear. A police spokesman said investigators found no identification documents with him.

There was still a heavy police presence at the scene into the late evening, and a helicopter circled overhead for several hours. Some 300 police officers and special forces were involved in the operation.

U.S. President Barack Obama was briefed about the hostage situation at the cinema, the White House said. Spokesman Eric Schultz told reporters U.S. officials were in contact with their German counterparts, but had no details.

(Additional reporting by Michael Nienaber, Madeline Chambers, Sabine Siebold and Roberta Rampton; Editing by Andrew Roche)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
London: Britain has voted to leave the European Union and that's that. No appeals. No do-overs. Right?

"Out is out," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters the day before Thursday's vote.

"You can't jump out of the airplane and then clamber back into the cockpit," is how British Prime Minister David Cameron put it in a recent radio interview.

Financial markets seem to have taken the vote as the final word on Britain's relationship with the EU, cutting an eye-popping 10 percent off the pound's value.

But what if, when the dust clears, the vote to leave isn't really that final or dramatic?

"The EU is a bit like the Hotel California in the Eagles song," said Tim Oliver, a fellow at the London School of Economics' IDEAS foreign policy think tank. "You can check out anytime but you never really leave."

Much of the uncertainty stems from the ambiguity about what a British exit, or Brexit, really means. Abandoning Europe could mean anything from a sweeping withdrawal from EU institutions to more limited opt-outs which could leave major pillars of European integration, such as free movement of labor, untouched.

"'Leave' could mean a million different things," Oliver said, giving Britain's political establishment considerable scope to loiter in Europe's lobby as euroskeptics argue over where the exits are. Some believe Britain is likely to end up more-or-less where it started.

Britain, like other nations roiled by euroskeptic revolts, will simply "negotiate a new agreement, nearly identical to the old one, disguise it in opaque language and ratify it," Princeton University politics professor Andrew Moravcsik predicted ahead of the referendum.

"The public, essentially ignorant about Europe, always goes along."

Moravcsik has a point; repackaged deals have helped bail out the European project before. After Irish voters rejected EU reforms in 2008, politicians in Dublin won modest concessions from their European counterparts and ran the vote again the following year, this time with a positive outcome. Similar EU referendum do-overs turned an Irish "No" into a "Yes" in 2002 and helped secured a Danish "Ja" in 1993.

But even those who say a second referendum is possible acknowledge that would not be so easy in the British case.

"That's a long way down the road and it may never happen," said Gavin Barrett, an expert on European constitutional law at University College Dublin.

The path to a second referendum in Britain is far narrower, in part because  unlike in Ireland  the political establishment is split over Europe. If leading euroskeptic Boris Johnson takes the reins of the ruling Conservative Party  as now seems possible  the prospect of a final vote will fade further still.

Alan Renwick, the deputy director of the Constitution Unit at University College London, said a do-over would only be plausible "if a party wins the 2020 election on a platform of having a second referendum and trying to go back in."

That seems unlikely given the current political alignment, but he said nothing is completely out of the question when it comes to a potential Brexit.

"You have so many possible long-shot scenarios," he said. "If you add up the probabilities of all of them, you end up with a significant chance of something surprising happening, whatever that might be."
News has just come in from Seoul that the plenary session of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group ended on expected lines without any decision on India's entry. The meeting did not come to consensus on opening up the NSG membership to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) countries.

In that sense it is a setback to the aggressive diplomatic bid mounted by India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But, foreign policy experts say that this is forward movement in that India has won over many countries that were ranged against it, limiting the opposition to China (because of its Pakistan axis) and a few other countries.

Firstpost spoke to Shyam Saran, senior diplomat and former foreign secretary, who has also served as the Prime Ministers Special Envoy for India-US civil nuclear issues and lateras Special Envoy and Chief Negotiator on Climate Change. Firstpost asked him whether he feels that NSG bid appears to have emerged as the single-most critical foreign policy priority for the Modi government and what can it change for India. He replied to this and to some other questions related to Indias probable entry into the elite club through email.

On importance given to NSG membership

I do not think that NSG membership has emerged as the single most critical foreign policy priority for the Modi government. A major power like India has an entire spectrum of issues where its interests are involved. NSG membership is only one of them. It has acquired prominence because Indias membership of the NSG is on the agenda at the meeting of the NSG plenary at Seoul (23-24 June, 2016). Making a concerted effort to mobilise support for Indias membership is part of normal diplomacy. It is possible that Indias bid may not succeed this time but the efforts needs to continue.

On what the membership can change for India

NSG membership may not have any substantive impact because India is already able to engage in full civil cooperation with NSG member states thanks to the clear waiver it obtained in September 2008 from the groups restrictive guidelines. Since then India has concluded a number of long-term nuclear fuel supply agreements with various supplier countries and has also engaged in negotiations for the supply of modern nuclear power plants from Russia, France and the US. What the NSG membership would do is to formalise Indias exceptional status. It would also enable India to participate in any exercise to modify or amend NSG guidelines in future. Currently, as part of the waiver, India has agreed to conform to the existing guidelines of the NSG, but would have limited influence over future amendments which could turn out to be inconvenient to it.

On Chinas opposition to Indias bid

It is true that China has opposed Indias membership of the NSG and is in a position to block this since the NSG functions on the basis of consensus. China had also opposed the decision to give a waiver to India in 2008, but it had not taken a public stand. It preferred to work through countries like Ireland, Austria, New Zealand and a few others, who have an almost evangelical position on the NPT. In the end, when China saw that even these countries were dropping their opposition to the waiver decision, it joined the consensus. It did not want to be the last man standing. In the present case, China has taken a very public stand in opposing Indias membership of the NSG and it appears that it is prepared to be the only country to do so, if such a situation were to arise.

China appears to be taking this stand on behalf of Pakistan which has also applied to become a member of the NSG. It is for Pakistan to convince the members of the NSG that it deserves membership. It is not reasonable to link its bid with that of India. China is free to lobby for its client states membership but why block Indias application which enjoys overwhelming support?

Even if, as a result of Chinas opposition, Indias membership bid is unsuccessful at Seoul, it should not be regarded as the end of the road. In the following weeks and months, India should engage in quiet but active diplomacy, to mobilise greater support within the NSG, including winning over China. I do not think that China would risk a setback to India-China relations by persisting in such opposition, especially when there are several areas of strong convergence between the two countries. Opposing India at the NSG while welcoming it in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation appears to be inconsistent.
WASHINGTON Another attempt at gun control faltered in the U.S. Congress on Thursday despite outrage at the Orlando massacre, as a proposed ban on firearms sales to people being monitored for links to terrorism barely avoided being killed in the Senate.

In a procedural vote, the Senate narrowly rejected an attempt to scrap the plan by Republican Senator Susan Collins to prevent guns getting into the hands of people on two U.S. government terrorism watch lists.

But the proposal looked short of the support it would need to advance through the chamber, and Republican leaders said the Senate would switch from debating gun control to other matters until at least after the July 4 holiday.

It was the latest setback for proponents of gun restrictions who have been thwarted for years on Capitol Hill by gun rights defenders and the National Rifle Association.

Frequent efforts at gun control have failed despite anger at mass shootings like the killings at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012 and in San Bernardino, California, last year.

Eventually this problem will get addressed again one of two ways: We find a breakthrough, which I will seek, or there will be another terrorist attack which will bring us right back to this issue. I hope we can do it without another terrorist attack, said Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican who supported Collins.

A few hours earlier, Democratic lawmakers ended a sit-in protest in the House of Representatives over guns.

Fuelled by Chinese food and pizzas, dozens of them stayed on the House floor all night, at times bursting into the civil rights anthem "We Shall Overcome" before giving up their protest after 25 hours.

"It's not a struggle that lasts for one day, or one week, or one month, or one year," said Representative John Lewis, a Democrat from Georgia and a key figure in the civil rights protests of the 1960s. "We're going to win the struggle," said Lewis, who led the House sit-in.

Dramatic protests by legislators are rare in the U.S. Capitol and the sit-in underscored how sensitive the gun control issue became after this month's Florida attack, the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Opinion polls show Americans are increasingly in favour of more restrictions on guns in a country with more than 310 million weapons, about one for every citizen.

ORLANDO ATTACK

After a gunman pledging allegiance to Islamic State fatally shot 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, some senators had seen resistance to gun restrictions softening because the issue had partly become one of national security.

But Collins' measure received only 52 votes in the 100-seat Senate test vote, short of the 60 votes that would be needed for approval in future Senate procedural votes.

While her plan could be revived next month, it is unclear if she has the momentum to overcome pro-gun rights forces in Congress who argue that gun control measures in Congress have been too restrictive and trample on the constitutional right to bear arms. Four other gun control measures failed earlier this week.

Collins, a Maine lawmaker, wants to forbid gun sales to anyone on the U.S. government's "No Fly List" for terrorism suspects or the "Selectee List" of people who receive extra security screening at airports.

Despite the lack of legislation, the gun debate has stirred passions. The House Democrats' sit-in brought an outpouring of grass-roots activity.

Jennifer Hoppe, deputy director of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said that in less than 24 hours from Wednesday, about 130,000 calls were made from supporters of gun control to members of Congress.

First lady Michelle Obama backed the House Democrats' protest.

"We have grieved for too many children and wept for too many families after shootings. Chicago. Tucson. Newtown. Charleston. Orlando. #Enough," she wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

The Democrats were seeking votes on legislation to expand background checks for gun purchases, as well as measures to curb the sale of weapons to people on government watch lists

Republicans allied with the NRA gun rights group say that while they want to combat terrorism, they represent constituents who believe firmly in the constitutional right to bear arms.

"Its a tough issue. For people like myself, who come from a hunting and fishing state, its pretty hard, said Senator Orrin Hatch, a conservative Utah Republican who voted against Collins.

(Additional reporting by Richard Cowan, Timothy Ahmann, Timothy Gardner and Eric Walsh, Doina Chiacu; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Bill Trott and Peter Cooney)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
In order to sensibly analyse what is happening over Indias possible admission to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), one must take account of how the global political scene has changed over the past eight years, since India was given a waiver in 2008.

The most obvious change is Chinas emergence as a superpower. It does not yet project power across the globe as much as the US, but it is less chary of arrogating global power to itself than it was eight years ago. Its influence over other countries has increased significantly; willy-nilly, that has dented the 'globo-cop' role which the US was able to take on after the collapse of the Soviet Union a quarter-century ago. That Russia has made a strong comeback on the world stage in the new century has further decreased the reach of the USs power. So has the failure of its 'shock-and-awe' invasion of Iraq.

A related change is that China has adopted Pakistan as a key economic, political, and military ally. Indeed, Pakistan is now arguably Chinas most trusted strategic ally. Chinese troops are deployed in parts of the Jammu and Kashmir state controlled by Pakistan, and an extraordinary economic corridor is coming up through that state all the way to the Arabian Sea. It is slated to be Chinas most important neo-'silk route.'

Since at least the 1970s, the two countries cooperation has focused most sharply on nuclear power; China has either given, or helped Pakistan to develop, technologies and hardware for nuclear weapons, fissile material and missiles. Even beyond the nuclear field, the two countries military cooperation has increased tremendously over the years.

One must therefore understand that Chinas resistance to Indias admission to the NSG is to a large extent an integrated Sino-Pakistani resistance. Pakistan has been antagonistic towards India since its birth. India needs to get used to the fact that China too is not positively disposed.

It has become clear since 2008 that China wants to keep India uncertain and under pressure. Since the end of that year, its troops have made periodic forays into territories of Jammu and Kashmir that India considers to be under its control. China had also stopped issuing visas on the Indian passports of citizens from that state. And it has, during this period, made it clear that it considers the state to be disputed, and that it sees a role for itself at the negotiating table for a resolution.

When India was given a waiver in 2008, US President George W Bush had gone out of his way to exert his countrys considerable pressure on a range of member countries. Since then, sections of the US establishment may have been disappointed in their expectations of nuclear-related sales to India  which has rightly demonstrated that it will decide each purchase on merits according to its interests.

On the other hand, Pakistan and China have obviously done a lot of spadework in the worlds chanceries this time round. According to reports, Brazil, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand and Turkey raised objections. Most objections have centred, either explicitly or implicitly, on the need to establish norms for admission that would allow the Group to deal with a Pakistani application. The behaviour of Brazil, which is in the throes of a messy political transition, is particularly intriguing.

The US should have been able to influence the acting government quite easily. Perhaps that happened overnight after Thursdays round of discussions in Seoul. For, according to reports, Brazil was among the countries that supported India on Friday.

Indias case was brought up by Japan, which occupies the high moral ground on the issue of nuclear proliferation  as the only country to have suffered nuclear weapon strikes. India also had strong support from France  a leading seller in the nuclear market.

India can take comfort from the fact that its diplomacy succeeded to a large success. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did well to ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider the issue of Indias admission objectively on its merits. In diplomacy, what is left unsaid is as important as what is said. At this juncture, it would have been counterproductive to acknowledge that India sees that China is closely aligned to Pakistan.
Kathmandu: After a blast in Kabul that left 12 Nepalis and two Indian security guards dead and Nepal announced it would bring back migrants wanting to leave Afghanistan, the blast survivors have demanded local job opportunities.

Two days after the suicide bomb attack on 20 June, which also left seven security guards injured, Nepal received the remains of those killed, Xinhua news agency reported.

Nepal not only airlifted 12 coffins to Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport, it also welcomed 24 migrant workers who were working over the last few years in war-torn Afghanistan.

Following the announcement of bringing back migrants wanting to leave Afghanistan, 24 Nepalis working as security guards for a Canadian mission in Kabul returned home out of terror and fear.

At the airport, the workers seemed relieved to have landed in their own country, after their ordeals in the high-risk region of Kabul where some of their friends' hopes and lives were claimed.

Maniram Khanal, from the western Nepali Kaski district, is among those who returned on Wednesday after staying in Afghanistan for five years.

Khanal, a retired Nepal Army personnel, said Monday's attack was evidence of how risky their lives were in Afghanistan.

"We knew about the risks from the very beginning but such attacks were centred outside of Kabul. But now, as violent acts are happening in broad daylight inside the main city, life has become so risky that I immediately decided to return," Khanal said.

Khanal, a father of two, was on his night-shift duty on the day of the attack while his colleagues were in a mini bus on their way to duty station.

He said the distance between the living quarters and the Canadian mission was less than a 10-minute journey but full of risks.

"If we had an armoured vehicle instead of a mini bus for transportation, the loss would be quite less. The armoured vehicle can carry four or five people which would be comparatively safer. Afghanistan is no way a safe place for Nepali workers," Khanal said.

Among those who lost their lives was Amrit Bahadur Thapa, from the north-wstern Nepali Lamjung district, who was Khanal's roommate for the past year-and-half, a memory which pulls at Khanal's heart every minute.

Along with Khanal, some 147 Nepalis used to work as security guards for the British security consultancy firm Sabre International based in Kabul.

The returnees, mostly retired Nepal Army and police personnel, said other diplomatic missions like those of the US and Australia have better security arrangements than the Canadian one.

Most of these security guards earn an average of Rs 100,000 (nearly $1,000) monthly, which they admit is impossible to earn in Nepal.

According to the Department of Foreign Employment, nearly 9,000 Nepali migrants had received permission to work as security guards in the war-torn country in the last 10 years, while there is no record of Nepalis working there off the records.

Earlier, Nepal had imposed a blanket ban on Nepalis working in Afghanistan and Iraq after 12 Nepalis were killed in Iraq in 2004.

Following a partial reversal, some Nepalis could receive a permit to work only in green-zones in Afghanistan, where the UN and other diplomatic agencies have their bases.

"I had chosen Afghanistan thinking that it's a better destination for former Army officials. In Gulf countries, the work is difficult and the pay is low. Since we don't have enough opportunities here, it made sense to leave the country," said Lal Bahadur Tamang, 51, another returnee.

A resident of the western Nepali Tanahun district, some 170 km from Kathmandu, Tamang said he did not want to work overseas any more, adding he would start his own business.

Most of the returnees echoed Tamang's sentiments, with some saying that even if they have to die, they want to die in their own motherland.

Those back from Afghanistan said many of their friends in Kabul have also decided to return as soon as possible, as their companies do not care about their security.

Thanking the Nepali government for bringing them back home, Bhagwan Banjara said Nepali youth should opt not to go to Afghanistan or other risky destinations such as Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

"The attackers have started targeting Gurkhas so the Nepal government must stop sending its citizens to their graves. The government must create job opportunities here," Banjara said.

At a time when 1,500 to 2,000 Nepalis leave the nation every day due to poverty, political instability and unemployment, many believe the Kabul incident has been a big lesson for the government.
David Cameron's decision to step down as prime minister, post EU referendum voting, where Britain voted to leave the European Union, has left millions in shock.

Baroness Warsi, a British lawyer, member of the House of Lords and Co-Chair of the Conservative Party from 2010-2012, expressed grief over David Cameron's resignation.

Stunned & deeply saddened that David has decided to resign.

Simply lost for words. Need leadership more now than ever before @David_Cameron  Sayeeda Warsi (@SayeedaWarsi) June 24, 2016

Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, told Radio 4 that Cameron would be remembered as "one of Britain's great reforming prime ministers", as reported by The Telegraph.

Theresa Villiers, the Northern Ireland secretary, said: "It's truly shocking news, it's deeply sad... I would very much have preferred David Cameron to have been steering this country through the next few years. I entirely respect his decision but I think it's a sad day for the country that he has decided to stand down."

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour party, too praised Cameron saying: "I think the way he handled the Bloody Sunday inquiry and the way he handled the apology... I would praise him for that."

George Freeman, member of the Conservative party and minister for life sciences too tweeted in support of David Cameron post his resignation.

The PM @David_Cameron at his statesmanlike best. So sad to see him go. A great man, democrat, patriot and Conservative of huge integrity.  George Freeman (@Freeman_George) June 24, 2016

Ruth Davidson, Scottish conservative leader wrote: "Right for the Prime Minister to offer stability while the country plots its course. Honorable to the last."

Right for the Prime Minister to offer stability while the country plots its course. Honorable to the last.  Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) June 24, 2016

Gilad Erdan public security and strategic affairs minister reacted to the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron saying: "Cameron's resignation is sad and unfortunate, but proves that he was a smart and responsible leader. A true gentleman." as reported by The Jerusalem Post.

Harry Leslie Smith, British writer, war veteran and pro-Europe campaigner criticised "lame duck" David Cameron for "causing much harm and no good to Britain".

#DavidCameron resigns after causing much harm to Britain and no good.  Harry Leslie Smith (@Harryslaststand) June 24, 2016
UNITED NATIONS The Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) called on United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday to launch an investigation into its accusations that Russia has repeatedly used air-delivered incendiary weapons in Syria.

Russia deployed warplanes to Syria last year to support President Bashar al-Assad against rebels seeking to end his rule. A crackdown by Assad on pro-democracy protesters five years ago sparked a civil war and Islamic State militants have used the chaos to seize territory in Syria and Iraq.

"Russian air forces have repeatedly deployed incendiary weapons and cluster munitions to kill, main and terrorise Syrian civilians, including in at least 10 documented incidents," Riad Hijab, coordinator of the opposition HNC, wrote to Ban.

"They have violated the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and breached international humanitarian law," he wrote.

Hijab alleged that "thermite, which ignites while falling, has been likened to 'mini nuclear bombs' and was deployed repeatedly by Russian forces in residential areas." He also accused Russian forces of using cluster munitions.

Incendiary weapons use substances that are designed to set fire to objects or burn people, and cluster munitions are containers that explode in the air to distribute smaller bombs over a large area. Both are banned under the convention.

The Russian mission to the United Nations was not immediately available to comment on the accusations. Ban's office was also not immediately available to comment on the request for an investigation.

State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters in Washington that the United States was not in a position to confirm the allegations by the Syrian opposition, but that the claims were taken very seriously.

"Regardless of what weapons they're using, (the Russians) shouldn't be striking groups that are committed to the counter-ISIL fight or civilians," he added. "Russia and the Assad regime need to be more careful about distinguishing between terrorists, civilians and parties to the cessation of hostilities."

The United States has sharply criticized Moscow over strikes last week against U.S.-backed forces in Syria, saying Russia failed to heed U.S. warnings to stop its attack, which killed and injured Syrian fighters battling Islamic State.

U.S.-backed forces in Syria have reported that Russia fired at their garrison with cluster munitions in that attack, a senior British general in the U.S.-led coalition said on Thursday.

"Definitely, the people we advise on the ground reported cluster munitions," British Army Major General Doug Chalmers told a Pentagon news conference.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols, Arshad Mohammed and Phil Stewart; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
UNITED NATIONS The United Nations is concerned by the Syrian opposition's accusations that incendiary weapons have been used in Syria but said on Friday it is unable to verify the reports.

The Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee called on U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday to launch an investigation into its accusations that Russia has used air-delivered incendiary weapons and cluster bombs in Syria.

The Russian mission to the United Nations was not immediately available to comment on the accusations.

"We are concerned about the reports of the use of incendiary weapons in Aleppo, Syria," U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said. "We are not in a position to verify these reports."

"We expect that all parties and states involved in the conflict will refrain from their use in this way," he said.

Russia deployed warplanes to Syria last year to support President Bashar al-Assad against rebels seeking to end his rule. A crackdown by Assad on pro-democracy protesters five years ago sparked a civil war, and Islamic State militants have used the chaos to seize territory in Syria and Iraq.

Incendiary weapons use substances that are designed to set fire to objects or burn people, and cluster munitions are containers that explode in the air to distribute smaller bombs over a large area. Both are banned under the Convention on Conventional Weapons.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
LONDON Britain may have voted to remain in the European Union at a membership referendum on Thursday but the bloc is doomed regardless, the head of the anti-EU UK Independence Party said on Thursday.

Nigel Farage said he thought Britain had voted to remain in the EU, possibly because of an extension of a deadline for people to register to vote.

"The eurosceptic genie is out of the bottle, and it will now not be put back," he told supporters, in comments carried on local television.

"If we do stay part of this union it is doomed, it is finished anyway. If we fail tonight it will not be us that knocks out the first brick from the wall, it will be someone else."

Britain extended the voter registration period for its June 23 referendum by 48 hours earlier this month after a late surge in applications crashed a key website shortly before an original deadline.

"I hope and pray that my sense of this tonight is wrong," Farage said.

"My sense of this -- and no I am not conceding -- but my sense of this is that the government's registration scheme, getting 2 million voters, the 48-hour extension, may be what tips the balance."

Farage repeated his forecast that Remain would narrowly win even after official results which showed a better-than-expected performance for Leave in two northern cities, Sunderland and Newcastle, that nudged his camp just ahead of the Remain camp with five out of 382 areas declared.

(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan and William Schomberg; editing by Mark John)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Beirut: US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters advanced into the Islamic State jihadist group's bastion of Manbij in northern Syria, sparking fierce street fighting as they push to take the city.

Backed by air strikes by the US-led coalition bombing Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance entered Manbij from the south, a monitoring group said.

The advance marked a major breakthrough in the battle for Manbij, once a key link on the supply route between the Turkish border and Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital of Raqa.

The loss of the city would deal another blow to Islamic State following a string of recent battlefield defeats, including the taking by Iraqi forces earlier this month of the centre of the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

On the humanitarian front, the United Nations said it would begin flying desperately needed aid from Damascus to the northeastern city of Qamishli, which has been inaccessible by road for more than two years.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said SDF forces were able to break through Islamic State defences in Manbij a few hours after taking control of a village on the city's southwestern outskirts.

"Fierce street fighting between buildings" erupted as they entered the city, said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman, whose group relies on a broad network of sources inside Syria to monitor the conflict.

An SDF commander at the front told AFP that Islamic State fighters were using car bombs and other explosives to try to slow the assault.

"Our forces, in coordination with the coalition, are determined to advance inside the city and eliminate all Daesh fighters," he said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

Abdel Rahman said tens of thousands of civilians were trapped inside the city, though some 8,000 had been able to flee since the start of the SDF offensive on Manbij on 31 May.

He said six civilians including a child were killed today by a mine as they tried to flee the city, which had a population of about 120,000 before the start of Syria's civil war in 2011.

The SDF managed to encircle the city on 10 June but its advance slowed as Islamic State fought back, including with almost daily suicide bombings.
Washington: The US desires to see India's application for NSG membership be considered seriously even as its bid to enter the 48-nation grouping has hit a roadblock reportedly due to Chinese opposition.

"We have made clear our desire to see India's application be seriously considered," State Department Spokesman Kohn Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference on Thursday.

NSG members are scheduled to continue their meeting in Seoul on Friday wherein countries supporting India's application are expected to raise it again.

The US, Kirby said, has consistently supported and raised India's membership to the NSG before its other 47 member countries.

"We have made very clear our support of their application, and I have no reason to suspect that it was not discussed at this meeting. But what was discussed in the room and where they came down, I just do not know.

"I will see what we can do to find out for you, but I do not know how complete an answer I am going to be able to give you," Kirby added.

China "belligerently" led opposition to India's membership of NSG at a three-hour post-dinner meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group here last night which ended in a deadlock.

Preceding the two-day plenary of the 48-member NSG, which began yesterday, China had repeatedly said that India's membership was not on the agenda and is said to have made every effort to prevent any discussion on India's bid.

Indian official sources said that China was joined by Austria, Ireland and Brazil among other countries which questioned as to how a country like India which had not signed the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) can be admitted to the grouping.
"I say with some pride, this would never have happened without Ukip. It is, in many ways, our referendum."

The UK's departure from the European Union is almost certain, with shockwaves hitting stock markets across the world. This comes a day after UK Independence Party (Ukip) leader Nigel Farage has pocketed a lion's share of the credit for the referendum actually taking place. And in the early hours of Friday morning, he made this extremely inappropriate statement  particularly so considering the killing of British MP and Remain campaigner Jo Cox last week.

"And we'll have done it without a single bullet being fired" - Nigel Farage https://t.co/slOCKdj5NP https://t.co/94oLp0gOvZ  BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 24, 2016

Now, nearly 24 hours later, Farage has hailed the UK's response to the EU referendum as "a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people". Naturally, reactions to the EU referendum vote have been flowing in thick and fast, with some praising the Ukip leader:

A tip of the cap to @Nigel_Farage for his efforts to helping UK exit what is/was doomed to fail, #eu #brexit  Air-rick (@hillio85) June 24, 2016

Without Nigel Farage we'd still be kowtowing to Brussels. Now a new age of politics where people count can commence. https://t.co/znICdT8dJl  Peter Gunn (@CaptJolyon) June 24, 2016

@Nigel_Farage Congratulations and well done for your tireless work.  Islam is the Problem (@Ed_Demolay) June 24, 2016

And others, far less complimentary:

Nobody taught Neil Hamilton and Nigel Farage the art of winning with grace. Their braggadocio is so very unBritish. Not sporting at all.  Tania Kindersley (@taniakindersley) June 24, 2016

So @Nigel_Farage by voting to Remain I am not a real person, not a decent person, not an ordinary person! Thanks for that  Mr Christopher (@cedens2003) June 24, 2016

Just in case #Brexit has saddened you here's Nigel farage after a plane crash x pic.twitter.com/yujFLddnC6  bacar (@bacar_mane) June 24, 2016

But Farage isn't satisfied with just getting the UK out of the EU. He wants the results of the referendum to echo across the continent.

We have done it... For the whole of Europe. I hope this victory brings down this failed project and leads us to a Europe of sovereign nations, trading together, being friends together, cooperating together. And lets get rid of the flag, the (EU) anthem, Brussels and all that has gone wrong.

So just who is Nigel Farage, the man who has emerged as the architect of the Leave movement?

A man who started his professional life as a commodity broker, Farage's biggest contribution to Brexit is quite likely the way he turned immigration into the central theme of the EU referendum. In the past, he has spoken out on Muslim immigrants, pointing out that "people whove come (to Britain) and who are of the Muslim religion who dont want to become part of our culture" are the problem. Perhaps, foreshadowing Britain's EU exit, Farage in 2014 said that he would be concerned if "a group of Romanian men moved in" next door to him. And just last year and in light of the Syrian refugee crisis, the Ukip leader seemed to express a bit of empathy, and called for Britain to accept refugees from Syria... but only the Christian ones.

It was in 1993, at the age of 29, that Farage co-founded the Ukip after leaving the Conservative Party following a disagreement over... wait for it... then prime minister John Major's signing of the Treaty on the European Union.

Since then, he has been elected to the European Parliament in 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014. And in 2006, he was elected leader of the Ukip.

Apart from immigration reform, his other positions include being critical of the EU's 'green ambitions' that have been pushed on the UK, maintaining an anti-prohibitionist stand on recreational drugs, and advocating doing away with the 'first past the post' electoral system and the smoking ban in closed public spaces. Unsurprisingly (probably), he has mentioned that he would back Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton in the US Presidential Election in November this year and has made no bones about his admiration for Russian president Vladimir Putin.

What will he do next?

Only time will tell.
Lawmaker Ng Kuok Cheong believes that the Guangdong development fund for Guangdong-Macau cooperation is motivated more by political duties than by economic goals and the subsequent benefits it will bring to Macau, according to a report by All About Macau.

Earlier this week, more than 50 government officials from Guangdong province were present at the conference, which was held at the East Asian Games Dome, including Zhu Xiaodan, the Governor of Guangdong Province. Macau and Guangdong signed 12 cooperation framework agreements, including a memorandum on the aforementioned fund development.

The fund aims to invest in infrastructure projects in Guangdong, funded by both parties. On the question of how much money Macau will need to provide, no official amounts have been disclosed yet. However, according to a report by the Macao Daily News, the Macau government proposed last year to invest somewhere between 10 to 20 billion patacas in Guangdongs livelihood and state-owned company projects.

Ng implied that the fund could be regarded as political payback from Macau to Guangdong, as Macaus strong economy has been reaping the benefits of the free travelling policy issued by mainland.

Why did the government not conduct a public consultation on this resolution? Because this is a policy duty, [we] cant change anything [in it], said Ng, who also posed the question that, once an investment company is established by the fund, how will the local government supervise it?

Regarding the investment project, does Macau have a right to interfere? Ng asked, adding what kind of security will the Guangdong government provide [to Macau] in order to guarantee profits cover all the expenses?

Ng also urged the government to reveal the details of the memorandum, which so far have not been revealed to the public.
The bright red slogans hang from buses, government buildings and even some restaurants and gas stations, urging North Koreans to work harder to make the countrys 200-day speed campaign a success. Have you carried out the plan for today? one poster asks.

Its the second such drive this year, and while outside economists doubt their effectiveness, they reflect leader Kim Jong Uns desire to energize the countrys sputtering economy. That goal is fettered by international sanctions against Kims other main priority, his nuclear program, increasing the pressure on North Koreans to dig themselves out of economic stagnation.

In a collectivist society, slacking off isnt taken lightly. Least of all now.

If you look out the window, you wont see anyone just walking around, said Chang Sun Ho, the manager of a small shoe factory in Wonsan, a port city on North Koreas east coast. Everyone is working.

The history of North Koreas speed campaigns, which were also common in the former Soviet bloc countries and in China, is almost as old as the country itself. READ MORE

* Movies: Hunt for the Wilderpeople

* Books: Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler

* Music: Earth by Neil Young

* Wine: The genesis of gin

* Lifestyle: The wellness sanctuary

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Extra 2585  North Korea | Kim Poster Campaigns
Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo visited the Natuna islands yesterday in a move designed to send a message about the countrys commitment to protecting its sovereignty in the area at the edge of the South China Sea.

Jokowi, accompanied by top security officials, toured the area on the same naval ship that fired warning shots last week at Chinese fishing boats and detained one of the vessels and its seven crew members.

He then presided over a meeting on board the ship, discussing issues including development of the remote islands, about 1,100 kilometers north of Jakarta.

Senior political and security minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the visit would send a clear message that Indonesia is very serious about protecting its sovereignty.

In the course of our history, weve never been this stern [with China], the Jakarta Post newspaper quoted Pandjaitan as saying. This is also to demonstrate that the president is not taking the issue lightly.

On Sunday, Chinas Foreign Ministry released a statement of protest over last weeks shooting incident, saying the Indonesian navy had abused its military force. It described the waters as Chinas traditional fishing ground.

Chinas expansive claims to the South China Sea do not include the Natuna islands, which are nearly 2,000 kilometers from the Chinese mainland.

But Chinas nine dash line, which it uses to roughly demarcate its ambitions for its maritime boundaries, overlaps with a section of Indonesias internationally recognized exclusive economic zone extending from the Natuna islands.

The incident last week was the third involving Chinese fishing boats in recent months. In March, Indonesia intercepted a Chinese fishing vessel off the Natuna islands. In May, an Indonesian frigate fired shots at a Chinese trawler when it refused to stop fishing, and then seized the vessel and its eight crew members.

Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelago nation, has taken a tough stance against illegal fishing since Jokowi took office in October 2014. It has blown up 176 foreign fishing boats caught fishing illegally in Indonesian waters since then.

On Wednesday, a senior U.S. State Department official expressed concern over Chinese coast guard ships escorting Chinese fishing vessels in areas including waters off the Natuna islands.

I think it is a disturbing trend to see Chinese fishing vessels accompanied by coast guard vessels used in a way that appears to be an attempt to exert a claim that may not be legitimate, the U.S. official told Asian reporters in a teleconference. The official spoke on condition of anonymity.

She said it pointed to an expanding use of Chinese military and paramilitary forces that is provocative and potentially destabilizing. AP
China has pushed back after the U.S. boosted anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on some of its steel products, saying mills in the worlds biggest economy lack competitiveness because they are over-protected.

Protectionism in the U.S. steel sector is deeply worrying as these measures will only exacerbate friction without helping to solve the problem of shrinking global demand, Chinas commerce ministry said in a statement yesterday. China believes that the lack of competitiveness in the U.S. steel industry is the result of over-protection, it said.

The world is awash in steel as demand drops in China, which accounts for about half of global production. To offset declining consumption, overcapacity and weakening prices at home, Chinese mills have boosted exports to record levels. Thats raised trade tensions worldwide, spurring a backlash from rival producers and forcing policy makers to try to address the problem, including at Mays Group-of-Seven meeting in Japan.

China urges the U.S. to abide by the World Trade Organizations rules and to use trade remedy measures judiciously, the commerce ministry said after the U.S. ruling, which came Wednesday from the International Trade Commission, a federal body.

The U.S. has been materially injured by imports of the cold-rolled steel flat products from China, as well as Japan, which have been determined to be sold at less than fair value and subsidized, the ITC said in a statement. All six of the ITCs commissioners backed the move, it said. Bloomberg
TWIN FALLS  A new coffee shop is planned to open this weekend on Shoshone Street.

The Brim, 260 Shoshone St. E., will offer an assortment of espresso drinks, homemade baked goods and breakfast items. Owners Raechel and Todd Williams have hired 15 employees with hopes of having a soft opening this weekend.

Its just something Ive always wanted to do, Raechel Williams said.

Her mother, Linda Johnson, bakes the sweet and savory treats on site.

S & S Odd Jobs did work on the inside of the shop, giving it a rustic appearance with stained concrete floors, rough-cut lumber and metal siding.

Williamss friend, Patrick Andrews, owns supplier Blue Copper Roasters. The small-batch roasting business in Salt Lake City will be providing the beans for The Brim.

I want to sell a quality product, Williams said.

Manager Kaitlyn Kelley said the business is not actively seeking applications, but will accept them. The Brim is planned to open this weekend, or Monday at the latest.

Were going to have the basic espresso drinks and specials that well feature, she said.

An outdoor seating area will be dog-friendly, with water bowls available, Kelley said. The drive-through is accessible from Third Street.

The Brim will be open daily at 7 a.m., and close around 8 or 9 p.m., she said. Free Wi-Fi will be available to customers.
ISLAND PARK  Nearly one in four accidents on U.S. 20 through Island Park are caused by collisions with wildlife.

The highways close proximity to Yellowstone National Park, as well as large stretches of animal habitat on both sides, make it deadly for ungulates large and small.

The Island Park Safe Wildlife Passage Initiative hopes to protect both wildlife and people by creating a corridor to help animals safely cross the highway.

From 2004 to 2013, 33 people died on Idaho roads after hitting an animal. U.S. 20 is a specifically dangerous area. A four-year, federally funded collaborative study between Wildlife Conservation Society and Idaho Departments of Transportation and Fish and Game found that from 2005 to 2009, 169 animal-vehicle collisions took place on U.S. 20 between Ashton and Island Park. Those crashes killed moose, white-tailed and mule deer, and caused millions of dollars in damage to vehicles.

In September, a young grizzly bear was hit and killed on the stretch of highway.

In addition to showing how big the problem was, the study also helped find a solution. Researchers were able to use the data to figure out where animals liked to cross the highway, pinpointing ideal locations for a wildlife corridor.

Kim Trotter, chairwoman of the initiative, said she wants to encourage residents in the area to discuss safe wildlife passage and get in on the ground floor of an Idaho Transportation Department study of the area. ITD is analyzing U.S. 20 from Chester to the Montana border looking for ways to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions and reduce congestion.

Each year about 200 motorists are killed nationwide in an animal-vehicle collision, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports.

Trotter wants to integrate safe wildlife passage into ITDs study.

It is a problem for human safety, and its a problem for wildlife safety as well, Trotter said. In the long term were trying to get alternatives proposed by their contractor into the plan. Thats our goal for now is safe wildlife passing integrated into (ITDs) plan.

The initiative is a working group of the Henrys Fork Legacy Project, a conservation society dedicated to the resources in the upper Henrys Fork of the Snake River.

Trotter intends to build public support of safe wildlife crossings.

We need public support from Island Park and Fremont County, Trotter said. I think we all know someone who has hit a deer on Highway 20.
TWIN FALLS  My dad and I always have chuckled about the idea that Shoshone Falls is the Niagara of the West.

We fell for that moniker in July 1989, on a cross-country drive from Minnesota to California. What we found was some rocks, some concrete and precious little water.

Twenty-seven years later, we finally returned on June 22 while driving home from Salt Lake City. And now we know what all the fuss is about.

Water was flowing nicely over the falls, a natural feature in the Snake River that has been augmented by a diversion dam and Idaho Power plant. Late spring and early summer is the prime viewing time for the falls, which is 900 feet wide with a 212-foot drop.

But the good flow wont last much longer. Theres about 1,000 cubic feet per second going over the falls now. That flow is expected to remain steady until July 5, when it will drop to about 400 cfs indefinitely, said Brad Bowlin, a spokesman for Idaho Power. Water will stop flowing through Milner Dam, upstream from the falls, so that water can be used for agricultural purposes, Bowlin said.

Idaho Power is required to allow 300 cfs to flow over the falls from April 1 to Labor Day, unless theres less water than that available. Flows typically rise in late spring as water is released upstream for steelhead and juvenile salmon.

If you get lucky enough to get there in a big water year, its really quite spectacular, said Bowlin, who grew up in the Twin Falls area. Thats one of the reasons were required to maintain those scenic flows  there is a lot of public interest.

Idaho Powers plant can take 900-1,000 cfs from the river at full strength. Any flows above that go over the falls.

A few modifications have been made to the falls over the years. A scenic-flow structure was added recently to distribute water more evenly across the falls in low-water situations. Some of the rocks have been contoured and secured with concrete, too, Bowlin said.

Admission is $3 per car at Shoshone Falls Park.
TWIN FALLS  The 14- and 10-year-old boys charged in a sexual assault at Fawnbrook Apartments have been released from juvenile custody, and federal prosecutors are urging the community to stay calm, stop spreading falsehoods about the case and let investigators and court officials do their jobs.

The United States Attorneys Office extends its support to the 5-year-old victim of assault, and her family, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a statement released Friday. The United States Attorneys Office further encourages community members in Twin Falls and throughout Idaho to remain calm and supportive, to pay close attention to the facts that have been released by law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney, and to avoid spreading false rumors and inaccuracies.

Though the boys have been released, they still face juvenile charges that remain sealed under court order. Sealing cases is typical in juvenile cases, especially those involving allegations of sexual misconduct.

I dont know of any unsealed cases that involve (juvenile) sex crimes, Twin Falls County Prosecutor Grant Loebs said. Although a judge has that option, its almost unheard of.

That the alleged perpetrators of the crime are juveniles in no way lessens the harm to or impact on the victim and her family, U.S. Attorney Wendy Olson said in a statement. But she echoed Loebs in explaining the rights of juvenile defendants.

The criminal justice system, whether at the state or federal level, requires that juveniles be afforded a specific process with significant restrictions on the information that can be released, Olson said.

Because of the seal, few details about the assault have been made public, but Loebs and Police Chief Craig Kingsbury took the unusual step Monday to speak out by denying stories circulating on conspiracy websites and anti-refugee blogs claiming Syrian refugees gang-raped a girl at knife-point.

The case has reignited new opposition to refugee resettlement in Twin Falls and led to a raucous City Council meeting Monday where residents renewed calls to close the College of Southern Idaho Refugee Center, accused police and prosecutors of a cover-up and blasted Council members for allowing radical Muslim extremists to infiltrate Twin Falls.

Officials have largely dismissed those accusations  Loebs said anti-refugee groups were using the incident to further their agenda  and have tried to quell the outrage by clearing up disputed facts about the Fawnbrook incident.

There were no Syrians involved, there was no knife involved, there was no gang-rape, Loebs said.

What is known about the case is this: prosecutors allege a 5-year-old girl was sexually assaulted June 2 at the Fawnbrook Apartments. After an investigation, two boys ages 14 and 10 were detained and charged. A third boy involved in the incident, age 7, was not charged. The boys are from Iraqi and Sudanese families, but its unclear if they are refugees or how long theyve been in the community.

Olson said the prosecutor and police chief are moving fairly and thoughtfully in this case and urged citizens and residents to allow Mr. Loebs and Chief Kingsbury and their teams to do their jobs. She also warned against spreading fake stories circulating online.

We have seen time and again that the spread of falsehoods about refugees divides our communities, Olson said. The spread of false information or inflammatory or threatening statements about the perpetrators or the crime itself reduces public safety and may violate federal law.

Olson told the Idaho Statesmen she decided to speak out Friday after seeing so much false information spreading throughout the nation.

Loebs said the misinformation that has spread on the internet has made investigating the case more difficult.

Facts are now harder to find and the credibility of witnesses will be much more difficult to determine because of all the misinformation, Loebs said Friday. It doesnt change the way we will handle it  the case will go on just like any other case and wont be treated any differently  but the misinformation makes it more difficult to adjudicate and investigate.

When misinformation becomes prevalent in a case, it becomes difficult for witnesses to separate what they actually know and actually saw from what they read on the internet, Loebs said.

The prosecutor also acknowledged it was an unusual step for Idahos U.S. Attorney to comment on the case but said its important thing for the public to realize is law enforcement, prosecutors and the court are all handling this appropriately and handling it the way these cases are handled.

Meanwhile, in Facebook postings this week and in the false stories that broke last weekend, there were claims that both the victims family had been threatened by Middle Eastern men and that the families of the defendants were receiving threats.

Ive heard rumors of threats, but I have not received a report from police outlining specific threats, Loebs said Friday. I made it clear to the (victims) family that they should report anything because those threats would be criminal.

But Twin Falls Mayor Shawn Barigar confirmed Friday he has received threats over the citys perceived mishandling of the case.

Meanwhile, Fawnbrook Apartment managers said this week the complex is taking steps to evict the families of the boys involved.

With the police investigation now largely complete, acting in our capacity as property managers, we have served the legally required notifications to terminate the tenancy of those households who the police have identified as responsible for the criminal acts, Jeffrey Passadore, president of Cambridge Real Estate Services, wrote in a letter to the complexs tenants.

Passadore wrote that events of recent days have focused our collective attention on the complexities of living in a culturally diverse society. When management was first notified in broad terms of the truly horrific events of earlier this month, we immediately offered our full support and cooperation to local law enforcement.
POCATELLO  A Burley man who previously spent nearly a decade in prison for sexually abusing a child will now spend 20 years in federal prison on charges he distributed child pornography.

Prosecutors said Danny R. Henderson, Jr., 42, emailed pornographic images of children and had more than 100 images of child pornography on his computer.

Henderson was previously convicted of lewd conduct with a child younger than 16 in 2002 and sentenced to two to 10 years in prison. According to prison records, he was released from prison in January 2011.

Henderson was originally charged in Cassia County District Court in August when a special agent with the Idaho Department of Homeland Security told local police his agency had information Henderson attached 21 suspected pornographic images of children in an email. The IP address of the computer used came back to the Hendersons home in north Burley, investigators said.

Investigators reported finding nude photos of young girls on his desktop computer. The case was later turned over to federal prosecutors.

Henderson was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison for possessing, distributing, and receiving child pornography.

Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also imposed 15 years of supervised release.

Henderson pleaded guilty on February 10.

According to the plea agreement, on June 5 and 6, 2015, Henderson sent fifteen images of sexually exploitative images of minors via Twitter Direct Messaging, receiving in exchange 18 images. A subsequent search of his residence revealed several computers with numerous sexually exploitative images of minors.

Henderson admitted that he possessed the images, knowing the images contained visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and also knowing that production of such visual depictions involved the use of minors in sexually explicit conduct.
TWIN FALLS  The College of Southern Idaho will hold a free five-week middle school Zero Robotics program.

The program runs from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 5-Aug. 4 at CSIs Twin Falls campus.

Registration is required by calling 208-732-6442 or emailing http://communityed.csi.edu. The class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

By making the benefits and resources of the International Space Station tangible to students, Zero Robotics hopes to cultivate an appreciation of science, technology, engineering and math through collaborative competition.

The program at CSI is in cooperation with the MIT Space Systems Lab, Innovation Learning Center and Aurora Flight Sciences. Its sponsored by NASA, Center for the Advancement of Science in Space and Northrup Grumman Foundation.

Curriculum introduces students to computer programming, robotics and space engineering, and provides hands-on experience programming.

It culminates in a tournament where finalists go head-to-head against other teams from across the country, while astronauts referee the competition live from the International Space Station.

The program is seeking mentors to help during the program. Mentors should be familiar with C++ or Scratch programming languages.

K-12 educators, pre-service educators or college students pursing a STEM-related degree are encouraged to apply.

All mentors may be eligible for continuing education credits, elective credits, scholarship funds or a small stipend.

For more information, contact RD Van Noy at rvannoy@csi.edu or email communityed@csi.edu.
TWIN FALLS  Billy Rhodes face tells the beginning of a story, but not the end.

His face and body are covered in more than 100 tattoos. The majority of them were done in prison. Dirty White Boy is written across his eyebrows, Family is scripted on his neck and Love under his eye. When he enters stores, mothers grab their children and people stare.

Dont judge a book by its cover, Rhodes said, because hes been working on the second half of his story.

For the past four months, Rhodes, 42, has lived at Victory Home, a Christian nonprofit that helps rehabilitate the lives of ex-gang members, drug addicts and alcoholics.

I got caught up in gang activity in prison and it followed me out here, he said. Thats how I got shot.

In November, Rhodes was shot in the thigh and the bullet remained lodged in his knee for five months. It probably would have stayed there forever, he said, if it werent for the help he received at The Wellness Tree Community Clinic in Twin Falls.

It was starting to cause aggravation and swell up, he said. It wasnt unbearable, but annoying.

The Wellness Tree Community Clinic is a nonprofit organization that does not receive federal funds. Instead, it operates on private donations from individuals, organizations and community grants. It provides free acute/short-term regular medical care for people at or below the poverty level and/or no medical insurance.

There are 10 free medical clinics in Idaho. The Wellness Tree Community Clinic is the only one in the Magic Valley.

Rhodes didnt learn about The Wellness Tree until he starting living at Victory Home.

Arne Walker, executive director of the Wellness Tree, said the clinic is planning to launch an advertising campaign later this year to better inform people of its services. The clinic has helped 504 patients since January. The Wellness Tree Dental Clinic, which opened in June 2015, has a waiting list for dental procedures that is three pages long. Walker said there is a huge need for volunteer dentists.

But Rhodes is the first patient to get a bullet removed at the clinic.

The surgery took place in March and was done by medical student Bryon Davis, who was directed by Dr. Dave McClusky III, a longtime volunteer doctor.

The community needs some place for people who dont have health care, McClusky said. Its in best interest of the community because the emergency room isnt the best place to do some of the services that we do. The people we see there are undocumented, refugees whose eight months of healthcare are gone, the homeless and people that are poor and arent on Medicare and Medicaid.

Its also an opportunity for students like Davis to work on patients, further preparing them for their residencies and medical practice. McClusky said physician assistant students stay at The Wellness Tree for a year and can see an average of 250 cases.

They would not get that training any where else, he said. If we were living someone where there was a medical school, they all have clinics like this. There are people that fall into the crack that no one takes care of.

Rhodes considers himself lucky because the person who shot him had the gun pointed at the back of his head. Rhodes friend hit the gun before it went off.

Originally from Alabama, he has lived in Idaho for nearly 20 years. When his mother moved to the area, he followed, but stayed because he received a five-year prison sentence at age 18 for 13 counts of grand theft of firearms. Hes been in and out of prison since, but started the process of turning his life around while sitting in the backseat of a cop car, shortly after being shot. Since the wound wasnt life-threatening, the bullet was left in his knee.

If this is the way you want me to live my life, Rhodes said, recalling his plea to God. But, if there is something more, show me.

He said it was then that he felt a weight lift off him and he could finally breathe for the first time in his life.

Its like Gods favor was on me, he said.

Since moving into Victory Home, Rhodes said hes learning to become more like Christ. Hes working toward phase two of the nonprofits three-phase program, and hes even been interacting with his two daughters more.

Rhodes wore a bright green shirt with Addicted to Jesus on the front Tuesday. He sat inside a conference room at the clinic as Walker projected photos of Rhodes surgery on the wall.

These guys are so awesome here, Rhodes said. There is no judging. Im just trying to do what I can to share what a great clinic this is.
In the aftermath of horrific terrorist massacres such as the Orlando, Florida, nightclub shooting, the natural impulse of the American people is to ask what the government can do to prevent such tragedies. Securing public safety is indeed the governments most important job; keeping guns away from terrorists has obvious value. But this must be done in a way that complies with the Constitution.

This admonition has animated much of the recent debate about the rules governing National Security Agency surveillance of suspected terrorists. Regrettably, it has not been embraced in the gun control debate unfolding in the aftermath of Orlando.

Yet the Constitutions due-process protections are the vital safeguard of individual liberty and mitigate against arbitrary government action by setting the procedures the government must observe when it seeks to deprive an individual of a given substantive right.

Constitutionally appropriate procedure varies based on the importance of the right at issue and the risk of an erroneous deprivation of that right, and the governments interest. For example, while government officials may commit a person who is dangerous to himself or others on an emergency basis, a judicial determination of the validity of the commitment must follow. Law enforcement officers may arrest a person they believe to be guilty of a crime, but the person who has been arrested is entitled to appear before a judge.

Our legal traditions spell out the process that is due for the categories of people currently denied the right to keep and bear arms. Those include felons and those charged with felonies, people adjudged mentally defective and those dishonorably discharged from the military. The unifying factor is that people subject to these bars have all received their day in court.

But thats not the case with the new gun control proposals. One proposal is to block gun sales to those named on the terrorist watch list maintained by the FBIs Terrorist Screening Center. The list, however, is entirely unsuited to that task.

According to National Counterterrorism Center guidance, agencies can add someone to the list based on a reasonable suspicion or articulable evidence that the person is a known or suspected terrorist. Listings can be based on anything from civilian tips and social-media postings to actual government investigations. The guidance makes clear that irrefutable evidence or concrete facts are not necessary.

The predictable result is a very long list, with entries of varying quality. As of July 2014, the main list contained about 800,000 names. More than 40 percent are designated as having no recognized terrorist group affiliation. This kind of list may be valuable for prioritizing counterterrorism activities, supporting investigations and determining where additional scrutiny may be warranted, such as with visa applications.

However, the watch list was never intended to be used to punish listed individuals by depriving them of their constitutionally protected rights. And, legally, it is unsuitable for that task. While there is an administrative redress process to remove a name from the list, there is no judicial review, no hearing and not even notification of whether a request was granted or denied, much less the grounds of the decision.

The no-fly list, which contained about 47,000 names in 2013, is subject to the same shortcomings. Individuals are never informed why theyve been listed and have no opportunity for a hearing before a neutral judge to clear their names. In court filings, the government has explained that the list represents officials predictive judgments about who may pose a threat. Whatever the merits of that approach as applied to the eligibility for air travel, it falls far short of the kind of concrete proof and procedure necessary to deprive a person of a constitutionally protected right.

Even narrower approaches being bandied about raise similar concerns. For example, an amendment by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, would authorize the attorney general to block a firearms sale if the attorney general determined that the buyer was engaged in conduct relating to terrorism. The amendment does provide that a frustrated buyer may bring a lawsuit in federal court to challenge a denial. But its text suggests that this is just window dressing: The attorney general may withhold the evidence underlying the denial from the plaintiff, placing the burden on the plaintiff to prove his innocence by rebutting evidence that hes never seen.

Those agitating for firearms restrictions now should understand that the precedent they set is a dangerous one that extends far beyond the realm of the Second Amendment. If the governments say-so is sufficient to block a gun salethereby abridging a right enumerated in the Constitution, with little or no ability for redresswhat right wouldnt be at risk of arbitrary deprivation, particularly among the powerless?
I ask Idahoans to take a fresh look at our endangered sockeye salmon. There is a win-win-win solution we should adopt.

How is it a winning plan? First, it saves taxpayer money currently wasted on barges and obsolete dams. Second, their return would bring millions to Idaho tourism (our states third largest industry). Third, it is the best way to bring back sockeye salmon (and benefits wild steelhead and chinook as well).

First, I want to state that I am not a hater of dams. Many dams are good. However, not all dams are still useful.

The Army Corps of Engineers documents show 79,000 dams in America. Former Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt has been vocal in saying that there are obviously some of those dams that are harmful or obsolete. Those terms fit the lower four Snake River dams.

The American Fisheries Society studied the problem and concluded, Whereas river shippers pay only 9 percent of costs of lower Snake River navigation  and the remainder is subsidized by electric ratepayers and federal taxpayers and: Whereas the power generation of the (4 dams is)  4 percent of the Northwests power needs (mostly during spring runoff when it is least needed and most replaceable) while only producing 1 percent  during high demand periods  if (society) wishes to restore Snake River salmon, steelhead (and others)  to sustainable, fishable levels, then a significant portion of the lower Snake River must be returned to free-flowing condition by breaching the four lower  dams.

We taxpayers have paid hundreds of millions to keep a dam and barge system operating from Lewiston. But customers are using the rail system, not barges.

A recent Rand Corp. analysis found that breaching could save taxpayers $1.6 billion to $4.6 billion. Your money. They also concluded that electricity rates could actually go down with the breaching of these four obsolete dams.

Another study called Revenue Stream found that restoration of salmon fishing in Idaho could increase our revenues by $556 million annually. Idaho needs that money.

Last summer the media reported about unnaturally warm water in the rivers. We think 80 to 90 percent of the adult (Snake River) sockeye are going to be lost this year, a federal fisheries expert said.

Recently, a federal judge ruled that once again the proposals for salmon restoration were a waste of his time. He told the parties to not come back until they had proposals including the option of breaching those dams.

Bringing back sockeye plus not wasting taxes for a barge system plus hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism and sportsmens money to fish in Idaho equals a winning solution. I challenge Idahos congressional delegation to introduce that legislation.

In 2006, interim Gov. Jim Risch released sockeye smolts in Redfish Lake, saying, Abandoning the recovery of these fish is not an option. Lets see our delegation do something about it.
This appeared in the Idaho Press-Tribune:

Democrats across the nation  and in Idaho  have to be licking their chops watching the Republican Party tear itself apart at the seams. And when it gets to the point that one member of the Idaho Legislature is secretly recording a conversation with another member of the same party and the same eastern Idaho district, well, you can hear the laughter from opposing donkeys all the way over here in the Treasure Valley.

Far-right darling Rep. Ron Nate of Rexburg essentially confirmed to the Idaho Falls Post-Register that he recorded a conversation he had with Sen. Brent Hill but refused to release that recording to the newspaper, citing the states public records law. The section of that Idahos Public Records Act that Nate cited, however, has been repealed.

You cant help but relish the irony. Nate says releasing the recording would violate his privacy rights, yet he didnt disclose to Hill when he started the conversation that it was going to be recorded.

What about Hills privacy rights? Didnt he have the right to have a private conversation with a colleague without it being recorded?

Oy vey.

Reaction from some fellow lawmakers has been swift and harsh. Theyre calling Nates conduct unbecoming of a state representative. Theyre saying he violated a trust, and now theyre hesitant to trust him again for risk of getting burned.

Being a legislator is like being in a marriage, House Majority Leader Mike Moyle told the Post-Register. If you lose trust, its over.

Hes right. This is the kind of thing that will not only burn bridges with the people Nate is going to need if he wants to get legislation written, passed or defeated, but it could possibly land him squarely in the middle of a House ethics committee investigation. He could be formally reprimanded or censured.

It doesnt take a doctorate in political science to take an educated guess as to why a lawmaker would secretly record a colleague. So he or she can take that recording to a group of supporters and say see, he told me this when we talked, but he told you something else. Its gotcha politics reeking of paranoia and distrust.

Nates defense of his actions on his Facebook page underscore that. He uses the term establishment twice, frets the lying and cheating he sees in the Statehouse, the politicians going back on their words, the falsehoods represented as truths  you get the idea.

Sometimes elected officials change their minds. Sometimes they take one position on an issue, study it further and then change their position  Nampa Rep. Christy Perry is one honest lawmaker who has admitted to doing that. They should be allowed to do so. They might also brainstorm with colleagues and toss around ideas in private meetings but never say those things in public because they dont want to appear as though theyre committing to a specific position.

Secret recordings are sneaky, dirty, under-handed and have no place in the Idaho Legislature.
China's GDP (gross domestic product) could add $5.6 trillion more by 2030, and its household income could rise by $5.1 trillion if the country successfully becomes a productivity-led economy instead of the current model of using investment to spur growth, according to a McKinsey & Co study.

The new productivity-led model would enable China to create more sustainable jobs, reinforcing the rise of the consuming middle class and accelerating progress toward being a full-fledged advanced economy, the report said.

Currently, China's economy is in a transition. To avoid an economic hard landing, China should switch to a new growth model, the consulting company said .

China needs a series of measures to release its economy's potential, including opening up more sectors to competition, thoroughly overhauling the "zombie companies" that are economically unviable businesses and developing its capital markets, the study said.
Russia has renewed its pressure on Turkey at the UN Security Council with its Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Vladmir Safronkov claiming that Ankara is building an illegal wall on Syrian territory.

He said this will undermine efforts to settle the conflict in Syria. His claims were echoed by Syrias envoy to the UN Bashar Jaafari who said that the wall goes deep into their territory and lamented the regular intrusions of Turkish forces into Syria.

Jaafari accused Turkey of sponsoring the Islamic State by buying their oil, gas and stolen artifacts.

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova of the Foreign Ministry reiterated Jaafaris allegations in Moscow during a press briefing. The Spokeswoman called for a tightly sealed Syrian-Turkish border in order to stop all illegal weapons deliveries and the traffic of militants, who join terrorist forces. The current border situation is complicated and extremely unfavorable to end the war, she said.

At the end of the Security Council session, Russia was disappointed that strict measures were not taken against Ankara and Safronkov alleged that it was because of positions of some Security Council members.

Turkey has been at odds with Syria since the beginning of the war and tensions reached their peak when Syrian shot down a Turkish warplane in June 2012 claiming that it violated its airspace. A similar scenario occurred in November last year, with Ankara shooting down a Russian fighter jet which led to stiff diplomatic and political ties between Turkey and the two countries as Moscow backs the regime in Damascus.

Meanwhile, Turkey continues its fight against armed Kurdish groups that it considers as terrorists and a new law passed by the parliament on Thursday granted prosecution immunity to members of the armed forces conducting counter-terrorism operations. Turkey considers the armed Kurdish groups in Syria as a national security threat.
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
Equatorial Guineas President Teodoro Obiang Nguema has promoted his first son Teodorin Nguema Obiang as the countrys vice-president, according to a decree read on Wednesday on state television.

Teodorin who has been serving as the countrys second vice-president, will also be in charge of Defense and National Security Ministry.

Teodorin is wanted in France on suspicion of embezzlement, corruption and stealing public funds.

Obiang, Africas longest-serving leader, has ruled the former Spanish colony since 1979 when he staged a bloody military coup and ousted his uncle, who was later executed.

He was re-elected again in April 2016 with 93.7% of the vote.

With territory divided between the African mainland and islands in the Gulf of Guinea, Equatorial Guinea boasts the highest GDP per capita in Africa thanks to its extensive oil and gas reserves.

The country is the third-largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa.

However, it ranks 144 out of 187 states listed on the United Nations 2014 Human Development Index.

Critics accuse Obiang of failing to distribute the countrys oil wealth to the population of about 700,000.
Zimbabwean Deputy Mines Minister Fred Moyo on Wednesday said Hwange Colliery Ltd., a partly state-owned coal miner, plans to cut 1,500 jobs this year to make it more viable and has put measures in place to protect it from lawsuits.

Hwange Colliery Ltd is the southern African nations second-largest coal producer and supplies coke to state-owned electricity generating firm Zimbabwe Power Company.

The country has a 37 percent stake in the company.

Fred Moyo told parliament that Hwange, would cut overheads, trim its workforce and has set a meeting with creditors next month.

Hwanges labor force is 3,000 and about 1,500 are going to be laid off to make the company remain viable, Moyo told lawmakers on Wednesday.

Hwange chief executive Thomas Makore said on Thursday approval for the scheme was granted in the first week of June.

He said the High Court had approved a scheme by Hwange that would suspend all litigation against the company from creditors who are owed $160 million.

Zimbabwe imports about 350MW from regional producers to cover the energy supply gap.

The decrease in coal deliveries has been attributed to a slump in production by Hwange Colliery Company.
Govt offers small grants to develop businesses in Georgias mountainous regions

The Government is offering a helping hand to its citizens living in the countrys mountainous regions.The Government announced a new project that offered funds to people who launch a small business in the mountains.Georgias Economy Ministry said people from the mountainous areas could submit a business plan to the website www.qartuli.ge from June 27 to July 29 and if selected, receive funding for their projects.The Ministry will offer small grants from 5,000 to 15,000 GEL.Deputy Economy Minister Ketevan Bochorishvili said the project had two components; one involved financial support and the other gave beneficiaries easier access to training to improve the skills needed for their businesses.The project aims to create more jobs in the mountainous zones and increase entrepreneurship skills in those regions, Bochorishvili said.The initiative was part of the larger state project Produce in Georgia.
Germany supports Russia's initiative on Nord Stream-2  Russian Energy Minister

Germany supports Russia's initiative on the implementation of the Nord Stream-2 project, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said, the TASS news agency reported."Germany supports the Russian initiative on Nord Stream (2)," the Minister said. He added that the project fully complies with European legislation."The implementation of the infrastructure project fully complies with the requirements of European legislation. Everyone has already recognized this. Now all matters relating to the containment of this project are more political issues," Novak said.The minister added that such projects as Nord Stream contribute to better energy security in Europe.Earlier it was reported that Germanys Economy and Energy Ministry pointed to the importance of Ukraine as the country responsible for gas transit to Europe. A representative of the ministry told TASS that Ukraine should maintain this role even if the Nord Stream-2 pipeline is launched. The representative added that the construction of each new pipeline must comply with German and European law.The Nord Stream-2 project includes the construction of two lines of the offshore gas pipeline with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters of gas a year from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, in addition to the existing two lines. The project is to be implemented by the new engineering company New European Pipeline AG. The stakes of partners in Nord Stream 2 AG will be distributed as follows: Gazprom will hold 51%, while BASF/Wintershall, E.ON, OMV and Shell will own 10% each. Engie will have 9%.
Tbilisi hosts major gathering of OSCE PA in July

By Messenger Staff

In the beginning of July, Georgia will become a hub of political events as 700 guests from 57 member states from the worlds largest security organisation will gather in capital Tbilisi to discuss the security, migration and human rights-related issues.The annual session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA), entitled '25 Years of Parliamentary Cooperation: Building Trust Through Dialogue', will take place on July 1-5 at the exhibition centre Expo Georgia in the Didube district of Tbilisi.It is the first time that Georgia will hosts a session of the OSCE, which will significantly enhance the authority and capacities of the country on the political map, the Parliament of Georgia's statement read.The Parliamentary Forum will allow Georgia to advance the issues of importance for us, Parliament added.OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a United States Congress delegation, parliament speakers, vice-speakers, members of parliament of various countries and many other participants are scheduled to discuss security issues in the OSCE area, economic cooperation, current challenges in human rights sphere and global migration problems.The event was special as this year OSCE PA celebrated its 25th anniversary. This year Georgia also marked its 25th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union.The primary task of OSCE PA, a 323-member assembly, is to facilitate inter-parliamentary dialogue, an important aspect of the overall effort to meet the challenges of democracy throughout the OSCE area.OSCE is the worlds largest intergovernmental, security-oriented organisation with 57 member states.This type of gathering is important for Georgia, as they are significant in a number of ways.Such an event enables Georgia to discuss its existing security problems with major players, as well as establishing Georgia as part of the civilized world.In addition, it shows that Georgia is ready to host such large-scale and important events, though this event in particular is noteworthy as it precedes the discussions about Georgias visa-liberalisation in the EU and the NATO Warsaw Summit.
The News in Brief

'Republican ministers will leave posts either by our or by PMs decision'  Republican MP



The incumbent Republican ministers will leave their posts either due to a party decision or by the Prime Ministers order. But we plan to keep our ministers in their posts until the end, one of the leaders of the Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told IPN after a special session of the Republican Party.



As Levan Berdzenishvili said, they discussed the Republican Party's activities in Georgia's regions.



"We think that ministers should remain in their posts until the end. We said on March 27, from the very beginning, the Republican ministers will leave their posts either due to a party decision or by the Prime Ministers order, Levan Berdzenishvili said.

(IPN)







Gazprom says it reached a deal with a Georgian company on gas supplies



Russias state energy giant Gazprom said it has signed a contract with a Georgian company, Gasko+, on the supply of 100 million cubic meters of gas from July until the end of this year.



Gazprom said on June 16 that the contract was signed by its CEO Alexei Miller and the commercial director director of Gasko+, Giorgi Mamaladze, on the sideline of the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum.



Mamaladze, a Russian citizen, is a 10% shareholder in Gasko+; the rest of the shares are owned by Irakli Bitsadze, who has dual Russian-Georgian citizenship.



Gasko+ is better known in Georgia for its operations in the small town of Senaki in the western region of Samegrelo, where has supplied gas to households and other customers since 2007.



The company distributed a total of 3.5 million cubic meters of gas in Senaki in 2015, according to the Georgian Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commissions data.



Chief Executive of Gasko+ Davit Bagaturia declined to comment on the deal with Gazprom when contacted by Civil.ge on June 17.



Roman Gotsiridze, who runs in the upcoming elections as an MP candidate from opposition UNM party, said that the government is trying to bring more Gazprom gas into Georgia via bypass routes using private companies.



The allegation has been denied by the authorities, who say that they have nothing to do with this reported deal and they would take appropriate measure if the share of Russian gas on the Georgian market reaches a risk level.



These are relatively small volumes, but if the volumes increase and consequently if the risk parameters increase too, we will take appropriate measures, Mariam Valishvili, the Deputy Energy Minister, said on June 17.



As far as I know the deal is not yet closed, Dimitri Kumsishvili, Minister of Economics and First Deputy PM, told journalists on June 17. As far as the threats are concerned, it is premature to speak about it given that it is impossible to analyze what the contract is actually about we have not seen the contract and we dont know where this volume of gas will be directed if such a contract is at all finalized.



According to Gazprom, it supplied 300 million cubic meters of gas to Geotransgas, a company operating a chain of gas filling stations in Georgia.

(Civil.ge)







Georgia protests against planned Abkhaz Cultural Institute in Italy



Georgias ambassador to Italy, Kakha Sikharulidze, says the Georgian breakaway region Abkhazia will not be allowed to open a cultural institute in Rome.



The planned Abkhaz Cultural Institute in Rome is an initiative of the de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, a region that broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s but is struggling to achieve international recognition.



The official opening is planned for 17 June, but Georgias ambassador to Italy says he has been in touch with Italian authorities and believe they will not allow the center to open.



This initiative has no official status at all. We have already addressed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy, the City Hall of Rome and very soon they will react properly. This is an initiative of several individuals which is in no way connected to any entity with an official status and the Italian government put an end to it in due time, as it usually did, Sikharulidze said.



According to the [Abkhazia] MFA, the minister of foreign affairs of Abkhazia, Viacheslav Chirikba will participate at the opening ceremony together with the deputy minister Kan Tania and the head of the information department, Tengiz Tarba. A press conference and the inauguration of the office of the EuropeAbkhazia Association will be held, Sputnik Abkhazia reported.



According to Sputnik, guests from Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Italy were invited to participate in the event. The ceremony will also feature a presentation of a new quarterly journal called Abkhazia Today.



Earlier this year, Georgia forced the Abkhazian exhibition at a tourism fair in Montenegro to shut downbecause it presented Abkhazia as an independent state. The de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemnedGeorgia for alleged attempts at isolating Abkhazia internationally.



In October 2015, after an intervention on behalf of Georgias MFA, Abkhazian athletes were prevented from participating in an international freestyle wrestling tournament in Yerevan.



In April 2013, the Abkhazian childrens ensemble Abaza refused to participate in the International Childrens Festival in Turkey after organizers altered the programme in a way which said that Abkhazia was an autonomous republic in Georgia, an official request from the Georgian government.



In June 2013, Poland refused to grant visas to members of the ensemble. According to the statement by Polands MFA, Russian passports issued in Abkhazia were not valid documents for applying for visas.

(DF watch)




via @ElizaDewey

Eleven days after the Orlando massacre, the public still does not have full access to transcripts of the 911 calls made by the shooter and his victims. Thursday, a coalition of 22 media companies, including the parent company of the Miami Herald, filed suit against the city of Orlando for its refusal to release the calls from that night.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Orange County, challenges the citys contention that those calls are exempt from public records laws because they record the killing of a person. The media consortium argues that the Orlando shooting is similar to the infamous Sandy Hook school shooting, in which a Connecticut court ruled that related 911 calls were not confidential despite state laws that restricted the release of child abuse records.

The lawsuit also asserts a key discrepancy in the citys argument: The federal government has stated that there were no reports of gunfire during the three-hour standoff. Thus no recordings created during that time could have captured any killings.

One important step in truly understanding what happened that night is contained in these and other records that havent been released, said Aminda Marques Gonzalez, executive editor of the Miami Herald, whose parent McClatchy joined the suit. Under Florida law, the public has a right to know. Thats what we are asking for  compliance with state law.

More here.
From Tampa Bay Times political editor @adamsmithtimes:

For at least a year, the conventional wisdom has echoed from Democrats and Republican alike in Washington, Tallahassee, and across Florida: U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy is the future of the Democratic Party, a powerhouse statewide candidate and most likely Florida's next U.S. Senator.

Today, two months before Barack Obama's and Joe Biden's preferred candidate faces Alan Grayson in a primary and four and half before the general election, we're struggling to think of when Florida last saw a candidate who proved as overrated and over-hyped as Murphy.

The Times/Herald and others in recent weeks have shown the pattern with the 33-year-old congressman from Palm Beach County: He appeared to be a serial exaggerator of his accomplishments, from inflating the scope of his work on Gulf clean-up after the BP oil spill, to falsely claiming to have earned dual college degrees, to overstating his work as a CPA. This week a Miami TV station aired a two-part investigative series that portrayed Murphy as an unaccomplished, chronic embellisher.

"Murphys rise is extraordinary because of how little he seems to have accomplished to get here," concluded CBS4 News. "...Murphy has in some cases exaggerated his experience and in other instances made claims that were misleading or outright false. For instance, he has never worked a day in his life as a Certified Public Accountant. And he was never a small business owner."

Murphy's campaign has attacked the report as unfair and inaccurate. He was a CPA, even if he was never licensed by Florida or worked as long as he seemed to imply. And he did have a small business, even if his wealthy father may have bought it for him and it didn't actually do much cleanup work.

But what's already certain is that the Democratic Party establishment prematurely planned a coronation for a candidate about to be mauled and carved up by Republicans. "Patrick Murphy - a career built on lies," is how the National Republican Senatorial Committee has started describing him.

Murphy is telegenic, moderate, and as a congressman largely uncontroversial. Mainly, though, what has set him apart and drew the enthusiasm of the likes of Harry Reid is money. Murphys father in the construction business has been willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to help get him elected, so the party establishment saw little reason to dig below the surface of Murphys image.

Political analysts have consistently deemed Florida's U.S. Senate race as one of a handful of toss-up contests across the country. After Rubio announced his reelection campaign last week, that rating will likely shift to GOP-leaning.

Given the way Murphy has withered under scrutiny in recent weeks, we're wondering if most of the drama will be in the primary and not the general. Rubio may face more difficulty winning the nomination against businessman Carlos Beruff than beating either Grayson, notoriously obnoxious and mired in pending ethics probes - or Murphy, who increasingly looks like an emperor with no clothes.
@PatriciaMazzei

In the three years since former U.S. Rep. David Rivera left Congress -- unceremoniously, after a single term and under the cloud of a federal criminal investigation -- hes managed to significantly grow his personal wealth, even as what he does for a living has remained a mystery.

Hes worth more than $1.5 million, according to a financial disclosure form he filed this week to qualify as a candidate for the Florida House of Representatives. The last time he publicly declared his finances, in a 2012 congressional form that didnt require a net-worth estimate, he listed just two assets -- neither of which suggested he had the makings of a millionaire.

Most of Riveras newfound wealth lies outside the U.S., in a pair of overseas bank accounts in Mexico and Taiwan each worth more than $300,000, his disclosure shows. He also owns three properties in Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula worth $250,000, $100,000 and $50,000, respectively.

How Rivera acquired the money and the properties is unknown. He did not respond to questions a Miami Herald reporter emailed him Thursday afternoon.

For years, Rivera has claimed to be a business development consultant, an amorphous profession with unidentified clients. The only income source listed in his latest disclosure, for calendar year 2015, is $104,000. The money came from Xemma Holdings S.A. de C.V., a company in Merida, Mexico, in partnership with Interamerican Consulting, Riveras corporate entity registered at his Doral home.

More here.

Read Rivera's latest disclosure.


@PatriciaMazzei

Marco Rubio's donors have gotten back together to collect checks for the Florida Republican again, now that Rubio is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate.

They will launch their fundraising campaign Sunday just outside South Miami, a little more than three months after Rubio ended his bid for the presidency.

The reception is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the home of Claudia and Bernie Navarro, close friends of Rubio's who hosted donors several times during the presidential campaign.

At first, Rubio backers had hoped to turn a Friday night event for Carlos Lopez-Cantera's Senate campaign into a Rubio cocktail instead. But not all Lopez-Cantera donors -- such as Jeb Bush loyalist Jorge Arrizurieta -- are supporting Rubio. And a Rubio event would have required separate notice from a Lopez-Cantera one.

So Lopez-Cantera scrapped his reception -- and Rubio planned one of his own.

Suggested contributions are $10,800 per couple for the highest level of support. A "general attendee" is asked to give $2,700.

A new, pro-Rubio super PAC is churning out attacks against likely Democratic nominee and Jupiter U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy. Rubio has one Republican foe remaining, Manatee County developer Carlos Beruff.

An earlier version of this post and its headline incorrectly stated the city in which the fundraiser will be located.
@PatriciaMazzei

Miami Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo was joined a bipartisan group of U.S. House members Friday as he filed gun-control legislation in the wake of the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

The bill would prohibit gun sales to people listed on the government's terrorist-watch no-fly list. A similar law has been pushed in the Senate by Republican Susan Collins of Maine, but it has failed to garner the necessary super-majority support in that chamber.

Critics such as Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio have opposed so-called "no-fly, no-buy" legislation because they say the no-fly lists are riddled with errors. The Curbelo bill would create a process for U.S. citizens and permanent residents to appeal a gun-purchase denial.

"We must protect Americans from the ever increasing threat of terrorism and violent acts of hatred here at home while we fight radical jihadists overseas," Curbelo said in a statement. "After the horrific massacre in Orlando, and countless other mass shootings across the country, the American people want answers. Congress must act, at the very least, to ensure individuals on the No-Fly list and 'selectee' list cannot purchase a firearm."

Curbelo got co-sponsorships for the bill along with Republican Reps. Peter King of New York, Bob Dold of Illinois and Scott Rigell of Virginia, and Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts.

One of the Miami Democrats vying to challenge Curbelo, former Rep. Joe Garcia, slammed Curbelo for filing the legislation after saying gun laws didn't "make sense" after the Orlando mass shooting and that gun control wouldn't stop future terrorist attacks.

"Had he supported this and other measures, like universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons, things might be different today," Garcia's campaign said in a statement that also noted the House has no plans to vote on gun-control bills.

A previous version of this post and its headline incorrectly stated that Curbelo co-sponsored, rather than filed, the legislation. The post has also been updated to include Garcia's statement.
@ByKristenMClark

The first major party candidate to launch a 2016 campaign for Florida's U.S. Senate seat was among the last to get on the ballot ahead of Friday's noon deadline.

Labor attorney and former naval officer Pam Keith, a Democrat from Miami, dropped off her candidate oath and her $10,440 check at about 10:15 this morning at the Florida Division of Elections' office in Tallahassee.

Keith first launched her U.S. Senate campaign in November 2014 and has been campaigning full-time across the state. But she's struggled to gain name recognition and campaign funds in the Democratic primary against U.S. Reps. Patrick Murphy, of Jupiter, and Alan Grayson, of Orlando.

The party establishment -- and its donors -- strongly backs Murphy, and Grayson has support among progressives in the party. Keith is painting herself as an alternative who, she says, can "energize voters to the polls" and offer something "new, outsider, fresh, solutions-oriented" that voters in this election cycle want.

"Recent revelations have shown some of the very significant weaknesses in my opponents," Keith said Friday, after she filed her paperwork. "This season, more than any, voters are really looking for substance, authenticity and relatability -- and I think, by far, I'm the candidate who satisfies those needs the best."

Both Murphy and Grayson have vulnerabilities.

Grayson has an active congressional ethics investigation against him into once-offshore hedge funds he operated out of the Cayman Islands while in office. There's been no new developments on that ethics case since early April, when the Office of Congressional Ethics released its findings that Grayson might have violated ethics rules and federal laws. It's up to the U.S. House Ethics Committee to continue investigating, if it chooses to.

Meanwhile, Murphy -- who is viewed as the frontrunner in the primary -- has been plagued for the past month by media investigations exposing embellishments and contradictions in his professional and academic credentials. That was capped off most recently by a blistering two-part report this week by Miami Herald news partner WFOR CBS-4 Miami, which garnered national attention. The CBS Miami investigation built off and echoed previous reporting by the Miami Herald, the Tampa Bay Times and Politico Florida.

Some questioned whether Keith would even qualify for the race this week, because she had just $13,400 in the bank, as of March 31 (the end of the last campaign finance period).

"I have a mission and a purpose, and I stay focused on what I'm doing," Keith said. "Naysayers exist in every industry and in every endeavor, so you just learn overtime that that's just not something you need to pay much attention to."

Also this week, two other Democrats joined the primary race and qualified for the ballot: Jacksonville attorney Reginald Luster and California businessman "Rocky" Roque De La Fuente of Orlando.

*This post has been updated.
via @learyreports

Sen. Marco Rubio helped kill a compromise gun control measure today. Sen. Bill Nelson voted in favor of the amendment by Sen. Susan Collins, which would restrict people on the government no-fly list from buying guns.

Rubio, now a candidate for Senate, has drawn criticism from the left for opposing a number of gun measures that followed the Orlando tragedy. His office said he reviewed Collins' "no fly, no buy" plan but he was not expected to back it with the NRA coming out in opposition.

--ALEX LEARY, Tampa Bay Times
@PatriciaMazzei

She's already scared away one serious Democratic rival. But just in case any others are thinking of qualifying to run by Friday's noon deadline, Miami Republican state Sen. Anitere Flores released more labor-union endorsements Thursday.

Flores received the backing of the Teamsters Local Union 769, the Dade County Association of Fire Fighters and the Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Construction and Craft Workers Local 1652.

Labor tends to support Democrats; Flores is trying to run as a moderate in a newly redrawn Southwest Miami-Dade County district that leans Democratic.

Democrat Andrew Korge decided earlier this week to switch races and no longer challenge Flores in District 39. An internal Flores poll showed her handily defeating him. Those numbers, like the union endorsements, appeared strategically publicized to pressure Korge -- and any other Democrats -- out of the race.
@PatriciaMazzei

Marco Rubio was supposed to headline a fundraiser Friday night for Carlos Lopez-Cantera's U.S. Senate campaign.

When Rubio announced Wednesday he would run for re-election instead, Lopez-Cantera dropped out of the race. But it was unclear what would happen to the planned gathering of deep Republican pockets at Coral Gables' luxe Biltmore Hotel.

Friday morning, Lopez-Cantera's campaign made official that the reception was off. There was no way to turn the gathering into a fundraiser for Rubio instead, the Miami Herald learned.

"We sincerely thank all of the hosts who worked to make the event a success!" Lopez-Cantera finance director told backers ni an email. "Your continued support throughout the campaign has been incredible and on behalf of Carlos and the entire campaign team we cannot thank you enough."

Lopez-Cantera has scheduled a 5 p.m. conference call to thank supporters.
@PatriciaMazzei

The two Democrats vying to challenge U.S. Carlos Curbelo leaped at the chance Thursday to pound the Miami Republican over the Supreme Court's ruling to block one of President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration.

Annette Taddeo and former Rep. Joe Garcia noted Curbelo had characterized the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, or DAPA, overreach by the White House. The court deadlocked 4-4 over the program, allowing a lower appeals court decision against its constitutionality to stand. The late Justice Antonin Scalia has not been replaced.

"It's a sad day for immigrant families and the many activists who have fought for real change," Garcia said in a statement. "When Republicans refused to put my comprehensive immigration reform bill to a vote, I supported President Obama's actions. Now, two years later, Republican still won't take up immigration reform, or even fill the Supreme Court's vacancy, all while they continue to push immigrants into the shadows."

DAPA would have allowed the parents of lawful permanent residents -- in effect, the parents who brought their children into the country illegally -- to apply for a program protecting them from deportation.

"I'm heartbroken by today's Supreme Court decision," Taddeo said in a statement. "It's a big blow to Hispanic families in South Florida. Families continue to be torn apart because of our broken immigration system, and instead of solving the problem, Carlos Curbelo and his Republican buddies in Congress continue to shift the blame elsewhere."

Taddeo also blasted Curbelo on Twitter, saying if he "really cared about South Florida's immigrant families, he wouldn't be applauding" the decision -- even though Curbelo didn't actually praise the court.

He and other Republicans said in a joint statement Thursday that the court ruling did not solve the immigration problem and Congress should "work together" to fix the system. Last week, he and Miami Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen led the effort to defeat a House amendment against Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

Garcia and Taddeo, however, argue Curbelo has moderated his position in office, given that his newly redrawn district is more Democratic, as is the presidential-election year electorate. Garcia noted Curbelo said in 2014 that he did "not support amnesty" for undocumented immigrants and thought the U.S. should return children crossing the border back to their home countries.

This post has been updated.
CROW AGENCY  Seven years ago following a near-fatal automobile collision, Warren Stevens was told that although he was lucky to be alive he might never walk again.

Yet this week he was riding a horse across a portion of the Little Bighorn battlefield dressed as an 1876 soldier with 22 other students in the U.S. Cavalry School. Although he admitted the work was hot and tiring, he seemed as giddy as a puppy.

Its a time machine, thats what I told my wife, said Stevens, a 61-year-old retiree from the aviation and aerospace industry in Southington, Connecticut. Ive stepped back in time.

In the process, he seemed to have regained the emotional vitality of his youth.

Battleground

On the 140th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn  an event considered one of the worst military defeats in U.S. Army history but one of the greatest victories by Indian tribes  re-enactors, students, volunteers and family have been mixing on the Real Bird property. Its the location for what has become an annual gathering at a portion of the actual battle site, Medicine Tail Coulee, and on land where Chief Sitting Bull and his band of Sioux were encamped.

This is hallowed ground, said Gary Stewart, a 57-year-old Salt Lake City man playing Brevet Lt. Col. Tom Custer in this years re-enactment  his 20th.

Wearing a blue shirt with the crossed saber cavalry insignia on the collar he held his restless horse as he chatted about seeing Indian ghosts on horseback, finding an ancient buffalo skull and his love for the history of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Everyone here has a passion for history and wants to find out what it was like, and this is as close as you can get, he said.

The school ends this weekend in a re-enactment of the battle on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Stevens plans to take part, even though he knows his character will die at the hands of his Indian adversaries.

Its not even over yet, and I want to come back, he said. The ride we took yesterday, the word 'fantastic' seems to be an understatement. I cant believe the things Im doing on horseback. I cant imagine this getting any better, but I know it will.

Re-creation

Adding to the feeling of stepping back in time, canvass tents were pitched along the Little Bighorn River underneath the shading branches of cottonwood trees. A sign lying at the base of one read: 7th U.S. Cavalry Welcome to 1876. One tent bore a sutler sign  the traveling salesmen of the time who followed soldiers to peddle provisions. Over the top of a wood fire, large coffee pots were set on a grate to boil water.

Under a nearby awning Keith Herrin, the 44-year-old owner of the school whose other job is working for the National Guard in Helena, paused between hurried bites of a lasagna lunch to talk about the history of the school.

It was founded in the late 1990s by veterans who participated in making the Kevin Costner movie The Postman, a post-apocalyptic tale. They had such a good time on the film that they created the school, Herrin said. After working at all different jobs at the school following his introduction in 2004, he bought the operation in 2013.

Students, including women, pay up to $1,900 for an immersion that includes clothing, tack, a horse and chances to learn mounted horse maneuvers, shooting, saber fighting tactics and even basics like cleaning a saddle and washing clothes 1800s style. Many of the students are veterans, Herrin said, and about 30 percent are return visitors. Some students attended so many times that theyve become instructors. Another component of the students are horse people looking for something different, Herrin said, like riding the battlefield or taking part in the re-enactment.

It fills some desire to experience what it was really like rather than read about it in a book, said Mark Jacobsen, a Miles City volunteer who has been taking part in the re-enactment for four years and acts as the camp trumpeter. Being treated like a trooper, some of the basics of frontier life, the visitors from back East really enjoy that.

Lifestyle

For some, the step back in time extends beyond this Little Bighorn encampment.

Sharon Brown and her husband Mark, of Whitehall, have been taking part in re-enactments for more than 35 years. Sharon, who wore a small sheathed knife hung around her neck, has earned high praise for her ability to weave cloth and make clothes that are historically accurate down to the last detail. Shes even reproduced one-of-a-kind items for the National Park Service.

A nine-button pleated enlisted soldier's blouse copied from the original in the Big Hole Battlefield Museum was hand-stitched, taking her about three months to make working 10 hours a day. For a blouse she sells for $325, thats about a penny-and-a-half an hour in wages, she figured. The only other original is in the Smithsonian Museum.

Thats OK, Im not doing it for the money, she said, her handmade, full-length white print dress shifting in the breeze. Im doing it to see if I can re-create something.

She owns more than 800 original garments from which to learn about different sewing techniques of the era. She even has eight original sewing machines, the oldest from 1854, to match stitching of the time period.

Her husband, Mark, takes photographs similar to the age using a wet plate camera from 1860 that can require a 30 second exposure. He compares the process to going back in time a little bit.

Its not like George Orwells Time Machine,  he said, but emotionally, culturally and educationally its a mission you are on.

Defender

For Gerry Schultz of Glendive, that mission has been to elevate the historical status of Pvt. Peter Thompson of Company C. While some historians have discounted Thompsons written recollections of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the 62-year-old Schultz said he has been able to verify the survivors account.

Thompsons The Experience of a Private in the Custer Massacre so enthralled Schultz that he began researching the battles history and took part in his first re-enactment in 2009.

Paul Kicking Bear, a Los Angeles-area born Lakota Sioux, said visiting the Real Bird property and re-enactment has changed his life. His family never talked about their native roots, but hes found a reconnection to his ancestors by sleeping on the same ground where the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes numbering an estimated 11,000 were camped on June 25, 1876. To the tribes involved, it was the Battle of the Greasy Grass.

That was the most precious thing to me, to sleep and walk the ground my ancestors did, he said.

Disengage

Kicking Bear, 50, said he cant wait to leave Los Angeles for the annual gathering in Montana. It gives him a chance to de-escalate and disconnect while enjoying the history and the fellow re-enactors. Since he plays a hostile, he noted with air quotes, he enjoys ribbing his cavalry counterparts. His T-shirt depicted the profile of a 1800s-era soldier on horseback riddled with arrows.

Hey, they lose on this fight anyway, he said. Its not like theyre not expecting it. So I enjoy rubbing it in. I dont hide that. But its done in good humor, not in a resentful way.

He also takes the opportunity to educate the participants on the native view of the battle and the era. The entire camp seems to be an education that never stops. Depending on who a visitor talks to, everyone is a historian in some respect with an in-depth knowledge of some aspect of the time, battle or people involved.

This battle, this time period, has always been kind of my focus, said Mark Brown as he relaxed in the shade after conditioning his horse to the sound of mock gunfire in a nearby corral. Im frozen in it. Its been studied and studied. Its amazing, 140 years later and people are still coming up with ideas of what happened here.
Missoula County Sheriff T.J. McDermott took the stand on the final day of a hearing determining if former undersheriff Josh Clark had been subjected to political discrimination for running against him in the 2014 election.

Clark retired from the Missoula County Sheriffs Office in January 2015, shortly after McDermott took office and reassigned him from undersheriff to a role as a patrol deputy, bypassing the rank of captain Clark previously held before taking the undersheriff role. In a complaint filed with the Montana Human Rights Bureau following his resignation, Clark said the reassignment was a retaliation against him for opposing McDermott in the election. Last fall, the HRB found reasonable cause to believe discrimination had occurred.

Now that the hearing has ended, both sides will submit briefs on their case in September and responses in October. Once she has all filings Caroline Holien, the hearing officer who presided during this weeks proceedings, will make a decision whether Clark was discriminated against, and if she does find discrimination, she can specify a monetary damage, said Steve Carey, the attorney hired by the county.

Regardless of her conclusion, Carey said either side could appeal the finding first to the full Human Rights Bureau commission, then to District Court and potentially to the Montana State Supreme Court.

***

During Clarks testimony on Wednesday, he said he told McDermott during an August 2014 conversation that he wanted to return to a captain position. On Thursday, McDermott said the wish to become a captain again was never voiced during that meeting, and that Clark had only said at that point and other times following the primary election of 2014 to put him where he needed him. The first time Clark brought up the issue of the captain rank, McDermott said, was in an email after he was reassigned to patrol duty.

McDermott said there had been three factors that made him not want Clark in an administrative position, but also a more general one.

He hated my guts, McDermott said.

His specific concerns included a Division of Criminal Investigations review of how sheriffs office personnel, including former Sheriff Carl Ibsen and Clark, had handled an alleged domestic violence situation involving Paige Pavalone, a deputy at that time.

That hadnt been properly reported or investigated, McDermott said.

McDermott said he had reached out to DCI after consulting with the Missoula County Attorneys Office, which recommended the situation be investigated by an outside agency. McDermott said Ibsen, who had been asked to come to the hospital after Pavalones hand was broken in the incident, should have reported the domestic assault because he was a mandatory reporter as a law enforcement officer. Ibsen said Tuesday he had gone as a friend, he wasnt dispatched as the sheriff.

The current sheriff also said Clark, who had later taken Pavalone back to the hospital for an operation, served a temporary order or protection against her husband.

I knew there would be an investigation by DCI, and it didnt look good. It looked like former sheriff Ibsen and Clark had covered up a domestic violence situation, McDermott said.

McDermott said he also had been concerned by Clarks behavior at a review board he led as undersheriff regarding a pair of deputies who had kissed. During the course of the hearing, several witnesses testified that Clark slammed his fist on the table and yelled at the officers during the hearing.

I thought the questions being asked of (the female officer) were beyond the kiss and somewhat perverted, McDermott said.

McDermott said Clark has a reputation for anger management issues, calling him a hothead.

The sheriff also said he was concerned about a deputy who had been hired by Ibsen shortly before he left office. He said the background investigation had shown a disqualifying trait related to drugs, and that Clark had then redrafted the examination to make the person eligible. McDermott said that deputy was allowed to resign before the end of his probationary period with the department.

During cross-examination, Clarks attorney Quentin Rhoades asked McDermott if he had mentioned these issues to the investigator from the Human Rights Bureau who looked into Clarks complaint. McDermott said he couldnt remember. Rhoades showed him that the final report from the investigator didnt make reference to any of the incidents.

Rhoades asked why McDermott himself hadnt made a report about a domestic violence case after he learned about it when he and current undersheriff Jason Johnson attended the order of protection hearing between Pavalone and her husband, and if they were mandatory reporters then. McDermott said the situation was different and that after the hearing, he contacted the Department of Criminal Investigations, but did not make a report of the incident or contact Child and Family Services, another mandatory reporting duty.

***

Johnson also testified during the hearing Thursday. He said he shared the concerns McDermott had about putting Clark in a captain position.

Carey asked Johnson if he had ever heard of an officer retaliating against another officer who previously was involved in an internal investigation against them. During his testimony Wednesday, Clark said that being put back on patrol duty with officers he had investigated as captain of professional standards worried him.

No, I think our deputies would find it insulting that they would harm a coworker or not do their job, Johnson said.

Clarks attorney Nicole Siefert told the hearing officer that Clark was the first undersheriff in 30 years to not be returned to his previous rank or retire after leaving the post.

Johnson said he never advised McDermott on where to assign Clark, saying that as sheriff, that would have been his decision.

Honestly, it didnt seem like that big of an issue at the time, he said.

McDermott said former sheriff Ibsen had told him during coffee following the election that he heard Clark would be retiring. Ibsen denied saying that during his testimony Tuesday.

During cross-examination, Johnson said he was on a Las Vegas vacation in July 2014 after the primary election. McDermott, as well as other offices who supported him during the election, also were in Las Vegas with their spouses or families at the time. Johnson agreed with Siefert that around the office, the trip had been known at the promotion trip.

After McDermott took office, all of the officers who were on the trip received promotions, including roles as captains and as chief deputy coroner.

McDermott also pointed out that a deputy who had supported Clark was promoted twice since he took office, and a lieutenant who had backed Clark was made a captain earlier this year.
Are you looking for something to do outdoors this summer? Visit a state park.

Have you been to the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park between Three Forks and Whitehall? President Theodore Roosevelt originally dedicated the caverns as a national monument. But it was turned over to the state of Montana and became our first state park in 1941. These spectacular caverns lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helictites that took thousands  perhaps millions - of years to form make it one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest. Ask about the candlelight tour, or the crawl tour which takes you to places rarely seen by any human being.

Have you seen Bannack State Park, where gold was discovered at Grasshopper Creek in 1862? Just 20 miles west of Dillon, it became the first capitol of Montana. Now it is the best ghost town in America. Walk on the boardwalks and visit each of the buildings on Main Street, some of the nearly 100 structures that still exist after 150 years. See how the material from the first capitol building was used to make a barn out back. But the old Masonic Hall and the old motel are amazingly well preserved. If you go during the Bannack Days on the third weekend in July, you will see the whole town turn into a living history museum with re-enactments and horse-drawn buggy rides.

Have you seen Makoshika State Park in Glendive? Outdoor magazine called it one of Americas 10 least known and under-appreciated state parks. It is our largest state park, with spectacular bad lands all around. At least 10 species of dinosaurs have been found there and Jack Horner says we have barely scratched the surface in terms of what is really there. Be sure to see some of the bones and displays in the museum at the visitors center.

And while you are in the neighborhood, slip down to Ekalaka and visit Medicine Rocks State Park. Teddy Roosevelt called it As fantastically beautiful a place as I have ever seen. Be sure to go on the path around to the South side of the rocks so you can see the ancient Indian pictographs and the many carvings into the sandstone of early cowboys and farmers. At the turn of the century, one early homesteader carved a picture of his sweetheart in the sandstone.

Have you been to First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park (formerly known as Ulm Pushkin) just a few miles south of Great Falls? This is where bison were stampeded over the mile long cliff for hundreds of years starting 1,000 years ago. It was a major gathering point for Indians from all tribes, particularly before horses were introduced, which resulted in the Indian tribes warring against each other. The cliff is in all directions from the top - almost 360 degrees and amazingly undetectable from the top. The new visitors center has great panoramas of Indian life, a great deal of information on all Montanas tribes, and one of the best book stores on Montana history in the entire state.

Of course, when you are in Great Falls you must see Giant Springs State Park. Eighteen giant springs bubble up to form the Roe River, which Guinness Book of World Records once called the shortest big river in the world. It certainly impressed Lewis and Clark when they visited it in 1805.

Have you seen the Rosebud Battlefield State Park between Busby and Decker? Did you know this battle was the largest commitment of American troops in any Indian battle anywhere? They fought for half a day and both sides claimed victory. Actually, that is true. Also, it is probably one of the best preserved battlefields in the country because so little has changed since the battle took place just eight days before General Custer lost his life at the Little Big Horn.

Set as a goal the visitation of each of Montanas 55 state parks. Remember, because you have paid $6 when you licensed your automobile, all state parks are free to Montana residents to visit. Download a free app, Montana State Parks by Pocket Ranger. You will be surprised what Montana has to offer. Have a great summer outdoors.
BUTTE  A 56-year-old Butte man who sexually assaulted a female nursing home resident received a 10-year prison sentence last week in Butte district court.

Judge Kurt Krueger awarded Jeffrey Garoutte a 600-day credit for time served in the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center. He was transferred to the Montana State Prison on Tuesday.

Garoutte admitted assaulting the woman, then 58, at the Crest nursing home, where he also resided in October 2014, as part of a plea agreement with county prosecutors.

The initial charge of felony sexual intercourse without consent was amended to sexual abuse of a person with a developmental disability, also a felony.

According to court filings, the victim was described as developmentally disabled and had the mental capacity of a child. The assault was witnessed by a facility nurse, who saw Garoutte leaning over the woman in a recliner and moving his hand in the area of the victims private area.

The woman reported to the nurse that Garoutte was hurting her privates, court documents state. She told a police detective she was afraid of him.

In Butte district court on Thursday:

Tiffany Gene Martin, 31, of Butte pleaded not guilty to felony assault with a weapon and misdemeanor partner or family member assault. Prosecutors accuse her of cutting her partner with a knife. A pre-trial hearing was set for July 14.

Nathan Joey Butt, 30, denied pushing, hitting and attempting to drag a female into a car. He has two prior convictions for partner or family member assault, according to court documents. A pre-trial hearing was set for July 14.

Virginia Gothro pleaded not guilty to felony driving while intoxicated. She has three previous convictions, court documents state. A pre-trial hearing was set for July 28.
BUTTE  A 30-year-old woman who allegedly struggles with drug addiction and medical issues denied Thursday in Butte district court breaking into her parents home in two separate incidents last month.

Kari OConnell of Butte is facing two counts of felony burglary in what Butte-Silver Bow prosecutors say was unlawful entries into a residence on the 1300 block of Sunset Road between May 11 and 18 and again on May 29.

After OConnell allegedly gained entry by breaking a window while her parents were away on a camping trip, her father installed a home surveillance system, according to court documents. Video of the May 29 break-in shows OConnell approaching the front door and a male standing in the distance.

Security reports indicate a person was detected inside the residence, and then about six minutes later, the back door was opened, documents state. The same window used in the first break-in was reportedly entered again.

A debit card that had not been activated went missing in the initial burglary. Nothing was reported stolen in the second burglary, documents state. Investigators also determined that a direct deposit of a Social Security payment into an account owned by OConnells parents was used up.

A bank statement revealed the deficit as well as a transaction at Northwest Title Loan and Pawn, a business OConnells parents told police she frequented. Video surveillance show OConnell and a male in the store at the time of the purchase, documents state.

OConnell also faces a count of felony forgery with a jury trial slated for Oct. 4. Prosecutors allege she stole and forged at least six checks  made out to her and two males  from accounts owned by her parents. The forged checks totaled more than $6,000.

In an affidavit filed May 4, OConnells parents stated their daughter admitted taking the checks and forging them to hurt her parents.
BILLINGS (AP)  A man has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of kidnapping and raping a 4-year-old girl who was taken from a park on a Montana Indian reservation earlier this year.

John William Lieba II entered his plea Thursday during a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Johnston.

A grand jury Tuesday indicted the 21-year-old Lieba on charges of kidnapping someone under 18, aggravated sexual abuse and assault resulting in serious bodily injury on someone under 18. The charges carry a combined maximum penalty of life in prison and $750,000 in fines if he is convicted.

The indictment says Lieba abducted the girl in Wolf Point on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and held her for ransom in February. It says he engaged in a sexual act with the girl and assaulted her.

Lieba also faces charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and aggravated sexual assault of a minor in Fort Peck Tribal Court. The complaint filed in that court says Lieba raped and attempted to strangle the girl.

U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Melissa Hornbein said the federal court has assumed jurisdiction, and the tribal proceedings have been stayed pending the outcome of the federal case.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  A Butte man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison on child sex charges in North Dakota.

Michael Simmons Sr., 55, pleaded guilty in federal court in March 2016 to sexual exploitation of minors.

According to the North Iowa Today website, from July 1, 2011, until about March 31, 2013, Simmons used a camera to take sexually explicit photographs and videos of minors under the age of 10.

In many of the photographs, Simmons touched the minors in order to take the photographs. That camera belonging to Simmons was discovered by a relative while visiting him in Butte, and the camera was turned over to the Butte-Silver Bow sheriff's department.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland of Bismarck federal court also ordered Simmons to serve a lifetime of supervised release when he finishes his prison sentence. The sentencing was Wednesday.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department.

It was a cooperative effort between our department and the FBI. Our detective that is assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force played a major role in this case. Im glad to see this guy is going to be locked up for a long time and then on supervision for the rest of his life, Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester said Friday.
An efficient and lasting fix to the crumbling retaining wall on the west side of the Butte-Silver Bow courthouse could result in another slice of Montana Street being narrowed to two lanes.

Commissioners set aside $300,000 in the current budget to repair and reinforce a wall that has protected the century-old courthouse from water and erosion and kept a top portion of Montana Street in place.

County Building Director Pat Holland told commissioners Wednesday night that one plan for fixing the current wall might cost $100,000 just to design, leaving only $200,000 to do the work.

Under that plan, Holland said, The amount of money given to this project is simply not enough.

But he and Public Works Director Dave Schultz say it might be possible to excavate the current wall and rebuild it farther to the west within the $300,000 allotment.

The thought is that Public Works can very likely design and replace this wall, Schultz said. We think we have the skill needed to excavate this and put it back.

The design effort might take some time, he said, and if the plan proves feasible, county crews could start the work after road-paving season ends in October. But its possible the project could still be completed by Christmas, he said.

Holland said the wall has been there for decades and might be original to the courthouse, which was built between 1910 and 1912. It runs the length of the west side of the building, but a large deck area narrows considerably toward the north end.

Large swaths of the wall have sloughed off, sending crumbled granite and concrete onto the deteriorating deck and walkway. The problems have gotten worse in recent years, prompting the county to put money aside for its repair.

Under the plan envisioned now, the section of Montana Street next to the courthouse would be narrowed from four lanes to two. The street already turns into two lanes a block up toward its north end by the Detention Center, so narrowing the street farther down should not affect traffic, Schultz said.

There would still be parallel parking spaces on Montana, and the change also would make the deck area to the west of the courthouse much wider. That would allow tables to be set up so courthouse employees and the public could sit outside, Schultz said.

The wall would be made of concrete blocks that appear to be cobblestone and might include a shorter section that could have dirt and plants on it and a taller section more toward the street, Schultz said.

Schultz said the plan would be flushed out and another presentation to the council would be made before any work began.
For the past two years, a working group of 40 Montana volunteers, health care professionals, private and public agencies has been crafting a plan for tackling a fatal disease that has no cure yet and is expected to afflict 27,000 of us by 2025 as the state population ages.

The Montana Alzheimers Working Group introduced its state plan on Monday, a day on which the Helena Capitol dome was lit to honor those living with the brain disease and to honor their caregivers. The event occurred the same day that a legislative interim committee met in the Capitol to consider a package of draft legislation intended to improve support for Montanans with Alzheimers or other dementias. The Interim Children, Families, Health and Human Services Committee also is reviewing draft bills to set standards and guidelines for guardianships, a legal necessity for adults with dementia and no family.

Caregivers from Billings, Malta and elsewhere testified for hours to the committee Monday. Speakers were moved to tears as they recounted the struggles of clients and family members with dementia. Members of the Alzheimers working group strongly endorsed the draft legislation.

The 2015 Legislature directed the interim committee to study guardianship issues. After hearing from leaders of the Alzheimers work group, particularly those from Billings, committee members, including Rep. Jessica Karjala, D-Billings, and Sen. Roger Webb, R-Billings, expanded the panels focus to include the growing demands of dementia care.

In committee discussion after a long day of testimony, a majority of lawmakers voted to move forward with most pieces of the guardianship and dementia package. However, the hardest decisions ahead will be on additional funding. The committee made no final funding recommendations Monday. It will meet again in August.

Some folks with Alzheimers will need nursing home care during the latter stage of the disease. If they meet poverty guidelines, their care will be covered by Medicaid with the state paying about a third of the cost and the federal government covering the rest. A year of nursing home care in Montana may cost Medicaid $55,000. Private pay patients may spend much more.

Assisted living facilities can meet the needs of people with less severe impairment, and cost less than nursing homes. But such memory care still costs $36,000 or more a year at most Montana facilities. Medicaid pays for a very limited number of assisted living slots and many of these facilities wont accept Medicaid patients because the fee is less than what they charge non-Medicaid patients. Medicare doesnt cover residential care at nursing homes or assisted living homes.

Most of the estimated 19,000 Montanans living with Alzheimers or other age-related dementias arent in institutional care. They are at home where an estimated 49,000 relatives and friends statewide care for them.

Those friends and families need help. They need to know who to call for assistance. They need high-quality services to be available and affordable in their home community. They need respite from the 24/7 job of dementia care.

Thanking the Alzheimers work group for its action plan, Gov. Steve Bullock said: I am committed to continued and collaborative work to achieve these goals

Its encouraging that both lawmakers and the governor have recognized that Alzheimers and other dementias are a major challenge for Montana. The 2017 Legislature and the governor must address this growing epidemic that sickens older adults and burdens younger generations. Montana solutions must leverage the tremendous friend and family care to support people in their own homes so long as they can be safe and have the best possible quality of life. This will require creative thinking in our vast rural, fiscally conservative state.

Doing nothing is not an option.

As the Montana Alzheimers Disease & Related Dementias Workgroup report says: Alzheimers disease and related dementias will affect each of us, either directly or through a family member or friend.

-- The Billings Gazette
Rep. Ryan Zinke recently cast his vote on two bills that, if passed, will negatively impact the future of public lands in Montana. The congressmans press release read, Zinke does it again: Bucks party leaders and votes NO on transferring ownership of public lands.

Looks good, right? However, Rep. Zinke failed to note his vote in support of one of the measures, H.R. 2316. Herein lies the problem.

H.R. 2316, The Self-Sufficient Community Lands Act, would use governor-appointed committees to manage up to two million acres of national forests in Montana. It would free private industries from having to abide by national environmental laws that keep our forests healthy and viable.

Visionaries like Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot intended these lands to be managed to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run. Rep. Zinkes vote directly contradicts the intentions of these early conservationists.

Most of us can agree that the management of public lands isnt perfect. The Forest Service is experiencing massive cuts in both budget and personnel, despite an increased demand for resources and recreation on lands it oversees. This problem requires direct action, not a politician who avows his support of public lands but votes inconsistently on critical legislation.

We cannot let shortsighted interests cloud our vision for sustainable management of these resources. Our children not only should be able to hunt and fish on Montanas national forest lands; they also should be able to support their families on them as a logger.

-- Jack Cholewa, Missoula
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Nearly 500 injured as extreme weather hits Jiangsu province

Villagers survey the rubble of a collapsed house after a tornado struck Funing in Jiangsu province on Thursday. Provided to China Daily

Seventy-eight people died and about 500 were injured in disasters caused by extreme weather conditions, including a tornado, in Jiangsu province on Thursday.

Buildings collapsed as thunder, lightning, rainstorms, hailstorms and the tornado struck counties and villages in the city of Yancheng at about 2:30 pm.

By the evening, 78 people were reported dead, but the number of injured remained unclear.

Qiao Zonghua, a media official at the Yancheng government, said the tornado struck densely populated areas, adding that the city had never witnessed such a disaster or severe weather conditions.

A villager surnamed Zhang told China News Service he was driving on a country road when he saw a tree collapse. He realized something was wrong, got out of his vehicle and moved several meters away.

He then saw his car sucked in by the tornado and thrown into the air before it landed in a creek.

Another villager, surnamed Li, who crawled out of her collapsed house told China News Service she had been outside when the sky suddenly darkened.

She was scared and found a place to hide, where she heard roaring winds and heavy rain outside that flattened her home.

Local meteorological authorities warned that heavy rain would continue to affect most parts of the city for the next six hours and told people to take every precaution.
Mayor Broderson called the City Council meeting for Thursday, June 9, 2016, to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers present were Fitzgerald, Natvig, Saucedo, Bynum, Harvey, and Spread.

Tonight's presentation was an update on the Merrill Hotel site plan.

City Engineer Jim Edgmond stated tonight's presentation would be focusing on a proposed lease of public right-of-way on Mississippi Drive and an agreement for the Chestnut Street right-of-way. He stated the hotel design includes a two-lane drop-off area in front of the hotel which means it would extend into the public right-of-way. He stated the developers of the hotel feel that in order for this to be a first-class facility, a two-lane drop off in front of the hotel is an absolute necessity. He stated that in order to accommodate the use of the public right-of-way for this purpose, a long-term lease agreement will be necessary. He stated the Mississippi Drive Corridor Project could accommodate this configuration. He showed the site maps for both the Mississippi Drive and Chestnut Street areas.

Mr. Edgmond, speaking in reference to Chestnut Street, stated the hotel has a strong desire to bring traffic from the two-lane drive in front of the hotel right onto Chestnut Street. He stated that with this traffic configuration, it will be necessary for the city to acquire private property on the west side of Chestnut Street to allow for a 10' to 12' right-of-way. He stated the property is privately owned but would be dedicated to the city to use as the public right-of-way.

Mr. Edgmond stated a Memorandum of Understanding with the hotel developers would be necessary to clearly show they will be responsible for that area which would include a special events traffic plan when traffic is busy at the hotel.

Councilmember Fitzgerald, speaking in reference to the map showing the front of the hotel, asked what the red dots along the two-way lanes were for.

Mr. Edgmond stated those dots indicate there will be some type of visible barrier between the two-lane drop off and Mississippi Drive.

Mr. Edgmond stated it was his understanding these two items will be submitted at a future City Council meeting for City Council's consideration. He stated one of those items will be the proposed long-term lease agreement for the use of public right-of-way for the two-lane drop-off configuration in front of the hotel and the second will be a proposed dedication agreement for the Chestnut Street right-of-way.

Councilmember Saucedo asked why two drop-off lanes were necessary.

Mr. Edgmond stated two lanes are necessary in order for the hotel to receive the rating the developers are hoping for.

Councilmember Saucedo voiced his concerns about taking away from the roadway.

Councilmember Harvey stated he does not necessarily agree with what is being proposed. He then asked if the property being proposed for use as the right-of-way on Chestnut Street is private property.

Mr. Edgmond stated it is private property and that the transfer of the right-of-way has not happened yet but is expected to.

There was discussion concerning the length of the proposed right-of-way.

Councilmember Fitzgerald, speaking in reference to snow removal, asked if the hotel will be responsible for removal of snow from its property, and Mr. Edgmond answered yes.

Councilmember Saucedo asked Mr. Edgmond if he was comfortable with this proposal.

Mr. Edgmond stated he believes the proposed lease agreement represents a compromise between the city and hotel developers and is the best negotiated settlement to accomplish what needs to be done for the hotel and still meet the needs of the Mississippi Drive project. He stated it also addresses safety concerns on Chestnut Street and requires special events planning by the hotel.

Councilmember Harvey asked for larger copies of the maps being looked at, and Mr. Edgmond stated he would provide 11x17 copies to City Council.

There was further discussion concerning parking issues.

Councilmember Fitzgerald stated that tonight's discussion only concerns the proposed long-term lease agreement for the use of public right-of-way for the two-lane configuration in front of the hotel and the Chestnut Street right-of-way.

Councilmember Saucedo asked about the length of the proposed lease agreement.

Both Councilmember Fitzgerald and Acting City Administrator Nancy Lueck stated that a similar agreement is 75 years in length but the term for the proposed lease has not yet been determined.

Mr. Edgmond stated it is the hotel's desire to have a long-term lease so they do not lose their front door.

Councilmember Fitzgerald stated the last thing we need to do is put barriers up on this project.

Mr. Edgmond stated he needs to know tonight if staff is on the right track for bringing the proposed lease agreement forward for action by City Council.

There was discussion concerning the street configuration on Mississippi Drive in front of the hotel.

At this point, Councilmember Saucedo and Mr. Edgmond privately reviewed the street maps for further clarification.

There was discussion concerning the Site Plan Review Committee and the review of the preliminary plans for this project.

Speaking in reference to the proposed widths of Mississippi Drive, Councilmember Fitzgerald asked about the lane widths on Park Avenue.

Mr. Edgmond stated he believes they are approximately 10' in width.

There was discussion concerning how traffic will exit out of the proposed underground parking garage as well as allowing traffic to perform u-turns to reach the hotel.

Speaking in reference to the need for the u-turn, Mr. Edgmond stated it was determined that a u-turn would be the safest solution for vehicles to get to the hotel.

Mr. Edgmond stated he would like to stay focused on the two items presented tonight.

There was a consensus from City Council to bring these items forward for action at a future meeting. Five Councilmembers indicated they would support the site plan changes with one Councilmember (Harvey) opposed.

Under comments, Councilmember Harvey reminded everyone that the first Second Saturday event will be held this Saturday in downtown Muscatine.

Acting City Administrator Lueck reminded everyone that the conversion of 2nd Street from a one way to a two way takes place on Tuesday, June 14, 2016. She stated that pavement marking will be done Monday beginning at 10:00 p.m.

Mayor Broderson stated the next Coffee with the Mayor will be held on June 25, 2016 at the South End Fire Station. She then stated there will be a lip syncing contest tonight at the Missipi Brew beginning at 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the teen programs at the YMCA.

Councilmember Spread moved the meeting be adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Nancy Lueck,

Acting City Administrator
The Muscatine County Board of Adjustment will conduct a public hearing on Friday, July 8, 2016, starting at 10 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Office, Muscatine County Administration Building, 414 E. 3rd St., Muscatine, Iowa, to discuss the following:

Case #16-07-01. An application has been filed by Charles F. and Carlene J. Morrison, Record Owners, and Keith and Judy Latimer, Proposed Builder. This property is located in Cedar Township, Parcel E, West of 235th Street, in the SE of Sec. 11-T76N-R4W, containing approximately 19.38 acres and is zoned A-1 Agricultural District. This request, if approved, would allow the Zoning Administrator to issue a Special Use Permit in order for the Latimers to build a rural residence on this property.

Case #16-07-02. An application has been filed by Mildred M. Hora, Record Owner.

This property is located in Orono Township, 2222 Blue Heron Avenue, West of Heron Avenue, Part of Parcel A, in the NW of Sec. 5-T76N-R4W, containing approximately 2.42 acres, and is zoned A-1 Agricultural District. This request, if approved, would allow the Zoning Administrator to issue a Special Use Permit in order for Jimmy Hora and his family to place a rural residence (modular/manufactured home) on this property.

Case #16-07-03. An application has been filed by James L. or Janet R. Sichterman, Record Owners. This property is located in Bloomington Township, 2660 Timberbrook Court, Country Estates at Wildwood, Lot 16, in the SE of Sec. 14-T77N-R2W, containing approximately 1.63 acres, and is zoned R-1 Residential District. This request, if approved, would allow the Zoning Administrator to issue a Variance in order to build a deck approximately 17 feet from the rear lot line, instead of the required 40 foot setback.

Case #16-07-04. An application has been filed by Chad D. Eichelberger, Record Owner. This property is located in Lake Township, South of 205th Street, in the SE of Sec. 28-T77N-R3W, 1878 205th Street, containing approximately 43.34 acres and is zoned A-1 Agricultural District. This request, if approved, would allow the Zoning Administrator to issue a Variance in order for Mr. Eichelberger to continue his trucking business, Thompson Trucking, at this location.

Any interested party may correspond with us in time for the hearing, request additional information, or attend said hearing to express their views.

MUSCATINE COUNTY

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Eric S. Furnas, Planning &

Zoning Administrator

Muscatine County Building ~

Zoning ~ Environmental Office

3610 Park Avenue West

Muscatine  IA  52761

Telephone 5632630482

FAX 5632884338
DES MOINES, Iowa  July 1 marks the 30th anniversary of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, established by the State Legislature when several state agencies consolidated in 1986. To help commemorate the 30th anniversary, the DNR is highlighting 30 success stories for Iowas natural resources during the last three decades.

The DNR oversees compliance with water, land and air quality regulations, as well as wildlife, fisheries, forests and state parks.

We spend a lot of time working on, and talking about, how Iowas natural resources need to improve, and we will continue that hard work, said DNR director Chuck Gipp. Now is the perfect time to also reflect on some amazing accomplishments that have truly improved our states environment and outdoor opportunities.

According to Gipp, the key to most of these accomplishments has been partnerships. These are not just DNR success stories, said Gipp. Many citizens, businesses and communities have worked tirelessly to help improve natural resources and Iowas quality of life during the last three decades.

Many of these successes have happened with leadership from organizations, companies and individuals outside of the DNR, and the agency salutes the efforts of thousands who have contributed their innovation and dedication to natural resource work in the state.

Examples of natural resource successes in the last 30 years include:

Iowas eagle population, on the brink of extinction in 1986, now has close to 400 nesting pairs in the state.

More than 1,200 miles of hiking and biking trails have been developed across Iowa, creating hugely popular outdoor opportunities.

Almost 30 percent of Iowa electricity now comes from wind energy, a number that was basically nonexistent in the mid-1980s.

Iowas streams that can support naturally reproducing trout have increased to 45 from just six in the mid-1980s through water quality efforts.

2.2 million Iowans now participate in curbside recycling in 644 Iowa communities, a concept that was not widespread 30 years ago.

The complete list of the 30 accomplishments is highlighted in the July/August 2016 issue of Iowa Outdoors magazine, and can be found on the DNRs website at www.iowadnr.gov/30th . The successes and anniversary will also be featured in a display at the DNRs State Fair Building in August.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Liam Sheppeard, who just completed second grade at Mulberry Elementary School, has won the RAGBRAI Muscatine Kids Art Contest. Liam is the son of Lori Sheppeard. For his winning drawing, Liam will be awarded $20 Chamber Dollars to be spent at participating businesses in Muscatine. His artwork will also be considered in the statewide RAGBRAI Art Contest that has a grand prize of $350.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Angela Marie Mathis, 37, of Muscatine, received a deferred judgment after pleading guilty to obtaining a prescription drug by fraud and tampering with records.

An investigation by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office showed that Mathis, a nurse at a Muscatine nursing facility, falsified records to obtain prescription medication for her own use. The court placed her on supervised probation.
MUSCATINE  The U.S. Supreme Court is making it tougher for federal prosecutors to seek longer prison terms for people convicted of repeated violent crimes in a ruling involving the case of a Muscatine man.

The justices ruled 5-3 that lower courts are limited in how they can consider prior state crimes for purposes of increasing sentences under the federal Armed Career Criminal Act.

The court sided with Richard Mathis, of Muscatine, who pleaded guilty to a federal weapons charge. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison  five more than he otherwise would have gotten  because of prior state convictions for burglary.

Mathis, 53, was arrested in 2013 in Muscatine County.

The Armed Career Criminal Act makes defendants eligible for longer prison terms if they have three prior convictions for crimes that are either violent felonies or serious drug offenses. The list of prior violent offenses includes burglary convictions that are punishable by more than a year in prison.

Mathis argued that Iowa burglary laws are much broader than the federal version of burglary, so the state convictions should not be used to increase his sentence. But a federal appeals court said it could look beyond the elements of the law to see whether Mathis' conduct would have been guilty of violating federal burglary law.

The Supreme Court disagreed. Writing for the majority, Justice Elena Kagan said courts must follow the elements-based approach and warned of the "inconsistency and arbitrariness" that would result if courts went beyond that.

In dissent, Justice Stephen Breyer said the ruling would "unnecessarily complicate federal sentencing law" and prevent courts from applying the law Congress enacted. He was joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Justice Samuel Alito filed his own dissent, saying the majority's decision is "for aficionados of pointless formalism." He warned that under the court's rationale "burglary convictions in a great many states may be disqualified from counting as predicate offenses" under the repeat offender law.

Donovan Robertson was Mathis' original defense counsel. He feels the decision is a positive for defendants like Mathis.

It clears up an area of the law that was very confusing, that didnt make good sense in terms of syntax, Robertson said.
MUSCATINE  F. Jeanne Garvin (nee Johnson), 92, of Muscatine, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 23, 2016, at Lutheran Living Senior Campus.

Funeral Mass will be 9 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2016, at St. Mathias Church. A funeral luncheon will be held following the Mass at the Mazzuchelli Faith Formation Center at Ss. Mary and Mathias Catholic School, 2407 Cedar St. Burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be 1-4 p.m. Sunday at Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home with a rosary prayer service at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Lutheran Living Senior Campus, Salvation Army or the Muscatine Community Y. Condolences may be made to www.wittichfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Lutheran Living for their compassion and kindness.

Jeanne was born July 13, 1923, in Muscatine, the daughter of Amyl W. and Isabel Kyle Johnson Sr. She graduated from Muscatine High School, Class of 1940, and earned her nursing diploma from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Davenport in 1944. She married Wayne "Lefty" Charles Garvin on Dec. 13, 1945, at the St. Marys Church in Muscatine. He preceded her in death on Aug. 10, 2003.

After completing her nursing training, Jeanne began a long and distinguished career in nursing, working first in the office of Dr. Parke Jessup in Muscatine, then at Muscatine County Hospital (now known as UnityPoint Trinity Muscatine). From 1974, until her retirement in 1988, Jeanne served as the director of nursing at Muscatine General Hospital. Jeanne derived a great deal of pleasure from serving others as a nurse and administrator. Her enthusiasm for her profession showed not only in her demeanor toward patients and colleagues, but in her desire to keep learning. She earned additional degrees from the University of Minnesota and St. Ambrose University during the course of her nearly 30-year career.

She was an active member of Ss. Mary and Mathias Catholic Church and was a charter member of Keystone Federated Womens Club of Muscatine. She was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal fan and she expressed her passion for learning through her hobbies. She enjoyed traveling whenever possible and was a self-described foodie dedicated to trying and sharing new recipes with family and friends. A voracious reader, she was always ready with a book recommendation. She spent hours knitting and quilting beautiful, one-of-a-kind gifts for her family and friends. Her curiosity was unquenchable.

Jeanne thoroughly enjoyed her family. She always encouraged and supported the endeavors of her three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She possessed a quick and dry wit and a down-to-Earth point of view. Her counsel and humor will be greatly missed by all those privileged to know and love her.

Those left to honor her memory include three sons, Patrick Garvin of Washington, D.C., Steven Garvin and wife, Cynthia, and Timothy Garvin and wife, Susan, all of Muscatine; six grandchildren, Sara Storr, Laura Sanders, Rebecca Blake, Jacob Garvin, John Garvin and Jessica Garvin; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Jere H. Johnson of Victorville, California; one nephew, Robert Johnson of Seagrove, North Carolina; three nieces, Joann Wintermute of Muscatine, Sally Headley of Carlysle, and Roxe Rosemund of Walcott.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Amyl W. Johnson Jr.; one sister, Betty Talkington; and one nephew, Mark Johnson.
Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
The latest MyBroadband speed test results show that Axxess had the fastest average ADSL and VDSL speeds over the past month.

MyBroadbands speed test servers make use of Ooklas platform and are hosted in Teracos vendor-neutral data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Through NAPAfrica, all network operators at its peering points are provided with a free 1Gbps connection to the MyBroadband speed test platform.

MyBroadband filters speed tests based on network information from Internet service providers, and hosts over 40,000 tests per month.

Fastest average ADSL and VDSL speeds

The speed results are detailed in the table below.

XDSL had the fastest average download speed on ADSL, but had too few results to be accurately compared.

Cybersmart had the highest average VDSL download speed, but its results were also based on relatively few tests.

Highest average ADSL speeds ISP Download (kbps) Upload (kbps) Latency (ms) Jitter (ms) XDSL* 4,828 579 41 15 Axxess 4,060 511 58 56 Internet Solutions 3,865 517 57 57 Afrihost 3,790 514 55 45 Cybersmart 3,366 460 35 43 Telkom 3,090 497 57 43 MWEB 3,062 455 56 49 Vox Telecom* 1,998 442 16 18 Highest average VDSL speeds ISP Download (kbps) Upload (kbps) Latency (ms) Jitter (ms) Cybersmart* 22,923 2,421 50 18 Axxess 19,315 1,659 34 32 Telkom 15,606 1,369 37 15 Afrihost 15,601 1,057 52 30 MWEB 14,528 1,440 34 13 Internet Solutions 12,715 2,189 44 29 *Low number of tests for ISP.

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The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa has announced it will launch an investigation into South Africas subscription television broadcasting market.

ICASA has the responsibility to ensure that all communications and broadcasting service markets are open, competitive, and sustainable, said ICASA.

It said the investigation is meant to address concerns raised by industry stakeholders, and is a way for ICASA to determine why so few subscription TV services have launched in South Africa.

Despite multiple attempts to introduce competition in the subscription broadcasting market, only two licensees have been able to launch services.

ICASA is referring to players like TopTV, which applied for business rescue in 2012, was bought by StarTimes, and renamed to StarSat.

The two entrants have been plagued with sustainability challenges and the others not yet begun operations.

ICASA said it will:

Gather information through stakeholder questionnaires, meetings, and written submissions. Publish a discussion document for public comments. Publish a findings document.

There will also be a period for stakeholders to ask questions, and an FAQ document will be published.

ICASA said it expects the discussion document to be published before the end of September 2016.

The entire process is scheduled to be finished before the end of the current financial year, provided stakeholders hold to the deadline.

Effective stakeholder participation is a key element of the process and its successful outcomes, said ICASA.

More on DStv and ICASA

DStvs dominance in South Africa to be investigated

DStv, Communications Department take Etv to court over digital TV

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The high cost associated with crime in South Africa is one of the major reasons why many new computer businesses fail. This is according to Esquire CEO Mahomed Cassim.

Cassim said Esquire has seen a significant increase in new resellers from brick and mortar stores over the last few years.

However, crimes such as shoplifting and internal theft have a major impact on business, and are a big factor as to why so many brick and mortar start-ups fail in the first few of years of trading, said Cassim.

Cassim said that failure to take solid security precautions invites crime into a business, so its not an area where you can afford to cut corners.

Direct losses and security costs reduce profits and divert funds that could have been invested in the business infrastructure.

The risk of cash payments

While there are multiple safe payment options  like EFT, credit cards, and mobile payments  many South Africans still use cash to buy goods.

Most businesses still accept cash as payment, because payment methods such as credit and debit cards are still relatively expensive, said Cassim.

However, manual cash-handling costs far outweigh the benefits, and also pose significant challenges.

This includes staff resources that need to replenish and reconcile cash, the high cost of transporting money, and cash deposit fees that banks charge for depositing funds into bank accounts.

Apart from the risks and costs associated with cash payments, businesses also have to deal with merchandise loss by means of shoplifting and internal theft.

Other forms of merchandise loss include swapping of higher-spec items into lower-spec boxes, or swapping price labels of different items.

Cassim said consumers are hurt the most through crime, because the cost of crime is ultimately passed on to them.

Businesses need to raise their prices to cover their losses, and spend considerable resources implementing security technologies to prevent shoplifting.

More on crime

Tshwane launches city-wide crime safety app

Cape Town to use electric bicycles to fight crime
It's often said that David Cameron is a lucky politician who has seemed to coast through politics on instinct and charm during a career that has culminated in six years as British prime minister. On Thursday, his luck ran out.

In calling a referendum on Britain's membership in the European Union, Cameron made a gamble that sank his career  and set his country on a course to leave an international alliance it joined more than 40 years ago. Speaking to assembled reporters outside his Downing Street office Friday, he said he would stay on for as long as was necessary for stability's sake, but that he could not be the one to lead Britain out of Europe.

"I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months," he said, "but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination."

Brexit was a rare but fateful miscalculation for a politician who has a reputation for thriving under pressure and astutely judging political risks.

"I think he's actually been pretty stunned by the strength of the 'leave' cause," Cameron biographer James Hanning told The Associated Press several days ahead of the referendum. "The golden rule is, never hold a referendum unless you're confident of winning it, and I think he thought that the moderate voices would prevail by some distance."

The referendum campaign was unexpectedly bitter and divisive, and was brought to a shocked halt when Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death in the street last week. The news appeared to dampen the momentum of the "leave" movement, but in the end the Brexit vote prevailed.

"The British people have made a decision to take a separate path," Cameron said Friday morning.

That decision was bitter news for Cameron, who called the referendum to puncture growing support for the anti-EU UK Independence Party and placate the strongly euroskeptic right wing of the Conservatives.

Victoria Honeyman, a lecturer in British politics at the University of Leeds, said Cameron had seen EU battles poison the leaderships of former Tory leaders John Major and William Hague and "feared a civil war in the Conservative Party."

She said the referendum was about "defusing that time bomb"  but Cameron has "moved from having one ticking time bomb to having another ticking time bomb."

When he promised the referendum, in 2013, Cameron said it would "settle this European question in British politics" once and for all.

He told voters he would forge a new deal between Britain and the EU that would make remaining an attractive prospect. At a Brussels summit in February, he won changes to welfare benefits that he said would reduce immigration and an exemption for Britain from the EU's commitment to "ever-closer union"  a phrase that stirs images of a European super-state in some patriotic British hearts.

But many voters proved resistant to Cameron's message that Britain is stronger, safer and more economically secure within the EU than it would be outside it.

The concessions he gained were dismissed as paltry by "leave" campaigners, who said they would do little to limit immigration from other EU nations because the bloc guarantees free movement among member states. It's a subject that resonated with many voters, who have seen hundreds of thousands of people come to Britain over the past decade from new EU members in eastern Europe. (Hundreds of thousands of Britons also live in other EU countries, a less remarked-upon fact).

"I think he has underestimated the enduring nature and the strength of the euroskeptic support in the country and also the extent of the bitterness inside his own party," Hanning said.


Over the next few weeks, California college graduates will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. While grads have much to contemplate as they plan their next steps, health insurance is an important factor to consider.

Graduates who were on a student health plan during college might lose their coverage after graduation. If you lose your insurance after graduating, you have 60 days to enroll. With options offered by the Affordable Care Act, recent grads can still obtain coverage. Some grads may be eligible for Covered California while others may qualify for Californias Medi-Cal program. Remember, if you dont have health insurance, you may be fined when you file your income tax returns.

Many young people will receive financial help to lower the cost of insurance; almost half end up paying less than $50 a month. This small investment can help to provide access to preventative care, health screenings, and emergency medical care.

As you celebrate your graduation, review the goals you have for yourself and your family, and remember that an investment in your health is a valuable gift you can give yourself as you embark on your next adventure.

Tanir Ami, chief executive officer

OLE Health
I just finished reading an article referring to end-of-life options in the Sunday edition of the Napa Valley Register ("Napa's medical community considers physician-assisted suicide," June 19).

The article contains a statement from Christina Harris, spokeswoman for Queen of the Valley Medical Center stating that "Queen of the Valley Hospital and its physicians" have opted out of physician-assisted suicide. This is news to me.

The End of Life Options Act recently went into effect in early June, 2016. I am a physician practicing in Napa, and at Queen of the Valley Medical Center and I have not "opted out" of this option for my patients who are considered appropriate. I was never surveyed by the hospital as to what my opinion was and do not appreciate the hospital's spokesperson stating that all physicians at the Queen have opted out of this option now accepted by the majority of citizens of our state.

As a physician, my role is to act responsibly and ethically in providing medical services to my patients. It is not my position to impose any religious beliefs, one way or another, on my patients. I hope the spokesperson will make the clarification as I know other physicians in this community share my concern.

Dr. Marshall Cooperson

Napa

Editor's note: The Register asked Queen of the Valley about the author's letter. Christina Harris, spokesperson for Queen of the Valley, agreed that not all physicians affiliated with Queen of the Valley Medical Center have opted out of assisted suicide. Physicians who belong to the hospital's medical foundation, Queen of the Valley Medical Associates, or privileged providers who are working on the hospitals premises under a contractual agreement may not participate. However, a physician who has privileges at the hospital, but is not associated with the hospital's medical foundation, may participate while in his or her own office space at another medical building that is not owned by Queen of the Valley, Harris said.
I came to the United States when I was 14 years old with the dream of pursuing my education. I came alone, and therefore also with the responsibility of supporting myself. I am one of many who, following a dream, found myself following the crops and harvest seasons from Arizona to California, Oregon and sometimes even to Washington.

Of course, my experience in the field was a type of education. I quickly learned from managers what not to do. At the time, it was easy to blame the managers entirely for their poor leadership skills.

Now, however, I go back and forth. These men were trained simply to trust their own judgment and do what they thought was right. As a result, even those with good intentions were not qualified to deal with higher-level management issues. In some sense, managers and workers alike suffered from the same lack of training, because, at that time, there were no resources or organizations devoted to educating agricultural workers.

Napa Valley, however, is uniquely devoted to supporting the men and women who comprise the backbone of our farm-working community  and has long set itself apart.

Grapevines require long-term vision and care, as well as highly skilled crews to ensure productivity from year to year. Its no surprise then that vineyard owners and vineyard management companies have naturally become the staunchest advocates for investing in training and support services for these crews.

The extent of the services provided is foremost a testament to local growers commitment to fostering vineyard workers as neighbors and an integral part of the community.

Napa is the only county in California to have an annual assessment undertaken by growers, which has gone entirely to the construction of three farmworker housing centers providing 51,000 night stays per year. Vineyard workers in the valley receive an average pay rate of $14 per hour, well above the current minimum wage and the California and U.S. average for comparable occupations.

Here in Napa Valley, we are also at the forefront of a growing trend to provide medical coverage, 401(k), housing, and other benefits to as many workers as possible.

My dream of providing education for all farmworkers has also come into being in Napa Valley in the form of the model programming provided by the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, for which I have served as a board member for the last five years.

Established in 2011, the Farmworker Foundation has served more than 10,000 farmworkers and family members with high-level programs focusing on advanced leadership and professional development, quality in the vineyard, health and safety, financial advice, English language opportunities, scholarship and internship programs, navigating the American school system, as well as information on community services.

I have countless outstanding examples of how the programs and opportunities weve provided have impacted the lives of our attendees. There are currently participants who began taking our courses in 2011, who at that time spoke very little English and were generally very shy and reserved.

Fast-forward to today, and these same individuals are now taking Advanced Level English courses at Napa Valley College, sitting in the front row at both Farmworker Foundation and Napa Valley Grapegrowers seminars, asking questions and engaged in the discussion, and now even becoming speakers at our events. They are up for promotions in workplaces, taking on managerial and supervising roles, participating more actively in the greater community, and confidently guiding spouses and children through the intricacies of the American health and school systems.

These individuals are living proof of all the good that comes from supporting, promoting and educating our community  and there is no program like it anywhere else in the country. The growth and development is simply unbelievable  and evidence that what we are doing is working and has such a profound, positive effect on all the lives we touch.

Its a wonderful thing for me be in this position today, as I look back to my days in the field dreaming of a way to educate every single worker out there. Many of us left Mexico at an early age having not already had the opportunity to attend schools. I knew there would be others in addition to myself who wanted to be trained, wanted to be educated, wanted to go to school  who have the dream and are reaching for it.

I am excited for what has been accomplished, but also for how much more can be accomplished as time goes on. Napas growers remain at the forefront of conversations regarding how to meet the growing affordable housing demands, support the increasing number of women in the field, expand our notions of benefits to transportation and day care, and much more.

Napa Valley has famously built a dynamic agricultural community with an unwavering sense of heritage. However, Napa Valley is making another name for itself as a leading community at the heart of a movement to educate and provide progressive benefits and services to farmworkers and their families. This has been a community effort  one for which we should all be very proud. Adelante!

For information on the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, visit NapaFarmworkerFoundation.org.
Raisi: Terrorist attack in Shiraz will not go unanswered

Turkey arrests doctor who called for investigation into chemical weapons use in northern Iraq

Blinken: China has decided that the status quo in Taiwan is no longer acceptable

Steven Mnuchin says China will face significant economic downturn that will affect rest of world

German government allows Chinese company to buy reduced stake in Hamburg port terminal

'Corridor' between Armenia and Azerbaijan becomes subject of heated debate in European Parliament

Awkward lunch: Macron humiliates Scholz in Paris

Polish government prepares for 'potential use of nuclear or chemical weapons' by Kremlin

Iran: Unknown shoot and kill 2 IRGC members

EU calls on defense ministers of bloc countries to coordinate arms purchases

What will Israeli defense minister discuss in Turkey

Erdogan: We cannot allow 'terrorist organizations' to take the issue of Sweden's membership in NATO hostage

KGB: Opponents of authorities will begin to rock situation in country in November-December

Finance Ministry: Armenia plans to increase pensions in July next year

Terrorist who carried out shooting in Shiraz is foreigner

Saudi Arabia slams countries for using emergency oil reserves to manipulate prices

Azerbaijani who fought in ranks of AFU killed in Kiev as result of Iranian drone strike

Konstantin Zatulin: You don't have to be Armenian to love Armenia and Armenians

Biden's approval rating approaches lowest level of his presidency just 2 weeks before election

White House tones down its previous optimism about the midterm elections

Ford Motor leaves Russian market by selling its stake in Sollers joint venture

Council of Lazarev Club considers ban on Konstantin Zatulin to enter Armenia outrageous trick

The New York Times: Saudi Arabia pissed off U.S. by derailing a secret deal

Samvel Karapetyan: Various forces are pushing Armenia away from Russia, this cannot be allowed

Dubai Silicon Oasis interested in cooperation with Armenia in IT sector

Jens Stoltenberg announces his intention to visit Turkey

Wiktorin: EU observation mission will ease tensions

Saudi Aramco: European embargo on Russian oil increases uncertainty in global oil market

Commander of Lithuanian Armed Forces against transfer of howitzers and air defense systems to Ukraine

Armenian Finance Ministry gives outlook on economic activity and debt ratio

Minister: Rehabilitation works after Azerbaijani Armed Forces' invasion continue

About 230 kilometers of roads are being built and repaired in Syunik

Bloomberg: Europe has more gas than it can use

Pashinyan says he would like to sign Armenian-Azerbaijani peace deal before end of year

168.am: President of Artsakh leaves for Russian capital

Armenia's Pashinyan: I will attend trilateral meeting in Sochi

Bloomberg: China's budget deficit since beginning of year approached record trillion dollars

PM: There is expectation that CSTO will adopt roadmap to restore Armenias territorial integrity

Pope receives Armenian FM

Armenia ruling party convention to be closed to media

Dollar falls, euro rises in Armenia

Kremlin: Russia has information that Ukraine is preparing terrorist attack using 'dirty bomb'

Governor underscores EU envoy to Armenias efforts in returning of Shirak Province POWs (PHOTOS)

Putin: US is using Ukraine as battering ram against Russia, CSTO, and CIS

Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak leaves Russia

Russian military practices massive nuclear strike in response to nuclear attack of adversary

Germany restricts visas for Iranian passport holders

Belarus Foreign Minister visits Iran

Iran expands sanctions against EU

Zatulin says it is necessary to discuss relations between Russia and Armenia at different levels

Ardshinbank is the only company from Armenia with assigned ratings from the big three credit rating agencies

Armenia Security Council chief receives OSCE needs assessment mission members

Kremlin comments on deployment of American division in Romania

Iltalehti: draft bill on Finland's membership in NATO allows deployment of nuclear weapons

Kremlin informs about preparation for Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan leaders meeting

Armenia envoy briefs Costa Rica president on South Caucasus situation

Legislature head on chances of Armenia leaving CSTO: There is very little time left for us to make decision

Mercedes confirms intention to leave Russia

Armenia parliament speaker: No document on table

Air-raid alarm sirens to be installed in Estonia

Armenia legislature head: PM will go to Sochi on October 31, meet with Russia, Azerbaijan presidents

US State Department: Armenia, Azerbaijan should decide whether Putin's invitation would be useful to them

US transfers to Ukraine first 2 NASAMS complexes

Armenia National Assembly speaker: Phrase about signing peace treaty by years end is tacit deadline

Armenia parliament speaker: We have 240 casualties as result of Azerbaijan attack

Armenia FM in Vatican, meets with Substitute for Holy See Secretariat of State for General Affairs

Israel president gives US intel on Iran UAVs in Ukraine

Copper prices are rising

World oil prices falling

Armenia MPs approve several changes to laws

FM: Armenia has never lost its belief in humanity despite facing many challenges, calamities

Canada embassy to soon be opened in Armenia

Biden: Russia would be making serious mistake to use tactical nuclear weapon

Margarita Simonyan says she is banned from entering Armenia

Newspaper: Artsakh Public Council establishment causes concern in political arena

First sneakers for horses created in US

India fines Google for $113 million

Mass dedicated to peace in Armenia is celebrated at Vatican

Saudi Arabia decides to be more mature guy in its quarrel with US

Biden says Russia would make 'serious mistake' if it deploys tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine

Ukrainian media report on Dnipro rocket attack

Romania plans to intensify talks on Black Sea and military purchases

Karekin II and Aram I refuse to participate in World Armenian Forum

IMF Director: Ukraine's need for external financing could reach $5 billion month

Turkey continues to beat out gas discount from Russia and payment deferral from Gazprom

Alen Simonyan refuses to participate in fifth meeting of Russian-Armenian Lazarev Club

New Serbian government plans to invest 12 billion euros in energy projects

UN Security Council to meet at Russia's request over accusations that Iran is supplying drones to Russia

Leading Wall Street bankers warn of recession in US and Europe

Armenian FM tells Vatican secretary of state about Azerbaijani aggression

Secretary of Armenian Security Council holds telephone conversation with Biden's aide

IEA head: World still needs Russian oil to flow into the market

Norwegian police arrest man on suspicion of spying for Russia

Ambassador-at-Large meets with Personal Representative of OSCE Chairman-in-Office

EU to offer banks to offer mandatory instant payments in euros

Ambassador: Active efforts of Armenian authorities are registering regress in Armenian-Russian relations

Saudi minister: Saudi Arabia and US will overcome unjustified spat

Zatulin: My ban on entering Armenia coincides with trilateral meeting planned in Russia

Rishi Sunak vows to fix 'mistakes' of Liz Truss

MFA comments on information about meeting of special envoys of Armenia and Turkey
Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski (L) looks on as Trump speaks about the results of the Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois and Missouri primary elections during a news conference held at his Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, March 15, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

The breaking news in the United States these past days has been that the Donald Trump's campaign had only $1.3 million in cash on hand at the end of May, in stark contrast to the $42 million held by his rival Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Compared to the $28 million raised by Democratic front runner Clinton in May, Trump, the presumptive Republican candidate, took in a meager $3.1 million that month.

Many have been shocked by Trump's inability to raise funds at a time when the Republican National Committee has not fully thrown its weight behind him. The New York real estate mogul has been self-funding his campaign during most of the primaries, despite reports suggesting that some of the money has been used to pay his own companies.

Many people are waiting to see whether such a large fund raising gap will be narrowed in the months leading up to the November election. This, however, over-looks a key issue, the influence of money in politics, which is widely regarded as a cancer in US politics today.

Clinton does look to be a bullish and powerful in fund raising. The latest report shows that she will soon tap into President Obama's email list that helped Obama's campaign rake in some $500 million through email and online donations in the 2012 race.

Just on Monday, Clinton attended a fundraiser in New York City attended by Hollywood stars such as LeonardoDiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Obama, who has complained about money in politics, has also been criticized for doing nothing about it during his presidency. He will soon spend much time hitting the campaign trails to raise money and support for Clinton.

The mania in the US for political fundraising has worsened since the 2010 Supreme Court decision on the Citizens United case which opened the floodgates to unlimited campaign finance, much of it in the form of super political action committees that pool campaign funds for or against candidates or proposed legislation.

According to the data released by the Federal Election Commission on May 23, Clinton had raised some $85 million while her super PACs amounted to $229 million, compared with $3.3 million and $63 million for Trump. Trump this week has accused Clinton of raising "blood money" from Wall Street.

Sadly, Bernie Sanders, the only candidate who has constantly taken on the campaign finance system head on in each and every rally, will not be his party's nominee.

Sanders called the campaign finance system "corrupt and increasingly con-trolled by billionaires and special interests. "I fear very much that, in fact, government of the people, by the people, and for the people is beginning to perish in the United States of America," he said.

Many Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, are deeply concerned about the problem. A Pew Center poll released last December found that 76 percent in both camps believe money has greater influence on politics today than ever before, while over 60 percent believe the high cost of presidential campaigns dis-courages good candidates.

Such public grievances are also reflect-ed in a Gallup poll early this month that found a very low percentage of Americans have "a great deal" or "quite a lot" confidence in their institutions, including the presidency, Congress, the criminal justice system, the media, and big business.

And it is ironic that in the self-pro-claimed greatest democracy in the world, because of money a large percentage of Americans will be forced to make a brutal choice between of lesser of two evils in electing their president in November.

The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
YEREVAN.  Armenia is ready for peaceful regional coexistence, as hard as the road to peace may be, President Serzh Sargsyan said during the meeting with Pope Francis at the presidential residence in Yerevan.

The full speech is as follows:

Your Holiness,

Eminences,

Dear Guests,

What a special day the Lord has made for us.

It is an immense honor for our people and me personally to welcome the leader of the Catholic World, His Holiness Pope Francis on the Armenian soil, which was the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion and withstood sufferings through millennia for the Christian identity and values.

Your Holiness,

Your visit was long-awaited in our country. With Your dedication to humanitarian ideas and the universal values of love, peace, and kindness, and with your constant care for matters of concern to the Armenians, You enjoy the great respect and admiration of the Armenian people.

Thank you for gracing us all with this warm historic moment. Thank you for bringing blessing, happiness, and peace to our nation with your presence, for filling our homes and hearts with warmth. Approving the official motto of your visit as a Visit to the First Christian Nation and characterizing the trip as a pilgrimage by Your Holiness, bears testament to the care Your Holiness has towards our country and our people. It equally attests to the unique bond between the Roman Catholic Church and Armenian Apostolic Church. For this, we are thankful and grateful to you.

Distinguished Guests,

15 years ago, in 2001, the visit to Armenia of His Holiness Pope John Paul II was on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of declaring Christianity as the state religion in our country. Today, this historic visit of Pope Francis signifies another key anniversarythe 25th anniversary of restoring independent Armenian statehooda cherished celebration for every Armenian.

Throughout the voyage of our millennia-long history, the Armenian people have faced many hardships  from Genocide and foreign oppression to indifference of friends and denial. It faced but never lost the ability to believe in the ideals of humanity, tolerance, and solidarity. It never lost owing to the faith, the values, the peace-loving nature, and for the great humanists who extended a helping hand.

One cannot but believe in the Triumph of Justice when in 100 years, a timeframe that divides 1915 from 2015, the message of justice is being conveyed to the mankind from the heart of the Catholic World heralding that the first of the mass atrocities having affected the humanity, the Armenian Genocide, is a historical fact and an undeniable reality; when notwithstanding all circumstances falsification and denial start to shake in the face of historic justice. This was testified by the new wave of recognition of the Armenian genocide that followed the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.

We dont look for culprits. We dont spread accusations. We simply want things to be called by their names, as it will allow two neighboring peoples to move towards genuine reconciliation and a shared prosperous future by recognizing the past and embracing forgiveness and a clean conscience.

Your Holiness,

Dear Guests,

The Armenian people's decision to declare Christianity as a state religion in 301 was indeed a key event in world history. However, it went beyond defining the destiny of the Armenian people: the Christian Faith became the hallmark of the Armenian identity, predetermining our historical course and the values and culture that steered us to the 21st century, to the present, to this very day.

Christianity is deeply-rooted into the Armenian soil and Armenian souls. To remain faithful to Christianity this is a key characteristic of the Armenian people. There is a reason why Armenian churches and cross-stones can be found virtually any country of the world. There is a reason why Saint Gregory of Narek, a great child of the Armenian people, was declared Doctor of the Universal Church, the highest title of the Catholic Church, joining the 36 greatest thinkers in Christianity. It is an honor, a milestone in the appreciation of the nation, which reaffirmed the same-source Christian value system underlying the bonds between Armenia and the Holy See.

Christianity is more than a religion for us. It is a lifestyle, one that instilled in the Armenian people the desire to live in peace and the philosophy of overcoming difficulties restraint and dignity. The more Christian we became, the more we respected and appreciated the faith of others, the more tolerant and peace-loving we became, capable of coexisting peacefully with other peoples and taking even better care of the spiritual-cultural legacy of others on our land.

Examples of inter-religious friendship are numerous. Cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran is a case in point. Or, in the Middle East, until the unfavorable developments of the recent past, the presence of peaceful and prosperous Armenian communities and their harmonious coexistence with the host nations and national and religious minorities. We are watching with great sorrow the practices of vandalism and xenophobia in the Middle East, the only aim of which is the deletion of historical memory from those areas through a cultural massacre.

Your Holiness,

As you rightly noted in your address on 12 April, the peoples of this complicated region of ours need peace, referring to the peoples that, in the past, despite their differences and pressure, enjoyed extensive periods of peaceful life and even helped one another in difficulties.

Today, Armenia still aspires for peace. In any event, we prefer peaceful negotiation to shooting. We are ready for peaceful regional coexistence, as hard as the road to peace may be. It is perhaps because durable peace is based upon the idea of people's freedom and free expression of will.

Your Holiness,

Peace is both God's gift and a human achievement. I agree completely. I believe in human achievements, in the ones who maintain peace at the price of their lives every second, in the ones that compel peace.

I am an optimist: I believe that humanitys dreams of freedom and peace, cherished for centuries, will become reality one day.

Welcome to the First Christian Nation.
Posted by Mark Williams | June 24, 2016

In January the U.S. Postal Service announced it was issuing a new set of Forever stamps featuring cool classic pickup trucks but it didn't provide an availability date. Now we have one.

The new stamps will be released at post offices nationwide (nearly 32,000) July 15; they'll also be sold online at www.usps.gov/shop.

Along with the stamps the U.S. Postal Service is releasing a short background primer about the importance of the pickup truck to U.S. history. The researchers at PhotoAssist are responsible for compiling the information about the four featured pickups  the 1938 International Harvester D-2, 1953 Chevrolet, 1948 Ford F-1 and 1965 Ford F-100  and it looks like they've done a pretty good job. We've included the background text below.

The classic pickup stamps should be available for about a year. For more information, call 800-782-6724.

Stamp Background

"In 2016, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates pickup trucks, the rugged and reliable work vehicles that Americans have driven for nearly a century. The stamps feature four iconic models: the 1938 International Harvester D-2, the 1948 Ford F-1, the 1953 Chevrolet and the 1965 Ford F-100.

"Artist Chris Lyons of Pittsford, N.Y., used Adobe Illustrator to create stylized renderings of the pickup trucks. Art director Antonio Alcal of Alexandria, Va., designed the stamps.

"The origin of pickup trucks can be traced back to the early 20th century, when automobiles first became popular in the U.S. They made personally hauling cargo, which once was the job of horse-drawn wagons, easier than ever. By the early 1900s, several manufacturers began producing light-duty trucks in limited numbers.





"International Harvester supplied and maintained trucks on stateside military bases during World War I. In 1917, Ford released the Model TT, which had a one-ton chassis. For 1918, Chevrolet introduced the Model 490 truck. But because drivers had to purchase their own cargo beds and bodies, these vehicles weren't considered true pickup trucks.

"The first fully factory assembled pickup truck didn't arrive until the middle of the next decade, when the 1925 Ford Model T Runabout with Pick-Up Body made its debut. A fortified version of Ford's landmark Model T, it had a base price of $281, featured a steel bed, and was powered by a modest 20-horsepower engine. Ford sold nearly 34,000 Model T pickups, helping kick-start the popularity of pickup trucks.

"Automaker Studebaker used the word 'pickup' in an advertisement in 1913, but the exact root of the term 'pickup' is unclear. By the Great Depression, it had become part of the American lexicon. U.S. federal regulations currently classify the pickup truck as a 'non-passenger automobile which has a passenger compartment and an open cargo area (bed).'





"Known for its production of agricultural equipment, International Harvester also made acclaimed light-duty trucks. In the 1930s, the company introduced its D line of pickups. With its six-cylinder engine and half-ton payload capacity, the 1938 International Harvester D-2 was a strong, sturdy pickup. The model was also visually striking. It had a distinct barrel-shaped grille and its elegant styling mirrored the look of luxury automobiles of the era.

"By the end of World War II, pickups had become ubiquitous, especially in rural America. The nation's major manufacturers soon began designing well-equipped trucks that no longer resembled the bare-bones models they once offered.

"In 1947, Chevrolet rolled out the Advance-Design Series, the first all-new post-World War II pickup truck line. The new Chevys were roomier and more powerful than ever before. Advance-Design pickups, such as the 1953 Chevrolet, featured large windshields that provided drivers with excellent visibility, a distinctive curvy grille that bulged in the middle, and a six-cylinder engine. Advance-Design trucks were America's top-selling pickups for nearly a decade.

"The same year Chevy debuted its new line, International Harvester introduced its KB-Series of trucks. During World War II thousands of soldiers drove IH trucks, and once back home, welcomed the chance to own a stylish KB-1, 2 or 3 pickup.





"Ford's F-Series also differed greatly from relatively sparse models previously available. Also known as the 'Bonus Built' line, F-Series trucks were, in the words of Ford's famous advertising campaign, 'built stronger to last longer.' Ford launched the new line with the 1948 Ford F-1. It included features like the roomy 'Million Dollar Cab,' a sharp horizontal five-bar grille, and a six- or eight-cylinder engine. Ford sold more than 300,000 trucks in the first model year of the F-Series.

"In the 1960s and 1970s, International Harvester's line of light trucks flourished. In addition to the pickup version of the popular Scout, the company offered the C-Series, including the C-110. Most IH pickups of the era were available in a number of different wheelbases, a variety of engines and with a larger 'Bonus-Load' bed. These models also offered a crew-cab option, a popular concept introduced by IH in 1957.

"For the 1965 model year, the F-Series pickup got a face-lift. The 1965 Ford F-100 had a new grille that featured 18 small rectangular openings. It also featured what Ford dubbed 'Twin-I-Beam' independent front suspension, which improved the quality of the ride, and a powerful six- or eight-cylinder engine. The F-Series is still in production today and remains the country's top-selling truck line. As of 2015, there have been 13 generations of F-Series pickups."

U.S. Postal Services images
BENGALURU: Security plays vital role while restricting the unauthorized access into personal user account. Lately, all the big players in the technology industry are suggesting 2-step-verification to enhance the security of the user account. Usually in the login page, entering too many details could be highly irritating. Therefore, Google comes up with a new feature called Google Prompt that makes 2-step-verification much faster and less niggling to log-in for Android and iOS users.

Although prompt feature is available for both Android and iOS users, Google emphasizes iOS users to install Google Search app on the phone to get access to Google Prompt. When the iOS user tries to sign-in to Google account from third party services they stumble upon a notification asking for valid authorization. Earlier, user had to enter the verification code sent to the user on phone or mail. Now all they need to do is tap on yes, just one tap will pass the authorization but before that the user is supposed to turn on the service despite of using two-step verification.

Steps to turn on the 2-step verification feature: Go to My account, Select Sign-in and security option, and sign-in to Google to complete 2-step verification.

Apart from the latest Prompt option in my account page, Google also provides 3 confirmation options for users such as email, SMS or a security key. Google has joined lately to the user community of notifications as a way of login verification. Twitter and Facebook permit users to authenticate from their respective phones using the 2-step verification, but they still need to enter the app, view alert and then tap to confirm. In that case, Google is much faster with one tap process.

The future of 2-step verification feature is promising. Enterprises ranging from Facebook, Apple, Yahoo and Twitter to world of Warcraft are seen leveraging 2-step authentication method to enhance the security of the login page. Google has made efforts to make the whole process quicker and safer. Currently, customers are not permitted to use both security keys and Google Prompt security features simultaneously. Google Prompt requires an active data connection.

Read Also:

Google's Gboard Keyboard App Makes Its Way Into The Indian Version Of iPhones

WhatsApp Features You Probably Didn't Know About
BENGALURU: Paving a path of innovation for iPhone users, Google recently launched its Gboard keyboard app in India. In May, the app was first effectively introduced only for iPhone users in the US, but now it is also available worldwide. The search giant also announced in its press statement that the future versions of Gboard app will support more languages. But, for the time being, the app only supports English UK, English CA, English AU, and English IN. Users can install the app from the Apple App Store.

The Google Gboard keyboard app for iPhone incorporates its popular Google search on the iPhone keyboard; a missing feature not yet introduced on the Android devices. The search option on the app enables users to search for information, emoji and gifts from the keyboard. It effectively increases the convenience for users as they will not have to leave the conversation they are engaged in. The app comes with a G icon on the top left side of the keyboard which allows users to search for flights, addresses and gif images. Adding extra charm to the innovative app, iPhone users can also search for YouTube videos and link them on their chats.

Gboard also supports the function of glide typing, setting the users free from the hurdle of tapping by letting them type the words rapidly just by sliding their finger. Reviews from existing users suggest that Gboard is indeed a powerful third party iPhone keyboard app that provides quick search results. Bringing all features in one single app is the kind of innovative concept introduced by this search giant.

Read Also:

WhatsApp Features You Probably Didn't Know About

Edge Most Power-Efficient Browser on Windows 10: Microsoft
Campus Lake closed due to algae

by Tom Woolf

CARBONDALE, ILL. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale again this year is advising individuals to avoid skin contact with water in Campus Lake due to the presence of toxic algae. The university soon will implement a plan designed to improve the health of the lake.

SIUs Center for Environmental Health and Safety has been monitoring the lake on a weekly basis since late May, which coincided with a state advisory urging residents to watch for blue-green algae  also known as cyanobacteria -- in Illinois lakes and rivers. Rapid growth of algae is referred to as a bloom.

In conjunction with the ongoing monitoring, university officials have been exploring various options to address the naturally occurring problem on a longer-term basis. Campus Lakes algae level was within acceptable standards until this week.

Human contact with the water can cause skin rashes. Officials strongly recommend keeping animals out of the water.

Kevin Bame, vice chancellor administration and finance, said fishing and boating on the 43-acre lake are temporarily prohibited. The university is posting warning signs. Area drinking water is not affected, and the walking path around the lake remains open.

Several factors have combined to create perfect conditions for the growth of the algae, Bame said, including the presence of organic material and summers warmer temperatures.

After discussing several options with faculty members and external experts, the university is moving forward with a plan to drop the lake level, which will expose approximately 20 acres of shoreline. In some areas of the lake, the water level is likely to drop approximately 6 feet; there will continue to be habitat for the lakes fish and wildlife. The water will be discharged into the natural watershed tributary for Campus Lake.

Lowering the entire lake is expected to take a month. This will isolate decaying organic materials along the shoreline that act like wet compost, continually feeding the cyanobacteria and producing odor. Once the organic material left along the exposed shoreline has dried out, it will be disposed of organically or at a landfill. Excavation and removal will take approximately three-four months. It will take 12 to 15 months for the lake to return to its current level.

The bulk of the algae bloom is in shallower water near Thompson Point, Bame said. We will be pulling the water toward the southeastern part of the lake, which is deeper. That is the area we anticipate the bulk of the fish will migrate to.

Officials believe that this approach will improve the health of the lake and water quality. The university has applied for necessary federal and state permits, and is beginning the process of soliciting bids for the project. Total cost is expected to be between $300,000 and $350,000, and funds have been identified through University Housing, the SIU Foundation and the chancellors office to cover the cost.

Bame said other options considered by the university included chemically destroying the algae, which would have posed a significant risk to fish. Dredging the lake  last done in 1957  is cost-prohibitive.
Visiting Cuba -- Three SIU Carbondale students (from left), Sai Balasubramanian, Annamarie Beckmeyer and Kyle Whittington, stand next to an Egyptian dog in Plaza Mayor, in Trinidad, Cuba. They were among 29 SIU School of Law and University Honors program students who recently returned from a seven-day visit to Cuba. (Photo provided)

Students benefit from trip to Cuba

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale students recently returned from a weeklong visit to Cuba as work continues to normalize relations between the United States and the socialist Caribbean nation.

During the visit, 29 students from the SIU School of Law and University Honors Program saw a nation undergoing transition, learned more about Cubas legal and health care systems and business community, and heard the desire of Cuban citizens to have more interaction with the United States.

Annamarie Beckmeyer, a pre-med student majoring in physiology and psychology, found Cubans, while proud of their leaders, to be very open to U.S. citizens.

In traveling the countryside and meeting Cubans you realize the ideological differences we have are superseded by our commonality of being people, Beckmeyer, a senior from Hoyleton, said. They too have family that they care about, dreams and aspirations.

Talks of lifting legislative restrictions on trade and reopening travel relations have continued to move forward following President Obamas announcement of normalization of relations between the two countries in December 2014. I think the most encouragement comes from interacting with Cubans -- they are ready to reconnect with the United States. As more people from the United States travel to Cuba and meet the Cuban people, I believe more Americans will be ready to discuss lifting the embargo as well, Beckmeyer said.

The trip was part of a course Legal Globalization and Comparative Law: Cuba, and Global Citizenry and the New Cuba, taught by Cindy Buys, a law school professor, and Melinda Yeomans, associate director of University Honors. The class met for two-and-one-half weeks and included lectures and readings about Cuban history, the countrys health care system, and the embargo, prior to leaving June 4.

This was Buys third trip to Cuba; the first two were in 2006 and in 2014. As a part of the class the students, who paid for the trip themselves, were required to keep journals detailing their experiences and write a paper.

There is an obvious change in rhetoric and tone, Buys said. In 2006, there were pro-Fidel Castro and anti-U.S. billboards; in 2014, the anti-U.S. messaging was gone.

Much of the propaganda we saw the last time wasnt there, she said. The message that the government is conveying to its people has really changed. That does not mean they still arent proud of their revolution and some of the things they have accomplished in health care and other areas. But you are not getting the same anti-U.S. propaganda that you used to see.

During their trip, the students visited Havana, Vinales, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad, and visited four World Heritage Sites on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list.

Lori Stettler, interim vice chancellor for student affairs, said students had the opportunity to explore Cuba through planned interactions with historians, artists, legal, medical, educational and tourism professionals.

This unique opportunity to experience Cuba, through its rich history, people and architecture was a once in a lifetime opportunity as we know the country is on the verge of significant change, Stettler said. I believe students gained a new understanding of how as a society Cuba has preserved its past while working to move forward for the advancement of its people.

Kyle Whittington, a senior in biological sciences with a pre-med focus, said compared to other Caribbean islands he has visited, Cuba was in pretty good shape. Whittington, who is from Elkville, said Cuba does have infrastructure issues and poverty but nothing like impoverished areas in other countries.

Whittington came away with a real sense of respect for what dedicated individuals can do. He noted that a reading initiative Castro launched after the revolution moved the country to one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Literally almost everyone can read and write. While by no means should we celebrate Castro, we have to respect what he has accomplished, Whittington said.

He said Cubans showed genuine interest when they learned their visitors were from the United States.

I truly believe that the Cuban people are receptive and excited to the idea of having normalized relations with the United States and once we reconcile our differences, I think there is no reason why we should hold on to this embargo that hurts both parties, he added.

Sai Balasubramanian, a second-year J.D./M.D. student from Plano, Texas, said the course enabled him to learn more about the nations intricate legal and medical systems, which are much different than in the United States. Cubas legal system reflects socialist jurisprudence and legal theory while the health care system provides generally acceptable measures of care at free or subsidized costs.

Balasubramanian said the trip gave him a new perspective, challenged prior perceptions and raised questions. This trip provided me that insight, as it forced me to look at the Cuban government and lifestyle from an insider perspective, and ask deeper, more relevant questions; for me, this is what constitutes successful culture study.

Cubans are beginning to learn more about market-based principles and capitalism, with many opening their homes as bed-and-breakfasts and restaurants, and selling crafts to tourists. The government has designated at least 200 areas in which Cubans can open private businesses. Last year was the first time that Cubans paid business taxes, Buys said.

Yeomans said a striking aspect of the visit was the appreciation and respect that the Cubans and students had for one another with open-minded discussions and a free exchange of ideas and perspectives.

I believe much goodwill and understanding were generated from the discussions students had with lawyers and doctors throughout our trip, she said. Students took back a beautiful experience of Cuban culture, the great friendships they built with each other, and a respect for intercultural exchanges like ours that support healing and new models of cooperation.

The collaborative effort of the trip demonstrates what is possible when departments are willing to share resources and build programming that benefits students, Yeomans said.

Jayci Noble, a second-year law student from Murphysboro, said she was interested in the course because of the recent moves to re-establish diplomatic relations and loosen the travel policies. With little internet access, there were few distractions, which enhanced her ability to enjoy the Cuban culture and society. The trip also provided the opportunity to meet with Cuban government officials, university professors, lawyers and judges, many of whom expressed an interest in seeing relations between the two nations continue to improve, she said.

Buys agreed that the Cuban people are ready for improved relations.

The embargo was put in place to express the U.S. displeasure with the Castro regime and to put pressure on the Cubans to change and become more democratic. Its been 60 years and it hasnt happened, so clearly it didnt work, she said. Maybe engagement is a better policy at this point to win over the hearts and minds that democracy would be a better way forward.
The US and India will deepen their cooperation in climate and clean energy which offers great economic benefits, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said on Friday. He believes climate, clean energy and clean water are going to be biggest pathways for cooperation in years ahead. Speaking at the inaugural of a conference with the theme 'The future is now: India- From COP 21 to reality', Verma noted that India's success is critical to global success and that investment in the global energy sector was expected to reach nearly $17 trillion by 2035, or more than the entire GDP of China and India combined. The two-day conference being attended by climate leaders from the US and India is discussing on how to implement the Paris climate agreement. Later, Verma told a news conference that India should improve ease of doing business and investors' confidence to attract more US investments. He noted that while US companies were coming to India in areas like clean energy, there is need for doing more to tap the potential. The ambassador said technology would play a key role in boosting the cooperation in clean energy. He said Prime Minister Modi's 175 GW target for renewable energy deployments is among the most ambitious in the world and the US has done a great deal to support the effort. Through the US-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy, or PACE, the US mobilized nearly $2.5 billion for clean energy projects in India. Another $1.4 billion in climate finance for solar projects was announced during the Prime Minister's recent visit to the US. Verma recalled President Obama's statement in Paris that they cannot forge a climate agreement that permanently resigns the 300 million people in India lacking electricity to a dim future. "That's why he partnered with Prime Minister Modi to launch Mission Innovation, a public-private partnership involving 20 nations that has pledged to double spending on clean energy research and developmentby 2020," he said. He was confident that these resources will develop new practices and technologies to reduce global carbon emissions while also allowing countries like India to meet their developmental goals. Verma said the US was actively supporting India's solar targets through International Solar Alliance and bilateral initiatives, such as rooftop solar cooperation and solar resource mapping. The ambassador also pointed NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization are working together to develop a Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite that will observe and measure some of the planet's most complex processes, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards. India also recently reached an agreement with the Westinghouse Electric Company to build six nuclear reactors in Andhra Pradesh. Terming this as a major milestone for India's energy, Verma said it fulfills the promise of the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement. He claimed that this will give a major boost for Prime Minister Modi's ambitious target of diversifying India's energy resources, help India move towards its goal of making reliable power available to all its citizens, bring jobs to both countries and cutting edge technologies to India's power and construction sectors. --IANS ms/vd ( 524 Words) 2016-06-24-17:22:04 (IANS)
According to a source, the 48-year-old actress is in final talks with American Crime Story boss Ryan Murphy, who wants her to star in a new production, reports RadarOnline.com.

The insider added that the 'Erin Brockovich' actress is seriously attracted to this role, which would see her cast as former Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco, and Murphy, who is keen to offer a bold new take on the tragedy, thinks Roberts will best suit the role.

The source continued, "He's been wooing her for a very long time, telling her it's the perfect opportunity for her to do some impactful TVv."

It is also being reported that the two powerhouses are now "working out the financial terms" of the deal. (ANI)
"Uma Bharti was admitted for knee problem," AIIMS spokesperson Amit Gupta told IANS. According to him, Uma Bharti underwent cardiac test due to mild hyper tension.

"She is now stable and her condition is fine," said Gupta.

--IANS rup/mr

( 78 Words)

2016-06-24-20:24:02 (IANS)
President Pranab Mukherjee today called upon students to contribute to the nation and asked the young scholars to repay society for the investments made in them through research, development and innovation. He made the appeal to 13 scholars attending the first such 'In-Residence' programme for scholars from IITs, IISc and IISERs. Speaking at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, the President urged the students to work hard to make India great and address the challenges that the country confronted. Describing them as persons with high level of talent, expertise and skill, he asked the young scholars to repay society for the investments made in them through research, development and innovation, an official statement here said. He asked them to make themselves unique and different from all others. He described youth as the leaders of the new generation and said they should demonstrate the indomitable spirit of youth to bring about change in the country. A large number of young men and women had made major contributions to India's independence struggle, he reminded. The President said the purpose of the In-Residence programmes was to democratise Rashtrapati Bhavan and open it out to the people. The people of India have every right to know about the Rashtrapati Bhavan and to be part of its life as well as enjoy its ambience. The President described the products of India's higher education institutions as people who are welcomed all over the world. ''Always remain fresh, energetic and creative,'' he added. Similar programmes have been organised for writers, artists, grass root innovators, NIT students and inspired teachers.UNI SD SW SB 1901 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0005-800948.Xml
Ahead of Britain's possible exit from European Union (EU), rupee today tumbled down by 89 paise, breaching the level of Rs 68 against the dollar. Similarly, the Indian equity indices also faced the brunt of this development. The Sensex of the BSE fell by 1003 points to 25,997. The Nifty of NSE down with 302 points to 7,962. Finance Secretary Shaktikanta Das expressed confidence that the trade would not be impacted with Brexit. "Government and RBI are ready with the measures to curb volatility. India's trade not going to be impacted significantly and the firepower will be used judiciously," Mr Das told reporters. UNI ASH PR 1105 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0105-801608.Xml
A police officer told IANS that security forces who launched an operation in Handwara after a tip off were fired at by militants, triggering a gun battle that left a rebel dead.

"The operation is still going on," the officer said, adding that the slain militant belonged to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

On Thursday, security forces had killed six guerrillas in two separate gun battles in the same district.

--IANS sq/mr

( 94 Words)

2016-06-24-12:50:02 (IANS)
In the sharpest ever attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley without naming him, BJP leader and MP Subramanian Swamy today warned him of a "blood bath" if he (Swamy) chose to cross the boundary of discipline. Mr Jaitley had on Wednesday advised Dr Swamy to observe restrain and discipline while making any statements about bureaucrats in office following his attack on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian. After Mr Jaitley's remarks, Dr Swamy had yesterday extended his attack to Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das too. "People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a blood bath,'' Dr Swamy tweeted. Answering a question at Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, Mr Jaitley had said there should be some discipline on comments of politicians against those who are bound by the discipline of their office and could not respond. ''The BJP has clarified its position and clearly mentioned that party does not share Dr Swamy's comments. As far as government is concerned, we have full faith in Arvind Subramanian,'' the Finance Minister had said. In a yet another provocative tweet today, Dr Swamy launched an attack on the dress of "Ministers". "BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters." Dr Swamy's tweets came as photos and video footage of Mr Jaitley In a lounge suit during his on-going China visit appeared in newspapers and TV channels.UNI NAZ SW AE 1617 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-802250.Xml
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Urban Development Babul Supriyo today said the government will promote regional planning by moving beyond city-centric planning for construction of houses in satellite townships, peri-urban and peripheral areas to meet the housing demand in urban areas. The Minister, who inaugurated an international workshop on ''Human Settlements-Planning and Design : A Shared Understanding'' here, said the government is committed to ensuring housing for urban poor by 2022. He further observed that ''the government while acknowledging problems in urban areas is striving to solve them in an integrated and goal centric manner''. The Minister stressed the need to assist the poor even in remote and far off places in planning, design and construction of safe and resilient houses. Mr Supriyo referred to various initiatives launched by the government to address infrastructure bottlenecks and housing shortage in urban areas. UNI NY SW AE 1621 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0099-802220.Xml
With tensions simmering as China remains resolute on its stand regarding India's entry into the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the United States has called on both nations to pursue a 'healthy, bilateral' relationship in everyone's interest, by having strong vehicles for dialogue. Responding to reports that China is 'punishing' India because of the ongoing U.S.-India relations which it disapproves, State Department spokesperson John Kirby asserted that the Barack Obama-led Government had time and again made it clear about how seriously it wants India's application into the elite group. "But if you're asking me a broader question about would we favor healthy bilateral relations between India and China, of course we would. We wouldn't stand in the way of that at all. But to say if there's tensions there over this or any other matter, it's really for those two nations to speak to," Kirby said. Emphasizing on the importance of China and India having a healthy relationship, Kirby added that as long as both nations had avenues to have dialogues to discuss disagreements, complete concurrence in all issues was not a prerequisite to a successful bilateral affiliation. "I think we would like to see healthy bilateral relations between India and China. We'd like to see them work out whatever differences they have. We have differences with China and we have strong vehicles for dialogue to try to work through them. It doesn't mean we get to complete agreement on everything, but we have vehicles and avenues to have a healthy discussion. We would welcome that between India and China," Kirby said. Asserting that both India and China are strong, growing economies with a large population and a significant global influence, the spokesperson reiterated that believe it would be in everyone's interest to have India and China have good, healthy bilateral relationship. Yesterday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tashkent and urged Beijing to make a fair and objectives assessment of New Delhi's application to the NSG and to judge it on its own merit. Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that Prime Minister Modi had asked China to contribute to the emerging consensus in the ongoing NSG plenary meeting in Seoul. China had earlier on Wednesday again change track on India's entry into the elite club, saying only applications of those countries that signed an atomic Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) will be considered. China, till now, has been playing the role of a dampener on the issue of clearing the way for India's admission to the NSG by repeatedly stating that it is not on the agenda of the grouping, which began its plenary session in Seoul on Monday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had earlier insisted that China is not blocking India's entry to the NSG, but is talking about the criteria and procedures. "The NSG entry is crucial for India's energy policy. China is not blocking India's entry to the NSG. It is only talking about criteria and procedures. I am hopeful that we would be able to convince China to support our entry to the NSG," Swaraj said. However, Beijing said that its stance does not target any particular country, but applies to all non-NPT countries. "China maintains that the NSG will fully discuss the accession of non-NPT countries and make decisions based on consultation in a way acceptable to all. China's stance does not target any particular country, but applies to all non-NPT countries," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying. (ANI)
The US Supreme Court upheld the consideration of race in college admissions, rejecting a white woman's challenge to a University of Texas program designed to boost the enrollment of minority students.The court, in a 4-3 ruling written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, decided in favor of the university and turned aside the conservative challenge to a policy intended to foster racial and ethnic diversity on campus.The ruling ended an eight-year legal challenge to the affirmative action admissions system used by the University of Texas at Austin brought by Abigail Fisher, who was denied a place in 2008.Affirmative action is a policy under which racial minorities historically subject to discrimination are given certain preferences in education and employment. Instead of a retreat on affirmative action that Fisher and her conservative backers had sought, the court endorsed race-based admissions for diversity.Fisher said the university denied her admission in favor of lesser-qualified black and Hispanic applicants in violation of the US Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law.Kennedy, a conservative who has previously voted against university affirmative action, was joined by three of the court's liberals in the ruling. He said that "it remains an enduring challenge to our nation's education system to reconcile the pursuit of diversity with the constitutional promise of equal treatment and dignity."In the Texas case, the challengers had failed to show that the university could have met its needs with another process, he said. Kennedy noted that the school "tried and failed to increase diversity" through other race-neutral means.University officials contend that having a sizable number of minorities enrolled exposes students to varied perspectives and enhances the educational experience for all students.The justices upheld a 2014 ruling by the New Orleans-based 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals that had endorsed the school's "limited use of race in its search for holistic diversity."President Barack Obama's administration backed the university in the dispute."I'm pleased that the Supreme Court upheld the basic notion that diversity is an important value in our society and that this country should provide a high-quality education to all our young people regardless of their background," Obama said at the White House yesterday."We are not a country that guarantees equal outcomes, but we do strive to provide an equal shot to everybody," Obama added.Civil rights groups hailed the ruling, saying such programs provide a foundation for achieving equality throughout US society. Conservatives said the ruling endorsed discrimination based on race.The university admits most freshmen through a program that guarantees a place to students in the top 10 per cent of their Texas high school graduating classes. It uses other factors including race to admit the remainder. Fisher was not in the top 10 per cent of her high school class, and the university disputed whether she would have gained entry under any circumstance.The justices had considered Fisher's case in June 2013. But rather than rule on the program's constitutionality then, they ordered the appeals court to scrutinize the Texas policy more closely.'THE WIDER WORLD'The university's president, Gregory Fenves, praised the decision and said race continues to matter in American life."We must make sure all of our students are able to excel in the wider world when they leave campus - educating them in an environment as diverse as the United States is one of the most effective ways to do so," Fenves said.Writing in dissent, Justice Samuel Alito described the university's program as "affirmative action gone wild" because of the way it can benefit minorities from wealthy backgrounds. He said that while the university's stated goals are laudable, "they are not concrete or precise, and they offer no limiting principle for the use of racial preferences."Joining Alito in dissent were Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas.Justice Elena Kagan, who was US solicitor general in the Obama administration when it backed the university in lower-court litigation, took no part in the decision.Fisher, now 26, graduated from her second-choice college, Louisiana State University, and now works as a financial analyst in Austin."I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has ruled that students applying to the University of Texas can be treated differently because of their race or ethnicity. I hope that the nation will one day move beyond affirmative action," Fisher said in a statement.Edward Blum, a conservative activist who engineered Fisher's challenge, said racial classifications and preferences are among the most polarizing policies in America today."As long as universities like the University of Texas continue to treat applicants differently by race and ethnicity, the social fabric that holds us together as a nation will be weakened," added Blum, president of the Project on Fair Representation.Blum has separately challenged the 1978 Supreme Court precedent that first allowed affirmative action, with new lawsuits against Harvard and the University of North Carolina.REUTERS DS0432 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-801472.Xml
Britons appear to have voted in a referendum to stay in the European Union, opinion polls showed, and prominent 'Brexit' campaigners acknowledged they looked likely to lose.Nigel Farage, head of the UK Independence Party and a leading voice in favour of leaving the EU, told Sky News: "It's been an extraordinary referendum campaign, turnout looks to be exceptionally high and looks like Remain will edge it."Farage said his prediction was based on "what I know from some of my friends in the financial markets who have done some big polling". Government minister Theresa Villiers, who also campaigned for Britain to leave, told Sky News her instinct was that the Remain side had won.A vote to stay would come as a massive relief to Britain's 27 EU partners, who had feared the departure of the bloc's second biggest economy would weaken Europe's global clout and fuel the rise of eurosceptic movements in other countries.Before a single result had emerged from the 382 local counting areas, a survey by pollster YouGov showed Remain ahead by a margin of 52 to 48 per cent. Unlike a classic exit poll, it was based on online responses by a pre-selected sample of people rather than a survey of voters as they left polling stations.Pollster Ipsos-MORI also put Remain in the lead, saying that surveys it had carried out on Wednesday and yesterday gave it a 54-46 margin of victory. An Ipsos-MORI poll published earlier had just a 52-48 split for Remain.The pound climbed to its highest for this year, rising above 1.50 dollars, up almost 1 per cent on the day, though it later eased back to around 1.4950."It's early days and there will be twists and turns through the early hours of this morning but, for now, the markets have taken that YouGov poll as a strong indication that the Remain camp has won," said Jeremy Cook, chief economist at international payments company World First in London.In the first result officially declared, the British overseas territory of Gibraltar bordering Spain voted overwhelmingly in favour of Remain, as widely expected.The four-month campaign has sharply polarised the nation and the final outcome of the vote could change the face of Europe.If Britain becomes the first state to leave the EU, the so-called Brexit would be the biggest blow to the 28-nation bloc since its foundation.The EU would be stripped of its leading free-market advocate and one of its two main military powers, and could face calls for similar votes by anti-EU politicians in other countries.Ralph Brinkhaus, a senior ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and deputy parliamentary floor leader for her conservatives in the Bundestag, told Reuters: "The released polls show the expected neck-and-neck race. It will remain exciting until the early morning hours. I hope that the British have decided against a Brexit."If it votes to stay, Britain has been promised a special status exempting it from any further political integration, but European leaders will still have to address a sharp rise in euroscepticism across the continent.A Brexit vote would also deal a potentially fatal blow to the career of Prime Minister David Cameron, who called the referendum and campaigned for the country to stay in, against a Leave camp led by rivals from within his own Conservative Party."Thank you everyone who voted to keep Britain stronger, safer and better off in Europe - and to the thousands of Remain campaigners around the UK," Cameron said on Facebook.In a letter, 84 eurosceptic Conservative lawmakers called on Cameron to remain prime minister regardless of the result. It marked the first attempt to heal the deep rifts that have opened up in the ruling party since the start of the campaign.The signatories included prominent Leave campaigners Boris Johnson, the former mayor of London, and Michael Gove, a cabinet minister and personal friend of Cameron.But despite the statement of loyalty, Cameron would face huge pressure from the country at large to step down as prime minister if Britons have defied him and voted to leave.WEATHER DISRUPTIONResults are due to be announced between around 0630 IST and 0830 today.There is no exit poll because the margin of error for an event which has no precedent is too large. Turnout in each counting area will be announced, beginning at around 0400 IST.The vote came on a day when London and parts of southeast England were hit by torrential rain, causing floods and widespread transport chaos.Five London polling stations opened late as staff struggled to get there, and two closed briefly because of flooding but were re-opened in back-up locations. Local media reported some voters had to wade through water to reach a polling station."In London/southeast and want to vote in the #EURef? Make sure you plan now to get back to your local polling station by 10pm!" the Electoral Commission said during the evening on Twitter as commuters struggled with train cancellations.Among those affected was Johnson, who cast his vote with just 25 minutes to spare after returning to the capital from his daughter's graduation in Scotland."Let's see, let's see. It's in the hands of the people now," he said when asked how he felt about the vote.CAMERON'S FATEThe Leave campaign focused on warnings that Britain would be unable to control immigration levels as long as it was an EU member. Remain said a Brexit would cause economic chaos, impoverish the nation and reduce its clout on the world stage.The killing of pro-EU lawmaker Jo Cox, a 41-year-old mother of two who was shot and stabbed on a street in her electoral district in northern England a week ago, prompted soul-searching about the vicious tone of the campaign.Her suspected murderer told a court his name was "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain". Campaigning was suspended for three days out of respect for Cox, resuming on Sunday.Cameron called the vote in 2013 under pressure from the rebellious anti-EU wing of his Conservative Party and the surging UK Independence Party (UKIP), hoping to end decades of debate over Britain's ties with Europe.Unless Remain wins by a wide margin, he could struggle to repair the rifts in his party and hold on to his job. He has said he would stay in office but in the event of a vote to leave he is likely to face calls to resign.Johnson is the bookmakers' favourite to replace him.A Brexit could also cause the United Kingdom to break up because Scotland, where sentiment towards the EU is much more positive than in England, could hold an independence referendum if it was being dragged out of the EU against its will. Scots voted by 55 to 45 per cent against independence in 2014.OBAMA V TRUMPAfter months of non-stop tit-for-tat confrontation between the sides, any substantive debate was over yesterday. Due to legal restrictions, there were no large-scale campaign events and no television programmes rehearsing the arguments.Traders, investors and companies were braced for volatility on financial markets whatever the outcome of a vote that has both reflected, and fuelled, an anti-establishment mood also seen in the United States and elsewhere in Europe.Britain is divided on EU membership along broad age and education lines, polls show. Older and less educated voters tend to favour exit and younger voters and those with higher levels of education lean towards staying.Whatever the outcome of the vote, the focus on immigration to Britain, which has increased dramatically in recent years, could worsen frictions in a country where the gap between rich and poor has also been widening.Foreign leaders, from US President Barack Obama to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, have called on Britain to remain in the EU, a message supported by global financial organisations, many company bosses and central bankers.International banks have warned that the value of the pound could fall dramatically if Britain votes to leave and traders expect markets to be more volatile than at any time since the 2008-9 financial crisis. REUTERS DS0419 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-801473.Xml
Urging the Afghan government to cooperate, Pakistan Foreign Office has said Islamabad would go ahead with its plans for regulating the border with Afghanistan as part of its counter terrorism strategy. Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria at his weekly media briefing said,"We are determined to put in place effective border control on the border crossings. The cooperation of the Afghan government can play an important role in achieving our shared objective of promoting lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region,'' Pakistan daily Dawn said. The comments came ahead of a meeting of the 'political leadership' of the two countries expected in Tashkent on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, which is under way these days. Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz are in Tashkent for the summit. Afghans have remained opposed to regulation of the over 2,500km border because they do not recognise it as the international boundary. The latest flare-up at the Torkham crossing erupted after Pakistani authorities started fencing the border crossing and installing a gate there. Replying to a query, he said, "Our position is very clear on this that structures being built in Torkham and elsewhere are being built on Pakistani territory," dismissing Afghan reservations over the move to check unauthorised cross-border movement. Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai had visited Pakistan this week for discussions on the issue and an understanding was reached that a border coordination mechanism should be put in place to prevent any untoward incident. The issue is to be deliberated upon at the expected meeting in Tashkent. "As I told you earlier there is a possibility of the top leadership meeting on the sidelines of the SCO meeting during which, among other issues, effective border management will also be discussed," the spokesperson said. "We have taken necessary steps to ensure smooth implementation of the border management system. We have said this time and again that border management is a central plank of our counterterrorism policy in the region, particularly to prevent cross-border infiltration which is main cause of terrorism in Pakistan," Mr Zakaria said.UNI XC SV ADG 1215 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0103-801709.Xml
Following the Brexit vote, the Goa government should help Goans who used Portuguese passports to settle in the UK, a political party in the state said on Friday. "We are with you. After Brexit, we @GoaForwardParty empathise with Goan diaspora facing uncertainity in the UK. Goa government must swiftly set up a task force to help Goans," legislator Vijay Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party tweeted. In a statement issued here, the Goa Forward, a newly formed political party, said Goans who might be forced to come back to the state of their origin should be given all assistance. Several thousand Goans, who obtained Portuguese nationality via a unique Lusphonian citizenship clause, are among the three million European citizens residing in the UK. They face an uncertain future after Britain chose to quit the European Union (EU). Goa was one of the oldest colonies of Portugal and was liberated by the Indian Army from colonial yoke in 1961. After the liberation, all Goan natives were granted Indian citizenship by the union Home ministry via a common notification. However, the departing Portuguese preserved their link with its former colony by allowing those living in Goa during their regime to register their birth in Portugal and avail themselves of citizenship and Portuguese travel identity documents. The privilege was later extended to two more generations of Goans. --IANS maya/kb/vt ( 239 Words) 2016-06-24-13:34:03 (IANS)
President Putin said India is a special and privileged partner, asserting that there is a long standing friendship between both the nations.

Earlier in the day, India formally joined the SCO after signing a Memorandum of Obligation and became a full member of the group.

Putin also welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of the SCO and looked forward to India's chairmanship of BRICS, which has grown in influence.

Prime Minister Modi on his part thanked Russia for its support in SCO and said India as BRICS chair would keep up the momentum generated by Russia.

During the meeting, both the leaders discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy, partnership in the gas and petrochemicals sector and space sector. During the course of the meeting, matters relating to trade and investment also came up

The two heads recalled old cultural connections and agreed to find ways of further invigorating cultural ties.

"Final meeting of the day in Tashkent with a trusted partner of India. PM @narendramodi meets with President Putin," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

After holding talks with Putin, Prime Minister Modi paid floral tribute at the bust of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.

The Indian Prime Minister, who arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit, also held bilateral meetings with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin today held a bilateral meeting on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) deliberations, during which Moscow called India a "special and privileged" partner. The two leaders discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy, partnership in the gas and petrochemicals sector, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. They also discussed expanding cooperation in the space sector, Mr Swarup said. "There is long standing friendship between Russia and India. Mr Putin welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO and looked forward to India's chairmanship of BRICS, which has grown in influence," the spokesperson said. On his part, Mr Modi thanked Moscow for its support in SCO and said India as chair of the association of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa would keep up the momentum generated by Russia. "Matters relating to trade and investment also came up. Both leaders recalled old cultural connections and agreed to find ways to further invigorate cultural ties," Mr Swarup added. UNI MK SW RP1843 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-802696.Xml
Both the leaders held delegation-level talks to strengthen ties.

Prime Minister Modi on Twitter said, "Glad to meet President Rahmon. India attaches strong importance to extensive cooperation with Tajikistan."

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Uzbekistan on Thursday to attend the two-day SCO summit.

Modi will later attend a meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council where discussions will be held on enhancing cooperation.

India along with its rival Pakistan was granted membership of the SCO last July. Both the South Asian nations along with Iran were admitted as observers at the 2005 summit, and are expected to join fully in 2016.

The SCO was formed at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. (ANI)
Austrian President Heinz Fischer on Friday called the British decision to leave the European Union a "wake up call" for Europe. Saying he does not fear a "domino effect" of referendums across the continent, he also expressed his belief that Austria will be able to manage in the aftermath of the British departure from the EU, Xinhua reported. Fischer nonetheless described the outcome as a "shock" that made Europe "hold its breath". Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern also expressed disappointment at the outcome of the British referendum, claiming Europe will now lose some of its global standing. "Today is not a good day for Great Britain, for Europe, and also not a good day for our country," Kern said. In response to the notion that the British outcome may lead other EU member states to call for similar referendums, Kern said these would "make no sense", and noted that no such referendum would be held in Austria. He said one must now learn from the result of the British referendum, and "draw very clear conclusions". This includes paying attention to the concerns of the populace, and the showing of political leadership. He also argued that up to now pro-EU advocates have been "much too defensive". Meanwhile, the heads of Austrian economic and industrial groups expressed dismay at the outcome of the British referendum on its EU membership, and have called for new ways forward. President of the Austrian Economic Chambers Christoph Leitl stated the outcome of the vote was "unfortunate". He said the Austrian government and other social partners now have the task of mitigating the negative consequences on Austria. In addition EU decision-makers must act with "cool heads" as the separation of Britain from the EU takes place, with the phase of uncertainty to be kept as short as possible. The director of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research Karl Aiginger expressed similar sentiments, noting that while the decisions of the British has led to some uncertainty, it has provided the EU with the chance to implement some long-overdue reforms and measures that could bring back economic growth. Europe must strategically tackle the issue of economic recovery and not be caught up in the issue of the Greek crisis, or the migrant crisis and "forget everything else", he added. President of the Federation of Austrian Industries Georg Kapsch said the EU is now required to "provide quick answers for its future viability, to solve the crisis of confidence". --IANS vr/ ( 420 Words) 2016-06-25-00:38:03 (IANS)
BUCHAREST, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Practical cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries has made new progress over recent years, with the "16+1" mechanism gaining momentum under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Cooperation between China and CEE countries in such areas as production capacity, transport, infrastructure construction and finance has made remarkable achievements thanks to joint efforts.

While visiting the Czech Republic in March, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that China and CEE countries should uphold the spirit of mutual respect and assistance, mutual benefit and win-win results, openness and inclusiveness, and China-CEE cooperation should realize the integration of the "16+1" cooperation with the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the development of China-Europe relations so as to make contributions to regional and world development.

Meanwhile, CEE countries have shown increasing interest in the Belt and Road Initiative, opening their arms to Chinese investment, especially in the areas of energy and infrastructure construction.

In August 2014, China Gezhouba Group signed an engineering, procurement and construction contract for the 450 MW unit of the Tuzla thermal power station in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In late 2015, Romania's Nuclearelectrica, the state-owned company administrating nuclear energy, and China General Nuclear Power Corp. signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the development, construction and decommissioning of units 3 and 4 of the Cernavoda nuclear plant. It is so far the largest cooperation project between China and CEE countries.

In May 2016, the Romanian government declared the project a priority for the country.

While these large-scale cooperation projects being steadily implemented, new progress has continuously been made in China-CEE pragmatic cooperation.

On April 18, China's Hebei Iron & Steel Group signed a 46-million-euro (52-million-U.S.-dollar) agreement to buy a Serbian steel plant that was previously owned by Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel.

On May 12, China's Huayi Wind Energy Co. Ltd opened its regional office in Belgrade, marking the company's official entry into wind energy market in Serbia and the Balkans.

On April 30, an express train carrying 41 containers fully loaded with auto parts, food and wine departed from Kutno, Poland, for Chengdu, China, after an opening ceremony of the Chengdu express rail service.

Financial cooperation between the two sides has also witnessed great achievements over recent years.

Poland has already made itself one of the 57 founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Earlier this month, the Romanian government also approved the start of talks regarding the country's membership in the China-proposed bank.

In late May, the Hungarian government said it supported the idea of granting market economy status to China, adding that economic cooperation between Europe and China could be advanced, and this was very important to Hungary.

Promising tourism cooperation between China and CEE countries saw a promotion-themed year started in late March 2015 in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Increases in tourists and business travels from both sides have prompted commercial flights from Beijing to Budapest and Prague by Chinese airlines.

In addition, China-CEE cooperation has enjoyed a recent boost at the local level.

The traditional Chinese medicine center at the University of Hradec Kralove hospital in the Czech Republic, set up by the affiliated hospital of the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is developing itself into a comprehensive body featured research, education in addition to medical service. A similar center manned by personnel from Suzhou, east China, has won popularity in Tulcea, Romania, and a newcomer is expected in Pitesti under an accord signed with China's Sichuan Province.

Local leaders from China and CEE countries gathered to open a new page for cooperation at their third meeting on Thursday and Friday in Tangshan, north China.

Promoting cooperation in both size and status will help China and CEE countries better share their development opportunities, say analysts.
BEIJING, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Jaguar Land Rover started recalling 11,282 vehicles in China on Thursday due to defective crankshaft sensors, the top quality watchdog said.

The recall affects 6,067 imported Land Rover Discovery 4 SUVs manufactured between April 3, 2012 and Oct. 30, 2012; 5,214 imported Range Rover models produced between April 2, 2012 and Oct. 30, 2012; and one New Range Rover car made on May 9, 2012, according to a statement from China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

Faulty crankshaft position sensors may cause the engine to stall when driving. Some of the cars may even fail to start.

The automaker will check all the affected vehicles and replace defective parts free of charge, the statement said.
File photo of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe (Xinhua/Xu Lingui)

HARARE, June 23 (Xinhua) -- China has pledged its continued support to Zimbabwe to help the drought-ravaged southern African country overcome economic difficulties.

Zimbabwe is in the throes of a serious economic crisis characterized by slow growth, company closures, low foreign investment and a biting liquidity crunch that has caused cash shortages since March.

An El-Nino induced drought has also left up to 4 million people in need of food aid, putting more pressure for funds on the government that is already struggling to pay its workers.

Visiting Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Ming told journalists after a closed door meeting with President Robert Mugabe in Harare on Tuesday that China remained steadfast in helping Zimbabwe to achieve an economic turnaround for socio-economic development.

"China is confident in the capability of the government and people of Zimbabwe in overcoming current difficulties and restoring health development of the economy.

Visiting Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Ming speaks to journalists after a closed door meeting with President Robert Mugabe in Harare on June 21, 2016. (Xinhua/Xu Lingui)

"We will continue to work hand in glove with brothers and sisters of Zimbabwe to ensure the economic and social development of Zimbabwe," Zhang said.

He said following the drought, China had donated 22 tonnes of rice to Zimbabwe worth 160 million yuan to help alleviate hunger in the country.

Officials from both countries were now having close coordination to have the rice shipped to Zimbabwe to assist those in need as quickly as possible, he said.

Zhang said the meeting touched on progress being made in implementation of various cooperation agreements agreed by Mugabe and Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, which include construction of a new parliament building in Zimbabwe by China as a donation.

The Chinese vice minister said China had already completed the design of the new parliament building and submitted three design plans to Zimbabwe for consideration.

"We are waiting for the confirmation from Zimbabwe side for the early launch of this project," he said.

Among other cooperation projects, China is funding a power expansion project to add 300 megawatts, Harare water treatment system upgrade and recently completed the upgrading and expansion of Victoria Falls at a cost of 150 million U.S. dollars. The new airport which is already in use is set for commissioning this year.

China, he added, was committed to deepening and further developing the friendly and cooperation relations with Zimbabwe.

"The two countries are confident that with the solidarity and cooperation of our two countries, we have every capability to overcome all difficulties and sustain our economic and social development in the future."
BEIJING, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue efforts and the prioritization of life-saving measures, after at least 78 people were confirmed killed in one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit east China's Jiangsu Province in decades Thursday.

Downpours, hailstorms and the worst tornado since 1966 battered parts of Yancheng City at 2:30 p.m., destroying homes and trapping hundreds of villagers in the rubble.

More deaths are feared, as search and rescue continued into Friday. About 500 people were injured, of which 200 were in critical conditions, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Xi, who is in Uzbekistan for a state visit and to attend a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ordered the State Council to dispatch a work group to Jiangsu to oversee relief work.

Authorities must make their utmost efforts to reduce casualties and facilitate resettlement of those affected by the extreme weather, he said.

They must also strengthen meteorological monitoring and geological disaster assessment.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, meanwhile, also instructed authorities to step up search and rescue work and medical treatment for the injured.

Efforts should be made to restore normal life and production in the affected areas as soon as possible, Li said, adding that authorities must improve disaster prevention and response work in the rain season, and minimize losses.

Communist Party and government leaders of Jiangsu have already rushed to disaster-hit areas to direct rescue efforts. A State Council work group headed by deputy minister of civil affairs Dou Yupei is also en route.
Egypt and EgyptAir flags are seen infront of an Egyptair in-flight service building at Cairo International Airport, Egypt, May 19, 2016. (Reuters photo)

CAIRO, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The black box recorders of crashed EgyptAir flight MS804 that have recently been picked up from the Mediterranean will be sent next week to France for repairs due to their damage, the Egyptian Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee said in a statement Thursday.

The committee said that due the damage of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and the flight data recorder (FDR), it will take them to France next week "to repair them and remove the salt sediment from the two devices at the labs of the French investigation office and then take them back to Cairo to perform data analysis at the labs of the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation," the statement pointed out.

EgyptAir Flight MS804, an Airbus A320, went missing from radar screens on May 19 en route from Paris to Cairo with 66 people on board, including 30 Egyptians and 15 French.

Later on, the Egyptian military said it found some personal belongings of the victims and small pieces of the plane wreckage in the Mediterranean Sea 290 km north of the coastal city of Alexandria.

Last week, the investigation committee said the hired vessel, Lethbridge John, located several spots of the wreckage of the doomed plane in the Mediterranean, noting it was provided by the first images of the wreckage from one of the spotted sites.

A day later, the committee said the vessel found the crashed jet's CVR yet it was damaged.

"The vessel Lethbridge John hired by the Egyptian government continues picking up the debris of the plane and locating the body remains of the victims," the committee said in Thursday's statement, noting a team of French forensic experts will join an Egyptian one to take part in lifting the body remains.

Investigation into the tragic fall of EgyptAir Flight MS804 still continues with all theories on the table, including a terrorist bomb and a severe technical failure, yet without a strong clue for any.
Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 24, 2016 shows top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un recently guiding on the spot the underwater test-fire of submarine ballistic missile.(Xinhua/KCNA)

UNITED NATIONS, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday strongly condemned the most recent ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

These repeated launches are "in grave violation" of the DPRK's international obligations under relevant UN Security Council resolutions, said a press statement released by the 15-nation council.

Earlier Thursday, the DPRK announced that it has successfully test-launched a surface-to-surface medium- and long-range strategic ballistic missile Hwasong-10, according to state media organ the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"The members of the Security Council deplore all DPRK ballistic missile activities, noting that such activities contribute to the DPRK's development of nuclear weapons delivery systems and increase tension," said the statement.

The Security Council also expressed serious concern that the DPRK conducted this series of further ballistic missile launches "in flagrant disregard of the repeated statements of the Security Council."

The council reiterated that the DPRK shall "refrain from further actions, including nuclear tests, in violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and comply fully with its obligations under these resolutions," the statement added.

The Security Council has adopted five resolutions to curb the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs.

The latest one, known as the resolution 2270, was adopted in March to impose the most severe sanctions yet on the country, including an export ban and asset freeze.
LAGOS, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government said on Thursday it will step up security in the creeks of oil-rich Niger Delta region.

Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Muhammad Babandede stated this during an audience with Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani.

Babandede, who decried the dearth of patrol boats to effectively monitor the creeks and rivers in the Niger Delta, called for collaborative efforts to address the situation.

He called on the minister to support the NIS in developing the Marine Unit of the NIS to be fully operational by providing the required patrol boats and strengthening the capacity of officers in the region.

Babandede also decried the abuse of the expatriate quota regime by companies and expatriates doing business in the Niger Delta.

According to him, one of such abuses is the failure to implement the understudy policy of government aimed at technology transfer and creating job opportunities for Nigerian youths.

The minister said his ministry will collaborate with the NIS to deal with insecurity in the Niger Delta.

He called on stakeholders both within and outside the region to collaborate with the ministry in its bid to fast track development and security in the region.

He described the region as key to the economic survival of Nigeria, and called on youths in the region to collaborate with security agencies in ensuring security in the area. Enditem
LAGOS, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian police have confirmed an attack on a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at Awarra area of southeast state of Imo.

State police spokesperson Andrew Enwerem told reporters in Owerri, the state capital, that the police received report of the attack in the early hours of Thursday.

Enwerem could not disclose the extent of damage done to the facility or who carried out the attack.

Precious Okolobo, spokesman for SPDC, said "the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), which runs through Awara, has been shut for repairs since June 8, following a leak at Okolo launch, Bonny in Rivers State".

"We are investigating the reported incident at Awara," he added.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack although militant group Niger Delta Avengers has claimed responsibility for a series of such attacks on oil and gas installations in the region. Enditem
ANKARA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- At least one civilian was killed and 12 injured in a car bomb attack against a gendarmerie station in Turkey's southeastern Mardin province on Thursday, local Hurriyet reported.

The incident happened when a bomb-laden vehicle was exploded by terrorists in front of the gendarmerie station of Omerli district, Mardin province.

A 39-year-old truck driver passing by in his vehicle died at the scene of the explosion, and three other people, including two soldiers, were slightly wounded.

The injured were sent to Omerli and Mardin state hospitals by emergency service workers for treatment.

A number of offices and buildings nearby were damaged, according to the report.

The report said the car bomb was organized by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) members, which was listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU.

The Omerli-Midyat highway was closed after the blast, while an security operation was launched in the area to catch the terrorists responsible for the bomb attack. Enditem
LJUBLJANA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and her Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor has expressed their common view that the open issues between the two countries should not hamper the otherwise excellent relations and cooperation.

They made the remarks at a press conference here on Thursday after their meeting, emphasizing the cooperation in the fields of business and tourism, according to Slovenian Press Agency (STA).

Grabar-Kitarovic, who started her two-day official visit to Slovenia on Thursday, and Pahor noted that it was their sixteenth meeting in sixteen months since the Croatian president took over in February 2015. They agreed the two countries maintained the excellent bilateral relations.

During her visit, the Croatian president will on Friday join attending the main national ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of independence and National Day along with the presidents of Austria, Germany, Italy and Hungary.

On the open issues between the two countries, Pahor expressed hope that the border arbitration tribunal will continue its work in determining the disputed parts of the border, while the Croatian president reiterated that the procedure was "irreversibly compromised" and that the countries should seek a bilateral solution.

Since taking over as Croatia's president in early 2015, Grabar-Kitarovic has visited Slovenia on various occasions, including for the Bled Strategic Forum and as part of the regular meetings with Pahor in the Brdo-Brijuni process. Enditem
WASHINGTON, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld an affirmative action program at the University of Texas that takes race into consideration when issuing admissions.

By voting 4-3, the Supreme Court gave the university the greenlight to continue its race-conscious admission program but urged the university to continue the review of its admission program.

"The Court's affirmance of the University's admissions policy today does not necessarily mean the University may rely on that same policy without refinement," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote on behalf of the majority.

"It is the University's ongoing obligation to engage in constant deliberation and continued reflection regarding its admissions policies," wrote Justice Kennedy.

It was the second time the Supreme Court heard the case filed by plaintiff Abigail Fisher, a white woman from Texas who said the university had denied her admission in 2008 because of her race.

Under the University of Texas's admission program, the top 10 percent of students in every high school in the state are guaranteed admission to the university. To fill the remaining places, the university selects students under standards which include race and ethnicity.

The ruling came about four months after the sudden death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, who during oral arguments last December questioned whether admitting more black students would eventually benefit those students.

"They (black scientists) come from lesser schools where they do not feel that they're being pushed ahead in classes that are too fast for them," said Scalia. "I don't think it stands to reason that it's a good thing for the University of Texas to admit as many blacks as possible."

Justice Elena Kagan did not participate in the voting, recusing herself because she worked on the case as U.S. solicitor general before joining the Supreme Court in 2010. Enditem
WASHINGTON, June 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. space agency NASA said Thursday its 26-year-old Hubble Space Telescope will keep working in orbit until 2021.

NASA said in a statement it has awarded a five-year sole source contract extension to the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy for continued Hubble science operations support at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

This action extends the period of performance from July 1 through June 30, 2021, it said, adding that the contract value will increase by about 196.3 million U.S. dollars for a total contract value of 2.03 billion dollars.

According to NASA, Hubble is "better than ever" after the final space shuttle servicing mission to the telescope in 2009.

"Hubble is expected to continue to provide valuable data into the 2020's, securing its place in history as an outstanding general purpose observatory in areas ranging from our solar system to the distant universe," said the statement.

Hubble was launched in April 1990, and NASA has planned to replace it with the so-called James Webb Space Telescope, which will be launched into space in 2018 as the premier observatory of the next decade.
UNITED NATIONS, June 23 (Xinhua) -- More funds are needed for relief efforts to help Iraqi people fleeing the fighting in Fallujah as the United Nations and its partners are working around the clock to provide humanitarian assistance to them, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, told reporters here Thursday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that 65 million U.S. dollars are required to provide assistance in Fallujah, Haq said at a daily news briefing here, adding that this week, 15 million U.S. dollars had been approved by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund and the United States announced a contribution of 20 million dollars to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

The humanitarian appeal for 2016 requested 861 million U.S. dollars, but it is only funded at 36 percent, or 309 million dollars, he said.

Since May 22, the United Nations and partners have delivered more than 3,400 tents. Some 21,000 packages of basic household items have been distributed, as have 8,800 cooking stoves.

Some 34,000 packages of ready-to-eat food, bottled water and hygiene supplies, sufficient to aid people for up to five days, have been distributed to people on the move, as they arrive to safe territory, Haq said.

"Infrastructure works to expand clean water and sanitation facilities are ongoing in all sites, with dozens of latrines, showers, water tanks, and water treatment and purification units being installed. Water trucking is also ongoing in all areas," he said.

"The number of displaced people and the pace of their arrival have stretched humanitarian capacities," he added.

Fallujah is a city in the Iraqi province of Al Anbar, located roughly 69 kilometers west of the capital Baghdad on the Euphrates.

Thousands of civilians are caught in the crossfire in and around Fallujah as Iraqi government forces and allied militias are trying to recapture the city.

Iraqi government troops and allied militias have currently been fighting for months to reclaim key cities and towns in Anbar from Islamic State militants, who attempted to advance toward Baghdad after seizing most of Anbar province.

Iraq is currently witnessing a wave of violence since the Islamic State controlled parts of Iraq's northern and western regions in June 2014.

The Iraqi government has established a number of camps for the 60,000 people already displaced in Anbar, and in anticipation of movement from the Fallujah area. The United Nations warned that these facilities are overstretched, with little capacity to absorb more people. Enditem
LIMA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Peru's president-elect Pedro Pablo Kuczynski announced Thursday that he would name his cabinet on July 10, before assuming office on July 28.

Kuczynski said he was still working on the last details of his cabinet, adding he would name his prime minister in the coming days.

Kuczynski, a 77-year-old economist, asked the public to show some patience amid speculation as to who will enter his government.

He also hailed the signing of a peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

He expressed his hope that this would mark a new phase for Colombia, allowing it to move toward a promising future of development after over 50 years of armed conflict.

Kuczynski spoke shortly after he met with experts from the United Nations Development Prgramme (UNDP), with whom he discussed the best way to secure financing for his planned infrastructure projects.

Also on Thursday, Peru's National Office of Electoral Processes released the final vote count from the second round of the presidential election on June 5.

It confirmed that Kuczynski had won 50.12 percent of the vote, having gained 8,596,637 votes. This gave him a very narrow lead over his opponent, Keiko Fujimori, who garnered 49.88 percent of the vote, or 8,555,880 votes. Enditem
LONDON, June 23, 2016 (Xinhua) -- The Former Mayor of London Boris Johnson (L) and his wife Marina vote for the EU Referendum in central London, Britain, on June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Str)

LONDON, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Ballot boxes are on the way to more than 380 count venues after the EU referendum in Britain closed at 10 p.m. local time (2100 GMT).

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said it "looks like Remain will edge it", reported Sky News shortly after polls closed.

"It's been an extraordinary referendum campaign, turnout looks to be exceptionally high and looks like Remain will edge it. UKIP and I are going nowhere and the party will only continue to grow stronger in the future," he said.

As no exit polls held tonight, the latest online pollster YouGov said 52 percent support to stay and 48 leave, after thousands of voters were questioned, according to Sky News.

Millions of Britons went to about 41,000 polling stations on Thursday to cast their ballots in the EU referendum on whether their country should remain in or leave the European bloc.

As the referendum started at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT), several polling stations opened late on as overnight downpours hit London and southeast England.

Local media said two polling stations were closed by Kingston Council because of flooding, and voters were instructed to cast their ballots at alternative locations. Another polling station in Dover had power outage due to storms.

Figures from different campaigns have been seen cast their votes on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, sterling strengthened against the U.S. dollar, hitting around 1.48 on Thursday. This is a rise from the 1.40 point on June 16, and is now not far off the 1.54 rate in May last year when the decision to have a referendum was announced.

The results will be declared throughout the night, and the final result will be officially declared at Manchester Town Hall, probably around breakfast time on Friday.

Figures from the Electoral Commission showed a record of 46.5 million people are entitled to take part in the nationwide referendum of this country.

Britain joined what was the Common Market (EEC) in 1973 without a referendum, though in a national poll two years later the country voted by a margin of 2 to 1 to remain in the bloc.

The Remain side has constantly warned about the risk to the British economy and the threat to hundreds of thousands of jobs if Brexit win the referendum.

It will slam the door, they say, on a single market of over 500 million people, leaving Britain to arrange trade agreements not just with the EU, but around the world.

Brexit supporters say the 50 million pounds (about 75 million U.S. dollars) a day Britain pays to Europe can instead be used to boost the British economy and support the cash strapped National Health Service.

They also say the referendum is Britain's last chance to control its borders in the wake of massive immigration from poorer EU member states.
KHARTOUM, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP) has refused to conduct any new talks between the Sudanese rivals on its proposed road-map agreement, Sudan tribune reported Thursday.

Last March, the AUHIP proposed a road-map agreement for the Sudanese rivals, stipulating arrangements related to cease-fire at South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur regions, entering a peace process and involving the armed movements in the national dialogue currently convened in Khartoum.

The Sudanese government unilaterally signed the road-map agreement, while the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/northern sector, the Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLA)/Minni Minnawi faction and the opposition National Umma Party, led by Siddiq Al-Mahdi, refused to sign the deal.

The AUHIP, as a facilitator, will not sign any memoranda of understanding with any Sudanese party, Sudan tribune quoted head of the AUHIP Thabo Mbeki as saying.

Mbeki added that any new talks related to the road-map must be between the parties and not with the AUHIP, the report said.

Last week, the opposition (Sudan Call), an alliance bringing together Sudanese armed groups and opposition parties, concluded meetings at the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa and proposed a supplemental document to the African Union mediation to endorse it to ensure that the Roadmap becomes a gateway to an equal, serious and fruitful dialogue with the inclusion of all opposition forces.

According to the report, Mbeki said that the AUHIP has referred the alliance's demand to the Sudanese government and asked for their respond.

Earlier, the Sudanese government rejected the supplemental document for the road-map, which was proposed by the opposition forces.

The Sudan Call alliance, in their proposed supplemental document, demanded holding of a preparatory dialogue meeting, allowing public freedoms and releasing the political detainees.

The Darfur armed groups and the SPLM/northern sector insist that a preparatory conference be held, according to decisions by the AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council, to bring together all the Sudanese political forces to agree on procedures to initiate an equitable dialogue with the government, a demand that the Sudanese government rejects. Enditem
HAVANA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated on Thursday the participants in the Colombian peace process during the signing ceremony of a peace agreement in Havana.

Ban invited all Colombians to make the agreement signed in Havana a reality, in order to preserve peace in their country and the region.

It is crucial that the Colombian people and the right resources be mobilized to properly implement the agreement, Ban said.

"We are doing everything possible in the UN so that this process ... becomes a process of implementing peace. Let us work together to make the promise of peace sealed today in Havana a reality," said Ban.

"The Colombian peace process validates the perseverance of all those involved in the pertinent search for a peaceful solution," the UN chief added.

He also congratulated Cuba on being the permanent host of the talks and observer.

Ban also highlighted the participation of Norway, Chile and Venezuela as observers, saying they had helped this effort to happen in an "honest, discreet and effective" manner.

The Colombian government and FARC guerrilla group on Thursday signed the historic ceasefire deal, bringing the country's half-century civil war closer to a definitive end.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC head Timoleon Jimenez presided over the signing ceremony in Havana.

Talks had been underway in Cuba since November 2012 in an effort to put an end to an armed conflict, which lasted over 50 years. Enditem
Asian-American demonstrators protest outside the Supreme Court as theaffirmative action in university admissions case was being heard by the court in Washington, December 9, 2015. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

WASHINGTON, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld an affirmative action program at the University of Texas that takes race into consideration when issuing admissions.

By voting 4-3, the Supreme Court gave the university the greenlight to continue its race-conscious admission program but urged the university to continue the review of its admission program.

"The Court's affirmance of the University's admissions policy today does not necessarily mean the University may rely on that same policy without refinement," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote on behalf of the majority.

"It is the University's ongoing obligation to engage in constant deliberation and continued reflection regarding its admissions policies," wrote Justice Kennedy.

It was the second time the Supreme Court heard the case filed by plaintiff Abigail Fisher, a white woman from Texas who said the university had denied her admission in 2008 because of her race.

Under the University of Texas's admission program, the top 10 percent of students in every high school in the state are guaranteed admission to the university. To fill the remaining places, the university selects students under standards which include race and ethnicity.

Demonstrators take part in a rally at the U.S. Supreme Court as theaffirmative action in university admissions case was being heard at the court in Washington December 9, 2015. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

The ruling came about four months after the sudden death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, who during oral arguments last December questioned whether admitting more black students would eventually benefit those students.

"They (black scientists) come from lesser schools where they do not feel that they're being pushed ahead in classes that are too fast for them," said Scalia. "I don't think it stands to reason that it's a good thing for the University of Texas to admit as many blacks as possible."

Justice Elena Kagan did not participate in the voting, recusing herself because she worked on the case as U.S. solicitor general before joining the Supreme Court in 2010.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (L) shakes hands with Timoleon Jimenez (R), the top leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), next to Cuban President Raul Castro, in the signing ceremony of a historic ceasefire agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC, in Havana, capital of Cuba, on June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Str)

HAVANA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The Colombian government and FARC guerrilla group on Thursday signed a historic ceasefire deal, bringing the country's half-century civil war closer to a definitive end.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and top FARC commander Timoleon "Timochenko" Jimenez presided over the signing ceremony in Havana, Cuba, which was attended by world dignitaries, including Latin American heads of state and the secretary general of the United Nations (UN).

"Today is a historic day for Colombia after more than 50 years of deaths and confrontations," said Santos. "This represents the end of the FARC as an armed group."

The agreement sets up mechanisms for the FARC to disarm and its transition to a political party or movement, although the disarmament process will not begin until a definitive peace treaty is signed.

"I don't agree, and never will, with their political and economic vision for the country, but what we are acknowledging today is the possibility of disagreeing and looking at opposing view points without the need for violent confrontation," Santos said.

"As head of state, I will defend their right to ... continue their political struggle via legal means," he said, adding "that is the essence of the democracy that we are welcoming" today.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (2nd-L) and Timoleon Jimenez (2nd-R), the top leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), exchange pacts while United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (1st-L) and Cuban President Raul Castro (C) witness in Havana, capital of Cuba, June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

Jimenez, the head of the FARC, stressed the agreement was not a capitulation of the group's demands, but a negotiated settlement.

The agreement, he said, "is not the surrender of the insurgency, but a product of serious dialogue between two forces in conflict for over half a century, with neither able to defeat the other."

Cuban President Raul Castro hailed the agreement as a victory for Colombia, and said it reinforced the concept of Latin America as a place of peace.

The agreement follows nearly four years of peace negotiations in Havana, which hosted the talks, and commits the Colombian government and rebels to set aside fighting and adopt peaceful, democratic means of resolving their disputes.

The head of the Colombian government delegation to the talks, Humberto de la Calle, signed on behalf of the government, while his FARC counterpart, Ivan Marquez, signed on behalf of the rebel group.

The agreement was also signed by the representatives of Cuba and Norway, Rodolfo Benitez and Dag Nylander, whose countries' served as guarantors of the peace talks, and the presidents of Venezuela and Chile, Nicolas Maduro and Michelle Bachelet, whose countries assisted the talks as accompanying nations.

Benitez and Nylander presented the details of the agreement prior to the signing, including the creation of a tripartite mechanism to monitor its application, composed of the government, FARC and an international group in which the UN and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) will play a key role.

As part of the disarmament process, which is to take no longer than 180 days, the rebels are to hand over their weapons to the UN, which all sides agreed will use them to build three monuments.

"Disarming is a technical, traceable and verifiable process," Cuba's Benitez said.

In his speech, Santos noted successive Colombian governments have over the past 30 years tried but failed to reach a peace agreement with the FARC.

A flower wreath placed as a symbol of the end of the war remains at the bottom of the statue of Simon Bolivar, hero and the liberator of Latin America, at Bolivar Square, in Bogota, Colombia, on June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/COLPRENSA)

Following up on that remark, Colombia's Caracol news network interviewed Henry Acosta, a negotiator in previous peace efforts, most notably for the administration of hardline former president Alvaro Uribe.

Asked why the attempt at brokering peace succeeded, Acosta said, "the big difference is that the only thing president Uribe wanted was the FARC's surrender."

In contrast, said Acosta, "President Santos clearly said 'this is a negotiating process,' ... that's why the correct term (for this agreement) is not surrendering arms, but laying down arms."

During the ceremony, Santos presented Timochenko with a pen made out of a large caliber bullet, the kind state forces used against the rebels, inscribed with the words: "Bullets wrote our past. Education, our future."

Meanwhile, in Bogota, residents marked the ceasefire and end to hostilities in colorful ways, including placing a funeral wreath at central Bolivar Square to symbolize the end of the conflict, with a banner that read "Goodbye to the war."

Newspaper headlines also announced "The Final Day of the War."

According to Latin American news network Telesur, Latin America's longest-running civil war claimed 220,000 deaths up to 2012, left 25,000 missing and displaced 5.7 million people.
HAVANA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said here Thursday the ceasefire agreement between the government of Colombia and the leftist FARC guerrilla is a major step toward ending a civil war that has lasted over half a century .

"The desire to achieve a lasting peace in Colombia is finally coming true and we cannot let that desire be spoiled. The agreement brings a lot of hope to Latin America," Maduro told Xinhua minutes after witnessing the signing ceremony in Havana.

The Venezuelan leader congratulated Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos, and FARC leader, Timoleon Jimenez, saying Venezuela would continue to support the peace process until the agreement is implemented.

Maduro said the "serious" negotiations, which lasted for almost four years in Havana led to consensus on thorny issues such as political participation, retribution for victims of the civil war, disarmament and land distribution.

"We will soon be celebrating the disarmament of the FARC rebels. All their members will become a political force in Colombia," he said.

He also hailed that the work of former Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez who began talks with Santos to initiate a peace process with the FARC guerrilla group. This led to the start of negotiations in Havana a few months before his death in 2013.

Maduro added that his administration, and other Latin American governments, are also helping Santos to begin peace talks with another important rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN)

"We are helping to get the talks with the ELN underway. Hopefully, that group will also soon sign agreements with the Colombian government to end the armed conflict," he said.

"Today has been a day of victory for Colombia, for Venezuela and Latin America."

UN chief Ban Ki-moon and several Latin American leaders also took part in the signing ceremony.

According to the agreement read out by mediators from Norway and Cuba, the FARC will lay down their arms within 180 days after the final deal is signed and demobilize into 23 temporary zones and eight camps across Colombia.

During their transition to become a political organization, the FARC's weapons will be handed over to the UN, which will begin a mission to verify the ceasefire.

Colombia's conflict has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced millions since 1964.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Boyalife Group, a consortium based in China, joined journals Science and Science Translational Medicine on Thursday to present a global prize to researchers in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine.

Known as Boyalife, Science & Science Translational Medicine Award in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, a grand prize of 25,000 U.S. dollars was given to Li Qian, an assistant professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a runner-up prize of 5,000 dollars was given to Yosef Buganim, of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Qian's winning paper, Hope for the brokenhearted: cellular reprogramming improves cardiac function in a mouse model of myocardial infarction, and Buganim's study, Refined nuclear reprogramming techniques yield higher quality stem cells, have been published by Science, a publication of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

"This award is set to recognize important scientific efforts and contributions that bridge innovative research to future clinical applications," said Xiaochun Xu, chairman and chief executive officer of Boyalife, in a statement. "The field of stem cell technology and regenerative medicine has been one of the fastest growing frontier in life science area. We hope the Boyalife, Science and Science Translational Medicine Award can encourage innovations and clinical applications of new technologies."

Xu, himself with research background, was in San Francisco, a city on the U.S. west coast, to attend the award ceremony. He said tissue regeneration has been the dream of many, especially under circumstances where a large number of cells die non-reversibly in the body.

"Every year millions have suffered myocardial infarction that result in lost of cardiac function. New method of converting cardiac fibroblasts inside the body directly by reprogramming clearly presents an innovative and new concept for the treatment of the disease. Many can potentially benefit from such research should such technology be further developed," he said.

Previously known as the International Consortium of Stem Cell Research (INCOSC), Boyalife was founded in July 2009 in Wuxi, a city in eastern China. Aimed to accelerate translation of biomedical research into clinical applications, INCOSC was initially formed as an industrial-research among seven of the world's top research institutes in life sciences and medicine, including Beijing University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Roslin Institute, Scottish Center for Regenerative Medicine. It later become Boyalife Group.

Boyalife currently has over 30 subsidiaries and operations across China. Among the subsidiaries, the Boyalife Stem Cell Bank is China's leading clinical stem cell bank, accredited by American Association of Blood Banking (AABB) and World Health Organization. Through other subsidiaries, it is also engaged in regenerative medicine, genomics, animal cloning, innovative drug discovery and disease modeling.

"Boyalife has been committed for technology innovation since its inception and has taken its social responsibility seriously," Xu said about the annual prize project. "Our vision and commitment for better human health is in full alignment with Science, Science Translational Medicine and AAAS. We are very lucky to work together to set up this award and hope that more innovative scientists will be involved in the coming days."
NEW DELHI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Two college students in India have been charged with attempt to murder in a ragging incident of a young woman belonging to Dalit community, police said.

The students (seniors at Al Qamar college) last month allegedly forced the first-year nursing student to drink phenyl (disinfectant) inside the nursing institute in southwestern Indian state of Karnataka, which burnt her internal organs.

The woman is being treated at a hospital in Kerala and her condition was stated to be critical. According to doctors, attending her, she was unable to eat or drink and even swallow her saliva.

"In a police complaint, she had named five of eight seniors who allegedly held her and forced phenyl down her throat on May 9," an official said on Thursday.

According to doctors she will need surgery to repair her damaged food pipe.

Dalits were previously known as untouchables in India and fall at the bottom of India's caste hierarchy.

Ragging is a form of physical and mental abuse often meted out to college newcomers. Though ragging is banned under law in India, there are reports of its prevalence in some institutions.

The college authorities denied that the incident was the result of ragging and said the young woman consumed the disinfectant due to "family problems."

However, police officials said they have sent the teams to question the girl students named by the victim.

"In the first information report with the police, it is clearly written that she was wrongfully restrained in her room and there is a section of attempt to murder," Shashi Kumar, a senior police official at Kalburgi district of Karnataka said.
Ulan Muqir performs for herdsmen on the prairie in Wenquan County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua photo/Zhao Ge)

URUMQI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- It was still early in the morning, but Purbu found it hard to get back to sleep in his yurt at the thought of Ulan Muqir's arrival today. The herdsman had invited the traveling troupe to perform at a celebration later that day.

The troupe used to arrive on horseback. Now they have vehicles. The troupe has toured the prairie to perform for the nomadic herdsmen in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for 50 years.

Ulan Muqir (Red Bud Troupe) is the Mongolian name for traveling troupes, who travel from one grazing site to another to perform for those who live in some of China's most remote areas.

As a part of the government's drive to boost folk art development, a Ulan Muqir was established in 1965 in the Wenquan County of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, which borders Kazakhstan in the northwest.

Two Ulan Muqir musicians play folk instruments on the prairie. (Xinhua photo/Zhao Ge)

"Once invited, Ulan Muqir will never let down their audience," said Bayinbat, 36, head of the troupe, who brought 20 performers to Purbu's event that day.

The troupe has 27 members today, most from rural areas.

Horseback travel was once favored because it reduced the travel time between settlements on the prairies and mountains.

Siqin, 31, remembers what it was like when she joined the troupe 11 years ago. "Sometimes we had to walk for tens of kilometers carrying all our luggage -- there was often no road surface at all," she recalled.

Thanks to transportation improvements, "today we can rent a bus or a truck. It's much better," she said.

But things are not that easy as it seems. On the way to Purbu's home, they were caught in a sudden downpour and had to travel by bus on the muddy track for two hours to finish the 50-kilometer-long trip.

After hours' driving, the troupe arrive at Purbu's party site. (Xinhua photo/Zhao Ge)

"As is often the case, it might suddenly start to rain when we sing," Bayinbat said, "Our hands get frozen in winter."

Their perseverance moves the audience as much as they were moved by the hospitable herdsmen, who call Ulan Muqir artists "our children."

When the troupe neared their destination, they were surprised to find a herdsman sent by Purbu waiting for them near a flooded road. The man had been waiting there since early in the morning.

Led by the guide, the troupe arrived at the party site at noon. They barely had any time to enjoy the delicious lamb, rice and milk tea the herdsmen had prepared for them. After bolting their lunch, the performers, surrounded by the audience, began to sing folk songs, dance and play instruments.

The audience enjoy the Ulan Muqir show. (Xinhua photo/Zhao Ge)

Among the audience, a herdsman can't help dance to the music during the Ulan Muqir show. (Xinhua photo/Zhao Ge)

After the show, a Ulan Muqir dancer takes a photo for memory. (Xinhua photo/Zhao Ge)

There are 92 villages and grazing sites in the county, according to Bayinbat. It takes the troupe about a year to tour all of them. The Ulan Muqir have composed over 1,000 songs and dances in the past five decades.
TOKYO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo shares ended the morning session sharply lower on Friday with its benchmark Nikkei index tumbling over 3 percent as sentiment here was much weighed by the Britain's referendum over its membership of the European Union.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plunged 495.95 points, or 3.05 percent, from Thursday to 15,742.40.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 41.18 points, or 3.17 percent, to 1,257.53.

Meanwhile, in the forex market, the Japanese yen briefly hit a record high in over two and a half years against the U.S. dollar in the 99 yen zone, rising about 5 yen from the morning session.
YANCHENG, June 23, 2016 (Xinhua) -- An injured woman is placed on a stretcher by rescuers in Funing County, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 23, 2016. Downpours, hailstorms and a tornado battered parts of Yancheng City at 2:30 p.m., destroying many houses, the city government said in a press release. (Xinhua/Yan Xiao)

NANJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Death toll of the tornado and hailstorms in east China's Jiangsu Province has climbed to 98, local rescue headquarters said on Friday.

About 800 people were injured, it said.

Intense downpours, hailstorms and a tornado battered parts of Yancheng City close to the eastern coast of China at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, destroying buildings, trees, vehicles and electricity poles.

Search for the people through the debris has been completed, said Zhou Xiang, head of the Jiangsu provincial fire corps on Friday.

Cleaning efforts are underway.

More than 1,300 police officers have been called in to assist with the rescue efforts and providing help to the displaced residents.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue efforts and the prioritization of life-saving measures.

The city has activated its highest response system following the extreme weather.

Tornados occasionally hit eastern and southern China during the summer, but rarely with the scale of damage like this one in Yancheng. A similar disaster hit the city in March 1966.
MELBOURNE, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Perth Zoo is celebrating the successful birth of a rare and endangered tree kangaroo, which became the first of its kind to be born at the zoo in 36 years.

The six-month-old joey, named Mian, is a Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroo, which is a globally endangered species. Mian was born six months ago, but the Perth Zoo only revealed the news this week.

Australian zookeeper Kerry Pickles explained the significance of Mian's birth in terms of the global efforts to save the species.

"The successful birth is not only a cause for celebration for Perth Zoo, but also a boost for the World Zoo Association global breeding program," Pickles told the Perth Zoo's website on Friday.

"Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroos, which are native to Papua New Guinea (PNG), are so endangered that zoos around the world have banded together to coordinate breeding with the aim to reverse their decline," said Pickles.

Mian's birth now makes him one of only 15 males in the global species management program, and means he will provide "valuable genetics" when he reaches breeding age.

The global program is responsible for the birth, after mating Mian's mother Kaluli with a male tree kangaroo named Huli, who arrived from Queensland last year after being identified as the best genetic match.

Mian is now beginning to leave Kaluli's pouch and becomes independent, the zoo said on its website.

Tree kangaroos remain in their mother's pouches for about six to eight months before testing out their arboreal legs. Perth Zoo keepers were able to monitor the development of the joey after training the mother to have her pouch checked.

"The joey was first confirmed in Kaluli's pouch, when it was estimated to be only four days of age. We used a small camera to ensure the least intervention to the tree kangaroo mother," Pickles said.

Pickles said the zoo learnt some invaluable information about tree kangaroos during the process.

"We were able to see when toe nails developed, when Mian's eyes opened, his first smattering of fur and when he started to poke his head out of his mother's pouch," she said.

"We've also recently introduced male tree kangaroo Huli to our other resident female Doba, and hope to announce more tree kangaroo breeding successes in the future," she added.

The Perth Zoo works in conjunction with the Tenkile Conservation Alliance, who is based in the mountains of Papua New Guinea (PNG), and works to protect and look after tree kangaroos in the wild.

The organization works with more than 50 PNG communities to protect tree kangaroos. Perth Zoo's fundraising has helped identify the proper population data on the animals, as well as education and community development programs.
HONG KONG, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying speaks at a press conference in Hong Kong, south China, June 23, 2016. Firefighters on Friday struggled to contain the deadly blaze at a multi-storey industrial building in Hong Kong's East Kowloon area, which has raged for nearly 72 hours, killing two firemen and injuring 12 others. Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said late Thursday that he was saddened to see the loss of lives and injuries suffered on the part of the fire services colleagues. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

HONG KONG, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters on Friday struggled to contain the deadly blaze at a multi-storey industrial building in Hong Kong's East Kowloon area, which has raged for nearly 72 hours, killing two firemen and injuring 12 others.

The second victim, 37, surnamed Hui, was killed on Thursday evening.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said late Thursday that he was saddened to see the loss of lives and injuries suffered on the part of the fire services colleagues.

The No. 4 alarm fire broke out at a self-storage unit in an industrial building on Tuesday morning. Fire personnel are now fighting the blaze by using nine jets, five ground monitors, four turntable ladder monitors and mobilizing 38 fire engines and four ambulances.

At a press conference late Thursday, Director of the Fire Services Department David Lai Man-hin said the biggest challenge at the moment was to break into more than 200 mini-storage cubicles that have caught fire.
BUENOS AIRES, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The disputes between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea should be settled through bilateral negotiation, Argentine expert Paola de Simone said Thursday.

Simone, a lawyer and political analyst from the University of Buenos Aires, told Xinhua that Manila's arbitration request over the issue "violated the Philippines' commitment to the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)." That is, territorial and jurisdictional disputes should solved through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned.

The Philippines filed unilaterally in 2013 an arbitration case against China over the issue in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Its move went against an agreement it reached with China in the mid-1990s on settling their disputes through negotiation. China has excluded maritime delimitation from compulsory arbitration in a declaration it made in 2006 in accordance with Article 298 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and has made it clear it will not accept or get involved in those proceedings.

Beijing insists that the Philippines must abandon its arbitration requests and return to bilateral negotiation.

The Philippines' President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has said he wishes to cultivate friendly relations with China and that he is open to direct talks concerning the South China Sea disputes.

Related:

Interview: Manila intensifies tension in South China Sea -- former diplomat

MANILA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government has been behind the intensifying tensions in the South China Sea, a former diplomat of the country told Xinhua on Wednesday.

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The differences between China and the U.S. over the South China Sea issue have become a matter of concern and even anxiety. But some of the perceptions in the U.S. and elsewhere about Chinas policy and intentions in the area are misplaced. A pressing task is to understand the facts and Chinas intentions correctly so as to avoid real danger and consequences as a result of misinterpretation and miscalculation. Full Story

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BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday again urged the Philippines to stop its arbitral proceedings and return to the right track of settling relevant disputes in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation with China.
SEOUL, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China has reiterated its call for innovative ideas to forge consensus on the application of non-signatories to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) for membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Wang Qun, director-general of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told reporters here Thursday that China has once again pushed the NSG to discuss the application issues of non-signatories to the NPT "in an innovative format" at the group's annual meeting held here on the same day.

"It should be stressed that such format is not only more formal, but represents a major result achieved at this annual plenary," he said.

The enlargement of NSG "is a formidable task and parties are far apart withing the group," Wang said, noting that China's approach is basically two-fold - the NSG's rules should be respected, as such rules are not targeted against any specific countries, and innovative ideas are called for to forge consensus.

"To this end, China had pushed the NSG to conduct informal discussions under the Argentina Chairmanship," he said.

Wang also said China appreciated the leadership role of South Korea in its capacity of chairmanship of the NSG, and that China for its part has also made its due contribution at the meeting.
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Unlike its predecessors currently in service, the Long March-7, the newest member of the Long March rocket family, will be more environmentally friendly, says its developer.

Using kerosene and liquid oxygen as fuel, rather than the highly toxic propellant, the rocket will produce less pollution, according to the Carrier Rocket Technology Research Institutes of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

The Long March-7 carrier rocket, scheduled to take its maiden flight sometime from June 25 to 29, will transport cargo vehicles for China's planned space station and is expected to become the main carrier for space launches.

As China's fourth space launch center, the Wenchang satellite launch center in southern Hainan Province, begins final preparations for the Long March-7 launch, the new rocket and its future role have come under scrutiny.

BIGGER PAYLOADS

Researchers took eight years to develop the rocket, which can carry up to 13.5 tonnes into low Earth orbit, comparable to other advanced rockets internationally. Other Chinese medium-lift rockets can currently carry just 8.6 tonnes.

The Long March-7 measures 53.1 meters in length. It has a 3.35-meter-diameter core stage and four 2.25-meter-diameter rocket boosters.

Although it weighs hundreds of tonnes, its shell is incredibly thin.

"The thinnest part could be as thin as an egg shell and measures only 0.8 millimeter," the developer says.

This reduces its weight, enabling it to increase its payload, which means more opportunities for space projects or better conditions for astronauts.

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE

Usually the weather is an important consideration in rocket launches in China. But wet air and rain are hard to avoid at Wenchang, so the Long March-7 is designed for the conditions.x The developer says it also has a device to overcome gale-force winds.

The Long March-7 is China's first digitally designed rocket, designed and manufactured with 3D technologies, putting China in the top tier of digital design capabilities.

NEW JOURNEY AHEAD

"The Long March-7 launch will be of great significance as it will usher in China's space lab mission," says Yang Baohua, deputy manager of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It will also meet the long-term demand for a new generation of manned rocket.

China plans to launch the Long March-5 later this year, according to the Carrier Rocket Technology Research Institutes. The Long March-5 will be China's largest carrier rocket, designed to carry 25 tonnes into low Earth orbit. It is expected to carry lunar probe Chang'e-5, the core module for China's space station and the Mars probe.

The developer says that in the next 15 years, China will develop and launch a heavy lift rocket that will be nearly 10 meters in diameter, with five times the carrying capacity of current rockets, to enable future deep space exploration.

The capacities of carrier rockets define the limits of a country's space exploration. Experts believe that the new launch center in Wenchang provides a great opportunity to raise current carrying capacity.

Three of China's four space launch centers are located inland. Trains carry the rocket parts from the manufacturing site to the launch center, so the rocket's diameter can be no larger than the width or height of mountain rail tunnels.

Wenchang is the only launch center near the sea, so the rocket parts can be transported by ship, which sets greater limits on a rocket's size.

The Long March-5's diameter will reach 5 meters, and beyond that will be larger rockets.
TAIPEI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- An ongoing strike of flight attendants has forced Taiwan's "China Airlines," the largest of the island's carriers, to cancel Friday's more than 60 flights from two airports, according to the carrier.

Hundreds of flight attendants began to gather at the carrier's Taipei office at midnight Thursday. They demanded the company raise the bonus for those on duty overseas, guarantee them 123 days annual holidays, and withdraw its decision to change the place for attendants to report for duty from Songshan Airport in downtown Taipei to Taoyuan Airport, a 40 minute-drive between the two.

The airline announced late night Thursday the cancellation of more than 60 flights from Taoyuan and Songshan airports between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, which will affect the travel of more than 20,000 passengers. Flights from Tainan and Kaohsiung are unaffected.

The company said it will help passengers rearrange their travel plans. Hundreds of passengers have been stranded at the two airports on Friday due to the strike.
YANCHENG, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers search for the survivors in Beichen Village of Funing County, Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 24, 2016. At least 78 people died and 500 were injured in one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit Jiangsu in decades Thursday. Downpours, hailstorms and the worst tornado since 1966 battered parts of Yancheng City at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, destroying homes and trapping hundreds of villagers in the rubble. (Xinhua/Han Yuqing)

SINGAPORE, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Singapore on Friday extended condolences to families of victims in China's Jiangsu Province where hurricane-force winds, hailstorms, pounding rain and a tornado have killed at least 78 people and injured nearly 500 others.

"Singapore expresses its deep condolences to the families of the victims affected by the tornado which hit Yancheng City in Jiangsu province on Jun 23, and wishes those injured a speedy recovery," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement.

The ministry said that no Singaporeans were reported to have been affected by the disaster, and the Singapore Consulate-General in Shanghai is in touch with local authorities and is contacting Singaporeans who have e-registered with the ministry.

Downpours, hailstorms and a tornado battered parts of Yancheng City close to the eastern coast of China at 2:30 pm on Thursday, destroying buildings, trees, vehicles and electricity poles. The city has activated its highest response system following the extreme weather. Cleaning efforts are underway.
CAIRO, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Ahmed Abu Zaid, spokesperson of Egypt's Foreign Ministry, speaks in an interview with Xinhua in Cairo, Egypt, on June 23, 2016. The South China Sea issue should be solved peacefully without actions that would escalate tensions, Ahmed Abu Zaid said here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

CAIRO, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The South China Sea issue should be solved peacefully without actions that would escalate tensions, Ahmed Abu Zaid, spokesperson of Egypt's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Egypt supports the stance of a number of Arab nations concerning China's position on the South China Sea issue, Abu Zaid said in an interview with Xinhua.

At the seventh Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum held in Doha, a number of Middle Eastern nations announced in the Doha Declaration that they support a peaceful settlement of territorial and maritime disputes between China and other Asia-Pacific countries through consultation.

"We always call for peaceful dialogue to solve disputes," he stressed.

"Any tension in the region of South China Sea worries Egypt as well as the international community," he said.

Countries bordering this area should maintain peaceful and positive relationships, Abu Zaid said, wishing that the dispute would soon be solved.

The Philippines filed unilaterally in 2013 an arbitration case against China over the issue in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, the Netherlands, violating an agreement it reached with China in the mid-1990s on settling their disputes through negotiation.

China has excluded maritime delimitation from compulsory arbitration in a declaration it made in 2006 in accordance with Article 298 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and has made it clear it will not accept or get involved in those proceedings.
SUVA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Sitiveni Rabuka, leader of Fiji's 1987 coups and Fiji's former prime minister, has been chosen as the party leader for the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), the Pacific island country's major opposition party, leading local newspaper Fiji Sun reported Friday.

Rabuka, who presented a traditional apology to the party to seek the forgiveness of members for his role in the 1987 coups, has been accepted as party leader at SODELPA's annual general meeting.

On behalf of the party, SODELPA President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu accepted Rabuka's apology.

Rabuka was in a close tussle with two other party leader nominees. After his appointment, opposition MPs, including a party leader nominee, said they will support Rabuka.

Rabuka led two coups in 1987 and was elected as prime minister in 1992, serving as head of government until 1999.
JAKARTA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Seven Indonesian seamen have been kidnapped by two armed groups in the southern Philippines waters, Indonesia's foreign affairs minister said on Friday.

"We were informed on June 23 that seven of 13 sailors from Charles 001 tugboat and Robby 152 barge had been held hostage in the Sulu Sea," Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi told reporters in Jakarta.

According to her, the kidnappings occurred on June 20 but at different times, 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. local time, and were carried out by two different armed groups, which she didn't immediately reveal the identities.

Six of the 13 crews on board have been freed, and are on their way back to Indonesia, the minister said.

"We strongly condemn the recurrence of such incident, and can't tolerate the third time," she said.

In April, 14 Indonesian citizens were held hostage in two different occasions by Abu Sayyaf rebels in southern Philippines, 10 of whom were released a month later.

Retno said her office has been intensively contacting with her counterpart in the Philippines, adding that she would also have a meeting with the Coordinating Minister of Politics, Law and Security later in the Friday afternoon.

Last month, the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines agreed to step security in the waters between the three countries after a series of hijacking and kidnapping cases.
BUENOS AIRES - The disputes between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea should be settled through bilateral negotiation, Argentine expert Paola de Simone said Thursday.

Simone, a lawyer and political analyst from the University of Buenos Aires, told Xinhua that Manila's arbitration request over the issue "violated the Philippines' commitment to the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)." That is, territorial and jurisdictional disputes should solved through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned.

The Philippines filed unilaterally in 2013 an arbitration case against China over the issue in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Its move went against an agreement it reached with China in the mid-1990s on settling their disputes through negotiation. China has excluded maritime delimitation from compulsory arbitration in a declaration it made in 2006 in accordance with Article 298 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and has made it clear it will not accept or get involved in those proceedings.

Beijing insists that the Philippines must abandon its arbitration requests and return to bilateral negotiation.

The Philippines' President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has said he wishes to cultivate friendly relations with China and that he is open to direct talks concerning the South China Sea disputes.
HANOI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Two more bodies were found Friday morning at the searching site for the missing CASA aircraft of Vietnam with nine people on board in waters off Vietnam's northern Hai Phong City.

According to Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA, at 6:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. local time on Friday, the country's Ministry of Defense (MOD)'s searching forces found two more bodies at searching site.

The bodies were discovered in the depth of 50-60 meters under the waters around Hai Phong's Bach Long Vi island.

It is possible that these bodies are among crew members of the missing CASA aircraft, reported VNA.

The searching forces also found propeller and fuselage with code number of the missing CASA airplane.

So far, four bodies have been found at the searching site. Earlier on Thursday afternoon, one of the bodies found at the site was confirmed to be a crew member of the CASA aircraft, according to MOD.

Further forensic checks are being conducted to confirm whether the others are crew members of the CASA aircraft.

Earlier on Thursday morning, search and rescue team has detected exact location of one engine of the aircraft in the depth of some 60 meters in waters off Hai Phong City.

Last Thursday, a CASA aircraft of Vietnam with nine people on board lost contact while carrying out searching mission for a SU-30 jet and one missing pilot. Debris of the CASA aircraft has been recovered in the next day.

Earlier last Tuesday, a Russian-made SU-30 fighter jet of Vietnam air forces with two pilots aboard disappeared from radar screen while carrying out a training mission offshore Vietnam's central Nghe An province, some 260 km south of capital Hanoi.

China has sent several warships, coastguard vessels and rescue ships to help Vietnam search for the missing aircraft and crew between Vietnam's northern coastline and China's Hainan Island, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
MOSCOW, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia's largest gas processing and petrochemical company Sibur has hailed its cooperation with China's top oil refiner Sinopec.

Dmitry Konov, chairman of Sibur's Management Board, said the experience of running a joint venture with Sinopec in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk has been successful.

"The feedback from our Chinese colleagues has helped navigating the plant by (knowing) the current needs of Asian consumers so as to produce exactly what our partners want," Konov said in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday.

Sinopec and Sibur established a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) joint venture in Russia's Krasnoyarsk in 2013, in which Sinopec holds 25 percent plus one share.

The NBR is widely used in the automotive and aeronautical industry to make various fuel and oil handling hoses, tanks and other components, where ordinary rubber can't be used.

The creation of the joint venture has led to a significant increase in NBR exports to China in the past few years, Konov said, adding that in 2015 the sales of NBR rubber in China increased by 17 percent from the previous year.

According to Konov, the two companies are deepening cooperation as Sinopec acquired 10 percent share of Sibur in December and another NBR joint venture will be built in Shanghai.

Konov added that Sibur was also discussing with potential partners including Sinopec about building a gas processing plant in Amur region in Russia's Far East, which will use Russian gas from fields in Eastern Siberia.

As Asia is becoming a major consumer of petrochemical products, Konov expects that Russian petrochemical exports to China would increase alongside rising energy supplies.

He recalled a number of energy cooperation projects with China supported by the leadership of both countries, including the East-Route Gas Project between Russian gas giant Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), the Eastern Siberia - Pacific Ocean (ESPO) oil pipeline and among others.

CNPC and Gazprom signed a deal for the East-Route Gas Project on May 21, 2014. The 30-year contract will see the east-route pipeline begin providing China with 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from 2018.

Under the bilateral agreement, Russia will export 70 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China every year upon completion of both the east- and west-route gas pipelines.

"Gas is one of the raw materials in the production of petrochemical products, so increasing exports to China may bring additional revenue to the petrochemical industry," Konov said.

In the ESPO project, an oil pipeline linking Russia's Far East and northeast China was launched on Jan. 1, 2011. It is a branch of Russia's 4000-km-long East Siberia to Pacific Ocean Pipeline which runs from Taishet in Eastern Siberia to the Pacific port of Kozmino.

According to an agreement between Russia and China, the pipeline will transport 15 million tonnes of crude oil annually from Russia to China from 2011 to 2030.
YANCHENG, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- An aerial photo taken by a drone on June 24, 2016 shows damaged houses in Danping Village of Chenliang Township of Funing County in Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Death toll of the tornado and hailstorms here has climbed to 98 by 10 a.m. on Friday. Intense downpours, hailstorms and a tornado battered parts of Yancheng City close to the eastern coast of China at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, destroying buildings, trees, vehicles and electricity poles. (Xinhua/Han Yuqing)

NANJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A total of 98 people were killed after severe storms in several towns in east China's Jiangsu Province on Thursday, local rescue headquarters said on Friday.

About 846 people sustained injuries, 200 of whom were seriously wounded, it said. More than 8,600 houses, two elementary schools and eight factory buildings were damaged in the counties of Funing and Sheyang, and parts of Yancheng City along the eastern coast of China.

Intense downpours, hailstorms and a tornado battered parts of the counties at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, destroying buildings, trees, vehicles and power lines. Gales of up to 125 km per hour battered several outer townships of Funing County, while in Sheyang, the winds reached 100 km per hour.

"The damage is terrible, I have not seen anything like this in years," said Zhou Xiang, head of Jiangsu fire corps and director of the rescue headquarters.

"The sudden tornado caught people completely off guard, resulting in a large number of deaths," he said. Most houses in the storm-hit area are low-rise brick homes, they were never built to withstand extremely powerful winds, he said. .

Many deaths and injuries were caused by fallen power lines and pylons, he added.

More than 1,300 police officers and 1,200 fire fighters have been called in for the rescue mission and providing help to displaced residents. At least 100 people were pulled out of the rubble, Zhou said.

The storm also destroyed a 40,000-square-meter solar panel factory,which is partly owned by the GCL System Integration Technology Co. Ltd.

"There are still hazardous chemicals, including ammonium gas and silane, at the factory. Currently, they have been contained and pose no risk to the public," said Zhou.

"WORST DAY OF MY LIFE"

Xie Litian lives in Donggou township at Funing County. The 62-year-old told Xinhua that when the gales came, it was like "the end of the world".

"I heard the gales and ran upstairs to shut the windows. I had hardly reached the top of the stairs when I heard a boom and saw the entire wall torn away," he said.

As he ran downstairs, the roof collapsed. When the gales subsided and he managed to escape, all the other houses in the neighborhood were gone. At least three villagers he knew were dead. "This is the worst day of my life," he said.

Local people used Wechat social media to offer help. Xiang Shanfeng, a 31-year-old crane driver from Funing County, posted his phone number on Wechat and offered to help the rescue team with his crane. He helped pull dozens of people out of the rubble over the past seven hours.

ALL-OUT RESCUE

President Xi Jinping, who is in Uzbekistan for a state visit and to attend a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, has ordered all-out rescue efforts and the prioritization of life-saving measures.

Authorities must make their utmost efforts to reduce casualties and facilitate resettlement of those affected by the extreme weather, he said. They must also strengthen meteorological monitoring and geological disaster assessment. ' Premier Li Keqiang also ordered authorities to step up the search and rescue work and medical treatment for the injured.

Yancheng City has activated its highest response system following the extreme weather.

Over 503 base stations and 235 kilometers of cables were damaged, said the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It sent emergency workers to repair the damaged telecommunication and power lines.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs have sent emergency supplies, including 1,000 tents, to the disaster-hit area.

Tornados occasionally hit eastern and southern China during the summer, but rarely result in the scale of damage like the one in Yancheng. A similar disaster hit the city in March 1966.
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- State Councilor Yang Jing left Beijing for east China's Jiangsu Province on Friday where at least 98 have died and nearly 850 sustained injuries in one of the most fatal natural disasters hitting the region.

Entrusted by President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, Yang will direct the rescue and emergency response work and visit the displaced and injured.

Intense rain, hail and a tornado battered parts of Yancheng City close to the eastern coast of China at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, destroying buildings, trees, vehicles and electricity poles.
TASHKENT, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

TASHKENT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Kazakh leaders vowed here Friday to seek synergy between their respective development strategies amid efforts to boost bilateral cooperation.

The two sides should speed up and well plan the aligning of the China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt initiative and Kazakhstan's new economic policy named the Bright Road, and strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas, according to Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Kazakh counterpart, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

They made the pledge during a meeting on the sidelines of an annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the Uzbek capital Tashkent.

Xi reviewed the bilateral cooperation since the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership five years ago, saying that rapid progress and fruitful results have been achieved.

"China and Kazakhstan have become a community of common interest and shared future in a real sense," he said. "The Chinese side is willing to work with Kazakhstan to lift our cooperation to a higher level."

Xi suggested that the two countries keep close high-level contacts, support and coordinate with each other on major issues of their respective concern, and always plan for cooperation from a strategic height and a long-term perspective.

He called on the two countries to make the best use of the new model the two countries have created for industrial capacity cooperation, to push for the early implementation of related projects as well as cooperation in agriculture, energy, local affairs, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and environment protection.

China supports Kazakhstan in hosting a "China Tourism Year" in 2017, Xi said.

The president also said that China is willing to enhance cooperation with Kazakhstan in the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.

China will offer strong support to Kazakhstan after it takes over the rotating chair of the SCO following the Tashkent summit, to jointly contribute to the greater development for the organization, Xi added.

Nazarbayev extended his warm congratulations on the 95th anniversary of the founding the Communist Party of China, which falls on July 1.

He said that it is a priority in the foreign policy of Kazakhstan to develop a relationship with China featuring good-neighborliness, mutual trust and friendship.

Kazakhstan firmly supports China's Silk Road Economic Belt initiative, and wants to initiate bilateral industrial capacity cooperation projects at an early date, such as in auto and chemical engineering industries, and to increase cooperation in trade, agriculture, logistics, infrastructure and tourism, Nazarbayev said.

The Kazakh side stands ready to make joint efforts with China to ensue a sound development of the SCO, he added.
Photo taken on June 24, 2016 shows a damaged plant in Funing County, Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua photo/Ding Ting)

NANJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A total of 98 people were killed after severe storms in several towns in east China's Jiangsu Province on Thursday, local rescue headquarters said on Friday.

About 846 people sustained injuries, 200 of whom were seriously wounded, it said. More than 8,600 houses, two elementary schools and eight factory buildings were damaged in the counties of Funing and Sheyang, and parts of Yancheng City along the eastern coast of China.

Villagers search for their belongings at the debris in Beichen Village of Funing County, Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua photo/Ding Ting)

Intense downpours, hailstorms and a tornado battered parts of the counties at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, destroying buildings, trees, vehicles and power lines. Gales of up to 125 km per hour battered several outer townships of Funing County, while in Sheyang, the winds reached 100 km per hour.

"The damage is terrible, I have not seen anything like this in years," said Zhou Xiang, head of Jiangsu fire corps and director of the rescue headquarters.

"The sudden tornado caught people completely off guard, resulting in a large number of deaths," he said. Most houses in the storm-hit area are low-rise brick homes, they were never built to withstand extremely powerful winds, he said.

Many deaths and injuries were caused by fallen power lines and pylons, he added.

An aerial photo taken by a drone on June 24, 2016 shows damaged houses in Danping Village of Chenliang Township of Funing County in Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua photo/Han Yuqing)

More than 1,300 police officers and 1,200 fire fighters have been called in for the rescue mission and providing help to displaced residents. At least 100 people were pulled out of the rubble, Zhou said.

The storm also destroyed a 40,000-square-meter solar panel factory,which is partly owned by the GCL System Integration Technology Co. Ltd.

"There are still hazardous chemicals, including ammonium gas and silane, at the factory. Currently, they have been contained and pose no risk to the public," said Zhou.

An aerial photo taken by a drone on June 24, 2016 shows damaged houses in Beichen Village of Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua photo/Li Xiang)

"WORST DAY OF MY LIFE"

Xie Litian lives in Donggou township at Funing County. The 62-year-old told Xinhua that when the gales came, it was like "the end of the world".

"I heard the gales and ran upstairs to shut the windows. I had hardly reached the top of the stairs when I heard a boom and saw the entire wall torn away," he said.

Villagers search for their belongings at the debris in Beichen Village of Funing County, Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua photo/Ding Ting)

As he ran downstairs, the roof collapsed. When the gales subsided and he managed to escape, all the other houses in the neighborhood were gone. At least three villagers he knew were dead. "This is the worst day of my life," he said.

Local people used Wechat social media to offer help. Xiang Shanfeng, a 31-year-old crane driver from Funing County, posted his phone number on Wechat and offered to help the rescue team with his crane. He helped pull dozens of people out of the rubble over the past seven hours.

A villager searches for his belongings at the debris in Beichen Village of Funing County, Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua photo/Ding Ting)

ALL-OUT RESCUE

President Xi Jinping, who is in Uzbekistan for a state visit and to attend a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, has ordered all-out rescue efforts and the prioritization of life-saving measures.

Authorities must make their utmost efforts to reduce casualties and facilitate resettlement of those affected by the extreme weather, he said. They must also strengthen meteorological monitoring and geological disaster assessment.

Premier Li Keqiang also ordered authorities to step up the search and rescue work and medical treatment for the injured.

A rescuer searches for the survivors in Beichen Village of Funing County, Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua photo/Han Yuqing)

Yancheng City has activated its highest response system following the extreme weather.

Over 503 base stations and 235 kilometers of cables were damaged, said the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It sent emergency workers to repair the damaged telecommunication and power lines.

Rescuers search for the survivors in Danping Village of Funing County, Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua photo/Li Xiang)

The Ministry of Civil Affairs have sent emergency supplies, including 1,000 tents, to the disaster-hit area.

Tornados occasionally hit eastern and southern China during the summer, but rarely result in the scale of damage like the one in Yancheng. A similar disaster hit the city in March 1966.
HANOI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- "Vietnam's tattoo industry is developing very quickly, considered to be art and no longer being discriminated against as something only for bad guys," Tri "Tattoo," a Vietnamese artist told Xinhua recently.

The International Tattoo Convention kicked off on Thursday in Vietnam's capital Hanoi for the first time, drawing artists from China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, among others.

Over 100 booths providing tattoo services are being showcased at the event, drawing great attention from the country's ink enthusiasts.

"The local community now looks at the tattoo industry and tattooed people with different eyes. Tattoos are becoming a trend," said Tri "Tattoo," who owns many tattoo shops across Vietnam.

"The trend of tattooing has also been changing a lot. In the past, tattooists used only simple colors with simple patterns. Now, more vibrant colors with more complicated designs are applied," he said.

"The first tattoo on my body was a carp, carrying a meaning of good luck." Tri got his first tattoo at the age of 20, now the 34-year-old artist from southern Ho Chi Minh City who has numerous small tattoos on his body, stretching along his left arm.

"The tattoos on my body are a kind of diary. It marks the places where I have been. Every tattoo has its own meaning," he told Xinhua.

"My customers vary in both age and gender. Many young people, middle-aged and even old people come to my shop to get tattoos," he said.

Across the site, Thanh Hang, a 19-year-old lady in a black suit is getting a new tattoo on her thigh.

"Tattoos are a passion. In the past, I had never thought that I would get a tattoo on my body. However, after getting my first one, I kept getting more tattoos," Hang told Xinhua.

"My first tattoo was a monster face on my left arm when I was only 17. My parents strongly opposed it at that time," she said.

"As time passed, my parents came to understand that tattoos are not bad at all. It is a way to show someone's personality," Hang added, saying that now her mother also owns a tattoo of a big lotus on her arm.

Hang said that the new floral shape on her thigh is her 18th tattoo. "Not all who have tattoos are bad people," said the young lady.

Nguyen Van Nhat, 32, who owns a tattoo shop in Vietnam's northern Bac Ninh province, also has an open mind about tattoos.

"Tattoos are an art and both males and females can have them. More and more female customers have been coming to my shop to get tattoos," Nhat said. "I even helped my wife to get one on her chest."

"Tattoos are a way to mark special events. Spouses can have a 'couple's tattoo'," Huy "Bald," 45, told Xinhua.

Showing a small tattoo of an anchor on his left hand, 32-year-old Truong Tuan Nghia from the northern Thai Binh province said that one of his tattoos is to mark the time he served in the Vietnam Navy. Nghia also has three other tattoos on his body with different meanings, including an Indian chief on his arm, which for him means leadership.

During the International Tattoo Convention, which is scheduled to last until Friday, artists will ink their creations on thighs, backs, arms and other parts of the body to impress judges and win awards across 14 categories, ranging from color and cover-up tattoos to the most hyper-realistic tattoos and the best body art displays.

A special award "Queen of Tattoo," worth 50 million Vietnamese dong (over 2, 240 U.S. dollars), will be given to a female artist with the most impressive tattoo based on votes from the judges and viewers.
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Unlike its predecessors currently in service, the Long March-7, the newest member of the Long March rocket family, will be more environmentally friendly, says its developer.

Using kerosene and liquid oxygen as fuel, rather than the highly toxic propellant, the rocket will produce less pollution, according to the Carrier Rocket Technology Research Institutes of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

The Long March-7 carrier rocket, scheduled to take its maiden flight sometime from June 25 to 29, will transport cargo vehicles for China's planned space station and is expected to become the main carrier for space launches.

As China's fourth space launch center, the Wenchang satellite launch center in southern Hainan Province, begins final preparations for the Long March-7 launch, the new rocket and its future role have come under scrutiny.

Long March-7 carrier rocket is transferred vertically to the launch pad in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, June 22, 2016. China plans to launch its new generation Long March-7 carrier rocket between Saturday and Wednesday from a new launch ground in Wenchang. The Long March-7 is a medium-sized rocket using liquid propellant that can carry up to 13.5 tonnes to low-Earth orbit. It will transport cargo for China's planned space station and is expected to become the main carrier for space launches. (Xinhua/Zeng Tao)

BIGGER PAYLOADS

Researchers took eight years to develop the rocket, which can carry up to 13.5 tonnes into low Earth orbit, comparable to other advanced rockets internationally. Other Chinese medium-lift rockets can currently carry just 8.6 tonnes.

The Long March-7 measures 53.1 meters in length. It has a 3.35-meter-diameter core stage and four 2.25-meter-diameter rocket boosters.

Although it weighs hundreds of tonnes, its shell is incredibly thin.

"The thinnest part could be as thin as an egg shell and measures only 0.8 millimeter," the developer says.

This reduces its weight, enabling it to increase its payload, which means more opportunities for space projects or better conditions for astronauts.

Long March-7 carrier rocket is transferred vertically to the launch pad in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, June 22, 2016. China plans to launch its new generation Long March-7 carrier rocket between Saturday and Wednesday from a new launch ground in Wenchang. The Long March-7 is a medium-sized rocket using liquid propellant that can carry up to 13.5 tonnes to low-Earth orbit. It will transport cargo for China's planned space station and is expected to become the main carrier for space launches. (Xinhua/Zeng Tao)

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE

Usually the weather is an important consideration in rocket launches in China. But wet air and rain are hard to avoid at Wenchang, so the Long March-7 is designed for the conditions.x The developer says it also has a device to overcome gale-force winds.

The Long March-7 is China's first digitally designed rocket, designed and manufactured with 3D technologies, putting China in the top tier of digital design capabilities.

Long March-7 carrier rocket is transferred vertically to the launch pad in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, June 22, 2016. China plans to launch its new generation Long March-7 carrier rocket between Saturday and Wednesday from a new launch ground in Wenchang. The Long March-7 is a medium-sized rocket using liquid propellant that can carry up to 13.5 tonnes to low-Earth orbit. It will transport cargo for China's planned space station and is expected to become the main carrier for space launches. (Xinhua/Zeng Tao)

NEW JOURNEY AHEAD

"The Long March-7 launch will be of great significance as it will usher in China's space lab mission," says Yang Baohua, deputy manager of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It will also meet the long-term demand for a new generation of manned rocket.

China plans to launch the Long March-5 later this year, according to the Carrier Rocket Technology Research Institutes. The Long March-5 will be China's largest carrier rocket, designed to carry 25 tonnes into low Earth orbit. It is expected to carry lunar probe Chang'e-5, the core module for China's space station and the Mars probe.

The developer says that in the next 15 years, China will develop and launch a heavy lift rocket that will be nearly 10 meters in diameter, with five times the carrying capacity of current rockets, to enable future deep space exploration.

The capacities of carrier rockets define the limits of a country's space exploration. Experts believe that the new launch center in Wenchang provides a great opportunity to raise current carrying capacity.

Three of China's four space launch centers are located inland. Trains carry the rocket parts from the manufacturing site to the launch center, so the rocket's diameter can be no larger than the width or height of mountain rail tunnels.

A container carrying China's new-generation Long March-7 rocket is seen at the port in north China's Tianjin, May 7, 2016. The Long March-7 rocket departed for its launch base in Hainan on Sunday from Tianjin. It has taken researchers eight years to develop the medium-sized rocket, which can carry up to 13.5 tonnes to low Earth orbit, said Li Hong, director of the Carrier Rocket Technology Research Institute with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. (Xinhua/Chen Xi)

A container carrying China's new-generation Long March-7 rocket is lifted at the port in north China's Tianjin, May 7, 2016. The Long March-7 rocket departed for its launch base in Hainan on Sunday from Tianjin. It has taken researchers eight years to develop the medium-sized rocket, which can carry up to 13.5 tonnes to low Earth orbit, said Li Hong, director of the Carrier Rocket Technology Research Institute with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. (Xinhua/Chen Xi)

Wenchang is the only launch center near the sea, so the rocket parts can be transported by ship, which sets greater limits on a rocket's size.

The Long March-5's diameter will reach 5 meters, and beyond that will be larger rockets.
UNITED NATIONS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday welcomed a historic cease-fire agreement reached between the government of Colombia and the country's largest rebel group, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The Security Council said the deal represents "an important further step" towards a final peace agreement to end Colombia's over five-decade armed conflict.

It also said it will fully support the parties to reach a final peace agreement.

The cease-fire agreement, signed by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC head Timoleon Jimenez, sets up mechanisms for the FARC to disarm and become a political party.

Talks to end Colombia's civil war were launched in November 2012.
CARACAS, June 23 (Xinhua) -- China and Venezuela are working on a new dimension of their comprehensive strategic partnership, promising to set an "international example of cooperation," a senior Venezuelan official has said.

Both countries have transcended the vision of simple trade exchanges and are now focusing on "intertwining their development schemes," Vice President for Planning and Knowledge Ricardo Menendez said in a recent interview with Chinese media.

China is playing a vital role in Venezuela's much desired economic diversification due to the fall in oil prices, Menendez said.

"Venezuela is betting on a future and in this future, China will permanently be there. This future is characterized by the Bolivarian Economic Agenda which is the road map that we have drawn up to face this (economic) crisis and in order to change our country's production model," he said.

Venezuela has signed nearly 400 cooperation agreements with China in the energy, oil, education, health, technology, trade, housing, agriculture, infrastructure, industry, culture and sports, among others.

Now the two countries are focusing on new areas of development.

"Recently, we have incorporated new areas of interest such as mining, specifically in the case of gold, iron and steel. We also want to incorporate coltan and aluminum, where China-Venezuela cooperation" has seen strides, said Menendez.

The new areas also include infrastructure development. China will eventually participate in projects involving building oil and gas pipelines, deep water ports, storage spaces and roads, according to Menendez.

Furthermore, Menendez said the sharp fall in the price of crude oil has not been an impediment for Venezuela when it comes to fulfilling its commitments to China in the energy sector. Venezuela is even working with China right now on designing new investment models in the oil industry.

The South American country supplies China with nearly 600,000 barrels of oil a day as part of a strategy to diversify its market.

"We are going to continue to be secure oil suppliers for China. We are going to guarantee all the oil that China requires for its development. During times of drastic reduction in international oil prices, we did not breach any of our commitments in terms of supply," said Menendez.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during the signing of a joint statement after their talks in Moscow, capital of Russia, May 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

MOSCOW, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia's largest gas processing and petrochemical company Sibur has hailed its cooperation with China's top oil refiner Sinopec.

Dmitry Konov, chairman of Sibur's Management Board, said the experience of running a joint venture with Sinopec in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk has been successful.

"The feedback from our Chinese colleagues has helped navigating the plant by (knowing) the current needs of Asian consumers so as to produce exactly what our partners want," Konov said in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday.

Sinopec and Sibur established a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) joint venture in Russia's Krasnoyarsk in 2013, in which Sinopec holds 25 percent plus one share.

The NBR is widely used in the automotive and aeronautical industry to make various fuel and oil handling hoses, tanks and other components, where ordinary rubber can't be used.

The creation of the joint venture has led to a significant increase in NBR exports to China in the past few years, Konov said, adding that in 2015 the sales of NBR rubber in China increased by 17 percent from the previous year.

According to Konov, the two companies are deepening cooperation as Sinopec acquired 10 percent share of Sibur in December and another NBR joint venture will be built in Shanghai.

Konov added that Sibur was also discussing with potential partners including Sinopec about building a gas processing plant in Amur region in Russia's Far East, which will use Russian gas from fields in Eastern Siberia.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (L) and his Russian counterpart Arkady Dvorkovich shake hands during the 13th meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi, May 30, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

As Asia is becoming a major consumer of petrochemical products, Konov expects that Russian petrochemical exports to China would increase alongside rising energy supplies.

He recalled a number of energy cooperation projects with China supported by the leadership of both countries, including the East-Route Gas Project between Russian gas giant Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), the Eastern Siberia - Pacific Ocean (ESPO) oil pipeline and among others.

CNPC and Gazprom signed a deal for the East-Route Gas Project on May 21, 2014. The 30-year contract will see the east-route pipeline begin providing China with 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from 2018.

Under the bilateral agreement, Russia will export 70 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China every year upon completion of both the east- and west-route gas pipelines.

"Gas is one of the raw materials in the production of petrochemical products, so increasing exports to China may bring additional revenue to the petrochemical industry," Konov said.

In the ESPO project, an oil pipeline linking Russia's Far East and northeast China was launched on Jan. 1, 2011. It is a branch of Russia's 4000-km-long East Siberia to Pacific Ocean Pipeline which runs from Taishet in Eastern Siberia to the Pacific port of Kozmino.

According to an agreement between Russia and China, the pipeline will transport 15 million tonnes of crude oil annually from Russia to China from 2011 to 2030.
CHONGQING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Intense downpours and hailstorms have caused havoc across several Chinese provinces, resulting in casualties, disrupted traffic and inundation.

In addition to a fatal tornado and hail storm, which claimed 98 lives in east China's Jiangsu Province on Thursday, many urban areas in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality are reporting flooding.

A section of a rail track linking Chongqing with Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, was also flooded. Railway authorities have diverted 10 trains as repair work is underway.

In the rural district of Yongchuan, downpours damaged 602 houses, resulting in one death and another missing. Rain on Thursday night flooded a section of the outer wall of Yuxi Prison forcing the relocation of 1,400 inmates over night. The prison authority has reinforced security and ensured provisions.

Zhutuo Hydro Station on the Yangtze, which runs through Chongqing, warned that the water level had risen by 1.91 meters in one day.

In east China's Jiangxi, workers on Friday morning repaired a 64-meter breach in a dike in Poyang County.

Aided with some 100 pieces of heavy machinery, more than 2,000 workers have worked around-the-clock, for 46 hours, to mend the breach.

In the county, two reservoirs sustained damage, 189 river bank breaches were found, and 26,000 houses were either inundated or damaged.
ANKARA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- At least six soldiers were killed on Friday in two separate outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) attacks in southeastern Turkish provinces of Hakkari and Mardin, Dogan News agency reported.

The Turkish General Staff announced early Friday that the PKK militants detonated a hand-made explosive placed on the motorway in Cukurca district of Hakkari, leaving four soldiers killed.

Meanwhile, the PKK militants opened fire on a Gendarmerie Post in Derik district of Mardin, triggering an armed clash. Two Turkish soldiers were killed in the ambush as the reinforcements arrived at the area.

Also on Friday, Mardin Govenor's office announced that one person was killed and 16 others injured on Thursday in a PKK car bomb attack in the Omerli district of Mardin. Security forces operations have been launched to apprehend the PKK militants responsible for the attack.
TASHKENT, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

TASHKENT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Friday that China and Belarus should steadily implement the agreed major cooperation projects and enhance coordination of cooperation between the two sides.

During a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, Xi said the development of bilateral relations has gained speed and bilateral cooperation in various fields is enjoying an overall advancement.

The two sides render firm support to each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, Xi said.

The Chinese president said both sides should seek to dovetail their development strategies and enhance overall planning and coordination on cooperation projects.

Both sides should focus on the construction of the China-Balerus Industrial Park and deepen cooperation in major projects, so as to boost overall cooperation in trade, investment, finance and sub-national affairs and to push forward the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi said.

The two countries should enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and maintain the momentum of development in bilateral relations and cooperation, said the Chinese president.

For his part, Lukashenko said Belarus has always been China's reliable friend and he is happy to see that both sides have rendered support to each other on their respective major concerns.

Belarus stands ready to closely cooperate with China on economy and trade, sub-national affairs and high technology, said Lukashenko.

Belarus will actively participate in the Road and Belt Initiative and will strive to make the China-Belarus Industrial Park a landmark project of the initiative, said the Belarusian president.

Belarus is ready to enhance cooperation with China within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, said Lukashenko.

Xi arrived in Tashkent on Tuesday for a state visit to Uzbekistan, as well as a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Uzbekistan is the third and final stop of Xi's three-nation tour, which has taken him to Serbia and Poland.
ANKARA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed on Thursday in a shelling in northern Syria by the Turkish army and air operations from the U.S.-led coalition, the Turkish General Staff said on Friday.

According to the statement, Turkish artillery units shelled the IS targets as coalition warplanes conducted air operations in the region hitting 34 targets of the militant group.

Reports show that at least 20 IS militants were killed and two buildings used by the IS destroyed.

Turkey is set to install new air defense systems in the country's southeastern province of Kilis, as rocket attacks from IS-held regions across the border in northern Syria have killed over 21 in Kilis this year.
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China's commercial crude oil stocks increased 0.86 percent in May over April, while stocks of refined oil products slipped 1.73 percent, data monitored by Xinhua News Agency showed Friday.

Last month, China imported 32.24 million tonnes of crude oil, and the domestic crude oil output came in 16.87 million tonnes, according to the report.

Gasoline stocks rose 1.39 percent. Diesel stocks dropped 5.44 percent as demand in rural areas rose due to harvest season, according to the Xinhua data.

Kerosene stocks gained 5.88 percent.
HAVANA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The signing of the ceasefire with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) meant a step closer to end the over 50-year domestic conflict, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said Thursday.

"It's time to live without war... Today the signed agreement opens a new chapter that gives us hope," said the president after the signing ceremony.

According to the ceasefire deal agreed upon by the Colombian government and the FARC in Havana, Cuba, the guerrilla group FARC will disarm and change into a political party or movement after over 50 years of violent confict with the Colombian government.

Saying he himself was a staunch opponent of the FARC, Santos noted he "will defend with equal determination the right of the FARC to express themselves by legal and political means, even if we never fully agree (with each other)."

In the future, the fight will be political with exchanges of ideas and arguments instead of violence, the Colombian president said.

There are many things pending but both the government and the FARC agreed on the need to sign a final peace agreement as soon as possible, Santos said.

"The final agreement will be signed in Colombia," Santos said. "Peace in Colombia is no longer a dream."
CONAKRY, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Guinea government on Thursday decided to operationalize the National Financial Processing Unit (CENTIF) to enhance the fight against money laundering and funding of terrorism, an official source said.

The decision was taken in accordance with recommendations of the West African Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering (GIABA), in which Guinea is a member.

The decision followed a proposal by the Central Bank governor Lounceny Nabe on the fight against money laundering and funding of terrorism in Guinea, made before Thursday's cabinet meeting that was chaired by President Alpha Conde.

In his communication, the governor recalled that the complexity of money laundering "made it difficult to evaluate the negative consequences of crime on the economy and the society in general."

Guinea has adopted tools for fighting against money laundering through the anti-money laundering law, the law on funding of terrorism and the setting up of CENTIF, but nothing seems to have progressed in terms of execution.

Guinea was urged by its partners "to urgently take measures to improve its system for fighting against money laundering and funding of terrorism."

This could only be achieved by making CENTIF operational.

The country is also expected to "criminalize illegal trafficking of migrants, enslavement of people, fight against counterfeits, manipulation of tenders and cyber-crime."
by Shristi Kafle

KATHMANDU, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Two days after a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan killed 12 Nepalese people, Nepal received the remains of the deceased on a chartered Nepal Airlines flight.

Nepal not only airlifted 12 coffins to its Tribhuwan International Airport, but also welcomed 24 migrant workers who have been working in war-torn Afghanistan over the last few years.

Following the announcement Nepal would bring back migrant workers wanting to leave Afghanistan, 24 Nepalese who were working as security guards for a Canadian mission in Kabul returned home out of terror and fear.

At the airport, they seemed relieved to have landed in their own country, after their ordeals in the high-risk region of Kabul, where some of their friends' hopes and lives were claimed.

Maniram Khanal, from the Kaski district, is among those who returned on Wednesday after staying in Afghanistan for five years. Khanal, a retired Nepal Army official, told Xinhua that the latest violent attack is evidence of how risky their daily lives were.

"We knew about the risks from the very beginning but such attacks were centered outside of Kabul. But now, as violent acts are happening in broad day light inside the main city, life became so risky that I immediately decided to return," Khanal said

Khanal, a father of two, was on his night-shift duty on the day of attack while his colleagues were in a mini bus on their way to their duty station. The former soldier said that the distance between the living quarters and the Canadian mission was less than a 10-minute journey, but full of risks.

"If we had an armored vehicle instead of a mini bus for transportation, then the loss would be quite less. The armored vehicle can carry 4 or 5 people which would be comparatively safer. Afghanistan is no way a safe place for Nepalese workers," Khanal said.

Among those who lost their lives was Amrit Bahadur Thapa, from the Lamjung district, who was Khanal's roommate for the past year and a half, a memory which pulls at Khanal's heart every minute.

Along with Khanal, some 147 Nepalese used to work as security guards for the British security consultancy firm Sabre International based in the Afghan capital. The returnees, mostly retired Nepal Army and police officials, claimed that other diplomatic missions like those of the U.S. and Australia have better security arrangements than the Canadian one.

Most of these security guards earn an average of Rs 100,000 (nearly 1,000 U.S. dollars) monthly, which they admit is impossible to earn in Nepal.

According to the Department of Foreign Employment, nearly 9,000 Nepalese migrants had received permission to work as security guards in war-hit Afghanistan in the last 10 years, while there is no record on Nepalese working there off the books.

Earlier, Nepal had imposed a blanket ban on Nepalese working in Afghanistan and Iraq after 12 Nepalese were killed in Iraq in 2004. Following a partial reversal, some Nepalese could receive a permit to work only in green-zones in Afghanistan, where the United Nations and other diplomatic agencies have their bases.

"I had chosen Afghanistan thinking that it's a better destination for former Army officials. In Gulf countries, the work is difficult and the pay is low. Since we don't have enough opportunities here, it made sense to leave the country," 51-year-old Lal Bahadur Tamang, another returnee, told Xinhua.

A resident of the Tanahun district, some 170 km from the capital, Tamang said he did not want to work overseas any more, adding he would start his own business. Most of the returnees echoed Tamang's sentiments, with some saying that even if they have to die, they want to die in their own motherland.

Those back from Afghanistan said that many of their friends in Kabul have also decided to return as soon as possible, as their companies do not care about their security.

Thanking the Nepalese government for bringing them back home, Bhagwan Banajra, maintained that the Nepalese youth should opt not to go to Afghanistan or other risky destinations like Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

"The attackers have started targeting Gurkhas so the Nepal government must stop sending its citizens to their graves. The government must create job opportunities here," Banjara said, while exiting the airport with his luggage.

At a time when 1,500 to 2,000 Nepalese people leave the nation every day due to poverty, political instability and unemployment, many believe that the Kabul incident has been a big lesson for the Nepalese government.
BISSAU, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suspended budgetary support for Guinea Bissau in 2016 due to "bad debts" of over 12 billion CFA Francs (about 20 million U.S. dollars), an official source said Thursday.

The suspension was announced on Thursday by Felix Fischer, an IMF official, at the end of an evaluation mission by the institution in Guinea Bissau.

He said the new Guinea Bissau government should try to control government expenditure.

The IMF equally called for reduction of public expenditure and increase of revenue "to reduce the financial deficit in the state budget."

"The government will work with its partners to resolve the problem," Guinea Bissau's Budget Secretary Orlando Mendes Veigas said in a short statement to the media.

Guinea Bissau, one of the poorest countries in the world, has been mired in a political crisis for the last eight months, making it difficult for the government to function.
HAVANA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The ceasefire deal signed between the Colombian government and the largest rebel group of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) won worldwide praise on Thursday, as it brings the country's half-century civil war closer to an end.

The Colombian government and FARC Thursday signed a historic ceasefire deal at a ceremony in Havana which was attended by world dignitaries including Latin American heads of state and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Before the signing of the deal, the Colombian government and the rebel guerrilla group held more than three years of fraught talks in Cuba.

"Today is a historic day for Colombia after more than 50 years of deaths and confrontations," said Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.

The agreement sets up mechanisms for FARC to disarm and its transition toward the status of a political party or movement, although the disarmament process will not begin until a definitive peace treaty is signed.

Ban Ki-moon congratulated all the participants and invited all Colombians to make the agreement a reality in order to preserve peace in the country and the region.

"Let us work together to make the promise of peace sealed today in Havana a reality," said Ban.

Angel Gurria, secretary-general of the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), also welcomed the signing of the ceasefire agreement on Thursday.

"We celebrate this historic landmark in Colombia's peace process, as well as the roadmap for the guerrilla's demobilization announced today," said Gurria in a statement, adding the signing of the agreement "will enhance Colombia's accession process to the OECD."

"Although challenging issues remain as the two sides continue negotiating a final peace agreement, today's announcement represents important progress in ending Colombia's 52-year conflict," said Susan Rice, U.S. President Barack Obama's national security advisor, in a separate statement.

Cuban President Raul Castro hailed the agreement as a victory for Colombia, saying it reinforced the concept of Latin America as a place of peace.

Besides Humberto de la Calle, the head of the Colombian government delegation to the talks, and his FARC counterpart Ivan Marquez, who signed the ceasefire agreement on behalf of FARC, the representatives of Cuba and Norway, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet also inked the deal.

Both Cuba and Norway served as guarantors of the peace talks, and Venezuela and Chile assisted the talks as accompanying nations.

"The agreement brings a lot of hope to Latin America. The moment for permanent peace in Colombia has arrived," Maduro told Xinhua in Havana.

Venezuela is encouraging Colombia to soon begin peace talks with the country's second-largest rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), Maduro added.

"We have passed a very important stage, but now comes the time of concretizing and implementing the agreement. In these new tasks, Chile will continue accompanying Colombia," Chile's Michelle Bachelet told the press in Cuba.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, who also attended the ceremony, said that Mexico would make its efforts to ensure the peace process, including joining the U.N. Security Council mission to determine compliance with the agreement.

According to the agreement, a tripartite mechanism will be created to monitor its application. It will include the Colombia government, FARC and an international group in which the U.N. and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) will play a key role.

FARC is required by the agreement to disarm its army within 180 days after the ceasefire deal and their weapons are to be handed over to the U.N.

During the ceremony, Santos presented Timochenko with a pen made out of a large caliber bullet, the kind state forces used against the rebels, which is inscribed with the words: "Bullets wrote our past. Education -- our future."

Meanwhile, Bogota residents celebrated the ceasefire in various ways, including placing a funeral wreath with a banner that reads "Goodbye to the war" at the central Bolivar Square to symbolize the end of conflict.

According to Latin American news network Telesur, the Latin America's longest-running civil war had claimed 220,000 deaths up to 2012, left 25,000 missing and displaced 5.7 million people.

Related:

UNITED NATIONS, May 17 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday welcomed an agreement between the government of Colombia and the country's largest rebel group to release minors under 15-year-old from the rebels'camp.

On Sunday, the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) announced the agreement on the parties' commitment to develop a roadmap to complete the separation of all minors and on a special comprehensive program focused on these children. Full story

Colombia's FARC rebels reject fixed deadline for disarmament

HAVANA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The leader of Colombia's FARC guerrilla group on Friday refused a demand by the government to established "a fixed deadline" for its disarmament.
An attendee (C) poses for photos on the Chinoiseries Exhibition during the opening of theChina-Africa Media Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, on Dec. 1, 2015. The China-AfricaMedia Summit kicked off in Cape Town on Tuesday, with both sides pledging to enhance cooperation for the benefit of mutual understanding. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

NAIROBI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Sixty years ago, a historic Africa tour by then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai marked the beginning of modern diplomatic ties between China and Africa.

Since then, the two peoples have pulled together for the common cause of realizing national liberation and safeguarding the interests of developing countries.

Late last year, the successful Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in Johannesburg ushered in a new era of win-win cooperation and common prosperity.

With a historic opportunity unfolding before both China and Africa, meaningful exchanges and cooperation of Sino-African media entities will pave the way for a stronger voice for developing countries as a whole.

A man walks past a poster of China being the country of honor this year during the DISCOP Africa 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 4, 2015. A total of 11 media enterprises and companies from China and Africa signed five cooperation agreements on Wednesday in a bid to enhance cooperation in TV and radio fields during the Discop Africa 2015 in Johannesburg. Launched in 2008, Discop Africa is the most important pan-African film, television programs, adaptation rights and packaged channels market taking place twice a year. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

"The current Euro-centric hegemony in global affairs is hinged on a clearly biased, often malicious, narrative that favors the West, victimizing Asia and Africa, and the rest of the world," says Momodou Sabally, former Presidential Affairs Minister of The Gambia, at the 3rd Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation in Beijing, which opend Tuesday.

Mr. Sabally's comment has pinpointed the essence of an unbalanced structure of world opinion, where Western media have long occupied an asymmetrically dominant position, often at the expense of developing countries whose appeals and efforts go unnoticed, ignored, or even worse, denigrated.

As China and Africa emerge in the global arena, "we need to realize that doing and being better may be a necessary, but will never constitute a sufficient condition for our desired and envisaged position of progress and prestige to be attained," says Sabally.

2016 is also the starting-point of implementing the ambitious 10-point development plan unveiled at the FOCAC summit. Barely months later, early fruitful results have already been achieved in fields such as setting up an industrial cooperation fund, extending emergency food assistance, training African talents, increasing special loans for Africa's small and medium-sized businesses and opening more direct flights.

Of these areas of bilateral cooperation, media exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa has always constituted an indispensable part.

"As Africa climbs the mountain of digital media, we are proud to have China stand by us!" says Sabally, citing a statement of a fellow African delegate at the Beijing forum.

Attendees look at books on display during the opening of the China-Africa Media Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, on Dec. 1, 2015.The China-Africa Media Summit kicked off in Cape Town on Tuesday, with both sides pledging to enhance cooperation for the benefit of mutual understanding. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Indeed, the Chinese government has attached great importance to Sino-African media exchanges and cooperation. For years, China has been hosting symposiums for African journalists and officials in charge of media affairs. Every year, China undertakes the training of 1,000 African media professionals. China has been promoting more exchanges and visits between Chinese and African media professionals and the mutually dispatching of more correspondents.

Addressing the forum, Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, notes that the gathering came at a right time when the African continent is highly attracting international investment and its rapidly increasing population constitutes a large market for the world economic growth.

"Therefore the media has an important role to play in publicizing and promoting the investment opportunities in both China and Africa," says Mwencha.

It is high time that China and Africa keep up the momentum to enlarge the voice of developing countries across the global mainstream media.

With this unremitting effort, the world will get to know better a China that is constantly progressing, reforming herself and opening up, and an Africa that is thriving with developmental marvels.
Photo taken on April 11, 2016 shows giraffes in Serengeti National Park in northernTanzania. (Xinhua/Li Sibo)

DAR ES SALAAM, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian is set to authorize a paramilitary force to protect wildlife and other natural resources in the east African country.

Jumanne Maghembe, the country's Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, said the paramilitary force will be comprised of all departments and agencies dealing with wildlife, forestry and other natural resources.

He announced the use of the paramilitary force to protect natural resources when he was opening a two-day meeting attended by natural resources officers in Morogoro town, around 170 kilometres west of the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

Maghembe blamed officials in the ministry for allowing illegal activities and poaching in game reserves and national parks.

Photo taken on April 11, 2016 shows two leopards in Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Sibo)

The minister also gave examples of illegal activities such as charcoal burning, mining, farming, grazing livestock and logging in protected areas.

Last month the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF), the leading global conservation organization, appealed to the government of Tanzania and international community to take urgent measures to protect the remaining elephants in Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve from poaching.

African elephants have their meals at the Amboseli National Park of Kenya, July 16, 2014. The annual wildlife migration that kicked off in early July fromTanzania's Serengeti National Park to Kenya's Massai Mara NationalReserve marked the start of Kenya's tourism peak season. (Xinhua/Meng Chenguang)

"If the historic trend of industrial scale poaching continues, elephants could disappear from Selous within six years," said a report by WWF.

The report added that since 1976, Selous has lost an average of 2,500 elephants annually.

In the mid-1970s, nearly 110,000 elephants lived within the boundaries of the Selous World Heritage site. According to a 2014 elephant census, only 15,217 individuals remain in the Selous ecosystem.
by Jon Day

TOKYO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Britain voting to leave the European Union poses both short and mid-term issues for Japan's economy with the longer term consequences as yet being unknown in fact posing the biggest problem of all after the "Brexit" vote, as the economy here is notoriously vulnerable to uncertainty.

Further politicizing the issue, British Prime Minister David Cameron, a staunch proponent of Britain staying in the European Union, saying he will step down on Friday has contributed to growing volatility in global markets, triggering the Bank of England to hold a rapidly convened press conference aimed at convincing markets that it would take any and all measures to support the Sterling as the pound plummeted to more than a 30-year low against the U.S. dollar and banking shares tanked to levels not seen since the global financial crisis of 2008.

With the U.S. dollar dropping below the 100 yen line for the first time since 2013, the Finance Ministry here is obviously up in arms about what will likely be ongoing volatility in currency markets in the coming days and weeks, as the "Brexit" news has rocked global markets.

Japan's Finance Minister, Taro Aso, told a press conference Friday that the government here is extremely concerned over the risks to the global economy, financial and exchange markets. And with the Bank of Japan opting to stay put on further easing until the results of Britain's EU referendum became clear, intervention by Japan into currency markets is now a likely scenario as investors pile into the yen, analysts have suggested.

"The yen is always a safe haven for investors in times of global market turmoil and speculators also helping to drive up its value is not in the interests of the government here who want to keep the currency low, which is one of perhaps the only redeeming features of 'Abenomics'," Hisao Katayama, a senior equity analyst at Nomura Securities Co., told Xinhua.

"While the markets here have been jittery over the potential of Britain leaving the EU., the reality of the situation has greatly surprised markets, with the Nikkei, for example, closing at more than a 16-year low and wiping out almost 8 percent. In the short term we can expect the yen to remain extremely firm and if the finance ministry intervenes, this will come as no surprise," Katayama said.

He added that while the "Remain" campaign had made it abundantly clear about the downside risks leaving the EU would bring, the "Leave" campaign had largely traded off scaremongering tactics and could not equivocally guarantee Britain's economic security, as numerous trade deals would have to undergo lengthy renegotiation, and other commonwealth countries and emerging economies now sounded out for new bilateral trade deals, in a move that most leading economists believe is backwards for the island nation's economy, the fifth largest in the world and second-largest in the EU to which it's been a member for 43 years.

With the likelihood that global markets will stay volatile for a protracted period of time and the yen pegged high versus the U.S. dollar, other analysts pointed to mid-term obstacles that Britain leaving the EU would have and how the Japanese economy would be adversely impacted as Britain is charting an economic course towards unchartered waters.

The vast majority of Japanese businesses with a presence in Europe were in favor of Britain staying in the EU, as their foothold in Britain and investment there has been made as a way to take advantage of Britain's relatively solid economy and due to the access it grants them to a lucrative EU, Britain's largest trading partner.

Sadayuki Sakakibara, the chairman of the Japan Business Federation or Keidanren as its known here, made strong calls for Britain to stay in the EU, citing the fact that more than 1,000 Japanese companies have a presence in Britain and of those companies around 140,000 people working in the United Kingdom are employed by them.

"There will be an immeasurable impact on their businesses," Sakakibara was quoted as saying ahead of the referendum if Britain backs "Brexit", as is now the case.

"Many Japanese businesses have set up operations in Britain because of its EU membership and their presence there has benefited the local economy. Now, while these businesses might not up and leave overnight, their future in Britain is now uncertain, and, hence, job security of those employed by these companies is now up in the air," Akihiro Hoshino, a senior quantitative strategist at Nomura Holdings Inc. told Xinhua.

"One of the biggest Japanese firms to be affected is Nissan whose factory near Sunderland in northeast England produces nearly 500,000 vehicles per year, some 50 percent of which are exported to the EU on favorable tariffs that could now likely be removed. Nissan's chairman and chief executive, Carlos Ghosn, has suggested that he favors stability within Europe, rather than a period of uncertainty that leaving the EU will bring," Hoshino said.

He added that along with other Japanese bellwethers like Fujitsu, Hitachi, Honda and Toyota, having manufacturing hubs in Britain only made sense due to their access to lucrative EU markets and this was the priority. Hoshino highlighted the fact that if Nissan, for example, were to relocate to an EU country then as many as 8,000 jobs would be lost in Britain directly and more than 30,000 indirectly in a possible exodus from Britain after 30 years of manufacturing stability.

According to the British Chamber of Commerce Japan, many Japanese firms have been looking to expand their operations overseas due to Japan's own economic malaise, shrinking workforce and aging population, with Japanese firms focusing on long-term investment in both the U.K. and other EU. powerhouses, including Germany.

In the case of Nissan and other Japanese bellwethers, if their goods are slapped with trade tariffs and additional red tape when dealing with Europe from the outside of the EU, relocating to central Europe may be the only viable option for such markets to remain competitive, Hoshino suggested.

Katayama added that for major trading firms and megabanks, like Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Itochu Corporation and Marubeni Corporation, the mid-term move may likely be to stay headquartered in Britain for the time being, but gradually switch more and more investment to the EU with a physical move likely happening thereafter.
The Shell logo outside a Shell petrol station in central London. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT

LAGOS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The police in Nigeria have confirmed an attack on a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at Awarra area of southeast state of Imo.

State police spokesperson Andrew Enwerem told reporters in Owerri, the state capital that the police received report of the attack in the early hours of Thursday.

Enwerem could not disclose the extent of damage done to the facility or the group that carried out the attack.

Precious Okolobo, spokesman for SPDC said "the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), which runs through Awara, Imo State at the Assa-Rumuekpe line, has been shut for repairs since June 8, following a leak at Okolo launch, Bonny in Rivers State.

"We are investigating the reported incident at Awara," he added.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The new militant group known as Niger Delta Avengers, has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on oil and gas installations in the region.

The Avengers, which previously attacked Chevron, Eni and Shell facilities, says it wants a sovereign state of Niger Delta, and has vowed to reduce Nigeria's oil production to "zero".
The Shell logo outside a Shell petrol station in central London. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT

LAGOS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The police in Nigeria have confirmed an attack on a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at Awarra area of southeast state of Imo.

State police spokesperson Andrew Enwerem told reporters in Owerri, the state capital that the police received report of the attack in the early hours of Thursday.

Enwerem could not disclose the extent of damage done to the facility or the group that carried out the attack.

Precious Okolobo, spokesman for SPDC said "the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), which runs through Awara, Imo State at the Assa-Rumuekpe line, has been shut for repairs since June 8, following a leak at Okolo launch, Bonny in Rivers State.

"We are investigating the reported incident at Awara," he added.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The new militant group known as Niger Delta Avengers, has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on oil and gas installations in the region.

The Avengers, which previously attacked Chevron, Eni and Shell facilities, says it wants a sovereign state of Niger Delta, and has vowed to reduce Nigeria's oil production to "zero".

The Nigerian government said on Thursday it will step up security in the creeks of oil rich Niger Delta region.
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) has vowed to punish malpractice in this year's local elections.

More than 900 million Chinese will elect about 2.5 million lawmakers in over 2,850 county-level regions and 32,000 townships in the elections running into next year.

Under China's Electoral Law, deputies to people's congresses at the level of townships and counties, who account for more than 90 percent of lawmakers nationwide, are elected directly by voters every five years.

The SPP urged prosecutors to look out for malpractice including bribery, vote-buying, infringement of rights to vote, as well as negligence of duty.

Officials who are found to have taken revenge on whistleblowers will be harshly punished, the SPP said in a statement.

Procuratorates at all levels are ordered to work with local Party committees, disciplinary organs and organizational departments to carefully oversee the elections.

In a massive electoral fraud case in Hengyang City of Hunan Province in 2013, 56 provincial legislators offered 110 million yuan (18 million U.S. dollars) in bribes to nearly 600 municipal lawmakers and members of staff.

A total of 467 people have been given Party or administrative punishment for their roles in the case, and 69 were indicted.
BEIJING, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (R) shakes hands with Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov in Beijing, capital of China, June 24, 2016. Zhang Gaoli and Igor Shuvalov co-chaired the third meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee on Friday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia on Friday pledged to further expand two-way investment cooperation to boost bilateral relations.

The pledge came out of the third meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee, co-chaired by Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli and Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov in Beijing.

The main task of the meeting is to prepare for the investment cooperation to be discussed when the two state leaders meet in Beijing on Saturday, according to a press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The two sides reviewed the results already achieved since the second meeting, and determined some new investment cooperation projects. They agreed to speed up the synergizing of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union; give full play to the two sides' market advantages, resources, technology and talent; create more normative and favorable conditions; and jointly explore markets in third countries, the press release said.

China and Russia, both emerging economies with open development strategies, share good foundations and prospects for further investment cooperation, Zhang said.

He called on the two countries to strengthen policy communication and coordination, discuss new measures to expand two-way investment cooperation, provide better conditions for companies from the two countries, and forge more cooperation projects.

Shuvalov said Russia is willing to actively promote two-way investment cooperation with China, and hopes to determine and implement more projects through the committee, so as to promote the common development of the two countries.
A neon sign for the 2016 referendum is attached to the doors of the announcement hall in Manchester Town Hall , northwest England on June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP)

DUBAI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- British residents living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) shared their views with Xinhua on Friday shortly after the referendum outcome pointed to a victory of the "Leave the (European) Union" camp.

"This is really bad news," said Dan, an Englishman in his 40s who queued with his daughter in a telecom shop in Dubai's Ibn Battuta Mall.

"I was hoping for a Bremain vote, that the voters would opt for the United Kingdom not leaving, because I believe that Britain should be strong with the European Union and that our government can have an impact on the EU's decisions," he said.

Over 150,000 British expats live in the UAE as the biggest Western expat group. Both countries have historically strong political and economic relations. Before the UAE became independent in 1971, the seven sheikhdoms which form the Gulf state were so-called "Trucial States" of the Britain.

He went on to say that he expects markets to calm down in the coming days.

Stock markets in Britain, Europe and Asia plummeted early Friday as markets were taken by surprise by the 52 percent of the Brexit camp.

Asked if he expects Scotland to go for another referendum to split from the United Kingdom as 67 percent of the Scots opted to remain in the Union, Dan answered "absolutely! I would be surprised if Scotland remains in the UK, and to be honest I think they deserve independence. I would even expect Wales to leave one day."

Ms. Ruth, a British lady in her 30s who just changed cash at a money exchange counter in the same mall, said "the pound sterling plummeted to a 30-year low, so I am happy that I get more money for my holiday back home."

Peter D., a pensioner who lives in the UAE, said "the outcome is fantastic. This was the most democratic vote against the most undemocratic institution which is the EU Commission in Brussels, a non-elected body which takes decisions against the peoples of Europe."

While he expects the British economy to suffer at first, he said "I am sure we will recover soon and my grand children will always remember June 23, 2016 as the day when Britain was liberated from the corrupt EU dictatorship. It is a short-term pain, long-term gain for us."
Picture shows the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, collectively known as the Belt and Road initiative. (Xinhua)

TASHKENT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will enter a new phase of aligning regional economic cooperation with fulfillment of the "Belt and Road" initiative, on the basis of great contribution in the past, a senior Chinese official said here Thursday.

During the past 15 years since its establishment, the SCO has made great contribution to regional stability and prosperity, said Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng in a joint interview with leading Chinese news media on the sidelines of a SCO summit.

For 15 years, SCO member states have been upholding the "Shanghai Spirit", completing rules and systems, defining the orientation of cooperation, and actively proposing the open and inclusive, mutually beneficial style of relationship among countries, making important contribution to regional stability and prosperity, said Gao.

During the 15-year period, the economic and trade cooperation between China and other member states has become closer, cross-border e-commerce and other new types of trade have developed rapidly, and economic and technological cooperation has born remarkable fruits.

"At the same time the 'Belt and Road' Initiative has injected new powerful impetus into the SCO regional economic cooperation," said the minister.

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt that links China with Europe through Central and Western Asia by inland routes, and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road connecting China with Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe by sea routes. It is is a development strategy and framework that focuses on inter-connectivity and cooperation among countries primarily in Eurasia.

In the interview, Gao said during the Ufa SCO summit in July 2015, representatives reached consensus on building the "Belt and Road", marking a new stage of the alignment between SCO regional economic cooperation and the initiative.

Gao expressed the belief that future regional economic cooperation within the framework of the SCO, guided by the "Belt and Road" Initiative, should focus on constant promotion of trade facilitation to higher levels, inter-connectivity, innovation of new models of capacity cooperation, and establishment of investment and financing systems with pluralistic cooperation.

At the Ufa summit last year, China initiated four proposals including regional inter-connectivity, capacity cooperation, capacity building and financial cooperation among member states. The minister said the Chinese side has actively implemented the economic and trade initiatives, achieving fruitful results.

First, China has promoted regional interoperability. A series of projects for inter-connectivity have been fulfilled or are under construction in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia or other countries.

Second, capacity cooperation has started in full swing. China and Kazakhstan have identified 52 early harvest projects. In Kyrgyzstan, the completion of the construction of the "Datka-Kemin" 500kv power transmission line in August 2015 has helped the country to gain its highly sought-after energy independence.

Third, China has helped SCO countries to strengthen their capacity.

Fourth, China has carried out important investment and financial projects with other member states. China has signed border trade currency settlement agreements with Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, a cross-border trade settlement currency agreement with Tajikistan, and currency swap agreements with Russia, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

On the work of the Chinese side to promote trade and investment facilitation within the framework of the SCO, Gao said China has further enriched its trade facilitation policy system, advanced customs and quality inspection cooperation, lifted customs clearance facilitation to higher levels, furthered e-commerce and other innovative trade, and promoted regional financial cooperation and cross-border trade accounts settlement in national currencies.

Finally, Gao expressed the belief that the SCO Tashkent summit will further implement the Ufa summit achievements, draw new blueprint for the bloc's future development, and promote further regional economic cooperation in the interest of the peoples of member states.

Related:

Interview: Belt and Road Initiative brings prosperity to countries along routes: Kazakh professor

BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- "The Belt and Road Initiative brought up by China will help countries along their routes walk out of crises and be prosperous again," said Seylbek Musataev, a professor with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, during a recent interview with Xinhua.

Many countries have expressed strong interest in participating in the Belt and Road construction, and the number of countries echoing the initiative is increasing, said the professor. Full Story

Belt and Road Initiative accelerates cooperation between China, Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, June 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Uzbekistan have ushered in a new chapter in bilateral cooperation thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, an international development drive brought up by China in 2013.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying (Source: fmprc.gov.cn)

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China respects the choice of the British people and hopes Britain and the European Union (EU) can reach agreement as soon as possible after Britain voted to leave the bloc, said a Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday.

The British Leave camp won the historic referendum by obtaining nearly 52 percent of the ballots, pulling the country out of the 28-nation bloc after its 43 years of membership. British Prime Minister David Cameron announced his intention to step down after his country voted to leave the EU.

"China views ties with Britain and the EU from a strategic height and long-term perspective, and supports the EU's independent choice of the development path," spokesperson Hua Chunying told a routine press briefing.

China is still keen to strengthen its ties with Britain, she said, but noted Britain's choice to leave the EU will have significant ramifications.

"The impact will be on all levels, not only on China-Britain relations. As to what kind of impact there will be, I believe all sides will calmly and conscientiously assess this," the spokesperson said.

"China supports the European integration process and would like to see Europe playing a positive role in international affairs. We have full confidence in the prospects for the development of China-EU ties," Hua said.

Related:

Britain votes to leave EU in historic referendum

LONDON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Britain voted to leave the European Union with 51.9 percent supporting the move, the Electoral Commission said Friday.
TOKYO, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Wu Shicun (R), president of China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies, speaks during a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, June 24, 2016. China always insists direct and peaceful negotiation with relevant countries to resolve the South China Sea issue, Chinese experts said on Friday at the Japan's National Press Club. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

TOKYO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China always insists direct and peaceful negotiation with relevant countries to resolve the South China Sea issue, Chinese experts said on Friday at the Japan's National Press Club.

Wu Shicun, president of China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told a press conference that the core of the South China Sea issue is disputes over sovereignty and maritime administration of parts of Nan Sha Islands between China and other claimant countries.

He said China endeavors to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and calls for adherence to the principle of "putting aside disputes and seeking joint development" in the region.

Wu pointed out that the unilateral arbitration filed by the Philippines breaches consensuses reached by the Chinese and Philippine governments in the last century on the issue and the move is not aiming at resolving the disputes between the two sides, but making new troubles.

The South China Sea issue is not only a legal but a political one with historical and geopolitical factors, he said, adding that territorial disputes are not covered by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Yu Tiejun, associate professor at the School of International Studies of Peking University, believed that Japan should not intervene in the issue as it may affect the recovering bilateral relations, adding that hyping up the South China Sea issue by the Japanese side will benefit no one.

Related:

Dozens of countries support China's stance on South China Sea: FM

BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of countries have expressed support for China's stance on the South China Sea dispute, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Tuesday.

Hua at a regular news briefing rejected reports that only eight countries back China on the issue, saying, "I knew some Western media sometimes call black white but I didn't expect they would have problems with numbers." Full Story

Spotlight: Cambodian PM says not to back arbitral tribunal's upcoming decision over South China Sea

PHNOM PENH, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Monday that the country will not support an arbitral tribunal's upcoming decision over the South China Sea issue and called on all parties concerned in the disputes to resolve their differences through bilateral negotiations.
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Leave camp won Britain's Brexit referendum on Friday morning by obtaining nearly 52 percent of ballots, pulling the country out of the 28-nation European Union (EU) after its 43-year membership.

The result has sparked a torrent of reactions around the world, especially in Britain and in the EU. The following are some quotable quotes.

-- David Cameron, British prime minister:

The British people have made the very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction. I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship in coming months, but I do not think it would be right for me to captain that ship. There is no need for a precise timetable today, but we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of Conservative conference in October.

-- Nigel Farage, head of the UK Independence Party:

Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day. The eurosceptic genie is out of the bottle and it will now not be put back. EU's finished, EU's dead.

-- Donald Tusk, EU president:

It is true that the past years have been the most difficult ones in the history of our Union, but I always remember what my father used to tell me -- "What does not kill you make you stronger."

-- Martin Schulz, European Parliament president:

Today on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27. The chain reaction that is being celebrated everywhere now by eurosceptics won't happen.

-- Wolfgang Schaeuble, German finance minister:

Europe will stand together now. Together, we must make the best of the decision taken by our British friends.

-- Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German foreign minister:

The news from Britain is truly sobering. It looks like it's going to be a sad day for Europe and for Britain.

-- Matteo Renzi, Italian prime minister:

We have to change it to make it more human and more just, but Europe is our home, it's our future.

-- Mariano Rajoy, Spanish acting prime minister:

This result must make all (EU) member states reflect on how to strengthen ourselves more than ever to win back the vigor of the original spirit behind the European project and recover the interest, sympathy and attraction our citizens feel towards it.

-- Mark Rutte, Dutch prime minister:

Firstly it's a disappointing result. It's also a stimulus to reform the EU. I don't believe there's much interest in a (similar )referendum (in the Netherlands). Enditem
NEW YORK, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Wu Haitao (front), China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), addresses on issues concerning the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) at the UN headquarters in New York, June 23, 2016. The Chinese envoy to the UN called for all parties to defend the authority and integrity of the UNCLOS here Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy to the United Nations (UN) called for all parties to defend the authority and integrity of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) here Thursday.

Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the appeal here at a meeting on issues concerning the UNCLOS.

Wu said the UNCLOS provides a comprehensive legal framework and acts as an essential basis for activities of all states in the seas.

"It is incumbent upon all parties to hold fast to the purposes of the convention, interpret and apply the convention as well as the dispute settlement provisions therein accurately and in good faith," he said.

Responding to the South China Sea arbitration case raised at the meeting, Wu said the arbitral tribunal is "wrongly instituted," has the "wrong jurisdiction" and will produce a "wrong award."

He stressed that "the arbitration procedures under the convention manifestly do not apply to the matter" and "the arbitral tribunal has no jurisdiction over this matter."

"The essence of the case is a matter of territorial sovereignty and delimitation of maritime boundaries. The real intention (of this case) is to deny China's territorial sovereignty and legitimate rights," said the Chinese representative.

The Philippines has unilaterally filed an arbitration case against China over the South China Sea disputes. The move went against an agreement it reached with China in the mid-1990s on settling their disputes through negotiation.

China has excluded maritime delimitation from compulsory arbitration in a declaration it made in 2006 in accordance with Article 298 of the UNCLOS and has made it clear it will not accept or get involved in those proceedings.

Wu said that China's position of non-participation, non-acceptance and non-recognition on the case is aimed at defending China's own legitimate interest under international law.

It is also aimed at maintaining the integrity and authority of the convention and safeguarding the international rule of law, he said.

China will continue to settle disputes through negotiation and to manage disputes by setting up rules and introducing mechanisms, and strive for mutually beneficial outcomes through development and cooperation, Wu said.

"We will also safeguard the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea as well as peace and stability in the region," he added.
BERLIN, June 24 (Xinhua) -- "Today is an incisive day for Europe," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a press conference here Friday on the outcome of the Brexit referendum which will see the UK leave the EU.

After Britain voted to leave the EU in a historic referendum on Thursday, it is "with great regret that Germany must now accept the decision of the majority of British population who wish to end membership of the United Kingdom in the EU," said Merkel. However, she warned of "quick and easy conclusions."

Meanwhile, Merkel also announced a European crisis meeting on Brexit to be held on Monday in Berlin.

"The European Union is strong enough to give the right answers to the present day," she said, adding that she will ensure this "with the entire German government."

Merkel noted that Germany had a "special interest and a special responsibility that the European unity succeeds."
PARIS, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande speaks at a press conference in Paris, France, June 24, 2016. French President Francois Hollande on Friday said he "respects" the choice of the British after the majority of Britons voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a referendum Thursday. (Xinhua/Theo Duval)

PARIS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande on Friday said he "respects" the choice of the British after the majority of Britons voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a referendum Thursday.

During a press conference held Friday, Hollande said France would "continue to work with their neighboring country."

Hollande admitted the Brexit vote signalled difficulties for the EU, especially for the euro.

According to Hollande, the reinforcement of the eurozone and its democratic governance would be necessary.

"The European Union should be understood and controlled by its citizens," Hollande said, adding he would go to Berlin on Monday to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss the Brexit.

"I will do everything for us to adopt profound changes rather than a retrogression," Hollande stressed.

"France has a particular responsibility, because it is in the center of Europe and France wanted and built it," Hollande said referring to his country's history with the EU.

The Leave camp won Britain's Brexit referendum, obtaining nearly 52 percent of the vote, pulling the country out of the bloc after its 43-year membership.
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Closer China-Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) relations, as seen in China upgrading its ties with Serbia and Poland recently, will add new momentum to a multi-polarized world.

International relations experts believe a multi-polarized world will help countries and regional organizations deal with challenges that may jeopardize common interests.

"International political relations filled with a unipolar hegemony and chaotic competition is not in line with global interests," said Cui Hongjian, a China-Europe relations specialist with China Institute of International Studies.

China-CEE relations are a major part of China-Europe ties, which will help lay a solid foundation for a multi-polarized world.

CEE countries may find China to be their best partner, especially at a time when the European debt crisis, the refugee crisis, possible terrorist attacks, an aging population and the Crimean crisis are yet to be solved, said Zhao Junjie, a researcher with Institute of European Studies of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Now, a new challenge has emerged, said Zhao, referring to the Brexit referendum.

Then came the China-proposed "Belt and Road" initiative, which envisions building an open world economy based on mutual benefit.

Hu Angang, an economist with Tsinghua University, said the initiative, which embodies "win-win" spirit, is a guiding philosophy and a starting point for China to have benign interaction with the world.

China-CEE cooperation, also known as the 16+1 mechanism, agrees with the needs and interests of each side, said Zhao. "A bloc of emerging countries, CEE is in the process of industrialization and urbanization, while China, which offers experience in infrastructure construction and ample capital, is ready to make the most of opportunities in finance, investment, energy, agriculture and infrastructure construction."

After three years of mutual efforts, several achievements are of note.

Trade volume between China and CEE countries reached 56.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, a 28-percent increase from 2010. Chinese investment in the 16 CEE countries exceeded 5 billion dollars, while CEE has invested more than 1.2 billion dollars in China.

Connectivity has improved. A number of Chinese cities launched freight train services to Europe, including two lines linking China's Chengdu and Suzhou with Poland's Lodz and Warsaw.

Infrastructure construction is also a highlight, as seen in the opening of the Pupin Bridge on the Danube River in Belgrade in 2014, which was partly financed by the Exim Bank of China and built by a Chinese company.

Once the Serbia-Hungary railway is complete, it is expected that the traveling time by train between the two capital cities will be reduced from eight hours to less than three hours.

Pragmatic cooperation between China and CEE countries has provided a new model for the development of a multi-polarized world, said Cui, adding economic growth and improvement of people's livelihood in CEE countries will help solve the unbalanced development problem in Europe and will also add to the stability of the European Union.

"A stable and prosperous Europe will play a bigger role in a multi-polarized world," said Cui.

Related:

China-Serbia relations lifted to comprehensive strategic partnership

BELGRADE, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China and Serbia have agreed to upgrade their traditional friendly relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in a bid to further promote political mutual trust, economic and cultural links as well as cooperation in international affairs.

After formal talks Saturday in the Serbian capital, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Serbian counterpart, Tomislav Nikolic, inked a joint statement on the historic move and witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation deals. Full Story

Xi stresses growing parliamentary cooperation between China, Poland

WARSAW, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged Chinese and Polish legislative bodies to boost cooperation at various levels and through various channels, so as to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The profit decline posted by China's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) widened in the first five months of this year, as the government stepped up efforts to slash excess production capacity in saturated sectors, official data showed on Friday.

Profits fell 9.6 percent year on year to 837.39 billion yuan (128.8 billion U.S. dollars) during the January-May period, according to statistics from the Ministry of Finance.

The pace of decline picked up from the 8.4-percent fall registered in the first four months.

Profits of SOEs under central government control dropped 9.6 percent while those of locally-administered SOEs slumped by 9.6 percent compared with one year earlier.

SOEs in the sectors of oil, chemicals and building materials posted substantial profit declines, while the coal, steel and non-ferrous metal industries continued to suffer losses. However, transportation and pharmaceutical companies posted big profit increases.

SOE revenues edged down 0.6 percent to 17.2 trillion yuan, narrowing from the 1.7-percent drop in January-April.

An economic downturn, which trimmed China's GDP growth to 6.7 percent in the first quarter, has put pressure on SOEs, which are at the forefront of an official drive to reform the country's growth model and cut overcapacity.

Although downward pressure persisted, data suggests stabilization in the economy. In the first five months, industrial output grew 5.9 percent from a year earlier, up from 5.8 percent registered during the January-April period.
NICOSIA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Four people died in a gangland shootout Thursday night at Cyprus' popular Ayia Napa sea resort in an incident which the police said Friday may be related to local gangs feuding for control of tourist spots.

Police said the dead were a local businessman, a policeman and his wife, and a foreign national, believed to be a hit man from Albania.

An off-duty policeman and the businessman's bodyguard were injured.

A police spokesman said the shooting occurred shortly before midnight when the businessman, Fanos Kalopsidioitis, 51, was dining with the policeman, 46, his wife, 39, and their two children.

Eyewitnesses said three hooded people burst into the open-air restaurant and started shooing with Kalashnikov automatic guns at those sitting at the table.

Three body guards sitting nearby returned fire.

The police have begun a manhunt for the arrest of one of the two attackers who fled. He is believed to be injured. A burning car in the region in which a Kalashnikov was found is believed to be connected to the shooting.

The police speculated the shooting was directly connected to a similar incident exactly four years ago in which five people, four of whom were guardsmen of the slain businessman, were shot dead in a car by two hit men from Greece not far from Thursday's shooting.

Two years ago, Kalopsidioitis' father was shot dead.

Serious crime is rare in Cyprus, which this year is expected to receive a record number of tourists, mostly from western European countries. However, there are sporadic clashes between gangs trying to obtain a bigger share of the lucrative spots catering to tourists.
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese banks offered strong credit support for the growth of the green economy in 2015.

The total balance of green loans issued by China's 21 major financial institutions rose 16.42 percent last year to 7.01 trillion yuan, according to a report released on Friday by the China Banking Association.

It is estimated that the projects supported by these loans could have saved about 221 million tonnes of standard coal, 756 million tonnes of water, and reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide by 550 million tonnes and 4.85 million tonnes last year, the report said.

Meanwhile, Chinese banks strictly limited loans to highly polluting industries or those operating at overcapacity or consuming lots of energy, according to the report. Some banks issued no loans at all to these industries for two years in a row.

Green finance has become a major part of China's national strategy. It uses institutional and policy arrangements to encourage more investment in energy-saving and environmentally friendly projects via financial products and services such as loans, bonds, stocks, private equity, insurance and carbon emissions trading.
QINGDAO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A man received death penalty on Friday in east China's Shandong Province after being convicted of producing and trading more than 800 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Lin Wuhan was found guilty of producing 887 kg of methamphetamine in south China's Guangdong Province in January of 2015, according to Qingdao Intermediate People's Court.

In addition, Lin illegally detained Yang Jinghui who sold him ephedrine, a raw material for methamphetamine, and injured him with a gun, said the court.

In 2010, Lin was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for illegal possession of a gun and endangering public security.

Two of Lin's associates, Chen Can and Cui Wenliang, were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve.
TASHKENT, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the 16th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

TASHKENT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a five-point proposal Friday for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to consolidate unity and mutual trust, and deepen comprehensive cooperation.

Speaking at the 16th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Uzbek capital Tashkent, Xi hailed the remarkable achievements of the regional bloc since its establishment 15 years ago.

The first of the achievements is that the SCO has advocated and put into practice the pioneering Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development, said the Chinese president.

Moreover, Xi noted that members of the SCO have worked to build political mutual trust and firmly supported each other's independent choices of development path.

The SCO countries have also deepened their cooperation greatly in trade, business, finance, energy and transportation, among others areas, Xi said.

The SCO has signed the Treaty of Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, codifying into law the aspiration for enduring friendship.

In addition, the Chinese president noted, the organization has actively reached out to others with an ever-growing circle of friends. As last year's Ufa summit initiated the process to take in new members for the first time in the SCO history, the international influence of the organization has kept increasing with the organization's full members and observers accounting for nearly half of the world's population.

Proposing for future development of the SCO, Xi urged all members to firstly carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, which has been regarded as the bloc's undergirding value.

Secondly, the SCO should prioritize security and cement this foundation of the SCO development, said the Chinese leader.

Thirdly, the SCO should expand practical cooperation and broaden the path for its progress.

Fourthly, it also needs to enhance culture and people-to-people foundation as a bridge for future development, Xi said.

Last but not the least, the SCO should uphold openness and inclusiveness and get more parties on board for SCO cooperation, he said.

The annual summit, hosted by Uzbek President Islam Karimov, was also attended by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

The heads of state agreed that the next SCO summit will be held in Kazakhstan's capital Astana as Kazakhstan will take over the SCO rotating presidency from Uzbekistan.

They signed the Tashkent declaration on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the SCO as well as several resolutions to approve an action plan of the SCO development in next five years, and the working reports of the SCO secretary-general and the organization's anti-terrorism institution.

The leaders also witnessed the signing of the memorandums of obligations for India and Pakistan to join the SCO, which is a key step for the two countries to obtain membership of the organization.

Founded in 2001, the SCO has six full members, namely China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and six observers -- Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan.

Related:

Backgrouder: Xi's key remarks at recent SCO summits

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to deliver a speech Friday at the 16th summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent.

Here are some of the remarks Xi made at earlier SCO summits. Full Story

Interview: SCO alingment of regional cooperation with "Belt and Road" Initiative -- Chinese Commerce Minister

TASHKENT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will enter a new phase of aligning regional economic cooperation with fulfillment of the "Belt and Road" initiative, on the basis of great contribution in the past, a senior Chinese official said here Thursday.

During the past 15 years since its establishment, the SCO has made great contribution to regional stability and prosperity, said Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng in a joint interview with leading Chinese news media on the sidelines of a SCO summit. Full Story




Picture shows the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, collectively known as the Belt and Road initiative. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China agreed with Serbia, Poland and Uzbekistan to deepen cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative during President Xi Jinping's visits to the three countries.

The Belt and Road -- the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road -- run through Asia, Europe and Africa, connecting the vibrant Asian economic circle at one end and developed Europe at the other.

Following are the major events in the development of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative so far.

September 2013 -- The "Silk Road Economic Belt" concept is introduced by Xi during his visit to Kazakhstan. He suggests China and Central Asia cooperate on such a belt.

October 2013 -- Xi proposes a China-ASEAN community and offers guidance on a "21st Century Maritime Silk Road."

November 2013 -- The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China calls for accelerating infrastructure links among neighboring countries and facilitating the Belt and Road Initiative.

December 2013 -- Xi urges strategic planning of the Belt and Road Initiative to promote connectedness of infrastructure and build a community of common interests.

June 2014 -- Xi says China is ready to deepen cooperation with Arab states in oil and gas, infrastructure, trade and investment, nuclear power, aerospace and satellite and new energy.

November 2014 -- Xi announces that China will contribute 40 billion U.S. dollars to set up a Silk Road Fund to finance Belt and Road projects.

February 2015 -- China outlines priorities for the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting transportation infrastructure, easier trade and investment, financial cooperation and cultural exchanges.

March 2015 -- China releases an action plan on the principles, a framework, and cooperation priorities and mechanisms of the Belt and Road Initiative.

May 2015 -- China and Russia agree in Moscow to integrate the former's Silk Road Economic Belt with the latter's vision of a trade and infrastructure network across Eurasia.

January 2016 -- China and Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran agree to expand cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a China-initiated multilateral bank, starts operation.

June 2016 -- China agrees with Serbia, Poland and Uzbekistan to enhance Belt and Road cooperation during Xi's visits to the three countries.

Xi says more than 70 countries and international organizations are participating in the construction of the Belt and Road. Chinese enterprises have invested a total of 14 billion U.S. dollars in countries along the route and created about 60,000 local jobs.




TASHKENT, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

TASHKENT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev said here Friday that his country welcomes China to actively participate in its infrastructure construction while meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Kyrgyzstan also hopes to increase security cooperation with China to resolutely crack down on the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, Atambayev said.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of an annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the Uzbek capital Tashkent.

Xi said that since the two countries established a strategic partnership three years ago, they have constantly strengthened political mutual trust, achieved fruitful results in cooperation in a wide range of areas, and maintained close communication with and supported each other on international and regional affairs.

The Chinese side is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan to expand mutually-beneficial cooperation in all areas to achieve common development and prosperity, he said.

China firmly supports Kyrgyzstan in choosing a development path that adapts to its own national conditions, and its efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, Xi said.

The Chinese president also proposed that the two sides speed up the blueprinting of a route map on the joint development of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, enhance agricultural and production capacity cooperation, give full play to the advantages of their strong economic complementarity, and keep the sound momentum of the bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Xi called on the two countries to press ahead with major infrastructure construction cooperation projects, such as railway, thermal power plant, urban road networks and agricultural irrigation system, so as to bring benefits to the Kyrgyz people as early as possible.

Atambayev said Kyrgyzstan and China are like brothers and there is no obstacle between the two countries.

Kyrgyzstan firmly supports China's principles and positions on issues related to China's core concerns, such as Taiwan and Xinjiang, he added.




BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese environmental protection experts called for more efforts to prevent and monitor soil pollution ahead of the 26th National Land Day that falls on Saturday this year.

Wang Xiahui, director of the soil environment protection center under the Ministry of Environmental Protection, said prevention is the strategy as treating soil contaminated with heavy metals and organic pollutants could be very costly.

The authorities should roll out tough restrictions on pollutants emitted by factories and mines and those who cause severe soil pollution should be shut down and fined, Wang said.

Wang also called for related government departments to beef up monitoring over soil pollution.

The environmental monitoring agencies in many cities and counties, however, are short of equipment and personnel and many new soil pollutants are not even on the radar, he said.

More accurate monitoring is needed to locate contaminated land and determine the severity and pollutant types, said Wang.

He also said the government should evaluate the related risks on farm produce, health and the ecosystem and thus determine risk control measures.

He also called for more coordinated efforts to curb air, water and soil pollution, warning that they could affect each other.

The soil treatment market in China is rather large, but experts are cautious over the market prospects in the short term.

According to a research note released by Minsheng Securities, China has 25.5 million hectares of polluted land, including cropland, waiting for treatment.

Xue Tao, president of environmental research agency E20 Policy and Market Research, said currently there are not many soil treatment deals with fewer returns being expected from the treated land and the governments also do not have enough fiscal revenues to finance land treatment.

Soil treatment relies more on government funding as it can hardly win credits, said Xue.

In 2015, the market size is estimated at 2 to 3 billion yuan (302 to 453 million U.S. dollars), said Xue. "Only a few companies and research institutes joined in government-funded programs," he said.

China's land treatment market is dominated by several industry giants, but eyeing business opportunities, more than 900 companies have entered the industry by 2015, said Gao Shengda, president of China Environmental Restoration Research Institute.

More business opportunities are expected after China officially declared a war on soil pollution with the release of an action plan in late May.

Cleaning up the mess from decades of industrialization and questionable farming practices will be a long hard journey and the plan sets three significant milestones.

By 2020, the decline in soil quality and the expansion of polluted areas will have been arrested. By 2030, all risks will be under control. By 2050, a virtuous cycle will have been established to ensure that rejuvenated soil remains that way.

The State Council, China's cabinet, has decreed that by 2020, 90 percent of polluted land, regardless of how it is used, must be made safe. The figure should rise to 95 percent by 2030.
Tibetan butter sculptures at a Thangka worship event at the Tsurpu Monastery near Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, June 16, 2016 . (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

BEIJING June 25 (Xinhua) -- Every year around Saga Dawa, temples and monasteries across the Tibetan Plateau hold religious ceremonies and celebrations.

Among the most famous is the Tsurpu Monastery, seat of the Karma branch of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism and the place where the reincarnation ritual originated in the 13th Century.

Falling on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, Saga Dawa marks three important events in the life of Sakyamuni, founder of Buddhism: his birth, enlightenment and attaining nirvana

Monks and Buddhism followers attend the ceremonial raising of a huge prayer pole in the Tsurpu Monastery near Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, June 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

On June 12, thousands of believers, many coming from hundreds of miles away, gathered at the Tsurpu Monastery, around 70 kilometers west of Lhasa, capital of Tibet, to participate in the ceremonial raising of a huge prayer pole strung with prayer flags.

Thousands of Buddhism believers gathered at the Tsurpu Monastery to participate in the ceremonial raising of a huge prayer pole, June 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

With auspicious prayers and mantras written on the flags, Tibetans believe the wind that blows through them can bring blessings and goodwill into all pervading space and carry benefit to all.

A huge Thangka of Sakyamuni, measuring 35-meter-wide and 38-meter-long was unveiled and hung on a mountainside near the Tsurpu Monastery on June 16. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

Unveiling a thangka, a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk, is another important ritual at the Tsurpu Monastery that goes back more than 500 years.

In the early morning of June 16, thousands of pilgrims arrived at the monastery.

Monks and Buddhism followers attend a Thangka worship event in the Tsurpu Monastery near Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, June 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

Excitement built as 30 monks clad in maroon robes walked solemnly out of the monastery to the beat of drum, followed by hundreds of believers carrying a huge scrolled thangka with the image of Sakyamuni.

Monks and hundreds of Buddhism believers carry a huge scrolled thangka with the image of Sakyamuni, walking through the crowd at the Tsurpu Monastery on June 16. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi).

As the monks chanted sutras and blew horns, the thangka, covering more than 100 square meters, was unveiled and hung on a mountainside nearby.

A huge Thangka of Sakyamuni, measuring 35-meter-wide and 38-meter-long was unveiled and hung on a mountainside near the Tsurpu Monastery on June 16. (Xinhua/Chogo)

Believers put their palms together devoutly, worshiping the Buddha by prostrating themselves and reciting long prayers.
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Eighty-one telecom fraud suspects have arrived in China under police custody from Cambodia and Laos and are awaiting questioning by the police, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

The suspects, 56 from the mainland and 25 from Taiwan, are believed to have had a hand in more than 150 cases involving more than 10 million yuan (1.5 million U.S. dollars), the ministry said in a statement.

Investigation teams went to the two countries in May after the cases came to light in April. Local police working in tandem with Chinese colleagues arrested 39 suspects in Cambodia and 42 in Laos, seizing a huge number of computers, mobile phones and bank cards.

Mainland police have kept colleagues in Taiwan abreast of the situation in accordance with cross-Strait agreements.

An Fengshan, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said Friday that mainland judicial organs would investigate all suspects, including those from Taiwan.
by Xinhua Writer Zhao Qing

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will come to China Saturday for a high-profile state visit as China and Russia celebrate the rich legacy of 25 years of diplomatic ties and 20 years of comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, both firmly devoted to a vigorous bilateral relationship and frequent visitors to each other's countries, will hold their seventh meeting since last year.

Analysts here have noticed that "China-Russian ties at an unprecedented level" has become a catchphrase of both sides in recent years. They predict a further flourishing of bilateral cooperation due to mutual trust, common interests and shared determination.

HISTORICAL LESSONS CALL FOR PEACE

China-Russian ties have experienced turbulent times. Shortly after the former Soviet Union was dissolved, the two countries realized that in order to revitalize their countries' economies and maintain security, they should work together to enhance all-round cooperation and ensure border peace, said Li Yonghui, a researcher at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In 1992, the two countries declared each other as "friendly nations." In 1996 they upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination and in 2001, they signed the Sino-Russian Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

COMMON INTERESTS IN REGIONAL SECURITY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

China and Russia share common interests in maintaining regional security and economic development. After the United States put forward its Asia-Pacific rebalance strategy, the two countries need to unite to ensure their security interests are not harmed, Li said.

They both face the arduous task of developing their economies and are quite complementary to each other as China offers a large market and capital while Russia has sustantial resources, Li added.

MUTUAL TRUST PROMOTES ALL-ROUND COOPERATION

As a result, the two sides have both shown strong determination to develop cooperation and "mutual trust has reached an unprecedented level," President Putin said in a recent interview with Xinhua. When elaborating " a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination," Putin said the word "comprehensive" means that the two countries are cooperating in almost all vital areas, and "strategic" demonstrates the prime importance they are attaching to their relationship.

All-round cooperation has borne rich fruits in recent years. Sincere dialogues are being held to overcome differences and difficulties. Substantial actions have been taken to optimize and diversify bilateral trade structure. Cooperation in the fields of space and aviation, energy, infrastructure and others have resulted in large, successful projects in recent years, Li said.

Meanwhile, cultural activities such as the Chinese Year and the Russian Year are held in the two countries alternately and help promote mutual trust between the two peoples, he said.

COOPERATION IN REGIONAL, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Li also noticed the increasingly strong cooperation between China and Russia in regional and international affairs.

The two countries have enjoyed good coordination and cooperation on all major international and regional matters including the reform of the United Nations Security Council, climate change, the crisis in Syria and others, he said. As Putin said, "we see each other as close allies, so of course we always listen to each other, by this I mean we keep in mind each other's interests."

MUTUAL RESPECT HELPS OVERCOME DIFFERENCES

The two countries have also shown great respect for each other, which helps them to overcome differences, said Wang Yiwei, a professor from School of International Studies of China's Renmin University.

On the development and enlargement of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and on the alignment of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) with the Belt and Road Initiative, the two countries have shown respect for each others' opinions and have always carried out frank and friendly negotiations.

The comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between China and Russia has now become a model of the relationship between major powers. President Putin's upcoming visit to China shows that he attaches great importance to bilateral ties, Wang said.

Mutual trust between China and Russia has now reached an unprecedented level and this is reflected in politics, economy, culture, investment, public opinion, people's mentality and other areas. They also trust in each other's countries' social systems.

In global affairs, the two countries cooperate as comprehensive strategic partners. These all provide a solid foundation for furthering bilateral ties, said He Maochun, director of the Research Center for Economic Diplomacy Studies at Tsinghua University.
People gather at a blast site in southwest Pakistan's Quetta, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Asad)

ISLAMABAD, June 24 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and 27 others injured as a bomb blast hit Pakistan's southwest city of Quetta on Friday, local Urdu TV channel Dunya reported.

According to the reports, the incident took place when a bomb exploded in the Almo Chowk area of the city, killing three people and leaving 27 others injured.

The bomb was planted in a motorcycle parked outside a shop in the busy market.

Rescue teams and security personnel rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and injured to the hospital.

Hospital officials said at least three of the injured were in critical condition and were being treated in the intensive care unit.

According to the security officials, 5-6 kilograms of explosives material along with ball bearings was used in the bomb and it was detonated with a remote-controlled device.

No group claimed responsibility for the incident yet.
JERUSALEM, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian woman who crashed her car into an Israeli vehicle in a possible car-ramming attack in the West Bank was shot and killed by Israeli soldiers on Friday, the Israeli army said.

"Earlier today an assailant accelerated and crashed into a stationary vehicle at the entrance to Kiryat Arba, wounding two civilians," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson said in a statement Friday.

Kiryat Arba is a Jewish settlement in the West Bank, located near Hebron.

The IDF said Israeli soldiers at the site "fired towards the attacker, resulting in her death," believing the incident to be a nationalistic-motivated attack rather than an accident.

The two Israelis were lightly injured and evacuated to the Shaarei Tzedek hospital in Jerusalem, Israeli emergency services stated.

The military is carrying further investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

Israel and the Palestinians have been mired in a wave of violence since October 2015, claiming the lives of 32 Israelis and 205 Palestinians.

Israelis have been killed by Palestinian attackers in car-ramming, stabbing and shooting attacks.

Some of the Palestinians died in clashes with Israeli security forces during protests, while others were gunned down for allegedly carrying out -- or trying to carry out -- attacks against Israelis.

Israeli human-rights organizations, the Palestinians and some members of the international community charge Israel is using excessive force against potential Palestinian attackers.

They claim Israeli soldiers and policemen use excessive force against attackers, even when they do not pose danger, and that in some cases innocent Palestinians have been gunned down by mistake for erroneously being identified as would-be attackers.

Israeli leaders blame the Palestinian Authority over incitement to violence amid the unrest, while the Palestinians charge it is the result of 49 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, home to more than five million Palestinians, where they wish to establish their own state.
KINSHASA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The different road-construction and rehabilitation works launched in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) by President Joseph Kabila in collaboration with Chinese companies, has greatly contributed to improvement of the economic situation in the country.

According to Gorbi Mirindi, a congolese economic expert, DR Congo has suffered due to lack of road infrastructure for many years since its decolonization.

"The launch of the road construction program by Kabila with Sino-Congolese cooperation, has helped to boost other sectors in the country, especially within Kinshasa town," Mirindi said.

The economic expert noted that the housing sector had equally grown in different parts of the country, especially in Kinshasa.

"The congolese population strongly appreciates the enormous road infrastructure work that has been undertaken by Chinese companies in this country because the work has had a direct and positive impact on their daily lives," Mirindi said.

As for Nkere Ntanda, a professor at Kinshasa University and an expert on investment matters, "the Congolese people had never seen such levels of construction works in their country since independence in 1960."

He noted that the reconstruction work is highly appreciated by the population, because it has helped to resolve problems that date back to decades.

According to him, the improvement of the road infrastructures by Chinese companies in DR Congo had generally led to the emergence of small and medium size companies in various parts of the country, something that has directly improved the people's wellbeing.

Ntanda equally urged the population to change their behaviour and maintain the new roads that have been constructed.

"There should be a behavioural change for our population and leaders to ensure we are able to maintain the infrastructures we have benefited with through Sino-Congolese cooperation program," Ntanda said.
LOME, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Togolese media heads on Thursday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent interview with Xinhua, as Russia and China enhance their bilateral cooperation.

Anoumou Kate-Aziaglo, editor of Togo's national daily newspaper Togo-Presse, described the interview as a "useful interview on the current situation of the whole world and of a giant neighbor China."

He said the enhancement of Russia-China cooperation, including the "Belt and Road" initiative, is likely to positively impact the win-win cooperation between China and Africa.

"I must encourage Russian and Chinese leaders for their initiative that is expected to have positive impact on international relations," said Claudine Akakpo, director of Togo's national news agency ATOP.

She believed Africa will be a beneficiary of this kind of Russia-China cooperation that can leverage development in the continent.

"As President Putin is gearing to pay a state visit to China, it fits that Xinhua has his point of views on bilateral issues as well as on international concerns," said Desire Komou, managing editor of the International Radio-Lome.

He told Xinhua that Putin's visit to China as part of cooperation strengthening policy is welcomed at a moment when the world is evolved in the "struggle of ideas".

"One must salute the enhancement of Russia and China, two stabilizer role playing countries, which work toward mutual confidence development," Komou said.

He pointed out that talks between Russian and Chinese leaders will be a good thing for global peace, as Russia and China act as counterpoise regarding the policies of other world powers.

Komou believed that the "Belt and Road" initiative, which brings closer Russia and China, "bears significant interest for the African continent, even though every country has its own interest."

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt that links China with Europe through Central and Western Asia by inland routes, and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road connecting China with Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe by sea routes.

In an hour-long exclusive interview with Xinhua President Cai Mingzhao earlier this month in St. Petersburg, Putin spoke highly of bilateral interaction between Russia and China within broader frameworks, saying Moscow-Beijing cooperation is a world stabilizing factor.

Related:

Putin receives exclusive interview with Xinhua's president

Putin eyes EEU-China FTA amid regional consensus on Silk Road cooperation

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, June 23 (Xinhua) -- All members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) agree to beef up cooperation with China within a Silk Road cooperation framework proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Xinhua.
YANCHENG, Jiangsu, June 24 (Xinhua) -- State Councilor Yang Jing arrived at Yancheng City of east China's Jiangsu Province on Friday to visit victims of Thursday's tornado and relief workers.

On behalf of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, Yang visited disaster scenes, temporary settlements and hospitals to meet the injured and others affected by the disaster.

He was briefed by provincial and local officials on the scope of the disaster and progress of the rescue work, and urged them to make the utmost efforts to treat the injured, provide for those affected by the disaster and plan for reconstruction.

Yang said many places across China are facing threats of floods and authorities must be aware of hazards and take preventive measures.

Rain, hail and a tornado battered parts of Yancheng City on Thursday afternoon, destroying buildings, trees, vehicles and electricity poles.

At least 98 people have died and 846 were injured.
GUANGZHOU, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Britain's decision to leave the European Union will have only a limited effect on China's stock market and will perhaps boost the yuan's status as a global currency, economists told Xinhua on Friday.

"The decision may actually accelerate the competition between other European cities for yuan businesses, and as a result, Britain may have to provide Chinese institutions with better terms," said Xiang Songzuo, deputy director of the International Monetary Institute at Renmin University, during an interview with Xinhua at the China International Finance Expo in Guangzhou.

"The status of London as an offshore yuan trading center will more or less be affected and that could open up opportunities for yuan business in Frankfurt, Luxembourg or Zurich, for example," said Lian Ping, chief economist of state-owned Bank of Communications.

"Brexit" will result in both a weaker pound and euro, which will raise yuan's exchange rate against these currencies, Xiang said.

Following the UK's decision to leave the European Union, global stock markets tumbled with China's benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dropping 1.3 percent at close while the offshore yuan against the U.S. dollar also slumped .

The impact of "Brexit" on the yuan and stock market is only "psychological" and the long-term value of Chinese stocks is still dependent on economic fundamentals, Xiang said.

"Markets overreact all the time," said Xiang, "For China, it will be only about a week before it gets back to normal."
WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democrat candidate Bernie Sanders said Friday that he will vote for the party's presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in November, saying stopping Donald Trump from becoming president must be an overarching goal.

Asked on the MSNBC's Morning Joe program whether he would vote for Clinton in November, the Vermont Senator answered "Yes".

However, Sanders, whose campaign has successfully attracted tens of thousands of young Democrats and independent voters, indicated he would remain in the race to influence the Democratic platform at the party's national convention set in July.

"My job right now is to fight for the strongest possible platform at the Democratic convention," he said.

Arguing whether his continuing fight will deepen the party's disunity now as Clinton has secured the nomination, he said: "You talk about disunity. I talk about involving the American people in the political process."
ROME, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said Friday that his government and the EU institutions need to pledge that the Brexit vote would not cause instability across the bloc.

"I'm here to say that Italy will do its bit the path ahead," he said. "The government and the EU institutions are in the condition to guarantee financial stability and consumer security with every means," he told a press conference at Rome.

The premier stressed that the EU needed to change now though Italy remained committed to the bloc after Britain decided to leave in a referendum, according to ANSA news agency.

"Europe is our home, the home of our children and grandchildren," Renzi told reporters. "We say this more than ever, convinced that the home needs renovating, perhaps freshened up, but it's our home of tomorrow."

Renzi said he respected Britain's vote to leave the EU and the bloc now had to move on. "The British people have chosen," he said. "We respect the decision. Now the page turns."

He also said that Italy can act as a pillar of solidity as the European Union tries to get to grip with Britain's exit.

"Italy is solid again," Renzi said. "Our country has the duty to offer this solidity to the other European partners and we are committed to doing this from tomorrow."

According to ANSA, Renzi confirmed that he will meet French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Monday to discuss the implications.

"Today is an unprecedented day, not an easy day. But Europe has shown over its history that it is stronger than any and every difficulty," he said.
NAIROBI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. has said it will work with Kenya in the planned repatriation of Somalis in Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp.

Kenya last month announced it would close the Dadaab camp and repatriate the more than 300,000 Somalis living in it, citing environmental and security concerns.

U.S. President Barack Obama pledged the support in the repatritaion in a phone call with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday.

"The president (Obama) and President Kenyatta agreed that the United States and Kenya would work closely together on this issue, to better ensure that the needs of refugees and host communities are met," said a statement released by the White House.

According to the statement, the two leaders discussed the ongoing repatriation of the refugees, and the challenges Kenya had been facing in hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees for more than two decades.

Located in northeast Kenya, Dadaab was set up more than 20 years ago to house people fleeing conflict in Somalia.

Islamist group Al-Shabaab controls areas in southern Somalia and frequently stages attacks in the country.

Kenya has said the repatriation will start on July 1 and will take about five months.

Kenya's Interior Principal Secretary, Joseph Irungu, said 5,000 refugees had opted to return to their home countries voluntarily.

"Our latest statistics as per Wednesday stand at 321,000 refugees at the Dadaab camp from 326,000 as reported in May 31," said Irungu.

He said the voluntary return of the refugees was a sign that the highly debated move will run smoothly. "We encourage the refugees if they have their own means of leaving, let them do so instead of waiting for the official exercise," he said. Enditem
HANOI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam on Friday confirmed that SU-30 fighter jet and CASA aircraft crashed in waters off the country's central and northern coasts.

One of the two pilots on the former and all nine crew members of the latter were killed during the two accidents, said a statement issued on Friday by the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Ministry of Defense, on initial result of the search and rescue for the SU-30 fighter and CASA aircraft.

Specifically, last Tuesday, while going on training mission, a SU-30 fighter of Vietnam's air defense-air force crashed in waters off central Nghe An province.

Two pilots on board, namely Tran Quang Khai and Nguyen Huu Cuong, dropped out of the fighter by parachuting. Last Wednesday, Cuong was rescued by local fishermen while Khai's body was found last Friday.

Last Thursday, while carrying out searching mission for the SU-30 jet and Tran Quang Khai in waters off northern Vietnam, the CASA aircraft with nine people aboard crashed as flying over Vietnam's northern Hai Phong City's Bach Long Vi island.

At the searching area, in waters with depth of 50-60 meters, numerous parts of the aircraft were recovered, including propeller, fuselage, engine, personal belongings of crew members as well as several bodies.

Assessment of military forensic agencies confirmed that those bodies are crew members of CASA aircraft, said the statement.

In the coming time, the search for bodies of remaining crew members, recovery of the rest parts of the fighter and the aircraft will continue while absolute safety for the rescue forces will be ensured, Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA quoted the statement as saying.

Concerning Chinese help in the search and rescue mission, Vo Van Tuan, Deputy chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army said at a press meeting held in capital Hanoi on Friday, "China, a Vietnam's neighbor, was active in providing information and allowed Vietnamese vessels to cross over to the Chinese side of the demarcation line in the Beibu Gulf for search and rescue."

"When the MH370 airplane with most Chinese passengers on board got lost, Vietnam had deployed such large search forces. Le Kiem Toan, one pilot on the CASA aircraft, used to carry out many flights to search for MH370," Tuan recalled.

"While learning that Toan was missing, the Chinese side was so much willing to support," local VNExpress online newspaper quoted Tuan as saying.

China has sent several warships, coastguard vessels and rescue ships to help Vietnam search for the missing aircraft and crew between Vietnam's northern coastline and China's Hainan Island, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
BEIJING, June 24 (XINHUA) -- Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi will visit Vietnam from Sunday to Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced here on Friday.

At the invitation of Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Yang is to co-chair the ninth meeting of the China-Vietnam steering committee on cooperation, Hua said.

The two sides will discuss measures to enhance cooperation in various fields with the theme of how to advance China-Vietnam relations in new circumstances, said Hua.

The ninth meeting is the first since Vietnam's latest leadership reshuffle.

Both sides attached great importance to the meeting, said Hua.
CAPE TOWN, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The UK is and will remain an important trading partner for South Africa despite its decision to withdraw from the EU, the Presidency said on Friday.

South Africa, through the Department of Trade and Industry, has followed with interest the BREXIT referendum in the UK and the final vote to leave the EU, the Presidency said.

In 2015, the UK was 8th largest trading partner of South Africa, whose export to the UK was 41 billion rand (about 268 million U.S. dollars) and imports was 35 billion rand (about 224 million dollars), according to the Presidency.

The UK will have a period of two years to negotiate their exit from the EU after formal notice to withdraw from the EU has been given. Until the end of the two-year period, the Common International Trade Policy (CITP) of the EU would continue to apply to SA's exports to the UK.

The CITP includes the current free trade agreement between SA and the EU, called the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). It will also cover the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that was signed on June 10 this year in Botswana. Therefore, UK rights and obligations under the existing EU Treaties will continue to apply during this period.

There will therefore be no immediate implications for SA exports into UK, the Presidency said.

SA/SACU (Southern African Customs Union) and the UK would therefore have at least two years to review their future trade relationship, said the Presidency.

One of the options open to the UK would be to join European Free Trade Area (EFTA). EFTA has a free trade agreement with the EU and forms part of the European Economic Area. Importantly, EFTA also has free trade agreement with the (SACU) that South Africa is part of. SACU and EFTA have already started a review of this agreement.

Another option would be for the UK and SACU to negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement and one possibility would be to base it on the EPA, the Presidency said.

"The SA government will consider all the options available and start engagements with the UK," presidential spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga said.
TASHKENT, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the 16th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

TASHKENT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a five-point proposal Friday for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to consolidate unity and mutual trust, and deepen comprehensive cooperation.

Speaking at the 16th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Uzbek capital Tashkent, Xi hailed the remarkable achievements of the regional bloc since its establishment 15 years ago.

The first of the achievements is that the SCO has advocated and put into practice the pioneering Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development, said the Chinese president.

Moreover, Xi noted that members of the SCO have worked to build political mutual trust and firmly supported each other's independent choices of development path.

The SCO countries have also deepened their cooperation greatly in trade, business, finance, energy and transportation, among other areas, Xi said.

The SCO has signed the Treaty of Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, codifying into law the aspiration of enduring friendship.

In addition, the Chinese president noted, the organization has actively reached out to others with an ever-growing circle of friends. As last year's Ufa summit initiated the process to take in new members for first time in SCO history, the international influence of the organization has kept increasing with its full members and observers accounting for nearly half of the world's population.

Proposing for future development of the SCO, Xi urged all members to firstly carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, which has been regarded as the bloc's undergirding value.

The SCO should remain open and transparent without targeting any third party, engage all like-minded international partners in wide-ranging cooperation and act as a constructive force for the healthy development of the international order, said the Chinese leader.

Secondly, the SCO should continue to prioritize security and cement this foundation of the SCO development, said Xi, adding that it needs to beef up the institutional construction for cooperation on combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

Thirdly, Xi proposed that the SCO should expand practical cooperation and find greater space for SCO development, expressing his hope that the organization will play an active role in aligning the Belt and Road Initiative and the other members' development strategies.

Fourthly, the SCO also needs to enhance culture and people-to-people foundation as the bridge for future development, Xi said, adding that China is willing to support other member states in restoring historical sites and archaeology studies, as well as communication and cooperation in such fields as youth, health care and environmental protection.

Last but not the least, the SCO should continue to uphold openness and inclusiveness and get more parties on board for SCO cooperation, Xi said. He also proposed that the member states take the process of accepting India and Pakistan as new members to enhance institutional building of the SCO and expand and deepen cooperation in various fields.

The annual summit, hosted by Uzbek President Islam Karimov, was also attended by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

The SCO leaders agreed to remain committed to maintaining peace, boosting development and consolidating their relationship of equality and mutual trust, based on the principles of mutual respect, good-neighborliness and friendliness.

They pledged to deepen effective cooperation in wide-ranging areas and contribute to the security, stability and sustainable development in the region.

The leaders reaffirmed their support for the China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt initiative and decided to take actions to continuously implement the initiative, thus promoting regional economic cooperation among the member states and integrating their respective development strategies.

The leaders said they will advance their cooperation in transportation infrastructure construction, push for the building of international transportation corridors and hubs that link Asia and Europe, and deepen cooperation in areas including economy and trade, industrial capacity, energy, investment, agriculture, culture, science and technology, and environment protection.

The leaders of the SCO reached consensus on maintaining the maritime legal order in accordance with the principles of international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). All disputes on this matter should be resolved by peaceful means through friendly negotiations and consultations by parties concerned, the leaders said, who also opposed the internationalization of the disputes or any external interference.

They also urged all relevant parties to abide by the UNCLOS and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), as well as all clauses contained in the follow-up guideline on implementing the DOC.

The leaders agreed that the SCO has become an effective factor in guaranteeing security, stability and sustainable development in the contemporary system of international relations.

The SCO leaders voiced support for consolidating the core role of the UN in international relations, improving global governance mechanism based on the purpose and principles of the UN Charter, and addressing major international and regional issues by upholding the positions of non-alignment, non-ideologicalization and non-confrontation.

They also agreed to cooperate closely to crack down on terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as cross-border organized crimes, modern IT-related crimes, and illegal drugs manufacturing and trafficking.

The summit has decided that the next SCO summit will be held in Kazakhstan's capital Astana as Kazakhstan will take over the SCO rotating presidency from Uzbekistan.

The leaders signed the Tashkent declaration on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the SCO as well as several resolutions to approve an action plan of the SCO development in next five years, and the working reports of the SCO secretary-general and the organization's anti-terrorism institution.

The leaders also witnessed the signing of the memorandums of obligations for India and Pakistan to join the SCO, which is a key step for the two countries to obtain membership of the organization.

Founded in 2001, the SCO has six full members, namely China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and six observers -- Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan.

Related:

Backgrouder: Xi's key remarks at recent SCO summits

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to deliver a speech Friday at the 16th summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent.

Here are some of the remarks Xi made at earlier SCO summits. Full Story

Interview: SCO alingment of regional cooperation with "Belt and Road" Initiative -- Chinese Commerce Minister

TASHKENT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will enter a new phase of aligning regional economic cooperation with fulfillment of the "Belt and Road" initiative, on the basis of great contribution in the past, a senior Chinese official said here Thursday.

During the past 15 years since its establishment, the SCO has made great contribution to regional stability and prosperity, said Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng in a joint interview with leading Chinese news media on the sidelines of a SCO summit. Full Story




Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (L) and Timoleon Jimenez (R), the top leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), exchange pacts while Cuban President Raul Castro witnesses in Havana, capital of Cuba, June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

HAVANA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The ceasefire deal signed between the Colombian government and the largest rebel group of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) won worldwide praise on Thursday, as it brings the country's half-century civil war closer to an end.

The Colombian government and FARC Thursday signed a historic ceasefire deal at a ceremony in Havana which was attended by world dignitaries including Latin American heads of state and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Before the signing of the deal, the Colombian government and the rebel guerrilla group held more than three years of fraught talks in Cuba.

"Today is a historic day for Colombia after more than 50 years of deaths and confrontations," said Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.

The agreement sets up mechanisms for FARC to disarm and its transition toward the status of a political party or movement, although the disarmament process will not begin until a definitive peace treaty is signed.

Image taken on June 23, 2016 provided by the Colombian Presidency of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (L) shaking hands with Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos (R), prior to attending the signing ceremony of a historic ceasefire agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC, for its acronym in Spanish), in Havana, capital of Cuba, on June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Colombian Presidency)

Ban Ki-moon congratulated all the participants and invited all Colombians to make the agreement a reality in order to preserve peace in the country and the region.

"Let us work together to make the promise of peace sealed today in Havana a reality," said Ban.

Angel Gurria, secretary-general of the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), also welcomed the signing of the ceasefire agreement on Thursday.

"We celebrate this historic landmark in Colombia's peace process, as well as the roadmap for the guerrilla's demobilization announced today," said Gurria in a statement, adding the signing of the agreement "will enhance Colombia's accession process to the OECD."

"Although challenging issues remain as the two sides continue negotiating a final peace agreement, today's announcement represents important progress in ending Colombia's 52-year conflict," said Susan Rice, U.S. President Barack Obama's national security advisor, in a separate statement.

Cuban President Raul Castro hailed the agreement as a victory for Colombia, saying it reinforced the concept of Latin America as a place of peace.

Besides Humberto de la Calle, the head of the Colombian government delegation to the talks, and his FARC counterpart Ivan Marquez, who signed the ceasefire agreement on behalf of FARC, the representatives of Cuba and Norway, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet also inked the deal.

Both Cuba and Norway served as guarantors of the peace talks, and Venezuela and Chile assisted the talks as accompanying nations.

"The agreement brings a lot of hope to Latin America. The moment for permanent peace in Colombia has arrived," Maduro told Xinhua in Havana.

Venezuela is encouraging Colombia to soon begin peace talks with the country's second-largest rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), Maduro added.

"We have passed a very important stage, but now comes the time of concretizing and implementing the agreement. In these new tasks, Chile will continue accompanying Colombia," Chile's Michelle Bachelet told the press in Cuba.

Image taken on June 23, 2016 provided by the United Nations shows the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (L) shaking hands with Timoleon Jimenez (R, front), the top leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC, for its acronym in Spanish), prior to attending the signing ceremony of a historic ceasefire agreement between the Colombian government and FARC, in Havana, capital of Cuba, on June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/UN Photo)

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, who also attended the ceremony, said that Mexico would make its efforts to ensure the peace process, including joining the U.N. Security Council mission to determine compliance with the agreement.

According to the agreement, a tripartite mechanism will be created to monitor its application. It will include the Colombia government, FARC and an international group in which the U.N. and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) will play a key role.

FARC is required by the agreement to disarm its army within 180 days after the ceasefire deal and their weapons are to be handed over to the U.N.

During the ceremony, Santos presented Timochenko with a pen made out of a large caliber bullet, the kind state forces used against the rebels, which is inscribed with the words: "Bullets wrote our past. Education -- our future."

Meanwhile, Bogota residents celebrated the ceasefire in various ways, including placing a funeral wreath with a banner that reads "Goodbye to the war" at the central Bolivar Square to symbolize the end of conflict.

According to Latin American news network Telesur, the Latin America's longest-running civil war had claimed 220,000 deaths up to 2012, left 25,000 missing and displaced 5.7 million people.
ACCRA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for credible and peaceful election in Africa, saying it is a prerequisite for the continent's progress.

Speaking at the 12th edition of the "Kronti ne Akwamu" (Democracy and Governance) public lecture in Accra Thursday night, Annan said Africans must remember that elections were a mechanism for the arbitration of political rivalries and peaceful and democratic rotation of leadership.

"However, if political rivals and their supporters do not believe the electoral process to be free and fair, then they will ultimately resort to less peaceful methods to change political direction."

The lecture was an initiative of the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) aimed towards bridging the gap between reflection, research and analysis on the one hand, and pro-democracy and good governance advocacy on the other.

"I hope to have convinced you that deepening our democracy is a crucial struggle, not just for our future prosperity and peace but also for our fundamental human aspiration to live as free men and women," he said

Annan, Ghana's only Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, said the country had been a success under democratic rule and advised that, no matter the challenges, criticisms should rather lead to reforms than dictatorship.

"Ghana has thrived under democracy since it was reintroduced, and our society as well as our economy has thrived as a result. We must never stop reminding ourselves of that fact. Yes, our country has its problems, but all countries have problems," said Annan.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Christine Evans-Klock, said in the elections this year, there were great expectations and confidence that Ghana would again demonstrate to the world the importance of tolerance for diversity and strong institutions for conducting elections in peaceful and effective manner.

She said, for the UN, Ghana had become a reference point when it came to democracy and stability while its systems and institutions for conducting elections had become models that had been taken up and adopted elsewhere in the region.

"They are important assets for Ghana; never to be taken for granted," she said.
STOCKHOLM, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Brexit will have grave consequences for both Britain and EU, said Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven after the announcement of the results of the British referendum on EU membership.

"It is now clear that the people of the United Kingdom have voted to leave the European Union. We respect their decision, but it is a serious one -- primarily for the people of the UK, who had a great deal to gain by remaining, but also for the EU," Lofven said at a press conference on Friday.

Sweden was losing an important partner in the EU, he said. "We have often pursued issues together, not least important were trade issues," he said, but assured Britain would remain an important partner for Sweden in its new role.

"What we need now is stability and a long-term approach. The fact that the UK is leaving the EU will have major repercussions. But we remain convinced of the importance of European cooperation. Our need for effective European cooperation has never been greater. This is particularly true for Sweden," said Lofven.

Among the benefits belonging to Europe offered, the prime minister listed greater opportunities to resolve problems, enhancing the conditions for more jobs and higher growth, and safeguarding peace and security.

"At the same time, the debate and campaigning in the run-up to the referendum should serve as a wake-up call for Europe. They elicited stark polarisation and disturbing nationalism. This shows that EU cooperation must be developed and improved," he said.

"We must be able to demonstrate that our cooperation is actually capable of tackling our common challenges in the way that people expect it to. We must have fair conditions in the European labor market. Climate and environmental challenges know no borders. And all EU member states must take responsibility for the refugees fleeing to Europe." said Lofven.
CAPE TOWN, June 24 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Friday launched an anti-AIDS campaign targeting girls and young women who have the highest rate of HIV infections in any age or gender category.

"The launch of this campaign - led by young people for young people - is an important milestone in our country's journey towards youth empowerment and the achievement of an AIDS-free generation," Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said at the launch ceremony in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province.

With a population of about 53 million, South Africa has an estimated 6.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS, the highest prevalence in the world. The country also has the largest antiretroviral treatment programme in the world.

Despite South Africa's remarkable success in saving lives through the provision of free treatment for people living with HIV and AIDS, it is estimated that nearly 2,000 girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 24 get infected by HIV in this country each week, according to Ramaphosa.

"This is highest rate of new HIV infections in any age or gender category.

"This is one of the highest rates in the world and is the reason that we are launching an ambitious and innovative campaign targeting this group of highly vulnerable young people," said Ramaphosa.

This innovative campaign aims to mobilise all sections of society to address five critical challenges facing young people, he said.

These challenges include the high number of new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women, high rates of teenage pregnancy, poor retention of learners in high schools, high rates of sexual and gender based violence, and high rates of youth employment.

The campaign seeks to build the confidence of women, build their resilience and unlock their strength and worth, Ramaphosa said.

He said the achievement of an AIDS-free generation requires a fundamental change in sexual behaviour, therefore this campaign will reach out to men.

"It will encourage men - both young and older - to use condoms, stick to one sexual partner and not to prey on younger girls and women.

"It will encourage men to play a central role in promoting safer sexual behaviour and in bringing an end to violence and abuse," Ramaphosa said.

Only a comprehensive multi-sectoral campaign at the level of the community will bring about this change, he said.

"All government departments will work with NGOs in the communities through our national, provincial and local AIDS councils to ensure this campaign succeeds," said Ramaphosa.
HANOI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- "Vietnam is deeply concerned about the fact that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday fired two Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missiles," said Le Hai Binh, spokesperson of Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.

"These launches violate related resolutions by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), increasing tensions in the region," the e-Portal of Vietnamese government quoted Binh as saying.

"It's consistent view of Vietnam that backs settlement of all differences in the DPRK's nuclear issues through dialogue and supports efforts aiming at maintaining peace, stability and development in the Korean Peninsula, in the region and in the world as well as seriously implement the UNSC's related resolutions," said Binh. Enditem
LAGOS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Gunmen suspected to be militants in Nigeria invaded two communities in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, the country's economic hub, local residents said Friday.

The affected communities include Igbolomu and Ishawo areas.

Akeem Balogun, a house owner, who confirmed the attack to Xinhua, said the gunmen gained access to the areas through the water channel on Thursday night.

The number of casualty is yet to be ascertained, Bisi Alege, another resident added.

Local media reported that the militants killed eight residents.

The killings have caused residents of the communities to flee their homes.

The attack is coming three days after a similar incident occurred in Ikorodu between suspected Ijaw militants and a local vigilante group. Enditem
RAMALLAH, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli soldiers opened fire on Friday afternoon and shot dead a Palestinian girl near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, Palestinian medics and eyewitnesses said.

Spokesman of the Palestinian health ministry Mohamed Awawda said in an emailed press statement that the Israeli side officially informed his ministry that a Palestinian girl called Majd al-Khadour is dead.

Awawda said the Israeli soldiers prevented Palestinian ambulances from reaching the girl after she had been shot by Israeli soldiers' gunfire while she was in her car near the Jewish settlement of Keryat Arba'a east of the city.

However, the Israeli media reported that the girl drove a car and she tried to run her car over a group of settlers who were standing at a bus station, adding that the girl's car hit another Israeli car and one Israeli was injured.

The Israeli media reports which quoted Israeli army officials added that right after one Israeli was injured, the soldiers opened fire at the Palestinian car and killed the girl who drove it.

Last Tuesday, a 15-year-old Palestinian teenager was shot dead by Israeli troops' gunfire near the West Bank city of Ramallah. The Israeli army said the boy was killed by mistake.

Meanwhile, Palestinian eyewitnesses said that clashes broke out on Friday afternoon between Palestinian protesters and Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns and cities.

Medical sources reported that several Palestinians were injured in the clashes, mainly near the city of Qalqilia in northern West Bank.

Tension has been growing since October last year, where 211 Palestinians and 38 Israelis were killed. Tension between the two sides has been growing in protest to Israel's policies of settlement expansion and violations in East Jerusalem. Enditem
LAGOS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian troops operating in northeast restive Borno on Friday said it shot dead 10 suspected Boko Haram terrorists after a successful ambush at the border town of Gamboru-Ngala.

Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, said this at a news conference in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Irabor added that the military had also recorded tremendous success in its clearance operations in various parts of the state.

The theater commander said items recovered from the terrorist included six AK47 magazines, 56 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bundle of detonating cord and a manual booklet on how to make Improvised Explosive device (IED).

Irabor said the troops also shot one suspected Boko Haram terrorist during a clearance patrol in Kala Balge area of the state.

He added that two adult females, two female teenagers and three male children were rescued by the military.

The military chief added that one male minor, however, sustained injury and had been treated at the military medical center.

According to him, the rescued persons were in the military custody for further screening and profiling.

Irabor said the military had also shot dead two Boko Haram terrorists and cleared 11 villages of Boko Haram elements on June 8, after conducting fighting patrols. Enditem
ROME, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi stressed the country's unchanged commitment to the path of European integration on Friday, after the results of the referendum that marked Britain's decision to leave the European Union (EU).

Yet, the Italian prime minister also appealed for the reform of the EU in order to make it closer to the needs of European citizens.

"We have to change it (the EU), and make it more human and more just. Yet, Europe is our home and our future," Renzi wrote on his social media account.

The Italian cabinet called an urgent meeting on Friday morning, with ministers of economy, foreign affairs,and economic development, and the governor of Italy's Central Bank, assessing possible immediate influence of the British decision on Italy.

The Italian prime minister also delivered a reassuring message at a news briefing conference.

"The (Italian) government and the EU institutions have all the necessary tools to ensure the stability of the financial system and of savers," Renzi said.

Reactions to the British unprecedented decision to leave the bloc should be based on "calm, and clarity of mind," the prime minister also said.

"If I have to pick a name for Europe, that name is "home". And home is not only a physical space, but a place built up on sentiments and emotions where to feel solid and safe," Renzi added.

"We believe this home needs restoration, indeed, but it will remain home for us, and for our children and grandchildren."

Renzi explained that foreign ministers from major EU countries will gather to start discussing how to respond to the unprecedented situation on Saturday, and he would then meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande in Berlin on Monday.

Italian officials also joined EU leaders in urging Britain to leave as soon as possible to avoid prolonged uncertainty.

"We respect the (Brexit) decision, although Italy would have much preferred an opposite outcome to the referendum,"Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said in an official statement.

"We now expect the UK to act on its decision, by enacting the Art. 50 of the EU Treaty, and obviously respecting the acquired rights of European and Italian citizens," he added.

The Art. 50 of the Lisbon Treaty rules over the mechanism of leaving the block: it allows a member state to formally notify the EU of its decision to withdraw from the Union, and obliges EU institutions to try to negotiate an agreement with that country.

Britain would remain a close friend of Italy, and an ally within the NATO alliance, yet it should deliver a swift answer to the various calls coming from the European partners, according to the Italian foreign minister.

"A prolonged uncertainty would only feed instability in the process of European integration. There is a duty of clarity to fulfil towards the markets, but first and above all towards the European citizens," Gentiloni said.

Leader of Eurosceptic Northern League party Matteo Salvini hailed the results of the British referendum, saying his party would soon start gathering signatures among Italian citizens in order to call a similar initiative in the country. Enditem
VIENNA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- As the world drug problem is closely connected with sustainable development, paths could found to reduce illicit drug production in some regions by pushing forward economic development, Yury Fedotov, the chief of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) told Xinhua.

The theme of UNODC's 2016 world drug report is about the role of sustainable development in dealing with the world drug problem, Fedotov said.

"There is a very clear connection" between the two, the executive director said.

He noted the drug trade in Afghanistan precisely illustrated this relation.

"Sustainable development can support the eradication of illicit drugs because farmers in Afghanistan, may be psychologically prepared to move from illicit crops to licit crops, but they don't have sustainable markets for this production, no one is buying their fruits and vegetables. There are no roads, no bridges, no markets," he noted.

He said the situation in other countries was similar, such as the one in Myanmar where in some remote or mountainous regions, farmers also have difficulties selling normal crops and have to cultivate illicit drugs to make a living.

"With drugs there are drug dealers, they are coming, they are offering cash, they are taking everything and farmers don't have to worry about their future," he said.

The UNODC head said there had been some progress made in Afghanistan, in which small industries had been built to process fruit and vegetables to help farmers gain access to a good market.

Some progress had also been made in Latin America, where in major cocaine producing areas, UNODC was supporting programs to reduce this phenomenon.

"But we need to do more, for that we need more funds," Fedotov stressed.

In the past years, UNODC, together with other partners, has been trying to support farmers to grow alternative crops with many success stories in the above-mentioned regions.

"If we make important efforts to develop countries, to provide alternatives to people, in terms of job creation, either in agriculture or some small industry, it can immediately have an impact on cultivation and production of illicit drugs," he noted.

Proof of this was evident in Thailand where they succeeded to entirely eradicate all illicit cultivation of the opium poppy 10 years ago, because of very meaningful alternative development programs for farmers.

For this to work elsewhere, three things were needed, he said.

"First of all, strong political commitment at a national level, and strong support at an international level, and sufficient finances for that. If all these components are there, we can count on the success in eradicating illicit cultivations," Fedotov stressed.

There is still a lot of work to be done to promote sustainable development in many less-developed regions in the world to find the way out of the drug economy which has lasted for many years.

"We need to establish a clear international policy in support of countries like Myanmar and Afghanistan, and that requires more efforts in sustainable development of these countries. Building roads, infrastructure, creating new markets, other jobs not necessarily in agriculture, that is the only way we can solve this problem," he said.

The UNODC's chief concern was drugs providing the main funding source for insurgents, rebels, and the Taliban in Afghanistan, as most of the drugs are produced in provinces under their control.

"They can finance their activities, their insurgency, through selling drugs and getting enormous benefits. In accordance with some estimates, the Taliban can get up to 200 million U.S. dollars a year from drug lords to support their activities," he said.

According to UNODC's report, published in May, Afghanistan remains the world's largest opium producer, accounting for some 70 percent of global production.

After the war in Afghanistan broke out in 2001, the drug problem seemed to worsen, and the average annual production of opium seemed to grow due to a lack of strong governance in the country, resulting in some regions of the country becoming economically dependent on drugs, he said.

"I would say safely about 20 to 25 percent of GDP of this country consists of production of drugs," saying it was possibly "the only economic activity in Afghanistan that works well," he said.

The UNODC chief said that to combat the complex drug problem worldwide, drug policies should put people first.

"As long as demand for drugs continues, there will be always supply. That's why we need to address the world drug problem from another angle ... the prevention, treatment, rehabilitation ... people first. We need to pay more attention to human beings, on all continents, and save them from the deadly impact of drugs," he said.

The office's 2016 report shows the world drug problem has remained grave in the past years. Around five percent of the adult population, nearly 250 million people between the ages of 15 and 64, used at least one drug in 2014.

Meanwhile, the number of people classified as suffering from drug use disorders has increased disproportionally for the first time in six years. There are now over 29 million people within this category (compared to the previous figure of 27 million). Enditem
STRASBOURG, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Pedro Agramunt, lamented here on Friday the repercussions on the European project that would arise from UK's leaving from the EU.

"A bit of the European ideal has disappeared today following the British vote in favor of leaving the Union," declared Agramunt.

"The vote will have repercussions not only for the British people but also for all the European peoples. It will have a negative impact not only on the European Union but also on all the international organizations, such as the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly," declared the PACE president to the representatives of the 47 member states of the CoE on the closing day of its summer plenary session.

"However, sometimes it is necessary to take a step backwards in order to take a step forward. It will be necessary to find the means to give a new momentum to the interparliamentary dialogue in Europe, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in which the United Kingdom remains a major player, will need to intensify its efforts to achieve European ideals and affirm our shared European heritage," he continued.

In a statement, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, affirmed that the "democratic decision in this referendum must be respected." Enditem
GENEVA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Swiss National Bank (SNB) indicated Friday that it took action on the foreign exchange market to stabilize the Swiss Franc's rise in value following Britain's decision to withdraw from the European Union(EU).

"Following the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, the Swiss Franc came under upward pressure," SNB said in a statement.

"The Swiss National Bank has intervened in the foreign exchange market to stabilize the situation and will remain active in that market," it added.

Used as a safe haven currency, the Swiss Franc's value shot up after 51.9 percent of the British electorate opted to leave the EU in a historic referendum.

The Swiss Franc was trading at 1.06 CHF to the euro early this morning, latest SNB figures show that Switzerland's national currency has dropped back down to 1.09 CHF to the euro. Enditem
NEW DELHI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- India said Friday it is well prepared for the impact to come from British decision to exit the European Union, saying it is working to deal with short term volatility in the market.

"The government and the Reserve Bank of India as well as other regulators are well prepared, and working closely together, to deal with any short term volatility. Our aim will be to smooth this volatility and minimize its impact on the economy in the short term," said Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

"At the same time, for the medium term, we will steadfastly pursue our ambitious reform agenda, including early passage of goods and services tax (bill) that will help us realize our medium term growth potential of 8-9 per cent and help achieve our objective of development for all," said the minister.

The governor of the Reserve Bank of India Raghuram Rajan said the central bank is continuously maintaining a close vigil on market developments, both domestically and internationally.

"(It) will take all steps, including providing liquidity support (both dollar and rupee), to ensure orderly conditions in financial markets," Rajan said.

All the 30 Sensex scripts at the Mumbai stock exchange were in the red at one point Friday. But by the end of the session some recovered.

The Indian rupee also fell to one dollar equaling 68 rupees Friday following news of the Brexit.

The Indian media reacted sharply to Brexit, saying it signals the rise of rightwing forces in western countries. Enditem
ANKARA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkish senior officials said Friday that Turkey is in favor of a strong and united Europe, with intention to join as an "equal and honorable" member, NTV reported.

Turkish Prime Minister Yildirim said he hopes the decision of British people will bring good results, after Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a referendum.

He also warned that the exit is "an expression of dissatisfaction," stressing the EU should assess its future vision accordingly.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek described in his twitter the choice of British people to leave the EU as an "opened Pandora's box."

Another Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli said that Britain's decision to leave EU marked "the beginning of the fragmentation" of the union, and "Britain is the first to abandon ship."

The referendum was held on Thursday pulling the country out of the bloc after 43 years of membership. As a result, uncertainties are increasing for Turkey's access to EU.

"If Turkey reach the phase of joining the EU as a full membership, we would ask Turkish people first," Yildirim replied to whether Turkey will hold a referendum of accession.

The President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted Wednesday that there could be a referendum in the near future on whether Turkey should continue its efforts to join EU if the bloc does not keep its promises.

The Foreign Minister Cavusoglu reiterated that Turkey's aim was to join the EU as "an equal and honorable member," stressing the EU should accept Turkey's full membership in this point.

The Minister for European Union Affairs and Chief Negotiator Omer Celik said Turkey is a European country and a key actor, despite not being a member of the union.

"European countries remain incapable of solving ongoing problems," he added. Enditem
JOHANNESBURG, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The South African government said on Friday it is making notable progress in stabilizing and stamping out acts of criminality in and around Pretoria, also known as Tshwane.

While the situation is generally calm in most parts of Tshwane; Mabopane and Soshanguve remain a hotspot, government spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said.

Pretoria and surrounding areas have been hit by violent protests since Sunday. The protests were sparked by the ruling African National Congress' (ANC's) decision to place former cabinet minister Thoko Didiza as its candidate for Pretoria mayor to replace current mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa in the local government elections, scheduled for August 3.

The protesters are unhappy with Didiza and preferred Ramokgopa as their mayor. But the ANC said it would not change its candidate.

The government has learnt with great sadness that two more people have lost their lives since violence broke out in Pretoria, bringing the total number of deaths thus far to five people, said Dlamini.

"We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives," he said.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths are under investigation by police, said Dlamini.

Police have arrested 150 suspects in connection with various crimes such as public violence, burglary, theft, possession of unlicensed firearms and the possession of suspected stolen property, according to Dlamini.

He said the country has democratic processes available to express any form of dissatisfaction by communities or any person.

"We would like to reassure members of the public that the law enforcement agencies will not rest until peace and calm is restored in the city," said Dlamini.

The government, he said, has also noted reports of children taking part in unlawful activities and wishes to appeal to parents that it is their obligation to ensure that their children are protected and kept safe.

The government urges the public to disregard the misinformation that is being circulated through texts or on social media and will continue to keep the nation informed through official channels of any developments, said Dlamini. Enditem
BRUSSELS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Brexit, or Britain's exit of the European Union (EU), is set to create chaos to the bloc's budget plan as well as ongoing capital market integration, bringing negative impact to the EU financial institutions and eventually weigh on the bloc's economy, experts say.

Britain is the fourth largest net contributor to the EU's budget, after Germany, France and Italy. This year, it would have to contribute 19.4 billion euros(21.59 billion U.S. dollars) to the EU budget and gain back rebate and custom duties worth 5 billion euros, accounting for around 5 percent of the bloc's budget.

Experts said the budget gap caused by Brexit has to be filled by other EU member states, of which Germany is expected to contribute the biggest share.

Brexit means Britain will leave the EU's would-be capital market union, which aims to remove barriers for investors and help mobilize money for infrastructure projects and, most importantly, SMEs.

With Britain, the fifth largest economy in the world, the EU's economy stands a little bit larger than the United States. Media reported that the EU's equity size is only half of the U.S.'s while its securities market is even less than a quarter of the U.S.'s.

Brexit is expected to be harmful to the EU's capital market union as Britain has long stood as a significant part of the EU's capital markets.

Meanwhile, experts cautioned that Brexit would as well have negative impact on the bloc's financial institutions.

For instance, the European Investment Bank (EIB), whose capital relies heavily on the bloc's major economic powers, is faced with the reduction of Britain's share which accounts for some 16 percent.

Brexit as well puts the bank's high rating on risk, leaving the bank's bond in a vulnerable position and may drive investors away to look for safer bonds.

Fortunately, Brexit's harm to the capital of European Central Bank (ECB) could be not so heavy as Britain is a non-Eurozone country.

Britain contributes 55 million euros to the ECB and is only required to contribute to the ECB's operational costs by paying at least 3.75 percent of its subscribed capital, according to Bruegel, an influential Brussels-based think tank.

"This means that the UK's contribution to the ECB is tiny, and it should be easy to disentangle it," said a report of Bruegel.

On the other hand, trade becomes another tricky issue. Britain's withdraw from the EU's single market is costly as it has to renegotiate trade agreements with the EU member states, 52 countries which enjoy preferential trade agreements with the EU, or with over 100 members of the World Trade Organization.

Economists warned that Brexit raises great uncertainties on the bloc's growth, which unfortunately is still sluggish.

Brexit will make an impact on EU's trade, raise risks in the bloc's financial sector and postpone investment, experts said, all in all, it was predicted that the growth of the bloc's gross domestic product may slow to 0.5 to 1.0 percent in 2017, compared with the previous predication of around 1.6 percent. Enditem
Photo taken on Jan. 29, 2016 shows the UK and EU flags outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

by Xinhua writer Rahul Venkit

BRUSSELS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from across European capitals expressed their dismay and surprise on Friday following the "sobering, unexpected" outcome of the Brexit referendum.

After Britain voted by a narrow margin to leave the European Union (EU), German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against "quick and easy conclusions."

She announced a European crisis meeting over the Brexit to be held on Monday in Berlin, to which she had invited EU Council President Donald Tusk, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and French President Francois Hollande.

"The European Union is strong enough to give the right answers to the present day," she said, adding Germany had a "special interest and a special responsibility that the European unity succeeds."

Meanwhile, leading German business groups on Friday urged measures be taken to limit the damage to bilateral economic relations between Germany and the UK.

In Athens, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called for imminent action to change course and rebuild a better European Union.

"It is undoubtedly a difficult day for Europe. The project of the European integration has suffered a major blow. The decision of the British people is respected, but it confirms a deep political crisis, an identity crisis and a crisis in the European strategy," he said.

Significantly, Tsipras said what was needed was a progressive alliance and more democracy to counter "arrogant" technocrats.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said on Friday it was a sad day but that "it should be an opportunity for the 27 countries of the European Union to reflect about what these results mean and the need to respond to the expectations of European citizens."

He also highlights that Portugal will continue in its efforts to promote peace, freedom, democracy, wellbeing and common development, which he points out are at the center of the European project.

During a plenary session in Strasbourg, the president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Pedro Agramunt said: "A bit of the European ideal has disappeared today following the British vote in favor of leaving the Union."

Affirming that the democratic decision of the referendum must be respected, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland said: "The best way forward now is for the EU, in accordance with its best traditions, to work together with the UK government to obtain the most acceptable outcome for the citizens of UK and Europe."

The mood in Poland was one showing more support to Britain. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Great Britain had the right to decide on its future in the EU.

"The voice of the British people should send a warning signal and mobilize us to take further action. The disillusionment with European integration and declining trust in the EU can be observed in some member states and is something we must counteract by bringing the Union closer to the citizens," it said in a statement.

Referring to the numerous Poles working and living within the UK, the ministry added: "We will aim for a solution that guarantees the rights such EU citizens have acquired," emphasizing Poles make a considerable contribution to the UK's economy.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the biggest lesson of Britain's referendum was that Brussels needed to listen to what the people were saying.

Orban said: "The British were trying to find a way to resist the migration wave and retain control of their own lives."

At the same time, he continued, Hungary was a member of the EU because it believes in a strong Europe. But, "Europe is only strong if it can offer the kind of responses to very significant issues such as migration that strengthen it, not weaken it."

Speaking to Xinhua in Vienna, former Austrian Vice-Chancellor Erhard Busek said he doesn't see the British decision as a rational choice.

"I think the decision of the British to leave the European Union is emotional, not rational," he said, adding Britain may find itself isolated without finding new partners in the world. But London's status as a financial center would not be easily changed.

Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann warned Friday that Switzerland's economy stands to be affected by the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU, with political uncertainties likely to hamper Bern's ongoing negotiations with Brussels.

Though not an EU member state, Switzerland participates in the EU single market as a party to the European Free Trade Association.

"The UK's decision will contribute to rising doubts on Europe's economic perspectives," Schneider-Amman said in a statement.

Countries aspiring to join the EU, such as Albania, called Britain's vote "a sad decision for the EU."

Albanian Minister of Integration Klajda Gjosha said: "It is sad for Albanians who aspire to join the EU. Although, as long as the EU project is underway, the process of enlargement will and should continue."

Aspiring to join the EU since 2004, Macedonia is concerned about the effects of the so-called Brexit on the EU integration process.

With the results of the referendum in the United Kingdom, Macedonia is losing an important ally within the EU and a supporter of its membership, the Macedonian Foreign Affairs Minister Nikola Poposki said.

"For Macedonia and for the Balkan as a whole it will mean losing a fierce supporter of the EU integration process. It becomes obvious that the remarks of the ones complaining for a democratic deficit in the EU's decision process have to be heard. But as a country we have to remain focused on our national interests," stated Poposki in Skopje.

In Bucharest, Romania expressed its solidarity with the EU project. "Romania stays attached to the European design. Romania is convinced that the EU must go on, it is a good project and we must be a part of it," Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov on Friday said the EU should conduct a thorough debate on its future and avoid a domino effect, adding the UK's choice caused "a deep disappointment."

In Slovenia, speaker of the Slovenian National Assembly Milan Brglez said the United Kingdom had set off on a path that will be "very hard and thorny."

He added the EU was the only right path for all European countries. "It is a path of democracy, peace and the rule of law. It is a path of economic development and prosperity."

Meanwhile, Slovak President Andrej Kiska said though he respects the will of the British people, he feels sorry about it.

"I'm personally sorry for this, but history hasn't come to a standstill, it goes on," said Kiska on Friday.

Echoing similar sentiments, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said: "It's no tragedy, but reality. The remaining 27 EU member countries now have to react quickly."

A lot of people in Europe reject the EU's migration and economic policy, he said. "We must propose more attractive approaches to issues that are being viewed negatively," said Fico.

Latvia's top officials voiced regret over the vote but expressed hope that the United Kingdom will remain an ally and partner of their country.

President of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis said: "The bloc's member states should do everything possible to retain the achievements of the integration process."
LAGOS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's security agencies have intensified massive joint operation in southern state of Cross Rivers to rescue five construction workers kidnapped on Wednesday.

Two Australians, one South African and two Nigerians, all staff of Machmahon Construction Company, were seized at Edundun bridge in Akpabuyo area of the state.

Macmahon Construction Company is one of the contracting firms to Lafarge Holcim Cement Company in Calabar, the state capital.

State police spokesperson, Irene Ugbo, said the authority had deployed a team of intelligence officers to strategic places across the state to rescue the victims and arrest the kidnappers.

According to him, the police will do its best to ensure that the victims are released unharmed and the kidnappers arrested.

Abduction is common in Nigeria. Over 300 foreigners and ransom-able citizens have been seized in the Niger Delta since 2006. Almost all have been released unharmed after paying a ransom. Enditem
British Prime Minister David Cameron delivers a speech at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, June 24, 2016. Britain Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday morning announced his intention to resign after his country has voted to leave the European Union. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

by Xinhua writer Rahul Venkit

BRUSSELS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from across European capitals expressed their dismay and surprise on Friday following the "sobering, unexpected" outcome of the Brexit referendum.

After Britain voted by a narrow margin to leave the European Union (EU), German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against "quick and easy conclusions."

She announced a European crisis meeting over the Brexit to be held on Monday in Berlin, to which she had invited EU Council President Donald Tusk, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and French President Francois Hollande.

"The European Union is strong enough to give the right answers to the present day," she said, adding Germany had a "special interest and a special responsibility that the European unity succeeds."

Meanwhile, leading German business groups on Friday urged measures be taken to limit the damage to bilateral economic relations between Germany and the UK.

In Athens, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called for imminent action to change course and rebuild a better European Union.

"It is undoubtedly a difficult day for Europe. The project of the European integration has suffered a major blow. The decision of the British people is respected, but it confirms a deep political crisis, an identity crisis and a crisis in the European strategy," he said.

Significantly, Tsipras said what was needed was a progressive alliance and more democracy to counter "arrogant" technocrats.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said on Friday it was a sad day but that "it should be an opportunity for the 27 countries of the European Union to reflect about what these results mean and the need to respond to the expectations of European citizens."

He also highlights that Portugal will continue in its efforts to promote peace, freedom, democracy, wellbeing and common development, which he points out are at the center of the European project.

During a plenary session in Strasbourg, the president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Pedro Agramunt said: "A bit of the European ideal has disappeared today following the British vote in favor of leaving the Union."

Affirming that the democratic decision of the referendum must be respected, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland said: "The best way forward now is for the EU, in accordance with its best traditions, to work together with the UK government to obtain the most acceptable outcome for the citizens of UK and Europe."

The mood in Poland was one showing more support to Britain. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Great Britain had the right to decide on its future in the EU.

"The voice of the British people should send a warning signal and mobilize us to take further action. The disillusionment with European integration and declining trust in the EU can be observed in some member states and is something we must counteract by bringing the Union closer to the citizens," it said in a statement.

Referring to the numerous Poles working and living within the UK, the ministry added: "We will aim for a solution that guarantees the rights such EU citizens have acquired," emphasizing Poles make a considerable contribution to the UK's economy.

European Council President Donald Tusk speaks at a news conference on the results of Britain's EU referendum at the EU Council building in Brussels, Belgium, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/The European Union)

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the biggest lesson of Britain's referendum was that Brussels needed to listen to what the people were saying.

Orban said: "The British were trying to find a way to resist the migration wave and retain control of their own lives."

At the same time, he continued, Hungary was a member of the EU because it believes in a strong Europe. But, "Europe is only strong if it can offer the kind of responses to very significant issues such as migration that strengthen it, not weaken it."

Speaking to Xinhua in Vienna, former Austrian Vice-Chancellor Erhard Busek said he doesn't see the British decision as a rational choice.

"I think the decision of the British to leave the European Union is emotional, not rational," he said, adding Britain may find itself isolated without finding new partners in the world. But London's status as a financial center would not be easily changed.

Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann warned Friday that Switzerland's economy stands to be affected by the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU, with political uncertainties likely to hamper Bern's ongoing negotiations with Brussels.

Though not an EU member state, Switzerland participates in the EU single market as a party to the European Free Trade Association.

"The UK's decision will contribute to rising doubts on Europe's economic perspectives," Schneider-Amman said in a statement.

Countries aspiring to join the EU, such as Albania, called Britain's vote "a sad decision for the EU."

Albanian Minister of Integration Klajda Gjosha said: "It is sad for Albanians who aspire to join the EU. Although, as long as the EU project is underway, the process of enlargement will and should continue."

Aspiring to join the EU since 2004, Macedonia is concerned about the effects of the so-called Brexit on the EU integration process.

With the results of the referendum in the United Kingdom, Macedonia is losing an important ally within the EU and a supporter of its membership, the Macedonian Foreign Affairs Minister Nikola Poposki said.

"For Macedonia and for the Balkan as a whole it will mean losing a fierce supporter of the EU integration process. It becomes obvious that the remarks of the ones complaining for a democratic deficit in the EU's decision process have to be heard. But as a country we have to remain focused on our national interests," stated Poposki in Skopje.

In Bucharest, Romania expressed its solidarity with the EU project. "Romania stays attached to the European design. Romania is convinced that the EU must go on, it is a good project and we must be a part of it," Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov on Friday said the EU should conduct a thorough debate on its future and avoid a domino effect, adding the UK's choice caused "a deep disappointment."

In Slovenia, speaker of the Slovenian National Assembly Milan Brglez said the United Kingdom had set off on a path that will be "very hard and thorny."

He added the EU was the only right path for all European countries. "It is a path of democracy, peace and the rule of law. It is a path of economic development and prosperity."

Meanwhile, Slovak President Andrej Kiska said though he respects the will of the British people, he feels sorry about it.

"I'm personally sorry for this, but history hasn't come to a standstill, it goes on," said Kiska on Friday.

Echoing similar sentiments, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said: "It's no tragedy, but reality. The remaining 27 EU member countries now have to react quickly."

A lot of people in Europe reject the EU's migration and economic policy, he said. "We must propose more attractive approaches to issues that are being viewed negatively," said Fico.

Latvia's top officials voiced regret over the vote but expressed hope that the United Kingdom will remain an ally and partner of their country.

President of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis said: "The bloc's member states should do everything possible to retain the achievements of the integration process."
Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (C) meets with EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik (R) with European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans in Antalya, Turkey, May 27, 2016. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

ANKARA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkish senior officials said Friday that Turkey is in favor of a strong and united Europe, with intention to join as an "equal and honorable" member, NTV reported.

Turkish Prime Minister Yildirim said he hopes the decision of British people will bring good results, after Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a referendum.

He also warned that the exit is "an expression of dissatisfaction," stressing the EU should assess its future vision accordingly.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek described in his twitter the choice of British people to leave the EU as an "opened Pandora's box."

Another Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli said that Britain's decision to leave EU marked "the beginning of the fragmentation" of the union, and "Britain is the first to abandon ship."

The referendum was held on Thursday pulling the country out of the bloc after 43 years of membership. As a result, uncertainties are increasing for Turkey's access to EU.

"If Turkey reach the phase of joining the EU as a full membership, we would ask Turkish people first," Yildirim replied to whether Turkey will hold a referendum of accession.

The President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted Wednesday that there could be a referendum in the near future on whether Turkey should continue its efforts to join EU if the bloc does not keep its promises.

The Foreign Minister Cavusoglu reiterated that Turkey's aim was to join the EU as "an equal and honorable member," stressing the EU should accept Turkey's full membership in this point.

The Minister for European Union Affairs and Chief Negotiator Omer Celik said Turkey is a European country and a key actor, despite not being a member of the union.

"European countries remain incapable of solving ongoing problems," he said.
A small group of Anti-Brexit protesters protest opposite Downing Street in central London following the UK's decision to leave the EU, in central London on June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

ANKARA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The choice of the British people to leave the European Union (EU) may negatively influence Turkey's bid for full membership to the bloc and introduce a new model of relationship for Ankara, according to Local experts.

"Britain's departure may further delay Turkey's accession process which has already slow pace with decades-long negotiations to join the bloc," Turkish columnist Serkan Demirtas said.

"Brexit would introduce ideas of special relationship between the EU and the non-member countries such as Turkey," he said, as there are a quite number of Turkey-skeptics in the union.

"Britain was a main country of the TransAtlantic wing of the EU. Its departure is a strategical loss for Turkey," said Serhat Guvenc, Professor of Kadir Has University.

He added that due to Britain's belonging to TranslAatnaltic wing of the EU, it has always supported NATO member Turkey's relations with the EU. In the long term, Turkey will lost its supporter inside the EU.

After the UK's departure, Turkey would be a key country for the EU, Turkish Minister for EU Affairs Omer Celik said on Friday.

"The EU needs a fresh injection. The UK's departure has not been good for the continent and the world," he said.

In the short term, negative impact of Britain's departure on bilateral economic relations with Turkey as exports of the latter might decrease, Sinan Ulgen, chairman of Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies said.

Britain is Turkey's second largest export market. Turkish exports to Britain constitutes 7 percent of its total exports.

He also said that Turkey even have seen negative impact of the Brexit today, referring to increase of US dollar value against Turkish Lira on the day of referendum in Britain.

Turkey's total exports to Britain worth a total of 10.6 billion US dollars, while imports worth a total of 5.5 billion dollars.

Brexit's long term effects on Turkey will be more significant, since Britain's new model of relationship with the bloc after its departure would inspire for Turkey's future ties with the EU,according to Ulgen's research.

A deep bilateral relationship that the EU and Britain would establish could be a model for Turkey, a candidate country that cannot overcome deadlock in full membership negotiations, Ulgen stated.

He added that a unique relation model of future Britain-EU could set a precedent for Turkey-EU future relations.

Turkish-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry Remzi Gur also warns of decrease in volume of Turkey's exports to Britain, adding British Sterling would lose value after the county leaves the EU.

Turkey and the UK would have to seal a new free trade agreement if London also leaves Customs Union of the EU, Sait Akman from Turkish Economic Policy Research Foundation (TEPAV) said.

Akman recalled negotiations between the EU and Turkey which aims to upgrade current Customs Union agreement and said the process might delay after Britain's departure since the bloc would be busy with its internal problems.
DHAKA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank or AIIB has approved 165 million U.S. dollars in loans for a Bangladesh project - the first batch of loan for the country from the China-led development bank.

The banks Board of Directors Friday approved its first 4 loans totaling 509 million U.S.dollars to finance 4 projects including that one of Bangladesh.

Three of the 4 projects are co-financing operations with multilateral development bank (MDB) partners, said the global lender in a website post on Friday.

The three other approved loans are a 216.5 million U.S. dollars loan for Indonesia, a 100 million U.S. dollars loan for Pakistan and a 27.5 million loan for Tajikistan.

AIIBs President Jin Liqun noted, I am delighted to announce that AIIBs Board of Directors has today just six months after the Banks inauguration -- approved the first group of loans. These projects, which span the energy, urban development and transport sectors, will help to bridge the regions critical infrastructure financing gap and strengthen regional connectivity. We are very pleased that three of these projects are joint co-financing operations with our development partners, ADB, EBRD and the World Bank. This has been an outstanding and tangible demonstration of multilateral cooperation that has expanded the pool of financing available to our joint member countries. We are working on a number of additional projects and look forward to bringing them to our Board for its approval later this year.

The Banks Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, DJ Pandian, welcomed the new investments noting, The Bank places tremendous importance on ensuring that its investments lead to positive results and measureable outcomes for its clients and will improve the lives of the millions of people in the different regions of Asia.

The Bank, which supports infrastructure development and regional connectivity in Asia, is targeting lending of approximately 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2016.

Three of the 4 projects are co-financing operations with multilateral development bank (MDB) partners.

The approved loans are:

216.5 million U.S. dollars loan for a National Slum Upgrading Project in Indonesia, expected to be co-financed with the World Bank;

100 million U.S. dollars loan to finance the Shorkot-Khanewal Section of National Motorway M-4 in Pakistan, co-financed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Kingdoms Department for International Development (DFID); and

27.5 million U.S. dollars loan for the Dushanbe-Uzbekistan Border Road Improvement Project in Tajikistan, co-financed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); a165 million U.S. dollars loan for a Power Distribution System Upgrade and Expansion Project in Bangladesh;

Bangladesh's highest economic policy-making body, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, last month approved the project.

Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal told reporters that the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) and the Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO) are entrusted to implement the project.

The project is designed to expand electricity coverage by providing 2.5 million new service connections in rural areas and upgrade grid substations and convert overhead distribution lines into underground cables in northern Dhaka.

The AIIB said in a website post that the project will supplement other development partner efforts by providing additional financial resources to connect more rural and urban consumers, further reduce distribution losses, and improve the quality and reliability of power supply in Bangladesh.

"The project, upon completion, is expected to benefit about 12.5 million people in rural areas," it added.

Officials say Bangladesh is looking to AIIB as the country, which has already identified inadequate electricity supply as a major constraint on GDP growth, and overall economic development, is in a dire need for more funds to develop mega infrastructure projects.

They said Bangladesh is now keen to explore alternative sources like AIIB which is expected to offer more loan than other traditional international lending agencies.

AIIB, launched formally in December last year, is an international financial institution that particularly aims to support the building of infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region.

The AIIB expects to lend 10 to 15 billion U.S. dollars a year to members for at least five years.
The top of the Flint Water Plant tower is seen in Flint, Michigan February 7, 2016. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Blood lead levels in young children in Flint, Michigan were significantly elevated after the source of the U.S. city's water supply was switched to the highly corrosive local river, according to a government report released Friday.

After the switch back to the Detroit water system, the percentage of children under six years with higher blood lead levels returned to levels seen before the water switch took place, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in its report.

"This crisis was entirely preventable, and a startling reminder of the critical need to eliminate all sources of lead from our children's environment," Patrick Breysse, director of CDC's National Center for Environmental Health, said in a statement.

To understand the impact of consuming contaminated drinking water on children's blood lead levels, CDC researchers examined data on levels of lead in blood of children younger than six years before, during and after the switch in Flint's water source.

The current CDC blood lead level of concern is five or more micrograms of lead per deciliter (g/dL) of blood.

From April 25, 2014, to Oct. 15, 2015, the period when the Flint River was used for drinking water, lead levels in the city's tap water increased over time and analysis of children's blood samples detected an increase in blood lead levels higher than five g/dL.

The likelihood that a child consuming the water would have a blood lead level greater than five g/dL was nearly 50 percent higher after the switch to Flint River water, the CDC said.

The agency urged Flint residents to use lead-certified water filters on their household taps to get water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth.

While regular household tap water can be used for bathing and showering because lead is not absorbed into the skin, parents should watch young children to prevent them from drinking bath water, it added.

The Flint water crisis started in April 2014, when a cost-cutting decision diverted the city's water source from treated Detroit Water to the polluted Flint River.

The corrosive Flint River water caused lead from aging pipes to leach into the water supply, resulting in extremely elevated levels of the heavy metal.

Criminal charges have been filed against three officials, including two of Michigan's environmental regulators.
Traders work at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Frankfurt, Germany, on June 24, 2016, after Britain voted to leave EU in a historic referendum. (Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)

FRANKFURT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Britain's vote to leave the European Union sent shock waves across European stock markets on Friday.

The result came as a surprise to European stock markets, which saw slumps in nearly every major index. The Euro Stoxx index plummeted by 8.62 percent, France CAC 40 down by 8.04 percent, FTSE 100 by 3.2 percent and Germany's DAX index 6.82 percent.

Meanwhile, Spain's IBEX-35 plunged 12.35 percent at Friday's closing time, a record one-day drop in its history. The result of the British referendum was met by an immediate fall in share values on the Spanish stock market with Spanish banks seeing up to about 20 percent knocked off their shares.

Commenting on the result, Deutsche Bank AG CEO John Cryan said in a written statement that it was not a good day for Europe and negative on all sides.

Stock markets in Europe were hit hard since the opening of the trading day. The DAX index opened at 9,237.62 points, nearly 1,000 points or 10 percent lower. At one point, the FTSE 100 index dropped by 8.7 percent. The slump is so rare in history that some people call it another "Black Friday."

The pound recorded a loss of 8 percent, the biggest in history. The euro also fell by a relatively smaller margin to the U.S. dollar.

The risk aversion sentiment of investors put pressures on so-called "safe haven" assets. Switzerland's central bank on Friday confirmed that it had to intervene in the foreign exchange market to weaken its currency Swiss franc.

The yields of the sovereign bonds fell, with 2-year German bonds down by 8.6 basis points, 2-year French bonds down by 6.6 basis points. The yield of 2-year UK bonds went down by 26 basis points.

The European Central Bank (ECB) took note of the turbulence on the financial market and issued a statement. With an aim to stabilize the market, the ECB said it stands ready to provide additional liquidity, if needed, in euro and foreign currencies.

Banks suffered great losses in their share prices. Deutsche Bank fell by 14.13 percent and Commerzbank lost 12.9 percent. The ECB insists that the euro area banking system is resilient in terms of capital and liquidity.

Although the market has been "taken by surprise," the foreign exchange market has not shifted into a panic mode, said Commerzbank chief economist Joerg Kraemer in a note on Friday.

The response of the market was "strong but not panicky," he said.

According to Kraemer, the main concern for the British economy in the negotiations of Brexit will be retaining access to the EU single market.

The Brexit will also cost the financial hub London a lot. According to a survey conducted by Mannheim Centre for European Economic Research among 200 financial analysts earlier, 90.3 percent of survey participants expect a negative or even very negative outcome for London.
TASHKENT, June 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (3rd R) and leaders of other Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states pose for a group photo before the 16th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

TASHKENT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) vowed on Friday to raise the regional cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

The heads of state of the SCO signed the Tashkent Declaration of the 15th Anniversary of the SCO at the 16th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, a two-day summit in Tashkent.

The leaders noted that the SCO cooperation has produced fruitful results and that "all preconditions are in place now" to upgrade the cooperation, according to a report on the outcomes of the meeting.

The new level of cooperation will be "characterized by increasing the efficiency of cooperation in the spheres of politics, security, economy, development of cultural and humanitarian ties," said the report.

The leaders at the meeting also reaffirmed that the organization, currently grouping China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, is open for accession by interested states which meet the criteria and conditions.

PAIRING OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

The leaders noted that the world economy is still suffering from the effects of the global financial and economic crisis.

The SCO member states should "strive for a profound transformation of the global economy through large-scale, structural reforms, diversified and improving competitiveness of economies and innovative development on a long-term basis," they said.

The significant potential for trade and economic relations and investment cooperation within the SCO framework, accumulated over the past 15 years, provides for the expansion of the cooperation, they said.

The member states vowed to seek the pairing of their national development strategies and strengthen the cooperation in their economic and trade programs.

The leaders reaffirmed the support for the Silk Road Economic Belt, a regional development initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 that seeks to boost regional economic activities by linking China with Europe through Central and Western Asia by inland routes.

They promised to jointly construct the Silk Road Economic Belt, which they said can be one of the tools for facilitating regional economic cooperation.

The member states also agreed to continue mutually beneficial multi-faceted cooperation in energy, transport corridors, public health, science and technology, education, environmental protection, sports, tourism and preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

SECURITY COOPERATION REMAINS ONE OF PRIORITIES

The leaders at the Tashkent summit held important consensus on security cooperation.

The SCO member states called for joint and consolidated efforts and comprehensive measures to deal with the growing threat of international terrorism and extremism and address their root causes.

It remains one of the priorities of the SCO cooperation to fight against the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism in all their manifestations, illicit drug production and trafficking, smuggling of arms, ammunition and explosives, as well as proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and various means of delivery.

The heads of state voiced their support for the early adoption of the United Nations Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

They also voiced support for closer cooperation in fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism, curbing the spread of extremist ideology, especially among the youth, and preventing ethnic, racial, religious discrimination and xenophobia. The member states will continue working on the preparation of the SCO Convention on Combating Extremism, which will be an important part of the legal basis of the cooperation in this regard.

The SCO member states also pledged concerted work in combating transnational organized crime, as well as crimes that make use of modern information and communication technologies.

STEADY PROGRESS TOWARD BLOC EXPANSION

The SCO member states signed memoranda on obligations of India and Pakistan to obtain the SCO member state status, a key step in the process of the two countries' moving towards SCO membership.

The move will enrich the potential of the SCO and contribute to the enhancement of its role in the international arena, they said.

The member states stand ready to continue improving the mechanism of regular consultations with the observer states and dialogue partners.

They reiterated that activities of the organization are not directed against other states or international organizations, and that they are willing to develop contacts and cooperation with other countries, and regional and global organizations that share the goals of the SCO Charter and other fundamental documents.

They stressed the importance of enhancing mechanisms of global governance based on the UN Charter, so as to achieve a fairer and more equitable world order.

The member states said they are committed to further strengthening the central coordinating role of the UN in international relations, and support consultations in search of a "package solution" to the reform of the UN Security Council.

They welcomed the beginning of the practical implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.

Related:

Xi puts forward five-point proposal to consolidate, deepen SCO cooperation

TASHKENT, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a five-point proposal Friday for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to consolidate unity and mutual trust, and deepen comprehensive cooperation.

Speaking at the 16th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Uzbek capital Tashkent, Xi hailed the remarkable achievements of the regional bloc since its establishment 15 years ago. Full Story

Backgrouder: Xi's key remarks at recent SCO summits

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to deliver a speech Friday at the 16th summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent.
Shot Arouca man succumbs to injuries

Randy Roopan was at Railway Road, Arouca, near the Priority Bus Route liming with friends when a gunman approached and shot him five times.

He was rushed to the Arima Health Centre then transferred to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EW MSC) in Mt Hope.

After being warded for four days in critical condition, Roopan finally succumbed to his wounds on Saturday.

His body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James for an autopsy.

He fight for life from Tuesday to about quarter past nine on Saturday morning, said Vishal Roopan, the victims brother.

He went to pick up his girlfriend who was working nearby when a man just come up and shoot him. We have no idea why this happened.

He never did wrong to anyone. All he ever did was work and come home. Roopans brother told Newsday yesterday that the victim was an employee of Grand Bay Paper Products located in Malabar.

He added that Roopan was originally from Arouca, but recently moved to Malabar.

While relatives of the slain man are still coming to terms with his death and say they are baffled as to why he was killed, police are working on a theory that the shooting may be drug related.

No arrest has been made and investigations are continuing.
Cops demand speedy, fair trial for Insp Seales

Seales was charged under Chapter 11:04 Section 4 (1) (B) of the Sedition Act for the offence which is alleged to have taken place on June 24, 2015 at Independence Square in Port-of-Spain. The call came from PSWA President candidate Ag Cpl Darlington Emmerson Francis who is the leader of the Police for Police slate. In a statement, Francis said the charge which Inspector Seales is facing is a serious one and carries a fine of $5,000 and/or two years imprisonment.

The fact that the Director of Public Prosecution gave instructions to charge Inspector Seales means there is sufficient evidence to put Inspector Seales before the courts, the Police 4 Police release stated as it called for a speedy but fair trial.

The release also called attention to posts on social media websites seeking to elicit a sympathy vote for Insp Seales in the PSWA elections.

Seales is contesting the post of PSWA president on a different slate which contains incumbent executive members of the Association.

Ag Cpl Francis, in the release, reminded police officers that Insp Seales is not a human rights activist or an anti- apartheid activist.
I was set up

Senior State attorney Shabaana Shah kept Hosten all day yesterday on the witness box.

Hosten of Bamboo Village, Cedros is on trial before Justice Carla Brown Antoine and a jury of 12, for stabbing Krysta to death on January 20, 2004.

The State is alleging that Lackpatsingh was at her Limefield Road, Cedros when at about 3 pm on the day in question, Hosten stabbed her to death shortly after she acceded to his request to pick some portugal near the house.

Krystas parents are Steve Lackpatsingh, Dean of Discipline at the Cedros Secondary School and Jade Lackpatsingh, who is a retired principal of Cedros Anglican Primary School. Both parents have already testified at the trial.

Opting to give evidence in his defence, Shah began her cross-examination of Hosten on Wednesday morning. She continued yesterday and will do so again next Monday when the trial resumes.

(See Page 16A) In answer to Shah about his confession to police in which he had outlined in detail how he went about the attack, Hosten said that his fellow villager Elai Aziz, had told him he (Hosten) would have to take the rap for the murder. He tell me to say that I went by Steve house for orange and how I stab up the girl and I put ah knife in she hand. And, I went upstairs and take $1,500 from a purse, Hosten testified.

He added, however, that Aziz threatened to kill his (Hosten) brother if he did not comply with giving such a statement to the police.

But State counsel Shah asked Hosten about his detailed description of what happened, which he admitted that Aziz did not tell him to say those things. He also testified to making up key pieces of information in his witness statement.

Shah: You pushed the door and she (Krysta) fell down? Hosten: I made that up.

Shah: You said in your statement, you gave she some fine chooks with the knife.

What you mean by chooks? Hosten: He tell me to say I stab she all over she body.

Shah: In your statement, you said she was saying, stop.

Hosten: I made that up.

Shah: You said it was a black purse. Did Elai tell you the colour of the purse? Hosten: I made up the colour.
Vicky to stay 7 more days at St Anns

This was told to a senior magistrate yesterday in the San Fernando Magistrates court before whom Boodram re-appeared on recent fraud charges laid against her; which follows over 109 fraud charges that are also pending.

The new charges resulted in her re-arrest on May 1 at the back of the San Fernando High Court and magistrates court. She was denied bail and Boodram has since been in custody at the Womens Prison in Arouca. Boodram, 38, of Siparia, is already facing over 109 charges relating to the sale of tickets for a cruise which was advertised by her company - Boodram Travels & Ship Ahoy Services. She was out on bail in the sum of close to $1.5 million before being re-arrested.

Upon her appearance on June 9, in court on the fresh charges before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John, attorney Jason Jackson had requested that Boodram be sent to St Anns for psychiatric evaluation.

The attorney submitted that in order for him to take proper instructions and based on information from the Siparia District Medical Officer of Health, a psychiatric evaluation of Boodram was needed.

Magistrate Forde- John obliged but yesterday when Boodram re-appeared before her attorney Perusha Lord, who held brief for Jackson, said that St Anns Hospital needed more time, at least seven days, to continue its assessment of Boodram and compile a report. Boodram stood up in front of the magistrate in handcuffs, having been escorted by a female police officer. Magistrate Forde-John postponed the cases to June 30, when it is expected that the hospital would have a written report for the court.
No end in sight for stolen guns probe

The question about the theft was put to Williams by chairman of the National Security joint select committee (JSC), Works and Transport Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, during a public hearing held on Wednesday at Tower D of the Port-of-Spain International Centre.

In response to a question on this matter from Hinds, Forensic Science Centre Director Arlette Lewis indicated the actual number of firearms stolen may be 41 and not 40 as reported in the media. Lewis indicated the theft occurred between July and August 2014, and was reported to the police. She said security was beefed up at the Centre following the incident and one of the measures taken was the introduction of electronic access to labs (including the use of biometrics).

Following up on Lewis statement, Ag CoP Williams indicated the investigation is continuing.

This prompted Hinds to observe that soon, two years would have come since the start of the police probe.

Asked whether there was any hope in sight, Williams could not give an affirimative reply.

Indicating the creation of an effective DNA databank would help law enforcement agencies to make a major dent in the wanton criminality taking place in TT, Hinds asked Williams whether he agreed there was a possibility that criminal elements could seek to infiltrate such agencies.

Williams agreed this was a global issue and something local law enforcement would guard against.

The Acting CoP disagreed with Hinds that the police was silent on this issue. Williams said the DNA Act did not stand alone and he was unaware of any regulation to accompany it. In response, Hinds waxed biblical. Ask and it shall be given unto you! Hinds explained there were provisions in the Act which required no regulations yet were not being followed.

Chief Parliamentary Counsel Ian MacIntyre said the regulations were drafted in 2015 under the now defunct Justice Ministry and hoped they would be finalised soon by the National Security Ministry.

Noting the post of custodian for the DNA databank remains vacant, Hinds stressed the importance of proper checks to ensure persons applying for such a position have no criminal background. He suggested the testing of a little bit of hair or a little bit of blood against recorded profiles be done in this exercise
Murder accused testifies in own defence

However, the accused told Justice Carla Brown-Antoine that contrary to what he had given in his cautionary statement, he did not walked to the victims house.

Hosten is alleged to have knocked on the door of the Lackpatsinghs home and when Krysta answered, he asked if Steve was at home. Steve Lackpatsingh is Krystas father and the Dean of Discipline at the Cedros Secondary School. The girls mother, Jade, is a retired principal of the Cedros Anglican Primary School.

Hosten is alleged to have asked Krystra to pick portugals and in consenting, she told him not to raid the tree. After Hosten was led in evidence by his attorney Rekha Ramjit, instructed by attorney Gina Ramjohn, Senior State Attorney Shabaana Shah cross-examined the accused. He admitted that he took a smoke, but denied that he had walked towards the Lackpatsings home. Hosten answered, Yes, I did take a smoke, but I did not went up by Steve house. The statement is what somebody else tell me to say. I was frightened for my life maam.
German envoy backs TT rock band

LYNCHPiN won the Wacken Open Air Metal Battle Caribbean competition on April 30, and will travel to Wacken, Germany in August to participate in the Wacken Open Air heavy metal music festival.

Staff members at the German Embassy subsequently took note of the bands triumphant announcement on their Facebook page and gave LYNCHPiN their support, which in turn attracted scores of new online followers and fans to the band.

LYNCHPiN members: Jignesh Jiggy Khatri, Aaron Maharaj, Sievan Siewsarran and Gerard Ferreira were quite pleasantly surprised when they saw that the German Embassy had liked their page.

I saw it first, Siewsarran admitted jovially, and I was like: aye guys, look the German Embassy has liked our page by mistake! Embassy staff also brought the achievement to the attention of G?rgens, who then agreed to meet with the band after members made a formal request to have an audience with him.

Congratulations, G?rgens said. This is a momentous event and a great achievement for you to be the first from the region to play at this festival. We will follow your progress and link your achievements on our website and give you as much support as we can After exchanging gift bags and pleasantries, G?rgens chatted with the band for about 20 minutes, reliving their experiences to date and hearing their plans for the festival and the immediate future.

For a heavy metal band from Trinidad this opportunity is a leap into the future, Ferreira said.

There are so many musicians who dream of just being able to attend Wacken  much less for being able to perform there  and there are so many who have lived and died without ever achieving either feat. So for us this is the chance of multiple lifetimes  not just a lifetime! We have each individually dreamt of being able to do this, so its so surreal now that its actually happening... More than just a musicians dream-come-true, for LYNCHPiN this showcase performance in Wacken is the result of years of hard work and sacrifice, countless hours of practice and no small measure of financial strain. The band will travel to Germany by air and train and is currently preparing to host a fund-raising concert event at Space La Nouba on July 9. Our last show at Shakers was great, so were hoping to top that in terms of the numbers and the amount of funds raised Because this trip to Germany isnt cheap at all and were not sure whats going to happen while were there either, so we may need to stay out for some extra time, or may need to make a strategic investment if another opportunity arises Maharaj said.

We cant go that far and not be prepared, added Khatri.

Ambassador told us that many of the European labels will be present and observing the bands carefully at Wacken  and being that were the first and only band from the Caribbean, we are going to be highlighted as something to watch and look forward to. So aside from the actual music, we need to be ready to take advantage of this notoriety and really represent well for Trinidad and the entire region. To support LYNCHPiN and their groundbreaking trip to Wacken, Germany, log on and Like their Facebook page and other social media accounts @ lynchpintt, email: lynchpintt@ gmail.com.
$3M funding for Eid celebrations

Culture, Community Development and Arts Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly made the announcement at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, Port-of-Spain.

She explained that these organisations would have received money in the previous year for the celebration of this most important celebration. July 6 has been declared as the public holiday for Eid. Gadsby- Dolly indicated other requests for support and funding for Eid have been made to the ministry and they are being considered.

Asked if she was concerned about complaints by any of these groups regarding the level of support and funding they receive, the minister said, Government can only do as much as it is able to and Im certain that the money that we are distributing will be used for the purposes for which they were assigned. She added, I dont anticipate that there should be any fallout from this. On the respective allocation of $225,000 by her ministry and $65,000 by the Tourism Ministry to the Soca on the Seas initiative, Gadsby-Dolly said, Both ministries did analyses of the monies that were allocated and what was allocated at this point in time was sufficient to do what we think...

which is the promotion of our culture and so on. Against this backdrop, she said, there was no need to add additional monies to what was already given. Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe first disclosed these allocations at the post-Cabinet briefing on June 16.

Gadsby-Dolly said the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain, which was closed under the former Peoples Partnership government, remains closed and work at the facility is ongoing. She explained that because NAPA is currently considered as a construction site, no other activities are taking place there.

The minister also said a maintenance schedule has been created for the NAPA South Campus
Babwah: Foreign Used industry failing

Babwah also pointed out that hybrid and electric vehicles had not been granted the tax exemption as promised by the Minister of Finance in his mid-year review and alleged that the Minister had to get approval from Caricoms Council of Trade and Economic Development.

The Minister of Finance, he, at the midterm review, said with immediate effect the taxes of the hybrid and electric vehicles were to be exempted, with immediate effect and dealers have purchased vehicles in Japan, and it is now 3-4 months and we have not gotten that exemption, Babwah said, adding, it cannot be applied. So if we import these vehicles, we still have to pay the normal taxes.

And in the same vein , he has increased the taxes on the 2,000 cc and over engine and we have to pay the higher taxes, so it is only working one way, so we have to pay the higher taxes but with the exemption, we are not getting it, he said.

He continued: We are hearing now he has to go to Council of Trade and Economic Development, (COTED) which is based in Guyana, so we are hearing that COTED has to approve that. The Minister should have get that approval before he went and made a public announcement. And regarding the lowering of the importation age of vehicles from 6 to 4 years, he said dealers were unable to source vehicles which are four years old as the prices were extremely high.
Oil and Gas discussion on TT energy sector

TOGY, in a statement issued yesterday (Thursday), said Energy Minister, Nicole Olivierre, spoke of TTs need to refocus our drive on local content and engage local banks as well as finance companies to support the growth of the locally owned energy sector. Olivierre also expressed her appreciation to the publication for organising our first strategic stakeholders consultation for the countrys energy industry. The panel discussions were moderated by Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Tomas Bermudez.

Apart from the Energy Minister, panellists included Energy Chamber CEO, Dr Thackwray Driver, Chairman of the NGC Group of Companies, Gerry Brooks, Regional President of bpTT, Norman Christie and Vice-President and Country Chair of Shell TT and Shell Venezuela, Luis Prado.

TOGY said the event held at Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain this past Wednesday (June 22), brought attention to topics of key importance such as the most productive utilisation of Trinidads natural gas resources, the importance of on-going collaboration talks with Venezuela on cross border natural gas development, small and marginal field development, maximising production using low cost strategies and technologies, and facilitating the growth of the locally owned energy sector. An edited version of the discussion will be published in The Oil & Gas Year Trinidad & Tobago 2016, which is due to be launched in the third quarter of this year; July to September.

TOGY is a leading supplier of information and communication services to the global energy industry, producing individual reports per country in more than 34 hydrocarbon markets around the world.

It said The Oil & Gas Year Trinidad & Tobago 2016 book will provide in-depth analysis of this countrys energy sector as seen through the eyes of its leading energy executives.

TOGY distributes copies to more than 69,000 readers in 101 countries.
NTAC meets on Vision 2030

The meeting took place at the offices of the Planning and Development Ministry at the Eric Williams Financial Complex in Port-of-Spain.

In a release, the ministry said the meeting dealt with effective implementation of Vision 2030 (government policy) and enhancing the level of productivity in all sectors of national endeavour.

At the meeting, Petrotrin President Fitzroy Harewood presented an overview of the oil and gas sector to the council. NTAC also began discussions on Vision 2030.

The council presented recommendations to the ministrys team to further enhance national development in a global perspective.

The team assured that the Vision 2030 plan is well within the set completion time frame of June 30 for Cabinets deliberations.

As such it is expected to guide the Governments 2016/2017 Budget presentation.

Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson- Regis, who is also NTAC chairman, expressed confidence that through continued tripartite relations the Vision 2030 plan will be excitable and implementable while bringing forth meaningful impact to national development.

NTAC next meets on July 5.
Cabinet approves 15 scholarships

He said the 15 students who were granted the scholarships graduated with first class honours from one of the five universities around this region. He identified the University of the West Indies (UWI), the University of the Southern Caribbean, the University of TT, and the University of Guyana. Indicating that Cabinet had some concerns about a previous decision on scholarships taken by its Peoples Partnership predecessor, Garcia said Cabinet decided to revert back to a 2008 decision taken by the then Patrick Manning administration, which simply stated that all persons who were eligible for post-graduate scholarships leading up to the doctorate level would be allowed to pursue these scholarships. He also disclosed that Cabinet decided that if there were students who obtained first class honours in the 2010-2015 period, and they were denied scholarships, they will now be invited to apply and we will give consideration to them. Garcia stressed, We want to ensure that all those persons who have qualified for these schols that they are in fact able to access these scholarships.

Asked about an alleged scholarship scandal which occurred under a former Peoples National Movement government, Garcia said, There was no scandal with respect to those scholarships. It was simply an effort to provide assistance to the students. He added, Persons who wanted to suit their own ends, sought to scandalise the issue but there was absolutely no scandal.

Garcia explained that Government has established a scholarship selection committee which is working to ensure that eligible people receive scholarships. He said the committee is also looking at those scholarships in the context of the national needs.
After losing ground in Syria and Iraq, CIA chief says ISIS planning more guerrilla attacks in West

(NationalSecurity.news) The Islamic State group is planning more attacks against the West in order to compensate for large territorial losses in Syria and Iraq, CIA Director John Brennan told Congress on Thursday.

In a wide-ranging statement before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Brennan additionally warned that the Islamic State group has in place a large cadre of Western fighters who could launch the attacks, and that the group also plans to augment its force with smuggled-in reinforcements to help wage guerrilla-style assaults.

The U.S.-led Coalition has made important progress against the Islamic State group on the battlefields of its self-declared home turf, Brennan told senators. The Coalition has taken out key battlefield leaders, he said, and is engaged in robust efforts to recapture ISIS-held cities such as Fallujah in Iraq and Manbij in Syria.

Several notable indicators are trending in the right direction, Brennan said.

In addition to its battlefield progress, the Coalition has managed to squeeze the Islamic State groups finance and media operations, Brennan said. Furthermore, he said, the Islamic State group appears to be having trouble replacing fighters lost in-country. Fewer foreign fighters are joining the force, and others appear eager to defect.

The group appears to be a long way from realizing the vision that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi laid out when he declared the caliphate two years ago in Mosul, Brennan said.

But, the CIA chief added, the Islamic State group is not down for the count.

The group is a formidable, resilient, and largely cohesive enemy, and we anticipate that the group will adjust its strategy and tactics in an effort to regain momentum, Brennan said.

In coming months, he warned, the Islamic State group will probe its enemies for weakness, and exploit accordingly.

Prime targets are in the relatively unprotected West.

We judge that (ISIS) is training and attempting to deploy operatives for further attacks, Brennan told the committee.

Attackers already are in place, with more in the pipeline.

(ISIS) has a large cadre of Western fighters who could potentially serve as operatives for attacks in the West, Brennan said. And the group is probably exploring a variety of means for infiltrating operatives into the West, including refugee flows, smuggling routes and legitimate methods of travel.

Military officials also have expressed concern over the Islamic State group employing guerrilla tactics to compensate for territorial losses.

In a March 30 gathering, held in conjunction with Special Operations and Central Command change-of-command ceremonies at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, defense leaders addressed the topic directly.

In response to a question from AMI Newswire, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said that the Islamic State group had metastasized, and could indeed be expected to strike out beyond the boundaries of Syria and Iraq.

Obviously, we are concerned about that, Carter said.

The threat of external attacks is our number one priority and our ability to disrupt that, echoed Gen. Anthony Thomas, on his first day as the chief of U.S. Special Operations Command. So among the many threats out there, that is a clear focus and effort on our part to disrupt any external threat.

Despite the gravity of the threat, Brennan today expressed optimism.

Though this will be a long and difficult fight, Brennan said, there is broad agreement in the international community on the seriousness of the threat, and on the need to meet it collectively and decisively.

Reporting by Susan Katz Keating, AMI Newswire

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As Obamas secretary of state, Hillary Clinton continued to fund South Sudans military despite their use of child soldiers

Child soldiers have long been utilized in armies all over the world, but in particular in third-world countries of the Global South. Despite the best efforts of Global North countries and their institutions, there has been little progress made in convincing these countries to raise armies without having to resort to putting children on the front lines.

But one institution in particular, while not actively promoting the use of child soldiers, nevertheless rewarded a country  Sudan  for doing so via official diplomatic recognition from the most powerful country on earth, by a top Obama administration official who is now trying to convince American voters she is competent enough to be their next president.

As secretary of state, Hillary Clinton and her boss, President Obama, worked regularly since 2012 to circumvent a 2008 law that prohibits the United States from providing any aid and comfort to nations who utilize child soldiers. As reported by The Intercept, the Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA) was passed after South Sudan declared its independence from the remainder of the country; South Sudanese rebels were known to regularly utilize child soldiers.

But after independence, the White House issued annual waivers that kept aid flowing to the worlds newest nation despite its use of child soldiers, The Intercept reported. President Obama stated in 2012 that the waiver that year was in the national interest of the United States.

That decision was heavily criticized by human rights activists and others, including U.S. lawmakers. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Nebraska and author of CSPA, described the use of child soldiers as an unthinkable practice. America must not be complicit in this practice, he said.

The intent of the law is clear  the waiver authority should be used as a mechanism for reform, not as a way of continuing the status quo, he added. But because of the laws requirements, the waivers had to come from the White House, not the State Department, so Obama got the lions share of the criticism.

But apparently, as The Intercept notes, Clinton was never questioned about the waivers. Whats more, the department never provided any public rationale for the waivers, either, electing instead to remain silent on the matter and hope that it flew under the radar.

Yet Clinton spent many years promising to defend the rights of children around the world. In 2009, shortly after becoming secretary of state, she penned an op-ed for the Washington Post opposing human trafficking and pledging cooperation with nations around the world to end it. That included trafficking of children, naturally. She has also been critical of modern-day slavery in the introduction to a State Department report on human trafficking in 2012 that also criticized the unlawful recruitment or use of children by armed force.

Yet she does not appear to have publicly explained her role in allowing South Sudan and other countries to receive military support despite using children as combatants, The Intercept reported. In fact, the State Department played a central role in issuing the controversial waivers, according to two sources, including a former State Department official.

Why does this matter, other than the obvious fact that her actions are at odds with stated U.S. foreign policy objectives? Because Clinton has made her foreign policy experience a major focus of her presidential campaign.

That said, Clintons judgment does not fare well under scrutiny. From her yes vote for the Iraq war (which has now led to a collapse of that country into a near-failed state) to her constant push to intervene in Libya (which led to a similar result as Iraq), as well as her infamous failed reset with Russia, the Arab Spring and the so-called pivot to Asia, her foreign policy has, in the words of her GOP opponent, been a disaster.

Only now, however, has there been a serious examination of her actions towards South Sudan.

Daniel Mahanty, who served in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor under Clinton, confirmed that the State Department, in consultation with the White House, controlled the process, The Intercept reported. The State Department drafted all waiver materials and all recommendations to the president were made on behalf of the secretary of state and with her full approval.

Sources:

TheIntercept.com

WashingtonPost.com

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Russia will likely deploy advanced nuclear-capable missiles by 2019 along NATO border

Russia plays by its own rules. This has never been more apparent than the present, with Vladimir Putin and company doing whatever they want in spite of the potential blow-back from other countries around the globe.

It has now been reported that Russia is likely to deploy missiles with nuclear capabilities along the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) border by 2019. The missile  formally known as SS-26 Stone, but nicknamed Iskander  has a range of roughly 300 miles. By all accounts, its an extremely deadly piece of hardware.

Russia burns bridges faster than most countries could ever dream, and this latest stunt just serves as yet another nail in the coffin of their relationship with the Western World.

Yahoo! News reports, NATO is holding a summit in Warsaw next month to decide how best to deter Russia after Moscows lightning annexation of Ukraines Crimea in 2014. The United States, Britain and Germany have said they will command new battalions in Poland and the Baltics to send Moscow a message.

The director of the Center for Strategic Trend Studies in Moscow, Ivan Konovalov, believes that the key to prevent these missiles from being launched is to dissolve tensions between the East and the West. He has claimed that the Iskanders are our ace card in the standoff over missile defense and NATOs activity around our borders. We need to use it cleverly. Theres a big game going on and we dont want to throw it away at the start. Well play it when Russia needs it most politically.

You may disagree with Russias policies  and justifiably so  but their transparency regarding issues like this one have potential to resolve the situation peacefully, instead of kick-starting a full-blown war. Hopefully cooler heads prevail and Russia begins to understand where NATO is coming from.

Sources:

Yahoo! News

The Daily Caller

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Teenager recovers miraculously after being dead for 45 minutes

Three boys in Missouri fell through the ice and into Lake St. Louis last winter. By the time a rescue team arrived, one of the boys had managed to almost get himself to shore, while a second boy clung to the edge of the ice. Those two boys were rescued and treated for hypothermia immediately. The third boy, however, was unable to be seen. He had been trapped under the ice, and underwater.

Fourteen-year old John Smith was pulled from the water after about fifteen minutes of submersion. He was not breathing and had no pulse. CPR was performed as the rescue team rushed him to the nearest hospital for further care. John was brought to St. Joseph Wests emergency room, where CPR continued to be performed, despite the hopelessness of his condition. The on-duty physician, Dr. Kent Sutterer, was faced with an incredibly difficult decision. Dr. Sutterer stated, In my mind this is a very grim, very poor chance of survival already. The question was raised: how long should they continue [CPR]. He was dead for 45 minutes.

After Dr. Sutterer notified the family of the unfortunate event, Joyce Smith  Johns mother  ran to her sons bedside and began to pray. In her spontaneous, spoken prayer, Joyce recalls pleading ,Holy God, please send your Holy Spirit to save my son. I want my son, please save him.

Within moments, a member of the ER team announced that Johns pulse was beginning to rise. Dr. Sutterer was absolutely shocked by the recovery and wrote in his report that Johns heart was jump started by the Holy Spirit listening to the request of his praying mother.

Despite suffering from extended time in a hypothermic state without breathing, John appears to have survived the incident without any brain damage  a truly amazing circumstance. Just two days after he had drowned to death, John was sitting up and fielding questions from local reporters and medical staff like a pro. He has stated that he has no recollection of the event or what happened while he was dead, but some people who have had near death experiences say that they can remember much more detail.

Many people who have had similar near death experiences report being told that they were not ready to stay yet and needed to return home. Others report their experience has encouraged them to live life more fully.

Sources:

NaturalNews.com

Breitbart.com

Zombie.news

Science.NaturalNews.com

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Yoga can help overcome the challenges facing humanity: Lok Sabha Speaker Smt Sumitra Mahajan

New Delhi, Fri, 24 Jun 2016 NI Wire

Two day 'International Conference on Yoga for Body and Beyond' draws to a close

Government making all efforts to promote quality in Yoga through certification schemes : Shri Shripad Naik

The two day 'International Conference on Yoga for Body and Beyond' came to a successful close in New Delhi yesterday. The conference was organized by the Ministry of AYUSH as a part of International Day of Yoga celebrations. The International Conference was held to deliberate upon the benefits of yoga to the individual, community, the society and the world at large. It was attended by Yoga experts from India and more than 80 international delegates from 35 countries.

Speaking at the valedictory session yesterday, the Honble Lok Sabha Speaker, Smt Sumitra Mahajan said that India has always believed in conquering the hearts of people, not by invasion, but by its culture and traditions. India has won the hearts of the world by giving it something extra ordinary like Yoga, she explained. Smt Sumitra Mahajan said that its a great achievement that by Celebrating the International Day of Yoga, the people have decided to create a healthy world. She said that the whole theory of Yoga is to go beyond the mind. Smt Mahajan said that Yoga has several aspects, while some people look it as a part of medical science others consider it as a form of meditation and for yet others, its a source of peace and joy.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said that today the humanity is faced with several challenges like terrorism, extremism, consumerism and climate change. These challenges can be met if we adopt Yoga in our lives since Yoga teaches us to live in harmony with nature and to lead a balanced life. It is our great achievement that with the Declaration of International Day of Yoga by the United Nations, we have been successful in popularising yoga all over the world , the usefulness of yoga is universal and the whole world has accepted it eagerly, she added.

Addressing the valedictory session, the Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik expressed his happiness that the level of participation in the International Conference has remarkably increased from India and abroad this year. The way the world is accepting Yoga, I am sure in the days to come the world will further recognize Yoga as a vital contribution of India to rid the mankind of disease and promote peace and tranquility amongst the various nationalities and a healthy world the Minister said.

Shri Shripad Naik explained that the focus of yoga is basically to change the lifestyle so that the lifestyle related disorders are easily prevented and managed. Yoga is a suitable way to overcome the problem of non communicable diseases which is becoming more problematic than epidemic outbursts of earlier times, Shri Shripad Naik said.

The AYUSH Minister explained that several efforts have been made by the Government to promote Yoga including efforts to include Yoga training in the Military and Para-Military forces and developing a separate central sector scheme for Yoga Training for Police personnel. He further elaborated that the new recruits of Civil Services will now do Yoga as a part of their training programme. The primary theme of 2nd International Day of Yoga is to connect with the Youth and to inculcate the habit of Yoga at a young age. So, NCERT has prepared syllabi on Yoga for the class sixth to eighth and ninth to tenth standards and circulated to all the State Governments and School Boards, the AYUSH Minister added.

Shri Shripad highlighted some of the other major steps taken by the Government. One of the commendable steps in this direction is that Ministry of AYUSH has set up an effective mechanism in place by launching the Schemes for Certification and Accreditation of Yoga Professionals and Yoga Schools with the help of Quality Council of India (QCI). Its more heartening to know that the Schemes are getting international recognition.

In his welcome address, Secretary, AYUSH, Shri Ajit Sharan said that Yoga has great value for preventive and promotive healthcare. The scientific developments in the field of Yoga must be encouraged and its should be cultivated as a resource for developing individual and community health, he added.

Chairman, Quality Council of India, Shri Adil Zainul Bhai and famous Yoga experts Smt Hansa ji Jayadevi and Shri O P Tiwari also addressed the valedictory session.

During the valedictory session, Smt. Sumitra Mahajan also presented Certificates to representatives of the First certified Yoga School in India, First Personnel Certification Body and certified Yoga Professionals from Japan under the Scheme launched by Ministry of AYUSH and managed by Quality Council of India for Yoga Professionals and Yoga Schools.

A film 'Yoga at Antarctica produced by DRDO was also screened at the valedictory session.

There were 8 technical sessions on Yoga and Physical Wellbeing, three sessions on Insights from Yoga Scholars, Integration of Yoga in Healthcare Delivery System, Yoga for Mental Health, Yoga for Body and Beyond and a Panel Discussion on the subject. There was also a session on open-ended experience sharing by foreign delegates.

The countries that participated in the Conference included Iraq, Afghanistan, Algeria, Malaysia, Spain, Russia, Portugal, Australia, Belgium, China, Egypt, Iceland, Japan, Kuwait, Korea, Kenya, Slovenia, Uzbekistan, UAE among others.

Source: PIB
Baba Siddiqui's Iftaar Party becomes the talk of the town, trends on Twitter for 7 hours!

Bollywood, Fri, 24 Jun 2016 NI Wire

Mumbai: Baba Siddiqui's Iftaar Parties have always been the talk of the town every year. Whether it is for mending broken friendships or Bollywood personalities letting their hair down and having fun.

This year the much awaited awaited Iftaar celebrations of Baba Siddiqui were held on Sunday evening at a five-star hotel in Bandra and many Bollywood celebs graced the event.

Celebs like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, were spotted at this star studded party. The newly married couple Karan Singh Grover and Bipasha Basu were seen enjoying each other's company and were inseparable throughout the evening. They walked in holding hands and posed for the media together. Arpita Khan and Aayush Sharma attended the event with their newly born son Ahil in tow.

Much to everyone's delight Salman Khan was seen enjoying the evening playing with his adorable nephew. But what caught media's attention was the very charming Katrina Kaif having a chat with Salman! The shutterbugs went crazy trying to grab a picture of the duo.

The King Khan of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan came in late for the party. But he was at his charming best and graciously thanked the generous hosts, Baba Siddiqui and Zeeshan Siddiqui for their hospitality.

Present at the event were, Salman Khan's parents Salim Khan and Helen, Alvira Khan Agnihotri and Atul Agnihotri, Huma Qureshi, Saqib Saleem, Tusshar Kapoor, Manish Paul among others.

With all the media coverage and the celeb presence the party became the talk of the town even being discussed on Social Media, so much so that it trended on twitter for 7 hours!
Jimmy Shergill starrer "Shorgul" facing ban in Muzaffarnagar and other cities!

Bollywood, Fri, 24 Jun 2016 NI Wire

Mumbai: The 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots have returned to haunt local authorities in the Uttar Pradesh district with the upcoming film, Shorgul, being made on it.

The film is based on 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots and going by recent news it will not be screened in the Uttar Pradesh district, along with other cities like Meerut, Kandla and Bhavani.

With hardly a few days left for its release, the Muzaffarnagar district magistrate has decided not to allow screening of the Jimmy Sheirgill and Ashutosh Rana starrer.

"Since it is a sensitive issue, the district authorities are worried that it might reopen old wounds and lead to violence. That's why they are not in favour of allowing the film to enter theatres in Muzaffarnagar, says a film distribution source.

From the time the film's trailer released, there has been talk about how Jimmy Sheirgill's character bears a striking resemblance to UP politician Sangeet Som, an accused in the riots. Som had reportedly also filed a PIL for a ban on Shorgul as he was apprehensive of his portrayal in the film.

The film has been on the radar of various political parties as well as the Censor Board for touching upon issues like Muzzafarnagar riots, Babri Masjid demolition, Godhra riots and now Kairana. The Board had also asked the makers to mute words like Godhra and Gau Ganga from the film, which was complied with. Interestingly, most of the scenes have been shot during real time political rallies and proceedings, adds the source.

Confirming the news about a ban on Shorgul in Muzaffarnagar, the film's co- producer Vyas Verma says, We have repeatedly stated that Shorgul is not a depiction of any specific incident or occurrence, but a reflection of what happens in our society keeping Uttar Pradesh as the backdrop.

But, this news (of the film's ban in Muzaffarnagar) is unfortunate and sad. We want to question the authorities why they are particularly stopping the film in Muzaffarnagar. Are they afraid of anything?

SHORGUL Trailer Jimmy Sheirgill Ashutosh Rana 17th June 2016

Watch a glimpse of this here: Communal Speeches by Indian Politicians SHORGUL Jimmy Sheirgill

View More : 'SHORGUL '
Vice President of India address at the International Seminar on 'Social Statistics' organized by ADRI, Patna

Patna, Fri, 24 Jun 2016 NI Wire

We need to identify the gaps in official data and analysis and determine ways on how best we can bridge them: Vice President

Inaugurates International Seminar on 'Social Statistics'

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that we need to identify the gaps in official data and analysis and determine ways on how best we can bridge them. He was delivering, here today, the inaugural address at the International Seminar on 'Social Statistics' organized by Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI), Patna. The Governor of Bihar, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, the Representative of UNICEF to India, Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault, the Representative of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ms. Usha Kiran Tarigopula, Prof. Prabhat P. Ghosh, the Country Director, IGC India-Bihar, Prof. Anjan Mukherji, the Member Secretary, ADRI, Dr. Shaibal Gupta were also present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that statistics has always been intimately linked to the social dimensions of the State. The relevance and effectiveness of policy judgments depended on the quality of data and the efficacy of analysis and interpretation and it was important therefore that public institutions had access to the best social statistics and statistical analysis, he added.

The Vice President said that while the discipline of statistics in India boasts a separate Ministry - the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, a separate arm of bureaucracy  Indian Statistical Service (ISS), a number of information gathering mechanisms such as the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) and a vast array of central and state government departments engaged in the task of collecting and analyzing data, concerns have been raised about the quality of data being generated as also about the duplication of efforts to collect statistics across various government departments, inaccessibility of national data archives and the infringement of privacy by government's data collection machinery. Some of the criticism of Indian public statistics, especially when it comes to measurement of crosscutting social issues such as gender disparity, inequality, poverty and growth seems valid, he added.

The Vice President said that every new set of statistics has to be put to test in order to assess its validity and usefulness. He acknowledged that there are no easy answers to these challenges and urged the experts gathered to shed light on them and suggest solutions or correctives.

Following is the text of Vice President's address:

The Asian Development Research Institute, through its empirical and theoretical studies, has done a commendable job of making social science research more inclusive and innovative to meet the emergent social needs.

Developing nations like India need socio-economic information about their population to design redistributive policies. Concern has also been expressed about the efficiency and efficacy of such public data collection and the gaps which exist in the Indian social statistical. The initiative taken by the Institute in organizing this conference on social statistics is therefore timely and provides an opportunity to assess the state of play in this field.

Statistics has always been intimately linked to the social dimensions of the State. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, particularly in Europe, when it was more fashionably called 'political arithmetic', attempts started at calculating population size and life expectancy because the analysts believed that a growing population was evidence of a healthy State. These early social researchers, who believed that information about society could help governments devise wiser policies- were called statists, and the new quantitative evidence based science, soon began to be called statistics.

The discipline has evolved over time. Great names like Auguste Compte, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons imparted to it philosophical and sociological foundations and scientific methodology. These, together, helped it explore social structures and change and thereby prepare better for social action and intervention.

As a result, today social statistics are the foundation of the structural-functionalist tradition in sociology and social studies. It serves two purposes. The first, and the more visible purpose is to provide us with an accurate and true description of the society. The other use is in the context of constructing 'social problems', where statistics are used to support or discredit particular points of view. A leading commentator has amplified the approach:

Sociologists speak of social problems being constructed- that is, created or assembled through the actions of activists, officials, the news media, and other people who draw attention to particular problems. Social problem is a label we give to some social conditions, and it is that label that turns a condition we take for granted into something we consider troubling. This means that the processes of identifying and publicizing social problems are important.

One of the purposes of statistics is to facilitate the discovery, understanding, quantification, modeling and communication of the facts about the world. In the context of social statistics, the task of describing and quantifying human behavior, with all its uncertainties and unpredictability, is fraught with risks. The statistics, often, only offers an interval of plausible values for an unknown parameter and, is at best, an approximation of the reality even when the uncertainty itself has been described in some detail. This has also led to the uncharitable remark that 'statistics is the only science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions.'

It seems inevitable that good statistical analysis includes judgments. The need for this judgment opens the door to unethical biasing of result, biased data collection and partial reporting or manipulation of results with intent to mislead. The empirical analyses today are more likely to be based on a combination of several very large datasets containing millions of observations, which are processed through specialized statistical software. As a result, errors can be insidious and be detected only by sophisticated forensic. This makes the task of extracting meaning from any given set of data a difficult task.

Every new set of statistics, therefore, has to be put to test in order to assess its validity and usefulness. Critical scrutiny could and should raise a few pertinent questions about origin, process and purpose. Together, these would shed light on credibility or bias, methodological validity or shortcomings and motivations, if any.

In India, the pioneering work in this field was done by Prof. P C. Mahalanobis, who founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and by P.V. Sukhamte who was the driving force behind the statistical branch of the Imperial (later Indian) Council for Agricultural Research. Both were of immense significance in the period immediately after Independence when access to good statistics was critical to the manner in which we addressed our developmental challenges, confronting limited resources on the one hand and the burgeoning needs of our teeming millions on the other. Both necessitated optimal and immediate utilization of resources. The relevance and effectiveness of policy judgments, therefore, depended on the quality of data and the efficacy of analysis and interpretation. It was important therefore that public institutions had access to the best social statistics and statistical analysis.

Today, the discipline of statistics in India boasts a separate Ministry - the Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation; a separate arm of bureaucracy  Indian Statistical Service (ISS); a number of information gathering mechanisms such as the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) and a vast array of central and state government departments engaged in the task of collecting and analyzing data.

We also have a host of specialized research institutes, nearly a dozen research journals and more than 100 educational centres offering training at Masters and PhD levels.

This mechanism provides for some well established avenues for collection of social statistics in India. The decadal censuses - the 15th edition of which mobilized more than 2.7 million officials for conducting door-to-door household surveys- remains one of the most extensive primary data collection exercises in the world. The Civil Registration System and the Sample Registration System also provide fairly reliable social data streams. The Health Information Management System and the National Family Health Survey have become established avenues of health related to statistics.

In addition, social and economic surveys by National Sample Survey Office provide data related to social and economic developments, industrial production and the agricultural sector. Both the Ministries of Human Resource Development and Labour similarly have well-defined avenues for creating and disseminating data related to education and unemployment.

And yet, all is not well in the Indian social statistics sector. Concerns have been raised about the quality of data being generated as also about the duplication of efforts to collect statistics across various government departments, inaccessibility of national data archives and the infringement of privacy by government's data collection machinery.

Based on the recommendations of the Rangarajan report in 2001, a National Statistics Commission was put in place in 2005 and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released a new Data Policy in 2009, and the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy in 2012. Despite this, the problems with our official statistics appear to persist.

Some of the criticism of Indian public statistics, especially when it comes to measurement of crosscutting social issues such as gender disparity, inequality, poverty and growth seems valid. Our public statistics have also attracted opprobrium on issues related to measurement of parameters related to the service sector, the unorganized sector and unemployment figures. This is not only undermining the credibility of Indian statistics globally but also hurting the analysis of some of the most important elements of Indian economy. I have seen, only yesterday, the text of a Gazette notification of 15 June 2016, issued by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, putting into place 10 fundamental principles of official statistics, pursuant to the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/261 adopted on 29 January 2014 on principles of official statistics.

French economist Thomas Piketty has lamented the huge gap in statistics in India exemplified by paucity of data on income tax and the reluctance of the government to release the caste census results. Even after the Government recently released official figures for the income tax in 2012-13, which has prompted a lively debate about the extent of tax evasion in India with commentators noting that there were very few tax returns at the highest end of the income spectrum, Piketty told the international media that the data was too thin to draw significant conclusions about the levels of inequality in India.

In an interview given to the BBC, Piketty added that,

We see the same problem with access to caste census data that was supposed to clarify the link between caste, income, wealth and income inequality. This puts a limit on our ability to put India on a map in terms of inequality.

The criticism of India's publically collected Social Statistics is not limited to foreign workers. In July 2011, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India expressed concern over the quality of statistics collected by government agencies. A few months later, the then Commerce Secretary admitted that India's exports figure for April  October period in 2011 were found to be inflated by US $ 9.4 billion due to misclassification of certain items and data entry errors. Not long afterwards, our Chief Statistician conceded that the accuracy of the Index of Industrial Production was questionable. Similarly, the then Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission argued that the National Sample Survey had underestimating household consumption affecting poverty estimates.

In this context, some broad challenges in the area of social statistical analysis and interpretation can be identified:

First, we need to identify the gaps in official data and analysis and determine ways on how best we can bridge them. The quality of data collected by various government agencies depends on the completeness and accuracy of the responses. Significant non-response and time varying patterns can distort the information. There is thus the challenge of getting credible and complete data and in good time.

Second, given the fast pace of changes in the structure of the economy in face of deregulation, liberalization and competition, it is important that various indices that reveal the underlying mechanism of our society and economy are further refined and updated in order to provide relevant and timely information to the policymakers.

Third, in the context of our interconnected global village and open economies, the responsiveness of markets to data releases and information has become more acute. False data or its wrong interpretation can result in market volatility, which can have a cascading effect on the economy. We, therefore, have to focus on maintaining certain data standards and improving the quality of our training and statistic education.

There are no easy answers to these challenges. Perhaps the experts gathered here would shed light on them and suggest solutions or correctives.

I thank the organizers for inviting me and wish success to the conference in its deliberations.

Jai Hind.

Source: PIB
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The board of China-backed Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) approved $509 million in investments for its first four projects on Friday.

Three of the four projects are co-financed with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the United Kingdom Department for International Development and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The projects, announced previously, are power grid upgrades in Bangladesh, slum renovation in Indonesia and highway construction in Pakistan and Tajikistan.

We are working on a number of additional projects and look forward to bringing them to our Board for its approval later this year, said AIIB president Jin Liqun.

AIIB was proposed by Chinese president Xi Jinping two yaers ago and began operations in January. It counts 57 founding member countries and $100 billion in committed capital. AIIB plans to invest $1.2 billion this year.

Source  reuters
The Marine Corps is moving towards a future in which small dispersed units can protect themselves from incoming enemy drones with laser weapons and from missiles and aircraft with Stinger missiles, with both weapons netted into a detection system and mounted atop Humvees, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and other combat vehicles.

Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh, deputy commandant of the Marine Corps for combat development and integration, said a Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) Directed Energy On-The-Move concept demonstrator with the Office of Naval Research is nearing the start of Phase 3, moving from firing a 30-kilowatt laser at a target from atop a stationary ground vehicle to firing while on the go. Upon completion of the ONR program, around 2022, the GBAD DE OTM system would transition into a program of record in the Marine Corps and likely reside alongside the Stinger missile system as a ground unit self-protection system  giving those units a much-needed upgrade after operating with the Stinger for decades.

Walsh said the Marines operated in a permissive environment in Iraq and Afghanistan for 15 years, but when we see near-peer competitors, the development thats going on in Russia and China, it is really waking us up to what were going to have to do in the future, noting the concepts of operations and requirements for future systems are already evolving rapidly to keep up.

So we look at our air defense capability as certainly a weak area that we have not upgraded in a long time because we havent had to deal with that in the operating environment weve been in, he told the audience at the second-annual Directed Energy Summit, cohosted by Booz Allen Hamilton and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment.

In the short term, the Marines are fielding the new Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) to detect incoming threats and the Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) to integrate all the data into a single operating picture. That data will be pushed to the the Direct Air Support Center (DASC), who could in turn give low-altitude air defense (LAAD) batteries specific information about incoming threats.

Get them the feed so they can see it, now they know the target is coming and they can shoot it with a Stinger, compared to now where the Marines send someone out with binoculars to look for threats in the air, Walsh told reporters after his conference presentation.

But the laser would tie right into that, Walsh said, noting that the GBAD DE OTM laser system could be installed alongside the Stinger launcher, giving the LAAD batteries the option of using the laser for smaller threats  Group 1 through 3 unmanned aerial vehicles, for now  or using the missile for high-altitude UAVs, cruise missiles or manned aircraft.

Eventually if you could transition away from the missiles to go directed energy-only, we would do that if the laser technology improved sufficiently, he added.

The Army is also pursuing a mobile laser weapon, and Walsh said that though their efforts are separate for now, once we see where were coming out of that, working closely with the Army, we see ourselves paralleling into a joint program of record on this. The hope is that this joint program could push the Marines current 30kw laser into something smaller and more powerful, enabling it to take on larger UAVs and eventually rockets, artillery, mortars or even larger threats.

The Army is also pursuing a larger base-defense laser weapon. The Marine Corps will not participate in that development program, as the service is focused on mobile systems for dispersed ground units, but if the Army succeeded in fielding a program the Marines could consider buying the system for stationary forward operating bases as needed, he said.

SOURCE- USNI
"I've said it for the last 10 years repeatedly and what we're offering working class people, what the country's offering, is zero hours contracts, agency work, insecurity, and people are sick to death of it, they've had enough".

The Labour leader insisted state aid rules which regulate national governments' support of specific industries and companies were "open to a great deal of interpretation".

"The threat is the hatred that is put towards those people by those people that put up that poster".

"If the Government can't continue forever and it ends up deciding it needs to somehow or other navigate around the Fixed Terms Parliament Act in order to have a general election a little sooner, all I can say is we're very, very ready for that".

There are concerns about immigration, and there are wider concerns about the direction of the country.

"That free movement of people is important, but only by remaining and working together with our allies across Europe can we regulate those flows and improve things for working people in Britain and at the same time improving the lives of working people all across the continent".

Labour must change to recognise concerns about immigration, the European Union and wider issues, some MPs have said.

As to the prospect of a snap election before 2020 if there was a clamour for one in the Conservative party, Mr Corbyn said he would back it.

George Osborne said he believes Leave is losing support because Mr Farage has "taken over" the campaign. "Is it the maternity leave?. which particular regulations is it that they find so offensive that have done so much to improve the lives of so many people in this country".

At one point the Labour leader was told he did not sound "too keen" on the European Union, to which Mr Corbyn replied: "Whatever the result we have got to work with it".

"I think he misjudges the mood of the nation".

On the final day of campaigning before the EU referendum, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has urged the electorate to vote to remain in the European Union so that it can be reformed from within.

In the article, McCluskey wrote that the Conservatives dominating the leave campaign could not be trusted to stop people willing to work for lower wages coming from overseas or to protect worker's rights.

Stoke-on-Trent is also expected to vote heavily in favour of Brexit, although a result is not expected in the Potteries until 4am. We will have to see what happens on Friday.

He said there would be consequences for British jobs as a result of Brexit, which the government should work to minimise.

Both sides of the referendum have faced criticism over the way they have responded to Mrs Cox's death.

Leave.EU chief Arron Banks, meanwhile, defended his decision to carry out polling on the impact the death may have had on voting intentions in the referendum.
Lincoln Correctional Center inmate Armon Dixon, 37, was taken into custody in Lincoln Saturday afternoon, according to the Nebraska State Patrol, but the man he escaped with, Timothy Clausen, 52, was still at large.

The caller thought it might be a joke. Timothy Clausen remains at-large. Authorities then sent a robot into the drainage system, which showed Dixon hiding in the storm drain before he emerged and was arrested, the patrol said. The pickup crashed in to a parked SUV at 18 and H streets just before 10:30 a.m., the Lincoln Journal Star reported. "During this time, law enforcement (to include LPD and LSO) was not only searching for the suspects involved in the pursuit, but working to identify them by reaching out to various entities including the Department of Corrections".

Investigators now believe the two were able to punch a hole through the truck roof to get out.

A review of staff procedures at the correctional center is underway, Frakes said.

Ricketts said he is confident that Clausen will be found. The prison, he said, is at 163 percent of design capacity and 108 percent of what he called operating capacity. In all, he said, 11 staffers were on overtime on Friday morning.

"We had a breakdown", he said.

Krist is watching what is happening with the department of corrections very carefully.

"I'm hoping that in the next few months we are going to find out that there's a definite and definitive reason why this happened-hints it will never happen again", said Krist.

"My agency failed to carry out its mission of keeping the public safe and there are no excuses for this lapse", Frakes said.
Family members cry near the coffins of the people killed in Kabul last week. The Nepalese worked for private security company Sabre International to guard the Canadian embassy.

Kathmandu: The bodies of 12 Nepalese guards who were killed in a Taliban suicide attack in Afghanistan were today flown back to Nepal in a special chartered flight.

A meeting of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the cabinet ministers on Tuesday morning chose to send a Nepal Airlines aircraft to Kabul to bring the mortal remains home, Oli's Press Advisor Pramod Dahal told Xinhua news agency. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary committee on Labour and International Affairs has directed the government to provide compensation to family members of those killed in the terror attack in Kabul.

The government had in 2006 chose to allow Nepalis to work in limited sectors in Afghanistan.

Nepal allows its citizens to work in Afghanistan as security guards at the United Nations, foreign embassies and their missions.

It is witnessed that after eight years of gap, the attack has been targeted to the Nepalese labourers for the second time overseas, the first time was in the year August 2004 by the Ansar Al Sunna in Iraq and this time was the attacked by the Taliban in Kabul. The victims were security guards working at the Canadian embassy in Kabul and came under attack on the way to work early on Monday.

Some reports said there was prior intelligence that the Taliban might carry out such an attack. Less than three hours later, another attack in eastern Kabul targeting a politician killed at least one, injured the MP and wounded five others. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
Both India and Pakistan are to be made members.

India has been an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. Besides India and Russia, the grouping includes Russia, China and South Africa.

Preceding the 2-day plenary of the 48-member NSG, which began today, China had repeatedly said that India's membership was not on the agenda and is said to have made every effort to prevent any discussion on India's bid.

Swarup also stated that most of the time of the Modi-Xi meeting was devoted to the NSG issue.

Prior to his departure from New Delhi to Tashkent, PM Modi said India looks forward to fruitful outcome from its engagement at the SCO summit. "Then, in accordance with the schedule set for us, we should join the agreements earlier signed within the SCO framework in order to become a full member of the association".

Islamabad-President Mamnoon Hussain will lead the Pakistan delegation to the meeting of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tashkent on 23-24 June. President Karimov welcomed Modi on his second visit to Uzbekistan within a year and Modi thanked Karimov for support to India's membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said that at the upcoming Summit, the process of India's accession to the SCO will start with a signature on the based document which is called the Memorandum of Obligations. Afghanistan, Iran and Mongolia are observers at the SCO.

"China will work with India to master the general course for the development of ties", Xi was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

Apart from Jinping, Modi will also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.
The Colombian government and FARC rebels have announced a ceasefire deal that would end the country's 50-year war that has left over 250,000 people dead and more than 6 million displaced.

The deal puts a definitive end to fighting in Latin America's longest civil war, which has torn the country apart with shootings and bombardments in its coca-rich jungles and hills.

The deal went further than many had hoped, with the FARC committing to putting a final accord to the Colombian people in a plebiscite, a promise made by Colombian President Juan Manual Santos that had been a key sticking point.

Disarmament will begin after the signing of a full final peace agreement, expected within weeks.

Some analysts say security improvements over the last dozen years mean Colombia has already reaped the benefits of the so-called "peace dividend".

Experts warn that significant challenges will emerge once these items are resolved and the peace deal is signed.

These concessions helped persuade the FARC to disarm but they have also dented President Santos's image.

In addition to a framework for the cease-fire, both sides said Wednesday they agreed on a demobilization plan that will see guerrillas concentrate in rural areas and hand over weapons that had always been the vaunted symbols of their movement's origins as a self-defense force of peasant farmers attacked by the oligarchy-controlled state.

Negotiators added that civilians are prohibited from entering FARC camps that will serve as a hub for the rebels while they transition into civilian life, citing rebels' security for the decision.

The United States congratulated Colombia.

"We were adversaries, from now on we will have to be allies for the good of Colombia", Timochenko said. "The FARC must work to convince its own ranks of the deal while Santos must convince the Colombian people at large".

The agreement was welcomed elsewhere, with the EU's foreign representative Federica Mogherini calling it "a turning point in the Colombian peace process".

"Very few families in Colombia have not suffered from this conflict", said Santos at the AJC event.

A special investigation unit will be created within the prosecutors' office to focus on rooting out criminal gangs born out of right-wing paramilitary groups.

The violence has left 260,000 people dead, 45,000 missing and almost seven million displaced, according to official figures. It also says the United Nations will receive all the group's weapons.

The FARC was just one of many Latin American guerrilla movements inspired by Marxist ideology that formed in the wake of Cuba's revolution in 1959.

The Colombian president, who has been the driving force behind the peace talks, said that while he is "not and probably will never be in agreement with the FARC's vision for the political future of the country", the accord means they will be able to live together in peace despite their differences. He shook hands with Santos and said the two sides were finally close to a final peace deal.
The outcome has very significant implications for Ireland and the European Union as a whole, a government statement said.

Mr Kenny said: "The Irish government will do our utmost in upcoming discussions to maintain the common travel area and minimise any possible disruptions to the flow of people, goods and services between these islands".

Customs and border posts separating Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland have largely dissolved as a result of Britain's membership in the European Union; that could now change.

In what would be a surprisingly big vote for Brexit by Irish nationalism, the source said that in tallies conducted by Remain volunteers during the first hour of the verification process around 75% of votes from nationalist areas were backing Remain. YouGov is having an embarrassing day after their exit poll forecast a comfortable win for Remain, so their data can be treated some scepticism, but the general finding is probably true that it was the grey vote that took us out of the EU.

In a policy paper, she warned that an "unwelcome Brexit" would spark debates over the devolved administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Update 9.20: auto data experts Motorcheck.ie have said Brexit will have a negative effect on the Irish motor trade.

"Following the result of the United Kingdom referendum Ireland must be absolutely clear about our position", read Martin's statement. Working class voters were mostly in favour of Leave, the middle class less so. The higher end of these estimates equates to more than 7% of Ireland's total agri-food exports. In that case, Dublin was concerned that the negotiation on a form of border would be done at European Union level and therefore not entirely under its control.

Irish exporters will be the first to suffer, as the pound weakened significantly against the euro, making their euro-priced goods more expensive. We will continue to implement policies that prioritise economic stability, growth and job creation.

"So we are going to have to become much more competitive as an economy".

With uncertainty over what happens next there are fresh concerns about the relationship between the North and South.

"While Ireland's competitive tourism offering will help mitigate any negative impact, there is a risk that economic uncertainty and a weaker Sterling could impact on visitor numbers from the United Kingdom, which is our largest source of inbound tourists". These will be a particular priority for the Irish Government.
They fled northwest towards Idlib province and the border, but were killed "when Turkish border guards opened fire on them as they tried to cross into Turkey", said the Observatory.

It was not the first time that the Turkish border guards employed force against Syrians uprooted from their homes, with activists saying that at least 50 asylum seekers have been killed on the Turkish border in the past few months.

Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher at the New York-based rights organization, said the Turkish soldiers are "killing and beating" refugees.

Turkey, a major sponsor of groups fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has now closed its borders with Syria, but it also hosts nearly three million registered Syrian refugees, many living in camps.

Despite multiple reports of the shooting, Turkish military claim there were no shots fired directly at refugees.

Turkey now houses around 2.7 million registered Syrian refugees - 280,000 of whom live in camps. At least 60 people - all civilians - have been killed by Turkish border guards this year, the Observatory said.

Troops and militiamen, backed by Syrian and Russian warplanes, pushed east from the government outpost of Ithriya, closing in on Tabqa.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah's TV station Al-Manar broadcast footage Sunday of a fierce aerial and artillery campaign against Syrian rebels, driving the militants to abandon their positions in the thick of the battle. Hezbollah has sent thousands of fighters to Syria to back President Bashar Assad's forces and has played a key role in a string of government victories.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the warplanes carried out at least 18 air strikes since dawn on Sunday on the town of Tabqa, just west of Raqqa, ISIL's de facto capital in Syria.

Turkish artillery and coalition jets hit 33 weapons emplacements, including Katyusha rockets, which were reportedly preparing to attack Turkey, security sources said on Monday on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking with the media. Qamishli lies on Syria's northern border with Turkey.
Woody Island, in the Paracel chain, serves as China's administrative base for islands and reefs it controls in the South China Sea.

A senior US Department of State official responsible for Asia Pacific affairs told Sin Chew Daily South China Sea is a very important worldwide maritime territory, and although the United States is not directly involved in the territorial disputes, it is concerned whether countries with territorial claims will act in accordance with the global Law.

Chinese tourists have been allowed to travel to non-militarized areas of the South China Sea since 2013, but foreign passport-holders are not allowed to join the trips.

USA officials had been examining the potential of two aircraft carriers operating together in the Pacific, which US senator John McCain had called a "strong statement" of American commitment to regional security in a speech in Singapore earlier this month ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue. The primary difference this time is a rhetorical one, as the previous operations were not heavily publicized, and this time the Navy is eager to present it as a huge deal.

Indonesia said it will continue to take "decisive" action against foreign ships operating illegally in waters under its jurisdiction after Beijing criticized its navy for shooting at Chinese fishing vessels. In 2013 the Philippines petitioned an worldwide tribunal-the Permanent Court of Arbitration, in The Hague-to rule on whether China's "nine-dash line" is valid, under Unclos.

The Chinese fishing boats ignored orders from Indonesian navy officers to stop and turn off their engines.

"We are not aware of it, we don't know of its existence and we don't acknowledge anybody's claims which say that there is a traditional fishing zone in Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone; except in one territory which we have signed upon in agreement with Malaysia, the Strait of Malacca", she said.

On Monday, U.S. Navy chief Admiral John Richardson said China's large-scale land reclamation in the South China Sea and militarization of artificial islands had extended its potential ability to deny access to some of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

The U.S. has taken no formal stance on competing Philippine and Chinese claims in the South China Sea.

The long-contested region of the South China Sea, nearly all of which is claimed by China, is also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, all of who have conflicting claims to the waters through which over $5 trillion of maritime trade passes annually.

"Both here and in the Mediterranean, it's a signal to everyone in the region that we're committed, we're going to be there for our allies, to reassure them and for anyone who wants to destabilize that region", he told the Center for a New American Security.

Fears have emerged that China may be trying to corner Indonesia and drag them into the the conflict over the contested region with a third confrontation over allegations of illegal fishing in the Natuna sea within as many months. Beijing said it protested the move.

His ministry, the foreign ministry, the military and the navy are now holding discussions with global marine legal experts to try and find the "best solution", Mr Panjaitan said. Its coast guard has stepped up patrols, interceding to protect fishing boats.
Nebraska has recently been hit by a statewide drought. Most of the state, but especially Northeast Nebraska, has experienced little to no precipitation within the past couple of months. Records are being broken as the days without rainfall continue. This drought, however, should not come as 
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The two black boxes of EgyptAir A320 aircraft which plunged into the Mediterranean in May will be sent to France for repair after the experts failed to download information from the flight data and voice recorders, the investigation committee told media on Thursday.

Due to the damage in the memory units of the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder of the plane, which resulted in a discrepancy in the readings,  the committee will take the electronic circuit boards to France for repair and removal of the saline sediments on both devices, the Egypt-led investigation committee said in the statement.

The two boxes will be sent to the French air accident authority BEA for repair.

The boxes are manufactured by US Company Honeywell and the aircraft is produced by French aircraft builder Air Bus.

Once repaired, the boxes will be sent back to the labs of the Egyptian civil aviation ministry for analysis of the data; valuable for the establishment of causes of the crash.

EgyptAir flight MS804 went missing on May 19 after it took off from Paris heading to Cairo with 66 people on board. Experts said the aircraft had made violent moves after cruising normally in clear skies, plunging from 38,000 feet (11,582 meters) to 15,000 feet. It disappeared when it was at an altitude of about 10,000 feet.

The boxes were retrieved last week from the sea by a French vessel equipped with a robot able to dive deep under the sea. As experts strive to uncover the causes of the tragedy, Egyptian authorities have not ruled out the aircraft could have been victim of a terror act.

If confirmed, it will be the second terror act against the Egyptian civil aviation after Islamic State group in the Sinai claimed it downed a Russian jet with 224 people onboard after shortly it took off from the Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh.
A delegation of the Ennahda movement led by its leader, Rachid Ghannouchi, is currently visiting France for meetings with several key political figures.

Ghannouchi was quick to outline that the Ennahda delegation was not visiting France on behalf of the government. The visit is part of the partys peoples diplomacy geared towards building strong diplomatic relations with all international parties, he said.

The Ennhada delegation met with Elisabeth Guigou, Chairwoman of the French National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee, and the party leader spoke about the democratic transition going on in his country and the challenges being faced. He dwelled on the importance of relations between the two countries and called for encouraging French investments in the North African country.

The delegation is expected to meet the Speaker of the parliament Claude Bartolone and Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

The party organized a debate in Northern Paris and Ghannouchi took time to speak about the ongoing political consultations in Tunis for a national unity government. He urged the government led by Prime Minister Habib Essid to carry on with its duties until the consultations are completed and assured him of Ennahdas support because nature abhors vacuum.

Ghannouchis position on the consultations was not clearly spelt out, but he stated that the new Cabinet will be led by a new Premier or by Habib Essid (the current Premier.) They are two hypotheses not to be excluded.

Since the party decided to separate religion from politics at a congress held last month, this is its first major outing outside of Tunisia and Ghannouchi described it as an orientation towards specialization in politics rather than towards laicity.
Prime Minister David Cameron sowed the seeds of his own demise by promising a referendum on Europe to get his party through last years elections. Photo: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

Yesterdays shocking vote by the U.K. electorate to leave the European Union (popularly known as Brexit) has turned British politics upside down. Prime Minister David Cameron, who called for this referendum as a way to placate the Euroskeptics of his own Tory Party and hold off the UK Independence Party (or UKIP) nationalists storming its gates, resigned the moment the results were clear. There will be an immediate leadership fight leading up to a party conference in October, and quite possibly the new PM will hold a snap election. The front-runner is former London mayor (and erstwhile journalist) Boris Johnson, a national celebrity and also a leading Brexit supporter.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who rather unconvincingly campaigned for the Remain cause, which did conspicuously poorly in Labour strongholds, faces a no-confidence vote of his partys parliamentary members, with 55 already onboard to oust him. In Scotland  which voted heavily in favor of remaining in the EU  nationalists are using Brexit to revive their own plans for independence from the U.K., and will push for another referendum aimed at keeping their once and maybe future country in the EU. Theres similar talk, believe it or not, in Northern Ireland, though, in its case, union with the rest of its own island would be the Euro-centric option.

Its hard to believe that just over a year ago Cameron won a smashing election victory that rid the Tories of a coalition with the religiously pro-Europe Liberal Democrats and threw Labour into a leadership crisis that eventually culminated in the election of the leftist Corbyn  sort of the Bernie Sanders of the U.K. as leader. (Its also been less than two years since Scottish voters rejected an independence referendum  another big test for Cameron.) But the price for Tory unity in 2015 was the prime ministers promise to hold a binding referendum on Brexit, and in the end Cameron was undone by the European issue that also brought down Margaret Thatcher and John Major in their day.

The most discussed short-term consequence of the Brexit vote is a calamitous split in the Tory ranks. But it may be more accurate to say the Tories have long been split on the subject of Europe, and perhaps now the party can actually begin to recover, particularly since it is no longer in partnership with the LibDems. Labour may have the more serious split between a pro-Europe political leadership and a Euroskeptic rank and file, whose resentment of Eastern European immigration would be familiar to anyone looking at white working-class sentiment in the U.S. Rust Belt. More immediately, Scottish independence represents an existential threat to Labour, which needs Scottish seats in Parliament if it is ever to reclaim a majority.

UKIP is (along with the LibDems) the party most united on Europe, and Brexit is a moment of great vindication for its nationalist, anti-immigration membership. But a Tory Party led by the now-reigning Euroskeptics is in a good position to marginalize UKIP.

All in all, theres really no telling what the political balance of power in the U.K. will look like a few months from now, much less by the next scheduled elections of 2020. Much will depend on the economic fallout, and on the skill of whoever is at the helm of government in negotiating the actual Brexit in a way that maintains some of the less ambiguous benefits of a relationship with the EU as a free-trade zone.

Its probably fitting that one of the few prominent figures greeting the Brexit vote with absolutely no sense of nuance was one Donald Trump, who happened to be visiting Scotland this week. Trump congratulated the British people for declaring their independence, and suggested with characteristic self-regard that it was a development parallel to his own campaign and the shock waves that would be set off if he actually won. For people on both sides of the Atlantic who are watching markets tank in response to Brexit, thats a grim prophecy indeed.
Britons at a leave party celebrate. Photo: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union after 43 years, surprising analysts who predicted a close race but ultimately a victory for the remain side. Early results showed the two sides neck-and-neck, but, as results from more districts poured in, the leave side pulled away, and the BBC ultimately called the vote for leave at about 5 a.m. local time. Britain will be the first member to leave the 28-member union, and its departure could send shock waves throughout Europe.

With votes tallied in all 382 of the countrys voting districts plus parts of Northern Ireland, leave won by 52 percent to 48 percent for remain. The vote was reportedly called with 13.1 million votes counted in favor of Brexit and 12.2 million in favor of remaining in the EU.

Ahead of the vote, most analysts predicted the remain side would win out  indeed, British prime minister David Cameron would hardly have allowed the vote if he thought it would result in a Brexit  but anti-EU sentiment appears to have run unexpectedly strong in northern English cities hit hard by job losses after the 2008 financial crisis, according to the Associated Press. And although London and Scotland largely voted to remain in the European Union, they were overwhelmed by voters in Wales and the English shires, who largely voted in favor of the Brexit.

A poll conducted by YouGov suggests Britons voted along age-related fault lines as well, although its difficult to confirm whether actual voters followed this pattern, as the U.K. doesnt conduct exit polls.

Not the official #Brexit vote but my god is this telling pic.twitter.com/adNC5R9Lu4  Roberto Ferdman (@robferdman) June 24, 2016

On Friday, Cameron, who pulled for the U.K. to remain in the EU, announced he was stepping down as a result of the vote, despite calls from pro-leave members of his party such as Boris Johnson to stay no matter the outcome. This is not a decision Ive taken lightly, but I do believe it is in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required, he said. I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.

In the aftermath of the vote, one expert told the AP that the remain campaign had suffered from a degree of complacency, and another said the campaign failed to connect to ordinary people and seemed too much of an elite and London-based one. Meanwhile, the campaign for the leave side played on British nationalism and a general feeling that the Establishment had proven ineffective. From the New York Times:

The campaign run by one of the loudest proponents of leaving, the U.K. Independence Party, or UKIP, flirted with xenophobia, nativism and what some of its critics considered racism. But the official, more mainstream Leave campaign also invoked immigration as an issue and its slogan, Take control, resonated with voters who feel that the government is failing to regulate the inflow of people from Europe and beyond. The British campaign featured assertions and allegations tossed around with little regard to the facts. Both sides played to emotion, and the most common emotion played upon was fear.

Britains actual divorce from the EU could take years, and some on the leave side (Johnson among them) have said it shouldnt be completed until the countrys next general election in 2020. Cameron had previously said that, if the country voted to leave the EU, hed move as quickly as possible to trigger an article of the Lisbon Treaty that would give the U.K. two years to negotiate its withdrawal.

Of course, theres the chance the U.K.s decision could fracture the EU, with other countries following Britains lead. Meanwhile, Scotlands First Minister said the countrys decisive vote to remain means the country sees its future as part of the EU and could call its own independence referendum so as not to be ousted. The national chairman of Sinn Fein, Northern Irelands largest nationalist party, echoed her statements, saying the British government as a direct result ha[s] forfeited any mandate to represent the interests of people here. Other far-right leaders in countries such as France and the Netherlands have called for their own referendums as well.

The main impact will be massive disorder in the EU system, Thierry de Montbrial, founder of the French Institute of International Relations, told the Times. There will be huge political transition costs on how to solve the British exit, and the risk of a domino effect or bank run from other countries that think of leaving.

On the news of the votes outcome, the British pound tumbled to a 31-year low, and global markets fluctuated at historic rates as well. The yen rose 13 percent against the pound as investors scrambled for a safe haven, Japan halted trading, and the euro hit its lowest level in six years. The drop in European currencies lifted the U.S. dollar 3 percent, which, according to Reuters, is its biggest daily gain in nearly 40 years. Early projections predicted the DOW would open down 550 points, and Friday is likely to bring even more market tumult.

The British Pound has plummeted 9% and is trading at $1.36. It has not been this low since 1985. HT @charlesforelle pic.twitter.com/NBFG0xv6MZ  Dennis K. Berman (@dkberman) June 24, 2016

All hell is breaking loose, Vishnu Varathan, a senior economist in Singapore, told Bloomberg. The only surefire is you buy yen, you buy U.S. Treasuries, you buy gold, and you sit tight.

Nigel Farage, a strong proponent of the Brexit, was triumphant at Britains willingness to abandon the EU. I now dare to dream that the dawn is coming up on an independent United Kingdom, he tweeted, adding at a press conference: If the predictions now are right, this will be a victory for real people  Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day.

This post has been updated throughout.
The Virginia Senator could run afoul of an evolution of pro-choice politics. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

The Great Mentioner of the collective news media is beginning to dwell on Hillary Clintons options for a running mate. And a name we are all hearing more and more is that of Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. Indeed, Politico is now placing him at the top of Clintons list, even suggesting he towers above all others. So of course hes going to get extra public scrutiny.

When that happens, people are going to realize theres more to Kaine than his Beltway persona of a safe centrist Democrat who was vetted by Obama eight years ago and is from a key swing state. Hes fluent in Spanish, having spent a year as a Jesuit missionary in Honduras before he decamped to Harvard Law School. He was a career civil-rights lawyer specializing in housing discrimination before entering politics. Hes been mayor of a reasonably large city, Richmond, in addition to being lieutenant governor under Mark Warner and then Warners successor as governor. And as a former DNC chair, he knows all about the partys factions and allies and how to deal with them.

Kaine obviously doesnt bring identity politics to the table like Julian Castro, or a tight affinity to the labor movement like Tom Perez, or a passionate national following like Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders. But hes unobjectionable to every element of the party.

On second thought, is he? An article this week in The Hill calls abortion policy Kaines one big weakness. Like many observant Catholic Democrats over the years, Kaines mantra on reproductive rights is that while hes personally opposed to abortion, hes largely inclined to keep the law out of womens reproductive decisions. Yes, hes favored parental-notification laws, but has carefully insisted on ensuring young women in danger of parental pressure to carry a pregnancy to term will have a judicial workaround. Yes, hes favored bans on so-called partial-birth abortions, but only with exceptions where the health of the mother is at risk, which separates him from the entire anti-abortion movement, which uniformly hates health exceptions. He has a 100 percent rating of his votes in the Senate from Planned Parenthood. His policy positions on abortion may not be ideal to reproductive-rights advocates, but they are acceptable, particularly if the top spot on the ticket is occupied by an old friend like Hillary Clinton.

But in recent years, theres been a trend among pro-choice folk thats less friendly to the old personally opposed to but pivot, or to any other attitude that condemns abortion morally while tolerating its legality. More and more feminists are insisting on recognition of abortion as a routine medical service like any other, if not an actual social or moral good. This evolution can be tracked in the language on abortion policy in Democratic Party platforms in recent years. In 2004, the platform included the 1992 Bill Clinton formulation pledging to make abortion safe, legal, and rare. In 2008, after a behind-the-scenes battle, the platform dropped safe, legal, and rare, but included language indicating reduction of abortions as a goal. In 2012, there was no longer any language referring to abortion as a bad thing that needed to go away as much as possible.

Interestingly, Hillary Clinton was still using the safe, legal, and rare formulation as recently as 2014. But the rare language seems to have dropped out during the current election cycle.

And that brings us full circle to Tim Kaine. Does his personal moral assessment of abortion matter so long as hes sound on abortion policy? And even if reproductive-rights advocates dont approve of Kaines formulation, is he a representative of a whole lot of otherwise pro-choice voters who dont or wont approve of abortion personally no matter how logical that might be? Could Kaines stance actually become a strength if the ticket spans those adopting the traditional formula along with those embracing the rapidly emerging positive attitude toward abortion itself?

Thats not an easy question for Democrats to answer. It may be worth noting that Kaine has shown some exceptional skill in dealing with hot-button issues involving his religion in the past. During the 2005 gubernatorial election in Virginia, Kaines Republican opponent, Jerry [no relation!] Kilgore, made the Democrats faith-based opposition to the death penalty a central feature of his whole campaign. Kaine turned it around by arguing that the same faith that led him to oppose the death penalty would keep him from breaking his oath to faithfully enforce Virginia law, even if it involved executions. By most accounts, Kaine won that argument, and did so without abandoning or refusing to talk about his own convictions. Perhaps he can come up with some similar wizardry on abortion policy. Or maybe hell just change his rhetoric like Hillary Clinton did and any intra-party divisions on abortion will finally go away.
Photo: Antonio Lopez

Antonio Lopez, a forgotten star of 60s, 70s, and 80s fashion illustration, is making a vivid comeback at El Museo del Barrio, where Future Funk Fashion, an exhibit of over 400 works, from macho men with motorcycles, to fluid young break-dancers, is on display through November 26. Known during his lifetime for his deft renditions of female fashion models  not to mention his discovery of such celebrated names as Pat Cleveland and Grace Jones (who, like Lopezs long-time muse, Jerry Hall, were known as Antonios Girls)  the show explores the full extent of his talent. As co-curator Amelia Malagamba-Ansotegui puts it, Lopez used his audacity of the soul to create a new concept of beauty.

At a time when the fashion world was primarily the domain of white women, Lopez dared to introduce the other; people of diverse color, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. His work was multicultural long before the word existed. What is mind-blowing, says Malagamba, is how subtle he was. He did it from his own localized experience and he did it with such love and such respect. So you have references to the colors of the tropics  those are cultural cues.

Born on a horse farm in Utuado, Puerto Rico, in 1943, Lopez moved with his family to East Harlem in 1950, attending P.S. 77. He was introduced to fashion as a child: Both parents worked in the garment industry, his father as a mannequin-maker and his mother as a seamstress. At 12, he won a scholarship to the Traphagen School of Fashions Saturday childrens program, and later attended the High School of Art and Design. In the early 1960s, he enrolled at Fashion Institute of Technology, where he met Juan Ramos, who would become his lover and then his lifelong creative partner, until Lopezs death in 1987 at age 44 from AIDS. The show makes the totally collaborative aspect of their work apparent  the artist publicly known as Antonio was really a team: Ramos inspired everything from subject matter  he would ply Lopez with reference books from Rizzoli  to actual palette and graphic design.

While it is never explicitly addressed in the show, sex was the primary fuel for the artists creative engine. The most important thing in his life was sex, says Paul Caranicas, the owner of the Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos estate, who was Ramoss romantic partner until Ramoss death from AIDS in 1995. It would make his dick hard to go out in the street and see guys and girls dressed the way they were and acting the way they did and photograph and draw them. Some, but not all, became his lovers. For many, he functioned as a kind of polyglot Pygmalion, refining and polishing diamonds-in-the-rough that he picked up and brought to his studio, which was always teeming with people, music, and dancing.

Lopez and Ramos got their first job while still at FIT, working for John Fairchild at WWD. By 1963, Antonio was doing illustrations for the New York Times, and soon became a high-profile regular in Vogue, French Elle, and Harpers Bazaar. In 1969, the duo moved to Paris, living for several years in an apartment rented by Karl Lagerfeld, a close friend and colleague. Their time there, which Caranicas, who lived with them, calls the party years, is epitomized in a 1975 spread they did for Interview magazine, entitled April in Paris.

That same year, Lopez, Ramos, and Caranicas returned to New York, eventually inhabiting a building on 16th Street, off Union Square, catty-corner to Warhols Factory. Lopez knew Andy, drew him, and occasionally worked for Warhols Interview magazine, which even devoted another special 1975 issue to Puerto Rican culture.

By default, most of Lopezs commercial work celebrates the beauty of women, rather than focusing on its central aspect, what Malagamba-Ansotegui calls an aesthetic of queer desire, certainly apparent in his Urban Male Warrior series (which channels the iconic gay artist, Tom Finland), as well as his never-published motorcycle series, done for GQ in 1973, but not printed because the images were deemed too homoerotic. It can also be seen in his full-color portrait of graffiti-writer Doze, a different kind of urban warrior.

Lopez was also involved with photography, and his sophisticated use of the medium to create what are, in effect, precursors of Instagram (with a Puerto Rican spin) is striking. From the puzzlelike drawings of deconstructed male bodies created for Versace; to powerful portraits of Grace Jones and Patti LaBelle; to a trio of colorful divas  Maria Callas, Josephine Baker, and Carmen Miranda; to his exquisite drawings of shoes (rivaling another shoe fetishist, Warhol) the show captures Lopezs consummate craft, from his sinuous draftsmanship to his canny reflection of contemporary culture  including the Civil Rights Movement, the sexual revolution, and womens and gay liberation.

Im interested in knowing the figure better by taking it apart, Lopez said, referring to his recurrent fractured male bodies. The more I break it up, the more I can look into it, the more I can understand what Ive been doing all this time. For me its an in-between stage; I dont know where its going to lead to but Im curious and I want to take it all the way.

Photo: Antonio Lopez

Antonio Lopez, Patti LaBelle, NYC, 1986, printed material, 12 x 9 in. courtesy of the Estate of Antonio Lopez & Juan Ramos.

Photo: Antonio Lopez

Antonio Lopez, Illustration for Karl Lagerfeld in Vanity Fair, Musical Dress, 1982, pencil and watercolor on paper, 13.88 x 19.63 in., courtesy of the Estate of Antonio Lopez & Juan Ramos.

Photo: Antonio Lopez/Collection of Narciso Rodriguez

Antonio Lopez, Portrait: Doze, NYC, 1985, graphite and watercolor on paper, 25.5 x 30.5 in., collection of Narciso Rodriguez.

Photo: Antonio Lopez

ANTONIO (Antonio Lopez + Juan Ramos): Grace Jones Shark Hat, 1983, pencil on paper 17 x 14 inches, private collection.

Photo: Antonio Lopez

ANTONIO (Antonio Lopez + Juan Ramos), Carmen Miranda, Pencil and watercolor on paper, 27 5/8 x 19 3/4 inches; mounted on a mat board that measures 29- 3/4 x 20- 1/2 in., private collection

Photo: Antonio Lopez

ANTONIO (Antonio Lopez + Juan Ramos), Maria Callas, pencil and watercolor on paper, 27- 5/8 x 19 3/4 in., private collection.
Hailey Suder. Photo: KTLA

A San Diego high-school cheerleader who watched her boyfriend and his brother murder a homeless man pleaded not guilty on Monday. The two allegedly attacked the man as payback, days after the man stopped them from pelting other homeless people with paintball guns.

Eighteen-year-old Hailey Suder, a senior high-school cheerleader, reportedly watched her boyfriend and his brother repeatedly punch and kick George Lowery, a 50-year-old grandfather, in the head. That evening, April 24, they found Lowery at a homeless camp where he and his wife had lived for years in Santee, on the outskirts of San Diego. Austin Mostrong, 20, and his brother Preston, 19, allegedly robbed and beat Lowery to death, tied him up, and left him under a piece of plywood before fleeing the scene.

Lowerys wife, Penny, found her husband of 25 years unconscious under the slab of wood along a riverbed. I seen a piece of plywood that goes to where we stay, she told NBC 7. I heard gurgling. When I picked it up he was gurgling for his life.

The Mostrong brothers. Photo: NBC

She yelled for help until someone heard her and called 911. Paramedics arrived and rushed Lowery to a hospital. After suffering a stroke and two brain hemorrhages, he remained in critical condition until the family took him off life support. He was unconscious the whole five days fighting, his daughter, Katey Torres, posted to Facebook. We couldnt even talk to him.

Though exact details are unclear, Penny Lowery said her husband took a paintball gun from the brothers four days before his attack, on April 20, to stop them from shooting two other homeless men. Records show the oldest brother, Austin Mostrong, was arrested and charged with assaulting two homeless men but was then released: He left court that day with three years probation, a fine, ten hours of community service, and a promise to stay away from the victims and not possess a firearm. Four days later, he and his brother allegedly murdered George Lowery.

In May, Austin and Preston Mostrong pleaded not guilty to torturing and murdering Lowery. Now, held on $3 million bail, theyll face life in prison if convicted. Police had been looking for Suder until last week, when they arrested her during a traffic stop. She appeared in court Monday, reportedly sobbing as she pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of being an accessory after the fact. If found guilty, shell serve less than four years in prison. She appears in court next on June 29; the brothers preliminary hearing is set for August 26.

My father was a generous man, Lowerys son wrote on a family GoFundMe page for financial help after the tragedy. Although he did not have much he was always giving  Anyone he saw that needed help or just needed a smile hed be there lifting your spirits.
Photo: Courtesy of Space Rocket Nation

As 16-year-old model Jesse in The Neon Demon, Elle Fanning possesses the kind of magnetic beauty you cant take your eyes off. You want to photograph her, plaster her face on sky-high billboards, drape her in couture gowns, and then maybe  just maybe  devour her flesh and drink her blood like an iron-rich smoothie.

If youve seen Nicolas Winding Refns last two films, Drive and Only God Forgives, youll know that style and mood tend to be far more important to him than plotting, but the basics of his new film are as follows: Elle Fanning plays a young model who has recently moved to L.A. People in the industry are transfixed by her beauty, and she quickly rises to the top of the modeling world. But she also inspires the envy and hatred of her fellow models Sarah and Gigi (Abbey Lee Kershaw and Bella Heathcote). Naturally this leads to necrophilia, cannibalism, and murder, all set to a stylish backdrop of neon, glitter, and ample strobe lighting.

The Neon Demon is a rare beast  a horror movie set in the fashion world  and yet it makes me wonder why there arent more movies like it. There are very few fashion-horror films (one example is the campy 1978 thriller The Eyes of Laura Mars), but fashion and horror seem like they could make very cozy bedfellows. For instance:

Theyre both obsessed with contorting womens bodies:

Throughout The Neon Demon, Gigi and Sarah constantly extol the virtues of plastic surgery and starvation in order to stay beautiful (as Gigi puts it: plastic surgery is just good grooming). Its surprising we havent seen more body horror built around those tropes. After all, what is a waist trainer if not an implement straight out of a David Cronenberg movie? And is a skeleton not contouring taken to the logical extreme?

Everyone eats really weird things:

And for whatever its worth, Im betting theres more nutritional value in a human body part than there is in a green juice and handful of raw almonds.

Photo: Bold Films

Femininity is scary:

The Neon Demon, Jessies female allure is consistently depicted as something disorienting, otherworldly, and, as she puts it, dangerous. It puts her in the company of wraiths like The Rings long-haired well-dweller, or Carries bloody teen, or Rosemary with her demonic baby.

An emphasis on mood and atmospherics:

Fashion has often cribbed from horror, from the Mulleavy sisters Japanese-horror-inspired collections at Rodarte to Rick Owenss recent human-centipede-inspired collection (kidding, sort of), while films like Picnic at Hanging Rock, Rosemarys Baby, Clockwork Orange, and La Aventura have long served as fashion-world touchstones. The Neon Demon is a film thats all about atmosphere, shot in glowing reds and cool blues, and using an array of lighting tricks to disorient us spatially. If Winding Refn ever decides to quit this whole film thing, I definitely think he has a future in runway-production design.

Photo: Bold Films

An obsession with death and violence:

In the first scene of the film, we see Jesse lying prone on a sofa in a metallic mini-dress, jewels around her eyes, a braid in her hair, blood gushing from her neck, and we wonder: Is she dead, or is this art? The shoot evokes countless violence-themed editorials: Jimmy Choos model tied up in a car trunk, Vogue Italias domestic-violence shoot, Vices suicide spread, Dolce & Gabannas gang rape ad, and Miley Cyruss Marc Jacobs ad with a corpse, to name just a few. As the film goes, on, Refn will force us to consider what fashions obsession with death looks like when pushed to its terrifying limit.

Youth is sacred:

Jessie lies about her age so shes allowed to work (she bumps herself up from 16 to 19, prompted by Christina Hendrickss encouraging casting agent), but its clear that her youth is what makes her such a potent object of desire. Horror, like fashion, is obsessed with the young: demonic children, teenage-slasher flicks, villains lusting after eternal youth. Sure, in horror, youth is generally a vessel for demonic possession and not just great gowns, but its really not that much of a stretch.

Photo: Bold Films

Models have a lot in common with vampires, zombies, clones, and other movie monsters:

Monsters in horror often rely on principles of the uncanny  figures that are like us, but just different enough to be unsettling  which is exactly what I think of when I see supermodels. Think about it: an army of super-tall, flawless, skeletal, youth-obsessed women, dressed identically, with a fixed gaze, marching slowly in unison through the dark? I either described the beginning of a zombie-apocalypse movie or the beginning of fashion week.



Theres often a final girl:

In fashion I think they call it closing the show.

Photo: Bold Films

The industry abounds with creepy men:

I cant think of a more literal manifestation of the predatory male gaze than the fashion photographer; and, true to form, a creepy Terry Richardsonesque photographer shows up early in the film to take photographs of Jessie naked. An archetypal horror villain if there ever was one.

Theyre both cutthroat:

Just as The Devil Wears Prada turned fashions notoriously cutthroat industry dynamics into satire, The Neon Demon goes one step further and turns supermodels into literal murderers. Makes sense! We know that supermodels are great at throwing shade; why not trade those verbal barbs for actual weapons? What is the stiletto if not  to quote Camille Paglia  modern womans most lethal social weapon?

Photo: Bold Films

Fashion exists to disorient us:

Horror is a medium that preys on both our fears and desires, taking what society has repressed and manifesting it in monstrous form. Fashion is an industry built on repression: repressing the ugly, the imperfect, the gross realities of the human body. Its also all-pervasive, manipulating how we think about ourselves and infiltrating our brain in subtle and insidious ways.

Politically, The Neon Demon ultimately feels like a pretty regressive horror film, with a male-driven camera lingering on the violent deaths of beautiful women. But theres plenty of material to mine for the next director who takes it on. What might a good female director do with the subject? A truly subversive horror takedown might be exactly what the fashion industry needs.
Alaska Airlines plane. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images

Earlier this week, news broke of a 26-year-old man who was arrested on June 15 for abusive sexual conduct after groping an unaccompanied 13-year-old girl on an American Airlines flight from Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon. Now another such incident has been reported on an Alaska Airlines flight.





On Tuesday, a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Anchorage, Alaska, had to be diverted in Seattle after a sleeping 16-year-old girl was groped by a 23-year-old man. Alaska Dispatch News writes that, according to police reports, after the girl drifted off to sleep, she felt a hand grab her thigh, but she assumed it was a mistake. But then the man, identified as Jesse Salas, kissed her using tongue and continually tried to grab her as she pushed him away. Finally, another passenger and the crew intervened.

The girl said Salas smelled of stale beer, and a police officer at the scene said he appeared to be intoxicated.

When the plane was diverted in Seattle, Salas was arrested on a charge of fourth-degree assault. He bonded out of his $1,000 bail on Wednesday morning.
The Vetements fall 2016 collection at Paris Fashion Week. Photo: Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Next Sunday, when Vetements holds its spring show in Paris  at the Galeries Lafayette department store  the cultish brand will have a little help from its friends. Eighteen different brands, ranging from Levis and Hanes to Manolo Blahnik and Juicy Couture, will produce the entire Vetements collection. Thats right: Instead of collaborating with one company on one product  the tried-and-true pattern of the fashion industry  Vetements has rounded up a multinational gang of megabrands.

The gang analogy is fitting. Vetements is the work of a semi-anonymous group of designers led by Demna Gvasalia. Its shows, held (so far) in a seedy bar, a Chinese restaurant, and a church, feel like a guerrilla raid on Bergdorf Goodman. Jeans are recut. Trench coats blown out of proportion. Stilettos trashed and given new heels that resemble BIC lighters. Its high fashion with an aggressive street bent. And while Vetements isnt the first label to gain attention by mutating classics, Gvasalia and his team have a knack for the unexpected.

He says the idea of collaborating with multiple brands grew out of his experience producing Vetements jeans in Italian factories. Jeans were the first product that put the label on peoples radar, and somehow, in Gvasalias view, they never looked like Levis  100 percent authentic.

Thats when I began thinking that the ideal situation would be to work with manufacturers who specialize in each category  whether its jeans, T-shirt, bomber jacket, he says, by phone from Paris. Of course, we didnt have a reputation to be able to approach these people. That changed almost overnight. In mid-February, when Gvasalia and his brother, Guram, who manages the business, decided to advance Vetements show date  to July instead of late September  Demna thought it would be easier to deal with the shorter production time if they had multiple collaborators. In actuality, it proved to be a logistical headache, with the companies working in different parts of the world and nearly all of them used to much longer times to develop a new product. Undaunted, Guram began contacting them in early March.

The process of identifying potential partners was straightforward. We really thought about each garment, Gvasalia says. What is the first brand that comes to mind when we think about, for example, workwear pants? So we went to Carhartt. He went down his list, eventually getting Eastpak, Canada Goose, Lucchese, Mackintosh, Dr. Martens, Reebok, Churchs, Alpha Industries, Champion, Kawasaki, Schott, Comme des Garcons, and Brioni, among others.

The idea was always to take the iconic, the most recognizable product from their brand, and put it into a Vetements frame, whether in terms of shape or construction, Gvasalia says. The Vetements team supplied all of the designs, using authentic materials from the brands, and the brands factories  from China to the United States  handled manufacturing. (Vetements will oversee distribution to stores, with some retailers  unspecified at the moment  offering the complete collection.) Although there were some face-to-face meetings, much of the communication was done by email and video conferencing.

Also, given the sheer number of collaborators, Gvasalia and his team decided this was not a moment to reinvent Vetements look. They stuck with shapes and silhouettes that people already recognize, like the oversize hoodies and bombers. For me, its a kind of season which is the end of one chapter for the brand and the beginning of another, he says.

Gvasalia recalls his initial meeting with Manolo Blahnik in London: I told Mr. Blahnik, Well, were going to destroy the shoes. Are you okay with that? And he said, Well, I love that. Please, please, please, destroy them. (By email, Blahnik says he was delighted to be involved: What they are doing is very clever and new.)

With Juicy Couture, the iconic element was its baby-hued, velour sportswear. I love the comfort of it and the trashiness of it, Gvasalia says. But then we wanted to do something elegant with it, so we made evening dresses.

With Brioni, inevitably, it was the tailored jacket. Recalling his visit to the Brioni factory, where he watched garments being stitched by hand, Gvasalia reveals that his idea was to have the layers of jacket glued together so that, in effect, it became a one-layer garment. I really wanted to go against their traditions and rules, he says, adding that the folks at Brioni told him that, out of the 220 steps to make a jacket, 80 of those steps are ironing. I said, Okay, lets do a jacket that completely eliminates the ironing steps. Of course, they were at first a bit shocked, but they did it. As a result, the classic Brioni jacket looks like Vetements. For me, that was the challenge with every product.

And despite any doubts about gluing a Brioni jacket, Justin OShea, the companys creative director, reports that the tailors really enjoyed and relished the opportunity to work outside their comfort zone.

For many of the collaborators, that seems to be the prime reward. For others, though, like Levis, it was a chance to match kindred spirits on an unfettered creative level. Almost a year ago, Jonathan Cheung, Levis chief of design, received a note from Bart Sights, head of the companys Eureka Lab, saying, Damn, we should work with these guys. Both men had noticed that Vetements was reworking Levis. So when Guram contacted the jeans-maker, Cheung said yes.

Asked if it was difficult for Levis to deal with Vetements extreme shapes, Cheung, in an email, characterizes the process as challenging and fun. He adds, Theres something about the authenticity of Levis that grounds the eccentricity of Demnas work with cut and proportion. A yin to a yang. I think thats what makes Vetements accessible. Demna plays with familiarity, authenticity, and twists it. If he used a weird (and we love weird!) fabric and cut it in a weird way, that would be too much. So our realness is what makes his take on denim work.

For Gvasalia, the reward was working with companies that brought generations of know-how to the table  and on relatively short notice. When we saw the first prototypes coming in, for example, from Alpha Industries  the bomber jackets  they were perfect, he says. To me, thats something we could never have done, even with the best factories in Italy, because they dont have a hand for that. Alpha has done bomber jacket for years. They supply the army. As Angelyn Fernandez, Alphas vice-president of production and merchandising, explains when asked about Vetements idiosyncratic fit: We knew this would be different than what we do, but not completely out of our range. Alpha Industries has been making MA-1 bomber jackets for 50 years, and at one point we offered up to size 8XL, so the sizing and fit wasnt difficult. We just knew to expect the unexpected with [Vetements], and we are very happy with the results.

The paradox of Vetements multiple collaborations is that they have yielded so much information at a moment when the very notion of collaboration has worn thin. As Gvasalia tells me near the end of our conversation, We realized that the horizon of technical possibilities for design are much larger when you work with people who have this kind of know-how. Thats why I said to Guram that its going to be very hard for us next season to go back to our factories in Italy. Were going to be so frustrated. For example, the way Schott makes biker jackets  no factory can do that. Weve been looking for the perfect biker leather for two and a half years now, and were always compromising because something is never 100 percent.

He pauses. I can tell you that when I received the first swatch of leather from Schott, it was perfect.

Although Jason Schott, whose great-grandfather is widely credited with inventing the motorcycle jacket, says that some of his production people initially questioned whether it was worthwhile to invest so much energy in making the Vetements pieces, they were inspired by the designs.

You wont see me wearing any of these pieces, the executive admits, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of developing them. We have learned some new tricks that could benefit our factory for future designs, and we would definitely consider working with them again.

In fact, Gvasalia hopes that some of the relationships will be ongoing.
Shop Boyz - Party Like A Rockstar

Rich Boy - Throw Some D's

Huey - Pop, Lock & Drop It

Hurricane Chris - Ay Bay Bay

Feist - 1234

Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms)

Aly & AJ - Potential Breakup Song

Paula Deanda - Walk Away (Remember Me)

Kat Deluna - Whine Up

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Face Down

Augustana - Boston

Igrid Michaelson - The Way I Am

Just 9 years ago, artists like Shop Boyz, Hellogoodbye, and Paula Deanda were topping the charts. Many of the artists who created their major 2007 hits were never able to replicate the success. However, it's always fun to revist the past and remember what we were doing when we were listening to these songs back in the day. Let's take a look at some of the best one hit wonders of 2007!The Shop Boyz cashed in on a particular moment in rap when there was a renewed interest in what other genres were doing-namely rock n' roll. A mix of crunk with a wailing lead guitar line drove this song to No. 2 on the Hot 100. But it was mostly written off as a novelty tune, and the Atlanta-based group quickly faded into obscurity.Rich Boy released several albums after his self-titled debut, but none received the attention his solo created. But his hit made it to no. 6 on the Hot 100 and became one of the biggest rap songs of the year.Like J-Kwon before him, Huey seemed to have sprung from the Kansas City rap scene overnight. "Pop, Lock & Drop It" was ringtone rap personified, and became a staple on 106 & Park. There was a follow-up single and even two albums from Huey, but nobody remembers him for anything except this one song which peaked at no. 6 on the Hot 100.Louisiana's Hurricane Chris climbed to No. 7 on the Hot 100 with "A Bay Bay" in July 2007. He cat-called "Halle Berry" on his next-biggest single with far less success; the song only went to No. 52 in 2009.Feist is a pretty talented artist. But, she can thank apple for the ipod commercial that made her an instant one-hit wonder in 2007. The iPod promo helped her hit peak at no. 8 on the Hot 100. 1234 is fun, catchy and custom-fit for one-hit wonder status.Definitely one of the biggest one-hit wonders of the year, power-pop group, Hellogoodbye, had listeners jumping up and down and longing for someone to be in their arms to lock lips and brush cheeks with. Since peaking at no. 14 on the Hot 100, hellogoodbye has been out of the spotlight. They did just that with this one hit wonder, a hello and goodbye.Its hard to transition smoothly from acting to singing for a lot of people, but sister act Aly & AJ proved they had the chops to do it with their catchy Potential Breakup Song. The song peaked at no. 17 on the Hot 100 but the Michalka ladies havent put out anything that received a lot of airplay since then. The duo have since renamed their band to 78Violet and have taken on a more folk-tingled sound.I'm already waiting on all the comments that will yell at me and claim Paula is not a one hit wonder. But, you know the deal already. This song was the highest she's ever charted even though it seems like she was all over the place in 2007. This song peaked at no. 18 on the Hot 100 in '07 and soon after it seemed like Paula fell off the face of the earth. She resurfaced in 2014 when she auditioned for The Voice and competed for a little while on Blake's team. #Justice4Paula Where were you in summer 2007? Probably listening to this song as you whined them hips. But then fall happened and everyone forgot about the song and who sang it. Luckily, this cabbage-patch-faced popstar has a no. 29 hot 100 hit under her belt. Kat Deluna continues to do music but has yet to make the same splash as her one and only hit.The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus made waves with their progressive debut single "Face Down" that tackled domestic abuse and promoted female empowerment. The song peaked at no. 25 and the band was beloved in the pop-punk scene, but couldn't find much traction with follow-up releases despite staying together for more than a decade.Like Gavin DeGraw, Augustana owes One Tree Hill a huge thanks for kickstarting their career. After Lucas and B. Davis danced to "Boston" in the show's third season finale, the song peaked at no. 34 on the Hot 100. Maybe Augustana moved to Boston just never returned..Thanks to this song, Ingrid helped secure the song a sweet gig as the soundtrack to an Old Navy commercial. Because of this, Ingrid scored her first and only top 40 Billboard hit, peaked at no. 37 in 2007. Although Ingrid never matched the success of this song again, she still remains active in music and fans will not agree with this one-hit-wonder title. But as long as there are primetime TV dramas and retai, shell not go hungry. What were you bopping to/doing in 2007, ONTD?
but i mean it's nice to be able to weed out all the racists supporting farrage on my facebook and in my job so thanks for that

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The fact that Churchill advocated for a 'United States of Europe' as well

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lol mte



that's certainly one way of looking at history

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"lmao the fact that people are chanting that our grandfathers would be proudour ancestors went to war to help a minority group that were being murdered by an oppressive regime"



Well, that certainly is an interesting way to look at UK history.



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ummmmmmmmmmmmmm

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What a ridiculou statement. One of the very core reasons the EU started with Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands is to prevent war. Which our ancestors went to war for

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bloody mental innit

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this looks identical to when my friend's 2 year old is having a fit

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i never thought i would also react like ronaldo

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Lmaoooo

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This is crazy. I feel awful for those who voted to stay

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Wales votes to trust a new and more right wing Tory leadership to invest as much money into its poorer areas as EU has been doing #EUref  michael sheen (@michaelsheen) June 24, 2016





#Leave voters waking in morning to value of the pound and celebrating #Brexit pic.twitter.com/OQo4S8hMW8  Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) June 24, 2016





I can't get my head around what's happening in Britain.I'm so sorry to the youth of Britain. I fear you've been let down today x  James Corden (@JKCorden) June 24, 2016





Mark Millar (Kick Ass and Wanted creator) was happy by the news, tweeting this out shortly after the vote was called



Ming is gone. Mongo is free. Feeling like... pic.twitter.com/uSWUCqeDV9  Mark Millar (@mrmarkmillar) June 24, 2016

more celebsMark Millar (Kick Ass and Wanted creator) was happy by the news, tweeting this out shortly after the vote was called

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That Monty Python one is so true. Something like 47% of voters thought their personal finances wouldn't change, crazy.

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Micheal Sheen said exactly one of my thoughts except it was regarding Scotland. You drive around the north of Scotland i.e. the western rural highlands and see so many EU signs signalling funding for roads, bridges and community projects. If the people that voted for brexit believe that the money thats going to be saved from exiting the EU will somehow benefit the people in these areas more then theyre sadly mistaken.

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Scotland overwhelmingly voted to stay, though.

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I really liked Riz MC's comment on Facebook, especially coming from a minority in the UK that was part of the immigration push-back that UKIP and others were using on this campaign trail.







Also I hope Scotland and North Ireland exit out of this mess now.

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I still can't believe this shit happened, when the first news stories came through after polls closed it seemed like Remain would win. Then it didn't. :/

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Xenophobia's a hell of a drug

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so true

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lmao

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lmao what even

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lmao

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lmao

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lmao

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Can someone explain to me why is this so bad? and why some people are really happy with the decision? ..idg why they think it's good to leave the UN

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united nations isn't the same as the EU

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EU bb

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It's the EU the UK is leaving, and they've basically tanked the world economy on the way out. All because ppl couldn't bother to read past the tabloid papers abt the evil old immigrants and refugees.

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UN is not EU



Imagine one of America's richest states voting to leave the US because they're afraid of "immigrants". Then imagine their economy crumbling because everyone will turn on them without a support system.



This is what happened/will happen to the UK.

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i would actually love the south to secede...

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lord

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It's bad because the European Union is a good thing. The U.K. (as all member states) pay tax to be a part of it, and the EU gives a lesser amount back, and gets to choose where some of it goes. This is normal. Obviously to make things equal poorer places get slightly more than they give. This benefits a country like Wales, that needs more assistance (and is often forgotten/not prioritised by the UK).



The Leave camp made it seem like if they leave the EU, there'll suddenly be more money allocated to welfare/social security/public health when actually, it won't, and they don't even have the power to deliver that promise.



Then, there's immigration. Like in the US, anti-Muslim sentiment is growing. Members of the EU Benefit from visa free movement between the zone, meaning people can live and work in other countries. Lots of Eastern European/ex-communist bloc citizens have used this to move to the UK, where they contribute more to social services and benefits than they receive. This is very beneficial. The UK also receives lots of migrants from outside the EU, from places like India and Syria. These people typically pay less into social benefits and take more. The Leave voters don't seem to realise that they are now blocking access to the type of immigrants they WANT/benefit from. This is bad for the economy. This also means that EU citizens (Austrian, Belgian, Italian, whoever) who work in the UK and deliver skilled labour may now have to leave, causing a shortage of skilled workers.



Not to even mention poor Scotland who wanted independence from the UK but instead voted to stay so they could continue to benefit from the EU.



It's a mess. But the people who won voted in favour of pro-nationalist, close-our-borders-to-undesirables, anti-European establishment, and ignored the advice of basically every single qualified economic expert.





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I'm so sorry for not replying with something constructive, but I'm dying at the "UN" bit.

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lol hon

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From everything I've gathered leaving the EU basically guarantees they're going to swan dive into a fucking nightmare of a recession







and also that everyone who voted to leave voted that way purely because they're racist

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I take it you get your news from Fox? They also do not know the difference between UN and EU.

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what a dumbass.



i had no idea she was an idiot irl. let me remove Royals from my watch list.

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Considering the TV and Movie industry is gonna be heavily affected by this move in a bad way, she may have just removed the Royals herself. Oops.

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The dog looks like it wanted to remain :(

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Holy shit WTF Elizabeth. :(

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Such a beautiful face.........on the left!! Eff this dickhead.

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Just woke up to see the result. Oh my God, what have we done #EURefResults  Phillip Schofield (@Schofe) June 24, 2016





And suddenly the birds are singing.....still glued to the TV though  #Brexit  Elizabeth Hurley (@ElizabethHurley) June 24, 2016



Feel so bad for you UK remembers who voted to remain, so sad.

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who knew elizabeth hurley was such a fucking dumb ass omg?

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wow at liz hurley...well she's cancelled.

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i know, i had just clicked submit when i refreshed the main page

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your icon omfg

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slay niall, the smartest 1d member tbh

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A. Dot is everything my stud loving heart desires, man.

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poor tito lmaooooo

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omg I spat my coffee out at that A.Dot one

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WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE WHAT THE FUCK UKWHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE

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My sentiments

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Mte

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This is craaaazy. Afraid for my future right now

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I've given up now, moving to Germany before they get rid of free movement byeeee

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Hurry, because in our next elections it'll be AfD in charge. AfD everywhere. Mark my words. They'll get rid of everything we achieved in the last 40 years. I'm thinking about leaving the country tbh. But where to go? It's like "Same shit, different country" at the moment.

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the fact that afd exists + that those imbeciles have legitimate followers... I can't even wrap my mind around it.

it makes me consider leaving the planet



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no, they will not be in charge. no fuck way. and they don't want to leave the eu either. they fucked as shit and assholes, but no way they will win and be in charge.

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They want an EU referendum as well... They're a bunch of fucking idiots, I can't even...

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What's the situation if I want dual nationality? My Gran was German...

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2016 is the slow-motion, eighty-seven-car pileup of years.

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Seriously.



The US elections are this year too so this can only get worse.

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this is a fantastic analogy and i'm 100% going to use it. thx bb

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It really is. I'm waiting for the four horsemen to be like "hey you guys called?"

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Im declaring it Worst Year Ever and it's not even July

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Oil prices reacted poorly when the news came that UK voters had opted on Thursday to leave the European Union. Futures for crude oil took a definite tumble in a reversal of previous gains after a day of the market watching the Brexit voting in the United Kingdom.

On the NYMEX, benchmark light sweet crude fell 6.8 percent to $46.70/bbl. during the Asian trade; this after settling at 2 percent higher during trading in the United States.

Prices for Brent crude fell by 6.6 percent to $47.54/bbl. Prior to that, those prices had settled at $50.91/bbl.

Angus Nicholson, an IG analyst, predicted that oil prices could see more losses, as the specter of a global recession is raised due to uncertainty over the future of the European Union. However, other analysts were of the opinion that the price decline would be a short-term affair.

Oliver Jakob of Petromatrix, a Swiss company, opined that the core oil fundamentals remained unchanged and said that many traders might adopt a wait-and-see attitude. However, SEB Markets analyst Bjarne Scheildrop warned that last week, oil was down to $49.64/bbl. He said it would have been strange if the market did not beat that low. Related: Shells Ambitious Plan To Topple Exxon

Its expected that investors will prepare to trade off volatility in prices due to the climate of uncertainty. In the wake of the referendum BP stated: "We do not currently expect it to have a significant impact on BP's business or investments in the UK and Continental Europe, nor on the location of our headquarters or our staff."

If the Baker-Hughes rig count, which will be released later in the day, shows an increase, prices may fall even further.

Adding to the speculation about the future of the situation in Europe. Scotland had voted to remain in the European Union, and leaders there expect a new vote on Scottish independence. Geert Wilders, who heads the Dutch anti-immigrant party PVV is calling for similar vote in the Netherlands. The idea has support in the country.

By Lincoln Brown for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Aliko Dangote, arguably the richest man in Africa, has plans to build Nigerias first privately-owned crude oil refinery while also doubling his cement operations.

Speaking to Reuters, Dangote said that the new plant would cost $12 billion and could produce 650,000 barrels of oil per day. He expects the construction on the new plant to be done by 2018 with production up and running by 2019.

The plant would also include a fertilizer unit to be funded by loans, export credit agencies and our own equity". Dangotes also plans to build a gas pipeline through West Africa, and new cement plants in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and in Congo Republic.

Nigeria had been a major producer in crude oil, but poor refinery maintenance has resulted in its four refineries being unable to hit full output. Currently, the country imports approximately 80 percent of its fuel. Oil companies in the country have staggered under the decline in oil prices, and some have been unable to access cash because the Central Bank of Nigeria has imposed restrictions on foreign currency exchanges in an effort to prop up the sagging naira.

Earlier in the week, the CBN removed the peg that has kept the naira at a rate of 197 for over a year. The naira experienced a 30 percent devaluation as it was traded on the interbank market.

The cash crunch in Nigeria has caused many companies in the country to either go insolvent or make drastic changes, including laying off employees. However, a study done by Reuters during March and May indicated that Dangotes companies secured a good share of cash at the cheap official rate. Dangote downplayed the idea that he had received preferential treatment, and said that the $161 million he bought from the CBN was due to the size of his business.

By Lincoln Brown for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Police in the area of Imo in Nigeria have confirmed that there has been an attack on a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facility there. The attack, which was in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government area took place early Thursday.

One source told the News Agency of Nigeria that the attack came at 5:30 in the morning and reported an explosion that created a great deal of flame. That source could not confirm if anyone was killed in the incident.

Andrew Enwerem, who is the Public Relations Officer of police in the state, did not disclose any details about the incident, and it is still not known who is behind the attack, or the amount of damage done to the facility. SPDC spokesperson Precious Okolobo noted that the Trans Niger pipeline that runs through the area has been closed for repairs, but said that the company is investigating the Thursday attack.

According to the Nigerian News Agency, no group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Earlier in June, when Shell announced that it planned to end operations in some countries, it affirmed its commitment to remain in Nigeria. Shell CEO Ben van Beurden said that the company would not leave the country, and reaffirmed the liquefied natural gas and deep water operations there. The companys facilities have come under attack on several occasions this year.

Yesterday, the Nigerian Army announced that it would investigate reports that some of its officers were planning a coup against the countrys president Muhammadu Buhari. The accusations of the attempted overthrow came from the Niger Delta Avengers. Representatives of the Nigerian Army denied that the report had any validity.

By Lincoln Brown for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Milwaukee is a city with a rich and celebrated history  but there's more to our city's history than you learned in school. In honor of National LGBT Pride Month, we're kicking off a weekly series on the hidden LGBT history of Milwaukee.

Behold the Clifton Tap, one of the citys earliest known "gay bars" and the resident tavern of the ancient Clifton House Hotel. The Clifton Tap, 336 W. Juneau Ave., shared a block with what would later become the Sydney Hih Building.

Located at 4th and Juneau for 115 years, the Clifton House was one of the citys first "fine hotels," operated by pioneering two-time widow Mrs. Augusta Koenig Schilling for more than half of its existence.

Built for the carriage trade, the 51-by-96 foot Clifton hugged buildings on all sides without any alleyway access. Most guests were merchants and shoppers making their way to Milwaukees German Market, a massive Teutonic-themed trading hall at Juneau and Market Streets, demolished in 1965.

(PHOTO: Historic Photo Collection/Milwaukee Public Library)

During a 1933 interview, Mrs. Schilling reflected on her childhood arrival in Milwaukee, on the same day the 24th Regiment was departing to join the Iron Brigade in the U.S. Civil War. In a 1940 interview, she blamed the automobile for ruining her business  long before freeways and urban flight. She was still listed as the hotel operator at age 85. What a woman!

Following Mrs. Schillings death in 1945, the Clifton House Hotel closed for extensive remodeling. Once one of Milwaukees foremost destinations, the building was considered just one more "ugly old coal-stained shack" in a city that was focused on the future. As we know from Milwaukees history, it was in these "ugly old coal-stained shacks" that LGBTQ nightlife was born.

The Clifton House became a 29-room rooming house with street-level retail, operated by Ms. Minnie Horne. One of these spaces was occupied by the tiny Clifton Tap, operated by William Mansfield, reported by the Sentinel as a "lifelong bachelor and rooming house native." The tavern consisted of two rooms, a front room with an 18-by-18 foot hand-carved oak bar and a back room "lounge" with two rear exits into the hotel lobby. According to the fleeting memories of former patrons, the lounge had pocket doors that created privacy (and safety) from the rest of the bar. Discrete parties were often booked in this windowless space  for a price.

Very, very little is known about this establishment. In a time before national "Gay Guides," Milwaukees few gay bars were known only by word-of-mouth. The Clifton Tap did not advertise itself. It was just one of dozens of businesses along a very busy and vibrant West Juneau Avenue, which at the time had dense city blocks stretching from Third Street to the Pabst Brewery.

Not a single trace of these city blocks remains today, so its hard to imagine how a historic gay meeting place could ever have existed in plain sight on 4th and Juneau throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Of special note: The Clifton Tap did not barricade or board up its windows. The bar had two rounded glass bay windows, in the vintage Woolworths style, which were wide open to passersby. This, again, is incredible when you consider the risks and costs of being openly gay in postwar America.

The Clifton Hotel was badly burned in a "fire of undetermined origin" on January 15, 1957. Despite the tavern owner and rooming house manager checking the furnace twice in the three hours prior, a three alarm fire broke out at 6 a.m. that caused $273,000 of damage (adjusted 2016 dollars). The fire began directly below the Clifton Tap and burnt its way upwards into the bar through the basement ceiling. The evacuated occupants were almost entirely single workingmen aged 30 to 50. Another fire, caused by a drunken resident in 1961, rendered the third floor uninhabitable and, according to building inspector reports, hazardous to human health.

(PHOTO: Wisconsin LGBT History Project)

The Clifton Hotel fell under the ownership of Marshall Palakow, executor of his mother Rose Palakow's estate. Palakow owned numerous Downtown properties  including Tony's Riviera on Plankinton and St. Paul  that were conveniently in the path of the approaching freeways, and he deferred maintenance on all of them, awaiting a Milwaukee County Expressway Commission buyout. In the meantime, the Clifton House was cited by the City of Milwaukee numerous times for code violations, including a leaking roof, inoperable toilets, missing fire escapes, crumbling plaster, basement rubbish and, worst of all, rat infestation. By 1964, the rooming house was operating without a valid license, as the city would no longer grant one. Miss Minnie Horne, who had rented the tavern and rooming house spaces for $550/month, saw her rent reduced to $200 to bribe her into staying in business illegally.

On October 15, 1965, an appraiser noted that "although there is no recorded police activity at this site, there is hard evidence of deviate behavior." Operating under the guise of freeway right-of-way acquisition, the Milwaukee County Expressway Commission often exercised its powers to eliminate undesirable properties anywhere near emerging freeways. Rooming houses, once a necessity in a growing industrial city, were specifically targeted for elimination.

"The mercantile structures along Juneau Avenue cannot be rehabilitated," reads the appraiser's report. "The underlying land would carry higher value if it were vacant and available."

The Clifton House was razed soon afterwards, despite being outside the path of the freeway. Over 50 years later, the land remains vacant.

The Western Bank/Sydney Hih building, on the other end of the block, survived Westowns architectural slaughter to house gay institutions (including The Mineshaft, Goldenshaft, The Unicorn and The Eagle) but fell to a similarly senseless demolition in 2012.

On Saturday, June 18, ground was broken for the new Milwaukee Bucks Arena. Curiously, the former footprint of the Clifton Hotel is now outlined in fencing at the northeast corner of 4th and Juneau.

Anyone with further information about the Clifton Tap is encouraged to share with the Wisconsin LGBT History Project or email info@milwaukeepride.org.
The opinions expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the opinions of OnMilwaukee.com, its advertisers or editorial staff.

Some of the "President Obama wont say the words 'radical Islamic terrorist'" debate gets overheated. The president is right that words dont matter as much as strategy. If Obama utters the magic words, ISIS isnt going to spontaneously combust and disappear from the earth.

Yes, what matters is strategy. The problem isnt what Obama wont say; the problem is that his strategy for the Middle East (if there is one) has been woefully inadequate. I understand that he inherited Bushs war, but I expected him not to lose it so spectacularly, ceding the heart of the Middle East to a terror far worse and abandoning people we promised freedom to that menace. We owed the Iraqi people a debt.

That being said, this avoidance of reality is getting absurd. Because now comes word that Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the government would edit Omar Mateens pledge to ISIS and religious motivation out of the 911 calls he made during the Pulse mass shooting. "What were not going to do is further proclaim this mans pledges of allegiance to terrorist groups and further his propaganda," Lynch told NBC. "We are not going to hear him make his assertions of allegiance [to the Islamic State]."

After receiving criticism from top Republican leaders, Lynch eventually did an about-face, and the Justice Department decided to release the transcripts after all, but its pretty revealing that she tried to censor them at all.

This was absurd. According to Politico, this is how one line in the initial, government-released Mateen 911 transcript read: "Mateen: I pledge allegiance to [omitted] may God protect him [in Arabic], on behalf of [omitted]."

Yes, thats your government at work.

The potential analogies here are endless. When John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln, he jumped on a stage and shouted, "Sic semper tyrannis! The South is avenged." This means "Ever thus to tyrants!" Should the government have kept these words from the citizenry so as not to provide a propaganda boost to the Confederacy?

Timothy McVeigh was wearing a T-shirt with that same Latin phrase when he was arrested in the Oklahoma City bombing. Should the government have edited that point out of the police reports? Obviously no. They are part of the historical record.

Words do matter. I understand that Lynch was arguing that leaving Mateens pledge in the public record would give ISIS a propaganda boost. Her argument was rather like those of some cops years ago that wouldnt use the names of street gangs in press conferences for fear of glorifying them. That didnt make the street gangs go away; it just made the public less aware of the problem.

Being honest about motives for problems helps us develop the best solutions to solve the problems (or, as the public, to assess whether our government is doing so). This came from an attorney general who also argued that "our most effective response to terror is compassion, its unity and its love." Guess what? ISIS leaders could care less if we love them  but they certainly do hate us, and everything we stand for.

However, when you put the 911 call censoring debacle together with Obamas reticence to use the words and his previous comments (such as about the JV team), it smacks of reality avoidance. When combined with an inert and ineffective foreign policy that seems predicated on reaction and withdrawal, it raises the obvious question: Does Obama and his administration truly appreciate the nature of our enemy?

Although I am not against revisiting some gun laws  such as the move to delay gun purchases to people whove been investigated for terrorism  its also noteworthy that the president wants to solve what may be a terrorist attack by restricting the rights of Americans as his first and prevailing instinct. So that makes what Mateen said relevant, too: It raises questions about the limitations of the Obama response. At least the president did mention ISIS and Mateens pledge in a recent radio address. Thats progress.

However, in April, the White House left a reference to "Islamist terrorism" out of a video by French President Francois Hollande when he came to D.C. for a summit, blaming technical problems. Theres clearly a pattern here.

Why the repeated tendency to avoid mentioning our enemy? One could argue it helps the president by shifting focus to his solution (gun control) and away from his failed policies for dealing with ISIS  and if you dont think theyre failed, then how come ISIS is still tossing gay people off roofs, enslaving women and murdering religious minorities with virtual impunity?

One could also argue that the government deleting the terrorists references to ISIS makes it less likely that the FBIs handling of intelligence about Mateens possible terrorist instincts will be the focus of most scrutiny. The government didnt correctly perceive Mateen as a terrorist threat before the attack and apparently wants us not to know that was at least partly his motive now. Think about it.

Furthermore, if Obama argues that it doesnt matter if he uses the words radical Islamic terrorist, then why does it matter if we hear that Mateen essentially did?

More importantly, though, Mateens 911 calls are part of the historical record, and unlike, say, a bin Laden video gloating about Sept. 11, they are governmental records too. That means theyre also public record.

Its very troubling for our government to want to censor and sanitize the public record, the historical record. Those records really belong to all of us. The open records laws are the citizens best protection against the power of government, yet this attorney general, the leading Democratic presidential candidate (and also our governor) seem woefully unconcerned about living up to open records laws in general.

I think the public and the families have every right to know what Mateen said during the attack to government, unless it would somehow wreck an active investigation (but thats not the argument they gave for censorship).

Furthermore: How do we know whether Mateen really said what the government says he said if we dont get to compare it to what he really said? Now, I believe he said what they say he said. I have no reason to doubt it. However, trust but verify, as they say.

Its true that Mateens motive may have been complicated and could have stemmed from confusion over his self-identity, as well as allegiance to ISIS, which doesnt appear to have directly trained him. He might have had mixed motives. However, heres why understanding the shooters motives do matter: Knowing the cause helps us craft solutions that are directly related to it. If you misunderstand the cause, you can respond in a way that doesnt directly combat it.

Thats why we need to understand that racism motivated a shooter to massacre people at a black church, and its why we need to understand that religion may have motivated a shooter to massacre people in an LGBT nightclub, at least partly. And, yes, obviously, all Muslims are not terrorists. However, some terrorists are motivated by their interpretation of Islam.

Would we have eliminated references to Naziism when discussing Hitler so as to avoid giving Nazis a propaganda boost? Would we have eliminated the fact the Sept. 11 terrorists were affiliated with al-Qaeda from historical record on Sept 11 so as not to give al-Qaeda a propaganda boost?

Of course not. We learn from history. History requires a complete, unsanitized record, or we could be bound to repeat it.
Every Milwaukeean has a Lake Michigan story and for the next seven days OnMilwaukee will share as many as possible during "MKE Lake Week," sponsored by the Harbor District. Love our lake? You're in the right place.

Nine years ago, Jake Bresette started surfing Lake Michigan, but because he lived in Madison, he had to drive more than an hour to Sheboygan, Racine and Milwaukee for the big waves.

"That got old," says Bresette. "As much as I love surfing, I got tired of making the drive."

One of Bresettes favorite places to surf is Atwater Beach, so he and his wife, Alaina  who is also a surfer  decided to move and open a business in Shorewood.

Lake Effect Surf Shop opened in July 2016 at 1926 E. Capitol Dr. in the former Cafe Nation, Smoothie Nation space.

"Theres a surf shop in Sheboygan and one in Michigan, but we always wondered why there wasnt one in Milwaukee," says Bresette. "And so my wife and I took the plunge."

The shop sells  and rents  surfboards, paddle boards and wet suits. It also offers skateboard stuff and locally-themed T-shirts and clothing, including "Wiloha" gear, a term which Bresette invented that combines "Wisconsin" with the Hawaiian greeting "aloha."

When Bresette started surfing the lake, there were only one or two others in the water with him. Recently, the numbers have increased greatly.

"Now there might be eight, 10, 15 people surfing at the same time," he says.

Although the best time to surf Lake Michigan is in the fall  followed by spring and then winter  Bresette says sales remained solid all year.

"Its been very good first year," says Bresette, "It's great to see so much growth and interest in surfing. Especially in the winter."

Lake Effect Surf Shop will be open Tuesday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Like the Citizen United case, the Patriot Act and the Freedom Act where the politicians imply you are not for citizens uniting, you are not a patriot or you are not for freedom if you don't support these cases and acts... We need to create a Humanity Act for common-sense gun control. If politicians don't support the Humanity Act, then we will brand them for not supporting humanity and people.



The Humanity Act

- Ensure firearm sellers are licensed. Firearm seller must forward firearm-license data to the government and ensure that each firearm has an approved safety lock.

- Ensure everyone has had a background check with a one-month waiting period before they can purchase.

- Ensure all firearms are licensed to an individual owner (like an automobile license).

- Ensure all firearms have locks on them that can only be opened by the owner.

- Ensure all firearm licenses are renewed every five years. This is a visual inspection done by each state to ensure each firearm is licensed and fitted with approved safety locks.

- Ensure that the firearm owner confirms that they are in possession of each of their firearms and that they are fitted with approved safety locks and that they are safely secured. This will be done annually when owners submit their annual tax forms.





You want change, then vote for politicians that support common-sense firearm control.



We need to start taking steps to protect people from getting their hands on guns that shouldn't have them. We protect people from taking guns onto a plane. Now it is time to protect people, by implementing common-sense gun-reform legislation.



Do people know that Citizen United gives a much larger voice to the wealthy, corporations, religious organizations and less of a voice to the average American?





Do people know that the Patriot Act and Freedom Act actually take away their right to privacy?




On June 23, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of "race-conscious admissions" at America's state-operated colleges and universities. Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the majority in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, holds that the form of racial discrimination known as "affirmative action" is lawful under the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.

Yes, you read that correctly. No, it doesn't make any sense at all. The whole idea of equal protection is, um, EQUAL protection. That means neither special privilege nor special punishment based on non-essentials like skin color.

When the expression "race-conscious" crosses my field of view, it's usually a safe bet that the person using it is a "white supremacist" or "white separatist" chiding those of similar skin tone for not joining him in his dislike of those of darker hue. And usually the vast majority of us see that for what it is and reject it, as we should.

Usually. But not when racial quotas and set-asides come up for consideration in the courts. Then racism suddenly becomes not just acceptable but mandatory, or at least de rigueur, in stark contrast to Dr. Martin Luther King's call for a society where we are judged on the content of our characters rather than on the color of our skins.

Does "structural" or "institutional" racism still exist, functioning so as to deprive people of color of their fair share of opportunities in our shared society? I'm not among those who dismiss the idea out of hand. In fact, I think it quite likely to be true.

Can structural/institutional racism be repaired or eliminated by adding more layers of structural/institutional racism atop the original ugly substrate? No. Two wrongs don't make a right. Nor do three, four or five.

Color-blindness in college and university admissions is neither the first nor the last step in eliminating racism as a factor in the availability of post-secondary education opportunities. But it is certainly a necessary step, to be taken along with, rather than after, rooting out racial bias in curriculum, teaching and testing.

It's demoralizing in this day and age to find Jim Crow alive and well in the form of state institutions demanding (and basing decisions on) disclosure of individuals' racial and ethnic backgrounds.

It's even more demoralizing -- indeed, it's beyond disgusting -- to see the US Supreme Court affirming and supporting that racial discrimination in the name of "equal protection."
The establishment's sniveling propagandists have redoubled their efforts to debase Bernie Sanders with attempts to discredit him and the virtues he has always displayed. Lately, in between whining about the lack of a Sanders endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President, they are crying that he still has a Secret Service detail assigned to him, as if it were done at his insistence, and only for his vanity. It is not. That detail is provided to him as it is to everyone who is still a candidate, and, in Sanders' case, who will remain a candidate until at least the Democratic National Convention.

To be charitable, I will suppose that these propagandists are playing stupid, as opposed to actually being so (which is not beyond the scope of the conclusions to be drawn from the evidence), when they ask where Sanders expects to go, and what he expects to gain from what they characterize as stubbornness born of his vanity and his desperate clinging to celebrity. I guess they missed it, seeing how he can't have articulated it more than several hundreds of times over the past year. Of course, in fairness, despite that repeated articulation, most people are unfamiliar with Sanders' program, and especially journalists and news organizations that prefer to be on the cuff instead of doing the job that the framers sought to protect in the First Amendment.

What Sanders has repeated so frequently that it sounds like a mantra, is that while he has been in this race to win the Democratic nomination, that outcome was not as important to him as building a sustainable political movement that he characterized as a "revolution". He has succeeded in initiating that progressive political revolution, and that is why these partisans to empire are whistling past the graveyard as they struggle to undermine it in its infancy.

Regarding the lack of an endorsement for Hillary Clinton, Sanders has said that he has not heard her say what she needs to say in order to secure that endorsement. She has not made any commitments, even in a half hearted fashion to progressive principles, other than her customary triangulation around them. That is no more than making the noise without the meaning or intent. But, of course, she clearly understands what is required to secure that endorsement. She evidently doesn't think that she needs it. That's her choice, and Sanders is not to be faulted for being as good as his word.

Where Sanders expects to go is to return to his seat in the Senate expressing a preference for a committee assignment in Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, unmistakably illustrating his priorities in the next Congress. Recalling Sanders' effectiveness in his service to the Veterans' Affairs Committee, the scribes for empire become alarmed, and so bark out, "Let's you and her fight, " in reference to his seeking to displace the current ranking member, Sen. Patty Murray, even groveling so low as to suggest that it is Sanders' sexist proclivities, as he supposedly demonstrated by campaigning against Hillary Clinton, that lead him to oppose Murray for the ranking member position.

Sanders will be a much more powerful senator than he was before this campaign. Where before, his base of support extended a bit beyond his home state of Vermont, it is now national, with a sizable contingent in every state. These are the people who struggle to lift themselves above poverty, above discrimination for their race and their gender, and their sexual preference. They are people who have been mired in poverty and long to escape the past and those who once enjoyed prosperity and long to return to the prosperity that they once had.

All of these needs can be consistently and compatibly addressed by the progressive programs that Sanders has outlined in this campaign, which are, in essence, a return to the New Deal, with its evolution to apply to the present.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren is Hillary's best bet for VP. Why? Despite the relentless lampooning, ridiculing, and name-calling of Trump, and the smug writing of his political obituary, the election will be a close run up. The big GOP donors and handlers, the hate driven passion to beat Hillary, Trump's skilled fear mongering and pander to bigotry, the never-ending media fawn over him, and GOP dominance in the majority of the state's legislatures and state houses will insure that.

The fatal mistake is to assume that simply painting and then writing off Trump as a kook will be enough to scare millions to storm the polls to defeat him. Clinton's campaign is a political textbook study in business like organization, precision, and professionalism. But it's not a campaign of passion.

Its passion that pushes people, especially young people, and minorities, out the door and to the polls on Election Day. These voters made the White House a wrap for Obama in 2008 and 2012. But Clinton is not Obama, and in the handful of swing states that will decide the election, the numbers and turnout will mean everything.

Warren provides the passion needed to get younger voters out the door Election Day. This was evident the moment that she fired up the imagination of millions by hammering on the corruption, gaming, and greed of Wall Street, and lashing the tepid, faint hearted effort by Washington to rein it in. Wall Street quickly warned that Warren was toxic for the Democrats, and reminded that a lot of its campaign money has gone to Obama and other Democrats, and that includes Hillary. The Wall Street saber-rattle about Warren cinched it. Progressives had long last found their champion and hero, and screamed for her to toss her hat in the presidential rink. Warren said no, and Sanders stepped into the breech. Though millions eagerly and fervently rallied to his bandwagon, Warren's name was still on the lips of many. With the Democrat's tight party rules on voting in primaries, and core Democrat and super-delegate allegiance firmly in place for Clinton, Sanders never really had much chance to outduel her for the party's presidential nomination.

However, the brutal reality is legions of Sanders' backers tar Clinton as a war monger, Wall Street and corporate shill, party hack, and untrustworthy. A significant number of them vow that they will not vote for her, write in Sanders' name, vote Green Party, or stay home. That's OK if they are all in California, New York, or Massachusetts, lock down Democratic states, but if more than a few of them are in Ohio, Pennsylvania or Florida that could spell real trouble for Clinton. The potential ice breaker with them is someone on the Clinton ticket who is totally acceptable to Sanders and just as acceptable to Sander's Clinton wary supporters. That obvious someone is Warren.

Clinton is mindful of the loathing that legions of Sanders' Democrats have for her Wall Street connection. So early on at a Democratic gubernatorial campaign rally in Massachusetts last year she was effusive in her praise of Warren and in the process took a big shot at Wall Street and the corporations minimizing their role in job creation. Later she walked it back claiming she had "short-handed" her comments. In the general election she will be continually challenged to tell which Clinton Sanders backers are to believe; the Wall Street or the populist Clinton. Warren will compel Clinton to spell out her position on the issues and tell how a Clinton administration will differ from Obama's and husband Bill's. She will also have to spend time making assurances that she is not the unreconstructed hawk on foreign policy issues that progressive Democratic critics lambaste her as. She'll have to talk even more boldly about tough financial regulations and reforms, and putting real meaning into her oft stated embrace of the label "progressive."

A slew of unnamed Wall Street insiders recently loudly warned Clinton that if she picked Warren as your VP, she could kiss our cash good-bye. But this is just so much hot air. Policy as always will be made by the president, not the vice-president, and if they didn't give their campaign cash to Clinton, who would they give it to, Trump, with his digs at Wall Street, doubtful. But even more, Wall Street also likes a winner, and it will not dare risk being cut out of the Washington loop by folding up its financial tent on Clinton, solely because of VP Warren.

http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/elizabeth-warren-wall-street-vice-president-224489

Core Democrats and the party establishment are solidly behind Clinton. That's the good news. The bad news is that this masks the weak enthusiasm or outright opposition that many Democrats and independents who backed Sanders have to a Clinton presidential bid. Warren will do much to dispel that. Again, that makes Warren Clinton's best bet for VP.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He is the author of Let's Stop Denying Made in America Terrorism , (Amazon Kindle) He is an associate editor of New America Media. He is a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on Radio One. He is the host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles and the Pacifica Network.


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Founded as a republic in which representatives are elected to administer the government for the People, the United States has become increasingly more democratic as the vote has been extended from a few wealthy property owners to include most adult citizens. President Abraham Lincoln not only established that the United States could not be dissolved, but he also expanded the definition of its government from being for the People, to being of and by the People. Thus, it is the People themselves who have the inherent power to define their own government, rather than being forced to accept the kind of government offered by competing political candidates. In a democracy, it is supposed to be the people (demos) who have the power (kratia), rather than the politicians (poltikos).

The Democrats and Republicans are currently nominating the two candidates with the highest unfavorable ratings in the history of presidential elections. Before hiring their next president, shouldn't American voters be telling the candidates what the task involves, rather than listening to the candidates lie about what they will do if they get the job?

Political Party Platforms

Currently, political policy, on the national level, is set forth in the platforms adopted by the major political parties at their presidential nominating conventions every four years. During the primaries, the competing candidates tout their proposals about what their party's platform should contain. Once they obtain enough delegates to receive the nomination, the successful presidential candidates take control of their political parties and the committees that draft the platforms. Conceptually, the American People vote for these competing party platforms, and the presidential candidates are supposedly pledged to follow these policies, if elected.

In truth--given the present merchandising approach to political campaigns--the party platforms are carefully designed as bait to sell the party's political package to the voters. Once in office, however, successful candidates are free to switch from their advertised promises, which they usually do to the detriment of those who bought their product.

Hillary Clinton's website lists 31 key programs she will fight for as president--from curing Alzheimer's disease to teaching new workforce skills. Mislabeled as policy, these programs include improving access to affordable health care, preserving Social Security and Medicare, and reducing the cost of college. Although Bernie Sanders may push the Democratic platform committee toward adopting more progressive positions, the ultimate result of a Hillary Clinton presidency will be a continuation of the pro-corporate philosophy of the New Democrats, such as her husband and President Barack Obama. This centralist orientation is largely indistinguishable from mainstream Republican policies in the critical areas of the economy, environment, and militarization.

Donald Trump's website offers a mishmash of proposals--also referred to as policies--including tax reform by reducing taxes, immigration reform by forcing Mexico to build a border wall, health care reform by repealing the Affordable Care Act, and compelling China to live up to its trade obligations by being a tough negotiator. Given his erratic nature, these proposals offer little or no guidance as to what a President Trump might actually do when confronted with real world problems, instead of the programming requirements of reality television.

Even with the best of intentions, these propositions--in the absence of well-considered policy guidelines--provide little direction in the event of changes of circumstance, such as another major terrorist attack, or increasing crime, riots, and racial violence resulting from economic failures. Most pertinent is the inability of political parties to adopt policies that actually benefit the People whenever beneficial policies conflict with the dictates of the wealthy elite and corporations who control the politicians in both major parties?

In many respects, the current political policy-making process treats American voters like children. Just as parents quickly learn to ask their young children whether they want green beans or carrots--rather than telling them to eat their vegetables--the electoral choices offered to voters by the major parties are different tastes of the same artificially-flavored political Kool-Aid.

Policy and Programs

The concept of policy is widely misunderstood. Policy is a philosophical guideline or a path to a goal or objective. It differs from laws, rules, regulations, and procedures, which are more mandatory. Although often used interchangeably--especially in politics--there is also a difference between policy, and the programs that implement policies.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the last big-picture political policy maker. His "New Deal" included a wide variety of government programs and lasted for decades, as the United States enjoyed its greatest period of political stability and economic progress. The platforms of subsequent presidents--Eisenhower's "Peace and Prosperity," Kennedy's "New Frontier," Johnson's "Great Society," Nixon's "Bring Us Together," Reagan's "Make America Great Again," Bush senior's "Kinder, Gentler Nation," Bill Clinton's "Putting People First," Bush junior's "Compassionate Conservatism," and Barrack Obama's "Change We Can Believe In"--have been marketing slogans primarily designed to peddle a variety of special-interest programs, rather than broad-scale statements of public policy. These political catchphrases are in the same category as Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" and Hillary Clinton's "Stronger Together."

While one could say that the New Deal was also a slogan, it was much more than a label for the presidential orders and government programs adopted pursuant to it. In response to the devastation of the Great Depression, the New Deal was a vision--expressed as a policy--which proposed a new contract between the People and their government. More than words, the New Deal actually provided relief for the destitute, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system.

Urging the United States to become an "Arsenal of Democracy" to help the Allies defend themselves against fascism and to unify the spirit of the American People, President Roosevelt looked forward to a world founded on the Four Freedoms of speech and expression, of worship, from want, and from fear. In January 1941--when Roosevelt identified these freedoms--the world was engaged in a great war against fascism which threatened every person on Earth. Today, fascism is once again rearing its evil head, and it is being fed by the fear tactics of reactionary politicians and the militarization of the government. Fascism is threatening an American society made vulnerable by social, environmental, and economic problems far beyond the comprehension of those who lived 75 years ago. At a time when the People desperately want peace and prosperity, they are being told by their presidential candidates that war and austerity are inevitable.

The Essentials of Good Government

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Colm for Congress

Democrats Partisan point-scoring over-rides good government

Stayton, OR  Yesterday, a group of Democratic Congressmen staged a sit-in on the House of Representatives floor that disrupted the proceedings and forced Speaker Ryan to adjourn the House.

In a statement released today, 5th congressional district candidate Colm Willis blasted the protest. This childish protest is not only counterproductive; it is stopping the peoples representatives from carrying out the business of the nation in the House of Representatives. After you lose a vote, you should work harder to win the next one rather than throw a tantrum on the House floor.

The Democrats are staging the stunt to protest the lack of gun control legislation in the aftermath of the attack in Orlando. The gun control measures they wanted to pass had already been defeated in the Senate, and they did not have the votes to bring them to a vote in the House.

Willis slammed the action as a political stunt, not serious governing. At a time when our nation is under threat from ISIS attacks and our economy is at risk of dipping back into recession, the Democrats would rather engage in legislative blackmail than work to solve our nations problems. This is an attempt to turn a republic into a mobocracy.

I call on my opponent, Kurt Schrader, to condemn this mob action and allow the House to return to its normal business.
India still not included in NSG

ISLAMABAD: The Nuclear Suppliers Group on Thursday failed to reach consensus on Indias membership application after several members of the international nuclear trade cartel insisted on adhering to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) condition for admission, thus blocking Delhis entry for now, a diplomatic source said.



The group decided that it would deal with non-NPT states with an even hand, the source added.



A formal announcement would be made at the conclusion of the NSGs plenary meeting in Seoul on Friday.



The countries that opposed Indias application included China, Russia, Brazil, Austria, New Zealand, Ireland and Turkey. To Indias shock, some of the countries that had initially pledged support for its candidature did not do so at the meeting.



Mark Hibbs, a senior associate at Carnegie Endowment, tweeted that about a quarter of the 48 member-NSG raised issues about Indian candidature.



The NSG works through consensus and India would not have been able to make it into the club even if a single country had opposed its application.



The criticism of India was not only that it had not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but also that it had not fulfilled the commitments it made while getting NSG waiver in 2008. It has neither made progress towards CTBT nor has separated its civilian and military nuclear reactors.



India is said to be runnng the largest unsafeguarded nuclear programme with a fissile production capacity 7.7 times greater than that of Pakistan.



China was the main challenger of the Indian bid, which was being backed by a number of Western countries. Beijing was opposed to giving exception to New Delhi and had been demanding deliberations on the accession of non-NPT countries.



Indian hopes about ending Chinese opposition had revolved around a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. But the interaction did not achieve that and President Xi, even before meeting Mr Modi, told his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain that his government would persist with criteria-based approach for the NSG membership.



India, according to a foreign diplomatic source, was not on the agenda of the plenary meeting, but Japan called for consideration of its application.



Pakistans case was, meanwhile, not taken up by the group on Thursday.



Pakistan had intensified lobbying for its candidature after it formally launched its application last month. A delegation led by Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry remained in Seoul during the NSG plenary meeting for continuing that effort.



The source said the Pakistani delegation met representatives from 25 countries on the sidelines of the session.



Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria had earlier said that several NSG members want detailed discussions within NSG to first agree upon criteria for admission of non-NPT countries to the group with a view to preserving the non-proliferation norms.



Pakistan, Mr Zakaria said, would continue to highlight its strong credentials and pursue NSG membership based on non-discriminatory and objective criteria.



He further said that Pakistani and Indian applications cannot be considered in isolation from the goal of maintaining strategic stability in South Asia.



Zahir Kazmi, an official of the Strategic Plans Division, had a day earlier at a lecture at the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) said Pakistan expected NSG to fairly and simultaneously consider its application along with that of India.



Zamir Akram, Pakistans former envoy to the United Nations in Geneva, had at a roundtable at Strategic Vision Institute said Pakistan was opposed to exclusive membership for India and supported evolution of criteria that can be applied across the board.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has been fined by Koh Kong provinces police for not wearing a helmet during his motorbike ride last week and after he apologised to the public for his mistake.



According to a receipt for acts of violating the road traffic law issued by Sre Ambel district traffic policeman Sun Nem, dated June 18, he monitored a motorcycle rider named Hun Sen who violated article 6 of the traffic law and was fined 15,000 riel (130 baht), the Khmer Times reported on Thursday.



Please go to pay the bill at Phnom Penh, Nem said.



Hun Sen wrote on his Facebook page on Wedneday night that he accepted the fine and would like to pay for himself and also the owner of the motorcycle, Sen Dy, who would also be fined the same amount.



I predicted that even though I apologised, the police still fined me because I committed a fault, he said.



Hun Sen added that the parliamentary immunity in Cambodia's constitution and other laws do not pardon any politician or prime minister from being penalised for breaking the traffic laws like riding a motorbike without wearing a helmet or having a number-plate.



I am responsible for the fine of myself and the owner of the motorbike, though his bike had no number-plate. I am doing that just to help him and let him get the number-plate after that," Hun Sen said. I appreciate Koh Kong provinces Srae Ampel district police who implement the law without discrimination and with independence and without any fear of powerful people, including the prime minister.



Hun Sen also called upon all his supporters to not blame the police, but to encourage and take this as an example of law enforcement.



He went to Koh Kong on Saturday and did not plan to ride a motorcycle. But when he came out from his car, he immediately walked towards the motorcycle taxis who were staying next to the bridge. At first, he just rode it for fun with the motorcycle's owner and only went about 250 metres without wearing a helmet.



Hun Sen apologised for his mistake on Monday in a graduation ceremony at the National Institute of Education for his carelessness in not wearing a helmet.



According to an Interior Ministry report early this month, in the first five months of this year, there were 286 accidents which killed 128 people and left 507 injured. Of those deaths, 90 people, or 73%, were motorcycle riders not wearing helmets.





Source: bangkokpost.com









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The court that was presided over by Justice Afua Serwaa Asare discharged the accused persons after they pleaded guilty to Section 35 of the Courts Act 459 as amended by Act 620 (2002).

The five accused persons were reported to have created ghost names on governments payroll through which they duped government of hundreds of thousands of Ghana Cedis.

The accused are Godwin Komla Amegbe, Chief Treasury Officer at the Pensions Computation Unit, Controller and Controller General; Sonny Adinyira, Treasury Officer at the Controller and Accountant Generals Department attached to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and Richard Osei Asamoah, Head of Data Entry Technical Team of the Controller and Accountant Generals Department attached to the Pensions Computation Unit of the Ghana Police Service.

The rest are Daniel Adu Twum who works at the Internal Auditor at the Pensions Unit of the Controller and Accountant Generals Department and Kwasi Alomenu, External Auditor attached to the pensions unit of the Controller and Accountant Generals Department.

Investigations revealed that the accused persons got people to open accounts with some specific banks to deposit monies into them which they would later withdraw.
It claims the biggest consequence will be Britain ending its engagement with the continent.

"Perhaps the biggest impact of the Brexit on Africa would be the end of British outwardnessthe countrys concern with and responsiveness to global development issueswhich, from an African development perspective, reached its peak in 2005 with the U.K. presidency of the G-8."

The institute argues that another area Africa could suffer is in development assistance.

"An exit from the European Union would also have dire consequences for development assistance," the authors say.

"The U.K. is one of the biggest contributors to the European Development Fund, the EUs development assistance arm, which provides funds to developing countries and regions. The U.K. currently contributes 409 million$585 million making up 14.8 percent of contributions to the fund (Figure 1). The fund is one of the worlds largest providers of multilateral concessional aid, with disbursements exceeding ones channeled through the World Banks International Development Association (IDA)," the authors added.

The authors further argued that Brexit could decrease trade volumes between UK and Africa.

"Analysts have stated that the Brexit would weaken trade ties between the U.K. and African nations. The renegotiation of trade agreements can be a lengthy process, which could cause a decrease in trade volumes between the U.K. and Africa. Indeed, a Brexit would prompt the United Kingdom to renegotiate over 100 trade agreements."

On Thursday, Britain voted to leave the European Union.

The Leave supporters won by 52%.

Meanwhile, the Kenya central bank says it is ready to 'intervene' if Brexit decision caused instability.

In a series of tweets, the bank said:

"News reports this morning are predicting the outcome of yesterday's UK referendum-Brexit- to leave the European Union.

"CBK stands ready to intervene in the money and forex exchange markets to ensure their smooth operation.

"Other major central banks have also announced their readiness to intervene to minimize disruption in their markets.

Britain is Kenya's third largest export market and an ally.

Also, Ghana's Finance Minister Seth Terkper has downplayed the impact of Britain leaving the EU on the economy.

Foreign Minister Hannah Tetteh commenting on the Brexit said Ghana will begin bilateral trade agreement talks with Britain immediately.
Terkper told Accra based Citi FM that 'the vote has come as a surprise to many people' on Friday.

He added that 'luckily, we are going into the weekend and most financial markets will close.'

Terkper also downplayed the impact of Brexit on Ghana's economy.

He added that London stands to lose significantly because it is the financial hub of the world.

Standard & Poor's rating agency has warned Britain may lose its AAA ratings status after voting to leave the EU.

"We think that an AAA-rating is untenable under the circumstances," S&P chief ratings officer Moritz Kraemer told the Financial Times.

Meanwhile international relations expert Vladimir Antwi Danson has said Britain will go through economic slowdown between now and the next three years.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show Friday, Antwi Danso said it will take a minimum of 18 months for the UK economy to rebound because they'd have to realign their financial industry.

"Britain would have an economic slowdown between now and the next three years. That is normal in a political economy.
From selling pastries on the street to sometimes staying away from class due to lack of fees, Thelma is now the Chief Executive Officer of Modest Africa, a start-up which uses African textiles to design purses, dresses, bags, footwear and so on.

In an interview with Pulse.com.gh on Hero's Journey, Thelma said attending Wisconsin University has been a great way to begin her career, in spite of the challenges involved.

Learning the tenets of marketing at Wisconsin has helped me physically in my business because with the kind of lecturers I interact with, when Im having practical situations I could go to them for advice and then consultancy. They could also give me practical examples on how to solve issues, how to better my products, how to deliver satisfaction to my clients, and also how to maximise my projects and also manage my resources, she said.

Sharing her experience at Wisconsin, Thelma said she loved the fact that the school has an environment that is conducive to learning.

Many graduates of Wisconsin International University College already hold prestigious positions in a variety of industries around the globe.

Thelma believes students who would want to acquire a degree should always make Wisconsin International University their first choice.
"We do not anticipate that the result of the EU Referendum will have any material effect on HBO producing Game of Thrones," the network said.

This is because the production has not received money from the European Regional Development Fund for several seasons. Despite the exist, the tax incentives it receives from Northern Ireland Screen will not be affected by the vote

A statement posted on Friday by the NI screen said This statement is to confirm that Northern Ireland Screens production funding comes from the Northern Ireland Executive through Invest NI and does not use monies provided from European funded programmes. Adding that, "We look forward to business as usual."

Game of Thrones which airs its Season 6 finale on Sunday could be out of production by the time the U.K. splits officially from the EU. This could take close to two years as per the constitution of the EU.

Speaking to Variety, Michael Ryan, the chairman of the Independent Film and Television Alliance, said the results had the possibility to be "devastating" for U.K.'s film and TV industries because of the exits since most films are funded by the European Union

The decision to exit the European Union is a major blow to the U.K. film and TV industry, he said in a statement via the publication. Producing films and television programs is a very expensive and very risky business and certainty about the rules affecting the business is a must.

Many of the UK's most prominent film and TV stars were vocal heading into the Brexit vote, backing the effort to stay within the EU. Sir Patrick Stewart, Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley were among the about 280 British celebrity figures who signed a letter drafted by a group, Britain Stronger in Europe, calling for citizens to vote against the referendum.
Carte Blanche has lined-up esteemed experts for the in-depth panel discussion which will follow the broadcast of the full ITV documentary. Former Zimbabwean High Court judge Chris Greenland, Advocate Mannie Witz and clinical psychologist Leonard Carr will share their opinions with Carte Blanche presenters John Webb and Bongani Bingwa. Webb has been following the trial from court since the very beginning and the panel guests often intrigued viewers with their comments on the Carte Blanche Oscar Pistorius DStv channel.

The Carte Blanche panel discussion provides valuable context to the ITV interview and will leave viewers with plenty of food for thought, says M-Nets Head of Publicity, Lani Lombard. The discussion will start directly after the doccies credits appear on screen, so be sure to stay tuned for it.

Both the ITV interview Oscar Pistorius: The Interview and the Carte Blanche special will also be available on DStv Catch Up and will be broadcast on SuperSport throughout the weekend. The SuperSport screenings are as follows:

Saturday, 25 June, 06:00, SS1

Saturday, 25 June, 07:00, SS2

Saturday, 25 June, 08:00, SS1

Saturday, 25 June, 09:00, SS4

Saturday, 25 June, 12:20, SS2

Saturday, 25 June, 16:00, SS4

Saturday, 25 June, 20:00, SS4

Saturday, 25 June, 22:00, SS2

Sunday, 26 June, 02:00, SS4

Sunday, 26 June, 06:00, SS4

Sunday, 26 June, 08:00, SS2

Sunday, 26 June, 13:00, SS4

Sunday, 26 June, 15:30, SS2

Sunday, 26 June, 22:45, SS4

Monday, 27 June, 08:00, SS4

Monday, 27 June, 10:00, SS2

Monday, 27 June, 15:00, SS4

Monday, 27 June, 17:30, SS1

Monday, 27 June, 19:00, SS4

Monday, 27 June, 20:00, SS2

Tuesday, 28 June, 17:00, SS4

Wednesday, 29 June, 21:00, SS4
Ali Baba has reached the grand old age of 51 years old today, June 24, 2016.

Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, who is regarded as the godfather of Nigerian comedy began his professional career with corporate events, appearing on television shows with the likes of Patrick Doyle, Charly Boy and Danladi Bako.

He also made cameo appearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Sani Irabor and Mani Onumonmu. He also worked briefly with Dapo Adelegan of DP Lekki Limited as executive assistant in 1991.

In 1993, he registered his company Alibaba Hicuppuray and from then on his focus was on ensuring that the perception of comedians being never do wells changed and instead is seen as a profession and a respected way of life.

He has been a professional stand up comedian for the past 22 years and has in the last 13 years received several awards.

IGOS is an on air personality on 95.1 Wazobiafm, professional stand up comedian, compere, actor, promoter and event consultant.

A native of Emede town in Isoko south local government area, Delta state. Born in Warri, where he started his career and eventually relocated to Lagos state where the sky seems to be the starting point.
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
According to Channels, the gang leader, identified as Sani, was nabbed by a Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Niger Police Command.

Residents of the area, who were surprised by the arrest, reportedly received threats from the gang before they were apprehended.

A source who lives in the Gwada community told Channels that the gang lived like they were above the law.

We never believed the gang leader and his members could be arrested because of the way they operate. It was as if they were above the law or were certified by the security,

The news of their arrest came with much relief, as the residents can now live freely without any threat to their lives or the environment.
According to the Vanguard, Onye Army was one of the most notorious crime lord who had been terrorising the city and was shot dead near the Good Morning Market area after his gang had robbed a victim of N3.5 million, which he withdrew from one of the new generation banks along Azikiwe Road.

The police report that after the gang robbed the man, they made to escape through the market, when they saw a stationary police van. They alighted from their car and riddled the van with bullets, not knowing that there was no police officer in the vehicle as they had laid an ambush waiting for them.

In the ensuing gun battle, Onye Army was shot dead, while other members of the gang fled.

Items recovered from the gang, according to the report, included one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, a Toyota Camry car and an undisclosed amount of cash.
According to the prosecutor, A.O. Urom, on the June 5, 2016, the Wuye Police Divisional Headquarters, received a distress call from one Mercy Iorliam, that on the same date at about 5pm, she was waylaid by Alhaji while she was coming from Utako to Family Worship Center, Wuye, for a church service.

"The accused snatched the complainants bag and and wanted to have carnal knowledge of her. The complainant raised an alarm which alerted the police patrol team in the area to come to her rescue," Urom told the court.
Gbenga was handed to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the following day, June 23, 2016.

Taupyen Selchang, the Customs Public Relations Officer, in a statement released, said the suspect was arrested with about 106 parcels of hemp.

He said, The arrest of the suspect was possible through intelligence gathering by the seizing officers, led by A/C Abubakar Hamza, who trailed the suspect from neighbouring Benin Republic.

The parcels were concealed in a Toyota SEQUOIA car with Lagos State number plates EKY 407 CA.

The suspect and the parcels were on Thursday handed over to the Commander, NDLEA Seme Badagry, represented by the PSO Admin/Logistics of NDLEA, Seme, Musa Khalil.
The event, which also featured discourses on GovernorAkinwunmi Ambodes first year in office, was attended by former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba who served as the Chairman.

Also present at the event were the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, former Managing Director of Concord Newspapers, Dr Doyin Abiola and prominent economist, Pat Utomi.

In the last one year we have laid the foundation to make Lagos a globally competitive City-State. In the coming years, we will build on this foundation to move Lagos to the next level, a level of first class infrastructure, services, economic growth and opportunities for all, Governor Ambode said at the event.

This calls for transparency and constructive engagement with the media to spread our message. Our government will always do its part and we call on the media to be our partner as we build a Lagos State where everybody has a voice, a chance and opportunities, he added.

While commending the author of the book, Ambode said it would no doubt go a long way to enhance knowledge as well as shed more light on issues of public discourse and enrich policy design and implementation process.

Steve Ayorinde is an unassuming personality whose professional work has impacted on our national life in many ways as a social commentator, moderator of social commentary and now as the Chief Information Manager of Lagos State Government, Ambode said.

I am sure the fire that runs through his veins have been compressed to flow through his latest publication Cascades of Change: A Decade of Liberal Thoughts.

He represents a generation of conscious journalists who have committed to working towards a better society. We are proud to have him in the Lagos State Executive and he has been involved in various stages in the implementation of our Change Agenda. He has deployed his professional skills, competence and experience in promoting our socio-political reforms through a liberal and focused policy implementation strategy, he added.
In a statement released by the leadership of the movement on Thursday, June 23, 2016, the ex-IGP is being monitored in anticipation of a warrant order of arrest from the International Criminal Court.

The IPOB also disclosed that it has directed all its members worldwide to closely monitor the movements and whereabouts of the retired IGP to facilitate his arrest and arraignment as soon as the warrant is issued.

ALSO READ: Arase orders police to disarm IPOB members

It was further reported that the essence of keeping surveillance on Arase was because he allegedly presided over the extra-judicial killings of over 1,000 Biafrans between July, 2015 and May 30, 2016.

it is very important to keep a record of his movements so that when the ICC finally issues the long-awaited international warrant order for his arrest, it will be easy to locate, apprehend, handcuff and fly him to the Hague for prosecution at the ICC, the statement reads.

If anyone happens to see him fleeing the country, please make calls to alert IPOB officials. For those who do not know the atrocious crimes committed by him (Arase), we have posted two of his pictures and the pictures of some of the victims he shot dead because we believe that pictures speak more than a thousand words, the statement reads further.
This was disclosed by the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Lucky Irabor during a news conference in Maiduguri, the state capital.

On June 10, our troops at Logomani ambushed suspected Boko Haram terrorists following information about their movement toward Muska village in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno, Irabor said according to The Cable.

As a result, 10 of them were killed and two others were captured, while two civilian captives were rescued from the terrorists during the operation. On June 7, troops on patrol made contact with suspected Boko Haram terrorists around Tilani, Rann and Kalma in Kala Balge general area.

In the process, one was killed, while others who suffered gunshot wounds fled, three motorcycles and a bag containing N466,000 cash was recovered from them, he added.
The president made the appeal at the breaking of fast dinner with retired and serving Justices of the Supreme Court at the Aso Rock, Villa, Abuja.

Buhari criticised the selfish attitudes of some individuals whom, he said were bent on strangulating the nations economy through illegal and sharp practices.

According to him, God has been good to Nigeria in terms of material and human resources, ``but the elites have failed woefully in translating this to prosperity for the country.''

He, therefore, enjoined the Justices to assist in re-educating and convincing the elites on the need to be more patriotic in their actions and deeds, to create a just, fair and stable society.

``So, at this age, at the position we are, more demand is made on us to persuade those we know, the elites, to please pity this country and make more sacrifices.

``At whatever forum, please persuade our fellow elites to be more patriotic because which kind of country are we leaving for our children and our grand children.

``Everybody in the world believes Nigeria has been favoured by God Almighty in terms of material and human resources.

``But we have failed, woefully failed so far to explore it and thank God for these gifts.''

The president reminded his guests that Nigeria was in a difficult position occasioned by the dwindling oil revenue, and urged them to continue to pray for the betterment of the country.

He, however, expressed optimism that the country would survive the current socio-economic challenges.

``We are in a very, very difficult position now. We came at a time when suddenly we realized, unfortunately, that we have, through our personal incompetence as Nigerian elites, ended up as a mono-economy in spite of the potentiality of this country, which the rest of the world seemed to know more.

``We have observed what happened in the last 15 years. We have enjoyed so much prosperity.

`` But, eventually, the thing we looked for most, security, first in the North East, threatened us, secondly, in Niger Delta.

``But we know we have the strength to survive it and survive it we must.
They also frowned at the condition of the environment in the Niger Delta region, adding that they prefer to dialogue with the President to seek a way forward.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Kpokpogri Prince said We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to disregard stories of impending coup allegedly being hatched by militant groups in the Niger Delta region because they are mere rumour being concocted by oil thieves and miscreants who detest the presence of navy and army in the region.

As responsible citizens and stakeholders in the Niger Delta, we feel concerned on the development in the region which obviously would not do anybody any good, and there is urgent need to debunk the rumour which tends to pitch the president against the military for their selfish motives.

The group also revealed that some ex military officers encourage militants to carry out illegal bunkering deals.

Adding that the proceeds from the illegal trade of crude oil is used to purchase the sophisticated weapons for the militants.

In view of the bad light in which the militants with the active backing of the ex-military officers sought to cast the entire Niger Delta region, we deem it imperative to warn them to stop blackmailing the institution of the military so as not to force them into attacking the region, they said.

The Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF) alleged that some military officers invited them to be part of a coup to overthrow President Buhari.
Arase was one of the last minute appointments made by former president, Goodluck Jonathan, but was the only one who was retained by Buhari.

According to Adesina, Buhari explained, during a farewell dinner for Arase, that he retained him because of the quality of his mind.

When it was the turn of the President to speak, he explained why he kept Arase as IGP," Adesina said during the public presentation of a book Cascade of Change: A Decade Of Liberal Thoughts by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde on Thursday, June 23, 2016.

He said, he saw the quality of his mind and he saw the quality of things, he had written. You know Arase has many publications to his credit and he also saw his capacity as an operation person and he decided to keep him till his tenure expired.

While he (Arase) was speaking at the dinner, he told the President that it was very strange for him to have been invited for a farewell dinner, because, what we know in Nigeria is that, you are sacked on pages of newspapers.

Arase, also had the fear that, since, he was inherited by Buharis administration, he was not sure that he would be retained; so every day, he had the trepidation that he would hear that he had been removed, he added.

Arase vacated the office on Tuesday, June 21, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Dasuki made the claims following the government's request for his secret trial on fraud charges against him.

Reacting to the government's request, Dasuki, who spoke through his counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), stressed that he had rested the case in God's hands for the ultimate judgment.

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It is crystal clear that the defendant (Dasuki) is being punished by the powers that be for the perceived offenses committed long before we leave them to the Almighty God for His ultimate judgment, Daudu said.

However, the prosecuting counsel, Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN) prayed the court to allow witnesses give evidence behind the screen to be provided by the court saying Dasuki had loyalists across the country who may jeopardize the trial if done in the open.

In his words, "In the highest military office where Dasuki served last, loyalty is the first, second and the last rule and because of the peculiar nature of loyalty some people have for him within the military and beyond, those to give evidence in the trial were staff of the defendant at one time or the other.

"Since the witnesses are those whose primary duty is to assist the court in arriving at a just conclusion, the issue of security must be viewed with serious concern.

"I, therefore, urge the court to screen the witnesses from the public in the interest of justice as well as to protect them, their families and career," Okpeseyi said.

Dasuki had been arraigned before three different high courts for various allegations bordering on money laundering and fraud and was granted bail, but he was re-arrested in December2015 by the federal government.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Friday, June 24, 2016, President Buhari said the Prime Minister's decision was a demonstration of courage.

He said Camerons resignation in response to the outcome of a referendum that supported Britain to leave the European Union "Was a demonstration of courage by a democratic leader who respects the will of the people, even if he didnt agree with their decision.

"By putting the will of the people before his political future, the Prime Minister proved himself to be a selfless leader with respect for democracy and voters sovereignty," he said

He expressed hope that Nigeria looks forward to greater cooperation and consolidation of shared interests with Britain, despite the outcome of the referendum.
The protests were led by Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in conjunction with other civil society organisations.

The CNPP called on Fayose to explain his involvement in the arms purchase scandal.

The group also asked the management of Zenith bank to explain the role they played in the funding of the Ekiti Governors election.

Also, the Executive Director of Be the Change Organisation (BCO), Omotunde Fajuyi, said Fayoses conduct since he became Governor has only brought shame to the state.

Fajuyi said Ekiti people support the policies of President Buhari and his fight against corruption.

Adding that "Workers are dying at home, we want Fayose to explain what he has done with allocations he had so far collected because he had received more than N50bn as allocation since he came to power.

Fayose claims to be a Christian, he must come out clean and give account to the people of Ekiti State and he must submit himself and all his aides and associates to anti-corruption agencies for investigation.

Punch reports that the CNPP Publicity Secretary, Ayo Adelabu alsosaid CNPP strongly condemn Ekiti state legislators who have turned themselves to Political slaves in the hand of Fayose at the detriment of Ekiti people.

We also implore him to come and explain to Ekiti people how he has spent six month allocation without the payment of Ekiti workers which has grounded the state working force for the past one month.

Also, top officials of Zenith bank were caught on camera allegedly begging Governor Ayo Fayose not to expose more details of the transactions that transpired.
A lawyer, John Oloyede has called on the EFCC to publish the court order they used to effect the freezing of Fayoses Zenith bank account.

Oloyede said this while speaking as a guest on a Channels TV program, Sunrise Daily.

The Ekiti Governors bank account was blocked by the EFCC on Monday, June 20, 2016.

The EFCC also claimed that funds in the Governors accounts were linked to the arms purchase scandal involving the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.

A Professor of Law, Frank Asogwa at the Enugu state University of Science and Technology (ESUT) also said the EFCC has the power to freeze the Governors account.
Describing corruption as a colossal threat to the survival of a country, Magu said the judiciary was key in the successful prosecution of graft cases.

The theme of the lecture is ``The judiciary, media, anti graft agencies and the fight against corruption."

Magu, who was represented by an EFCC official, Mr Samin Amadin, noted that Nigeria's rating by the international community had become so low as they see corruption as an industry in the country.

He underscored the need for the judiciary to be effective in its role of justice delivery and urged it to ensure that culprits were brought to book.

"The fight against corruption is multi-pronged; the underlying motive of the fight is to eradicate the problems of corruption and approaches required to achieve this, are multi-sided.

"The judiciary is one of the pedestals on which the fight rests, the criminal justice system in our jurisprudence is effective and robust enough to help in this fight.

"Today in Nigeria, the judiciary determines to a large extent, the direction and destiny of the anti-graft war," he said.

On the issue of questionable bail administration, the EFCC boss said except otherwise stated, all corruption offences were bailable, adding that the discretion of judges was required in situations where a suspect ought to be denied bail.

He said such situations included where a suspect was perceived to be capable of frustrating his trial, adding that some judges even when presented with such facts were still inclined to grant bail.

He noted that a major delay in the resolution of many graft related cases was the issue of delay in the trial of high profile cases at various levels of courts.

He also noted that issues of stay of proceedings, trial-within-trial, lengthy adjournments, and vacation of judges were also handicaps which required redress.

He urged the judiciary to ensure a religious enforcement of the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in a bid to fast track the justice system.
Flagging-off the distribution Friday in Fufore town, the headquarters of Fufore Local Government of Adamawa, the Vice Chairman of API, Alhaji Gambo Jika, said the assistance would cover 4,150 IDP farming families in Fufore, Madagali, Michika and Gombi local government areas of the state.

Jika said the improved seedling comprising maize, guinea-corn and beans were donated by USAID while the consumable grains comprising maize and beans were donated by API.

He urged the beneficiaries not to sale the items but to use them for the purpose intended to better their lives.The official said their farms would be monitored to see how they are managing.``We want you to go back to farm; we are going to visit your farms in due course to see how you are faring."

Speaking at the occasion, a community leader, Malam Aminu Jauro, who represented the District Head of Fufore, lauded the gesture which he said would go a long way in stabilising the IDPs in the communities where they were provided land to farm.

Jauro also urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by making maximum use of the opportunity provided them.Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Mr Solomon Kambarawa, thanked those involved in the gesture and promised that they would not be disappointed.
This demand is contained in a petition presented to Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Bem Angwe, in Abuja on Thursday.

The 11 traditional rulers in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue had alleged that government in 2013-2014 awarded a road project to Messers Jam Services Construction, Company.

The spokesman of the delegation, the District Head of Mbatan community, Joseph Ikpa, said the job was abandoned by the company.

Ikpa said the company removed the top layers of the tarred road between Gaando and Orkaa Zugu Villages in the district.

`` This contractor deliberately destroyed the road and abandoned the site

``The actions of the contractor has created an untold hardship to road users and indigenes of the affected community.

`` The indigenes of the affected portion no longer enjoy fresh air because the red dust has contaminated the air even sources of drinking water.

``As we speak, two persons from the affected area have become blind as a result of this menace."

They urged the commission to compel the company to return to the site and payment of three billion naira as compensation to the community

The communities also appealed to the commission to investigate the matter.

In his response, Angwe assures the monarchs that the commission would investigate the matter.

Angwe directed the Director of Protection and investigation to invite the Managing Director Messers Jam Services construction company and the director of Fed. Highways to appear before NHRC on June 29,

He directed that the Minister of Works, Housing and Power should be contacted to address the issue.
"The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force in Maiduguri jointly condemn this unfortunate incident which was quickly brought under full control within minutes," the statement reads.

While sympathizing with the policeman, who was affected in the fracas, the security chiefs stressed that a joint committee will look into the cause of the fracas and punish anyone found culpable.

"The Army and the Police are jointly investigating the cause of the fracas with a view to ensuring that anyone found culpable amongst the security men are made to face disciplinary measures in line with laid down rules of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Findings and measures taken will be brought to public knowledge as soon as possible," the security chiefs said.

Continuing, Kumpayi and Baraya explained in details how the shootout began in Borno saying, "In the morning hours of today, Thursday, June 23, 2016, there was an unfortunate fracas between a soldier and a policeman around the office of the Deputy Governor over a disagreement which led to the unfortunate shooting of a policeman on his foot. The policeman is responding to treatment and has been visited by the theatre commander, operation Lafiya Dole, Major General LEO Irabor and the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, Aminchi Baraya, both of whom went together to sympathize with the policeman.

"By way of background from the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Security, Mr Ahmed Sanda, the Borno State Government had on Sunday, June 19, 2019 began the distribution of rice to internally displaced persons living in the host communities of Maiduguri and Jere metropolis. The distribution was meant to take place at 28 wards of the two local government areas unfortunately, when the exercise was launched in old Maiduguri ward for Jere local government area and at Shehuri north ward for Maiduguri on Sunday, hoodlums overpowered the committee in both instances and made away with many bags of the rice meant for the displaced persons.

"As a result, officials tasked with the distribution shifted the exercise to two premises around the office of the Deputy Governor outside the Government House in order to ensure security of the food items while beneficiaries were identified and issued with allocation notes to give them access to the distribution centers. The exercise had gone smoothly since Sunday with some wards covered, until the unfortunate development today, Thursday.

"The Army and the police operating in Borno assure the general public that they will continue to collaborate and work together towards their ongoing counter insurgency and civil security efforts that have led to the emerging peace in Borno State.

"The Army and the Police commands in Borno State call on all personnel to exercise restraint in the cause of their duties and should strive to respect one another and work together to secure innocent citizens and maintain peace," the statement read in full.
The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Ignatius Ugwu, announced the figure in Akegeugwu on Thursday during an oversight function by the state assembly committee on works, lands and housing in the community.

Ugwu said that the state government donated hectares of land to the Federal Government in 1974 to construct the factory.

He said that the factory started production and sale of bricks in 1978.

He said that the water catchment pit dug in the factory had consumed lives, animals and other valuable items in the community.

The factory has caused sleepless nights to members of the community, especially those living around it because of illegal activities going on in the abandoned facility, he said.

The traditional ruler urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate the factory to create job opportunities as well as generate revenue.

He said that the community had an agreement with the government that the water catchment pit would be fenced after construction but this had not been done.

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Sunday Ude-Okoye, said that it was in the community to assess the situation of the factory.

Ude-Okoye said that the present state of the firm was pathetic, adding that the assembly would plead with the Federal Government to rehabilitate it.

He assured the community that its people would be involved if the government decided to reactivate it.
Kumuyi, who gave the advice while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, stated that because God answers prayers, the country will experience national renewal, restoration and revival.

``I do not think we should lose hope; there is God in heaven, who answers prayers.``There is Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, who wants the best for every one of us.

``And there are some of us who are praying and we believe that God answers prayers and so we are not going to lose hope in our country; things are going to turn around.

``And that is one of the reason we are here, the wonder is just for a local person; that yes God loves each person, but we are coming to bring national renewal, restoration and revival.

``Something good is going to happen to our nation.

Speaking on the crusade, Kumuyi described the gospel as the good news which solves personal, family and national problems.

He said the crusade which is tagged extraordinary wonders through our Lord Jesus Christ was aimed at bringing blessings of transformation to every individual and to the country at large.

The superintendent stated that the crusade is also aimed at supporting the countrys developmental goals.

On the clamour for the restructuring of the country, Kumuyi said the issue should not be seen to mean the breaking up of the country where citizens would require visas to travel to the federating units of the country.
The Kaduna state Governor said The State government is giving a lot of priority to security through multi dimensional approaches to nip the menace in the bud. We are recording success in the fight against kidnapping and other vices since this administration came on board.

One measure the government has taken is the will to ensure that all laws that related to issue of crime in the State including rape are strengthened by a way of improving the capacity of the judiciary.

Senator Shehu Sani recently slammed Governor Nasir El-Rufai calling him an affliction on the people of Kaduna state.
Osinbajo said this in Abuja at the launch of the SOPs and the PSSP.

He said that SOP's and PSSP would not only streamline processes of port operations, adding that they would also serve as important instruments in driving economic growth and development of Nigeria.

``The ports must play the role of making it easier to trade across borders as well as drive Nigerian trade policy better.

``Port procedures have direct impact on business environment for Nigeria and foreign businesses to enhance economic development, Osinbajo said.

He said that enhanced port administration would significantly make it easier for Nigerian businessmen to import components needed for industrialisation.

The vice president said that the key component of this administration - Change Agenda - was a development in diversifying to non-oil sector economy to achieve the necessary targets.

Osinbajo said that the present administration would ensure that government ``is a business partner and not a competitor to business.

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved the formation of a Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, charged with the duty of reforming Nigerian business climate.

Osinbajo said that productivity and competitiveness could be accomplished when government policies were transparent, predictable and friendly to business.

He said that the present administration remained committed to achieving a legacy and shared responsibility in port developments.

The vice president said that a nation could position itself as a major exporter that could earn significant resources by just being efficient.

Osinbajo commended the efforts of the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, for ensuring the standard procedures byenhancing the ports portal.

He said that the Nigerian Shippers' Council, being the Port Economic Regulator, had worked effectively in making sure that SOP was achievable in the Nigerian ports environment.

Amaechi, the Chief Host of the occasion, said that SOPs and PSSP would pave way for openness and transparency in port operations.

The minister said that the implementation of SOPs and PSSP would serve as tools for compliance and setting standards for assessing compliance in a transparent manner.

He said that the launch of the SOP's would enhance credibility and legal defensibility of actions emanating from ports.

``This platform promises to make our ports competitive and create enabling environment for improved revenue.

``It is not contestable that having SOP's will contribute to knowledge management in the various organisations at our ports, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Amaechi as saying.

He said that the SOPs would also be used as part of personal work instructions and training programmes, adding that it could be used to achieve compliance with organisational requirements and government policies.

Amaechi said that to facilitate maritime traffic, his ministry had been able to reduce the number of agencies in the ports to conform with global practices.

``Federal Government in its 2016 budget had prioritised development of infrastructure for the transport sector.

``Furthermore, the Advanced Cargo Tracking System, Single Window, Inland Dry Ports and Truck Transit Parks are other initiatives being pursued to support transportation and trade.

``Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has fully automated port operations so as to be able to meet the target of 48-hour clearance, NAN quotes the minister as saying.

``The (++) has been upgraded to 3.0 and also established the Nigerian Trade Hub.

``This reform, though still on-going, have enhanced efficiency at the ports and will greatly encourage Foreign Direct Investments in Nigeria, Amaechi said.

He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), the In-House Committee on Ports Process Manual that worked with the consultants on the harmonisation of SOPs and the development of PSSP.

Amaechi also commended the efforts of all the key Anti-corruption agencies such as Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, (ICPC), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and Technical Unit on Government and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR),

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Mr Hassan Bello, said that it was necessary for Nigerian ports to be competitive, integrate simplicity and automation at the ports.

Bello said that automation at the ports would eliminate leakages and corruption..

The executive secretary said that there would be diversification of the economy, adding that the procedures of all agencies operating at the ports would be displayed on the portal.

Also speaking, the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, said the SOP's and PSSP were not just tools that would fight corruption but would also produce service excellence at the ports.

He said that NIMASA was working toward making sure that Nigerian ports were the preferred ports in Africa.

Peterside said that port operators would spend less time on cargo clearance, adding that this would put stop to abuse by some port agencies because the portal had explained the functions of all agencies.

The Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Dan Ugo, who represented the Comptroller-General, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, said the launch of the SOPs would enhance Customs operations.

Ali said that NCS supported the introduction of PSSP which would gazette Customs platforms such as Single Window and other things, aimed at eradicating corruption in Customs operations.

In a message to the programme, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Malam Habib Abdullahi, said that there had been an improved collaboration between all government agencies at ports.

Abdullahi, who was represented by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Mr David Omonibeke, said that NPA operated six ports that were Customs-controlled, adding that the SOPs would reduce corruption in all ports operations.
British voters supported the move by a 52 percent to 48 percent margin recorded in a referendum which held on June 23, 2016.

The debate for Brexit, as Britains departure from the EU is being called, was fuelled by concerns at the rate of immigration into the country due to the unions principle of free movement for citizens.

The decision has resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister, David Cameron who said that he will vacate the office in October as it would not be right for him to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination.

The British people have made the very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction, Cameron said on Friday, June 24.

I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination, he added.

Experts are predicting that Brexit could cause a recession which would possibly affect African economies, many of which are already fragile.

The immediate impact of a vote in favour of Brexit would be financial market volatility which would affect [sub-Saharan African] markets adversely as well,Razia Khan, Chief Economist for Africa at Standard Chartered, told The Africa Report.

In a risk-off environment, external financing conditions for African economies, already difficult, would likely become even more constrained. Longer term, trade agreements would need to be renegotiated with the economic uncertainty likely to impact growth negatively, he added.

Since Nigeria is one of Africas largest economies, it is likely to be heavily affected by Brexit, especially in the area of trade and development, as Britain will have to start negotiating its own trade deals with the rest of the world.

The exit of Britain from the EU portends a possible fall in UK investment into Nigeria and a temporary level of uncertainty in trade negotiations, as the UK and Nigeria will have to come to new trade agreements on tariffs as well as other trade instruments, economic analyst, Chuba Ezekwesili told Pulse.

If the UK leaves the European Union, the British economy may shrink, and if it does, they may be unable to do the same level of business they used to do with Nigeria,Bismarck Rewane, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives told Business Day.

This means the trade merchandise from London will dip, hence affecting balance of payment between the two countries. Also, for Nigerians who own properties in the UK, rental income from such assets will come down, he added.

Brexit has, so far, plunged the pound to its lowest level since 1985, and is expected to cause long-term uncertainty in various sectors.
According to a report by Daily Post, the shootout, which left the State Governor trapped in his office for a long duration, left one Police officer dead.

While other civilians at the scenes reportedly fled for their lives, it was further reported that problem started when soldiers who had gone to the Government House to take delivery of their share of rice, were denied entry by the police.

ALSO READ: Govt orders probe of alleged diversion of food meant for IDPs

The report also revealed that efforts by both the GOC7 Division and the Police Commissioner to gain entrance into the Government House for possible rescue of the Governor and other Government officials were repelled by the rampaging security officers.
The decision to reconcile was arrived at during a meeting held by the two factions at the Governors Lodge in Lokoja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting lasted over four hours.

The reconciliation process, which was facilitated by an 11-member body-Kogi State House of Assembly Peace Committe, had as leader, Mr Oladele Nihi.

Present at the peace meeting held behind closed doors were Gov. Yahaya Bello, his deputy, Mr Simon Achuba, and Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folashade Ayoade.

The factional Speakers, Hon. Momoh Jimoh Lawal and Hon. Ahmed Imam Umar led the G -15 and G-5 legislators to the meeting.

Bello, who was the first to come out of the meeting, said that there was no crisis in the Assembly, adding that it was a `` brotherly disagreement.

Bello explained that the disagreement had been resolved , saying that there was no longer division.

A factional Majority Leader of the house , Hon. Mathew Kolawole, told newsmen that the two groups agreed on reconciliation , saying they had agreed on a template for further discussion.

Kolawole, who belonged to the G -15 group loyal to Jimoh-Lawal said that the reconciliation meeting would continue on Friday.

Also speaking, a member of the house, Hon. Hassan Bewa, representing Dekina State Constituency confirmed that he and his colleagues had agreed to bury the hatchet to allow the state move forward.

Two members of the house, including Hon. Friday Makama  Sani, were absent.

Nihi, the leader of the of the peace committee, expressed happiness that the two factions agreed to work together.

The crisis in the assembly had attracted the intervention of the House of Representatives and it took over its affairs in April.

The crisis broke out following the action of five members of the house who in February purportedly impeached the Speaker,
The Minister made the call in Beijing on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chinese Vice Minister of State for Radio, Television and Film, Wu Shangzh.

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Mohammed also called for the immediate implementation of the co-production agreement signed between Nigeria and China, and the sharing of experience in combating piracy of movies.

The Minister promised that under his watch, the existing cooperation between Nigeria and China in the areas of information and culture would be strengthened while new vistas of opportunities would be opened for the benefit of both nations.

Responding, Wu said his country is very willing to strengthen the cooperation with Nigeria, especially in the area of films, adding that the two channels of showing movies in his country, television and cinemas, would be explored for Nigerian films.

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"We can also co-produce and show in our two countries, he said.
What better way to ease off the stress of the week than watch a good movie.

With that in mind, check out our list of movies currently showing in cinemas across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Starring: Yvonne Okoro, Ik Ogbonna, Nkem Owoh

Synopsis: Set in Accra, Ghana, the comedy revolves around two young lovers who are of Nigerian and Ghanaian origin. Yvonne Okoro plays the role of Ama, a London based Ghanaian lady who brings her Nigerian boyfriend, Chuks played by Blossom Chukwujekwu, home to meet her parents, resulting in all hell being let loose.

Showing:

Monday - Thursday: 1:45pm

Fri day- Thursday: 2:20 PM

Friday - Thursday: 1:15PM, 2:40PM, 9:00PM

Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson

Synopsis: Political interference in the Avengers' activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 10:30am

Starring: Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Kelly Reilly

Synopsis: A young con artist and former CIA agent embark on an anti-terrorist mission in France.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 10:55am

4.

Starring: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O'Connell

Synopsis: Financial TV host Lee Gates and his producer Patty are put in an extreme situation when an irate investor takes over their studio.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 10:20am

Friday - Thursday: 3:15PM, 8:50PM

Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Madison Wolfe

Synopsis: Lorraine and Ed Warren travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.

Showing:

Fri - Wed: 9:35 PM

Thu: 9:40 PM

Friday - Thursday: 3:45pm, 6:10pm, 8:35pm

Friday - Thursday: 10:45AM, 9:20PM

Starring: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley

Synopsis: The man-cub Mowgli flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan. Guided by Bagheera the panther and the bear Baloo, Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don't have his best interests at heart.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 10:30am

Starring: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster

Synopsis: The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization faces a fearsome race of invaders: orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonize another. As a portal opens to connect the two worlds, one army faces destruction and the other faces extinction. From opposing sides, two heroes are set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their family, their people, and their home.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 6:45PM, 9:00PM

Friday - Thursday: 7:05 PM, 9:40 PM

Fri-Thur: 1:10pm, 3:30pm, 7:50pm

Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence

Synopsis: With the emergence of the world's first mutant, Apocalypse, the X-Men must unite to defeat his extinction level plan.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 2:35pm

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Danielle Nicolet

Synopsis: After he reunites with an old school pal through Facebook, a mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage.

Showing:

Monday - Thursday: 12:10pm, 2:55pm, 4:55pm, 5:45pm, 7:00pm, 8:55pm

Friday - Thursday: 10:20AM, 2:50PM, 7:15PM

Sunday: 2:50PM, 7:15PM

Fri - Tue: 4:30 PM, 6:55 PM, 9:20 PM

Wed & Thu: 5:45 PM

Starring: Bimbo Akintola, Kehinde Bankole, Linda Ejiofor

Synopsis: 8 Bars and A Clef is the story of musically gifted recording artist with dyslexia and how he battles his anger issues, a troubled past, a budding relationship and competition to stay at the top of the charts.

Showing:

Daily: 12:45 pm

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson

Synopsis: The Four Horsemen resurface and are forcibly recruited by a tech genius to pull off their most impossible heist yet.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 2:10pm, 4:30pm, 9:00pm

Friday - Thursday: 12:20PM, 4:40PM

Friday - Thursday: 9:00 PM

Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter

Synopsis: Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter.

Showing:

Fri - Tue: 2:10 PM

Wed & Thu: 3:25 PM

Fri-Thur: 10:20am

Friday - Thursday: 4:40PM

Starring:Gideon Okeke, Hauwa Allahbura, Lepacious Bose, Daniel Lloyd, Nancy Isime, Bukky Wright, Tina Mba, Segun Obadare-Akpata, Toyin Oshinaike, William Ekpo

Synopsis: Akin is an indulged playboy from an affluent family who accidentally meets an interesting beauty in an unpredictable place. Nkem is a beautiful, confident but unusual young lady who devotes herself to her work as a community volunteer in the belly of the citys worst slum. Their encounter drags Akin into a whirlwind experience that unravels his world.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 12:25pm, 4:20pm

Friday - Thursday: 10:20AM, 2:45PM, 7:05PM

Sunday: 2:45PM, 7:05PM

Friday - Thursday: 3:45 PM, 6:30 PM

Starring: Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice

Synopsis: A mismatched pair of private eyes investigate the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 10:40AM

Fri - Thu: 4:35 PM

Friday - Thursday: 2:20pm, 6:30pm, 8:40pm

Starring:Peter Dinklage, Jason Sudeikis, Kate McKinnon

Synopsis: Find out why the birds are so angry. When an island populated by happy, flightless birds is visited by mysterious green piggies, it's up to three unlikely outcasts - Red, Chuck and Bomb - to figure out what the pigs are up to.

Showing:

Fri - Wed: 12:00 PM

Thu: 1:15 PM

Friday - Thursday: 10:15am

Friday - Thursday: 12:50PM, 5:10PM

Starring:OC Ukeje, Ini Dima-Okojie, Carol King

Synopsis: "North East" tells the story of an Igbo Christian physiotherapist, who embarks on a romantic relationship with one of his patients, who is a Muslim. He faces vehement opposition on the basis of religion and tribe from her father.

Showing:

Fri & Sat: 12:00 PM, 4:45 PM, 7:10 PM

Sun - Wed: 4:45 PM, 7:10 PM

Thu: 4:45 PM

Friday - Thursday: 10:30AM, 12:40PM, 2:50PM

Sunday: 12:30PM, 2:40PM

Monday - Thursday: 12:30pm, 6:55pm

Starring: Chad Michael Murray, Teri Polo, Luke Wilson

Synopsis: When Outlaws on the lam invade the home of an unsuspecting, seemingly innocent, frontier family to hide out for the night, an unexpected game of cat and mouse ensues, leading to seduction, role reversal, and ultimately, bloody revenge.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 12:30PM, 5:00PM, 9:20PM

Daily: 12:40pm, 7:05pm

Starring: Lynne Whitfield, Billy Dee Williams, Pascal Atuma, Oscar Atuma, Chico Benymon, Tangi Miller, Doug Williams

Synopsis: What do you do when the love of your life is everything you want in a man except that he moonlights as a person of the underworld at night? Do you run or stay? So lies the dilemma in this Nollywood/Hollywood collabo Bloodlines

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 5:00PM, 7:05PM

Friday - Thursday: 12:05pm

Friday - Thursday: 1:30 PM

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Owen Teague, John Cusac

Synopsis: When a mysterious cell phone signal causes apocalyptic chaos, an artist is determined to reunite with his young son in New England.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 5:15pm, 9:15pm
I am ashamed at the way and manner Fayose is conducting himself in the country. I was once a governor so I know that the position of governor is a very serious one that demands responsible behaviour, Sheriff said.
Makarfi said Sheriff is known everywhere as a violent person, that is why the police withdrew his orderlies.

This is coming after Sheriff accused the caretaker committee chairman of hiring Fulani herdsmen to stop him from entering the PDP secretariat.

Makarfi said Sheriff is the one known to have created Boko Haram, therefore, he is continuing in similar direction.

Im never known to be associated with violence. He made same malicious allegation before the former IGP and DG SSS which was disregarded as baseless. On the contrary, I was there and then given official additional security.

Adding that The police had withdrawn all his security both in Maiduguri and Abuja because of his actions. He had to beg in front of all and after agreeing to take the path of peaceful resolution before they agreed to return some to him.

As I speak to you he reneged on that peaceful resolution and resorted to filing more cases before courts and has refused appointing his four-member delegation.

So you media should know who thrives in violence. If you have record of that press statement I will sue him.

The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, undefinedis conducting himself in the country.
The party made the comment via a statement released by Prince Dayo Adeyeye, a member of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, on Thursday, June 23, 2016.

The statement reads:

It is now very clear that Senator Ali Modu Sheriff is working very hard for the enemies of our great Party.

First, the Edo Primary Election and all the processes leading to it thereof were properly conducted, monitored and observed by INEC. Edo PDP Chairman has warned Sheriff to stay clear of their affairs as the Party in the state is resolutely united behind Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Candidate of the PDP.
The governor attended the public presentation of a book by his Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde on Thursday, June 23, 2016, and his humility was nothing short of astonishing.

Ambode arrived for the 11am event at 11:15am displaying a punctuality that's completely alien to Nigerian politicians. The governor also sat in a regular seat with no airs whatsoever and his demeanour was almost demure.

Another dose of shock was delivered when Ambode begged the Chairman of the occasion, former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba to cancel the reading of his biography and all the other ceremonious accolades which should ordinary precede his address.

Ambode crowned the surprise session with a final sweep when he informed everyone present that the event was about Mr Ayorinde so he couldn't understand why he was being paid so much attention.

Anyone who knows the character of the average political office holder in Nigeria will know that Ambode has shattered that mold, and he wasn't even trying to impress.

Akinwunmi Ambode is a gentleman of the most impeccable kind so it's amazing and encouraging that he has ventured into the previously murky arena of Nigerian politics.

Ambode is proof that one can rise above the circumstances and environment of his birth and choose a path of excellence, not minding that he is a solitary traveller on that path.

Ambode is a product and refiner of the system and has shown that magic can be made when one thinks, plans and then acts. In one year of his administration, the Lagos State governor has proven that he has the brains and also the brawn to rule Nigeria's commercial hub and lead it into a future that is the stuff of dreams.

Akinwunmi Ambode is a governor of governors, first among his peers, a true leader and a herald of the change that Nigeria desperately needs. Ambodes administration promises change without disruption and continuity with improvement.

With Ambode at the reigns, hopefully for the next seven years, Lagosians can expect a magical transformation that can only be inspired by a true visionary, a visionary like Ambode.
The Nollywood superstar is one of Africas biggest movie stars and honestly, also one of the best-dressed Nollywood celebrities. Dominic hardly gets it wrong and so, its only fair that she inspires most young women around the world when it comes to fashion.

In this light, the mulitple award winner has become that go-to personality for women making fashion choices as well as brides-to-be making wedding dress selections. I mean, which bride doesnt want to have a Dominic look on her special day!?

Pulse.ng now looks into the six times Domic has inspired bridal looks for so many women out there:

1.) Rita in House Of Nwocha

The star stunned the world at The Headies 2011 as host alongside rapper Eldee the Don in a mesmerizing eye-catching red mermaid red gown. From head to toe, Dominic ruled the world! Any bride will love to feel the same way, for sure while looking her best!

ALSO READ:6 times Kim Kardashian has made brides green with envy

2.) Rita in Lanre D Silva

The actress won a double at the Nollywood Movies Awards 2013 as Best Actress in a Lead role as as Best Dressed star on the red carpet (Lol, we gotcha!) Rita rocked a sexy, cut out dark look Lanre Da Silva number . Imagine this same dress in white? Oh, a today's bride will definitely rock this in 2017!

3.) Rita in Tarik Ediz

While Genevieve Nnaji dazzled in a Monique Lhuillier, Dominic made sure to dominate in a dress for Ebonylife TVs Mo Abudus birthday which took place at Oriental Hotels last night. Sept 2014. Any bride will want this look today!

4.) Rita in Monique Lhuillier

The actress looked ravishing in a one shoulder purple Monique Lhuillier gown as she attended AFRIFF Closing gala and Awards night on Saturday night November 14th in Lagos. This dress oozes confidence and today's brides need just that to shine above their guests at their wedding.

5.) Rita in Landre Da Silva

The 2014 edition of Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards saw Rita Dominic glow in this magical lacy red LDA couture gown. She completed the look with a pair of gold sandals and fancy gold clutch. Need I say more, Rita was the envy of the night and number one on almost everyones best dressed list. Are brides familiar with this description?

ALSO READ:3 stunning looks Blake Lively wore to Cannes Film Festival 2016

6.) Rita in Elvira Jude

Rita left us greening with envy when she arrived at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in Lagos in a gorgeous Elvira Jude gown. OMG! Brides around the entire world wont forget this looke, ever because they have continued to see themselves in the same look ever since!
The presidential decree included pardons for Wade and two others who had been sentenced for "illegal enrichment". A press release from the presidency added that payment of the fine was not covered by the pardon.

Wade's lawyer Amadou Sall said his client had left the West African country immediately after his release.

When President Sall was elected in 2012 he had pledged to fight corruption, but opposition members and critics said the decision to imprison Wade was a political move intended to eliminate dissent.

A United Nations panel also criticized the government last year, saying that Wade had been detained arbitrarily and calling for the payment of unspecified compensation to the former head of four ministries.
President Yoweri Museveni has intervened in several regional security hotspots, deploying troops to help quell unrest in Somalia, Central African Republic and South Sudan in recent years.

Uganda deployed in Somalia in 2007, the first of several troop contingents from the region in the African Union-mandated AMISOM force formed to combat al Shabaab Islamist militants, who had established a power base in the Horn of African country.

"Our plan that we have communicated to the African Union is that by December 2017 we want to be out," Paddy Ankunda, Uganda military spokesman, told Reuters late on Thursday.

"So unless something major comes up that's the time we want to come out of Somalia."

Uganda accounts for about a third of the roughly 22,000-strong AMISOM force.

Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for twin bombings in Kampala in 2010 that killed 76 people, which it called a punishment for Uganda's troop deployment in Somalia. Although since pushed out of its strongholds, the group remains a potent and deadly threat.
Kabila is ineligible to stand in Congo's next election in November after serving two elected terms. Opponents accuse him of plotting to hold on to power by delaying the poll or changing the constitution to remove the term limit, as several African leaders have done.

The Treasury Department said Kabila's government has engaged in a pattern of repression, including the arrest of members of the opposition and violent suppression of political protests to avoid scheduling national elections.

The department put Celestin Kanyama, police commissioner in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, on its list of "specially designated nationals" whose assets are blocked and are generally blocked from dealing with Americans.

These including raids during "Operation Likofi," commanded by Kanyama, in which uniformed police wearing black masks dragged suspects out of their homes at night at gunpoint, with no arrest warrants. At least 50 young men and boys were reportedly killed and more than 30 others reportedly vanished.

In January 2015, when Kanyama was police commissioner, more than 40 people were killed during demonstrations in the capital city, including at least 20 fatally shot by security forces.

"Treasury's action today sends a clear message that the United States condemns the regime's violence and repressive actions, especially those of Celestin Kanyama, which threaten the future of democracy for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo," said John Smith, acting director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement.

Kanyama was not immediately reachable for comment. Congo's government has rejected accusations that police carried out summary executions during Operation Likofi or used excessive force during the 2015 protests.

Congo condemned Treasury's announcement, saying it would infringe upon its sovereignty and undermine bilateral relations. "It will also embolden those who seek to divide our nation and impede our democratic processes," Barnabe Kikaya Bin Karubi, a diplomatic advisor to Kabila, said in a statement.
Thank you for your service.

Youve said that many times recently, and meant every word to every soldier.

Thank you for keeping us protected. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for your sacrifice.

And once youve read Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War by Mary Roach, youll also thank those who serve our servicemen and women.

Chickens are not ducks.

Nevertheless, chicken carcasses are what the U.S. Military uses to test its equipment to ensure that its safe from birdstrike, which describes those instances when flying bird (duck, goose, even starling) meets flying machine. Birdstrike kills more than just birds, so the military needs to know its equipment can handle feathered foes  therefore, it uses a chicken gun to shoot pullets, not bullets.

And that, says Mary Roach, is most of what I have to say about guns. Instead of focusing on artillery and battles in Grunt, she focuses on the fight to keep our troops comfortable, hydrated, healthy, and alive.

While it might seem easy, for instance, to outfit many thousand people in identical clothing, what our troops wear is a kind of weapon. The U.S. government hires fashion designers to develop uniforms that are weather-appropriate, as fireproof as possible, and that can repel chemicals. Even the buttons are tested extensively: specifications, says Roach, run to twenty-two pages.

As for the vehicles troops use for transport, Roach says that engineers must constantly modify them for the safety of our soldiers. That often means that Strykers carry up to five tons of extra protection on their frames, much of it tested on the cadavers of people who serve without actually enlisting.

Military scientists know how to protect the soldiers hearing, and other um, equipment farther below on the body; says Roach, thanks to the transgender community, they know how to fix injuries there. Others strive to teach medics to think in the midst of chaos. They study diarrhea, sweat, bugs, stinky smells, and sharks. And they know that sleep is one of a militarys greatest defenses.

Camouflage is a familiar sight these days, and its usually worn by someone you thank for their service. For different reasons, the creators of camouflage deserve appreciation, too, as do others who keep soldiers safe. Grunt explains further.

Now, mind you, there are no vivid recreations of battles in this book, but author Mary Roach tells readers about the aftermath of battle. You wont get specs on equipment, but shell tell you about how science has improved on the gear soldiers use. What you will get, however, is a curious-minded tour through the science of war and real, sometimes gruesome but always fascinating peeks far beyond the barracks.

And Roach does it with a delightfully lighthearted-yet- serious approach. Salute!

Supporting our troops is more than a verbal thank you. The surprise is that it also comes from laboratories, volunteers, manufacturers, and exhaustive research, and this book tells you how. If you love  or were!  a soldier youll want it, because missing Grunt would be a disservice.

Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading since she was three years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin.
BEATTY  The weather for the last weekend of October may or may not be chillier than normal, but it is certain to be chili weather for Beatty Days this weekend. The annual event runs Oct. 28-30 at Cottonwood Park.
With a grant application deadline looming, a group of local volunteers is hoping to bring a public motocross facility to the Pahrump Fairgounds.

With a grant application deadline looming, a group of local volunteers is hoping to bring a public motocross facility to the Pahrump Fairgounds.

At the meeting on Tuesday, Bob Adams, an official of the Motorcycle Racing Association of Nevada asked Nye County commissioners for a letter of intent for approval of the use of 30 to 60 acres on the Pahrump Fairgrounds for construction of a public motocross facility.

Adams also asked to apply for the Nevada Commission on Off-Highway Vehicles reimbursable grant for the development of a motocross park.

Adams said the applicant on the grant will be the town of Pahrump, but Nye County Manager Pam Webster said commissioners cant approve it without seeing it.

They cant approve a grant they havent seen, Webster said. The DA hasnt seen it, the staff hasnt seen it.

Included in the backup were only the details of solicitation. Webster said for approval, a grant has to be presented to Nye County commissioners.The grants application deadline is today at 3 p.m.

County Commissioner Dan Schinhofen said he supports the project. He told Adams to work with Nye County staff on preparing the grant and bring it to the next meeting to ratify. At that point, officials will ask Adams to develop cost and management of the facility.

There are a lot of people that have made interest, want to do certain things on the fairgrounds, Schinhofen said. Again, I think this will be a great draw, itd be good for the local people, itd be good to bring people in.

Adams said the layout of the proposed facility is flexible. It will include several miles of tracks for motorcycles and bicycle motor cross, additional parking and pit area, according to the documents.

The project received verbal commitments from Albertson and Sons Sand and Gravel and Wulfenstein Construction. Adams said he hopes for an agreement similar to that made for Last Chance Park for use of county and town equipment, including regular use of a water truck.

The costs to open the facility are a possibly-needed tortoise fence, $7,500 for materials and $11,800 for installation. Additionally, a CAT loader will be needed for a week to build the tracks. A rental fee is typically $2,000 for a week.

During the presentation, Pahrump resident Kevin Mayer talked about the economic impacts of similar facilities in other locations such as Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park in California or the OHV track in Marysvale, Utah.

Mayer said both places have experienced large economic growth since the opening of the facilities.

We need to change the image of Pahrump youth. Young people aspiring to be better at everything they do, such as motor cross would be a great start to improve Pahrumps social and economic image, he said.

The park will be open to OHV enthusiasts from Pahrump and Las Vegas, officials said. In the documents, Adams said that the best operating model for the park is that of Pahrumps arena with some public funds, contributions by businesses, but mostly volunteers working for love of the sport and being a part of serving the community.

Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77
A plan to dissolve recently merged justice court townships in 2019 raised the question if an election could be held prior to the sunset date.

A plan to dissolve recently merged justice court townships in 2019 raised the question if an election could be held prior to the sunset date.

Nye County commissioners in May adopted a resolution to temporarily merge the justice court townships of Pahrump and Beatty following the resignation of Pahrump Justice of the Peace Ron Kent on March 31. The move enabled Beatty Justice Gus Sullivan to cover the caseload in Pahrump through the end of Kents term in January 2019. Under the resolution, the consolidated Pahrump and Beatty Township shall again become separate in 2019.

However, Nye County District Attorney Angela Bello questioned if the court townships would need to be separated a year prior so elections could be held for Kents old seat.

I think the safest bet is either to put it in January 2018 and appoint for that one year or get an attorney generals opinion that might say you dont have to, Bello said at the county commission meeting on Tuesday.

After the resolution was signed, John Bosta, who is a town board member in Amargosa Valley, raised questions about the sunset date.

Bello said she had done legal research and found some cases that are old and that are not from Nevada but they would clearly indicate that you cannot put something on the ballot for office and have someone elected to an office for a township that doesnt exist yet.

Bello said Pahrump Justice Kent Jasperson had told her that he disagrees with her analysis. Instead, he suggested consulting Nevadas attorney general to make sure that they can dissolve the merged Pahrump and Beatty township after the election of the justice of the peace, or if they will need to prior to an election.

So, I told him I would be willing to look at it, Bello said.

Some criticized the approved resolution and called for appointing an individual to fill the resulting vacancy or organizing a special election. Sullivan, who has served in Beatty since 2005, is receiving no extra pay, saving the county the cost of nearly $83,000. The commissioners approved the temporary merger and Sullivans appointment by two separate 4-1 votes in May.

Commissioner Donna Cox, who voted against the merger in May said she still stood by her original decision.

I do think this should go to election or an appointment immediately, but there was a question with a budget, thats why everybody went the other direction, because weve had such tough times with the money situation, she said.

Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77
It has happened again.

For the second time in two weeks, a dog was discovered in a parked car at a local business.

Nye County Sheriffs deputies, along with animal control responded to Walmart on Tuesday when a woman decided to go shopping while leaving a Chihuahua puppy inside her white Ford Expedition SUV.

Though the windows were partially down, the interior temperature of the SUV exceeded 120 degrees.

A passerby was alerted to the vehicle by the dogs incessant barking.

It caught my attention real fast, said the woman, who asked to remain anonymous. I walked over to the barking sounds and saw a white Ford with the windows partially rolled down and a little black dog inside barking and panting profusely. I went inside Walmart and asked them to somehow page the customer of the Expedition.

The woman said she was told to call 911, which she did.

Upon walking back to the vehicle, Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue crews who happened to be in the area, were flagged down and freed the dog.

Shortly thereafter, Animal Control Officer Susan Ryhal arrived on scene.

When I arrived here the officers had taken a temperature reading of 125 degrees inside the vehicle, she said. Witnesses along with the deputy and myself saw the animal was clearly in distress. We were able to extricate the animal from the vehicle and he was taken to the vet to get assessed.

Though the vehicles passenger-side window was partially down, Ryhal said the action wont make the interior conditions any better for animal or human.

Its very clear that the actions of this Good Samaritan saved this dogs life, she said. Judging from the amount of time that Ive been on scene here, this animal certainly could have succumbed to the temperatures inside of the vehicle. The owner still hasnt come out.

The dogs owner eventually returned to her SUV and found she had been cited by Ryhal.

She spoke to the Pahrump Valley Times about her decision to leave her dog inside the vehicle.

I went inside because I had a friend send me some money, she said holding back tears. I was only in there for five minutes. I didnt want to leave my dog at home because he is my baby. I should have locked the doors and left the A/C running. I know thats what I should have done. I definitely should have done that.

Additionally, she said shes learned a valuable and expensive lesson from her actions.

That is my baby that they took away, she said. Ive lived here for two months from Maine. I will never do this again. That was my baby, seriously. I was only in there for five minutes. I know Im going to be fined, but I dont have the $647 to pay for this sh*t.

Ryhal meanwhile had a strong message for pet owners who continuously choose to take their pets along with them while running their daily errands, rather than leaving the pet at home.

We have zero tolerance for this kind of action, she said. We will be citing people if we find their animals are left in inhumane conditions, especially a hot car parked in the parking lot exposed to the midday sun. Its a $647 fine.

Sheriff Sharon Wehrly meanwhile, bemoaned the certainty that similar incidents will occur throughout the summer.

Its unfortunate because we see this happen every summer and sadly, its going to continue to happen, she said. People need to understand that putting the windows down just doesnt help because its just too hot outside. It would have been a life-threatening situation if this was not discovered by the Good Samaritan who reported this.

The barking got my attention because it was in the parking lot of Walmart and you dont usually have dogs in the parking lot of Walmart unless they are in a car, the Good Samaritan said. Im just glad the dog is OK. I had been here an hour and the owner still hadnt come out of the store.
Horrific events like the heartbreaking tragedy in Orlando  the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history  bring out the best and the worst in the American character.

Horrific events like the heartbreaking tragedy in Orlando  the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history  bring out the best and the worst in the American character.

After Omar Mateen murdered 49 people and injured 53 others, many clergy who rarely, if ever, acknowledge the LGBT community in positive terms offered prayers for LGBT people  actually reciting the letters. This one, brief, shining moment was both unprecedented and heartening.

On the worst side of the ledger, however, a small minority of clergy used the shooting as an opportunity to preach hate in the name of religion.

Mere hours after the attack, two Christian ministers posted videos of their sermons (since deleted by YouTube) celebrating the murder of 49 pedophiles and predators.

I wish the government would round them all up, preached Pastor Roger Jimenez of the Verity Baptist Church in Sacramento, California, Put them up against a wall, put a firing squad in front of them and blow their brains out.

Pastor Steven Anderson of the Faithful World Baptist Church in Tempe, Ariz. declared that LGBT people should be executed by a righteous government. While claiming not to advocate violence, Anderson celebrated that these dangerous, filthy predators are off the streets, adding, Im just trying to look on the bright side.

Disturbingly, advocates of the death penalty for LGBT people are found in any number of religious movements. In some African countries and parts of the Middle East, hard-line Christian ministers and Islamic imams encourage and support laws with severe punishments for homosexuality, including death.

After the Orlando attack, chilling video surfaced of sermons by Sheikh Farrokh Sekaleshfar, an Iranian Muslim cleric, who travels the world advocating the death penalty for homosexuals.

Sekaleshfar had delivered his hateful message at an Islamic center in suburban Orlando just weeks before the massacre.

Although the motivations of the Orlando shooter are still murky, Mateen claimed to be acting in support of the so-called Islamic State  a terrorist movement that murders LGBT people by throwing them from rooftops in the name of God.

It may be small comfort to families of the victims, but the vast majority of Christians and Muslims in the United States reject ministers and clerics who distort scriptures to advocate harsh and violent treatment of LGBT people.

But hate speech by outliers is the easy-to-condemn fringe of a much larger problem. Many mainstream, widely respected religious voices often indulge in anti-LGBT rhetoric that marginalizes and dehumanizes the other, speech that contributes to a climate of intolerance and fear.

Sadly it is religion, including our own, which targets, mostly verbally, and also often breeds contempt for gays, lesbians and transgender people, wrote Catholic Bishop Robert Lynch immediately after the Orlando shooting. Attacks today on LGBT men and women often plant the seed of contempt, then hatred, which can ultimately lead to violence. Those women and men who were mowed down early yesterday morning were all made in the image and likeness of God. We teach that. We should believe that. We must stand for that.

American Muslim leaders joined with many other religious and civil rights leaders in speaking out in support of the LGBT community. Homophobia, transphobia and Islamophobia are interconnected systems of oppression, said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and we cannot dismantle one without dismantling the other.

At the same time, some Muslim leaders also acknowledged the need to confront prejudices and silence about LGBT Muslims within their own faith communities. Post-Orlando is a historic opportunity for us to talk to one another, Faisal Alam, gay founder of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity told The Associated Press.

It remains to be seen if the unifying post-Orlando spirit will translate into any lasting change in how we speak about the intersection of religion and sexual orientation.

But at the very least, we can do more to call out divisive and hateful speech when we hear it.

You cant make up the world into us and them, and denigrate and express hatred towards groups because of the color of their skin, or their faith, or their sexual orientation, President Barack Obama said in Orlando last week, and not feed something very dangerous in this world.

A modest, but difficult, first step would be to abandon labels and name-calling in the marriage debate  homosexual agenda from one side, religious bigotry from the other  in service of seeking civil dialogue across deep differences.

Under the First Amendment every voice has the right to be heard in America  however offensive or disturbing.

But a free society that would also be civil requires a critical mass of people willing to answer hatred and intolerance with love and compassion.

Unanswered religious and ideological speech demonizing the other poisons the body politic and inspires acts of prejudice and violence.

Nothing we can say will bring back the victims of the Orlando massacre.

But if we commit to speak about one another with civility and respect, we honor their memory  and represent the best of what it means to be an American.

Charles C. Haynes is vice president of the Newseum Institute and founding director of the Religious Freedom Center. E-mail: chaynes@newseum.org Web: www.religiousfreedomcenter.org Twitter: @hayneschaynes
Late next Thursday afternoon, road work in the Illinois Quad-Cities could come to a screeching halt.

If the Illinois Legislature does not approve an appropriations bill for the state's Department of Transportation, or IDOT, there will be no money to pay workers for big projects now underway.

"Work on Interstate 74, I-80 and John Deere Road  we're planning on shutting down at the end of the day next Thursday," said John Wegmeyer, project implementation engineer for IDOT.

Civil Constructors is supplying the workers for the I-74 bridge work, and McCarthy Improvement has the multi-year contract for widening John Deere Road to six lanes.

A Civil retiree said Thursday that the company has some work in the city of Moline to keep crews busy for a couple of weeks, but union workers would be laid off if the budget stalemate continues.

Ditto for workers from McCarthy.

"We are worried about this," company CEO Greg Bush said Thursday. "Whenever funding is insecure ... it makes you nervous. It's definitely disruptive."

Stopping work on major projects and laying off workers is bad enough, he said. But the timing is terrible.

"This is what we call the 'sweet spot' of the construction season," Bush said. "It's a lot worse losing days in July than September."

McCarthy is the general contractor on John Deere Road, and it has many subcontractors who also would be stung by the Statehouse standoff.

"We got a cease-and-desist letter, if you will, telling us to not continue work on the contract after June 30," Bush said of the latest news from IDOT.

This is not the first time Illinois lawmakers have pushed spending bills past the fiscal-year deadline, creating considerable cost and stress on businesses and their employees. Taxpayers get run over, too, because the state has certain obligations associated with shutting down work sites. In addition to paying contractors to basically secure the scene, many large pieces of roadwork equipment have associated per diem rates, even when sitting idle.

"We're hoping common sense will prevail," McCarthy said.

Tall order.
A Davenport man was sentenced Thursday to up to 10 years in prison for his role in a bar brawl at a Davenport strip club that left a man seriously injured.

Kamden A. Shelton, visibly nervous, apologized to the family of Joshua Sutton and said that he was not looking for a fight on the night of Oct. 15.

Everything happened fast, he said during a short sentencing hearing in Scott County District Court.

He added, Its something I have to live with every day. I keep praying.

Shelton, 25, entered an Alford plea in May to one count of willful injury causing serious injury, a charge that carries a mandatory prison sentence. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt by concedes that prosecutors likely have enough evidence to win a conviction.

At 12:26 a.m. Oct. 15, Davenport police officers responded to a fight at Chorus Line, 4128 Brady St.

Police and prosecutors say Shelton and his brothers, Juan and Trenton, were involved in a fight with Sutton, 39, who was knocked to the floor.

Sutton was kicked in the head and torso several times and stomped on during the fight.

Kamden Shelton was arrested the day of the incident. Juan Shelton, 32, was arrested the next day after police say he led them on a five-minute car chase from Rock Island into Davenport via the Interstate 280 bridge.

He entered an Alford plea to willful injury as a habitual offender, but has since filed a motion to take back the plea. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for July 20.

Trenton Shelton, 30, was arrested in December in Mississippi by U.S. Marshals on a federal charge of failing to register as a sex offender in federal court. He has not yet appeared in the Scott County case.

His attorney, Michael E. Motto, said Kamden Shelton has expressed remorse a number of times. He came from a good, close family and was active in the community before the incident, he said.

Motto said he had reviewed the surveillance video of the incident, which showed Shelton on the other side of the room when the fight broke out. Shelton walked over and engaged in the fight and, when it started to spill out into the hallway, he walked away within several seconds.

He in no way intended for what happened to take place that day, Motto said.

Suttons fiancee, Angela Hess, told District Court Judge Mark Cleve that the assault that night left him unable to see, hear or speak. He lives in a 24-hour care facility, where he will stay the rest of his life, she said.

Hess said she and Sutton had been together for more than 13 years and share an 11-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. Sutton had been working toward a business degree at Brown Mackie College and was on track to graduate in May, she said.

This dream will never be accomplished because of this senseless act carried out by the three men, she said. Our lives have been completely destroyed.

Hess asked Cleve to sentence Shelton to the maximum sentence because Josh now has his own maximum sentence: never to speak, hear or feel.

Shelton has 30 days to file a notice of appeal.
The retrial of murder defendant Stanley Liggins will begin Feb. 6, a Scott County judge ruled Friday.

Four days of hearings on pretrial motions will begin Sept. 27.

Liggins, 54, was scheduled to be tried next month for a third time in the 1990 death of Jennifer Ann Lewis, 9, of Rock Island.

He is charged with first-degree murder, willful injury causing serious injury, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree arson.

Prosecutors say Liggins strangled Lewis and burned her remains on a Davenport school playground.

He was tried twice in the Lewis death in the 1990s, once in Scott County and the second in Dubuque after he was granted a change of venue.

He was convicted in both trials and sentenced to life in prison. The Iowa Supreme Court overturned the first conviction on a technicality. On Nov. 6, 2013, the Iowa Court of Appeals reversed the second conviction, and the Supreme Court decided not to hear the case.

Assistant State Public Defender Derek Jones filed a motion May 5 asking Chief Judge Marlita Greve to postpone the July trial date because first-chair attorney, Chief Public Defender Phil Ramirez, was having health problems.

Ramirez, who appeared in court Friday, said he will be ready for trial in February.
A Rock Island teenager charged in the shooting death of another teen in late April will be transferred to the Rock Island County Jail when he turns 18 on July 2, a judge ordered Thursday.

Although he is charged as an adult, Kire G. Carr, 17, has been at the Mary Davis Detention Home in Galesburg, Illinois, on a $1 million cash bond.

Rock Island County Assistant States Attorney Heidi Weller presented Associate Judge Norma Kauzlarich with a proposed transport order during a short hearing at the Rock Island County Justice Center.

Carrs appointed attorney, Rock Island County Assistant Public Defender Hector Lareau, did not object to the order.

During Thursdays hearing, Lareau asked for and was granted a relatively lengthy continuance to allow him more time to meet with a private investigator and review evidence in the case.

Carr will be back in court Sept. 30 for a pretrial conference.

He is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the April 27 death of Jescie James Armstrong, 15, of Rock Island.

A second person, Chelsea M. Raker, 21, also has been charged as an accomplice in Armstrongs death. Prosecutors say Armstrong was killed while Carr and Raker were committing an armed robbery. She will be back in court July 8 for a pretrial conference.

Amstrongs paternal grandmother, Debbie Armstrong, said after the hearing that the lengthy continuance granted in Carrs case was ridiculous.

Its just putting more on the family, she said.

Armstrong said not a day has gone by since her grandson's death that she hasnt thought about him.

Jescie was a good kid who would often come over to help out around the house, she said.

You just wait for him to come through the door, she said Thursday. Its just a senseless thing that happened.
A one-year mental health court demonstration project will launch soon in Scott County, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Genesis Philanthropy.

Members of the Quad-Cities Interfaith Restorative Justice Task Force, judges, prosecutors and public defenders, along with mental and health care providers, announced the grant Friday during a news conference in front of the Scott County Courthouse.

We believe its very wise investment, said Missy Gowey, executive director of Genesis Philanthropy. We believe it can serve the needs of patients and families who have had a long-term struggle with mental illness."

The restorative justice task force has been exploring the idea of a mental health court in Scott County for more than a year.

The goal of a mental health court is to better treat people with mental health conditions who are in the criminal justice system.

The Rev. Clark Olson-Smith, president of Quad-Cities Interfaith, said prison and punishment is not the answer for those suffering from mental illness.

Today, there is hope because with intensive treatment and accountability, there is a chance for redemption, he said. Theres a chance for healing, a chance for people with mental illness to become well and to turn their lives around. Thats good news for all of us.

Mental health courts can help reduce the number of criminal convictions of people with mental illness and the number of people in prisons and jails.

That will be a cost savings to the county and improve the functionality of those who are successfully diverted from the criminal justice system, District Court Judge Mark Smith said Friday.

Smith will oversee the demonstration project.

He said Scott County needs a mental health court because the current system is not working.

To my right is the biggest inpatient mental health facility in Scott County, Smith said of the Scott County Jail. Its not a good place for the mentally ill. Being mentally ill is not a crime.

Smith said its not uncommon to see defendants with mental health issues go off their medication and wind up in front of him and other judges multiple times.

Were trying to break that cycle, he said. Mental health courts across the country have been successful in doing that.

Although no funding has come from the state for the program, the Iowa Supreme Court has allowed Scott County to set up the demonstration project in large part because of the grass-roots support in the community.

The Supreme Court has mandated that the court be up and running by July 1. Thats when referred candidates will be screened to determine whether they are eligible for the program, Smith said.

Those accepted into the program will start meeting with the mental health court team on a weekly basis in August, Smith said.

Smith said the mental health court team is hoping to start with a small number of participants because its an evolving process.

Transitions Mental Health Rehabilitation will serve as the care coordinator for the Scott County demonstration court.

Transitions also oversees the mental health court in Rock Island County, which was established in 2007.

Courtney Stenzel, director of residential services for Transitions, said those who are accepted into the program will immediately have services wrapped around them.

Those services include mental health treatment, therapy and housing and employment assistance, she said.

Participants are supervised very thoroughly throughout the program by the mental health court team, which includes members from the offices of the county attorney, public defender, probation, the Department of Corrections and a care coordinator.

Participants must be in the program for a minimum of one year.

Ideally, as they work through this program, theyll become much more stable and able to take care of themselves independently, she said. By the end, the charges they came in on will go away, and they will be able to continue their life and make progress.

Not only will the court help those suffering from mental illness, but it also aids participants' family members and the community as a whole, Stenzel said.

Genesis Health System has donated rent-free office space at its West Central Park Avenue campus for Transitions to open its operations in Scott County, said Genesis spokesman Ken Croken.

Croken said the location will provide participants with access not only to Transitions, but to Genesis' outpatient services and Vera French, which is located at the west campus.

Croken said he hopes the results of the one-year demonstration project will be so compelling that well be able to market the program on a permanent basis to other government entities, foundations and community groups."

The goal is to eventually expand services to the entire 7th Judicial Court District, which includes Cedar, Clinton, Jackson and Muscatine counties.
DES MOINES  The last time Martin OMalley was in Iowa, he was bowing out of the presidential race after finishing last in the three-way Democratic race.

The former Maryland governor was back in Iowa on Thursday for the first time, visiting grassroots campaign organizers for Hillary Clinton, the partys presumptive nominee, at state party headquarters.

While encouraging campaign volunteers and fielding questions from reporters, OMalley called presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump a fascist, said he thinks supporters of Democratic primary runner-up Bernie Sanders will support Clinton, and that he is focused on helping Clinton win, not whether he would be invited to serve in her administration, should she win.

Thats not why Im doing this, OMalley said. At this point in my life, having been a mayor and having been a governor, Im going to put all my energies into this election to make sure we dont careen over the fascist cliff.

OMalley said he pledged to Clinton campaign manager John Podesta that he would do everything I can and be everywhere I can to help Clinton defeat Trump in Novembers election, but that he has no expectation of being offered a chance to work with Clinton, should she win.

OMalley plans to make a similar stop today in Sioux City and tonight is scheduled to speak at the South Dakota Democratic Partys state convention banquet.

OMalley, who finished a distant third to Clinton and Sanders in Iowa, said he thinks the runner-ups supporters can be swayed to support Clinton against Trump. Sensing a disconnect between them and Clinton, Trump has made overtures to Sanders supporters.

Donald Trump is absolutely the opposite of that vision for America that Sen. Sanders supported, OMalley said. No one who supported Sen. Sanders for the right reasons should go to Donald Trump.

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request seeking comment.

OMalley said he thinks Democrats are pulling together now for this fall. He said many people who worked for his caucus campaign are now working for Clinton.

OMalleys appearances in Iowa represent the second set of surrogate events this week for the Clinton campaign in Iowa. Earlier this week, state treasurer Michael Fitzgerald held campaign events in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport to talk about economic issues in the presidential campaign.

Republicans were not impressed by OMalleys appearance on behalf of Clintons campaign. A statement issued by the Republican National Committee noted OMalley earned fewer than 1 percent of state delegate equivalents in the caucuses.

Martin OMalley is back in Iowa, and much like his failed presidential run this visit will also end in defeat, said a statement from RNC spokeswoman Lindsay Jancek. If the best surrogate Hillary Clinton can find is the former mayor of Baltimore, who barely surpassed half a percent in the Iowa caucuses, then her campaign is more like her failed policies  a train wreck of epic proportions.

During Thursdays appearance, OMalley joked to reporters that he felt rusty, having not met with reporters in such a way since the Feb. 1 caucuses, and made sure to show reporters a photograph from his daughters wedding this past weekend in Baltimore.
Nobody brings the crazy quite like The Donald.

For years, the conspiracy-minded have been trying to prove that Hillary Clinton gave "stand-down" orders blocking the military from helping ambassador Chris Stevens and other U.S. personnel in Benghazi the night of the 2012 attacks. But Donald Trump asserts the opposite: Clinton was unconscious.

Stevens "was left helpless to die as Hillary Clinton soundly slept in her bed," the presumptive Republican presidential nominee declared Wednesday in an unfocused jeremiad against his Democratic opponent. "That's right. When the phone rang, as per the commercial, at three o'clock in the morning, Hillary Clinton was sleeping."

That's not right -- unless Trump is accusing Clinton of taking an afternoon nap. Stevens and the others were attacked in the late afternoon, Washington time. Clinton, who was in Washington and closely involved in the response, issued a public statement about the attacks at 10 p.m. and wrote an email to her daughter about the matter an hour later -- well before Trump's imaginary 3 a.m. wake-up call.

Trump's dystopia is frequently at odds with reality here on earth. He and his followers live in a dark place where life ranges from bad to horrible, conspiracies abound and allegation passes for truth.

In his much-anticipated speech outlining his general-election themes against Clinton, Trump had much to work with from her record. But he went instead with conspiracies and inventions.

Trump quoted a "Secret Service agent posted outside the Oval Office" challenging Clinton's character; the "agent" in question was a low-level official who wasn't posted inside the White House.

Trump claimed Clinton's email "server was easily hacked by foreign governments. ... Sure they have it." No evidence of successful hacking has been found.

Trump said "we are, by the way, the highest taxed nation in the world." The United States is nowhere near the top.

He said "we could rebuild every inner city in America" with "the amount of money Hillary Clinton would like to spend on refugees." The amount she would spend would be a sliver of just one large city's budget.

He said Clinton "accepted $58,000 in jewelry from the government of Brunei." He neglected to mention that the U.S. government, not Clinton, kept the gift.

He said the trade deficit "soared 40 percent" under Clinton; it actually rose less than half of that.

He said he was "among the earliest to criticize the rush to war" in Iraq; in September 2002, he supported the Iraq invasion.

He alleged that Clinton's State Department refused "all" security requests from U.S. diplomats in Libya; actually, a number were approved.

Trump's volume of disinformation is so heavy that even the nimblest fact-checker can't keep pace. And that's no accident: In Trump's dystopia, things are so bad -- so utterly and desperately awful -- that no allegation, no matter how sinister, seems implausible to his followers.

Consider these fragments of woe, all pulled from Trump's speech Wednesday:

Crumbling roads and bridges. Dilapidated airports. Factories moving overseas. Our military ... is totally depleted. It's a rigged system. Our country lost its way. Wipes out our middle class. It's total devastation. Disastrous and totally disastrous. Among the most destructive. They are stealing billions and billions of dollars. It's not just our economy that's been corrupted, but our foreign policy, too. One deadly foreign policy disaster after another. We just can't take it anymore.

The person responsible for so much misery and mayhem? From Trump's speech:

She's a world-class liar. Pathetic. Phony. Hillary Clinton may be the most corrupt person ever to seek the presidency. Has perfected the politics of personal profit and even theft. Doing favors for oppressive regimes. She gets rich making you poor. She sold out our workers and our country for Beijing. The Hillary Clinton foreign policy has cost America thousands of lives and trillions and trillions of dollars. Secretary Clinton managed to almost single-handedly destabilize the entire Middle East. Has the blood of so many on her hands. Needs to go to prison.

In Trump's dystopia, Clinton is "the biggest promoter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership," and the fact that she has expressly opposed the deal just means "she's pretending."

And Trump, who before Wednesday had raised about five dozen different conspiracy theories, produced another: "Our enemies probably know every single one" of Clinton's deleted emails. "So they probably now have a blackmail file. ... We can't hand over our government to someone whose deepest, darkest secrets may be in the hands of our enemies. Can't do it."

A blackmail file? Why not? In Trump's dystopia, no horror is impossible.
So much for business-friendly Iowa.

Tennessee-based Strategic Behavioral Health is, yet again, waiting for an up or down vote on its proposed mental health facility in Bettendorf. For the third straight meeting, dating back to last fall, the state board charged with regulating such things can't get all its members in one place.

Strategic had hoped the full State Health Facilities Council could muster in July and consider its application for a Certificate of Need. Nope. One facilities council member resigned. Another is having surgery. These things happen. But the facilities council has given Strategic the run-around for 10 months.

A missing member in February scuttled the firm's application with a 2-2 tie. Strategic had hoped to get a vote last fall. But, like in February, a member was absent. And, now, Strategic must wait until the next meeting, probably in September, a full year after it was supposed to get an answer from the state on its proposed 72-bed facility.

If this is pro-business regulation, we have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn.

Strategic's proposal is hugely controversial. On one side, facility council members face the lion's share of officialdom within Scott County, supportive of Strategic's plan and sick of the county jail's never intended status as a mental health and drug treatment facility. On the other is the Quad-Cities' two nonprofit hospitals, Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Trinity, politically connected behemoths arguing that additional competition would threaten services.

The hospitals, mind you, make no bones that their bottom lines fuel the dissent. For-profit Strategic would focus largely on private-pay customers, whom nonprofit providers typically overcharge to backfill the cost of indigent care. Strategic's presence would throw that balance out of whack, hospital officials argue. Strategic, in its application, predicts Medicaid would fund 30 percent of its patients. Medicaid funds 51 percent of patients seeking mental health care at Genesis, hospital officials have said.

Obviously, the facilities council is staring at a tempest when its finally members decide to show up. That's the job, under current law. Maybe it's time for the law to change.

Certificates of need were supposed to stifle exploding health care costs by limiting the construction of unnecessary facilities. The effectiveness of certificates of need are, at best, questionable, studies say. Instead, the process has become state-sponsored market protection for profitable organizations, many of which, as nonprofits, also benefit from substantial tax breaks. Gov. Terry Branstad, earlier this year, complained about the certificate of need process. He's right. It's crony capitalism.

Only a tiny fraction of the population would be qualified to sit on something like the facilitates council. The law is complicated and draconian. So, in a state of 3 million, a former Trinity executive, facilities council Chairman Bob Lundin, ends up voting against a project that could financially damage his friends and colleagues.

The Quad-Cities' two hospitals have spent years promising to bolster mental health care and are taking steps to do just that. But Strategic's threat to the duopoly is, at least in part, responsible for making mental health a top priority at Genesis and Trinity.

The problem didn't change. The economics did.

But just showing up has proven too much for Iowa's regulatory body tasked with sorting it out. And a business proposing a hugely needed facility will spend at least a year awaiting a vote.
SPRINGFIELD  A health care agency in southern Illinois announced Tuesday that it's cutting some mental health and social services programs, affecting hundreds of clients and dozens of employees.

The next day, an agency that assists the elderly in the Bloomington-Normal area announced that it's laying off six employees, cutting three programs and closing two branch offices.

These are two of the most recent results of the yearlong budget standoff in Springfield. As Illinois approaches the start of its second year without a full spending plan, stories like these are becoming more common across the state.

A new survey from United Way of Illinois shows that nearly 1 million people statewide have lost services because of the inability of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled General Assembly to reach a compromise.

Nearly two-thirds of the 429 agencies surveyed in early June, all of which normally receive state funding, reported making cuts as a result of the impasse, up from about half in January. Of those that have cut back, 91 percent have reduced the number of people they serve, according to United Way.

"It's just unacceptable that our state has not had a budget for a year," said Kristi Long, chairman of United Way of Illinois.

On average, the state owes agencies that are awaiting payment $525,000, and they have taken on a total of $38 million in debt to keep programs running, according to the survey.

If the standoff continues into the new budget year that begins July 1, the picture will get even starker: More than a third of agencies said they'll have to shut their doors in six months if they don't receive state funds.

Long noted that this is the fourth time the organization has conducted the survey in the past year.

"Every time we've done this, we have gotten this information to the governor's office, to the legislative leaders' offices, to local senators, local representatives," she said. "We have felt like our job is to give them the information about what's really happening on the streets."

So far, that hasn't resulted in a plan that's been approved in the Legislature and signed by the governor.

There's a bill on Rauner's desk that would provide $700 million in funding for social services, but he has said he prefers a six-month stopgap measure that also includes some money for prisons, road construction and other state operations.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is negotiating such a plan, but it remains unclear whether an agreement will be reached before July 1.

Speaking Thursday in Chicago, Rauner said Democrats are "going to hold up everything in these negotiations for Chicago Public Schools to get a bailout."

Steve Brown, a spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said Wednesday that Democrats are participating in the discussions in good faith.

David Taylor, president and CEO of United Way of McLean County, said agencies need more certainty than a short-term agreement would provide.

"Any action, I think, right now would help," Taylor said. "But the concern that I would have is that stopgap measures aren't creating viable long-term solutions, and it just seems to be delaying difficult decisions that need to be made."

Toni Hayden, executive director of United Way of Southern Illinois, said the lack of response from lawmakers she has reached out to has been disheartening.

"I haven't really heard back from any of them," Hayden said. "But what I would want to convey is that they really take a heartfelt look at what this means for their communities and the people that are going to be suffering because they don't have the help that they rely upon."
JOHNSTON, Iowa  The Iowa delegation to the GOP national convention will cast its ballot for Donald Trump even though he didnt carry the state, Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said Friday.

Kaufmann conceded that Iowa Republicans are in various degrees in their support for Trump. Some are thrilled, some are accepting, and we have people who are in the process.

The never Trump movement, however, is a tiny, tiny little minority of people with large megaphones, he said.

People who feel the need to have that internal, heartfelt, passionate conversation in front of cameras and in front of journalists (are) bent on self-promotion and could care less about our first-in-the-nation status and the integrity of our process, Kaufmann said Friday after taping Iowa Public Televisions "Iowa Press" program with Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Andy McGuire.

Suggestions that the Iowa delegation will cast some of its votes for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who was the caucus winner, or some other candidate is hypocritical  nonsensical, and its not going to happen, he said. Donald Trump is our nominee.

McGuire thinks Iowa Democrats also are uniting behind the party's presumptive nominee, Hillary Clinton, and the party is stronger as a result of its competitive precinct caucus campaign.

We had more new people than the Republicans did at the caucuses, and we have a lot of enthusiasm, McGuire said. People are getting involved because they want to make sure were talking about working men and women and were talking about equality and equal pay and minimum wage.

So were really talking about issues that are core to the Democratic Party, and they will really help us energize our party, McGuire said.

She played down suggestions that Clintons supporters and those of her rival, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, are keeping score in terms of which camp elected more of its members to state party posts.

Rather than identify themselves as Sanders or Clinton supporters, McGuire said Democrats are talking about having a very progressive, inclusive party.

I dont think there is any kind of us-against-them, she said.

Kaufmann said if Trump is not the only candidate whose name is placed in nomination, the 30-member Iowa delegation would then cast its votes to reflect the Iowa caucus results. In that case, Cruz would get eight delegates, Trump and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio would each get seven, Ben Carson would get three, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee would each get one delegate.

"Iowa Press" can be seen at 7:30 p.m. Friday and noon Sunday on IPTV, at 8:30 a.m. Saturday on IPTV World and online at IPTV.org.
A roundup of state government and Capitol news items for Friday:

WORK ZONE DISTRACTIONS: State transportation officials are urging drivers to avoid distractions when moving through highway construction work zones this summer. A fatal crash in a work zone on Interstate 35 in Warren County Thursday was the second such fatality this week and the eighth death in a work zone this construction season, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. DOT officials say drivers need to be alert because Iowa is in the midst of its largest roadway construction season in state history this year with more than $716 million in projects in hundreds of work zones all over the state as well as on county and city roads. Public safety officials say distractions are dangerous for any driver, but they can be especially deadly when traveling through a work zone. Accordingly, DOT officials say drivers and workers alike should expect the unexpected in any work zone along any road. They urge drivers to slow down when approaching work zones, merge into appropriate lanes as soon as possible, observe posted speed limits, avoid tailgating, expect delays, wear seat belts and watch out for flaggers. More information about work zone safety can be found at the iowadot.gov/workzone website.

HEALTH ALERT: State officials say five Iowa health systems have launched a statewide alert notification network. The Statewide Alert Notification (SWAN) system provides real-time, secure notifications to care teams regarding emergency room visits, admissions and discharges of their members, according to a news release issued Friday by the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise and the Iowa Department of Public Health. The five systems in Iowa currently receiving alerts include Broadlawns Medical Center, Unity Point Health Partners, Iowa Health+, University of Iowa Health Alliance and Mercy ACO. Support through a state innovation model grant is available for Medicaid members served through these five health systems, with the goal to have more providers across the state use notifications for all patients to improve care coordination and health outcomes for all Iowans. The notification system was developed as part of the $43.1 million federal grant awarded to Iowa in 2015. Iowa is one of 11 states awarded funds to develop innovative ways to transform health care, improve population health and promote sustainability. More information is available at dhs.iowa.gov/ime/about/state-innovation-models/testing-grant.

NATURAL GAS PRICES: For the fourth week in a row, natural gas prices recorded double-digit increases in Iowa. The state Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship reported this week that natural gas prices rose by 24 cents, closing out at $2.76/MMbtu. On the flip side, motor fuel prices were mixed with the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaging $2.29 per gallon across Iowa, according to AAA, a drop of 3 cents from a week ago and 44 cents a gallon lower than a year ago. The national average was $2.32. However, retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa were a penny higher with a statewide average of $2.35 a gallon. A year ago, diesel prices averaged $2.72 per gallon in the state. The current Iowa diesel average is 2 cents lower than the national average of $2.37 per gallon.
Bullets whizzed past two alleged thieves as they fled a gas station on Wednesday night. But the shots werent fired by an officer of the law. A bystander in the parking lot witnessed the robbery, then drew a handgun and began shooting at the backs of the suspects as they fled.

When you talk about robberies in Rapid City, its a little out of the ordinary to have something like this happen, said Rapid City Police Department public information officer Brendyn Medina.

About 10:05 p.m., police officers responded to armed robbery reports at the Corner Pantry gas station in the Circle S Plaza at 310 E. Fairmont Boulevard. Several witnesses said one of two male suspects had pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money from the register. The two suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, which is when the gunfire began.

The Native American suspects are thin, around age 20 and 6-foot-2 inches tall. One wore a red bandana over his face, a red shirt with sleeves cut off and red shoes. The second man covered his face with a black bandana, wore a sleeveless black shirt and short pants and had a shaved head.

The armed bystander fired a semi-automatic pistol twice at the men, but police dont believe either was hit. Investigators also were not sure the robbery suspects had a real firearm. A police dog called in to search the area found a plastic air soft replica gun near the store.

No arrests have been made. The robbery, as well as the shooting incident, remains under investigation, Medina said.

Police investigate whenever a firearm is discharged, he said.

We want people to be responsible with the decisions they make with their firearms, Medina said. As police, when we investigate incidents like this, we need to get the best, clearest picture of what happened. Was the shooter in fear of his own life? Was there a clear risk of bodily or immediate harm to the person who pulled the trigger?

Its possible there were circumstances to justify the use of a firearm, Medina said, but if the investigation reveals insufficient reason, criminal charges may be filed against the shooter.

Speaking in general terms, you could be on the hook for reckless discharge of a firearm given the circumstances, if the investigation turns up it was reckless, Medina said, who went on to say, Do we think theres a heightened sense of a need to carry a firearm in Rapid City? I dont think so. This is a pretty out-of-the-ordinary circumstance.

Anyone who has information about the robbery is asked to contact Detective Dan DeNeire at 394-4134. They also can send an anonymous tip by texting 'RCPD' and the information to 847411.
Paint the Town May 30 through June 4 was completed for homeowner Stacey Baxter thanks to a combined effort of people from around the city of Belle Fourche, said Housing Coordinator Jamie Van Norman.

All of the supplies were donated by Dakota Lumber, while refreshments were donated by Lynn's Dakotamart.

Several volunteers worked a combined total of 115 hours to complete the house.

Through an application process, the houses/owners who apply are sent off to South Dakota Housing, which ultimately decides who will have their house painted.

After rainy days, by Wednesday, June 1, volunteers from Wells Fargo arrived and knocked out the majority of the front of the house. On June 2, Scott Peterson Motors stepped up.

On Friday, June 3, Jackson Dental showed up with a whopping 19 volunteers to finish out the project.

"I have just been in awe by how well this community comes together to help support one of their own," Van Norman said. "Without the donations of time and resources, these sorts of community lifting events would not be possible."
PIERRE | The state Board of Water and Natural Resources approved millions of dollars in loans and a few grants Thursday for wastewater, drinking water and solid waste disposal projects for more than one dozen South Dakota communities.

Projects in the Black Hills  West River area included:

 Keystone  A $431,000 loan to use for a $631,000 wastewater improvement project. Keystone also gets a $98,000 loan for 20 years to deal with flooding at a drinking water well.

 Lead  a 10-year, $427,000 loan to help fund installing new water meters and meter reading equipment, estimated to cost $704,000. A federal grant would cover the remainder.

 Midland  A 30-year, $225,00 loan to use toward a $715,000 project for a new drinking water storage system, mixing system and water-main loops. A federal grant will cover most of the cost.

The South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association also will get a $15,000 grant for hosting speakers at a three-state conference at Deadwood in September.

Elsewhere in the state, the Mina Lake sanitary district gets a $559,000 loan for 30 years for its $579,000 expansion project including a new artificial wetland.

Raymond receives a $745,000 loan to be entirely forgiven plus a $90,000 loan to be repaid over 30 years and a $65,000 grant for the first round of improvements to its wastewater system. The total project is $1,465,850.

Sioux Falls wants to install additional sewage infrastructure and other improvements for $9,287,000 for a new industrial park area. The project gets a loan of $9,287,000 for 10 years.

Vermillion gets a $812,000 loan for 20 years for wastewater improvements.

Pierre gets a $1,450,000 loan for 10 years for wastewater improvements to the citys north side.

Viborg gets a $105,000 loan for 30 years to use for a $179,000 project to replace sewer facilities.

Elk Point gets a $235,000 loan for 30 years to use for a $440,000 project to rehabilitate sewer and water lines as part of a street project. Elk Point also gets a $564,000 loan for 30 years to use toward a $721,000 project for drinking-water improvements.

Canistota gets a $378,000 loan for 30 years wastewater improvements. Canistota is replacing water service lines as part of the same sewer project. The city gets a $96,000 loan for 30 years for the drinking-water work. A federal grant would cover the balance of the project.

Viborg is replacing water lines and fire hydrants at an estimated cost of $1,047,000 and gets a $606,000 loan for 30 years. The rest would come from a federal grant.

Bridgewater is replacing water mains and making other improvements at an estimated cost of $239,200. The city gets a $121,000 loan for 30 years. The remainder would be from a federal grant.

The James River water development district gets a $275,000 grant to use toward a $7.2 million livestock pollution-reduction project in the southern end of the river.

The Viewfield rural water association from the New Underwood area gets a $50,000 loan for 30 years and a $200,000 grant for a water-softening system to counter radium 226 and 228. The association depends on two wells.

AGRAT2, a company based at Tea that recycles mattresses and box springs, received a $112,700 grant and a $209,300 loan for 10 years to be used for purchasing a new baler and hauling equipment.

Roberts County landfill gets a $75,000 grant toward the $270,000 estimated cost for expanding a waste cell.
PIERRE | Township officers in 28 of South Dakotas 66 counties have completed inventories of their bridges and culverts and the rest should be finished in the next month so a funding request can be made to the state Transportation Commission, a spokesman said Thursday.

Dick Howard, a former state transportation secretary who now represents towns and townships, said hes been working with state Department of Transportation staff on assisting the small local governments with their creek and river crossings.

The states new $9 million Bridge Improvement Grant program serves counties and cities but doesnt reach the townships level.

Howard told the state commission Thursday the informal task force wants the inventory to show the commission the need for assistance and to develop a process for distributing money to counties for township use.

Howard said the proposal would be presented at the commissions July 28 meeting.

In another bridge item, the state commission voted 7-1 against reconsidering a Sioux Falls application for a $1.2 million BIG award.

The commission passed over the Sioux Falls application two months ago because it did not follow DOT requirements on bidding. The project is underway.
Investigators seek detention of Vladivostok mayors brother in bribery case

MOSCOW, June 24 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul)  Investigators have filed a motion with the Basmanny District Court of Moscow seeking detention of Andrei Pushkarev, the brother of Vladivostok Mayor charged with abuse of office and commercial bribery, lawyer Alexander Vysotsky told RAPSI on Friday.

Andrei Pushkarev is suspected of complicity in commercial bribery.

His attorney Dmitry Korotenko has already sent a request to Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika for release of his client because of poor health condition. According to the lawyer, Andrei Pushkarev received a serious wound during playing off fireworks on New Year 2015. He cannot drink and take food by himself.

On June 2, the court ordered the detention of Vladivostok Mayor Igor Pushkarev until July 31.

Pushkarev has pleaded not guilty to charges brought against him and expressed his willingness to cooperate with investigators.

Earlier, official representative for Russias Investigative Committee Vladimir Markin announced that between 2009 and 2014 Pushkarev from mercenary or other personal motives organized the acquisition by Roads of Vladivostok of a large volume of construction materials from the group of companies Vostokcement allegedly controlled by his relatives. Investigators believe that construction materials have been purchased at inflated prices. Pushkarev has received upwards of 45 million rubles ($700,000) for this.

The damage allegedly caused by Pushkarev has been estimated at more than 158 million rubles ($2.5 million), according to investigation.
EEFC-Ural Bank demands $4.7 million from ex-head Gitelson

MOSCOW, June 24 (RAPSI) - EEFC-Ural Bank has filed an application with the Commercial Court of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region seeking to include the former banks head Alexander Gitelsons debt estimated at 300.2 million rubles ($4.7 million) on the list of creditors' claims, according to court records.

The claim will be considered on July 20.

Earlier, the court granted a petition filed by the Gitelson, who was running banking business in Russia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his own bankruptcy.

In October, Russias Supreme Court refused to review court rulings ordering Gitelson, and two other former top managers of the bank to pay 300.2 million rubles ($4.7 million) in damages in a lawsuit filed by the Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA).

The Commercial Court of Appeals of the Sverdlovsk Region on March 1, 2015 dismissed a petition filed by the Deposit Insurance Agency, the current bankruptcy receiver of EEFC-Ural Bank, to collect 350.2 million rubles ($5.4 million) from the defendants.

The DIA argued that the defendants did damage to the bank in the said amount by approving unrecoverable loans.

The Seventeenth Commercial Court of Appeals in late May overturned this decision and issued a ruling that Gitelson, and two other former top managers of the bank must pay 300.2 million rubles in damages. On August 21, the Commercial Court of the Urals District upheld this ruling.

Gitelson was arrested in Austria in April 2013 and extradited to Russia in December.

In March 2015, Gitelson was convicted and sentenced to three years for embezzling over 2 billion rubles ($31 million) in public funds from Inkasbank. A court in St. Petersburg also fined the banker 500,000 rubles ($7,800).

Inkasbank was declared bankrupt in May 2009. The banks administrator conducted an inquiry into the circumstances of the banks insolvency. As a result, the Russian Federal Security Service received a motion to open a criminal case (premeditated bankruptcy) against the banks former management.

In April 2011, Moscows Meshchansky District Court sentenced Gitelson in absentia to five years in prison and a 1 million ruble ($15,600) fine for embezzling 495 million rubles ($7.7 million) from his acquaintance, MP Adnan Muzykayev.
Children camps director appeals detention over Karelia lake tragedy

MOSCOW, June 24 (RAPSI)  Elena Reshetova, the director of of Syamozero Park Hotel, has filed an appeal with Karelias Supreme Court against her detention over an accident at a local lake resulted in the deaths of 14 children, RIA Novosti reported on Friday.

On June 18, children and instructors of the childrens camp Park-Hotel Syamozero were sailing on a raft and two canoes over the lake Syamozero in Karelia. 47 children were accompanied by 4 adults who did not take gathering storm into account. Storm made sailing extremely dangerous: a raft with children and two adults washed up near one of the islands while both canoes were capsized, leaving passengers in the open waters.

Only some managed to swim across to the shore. According to the latest data of the Investigative Committee, 14 children drowned with 13 bodies found. Searches for the last one are in progress. Other children survived and were evacuated.

A case was opened under the Criminal Codes Article Fulfillment of Works or Rendering of Services Which Do Not Meet Safety Standards against the Park-Hotel executive Elena Reshetova, her deputy Vadim Vinogradov, instructors Lyudmila Vasilyeva and Regina Ivanova and Valeriy Krupodershikov.

One more case was launched against Reshetova and Vinogradov on charges of failure to give assistance to persons in mortal danger. They were put in detention by court order until August 19.

Anatoliy Kovalenko, the head of Karelia's consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, has been arrested on suspicion of negligence in relation to the accident.
Russian lower house adopts package of antiterrorist bills

Context Package of antiterrorist bills submitted to Russian parliament

MOSCOW, June 24 (RAPSI)  The State Duma, Russias lower house of parliament, on Friday passed a package of antiterrorist bills introducing among others life sentence for terrorism.

The bills were drafted by Irina Yarovaya, head of the State Duma's Security and Anti-Corruption Committee, and Viktor Ozerov, the Chairperson of the Committee for Security of the Federation Council.

They propose additional ways of fight against terrorist and extremist threats as well as toughen punishment for terrorism and extremism, according to Yarovaya.

The bills introduce a new component of crime, international terrorism, which would be punished with prison terms ranging from 10 years to life.

Financing of international terrorist attacks and recruitment would result in imprisonment for up to 10 years.

The legislation would define new elements of crimes including failure to report of a terrorist nature. Offenders would face fines of up to 100,000 rubles ($1,500); compulsory labor or imprisonment for up to one year.

Public calls for terrorism on the Internet and justifying terrorism would result in fines of up to one million rubles or imprisonment for 7 years.

The bills also touch the issue of keeping online correspondence between Internet users and provision of the respective data on demand of certain state authorities.

While the original amendments to the package of anti-terrorist bills introduced by Yarovaya and Ozerov concerned only mobile operators obliging them to keep users data, now they should include organizers of dissimilation of information in Internet, i.e. practically all Internet services. It is envisaged that the data including both the correspondence between users and files they exchange be kept for six months.

Internet companies should be obliged to provide law enforcement agencies with decryption keys in case the users correspondence or files are encoded. Those failing to provide the authorities with information on decoding of data or using uncertified encryption products should be subject to fines from 3,000 rubles ($47) for individuals to 1 million rubles ($15,500) for legal entities.
Saying that he represents the people of Montana, not party bosses, Sen. Pat Connell, R-Hamilton, said he wont sign the states Republican platform again this year.

This was the second time in as many years that Connell has refused to sign the platform.

Connell said this week that he wont be attending the state Republican platform convention that begins today in Missoula either.

His decision this week followed a letter from the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee to the countys voting members that offered a reimbursement for the convention, but only to those who chose to sign on to the State Republican Platform that will be written there.

Connell created a stir in 2014 when he refused to sign the party platform in order to be reimbursed for his registration fee to the convention. The county Republican committee responded by refusing to compensate him for those fees.

In an interview this week, Connell said the reasons that he refuses to sign off on the platform basically remain the same this time around.

While Connell expects that he would agree with much of the platform, there are portions that he probably wouldnt be able to support.

For instance, two years ago, Connell couldnt support a statement that said no troops should be deployed overseas without the approval of Congress. Connell disagreed saying there are times when troops need to be sent for special operations or to help out in natural disasters.

I didnt support it and all hell broke loose, he said.

Connell said he had heard rumors of some of the issues that may become part of the platform this time around that he didnt want to be affiliated with.

When I was working the woods, my handshake and my word was good enough for people, he said. I dont give my promise lightly.

Connell said he believes Republican central committees job is to support the nominee and that shouldnt require that they pass a purity test.

The central committees job, as I see it, is to support the nominees selected by the voters  not dictate legislative behavior or create some style of purity test to determine the suitability of a candidate, Connell said. Ill guarantee that I didnt run on a purity platform. I represent the people of the State of Montana  not party bosses.

Ravalli County Republican Central Committee Chair Terry Nelson said the committee has been requiring local voting members at the state convention to sign off on the platform before reimbursing them for their fees for the past few years.

There are 10 voting members from Ravalli County, which include the six state legislators or candidates. Four members from the local committee, including the chairman, finance chair and state committee man and woman are also included.

Nelson said if Connell decides not to sign the platform, its his decision. Our bylaws allow us to support those who support the platform.

Nelson said Republicans will debate the platform over the weekend and make changes accordingly.

People are going through an awful lot of effort to come together to work on this, he said.

The platform is a statement that Republicans can use to rally around, Nelson said.

To reject that or not sign it, well, you can always run as a Democrat or an Independent if you dont believe in what Republicans believe, he said.
Outdoor recreation is essential to the Montana lifestyle and the lure that hooked many us to living here in the Bitterroot. Governor Bullock just proposed the Office of Outdoor Recreation recognizing not only how critical outdoor recreation is to our Montana lifestyle, but also for our economy. Mountain biking and outdoor recreation in our state generates $5.8 billion in consumer spending, $1.5 billion in wages, 64,000 jobs, and $403 million in tax revenue annually.

Those of us with a passion for playing outdoors have the potential to be the next vanguard for conservation. The Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists are stewards of our wild spaces, volunteering nearly 700 hours annually minimizing our impact while maintaining 100 miles of shared trail. We recognize that our activities have an impact and smart management and long-term protection of the landscape is necessary to guarantee that recreation doesnt become another boom and bust extractive industry. Protecting habitat for wildlife, safeguarding our watersheds, and ensuring that there will always be wild places for solitude and adventure will require creativity and looking beyond wilderness designation as the only answer. As the saying goes, I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail. The final release of the Bitterroot Travel Plan is case in point.

When the Ninth Circuit Court looked at the management of WSAs in the Gallatin, they suggested blanket bans may not be the preferred approach; Although the Service might reasonably compensate for an increase in the volume of motorized use by reducing the overall area of impact, we do not assume that this is the only proper response... We do assume there may be other reasonable management responses to the problem the Service faces. Outside of the new travel plan the Forest Service has shown flexibility when maintaining the character of recommended wilderness, otherwise Blodgett Canyon would not be closed this week while a helicopter delivers supplies three miles up the canyon for a new stock bridge since neither the flights nor permanent infrastructure would be allowed in wilderness.

In fact the justification for closing 178 miles of trails to bicycles as part of the travel plan had nothing to do with impacts on wildlife, clean water or user experience. Many of the closed trails included trailheads and short trail segments outside the WSA boundaries. For these trails the Record of Decision concluded the contrary: current lack of resource damage, low potential for conflict with other trail users, terrain favorable for this type of use. Rather the ban on bikes was politics plain and simple. Again from the record of decision: allowing uses that do not conform to wilderness character creates a constituency that will have a strong propensity to oppose recommendation and any subsequent designation legislation. Management actions that create this operating environment will complicate the decision process for Forest Service managers and members of Congress.

Lee Metcalfs legacy and the Montana Wilderness Study Act did not require the absolute exclusion of bicycles from the Sapphire and Blue Joint WSAs, areas that we have been riding, caretaking and sharing with hoofs and boots without conflict for decades. Rather it called for engagement and thoughtful regulation. As the forest plan process begins anew in 2017, rather than grabbing the hammer and looking for another nail, it is time to open the toolbox and find those solutions that will be most successful at saving our wild backyard so future generations, both two legged and four, have places to play.

Lance Pysher

President, Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists
The Montana Meth Project has two finalists in July's online-voting competition, Laira Fonner the overall state winner and Conner Ludwig from Laurel, Montana. We would like to encourage public voting at facebook.com/MontanaMethProject in support of these two Montanans! Voting ends July 15th.

Laira Fonner of Whitefish, Montana was named Montana's 2016 Life or Meth Video Contest winner. The announcement, made on June 6, solidified Fonner's rank among 9 other Meth Project state winners. Fonner's cash prize in the amount of $2,500 is accompanied by two tickets to SeriesFest, an international showcase of the best new pilots from established and emerging content creators, which took place in Denver, CO, June 22-26.

Over a period of three months, February through May, filmmakers from across Montana and the United States submitted over 120 thirty-second anti-Meth commercials in hopes of joining the elite company of Academy Award-winning directors such as Darren Aronofsky, Wally Pfister, and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu- all of whom directed past Meth Project "Not Even Once" commercials.

"I am a psychiatric nurse and work with a lot of Meth addicts and recovering addicts," says Fonner. "I've seen lives destroyed by Meth; especially young people in the community and I wanted my entry to touch on that."

Fonner's submission, along with other commercials submitted by Montanans will play a key role in continuing the Meth Projects anti-Meth message throughout 2016 and into 2017. Each entry will be showcased through the Montana Meth Projects social media networks.
NEW DELHI: China maintains its opposition to India joining a group of nations seeking to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons by controlling access to sensitive technology, said the head of the arms control department in Chinas Foreign Ministry.

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) met this week in Seoul, but China said it would not bend the rules and allow India membership as it had not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the main global arms control pact.

Applicant countries must be signatories of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT), Wang Qun, the head of arms control department in Chinas Foreign Ministry, was quoted as saying in Seoul on Thursday night.

This is a pillar, not something that China set. It is universally recognised by the international community, Wang said according to a statement released by the Chinese foreign ministry on Friday.

China is leading opposition to a push by the United States to bring India into the NSG which aims to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation by stopping the sale of items that can be used to make nuclear arms.

The issue of Indias membership was not formally discussed at the NSG meeting this week, Wang said on Friday.

The United States, which has a nuclear cooperation deal with India, considers it a nuclear power that plays by the rules and is not a proliferator, and wants to bring Asias third largest economy into the 48-member group.

India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington.

On Friday, on the sidelines of the plenary meeting of the NSG, Wang stressed China considered it important to handle new memberships under a consensus and that there was no move yet to allow a non-NPT state to join.

International rules will have to be respected, big or small, Wang told Reuters. Big like NPT. Small like the rules and procedures of this group.

The important question of which we are concerned, is how to deal with the question of participation of countries within the group of non-NPT states. Its a formidable task.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue on Thursday at a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a regional summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, but there was no breakthrough.

One diplomat at the NSG plenary in Seoul said the groups outgoing chairman, Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi, would act as a facilitator to continue to search for an accession deal.

Opponents argue that granting India membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate Indias rival Pakistan, an ally of Chinas, which has responded to Indias membership bid with one of its own.

Pakistan joining would be unacceptable to many, given its track record.

The father of its nuclear weapons programme ran an illicit network for years that sold nuclear secrets to countries including North Korea and Iran.




After another record-setting Preakness and some precious 6-weeks of racing (28 days) the curtain is coming down on another memorable meet at Pimlico.









A Preakness meet that once again saw attendance for the Middle Jewel of Racings Triple Crown go through the roof to the tune of 135,256. And that wasnt the only record on Preakness Day at Old Hilltop that saw Kent Desormeaux ride Exaggerator beat the field.









How about the record handle of $94,127,434. To put that into perspective, its an 11% increase over last year, crushing the handle for the Pharoah Preakness. Now all of that that gets a big "thumbs up" from this blogger from the Jockey's Terrace.









Maryland Jockey Club President and General Manager Sal Sinatra said it best, Our record handle and attendance is further indication of the revitalization of Maryland racing. We will continue our efforts to reinvigorate Thoroughbred racing in the Mid-Atlantic.









The same sentiment that this blogger heard from Maryland breeder and horsemen extraordinaire Mike Pons (above left with Chip Reed, right) of Country Life Farm fame even before the first Call to the Post on Preakness weekend. BTW, Chip's Monster Sleeping will return to the track at Pimlico on Saturday! I digress.









The same sentiment that abounds across the racing industry as we make the transition now from the racing at the corner of Hayward and Winner in Baltimore to the track by the tracks in Laurel.





All with purses and breeders bonus thriving.





And all with millions of dollars of renovations a reality at Laurel Park with the possibility of the same looming on the horizon at Pimlico as we all await the findings of the Maryland Stadium Authoritys study evaluating Pimlicos ability to serve as the permanent home for the Preakness Stakes.









Stay tuned.





That said, its a weekend ahead of us to savor all that is good at the venerable 146 year-old grey lady we all simply know as Pimlico.









A weekend to savor with a tasty 3-way battle for the jockey title between 3 of the best in the business between the likes of Victor Carrasco, Trevor McCarthy & Feargal Lynch (below) as they are all separated by a mere 3 wins.









A weekend to enjoy with a trainer title promising to go right down to the wire with Kieron Magee and Jamie Ness battling it out for leg-up bragging rights. Fresh off a Laurel winter-spring meet title,









Magee (above), a former exercise rider for Dale Capuano, topping all trainers with 13 victories with 3 days remaining with Ness, Marylands adopted favorite son from South Dakota, just 2 behind.









A weekend to celebrate featuring five total turf stakes on Saturday worth $330,000 on the innovative nine-race Maryland-Virginia Breeders Day program. With the closing of Virignias only Thoroughbred track outside of Williamsburg, giving our friends in the Old Dominion a chance to celebrate the ponies like we get to almost every week of the year here in the land of Pleasant Living.









Virginia-breds like





A weekend to get a spot along the rail to see popular Maryland-bred Phlash Phelps (above) to defend his title last year in the $75,000 Find Stakes for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 miles.









And putting it in true XM 60s on 60 Phlash Phelps-ease (the DJ who is the namesake of the horse), a chance for phans to see Phlash Phelps win his second-straight Phind Stakes on what promises to the a phun weekend at Pimlico. Get it, Replacing the "F's" with "Ph's". It's Phalsh's thing!









The same race that





Throw-in everything else that a day at the races has to offer at Pimlico (can you say AKA the sound of the soup of the day!) and this promises to once again be a weekend to remember at Pimlico.













And remember is the operative word as after Sunday you wont be able to experience the historic Pimlico experience for almost another year.





See you there! I won't be hard to miss!





Rose Brier (above), as the returns to Maryland looking to keep his perfect local record intact in Saturdays $60,000 Edward P. Evans Stakes. The7-year-old Mizzen Mast gelding trained by Jane Cibelli, has finished in the top three in 26 of 32 lifetime starts with 12 wins and $386,726 in purse earnings. He has run at nine tracks in seven states and is 3-0 in Maryland, all Laurel Park stakes victories.Sagamore Farms homebred filly Ginger N Rye (above), first or second in six of 10 career races, will makes her third straight stakes start in looking for her first black-type victory on Saturday at Pimlico..
Though known principally for restoring and presenting classics of cinema for home video, The Criterion Collection's mission doesn't preclude occasionally pumping out a contemporary release with just as much thought and consideration. Such a release is Olivier Assayas' 2014 film Clouds of Sils Maria, arriving on Blu-ray from Criterion next week as spine #822.

The disc boasts cover art that makes the film look like either a mountaineering murder mystery or an Adrian Lyne sex thriller. It's neither, though I'd certainly pay to see the B-side of this movie, same team and cast, which takes a crack at that. Instead, the majority of the film surrounds two women - Maria (Juliette Binoche) and Valentine (Kristen Stewart) - who are holed up in a chateau in the Swiss Alps, rehearsing for a play in which Maria will shortly appear. Maria is an archetypal, aging "star of stage and screen," and Valentine is her clever - arguably too clever for this job - personal assistant.

An introductory act sets the table (the author of the play gave teenaged Maria her first big break in a production of the same play, and he has just died; she will now appear in a new staging, playing the other lead, an older woman), and a denouement ties off the themes - but the majority of Clouds of Sils Maria is a two-hander with Binoche and Stewart, and an utterly absorbing one.

I'm aware that there's a sizeable cadre of film fans who remain convinced that Stewart is an affected, uninteresting actress. Sils Maria should put paid any such assumptions. Casting Stewart as Valentine was a brilliant choice by Assayas, and the younger actress not only holds her own formidably in her innumerable scenes against Binoche (who, let's face it, is incapable of giving a bad performance), but conveys a frustrated complexity in Val that not only supports the drama proper, but eventually morphs into a genuine extrapolation of the film's theme and imagery.

Clouds of Sils Maria works in a series of interlocked binaries: age's relationship with youth, art's relationship with commerce, self-awareness and its relationship with self-delusion, and all told with a distinctly female concern. Appropriately enough for a story about rehearsing a play, it's an exceedingly complex text - a marvel of written and performative layers that Assayas supports with gentle, effective staging, occasionally interspersed with ethereal jaunts into the Swiss mountains to see the eponymous clouds.

The play is called "Maloja Snake," named for a cloud phenomenon in those selfsame Swiss Alps, which gives Clouds of Sils Maria its name as well. This blurring of the lines between the layers of real life and artifice is both deep and wide: the contexts of real world, movie world, play world, and our world shift and move against one another throughout the film.

The screenplay is a virtual encyclopedia of neat tricks from a writing perspective, like having Maria and Valentine running lines from a play we haven't heard yet, slipping in and out of character with no warning to the audience, robbing us of the ability to see if they are speaking as themselves or as Sigrid and Helena, a younger woman / older woman lesbian couple around whom "Maloja Snake" is based. Naturally, this both enforces and interrogates the question of whether Maria and Valentine are talking about themselves, and by extension, the question of how art both frames and betrays our senses of identity - senses which are already being betrayed by the simple passage of time, as new perspectives enter culture, and ours slowly exits.

All of which conspires to make it sound like Clouds of Sils Maria is exceedingly dry. It's not. It's oftentimes quite funny (the scene where Valentine tries to convince Maria that there's some deeper thematic weight in a mutant science fiction movie they've just watched is both hysterically funny and a bit too disspiritingly on the nose for this writer!), breezily watchable, and charming in the lived-in warmth that Binoche and Stewart bring to their relationship, which is too intimate for employer/employee, but too constrained for friend/friend or lover/lover. (Some have criticized the film for its unwillingness to treat directly with the strongly implied sexual attraction that Maria has for Val.)

Clouds of Sils Maria was shot on 35mm and mastered in 2K for the Criterion Collection, creating a handsome presentation which keeps fine grain detail (particularly in the gorgeously ephemeral outdoor scenes in Switzerland) and colour definition. This carries over to one of the most interesting extras on the disc: Cloud Phenomena of Maloja, a silent 1924 documentary about Sils Maria's titular cloud formations (which appears in excerpted form in the film itself). Enhanced with a contemporary score, the film is not entirely complete (a few minutes have been lost to time) but is an intriguing find, and supports the themes of Clouds of Sils Maria nicely - especially as men from a hundred years ago stride along the same mountain ridges we see with Binoche and Stewart today.

We also have extensive interviews with Assayas, Binoche, and Stewart to round out this highly-recommended disc. Adding further layers to the film's reality distortion field, check out Assayas' comments about how his own early-career relationship with Juliette Binoche drove this later-career collaboration, which he wrote specifically for her.


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 Split Arkansas Supreme Court upholds state's new secrecy law to allow execution plans to move forward | Main | Do all or most prosecutors really end up "hostile to constitutional rights"? 

A year ago, as first reported in this post and immediate follow-ups here and here, the Supreme Court in Johnson v. United States, No. 13-7120 (S. Ct. June 26, 2015) (available here), ruled that a key clause of the Armed Career Criminal Act violated "the Constitutions prohibition of vague criminal laws." This morning's Washington Post has this effective (and well-timed) extended article, headlined "Local Small words, big consequences for possibly thousands of federal prisoners,"looking at the impact of that ruling now a year later. I recomment the piece in full, and here are excerpts:

Hundreds if not thousands of federal prisoners are likely to have their sentences shortened  and in some cases get immediate release  due to one of the final opinions written by Justice Antonin Scalia. Scalias little-noticed opinion focused on one phrase in federal law but has created uncertainty and upheaval for judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys facing a pile of prisoner requests to have their cases reviewed.

Federal inmates have until Sunday to try to challenge their prison terms after the Supreme Court labeled 12 words in the criminal code unconstitutionally vague in an opinion announced by Scalia last June, eight months before his death. The ruling eliminated a section of law that prosecutors relied on to seek stiffer penaltiesfor defendants they said were especially dangerous. Defense attorneys had decried the wording because it was used to brand too many defendants as violent....

For defense attorneys, the courts decision provides a new avenue to challenge lengthy sentences for prisoners who received severe penalties for nonviolent offenses, such as resisting arrest. It was a dumping ground, said Amy Baron-Evans of the Sentencing Resource Counsel Project of federal public defenders. It ended up sweeping in crimes that no one would think of as being violent.

Filings from inmates are piling up in judicial chambers throughout the country. In Atlanta, one judge took the unusual step this spring of flagging the names of 110 prisoners from her district eligible to refile for shorter sentences to alert them to the deadline this month  one year from the date the Supreme Court decision was handed down. In Richmond last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, which covers Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, received more than 500 filings for sentence reviews, according to the clerks office. In the same period last year, there were 18. More than 350 petitions have been filed in the 8th Circuit in St. Louis since May, contributing to a record number of filings in a single month....

The language overturned by the Supreme Court in the criminal code echoes in other parts of the justice system. Nearly identical words about career offenders appear in federal sentencing guidelines, which use a formula to give judges a recommended range of possible prison time for the defendants who come before them.

Federal public defenders and the U.S. Justice Department agree that the Supreme Court ruling negates those words in the guidelines for defendants sentenced since Scalias 2015 opinion. The Supreme Court separately is being asked to settle a dispute about whether inmates punished before the 2015 opinion should have another chance at sentencing.

The Justice Department says they should not, according to the governments court filings. The judges who handed down those prison terms were not bound to a particular mandatory sentence and imposed what they thought were appropriate punishments that should stand, the government says. To the public defenders, that position is at odds with the Obama administrations advocacy for clemency. If the court rules that the decision does apply retroactively to the guidelines, another 6,000 federal inmates sentenced between 1992 and 2015 could ask to have their prison time cut, according to an estimate from the public defenders sentencing project.

Prosecutors say the sky is going to fall and all of these violent people are going to be let out, said federal public defender Paresh Patel, who is handling appeals for the Maryland office. People are not getting a windfall. They were wrongly sentenced as career offenders.

Justice Department spokesman Patrick Rodenbush said the administrations position is fully consistent with its clemency efforts. The guidelines apply only to individuals convicted of specific crimes of violence and are wholly distinct from grants of clemency to drug offenders who have been vetted for public safety concerns.

Prosecutors worry about the ripple effects of Scalias opinion. Inmates and their lawyers argue that the courts decision to eliminate words in one law should stick to other areas of law with parallel language. These filings raise new questions about what types of crimes meet the technical definition of a crime of violence and how judges assess a persons criminal past.

In response to the Supreme Courts decision, attorneys for Dustin John Higgs in May asked the 4th Circuit for permission to challenge his death sentence. Higgs was sentenced in 2001 for ordering the murders of three young women in Beltsville. The women were shot to death on a desolate stretch of federal land near the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Higgs was convicted of using a firearm during a crime of violence  in this case kidnapping and murder....

Even if Higgs does not personally benefit, prosecutors say, a new interpretation in his case could upend plea agreements with others facing similar firearms counts. The uncertainty is already changing the way prosecutors draw up and negotiate charges.
 Do all or most prosecutors really end up "hostile to constitutional rights"? | Main | "Trauma Informed Juvenile Justice" 

June 24, 2016

Unexpectedly(?), new post-Hurst hydra head takes big bite out of Ohio capital case

As regularly readers know, in this post not long after the Supreme Court in Hurst declared Florida's death penalty procedures violative of the Sixth Amendment, I coined the term "post-Hurst hydra" to describe what I expected to become multi-headed, snake-like capital litigation as judges tried to make sense of what Hurst must mean for past, present and future cases. That hydra has been taking various bites out of capital cases most prominently in Alabama and Delaware as well as Florida, but this article from my own local Ohio paper highlights how new heads can pop up in unexpected places. The article is headlined "Prosecutor: Marion County judge's ruling puts death penalty in jeopardy," and here are the interesting details:

A Marion County judge this week dropped the death penalty elements from a convicted murderer-rapist's sentence on the grounds that there were similarities to a Florida death sentence ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court this year. Because Florida and Ohio have similar sentencing and procedural guidelines, defense attorneys argued that Maurice A. Mason, sentenced in 1994 for raping and beating to death Robin Dennis, then 19 and pregnant, should not be executed. The case could have implications in other capital cases in Ohio, said Marion County Prosecutor Brent Yager, who disagreed with Monday's decision by Marion Common Pleas Court Judge William Finnegan. "I was surprised," said Yager. "I believe that there is a distinction between the death penalty in Florida and in Ohio."... Finnegan, in his ruling, wrote that the Hurst decision makes clear that the Sixth Amendment requires juries make specific findings to authorize the death penalty. Ohio, he wrote, "has no provision for the jury to make specific findings related to the weighing of aggravating and mitigating factors," and thus is unconstitutional. Yager said Ohio differs from Florida because juries here directly decide the aggravating circumstances in a capital case used in the penalty phase and sentencing, although judge's have the ability to commute the death sentence in lieu of life in prison.... Yager said the ruling is frustrating, in part because victim families and lawmakers expect swift and certain justice. "Ohio and the state legislature have decided we still should have a death penalty in Ohio," said Yager. "But based on the judge's ruling here, if this stands, our death penalty would be unconstitutional. This decision does become a statewide issue." Yager said he plans to file an appeal with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Lima. Mason's attorney, Kort Gatterdam, said the decision should "withstand scrutiny from higher courts and will become the law of this state ... and could become the basis to eliminate the death penalty in Ohio."... Mason, now 52, has been moved from death row to a regular cell at the Mansfield Correctional Institution. With no sentence on record for the murder conviction, he technically is eligible for a parole hearing. But the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the parole board have said that won't happen his ultimate sentence for murder is resolved.

Not long after SCOTUS ruled in Hurst, a very smart and savvy local lawyer told me that he thought a strong argument could be made that Ohio's capital sentencing scheme has Hurst problems. Apparently, at least one state trial judge agrees, and it will be very interesting to watch the certain appeal of this ruling in the state courts as well as whether this ruling echoes through lots and lots of other Ohio capital cases past and present.

The full 50-page ruling in Ohio v. Mason, No. 93CR1053 (Ohio Common Pleas Ct. June 20, 2016), is available at this link. I have not yet had a chance to read the opinion, but I think it surely is a must-read for capital litigators of all stripes in Ohio and elsewhere.

June 24, 2016 at 05:19 PM | Permalink

Comments

I believe the Judge got it wrong and there is no Sixth Amendment problem with respect to who weighs aggravating and mitigating factors. The only thing that the Sixth Amendment requires to be determined by a jury is the single offense characteristic fact which increases the potential punishment from life to a possible death sentence. As Justice Scalia said in Ring, once that finding is made by the jury states are free to provide for judges to make the ultimate decision as to life or death.

At its core, Apprendi prohibits a bench trial for a greater offense following a jury trial for a lesser offense. It doesn't seem to me that Ohio is doing that.

bruce

Posted by: bruce cunningham | Jun 26, 2016 1:33:44 AM

I generally share your view, bruce, and I would bet other Ohio courts do the same. That said, I do think there is something to the notion that, as the law is defined in Ohio and perhaps other states, the conclusion in a particular case that aggravators outweigh the mitigators is itself an addition factual finding that must be made by a jury under the Sixth Amendment for a defendant to be death eligible.

Imagine if the capital law was understood to require sentencing authority to (1) find that the aggravators outweigh the mitigators, and then (2) decide that the nature of any mitigators do not justify the exercise of mercy. In operation, I think the Sixth Amendment would require that function #1 involve a jury determination, but not function #2.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jun 26, 2016 9:29:54 AM

In a lot of states, the defense bar has tried to raise this issue after Apprendi. So far, most of the state appellate courts and federal circuits (on habeas review) have rejected this claim. I don't see anything in Hurst that changes this analysis especially in light of the discussion in the various Kansas cases. The jury expresses its weighing in the ultimate verdict.

Posted by: tmm | Jun 26, 2016 7:20:38 PM

In a lot of states, the defense bar has tried to raise this issue after Apprendi. So far, most of the state appellate courts and federal circuits (on habeas review) have rejected this claim. I don't see anything in Hurst that changes this analysis especially in light of the discussion in the various Kansas cases. The jury expresses its weighing in the ultimate verdict.

Posted by: tmm | Jun 26, 2016 7:20:39 PM

tmm, I am confused by the statement "the jury expresses its weighing in the ultimate verdict."

Scalia makes it clear that the Sixth Amendment does not bestow on the jury the power to make the ultimate decision of life or death. "weighing" is not involved in deciding which crime a def is guilty of, including a crime which carries a potential death sentence. Once they decide the question of whether a def is guilty of a crime, and if so which one, which does not involve weighing anything, their job is done. Toward the end of Scalia's concurrence in Ring, he makes that crystal clear.

bruce

Posted by: bruce cunningham | Jun 27, 2016 12:12:02 AM

Under the view of the Sixth Amendment that both of us apparently believe the Supreme Court is currently taking, states do not have to give the jury any role in the death penalty after the finding of statutory aggravators.

If -- as the defendants in these cases are arguing -- a jury must find that aggravators outweigh mitigators (or at least as noted in the Marsh case that mitigators do not outweigh aggravators), my suggestion is that -- because the typical instructions to the jury tell them that they can't impose a death penalty without making that finding -- the finding that they think is required is implicit in the verdict of death and does not require an express finding.

Posted by: tmm | Jun 27, 2016 11:11:50 AM

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Correction: This article incorrectly indicated that PayByPhone would operate its reservations at some metered street spaces. This is not so, the company has informed SFist: "PayByPhone wants to clarify that it plans to enable reservation of parking spots only in private parking lots in the summer of 2016." As, "PayByPhone has no plans to enable reservation of street parking in San Francisco or other cities, SFist made an error, which we regret.

So far, Vancouver-based PayByPhone has been used in cities such as San Francisco to, as the name suggests, pay (parking meters) by phone. That's convenient if, for example, your dinner is running late  you can just whip out your phone and forget about running down the street to feed the meter.

However, a new feature to be introduced in PayByPhone's app sometime late this summer, according to SFGate, might be convenient for some and a bummer for everyone else who's used to the current system. PayByPhone app users will be able to book a space ahead of time, perhaps only after purchasing concert or game tickets, and also at just a select number of the current 28,0000 SFMTA and 1,000 Port of SF car and motorcycle parking lot spaces where PayByPhone operates.

Even if it's small in scope, this program could cause confusion fast. Consider a situation where someone parks in an empty space only to find that the meter has indicated it's reserved for someone who isn't there yet. It's also a bit reminiscent of the erstwhile Monkey Parking, which pertained not to parking lot spaces but general street parking, as well as kerfuffles of perceived privatization of parks through reservation systems. That fight has led Supervisors to ban grass reservations in parks altogether.

Related: Ask A San Francisco Native: Is Saving Parking Spaces By Standing In Them Kosher In The 415?
As city organizations trade barbs over policies that they say would have prevented the hit-and-run deaths of two cyclists Wednesday, the San Francisco Police Department continues to search for the suspect behind one of the fatal collisions.

As previously reported, the first collision occurred at 6:01 p.m. on John F. Kennedy Drive and 30th Avenue in Golden Gate Park.

According to a press release sent by the SFPD, "witnesses reported that a white Honda traveling westbound on JFK Drive at a high rate of speed crossed into the opposing lane of traffic and struck a bicyclist pedaling eastbound."

The cyclist, a 41-year-old San Francisco woman since identified by the San Francisco Medical Examiner's office as Heather Miller, died at the scene, police say.

According to SFPD's release, "the suspect fled the scene in the vehicle which was found parked and abandoned a short time later at the Angler's Casting Club in Golden Gate Park. The car had been reported stolen and the suspect driver is still outstanding."

At a media event Thursday, SFPD Commander Robert OSullivan addressed the driver, described as a man in his 20s.

Suspect  turn yourself in, OSullivan said, urging anyone with information on the case to contact police.

Then at 8:24 p.m. Wednesday, the driver of a BMW, since identified by police as 32-year-old San Franciscan Farrukh Mushtaq (that's his photo, above), allegedly ran a red light as he traveled west on Howard Street at 7th Street.

He allegedly struck a 26-year-old female cyclist since identified as SF resident Katherine Slattery, then "continued westbound to the area of Howard and 9th Street where he stopped and exited his car," police say.

"The car then rolled and struck an unoccupied vehicle parked on Howard Street," according to police, as "A witness [perhaps this Reddit user?] spoke with the driver until police arrived at the scene and took Mushtaq into custody."

Slattery "was transported to the hospital but later died," according to the SFPD.

Mushtaq was booked into San Francisco County Jail on the charges of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, police say, noting that "impairment [that is, drugs or alcohol] does not appear to be a factor in this case." As of Friday morning, a San Francisco Sheriff's Department spokesperson confirms, Mushtaq remains in custody.

In both cases, OSullivan says, the cyclists were following all laws, and the drivers were at fault. This is reckless behavior, OSullivan said of the men responsible for the fatal collisions. This is criminal behavior.

We are simply outraged, Mayor Ed Lee said at the media event. These are tragedies that can be prevented," a sentiment that appeared to frustrate San Francisco Bicycle Coalition spokesman Chris Cassidy, who told KRON 4 that "infrastructure at both intersections where the deaths occurred is woefully inadequate" and that police "are failing in their commitment to prevent serious bicycle injuries and fatalities by not writing enough citations for speeding, running red lights, failing to yield, violating turn restrictions and running stop signs."

At Thursday's press conference, SFMTA head Ed Reiskin agreed that the transit agency knows why collisions happen, and "we know where theyre happening, and we know what things we can do to make them least likely to happen." But he also indirectly addressed Cassidy's infrastructure critiques, saying that Wednesday's collisions "showed design alone isnt sufficient if somebody is speeding through the streets and disobeying the laws."

And regarding claims that moving violations are poorly enforced, Reiskin says that "We can't have police standing on every street," ABC 7 reports.

"There's 141 communities across the country that are using cameras to enforce speed limits. Currently California state law does not allow us to do that here and we're working to change that," he said, a sentiment backed up in a blog post from the SFMTA Thursday that argued that "fixed speed cameras reduce injury crashes by 20 to 25 percent, and mobile speed cameras reduce injury collisions by 21 to 51 percent."

"This is a life-saving technology," the SF MTA writes, "and its time for state law to change."

But as far as the SFBC is concerned, Thursday's presser was "hollow words without any detail, according to KQED.

Instead of transformative leadership, we have Mayor Ed Lee, Cassidy told the Ex. Its unprecedented to have two fatalities in one night.

According to police, both collisions remain active and open investigations, and though "investigators are following up leads from the JFK Drive collision," they "are appealing for public assistance." Anyone with information on either collision is asked to contact SFPD's Anonymous Tip Line at 415-575-4444 or can Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.

Previously: Hit-And-Run Drivers Kill Two Cyclists In San Francisco Wednesday Night


Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Surge pricing, on principle, is going nowhere, but the dreaded lightning bolt indicating exactly by what factor prices will be increased is (soon to be) no more.

In its place, as Uber employees explain on the company's blog, riders will be presented with "upfront fares." These require that riders enter their final destination along with their pickup location so that a total fare can be calculated. "When fares go up due to increased demand, instead of surge lightning bolts and pop-up screens, riders are given the actual fare before they request their ride," write product managers Arundhati Singh and Dennis Zhao.

To be absolutely clear, dynamic pricing, as Uber calls it, will continue on a business-as-usual basis  it's just going to be less transparent by how much or little it's dynamically gone up.

The Verge's analysis of the move: "this new method of minimizing surge pricing seems in-line with Ubers prior efforts to shift the focus away from the unpopular feature." That sounds about right: Since surge pricing has been a sticking point among Uber customers and the media covering the company, it makes sense to, as CNet also characterizes the change, "tuck away" the math.

The move has been in testing since this spring, we're told. As the product managers continue, "In April we began slowly introducing upfront fares for regular uberX trips in cities across the US and more recently in India, with more to follow. To date, hundreds of thousands of riders have experienced upfront fares as part of this rollout." So, after testing and  let us not doubt this  tons of behavioral analysis research, Uber clearly thinks customers will prefer the new upfront fares.

By "prefer" I just mean that when presented with upfront fares as opposed to surge pricing factors, Uber users will now likely hail more expensive rides more freely. As for drivers: They almost unilaterally prefer to know the destinations of their passengers, for their own planning purposes, before accepting fares. What's good for the goose is good for the gander here.

Oh, and could this be what that Uber engineer meant when they indicated that surge pricing would be nixed earlier this year? The company rolled back the statement, which would make sense given the actual move! In hindsight, that would seem to explain what was going on.

Previously: Uber Surge Pricing Getting Nixed, Says Engineer, But Company Quickly Denies That
 Expand AUTOMatic

Here's a track you knew was going to be funky as shit before you even pressed play. AUTOMatic rapper A.P.R.I.M.E. has teamed with Milwaukee electro-boogie enthusiasts The Sounds of Time (Kid Millions and Sage Schwarm) for his latest single under his 3099 alias. And good God does it hit the mark: With its synthetic groove and drum machine claps, "Playing With My Mind" sounds like something Grand Master Flash and Herbie Hancock might have come up with after a long night of snorting coke off Rubix Cubes.

You can stream the track below, and catch AUTOMatic at Bay View's Chill on the Hill concert series on Tuesday. Tantalizingly, they'll be playing with Milwaukee rock good guys Midnight Reruns, who will be backing them live and will join them for the premier of a new 3099 song they recorded together.
Screenings

Free blood pressure screenings, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at Countryside Senior Living, front lobby. No appointment necessary.

Programs/Self-Help Groups

Al-Anon Information Center, call 255-6724.

Al-Anon and Alateen, meetings locally. For times, dates and locations of area meetings, call 255-6724.

Alcoholics Anonymous, beginners information, call 252-1333.

Arc of Woodbury County, serving the mentally challenged, 5:15 p.m. meeting, second Monday of the month at Mid-Step Services, 4303 Stone Ave. For families and interested persons.

Child Care Resource and Referral, provides resources, education and advocacy for children, parents, and child care providers. Assists in child care needs. For more information, call 712-277-1180.

Co-Dependence Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at First Lutheran Church, Fireside Room.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA), 10 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St.

Compassionate Friends, 7 p.m. fourth Wednesday of each month (third Thursday in November and second Sunday December) in Mercy Medical Center's Leiter Room. For families who have lost children. Contact Nancy Webb 712-212-4032 or Don Mulder 712-541-5512.

Children of Divorce, to help children cope with the challenges of parental separation or divorce. Call 712-279-2373 for more information.

Clinics

Siouxland District Health immunization clinics, call for appointment, 712-279-6119 or 1-800-587-3005.

Information

Family and Addictive Illness series, for more information, call 234-2300.

Iowa Fathers, 6 to 8 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month at Hope Lutheran Church, Education Building, 218 W. 18th St., South Sioux City, Neb. Support group to help single, divorcing and divorced parents residing in the state of Iowa.

Mercy Pathways Outpatient Program, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, on the third floor, Mercy's Central Medical Building, 801 Fifth St., Suite 360. Provides hope, help, opportunity to connect through group therapy for individuals experiencing personal, relationship, psychiatric issues. For more information, call 712-279-5991.

Narcotics Anonymous, meetings daily, various times, dates and locations. For more information, call 712-279-0733.

Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays at Floyd Valley Hospital, Lower Level, 714 Lincoln St. NE, Le Mars, Iowa; 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3700 Indian Hills Drive; 6 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John's Lutheran Church, 402 Lane Ave., Storm Lake; 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Church of the Nazarene, 226 N. Main St., Viborg, S.D.; 5:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at Newman Center, 320 E. Cherry St., Vermillion, S.D.; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St. A 12-step recovery program for people who have problems with food and weight. No fees.

St. Lukes Outpatient Behavioral Health Program, 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Thursday on fifth floor of St. Luke's, located at 2720 Stone Park Blvd. Offers several levels of outpatient care including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and group therapy. This program provides support and integrated treatment to individuals experiencing personal or relationship issues as a result of their mental illness. For more information and admission criteria, call 712-279-3906.

Sobriety By Faith, 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For more information, call James Mothershead at 712-577-9715.

The Link-Recovery and Freedom, at PMA Building, 6000 Gordon Drive; 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday workshop, and Christian 12-step meeting 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. For all ages. Call Dee at 389-7432.

Women in Recovery, meets monthly at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For details, call 712-255-4623.

Tarahouse Meditation Center, 8 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 6:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, all at 3112 Rebecca St. Three easy 10-minute sessions in small group; beginners welcome. For more information, call 490-6410.

Blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays in the lobby at Westwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Free to public.

Support Groups

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hawkeye Club basement, 420 Jones St. For more information, call 277-5935.

Celebrate Recovery, Bible-based 12-step recovery group. Thursdays at 6:30 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive. Daycare provided. 712-490-3343.

PFLAG of Siouxland, (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays), 7 p.m., fourth Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. St. Mark ELCA Church, 5200 Glenn Ave., in the upstairs meeting area. 712-258-3116.

Singles widowed and divorced, all ages, 4 p.m., Sundays. McDonald's at Sixth Street and Lewis Boulevard. 712-252-2675.

HIV/AIDS Support Group, meets weekly. For more information, call Darla or Teri at Siouxland Community Health Center, 712-252-2477 or 888-371-1965.

La Leche League of Siouxland, breastfeeding support group meets every third Thursday at 11 a.m. at Morningside Lutheran Church. Children are welcome. For more information, call Mary at 712-546-7280 or Jacquie at 712-255-2998.

Living Each Day Cancer Support Group, 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of the month, Floyd Valley Hospital, Conference Center Room 2, Le Mars, Iowa. Open to all cancer patients, cancer survivors and family members. No charge. Pre-register by calling 712-546-3441 or 800-642-6074, ext. 441.

Mom and Baby Support Group, 10-11 a.m. last Monday of the month at the Orange City (Iowa) Hospital, lower level. For new moms and babies. 712-737-5260.

Tri-State Sober Project, 12-step meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Friendship Community Church, 305 Sergeant Square Drive, Sergeant Bluff. 6-7 p.m., Thursdays, Transitional Services of Iowa, 1221 Pierce St., Sioux City.

Doug's Donors Support Group, information for organ donors and recipients, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:30 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Mercy Cafeteria Woodbury Room. 712-277-1050.

Divorce Care, noon Sundays starting Jan. 10; GriefShare, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays starting Jan. 12; Single & Parenting, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays starting Jan. 14; all at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 1:30-3:30 p.m. first Saturday of the month at the CNOS, Dakota Dunes. For anyone with MS and/or their families. Call Janet Limoges at 605-217-2726 prior to attending.

NAMI Siouxland, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Group meets 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month at Friendship House, 1101 Court St. For individuals and family members dealing with mental illness. 712-255-4209.

New Life Life Support Group, 3:30 p.m. every Saturday at 2929 W. Fourth St. Spiritual 12-step program. For more information, call Donald at 712-574-1744 or James at 712-255-7624.

Post Polio Support Group, 11 a.m. first Thursday of the month at Perkins Restaurant by Menards. 712-490-8213.

Relationship Support Group, 7 p.m. Fridays at Marketplace Mall. For more information, call 239-3129.

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Individual and Support Groups. For more information, call CSADV in Sioux City at 712-258-7233; Plymouth County at 712-546-6764; Monona County at 712-423-3443. Advocacy and support available 24 hours a day at 1-800-982-7233. All services free of charge and confidential.

Sickle Cell Disease Support Group, 11 a.m. third Saturday of each month at St. Luke's Hospital, meeting room 1. For patients, their family and any concerned member. Call La'Keshia Rainey at 712-203-2019 for more information.

Sioux City Association of the Deaf, 7 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Morningside Church of Christ, 5015 Garretson Ave. Regular meeting, September-May; no meeting, June, July, August and December.

Siouxland Autism Support Group, second Thursday of the month at Northwest Area Education Agency, 1520 Morningside Ave. For more information, call Julie Case at 712-490-8939.

Siouxland Epilepsy Support Group, 5 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at Prestwick Apartment Clubhouse, 4230 Hickory Lane. For anyone diagnosed with seizures or epilepsy and family or friends. For more information, call Steve at 274-6927.

Siouxland IC support group, meets quarterly in Sioux City. For patients struggling with interstital cystitis. For more information, call Jacque Dundas 316-641-9766.

Siouxland Informational Group for the Blind, 2-5 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Northern Hills Retirement Community, 4002 Teton Trace. For more information, call 712-266-8926 or 258-8151.

Grief support group, 5:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 5 for 13 weeks (may join at any time), Crescent Park United Methodist Church, 2826 Myrtle St., Sioux City. Scott, 712-899-6315.

Siouxland Ostomy Association, 2 p.m. first Sunday of each month (except September, which will be second Sunday; and no meetings June, July, August), in Room 300 at Mercy Medical Center, 801 Fifth St. For more information, call Dick Lindblom at 251-2453.

Siouxland Parkinson Disease Support Group, 1 p.m. fourth Monday of the month at Siouxland Center for Active Generations, 313 Cook St. For more information, call at Jack Scherrman at 712-277-9337.

Sojourners, support group for families of persons with life-threatening illness, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Room 416. For more information, call Marjorie Jarvill at 402-241-8637.

South Sioux City Weight Support Group, 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul United Methodist Church, South Sioux City. For more information, call 494-1401 or 494-2133.

Disabilities Resource Center of Siouxland, 520 Nebraska St., Suite 101: Women's Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Wednesday of the month; LGBT Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Friday of the month; Adult ADHD, 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; Advocacy Group, 1:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month. For more information, call 712-255-1065.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, group meetings various times, days and locations in Siouxland. For information on the chapter in your area, call 1-800-932-TOPS.

Voice Disorder Support Group, meets as needed at Mercy Medical Center, Buena Vista Room. 712-279-2686.

Women's Peer Support Group, in Wayne and South Sioux City, Neb., for those who have experienced domestic abuse. For more information, call the Wayne office at 402-375-4633 or 1-800-440-4633; in South Sioux City, call 402-494-7592. Help and support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services free and confidential.

Woodbury County D.M.D.A., noon-2 p.m. first Saturday of the month at Country Friendship Acres, 4501 West St.; 7-8 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at 515 Court St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at 441 W. Third St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at 409 W. Third St. in the Community Room. Support group for people with disabilities and mental disorders.

Natural Mamas in Siouxland, 1 p.m., third Tuesday of each month in the Garretson room of the Morningside Public Library. All ages of children are welcome to come with moms. For sharing natural living tips, recipes, natural remedies and health, homemaking, mothering, etc. For more information, call 402-913-0038 or visit their Facebook page.

A Step Beyond support group, 3:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, except for August, November and December when it meets at 5:30 p.m. (no meeting in January) at the Christy-Smith Resource Center, 1819 Morningside Ave. For more information, call 712-276-7319.

Divorce care, 5 p.m., Sundays. Fireside room, Morningside Lutheran Church, 700 South Martha St.

Gamblers Anonymous meetings, 4 p.m. Thursdays at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 315 Hamilton Blvd.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Morningside Presbyterian Church, 4327 Morningside Ave.; 7 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John Lutheran Church. 712-277-2901.

Art therapy support group, 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Registration required, call 252-9387.

After Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call Brenda, 252-9370.

After Prostate Cancer Support Group, 5:15 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call 252-9426.

Alzheimer's Association, Big Sioux Chapter Support Group, 2 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; 4 p.m. third Tuesday of the month (under age 65) at 201 Pierce St., Suite 110 (Famous Dave's building); and 6 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the Barnes and Noble Cafe. For more information, call Emily Lord at 712-279-5802.

Christy-Smith Funeral Homes of Sioux City, extensive grief library at the Morningside location. Open to the public during weekday hours. For more information, call 276-7319.

Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness Support Group, 7:30 p.m. fourth Wednesday of the month in the lower level of the Orange City Hospital. For more information, call 712-737-5260.

Connections Area Agency on Aging, and Mercy Medical Centers Older Adult Services Welcome to Medicare, 1:30-4 p.m., the first Friday of every month at Connections Area Agency on Aging, 2301 Pierce St. To pre-register, or for more information, contact Connections Area Agency on Aging at 712-279-6900.
SIOUX CITY | The proposed rezoning of a tract of land near the Sergeant Floyd Monument in Sioux City has some worrying future developments there could affect the location's atmosphere.

The owner of a 136,481-square-foot parcel of land at 2627  South Rustin Street and 2819 Lincoln Way has requested its designation be changed from residential to industrial, which would allow him to erect self-storage units on the property. The property is located east of the monument across South Lewis Boulevard.

According to city code, general industrial zones can function for a variety of heavy commercial and both light and heavy industrial purposes.

During its meeting last week, the city's Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of changing the property not to industrial, but to general commercial. This would prevent the land from being used for industrial purposes while allowing for self-storage units to be installed through an approval process.

The proposal will now go to the City Council for a public hearing and a vote on Monday.

The monument was erected in 1901 to honor of Sgt. Charles Floyd Jr., the only member of the Lewis and Clark expedition to die on the journey. The 100-foot obelisk, which marked Floyd's grave, and the surrounding park was named as the nation's first National Historic Landmark in 1960.

Prior to the Planning and Zoning Committee meeting, the National Parks Service and Iowa State Historic Preservation Office had expressed concern about the proposed change to an industrial zone, arguing it leaves the nearby location open to future projects that could adversely affect the monument's atmosphere and viewing area.

"If the adjacent area is rezoned to General Industrial, subsequent development would negatively affect the historic integrity of the Sergeant Floyd Monument," Donald Stevens Jr., chief of the History and National Register programs, said in a letter requesting the current status be kept.

Letters from the Lewis and Clark Historical Trail Office and the State Historic Preservation Office shared concern that an expansion of the industrial zoning area near the monument could have adverse effects to the viewing area later on down the line.

Their comments boil down to the full breadth of uses that could be allowed within a general industrial zone, like smokestacks, said city senior planner Chris Madsen. Maybe that 20 years down the road, this development goes away and a new one comes in that could have an impact.

Jim Jung, who chairs the Sioux City Historic Preservation Commission, said he is leery of leaving the site open to industrial changes. He said he believes oversight of the project would also be important if it goes under a "commercial" designation.

"Proper screening is the key," he said. "I don't think (my position) is so much 'no' to the storage units, but it's for sure not for industrial. Commercial would need to have oversight."

The Sioux City Council will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the council chamber on the fifth floor of City Hall, 405 Sixth St.
Were looking for local musicians who want to showcase their sound as part of the On Iowa Politics podcast. We mostly talk politics, but were interested in a lot more, especially music, and have carved out some time to feature the best Iowa has to offer. Solo act or band, orchestra or troupe, rock, hip-hop, bebop, country, jazz, techno or something that doesnt yet have a name, we want to hear it.

Send a sound file to the podcast oniowapolitics@gmail.com with your name (or group name).
SIOUX CITY | Sioux City police continue to investigate a Thursday evening incident in which at least one shot was fired inside a house during a disturbance.

Sgt. Jay Hoogendyk said no arrests had been made as of Friday morning, and police were seeking people who may have witnessed the incident but left the scene.

Police are still determining exactly what happened at the house at 1421 Lansdown Ave., where officers were summoned at about 5:45 p.m. after receiving a report of shots fired.

"We know some of the story, but until we talk to everyone involved, we won't have the full story," Hoogendyk said.

People were seen fleeing the scene, and police set a perimeter around the home for about an hour before entering the house.

Police spoke with the residents of the home and found out there was a disturbance, a weapon was fired and the individuals who fired the gun had fled in a vehicle.

Hoogendyk said witnesses have given conflicting accounts of how many shots were fired. He did not say what type of gun was fired.

There were no injuries, Hoogendyk said.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man was arrested early Friday for kicking in the door of a woman's home and assaulting her boyfriend.

Jatarius Wilson, 33, is charged with two counts of second-degree burglary after police were called to a home in the 1500 block of West 30th Street at about 1 a.m.

According to court documents, Wilson has a 2-year-old daughter with the woman who lives at the home. Wilson is accused of going to the home and breaking out several windows before kicking in the door, shoving the woman in the face and then assaulting her boyfriend, Roderick Jones.

Neighbors were able to remove Wilson from the home. After police officers arrived and were inside the home, Wilson kicked in the door a second time and punched Jones in the head four times, court documents said.

Wilson was arrested and booked into the Woodbury County Jail, where he is being held in lieu of $20,000 bond.
Hulse is doing what she believes to be right. If you want to call her something, call her an example to landowners whose property is along the route of Navigator's proposed CO2 pipeline. She wants others like her to know they're not powerless.
According to court documents, on May 4 Moniz and the woman had been drinking at a house in Walthill. The woman told investigators that she decided to leave, and Moniz followed her and took her into an abandoned house, where he punched her in the head and face approximately 20 times and then raped her while continuing to hit her. The woman eventually was able to push him off of her and call police, the documents state.
Michael Thomas, 28, is charged in U.S. District Court in Omaha with one count each of assault of a spouse, intimate partner or dating partner by strangling, suffocating or attempting to strangle or suffocate and domestic assault by a habitual offender.

According to court documents, on May 10 Thomas and his girlfriend had an argument in her home. The woman tried to get up to leave, but Thomas threw her onto a couch and then put his hand over her mouth and squeezed her nostrils after she began to yell for help. The woman said she was beginning to lose consciousness when her cellphone rang and caused Thomas to stop and leave the house, court documents said.
CHICAGO -- In addition to his consistent blurring of the bright line between people of the Muslim faith and terrorists who cloak their destructive actions in terms of Islamist extremism, Donald Trump recently suggested that Muslims aren't doing their part to prevent tragedies like the nightclub massacre in Orlando.

"We have to form a partnership with our Muslim communities," Trump said during a speech at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. "We have Muslim communities in this country that are great [but] ... they have to work with us, they have to cooperate with law enforcement and turn in the people who they know are bad. And they know it. And they have to do it and they have to do it forthwith."

Blechhhh. This is just lazy thinking.

And it's not even new thinking -- in the years since illegal-immigration hysteria has been on the rise, Hispanics have been cornered by people angry about illegal immigration with accusations that they, personally, have failed to address the problem.

I have been asked: "Isn't it in your own best interest to report illegals in your community to the feds? Why don't you do it?"

Um, what, do I have a special immigration-status detector?

I'm supposed to just definitively know which of the brown-skinned, Spanish-speaking people in my community are here visiting on tourist visas, which of them have overstayed those visas, which ones were smuggled in across the Mexican border, which are permanent legal residents and which are naturalized citizens?

Of course not. But the idea that I should know other Hispanics' personal business -- in this case, their legal status -- stems from the assumptions made by people who believe the country is overrun by "illegals." Mainly that most Hispanics are residing in the country illegally, that we all know everyone else and their status.

And, therefore, I should be a good citizen and go to the immigration police to get the unlawfully present ne'er-do-wells removed.

By this ridiculous logic, should Muslims deputize themselves? Make it their business to single out the quiet, weird, shy or nervous-seeming people who worship in their mosques, live in their neighborhoods or frequent their local halal grocery stores and go to the police with ... what, exactly? Misgivings? Suspicions? Heebie-jeebies?

In a March episode of the Latino political podcast "In the Thick," independent journalist Wajahat Ali addressed this issue of others' expectations of Muslims.

"It's troubling that [to politicians calling on Muslims to 'cooperate'] the only utility and worth of the American Muslim community is to 'quote-unquote' provide information. It's the securitization of 4 million people," said Ali. "That's what I always joke about. ... You always expect me to fight ISIS, like what do you want my mom to do? Like, make really spicy chicken tandoori, poison it and send a batch to ISIS? The entire utility and worth of American Muslims who have been in this country for 500 years [shouldn't be] 'What are you doing to help law enforcement and national security and fight ISIS?' And I'm like, 'Dude, I don't know. I don't have specialized knowledge of law enforcement and I don't know how to fight ISIS, I don't know these people.'"

Ali continued, "That's the troubling aspect of it, the fact that there is the 'good' Muslim and the 'bad' Muslim. The good Muslim is he who is appointed the moderate, safe Muslim who's helping law enforcement and anyone who's seen as suspect is automatically a bad Muslim. ... It's so reductive and it handicaps the full breadth and diversity and utility and worth and narratives of American Muslims and American Islam that, I think, is ultimately very damaging to how this country views its 4 million American Muslim citizens."

If you don't understand why Hispanics or Muslims or any other group would feel insulted by insinuations that we should police our own communities, think of it this way:

Why don't politicians hold the families and church or school communities of white perpetrators of mass violence accountable for not having brought them to the attention of law enforcement before their acts?

When white Americans do something horrible -- injure or kill their own children, rape or murder fellow community members -- why isn't there a knee-jerk reaction against those people's friends, families and neighbors as somehow complicit in the crime?

Simple: Because it's wrong. Casting blame on those who surround a perpetrator might feel good but it's ineffective, wrongheaded and plainly un-American.
THUMBS DOWN

Good grief

U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, filed an amendment to a bill funding the Treasury Department to prohibit the department from spending money to redesign paper currency or coins.

The amendment would have stopped a Treasury plan, announced in May, to replace Andrew Jackson with Harriet Tubman on the front of the $20 bill, but the House Rules Committee denied consideration of King's proposal on the House floor.

We're unclear why King felt his amendment was of importance to life in our congressional district

All of them? Really?

At their state party convention last weekend, Iowa Democrats approved a platform plank calling for the legalization of all drugs.

Yes, all of them.

We do not know if Democrats were under the influence of a drug when they embraced this goal

THUMBS UP

Community comes through

Not surprisingly, our community responded to a challenge from the state and pushed funding for the proposed Cone Park project across the finish line.

Last month, the Vision Iowa program approved a $300,000 grant for the project, contingent on the city of Sioux City raising some $17,000 in additional funds from other sources within 90 days.

On June 14, The Journal reported the $17,000 goal was reached.

The plan is to open the largely winter-themed Cone Park by the end of 2017 at a cost of $4 million.

Encouraging signs

We are encouraged by recent developments in the discussion about an ag center proposed for the unused former John Morrell site in Sioux City's old stockyards area.

First, the Missouri River Historical Development board earlier this month approved a $1 million grant for the project, the second-largest in the 27-year history of MRHD.

Also, we remain encouraged by continued commendable, constructive dialogue between city and county government about a project we believe will benefit all residents of Woodbury County, both urban and rural.

Our hope is this dialogue leads on Tuesday to a vote by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors in support of a significant contribution to the ag center.

If built, the center would be used for a variety of events, including horse shows, cattle auctions, trade shows and farm equipment expos. It is one piece of an overall $72 million proposed city plan; other components include a hotel and parking ramp next to the city's downtown Convention Center, a hotel in proximity to the ag center, and redevelopment to commercial use by Ho-Chunk Inc. of former industrial buildings in the 100 block of Virginia Street.

Like a commitment of money pledged by the city, including $2 million for the ag center, a financial commitment to the center from Woodbury County is, we believe, crucial in order to secure $13.9 million in funding from the state for the $72 million reinvestment plan.

Housing development moves ahead

Ho-Chunk Inc. broke ground June 15 on Flatwater Crossing, a $75 million housing development planned along the Missouri River in South Sioux City, Neb.

The development will include a mixture of housing options, including apartments and single-family homes, and a variety of additional amenities.
There are many fitness goals out there that we desire. Some of us want to be leaner and others wish to put on muscle mass. The thing is, for you to achieve your fitness goals, you need to
WASHINGTON

(June 24, 2016)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities or local contractors., is being awarded amodification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-15-C-0031). This modification provides for the delivery, installation, configuration, and initial sustainment for the Autonomic Logistics Information Systems Operational Representative Environment in support of the F-35 Lightening II. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (56 percent); Edwards Air Force Base, California (30 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (10 percent); and Hill Air Force Base, Utah (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2017. Fiscal 2014 aircraft procurement (Navy, Air Force); and fiscal 2016 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $13,430,765 will be obligated at the time of award, $10,101,915 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Air Force ($6,773,065; 50 percent); the Marine Corps ($3,328,850; 25 percent) and the Navy ($3,328,850; 25 percent). The, is the contracting activity., is being awarded anfirm-fixed-price contract for the repair of SP Area and SP 37 Airfield pavement onboard Naval Station Norfolk. The work to be performed provides for the replacement of existing airfield parking apron pavement. The existing concrete/bituminous pavement will be demolished to subgrade and replaced with new concrete pavement. Additional new work associated with this project includes pavement stripping, aircraft tie-downs, static grounding, and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by November 2017. Fiscal 2016 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $11,320,995 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-16-C-6148)., is being awarded amodification to exercise an option to delivery order 1512, which was previously issued against basic ordering agreement N00019-11-G-0001. This option procures two validation and verification kits, and two sets of associated support equipment/special tooling kits, as well as the non-recurring engineering effort to modify the T-45 airframe engine inlet to correct chronic engine surges and stalls issues. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed in August 2017. Fiscal 2016 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,997,277 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor cost-plus-incentive-fee delivery order 0086 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-14-G-0020). This delivery order provides for the non-recurring effort required to develop a Common F-35A air system, which includes training device integration, fusion updates and flight test requirements for the governments of Korea and Israel. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2018. International partner funding in the amount of $9,400,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.
Editor's note: This was a column written last year before the Supreme Courts decision legalizing same-sex marriage in the U.S.

Any day now, the Supreme Court will issue a decision on same-sex marriage that will directly affect millions of Americans. It comes at a time of growing public acceptance and support for equal rights. But no matter what the Court does, issues of equality are hardly settled across the country. Today it remains legal in most parts of Indiana (though not South Bend) to fire someone simply for being gay, and bullying still contributes to tragically high suicide rates among LGBT teens.

Still, our country is headed in a clear overall direction, and swiftly. Today 57 percent of Americans support same-sex marriage; just 15 years ago, the reverse was true.

Experiences with friends or family members coming out have helped millions of Americans to see past stereotypes and better understand what being gay is  and is not. Being gay isnt something you choose, but you do face choices about whether and how to discuss it. For most of our history, most Americans had no idea how many people they knew and cared about were gay.

My high school in South Bend had nearly a thousand students. Statistically, that means that several dozen were gay or lesbian. Yet when I graduated in 2000, I had yet to encounter a single openly LGBT student there. Thats far less likely to be the case now, as more students come to feel that their families and community will support and care for them no matter what. This is a tremendously positive development: young people who feel support and acceptance will be less likely to harm themselves, and more likely to step into adulthood with mature self-knowledge.

I was well into adulthood before I was prepared to acknowledge the simple fact that I am gay. It took years of struggle and growth for me to recognize that its just a fact of life, like having brown hair, and part of who I am.

Putting something this personal on the pages of a newspaper does not come easy. We Midwesterners are instinctively private to begin with, and Im not used to viewing this as anyone elses business.

But its clear to me that at a moment like this, being more open about it could do some good. For a local student struggling with her sexuality, it might be helpful for an openly gay mayor to send the message that her community will always have a place for her. And for a conservative resident from a different generation, whose unease with social change is partly rooted in the impression that he doesnt know anyone gay, perhaps a familiar face can be a reminder that were all in this together as a community.

Whenever Ive come out to friends and family, theyve made clear that they view this as just a part of who I am. Their response makes it possible to feel judged not by sexual orientation but by the things that we ought to care about most, like the content of our character and the value of our contributions.

Being gay has had no bearing on my job performance in business, in the military, or in my current role as mayor. It makes me no better or worse at handling a spreadsheet, a rifle, a committee meeting, or a hiring decision. It doesnt change how residents can best judge my effectiveness in serving our city: by the progress of our neighborhoods, our economy, and our city services.

Were moving closer to a world in which acceptance is the norm. This kind of social change, considered old news in some parts of the country, is still often divisive around here. But it doesnt have to be. Were all finding our way forward, and things will go better if we can manage to do it together. In the wake of the disastrous Religious Freedom Restoration Act episode here in Indiana earlier this year, we have an opportunity to demonstrate how a traditional, religious state like ours can move forward. If different sides steer clear of name-calling and fear-mongering, we can navigate these issues based on what is best about Indiana: values like respect, decency, and support for families  all families.

Like most people, I would like to get married one day and eventually raise a family. I hope that when my children are old enough to understand politics, they will be puzzled that someone like me revealing he is gay was ever considered to be newsworthy. By then, all the relevant laws and court decisions will be seen as steps along the path to equality. But the true compass that will have guided us there will be the basic regard and concern that we have for one another as fellow human beings  based not on categories of politics, orientation, background, status or creed, but on our shared knowledge that the greatest thing any of us has to offer is love.
America's first National Monument honoring LGBT rights was designated by President Barack Obama on Friday in a small section of lower Manhattan known simply as "Stonewall."

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, which will oversee the monument. Stonewall becomes the nation's 412th National Monument.

Here is the press release issued by the White House:

Since taking office, President Obama and his Administration have made historic strides in expanding opportunities and advancing equality and justice for all Americans, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. From major legislative achievements to historic court victories to important policy changes, the President has fought to promote the equal rights of all Americans  no matter who they are or who they love. That commitment to leveling the playing field and ensuring equal protection under the law is the bedrock principle this nation was founded on and has guided the Presidents actions in support of all Americans.



Today, President Obama designates a new national monument at the historic site of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City to honor the broad movement for LGBT equality. The new Stonewall National Monument will protect the area where, on June 28, 1969, a communitys uprising in response to a police raid sparked the modern LGBT civil rights movement in the United States.



The designation will create the first official National Park Service unit dedicated to telling the story of LGBT Americans, just days before the one year anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision guaranteeing marriage equality in all 50 states. Additionally, in celebration of the designation and New York Citys Pride festival, the White House, in coordination with the National Park Foundation and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, is releasing a video that will be played on the billboards in Times Square on Saturday, June 25.



The new Stonewall National Monument will permanently protect Christopher Park, a historic community park at the intersection of Christopher Street, West 4th Street and Grove Street directly across from the Stonewall Inn in Manhattans Greenwich Village. The monuments boundary encompasses approximately 7.7 acres of land, including Christopher Park, the Stonewall Inn, and the surrounding streets and sidewalks that were the site of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.



Todays designation follows years of strong support from local officials, organizations, members of Congress and citizens in New York City and across the country, as demonstrated recently at a public meeting held in New York City in May. The National Park Foundation is also today announcing that it will support the establishment of a local Friends Group to support the monument and that it will work with local and national organizations and the community to raise funding for dedicated National Park Service personnel, a temporary ranger station and visitor center, research and materials, exhibits, community outreach, and public education.
Marco Rubio, once championed as the future of Floridas Republican Party, appears headed for a tough re-election fight to keep a job some believe he never fulfilled.

Rubio, 45, Floridas junior U.S. Senator in Washington, announced his intentions Wednesday afternoon to seek re-election. His decision has many political analysts shaking their heads.

Its a total ego trip, said a Capitol Hill staffer, speaking by telephone with SFGN on the condition of anonymity.

Just last year Rubio had all but abandoned his Senate seat to campaign for the Republican Partys nomination to the U.S. Presidency. However, he was beaten badly in the primaries by New York businessman Donald J. Trump and outflanked on the right by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.

On Wednesday, Rubio announced he would campaign to keep his Senate seat.

I changed my mind, Rubio told CNN. I never said I was perfect and I had every answer. When you are not perfect and dont have every answer there will come times when you change your mind.

Rubios reversal prompted two would be rivals  Florida Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and U.S. Congressman Ron DeSantis (R-Jacksonville) -- to leave the race. Two other Republican candidates  Orlando defense contractor Todd Wilcox and millionaire land speculator Carlos Beruff  figure to be Rubios chief challengers in the GOP primary election (Aug.30).

Andy Eddy, a member of the Broward Log Cabin Republicans Club, said only Wilcox had spoken to the LGBT inclusive group.

Hes (Wilcox) reaching out more than the other candidates, Eddy said.

Eddy said he was surprised by Rubios change of course, but admitted to not being close to his office. Hes never been to any of our (Log Cabin Broward) meetings, Eddy said.

Meanwhile, Democrats wasted no time in blasting Rubios decision.

Marco Rubio abandoned his constituents, and now hes treating them like a consolation prize, said U.S. Congressman Patrick E. Murphy (D-Jupiter), in a news release. Unlike Marco Rubio, I love working hard every single day for the people of Florida.

Murphy is competing with fellow Congressman Alan Grayson (D-Orlando) for the Democratic nomination. Each state is allocated two U.S. Senators who serve six-year terms. Rubio was elected in 2010 during the Tea Party wave that swept Republicans into power.

What Rubio has done with that power is the question.

From missing the most votes of any Florida Senator in nearly 50 years, to seeking to ban abortion even in cases of rape or incest, to repeatedly voting against closing the terrorist gun loophole, Rubio is proving he is only out for himself.

Pompano Beach voter Eileen Pangione agreed.

I would never vote for him (Rubio) under any circumstance, Pangione said. Hes done nothing. Hes never there to vote.

When Rubio does cast his vote on bills he seldom breaks with the pro-gun lobby. In January of 2016, Rubio told The Hill news organization that President Barack Obama would confiscate every gun in America and get rid of the Second Amendment. In the same interview Rubio was quoted as saying, ISIS and terrorists do not get their guns from a gun show.

He does not want to take guns out of the hands of terrorists, said a Capitol Hill staffer, speaking to SFGN on the condition of anonymity.

In a news release, Wilcox seems less concerned with firearm regulations and more interested in a sweeping revolution.

Its not just time for a new generation of leaders, its time for new leadership altogether, said Wilcox, a U.S. Army combat veteran and Special Forces commander. If we expect to change the direction of our country, Floridas next U.S. Senator cannot come from the same political class who are already running Washington, D.C. We need leadership with real-world experience, whose sole priority is restoring Americas prominence, not getting re-elected or running for the next political office.

During his doomed quest for the Republican Partys Presidential nomination, Rubio won the Minnesota Caucus, but nothing else. He lost every county in Florida to Trump with the exception of his home county of Miami-Dade. His battle with Trump turned nasty in the end with Trump labeling him Little Marco and Rubio calling the New York businessman a con artist.

UPDATE: Wilcox announced on Friday he was withdrawing from the race and throwing his support to Rubio.
NASA FISO Presentation: Future Spacesuits, the Moon vs Mars, and Engaging STEM Talent. NASA

Now available is the June 8, 2016 NASA Future In-Space Operations (FISO) telecon material. The speaker was Lawrence Kuznetz of Space Spinoffs, Inc. who discussed Future Spacesuits, the Moon vs Mars, and Engaging STEM Talent.

Dr. Lawrence H. Kuznetz is a 40-year veteran of the space program with advanced degrees from Columbia University and University of California, Berkeley. He was on console at Mission Control during Apollo, helped build the space shuttles, was Life Science Experiment Manager for the International Space Station and is the creator of Violet, a talking interactive spacesuit bio advisory algorithm for Mars exploration. He has taught at UC Berkeley, holds eight U.S. patents and is the author of a non fiction, fiction and childrens spacesuit book on Amazon.com.

Listen to podcast of Future Spacesuits, the Moon vs Mars, and Engaging STEM Talent telecon:

 Download the MP3 File.

 Download the presentation (PDF).
Nestled in a former laundromat in a southeastern neighborhood of Lawrence, Kansas, the bakery and cafe 1900 Barker is quite unassuming. It would be easy to enter the roundabout where the shop is and spin right on past and down the road. But youd be missing out.

Inside, a crowd steadily filters in on a cloudy Saturday morning. Customers are warmly greeted, usually by first name, as they look over the pastry case, struggling to make a decision. Samples of house-made, naturally leavened breads sit next to the register as amuse-bouches. Bread and pastry orders move quickly across the counter; coffee drinks match their speed. A lively atmosphere brightens the shop.

Co-owner Taylor Petrehn describes an elaborate process stretching over three days to make 1900 Barkers naturally leavened bread. He begins with a mother dough, adding ingredients such as seeds, olives, or a rich fermented fruit, depending on the recipe. Before the bread goes into the oven two days later, theres regular maintenance on the swelling cocoons of these soon-to-be loaves. This gives the bread soul, according to Taylor: crusted outsides with a soft, sweet interior.

Theres plenty more for Taylor, the baking half of the brothers who own 1900 Barker, to do: There is croissant dough to roll out for the cafes three varieties (original, chocolate, and ham and cheese). Thats in addition to the other options in the pastry case, such as cookies and a different special each weekend. How does it happen? The baking schedule begins at 3 a.m. and concludes around 8 or 9 p.m.

Our goal with the bread and the pastry program is to highlight the grains that we use, and the process, and that the breads are all naturally leavened, Petrehn says. It is one of the healthiest ways to eat bread, and it is also the most transformative of the grain itself, in that the grain is the main pivot point for where the flavor comes from. When you ferment that, it pulls out all the different health benefits and flavors and things that are found in just one specific grain.

Taylors brother Reagan has a more difficult time explaining the coffee program. He began his coffee career at Overland Park shop Revocup before moving on to Kansas City stalwarts The Roasterie and Parisi. He then took a job in China as an in-house coffee trainer with Greenhouse Coffee, which he describes as pivotal.

It took me from this preconceived notion of what you [needed] to have good coffee to showing me how relative it was, Reagan says. How much it relies on not just the final product but also the presentation and who you are giving it to and how you interact with them. Because we were in a smaller part of China and Third Wave coffee culture was not even a thing there, but they had coffee shops.

1900 Barker takes a multi-roaster approach: bags from Vancouvers 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters, Bostons George Howell Coffee, and Portlands Heart Roasters are spread along the retail shelves upon my visit. Unlike at many Third Wave shops, the hand-brewed coffee here has been replaced by a FETCO that brews small batches regularly. For espresso and milk drinks, shots are ground on a Mahlkonig EK 43 or a K30 Twin. The grounds are dosed in the portafilter, then loaded into a La Marzocco Linea PB and pulled through a preset amount of water, a method called volume-metrics. The shots duration of time is not consideredthe info panel on the espresso machine announces only the pulses of water flowing through the machinewhich is a departure from convention.

I just feel like there is such dogma to the way coffee should be done irrespective to what is actually going on, Reagan explains. [Using] volume-metrics and a FETCO gives us the opportunity to be super-fast on the bar, which contributes a lot to the atmosphere of the place. I dont think [people] come in here thinking of this as a slow bar where you are going to sit down. I like the idea of people being able to come in, get something delicious really fast, and just be able to be on their way, and I think that is hugely affected by things like volume-metrics and batch brewing.

Upon opening in June 2015, 1900 Barkers menu was limited. As the Petrehns would quickly sell out of coffee and baked goods in the morning, they adjusted their processes to meet demand. And since seating is in short supply, a back patio is set to be installed sooner than later. Otherwise, the brothers plan on seeking out new possibilities for both their coffee and baking programs.

I think we both have a vision of not just a product we want to serve but also an experience we want people to have, Reagan Petrehn says. Thats what we always push for. With the espresso bar, I want to make the best coffees that I can make and give people the best experience that I can give them, and everything that isnt essential to that gets stripped away. It is a constant search for what we dont need and what we do. I dont think we are ever really going to settle onto that. I think it is always going to be changing, and I would hope so.

Evan C. Jones is a Sprudge.com contributor based in St. Louis. Read more Evan C. Jones on Sprudge.
The island would be afforded international mechanisms to negotiate constitutional debt without putting in jeopardy democratic principles, education and the health of thousands of Puerto Ricans, Viera-Vargas pointed out.

The United Nations, he added, has denounced the colonial status of Puerto Rico on 33 occasions, but the committee has agreed to serve as an interlocutor between Washington and San Juan on the issue of independence.

University of Illinois Professor of International Law Francis Boyle told Sputnik it was time for the United States to free Puerto Rico. Boyle also claimed that a committee was planning a massive campaign of peaceful, non-violent civil resistance to achieve that end.

"The objective will be to render Puerto Rico ungovernable" by the Americans and their Puerto Rican surrogates, Boyle argued, adding that at such a point the United States will have to leave Puerto Rico.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"The results of the referendum in the United Kingdom will deal a major blow to the position of European bureaucracy in Brussels and will accelerate similar referendums in a number of other EU member states  primarily in Greece, Italy and Spain," Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of the Russian National Defense magazine and member of the Russian Defense Ministry's Public Council, said.

Dmitry Danilov, the head of the Department of European Security of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, shares the same view, saying that such consequences of Brexit were mooted even before the referendum.
His Lordship may be speechless, but the "peasants" have found their voice. They've not only brought about Britain's exit from the EU, but the resignation of the hard-right neocon David Cameron as Prime Minister. Chancellor George "Slasher" Osborne, who threatened the peasants with a new austerity budget if they dared to vote the wrong way, will surely be on his bike soon too. The rebels may also have helped to bring about an early general election. Not bad for a day's work was it?

While faux-left hipsters, who only pretend to want radical change are in shock that the "peasants" ignored their advice to vote for the Establishment-friendly status quo, the genuine left, who know that things needed a real shake-up, are ecstatic.

George Galloway, a politician who by backing Brexit showed once again he is much more in tune with majority public opinion than his condescending and insufferably smug Establishment detractors, tweeted:

First they ignored us. Then they laughed at us. Then they attacked us. Then we won #Lexit #Brexit  George Galloway (@georgegalloway) June 24, 2016

Significantly, the areas of the country which delivered the strongest support for Brexit were ones that have been neglected by the elite for years. Only one in the twelve areas of the North-East voted Remain  (and that was only by 1%).

The North-East is the only region of the country where house prices fell in the year to February. People in the North East are also most likely to be diagnosed with cancer. The region also has the highest child poverty rate in the UK. According to a report from Barnardo's, some neighborhoods in the North-East have more than two-thirds of children living in families on out of work benefits.

Labour have lost the working class, no mistake. North East of England totally disenfranchised #EUref #VoteLeave  Bids BVB (@Bigtrees1973) June 24, 2016

It is unlikely that many voters in the North East would have been swayed by the billionaire financier Lord Jacob Rothschild taking to the pages of The Times to urge a Remain vote. Or by the tweets of wealthy pro-Remain "celebrities" either.

James Bond aka Daniel Craig wants to #Remain! #007 pic.twitter.com/nX2dUsiYKg  Dr Hamed Khan (@drhamedkhan) June 22, 2016

It's not just in the North East where people are experiencing real hardship. All over the country, workers have seen their real living standards fall as their wages are frozen or reduced  and prices for utilities rise. Well-heeled "inside the tent" Establishment figures based in London know very little of life in this other Britain. For them and their equally well-heeled friends, the EU and globalization in general is working just fine.

You would think, listening to Establishment figures that a quite awful thing happened in Britain last night.

"This is the worst day in the life of postwar Britain," said New Labour guru Lord Mandelson and chair of the international financial advisory firm Lazard International.

But in fact something quite wonderful has taken place. Nearly 17.5 million Britons defied the instructions of their "superiors" and defiantly stuck two fingers up at the people who John Rees has called "the power brokers of the world system." Goldman Sachs donated millions to the Remain campaign and they lost. Ditto JP Morgan. This is not just about getting out of the European Union, it's about ordinary people refusing to do what they were told to do by those who up to now, have always got their own way.

After Thursday night, things will never be the same again. Thank goodness for that.

Follow Neil Clark on Twitter @NeilClark66
"If there was a Brexit there would be miles and miles of legislative adaptation of secondary legislation  and primary legislation  and the government would be beaten at the very first vote because it would not have the required majority."

Indeed, with 489 MPs out of 650 declaring their wish to Remain, the current working government majority of only 16 MPs may not be enough to push the Brexit legislation through. Since some EU law applies in the UK directly, the UK would need to legislate to replace it, Raoul Ruparel of Open Europe told Sputnik. But how earnestly the pro-Remain MPs would work to that end?

Two referendum maps produced by the BBC on the basis of official figures reveal a graphic disconnect between the elected and the electors.

Scotland appears to be the only nation of the United Kingdom where the elected reflect  and abide by  the wishes of the electorate. In the other three nations the picture is different. There is an obvious divide between the pro-Leave voters and their pro-Remain MPs in the North of England, the Midlands, Anglia and West Country. Wales and Cornwall came out stronger for Leave than the declared intentions of their MPs suggested. Northern Ireland, on the contrary, turned out to be more pro-EU than its elected officials.

Judging by the two maps, a new election may indeed be in order to align the British political class with its electorate.
We want to represent the new world, the world of #cleantechs. Because the #futureisclean & it starts now!  pic.twitter.com/ZplUGD4LsS  Bertrand PICCARD (@bertrandpiccard) 23  2016 .

During the course of the experiment, two Solar Impulse aircraft have been constructed. The first was tested in 2011-2012 and successfully completed a journey from Switzerland to Spain and then Morocco.

A second version, completed in 2014, was modified for longer journeys. The Solar Impulse 2 has a wingspan of 72 meters, more than that of a Boeing 747. The wings are covered in 269.5 square meters of photovoltaic cells, supplying energy to four engines and four lithium-ion batteries onboard the plane.

For me, #Si2 is alive and is an old friend with whom I've lived many crazy experiences to prove #futureisclean pic.twitter.com/dj5ejJSyDz  Bertrand PICCARD (@bertrandpiccard) 23  2016 .

When the sun is up the energy for the engines comes straight from the solar collectors. At night the engines are driven from the batteries. The source of power affects the speed of the aircraft. In daylight the Solar Impulse 2 is capable of speeds of up to 49 knots (90km/h). At night, the maximum speed is 33 knots (60km/h).

The onboard photovoltaic cells cannot recharge the batteries during the flight, so the plane needs to be fully recharged on land during a period of rest.

The Solar Impulse 2 can remain in the air for six days in a row, under certain energy-saving conditions. For that purpose the pilot cockpit is unheated and unpressurised, and seats one person.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Turkey unveiled an action plan to revitalize its tourism sector in February. It stipulates additional funding of nearly $90 million and the introduction of a mechanism to restructure tourism-related companies' debts, among other measures.

"This system is attractive for budget travelers, for travelers with families. These hotels cannot raise prices although the costs are growing from year to year. We need to gradually reduce the number of hotels operating under this system," Ulusoy told the Anadolu news agency in an interview.
If India recieves the NSG membership then it will be able to import civilian nuclear technology and fuels from the international market more conveniently, while saving its domestic nuclear materials for military use.

The major goal for India's NSG ambition is to obtain an edge over Pakistan in its nuclear capabilities. If India gets the membership first, the nuclear balance between India and Pakistan will be broken, something China will never accept.

"China has its own motives, Pakistan is one motive then China does not want India also come to the high table. So there are so many things involved in that. But India has done its best," Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, Prof K. V. Kesavan told Sputnik in an exclusive interview.

Kesavan further added that, "I think we have got to be tougher with the Chinese then they will understand. We have to be little stronger than we have been so far. We are generally nice towards China."

Certainly, India's most ambitious bid to become the world's newest power has failed due to China's geostrategic ambitions but India has also learned a diplomatic lesson.
Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister of India, began his five-day visit to China on Thursday by meeting Chinese bankers and wealth fund managers, and pitching for more investments in India. Soon after his arrival in Beijing, Jaitley met Bank of China chairman Tian Guoli, and addressed a closed roundtable meeting with heads of banks, sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors.

Addressing Invest in India' Business Forum on Friday, Jaitley said that India will be the only economy in the world which is poised to grow at 7.5 to 8% in an "unsupportive global environment."

"India offers an attractive opportunity, because the size of the economic activity is now going to carry on and expand in the next few decades," he said inviting Chinese firms to step up investments in massive development of rural and urban infrastructure across India.
New Delhi (Sputnik)  India's northeastern region bordering China has been a breeding ground for resentment towards Central India owing to the slow pace of development in comparison to the rest of the country. The region lacks road connectivity and other basic infrastructure like airports, railway and continuous supply of electricity, among others.

In an attempt to bridge this gap, the central government had announced a 1,800 kilometer frontier highway project with an estimated cost of USD 6.5 million in 2014 proposed to be built between Tawang and Vijaynagar in the restive state of Arunachal Pradesh.

The project was to be monitored by the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, two years down the line, the plan remains in cold storage, triggering strong resentment by locals. According to official sources, the main reason behind the delay in starting the project is the Indian Army's skepticism.



The Directorate General of Military Organization (DGMO) has warned that border roads could become a liability in the event of a war with China. According to sources, the DGMO has written to the Ministry of Home Affairs saying "the proposal entails construction of roads and tunnels along a fresh alignment in close proximity 15-40 Kilometer of Line of Actual Control, which is not desirable."




WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  In 2014, US President Barack Obama introduced new seafood import regulations in an effort to combat illegal fishing. According to the new rules, each supplier must present extensive information on the origins of the catch.

We would be highly appreciated if US could take a little more prudent approaches to avoid unnecessary trade barriers when you are to formulate the related new rules and start to implement based on the WTO [World Trade organization] rules, Cui stated.

In the letter addressed to US Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries Russell Smith, Cui argued that Chinese fish farmers have not been involved in illegal fishing.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The decision of UK citizens to leave the European Union will not have a significant impact on Russia, Former Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said Friday.

"Brexit has no significant impact on Russia. We have our own problems, which are more sensitive," Kudrin posted on Twitter.

He added that following the referendum the European Union will come to senses, though both the bloc and the United Kingdom will get weaker in terms of economy.
Amid the current economic difficulties provoked by Western sanctions and low oil prices, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina announced June 10 that the Bank would resume sales of short-term bills, knowns as Obligations of the Bank of Russia (OBRs).

The last time they were issued was in 2011.

As sanctions have cut off access Russian banks and companies access to foreign capital markets the domestic situation is changing.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The statement also said that opening the foreign mission would boost relations between the PBC and the Bank of Russia as well as help the development of bilateral cooperation in the financial sphere and result in broadening trade and economic ties.

"The Central Bank of Russia and the People's Bank of China (PBC) signed an agreement on creating a foreign mission of the Bank of Russia in Beijing. That is the first foreign mission of the Bank of Russia and the eighth one created by foreign central banks in China," the statement said.

China is expected to pick a clearing bank for all yuan exchange operations in Russia in order to make it easier to place temporarily free yuans.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"We should treat the Brexit as an opportunity to forge a closer partnership with our historic friend and ally, including immediately starting negotiations for a targeted US-UK free trade agreement," Cruz stated.

Since 2013, the United States has been in negotiations with the European Union over the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) deal, which involves the creation of a free trade zone.
Donohue added that the Chamber of Commerce is committed to working with the United Kingdom to make sure that the priorities of US stakeholders are taken into account.

The US Chamber of Commerce is committed to working with the United Kingdom to ensure US companies' investments in Britain are taken into account following the decision by UK voters to exit the European Union, US Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Donohue said in a statement on Friday.

US companies investments in the United Kingdom are worth more than half a trillion dollars, and Donohue explained that many of the investments were made with the intention of reaching EU consumers as well as those in Britain.

"We are committed to working with the UK government to ensure that the priorities of these stakeholders are taken into account in the debates that lie ahead," Donohue stated.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Pound sterling is at its lowest in 30 years, The Financial Times reported, citing a RBS spokesperson, who said the sales were expected to return to the norm on Monday.

On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.
Scotland, predictably, voted Remain, and may probably hold a new referendum  and leave the UK  rather than be dragged out by white working class English votes. Sinn Fein already wants a vote on united Ireland. Denmark, the Netherlands and even Poland and Hungary will want special status inside the EU, or else. Across Europe, the extreme right stampede is on. Marine Le Pen wants a French referendum. Geert Wilders wants a Dutch referendum. As for the vast majority of British under-25s who voted Remain, they may be contemplating one-way tickets not to the continent, but beyond.

Show me the people

Anglo-French historian Robert Tombs has remarked that when Europeans talk about history they refer to the Roman Empire, the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. Great Britain is somewhat overlooked. In reciprocity, quite a few Britons still consider Europe an entity that should be kept at a safe distance.

To compound the problem, this is not a Europe of peoples. Brussels absolutely detests European public opinion, and the system exhibits an iron resistance to reform. This current EU project that ultimately aims at a federation, modeled on the US, does not cut it in most of Britain. Arguably this is one of the key reasons behind Brexit  which for its part has already disunited the kingdom and may eventually downgrade it into a tiny trading post on the edge of Europe.

Lacking a European people, the Brussels system could not but be articulated as a Kafkaesque, unelected bureaucracy. Moreover, the representatives of this people-deprived Europe in Brussels actually defend what they consider to be their national interest, and not the European interest.
Richie Allen in London, a radio presenter in Manchester, England, said that as an Irishman he remembers how the Irish vote against the EU was overturned when the people rejected the Lisbon Treaty and that already in England theyve begun talking about the possibility that the EU will come back with a better offer. In other words, the exit vote is not being treated as meaningful. See his guest column here

And as Stephen Lendman reports, the propaganda is already in high gear with David Cameron setting the tone by emphasizing how happy the vote has surely made Putin and ISIS (somehow these two deadly enemies are happy over the same thing!). The self-hating Russian, Garry Kasparov, said Brexit was the perfect gift for Vladimir Putin, as Britains exit leaves the EU a weakened institution with less power to confront Putins assaults on Europes borders. What assaults, Garry?
"In Britain we have a very clear choice before us, which is whether we want to continue to remain in a European Union, which is fanning the flames of fascism, or whether we want to come out of the European Union, show a lead toworkers across Europe who are suffering from these policies, and start to put something better in its place," he said.

Robert Griffiths, the chair of the Left Leave (Lexit) campaign and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Britain, agreed that it is primarily EU austerity and privatization policies that are creating conditions favorable for the rise of a far-right.

"Don't forget the pro-EU campaign in Britain is dominated not just by a different set of Tory politicians," he stated. "It's dominated bythe bankers and big business, they are overwhelmingly in favor of remaining in the EU because they understand it's a big business neoliberal project."

Gordon asserted that the British government is one of the driving forces of neoliberalism within European political institutions, and is the same government calling to remain in the EU.

"The European Union is perceived by British neoliberals as being a core part of their strategy for extending the power of the City of London," he said. "A vote to come out of the European Union is directly against the interests of the City of London, the biggest banks in the City of London, including many American banks  Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley  who are funding the remain campaign, it is against the interests of the NATO, EU, IMF."

According to Gordon, the EU is an "anti-democratic entity driving forward world imperialism." To act in opposition of the interests of imperialists, he suggests, Britain should vote to leave the EU. He noted that the UK is not the only eurosceptic nation, and that a similar sentiment can be observed in other countries within the bloc.
LONDON (Sputnik)  In a letter to Cameron, the MPs said they would support the prime minister even if Britain votes to leave the bloc, the newspaper said late on Thursday. The signatories of the letter include former London mayor Boris Johnson.

"We believe whatever the British people decide, you have both a mandate and a duty to continue leading the nation," the letter says.

Cameron has led the pro-Remain campaign despite initiating the referendum.
In response to Mondays poll, Iglesias said, "We are very close to defeating the Popular Party in the elections. We are very close. And they are very worried about it for what it means.

Spains Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy of the ruling Peoples Party, told supporters that "Radicalism and extremism can only be stopped by a coalition of people behind the Popular Party," and that, in order, to stem the tide of the popularity of Podemos his ruling party will need "all moderate, sensible and balanced voters to unite" when voting on Sunday.

Other political parties have stated that they will not support a government run by Majoy. The embattled and unpopular politician responded to these criticisms saying, "Refusing to negotiate is nothing other than a demonstration of weakness from those who dare not talk and reach agreements with those who are different."
The biggest guns in the world were wheeled out in favor of Cameron's campaign. US President Barack Obama  visiting London at the start of the campaign  said the UK would be at the "back of the queue" if it left the EWU and started negotiations on a new trade deal with the US.

Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, warned: "We have looked at all the scenarios. We have done our homework and we haven't found anything positive to say about a Brexit vote."

Cameron himself invoked memories of the Battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar in suggesting that turning its back on the EU could put Britain at risk of a new war. "Isolationism has never served this country well. Whenever we turn our back on Europe, sooner or later we come to regret it. And if things go wrong in Europe, let's not pretend we can be immune from the consequences," he said.

His Chancellor, George Osborne drew criticism after suggesting an emergency budget  in the event of a Brexit  would see taxes rise and massive cuts to public spending. "Far from freeing up money to spend on public services as the leave campaign would like you to believe, quitting the EU would mean less money. Billions less. It's a lose-lose situation for British families and we shouldn't risk it," he warned.

This is something we've never seen, chances are you'll never see again

Pound just collapses 13% vs. the Yen#Brexit pic.twitter.com/ChBtXmr8Hi  David Ingles (@DavidInglesTV) 24 June 2016

Disaster

In the end, 'Project Fear' was a disaster. The more people were told that quitting the EU would spell catastrophe for Britain, the more angry they became.The turnout for the referendum was 72.2 percent  the largest for any UK poll since 1992.

In Brussels, Friday (June 24) sources told Sputnik there is deep despair. The fear of a domino effect is palpable, with many France, the Netherlands and Germany calling for their own referendums on EU membership. The European migrant crisis has left the EU in crisis and shown the failings of the Brussels machine to draw together cohesion within the union.

In the UK, however, Cameron is facing an even bigger issue: Scotland voted to remain in the EU, just two years after its own referendum on remaining in the United Kingdom. With England and Wales voting to leave the EU, there are now calls for a second Scottish independence referendum, splitting the UK. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU, putting it ad odds with England and Wales.

No country has ever invoked article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to leave the EU and an emergency summit of EU leaders is likely to be called next week. With such a body-blow being dealt by the British public over the EU, they will have their work cut out to keep the whole European project from falling apart.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

#Brexit means the scrapping of the European Arrest Warrant used as the excuse to detain Assange without charge in the UK for 5.5 years  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) 24  2016 .

The EAW is a warrant that is valid through all members of the European Union.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union raises the necessity to hold a referendum on EU membership in France, Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, a French member of the European Parliament from the Europe of Nations and Freedom group, told Sputnik on Friday.

"It raises the necessity to make also a referendum in France," Schaffhauser said in the wake of the Brexit vote.

On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum on its EU membership, with Prime Minister David Cameron calling on the UK nationals to vote to remain. Earlier on Friday, it was announced that 51.9 percent of voters supported Brexit.
We will not start in Austria a campaign Leave EU, this is wrong. Our position is to work in the system, and correct and improve the situation, I would say the exit is the last resort. We believe that a lot of things can be changed, Obermayr said.

He also noted that the Austrian voice, as well as the voices of other member states should become louder in the European Union after the vote.

We expect our government now to have more back to say no if we dont like things. We expect now the decisions are rethought, Obermayr said.

According to the final Brexit referendum results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.
The results of the Brexit came in on Midsummer's Eve, a holiday which normally sees the Nordics spending the day in the countryside with friends and family, enjoying all the delights of summer. Many predict the Brits' decision to turn their backs on the EU will hit their Nordic associates hard, with prospects of Swexit' and Fixit' arising.

Sweden's current minister for EU affairs, Ann Linde, who has been a staunch supporter of the European Union, commented on Twitter that she was "disappointed" about the news, saying that it would be "a Midsummer of wilting flowers." However, she ensured that Sweden would "continue to work for a prosperous Europe."

Good Morning EU  we will continue to work for a prosperous Europe and face challenges together. pic.twitter.com/bZwj6RgQvC  Ann Linde (@AnnLinde) June 24, 2016

At present, a full 72 percent of Swedes want their country to remain faithful to the EU, recent surveys by pollster SIFO showed. However, calls for a Swexit' were immediately heard on Friday morning, with both the left and the right congratulating the Brits on their decision. Jonas Sjostedt, the leader of the Left Party, demanded to renegotiate the terms of Sweden's EU membership.
BERLIN (Sputnik)  Russia is not celebrating the Untied Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union as Moscow is interested in a strong Europe, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's European Cooperation Department said Friday.

"We are not going to be happy about what happened. A strong Europe is in our interests, because a strong Europe means good economic development," Andrei Kelin told RIA Novosti.
Shehab Khan told Sputink: "Extra-marital affairs and personal issue pegged back Boris' career and led to David Cameron  essentially  leapfrogging him [and becoming leader of the Conservatives]. If you believe what is said within the inner circle, that has angered Boris for a while and he's been after the top job ever since."

'This Was No Referendum'

With Cameron as party leader  destined to fight  and win, albeit in coalition  the 2010 general election, Johnson eyed up the impeding Mayor of London elections. He stood and won, in 2008. From that moment on, Johnson had his own circus and  more importantly power.

Roll-on 2015 and Johnson announced he would stand as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for the safe seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip at the general election  putting him back in parliament. Once Cameron announced the date for the In-Out referendum on the UK's membership of the EU and campaign to remain, Johnson announced he would back Brexit.

Shehab Khan told Sputink:

"This [wasn't] just a referendum, this was, in fact a general election. We were choosing between who we wanted to be our prime minister  David Cameron or Boris Johnson. Cameron resigning immediately after the vote tells us that we're going to have someone that's pro-Brexit as prime minister.

"That only leaves us with two potential candidates  Michael Gove and Boris Johnson. Boris' play to come out and go against the tide and what the majority of leading his figures had said seems like it was a play to become prime minister," he said.

Khan says he believes Gove and Johnson will reach a pact similar to that reached between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, who agreed one would become leader/prime minister, standing down for the other after a time. So, ironically, Johnson could once again become Head Boy.

"David Cameron has been off-the-record as saying that he thinks Boris has been after his job from the start," Khan told Sputnik.
"[Osborne] declared an 18 percent fall in house prices, as part of his calculation, I think it's true: prices will fall now. That's why those building stocks are struggling," Roman Grigoriev from real estate firm LonGrad told Sputnik.

"It will probably affect property markets around the country, rather than London. London is a completely different country in its own right and it won't be affected, but everything in the rest of the country will."

Other experts disagree, pointing out that London property sales volumes could drop by 20 percent.

"There is so much uncertainty and uncertainty is never good for property," Grigoriev added.

"They will start negotiations. If we do leave  and everything points in that direction  housebuilders will suffer more and their costs will rise and their credit ratings will fall and that will have negative effects."

It is not only the residential sector that will suffer Brexit's repercussions. Office space prices would probably fall as big companies move thousands of jobs out of London and into other EU countries.

Prediction: #Toronto and #Vancouver #realestate markets soar higher as a result of #Brexit: seen as more stable investment than London.  Jessica Langer (@DrJessicaLanger) 24 June 2016

Banks such as Citigroup and JPMorgan have already announced similar plans, and that could have a whopping impact on the Canary Wharf complex. About 100,000 jobs could end up being relocated out of the UK, a trend that will certainly bring down the demand for office spaces  and their value.
As the violent Islamic fundamentalist group, now known as Daesh, started rising to prominence in Iraq and Syria in early 2014, many businesses around the world who had used the name Isis swiftly changed their name to avoid unnecessary associations with the jihadists.

However, company director Linda Ahlblad made a grand stand against altering her firm's moniker. Instead, she started an ultimately unsuccessful campaign to convince Finnish media to use other names to denote the terrorist organization.

"I was actually a bit relieved when the group announced they were changing their name to Islamic State. I thought if the media started using IS then maybe I can stick to the company name," Ahlblad told Finnish national broadcaster Yle, explaining why she first chose to stick to the website address isis.fi.
After the United Kingdom voted for Brexit, the European Union should prove its capability to carry out reforms, Gehrcke said.

The EU now has to prove shes capable of reform. There must be social standards, anti-racism, anti-militarism and more democratic for its citizens. Yes, I am convinced that the EU Commission must change its politics  but, looking at their first reactions to the British vote, I am not sure, that she is ready to do so, Wolfgang Gehrcke said.

Gehrcke noted that the Thursday vote would be used to kick start the new European project based on the principles of justice and democracy.

DIE LINKE stands for a Europe characterised by social justice, peace, democracy and hope. She stands for a Europe which is the peoples Europe and not the corporations one. I do hope, that todays vote will utilized as a chance for a new start of the European Union along these lines, he said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she regretted the British decision and announced that she would address the Bundestag about further German steps with regard to Brexit on June 28.
This is a truly historic moment for Britain. The marriage that lasted for 43 years is now over. Brexit will have a clear impact on the the negotiating process now going on between Turkey and the EU. What we see happening now is a marginalization of European politics, radicalization of liberal and conservative forces there. The migrant crisis and rising xenophobia are also a factor here, Ozturk Ylmaz said.

He added that the Britains exit would further undermine Turkeys bid to join the EU as Brexit is putting on hold Ankaras hopes to join the 28-nation bloc on hold.
"The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected," Cameron said.

He also stated that the country needed a new prime minister.

"The British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such, I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination. This is not a decision I've taken lightly, but I do believe it's in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required. There is no need to have a precise timetable today but in my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party congress in October," Cameron said.

Political analysts believe former London mayor Boris Johnson, who was one of the key campaigners of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, could benefit from the results of the referendum and even replace Cameron as the leader of the Conservative Party.

Pound's Sharp Fall
Danish relief efforts and development assistance to countries in Africa and elsewhere in the world may prove counterproductive, as more people may embark on a voyage to Europe in contrast to the plan of making their life better in their respective home countries. Assistance will only increase the number of migrants  at least in the short term, Danish scientists and experts warned.

"Financial aid is not a quick fix to slow migration," Ninna Nyberg Srensen of the Danish Institute of National Studies (DIIS) told the Danish newspaper Berlingske. "On the contrary, development may make it possible for people to migrate," she said.

"There is practical evidence that larger aid spurs migration, as improved social, economic and educational opportunities provide more people with ability to migrate," stated a report on the relationship between increased development in a country and the number of residents who choose to seek happiness in the richer part of the world.
"One of them, perhaps, is the dissatisfaction with Germany's domination. But there are more important [reasons]: the country no longer wants to finance funds established for candidate countries and participate in alien politics. In addition, it has obviously been anxious about the limitation of their sovereignty," Raskovic Ivic stressed.

At the same time Czech MEP Jaromir Kohlicek believes that Brexit will change little from the economic point of view: the UK will try to maintain economic ties with major European countries, student and academic exchanges will continue and cultural connections between the UK and the EU will remain strong.

"However, the political outcome of the referendum is not so unambiguous. Forces critical of the EU will significantly strengthen their positions  and not only in the Czech Republic, but also in Europe. These will be especially those who insist on the modernization of the giant bureaucratic machine in the Union," Kohlicek said.

"Now, for example, there is a debate on the EU budget after 2020. The English referendum will fuel this debate. It will strengthen the position of Eurosceptics who insist on a partial return of Brussels' functions to national states," the politician said.

For his turn, Belgian politician Tom Van Grieken called the results of the referendum "fantastic news" and said that other European countries are likely to soon follow the lead.

"Yes there will be a domino effect I think, the first country we should keep an eye on is I think the Netherlands," the politician stressed.

A similar point of view is backed up by the leader of the Serbian Radical Party Vojislav Seselj.

"This is a stake into the heart of the EU body. This process can't be stopped anymore. There will be new states that will follow the British example: possibly, Spain, Italy, Greece, Hungary is revolting, too. Fortunately, the EU will fall apart before Serbia joins the organization. We continue to reject the policy of European integration and we hope that the incident will shake the confidence of the Serbian ruling party in the necessity of this way and make them deeply reconsider the issue," the politician concluded.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel justified the need for such a decision by the existence of so called "new asymmetric threats" and noted that the Europeans can't always be dependent on the spending of the United States and rely only on Washington.

While German authorities announced their intention to increase the country's military spending in accordance with the requirements of NATO, Russia views such developments as a threat to its security, the newspaper noted.

Earlier, Russia's Permanent Representative to NATO Alexander Grushko said that NATO's military buildup in Eastern Europe worsens the security situation and imposes a confrontational scheme in relations with Moscow.
The second reason could be down to a loss of faith in financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

People have seen the plight of the Greeks and of course, have sympathized with their situation.

Paschos Mandravelis believes that the issues surrounding austerity have driven this massive political change and created anger towards governments that no one could have predicted.

"Yes, a lot of people in Greece don't understand why austerity is necessary for a country, that is not producing as much as we need to, to keep the consumer level as it was before the crisis. And this creates a lot of anger against politicians. It's too complex for the middle [average] man to understand" Paschos Mandravelis said.

However, one of the key issues that always seemed to emerge during campaigning was the subject of immigration.

Nigel Farage, Leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), produced a poster showing the number of refugees traveling into Europe last summer, it was deemed racist and xenophobic. Many thought leaving the EU would solve the problem of immigration, it would stop the free flow of people and prevent refugees from gaining access to Britain.

domdyer70: RT UK__News: Nigel Farage's anti-immigrant poster has been reported to the police amid claims it incite pic.twitter.com/5B4KN6IO7V  Ronnie Jacobs (@ronniejacobs417) June 17, 2016

However, Mandravelis believes that leaving the EU will not stop mass migration, regardless of what the politicians say.

"Yes, that affects a lot of the populist sentiment and was cultivated by populist politicians. Immigration is a fact of life  it's going to happen. You cannot seal the borders in the way that they populists are saying, so that people can't get in. We have to cope with that problem with the sensitivity that our culture and our civilization demands and we have to make some hard decisions. There is no way you can find a perfect solution for immigration. We will have immigrants, we will have populations moving across continents and we have to do the best we can to cope with this problem," Mandravelis told Sputnik.

For now though, once everything has been said and done, Britain will have to move forward and will need to establish trade agreements and begin negotiating with various countries in order to maintain its survival.
"I think that many voters in England didn't want that kind of future that Europe offered. For the economy it means that the euro zone is turning into a debt zone. It's going to continue to be run by austerity and I think one of the things that pushed the no-vote in Britain was the fact that they said: we need our own central bank to create our own money. We want to avoid austerity and if there is any way of avoiding austerity it's to not join with the euro," the expert said.

Although a majority of Northern Irish voters supported retaining membership of the 28-nation bloc, support for Brexit in England and Wales outweighed resistance to the move in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

"I think what kipped the balance in the last few days were all of the banks and leading businessmen saying it would be a disaster for England to leave. And that let the voters say: We want a disaster for the banks, we want a disaster for you, guys," the expert said.

According to the expert, the withdrawal from the European Union could have positive consequences for the country. It would stop the inflow of migrants, weaken the power of the banks over the rest of the economy as well as strengthen other economic sectors.
"I think it would be the biggest error to let people believe that as 27 (remaining countries) we can continue as before We need a new page, a new chapter in the history of Europebecause the messages are coming from everywhere, not just Great Britain," Juppe said.

Recognizing the dissatisfaction within Europe, the former Prime Minister sees the disappointment and believes that this attitude is understandable.

"It seems like an incomprehensible bureaucratic machine incapable of getting growth and jobs going, incapable of controlling its borders."

However, by how much the EU can change remains to be seen. European Council president Donald Tusk will convene the first EU summit without Britain next week to discuss the impact of the Brexit vote. Tusk said the EU would survive of Britain leaves, but the price will be high.

In addition to this, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced that she will meet with Italy and France on Monday, 27 June 2016, to discuss the situation now that Britain has decided to exit the EU.

What happens next nobody knows, but one thing is certain, things will never be the same again.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that the European Union should in a proper way consider the result of the referendum and revise its vision of the future.

"Fragmentation of the European Union has started. Great Britain is the first to leave the ship," Cankili wrote on his Twitter account.

On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum on UK's EU membership. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.
He said that theres no doubt about the fact that this day would be etched in history as, defining the role that Britain takes with the rest of the world, not only over the next few years but also over the next decade and potentially the next century, according to the journalist.

He further spoke about the drastic change in the pound that Britain saw in the past 24 hours. He said that it was almost inevitable.

Weve seen months of speculation, weve seen uncertainty hit the markets for the last two months or so. The stock markets also crashing. Britain has already gone from being the 5th largest economy to now being the 6th largest economy overnight, Khan said.

According to Khan, London has sort of notoriously been the financial capital of the world giving access to a single market, the largest single market on Earth, speaking the same language as America, its given a gateway for the Americans to have access to the single market which they wont have anymore.

Speaking to people within the city, there's this fear that a lot of the jobs in finance which are currently based in London could move to Frankfurt. JP Morgan and Goldman-Sachs were adamant in the run-up to the referendum that they would potentially move. Nervousness for people within the city is sort of demonstrated by how strongly Remain performed within London, Khan said.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The results of the Thursday Brexit referendum showed 51.9 percent of UK voters seeking to end the countrys membership in the European Union. Following the vote, Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would resign and allow his successor to negotiate the Brexit arrangements.

"Thats the key issue here: Is this the beginning of a trend, where nations start looking inward and move back toward protectionism, or is this just an isolated incident where there were unique set of factors in the United Kingdom that led to this point," Curbelo said.
Following the referendum, French politician Djordje Kuzmanovic noted that people said no not only to the current model of the EU, but also to such controversial topics as the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

"I guess that TTIP will fail by itself []. Taking into account the reaction of the American side, we can assume that there is also no future for TTIP in the United States," the politician said.

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), a proposed deregulation trade agreement between the European Union and the United States in secretive negotiations for years, has seen increasing discontent, as representatives of several European countries have openly condemned the deal, while British voters actively contemplate a Brexit solely as a means to avoid the hotly-debated treaty.

The TTIP trade deal has faced sharp criticism from activists and policymakers alike for the secretive nature of its negotiations and for the tremendous power it would potentially give to international corporations.
Ivan Eland, senior fellow and director of the Center on Peace & Liberty at the Independent Institute, told Radio Sputnik that the Brexit may trigger a "short-term turmoil," but it's no doomsday for the UK or Europe.

The vote to exit the EU will affect worldwide markets, but will not be a catastrophe for Britain, Eland claims.

"EU is sort of a leaking, maybe even sinking ship. They have all these problems with euro, and financial crisis, etc. The Brits are just saying You know, we want a little distance from the EU.' They'll probably come to some agreements on trade and other things, like Norway and Switzerland have done."
Around a thousand people gathered outside St. Giles' Cathedral in the capital of Scotland, where voters backed Remain by 62%, to declare their solidarity with migrants and fellow EU citizens living in the country. In a statement issued beforehand, organizers described the Brexit campaign as:

"A ruling class [which] has opened a Pandora's box of racist rhetoric around migrants and allowed a space to open up in groups and individuals influenced by fascist ideology. Far-right political violence is becoming increasingly commonplace. The fascist riot earlier this year in Dover and the assassination of pro-migrant Labour MP, Jo Cox, are symptoms of this drift."
On Thursday an Egyptian investigation committee announced that experts from the French air safety agency will clean the memory cards from the Airbuss flight recorders of salt deposits that are impeding the extraction of data. The chips will be delivered to France next week.

Once the flight recorders are repaired they will be returned to Cairo for analysis, which, the committee estimates, could take several weeks.

The two black boxes were retrieved from the bottom of the Mediterranean on June 17, at a depth of some 9000 feet. Despite that they were heavily damaged, experts believe they can be repaired and provide critical information on the last minutes of the flight.
Furthermore, over the last 2-3 years relations between China and the US have deteriorated due to the South China Sea dispute. Therefore, in such circumstances, China is forming alliances with regional key players.

According to Azizi, Pakistan was previously a strategic ally, but now cooperation with Iran can be much more profitable for China. Generally, it can be said that the issue of Iran's membership in the SCO is in the interest of several players.

Given the fact that Iran has very good bilateral relations with Russia and China, which are the key SCO players in the economic, commercial, political, military and other fields, that were the priority for entry into the SCO, but in the present circumstances it is no longer so relevant.

According to the expert, Iran may well continue to develop successful cooperation with Moscow and Beijing even without the membership.

The director of the Research Center of the Eurasian Strategic Council in Iran, Mahmoud Shoori, said that in the foreseeable future talking about Iran becoming a permanent member of SCO is not feasible.

He said that Iran had applied for the SCO membership a long time ago, back in 2008. Unfortunately, up until now the Iranian application has not received a positive answer for several reasons.

In fact, one of the causes became a clause, which was established in the charter of the organization. It said that those countries that are under the UN sanctions cannot become full SCO members, Shoori explained.

However, Iran has viewed this clause as the statute of reluctance and lack of interest of some members of the SCO for Tehran's accession into the Union.

Now, even Tehran's interest is no longer seen as specific and clearly defined. Iran as compared to past years is not showing an active interest in becoming a member of the SCO, according to the director.

Given the fact that the adoption of a new full member of the organization is solved by consensus of all the permanent members, not all the members seem to want Iran to be a part of the SCO. I see that under the present situation, the subject of Iran in the SCO may be delayed, Shoori concluded.
BEIRUT (Sputnik)  Aleppo has been engulfed in violence as al-Nusra Front terrorist group and its allies among some Syrian rebel groups have been shelling the Syrian army's and Kurdish fighters' positions.

Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington to influence Syrian rebels to distance themselve fromn al-Nusra terrorists.

"We have accurate information that 617 militants have been killed since the beginning of the month, of whom dozens are leaders," Nasrallah said in an address broadcast by the Al Manar station.
Afghanistan has been experiencing significant political, social and security-related instability for decades, as radical extremist organizations, including the Taliban , continue to stage attacks against civilian and military targets. More recently, a splinter group formed an Afghan Daesh affiliate.

The Daesh extremist group overran large areas of Syria and Iraq in 2014, with affiliates operating in Afghanistan, Libya, Nigeria and other parts of the world across North Africa and South Asia.

In late May, the Afghanistan National Security Council, chaired by President Ashraf Ghani, adopted a strategy to counter Daesh extremists, granting special powers to the country's security forces.
TASHKENT (Sputnik)  Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the potential of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (RATS SCO) should be enhanced.

"Of course, the main direction of our common activities is the provision of common security at the SCO area. It is necessary to continue strengthening of the regional anti-terrorist structure's potential in future and to enhance coordination of law enforcement agencies within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations," Putin said at the meeting of SCO presidents.

He added that it was necessary to speed up the preparations of the SCO anti-terror convention.
The bid to formally address the swelling challenges in connection with the continued melting of the Arctic's ice caps is expected to set Denmark back 360 million kroner (roughly 55 million dollars), with an additional 120 million kroner (roughly 20 million kroner) each year thereafter. The Arctic plans, which were the focal points of an analysis report presented by the Danish government earlier this week, focus on improved satellite surveillance, better communication, an increased role of the Navy, and Canadian-style "ranger patrols" in Greenland , for the first time in the island's history.

"Military forces have a large amount of civilian tasks in the Arctic. For instance, search and rescue operations in case of distress at sea. Also pollution control. And indeed fisheries inspection," Mikkel Runge Olesen, researcher in conflict potential and continental shelf claims in the Arctic, explained the build-up to the Danish TV-channel TV2. "As the Arctic becomes gradually more opened as a result of the global warming, all the tasks are becoming more expensive. So, from this perspective, it is no wonder that the Danish armed forces need to be provided with more money."

Despite the Danish build-up in the Arctic being assessed by local experts as "soft," it will most likely lead to further confrontation with Russia, which, according to the Danish Institute for International Studies is "by far the strongest military power in the Arctic."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Maiborodov said that India's Sahyadri frigate, Shakti and Kirch warships were expected to arrive in Vladivostok where the Indian guests are expected to hold a meeting with the Russian Pacific Fleet command and local authorities.

"On June 27, 2016, Indian Navy ships to arrive to Vladivostok with an unofficial visit The main goal of the visit is to continue the cooperation between the countries' navy," the district's spokesman Igor Maiborodov said.

The visit will last for four days, he noted.
BEIRUT (Sputnik)  Saudi Arabia and Turkey's officials have not commented on this statement so far.

"There is a regional Saudi-Turkish agreement to deploy thousands of terrorists to northern Aleppo. The aim of this agreement is to capture Aleppo," Nasrallah said in an address broadcast by the Al Manar station.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Thursday, South Korean media reported that Pyongyang carried out a successful launch of the medium long-range strategic ballistic missile named Hwasong-10. North Korea claimed that the test-firing, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was successful.

"The three nations shared the view that North Korea's provocations will further strengthen the international community's resolve to press the North to stop such behavior," the South Korean Defense Ministry said, as quoted by the Yonhap news agency.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that almost 500 soldiers and police officers been killed and 7,500 PKK militants have been "neutralized." The military claimed that six Turkish soldiers were killed in two attacks on Friday. Four soldiers were killed near the Iraqi border when an improvised explosive device detonated in Hakkari Province. This was in response to two soldiers being shot and killed by militants in the town of Derik, in Mardin Province.

Over the past few months, Ankara has been locked in a large-scale conflict with the PKK in northern Iraq and Syria, and at Turkeys southern border. This campaign began in response to a July 2015 bombing that killed more than 30 people in the southern Turkish town of Suruc.
He expressed hope that his sense that the Remain campaign would win the Thursday nationwide vote in the Untied Kingdom was wrong.

"My sense is that, and i am not conceding now, but my sense is that it's the government's registration scheme is what tips the balance. I hope i am wrong. But either way we had an amazing campaign. Whatever the result, we will win this war and get our independence and our borders back."

Farage also said the Leave victories in UK regions that have Labour Party support are predictable.

"These are the Northern, Labour parts of the country, who are profoundly eurosceptic. I do not know what the result is going to be tonight, "Farage told reporters, commenting on the victory of Outers in Sunderland, Swindon, Broxbourne and Kettering so far.

South Tyneside and North Antrim have also voted to leave.

The final results will be announced on Friday morning.
However, Klein expressed skepticism about whether the group could perform any useful counter-intelligence function.

"I have no idea if it will work  that is to say, catch spies."

Instead of hunting legitimate terror and espionage threats, the group was much more likely to focus its efforts on trying to intimidate, slander and discredit law-abiding organizations that promote cooperation and dialogue between Washington and Moscow, Klein warned.

A similar interagency body called the Active Measures Working Group existed during the Cold War, but has not been active in decades. The new group would be modeled after the old Cold War body, according to media reports.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  UK voted in a referendum to determine whether or not the United Kingdom should leave the European Union. Pro-Brexit campaigners have used migration as a key issue in their campaigns.

"The immigration argument, even if there is a successful Brexitis going to be pushed over by these new agreements like TiSA," Assange said during a live broadcast on the Brexit Club website.

This is due to the fact that the agreement, to which the United Kingdom would be a party, provides for the free movement of labor, he stressed.
Northern Ireland has finished its referendum result count with 408,744 supporting the Remain camp.

The voter turnout was 62.9 percent in Northern Ireland, according to BBC. Brexit was supported by 349,442 of the voters.

Wales and Scotland have completed their referendum counts with Wales having backed Brexit and Scotland having voted in favor of staying within the European Union.

Three Rivers has voted in favor of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union with 51.5 percent backing Brexit, according to the recent results.

Birmingham has voted to Leave EU. A fantastic result. I felt huge enthusiasm there when I visited.  Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) June 24, 2016

In Wales, 854,572 voted in favor of leaving the bloc, while 772,347 voted in favor of staying, according to BBC. The turnout was 71.7 percent.

In Scotland, 1,661,191 voted in favor of remaining part of the European Union, while 1,018,322 voted in favor of leaving. The turnout was 67.2 percent.

I now dare to dream that the dawn is coming up on an independent United Kingdom.  Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) June 24, 2016

The key region of Wirral has voted in favor of remaining in the European Union, however the Leave camp is ahead as several regions reveal Brexit support.

In Wirral, 51.7 percent were in favor of staying within the European Eunion, while 48.3 percent were against it.

In Milton Keynes, 51.4 percent supported Brexit.

Great Yarmouth has also voted in favor of leaving the EU with 71.5 percent supporting the move. Welwyn Hatfield voted in favor of Brexit with 53 percent.

"If the Remain wins by less than 10 points, there will be a sense that another #EUref could happen within the next 10 years"  Brexit Watch (@BrexitWatch) June 23, 2016

Conservative Eurosceptic UK parliament member Sir Bill Cash told BBC the referendum results are going in the direction of Brexit.

Just Shared With Me: GBP vs. Brexit Odds (Makes Sense) pic.twitter.com/5BD6SzUdYI  Michael McDonough (@M_McDonough) June 24, 2016

The brother of UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sputnik earlier that he projected the victory of the Leave camp in the Brexit referendum, held across the United Kingdom on Thursday.

The final result is expected on Friday morning.


LONDON (Sputnik), Anastasia Levchenko  The Leave camp is currently ahead as referendum results continue to come in. On Tuesday, Molly Scott Cato, a member of the European Parliament from the Green Party, told Sputnik that the immediate post-effect of possible Brexit would be the devaluation of the British pound, followed by the decline in investments in the UK economy.

"I think it is very close, but my heart tells me that we will vote to leave. There have been only a few times when I knew something with my heart, and it was right," Alex Story told Sputnik.

"I do not think foreign investments in UK economy would decrease. If you have euros, and the pound drops, things suddenly become a lot more cheaper for you in the UK. That is why the investment will go in, it's a buying opportunity," Story told Sputnik after the referendum was over.
"We now have a situation where Brexit has become a further cost of partition, a further cost of the Union and Sinn Fein will now press our demand, our long standing demand, for a border poll," Kearney said, as quoted by the Irish RTE News broadcaster.

He added that the British Government had forfeited its mandate to represent Northern Ireland in relation to the 28-nation bloc.
TOKYO (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum on its membership of the European Union. Earlier on Friday, it was announced that most people voted to leave the bloc.

"If it is true than it is regretful. It will have an impact, we are thinking on tense and fast reaction," the Kyodo news agency quoted Sugiyama as saying.

Japan is concerned not only about the referendum-related growth of the national currency, the yen, which is disadvantageous to the Japanese exporting companies, but also about the future of 1,000 Japanese companies that have factories and offices in the United Kingdom.
"I think it is very difficult for [Cameron] to stay on as prime minister given that he involved himself so heavily in the campaign, told us that dreadful things would happen to us if we were to leave, recession, threats of war and all the rest of it. I find it difficult to believe that he could become a Brexit prime minister," Farage said, as quoted by The Guardian newspaper.

Following the announcement, oil prices and the pound exchange rate plunged while Nikkei futures trading was suspended for the first time since May 2013.

UK's Decision to Leave EU Victory for Democracy, Sovereignty

A Leave vote in the British referendum on EU membership is a victory for democracy and a victory for all of the people of Europe who are now free to make their own choices, Raymond Finch told Sputnik.

"It is a victory for sovereignty, it is a victory for democracy, it is a victory for the British people, and it is a victory for all of the people of Europe, because now they are free to make their own choices."

"I am very happy that we have put an end to this dangerous project which has removed sovereignty from the people of Europe, because make no mistake  it is not just our people that we have freed today, it is the entirety of the 27 nations," Finch said.
"In any other circumstances, taking into account an unprecedented level of corruption, Kiev could never rely on this aid," Lorot noted.

Moreover, Washington is using NATO rhetoric on the "Russian threat" to pressure European nations, especially in Eastern Europe, the article read. Those countries believe in the US, rather than in the European Union, despite their admission to the bloc.

"However, serious experts dont believe that Russia would launch a military operation in the Baltics or Poland. For what goal and what profits?" Lorot wrote.

In turn, Russia has reasonable ground to be concerned over the NATO expansion along its borders. The economist noted that ahead of the collapse of the Soviet Union there was an agreement that NATO would not enlarge to the East, especially to the Russian borders.

"The agreement was clear, but it was violated. Moscow has the right to consider the NATO expansion as betrayal, and it is right," the article read. The deployment of the US missile shield in Europe would only deepen the tensions.

"In this context, it is obvious that the extension of sanctions will not contribute to reconciliation," he noted.

Lorot suggested that Moscow would never return Crimea to Ukraine and sanctions are unable to weaken the Russian economy.

"Some sectors of the Russian economy have been damaged, but the politics of imports substitution will decrease Russias reliance on European products. Furthermore, taking into account the Chinese offensive economic policy, Moscow is turning to the East. However, in the long-term perspective, this will be good neither for Russia nor for Europe," he concluded.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel called on Friday to hold a summit in July to define EU commitment among the bloc's member states.

"I call for a conclave to reaffirm our commitment in July. We have to define our priorities and set out a new future for Europe," Michel said as quoted by The Telegraph newspaper.

His comments come as earlier in the day the United Kingdom voted for the country's exit from the European Union, with 51.9 percent supporting the move.
TASHKENT (Sputnik)  Tehran has no obstacles to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) after the settlement of the Iranian nuclear program and removal of sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.

"Iran has been actively participating in the organization's activity since 2005 as an observer. I think that after the settlement of the Iranian nuclear problem and removal of sanctions, there are no obstacles for a favorable consideration of Tehran's bid [for the SCO membership]," Putin said at the meeting of SCO presidents.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, it was announced that 51.9 percent of voters supported the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.

"The President of the European Commission must first consider the vote as repudiation against him," Ferrand, who is also a member of the National Front party, said.

He also called on London, as well as Paris, to engage in negotiations to exit "Brussels Europe."
BRUSSELS (Sputnik)  The European Parliament is "very sad" about the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, but acknowledges that is a sovereign decision British voters can make, EP President Martin Schulz said Friday.

"The line of the European Parliament is quite clear, we are very sad about the decision of the voters in the United Kingdom, but it is a sovereign expression of the will of British voters to leave the European Union," Schulz told reporters.

On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum on its membership in the European Union, with Prime Minister David Cameron calling on the UK nationals to vote to remain. Earlier Friday, it was announced that 51.9 percent of voters supported Brexit.
NEW York (Sputnik)  Intra-Syrian talks may resume on July 12, diplomatic sources in the United Nations told Sputnik on Friday.

"The date for the revival of intra-Syrian talks between the conflict parties is July 12," the sources said adding that the date is expected to be announced by UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura during the upcoming UN Security Council meeting scheduled for next week in New York.

On Thursday, de Mistura said July was a priority date for the talks to resume.
"The United Kingdom will no longer be a part of the European Union and the procedures, provided by the treaty, will be implemented quickly, such are the rules, such are the consequences," Hollande said in a televised address.

On Thursday, UK citizens voted on their country's fate in the European Union. On Friday, voting data indicated that Britain voted to leave the bloc.

"The UK referendum has put Europe before a difficult challenge. [Europe] must show its resolution and strength to do everything possible to overcome the economic and financial risks caused by Brexit," Hollande said adding that some measures have already been taken.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not issue an official statement on the issue, but an unnamed diplomat, according to the Vzglyad newspaper, dismissed the reports as a "fantasy," pointing to the fact that cooperation between Russia and Nicaragua is based on "open and transparent agreements."

"Apparently, it was the information that Russia is determined to construct a mobile digital topographic center in Nicaragua" that sparked these reports, the daily noted. "It will be outfitted with satellite navigation systems and GLONASS stations that will allow the Nicaraguan army to store, analyze and use the data."

The center built under a deal inked in 2012 has come online in early February 2015, with Russian Defense chief Sergei Shoigu taking part in the opening ceremony. This is the site that the US media must have referred to, the newspaper suggested.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  US Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nulands latest visit to Moscow is a move to "compare notes" that is unlikely to yield concrete decisions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.

"It is a traditional exchange of views, a traditional comparison of notes that is not part of the Normandy format. That is how US colleagues thereby obtain first-hand information from the Quartet countries. This direct channel for dialogue is highly positive so that there is fullness of understanding in Washington on what is happening, which can have quite an effect on the prospects for settlement," Peskov said.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance would like to hold a meeting of the Russia-NATO Council before the alliance's July summit in the Polish capital of Warsaw. The Warsaw NATO Summit 2016 will take place on July 8-9, with members of the alliance set to discuss increasing military activities on NATO's eastern flank.

"No one is shying away. Dialogue is very important. Again, we would like to emphasize that Russia was not the one in favor of freezing dialogue with NATO," Peskov told reporters.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Thursday, Nuland arrived in Moscow to discuss the implementation of Minsk agreements on Ukrainian reconciliation.

"The discussions were very detailed, thorough and constructive. They focused heavily on the security aspects of Minsk, including how to accelerate a full ceasefire, heavy weapons withdrawal and full OSCE access to Eastern Ukraine," the embassy said.

Earlier, the US State Department said that Nuland will travel to Ukraine and Russia to discuss the crisis in Ukraines east with the two countries authorities.
On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"This [Brexit] is a blow to Europe and European unity," Merkel said.

Merkel said that Germany has "special interest and special responsibility" in European unity.
STRASBOURG (Sputnik)  The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is not able to represent the plurality of European views without the Russian delegation, the PACE Bureau said in a declaration Friday.

"The fact that, for two consecutive years, parliamentarians from one of the Organizations member States, the Russian Federation, have not participated in the Assemblys work limits the capacity of the Assembly to represent the rich plurality of views from across Europe," the declaration reads.

The suspension of Russia also prevents the assembly from contributing to the creation of a "unifying agenda" for Europe, the bureau said.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which 51.9 percent of voters opted for the country to quit the bloc. Following the final results, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who had campaigned to remain in the European Union, announced his decision to resign.

"June 23rd is a good day for democracy. Now we have a chance to transform the EU into a Europe of citizens. Today the EU is more a project of bureaucrats and elites. I hope that responsible politicians in Berlin and Brussels draw this conclusion," Pazderski, who is also a member of AfD's national board, said, warning that "otherwise more countries will follow the good example of Britain."

"David Cameron has shown greatness. He congratulated the Leave Team and stepped down," the AfD politician praised the British prime minister's decision.
BRUSSELS (Sputnik)  EU Council President Donald Tusk, EU Parliament President Martin Schulz, EU Council Presidency holder and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, as well as European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, collectively stressed they "regret" but respect the outcome of the Brexit referendum.

"As agreed, the New Settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union, reached at the European Council on 18-19 February 2016, will now not take effect and ceases to exist. There will be no renegotiation," the leaders said.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, it was announced that 51.9 percent of voters supported the United Kingdom leaving the European Union in a national referendum held Thursday.

"We will have a new prime minister who will take the country forward. As we do we will be looking for new friends outside the European Union," Cordle said.

Cordle added that the United Kingdom would have to go through a period of uncertainty after Brexit.
The Pentagon prides itself on being capable to maintain air superiority in any theater, but US warplanes were unable to do that last week in Syria even though "President Obama sent two aircraft carriers to the Med to make a point and beat his chest in front of Russian President Vladimir Putin," L. Todd Wood observed. "It's good there is only a few months left of the Obama presidency."

Russian aircraft have made a real difference in the war-torn Arab country, while the US-led coalition has been unable to do that, the expert noted. This fact has not been lost on Washington.
In total, the Swedish police will this year receive 283 million kroner (roughly 35 million dollars) more than the previous year. The Swedish government agreed that the police force's workload had drastically increased because of the refugee situation. The police wrote on their website that the extra allocations will be spent on tackling the crime and the violence in asylum accommodation centers, as well as bolstering the country's border protection to bar immigrants from entering the country illegally.

In contrast, the Security Police was only allocated 10 million kroner (1.2 million dollars) for its bid to better cope with the growing terrorist threat against Sweden. Obviously, this reflects Sweden's priorities.

Meanwhile, crime rates have been soaring across the country, following the influx of refugees, which may prove a goldmine for Sweden's lawyers. In a controversial attempt to ease the bureaucratic burden, budget allocations for legal assistants were raised over 11 percent to 300 million kroner (roughly 37 million dollars), news outlet Fria Tider reported.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"I hope that the British people made the right choice This decision is addressed toward the EU, and the European Union should duly consider this result and revise their vision of the future," Yildirim said in an address broadcast by Turkish media.

Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said earlier that the so-called Brexit vote had opened a "Pandora Box" that cannot be closed, while his colleague Nurettin Canikli predicted the EU's "destruction" triggered by the referendum.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  According to the official, the US president will continue to receive updates on the UK referendum results.

"We expect the President will have an opportunity to speak to Prime Minister Cameron over the course of the next day, and we will release further comment as soon as appropriate," the official said.

On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum on its membership in the European Union. Earlier Friday, it was announced that 51.9 percent of voters decided to leave the bloc.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  He said that Switzerland was very interested in developing relations with Britain, especially in the economic sphere.

"First of all, relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom must be reshaped. However, that will happen not today in the morning, but only after the leaving treaty will enter into force  presumably, in about two years," Schneider-Ammann said.

Schneider-Ammann also said that Brexit would result in uncertainty related to the economic development of Europe.
The two separate advances launched by the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Arab Army against Daesh's northern foothold in Syria have stalled: the SDF are yet to expel the terrorist group out of Manbij, Daesh's strategic gateway to the Turkish border, despite the US-led coalition's air support, while the SAA was forced to retreat along the Raqqa-Ithriya highway in western Raqqa province.

According to Lebanese Al-Mayadeen broadcaster, the Syrian government forces came under chemical attack launched by Daesh as part of the jihadists' blitz-offensive against the SAA on June 20-21.

Al-Masdar News wrote Friday that Daesh has reportedly captured the Palmyra Grain Silos and is now "at the eastern fringes of Palmyra (Tadmur) which is within striking distance of the imperative military airport [the T-3 Military Airport] that was just reopened by the Syrian Air Force."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

Gabriel was expected to visit Russia next week to discuss Germany-Russia relations.
German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier can be included in the ranks of those "understanding Putin" because of their pro-Russian stance and efforts to maintain dialogue with Moscow.

At the same time, representatives of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) consider these statements as part of a campaign and struggle for power aimed at the creation of a left-wing coalition in Germany.

"This is obsession with power. The main goal is to obtain the post of the Chancellor, and it does not matter with whose help. We see how Steinmeier who understands Putin' is already considering the ways of rapprochement with the Left Party. So I am looking forward to the competition, if the SPD would really go in that direction," CDU member Jens Span said.
Riyadh possess nearly a fifth of global petroleum reserves. It is not surprising then that the country relies heavily on oil to fill its coffers. Petroleum is estimated to account for more than 90 percent of Saudi budget and export earnings, as well as 55 percent of the nation's GDP.

Needless to say, the collapse of crude prices has had an adverse effect on Saudi Arabia that now wants to boost its non-oil revenues under a plan dubbed Vision 2030. The strategy, devised by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, involves creating the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, partially privatizing state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco and cutting welfare benefits.

"Even if he can check off all the items on his wish list, the deputy crown prince may not guarantee a prosperous future for his kingdom. By cutting subsidies and ceding some control over its oil industry, Saudi Arabia might surrender an asset rivaling oil in value: political order in a region engulfed in conflict," the analyst noted.
EDINBURGH (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum, in which a majority of Northern Irish voters supported retaining membership of the 28-nation bloc. Despite this fact, support for Brexit in England and Wales outweighed resistance to the move in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

"Sinn Fein will now be pushing for a border poll, a measure agreed upon in the Good Friday Agreement 18 years ago, to provide Irish citizens with the right to vote for an end to partition [division of Ireland] and to retain a role in the EU," Martina Anderson said.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Poland plans reform proposals in the European Union after the United Kingdoms vote to leave the 28-member bloc exposed divisions within the European project, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said Friday.

"We need to build a strong community of sovereign nations. We cannot pretend that there are no crises in the EU, it led to Brexit, we cannot not reach conclusions out of this," Szydlo said as quoted by the Wirtualna Polska news outlet.

Brussels' bureaucratic nature contributed in part to the 51.9 percent of British voters favoring the so-called Brexit on Thursday.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  He also added that Hungary was looking forward to a referendum in his country scheduled for the fall on whether to accept the EU quotas on migrants.

"Europe can only be strong if it can respond to such important issues as migration in a way that does not weaken the community but strengthens it. The EU has failed to respond in such a way," Orban was quoted by the Daily News Hungary as saying.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia welcomes the ceasefire deal between Colombian authorities and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and believes this agreement is a decisive step toward a final peace treaty, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday.

"We consider the signing of this important document by Colombian President J.Santos and FARC leader T.Jimenez to be a decisive, historical step on the path to signing a final peace agreement in the near future, which will put an end to five decades of armed conflict," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia is ready to provide "any necessary assistance," including through the UN Security Council, the ministry said.
Putin also said that Brexit is UK's choice and Russia has never meddled in the issue.

"Statements made by the UK prime minister, Mr. Cameron, before this plebiscite, before this referendum, on Russia's stance, have no basis and never had. I believe that this is nothing more than a flawed attempt to influence the public opinion in his own country. As we see, it didn't even have the desired result," Putin said following a SCO summit.

He emphasized that claims that Moscow is interested in Britain's exit from the European Union "show low level of political culture."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which 51.9 percent of voters opted for the country to leave the bloc. Most of the countrys nationals voted to leave, yet the support for the "Remain" camp was overwhelming in Gibraltar, standing at 95.9 percent. Spanish acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said that the results of the vote would contribute to Madrids increased influence in the exclave.

"I know many will be concerned about the future. I want to be absolutely clear. The United Kingdom will continue to stand beside Gibraltar. We will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against your wishes. Furthermore, the UK will not enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content," Lidington said as quoted by the Evening Standard newspaper.
KIEV (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"Ukraine and Moldova are disappointed by the referendum results and concerned about the growing number of eurosceptics in the European Union, however, Ukraine and Moldova are committed to the course of the European integration and reforms," Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook.

She added that Ukraine would hold consultations with Brussels soon on the consequences of the UK's EU referendum for bilateral relations.
ROME (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"Nothing will change in relation to sanctions, since Germany remains key in this issue The British referendum will not change the current situation. I see no changes in the upcoming months. But I hear more and more dissatisfaction from many people, and I hope that it will help to change the policy, which is not shared by everyone," Prodi said.

He added that despite the overall tiredness with the sanctions, "no one has bravery to make a decision to stop this policy."
"Germany and France have assumed the role of Russias main interlocutors on questions concerning European security and the survival of the Ukrainian state," Steinmeier wrote.

According to him, the Minsk agreements are far from perfect but without them the conflict would have gone out of control and spread far beyond the Donbass region. This is why Germany will seek their implementation.

Steinmeier also wrote that Washington is not involved in the Ukrainian settlement and has focused on other challenges.

This last assumption is debatable though. Earlier this week, Victoria Nuland, US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, visited Kiev and held talks with Ukrainian officials, including President Petro Poroshenko. On June 14-16, Ukrainian Prime Minister Vladimir Groysman visited Washington. It seems that the US is still interested in the Ukrainian problem.

Nevertheless, Steinmeier wrote that Germany is ready to embrace again the key role in European politics. He also criticized the US for its foreign policy, including the 2003 invasion in Iraq.

"The illusion of a unipolar world faded," he wrote.
This is what Michael McFaul, former US envoy to Russia, did earlier on Friday. The American diplomat "and others who genuinely believe that the Dead Sea is dying because of Russia, have already 'congratulated' us" on the British vote, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Facebook.

Once the Leave campaign secured a comfortable lead, McFaul took to Twitter to "genuinely complement Putin for his victory tonight on Brexit," saying that the vote "is a giant victory for Putin's foreign policy objectives."

I genuinely complement Putin for his victory tonight on Brexit, but Russians scream defensively, "Putin is not guilty'. What does that mean?  Michael McFaul (@McFaul) 24  2016 .

Not always, but tonight is giant victory for Putin's foreign policy objectives. Give him credit. https://t.co/9kXQQiT3nC  Michael McFaul (@McFaul) 24  2016 .

Keep in mind that McFaul did not say that Vladimir Putin or Russia influenced the vote or were a factor that contributed to the outcome. The Russian president "just benefited from it," he suggested.
MOSCOW (Sputnik), Svetlana Alexandrova  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"That is a big disappointment in terms of the European situation today. It tells something about the conditions and the shape of Europe today. Of course, the problem is that the strongest and the most civilized nation are turning its back toward the Union. It is a big loss for everyone. It will change dramatically many things in the EU and some necessary reforms can be foreseen in the future. I hope that everyone in the EU will realize that some major changes are necessary in decision making process and also what concerns procedures in the administration share of the whole EU structure," Kanerva said.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will discuss the consequences of the Brexit vote during the next session in July, Kanerva added.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"The problem is not the UK vote, the problem is that they want to leave. You have to ask yourself how is it possible that Europe has generated such discontent and this skepticism Europe must learn the lesson and change course, reaffirming its commitment to its core values: to defend democracy, social rights, and friendship between the peoples of the continent. We are going to go to Brussels to do exactly that," Podemos said.

Europe has drifted away from its core values and must address widespread dissatisfaction by focusing on democratization and solidarity to build a Europe that nobody wants to leave, the left-wing party stressed.
In fact, among the 48 members of the NSG, 38 countries were in favor Indias membership.

Three countries, including Ireland and New Zealand, wanted the criteria for admission for non-NPT states to be discussed first while Indias membership could be taken up later.

Six countries, including Brazil and Switzerland were of the view that discussion on criteria and Indias membership have to take place simultaneously.

But the most vehement opposition to India's admission came from China. China tried to block any discussion on India in the first half of the first day of the NSG Plenary and only agreed to discuss on India on the condition that there would be no decision on India in the NSG Plenary meeting.

NSG concluded its plenary meeting in Seoul today. India was not of course in the room. But we understand from our friends and well-wishers that discussions on expansion of membership, of what is participation in NSG, were certainly not hypothetical, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in a statement.

He further added that, We understand that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country, an overwhelming number of those took the floor supported Indias membership and appraised Indias application positively.
BRUSSELS (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Britain leaving the European Union, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"Brexit will most likely result in escalation of tensions between NATO and Russia as the prevailing role of the US and the UK in the alliance becomes more than obvious," the source told RIA Novosti.

NATO has been reinforcing its military presence in Europe, particularly in the Eastern European states, since the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, citing Russia's alleged interference in the conflict as a justification for the move. Moscow has repeatedly denied the accusations, calling NATO's military buildup near Russias borders provocative.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to the final results of the UK referendum, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"We suggest that Danish people should be asked if they still want to be a part of the European Union or we should take time and negotiate an alternative deal with the European Union," Mikkel Lauritzen said.

Earlier on Friday, Red-Green Alliance member Pernille Skipper suggested in the interview to national broadcaster DR that such a referendum might be held next year on Denmarks Constitution Day on June 5, which would "give time to investigate the alternative cooperation possibilities with the European Union."
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether the country would remain the 27-member EU bloc. According to the official results, 51.9 percent of voters decided in favor of the exiting the European Union, a move known as Brexit.

"I hope and expect that leaders in London, Brussels and beyond will take the steps necessary to minimize the economic and political fallout from this vote and to preserve the cooperation that will be required to address the range of issues confronting Europe and the United States," Shaheen stated.
NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  Two leaders held a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, which has started in the Uzbekistan's capital of Tashkent on Thursday.

"PM Modi thanked Russia for its support in SCO and said India as BRICS chair would keep up the momentum generated by Russia," spokesman for the Indian Foreign Ministry Vikas Swarup said.

Swarup added that the two leaders also discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy, gas and space sectors.
BERLIN (Sputnik)  The German Spiegel magazine reported on Wednesday that the fact-finding mission headed by Ralf Brauksiepe, parliamentary state secretary for the country's defense ministry, was prohibited from visiting Incirlik, in a signal that German officials were not welcome guests in Turkey. The move by Ankara followed the decision of the German parliament to recognize the 1915-1916 massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as genocide.

"I can add that the Foreign Ministry looked for a meeting with the Turkish side on various levels yesterday. Finally, we held a conversation with the charge d'affaires in the Foreign Ministrys building in Berlin where we decisively noted that the state secretary can visit the military base in Incirlik. We explained to the Turkish side that visiting military units was a common practice among the NATO allies We indicated that we were planning the visit," Chebli said at a briefing.

She pointed out that there was no further development of the situation.
The two main EU legislative institutions, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, discuss the terms and vote.The European Parliament comprises over 700 lawmakers who are elected directly by residents of the country members. Together with the Council of the EU, they constitute the bicameral EU legislature. In order to be officially approved, the decision on withdrawal should be supported by a simple majority of votes.

The Council of the European Union comprises 28 ministers of EU country members. It meets in 10 different configurations, depending on the issues discussed. In order to be approved by the Council, an agreement on withdrawal should be supported by a qualified majority (20 of the 27 votes).

Step 4: Withdrawal begins

All the provisions of the agreement should be implemented within two years since the moment of notification. But the term may be extended if all the members of the European Council agree.

Step 5: Britain leaves the EU

After two years, Britain will automatically withdraw from the European Union, even if the parties fail to reach all agreements. Britain will be stripped of all rights and obligations of an EU member, including free trade and free-visa travel.
CAIRO (Sputnik)  Jarba announced the formation of the Syria's Tomorrow movement in Cairo in March on a platform of decentralized rule in Syria. He previously headed the Syrian National Coalition opposition group. Syrias Tomorrow emerged in March in a new bid to unite liberal opposition forces under one umbrella organization.

"Ahmad Jarba, head of the Syrias Tomorrow, will visit the Russian capital in the end of this month under the official invitation to meet Russian officials," el-Khatib said.

He added that the upcoming meeting was of utmost importance as Russia "controls Syrian dossier on the international arena."
According to Murray, it is not a simple question.

However, since the referendum on retaining EU citizenship was more recent and brought together "a much larger majority" it should have precedence, the British author believes.

In light of this, he remarks, the statement of Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that a new Scottish independence referendum is now on the table, is a "sensible step."

Indeed, on Friday Sturgeon told a news conference in Bute House, Edinburgh, that a second vote on Scotland's independence from the UK is now "highly likely."

"As things stand, Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against our will. I regard that as democratically unacceptable," Sturgeon underscored.

Citing the Scottish National Party's 2016 manifesto Sturgeon stressed that the Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another independence referendum "if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014."

Since Scotland does face such a change, "the option of a second referendum must be on the table," she stated.

"And it is on the table," Sturgeon emphasized.

I think people should look at this before talking utter bollocks about how people voted. pic.twitter.com/j3KG92l0im  Neil Findlay MSP (@NeilFindlay_MSP) 24  2016 .

However, according to the former ambassador, "there is another step [Sturgeon] should take."

So far, Murray presents a potential roadmap on how the issue could be tackled.

"The democratic conflict of decisions brings about a conflict of interests between the institutions to which Scotland elects national representatives. To resolve this requires a supplementing of current constitutional arrangements. The First Minister should therefore convene a National Convention consisting of all Scotland's elected national representatives  its MEPs, MPs and MSPs united in a single democratic body merged on a one member one vote basis," Murray writes.

He explains that this body should draw up recommendations not only for the new independence referendum, but also for the future constitution, economy and currency and international alliances of a sovereign Scottish state. It should also oversee negotiations with the EU, Murray adds.

Scots should be provided with a "more definite prospectus" regarding what their new independent state will look like.

"The world has changed radically," Murray underscores, "We must not be afraid to think outside the UK prescribed box in defining Scottish solutions."
PARIS (Sputnik)  On Thursday, UK citizens voted on their country's fate in the European Union. On Friday, voting data indicated that Britain voted to leave the bloc

"The president said that all the procedures required to exit [the UK from the EU] should be made as soon as possible," Stephane Le Foll said following an emergency French Cabinet meeting addressing Thursday's referendum that saw 51.9 percent of Britons vote in favor of the so-called Brexit.

Earlier in the day, Hollande said that France regretted the UK's decision to leave the EU.
There is no end to Modis woes as now major opposition party Congress has termed the developments at the NSG Plenary meet in Seoul as an embarrassment to India.

The Congress Party on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should realize that diplomacy needs depth and seriousness and not hype.

Congress Party spokesperson Anand Sharma told media that, We do not know why India showed its desperation and allowed the country to be equated with Pakistan on the issue of NSG membership.
A group of US Republican Senators along with their House counterparts has expressed their protest over the nomination of US Under Secretary for Arms Control Rose Gottemoeller as NATO deputy secretary general, dubbing her a "Russia apologist."

The Washington Times reported Wednesday that last week Senators Tom Cotton, Jim Risch and Marco Rubio sent a letter to US Secretary of State John Kerry objecting Gottemoeller's appointment.

"Our main concern with Secretary Gottemoeller's appointment is an apparent unwillingness to keep the North Atlantic Council and individual member states apprised of key updates on Russian arms control violations associated with the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty, her frequent public 'misstatements' on this topic, and her reputation as a 'Russia apologist'," the letter said as quoted by the media outlet.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to Tusks letter, the meeting involving UK Prime Minister David Camerons participation will be held Tuesday, while the meeting of the 27 members states' leaders, excluding Cameron, will be held the following day.

"I have no doubt that due to the negative outcome of the UK referendum we will mostly need to devote our European Council to a discussion on its political consequences. It is my intention to ensure that we have sufficient space to debate both with Prime Minister Cameron, and then separately with the 27 Heads of State or Government," the invitation letter said.

On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Following the trip to Kuwait, Shannon will head to India, where he will meet with Indian government officials and members of civil society.

"While there [in Yemen], he [Shannon] will meet with Kuwaiti government officials to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues," the release said. "He will also meet with UN officials and others involved in the ongoing Yemeni peace talks to underscore US support for those talks."
"The Prime Minister thanked each of them for their support in the EU renegotiation process and during the referendum campaign. They each expressed their continued strong support for the UK," Cameron's Office said.

On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Britain leaving the European Union, while about 16.1 million opposed it.
BRUSSELS (Sputnik)  On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.

"Quite a considerable period has been allotted  two years [for completion of UK withdrawal process]. However, nobody may probably be certain that they will keep within these two years," Chizhov told reporters.

According to the Russian envoy, it is unclear to what extent the UK citizens want to speed up this process.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  On Tuesday, the US Strategic Command confirmed two North Korean missile launches over the Sea of Japan. The most recent tests follow a series of missile launches by Pyongyang, as well as a March nuclear test.

"The purpose of their missile and nuclear development is to be able to directly hold the United States hostage and to prevent the United States from taking military action against North Korea without calculating the risk of a North Korean strike on the United States," Countryman said at the Institute for Korean-American Studies summer conference.

Countryman noted that the position is "not an official US viewpoint," but could explain the behavior of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Barack Obama and Angela Merkel agreed to reiterate commitment to strong NATO ties following Brexit during the upcoming alliance summit in Poland, the White House said in a press release on Friday.

"The leaders also noted that they looked forward to the opportunity to underscore the strength and enduring bond of transatlantic ties at the NATO Summit in Warsaw, Poland, July 8-9," the White House stated.

G7 and Financial Stability After Brexit

Obama and Merkel also agreed that G7 economic teams will closely coordinate to ensure financial stability after Brexit vote.

"The two leaders agreed that the economic and financial teams of the G-7 partners will coordinate closely to ensure all are focused on financial stability and economic growth," the White House stated.
Now, if you are asking yourself, what does this have to do with today? Surely, as mankind has progressed through the years, we have become more enlightened and knowledgeable? Zero Hedge recently ran a story that featured an interview with a bookie about the Brexit referendum a few days ago who said  "we took a 25,000 bet on Remain this morning which helped move the odds in their direction." This, in turn, unleashed a global asset surge on Wednesday, as markets rebounded on expectations the Leave campaign was losing momentum, even as actual polls  that were still neck and neck  did not validate such an observation. Get that? One person, placing a 25k bet, was able to trick media pundits and even drive the financial markets. The article went on to note  "Although Ladbrokes has received a higher volume of bets to leave the EU, those making a punt on remain were placing higher financially larger.. the average stake on a bet to remain was 450, compared to 75 on a bet to leave. Zero Hedge summed it up by noting  In other words, a few large bettors are skewing the bookie odds dramatically in the favor of Remain, even as the majority of bettors is betting on Leave, albeit with smaller cash amounts. Another way of putting it: a substantially outsized influence by a wealthy minority over the poor majority, just like in every other aspect of life.

And speaking of other things that may be, or may not be, true, an interesting turn off events has taken place in Japan. Remember Fukushima? Remember how back in 2011 there was a major nuclear meltdown? No? Well, that is probably because media hasnt been covering it very well and when they do, it is to silence any voice that suggests that it was something not only very serious, but that it was a direct threat to the planet. In fact, there was a word that was used  conspiracy theorist. And yet, just in the last few days the truth has come out. The president of TEPCO, the Japanese power company, went on national TV and admitted on NHK that his company concealed the reactor meltdowns at its Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant immediately after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Thats right. Concealed as in, they couldnt let the truth get out. Forget the fact that the Pacific Ocean is kind of relevant for planet earth. There are some things that are more important, like saving face. The president also went on to note that  TEPCO ordered not to use the word core meltdown when referring to what happened at the crippled plant. Specifically, he said  I would say it was a cover-up. It's extremely regrettable. Yes, yes it is. Just tell that to the starving whales or the diseased fish or even the children that are suffering from higher rates of thyroid issues.

But it doesnt stop there. Another massive story that emerged this week was in the midst of the NATO build-up in Europe and Eastern Europe. Ostensibly in a defensive posture due to increased Russian Aggression. For months now, media has reported and key members of the power establishment have noted  it has all been to send a signal of deterrence to Russia. Thats right. The size of military movements in Europe not seen since World War II is being justified as a counter-weight to Russia. But are they really? Couldn't the troops already pre-staged also be used offensively, as an invasion force, with the slightest provocation or the quickest of orders? Or at least interpreted that way? A popular internet meme jokes that Russia wants war, just look at how close it put its country near NATO bases. Of course, the reality is that as Reuters reported according to General Petr Pavel, chairman of the NATO Military Committee, there is no intelligence that suggests Russia is planning any broad-scale aggression whatsoever. In fact, he goes on to note that It is not the aim of NATO to create a military barrier against broad-scale Russian aggression, because such aggression is not on the agenda and no intelligence assessment suggests such a thing.

The war in Syria is going hot, with Russian and American military forces coming increasingly in closer contact with each other. The financial markets, which essentially have been held together with duct tape since 2007, are being tested once again. As the world and financial markets reel from the Brexit vote, the powers that be are being pushed into taking more drastic measures. Will the UK leave Europe? Probably not. Remember back to the Irish in the early 2000s, when they at first rejected the EU, only to have a second vote forced upon them, essentially asking  Will you join now, or later? With this in mind, head on over to YouTube- and search for Eagles, Hotel California, where you can listen to those classic lines 

Mirrors on the ceiling,

The pink champagne on ice

And she said "We are all just prisoners here, of our own device"

And in the master's chambers,

They gathered for the feast

They stab it with their steely knives,

But they just can't kill the beast

Last thing I remember, I was

Running for the door

I had to find the passage back

To the place I was before

"Relax, said the night man,

"We are programmed to receive.

You can check-out any time you like,

But you can never leave!"

So, what do you think dear listeners Are you for the globalists or the nationalists?
The next thing that we address is how tens of thousands of Okinawans are protesting against the US military occupation of their island and the rampant lawlessness of American troops. After that, we move over to the colonial-era Durand Line that separates Afghanistan and Pakistan and talk a bit about why the two sides are once more clashing over the border. Coming up after that is an analysis of the incident between Chinese fishermen and the Indonesian Navy, and why the US would be overjoyed if Beijing and Jakarta had a falling out. Lastly, this weeks episode ends by warning about the threat that Kurdish terrorism poses to Iran and raising awareness about the last spree of attacks that have targeted the Islamic Republic.
For David Coburn, this is a dream come true: I have been working on this since 1975, since I was 16 years old, so yes, its a fulfilment of a long battle. Dr Monaghan expressed that he was tremendously disappointed with the result of the referendum; I think it is tragic that the people of England have voted to leave the EU, there is a very positive result in Scotland where the people of Scotland have voted to stay in the EU, and want to see their EU citizenship protected.

To a question on whether the UK stay together as a single country, Dr Richard Wellings pointed out that calling a Scottish referendum now would not perhaps be the best thing to do because Scotland is in a weak position economically, with the fall in the oil prices, poor demographics, it is doubtful that Germany would want to support another weak part of Europe. Dr Monaghan said that: Nicola Sturgeon has said that in the case of a remain vote in Scotland and a leave vote in England, that it is demographically unacceptable for the people of Scotland to be dragged out of the EU. This does give the Scottish people a mandate, how they use it is up to them.

On the subject of what will happen to the rest of Europe, Dr Wellings expressed that he does not see any immediate race for the rest of the EU break up, he even sees the EU bureaucracy possibly using this as a way to further EU integration. But he also points out that: the problem is that the UK was one of the major contributors into the EU, and without the UK, Germany and other countries will have to pay more into the system, and that could be the breaking point with German taxpayers. David Coburn believes that it is all going to break up, as when we leave, it is only Germany and Britain that keeps the whole thing afloat financially. The Dutch will soon follow, then the Czech Republic and so on. David sees the EU as: an unelected authoritarian dictatorship. I want to be ruled by my own parliament, and so does everybody else.
Will Congress further expand the FBIs ability to spy on people without a warrant? Becker is joined by NSA whistleblower William Binney and Julian Sanchez, a senior fellow at the CATO Institute, to discuss the latest intensification of the police state in America.

Officer Caesar Goodson Jr., the driver of the police van in the infamous rough ride that killed Freddie Gray in Baltimore, has been acquitted of all charges. Will this cause the city to explode yet again? Eugene Puryear, activist and author, joins Becker to address if justice will ever be served in the death that brought about last year's uprising in Baltimore.

The Supreme Court is deadlocked on the question of the White Houses deferred action program, letting stand a lower court ruling against these measures. Now four million undocumented parents are at risk of deportation. Becker talks with Jessica Gonzalez Rojas, the executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, about what's next in the fight for immigration reform.
In the aftermath of the shock vote, everyone in continental Europe is struggling to understand what comes next and whether the European Union that they worked so hard for decades to build is about to finally become unraveled.

The UKs exit from the EU marks the end of a tumultuous relationship that British voters believed had caused their country more harm than good, but thing is, theyre not the only ones who feel that way. All eyes have now frantically shifted to the mainland to see which country will be the next one brave enough to stand up and get out.

Vladimir Mikheev, RBTH weekly analytical Troika report commentator (studio guest); Luc Jones, Commercial Director at the Antal executive recruitment company; Martin Bentham, home affairs editor at the London evening standard (London); and Dr. David Blake, Professor of Pension Economics at Cass Business School, City University (London) joined us to discuss historic referendum.
Of interest to the market is whether Putin and Jinping are in clear agreement about a Russian proposal to include China within the trade orbit of the Eurasian Economic Union. The EEU is a five member trade union between a number of ex-Soviet states, including Kazakhstan and Belarus.

The author then goes on to analyze that:

China may be interested in affiliating if they can use it to export its oversupply, assuming those frontier markets are interested in importing Chinese coal, cars and steal. Russia, on the other hand, is looking to befriend China as the U.S. continues to chastise it militarily in the South China Sea.

Vladimir Mikheev, RBTH weekly analytical Troika report commentator (studio guest); Yuri Tavrovsky, professor at the Peoples Friendship University of Russia and Rajeev Sharma, independent expert, commented on the issue.
According to an official count, 51.9 of Britons voted for the United Kingdoms exit from the 28-nation bloc.

The results of the British referendum will deal a devastating blow to the EU bureaucracy in Brussels and could lead to similar plebiscites in other EU countries, above all Greece, Spain and Italy. It also means that the British people dont like the idea of having outside structures deciding their economic and foreign policy, Korotchenko said.

He added that Britain would now be drawing even closer to Washington toeing the US line and sharing responsibility for Americas military adventurism.
The satellite will complete the MUOS system and provide the US Navy with improved communications, its capacity 10 times above the previous-generation system.

The Atlas V rocket's first stage is fitted with a Russian-built RD-180 engine that runs on kerosene and liquid oxygen, while its upper stage is fitted with an American-built RL10 engine that runs on liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
Three of those identified in the photograph Michael Strank, Harlon Block, and Franklin Sousley  were killed in battle shortly after the photograph was taken. The Marine Corps identified the surviving three as Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, and John Bradley.

But after conducting his own research in 2014, history buff Eric Krelle raised the possibility that John Bradley was not actually one of the men in the photo.
The court currently consists of four Democrats and four Republicans following the death of Antonin Scalia in February. The decision was split equally among party lines, with Democrats in favor of the presidents plan.

The ruling comes amid a tense election season, in which the presumed Republican nominee Donald Trump has vowed to deport all illegal immigrants and build a wall stretching across the southern border of the nation.

Republicans celebrated the ruling, with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) calling the split a victory.

"This is a win for the Constitution, this is a win for Congress," Ryan told the press. "Presidents don't write laws, Congress writes laws.

Obama called the tie heartbreaking for the millions of people that the decision will affect.

"We're going to have to make a decision about whether we are a people who tolerate the hypocrisy of a system where the workers who pick our fruit or make our beds never have the chance to get right with the law  or whether we're going to give them a chance, just like our forebears had a chance, to take responsibility and give their kids a better future," Obama said on Thursday.
Tests show that the filters, distributed to homes by Michigan state agencies, reduce the level of lead in drinking water to less than 1 part per billion, well below the EPA's action level of 15 parts per billion.

"These findings reaffirm the effectiveness of filters at removing or reducing lead. This is an important step forward for providing a stable water system for the city of Flint," said Tom Burke, EPA Science Advisor and Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development.

The EPA reported that the water, if properly filtered, is safe for all to drink, including those more susceptible to the effects of lead poisoning such as pregnant and nursing women, and children.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The blaze broke out on Thursday afternoon and burnt about 2,000 acres.

On Wednesday, an army of firefighters near the Mexican border in California battled a blaze for the third consecutive day. It was one of several wildfires that have charred huge swaths of western United States.

Further north, near the US city of Los Angeles, more than 700 homes have been evacuated as two wildfires threatened to merge.
According to the media outlet, on the day of Orlando tragedy, Lewis wrote on his Facebook page that the city was void of culture, calling it "a melting pot of 3rd world miscreants and ghetto thugs." He said that people who lived in Orlando were in danger and at risk.

Lewis is said to have worked as a prosecutor for 20 years.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Capt. Kyle Moses was relieved of command due to a loss of confidence in his ability and reassigned to administrative duties, the release explained.

"Several weeks ago, I had initially taken what I felt was appropriate administrative and corrective action involving Capt. Moses based on the preliminary results of the investigation, which I began immediately after we recovered our sailors," US Central Commands Naval Forces commander Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan stated. "However, after thoroughly examining the findings of the final, comprehensive investigation, I determined that this additional action was necessary."

The intervention of US Secretary of State John Kerry led to the release of ten US sailors who were held captive for one day after two US patrol vessels accidentally strayed into Iranian waters. Kerrys intervention came at a crucial point in the implementation of a nuclear deal with Iran.
"[The EU] has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond," he said.

"The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."

On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether the country would remain a part of the EU bloc. The results of the referendum, revealed on Friday, saw the Leave campaign victorious, with nearly 52% of the votes.
In March WikiLeaks posted an archive of over 30,000 emails Clinton sent and received while she was Secretary of State.

Assange and Clinton make natural enemies, as Wikileaks champions transparency and Clinton is currently under an FBI investigation for using an unauthorized private email server to circumvent Freedom of Information Act requests. Wikileaks and supporters have long fought against expanding foreign conflicts and government corruption, which many suggest Clinton embodies.

Assange accused the former First Lady of contributing to the rise of Daesh, a belief echoed by many of her more feverish critics.

I have had years of experience in dealing with Hillary Clinton and have read thousands of her cables. Hillary lacks judgement and will push the United States into endless, stupid wars which spread terrorism. Her personality combined with her poor policy decisions have directly contributed to the rise of ISIS, Assange wrote. Shes a war hawk with bad judgement who gets an unseemly emotional rush out of killing people.

Assange has been residing at the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012, out of fear of being extradited to Sweden where he has been accused, but never formally charged, of sexual assault. Assange has consistently denied the allegations, claiming that an extradition to Sweden is a ploy to get him further extradited to the US, where he would face charges of espionage.

WikiLeaks launched in 2006, and has since released millions of classified diplomatic documents from around the world detailing espionage practices, war crimes, torture and many other human rights violations. The publisher is wanted by the United States government on charges including espionage, conspiracy, theft of government property and computer fraud. If extradited to the US and successfully tried, he could face up to 45 years in prison.

Earlier this year, the UN Working Group of Arbitrary Detention ruled that Assange was unnecessarily detained by two democratic governments and is entitled to his freedom.
Last fall, a high-tech JLENS surveillance dirigible broke from its mooring station at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and drifted to Pennsylvania, knocking out power lines. When it landed, state troopers shot at it to speed the blimps deflation. This incident occurred after the US Army had recently commenced a planned three-year operational test of the Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS).

"I would tell you that JLENS was on a path to be very successful, short of the slight mechanical malfunction that happened. I was very involved with that program and Ive seen a lot of the capabilities. If JLENS is put back on schedule to complete its test I think it would be a major game changer." said, Wilson, adding that, "Even in the NCR today we struggle to provide this overhead persistent capability, such as JLENS."
The beauty queen owner of a womens boutique came out publicly as a lesbian when she was 18 years old.

It's always been an internal struggle, deciding to come out, in and of itself. But I never felt like I needed to hide it. I'm just not that kind of person. For the most part, my friends and close family I've always been out to, but I competed for one year before I was [publicly out]  and I knew that once I was open about it, I would actually do much better in pageants because I would know I was presenting who I really was, OFlaherty told Cosmopolitan magazine.

OFlaherty hopes that the visibility of her being out and open in the Miss America pageant will be a positive message for the LGBT community.
Graham thanked Waldhauser for his testimony, remarking, "I can't thank you  I'm just  that's about as direct testimony as I've ever heard from this committee."

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) echoed Grahams praise, saying "General Waldhauser, I want to thank you for your candor before the committee, we look forward to working with you. I think that Sen. Graham's questions clearly indicated that, at least as far as [Daesh] is concerned, that Africa is their next target of opportunity, and I think you are going to need a lot of help."
The European Parliament is "very sad" about the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, but acknowledges that is a sovereign decision British voters can make, Schulz said Friday.

"I want to repeat what was described in the settlement, which is null and void, after the decision of the British voters. Both sides should respect mutually different views. Now the United Kingdom decided to leave and therefore the member states who remain in the European Union must discuss how to improve the European Union and how to protect especially the Eurozone countries," he told reporters.

5. The Foreign Ministry of Japan

"If it is true then it is regretful. It will have an impact, we are thinking of tense and fast reaction," Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shinsuke Sugiyama was quoted as saying by the Kyodo news agency.

6. The leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), Nigel Farage

"Dare to dream that the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom. This, if the predictions now are right, this will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people," he said.

I now dare to dream that the dawn is coming up on an independent United Kingdom.  Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) 24  2016 .

"We have fought against the multinationals, we have fought against the big merchant banks, we have fought against big politics, we have fought against lies, corruption and deceit," he added.

7. Former US Ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul

"Shocked by #Brexit vote! Losers: EU, UK, US, those that believe in utility of a strong, united, democratic Europe. Winners: Putin," he wrote on Twitter.

Shocked by #Brexit vote! Losers: EU, UK, US, those that believe in utility of a strong, united, democratic Europe. Winners: Putin.  Michael McFaul (@McFaul) 24  2016 .

8. US Republican Presidential Hopeful Donald Trump

Trump hailed Britain's vote to leave the EU as "fantastic" after arriving in Scotland on Friday.

"I think it's a great thing. I think it's a fantastic thing," he told reporters.

Ahead of the vote, the billionaire said that Britain "should go it alone" and leave the EU.

9. Marine Le Pen, the leader of Frances National Front party.

Commenting on the Brexit vote, she reiterated her demands to hold a referendum on Frances membership in the EU.

"Victory for freedom! As I have demanded for years, now the same referendum should be held in France and other EU countries," Le Pen said on Twitter.

Victoire de la liberte! Comme je le demande depuis des annees, il faut maintenant le meme referendum en France et dans les pays de l'UE MLP  Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) 24  2016 .

10. Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz

"#Brexit is a political earthquake for #Europa. Europe needs rapid changes to be more than the #EU minus # UK," Kurz wrote on Twitter.

11. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban

Britain's vote to leave the EU shows that Brussels must listen to the voice of the people and give proper answers to such pivotal issues as migration, Orban was quoted as saying by Reuters.

"Brussels must hear the voice of the people, this is the biggest lesson from this decision," he said.

12. Jan Hamacek, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the Czech Republic

"Brexit is the most serious hit to European integration since World War II ended," he wrote on Twitter.

#Brexit je nejzavaznejsim zasahem do procesu Evr. integrace po 2. svetove valce.  Jan Hamacek (@jhamacek) 24  2016 .

13. German Chancellor Angela Merkel

"Brexit is a blow to Europe and the European integration process," Merkel said on Friday in a statement.

She said that Berlin deeply regrets over the results of the vote.

Merkel said that Germany has "special interest and special responsibility" in European unity.

The European Union is strong enough to find "right answers" after Brexit vote, the German chancellor added.

14. European Council President Donald Tusk

"There's no hiding the fact that we wanted a different outcome of yesterday's referendum. I am fully aware of how serious or even dramatic this moment is politically and there's no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, especially for the UK," Tusk said.

15. French President Francois Hollande

"The British vote poses a grave test for Europe, which must show solidity and strength in its response to the economic and financial risks," Hollande said during an emergency ministerial meeting on Friday.

He said that the referendum was "a painful choice that he already regrets," and that France would continue to work with the UK, which he described as a "great ally."
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter spoke with UK Secretary of State for Defense Michael Fallon following the Brexit decision and reaffirmed a strong relationship between the two countries, US Department of Defense spokesperson Peter Cook said in a briefing on Friday.

"Secretary Carter emphasized that the United States and the United Kingdom will always enjoy a special relationship," Cook stated. "Secretary Carter welcomed Minister Fallons commitment to continuing the United Kingdoms active and enduring role in global security issues, in particular its work within NATO and efforts to accelerate the lasting defeat of ISIL [Islamic State]."

Carter has no doubt that the United Kingdom will remain a reliable NATO ally following Brexit.
The second legs of the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) and the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club (CADC) 10-week series were contested on Thursday, June 23 at Monticello Raceway and upon the completion of the afternoon card NAADA winners included Alan Schwartz and Dein Spriggs while Hannah Miller copped the CADC pace.

Schwartz won with Armstead Kyra in 2:00.3 while Spriggs was victorious with Saint Pattys Doll in 2:00.2. Hurricane Hannah romped by over three lengths with Tijuana Party in 1:58.4.

In their contest Schwartz and Armstead Kyras biggest challenge was how to handle Bob Hechkoffs recent purchase Photosavvy whose prowess in his previous races impressed the bettors enough to send them away at odds of even money.

However, on the first turn Photosavvy made a break which allowed Schwartzs charge to cruise along unchallenged on the front end. They traveled through fractions of :30, 1:00.2 and 1:30.2 and then held off a late charge from Hannah Miller and Lou Lous Princess to hold on for a head victory in 2:00.2. Joe Lee took home the show dough with Woody.

This was the first time I drove her (Armstead Kyra) and I was real careful with her leaving out of there. The last time she had the pole she made a break at the start so I didnt want that to happen with me today, Schwartz said after his driving victory.

As the field rounded the final turn and headed for paydirt in that event Lou Lous Princess, who had a two-hole trip, mounted a late rally.

In the lane I knew Hannahs horse was gaining on mine and I was certainly glad when the wire came up, Schwartz added.

Armbro Kyra, owned by Brenda Messenger and Dr. Scott Woogen and trained by Gary Messenger, paid $10.40 for win.

A second NAADA split went to Dein Spriggs, former two-time National Amateur Driver of the Year. Up from Florida to drive Saint Pattys Doll, Spriggs made the trip worthwhile when he reined the seven-year old daughter of Conway Hall to a 2:00.2 victory over Aventure and driver Tony Ciuffetelli.

A stalwart in the Florida Amateur Drivers Association, this was the fourth time Spriggs sat behind Saint Pattys Doll and the second time he was victorious. He also has had two seconds among those four outings.

In the NAADA trot today Spriggs gunned Saint Pattys Doll to the lead from the four-hole and took command at the quarter in :29.3. Once on top he made every pole a winning one en route to a 2:00.2 clocking while he kept a hard charging Aventure and driver Tony Ciuffetelli at bay. Blazin Delores finished third for Hannah Miller.

Besides having a drive with Saint Pattys Doll today Ill stay tomorrow (Friday) to drive in the GSY Amateur Series at the Meadowlands, Spriggs related.

Owned by Karma Racing and trained by Patti Harmon, Saint Pattys Doll returned a $3.80 win mutuel.

The last of the three amateur races saw Hannah Miller continue her prowess when she guided Tijuana Party to an oh-so-easy 1:58.4 victory In the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club Series.

Sent off as the 8-5 favourite from post two Miller quickly gained command and led the field by the first stanza in a swift :28.4. From there she toyed with her competition and was never in any trouble. And when Tijuana Party rounded the final turn he began to draw off and coasted home an easy three-length winner over McCabe Hall and driver Tony Ciuffetelli. Third place went to Shark Treasure driven by Gerry Fielding.

Hes a pleasure to drive and he was real good today, Miller said referring to Tijuana Party. Hes got quick speed away from the (starting) gate and hes was strong at the end of the mile, too."

Hannah co-owns the winner with Nick Surick who doubles as the horses trainer. Tijuana Party paid $5.50 for win. For Hurricane Hannah it was her 13th driving victory already this year.

(NAADA/CADC)
The second annual summer fundraiser organized by Alberta horsemen in support of Stollery Children's Hospital this past Sunday didn't just surpass last year's fundraising total -- it was doubled.

On June 19, Nitzas Pizza of Sherwood Park and Bedrock Horse Resort of Beaumont, Alberta hosted the 2nd Annual Family Picnic Fundraiser for the Stollery Children's Hospital. While firm numbers have yet to be finalized, organizers report that more than 1,000 people were on hand and helped the fundraiser to exceed $20,000 in donations.

The day featured jog cart rides, horse back rides, face painting, sparkle tattoos, kite making, bouncy castles, sumo balls, a live band, silent auction, food and drinks, a dunk tank, vintage collector cars with all proceeds going to the Stollery.

In addition, some of the Alberta circuit drivers who were unable to attend due to prior on-track commitments donated their driving earnings from Sunday's card at Century Downs to the Stollery as well.

Organizers would also like to thank all those who attended and contributed as well as Horse Racing Alberta, Alberta Standardbred Horse Association, Standardbred Canada and Northlands Park for their contributions.
Standardbred Canada would like to remind all interested parties that the deadline for applications to the 2016 Atlantic Provinces Bursary Program is today (Friday, June 24).

Applications must be postmarked no later than today or emailed.

2016 marks the tenth consecutive year that Standardbred Canada and the Atlantic provinces have partnered to offer the Atlantic Provinces Bursary Program. This project could award up to five students in the Atlantic Provinces bursaries towards their post secondary education this year.

If you are a student residing in the Atlantic Provinces and attending community college or university this fall, this is an opportunity that could help you pay for your tuition.

The bursaries will be awarded based on participation in the industry, academics and financial need. Applicants will be required to submit a typewritten essay on one of the following topics:

What unique ways can Standardbred Canada and the host tracks promote the WDC events to the general public in 2017? How can racetracks celebrate the 250th anniversary of horse racing at their track or in their community in 2017?

Applicants must be Canadian citizens and be a child or spouse of an active Standardbred Canada member or an SC member themselves. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a post secondary institution as of September 1, 2016.

A maximum of five bursaries worth up to $1,000 each will be awarded. Applications are available now and must be completed by June 24, 2016.

The successful applicants will be announced in early July.

This program is supported and funded by various organizations from the Atlantic provinces and Standardbred Canada. Partners from the Atlantic Provinces include the Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association, Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association, and the 'Stretch Drive Fund,' a fund created by the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission's race officials.

Presentations to the successful applicants will be made during Governors Plate Week in Summerside. For a bursary application, click here.
Youve heard of the Little Brown Jug, but what do you know about the Little Green Jug?

Dresden Raceway is ready to host its inaugural Little Green Jug on Sunday.

The Little Green Jug is for everyday regular overnight horses. The conditions for this years race are horses and geldings who are non-winners of $2,000 lifetime (non-winners of a race in last five are allowed $3,000).

Justins Deere is the 8-5 morning line favourite for owner Larry Ainsworth of Petrolia. Ian Hyatt is the conditioner for the three-year-old Major In Art gelding who is driven by Donnie Rankin Jr.

Ncutsnbuttsncocnuts is the second favourite with Dennis Duford at the helm. The four-year-old roan Up Front Ben horse is owned by Ruleen Lilley of Dutton and John and Betty McKinnon of Glencoe while Fred Snelgrove is the trainer.

In other racing action on the day, Big Diva will look for her third win in a row at Dresden Raceway for owner Sherri Abbott of Windsor, trainer Mike Roger and driver Brad Forward. Big Diva will have to beat Brittany Kennedys Callmeinthemorning in the 10th race to pick up her third win. Callmeinthemorning is driven by Andy Moore.

Patrons are asked to wear green on Sunday in honour of the Little Green Jug, as there will be many giveaways and contests.

First-race post time on Sunday is 1:30 p.m.

To view the harness racing entries for Sunday at Dresden, click the following link: Sunday Entries  Dresden Raceway.

(Dresden Raceway)
Contact: J.P. Duffy or Alice Chao, 866-FRC-NEWS or 866-372-6397; both with Family Research Council, media@frc.org



WASHINGTON, June 23, 2016 /Standard Newswire/ -- Much has happened legally and culturally in the year since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodges on June 26, 2015. While the ruling itself concerned same-sex marriage licenses, its implications for the family, the church, and religious liberty are profound.

That's why FRC is hosting a panel discussion featuring three experts who will address different facets of the Supreme Court's ruling. Dr. Paul Sullins, author of an amicus curiae brief in the Obergefell case, will comment on the ruling's impact on the family. Mark Tooley will focus on how the ruling is affecting the church, and Travis Weber, J.D., will review some of its legal implications.

WHO: Dr. Paul Sullins, Associate Professor of Sociology at Catholic University of America

Mark Tooley, President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy

Travis Weber, FRC Director of the Center for Religious Liberty

WHAT: Obergefell: One Year Later Lecture

WHEN: Tomorrow, June 24 at 1 PM EST

WHERE: In Person: 801 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Online: www.frc.org/A-1606_21

To request media credentials for this event, please email media@frc.org
Bass, crappie and channel catfish may not be prevalent in Southwest Washington, but they can be found in a lot more locations than anglers realize.

This region is so centered on salmon, but we also have a lot of warm-water fish, said Stacie Kelsey of the state Department of Fish and Wildlifes inland fish program at a recent meeting of the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club.

Its warm-water and trout fishing that drives license sales in Washington, she said. Warm-water fish are a great opportunity to gets kids started fishing.

Washington stocks channel catfish in Swofford Pond in Lewis County and Kress Lake in Cowlitz County. The state plants tiger muskies  a sterile hybrid between the Midwests northern pike and muskellunge  in Merwin and Mayfield reservoirs.

But there are naturally reproducing bass, channel catfish, bluegill, walleye and crappies in many locations locally.

Vancouver Lake has some nice, big channel catfish, really beautiful channel cats, Kelsey said.

She plans to set some trot lines this summer in Vancouver and Kress lakes to sample for channel catfish, plus in Swofford Pond.

And for what its worth, the bait shell use on those lines are chicken skins smothered in peanut better.

It has to be creamy, she told the bass club. Chunky peanut butter doesnt work.

Kelsey also has heard a couple reports of blue catfish in Vancouver Lake.

Her sampling over 24 years in Southwest Washington also has found:

Large white crappie at the outlet of Vancouver Lake into Lake River.

Good populations of smallmouth bass, bluegill and walleye in Horsethief Lake inside Columbia Hills State Park in Klickitat County.

Big bluegill and bass on the north side of Rowland Lake, east of Bingen in Klickitat County. The lake is split by state Highway 14. The north side as a public access site and boat ramp.

Big bass in Carlisle Lake near Onalaska in Lewis County.

I would not be surprised to see the next state record get caught there, Kelsey said.

Horseshoe Lake in Cowlitz County has a lot of juvenile largemouth bass, but few adults.

Battle Ground Lake and Klineline Pond, both in Clark County and regularly stocked with trout, also have bass.

Silver Lake in Cowlitz County, once the premier largemouth bass water in Western Washington, is full of stunted crappie.

Of the 150 crappies sampled in Silver Lake, three were 9 inches, she said. The majority are 5 to 6 inches. There are not enough predators.

Crappie must be at least 9 inches in Silver Lake to be kept by anglers.

Silver Lake has an overabundance of grass carp, imports from Asia brought in to reduce the vegetation in the lake.

The grass carp have removed too much vegetation, but are very long lived, Kelsey said.

The tentative plan for Silver Lake is to limit the grass carp, get more vegetation to return, then potentially bring in largemouth bass to reduce the number of crappie, but increase their average size.

Bud Hartman, a long-time member of the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club, said Lacamas Lake once produced good largemouth bass fishing. Angling success started to wane about the time the large housing developments were built on the west side of Lacamas, he added.

Kelsey said the water quality in Lacamas Lake has declined, but is better in Round Lake, the portion of Lacamas downstream of the state Highway 500 bridge and surrounded by Lacamas Park.

Yellow perch are being caught in Round Lake, a place with great bank access, she said.
A T-Rex visited Longview Friday, and its movements shook the ground.

But this was not a filming for a sequel to Jurassic Park. The visiting T-Rex was a giant orange shaker machine on wheels that researchers brought to Barlow Point to simulate the shock waves of an earthquake.

Researchers from University of Texas at Austin and Oregon State University are studying how the soil will respond to a massive earthquake such as the one expected along the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The undersea fault zone stretches from Northern Vancouver Island to Cape Mendocino, Calif., and has a long history of producing massive earthquakes every several hundred years or so. The last was a 9.0 quake in January 1700.

Findings from work like Fridays will help engineers better understand how to prevent buildings from collapsing the next time Cascadia jars the region. It is expected to cripple the coast, kill thousands and destroy roads, buildings and bridges and disrupt public services over a frontier 700 miles long.

I think its starting to be recognized that this Cascadia Seduction Zone will be the largest disaster that the United States will experience. We need to begin preparing now, said Dr. Armin Stuedlein a professor of geotechnical engineering at OSU.

On Friday, a group of graduate students, researchers, government officials and media gathered in a grassy field at Barlow Point to watch the T-Rex shaker machine in action. The instrument is loaded on the back of a truck and is capable of producing 35,000 pounds of force on the soil.

The T-Rex presses a base plate to the ground, and then shakes the earth like a giant ground-compacting machine. The sound of roaring heavy machinery seeped through foam earplugs as the plate mimicked the vibrations of a magnitude 7 earthquake. Poles and cones surrounding the T-Rex rattled as the ground jostled, but nothing large toppled over because the instrument is designed to shake only the immediate area.

Underneath the instruments plate, researchers placed several sensors in the ground up to a depth of 13 feet. The sensors tracked vibrations and water pressure. The data was fed through cables to a nearby trailer, where it will be digitized and recorded. Later the data will be analyzed in university labs. The localized data will combined with more generalized data throughout the region.

Geologists are honing in on how the ground reacts because earthquakes can cause water-saturated soils like those in the Longview and Kelso lowlands to liquify  turn into a watery slurry like quicksand. When liquifaction occurs, the soil loses stiffness and strength, and anything built above it sinks or is torn apart.

When an earthquake happens, sometimes youll see (liquified soils spurt) up through the ground surface; youll see buildings that have sunken to the ground and you can see they follow an older meandering river channel perfectly, said Dr. Brady Cox, associate professor of geotechnical engineering at University of Texas at Austin.

Researchers specifically landed in Longview because of the lowland portions of the town are built on silt deposited by the Cowlitz and Columbia rivers.

We dont understand silts, and not much testing has been done on silts compared to what has been done on sand, said Dr. Ken Stokoe, professor of geotechnical engineering at University of Texas at Austin.

The soils around here cover a vast area of the region, Stuedlien added. So the work that were doing here will be applicable to understanding how the soils respond around the Portland metro area as well as the throughout the Willamette Valley, where over 70 percent of the population of the state of Oregon lives.

Yet even though the findings can be applied throughout the region, researchers still must contend with a high degree of variability in soils. The ground tested Friday held up to the shaking surprisingly well, but its possible that ground just a hundred feet away could perform differently, Cox explained.

And yet another challenge is how to use the research to engineer buildings that are earthquake-proof but still affordable.

Its a balancing act. You can build buildings that will probably resist most anything, but you cant afford to build them. So thats the balancing act trying to optimize for the safety, Cox said.

Now though, with more awareness around the Cascadia Subduction Zone, scientists are hoping that more resources will be devoted to research and preparation.

If we can allocate funds and resources to meet this challenge head on, we can improve the resiliency of our communities and be able to survive this event that we know is coming, Stuedlien said.
Northwest Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and most Democratic members of the Washington and Oregon congressional delegations took part in the House sit-in Wednesday to demand universal background checks for gun purchases.

We have the votes, we have the passion across the country, Bonamici said in her address on the House floor. Our constituents today are looking at us and saying, please, please take action.

All four U.S. senators from Oregon and Washington and all Democratic house members but one  Kurt Schrader from Oregons 5th District  participated in the sit-in. Bonamici represents the 1st Legislative District, which includes Clatsop and Columbia counties.

Bonamici called for the bipartisan legislation that would expand background checks to all gun sales. She also supports a No Fly, No Buy bill to prevent people on the terrorism no-fly list from buying firearms.

They can turn off the microphones, but they cant turn off our voices, Bonamici said after Republicans shut off House cameras.

The Democratic representatives occupied the House floor for more than 24 hours until Republicans called a week-long recess at 3 a.m. Thursday morning. The legislators said they plan to continue to show up on July 5 at the next scheduled legislative vote.

The sit-in occurred in the aftermath of the June 12 Orlando shooting tragedy, in which a lone gunman killed 49 and injured 53 at a gay night club. Republicans called the sit in a publicity stunt, with speaker Paul Ryan saying the House will not give in to the pressure to expand background checks and prevent people on the no-fly list from buying firearms. In the Senate, a bipartisan effort to pass the no-fly legislation failed to get the 60 votes.

Theyre staging protests. Theyre trying to get on TV. Theyre sending out fundraising solicitations, Ryan said, according to the Associated Press. If this is not a political stunt, then why are they trying to raise money off of this, off of a tragedy?

Southwest Washington Congresswoman Jamie Herrera Beutler reacted more cautiously to the sit in. In an email to The Daily News Thursday, the 3rd District Republican said she has heard from constituents on both sides of the gun argument.

Beutler said she is willing to give a fair hearing to any idea to stop these types of tragedies from occurring if it was effective, affordable and consistent with Second Amendment rights.

Back home in Bonamicis district, Columbia County commissioner Earl Fisher, a Democrat, applauded the call for more gun control but disapproved of the sit-in. He said it sends the wrong message to the world.

Over the last eight years, the respect for opposing positions in our Congress have been dismal, Fisher said. I just think that its disrespectful of the institution, that we have sunk that far.

But Fisher said the two bills proposed in wake of Orlando  the no-fly and background checks legislation  are not enough.

I think weve got to do something to stop the violence, and guns are a part of the violence, Fisher said, adding that he wants to see Congress have a real conversation about it and respect the institutions in place.

The real problem is that weve got too much violence, and its related to the availability of guns, he said. We try to beat around that bush as many times as we can with background checks and something else, but thats not going to stop it.

How partisan the gun control issue has become is evident in campaign contributions. So far this year, the National Rifle Association PAC has raised $14.2 million and spent $2.6 million in 2016, according to OpenSecrets. The vast majority of the money has gone to Republican candidates. By contrast, the top five gun control advocacy groups have given out about $500,000 so far this year, most of it to Democrats, OpenSecrets reported.

April Zeoli, who co-authored a book on gun violence in 2013, said the congressional deadlock does not reflect national opinion about gun control.

It doesnt seem to be much of a partisan issue except for in Congress, said Zeoli, an associate professor in criminal justice at Michigan State University. Most Americans support background checks, she said.

Research suggests that when background checks are in place, homicide goes down.
KALAMA  In another step forward for the $9.8 million McMenamins hotel, the Port of Kalama Wednesday hired a Longview architect to design the basic hotel structure.

Port commissioners Wednesday approved a $230,283 contract with Collins Architecture Group for design and construction management through the end of the project. Collins also designed the ports new administrative building, which opened in 2014.

State law only allows the port to use its funds for the basic design, such as the shell of the building, the interior walls, parking and electrical work, said Mark Wilson, Port of Kalama executive director.

McMenamins will hire its own architects to finish the hotel and put its own design stamp on the interior space.

Next to the restaurant and hotel, the port hopes to build a small amphitheater at the marina park for concerts and festivities. For several years, the port already had considered building an amphitheater as a less cumbersome alternative to hauling stages to the park for events like the Blues Festival and Hawaiian festival.

McMenamins likes the idea of an amphitheater. Its similar to what they have on other properties, Wilson said.

A potential amphitheater would be available for community events and concerts in addition to McMenamins. Wilson has reached out to a design company but hasnt brought a proposal to commissioners yet. He said he wants to keep the amphitheater a really simple and straightfoward project, but the port hasnt determined how big it would be.

Portland-based McMenamins is famous for historic hotels, breweries and pubs throughout the Northwest. It has long wanted to build a hotel on the Columbia River. It signed a lease with Port of Kalama in March to build a three-story hotel with rooftop bar and restaurant/pub on the first floor.

Wilson said construction is scheduled to start this fall.

Salary hikes

Also Wednesday, commissioners agreed to increase the budget Wilson can spend on staff salaries by 4.5 percent, or $47,500. The amount covers 16 port staffers but does not include Wilsons salary, which is negotiated with commissioners separately and approved in a public meeting.

On top of a cost of living adjustment, commissioners said the increase will reward staff members for productivity and enhanced education credentials.

The numbers speak for themselves,said Commissioner Troy Stariha to department heads present at Wednesdays meeting. You guys are all very productive, and I appreciate that very much.

The ports primary source of revenue comes from leasing properties rather than operating terminals. Income from properties is expected to grow from $2.8 million last year to $3.6 million in 2016.

Its pretty safe to say  that the docks and rent are making us some money, Commissioner Alan Basso said. Liz (Newman, the marketing manager) has the whole place rented out.
tech2 News Staff

Remember how the onslaught of Chinese vendors in the budget segment made the sub-10,000 to Rs 15000 market rather interesting. Initially, Chinese companies introduced budget devices with superior features. Soon, the trend shifted towards gradually increasing the price range above Rs 20,000. Yet, these devices offered value for money.

That's how some of the popular device makers are on the path to destruct the premium market. And, looks like, it is happening sooner than expected.

In a new CMR study (via PTI) about premium market space in India, Faisal Kawoosa, Lead Analyst, Telecoms at CMR said, "After successfully rippling the low and entry-level smartphone market, the high-end smartphone market will be now shaken by the emerging brands."

According to the report, in 2015 Apple and Samsung enjoyed the top spots at 44 percent and 27.3 percent, respectively. But, other high-end phone makers like Sony and HTC slipped by 8.3 and 7.6 percent, respectively. OnePlus made a grand entry into the top 5, and the report expects others like Huawei, Vivo, and Gionee to make inroads soon. We've already seen IDC report pointing at the growth of companies like Oppo and Vivo, while Xiaomi had managed to surpass Apple and Samsung in terms of marketshare in India, albeit for a short period between October - December 2014. This also indicates the changing attitude towards Chinese brands, and the trust factor and value build over the overs that people are willing to spend a hefty amount for these brands.

Out of the 164 brands,only 19 shipped devices in the high-end segment. Xiaomi that started off with cheaper sub-rs 7000 to Rs 12,000 devices, now has the Mi 5 sporting a higher price around Rs 25,000, then the OnePlus 3 also comes with a price tag way higher than its predecessors. You can read our OnePlus 3 and Xiaomi Mi 5 reviews.

The report also predicts that about 70 percent of users will opt for an upgrade to a high-end smartphone instead of simply looking for a device in the same price range. This will result into a jump by 19 percent this years, going by the CMR report. "The high-end smartphone market is expected to grow 19% in 2016 as against 15% in the previous year," Kawoosa said.
tech2 News Staff

The list of insensitive remarks just don't seem to end. An judge in India has now said that women should be careful while putting up their WhatsApp profile image.

The judge said this while hearing a case about a 16-year-old girl who was abducted and raped, and then threatened about circulating her photographs on WhatsApp. The Madras High Court has refused anticipatory bail to the accused. According to a report in the New Indian Express, Justice S Vaidyanathan said that cyber crimes via WhatsApp Messenger are increasing by the day and added, Therefore, WhatsApp users, especially women, need to be more careful before placing a picture as their profile photo and sharing their photos with friends or other WhatsApp groups, as prevention is better than cure.

The case reportedly had little to do with WhatsApp, and it seems nothing less than victim blaming. One has to be careful in the digital age, be it men or women, but the statement stressing on women and their "photos" and " prevention is better than cure" seemed irrelevant here.

It also highlights how many, even today, still blame the victim, instead of punishing the offender. It is this attitude that needs to be changed. For instance, a village in Gujarat has banned single women from using mobile phones, with elders deeming the technology a nuisance to society. Members of the Suraj village council in Mehsana, the Prime Ministers home district, passed a resolution in early February outlawing the use of mobile phones for teenage girls and young women.

In the past there have been incidents when nude photos of Hollywood celebrities being posted on Internet forums by unknown hackers spark condemnation from stars and their publicists, and prompted an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Clearly, indicating anyone could be a victim.
tech2 News Staff

A survey of UK workers showed that more than 65 percent think Brexit will have a negative impact on the global tech industry, according to a report in CNET. The workers surveyed feel that UK belonging to EU allows for better mobility of talent, and a Brexit would leave London as a less attractive technology hub. A Brexit would also dry up sources of investments for startups, and the country's 18 unicorns.

Tech City News concurs, that talent and funding would be most affected by Brexit. Additional time and resources will have to be spent by companies just to adjust to the changes that Brexit would cause. The positive side is that an Brexit would allow UK companies to renegotiate international contracts, and free up homebrewn technology from being compliant with at times expensive EU regulations.

The Brexit would send ripples across the pond as well. Microsoft is one of the few major tech companies to take a side, and has urged for the UK to remain a part of EU in an open letter, "We appreciate and respect that there are a range of reasons that motivate people on both sides of the debate, but as a business that is very committed to this country, our view is that the UK should remain in the EU". The Guardian has made that letter available online.

The major problem for other companies operating in the EU, are the EU tech regulations. UK is among the countries that prefer lighter regulations, as against France and Germany which intend to impose more strict regulations on technology providers. A Brexit could mean that harsher regulations are imposed on tech companies, however, it could also bean that the tech companies face easier regulations in the UK. Two examples are lesser taxes, and easier rules on privacy, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Closer back home, the impact would be felt in the way of increased demand of Indian tech services, according to Live Mint. Brexit, which will only completely happen by 2019, will hinder flow of labour in and out of UK. However, this does not restrict the work itself being outsourced, and as UK is one of India's bigger customers for such services, Indian tech service companies stand to benefit.
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In a bid to make children's commute to and from schools safe, a team at IIT-Kharagpur has designed an electronic tracking system through radio frequency identification (RFID) tags which would soon be flagged off at a school here.

The low-cost technology will help address concerns of parents and arrest the proclivity towards private vehicles as a transport option for school goers, the experts say.

RFID is the use of radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object. It consists of a tag or label and a reader. "The student ID cards would be tagged with RFID. On the bus there would be a RFID reader and when the card is 'read', the student is identified in the database. The buses would be enabled with GPS devices which is an inexpensive addition. Once the child boards a bus and the system detects him or her, a text message is sent to the parents registered in the database," Bhargab Maitra, a professor at IIT-Kgp's civil engineering department, told IANS. Similarly, a message would alert the parents when and where the child deboards.

The RFID system will begin on a pilot basis at the South Point School here in a couple of weeks, Maitra said. The tracker is also linked to an app which would let parents track their children's movement on a real-time basis "without sacrificing on security and safety". Maitra worked in collaboration with S.K. Ghosh, of the institute's computer science and engineering department, institute's students and the Kolkata Traffic Police following a survey to understand the concerns of parents, under the 'Improvement of School Safety' project as part of the larger 'Future of Cities' initiative supported by the central government.

"If the bus halts at a place for some time, or there is an anomaly, then the police is also alerted so that action can be taken immediately," he said. "We have collected data from more than 7,000 parents, primarily from South Point School and St. Xavier's and we identified where interventions are required. Safety and security came across as two key points," Maitra added.

IANS
tech2 News Staff

InMobi has been fined $950,000 (Rs 64,452,750) for craftily working around app permissions that restrict access to location data. InMobi used two sets of data to manage this. One data set was the location of users who had given their consent to InMobi to track locations and deliver targeted apps. InMobi gathered the information of the wireless networks near the devices that had given consent, and created a database of wireless networks associated with geographic locations. Then, InMobi would then collect the details of wireless networks from consumers who were in range of these networks, and use that information to deliver them geotargetted ads, even if location tracking was turned off in the device.

InMobi has a clutch of geotargetting products that is commercially available to its customers. The "Now" suite targets customers based on their current location. The "Conditional" suite targets customers at a particular location, with an additional factor, such as day, date and time. "Psychographic" profiling allows InMobi to target customers based on months of location data. This can, for example, be used by customers of InMobi to target people who live in affluent areas, and have visited high end commodity shops in the last two months.

Jessica Rich, director of FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection says InMobi tracked the locations of hundreds of millions of consumers, including children, without their consent, in many cases totally ignoring consumers express privacy preferences. This settlement ensures that InMobi will honor consumers privacy choices in the future, and will be held accountable for keeping their privacy promises.

InMobi had essentially deployed location targeting technology on all devices, irrespective of whether or not the users had given their consent. InMobi delivered location targeted ads to children, over children's apps. This violated the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC has actually slapped a fine of $4 million (Rs. 27.14 crore), but suspended it to $950,000 (Rs. 6.4 crore) considering the financial condition of the company.

The order imposes a number of rulings on InMobi. InMobi is ordered to clearly collect consent of parents before tracking children. All existing records of children collected without their consent are to be destroyed. The company is ordered not to misrepresent its tracking practices, and make them clearly known to consumers. Any further location data from consumers will have to have their explicit consent, and all existing data gathered without such consent must be deleted. An internal comprehensive privacy program must be implemented to ensure compliance, and records kept of compliance. InMobi will also be independently audited for compliance every two years for a period of 20 years.

InMobi was founded in India and is a Singapore based company. It was one of the country's first unicorns, but no longer enjoys the unicorn status. Read more about the making of InMobi here.
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The Indian aerospace industry should enhance its capacity to meet the growing demand for space-based services, India's space agency ISRO said. "It is imperative for the aerospace industry to enhance its capacity to meet the rapidly increasing national demand for space-based services," Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar said at a conference on 'Enabling spacecraft systems realisation through industries' here. The day-long conference was organised at the space agency's satellite centre a day after India launched on Thursday a record 20 satellites, including 17 of foreign customers from Sriharikota rocketport in Andhra Pradesh.

Lauding the industry for participating in realising various subsystems, Kiran Kumar said end-to-end realisation of spacecraft had not yet been realised. "Almost all the government departments and ministries had evinced keen interest in applying space technology for carrying out their mandates," he told the industry delegates and reminded them of the country's great potential to capture a sizeable portion of the business in the international space market.

The space agency also adopted a variety of models for outsourcing its jobs related to spacecraft (satellites) and launch vehicles (rockets) to the vendors across the country. Senior executives of the space agency and its satellite centre made presentations to about 100 industry delegates on their requirements with respect to hardware, technologies, quality and delivery schedule. During the interaction, the industry delegates presented their capabilities and committed to partner with ISRO for realising the end-to-end spacecraft.

IANS
tech2 News Staff

Microsoft announced the list of 35 teams that will go to Seattle to compete for the Imagine Cup 2016 after making in the World finals. The world finals for Imagine Cup 2016 will be held from July 26 to July 29, 2016. Microsoft Imagine Cup is an annual competition sponsored and hosted by Microsoft and it is aimed at bringing young thinkers who can conceptualise ideas and code them.

The Imagine Cup consists of five competitions including the software design competition and four challenges. The challenges are updated every year and all competitors have to create projects that go by the theme of the competition "Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems". Every year young developers bring in amazing ideas to the competition and never cease to amaze with their inspiring and creative ideas as they attempt to help the world solve it's toughest problems.

Axe Julius, a team from India, winners of the Innovation Category at the National Finals held in April 2016 has made it to the World Finals.The team includes Adish Jain,Akshay Kumar Gupta, Akshit Sharma and Garv Jasuja. Their project aims to revolutionise the way eBooks are distributed which benefits both the publishers and the reader.

The competition began with local, regional and online contests followed by a screening of best projects from each country bringing about 150 top teams to World Semifinals.During the World semifinals, they were judged by a global panel of MVPs (Microsoft Valued Partners), industry experts and Microsoft staff. In the finals, each team stands a chance to win $50,000, Imagine Cup and a grand prize of a private mentoring session with Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO.
Aditya Madanapalle

CyberMedia Research (CMR) has reported that the high end smartphone market is set to grow in India. The report anticipates the entry of Gionee, Huawei, Vivo and Lenovo into the fray, which was so far a battle between Apple and Samsung. The key finding is that 70 percent of smartphone users will upgrade to a more expensive model than the one they own, but it's not just HTC, Sony or Apple models they are looking for. High end smartphones from Chinese companies will also be attracting these consumers.

This is awesome news. I'm just happy at the prices Samsung Galaxy S7 and the LG G5 are demanding. Other manufacturers are finally getting confident enough to demand prices as high as older Apple devices. As an early user of an Apple iPhone, I was exposed to all sorts of ridiculous questions, but these were more because of the price of the device, than its actual functionality. An owner of an animation company once told me that you could buy a flatscreen television for the cost of an iPhone. I wanted to say yes, but you cannot fit a flatscreen television in your pocket, but held my tongue.

This is basically a variant of "why is the phone worth so much, when you can get most of the functionality in half the price?" question. Another statement put out in the air was that people purchased expensive phones only for showing off, and not for utility. That is a judgement call I never understood, because there are so many static objects you can buy for showing off, can think of jewellery or designer clothes, and none of those decisions are questioned on the same lines.

In fact, it is considered ok to get anything just for showing off, as long as it is not a smartphone. When it came to Apple devices, as they were clear about what they were offering, there was never a inherent problem to users or the company because of the pricing. The pricing is going to be at a premium tier, and only those who want it, are going to buy them. Distribution is a bigger problem than demand. It is encouraging that so many manufacturers are getting competitive in the high-end segment in India, and that can only mean more hi-tech toys to drool over. It means the discussion around a smartphone will focus on the technology, and not get reduced to its price point.

These points tended to disrupt any discussion on smartphones, raised over and over in WhatsApp group conversations, comments sections on web sites, and internet forums. Now, finally, these derailing arguments seem to be going away. Sure, it may have taken so long because the technologies had to mature, the experience tasted on lower end devices, and a range of offerings being available in the high end segment. Now they are all here, and it is great.

People are discovering the worth of their devices. People are going to upgrade to better devices. People are starting to care about their smartphones, just like Micromax predicted in its Canvas 6 advertising campaign.
US, BD agree to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism efforts

Dhaka, June 24 (UNB) - Bangladesh and the United States have agreed to enhance the cooperation in the areas of counterterrorism and countering violent extremism through capacity enhancement. They also discussed how this cooperation can be enhanced at the 5th Partnership Dialogue that began at the US Department of State in Washington, DC, on Thursday. On the first day of the two-day Dialogue, three Working Groups on 'Security Cooperation', 'Development and Governance Cooperation', and 'Trade and Investment Cooperation' held in-depth discussion on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The US delegation highly appreciated the valuable contribution made by Bangladesh for almost three decades to the UN Peacekeeping Operations, according to a message received here from Washington on Friday. The Bangladesh delegation was also appreciative of the support of USAID over last four and a half decades for the socio-economic development in the country in a variety of areas including agriculture, higher education, climate change and health. The two delegations underscored the need for continued and wider cooperation in existing and new areas. The US delegation praised the Government of Bangladesh for hosting a large number of undocumented Myanmar nationals in Bangladesh for decades. Both the sides also agreed to encourage Bangladeshi Diaspora to invest in the potential sectors of Bangladesh and thus contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. The US delegation expressed interest for supporting the regional connectivity initiatives particularly in the sector of energy under IPEC, and blue economy. The two delegations discussed the achievements of Bangladesh in addressing the issues in the RMG sector and agreed to continue the multi stakeholder cooperative mechanism in this regard. They also agreed to continue the discussion in the area of trade. Foreign Secretary, Md. Shahidul Haque, made a presentation on 'Bangladesh by 2030/35: Challenges and Prospects' at the reputed think tank, Council on Foreign Affairs (CFR), in Washington, DC.
Offensives against ISIS could displace 2.3m Iraqis: UN

Displaced Iraqi people, who fled from Mosul because of Islamic State violence, gather at a refugee camp in the Makhmour area near Mosul, Iraq.

Reuters, Baghdad :

Upcoming military offensives in Iraq against Islamic State, including an assault on the northern city of Mosul, could displace at least 2.3 million people, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Iraq said on Thursday.

The prediction of such a vast humanitarian emergency creates additional complications for the Iraqi government and its U.S. allies, who have announced plans for offensives to drive Islamic State fighters this year from most of their Iraqi territory.

More than 3.4 million people across Iraq have already been forced by conflict to leave their homes, according to the United Nations. In the past month, 85,000 people fled Falluja, an Islamic State stronghold an hour's drive from Baghdad, amid a military campaign that has recaptured large parts of the city.

Most of the displaced are from Iraq's minority Sunni community, raising concerns among officials that U.S.-backed military gains against Islamic State will not bring stability to Iraq more than 13 years after a U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein, a Sunni.

Islamic State fighters swept through much of northern and western Iraq two years ago and declared a caliphate to rule over territory there and in neighbouring Syria.

The jihadists have lost ground in recent weeks to a number of enemies on several fronts in both countries, with the main battles still looming for the caliphate's two de facto capitals, Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria.

Lise Grande, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, told Reuters in an interview that at least 430,000 more people could be displaced this year in Anbar, Iraq's sprawling desert province stretching west from Falluja to the Syrian border.

Government forces have retaken several cities in Anbar from Islamic State in the past six months and are still pressing up the Euphrates river valley towards the border town of Qaim.

Grande said another 830,000 people would be displaced along "the Mosul corridor", stretching more than 100 km (60 miles) from northern Salahuddin province towards the Islamic State stronghold. In Mosul itself, by far the largest city under the militants' control, the worst case scenario could see one million people displaced, said Grande. The United Nations projects the Mosul operation will be larger and more complex than any other humanitarian operation in the world this year.

"We're literally talking in just a few months about doubling the number of families who are displaced in the country," she said. "We're trying to pre-position supplies and develop contingencies for all of those areas and we're doing so with 30 percent of the appeal that we've asked for."

The humanitarian community this year requested $861 million to assist 7.3 million Iraqis in need across the country, but so far it has only received about $266 million.

Iraq's cash-strapped government, hit by low oil prices and increased military costs, has struggled to help.




Storm pummels eastern China, killing 98

A family member of a victim cries after a tornado hit Funing on Thursday, in Yancheng, Jiangsu province

Reuters, China :A violent storm in eastern China that packed gale-force winds and hail killed 98 people and injured hundreds as it flattened power lines, overturned cars and ripped roofs off houses in Jiangsu province.The storm, which included a tornado, struck mid-afternoon on Thursday near Yancheng city, a few hours' drive north of China's commercial capital Shanghai, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said.Winds reached 125 kph (78 mph) and battered several townships in Funing county, the official Xinhua news agency said."I heard the gales and ran upstairs to shut the windows," Funing resident Xie Litian, 62, told Xinhua."I had hardly reached the top of the stairs when I heard a boom and saw the entire wall with the windows on it torn away."When the storm subsided and Xie escaped, all the neighboring houses were gone. "It was like the end of the world," Xie said.The death toll stood at 98, with 800 people injured, state-run China National Radio said on its website on Friday. Pictures online showed injured people lying amid destroyed houses, overturned cars and split tree trunks. One showed a man who had apparently tried to shield a woman from falling debris; both were dead in a pile of rubble.The worst of the storm seemed to have hit only a limited area, however."It looks like the tornado only hit very specific places," said a Reuters reporter at the site. "Even nearby villages were fine."A man broke down in sobs as his 35-year-old son was pulled dead from a pond in Shizhuang town on Friday.In the nearby village of Dalou, tree trunks were snapped, with plates and household items scattered amid rubble, as survivors picked through the debris.Chinese President Xi Jinping, visiting Uzbekistan, ordered China's cabinet to send a team to oversee relief efforts, Xinhua reported. Premier Li Keqiang urged authorities to speed search and rescue work.
RANGPUR: City Mayor Alhaj Sharfuddin Ahmed Jhantu addressing a pre-budget discussion on the proposed budget of Rangpur City Corporation on Thursday.
Four die, several injured as elevator falls causing wall collapse, fire in Uttara

At least four persons have died when a wall collapsed on them due to the impact of an elevator fall that also caused fire at a high-rise in Dhakas Uttara. Fire Service Director General Mohammad Ali Ahmad Khan has confirmed the number and cause of deaths to bdnews24.com. He also said at least 10 people were injured in the incident. Uttara East Police Station Inspector Kazi Shahan said the injured were sent to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. Police said the fire started in the basement of Alauddin Tower around 6:30pm on Thursday. An official at the Fire Service control room said the firefighters doused the blazes after around one half hours. Sub-Inspector Bachchu Mia at Dhaka medical College and Hospital police camp said two children, a woman and another person had been admitted to the burns unit. One of the injured was identified as Mahmududul Hasan, 36, an assistant general manager of Tropical Homes Limited. He received 80 percent burns. Fifty-five percent of the body of his daughter Maisha, 10, was burnt while his eight-month-old son Mustakim received 23 percent burns. One Sohan, the person who brought them to the hospital, said the fire broke out at the basement after an elevator fell. He said the basement houses an office of Tropical Homes. Hasan brought his children to the office for an Iftar party, he added. The tower at Sector-3 has a shopping mall and several offices.-bdnews24.com
Review by no means is a re-hearing of the appeal

(From previous issue) :

The power to determine the service of an employee below the rank of Assistant Director who are classified as "other employees" shall be exercised by the General Manager of an office or Branch with the approval of the Governor of the Bank. In the instant case this Division rightly found that the General Manager made a proposal to the Governor of the Bangladesh Bank for the termination of the services of the petitioners pursuant to Regulation 13 (ii) of the Regulations, 2003. Accordingly, the General Manager terminated the services of the petitioners with the approval of the Governor. Regulation 13 (ii) does not provide for dismissal of the employee and it does not contain any stigma or, punishment against the petitioners.

Therefore, this Division in the leave petitions having considered all aspects of the matter disposed of them with observation holding that the Administrative Appellate Tribunal rightly allowed the appeals after setting aside the judgment and order passed by the Administrative Tribunal. We are of the view that the services of the petitioners were rightly terminated by invoking the Regulation 13(ii) of the Bangladesh Bank Staff Regulations, 2003.

14. While speaking about the scope of review the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the case of Lt. Col. Nawabzada Muhammad Amir Khan vs Controller of Estate Duty, Government of Pakistan, reported in PLD 1962 SC 335 = 13 DLR (SC) 105 observed as under:

"To permit a review on the ground of incorrectness would amount to granting the Court the jurisdiction to hear appeals against its own judgments or perhaps a jurisdiction to one Bench of the Court to hear appeals against other Benches; and that surely is not the scope of review jurisdiction. No mistake in a considered conclusion, whatever the extent of that mistake, can be a ground for the exercise of review jurisdiction."

15. In the case of Secretary Ministry of Finance vs Md Masdar Hossain reported in 21 BLD (AD) 126 at page 131 para 12 = 7 BLC (AD) 92 this Division reiterated the principle as under:

"a review is by no means an appeal in disguise whereby an erroneous decision is reheard and corrected. A review lies where an error apparent on the face of the record exists. It is not a re-hearing of the main appeal. Review is not intended to empower the Court to correct a mistaken view of law, if any, taken in the main judgment. It is only a clerical mistake or mistake apparent on the face of the record that can be corrected by the leave but it does not include the correction of any erroneous view of law taken by the Court."

16. I n the case of Tarique Rahman vs Bangladesh reported in 63 DLR (AD) 162 at page 172 para 23 in which two of us was party, whi Ie expounding the grounds of review we observed as under: "In order to review a judgment there must be an error apparent on the face of the record and that this error is so apparent and manifest and clear that no court of law would permit such an error to remain on the record.

We arc therefore convinced to reach to the conclusion that the error must not only be apparent it must also have a material bearing on the face of the case". (n disposing of the Civil Petitions for Leave to Appeal we already considered the same grounds which have been advanced before us in these civil review petitions.

17. In these civil review petitions we do not find any substance in the submissions of Mr Rafique-ul-Huq, the learned Advocate for the petitioners rather we find substance in the submissions of Mr Shamim Khaled Ahmed, the learned Advocate appearing for the respondents to the effect that the grounds taken in the review petitions are in real terms the same grounds which were already considered and repelled in the judgment and order passed by this Division in the above leave petitions.

This Division consistently held that review by no means is are-hearing of the appeal. We are, therefore, of the view that in all these civil review petitions the grounds urged by the petitioners are nothing but the grounds taken into consideration and repelled in the leave Petitions. It is therefore not permissible to embark upon a reiteration of the same contentions as were advanced at the time of hearing of the leave petitions.

18. From the above discussions and findings we are of the opinion that there is no error apparent on the face of the record to interfere in the impugned judgment and order passed by this Division in the above leave petitions. There is no legal ground in these civil review petitions for review of the impugned judgment and order passed by this Division in the civil petitions for leave to appeal.

Accordingly, all these civil review petitions are dismissed.

(Concluded)
AL plays glorious role in major national events

BSS, Dhaka :

Industries Minister and senior Awami League leader Amir Hossain Amu said Awami League (AL) has a glorious role and record of success in every major mass movement aimed at ensuring political, economic, social and cultural emancipation of the people of this country.

The industries minister made the remark on Thursday while making an unscheduled statement in the Jatiya Sangsad on founding anniversary of the ruling Bangladesh Awami League.

He said Awami League was always with the people in the past and will remain with the mass in future also.

Amu said as the oldest political party of Bangladesh the AL began its journey on June 23, 1949 for materializing the suppressed hopes and aspirations of the people of this country.

With its golden past and magnificent present, the Awami League has been representing the mainstream of the progressive, non-communal and democratic politics of the country, the minister told the House.

He said Awami League is the only political party, which had fought against four army led governments and survived as one of the biggest political parties in the world. The party has a glorious history of waging relentless and uncompromising struggles against autocracy, communalism, and political and economic domination.

"Good period returns when Awami League assumes power, but Awami League never enjoys power," Amu, also advisory council member of Awami League, informed the Jatiya Sangsad. He said vested quarters always conspired against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for killing her. But ignoring the death threat Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has devoted herself to welfare of the common people to materialize Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's dream.

"After independence when Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was busy rebuilding the nation, the anti-national forces struck again. On August 15, 1975 they killed Bangabandhu along with most of his family members," Amu said.

He said Bangabandhu was elected Awami League's general secretary when in jail and the party was formed on the day when the sun of the independence of Bangla was set at Amrakanon of Palashi on June 23, 1757.




Ferdous, Joya host Eid Ananda Mela for first time

Sheikh Arif Bulbon :

On the occasion of coming Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangladesh Television (BTV) is going to present something variation in its popular Eid magazine, Eid Ananda Mela. This years Eid Ananda Mela is coordinated by Director General of BTV Harun-ur-Rashid.

To give new dimension, National Film Award winners Ferdous and Joya will host this years Eid Ananda Mela.

For the first time, Joya and Ferdous will host the magazine. In last years Ananda Mela, they performed together in three songs. Under the planning of DG of BTV Joya and Ferdous agreed to host the show. On June 23, both Joya and Ferdous took part in shooting of the show at BTVs Drama Studio.

To give a new dimension, Ferdous goes to Joya by riding a helicopter. With the presentation of various information and gossips Joya and Ferdous hosted the show.

While talking about hosting Eid Ananda Mela Ferdous told this correspondent, Earlier I and Joya worked together in big screen. Last year in Ananda Mela, we performed together. To keep request from Harun Bhai, we agreed to host the show. We have successfully hosted the show. In fact, we hosted the magazine with variation.

Joya shared her feelings by this way, While hosting the show I did not think I was not hosting. I thought I was taking part in a different types of programme. It is good that it became a get together. There was work with the children which I enjoyed. I am grateful to Harun Bhai. I believe this years 'Ananda Mela' will attract the viewers.

Harun-ur-Rashid informed that Mahbuba Ferdous and Md Sarwar jointly produced Ananda Mela this year, which is scheduled to be aired on Eid day after 10:00pm News of BTV.


Prices of sugar, spice jumps further

Anisul Islam Noor :

The sugar price increased further at the weekend on Friday by minimum Tk four to the utter frustration of the consumers. Contrarily, the government claims there are adequate stocks of sugar in the country.

Sugar was selling at Tk 68 to 72 in the retail markets compared with Tk 64 seven days ago. Molasses was selling at Tk 70 to 120 and flattened rice at Tk 80 to 140 only.

The spice price has also increased, but prices of broiler chicken, egg, chickpea, onion and garlic witnessed a slight decline. The prices of other essentials have remained stable.

The kitchen market insiders said, prices of some essentials might go down further in the days before the Eid. Prices of different varieties of vegetables including brinjal have declined slightly. The brinjal was selling at Tk 25 to Tk 45 per kg on Friday, Teasle gourd at Tk 35 per kg, potato at Tk 20 to 24, tomato at Tk 40 to 55, green chilli at Tk 40 to 60, french at Tk 30 to 45, carrot at Tk 45 , bitter gourd at Tk 25 to Tk 30, cucumber at Tk 30 to 35, spone gourd at Tk 30 to 35, arum at 45 to 50, papaya at Tk 30, bottle gourd at Tk 25 to 40, ash gourd at

Tk 15 to 25 piece, coriander leaves at Tk 150 kg, capsicum (red) at Tk 300 kg and capsicum (green) at Tk 250 to 300 kg.

Price of local variety of fish remained stable. The Cat fish (Shing) was selling at Tk 400- 600 per kg on Friday, barbel at Tk 500 to 700 per kg, butter fish at Tk 300 to 400, lobster at Tk 500 to 700 kg, shrimp (River) at Tk 450-550 kg, Puti at Tk 270 per kg, puti (live) at Tk 350 kg, cultivated koi at Tk 170 to 200 per kg and koi (river) at Tk 600, Fali Chanda (Rupchada) at Tk 1100 kg, Chanda (small) at Tk 200 kg, walking fish (Shoal) at Tk 350 kg and Eel at Tk 400 to 600 kg, sheat (boal) at Tk 350 to 800 kg based on size, Ek-thota (Kaitta fish) at Tk 350 to Tk 400, Baila at Tk 450 to 600 kg, coral fish at Tk 550 kg, river Pangas at Tk 350 kg, cultivated Pangas at Tk 110 to Tk140 kg, Rajputi at Tk 300 kg, Tilapia at Tk 140 to Tk 200 kg, Ruhit at Tk 250 to Tk 380 kg, medium size carp (katol) at Tk 230 -360 per kg.

The egg (farm) was selling at Tk 30 per hali (four pieces), egg (local) at Tk 50 and egg (duck) at Tk 45 to Tk 48. Pigeon (per pair) was selling at Tk 180 to Tk 250 and four koil birds at Tk 200 only.

However, price of beef eased down to Tk 420 per kg from the first day of the fasting month. The rate (Tk 420) was fixed by the two city corporations and traders. But prices of both broiler and layer chicken have decreased by Tk 10 per kg. Broiler was sold at Tk 155-165 and layer at Tk 180-Tk 200 per kg.

Five liters of Rupchanda brand canned soybean oil was selling at Tk 455, Rupchanda (two litres) at Tk 185, and loose super palm oil at 78 per liter, the red lentil at Tk 135 per kg, the imported lentil at Tk 155 kg and mash at 148, grass pea (Kheshari) Tk 80 to Tk 90 per kg.

Local onion was selling at Tk 35 to Tk 44 per kg, imported onion at Tk 28 to 32, local garlic at Tk 130 to 140 on Friday, while the Chinese varieties of the item at Tk 170 to Tk 190 per kg.

The coarse rice was selling at Tk 32 to 34 per kg, Pyjam at Tk 40 to 42 kg, Nazirshail brand of rice at Tk 44 to 52 kg, Minicate at Tk 44 to 50 kg, Kattari bhog at Tk 75, Pillau rice (Badsha bhog) at Tk 90 to 120 kg and Kalijira at Tk 115 to 130 kg only. Coarse flour was selling at Tk40 per kg and its 2-kg packet at Tk 75.

Seasonal fruits mango (Amropalli) was selling at Tk 80 to 110 per kg, himsagor at Tk100, Langra at Tk 90, harivanga at Tk 90 per kg, Guava at Tk 60 to 90, Lotcon (Narsingdi) at Tk 80 to 120, date (Mariam) at Tk 800, other varieties of date at Tk 200 to Tk 450 on Friday, pineapple at Tk 20 to 40 per piece, watermelon (small) at Tk 50 to 70 per piece and guava at Tk 80 120 per kg.


2 ministers trapped into elevator, rescued

DU Correspondent :

State Ministers for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid Bipu and Information and Communication Technology Zunayed Ahmed Palok on Thursday midnight were rescued safely from an elevator of Jahangir Tower at Kawran Bazar.

The Ministers went there for participating in a talk show programme titled `Ekusher Raat' on private television ETV. On the way back from 7th floor of the 'building the elevator got' stuck on the ground floor. At that time Ministers and their seven fellows were trapped into the elevator.

Bhajon Sarkar, an officer of Fire Service Control Room told, on hearing the incident three rescue teams of Fire Service reached at the spot at 1.10 am.

The elevator was crippled for technical fault. We rescued them by breaking the door of elevator. The Ministers were trapped into elevator almost 30 minutes, told Masudur Rahman, Assistant Director of Fire Service, Dhaka Zone.


The conflict in Syria cripples the soul, not just the body

Dimitar Iv. Ganev :

Her name - Amal - means "hope" in Arabic. But the 34-year old Syrian refugee, living in the Turkish city of Gaziantep, just 50 kilometres from the Syrian border with her 5 children, bursts into tears when speaking about her husbands' mental problems. Her story resembles that of hundreds of thousands of Syrians with spouses or close relatives, suffering from psychological illnesses. About 66 % of Syrian refugees in Turkey - a country hosting a total of 3.1 million asylum seekers - have serious mental problems, according to a study by the World Health Organization. The international institution had observed more than 1200 patients to reach this figure, explained the WHO Emergency Health Coordinator in Gaziantep Dr. Alaa AbouZeid.

The intensive air strikes, on-the-ground clashes, the widespread loss of family members and friends, the displacements and the other horrors of the 5-year war have created an impossible situation for many Syrians. The conflict has also spilled over a grave humanitarian disaster to neighbouring countries - a situation which the world is yet to address adequately.

The EU's plan to distribute 3 billion to Turkey in 2016 and 2017 for humanitarian and development projects is already on track. One billion comes directly from the EU budget, and the other 2 billion - from the EU countries. The first 90 million in contracts for humanitarian aid were signed in March and April this year. The focus of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey is on the refugees living outside camps, which make about 90 % of all refugees in Turkey. But in the EU-Turkey war of words, Turkish officials often claim they still haven't gotten a euro of the money promised.

Previous efforts of the international community, albeit not so generous, show some satisfactory results. The EU is the largest donor in a scheme for feeding the most vulnerable Syrian families in Turkey. When identified, with the help of the UN's World Food Programme and the Turkish Red Crescent, they are distributed a card, which they can use to buy food in certain stores. The monthly limit per person is 62 Turkish Liras per month - about 19 - or 95 for a 5-member family. The sum hardly secures survival, but it does help, refugees say. EU officials acknowledge there are negotiations for loading more funds into the Kizilaykart. The idea is to expand the assistance from food only to other necessities such as utility bills, rent and so on.

"Our humanitarian strategy in Turkey aims at responding to the basic needs of 1 million refugees through the implementation of an Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN)", says the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides. "This system will allow the most vulnerable refugees to put bread on the table, to help families, those most in need and also contribute towards their rent. Hand-in-hand with this flagship initiative, the European Commission will also implement a robust protection framework as well as health and non-formal education activities."

On top of the 3.1 million refugees in Turkey, some 547, 000 internally displaced persons are living around the Turkey - Northern Syria borders, according to the Turkish Red Crescent. In April, Human Rights Watch accused the Turkish authorities that they are shooting at asylum seekers to prevent them from entering the country. For the moment, the borders may seem sealed, but in the face of such humanitarian disaster as the Syrian war, it is only a matter of time before people start flowing in again in large numbers.

Despite the EU-provided humanitarian aid which was substantially boosted, the mental health of refugees in Turkey remain a controversial topic surrounded by cultural taboos. Hakan Bilgin, General Coordinator of Medicines du Monde, explains the problem from a medical point of view: "The Syrians have been through a traumatizing experience. But it is very difficult to find mental health professionals without the barrier of the language and the knowhow - in Syria, or in Turkey. In Syria, before the war, there were not a lot of psychiatrists and mental health specialists. And it is also a cultural issue. In Turkey, we do have very good professionals, but also we do have the problem of the language, they do not speak Arabic."

Mr. Bilgin goes on to elaborate that some refugees don't even realize they need mental health assistance. "It's more than a taboo. It's about accepting the facts and going through such a trauma - one loses a friend, family members, etc. Sometimes they don't realize they might be helped by other people who can make them feel better."

As dire as the situation is, the Ankara DG ECHO Head of Office Jane Lewis spots a positive trend. "My understanding is that given that the conflict in Syria has been going on for a number of years, what may have normally been a taboo in the Syrian culture is changing," she says. "Actually there has been a huge demand for these types of services. People are asking for help."

Mrs. Lewis adds that providing support for mental health is definitely part of the EU strategy, but it is an area that she characterizes as "a glaring gap in Turkey". And she believes that the government of Turkey and the Minister of Health are quite concerned about this too. "It's something that we're working with partners to address. To be quite honest, it's difficult, given the limited amount of qualified services available." Efforts will be made to expand them, but she warns that it will take time.

Indeed, it seems to be a long way before refugees start to feel the positive effects in the field of mental health. The 37-year old Amal admits they didn't seek assistance or therapy for her husband, and explains that he was born with his condition. Their family fled the bombings in Aleppo. The decision to leave Syria came after their oldest 15-year old boy was hit by a shrapnel and had to be treated. Several times they tried to cross the Turkish border, and when they finally made it, they had to stay hungry for 2 days, she recalls. Upon arriving in their new country, Amal's husband couldn't work because of his condition, and the weight for the daily bread fell on the their 5 children.

Currently, only Amal's 15-year old boy is employed. His schedule is demanding for a minor, to say the least. He spends 12 hours per day, 6 days a week in construction, working without a contract and making ?140 per week or about 43. He is the main provider of income for the family, but because of his job, he cannot go to school. Amal also works, but only sporadically when she can find employment as a house cleaner.

Psychologist Bilgen Kumral, from an Istanbul-based clinic supported by the EU, shares her experience with refugee children who are working: "It is not depression, but I can see some children are not laughing. Their attitude is very blank. I think they learning from their parents who are not laughing, playing with them or speaking to them. The biggest problem for me is that they are not sending them to school. What we want to do is change the mentality that the children should work."

However, some families claim that they cannot afford not to send their children to work. The 29-year old Zahra from Aleppo experiences problems quite similar to that of Amal's. Her husband also cannot get a job because of health mental issues. Despite that he can go to the Turkish hospital and get his medications, Zahra believes this is only a short-term solution.

Refugee child labor in Turkey is very common and by far not restricted to families with parents with psychological problems. However, in the ones in which such parent is present, the lives of the kids are to become tough. Zahra's 9-year daughter Hadice and 10-year old son Salih also work. Her only child that is not employed is the 7-year old Yusuf and his mother hopes that he will go to school. "It is not acceptable that my children are working", Zahra admits. "They need to go to school, but if they do, who is going to feed us?", she asks, shrugging her shoulders.

When Amal is asked about her dreams of the future, she becomes more distant. "The future is becoming very dark, very black. We hope to go back to Syria if this conflict ends. I have lost many dear people. Yesterday, my cousin passed away in a Russian or Syrian air strike on Aleppo. And another family member died 3 days ago." She stares down and drily repeats, "Everybody is killing each other. Everybody is killing each other."

(Dimitar Iv. Ganev is a young Bulgarian journalist who recently returned from a press trip to Turkey organized by the European Journalism Centre and DG ECHO).


Police must not talk of bullets but of police professionalism

USING bullets was thought to be an easy method to deal with law and order situation in Pakistan days. It seems that our state machinery is still obsessed by power of bullets. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia warned on Thursday that police will open fire if necessary in a bid to combat mugging, burglary and extortion in the city. After a view exchange meeting on 'law and order and traffic management' at Gabtoli in the city, he told journalists, "Police have been asked to open fire in retaliation according to the law that gives them the right to protect themselves when they will come under attack by the criminals."DMP boss has expressed himself when extortion in the transport sector and shopping centres has taken an alarming turn ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr. According to a report published in The New Nation on Friday, "Several businessmen have alleged that the crime syndicates are collecting millions of taka a day from posh shopping mall to footpath vendors with the help of dishonest officials of the local police stations. Local political leaders-backed musclemen have geared up the extortion business on the eve of Eid. There is also widespread allegation that the latest initiative of the law enforcement agencies to check extortion went in vain as some influential leaders of the ruling party extended their support in favour of extortionists The crime syndicates comprising some identified transport leaders, professional criminals and dishonest police personnel extorting millions of taka every day from different vehicles, especially bus, mini-bus, truck and three-wheeler tempo of different routes."In the background of this situation the decision of DMP boss 'use bullets' will certainly make the crisis worse. Allegation is wide spread that the main cause behind the alarming increase of mugging, burglary and extortion is the involvement of power politics. As the highly placed police officer, he knows best how criminalised politics has become. The police officials should expose how politically connected young ones do crimes with a sense of impunity. Our advice will be not to rely on power of bullets creating scope of easy killing of innocent people. Besides, criminals will also find bullets to make the situation dangerous for the entire society.
To treat them as illegal immigrants is unkind: Find jobs and safety

Editorial Desk :

There are several conditions that may lead to people becoming refugees, including warfare, political instability and natural disasters such as floods, tsunamis and famines. Refugees are defined as people who must leave their homes or native areas for reasons of safety and survival. Natural and man-made disasters can cause large segments of the population to flee from their native states, regions and countries into neighboring territories to wait temporarily until it is safe to move back home, or relocate for good.

The lead international agency coordinating refugee protection is the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR reports that at the end of 2015, there were 21.3 million refugees worldwide (16.1 million under UNHCR's mandate, plus 5.2 million Palestinian refugees under UNRWA's mandate). 1.8 million were newly displaced refugees. Among them, Syrian refugees were

the largest refugee group in 2015 at 4.9 million. In 2014, Syrians had overtaken Afghan refugees, who had been the largest refugee group for three decades. The countries hosting the largest number of refugees according to UNHCR are Turkey (2.5 million), Pakistan (1.6 million) and Lebanon (1.1 million). In 2015, the total number of displaced people worldwide, including refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons, was at its highest level on record.

Most of the refugees belong to the lesser-developed countries facing political turmoil and absence of good governance. Over two thirds of them are housed in developing nations. Most refugees are at severe risk of developing some sort of mental illness such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. They resemble among the most helpless of the human population --- mainly because they have no way to defend themselves against any attacks on them - as their way of life has become non functional, perhaps due to either a deliberate neglect by their governments or due to their governments being openly hostile to their ethnicity or religion.

Most refugees are in dire need of jobs and safety in their own country - yet are denied the most basic of rights. They would not be immigrants in other countries if they were not victims of joblessness or safety of their lives. To call them illegal immigrants is most unkind.

In the European Union, the unemployed persons are allowed to move freely in search of jobs. Under the global economy those who live unemployed in one country should also be made free to move to other countries for jobs.

The international community has also to see that the governments are in a position to take care of the joblessness. The governments creating immigrants must not go unaccountable for causing people to migrate to other countries for survival. Thousands of them loose their lives on their way and suffer disgraceful inhuman treatment.

The refugee problem has become an international problem and demands an international solution.

Most heart breaking is the condition of refugees created by war situations in which big powers are involved. Syrians are the worst example. They had to leave the country because autocracy of President Assad suits Russia and the Western countries for international power politics could not face the crisis of massive human rights violation. Russia does not bother for human rights. But the West has certainly failed the Syrians and they are now suffering deprivation and humiliation as the refugees in other countries. The Syrian refugees were not poor. The Middle East situation is also created by big powers.

The rich world must take major part of the blame for the sufferings of the refugees. Instead, the rich world is blaming the victims. It is a too selfish and unkind approach.

Viewed from any angle, the refugee problem is to be treated as an international problem. Refugees are to be seen kindly as victims of injustices and war. So international solution has to be found.


The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal has denied a writ filed by City Marshal Brian Pope seeking a review of the judgment handed down against him by District Court Judge Jules Edwards on March 24. Pope has 30 days from the June 21 date of the appeals courts rejection to file a writ with the Louisiana Supreme Court.

On March 24 Edwards found Pope in constructive contempt of court for his long-running refusal to turn over public records to The Independent and imposed on Pope seven days home confinement, 173 hours of community service, nearly five years probation and ordered him to pay the newspaper roughly $100,000 in attorney's fees and penalties.

The 15th Judicial District Attorney's office is currently investigating the marshal's conduct during the lengthy public records battle with The IND; criminal charges ranging from perjury to malfeasance to theft of public goods are expected by many within the Lafayette legal community sometime this summer.

The appeals courts judgment is short but pointed:

Considered in a light most favorable to the Plaintiff in this case, the testimony and documentary evidence established beyond a reasonable doubt that Defendant intentionally and purposefully failed to deliver the requested public records despite the trial courts December 14, 2015 order to do so. Nor did Defendant establish a justifiable excuse as to why the documents could not be provided. Furthermore, the monetary fine to paid to Plaintiff, imposed on Defendant at the January 4, 2016 hearing, was civil in nature and, thus, did not invoke the prohibition against double jeopardy. ...Accordingly, there was no error in the trial courts ruling.

For more on the criminal investigation into Pope as well as links to past reporting in timeline form by this newspaper, click here.
A celebrity gossip website is reporting that Hollywood star Julia Roberts is in discussions to play former Gov. Kathleen Blanco in a television bio-pic centered on Blancos handling of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

A celebrity gossip website  someone sent us the link, we swear!  is reporting that Hollywood star Julia Roberts is in discussions to play former Gov. Kathleen Blanco in a television bio-pic centered on Blancos handling of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

The 2005 storm killed more than 1,000 residents of New Orleans and led to one of the largest mass displacements of a population in American history. Blanco has long felt, and has publicly stated, that she believes her handling of the storm was mis-characterized by political opponents, largely as a means of deflecting attention away from the disastrous performance of former President George W. Bush and the Federal Emergency Management Agency a la heckuva job, Brownie.

According to RadarOnline:
Pre-purchase property inspection is a relatively new thing in the United Kingdom. Its not something that most people have heard about, but it has become increasingly popular over the last few years with the rise in property prices and increased demand for high quality homes.

What are the benefits of pre-purchase building inspection? What can you expect to find out when you pay someone else to inspect your home before you buy it? And what should you look for during an inspection?

Many people want to know if theyre buying a house thats been well maintained or if its had any serious problems. If youve found a place on the market that seems attractive, but then discover some issues after moving in, you may not be as excited about buying it as you thought you were.

Its important to do your due diligence when looking at properties. A lot goes into making a property appealing to potential buyers, from the landscaping to the flooring to the kitchen appliances. The same applies when inspecting a property  there are many things that need checking over to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Here are some of the benefits of performing a pre-purchase inspection:

You get to see exactly what will happen to your money

When you go shopping for a new car, youll probably be shown several different models. You might even be shown one that looks like a great value, but doesnt fit around all of the extra features that you want. When it comes time to actually buy the vehicle, however, you wont have seen how your money will be spent on it once you drive it off the showroom floor.

Likewise, when you shop for a new home, you dont really know what youre getting yourself into until you move in. In order to get a feel for whether the home youre considering is what you want, you normally have to spend quite a bit of time inside it. This allows you to learn more about everything that youre going to be spending your hard-earned cash on.

A pre-purchase building inspection gives you much the same kind of experience without having to spend thousands of dollars. Since youre paying for the service, you can expect to see exactly what youre paying for, instead of just seeing a vague idea of what you might end up with.

You find out about potential major repairs

Some buildings are very expensive to maintain, which means that owners often neglect them for the sake of saving money. While youre paying for a building inspection, youre also paying for a professional who knows how to spot signs of trouble and repair work that needs doing.

If you notice that a particular area of your new home needs fixing right away, you can call in an expert to take care of it quickly. If you find that theres something wrong with your boiler, you wont have to wait weeks for a plumber to come over and fix it. Instead, youll have access to a solution immediately.

You can save hundreds of pounds by finding out about potential problems early on

One of the biggest expenses when you first buy a home is the cost of moving in. Many people dont realize this until its too late. Buying a home involves not only paying for the actual house, but also for moving costs, furniture, and other items that have to be moved along with the home.

Having a good idea ahead of time of what youre likely to encounter can help you avoid these kinds of costs. If you know youll need to replace the plumbing system, for example, youll be able to put together a budget for the expense and plan accordingly.

You can protect your investment by finding out if the homes been well cared for

While there are plenty of people who think that houses always look better when theyre newly built, youd be surprised at how well maintained older residences can still look nice. Sometimes, though, those homes need some additional maintenance to keep them looking their best.

This could involve repairs that arent so noticeable or small improvements that you wouldnt consider otherwise. Even worse, some houses have fallen into disrepair without anyone noticing. This is why having a professional perform a building inspection prior to purchasing a home is such a big benefit.

Not only will it give you insight into the state of the property, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing youre not getting taken advantage of. As long as youre aware of the potential pitfalls, youll have less reason to worry about the state of your new home.

You can use information gathered during a building inspection to negotiate a lower price

If youre worried about buying a home because you suspect that it may need extensive renovation work, you may already have a rough idea of how much work youll need to do to bring it up to scratch. That knowledge can come in handy if you decide to buy the home.

You can use all of the details that you gather during a building inspection to present a realistic picture of what the home is worth to prospective buyers. If a potential buyer thinks that the home is worth more than what you paid for it, you can try negotiating a lower price.

You can sell your home faster and for more money

If you decide to list your home on the market soon after buying it, youll need to price it accurately in order to attract buyers. But if youve already done a thorough building inspection, youll know exactly what work is needed and what the current market conditions are.

In other words, youll be able to make a more accurate estimate of the amount of money youve invested in the home and how much its worth. If you find that youre selling your house for close to its full market value, you can use this information to convince the potential buyer that your home is worth the asking price.

Even if youre planning to stay in the home for a while before you decide to sell, the fact that you did a thorough building inspection will give you more confidence when listing it. Prospective buyers will know exactly what theyre paying for.

Your home will hold its value longer

As mentioned earlier, the value of a home depends heavily upon the condition of the building itself. If your home is in bad shape, potential buyers wont be interested in buying it. On the other hand, if youve performed a thorough building inspection and know what sort of repairs are necessary, you can offer your prospective buyer a compelling reason to invest in your property.

When you buy a home, youre essentially agreeing to have it inspected periodically to ensure that it stays in top shape. Not only does this allow you to avoid expensive repairs down the road, but it can also increase the value of your home.

You can make smart decisions about property investments

Buying real estate isnt as simple as just driving a couple of minutes to pick up a house. There are lots of considerations involved, ranging from location to cost. The same is true when youre investing in property.

If you find a house that meets all of your requirements, youll want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of where it stands with regards to the rest of the market. If you havent spent enough time researching the area, you could inadvertently end up with a bad deal.

There are lots of resources available online that can help you determine the overall level of competition in your area. They can also help you figure out if there are any properties that meet your requirements that you didnt know about.

If you own rental property, you can use the information to identify tenants who might cause damage

If you own rental property and youve noticed that certain tenants consistently cause damage, you can use the results of a building inspection to identify them. You can then contact them directly to let them know that youre watching them closely and that you dont appreciate the problem theyre causing.

They might start taking better care of their homes, which would be good news for everyone. It could also be the case that youll find out that theyre responsible for previous damages that werent caught during a previous visit.

You can make smarter decisions about hiring contractors

If youve hired contractors to build or repair your home, you might want to ask them for references. However, unless you perform a thorough building inspection, you might not know exactly what to look for.

For instance, maybe you only checked the roof for leaks or the walls for cracks. You might not have looked underneath the foundation for anything that could cause a future issue. By performing a building inspection, you can ensure that you hire reputable contractors who will be trustworthy with your money.

You can avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition

Of course, the main benefit of structural inspections perth is that it helps you avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition. Before you make the decision to buy a home, you should do whatever you can to find out about the state of the building.

You can also ask your realtor about what sorts of inspections are typically recommended. Some agents say that its standard practice to check the heating system, the roof, the electrical wiring, and the floors. Others will tell you that they recommend that you check the entire structure.

Either way, if you choose to hire an inspector, youll find out exactly what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost to do so.

As a result, it can be concluded that a pre-purchase building inspection is highly important for the buyers because it provides transparency regarding the current conditions of the structure. Additionally, the building owner is made aware of any upgrades or repairs that are required, which could lead to a fair deal throughout the purchasing and selling process.
President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war?

You voted:
The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now.

Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market.

In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender.

India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex.

Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted.

But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted?

Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner.

If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems.

I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now.

I want more variation in masturbation

I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own.

If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end.

What is sex toys for Indian?

Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation.

It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms.

They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable.

Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner.

The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner.

It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past.

In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping.

Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order.

In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing.

Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome.

Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own.

But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance.

More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around.

Sextoy situation in India

Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years.

In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India.

Mumbai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Delhi

Chennai

Hyderabad

These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India.

In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well.

If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too.

If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it.

What are Sextoys for beginner?

Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms.

Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy.

I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion.

I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy.

If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma.

Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it.

Advantages of using sextoy for Indians

There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians

You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways.

Can have stimulating sex

Can develop new sexual zones

If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern.

However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways.

You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation.

Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever.

There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure.

This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it.

When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems.

It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms).

For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles

[Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou...

Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India.

Sextoy for beginner men in India

So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners.

For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men!

The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men

Masturbator

Cock rings

Love Doll

Sex Lubricants

Toys for the prostate

Lets check each one in detail.

Masturbator

The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products.

It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands.

Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands.

They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.)

Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much.

Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! !

Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa   SEXToys India PR  (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018

Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood.

If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here

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Cock Ring

A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis.

It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow.

It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber.

In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection.

Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.

It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it.

Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time.

Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function.

Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy.

You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect.

[Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat...

Love Doll

Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex.

There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women.

Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price.

The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true.

You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste.

There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice.

You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls.

If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here

Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to...

Sex lubricants

Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules.

It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution.

Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse.

There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent.

Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent.

If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here.

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Toys for the Prostate

Another sextoy for men is prostate toys.

The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line.

Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men.

Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm.

You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus.

By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms.

Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.)

The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation.

Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure.

sextoy for beinner women in India

The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy.

The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy.

Vibrator.

Dildo

Electric Masserger

Lets check out what each one is in detail.

If you want to check out womens toys, click here.

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Vibrators

A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator.

Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy.

It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy.

Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women.

For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators.

Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex.

Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself.

This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual.

Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men.

When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons.

Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most...

Dildo

A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis.

It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass.

A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it.

They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well.

It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device.

A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo.

Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands.

For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis.

This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one.

To learn more about dildo, please click here.

What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th...

Electric Masserger

A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores.

It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low.

Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels.

Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation.

It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure.

For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm.

It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out.

If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager?

To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here.

What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th...

How to choose a sextoy for Indian

Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one.

Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points:  Does the size fit you (the partner)?

Does the size fit you (your partner)?

Is the environment able to produce sound without problems?

Price range

First of all, the choice of size is quite important.

Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women.

For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage.

Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems.

Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise.

If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level.

Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it.

Finally, there is the price range.

The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest.

Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy.

Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy?

I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance.

For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics.

If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out.

How to buy sextoys in India

The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping.

For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below.

Sextoy is one of them.

Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping.

SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India.

They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry.

Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card.

To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy.

ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal.

Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on.

Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture.

Cautions for Indians using sextoy

When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind

Keep sex toys clean

Watch out for electrical leakage

Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy

As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone.

Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there.

It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case.

In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness.

Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful.

If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it.

You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly.

Summary

What did you think?

In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India.

The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future.

As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values.

However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health.

If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try?

Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women.

I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it.
MARION  It's almost time for ButterBurgers and frozen custard.

Culvers franchise owners Maria and Aaron Jones, of Thompsonville, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, June 24, to officially kick off construction on the fast-food franchise in Marion.

Several public officials, business owners and residents attended the ceremony on Blue Heron Drive, across from Rent One Park, and next to the construction site for IHOP.

Maria Jones, who will serve as the general manager of the Marion Culvers, promoted the ButterBurgers and the cheese curds Friday. She said the No. 1 goal of the franchise is to make sure everybody leaves the restaurant happy.

She said construction crews will officially start turning dirt Monday, and the goal is to open the 1,450-square-foot building on Dec. 5. It will include a drive-thru, and outdoor patio seating area.

Jones also said the Culvers franchise will be involved in the community because that is one of the reasons the couple came to Marion.

We hope to get to know everybody very, very well, she said. The community has always been great. It is definitely an expanding community and we wanted to be a part of it.

Just below the hill where the groundbreaking took place is a construction zone for a Jimmy Johns, where a structure has started to take form. There isnt a timeline in place for when it will be finished. On Illinois 13 in Marion, the former Ryans restaurant space will eventually be the home to Finish Line Car Wash, from Paducah, City Administrator Gail West said.

The two IHOP projects in Marion and Carbondale are well underway. In Marion, lumber materials and construction crews are out next to the Holiday Inn Express on The Hill.

In Carbondale, a structure has formed next to Staples for IHOP. Carbondale City Manager Gary Williams said in April he wasnt aware of an official timeline, but the company has communicated it would like to be open by start of the fall semester.

Doug Kimmel, chairman of the Marion Chamber of Commerce, said the recent uptick in construction projects in Marion is even more impressive with the political climate in the state.

Sometimes you keep government out of the way and let private business and local communities do what they are supposed to do and you see favorable results, he said. This is largely an example of that.

He believes the entire region is in line for more projects.

Southern is going to continue to be a growth segment of the state as people look to get away from northern Illinois, Kimmel said.

He said developers could be looking for a more relaxed atmosphere in the bottom part of the state, along with outdoor resources available.
MOUNT VERNON  The Mount Vernon man convicted by a jury in February of aggravated battery of a child causing permanent disability was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in state prison.

Judge Jerry Crisel sentenced Michael Belmont, 29, of Mount Vernon, to the maximum sentence allowed under the law for a Class X felony in the severe abuse case involving then 3-year-old Lukas Burris.

Lukas suffered a stroke and traumatic brain injury as a result of the abuse, said Jefferson County States Attorney Doug Hoffman. Authorities said Belmont severely abused Lukas between Oct. 29 and Nov. 2, 2014. Evidence of the abuse was presented at the sentencing hearing, Hoffman said.

On the Facebook page Support Team for Lukas (previously named Justice for Lukas), Lukas father James Buris posted: 30 years is the sentence! A huge thank you for everyone who worked so very hard on this case. Thank you for all  your prayers and support. Lukas had been in the care of Belmont, family relatives, when he suffered the abuse so severe it nearly killed him. He is now living with his father, according to Hoffman.

Belmont's sentencing hearing had been postponed several times in recent months, and Burris had previously stated on the page that he was requesting patience from the concerned community, and to trust that the delays were necessary, and part of the process.

Burris recently told the newspaper that Lukas has made great progress since he was airlifted to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital in the fall of 2014, after he was beaten so severely that it was questionable that his life was in jeopardy. But he also said the injuries he suffered means that Lukas will have "significant long-term disabilities that will impact his ability to find employment and live a 'normal' life."

Hoffman said this was a very difficult case for everyone involved.

From the start, we knew how serious this was, he said. We are pleased that justice was served in the end.

The Southern was not at the sentencing hearing on Thursday. According to Hoffman and other media reports, in announcing the sentence, Judge Crisel, who has decades of judicial experienced, called this case the most egregious he had ever seen short of murder.

Hoffman said the law prescribes that Belmont will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least 85 percent of his 30-year sentence.

Belmonts wife, Kaysie Belmont, also faced numerous charges in relation to Lukas case. She pleaded guilty Feb. 10 to a Class 4 reckless conduct felony charge for failing to seek emergency care for the victim for which she was sentenced to 30 months probation plus various court fines and fees.

As part of her plea deal, numerous other felony and misdemeanor charges were dismissed, including a more serious felony charge of aggravated battery of a child under age 13 causing great bodily harm.

Child abuse rates in several Southern Illinois counties are much higher than the statewide rate, more than double in some cases. The rate is particularly troublesome in Jefferson County.

The average rate of child abuse and neglect in Jefferson County between 2012 and 2014, the latest three-year period available, was 34.7 per 1,000 children compared to the statewide average of 9.3 cases per 1,000 children during the same time frame, according to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Child protection workers, social service providers, public health officials and others have been working together for years to protect vulnerable children and reduce those rates, and Hoffman said those efforts are continuing, and showing some progress.

While there are resources throughout Southern Illinois banded together to combat child abuse, its never enough, he said. The Illinois budget impasse that is squeezing social service agencies is not helping the situation, he said.

Still, Hoffman said he hopes the maximum sentence that Belmont receives sends a message throughout Southern Illinois that abuse of children will not be tolerated.

Lukas turns 5 in two weeks.
CARBONDALE -- No felony criminal charges will be filed against a Herrin resident who struck and killed two people in a traffic accident at the intersection of Illinois 13 and Reed Station Road last December, according to Jackson County States Attorney Michael C. Carr.

Timothy OBoyle, who was identified by Carbondale police in December as 48 years old, will be prosecuted for speeding 15 to 20 mph over the speed limit and will face no other charges, authorities said Thursday in a news release.

On Dec. 5, 2015, at about 8:25 p.m., OBoyle struck two pedestrians walking south across the passing lane just past the intersection of Illinois 13 and Reed Station Road. The victims were identified as Gavin Flynn, 18, and Ryan Reed, 18. Both men were from Carbondale.

OBoyle said he had been on his way to Carbondale to pick up a pizza he had ordered and that at the time of the accident he was unsure whether he had struck a person or a deer.

Officers said they did not observe any signs of intoxication or impairment when they spoke with OBoyle at the scene, and hospital tests taken immediately after the accident confirmed he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

OBoyle said he was looking down at his speedometer just as the accident occurred. When asked by officers whether he was looking at his phone at the time of the accident, he said he was not. His statements are consistent with phone records obtained by investigators, which indicate that he placed a call to a pizza restaurant from a car wash at 8:16 a.m. in Carterville, authorities said.

Both pedestrians were wearing dark clothing, and neither increased his pace as the vehicle approached, a witness told police. Moments before the accident, the two men were nearly hit by a different motorist as they crossed near the same intersection in the eastbound lanes of Route 13.

Unfortunately, the facts of this case do not explain why two young adults crossed a dangerous highway at night, wearing dark clothing, against the light, in the path of an oncoming, fully illuminated car and did not alter their pace to avoid being hit, Carr said in the release.

Carr said that although OBoyle was speeding 15 to 20 mph over the speed limit, his speeding did not constitute the recklessness required for a reckless homicide charge.

This is a tragedy for the community and for those personally involved, Carr said. All drivers on Route 13 would do well to consider what happened here.
SPRINGFIELD  A health care agency in Southern Illinois announced Tuesday that its cutting some mental health and social services programs, affecting hundreds of clients and dozens of employees. The next day, an agency that assists the elderly in the Bloomington-Normal area announced that its laying off six employees, cutting three programs and closing two branch offices.

These are two of the most recent results of the yearlong budget standoff in Springfield. As Illinois approaches the start of its second year without a full spending plan, stories like these are becoming more common across the state.

A new survey from the United Way of Illinois shows that nearly 1 million people statewide have lost services due to the inability of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled General Assembly to reach a compromise.

Nearly two-thirds of the 429 agencies surveyed in early June  all of which normally receive state funding  reported making cuts as a result of the impasse, up from just under half in January. Of those that have cut back, 91 percent have reduced the number of people they serve, according to the United Way.

Its just unacceptable that our state has not had a budget for a year, said Kristi Long, chairman of the United Way of Illinois.

On average, the state owes agencies that are awaiting payment $525,000, and they have taken on a total of nearly $38 million in debt to keep programs running, according to the survey.

If the standoff continues into the new budget year that begins July 1, the picture will get even starker: More than a third of agencies said theyll have to shut their doors in six months if they dont receive state funds.

Long noted that this is the fourth time the organization has conducted the survey in the past year.

Every time weve done this, we have gotten this information to the governors office, to the legislative leaders offices, to local senators, local representatives, she said. We have felt like our job is to give them the information about whats really happening on the streets.

So far, that hasnt resulted in a plan thats been approved in the Legislature and signed by the governor.

Theres a bill on Rauners desk that would provide $700 million in funding for social services, but hes said he prefers a six-month stopgap measure that also includes some money for prisons, road construction and other state operations.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is negotiating such a plan, but it remains unclear whether an agreement will be reached before July 1.

Speaking Thursday in Chicago, Rauner said Democrats are going to hold up everything  in these negotiations for Chicago Public Schools to get a bailout.

Steve Brown, a spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said Wednesday that Democrats are participating in the discussions in good faith.

Toni Hayden, executive director of the United Way of Southern Illinois, said the lack of response from lawmakers shes reached out to has been disheartening.

I havent really heard back from any of them, Hayden said. But what I would want to convey is that they really take a heartfelt look at what this means for their communities and the people that are going to be suffering because they dont have the help that they rely upon.

David Taylor, president and CEO of the United Way of McLean County, said agencies need more certainty than a short-term agreement would provide.

Any action, I think, right now would help, Taylor said. But the concern that I would have is that stopgap measures arent creating viable long-term solutions, and it just seems to be delaying difficult decisions that need to be made.
The White House is desperate to close Guantanamo Bay -- no matter the cost. But the Administration can no longer keep the American people in the dark on the threat these terrorists pose to the U.S. and our allies. This month, it was reported 12 former Guantanamo detainees were implicated in attacks that killed half a dozen Americans. The deaths of our citizens at the hands of these released detainees underscores the inherent danger in the Administrations efforts to transfer these hardened terrorists and close Gitmo for good.

Since 2009, the Administration has released 160 detainees. So far this year, the Administration has transferred at least 27 detainees to foreign countries through undisclosed agreements. Another 24 detainees have been cleared for transfer in the next few months. We are sending terrorists to foreign countries, some of which have little to no experience with confining and monitoring hardened terrorists. This increases the risk that these individuals may re-engage in terrorism against the United States and our allies.

According to the Director of National Intelligence, roughly 30 percent of the terrorists released from Guantanamo are known or suspected to have re-joined the fight against Americans. This view and statistic is widely shared by the intelligence community yet the Administration remains committed to a less than transparent transfer and release system. When detainees are transferred from Gitmo to the custody of a foreign country, Congress and the American people often do not know the details of any agreement among the Administration and the foreign governments where a detainee will be transferred. Currently, any information about these agreements is classified.

For these reasons, I introduced amendments to the annual defense bill to increase transparency and accountability by requiring the Administration to provide the American people with the details surrounding any agreement associated with the transfer of a Gitmo detainee to a foreign country as well as reduce foreign aid for nations who lose track of terrorists formerly held at Gitmo. Earlier this year, following the transfer of two terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Ghana, I led a group of senators in urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to cut foreign aid to Ghana if the country is unable to hold and monitor the two detainees and ensure they do not re-engage in terrorism against the United States.

I have worked to block the transfer of Gitmo detainees since 2009 when I authored language to block the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense from acting on a 2009 Presidential memorandum to relocate detainees to Thomson Correctional Center in our state.

Real accountability in these processes is crucial. While Gitmo remains the safest and most secure place on the planet to lock up enemy combatants, any country that accepts Gitmo transferees and loses control of these terrorists should face severe consequences. These steps are critical to keeping released detainees away from terror hotspots and keeping Americans safe, but they alone are not enough. We need to keep dangerous terrorists locked up safely and securely in Gitmo so were not ever putting American lives at risk again.
Orangeburg Consolidated School District 4 trustees have approved a budget that includes a tax increase, but should actually lead to a reduction in taxes.

Trustees gave final approval Tuesday to a $30.3 million operating budget for 2016-17 thats balanced with a 2.4-mill tax increase that will bring in an additional $156, 948.

The tax increase is negligible, Superintendent Dr. Tim Newman said.

The owner of a car worth $10,000 will pay an additional $1.44, while the taxes on a $100,000 business will go up by $14.40.

OCSD4s taxes will go down significantly in spite of the millage increase because a one-time deficiency tax of 18 mills will drop off this year, Newman said.

The new budget includes a 4 percent salary increase for all employees, Head of Finance Michael Thom said.

The state is requiring all school districts to give teachers a 2 percent cost-of-living salary increase, plus a 2 percent step increase this year.

While the state is funding raises for teachers, it gives nothing toward increases for staff members. However, trustees voted to give all employees the raise at a cost to the district of $300,000.

The salary increases were the only area where expenses went up, Thom said.

Head of Operations Larry Wolfe told trustees that the districts entrance barrier project is about two weeks behind schedule because of a delay in getting approval from the State Office of School Facilities. However, the district will soon be taking bids on the project.

Installation of safer external doors at Hunter-Kinard-Tyler, Edisto Primary, Edisto Elementary and Carver-Edisto schools are part of a four-year update of technology and security in District 4. Wolfe has said the entrances will be much like those at the Branchville schools where visitors have to be buzzed in.

In other business, trustees gave final approval to the 10-point uniform grading system established by the S.C. Department of Education.
I am writing concerning the recent headlines about the bars in Orangeburg staying open until 5 a.m.

It seems to me that the owners of these places are not staying open to keep the people safe. They are making a lot more money by being open until 5 oclock.

Then people are put out to fend for themselves. If they fight or get in a wreck, or kill someone else, that is their problem. The bar owners have made their money for another night.

If the hours are not changed to a more decent hour to close such as 2 a.m., the owners should be forced to see that the patrons are taken home by having cars there to carry them. I know that would cost the bar owners more but they would a clearer conscience in knowing they had done what they could to keep people safe.

--Mary Dunning, Santee

Graham leader on clean energy

South Carolina U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham deserves to be commended for being one of only five Republican senators to address the impact of climate change by encouraging common sense support for clean energy technology.

By supporting Amendment 3864 to the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Graham called for the United States to be a world leader in supporting research and development of clean energy technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The amendment also explicitly recognizes that climate change is happening, but it also states that human activity is contributes to rising temperatures.

It is imperative that our leaders in Washington actively participate in efforts to promote market-based approaches that welcome and advance more innovative and cleaner energy technologies. These cleaner energy technologies are vital to Americas economic growth, energy independence and national security needs. Thats a victory for South Carolina.

Graham should be applauded for setting aside partisanship to achieve tangible results for free market energy reforms that create jobs. Senate Republicans should follow his lead in supporting new technologies that improve the quality of South Carolinas air, water and climate.

-Libby Smith, Charleston

Smith is a member of the Conservation Voters of South Carolina Education Fund Board
DENMARK Nationally-acclaimed artist Jim Harrison died last week at the age of 80, but his influence is still very much alive in this small community where he lived, operated his gallery and supported many civic projects throughout his long career.

One such recent project involved placing two-dimensional art pieces depicting figures from the 1920s to the 1940s, along with one cartoon-style character, around Denmark.

Each of the pieces, which tell a story about the city's history, are the creations of Denmark-Olar High School art teacher Dr. Anna Martin and some of her current and former students.

In an interview this week, Martin said Jim Harrison was instrumental in supporting the vintage-style art installations and other civic projects.

Businessman Pete Brooker of Brookers Hardware, a former mayor of Denmark, said Harrison was very supportive of enhancing the quality of life in the city through art and beautification projects and will be deeply missed by the entire community.

We wanted to make our figures consistent with the feel of Jim Harrison's work," Martin said. "I felt that Jim captured moments from the past that would otherwise be lost. I think his work speaks to people who cherish the small towns that are vanishing now and would otherwise be lost in the haze of memory.

She added, We want our town to recover and grow, but we know that growth will mean change and loss. I think Jim and others in our town liked seeing these young people involved in the process of preserving memories."

Martin, along with Denmark-Olar High graduates Antwan Dunbar, Patrick Jones, Dalequen Nelson and Clary Williams, created over a two-year period several art pieces -- a gas station attendant in front of an abandoned gas station across from Jim Harrison Gallery; a cartoon-style penguin wearing sunglasses in front of the Freezie Breezie Ice Cream Shop; a movie usher at the Dane Theatre; a train conductor at the Amtrak station; a cook in a local restaurant; and a turn-of-the-century banker in front of the former First National Bank, which was commissioned by antiques dealer Caroline Boyd. The old bank building is now used for storage and display space for The Caroline Collection, Boyd's antiques store.

"I think its wonderful what Dr. Martin is doing. She is about to make a telephone operator to put out in front of the AT&T building. I am just thrilled to death that shes doing it," Boyd said.

Boyds antique store is located in the AT&T building, which is designated as a South Carolina historic site.

Both Jim Harrison and Caroline Boyd provided ongoing support, advice and feedback, Martin said.

Jones, who is majoring in digital media, said he did the work on the banker and worked on the project even before graduating and going on to S.C. State.

I worked on the penguin at Freezie Breezie as well, he said.

Dr. Martins art class and projects gave me experience. I learned a lot from the art classes in high school, Jones said.

He rejoined the art installations project during his summer break to help complete other commissioned pieces. Julia Avesta, now enrolled in the summer program at the Governors School for the Arts, has been helping with the art installations as well and will continue when she returns as a sophomore to Denmark-Olar.

All of the students studied art with me, but Patrick Jones is the only one who completed four years of high school art, Martin said.

She noted that the downtown art project was part of an initiative by the Denmark Development Corporation, which consists of business owners, professionals and former mayors of Denmark.

I think the figures are beautiful. I think theyre fantastic," Brooker said. "I think they are things to do to attract attention. You have to think of things that do that."

He added, "Jim Harrison was one of those who did that. Our town lost our best salesperson when we lost Jim.

Former Denmark mayor Sam Neeley said, Our beautification committee paid for the materials for the high school students to produce that artwork. Theres no question that they do add to the town. They are rather unique additions to the appearance of Denmark. We commend Dr. Martin and her students for coming up with the idea and developing those figures.

The purpose of the Denmark Development Corporation was to add beauty to the town, Martin said. When Department of Transportation funds were made available for streetscaping, the corporation and Harrison provided additional assistance, she said.

Dunbar said he worked on the projects for two years with several of his friends. They completed the train conductor located at the depot (Amtrak station).

It took two weeks to finish with weatherproof enamel paint, Dunbar said.

My older brothers used to draw, and I watched them," he added, referring to his early interest in art. "This started in my elementary school days.

Dunbar joined others from the high school in designing and painting the giant dogwood blossoms in the main intersections downtown as symbols of Denmark's annual Dogwood Festival, gaining experience in large-scale painting projects.

The students aren't forgetting all that Harrison did to improve their community.

Williams noted, I am working on one (figure) of Jim Harrison actually painting a painting. It shows him painting a Coca Cola ad with a girl on it."
Left: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves alluded to the challenges in ensuring the timely and proper implementation of projects. Right: H.E Ambassador Mikael Barfod described the Banana Accompanying Measure project as one of the flagship interventions of the EU in the Caribbean.

Following months of paperwork, the first set of projects under the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) programme will get underway soon.





This after a contract was signed between the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Office of the Ambassador of the European Union to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean earlier this week.





Among the projects earmarked for support are: a food science laboratory at the Community College; feeder roads and green house at Montreal; the upgrade of the palletisation centre at Langley Park; and the setting up of basic infrastructure for banana and livestock farms throughout the country.





The total value of the funding comes in at EU6 million (EC$18 million).





"The Banana Accompanying Measure project is one of the flagship interventions to the region and to St Vincent and the Grenadines, said H.E Ambassador Mikael Barfod, Head of the Delegation of the EU to Barbados & the Eastern, during the signing ceremony at Cabinet Room on Tuesday.





"But it has been the most challenging, and it is for these reasons that I am delighted to be here, he continued.

Back in 2012, SVG was awarded EU9.9 million (EC$27 million) to assist in increasing the production of banana, livestock, fruits and vegetables in the aftermath of the decision to end the preferential market system for Windward Islands bananas entering the UK.





"We want to create an enabling environment for production, H.E Ambassador Barfod said.





Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves commented on the process, saying that SVG and the rest of the OECS have partnered on a number of agriculturally based projects before: "Every time we have projects with the EU, those not familiar with the procedures, and we have to take them as they are, but sometimes you feel as though you are going up a down escalator, and when you think you have mastered the down escalator, you throw your hands up and say nah, it can be very challenging.
Yesterday Thursday, June 23rd was celebrated internationally as Public Service Day as designated by the United Nations General Assembly.





In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Public Sector Reform Unit, in effort to fulfill the stipulated objectives of the day, organized an entire week of activities to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community, under the theme, Productivity and Service Excellence in the Public Sector.





The activities started with a church service, held at the New Testament Church of God on Wilson Hill, on Monday.





The organizing committee manifested their skill in unifying public servants, as chairperson Mrs. Moreen Williams facilitated the flow of presentations by the praise and worship team, the worship dance team, the public service choir in a very invigorating, inspiring and reverent atmosphere.





Two main speakers took to the lectern to address the congregation.





Prime Minister Dr. Hon Ralph Gonsalves thanked public servants in general, past and present, for the tremendous job they had done in providing the requisite goods and services that keep the nation in its privileged position.





He went on to make special mention of sectors where individuals go beyond the call of duty.





In thanking the parents, teachers and students involved in the recently sat CPEA, the police men and women who are stretched in their fight to deal with crime; doctors and nurses who continue to work under pressure as renovations continue at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital; and all other sectors of public workers, especially the sanitation workers who deliver a clean city on the morning after Dimanche Gras, the Prime Minister spoke of the current technological age in which robots, by the next thirty years, may become ubiquitous, but as per the efficiency of the civil servants of this age, "no robot, act or communication system can replace the human being which God has created.





The second speaker, Mrs. Laura Anthony-Browne, delivered the sermon. She focused on the activitys theme, likening the courage, integrity, and non-compromise required by the public to "do the right thing, to that which was exhibited by Joseph in the book of Genesis.





She pointed to how persons may feel they have a legitimate grouse and cause for concern like Joseph, but he persevered and received relevant rewards from his master. "Are you persevering in your position in spite of your story? she questioned, and advised, "Make a determination to respond like Joseph, with courage, integrity and no compromise.





Mrs. Zonnelle Wilkinson offered a prayer for the nation.




Buccament Bay Resort is marketed as an all-inclusive beachfront resort that offers a unique range of top class activities and facilities. Inset: David Ames, Developer of the Buccament Bay Resort, was welcomed with open arms as something of a pace setter for future tourism site developments on mainland St. Vincent.

The police have filed multiple charges of dishonesty against David Ames, principal developer of the Buccament Bay Resort, and attorney Samuel Commissiong, the principal officer of the company.





Ames, a native of England, has been charged with, between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013, stole EC$404,740.09, the property of the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.





He is also charged with stealing EC$1,739,524.00, the property of the government, between February 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.





Ames is further charged with stealing EC$886,818.05, the governments property, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.





In addition, Ames is charged that between February 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011, stole EC$397,615.00, the governments property.





Ames and Commissiong are jointly charged with, between February 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, wilfully evaded the assessment payment or collection of VAT in the amount of EC$2,754,132.00, the governments property.





The two are also jointly charged with, between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011, wilfully evaded the assessment payment or collection of VAT, in the amount of EC$808,405.00, the governments property.





They are also jointly charged with, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, being an employer of Buccament Bay Resort, within the prescribed time, failed to pay the Comptroller of Inland Revenue the amount of EC$404,740.09.





The charges allegedly stem from monies that were deducted from the employees salaries as Income Tax, and from customers as VAT, but were not paid into the Inland Revenue Department.





Amers and Commissiong were summoned to appear at the Kingstown Magistrates Court on Wednesday, but they had communicated to the court that they were engaged in a civil case in the High Court.





As a result, Magistrate Bertie Pompey adjourned the matter to yesterday (Thursday).





Section 88(4) of the Income Tax Act, chapter 434 of the revised edition of the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines states that "The Principal officer shall be answerable for the doing of all such things as are required under this act to be done by the company of which he is the representative, and in the case of default he shall be liable to the same penalties.





Harlequin Properties, the company behind the development of the Buccament Bay Resort, and of which David Ames is Chairman and principal shareholder, has been subject to an ongoing investigation by the UKs SFO (Serious Fraud Office) since 2013, and two warnings by the Financial Services Authority.





Harlequin Properties was also embroiled in a controversial and failed property development project in neighbouring Barbados.





Ames, international media houses say, is no stranger to litigation and failed projects.




Justice Brian Cottle has indicated that he will be handing a written judgement to parties involved in the matter of Election Petitions filed in the High Court by the New Democratic Party (NDP).





The proceedings are at a point at which Justice Cottle is expected to rule on a motion filed on behalfof the Supervisor of Elections, to have the petitions quashed.





Hearing of arguments in that vein were heard last week Friday, upon which Justice Cottle quipped that he wanted to enjoy his carnival, and will reserve his judgement, promising to make same in writing at the earliest possible time.





Speculation is rife that the Justices judgement will be delayed until after the carnival festivities which close officially on July 5.
Left: Bertie Pompey, seen here at his swearing in ceremony as Magistrate, has recused himself from two matters that ensued subsequent to the Dec 9, 2015 general elections. Right: Douglas De Freitas (right) and attorney Maia Eustace leave the Magistrates Court in good spirits last Tuesday.

Just hours after Magistrate Bertie Pompey recused himself from hearing the case involving opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) Central Leeward candidate Benjamin Ben Exeter, he took a similar decision in another matter which is also expected to generate keen interest among the public.





On Tuesday, June 21, Pompey recused himself from hearing the matter involving Nice Radio proprietor Douglas





Dougie De Freitas, who has been charged on two counts of publishing false statements likely to cause fear or alarm or to disturb the public peace.





The charges reportedly stem from comments De Freitas had made on Nice Radio, the morning following the results of the December 9, 2015 general elections.





De Freitas has been charged under Section 64 (1) of the Criminal Code, Chapter 171 of the revised edition of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.





De Freitas was charged by summons, and appeared before Pompey at the Kingstown Magistrates Court on Tuesday.





Attorney Maia Eustace made an appearance on De Freitass behalf, as his lawyer Kay Bacchus-Browne was engaged in the High Court in another case.





Eustace requested full disclosure of all relevant material in the matter.





But Pompey indicated that he would have to recuse himself from the case, as he is involved in a civil matter in which De Freitas is also involved.





The Magistrate then transferred the matter to the Calliaqua Magistrates Court. De Freitas is slated to appear in that Court on September 13.





Second recuse





On Monday, June 20, Pompey recused himself from any further hearing of the case involving Exeter and NDP Youth Arm member Shabazaah George who were being tried together.





The Magistrate took the decision after listening to an application from defence lawyer Kay Bacchus-Browne for him to recuse himself, and a response from Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Colin John.





The lawyer referred to comments Pompey had made towards the end of the proceedings on June 6, the second day of the trial.





(See charges in article captioned Magistrate mistaken?)





Bacchus-Browne pointed out that the Magistrate overruled a salient objection she had made, and he permitted Assistant Supt. of Police Timothy Hazelwood to give inadmissible and irrelevant evidence in reference to the offence of breach of the peace.





She noted that Pompey erroneously stated that there was a charge for breach of the peace against Exeter, and that he gave evidence from the bench when he stated, "When Mr. Exeter walked through the police line he breached the peace.





Bacchus-Browne added that the Magistrate appeared to be assisting the Assistant DPP, in Johns attempt to get inadmissible evidence on record in relation to a charge, i.e. breach of peace, which was non-existent.

She also stressed that the defence was cognizant of the fact that the magistrate, the Assistant DPP and ASP Hazelwood were police officers who worked together in the force for several years, and that the only evidence against her clients was police evidence.





The Assistant DPP was of the opinion that Pompey should not recuse himself, as the prosecution was confident that he would be fair and unbiased, and that he would adhere to the oath he had taken as Magistrate, to be impartial.





But Bacchus-Browne responded, "We are not saying that the judge is bias or lacks integrity, or that we want someone who would try the case in our favour.





"The defence is raising the issue of apparent bias. The general public must feel that justice is served.

"If Your Honour refuse to recuse yourself and continue with this matter, the question is whether or not these two young men would get justice.





She pointed out that justice must not only be done, but it must seem to be done.





In concluding that he was recusing himself, Pompey said that it was unfortunate that Bacchus-Brownes application, which was also outlined in a letter to the Magistrate, was first communicated to him through the news media.




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/By Azernews/

By Amina Nazarli

The next round of the multilateral and bilateral talks on Azerbaijans accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is scheduled for July 21-22 in Geneva.

Deputy Head of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev said that the Azerbaijani government has sent to the WTO Secretariat the responses to the questions of WTO member states, the documents developed as part of improving the countrys legislation and the decisions adopted in the trade and economic sphere, new proposals on goods and services.

The deputy minister noted that aside from the meeting with the WTO working group, it is planned to hold multilateral talks on the sphere of agriculture.

In this regard, Azerbaijan has presented to the WTO Secretariat the changes in agricultural subsidies over the last three years, he added.

Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev noted that Russia and Saudi Arabia have offered to the Azerbaijani government to start bilateral negotiations in the framework of the countrys accession to WTO.

He emphasized that the two counties are interested to start negotiations in service filed.

These countries want to get an initial negotiating rights in the case Azerbaijan changes rates for some commodity items, so that to be the first to negotiate on this issue, he told Trend.

This means that if a country previously granted trade concessions on a specific product, decides to cancel or change them, it must first negotiate with the member of the WTO, which has initial negotiating rights on the product, as well as members, recognized by the principal goods suppliers, and to consult with other members having a substantial interest in this product.

In accordance with the current practice, the pre-emptive right to negotiate is given to a country, if the proportion of goods exported in its total imports exceeds 30 percent.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia amounted to $739.8 million in January to May 2016. Russia is one of the main foreign trade partners of Azerbaijan and ranks second with a weight of 11.59 percent of the country's total trade turnover.



Among importers, Russia leads the first place with a share of 18.3 percent, and ranks the eighth in the list of Russia exporters with 4.27 percent.

Unlike Russia, Saudi Arabia is not included in the list of key foreign trade partners of Azerbaijan, and the bilateral trade turnover made up $3.78 million in he first five months of May 2016.

Azerbaijan holds a status as observer country at the WTO since 1997. The Azerbaijani working group under the WTO secretariat was established on July 16, 1997.

Baku has begun negotiations with the WTO member countries in 2004. At present, the country is in the process of holding negotiations with 19 countries.

The latest member of the organization Russia formally expressed a will to commence negotiations with Azerbaijan but the proposals from the country has not received as stated by the Deputy Foreign Minister.

Azerbaijan has accomplished negotiations and signed protocols with Turkey, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan.
By Chris Baraniuk

If you're otherwise healthy, is it OK to over-indulge at the dinner table at this time of year? Here's the truth.

Comfort food is in greater demand at certain times of year more than others, be it due to short days and worsening weather, or simply the gastronomic indulgence of seasonal parties.





If you're reading this in the Northern Hemisphere, bear in mind that your evolutionary programming means youre primed to seek out calorific food sources in winter. "As it gets less light, peoples moods will be affected by that, says Emily Henderson, a medical anthropologist at the University of Durham , and that in turn will lead to changes in eating. This includes turning to sweet treats and extra roast potatoes.





The question is, if you live an otherwise healthy lifestyle, is it OK to let loose once in a while?





The answer is both yes and no  its all a matter of how much, says Barry Campbell, a gastroenterologist at the University of Liverpool .





For starters, it's not just weight gain or cholesterol that you have to consider. The bacteria in our digestive tract are impacted when we eat overly fatty foods, for instance. Studies have suggested that the proportions of beneficial and harmful bacteria can be adversely affected.





If such a pattern of eating continues, that could lead to long-term issues such as an inflamed gut, says Campbell . But theres hope. Our microbiome has the capacity to rebound.





Actually none of these things are totally bad for you, if its in moderation, explains Campbell . The shifts youll see on a binge are obviously not good in the short-term sense but theyre not going to cause long-term damage.





A one-off day of moderate indulgence followed by a gastronomically frugal period of more careful eating could, then, be considered perfectly healthy.





Theres more bright news for Christmas eaters. Campbell adds that certain vegetables are particularly good for us  and high on that list is the Brussels sprout. Theyre rich in antimutagens which might play a role in lowering the risk of bowel cancer. The antimutagens counter the effect of proteins known as lectins, which can be quite damaging. They can change the cells or even cause cell death, comments Campbell .





He adds that vegetarians, despite cutting out lectin-rich meats, may still be at risk if they consume a lot of protein-filled legumes. Brussels all round, then





Jonathan Hoare, a gastroenterologist at The London Clinic, agrees that single bouts of overeating are nothing to worry about. One day wont do anything  it might give you indigestion that night though, he says.





But he points out that what might really impact our health following seasonal periods is the fact that feasting is seldom confined to just one day. An illustration of this comes from the findings of a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Contrary to popular wisdom, weight gain among surveyed Americans was not as sharp during the holiday period as might be expected. However, people failed to shed the extra pounds after the holidays, making their weight accumulate year-on-year.





The net 0.48kg weight gain in the fall and winter probably contributes to the increase in body weight that frequently occurs during adulthood, noted the paper.





Another study, this time in the Journal of Physiology, found that a bit of physical activity over festive periods can be a good thing. Some daily exercise, even when calorie intakes were much higher than normal, could be extremely beneficial, the researchers found. It led to better blood sugar control and less undesirable genetic variation in fat cells.





As Hoare comments, The advice Id give people is enjoy yourself but pay it back  youve got to have some lean days afterwards and youve got to out for some walks.




Today's session of Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) has discussed Azerbaijan's multicultural model and youth policy.





The session started its work with discussion of the report titled "Culture and democracy." Azerbaijani MP, chairperson of the Assembly's Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons Sahiba Gafarova participated in the discussions.





She hailed Azerbaijan's culture, saying the country's ancient cultural and historical heritage is known to the whole world. Underlining the importance of the issues discussed in the session, Sahiba Gafarova highlighted the work done to promote multiculturalism and preserve cultural and historical heritage in the country. She said: "The issues discussed in the reports are very important nowadays. It is a fact that nowadays the world community is facing many serious threats: serious damage to economies of the countries caused by the ongoing global processes and consequences of the financial crisis on one hand and public concern with regard to confrontation occurring at the political arena on the other hand. Along with that, religious and racial discrimination, as well as terror outbreaks, cannot leave us indifferent to that problem. In this situation the role of culture and democracy is increased. Active participation in cultural activities helps people to acquire a critical mind, to develop a broader understanding of different world views, to interact with others, to have a voice and to define their role in society."





"I agree with the rapporteur, that long-term human investment in culture and education must be given equal priority with investment in the economy, infrastructure, security and all other areas seen as crucial to Europe's global economic competitiveness and stability. The issue for governments today is not only how to make the best use of limited resources, but also how to find a way to ensure that culture and education are given due recognition and a lasting political priority," she said.





"I would like to inform colleagues of the measures taken by the Azerbaijani state in this area. Azerbaijan, incorporating the cultures of east and west, is rich in cultural heritage. In this context, great responsibility to preserve this heritage falls on the state. The Azerbaijani Government applies substantial and comprehensive measures to develop multiculturalism, national culture, encourage effective activity within its various spheres, protect cultural and historical heritage. In 2014 Service of the State Counsellor on Multiculturalism, Interethnic and Religious Affairs was established. The same year by the Decrees of the President of Azerbaijan the Baku International Centre for Multiculturalism and Knowledge Foundation were established which aimed to make analysis of compatibility of social, political and other aspects of multicultural models of other countries with the multicultural environment of Azerbaijan as well as enhance scientific, technical, socio-economic and humanitarian knowledge, analyze the processes taking place in the context of globalization. The year of 2016 in our country was declared as the "Year of Multiculturalism."





The big role in the development of culture and democracy plays the educational policy. Supporting talented young people must be one of the main goals of the government.





I bring to your notice the fact that Azerbaijan has adopted a law on youth and is implementing a special programme related to young people. Specific measures with regard to the development of youth are reflected in the law and the programme. In order to promote the development of the youth potential, the state has established the youth foundation, which enables the development of the creative abilities of young people, motivates their activity and focuses them on becoming involved in management. Every year, hundreds of young people are assigned to study abroad. Their education is financed by our state," Gafarova said.




OSCE Minsk Groups US co-chair James Warlick says the meetings between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia bring us closer to a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

We are hopeful that the situation along the line of contact will remain stable, he said speaking to Trend June 23. These developments are important and allow us to make progress on a comprehensive settlement.

Presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, Vladimir Putin, Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan adopted a joint statement following their meeting in St. Petersburg June 20.

Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents confirmed the agreements reached during the Vienna meeting May 16 on stabilizing the situation in the conflict zone and creating an atmosphere to push forward the peace process. For that purpose, the sides agreed to increase the number of international observers in the conflict zone.

Warlick added that the presidents stated in St. Petersburg their respect for the ceasefire as they did at the May 16 meeting in Vienna.

Presidents committed to measures that will reduce the risk of future violence, and agreed on the need for resuming negotiations on a comprehensive settlement, he said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
OSCE chairperson-in-office and German foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Igor Popov and Pierre Andrieu, and with Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, personal representative of the chairperson-in-office on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference in Berlin June 23.

The co-chairs informed the chairperson-in-office about the results of the summit of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia, held in St. Petersburg June 20, and the agreement reached there about increasing the number of staff of the Office of the Personal Representative in order to bring additional international observers into the conflict zone, said a message posted on the OSCE website.

The aim of the agreed increase is to stabilize the situation in the conflict zone and to create an atmosphere conducive to fostering the peace process, said the message.

Steinmeier welcomed the recent improvements in the upholding of the ceasefire. There was agreement among the participants of the Berlin meeting that a sustainable ceasefire and a return to political negotiations remain indispensable.

Todays talks also served the goal of coordinating possible further steps towards achieving a settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, also with a view to Steinmeiers upcoming visit to the region, said the message.

In the framework of the German OSCE Chairmanship, Germany is supporting the negotiation efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and its co-chairs and will continue to work actively towards a settlement of the conflict, according to the message.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
MTM Powersports, an affiliate of UAE-based Al Masaood Group, has announced the launch of the C-Eagle 220x jet boat, the second generation of its flagship sport boat models.



Authorised by Sea-Doo, the C-Eagle model is the first high quality jet boat manufactured in the Middle East, delivering an unparalleled boating experience with its technology, performance and design, said a statement from the company.



Following the regional success of the C-Eagles 1st generation in 2015, this years generation has been improved with advancements featuring a substantial focus on the luxury aspect, high quality materials, and innovative technology, it said.



The new jet boat features the same high quality hull, equipped with the proven twin Rotex 4-Tec 250 horsepower supercharged engines. Controlled by an electric throttle with a closed loop heat exchanger cooling system, the engines provide ease of handling and smoothness with speeds up to 105 km per hour, it added.



Unlike a conventional prop engine, which pushes water out in a dispersed pattern, Rotax Jet Power concentrates on thrust. An on-board impeller pulls water in and forces it out from a single point for maximum power.



Designed in collaboration with leading marine specialists and built in the UAE, the boat features sleek, stunning lines with eye-catching graphics, and matching interior accents with premium Italian-made stainless hardware and high quality flooring materials from the US, said the company statement.



The C-Eagle 220x boasts a 22-ft spacious interior with a seating capacity of up to 11 passengers and a carefully laid out cockpit to provide plenty of room to move around, with a well styled, comfort ride interior spring seating, with premium upholstery delivering a smooth ride, it added.



The jet boat comes with a variety of comfort-conscious features as standard. It includes an extended swim platform with two stainless steel re-boarding ladders, multiple storage units, aerial tower, aerial freerode wakeboard tower, a shower with 70-litre water tank, lighting, and a marine windshield. It is also equipped with a 1,800 watt integrated stereo system with six speakers, sub-woofers, and amplifiers.



The C-Eagle 220x jet boat is available at a price of Dh269,000 ($73238).



Bassem Wazafi, commercial manager, MTM Powersports, said: As one of the Middle Easts industry leaders, we are committed to providing our customers across the region with a memorable and second-to-none high-adrenaline watersport experience.



We are extremely excited to unveil the first jet boat manufactured in the Middle East, setting new standards with luxurious features that position it at the forefront of its class, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
Korean peace medal presentation

Republic of Korea Consul General SHIN Chae-Hyun of San Francisco will be joining Governor Matt Mead to present the Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Medal to Wyoming veterans at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, June 30, at the Parkway Plaza Hotel. The public is welcome to attend.

Adult coloring club

Drop by the Natrona County Library anytime between 2 and 5 p.m. on Friday, July 1 for our Adult Coloring Club. Coloring books and pages will be available for you to turn into works of art. Colored pencils, crayons, and markers also will be provided. Just bring yourself and your friends, and enjoy the afternoon. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Rock painting

Do you like to paint? And would like to paint on rocks? Then come join us on Saturday, July 2 at 2 p.m. for our monthly adult-level crafting program. You will be able to paint your favorite animal, flower or thing on your own special rock. Supplies and space limited. Creating opportunities for adult creativity and interaction, Craftastic Saturday is free and open to ages 18 and up, and held the first Saturday of every month. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Free Wednesday

lectures at fort

Fort Caspar Museum is pleased to announce its annual free summer lecture series for 2016. The lectures will be held on seven consecutive Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm, through July 20. Each presentation will focus on a different Impression on Wyoming, from past to present and from east to west. These free programs are funded in part by the Fort Caspar Museum Association and the Wyoming Humanities Council.

Each lecture will take place in the Multi-Use Room at Fort Caspar Museum. The programs are adult focused and will last approximately 60 minutes, including the lecture and a discussion opportunity. Most of the talks will feature a PowerPoint presentation, and if the speaker has published on a relevant topic, the lecture will conclude with a book signing.

Here are the dates, speakers, and their topics for the other six free summer lectures:

June 29, Ray Maple will delve into the complex biography Tom ODay; July 6, Tom Rea will talk about Wyoming Bone Wars; July 13, Phil Roberts will explore Wyoming Prohibition; and finally, July 20, John Farr will present Wyoming: Sheepherders State.

For more information, contact the museum at 235-8462 or check the Fort Caspar Museum website, www.fortcasparwyoming.com. Fort Caspar Museum is located at 4001 Fort Caspar Road.

Meeting set to talk museum expansion

As a result of the hard-working efforts of the late Joye Kading and her volunteers over the past 16 years, the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum is a modern museum, operated by the Wyoming Military Department. The museum remains in the World War II Enlisted Service Mans Club at 3740 Jourgensen Avenue, at the Casper/Natrona County International Airport.

As a testimony to how well Joyes vision has succeeded, the museum has now outgrown its historic building. Accordingly, the Wyoming Military Department has been directed by the Governor of Wyoming and Wyoming State Legislature to perform a Level I/Level II study on the feasibility of constructing a significantly expanded Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum.

A public meeting is required, to provide members of the general public, veterans, and interested citizens, voters and taxpayers an opportunity to comment upon the concept, design, budget and approach for this expanded museum.

The public meeting will be held at the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, 3740 Jourgensen Avenue, on Saturday, June 25, 2016. Doors will open at 11 a.m. The full expanded museum concept will be available for viewing, and design team members will be available to answer questions, at that time.

The formal public meeting will begin at noon. The meeting is scheduled to last one hour.

Refreshments will be provided by the museum, and no registration or RSVP is required.

For additional information, or for any questions, contact Douglas R. Cubbison, curator, or John Goss, director, Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, 472-1857, douglas.cubbison@wyo.gov, john.goss@wyo.gov.

Veteran Cigar Night

Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., all veterans are invited to Veteran Cigar Night at the Casper Cigar Company, 4717 W. Yellowstone Highway, sponsored by Casper Cigar Company. There is no cost to attend.

This is a time and place for our communitys combat veterans to relax and share their stories with other combat veterans while enjoying a good cigar. Veterans receive 20 percent off cigars. For more information, call Josh Cruse at 307-337-4400 .

Downtown walking tours

Casper Theater Company will present two downtown walking tours this summer. All tours are $25 per person and reservations are required.

The Casper Ghost Tour will begin at 8:30 p.m., on Thursdays and Fridays, July 15 through July 29. The Ghost Tour guide will provide you with information on downtown hauntings in buildings, alleys, and businesses. She will take you on a 90-minute tour through the alleys of downtown talking about strange phenomenon seen by citizens, business owners and employees of several locations in the downtown area. You will learn about some locations such as Eggingtons, Wonder Bar, Wolfords, Lou Tauberts, the Downtown Parking Garage, the two movie theaters and much more. Tickets are $25 per person and a reservation is needed by calling 267-7243.

The Sand Bar Tour will be a murder mystery walking tour. The tour guide will take you for a walk on the Sand Bar at 7:30 p.m., where you will come upon a victim of the times. There will be characters to will meet all of which had a motive. Each character will talk with you and tell you about their life on the Sand Bar, businesses, painted ladies, bootleggers, and gamblers. All will culminate at the end to find out Who Dun It? Tickets are $25 and the tour runs two weekends, Friday and Saturday, September 9-10 and 16-17. Reservations are required by calling 267-7243.

If you have any questions about either tours please call Casper Theater Company at the above number, or email us at caspertheatercompany@gmail.com Our website is www.caspertheatercompany.net.

New displays at senior center

What is Zentangle? Zentangle is a fun, relaxing ,easy method of drawing that creates structured images.

Visit the Senior Center at 1831 E. 4th St. to view this fascinating display of amazing drawings by local artists. Also featured is a collection of Japanese collectibles including pottery, clothing, dishes and more.

For more information, call 265-4678.

Concert at Mountain Plaza

Mountain Plaza Assisted Living, 4154 Talon Dr., will host violin students of Kaylah Maue at 10:30 a.m. June 25.
1. Why are you running?

I believe that our system of self-government operates best when the voters have a choice among perspectives/values/plans. One-party system is not a healthy system, nor is the discussion that examines alternative policy decisions.

2. What are the most pressing issues facing your constituents and how should they be addressed.

 Health, Education, public lands and the economy are pressing issues. Among the ways to address the health issues are passing Medicaid, increasing our support of mental health programs/treatments and emphasizing preventive care.

 The protection and maintenance of our public lands for the use by all citizens contributes to our physical and mental health as well as to our economy. Wyoming beauty must be preserved for multiple uses by all US citizens to enjoy and use for multiple purposes. Including hunting, fishing, hiking, contemplation.

 Full funding of education must be a priority accompanied by a a clear definition of the purpose and a precise measurement of success. Public education must blend the practical with the theoretic, the role of worker with the role of citizen. Economics, history, literature, math/science and the arts and an understanding of our ethical heritage can be balanced with learning the skills such as problem solving, creativity, innovation, and ideas analysis needed for employment. The Legislature should have a clear statement of the purpose of education, and what they expect students to know and be able to do upon graduation and then empower the local school boards to decide how to accomplish the purpose and get results.

 Economic issues include assistance for job training and re-training, support for entrepreneurial efforts, and support of affordable housing and nutrition. The minimum wage should be increased enabling families to take care of themselves and enrich the economy. With the decline in state revenues, we not only need to encourage and support new small business enterprises, we need to support the technological updating of old projects such as coal and oil exploration while preserving our environment. The broadband communications network needs to be expanded to draw additional enterprises to Wyoming.

3. The path forward

Before determining cuts in state programs/services, legislators should consult their constituents and determine priorities on the basis of what is wanted but also on what is the best investment in the people and economy of the state. There should also be agreed- upon, written guidelines about when, why and how funds can be budgeted from the rainy day account.

I believe that we need to base decisions more on facts and human values and less on political ideologies or conflicts. I will make every effort to apply common sense to the common good. The idea of the common good has been consumed by the belief that what is good for me is more important than what is good for all of us.
Name: Bill Weaver

Age: 59

Residence: 6910 Powderhouse Road, Cheyenne

Office: Candidate for Wyoming State Senate District #4.

Occupation: Small Business Owner, State of Wyoming Skilled Trades Manager (retired), Auctioneer

Political Experience: None

Party: Republican

Education: Cheyenne Central High Graduate, Western College of Auctioneering

Member: Life Member Wyoming State Shooting Association, Life Member National Rifle Association, Cheyenne Moose Lodge #257, Cheyenne Elks Lodge #660, Wyoming Auctioneers Association, National Auctioneers Association, Honorary Degree Cheyenne Chapter Future Farmers of America

Im running to bring my experience into the legislature and assist Wyoming to improve on how we do business. I worked in the construction industry before starting work at the State of Wyoming in the Trades Management section where I was the Skilled Trades Manager and oversaw the maintenance of state owned buildings in the Cheyenne area, retiring in 2014. Im a small business owner who runs a small construction business, farm owner/operator, and Auctioneer for a Cheyenne based Auction Realty Company. I have served on numerous boards and commissions, Past President Cheyenne Rifle and Pistol Club, Past President Wyoming Auctioneer Association, Past Member Cheyenne/Laramie County Regional Planning Commission. I believe all these experiences have helped me so much and I would like to pass it forward to the State of Wyoming.

The issues facing my constituents are all related to the budget. I believe we can do better when we utilize state funds to build state buildings or highways. Construction of the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins is a good example, projects like this should last more than 15 years before experiencing structural problems. All signed contracts should have a maximum price in the contract. Correct the Wyoming State retirement system which allows state workers to get large pay increases just before they leave state service which causes retirement system funding problems.

Wyoming is at a cross roads, revenue streams from the minerals industry are slowing down and state spending needs to be brought in line with revenue. All Legislators will be task with making a decision to increase revenue streams, reduce unneeded programs, and have a more accountable and efficient government. All options must be on the table. I believe tax increases must be a last resort because they severely impact businesses and the people of Wyoming. Government must be accountable and efficient.

All elected officials take an oath to support, obey and defend the US and Wyoming Constitutions. I can do this.

Reading, debating, and following the Wyoming Constitution and Statutes is meant to decrease lawsuits. If the Constitution and legislative processes were followed with dignity and respect, Legislators and Wyoming residents would save money rather than spending money filing and defending lawsuits with no end in sight.

Wyoming is business friendly. Lets support business!

Lets diversify the Wyoming economy by focusing on bringing jobs into the state, like was done with Magpul Industries moving into Laramie County.
I am running to be your representative in House District 35. I have been a resident of Casper and Natrona County for almost ten years. Before that, I arrived in Wyoming to intern with a cultural resource specialist. I then began work in Rock Springs doing field surveys alongside oil and gas development. Both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in culture and environmental science fit well in this land where the Wyoming people interact so closely with public lands, its history, and its resource extraction industries. The people and landscapes are the reasons why I fell in love with Wyoming.

I take pride in what I have brought to Casper. I am interested in community and self-reliance so I managed the Downtown Farmers Market, was the treasurer of a statewide professional organization, am currently a representative for a statewide technical advisory committee, and work full time as a technology specialist. In all of these appointments that I have undertaken, I realize what we can achieve when we come together as diverse people, allowing our ingenuity and collaboration to help achieve our goals. This is experience that I know will benefit the people of Wyoming.

Its time we start living up to what freedom really means for all of our citizens. It means opportunity. It means equality. Strength of character should be weighed more heavily than your color, gender, preference, age, trade, nationality, or religion. Wyoming problems: job loss, inadequate support for education, insufficient health care, hunger, homelessness, closing hospitals, and privatization of public lands. It will take the best minds from both sides of the aisle to solve these issues and I am the right advocate to build those relationships. Bottom line: a healthy, educated, skilled population is a strong population.

I support workers and families. As we will continue to rely on gas, oil, and coal for jobs and energy for some time to come, we must identify ways to innovate without gouging out what makes Wyoming the great place while providing new job opportunities in the process. We can start with carbon sequestration and the realignment of our workforce to new technologies. Whatever road we choose, we must protect our access to federal public lands and state lands for hunting, fishing, and recreation.

Good government is a government with balance. That balance is lacking in Wyoming. Something my pastor says often really sticks with me, when we are born we are born to love, somewhere along the way we forget. It is important to remember that working together with respect and common purpose are means to our solution. We will achieve real, lasting solutions by working together. Its time to get off the roller coaster of boom and bust; we have the capacity and the grit so lets get it done. I will work tirelessly for the success of the people of Wyoming and I appreciate your support of my plan to bring balance to the Wyoming State Legislature. Thank you.
I am Chesie Lee running for Wyoming Senate District 26 in Fremont County. I am an attorney and director of the Wyoming Association of Churches. I grew up on a family-owned chicken farm and hatchery. Although my mother did not finish high school, she urged me to get an education that was denied to her by her father who didnt believe girls needed to attend school. As a youth, I was in Washington, D.C. and heard Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream speech. Faith in that dream remains with me today. In Wyoming I have advocated for air and water quality, for victims rights and for equality in the Equality State.

I support protecting our public lands, expanding Medicaid and building bridges, not walls, between the tribes and state government. I bring common sense solutions and high ethical standards to challenge the business as usual in Wyoming politics.

In my years of work for nonprofit groups, I have observed the Wyoming State Legislature. Ive seen firsthand how Eli Bebout, the current state senator, fails to represent the peoples interests. He has been in the legislature for 30 years, and for 20 years or more, he ran unopposed. Wyoming has long paid the price.

Bebout has led the effort to try to privatize public lands, not by just his votes, but by his proposing and sponsoring bills. I want to protect public lands, so all of us can continue to enjoy our great outdoors, which is one reason why in my younger years I moved to Wyoming.

Unlike Bebout, I support expanding Medicaid. Had the Wyoming Legislature done that, we could bring back to Wyoming hundreds of millions of our federal tax dollars and would have avoided such severe cuts for Wyomings schools and communities. With Medicaid expansion, over 3,000 additional people in Fremont County would get health care coverage. Our hospitals would be paid for care they give patients who are unable to pay. This is not only a health care issue; expanding Medicaid is being fiscally responsible.

Fear-based politics through boundary disputes and other measures have divided the tribes and the state. I promoted the community dialogues following the shootings of two Northern Arapaho men last summer as a step toward mending relationships between Native Americans and whites. I support Indian Education for All in our public schools. Through talking, learning and respect, we can improve how the tribes and the state work together.

No longer should we pander to out-of-state coal, gas and oil companies. We can no longer rely on them for our survival. We could benefit and save tax dollars by treating drug abuse as a health issue instead of more prisons that has not ended the war on drugs. We need to create new jobs, expand tourism opportunities, have clean water and air, restore school and local government funds, diversify our revenues and use some of Wyomings $20 billion surplus to protect our future.

Chesie Lee, 307-840-9119
1. Why are you running?

I view it as important work where I can make a good contribution to the life of my district and the state. Having served in the house the last four years immeasurably strengthens what I have to offer in terms of knowing the system and possessing a network of strategic connections. The house naturally turns over about a fourth of its membership every two years and the body looks to the more experienced members for direction. Veteran leadership will be even more valuable in the testing times that lie ahead. I feel I can increasingly contribute to that.

2. What are the most pressing issues facing your constituents and how should they be addressed?

Struggling coal affects HD04 greatly as I have miners living in nearly every town in my district, and the Laramie River Station outside Wheatland working mightily to meet federal emission standards. We buttress coal as we combat the zealous regulatory environment, promote exports and research clean coal.

HD04 has eight local governments and three school districts. They are the avenues where government funding filters down to the most people. We also have multiple state parks and historic sites and the Guard Camp at Guernsey. Thus, the government funding component is vital to us in many ways.

Platte County is a leading ag. county so we watch out for our interests there. Small businesses face challenges in our towns with competition from leakage and mail orders.

The county hospitals in Wheatland and Douglas are crucial to their communities and their viability cant be taken for granted

Threats to personal rights, mostly arising at the federal level, also concern lots of folks.

3. During the past session, lawmakers cut state agencies, education and social programs to address the decline in revenue. What do you see as the path forward in coming years?

We didnt make those cuts thoughtlessly, but indeed we said no to a variety of worthy interests. I think we have to identify a simpler time 10 or 12 years ago, analyze how our expenditures have grown and attempt to trim back. We need department heads to help identify lower priority programs and eliminate some of them entirely rather than crippling every agency we have with death by a thousand cuts.

Soon we may have to look to other states whove existed for years without our mineral wealth, and begin to incorporate some of their strategies into a different funding model. For now we will cut some, save some and spend some trying to find a balance that moves the state forward on the resources that we have.

4. Feel free to address philosophical perspectives you think would help voters make a good decision in your race.

I try to approach my work as a Republican statesman with the problems we deal with in legislative work, not the people, being the enemy. Fairness is important to me as is balance. Im going to support trimming our expenditures, but not to the extent that we bring the state to a halt. Almost every service we provide is important to someone, so well try to meet needs by optimizing the money we do spend. I hope the voters of the state will commit to sending their best to Cheyenne. Its going to be a challenging two years.
As a certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant, I have helped thousands of clients manage their financial affairs and regulatory burdens over the years. The clients have come from all walks of life and have included individuals, small and medium sized businesses, non-profits and governmental entities.

I entered the race for senate in district 4 so that I could use my expertise to help Wyoming through this difficult time. There are a number of challenges facing the state and I truly believe my skills can be applied together with the skills that each legislator brings to the table in order to find the best  most Wyoming  solution.

My constituents are facing a declining job base, unemployment that is higher than the national average and a state budget that is floundering. The declining job base and unemployment will be addressed only by diversifying our economy and lessening our dependence on the volatile mineral and extractive industries. The more diversified we become, the more stable our job base will be. The state budget emergency can be fixed by identifying first the core services the state needs to provide, making sure they are funded fully and then being very careful about all other projects and programs we fund. We also need to drill down into every program, even the core programs, and actively root out waste and inefficiencies. We are stewards of the public money and that trust will never be lost on me.

I am a small-government advocate and believe in removing the burdens of regulation and keeping taxes low. I am steadfastly against an income tax due to the inherent risk that the tax system will be abused to reward and punish people and industries. I am also a firm believer in second amendment rights as well as the rights of each state and individual to determine their own destiny.

Please support David Pope for senate in district 4.
1. Why are you running? I am running for House District 31 because this has been a year of challenges for the state as well as my community of Gillette. With all of the changes taking place because of the downturn in the energy sector, someone needs to step up for those people most affected and work towards keeping them in our communities as active participants. This is one of the most important election years in recent history and I cannot sit on the sidelines and watch when there is so much that needs to be done.

2. What are the most pressing issues facing your constituents and how should they be addressed? Without question the most pressing issue for the constituents in Gillette is the downturn in the coal and oil industry. This has created not just job loss, but also uncertainty for the future. Unfortunately, there is not one easy fix to this situation as there are multiple economic factors at play. Legislators can and should work towards job creation through investing in infrastructure projects, community college expansion, greater incentives for small business owners, and seeking out new and innovative industries to welcome to our state and counties such as medical marijuana and the under-construction Integrated Test Center.

3. During the past session, lawmakers cut state agencies, education and social programs to address the decline in revenue. What do you see as the path forward in coming years? Cutting and slashing social programs and education to solve budget shortfalls is short-sighted and not in the best interest of Wyoming or its citizens. Wyoming should be investing in its people and these programs for long-term benefits. Education and infrastructure projects are cornerstones for a more robust economy and not investing in them makes us more reactive rather than proactive. The same could be said for not fully expanding Medicaid in the state of Wyoming. The benefits to the state and its people are real and tangible. The way forward is through community building and investing in Wyomings future and all of its people.

4. Feel free to address philosophical perspectives you think would help voters make a good decision in your race. Right now, the people of Campbell County and Wyoming need a legislator willing to look at forward-thinking solutions. As an employee at a coal mine, these solutions would not involve putting Wyomingites out of work. Cutting benefits, programs, and jobs is not a solution, its adding to the problem. I will work with other legislators to ensure that Wyomings beautiful public lands remain public so that they can continue to be enjoyed by all. I also continue to believe that as the Equality State, Wyoming should be the leaders in civil rights, not the followers. I will work vigilantly to ensure that Wyoming fully embodies that ideal. Being born in Wyoming and living most of my life in Campbell County, I am deeply concerned with where Wyoming goes from here. I will do my best to see that it moves upward and forward. I am Wyoming born, Gillette strong.
Why I'm running:

To make the teeter-totter work

State government is a teeter-totter with too much weight on one side. We would all benefit by studying our situation from a wider variety of perspectives. I am a woman a Democrat, yet! I've been corporate citizen, entrepreneur, waitress, advocate for social justice, board member, community organizer and actor, although not all at the same time! I can understand and involve lots of different viewpoints.

To champion the vulnerable

Let's talk about how to protect the most threatened of our citizens, from tiny children to unemployed coal miners, from the negative effects of the economic pressure we're experiencing. Business is about money; government must be about people.

To respond to the call of duty

I think my skill set matches the time and the task, and, like many others, I feel an obligation to offer to serve if the voters agree. My work in a wide variety of settings has always involved penetrating analysis of problems and creative development of effective solutions. I am a very close listener, and excel at the explanation of subtle concepts.

To participate more fully in the discussion

I like a good, fair argument about ideas. Perhaps it is obvious that government's a good place to find a lot of them. For lots of years, in lots of settings, I've made a living making persuasive arguments. I could find no higher use of this ability than to put it at the service of the people I hope to represent and lead.

Areas of special interest, in no particular order:

 Medicaid expansion

 Support of education and educators at all levels, including early childhood

 Improvement in the status of women, including, but not limited to: equal pay, full access to health care, and domestic violence

 Maintenance of public lands in public hands

 Economic diversification and stabilization

 Cannabis reform, including, but not limited to: hemp cultivation and medical uses

 Worker safety

 Death with dignity

Wyoming's challenges are too complex to cover in these few words. Here's a sample of my thinking on just one topic: economic diversification and stabilization.

To offset our reliance on outside forces beyond our control, we should localize our economy in every way we can. The most obviously replaceable import is food. Demand for it is endless, and the best is local. In its proper role as administrator of our shared assets, state government should encourage and support development of a robust year-round local food industry. The necessary inputs are at hand and the technology is available. Next time, let's talk about alternative currency.

Cuts to state social service agencies? They're a mistake. Education must be the top priority, since it is the means by which the future is created. It's time to tap the state's savings accounts. Investments in the stock market only make money. Investments in people make a society.

I'm cautiously optimistic about Wyoming's prospects. Things will be different (they always are) but with shrewd planning and committed execution, the future is ours.
Wagon wheels. Horse bridles. Buttons from military uniforms. Human remains.

These are among the items a group of archaeologists will be searching for later this year as they set out to find the site of an 1865 battlefield just outside Casper.

The Wyoming Archaeological Society recently received $11,000 from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund to search for the Battle of Red Buttes. Though much has been written about the battle  which involved a large group of Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho and 25 Fort Caspar soldiers  the precise site of the conflict has never been found.

Its critical we locate this battle field and burial, said Carolyn Buff of the Wyoming Archaeological Society.

For 10 days in late August and early September, four archaeologists and six volunteers will survey an area about five miles west of Casper. The group will use magnetometers to search for magnetic disturbances in the soil. They hope to locate signs of the battle, such as wagon parts and horse accessories. They also want to find the mass burials where the soldiers were interred.

We need to find them for their living descendants, Buff said.

The archaeologist also worries housing and retail development in the area will encroach on the site, possibly ruining any chance of finding the lost soldiers.

This will be the third time the organization has sought to locate the battleground. The group first began searching for the site in 2008 after receiving a grant from the Natrona County Commissioners. They used metal detectors but nothing turned up. They tried again a few years later and began using the magnetometers, as well as cadaver dogs to search for human remains. Though they covered four times more ground than before, the scientists found nothing definitive.

This time they will lay out a metric grid with rope and slowly and methodically push the magnetometers through the grid.

Its very painstaking, if you will, Buff said.

The archaeologists will then upload their findings to a computer program and study the magnetic disturbances in the soil.

If the burial sites are found, the scientists will notify the Natrona County coroner, who will determine if the remains are modern or historic. Then the soldiers living descendants will be made aware of the discovery. The archaeologists will study the remains and look for signs of trauma and disease before releasing them to the families for burial.
Reason for Running.

I have lived in Washakie County for 22 years and I have always given to my community. For that last six years I have served as the State Representative for Washakie County and southernmost part of Big Horn County. Other than the time commitment, my service has been easy, as my constituents are my neighbors and friends. For the most part we are all like-minded. My primary reason for running for another term is that I did not want to quit during the down turn in Wyomings economy. I have the experience to help us thru these difficult times. Also, find that my voice as an advocate for individual rights and the rights of landowners is becoming increasingly needed.

Most pressing Issues:

Obviously the budget crunch is the most pressing issue facing all of us. Funding for small communities and less populated Counties is even more critical than other parts of the State, as the cost of basic Government is spread out over less people. My experience on the JAC will be useful in helping my Counties, Municipalities and School districts find the balance between needs and wants and to find the funding for those needs.

Over regulation of federal lands, which naturally spills over to private lands is the second most pressing issue. While a solution is not readily available, the best approach is to continue to work closely with State regulatory agencies to insure we maintain our primacy rights. Then we must hold those State agencies accountable to our citizens. While nobody likes to be regulated, if the Wyoming does not take the lead then the Federal Government will and we will not like the results.

Budget Cuts:

I was one of the JAC members that imposed those cuts. I did not think the cuts were sufficient at the time - I was right. The path forward is simple in theory, but difficult in implementation  we need to determine the proper role of State Government, separate needs from wants and then prioritize. I have a good friend who said, a luxury once sampled becomes a necessity. The State of Wyoming spent a lot of money on luxuries over the last 15 years. While we have to continue to fund the essential functions of State Government, we must cut those programs that do not fall into that category and those essential functions need to be pared back to proper levels. As with all things, more spending on an issue has a diminishing rate of return. Again, what is a want and what is a need? And is that need a proper function of State Government? A Legislator must ask those questions when reviewing every proposed piece of legislation.

Philosophical Perspectives:

I have been an ardent supporter of individual rights and landowner rights. I do not feel that is the Governments job to tell people what to do and how to live their lives. Nor, is it the Governments job to fund every good idea.
1) Why are you running?

a. I am glad I can answer this the same way I did 12 years ago; to represent the interests of Campbell County at the State level, and to improve safety on Highway 59. Now, I can add that, if elected, I will be there to make sensible and necessary adjustments to the State budget in a manner that allows us to still deliver most, if not all, the services we do today.

2) What are the most pressing issues facing your constituents, and how should they be addressed?

a. The obvious answer is the low market price for our three export commodities; oil, gas and coal. At the State level we can manage regulations which support the industry without compromising the environment. We can also promote the use of coal and its export to foreign lands. Nationally, we can only watch and hope that the price of natural gas everywhere rises, which will make coal more attractive, and the combination will kick-start our lagging local economy. Its frustrating to all Legislators to feel struggle against federal regulations, so we will continue to share our concerns with our Washington delegates.

3) During the past session, lawmakers cut state agencies, education and social programs to address the decline in revenue. What do you see as the path forward in coming years?

a. Potentially, we can expect more cuts to be necessary overall. If the revenue projections hold true; we are going to be $600M short of our projections, over the biennium. We have removed vacant positions and cut travel, and unfortunately, the only part of each agencies budget that is left is personnel. We are hoping to see a turn-around in O&G pricing and if so, the cuts will be minimal. I think the Legislature went too far when we reduced education funding. I am of the belief that education will find its own cost/revenue balance through the reduction of the number of students. Although K-12 has up to a three year lag in reduced revenue to the district (they average the student count over three years), if our revenue falls as quickly as predicted, K-12 may have to take a cut sooner than three years.

4) Campbell County is at a critical juncture, and experience is going to be necessary to understand and react to the changes coming our way. A new legislator needs time to learn the reams of information on the topics being voted on in order to get up to speed, and at this moment, that is time we dont have to waste. I have twelve years on experience with Minerals, Transportation and the Education Committees, and can make thoughtful and experienced actions to position our citizens to manage this downturn with an eye on the future.
. Why are you running?

My decision to run came shortly after I read an article in the Laramie Boomerang (April 10, 2016) about how the elimination of a tax refund program affected poor seniors and adults with disabilities in Albany County. The people affected by the cuts were elderly or disabled adults making less than $10,000/year (our poorest and most vulnerable). Their stories were heartbreaking, with one gentleman saying he had to decide, Am I going to buy food or medicine. It made me realize how backwards the budget making decisions were in the last session. They cut programs that affected people but most capital construction costs flew through. I think we need to put people first, and I decided that I needed run for office so I could bring some balance.

2. What are the most pressing issues facing your constituents and how should they be addressed?

The most pressing issue is the states financial crisis. We need to come up with a plan moving forward, and I dont think we can just cut our way out of this crisis. Another issue, thats a bit more removed but every bit as important, is that there has been this push in the legislature (and nationally) to cede federal lands to the states for commercial development. I think this is dangerous and needs to be fought tooth and nail. Albany County is fortunate to be home to the Medicine Bow National Forest. We have world class hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, climbing, and snowmobiling in our county. People come from all over to enjoy our outdoors. Albany County counts on tourism dollars to sustain our community, as do many other parts of the state. We all know what has happened to State lands over time. They get sold, leased and gated off. I will not support efforts to cut us off from our national forests.

3. During the past session, lawmakers cut state agencies, education and social programs to address the decline in revenue. What do you see as the path forward in coming years?

The most important thing is to be fiscally responsible. And for me that means making cuts and raising revenue. For example, in this past budget session Sen Bruce Burns R-Sheridan sponsored a bill that would have reduced the amount placed in the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund from 2.5% to 1.5%, and to divert the extra money into the Rainy Day Account. The measure failed but it shouldn't have. Being fiscally responsible means that when the foundation of your house is cracking you don't continue sticking money in your savings account and then say you can't afford the repairs. That's not responsible.

In another example, the Appropriations Committee refused to allow a Medicaid expansion vote to come to the floor, which could have brought more than $250 million to the state. There was never a full discussion of how Medicaid expansion might be able to help us. The insistence that we leave federal dollars on the table when our state is in crisis is also not responsible, and I will vote for a Medicaid expansion bill if given the opportunity.

4. Feel free to address philosophical perspectives you think would help voters make a good decision in your race.

This years races shouldnt be considered as "Democrat versus Republican", but rather voters choosing the candidate who will best represent the interests of the people and state.

Narina
I am Randy Leinen, Democrat, and I have chosen to enter the race for WY House District #1. I am running because I believe that the legislature in this past session acted morally and fiscally irresponsibly in refusing to pass Medicaid Expansion for our working poor. House District #1 encompasses Crook and the northern part of Weston county which are currently in the midst of a severe drought, and as the district is primarily agricultural this is the most pressing concern of my constituents. I hope that aid can be made available to alleviate their losses. Other issues include lack of job opportunities and retraining in the face of recent layoffs in the energy industry. I fully support a job retraining program for these affected workers. I would support legislation that would reinvest Wyoming's reserves in creating jobs across a wide spectrum of vocations to diversify the economy including the energy sector (coal, wind, solar, natural gas). Cutting services cripples the state in at time of economic downturn particularly education and social services. I would hope that instead of just using the reserves to pay the current and future bills, the legislature would use it in creative ways to create a more broad based economy.

* Retired Director of Operations with Cheyenne Light Fuel and Power with 35+ years in the industry

* I believe Medicaid Expansion is necessary and fiscally correct

* I support the Constitution and all its amendments including the 2nd, but believe the legislature erred grievously when it cut Mental Health funding this last session

* I believe that the Legislature should look at creating ways to increase natural gas usage in the state such as providing low interest loans to expand CNG fueling stations to all areas, and encourage its use by converting public vehicles to its use.

* I believe in the multi-use concept of our Federal Lands, that Public Lands should remain in Public Hands, and that the state has neither the expertise or the funds to manage them.

* I believe in Women's Reproductive rights and equal pay for equal work

* I support our Veterans including their right to prompt and adequate medical care

* I support the constitutional rights of all citizens regardless of race, religion, gender and sexual orientation

* I will represent all of my constituents regardless of political affiliation.

* I hope to raise the political discourse to a more collegial dialogue.
DENVER  Denver officials on Thursday sided with neighbors who opposed a marijuana grow operation in a part of town they say has too many pot businesses.

The decision by the excise and licenses department followed a City Council move earlier this year to cap the number of stores and grow operations amid concerns that some neighborhoods, particularly those that are poor and largely minority, feel overwhelmed by the marijuana industry.

Brian Ruden said he would appeal the refusal of his application to renew the license for his grow operation in what was once a residential apartment above his marijuana store in a neighborhood known as Elyria.

Ruden owns several Starbuds marijuana shops in the Denver area and Pueblo. He said he differed with the citys reading of the zoning law as well as the argument that his grow operation hurt the neighborhood  a mix of residential and industrial buildings.

The decision is a precedent and the industry is looking at this carefully, Ruden added, saying marijuana entrepreneurs might have to take a closer look at how to reach out to neighbors.

We can co-exist peacefully, he said. We can be a part of the neighborhoods growth.

The renewal refusal was the first to emerge from a process in which a public hearing was requested to consider a grow license in an area zoned for mixed industrial and residential uses. Elyria resident Allison Anderson testified against Rudens renewal application at a public hearing in April. Thursday, she said she was pleased with the decision.

People who live in a neighborhood have a right to define it and to chart its course, she said, adding she is not against the marijuana industry but wants room for other businesses.

Anderson, who owns a farmers market near Elyria, and other neighbors argued during the hearing that the number of marijuana businesses in Elyria would make it difficult to realize a plan to improve the area. That plan recently emerged from lengthy consultations with residents and city officials.

In a statement Thursday, Stacie Loucks, executive director of the excise and licenses department, noted neighbors opposition and said the officer who presided over the April hearing had properly found that Rudens facility has negatively affected nearby properties and the neighborhood in general.

The first recreational shops opened in Colorado 2014, and more than 400 were in business by early 2016.

The Associated Press, using records compiled by the state, mapped locations of recreational marijuana shops across Colorado. AP found that neighborhoods with the stores have a higher rate of unemployment, higher percentage of minority residents and a higher percentage of people living in poverty compared to census tracts with no recreational shops.

Several such census tracts make up Elyria and neighboring Globeville and Swansea, often thought of as one part of Denver. The areas huddle under a stretch of elevated interstate and are home to a score of retail marijuana shops as well as medical outlets and grow operations.

Census data show Globeville, Elyiria and Swansea to be predominantly Hispanic and plagued by unemployment and poverty.

Plans to renovate the crumbling stretch of interstate have sparked fears of disruptions and dirt during construction. A proposal to develop a complex of rodeo arenas and show grounds in Globeville has heightened concern about gentrification, even as marijuana businesses are already being blamed for rising rents.

Starbuds Ruden said it can be difficult for a pot entrepreneur to find a willing landlord as well as secure a place to do business that meets rules that keep marijuana away from schools and other sensitive sites and is in the right zone.

Historic zoning patterns often mean cheaper housing is close to commercial and industrial areas.
ROCK SPRINGS  The trial of a Green River police officer charged with murder in a toddler's death has been delayed to allow a judge time to decide on whether evidence should be suppressed in the case.

Rollen Anglesey's new trial date is set for February.

Anglesey is accused of causing the 2009 death of 2-year-old Konnor Corry Allen. Medical reports show the child had injuries caused by non-accidental trauma.

The defense has filed motions to prevent prosecutors from using pictures of the boy and photos from his autopsy during trial. They are also challenging the state's argument that he died as a result of shaken baby syndrome.

The judge is taking the motions under advisement.

Anglesey remains on paid leave from the Green River Police Department.
CHEYENNE  The Wyoming Department of Transportation is changing gears when it comes to the kinds of road projects it will be pursuing for the next several years.

Local WYDOT District Engineer Tom DeHoff explained the reasons for that at a meeting Wednesday at WYDOTs Cheyenne headquarters, where he discussed the list of projects the agency has planned for Laramie County for the next several years.

DeHoff said funding continues to be an issue, not only for municipal road systems, but for the state as well. One bright spot, he said, is that the U.S. Congress passed a comprehensive five-year highway funding bill last year, which has increased the amount of federal funds Wyoming can expect to receive for its roads.

We saw a 5 percent increase in funding for 2016, and in the remaining four years, were looking at an increase every year of another 2.1 to 2.4 percent, DeHoff said. Thats about $271 million a year; well start at $250 million (in Fiscal Year 2016), increasing up to $283 million (by Fiscal Year 2020).

DeHoff noted that federal funding provides about half of WYDOTs budget, with another 30 percent coming from sources like vehicle registration and license plate fees. In the near- to mid-term future, DeHoff said that funding appears to be secure  its the remaining 20 percent, which comes from the states general fund, that he said could be subject to change if the state revenue picture continues to deteriorate.

With all of that in mind, DeHoff said that, much like Cheyenne itself, WYDOT still isnt receiving enough revenues to cover all of the needs across its jurisdiction. To simply maintain the roughly 7,700 miles of highways and roads in their current state, DeHoff said the agency would need $65 million more each year.

But since that funding doesnt appear to be materializing anytime soon, DeHoff said the agency has had to make a strategic pivot away from transportation improvement projects. Instead, he said the agency is now concentrating on asset preservation  in other words, attempting to keep up those roads that are still in decent shape.

Were trying to get to the roads sooner to do preventative maintenance on them instead of waiting for alligator cracks to show up, DeHoff said, referring to a pattern of cracking that is a precursor to potholes. There are still some things we have to do at the statewide level that are absolutely necessary  but overall, were hoping to slow down the decline.

DeHoff then turned to the full list of projects WYDOT wants to tackle in Laramie County through Fiscal Year 2022.

True to his word, most of the local projects DeHoff discussed are focused on preservation, rather than complete rebuilds, though there are some exceptions. Looking at the current fiscal year  which, for WYDOT, runs through the end of September  DeHoff said there are about $18.4 million worth of projects already underway.

For city residents, the most noticeable of those may be the contract patching work currently underway on East Lincolnway between College Drive and Pershing Boulevard.

Theyve already done the concrete, curb and gutter, DeHoff said. Thats one section of Lincolnway we needed to get patched up.

The Lincolnway project is part of an overall $1.2 million effort to patch troubled sections of state highway across the entire district, which also includes Albany County and much of Carbon County.

Another major project currently underway is along northbound Interstate 25 from the Horse Creek interchange headed north toward Chugwater. There, about 7.6 miles of highway is being resurfaced.

Another local project being addressed this year is something known as dilemma zone protection for traffic signals at 17 intersections in and around Cheyenne. WYDOT district traffic engineer Randy Griesbach further explained the project, which will cost about $1 million.

When youre coming up on a traffic signal and it turns yellow, do you go or stop? Thats the dilemma, Griesbach said. Well be installing equipment thats looking for gaps in the traffic stream, and if it sees a gap, it will change the signal then.

The idea is to reduce the number of potential accidents caused by people trying to make it through a last-second yellow light by forcing the light to change when cars arent in a position to get caught by it.

DeHoff said that improvement is set to go in at all of the intersections on College Drive, as well as on Lincolnway, Southwest Drive, Fleischli Parkway and at the ramps for Interstate 80 at I-180.

Looking further out, DeHoff noted numerous other road preservation projects, such as a multi-year overlay/seal coat effort on I-80 going from Cheyenne toward Pine Bluffs, which is set to begin in FY 2018. Next year, WYDOT will also coordinate with the city to construct a new $1.8 million roundabout at Prairie Avenue and Frontier Mall Drive.
Wyatt Agar for State Senate

At a time when the very foundations of our livelihood and lifestyle in rural Wyoming and America are under attack, we need strong conservatives to push back. Our constitutional rights, individual rights and private property rights are constantly being challenged. I am committed to fight for and protect our core principles.

Growing up in Eastern Oregon, I saw the environmental assault on agriculture and natural resources first hand. It has nearly shut down entire industries and impoverished rural counties. The Big Horn and Wind River Basins are so unique in our natural resource and agricultural strengths that we cannot allow that battle to be waged here.

Also, growing up in and owning a small business, I truly understand that capitalism and private enterprise are two of the very underpinnings of our great nation. We need to lighten the regulator burden on the private sector and let it revitalize our economy.

I live on Grass Creek with my wife, Joey and our three children. We are partners in Durbin Creek Ranch and manage the Seed Stock Division. Four years ago we hosted our first production sale at the Worland Sale Barn. Through strategic marketing and a close working relationship with ranchers and stockman throughout the state this sale has become one of the leading sales in the Hereford breed. The sale is a multiple day event that brings commerce to the Worland and Thermopolis area businesses.

My business experience will serve me well in the legislature. I will work diligently for our district so that small businesses, energy, agriculture, and tourism can operate in a business friendly environment, allowing them to strive for success.

I am a Republican Precinct Committeeman as well as a past Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Hot Springs County Republican Party. I also serve as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Thermopolis.

I will be actively seeking your input the next few months as I travel the district. Please feel free to contact me anytime via phone; my number is listed in the phone book. A government of the people, by the people, for the people only works if you participate.
People who love greyhounds have several reasons to be happy this weekend.

Saturday, June 25, marks the last time a racing greyhound will cross the finish line at Tucson Greyhound Park. The park opened in 1944.

Theres so much to celebrate, said Karyn Zoldan, who has been involved in local greyhound rescue for more than a decade.

The festivities start with a fundraising event from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at The Shelter Cocktail Lounge, 4155 E. Grant Road. Proceeds benefit Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption (SA Greys), one of several greyhound rescue groups active in the Tucson area.

SA Greys has rescued more than 400 dogs since 2012, and currently has more than a dozen awaiting forever homes. Eight remain on medical hold for racing injuries.

Zoldan said another cause for celebration is that the Beading Divas, a nonprofit group comprising past and present greyhound adopters, recently reached a milestone. The group has raised more than $150,000 for animal charities  selling one $20 bracelet at a time  since they formed to assist two greyhounds in 2008.

Lizzie Mead had been driving her two greyhounds to the park when their car was struck by a hit-and-run driver. The dogs were injured and their veterinary bills totaled $14,300.

We were just greyhound adopters trying to help another greyhound adopter, said Zoldan. To raise funds, they started making beaded bracelets.

Zoldan also created a blog that helped to generate media attention and buzz about their plight and drew donations from the greyhound community far and wide  including a $10 donation from India. They paid off the bill in six months.

By then they had accumulated a lot of beads and Mead suggested they continue to make bracelets to benefit additional animal charities, said Zoldan, who loves the artistry and camaraderie that comes with making the bracelets.

These days the Beading Divas  Michelle Caillet, Mead, Cynthia David, Loren Dawn, and Zoldanselect a different animal charity to benefit each month. On Saturday, everyone who has made a bracelet will wear a tiara.

Saturdays Good Things Come in 3s Party is also a bead drive. People are encouraged to bring beads to the party and then enter the name of their favorite 501c3 animal charity. There will be a random drawing at the end of the party to determine the recipient of August fundraising.

Anyone who brings beads to donate or buys a bracelet will receive a raffle ticket for prizes that include a handmade animal print quilt, a For the love of a dog basket, a canvas floor cloth, and an amethyst necklace and earrings among other items.

The Shelter will donate $1 for every Greyhound or Salty Dog cocktail to SA Greys. Mystery celebrity bartenders will donate their tips.

You Sly Dog food truck, which serves vegan and meat hot dogs, is also participating.
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ORO BLANCO RAID STORY IS DENIED

Denials From Three Sources Controvert Published Reports

Denials from three authoritative sources of a story in the local afternoon paper yesterday saying that Mexicans raided the vicinity of Oro Blanco, reached the sheriffs office yesterday. The story was published in two editions. It is said that Mexicans raided ranches in the vicinity of Oro Blanco and Montana Late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, driving off 150 head of horses and wounding two cowboys.

That no such raids occurred was the statement made to the sheriff by Jack McVay and William Earl, and another man from that part of the county. McCoy came in from his ranch below Oro Blanco, having left there Thursday afternoon. William Earl came in from Las Guijas and he denied that any ranches had been raided in that section. It was said in the story that a large ranch between Las Guijas and Arivaca suffered most seriously.

The sheriffs office is in constant communication with all parts of the county and deprecated the publication of statements such as those contained in the afternoon paper concerning raids and clashes between American troops and Mexicans in they county, which, he said, are absolutely without foundation.

Sheriff Forbes received from the governor yesterday, with a request that he give it wide publicity, the following proclamation:

Whereas, recent developments in Mexico, whereby the United States has come to assume a new and important relation toward all elements of the Mexican people, may reasonably be assumed to have given rise to some uncertainty as to the attitude that would be observed by the state government of Arizona, in the event of further complications, however serious, toward all foreign people of whatever class or faction, residing permanently or temporarily within this state;

Now, therefore, I, George W. P. Hunt, governor of Arizona, by virtue if the authority bested in me by law, do give assurance of the intent and purpose of the state of Arizona to maintain toward every Mexican and other foreign resident not a fugitive from justice or otherwise directly answerable to the lawful authority of another state, or to the government of the United States, such an attitude of guardianship, protection and justice as ordinarily characterizes the states demeanor in time of peace toward its acknowledged individual residents; according them all usual and reasonable privileges and every safeguard of security compatible with the public peace and safety.
An anti-Donald Trump rebellion is growing among delegates to the Republican National Convention, and Tucsons Bruce Ash is trying to put it down.

Ash, a high-ranking member of the Republican National Committee, wrote a letter to his fellow members this week decrying appointments made to the committees that will run the convention next month. The people appointed to head the conventions rules committee, especially, are likely to facilitate the rebellion, he argued.

The Free the Delegates or Conscience Vote movement aims to allow delegates to vote freely on the first ballot at the convention, rather than being bound to vote in a way that would automatically pick Trump, as current rules and laws require. In Arizona, at least 10 of the 58 delegates are demanding to be freed from their requirement to vote for Trump, delegate Talmage Pearce told me.

He and others are planning to challenge the state law that requires them to vote for the winner of the presidential preference election.

Ash, who heads the RNCs permanent rules committee but not the convention rules committee, said in Wednesdays letter: Donald Trump might not have been our first choice, but he is the peoples choice and I support his candidacy.

Here are a few questions I asked Ash this week, and his answers, edited for brevity.

Q: Whats the argument you made to RNC members about the appointments to lead the convention rules committee?

A: Enid Mickelsen of Utah and Ron Kaufman of Massachusetts were selected to be chairman and co-chairman of the convention rules committee. Both of them were heavily involved in Mitt Romneys 2012 campaign. I questioned whether these two had the right optics and could be trusted not to create chaos this year at the convention rules committee.

Q: How significant is the Conscience Vote movement?

A: Its a small group, but there is a ginning up of momentum that suggests this group ought to be taken seriously by the Trump campaign and the RNC. They had a phone call for delegates. The reports are a bit different depending on who you talk to: Anywhere from a few hundred to some thousands were in on the call.

This group has been whipping votes on the convention rules committee. Thats the easiest place to get votes to unbind the delegates. Theres 112 (rules committee members), you only need a little more than five dozen delegates to say thats a good idea.

Q: Why not accommodate the delegates who want to vote their conscience and not be bound to vote for Trump?

A: Republican activists are constantly attacking Republican political leaders who campaign one way and, when they take office, govern another way. In Arizona, and in most states, the delegates to this convention were elected at the state convention, to do only one thing: to vote for the winner of the Arizona presidential preference election. How would any of us be able to look an elected official in the eye after this, the one vote we had to take, if we decided to disregard hundreds of thousands of voters?

Q: What if Arizona delegates try to vote for someone other than Trump?

A: All the Arizona delegates have signed the pledge to vote for Donald Trump. Anyone who decides theyve got a sudden conscience theyve developed or that theyre going to abstain, Robert Graham (Arizonas GOP chair) will make a call up to the alternates. Hes prepared to remove a delegate to alternate status and to bring in an alternate to vote for Donald Trump.

Q: What do you want to see at the convention?

A: This should be a celebration and not a contest. The guy has 1,500 delegates. It ought to be a celebration, which is what these things are all the time. Not a contest, not a conflict.

Hernandez not UA grad

Daniel Hernandez Jr. has referred to himself over the years as a UA graduate. The Green Valley News reported over the weekend, and I confirmed this week, that actually hes not.

Hernandez, a Democrat who is running for the state House of Representatives in District 2, still had on his campaign website Thursday afternoon a reference to himself as a University of Arizona alumni. But he acknowledged to me Thursday that he is one class short of a bachelors degree and plans to take that class this summer.

Im not intentionally trying to deceive anyone, Hernandez said. Im committed to fixing that mistake.

He plans to take an online math class that will allow him to complete his coursework over a five week period starting next month.

Two other Democrats, incumbent Rosanna Gabaldon and Aaron Baumann, are also running in the August primary for the two available seats.

Grijalva sitting in

The urge to do something about the mass shootings in this country is natural. So its not that surprising that Democrats like our own Rep. Raul Grijalva got radical in their effort to force action, by conducting a 24-hour sit-in on the House floor.

I asked Grijalvas office to have the congressman call me to explain what he wanted out of the sit-in, but I didnt hear from him. The members who started the sit-in said they wanted votes on one bill that would prevent people on the no-fly list from buying guns and another that would expand background checks.

The fact is, though, that the no-fly-list bill is troubling, because that list of people who arent allowed to fly due to concerns about their possible links to terrorism is notoriously opaque. Even Rep. John Lewis, who led the sit-in Wednesday, was treated as a potential terrorist in airports because of his name mistakenly being on the list.

So rather than demanding a vote on a bill that would codify that troubling list, Id like to have seen Grijalva & Co. fix the list first. In fact, such efforts are happening in the Senate.

County attorney debate

For weeks, Pima County Attorney candidate Joel Feinman has been pointing out incumbent Barbara LaWalls unwillingness to debate him at a series of scheduled events. Feinman, a Democrat like the incumbent hes challenging, has even posted online a LaWall debate clock showing the events he says shes ignored or declined to attend.

On Thursday, I asked LaWall why shed missed the events. She stressed that she has never skipped an event shed agreed to attend and in fact has attended a candidate forum Feinman also attended. But she acknowledged, Its true Ive declined to debate.

Her reason veers dangerously close to a sense of entitlement: I believe the circumstances of this race are different. This is not an open seat. My record is well known.

My opponent has no record to debate on. He has no qualifications to do the job, she said.

Its true that Feinman has never been a prosecutor, but Im not sure Democratic voters will accept that reasoning.
A former Tucson police detective who was fired in the wake of a massage parlor scandal has been sanctioned by the state agency that oversees law enforcement certification, officials said.

The Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training board accepted an agreement with Martin Walker for a one-year suspension of his peace officer certification, said board spokeswoman Sandy Sierra.

The suspension is set to end July 21, after which hell be able to seek employment with other law enforcement agencies in Arizona, she said.

Walker was fired last July after it was discovered that he received a massage from a business that was part of a years-long prostitution and money laundering investigation, documents show.

He told investigators he didnt engage in any sexual activity during his massage but was suspicious about the business being a front for prostitution and didnt report it to his superiors because he was embarrassed.

During his interview, he was asked why he didnt report his suspicions.

Im sure their response wouldve been, well how do you know, and thats not really a conversation I was wanting to have, he said.

He also told interviewers that he was looking at a cheap massage and (he) got it.

Walker was given a polygraph exam which resulted in Deception Indicated when asked if he ever engaged in sexual contact or conducted any fee agreement while employed by TPD, documents state.

Seven other Tucson police employees named in the investigation were fired or resigned. Many of their cases have already come before the standards board.

Walker appealed his termination from the police force, but it was upheld by the citys Civil Service Commission. The Pima County Attorneys Office declined to file criminal charges against him last summer.

Trouble over meal

The board voted to initiate proceedings against a current Tucson police officer, Jose A. Olivares, over an October 2015 incident in which he allegedly didnt pay for his meal at a restaurant.

Olivares was fired from TPD on Feb. 24 but appealed his termination and was reinstated by the Civil Service Commission, after serving an 80-hour suspension, board documents show.

On Oct. 20, Olivares ordered a burrito and drink from a Viva Burrito, took his food and left the restaurant, without paying for his meal, documents show.

The next day, one of the employees told a Tucson police lieutenant about the incident, when the officer came in to order food. The officer forwarded the information to the departments office of professional standards, and an investigation was opened.

Olivares told detectives he forgot to pay and it wasnt intentional, but security footage shows he reached toward his pocket at least four times, but never produced any form of payment, according to the board documents.

Ex-tribal officers discipline case

A former Tohono Oodham police officer will also be facing discipline by the board, which voted to initiate proceedings against him for having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old girl, board documents show.

In July 2015, Princeton Calabaza began communicating with the girl, who is the younger sister of his former high school classmate, the documents show.

The girls mother was aware the two were talking but assumed it was innocent.

She told investigators she became concerned that something more was going on when she found her daughter missing from their home early one morning in August, the documents show.

The girls mother filed a complaint with the Police Department, saying she believed the relationship between the two had become inappropriate.

Police were able to pull text messages off of the girls cellphone that were indicative of a relationship and the girl admitted they had messed around once, documents show.

Calabaza initially denied to investigators any wrongdoing, before admitting he and the girl had hugged and kissed on at least two occasions.

When asked why he lied during earlier interviews, Calabaza said, It looks bad. I mean that (expletive) is embarrassing.

He was fired by the department in February.

Sierra Vista DUI

The board also voted to initiate proceedings against former Sierra Vista police Officer Joseph H. Arnason, 26, who was involved in a DUI collision while on duty, AZPOST documents show.

On Dec. 19, 2014, Arnason rear-ended a truck, which in-turn hit the vehicle in front of it. No one was injured, but Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers were called to investigate the crash, as Arnason was on-duty and driving a marked patrol car, documents show.

While another officer was driving Arnason back the police station, he noticed an odor of an intoxicating beverage coming from Arnason, and asked another officer to conduct a DUI investigation.

A Breathalyzer test revealed that Arnasons blood alcohol content was 0.09 and a blood test was ordered. Arnason was terminated from the department, effective immediately.

Arnason told officers that he had between five and six drinks but stopped drinking at midnight. The crash took place shortly before 7 a.m.

He was charged with DUI and pleaded guilty in March.

Olivares, Calabaza and Arnason will receive formal letters from the board and will have the option of a hearing with an administrative law judge, Sierra said.
University of Arizona police arrested a 24-year-old student, suspected of exposing himself on campus earlier this month, authorities said.

Luis Daniel Sotelo-Orozco was taken into custody Thursday, after an investigation into the incidents, which took place on June 10 and June 14, said Sgt. Filbert Barrera, a UAPD spokesman.

Following the issuance of a UA security alert, police identified Sotelo-Orozco as a suspect and interviewed him, after which he was arrested.

In addition to two misdemeanor accounts of indecent exposure, Sotelo-Orozco was charged with one count of felony computer tampering as a result of another incident police discovered during their investigation, Barrera said.
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The phrase, So Others May Live to Return with Honor expresses the overarching goal of those serving in the rescue community and it connects a myriad of career fields dedicated to fulfilling that mission.

RED FLAG-Alaska 16-2 provided an opportunity to connect survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) specialists, rescue squadron personnel, combat search and rescue assets, and an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot during an isolated personnel scenario June 14.

This training gives A-10 pilots a chance to experience what an isolated person feels on the ground, said Master Sgt. Kurtis Douge, the 353rd Combat Training Squadron personnel recovery division superintendent. It makes them more effective as a pilot in their personnel recovery mission.

Multiple pieces must come together to build and execute an effective rescue scenario, which is why this becomes the personnel recovery divisions primary mission during RED FLAG-Alaska exercises.

First, we are tasked with building ISOPREPs, or isolated personnel reports, processing, and conducting all the behind-the-scenes coordination required, Douge explained. Our primary role is to be observer-controllers and make sure pilots are safe and scenarios are completed, but we also provide orientation training for the 18th Aggressor Squadron and training for personnel at high-risk for capture.

In addition to ensuring safety and mission completion, SERE specialists evaluate pilots to make sure they remembered their SERE training, which is conducted every three years for Air Force pilots.

The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps only get SERE training during their initial qualifications and then they are considered good to go, said Douge. For the Air Force, our pilots receive continuation training at the base level.

During the June 14 scenario, Capt. Keli Kaaekuahiwi, an A-10 pilot assigned to the 354th Fighter Squadron out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, participated as the isolated personnel in need of recovery from enemy territory.

In the Grizzly Training Area portion of the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Kaaekuahiwi explained to Douge how he would survive the initial shock and potential injuries incurred from ejecting into an unfriendly area, and then demonstrated his ability to survive off the land with the gear in his possession and evade enemy forces searching for him.

The scenario included multiple A-10s taking out enemy threats such as surface-to-air missile sites and providing close-air support for the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crew and pararescuemen who deployed to recover Kaaekuahiwi.

The final piece of the 353rd CTS personnel recovery divisions role during RED FLAG-Alaska exercises is to gather lessons learned from SERE specialists and the pilots involved in rescue scenarios during the outbrief.

The biggest lessons learned would be to always have a plan after you hit the ground; know that if its a high-threat environment what your immediate actions are, explained Kaaekuahiwi. Are you going to be able to dig through your equipment to grab specific items or are you going to hit the ground with only what youre wearing. Think through what youd do with the minimal equipment to survive and evade in the specific theater that you're in.

Lessons learned from pilots like Kaaekuahiwi help the personnel recovery division to effectively teach multiservice pilots how to conduct effective personnel recovery missions and safely bring their people home.

At the end of the day, we want our people to come home safe, said Douge. This is why we exist; we do what we do so that others may live to return with honor.
Detectives with the Pima County Sheriff's Department homicide unit are on the scene of a suspicious death investigation in Marana, authorities said.

Shortly before 5 a.m., deputies responded to the 17000 block of West Silverbell Road, for reports of a suspicious vehicle, said department spokesman, Deputy Ryan Inglett.

Deputies found the driver, identified as 31-year-old James Pierce Jr., dead behind the wheel of an older model Chevrolet Suburban, Inglett said.

Detectives learned that the vehicle drove through a yard and crashed into a water tank, before stopping in a nearby wash, he said.
A sofa is pushed up against a locked front door at a quiet midtown apartment, and the blinds are drawn in the living room.

A Syrian refugee couple with their two children were inside the apartment Thursday quietly finishing up English tutoring lessons taught by a friend.

The family, who asked not to be identified for fear of their safety, will move to a new apartment next week because their lives were disrupted by a recent threatening note that was taped to their front door.

Part of the note, written with colored markers and pencils, read: Go away killers We do not like you living here! Please move before danger can happen. America hates terrorist like you!

The father of the family works at a hotel in housekeeping, and saw the note as he was leaving for work on the morning of June 15, he said through a translator. He took the note with him and had his supervisor translate all the messages. She urged him to call police and report it.

The 37-year-old man did, and Tucson police are investigating the incident, said Sgt. Kimberly Bay, a Tucson Police Department spokeswoman. No suspect or suspects have been identified at this time, said Bay in an email.

Bay said that detectives who work on such investigations say this is the first harassment/threat reported by a refugee in Tucson that they can recall.

The police department strongly encourages anyone who is a victim of harassment or threats to report the incident to police immediately, even if there is no information on a suspect, Bay said.

This incident is extremely troubling, as it is not only vicious in nature  but also targets some of the most vulnerable people in the world, refugees, said Imraan Siddiqi, executive director of the Arizona Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations.

The council is a Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Part of its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue and protect civil liberties.

With increased levels of anti-Muslim hate, we must ensure that this incident is investigated from all angles, to ensure that this does not happen to anyone else, Siddiqi said.

Arizona is one of the top 10 refugee resettlement states in the country, but Syrians make up a very small share of the total. In fiscal 2015, there were about 136 Syrian refugees resettled in Arizona, federal authorities have said.

I never expected this to happen, said the father in the midtown apartment, who fled in 2013 from Homs, Syria to Lebanon with his pregnant wife and their son, then a toddler. He supported his family as a business accountant. He said their lives filled with fear and tension once government military increasingly clashed with civilians after a 2011 uprising in which his countrymen were demanding their human and civil rights.

When the family fled to Lebanon, they sought asylum with the U.S. International Refugee Commission, and it was granted nine months ago. The family moved to Tucson and the International Refugee Commission sponsored them and helped them finding housing and employment.

Living in Tucson has been amazing. We felt happy and safe. We have good neighbors, said the father. One neighbor brought the family flowers and apologized that someone left the hateful note.

The couple said their Muslim faith brings them peace and gives them strength to move forward for their children. We came to America because it is the safest place in the world. I want the best for my family  a good education for my children, said the father in reference to his son, 4, and daughter, 2.

We want to work and contribute and give back, he said of himself and his 26-year-old wife.
Even though special master Ken Feinberg, who was in charge of the first federal Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund, distributed $6 billion to the estates of those killed on 9/11  an average of more than $2 million to the nearly 3,000 victims  the House of Representatives passed its new Fairness for 9/11 Families Act to allow additional claims for the deaths inflicted by the terrorists and set aside $2.7 billion for them.
PHOENIX  Lawyers pressing a racial profiling case against the sheriff of metro Phoenix have suggested to a federal judge that the lawman's second-in-command should be fired.

The foes of Sheriff Joe Arpaio say top aide Jerry Sheridan should be terminated for violating court orders and willfully making false statements on the witness stand.

The attorneys had previously requested immediate discipline for top aide Jerry Sheridan, but upped the ante on Thursday by seeking his firing.

The requests come as U.S. District Judge Murray Snow mulls changes to Arpaio's office in response to a contempt-of-court ruling against the lawman and Sheridan for defying a 2011 order to stop their immigration patrols.
Help India!

By Meenakshi Ganguly, Human Rights Watch

The list of activists falling victim to efforts by Indian authorities to curb criticism is growing by the day.

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On June 17, 2016, the government announced that Sabrang Trust  a group run by activists Teesta Setalvad and Javed Anand, both well-known for their support of the victims of the 2002 mob attacks against Muslims in Gujarat  will no longer be allowed to receive funds under Indias Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The government has accused the couple of misusing funds allocated to help riot victims for instead dining in hotels and buying cakes and sanitary napkins. These are ludicrous and politically motivated charges arising from their tenacious efforts to hold accountable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was chief minister of Gujarat state at the time of the violence.

While the authorities were canceling Sabrang Trusts FCRA registration, a special court in Gujarat was convicting 24 individuals of the murder of 69 people at Ahmedabads Gulberg Society during the Gujarat riots. The judge described the killings as the darkest day.

These convictions, along with those of 150 others for their roles in the mass attacks on Muslims during the 2002 violence in Gujarat, were only possible because of the efforts of activists such as Setalvad, as well as scores of victims, witnesses, investigators, and prosecutors.

The desire to see justice done overcame previous failed efforts at accountability for attacks on religious minorities in India. Long before the Gujarat riots, Setalvad and Anand began a campaign for communal harmony after the 1992-1993 riots between Hindus and Muslims which rocked their home city of Mumbai. Most of the perpetrators have not been held accountable for this violence, nor for the mass attacks on Sikhs in Delhi in 1984.

Another civil rights group, the Lawyers Collective, led by internationally respected lawyers Indira Jaising and Anand Grover, was placed under FCRA restrictions in May. Recently, three United Nations human rights experts warned that the FCRA is increasingly being used to silence organizations involved in advocating civil, political, economic, social, environmental or cultural priorities, which may differ from those backed by the Government, and urged the government to repeal the FCRA. Other groups including Greenpeace India and Ford Foundation have also come under attack in recent months.

Successive governments in India have now used the FCRA to target activists. Instead of erecting obstacles against those that speak up for victims because they might tarnish its image, the Modi government should end the misuse of the FCRA. That would be a true sign of a rights-respecting leadership.

This column was initially published here.


Help India!

By Afroz Alam and A Mirsab, TwoCircles.net,

Delhi: In a shocking development for the Muslim community at large, follower of the two senior leaders of Tablighi Jamaat clashed physically purportedly over the issue of assuming top most leadership at the world headquarters of Tablighi Jamaat at Bangle Wali Masjid located in Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi.

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The clash between the two group that left many injured occurred on Sunday June 19th. Eleven were taken to the hospital and police were deployed in large numbers.

People familiar with the incident informed TwoCircles.net that last Sunday, after Iftar and maghrib prayer the groups belonging to Maulana Saad and Maulana Zuhair ul Hassan were discussing the issue of Amarat (leadership) and soon it turned into brawl leading to violent clashes inside the mosque. The situation became so aggressive that police was called from eight police stations to control it. As many as 11 injured were taken to hospital for first aid.

The situation became so sensitive that Anil Yadav, ACP and Mandip Yadav Randhva, DCP had to keep a close eye on the events whole night.

In an audio clip of 2 minutes and 54 second that was made available to TwoCircles.net clearly suggests that one group was unhappy with Maulana Saad Kandhalwi from inheriting the leadership from his father and wanted to have a shura council instead and the situation deteriorated resulting into raising of voice and brawl.

The isseu of leadership of the world-wide Tabligh movement is not new. Since the passing away of Maulana Inaam ul Hassan popularly known as Hazrat ji, a shura was appointedd instead of one Ameer. Shura consisted of Amir of Tablighi Jamaat Pakistan Haji Abdul Wahhab, Maulana Zubair ul Hasan who is the son of Inamul Hasan, and Maulana Saad Kandhalwwi son of Maulana Yusuf Kandhalwi, the second Amer of the group. Since the passing away of Maulana Zubair ul Hasan in 2014 Mauala Saad has become the Ameer.

Son of Maulana Zubair ul Hasan Maulana Zuhairul Hasan has laid a claim to the leadership, his followers have asked Saad to reconstitue the Shura which was rejected by Maulana Saad.

Maulana Saad in a speech condemned the violent incident and claimed that it has nothing to do with Tablighi Jamat markaz but the fighting was done by the outsiders.

In order to take stock of the situation, TwoCircles.net tried to speak with the people outside Banglewali Masjid who confirmed such event did take place inside the mosque and police was deployed to handle the situation.

Sultan Ahmad, who was appointed couple of months back to look after Markazs office told TwoCircles.net, There have been fights in everytime, there were instances of fights in Sahaba (companions of prophet) too. But it is better that you dont report about this feud.

Rashid Hussain, who is responsible for taking care of Delhi camp for Markaz says people from outside Markaz are eyeing huge donation that it receives because many people come here and donate, They want to become Amir so that they can have hand over the donation of Markaz.

The Markaz receives Crores of rupees and there is no accounting of such donation. People want their own Amir so that they can benefit from this money, he adds.

Najmuddin, a shop keeper outside the mosque confirms the incidence and says, When there are two strong contenders then the fight is bound to occur. This is not new here, similar things have happened here quite a few times.

A young skull cap seller says on the condition of anonymity that people from across Yamuna and Mewat had come here and they clashed.

Chand Bhai, a tea seller says, Although this is not new here but this time the fight went out of control that even police had to enter the mosque to control the situation.
Bride Divyanka vs Groom Vivek

Groom to be Television actor Vivek Dahiya has a lot to celebrate with even before he gets married to Indian Televisions heartthrob Divyanka Tripathi in real life. Vivek Dahiyas supernatural thriller produced by soap queen Ekta Kapoor premiered on Colors TV channel on June 11th 2016 opposite Divyanka Tripathis Yeh Hai Mohobbatein on Star Plus which also happens to be Ektas baby.

Kawach replaces Naagin and quickly tops the ratings chart

Kawach stars Maheck Chahal and Mona Singh of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi fame in lead roles opposite Vivek who plays the husband and the show has already climbed on to the ratings chart and become the number one show on Indian Television.

Kawachs success is also noteworthy considering the fact that it replaced the cult show Naagin which starred Mouni Roy and Arjun Bijlani and was launched in the same time slot as Yeh Hai Mohobbatein which is one of Star Pluss most loved shows.

BARC released data for June 11th to June 17th week showed that Divyanka Tripathi and Karan Patels love saga Yeh Hai Mohobbatein ranked second in the ratings with 10431 impressions while Kawach stole the show with a whooping 10,958 impressions which is a lot for a show which is just a week old.

Maheck Chahal who plays the role of Manjulia on the show has been in news since her casting thanks to the rumors of her leaving the show from day one. Apparently the actress shot even after having a severe knee injury and looks like all their efforts and hardwork has finally paid off with the show taking over the rankings.

While Kawach is getting rated very well, it is also facing a tough competition from Sony TVs Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi starring Shaheer Shaikh and Erica Fernandes which is a romantic saga with the touch of practicality.

Kawach airs on Colors on weekends at 8pm and is a supernatural thriller based on a wife being possessed which is unlike any of the weekend shows seen on Indian television.Heres wishing the Kawach team all the best for their future ratings and hoping that they keep up the good work.
While I would never claim to be the Trekiest of Trekkies, I've been a die-hard fan of the franchise since my parents dumped me off at a theater to see Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan in 1982 so they could get a few hours away from me. For better or worse, I have been pretty happy with 'Star Trek' over the years, mostly because even when they came out with some disappointing movies (see Star Trek V and Star Trek: Nemesis), they still involved stories that were at least trying to tell something fresh and attempting to remain loyal to principles and canon of 'Star Trek'. I even enjoyed the 2009 Star Trek quite a bit. Even though it was an attempt to reboot the entire universe, it was also smart enough to tie in the events with everything that happened before. It was new and fresh, but it was still very much 'Star Trek'.

Not so with 'Star Trek Into Darkness', a movie that actually starts out very smartly, then manages to sink everything we know and love about 'Star Trek' in its second half. Oh, it's entertaining to be sure, but it makes so many logical (pardon my Vulcan sensibilities) mistakes, that I actually went on a rant about all its problems right here on our 'The Bonus View' blog just a few years ago. Don't worry, I won't get quite that crazy again  I've learned to accept many of those issues I had and just try to enjoy the movie for what it is  but I confess I'm still a little frustrated. Because 'Into Darkness' could have been a very good 'Star Trek' movie if the filmmakers weren't so obsessed with one thing. And that 'thing' is a guy named Khan.

It's no longer a secret that Benedict Cumberbatch plays one of 'Star Trek's most iconic roles in 'Into Darkness'; heck, Paramount even gives it away on the back box cover of this release, even though that reveal isn't made until halfway through the actual film. The problem is that Cumberbatch doesn't even need to play Khan here. He's first introduced as a terrorist named John Harrison, and the fact that he's Khan Noonien Singh actually plays no significant part in the movie other than that his blood contains 'magical' healing powers  an ability that, frankly, could be given to any bad guy. So when Benedict's character sneers at Kirk and Spock and proclaims "I am Khan!" at the movie's midpoint, it's nothing more than an attempt at fan service. Kirk and Spock have no idea who this guy is, nor do they seem to really care much  the film never really delves into Khan's past, reveals his importance in Earth's history (but not important enough that anyone on the Enterprise has ever heard of him), or any of the other facts/personality traits that made the Ricardo Montalban version of the character so beloved among Trekkies.

Actually, I'd love to see someone make a fan edit of 'Into Darkness' where all the Khan mentions are cut out and see how the film plays. I'm guessing it actually might play a little better. It would still have a number of plot holes (the most frustrating being how transporters work in this movie) and that horrible climax where the storytellers think they're being clever by repeating (with a slight twist) the conclusion of The Wrath of Khan and instead just come off as lazy screenwriters, but at least it wouldn't diminish one of 'Trek's best-known villains. Remember how cool Darth Vader was before the Star Wars prequels came along and ruined him? 'Into Darkness' sort of does the same thing to Khan.

But for all the things wrong with 'Into Darkness', it's far from a complete disaster. It's competently made by Director J.J. Abrams (who, in his defense, has confessed in the past to never being much of a 'Star Trek' die-hard), features some great visual eye candy and set pieces, and is more-or-less very well acted (I still have some problems with Peter Weller's slightly over-the-top Admiral Marcus and the way that Cumberbatch enunciates most of his dialogue). So that leaves the big question to be answered: Is it worth picking up on Ultra HD? I think it is. The 4K format is driven by its ability to enhance the visual quality of a movie, and that added boost is definitely a bonus here, particularly when it comes to the IMAX-shot scenes. Even then, I can't endorse 'Into Darkness' as strongly as 2009's Star Trek in 4K Ultra HD, but I'm still giving it a recommendation.

The Blu-Ray: Vital Disc Stats

'Star Trek Into Darkness' sets its phasers for 4K with this Ultra HD/Blu-ray/Digital HD release. The discs are housed inside a black Elite keepcase, with the 4K Ultra HD and first Blu-ray disc (which contains the film) on a plastic hub, while the second Blu-ray is on the inside right. A sole insert contains a code for either an UltraViolet or iTunes digital copy of the movie. A slipcover with artwork that matches that of the keepcase slides overtop.

There are no front-loaded trailers on any of the three discs. The main menus for the Ultra HD disc and the Blu-ray movie disc are identical: a montage of footage from the film with menu selections across the bottom of the screen. The second Blu-ray (with the majority of the bonus features) has a similar menu design, except it has a montage of behind-the-scenes footage from the movie shoot.

All the discs in this release are region-free.
Former senior Xinjiang legislator stands trial for bribery Updated: 2016-06-23 15:57 (Xinhua)

XINING - The trial of a former senior legislator in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region accused of accepting bribes began Thursday.

Li Zhi, former deputy head of the Standing Committee of the regional People's Congress, was tried at the Intermediate People's Court of Xining, capital city of Northwest China's Qinghai province.

He stands accused of taking advantage of his positions to offer assistance to others in construction projects, land development, and promotions, requesting and accepting bribes totaling more than 13.19 million yuan (about $2 million), between 1996 and 2013.

The prosecutors produced evidence in court, which was examined by Li and his defense attorney. Li pleaded guilty and showed repentance in court.

More than 100 people, including reporters and members of the public, were in court.

The sentence will be announced on a later date.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) announced an investigation into Li in March 2015.
China sees more corruption in poverty relief fund use Updated: 2016-06-23 17:14 (Xinhua)

BEIJING - A growing number of officials have been implicated in the misuse or embezzlement of poverty relief funds following a sweeping crackdown on duty crimes across China.

Prosecutors investigated 658 officials responsible for poverty alleviation in the first five months of the year, an increase of 53.7 percent year on year, Wang Songmiao, spokesperson of the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said at a press conference Thursday.

China launched a five-year campaign to crack down on corruption by officials engaged in poverty relief work, which kicked off at the beginning of 2016.

Meanwhile, 4,775 officials in charge of agriculture or rural areas were investigated for alleged duty crimes in the first five months, with 2,640 involved in abuse of finances, Wang said.

Investigations by the SPP revealed that local-level officials were most likely to be involved in bribery, embezzlement, speculation and dereliction of duty.

China aims to lift 70 million poor people in rural areas out of poverty and build "a moderately prosperous society" by 2020, and has boosted funding for relocation, ecological protection, electric power infrastructure and renovation programs in rural areas.

The SPP will tighten supervision and set up an information sharing system to ensure all funds are used effectively and transparently, Wang said, adding that an education campaign will be launched for local officials to increase their legal awareness.
Ruling may 'open Pandora's box' Updated: 2016-06-24 07:33 By Zhang Yunbi(China Daily)

A senior publicity official has warned that the possible South China Sea ruling by an arbitration panel may "set a dangerous precedent and open a Pandora's box in the sea".

Jiang Jianguo, minister of the State Council Information Office, said on Thursday at a forum in Beijing that as the United States has sent aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the region, its accusation that China is militarizing the sea is "a bad joke".

Jiang was speaking as the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague is thought to be near issuing its ruling on arbitration unilaterally launched by the Philippines, and Washington pressures Beijing to accept the decision.

Jiang was speaking as the Arbitral Tribunal, established under UNCLOS appendix VII, in The Hague is thought to be near issuing its ruling on arbitration unilaterally launched by the Philippines and Washington pressures Beijing to accept the decision.

The US, an outsider to the region, "gets directly engaged in South China Sea disputes", Jiang said, and its actions have "aggravated China's concerns about damage to its interests".

Jiang said some Western media have issued biased reports and distorted and ignored the facts of the South China Sea issue, such as that no country challenged China's sovereignty there before the 1970s.

"Hopefully, the truth about the South China Sea will be introduced to Africa and people in the world," Jiang told the forum delegates.

Mam Sait Ceesay, of The Standard Newspaper in Gambia, said evidence shows the islands belong to China, not the Philippines, and "a lot of misinformation" is being orchestrated by some media.

Ikenna Emewu, Beijing bureau chief of Nigeria's The Sun newspaper, said the US is not a claimant in the dispute and non-claimants should not aggravate the problems.

Many countries, including Russia, India, Cambodia, Uganda, Gambia and Algeria support China's call for peaceful negotiations rather than arbitration.

On Wednesday, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the country "supports the position that the sovereign states that are directly concerned should resolve their disputes through direct consultations and negotiations".

Asked about the number of countries supporting China's stance, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying noted that some Chinese online media have said it is 47, and the actual number may be higher and "is increasing every day".
Courts handling increased caseload Updated: 2016-06-24 08:30 By Zhang Yi(China Daily)

The Supreme People's Court said on Thursday that drug cases across the country last year surged by one-third, and it pledged to deal with the problem with an iron hand.

Nearly 140,000 drug cases were tried and closed last year, an increase of 30 percent from the previous year, according to data from the court.

"Heavy sentences apply in drug cases, especially those involving firearms in drug deals and taking part in international organized drug rings," said Ma Yan, deputy presiding judge of the 5th Criminal Court at the Supreme People's Court.

About 137,000 people have been convicted in the cases, up 25 percent from the previous year.

Nearly 20 percent of those convicted were sentenced to prison for more than five years or given death sentences.

"Death sentences apply to drug lords, professional drug dealers and repeat offenders in severe drug cases," Ma said.

The guideline for sentencing in drug cases was revised in April, extending the punishments to cases involving an additional 12 new types of drugs, including methcathinone and tramadol.

Li Jingran, an assistant judge of the 5th Criminal Court, said sentences for those who provide venues for others to use illicit drugs were specified in the guideline.

Heavy sentences will be given to those who provide minors with drugs or provide places for them to use drugs.

Gao Feng, a manager at a nightclub in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, was sentenced to two years in prison and fined 50,000 yuan ($7,600) this month for allowing 55 people to use drugs in two rooms of his club.
Dolby Cinema launches in China Updated: 2016-06-24 11:23 By Lia Zhu In San Francisco(China Daily USA)

From left: Frank Bryant, Dolby vice-president of Premium Theatre; Doug Darrow, Dolby senior vice-president of Cinema Business Group; Kevin Yeaman, Dolby president and CEO; John Zeng, president of Wanda Cinema Line; William Que, executive vicepresident of Wanda Cinema Line; Liu Kai, deputy regional general manager of CapitaLand Mall Asia, at the Dolby Cinema opening event on June 23 in Dalian. (Provided To China Daily)

Dolby Cinema, featuring advanced cinema technology, has officially landed in Asia as Wanda Cinema Line opened four sites in China on June 23.

The four new theaters - in Dalian, Changchun, Chongqing and Jinan - are the first of 100 Dolby Cinemas that Wanda Cinema Line and Dolby Laboratories plan to open in China over the next five years. By the end of 2016, six more sites will be added, including Beijing and Chengdu.

"The speed with which we've been able to bring these first four sites into reality with Wanda has been spectacular," Bob Borchers, Dolby's senior vice-president, told China Daily. "I think it shows the pace to reach the market is growing."

Dolby Cinema features Dolby Vision, a vivid laser projection system which offers a richer, more detailed viewing experience, and Dolby Atmos sound technology which moves audio around the theatre and overhead.

Combined with the vision and audio technologies, the cinema is designed to make audiences feel closer to the onscreen action to transform the movie experience, according to the San Francisco-based company.

Since their launch in April 2015, more than 200 Dolby Cinema sites have been installed or committed to in the world, with 26 Dolby Cinema sites currently in operation.

The first Dolby Cinema movie title released in China is the latest blockbuster in China Warcraft, produced by Legendary, which was acquired by Wanda. It was considered "a prime example of the power and sophistication of Dolby Cinema," according to Peter Loehr, CEO of Legendary East.

"This shows that Wanda is not only collaborating with Dolby on the exhibition side, but also looks forward to more collaborations in movie production, so as to provide audiences with an unprecedented experience combining Wanda's premium movie content with Dolby's leading technologies in sight and sound," said John Zeng, president of Wanda Cinema Line.

"There's a great synergy between Legendary, Wanda, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos all coming together," said Borchers, adding that it was "amazing" that the appetite of consumers around the world - especially in China - to have great stories both from Hollywood and locally was growing.

Warcraft will be followed by Finding Dory, Independence Day: Resurgence, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and The Legend of Tarzan, which have been confirmed to be released in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for Dolby Cinema in China.

Besides the Hollywood titles, "we've got a strong pipeline of local titles as well," said Borchers.

He said Dolby has been working closely with filmmakers in China through Dolby Institute, helping upcoming filmmakers figure out how to tell their stories using Dolby technologies.

The team also works with Chinese film festivals, and universities and colleges that are training filmmakers, as well as local production companies to make sure color grading and audio mixing capabilities are available, according to Borchers.

"We've done significantly well with Dolby Atmos in China, and we are just beginning to do so with Dolby Vision," he said. "So we are making significant investment in terms of training new filmmakers, and also making sure that the infrastructure is in place so that when somebody has a great story that they want to tell using Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, the tools are available to them in the local market."

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com
Ma repeats: Alibaba has 'zero tolerance' for fakes Updated: 2016-06-24 11:23 By China Daily(China Daily USA)

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd chairman Jack Ma said that his recent comment that counterfeit goods were better than originals was taken out of context, and he reiterated that that his e-commerce platforms have "zero tolerance" for counterfeits.

"Counterfeit goods are absolutely unacceptable, and brands and their intellectual property must be protected," Ma said in an opinion piece published on Thursday in The Wall Street Journal. "Alibaba is only interested in supporting those manufacturers who innovate and invest in their own brands. We have zero tolerance for those who rip off other people's intellectual property."

Ma was responding to media reports that quoted him as saying in a speech he made at Alibaba's headquarters in Hangzhou that "fake products today are of better quality and better price than the real names. They are exactly the [same] factories, exactly the same raw materials but they do not use the names."

Those comments were viewed as giving legitimacy to the counterfeit industry, but Ma said in the opinion piece that his comments had been taken out of context, and "I feel compelled to set the record straight".

He said his comments were an observation that he was sharing with investors: that the dynamics between some brands and their manufacturing partners, and brands and their customers, are shifting due to economic and technological developments.

With exports declining due to weaker demand, Chinese manufacturers are resorting to the internet and setting up their own brands to woo customers, presenting a challenge to the business model of some established labels, Ma said. This has complicated efforts to root out fakes, which is why Alibaba is using real-time scanning of more than 10 million new product listings a day, he said.

"Failing to protect original designs, trademarks and technology is akin to thievery, and it is detrimental not only to innovation but also to the integrity of the marketplace," Ma said. "We do not and will never condone any act of stealing."

Ma said in January last year that the company has zero tolerance for fakes on its e-commerce markets.

Last month, Alibaba was suspended from the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition, a global nonprofit that fights fakes. The suspension occurred after a number of top brands dropped out of the group, calling Alibaba their "most dangerous and damaging adversary".

aiheping@chinadailyusa.com
Bad boy jewelry brand debuts in Shanghai Updated: 2016-06-24 23:50 By XU JUNQIAN in Shanghai(China Daily USA)

Mitchell Binder is hoping to double the number of King Baby stores in China over the coming years.provided to china daily

Though Mitchell Binder may have said that his handcrafted jewelry are designed for the chosen few such as A-listers like Johnny Depp and Rihanna, he is nonetheless expanding his presence in China, having recently opened his 11th store in the country on June 16.

While his King Baby brand already has two flagship stores in Beijing, Binder said that it was only natural that he opened his latest boutique in Shanghai.

Shanghai is like New York, but much bigger and more diversified. Its a great representation of Asia. This is the door to Asia, while Beijing is more China, said Binder.

Located in Grand Gateway, one of the citys most luxurious shopping malls, this new store offers customers the widest selection of the brands products in China. Its grand opening was attended by Chinese Victorias Secret model He Sui.

China is now the second largest market after the United States for King Baby, which was founded in 2000 and is known for its bold, bad boy designs that often feature skulls and daggers. The brand is one of the few from the United States that exports handcrafted pieces to China.

My focus is mens silver jewelry and with my style, there is no competitor. We are probably known more for our mens collection but we are currently working on more womens designs too, he told China Daily USA.

When asked about how he felt about Chinese men not being used to wearing accessories or jewelry, Binder joked that he believes their girlfriends will convince them.

By partnering The Retail Group LTD, a leading retail development company in China that also helps to run Dutch denim brand G-Star Raw in the country, Binder is aiming to double the number of King Baby stores in China over the next few years.

According to Gems and Jewelry Trade Association of China, the retail value of the Chinese jewelry market had grown from 160 billion yuan ($24.29 billion) in 2006 to 500 billion yuan in 2015. It is now the worlds second largest consumer market after the US.

However, due to the central governments anti-corruption and austerity measures, in addition to falling gold prices, the market has witnessed much slower growth over the past two years, according to industry insiders.

Chen Shichang, general manager of Hong Kongs major jewelry retailer Chow Tai Fook, noted that there has been a major change in why Chinese consumers shop for jewelry nowadays.

Instead of chasing after expensive, heavy and large collective pieces as an investment, the younger generations are actually looking for more affordable accessible luxury pieces for daily wear.

xujunqian@chinadaily.com.cn
Marc Carrel-Billiard believes mass introduction of artificial intelligence robots and systems will result in a new industrial revolution. Provided to China Daily

Accenture's technology R&D head urges China to scale up smart machine trials at home and abroad, Chen Yingqun and Zhang Xia report.

China should step up its efforts to adopt artificial intelligence in its industries to boost the country's economic transformation, according to French technology expert Marc Carrel-Billiard.

The development of artificial intelligence is a hot topic in China, he said, especially since the central government unveiled the Made in China 2025 strategy, which largely aims to upgrade the manufacturing industry with high-technology over the next decade.

AI refers to machines or systems that can understand, learn and act independently, allowing them to take on cognitive functions otherwise performed by a human, such as problem-solving.

Carrel-Billiard said such technology is important due to the shift toward greater connectivity, either through cloud computing or smart networks.

While pilot projects may have been launched nationwide, Carrel-Billiard, global managing director of technology research and development for Accenture, a leading global consulting and professional services company, believes most are not being done on a large enough scale.

His company surveyed 512 technicians, engineers, executives and human resource managers in North America, Western Europe and Asia in December. Of the respondents from China, 73 percent said their enterprises are trying out some form of AI.

"But only 20 percent right now are doing it on a big scale. If they do not try to do it on a big scale, it will not be successful," said Carrel-Billiard, who explained that only through scaling up is it possible to put the technology into daily use and ensure the desired effect on a business.

The Chinese government has introduced policies to encourage businesses to trial AI technology, but he said the next step has to be incentives to scale up pilot programs  and not only in China.

By running trials in overseas operations, he added, Chinese companies can have a greater influence on global markets and can build world-class brands.

"The country needs to export its know-how. A lot of good stuff is made in China but is not known outside its boundaries," he said, citing as examples such as Alipay, the online payment platform run by Alibaba Holding Group, and the social media app WeChat. "If these things can be exported, that would be fantastic."

China has amazing power when it comes to making things, he said, but the perception overseas is still of a country that mass produces cheap goods.

However, he feels this is changing, as many companies are now able to make their marks outside China, one such companies is DJI Technology of Shenzhen set up in 2006, which is leading the way in advanced drones.

"AI can help (companies) to automate more tasks, to achieve more high-value manufacturing. It can also help companies not only with achieving mass production, but also mass customization," which means high output while also meeting individual consumer demands.

One enterprise trying out mass customization is Red Collar, a Chinese menswear manufacturer. By using AI, he said, the company can mass-produce suits that are tailored to multiple buyers' choices in design, fabric and color.

"This is amazing, and it is the kind of capability that China should leverage. AI is not only about machine learning; it is also good for analytics, and for smart ways of thinking about business and manufacturing processes. It is more flexible, and you can basically embrace more opportunities."

Although a lot is spoken about the machines, at the heart of AI development are the people, Carrel-Billiard said.

Machines are there ultimately to enable human workers to do their jobs more efficiently, not replace them, he said, while the greater connectivity that AI promises to create will enable the best minds around the world to work together and solve local and global problems.

"By connecting people, you do fantastic stuff. It is especially great to connect new generations with older generations, to have them transfer knowledge and collaborate.

"For us, AI must be applied to research that has a business focus. It has the potential to help solve some big problems, such as how to cure cancer. But it needs to put people at the center of the discussion. We do AI to make people's lives better, to make their work more interesting, even change the way they work."

Accenture's research suggests Chinese companies are steadily creating environments in which humans and machines work together, as they expect this to drive new value. According to the company's survey, 56 percent of respondents from China predict AI will boost productivity, while 43 percent expect increased operational efficiency and 37 percent expect enhanced safety and risk management.

Artificial intelligence will play a major part in each plan, according to Carrel-Billiard. "AI can help bridge cultures," he said, suggesting one example would be a system that can perform simultaneous translation during negotiations between executives from different countries. "You could have a German person talking (in German) with a Chinese person (talking Mandarin) and the translation will be done on the fly."

He also believes that rather than causing unemployment, the mass introduction of AI robots and systems would result in a new industrial revolution that creates jobs while changing the way people work.

Even in an entirely automated factory, thousands of workers will still be needed to maintain, evaluate and program the machinery, he argued, although he acknowledges that training will need to be upgraded along with the technology to ensure the cultivation of high-skilled workers.

He said universities in the United States are already introducing AI in the classroom to aid teachers.

For example, Arizona State University is testing adaptive learning bots that cover introductory elements for select courses, allowing instructors to focus more on student support, and produce analytics that identify students at risk of falling behind. Early indications show pass rates are rising, according to Accenture.

"If you look at one specific industry, AI will reduce jobs, but if you look (at the big picture) you will see that it will create job opportunities," added Carrel-Billiard.

"We need to train the workers to use AI to help them require the necessary skills faster. We do not want to build superhumans; we want to make humans super (at their job)."

Contact the writers through chenyingqun@chinadaily.com.cn
Europe's foreign exchange traders plan all night stint on EU vote Updated: 2016-06-24 05:55 By Cecily Liu(chinadaily.com.cn)

City workers walk past the Bank of England in the City of London, Britain, March 29, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Foreign exchange traders throughout Europe planned to stay up all night on Thursday into Friday to keep an eye on results from the UK's in/out referendum because they saw the outcome as something that could have a tremendous impact on sterling.

Traders said they would create strategies on whether to buy or sell sterling as indications from exit polls came in throughout the night.

Shortly before the polls closed sterling rose to its highest point against the US dollar this year, hitting $1.4992. Analysts said that was a sure sign the markets were anticipating a win for the Remain camp.

Richard Falkenhall, senior currency strategist at the Sweden-based bank SEB, said he would take a few hours of sleep on Thursday afternoon before returning to his desk at 9 pm Central European Time. He was ready to work throughout the night monitoring results of the vote.

At about midnight Central European Time, Falkenhall's team planned to host a client call to update the bank's customers on possible currency movements. The bank will have colleagues in Stockholm, London, New York and Singapore cooperating in executing trades.

Falkenhall said such all-nighters are rare. The last time he personally worked through the night in similar circumstances was when Lehman Brothers went bankrupt in 2008.

Because sterling has appreciated considerably in recent days, the expectation of the UK remaining within the EU has already been priced into the value of the pound, he said. Therefore, Falkenhall said sterling is not expected to move dramatically if the UK votes to remain in the bloc.

But, if Britain votes to leave, he predicts sterling could fall in value by as much as 10 percent. If that happens, trading volatilities will grow significantly.

"If we get signs of Britain potentially voting out, we would expect much more trading activities," he said.

Falkenhall added that the bank is prepared to call in as many staff as is needed throughout the night.
China denies blocking India's membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group Updated: 2016-06-24 13:37 By Mo Jingxi(chinadaily.com.cn)

China has pushed the discussion of participation in the non-Non-Proliferation Treaty states during the Seoul Plenary of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a Foreign Ministry official has said, refuting reports saying that China is blocking India's membership at the meeting.

"At this plenary, China once again pushed the group to discuss the issue of non-NPT states participation in an innovative format. It should be stressed that such a format is not only more formal, but represents a major result achieved at this annual plenary," Wang Qun, director general of the department of arms control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters.

The plenary was held in Seoul, South Korea on Thursday.

According to Wang, the NSG has hitherto not agreed to any agenda with the item on non-NPT states participation. And this plenary has no such item on its agenda either.

"So, there is no point of so called opposing or supporting Indias membership," he said.

Instead, the official said that China, for its part, attaches great importance to the issue of how to handle the issue of non-NPT states participation. Under the Argentina Chairmanship, China has worked hard to push discussions on the above issue in all aspects.

As for the eligibility of new members of the NSG, Wang emphasized the importance of NPT, as it represents the cornerstone of the entire non-proliferation regime.

"If exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether," he said.

Wang also said that China understands Indias sentiment on developing nuclear energy to meet climate changes, as it is a common challenge confronting developing countries.

China stands ready to explore cooperation with India in the field of nuclear energy, so as to help India to address its nuclear energy needs, he added.
China, Russia set new investment programs Updated: 2016-06-24 18:09 By Zhang Yunbi(chinadaily.com.cn)

A new batch of major investment cooperation programs was decided after the third meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee convened in Beijing on Friday.

The meeting was co-chaired by Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli and visiting Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov.

The main task of the meeting is to make preparations in the field of investment cooperation for the upcoming meeting between the top leaders of China and Russia, according to an official release.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to China on Saturday at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

At the meeting, the two sides agreed to gear up dovetailing efforts to boost the link between China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Russia-led Eurasia Economic Union, two strategic blueprints that both cover the Eurasia continent.

Their complimentary advantages will be better tapped into in various fields such as resources, markets, technology, capital and expertise to boost opening up and promote the market environment.

The two countries will also jointly explore third-party market opportunities.

Zhang said as two-way investment has continued to expand, a growing number of enterprises from one country are willing to invest in the other.

The two countries hope to further create enabling conditions for companies from both sides to expand investment, introduce more symbolic investment cooperation programs and enrich the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, Zhang said.

Shuvalov said Russia hopes to determine and implement more major investment cooperation programs and enrich the list of programs for dovetailing the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasia Economic Union.

The second meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee was held in St. Petersburg, Russia on June 18, 2015.
Across America Updated: 2016-06-24 11:16 (China Daily USA)

Happy anniversary - Burlington, MA

Xing Jijun, counselor of science and technology at China's Consulate General in New York, speaks at the 20th anniversary celebration of the New England Chinese Information and Networking Association (NECINA) on June 18 in Burlington, Massachusetts. Founded in 1996, NECINA is a non-profit for professionals who innovate and build success through global technology information exchange and local professional networking in New England. Provided to China Daily

Lighthearted moment - washington

From left: Brian Kenner, DC deputy mayor for planning and economic development; Victor Hoskins, Arlington economic development director; and Max Baucus (far right), US ambassador to China, share a laugh at a reception welcoming Chinese delegates to the SelectUSA Summit at the Phillips Collection on Sunday in Washington. Cai Chunying / China Daily

China strong - washington

Xu Chen (right), president of Bank of China in the United States and chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce (USA), joins delegates to the 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington on Monday. The Chinese delegation of 150 strong was the largest among investors from some 70 markets. Chen Weihua / China DailY

Sea views - new york

Former foreign minister and former ambassador to the US, Li Zhaoxing (center), talks with executive vice-president of Asia Society Tom Nagorski (right) about issues related to the South China Sea at the Asia Society in New York on Thursday. Li said China has been committed to pursuing peaceful development of the region and the last thing the Chinese people want to see is turmoil or even war in the neighborhood. Niu Yue / For China Daily

Bridge builders - Los Angeles

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (third from right) takes a group photo with attendees at the Invest LA Investment Summit on June 17. Drawing about 250 participants from 30 countries and regions around the world, the summit aims at introducing the many resources and policies offers to lure foreign direct investment. Chang Jun / China Daily

Raising the bar - Palo Alto

US Secretary of State John Kerry urges all public and private sectors in the world to foster entrepreneurship because it is the key to addressing a variety of global challenges, while addressing the 7th Global Entrepreneurship Summit on Thursday which attracted 600 entrepreneurs and 300 investors from around the world at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. LIA ZHU / CHINA DAILY

Here's to talent - Houston

Chen Yuqi (left), executive deputy director of the Qingdao municipal committee, and Yu Hongwei (third from left), deputy secretary-general of Qingdao, toast guests in Houston on Monday. Chen and Yu led a delegation to recruit technology and innovation talent in Houston to help spur Qingdao's economy. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY
As the excitement from Trumps phone conversation with Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen wears off, the Taiwanese are beginning to become apprehensive that the island risks becoming a pawn in a wider game between the two superpower nations.

On Sunday, President-elect Trump suggested that US support for the renegade province was negotiable and the one China policy that has governed relations between the three governments for decades could be a source of leverage to force concessions from China on other issues.

Leader of the Chung Hua 21th Century Think Tank in Taipei said, Being the lever isnt a good place for Taiwan. China cant make a hasty move on the US or Donald Trump, but China can easily make a move on Taiwan, so if China is going to lean, which side are they going to lean on? Of course they will lean on Taiwan.

China has reportedly stepped up air patrols around Taiwan and the wider region, and Chinese military aircraft circled the international airspace surrounding Taiwan, prompting Japans military to scramble fighter jets over an alleged trespass on Saturday.

Last week, China flew nuclear-capable bombers over its claims in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. On Tuesday, the Taipei Times read: Although all parties maintained their cool and avoided a clash, a war of nerves in the Asia-Pacific region is under way,

On Monday, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said that President Barack Obama doesnt view the US relationship with Taiwan as a bargaining chip, and said that agreements on climate change and North Korea could prove to be more difficult if there is a change in that policy.

In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Trump suggested that his administration would not be constrained by the one China policy. I fully understand the one China policy, but I dont know why we have to be bound by a one China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade, he said. Trump went on to comment that the US has been hurt very badly by China with devaluation, with heavy taxation at the borders when they are not taxed by the US, with building a massive fortress in the middle of the South China Sea, and with not helping the US with North Korea. So does the Trump administration intend to use Taiwan as a bargaining chip?
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HA NOI  New decrees are to liberate productive forces, facilitate businesses and people, and drive development, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said yesterday.

The PM said this during a Government meeting on legislation when officials focussed their discussions on the issuance of 51 decrees providing guidelines for enterprise and investment laws.

Ministries have been speeding up projects to complete the draft decrees for two months, striving to issue them by July 1, 2016  one year after the laws took effect. Phuc has constantly affirmed that the deadline must be met to avoid a legal gap by that time.

Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung told a dialogue on business conditions on Wednesday that the Ministry of Justice had assessed 49 out of 51 draft decrees. Two other ones were being finalised by the Ministry of Defence and the State Audit Office of Viet Nam.

Phuc stressed that the new decrees must not copy the business conditions previously stipulated in circulars of ministries. With the spirit of facilitating business and citizens, we are resolute in not creating a situation where some privileged groups may control policies.

Dung said that before all decrees are issued, documentation agencies must continue to poll enterprises to eliminate unreasonable investment and business conditions that hinder their operations.

The Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), on behalf of the domestic business community, proposed eliminating about 70 investment and business conditions that it considered unnecessary in the 49 assessed draft decrees.

It also suggested that 100 other conditions should be revised, but did not specify what these were.

Describing outcomes of the Wednesday dialogue, VCCI Chairman Vu Tien Loc told Viet Nam Television (VTV) that ministries and sectors showed high consensus as they basically agreed with opinions of the business community.

But different viewpoints remained in the industry and trade sector, so there would be more dialogues between the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and enterprises in this area, he said.

Experts are worried that a variety of super-decrees may be born.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reportedly compiled a draft decree that combined 39 circulars, while the Ministry of Health integrated 70 circulars into 12 draft decrees. The MoIT reportedly drafted a decree by joining 23 circulars.

Some experts expressed their concerns to VTV that the documents might be drafted too hastily. Since there is only a week between now and the July 1 deadline, they cast doubts on the quality of the documents.

It feels as if we are just putting on new clothes on the same body, lawyer Le Viet Tho said. It is true that everybody is interested in a change in content rather than form.

Another lawyer, Nguyen Thanh Binh, said, Too many decrees [needing assessment at the same time] will put immense pressure on the Ministry of Justice. If there is no suitable way to assess them, the agency may pass inappropriate documents.

Central Institute of Economic Management deputy director Phan uc Hieu said the authorities should promptly publicise the documents, particularly how many business conditions they had revised, and why.

Some entrepreneurs said they were kept out of the game of business conditions.

We have not been told to make any suggestions, Ho Xuan Phuoc, the director of the O to Viet (Viet Auto) Company told VTV.

VTV also reported that five years ago, the MoIT issued Circular No 20, which required enterprises to have authorisation from foreign companies in order to import cars with less than nine seats.

Nguyen Tuan, the director of trading firm Thien An Phu, said automakers such as Toyota, Honda and Ford normally authorised certain agents to distribute cars in Viet Nam. Hardly any secondary agents have the chance for such authorisation.

However, the MoIT reportedly retained the contents of Circular No 20 in its latest draft decree without considering suggestions from businesses.

PM Phuc told a Government meeting a month ago, Good institutions will create conditions for enterprises to grow. If ministries keep an old state of mind misusing their power, they will kill development.

Ministries and sectors must put their authority and interests aside to support the business community, he said.  VNS
South African Ambassador Kgomotso Magau delivers speech at a seminar yesterday in HCM City.  Photo vovworld.vn

HCM CITY  Trade between Viet Nam and South Africa has great potential for development with co-operative ties in many sectors, South African Ambassador Kgomotso Magau said yesterday during a seminar and business matching event held in HCM City.

As a major exporter of mineral-based commodities, South Africa is able to meet industrial sector demand in Viet Nam, she said.

Our embassy has noted strong growth in domestic consumption fuelled by increasing income levels, not only in South Africa, Viet Nam and Africa in general. This presents an upward demand for our respective products.

We have also noted that infrastructure development in our region has resulted in joint ventures between service providers such as Viet Nams Viettel in our neighbouring country, she said. .

Nguyen The Hung, deputy director of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in HCM City, said that trade between Viet Nam and South Africa has increased significantly but is far below potential.

Bilateral trade was worth US$1.1 billion last year, with Viet Nams exports accounting for $1 billion.

Kabelo Kenneth Malatsi, director of the Export Promotion, Trade and Investment of the Department of Trade and Industry South African, said that South Africa wants to expand investment and trade ties to narrow its trade deficit with Viet Nam.

Malatsi is leading a delegation of 20 business executives from South Africa to explore trade opportunities in Viet Nam.

The executives are from various sectors, including food, wine, tea, fruits, iron, steel, fertiliser, consulting, investment and others. Most of them want to find agents, distributors and retailers for their products.

Looking for investors

South Africa is also seeking foreign investment in sectors like advanced manufacturing, metals, mining, bio-fuel and agribusiness as well as precision engineering, ICT and electronics, and leather and footwear.

Other investment areas are infrastructure, forestry products and furniture, waste management, energy efficiency and clean technology.

South Africa offers stable economic growth, abundance of natural resources and modern infrastructure plus investment incentives offered by its government, according to Malatsi.

He said the country can be a gateway for Vietnamese products to the rest of the African continent, which has a population of one billion.

o Thi Kim Lien, the South African Honorary Consul in HCM City, said with such exchange activities, trade between the two countries is likely to expand greatly and reach $2.4 billion this year.

We are striving to boost exports of Viet Nams agricultural products, garments and textiles, footwear and essential products to South Africa, she said.

Meanwhile, South Africas fruit and wine, the countrys famous export items, have great potential for trade in the Vietnamese market.

Ho Thi Ngoc Lan, export director of Topcake Joint Venture Co Ltd, said the country has high requirements of quality compared to other African countries.

Vietnamese businesses must attach special importance to product quality when exporting to South Africa, she noted.

There is potential for exports, especially in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, since the market has high demand and a shortage of producers of such goods in South Africa.

Hue Phong, chairman of Happy Bank, told Viet Nam News that he is interested in investing in technology, education and agriculture in South Africa.

The conference was followed by business-to-business meetings to enable exchange of information and co-operation opportunities.

Viet Nams main exports to South Africa are mobile phones and accessories, footwear, garments and textiles, coffee, rice, gemstones and metals, timber and timber products, computers, seafood, milk, cashew nuts and instant noodles.

It imports iron and steel, base metals, timber and timber products, chemicals, plastic materials, cotton and fertilisers.

The meeting was organised by the VCCI in collaboration with South Africas embassy in Viet Nam, South Africa Honorary Consulate in HCM City and South Africas Department of Industry and Trade. - VNS
The announcement of suspension of the Central Mining and Mineral Import Export Joint Stock Company (MTM) s shares by the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) has shocked investors.  Photo cafef.vn

HA NOI  The announcement of suspension of the Central Mining and Mineral Import Export Joint Stock Company (MTM) s shares by the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) has shocked investors.

HNX said it stopped trading the entire 31 million MTM shares to protect the interests of investors after the approval of the State Securities Commission. MTM was included in the warning list with 38 other stocks that were recently classified by the bourse for a more transparent market.

MTM, which is among the blacklisted firms, recorded good liquidity of millions of shares per day, a very high figure for a stock on Upcom and had entered the market this April. After trading was stopped, each share of MTM was worth VN2,600 (US$0.12) each, 75 per cent lower than its listed value in April. Thus, the value of shares when trading was halted was worth VN80.6 billion.

On June 13, the State Securities Commission (SSC) directed HNX to verify and inspect the operations of MTM. Four days later, HNX found that the MTM headquarters in the city of Vinh, Nghe An Province was now a restaurant, while its branch in Ha Noi was now a dental care unit.

After tracking the latest data of MTM from the General Department of Tax on June 22, Viet Nam News found that MTM businesses had been shut down and not yet paid more than VN161 million.

However, HNX director Nguyen Vu Quang Trung told local media that there was not enough evidence to show that MTM was a fraudulent firm.

"The HNX and SSC are still working with the authorities to verify the case," Trung said, and added that if MTM only changed its addresses without informing the relevant agencies, it would be fined under the regulation.

He said that if MTM was a fraudulent company, the issue would go to the investigating authorities in accordance with legal regulations.

According to HNX, this was the first case since the establishment of the unlisted market of UPCoM 2009. It was set up in the simplest manner in the market for unlisted stocks in Viet Nam to help prevent investors from being cheated and stop them from investing in bad cases. Currently, firms could be listed as long as they were joint stock companies with VN10 billion in charter capital. They were only required to have the audited financial statements and the business registration for the listing.

MTM accountant Duong Thi Van yesterday told Viet Nam News that her company resumed working yesterday in Vinh City, after a temporary stop.

Van said the firm finished working with the tax office in Vinh City. She also said MTMs board was in Ha Noi to clarify the issue with all the relevant agencies.

So far, HNX director Trung still does not know whether MTM is a fraudulent firm or not. Despite what MTM accountant Van said, the tax website had no updates on the case. One thing remains clear: the confidence of many local investors fell after the incident.

Nguyen Manh Hung, an investor in Ha Noi said he never bought stocks on the unlisted public company market (Upcom) as he knew that basically trading on the unlisted market was more risky than the listed one.

Some others on the local stock forum said that when such a case occurred there was no mechanism to protect investors.

As a solution to protect the investors in the unlisted market, HNX will divide the stocks in two sets - the Premium and Warning lists as of today.

The Premium set with 86 stocks are those that meet the criteria of the financial report and the standard of information disclosure in the stock market. Under the specific conditions for stocks on the Upcom Premium set, companies with a minimum charter capital of VN120 billion must have made a profit in the previous year and accumulated no losses, while companies with a minimum charter capital of VN30 billion must have a return on equity (ROE) of at least 5 per cent the previous year and no accumulated losses.

These criteria were considered based on the companies latest audited financial statements. The warning list with 39 stocks, which failed to receive the mentioned demand, would only be traded on Friday.  VNS
HAVANA/BOGOTA  The Colombian government and FARC rebels signed a ceasefire and disarmament agreement on Thursday, one of the last steps toward ending a half-century conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of people.

The deal puts a definitive end to fighting in Latin Americas longest civil war, which has torn the country apart with shootings and bombardments in its coca-rich jungles and hills.

President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Timoleon Jimenez shook hands and smiled after negotiators signed the deal at a ceremony in Cuba.

The deal establishes "a bilateral ceasefire and end to hostilities and the definitive laying down of arms," according to the text.

"This is a historic day for our country," Santos said in a speech to assembled leaders including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

"After more than 50 years of confrontations, deaths, attacks and pain, we have put a final end to the armed conflict with the FARC." Disarmament will begin after the signing of a full final peace agreement, expected within weeks.

"Let this be the last day of the war," Jimenez said.

Thursdays agreements "leave us on the verge of completing a final accord relatively soon," he added.

The final deal "will allow us to return at last to legal political activity through peaceful and democratic means."

Tears of joy

In the Colombian capital of Bogota, crowds gathered to watch the announcement on a big screen.

One man, Camilo Gonzalez, was moved to tears.

"It has been a tragic journey. Millions of victims, people displaced, fighting, broken dreams," he said.

"But I think now we have reached a moment of hope." Under the agreement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) must hand over its weapons to United Nations monitors within six months.

The FARCs members  an estimated 7,000 or so  will gather in "normalisation zones" for a demobilisation process.

The sides also agreed to government action against "criminal organisations" blamed for fuelling the conflict.

The United States congratulated Colombia. "We will stand ready to help the Colombian people as they work toward a just and lasting peace," said US National Security Advisor Susan Rice.

The European Unions foreign representative Federica Mogherini in a statement called it a "a turning point in the Colombian peace process." "Now all efforts must be devoted to reaching a final comprehensive agreement that will pave the way to durable peace in the country" and justice for victims, she said.

260,000 dead

The Colombian conflict started in the 1960s as a rural uprising for land rights that spawned the communist FARC.

The conflict has drawn in various leftist rebel groups, right-wing paramilitaries and drug gangs over the decades.

It has left 260,000 people dead, 45,000 missing and nearly seven million displaced, according to official figures.

Human rights groups say atrocities have been committed on all sides. Many families are still searching for missing loved ones.

Thursdays deal resolves one of the final points in peace talks between the government and the FARC, the countrys largest rebel group.

However, the means of implementing the final peace deal remain to be settled after three-and-a-half years of negotiations.

The two sides said they would wait for the courts to rule on whether a referendum can be held to endorse the accord, and would accept the courts decision.

Although peace with the FARC would virtually end the conflict, other armed groups are still operating in Colombia.

A bid to hold peace talks between the government and the second-biggest rebel group, the leftist National Liberation Army (ELN), has stumbled because of its alleged kidnappings.

"The activity of the ELN above all and the criminal gangs means that we cannot yet talk of a complete end to the armed conflict," said Kyle Johnson, Colombia analyst for the International Crisis Group.

"It will be the end of Colombias biggest armed conflict, but not all of them."  AFP
VATICAN CITY  Pope Francis embarks on a three-day visit to Armenia on Friday, just over a year after he enraged Turkey by using the term genocide to describe the mass killings of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire.

The Argentinian pontiffs 14th overseas trip since his 2013 election is expected to see him highlight the Vaticans concern over instability, conflict and the plight of Christians in the war-torn Middle East, which has resulted in his hosts having to welcome tens of thousands of refugees.

But his movements and statements will also be closely followed in Ankara, which rejects the idea that a genocide took place during World War I and has accused international powers of using disputed history as a means of bullying Turkey.

Highlights of the papal trip will include a visit to Armenias main memorial to the 1915-17 killings, a meeting with members of the countrys small Roman Catholic community and the release of two doves in the direction of Mount Ararat from the Khor Virap sanctuary near the border with Turkey.

The 5,160-metre (16,929-feet) tall Mt Ararat was Armenian until 1915 and is now located inside Turkey. It features in the Bible as the place where Noahs Ark supposedly came to rest.

Francis is the second pope to visit Armenia since it re-emerged as an independent state from the ashes of the Soviet Union.

John Paul II went there in 2001 to attend celebrations marking 1,700 years of the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, which was the first country to have the faith as its state religion.

John Paul was also the first pope to recognise the slaughter of Armenians as genocide, although he did so only in writing.

Francis pronounced the word during a mass at St Peters last year, winning great praise from Armenians at the cost of infuriating Turkey, which withdrew its ambassador in protest.

Suffering and tragedies

Franciss visit "bears religious, political, and humanitarian messages," said Father Shahe Ananyan, a cleric in the Armenian Apostolic Church, to which the vast majority of the countrys population belong.

By visiting the Tsitsernakaberd genocide memorial on Saturday morning, "the Pontiff makes it clear that he is steadfast in his position on the matter," Ananyan added.

"This is a message to the entire Catholic world, to those who didnt yet recognise the genocide. This will favour international recognition.

"By separating his visit to Armenia from his regional trip (to the Caucasus, later in autumn), Francis stresses that the Armenian Apostolic Church has a special place in the Christian world as a bearer of Christian values and its role in preserving these values."

Over 13,000 people have booked tickets to attend the mass the pope will preside over in Gyumri with pilgrims from Lebanon and Georgias Armenian-populated Javakheti region expected to be among them.

In an Armenian-rite mass at St Peters basilica in April 2015, Francis said the massacres suffered by Armenians between 1915 and 1917 are "widely considered the first genocide of the 20th century."

Vatican officials have avoided using the term in the build-up to the visit and it is unclear whether Francis will risk inflaming tensions with Turkey by doing so at any point.

In a video message to the Armenian people ahead of the trip, Francis said their history provoked pain and admiration.

"Admiration because you have found in Jesuss cross and in your spirit, the ability to always recover, including from suffering that has been among the worst humanity has experienced, pain for the tragedies that your fathers lived in the flesh."  AFP
President Tran ai Quang delivers speesch at a meeting with business people who attended a forum on Vietnamese enterprises connectivity and integration in the era of new-generation FTAs yesterday.  Photo vov.vn

HA NOI  International integration and engagement in new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs) have opened up a fresh development space for the Vietnamese economy, President Tran ai Quang said at a meeting yesterday.

The State leader met with business people who attended a forum on Vietnamese enterprises connectivity and integration in the era of new-generation FTAs. The event was held by the Finance Ministry, in conjunction with the National Assemblys External Relations Committee and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Ha Noi.

The President stressed active and proactive integration, as well as international cooperation, as major strategic orientations charted by the Party and State for national construction and defence.

After reviewing outcomes of the international economic integration process, the President said Viet Nam has established trade ties with more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, joined efforts in building the ASEAN Economic Community, and engaged in 15 new-generation FTAs, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), an agreement with the EU, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Quang hailed the business communitys contributions to national achievements. He said they have participated in the global supply chain, contributed to State coffers and helped elevate the countrys position in the world arena.

But international integration also offers difficulties and challenges for the domestic economy, Quang said. He asked domestic enterprises to set forth specific action programmes to address such issues, focusing on long-term strategies for production, business and market development, in order to improve the competitiveness of their products and services.

The President also urged ministries, agencies and localities to raise public awareness of international integration and the challenges and opportunities afforded by new-generation FTAs.

Business representatives proposed ideas to make the best of future opportunities. The proposals highlighted the importance of trade promotion, the enhancement of the role played by trade representative offices, technological application in management and the connection of local firms with regional and global value chains.  VNS
Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh

HA NOI  The Head of the Vietnamese delegation to the United Nations, Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh, called on the world community to create an international mechanism to ensure the rights of fishermen.

The diplomat spoke during an international seminar on ensuring safety in the workplace for workers. The event was hosted jointly by Viet Nam and by the International Labour Organisation in Geneva on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the ongoing 32nd session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Ambassador Thanh called for stronger international cooperation against piracy and in search and rescue missions. He also called for support from relevant international organisations and countries, especially regarding resources and professional skills.

"All parties should abide by international law and conduct, when it comes to disputes and overlapping sovereignty," he said.

Sea-based workers are vulnerable to increasing natural disasters, piracy and other risks, according to the Ambassador.

Maritime workers also face obstacles, especially in developing countries. Many fishermen live in appalling conditions, without health care services or adequate wages.

Meanwhile, the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) only applies to crew members of ships weighing more than 500 tonnes - not to fishermen. No international convention has been introduced to ensure fishermens rights.

Seminar participants - including more than 30 Geneva-based permanent delegations from various countries and international organisations - praised Vietnam and the ILO for organising the seminar, given that protecting maritime workers rights in Southeast Asia and in the world is challenging.  VNS
QUANG NAM  Officials and teachers are pressing for more government assistance for school teachers in remote areas.

Nguyen inh An, head of the Education and Training Department in the mountainous Nam Tra My District of central Quang Nam Province, said almost half of the 565 district teachers did not receive incentive pay because they were hired on short-term contracts.

Incentive pay accounts for 70 per cent of each teachers monthly salary. It is paid to entice teachers to work in the most deprived areas. But incentive pay is only paid to teachers with permanent or long-term contracts, by government decree.

An said short- and long-term contracts both require teachers to work hard and face the same difficulties.

According to an earlier government decree, teachers have also been eligible for another type of incentive pay based on geography since 2006 if they teach in disadvantaged areas for five years, before teaching in more desirable locations such as big cities.

Senior teachers who worked in disadvantaged areas before 2006 did not receive such incentive pay, according to An.

Such experiences depress teachers, An told the Nhan dan (People) newspaper.

In addition to incentive pay, housing and extra work hours are also needed. For example, teachers can practise forest-related farming in mountainous areas if forest land is allocated to them, according to An.

Hard work

The Principal of Tra Van Primary School, Ho Van Hanh, said that during his 18 years of working in the remote mountainous area he saw teachers crossing springs and climbing mountains to reach schools.

In rainy season or between-crops, students from Co Tu ethnic groups usually drop out of schools because of hunger, he said. Teachers visit students houses to encourage them return to class during such times. Sometimes teachers even give families rice and salt to help relieve their hunger and gain their trust, Hanh said.

Nguyen Thi Tho, a teacher from Quang Nam Provinces Duy Xuyen District, said she lives far away from the school where she teaches.

My students also become my children and sisters. They share with me their daily joy and sadness, since they live far from home, she said.

Teacher Vo Thi Kim Anh said she and her husband have both worked at the school for six years, but they do not have their own house. They had to send their son to be cared for by his maternal mother in her hometown, according to Anh.

Teacher oan Thi Quyen, who is 26 years old, usually hangs her mobile phone on tree branches in the front yard to get a signal so she can talk with family.  VNS
HA NOI  Along with the countrys overall strategy to develop its accounting and auditing sector to suit global integration the Vietnamese accounting and financing sector needs high-quality staff, experts say.

This was heard at a conference themed Global trends of accounting, auditing and finance and Viet Nams strategy to 2020 co-organised by the Ministry of Finance and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), in Ha Noi early this week.

The conference attracted over 200 representatives from the Ministry of Finance, businesses and experts in the field of finance, accounting and human resource management.

The workshop aimed to review the implementation of accounting  auditing strategy to 2020, discuss comprehensive analyses and propose solutions to implement the strategy to meet the requirements of the market and integration.

ang Thai Hung, director of Accounting and Auditing Policies Department under the Ministry of Finance, said that the countrys finance sector was facing both opportunities and challenges, of these, the biggest challenge was the standards of international financial reports and the quality of human resources.

Specifically, Hung said that Vietnamese human resources on finance, accounting and auditing were ready for economic integration, but its quantity and quality that still needs to be improved.

Quite a few certificates on accounting and auditing in Viet Nam do not meet international standards, he said.

Therefore, the entry of many international organisations involved in auditing and accounts training and granting of certificates in the country, have created opportunities and motivation to develop the countrys accounting and auditing workforce.

Also at the meeting, ACCA also revealed its report titled Professional accountants  the future, which surveyed some 2,000 business and finance professionals around the world.

According to the survey, factors that will impact workers in the financial sector include state regulations and management, and digital technology.

Alexandra Chin JP, president of ACCA Global, said The accountants role has been revolutionised over the past decade, with finance professionals becoming leaders, trusted expert counsel and key strategic advisers to organisations whether in the public or private sectors.

With this metamorphosis comes a requirement for a whole new set of skills. On top of technical excellence, professional accountants now require creativity, emotional intelligence and the vision to lead, she added.  VNS
Illustrative Image  Photo infonet.vn

HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to review the employment, management and assessment of State employees performance to improve government workers skills.

The review is also expected to detect any shortcomings and to suggest measures to improve the legal framework governing State employees.

The ministry has been asked to co-operate with other ministries and agencies to develop policies to attract talented people to State offices.

The employers should also pay attention to assessing and recognising capable personnel.

Deputy PM Binh urged the ministry to speed up the streamlining of State employees as part of efforts to implement a resolution by the Politburo of the Central Committee of Viet Nam Communist Party last year, which calls for at least 10 per cent of government staff and officers in ministries, localities and government agencies on the State payroll in various sectors to be reduced by 2021.

A key task for the ministry is to identify the right staff to lay off, Binh noted, also calling for an update on State employees who had not finished their assignments.

While adopting administrative reform during the 2016-20 period, the ministry is required to co-ordinate with other ministries and agencies in removing cumbersome administrative procedures or unreasonable permissions and accelerating the application of information technology in public service delivery.

Viet Nam is developing an e-Government portal with more online public services, which will, it is expected, create greater convenience for public service users, including businesses and foreign investors.

The home affairs ministry was also asked to publicise the administrative reform index of ministries and localities yearly as a way for them to self-assess and improve their performance.

The ministry will supervise the relevant agencies when surveys are conducted measuring the satisfaction of citizens who use healthcare and education-related public services.  VNS
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) Tran Hong Ha approved the establishment of an evaluation council to assess the potential resources of bauxite and laterite ore in southern Viet Nam.  VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI  The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) Tran Hong Ha approved the establishment of an evaluation council to assess the potential resources of bauxite and laterite ore in southern Viet Nam.

The project was approved by the Prime Minister in November 2011. It serves as a foundation exploring, exploiting, processing and using bauxite and laterite ore for socio-economic development of the Central Highlands and the country.

The project is implemented in seven regions of Kon Tum, Binh inh, Gia Lai, ak Lak, ak Nong, Lam ong and Binh Phuoc provinces, covering an area of over 11,884 sq.km.

The council will be led by o Canh Duong, head of the General Department of Geology and Minerals of Viet Nam.

Other council members are representatives of the University of Mining and Geology, Viet Nam Union of Geological Sciences, Heavy Industry Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and relevant agencies under the MoNRE.

Exploring and exploiting mineral resources in the future will be based on the councils assessment, to ensure effectiveness and for sustainable development.  VNS
The Peoples Committee of Ben Tre Province has asked the government to buy 92,000 tonnes of salt in stock in Binh ai and Ba Tri districts.  Photo nongnghiep.vn

BEN TRE  The Peoples Committee of Ben Tre Province has asked the government to buy 92,000 tonnes of salt in stock in Binh ai and Ba Tri districts.

More than 100,000 tonnes of salt were produced in 2015-2016, but only 8,000 tonnes have been sold.

Even though it was a productive salt season, farmers were not able to sell their products, even at the low price of VN200,000  VN250,000 per kilo.

Nguyen Thi Thi from Ba Tri District told Dan Tri that due to low demand nine out of 10 farmers could not sell their salt. Many had to take on other work to earn money to support their families.

Ben Tre has 2,000 households and more than 4,000 salt farmers.  VNS
The Hai Nguyen Agriculture Limited Company in Can Tho Citys Ninh Kieu District has violated various administrative and environmental regulations, posing a serious threat to the public.  Photo tuoitre.vn

CAN THO  The Hai Nguyen Agriculture Limited Company in Can Tho Citys Ninh Kieu District has violated various administrative and environmental regulations, posing a serious threat to the public, according to police.

Ninh Kieu District police officers on Wednesday conducted an administrative check on the company.

The company failed to present business licenses, fertiliser production certificates, documents of origin of products, business activities records, and others paperwork.

Wastewater generated during fertiliser production had not been treated but was instead dumped into the environment, officials said.

The company had not managed the odour from composting processes or collected waste samples for authorities to perform assessments.

The companys goods, including 308 bottles of partially manufactured fertiliser, 863 bottles of fertiliser, 50 tanks of unidentified black liquid, 3,400 empty bottles and other production equipment, were seized during the inspection.

The police are continuing their investigation.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Ninh Thuan Province General Hospital yesterday opened a cardio-vascular intervention unit for specialised cardiac monitoring and procedures.

It benefited from transfer of medical techniques by the HCM City University Medical Centre as part of the Ministry of Healths satellite hospital project in the last two years.

In the beginning it would perform coronary interventions with technical assistance from the HCM City hospital, Thai Phuong Phien, its director, said.

It would later perform advanced procedures to bring down the rate of transfer to higher-level hospitals, he said.

Assoc Prof Truong Quang Binh, director of the city hospitals cardiovascular centre, said doctors in the unit would be trained in minimally invasive surgical procedures to help local patients with heart diseases benefit from the latest treatment.  VNS
NGHE AN  The Peoples Committee of central Nghe An Province has proposed that the Ministry of Transport and relevant authorities upgrade an old terminal at the Vinh Airport into an international one.

Nguyen Xuan uong, chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee said that the current terminal at Vinh Airport, which was designed to receive three million passengers a year, was put into operation last January.

However, the terminal has only served seven domestic flights from Vinh City to Ha Noi, HCM City, a Nang, Buon Ma Thuot, a Lat, Nha Trang and Pleiku. No international flights have been planned so far.

In the meantime, the provincial committee has managed to launch an international flight from Vinh City to Thailands Bangkok and vice versa this month. As scheduled, there would be two flights per month.

uong said to serve the first international flight to Vinh City, the Vinh Airport has taken advantage of an old temporary terminal, which was built in 2013 on an area of 800 square metres.

The one-storey terminal has become overloaded due to the large number of passengers to Bangkok, adversely affecting the airports service quality and security.

uong said another international flight from Vinh City to Singapore was scheduled to operate by the end of this year and one more flight from Vinh City to Japan would be launched next year.

Thus, it was necessary to upgrade the terminal to meet the development needs of Vinh City, he said.

The current terminal of the Vinh Airport in central Nghe An Province has a total floor area of 11,700 square metres, including four boarding gates, 28 check-in counters and other facilities meeting international standards.

The terminal served up to 1,000 passengers at peak hours. Total investment for the construction of the terminal and expansion projects was worth VN1.2 trillion (US$54 million), invested by Airports Corporation of Viet Nam. -- VNS
Major Nguyen Van Chinh, a crewmember of the ill-fated CASA 212. Viet Nam Navy said there were signs to confirm one of the two bodies retrieved so far was of Major Chinh. Photo Viet Nam Defence

HA NOI  There is a high chance that one of the two bodies found earlier at sea is of Major Nguyen Van Chinh, a crewmember of the ill-fated CASA 212 aircraft.

This was announced by the Navy.

The naval command said last night there may be no need to conduct ADN tests to confirm Chinhs identification as the search forces had already found some personal documents with his name on them.

The body in military uniform, suspected to be of the unfortunate soldier, was found at 3pm yesterday at sea near the Bach Long Vi Islands from where the last signals of the missing CASA 212 surveillance jet, coded 8983, were detected.

Major Nguyen Van Chinh was the political commissar of the Pilot Level 3 Squadron of the 918 Brigade and is one of the nine missing crewmembers on board the aircraft that went missing on June 16.

Chinhs hometown is in Binh Luc District in Ha Nam Province, some 80 kilometres to the south of Ha Noi.

First images of the missing CASA 212 jet on the seabed of the Tonkin Gulf. Searching forces said they have found more bodies adjacent to the wreckage.  Source: Viet Nam Defence Ministry.

More bodies found

The Viet Nam Army TV channel last night also released the first images of the ill-fated CASA 212, showing the planes debris and wreckage lying on the seabed of the Tonkin Gulf.

Forces have located the exact whereabouts of the aircraft at a depth of between 50 and 60 metres under the sea, 15 nautical miles south-southeast of the Bach Long Vy Islands of Hai Phong.

Several pieces of debris, including a propeller and fuselage with the jets code number 8983, were found in the area.

On June 16, the CASA 212 was dispatched with nine crewmembers on board after rescue units received a help signal believed to be from the fighter jet SU30-MK2, which crashed during a training session two days earlier.

Search forces looking for the SU30-MK2 yesterday afternoon also discovered aircraft debris at latitudes between 18 degrees 57 minutes and 19 degrees North and longitudes between 106 degrees 3 minutes and 106 degrees 4 minutes East in the waters of central Nghe An Province. The position was determined to be the place where the aircraft crashed.

The SU30-MK2 aircraft and its two pilots went missing at 6:50 am on June 14 near Hon Mat Island, some 40km off the coast of the central province of Nghe Ans Vinh City. One pilot was rescued by fishing boats and brought ashore safely. The body of Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Quang Khai, the other pilot, was found on June 17 and brought ashore on June 18.  VNS
By Gia Loc

My native place has never lacked sunshine.

You could even say that it has had more of it than needed.

So it happens that Binh Thuan Provinces Tuy Phong District has extended dry periods and the highest speed of desertification.

While this can sound a bit sad, these weather conditions also set the stage for having a lot of fun when we were children, because they created big sand dunes. Imagine having your own Sahara desert in your backyard, which is what we called the dunes. As children we never saw the dunes as anything less than wonderful. And on the fringes of the dunes, poplar groves planted to stem the desertification onslaught made for great picnic sites.

For a long time, these dunes were one of the nations hidden charms, known only to locals.

Early in the morning, we got on our bicycles and took food and drinks to the dunes. Around noon, we ate the food and sang songs in the poplar groves, enjoying the cool breeze. All the stress of school and studies melted away here. When the sun stopped blazing, we ran to the highest sand dunes and held sliding races.

Cash cow

Now, the sand dunes have come into the public eye in a big way. As the sun and wind sculpt the dunes into different shapes and sizes, visitors and photographers capture the magic, which is further heightened by the 18 colours of the sand, now raw material for works of art.

Around 89,995 hectares in Binh Thuan, or 11.3 per cent of the south-central provinces total land area, has experienced desertification, mostly in the northeastern districts of Tuy Phong and Bac Binh.

Frequent sand-storms blowing inland from the coast care creating more and more new sand dunes that can cover thousands of hectares and reach heights of forty to fifty metres.

The provincial authorities are trying to turn the disadvantage of desertification into a tourism advantage. Already, the sand dunes at Mui Ne, Fairy Stream and Bau Trang have become known tourism sites.

At the Mui Ne Flying Sand Dune, 22 kilometres north east of Phan Thiet City, sand-boarding, where visitors slide down on a thin sheet of plastic from the top of the dunes, has become a popular sport. The US WondersList ranks Mui Ne second among the top 11 sand boarding sites in the world.

A recent convert to the sport is my daughter, who has overcome initial fears and developed a passion for it. The Mui Ne Flying San Dune has become a must-go attraction whenever my family visits home on a holiday. Access to this site has become much easier now after the authorities asphalted a 26km long, 45-50m wide street along the dunes and the nearby beaches.

It makes me happy that my native place now boasts a picturesque landscape on either side of the street, with beaches, resorts and sand dunes.

Have some dong

I cannot describe my native place without mentioning its culinary specialties, the most special of which could be the dong, a kind of lizard that lives in holes dug into the sand dunes. Early in the morning, they come out for the dew and food, and in turn, take their place on the food chain. The dongs meat is delicious and chewy. Several dishes are made with it.

For starters, it is minced, seasoned with onion salt, pepper and chili, and mixed with vegetables to make a salad. It is also cooked with a type of melon, red melon, to make a soup. Grilled dong is special treat.

These dishes are not only delicious but also healthy, local residents assert. The increasing popularity of this meat has meant that more and more people catch them, and dong breeding farms have opened in Tuy Phong and Bac Binh districts.

One man in Tuy Phong District told me that his familys income has risen significantly after they opened a dong farm.

I am even happier now that my hometown has now become a great place to visit, not just for me and my family, but for thousands of people from all parts of the world. VNS
YANCHENG, China  Emergency personnel in China mounted rescue efforts amid scenes of carnage today as the toll from hurricane-force winds and a tornado rose to at least 98 dead, with hundreds more injured.

Whole villages were levelled and huge trees felled when winds of up to 125 kilometres per hour struck around Yancheng city in the eastern province of Jiangsu, the official Xinhua news agency said.

So far 98 people have been confirmed dead and about 800 injured, the provincial government said on its official website.

President Xi Jinping ordered "all-out rescue efforts" after what Xinhua said was one of the worst disasters ever to hit Jiangsu, including the worst tornado to hit China in half a century.

In Funing County, one of the hardest-hit areas, residents shifted through the fallen bricks and pillars of their destroyed homes, many with their roofs torn off and walls crumbled.

Rubble spilt over into the river that meanders through the town.

Funing resident Sun Yazhou was driving a concrete mixer truck when a tornado passed him, tearing the glass out of his vehicle windows.

"The sky was completely dark. I was scared, but I had nowhere to run. I had to wait it out," he said.

Zhou Xiang, head of the provincial fire corps, said the search for survivors in the debris had been completed, according to Xinhua, and the clean-up was now underway.

More than 1,300 police officers had been mobilised to help, the agency added.

I have nothing now

The wards of a hospital in Funing county were all full, with extra beds crowding the hallways.

A factory worker with head and arm injuries and on an intravenous drip said he had been swept out of his workplace by the tornado, despite clinging to a door as he tried to hold it shut against the storm.

"It all happened so fast. I have never seen anything like this before in my life," he said.

"I thought for sure I was going to die," he added. "I cant believe I am still alive."

The Canadian Solar factory -- which employed around 1,000 workers  and its dormitory were destroyed.

"I have nothing now. My money, my things, all gone. It was so scary," he said.

Workers and Peoples Liberation Army soldiers were removing fallen high voltage electricity poles around the factory, where buildings had been stripped of their roofs by the storm and their windows blown out.

Reports said more than 360 rescuers were deployed at the factory, where two employees of the firm, which is based in West Guelph, Ontario, were missing.

Sitting on a gurney in the hospital corridor, Chen Shaoxi nursed a head injury and broken leg that he sustained while saving his elderly neighbours from the storm.

"If it werent for my dad, those two would have been dead," his son Wang Minming said.

In the town of Lixin, cars and houses were destroyed and trees uprooted.

Bulldozers dug up rubble while rescue workers dug through debris for survivors.

Flooding is common during the summer monsoon season in the south of China, but rainfall has been particularly heavy this year.

Many parts of China have been lashed by torrential rains this week as summer rainstorms have been heavier than usual, causing damage across the country.  AFP
Telecom firm Bharti Airtel and Malaysian firm Axiata have delayed the agreement for merger of their Bangladesh operations till September 26.

The merger of their Bangladesh business was earlier expected to be completed in the first half of this year.

Axiata Group Berhad and Airtel on January 28 had signed an agreement to merge their respective telecom subsidiaries  Robi Axiata and Airtel Bangladesh  in Bangladesh.

According to sources, the enterprise valuation of the merged entity is estimated to be $2 billion.

Upon completion of the merger, Axiata will hold 68.3 per cent controlling stake and Bharti Airtel 25 per cent, while the remaining 6.7 per cent will be held by the existing shareholder -- NTT Docomo of Japan.

Post-merger, the combined entity operating as 'Robi' will serve approximately 40 million customers.

Airtel had entered Bangladesh by acquiring 70 per cent stake in Warid Telecom in 2010. Subsequently, it picked up the remaining 30 per cent too in 2013.

The merger is expected to result in improving the cost of operations and business viability that will lead to greater returns to the shareholders.
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Thursdays special session of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) plenary in Seoul concluded without a decision on Indias membership application. It was decided to continue discussions on Friday, although reports indicated at least six countries, including China, opposed to countries that are not signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). India is not a signatory to the NPT.


Carmakers recalled around 175,000 vehicles across two continents on Thursday. In the US, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV's Maserati unit recalled over 13,000 vehicles because of a faulty "park" mode; in China, Jaguar Land Rover began recalling more than 11,000 vehicles due to faulty crankshaft sensors; while in Malaysia, Honda Motor Co Ltd recalled nearly 150,000 to replace front passenger air bag inflators, as part of a global recall involving potentially deadly air bags from supplier Takata Corp.
If Britain wakes up on Friday morning to the news that it has voted itself out of the European Union, about the only thing that everyone is sure to agree on is that the nation will face a protracted political and legal mess.
LIVE July 25, 2016 Monday, 12:19 PM July 25, 2016 Monday, 12:19 PM

The nation has decided that it will exit the European Union, with 52% people voting to 'Leave'; Cameron to resign
01:49 NSW Premier tours flood affected regions New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet and his deputy are continuing to tour flood zones, promising residents they will provide communities...

Alarming: Core inflation rising faster than anyone expected 05:37 Judo Bank Economic Advisor Warren Hogan says Australias latest inflation figures are alarming, with annual inflation rising to 7.3 from...

Toughest few weeks: Indigenous netballer breaks silence after emotional debut Indigenous netball star Donnell Wallam was overcome with emotion as she spoke about the recent "tough" days and weeks after her name dominated the headlines over a $15 million sponsorship deal.

ADF troops will train Ukrainian soldiers 00:41 Up to 70 troops from the Australian Defence Force will be deployed to the United Kingdom in January to train Ukrainian soldiers.
Germany theater gunman shot dead

BERLIN (AP)  A masked man was shot dead Thursday after entering a movie theater in southwestern Germany with a weapon and taking several hostages, authorities said. No one else was injured.

An armed man entered the Kinopolis movie theater in the early afternoon in the town of Viernheim and apparently fired a gun, police said.

Police shot the suspect dead about three hours later.

Trooper runs into wrong-way driver

FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. (AP)  Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say a trooper purposefully crashed into a wrong-way driver on a highway outside of Phoenix.

Pedro Rodriguez, a 10-year DPS veteran, crashed into the wrong-way drivers pickup truck about 2 p.m. Thursday.

DPS officials believe the wrong-way driver was impaired.

They say the woman tried to drive away from the scene after the first impact, but Rodriguez struck her truck with his patrol vehicle again.

Rodriguez and the woman were taken by ground ambulance to hospitals for treatment of minor to moderate injuries.

Tornado kills 98

in eastern China

YANCHENG, China (AP)  Rescuers in eastern China searched today for survivors of a tornado and hailstorm that killed at least 98 people as it swept over a citys outskirts, destroying buildings, smashing trees and flipping vehicles on their roofs.

The tornado hit a densely populated area of farms and factories Thursday near the city of Yancheng in Jiangsu province, about 500 miles south of Beijing.

Jiangsu Governor Shi Taifeng said Friday the death toll had risen to 98 people, with 800 others injured, according to the official China News Service.

5 foreigners among 7 Nigerian hostages

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)  Nigerian police and navy patrol boats intensified efforts Thursday to find a group of construction workers including three Australians, two Nigerians, a New Zealander and a South African kidnapped in an ambush that killed their driver, police said.

They were seized Wednesday by gunmen who held up a convoy that was under a police escort near Calabar, the capital of southeastern Cross River state, said police Commissioner Jimoh Ozi-Obeh.

Another Australian escaped.

Witnesses said the hostages were forced onto a boat, meaning they could be anywhere in a maze of estuaries and mangrove swamps that dominate the states geography.

CNN hires fired Trump adviser

NEW YORK (AP)  CNN snapped up former Donald Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski three days after he was fired, and he began his new career as a political commentator Thursday by not answering a direct question about whether hed agreed not to disparage his former boss.

Lewandowski made his first appearance on Erin Burnetts Outfront program Thursday evening.

He joins a stable of political commentators on a network that is covering the presidential campaign intensely.

The Associated Press has reported that Trump requires nearly everyone working in his businesses and presidential campaign to sign nondisclosure agreements preventing them from releasing confidential or disparaging information about him.
WATERLOO  Christian hip-hop artist Brion Martin will perform an album release concert from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lafayette Park in Waterloo.

Martin released his sophomore album, Fallen Kingdom, this month on his record label, Shout Mo Records. His album is available wherever digital music is sold.

I was more liberal with my creativity this time around, said Martin. I tried to incorporate the philosophies that I acquired from Dr. John Perkins: A holistic approach to the Gospel, intertwining theology with social justice. Im more open about my life and personal struggles in this project as well. This album is also setting motion to the movement of Shout Mo which is to share model and defend the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Martin is the co-founder of Shout Mo Records and released his debut album, Let Me Decrease, in November 2014.

He has performed at the CCDA National Conference in Minneapolis, Heal the Family Summer festival and the North End Music Festival in Waterloo. Martin has generated a large online following and continues to be a rising star in the Gospel rap genre.

From the age of 19, Martin has been a follower of Jesus Christ. Coming from a background of poverty and homelessness, he and his siblings were removed from the care of their mother due to her addiction to crack cocaine. Soon after watching her survive an overdose, Martin was placed with family members, often bouncing back and forth between homes.

After being placed in a home where he was physically and verbally abused for six years, anger and bitterness set in. He began to act out, fighting, using and dealing drugs, and other reckless behaviors. Feeling hopeless and depressed, he attempted suicide several times, and now believes God graciously spared his life.

After struggling for years with his hatred and anger, a young lady in his life gave him the book A Divine Revelation of Hell, by Mary K. Baxter. After reading this book, he began to see the error or his ways.

I felt the weight of my sin and the need to repent, he said. I gave my life to Christ out of fear that day, but ever since then this journey has been one of discovering Gods love through the cross of Jesus Christ.

Through his faith in Jesus Christ, he was empowered to forgive and gain a renewed hope for the future.

Rapping had always been a part of my teenage years and after I gave my life to Christ I gave it up until I realized that the gift God had given me could be used not only to share my story, but also to preach the Gospel with hopes that others would come to know the love of God just as I had.

God has truly transformed my life and has replaced it with one worth living. I am married to a wonderful wife, and we have three beautiful daughters. All I want to do is see lives changed by the power of the Gospel. Jesus is Lord and I pray everyone who hears my music will come to understand and receive this truth.

Martins album-release concert is free, and will also feature special guests Abstract and John tha Gentile. Festivities also will include games for kids and free hot dogs.
INDEPENDENCE  Defendant Joshua Jarrett Sr. married while he is in jail awaiting trial on multiple charges.

The bride also is the mother of the girl Jarrett allegedly sexually abused for eight years.

According to public records, Jarrett, 38, and the woman, 36, wed June 1, and Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Wolfgram confirmed the ceremony took place in the jail.

Magistrate Ben Lange officiated, according to Jarretts marriage license.

Law enforcement officials initially charged Jarrett with four counts of third-degree sexual abuse, four counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of fleeing to avoid prosecution. In May, however, Jarrett entered Alford pleas on one count of sex abuse and fleeing.

With an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but concedes a conviction is likely.

In early June, though, Judge Bradley Harris allowed Jarrett to withdraw his pleas, ruling they were not knowingly and intelligently entered.

Jarrett argued he was unaware a conviction as a sex offender might mean he could be barred from contact with children, including his own.

His defense attorney at the time, Eric Tindal, apparently suggested by marrying his girlfriend, Jarrett might avoid that issue.

The recent wedding, however, may actually cause additional legal problems for Jarrett. Law enforcement officials confirmed they are investigating whether he was already married.

Arrest in sexual assault case

ELGIN  Law enforcement officials allege Devin Cummings, 49, of Cedar Rapids, sexually assaulted a woman in Fayette County.

According to the sheriffs office, deputies took a report of an incident at 3:30 a.m. Thursday. After investigating, authorities arrested and charged Cummings with third-degree sexual abuse.

The charge is a felony.

According to the sheriffs office, Cummings allegedly assaulted a 45-year-old woman at her residence in Elgin.

The woman was transported to Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union were she was treated and connected with victim services.

Cummings was being held in the Fayette County Jail pending initial court appearance.

Alden woman hurt in crash

SCRANTON  A Hardin County woman and three others were hurt in a two-vehicle crash in Greene County on Wednesday.

Debra Thompson, 52, of Alden, was transported to Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson after the crash, reported about noon on U.S. Highway 30 east of Scranton.

The Iowa State Patrol identified the three others hurt as Donald Egan, 72, of Scranton, the driver of the other vehicle; Donald Skinner Jr., 62, of Ames; and Doug Lake, 40, of Ames, all passengers in Egans vehicle.

Troopers said Egan was driving a F250 pickup eastbound on Highway 30 while Thompson was westbound. The pickup suffered a tire blowout, causing the vehicle to veer into the path of Thompsons car. The vehicles collided head-on on the north shoulder.

The crash remains under investigation.

Woman faces assault charge

SAC CITY  A Hampton woman accused of trying to hit a police officer with a pickup earlier this month is free on bond.

Jessie Uhlenhopp, 20, was charged with felony assault on a peace officer with a dangerous weapon.

Uhlenhopp drove a Chevrolet truck at a police officer while he was chasing a man, Ryan Minteer, who had fled from Uhlenhopps vehicle June 7 at a Sac City gas station, according to a statement from Sac City police.

Officers had been looking for Minteer, who was wanted on warrants from Marshalltown for failure to appear and rioting. They had received word he might be staying in Sac City, about 46 miles west of Fort Dodge.

Police say as Minteer ran across the street, Uhlenhopp put the pickup in gear and attempted to hit the officer running after Minteer.

The officer ran toward a building to get out of the way. Uhlenhopp allegedly swerved to avoid hitting the building.

Sac City Police Chief John Thomsen said Uhlenhopp came within feet of hitting the officer.
Mowed over

An ordinary green tree frog recently injured in a lawn-mowing accident in Australia was flown about 600 miles to the Cairns Frog Hospital. CFH president Deborah Pergolotti spoke despairingly about how society treats frogs when it comes to rescue and rehab, suggesting that theres almost a glass ceiling between them and cuter animals.

Hard rock life

When they were starting out, the band Guns N Roses practiced and lived in a storage unit in Los Angeles, according to a book-review essay in the May 2016 Harpers magazine, and became resourceful, wrote the essayist. Wrote bass player Duff McKagan in one of the books reviewed: You could get dirt-cheap antibiotics  intended for use in aquariums  at pet stores. Turned out tetracycline wasnt just good for tail rot and gill disease. It also did great with syphilis.

Progress through starvation

In March, a South Korean ecology organization reported that the traditional winter migration of vultures from China was, unusually, skipping over North Korea, headed directly for the South  apparently because of the paucity of animal corpses, which, according to reports, are a major food source for millions of North Koreans. And in June, the Global Nutrition Report, which criticized the U.S. and 13 other countries for alarming obesity rates, praised North Korea for its progress in having fewer adults with body mass index over 30.

Incompetent criminals

Damian Shaw, 43, was sentenced in Englands Chester Crown Court in June after an April raid revealed he had established a sophisticated cannabis-growing operation (160 plants) in a building about 50 yards from the front door of the Cheshire Police headquarters.

Northern Irelands Belfast Telegraph reported in April that a man was hospitalized after throwing bricks at the front windows of a PIPS office (Public Initiative for Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm). He was injured by brick-bounceback off the shatterproof glass.
WATERLOO -- The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa held its Black Hawk County Spring 2016 Grant Cycle Awards Ceremony on Friday, announcing the distribution of $353,652 in grants to 40 area nonprofits and government agencies.

This is the largest amount ever awarded by CFNEIA through a single grant cycle.

The work these deserving organizations do to create a stronger Black Hawk County is critical to making our communities places where everyone can thrive, said Kaye Englin, CFNEIA president and CEO.

CFNEIA is able to award the grants because of donors who have contributed to, and established, discretionary funds. These funds allow the Community Foundation Board of Directors to make grants requested by nonprofits serving Black Hawk County through a grant application process.

Donors who have advised funds are also notified of grant applications that need funding, and several contributed to the grants awarded in this cycle.

Spring 2016 grant recipients are:

Art & Culture

Bel Canto Cedar Valley, Bel Canto Cedar Valley Creative Collaboration Project.

Cedar Valley Chamber Music, Through the Looking Glass.

Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Artwork Upkeep and Maintenance.

RiverLoop Association Incorporated, Sounds of Summer: Building Community through Cultural Events.

UNI Foundation Gary, Kelley Documentary Film.

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra, wcfsymphony Annual Youth Concerts.

Community Betterment

Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective, Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective.

City of Waterloo, Mayor Hart's Youth Summer Job Program.

Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Promoting Philanthropy Fund.

Friends of Hartman Reserve, Inc., Hartman Educational Exhibits.

Education

Allen College, Allen College Rehabilitation Sciences Building.

Cedar Valley Catholic Schools, English Language Learners.

Community Lutheran School, Reading Curriculum: Integrating the New Program for Every Classroom.

Hawkeye Community College, Hawkeye Community College STEMi Mobile Exploratorium Outreach.

Iowa College Access Network, Future Ready Iowa - Black Hawk County.

Iowa JAG, iJAG: Unlocking Potential in Waterloo.

Operation Threshold Inc., Cedar Valley Campaign for Grade Level Reading Stopping Summer Slide Initiative.

Health

UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital, Community Health Education, Girls Circle & SiHLE.

Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health Center Inc., Stepping Up.

Covenant Foundation Inc., Covenant Medical Center - Enhancing Surgical Services.

NAMI Black Hawk County, Services for People with Mental Illness and their Families.

Unity Point at Home, UnityPoint Hospice at Allen Hospital.

Historic Preservation

Waterloo 290 Charities Veterans & Youth Programs, Historic Preservation, Phase 2, Mechanical Infrastructure.

Human Service

Alzheimer's Association, Community Connections for Early-Stage Dementia and Caregivers.

ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program, Camp Hope.

Boys and Girls Club of the Cedar Valley, Spark: Igniting Youth Success.

Cedar Valley Preschool and Child Care Center, Building Bright Futures for Preschoolers.

Children's Cancer Connection, Camp Heart Connection Camper Scholarships.

Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Operation Warm-Waterloo Downtown Rotary.

Community United Child Care Centers, Play Opportunities for Our Children.

Comprehensive Systems Inc., Promoting Health-Wellness for Individuals Served.

EMBARC, Health Navigators - REACH Initiative.

Eye of the Needle, Two Steps Forward and One Step Back: Happy To Be.

Iowa Food Bank Association, Black Hawk County Food Assistance Outreach.

Iowa Legal Aid, New Computer Project.

North Star Community Services Inc., Project InterACTion Inclusive Community Theatre.

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, Hot-Shot Delivery System Truck.

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland Inc., Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Services.

Waterloo Housing Trust Fund, Community Match for Waterloo Housing Trust Fund.

Youth Sports Foundation, Youth Football, Track & Cheerleading.
INDEPENDENCE -- Defendant Joshua Jarrett Sr. married while he is in jail awaiting trial on multiple charges.

The bride is also the mother of the girl Jarrett allegedly sexually abused for eight years.

According to public records, Jarrett, 38, and the woman, 36, wed June 1, and Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Wolfgram confirmed the ceremony took place in the jail.

Magistrate Ben Lange officiated, according to Jarrett's marriage license.

Law enforcement officials initially charged Jarrett with four counts of third-degree sexual abuse, four counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of fleeing to avoid prosecution. In May, however, Jarrett entered Alford pleas on one count of sex abuse and fleeing.

With an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but concedes a conviction is likely.

In early June, though, Judge Bradley Harris allowed Jarrett to withdraw his pleas, ruling they were "not knowingly and intelligently entered."

Jarrett argued he was unaware a conviction as a sex offender might mean he could be barred from contact with children, including his own.

His defense attorney at the time, Eric Tindal, apparently suggested by marrying his girlfriend, Jarrett might avoid that issue.

The recent wedding, however, may actually cause additional legal problems for Jarrett. Law enforcement officials confirmed they are investigating whether he was already married.

U.S. marshals took Jarrett into custody in March 2015 in Texas as part of a nationwide sweep for fugitives.
WATERLOO  A dog lover has donated money to get the Waterloo Police Departments K-9 force back up to full staff.

Delpha Barron gifted $10,000 to the departments dog team Thursday.

Shes always had dogs. Her whole life, shes had dogs. She grew up on a farm just north of here. So this is something shes wanted to do, and shes talked about it often, said Deb Borwig, a longtime family friend.

Barron is a U.S. Air Force veteran who went to work for the Internal Revenue Service. Now 86, she has been living at NorthCrest Specialty Care in Waterloo for about two years.

Members of the K-9 unit visited her at NorthCrest where she received a framed photo of the team and officer trading cards.

The police department usually has four dogs, but one of the dogs, Robby, retired in April after 10 years on the job, said Sgt. Gus Farmer, the departments K-9 trainer and Robbys handler.

Barrons donation will purchase a new dog to take Robbys place, Farmer said. The department will receive the dog in August, but the handler hasnt been determined.

As part of the donation, Barron was allowed to name the new dog. She opted to name him Barron.

She originally wanted to name him Cookie. But how threatening is that? Borwig said.

Waterloos K-9 unit is funded entirely by donations, Farmer said. Large donations like Barrons pay for acquiring the dogs, and other donations cover food, veterinarian services and other ongoing costs.

The police department dogs are trained for narcotics detention, tracking and building searches.
Court documents show how a record amount of lethal opioid and meth traveled from Mexico and ended up packed into the walls of a Waterloo home, where police found the drugs in 2021.
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On June 1, Willamette University College of Law Alumnus William J. Howe III, JD 75, and his co-author Liz Scully, received the Meyer Elkin Essay Award from the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and the Family Court Review. Awarded for Redesigning the Family Law System to Promote Healthy Families, the article appeared in Family Court Review (vol. 53, iss. 3).

Currently of counsel at Gevurtz Menashe, Howe has practiced law for more than 35 years. He was appointed by Chief Justice Carson and re-appointed by Chief Justice De Muniz, JD'75 as the vice-chair of the statewide Family Law Advisory Committee. He has more than 100 presentations at Family Law Conferences and at other venues in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and South Africa. Howe has published several articles on family law-related matters.

About the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)

AFCC is an interdisciplinary, international association of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through the resolution of family conflict. Promoting a collaborative approach to serving the needs of children among those who work in and with family law systems, encouraging education, research and innovation and identifying best practices.

About Willamette University College of Law

Opened in 1883, Willamette University College of Law is the first law school in the Pacific Northwest. The college has a long tradition at the forefront of legal education and is committed to the advancement of knowledge through excellent teaching, scholarship, mentoring and experience. Leading faculty, thriving externship and clinical law programs, ample practical skills courses, and a proactive career placement office prepare Willamette law students for today's legal job market. According to statistics compiled by the American Bar Association, Willamette ranks first in the Pacific Northwest for job placement for full-time, long-term, JD-preferred/JD-required jobs for the class of 2014 and first in Oregon for the classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014. Located across the street from the state capitol complex and the Oregon Supreme Court in downtown Salem, the college specializes in law and government, law and business, and dispute resolution.
I watch the world, I watch America, I watch the EU and I simply watch the world

It has struck me, even with the propaganda of how democracy is so cool, that humans want Kings and Queens. We have many names for such people in power, but a dictator is naught but a King, just a twisted name used by the west to describe people they hate, who are in power

Most of the world loves a benevolent but very powerful King, they want that person in charge. No matter who it is, they want that single person in charge. This is the downfall of the US system. The man and or woman in the presidency is not in charge and we know it. We want the president to be omnipresent and powerful. We want to blame them, we want to praise them and we want to pedestalize them

Russians are classic in this aspect; they desire, want, need and promote such a person, short of another term available, The King. Putin is the ultimate power in Russia, lots of wannabes are around, but Putin is the King. The people know it, like it and want it that way. It is comfort to the masses that a man is large and in charge. That way they can just survive and eek out a existence and be left alone

That is a major key there; Left alone! That means by him and the governmental services. Freedom is not what is given to you as A-Okay, it is what makes you happy and if happy is having a King, then so be it. Just stay out of their (peoples) way as they scratch the earth to subsistence themselves. Kings are to be admired and the term dictator, while used wrongly by the Western Empire, is the same and most people in dictator called countries, are no different than those in Britain, as they worship their Queen or King

It is that play on words and the play of the governmental medias to try to alter the truth. The truth is Qaddafi, who was murdered in Libya years ago, was just a King, who was labeled a dictator. That allowed the west to sway opinion and kill him. My my, what if we decided Britains Queen was a dictator? What is the difference? Nothing, except media presentation about that individual. If the media decided, they could turn the world against the Queen of England in a heartbeat

OMG why would we do that? She is loved.Well so are dictators all over the world. Maybe just maybe, the people living in the country a so called dictator rules, is looked at as a King or Queen Just maybe. Since when was the west declared God? And can decide who and what is acceptable

The strange thing is; if a country ever needed a King or Queen, it is America. America has too many loose canons and no one in charge. This situation is getting worse by the day and we need and want someone in charge

We have had Kings in the past. We had Ronald Regan; whom really fit the bill (Movie Star, Patriarch and Macho.) Does not matter if he did anything correct or he did everything right. He was a King, he was in charge and we believed he would kick peoples asses (perception extended to the whole world) and we considered him, right or wrong, the Boss. Harry Truman was that kind of Boss and we liked it. This is why Hillary is so popular. She is considered strong and in charge (Heaven forbid a Neocon in the White House.) Who speaks against her, be damned by those of us who let things like truth, honesty and morals get in the way of choosing her as Queen. We want a Queen and that is that. Obama set the stage; he failed miserably as a King. He truly is the naked dictator and if the media did not whitewash the facts. He would have never been where he is at. But he failed to really have any power, except to disarray through lack of leadership and power. That is because he is an empty shell of a person, who has visible puppet strings making him dance and talk.Hillary does not have that illusion and showed such promise as Queen  as Secretary of State. Hate her or not, she will make Obama look like a wimp and have you wanting more God help us

* * * * * * * * * *

I have a thought

We constantly degrade other countries for begrudging their leaders, many times this grudge is only of 20% of the populace or much less. Just as in North Korea; it is what it is and they do not hate as bad as you think their beloved leader. In fact they hate their leader much less percent wise, than the percent of Americans who hate Obama. It is amazing how we try to ignore the fact that half the US country literally has to live under a president that they do not respect, but in North Korea, we act like he is hated by all 100% of the population. Actually if Obama had as much respect by America, as Kim Jong-un has in NK. America would be doing much better

You have to remember that it is all in the propaganda being spewed by the media that determines how a westerner sees the world. We do not all see the world as the Western Empire wants it to be divined

* * * * * * * * * *

Therefore, when a man is supported as highly as Putin is by the people of Russia. The Western Empire can not fathom such support and thus, has to dictator and demoralize such a person. This is the way of life in this world, the way it has been all through history and we have not grown up and become better morally or spiritually

We talk the talk, but do not walk the walk!

And until we talk the talk and back it up with walking the walk; then we will never get ahead in this world

I accept Putin as he is. Call him a President, Dictator, King, Evil Demon and or whatever makes your heart pitter pat in hateful delight, but

Putin talks the talk and definitely walks the walk. and that my friend is what makes a great leader that goes down in history, with stories told to generations of his deeds

WtR
If youre looking to try out an online casino, there are several things that will help you make a decision. Heres what you should look for when choosing an online casino

 Are they regulated? A lot of the larger ones have licenses issued by the authorities in their respective regions, so its worth checking this first.

 Do they offer games from different software providers? Some casinos just use one software provider and limit your selection. This is fine if you like playing those types of games but you may want to check other casinos as well.

 What does their payout percentage look like? The payout rate refers to how much money you can expect to win after every bet. A high payout rate means youll be able to play more often without having to worry about losing all your money. Its also important to know the minimum and maximum bets allowed on each game. If youre going to play roulette, for example, then you probably dont want a casino with a minimum bet of less than $2.50 or even lower than that.

The players used to play the game slot online in the land based casinos in the past time. But now with time after the invention of the online casinos players play the game slot online. Online platform provide the players with the convenience in playing and even better winning. Even after keeping a good percentage of the profits, they distribute good funds to players.

 How many games do they offer? There are lots of different types of games to choose from. Roulette, blackjack and poker are some of the most popular options, but you might find slots, video pokers, video bingo and others as well. You can usually filter these games down to only show the ones that interest you best, so make sure that your list isnt too long!

 Is there a bonus offer? Many online casinos offer free bonuses as part of their welcome package  which includes new players being awarded 100% up to $10 instantly, for example. These offers are great but not everyone has access to them all the time (and some require you to deposit real money). If youd prefer to avoid paying a fee, some casinos offer no-deposit bonuses where you can get a certain amount of funds before you need to put any actual money into the account. These are usually offered alongside welcome bonuses, so make sure you read both parts of the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.

 Does it offer live dealer games? Live dealers are much preferred by many over regular virtual versions, so it pays to check this option out too. Most online casinos now offer live dealer games in addition to their regular offerings, allowing you to experience the thrill of the real thing without needing to leave home.

Now that youve got an idea of what to look for when choosing an online casino, heres some tips for making the right choice

It really comes down to personal preference. No two people are exactly alike, so everyone has an opinion on what they like and dislike about each casino. That said, here are some things to consider in order to narrow down your choices

 Popularity. Check out reviews, forums and Facebook pages to see what other people think of the casino. Also, ask around at work or friends houses who they would recommend to you. You could always take a look at the casinos website too, to see what kind of information they provide about themselves.

 Reputation. Find out what the general public thinks about the casino. Check out any customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, Amazon and Google Play to find out more. As far as gaming goes, you can also check out the Better Business Bureau to see whether there have been any complaints against the casino.

 Security. Make sure the casino uses SSL encryption to secure its transactions, meaning that your private data stays safe during transactions. Other than that, look for security seals on the site itself and verify that theyre legitimate. You can also check out the casinos privacy policy to see how they handle confidential information.

 Payment methods. Its good to have multiple payment options available, especially if you plan to play frequently. Its also nice to find a casino that accepts cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. If youre worried about safety, you can always opt for a credit card or PayPal instead.

With all those criteria in mind, heres our top picks

Betway:

Betway is a relatively new UK casino offering online gambling to residents of the United Kingdom and European Union. They offer hundreds of games across both land based and digital platforms, with plenty of top software providers like Net Entertainment, Microgaming and Yggdrasil Gaming Network. With a generous welcome offer that gives players 100% up to 100, you really cant go wrong with Betway.

Coral Casino:

Coral Casino is operated by the same company that runs the famous Caribbean casino, Grand Reef. Like many casinos, Coral Casino offers a wide variety of games, including plenty of video slots and table games. New players can benefit from a huge 100% match bonus up to 1000, while existing customers enjoy 25% cash back on deposits made within 48 hours of opening an account.

Ladbrokes Casino:

Ladbrokes Casino is owned by the same company as the famous bookmaker that started life in 1921. With more than 500 games from leading software providers such as Amaya, NetEnt and Microgaming, you wont be disappointed by the quality of the games here. New players get a 200% match bonus up to 500, while existing customers can claim 35% cashback on their first three deposits.

Paddy Power Casino:

Paddy Power is another Irish-owned casino that operates throughout Europe. Not only does Paddy Power Casino offer traditional casino games like blackjack, roulette and slots, but it also provides a full range of sports betting, including football, tennis, boxing and horse racing. New players can receive a massive 100% match bonus up to 200, while existing customers can claim 35% cashback on their first three deposits.

William Hill Casino:

William Hill Casino is one of the biggest names in the industry, operating in Europe, Asia and North America. Founded in 1984, this online casino has more than 400 games to choose from, including slots and table games, with a wide array of software providers like WagerLogic, Big Time Gaming and Rival.

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If youre interested in trying out an online casino but arent quite ready to commit to one, why not try out one of the many no deposit casinos weve reviewed? You can test drive various casinos completely risk-free, so you can feel confident about your choice before you make a single penny deposit.
TEMPE, AZ, June 24, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On June 7th, azcentral.com and Republic Media (The Arizona Republic, azcentral.com, La Voz) formally announced that Associated Asset Management (AAM), a nationally recognized leader in community association management for over 26 years, earned a spot on the list of 2016 azcentral.com Top Companies to Work for in Arizona.



This annual ranking recognizes businesses that completed a two-part assessment process conducted by the independent workplace research firm, Best Companies Group (BCG). Part one of the assessment process was the Employer Questionnaire, where BCG asked about benefits, HR policies and the fun and/or creative things the employers do for their employees.



Part two was the Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey which measured the employee experience in eight core focus areas: Leadership and Planning, Corporate Culture and Communications, Role Satisfaction, Work Environment, Relationship with Supervisor, Training, Development and Resources, Pay and Benefits, and Overall Engagement. Using the combined data from both parts of the survey process, BCG determined the top 100 organizations that has the highest combined scores.



"This Top Company list gets more competitive each year," says Denise Gredler, Founder and CEO of BestCompaniesAZ and consulting partner for the program. "The list of winners had very impressive employee survey results averaging an overall favorable rate of 90 percent and an overall employee engagement score of 92 percent, which is more than double the national average. These winners should be very proud of their engaged workforces. This presents a powerful opportunity for award- winners to promote their company culture to retain and attract the best talent."



"As a company, it is our goal to create the best work environment possible for our incredible and talented team of employees, who truly make AAM one of Arizona's Top Companies," stated Amanda Shaw, President of AAM. "Awards that are based on employee satisfaction and overall engagement, shows us that we are on the right track as we continue to listen to our employee's feedback and implement programs and procedures that will further enhance their experience working at AAM."



About AAM

Founded in 1990, Associated Asset Management is a professional Community Association Management Company, dedicated to delivering total peace of mind. Over the last 26 years, AAM has grown to be one of the foremost providers of professional community association service in the United States. AAM specializes in the forward planning and management of master planned, single family, condominium, active adult, urban high-rise and mid-rise communities, as well as providing consulting services for accounting, marketing and operational organization. With over 530 employees in 11 regional offices, AAM combines association management, accounting, compliance, developer services and customer care under one roof, creating a cohesive and coordinated environment needed to provide exceptional community association management. For more information, visit www.associatedasset.com.



About Republic Media

Republic Media is a consultative media company that provides you with the means to deliver your message to the right audience in the most effective way. From online to print to direct mail, Republic Media encompasses an array of products including The Arizona Republic, azcentral.com, and La Voz. Since 1890, The Arizona Republic continues to be Arizona's most trusted and most read newspaper. http://www.republicmedia.com/about-us



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In addition to providing the basic information potential clients sought, also provided them with some perspective of the depth of experience and commitment they could expect.

COLUMBIA, SC, June 24, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- After serving as U.S. attorney for the District of South Carolina since 2010, Bill Nettles announced his return to private law practice Wednesday with the launch of his new website. The Law Office of Bill Nettles will focus on cases such as criminal defense for white-collar crimes, public corruption and other charges; representing False Claims Act relators in whistleblower actions; and general civil litigation, including personal injury, business disputes and family law claims.



The goal of the site is to educate prospective clients about their case and demonstrate the potential benefits of Nettles' experience in the private and public arenas.



"I was seeking a website that, in addition to providing the basic information potential clients sought, also provided them with some perspective of the depth of experience and commitment they could expect," Nettles said.



This combination of information and experience is readily apparent on the website's home page. The "5 Things to Know If You Are Stopped by Law Enforcement" section lists crucial do's and don'ts for interacting with the police, while the "In the Media" section spotlights Nettles' appearances in local and national headlines.



Custom photography takes users inside the Law Office of Bill Nettles and draws attention to the intuitive navigation structure of the menus. Visitors using smartphone and tablet technology enjoy the same positive experience as those on desktop computers via responsive formatting that adjusts the appearance of the website to accommodate different screen sizes and devices.



About the Law Office of Bill Nettles



Attorney Bill Nettles serves clients in Charleston and throughout the state from his office in Columbia, South Carolina. Beginning his career as a public defender, Nettles represents clients facing charges of drug crimes, driving under the influence, fraud, white-collar crimes and more. Nettles also has extensive civil trial experience, representing whistleblowers in federal fraud cases, serving plaintiffs in medical malpractice and other personal injury claims and more.



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Jun 24, 2016 | By Andre

There are a lot of instances in the world of 3D printing news where the hype surrounding the technology surpasses the reality. While its true a lot of well-documented research is being done on 3D printed organs and moon bases, the reality is that these technological wonders are still years, if not decades from becoming a real thing in any practical sense. One of these soon but-not-quite-yet realms of innovation comes in the form of really big 3D printers.

As weve reported in the past, there are a good number of extremely large 3D printers out there in prototype form showcasing whats possible. Well, it seems Swiss company Imprimere is finding some actual commercial success with the recent announcement that two of their BIG 3D Printer 1063s have been sold to an Italian company. Cha-ching!

The Big 3D Printer 1063 uses concrete as its source material and can print objects up to 5.75x2.96x6.25 meters large. And while some quick math suggests that would take 600 years to produce on my desktop Makerbot, things should come out a lot quicker with the big machine due to the layering of thick concrete instead of tiny little strands of plastic.

So why would anyone in their right mind spend the over 1,000,000 to buy one, let alone two of the oversized 3D printers? According to the companys list of current applications, there are plenty of reasons. As a fully automated machine, you can 3D print houses (with curved and freeform sections), stairs, furnitures, sculptures, and just about anything else that is big and can be made of concrete. But one of the biggest reasons why two of the machines have been sold has to do with the practical nature of the machine.

A lot of the science fiction type 3D print news stories, while impressive both technically and to the imagination, are not practical from a financial standpoint. The Big 3D Printer 1063 however, as shown in the cost chart below, can produce comparably large pieces at a fraction of the cost that would be required using traditional manufacturing methods.

The 3D printer itself works by a Cartesian System that stacks concrete one layer at a time (with necessary reinforcements inserted between the printing of individual layers). Due to the time needed for concrete to set, the printer moves between different sections within its build area so it can keep printing separate sections while the layers of the individual parts harden. This is similar to having several parts on a build tray (instead of just one) with your more traditional style of 3D printing.

While the purchase of two of the 1063 units is big news for big 3D printing, the company has an even bigger version (the 2156) that can produce parts twice as large (in one axis) than the 1063. I often find myself talking to people about the potential developments in 3D printing. Throughout these conversations I typically suggest that so much is still in the early-research phase and that all the coolest stuff is still to come. With news like this (and other advancements that take place on a seemingly daily basis) I feel Ill be switching gears by suggesting its happening here and its happening now!



Posted in 3D Printer

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Jun 24, 2016 | By Alec

The footwear industry has slowly been waking up to the potential of custom-fitting 3D printed shoes, and we might be seeing a lot more of them in the near future. For 3D printed footwear pioneer OESH Shoes, which made its first 3D printed shoes commercially available way back in 2011, just received a grant from the National Science Foundation to develop low-cost pellet-based 3D printers that can be used for large-scale footwear production.

This is also great news for the thousands of women who are relying on footwear from OESH Shoes to get them through the day. For those of you whove never heard of OESH Shoes, the Charlotte, Virginia-based developer was one of the first to work on commercially available 3D printed shoes. Designed and manufactured under the direction of Dr. Casey Kerrigan, a Harvard M.D. who specializes in human motion and feet movement, all OESH shoes are purposefully designed for comfort and health.

Its a very interesting concept that is already affecting the footwear industry. Dr. Kerrigan has spent years studying the effects of shoes on the joints and the body, and any relations with arthritis. She discovered that conventional shoes are actually hampering the natural springing function of our feet, which causes discomfort  especially when wearing high heels. I had all this research and then I had this idea to make really tremendous shoes, Kerrigan previously explained. My research would say that a spring in a shoe is much better than a dampener.

Putting her money where her mouth was and leaving her job as head of the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Virginia, she started her own little 3D printing shoe factory a few years ago. All 3D printed OESH shoes have been designed from the sole upwards, rather than the other way around. In fact, the curvature and support found in traditional shoes actually amplifies the stress on your joints. By removing all excess energy absorbing cushioning, your feet can finally start functioning naturally, which assists your small muscles in the foot and reduces strain on your joints.

Whats more, they are specifically focusing on womens foot shapes  as mens feet are still the standard for the production of all shoes. Typically, womens feet have a narrower heel and a wider forefoot than mens feet. OESH is accurately constructed to accommodate this fact with a subtle, ballet slipper-like heel fit, the doctor explains, adding that 3D printed OESH shoes usually feature wider forefoot and toe areas for a more natural fit.

Since launching their first shoes in 2011, things have been moving quickly for OESH. They already have shoes for all occasions available through their webstore and have seen their sales steadily increasing. The only downside is that 3D printing has been keeping costs high, limiting the companys growth opportunities. Thats why the Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation is doubtlessly very welcome.

Together with Dojo Research & Consulting, the company will use the funds to develop a pellet-based extrusion process for 3D printers used in shoe manufacturing, which will hopefully decrease production costs significantly. Research into pellet 3D printing has already shown promising results in decreasing production costs, and the shoe manufacturers are hopeful that this technique would make 3D printing more appealing to the footwear industry.

Ultimately, it could even realize 3D printing production on a local scale and bring shoe production back from overseas factories. Innovations in 3D printing increase the ability to customize shoe soles and create designs that are unable to be manufactured with any other existing manufacturing processes, Dr. Kerrigan said. Were honored that the National Science Foundation has recognized our work innovating new shoe design and manufacturing processes.

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Cvillian wrote at 6/25/2016 12:08:37 PM:Charlottesville




Jun 24, 2016 | By Alec

While metal 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular for small batch production, its not the only metal manufacturing technology that is enjoying a growing popularity. The market for metal injection molding, a production technique that efficiently combines metal particles and polymers with injection molding, is also growing. Worth a massive $1.5 billion USD back in 2012, its market is still growing with double digits. In an attempt to outmaneuver that market, Tokyo-based technology company Ricoh has just unveiled a new 3D printer that also uses a resin binder to efficiently sinter metal particles together in a highly detailed 3D printing process, but uses that binder far more efficiently.

Of course this is not the first time Ricoh has dabbled with 3D printing. A well-known technology developer with a global footprint, Ricoh specializes in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. With a presence in just about every corner of the world, their sales were worth approximately 18.5 billion dollars over 2014. While by no means a main branch of their services yet, the company has been looking into the 3D printing industry. Among others, they have set up a 3D printing service, signed a partnership with Dutch 3D printer developers Leapfrog, and have been selling their own large volume, high resolution RICOH AM S5500P SLS 3D printer for some time now.

But the company is working on their follow-up 3D printer, which they just unveiled at the 27th Design & Manufacturing Solutions Exhibition at the Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center (held this week). Among others, they unveiled several 3D printed objects made with this new 3D printer. As the company revealed, they showcased the product in an investigative attempt to decide whether or not they want to commercialize the 3D printer or use it for 3D printing services.

While their intentions arent known yet, the 3D printer does have a very interesting production method. Instead of solidifying parts with a laser like typical SLS 3D printers, this 3D printer binds metal particles together by spraying thin coats of resin onto them. Forming a kind of nanoscale resin coat on the surface of the particles, this is followed by an ink coating that solidifies the component. That part is then transferred to a sintering furnace, where the particles blend together to form highly detailed metal parts.

During this process, the 3D printer uses a binding material that is comparable to that used during metal injection molding, but is significantly more efficient. In fact, it only uses about a tenth of the amount of resin that is used during the molding competitor. Whats more, theres no need to remove the resin before sintering, and parts therefore do not require any molds whatsoever  unlike metal injection molding techniques. While metal injection molding is part of a growing market, Ricoh is effectively outpacing that technology in terms of production speed and efficiency. Whats more, the 3D prints are not encumbered by support materials or extensive support removal procedures, making this a very tantalizing production tool indeed.

While little is known about Ricohs commercialization plans, it does look like this 3D printer will become a reality as the company already revealed that they can provide both the metal powder and the resin binder. Could this be the technique that makes 3D printing a mainstream production tool?

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nikk wong wrote at 6/27/2016 4:47:38 AM:Misleading title. This does not "make metal injection molding obsolete".Chrisdc wrote at 6/27/2016 1:48:02 AM:Yeah resin binding is not sintering. Honestly a lot of this article reads like an advert for Ricoh.Ralph Resnick wrote at 6/24/2016 11:32:27 PM:This is binder jet 3D Printing which was invented by MIT in the early 90's and commercialized by Extrude Hone/ExOne who have been providing parts and equipment for 20 years.




Jun 24, 2016 | By Alec

While drones are currently little more than fun toys, experts are also increasingly recognizing them for their transportation potential. While Amazon has already been looking into package delivery drones, these UAVs might be more realistically used to deliver crucial supplies when roads, powerlines and other infrastructure is destroyed by Hurricane Sandy-like natural disasters. Australian startup Flirtey has been working on a 3D printed drone that can make those crucial deliveries for some time, and just completed a ship-to-shore medical delivery test off the coast of New Jersey.

This test was not completely unexpected. The Australian pioneers have been working on their 3D printed drone from their Reno, Nevada HQ for some time, even becoming the first to complete an urban FAA delivery test a few months ago. During that test, they successfully dropped a package of bottled water, food, and a first aid kit on a houses doorstep. Earlier this month, the startup announced plans for the first-ever US ship-to-shore delivery with the goal of showcasing humanitarian aid possibilities.

For this ambitious test, the startup joined forces with Dr Timothy Amukele, assistant professor of pathology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, to plan and conduct a remarkable medical delivery. Also involved were officials from the UNs humanitarian assistance office UNOCHA, the Field Innovation Team, The New Jersey Institute of Technology, Ryan Media Lab and American Red Cross, who all witnessed the test firsthand. The center of attention was the Flirty proprietary drone, a six-rotor system constructed from 3D printed, aluminum and carbon fiber components.

Fortunately, the test was a complete success. On the first leg, Johns Hopkins loaded Flirtey's drones on shore with stool, blood and urine samples, and Flirtey delivered these to the ship, Flirtey CEO Matt Sweeny told gizmag. On the second leg, Flirtey's delivery drone landed on a barge on turbulent seas and was loaded with medical supplies, including water purification tablets, insulin and a first aid kit, and delivered these ship-to-shore to representatives from the United Nations and the American Red Cross.

In geographical terms, it wasnt a very long flight. The drone took off from a barge in New Jerseys Delaware Bay, and proceeded to fly across the Cape May Canal towards the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, where it dropped off its precious cargo. The test flight had previously been approved by the FAA. Ship to shore drone delivery fills a humanitarian need, but is also something that commercial shippers want. We think the next major step for the industry is to do commercial drone delivery to a customers home, Sweeny said of the flight.

The hope is, of course, that these types of drone deliveries will be used in the near future to transport crucial supplies to stranded, otherwise unreachable people and communities. And as 75 percent of all major cities can be found within 37 miles of the coast and 44 percent of the worlds population lives within 95 miles of the coast (according to UN figures), it only made sense to schedule a ship-to-shore exercise. Imagine a future where in the event of a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy, Flirtey drones rapidly deliver emergency medical supplies, food and water, says Sweeny. This demonstration is helping to make that future a reality, and taking us one step closer to Flirtey's mission to save lives and change lifestyles.

Flirtey co-founder Tom Bass echoed these statements, arguing that their drone provided them with an opportunity to reach disaster zone easily. He also revealed more about the Flirtey development process. Today would not have been possible without Mark and Kyle from Ryan Media Lab. Flirtey has been the beneficiary of their amazing ability to build coalitions here in Cape May, and also when we conducted the first FAA-approved drone delivery last year in Wise, Virginia, he said.

Andrew Billo, Humanitarian Affairs Officer at UNOCHA, was also present at the test and was very impressed by the 3D printed drones potential. We recognize the opportunity for us to engage with drone developers and operators in ensuring the principled application of game-changing technologies in response to humanitarian crises around the world, he said. Participating in this event supports the mission of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action with a broad range of partners. Footage of the test can be seen below.

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Phil wrote at 6/24/2016 5:41:40 PM:One site said it delivered to a barge offshore. It wasn't medical supplies or drugs! The premier ship-to-shore drone flight in the nation was performed by a drone produced by Flirtey. The drone was laden with samples of feces, blood, and urine.




Bruce Bower in Science News:

Fierce combat erupted in February 2016 at the northern Iraqi village of Kudilah. A Western-backed coalition of Arab Sunni tribesmen, Kurds in the Iraqi army and Kurdish government forces advanced on Islamic State fighters who had taken over the dusty outpost.

Islamic State combatants, led by young men wearing explosive vests, fought back. The well-trained warriors scurried through battle lines until they reached their enemy. Then they blew themselves up along with a few coalition soldiers, setting the stage for an Islamic State victory. These suicide bombers are called inghamasi, meaning those who dive in deep.

The inghamasis determination and self-sacrifice inspires their comrades to fight to the death, says anthropologist Scott Atran of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Outnumbered about 6-to-1, Islamic State fighters still retained control of Kudilah after two days of heavy fighting. Coalition forces retreated, unwilling to lose more soldiers.

Atran and colleagues arrived in northern Iraq a couple of weeks later. Their plan: study the will to fight among soldiers on both sides of the Kudilah clash, even as fighting in the area continued. Their goals: try to understand what motivates people to join brutal organizations such as the Islamic State, and describe the personal transformations that push people leading comfortable, peaceable lives to commit acts of incredible violence and self-destruction.

More here.
Naben Ruthnum at The Walrus:

Kings childhood in Connecticut and Maine was something of a blend of the lives he created for Lachance and Chambers in The Body. Like Lachance, King had a talent for storytelling. Like Chambers, he grew up without much money. Kings mother raised her two sons alone in the 1950s by taking on a series of low-paying jobs: shifts in a bakery and an industrial laundry, and housekeeping at a facility for the mentally ill. The strong women who populate Kings workWendy Torrance in The Shining (1977), a far cry from the trembling Shelley Duvall in the movie, and hardworking housekeeper Dolores Claibornereflect Kings admiration for his own mothers efforts to get her boys a college education.

The stakes were high. In 1966, when King was in his last year of high school, the Vietnam war machine was at full throttle. Not being admitted into college would have meant getting drafted. To help with tuition, King got a job at a mill, a place he later described as a dingy fuckhole overhanging the polluted Androscoggin River like a workhouse in a Charles Dickens novel. Every day after school, he punched in for an eight-hour shift, went home to sleep for several hours, attended classes, then punched in again. His first notable story sale, in 1970, to a mens magazine called Cavalier, was about the enormous rats under the mill. The grimy horror tale, Graveyard Shift, landed him the equivalent of a few weeks pay.

more here.
Alas, those good qualities are undermined by a confused and overlong script. It's understandable, but writer-director Gary Ross allowed his obvious passion for the subject to get the better of him.

McConaughey plays Newton Knight, a Mississippi farmer who, disgusted that the South is "sending poor men to fight a rich man's war," deserts his Confederate Army unit. He returns home and is soon leading a rebellion of local farmers and escaped slaves, harassing the Rebel soldiers who are trying to confiscate local crops and livestock to feed the troops at the front.

We follow the exploits of this ragtag band for much of the film's lengthy run, and that's just fine; these episodes constitute the best part of Free State of Jones. From their swampland hideout, the guerrillas steal silently among the cypress trees, robbing supply caravans and humiliating the proud Confederate officers. There's a strong Robin Hood vibe at work here, and McConaughey, alternately laid back or burning with indignation, makes an appealing stand-in for Errol Flynn.
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The independent film community in New Mexico is built on a solid foundation.

And when the film community pulls together, its something special.

This is part of the reason Indie Scene is held every few months.

The event is a chance for filmmakers to screen their projects.

One of the filmmakers set to showcase a series is Shad Adair.

Adair is an actor and executive producer at ShadMeister Productions.

The company is behind the web series Thank You, 5, which takes place in a community theater.

It follows the cast and crew of the theater and all the trials and tribulations that take place in day-to-day operations.

The main story follows a writer and director duo who have moved back to New Mexico after having a successful career in New York City. The pair will do anything to put on a proper homecoming show.

Production takes place at Albuquerque Little Theatre.

Adair, who is executive producer of the series, says theres a lot of work behind the scenes to make a production successful.

Right now, were in the process of getting distribution for the series, he says. Were also taking the series on the festival circuit. Were hitting places like New York and Brooklyn, because there is a high concentration of theater fans.

Adairs responsibility as executive producer is for the financial success of the series.

The production was able to raise a little over $11,000 through a Kickstarter campaign. That money was then matched by local businesses.

We wanted it (the series) to be community supported, he says. Ultimately, wed like to find a national distributor.

Another of Adairs goals is to build the film community even more by helping cultivate above-the-line jobs in the state.

This includes directors, writers, director of photography and producers.

We need more of these types of creatives making Albuquerque their home, he says.

Adair says participating in Indie Scene or even Indie Q, put on by the Albuquerque Film Office, gives filmmakers an avenue to get their work seen.

I think that it gives an opportunity to bring more people in, he says. This is a place where filmmakers and those interested are welcomed. Its great to be a part of, because you get more eyes on your production.

SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.

Indie Scene

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 25

WHERE: South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway SE

HOW MUCH: $5 at the door
Revamping the idea of what a wine festival is supposed to be is a mission of many of those in the New Mexico winemakers circle.

Breaking the mold and freshening up the look and feel of a wine festival in the state are things that Vic Macias, events manager at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, and New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association Executive Director Chris Goblet have done at this years Santa Fe Wine Festival, celebrating its 23rd year.

The music is livelier, a unique food vendor has been added and there are wineries participating in the event that are not only new to the festival but also new in the state.

A new cidery, New Mexico Hard Cider, also is on board and will not only be offering its ciders, but New Mexico craft beers on tap as well.

One of my main goals was to kind of make it more fresh and young and add more energy to it as opposed to the sleepy kind of wine fest, Macias said.  I think the crowd here in New Mexico is looking for more of a bit of an energetic time. My focus is to look at that and revise it and make it more fun.

Macias added performers to the music lineup that have either not played the festival before or offer a different type of music that has not been played there before.

We have Lone Pinon, which is a northern New Mexico folk band trio, Macias said. They do a lot of northern New Mexican corridos, which we havent done here at the wine festival. We have Sweet Jones, which plays blues, and the Bus Tapes that play blues-rock style. Something new is the Boomroots. They play kind of reggae/hip-hop. I know for a fact that we havent had reggae here. Were bringing a different flavor and feel to the whole thing.

There will be about 40 arts and crafts vendors and about 10 food vendors, including Santa Fes Jambo Cafe, which offers African-themed cuisine and is new to the festival.

Seventeen New Mexico wineries and New Mexico Hard Cider will offer tastings of their products as well as have their products for sale by the glass or by the bottle. Amaro Winery, Blacks Smuggler Winery, Corrales Winery, Jaramillo Vineyards, Las Nueve Ninas Winery, Luna Rossa Winery, Matheson Winery and Wines of the San Juan are part of the winery lineup.

Newcomers to the event are Albuquerques Sheehan Family Winery and Ruidosos Noisy Water Winery.

Hes a young and an enthusiastic wine grower from Albuquerque, Goblet said of Sean Sheehan. Were really excited about Seans participation. Noisey Water is from Ruidoso. Its their first time at this festival. They just won the most medals at the New Mexico State Fair wine competition.

Sheehan, in Albuquerques South Valley, does not have a storefront, and its wine can only be purchased at wine festivals or enjoyed at local restaurants Seasons Rotisserie & Grill and Farm & Table.

Sheehan founder Sean Sheehan, has a background in chemistry and biology. In a nutshell, Sheehan started his winemaking career at Casa Rondena, which led to his becoming assistant winemaker at Tierra Encantada in the South Valley.

Later, under unfortunate circumstances, Sheehan become the head winemaker when its owner, Jim Dowling, lost his battle with cancer. Sheehan did four harvests there as its head winemaker and won a number of awards. Tierra Encantada later closed.

Sheehan had winery fever, and the parents of his then-girlfriend and now wife allowed him to plant a couple acres of grapevines on their land in Bosque Farms. He later found a place where he could make wine in Bernalillo Countys South Valley, an 80-year-old adobe building that he reconditioned. Sheehan said 2012 was the first time his winery made wine from that location, and it opened its doors December 2015.

He recently won three silver medals, including one for his Merlot 2012, and three bronze medals at the last State Fair wine competition. Eventgoers also almost bought him out of his Merlot 2012 at the past Albuquerque Wine Festival in May, according to Sheehan.

He has had the most success with a grape called Chambourcin. Half of the acreage of the vineyard in Bosque Farms is dedicated to this grape.

The way we describe it is it is kind of the New Mexico pinot, pinot noir, he said of Chambourcin. Its a little more full-bodied and a little spicier than the pino, but when we are describing it to people, were basically like, This is our New Mexico pino-style wine. Its really versatile.
SANTA FE  The Santa Fe City Council issued instructions Thursday night related to a dispute over water flows into the scenic Santa Fe Canyon Preserve on the citys east side, but didnt say what the instructions were.

The council met in a long closed-door executive session, then voted to direct City Attorney Kelley Brennan to take action consistent with the councilors private discussion. There was no elaboration.

In recent weeks, the city staff has been at odds with the Nature Conservancy, which owns the 525-acre wetland preserve. The nonprofit maintains the city is violating the terms of its own Living River ordinance by cutting off Santa Fe River water that previously flowed into the preserve, feeding beaver ponds and supporting other wildlife, such as water birds and frogs.

Bob Findling, the conservancys director of conservation projects, acknowledged that he cut a city lock on a water gate that had been set to divert water away from the preserve. Findling said he cut the lock only after the city failed to respond to a call and the conservancy presumed it had been placed by some unauthorized third party. He said the city has also dumped dirt and arranged rocks to keep water out.

The city maintains its following the Living River law, noting the conservancy has no water rights. An assistant city attorney said in a letter to Findling that an agreement with the conservancy allows the city to control the gate and suggested the nonprofit was interfering with the citys court-ordered requirement to deliver water to downstream acequias.

But Findling cites wording in the Living River laws official procedures that calls for flows in the upper reaches of the river at least to Two-Mile Pond, which is on the preserve. The preserve is along the rivers original canyon route. The citys actions at the flow gate push all the water into what Findling says is an alternate relief channel along Canyon Road built after a 1904 flood with little value for recreation or wildlife, as discussed in the Living River law.

Richard Ellenberg, who lives next to the preserve, said he couldnt comprehend the motion the council passed Thursday night.

Its sort of like what they voted on was gobbledygook, he said.

The exact wording of the motion made by Councilor Peter Ives directs the city manager and city attorney to take such actions with respect to the diversion by the Nature Conservancy of water from the Santa Fe River as are consistent with the discussion held in executive session, noting there was no discussion of policy relating to this matter or any other matter.

Ellenberg, along with the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, previously raised legal concerns about the councils announced intention to discuss the dispute out of public view. Theyve kept everything secret, he said Thursday night. He said he expects the citys plans to become clear when either the Nature Conservancy receives a letter from the city attorneys office or a lawsuit is filed.
Twenty years ago, the demand for craft beer was not what it is now, but failure was not an option for Sierra Blanca Brewing Co.

It never dawned on us that it would not work, Sierra Blanca Brewing Co. co-owner Suzanne Weber said. Some of the things that helped us succeed, we were never leveraged in terms of finances. We were smart with our money. Rich, my husband, can build and fix anything. He can weld stainless steel and fix the boiler if the boiler goes down.

Rich Weber was not only Mr. Fix It but was the head brewer and currently is the owner and head of operations. Two decades later the brewery is one of New Mexicos oldest. It has also seen a huge boom in production.

Our first year was from April to December, it was our first brew year, Rich Weber said. That year, we did about 400 barrels of beer, and thats what I did before Jan. 15 of this year. I did that in two weeks. New Mexico was known for being behind the times in the beer business, but weve caught up and excelled a lot, past a lot of other states. I guess thats why we did it, to introduce something new. I wanted to get into manufacturing, so I thought, why not beer? I fell in love with beer in the 80s. I went to England, and they did casks and barrels. Ive been brewing since 1987. I was into it before that; that definitely raised my level of interest, going there and trying all those great beers.

Sierra Blancas new bottling line was a huge step in creating high-quality beer, extending the products shelf life and expanding the distribution of Sierra Blanca products out of state. Sierra Blanca also is trying out new styles of beer, which has proved successful.

This year, as we are going into our 20th, were going to start doing some things that we have never done before, Suzanne Weber said. Were doing sour beers and cask-conditioned beer and barrel-aged beers. We wanted to do some fun stuff. Theres a demand.  All the new releases are under the Sierra Blanca label.

Sierra Blanca also is part of many other endeavors that are under different monikers. It owns Rio Grande Brewing Co. and Alien brands. Sierra Blanca purchased Rio Grande in 2007 and has a taproom named Rio Grande Grill & Tap Room in Ruidoso.

It owns Alien Brew Pub in Albuquerque, formerly known as ABQ Brew Pub. It uses the location as its test lab to try out new styles of beer, including its sours. Those that make the cut are then brewed at the mother ship location in Moriarty at a larger volume.

Currently, Rob Weber is working on a cherry wheat with his primary brewer, Ben Couger. Weber also is dabbling in sours featuring cherries, apples, cranberries and more using the fruit alone or as a creative blend. He recently released a limited-edition whiskey stout and released his first cask-conditioned beer last week.

Cranberry sours and the whiskey stout will be some of the offerings at Sierra Blancas 20th anniversary party on Saturday, June 25. There will be eight Sierra Blanca beers on tap in front and 17 in the back, according to Weber. Sierra Blanca can easily fill each tap with its impressive number of offerings.

We package and produce more than two to three breweries combined, Rob Weber said. I package 21 styles of beer.
Alejandro Duran is a perfectionist and is tedious with his process.

I have re-created many of the installations several times until I get them exactly the way that I want, he says.

Duran is the mastermind behind the Washed Up project, which has some pieces shown at 516 Arts in Downtown Albuquerque.

The series is an environmental installation and photography project that transforms the international debris washing up on Mexicos Caribbean coast into works of art.

Duran travels a few times a year back to Sian Kaan, near Tulum, Quintana Roo, to work on projects.

When Im on location, time is precious and I work most days, he says. For me inspiration comes when I get to work.

Duran will host a talk on Thursday, June 30, at 516 Arts.

Assistant Arts Editor Kathaleen Roberts takes a look at The Dandy Travelers, which opens at The Cell Theatre tonight. The play will run through the weekend.

If youre in the mood to beat the heat and stay inside, check out the Reel NM column, which spotlights Indie Scene, which showcases New Mexico indie filmmakers projects on Saturday, June 25, at the South Broadway Cultural Center.

If youre planning ahead, make sure to mark the Santa Fe Wine Festival at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Staff Writer Rozanna M. Martinez has the details on whats new for this years event.
WASHINGTON  Exhausted but exuberant, House Democrats vowed to fight on for gun control Thursday as they ended their high-drama House floor sit-in with songs, prayers and defiant predictions of success.

At the same time, Republicans offered a dose of political reality, denying House Democratic demands and holding a Senate vote designed to show a bipartisan gun compromise cant pass.

New Mexicos four congressional Democrats were among those participating in the sit-in as they called for votes on bills to curb terrorists access to guns.

Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Ben Ray Lujan, who also serves as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, were among 168 Democrats (out of a total of 188 in the House) who joined the sit-in. Both took turns speaking from the House floor, as well.

During her speech, Lujan Grisham evoked the name of Lilly Garcia, a 4-year-old who was killed in a road rage shooting in Albuquerque last year.

Like all of you here today, its personal to me, she said. Just last October, a 4-year-old, Lilly Garcia, was shot in her car seat on a highway by gun violence that makes absolutely no sense and has no place in our communities.

In the last 11 years, 2,000 people who are suspects on the FBI terrorist list have purchased guns. Two thousand! Lujan Grisham said. I want a chance to go home and tell my community that I voted on a bill to demand that my and your fundamental right to be safe in our homes and our communities gets done.

Among the bills Democrats called for a vote on was one introduced by Sens. Martin Heinrich and Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, on Tuesday. Heinrich and Udall were among Democratic senators who walked over to the House chamber to express solidarity with their colleagues in the lower chamber.

The delegations lone Republican, Rep. Steve Pearce, expressed disapproval of the tactic Wednesday afternoon on Twitter.

Democrats still staging sit-in on House floor on gun control  why we not talking about combating terrorism? Pearce tweeted.

Lujan said he was proud to take part in the 25-hour sit-in led by Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a leader of the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

Time and again, on the House floor, we have held moments of silence in memory of the victims of Orlando, San Bernardino, Newtown and more, Lujan said. A moment of silence alone is simply not enough to honor the lives of those we have lost. We need action to keep guns out of the hands of those on the FBI terrorist watch list and have mandatory background checks, and that begins with a vote on the House floor.

House Speaker Paul Ryan complained that Democrats were staging the protests and trying to get on TV as a political stunt.

Theyre sending out fundraising solicitations. If this is not a political stunt, then why are they trying to raise money off of this, off of a tragedy?

Ryan said the House would not be giving in to Democrats calls for votes on legislation expanding background checks for gun buyers and keeping people on the no-fly list from getting guns after the Orlando, Fla., shootings.

While they may have lost the legislative battles at hand, Democrats on both sides of the Capitol were congratulating themselves in gaining attention for their demands for action, first by a 15-hour Senate filibuster last week and then with their occupation of the House floor.

That latest effort broke up around midday Thursday after going through the night, even after Ryan moved up the Fourth of July recess and gaveled a chaotic House out of session in the early-morning hours. Democrats chanted, Shame! Shame! and No bill, no break.

On Thursday, Democrats streamed onto the eastern steps of the Capitol, where cheering crowds welcomed them with cries of Were with you! under humid skies. Lewis, the civil rights icon who helped lead the sit-in, urged the crowd not to give up and to vote in the fall elections.

Were going to win, Lewis declared. The fight is not over. This is just one step.

For hours on the floor of the House, Lewis had led members in delivering speeches that mixed victory declarations with promises not to back down in their drive to curb firearm violence.
Events in New Mexico recently served as opportunities for Time magazine and The New Yorker to provide some historical perspective.

Time used first lady Michelle Obamas commencement speech at Santa Fe Indian School on May 26 to remind readers about the disturbing past of Indian education. The article, published the day of the first ladys visit, was headlined The Sad History Behind Michelle Obamas Commencement Speech in Santa Fe and, in smaller print, The Santa Fe Indian School has a sad and disturbing past.

When Michelle Obama speaks on Thursday at the Santa Fe Indian School as this years commencement speaker, the First Lady will surely speak of the usual hopeful graduation-day themes, and about the White House Generation Indigenous Initiative that brought her there. Optimism about the future will have an extra layer of meaning in that particular location, as the school is part of a long and ignominious story from American history.

The piece by Lily Rothman goes on to describe the start of Indian boarding schools as an alternative to exterminating the indigenous population, including the founding of the Carlisle School in Pennsylvania by Gen. Richard Henry Pratt.

Carlisle inspired many other schools around the country, many of which were boarding institutions far from reservations, where children were sent to be purposefully removed from their families, writes Rothman. The Santa Fe Indian School was built on the Carlisle model, as explained by the New Mexico Office of the State Historian, with a military model and a jail for those who misbehaved.

Citing James Wilsons history of Native America, The Earth Shall Weep, the article says Pratt was considered a reformer at the time as he believed that Native Americans were inferior to white people because of their nurture, not nature  in other words, that they could be made acceptable to society if they were taken from their homes, separated from their cultures, and encouraged to forget their language and religion.

Graduation was not the end of the damage, as young men and women would return home having been taught that their families were savage.

It was a 1969 Senate-authorized report that finally declared Indian education a national tragedy. The authors said the statistics in their report mark a stain on our national conscience and lead to the conclusion that our national policies for educating American Indians are a failure of major proportions.

Rothman concludes her article: Today, however, the Santa Fe Indian School represents pretty much the exact opposite of what such institutions once did. The school and the land on which it sits is now operated by the 19 Pueblo Governors of the state, with a goal of helping students maintain a link to their culture while thriving in the careers of their choice.

The article is on the internet at time.com.

Los Alamos accident of 1946 remembered

May 21 marked the 60th anniversary of a sad event at Los Alamos, as noted by The New Yorker.

On that date in 1946, Canadian physicist Louis Slotin received a fatal dose of radiation while trying to show colleagues how to bring the exposed core of an atom bomb nearly to the point of criticality, otherwise known as tickling the dragons tail. Slotin had helped build the first bomb and the plutonium-laden core he was using had been intended for another attack on Japan after Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The details of the accident are remarkable from todays perspective. Back then, the bomb was a handmade, artisanal product, says the article by Alex Wellerstein, a science historian and an assistant professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey.

Slotin intended to use a mere screwdriver to separate a beryllium tamper from the plutonium while lowering the tamper close enough to the core to set off a weak and short-lived nuclear chain reaction for study.

But the screwdriver slipped, producing a blue flash and releasing a significant amount of radioactivity. Slotins whole-body dose was around 2,100 rem of neutrons, gamma rays and X rays, the article says, while 500 rem is usually fatal for humans. He died nine days later.

After Slotins accident, Los Alamos halted criticality work to develop new protocols. It was always known to be dangerous  Enrico Fermi himself had warned Slotin that he would be dead within a year if he continued  but the exigencies of the Second World War had privileged expediency over safety, Wellerstein writes. Handcrafted critical masses could be modified quickly and on the fly. But, by the time Slotin died, such speed was no longer necessary. The Cold War, in spite of its many anxieties, could be taken at a more steady pace.

The piece ends with a footnote about the core that killed Slotin and also had provided a fatal dose of radioactivity to a co-worker whod used it in a different experiment months before. The plutonium pit had originally been nicknamed Rufus, but after the accidents it came to be called the demon core.

Prior to the accident, wrote Wellerstein, officials at Los Alamos expected to send the core to Bikini Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, where it would be detonated in front of thousands of observers as part of Operation Crossroads, the first postwar series of nuclear tests.  After the accident, though, the core was still radioactive enough that it needed time to cool off. It was slated for use in the third test at Crossroads, but the test was cancelled. Records from Los Alamos indicate that the core ultimately met with an anticlimactic fate: in the summer of 1946, it was melted down and recast into a new weapon.

Look for the article on newyorker.com.
All of Santa Fe should stop by Pride on the Plaza Saturday to celebrate our diversity and show that the haters wont win.

The parade, which often includes a host of colorful characters, starts 1 p.m. at the Roundhouse, and winds down to the Plaza and the Federal Courthouse.

Activities on the Plaza get underway at 1:30 and wrap up around 6 p.m.

Given the Orlando shootings, there might be an air of sorrow  or maybe it will be a powerful party to show community unity.

Stop by and lend your support.

CLASSIC ZEPPELIN?: Through the years, Finlands Sibelius Academy has sponsored workshops in Santa Fe on contemporary classical music for young musicians and composers. Led Zeppelin has not been part of the mix.

But Zeppelins John Paul Jones, a multi-instrumentalist, will perform when this years Creative Dialogue VIII caps its nine-day workshops with a free concert 1 p.m. Tuesday in St. Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art, 107 W. Palace Ave.

Jones will be part of an eclectic all-star lineup  dare we say power trio?  that includes noted Finnish cellist Anssi Karttunen, leader of the workshop, as well as pianist Magnus Lindberg, also from Finland and composer in residence at the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

On another note entirely, you can see how well area musicians channel the late, great Prince when they present a free tribute concert at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Railyard Plaza. Andy Primm, Peter Williams, Mikey Baker and many others will try to get royal.

ROOFTOP PARTY: Speaking of parties, Santa Fe will be channeling The Drifters On the Roof when it celebrates the 20th anniversary of 98.1 Radio Free Santa Fe with a sunset party on the top floor of the parking garage at 216 W. San Francisco St. starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Cowgirl will provide the eats and Santa Fe Brewing Co. will help quench your thirst, while Karl Densons Tiny Universe will provide a live performance preview of its recording expected to be released later this year. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 day of the show through holdmyticket.com, 505-886-1251.

Just dont throw anything over the side.

STAGESTRUCK: Theater activity is thick and furious this weekend, with Driving Miss Daisy from the New Mexico Actors Lab playing at Teatro Paraguas ($18-$20, NMActorsLab.com) and The Last Five Years, featuring the versatile, expressive voices of Amy Leigh Bingen and Malcom Morgan, at the Santa Fe Playhouse ($20-$25, santafeplayhouse.org, 988-4262).

Or try a staged reading of I Never Sang for my Father at 6 p.m. Sunday at Teatro Paraguas, 3205 Calle Marie ($10 suggested donation at the door). At least one of them should strike your fancy!

IN THE FLOW: CURRENTS International New Media Festival wraps up this weekend, so if you havent gone, get thee hence to El Museo Cultural.

Just as good, check out Meow Wolfs contribution to the events with performances by producer Nosaj Thing and experimental music performers Lucky Dragons on its Fancy Town stage. The Dragons duo, by the way, is into collaborative performances, so you might become part of their act. The action gets underway at 9 p.m. today and runs through 1 a.m.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, available through meowwolf.com. The Meow Wolf Arts Complex is at 1352 Rufina Circle, just in case youre one of the few who hasnt been there yet.
It seems the camera was barely invented before trickles and then streams of photographers were exploring New Mexico, pointing their lenses at the rich cultural and natural landscapes that make the state unique.

Many of us are familiar with some of those resulting images, but we might not be as familiar with the contemporary work being done by local photographers or the work being done to display, as well as archive, significant pieces of photos, both as artwork and history.

PhotoSummer is an attempt to raise that awareness.

The idea for the project germinated with Kymberly Pinder, dean at the University of New Mexico College of Fine Arts and interim director of the UNM Art Museum, and was launched in Albuquerque last year in cooperation with 516 Arts and CENTER, a nonprofit organization based in Santa Fe to advance the photographic arts.

This year, said Laura Pressley, CENTERs executive director, PhotoSummer has expanded to Santa Fe.

We reached out to the photo venues in Santa Fe, she said, resulting in a guide of photo exhibitions planned both here and in Albuquerque that was mailed to 7,000 people out of New Mexico and several thousand within the state.

Partners in Santa Fe also include Axle Contemporary, whose exhibit Accidental Photography opens 5-8 p.m. July 1 at the Farmers Market shade structure and continues in various locations through July 24, and the American Society of Media Photographers/New Mexico, which is bringing The Fence to the Santa Fe Railyard in July.

CENTER played a role in putting together some exhibitions itself, including The Frontier, work by CENTER members on display through Thursday at the New Mexico History Museum, which takes a contemporary perspective in looking at the effects of expansion on the mythologized western landscape.

Last weekend, another CENTER-curated exhibition, Dispossessed, opened at the Marion Center for Photographic Arts at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and will be on view through Aug. 26. It is accompanied by Six, a senior thesis exhibition by six graduating students.

The Dispossessed theme stems from submissions CENTER annually invites for its awards program, as well as portfolio review for photographers. The invitation does not name a theme, but one often emerges from the types of images submitted. We open them and see what the zeitgeist is, Pressley said.

Last year, the theme that resulted was one of migration and evolving borders, not just geographical, but also cultural, such as gender. This year, many of the submissions mirrored themes of marginality, culture adaptations and incarceration, she said, sparking the Dispossessed theme surrounding the works in this exhibit by CENTER alumni.

But its not all doom and gloom, Pressley added.

Within cultural systems, marginality is a dual experience of isolation and freedom, Pressley and Suzanna Finley wrote in a curatorial statement. From the margins, innovation and inspiration seep into the pervasive culture. But those at the margins also experience judgmental gazes and oppression.

So you can see photos by people such as Haley Morris-Cafiero, assistant dean at the Memphis College of Art, who is overweight and stages scenes to record the reactions of passers-by to her in various situations. Or, as Pressley put it, She focuses on people staring at her.

Gregg Segal, based in Los Angeles, contributed images of people lying down amid the actual pieces of garbage they produce within seven days.

Ever since I was a kid, he wrote on his website, Ive wondered about garbage  where does it go and what happens when we run out of places to put it?

The average American generates 29 pounds of garbage a week. As a nation, that amounts to about 9 billion pounds per week! Im concerned not only by how much we throw away, but by how blithe we are to the problem.

As he asked friends and family to participate in his photography project, though, he found that they were sensitized to the issue and looked for steps to cut down on their waste.

Bayete Ross Smith, who started his career in photojournalism with Knight-Ridder Newspapers, and now is an artist and educator living in New York City, contributed works from his Taking Aim series that produces portraits of individuals with targets superimposed on their trunks and heads, making a statement about the large numbers of deaths and injuries by firearms in our society.

Jessica Eve Rattner of Berkeley, Calif., contributes images of elderly people in scenes of isolation or amid hoarded goods.

In her artists statement, she says, My photography is driven by my interest in people and their stories  particularly in the stories and lives of those who havent the voice or means to be heard on their own, and those who exist on the fringes of what is considered normal.'

Leonard Suyjaya, meanwhile, says he hopes to challenge conflicting conceptions of personal and cultural identities, intimacy, physical boundaries, gender roles, sexuality, queerness and freedom with his images from Indonesia that present a riot of color and patterns.

And the final of the six photographers who provided the 25 images in the show is Wendy Young, who presents photos from her Teenagers series.

The space between childhood and becoming an adult is negligible in the grand scheme of life but, as you exist in that space, it seems vast and overwhelming, Young writes. The notion of becoming responsible for themselves and musings about what their life may bring can cause unbelievable pressure.

Overall, Pressley wrote in an email, The work of these six CENTER alumni illustrate the psychological and emotional expressions of self-imposed or external dispossession and the ways we all experience feeling like an outsider, empowered and un-empowered.
Back when she was running five miles a day, Shelley Armitage would log those miles on her familys two-section farm of more than 1,200 acres just outside the small city of Vega, Texas, during visits home from a life of learning and teaching that had taken her far from that place.

It wasnt until years later when she slowed down to walk the same ground that she realized what she had been missing  the wildlife, the shards and relics from previous generations, her own memories. It wasnt until she slowed to a walk that her writing about that place started to flow.

Running days over, I am slowed to a pace fit for my desire to write the llano, for, pointed north and alone, I understand the act of walking to be writing, the act of writing, listening  inside and out.

What does the land say to us. Ive wondered for years.

Thats from Armitages book Walking the Llano: A Texas Memoir of Place (University of Oklahoma Press, $24.95).

The land in this case is the 30 miles of llano or grassy plain that winds along Middle Alamosa Creek from her familys northwestern Texas farm to the Canadian River. It is part of the Llano Estacado or Staked Plain, a 32,000-square-mile plateau that rolls out from Vega west into New Mexico, east into Oklahoma and south to Midland, Texas.

More than 10 years ago, Armitage, then in her late 50s, decided to walk along the creek from the Armitage farm north through two neighboring ranches; past the old campsite of Ysabel Gurule, a sheepman from Anton Chico, N.M., whom her father had known and had told her stories about; and on to the Canadian River.

Why? Armitage might tell you it was because she wanted to hear what the land had to say and because she wanted to learn more about old Ysabel Gurule, and thats sure part of it.

But those walks  there were lots of them during the 11 years leading up to the book  also helped keep her connected to the place where she grew up and to loved ones now gone. The result is a book that is an enticing mix of memoir, nature study and the hunting of ghosts. And its a testament to the value of slowing down and watching where youre going.

I think I started walking with a purpose along Middle Alamosa Creek in 2005, Armitage, now 69, told me during a phone interview from Las Cruces, which, these days, is her home for part of each year. I really cant tell you when the book started. I had notes and journals. But those were just responses. I didnt know it was going to be a book. I couldnt find a form for it. Honestly, I didnt think there was enough drama.

Armitage is not new to writing. She has a Ph.D. in American studies from the University of New Mexico, is professor emerita of English and American studies at the University of Texas at El Paso and is the author of eight books, including The Pajarito Journals of Peggy Pond Church.

But Walking the Llano is different from anything she had done before, and it was shaped by walking.

There is something about the rhythm of walking, actually participating in a place physically, not just in your mind, Armitage said. If you are not pushing, you have a greater chance of something coming into your mind. I think walking someplace, into the horizon, feeds that in some ways.

She started by culling phrases she particularly liked from her notebooks  monarch butterflies crowning me with elliptical joy  and taping them up on a wall in her garage.

People visiting me would say, What is all that up in the garage?' Armitage said. Turns out all that was the underpinnings of a book. She sent the manuscript off in 2014.

The book did not achieve everything Armitage had hoped. She did not find out all she had wanted to about old Ysabel, although she was diligent in her search.

I was frustrated, she said. But I think, in a way, thats quite real. We cant find people. We can find a sense of them. I hope Ysabel comes to life enough to do him justice.

Vega, population 952, is on Interstate 40 about 30 miles west of Amarillo. Armitage maintains a home in Vega, a house that had belonged to an aunt and an uncle, and she owns the family farm.

I go there in the summer, she said. I like doing that because it is kind of green there. And its an adorable house. I just cant bear to part with that yet.

Her book is a vividly realized portrait of Vega and its people, especially her father, mother and brother, all of whom have died. And its a record of the areas landscape, which, in recent years, has become cluttered with cellphone towers, oil rigs and gigantic wind turbines. She still goes out to Middle Alamosa Creek, but its a challenge now.

When I started to hike there, it was 360 degrees of nothing, she said. And then it just caught fire. The (wind) turbine guys are crawling all over the place. They drive fast. They are not from that area. They dont realize you slow down when you pass people. You dont leave them in the dust.

Besides, as Armitage has learned, when you slow down you find out what youve been missing.

UpFront is a front page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Ollie at 823-3916 or oreed@abqjournal.com. Go to ABQjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor.

If you go

Shelley Armitage talks about and signs her book Walking the Llano, 3 p.m. Sunday at Bookworks, 4022 Rio Grande NW.
You wont have to wander a gallery or museum to help celebrate New Mexicos PhotoSummer.

Well over 300 photographs will be set up under the sun, stars, lightning and whatever else might grace the sky during a Santa Fe summer.

The Railyard Park will host a 700-foot-long panel of photographs from the nationally touring show The Fence, while also presenting work from 16 New Mexico photographers (11 of them based in Santa Fe and two others from northern New Mexico) in another display curving around the circular ramada at the corner of Cerrillos Road and Guadalupe Street.

As soon as we heard about (The Fence), we thought it made perfect sense to bring it to Santa Fe, said Gabriella Marks, president of the American Society of Media Photographers/New Mexico.

The show, which started five years ago in Brooklyn, has slowly expanded and traveled to other spots. This year, besides Santa Fe and its Brooklyn home, the outdoor exhibition will travel to Boston, Atlanta and Houston.

Many of those cities will host only part of the Brooklyn show, but Santa Fe will take the whole thing  after all, organizers had 700 feet to play with stretching along the bike path and railroad tracks, Marks said.

That means 40 photographers from around the world, including Santa Fean Jamey Stillings with his images on large-scale renewable energy in the West, will have their series of six photos  240 in all  on view for pedestrians, bike riders, Rail Runner passengers and anyone else who happens to visit the park.

Themes in the show include Home, Streets, People, Creatures, Nature and Play. As the exhibition description notes, such work exemplifies the essence of community across cultural boundaries and geographic lines.

That international flavor along common themes, Marks said, will offer a way to develop empathy, to see what we all have in common.

In conjunction, the state ASMP organized a show for New Mexico photographers and sent out a call for submissions, receiving close to 200, she said.

Both shows include six images from each photographer.

This is one of the aspects of the show that distinguishes it  , according to Marks. This elevates the storytelling potential of the exhibit  through a series of six images, a narrative emerges.

And despite being exposed to the elements, the images are expected to withstand almost three months under the New Mexico sun. United Photo Industries found a process and material that was weather-resistant, along with a vendor to print the photos on a white plastic panel, she said.

When the exhibition is over, the panels are scrapped.

With all volunteers trying to make the shows happen in Santa Fe, its been a challenge every step of the way, Marks said. Its been a tremendous learning curve. Organizers have been grappling with issues like how to set up a fence when stakes werent allowed in the park to launching a fundraising campaign (look for it online) to help this totally grassroots effort.

We dont have a foundation or center for photography with an established donor base, she added.

But that hasnt discouraged anyone. Marks said the intention is to make this an annual event. In its second year, she added, there might be an effort to save the New Mexico exhibition panels and sell them to raise money.

One of the things were all so excited about is that its public art, in a public space. Its free. It never closes, she said of The Fence. Theres serendipity of suddenly coming upon art in a place where its not expected.

People who are not comfortable with art galleries will be able to enjoy and engage with art in an informal setting, Marks added, noting the numbers of people who pass by that area, whether rail or bicycle commuters or people coming out to the many events in the park, such as the free summer movie nights.

I think its really exciting.
I am excited to be traveling to Indianapolis this weekend to represent Santa Fe as leaders of Americas cities come together to explore solutions to our communities most pressing problems. Its an invaluable opportunity to bring the local issues that impact millions of Americans to the national stage.

It also raises an issue of critical importance: the pre-emption of local governments that is a threat to the safety, vibrancy and livability of our communities.

Last year, in at least 29 states, we saw bills introduced to block local control on a variety of issues. Here in New Mexico, it was a bill to stop local communities like Santa Fe from empowering workers with a living wage.

One of the biggest proponents of removing the power to self-govern has been the oil and gas industry, which stands to benefit immensely if it can stop individual Americans from deciding for themselves if fracking is appropriate in their neighborhoods. Fracking operators want decisions about their industry made at the state or federal level, but it is local communities that bear the brunt of frackings impact.

According to The Costs of Fracking by Environment America Research & Policy Center, in one part of Texas, the thousands of trips made by trucks and machinery for fracking operations have required $40 million in road repairs. Fracking has contaminated drinking water in thousands of cases. Residents near fracking operations suffer from a greater risk and huge range of health problems. And another town in Texas saw home values decrease in areas near fracking.

And it is becoming more and more common. In 35 states, fracking takes place in residential areas, near homes, schools and playgrounds. The Washington Post reports that more than 15 million Americans now live within a mile of a well that has been drilled since 2000.

Many communities take no issue with the practice. But, understandably, many others, weighing such heavy costs against so few benefits, have sought to ban or limit fracking in their neighborhoods. Over 500 cities and counties, from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., have acted to bar or restrict the risky drilling practice or the disposal of its toxic waste.

This did not sit well with the oil and gas industry, whose allies in governments and the courts have fought aggressively to stop local communities from making this choice for themselves.

In Ohio, a Supreme Court decision overruled local drilling regulations. In North Carolina, the legislature acted to prevent communities from banning fracking. Colorado saw a major blow to local control when the state supreme court overturned the express will of local voters, striking down voter-approved fracking bans in two Colorado towns. In New Mexico, a U.S. District Court struck a ban put in place by Mora County.

Considering the serious health and climate impacts linked to fracking, it is vital our cities and towns are able to protect the public health and environment from frackings impacts if they choose to do so.

This notion of local control  that we have the right to come together with our neighbors and make our own choices on issues that threaten our public health or quality of life  is a longstanding American tradition.

With the national convening of cities leaders in Indianapolis this weekend, there is no better time to urge our state and federal leaders to affirm our ability to protect our health and quality of life, and reject attempts to limit local control of fracking and other threats.

Javier Gonzalez is mayor of Santa Fe.
Scroll down through the land-scorching action so far on the nmfireinfo.com website and you can see that lightning pops up most often as the cause of wildfires in the state.

That is as it should be, a natural although often unwelcome, element of the ecology of both forests and grasslands.

But still far too often the avoidable human cause is listed as sparking flames that have swept across the land.

The Paliza Fire, which was quickly squelched after burning an acre northeast of the Paliza Campground in the Santa Fe National Forest, was listed as assumed to stem from a human cause.

So was the Battleship Fire, which was quickly contained after charring three acres, and the Barbero Fire, which traveled over 146 acres, both in the Santa Fe National Forest.

Most disturbingly, the Dog Head Fire, which caused evacuations, burned 24 single residences and covered 17,912 acres in the Cibola National Forest as of Thursday morning, while still under investigation, is believed to have been caused by human activity, according to the fire report.

Such human activity very well may not have been intentional, but that doesnt change the terrible effects of fire. Carelessness carries a high cost, both in lives and property damage. Not only are living creatures living in the path of the blaze put in danger, but also the hard-working crews who rush in to try to mitigate harmful effects to other humans and their homes.

On the other hand, it really doesnt cost much to be careful.

You can enjoy the outdoors without tossing cigarette butts out of your vehicles window or driving that vehicles hot undercarriage through tall, dry grass or weeds. You can enjoy camping out without building a campfire or, if you do, making sure that thing is stone-cold out before you go to sleep or leave the site. Firecrackers might be fun in the paved street in front of your house, but they should be kept far away from bushes, trees, grasses or just about anything that could easily catch fire.

Use your head, folks. Lightning doesnt need our help in burning down New Mexicos forests.
The annual Santa Fe Pride celebration will go on as planned this weekend, and the man organizing the event said he wants members of the LGBT community to come together and show the world that theyre not going to change the way they live.

This years festivities come less than two weeks after the massacre at a gay night club in Orlando, Fla., which left 49 people dead and 53 wounded. Gunman Omar Mateen eventually was killed police.

Richard Bell  event coordinator for the Santa Fe Human Rights Association, which puts on the annual Santa Fe Pride festival  said the names of the men and women who died in Orlandos Pulse nightclub on June 12 will be read aloud Saturday afternoon on the Plaza.

But, after that, we will celebrate in their honor, because thats what they were doing, Bell said.

The festivities kick off with a parade from the Capitol to the Plaza at 1 p.m., followed by performances on the bandstand and an after-party at Skylight Santa Fe on West San Francisco until 1:45 a.m.

Mateen swore allegiance to the Islamic State in a phone call to police during the Orlando shooting. President Barack Obama called the killings both a hate crime and an act of terrorism by Mateen, who reportedly had visited gay dating websites. Thursday, Univision aired an interview with a man who said Mateen was his lover and had felt rejected by men who had used him. Mateens father said his son was upset after seeing gay men kiss.

To Bell, the crime was carried out by someone threatened by the LGBT way of life, and he said the LGBT community needs to unite and prove that its not going to be intimidated by radicals.

What we believe is that this was definitely a terrorist act, Bell said. As we know, what the terrorists are trying to do is change the way we live and the way we think. Were not going to give in to that.  The focus needs to be on solidarity and unity. We need to be more united than ever.

Still, there are safety concerns for the event. Hours after Mateen was killed, Santa Monica, Calif., police officers arrested 20-year-old James Wesley Howell with three assault rifles, high-capacity ammunition and chemicals capable of being used in an improvised explosive device. Howell told officers that he was on his way to the L.A. Pride festival, although he never said what he planned to do with those weapons.

Capt. James Lamb with the Santa Fe Police Department said there will be an extra 10 to 15 officers patrolling the downtown area, including some in plain clothes. Police will remain active, and patrol inside and outside Skylight for the after-party, and Lamb said he himself will be there until about 3 a.m.

Its pretty much like a mini Fiesta, he said.

Lamb also said the SFPEDs intelligence unit is monitoring social media for any threats made against the Pride event, but says none have popped up yet. He said Pride is usually a quiet event with few problems, but he said police are going to have a strong presence this year so no one even thinks about starting something.

If anybodys targeting Santa Fe, we want to make sure its a hard target, Lamb said. A lot of predators will prey on the weak and a soft, easy target. Well, we dont want Santa Fe to be that, so were making ourselves very visible.

Skylight managing partner Kate Kennedy said the club is going to be fully staffed and said large bags or purses or any large coverings like jackets or coats wont be allowed inside.

She said she requested that SFPD be out there until 2:30 a.m., half an hour after the club closes, so that patrons can feel safe on their way home.

Kennedy said she was crushed by the Orlando tragedy and said the Skylight crew attended the vigil held for the victims on June 13 on the Plaza.

The entire team was absolutely devastated, Kennedy said. Our relationship with the (LGBT) community is quite good.

Although the massacre happened in a nightclub, Kennedy said cancelling the Pride party, which she said has been booked since February, was never a consideration. The party was going to go on as planned, she said. Its going to be very celebratory.

Bell said the LGBT community needs to show terrorists that they are the danger, not gays and lesbians.

We will mention the names, but we are going to continue on with the celebration, Bell said. Any time anyone is trying to stop us from living our lives, theyre a danger. Sometimes things like this show us that there are people out there who are threatened by us.
American Indian tribes across the country have in recent years revived the centuries-old practice of banishment as a form of punishment, these days as a way to deal with violent criminals, drug abusers and gang members on the reservation.

While banishment has been relatively scarce among tribes in New Mexico, it did crop up recently.

Nambe Pueblo passed a resolution in February to expel a non-Native man from its boundaries for an unspecified amount of time. The resolution says only that Steve Edward Romero poses a grave risk to the health, safety and welfare to members of the community, and that his banishment is specifically to maintain peace within the Pueblo and in respect for the Laws of the Pueblo.

Romero  whose criminal record involves a wide range of offenses, including drug and domestic violence charges  was arrested last week by the U.S. Marshals Service and charged with trespassing for violating the order multiple times since the resolution was passed.

Messages left for Nambe Pueblo Gov. Phillip Perez this week and last week were not returned.

Considered a flight risk, Romero is currently housed at the Santa Fe County jail, but hes scheduled to be released to La Pasada Halfway House in Albuquerque on Monday. His trial in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque is scheduled for Aug. 8. Though a misdemeanor, the trespassing charge carries a possible sentence of up to one year in federal prison.

But that could be construed as a light sentence when compared to banishment, which has been described by some as a death sentence for tribal members, stripping them of their cultural, spiritual and family ties. In modern times, it can also mean an individual loses out on his or her share of gaming revenues.

Its worth noting that laws of the United States dont include banishment as a punishment, not even in cases of high treason.

A growing trend

Banishment is not something taken lightly in Indian Country, said Steffani Cochran, an Albuquerque attorney specializing in Indian law and a member of the Chickasaw Nation.

Typically, a tribe will exclude a violent criminal offender, said Cochran, who wasnt familiar with the Namb e case when contacted by the Journal this week. Its not something thats ever willy-nilly; its an extreme measure to take. Sometimes its for a period of time, or it could be forever.

Cochran said that, in her 25 years practicing Indian law in New Mexico, she can count on one hand the number of banishment cases shes run across. But, elsewhere, tribes have been turning to it more and more, both for tribal and non-tribal members.

Its part of the larger picture of dealing with the more recent heroin and meth problems that have cropped up  an initial movement was to try to keep controlled substances from coming onto the reservation, Cochran said. The real big picture is that only recently have tribes gained jurisdiction under the Violence Against Women Act.

An online search turns up dozens of instances of tribes using banishment in recent years.

Indian Country Today reported that, as of July 2014, the Fond du Lac Reservation in Minnesota banished or excluded (the term applied to non-tribal members) 77 people, almost all of them for violent crimes or drug activity, since July 2001. Forty-six of them were non-tribal members. The other 31, including three minors, were banished from the reservation, but retained their tribal membership.

One Feather, a Cherokee Nation-owned newspaper, last year published the names of 62 people banished from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina since 2000.

Most of them were outsiders banned for drug or sexual offenses, according to the report. The tribe justified cases of banishment when necessary to protect the integrity and law and order on Tribal lands and territory or the welfare of its members.

Similarly, the Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in northern Wisconsin published on its website the names of the dozens of people it has banished.

Other media reports note that tribes in North and South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Michigan and Alaska have passed similar resolutions for the stated purpose of protecting tribal members.

One criticism of the practice is that banishing violent offenders and drug abusers only pushes the problem off the reservation and onto somebody else.

One New Mexico instance of banishment that gained media attention was the case of Tito Naranjo, a member of Santa Clara Pueblo married to a woman from Taos Pueblo. He was banished from Taos Pueblo after an essay he wrote about Taos Pueblos deer dance was published in a local newspaper in 2003.

Taos Pueblo said Naranjo, a professor of Native American studies at the University of New Mexico at Taos, was never given permission to write about the dance, traditionally performed at Christmas time, and had used it for personal gain. The pueblos order of exclusion stated that he had caused irreparable harm to the sensible nature of the religious activity through exploitation.

No notice required

The criminal complaint filed against Romero by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Northern Pueblo Agency states that, on March 7, about a month after Nambe Pueblos tribal council passed the resolution to exclude him, he was found at a residence on County Road 84F within the pueblos boundaries, was presented with the banishment and exclusion order, and escorted off the reservation.

The resolution identified that address as the home of George Anaya. His relationship to Romero is not clear and efforts to reach Anaya by phone were unsuccessful.

However, jail records show that Romeros wife, Jeanette, had been booked under the name Jeanette Anaya before they were married.

Romero was found at that same residence three times in April and each time was ordered to leave the pueblo, according to the complaint.

Then, on June 13, Romeros wifes sister called BIA to ask them to escort her to the same residence so she could pick up her 10-month-old nephew, apparently Romeros son.

Steve Romero was holding the baby when law enforcement officials came to arrest him. He was taken into custody without incident.

Court records show that both Steve and Jeanette Romero have been arrested multiple times for a wide variety of offenses, including shoplifting and drug possession. A record from September of 2013 indicates Jeanette Romero filed for divorce, but the motion was denied in district court.

Steve Romeros attorney said the denial could suggest the court didnt have jurisdiction  that would have been the case if the two were married on tribal land.

Attorney L. Darlene Weed, assigned to represent Romero in the case last week, told the Journal she couldnt say much about it.

Im still waiting for discovery for more details of the case, said Weed, who added that shes never handled a case quite like this one before. Tribes have their own laws and it appears that banishment doesnt require any notice.

Weed said that Romero admitted to using heroin in the past and was on methadone at the time he was arrested.
The contraption he built looks a little like something you might see from The Nutty Professor.

But Marvin Rowe is no nut. That machine he built, and what its used for, helped Rowe win the prestigious Fryxell Award for Interdisciplinary Research from the Society of American Archeology two years ago.

We call the process Low Energy Plasma Radiocarbon Sampling, said New Mexicos state archeologist Eric Blinman, who credits Rowe with inventing the process. But a lot of people just refer to this as Marvins Machine.'

The process is important because, unlike other methods of radiocarbon dating that destroy the sample being tested, LEPRS preserves it. It also works on tiny samples  even a flake of ink or paint  and is considered a more accurate means of dating.

With standard radiocarbon dating, theres a risk of contamination of carbonates. They have to use acids and, within that process, you lose a large part of your sample and you destroy it, Blinman explained. But we now have the ability to date incredibly small amounts of carbon  40-100 millionths of a gram  and that is the real revolutionary aspect of this. And the ancillary part of that is its non-destructive.

Thats important to Nancy Akins, a research associate with the Office of Archaeological Studies, who in February was having a bison tooth and sheep bone tested by Marvins Machine. The items were excavated from the site of a rock shelter in Coyote Canyon north of Mora.

It could be 500 years old or it could be 5,000 years old, she said of the bison tooth, the result allowing her to complete her report of the site that shes determined to have been used by humans as a hunting outpost starting 1,700 years ago.

Im just waiting on the dates, because itll change everything if we get dates where I can actually say, OK, thats what the sheep bones date to and thats what the bison dates to. It tells us an awful lot about how they were using the land on the east side of the Sangre de Cristos.

Because a lot of that part of New Mexico is private property or under land grants, such finds as the one in Coyote Canyon are rare, she said.

Unless theres a road or something, we dont have any information at all. This is one of the very, very few sites in Mora County that have been excavated, she said of the site reported by the state Department of Transportation.

And when she gets her answers and completes her report, shell still have the bison tooth and sheep bone.

One of a kind

Rowe won his Fryxell Award based in his prominent role in developing methods for rock art dating and minimally-destructive dating of fragile organic artifacts, as well as his scientific analysis, scholarship and student training, according to the SAA website.

The achievement has been decades in the making. Rowe and two colleagues at Texas A&Ms Department of Chemistry built the first plasma dating machine in 1990 while exploring ways to extract organic carbon from pictograph samples.

Other people have been successful dating charcoal paintings, Rowe explained. But, in the United States at least, most of the paintings are not charcoal. Most of them that Ive encountered are inorganic pigments and thats where the importance of the small sample comes in.

Blinman adds that, under the best of circumstances, standard radiocarbon dating requires 30 milligrams of carbon. Rock art pigments dont have that much carbon in them. But Marvins Machine can date material 100 millionths of a gram or less.

Blinman said the processs capability to date very small samples would allow, for instance, determination of the age of the ink on a Chinese text written on bamboo. The people who will fake texts can get their hands on old bamboo, he said. Normal carbon-dating cant date the ink because it requires too large a sample. We can flake off a piece and date it, Blinman said. If the ink is old, then its real.

Rowe is probably the worlds foremost authority on radiocarbon rock art dating. He says much of what he learned was by trial and error. In fact, the first machine he and his Texas A&M colleagues built caught fire and was destroyed.

Currently, there are only three LEPRS machines in existence  one in Michigan and one in Arkansas, both procured by former students of Rowe  but the one at the lab located at the New Mexico Office of Archeological Studies off N.M. 599 in south Santa Fe is the most sophisticated.

Marvin has learned so much from the previous two (machines) about their construction and their use that when we offered him space and the opportunity to build one here, it was sort of like he was able to do all the things he sort of wanted to do, but couldnt under the circumstances of the research at Texas A&M, said Blinman.

Using plasma to scrub artifacts

Traditional carbon dating estimates age based on content of carbon-14 (C-14), a naturally occurring, radioactive form of carbon, and requires destruction of an object. A piece of an organic object  a bone fragment or weaving, for example  is washed with acid at high temperature to remove impurities and then burned in a chamber.

The carbon dioxide gas produced is run through an accelerator mass spectrometer, which measures the decay of radioactive carbon 14  the more the carbon 14 has decayed, the older the object is. Comparisons are also made with the amounts of C-14 expected to have existed in the atmosphere in the past.

Blinman explained that Rowes alternative process is based on plasmas  ionized gas made up of groups of positively and negatively charged particles, and one of the four fundamental states of matter, alongside solid, liquid and gas. Plasmas are used in television displays and in florescent lights, which use electricity to excite gas and create glowing plasma.

In Rowes non-destructive method, an entire artifact goes into in a vacuum chamber with a plasma. The gas gently scrubs or oxidizes the surface of the object to produce carbon dioxide  CO2  for the C-14 analysis, without damaging the artifact.

We can energize the plasmas so that they are really hot, but we can also tune them down so they are extremely gentle, Blinman said as Rowe and his crew fired up their machine to test the bison tooth and sheep bone.

He showed a picture of a turkey feather that had been tested and hardly looks ruffled. The experience of the artifact is no different than your body temperature or, worst case, Phoenix on a summer day, he said.

The plasmas in Rowes machine are generated with radio frequencies, rather than electricity, and work like a cleaning agent to scrub off the CO2.

We have to use the ultra pure gases because any contamination from modern, atmospheric CO2 is going to screw up the data. So he has bled off high-purity oxygen into a reservoir that we will then tap as we generate plasmas, Blinman said.

And whats unique about Marvins Machine is that it has five chambers, so multiple samples can be tested at once. That helps our efficiency somewhat, Rowe said. To my knowledge, nobody has gotten more than one plasma running at one time.

The Archaeology Institute of Americas Archaeology magazine named Rowes non-destructive dating method one of the Top 10 discoveries of 2010. It noted that he has refined the method to work on objects coated in sticky hydrocarbons, such as the resins that cover Egyptian mummy gauze.

Archaeologists, meanwhile, are hailing the discovery as one of the most important in decades, particularly for issues surrounding the repatriation of human remains from Native American burials, which modern tribes dont want to see harmed, said the magazine.

Answers raise other questions

Fast forward a few months from Rowes demonstration for the Journal and the results are in. Blinman explains that, after the samples went through Marvins Machine, the results were sent to a lab in Zurich, Switzerland, for analysis.

There are very few radiocarbon labs that will direct date carbon dioxide gas, he said. Other labs would turn it into graphite and that could add potential error to the system.

The bottom line is that the bison tooth is most likely from between 530 and 685 AD, with 650 AD considered the mean average.

Its one of the earlier dates we have from that site, said Akins, who now has most of the answers she needs to complete her report on the Coyote Canyon rock shelter. But it doesnt answer all the questions.

Whats curious, she said, was that theres bison tooth found there at all. The location is not a spot where buffalo would roam, so it was most likely brought there.

But why? If it were carried in as food supply, why werent there more buffalo bones found there? And why bring the head, from which little meat can be extracted?

Ceremonialism is a pretty strong thing, she said, purely speculating it could have been used for ceremonial purposes. She noted that deer heads have been found in kivas that date to later times.

And who brought it there in the first place?

Thats a good question, Akins said. Back that early, we just dont know.

It could have been early Tewa people or nomadic groups coming in from the plains to escape the heat, she said, but theres no way of knowing. That early, we dont put a label on it.

The date returned on the sheep bone was a disappointment. It most likely is from the 1930s.

What we were looking for there was something from the late 1800s or early 1900s, she said.

The results suggest that people were still herding sheep in the area in the 1930s, but sheep herders probably didnt eat their own sheep, she said.

Marvins Machine and the Low Energy Plasma Radiocarbon Sampling process doesnt answer every question and sometimes raises more questions. But it can bring us closer to understanding our past.

If you dont really care about ordering history, you dont care about dating, Blinman said. But if you want to order history, or you want to establish big-picture views about climate change and the extinction of Ice Age mammals and fauna, then this is one of the best tools we have available to us.
ALAMOGORDO  Southern New Mexico Festival of Quilts, hosted by First National Bank, starts today and will bring a weekend full of art to Otero County.

The Southern New Mexico Festival of Quilts began as a cooperative effort with Pam Holland, an international textile artist, quilt teacher, photographer, author and lecturer from Australia.

In 2010, Holland was in Alamogordo visiting longtime friend Lisa Blevins and agreed to attend a watercolor class with her. After viewing Hollands photography and inspired quilts, the class agreed that they would take a look at quilting as art.

After Hollands presentation, Rainee Mackewich who was among the artists, invited Holland to be a guest speaker at a First National Bank sponsored Lunch and Learn program. Hollands textile art created such a sensation that Mackewich invited Holland to come back for a second time to be a guest speaker. From there, the idea evolved to create the Southern New Mexico Festival of Quilts.

We envisioned this as a one time event but there was so much interest in the first year that Pam committed herself to keep doing this, Mackewich said. Her only requirement was that the money raised go back to the children of Otero County.

In its seventh year, the Southern New Mexico Festival of Quilts will bring back crowd favorites such as vendors from the quilting and crafts world as well as classes with Holland and Sue Rasmussen.

Theres limited seating but we do have some open spaces, Mackewich said.

New to the festival is a 22-piece exhibition of quilts, brought to Alamogordo by Quilters New Mexico, currently in the middle of an international tour.

Its going from Mexico to Alamogordo on to France and then to Russia, Mackewich said. Its the Mayan Creation of Art and Science, which ties into what the kids are doing with STEM.

Activities at the festival for children will include a robot building class.

Theyll learn how to make a robot with fabric, which ties into the STEM program.

The festival will benefit the ThunderDogs, a STEM team from Alamogordo High School, which is raising money to purchase two sewing machines for the 4H club.

Air conditioners will be running, theres going to be a full food court and antique cars will be out front, Mackewich said. Its a great place to bring the family  itll be affordable and interactive.

The festival will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Otero County Fairgrounds, 401 Fairgrounds Road. Tickets are $5 per day or $7 for a two-day pass.
Its kind of a cheesy donation, but thats a good thing.

Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico has received a donation of 40,000 pounds of reduced-fat macaroni and cheese entrees with whole grain from the Land O Lakes food company, based in St. Paul, Minn.

The donation of 4,000 10-pound frozen bags was unloaded from a semitractor-trailer Thursday, where forklifts shuttled the pallets into Roadrunners 300,000-square-foot walk-in cooler/freezer.

The large mac and cheese donation is enough to provide 33,000 individual meals, according to Land O Lakes spokeswoman Rebecca Lentz. She declined to say what the retail or wholesale value of the donation was.

This is very exciting, said Roadrunner executive director Melody Wattenbarger. Were thrilled to have it. We dont have large-scale manufacturing in New Mexico for these kinds of products, so we dont get them very often in these quantities. Getting a very large donation of an entree item like this allows us to offer all of our partners around the state a share of it.

New Mexico continues to rank high among all other states for hunger, Wattenbarger said. Being second in the nation for childhood hunger means we must do more. With donations like this one from Land OLakes, we are able to distribute more food to families with children in need.

Dixie Long, a local customer service representative for WinField Solutions, which is owned by Land O Lakes, said this was the companys first donation to Roadrunner, but its 102nd donation of various products to food banks around the country. Since 2010, she said, those donations have totaled 3.5 million pounds of food.

While other food companies also make large donations, Long said, those products are often nearing the end of their shelf life. The donations from Land O Lakes are all first-run production items, she said.
The Downs at Albuquerque, with its refurbished facility and the dawn of night racing in Albuquerque, begins its 2016 season Saturday.

The racetrack has already seen a boost in the number of trainers who want to come here. Now the Downs hopes fans will follow suit.

Horsemen Richard Roybal and Joe Ray Chavez think they will.

I believe, with what they have done to the grandstand, it will be a real attraction and crowd-pleaser, said Chavez, a member of the Downs at Albuquerque horsemens committee.

Roybal, who is on the New Mexico Horsemens Association state board, said: I think were going to have a good meet. (The grandstand improvements are) very impressive. I think its going to bring in a lot more people to the venue.

Track owner Paul Blanchard has spent millions  he declined to say how much  in revamping the facility, hoping to attract fans.

Weve got to generate excitement about this sport with younger people, Blanchard said.

The removal of the large glass panes that covered the grandstand should add to the atmosphere.

Chavez said there was a lot of discussion about night racing.

All the pros and cons, he said, but almost everyone was very positive.

He said it may take a race or two for horses to adjust to running under the stars.

Other than that, the adjustments will be minimal, Chavez said.

Roybal is a bit more cautious.

We havent tried night racing, Roybal said. Im not sure how thats going to work for all of us. There are a few concerns by some people.

Still, the track received more than 4,000 racehorse applications for its 1,440 stalls.

Downs general manager Don Cook is confident it will work.

Racing throughout the country, at best, is level, Cook said. Were thinking this is going to give us a shot in the arm.

The 2016 Downs at Albuquerque meet runs Saturday through Sept. 25.

Night racing will be featured on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with a first post time of 6:05 p.m. There will also be night racing on July 4 and Sept. 12. Post time for the last race on night cards will be about 9:50 p.m.

Sundays will have a 1:30 p.m. post time.

During the State Fair, racing will shift to the day from Sept. 13-17.

About 700 lights will flood the track. Cook said backup lights would cover about 30 percent of what the regular lights do. That likely would be enough for horses to pull up and get safely off the track should the main lights go off during a race.

The Downs has added more security personnel and surveillance cameras.

Bench seating is free on the first and second floors. Admission to the Turf Club is $10. The ground-floor VIP room, which features a bar, costs $5, but is included in the cost of the Turf Club. The Jockey Club, which is nearly sold out, is membership only.

We went from not having a nice seat in the house to not having a bad seat, Cook said.

A 48-foot Jumbotron will provide race coverage, and LED lighting has been added to the infield tote board.

There will also be tellers outside on the ground floor. There are 45 self-serve tote machines throughout the building.

A patio bar overlooks the saddling paddock, which features amphitheater seating.

Its going to be a great place to watch racing, Blanchard said.

The outside apron on the ground floor has been raised 2 feet to the level of the racetrack surface. The winners circle has moved just south from where it used to be.

Cook said not one penny of state money was used on the improvements.

The track will hand out about $170,000 a day in purse money this meet.

The Downs is open 365 days a year because of simulcast races it brings in from around the world.

With the addition of night racing, Albuquerques signal will now be sent to 245 tracks worldwide, up about 100 percent. That should boost future purse money even higher.

There will be four races worth $200,000 or more on Sept. 25, including a quarter horse futurity the track hopes to build into a Grade I race.

Atillas Gift is the 4-1 favorite for Saturdays opening feature  the 7-furlong, $60,000 O.D. McDonald Stakes. Atillas Gift won the Jack Cole Stakes at Sunray Park last month.

Saturday

Downs at Albuquerque Post time: 6:05 p.m. Admission: Free for first- and second-floor benches VIP room $5 Turf Club $10 Parking: Free at the Louisiana Blvd. south entrance

Meet runs through Sept. 25 Night racing: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays (except certain dates during the State Fair), first post 6:05 p.m. Day racing: Sundays, first post 1:30 p.m.
WASHINGTON  The Republican chairwoman of a congressional panel examining the fetal tissue research industry has asked New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas to investigate whether the transfer of aborted fetuses to the University of New Mexico from an Albuquerque abortion clinic violates state law.

Rep. Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican who is chairwoman of the U.S. House Select Panel on Infant Lives, said Thursday that UNM Health Sciences Center and Southwestern Womens Options appear to be in violation of a New Mexico law called The Jonathan Spradling Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, or Spradling Act. A Health Sciences spokesman disputed Blackburns position.

Southwestern Womens Options  one of the nations few providers of both early and late-term abortions  provides UNM with tissue from aborted fetuses for medical research. The Albuquerque clinic and UNMHSC officials contend the fetal tissue transfer is legal and integral to the study of human diseases.

Lawyers working for Blackburn on the Select Panel on Infant Lives interpret the 2007 Spradling Act, which establishes state law on the donation of body parts such as kidneys for medical purposes, as allowing for the donation or transfer of stillbirth fetuses and fetuses resulting from miscarriages. They cite a clause that says not including a fetus that is the subject of an induced abortion as prohibiting the transfer of human remains in such cases.

Documentation obtained by the panel in the course of our investigation reflects the transfer of fetal tissue from Southwestern Womens Options and the University of New Mexico for research purposes is a systematic violation of New Mexicos Spradling Act, Blackburn said in a statement. These violations occurred as UNM personnel procured fetal tissue from patients at Southwestern Womens Options for use by UNM entities for research.

But UNMHSC spokesman Billy Sparks said the section of the law the panel cites actually provides for the fetal tissue transfer. Sparks said UNM was profoundly disappointed by Blackburns assertion.

We categorically deny the chairs assertions in every respect, Sparks said. The University of New Mexico and its medical providers are committed to complying with all federal and state laws, rules and regulations. This includes the New Mexico Jonathan Spradling Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. This act only applies to decedents. The act specifically excludes fetuses from induced abortions from the definition of decedents.

In other words, contrary to Chairman Blackburns assertions, this act does not apply to fetuses from pregnancies that may have been terminated at Southwestern Womens Options, Sparks said. Additionally, UNM has never paid for this tissue  it has been provided free to the University of New Mexico for medical research.

The section of the New Mexico law that both Sparks and Blackburn are citing is found in the definitions part of the law.

It says:  Decedent means a deceased individual whose body or part is or may be the source of an anatomical gift. Decedent includes a stillborn infant and, subject to restrictions imposed by law other than the Jonathan Spradling Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, a fetus but not including a fetus that is the subject of an induced abortion.

The panels lawyers told the Journal it is unclear how a violation of the New Mexico state law is classified, but said similar laws in other states define misdemeanors.

Balderas spokesman James Hallinan said the attorney general has received the letter but declined to comment in detail.

We can confirm the Office of the Attorney General has received a public referral and this matter is under review, Hallinan said. All complaints received by the Office of the Attorney General are fully reviewed and appropriate action is taken.

Running battle

The panel is locked in a monthslong legal battle with UNMs Health Sciences Center and the Albuquerque abortion clinic stemming from the fetal tissue donations. The panel has subpoenaed hundreds of pages of records and documents from both.

UNMHSC and Southwestern Womens Options have turned over some of the documents but have redacted names of doctors, researchers and others, citing concerns for their safety. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, the top Democrat on the panel, has characterized the panels inquiry as a partisan witch hunt and asked that it be disbanded.

Under federal law, abortion providers cant sell fetal tissue, but they can transfer it for purposes of medical research. Abortion providers are permitted to recover the cost of processing and shipping the tissue, although those costs are not specified or capped in law.

The New Mexico state law referenced by Blackburn on Thursday is named for Jonathan Spradling, who died in 2001 at age 23 during a single-car crash in Los Lunas. The statute was designed to address organ shortages by authorizing additional ways to donate organs, eyes and tissue for medical and research purposes.

Rep. Steve Pearce, a New Mexico Republican, is not on the panel. But he told the Journal on Thursday that he has tried to mediate the dispute and encouraged Health Sciences Center officials to cooperate more readily with the congressional inquiry.

From my perspective, we want the research for kids health  everyone wants their kids to be healthy  but we also feel like the research ought to be falling within the guidelines, Pearce said. What I dont want is a black eye for our state or the university.
LOS LUNAS  The Los Lunas Village Council on Thursday voted unanimously to authorize $5 billion in industrial revenue bonds  the first of a possible six totaling $30 billion  for the benefit of a data storage company, Greater Kudu, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

The council approved the bond ordinance by a 4-0 vote.

Los Lunas Mayor Charles Griego said the company would provide between 30 and 50 high-paying starting with phase one and hopefully, will be creating a lot of spin-off businesses. And about 200 to 300 construction jobs would be ongoing over a period of five to seven years if all six stages proceed, according to reports during the meeting.

Greater Kudu, a subsidiary of a larger, undisclosed company, is considering constructing and equipping a data storage facility in one of two locations: Los Lunas or another site outside the state. Data storage is like cloud storage, a huge network of computers storing digital information.

Griego said he did not know the identity of Greater Kudus parent company, and that the information would not be disclosed before the council vote. Griego acknowledged the IRB proposal contained lot of zeroes and relatively limited information about the companies in question, but said that if the IRBs are authorized and Los Lunas is chosen for the plant, there is no liability to the village.

The debt is a debt of the borrower, Greater Kudu, LLC, not of the village, the mayor said. We would hold title to the property subject to a lease agreement that would be back to Greater Kudu. At the end of that 30-year payment period, the title goes back to them. It allows for property tax abatement on Kudus end.

The name of the parent company will be disclosed before there is any signing of the IRB documents, said Village Administrator Gregory Martin.

The company would secure its own financing, and the village would act as a conduit for the funds and be vested with the title.

Greater Kudu was a client of Albuquerque Economic Development Inc., which brought the opportunity to the village. AED President Gary Tonjes said he could not comment about it at this time.

Mayor Griego said the village has been working with AED for a few months and that the state Economic Development Department also is involved.

Angela Heisel, the departments spokeswoman, said the department could not yet disclose anything about the states involvement in the project.

We have no comment at this time, Heisel said.

There will be an announcement in the future, but I think the company is very concerned as to their identity being released prematurely, Griego said.
Members of Albuquerques immigrant community and representative organizations, including the New Mexico Asian Family Center, spoke out against Thursdays Supreme Court deadlock, which they say affects about 36,000 families.

During a spirited news conference hosted by El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos, or The Center for Equality and Rights, the same messages were delivered repeatedly: criticism of Republican senators refusal to allow a vote on President Obamas nominee for the Supreme Court; that politicians who fought against immigration reform will hear from the Hispanic community in November; that the Thursday decision will be overcome; and that immigrants are here and they intend to stay.

Bertha Campos, a mother and owner of a business, said Thursdays news is only another demonstration of the anti-immigrant politics that continue to surge in our country.

State Rep. Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, said the decision was an indication of a broken Washington and Republican obstructionism in Congress.

Andrea Plaza, executive director of Encuentro, which works with immigrants on education, language and workforce skills, said the deadlock will have a big economic impact on the state, where immigrants are twice as likely as U.S.-born citizens to start businesses.

Reaction from NM leaders

I am extremely disappointed that because Senate Republicans have obstructed the confirmation of a Supreme Court justice, our nations highest court is hobbled and unable to function properly.  Today, the deadlocked court was only able to issue a one-sentence 4-4 decision on an issue of great significance to our nation, keeping millions of people in ongoing legal purgatory.

 U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.

Today, the United States Supreme Court upheld that President Obamas action on immigration was against the law. It is truly unfortunate the president would rather act alone, without authority, than to work with Congress to find common sense solutions to our broken immigration system that we can all agree upon. His actions now call into question the safety, security, and well-being of almost 700,000 people that believed the presidents smoke and mirrors executive action.

 U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M.

The deadlocked Supreme Court position is very concerning since it means that families will continue to be torn apart by our broken immigration system and millions will have to continue living in the shadows. It is clear that Congress needs to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

 U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M.

As the governor said before, the president never had the authority to issue this type of executive action. Rather than deliver on his promise to work in a bipartisan way and pass comprehensive immigration reform his first year, when he had complete control of Congress, the president did nothing for years and then tried waving around a magic pen to give de facto citizenship to millions of illegal immigrants.

 Michael Lonergan,

spokesman for Republican Gov. Susana Martinez
FOR THE RECORD: This story about the indictment of James Logan for alleged fraud quoted from a Department of Regulation and Licensing news release that identified Logan as a clinical psychologist. According to state records, he is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in New Mexico.

Two Albuquerque health providers, a married couple, have been indicted for defrauding a 91-year-old Albuquerque woman of over half a million dollars, according to the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.

James Logan, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, and his wife Claire, a registered nurse, are medical providers for the victims son. They are accused of using their relationship with him to defraud the victim a department news release said.

James Logan, 67, faces a 72-count indictment alleging fraud, embezzlement, tax fraud, attempt to evade and defeat tax, money laundering, and acting as an unlicensed investment adviser.

Claire Logan, 65, faces a 24-count indictment on charges of fraud, tax fraud, conspiracy to commit embezzlement, conspiracy to commit fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

This is the first time the charge of acting as an unlicensed investment adviser has been alleged in New Mexico.

The Logans are accused of depositing over $550,000, of the victims money into their personal accounts over a 2-1/2-year period.

These are the worst kind of bad actors, said Mike Unthank, superintendent of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. We will not let those who take advantage of our most vulnerable populations go unpunished.

James Logan is also facing tax evasion charges for failing to pay gross receipts tax in connection to earnings at his business, Sandia Counseling Center, Inc.
Slice Parlor has delivered a dose of its New York pizza to the Northeast Heights.

The local pizzeria this week opened its newest location at 9904 Montgomery NE, a redevelopment project also set to include a Marble Brewery taproom.

Slice first opened its doors in 2011 in Nob Hill, serving New York-style pizza by the slice and by the pie. Its business model includes running food to customers at the nearby Tractor Brewing Co. taproom.

Adam Moffett, who owns Slice with Doug Crowder, said expanding to the Heights was the next, logical step for the company, and setting up shop next to Marble feels especially right.

I think its a good pairing, he said. I feel like were pretty serious about our pizza. I truly feel we have the best New York-style pizza in town, and Marble is one of the best (breweries) in town. I feel like its a good, compatible fit.

Slices Heights store can seat about 100, including the patio. It will carry the same menu as its original location but have a lengthier wine list to go with the 24 beers it will have on tap.

Slice and Marble will occupy what was once a post office recently redeveloped by Coe & Peterson. The companys Tenee Swingle is currently marketing the buildings remaining 2,000-square-foot spot.

Work continues on the Marble taproom, which will also have a pilot brewery for specialty and experimental beers. President Ted Rice said it could open as early as next month.

Slice opens at 11 a.m. daily and serves until 11 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 p.m. Sundays.
SANTA FE  The U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to investigate the state Human Services Departments management of a food assistance program, according to the office of U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M.

The investigation follows allegations that HSD employees added false information to applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Gilbert Gallegos, a spokesman for Lujan Grisham, said Friday that the congresswomans office was told by USDAs Office of Inspector General that it will look into the allegations.

Gallegos said USDA didnt provide a timetable or other details.

A spokesman for the Human Services Department, Kyler Nerison, said HSD officials havent been informed of a USDA investigation.

Last week, all five members of New Mexicos congressional delegation asked the USDAs Office of the Inspector General to look into the matter. A high-level USDA official also requested a probe, saying the allegations represent potential criminal activities.

A union representing HSD workers who administer the federally funded food assistance program told the USDA in April that there was a statewide policy of adding false asset information to case files, which would have meant applicants were denied emergency food aid. Former and current HSD workers also have testified in federal court hearings about the alleged practice.

The HSD has been conducting its own investigation and is scheduled to file a report in U.S. District Court next week.
HOUSTON  A Texas energy company CEO dubbed the frack master is charged with defrauding investors of about $80 million, including misappropriating at least $30 million for personal expenses, including private jets and gentlemens clubs, to maintain a lifestyle of decadence and debauchery, according to a lawsuit filed Friday by federal regulators.

In its lawsuit, the Securities and Exchange Commission accuses Chris Faulkner, CEO of Dallas-based Breitling Energy Corp., of orchestrating a scheme in which he and others misled investors about oil-and-gas working interests sold by Breitling Energy and three affiliated companies.

The lawsuit, filed in Dallas federal court, also alleges Faulkner manipulated Breitling Energys stock price after it began falling in late 2014, when oil prices started dropping.

Chris Faulkner allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated and multilayered scheme using (Breitling Energy) and its affiliated entities as a conduit to access millions of investor dollars, Shamoil T. Shipchandler, regional director of the SECs Fort Worth office, said in a statement. The financing for Faulkners opulent lifestyle came directly at the expense of unwitting investors across the country.

The SEC said Faulkner, who hasnt been criminally charged, used investors funds to pay for extravagant charges on his credit cards, including more than $950,000 to Status Luxury Group, Faulkners personal concierge company, for private entertainment, and more than $220,000 for private jet carriers.

Faulkner also used one company card, which he dubbed his whore card, to charge more than $1 million for personal travel, expenses for personal escorts and gentlemens clubs, including spending nearly $40,000 at one Dallas club over four days in July 2014, the SEC said in its lawsuit.

Faulkner  has misappropriated at least $30 million in investor funds to maintain a lifestyle of decadence and debauchery, the SEC said in its lawsuit.

Larry Friedman, Faulkners attorney, said the SECs allegations are not accurate and theyre not true.

Friedman said part of Faulkners efforts to woo investors included spending money on lavish meals, including paying for $1,300 bottles of wine and $200 steaks.

Thats the cost of doing business when youre raising millions of dollars from these investors, and the interesting thing is the investors have no complaint, Friedman said. They got their project, they got their returns, and theyre happy. Its some bureaucrat that doesnt like the idea that somebody ordered a $200 steak.

Friedman denied Faulkner ever used investor funds to pay for strip clubs and escorts or that he misled investors or that he manipulated his companys stock price.

Friedman alleged Breitling Energys competitors are behind the lawsuit, claiming they are envious of Faulkners high profile and many appearances as an expert in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, on various cable news networks.

Everybody is competing for the same dollars, and this gives the competitors an edge to say, The SEC is looking into this company and theyre not looking into my company,' he said.

Breitling Energy will continue operating while the lawsuit is pending, Friedman said.

In its lawsuit, the SEC charged Faulkner with violations of antifraud, reporting, record-keeping and internal controls provisions of federal securities laws. It also accused him of lying to auditors and violating certification provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, a law that reshaped corporate oversight after accounting scandals in 2001-2002 at Enron, WorldCom and other major corporations. Faulkner is also accused of fraud violations related to stock manipulation.

Seven current and ex-employees of Breitling Energy and Faulkners affiliated companies are also accused by the SEC of various violations.

___

Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter at www.twitter.com/juanlozano70
The new Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces is gearing up for its first class of 162 students.

The colleges $35 million, 80,000-square-foot building is now complete, with furniture scheduled for move-in this month, Burrells founding dean and chief academic officer, George Mychaskiw, said this week.

We got the certificate of occupancy this week, he told the New Mexico Biotechnology Association at a presentation in Albuquerque. All employees will move in by July 18, and Aug. 8 begins the first day of orientation for students. Hard-core classes will start Aug. 13.

The college, located on seven acres at New Mexico State Universitys Arrowhead Research Park, is New Mexicos first private medical school, and only the second in the state after the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

Burrell is entirely financed by private investors, led by Santa Fe businessman Dan Burrell in partnership with the Rice Management Co., which oversees Rice Universitys $5.6 billion endowment fund. Although most public attention has centered on Burrell, a well-known real estate mogul, Rice Management is actually the majority investor in the project, estimated to cost a total of $105 million, Mychaskiw said.

The new building provides state-of-the-art training facilities. That includes an anatomy center with a small dissection lab, plus large, virtual anatomy rooms equipped with three-dimensional imaging technology for students to gain experience with MRI, CT scans and ultrasound.

Theres also a simulation center with seven rooms, each one equipped with robotic mannequins that speak, breathe, drool and even bleed.

The training clinic, with 10 patient exam rooms, will include local actors on call to mimic real-life medical situations. Some will speak only Spanish or Navajo to reflect the realities of border communities or clinics near Native American reservations. In fact, medical Spanish studies are part of the college curriculum, Mychaskiw said.

The school received 5,000 student applications this year. Eventually, it expects to admit 300 students annually for a total of 1,200 in the four-year college.

About 25 percent of those selected this year come from New Mexico and the border region. Many are minorities. That can help encourage graduates to practice medicine in the region, since people from here who identify with local culture are more likely to stay after graduating.

The college expects many students from elsewhere to also end up settling here. The school has established partnerships with 35 hospitals and clinics in New Mexico, surrounding states and northern Mexico, where students will shadow doctors in their junior and senior years. And many will be offered residency opportunities there after graduation.

That could encourage them to dig roots here, helping to solve some of the critical physician shortages New Mexico faces, said Dr. Daniel Armistead, chief medical officer at La Clinica de Familia in Las Cruces, which is partnering with Burrell.

When health care providers do undergraduate work and residency in the same geographic area, they are much more likely to stay in that area, Armistead said.

By shadowing doctors at La Clinica de Familias rural community health centers in southern New Mexico, theyll get real-life perspectives on local reality, said La Clinica CEO Suzan Martinez de Gonzales.

Theyll get exposed to the challenges our patients have accessing care, Martinez said. Traditionally, medical students (get experience) in hospitals. Were trying to move more of that out to clinics in the community.
CHEYENNE, Wyo.  A federal judge on Friday ordered a second Colorado man to serve three years of supervised probation for his involvement in operating an unregistered airplane that police seized two years ago in Cody, Wyoming.

U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Gilbert Wayne Wiles Jr., 38, of Denver, imposing one more year of probation than Wiles attorney had requested.

Wiles pleaded guilty in April to a felony charge of aiding and abetting the operation of an unregistered airplane. Prosecutors on Friday dropped another charge of conspiracy to operate an unregistered airplane against him.

Johnson on Wednesday had sentenced co-defendant Scott Michael Lewis, 37, of Englewood, Colorado, to three years of supervised probation on his conviction of operating an unregistered airplane.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in Wyoming charged Wiles and Lewis in January  nearly two years after authorities in Cody seized a Cessna airplane that they had flown into the local airport. Police also seized over $250,000 cash from their hotel room.

The police action followed a tip from a worker at Yellowstone Regional Airport who reported that the men appeared suspicious after they landed there on Feb. 27, 2014, according to court records. The worker told police the pilot didnt radio the airport before landing and sunshades were lowered over the windows even though the plane was about to be stored in a hangar.

A police officer testified earlier this year at a suppression hearing that a drug dog alerted to the plane but no drugs were found. The officer said he interpreted the dogs actions to mean the plane had been used for transporting drugs in the past.

Authorities have alleged that Wiles paid someone in Texas $130,000 cash in 2013 for the 1968 Cessna TU-206 Super Skywagon. Prosecutors have said Wiles instructed the seller to make out the bill of sale to a limited liability company incorporated in New Mexico.

The single-propeller high-wing plane had been flying under visual flight rules, meaning no flight plan had to be filed. Wiles had told people who serviced the plane that he and Lewis were working for an aerial photography business, prosecutors have alleged.

Kip Crofts, U.S. attorney for Wyoming, informed Lewis in November that he was the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Homeland Security Department involving allegations of federal crimes including conspiracy to distribute marijuana, money laundering, identity theft and operation of an unregistered aircraft, court records show. However, the charges that Crofts office filed early this year didnt allege any violation of drug laws.

Both Wiles and Lewis stipulated that they gave up any claim to the airplane as part of their recent plea agreements. Lewis has asserted a claim to the cash in a separate civil forfeiture case thats also pending before Johnson. Lewis lawyer has stated in court filings that the funds were from unspecified legitimate activities.

In sentencing both Wiles and Lewis this week, Johnson remarked that little information had come out at their plea and sentencing hearings to explain how the men came to be flying an airplane hauling over a quarter-million in cash at an airport in northern Wyoming. The judge said law enforcement has documented the plane made trips to California, Oregon, Minnesota and Illinois.

This case is still one that is largely surrounded by mystery, Johnson said Friday.
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Marcum, the national accounting and advisory services firm, announced this week their first annualMarcum Womens Forum, entitled "Safe And Sound: Smart Choices for Savvy Women," being held September 26, 2016, in New York City.

The event will primarily focus on personal security and health issues for executive women. Notably, environmental activist Erin Brockovich will deliver the keynote address at the half-day breakfast event at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

"Women account for over $7 trillion of consumer and business spending, and generally speaking, were the ones doing the purchasing for our families," said Rorrie Gregorio, partner-in-charge of the Marcum Family Office Practice group, per a statement. "Also dangerous are the unrecognized risks women face when traveling alone. Our goal in presenting this forum is to educate more women about how to make smart decisions for the safety and health of themselves and their families."

The agenda will also feature a panel discussion titled "Women Traveling Alone," presented by Marcum partner Frank Rudewicz and principal Heather Bearfield. Ms. Brockovichs planned topic will be, "Having a Voice in Our Health. "

To register or for more information, head to Marcum's site here.
Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, the market leader in Oral Care, is offering children a unique way to discover something new every day with the launch of the Magical Sea World offer. Now children can cut, play and learn to discover a magical sea world by cutting figures out of a pack of Colgate Strong Teeth toothpaste. This limited edition offer is now available across retail outlets in India. The Colgate Magical Sea World offers four interesting themes  pursuing a Treasure Hunt, the fun of fighting a Pirate Ship, the enchanting Coral Reefs or the Sea Magic with a little mermaid. With more than 15 sea world characters, these packs will take your child on an adventurous journey into the mystical sea world.

As a parent, one is constantly trying to engage their children in activities that invoke their creativity, helps them use their imagination and enables them to create their own stories. The Colgate Magical Sea World offer was designed to help hone the childs creativity and keep them engaged in a fun way.

We reached out to a few mothers to understand their parenting approach and feedback on the offer and this is what they said;

I absolutely treasure the very little time that I get to spend with my kid in the evening. I believe that co-learning and discovering new things together is a fun way to teach my kid. Products like the new Colgates Magical Sea World offer helps us to spend that fun yet quality time and explore a whole new world with our kids, shared Jaibala Rao, mother of four year old Shubya.

Ruby Patel, mother of 10 years Rabaan added, I encourage my kid to explore new things every day. Learning has to be a creative process and at the same time engaging. We both love to spend time making new things and Colgates Magical Sea World offer is one of them. He likes to tell me his stories with the characters and everyday he has a new story for me. I am really amazed the way he expresses himself through his stories and I just love to sit and listen to him and I could do this all day long.

Colgate Strong Teeth not only ensures superior anti cavity protection for all families, but with this magical sea world offer also helps make the childs learning process fun, interesting and experiential.

Magical Sea World offer, available in 50g, 100g, 200g, 300g and 500g packs of the companys popular toothpaste brand Colgate Strong Teeth comes in four different themes that cover all the wonderful characters in a never before seen sea world.
Air Force major to be recognized at 2016 BET Awards

Maj. Kenyatta Ruffin, an instructor pilot with the 469th Flying Training Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, will be recognized during the Shine a Light segment of the 2016 BET Awards to air live, June 26 at 8 p.m. PST/7 CST.



Through Shine a Light, BET recognizes individuals who have made a remarkable effort in supporting the African American community. BET chose to highlight Ruffin due to his impact as the founder of a non-profit group called the Legacy Flight Academy. This organization dedicates its mission to assisting youths in discovering their passion in aviation careers and increasing awareness of benefits and opportunities in the military.



Even at the young age of 5, Ruffin dreamt of becoming an astronaut; he began flying at the age of 13. The numerous support and mentorship he received led him to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, and later became an F-16 fighter pilot.



Ruffin wanted to provide youths with the same opportunities he received growing up, so he volunteered as a flight instructor with Civil Air Patrol and other flight programs. He spoke at high school graduations, open houses and other mentorship events. His admiration for the Tuskegee Airmen and his passion for aviation led him to the idea of the LFA program.



The impact he has had on the students, volunteers, and his staff has been life-changing, said Capt. Kenneth Thomas, Combat Systems Officer instructor, 479th Student Control Squadron, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Since meeting Keny, we have touched the lives of over 330 underrepresented youth, and have given them a pathway to aviation, and a future without boundaries., added Thomas, who is vice president of LFA.



Ruffin said the Air Force core values have made a major impact on his life and the organization.



The idea of sacrificing, serving, helping others and giving back are encompassed in the core values and one of the reasons I created the LFA program.



I couldnt think of a better Airman to be highlighted at the BET awards. He has devoted his entire career reaching back to lift up those coming up behind him, said Col. Carolyn Benyshek, Air Force Academy director of admissions. When he starts to talk about the opportunity he has had with the Air Force, younger men and women are able to see that they can have the same opportunity. 



Since joining the Air Force, Ruffin has deployed several times to Iraq and Afghanistan. He currently serves as a Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training T-38 instructor; and will soon attend the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he will study military strategy and operational design.



Being highlighted at the 2016 BET Awards presents an opportunity for me to be able to continue to engage the minority youth to let them know about careers in the Air Force, in aviation and STEM fields, Ruffin said. I see this as a platform to continue what I am passionate about, which is to inspire others and motivate them to succeed.


The 33rd Fighter Wing hosted a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Khobar Towers terrorist attack, June 24, 2016, at the Nomad Memorial Grounds, here.

The ceremony honored the 12 Nomads who lost their lives on June 25, 1996, and paid tribute to the families and survivors.

This attack shook our nation to its core, Col. Lance Pilch, 33rd Fighter Wing commander, said. The effect of this terrorism ripples through us even today as we reflect on who these Airmen could have been, were they still alive today.

The bombing at Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, resulted in more than 500 civilian and military casualties. The 33rd FW suffered 105 wounded personnel and accounted for 12 of the 19 Airmen killed on that day.

Twenty years, in some respects, seems like an eternity, but there are times when it seems like 20 days because our memory of that tragic night is still so clear, said retired Col. Doug Cochran, 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron commander at the time of the attack. The sting of loss fades somewhat over time, but the memories of our fallen heroes and their sacrifice remains vivid.

The ceremony consisted of a wreath laying, recitation of the names of the victims, playing of Taps, the first flyover in a Missing Man formation for the F-35A.

The memory of these heroes taken and those who live on ignite in us a firm resolve to honor their sacrifice, Pilch said. These Airmen did not falter to answer the call to serve our nation and their legacy lives on in their brothers and sisters-in-arms. Todays Nomads who carry the torch forward still fight and still serve our nation with fire from the clouds.

The names of the fallen are:

From Eglin Air Force Base

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Cafourek

Sgt. Millard Campbell

Senior Airman Earl Cartrette, Jr.

Tech. Sgt. Patrick Fennig

Master Sgt. Kendall Kitson, Jr.

Airman 1st Class Brent Marthaler

Airman 1st Class Brian McVeigh

Tech. Sgt. Thanh Gus Nguyen

Senior Airman Jeremy Taylor

Airman 1st Class Peter Morgera

Airman 1st Class Joseph Rimkus

Airman 1st Class Joshua Woody

From Patrick AFB

Capt. Christopher Adams

Capt. Leland Haun

Master Sgt. Michael Heiser

Staff Sgt. Kevin Johnson

Airman 1st Class Justin Wood

From Offutt AFB

Staff Sgt. Ronald King

From Wright-Patterson AFB

Airman 1st Class Christopher Lester
20 years later: Remembering the attack on Khobar Towers

Alfredo Guerrero, a staff sergeant at the time, wasnt supposed to be on top of Bldg. 131 in the Khobar Towers complex in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on the night of June 25, 1996. But as the acting flight sergeant for the military police unit, he was checking on the Airmen who were assigned to sentry posts.



Most of the Airmen in the building were assigned to the 4404th Wing (Provisional), and were in Saudi Arabia supporting Operation Southern Watch.



It was a time before the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant became a threat. In 1996, Hezbollah and Iran targeted Americans.



That night Guerrero arrived on the rooftop around 10 p.m., as he watched a large gas truck, followed by a car, make its way to the building he was on.



That same car and truck was also spotted by then-1st Lt. Michael Harner, who was inside the building beside Guerrero. Harner, who had only been on station for several days, had just returned to his room, opened a sliding glass door and stepped out onto his balcony. Before the truck made its way to Guerreros building, Harner noticed it parked in a parking lot next to a mosque that was under construction. Days earlier, there had been no vehicle traffic through the parking lot.



I watched as it drove right in front of me, and the lights from the compound shone, so I could see the people in the truck, and there was actually a vehicle following the truck, Harner said. I thought that was very unusual to see that, and I didnt know quite what to do about it, (because) nobodys shooting or nobodys doing anything.



The truck then parked beside Guererros building. Two men got out and hurried into the car, which sped off. At that moment, it clicked for Guerrero that this wasnt normal and something bad was about to happen.



I got on the radio and called the control center to tell them what was going on, and, before I finished my first transmission, I thought about the people in the building and realized, Well, if this is what I think it is, this building is going down, Guerrero said. And so, before I finished my first transmission, I told them I was beginning to evacuate the building.



The Airman with Guerrero overheard his radio transmissions and rushed into the building to begin evacuating. Guerrero got the attention of another Airman on the other side of the building and the two of them also began evacuating the eight-story building.



The explosion



Guerrero only made it down a few floors before the blast went off.



I was fortunate enough to be behind an interior wall and so most of the overpressure from the bomb went right behind me. So, I was kind of in a protected area, he said. It just spun me around; it didnt knock me down or anything.



Not all were that lucky. The explosion killed 19 Airmen and injured more than 350 service members and civilians. It was so powerful that all of the windows in a 2-mile radius were blown out.



Sitting near the balcony door in the dorms common room, Harner recalled seeing a flash of light before the door was blown apart.



I ate that sliding glass door, Harner said, as he described how the glass shredded his face, shoulder, arm and leg.



Both towers were dark. As Harner tried to feel his way around his dorm, he made his way back into his bedroom. He remembered yelling out of the hole in the wall where his window once was, Is there anybody out there?



It was dead silence, he said. And it was probably one of the most eerie feelings I have ever had in my entire life.



Over in Guerreros building, an entire side of the building had completely collapsed.



The next thing I knew, everything was pitch black. I couldnt hear anything or see anything, he said.



After he collected himself and was aware of where he was, Guerrero immediately began assisting the injured. After helping an Airman down the stairs and out of the building, he headed back inside to the second floor. It was there he saw a few Airmen lying motionless under some rubble.



Everything was kind of blurry and surreal, he said.



Soon after, his leadership arrived. He briefed them on what he had experienced and was sent away to get checked out and cleaned up.



Life left his body



Right before the explosion, then-Staff Sgt. Selena Zuhoski was watching a movie in the recreation building with fellow Airmen.



I remembered the lights flickered, and then I heard a deep boom. And then I remember  dust billowing in, she said.

Zuhoski would later learn that she had been knocked unconscious.



As she regained consciousness, she and a group of people headed outside, where they saw a mushroom cloud around the site of the explosion. When they headed toward the damaged building, she said she saw people coming over the fence. Her first thought was that they were under attack.



The people hopping the fence were locals, coming to help.



After reaching the building, Zuhoski heard theres a guy dying on the fourth floor. Hes going into shock. With a flashlight in hand, she and others headed upstairs.



There was a man there in a puddle of blood and there was a door that had been blown off its hinges, she recalled.



The group utilized the door as a makeshift gurney and carefully loaded the injured man onto it and carried him downstairs and outside, where they put him on a table until paramedics arrived.



As the group headed back into the building, Zuhoski waited with the man until more help arrived.



I held his hand and I was covering this wound on his chest, she said. I was saying, you know, Hold on, its gonna be OK. His hand was really cold and he was saying Oh, God. Oh, God. And I said Please. Please hold on. And then  I could tell the instant that the life left his body.



Paramedics arrived and took the man away, loading him onto a bus. Zuhoksi then went back into the building to help more victims.



Post-traumatic stress



Harner, who at the time was a pavements engineer for the 4404th WG, suffered deep wounds from broken glass, along with PTSD. After being transported to a local hospital, they cleaned him up and packed him full of gauze, concerned that sewing him up with glass left inside of his body could lead to infection.



Harner, who was deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, was medically evacuated the next day to Germany, where he spent two days before being sent back stateside.



He would go on to receive the Purple Heart, and for the next decade, shards of glass would continue to work their way out of his body.



Harner, now a colonel, serves as the associate director of civil engineers at the Pentagon.



Along with him and others, Zuhoski also suffered from PTSD.



I probably didnt even realize the impact that this would have on me as far as being like a lifelong  traumatic event, she said. I thought that  it would eventually fade, but it hasnt. Its gotten worse. I have nightmares, I have guilt. (I) wish I would have been able to do more.



With the support of her husband, Zuhoski said shes been able to use art as an outlet. Her husband set up a studio for her in their home about a year ago. Its really been therapeutic for me, she said.



Zuhoski said talking openly to others who experienced the same tragedy has also helped.



With every tragedy, policies, procedures and ways of thinking are updated to help prevent another one.



Guerrero, now the anti-terrorism program manager at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, said one point he hits hard on when giving anti-terrorism briefings is to know the enemy.



You have to know who youre dealing with and how far theyre willing to go, what types of targets theyre looking for, he said.



He said there are no front lines anymore, and its everybodys responsibility to be vigilant.



I think weve come a long way for protecting our folks. Were teaching other countries how to do it, Guerrero said. My hope is that weve learned enough on where we can stop the next one, and so thats what scares me -- the next one. What is the next one and how far are they willing to go.
-- Air Force TV has released the latest episode of the Air Force's flagship television program, BLUE.On June 25, 1996, the U.S. Air Force experienced one of the most horrific attacks in its history. Three Airmen look back on the incident and how it changed them and the Air Force -- forever.Related link:
-- In this look around the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III's career is celebrated at his retirement ceremony; one of two of the surviving members of the Doolittle Raiders dies; the 2016 Department of Defense Warrior Games came to a close; and a new episode of BLUE gives a firsthand account of the Khobar Towers tragedy. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Traci Keller.For previous episodes, click here Related links:
Air Force bids farewell to Welsh

Stealing a moment of silence, looking into the eyes of his wife, he takes a deep breath and prepares for whats to come.



Standing tall and proud, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III walks into a hangar in front of hundreds of onlookers, all there to bid him farewell.



After 40 years of service, Welsh retired from the Air Force during a ceremony June 24 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.



Welshs journey began at the age of 23 when he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, donning his fathers second lieutenant bars.

He became a pilot, accumulating more than 3,300 flight hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, T-37 Tweet and TG-7A motorized glider, and leaves behind a legacy of pride.



As Mark and Betty depart for their next adventure in life, the good news is theyre leaving behind a fantastic legacy, a legacy which is the core values of the Air Force themselves --integrity, service before self and excellence in all that they have done over the course of four decades, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said of the general and his wife.



And the best thing any Airman can ever really hope for is to find the right wingman in service to America, she continued. And I have to say, I certainly found such a wingman in the fantastic partnership of Mark and Betty Welsh.



Through his service, Welsh inspired service members across all branches of the armed forces, even capturing the attention of his youngest son and influencing his decision to join the Marine Corps.



In a sea of Air Force blue, the olive green Marine Corps uniform of 1st Lt. Matthew Welsh stood out as the young officer took the stage to retire his father.



Dads an extremely nice, personable man, Matthew said. When people meet him they are taken aback and wonder, Is dad really that nice? The answer is, Yes! But make no mistake about it, underneath all that is a barrel-chested, red-blooded, God-fearing American thats been swinging the war hammer for the last 40 years for this country.



Matthew said his father taught him everything he needed to know about being a man and a leader.



Leaders stand in the pocket and they take the hits, regardless of what is fair and whats not, he said. They take the insults and the direction from wherever it comes  and they do what is right by the team, by the men and women. Leaders carry the respect of their organization and protect it at all costs.



Matthew gave a unique perspective on the wealth of experience his parents accumulated throughout their years of service.



What people dont realize is that mom and dad are richer than most, Matthew said. This is a unique profession where value and success are not determined by fame or political gain -- their currency is one of a different kind  earned through the blood of their brothers and sisters, forged through the sweat and tears of combat, compounded by the daily actions and subsequent pride developed through the men and women of our armed services, and solidified by the deep respect they have earned through their brothers- and sisters-in-arms and their own family.



With an A-10 and F-16 anchored in each corner, and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard in formation under an oversized American flag draped from the ceiling, Welsh addressed the crowd as if he knew every single person in the room.



As American Airmen we serve in the greatest Air Force in history and we serve in the mightiest joint force anyone has ever seen and we serve the greatest nation and the greatest citizens on earth, Welsh said. What a privilege it has been to stand beside you, thanks for allowing me to do so.



To the Airmen of the Air Force, thank you for making me proud each and every day to stand beside you and thanks for keeping me humble enough to try and be worthy of your trust, he continued. You are magnificent, no one has committed more to the fight over the past 25 years, no one is more critical to warfighting success and no one is prouder to serve than an American Airman. It has been the honor of my life to represent you. Thank you for who you are. Ill miss you.



Reflecting on his career, one thing stayed constant through all the moves and changes -- the support of his family, and most importantly, his wife.



I have had an embarrassingly wonderful and blessed life, Welsh said. I grew up in the greatest family ever, I had the best mom any child has ever had, a father who is still the greatest role model I have ever met and who I know is very proud as he looks down on us today. I had the best brother and sisters on earth and better friends than I deserved. Then I met Betty, and my world was complete. She is everything, she is the story of my life and I cant wait to write the next chapter.



As a drum beats loudly, signaling the start of one final march, flights of Airmen pass by, culminating the ceremony. Welsh then takes the hand of his beloved and leaves the hangar arm-in-arm to start off on their next adventure.




When the blood runs dry

Attention on the FOB, Attention on the FOBThis is how it all began.



A call to attention from the giant voice alert system heard across the base.



All heads are up, silence fills the Dining Facility and at the end of the announcement, the pattern of marching feet exiting the building and heading to the Joint Craig Theater Hospital fills the air.



Immediately, as Public Affairs my fellow counterparts and I are curious as to what is going on and if our services are needed.



The base is on a mission, the hospital is in need of type B blood now.



We head to the hospital with our tools of the trade. Armed with our still and video cameras, we are preparing to cover the usual blood donation scene, the typical vision of, people waiting in a long line to get their veins poked.



This is not a typical scene. All hands are on deck in this harmonic scene of urgency and purpose.



Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and civilian contractors are compounding the space in this Role 3 hospital. The mixture of workout gear and military uniforms on flushed and sweat misted faces, tells me they dropped everything and came immediately.



Your normal blood donation, I think not. This was a call to arms and the weapon needed to help combat fatality was the blood of a fellow man.



Underlying this setting were the countless number of surgeons, nurses, medical staff, chaplains and chaplains assistants attending to and fighting to save the lives of three Afghans.



Not privy to the details of the situation, donors are only aware that something is urgent and someone needs them.



Sleeves rolled up and purpose on their faces, heaps of dedicated donors ready to do their part, watched as the filled blood collection bags traveled from one room to another. I couldnt help but to think that they anxiously waited to see their own bag make the same journey.



As the continuous flow of donors thinned out and the announcement is made that the hospital has reached its blood supply goal, I find myself feeling proud.



The euphoric feeling of accomplishment is running through me, but at no cause to my own doing. I realized the phenomenon I just witness and honor, sacrifice and service are the only words that can justify it.



Never before have I looked at the significance of giving blood like today. The selfless gift of hope and existence that runs through our veins brought together brothers and sisters in arms with one goal in mindlife.



Air Force Airmen and Army Soldiers can often be heard saying they have blue or green blood running through their veins. This is a dictation of the loyalty they possess for their respective services.



Today I would say the only color I saw was red. Today I would say we were successful; successful at saving lives, successful at banding together, and most of all, successful at being some of the greatest men and women to serve.




KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The School for Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies, or SANDS, began its second iteration June 1, 2016, at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.



This growing graduate-level degree program aims to create masters of the nuclear enterprise, Dr. Adam Lowther, SANDS director, said.



The class not only develops experts, but leaders who will move on to provide sage advice to commanders, as well as quality mentorship to our nuclear forces, Lowther said. The broader shift from expertise to leadership is a recent change with this course and will result in a more reliable and stable nuclear deterrent in the future.



Air Force Global Strike Command hand-selected each of the students, all of whom have a background in nuclear operations. Unlike the inaugural course, the second class boasts more enrollees, including a civilian employee, a U.S. Naval officer and an officer from the United Kingdom.



Our country has a nuclear arms agreement with the U.K., Lowther said. Theyre the only country that we have such an agreement with, so we accept students from their nuclear forces to strengthen relationships with our allies.



U.S. Navy submarine officer Lt. Jeremy Dawson, has served on two separate nuclear-capable submarines  the USS Kentucky and the USS Jefferson City. Dawson says the course challenges him personally and professionally and has given him perspective on the importance of the nuclear enterprise.



This course has given me the opportunity to work closely with Air Force professionals who represent the other two legs of the triad, Dawson said. Their experiences and perspectives, combined with the curriculum, have provided insights into the overall strategic enterprise that cannot be replicated in any other environment. This will help me to communicate the significance of nuclear deterrence to my Sailors in a way that helps them to appreciate how important their day-to-day roles and responsibilities are to protecting the sovereignty of this nation and many others.



Dawson will go back to sea for a third tour as an executive officer following his graduation from SANDS and a year tour with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.



Course staff have refined the SANDS curriculum since its inaugural launch. Regardless of changes, each course is designed to represent the full scope of nuclear operations. Students are expected to complete a class project that pertains to their career field within the nuclear enterprise. They will also have an opportunity to spend 90 days out of a 13 month program visiting other commands, in the continental United States and overseas.



Although SANDS will expose students to all aspects of the nuclear deterrence mission, each student will specialize in an area related to their career fields. The result is a nuclear force that is more cognizant of its role in the world and in relation to each of its parts, according to Lowther.



The first class to start SANDS is scheduled to graduate Sept. 29, 2016. Each course is approximately a year long.






The Ministry of Health in Uganda in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) organized a guided tour for development partners to the Entebbe and Mulago Ebola Treatme
A 24-year-old woman working for software giant Infosys was hacked to death on Friday on a railway platform in Chennai, allegedly by a man who had stalked her for months.

Police said the incident happened around 6.30 am at the Nungambakkam railway station and was witnessed by other people on the platform.

In 2013, India made stalking a crime with punishment up to three years in jail but harassment of women leading to tragic incidents continue to take place across the country.

The victim, identified as S Swathi, was employed with Infosys branch at Mahindra World City at Singaperumalkoil, around 60 km from Chennai.

A eyewitnesses said a man in green shirt and black trousers attacked Swathi with a sickle after a heated argument. She received deep cuts in her face and neck before collapsing in a pool of blood.

The man had been stalking her for several months from the station to her workplace.

There are no CCTV cameras in the railway station though police said they have zeroed in on the assailant.

Swathi, a resident of Choolaimedu near the station, was waiting to board a suburban train to reach her office as per her routine, police added.

By the time staff of a few stalls at the station reached the scene of the crime, she was lying dead in a pool of blood. The attacker had fled. Police suspect her estranged lover could have stabbed her after her relationship with the man turned sour.

Police are clueless as the suburban station, though one of the busiest on Beach-Tambaram route, is not under CCTV surveillance.

Infosys described the incident as unfortunate and said it was cooperating with investigating officials.

We are saddened by the unfortunate incident that has led to the demise of our employee in Chennai. We are working with the local authorities as they investigate the matter and will continue to provide our co-operation and support, the company said in a statement.
In the wake of Britains exit from the European Union, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will host talks with European Unions President Donald Tusk, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo in Berlin on Monday.



Merkel said, We must analyse the Brexit situation calmly and not rush into any decisions adding our goal must be to have close future relations between Britain and the EU.

She admitted that Britains decision to leave EU is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process but urged the members states to calmly and prudently analyse and evaluate the situation before making decisions.

Britain voted for an exit from the EU which led to Prime Minister David Cameron announcing his resignation.
Suresh Nakhua (@sureshnakhua) proudly calls himself a Hindu Nationalist. He is a staunched BJP supporter and trolls all those who attack @NarendraModi, BJP leaders, party or RSS on social networking sites or any issues related to the nation. He might be followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter but many media houses and journalists blocked him for his aggressive attacks. Even Twitter had suspended his account for 24 hours. Other than supporting BJP, he is a wholesale trader of pulses and a businessman like any other. In a straight conversation with our Group Editor Vaidehi, Mr. Nakhua opens up about his social media strategy, Modi and oppositions.

PM Narendra Modi is following you on twitter, how it makes you different from those who are not followed by him?

I feel proud and myself lucky that PM Modiji is following me on Twitter. It provides me an additional window to give feedback, suggestions and constructive criticism. In fact, I was in the first lot of 170 odd people followed by Modiji (erstwhile Gujarat CM).

Whats your role and activity on social media for BJP?

I am a volunteer and a member of social media / IT cell of BJP. As a principle, we work as a one unit and dont discuss individual roles in it. However, here I track media and expose their hollow, biased and agenda driven stories.

Why Modis followers are called Bhakts (Though, every political party has their own worshippers)?

The term Bhakts is being given by media with the help of other political parties supporters. Its like a sour grapes story. When the agenda driven news by media gets exposed by BJPs supporters and volunteers, they retort by the cheap term.

There is a common notion that BJP and Modi supporters lose their cool and abuse people if they criticize their leaders. Sometimes, they dont understand even the praises for their leader. Reason?

Constructive criticism is always welcome as it helps you to amend and/or modify your policy, style of working, conduct etc. In fact, Modiji encourages constructive criticism.

However, in the name of constructive criticism, they are solving their hidden agenda. They are targeting a person from more than 14 years, who failed them in every chaal (moves).

However, if media is not agreeing with the ideas of BJPs or NDAs likings, they are termed as Presstitute, Bikau Bazaaru and paid by you people?

Presstitute is a term coined by Gerald Celente and often used by independent journalists and writers in the alternative media in reference to journalists and talking heads in the mainstream media who give biased and pre-determined views.

It is not a question of agreeing or not agreeing to our idea. It is about the bias and the agenda based news in mainstream media. Moreover, will it not be seen as a conspiracy, when you come to know that a celebrity anchor owns a Rs. 52 crore bungalow in NCR or when another celebrity anchor gets a plot allotment in Gwalior or when an offspring of yet another celebrity anchor gets medical admission under an NRI quota?

Many a times, they indulge in organised character assassination of some of the well-respected individuals in the society. Why to propagate the culture of hatred and push forward the right wing agenda?

In my opinion, society doesnt mean only Lutyens Delhi and South Mumbai. People expose so called well-respected individuals by bringing to fore their duplicitous and hypocritical conduct. They may go overboard sometimes but there is nothing like hatred and targeted character assassination.

What is the definition of nationalists?

Nationalists means those who prefer the NATION FIRST. We consider the nation much above the government, party and self. When its a question of the nation, we dont hesitate to criticize the party, government or any individual. Recently, when government was criticized hugely for just signing an MoU of Rs. 5 lakhs with an alleged anti-national media group, which was cancelled later after criticism.

We, at BJP believe in philosophy of Nation First, Party Next and Self Last.

When Modiji has strong vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, then people like Hukum Singh spread false news and flop, what is your take?

As a party, we believe in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and we stick to it. And the fact finding committee of party did find the incidents of migration of Hindu families from Kairana.

AAP is a regional party and Arvind Kejriwal just began his political journey, whereas BJP is an old party and has a majority at the centre, then why to attack on such a small party?

Oh, here comes the question about Kejriwals Lok Pal Dal. Everyone should remember that this is a New Age BJP. No attack with vested interests will go answered.

Kejriwal, during his IAC days, had kindled lots of hopes in the new generation. After entering in politics, he magnified those hopes exponentially. Citizens of Delhi are still waiting for free Wifi, 15 lakhs of CCTV Cameras (that makes one CCTV camera per 12 citizens, making Delhi a Bigg Boss House, much promised schools and colleges etc.

Kejriwal, despite being on a constitutional position, is behaving in a childish manner and throwing tantrums just to be in limelight and news. And besides this, is allegedly spending Rs. 526 crore for media management. Let me clear one more thing that Kejriwals party is not even a regional party, albeit you can say it as one city party.

Do you think BJP could really finish Congress?

Anyway, Congress is now reduced to a regional party ruling only one major state. And with the news of Rahul Gandhi taking over the reins of party in his hands soon, days are not far when Congress partys strength will be reduce to like National Conference (NC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and DMK in current Lok Sabha.

Once Modiji refused to accept a skull cap from a community, and even today he never sported it. Whereas other BJP leaders, getting dressed like Muslim with scarf and skull cap, by greeting with salam, is it not appeasement?

Modiji refused to wear a skull cap and that decision was appreciated widely. If, I would like to say about other BJP leaders then we are a party where different viewpoints are not looked down upon. We are not like other parties which operate like family owned private limited companies or like individualistic parties where people are kicked out of the party for asking questions.

In BJP, everyone has a personal liberty as long as it doesnt violate the discipline of the party.

Other than PM Modi, who is your favourite leader in BJP and why?

Thats a very difficult question to answer. Other than Modiji, I admire Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Giriraj Singh, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal, Arun Jaitley, Suresh Prabhu, Smriti Irani, Meenakshi Lekhi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Dr. Raman Singh, Devendra Fadnavis and many others.

Why is there too much attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley by Modis supporters?

Everyone has a personal opinion and has the right to it.

Where can we see you after 5 years in BJP?

I am quite sure that BJP has a great future, and I also have the same. I am a volunteer/karyakarta as of now and will accept any responsibility with which the party entrusts me with. I will try to fulfill it to the best of my abilities.

Any message to social media and our readers?

Always believe in the Nation First. Dont let your personal prejudices for or against any individual affect your opinion. Never forget the principle of Nation First.

(Suresh Nakhua is a primary member of BJP and is attached to the Social Media Cell of it. The views expressed by him are personal and does not in any way be assumed as the official view of the BJP.)


Almost a year after his remarks on reservation had triggered a political slugfest, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat now said he would ask government to expedite appropriate decision regarding inclusion of Matang community, a Dalit caste, in ST category. Matang community, which is a part of Hindu community, should not remain neglected, but adding them to reservation category can lead to debate.

By giving reservations to various communities and castes, merit and consistency take back seats. It doesnt matter whether you were a topper throughout your life. A slight mistake can rob you off a seat in a high-status institute if you belong to general category. On the other hand, a person with average academics can get into the creme de la creme institutes of the country with little efforts if he/she belongs to a reserved category. This is the theory of reservation where the science of reasoning doesnt work. No one yet have the answer, weather the reservations benefited a major faction of backward class? Reservation is a hazard that has completed more than 50 years on Indian soil.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar wouldnt have wanted it to continue beyond 20th century. However, it seems that reservation would never ever end. It has become a reversible fuel for the political parties and that too with a high mileage. Pro- reservation supporters argue that there is still a large faction of backward class which didnt get the benefit of the reservation. I find it funny, especially when I look around and find many reserved category persons doing very well socially and economically. They neither lack a social status nor are they in any kind of financial troubles. Yes, the situation hasnt changed much in the villages and half of Indias population resides in villages. However, then, nothing much has changed in the villages anyway. There is still poverty, paucity of resources, farmers suicide, female infanticides and honour killings continue to put a slur on Indias image in the world. However, they are not among the top agenda of the politicians. Why reservation should be looked upon as the only alternative or a remedy to bring in equality while overlooking other important parameters of development? Everyone wants reservations, even Brahmins and Jats recently came on the streets for reservations. Patels and Patils already have raised their voices.

The reservation policy is a source of frustration for many general category students but, in the hindsight, it is harmful for the reserved category students as well. An intelligent backward class person becomes the first victim of the very process which was supposed to be beneficial for him. People tend to perceive that person in the similar way as they look at other non-worthy candidates. There are lot more side effects.

Since, BJP has come to power the entire nation is shaken over unwanted issues. Leaving the progress and development of India, these days Modi and BJP has too diverted the attention on all unwanted issues, after appeasing Sufi Muslims and hailing Islam, now Modi advocates Ambedkar, very categorically, he is leaving no stone unturned while appeasing minorities and Dalits. He is well aware that these two major voters could decide the fate of BJP in UP. However, PM does not seem to remember that the idea and policy of reservations was devised in the Constitution as a temporary measure for 10 years and has been renewed every 10 years since. It was expected that the classes for whom reservations were made would grow into better economic status and lead to abolition reservations eventually. Two generations later those classes have not graduated. On the contrary, reservations have become a vested interest and a strong electoral measure in the hands of all political parties. PM should have been thinking how the original intention behind reservations could be fulfilled and how those classes could be assisted to grow out of their weak status. Besides, the original error was to specify certain castes and not classes, according to their economic status. PM should have addressed that part of the discourse. Modijis promises galore but nothing in practice. Of course, anybody can air hollow promises. It is reasonably suspected that BJP and Sangh Parivar are behind Patels & Jats agitations. Babasaheb Ambedkars vision was upliftment of the downtrodden, especially SCs/STs. Most of the earlier promises are history today, as leaders and people both forget the promises.

Modi compared Dr. BR Ambedkar to iconic civil rights leaders Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. Are you remembering or not but recently he compared Parkash Singh Badal too with Mandela, so the random comparison with Mandela? Moreover, why cant Madela is compared to Babasaheb, who was born much before Mandela and died? How can one really buy such comparisons? Moreover he said, It is a big mistake to label Babasaheb (only) a messiah of the Dalits (maximum oppressed community were of Dalits and Modi in 2016, talking something which stinks political). He further said, Underscoring that Dr. Ambedkars work in fighting the caste system was one of his huge contributions to independent India. He also stressed that there will be no dilution of reservation for the Dalits and downtrodden (castes). His comments come at a time when his partys ideological parent, the RSS, has said that great caution must be paid to ensure only the truly marginalized benefit from affirmative action policies. Its been more than two years, our PM is still in a mood to deliver only speeches and his supporting groups are splitting this country wide open. Our country really needs development and direction to grow and hope our PM realizes this. Lets stand for India, for development and growth. We should be determined enough to say no to those unwanted political plots.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
With the arrival of a season not-beloved-to-whom, monsoon, along with bringing in pleasant climate it renews lost hopes, revives the enthusiasm amongst dream weavers, not considering the uncalled for, unawed effects it struck the city with, first thing every reading-enthusiasts desire, in certainty, is to indulge into a relationship with their beloved books complemented with mugs and mugs of hot Belgian chocolate. Where else would heaven be!

Reading is such a sheer self-leisure activity that it not only improves expanding ones vocabulary nor does it just takes the reader altogether to a different plane but also educates the reader about different times and cultures. It is as though the reader travels, altogether to a varied place and time in space, each time one reads a new novel. To put in terms of Dr. Seuss, The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places youll go. In addition, Reading a good book is like taking a journey.

Having acquired the right since birth, being a female, to believe in all the fancies romance genre has to fervour, my all-time favourite novelist Jane Austen has to say, The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.

The smell of a new or some dearly cherished, decades old books can be so adorable that one becomes addicted to reading them over and over again, and then there is no turning back ever from this fruitful habit. For others it is no less than a social status to patronise their whole long collection and never stop admiring works of their favourite authors.

The rule that applies to routine input-output process goes the same for literary works as well. For a fine creation of art-work, input has got to be at par the level. This reminds me of our literature education facilitator, way back in school, who had once quoted. Imitation is a first step to the creation (of literary work). Unless you have agreeable amount of literary knowledge how is that you will put your best while creating a legendary piece of work. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader. by Margaret Fuller, further proves the point.

It is never too late to begin with something in our favour good for our nourishment. Inculcate reading habit in children from a tender age. What could be better for your child, coming down the line, a good read or a bad company in friend? Whosoever said it, has said it true to the core, a book is a mans best friend.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
AMIT..

(UK, Metalheadz, AMAR Commercial Suicide, Exit, Tempa, Ninja Tune)

Amit is a UK based live Music Artist, Composer and Producer. He has released two critically acclaimed albums Neverending (2006) and 9 Times (2011) and over thirty slates of vinyl including Killer Driller, Roots and Acid Trip.

AMIT has been hailed as one of the most distinctive and original voices within the electronic music industry. He is credited with creating a new and innovative sub genre within electronic music, influencing a generation of new music artists. He was the first music artist within Electronica to begin creating music at his signature half-step at 174bpm. A whole range of fellow artists quickly followed suit but AMIT is widely acknowledged as having been the pioneer. His work has been placed in the top 5 Best Single and Best Producer categories on the BBC Radio listener polls.

His music is very much influenced by Dub and in particularly artists such as King Tubby and Lee Scratch Perry. His music is also heavily influenced by Asian and Middle Eastern sounds, as well as Reggae, Dub, Electro, and Techno. AMIT has performed extensively at clubs and festivals across all continents.
Inside an Assyrian Village on the Frontlines With ISIS

Image 8 of 11Fighters from the Nineveh Plains Force (NPF), another Assyrian paramilitary group, in neighboring Tel Eskof, Iraq. ( Adam Lucente) Once one of the many Christian villages that dot Iraq's northern Nineveh province, today the tiny town of Baqofah is mostly deserted. Scant electricity flickers in abandoned homes and debris litters the streets. The town's Assyrian residents, adherents of Chaldean Catholic church, are long gone. Most of Nineveh province's Christians fled for their lives when Daesh (ISIS) fighters seized Mosul and surrounding villages in June 2014. Peshmerga (military of Iraqi Kurdistan) forces retook Baqofah and some other Christian towns soon afterwards, but many former residents remain in displaced persons camps in Erbil and elsewhere, afraid to return home. Families continue to leave their homes by the hundreds in the northern Nineveh province as fighting rages between Daesh and a coalition of pro-Iraqi forces in the struggle to retake Mosul from the extremists. Recent small victories in the city's outskirts seem to bode well for the slow-moving offensive, but Mosul remains the grand - and elusive - prize in Iraq's fight against Daesh. Still, there is hope. Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the "liberation" of Fallujah, just 50 kilometers west of the capital Baghdad, after two years of Daesh control. He promised Mosul would be next. Meanwhile, signs of the Mosul offensive are visible in Christian villages like Baqofah, where the only residents are peshmerga and allied forces using the town as a military base. Al Bawaba offers you a look inside Baqofah-a glimpse of what Assyrians will return to once Nineveh and greater Mosul are free of Daesh. Image 6 of 11A Chaldean cemetery in Baqofah, Iraq. Many of Baqofah's residents were adherents of the Chaldean Catholic church. ( Adam Lucente) Image 7 of 11Dwekh Nawsha soldiers in Baqofah, Iraq. Today, the only people who remain in Baqofah are peshmerga and Dwekh Nawsha soldiers, including a handful of western volunteers. They hope to retake Mosul and its outskirts from Daesh. ( Adam Lucente) Image 10 of 11A store in the internally displaced persons Ankawa Camp 2 in Erbil, Iraq. Many Christians from who fled Daesh in June 2014 remain in such camps as they await the region's liberation. ( Adam Lucente) Image 1 of 11A view of the Assyrian Christian village of Baqofah, Iraq from atop Dwekh Nawsha's base. Dwekh Nawsha is an Assyrian paramilitary group allied with the peshmerga. ( Adam Lucente)
European Parliament Member Sends Letter on Assyrian Rights to Kurdish Government

Bodil Valero, member of the European Parliament. ( AINA) Brussels (AINA) -- Bodil Valero, a member of the European Parliament, has sent a letter to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in north Iraq regarding Kurdish land grabs in Assyrian areas. Valero, who represents the Swedish Green party, raised the case of the most recent land grab in the Nahla valley in Northern Iraq (AINA 2016-04-14).

"I am beginning to get worried over repeated information which shows that oppression of minorities is on the rise," said Valero, "and that Assyrians are subjected to land grabs, notably in the Nahla area." In the letter Valero asks what the KRG is doing to address the issue.

Human Rights Watch reported earlier this year about the land grab in Nahla, in which an influential Kurdish man started to build on Assyrian owned lands.

Last month U.S. Senator John McCain sent a letter to Massoud Barzani, the presidnet of the KRG, regarding the abuse of Assyrian rights and expressed "...concerns regarding alarming new reports that allege the mistreatment of the Christian Assyrian community in the Nineveh Plains region by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)." (AINA 2016-05-28).

There are 54 Assyrian villages and towns in the KRG area which have been subjected to partial or complete ethnic cleansing through land grabs by Kurds. The Kurds are aided by police and a judiciary system that looks the other way.
For Assyrians: What Future in Iraq? Share

For the Iraqi Assyrians, the Islamic State (ISIS) attack against their homes, towns and villages was no less than an act of Genocide. But to understand the fate of the Iraqi Assyrians one must see through the culture of violence that took hold of the Middle East now for over one hundred years. "Write down my demands," told me Tawfeek Sakot, a man over seventy years old that I met in Ashti-2 refugee camp near Erbil, "The UN should recognize the persecution of the Christians as Genocide. Second, return to our lands and holy places, under international protection. Third, compensation for our losses. And fourth, a territorial entity for Christians, Yazidis and Shabak for self rule."

Tawfeek Sakot was once a rich farmer in the town of Qaraqosh, in the fertile Ninveh Valley north Iraq, to the southeast of Mosul. Today he is a refugee in the Ashti-2 camp on the suburbs of Erbil. He is a refugee within his own country. After a career as primary school teacher mostly in Arab villages in Hilla province, he went back to his ancestral town and started farming. After three decades of hard work he had a prosperous farm with over 100 cows, grain production, and even a hotel. He shows me pictures of his farm, and official documents certifying that he possessed the 100 cows. Then, one day, everything changed. It was on 23 June 2014, when he was working on his farm when Daesh fighters erupted. It was after the unexpected fall of Mosul, and Peshmerga fighters stationed in their region suddenly withdrew. "First, they treated us well," Sakot said, "They brought us food and water." But later, on July 17, they came back with a fatwa authorizing the confiscation of Christian property. "They forced my son to lay down on the ground, and they put a gun to my head. They pillaged all my farm," he told me. Were they strangers, I asked? "I did not know their emir, who was an Iraqi. But all the others I knew, including the one who pointed a gun on me, his name was Muheidi Saleh Mazloom, he had been several times to my house, eaten bread with us," he answered. The ISIS attack in 2014 made 150-200 thousand Assyrians flee their homes in Ninveh province. Yet, this is not the start of their persecution. "What happened 100 years ago still effects us", told me Ashur Sargon Eskrya, president of Assyrian Aid Society in Iraq. Just like the better-known case of the Armenian genocide, Assyrians have also become victims of deportations and massacres under Sultan Abdul Hamid II and later during the First World War, Assyrians were also victims of genocide, known as "Sayfo", where one out of two Assyrians were killed. In modern Iraq Assyrians persecution continued: in 1933 several thousand were massacred in Simele by Iraqi forces. "There is this idea that Saddam Hussein was good to Christians," told me Eskrya, "He was the worst! We did not even have the right to say that we are Assyrians, we had to say that we were Arabs." He also tells about continuous and banal discrimination against Assyrians. The ordinary discrimination against Assyrians turned into destructive violence after the US invasion of 2003. Two narratives emerge here. One is the assimilation by the local Arab population between Iraqi Christians and the invading armies. "A neighbouring lady once told me after the American invasion: 'You should be happy now that those invaders who came speak the same language as you'" told me Ashur Eskrya. The American invasion destabilized the political hierarchy of Iraq. Those angry at the changes took the Iraqi Christians as an easy target for their violence. But there is the second narrative, which is the struggle between the Kurdish forces, Iraqi central authorities, and Sunni groups struggling over "disputed territories". Edris Merza from the Assyrian Democratic Movement said that relations between the various communities within Ninveh Valley were normal until the 2003 American invasion. A sever struggle emerged between Kurdish forces on the one side, and various Sunni militias on the other, for the control of the "disputed territories". This lack of clear attribution led to the absence of any authority, or any public investment in infrastructure and services, increasing social tension in those regions. Moreover, severe power struggle was triggered between the central government in Baghdad, the KRG and various Sunni forces in Mosul. Within the power struggle between Kurdish Peshmerga, Iraqi government and ISIS, minority groups like the Assyrians, as well as others, feel defenceless. They have no trust after the unexplained withdrawal of the Iraqi Army from Mosul, and Peshmerga from the contested territories. "If in the future Iraq would be divided to Sunni-Shiite-Kurdish entities, then we would like to have Ninveh with Sinjar and Tel Afar to be an entity," according to Merza, "and to have it under international protection." At the time of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 there were 1.5 million Assyrians. Today their number is put between 300 and 350 thousand. In case the trend is not changed a community even a civilization will disappear from Mesopotamia. After decades of persecution, Assyrians are migrating massively to Europe and the US. Nabil Salim is originally from al-Muhandiseen neighbourhood in Mosul. Today, he is one of the 41 families living in the Shiyuz camp, a 40 minutes drive from Dohuk. When I asked him whether he would return home to Mosul in case the Iraqi Army or the Peshmerga liberate the town from Daesh, he thought for a moment and then said: "I don't know."
June 23, 2016

In the morning hours of June 22, a bus carrying 36 army conscripts who had just finished their training and were on break to visit family steered off the road into a canyon in southern Iran. As the news slowly rolled in, reports immediately surfaced that another bus carrying army soldiers had overturned. Reports said 19 soldiers were killed and 77 were injured in the two accidents.

While investigators still do not know the cause of the accidents in Fars province, many Iranians were shocked and expressed their solidarity on social media sites with the hashtag #sarbazantasliat (Condolences soldiers). Some questioned why the government did not call for a national day of mourning for the soldiers.

Military service is mandatory for all males in Iran, though it can be deferred temporarily for college. Many young Iranians view their military service as an interim period they must endure before they are able to begin their professional and personal lives. That these soldiers died during this period was a catastrophe according to some social media users. Others on social media complained that rather than issuing a forced condolence letter, officials should try to improve the living conditions of conscripts.

The head of police traffic control and information, Gen. Nader Rahmani, said that the injured were transferred to a hospital but that the number of fatalities could increase. In response to a reporters question, Rahmani said the soldiers were traveling in a private bus that was under the discretion of Garrison 5 of the ground forces of the army. Investigators are looking into whether driver fatigue or a technical malfunction was the reason behind the accident, Rahmani said.

Iran has some of the deadliest roads in the world, and traffic accidents with high fatalities involving government-run organizations spark debates about the safety of Irans roads. According to an Iranian parliament report, in the year ending March 2012, over 20,000 were killed on Irans roads and nearly 300,000 were injured. In 2012, Iranians were angered when a school bus carrying female students to the site of Iran-Iraq War battlegrounds  trips known as the Rahian-e Noor (Path of Light)  crashed and 22 people died.

Once again a tragic accident took place in the country, President Hassan Rouhani wrote in his condolence letter. Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani also issued a letter of condolence. Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and secretary of the Expediency Council, asked officials to identify and punish the individuals behind the accidents. Iranian Attorney General Hojat al-Islam Mohammad Jaffar Montazeri asked officials in Fars province to produce a report about the reasons behind the accidents and present it to the Attorney Generals Office.

According to Iranian media, there was a third bus accident involving the military June 22. This time  while no one died  one soldier lost his hand and 30 people were hospitalized.

Editor's note: Based on Iranian media reports, an earlier version of this story misidentified the soldiers involved in the accident.
June 23, 2016

The slogan Bread, freedom, these islands are Egyptian left hundreds of Egyptian young people behind bars as they protested the transfer of Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia in April. This very slogan, however, sparked cries of joy in the State Council Court as a ruling to keep the two islands under Egyptian sovereignty was announced June 21.

In a courtroom full of despair and frustration, a judge read his ruling, The islands should remain part of Egyptian territory and within Egyptian borders; Egyptian sovereignty over the islands holds, and it is forbidden to change their status in any form or through any procedure for the benefit of any other state.

The ruling gave back a sense of hope and optimism to those in attendance, who chanted Long live justice!

The administrative court, the judicial body exclusively competent to adjudicate disputes involving the state, issued a ruling June 21 annulling the maritime border demarcation deal between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which stipulated the transfer of Tiran and Sanafir, located at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, to Saudi territorial waters.

The courts ruling stressed the annulment of the signature of the Egyptian governments representative on the maritime border demarcation agreement between the Arab Republic of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, signed in April 2016, which provides for the transfer of the islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia.

The ruling continued, Egypt imposed a naval blockade on Israel and prevented it from passing through the Strait of Tiran, and this was raised in the United Nations. Egypts sovereignty over the two islands holds. Also, decision No. 367 was issued by the deputy prime minister and the minister of defense for the year 1986 regarding the determination of militarily strategic areas that should not be owned, and the decision included the islands of Tiran and Sanafir.

According to Egypts Atlas, issued by the Military Survey Department of the Ministry of Defense in 2007, the islands of Tiran and Sanafir are within the limits of the Egyptian state, the court added.

For his part, Egyptian Cabinet spokesman Hossam al-Qawish told Al-Monitor, We will provide all the evidence proving that Tiran and Sanafir are Saudi territory, and we uphold the right to appeal the court ruling.

The Egyptian Council of Ministers, headed by Sherif Ismail, said June 22 that the government would not comment on the court ruling and challenged the ruling, saying the court did not have jurisdiction. It said, The administrative courts ruling is not final, and we will provide a file containing documents and maps that will help settle the issue.

Egypts Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Magdy El-Agati said people should not rush to conclude that the court's decision is the right one. He said, The Cabinet and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are preparing documents and maps that confirm the authenticity of the border demarcation agreement.

Agati said the government will not refer the two islands dossier to the parliament until the appeal is examined, and he pointed out that when considering the issue of the demarcation of the border between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the judge did not have the state-owned documents related to the deal.

The administrative court ruling rescinding the border demarcation agreement was received amid much fanfare. Egyptians distributed sweets in the streets amid joy at the return of the land that the government had donated to Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers stressed that the two islands are Saudi territory, which sparked a wave of mockery among young people on social networking websites.

Khaled Ali, who filed a lawsuit to invalidate the maritime border demarcation agreement between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, said, The court's decision is an important step toward revealing whether the two islands are truly Egyptian, which the government tried to deny and led the Egyptian people to believe the opposite.

He told Al-Monitor, We believe that the court has every right to examine the case, and the government arrogantly ran away from the court and chose to provide arguments through the media.

Bahaa Abu Shaqqa, head of the legislative and constitutional authority in the Cabinet, confirmed that the agreement on Tiran and Sanafir has yet to be submitted to parliament.

Abu Shaqqa said during a televised call-in to El Nahar TV on June 22, Article 151 of the constitution provides that the president of the republic is the one who represents the state and concludes treaties and agreements  which are subsequently referred to the House of Representatives and which is the competent authority to examine whether or not the agreement is in conformity with the constitution. The House either gives its final say or decides to hold a referendum.

Abu Shaqqa stressed that examining the agreement is not the prerogative of the administrative court because the conclusion of agreements is not an administrative decision.

He added, The court must rectify the legal error and the ruling, which lacks legal and factual grounds."

But professor Mohamed Nour Farahat said, MPs should not examine the border demarcation agreement between Egypt and Saudi Arabia now as this agreement is void.

Farahat told the media on June 21, MPs should not be saying that the ruling contains errors or flaws, especially considering that interference in the judicial grounds upon which the ruling was based is tantamount to an offense as per the penal code.

He said, The ruling is enforceable until the appeal examination department in the Supreme Administrative Court orders the halt of its execution.

Meanwhile, Hassan Nafaa, a political science professor at Cairo University, said the decision to void the transfer of the two islands has political rather than legal consequences, since the government has the right to appeal the decision to the Supreme Administrative Court.

The decision has had a political impact and affected the government given that it portrayed it as a Saudi agent working to transfer the islands to Saudi Arabia rather than keep them under Egyptian sovereignty, he told Al-Monitor.

Nafaa stressed that the ruling means the demonstrators who were arrested were defending a fair national cause, saying that he thought that in ethical terms, the regime should release them.

He continued, The ruling embarrasses the legislative power in Egypt, because as soon as the parliament supports the agreement it would be opposing the judicial authority and would consequently seem less national than this authority.

Commenting on the Saudi silence, Nafaa said, Saudi Arabia works behind closed doors without announcing its intentions, stressing that the transfer of the two islands sovereignty to Saudi Arabia has forced it to join the Camp David peace treaty with the Israeli side.

Nafaa added, Saudi Arabias signing of the Camp David treaty military annex is an attempt to further integrate Israel in the region. The two Egyptian and Saudi governments have dealt with the transfer of the islands sovereignty in a very bad way.

However, Hisham Ahmad, an adviser to the Saudi Embassy in Cairo, told Al-Monitor, The court that issued this ruling is not competent to adjudicate on such cases," saying that such agreements fall under the authority of the president.

He noted, The Egyptian government did not inform Saudi Arabia of any official decision regarding the ruling to void the agreement.
June 23, 2016

The expression military trials for civilians  a controversial topic in the wake of the January 25 Revolution that had nearly disappeared from Egyptian media discourse  is now making a comeback.

On June 8, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a decree commissioning the Egyptian armed forces to be the executive entity responsible for the supervision of state-owned land located within 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) on either side of the national network of roads, which includes 21 highways.

Under the presidential decree, aimed at curbing attacks on state-owned land, the armed forces in Egypt are entitled to remove all illegal construction built on state land and bring violators before military courts.

The Egyptian state believes that this decree will enable it to prevent the future emergence of slums on the one hand and establish development projects there on the other.

Only a few hours following the issuance of the decree, the armed forces held a press conference that was attended by several leaders to explain the details of the decision and the role assigned to the army units.

A statement issued at the press conference pointed out that military law would be directly applied to violators. Not only would violators have the land in question withdrawn from them, but they would also have to stand before military courts, the statement added.

The field mobilization formations in areas under the armys control have been officially informed of the decree issued by President Sisi, the armed forces statement said. The statement also announced that infringements on state-owned land are being removed.

However, referring violators to the military judiciary conflicts with Article 204 of the Egyptian Constitution, which states that civilians cannot stand trial before military courts for crimes that represent a direct assault against military facilities, military barracks or whatever falls under their authority; stipulated military or border zones; its equipment, vehicles, weapons, ammunition, documents, military secrets, public funds or military factories; crimes related to conscription; or crimes that represent a direct assault against its officers or personnel because of the performance of their duties.

Engineer and urban researcher Yahya Shaukat told Al-Monitor over the phone that commissioning the armed forces to control the state lands all the while allocating land plots to the military  such as 1.3 square kilometers of land in the Ain Sokhna area in Suez east of Cairo  aims to reduce the phenomenon of the seizure of lands that have investment potential, especially those located in remote areas such as the Bahariya oasis.

Shaukat added that many of the state-owned lands are located in remote areas far away from the governments daily control, and that this is what prompted Sisi to issue this decree. Shaukat said it would be easy for the armed forces to protect those lands given the tasks that they usually perform.

There are no clear criteria as to the removal and keeping of some infringements, the urban researcher said as he criticized the government and accused it of being behind the infringements taking place. The state allocated lands to associations and bodies that have nothing to do with investment, such as NGOs [nongovernmental organizations], Shaukat added.

Sarah Sharif, a member of the No to military trials for civilians campaign, told Al-Monitor that neither the armed forces involvement in the control of state lands nor the referral of trespassers to military justice is likely to help the economy.

Civilians have been standing trial before military courts for six years now without this helping to get rid of thugs or to stop terrorist operations, let alone achieve growth, Sharif said.

Sharif said, The results of the presidential decree will have no less negative impact than the 2014 Law No. 136, which allows the army to protect and secure public and vital state facilities and provides for the referral of the crimes committed against these facilities to the military judiciary.

Sharif added that as a result of that decision, thousands  including students, workers and children  are standing trial before military courts. She said some are standing trial before military courts despite being arrested in 2013, before the decision came into force.

Sharif criticized the referral of civilians to military courts and said that this does not bring justice to them, knowing that military courts neither provide lawyers nor guarantee fair investigations given the existence of a dispute between the accused and the military establishment.

For his part, Atif Mikhalev, the parliaments Human Rights Committee representative, said that there is no reason for concern over the expansion of the military trials: On the contrary, we want more of these trials because they are the only way to deter these thugs from assaulting the land and violating the sovereignty and prestige of the state.

Mikhalev has personal experience with land seizure. When I bought a plot of land in Mersa Matruh and Bedouins captured it, I had to flee from the land because they were armed, he said.

Ahmed Ayoub, spokesman for the state land recovery committee headed by former Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab, said that the committee has thus far managed to recover 43,000 acres of the total state lands, and there are no exceptions when it comes to removing infringements.

Ayoub added in a telephone conversation with Al-Monitor that there are certain humanitarian and poor cases that have been present on the lands for a long time. These do not make any profit from their presence on those lands, and they are being respected.

Ayoub also stressed that similarly to the agriculture, housing and interior ministries, the Egyptian armed forces are represented in the state land recovery committee through the assistant secretary of defense. He said that law enforcement forces, represented by the civilian police, are the ones responsible for removing the infringements.
June 23, 2016

Among the myriad threats to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, front and center is the inability of just about anyone to convince the worlds largest banks to facilitate transactions between Iran and foreign companies. The banks coyness toward Iran has caused increasingly loud grumbling in Tehran and a creeping sense of unease in Western capitals. Banks have reason to be wary, not least because of the very political issues of continued unilateral US sanctions and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming US presidential elections.

Yet, beyond the unpredictable and increasingly politicized issues surrounding the agreement, an opportunity for positive change lies in getting Iran removed from the very short list of countries deemed high risk and noncooperative by the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Iran was put on the blacklist because it was determined that the country lacked the means or the will  depending on who is asked  to combat money-laundering and terrorist financing. Taking major steps to get Iran off this list would ease some of the banks concerns, help facilitate the legal trade envisioned under the nuclear deal and aid in strengthening the global anti-money laundering (AML) regime  a decidedly nonpolitical and uncontroversial goal.

For almost a decade, Irans financial system was seen as an effective target for sanctions architects determined to cut the country off from international trade. Sanctions sparked the proliferation of unregulated financial institutions adept at sanctions busting that  along with more established banks  found surreptitious and novel ways to move cash around the world.

Media began to report on suitcases filled with dollars flowing through Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport and suspicious truckloads of Iranian gold being seized in Turkey. A barter system was created with willing international partners, and Iran began to make extensive use of a motley but effective network of middlemen and front companies to facilitate transactions. Under such a secretive system designed specifically for survival, corruption expanded exponentially and a culture of circumvention of basic financial legal standards took root.

It didnt take long for the FATF to notice, and in 2008 the group began to list Iran as a high-risk financial jurisdiction. Its recommendation to the worlds banks was explicit: Beware of any transactions having to do with Iran. Barely a month after international sanctions were removed against Iran, FATF issued a statement reiterating its warning to global financial institutions that Iran had yet to meet its regulatory standards. As long as Iran was under international sanctions, the ability to circumvent them by any means possible was considered a point of strength. Now that sanctions have been lifted, Irans inability to adapt to global transparency standards is a problem not only for Tehran, but also for the worlds financial capitals. Irans continued inclusion on the FATF blacklist has given critics of the nuclear deal ammunition in their efforts deter international banks from dealing with Iran.

It will likely take a long time to implement the reforms needed, and progress must be measured incrementally  but there are signs that the administration of President Hassan Rouhani recognizes the negative impact of the FATFs classification on its post-nuclear deal ambitions.

Indeed, in March, after years of legislative rancor, Irans Guardian Council finally approved the outgoing parliaments ratification of a UN treaty against money-laundering and terrorist financing. It will be up to the new parliament to pass more specific AML regulations upholding the treaty. Iran has signaled its desire to join the Eurasian Group, a regional organization that helps member countries in implementing AML standards. In this vein, several Iranian banks have already been receiving British assistance to implement the regulatory standards required by the FATF. Irans representative to the International Monetary Fund has furthermore recently asked for international technical assistance to put in place proper AML standards in the countrys banking industry.

All of these measures indicate a will by the Rouhani administration to quickly get Iran off the FATF blacklist. Whether such moves will result in actual changes in the way Iranian banks do business is a separate challenge. Iranian financial institutions, like their Western counterparts, were deeply impacted by the draconian nature of the nuclear-related sanctions. Reforms to increase transparency will likely be resisted as long as the nuclear deal seems fragile. Even if a decision to conduct wholesale AML reform is made, years of sanctions have denied Iranian banks the ability to tap the latest in technical expertise in order to bring the industry up to modern standards. The implementation of reform will likely require the help of Western financial experts and a sustained political will in the West to integrate Iran into the global rule-based financial system.

Irans stated desire to normalize its banking industry represents a valuable opportunity for the West  specifically strong backers of a global AML regime such as the United States. Beyond the need to show Iranians that their governments nuclear compromises were worthwhile through a normalization of trade, the United States has an important national interest in strengthening the global efforts against money-laundering and terrorist financing.

Having a large, emerging economy like Iran outside the scope of AML standards does nothing to further American interests. Irans current financial officials  motivated by a desire to maximize the gains of the nuclear deal  have already signaled that they need assistance in implementing acceptable AML standards on the ground. It is thus a good time to help Iran emerge from the FATF blacklist in a transparent manner that simultaneously strengthens international efforts against money-laundering and terrorism financing.
June 24, 2016

On June 19, Irans Foreign Ministry announced that its spokesman, Hossein Jaberi Ansari, would be replacing Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who in turn had been appointed adviser to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. It was also announced that Bahram Ghassemi would be the ministry's new spokesman and doubling as head of the Public and Media Diplomacy Center.

Ansari has a strong background in Arab affairs. Prior to serving as ambassador to Libya from 2005 to 2009, he had been Irans envoy to Syria. Moreover, before becoming spokesman in November 2015, Ansari had been the Foreign Ministrys director general for Arab and African Affairs.

Amir-Abdollahian had served as deputy foreign minister since 2011. His role was boosted after the Arab Spring and became even stronger with the 2013 election of President Hassan Rouhani and the appointment of Zarif as foreign minister, despite rumors of a lack of chemistry between the two men. While Zarif was busy negotiating with the six world powers over Iran's nuclear file, Amir-Abdollahian was roving around the Middle East, from one capital to another, conveying messages from Tehran on various ongoing conflicts. Amir-Abdollahian is fluent in Arabic and English and holds a PhD in international relations. Indeed, alongside his government career, the veteran diplomat, who was born in 1964, lectures at the University of Tehran.

The reshuffle in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was decided before the Iranian New Year [March 21, 2016], an Iranian diplomatic source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. As for Mr. Abdollahian, the transfer was expected a year ago, but there were several obstacles. Some of them were related to the fact that he had some personal reasons that prevented him from traveling. Even when the appointments were made, he was expected to go to Oman as an ambassador, but he requested to stay in Iran and was thus appointed an adviser to Mr. Zarif.

According to the source, Amir-Abdollahians new role might involve special missions. The foreign minister will surely make use of Abdollahians experience and broad knowledge of the region, he said. On certain occasions, he might be a special envoy. This is yet to be decided in accordance with the needs of Irans diplomacy.

The first question many asked after the reshuffle at the Foreign Ministry was whether it meant that Iran is planning to alter its foreign policy. Some observers were expecting Tehrans approach toward the region to change with Amir-Abdollahian's replacement. Others have suggested that the shuffle stemmed from internal differences in Tehran over the fate of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Assuming that a nations foreign policy is going to change because a deputy foreign minister has been replaced is laughable, another Iranian diplomat scoffed to Al-Monitor, on condition of anonymity. Iran is a country of institutions. Even if a foreign minister, or the whole government, is changed, this wont change anything as long as there is no central decision to [make a] change.

The diplomat elaborated, Irans foreign policy goes through four levels of decision-making. It starts with the supreme leader, then the Supreme National Security Council, then the government and finally the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Indeed, Zarif publicly commented June 22 on the reshuffle, saying, Theres no bigger insult to the Islamic Republic than to claim that the change of an official is because of this or that person. He added, Until now, no one in the region or outside of it has dared to make such a request of Iran, and they never will.

Zarif was referring to claims by his domestic critics that his decision to appoint a new deputy had been influenced by US requests and was aimed at eliminating the Syrian strong man of the so-called resistance axis. The Iranian foreign minister said, The resistance axis is stronger than being tied to one specific individual, and those who present such analysis, willingly or unwillingly, rather than strengthening the resistance are weakening the resistance.

The resistance axis, led by Iran, is the umbrella that brings together the Syrian government, pro-Iranian Iraqi Shiite factions, Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemens Ansar Allah (the Houthi movement). Each member of the axis is fighting its own war on one or more fronts, and it is believed that the most influential Iranian among them is Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps foreign operations branch.

Zarif and Soleimani are national icons to many in Iran. The former negotiated the landmark nuclear agreement, and the latter has overseen the frontiers of his countrys zones of influence, reaching all the way to the Mediterranean. Now that both men are dealing with the same file, each from his own position of responsibility, the question of whose line of thinking will be adopted has been raised.

In direct response to such queries, Zarif said in the Netherlands on June 23, There is consensus over Syria in Iran, adding that he has had discussions with Soleimani about Syria and that they both agree that the crisis needs a political solution.

Indeed, Iran has for years expressed consistent support for a political solution while rejecting the immediate departure of Assad. In this vein, one senior Iranian official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, There has been no change in our position [on Syria]. He added, We have been saying the same thing since we presented the four-point plan. We should not focus on individuals, because it prevents a solution, but we need to focus on institutions and constitutional reform and allow the Syrian people to make their own choice.
June 23, 2016

Khaled Meshaal has long been a leading Hamas figure, heading its political bureau since 1996. However, according to recent media reports, Meshaal will not participate in the movements internal elections that may be held in late November or early December.

It may seem early to talk about replacing Meshaal, as Meshaal himself has remained publicly silent.

On June 16, Mahmoud al-Zahar, a member of Hamas political bureau in Gaza, told the New Arab newspaper that Meshaal will not run for re-election as head of the political bureau. The London-based Rai al-Youm reported on June 13 that Meshaal had confirmed to unnamed close associates that he will not run, but did not reveal whether he will support any particular Hamas leader for the post.

Ahmed Youssef, political adviser to former Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, told Al-Monitor, Meshaal has a charismatic leadership style, political gumption and strong ties with Arab and Islamic countries. Yet it is perhaps time for him to leave the post of head of the political bureau to someone else without compromising his standing." This way, Youssef said, Meshaal could leave but retain his ability to create a new position of secretary-general, for which he could run uncontested.

If Meshaal did withdraw from the movements leadership, the vacancy would create room for a number of other political figures who view themselves as qualified to succeed him in a critical period for the Palestinian cause.

Among those emerging as possible successors to Meshaal include Mousa Abu Marzouk, who likely has the best chance to win the election. He was the first head of Hamas' political bureau, a position that granted him a wide network of regional and international ties. He was arrested in the United States in 1995 on charges of transferring money to the fighters of Hamas' military wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and was deported to Jordan in 1997.

Haniyeh, now the deputy head of Hamas political bureau, is another important candidate with wide popular support. March polls by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in the West Bank revealed that had presidential elections been held then, Haniyeh would have beaten out Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Israel's Channel 2 reported June 17 that Hamas military leader Yahya Sinwar will succeed Meshaal with support from al-Qassam Brigades. He was freed in a prisoner-swap deal between Hamas and Israel in 2011 after serving 22 years in jail.

Speaking to Al-Monitor, Husam Badran, the Qatar-based official spokesman for Hamas, refused to speak of the possible candidates. He said, Hamas is an institutional organization that abides by its own regulations. Its leaders reach leadership posts through periodic elections within Palestinian areas or abroad. Each of the Hamas leaders has a role, regardless of his organizational position, that is subject to change. Hamas insistence on holding internal elections is an achievement and a role model to be followed by other Palestinian factions.

Under Meshaals leadership, Hamas has witnessed important milestones, most notably the 2000 Al-Aqsa intifada, the 2006 legislative elections from which Hamas came out victorious, three Israeli wars on Gaza and the establishment of new regional alliances between Hamas, Qatar and Turkey, while other alliances with Syria and Iran deteriorated.

Meshaal was able to manage these dossiers with relative success, though there were some setbacks. The most serious challenges included Iran ending its financial support in 2012, the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt in 2013 and Egypt closing the tunnels between Gaza and Sinai.

A close associate of Abbas who has met with Meshaal on several occasions told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, Despite our dispute with Hamas, led by Meshaal, no one can deny his ability to show balance in his political stances on Palestinian internal relations. It is no secret that there is chemistry between Meshaal and Abbas, more than the rest of Hamas' leaders. We hope that any changes that will be brought about within Hamas in the future take the same national path that Meshaal has taken.

The Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV reported on June 2 that the next Hamas leadership will be kept busy with such important matters as Hamas' relationship with regional countries including Israel, its relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood and the reconciliation with Fatah.

Raed Enairat, a professor of political science at An-Najah National University in Nablus and the head of the Contemporary Center for Studies and Policy Analysis, told Al-Monitor, This time, Meshaal will not run for head of Hamas, since he has been leading it since 1996. It is a credit to Hamas that its leader steps down voluntarily via elections. Yet I do not think that a big change will be brought about to its general policy [governing] Palestinian, Arab and international relations, as Meshaals successor is already a part of Hamas political leadership. Meshaal [will not run despite having] political wisdom in dealing with political files, has a great deal of pragmatism and is viewed by many decision-making circles as a safety valve for Hamas in the most trying times.

If Meshaal does step down from the Hamas leadership at the organizational and executive levels, he seems unlikely to stay out of decision-making circles, given his extensive experience and influence among a number of the movement's current leaders. And who knows, maybe sitting out the next elections could be just a break before resuming his role.
June 23, 2016

As last weeks dissent cable, signed by US State Department officials, criticized President Barack Obamas Syrian strategy for not being very strategic, the mood in Moscow seems quite different. Recent low-intensity diplomatic spats between the two states over whose patience is running thinner in Syria signal more-profound grievances in both capitals regarding their respective strategies, as well as one another.

Indeed, Secretary of State John Kerry said US patience is not infinite and is in fact, very limited with respect to whether or not [Syrian President Bashar al-]Assad is going to be held accountable. That statement spurred strong reaction from the Russians. Immediately afterward, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov advised Kerry to be less impatient, especially since Obama has repeatedly stated that his administration is carrying out a policy of strategic patience. Russian military officials were  quite predictably  even harsher. If anyones patience on Syria is waning, it is ours, not the United States', said Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian militarys general staff.

We are in full compliance with our obligations to maintain the cease-fire and ensure national reconciliation in Syria, Gerasimov said. For three months weve been sending positioning data of [the Islamic State (IS)] and [Jabhat al-Nusra] to the Americans, and our US partners are still undecided where there are opposition forces and where there are turncoats from international terrorist organizations.

In fact, the statements reflect a broader disappointment within Moscow. Russian media and mainstream commentators have until now focused primarily on the battle for Raqqa, but more knowledgeable pundits and decision-makers are tacitly concerned that the events in Syria are not running the course Moscow initially charted. No doubt, IS is largely seen by most parties as an enemy that cannot be compromised with under any circumstances. But as far as the US presence in the area is concerned, some Russian reporters compare it to the run for Berlin, meaning Russia and the United States are desperately trying to ensure their own forces seize the city first.

From the very beginning, though, Russian military experts were skeptical that Raqqa was ever a real goal for Assad, who devoted more effort toward capturing Tabqa to gain a foothold for further offensives. It is clear that plan hasn't been working well so far: IS recaptured large chunks of the territory from Syrian forces in Raqqa and other areas, while the opposition forces maintained their control as well. All of this makes the future of Assad and his army more uncertain. And Moscow's own uncertainty is growing over what it largely sees as Washington starting to pursue a more delicate policy.

When BasNews reported June 14 that the United States had mediated a late-May meeting between Turkish authorities and representatives of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) at Turkeys Incirlik Air Base, Russian reporters interpreted the results as successful. The meeting reportedly resulted in a compromise under which Turkeys government will allow Syrian Democratic Forces to control northern areas of Syria west of the Euphrates, while PKK fighters will recede from Kurdish towns in Turkeys southeast.

The agreement also might be a tactical gain for Jabhat al-Nusra, since it could now focus more on fighting Assad's forces.

Similarly, Moscow sees the Kurdish offensive in Manbij, Syria, with the support of NATO special forces as an attempt by the US-led coalition to take control of nearby Jarablus  a key transit route through which militants receive aid from the Turkish territory. In turn, this will help Americans, in the view of Russian military experts, to capture the border town of Azaz and, finally  with the help of the Free Syrian Army and other opposition groups  get a grip on Afrin. Having these territories under the control of US-allied forces isnt something Moscow would like to see. In this equation, controlling Aleppo and Idlib would be a huge factor in strengthening Damascus domestically as well as internationally at the negotiating table. Therefore, Moscows even greater concern is whether Washington will support Ankara in transferring additional resources into these areas. If that should happen, Russia fears Syria could lose some territory.

So, the Kremlin is desperately trying to devise an adequate counter-plan. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's visits to Iran and Syria can be viewed as part of this effort. Or, Russia might use its more traditional approach of recruiting former US allies from the cohort of rebel opposition groups. Both moves are understandable  Moscow wants to coordinate efforts with its tactical allies to make its policies more effective and, at the same time, secure its influence within opposition groups when and if they become part of the transition process in Syria. Theres a reasonable concern in Moscow that this might not be enough: Assads commanders have been making some grave mistakes on the battlefield while the opposition forces are stretching out government troops and hitting army-free areas.

Against this background there has been some criticism of Moscows standing on the cease-fire. Russia had to agree to the cease-fire because it would otherwise end up in a quagmire. But the way the cease-fire is being managed gives anti-Assad forces time to regroup and grow muscles, a military expert with a long record of service in the Russian army told Al-Monitor. Meanwhile, a Russian soldier was killed in Homs province last week while trying to stop a car bomb going full speed toward a humanitarian aid delivery point. This raised the official death toll of Russian soldiers to 11.

At the same time, incidents between Russian and American jets in the skies over Syria are becoming more frequent. As Russian planes continue to strike what Americans see as opposition forces and their infrastructure, American pilots try to stop those maneuvers through what has been described as aerial close encounters. On a positive note, communication mechanisms are there and functioning. Yet the near-clashes are not only a worrisome sign of how close the two powers are to a potential disaster, but also how committed and desperate both parties are in trying to have it their own way.

Nikolay Kozhanov, a nonresident fellow at Carnegie Moscow Center, recently noted that no party in Syria is willing to cease hostilities under the current state of affairs  however, all are positive that time is on their side.

Moscows concerns over the successes of American strategy seemingly contradict the criticism the strategy encounters in Washington. But similar concerns and contradictions in other capitals reflect that the respective parties feel their policies arent working. If this is the case, the crisis in Syria has reached a new milestone where all the parties  internal and external alike  could be looking to redraw their strategies in the coming weeks.
June 23, 2016

The areas controlled by the Islamic State (IS) are beginning to recede on various fronts. In Syria, Libya and Iraq, IS has suffered extensive defeats and lost towns and villages that were of great importance for the group and its fighters who had joined it from all over the world. These successive defeats pose a pressing question about the fate of thousands of foreign fighters, while the fear in the countries from which they came is rising, as they are preparing to return home.

Large numbers of fighters of Tunisian nationality have joined IS ranks in Syria, Libya and Iraq, and estimates indicate that the number of Tunisian fighters in Syria and Iraq amounts to over 3,000 fighters, while in Libya, Tunisians represent the largest percentage of IS members, reaching more than 500 fighters. Hence, the Tunisian authorities face the dilemma of how to deal with potentially thousands of returning IS fighters, while it has been witnessing the presence of jihadi groups that became active in the western mountainous region four years ago.

The most prominent jihadi group active in this region is Katibat Uqba Ibn Nafi, loyal to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, which is an extension of Ansar al-Sharia and Jund al-Khilafah that have pledged allegiance to IS.

Despite their different allegiances, these groups stand united in carrying out attacks against the Tunisian security forces and the army through ambushes and landmines; the attacks have caused the government forces great human losses since 2012.

The Tunisian authorities are yet to reveal any plan on how to deal with these returnees, but at the same time, dozens of those who returned were sent to prison as provided for by Tunisian law, which punishes every citizen who puts himself at the disposal of a terrorist organization abroad.

According to the Tunisian Ministry of Interior, up until early 2016, around 600 fighters have returned to Tunisia from different fighting fronts. In November 2015, the authorities placed 92 returnees under house arrest days after a bombing targeted a presidential guard bus and killed 12 people.

Hadi Yahmed, a researcher on Islamic groups, believes that the return of young Tunisian fighters from Syria, Libya and Iraq is considered one of the most dangerous security issues in Tunisia today. Yahmed, who wrote a book on jihadi movement in Tunisia, told Al-Monitor, The most serious issue is that the Tunisian security authorities do not have a clear plan yet to thwart the danger that returnees pose. Many terrorist attacks that have recently occurred in the country prove that those who returned from Libya, Syria and Iraq have contributed to terrorist activities.

For instance, Saifuddin Rizki, the young man who attacked the Sousse tourist resort in July 2015, killing 38 tourists, including 30 British, had received training in IS camps in Libya, specifically in the city of Sabratha in the western region. This happened to be the same city through which dozens of Tunisian fighters infiltrated the Tunisian city of Ben Guerdane in March 2016 and attacked security and sovereign centers, in an attempt to establish in the city an IS-affiliated Islamic emirate, as revealed by security investigations.

Security surveillance and follow-up methods are yet to diminish the danger posed by returnees on security, despite the high costs and logistical resources required for this surveillance. Sending returnees to prison was only a swift response adopted by the authorities when some were proved to be involved in terrorist operations abroad, Yahmed said.

He added, "As far as social integration is concerned, the government has no set program to reintegrate these returnees into society, knowing that mixing them with ordinary prisoners can have serious consequences given their ability to recruit new members."

For his part, Union President of the Tunisian Organization for Security and Citizens Issam Dardouri raised the issue of proving the offense of terrorism and the returnees true identity.

In this context, Dardouri told Al-Monitor, There is a real security problem when it comes to dealing with returnees as the issue is tightly linked to the severed diplomatic relations with Syria. The security units cannot detect all the members involved in terrorist acts unless there is evidence and clues  which are often hard to find in the absence of security cooperation between Tunisia and other countries and security agencies, let alone when ties are completely severed. Add to this that members who head to hot spots usually opt for illegal tracks, which makes evidence almost nonexistent.

Leaders in the Union of Internal Security Forces had put forth proposals in September 2015 to confront the issue of returning fighters from the battlefield; some of these leaders suggested the withdrawal of citizenship. However, this proposal collides with Article 25 of the constitution, which stipulates, No citizen shall be deprived of their nationality, exiled, extradited or prevented from returning to their country.

For his part, Rachid Ghannouchi, the leader of the Islamist Ennahda movement, had suggested in August 2015 a repentance law in an attempt to reintegrate the returnees into society, referring to the experiences of Algeria and Morocco in this respect. Ennahda, however, did not put forward the relevant draft law.

According to Dardouri, this proposal is a mere attempt to find those a legal escape, which could set the stage for serious security risks.

Dardouri added, Before allowing the return of those members, the concerned institutions  such as the security and military institutions, courts, social affairs and religious affairs authorities  should find formulated joint programs to ensure that those [ticking] bombs [returning members] do not infiltrate the community, and to rehabilitate and reintegrate those who can be reintegrated into social life as soon as they have undergone investigations. However, we shall warn against the legalization of the return of those members, who, in turn, are looking to join sleeper cells or carry out reprisals.

According to Yahmed, those returning from flashpoints will have a hard time joining active jihadi groups in the western mountains of Tunisia, at least in the near to medium term, given the security blockade imposed by the government forces on the entry and exit points of this area.

But Yahmed said, Those fighters who have fought on several fronts have come to constitute standby combatants who are trained and ready to engage in any future battle against the state and society whenever the country witnesses a serious security development.
June 23, 2016

Last week I was seated next to Sebnem Koru Fincanci at a hearing in the Swedish parliament titled "The State of Human Rights in Turkey." Fincanci delivered a very impressive presentation, using visuals that showed the destruction and devastation and speaking convincingly on human rights violations committed by Turkish security forces in the southeastern Kurdish town of Cizre. She is the author of a recent detailed report on Cizre.

When it was my turn to speak, I began with a tribute to her, saying Fincanci is the most prominent forensic medicine expert in Turkey and an indefatigable human rights activist. I did not conceal my pride in sharing a rostrum with her on the human rights issues. Apart from being a well-known scholar on forensic pathology, she is currently the chairwoman of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey.

After the session she told me that her daughter had married a few days before our encounter in Sweden, and that on her return back to Turkey the first thing she would do is to rush to the city of Adana, where her daughter and son-in-law would be residing.

It did not happen. Fincanci is now in solitary confinement in an Istanbul jail pending trial, possibly facing 14 years in prison.

I read an interview in which her daughter Kardelen Fincanci said that she and her close family members were expecting this after she had authored the Cizre report. Fincanci's daughter did not hesitate to warn a relatively broad public. "Do not ever think you would remain in peace," she said, referring to what happened to her mother. "This state [Turkey] is trying to chain everyone [whom it sees as dissenting]."

If you are respected for what have you done and thus are invited to the parliament of Sweden to present your work, that could be the main stimulus to land in prison in Turkey. Nevertheless, that was not what Fincanci herself was expecting. During our almost day-long conversation, such a possibility, including her ending up in prison cell, did not come up at all.

Therefore, her arrest along with a very prominent and popular reporter, Erol Onderoglu  a representative for the renowned international nongovernmental organization Reporters Without Borders (RWB) in Turkey  and another intellectual, Ahmet Nesin, who is the son of the country's legendary satire novelist, the late Aziz Nesin, came as a shock not only in Turkey but all over the world.

Meanwhile, for the first time ever, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed his "worries" on developments in Turkey after his meeting with Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of RWB. Moon also expressed his "hope for the release of the three people arrested."

The European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini indicated that the arrests violate fundamental rights, including freedom of the press, and said the EU emphasized many times the need that "Turkey, as a candidate country, must aspire to the highest possible democratic standards and practices."

European Parliaments President Martin Schulz, who only a day ago had announced that he suspended the process of granting visa-free travel for Turkish citizens because of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans "unacceptable conduct," tweeted that the jailing of Nesin, Fincanci and Onderoglu is "against free press and EU values."

The outrage against the arrests of the three Turkish human rights activists was at a peak in Germany. All political parties are mobilized, asking the German government and the EU to pressure the Turkish government to release the arrested immediately.

The alleged "crime" of Fincanci, Onderoglu and Nesin is joining a solidarity action with the pro-Kurdish daily newspaper Ozgur Gundem, which is accused of being the mouthpiece of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and whose 12 members were arrested. Since May, a number of prominent Turkish intellectuals began a solidarity campaign with the paper for the sake of freedom of the press.

Since then, a Turkish intellectual goes to the office of Ozgur Gundem every day and symbolically acts as the editor-in-chief of the paper at the news desk and chairs the meeting. The three arrested are among the pioneers, but all together 44 people committed the same "crime."

The Turkish judiciary, which is seen as increasingly controlled by Erdogan, stepped in and charged the ones showing solidarity with the allegedly pro-PKK newspaper for rendering support to terrorism. According to Turkey's controversial anti-terror law, those who allegedly support terrorism can be considered terrorists as well.

The result has led to handcuffing three prominent human rights activists in Turkey and sending them to jail.

A similar fate now awaits the 44 well-known intellectuals, journalists and academics who joined the same solidarity campaign for Ozgur Gundem.

What has befallen Fincanci, Onderoglu and Nesin did not act as a deterrent. Only a few hours after they were put in jail, Can Dundar  the editor-in-chief of the daily Cumhuriyet, who has become an international figure himself  took over the symbolic post of editor of Ozgur Gundem and chaired the meeting at the news desk. He declared that he is determined to commit the same crime of those jailed in an act of solidarity.

What has happened to Fincanci, Onderoglu and Nesin is a watershed. Soon, we will understand whether Turkey has crossed the Rubicon of drifting into an authoritarian or a quasi-totalitarian regime or whether there is still hope that it may return to the road to democracy.
June 23, 2016

WASHINGTON  A date for the resumption of Syria peace talks may be clarified after a UN Security Council meeting on June 29, UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said June 23 as he headed to Washington and New York for consultations after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia last week. The international consultations on resuming Syria political talks come as UN humanitarian officials gave a mixed picture of the situation on the ground, with aid having reached 16 of 18 besieged areas since February but a continued degradation in a partial cease-fire continuing to impede humanitarian access.

With an Aug. 20 target date for unveiling some form of Syria transitional government, de Mistura aimed for the next round of intra-Syrian talks between the regime and opposition delegations to be held in July in Geneva. Meanwhile, his team was preparing to hold technical talks with the Syrian opposition High Negotiating Committee in Riyadh this week, after similar rounds of under-the-radar discussions with other opposition groupings in Moscow and Cairo, he said.

So the question is: When are we going to have the intra-Syrian talks? Well, it will also depend on the discussions I will be having in New York and Washington and in particular the debate at the Security Council ... but also what are the best conditions for holding them in the best possible chances, de Mistura told reporters in Geneva on June 23.

The aim is still July, remember, because August is not a fictional but is a real timetable we are having in our own radar screen, he said.

De Mistura was then heading to the United States for consultations after he and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon held a long and comprehensive meeting with Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in St. Petersburg on June 16, on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

I agree with the proposals of our partners, primarily our American partners that suggest  considering the possibility of bringing representatives of the opposition into existing power structures  for instance, the government, Putin told the St. Petersburg Forum on June 17. It is necessary to think about what powers this government will have.

Many of our partners are saying that [Bashar al-] Assad should go, Putin said. Today they are saying no, lets restructure governing institutions in such and such a way, but in practical terms it will also mean his departure. But this is also unrealistic. Therefore, it is necessary to act carefully, step by step, gradually winning the confidence of all sides to the conflict.

The success of resumed Syrian political talks requires further agreement on concrete details between Russia and the United States, de Mistura repeatedly stressed.

Dont forget that the cessation of hostilities took place when the Russian Federation and the United States agreed on something, and that produced a critical mass, he said. We are looking for the same type of critical mass on the beginning of the political transition, and we can help. We are helping, but we need that one.

The international consultations to prepare for resumed Syria political talks come as there has been an improvement in the delivery of humanitarian aid in Syria in June but continued degradation of the cessation of hostilities.

The [humanitarian] situation on the ground is bad and in many places worsening, UN Syria humanitarian chief Jan Egeland told journalists in Geneva on June 23. We are working in active combat zones; we are working in the crossfire. Local agreements have broken down.

So it speaks quite large to a lot of good efforts that we have so far this month been able to reach eight out of the 18 besieged areas; we hope to reach at least seven more in the next week, Egeland said. Altogether we have now reached 16 out of the 18 besieged areas since the task force started work in February.

We are acutely aware we are only alleviating suffering, Egeland added. Besiegement is continuing; it should never be there in the first place.  It belongs in the Middle Ages, not in our time.

Asked about reports of the Syrian regime bombing the besieged town of Daraya the day after humanitarian aid was delivered for the first time in over three years, UN in-country Syria humanitarian coordinator Yacoub El Hillo repeatedly said it was terrible.

Its a terrible thing that when we are allowed to go and deliver to a place  that immediately after we get reports of shelling and strikes and attacks, El Hillo told journalists after meeting with the International Syria Support Group humanitarian task force in Geneva on June 23. It is terrible and we do register our objection.  People cannot be punished simply because they have been given the opportunity to receive humanitarian assistance.

This war continues to rage, and the price is being heavily paid and borne by the average people, El Hillo said.
Bayer Properties built the massive shopping center The Summit, and it looks like it could keep building across 280.

The Birmingham firm has placed 125 acres of land across from the Summit under contract.

A Bayer spokeswoman said she can't yet speak to what will be go in the location, which currently houses offices used by AT&T.

"We certainly understand the sensitivity around development in this location, and our goal is to create a project that will be complementary to The Summit and surrounding areas and will be a true amenity for the community," David Silverstein, principal at Bayer Properties, said in a statement.

AT&T spokesman Lance Skelly said the employees that work at that location will be relocated to 1876 Data Drive in Hoover, which is a multi-story data center office facility with free parking

"The building is currently under-utilized," Skelly wrote in an email. "Like any business, we need to work consistently to manage our operations and best utilize available office space, and the Data Drive location provides adequate space."

Birmingham's Bayer Properties manages the Summit, which is at the crossroads of Interstate 459 and U.S. 280. It total more than 1 million square feet of retail, restaurants and office space. Bayer Properties is also managing the $66 million redevelopment of the downtown Pizitz building.
Birds were singing peacefully on a recent muggy afternoon at Shelia Champion's new natural cemetery in rural Alabama.

Shelia Champion recently brought two baby goats to her natural cemetery, The Good Earth Burial Ground, to help maintain the landscape in Hazel Green. (Lucy Berry | lberry@al.com)

Two baby goats -- Waylon and Willie -- grazed on a small plot of land Champion owns in Hazel Green, where The Good Earth Burial Ground sits unassuming on what looks like any ordinary road near the Alabama-Tennessee state line.

Champion, who hopes her goats will help keep the cemetery free of weeds, poison ivy and other invasive plant life, is aware some people think her burial ground is creepy. Facebook friends have told her the concept just isn't for them, but that doesn't stop Champion from following her dream.

"I say, 'Well, it's different, but it's the way we used to do it,' and they'll come back and say, 'Yeah, it is,'" she said. "I'm not out to get in people's face and try to make them change their mind, but maybe open their minds just a hair and let it kind of sink in."

Overwhelming response

The grandmother and former contracts manager in Huntsville came out of obscurity in April when she, along with Virginia law firm Institute for Justice, sued the Alabama Board of Funeral Service in Montgomery for what she believed was an unconstitutional abuse of government power.

Champion was fighting for the right to sell biodegradable caskets, burial shrouds and urns, a privilege afforded only to licensed Alabama funeral directors until May when the law was revised to allow Champion to sell merchandise to customers without a license or converting her cemetery into a full-fledged funeral home.

Although her attorneys were prepared to bring the issue to the Supreme Court if necessary, Champion's lawsuit with IJ was eventually dismissed.

Looking back weeks later, Champion is still shocked the issue was resolved so quickly -- and that her relatively unknown cemetery for humans and pets had an impact on the industry statewide.

"It has been overwhelming," she said. "From the time I started this, I never dreamed it would blow up like it did."

Back-to-basics approach

Champion's desire to make Alabama a freer place for entrepreneurs and consumers has garnered support from across the U.S. Although she hasn't secured any burials at The Good Earth, Champion is confident more people will turn to the cemetery soon as they learn about her business.

"It's just been amazing at the interest and the, 'Oh wows, I didn't know you could do that,'" she said. "... I'm hoping that others realize that we are opening a door to more options."

At The Good Earth, bodies are prepared without embalming fluid, dressed in biodegradable clothing, placed into an earth-friendly shroud or casket, and buried without a vault. Only live flowers are permitted inside the cemetery, which also accepts cremated remains in an economical container.

The five-acre cemetery features two areas: a large untended forest in its natural state and a small meadow with burial plots arranged in rows as one would see at a traditional graveyard. The Good Earth requires caskets, shrouds and urns be made of eco-friendly materials like untreated cardboard or wood, silk or bamboo.

Affordable, local products

Now that she is able to sell supplies of her own, Champion is working with a former Redstone Arsenal co-worker to sew shrouds from muslin, a lightweight material resembling a flat bed sheet that wraps the body the same way one swaddles a newborn baby. The same friend who will sew shrouds said her husband or son-in-law may also build plain wooden coffins for Good Earth customers, Champion said.

The plan is to keep prices low and the products locally made.

"I'm not into this to make a lot of money," Champion said. "My goal is just to break even before I die."

Champion said she is working with Leland Cseke, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Science at UAH, to attain Green Burial Council certification at her cemetery. Attempts to reach Cseke this week about the process were unsuccessful.

The number of GBC providers, which includes cemeteries, funeral homes and product suppliers, has increased from one in 2006 to more than 340 in 41 states and six Canadian provinces. There are currently no cemeteries in Alabama that meet GBC's standards, according to the organization's website.

Caring for one's own

The National Home Funeral Alliance said the custom of caring for one's own was a common practice until the Civil War when mortuary surgeons began experimenting with embalming to get affluent northern soldiers home. Over time, it became the norm for families to turn to funeral homes after the loss of a loved one.

As a result, more people have lost touch with tradition. Champion, who provides home funeral training for free to groups of at least six people, hopes to change that. She is working with her attorney to seek clarification from the state about whether Alabama families must go through a licensed funeral director to host a home funeral, which is legal in every state.

Before residents write green burial off as "icky or weird," Champion hopes they will stop and think about their options, which aren't as scary as they might think.

"Come out here and wear your long pants and your shoes," she said. "We'll walk back into the forest and just sit and watch for a minute because it's so pretty out there."

To learn more about The Good Earth, click here.
On Thursday night, the 51 Distinguished Young Women participants - one from each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia - showed off their talents, self-expression abilities and fitness levels at the Mobile Civic Center Theater for the first of two nights of preliminary competition. The national finals will take place Saturday night.

The 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of America, Maire Nakada, opened the show with an Irish step dance performance. Nakada, the first DYW national winner from Alaska, is a student at the University of South Alabama, where she accepted the full-tuition scholarship she was offered as last year's winner. Mid-show, Nakada reprised last year's dance routine that won first place in the talent competition.

Dressed in white jeans, sleeveless tops with a chevron print, infinity scarves and wedge sandals, the 51 recent high school graduates introduced themselves as they danced to "Wings" by Little Mix.

The young women would be demonstrating their talent (which counts as 20 percent of their total score), fitness (15 percent) and self-expression (15 percent), explained co-hosts Amy Goodman, America's Junior Miss 1991, and Nora Ali, America's Junior Miss 2007.

The other 50 percent of the total score is comprised of a scholastic evaluation (25 percent) and a one-on-one interview (25 percent), both of which were already completed.

The DYW program will award $125,000 in college scholarships, with the winner receiving a $40,000 scholarship.

"Each of these participants in this program is already a winner in her own right," said Goodman.

The participants' families and others could watch the show via a live webcast available at www.distinguishedyw.org. This year, viewers were charged $5.99 for access to the Thursday and Friday shows, and $9.99 for Saturday's finals - or $19.99 for all three.

Five judges were introduced, including Matt Vinson, a composer originally from Mobile; Victor Wilson, the vice president of student affairs at the University of Georgia; Kathleen McCartney, a motivational speaker and former triathlete; Tom Brown, vice president of original productions for Turner Classic Movies; and Lindsey Brinton Harris, a lawyer who was America's Junior Miss in 2008.

Since they arrived in Mobile on June 12, the participants have been divided into four groups: pink, green, purple and orange. On Thursday night, the pink and green groups performed their talents, while the purple and orange groups did their fitness routine and answered a question for their self-expression category. The groups will reverse on Friday night.

Among the standout performances in the talent competition were several dance routines, including a strong, expressive lyrical dance by Morgan Holen from Nebraska; a lovely, graceful contemporary pointe variation from "Swan Lake" by Martha Bennett from North Carolina; a tap dance to "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" by the perky Alabama DYW Mary Grace Long, from Alabaster; and South Carolina DYW Tara Moore's energetic dance to a compilation of three Gloria Estefan songs.

Three of the young women - Tiffany Lu of Massachusetts, Marisa Hoover of Idaho and Kristina De Mora of New Jersey - performed challenging pieces brilliantly on a Steinway grand piano.

Ally Bryant of California pleased the crowd with her rendition of the clever song "The Girl in 14G," made popular by Kristin Chenoweth, and New Mexico's Maite Marin-Mera sang "Think of Me" from "Phantom of the Opera" in a lovely, clear, strong voice.

Alaska DYW Cheyenne Mathews had one of the most original performances of the evening, dressed in pajamas and reciting a Shel Silverstein favorite, "Sick."

For the fitness portion, two different groups of 12 performed together and individually, doing the same routine of lunges, kicks, push-ups and side planks, all with smiles on their faces, to the song "Salute" by Little Mix.

"That was exhausting!" said co-host Ali after the first group did the challenging fitness routine.

In the self-expression category, the young women came out dressed in knee-length dresses to the song "You Will" by Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Nettles. The first group answered the question, "What is one piece of advice you would give to your middle school self?"

Hawaii DYW Amy Uehara said that when she was in 7th grade, she was "so hairy" that she "was too embarrassed to raise my arms" in class. She'd like to urge her 7th-grade self "to love yourself," she said. "The more you can love yourself, the more you can love others."

Other answers included "it's okay to be intelligent" (Montana's Savannah Smith), "the importance of being welcoming and nice to everyone" (Kansas' Lanessa Aurand), "stop being too afraid to sing" (Mississippi's Anna Daniels) and "just be Sarah" (Indiana's Sarah Sipe).

The other group was asked, "Other than your cell phone or computer, what item has to go with you to college and why?"

The question elicited some emotional responses, including that of Pennsylvania's Rose Arbittier, who remembered her older brother learning to knit as a child and giving her a "mass of yarn" that she plans to take with her to her dorm room.

At the end of the three-hour show, satellite awards were announced, including the Press-Register's "Daily Journal" award presented to Oregon's Kennedy Ho.

The second round of preliminaries will take place Friday night at 7 p.m., and the top 10 finalists will be named during Saturday's show starting at 7 p.m.
ralph stanley.jpg

Bluegrass pioneer Ralph Stanley passed away Thursday, June 23, at age 89.

Ralph Stanley, a bluegrass pioneer who remained a musical force remarkably late into his life, died Thursday, June 23, according to The Associated Press.

Reports from Stanley's family on social media say he died from skin cancer. He was 89.

The Stanley Brothers -- Ralph and his brother, Carter -- and their band, The Clinch Mountain Boys, were heavily influenced by Bill Monroe while using a three-part harmony and more of a mournful Appalachian sound.

Ralph Stanley's chief instrument was the banjo.

Carter died of liver cancer in 1966 and Ralph ultimately continued to front the Clinch Mountain Boys. During a time the band included teenagers Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley -- who would help champion a neo-traditional movement in country music in the late 1980s.

He won the Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2002 for "O Death" from the "O Brother Where Art Thou" soundtrack, a project that helped spur renewed interest in bluegrass music. In 2006 the Virginian sang on Josh Turner's country hit "Me and God."

Musicians were paying respects on social media Thursday night:

ugh..... like a punch to the heart. thank you God for Ralph Stanley. thoughts and prayers for his family.  Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) June 24, 2016

sad to hear that Dr Ralph Stanley the patriarch of bluegrass has died

Rest in peace gentle Sir

We who love the music will never forget you  Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) June 24, 2016

[BELOW: MORE CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE DIED IN 2016]
Beach goers enjoy the relatively calm surf, light wind with temps hovering just at 89 degrees at Gulf Shores Public Beach in Gulf Shores, Ala. on Friday, June 24, 2016. This weekend starts the first weekend of summer. (Brian Kelly/bkelly@al.com)

By 11 a.m. on Friday, June 24, traffic was gridlock heading south on Highway 59 in Gulf Shores to Gulf Shores Parkway as tourists made their way to Alabama's most popular beach. The tourists have been here in droves since Memorial Day Weekend, but this weekend marks the first official weekend of summer, traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year along with next weekend's Fourth of July weekend when thousands are expected to visit Alabama's beaches.

On Gulf Shores Public Beach beach goers baked under 90 degree heat, while some folks took to the surf to cool off. With yellow flags indicating a low rip current along with a light chop and calm winds about 8 miles per hour many were lured into the Gulf of Mexico.

Surf temperature on Friday reached 85 degrees according to the National Weather Service. Saturday's forecast calls for a high temperature of 88 degrees with winds five to 10 miles per hour.
The plane carrying Army Sgt. Larry Thompson from Vietnam after an 11-month tour of duty in America's most controversial war went wheels up at 10 a.m. that morning in 1970. When it landed in Oakland, California it was 8 a.m. the same day. Thompson, who grew up in Pinson, Alabama, then boarded a commercial flight bound for Birmingham, with a layover in Dallas.

In Texas, as Thompson sat quietly in his assigned aisle seat, a woman boarding arrived at her seat and noticed it was next to the young man in his dress-green uniform.

She asked to be moved to another seat.

Thompson's voice broke and his eyes welled as he shared that story with me. We were sitting in the living room of his home, on a five-acre spread in north Birmingham, near Fultondale.

"Nobody ever spit on me or called me names, but..."

Greta, his wife of 45 years, was sitting nearby; she finished the difficult sentence for him: "He had to change his clothes sometimes before going out, just to make sure he wouldn't get spit on."

It's difficult to imagine now, in an age when servicemen present and past are deemed heroes, when we give up our seat, pay their lunch tab or simply say, Thank you for your service, but more than 40 years ago the more than 2.5 million young men (and women, all of whom volunteered, and most were nurses) who served, fought and, in more than 58,000 tragic instances, died in Vietnam were largely viewed as, well, anything but heroes.

Alabama Vietnam veteran Larry Thompson

"The majority of the guys there were not there of own accord," Thompson said. "They were drafted but they were patriotic enough to know. 'I'm in it, I'll do my best.' Everybody now that's in, they join. I don't think people look at it that way. We didn't know. We didn't go over there and fight on purpose."

The lingering mental and emotional pain and the physical effects of the war nobody wanted to fight--except for the politicians--upon Vietnam veterans has been well documented. High rates of homelessness and suicide, much of which can be attributed to the lack of any of the kind of counseling programs that exist for veterans today. "Within 24 hours of landing [in America] I was a civilian," Thompson said. "They dropped me off in the street."

The 68-year-old who wanted to be a veterinarian is now disabled, suffering from the effects of exposure to Agent Orange. He also has diabetes and suffers from hypertension. All in, though, he and Greta are grateful that Thompson suffers none of the mental effects endured by so many of his peers. "So many veterans are still living that war," she said, shaking her head.

"I had nightmares over the years," Thompson said. "But I can't remember the last time I had one."

Thompson did not talk about Vietnam when he returned home and married his high-school sweetheart. Not to Greta. Not to their three children, all now in their 40s. Not to anyone.

Not for a long, long time. Not for years,

Then just a few years ago, he suddenly began to start sharing memories with Greta, then later to a few close friends. Speaking with me was the first time he's shared them publicly.

The Vietnam Memorial Wall

He agreed to do so, in part, to help promote the upcoming arrival of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Birmingham. The 80% traveling replica of the sobering monument in Washington, D.C. includes every name on the permanent wall, and will be on display in Fultondale from Wednesday, July 6 through Sunday, July 10 at the Fultondale Promenade (3321 Lowery Parkway).

Thompson did not intend to go to war. After graduating from Tarrant High School he attended newly opened Jefferson State and intended to enroll at Auburn to study veterinary medicine. But when he arrived he discovered that Jefferson State had not been accredited, thus Auburn would only accept enough credits for Thompson to enroll as a second semester freshman rather than a sophomore and he could not afford another almost four years of college. "That broke my heart," he said.

Not long thereafter, in 1968, he was drafted and station at Fort Benning (Ga.) for basic. If he had his druthers, he wouldn't have gone into the military but once there he says he committed to being the best soldier he could be.

By then, the horrible war had been raging for three years, both in Vietnam and at home, where protests against it raged throughout the nation.

The young man from Pinson wasn't all that eager to go himself, so he devised a scheme he hoped might stall his deployment, perhaps until the war ended. "I figured if I kept volunteering for stuff I wouldn't have enough time to go," he said with a bit of a smile.

So after basic he went to infantry training for three weeks; then qualified for NCO (non-commissioned officer) training, which took another two months, and then stayed on to help train the next class, which bought him yet another two months.

The inevitable soon caught up to him, though. By that time, I realized that no matter what I was trying to go, I gotta go.

Before he left, however, Thompson was summoned from training at Fort Benning with a request--to escort the body of a high-school friend whose remains were being flown home after he was killed in combat. Thompson accompanied him all the way back to Tarrant.

"Raymond Dismukes," Thompson said. "His name's on the wall."

Before he was deployed, Thompson also served in the unit assigned to escort the remains of soldiers killed in combat. He did so dutifully and respectfully, but didn't allow the experiences to create any fear, especially as he departed for Vietnam.

"I was 21, older than a lot of the kids going over, and I had that 'thing,'" he said. "I just figured I'd trained better [than the guys who were killed]. 'I can get through this,' I said. Plus, you always think it's going to happen to the next guy, not you. But then you get there and you see guys who were as well trained as you get killed."

Photo of Alabama Vietnam veteran Larry Thompson whiledeployed

On his first night, in fact, In Long Binh, his unit caught incoming. Nineteen soldiers were killed.

Turns out, sadly, the attack not enemy fire. A unit South Vietnamese allies had calibrated its artillery incorrectly. "They were 180 degrees off," Thompson said. "They thought they were firing north but were firing south."

Thompson shared details of his deployment--from the relatively light times and moments with fellow soldiers, including the South Vietnamese, to the scenic beauty of the country to the close calls, to the camaraderie to the every-day conditions and realities.

"You think it's hot and humid here, it's hotter and more humid over there, Thompson said. "We carried packs up to 85 pounds; we'd get to point where we wished we could get into a fire fight just so we could stop and get rid of the pack for little while. You were hoping for some action."

He also shared the one time he was almost killed. By a fellow American. Then saved by a man whom he sought to find for many years after the war.

Many soldiers simply could not take it. Some hated the rigorous military discipline. Some could not tolerate authority. Some were simply so scared they tried anything to get sent home.

Anything.

Paul Slagle

The disturbed young man first tried to kill the First Sargeant. We were trying to get him out of the field when he threatened to kill me. Paul points his M16 at him and says, 'If you raise that machete one inch higher I'm going to blow your head off.'

Paul Slagle saved Thompson life that day. Years later, after both men had returned to their civilian lives, Thompson searched and searched for his friend, finally finding him through Facebook.

Slagle, however, had died a year earlier.

While deployed, Thompson and his fellow soldiers were aware of the battles raging at home over Vietnam. The wounds caused by actions of those who spoke and acted against the war have still not healed, and pain they cause still rears within Thompson.

We heard about the demonstrations and that people left, going to Canada going to avoid being drafted. It kinda hurt all Vietnam vets when Jimmy Carter gave amnesty to people in Canada who had gone there to avoid draft; they could come back and live normal lives in America, like nothing happened.

My kids, growing up, knew that if they were watching TV and something came on with Jane Fonda they knew they couldn't watch. They didn't know why. Because still she was a traitor. She should have been shot.

Cassius Clay or Muhammad Ali: He died and they wanted to make great thing of it but he was a draft dodger; what he did affected a lot of us.

"Just forgive them," Greta said as Larry speaks. "It's in the hands of the Lord."

Larry and Greta deeply believe God has a plan a purpose for us all, and that He has long had Thompson in His sights and care.

"He had prayer covering," Greta said of her husband. "Didn't a day go by that he wasn't prayed for. Why did he come home and others didn't? Those mysteries will be held for eternity.

"I really love Deuteronomy 33;27: The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them."

Tommy Hill's name is on the wall, too. He's another high-school friend. "He got killed over there but I didn't know until I got home," Thompson says.

Raymond Bobe's name is also on the wall. He was MIA until about 10 years ago when his remains were found. "They brought him home," Thompson said.

Thompson credits the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with flipping the nation's attitude towards Vietnam vets, 180 degrees.

Alabama Vietnam veteran Larry Thompson

"I've probably had more people thank me for my service, and say 'Welcome home' in last two years than in all the years since I returned," Thompson said. "I think part of it was the reception soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan received, which I was so happy for. It may have made some people think 'Wait, we didn't do this for the people who went to Vietnam. We screwed up.'"

Thompson remains a military man. ("He'd still be full-time if he had his way," Greta said with a grin.) He proudly remembers his original Army serial number ("53849475!") and gladly retrieves from his truck a weathered Ziploc bag with photos depicting his days in Vietnam and fondly flips through a file containing numerous certificates and commendations, including one for "heroism" due to his efforts "against a hostile force in the Republic of Cambodia" on June 5, 1970.

He is also a changed man. "I never cried until five or six years ago," he said. "Now I cry at the drop of a hat."

So why, once again, talk about it all now when the memories, the pain, the friends long gone were held inside for so long? Thompson didn't respond. It was as if his mind was on replay and yes, his eye welled again.

Then Greta piped in: "Healing."

Roy S. Johnson, a nationally known journalist who now calls Alabama home, writes a column on vital topics and trends, and inspiring people throughout Alabama in business, technology, innovation, the arts, religion, politics and more. Email him your ideas at ForReal@al.com or tweet them to @roysj using the hashtag #ForRealAlabama)
Authorities this morning released the names of two men killed Thursday on Interstate 59 near Springville.

Alabama State Troopers identified the victims as Winston Lovell Williams, 86, and Jerry Donald Heard, 75. Both men were from Hokes Bluff.

The single-vehicle crash happened in the northbound lanes near the 156 miler, one mile north of Springville, about 1:45 p.m. Senior Trooper Chuck Daniel said Williams was driving the 2009 GMC pickup when it left the roadway and struck the bridge overpass on Alabama 23.

Both men were pronounced dead on the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
The father of two girls killed in a two-car wreck earlier this month in Tuscaloosa County has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against former NASA astronaut James Halsell, the driver of the other vehicle.

Halsell, who lives in Huntsville, faces two counts of murder after Alabama troopers say a preliminary investigation showed alcohol and speed may have been factors in the crash.

Attorneys for Pernell Deon James filed the lawsuit against Halsell on Monday in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit states that on June 6 Halsell was operating a rental car, a 2015 Chrysler when the crash occurred. "Defendant Halsell was intoxicated at the time he was operating the vehicle in such a fashion to cause a massive collision," the lawsuit states.

The collision resulted in the death of Jayla Latrice Parler, 13, and Niomi Deona James, 11, who were passengers in the vehicle operated by their father, Pernell James.

The lawsuit states that Pernell James suffered pain and injuries, including but not limited to his head, neck, back and leg. The lawsuit also states James has suffered mental anguish and or emotional distress.

The lawsuit also names an insurance company as a defendant in the case regarding insurance coverage.

Latrice Parler on June 24 also filed a federal lawsuit against Halsell for wrongful death in federal court as custodial parent of the two children.

The accident happened at 2:50 a.m. on June 6 on U.S. 82 near the 65 mile marker, about 10 miles east of Tuscaloosa. Niomi and Jayla, both of Brent, were passengers in the 2015 Ford Fiesta driven by their father.

The family had just picked up the girls from Texas for summer vacation with their father and were almost home when the crash happened.

A trooper said neither of the girls were wearing seatbelts and were thrown from the vehicle. Another passenger also was treated for injuries.

A deposition in the case by a trooper stated Halsell was on his way to pick up his son in Louisiana when the crash occurred.

Troopers, according to the deposition, later searched Halsell's Motel 6 room, finding an empty bottle of wine and an empty 10-pack of sleeping pills. Halsell told investigators he didn't remember the crash and asked to see the victim's bodies.

Updated June 28, 2016 to say that a federal lawsuit also had been filed by the girls' mother.
An Irondale man broke into his neighbor's home, stole and tortured her dog and then threatened to burn down her home, authorities said.

The dog, a Rat Terrier, was later dead on the porch from what authorities believe was repeated blunt force trauma. David Paul Bearden, 34, is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on charges of animal cruelty, making a terrorist threat and burglary.

The incident happened last weekend on Ravine Drive and Hagbush Road. Irondale police detective Sgt. Michael Mangina said Bearden is accused of breaking into the home of a female neighbor. The woman wasn't home, but her elderly and ill mother was in bed and never heard him come in.

A witness to the crime saw Bearden with the neighbor's dog. "He was holding it by the neck and slung it into the back of a pickup truck,'' the witness told police. The witness told Bearden to return the dog, which he did at some point. When the neighbor returned home, the dog was dead on the front porch.

"A veterinarian in Leeds said the dog had head and neck trauma and the injuries appear it was repeatedly struck,'' Mangina said.

Prescription medicine was also taken in the burglary. Later that day, police said, Bearden walked by the woman's home and yelled, "I will burn your house down,'' which led to the charge of making a terrorist threat.

"We've had several suspicious fires in that area so we had to take the threat seriously,'' Mangina said.

Mangina said there has possibly been an ongoing feud between the two families. It is in the same neighborhood where a man was shot and killed last year, also as part of unrelated but ongoing problems with the families involved in that incident. The shooter in that case was not charged because the slaying was ruled justifiable.

Bearden remained jailed today with bond set at $32,500. Mangina said the actions against the dog were senseless.

"I'm an animal lover and I look at my pets as part of my family. That really hit home when I heard about the death of the dog,'' he said. "I was more concerned about that than the burglary. It pissed me off."
A Mississippi man is facing another first-degree murder charge related to the killing of an Alabama transgender teen, WLOX reported.

Josh Vallum was indicted on deliberate design murder charge by a grand jury. He received his first murder charge in December for killing Mercedes Williamson, born Michael Wilkins, in June 2015.

The report said Williamson's body was buried in the woods off Odom Road in

Local and national observers have raised questions about whether Alabama 17-year-old Mercedes Williamson was murdered because of her status as a transgender woman. (photo courtesy George County Sheriff's office)

George County, Mississippi. Vallum turned himself in the same day the body was discovered.

Williamson, 17, of Theodore, was dating Vallum, according to reports.

According to the report, Vallum admitted to killing the victim, but pleaded guilty to all charges.

The suspect is still behind bars on a $1 million bond.
6-24 Friday storms 1.jpg

Isolated severe storms will be possible on Friday in the areas in dark green. The strongest storms could contain damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and heavy rain. The storms are expected to dissipate after sunset. (Storm Prediction Center)

Rain and storms were moving into Alabama from the north on Friday morning, and more may be possible later this afternoon across the northern third of the state.

Storms were moving into Alabama from the north on Friday morning but were weakening. (National Weather Service)

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center said there was marginal risk of severe weather on Friday across north and parts of central Alabama.

A marginal risk means that isolated severe storms will be possible. The strongest storms could bring with them damaging wind gusts, heavy rain and frequent lightning.

The National Weather Service in Huntsville said this morning's storm complex is expected to continue to weaken as is pushes southward, but that leftover boundary could be the genesis for more storm development later this afternoon.

Forecasters will also be watching in case more storm complexes form to the north and move toward the state.

The storms are expected to subside after sunset, but more are possible over the weekend. However there is no organized severe weather risk.
Republican members of Alabama's congressional delegation applauded the Supreme Court's 4-4 decision Thursday that blocked President Barack Obama's plan to defer deportation of illegal immigrant parents of children legally in the country.

The 4-4 decision in U.S. v. Texas upholds a Dallas federal judge's ruling that the president overextended his authority through his executive action on immigration.

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., called the Supreme Court ruling "a victory for our system of checks and balances."

"Time and again, the Obama administration has attempted to circumvent Congress and push its agenda on the American people through executive fiat," the senator added. "While I am pleased that the Supreme Court has halted this unprecedented power grab for now, today's decision underscores the importance of electing a president in November who will put a conservative on the court to defend our Constitution."

U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, said Obama "cannot legislate or rule like a king" through his executive orders on immigration.

"I believe this decision sends a strong message to President Obama and future presidents that constitutional order and the rule of law must prevail in this country," she said. "Our illegal immigration problem is very real. President Obama's amnesty orders only served to exacerbate the problem by inviting even more illegal immigrants to cross our border and by poisoning any progress Congress could make toward meaningful solutions."

U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope, called the decision "a major victory for the rule of law and our opposition to illegal executive amnesty."

"Instead of continuing to encourage amnesty, the executive branch should enforce immigration laws already on the books and finally secure our borders," he said.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, said Obama's executive actions "clearly undermines the power of Congress and the Constitution's system of checks and balances."

"Congress must move forward with legislation to secure our borders and create real consequences for people who openly flaunt our immigration laws," Rogers said.

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Hoover, said the tied decision "put power back in the hands of the American people."
house of representatives feb 9 2016 julie bennett.JPG

(Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden

Another potential candidate for the next Alabama speaker of the House has withdrawn his name from consideration.

Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, said today he would not seek the position.

Standridge, who chairs the House Rural Caucus, said he was humbled by the encouragement he has received.

"However, after prayerful consideration and consultation with my family, at this time I do not plan to seek the speaker position," Standridge said in an email. "I will continue to support our great state and will continue to work diligently for transparency and accountability in government as I represent the people of District 34."

In 2014, Standridge joined a handful of Republican House members who sought a change in leadership after then-Speaker Mike Hubbard was indicted on ethics charges.

Standridge nominated Rep. Jim Carns for speaker at a Republican caucus meeting at that time, but the caucus chose to stick with Hubbard.

Two weeks ago, Hubbard was removed from office upon his conviction on 12 ethics charges.

Standridge becomes at least the third potential candidate to decide not to run to succeed Hubbard.

Acting Speaker Victor Gaston of Mobile announced Wednesday he would not seek the position. Last week, Rep. Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa, chairman of the education budget committee, withdrew from consideration.

Those who have said they would like to be the next speaker include Reps. Steve Clouse of Ozark, chairman of the General Fund committee; Lynn Greer of Rogersville; Mac McCutcheon of Capshaw, chairman of the Rules Committee; and Phil Williams of Huntsville. All are Republicans.

Rep. Patricia Todd, a Democrat from Birmingham, is also seeking the position, although she is a longshot because Republicans hold 71 of the 104 House seats.

Gaston, as speaker pro tem, became acting speaker upon Hubbard's conviction and will preside until a speaker is named.

The House could elect a new speaker when it meets for the 2017 regular session, in February, or at a special session if that comes first.

The House normally elects a speaker every four years. Hubbard had been speaker since 2010 and was two years into his second four-year term in the position.

The position carries considerable power. The speaker picks committee chairs and members, assigns bills to committees and can wield influence over when and if bills come up for votes.
Governor Bentley

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley speaks at a Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County update luncheon at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville Wednesday April 13, 2016. (Bob Gathany/bgathany@AL.com)

(Bob Gathany)

Gov. Robert Bentley has fired a high-ranking official in the state department of finance and placed a second on leave after concerns of a computer security breach emerged.

The breach came to light following an investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, according to a letter Bentley wrote June 10 to the FBI.

Bentley has also requested that the FBI partner with the state of Alabama "to provide appropriate audit and investigative personnel to assist ALEA in determining the full scope" of the breach, according to the Bentley letter.

ALEA released the Bentley letter to AL.com on Friday as well as the termination letter to James Nolin, chief information officer in the finance department, of his "probationary state employment" and the letter advising Rex McDowell, assistant director of finance information/administrative services, that he has been placed on leave.

The letters to Nolin and McDowell were dated June 17 - a week after Bentley's June 10 letter to the FBI.

The release of the letters appears to bring clarity to a whirlwind last 24 hours ripe with rumors about an FBI raid in Montgomery - apparently given validity in a statement by state Auditor Jim Zeigler, who posted on Facebook that his office had received multiple reports of FBI agents raiding the state finance office.

Prior to the release of the Bentley letter, FBI spokesman Douglas Astralaga confirmed to AL.com that the governor had sent a letter to the FBI requesting the audit. However, no FBI personnel are in Alabama conducting the audit at this time, Astralaga said.

The breach in the state finance computers appears to add yet another layer of political upheaval in the state capital.

According to Bentley's letter, ALEA Secretary Stan Stabler informed the governor that "several contract personnel working for (the finance department's Information Services Division) were improperly granted access to IT resources that support ALEA and the state of Alabama's CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Systems) network."

CJIS, a part of the FBI, is the world's largest repository of criminal fingerprints and history records available to investigators and police professionals that is the "cornerstone of protecting the nation," according to the FBI website.

Bentley's letter said that ALEA, in consultation with U.S. attorneys, "confirmed that some actions of senior managers within the Department of Finance and its Information Services Division are potentially criminal in nature.

"Since honesty and integrity are two virtues that I have and will continue to prioritize for my administration, I was very disheartened to know that improper actions of a few appear to have had a significant negative impact on the security of the state's technology resources, especially those serving our criminal justice community."

McDowell was first hired by the state in 2003. He lives in Texas, commuting to Montgomery three days a week. State payroll records show McDowell was paid $179,672 last year.

In a statement Thursday, state Auditor Jim Zeigler said McDowell was involved in the purchase of the troubled State of Alabama Accounting and Resource System - or STAARS - financial software that was blamed for delayed payments late last year.

According to McDowell's 2016 State of Economic Interest form filed with the State Ethics Commission, he is also an officer with SoftSwitch Communications, Inc. In his 2011 SOEI form, McDowell said he spent a third of his working time on Dallas-based SoftSwitch with a reported income of more than $10,000. His 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 forms list him as an officer with SoftSwitch but report no income. McDowell's LinkedIn account lists his present job as president of SoftSwitch.

No one answered calls from AL.com at multiple extensions to SoftSwitch on Friday. The company's Twitter account has been dormant for more than four years and its Facebook page appears to have been deleted.

Nolin has a master's in business administration from Manderson Graduate School of Business at the University of Alabama as well as an undergraduate degree from UA, according to his LinkedIn page. He previously worked at InComm Financial Services, Sun Country Airlines and AirTran Airways, his LinkedIn page said.

AL.com reporters John Archibald, Mike Cason and Leada Gore contributed to this report.
Greeks watch closely as Britain votes to leave the EU and contemplate their own future in the union.

Athens, Greece  Eleni Peck and her British husband, Paul Peck, both 46, chose to raise their children in Greece rather than the United Kingdom.

The idea of Brexit wasnt strange to them. Both of their countries potential EU departures have been in the news for a long time.

Brexit dominated the Greek media on Friday. After so much drama over Greeces potential exit from the EU and its heroic efforts to remain in the bloc, it was British voters who elected to leave.

Following international trends, the Athens stock market plunged, and Greek tour agencies expressed concerns about whether the result would hurt the flow of British tourists.

According to a poll by the Research Unit of the University of Macedonia in northern Greece, 50 percent of Greeks are scared about Brexit. Around 28 percent believed it wouldnt make much of a difference ultimately.

The Pecks have been watching the news from their two-bedroom home in Athens, but werent puzzled like so many others.

My parents-in-law are thrilled, Peck said. My husband is content. He believes its for the best. Why should I be worried? The downside is the British will have to re-negotiate all their trade agreements but they have the tools and the power to do so. The Commonwealth had been successfully functioning for years so Britons think its about time they went back. Time will tell definitely if they are right or wrong.

Peck also said that she thought it was about time the UK left the EU, and that Germany has been dominating EU policies that have harmed Greece and other countries.

An EU of the multinational businesses

Talk of a possible Grexit first started in 2009 when the government was negotiating a bailout during its long-running debt crisis. The chatter increased every time harsh austerity measures were passed.

A year ago, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced a referendum on entering into a financial pact with its creditors, led by Germany, after six months of harsh negotiations with the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the IMF.

Back then, the question wasnt whether or not Greece would exit the Eurozone, but whether the country should continue with the austerity measures its lenders demanded. Many feared a no vote would have also meant a Grexit. But the Greek people rejected the bailout conditions with a majority of 61 percent, and Greece remained in the Eurozone.

READ MORE: Brexit consequences

Later, Greeces government announced early elections and changed its stance from rejecting the creditors conditions to accepting them. With an opposition damaged by two years of austerity, Tsipras won again and started implementing the measures in the hope that the EUs obsession with austerity would diminish.

The EU has taken a blow, Tsipras said in a television address to the nation on Friday afternoon. The decision is going to be respected, but it shows an identity crisis within Europe. The signs have been there for a long time. The growth of the far-right was the sign of this development. The mismanagement of the refugee crisis, the closed borders, the austerity, the denial of sharing responsibility had all shown the crisis within the European project.

On the Athens subway this morning, many people discussed Brexit and a possible Grexit.

I went to bed with the UK in the EU and woke up to an EU without the UK, said Maria Krontira, a 45-year-old Greek teacher. It is a shock. I dont know whats going to happen from now on. Im afraid that other countries will follow. Of course the biggest fear is the rise of the far-right. Of course its the EU to blame for this. It missed its target from being a Europe for the people to a Europe for the multinational businesses.

Courage to go against the tyrants

Greeces extreme right-wing party, Golden Dawn, congratulated the British people for their courage to go against the tyrants with a televised message from one of its MPs. Golden Dawn has been highly critical of the EU for meddling in Greek affairs and permitting too much immigration into the bloc.

READ MORE: The night the UK became a little island

Finally, the start was made, said Panayiotis Kaklamanis, a retired 68-year-old taxi-driver who opposes the EUs open border policy. The EU must be destroyed. Those of us who believe in nation-states and borders arent fascists. The British voted in favour of their country and they did well.

Kaklamanis said he supported Grexit. The EU has been a cruel master, he added.

I wish we had the same power to do it ourselves, he said. Of course were not the UK, we dont have such a strong economy, or patriotic politicians. If we decide it we can also leave. Were poor and hungry now, well be poor and hungry then. Whats the difference?

With the Spanish elections next week and a possible win by the anti-austerity party Podemos, Tsipras is hoping that hell gain support.

We need to directly change course, said Tsipras in closing his speech. Deep democratic changes are needed in the EU. We need to build a wall against the far-right. The technocrats speeches dont touch the European people, but instead it infuriates them. We need a new vision, where politics will take over the economy and the technocrats.

Additional reporting by Thodoris Skoulis
Dhaka, Bangladesh  Every day during Ramadan, hundreds of Muslim men, women and children queue in front of a Buddhist monastery in the Bangladeshi capital to receive iftar, the food with which Muslims break their fast at sunset during the holy month.

The initiative by Dharmarajika Buddhist monastery to distribute food to poor and destitute Muslims is a rare example of social harmony between two groups from two different religions in a country that has witnessed a spate of fatal attacks against minorities and secular activists.

The Dharmarajika Buddhist monastery began this project six years ago, and monks say Ramadan is the best opportunity to help poor Muslims.

The high priest of the temple, Shuddhanando Mohathero, who initiated the project, believes that humanity is the ultimate goal of humans.

Bangladesh: Extremism and shrinking space for dissent

Abul Basahr, a shopkeeper living in the area, told Al Jazeera that monks at the Buddhist temple engaged in several social welfare activities. The best thing they are doing is the distribution of iftar food to the poor people, he said.

Established in 1951 in Basabo area of Dhaka, the monastery, monk Karuna Bhikkhu says, works for harmony in the society.

Karuna says it is an effort to build good relations with Muslim community, who form nearly 90 percent of the population. Buddhist comprise less than one percent of this nation of 160 million.

Harun Miah, the owner of a local restaurant, has been working with the monastery for past five years to cook iftar meals.

He says the iftar consisting of potato chops, peyaju (onion tempura), beguni (eggplant tempura), chhola-boot (lentils), khejur (dates), muri (puffed rice), and jilapi (a sweet made of sugar syrup) are served in a box.

Buddhapriya Mahathero, the second-high priest of the monastery, said at least 300 poor people are served daily.

Also Read: Myanmars punk rockers challenge anti-Muslim rhetoric

The people start making queues from 3pm onwards inside the monastery, he told Al Jazeera.

For people like Sakhina, who cannot afford an iftar, the free food at the monastery is a godsend gift.

Here, we are granted respect that we were supposed to get from our co-religists, she told Al Jazeera.

Despite a recent spike in violence in the South Asian nation, the monks say they are not worried about their safety and have a very good relation with the Muslim community.

Mahathero, a firm believer in inter-religious harmony said: Why should there be a conflict? We are all Bangladeshis. This land is for all of us. By helping each other, we can make this country great.
By blaming populism for Brexit, the EU shows it is in denial about the undemocratic path it has taken.

Luke Coffey is a research fellow specialising in transatlantic and Eurasian security at a Washington DC based think tank. He previously served as a special adviser to the British defence secretary and was a commissioned officer in the United States army.

Defying the pollsters and the chattering classes, voters in the United Kingdom have chosen to leave the European Union, commonly referred to as Brexit.

Excuses are already flying  not only in the UK but across Europe. The opposition Labour Party was quick to blame UK Prime Minister (for now) David Cameron and the knives are already out for Labours leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Those in Brussels are blaming populism for the British rejection of the EU  a complete denial of the undemocratic path the EU has chosen over the years.

In truth, the British people were fed up with living under the yoke of Brussels. After successive treaties and subsequent transfers of national sovereignty to the EU, a majority of the population reached a breaking point.

In many ways, a Brexit was not a matter of if, but when.

Rejoining the world

Leaving the EU might bring some short-term uncertainty, but its departure will allow Britain to grow economically and internationally in the long run. Far from a vote for simply leaving the EU, Brexit means the UK is rejoining the rest of the world.

For many in the UK, the decision to leave the EU was a no-brainer. The UK is the worlds fifth-largest economy. It is a member of the 53-nation Commonwealth. It has a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and has a special relationship with the US. It has one of the most capable militaries in the world and possesses nuclear weapons.

The UK trades more outside the EU than it does with the EU (and will continue to trade with Europe after it leaves the EU). Even though fewer than 6 percent of UK businesses trade with the EU, all have to implement the EUs red tape and regulation.

READ MORE: World reacts as Britain votes to leave the EU

Democratic deficit

An organisation that started narrowly focused on the coal and steel industry in the 1950s has now morphed into a supranational organisation touching almost every aspect of life in every EU member country.

Over the years, power has been incrementally shifted to Brussels, away from the national capitals. Consequently, it has been moved further away from those who are affected most. The key decision-making bodies in the EU are largely unelected, and largely unaccountable to the national governments.

The EU is run by an unelected supranational commission. EU commissioners are not accountable to the member states, cannot be recalled by the member states, and break all allegiances to the member states once appointed.

There is also the Council of the European Union, formed with the various ministers from member states. Most of its decisions are made not by national ministers or leaders, however, but by unelected permanent representatives.

Then, there is the European Parliament. Although it is the only directly elected decision-making body in the EU, it is also the weakest. Although successive treaties have given the European Parliament marginally more power, it still lacks some of the basic legislative powers that are found in national parliaments. It does not even have its own right of initiative to propose legislation. It has to formally request the commission to do so on its behalf.

Because of the transfer of sovereignty over the years, the UK could not control its own borders, could not sign its own free trade deals (non-EU Iceland, with a population of 330,000, just signed a trade agreement with China) and regularly had its parliament and courts serve as the supreme law of the land.

Hardly an acceptable situation for one of the worlds leading powers.

A wake up call

Yesterdays vote should be a wake-up call for the EU elite. Instead, it appears that they are still in denial. A meeting of the original six founding members has been called, thus marginalising the other 21 newer EU member states. This is not moving forward, this is moving back to 1952.

At a time in our history when the forces of globalisation, social media, and the internet are empowering the individual, the institutions of the EU are trying to centralise more power than ever before. This goes against the natural state of affairs of modern and liberal democracies in the 21st century. Power must be able to flow back to member states, not just away from them.

Europe needs to return to the fundamental basics of democracy. Instead of increasing policy competencies in opaque institutions in Brussels, power should be returned to the member states and to the people. The intrusive and excessive EU regulations need to be curtailed. Economic policies of growth need to be pursued.

This is not about destroying the EU. This is about the supremacy of the nation state and the sanctity of national sovereignty. The UK now has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to show that life can flourish outside the EU.

READ MORE: Dutch and French far-right parties call for EU referenda

But the other member states will have a fight on their hands: Clawing back powers from Brussels will be no easy task. As the people living in the EU become more disenchanted, and the elite in Brussels become more aloof, there is no other alternative going forward.

Whatever happens post-Brexit in the EU, it cannot be business as usual.

Luke Coffey is a research fellow specialising in transatlantic and Eurasian security at a Washington DC-based think-tank. He previously served as a special adviser to the British defence secretary and was a commissioned officer in the United States Army.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policies.
Nobody dares to claim that Hamas doesnt have the full right to pursue its political agenda.

Ahmed al-Burai is a lecturer at Istanbul Aydin University. He worked with BBC World Service Trust and LA Times in Gaza.

Much had happened in the last decade of Hamas rule in Gaza. The unexpected stunning victory of the 2006 parliamentary elections in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, followed by futile political disputes between the two rivals Fatah and Hamas, led to a devastating rift among the Palestinians resulting in two governments.

This was shadowed by the strangling inhumane blockade, culminating in Israels three genocidal wars on the dilapidated enclave, and coinciding with the Arab Spring and the waves of turmoil that swept across the Middle East.

Fatal mistakes

In such a turbulent, uncertain political arena, precarious and wonky choices would undoubtedly lead to disastrous consequences.

Originally founded as a resistance movement, orchestrating the armed battle against the occupation, Hamas has committed five inexcusable  though inevitable  fatal mistakes in the past 10 years.

Nobody dares to claim that Hamas  a key player in the Palestinian political spectrum  doesnt have the full right to pursue its political agenda.

However, in 2006, Hamas voluntarily took the bait when it vigorously participated in the parliamentary elections. Nonetheless, its overwhelming landslide victory was an irrefutable black eye for Washingtons attempt to tame the shrew.

OPINION: Gazas jihadists can no longer be dismissed

Hamas involvement in the so-called democratic process strikes many as a profound irony. On the one hand, Hamas doesnt endorse the Palestine Liberation Organizations (PLO) political programme (PDF), and on the other hand it doesnt recognise the Middle East Quartets conditions, which are the prerequisite for the international recognition of Hamas.

Hamas was literally cornered and the international community bleakly imposed collective punishment measures to make it kneel. Both Hamas and the Gazans were sanctioned. The movement, however, should have expected that and worked on an emergency plan.

Isolated and ostracised

Unfortunately, Hamas made its second strategic mistake when the Islamic movements armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, incarnated an imaginary telephone call of a fighter jokingly saying Hello Condoleezza Rice. You have to deal with me now, there is no Abu Mazen any more.

The fighter said that while sitting on the chair of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in his office in Gaza, immediately after Hamas took full control of the enclave.

Conjuring up the repercussions of the Egyptian revolution on the Palestinian cause, Hamas perpetrated an incurable blunder by squandering the extraordinary opportunity to reconcile with Fatah when the now ousted President of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi, was still in power. by

The Palestinian president immediately sacked the Prime Minister Ismail Haniya. Washington fully supported Abbas decision, the European Union suspended humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and Hamas was entirely sequestered and ostracised.

One shouldnt forget that the conspiracy against Hamas was colossal, and it was utterly obvious that Hamas was pushed hastily to resolve the political conflict with military means.

It has to choose between its programme of resistance and the daily demands of being an actual governor of the enclave. It desperately tried to balance, but things got worse owing to the uninterrupted consecutive wars that drained the people of Gaza and devastated the already shattered economy.

After each aggression, the Palestinians rose from the ashes with historic symbolic victory over Israels brutality, seeking a visionary leadership, one with a clear-cut strategy to realise their aspirations of liberation and divorce the deceptive two-prison solution.

Hamas fails to play that role mainly because of its third considered fault of unequivocal reluctance to direct negotiations with Israel.

No direct talks with Israel

Peace talks with Israel used to be the main point of disagreement between Hamas and the PLO. Hamas sharply rebuked the Palestinian Authority for engaging in endless fruitless rounds of negotiations with Israel. However, when the basic rights of the Gazans are at stake, strategies that used to be almost taboos should become feasible.

Hamas directly negotiated with Israelis to snatch the rights of Palestinian detainees. Thus, with such a precedent, it would be politically prudent for Hamas to at least manoeuvre by waving the proximity of a dramatic change in its untouchable stances.

OPINION: Why the West and Israel should talk to Hamas

This is particularly important when considering the current milieu of unfair and biased mediators, antagonistic countries in the neighbourhood that are cosy with Israel and hostile to Gazans, and the uncooperative, obstinate attitude of the PA.

Conjuring up the repercussions of the Egyptian revolution on the Palestinian cause, Hamas perpetrated its fourth incurable blunder by squandering the extraordinary opportunity to reconcile with Fatah when the now ousted President of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi, was still in power.

The momentum of the Arab Spring and ascending moral influence of the Islamic movement placed it in a position of strength to impose its conditions and drag Abbas to a satisfactory deal.

Hopefully Hamas will avoid making its fifth mistake that would be wasting a settlement with Abbas in the pending meeting in Doha soon.

In the light of an alleged secret Arab plan to overthrow Abbas and replace him with the controversial protege Muhammad Dahlan  backed by Egypt, the UAE, and Israel  Hamas would face unprecedented challenges that may lead to catastrophic consequences, not only for the Islamic movement but also on the Palestinian cause.

Ahmed al-Burai is a lecturer at Istanbul Aydin University. He worked with BBC World Service Trust and the LA Times in Gaza. He is currently based in Istanbul and mainly interested in Middle East issues.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Mixed reactions from the Arab world, with some commentators describing the vote as a defeat for Britain and Europe.

With politicians, commentators and business leaders around the globe still scrambling to assess the effect of the UKs vote to leave the European Union, there have been mixed reactions from the Arab world on the way their relations with Britain will be affected.

For some, Thursdays vote could signal a shift in the EUs foreign policy, including in the Middle East.

In theory, the UKs influence on the EU policies vis-a-vis Arab issues such as Palestine, Syria and Iraq will end  which is not necessarily a bad thing to have, Khaled al-Hroub, a senior research fellow at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge, told Al Jazeera.





The British used to pull the EU in the direction of more Americanised positions and politics. Relieving the EU from British pressure could be seen as a good sign that allows for more independent European standing on Arab affairs.

Brexit: A wake up call for the EU, but will it listen?

In a statement published on its Twitter page, Omans foreign ministry praised the brave and historic decision to leave the EU, explained by some as a firm reaction to certain policies of the European Commission.

The ministry also underlined the historical relationship that brings both countries and peoples together, as well as the existing bilateral cooperation.

The Bahraini government said it honoured the decision of its British ally, and stressed its commitment to strengthen the 200-year-old-plus relationship between the two countries, as well as with the EU to consolidate peace and security in the region.

Putin is happy today

Many Arab commentators also took to social media to express their views on the outcome, with some calling it a defeat for the UK and Europe  and the beginning of an era of division within the continent.

Jordanian writer Yaser Zaatreh described the outcome of the vote as the beginning of Europes identity fragmentation.

Europe was not supportive of our unification in order for us to be supportive of its unification. Europe expelled us and continues to, explicitly and implicitly, and the time for the explosion of identities will expel others as well, he said.

              .        .

              .        .    (@YZaatreh) June 24, 2016

Al Jazeera talk show host Faisal al-Kasim highlighted the difference between the governments of Syria and the UK.

In Britain, when people said No, Cameron left immediately. In Syria, when people said No, it was the people who left and [Syrian President Bashar] al-Assad stayed.

    : ()         ()    .

    : ()         ()    .    (@kasimf) June 24, 2016

Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist, columnist and author said: Putin is happy today. He succeeded in breaking up the European Union with the refugee crisis he created in Syria.

               .    (@JKhashoggi) June 24, 2016

Finally, Kuwaiti journalist Mohammed al-Rumaihi suggested it was time for the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arabs to renegotiate their deals with London on a number of issues as one entity.
PM David Cameron to resign after UK votes to leave the EU in referendum that could seal the fate of the union.

Britain has voted to leave the European Union in a referendum, with the result throwing into question the fate of the 28-nation bloc and Prime Minister David Cameron announcing that he will step down by October.

The official results were announced on Friday with the Leave campaign receiving 52 percent in Thursdays historic referendum.

Cameron, who had backed the campaign to remain in the EU, said the British people made a very clear decision to take a different path.

As such, I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction. I will do everything I can as PM to steady the ship in the coming weeks and months. But I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.

Brexit: What will happen next?

This is not a decision Ive taken lightly, but I do believe it is in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.

There is no need for a precise timetable today, but in my view, we should aim to have a new PM in place by the start of the Conservative Party Conference in October, a tearful Cameron said.

Does a #Brexit signal the beginning of the end of the EU? #EuRefResult  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 24, 2016

When asked whether Cameron should resign in case of a Brexit victory, Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), which had backed a vote to leave, said: Immediately.

At least 72 percent of 46.5m voters turned out to cast their ballot.

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson said on Friday afternoon that he was saddened by Camerons announcement but respected the prime ministers decision to step down.

I believe hes been one of the most extraordinary politicians of our age, said Johnson, in reference to Cameron.

It was his bravery that gave this country the first referendum on the European Union for 43 years.

Dawn is breaking

Farage declared victory in a speech in London as a Brexit victory looked increasingly likely.

The dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom, he said to loud cheers at a Leave campaign party.

I hope this victory brings down this failed project and leads us to a Europe of sovereign nation states, trading together, being friends together, cooperating together, and lets get rid of the flag, the anthem, Brussels and all that has gone wrong.

Let June 23 go down in history as our Independence Day.

Brexit worse on GBP than 2008 financial crisis

Farage went on to accuse Cameron and former prime ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair of irresponsible, open-door mass-immigration that has damaged the quality of life of ordinary, decent people in this country.

Outside the UK parliament early on Friday morning, Al Jazeeras Barnaby Phillips said the outcome is an enormous rejection of the political class.

There is anger towards the political class. The message on immigration resonated in large parts of the country.

People at the poorer end of society feel that the large number of EU migrants, and other migrants, that have come in has been to their disadvantage; that it has hurt access to schools, access to housing, pushed down wages at the bottom end of the wage scale.

It is fair to relate it, in a wider context, to the support that Donald Trump has managed to get in the primary stages in the United States  a distrust of the authorities, a distrust of the establishment that has governed western democracies all these decades.

Johnson, who is favourite to become the next prime minister, said the British people had chosen to leave a European Union that has become too remote, too opaque, and not accountable enough to the people that it is meant to serve.

Diminished global voice

Britains Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told Al Jazeera the UKs exit would diminish Britains global voice.

We will be less influential on the world stage, he said, but argued that the clear result of the referendum was that Britons are much more focused on issues closer to home.

We have to listen to that message and we have to respond accordingly, protecting as best we can Britains interests and the interests of Britains people.

Hammond said Farage, who emerged on Friday as the face of the Vote Leave victory, must not be allowed to hijack the victory of the Brexit campaign.

World reacts: Britain votes to leave the EU

In moving forward, London must focus on negotiating the best arrangements we can for Britains future trading relationship with Europe, reassuring our friends and partners around the world that Britain is not retreating into a Little England, as perhaps Nigel Farage would like.

But it must remain an engaged, internationally focused player, and that, if I may call them this, the middle of the road voices in the Brexit campaign will prevail in terms of setting the tone of where that group wants us to go in the future.

Financial turmoil

The pound plunged and world stock markets slumped on Friday after in the wake of the referendum result.

Sterling crashed 10 percent to a 31-year low at one point and the euro also plummeted against the dollar, as the Brexit result caught markets by surprise.

Londons benchmark FTSE-100 index initially dived more than eight percent at the open, and was poised to post its sharpest one-day drop since the aftermath of the Lehman Brothers collapse.

The FTSE 100 clawed back ground to finish 3.2 percent lower at 6,138.69 points.

The European Central Bank said it was ready to provide additional liquidity for the markets if necessary, while the Bank of England said it would pump more than 250 billion pounds ($370 billion, 326 billion euros) into the financial system if needed.

Oil prices fell sharply. Benchmark US crude lost $1.93, or 3.8 percent, to $48.18 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell $2.07, or 4.1 percent, to $48.85 a barrel in London.





Will house prices fall in the UK and EU after Brexit?

Watch: Will Brexit hurt the UK and Europe?

Brexit: Making Britain great again?

Brexit in context

Brexit: Is the European Union still attractive?
A second Scottish independence referendum is highly likely and should take place before Britain leaves the European Union, Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

Scotland voted to stay in the EU by 62 to 38 percent in a referendum on Thursday, putting it at odds with the United Kingdom as a whole, which voted 52-48 in favour of leaving.

It is a statement of the obvious that the option of a second independence referendum must be on the table and is on the table, Sturgeon told a news conference on Friday.

As things stand, Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against her will. I regard that as democratically unacceptable, she added.

I think an independence referendum is now highly likely.

BREXIT: What will happen next?

Scots rejected independence from the rest of the United Kingdom by 55 to 45 percent in a 2014 referendum, but since then Sturgeons pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) has surged, winning several elections.





EU membership was one of the key issues in 2014, with those campaigning for Scotland to stick with the United Kingdom arguing that an independent Scotland would not be able to remain a member of the bloc.

Sturgeon said many Scots who had voted against independence for that reason were now re-assessing their decision.

I want to make it absolutely clear today that I intend to take all possible steps and explore all options to give effect to how people in Scotland voted [on Thursday], in other words to secure our continuing place in the EU and in the single market, she said.

If [Scotlands] parliament judges that a second (independence) referendum is the only way to protect our place in Europe it must have the option to hold one within that timescale, Sturgeon said.

She said it was inconceivable that Britains central government in London would stand in the way of a second referendum if it was the will of Scotlands devolved parliament, which the SNP dominates.

Splitting Scotland from the UK would end three centuries of shared history, upending another successful economic relationship shortly after the now-impending divorce between Britain and the EU.

Nationalists call for Northern Ireland border poll

In a separate development, Irish nationalist leaders in Northern Ireland also called for a poll on leaving the United Kingdom and uniting with Ireland.

Most voters in Northern Ireland also voted to remain in Thursdays referendum.

Declan Kearney, Sinn Feins national chairman, delivered a strongly worded statement after the referendum in which he said English voters had dragged Northern Ireland out of the EU.

English votes have overturned the democratic will of Northern Ireland.

The party will now press for the calling of a border poll under the under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, he said.

BREXIT: Is European Union still attractive?

Deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness, also strongly stated that his country wants to remain in the European Union and a border poll may be on the cards.

The people of the north of Ireland, nationalists, republicans, unionists and others have made it clear at the polls that they wish to remain in the EU, he said.

Sinn Fein will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Irish government, the European institutions and also with our counterparts in Scotland to discuss how we move forward in the best interests of all of our people.

On the other hand, Northern Irelands pro-British First Minister dismissed the calls by Irish nationalists for a referendum on Irish unity as opportunistic and said there is no way such a poll would be approved.

There is no way, even if there was a border poll, that it would be in favour of a united Ireland, Arlene Foster, the leader of the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party, told Radio Ulster.








Anti-immigrant, anti-Islam opposition leaders of the Netherlands and France seek their countries exit from the EU bloc.

The leaders of the Dutch and French anti-immigrant, Islamophobic parties have called for EU referenda in the Netherlands and France following the UKs vote in favour of exiting the bloc.

Geert Wilders, the head of the Dutch PVV party, said on Friday that the citizens of his country would like to be in charge again of their own budget, their national borders and their immigration policy.

I congratulate the British people for beating the political elite in both London and Brussels and I think we can do the same, Wilders told the Reuters news agency. We should have a referendum about a Nexit as soon as possible.

His party is leading opinion polls in the Netherlands  one of the six founder nations of what has become the EU.

Wilders said he would make a Dutch referendum on EU membership, also known as Nexit, a central theme of his campaign to become prime minister in the run-up to the 2017 parliamentary election, adding that this would allow him to tackle other issues as well.

READ MORE: Brexit consequences  what happens next?

Within the concept of national sovereignty everything comes together. I think we will benefit [from Nexit] not only economically but also  [in tackling] the Islamisation of Europe, immigration, the threat of Islamic terrorism that we see growing, the emergence of asylum seekers, he said.

We cannot deal with [these issues] today [within the EU].

However, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he did not see much interest in having a Dutch national referendum on EU membership as the Dutch understand that cooperation with other countries in a common market  is vital for our country.

Rutte said it was important now, also in the interest of the Netherlands, that we try to find a solution step-by-step and in a stable manner.

The leader of another Eurosceptical party in Europe, Frances far-right National Front, also called for a referendum in her country, calling it a democratic necessity.

The British people have given to Europeans and to all the people of the world a shining lesson in democracy, Le Pen said with a broad smile on her face. A victory for freedom. We now need the same referendum in France and in EU nations.

Le Pen, who is a member of the European Parliament, is also positioning herself to run for president of France in elections next year.

She said pro-independence movements in the EP would meet soon to plan their next move after the British vote.

READ MORE: Brexit  World reacts as UK votes to leave the EU

On Thursday, Britons voted to leave the 28-nation EU, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.

Unlike the UK, the Netherlands and France use the euro currency and are also members of the open-border Schengen zone and so are more deeply integrated in the EU.

According to a recent survey by Pew Research Center, about 61 percent of the population in France view the EU unfavourably. Only 38 of those surveyed in the country have a favourable opinion of the bloc.

The polls by the survey showed that the Dutch people have a better opinion of the EU. About 51 percent are in favour of the bloc, while about 46 have an unfavourable view of it.
Lebanese ally of Syrian government acknowledges heavy losses but vows to fight on as retreat is not permissible.

The leader of Lebanons Hezbollah movement has said he will send more fighters to Syrias Aleppo area, a battleground where it has suffered heavy losses fighting alongside Syrian government forces against rebel groups.

Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday that thousands of Hezbollahs Sunni foes had recently entered Syria via the Turkish border with the aim of taking over Aleppo and its surrounding countryside.

We are facing a new waveof projects of war against Syria which are being waged in northern Syria, particularly in the Aleppo region, Nasrallah said in a speech broadcast live on the groups Al Manar TV.

Shia, Iranian-backed Hezbollah has long supported President Bashar al-Assad against mostly Sunni rebels.

The defence of Aleppo is the defence of the rest of Syria, it is the defence of Damascus, it is also the defence of Lebanon, and of Iraq, he said.

We will increase our presence in Aleppo, he said. Retreat is not permissible.

READ MORE: Hezbollah chief urges Middle East to unite against ISIL

Nasrallah also denied Hezbollah was in imminent fiscal trouble as a result of a US law banning banks worldwide from dealing with the group.

Last month, Lebanons central bank instructed the countrys banks and financial institutions to comply with the new measure.

But Nasrallah said on Friday that Hezbollah would not be affected because it receives its money directly from Iran, not via Lebanese banks.

We do not have any business projects or investments via banks, Nasrallah said, insisting the group will not be affected.

We are open about the fact that Hezbollahs budget, its income, its expenses, everything it eats and drinks, its weapons and rockets, are from the Islamic Republic of Iran, he added.

Iran was instrumental in Hezbollahs inception three decades ago and has provided financial and military support to the group.

The divided city

Aleppo has been a focus of intensified fighting in the months since peace talks in Geneva broke down and a ceasefire deal brokered by Washington and Moscow unravelled.

Russia intervened in the five-year-old conflict in September with an air campaign to support Assad.

The city is split between government and rebel control. Russian and Syrian warplanes have pounded a road leading from the rebel-held areas north towards the Turkish border.

That major rebel supply line from Turkey to Aleppo city was effectively cut by government advances earlier this year.

Nasrallah said that 26 Hezbollah fighters had been killed in June alone, a rare acknowledgment of the toll their involvement was taking.

Several of its senior military commanders have died in the Syrian conflict, alongside hundreds of fighters.
With current refugee-care systems tearing at the seams, one US group is turning to the private sector for salvation.

Palo Alto, United States  Its a crisis that has spiralled out of control with more than 65 million people around the globe now called refugees.

As hundreds of young socially conscious innovators from around the globe meet in the Silicon Valley this week with investors seeking to back their projects at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), one unique organisation is seeking to tackle the unfolding disaster by reframing the entire way those fleeing their countries because of war or persecution are treated.

Sasha Chanoff has decades of on-the-ground experience with refugees having worked throughout Africa in some of its bloodiest war zones. He sat down with Al Jazeera to discuss the work of his group, RefugePoint , and how it is seeking to override the systematic failures of the current refugee catastrophe.

Sasha Chanoff, founder of RefugePoint

Al Jazeera: Tell us about your organisation and how it is addressing the refugee crisis.

Chanoff: RefugePoint is an innovative organisation that looks at creating new ways to get refugees to places where they dont have to be refugees any more. We work to help refugees permanently relocate to countries where they can rebuild their lives.

We also look to see how refugees can become self-reliant in the countries to which they fled. I started RefugePoint to attend to those people who fall through the cracks of humanitarian aid, those who are most at risk and need to get to another country to be safe.

We work across Africa in about 16 countries right now. Weve also sent staff to the Middle East and are sending some to other locations across the world.

Al Jazeera: Are you at GES to find investors make your humanitarian efforts financially viable?

Chanoff: Yes absolutely, our organisation is privately funded, which is different from how our field works. Most of the funding in our field flows from governments and the UN refugee agency to NGO implementing partners who provide services to refugees. But this whole way of providing emergency services year after year after year doesnt work any more, because the average amount of time someone is a refugee these days is 20 years.



Global Entrepreneurship Summit kicks off in Silicon Valley

We have more people displaced by conflict than at any time in history. The latest numbers that just came out are about 65 million people who have fled their homes because of conflict and persecution. So the aid system is broken. Theres no money to give people emergency aid year after year any more, and the whole way of thinking that people will return home doesnt work.

RefugePoint teaches people to become self-reliant so they dont need aid. We also teach our best practices so that others can learn from them. We do all of this with private funding. So one of the goals of my presence here is to connect with investors who are interested in new ways of thinking about how to address the global refugee crisis.

Al Jazeera: Why would investors invest in taking care of refugees? What are the offshoots in terms of their interests?

Chanoff: We have some of the most successful businesspeople in the country and in the world who support our organisation These people have invested in us because they have a vision for making the world a better place and they see that we can help bring that vision to reality. My sense is people invest in us because they feel a core sense of connection to humanity. They understand the refugees are innocent survivors of terrible violence, and yet theyre entrepreneurs and people who want to contribute.

Our investors have met many of the refugees that we have helped, and theyve seen that these are people who have gone on to inspire others, to build companies, who can change how people think about refugees. And thats why people invest in us.

We help refugees permanently relocate to the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries around the world when they are in life-threatening jeopardy overseas. We also help refugees to establish themselves in countries to which they fled with business and self-reliance opportunities so they dont need humanitarian aid.

We have found that a growing number of people believe in us and want to support us. Weve received a number of different accolades and recognition for our work. Last year, the White House termed us the Champion of Change organisation. Weve received the Harvard Gleitsman International Activist Award, which Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Yunus have received, and weve received recognition from some of the great business leaders of our time.
Israeli soldiers shoot dead woman who allegedly rammed vehicle into a parked car, injuring two near a Jewish settlement.

Israeli soldiers have shot dead a Palestinian woman who had rammed a vehicle into a parked car near an Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, injuring two people sitting inside, the army has said.

The Palestinian health ministry identified the alleged attacker on Friday as Majd al-Khudur, from Bani Naim town, which is close to the scene of the incident, but gave no details surrounding her death.

The military said in a statement that the woman accelerated and crashed into a stationary vehicle at the entrance to the settlement of Kiryat Arba.

The statement also said that the wounded Israelis, a couple in their 50s, were taken to a hospital in Jerusalem.

Fridays incident is the latest in nine months of dozens of Palestinian attacks, including stabbings, shootings and assaults using cars, but in many cases the Israeli soldiers have been accused of using excessive force in dealing with alleged attacks by Palestinians.

No murder charge for Israeli soldier in shooting death

The Kiryat Arba settlement is near the West Bank city of Hebron, which has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A few hundred Jewish settlers live under heavy army guard among several hundred thousand Palestinians in the heart of the West Banks most populous city.

Settlements are considered illegal under international law and are a major sticking point for peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians.

In a wave of violence since October, the Israeli army has killed at least 210 Palestinians, including protesters, bystanders and alleged attackers, while 32 Israelis have been killed in stabbing and shooting incidents.

READ MORE: Israels water cuts  West Bank in full crisis mode

Palestinians are frustrated by Israels 48-year occupation and with peace talks going nowhere.

The latest cycle of violence began with a dispute over access to the site of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound  Islams third holiest site.

Palestinians are concerned at the increase in Israeli calls for and attempts to pray at the mosque courtyard  which Jews call the Temple Mount and consider their holiest site, and Muslims refer to it as the Noble Sanctuary or al-Haram al-Sharif.
Palo Alto, United States  The US government initiative to unite young entrepreneurs from around the globe with socially conscious investors wrapped up on Friday with a key note address by President Barack Obama.

More than 1,000 particpants from 170 countries took part in the three-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in lively workshops, business seminars, and frenzied networking sessions in Californias Silicon Valley.

The focus of the gathering was young people  especially women  from underdeveloped areas in the world to build businesses that better the lives of those willing to take a risk on their ideas  and those willing to back them with capital.

It was the seventh and last GES of the Obama administration after the president launched the initiative in 2009 in Cairo, Egypt.

Obama told a crowd more than 17,000 young businesspeople had been assisted by the GES over the years. The point is I believe in you and America believes in you, Obama said at Stanford University.

Meet some of those involved in this years summit.

Michael Amankwa, Founder and CEO of banking software company Corenett  Ghana

We offer a product that is optimised for the African market and tailored to people living on $2 a day.

We use technology that allows anyone with a basic phone to access banking services. You dont need to have a smart phone, you just need a $10 or $20 phone to have access to financial sector services. It could be loans, people on $2 a day could get loans of $1.

When we alleviate poverty, were going to make some money. Africa now has about 1.1 billion people and I want to bank every African. So Im looking for partners to work with us on this journey to help raise the standard of living for every African. When I say bank every African I mean they should have access to financial services. They need to have a savings account, they need to have an investment account, they need access to micro-insurance, which could be health, death, and accident insurance.

Providing financial services to more than a billion people requires a lot of critical partners, very strategic partners that include not just technology partners but also investors and the like, and its going to take a lot of money to make this happen. If youre going to give out loans to half a billion people or a billion people, youre going to need the money first to give it out. So that is why were here.

Shelley Reys, CEO, Arrilla Indigenous Consultants & Services  Australia

I have had a business for 24 years now working in the area of indigenous space. Its a successful company that helps organisations become culturally fit, and what I mean by that is to work in indigenous space more effectively. Most organisations in Australia dont know how to do that.

Theyre saying the wrong words or using the wrong terms, being inappropriate, perhaps even racist. They start to walk on egg shells. So the way I describe my work is I remove the egg shells.

I give organisations the skills they need to work in the indigenous space more effectively. It helps them to remain competitive, win contracts, and this affects their bottom line in various ways.

My mission overall is to create a culture of competent Australia where every single person in the Australian workforce knows how to work with indigenous Australians effectively, and to reach their goals and aspirations.

Jason Best, Co-founder and Principal of Crowdfund Capital Advisers  United States

We are an advisory firm that does three things: We provide advice to government and financial regulators on how to set up online financial solutions, like crowdfunding for equity and debt. Number two we work with the infrastructure companies with crowdfunding platforms to make them successful. And three, we invest in the infrastructure of the companies themselves.

The angle with the young entrepreneurs is about enabling crowdfunding. In a country you open up the opportunity for more entrepreneurs to build businesses.

And so our job is to prepare the table, so to speak. So we train the entrepreneurs about how to raise money. We provide education classes to entrepreneurs and say here is the roadmap for how to be successful in equity and debt crowdfunding.

Maria Cecilia Ribecco, Founder of RAISE, Community of Female Entrepreneurs  Argentina

Our organisation was launched in 2013. We provide vocational and professional tools for women who are interested in working as a way of achieving economic independence for poverty reduction.

Its been really difficult for me and my country to be an entrepreneur. I started as a teacher and one day I said I need to do something for women.

This summit is really necessary for countries that have many problems with equity and education like Argentina. The US government really wants to make a different world for us, thats why they sponsor this.

We are all going home with a spirit of change. Were going to return with impactful ideas to improve our society. Its really important that so many countries participate in this summit. We are really different but also so similar in many ways, especially the women. Now I have strong support networks to go ahead with my ideas.

Eugene Kavishe, Managing Director of VonKavy Agro  Tanzania

I come from Morogoro and my company VonKavy deals with poultry and eggs. What we are trying to do is upscale the business and increase production of the eggs and meat.

We are starting a new programme of trying to reach farmers  providing them with quality breeds, providing them with education, knowledge, and skills on how to increase poultry production, and then selling that to the local community together.

I applied to the GES summit and I was one of the 700 out of 5,000 selected to attend. Previously, in 2004, I was chosen to be one of the Mandela Washington Fellows, thats a President Obama initiative as well for young African leaders.

For me being at the GES is an eye-opener. Its a networking opportunity and a learning opportunity. I have made a lot of networks from the meetings that are happening now in the Silicon Valley. I believe this is an asset that I will use  one way or another  to improve my business.

Constance Swaniker, Founder of Accents and Art Limited  Ghana

My company is involved in the fabrication of metal products for the past 16 years. We do high-end artisanal work, a lot of branded hotels coming into town, luxury homes. The few staff we have are road-side artisans or master-craftsmen who learned the trade from their grandfathers.

Immediately I fell in love with the industry. I employ 14 artisans, welders, and carpenters.

When I entered, there were not many women working with metal. Traditionally as a woman, youre not allowed to work with heat, or any male-dominated trade for the matter. So it was a tough industry to break into. But what worked for me was I had a strong design background and exposure and knew what the market was looking for. All of a sudden Africa was opening up, a lot of people were returning, people with refined tastes.

But theres a problem with our skill base, Africa has a huge deficit for high-level skills. This all stems from the educational system. You have a lot of wasted talent. A few years ago I opened up my workshop to a few universities and polytechniques and we work closely now. So I set up the first artisan design school in Ghana, but this is something I dont want to begin and end there. This is something I want to transcend the whole continent.

For me the Global Entrepreneurship Summit is amazing. The most powerful thing is the networks. You are meeting people that you would never have imagined. If were thinking global entrepreneurship and global business, you need to have the right connections.

Entrepreneurship now transcends borders, its about transformational skill that designs something that impacts millions of lives.

The challenge is how do you make education available to that little boy in the village somewhere who wants to upgrade his skills, because you know that will take him out of the poverty line.
During his visit to Yerevan, leader of the Catholic Church describes 1915 killing as great catastrophe of last century.

Pope Francis has denounced the mass killing of Armenians a century ago by Ottoman forces as genocide, risking strong reaction from Turkey as he met Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

This tragedy, this genocide, has unfortunately marked the start of a sad series of great catastrophes of the last century, the pontiff said at the presidential palace in Yerevan on Friday.

READ MORE: EU parliament calls for Turkey to recognise genocide

The remark is the second time the Pope has referred to the killings as genocide, following a similar statement in 2015 which angered Turkey.

Turkey reacted furiously last year when Francis, during a mass St Peters basilica, said that the massacres were widely considered the first genocide of the 20th century.





Ankara withdrew its ambassador from the Vatican in protest and relations remain deep frozen at a time when the Catholic Church is preoccupied by the plight of Christians in the Middle East, an issue in which Turkey is a key player.

Ankara agrees that many Armenians died in ethnic fighting and the deportation process between 1915 and 1917 during World War I, putting its estimate at 300,000 casualties. Armenia says 1.5 million died in the process in what it calls a genocide.

Turkey has been further riled by Germanys decision, approved by parliament earlier this month, to recognise the killings as genocide.

Francis is the second pope to visit Armenia since it became an independent state following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Pope John Paul II went there in 2001.

The trip will also be the latest in a series of visits Francis has made to countries on the periphery of Europe where Catholics form a small minority of the population, following earlier trips to Albania and Bosnia.
The countrys first online film festival has brought the next generations work to a broader, virtual audience.

As one of the powerhouses of Arabic-language film, Egyptian cinema has captivated audiences for nearly a century. Now, its films are premiering in 21st-century fashion: online.

There is something about an Egyptian face, an Egyptian smile, and an Egyptian reaction that captures me, said Ali Faramawy, founder of Egypts first internet film festival.

Masr Dot Bokra, a non-profit organisation dedicated to skills building, launched the competition in 2015. The Masr Dot Bokra Film Festival aims to give Egypts lesser known filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their work.

READ MORE: Egyptian film Clash puts Cannes on edge of seat

We want to encourage young people to do what they actually want to do, said Nadine El Derini, the festivals director. Working in film in Egypt isnt a very easy thing to do.

Earlier this year, the nine best movies were screened at the Best of the Fest event in Cairo. Three filmmakers each received 10,000 Egyptian pounds ($1,100), while the audience favourite took home 5,000 Egyptian pounds.

Director Khaled Khelia, whose film 130km to Heaven won best narrative, said that receiving recognition for projects motivates him.

Its a great gesture from the world to tell me how they appreciate what Im doing and that I must go on, he told Al Jazeera.

Egyptian cinema has always been central to Arab cinema, as by far the largest film industry, said Laura Marks, a professor of Arab cinema at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada.

Inspired by Egypts cinematic heritage, Masr Dot Bokra decided to diversify its activities by supporting the arts.

I believe the real hope for Egypt and the real capital of Egypt is human capital, Ali Faramawy, who is also a corporate vice president at Microsoft, told Al Jazeera. Thats our real treasure. And the more we give [young people] opportunities to learn and share, the more we have a chance for them to be better and for us as a country to be better in the future.

In order to reach out to Egypts next generation of filmmakers, Masr Dot Bokra launched the initiative with Alis son Mo, a young US-based Egyptian filmmaker, as the festivals artistic director.

Art is not necessarily a very lucrative profession, but the power that comes with it is pretty remarkable, Mo said. There is so much talent in Egypt thats under-exposed.

Mo Faramawy transferred his experience gained applying to different film competitions to create a festival that catered to young talent. He was also determined to help participants develop their skills through feedback, workshops, and a production fund of 50,000 Egyptian pounds ($5,600).

READ MORE: Gaza red carpet event mirrors Cannes Film Festival

Netflix, Amazon, downloads, movies on demand  the ways in which audiences consume content continues to evolve each year. The internet has become a space for movie-making, a development that has transformed the film industry and its relationship with film festivals.

The way that we watch movies is extremely different than it was even five years ago, Mo said.

Egypts first online film festival has united technology and art to promote local cinema. An online space became the ideal platform to help amateur Egyptian filmmakers reach a larger audience.

The breadth of Egyptian cinema is a lot more creative, smarter and funnier than the commercial scene suggests, Marks told Al Jazeera. If more Egyptians could see this work, I think they would feel proud and encouraged.

In 2011, the Arab Spring emboldened dreams of revolution around the Middle East, including in Egypt. From Alexandria to Cairo, young Egyptians decided to take their countrys future into their own hands. Masr Dot Bokra was founded the same year.

We feel that Egyptian youth are going to write the Egyptian story of tomorrow, Ali said. Maybe were just helping them tell it.

Even before protests in Tahrir Square ousted former President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, successive governments have been accused of limiting freedom of expression, especially among dissenters. Marks says the current political situation can impact non-commercial filmmakers.

We want to encourage young people to do what they actually want to do. by Nadine El Derini, festival director

The government has harassed some independent film production companies and exhibiting organisations, she said. At best, it wastes their precious time.

Since waves of arrests began in July 2013, many artists and journalists have been arrested by authorities, including film industry professionals.

Hossam Eddin el-Meneai, a 36-year-old Egyptian documentary filmmaker, was arrested in 2014 on charges of spying and spreading rumours against the military government.

Filmmaker and activist Aalam Wassef was also arrested after a police raid on his home. Wassef is one of the founders of Masmou3, a political campaign to rally Egyptians against military rule.

Despite international concerns over growing artistic repression, Masr Dot Bokra organisers say officials, including the countrys censorship committee, have welcomed the event.

[The government] is really supportive with what were trying to do and really supportive of these young talents, so we havent had any problems, Derini said. She did not give any details on the level of support the festival receives from the government, but explained that the censorship committee, which monitors the material aired in the festival, has not stood in their way.

Khelia, however, believes opportunities such as the Masr Dot Bokra competition are important for filmmakers to participate in, given what he considers to be a lack of official support for the countrys talent.

The government doesnt help, or I have to go through an endless bureaucratic process [when producing films], he told Al Jazeera.

The competitions organisers believe Egypts talent is underexposed on the world stage. While the festival plans to accept entries from across the Middle East in the future, the focus remains on promoting Egyptian films.

[The films] show different Egypts, sometimes with very small budgets and places people dont expect  beyond Cairo and Alexandria, said founder Ali Faramawy.

The film festival accepts entries addressing all subjects, ranging from personal narratives to broader social themes of mental health and sexual harassment.

In her film Fake Faces, Sawsan El Kasrawy explores the lives of patients living with mental illness in an effort to challenge the audiences misconceptions about this segment of society. Her efforts won her the competitions top prize in the documentary category.

I feel proud to see that I have reached my objective, she told Al Jazeera. In Egypt, we judge before interacting with these people. My message is to remove the stigma of being mentally ill in the Middle East and Egypt.

When asked about what makes Egyptian cinema unique, festival director Nadine El Derini believes it is the different ethnic, religious and cultural groups that impact the films made in Egypt.

I would say were actually quite diverse and it shows in these young peoples work.
The presidential candidate has not dropped out of the race, but says he would vote for Clinton if it comes down to it.

United States presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has said he will vote for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, American cable network MSNBC reported.

In an interview with the network on Friday, Sanders said his main goal is to defeat presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump and he will therefore vote for Clinton if it comes down to it.

Asked he would vote for the former secretary of state, Sanders said: Yes. Yes, I think the issue right here is I am going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump. I think Trump in so many ways will be a disaster for this country if he were to be elected president.

Sanders has not dropped out of the race; nominally he is still in it.

Despite Clintons claim of victory, Sanders has vowed to take his campaign all the way to the Democrats July 25-28 convention in Philadelphia, when the official nomination will take place.

READ MORE: Bernie Sanders vows to stay in Democrat nomination race

Sanders and many of his supporters suspect that if he were to drop out, Clinton would immediately pivot back to the right wing, to the Republicans.

All of that rhetoric weve heard from her  now suddenly saying shes against the Trans-Pacific partnership trade deal and that shes more in tune with the ideas of inequality  that would all go straight out of the window, Al Jazeeras Shihab Rattansi, reporting from Washington DC, explained.

The Sanders folks are still keeping the pressure on Clinton and still staying in the race nominally, but, when asked if he would vote for Clinton in November, he said: Yes I will, because we cant have Trump.'

Sanders has built his campaign on a promise of tackling economic inequality, which he says is caused by large corporations and greedy billionaires, as well as a political class that has done nothing to redress it.

He promised that he would not allow Trump to become president, condemning his bigotry against Mexicans, Muslims, and African Americans.
Karim Wade reportedly flown to Qatar after being granted presidential pardon despite corruption charges.

Karim Wade, the convicted son of former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade, has been released from prison in Senegal after being granted a presidential pardon.

Wade was immediately flown to Qatar after President Macky Salls decree early Friday, local media reported.

He was initially sentenced in 2012 to six years in prison and a fine of $240m for illegally accumulating at least $200m while serving as a minister during his fathers 12-year rule.

The court ruling said that Wade had hidden away funds in offshore companies in the British Virgin Islands and Panama.

READ MORE: Senegal jails former presidents son for corruption

Despite only serving three years of his full sentence, the pardon cancels the Supreme Courts decision to jail him. A press release from the presidency said the payment of the fine was not covered by the pardon.

Wade was a senior minister in his fathers government, and was in charge of major infrastructure and energy projects. His large portfolio led to him being dubbed the minister of the earth and the sky.

His arrest came after the new government led by President Sall since 2012 vowed to tackle corruption.

Wade denies the charges and his supporters claim that the case against him was a political move intended to eliminate dissent.

The countrys main opposition party, the Senegalese Democratic Party, chose Wade as their presidential candidate for the 2019 polls while he was in prison.

It is unclear whether he is still eligible to run for the presidency.
The High Court has blocked an appeal by South African president against corruption charges dating back to the 1990s.

South African President Jacob Zuma failed in his appeal against a court ruling that corruption charges against him be reinstated, another setback for the leader who has been facing calls for his resignation.

Fridays ruling puts further pressure on Zuma after a damning constitutional court judgment against him in March, and comes six weeks before local elections at which the ruling African National Congress faces a strong challenge from opponents seeking to capitalise on what they see as his missteps.

The court said Zuma and National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams, who had appealed against the earlier ruling alongside the president, had no grounds to do so.

READ MORE: Brawl breaks out in South Africa parliament

The matter is of course important for Mr Zuma. However if the appeal does not have reasonable prospects for success, leave to appeal should not be granted, Judge Aubrey Ledwaba said.





It was not immediately clear if Zuma would appeal Fridays ruling, but legal analysts said both he and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) could still lodge a petition to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Ledwaba had in April ordered a review of a 2009 decision by the NPA to drop 783 corruption charges against Zuma, which he described in his ruling as irrational. That decision by the NPA allowed Zuma to run for president the same month.

The High Courts decision at the time was based on phone intercepts presented by Zumas legal team that suggested the timing of the charges in late 2007 may have been part of a political plot against Zuma.

The hundreds of corruption charges against Zuma relate to a major government arms deal in the late 1990s.

Zuma said in April that a government investigation into the arms deal had found no evidence of corruption or fraud but critics denounced the findings as a cover-up.

READ MORE: Julius Malema says they are ready to remove Zuma by force

ANC spokeswoman Khusela Sangoni declined to comment on the ruling, referring questions to the presidency where no official could be reached for comment.

The opposition Democratic Alliance party said Abrahams should now file the graft charges against Zuma, adding that no man is or should be above the law.

The South African leader has been beset by scandal during his tenure, but has managed to hold on to his post with backing from the ANC, which has been in power since the end of white-minority rule in 1994.

In April, he survived an impeachment vote after the Constitutional Court said he broke the law by refusing to refund some of the 240 million rand ($16m) of state money spent on refurbishing his private residence.
World leaders, election hopefuls, global organisations and economists have their say on the Brexit victory.

As millions of Britons heeded a call by right-wing politicians to leave the European Union, other right-wing and far-right parties across the continent have jumped on the victory for a Brexit.

Meanwhile, as some politicians and organisations celebrated the Brexit vote as a feat for sovereignty, others worried for the future of the Union.

Here are some reactions:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the vote a watershed moment for Europe. She added that the EU was strong enough to weather a Brexit.

European Parliament President Donald Tusk made a brief statement to media, saying that the group was determined to keep our unity at 27 nations and not have more defections. What doesnt kill you makes you stronger, he said.

Brexit: Britain votes to leave EU in historic divorce

US Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump applauded the UKs vote to leave, saying they took their country back, its a great thing. He arrived at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, and said, People are angry all over the world, adding that worries about borders helped the Brexit vote.

Do you think a #Brexit will affect you? #EuRefResults  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 24, 2016

French President Francois Hollande said the Brexit vote was a tough test for Europe, adding that negotiations over Britain leaving the bloc should be swift.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the UKs position in the alliance will remain unchanged.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that a new vision is needed for a better Europe. The extreme choices of austerity that widened the inequality between countries of the north and south, fences and closed borders and the denial to share the burden of the debt and migrant crises had signalled an extended crisis in Europe, Tsipras said. We urgently need a new vision and beginning for a united Europe  for a better Europe, more social and democratic.

Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban issued similar comments regarding immigration. The result showed how the British can keep their island.

Marine Le Pen , head of the aggressively anti-immigration, far-right National Front in France, tweeted : Victory for freedom! As I have asked for years, its now necessary that France and all EU countries have a referendum.

Victoire de la liberte ! Comme je le demande depuis des annees, il faut maintenant le meme referendum en France et dans les pays de l'UE MLP  Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) June 24, 2016

The Dutch right-wing, anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders called on the Netherlands to hold a referendum on whether to leave the EU.

Hurrah for the British! Now it is our turn. Time for a Dutch referendum! #ByeByeEUhttps://t.co/kXZ0aQtgmx  Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) June 24, 2016

Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said the EU should agree to Britains leaving quickly and rationally. He added that the European project needs much stronger support of its citizens.

Polands Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski is worried for the 850,000 Poles in the UK. I can only give a sigh: so its done. This is bad news for Europe, bad news for Poles  The status of Poles living there will not change for now, but we dont really know how much Britains status will be changed.

Pavel Filip, Moldovas prime minister, said the vote to leave was a sad day for Europe.

Brexit: What will happen next?

Manfred Weber , leader of the European Peoples Party, the largest bloc in the EU parliament, said Britain should expect no free ride as it negotiates its departure.

There cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom. The British people have expressed their wish to leave the EU. Leave means leave. The times of cherry-picking are over.

He insisted that the exit negotiations should be concluded within two years.

Exit negotiations should be concluded within 2 years at max. There cannot be any special treatment. Leave means leave. #Brexit 4/4  Manfred Weber (@ManfredWeber) June 24, 2016

Jean-Claude Juncker , the European Commission chief, said the EU will not be bending over backwards to help Britain in renegotiating trade deals with countries under the EUs umbrella.

Taro Aso , Japans minister of finance, told an emergency press briefing that Tokyo was extremely worried about the risks to the global economy and markets, but stood ready to respond firmly.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned earlier this month that a British departure would be a shock requiring quick action to avert the disintegration of the bloc.

It looks like a sad day for #Europe the United Kingdom, he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz said he expects negotiations over Britains departure from the European Union to begin quickly. The United Kingdom has decided to go its own way. I think the economic data show this morning that it will be a very difficult way, he said.
Dr Marc Lamont Hill is an award-winning journalist and author and is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. Hill is known for his work addressing the intersections of race, justice, politics and culture. His latest best-selling book is We Still Here: Pandemics, Policing, Protest and Possibility which follows on the success of Nobody: Casualties of Americas War on the Vulnerable from Flint to Ferguson. Hill has received numerous prestigious awards from the US National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.
We challenge Malaysias former prime minister, and also debate Ethiopias treatment of the Oromo people.

In this weeks UpFront, we speak to Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysias former leader, about his call for Prime Minister Najib Razak to resign.

In the Reality Check, Mehdi Hasan examines why drone strikes are ineffective. And in the Arena, we debate Ethiopias treatment of the Oromo people with the Ethiopian communications minister and an Oromo Democratic Front (ODF) executive committee member.

Headliner  Former PM Mahathir Mohamad: Malaysia will go to the dogs

Malaysias former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, wants to save Malaysia and oust the countrys current PM Najib Razak over claims that he mismanaged the economy, suppressed free speech and allegedly took hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes, all accusations the PM denies.

The Save Malaysia movement, led by Mahathir and made up of opposition leaders from across the political spectrum, is centred on a multimillion-dollar corruption scandal that alleges nearly $700m found in Najibs personal bank accounts came from the state-funded 1Malaysia development fund. Najib, however, says the money was a campaign donation from Saudi Arabia and has since been returned.

Mahathir, who served as the countrys prime minister for 22 years, says that Najib must go and that his leadership undermines Malaysias institutions. In this weeks Headliner, Mehdi Hasan challenges Mahathir on his campaign to oust the current prime minister.

Hes gone off track, Mahathir says. He has done a lot of things which are actually wrong, and as a result he has put the country in a very bad position.

Commenting on Malaysias future, Mahathir adds: If Najib is there, this country will go to the dogs.

In a wide-ranging interview, the former prime minister also discusses his political future, his legacy and his history of anti-Semitic remarks.

Reality Check: The truth about US drone strikes

Drone supporters often say that strikes are effective, their targets arent random and are not a recruiting tool for various armed groups. A look at evidence, though, demonstrates otherwise.

In this weeks Reality Check, Mehdi Hasan explains why he believes drone strikes are ineffective, inaccurate and unsuccessful.

Arena: Are Ethiopias Oromo being violently repressed?

More than 400 Oromos have been killed and tens of thousands arrested since November, a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) found. The Ethiopian government says that some protesters from Ethiopias largest ethnic group have died, but HRW is very generous with numbers, and protests have been overrun by armed groups.

The latest round of protests began over a government plan to expand Addis Ababa, the nations capital, to parts of the surrounding Oromia region. The governments plan has since been cancelled, but protests have continued over what Oromos say is the longstanding marginalisation of the Oromo people.

So is the government guilty of a violent crackdown on the Oromos? In this weeks Arena, Getachew Reda, the countrys communication affairs minister, debates with Lencho Bati, an executive committee member of the Oromo Democratic Front.

Follow UpFront on Twitter @AJUpFront and Facebook.
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Franklin Financial Network in Tennessee hit a roadblock in its plan to buy Civic Bank & Trust in Nashville, but that didn't stop Franklin from hiring away Civic's chief executive.

Sarah Meyerrose has joined the $2.3 billion-asset Franklin Financial as chief financial officer, the Franklin, Tenn., company said in a Tuesday news release. Meyerrose, 60, had been CEO at the $142 million-asset Civic since October 2014.

Franklin Financial, the holding company for Franklin Synergy Bank, originally planned to close its $30 million deal for Civic by June 30. But regulators' concerns with Franklin Financial's compliance procedures forced the company to delay the closing deadline to March 31, 2017, with an option to extend the deadline to June 30, 2017. Franklin Financial disclosed the merger delay in a regulatory filing last month.

"Federal bank regulators have identified concerns during the course of routine supervisory activities regarding the robustness of [Franklin Financial's] procedures, systems and processes related to certain of its compliance programs, given the rapid growth and increasing complexity of the Bank," Franklin Financial said in its 10-Q filing.

Franklin Financial is working to "diligently to fix" the compliance issues "so that we can do the acquisition the first quarter of next year," Richard Herrington, chairman and CEO, said in a Thursday interview.

Franklin Financial and Civic Bank agreed that it was best for both companies if Meyerrose started as soon as possible at Franklin Financial, rather than wait for the deal's closing, Herrington said.

"Sarah's particular talents are probably better utilized at [a bank of our size] than at a small bank like Civic Bank," Herrington said, adding that Meyerrose was "instrumental in turning that bank around."

Meyerrose will replace Sally Kimble as CFO at Franklin Financial. Kimble will retain her position as chief administrative officer.

Franklin Financial has also hired Civic's former chief financial officer, Terry Howell, as a senior vice president. Howell had been CFO at Civic since October.

Civic said Wednesday that it has hired one of the bank's co-founders, David Barnes, to replace Meyerrose as CEO.


Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, one of those who believe that we are just one sensible gun restriction and loophole closing away from the lion not considering the lamb dinner, thinks Orlando was the fault of those wascally Wepublicans he says want to sell guns to bad guys like the Islamic State. As the Washington Post reports:

The leader of last weeks 15-hour Senate filibuster to force action on guns said Monday that Democrats need to make gun control an integral part of their national security policy as they try to build a political movement to rival the National Rifle Association. The message, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said in an interview with Washington Post reporters, should be that Republicans are partially culpable for attacks such as the Orlando nightclub shooting. Weve got to make this clear, constant case that Republicans have decided to sell weapons to ISIS, Murphy said, using an alternative term for the Islamic State militant group. Thats what theyve decided to do. ISIS has decided that the assault weapon is the new airplane, and Republicans, in refusing to close the terror gap, refusing to pass bans on assault weapons, are allowing these weapons to get in the hands of potential lone-wolf attackers. Weve got to make this connection and make it in very stark terms.

Well, Sen. Murphy, the only time any U.S. officials ever tried to funnel weapons to terrorists and other bad guys was when the Democratic President Barack Hussein Obama and then-Attorney General Eric Holder conceived and ran a gunrunning operation called Fast and Furious which resulted in the deaths of U.S. Border Patrol agents Jaime Zapata and Brian Terry. Investors Business Daily editorialized on ATF Special Agent John Dodsons attempt to spread the truth on the Obama administrations effort to supply Mexican drug lords with semiautomatic weapons:

ATF Special Agent John Dodson is a national hero who in 2011 blew the whistle on Operation Fast and Furious, the Obama administration's gun-running operation to Mexico. Testifying before Congress, he disclosed that his supervisors had authorized the flow of semiautomatic weapons into Mexico instead of interdicting them, weapons that found their way into the hands of Mexican drug cartels with deadly results. Dodson has put his intimate Fast and Furious knowledge into a book titled "The Unarmed Truth." It provides the first inside account of how the Obama administration permitted and helped sell some 2,000 guns to Mexican drug cartels, guns used in the murder of two federal agents and hundreds of Mexican citizens..  The operation was exposed when Brian was killed in December 2010 by an illegal immigrant working for the Sinaloa Cartel near Nogales, Ariz., just 10 miles from Mexico. Two Fast and Furious weapons were found at the murder scene. Two such weapons also were used to murder Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent Jaime Zapata in Mexico on Feb. 15, 2011, came from suspects who were under ATF watch but not arrested at the time. "Allowing loads of weapons that we knew to be destined for criminals, this was the plan. It was so mandated," Dodson, then attached to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) Phoenix office, testified before Rep. Darrell Issa's House Government Reform and Oversight Committee on June 15, 2011. "Rather than conduct enforcement actions, we took notes, we recorded observations, we tracked movements of these individuals for a short time after their purchases, but nothing more," Dodson testified. "Knowing all the while, just days after these purchases, the guns that we saw these individuals buy would begin turning up at crime scenes in the United States and Mexico, we still did nothing."

Democrats like Chris Murphy did their best to hide the truth about Fast and Furious, with AG Holder arguably lying to Congress about his knowledge and involvement and repeatedly saying he didnt get the memo. American citizens and Mexican nationals to this day are in jeopardy from criminals using weapons the Obama administration funneled to them. As Fox News reported about Mexican drug kigpin El Chapo:

A .50-caliber rifle found at Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmans hideout in Mexico was funneled through the gun-smuggling investigation known as Fast and Furious, sources confirmed Tuesday to Fox News. A .50-caliber is a massive rifle that can stop a car or, as it was intended, take down a helicopter

Federal law enforcement sources told Fox News that El Chapo would put his guardsmen on hilltops to be on guard for Mexican police helicopters that would fly through valleys conducting raids. The sole purpose of the guardsmen would be to shoot down those helicopters, sources said.

The Orlando shooter, Omar Mateen, as ABCs Jake Tapper explained to Sen. Murphy, legally obtained his weapons, and not from the GOP. Tapper also got Murphy to admit is anti-gun amendments he pushed during a 15-hour filibuster, would not have prevented the Orlando shooting:

In a shocking development in the push for gun-control, Senator Chris Murphy, who filibustered for 15 hours regarding the issue, admitted Sunday on ABCs This Week that his proposal would not have stopped any recent mass shooting. Your proposal would have done nothing in the case of Orlando, it would have done nothing to stop the killing in San Bernardino, stated ABCs Jon Karl calling out Murphy, And in fact, it was unrelated to the killing in Newtown. The proposal Murphy has been pushing is one that is meant to close the mythical gun show loophole. Would that have done anything to stop the massacre in Orlando, Karl asked Murphy. The Senator tried to explain that his proposal had to work in conjunction with other proposals to be effective. Karl again called out Murphy by pointing to the fact that terrorist Omar Mateen didnt purchase his firearms at a gun show and passed a background check anyway. So why -- why are we focusing on things that have nothing to do with the massacres we're responding to, Karl grilled Murphy.

No, Senator Murphy, the Republicans are not selling weapons to ISIS, nor did they sell anything to Omar Mateen. The Obama administration you support did sell guns to bad guys that got Americans killed and you have said nothing to condemn it. You apparently share the desire of your party leader and president to leave Americans, and your constituents, defenseless, before armed predators. Well listen to you and your colleagues when you submit a bill to make the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives gun-free zones.

Daniel John Sobieski is a free lance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
Foreign Policy magazine has unloaded both barrels at those of us who ask questions and raise concerns about Islam.

First, Lawrence Pintak in his article "The Muslims Are Coming! The Muslims are coming!" runs down a list of various Americans, from Cotton Mather to Donald Trump, who have used harsh language against Muslims. While I can't vouch for every word Americans have spoken for four hundred years, the gist of his piece is, America the Intolerant or "America the Suckiful," a standard theme of the left.

However, Andrew G. Bostom, all the way in 2006 (we were on the same path in our articles back then), wrote a piece titled "America's First War on Terror," about Adams and Jefferson and their view on Islam. They were not very "tolerant" because the Barbary States in North Africa were attacking American merchant ships and enslaving the crews.

After a meeting between Jefferson, Adams and Tripoli's ambassador to London, the two Americans reported to the Continental Congress about Muhammad and Islam, as follows:

 that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Musselman who should be slain in Battle was sure to go to Paradise.

Adams wrote of Muhammad and Islam:

he [Muhammad] declared undistinguishing and exterminating war, as a part of his religion, against all the rest of mankindThe precept of the Koran is, perpetual war against all who deny, that Mahomet is the prophet of Godthe faithful follower of the prophet, may submit to the imperious necessities of defeat: but the command to propagate the Moslem creed by the sword is always obligatory, when it can be made effective. The commands of the prophet may be performed alike, by fraud, or by force.

Those assessments come in a context: unprovoked jihad. After 9/11, the modern comments from Christian leaders and Trump come in the context of a modern jihad.

As far as early American or modern Christians seeing Muhammad or this or that Muslim as the Anti-Christ, Islam has a more authoritative, troubling view of Christianity. With the backing of the Quranic verse 4:159 (see it in four orthodox Sunni translations), the Traditions say that Anti-Christ is Jewish who will return to break the Cross, kill pigs, banish the jizyah tax and call all people to Islam. Then a bush or rock will cry out to the jihadist to come over there because there's Jew hiding behind it. Kill him!

It would be helpful if Mr. Pintak would research Islam and find out the context of why Americans throughout our history had doubts about it.

But Foreign Policy magazine doesn't stop there. In a piece titled, "If Islam Is a Religion of Violence, So Is Christianity," by Julia Ioffe, she brings up the Crusades. They were equally violent as Jihad.

She writes:

If that was a perversion of Christianity, as many argue, or a fluke, then why can we not extend the same thinking toward, say, the Muslim conquests of the Middle East, or, dare I say it, the Islamic State? You cannot argue that one religion is inherently violent because of the following historical examples, and then wave away the violent history of Christianity and say the exception proves the rule.

Before I get to the main point, it should be pointed out that the Church responded to four hundred years of Islamic aggression, as Muslim armies waged jihad throughout the Mediterranean world, even all the way to Iran and India (see the Truth about Islamic Jihad and Imperialism: A Timeline). So it was a defensive war -- certainly not initiated by the Church in a vacuum -- to allow Christians free trade and access to pilgrimage spots. Also, the Church and State in the Medieval Age were fused together (though some forward-thinking believers tried to keep them separate). The Kings and Emperors saw themselves much as Old Testament Kings did -- God's anointed. Ideally, however, the Church and State should gave been kept separate, when the Pope asked for help from the Kings.

The main point is that while Christian warfare in the name of Christ indeed deviates from the New Testament, Islamic violence in the name of Allah does not deviate from the Quran. Nowhere in the New Testament does it say the Church as the Church should raise an army and attack people who refuse to convert. But surely Ms. Joffe knows that the Quran everywhere affirms jihad or qital (warfare only) against the infidel.

Thus Muslims obey their sacred text when they commit acts of violence in warfare, while Christians disobey theirs, if they form a church militia or army and declare war. Islam fuses together mosque and state, even today. In America today, we don't allow any ecclesiastical control over the military. Our soldiers do their duty for their country and the Constitution.

Then can Christians join the military and police force? Short answer: yes, but when they have to discharge their weapons, they shouldn't yell "Christ akbar!" or other such things. However, following the example of Muhammad who shouted "Allahu Akbar!" when he attacked a city, Muslims do the same.

A complete picture of the historical facts goes a long way in dispelling the myths that circulate around the web. It is misguided to equate Christianity and Islam and their conformity to their sacred texts in acts of violence.

As for the nonsense terms "Islamophobia" or "Islamophobe," we either laugh at it or reply to it, as done here. Setting aside shrill rhetoric from bloggers and one or two politicians, all we're doing is asking questions and raising concerns about Islam. Please stop calling us silly names for doing so.

James Arlandson's website is Live As Free People, where he has posted The West's Civilizational Struggle with Islam, The Truth about Islamic Jihad and Imperialism: A Timeline, Jihad and Qital in the Quran, the Traditions, and Islamic Law, Can Christians Join the Military or Police Force? and The Gospels: Was Jesus a Pacifist?
For the past thirty-seven years the United States of America has been approaching its policies toward the Islamic Republic of Iran with an almost messianic hope that the Khomeinist government of Iran can be weaned away from its anti-Western stance by a combination of sticks and carrots. Successive administrations from Carter to Obama have sought to find just the right combination in order to sway Tehran away from Ruhollah Khomeinis doctrine of rigid opposition to "Gharbzadegi" (Westoxification). But every attempt to open up Iran to a friendlier stance toward the West in general and the United States in particular has been rebuffed.

Why?

Has Washington DC simply not found the correct formula yet? Is the correct ratio of carrots to sticks simply too complicated to be applied successfully to the Islamic Republic of Iran? Do we need a political Einstein to calculate the breakthrough theorem? Or is something else at play here?

Micah Halpern -- writing in a recent op-ed in the Jerusalem Post -- states the situation quite clearly:

As everyone who monitors US foreign policy is painfully aware, American administrations dont really grasp the reality of the Middle East And dont blame America for this lack of understanding -- its a part of Americas DNA. Americans have an innate optimism. They believe that their point of view is the prevailing point of view and they feel that they can convince anyone. And if that doesnt work, bribery -- military aid, monetary aid, UN votes  will.

Careful students of Islamic Iran and of Islamic fundamentalism in general are aware of what the late longshoreman-philosopher Eric Hoffer termed the True Believer as it applies to Iran. In essence, Hoffer identified true belief as a component in the makeup of revolutionaries as well as of totalitarian regimes. Although Hoffer -- writing in 1951  principally had fascism and communism in mind, his lessons certainly apply to radical Islam and radical Islamist states such as Iran (as well as the Islamic State). The true believer -- and the mullah leadership of Tehran is certainly made up of Islamic true believers -- is not willing to compromise his beliefs for monetary gain. And that is why the United States has not been successful in its efforts to modify Irans revolutionary fervor.

All attempts to sway the mullah regime from its program of spreading the Islamic Revolution are doomed to failure. The Islamic Republic cannot reject this core pillar of Khomeinism (see especially notes 99 and 100) for such would be an admission of failure of the regime to adhere to its raison detre as an Islamic society as well as a rejection of Islams requirement to spread the faith.

In order to remain true to Khomeinis declaration of neither West nor East, Iranian policy under his successor as Faqih (Supreme Leader) -- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- requires it to bear enmity towards both -- particularly the West as represented by the Great Satan (the U.S.) and the Little Satan (Israel). Ali Safavi, president of the Washington DC based think tank Near East Policy Research points out in his op-ed of December 14, 2015:

A few days after the nuclear deal was announced, Khamenei warned, We will never stop supporting our friends in the region and the people of Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and Lebanon. Even after this deal our policy towards the arrogant U.S. will not change. Iran's medieval regime cannot be reformed because any sign of moderation would provide an opening for the emergence of popular demands, which would mature into protests for democracy.

As Hoffer indicates, Mass movements can rise and spread without belief in a God, but never without belief in a devil. And thus the United States remains the necessary devil to which the Iranian regime can point as its eternal enemy.

Trying to apply Western marketing principles to a non-Western fundamentalist religious culture is not only arrogant but also foolish as it totally fails to comprehend the mindset of our opponents. It would behoove our policy wonks to study Hoffers text and to read Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khameneis website to gain a better understanding of his thinking; he certainly is not playing games and takes his religious beliefs (warped as they may be) very seriously. His antagonism to the West has not diminished at any time during his career. Maybe our policy experts might finally take him at his word?

And lest one think that the next Faqih (Supreme Leader) might be more tolerant, one only needs to look at the recent selections/appointments made to the Guardian Council. Under Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, its longtime chairman, the conservative approach has remained firmly entrenched. And now that Jannati has become chair of the Assembly of Experts, the ultra-conservatives will continue to be able to nominate a like-minded successor to Khamenei when the time comes, possibly even Jannati himself.

In short, it is time for our Iran policy experts to leave their ivory towers and realize that their attempts to woo Tehran have been a dismal failure. As Lee Smith has indicated in his 2010 epic The Strong Horse: Power, Politics, and the Clash of Arab Civilizations -- even though Iran is not Arab, the same point applies -- the Middle Eastern Islamic world naturally aligns itself with strength, power, and violence. America must be the strong horse in order to reclaim its role there, and that only by understanding the nature of the regions ancient conflicts can we succeed.

Additionally, as Islamic Civilization scholar emeritus Professor Moshe Sharon has pointed out -- when negotiating in the Middle-East -- whether shopping in the bazaar or sitting at an international negotiating table -- the seller always has an advantage. We have been shopping for the last thirty-seven years, and until we learn to restrain ourselves and wait to sell instead of buying, we will continue to fail to secure the bargain that we seek.

Rabbi Dr. Daniel M. Zucker, is founder and Chairman of the Board of Americans for Democracy in the Middle-East, a grassroots organization dedicated to teaching the public and its elected officials of the dangers posed by Islamic fundamentalism. He may be contacted at contact@ADME.ws.
The latest polling data from Reuters clearly shows that an overwhelming majority of Americans support a temporarily halt to all Muslims from entering the United States.

In its uncorrected form, the poll  made up of a five-day rolling average ending June 21  purports to claim a narrow edge of just 1.7% for those who oppose the ban (46.7%) compared to those who support it (45.0%).

But of the 1,502 respondents, 731 (49%) are Democrats, who tend to oppose (61%) versus approve (31%) the proposed ban, although Democratic support for the ban is still significant. Just 474 (31.5%) of those surveyed were Republicans, who clearly approve (69%) of the ban in far larger numbers than oppose it (28%). Independents are about evenly split (47% opposed to 44% in favor) over the idea of a ban.

Among the respondents, 613 (41%) voted for Obama in 2012, compared to just 364 (24%) who chose Romney in the last election.

When compared to currently known party affiliation distributions and the actual 2012 election results, a liberal bias of 13% to 16% is evident in the polling data.

Correcting for this bias reveals that at the national level, there is probably at least a 10% to 13% lead among the general public  across all party lines and political leanings  in favor of a temporary ban on Muslim entry.
Bernie Sanders could have easily kept faith with his supporters and refused to vote for Hillary Clinton this November. Indeed, as an independent in the Senate, he was under no obligation to support the Democratic nominee.

But Sanders wants something from the Democrats. And when he finds out what that is, I'm sure he'll let us know.

Politico:

Bernie Sanders on Friday said he will cast his vote for Hillary Clinton in November. But hes not all the way with her  at least, not yet. Yes, the Vermont senator said when asked on MSNBCs Morning Joe if he would vote for the former secretary of state this fall. I think the issue right here is Im gonna do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump. Sanders told CBS This Morning that his campaign and Clintons have been communicating and working closely together, but he hasnt endorsed her because I havent heard her say the things that I think need to be said. He suggested Clinton would need to advocate for tuition-free college, a $15 minimum wage and health care for all, among other things, to secure his endorsement. I would love her to say that, and I would love her to move forward aggressively to make that happen, Sanders said, adding that he doesnt know when or if hell endorse the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee but would hope it would happen before the convention. Sanders has yet to formally concede the Democratic primary to Clinton, instead maintaining his pledge to campaign through the Democratic National Convention. But on Friday he offered the clearest sign yet that he will support his primary rival, if only to prevent a Trump administration  though he stressed that he didnt want to parse words. I think Trump in so many ways will be a disaster for this country if he were to be elected president, Sanders told MSNBC. We do not need a president whose cornerstone of his campaign is bigotry, is insulting Mexicans and Latinos and Muslims and women, who does not believe in the reality of climate change when virtually every scientist who has studied this issue understands that we have a global crisis. This is not somebody who should become president. The senator offered more direct language on CNNs New Day, declaring, Donald Trump is not gonna win, when asked whether Brexit foreshadows a Trump presidency next year.

How important is a Sanders endorsement of Clinton? A recent poll showed nearly half of Sanders supporters saying they couldn't vote for Hillary Clinton. While that number is very likely to shrink the closer we get to the election, even 20% of Sanders supporters who either stay home on election day or cast a vote for Donald Trump would cause Clinton huge problems.

That's why her game plan includes moving ever leftward, embracing many of Sanders's more radical ideas, and further alienating the middle of the country. Clinton can't win without the support of the radicals, but it's problematic whether adopting their agenda will give Trump the White House.
June 22, 2016 marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the bloodiest conflict in human history. On June 22, 1941, Adolf Hitler stabbed in the back his closest ally in the Second World War, Joseph Stalin, and launched a continental assault on the Soviet Empire. Half of Europe was pulled into the conflict, and the entire world watched in stunned horror.

Overnight American communists like Betty Friedan and Dalton Trumbo reversed their demand that America stop helping Britain fight Nazi Germany and, just as suddenly as these flacks pivoted when the Non-Aggression Pact was signed in 1939, pivoted again. In a flash, the Daily Worker stopped its cartoons of Churchill and Roosevelt as plutocratic warmongers, and overnight the Nazis, not the democracies, became the enemy.

Churchill had no illusions about the evil of the regime the British began immediately helping. He noted in the House of Commons that if Hitler invaded Hell, he would have a sympathetic word or two for the Devil.

That was about as apt a comparison as anyone could have made. Stalin had murdered 20 million of his subjects in the Holodomor and related genocide, created the vastest concentration camp in human history, created that dismal realm which was the inspiration for Orwell's 1984, and slavishly supported the Nazi cause in every way conceivable. German troops crossed Soviet territory; German warships used Soviet ports; Nazi anti-Semitic propaganda reached America on Soviet freighters.

There is a myth that the Red Army was invincible and fought ferociously against the Germans. In fact, 3.6 million Red Army soldiers surrendered in the first few months of the campaign. The Polish Army and the French Army fought much more capably and much more bravely than the Red Army did in the first year of the war.

Stalin had killed or sent to the Gulag, after OGPU torture chambers, nearly all the officer class of the Red Army. Stupid hacks like Voroshilov were put in charge of the Red Army, with dreadful results. On his orders, the Red Air Force was caught completely by surprise and was destroyed on the ground all along the front. Much of the Red Army went into battle literally unarmed, waiting for a comrade to die and then to take his weapon.

The sheer size of the Soviet Union and the strategic incompetence of Hitler saved the day for Stalin. The Germans captured large cities like Minsk and Kiev, and in the Battle of Kiev, depending upon which military historian is right, as many as three quarters of a million Red Army soldiers were captured  the greatest tactical victory in the history of war.

The German Army reached the gates of Moscow and the outskirts of Leningrad before the worst Russian winter in a century decimated the Wehrmacht, which had insanely failed to issue winter clothing to its troops or to winterize its weapons and equipment. The treaty Moscow had signed with Tokyo six months earlier, Stalin learned from agents in Japan, was going to be honored by the Japanese, which allowed him to shift Siberian troops in heavy white coats to strike the Germans just as their offensive was grinding to a halt.

The campaign is a treasure trove of counterfactual problems. If the Germans had not attacked Yugoslavia and Greece, diverting troops, wearing out equipment, and costing weeks of warm weather, Barbarossa might have succeeded. If the Germans had focused on a single objective  taking Moscow was the obvious choice  then the Japanese, we know, would have entered the war. Had the Germans armed the Ukrainians and other oppressed nationalities, many of whom flocked to the Nazi cause, Berlin would have gained millions of ferocious soldiers.

Barbarossa was not only the most deadly conflict in history  Stalin estimated that the Red Army lost 20 million soldiers  but it was the practical beginning of the Holocaust, and the nightmare at Babi Yar is as starkly evil as any event in recorded history. The Siege of Leningrad created scenes right out of Dante's Inferno as each day hundreds or even thousands of people in Leningrad dropped from starvation during a siege that lasted almost three years.

Sherman said, "War is Hell." No war in history shows that more clearly than the four-year war between the two most evil empires in modern history. Barbarossa was, indeed, pure and absolute Hell.
There is so much to like in Bruce Walker's article "Decentralize Sovereignty" in the June 23 issue of The American Thinker! We can all agree with Mr. Walker: the Framers of the Constitution intended to prevent the concentration of power in the federal government that exists today. The very existence of the gargantuan federal Leviathan means that we already live in a post-constitutional America. And Mr. Walker's "cesspool on the Potomac" and "capitolism" are particularly apt.

However, casting the problem in terms of sovereignty instead of political power raises a problem. According to the Founders, we the people are sovereign.

The Founders acted on the boldest political vision of all: they staked their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor on their conviction that the people are sovereign. In their era, that idea was a contradiction in terms. After all, a sovereign then was a king or queen; it was the role of the people to be ruled and the role of the sovereign to rule.

But the Founders had a new vision for America. In Chisholm v. Georgia (1793), the first case to elicit a set of opinions in the new Supreme Court, Chief Justice John Jay wrote of the "great and glorious principle, that the people are the sovereign of this country."

Looking back from the present, we can fail to understand what a radical departure their political experiment was. According to the vision of the Founders, in each election we exercise our sovereignty by selecting, for strictly limited periods of service, fellow citizens to conduct the work of government for us. As Professor Randy Barnett wrote in his book Restoring the Lost Constitution:

[T]he appropriate legal construct is not the surrender of rights to a master, but the delegation of powers to an agent. As [Chief Justice John] Marshall himself wrote: 'It is the plain dictate of common sense, and the whole political system is founded on the idea, that the departments of government are the agents of the nation' When a principal engages an agent, the agent can be empowered to act on behalf of and subject to the control of the principal, while at the same time the principal retains all his rights.

In the American idea, in the vision of the Founders, we never surrender our sovereignty. But bit by bit, we have been surrendering it. We have been doing that by electing to office people who are indifferent to the Constitution, or hostile to it, or ignorant of it. The process is so far advanced that even well intended Americans have forgotten this fundamental fact about the American idea.

The framers of the Constitution focused on defining and limiting federal power. They did so by distributing power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government, preserving the political independence of the states and creating a zone of liberty around the individual  even by further dividing the legislative power itself, crafting two legislative bodies with separate powers and competing interests.

Preserving that Constitutional order is our first responsibility as citizens. The people as sovereign need to choose their governmental agents wisely, just as royal sovereigns need to choose wisely the people they select to conduct the business of governing. In any case, the failure of the administration chosen by the sovereign is not the end of the sovereign. There is always the option of a new administration  unless the administration's failure leads to a military defeat or an economic or social collapse that wrests the government away from the sovereign.

Because the responsibilities of sovereignty are ours, the success of the American Republic and the preservation of the Constitution ultimately depend on you and me. Here we reach the bedrock of the republic the Founders designed for us. As the sovereign people, preserving and protecting the Constitution is our responsibility.

Robert Curry is the author of Common Sense Nation: Unlocking the Forgotten Power of the American Idea from Encounter Books. You can preview the book here.
Some of us have seen this movie before.

Over the last few years, we've seen news reports from Latin America of left-wing legislators, or the interest groups that they support, chanting and going out of control when they don't get their way.

Recently, the teachers union in Mexico blocked the entrances to the Mexico City airport or last week a confrontation with authorities followed their attempts to close the heavily used highway to Puebla.

Let's add some members of the U.S. House to that list of legislators or activists who want their way even if it means stepping on other people's rights.

The House Democrats, many literally sitting on the floor, want a vote on gun control. Unfortunately for them, the majority in the House, or the people elected by voters across the country, would rather take up other issues.

We call it democracy. In other words, the majority party sets the calendar. Just ask the GOP senators who wanted then-majority leader Reid to bring Obamacare to a vote on the floor.

Incredibly, Rep. John Lewis is connecting this sit-in with his illustrious past civil rights experience:

Today we made progress. We have come a distance, declared Lewis. Lewis said he had to walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge three times before he had completed the march to Selma, Ala. The Georgia Democrat suggested this was the first step on firearms. We have other bridges to cross. And when we come back in July, we start it all over again, intoned Lewis.

At the same time, the hypocrisy of these Democrats is incredible given their silence about the shootings in Chicago.

Why don't they get on a plane and block the street corners in Chicago where this violence is happening every weekend?

Why don't they visit the churches and institutions of Chicago and call for an end to the mindless shooting?

Why not back the Chicago police who have to go into these areas every night?

Why not call on black leaders to have a frank discussion of the root causes of black-on-black crime in our cities? After all, Chicago already has a lot of gun laws.

The House Democrats are engaged in the worst type of grandstanding. We need dissent, but this is not dissent. This is chaos that threatens our rule of law.

Shame on Democrats. I never thought we would ever see this in the U.S.

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
Brexit prevailed, and our globalist elites are shocked! The rest of us are shocked that they are shocked. The elites of the globalist world are shocked by the candidacy of Donald Trump. What is wrong with this picture? It is a loud shout-out re: the willful blindness of those globalist elites...like Cameron, Obama, Kerry, etc. Obama threatened the Brits: if they voted for Brexit, they would "go to the end of the queue." What a thug our misguided president is  and an ignorant one at that. The Brits just gave Obama the back of their hand.

None of the U.K. toffs or the American lib elites thought this would happen. How fun to see them so discombobulated. But who on Earth could believe that the people of the Britain could possibly be happy with what has happened to their country? They have been overrun by immigrants from vastly different cultures who demand and get submission to their religious mandates. They are being out-populated by the birthrates of those immigrants. Entire neighborhoods are now governed by sharia law. British citizens are daily victimized by the few but venal among those immigrants. And still, the elites of the world believed that the U.K. would vote to stay in the EU! Can there be any question about the cluelessness of our self-regarded betters?

People who have been taught to feel entitled want free stuff from the people who earn what they desire. Poor economies feel entitled to the perks that productive nations produce. Greece thought, once it became a member of the EU, that it could spend like Britain, and now they are both broke and in debt (Greek debt, $351B, U.K. debt $1.6T) like the U.S. (U.S. debt, $19T). Obama has doubled our debt. American taxpayers are his ATM just as they were for the Clintons and will be again if Hillary is elected.

Cameron has come forward to resign. He backed the wrong horse. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Was this subterfuge? Did he really support the Remain camp? Will he be coddled into staying in office? London, wholly in the Remain camp, is like N.Y., S.F., L.A., and D.C.  bubbles like the one Pauline Kael inhabited when she was so shocked that Nixon had won and she knew no one who had voted for him. Like N.Y., S.F., L.A., and D.C., it is the wealthy and powerful elites who are so, so willing to surrender their rights, their freedoms, and their country's sovereignty to be politically correct. Support the Islamists; trash the Christians; Orlando was about guns, not terrorism. Give us a break!

We have been sold down the river by members of some elite, juvenile fraternity of submission to nonsense. Radical Islamists submit themselves to an utterly brutal, murderous, unreformed "faith." The Orlando shooter is a perfect example of what submission hath wrought. The dems who staged that silly sit-in about guns are a laughingstock to all Americans who actually pay attention to facts and reality.

The left's response to Orlando is a hysterical defense of Islam and an even more hysterical move to repeal the Second Amendment. Who are these people? If Brexit is not a wake-up call for Americans, then we are truly mind-numbed. Trump may be a jerk, but he is not Hillary. She is America's version of the U.K. elite, ready to sell us out for the deadly imposition of political correctness. Think before you vote. Our lives and the future of this once great nation depend upon who is elected in November.
Breitbart reports that the polls are essentially tied between Trump and Clinton in the swing states, which usually decide a presidential election. Heres an excerpt from Mike Flynns recent piece:

Given the constant apocryphal warnings about Trumps poll numbers and his unpopularity with large numbers of voters, it is very telling that the race is essentially a toss-up in the states where the contest will be decided. He is currently running no worse than Mitt Romney did or even, in places such as Pennsylvania or Virginia, running better than the 2012 nominee.

This underscores two points about the American presidential election process.

The first triggers any amount of vituperation from both those whose ox is being gored here at home and any number of sniffing Europeans. That is that the election is not decided on the basis of popular vote but by electoral votes which dont always deliver the same result. And so, as Mike Flynn suggests in the full article, a Trump win appears possible even as poll after poll has Clinton edging him out among all registered voters.

Again, because certain swing states are in play.

But the second point about the antique, much maligned, undemocratic electoral college system means just as much if not more to the election because not only does the college possibly deliver a win, it effectively walls off much of the Democratic Party voter fraud.

Take the great state of Illinois for example. Suppose that the election was decided on the basis of popular vote. Candidate A was carrying the nation by few hundred thousand votes, and Chicago wanted Candidate B elected. Yes, you guessed it: it would look as if the day of judgment had arrived as a million of the dead people in that citys cemeteries rose up and trooped to the polls to vote for Ms. B.

But with the Electoral College system, the State of Illinois gets only twenty electoral votes, whether a million dead people have voted in certain Chicago wards or not. Indeed, if everybody both living and dead in Chicago voted one hundred percent for Hillary Clinton three times over, Illinois would still cast only twenty electoral votes.

This is a great comfort.

Now, based upon the distribution of electoral votes elsewhere in the nation, it might be that Illinoiss twenty electoral votes decide the contest after all, but still, it doesnt make any difference how many extra votes were manufactured inside the boundaries of that one state. Or in New Jersey or on the Indian reservations in the Dakotas.

But yet another interesting fact about the vilified Electoral College system, rarely commented upon, is that neither states nor the electors are bound. In regard to the latter issue, the Constitution makes the electors selected the electors of the president, not the people. Sometimes some of them (usually to make an arcane point) vote for whomever they like. But the former issue is the one that excites ones imagination, because neither are the states bound to choose electors by popular election.

And so in my fever dreams I see a world in which the states (for some compelling reason that escapes me at the moment) decide to choose their electors with a footrace. One quarter-miler a day for fifty exciting days leading up to some fixed date in early November. The first race would of course be conducted by New Hampshire, closely followed by Iowa.

The TV coverage would be wall-to-wall night after night. And the primary debates would have candidates competing on treadmills while political analysts endlessly debated their body mass index and, of course, the possibility of illegal drugging. The Democrats would try for a ringer by substituting a high-altitude runner from Kenya. while the Republican establishment would tend to field a former Olympic gold medalist solid on gun rights and committed to selecting Condi Rice for V.P.

And whos to say that the results wouldnt be better for the nation?

Oh, well. I can only always dream.

Richard F. Miniter is the author of The Things I Want Most, Random House, BDD. See it here. He lives and writes in the colonial era hamlet of Stone Ridge, New York, blogs here, and can be reached at miniterhome@gmail.com.
Donald Trump on June 22 delivered the best line so far in his presidential campaign, and if that line came from his heart, then it is the best news yet for conservatives, like me, who have been profoundly ambivalent about a presumptive Republican nominee who seems to think that our nation's problems can be solved by paying off the national debt or doubling the per capita income or increasing the GDP by five per cent per year.

America's greatness leads to its prosperity, but its prosperity is simply incidental to its greatness. It is the utterly materialistic left that views everything through the dull prism of money, and it is the left that imagines that redistribution of wealth, helping the poor...blah, blah, blah...will solve our problems and create an earthly paradise. This is, of course, the European model as well  and it is utterly wrong.

What Donald Trump said is the perfect policy for immigration and the best response to all those who have condemned him as a political pariah: "I only want to admit people who share our values and love our people." Donald, please, repeat that line over and over and over again. The minimum requirement for anyone to live in America is to love America, and loving America means loving its people, its values of ordered liberty, and its Judeo-Christian heritage.

When our nation was founded, its attitude towards the rest of the world was quite clear and explicitly stated by all of those men who made the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution the bedrock of our new land. We were friends of those who loved liberty wherever they lived in the world. We wanted to make our land the model for how liberty tempered by seriously held Judeo-Christian values could give hope to an otherwise often wretched world.

America has always had an immigration problem. It is the only place on Earth that can make that claim. Immigration inevitably changes the demographics of our nation, but as long as those who came here loved what America was and saw a purpose for making American values what other nations ought to adopt, then that immigration problem was self-resolving.

In fact, some groups of immigrants have used the lessons of America to transform their homelands into places to return to and to live. The great-grandchildren of those "huddled masses" of Italians and Irish and Jews who came to America a century ago have sailed back across the Atlantic to new and happier nation of Italy and Ireland and Israel, which have become largely Americanized.

When we have immigrants from Mexico who want to return much of America to Mexico, then we are dealing with overtly anti-American immigrants. When we have immigrants who come to America who want to murder those who live in a land they call the "Great Satan," then we have anti-Christian immigrants. These are not the sort of people who look at the Statue of Liberty and weep with joy, but rather those who want to demolish that image and destroy the values it reflects.

The strategy of our land has always been to tell those who are unhappy with their homelands and imagine that America would be a better place to live that they ought to change their homeland so that it has the same liberty and the same strong moral foundation as America. Instead, these angry people demanding to come here believe that America's prosperity and security have come at their expense: that their lands are victims of American capitalism and Christianity and freedom.

Obama agrees with these America-haters. Hillary Clinton and the rest of the left, of course, join Obama in this anti-American chorus. America is the problem, and dysfunctional creatures like the European Union are the answer. Obama's imam, Jeremiah Wright, famously damned America after 9-11. They want to make America like the world instead of making the world like America.

What Trump ought to tell American voters is that turning those unhappy places around the globe can become like America if the people will demand a society and a government that reflects the values of America. The world, happily, has a number of success stories. South Korea, Poland, Israel, and Taiwan are nations which emerged from nothing to become free and prosperous and safe lands with American help in creating nations which had shared political and moral values with America.

This is the Statue of Liberty answer to our immigration problems, and it is a winning argument for Donald Trump.
Britain is leaving the European Union. But that reality doesn't begin to tell the story of the larger historical forces at work that are reshaping global politics, the global economy, and global culture and have been for much of the last decade.

The survival of the EU is actually of little consequence. The union is dead and will probably be in its death throes for years. Germany, France, and a few other northern European countries will keep the dream of a united Europe alive, but on the periphery  especially the southern European nations of Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal  the writing is already on the wall.

If this scenario plays out  and most sober-minded observers believe it will  this third attempt to unite the continent of Europe under a single currency and government will have failed. The first two efforts  Napoleon's conquests and Hitler's Blitzkreig  ended in the brutal Russian winter as two great armies perished in the snow and bitter cold. This latest effort at European unification will end because the cold logic of fiscal and monetary policy. Rich countries could not sustain the economies of poorer countries who benefited from the common market and currency but failed to discipline themselves in restraining their deficits. This led to massive debt in countries like Greece and Portugal that required severe medicine to save their economies.

Avik Roy writing in Forbes:

There has been a euroskeptic movement in Britain for as long as there has been a European Union. But the tipping point in favor of leaving has been the utter economic incompetence of EU elites. Margaret Thatcher, the legendary UK prime minister, famously pointed out the central flaw in the creation of the Euro: its mismatch of Europeam monetary union without European fiscal union. It just wont doits not big enough minded, Thatcher told Robert Lenzner in a 1992 Forbes interview. To put it simply, creating a unified currency meant that fiscally irresponsible countries, like Greece and Portugal, could create large deficits in their countries, knowing that their currency would enjoy the stability created by more disciplined Germans. Inevitably, this forced the more stable EU countries to bail out their black sheep, creating even more instability and resentment among member nations. The EUs fiscal incompetence led directly to its current immigration crisis. The Unions open internal borders have meant that illegal immigrants could enter Europe by way of Greece and travel freely within the continent. One can have sympathy for the oppressed peoples of Syria and still express concern that European welfare states are not equipped to absorb them en masse. The last straw for pro-Leave Britons was that European law, in some cases, required the UK to let illegal immigrants remain in the country at taxpayers expense, even if British law prescribed something else. This on top of the cartoonish need for EU bureaucrats to regulate everything down to the curvature of bananas.

If the issue were only incompetence, there might have been a fix found for the EU. But again, larger cultural forces are at work. The diversity freaks are all atwitter today, claiming that the white hetero-patriarchy is pushing back to re-establish white male supremacy. I suppose that if your worldview is skewed by racialism and extreme political correctness, that would be true.

But for the 90% of the rest of us, Brexit was a referendum on the popular notion of nationalism. It was a rejection of the idea that homogeneity and cultural tradition are evil and wrong and that hanging on to a national identity is tantamount to racism and sexism.

And of course, the vote was a rejection of the political class and its massive failures.

A big driver of the divide between Trump sympathizers and opponentsand Brexit leavers and remainersis the same economic phenomenon. Economic elites of both liberal and conservative persuasions are well served by global economic and cultural integration. Theyre the ones whose businesses prosper through free trade; theyre the ones whose vacations are made more convenient by a common currency and open borders. Those in the bottom half of the economic spectrum often feel differently. For them, Polish plumbers and Mexican construction workers represent economic competition. David Cameron, who announced today he would resign as Britains Prime Minister, is at home with elite conservative opinion, whatever its merits on the substance. Educated at Eton and Oxford, the son of a wealthy stockbroker, married to the daughter of a Baronet, Cameron comes from a different part of British society than did Margaret Thatcher, daughter of a greengrocer. Did darker, more xenophobic sentiments also play a role in the Leave victory? Absolutely. But those sentiments alone do not account for the legitimate policy concerns that nationalists express.

That's the problem with populist revolutions. The leaders it throws up are more likely to take advantage of a crisis to push noxious ideas that are usually buried deep in the national psyche. Across Europe and in the U.S., there are men and women riding the wave of discontent, hoping it carries them to power. Will they be good leaders who work to change things? Or will their darker impulses propel them toward authoritarianism?

This is a moment  a "hinge of history"  where the world pivots toward an unknown future. In some places, the populist pushback may get bloody. In others  like the U.S.  there may be a wholesale turnover of the political elites who have run America into the ground over the last few decades.

Change is coming. And as the old American adage adopted at the turn of the 19th century puts it, "it's good to be shifty in a new country."
On the 15th and final day of the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities, while the rest of the country celebrates with traditional fireworks, the small town of NuanQuan, about four hours' drive west of Beijing, puts up a unique pyrotechnic show. A small team of blacksmiths scoop hot molten iron from buckets and throw it against a brick wall. On impact, the molten metal explodes into a thousand brightly glowing shards like sparks shooting from exploding fireworks. The locals call it Da Shuhua, which translates as tree flower, so called because the blobs of metal, after they have been smacked against the wall, form floral pattern once they cool.

Photo credit: www.everfest.com

The tradition is said to originate 300 years ago when there were many blacksmiths in the farming town of NuanQuan. During the annual Lantern Festival, the rich locals would set off fireworks but the blacksmiths and farmers, being too poor to afford them, took to throwing molten metal instead. The effect was so spectacular that the practice gradually gained more appeal and people started donating their unused metal to be used in the celebration. Over the years, the Da Shuhua performers have learned to mix other metals, like copper and aluminum, to iron to create a variety of colors in the sparks.

In preparation for the event, the wooden ladles are soaked in water for three days before the show to prevent them from combusting when they come into contact with the metal. Despite this, flames shoot up the instant the ladles are dunked into the bucket of 1,000-degree-Celsius molten iron, so the men must work quickly. As the hot metal strikes the wall, it explodes into a shower of sparks mostly over the performers. After the event, members of the audience scramble to purchase the charcoal-encrusted ladles to take home as souvenirs.

To protect themselves against the splashes of the hot metal, the performers don a very inadequate sheepskin jacket, goggles, and a straw hat. The possibility of wearing modern protective gear was discussed but rejected because it was thought to be inappropriate in view of the tradition.

Because of the dangerous nature of the performance, Da Shuhua was, for a brief period, made illegal during the Cultural Revolution under Mao Tse Tung from 1966 to 1976. It is still practiced today, although performers are a little hard to come by. There are only four Da Shuhua performers left in NuanQuan today.

Photo credit: traditions.cultural-china.com

Photo credit: traditions.cultural-china.com

Photo credit: ChinaFotoPress

Photo credit: ChinaFotoPress

Photo credit: ChinaFotoPress

Photo credit: Yang Shiyao, Xinhua/eyevine/Redux

Sources: Fest300 / traditions.cultural-china.com
Ride sharing is a growing trend around the world, especially in major cities where cab drivers have a bad reputation. However, this trend has caused debates over the regulation of ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft among others. This week in Chicago, the City Council has voted against a measure that would have required ride-sharing drivers to have fingerprint background checks and for ride-sharing companies to maintain a certain number of vehicles with the ability to accommodate handicapped passengers. Before this, Uber has already made it clear that fingerprint background checks will not solve the problem and would most likely cause the company to cease operations in the city. Uber and Lyft left Austin, Texas back in May after voters rallied for fingerprint background checks and tougher background checks. According to Anthony Beale, who is Chicago Citys Chairman for the Council Transportation Committee, if ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft do leave Chicago, there will be no need for residents to worry as smaller firms will fill the void left by them and provide the same service.

Chicagos city council plans to study fingerprints for six months before deciding what to do next. As for handicapped passengers, ride-sharing companies have been given a year to ensure that 5 percent of their rides are accessible to disabled passengers or face a fine of $10, 000 per-day. Ubers 35,000 UberX drivers now must obtain special chauffeur licences which will permit them to drive like their taxi counterparts. Uber said in statement that this approach taken by the City Council is wrong as it doesnt make sense to hurt one industry just to help another. While Uber and Lyft drivers can obtain a chauffeur licence online, cab drivers have to attend classes to obtain the required credentials and these classes will be more expensive.

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel on the other hand, has backed the ride-sharing services despite opposition over unfair regulations. Emanuel has stated that these services benefit the citys residents in terms of transportation as these services are available in areas of the city where cabs are scarce and ride sharing services also promote competition in the transport industry. Emanuel has also repeatedly stated that roughly 90 000 drivers are employed by Uber and Lyft. Emanuels brother, Ari Emanuel is an Uber investor.
There is quite a lot of work to be done before self-driving cars will be ready to take over the wheel from human drivers, in both technology as well as building a proper ethical foundation upon which self-driving car behavior should be developed. The latter topic was recently explored in greater detail by Science in a new study called The Social Dilemma of Autonomous Vehicles, which tries to figure out how people would like their self-driving cars to behave in certain situations, specifically when faced with a moral decision that could result in the loss of human life. Its a relatively old though experiment called the trolley problem, and while, in reality, humans may not be faced with such moral dilemmas, self-driving cars will, and should take these things into consideration. This turns the trolley problem from a thought experiment into a real ethical question that needs to be addressed before self-driving vehicles become the norm.

The main benefit of building a self-driving car infrastructure is the reduction of traffic accidents. Generally speaking, humans are more prone to make errors while driving a car for a variety of factors including  but not limited to  stress, fatigue etc. Evidently, fully-autonomous vehicles are meant to nullify these problems, but thats not to say that these types of vehicles will not be faced with decision making. On the contrary, self-driving vehicles could be faced with moral decisions, such as the aforementioned trolley problem detailed in the screenshot below. Here we are given an example where a self-driving vehicle is faced with a traffic situation involving imminent unavoidable harm. In the given case, the car must decide between (A) killing one passerby or several pedestrians; (B) killing one pedestrian or its own passenger; and (C) killing several pedestrians or its own passenger. John Bonnefon, a psychological scientist at the National Center for Scientific Research in France, explains that in these types of scenarios human drivers may not even be aware that they [are facing a moral situation], and cannot make a reasoned decision in a split-second which is why its difficult to compare human drivers with autonomous cars. Humans cannot be programmed, but self-driving vehicles can and are programmed, which is why scientists have to figure out an ethical answer to the trolley problem.

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Interestingly enough, the study shows that participants are generally in favor of reducing the number of public deaths, or take a utilitarian approach for solving the moral dilemma, i.e., participants are oftentimes of the opinion that a self-driving car should be programmed to sacrifice itself and its passengers in order to save the lives of pedestrians and / or other drivers. However, when asked whether or not they would actually buy a self-driving vehicle programmed to prioritize the life of pedestrians, the study shows that participants would rather own a car that puts their personal safety ahead of others. Needless to say and regardless of whether or not self-driving cars are ready from a purely technological standpoint, humans may have to answer very difficult ethical questions before they will be comfortable to utilize the hardware at its full potential.
Ubers intentions behind introducing and running surge pricing are no doubt honest, but the feature has not been very popular among riders who do not appreciate the logic behind paying extra for travelling between two points during certain periods. It has also been alleged that a number of drivers intentionally do not sign in to create a surge situation and do so only when surge pricing kicks in to reap in extra cash. To get rid of the criticism, the company, which is now worth more than Ford or General Motors, is testing a new feature which will show riders an upfront fare once they type in their destinations on the app. This way, Uber will not have to show its riders how much their fare will be multiplied and the surge pricing, even if applicable on a certain route, will be nearly invisible.

Upfront pricing was first introduced in UberPool services and turned out to be quite a hit, encouraging Ubers product division to try it out on other services like UberX. Since April, the company has been testing upfront pricing in cities like New York City, San Diego, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle and Jersey City as well as five Indian cities- New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Even though riders will not see how much their fare will multiply, those with keen eyes will notice a faint line of text mentioning increased demand just below the fare. By saving riders from the effort of doing the math to predict their exact fare, Uber believes it will fulfil riders preference towards knowing in advance how much theyll be paying for their trips.

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Even though Uber is not exactly killing off surge pricing or cutting fares by introducing upfront pricing, the company has not shirked from cutting prices to stimulate demand for its services. In January, the company introduced price cuts in certain key areas like Wichita, Kansas and the majority of New Jersey where ride-hailing goes down to a trickle during the post-holiday season. However, in bustling areas like New York City or Boston where demand for Ubers services never go down, the price cuts were not introduced. Given that the companys surge pricing technique has received much flak in the past, including during the aftermath of the hostage crisis in Sydney, the new concept of upfront pricing sounds like a win-win situation both for riders as well as its balance sheets.
Xiaomi is best known as a smartphone manufacturer, but the truth is, this company releases all kinds of tech gadgets, so theyre not technically only a smartphone OEM. Xiaomi has also released a couple of tablets, fitness bands, kids smartwatch, and also products like a smart bulb, smart scale, and most recently a foldable electric bicycle. This company is truly aiming to compete in as many markets as possible, as long as were talking about technology.

That being said, Xiaomis smartwatch has been rumored a long time ago, and the companys VP, Liu De, confirmed that the watch will be announced in the second half of this year. Liu Des confirmation came back in April, and earlier this month, a well-known China-based analyst confirmed that the watch will land soon. The other day weve seen a sketch of Xiaomis alleged smartwatch, and now we have a new piece of info to share with you. It seems like Xiaomi is getting ready to launch their very own smartwatch considering the fact theyve added the smartwatch category on their official website, under the smart devices section. Xiaomi did not list a particular watch under that category, so we dont have any actual specs or images to share, but this, once again, confirms that the smartwatch is coming.

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Considering the fact Xiaomi included this category recently, this could mean that the watch might announce really soon, and if thats the case, were about to see some new leaks surface in the near future. It is also worth mentioning that this smartwatch will be manufactured by Huami, Xiaomis long term wearables partner. This company had manufactured Xiaomis Mi Band fitness trackers in the past, and has done a great job with those, so we do have high expectations for the Mi Watch (as it will be called, presumably). The Mi Watch will be quite affordable, this is Xiaomi were talking about after all, and that is yet another great piece of news. Either way, it will be interesting to see what kind of an OS will come pre-installed on this watch, but chances of Android Wear shipping on it are very slim, so keep that in mind.
Xiaomi was the largest China-based smartphone manufacturer in 2015, at least as far as market share gore goes. Huawei was close second, and the two companies have been battling it out in China ever since. According to the latest market info, Xiaomi is still in the lead, and it seems like the company managed to increase their shipments in the second quarter of this year, which essentially means theyve managed to address some issues that theyve been having in the past, read on.

Weve been talking about Xiaomis production capacity for quite some time now. This company tends to release quite a few handsets in China a year, and pretty much sell all of them through flash sales first because of the high demand, they simply cannot manufacture enough devices (at once) to keep them in stock. Xiaomi had managed to increase the production capacity for their Mi 5 smartphone after the companys CEO, Lei Jun, took things into his own hands. Inventec basically decided to step in and increase the Mi 5 production capacity, up to that point Xiaomi was able to manufacture 700,000 Mi 5 units per month, but after Inventec stepped in, that number jumped quite a bit, Xiaomi is now able to manufacture slightly over 1 million Mi 5 handsets per month.

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Having that in mind, it seems like Lei Jun managed to help the company increase their shipments in general. According to the secretary of the Chinese smartphone alliance, the companys shipments have improved significantly in the second quarter this year, Xiaomi had managed to ship 6 million devices every month last quarter (18 million overall). The company has managed to sell quite a few Redmi 3S handsets, and the Mi 5 is finally available for open purchase. The increased production capacity will surely come in handy for Xiaomi considering the fact that they allegedly plan to release two new high-end devices soon. The Mi 5s and the Mi Note 2 devices are said to be coming, and it will be interesting to see how long will it take Xiaomi to offer these two phones to everyone and step away from the flash sale model. Were pretty sure Xiaomi will be forced to sell those two handsets through flash sales at first once again, but they should be able to counter demand quicker this time around.
President Tusk, President Schulz and Prime Minister Rutte met this morning in Brussels upon the invitation of European Commission President Juncker. They discussed the outcome of the United Kingdom referendum and made the following joint statement:

In a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but respect it.

This is an unprecedented situation but we are united in our response. We will stand strong and uphold the EUs core values of promoting peace and the well-being of its peoples. The Union of 27 Member States will continue. The Union is the framework of our common political future. We are bound together by history, geography and common interests and will develop our cooperation on this basis. Together we will address our common challenges to generate growth, increase prosperity and ensure a safe and secure environment for our citizens. The institutions will play their full role in this endeavour.

We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty. We have rules to deal with this in an orderly way. Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union sets out the procedure to be followed if a Member State decides to leave the European Union. We stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the United Kingdom regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union. Until this process of negotiations is over, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, with all the rights and obligations that derive from this. According to the Treaties which the United Kingdom has ratified, EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a Member.

As agreed, the New Settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union, reached at the European Council on 18-19 February 2016, will now not take effect and ceases to exist. There will be no renegotiation.

As regards the United Kingdom, we hope to have it as a close partner of the European Union in the future. We expect the United Kingdom to formulate its proposals in this respect. Any agreement, which will be concluded with the United Kingdom as a third country, will have to reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations.
After being dormant for some time, the 2nd Anguilla Boys Brigade (BB) Company of the Ebenezer Methodist Church in the Valley saw a resurgence in 2012 under the Leadership of the now Captain C. Andre Samuel and Warrant Officers Dorla Hodge and Gina Brooks out of their passion to ensure that the young boys of the Valley Community are not lost and their full potential realised. The first meeting held in 2012, comprised of six boys. Forward to 2016 and the 2nd Anguilla Company boasts a record of thirty five boys with an average weekly attendance of twenty boys.

Sunday June 19th, 2016 Fathers Day saw the Enrolment of thirty two (32) Boys and the Leaders of the 2nd Anguilla Boys Brigade Company of the Ebenezer Methodist Church in the Valley, Anguilla. What a fitting occasion for an enrolment service and the celebration of the abilities of the boys. The Boys were in fine form and ably acquitted themselves as they displayed their talents in all aspects of the morning service. Prior, to the Youth Sunday service was the usual march pass with the addition of it being led by the Drum Corps of Ambassadors Pathfinder Club. A short narrative and slide show presentation was given to highlight the steps taken by the Company over the past 4  years.

During the service, the Company led by Warrant officers Hodge and Brooks took the opportunity to recognise its many supporters over the years to include, Rev Joseph Lloyd (First Captain of the 2nd Anguilla BB Company), Rev Dr Wycherley Gumbs (BB Chaplain), Rev Lindsay Richardson (President of the BB Island Council), Mr Keith Stone Greaves, Mr Colville Petty, Mr Chaka Hodge, Ms Eartha Hodge, Mr Hulia Ponto Carty Jr and Mrs Anita Martin Ruan. Tokens of appreciation were also presented to Sis Clarice Brooks and Sis Sarah Pemberton who assisted in the preparation of the Companys uniforms. An unexpected special presentation was made by the warrant officers to the newly installed Captain, in appreciation of his leadership over the past years. His sentiments were that he is just as indebted to his colleagues Hodge and Brooks for their dedication and passion to such a cause.

An attendee of the Service and enrolment Ceremony of the Company has stated that Sundays enrollment Ceremony was, a most fitting display and performance by the group coming especially on Fathers day  capped off by a most inspiring and powerful ministry of the Word by Rev Dr Wycherley Gumbs entitled Welcome Home. Our boys have been welcomed home in the presence of the community and the Church and we are to be ever mindful that we are to be reinforcements in their lives. Special thanks were given to the Ambassador Pathfinder Club and Master Guides, the Girls Brigade Company and representatives of the 1st (Bethel, South Hill) and 4th (Zion, North Hill) Anguilla BB Companies. Parents, Church and Community must continue to hold the fort. All is not lost and the future of our boys and young men is bright.

The Boys Brigade (BB) Drum Corp continues to be a main attraction for the Boys. To add some flair to the end of the morning, the Ambassadors Drum Corps as well as the BB Drum Corps gave a stellar rendition on the drums. Firstly, in competition mode alternately answering each other in 3 beat successions and later ending in unison with 3 similar beats. The highlights of the BB programme are the learning of drill displays, BB facts and history, spirituality, physical training, biblical teaching, storytelling, communications, general knowledge (local, regional and international), decorum, deportment, cultural awareness, art and craft, all underpinned by the tenets of the Christianity.

Parents/surrogates are encouraged to continue to be vigilant and to be ever mindful that our children are a gift from God and it is our duty to nurture, lead, protect and love them. The leadership of the Companys main objective is to continue in the words of the motto to be sure and steadfast in our quest to assist the boys in leading positive, well rounded lives.
My People, Many of you like me stayed up last night into the wee hours of the morning to hear the outcome of the UK referendum on whether or not to stay in the European Union. It was a hot button issue and became increasingly hotter as the date approached. One of the unfortunate casualties of the campaign process was the senseless assassination of a British Member of Parliament, the late Hon. Jo Cox. I take this opportunity, as I did not do it before, to extend my sympathies to her family, friends, associates and a country who now mourn her loss. I strongly decry this violent perversion of democracy that usually comes from the rhetoric that attends callous political campaigning. Let us continue to be tolerant of the views of others without boisterousness and rancor.

British citizens living in the United Kingdom for the most part have decided that their longstanding and leadership participation in the European Community/Union should now come to an end. The consequential outcome of this must be how they now intend to move forward outside of that arrangement. Obviously, there is no shortage of views on this issue  but already the financial response to this decision has manifested itself in the reports that the value of the pound is at its lowest levels since 1985 as well as an estimation of losses of up to 200 billion pounds in the stock market. This may be a temporary situation but it is cause for concern.

At the Joint Ministerial Council Meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office last December, I made the intervention that I was concerned that as Overseas Territories we have been hearing about the proposed referendum but that there was no discussion or consultation as to how this might affect us. I was highlighting the fact that even though we would not be participating in the referendum we would be affected by it and should in some way be in the conversation. What was also ironic was that we had come to understand that the Minister responsible for the Overseas Territories was a proponent of leaving the European Union (EU). It was therefore not surprising that a few short days before the referendum he commented that were the UK to leave the EU the Overseas Territories could be in a good position. Obviously, in the present circumstances many of us would hope that to be the case.

While I am not prepared to express my personal views on the issue in these early stages I would like to respond with some general comments to some of the questions that have been raised to me by a number of our citizens.

Firstly, at this juncture the reality is that the UK Government has been advised through a referendum that the majority of its citizens do not wish to continue into the future as part of the European Union. Because this was the process that the UK Government chose to make that determination, the Prime Minister by virtue of the agreement must now officially convey that decision to the European Commission. In other words, leaving the EU will not happen today or even within the next few months. It is estimated that these negotiations could take up to two years to be negotiated and consummated. The UK Prime Minister has also indicated that since he was a proponent of remaining he will step down in October to allow another Prime Minister to negotiate the exit arrangements.

Secondly, Anguilla and the other Overseas Territories must now begin to talk about how this future arrangement will impact us. Now that the decision is clear we will need to know where we stand. The fact is that even though we are all Overseas Territories and face similar challenges there are a number of situations that may be unique to Anguilla. Off the bat, I can think of one important situation close to home, which is, how will this affect our relationship with St. Maarten-St. Martin. Obviously, there are many such issues that we and the other OTs will include in our list of concerns for discussion.

Thirdly, it is inevitable that at some point after the negotiations we will not have an EU passport  but I expect that we will continue to have a UK passport that will probably afford us the same travel privileges. A number of persons have asked me whether we will still be able to travel to the United States without a visa. While that is completely a matter for the US immigration authorities I would expect that, Britain being one of the closest allies of the United States  its citizens would continue to enjoy the same privileges extended to citizens of the EU. In this sense  the status quo should not change.

Fourthly, the EU represents the largest and perhaps only significant source of grant funding under the EDF for Anguilla and the other OTs. A reasonable concern would be what will happen to our participation in that program once the UK exits the European Union. Obviously, the answer to such questions will be derived from our consultations with the UK Government. However, we can also reasonably expect that the British Government may fill this gap. And an optimistic view could be that such funding is likely increase bearing in mind it will now be coming directly from our administering power rather than through the European Commission.

Fifthly, a number of the international obligations that Britain extends to the OTs given it membership in the EU may no longer be managed in the same way. I suggest that the views of the OTs in such instances are more likely to be taken on board in a favourable manner given the UKs very intimate understanding of our peculiar circumstances.

Finally, we note that Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. And it is now being hinted that the Scottish people may now wish to conduct another referendum on the question of Independence. In some sense Scotland can also be regarded as a colony of the UK. Does this in some way suggest that the Overseas Territories may also wish to include a similar option, namely, Independence, in their consultations with the UK Government? The outcome of our deliberations with the administering power therefore promises to be very interesting.

Let me take this opportunity to wish the people of the United Kingdom all the best in the days ahead. This has been described as a historic decision given Britains role in the European Community for over forty years. Inevitably, the fact that we were powerless to influence the decision one way or the other  there will be even more uncertainty and helplessness for the Overseas Territories in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. May God bless us all.

And may God bless Anguilla.
UDINE - Police in Italy and the Austrian Land of Carinthia have signed an agreement in Thorl-Maglern (Austria) for the informal readmission of people at the border, to cut down procedures between the two countries. The protocol was signed by the police commissioner of Udine, Claudio Cracovia, border police chief Irene Tittoni and the regional director of Carinthia's police, Michaela Kohlweiss.



Under the agreement, citizens from third countries who are found and detained after they illegally entered Italy can be sent back without further formalities to Austria and vice versa, provided the procedure starts within 24 hours and that the illegal migrants crossed the country towards which they are rejected.



An example is if they have a visa or residency permit which has not expired for longer than six months, or train or rail tickets or bills from the country where they are being readmitted. If the migrant is found during joint patrol operations the documents will not be necessary. The readmission without formality cannot happen if the person is an asylum seeker in a third country adhering to the Dublin convention.
ISTANBUL - After the vote on Brexit, the EU ''should abandon its approach drawing it further away from other countries in the region, seeking a more inclusive vision'', Turkish Premier Yildirim said Friday, also condemning ''Cameron's campaign against Turkey'' ahead of the referendum.



''To Cameron, who was giving a date (for Turkey's EU membership), Britons gave a date'' for him to step down, said Yildirim, recalling that the British premier ruled out Ankara's membership for decades.



''The EU's disintegration process has started. Great Britain is the first to abandon ship'', Ankara's deputy premier, Nurettin Canilki, wrote on Twitter earlier.



On the eve of the vote, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke about a referendum in Turkey as well to decide whether to continue EU membership talks that started in 2005.
Le CBD, cette molecule active du cannabis a aujourdhui le vent en poupe. Et cela est en grande partie du au fait quil permet...
YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. English language will remain EUs official language despite Britains exit from the EU, Armenpress reports EU source told the reporters. English language will remain EUs official language, the source said without identifying himself.

The source informed that a country which official language is English exits the EU, but there are numerous other countries where that language is widely spoken. English is an official language in Ireland and Malta.
"Leave" campaign wins with 52% of the votes. Stock markets plummet. The pound loses 10% of its value. Jump in price of gold and oil drops below $ 50 again. The UK might lose a lot of investment from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore. The British move goes against projects of a Euro-Asian market and communications network.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews)  Panic has swept through Asian stock markets, which have registered heavy losses in the immediate aftermath of the result of the referendum in Britain, with the victory of the campaign for the country's exit from the European Union.



In an upset to poll predictions, the "Leave campaign took 52% of the votes, while the "Remain" only they have gained 48%. Participation in the referendum was high: 72%.



In Tokyo the Nikkei index fell by 7.7%; in South Korea, the Kospi dropped to minus 3.9%; Australia 3.4%; Mumbai Sensex at least 3.4%.



In China, the Shanghai Composite was down 1.2%, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong registered a drop of 4.7%.



A worrying factor is the fall in the value of the pound, now at the lowest level since 1985. The pound has lost 10% of its value, now exchanging at $ 1.33.



Future consequences



According to several analysts, the Leave will vote reduce the value of the UK as a place to invest, given the future difficulties in its relations and communication with the European Union. Among the most affected countries are Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia who in recent years had invested in infrastructure and transport in the UK linked to the EU.

In recent months, many Asian leaders, including Chinese Xi Jinping, had advised Britain to remain in the EU, as well as many representatives of international organizations.

The United Kingdoms detaching itself from the EU comes just as Asia and Russia look to boost Euro-Asian contacts. Chinas Xi Jinping is engaged in his campaign "A belt, A way to create a new Silk Route by sea and by land between Asia and Europe.

China has spent $ 40 billion to fund this "Silk Road", which is also one of the new Asian Infrastructure Investment Banks biggest projects, which is providing a fund of 50 billion. The program includes infrastructure projects, such as railways, ports, power grids in Central and South Asia, as well as in Europe.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The former custodian of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, was today appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem of the Latins which is now vacant. In fact today, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of his beatitude Fouad Twal for reasons of age.



Fr. Pizzaballa, 51 has worked in the Holy Land since 1999, was elected Custodian in May 2004. On 22 March 2010 he was re-elected. In 2013 he was postulated for another three years. His term ended in April 2016. With a fine knowledge of Jewish culture, he also taught Biblical Hebrew at the Franciscan Faculty of Biblical and Archaeological Sciences in Jerusalem and maintains relations with many Israeli Jewish personalities.



Sobhy Makhoul, prosecutor of the Maronite Church in Jerusalem told AsiaNews that the Holy See was faced with the problem of the change of the Churches two most important personalities for the Church of the Holy Land: the Custodian and Patriarch. "The Holy Sees choice is smart and the right one".



"It 's also a wise choice to respond to the need to reorganize and restructure the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, as a result of geopolitical and socio-religious changes that are transforming and inverting the Christian presence", where the faithful are growing thanks to immigration from Africa and Asia, where the presence of local Christians is shrinking more and more.



"Much of the Patriarchate territory - continues Makhoul - includes Jordan, Israel, Palestine and Cyprus. And the territory of the Custody they includes Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. The former Custodian is the right person: twenty years of experience in the East, managerial skills, intelligence and diligence are the characteristics of the new Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa".
An angry mob destroyed part of the building and damaged the Islamic cemetery, forcing Muslim families to take refuge at a police station. Aung San Suu Kyi arrived in Thailand yesterday to discuss, among other things, the situation of Muslim Rohingya in refugee camps.

Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Some 200 Buddhists stormed a mosque Thuye Tha Mein, Bago Province (north of Yangon), leaving the building partially destroyed. The fence of a nearby Muslim cemetery was also destroyed.

Scores of Muslim families were forced to seek refuge in the police station to escape the violence. The Muslim community is now living in fear of further reprisals.

The attack was caused by a dispute Thursday between neighbours over the building of an Islamic school.

"It started when a Muslim man and a Buddhist women started to argue and then people came to fight him," Hla Tint, the village administrator, said.

Around 70 Muslims, including children, sought shelter in a police station.

"We had to hide as some people were threatening to kill Muslims. The situation has never been like this before," said Tin Shwe OO, 29.

"I do not dare to stay at my house, he explained, adding that his family stayed at the small police station overnight.

The incident is a sign of rising tensions between Myanmars Buddhist majority and minority Muslims.

Since 2012, sectarian violence has left at least 300 people dead and 140,000 displaced, most of them Rohingya Muslims from Rakhine State.

Since they are considered immigrants from Bangladesh, they are not citizens of Myanmar, and many live in isolation, locked up in refugee camps. Thousands try to escape each year to other countries of Southeast Asia.

For Burmese nationalists  starting with the monk Ma Ba Tha  fiercely object to the use of the term Rohingya, insisting that they should be called Bengali, to stress their status as illegal migrants.

Ensuring internal peace and respect for all religions is one of the biggest challenges Myanmars new government under the National League for Democracy (NLD) has to face.

Myanmars new foreign minister, NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has been repeatedly criticised for not properly defending the Rohingya.

A few days ago the Dalai Lama said that the NLD leader "should speak more openly" about the difficulties the Muslim minority faces.

Meanwhile, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate arrived in Thailand yesterday for a three-day visit.

Today she will meet Prime Minister Payut Chan-o-cha, and will sign a pact to facilitate the regularisation of Myanmar immigrants working in Thailand.

Despite the rain, thousands of cheering people greeted her yesterday at Mahachai (near Bangkok). The NLD leader addressed some 500 migrant workers.

The fate of about 100,000 Rohingya fleeing persecution and living in nine refugee camps on the border between the two countries is one of the issues Ms Suu Kyi will discuss with Thailands military government.

"We hope she will pressure the Thai government to have sympathy for us," said Ma Kout Shwe, a Myanmar steel-factory worker living in Thailand.
by NAT da Polis

The recognition of the Catholic Church as a true Church will be discussed in the next two days. So far, the meeting has agreed on the Orthodox Churchs mission in the world, fasting, impediments to marriage, and Churches declarations of autonomy. New national bishops conferences will include bishops from various rites and nations.

Crete (AsiaNews)  As the Pan-Orthodox Synod approaches its final day on Sunday, its proceedings continue at the Orthodox Academy in Crete, a beautiful location that only monks, whatever their religion, could pick, a Catholic representative said.

The initial distrust  due to the absence of some churches  has dissipated, and all the delegates are keenly participating in discussions patiently chaired by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The Bartholomews role

Discreetly, the patriarch has encouraged all those present to join in the discussions without having to limit themselves to any established time constraint. He has also something good to say about everyone. This highlights what Bartholomew himself had said in his opening address, namely that the essence of the Church is synodal.

In saying this, he noted that this is no mere repeating a simple canonical tradition that we are preserving, but is a fundamental theological truth, applied by the Church since its apostolic origin."

With some bitterness, the patriarch also mentioned the fact that the Fourth Ecumenical Synod had found offensive the attitude of those who failed to respect their own word. The reference is to the absent Churches, which had previously agreed to take part in the meeting.

Questions of dogma were addressed in the early ecumenical synods. This Pan-Orthodox synod is addressing instead issues on the exercise of faith, and on what answers the Orthodox Church can provide to the problems of contemporary society.

For Patriarch Bartholomew, "Orthodoxys contribution and answer must be collegial, not individual, by each Church". For this reason, he has gone out of his way to convene this Synod.

"We have to show that we are one Church, said Bartholomew. Whilst we respect cultural diversity, we are not a confederation of churches. The Church expresses the salvific message of the human person in the world.

Theologian Zizioulas Ioannis, Metropolitan of Pergamon, added that we must not forget "the eschatological meaning of the life of the human person".

Decisions taken

The issues discussed include the mission of the Orthodox Church in contemporary society, the Diaspora, the proclamation of autonomy of a Church, fasting, and impediments to marriage.

With respect to the Church's mission in contemporary society, the document approved in Chambesy and signed by 14 Church representatives in January of 2016 was accepted with some minor changes.

The text is very interesting, because it was formulated with input from various non-clerical Orthodox thinkers.

It covers the Diaspora, i.e. the Orthodox ecclesiastic administration outside national borders as a result of migration.

Until now each national Church appointed its own bishops in every foreign country, so that paradoxically the same country could have several Orthodox bishops of different national origins.

This has had the effect of accentuating national distinctiveness over confessional unity. This is a legacy of phyletism, which was condemned at the Synod of Constantinople in 1872, for it confuses religion with patriotism and nationalism.

Although things will stay at they are for now, plans are in the works to set up Bishops conferences in every foreign country, chaired by a representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate or another bishop, respectful of the order of hierarchical canons of the Orthodox Churches.

As for granting autonomy to a church within the tradition of an Orthodox country, the authority will belong to the Church of that country, upholding nevertheless traditional Orthodox principles.

Fasting has been a bone of contention between conservatives and progressives. The former are inspired by a more monastic tradition; the latter moved more by their more pastoral experience. In the end, the traditional orthodox approach to ecclesiastic economy prevailed, so without moving away from established rules, bishops will be allowed to examine specific circumstances and grant exceptions.

The same applies to the issue of impediments to marriage; in particular, that of widowed priests. In principle, existing canons continue to apply  no remarriage  but bishops will have some leeway, based on pastoral experience, to assess individual cases and grant exemptions.

Relations with the Catholic Church

Over the next two days, the relationship between the Orthodox and Catholic Church will be a crucial topic of discussion.

Within the Orthodox Churches some bishops, from various backgrounds, view themselves as the successors of Bishop Mark Eugenicus of Ephesus (1392-1444), who was opposed to unity between Rome and Constantinople. It is likely that they will be against recognising the Church of Rome as a true Church, and this despite the fact that their respective Churches participate in the ecumenical dialogue.

Despite the influence of such individuals, self-centred and fearful of the universal opening of the Christian faith, there is a widespread feeling that this Pan-Orthodox Synod is the beginning of a series of future synods, which, out of strong belief in direct talks, will help overcome entrenched positions based on anachronistic considerations. The thousand-year ice has begun to melt.
The Great Evil, the genocide that struck the Armenian people "was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims. Hence, it is vitally important that all those who declare their faith in God join forces to isolate those who use religion to promote war, oppression and violent persecution, exploiting and manipulating the holy name of God.

Yerevan (AsiaNews)  Pope Francis spoke today, in the main hall of Yerevans Presidential palace, to a gathering of some 250 people that included Armenian civil authorities, the diplomatic corps, and representatives of civil society groups.

Before the gathering, the pontiff met privately President Serz Sargsyan (pictured) to whom he gave a medal reproducing the image of Saint Gregory the Illuminator.

The Holy Father thanked the president for inviting him to Armenia, which allowed him to return the visit Armenian civil and religious authorities made to the Vatican in April 2015.

Before they were escorted out of the hall, reporters heard the president mention the 25 years of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Armenia. "Twenty-five years might seem few, but many things have happened, starting with St John Paul IIs visit in 2001."

In his address, the Holy Father said that Armenia has known persecution and experienced the first genocide of the 20th century. Today Christians in particular, perhaps even more than at the time of the first martyrs, in some places experience discrimination and persecution for the mere fact of professing their faith.

These are strong words in a country where the Metz Yeghern, the Great Evil, as Armenians call Turkish persecution in 1915 and 1916, killed more than a million and half million people, a genocide, a word hated by the Turks, that was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century.

As he underlined the Armenian peoples deep Christian roots, the pope called for greater commitment to find[ing] helpful means of overcoming tension with neighbouring countries, a clear reference to Armenias dispute with neighbouring Azerbaijan over the Armenian enclave of Nagorno Karabakh.

The occasion was the commemoration of the centenary of the Metz Yeghern, the Great Evil that struck your people and caused the death of a vast multitude of persons. Sadly, that tragedy was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples.

I pay homage to the Armenian people who, illuminated by the light of the Gospel, even at the most tragic moments of their history, have always found in the cross and resurrection of Christ the strength to rise again and take up their journey anew with dignity. This shows the depth of their Christian faith and its boundless treasures of consolation and hope. Having seen the pernicious effects to which hatred, prejudice and the untrammelled desire for dominion led in the last century, I express my lively hope that humanity will learn from those tragic experiences the need to act with responsibility and wisdom to avoid the danger of a return to such horrors. May all join in striving to ensure that whenever conflicts emerge between nations, dialogue, the enduring and authentic quest of peace, cooperation between states and the constant commitment of international organizations will always prevail, with the aim of creating a climate of trust favourable for the achievement of lasting agreements.

The Catholic Church wishes to cooperate actively with all those who have at heart the future of civilization and respect for the rights of the human person, so that spiritual values will prevail in our world and those who befoul their meaning and beauty will be exposed as such. In this regard, it is vitally important that all those who declare their faith in God join forces to isolate those who use religion to promote war, oppression and violent persecution, exploiting and manipulating the holy name of God.

Today Christians in particular, perhaps even more than at the time of the first martyrs, in some places experience discrimination and persecution for the mere fact of professing their faith.

At the same time, all too many conflicts in various parts of the world remain unresolved, causing grief, destruction and forced migrations of entire peoples. It is essential that those responsible for the future of the nations undertake courageously and without delay initiatives aimed at ending these sufferings, making their primary goal the quest for peace, the defence and acceptance of victims of aggression and persecution, the promotion of justice and sustainable development. The Armenian people have experienced these situations first-hand; they have known suffering and pain; they have known persecution; they preserved not only the memory of past hurts, but also the spirit that has enabled them always to start over again. I encourage you not to fail to make your own precious contribution to the international community.

This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of Armenias independence. It is a joyful occasion, but also an opportunity, in cherishing the goals already achieved, to propose new ones for the future. The celebration of this happy anniversary will be all the more significant if it becomes for all Armenians, both at home and in the diaspora, a special moment for gathering and coordinating energies for the sake of promoting the countrys civil and social development of the country, one that is equitable and inclusive. This will involve constant concern for ensuring respect for the moral imperatives of equal justice for all and solidarity with the less fortunate (cf. JOHN PAUL II, Farewell Address from Armenia, 27 September 2001: Insegnamenti XXIX/2 [2001], 489). The history of your country runs parallel to its Christian identity preserved over the centuries. That identity, far from impeding a healthy secularity of the state, instead requires and nourishes it, favouring the full participation of all in the life of society, freedom of religion and respect for minorities. A spirit of unity between all Armenians and a growing commitment to find helpful means of overcoming tension with neighbouring countries, will facilitate the realization of these important goals, and inaugurate for Armenia an age of true rebirth.

The Catholic Church is present in this country with limited human resources, yet readily offers her contribution to the development of society, particularly through her work with the poor and vulnerable in the areas of healthcare and education, but also in the specific area of charitable assistance. This is seen in the work carried out in the past twenty-five years by the Redemptoris Mater Hospital in Ashotsk, the educational institute in Yerevan, the initiatives of Caritas Armenia and the works managed by the various religious congregations.

May God bless and protect Armenia, a land illumined by the faith, the courage of the martyrs and that hope which proves stronger than any suffering.
On arriving in Yerevan, Francis went to Etchmiadzin Cathedral. "For Armenia, faith in Christ has not been like a garment to be donned or doffed as circumstances or convenience dictate, but an essential part of its identity, a gift of immense significance, to be accepted with joy, preserved with great effort and strength, even at the cost of life itself".

Yerevan (AsiaNews) - In a world "sadly marked by division and conflict", which expects Christians to show "a witness of mutual respect and fraternal cooperation", the path towards full unity "takes on an exemplary value also outside of the visible confines of the ecclesial community; it represents for everyone a forceful appeal to settle divergences with dialogue and appreciation for all that unites us". Ecumenism and peace are the central themes of Pope Francis visit to Armenia, which began today.



The Pope, left this morning from Rome, arriving at Yerevans 'Zvartnots' international airport at 15, local time, greeted by religious and civil authorities, including the President of the Republic of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, and the Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, Karekin II. Francis went directly from the airport to the Apostolic See of Etchmiadzin, greeted by a small crowd and the sound of bells.



The Pope and the Catholicos entered the cathedral in procession (pictured), while the choir sang the Hrashapar, hymn dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator. Before the altar of the Descent (Begotten) they exchanged an embrace of peace and recited in alternating voices Psalm 122.



The commitment to full unity and the memory of the suffering of the Armenian people were the focus of the greeting that the Pope addressed to the Catholicos in his first speech of this trip. The patient and enduring commitment to full unity, the growth of joint initiatives and cooperation between all the Lords disciples in service to the common good: all these are like a radiant light in a dark night and a summons to experience even our differences in an attitude of charity and mutual understanding.

On this solemn occasion, I give thanks to the Lord for the light of faith kindled in your land, the faith that has given Armenia its particular identity and made it a herald of Christ among the nations. Christ is your glory and your light. He is the sun who has illuminated and enlivened you, accompanied and sustained you, especially in times of trial. I bow before the mercy of the Lord, who willed that Armenia should become, in the year 301, the first nation to accept Christianity as its religion, at a time when persecutions still raged throughout the Roman Empire.

For Armenia, faith in Christ has not been like a garment to be donned or doffed as circumstances or convenience dictate, but an essential part of its identity, a gift of immense significance, to be accepted with joy, preserved with great effort and strength, even at the cost of life itself. As Saint John Paul II wrote: With the baptism of the Armenian community the people acquired a new identity that was to become a constitutive and inseparable part of Armenian life. It would no longer be possible to think that faith did not figure as an essential element among the components of this identity (Apostolic Letter for the 1700th Anniversary of the Baptism of the Armenian People [2 February 2001], 2). May the Lord bless you for this luminous testimony of faith. It is a shining example of the great efficacy and fruitfulness of the baptism received over seventeen hundred years ago, together with the eloquent and holy sign of martyrdom, which has constantly accompanied the history of your people.

I also thank the Lord for the journey that the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church have undertaken through sincere and fraternal dialogue for the sake of coming to share fully in the Eucharistic banquet. May the Holy Spirit help us to attain the unity for which our Lord prayed, so that his disciples may be one and the world may believe. I gladly recall the decisive impulse given to developing closer relations and strengthening dialogue between our two Churches in recent years by Their Holinesses Vasken I and Karekin I, and by Saint John Paul II and by Benedict XVI. As significant stages of this ecumenical engagement, I would mention: the commemoration of the Witnesses to the Faith in the twentieth century during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000; the consignment to Your Holiness of the relic of the Father of Christian Armenia, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, for the new Cathedral of Yerevan; the Joint Declaration of His Holiness John Paul II and Your Holiness, signed here in Holy Etchmiadzin; and the visits which Your Holiness has made to the Vatican for important events and commemorations.

Tragically, our world is marked by divisions and conflicts, as well as by grave forms of material and spiritual poverty, including the exploitation of persons, not least children and the elderly. It expects from Christians a witness of mutual esteem and fraternal cooperation capable of revealing to every conscience the power and truth of Christs resurrection. The patient and enduring commitment to full unity, the growth of joint initiatives and cooperation between all the Lords disciples in service to the common good: all these are like a radiant light in a dark night and a summons to experience even our differences in an attitude of charity and mutual understanding. The spirit of ecumenism takes on an exemplary value also outside of the visible confines of the ecclesial community; it represents for everyone a forceful appeal to settle divergences with dialogue and appreciation for all that unites us. It also prevents the exploitation and manipulation of faith, for it requires us to rediscover faiths authentic roots, and to communicate, defend and spread truth with respect for the dignity of every human being and in ways that reveal the presence of the love and salvation we wish to spread. In this way, we offer to the world  which so urgently needs it  a convincing witness that Christ is alive and at work, capable of opening new paths of reconciliation among the nations, civilizations and religions. We offer a credible witness that God is love and mercy.

Dear brothers and sisters, when our actions are prompted by the power of Christs love, understanding and reciprocal esteem grow, a fruitful ecumenical journey becomes possible, and all people of goodwill, and society as a whole, are shown a concrete way to harmonize the conflicts that rend civil life and create divisions that prove hard to heal. May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of Mary Most Holy, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, pillar of light for the Holy Church of the Armenians, and Saint Gregory of Narek, Doctor of the Church, bless all of you and the entire Armenian nation. May he preserve you always in the faith you received from your ancestors, and to which you have borne glorious witness throughout the ages.
by Nirmala Carvalho

Maharashtra police uncover a racket in trafficking of human eggs. Poor women persuaded to donate theirs on the back of promises they will be richly compensated. But one of them rebelled and was killed. Dr. Pascoal Carvalho: "The child is never seen as a gift, but as an article to be bought and sold".

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - "Surrogacy has never been in favor of life. It's just a business, Dr. Pascoal Carvalho, a Catholic doctor and member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, comments to AsiaNews on the murder of a young Indian mother, kidnapped and killed to be able to sell the child and traffic her ova. A side effect of the booming surrogacy industry, in which India is a world leader, the doctor says: "It is a market with a turnover of billions of dollars, largely unregulated and lacking in ethics, full of greed and full of potential dangers".



The story of Madhumati Thakur, 22, came to light this week and has turned the spotlight on trafficking in ovules in Maharashtra. Police in Hadapsar (near the city of Pune) arrested four women and one other person guilty of the murder of the young mother, and attempted sale of her baby.



The mastermind of the racket was Nikita Sanjay Kangne, who approached poor women in the slums of Wanowrie and Hadapsar and convinced her to donate her eggs with the promise of huge sums. The same happened with Madhumati, but she seems to have rebelled and this is why she was killed.



Kangne confessed that she donated her eggs for artificial insemination and was a surrogate mother. The murderer had found work at a fertility center in Vimannagar specializing in in vitro fertilization, which "provided" donors eggs on commission. The clinic paid 15 thousand rupees for every woman [198 euro]; of these, 10 thousand were for the donor and 5 thousand for commission.



The police are trying to figure out if the racket has involved other women, and the odds are very high since the group was active for seven months. Dr. Carvalho, who is also a member of the Diocesan Committee for human life, says: "life is never valued in surrogacy although through deceptive marketing strategies portray this business other than commodification of a life . A child is not viewed as a gift but as an item to be procured.

He adds: The tens of thousands of embryos that are destroyed and the dangers to the commissioned parent, and this uncovering of the murder of the woman in Pune, all reveal the bitter truth of surrogacy- the defeat of the inherent value of human life.

The expert concludes: While surrogacy, seems, like an attractive alternative as a poor surrogate mother gets very much needed money and an infertile couple gets their long-desired biologically related baby; due to lack of proper legislation, both surrogate mothers and intended parents are somehow exploited and the profit is earned by middlemen and commercial agencies.

In India the assisted fertilization sector generates about 5 billion dollars [4.4 billion euro] each year and the country has more than 500 clinics. Surrogacy services "produces" 6 thousand children a year, for a profit of one billion dollars. Couples, especially foreign, prefer Indian children because the cost of a surrogate pregnancy is much lower: between 18 and 30 thousand dollars (one third of the price in the US), of which about 8 thousand belong to the woman who is carrying the embryos donated by couples
Britain Votes To Leave The European Union

Trending News: British PM David Cameron Resigns Following Shocking Brexit Vote

Why Is This Important?

Because the UK's powerful enough to send ripples through the rest of the world.

Long Story Short

British Prime Minister David Cameron announced he'll resign following a shocking vote to leave the European Union.

Long Story

Britain just went all 'F you, F you, F you, you're cool, F you, I'm out' on its European brethren on Thursday's referendum, voting to Brexit from the EU by a margin of 51.9% to 48.1%.

Despite a move to actually leave the EU not happening until June 2018  they still have to negotiate the terms  affects of the shocking result are already being felt with British PM David Cameron, who supported remain, vowing to step down in October.

David Cameron will stand down, but says: I will continue in post as PM with my cabinet for the next three months https://t.co/zQYMaVoIq7  BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) June 24, 2016

So, what does this all mean?

For the United Kingdom, it's going to mean a whole of of shakeups. With Cameron gone, it's unclear who'll take over. Will it be a far right leader, as we've been starting to see across Europe? Or is it left-wing leader Jeremy Corbyn's chance to take the reigns when the country wakes up from its hangover and realises 'WTF did we just do?'

In Scotland, who along with Northern Ireland voted to remain within its own borders, it might mean a new independence vote, as feared by one of your favorite Brits, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.

Scotland will seek independence now. Cameron's legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen. https://t.co/4MDj7pndcq  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

The UK economy also could be in for a tailspin, with the pound dropping to its lowest since 1985 on Thursday, which could be bad for global markets. On the other hand, if you're looking to rent or buy in Britain, then now could be the time.

Outside of the UK this could be the beginning of the end for the EU. Following the Greek economic crisis and disputes over borders due to a flood of migrants, this might be a signal that the EU in its current form isn't working and could cause other states to leave. Parties in France and Amsterdam have already talked about a Nexit and Frexit.

And this is all good news for Russia's Vladimir Putin, who is watching and laughing as western organisations EU and NATO seem to be imploding (NATO only if Trump gets in).

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Oh no, what will Donald Trump say when he visits Scotland today?

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Vladimir Putin is crying with laughter in the Kremlin.

Drop This Fact

The referendum had a 72.2% turnout across Britain.
Google Search Says Brits May Not Know Why They Left The European Union

Trending News: According To Google, Brits Don't Even Know Why They Brexited

Why Is This Important?

Because they just wrote a gigantic page of modern history, thats why.

Long Story Short

The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union. Why? As it turns out, no one seems to know.

Long Story

How did it come to this? How did what was meant to be an easy win for the remain vote turn into a capitulation to rightwing scaremongering? Along with the gnashing of teeth of those who wanted to remain  70 percent of Londoners for example (and around the world, such has been the global economic fallout)  the question remains: why? And the answer is no one really knows.

"Why did Britain leave the EU?" - Top questions on the UK globally are all about the #EUref and #EURefResults pic.twitter.com/NwuypqcNtD  GoogleTrends (@GoogleTrends) June 24, 2016

At midnight British time last night, two hours after the referendum polls closed, Googles GoogleTrends Twitter account reported a 250% increase in people searching what happens if we leave the EU. Thats right: it seems a lot of voters werent really sure of the consequences of what they just voted for.

+250% spike in "what happens if we leave the EU" in the past hourhttps://t.co/9b1d6Bsx6D  GoogleTrends (@GoogleTrends) June 24, 2016

Thankfully, they would have found plenty of expert predictions that  20 hours later  are now coming true. The British pound has tanked and in the short term the economy is likely to go into recession. In the longer term the United Kingdom itself may be under threat, the Scottish in favour of remaining in the union and already agitating for another referendum on their own independence. Similarly, Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU 56 percent to 44 percent.

And any chance of Britain dictating trade terms to a separate EU are laughable. To get the kind of deal the Brexiters claim they can achieve, theyd have to be taking in the same number of immigrants  immigration being one of the major issues on which the referendum turned.

Essentially, a hugely complex issue  indeed, the EUs complexity is viewed as being one of its major problems  could never be decided on a simple yes-no referendum. In fact, it was a throwaway tactic of (former) Prime Minister David Camerons at the last election, one that he never expected to have to follow through on.

And here we are.

The honest truth is, of course, that no one knows exactly what will happen now. But we do know it will be bad  for the entire world, to some extent or another. Fasten your seatbelts.

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Ask The Big Question

What happens to the Commonwealth without the United Kingdom at its centre?

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At least you wont have to deal with those smug Canadians, Americans and Australians with British passports swanning through European immigration anymore.

Drop This Fact

Britain first joined the European Community in 1973.
No official exit polls were conducted for Brexit, but a YouGov poll showed Remain beating Leave 52%-48%. While the poll has a much smaller sample size than a typical exit poll, YouGov did call the Scottish Independence vote within one percentage point in 2014. And Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party and a prominent booster of the Leave campaign, has told Sky News that he thinks Remain will edge it.British Prime Minister David Cameron had long lobbied for Britain to remain in the EU, saying an exit would cost British jobs and deal a blow to the nations economy. Those who wanted to leave the union, however, said Brexit would allow the U.K. to better control immigration and save the money it contributes to the EUs budget.It's a sigh of relief for lawyers with many beliving a Brexit could create legal havoc.

"EU law is part of UK law and its adoption has given UK citizens, companies and public authorities rights and duties," Professor Sionaidh Douglas-Scott, a constitutional law expert at Queen Mary University of London told the AFR.

"Repealing or amending them would be a complex and demanding process. Serious detriment and havoc will be caused to the British constitution in the process."

Many analysts believe a UK exit from the EU would have had a profound effect on global markets  perhaps even sending them into a nosedive. There were fears that Britains severing of ties with the EU would negatively impact trade, economic growth, investment and jobs in Europe.

According to a report by the AFR, the nature of the British legal system poses particular challenges as much EU legislation has been incorporated into British law. Even if a statute is removed, its principles  for example, on legislation governing workers' rights  would remain in force.



Case law could become dangerously murky, some say. Douglas-Scott said: "If some EU law is retained in domestic law post-withdrawal, what would be the mechanisms used to interpret it?
A new London theatrical production is set to combine karaoke and Judge Judy, pitting two parties in arbitration together in a sing off to resolve their differences.



Called Karaoke Court, the two parties meet in front of a bona fide circuit judge and a live audience who gets to play jury  giving the verdict through green and red cards.



The idea is the brainchild of Jack Tan, a Singaporean who debuted the show in his home country last year. One of the most memorable cases involved a 27-year old woman who wanted to overturn her mothers 9pm curfew. The mother eventually won after a rendition of the Carpenters Close to You.



Im trying to create a crisis  the audience have to make a decision between the facts of the case and the performance, between reason and aesthetics, head and heart, Tan told The Guardian.



Tan himself started out in law as it was one profession his parents approved of. After becoming a legal campaigner on issues such as racism and domestic violence, he became disillusioned with the law in his thirties  a change of heart which led him to take up pottery.



It was me and a bunch of old ladies, he said. My ceramics teacher looked at my crap pots and said, Theres something in them. That was the first thing I learned about art; even if it looks crap, it can still have something in it.



After retraining in ceramics and graduating with an MA from the Royal College of Art, he went back to his legal roots after being inspired by non-traditional legal systems.



One method which obviously made an impression was the Inuit tradition of solving disputes through song duels; Litigation as part of a festival. A sing-off.



Present day litigation is so far removed from reality, we have turned it into something completely abstract, he said.



Say two neighbours in a street have a dispute. They actually go somewhere else, to a court, to have a fight, as if it doesnt affect their home life. Claims and counterclaims, appeals, everything. It snowballs.



And of course someone will win, because thats how the system works, but who really wins? Everyone spends loads of money, is dragged through this process, and the two parties may still be pissed off with each other.



This wont happen at Karaoke Court though, he promises, as neither party should really get angry.



Youre singing to each other with cheesy arm movements. Youd be a real party pooper, he said.



The performance was such a success in Singapore that it is now coming to London where it will be held at Yard Theatre on 23 June. There are even rumours of a television show in the works, bringing this legal spectacle to an even wider audience.




This years Australian Financial Review Law Partnership survey has revealed spiralling partnership numbers.Among the large firms, Norton Rose Fulbright had the highest proportion of partner turnover, followed by Ashurst and Gadens . NRF lost 22 partners, replenished by just 12.Ashurst head of Australia Phil Breden said the shedding of 20 partners to promote just nine in the past year is reflective of market conditions. He told the AFR that the firm was retaining a number of senior partners as consultants.Firms like Ashurst which operate at the premium end of the market are not immune to the various pressures our clients are facing, he said.The number of partners at Allens HWL Ebsworth and Clayton Utz also declined, the fewest proportion of partner losses at Herbert Smith Freehills , King & Wood Mallesons and Corrs Chambers Westgarth Widening competition for firms is causing a shift to offshoring support services and a focus on technology to provide better value for money. The survey found that firms are working to retain talent and looking to make way for new equity partners by transitioning senior staff to consultant roles.Allens shed 14 partners but promoted six. But a decline in partnership numbers isnt a negative story, managing partner Richard Spurio said.In our case it reflects changes in the way we provide our services - more technology, more innovation, different workforce options all impact on how we work with clients and our overall size, he said.Allens has developed different types of legal support including multi-disciplinary teams with partners, lawyers, legal project managers, technologists and alternate law specialists.Lower attrition for King & Wood Mallesons and Herbert Smith Freehills was attributed to opportunities resulting in staff retention and providing value through alternative legal service offerings.We have implemented a number of new approaches to legal project management and client service delivery which have delivered greater choice and efficiencies for our clients and created new learning opportunities for our people, said Sue Gilchrist , Herbert Smith Freehills, regional managing partner, Asia and Australia.
Hi Everyone ,

I have applied De-facto partner visa on June-8, 2015 at Australian High commission. I was asked to do Medical on August, 2015, and didnt hear anything from them for months, then I got email asking to submit my Biometrics on Feb-20,2016. After then no news for months again and Yesterday (June-23,2016), I got email saying that they are going to do telephone interview on 29th June.

I m very nervous what kind of questions there will be, and worried what if I didnt satisfy them with explanations. and Wondering how long it might take for visa decisions after this interview.

We didnt applied it through any agents, we just prepared visa documents ourselves. My partner is in Australia now and I m here in Nepal.



Any suggestions would be very appreciated. Thank you

Have a nice day
I am interested in Australia immigration. I have appeared in IELTS but scored 5.5 in reading. Rest is Speaking 7 Listening and writing 6.5.

I have done my Masters in Health Care Management from University of Wales Swansea UK.

My spouse is also Doctor and achieved 7 band in each section OF IELTS.

I am working as a Manager Administration in a Hospital where i am looking after whole issues of Hospital from top to bottom. I am also looking after the patient issues along with finance department.

Please guide me which occupation suits me as i believe that i fits in Medical Administrator(1342-11 occupation.

Swift response will be appreciated.

thanks
Nissan has delayed the launch citing concerns about performance of the hybrid system in extreme Indian conditions.

EXCLUSIVE

Nissan has further delayed the launch of the X-Trail SUV in India, which is now scheduled for early 2017, as against sometime later this year. This marks the second occasion on which, the launch date of the SUV has been pushed back, with the companys original plans being during the last festive season.

According to company sources, Nissan has held back the launch as engineers were concerned about the performance of the SUVs hybrid powertrain in extreme Indian conditions and are thus testing it further. As reported earlier, the X-trail this time round will be launched in the hybrid avatar only.

The first time the launch dates were postponed because the company was at the time, struggling to meet the right price-point for the SUV.

When launched early next year, the X-Trail brand will begin its second innings in India. The original X-Trail was the first Nissan to officially go on sale in the country back in 2004, before it was discontinued in 2014, a decade later, because of low demand.

Watch our Nissan X-Trail Hybrid video review
NHTSA

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

campaign number 16V424000 informs that Maserati North America will recall 13,092 cars manufactured between June 1, 2013, and February 28, 2014. The models affected are certain Quattroporte and Ghibli vehicles from the 2014 model year.As per the NHTSA, the mono-stable gear selector may mislead owners about which gear the vehicle is in and may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.As a consequence, drivers, passengers or passersby may be struck and injured by the vehicle in a moment of carelessness. Thefirst informed Maserati about this problem relating to the counterintuitive shifter on February 5. In the U.S., Maserati has received 10 complaints of shifter confusion in 2014 MY Ghibli and Quattroporte vehicles. Annoyingly, a fix isnt available right now.According to Maserati, the automaker is now investigating whether a software re-flash possibility (for drive away inhibit) to be uploaded into the vehicle can be a viable solution to this issue. After the solution is verified and validated, then the automaker will inform owners that the nearest dealers await them and their cars.If you happen to own a 2014 model year Maserati Quattroporte or a 2014 model year Maserati Ghibli equipped with the ZF-developed 8-speed automatic transmission, please verify if your Italian sedan is subjected to this safety recall on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website . Worried owners may also contact the governments watchdog at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).
TDI

As reported by Bloomberg , people familiar with the matter suggest that Volkswagen is slated to compensate American owners of polluting diesel cars as much as $7,000 each. More than this, Volkswagen is understood to agree to fund a program with the purpose to offset air pollution in the United States. The report also states that the German automaker will submit a $10 billion settlement to a federal judge.In addition to either fixing or buying back the affected cars, VW will provide cash payments worth between $1,000 and $7,000, depending on the vehicles age and other factors, to compensate consumers, relays the publication. Thats not a lot of money considering that the U.S. is riddled with 482,000 diesel-engined Volkswagen cars that pollute as much as 40 times the permitted level of mono-nitrogen oxides.Regarding that $10 billion or thereabout settlement, a person familiar with the matter suggests that the settlement could exceed $10 B. The deal includes the green dollar bills to buy back vehicles equipped with the so-called defeat device, funds to compensate owners and class-action suits, penalties for not complying with clean-air laws, the lot. Another variable comes in the form of-powered car owners that are on their way to lawyer up. To boot, it is likely that VW wont have a final sign-off on its plan to fix the 2-liter cars.In related Dieselgate news, former Volkswagen chief exec Martin Winterkorn is under investigation by the financial regulator of Germany, investigators are still searching for the data deleted by Volkswagen employees one week before the scandal broke out, and the KBA gave its approval on the 2.0 TDI fix
As I started to read this extensive document my eye was drawn to a sub paragraph that spoke of a matter near and dear to my heart: (g) establishing realistic performance benchmarks to assess aid outcomes against set targets and to improve accountability.

SOON after Australias election was called  and too late for it to be anything but an historical document  the Australian parliament released the Senate report on the delivery and effectiveness of Australia's bilateral aid program in Papua New Guinea.

Thats a point strangely familiar, I thought, very similar to the collective suggestions submitted to the Senate by Keith Jackson on behalf of PNG Attitude readers. There might actually be something in this report other than public service motherhood statements, so I read on.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Performance Report for PNG in 2014-15 provided an overview of the development challenges facing PNG: Over three million people  or 40 per cent of the population  remain poor and/or face hardship: - Malnutrition rates are high (45 per cent of children stunted and 14 per cent wasting). - Around 80 per cent of the population reside in traditional rural and remote coastal communities and secure their livelihoods from subsistence farming, fishing and small-scale cash cropping. - Life expectancy is only 62 years (compared with 60 years in 2005) and infant mortality is 47.3 per 1,000 live births (compared with 51.5 per 1,000 in 2005). - Women and girls suffer unacceptably high death rates related to pregnancy and childbirth, and the majority experience sexual and family violence. - It is estimated that around 15 per cent of the population has some form of disability.

Crumbs, I thought, those statistics seem to fly in the face of current statements by the PNG government and their PM.

A DFAT assessment of Australian aid noted that six out of seven program objectives in PNG in 2013-14 were classified as 'at risk'.

Then the news got even worse:

Mr Paul Flanagan's recent analysis has highlighted deep cuts to core development sectors: The 2015 [Final Budget Outcome] reveals that overall domestic expenditure reductions in 2015 amounted to 14.3%. However, the cuts in particular sectors are particularly worrying. The largest cuts were to health  an extraordinary within year cut of 37.1%. Infrastructure was cut by 36.0%, and Education by 30.3%. This pattern of cuts is the opposite of what the government claims are its priorities and the areas that would be protected. These are frightening figures for service delivery in PNG, as well as investment in human resources.

If those savage cuts to essential government services had occurred in Australia the government would have been tossed out on its ear.

Dr Karl Claxton and Mr Peter Jennings from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) commented: Australia is served by a stable, confident, active and prosperous PNG, given its proximity and location across our direct approaches; historical and personal bonds; consular responsibilities; our trade and investment links; and expectations we'd assist if Port Moresby requested our help. However, Dr Claxton and Mr Jennings cautioned that as PNG population 'climbs toward 15 million in 2030 and up to 30 million by 2050' questions have been raised regarding whether a crisis in PNG could overwhelm the capacity of Australia to respond. They argued that 'anti-poverty and security-enhancing measures needn't be incompatible but rather overlap significantly in places like PNG.

Another observation made in the Report said:

Different delivery partners bring unique strengths and expertise to the provision of aid programs. The aid program must achieve a balance between supporting government, the private sector, multilateral institutions and civil society, so as to maximise the strengths of each sector and reflect its ability to achieve results and deliver sustainable development outcomes.

Yet later in the report it notes tellingly:

The committee was surprised by the fact that only four per cent of the Australian bilateral aid program to PNG is delivered by NGOs (compared to 58 per cent by commercial suppliers). The committee accepted the consistent evidence that NGOs often have the better reach into the most disadvantaged and isolated communities in PNG. The relatively small base of funding allocated to churches through the PNG Church Partnership Program also appears starkly at odds with the range of education and health services provided by church organisations and the cultural influence of churches in the lives of the ordinary people in PNG. The committee notes that the A Lost Decade report recommended that given the superior performance of church-run schools and health clinics, existing partnerships with church education and health service providers should be expanded. In the view of the committee, a balanced Australia aid program should include increased support for the work of NGO partners in PNG.

Wow! Thats telling it. But predictably, Coffey International said:

that in performing their roles in PNG 'advisers may require assistance to be "politically conscious" especially in environments of corruption and poor decision-making around spending public funds'. It had found that 'overt activity or reporting by advisers may jeopardise their position or compromise the trust of their PNG counterparts

So is this a given for advisors going to work in PNG? Apparently, this is a new idea and concept for some service providers, bureaucrats and commercial concerns. Technical assistance versus conducive leadership.

Reading between the lines of bureaucratic tokples, it seems there may be some recognition that simple technical advice may not be the way to go.

CARE Australia also noted that 'Australian aid program's approaches have largely relied on technical assistance, by placing advisers and Australian Government officials in PNG Government agencies in long-term positions'. It stated: Technical assistance can effectively contribute to development outcomes, especially when advisers play a facilitative role and where there is strong local ownership and leadership. Sometimes, however, there is an overreliance on technical assistance at the expense of other more promising approaches. A number of commentators have highlighted that expectations of what technical assistance can achieve are unrealistic, given that change is complex, slow and gradual and requires conducive leadership, incentives and political economy. Some have concerns that technical assistance sometimes promotes technical solutions that are not appropriate to the context.

Cracks have appeared in DFATs Strongim Gavaman program:

As a review of DFAT's Strongim Gavman Program found, there are also risks that technical assistance can undermine local capacity when advisers take a more capacity-substitution role.

Logically of course, those who have a vested interest in providing commercially available aid programs responded differently:

In contrast, Coffey International defended the value of technical advisers in the Australian aid program, noting a study from November 2014 found that 'counterparts, stakeholders and senior managers in the PNG Government commonly expressed views about, and reported instances of, the success of the (adviser) placements. It (the Committee) recommended: While it is important to adopt a range of practical and flexible aid modalities in PNG, technical assistance and advisory support is important for sustaining and improving the core functions of government. The Australian government should continue to fund such assistance as a complement to other support options.

Coffey International also observed:

A large number of advisers from Australian Government agencies work in PNG as part of the Strongim Gavman Program (SGP).

DFAT noted:

The PNG Prime Minister announced plans to remove all foreign advisers by 31 December 2015. After that date, Prime Minister O'Neill indicated that all advisers would be recruited and employed directly by the Government of PNGAustralia currently has a total of 217 advisers deployed in PNG funded directly out of the aid budget, made up of 34 Strongim Gavman Program advisers, 110 contracted advisers and 73 Australian Federal Police personnel. In preparation for these discussions DFAT is actively considering options for moving advisers to in-line roles, including through consultations with staff who have worked on previous aid adviser reviews and with academics, think tanks and other agencies. There may be positive development benefits to shifting to inline advisory support in some contexts, and Australia will be discussing these in detail with the Government of PNG. Mr Kimberley from DFAT told the committee: We agree that it is important that PNG agencies have a greater role in managing advisory resources. We do, however, have concerns about the transition time frames that have been proposed. We have suggested to PNG that the transition period needs to be longersomething more like 1 July 2016. So what about the stated aid object of: (g) establishing realistic performance benchmarks to assess aid outcomes against set targets and to improve accountability, one could well ask?

A PNG national was quoted as saying:

We have had Australian development practitioners work with us in PNG. Their role is to provide support to our internal policy development process, strategic plans, targets etc. They merely facilitate. We decide whether to accept their advice or not. We set the agenda and have the final say as to what is good for us.

Australias national interest then was briefly discussed:

A significant recent change has been increasing development assistance by China to PNG. Research by the Lowy Institute's Dr Philippa Brant has shown that Chinas aid to Papua New Guinea has become more significant in recent years. Over the period 2006 to 2014, cumulative Chinese aid to Papua New Guinea has totalled US$440.3 million, making China the second largest bilateral donor in PNG. To put this in perspective, Australian aid over the same period (on a cumulative basis) totalled approximately US$3 billion.

The Manus Island situation came up:

Dr Howes argued that 'Australia has lost leverage over the PNG aid program because of the Manus regional agreement relating to asylum seekers'. He cautioned: 'Australian leverage in relation to the aid program is important not because Australia knows best or should throw its weight around. But there is the risk that Australia will not say "no" when it should, and will end up taking responsibility in areas beyond its capability.'

Australias position as regards the Torres Strait:

Dr Butler from the CSIRO described the Torres Strait; Western Province, PNG; and Papua Province, Indonesia as 'probably one of the most complicated social or political areas of the world': One of the big questions that is emerging is the rapid growth of both the population and the economy in Papua Province is placing enormous pressure on the communities on the New Guinean side of the border and therefore, by association, with Australia as well. At the moment the Torres Strait Treaty, being a bilateral treaty, does not really cope with a lot of those pressures that are coming from just a few kilometres away, literally, across the border. The CSIRO stated: Although Indonesia and PNG are connected by land, Australia has not succeeded in integrating Australia-PNG-Indonesia trilateral initiatives. This is of critical importance to Australia's northern border of the Torres Strait, where current arrangements under the PNG-Australia Torres Strait Treaty can only manage environmental, fisheries, health, biosecurity and border security issues relating to these two countries. However, the PNG-Indonesia border also adjoins the Torres Strait, and the rapid development of Indonesia's Papua Province is driving new pressures on the border region, such as illegal trade, people movements, biosecurity and environmental impacts. Consequently, a tri-partite approach to managing the Torres Strait Western Province-Papua Province border may be necessary, supported by collaborative research and development to analyse trans-boundary issues and solutions. The Torres Strait Treaty between PNG and Australia, signed in 1978, governs the sovereignty over the islands in the Torres Strait and establishes maritime boundaries, and seabed and fisheries jurisdiction lines. The Gizra Tribe, located in the Western Province of PNG, argued that developmental issues for economic sustainability could be addressed through the Torres Strait Treaty. They held the belief that through the review of the Treaty 'bilateral aid to Western Province can be easily channelled through these arrangements without any interference from corrupt bureaucrats in Port Moresby'. The Gizra Tribe requested this matter be the subject of a separate parliamentary inquiry. ACFID's view that such a large and rapid shift in itself presents serious risks to the wellbeing of vulnerable groups in PNG. This is particularly the case given current issues with governance and institutions in PNG and the low levels of government service provision. ACFID emphasises that any transition that does occur must be appropriately staged in a manner that accounts for the current lack of government capacity, and be supported with strong and sustained investment in local capacity building and systems strengthening. Appropriate safeguards must also be put in place to ensure this transition does not pose a risk to the most vulnerable in the short or longer term.

The committees views and recommendations in summary overview:

Development assistance to PNG cannot be considered in isolation from the rest of Australia's aid program. The committee has previously identified a lack of strategic clarity in the Australia Government's approach to foreign aid. This is perhaps best illustrated by the recent changes to the funding to Australia's overseas aid programs. Despite earlier bipartisan commitments to the goal of increasing Australia's overseas aid to 0.5 per cent of GNI, Australia's foreign aid budget has been the subject of substantial reductions. The 2015 OECD DAC assessment of overseas aid identified Australia as a country with one of the 'largest decreases recorded'. Australia's ODA/GNI ratio was 0.27 per cent in 2015, down from 0.31 per cent in 2014.

My reading of this report is the usual all things to all people and that a government of the day may well only accept the report and then bury it like so many others. But this report has appeared during a caretaker government in the middle of a general election.

What chances are there it will ever get any traction or rubber of the road?
Adrian Tripp, the CEO of the European Business Awards. Photo courtesy of CarTrawler.

At the 2015-2016 European Business Awards, CarTrawler was named a Ruban dHonneur recipient in the Employer of the Year category.

CarTrawler was recognized with this award at the Gala Event Final in Milan on June 17.

Over 32,000 European businesses entered the awards, and the Ruban dHonneur winners were chosen from 678 national champions by a panel of judges made up of European business and political leaders, academics, and entrepreneurs. CarTrawler was chosen as one of 10 Ruban dHonneur recipients in the Employer of the Year category.

I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of everyone in CarTrawler, said Joe Farinella, director of marketing at CarTrawler. The European Business Awards showcase the outstanding companies from around the continent, and its a fantastic honor for CarTrawler to be named among them. We have made a concerted effort to be the best we can be across all aspects of the business. This Employer of the Year award is testament to the work of all our people in making CarTrawler an incredible environment where people can really flourish on both a professional and personal level.

The Gala Event Final is the result of enormous effort and achievement, said Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards. It also presents a powerful opportunity for businesses to meet peers, discover new solutions, do business, and celebrate phenomenal success.

All European Union member markets were represented in the competition, plus Turkey, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, and Macedonia.
Photo courtesy of Rentalcars.com.

Rentalcars Connect, a division of Rentalcars.com, has partnered with SunExpress, an airline thats a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.

This new partnership expands on the offering that SunExpress has been providing to its customers. With Rentalcars Connect, SunExpress passengers will now have a range of car rental choices in their preferred language, according to the company.

Rentalcars Connect provides airlines, online travel agencies, and travel websites access to the company's car rental inventory at more than 39,000 locations in 180 countries. SunExpress flies to more than 110 destinations in Turkey, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Egypt.

"We've been keen to present this type of solution to our passengers, which is customer-friendly and reliable, said Ahmet Gunduz, e-commerce and ancillary specialist at SunExpress. Implementation was quick, smooth, and without difficulty, and we've already noticed an increase in conversion and client satisfaction. We are confident that this partnership will continue to be a success. Especially with a view to our new reservation and ticketing system."

"We are happy to be partnering with SunExpress and pleased that we can provide their passengers with a user-friendly platform that offers the right car, at the right time, and for the right price, said Arnaud Delbary, regional director of Rentalcars Connect. Our strength is best customer service, as well as increased conversion rates, and we aim to make also a substantial contribution to the continuous growth that SunExpress has been experiencing."
AVwebs search of aviation news found announcements from GAMA, AEA, LeTourneau University and FltPlan. The winners of the GAMA/Build A Plane 2016 Aviation Design Challenge, including four students, will spend the next two weeks building a Glasair Sportsman airplane at Glasair Aviation in Arlington, Washington, as their prize.TheAircraft Electronics Associations Educational Foundation announced the names of the individuals who were awarded scholarships worth more than $125,000 for the 2016-17 academic year.The AEA Educational Foundation awards scholarships to students pursuing a career in the general aviation maintenance and aircraft electronics industry.

LeTourneau University is hosting a day of exploring careers in the aviation industry for high school students from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at its educational center at the McKinney National Airport. The event will feature free airplane rides and display aircraft. FltPlan has released a new version of their free eLogbook program with a redesigned user interface and an array of significant new features. Users can now add photos and documents to any log entry, store instructor endorsements, store passenger information to add to eLogbook entries, and add custom wallpaper to the home page.
24 June 2016 10:51 (UTC+04:00)

Meetings between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia bring us closer to a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, James Warlick, OSCE Minsk Group's US co-chair, told Trend June 23.

"We are hopeful that the situation along the Line of Contact will remain stable. These developments are important and allow us to make progress on a comprehensive settlement", Warlick said.

He said that the Presidents in St. Petersburg stated their respect for the ceasefire as they did at the May 16 meeting in Vienna.

"Presidents committed to measures that will reduce the risk of future violence, and agreed on the need for resuming negotiations on a comprehensive settlement", Warlick said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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24 June 2016 11:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Camal

Germany, the current OSCE chair-country, has voiced its support to the negotiation efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and its co-chairs over the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

OSCE Chairperson-in Office, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced his countrys position following his meeting with the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ambassadors Igor Popov and Pierre Andrieu, and with Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on the conflict dealt in Berlin on June 23.

The sides have considered the results of the summit of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Armenia and the Russian Federation in St. Petersburg on June 20 and the agreement reached there about bringing additional international observers into the conflict zone.

The aim of the agreed increase is to stabilize the situation in the conflict zone and to create an atmosphere conducive to fostering the peace process.

While Steinmeier welcomed the recent improvements in the upholding of the ceasefire, the Berlin meeting participants stated that a sustainable ceasefire and a return to political negotiations remain indispensable.

Steinmeier, who will soon visit the region, added that Germany will continue to work actively towards a settlement of the conflict.

The German chairmanship earlier asserted that Germany favors the intensification of the negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, it failed to make any move to achieve a breakthrough in the peace process.

Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Meanwhile, James Warlick, OSCE Minsk Group's U.S. co-chair stated that meetings between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia bring us closer to a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"We are hopeful that the situation along the line of contact will remain stable. These developments are important and allow us to make progress on a comprehensive settlement", Warlick, who was absent in the Berlin meeting, told Trend.

Presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, Vladimir Putin, Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan adopted a joint statement following a meeting in St. Petersburg June 20.

Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents confirmed the agreement reached during the Vienna meeting May 16 on stabilizing the situation in the conflict zone and creating an atmosphere to push forward the peace process.

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24 June 2016 11:56 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijans National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) continues demining operations in the countrys regions adjacent to the front-line area.

During the inspection in the front-line areas on June 23, ANAMA found four unexploded ordnance (UXOs), Azertac reported.

The engine of Grad rocket 9M22U, fired by Armenia, was detected in the Jamilli village of Tartar region, two shells of 82 mm caliber in Horadiz village of Fuzuli region.

A shell of 125 mm caliber -- was detected in Gushchu Ayrim of Gazakh region. ANAMA ensured its neutralization via explosion.

The agency inspected and cleansed an area of 12,290 square meters.

ANAMA inspected 619 houses and household plots, 25 farms, five rural schools, two military units and rural cemeteries, a medical center, acreages and winery in Zardab, Tartar, Agjabedi, Agdam, Fuzuli, Tovuz, Goranboy, Gazakh, Samukh, Shamkir, Jalilabad, Ujar and Astara regions, Mingachevir, Baku and Sumgayit. As a result, 1,548 UXOs, 14 anti-personnel and eight anti-tank mines were detected and neutralized in the period April 7  June 23.

Currently, special rapid response teams of ANAMA with minesweeper dogs continue their operations for detecting UXBs in the border settlements.

Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign State with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years.

Armenia ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region.

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24 June 2016 11:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Javier Solana

US President Barack Obamas recent visit to Hiroshima was no typical diplomatic stop. Not only did it mark the first visit by a sitting US president to that city, which was destroyed by an American nuclear bomb in 1945; it also drew attention to Obamas record on non-proliferation.

In a 2009 speech in Prague, Obama identified nuclear weapons as the most immediate and extreme threat to global security, owing to their potential to fall into the hands of terrorists or other rogue elements, and committed to reducing their role in Americas national security strategy. In his moving Hiroshima address, Obama again emphasized the need to pursue a world without nuclear weapons. He described the moral revolution that must accompany technological progress, with societies resisting the logic of fear that compels them to cling to their nuclear arsenals.

But, though both speeches expressed similar ideas, they were delivered against very different policy backdrops. Indeed, the Obama administrations nuclear policy has changed substantially since 2009, when containing nuclear proliferation was among its central foreign-policy concerns.

In 2010, Obama brought world leaders together for the first-ever Nuclear Security Summit, which focused on keeping nuclear material out of the hands of terrorists  a focus that has since proved to be justified. Though the initial aim of freezing stocks of plutonium and highly enriched uranium was not achieved, the four summits held since then have brought about a reduction in other sources of radioactive material, and safety measures have been improved.

The 2010 summit came just days after another apparent victory for non-proliferation: Obama and then-Russian President Dmitri Medvedev signed the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which committed them to halve their stores of strategic nuclear missile launchers. Just a year earlier, then-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced a reset in bilateral relations. Since then, however, the relationship has deteriorated, taking with it hope for further cooperation.

In fact, Obamas entire non-proliferation agenda has lost considerable momentum. Russia chose not to attend the latest Nuclear Security Summit, held in Washington, DC, earlier this year. And not only has the US not proposed any new international non-proliferation initiatives; at a 2015 conference to review the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it moved to avoid a conference on a nuclear weapons ban for the Middle East, in order to avoid increasing tensions with Israel.

Moreover, the Obama administration has reduced Americas own nuclear arsenal more slowly than any US administration since the end of the Cold War, instead promoting its modernization  an effort that will require an estimated $1 trillion in investment over the next three decades. Though the program is technically aimed at improving existing weapons reliability  and thereby allowing future reductions  critics emphasize that as more small, high-precision nuclear arms are developed, the likelihood that they will be used increases.

Obama has, however, secured one major victory for non-proliferation: helping to close a long-awaited international deal with Iran to prevent it from using its civilian nuclear program to develop weapons. After years of sclerotic negotiations, domestic developments in Iran  namely, the 2013 election of the more moderate Iranian President Hassan Rouhani  provided a critical diplomatic opening, which Obama seized. The breakthrough provided clear evidence that while institutions are very important in world affairs, individuals can sometimes be decisive.

The Iran deal was a major achievement, and not just because it should help to mitigate the risks arising from that country. Because just one nuclear-armed country can make achieving regional stability a near-impossible task, stopping Iran had far-reaching regional implications. By easing the fears of Irans regional rivals, the deal created some space for the potential development of a Middle Eastern security structure. It even provides a model for future multilateral agreements on thorny security-related topics.

But this triumph should not invite complacency. Nuclear weapons remain a deep and urgent threat to security and stability worldwide. Only nuclear weapons can turn a small confrontation into a catastrophe on the scale of the one Obama commemorated in Hiroshima. Given this, the drive to eliminate nuclear weapons must be revived with all of the vigor of Obamas first years in office.

That drive should take us, first and foremost, to North Korea, which, despite severely limited means, continues to invest heavily in advancing its nuclear program. The international communitys best option for influencing North Korea is China, which has long had close relations with  and strong economic influence over  the Hermit Kingdom.

And Chinas approach toward North Korea seems to be changing, spurred by the nuclear issue. Earlier this year, China decided not to use its veto power in the United Nations Security Council to block a tough new round of sanctions on North Korea in response to its latest round of nuclear tests. Yet a visiting North Korean delegation recently announced that the country was committed to continuing its nuclear program.

Given that there can be no security in East Asia  especially for South Korea and Japan  without a nuclear deal, strong international action is crucial. Specifically, the international community must escalate its response to North Koreas increasingly unruly behavior, by compelling the countrys leaders to engage in negotiations with world powers regarding its nuclear program. For talks to be successful, however, China and the US  which have plenty of disagreements of their own  must work together, and the other members of the UN Security Council must facilitate such cooperation.

Obamas address in Hiroshima carried huge symbolic significance. But, with more than 15,000 nuclear weapons still in the world, symbolism is not enough. It is time to take action to advance non-proliferation.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: Reviving the Non-proliferation Agenda

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24 June 2016 11:07 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan's multicultural model and youth policy was discussed at a session of Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) this week, Azertac reported.

At the session that started with discussion of the report titled "Culture and democracy", Azerbaijani MP, chairperson of the Assembly's Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons Sahiba Gafarova participated in the discussions.

She hailed Azerbaijan's culture, saying the country's ancient cultural and historical heritage is known to the whole world.

Underlining the importance of the issues discussed in the session, Gafarova highlighted the work done to promote multiculturalism and preserve cultural and historical heritage in the country.

"The issues discussed in the reports are very important nowadays. It is a fact that nowadays the world community is facing many serious threats: serious damage to economies of the countries caused by the ongoing global processes and consequences of the financial crisis on one hand and public concern with regard to confrontation occurring at the political arena on the other hand. Along with that, religious and racial discrimination, as well as terror outbreaks, cannot leave us indifferent to that problem. In this situation the role of culture and democracy is increased. Active participation in cultural activities helps people to acquire a critical mind, to develop a broader understanding of different world views, to interact with others, to have a voice and to define their role in society, she said.

"I agree with the rapporteur, that long-term human investment in culture and education must be given equal priority with investment in the economy, infrastructure, security and all other areas seen as crucial to Europe's global economic competitiveness and stability. The issue for governments today is not only how to make the best use of limited resources, but also how to find a way to ensure that culture and education are given due recognition and a lasting political priority," she said.

She further informed the session participants about the measures taken by the Azerbaijani state in this area.

Azerbaijan, incorporating the cultures of east and west, is rich in cultural heritage. In this context, great responsibility to preserve this heritage falls on the state. The Azerbaijani Government applies substantial and comprehensive measures to develop multiculturalism, national culture, encourage effective activity within its various spheres, protect cultural and historical heritage.

In 2014 Service of the State Counsellor on Multiculturalism, Interethnic and Religious Affairs was established. The same year by the Decrees of the President of Azerbaijan the Baku International Centre for Multiculturalism and Knowledge Foundation were established which aimed to make analysis of compatibility of social, political and other aspects of multicultural models of other countries with the multicultural environment of Azerbaijan as well as enhance scientific, technical, socio-economic and humanitarian knowledge, analyze the processes taking place in the context of globalization. The year of 2016 in our country was declared as the "Year of Multiculturalism."

Gafarova emphasized that the big role in the development of culture and democracy plays the educational policy, saying that supporting talented young people must be one of the main goals of the government.

Azerbaijan has adopted a law on youth and is implementing a special programme related to young people. Specific measures with regard to the development of youth are reflected in the law and the programme. In order to promote the development of the youth potential, the state has established the youth foundation, which enables the development of the creative abilities of young people, motivates their activity and focuses them on becoming involved in management. Every year, hundreds of young people are assigned to study abroad. Their education is financed by our state," Gafarova said.

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24 June 2016 12:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Another interesting festivity has been arranged for the residents of children's homes and the Rehabilitation Centre of Persons with Down syndrome on the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the event, Azertac reported.

The Foundation this time gathered the children in one of the capital's seaside resorts places. Nearly 200 residents of the children's homes from No1 of Nizami district, No2 of Surakhani district, No3 of Khatai district and the Rehabilitation Centre of Persons with Down Syndrome had a nice time here.

Leyla Aliyeva joined the festivity with her child. The children, who need care, participated in a variety of games and swam in the pool.

The Foundation VP also had a conversation with children, learned their views about the festivity and posed for photographs with them.

A truly festive atmosphere was created at the event. The children shared their impressions, saying they made new friends here.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founded in May 2004, successfully implements many projects in developing of childcare institutions' infrastructure, as well as addressing local problems in various parts of the country, and assisting to the vulnerable groups of population.

The Foundation has provided funding for the reconstruction of orphanages and boarding schools throughout the country, implemented various projects for their students, and built new schools.

Furthermore, the Foundation is frequently holding festivities for children from various orphanages in Baku, and Rehabilitation Center for People with Down Syndrome.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation also holds social programs abroad.

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24 June 2016 16:11 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan and NATO have explored ways of developing military cooperation as Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov met with commandant of the NATO Defense College (NDC) Janusz Bojarski, Azertac reported.

Hasanov provided an insight into the military and political situation in the region, Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its results.

The NDC commandant highlighted the activity of the College.

114 Senior Course members and delegates, representing 31 countries, from NATO Defence College in Rome have paid an academic visit to Azerbaijan this week.

The main objective of the NATO Defence College is to improve the ways of strategic thinking of military-political issues and prepare high ranking officers and officials to serve and work in important positions of NATO.

NATO and Azerbaijan are actively cooperating on democratic, institutional, and military reforms, as well as conducting practical cooperation in various areas.

Azerbaijan aspires to achieve Euro-Atlantic standards and get closer to Euro-Atlantic institutions. In this regard, supporting the security sector reform and establishing democratic institutions are the key elements of the NATO-Azerbaijan cooperation.

The Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation is carried out within the "Partnership for Peace" program. Earlier, NATO adopted a document of the fourth stage of the Individual Partnership Action Plan for 2015-2016.

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There were other guys like him in the 1970s, such as John White from the Australian War Memorial who when in Aitape loved talking to Rev Fr Urban Reid, who as Flying Officer Danny Reid DFC was the only Allied pilot to shoot down of one of the Luftwaffes rarest aircraft, an Arado AR-234 jet.

He corresponded with me on a number of occasions and, coming from a family of aviators myself, I was always eager to help where I could.

Tallichet, who made his fortune as the father of the themed restaurant, had piloted bombers over Europe in World War II and his post-war hobby was in restoring some of these aircraft.

OVER many years, American billionaire David Tallichet (1922-2007) was interested in the World War II aircraft left behind in the Sepik.

Thats a pretty long introduction to the story of how the Aitape War Museum came to lose millions of dollars worth of vintage aircraft.

Emile Glaus of Wewak had the non-ferrous rights for the Wewak and Aitape Districts and had melted down most of the aircraft in Wewak, But and Boiken.

He was ready to move his equipment to Aitape when the price of aluminium dropped and I offered to purchase the rights for Aitape in the name of the Aitape War Museum. Glaus accepted and I paid him in January 1972.

Then in December 1972 a letter from David Tallichet was hand delivered to me by an Aerial Tours pilot.

Tallichet had been at Tadji the day before and wrote from Wewak. I responded that none of the aircraft were for sale.

Prior to this I had two letters from Tallichet wanting to purchase some of the aircraft. Each time I replied that I, being the owner and founder of Aitape War Museum, wanted them left in the area around Tadji Airstrip for future generations and particularly to attract tourists.

So I was shocked one day to hear that there were expatriates at Tadji with equipment which was pulling aircraft apart.

They had come in a small aircraft and I told them to stop, which they did and went to see the District Officer who contacted the District Commissioner in Vanimo.

He eventually was able to get a decision from the authorities in Moresby to say the workers had permission to proceed.

To this day no one has told me how the ownership was transferred.

So I just had to let them proceed but we were able to keep a Mitchell B25 bomber.

We moved it to the safety of Aitape High School and it is still there on display.

David Tallichet (left) sponsored one of the worlds single largest recoveries of aircraft wrecks, with the majority of the work conducted in 1974 by New Zealander Charles Darby and Australian Monty Armstrong.

Most of the Kittyhawk P-40s recovered were taken from the dump sites at the end of the Tadji strip. The salvage work was easy as all the aircraft were near the road and barge service to ship them from Aitape. Recovered were over a dozen complete aircraft and a variety of parts.

There were seven Airacobra P-39Q fighters, a Boston light bomber, six Kittyhawks, a Hudson light bomber and four Beaufort A9 torpedo bombers.

Many of these aircraft were restored to flying condition, some in the United States and others in New Zealand.

Feather Merchant was saved for Aitape and continues to grace the high school; other aircraft worth millions of dollars found a home elsewhere.

Feather Merchant was the ninth B-25C bomber produced by North American Aircraft. It was originally intended for the Netherlands East Indies Air Force but was appropriated by the Americans.

It became famous during the war for bringing senior military commanders from Manila in the Philippines to Darwin.

It also flew on a bombing mission against Lae where it was attacked and damaged by Japanese Zeros eventually making a forced landing in a kunai grass field near Port Moresby.

It was repaired and taken out of combat service and, around February 1944, turned into a Fat Cat supply and transport plane with its armament removed but still in olive drab paint.

Later, it was stripped to natural aluminum finish, declared war weary and transferred to a service squadron before, at the end of the war, being abandoned at Tadji Airfield with its tail removed.

Photo: B25 Mitchell bomber Feather Merchant now on display at Aitape High School.
24 June 2016 14:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Fatma Babayeva

British people backed Brexit in the June 23 referendum , and global oil prices tumbled down by more than 6 percent as a result.

Sharp decline in oil prices has been predicted earlier after Brexit due to possible economic slowdown in the old continent.

Until now, the oil prices were supported by the outages from Canada, Nigeria and Libya which trimmed global oil glut. However, global oil market is facing a different type of challenge now. With Britain leaving the EU, the oil demand of the union is expected to go down.

August futures price of international Brent benchmark traded down by 4.73 percent to $48.5 a barrel in London ICE on June 24 by 2:28 am, while the price of WTI crude with August delivery in NYMEX fell by 4.43 percent to $47.89 a barrel on the same day by 2:47 am.

Nevertheless, price of Azeri Light crude experienced an increase by $0.39 to $51.05 a barrel in the global market. On June 22, OPECs oil basket price stood at $46.46 a barrel.

In the meantime, sterling lost 8.05 percent value against the U.S. dollar by hitting lowest level since 1985 while gold prices pulled back from two-year highs. August futures of gold surged by 5.10 percent to $1,327.5 an ounce in NYMEX.

There are lots of uncertainties currently in the global oil market causing volatility. Whether, the previously forecast by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on the rebalancing the market will happen is yet a question at issue. However, some still expect supply and demand side to come into balance soon and support oil prices around $50 a barrel in the near future.

Citigroup expects oil prices to reach $60 a barrel by the end of 2017. Seth Kleiman, head of European Energy Research at Citigroup believes that there is no need to expect growth in crude supplies in the global market as there is no signals that Nigeria, Venezuela, Algeria or Libya turning into Switzerland soon. Thus, it is groundless to expect a significant increase in supply from these countries.

In addition, the production in Latin America declined by 500,000 barrels a day, he added. Kleiman also believes that focusing on the return of U.S shale companies into big game is quite reckless, as oil price at $50 a barrel is only an indicator or psychological threshold.

In reality, the U.S. shale companies will be able to increase production at a price only above $60 per barrel, however, with great caution, stressed the expert.

Impacts of Brexit on Azerbaijan

The panic in the global financial markets over Brexit also has impact on the exchange rate of Azerbaijans national currency, the manat, particularly against euro and the pound sterling.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan reported that euro fell by 3.2 percent to 1.6787 against the manat on June 23, while depreciation in the pound sterling against the manat stood at 9.3 percent by amounting 2.0530 manat/pound sterling, which is the lowest rate of the pound sterling against the manat since the devaluation took place in December 21, 2015.

In the meantime, the CBA predicts an increase in the rate of the U.S. dollar against the manat. Great Britains exit from the EU is expected to strengthen the rate of the U.S. dollar, as well as, its role as a key currency.

The CBA will have to resort to intervention again at the result of Brexit referendum in order to avoid the sharp fluctuations in currency pairs.

As price of oil which is traded in U.S. dollars fell after the Brexit, the revenues to the state budget will also be affected. Nevertheless, the state budget of Azerbaijan for 2016 was estimated based on the oil price at $25 a barrel.

Meanwhile, the prices of imported goods from Britain to Azerbaijan are also expected to decrease. The weak pound sterling will also stimulate the inflow of the investment from the UK to the country.

Moreover, travelling to the Kingdom will be more affordable for the citizens of Azerbaijan.

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Fatma Babayeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Fatma_Babayeva

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24 June 2016 13:32 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan should increase the volume of the insurance market.

Ziyad Samedzade, Chairman of the parliamentary commission on economic policy, industry and entrepreneurship said while addressing the Azerbaijan International Insurance Forum (AIIF  2016) on June 23.

The growth rates of the insurance market in recent years were higher than the countrys rates of GDP growth, according to him. The countrys insurance market continues to develop and assets of insurance companies are increasing despite the influence of global economic processes on the economy of Azerbaijan. We should continue to develop the insurance market. Our main objective is to reach the level of 3 percent in the rates of the countrys insurance market volumes, he said.

He further mentioned that the market is currently dealing with a certain number of relevant tasks, including compulsory medical insurance and agrarian insurance.

We should continue our work on the introduction of the compulsory medical insurance. We should also keep in mind that as much as 15 percent of the insurance products are formed by means of medical insurance. Agrarian insurance also represents a very perspective and profitable sphere. The government supports the development of the agrarian-industrial complex. One of the main objectives is increase of the export volumes of locally manufactured agricultural production. In this regards the production should possess a high level of competitiveness, he said, noting the importance of the food security provision.

Samedzade went on to say that global risks, which influence Azerbaijan, necessitate the increase of the insurance conception in the country.

Experts believe that the current absence of mandatory health insurance does not allow health care to reach a new level of quality. Among the main advantages of the system are raising peoples access to health care services and prevention of unofficial payments within the system.

Currently, 25 insurance and one re-insurance company operate in Azerbaijan.

The volume of insurance payments carried out via 25 insurance companies in the country amounted to 76.3 million manats ($ 49.8 million) in January 2016, according to Azerbaijan Insurers Association. The volume is 21.3 percent higher than the rate shown in the same period of 2015.

The amount of payments carried out by insurance companies were at the level of approximately 13.4 million manats ($ 8.7 million), which is 29.4 percent higher as compared to the rates of January 2015.

Azerbaijan International Insurance Forum that brought together more than 200 participants from over 20 countries was focused on the on actual topics for Azerbaijan`s and regional insurance market. The event covered issues of agricultural insurance, international practice and models in this sphere, adequate assessment of risks, automobile insurance, tariff and systems for assessment of damages in this field, as well as electronization of processes.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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24 June 2016 16:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan and Russia have signed a bilateral agreement on the Green Card System of motor insurance.

Sergei Razuvan, the head of Russian Green Card Bureau announced about this while addressing the Azerbaijan International Insurance Forum (AIIF  2016) on June 24.

The document will come into force since August 1, 2016, he said.

Negotiations with the Russian side on the mutual recognition of system have dragged out because of the issue relating to occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

Previously, Elkhan Guliyev, Executive Director of the Compulsory Insurance Bureau (ISB) said that the sides had reached a consensus on non-application of the insurance policies in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

He underlined that the issue will get actuality after the release of the Armenian-occupied territories

Azerbaijan accessed to the Green Card system since January 1, 2016. As much as 1,444 insurance contracts with the total worth of 224,000 manats ($146.3) have been signed in January-May 2016.

Main objective of the system are facilitation of the movement of vehicles across international borders by the use of an internationally acceptable document proving the existence of insurance as well as ensuring that victims of accidents involving foreign registered vehicles are not disadvantaged.

A National Insurers Bureau is established in each participating country with the view of guaranteeing that a victim suffering damages from a road traffic accident caused by a foreign vehicle (from another participating country) will be compensated in the country of accident.

The Green Card system currently comprises 47 countries.

Compulsory Insurance Bureau (ISB) performs a function of a national insurance bureau of the international Green Card system in Azerbaijan.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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24 June 2016 13:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

People's artist of Azerbaijan, famous pianist Murad Huseynov and honored artist, soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, Elchin Azizov participated in a concert program "Evening of vocal music" at the Day of Azerbaijan held in Moscow.

The event, organized under the initiative of the Russian Representative Office of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held in the framework International festival named after Tchaikovsky in Klin city (Moscow Region, Russia), Day.Az reported.

The fascinating performance of musicians could not leave anyone indifferent.

"I express my deep gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for organizing this event and promotion of Azerbaijani music abroad. Me and Murad Huseynov performed both Azerbaijani and foreign songs during the event, said Azizov.

"We're grateful to perform in this beautiful hall, a beautiful festival, in the place where much recalls the life and work of the great composer. It's a great honor and responsibility for each musician on this stage," said Huseynov

The concert program featured works of Azerbaijani, Russian and European composers, including R. Schumann, M. Ravel, P. Tchaikovsky, A. Sabirova, T. Guliyev and others.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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24 June 2016 16:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Baku will host the fifth Republican Festival of National Minorities on June 28-30, Trend Life reported. The festival will be held under the motto "Azerbaijan, the native land".

The State Music Theatre named after Rashid Behbudov will host a concert of art collectives on June 28-29. The concert begins at 11:00.

Moreover, a photo exhibition entitled "In one family" reflecting the life of national minorities will be held at Azerbaijan Carpet Museum on June 30.

The event will also feature the presentation of CD "Songs of national minorities living in Azerbaijan" in Azerbaijani, English, Russian, French and German languages and a roundtable discussion on the diversity of ethnic cultures and multicultural traditions.

The festival will end with a gala-concert at Heydar Aliyev Palace on June 30.

The Culture and Tourism Ministry organized a festival of arts of minorities back in 2006. Festivals including scientific conferences and exhibitions which were held in 2006, 2008 and 2011 have turned into important events in the cultural life of the country.

2016 was declared the Year of multiculturalism in Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree in January 2016 in an effort to maintain, further develop and popularize the traditions of multiculturalism in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is a land of many national minorities. Respect for multiculturalism, ethnic and religious minorities is a national characteristic of Azerbaijani people.

The country not only respects, but also supports national minorities.

Major international events held in recent years by the Azerbaijani state have turned the country into a recognized international center for inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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24 June 2016 16:48 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Baku Boulevard invites everyone, who wants to enjoy music on weekends, to visit Dance Floor, Trend Life reported.

A fascinating project that will feature dances of foreign cultures was organized jointly with the Culture and Tourism Ministry. The event will be held every weekend at the Buelvard at 19:00.

The project is implemented within the Year of Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on January 11 to declare 2016 the Year of Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan in an effort to maintain, further develop and popularize the traditions of multiculturalism in Azerbaijan.

National dances are the essence of the culture of each people, the manifestation of their emotions, features, character and history.

The national Azerbaijani dances are in the blood of every Azerbaijani, and no important festal occasion is held without these graceful movements, performed for hundreds of years at folk festivals and games, weddings and entertaining mock battles.

Azerbaijans folk dances reflect the peoples pride, culture and spirit as well as the traditions and courage, which are so well known for the Caucasian peoples.

In womens dances movements of the head, arms and upper body are dominated, and legs hidden under long dresses, get the feeling as if a dancer is floating while moving. Women dances are very soft and graceful with plasticity-smooth motion as in Vagzaly, Uzundere and Gyashyangi dances.



The female dance performance is the personification of a real woman image with swan tenderness and if the dance is performed correctly, its looking like a swan floating in the national costume.

Men's choreography, technically complex and rapid, is more accentuated on the legs, which is the main power of the male dances, and hands are relatively inactive. During the performance, dancers easily get on their toes and quickly sinks to the knees.



Male dances are characterized by a fast rhythm, and expression of bravery, strength and temperament. The examples of men's dances are "Gaytagy" "Djengi", "Gazagy", "Khanchobany" and others.

Azerbaijani folk dance expresses symbolically a wide variety of emotional themes, ranging from the hospitality and generosity to friendship and the unity of the people, from the high spirits of young girls to the courage of the young men.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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25 June 2016 00:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Mari Fujisaka

Asahi Shimbun

A relatively inexpensive device could end millenniums of guesswork by farmers on how to grow their crops.



A water monitoring system, developed by Tokyo-based venture SenSprout Inc., can save precious water resources, reduce costs and promote consistent growth of top quality produce.



Essentially, the system tells farmers how much water is in the soil for their crops.



The system was designed for dry climates where water is scarce and expensive, like in the central Indian city of Nagpur in Maharashtra state.



There, two orange farms are taking part in an experiment to further develop the agricultural water monitoring system in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology. At each farm, a sensor is stuck into the ground of a 1-hectare field to check the amount of water held in the soil.



Through the experiment, the team aims to refine the system so that it accurately informs farmers if their crops are adequately irrigated.



About 70 percent of the water used by human beings around the world is for farming, said Kazuhito Mine, 38, representative director of SenSprout. We are hoping to transform inefficient irrigation in agriculture, which has been relying on farmers intuitions, to avoid possible water shortages.



The team plans to conduct similar experiments in three other regions in India and expand the project to the west coast of the United States. These areas receive little rainfall and require motorized pumps to tap into underground water for irrigation. This creates extra financial costs and environmental problems.



The project was financed through crowdfunding donations from 138 people around the world in 2015. In addition, the project won a monetary award of $150,000 in a venture startup competition to support entrepreneurs and new initiatives.



With $169,931 (18 million yen), the team started research and development.

The sensor itself was developed by a research team led by Yoshihiro Kawahara, 38, an associate professor of information and communication engineering at the University of Tokyo. Kawahara also helped to establish SenSprout and acts as a technical adviser to the company.



The sensor is a tube-like object about 50 centimeters long.



Three patches of electrodes, consisting of resin film covered by a thin layer of copper, are placed on the part that goes into the soil. The electrodes sense the electrostatic capacity of the soil to reveal shifts in the amount of water held in the ground. It can tell how much water is absorbed by the plants roots.



The top part of the sensor has a wireless networking device that transmits the data to a smartphone placed nearby. The information is stored in an online cloud database, and farmers can remotely check the data on their computers or smartphones to see if their crops need more or less water.



Similar agricultural sensors have been produced, but they are mostly high-end pieces of equipment costing more than 500,000 yen ($4,630) for a set and are mainly used in data gathering by scholars and researchers. Few individual farmers have made such an investment.



SenSprouts sensor units, which consist of low-cost materials, such as resin pipes and copper film, each cost under 100,000 yen ($926) to produce.

The team is also conducting experiments around Japan with farmers who are seeking consistent quality in their produce.

Yosuke Tamatsukuri, 38, who runs a farming business in Omitama, Ibaraki Prefecture, noticed that the sugar content level of his tomatoes differed from greenhouse to greenhouse. He decided to install SenSprouts sensors to monitor the condition of the soil and to fine-tune his watering method.



The amount of water influences the growth of crops the most, Tamatsukuri said. Rather than irrigating crops by relying on intuition and experience, I want to be able to produce crops with the same quality every time.
25 June 2016 00:01 (UTC+04:00)

By Rebecca Collard

Sparknews

A celebrated photojournalist teaches refugee children to tell their own stories

When Maya Rostam first asked her mother if she could join a new photography course in the Kawergosk refugee camp where they lived, she got a resounding No.

I said, Look, you have school and other things you need to do,  recalled her mother, Jamila Mohammed Amin.

The course Rostam wanted to take was organized for school children at Kawergosk by the renowned French-Iranian photojournalist Reza Deghati, known as Reza. Eventually, the girl persuaded her mother and joined the project, called Exile Voices. Age 12 at the time, she was one of the younger participants.

The classroom is a trailer on the edge of the sprawling camp outside Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. Over 10,000 Syrian refugees live here, including 2,000 school-age children. Most arrived in 2013 but still reside in temporary shelters, in a sea of blue and white tarpaulin covering 400 square meters.

Most of these people lost everything they had in a day, said Reza.

The floor of the Rostam home is a slab of concrete. The walls are sheets of plastic, in some places reinforced with wood. Children play in the muddy streets outside.

Foreign journalists and photographers frequently cover Kawergosk along with dozens of other refugee camps across the region. Until now the story is almost always told by us, [by] a foreigner, said Reza. I would like to see the story told by those that lived the story.

His goal is to train these young people to capture their own lives in ways a visitor never could. In 2013, he started the class in Kawergosk, donating cameras for 20 students. More wanted to join, but there wasnt enough equipment or space.

Since then, the young photographers have trained their lenses on their daily routines: children bathing in a Styrofoam cooler, kids running on the rocky soil among rows of tents, refugees eating and studying by the light of small lanterns.

On her first day in the course, Rostam took a picture of the sneakers she wore when her family walked from Syria to Iraq to escape the war. In the photo, taken early in the morning, the shoes are covered with frost after spending the night outside. She showed up late for the class because she had to wait to put them on. Its exactly the kind of powerful image that Reza was looking for.

The inspiration for the project came long before the Syrian war even started. In 1983, Reza was in Pakistan, covering the influx of refugees fleeing Afghanistan. He started teaching young people in a camp to take photos and create their own narrative about living in exile. He said the Afghans were telling a different story from that of the media.

In the decades since, Reza has run similar programs across the globe, in Sudan, South Africa and now Iraq. He calls his nonprofit organization Reza Visual Academy. So far, he has provided most of the funding, and said the most difficult part is finding the support to continue.

In 2012, a student who had trained at his photography school in Kabul, Massoud Hossaini, became the first Afghan to win a Pulitzer Prize. He is a role model for many of the students here, including 12-year-old Nalin Bashar. I liked photos from the beginning, she said. My dream is to be a big journalist. 

Bashar scrolled through her photos with Mohammad Qaddri, another Syrian refugee and former English teacher who works with the students in Rezas absence. She showed him pictures of her friends and a recent family picnic. This is a nice photo, Qaddri said, looking at a shot of the camp at sunset. But here the sun should be on the other side.

Some of the students photos made it all the way to Paris. From July to October 2015 they were plastered on the banks of the Seine, opposite the Musee dOrsay, as part of an exhibition titled Reve dhumanite. It was organized to highlight the work of the UNHCR and sponsored by the HIPA photography foundation.

Maya Rostam is now living in Europe. Last year, she and her father went to Germany along with tens of thousands of other Syrian refugees. Her mother, still in Kawergosk, said Maya didnt take her camera, because she traveled with smugglers and feared it could be stolen on the way. Amin and her four other children hope to join them soon, and to bring it.

The camera opened her eyes to the world, said Amin. She became willing to learn new things.

All the kids participating in the program are now getting top marks in school, Reza said. Many have also enrolled in English classes in the camp.

His wish is that his students from different countries, backgrounds and experiences will eventually form their own international network or photo agency. In the past year he has started two more programs in refugee camps in northern Iraq, and he would like to expand the project to Syrian camps in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.

Through this project we brought a smile, Reza said. These kids dont feel like they are refugees anymore.

For more information

Website: https://maptia.com/reza/stories/exile-voices
25 June 2016 00:01 (UTC+04:00)

By Manos Charalampakis

Ta Nea

For several days now, the homeless of Athens have been able to keep their clothes clean even though they dont have a home. A mobile laundrette has made its appearance on the streets of the capital where the homeless can get their clothes washed and dried and feel nice  albeit briefly  giving them the opportunity to pursue a brighter future on better terms.

Behind this innovative idea to help the homeless improve their self-esteem and increase their dignity, there is a team of young scientists, led by Athens graduates Thanos Spiliopoulos and Fanis Tsonas. The laundrette is in a van in which two washing machines and two dryers have been installed. The team named the mobile laundrette the Ithaca Laundry since, as they note, through their action they want to help the homeless rediscover their Ithaca; that feeling of discovery and fulfilment. Cleanliness leads to dignity and this, in turn, to new opportunities is the motto of the non-profit civil partnership Spiliopoulos and Tsonas created to realize their project.

When a homeless person can wash their clothes and be clean, they automatically feel better. First of all, you make their daily life better, explains Thanos Spiliotopoulos, a 23-year-old graduate of the Department of Management Science and Technology of the Athens University of Economics and Business. Spiliotopoulos was the initiator of the Ithaca Laundry and the person responsible for organizational issues. By providing the homeless the opportunity to have clean clothes we give them a psychological boost to enter society adds co-founder Fanis Chonas, a 23-year-old graduate chemical engineer of the National Technical University of Athens and responsible for the technical aspects of the mobile laundrette.

I met the two 23-year-olds a few days after the first outing of the mobile laundrette in Athens and their enthusiasm was evident. We had been waiting eagerly for this day, Fanis tells me. Thanos is satisfied and restrained at the same time when I ask him about the first reactions of the homeless to the appearance of the Ithaca Laundry; he says that the team offers the homeless something humane: Okay, it's not that we are providing them with a home but it is definitely nice to give them the opportunity to wash their clothes and at the same time offer them a cup of coffee.

While the two men are explaining their idea to me, they simultaneously perform a last check to the washing machines and the vans equipment since they had planned another outing of the Ithaca Laundry for that night. This time they were going to station their van opposite the Varvakeio Market in the area where the government community building project, Syn Athina, of the municipality of Athens operates.

In terms of how they came up with the idea of creating a mobile laundrette for the homeless, Thanos says that he had seen mobile laundrettes for the homeless that were in operation in San Francisco and Australia in old media reports. At the same time I could see that in Greece there was a big problem with the homeless. So the idea to create a similar mobile laundrette in Athens was born.

Scholarships and the beginning

The cleanliness and smiles that the mobile laundrette has been offering to the homeless for a little time now did not happen instantly. As Thanos Spiliotopoulos and Fanis Chonas explain, a lot of work and perseverance was needed, while scholarships and grants provided them with considerable impetus. At the end of 2014 they received a scholarship from the Angelopoulos-Clinton GIU Fellowship program for 10,000. This funding helped us in the beginning and gave us a psychological boost for the future, Thanos remembers. At this time the team was also starting to take shape. Fanis joined and so did the graphic designer, Andili Rahouti, who is responsible for designing the logo and the branding. Nowadays, the Ithaca Laundry team consists of five people.

The foundation of a non-profit partnership followed and the van was bought in the summer of 2015. It was a used van. It took hard work to modify it to its present form, says Thanos Spiliotopoulos. The familiar procedure of getting the licence and number plates soon followed.

Significant support for the mobile laundrette project  as highlighted by the group  was provided by a grant from Impact Hub Athens network, while the electrical equipment was provided by the company LG.

In the autumn of 2015, the team began to look for suitable places in Athens frequented by homeless or where homeless passed by, where they could station the mobile laundrette. They also contacted the Municipality of Athens for suggestions. The goal of the Ithaca Laundry is to regularly operate on specific days of the week and for a number of days to gradually increase the laundrettes visibility. The activity will also be carried out with the assistance of a group of volunteers: 78 people have already been mobilized, while we have received around 40 applications from people who want to help voluntarily, the group state. Volunteers will help in the collection of the clothes, transferring them from the washing machines to the dryers, returning them to the homeless and generally in the organization of the process.

How it works

The functioning of the mobile laundrette is simple: First, the team and the volunteers establish contact with the homeless and collect the clothes from them. The clothes are then automatically washed in the washing machines, dried and returned to the individual. The whole process takes about two hours. Water is supplied from nearby parks or other points in the Municipality where the van is stationed. The mobile laundrette operates at specific, well-known and distinguishable parts of the city; at different places every day.
25 June 2016 00:01 (UTC+04:00)

By Amani Nazarli

Azernews

Contemporary writer Lemony Snicket described the true idea of a good library when he wrote, A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will always be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them.

A small, lovely cabinet filled with books attracts many people as they discover the historical and picturesque corners of Azerbaijans capital Baku -- Icherisheher, also known here as the Old City. This is the very place to make a stop and delve into this world of important knowledge. Here, one can find a book of his or her interest without a doubt.

The cabinet is indeed a landmark in the city and even accepted as an attraction for many foreign tourists, especially those in love with this wealth of knowledge.

Since its establishment in 2013, the cabinet has hosted most of the Azerbaijani publications, as well as samples of foreign literature.

While promoting this wonderful project the organizers had only one purpose: to provide everyone with an opportunity to take one or more of the books for free use, or exchange them for any other book.

Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, Azerbaijani Student Network, and Global Shapers Community Baku jointly created this simple initiative, which originates from Europe.

This is really a unique opportunity for book lovers to exchange the books that they have read. You can drop books here for others to take and read them.

This free-for-all library is designed to serve everyone irrespective of age or education. One can come and benefit this brilliant opportunity without exerting excessive efforts.

The idea of this outdoor public bookcase is actually very attractive -- it is open at any time of day and in any weather. No registration or documents are needed to use this service, while no restrictions are set for the use of books, and the treatment of these bookcases is simply a matter of the individual decency of a reader.



This unique library serves the motto, Take a book, leave a book. Readers can grab from these free-for-all bookcases whichever book catches their eye, and also leave behind any book they choose for others.

Zeynab Jahan, a 25-year-old curator of this public bookcase, said this bookcase project is necessary for Azerbaijani people, who are so fond of reading.

The organizers say that the project aims to join the noble tradition of bringing reading to life and to inspire a young generation to read books in an extraordinary way.

This idea strengthens the culture of reading books and adds integrity to society, since the initiative encourages people to meet while exchanging their favorite books. By seeking access to books, people will step outside their restricted circles of friends and family, and interact more freely.

The process of book exchange in some way unites the citizens, as people leave notes in books and in their margins. The most remarkable thing is that 99 percent of the books in the cabinet are someones book, Zeynab explains.

Moreover, this public bookshelf has become a convenient solution for many who feel sorry for throwing books away because they lack necessary space or have exhausted their interest in them.

Most of the books are useless or superfluous in the house of their owner. But the essential point is that ones unnecessary book is essential for another, she says.

The cabinet today not only encourages young people to read, but also fights for the right of books to exist and to get reprinted. Besides, projects such as Bookcase could easily become a relic in some years amid the increasing penetration of tablets and kindles.

Another purpose of the project is to protect the honorary place of books in our daily life and preserve their right to pass from generation to generation.

We do not count missing books, on the contrary, we even rejoice when we notice the shortage of books -- it means that people cannot bear to part with one of them, she says.

For now, the project is the only of its kind for book storage throughout the country and therefore is regarded as an "experimental case." What's remarkable is that people are anxiously waiting for the next bookcase to appear in the city, as feedback from residents testifies. Zeynab stresses that they have received many requests to see a second bookcase, which makes the organizers of the project really happy.

Now the organizers are working on expanding the project to other regions as well. Along with a plan to open a second, similar bookcase in the capital, they are keen to install book cabinets in other cities of Azerbaijan, for instance, in ancient Ganja.

"That will be an excellent chance for books to find their readers as well," the organizers believe.
Democratic congressional candidate Eric Kingson received some free publicity Friday morning on a major cable news network.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Democratic presidential candidate, appeared on CNN's "New Day" to discuss the status of his campaign and whether he'll support the party's presumptive presidential nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Near the end of the interview, Sanders mentioned that he'll appearing in central New York Friday night to headline a rally for Kingson, who is running in a three-way primary for the Democratic nomination in the 24th Congressional District race.

"The focus of what we are trying to do now is go to the grassroots," Sanders told CNN's Chris Cuomo. "Right now, I'll be in Syracuse tonight supporting a progressive candidate running, Eric Kingson, who's running for the U.S. Congress. And I'll be doing that all over the country."

It's not the first time Sanders has shown his support for Kingson.

Earlier this month, Sanders endorsed Kingson for Congress, citing his work on Social Security issues. The support provided a major boost to Kingson's campaign, which received a large number of contributions in the aftermath of Sanders' announcement.

And then came the news Wednesday night that Sanders would headline a rally for Kingson in Syracuse four days before the primary.

The rally will be held at the OnCenter, 800 S. State St. in Syracuse. Doors open at 4 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

Democrats in the 24th District will go to the polls Tuesday to select the candidate who will challenge U.S. Rep. John Katko, a Republican, in the general election.

Along with Kingson, the other Democrats running are Colleen Deacon, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's former central New York regional director, and Steve Williams, a Syracuse-area attorney and former U.S. Navy prosecutor.
23 June 2016 18:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Fatma Babayeva

Oil prices again fluctuates up and down around $50 a barrel.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), the price of WTI crudes contracts with August delivery declined by 1.05 percent to $48.85 a barrel on June 23 by 8:58 am, while on the London ICE, August contracts of Brent benchmark crude cost $50.71 a barrel on the same day by 8:33 am.

The price of a barrel of Azeri Light crude increased to $50.66 in the global market on June 23.

A day before, OPECs oil basket price amounted to $46.46 a barrel.

The future of the global oil market is uncertain now with existing crude glut and debatable economic growth. How long it will take for disrupted outputs to return to the market is also a questionable matter.

Oil prices crossed the red zone on June 22 by beginning falling after the release of the data on the weak reduction of the U.S. crude inventories for the past week, reported Ria Novosti.

The U.S. Department of Energy reported the countrys commercial crude stockpiles (excluding strategic reserves) plummeted by 0.9 million barrels or 0.2 percent to 530.6 million barrels by June 17 during the week.

Analysts expected that crude inventories of the U.S. would decrease by 1.671 million barrels or 0.31 percent to 529.83 million barrels for the given week.

Department of Energy noted that the U.S. crude production dropped by 0.44 percent or 39,000 barrels a day to 8.677 million barrels a day during the week.

A decline of 1.3 million barrels to 65.2 million barrels was observed in the oil inventory in Cushing.

In the meantime, gasoline stocks of the U.S. increased by 0.6 million barrels or 0.3 percent to 237,6 million barrels. Nevertheless, the experts anticipated a reduction of 0.326 million barrels.

Additionally, distillate stocks climbed by 0.2 million barrels or 0.1 percent to 152.3 million barrels. Analysts projected this figure to go up by 0.257 million barrels.

Experts explained the decline in global oil prices with weak reduction in inventories compared to forecasts.

The data was also much worse than forecasted by the American Petroleum Institute (API), according to which the indicator fell by 5.2 million barrels for the reporting week.

Oil price rally is still continuing and not out of danger as the market is still oversupplied. Moreover, results of the upcoming UKs Brexit referendum can be bearish for oil prices and an immediate fall in the days following is expected.

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Fatma Babayeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Fatma_Babayeva

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24 June 2016 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

At least one person was killed and 12, including three servicemen, were injured on Thursday in a car bombing by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) on a military base in the Turkish southeastern Mardin province, local media reported.

The victim was identified as a 39-year-old civilian lorry driver, Halil Ibrahim Sevimli, who was driving by the military base at the time of the blast, Anadolu news agency said, citing a military source. Those injured were hospitalized.

The Turkish military commenced an operation to bust the attackers.

Violence in Turkey escalated in mid-2015, when the Turkish government launched a military campaign against the PKK, which is considered a terrorist organization by Ankara, in the country's southeast.

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24 June 2016 14:26 (UTC+04:00)

Turkeys presidential administration says the European Union should stop pursuing the double standards policy towards the country.

Turkey adheres to a clear and precise position in the talks on accession to the EU, however, the Union is using double standards against the country, the presidential administration told Trend June 24.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogans remarks on holding a referendum whether to continue the EU accession talks, or not, shouldnt be seen as Turkeys threatening the EU, added the presidential administration.

Earlier, Erdogan said Turkey can hold a referendum in order to make clear whether the country should continue the talks on accession to the EU.

He further claimed Europe doesnt want Turkeys accession as it is a Muslim-majority country, and noted that this is discrimination.

Erdogan was previously reported to say that the EU continues to mislead Turkey [on the issue of accession], adding that this upsets Turkey.

Ankara submitted its EU membership application in 1987, and negotiations on accession started only in 2005.

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24 June 2016 15:18 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Turkmenistan and China have confirmed their readiness to further enhance economic partnership in view of its enormous potential, national interests and a common vision for the future of the Asian region, the Turkmen government reported on June 24.

The remark was made during a meeting of Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with Chinas President Xi Jinping held within a framework of the Council of Heads of States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Berdimuhamedov proposed to develop a special program to expand the partnership within the Turkmen-Chinese Cooperation Committee and attach special attention to cooperation in the spheres of energy, transportation and high technologies.

Turkmenistan considers China as an important partner in the Asian-Pacific region given the fact that the two countries have big possibilities for the beneficial cooperation in the sphere of transport.

Turkmenistan is currently engaged in the creation of large scale, combined transit-transport systems and logistic infrastructure which is aimed to link Asia and Europe. In the future the system is expected to include transit corridors which connect the regions of the Caspian Sea, Black Sea and Baltic States.

Consequently, we will form a route from the Asian Pacific region through the territory of Central Asia to the markets of Europe and Middle East, the report of the Turkmen side reads.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his turn, said China is Turkmenistans main partner in energy sector and praised the long-term cooperation in the gas industry.

He also underlined that the countries have a big potential for the cooperation in the sphere of transport, mentioning Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan-China railway route.

The route is expected to greatly enhance the trade between the two countries. The main advantage of the route is speed of deliverance of goods.

China is the largest foreign trade partner of Turkmenistan. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) buys gas from the Central Asia region since 2009. Beijing expects to increase annual purchases of Turkmen gas up to 65 billion cubic meters.

China and Turkmenistan established strategic partnership in 2013.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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24 June 2016 14:57 (UTC+04:00)

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will sign their first joint project on Saturday, which is also one of the first projects for the AIIB.

The two banks will commit a total of $ 55 million S$ 27.5 million co-financing portion each) to the upgrade of a key section of the motorway connecting Tajikistans capital, Dushanbe, with neighbouringUzbekistan, EBRD reported.

Improved regional connectivity is a strategic priority for both financial institutions. the EBRD's co-financing portion is $27.5 million.

The project will be undertaken in line with EBRD performance requirements, procurement rules and environmental and social standards.

The project will be the first signing for the newly established AIIB and take place during the multilateral development banks first annual meeting in Beijing. The AIIB was inaugurated in January this year. In the same month, China became an EBRD shareholder country.

Thomas Maier, EBRD Managing Director for Infrastructure, and AIIB Vice President D J Pandian will sign the agreements.

Thomas Maier says: This first joint cooperation between the EBRD and AIIB is a historic milestone for multilateral cooperation. Developing countries need modern infrastructure for economic growth, but the financing gap in regions such as Central Asia can only be plugged with active participation from multilateral institutions like the EBRD and AIIB. The road in Dushanbe will not only serve the capital of Tajikistan but can also become a key point on the new Silk Road and beyond.

Technical cooperation will be provided by the government of Tajikistan, EBRD-managed multi-donor funds and the Slovak Republic.

The road, for which the EBRD had also approved separate financing of US$ 35 million in 2015, is part of the Pamir Highway and trans-continental highway networks. Providing a direct connection between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan, it is one of the most important international roads still requiring urgent reconstruction.

AIIB Vice President D J Pandian comments: The key objectives of the AIIB are to address the existing infrastructure gaps and to strengthen the regional connectivity of nations. The Dushanbe-Uzbekistan Border Road Improvement Project in Tajikistan serves the AIIBs strategic priorities. Since its inception the AIIB has been looking forward to working together with other multilateral institutions and took this project as an opportunity to collaborate with the EBRD in the development of Central Asia.

The new financing will help Tajikistan upgrade a section of the road in the capital, Dushanbe, between the Avicenna Monument and the Western Gate, including the 82nd and Avicenna roundabouts.

The EBRD and AIIB are currently considering other joint projects.

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24 June 2016 15:56 (UTC+04:00)

Brexit is a historic opportunity for Iran and the Islamic Republic should make the most of it, said Hamid Abutalebi, political director of the Iranian presidential office.

A great earthquake has shaken Europe and the UK has quit the European Union, he wrote on twitter June 24.

The stars of Europes union are falling down. Economic changes in south European countries, terrorism, and the refugee crisis showed that the Union is about to fall. But the domino was ticked off with Brexit.

Abutalebi stated that European people lost their hope in the EU long ago, adding that the new changes will bring more power, security, and prosperity.

Britons held a referendum June 23 on whether the UK should to stay in the European Union, or leave it. The voting results indicate that the campaign to leave the EU, known as the Brexit, has won with 51.9 percent of the votes. In the wake of the Brexits victory, David Cameron has said he will step down as the UK prime minister.

Many believe that Brexit has paved the way for other countries to leave the union. Iran suffered many years under sanctions that were instated by the EU. The sanctions were lifted only this January.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 June 2016 17:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Fatma Babayeva

Kazakhstan continues to back enlarging of existing international transport corridors and initiates creating of new ones, which pass through the country by linking the eastern markets with the western ones.

President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev proposed the formation of Eurasian transit and transport hub that will bring together member and observer states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

He made the remarks during the meeting of the Council of State Heads of SCO in Tashkent on June 24.

Nazarbayev reminded that more than a year ago, he put forward an initiative to establish Joint Eurasian Economic Space.

The key element here is merging infrastructures of the hubs of Eurasia via reviving historical routes of the Silk Road, he added.

In this regard, the Kazakh president proposed to join efforts of SCOs member states in a number of directions, including the joining of the Eurasian Economic Union and Chinas Silk Road Economic Belt project.

Members of the SCO, established in 2001, are China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, while Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Belarus are the SCO observer-countries and Turkey, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are dialogue partners.

Kazakhstan is one of the countries that Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which is a multimodal corridor using railway, maritime and roadways for transporting goods, passes through.

The revival of the Great Silk Road will increase the volumes of cargo transportation via the country as well.

China is also interested in promoting the 'One Belt, One Road' strategy, which envisages the development of cargo transportation by containers to Europe.

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Fatma Babayeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Fatma_Babayeva

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24 June 2016 18:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Fatma Babayeva

Heads of the states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations (SCO) signed memorandums on India and Pakistans joining the organization during the summit held in Uzbek capital Tashkent on June 24.

The participants of the summit believe that it will take the SCO to the next level. The procedure for the admission of India and Pakistan to the SCO was launched in 2015.

With accepting these new members, SCO will unite more than 60 percent of the Eurasian territory, 45 percent of the world's population and over 19 percent of the world GDP, according to President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Member countries of the SCO will continue cooperation in disarmament and control over weapons, in non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, in political-diplomatic settlement of regional challenges to regimes of non-proliferation according to the common, equal and indivisible security for all, the countries said in the Tashkent declaration adopted after at summit on Friday, TASS reported.

The SCO countries also are for strict observing of the provisions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, for the overwhelming graduate promotion of all purposes and approaches, reflected in the Treat.

The heads of SCO states stressed the need to stabilize the situation in the Middle East and Northern Africa by political settlements of crises in compliance with the UN Charter and the commonly recognized norms of the international law.

The document further says the soonest achieving of peace and stability in Afghanistan is a major factor for maintaining and improving the security in the region.



The member countries support settlement of the inner Afghani conflict via promotion of the inclusive process of national reconciliation and believe these efforts should be undertaken under leadership of the Afghani and by the Afghani, the document reads.

Furthermore, next chairmanship of the organization will be carried out by Kazakhstan.

President Nazarbayev noted that during the chairmanship at the SCO, Kazakhstan intends to continue the great work done by Uzbekistan and to contribute to the development and strengthening of the SCO, to enhance its role and authority in the world.

Strengthening the regional security, developing the economic cooperation, revealing the transit and transport potential, and deepening the cultural and humanitarian ties are among the priorities of Kazakhstans chairmanship, added Nazarbayev.

He went on saying that the next summit of the heads of SCO member states will be held June 8-9, 2017, in Astana.

The SCO was established in 2001. The SCO members now are China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Belarus are the SCO observer-countries, while Turkey, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are dialogue partners.

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Fatma Babayeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Fatma_Babayeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
U.S. Rep. John Katko and other members of the House Homeland Security Committee won't be spending their weekend in Cuba after all.

Katko, R-Camillus, said Friday that the Cuban government didn't issue the delegation visas for travel to the island nation. The failure to grant the visas means the members of Congress won't be permitted to enter the country.

The committee members planned to assess Cuban airport security during their visit, according to Katko.

Earlier this year, President Barack Obama's administration signed an agreement with Cuban officials to resume commercial air travel between the two countries. More than 100 roundtrip daily flights would be offered between the U.S. and Cuba.

But Katko and others are concerned about what airport security equipment Cuba has to screen passengers.

"We still don't know if Cuba has the adequate body scanners and explosive detection systems in place, whether it has the technology to screen for fraudulent passports or ID, whether or how aviation workers are screened and if federal air marshals will be allowed to fly missions to Cuba," he said.

"The (Obama administration) is eager to have as many people as possible visit Cuba  except for those who are attempting to examine Cuban security infrastructure."

Katko, who chairs the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security, has been critical of the Obama administration's approach to resuming air travel with Cuba, particularly when it comes to addressing security concerns raised by Congress.

In May, Katko led a hearing on Cuban airport security. Four of the five witnesses were from the Department of Homeland Security, but few  if any  answers were provided on what security equipment Cuba has to screen aviation employees and passengers.

One of the officials who testified suggested that information couldn't be shared in a public setting because it was "SSI"  short for Sensitive Security Information.

Katko planned to hold a second hearing on Cuban airport security this week, but it was postponed.

"This administration is going full speed ahead to open Cuban airports to travel between the U.S. and Cuba while turning a blind eye to major security concerns at a time of heightened terrorist threats," Katko said Friday.
Production to be increased by up to 250% for Brown & Blond, thanks to plans to break through the 350,000 turnover barrier with a move to new premises.

George Welton, founder of Ripon-based artisan bakery Brown & Blond, which specialises in chocolate brownies, is relocating from Ripon to Wortley Business Park in Leeds. The new site will cover 1,100sq ft, double the size of his current premises.

Welton set up his microbakery business at his parents smallholding in 2010 when he was 18 years old. At the time, he was working as a chef in a small cafe in Harrogate, but soon realised that his brownies were proving increasingly popular with customers.

Welton now bakes 12,000 brownies a week, with 50 different flavours on offer, ranging from raspberry and white chocolate to praline and chilli. Speaking to British Baker, Welton revealed that he also does a chilli ginger version with really hot naga chillies in it. One of our most popular is probably the raspberry and chocolate and that is our charity brownie for this year. All of the profits from sales of that brownie at selected shows go to the Candlelighters childrens charity, he added.

He attends many regional shows and events in the north of England and has built up a loyal local following. However, recent growth has come from the wholesale side of his business, which now accounts for 60% of turnover. Welton said: In the past 18 months it has really taken off and weve got a big push towards Christmas this year.

This [the move] will enable us to increase production and hopefully lead to us finding a distributor, who can supply our brownies nationwide, whilst retaining our reputation for high-quality baking.
Park Cakes, a major supplier of own-brand cakes and desserts for retailers, plans to pursue further growth and investment opportunities, after securing a multi-million-pound funding package from Yorkshire Bank.

The company, which manufactures cakes and desserts for leading retailers, including Marks & Spencer, said the funding would provide the business with greater financial flexibility and would assist its growth aspirations.

The funding package provided includes refinance and asset finance, aimed at delivering growth, said the firm. Paul Morton, finance director at Park Cakes, said: The funding package put together by Yorkshire Bank will enable us to further invest in the business and continue with our aggressive growth plans. We have exciting developments in the pipeline over the next two to three years.

Established almost 80 years ago, Park Cakes operates from two production sites, located in Oldham and Bolton. It employs around 1,200 permanent staff and up to 1,000 seasonal staff at peak production times, such as Christmas. The company is owned by funds advised by the European mid-marked investment firm Vision Capital.

Last year, Park Cakes picked up the licence for a new Gruffalo Cakes range from Magic Light Pictures.
Supplier Pidy UK is looking for amateur cyclists to take part in its 2016s Ride 4 Hope, a 300-mile sponsored cycle ride, which will raise around 30,000 for a homeless charity.

The 40-strong team will ride from Pidy UKs base in Northampton through the Netherlands to Ypres in Belgium in the four-day event, which takes place from 8-12 September.

It is hoped that Ride 4 Hope 2016, the third annual Ride 4 Hope, will raise 25,000-30,000 for the Hope Centre charity, a Northampton-based charity, working to relieve poverty and tackle the causes of homelessness in the city.

Robert Whittle, general manager of Pidy UK, said: We are looking for a team of around 40 cyclists to join us. Split into two teams based on ability, cyclists will sample some of Europes most historic sites, take on a highly rewarding challenge and raise money for a truly exceptional cause.

Ride 4 Hope 2016 is also supported by courier company Action Express, which is providing a lorry and driver to accompany the trip, carrying riders clothes, food and spares as well as carting the bikes back following the trip.

Riders are asked for a 300 contribution to accommodation and food during the trip and a pledge to raise a minimum of 300 in sponsorship for the charity.
Britain has voted to leave the EU. On the morning of the historic vote, British Baker spoke to industry representatives about what this might mean for bakers.

Over 30m people voted in the EU referendum, and 51.9% voted to leave Europe. The 72% turnout is the highest in a national poll since 1992  17.4m people voted in favour of Brexit.

Scotland and Northern Ireland backed remaining in the EU, while the north of England, Wales and the Midlands voted for Brexit. The value of the pound dropped to its lowest level since 1985 this morning, in reaction to the news.

Alan Clarke, chief executive of Scottish Bakers said: "Regardless of our personal opinions, there is now much work to be done to ensure that the voice of the bakery sector is heard and listened to by government.



"Scottish Bakers are committed to working with our key private and public sector partners to influence the development and implementation of the food and drink strategy for Scotland and ensuring that issues directly affecting bakers are raised at the highest level in Scotland.



"As always, the devil is in the detail and todays run on the pound and the resignation of the Prime Minister together with calls for a second independence referendum in Scotland and a United Ireland referendum highlights the importance and the enormity of the task ahead. If any baker has any concerns or issues they would like to raise please do not hesitate to contact us at any time."

Alex Waugh, director general of NABIM said: Its too early to say much. Obviously the referendum result means that we are in for a period of turmoil and uncertainty, as evidenced by todays currency and stock market falls.

If that leads to an economic slowdown or recession (as many economists predicted beforehand) that would not be good for the bakery sector as people will have less money to spend. Significant change to the regulatory structure will take a long time as the UK is likely still to be a member of the EU for at least the next two years.

"NABIM will be working hard with members and UK government officials to establish the implications for the flour milling sector, our customers and suppliers  but we dont expect any quick answers. Obviously there has been a strong adverse reaction in currency markets, which will inflate raw material costs if maintained, but other than that we dont expect any immediate material change that will affect day-to-day business."

Gordon Poulson, director at the Federation of Bakers (FOB), said: "Our position was neutral before the election, and now that its happened theres no sense in speculating too much. We all need to work together to get the best outcome for the industry going forwards.

"Were not big exporters in the bakery industry compared to other food categories, and I really think its too early to be precise about what might happen. Theres no sense in spreading doom and gloom, lets all work together and see what happens."

Ian Wright, director general of The Food and Drink Federation, said: In March we released the results of a poll of our members which showed 70% support for Britain to remain in the EU.

Its inevitable in the light of those results that the majority of FDF members will regard this as a disappointing result for the food and drink industry. Now, FDF will work on behalf of our members and all those across our industry to find a way through this very challenging period that we face.

Well focus on working with the government to understand what this means for trading, market access and regulation to secure the best outcome for British food and drink manufacturing businesses and their consumers.
AUBURN  Suzanne Updyke sees her new business as another step along her own spiritual path.

At 60 years old, the Cayuga native has spent roughly half of her life delving into metaphysical mysteries as a professional psychic medium, claiming to have the ability to see beyond through clairvoyance and to speak with those that, she says, have "crossed over" after death.

Updyke said she opened Spirit Hawk Metaphysical Gift Shop & Healing Center in Auburn earlier this month partially because she wants to help people understand if they have gifts like hers.

Spirit Hawk  located on the second floor of the Deja Vu Boutique & Salon building at 180 Genesee St.  sells wares related to the psychic realm, such as crystals, pendulums, singing bowls and incense, as well as authentic, handmade Native American goods. Spirit Hawk was dedicated to Updyke's great-grandmother, who was a full-blooded Cherokee in North Carolina.

Updyke said her services extend with a healing element between reiki and personal spiritual cleansing sessions, while seminars, classes and guest speakers will be held to guide others that think they have psychic potential.

"I want to help people. I want to help people understand if they have their own gift," she said.

Updyke said she never realized the extent of her own abilities until 20 years after her brother's death.

She claims she has been visited by pets after their deaths as a child, but said she thought that was a natural phenomenon. As she grew older and raised two children as a single mother, Updyke said she long grieved the loss of her brother, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968.

Updyke said she never got over his death  not until 20 years later. That's when, she claims, her brother visited her in the middle of the night.

The bedside visit, during which she claims her brother spoke to her, changed her life.

"From that point on, I never grieved his death, but I entered into a spiritual quest to help others understand death: How and why you should grieve normally, but then after that, you should let go because it not only helps you, but it helps those that have parted."

In the years leading up to her pursuit of Spirit Hawk, Updyke said she took spiritual healing classes and achieved a master level in reiki techniques.

Through it all, Updyke has been a nurse in the local area for approximately 40 years, now working at a local nursing home after a previous stint in the intensive care unit at Auburn Community Hospital.

She said she's now a couple of years from retiring as a nurse, so opening Spirit Hawk at this point seemed like the perfect time.

"After that message (from my brother), I was unable to stop the gift," Updyke said. "It was like the floodgates thrust open."
ALBANY  A day after President Barack Obama signed a major overhaul of toxic chemical rules into law, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand called on federal regulators to use new powers under the law to determine if the industrial chemical PFOA should be restricted or banned.

"Given the concerns about the effects of PFOA on public health, I urge you to prioritize this chemical for assessment under the Toxic Substances Control Act as soon as possible," the New York Democrat wrote in a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy on Thursday.

Gillibrand noted that health concerns about the chemical have been heightened by the recent discovery of drinking water contamination in Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh in upstate New York, as well as rural towns in Vermont and New Hampshire.

PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, long used to make Teflon and numerous other non-stick, stain-resistant and waterproof products, has been linked to cancer, thyroid issues and other illness. Hoosick Falls residents are worried after blood tests showed some of them had PFOA levels as much as 50 or 100 times above the national average, Gillibrand said.

Manufacturers agreed to voluntarily phase out PFOA by the end of 2015 under an EPA settlement, but the chemical persists in the environment and has been found in drinking water in numerous communities where it was used.

"The Environmental Protection Agency has expanded powers to more quickly regulate and ban PFOA than under current law," said Melanie Benesh, an attorney for the nonprofit Environmental Working Group. "We don't know what EPA will do because PFOA is already being phased out. It may not be a high priority for regulation."

Gillibrand said PFOA contamination "threatens to become a major public health crisis across the Northeast and anywhere this chemical has been used in manufacturing."
Tips for career success at AIFST Young Professionals Breakfast

A panel of some of Australias most respectable experts and leaders in the food industry will present at a free networking breakfast for Young Professionals in the industry at the 49th Annual AIFST Convention.

Georgie Aley, CEO of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST), said the networking breakfast is a must-attend for any young professional who is interested in progressing their career.

When I graduated university, figuring out what my next move would be, and how I would do it was a daunting prospect.

I remember joining two member organisations, the Future Farmers Network and NSW Farm Writers Association, both of which opened my eyes to a vast network of agriculture, agribusiness and food industry professionals.

Events such as the AIFST Convention and the Young Professionals Networking Breakfast allow young professionals to hear from leaders in the food industry to set goals for their future careers, all while expanding their networks and opportunities, said Ms Aley.

Dr Andre Teixeira, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at CSIRO, will also join the panel and believes learning from experience and acquiring knowledge  not just information, is crucial when progressing your career in the food industry and being able to set yourself apart.

These days many people believe that if they have the information they also have the knowledge. This is not the case.

Knowledge can be acquired in many different ways, both the conventional ones from networking and learning from seniors in the industry. The progression of your knowledge is very critical, as information is very ephemeral.

Events such as the AIFST Convention are a vessel for connectedness to knowledge  a knowledge which can open doors for global career progression, said Dr Teixeira.

Ms Aley and Dr Teixeira will join Jana Cameron (Path4Food), Dr Chris Downs (CSIRO) and Josh Hemelaar (Gelita) on the panel discussion, chaired by Vaughan Gough (Flavour Creations) at the Young Professionals in Food Networking Breakfast at the 49th Annual AIFST Convention in Brisbane on Tuesday, 28 June.

The Young Professionals Breakfast will explore the skills needed beyond formal qualifications, how to set yourself apart when progressing your career globally, and how to sell the industry, your product and yourself.

The Networking Breakfast is free and is open for all young members (aged under 30) of AIFST. Register for FREE now: http://bit.ly/1TVajyj

The 49th Annual AIFST Convention will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from Monday 27 June to Tuesday 28 June 2016. The AIFST Convention will be co-located with FoodTech Queensland, a major trade event for Queensland food manufacturers, and with more than 3,500 attendees expected, it will be Australias largest food industry gathering of 2016.

To register for the 49th Annual AIFST Convention, visit http://bit.ly/1pbPPJj
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Have you ever wondered what it is artists actually do? Find out at the inaugural Art 35North Art Tour in Flagstaff this weekend, June 25-26. Twenty-four artists across the city and nearby county will open their studios to the public for viewing, demonstrations and workshops. Participating artists include jewelers, ceramicists, painters, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers and many more. The studios will be open both days from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A map of participating locations can be found at www.art35n.org/art-tour-2016.html. This is a free, self-guided tour.

A new arts organization, Art 35North formed with the goal of sharing fine art across the Colorado Plateau. Art35North is a juried organization. This means that potential exhibiting members must apply for membership, and must prove a high level of artistic expression and technical skill in order to gain entrance into this professional group.

Wine and food fest benefits county parks

Swirl, sniff and sip Saturday at the Flagstaff Wine and Food Festival. The Flagstaff Wine and Food Festival is an annual event that supports the Friends of Coconino County Parks for land conservation, park development and volunteerism.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample wines from around world, including noted Arizona wineries. They will also be able to sample culinary creations and observe cooking demonstrations featuring the region's top chefs. The event will also feature an auction of food and travel packages, wines and local crafts.

The 7th Flagstaff Wine & Food Festival: Experience Opulence will be held on Saturday, June 25, from noon4 at the Pepsi Amphitheater in Fort Tuthill County Park. General admission is $45 and includes a souvenir wineglass, unlimited food sampling, four wine tastes and parking. Additional wine tasting passports are available on site. All proceeds benefit the Coconino County Parks & Recreation Department.
Lunch is served weekdays at noon (doors open at 11 a.m. for socializing) at the Joe C. Montoya Adult and Community Center, 245 Thorpe Road.

To make a reservation for and on-site lunch or home delivery, call 928-774-2606, by 2 p.m. the day before.

Monday, June 27: Lemon chicken, roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts, peaches

Tuesday, June 28: Baked potato bar, green salad, cottage cheese, pears

Wednesday, June 29: Tamales, fiesta beans, carrots, rice, apple

Thursday, June 30: Independence Day chicken barbecue in the park

Friday, July 1: Deluxe chef salad, soup, strawberries

On-site meals are served with coffee, tea or juice, and 1 percent milk or soy milk.

Vegetarian or alternate meals may be served daily at the Community Center only. Call 774-2606 one day in advance for a vegetarian or alternate meal.

Meal cost: Seniors, suggested contribution (60 years and older or spouse) $4.
A former Pasco County inmate plans to sue the sheriffs office for excessive force. The jail house incident was all captured on video.

Matthew Trevino, 30, suing Sheriff's Office for August 5, 2015 incident

Deputies shot Trevino with "less-lethal" round



Trevino's attorney says client was suffering from mental health episode

The situation starts with inmate 30-year-old Matthew Trevino not cooperating during a cell search.



Were attempting to do a cell search on inmate Trevino, hes refused, he's a (inaudible) so we have to search his cell, due to him refusing were gonna deploy a Nova Round, said a deputy on a hand held camera inside the Land O Lakes jail.



Trevino is a schizophrenic army veteran who was in jail at the time on a misdemeanor violation probation. The video shows Pasco County corporals demanding Trevino to place his hands through the food chute so they can cuff him.





Cuff up or we're going to have to use less lethal on you," said a deputy. Trevino ignores them and holds his genitals in the food slot instead.



He's clearly having a mental health episode," said Trevinos attorney, Mark Rankin.



After a few more exchanges and Trevino continuing to not comply, the deputy shot Trevino with what is called a Nova Distraction Round, ammunition designed to be a diversion. According to the manufacturer, such ammunition is never to be fired directly at a person.





[The deputies] claim that he was backed away from the door which is false," said Rankin, talking about the several incident reports written by the deputies who were present. "[T]hey claim that that round ricocheted off the floor and hit Mr. Trevino which is false, and they claim they fired at him from about three feet away which is also false."



The wound to his leg it spread up into his growing area and into his private area, but it also at the thigh level, where it made direct contact, it penetrates essentially down to the bone," said Lee Pearlman, another attorney representing Trevino.



Trevino now lives out of the state. We spoke to him briefly over the phone.



I just didn't want to let them in the cell, I was uh seeing hallucinations and stuff I was seeing things," said Trevino.



Trevino says hes had multiple surgeries but his mental health is an even bigger concern.



Compared to the pain from the gunshot wound to the paranoia from the authority figure, it's nothing," said Trevino. "I mean it's radical, a radical jump."



Trevino's attorneys said they gave the Pasco Sheriff's Office the required 180 days notice back in December. They plan to file the lawsuit early next week.



The sheriffs office wouldnt give an interview, but Sheriff Chris Nocco issued this statement:



"A criminal with a violent history in the jail failed to comply with lawful directions. His actions dictated our reaction."
The Polk County Sheriff's Office suspended the search early Friday for the armed carjacking suspect from Bartow who fled from deputies and police officers Thursday afternoon.



Authorities suspend active search for Polk suspect



Deputies: Carjack suspect shot at PCSO helicopter

Deputies to patrol nearby residential areas Friday

Carjacking details; map of area



After an extensive search by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and police from Bartow and Lake Wales, officials said the suspect is no longer in the search perimeter.



According to deputies, the suspect fired shots at a sheriff's helicopter after an armed carjacking of a flatbed truck.



Deputies say the suspect stole a 2005 Chevrolet 6500 Flat bed truck Thursday afternoon in the area of Bay Street and 7th Avenue. The suspect stole the truck which had been left running as the driver checked on the vehicle's load, authorities said.



This truck was towing a commercial trailer which was hauling a commercial excavating equipment. At that time, police say the suspect drove away from the scene, despite the driver's attempts to stop him.



When co-workers attempted to follow and confront the suspect, police say he struck their vehicle and brandished a firearm.



A perimeter was set up near Mammoth Grove Road and State Road 60 in Lake Wales. Deputies will actively patrol the nearby residential areas Friday night.



Area residents are encouraged to maintain caution and report anything suspicious.



Anyone with any information about this suspect is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.



He is described as a white male in his late 20s or early 30s, unshaven, dark hair graying on the sides, and medium build. He was last seen wearing a red shirt.
Various law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can to make sure St. Petersburgs Pride Parade attendees are safe.

Law enforcement is taking every step to ensure Pride is a safe event

Local, state and national agencies are coming together

Pride begins 7 p.m. Saturday in downtown St. Pete



Expect Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Tampa and Clearwater Police Departments, the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to be at the event in full force.

You name it, theyre going be a part of this, and were going make sure this is a safe event, St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway said.

But just because law enforcement officers are there doesnt mean theyll all be visible: some officers are going under cover to ensure citizens are safe. Authorities will also monitor the event through security cameras  some hidden, some in plain sight.

St. Petersburgs Pride Parade comes almost two weeks after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. According to people in the LGBT community, the tragedy could double attendance compared with last year.

Pride grew out of a reaction to the violence inflicted by authorities on us, said Nadine Smith of Equality Florida. We arent going to make ourselves invisible.

Michael Ward, a St. Petersburg resident, echoed Smiths sentiments.



We just have to move on with our life and keep going and enjoy," Ward said. "Thats one of the reasons why we call it Pride.


The annual St. Pete Pride weekend festival has kicked off.

Pulse victims to be remembered before Saturday's St. Pete Pride parade



St. Pete Pride organizers say weekend festival will show solidarity



Pulse shooting

St. Pete Pride



And with this month's tragic events in Orlando, this weekend's Pride celebration is taking on new meaning. And authorities in St. Petersburg are taking unprecendented security measures.



St. Pete Police have set up a command post ahead of the festival and Saturday's Pride parade. Officials said this is the first time they have opened a command post ahead of the Pride festival.



Organizers are expecting more than 250,000 people to attend the festival, already the largest gay pride celebration in Florida. Officials said they will use this weekend to express solidarity and honor the victims of the Pulse shooting.



In the early-morning hours of June 12, a gunman shot and killed 49 people and wounded another 53 at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando.



On Saturday, 49 representatives from the Orlando Pride organization will honor those victims.



Those 49 representatives will lead Saturday evening's parade, each holding the name of one of the victims. There will be 10 seconds of silence to honor each of them before the parade kicks off, totaling 17 minutes.



Despite a somber, reflective start and an increased security presence, parade organizers said this weekend's events are still a celebration.



"What this person did in Orlando had a reverse effect," said Eric Skains, Executive Director of St. Pete Pride. "He wanted to disrupt our community, but instead hes brought everyone together, so I think people are going to be coming out this year and coming out stronger.



"Were still one and we are Orlando, even in St. Pete."
An Atlas V rocket with a U.S. Navy communications satellite successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station  one of two launches in the U.S. on Friday morning.

MUOS-5 satellite part of military communications network

5 MUOS satellites will network with 4 operational relay ground stations

NASA also launched suborbital rocket from Virginia



The 200-foot-tall rocket blasted off from Space Launch Complex 41 at 10:30 a.m.

The MUOS-5 satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, is the final piece of a network of satellites designed to improve internet, voice and data services to U.S. military forces that are 10 times more advanced than the previous system. The five MUOS satellites will network with four operational relay ground stations, providing near-global coverage.

The satellite will provide "crystal clear voice and mission data, for all sorts of operations and commander use," said Steve Davis of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command.



The five solid rocket boosters provided 1.5 million pounds of thrust. Friday's launch was extremely visible because of the clear skies.

This was ULA's second national security payload launch in the past two weeks. A Delta IV Heavy rocket soared to space June 11 with a government spy satellite.

The Space Coast launch was one of two launches in the U.S. on Friday. College students launched their experiments on a suborbital flight from a NASA facility in Virginia.



Live Blog LIVE CHAT: Atlas V rocket launch from Space Coast
Two unrelated young bobcats are thriving and could be released later this year after being paired together for their rehabilitation.

2 bobcat kits found in Palm Bay pond



Homeowners took them to Florida Wildlife Hospital

1 kit did not make it; other needed a companion



Female kit survivor will be paired with another



One of the young bobcats, called kits, was part of a sibling pair found in a Palm Bay backyard pond earlier this month. The homeowners, who initially mistook them for otters, took them to Florida Wildlife Hospital in Palm Shores. Both kits were very thin and weak, and one was unable to bear weight on its back legs.

Brevard Zoo veterinarian Dr. Trevor Zachariah, as well as FWH staff, worked with the young kit, but it didn't survive.



Sadly, that is the nature of wildlife rehabilitation, FWH director Tracy Frampton said.

Single bobcat kits often fail to thrive, according to the FWH, so it was imperative that they find a companion for the surviving kit. FWH staff reached out to Back to Nature in Kissimmee and found a suitable candidate.



BTNs female bobcat kit, about the same age as FWHs kit, was confiscated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission because it was being kept illegally by a citizen.

The two kits will be introduced at FWH soon, pending medical treatments, where interaction with staff and volunteers is minimized so the kits will lose their dependence on humans.

We are so excited and optimistic about this pair of bobcat kits. If they do well, we can expect that they will be with us for another five months, Frampton said in a news release.


Bernie Sanders says he will vote for Hillary Clinton for president.

Sanders says he realizes he's far behind in pledged delegates

Stopped short of full endorsement of Clinton

While stopping short of a full endorsement of his Democratic rival, Sanders says he's "pretty good at arithmetic" and understands that Clinton has more pledged delegates than he does.

"I will do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump," because his campaign is built on bigotry and denying climate change, Sanders told MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

Sanders said his focus now is on representing those who voted for him at the Democratic convention and encouraging them to become part of the democratic process.

"My job right now is to fight for the strongest possible platform in the Democrat election," he said. That would include an agenda to create jobs and raise the minimum wage, he said.


Students representing Native American tribes from across the state converged on Flagstaff this week for a conference about health, the environment and leadership.

At the ninth annual Arizona American Indian Youth Conference on Health and the Environment, middle and high school students from around the state and various tribes worked on leadership activities and listened to speakers and presentations about taking care of themselves and the world around them.

Gwenda Gorman, the Health and Human Services Director for the Arizona Inter Tribal Council, said topics discussed at the annual summer conference are often ones that parents find difficult to approach with their children, including pregnancy prevention, suicide prevention and healthy relationships.

The conference was sponsored by the Arizona Inter Tribal Council, a consortium that represents 21 Native American Tribes in Arizona. Gorman said about 80 students attended the conference.

For the past nine years we have held this youth health promotion conference where we highlight topics like teen pregnancy prevention, healthy relationships and mental, physical and emotional health, Gorman said. I hope they take away something from each of the presentations they attend, like ways to better take care of themselves physically, mentally and emotionally.

Students attending the conference attended workshop sessions focused on topics like suicide prevention, as well as touring the campus of Northern Arizona University, including information about Native American Student Services.

Gorman said in the past nine years she and other conference leaders have been able to strengthen the conference and services offered by partnering with universities and community colleges, as well as other organizations.

Gorman said conference sponsors have been able to partner with smaller organizations like the Morning Star Leadership foundation, which is a Phoenix-based foundation dedicated to promoting leadership initiatives for Native American students.

Students from the Morning Star Leaders Youth Council attended the conference as students, but were also tasked with creating team bonding activities throughout the conference and leading the other attendees in activities.

Debbie Manuel, the executive director of Morning Star, said her goal through the organization and in the conference was to increase visibility of Native American youth and adults in the decision-making process for policies that affect their communities.

We know how important it is for youth to have a sense of identity, Manuel said. We can also raise awareness for non-Indians about the culture and history of tribes in Arizona and in our region.

Manuel had five student representatives from Morning Star attending the conference, ranging in age from middle school to high school seniors.

Gabriel Fuentes, a member of Morning Star from the Hopi tribe, said he was particularly interested in the suicide prevention presentation and information. He said he has attended suicide prevention workshops in the past, and wants to start a campaign in his community.

Everyone came with different interests, Fuentes said. We listen and get to know them and foster leadership opportunities.

Fuentes said to him, leadership meant helping others and the community, as well as developing identity.

Kanyon Yazzie, another member of Morning Star, said she learned that leadership means setting a good example.

You have to make your decision carefully because other people are going to follow it, she said. You have to be careful of your decisions.
Orlando businessman Todd Wilcox said Friday that he is dropping out of Florida's Senate race and will throw his support behind Marco Rubio.

Todd Wilcox drops out of Senate race

Will back Rubio, who decided to run for re-election



Wilcox made the announcement just two days after saying he would stay in. Rubio, a former Republican presidential candidate, earlier this week reversed a previous decision not to run for re-election.

Wilcox, a U.S. Army combat veteran, doesn't agree with Rubio on everything, but said Rubio has a better chance of winning in November.

"We've traveled different paths, but I respect his grasp of the challenges we face and I appreciate the reality that he, as the incumbent, is best positioned to defeat either Patrick Murphy or Alan Grayson in November. We cannot allow either of these liberal Democrats to carry on the disastrous policies of the Obama administration  Floridians deserve better," Wilcox said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The South Zone of the Kaibab National Forest encompasses hundreds of thousands of acres of grassland, pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine south of the Grand Canyon. This gateway to the canyons South Rim sees throngs of campers during the summer and heavy hunter traffic in the fall.

Some weekends, recreational vehicles and campers line up almost bumper to bumper along popular roads, said Marcos Roybal, National Environmental Policy Act specialist on the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts, which comprise the South Zone.

The Kaibab limits those vehicles to 30 feet on each side of the road, while the limit in several other forests in Arizona is 300 feet. The new rules, to be phased in over three years, propose to expand the corridor to 300 feet on 291 miles of roads.

It was thousands of comments from the forests users that spurred the two ranger districts to implement the changes to their 5- and 6-year-old regulations for off-road travel.

The final rule revision, expected later this summer, is expected to open up an additional 21,000 acres to off-road camping and add 24 miles of official road and 14 spur roads to the two districts. The Forest Service says it will provide a major boost to the recreation access that many commenters were pressing for and align with similar off-road rules on the Coconino and Prescott national forests.

Conservation groups however, have been fighting the rule change from the get-go and remain staunchly opposed, saying it opens up much more land to the environmental impacts of off-roaders than is necessary to satisfy the complaints and requests submitted by forest users.

Allowing cars to roll over more of the landscape damages the health of soils, wildlife habitat, grasslands, meadows and riparian areas and promotes camping and driving in off-limits areas by making those places legal, said Alicyn Gitlin with the Sierra Clubs local chapter. It also increases fire risk across a larger area, said Katie Davis, with the Center for Biological Diversity.

Davis said the Kaibabs travel management rulemaking process is one of many that conservation groups in Arizona have been watching since 2005 when national forests across the country were instructed to create rules for motorized access and recreation on the forest, Davis said.

The Tonto National Forest recently released a draft of its final Travel Management Rule, which the Center for Biological Diversity and Sierra Club are still reviewing, Davis said.

The Kaibabs revision updates the forests first travel management rules approved in 2010 and 2011. It expands camping corridors on 291 miles of forest roads that had been heavily used for dispersed camping and where natural and cultural resource concerns are relatively limited, Roybal said. The area allowed for dispersed camping will expand from 30 feet to 300 feet on either side of the road.

The change was in response to complaints that the initial rule was suddenly closing off campsites that people had used for years, said Jackie Banks, spokesperson with the Kaibab. With the Coconino and Prescott national forests also approving 300-foot camping corridors, the Kaibabs new rule would help reduce confusion for people traveling between forests, Banks said.

That was the important point for Steve Clark with the Arizona Elk Society who supports the rule change. Hunting units cross forest boundaries so its helpful for hunters if rules are consistent across the unit, Clark said.

The Kaibabs proposed 300-foot allowance would be phased in over three years, only expanding after forest officials have done the necessary archaeological resource surveys and determined off-road travel wont cause significant impacts, Roybal said.

But just because other forests have implemented what ends up being a 600-foot-wide corridor doesnt mean its appropriate for the Kaibab National Forest, Davis said.

Sensitive soils, archaeological resources that havent been mapped, wildlife of interest, proximity to Grand Canyon, fire risk and heavy use all make the South Zone unique, she said.

We don't feel like a blanket approach is appropriate for all forests, she said.

Gitlin also pointed out that the Kaibab is beginning efforts to restore grasslands and springs.

We see unregulated travel at odds with the goals to restore these important habitats, she said.

The Center was one of those advocating for the Forest Service to instead survey the landscape, pinpoint the areas that had historically been heavily used, and designate only those specific areas for off-road camping.

Forest officials said such an approach would be labor intensive and confusing to users.

The Kaibabs Travel Management Rule has an embattled history. In addition to receiving thousands of comments related to the limits it imposed on forest access, conservation groups filed a lawsuit challenging a provision of the plan that allows vehicles to travel as much as a mile off most forest roads to retrieve legally hunted big game during hunting season. That lawsuit is still winding its way through the courts.
Celebration, sorrow and resolve.

Those were the feelings running strong at Northern Arizona Pride Associations first-ever Rainbow Flag Ceremony on the Flagstaff City Hall lawn Thursday night. Hundreds of people gathered to witness the first time any city hall in Arizona had flown a rainbow flag in honor of LGBT rights.

Tonight, we raise the rainbow flag in celebration of the great works and accomplishments we have achieved, to commemorate the enormous struggles we have overcome and to unify the community for the battles that still lie ahead, said Northern Arizona Pride Association President Kathryn Jim.

The historic flag raising was supposed to recognize the 20th year of the Pride in the Pines festival, which celebrates the LGBT community and honors those lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS. It took on a new meaning after June 12, when a gunman opened fire at a gay bar in Orlando, Fla., killing 49 people and wounding dozens more in the largest mass shooting in U.S. history.

Before the flag raising Thursday, Vice Mayor Celia Barotz presented a diverse group of community members to read the name and age of each victim who died in the Pulse nightclub shooting.

One woman concluded the solemn list with a prayer for the dead in Arabic.

"Sleep with the angels, everyone," she said afterward.

City Council Member Coral Evans' initial response when Jim proposed raising the rainbow flag over City Hall was, Its about time. After the Orlando massacre, she said, it became about much more.

It became about the reminder that until all of us are truly equal, and until all of us have the exact same right to go where we want, to love who we want, and to be who we are, open and free about it, then none of us are truly free, Evans said.

Jim broke down in tears as she described how transgender people, in particular, are in danger every day.

This year alone, we have lost over 18 beautiful souls, most of whom have been brutally beaten to the point of being unrecognizable and most were people of color, she said, chastising all politicians who have failed to protect the transgender community.

Coconino County Supervisor Art Babbott reflected on the contrast between the grief preceding this years Pride in the Pines and the elation last June when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. He said the next fight must be against those who want to "use the cloak of religious freedom" to discriminate.

Babbott also read a message from U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, who could not attend the ceremony.

"This tragedy has only strengthened our resolve to fight against the hate that divides and fight for the ideals that unite," Kirkpatrick wrote.

The rainbow flag will fly in front of city hall until Sunday. Jim plans to lobby City Council to make it a permanent addition, or at least fly it every June for LGBT Pride Month. She also announced that Northern Arizona Pride Association is working to open the first LGBTQ Center in Flagstaff.

The 20th annual Pride in the Pines festival starts at noon Saturday at the Thorpe Park ball fields, 600 N. Thorpe Road. Tickets are $20 at the gate. For more information, visit www.flagstaffpride.org.
With the United Kingdom's vote Thursday to withdraw from the European Union economic trading partnership, the question rises how it will affect the United States and, closer to home, the Southeast Texas petrochemical and refining core.

Texas economist Ray Perryman said the vote is a fundamental shift in the world's economies likely to have far-reachng consequences.

"Obviously, we don't know the full ramifications and what the exit will look like at this point. It represents a fundamental shift in the world economy that is likely to have far-reaching consequences," Perryman said in an email to The Enterprise.

"As it plays out, it will damage the entire institutional structure of the globe and necessitate trade realignment and many other disruptions. Both Great Britain and the EU will see major reversals and the stability of the region is at risk. The U.S. economy will also see substantial adverse effects," he predicted.

Perryman said the exit would weaken the global economy, demand for petrochemical products and many others are likely to decline.

"Other than sheer reduction in volume in both directions from what it would have been otherwise, the major trading effect is likely to be the necessity of establishing a new trade agreement with Great Britain as they will no longer be part of the one we have with the EU once the exit is complete," Perryman said.

"Structurally, that should be pretty simple, but with the current political environment on both sides of the pond, it could get very complicated," he said.
In whats being touted as a turning point in the way the Supreme Court considers the factor of race in the criminal justice system, Justice Sonia Sotomayor on Monday delivered a scathing dissent in Utah vs. Strieff, a 4th Amendment case about police searches.

The court ruled in a 5-3 decision that it was legal for police to search someone even if he or she had been stopped without a lawful reason, as long as an outstanding warrant was later discovered. Unlawful stop or not, if you have so much as an outstanding traffic ticket, any evidence of wrongdoing turned up in a search could count against you.

Sotomayor was in the minority, with Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan, but her dissent effectively sent a stronger message than the ruling itself.

Decrying the way the decision forgives police who detain people based on nothing more than a hunch, Sotomayor drew on her own experience as a Latina and invoked the lessons of the Black Lives Matter movement.

For generations, black and brown parents have given their children the talk, she wrote,   instructing them to never run down the street; always keep your hands where they can be seen; do not even think of talking back to a stranger  all out of fear of how an officer with a gun will react.

She cited Michelle Alexanders book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, and Ta-Nehisi Coates Between the World and Me, which wrestles with the legacies of racism in terms so plain as to be revolutionary.

People of color, Sotomayor wrote, are disproportionate victims of unlawful police stops that corrode all our civil liberties and threaten our lives.

Though its hardly news to many blacks and Latinos, plenty of middle-class whites are only now beginning to grasp the scope of their privilege when it comes to dealing with the police. Cavalier as it sounds, I can tell you that as a white person (a blond, female one at that) my interactions with law enforcement over the years have taken a notably breezy tone. Im hard pressed to think of a situation where being in the presence of a cop would make me fear for my life  even if, ahem, I had actually done something wrong.

As it happens, on Monday, right around the time Sotomayors dissent began making a splash, I did have a run-in with the law. Near where Im living in New York City, theres a stretch of road closed to traffic and used as an unofficial dog run. NYPD officers routinely sit in a cruiser nearby, paying no attention to local canines enjoying a few minutes of illicit freedom. However, on Monday my dog and I were stopped by a sanitation officer whod observed my infraction and demanded to see ID. Since I didnt have any on me, he said he would escort me to my building to retrieve my drivers license, and then he made a big show of radioing in to see if I was wanted for anything.

Hoping to defuse the encounter, I registered disbelief: Youre kidding me! Then I kicked it up a notch, gently teasing the officer: How did you get stuck on this detail? Finally, I resorted to the sympathy card: My dog and I are here from California and its been a hard adjustment. In the end, I still got a $200 ticket, but the officer apologized because I seemed so nice. And I said I was sorry he had such a difficult job.

Speaking of apologies, Im also sorry to say that before I read Between the World And Me, I probably wouldnt have thought much about the extraordinary display of privilege contained in this encounter. Like Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who has indicated in the past that he has never been stopped by police, I have generally operated on the notion that if youre law-abiding, the police are nothing to be afraid of. And Im an NPR-listening, Obama-loving, supposedly enlightened liberal whos supposed to think beyond that.

Thats why Sotomayors dissent is so important. In pointing out where the courts decision went wrong, it points the way forward. It suggests that the day might come when the law of the land more accurately echoes the cultural conversation. Either that or the day Roberts gets busted for no good reason. Well see which comes first.
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Beaumont contractor John Hamilton was in his shower around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, soaped up, head full of shampoo and the water stopped. Cold. Nothing. Just off.

Hamilton's wife went to Kroger to buy a couple of gallons of bottled water so he could rinse off.

Neither the Hamiltons or his wife's parents, who all live in the Fairfield subdivision off Major Drive, had any idea the city had planned to shut off their water.

The water supplied to the neighborhood and other nearby businesses snapped off when the city's Water Utilities department closed a valve along a 24-inch main along Major Drive.

The city was able to notify a number of customers in advance of the water shutdown by placing red tags on their front doors.

A leak in another valve on Wednesday, however, caused the affected area to expand, leaving a lot of folks who hadn't been told suddenly unable to flush toilets and, in some cases, with soap in their eyes.

Joe Majdalani, the city's director of public works, said on Thursday the city did not notify the people in the expanded work area in a timely fashion.

The interruption in service and the sudden expansion of the affected area has called into question the city's notification system.

The city updates its telephone call system every three months from the regional 911 emergency telephone system, said Beaumont police Capt. Tim Ocnaschek, who also is the city's emergency management coordinator.

The problem is the 911 system is based on landlines, which many have dumped in favor of cellphones.

It's on residents to sign up for an emergency telephone notification by calling the city's 311 line to register their cellphone numbers and an email address, Ocnaschek said.

"We have maybe a 5-percent registration rate," he said. "It's not good, but it's fairly normal."

He said the city sent out up to 3,000 robo-calls to landlines, which doesn't mean those lines still exist, and perhaps 50 to 60 emails about the water shutdown. The calls made to cellphones were a "relatively low number," he said.

Majdalani said the city is working on improvements in notifying people.

"We've never had to work on a major line like this," Majdalani said. "This was something new. We need to have a plan to address these issues."

The city did post updates on the water shutoff on Tuesday and Wednesday to its Facebook page.

That Facebook page, however, was called "Beaumont Texas City Hall," which might not be an obvious selection for residents seeking information on city services.

The page was renamed on Thursday to "City of Beaumont - Government."

Ward 2 Councilman Mike Getz, who said he heard from plenty of angry constituents Wednesday, said other city departments also have their own Facebook pages, some of which haven't been updated in a long time.

Majdalani said the city also must send real-time updates to area news media so reporters can post it to their websites and share on social media. By doing that, so many more people might see the information when they need it most, he said.

Hamilton, the contractor left stranded in his shower, was out on Thursday checking on his in-laws, who live in the same subdivision.

Although their water service was restored late Wednesday night, they did not know whether they were under a "boil water" notice, he said.

Majdalani said there was no "boil water" notice, but the city suggested it as an option in an advisory.

Irene White, who said she turns 86 years old today, took a break on Thursday from yard work, seated in her garage with a fan blowing back her still-blonde hair.

"If my neighbor hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known," she said, referring to the suspension in water service. She said she did not receive any notification from the city that the water would be cut off.

She was able to fill her tub and some pitchers to put in the refrigerator for drinking water. She also found a red tag on the "boil water" advisory on her doorknob early Thursday.

Several other homes in her neighborhood also had tags on the doorknobs Thursday, but no information on how long they should consider boiling their water.

Sue and Marshall Rowe, who live in the Pecan Place subdivision, said they received the city's notice on the interruption in water service and service resumed when the city said it would.

"We just want them to tell us when it's good to drink," Sue Rowe said.

DWallach@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/dwallach
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The leader of a Houston area clique of MS-13 - the notorious street gang imported from El Salvadorwas convicted Thursday of murder and sentenced to 99 years in the bloody machete slaying of a 14-year-old.

Jose Granados-Guevara, 23, was found guilty by visiting state District Judge Terry Flenniken after a three-day bench trial in the Harris County courthouse.

Flenniken then sentenced him to 99 years. Granados-Guevara will be eligible for parole in 30 years.

Prosecutors convinced the judge that Granados-Guevara put together a group of gang members who took 14-year-old Jose Meraz to a wooded area west of Addicks Dam Road. The four gang members passed a single machete around as they hacked him to death.

EXPLAINED: 13 things you need to know about MS-13

"Jose Meraz did not realize that every step he took into the woods was another step toward certain death," prosecutor Greg Houlton said in closing arguments. "The evidence shows that that (Granados-Guevara) not only ordered the death, he participated in it."

Houlton said Granados-Guevara - whose gang name was "Cruel" - gave the order that Meraz had to die after he refused to kill his own cousin in a gang ritual.

Meraz, who was an eighth-grader at Thomas J. Stovall Middle School in the Aldine Independent School District, was allegedly a fledgling member of the gang.

BACKGROUND: Mystery surrounds 14-year old Aldine boy's death

Rick Gonzales, a lawyer for Granados-Guevara, argued that the gang members who testified against the 23-year-old could not be trusted to tell the truth.

"There's an issue of credibility," Gonzales said. "Because of all the lies that have been told, it is not believable testimony."

brian.rogers@chron.com

twitter.com/brianjrogers
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A Houston attorney claims she suffered severe burns and pain after a Starbucks employee negligently spilled coffee in her lap. Now she's filed a lawsuit seeking more than $200,000 for past medical bills, emotional pain and money lost from missed employment due to the incident.

Katherine Mize claims that she has spent the past two years attempting to settle with the Seattle-based coffee conglomerate, but they wouldn't work with her. Unable to come to terms with the corporation, Mize filed the lawsuit June 16 in the Harris County District Court.

READ MORE: Woman alleges Taco Bell employee burned her and boyfriend with hot oil

"Neither (the employee) nor any of the Starbucks employees even attempted to assist Plaintiff while she was in evident and excruciating pain, nor did they file a report to memorialize the event," reads Mize's lawsuit. "Plaintiff was treated at the hospital for intense pain, burns and other associated symptoms. She was unable to eat, sit, walk, work or function normally for an extended period of time after the accident."

Representatives at Starbucks said they are taking the allegations seriously and are responding to Mize's claims.

"The health and safety of our customers and partners (employees) is always our top priority,"

said Starbucks spokesman Reggie Borges." We are aware of the customer's claims and will be fully prepared to defend the case in court."

READ MORE: Driver's lawsuit alleges Domino's pays sub-minimum wages, shorts workers on delivery fee

The burns occurred at 8 a.m. July 13, 2014 at the 445 North Loop West Starbucks location, according to the lawsuit.

Mize's lawyer Brian Humphrey said Mize tried to settle with Starbucks before she hired him in late 2015. Humphrey said Mize was forced to file a lawsuit since state law dictates civil lawsuits must be filed within two years after the incident or it won't be heard in court.

"The Starbucks employee spilled it on her. It wasn't Katherine's carelessness that caused the burns," Humphrey said. "Katherine has several thousands of dollars in medical expenses. She wasn't able to work her job. She's lost tens of thousands of dollars because of this. Starbucks never offered to pay her medical expenses and wouldn't talk to her before she hired me."

Mize is suing on the grounds that the Starbucks employee failed to pay attention, failed to safely handle the hot beverage and failed to offer Mize help after the spill, according to the lawsuit.

Mize is seeking between $200,000 and $1 million from Starbucks over the incident.

Humphrey said in his experience, it'll take at least a year before the case is heard in Harris Count y courts, should the lawsuit go to trial.
The National Labor Relations Board and Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health reached a settlement agreement permitting physicians to share the terms of their employment contracts with one another, according to The Dickinson Press.

The settlement comes after a physician from Sanford's Bismarck, N.D., branch filed a complaint in March about the health system's restrictive contract terms that did not permit them to discuss compensation with fellow employees, according to the report.

"How our physicians are compensated is an important discussion," Craig Lambrecht, MD, Sanford Bismarck executive vice president said in a statement acquired by The Dickinson Press. "We're working with the National Labor Relations Board to find a solution that supports open dialogue while protecting confidential information. We will, of course, work with the NLRB as we move forward with the appropriate changes."

More articles on compensation:

40 statistics on physician compensation

Viewpoint: Hospital CEOs deserve competitive salaries

Harvard study: Black male physicians earn much less than white counterparts
The University of Texas' Dell Medical School will soon open to its inaugural class, according to an American-Statesman report.

Classes are scheduled to begin July 5, marking the culmination of various efforts over the years to establish a medical school in Austin.

Those efforts have been off and on since Sept. 6, 1881, when Texas voters decided that the main University of Texas campus would be in Austin and the medical school in Galveston, according to the report.

The latest momentum came in 2011, when state Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin) brokered an agreement involving the University of Texas, Central Health, a taxing authority and Travis County's hospital district, and Austin-based Seton Healthcare Family, according to the report. The next year, Travis County voters agreed to raise Central Health's property taxes to support the medical school to the tune of $35 million a year. Seton, part of St. Louis-based Ascension, is building a new teaching hospital on University of Texas land that is slated to open next year. For its part, the University of Texas governing board is underwriting construction of the medical school with endowment-backed bonds.

The University of Texas is filling and funding administrative positions, department chairs and other key jobs, while Seton is paying much of the rank-and-file clinical faculty, according to the report. Overall, roughly 350 physicians have faculty appointments, and that number will reach anywhere from 600 to 700, Sue Cox, executive vice dean for academics, told the American-Statesman.
The following hospital and health system rating and outlook changes and affirmations took place in the last week, starting with the most recent.

1. S&P rates University of Vermont Medical Center's bonds

S&P Global Ratings assigned its "A-" long-term rating to $89 million series 2016 B green bonds issued on behalf of University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington by the Vermont Educational & Health Building Financing Agency.

2. Moody's assigns 'A2' rating to Renown Health's bonds

Moody's Investors Service assigned an "A2" rating to Reno, Nev.-based Renown Health's proposed $135 million series 2016A fixed rate hospital revenue refunding bonds, and affirmed the "A2" ratings on the system's parity debt, affecting approximately $510 million of debt outstanding.

3. S&P assigns 'A-' rating to Norton Healthcare's bonds

S&P Global Ratings assigned its "A-" long-term rating to $525.31 million series 2016A fixed-rate revenue bonds issued on behalf of Louisville, Ky.-based Norton Healthcare by the Louisville & Jefferson County Metropolitan Government.

4. S&P affirms Presence Health's bond rating

S&P Global Ratings affirmed its "BBB-" long-term rating and underlying rating on bonds issued on behalf of Chicago-based Presence Health Network by the Illinois Finance Authority.

5. Moody's downgrades Boone Hospital Center's bond rating

Moody's Investors Service downgraded the rating on 397-bed Boone Hospital Center's $91.9 million of fixed-rate revenue bonds to "Baa1" from "A3."

6. Moody's affirms Sarasota County Public Hospital District's 'A1' rating

Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "A1" rating on Sarasota County (Fla.) Public Hospital District's $180 million of outstanding fixed rate bonds.

7. Fitch affirms Yavapai Regional Medical Center's 'BBB+' rating

Fitch Ratings affirmed the "BBB+" rating assigned to $30.3 million of series 2013A fixed-rate bonds and $30 million of series 2008B fixed-rate bonds issued by the Industrial Department of Authority of the County of Yavapai (Ariz.) on behalf of Yavapai Regional Medical Center.
The Pleasanton, Calif.-based ValleyCare branch of Stanford Health is hosting a National Cancer Moonshot Summit event on June 29.

The event, which was called for by Vice President Joe Biden, will convene researchers, physicians, scientists, philanthropists, advocates, patients, survivors and community members, while others convene for similar, simultaneous summits at hundreds of institutions around the country. The goal of the summit is to discuss how cancer affects communities and how communities can collaborate to push forward the Obama administration's Moonshot Initiative. It will also include a live stream with Vice President Biden on the overall progress of the Moonshot Initiative, which aims to accelerate scientific progress in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment and to bring those advancements to patients in the next five years.

"The Moonshot cannot be achieved by one person, one organization, one discipline or even one collective approach," Vice President Biden said in a statement. "Solving the complexities of cancer will require the formation of new alliances to defy the bounds of innovation and accelerate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and  ultimately  a cure. It's going to require millions of Americans speaking up and contributing what they're able. That's what the Cancer Moonshot Summit is all about."

The event will be held at ValleyCare's Regional Cancer Center in Pleasanton and is free and open to the public.

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Stay in the know with Becker's Hospital Review's weekly roundup of the nation's biggest healthcare news. Here's what you need to know this week.

1. GOP unveils ACA replacement plan

Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and House Republicans Wednesday unveiled a 37-page healthcare proposal that consolidates the party's ideas to replace the Affordable Care Act. The plan centers around five core principles, including: repeal the ACA; provide Americans with more choice, lower costs and greater flexibility in healthcare; protect the most "vulnerable" patients, such as those with pre-existing conditions and complex medical conditions; promote medical innovation; preserve Medicare.

2. 301 individuals charged in $900M Medicare fraud crackdown

The Medicare Fraud Strike Force set a new record this year for the largest takedown against medical professionals attempting to defraud Medicare, according to the Department of Justice. This year, the task force levied criminal and civil charges against 301 individuals, including 61 physicians, nurses and other licensed medical professionals for allegedly participating in schemes involving $900 million in false billings. In comparison, last year's record setting numbers for defendants charged and alleged loss totaled 243 individuals and $712 million in false billings.

3. Joint Commission denies Virginia Mason full accreditation after discovering safety issues

The Joint Commission denied the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle full accreditation after a surprise review in May revealed noncompliance with 29 standards, according to The Seattle Times. The accreditation announcement follows news of a possible hepatitis B exposure at the hospital affecting nearly 650 patients.

4. Medicare to be insolvent 2 years earlier than previously expected

Medicare's hospital-insurance trust fund will be depleted by 2028, two years sooner than estimated in 2015, according to the annual report card by the program's trustees. The trustees updated the estimate as a result of projected higher use of inpatient hospital services and lower taxable payroll.

5. Ex-health clinic CEO guilty of 98 counts in $14M fraud suit

A federal jury has convicted Jonathan Dunning, the former CEO of Birmingham (Ala.) Health Care and Central Alabama Comprehensive Health in Tuskegee, of diverting $14 million in federal funding to private companies he formed to contract with the clinics. After leaving his post as CEO in 2008, Mr. Dunning continued to exercise control over the two nonprofit health clinics and diverted $14 million in government funds meant for the clinics to his own for-profit companies.

6. Advocate-NorthShore request expedited appeal in merger case

Downers Grove, Ill.-based Advocate Health Care and Evanston, Ill.-based NorthShore University HealthSystem have asked a federal appeals court to speed up the process of hearing arguments from federal antitrust regulators who are determined to stop the two Chicagoland systems from merging.

7. 1,300 Kaiser nurses set to begin 4-day strike

About 1,300 nurses at Kaiser Permanente's Los AngelesMedicalCenter, who are members of the California Nurses Association and National Nurses United, began a four-day strike Thursday, according to the Los Angeles Times.

8. More than 4,000 nurses begin strike at Allina hospitals

More than 4,000 nurses at Minneapolis-based Allina Health went on strike Sunday, signaling the beginning of a planned seven-day walkout, according to a Star Tribune report. A June 22 Star Tribune report found the striking nurses are questioning the organization's spending, including the Minneapolis-based system's $108 million investment in medical data company Health Catalyst.

9. UC Health nurse sues health system for covering up scope-related outbreak

A University of Cincinnati Health nurse filed a whistle-blower lawsuit against the system, claiming UC Health failed to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria and covered up its role in the outbreak, FOX 19 NOW reports.

10. Fort Worth hospital to close, 152 to lose jobs

Regency Hospital in Forth Worth, Texas will close Aug. 11, leaving the specialty acute care facility's 152 employees without jobs, according to The Dallas Morning News.
In a speech to Massachusetts Republicans on Tuesday, Jonathan Bush addressed the rise of Donald Trump in the political sphere and his plans to become more politically active, according to a Boston Globe report.

The co-founder and CEO of athenahealth spoke about the anger in the Republican Party, which has fueled Mr. Trump's path to becoming the presumptive Republican candidate for the presidency, according to the report.

"You don't get a hateful guy if people aren't feeling a lot of hateful frustration," Mr. Bush told The Globe in a later interview. "We as Republicans created a demand for a Trump. Let us not blame the people who support him and let us not blame him."

Instead, Mr. Bush said the systems are failing the American people, prohibiting them from ultimately being successful. He said politics have led to a "co-opting of the American opportunity into such a profound welfare state that nothing is free to do."

However, Mr. Bush, who is a cousin of former president George W. Bush and former Republican nominee hopeful Jeb Bush, said he still is not planning on voting for Mr. Trump, citing concerns of "a national security apparatus in Trump's hands," according to The Globe.

"If he was a little bit less clinically narcissistic, I would vote for him," Mr. Bush said.

When asked about his own political aspirations, Mr. Bush said he wants to be more politically active, but not to the point of putting another Bush in the White House.

"First of all, we need another Bush like I need a hole in my head," Mr. Bush said in the report. "I don't want to be another Bush, but I do want to be politically active, I do want to provide air cover."

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Springfield, Mo.-based CoxHealth is planning to hire roughly 100 nurses from abroad to keep up with the system's need for healthcare personnel, the Springfield News-Leader reports.

"A nursing shortage is facing the United States, and we at CoxHealth believe we must try new solutions to fill the gap," CoxHealth's CNO Karen Kramer, BSN, RN, said in a news release cited by the News-Leader. "We always want to supply the healthcare that our community needs, and feel that bringing nurses to us is a good way of doing that."

The largest share of nurses will be hired from the Philippines, since English is one of the country's official languages, the other of course being Filipino. According to CoxHealth officials, the nurses will be thoroughly screened to ensure their qualifications meet the system's standards. Already, CoxHealth has interviewed prospective nurse candidates via video conferencing.

"We have been very impressed by the people we have interviewed so far," Ms. Kramer said in the release. "The U.S. and the Philippines have developed similarly strong standards for nursing over the past 50 years, so we feel that these individuals will seamlessly support our organization."

According to the health system, the international hiring initiative does not replace traditional, ongoing efforts to recruit nurses locally.

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Pacifica Hospital of the Valley has agreed to pay $1 million to resolve allegations that the Sun Valley, Calif.-based hospital failed to follow homeless patient discharge protocols when it sent a patient by taxi to a nursing home, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer alleged Pacifica Hospital put the patient, Kasey Lucious, in a taxi headed to Crenshaw Nursing Home in Los Angeles, but failed to ensure she entered the facility. Ms. Lucious was found by the California Highway Patrol three days later, according to the city attorney.

Mr. Feuer further alleged that Pacifica Hospital failed to correctly reserve Ms. Lucious a bed at Crenshaw Nursing Home.

Regarding the settlement, Pacifica Hospital released a statement to the Los Angeles Daily News saying the hospital contested the material allegations by the city attorney. Pacifica Hospital said it entered the settlement agreement to avoid the costs of litigation.

Pacifica Hospital settled similar allegations in the past. In 2014, the hospital agreed to pay $500,000 and follow a new set of homeless discharge protocols to resolve patient dumping allegations.

Pacifica Hospital isn't the only hospital in the Los Angeles area accused of patient dumping. In April, Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles agreed to pay $450,000 to resolve allegations that it left a homeless patient on the streets without a plan for recuperative care after he was treated for an injury at the facility.

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The Illinois Senate has approved a bill that would require medical providers who choose not to perform a procedure such as abortion to transfer or refer patients to another facility if they request it, according to a PregnancyHelpNews report published on LifeNews.com.

Here are three things to know about the bill.

1. The legislation, Senate Bill 1564, passed by a 61-54 margin. It now awaits the signature of Republican Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner.

2. Under the bill, Illinois pro-life medical providers who choose not to perform abortions or prescribe birth control would have to choose from one of the following options: refer the patient to another provider, transfer the patient to another provider, or provide a list of "other healthcare providers who they reasonably believe may offer the healthcare service," according to the report.

3. Matt Bowman, senior legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, has urged the pro-life community to contact Gov. Rauner's office and ask him to veto the bill.
As consolidation swallows up the healthcare industry, independent physicians must band together to solidify their place. Established in 2014, The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics sought to do just that.

Starting with about 125 orthopedic surgeons, the practice now unites about 170 independent orthopedic surgeons from the Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland regions with the common goal of meeting the highest standards of patient care. The Centers includes 29 care centers, staffed by about 300 total providers, including physician assistants, physical therapists and other positions.

"The timing was right, because people could see the changes coming in medicine," says Nicholas Grosso, MD, of the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland division. "Even if you're a 12-man group, you're really nothing compared to these hospitals."

Dr. Grosso was among the founding surgeons creating The Centers, which has not lost any of its member divisions since its inception. The practice seeks to offer personalized medicine, which its surgeons argue can only be done in private practice.

"We've preserved the private practice model," Dr. Grosso says of The Centers. "We think it is the most efficient and effective way to care for patients."

In its first year of business, The Centers set up the logistical groundwork to succeed, such as creating a compliance plan and implementing a revenue cycle management system.

"This is they year of doing the things we want to do," says Dr. Grosso. The Centers hired a consultant to train all employees in customer service, with an emphasis on enhancing patient satisfaction.

Focused on the value-based model, The Centers partnered with Remedy Partners to analyze potential bundled payments. The practice plans to bundle on the private side with commercial payers. Dr. Grosso says The Centers has identified seven bundles to execute.

As for the future of healthcare, Dr. Grosso notes there are several other practices propagating missions similar to The Centers around the nation. The goal is ubiquitous "let's maintain private practice and business will come to us."

"I think the role of private practice is going to become more important than less important," says Dr. Grosso. "The wheel is going to turn one more time."
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Prithiviraj is quite a busy actor in Mollywood and he has already had 3 releases, Pavada, Darvinite Parinamam, James and Alice in 2016. He seems to have no intentions of slowing down.

The actor has given a go-ahead signal to director K S Babus ambitious project titled Karachi 81. The director said that the team is seriously thinking about shooting the film in Pakistan, Moscow, Rajasthan and Kochi. This action oriented film that tells the story of a spy will be marked as the first Malayalam film to be shot in Pakistan.

Another update from this actor's camp is that his next with Drishyam fame director Jeethu Joseph titled as Oozham will have its first look released on July 1st.
The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union - sending shockwaves and uncertainty throughout the financial and political worlds leaving the Remain campaign in a state of incredulity and Prime Minister David Cameron resigning.

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said another independence referendum was "highly likely".

Read More

She said: "it was "democratically unacceptable" that Scotland faced the prospect of being taken out of the EU against its will and her government would begin preparing legislation to enable another independence vote.

The SNP leader said her priority was to reassure the people of Scotland about their immediate future and she would explore all options to secure Scotland's place in the European Union.

She added: "Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland will forever remain friends."

Responding, the Northern Ireland Secretary of State said Scotland had voted to be a part of the UK and that would remain the case.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said the test for a Northern Ireland border poll had not been met.

"Our Nation is safe," she said.

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Photo credit should read: David Young/PA Wire PA Chelsea pensioners at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital, London, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire PA Boris Johnson and his wife Marina arrive to cast their votes at Hanover Primary School in north London, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire PA Jenny Watson, the Chief Counting Officer for the EU Referendum, announces that polling has closed and the national count has commenced at Manchester Town Hall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA A ballot box is carried into the Royal Horticultural Halls in London as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire PA A counter waits for ballot boxes to arrive at the Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls, London, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire PA Tellers wait for ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Counters empty ballot box at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Press Eye - Referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union Northern Ireland- Titanic Count Centre - Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan Counting continues at Titanic Exhibition Centre as SDLP's Alban Maginness and Clare Hanna discuss progress Press Eye - Referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union Northern Ireland- Titanic Count Centre - Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan Counting continues at Titanic Exhibition Centre Press Eye - Referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union Northern Ireland- Titanic Count Centre - Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan 23rd June 2016 Former Justice Minister David Forde Press Eye - Referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union Northern Ireland- Titanic Count Centre - Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan 23rd June 2016 Christopher Stalford chats with Dianne Dodds Press Eye - Referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union Northern Ireland- Titanic Count Centre - Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan Counting continues at Titanic Exhibition Centre and Nigel Dodds chats with colleagues Press Eye - Referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union Northern Ireland- Titanic Count Centre - Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan Counting continues at Titanic Exhibition Centre and Alastair Mc Donnell keep a close with on proceedings A counter tallies ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Counters tally ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Bundles of ballot papers at the counting centre in Manchester Central after Thursday's EU referendum. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA How the vote stands at 5:30am. See story POLITICS EU. PA UKIP Leader Nigel Farage speaking in London where he appeared to claim victory for the Leave campaign in the EU referendum. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire PA Leave supporters at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, after polls closed in the EU referendum. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Remain supporters at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, after polls closed in the EU referendum. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Supporters of leaving the EU celebrate at a party hosted by Leave.EU in central London as they watch results come in from around the country after Thursday's EU referendum. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire PA Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Rob Stothard/PA Wire PA TOKYO, JAPAN - JUNE 24: People read special edition of the Sankei newspaper reporting the results of the UK vote on June 24, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. The result from the historic EU referendum has now been declared and the United Kingdom has voted to LEAVE the European Union. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) Getty Images TOKYO, JAPAN - JUNE 24: Pedestrians walk past an electronic stock board displaying the exchange rate of the yen against the US dollar outside a securities firm on June 24, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. Process of the vote counting is underway and the majority of British people have voted to leave the European Union (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) Getty Images TOKYO, JAPAN - JUNE 24: A man watches an electronic board displaying price of the Nikkei stock average outside of a securities firm on June 24, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. Process of the vote counting is underway and the majority of British people have voted to leave the European Union (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) Getty Images TV OUT. ALL BROADCAST WEBSITES OUT. No cropping permitted. Picture must be credited to Sky News. We are advised that videograbs should not be used more than 48 hours after the time of original transmission, without the consent of the copyright holder. Video grab taken from Sky News of Bank of England governor Mark Carney, who said "some market and economic volatility can be expected" in the wake of the Brexit vote, adding that the Bank was well prepared. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU Bank. Photo credit should read: Sky News/PA Wire PA Exchange rates displayed at a currency exchange in London after Britain voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum which has thrown Westminster politics into disarray and sent the pound tumbling on the world markets. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire PA File photo dated 28/03/10 of British Airways aircraft at Heathrow Airport, as its owner, IAG, has issued a profit warning following the UK's decision to leave the EU. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday June 24, 2016. The company's share price tanked 19% to 425.6p in trading on Friday morning. See PA story POLITICS EU IAG. Photo credit should read: Steve Parsons/PA Wire PA How the pound has fallen. See story POLITICS EU PA A statue of Winston Churchill is silhouetted by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in central London on June 24, 2016. Britain has voted to break out of the European Union, striking a thunderous blow against the bloc and spreading panic through world markets Friday as sterling collapsed to a 31-year low. / AFP / Niklas HALLE'N AFP/Getty Images A police officer enters the door of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister, as UKIP leader Nigel Farage claimed victory for the Leave campaign in the EU referendum. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire PA Journalists outside 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister, as UKIP leader Nigel Farage claimed victory for the Leave campaign in the EU referendum. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire PA Members of the press photograph Prime Minister David Cameron as he speaks outside 10 Downing Street, London, where he announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum which has thrown Westminster politics into disarray and sent the pound tumbling on the world markets. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire PA ALTERNATE CROP Prime Minister David Cameron walks out of 10 Downing Street, London, with wife Samantha where he announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum which has thrown Westminster politics into disarray and sent the pound tumbling on the world markets. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire PA LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside Downing Street on June 24, 2016 in London, England. The results from the historic EU referendum has now been declared and the United Kingdom has voted to LEAVE the European Union. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street, London, where he announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum which has thrown Westminster politics into disarray and sent the pound tumbling on the world markets. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire PA Samantha Cameron watches her husband David announce his resignation as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street, London, after Britain voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum which has thrown Westminster politics into disarray and sent the pound tumbling on the world markets. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire PA Prime Minister David Cameron walks into 10 Downing Street, London, with wife Samantha after he announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum which has thrown Westminster politics into disarray and sent the pound tumbling on the world markets. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire PA Police break up a crowd blocking Boris Johnson's car from leaving his street in north London, after David Cameron announced he will quit as Prime Minister by October following a humiliating defeat in the referendum which ended with a vote for Britain to leave the European Union. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Ryan Wilkinson/PA Wire PA Former London Mayor, and "Vote Leave" campaigner Boris Johnson leaves his home in London on June 24, 2016 after Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU). Britain voted to break away from the European Union on June 24, toppling Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing a thunderous blow to the 60-year-old bloc that sent world markets plunging. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, walks towards the Houses of Parliament on June 24, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. The result from the historic EU referendum has now been declared and the United Kingdom has voted to LEAVE the European Union. (Photo by Rob Stothard/Getty Images) Getty Images Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, London, after Britain voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum which has thrown Westminster politics into disarray and sent the pound tumbling on the world markets. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire PA Boris Johnson and Michael Gove (right) hold a press conference at Brexit HQ in Westminster, London, after David Cameron has announced he will quit as Prime Minister by October following a humiliating defeat in the referendum which ended with a vote for Britain to leave the European Union. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire PA Presumptive Republican nominee for US president Donald Trumpwaves with his daughter Ivanka Trump on June 24, 2016 in Ayr, Scotland. Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Getty Images US presidential hopeful Donald Trump, with his daughter Ivanka and son Eric (left) at his revamped Trump Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. Trump will cut the ribbon at the resort he purchased two years ago which has undergone a 200 million refurbishment. See PA story POLITICS Trump. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire PA TV OUT. ALL BROADCAST WEBSITES OUT. No cropping permitted. Picture must be credited to Sky News. We are advised that videograbs should not be used more than 48 hours after the time of original transmission, without the consent of the copyright holder. Video grab taken from Sky News of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, where she confirmed that the Scottish Government will draw up legislation to allow a second independence referendum to be held. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU Scotland. Photo credit should read: Sky News/PA Wire PA Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 24th June 2016 First Minister Arlene Foster is pictured on a phone call at 11.20am today speaking with Prime Minister David Cameron in her office at Stormont Castle, Belfast this morning after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. Photo by Press Eye Alan Lewis- PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 24-6-2016 Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster speaking at Stormont Castle this afternoon on the Brexit vote in the European Union Referendum on membership of the EU. Photopress Belfast Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny speaks during a press conference in Dublin, after Britain voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum which has thrown Westminster politics into disarray and sent the pound tumbling on the world markets. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 24, 2016. See PA story POLITICS EU Ireland. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA Alan Lewis- PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 24-6-2016 Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness with Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein Ministers speaking at Stormont Castle this afternoon on the Brexit vote in the European Union Referendum on membership of the EU. Photopress Belfast PACEMAKER BELFAST 24/06/2016 Democratic imperative for border poll Adams Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams TD speaking at Stormont Castle today along with First Minister Martin McGuinness and other Executive Ministers said: There is an onus on the British government to respect the democratic wishes of the people of the north. The Taoiseach has to think nationally in a real sense. The Irish government needs an all-island, all-Ireland view. The referendum result will have very profound effects for all of us on this island. There are real worries it will have an adverse impact on the two economies on this island. This will have serious consequences for jobs and investment and for families and communities. UK London 24 June 2016 -- A group of young school students from Oxford protest opposite the Parliament against the fact that as 16 and 17 years old they weren't allowed to vote in the referendum. The posters read 'Where was my vote' and 'Please Sir can we have a voice? Let 16/17 yr olds vote' The day after the EU Referendum in which the majority of Britain decided to leave the EU, sees Leave and Stay supporters out in the streets of London -- Picture by Michael Debets/Atlas Photo Archive Michael Debets/Atlas Photo Archi / Facebook

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Whatsapp A general view of Manchester Town Hall, the setting for the national count in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, before the counting of votes. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

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While the UK voted in favour of Leave, the majority of Northern Ireland votes opted for Remain.

The result has sent shockwaves through financial markets and the political sphere with Prime Minister David Cameron announcing his decision to resign.

Boris Johnson has paid tribute to David Cameron as "one of the most extraordinary politicians of our age" following the Prime Minister's decision to step down after the Brexit vote.

The former London mayor, standard bearer for the Vote Leave campaign, said Mr Cameron was a "brave and principled man" who had given "superb leadership".

Giving his reaction to the Leave camp's victory, Mr Johnson insisted that the Brexit vote "does not mean that the United Kingdom will be in any way less united" or "less European".

In a speech at Vote Leave's headquarters in London, he said: "I believe the British people have spoken up for democracy in Britain and across Europe and I think we can be very proud of the result."

Pressure is also mounting on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Sky is reporting that the Parliamentary Labour Party is sounding out support for a leadership challenge.

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>>How did your constituency vote - from Foyle to East Belfast<<

Mr Cameron said he accepted the decision of the electorate, which voted by 52% to 48% to quit the EU.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall. PA Sinn Fein MEP for Northern Ireland, Martina Anderson, at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast PA British comedian Eddie Izzard joins supporters of the Stronger In Campaign gather to wait for the result of the EU referendum at a results party at the Royal Festival Hall in London early in the morning of June 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Nigel Farage speaks to journalists at the Leave.EU referendum party at Millbank Tower in central London on June 23 2016 AFP/Getty Images Leave.EU supporters wave Union flags and cheer as the results come in at the Leave.EU referendum party at Millbank Tower in central London early in the morning of June 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Remain supporters at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, after polls closed in the EU referendum. PA Leave supporters at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, after polls closed in the EU referendum. PA Caroline Wilson of Belfast City Council speaking with DUP MLA for Belfast South Christopher Stalford at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, after polls closed in the EU referendum. PA Counting continues at Titanic Exhibition Centre as SDLP's Alban Maginness and Clare Hanna discuss progress Titanic Count Centre - Belfast former Justice Minister David Forde Counting at Titanic Exhibition Centre Counting at Titanic Exhibition Centre as local politicians keep a close watch on progress Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign gather to wait for the result of the EU referendum at a results party at the Royal Festival Hall in London on June 23, 2016. AFP/Getty Images SUNDERLAND, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 24: Leave campaigners celebrate as they win the vote in Sunderland during the North East region European Union referendum count on June 24, 2016 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. Getty Images The first box of votes is opened at Titanic Belfast The first Ballot Boxes are opened in the Foyle Arena in Derry-Londonderry last night shortly after the polls closed in the Brexit referendum. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.06.16 SDLP Party Leader Colm Eastwood and Remain campaigner arrives at the count centre in the Foyle Arena in Derry-Londonderry. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.06.16 Boris Johnson and his wife Marina leave after casting their votes at Hanover Primary School in north London, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave. PA A man accompanied by his dog laughs as he exits a polling station after voting in the EU referendum on June 23, 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Getty Images A dog is tied to railings outside a polling station waiting for its owner to cast their vote on the EU Referendum on June 23, 2016 in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to decide whether or not the country wishes to remain within the European Union. After a hard fought campaign from both REMAIN and LEAVE the vote is too close to call. A result on the referendum is expected on Friday morning. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) Getty Images REDCAR, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 23: A man walks his dog from a polling station in a Youth Community Centre as voters head to the polls to cast their vote on the EU Referendum on June 23, 2016 in Redcar, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is going to the polls to decide whether or not the country wishes to remain within the European Union. After a hard fought campaign from both REMAIN and LEAVE the vote is too close to call. A result on the referendum is expected on Friday morning. Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) Getty Images REDCAR, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 23: A dog plays on the grass next to a polling station sign attached to railings in Redcar as voters head to the polls to cast their vote on the EU Referendum on June 23, 2016 in Redcar, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) Getty Images SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 23: A dog is tied to railings outside a polling station waiting for its owner to cast their vote on the EU Referendum on June 23, 2016 in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to decide whether or not the country wishes to remain within the European Union. After a hard fought campaign from both REMAIN and LEAVE the vote is too close to call. A result on the referendum is expected on Friday morning. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) Getty Images A woman waits with her dog outside a polling station in Little Milton on June 23, 2016. Millions of Britons began voting today in a bitterly-fought, knife-edge referendum that could tear up the island nation's EU membership and spark the greatest emergency of the bloc's 60-year history. / AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNISADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 23: Duke, an eight week old Labrador Collie sits in a basket with his owner's EU referendum polling card outside Notre Dame Primary School polling station on June 23, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to decide whether or not the country wishes to remain within the European Union. After a hard fought campaign from both REMAIN and LEAVE the vote is too close to call. A result on the referendum is expected on Friday morning. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Getty Images Father Peter Burn of Clonard Monastery leaving Springvale Employment and Learning Solutions polling station in West Belfast as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 23rd May 2016 First Minister Arlene Foster pictured at the polling station at Brookeborough Primary School Picture by Andrew Paton/Press Eye.com WESTERHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 23: Nigel Farage, leader of UKIP and Vote Leave campaigner, poses for photographs after registering his vote in the UK's EU referendum, at his local polling station Cudham Church of England Primary School on June 23, 2016 in Westerham, England. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to decide whether or not the country wishes to remain within the European Union. After a hard fought campaign from both REMAIN and LEAVE the vote is too close to call. A result on the referendum is expected on Friday morning. (Photo by Mary Turner/Getty Images) Getty Images WESTERHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 23: Nigel Farage, leader of UKIP and Vote Leave campaigner, talks to the media outside his local polling station, Cudham Church of England Primary School, after registering his vote in the EU referendum on June 23, 2016 in Westerham, England. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to decide whether or not the country wishes to remain within the European Union. After a hard fought campaign from both REMAIN and LEAVE the vote is too close to call. A result on the referendum is expected on Friday morning. (Photo by Mary Turner/Getty Images) Getty Images People queuing outside a polling station in Battersea, London, this morning, as voters go the polls in the EU referendum. Rebecca Soni/PA Wire PA A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox. Cox, 41, died after being shot and stabbed in the street outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, near Leeds. Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Chelsea pensioners are reflected in a puddle of rain water as they leave after being ushered into a polling station to cast their ballot papers at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, west London on June 23, 2016, as Britain holds a referendum to vote on whether to remain in, or to leave the European Union (EU). / AFP PHOTO / LEON NEALLEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A Chelsea pensioner uses a smartphone to photgraph the media as he arrives at a poling station to cast his ballot paper at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, west London on June 23, 2016, as Britain holds a referendum to vote on whether to remain in, or to leave the European Union (EU). / AFP PHOTO / LEON NEALLEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Chelsea pensioners are ushered into a polling station to cast their ballot papers at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, west London on June 23, 2016, as Britain holds a referendum to vote on whether to remain in, or to leave the European Union (EU). Millions of Britons began voting Thursday in a bitterly-fought, knife-edge referendum that could tear up the island nation's EU membership and spark the greatest emergency of the bloc's 60-year history. / AFP PHOTO / LEON NEALLEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha leave after casting their votes in the EU referendum, at a polling station in London on June 23, 2016. Millions of Britons began voting Thursday in a bitterly-fought, knife-edge referendum that could tear up the island nation's EU membership and spark the greatest emergency of the bloc's 60-year history. / AFP PHOTO / LEON NEALLEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with Labour Party activists as he leaves his home to cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington on June 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 23: SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon casts her vote in the EU referendum at Broomhouse Community Hall on June 23, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. Voters across the country are beginning to cast their votes in the referendum on whether the UK should leave the European Union or remain. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Getty Images Millions of Britons began voting today in a bitterly-fought, knife-edge referendum that could tear up the island nation's EU membership and spark the greatest emergency of the bloc's 60-year history. / AFP PHOTO / Robert PerryROBERT PERRY/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 23: SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon casts her vote in the EU referendum with her husband Peter Murrel at Broomhouse Community Hall on June 23, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. Voters across the country are beginning to cast their votes in the referendum on whether the UK should leave the European Union or remain. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Getty Images Daisy Treasure, one, outside a polling station in Newbury Park, near Ilford in Essex, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave. Ella Pickover/PA Wire PA A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Birstall library, West Yorkshire, near where Labour MP Jo Cox was attacked and killed outside her constituency surgery. Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA A police officer stands outside a polling station being used in the EU referendum at Birstall library, West Yorkshire, near where Labour MP Jo Cox was attacked and killed outside her constituency surgery. Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves after casting his vote at a polling station in Islington, London, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave. Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire PA Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon, poses for photographers as leaves after voting at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow, on June 23, 2016, as Britain holds a referendum on whether to stay or leave the European Union (EU). / AFP PHOTO / Robert PerryROBERT PERRY/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Nuns leave after casting their votes at a polling station in London, on June 23, 2016, as Britain holds a referendum on whether to stay or leave the European Union (EU). Millions of Britons began voting Thursday in a bitterly-fought, knife-edge referendum that could tear up the island nation's EU membership and spark the greatest emergency of the bloc's 60-year history. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images GIBRALTAR - JUNE 23: Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and his wife Justine vote in the EU Referendum at a polling station on June 23, 2016 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls today to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union. After a hard fought campaign from both REMAIN and LEAVE the vote is expected to be very close. A result on the referendum is expected on Friday morning. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) Getty Images GIBRALTAR - JUNE 23: Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and his wife Justine depart after voting in the EU Referendum at a polling station on June 23, 2016 in Gibraltar, Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls today to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union. After a hard fought campaign from both REMAIN and LEAVE the vote is expected to be very close. A result on the referendum is expected on Friday morning. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) Getty Images Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha arrive to cast their votes at a polling station in Westminster, London, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave. Anthony Devlin/PA Wire PA Poll clerk Lana Kernan setting out the Polling Station sign at the Springvale Employment and Learning Solutions polling station in west Belfast, as voters go to the polls in the EU referendum. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha arrive to cast their votes at a polling station in Westminster, London, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave. Anthony Devlin/PA Wire PA Father Peter Burn of Clonard Monastery entering Springvale Employment and Learning Solutions polling station in West Belfast as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave.Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA The Polling Station sign at the Springvale Employment and Learning Solutions polling station in west Belfast, as voters go the the polls in the EU referendum. Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA Polling stations open across Northern Ireland as voting begins in the UK's referendum on remaining in the European Union. Voters cast their vote at Moneyrea Primary School polling station in Co. Down. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Polling stations open across Northern Ireland as voting begins in the UK's referendum on remaining in the European Union. Voters cast their vote at Moneyrea Primary School polling station in Co. Down. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Polling stations open across Northern Ireland as voting begins in the UK's referendum on remaining in the European Union. Voters cast their vote at Moneyrea Primary School polling station in Co. Down. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Polling stations open across Northern Ireland as voting begins in the UK's referendum on remaining in the European Union. Voters cast their vote at Moneyrea Primary School polling station in Co. Down. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Polling stations open across Northern Ireland as voting begins in the UK's referendum on remaining in the European Union. Voters cast their vote at Moneyrea Primary School polling station in Co. Down. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Polling stations open across Northern Ireland as voting begins in the UK's referendum on remaining in the European Union. Voters cast their vote at Moneyrea Primary School polling station in Co. Down. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Polling stations open across Northern Ireland as voting begins in the UK's referendum on remaining in the European Union. Voters cast their vote at Moneyrea Primary School polling station in Co. Down. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye / Facebook

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Whatsapp Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall.

He said he would leave it to his successor to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which kicks off the two-year process of negotiating a new trade relationship with the UK's former partners.

"The country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction," said Mr Cameron. "I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I don't think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination."

A clearly emotional Mr Cameron said he stood by his assertion that the UK could "find a way" to survive outside the EU.

"Now the decision has been made to leave we need to find the best way and I will do everything I can to help," he said.

Minutes after the PM's statement, Bank of England governor Mark Carney announced he was making 250 billion available to support markets, as he pledged that the Bank "will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as markets adjust and the UK economy moves forward".

His announcement will trigger a battle for the Conservative leadership - and the keys to Number 10 - likely to feature Brexit standard-bearer Boris Johnson taking on figures such as Home Secretary Theresa May, who took a low profile in the referendum campaign.

Boris heckled

An angry crowd labelled Boris Johnson a "twat" and "scum" as he emerged from his London home following the Leave campaign's historic victory in the EU referendum.

The prominent Brexiteer was heckled on his way to the Vote Leave headquarters.

Mr Johnson said nothing to the dozens of journalists waiting outside his home when he finally left, flanked by several police officers who escorted him to a waiting car.

One member of the public was heard to shout "twat" before a short time later Mr Johnson's car was trapped by a crowd of around 40 cyclists and onlookers blocking a junction.

His vehicle was halted for around five minutes and police officers, who had been guarding his home, were nowhere to be seen.

The crowd taunted him with shouts of "where are you going, Boris?" and "scum!" and hurled other profanities as his car was trapped in front of a green light, unable to move.

One man yelled: "The pound is down, what do you say about that? Is it going to be all right, Boris? Is the UK going to be all right, Boris? Are we going to be all right, mate? Come on, man up."

Although the crowds had Mr Johnson's car stuck in the road, they did not appear to approach it.

Officers eventually arrived at the junction around 200 metres from his house, where they had been controlling a media scrum and crowds of onlookers.

There were cries of "shame" as the car, with tinted windows, was eventually freed and moved off.

Mr Johnson eventually arrived at Leave headquarters on the Embankment at around 10am but swept in through a back entrance, avoiding dozens of press reporters, photographers and video journalists who had been braced to expect his arrival at the front of the building.

Shock

The Prime Minister's decision to step down is "truly shocking" and a "sad day for the country", ministers have said.

David Cameron's Cabinet colleagues said they had hoped he would stay on to steer Britain through its renegotiations with the EU.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said: "It's truly shocking news, I think it's deeply saddening.

"As I was just saying only a few minutes ago, I would very much have preferred David Cameron to be steering this country through the next few years.

"I entirely respect his decision but I think it is a sad day for the country that he has decided to stand down."

Her sentiments were echoed by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who said the PM believed he was doing the "honourable thing" after the referendum vote.

He told the Today programme: "Well of course it is extremely sad news. I would have preferred him to have stayed on and to have helped make this decision work, but it's his decision.

"I think he feels it is the honourable thing to do, the decent thing to do - he lost the argument in the referendum campaign."

Asked who he thought might replace the PM and lead the renegotiations, he said: "That is matter now for the party to elect a new prime minister to be in place for the autumn and to take that forward.

"I think it is a bit too early to start speculating about that, and there is plenty to do now to help make this decision work, to stabilise our economy, to reassure our allies and to continue the programme we were all elected on last year."

n Brussels and capitals around Europe, political leaders and officials went into emergency meetings to plan a response to the UK's seismic decisions, which sent shockwaves around the world.

European Council president Donald Tusk said there was "no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, especially for the UK" and called for calm.

"It is a historic moment but for sure not a moment for hysterical reactions," he said.

Mr Cameron said he had summoned the Cabinet to meet on Monday, the day before he goes to Brussels for a summit where he will "explain the decision the British people have taken and my own decision" to leaders of the remaining 27 member states.

Announcing his resignation after six years as PM - and just 13 months after securing an absolute majority for the first time - was "not a decision I have taken lightly", said Mr Cameron.

But he added: "I do believe it is in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.

"There is no need for a precise timetable today, but in my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October."

He went on: "The negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new prime minister and I think it is right that this new prime minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the EU."

Remain supporters had to respect the people's decision and "help to make it work", said the PM

Independence day

Ukip leader Nigel Farage declared that June 23 should "go down in history as our independence day", while Vote Leave's chair, the Labour MP Gisela Stuart, said it was "our opportunity to take back control of a whole area of democratic decisions".

Sterling suffered one of its biggest plunges in the overnight markets, hitting lows last seen in 1985 and losing more than 10% against the US dollar, as traders responded with panic to the prospect of the UK quitting the European Union after 43 years.

As polling stations closed at 10pm on Thursday with polls still predicting a Remain victory, 84 pro-Leave Tories - including Boris Johnson and Michael Gove - handed over a letter to Mr Cameron urging him to stay on as leader whatever the result of the referendum.

But as Leave built an increasingly unassailable lead as the night wore on, with victories in the Tory English shires, Labour strongholds in the north, Wales and midlands, others in his party raised questions about Mr Cameron's future.
It is thought George Osborne had hoped to launch a retail sale of 2 billion worth of shares in Lloyds as early as August

Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland could remain part-owned by the taxpayer for years to come after the stock market chaos caused by Brexit, experts have warned.

Analysts said Chancellor George Osborne will be forced to shelve a "Tell Sid" style offer of shares in Lloyds Banking Group after banking shares crashed into the red after the vote.

It is thought Mr Osborne had hoped to launch a retail sale of 2 billion worth of shares in Lloyds as early as August or September if the UK had voted to remain in the EU.

But this is now firmly off the cards after Lloyds shares plunged more than 20%, and it will likely see the Government miss its target to offload its remaining 9% stake in the lender by the end of the financial year to next April, according to analysts.

Danny Cox of Hargreaves Lansdown said "all bets were off" for when the share sale would now take place.

He said while Lloyds is not exposed to the EU, its shares would remain under pressure for some time, given its role as a major mortgage lender and the likely impact of Brexit on the economy, housing market and consumer outlook.

"Lloyds is a bellwether for the health of the UK economy," he added.

Lloyds shares have plunged way below the 73.6p point at which taxpayers can break even, at around 57p at today's price.

Richard Hunter, head of research at Wilson King Investment Management, said if the UK does fall into recession following the Brexit vote, it would put back any share sale of Lloyds until at least 2017 and possibly until 2018 for Royal Bank of Scotland.

"It could be some considerable time before we see a share sale," he warned.

But the Government will not scrap plans to sell off the banking stakes entirely, according to Mr Cox.

"The Government doesn't want to be owning banks and I still think it will look to divest as soon as it can," he said.

Mr Osborne has already postponed the sale of the Government's final stake in the high street lender once so far this year, putting it on hold in January, blaming turbulence in the global markets.

He said he would wait until volatility in the markets had ''calmed down'' before pressing ahead with the sale, which had originally been slated for the spring.

The Government - which owned a 43% stake following the 2008 financial crash - has already sold off more than 80% of its original investment in Lloyds, recovering in excess of 16.8 billion for the taxpayer.

But it still owns more than 70% in Royal Bank of Scotland, having pumped 45.8 billion into the bank when it bailed it out at the height of the financial crisis.

It has baulked at selling shares in RBS at a loss so far and is said to regret not completing a more radical overhaul of the bank sooner.
The department store Arnotts in Dublin has agreed a deal with John Lewissaid

John Lewis's plans for its first Irish store in Dublin will "keep the door open and pave the way" for the retail giant to push ahead with a development at Sprucefield, it has been claimed.

John Lewis is planning to take on concession areas across two floors at Dublin department store Arnotts.

From October, Arnotts will open a John Lewis section, featuring around 2,000 sq ft of retail space, selling 700 products from its own-brand ranges.

The chain has been linked to the Sprucefield site outside Lisburn for many years.

However, the future plans of the area had been limited to just selling bulky goods under the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP).

That obstacle was quashed earlier this year, with the High Court ruling that the BMAP plans were unlawfully adopted by the then Environment Minister Mark H Durkan.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, DUP MP for Lagan Valley, told the Belfast Telegraph John Lewis's plans to open in Dublin could "pave the way" for the go-ahead at Sprucefield.

"John Lewis have made clear their ongoing commitment to Sprucefield, and they recognise that it is a prime location for their first proper store on the island of Ireland," he said.

"I welcome the new announcement that they are going to have a presence in Dublin, keeping the door open for Sprucefield, and showing their interest in coming here is very much alive.

"If we hadn't had the planning restrictions, we might have been first out of the traps."

But he warned that if Sprucefield is "stymied again" there is "always the possibility that John Lewis could open a full store in Dublin".

"That would be really bad news for Northern Ireland to lose out on a massive investment," said Mr Donaldson. In March, Mr Donaldson said he was confident a new planning application for the complex would include the major retailer.

The retailer has also been linked to the proposed Royal Exchange development in Belfast City Centre.

The site was sold to Castebrooke Investments in March, which said it is now "formulating plans for a mixed-use development" and is working with Belfast City Council on the scheme.

John Lewis has been eyeing up the Republic for several years. The chain was also linked to department store Clerys, after it entered receivership.

But it said it has "no current plans" to open up a stand-alone store in Ireland, and has no plans for similar concession-style developments in Northern Ireland.
Dynamic company directors working together as a team can vastly improve profitability, businesses have heard.

Companies taking part in an Institute of Directors' (IoD) event heard that a team of competent bosses can have a far greater impact on the bottom line than just one qualified director.

It was the first in a series of talks hosted by the IoD NI with law company Arthur Cox and Ulster Bank. The talks are open to non-members.

IoD director Linda Brown said: "The series was developed to meet the needs of the 800 members we have in Northern Ireland, and we hope that it assists in equipping local business leaders with the knowledge and skills required to become a more effective director."

Alan Taylor, chairman of Arthur Cox, said his firm maintained an effective board.

"The board is collectively responsible for the success of any company, and with the business environment being more competitive than ever, the scrutiny placed upon boards is intensifying," he explained.

"While there are many variables in what constitutes a high-performing board, this event has outlined how, in order to be effective, all boards must establish mutual support and respect, implement their strategies, be open to change, maintain a governance framework that adds value to the business and also safeguard the values of the company."

Richard Donnan, head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland, said a successful board could help firms put themselves on a solid footing for the long-term.

Further sessions will cover board financials, challenges and the importance of diversity.
The Federal Reserve said it would pump extra money into global financial markets to soften the blow on the US economy if needed

The US central bank has said it is ready to take steps to ease the pressure on global markets following Britain's decision to leave the EU.

The Federal Reserve said it was "carefully monitoring developments" and would pump extra money into global financial markets to soften the blow on the US economy if needed.

It stated: " The Federal Reserve is carefully monitoring developments in global financial markets, in cooperation with other central banks, following the results of the U.K. referendum on membership in the European Union.

"The Federal Reserve is prepared to provide dollar liquidity through its existing swap lines with central banks, as necessary, to address pressures in global funding markets, which could have adverse implications for the US economy."

The statement comes after Bank of England governor Mark Carney said volatility "can be expected" in the wake of the Brexit vote, adding that the Bank is prepared to provide 250 billion to support markets.

He said: "Some market and economic volatility can be expected as this process unfolds.

"As a backstop, and to support the functioning of markets, the Bank of England stands ready to provide more than 250 billion of additional funds through its normal facilities.

"The Bank will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as markets adjust and the UK economy moves forward."

Global stock markets and the pound have taken a hammering following the result of the referendum.
Leading Leave campaigner Nigel Farage appeared to be preparing to concede defeat with counting under way in the historic referendum on UK membership of the European Union.

The Ukip leader told Sky News that the Remain camp seemed likely to "edge it", but insisted that his party would continue its fight to take Britain out of the EU.

There were no exit polls in the vote, but a YouGov opinion poll released as polling stations closed put Remain ahead by 52% to 48%.

Mr Farage said: "It's been an extraordinary referendum campaign, turnout looks to be exceptionally high and (it) looks like Remain will edge it.

"Ukip and I are going nowhere and the party will only continue to grow stronger in the future."

Senior Leave campaigner Iain Duncan Smith cast doubt on Mr Farage's suggestion that Remain is set for victory.

"I never quite follow what Nigel Farage says," the former work and pensions secretary told the BBC. "Quite often he says two different things at the same time.

"I genuinely do not have a sense of how this has gone."

It is likely to be well into the early hours of Friday before a reliable picture emerges of how Britain has voted in what Mr Cameron has described as the most important poll in a lifetime. And the final result is not expected to be confirmed at the Electoral Commission's main counting centre in Manchester until breakfast time.

A record number of voters are eligible to take part in the referendum, with the Electoral Commission putting the number at 46,499,537.

Anecdotal evidence from around the country suggests that turn-out has been high in many areas - something widely expected to favour the Remain camp. In Gibraltar, which is taking part in the referendum as a British overseas territory within the EU, turnout was a healthy 84%.

Fine weather in Scotland heartened Remain campaigners, who are relying on a high turnout north of the border, where voters are thought to be strongly pro-EU.

But torrential rain and flooding in the South East caused transport disruption which may have prevented some voters from reaching the ballot box in time. Some polling stations were forced to close, and two in Kingston-upon-Thames had to be relocated after becoming inundated.

Leave campaign standard-bearer Boris Johnson had a last-minute dash to vote in north London, due to a delay to his flight from Scotland after attending his daughter's university graduation ceremony - finally reaching the polling station with less than 25 minutes to spare.

Waiting for his plane in Edinburgh, he told reporters that polls had been "very close" but turnout was "good in areas where we need it to be".
Joe and Jake of the United Kingdom perform during the first dress rehearsal for the Eurovision Song Contest final in Stockholm, Sweden, Friday, May 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Waves of uncertainty are sweeping the UK this morning after a Brexit vote to leave the European Union.

But there is another, arguably even more important question to ask ourselves: Will we still have a place in the Eurovision Song Contest?

To calm swelling fears that the end of your annual Bucks Fizz parties is nigh, we will still be able to take part in the annual cheesefest, so dont go throwing away that fake Conchita Wurst beard just yet.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who on Friday announced that he will be stepping down in October, addressed the future of Eurovision during PMQs in April. Labour MP Helen Goodman asked him to tell the house what the worst argument hes heard from Brexiters is, to which he replied: I think probably the one that wed get out of the Eurovision Song Contest. Not only would that be incredibly sad but given that Israel and Azerbaijan and anyone anywhere near Europe seems to be able to enter - and Australia - then I think were pretty safe from that one.

But was he right? Thankfully, yes. Membership of the European Union has little to do with Eurovision, its all about being part of the European Broadcasting Union instead. The president of the UK Eurovision fan club, Alasdair Rendall set the matter straight when concerns first arose earlier this year. No, we would not be barred, he said in May. All participating countries must be a member of the European Broadcasting Union.

The EBU, which is totally independent of the EU, includes countries both inside and outside of the EU, and also includes countries such as Israel that are outside of Europe. Indeed, the UK started participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957, 16 years before joining the then EEC.

Countries that currently take part in Eurovision but are not members of the European Union include Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, Albania, Georgia and Russia. Some of the regular participants are not even geographically in Europe (were looking at you, Australia).

However, while Eurovision might be a non-political event, dont expect us to leave with anything other than nil points come next years contest.

Source Independent
Efforts underway to recall Northern Ireland Assembly for an urgent meeting over the implications of Brexit

The Alliance Party has tabled a motion calling for an urgent meeting of the Northern Ireland Assembly to discuss the impact of leaving the EU.

The United Kingdom took part in an historic vote to leave the EU on Thursday, with a tight result where 52% voted leave and 48% voted remain.

Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain, however the overall UK vote tipped the final result in favour of leave.

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Prime Minister David Cameron - who had campaigned for the UK to remain - will step down in October, saying he feels "fresh leadership" is needed.

Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has rejected Sinn Fein's call for a border poll in the wake of a referendum result.

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Now the Alliance Party has tabled a motion calling for an urgent meeting of the assembly to address the impact on Northern Ireland after the UK's decision to leave the EU.

North Down MLA Stephen Farry said he fears Northern Ireland is facing financial turmoil as a result of the vote.

"Northern Ireland has backed the Remain campaign, yet we are facing years of financial turmoil in the aftermath of the UK's decision to leave the EU," he said.

"The First Minister and deputy first Minister must immediately outline their plan to address the severe consequences now facing everyone in Northern Ireland.

"We are in unchartered waters and today I am calling for all MLAs to join Alliance in letting the concerns of the majority here who backed Remain be heard."
Northern Ireland was among the 20 areas of the UK with the lowest turnout for the EU referendum vote.

While the UK voted in favour of Leave, the majority of Northern Ireland votes opted for Remain.

The DUP was the only major party in Northern Ireland that backed the Leave campaign.

In the wake of the result David Cameron has resigned as Prime Minister, the Labour party is seeking to oust leader Jeremy Corbyn and financial markets have slumped.

Meanwhile Google has reported a surge in online searches for information on Irish passports on Friday following the UK's vote.

In terms of the allocated voting areas Glasgow was the lowest with 56.25%.

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Northern Ireland overall voted to remain part of the European Union.

The national turnout for the vote was 33,568,184 ballot papers.

Of the 46,501,241 electorate the overall turnout at the referendum was 72.2%.

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The 20 areas with the lowest voter turnout

Glasgow City 56.25% (remain)

Newham 59.25 (remain)

Manchester 59.77 (remain)

North Lanarkshire 60.91 (remain)

Nottingham 61.82 (leave)

Slough 62.13 (leave)

Northern Ireland 62.69 (remain)

East Ayrshire 62.91 (remain)

Dundee City 62.92 (remain)

Kingston upon Hull, City of 62.94 (leave)

Lewisham 63.1 (remain)

Salford 63.3 (leave)

Knowsley 63.54 (leave)

Birmingham 63.81 (leave)

Barking and Dagenham 63.85 (leave)

West Dunbartonshire 63.98 (remain)

Liverpool 64.08 (remain)

North Ayrshire 64.59 (remain)

Tower Hamlets 64.6 (remain)

Hyndburn 64.74 (remain)
A petition for a second EU Referendum has reached over 130,000 signatures

Parliament may be forced to debate the possibility of a second EU Referendum as more than one million people have signed a petition in response to the decision to leave.

The online campaign is urging the government to change the rules so that only a win of over 60% would be binding.

The results of the historic referendum were announced on Friday morning with 51.9% voting to leave the European Union.

In just two days the petition already has over 1 million signatures which exceeds the threshold of 100,000 required for the issue to be considered for debate in Parliament.

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William Healey, who created the campaign, wrote: We the undersigned call upon HM Government to implement a rule that if the remain or leave vote is less than 60% based a turnout less than 75% there should be another referendum.

The Parliament petition website is currently down, which is reportedly due to a surge in traffic.

A House of Commons spokesperson said: Apologies to those experiencing problems with the petitions site. We are working hard to fix it. Thank you for your patience.
PACEMAKER BELFAST 24/6/2016 First Minister Arlene Foster gives her and the DUPs reaction to the Brexit vote at Stormont Castle this morning.

PACEMAKER BELFAST 24/6/2016 First Minister Arlene Foster gives her and the DUPs reaction to the Brexit vote at Stormont Castle this morning.

PACEMAKER BELFAST 24/6/2016 First Minister Arlene Foster gives her and the DUPs reaction to the Brexit vote at Stormont Castle this morning.

First Minister Arlene Foster has said we have nothing to fear from Sinn Fein calls for a border poll and said she will work to put Northern Ireland front and centre of negotiations for a British exit from the EU.

The United Kingdom voted to leave the EU, however, in Northern Ireland the majority voted Remain.

The DUP was the only major party in Northern Ireland that backed the Leave campaign.

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Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, the First Minister said: "I think this is a good result for the United Kingdom. Our nation is safe.

"Our nation has made a clear definition as to where they want to go. They backed hope, they backed aspiration, they backed the future potential of the United Kingdom and I am very pleased with the result.

"We always knew that it was going to be difficult to get a Leave vote in Northern Ireland given that four out of five main parties were advocating a Remain vote and actually it was only my own party that was advocating a Leave vote."

She continued: "I am very pleased this morning and as I look across Northern Ireland, there has been some very significant vote and that was despite all of the scaremongering that we heard.

"I am very proud of the Northern Ireland people and I look forward to the negotiations that are going to take place."

Following the announcement on Friday morning, Sinn Fein called for a referendum on whether Northern Ireland should leave the United Kingdom and unite the Irish Republic as they believe "the north is going to be dragged out on the tails of a vote in England".

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The DUP leader responded: "Martin McGuinness calls periodically for a border poll. If you look at the test for a border poll, that test has not been satisfied and therefore, the Secretary of State wont call a border poll. We have nothing to fear.

"He is being opportunistic and there is no way, that even if there were a border poll - and I dont want to have one - that it would be in favour of a united Ireland.

"People have very clearly over the last number of years have moved to a position where they are quite content with the constitutional position of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom."

There had been uncertainty surrounding the relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic but the First Minister said that they will maintain a special relationship despite the vote to leave.

"I think if you look at the destination of exports from Ireland, it is overwhelmingly to the United Kingdom and to Great Britain in particular so they will want to have a strong relationship with their nearest neighbour, as indeed do we. Those discussions will take place with the Republic of Ireland very soon, Im sure," she said.

There have also been concerns that Scotland may hold a second Independence referendum as Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU.

Ms Foster said she was not concerned for the future of the UK following a Brexit: "I think in terms of the United Kingdom, the four constituent parts are stronger together and I think you will find in Scotland that there are a lot of people looking at the claims made by the Scottish National Party before the last referendum, that those claims did not come to fruition."

She said that she wants to make sure that Northern Ireland is at the "front and centre of negotiations" as the UK government starts to look towards what the vote will mean.

"I as First Minister of Northern Ireland will very much be looking to be a part of anything that goes on now in terms of the United Kingdoms negotiations and their future relationship with the European Union and I expect to play a full part in relation to that.

"This is going to take a long period of time to work through and my commitment to the Northern Ireland people this morning is that we will be front and central in relation to those negotiations."

Statement

In a statement released on Friday afternoon, the First Minister said:

"The result of the referendum is both welcome and momentous for the United Kingdom as a whole and Northern Ireland in particular. We look forward to working together for the best interests of Northern Ireland within our United Kingdom.

"Democratic Unionists campaigned to leave the European Union. The democratic decision of the people of the United Kingdom marks a new and fresh beginning for our country and I believe offers us the opportunity to build a new, hopeful, and more democratic nation.

"As the leader of Unionism I believe we made the right decision to recommend a leave vote. Many did not predict that 44% of our electorate would vote to leave, especially after the torrent of fear which was directed at us. I know there are those who say that a majority of people in NI voted to remain and while that was always likely to be the case we cannot and must not close our eyes to the fact that this is a UK-wide decision and every vote is equal in the United Kingdom.

"This has been the biggest exercise of democratic participation for many years and follows a long and at time passionate debate. I am proud of the fact that this decision was taken by the people and we must all respect the democratically expressed wishes in what was a UK wide referendum.

"Over the coming weeks, and months I will work for stability and the best possible exit negotiation to ensure the people of Northern Ireland get the deal they deserve. As an Executive we will continue to work together in the best interests of all the people of Northern Ireland and to ensure stability in Northern Ireland.

"Throughout the referendum campaign I pledged that in the event of a leave vote I would work with the national government and I have already spoken with the Secretary of State. I welcome the comments from the Prime Minister this morning that he and his colleagues will work with all the devolved regions of the United Kingdom to implement the will of the people and to work together on the forthcoming negotiations.

"The negotiated exit from the European Union will happen over a considerable period of years. Regardless of how we all have voted it is now important that we work together to build on the potential that this historic opportunity provides.

"Finally, I want to pay tribute to the Prime Minister David Cameron who I have spoken with this morning. Despite our differences on the question of the UKs membership of the EU I have the utmost respect for what he has done for our nation. I have enjoyed a good working relationship with him and I want to thank him for his contribution as Prime Minister. Politics is a very tough trade but above all else we serve at the pleasure of the people.
The father of a young woman with severe learning difficulties has spoken of his shock after she had 14 teeth removed in a single operation.

Jessica Madden (22) had all her bottom teeth extracted under general anaesthetic in a two-and-a-half-hour operation at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital yesterday.

The young woman had been in severe dental pain for months - but her family had been told that because of her disability, it could take up to 30 weeks before she could be treated.

Jessica, who weighs around six stone, needs to go under general anaesthetic because she suffers from an extremely rare condition called 8p22 duplication that affects around five people in the world.

The disorder causes multiple problems including seizures, low muscle tone, a low weight of between five and six stone and issues with communication.

After her father posted an online video of her suffering and Jessica's ordeal hit the headlines, Belfast Trust found a way to bring her treatment forward.

Pastor Brian Madden, Jessica's father, said last night he had no idea when she went into the operating theatre that her bottom teeth were going to be removed.

"It's shocking" he said. "It was an absolutely shock to us, it really was. She was under the anaesthetic for around two hours and 20 minutes in the Royal School of Dentistry.

"We'd asked previously for her to be put under anaesthetic so they could do an inspection of her teeth - and they refused to do that. They said that there was a danger associated with the anaesthetic.

"So now we're left with a situation where they put her under, did an X-ray, and then had to extract 14 of her teeth."

Mr Madden explained how he felt he had little choice but to let the gruelling multiple extraction go ahead.

"We had to make a decision there and then whether to let them go ahead," he said.

"They said most of her teeth and the roots were all decayed and if they left them in she would be in severe pain. It wasn't much of a choice.

"All her food will have to be pureed from now on. It's terrible, absolutely terrible. It was a real shock for both my wife and I. My wife has been crying all day over the ordeal."

Jessica, meanwhile, is at home, nursing her ravaged jaw.

"Even though she's been prescribed painkillers, she's still very, very sore," her father told the Belfast Telegraph last night,

He added he had been told that because of her learning disabilities, Jessica would not be able to have any implants or dentures fitted in Northern Ireland, so he is now exploring the possibility of getting private treatment for his daughter in Dublin.

"We're following up with a consultant in Dublin who has put implants in adults with learning disabilities," Mr Madden said. "Of course, we have to raise the funds privately to do that, but first we'll be taking Jessica down to Dublin on Monday for a consultation to see if she would be a suitable candidate."
Leaders of two of Ireland's main churches have led a group of young Protestants and Catholics from both sides of the border to the Somme.

The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Dr Richard Clarke, and his Catholic counterpart, Archbishop Eamon Martin, headed a pilgrimage of young people from Armagh, Clogher, Cork, Kildare and Leighlin.

They visited the Ulster Tower at Thiepval, and graveyards and other war memorials linked to the 36 (Ulster) Division and the 16th (Irish) Division, whose young men fought side by side in fierce battles on the Western Front during World War One.

The youths, bishops and senior church officials also visited Newfoundland Park and the massive Lochnagar Crater, scene of one of the biggest munitions explosions of the Great War.

Yesterday, the group travelled to Ypres and witnessed the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, where they also laid a wreath.

At the start of their three-day pilgrimage on Wednesday, they visited the Memorial Wall at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.

Prior to departing for France the Anglican Primate Dr Clarke said: "Coming from very different contexts, both spiritually and geographically, and also carrying very different understandings of our history, we have much to share with one another and much to learn."

Archbishop Martin said: "The Battle of the Somme has left us with a haunting image we are all familiar with, including the thousands of gravestones dotting the ground which symbolises the lives of the many who were lost.

"I hope that our shared pilgrimage will offer us time and space to reflect with our young people on the importance of peace in our country and in our world."
A Scottish Vote Leave and Brexit badge worn by a campaigner at the count in Glasgow

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on College Green in Westminster, London, after Britain voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum

Votes are sorted into Remain, Leave and Doubtful trays as ballots are counted during the EU Referendum count for Westminster and the City of London

Larry the cat on the steps of 10 Downing Street after Britain voted to leave the European Union

A vote Remain poster lies discarded on the ground in London's Parliament Square after the Leave campaign won the EU referendum

Ukip Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London where he claimed victory for the Leave campaign in the EU referendum

The Dancing Priest, Neil Horam, right, holds a placard as a car carrying Boris Johnson leaves his home in north London in the wake of the referendum which ended with a vote for Britain to leave the European Union.

Boris Johnson leaves his home in north London after David Cameron announced he will quit as Prime Minister by October following a humiliating defeat in the referendum which ended with a vote for Britain to leave the European Union.

David Cameron said he accepted the decision of the electorate, which voted by 52% to 48% to quit the EU

His voice breaking, David Cameron said: "I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it and I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed."

Flanked by wife Samantha, David Cameron said he had informed the Queen of his decision to remain in place for the short term, but hand over to a new prime minister by the time of the Conservative annual conference

Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street, where he announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the European Union

Outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron faced pressure to speed up "divorce" talks with the EU as Brussels made it clear it wants the UK out of the union as soon as possible.

Prominent Brexit backers in the Tory party also expressed concern about Mr Cameron's plan to let the situation drift until he formally leaves Downing Street in October.

Leading Leave campaigner and Tory MP Bernard Jenkin insisted it was unrealistic to wait until the autumn.

"I think there is a problem just saying 'right, we're not going to do anything between now and October' to address the European Union relationship, because they don't want us hanging around and destabilising all their arrangements. They want certainty, and I think we should be able to do this more quickly," he said.

The call chimed with the views of European parliament president Martin Schulz who warned the EU would not be held "hostage" while the Tory party squabbled over its next leader.

Mr Schultz insisted that uncertainty was "the opposite of what we need", adding that it was difficult to accept "a whole continent is taken hostage because of an internal fight in the Tory party".

In a blunt sign of Britain's new status in the departure lounge of the EU, it emerged leaders of the remaining 27 member states would meet to discuss the emergency situation without Mr Cameron present on Wednesday.

The move came as embattled Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was set to face down a growing wave of criticism regarding his role in the referendum with a speech on immigration and the consequences of Brexit.

Mr Corbyn has rejected calls for his resignation amid growing fury at his failure to galvanise the party's traditional supporters to turn out for Remain.

The Labour leader is facing a vote of no confidence from some of his MPs, with one senior source describing the mood within the party as one of "utter devastation".

But Mr Corbyn insisted he will be carrying on and "making the case for unity" ahead of a potential general election once Mr Cameron's successor is chosen by the Conservatives.

After what some observers described as one the most significant days in British politics since the end of the Second World War, the Tory party was coming to terms with the ramifications of the pro-Brexit vote which forced Mr Cameron into announcing his slow-motion resignation, and saw SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon make it clear she was preparing to push for a second Scottish independence referendum.

Northern Ireland, which like Scotland voted heavily to Remain in the EU, also saw calls from Sinn Fein for an all-island referendum with the Irish Republic on reunification.

With ex-London mayor Boris Johnson firm favourite to succeed Mr Cameron at the Tory helm, Labour's Ken Livingstone attacked media "obsession" with the pair , which he said drowned out the real issues in the debate.

"It was like the whole of the media was obsessed by this sort of struggle between Cameron and Johnson as they gnawed away at each other's testicles.

"It was like civil war in the Tory party, not a debate about the economy," Mr Livingstone told Sky News.

The 52% to 48% victory for Brexit in the knife-edge referendum caught financial markets and the international order off-guard as repercussions from the move sent shockwaves across the globe.

Mr Cameron, flanked by wife Samantha, made an at times emotional address on the steps of Downing Street as he announced his resignation.

The move saw calls from anti-EU Tories for a more Brexit-looking Cabinet to be put in place soon as questions were raised about the future of Chancellor George Osborne.

As the scramble to replace Mr Cameron gathered pace, Home Secretary Theresa May and Education Secretary Nicky Morgan were being talked of as potential rivals to Mr Johnson.

Even as polling stations closed on Thursday night, most observers, pollsters and bookmakers were expecting victory for Remain, albeit by the narrowest of margins.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage even came close to conceding defeat, admitting he believed that Remain had "nicked it" and vowing to fight on for withdrawal from the EU.

But after votes piled up for Leave he hailed an escape from the EU which had been achieved "without a single bullet being fired", and said he hoped the vote for Brexit would bring down the entire "failed project".

As the financial impact of the vote continued to reverberate across the world, credit rating agency Moody's moved to change the UK's long term issuer and debt ratings to negative from stable due to the uncertainty unleashed by the result.
Tellers wait for ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, as counting gets under way

The Brexit vote in the EU referendum has triggered a renewed debate in Northern Ireland on its constitutional position within the UK.

With the region backing Remain by 56% to 44%, Sinn Fein has insisted the time has come for a border poll on Irish unity.

The call has been rejected by the Democratic Unionists - the republican party's partners in the powersharing administration in Belfast - who have claimed Northern Ireland's status as part of the UK was "safe and secure".

In recent years the thorny constitutional issue has dropped down the political agenda at Stormont, as more focus was placed on economic and social affairs. But the result of the referendum - with the UK overall voting leave, but Northern Ireland voting to stay - has propelled the question back to public prominence .

A border poll can only be called by the region's Secretary of State in circumstances where there is clear evidence of a public opinion swing towards Irish unity.

Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said she did not believe the criteria for triggering a border poll had been met.

In Northern Ireland 440,707 (56%) people voted Remain and 349,442 (44%) Leave.

Of the region's 18 constituencies, 11 voted Remain and seven voted Leave.

Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "For us to be dragged out of the EU against our will is absolutely unacceptable.

"We have been calling for a border poll prior to this referendum. The outcome absolutely strengthens our argument, given that the democratically expressed wishes of the people of the north are going to be effectively ignored by a negotiation which will take place in all probability with a new British Prime Minister."

Mr McGuinness, who was flanked by party president Gerry Adams as he reacted to the result at Stormont Castle, said those who believed lost EU monies could be replaced were living in "cloud cuckoo land".

However, Stormont's First Minister Arlene Foster r ejected the Sinn Fein demand.

"The call for a border poll was as predictable as the flowers in May," she said. "We knew it would come but the test has not been met so therefore I don't believe it will happen."

The DUP leader added: "I think we are now entering a new era of an even stronger United Kingdom.

"I am very much looking forward to working with our colleagues in our national government to build a very strong, outward-looking UK moving forward and of course Northern Ireland as a very key constituent part of that."

The renewed focus on Northern Ireland's constitutional position came as Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a second referendum on Scottish independence was "highly likely".

Irish premier Enda Kenny said there was no evidence of a shift in the Northern Ireland electorate for a border poll on a united Ireland.

"That [provision for a border poll] is contained in the Good Friday Agreement, provided that the Secretary of State of the day considers that there would be a serious movement of a majority of people to want to have a situation where they would join the Republic," he said.

"There is no such evidence."

Mr Kenny added: "There are much more serious issues to deal with in the immediate terms and that is where our focus is."

Irish foreign minister Charlie Flanagan also dismissed the idea of a poll.

"I believe any further referendums, with particular reference to the status of Northern Ireland, or otherwise, would in the circumstances be most unhelpful," he said.

A UK Government spokesman said: "Although there were strong views on both sides of the debate, all the main NI parties are agreed on one thing. The people of NI want to see peace and political stability continue, they want their elected representatives to work together, and in co-operation with the UK and Irish Governments.

"The UK Government is strongly committed to the Belfast Agreement and the institutions it created. Nothing in this vote will undermine the workings of the devolved government, the North/South institutions or the British-Irish Council.

"The UK Government will continue to abide by its commitments in the Belfast Agreement. But there is no reason to change our view that a majority of the people of NI support the current political settlement and want to remain part of the UK. As the Government made clear in its NI manifesto last year, it continues to be the case that the requirements in the Belfast Agreement for a border poll are not met."
A teenage girl from Co Antrim who has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer has told of her determination to beat the condition.

Lana Douglas is only 17 years old and is studying for her A-levels at Carrickfergus Grammar School.

Her world changed on June 1 this year when she was diagnosed with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The disease can occur at any age, but the chance of developing the condition increases as people get older, with most cases diagnosed in people aged over 65.

But the brave Carrick teen is not taking the news lying down and is determined to fight the disease with everything she has got.

Lana has even started an online blog to record her journey fighting the disease in a bid to encourage others to be strong.

She said: "When I was first diagnosed my reaction surprised everyone, including my parents.

"I simply accepted that it is what it is, and how to move on from that point.

"I know it will be a battle to fight it but I am well prepared for that fight."

Before the diagnosis, Lana took what she thought was a really bad flu in April and developed an irritating cough that simply would not go away.

Her mum Colleen said: "We took Lana to the local doctor, who said it was a virus. But then she developed a swelling in the chest in the beginning of May.

"We called the doctor on call for her and Lana was given antibiotics to help the swelling.

"However, by the middle of May a small lump had developed on her collar bone and she had a rash as well.

"After more trips to the doctor Lana was eventually diagnosed with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on June 1."

On hearing the news Lana simply decided to deal with it and, according to her dad David, was very courageous.

"She was more worried about how the news was affecting us instead of herself," said David. "She is one brave girl and she has huge amounts of support from family and friends to get through this.

"Lana received her first chemotherapy session three weeks ago and had to have her hair cut after the treatment as she was starting to lose it.

"Her next chemo treatment is due this week and there will be six in total with three-week intervals in between each session," said David.

"Incidentally the lump the doctors found in her was 12cm in size."

Lana is in her first year of studying for A-levels and it's now exam time but these have been postponed for the time being.

She is very fond of languages and is studying French and Spanish at school as well as self-teaching herself Icelandic and Norwegian.

On top of this, she is very artistic and is keen on photography and drawing.

"My school has agreed to let me postpone the exams for the moment to allow for my treatments," said Lana.

"They have been very good about it and are very supportive to me and my family.

"My family and friends have also been very supportive and are my rock.

"Before I started losing my hair I decided to dye it pink and then blue, just because I could as I knew I was going to lose it anyhow.

"My blog has allowed me to express myself and is a huge release for me. I intend to write one every week to highlight my journey.

"I would encourage anyone in the same situation as me to be brave and to take one day at a time.

"Things will really get better and make sure to use the support from family and friends.

"Being able to talk about it is a big step forward and never close yourself up.

"I have a great fascination with Iceland and visited it last year with my family. I am learning to speak the language and we had plans to go back there this year, but we have had to put that vacation on hold.

"I was also due to go on an exchange programme to Spain with my school in September but I don't think I can go now as my chemotherapy will last into October.

"I have to say the nurses and staff in Antrim Area Hospital have been really good and supportive of me.

"And, of course, there is my cat, Atla, who I also rely on."

Lana's mum Colleen has taken a career break to help look after her daughter.

The treatment Lana is receiving means she cannot mix with groups of people due to the risks of getting an infection.

She has actually just got home following a few days in hospital after picking up an infection which was thankfully sorted out by antibiotics.

"Staying at home means I have time to write my blog which gives me courage and support," said Lana.

And the teenager added: "I am really determined to kick this cancer's ass and get things back to normal."
Enda Kenny said he is "very sorry" the UK has voted to leave the EU

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said keeping Ireland's borders with Britain open is a key priority on the back of the Brexit vote.

After briefing his cabinet on the fallout from the poll, Mr Kenny said he was very sorry to see the UK leave the European Union but committed the Republic's future to the bloc.

The Taoiseach said his Government had contingency plans in place to limit impact on trade, the economy, relations with Northern Ireland and the common travel area between Ireland and Britain.

"The implications of this vote for Northern Ireland and for relations between North and South on this island will require careful consideration. These will be a particular priority for the Irish Government," Mr Kenny said.

"We will approach these issues in the same spirit of partnership that has underpinned the peace process and has transformed relationships on this island since the Good Friday Agreement."

The Taoiseach paid a glowing tribute to David Cameron saying: "We have worked closely together at a time of unprecedented warmth in relations between our two countries."

And he added: "I'd like to reiterate that while Ireland's future lies within the European Union, Ireland's strong and close relationship with the UK will remain."

Mr Kenny recalled the Dail parliament to sit in Dublin on Monday and said the country's finance chiefs had been in close contact with regulators and European finance chiefs to ensure that any short-term market volatility was carefully managed.

A summary of Ireland's contingency plans to deal with the fallout from Brexit were expected to be published after the Taoiseach briefed Opposition leaders.

"I want to assure the Irish public that we have prepared to the greatest extent possible for this eventuality," he said.

"There will be no immediate change to the free flow of people, goods and services between our islands."

Mr Kenny said it was profoundly in Ireland's interests to stay in the EU and he also welcomed Mr Cameron's commitment to maintain Northern Ireland's interests during Brexit negotiations.

Talks are planned for July 4 between the Taoiseach and Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness when the North/South Ministerial Council meets.

"For our part, the Irish Government will do our utmost in upcoming discussions to maintain the Common Travel Area and minimise any possible disruptions to the flow of people, goods and services between these islands," Mr Kenny said.

The Taoiseach also attempted to ease concerns among the Irish community in Britain.

"I want to assure them that the Irish Government will also have their interests in our thinking as we approach the forthcoming negotiations," he said.

"It is important to remember that the position of Irish citizens within the EU will be unaffected."

The Central Bank of Ireland said it was closely monitoring the impact on financial markets and banks but that it was confident appropriate contingency plans were in place.

"The ECB has made clear that it stands ready to provide additional liquidity, if needed, in euro and foreign currencies; and that it considers that the euro area banking system is resilient in terms of capital and liquidity," it said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said one of his key priorities is to support stability, reconciliation and prosperity in Northern Ireland.

"Ireland is - and will remain - closely aligned to both the EU and the UK," he said.

"Ireland will of course remain in the EU and in the Eurozone, while we will also do everything to protect our political, economic and people-to-people links to the UK."

Mr Flanagan added: "The UK's exit from the EU will bring changes, but the Irish Government has emphasised all along - in its contacts with EU partners, the UK government and the parties in Northern Ireland - that the Northern Ireland and all-island dimensions will be an area for priority attention in all post-referendum negotiations processes, including in relation to the status of the border."
The lifetime ban in the Republic on gay men from giving blood looks set to be lifted by the end of the year

The lifetime ban in the Republic on gay men from giving blood looks set to be lifted by the end of the year.

It comes three weeks after it was announced that a controversial lifetime ban on gay men donating blood in Northern Ireland is to be lifted.

A similar ban was ended in England, Scotland and Wales in 2011 and replaced with rules that allowed gay men to give blood 12 months after their last sexual encounter with another man.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service, which met yesterday to discuss the issue, recommended the Republic's ban should end.

It should be replaced by a rule which would accept a blood donation from a gay man who has not had sex for a year.

The recommendation will now go to Irish Health Minister Simon Harris who will make the ultimate decision on whether the current regulations are changed.

The lifetime ban was introduced in the mid-1980s.
The four men were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration

Four men have been arrested as part of an investigation into alleged smuggling of migrants across the English Channel.

Two British men, aged 65 and 49, a 42-year-old naturalised British citizen of Kuwaiti origin and an Egyptian, 33, were detained following raids in Birmingham, Blackburn and Wiltshire on Tuesday, the National Crime Agency said.

All four were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.

The operation - carried out in co-operation with French authorities - follows the report of suspicious activity involving a rigid hulled inflatable boat in Ramsgate, Kent, in September last year, the NCA said.

It is suspected the boat had or was about to be used for the transportation of migrants illegally from either France or Belgium, according to the agency.

Peter Smith, branch operations manager for the NCA, said: "The arrests are the latest stage of a complex investigation into the activities of an alleged criminal network involved in moving migrants across the English Channel using small boats.

"Our inquiries will continue and we are now analysing evidence we have recovered as part of this phase of work."

Cash, mobile phones and computers were also seized by investigators.

The four men who were arrested have been bailed pending further inquiries.
Eighteen people have been killed after heavy rain in West Virginia destroyed or seriously damaged more than 100 homes and left tens of thousands without power.

About 500 people were stranded overnight in a shopping centre when a bridge was washed away, and dozens of other people had to be plucked off rooftops or rescued as waters quickly rose during the storm.

"Our focus remains on search and rescue," governor Earl Ray Tomblin said. He added: "It's been a long 24 hours and the next 24 hours may not be much easier."

The deaths included an eight-year-old boy and a four-year-old boy who were swept away in different counties, authorities said. Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill described "complete chaos" in his county, which was one of the hardest hit.

"Roads destroyed, bridges out, homes burned down, washed off foundations," he said. "Multiple sections of highway just missing. Pavement just peeled off like a banana. I've never seen anything like that."

Water rescue teams were searching devastated areas.

"Today's just an accountability mission, trying to verify where everybody's at and follow up on missing person tips," he said. "It's really hard to navigate around because there's just a ton of debris. We've even had rescuers that had to be rescued."

The rain submerged homes and cars in dirty brown water and chewed up roads.

Some areas are "probably looking at flooding that's going to be the worst in 100 years," the governor's spokesman Chris Stadelman said.

Eric Blackshire was one of the stranded at Crossings Mall, a mix of restaurants, stores and a hotel in Elkview, which is about 15 miles north east of Charleston. Some had to sleep in their cars or at businesses overnight. Mr Blackshire opted for a hotel room.

"It was kind of like a hurricane party. I guess you could call it a flood party. There were lots of beers being drank last night," he said.

He was able to get to safety on Friday when Pinch Volunteer Fire Department firefighters used a rope to guide people down a hillside. About 50 people have been rescued so far.

An area near the West Virginia-Virginia border received at least 9 inches of rain while other parts of the state had 3 to 5 inches, National Weather Service hydrologist John Sikora said. While most of the rain had passed on Friday, there were still scattered showers, thunderstorms and river flood warnings.

Kanawha County officials reported at least 70 water rescues. The Republican governor said rescue workers have risked their own lives to rescue people stranded on rooftops and in overflowing rivers. In Richwood, state police and local responders rescued a woman trapped in her car with water rising up to her neck, he said.

AP
US president Barack Obama has created the first national monument to gay rights.

He officially designated the site of the Stonewall riots in Manhattan where the modern gay rights movement took root nearly five decades ago.

The Stonewall National Monument will be in Christopher Park, a small park across from the iconic Stonewall Inn tavern, which covers a 7.7 acre swathe of Greenwich Village where the uprising took place after police raided the gay bar in 1969.

Mr Obama said the monument would "tell the story of our struggle for LGBT rights" and of a civil rights movement that became a part of America.

"I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country: the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us," Mr Obama said. "That we are stronger together, that out of many, we are one."

To herald the designation, a White House video with photos of the monument is to be played at noon on Saturday on the billboards in Times Square just as New York's annual pride celebration is getting under way.

The declaration also comes as advocates celebrate the one-year anniversary on Sunday of the Supreme Court decision legalising gay marriage nationwide.

Designating the small area marks a major act of national recognition for gay rights advocates and their struggles over the last half-century. In addition to the Supreme Court decision, since the 1969 uprising the US has enacted anti-discrimination protections, allowed gays and lesbians to serve openly in the US military and seen prominent athletes and entertainers come out.

It also comes as the gay community comes to grips with a fresh and agonising reminder of ongoing threats to their safety. In announcing the monument, the White House said the mass shooting at a gay bar in Orlando, Florida, illustrated that LGBT people still "face acts of violence, discrimination and hate".

New York governor Andrew Cuomo joined gay rights groups in praising the new monument, along with New York lawmakers who had long advocated for a national designation. Last year, New York City made it a city landmark - the first named primarily because of significance to LGBT history.

AP
US police are investigating the death of the British cyclist

A British cyclist has been killed in a crash on a bike trail in Iowa.

US police identified the victim as 35-year-old Adam Pritchard, from Torquay, who was visiting family in the state.

His body was discovered on Thursday afternoon in a creek beside the Greenbelt Trail in Clive by a passer-by, who called police.

As police were investigating, a family member who had been riding along the trail with Mr Pritchard returned to the scene to see why he had not caught up.

Investigators believe Mr Pritchard lost control of his bike, veered off the trail and dropped about 8ft on to rocks and into the creek. His death remains under investigation.
The leftist Colombian terror group that formed an alliance with the IRA has agreed a ceasefire and decommissioning deal with the country's president.

It moves the South American country to the brink of ending a 52-year war that has left more than 220,000 people dead.

At a ceremony in Havana, Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos and Farc commander Rodrigo Londono, better known as Timochenko, listened to the reading of a deal laying out how 7,000 rebel fighters will demobilise and hand over their weapons once a peace accord is implemented.

In attendance were UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, a special US envoy and the presidents of Cuba, Chile, Venezuela and other Latin American countries.

A 15-year, US-backed military offensive thinned rebel ranks and forced Farc's ageing leaders to the negotiating table in 2012.

In Mr Santos, a US-educated economist and scion of one of Colombia's richest families, the rebels found a trusted partner who hailed from the conservative elite but was not bound by its prejudices.

Momentum had been building toward a breakthrough after Mr Santos said this week he hoped to deliver a peace accord in time to mark Colombia's declaration of independence from Spain on July 20. But the latest agreement went further than expected.

In addition to a framework for the ceasefire, both sides said they agreed on a demobilisation plan that will see guerrillas hand over weapons that had long been the vaunted symbols of their movement's origins as a self-defence force of peasant farmers attacked by the oligarchy-controlled state.

Negotiators in January agreed the UN would be responsible for monitoring the ceasefire and resolving disputes emerging from the demobilisation.

The IRA's links to Farc caused a crisis in Northern Ireland's peace process 15 years ago.

Three IRA suspects - Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley - were arrested in Colombia in 2001 on suspicion of teaching bomb-making techniques to Farc. Bizarrely, they had claimed to be eco-tourists.

They were sentenced to 17 years for training the guerilla group after an appeal court reversed an earlier acquittal. But the trio vanished in 2004 while on bail and secretly made their way back to the Irish Republic.

The scandal led to speculation that the IRA had been training the Marxist terror group for years before the arrests, as Farc extended its campaign into urban areas.
Islamic State have detained some 900 Kurds in Aleppo over the last three weeks

Islamic State group fighters have detained some 900 Kurds in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo over the past three weeks.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the 900 civilians were detained near the IS-held town of Al-Bab.

Sherfan Darwish, spokesman for the US-backed predominantly-Kurdish Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), said that over 900 were seized in retaliation for an SDF offensive on the Islamic State, also known as Daesh, stronghold of Manbij.

Darwish said: "Whenever Daesh is defeated they retaliate against civilians."

The Observatory and Darwish said some of the detainees were forced to dig trenches in IS-held areas while others are imprisoned in detention centres.

Darwish said all captured males above the age of 12 were sent against their will to the front lines to help fortify IS positions.

The Observatory said IS fighters stormed homes in several villages they control near Al-Bab, including Arab, Qabaseen and Nairabiyeh, and took with them mostly men.

In 2014, IS abducted nearly 200 Kurdish students near Manbij as they were en route from the Kurdish town of Kobani near the Syrian-Turkish border to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, the provincial capital, to take their exams. Most were later released.

In February 2015, IS kidnapped more than 200 Christians from northeastern Syria. The Christians were released over a period of a year, after IS collected millions of dollars in ransom.

Opposition activists reported clashes inside Manbij on Friday and air strikes by the US-led coalition.

Since the offensive to take Manbij began last month, SDF fighters have captured dozens of villages and farms near the town, which is now surrounded from all side as SDF forces slowly push into Manbij.

The town lies along the only IS supply line between the Turkish border and the IS extremist group's self-styled capital, Raqqa. If Manbij is captured, it will be the biggest strategic defeat for IS in Syria since July 2015, when it lost the border town of Tal Abyad.

The battle of Manbij has so far claimed the lives of 81 SDF fighters and 463 extremists, according to the Observatory.

AP
A top North Korean official has said his country is a nuclear threat to be reckoned with and warned the US can expect more tests and missile launches.

Han Song Ryol, head of the department of US affairs at North Korea's Foreign Ministry said the country will continue to conduct nuclear tests and missile launches as long as Washington attempts to force his government's collapse through pressure and punishment.

He blamed the current situation on the US, saying it needs to stop its military threats, sanctions and economic pressure.

"Without doing so, it's like they are telling us to reconcile while they are putting a gun to our forehead," he said.

Han defended North Korea's test-launching of two medium-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday.

Foreign military experts believe that, once perfected, such missiles could deliver nuclear warheads to US bases in Japan and possibly to major US military installations as far away as the Pacific island of Guam, where long-range US Air Force bombers are deployed.

The tests indicate technological advances in the North's missile capabilities. They were quickly condemned by Washington, Tokyo and Seoul as a "provocation" and a violation of United Nations resolutions.

Han dismissed the criticism, saying North Korea has no choice but to build up its military deterrent as long as the world's largest superpower - and the country that first developed nuclear weapons - remains an enemy.

He noted that the US recently deployed nuclear-powered submarines and strategic bombers capable of dropping nuclear weapons on North Korea to the region, and earlier this year conducted training for precision air strikes on North Korea's leadership, along with simulations of an advance into the capital, Pyongyang, with the South Korean military during joint annual exercises.

"This launch was a significant and novel step that my country must take to produce a powerful nuclear deterrent," Han said. "The real provocation is coming from the United States. How can my country stand by and do nothing?"

Han said North Korea has never recognised a long-standing United Nations Security Council ban on its testing of nuclear weapons or long-range missiles, though the world body has ratified the resolutions and imposed heavy sanctions on North Korea for continuing them - including a round of new sanctions imposed after its latest nuclear test in January. North Korea said that test was its first of an H-bomb.

"The United States must see correctly the trend of the times and the strategic position of (North Korea) and must withdraw its hostile policy," he said.

"My country is a nuclear state. In the past, my country has been threatened by the United States with its nuclear weapons, but I can now say proudly that the United States is being threatened by my country's nuclear weapons."

He held out the possibility of dialogue with the United States, but only if Washington agrees to "drop its hostile policies", replace the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War with a lasting peace treaty, and withdraw its troops based in South Korea.

None of those proposals is new. North Korea has repeated them for years, but they have picked up virtually no traction in the US, which has instead stood by its own demand that North Korea show a willingness to give up its nuclear programme before any meaningful talks can begin.

Han, who formerly served at North Korea's United Nations mission and lived in New York, said it would require "political resolve" in Washington to change its policies toward North Korea.

"There are many measures that the United States can take," he said. In response, he said, North Korea is willing to follow suit, regardless of what has happened in the past.

But until that happens, he said, there are "clouds of nuclear war" on the Korean Peninsula.

Han said North Korea has only grown stronger under the "strategic patience" policy of the US government, which focuses on sanctions and military pressure to weaken and isolate North Korea and has brought talks between the two countries to a virtual standstill.

The policy was initiated after North Korea conducted its second nuclear test in 2009. It has conducted two more nuclear tests since then and launched rockets that carried satellites into orbit, but which share technologies that could be used to produce rockets with warheads to strike the US mainland.

"Day by day our country is becoming stronger, especially the military capacity," he said. "It is natural that many Americans, including the critics, say that strategic patience is a failure. It gave a lot of time to my country to strengthen.

"So if the United States does not change its policy, which is based on the collapse and overturn of my country, without accepting it as a nuclear state, any policies in the future are fated to fail as well."

He said he is not optimistic the election of a new US president in November will bring much change.

"Since the founding of our country the United States has refused to accept our country as a sovereign state," he said.

"My country will be focusing on the new administration. But we don't think it will change its policy, so we are preparing ourselves to deal with its policy to overturn our country ... I can see dark clouds hanging over the sky of the Korean Peninsula."

He said that as long as those dark clouds remain, Washington can expect more nuclear tests and missile launches.

AP
Former champion Paralympian Oscar Pistorius faces 15 years behind bars for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius has claimed Reeva Steenkamp would not want him to "waste" his life by spending it behind bars when he could be helping others.

The former Paralympian athlete gave an emotional interview to ITV ahead of his sentencing on July 6 for the murder of Ms Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, after his original conviction for culpable homicide was upgraded.

The 29-year-old shot his girlfriend four times through a locked bathroom door on Valentine's Day in his home in Pretoria, in South Africa

In the interview filmed in his home, Pistorius claimed he did not deserve to be punished for murder, which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison under South African law.

The athlete said being "infamous and famous" had made his life increasingly difficult, and described how a woman in a supermarket began screaming at security for letting him in as he tried to do his grocery shopping.

He said that being allowed to live his life outside of prison would allow him to do good for other people.

"I don't want to go back to jail - I don't want to have to waste my life sitting here," he added. "If I was afforded the opportunity of redemption, I would like to help the less fortunate like I had in my past.

"I would like to believe that if Reeva could look down upon me that she would want me to live that life."

Pistorius denies murdering Ms Steenkamp and claims he killed her unintentionally after mistaking her for an intruder.

This account was dismissed by prosecutors who claimed he killed Ms Steenkamp after an argument over an ex-boyfriend.

Pistorius said he did not disagree that he deserved to be punished for taking her life.

"What's difficult is dealing with the charge of murder," he explained.

He became upset throughout the interview and at one point walked out as he recalled holding her lifeless body in graphic detail.

He claimed he could still "feel" and "smell" the blood from Ms Steenkamp's body.

Oscar Pistorius: The interview will be broadcast at 9pm on Friday on ITV.

Ms Steenkamp (29) From Port Elizabeth in South Africa, graduated from law school before going on to present FashionTV in South Africa and launching a modelling career.

She met Pistorius in Johannesburg and became involved with him in 2012. They dated for four months until her death.
One of the most unsavoury aspects of the European referendum is the appeal by Brexit campaigners against immigration as its main reason why we should go it alone.

That campaign has capitalised on fear of immigration and the "utopia" where immigration is ended and economic prosperity restored - despite the fact that we do much of our trade with the EU.

The European Union has become larger than any individual economy in the world and its GDP surpassed that of the USA in 2003.

Trade from the UK to the EU in 2014 accounted for 44.6% of UK exports of goods and services and 53.2% of UK imports of goods and services.

The Treasury, the Bank of England, the IMF and most respected economists have warned of the impact that Brexit will have on an already-fragile economy.

However, if those arguments do not persuade us to remain, what can be achieved by leaving and going it alone? If it is really a concern at the impact of immigration, can a post-Brexit UK manage to restore trading links, while, at the same time, refuse entry to immigrants?

Most of those favouring leaving the EU rely on the example of Norway, which voted No, but which has now restored economic ties. Norway's prime minister, Erna Solberg, has confirmed that, in exchange for access to the internal EU market, Norway has to adopt a large number of EU laws, such as the free movement of workers, without any say in how these laws are created.

Following Brexit, there is a minimum two years (the period laid down in the Lisbon treaty) of uncertainty before we can start to negotiate terms. Canada was able to negotiate trade terms with the EU only after 10 years.

The Canadians have expressed the view that the British electorate needs to confront the fact that, if they vote to leave the EU, it will disrupt not only their country, but the world at large, wreaking havoc on the global economy for a generation.

They have also indicated that another fallout of Brexit is that it could stall the implementation of the Canada-EU free trade deal and imperil the jobs of thousands of Canadians working in hundreds of British companies.

ALD TOM CAMPBELL (ALLIANCE)

Antrim & Newtownabbey Council
Remember girl power? It was all the rage a while back. Those members of the population who are not of the male persuasion were encouraged to be loud and proud and celebrate the fact - and rightly so.

Suddenly now they're not supposed to use the word 'girl' at all. The Girls' Schools Association, which represents many top independent establishments across the UK, including Belfast's own Victoria College, has written to members advising them to say "pupil" or "student" in future instead of "girl" in order to avoid upsetting those who may be transgender, "particularly when transgender pupils are present".

Only an insensitive oaf would deliberately use the word "girl" when describing someone who doesn't think that they are one.

Calling people by the names that they themselves prefer is just good manners. But that's quite different from trying to slap a blanket ban on certain words to avoid problems that are only ever going to arise in the rarest of situations.

It's neither unreasonable nor unkind for a speaker to assume that the pupils at a girls school are girls. In almost all circumstances, they are, and it does no good to encourage the tiny few who believe that they were born in the "wrong" body to feel personally affronted when, as part of some group to which they belong at that moment, they're collectively addressed as one thing rather than another.

However, that commonsense approach is under threat these days as people become increasingly eager to take offence where none is meant.

The English language has become their favourite battleground, and one consequence of aggressively policing it in this way is that we'll soon be so scared of saying the wrong thing that we eventually decide the safest policy is not to say anything at all.

There's always someone ready to be outraged, after all, either on their own or someone else's behalf.

I even know some women (or am I not allowed to call them that either?) who get irritated when mixed-sex groups are summoned together as "lads" or "guys", as they often are.

My response is always to say that it's just an expression, and the same goes when teachers at a girls school say "come on, girls, it's time for chemistry" or "walk in single file, ladies". No harm is meant in either case, so why react as if it is?

This hypersensitivity will be our undoing, and the absurdity of it is nowhere greater than in the fact that this latest example comes from an organisation called the Girls' Schools Association. If they're that bothered by the word are they going to change their own name too?
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Indian child-rights activist and Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi speaks in his office in New Delhi, April 26, 2016.

For 36 years, Kailash Satyarthi has campaigned to abolish child labor in his home country of India.

The 62-year-old Nobel laureate is hopeful that he will live long enough to see child labor  which is outlawed in India but widely practiced  completely abolished in the worlds most populous democracy, but the lack of political will nationwide remains a chief obstacle, he told BenarNews in an interview.

Children who are the future are not the political priority in our country, says Satyarthi, who heads Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood movement), an NGO that champions childrens rights and claims to have rescued upward of 85,000 minors from trafficking, slavery and child labor since 1980.

Less than 4 percent of the nations annual budget is allocated for safeguarding and educating Indias children  which represent 41 percent of the population  as well as keeping them healthy, he says.

According to a new report by global anti-slavery watchdog Walk Free Foundation, more than 18 million people continue to live under conditions of modern-day slavery in India.

On May 29, two days before the study was published, some 330 bonded laborers were rescued from a brick kiln in Thiruvalluvar, a district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Among them were 106 children under the age of 16.

Meanwhile, Bachpan Bachao Andolan was conducting an operation to rescue kids often spotted working on the streets of Delhi  at roadside tea shops, eateries and garages.

The group rescued 56 children from Delhi and Punjab state.

Last year, Satyarthis group helped the Indian government draft the Juvenile Justice Bill, which has since been enacted into a law widely regarded as a comprehensive one that empowers minors.

The law, which was implemented in January, states that all people under 18 years old are considered minors and cannot be employed. The previously implemented Child Labor Act had outlawed the employment of children under the age of 14.

Satyarthis dedication to childrens rights over the decades led to his being named a co-winner of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize.

He shared the award with Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani teenager and activist who, at age 15, was nearly killed by the Taliban, who shot her because of her activism in speaking up for the rights of girls in her country to have an education.

The Nobel Committee awarded Satyarthi and Yousafzai the peace prize for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.

In the interview, Satyarthi elaborated on what he sees as impediments to ending child labor fight and how he plans to take his campaign worldwide.

BN: How many children are currently in bonded labor in India, according to your organizations estimate?

Kailash Satyarthi: According to the government, about 4.5 million children are working in full-time jobs. These are children below the age of 14.

To put it in perspective from my experience, as a guesstimate, I would say that there are at least tens of millions of children working as laborers in this country.

BN: What is the biggest obstacle in your dream of ridding India of child labor?

KS: I would say that the lack of political will, [combined] with social apathy is the biggest reason. By lack of political will I mean that we don't have a good law or, the law is not properly enforced; not just the Child Labor Act or the Bonded Labor Act or the Juvenile Justice Act, but any other laws that protect children.

Even the constitutional guarantee to Right to Education is not properly enforced.

Apart from that, the government does not allocate adequate funding and resources.

In India, where 41 percent of the population is under the age of 18, only 3.6 percent of the annual budget is allocated for their protection, education and healthcare. That speaks volumes in itself, that children who are the future are not the political priority in our country.

Secondly, in terms of social apathy, I would say that we don't respect childhood. We do not respect it with dignity or with the idea that each child has the dignity of being a human being.

If a child belongs to a poor background or to a lower caste, then it is understood that these children can be easily exploited.

BN: What role does caste play in child labor in India?

KS: A very big role. My organization has rescued over 85,000 children from bonded labor and many of them were victims or trafficking.

I can hardly recall that we have ever freed a child belonging to an upper Hindu caste. Most of the children belong to the lowest strata or minority groups, such as Dalits, Adivasis (aboriginals) or Muslims.

BN: How have things changed since winning the Nobel Peace Prize?

KS: Immediately after the announcement of the prize, I said that this is the biggest recognition to all the deprived and neglected children of the world.

I attributed it to them. Secondly, I said that this is a comma in my life, and not a full stop.

My biggest priority before the award was to fight for child-related goals on the Future Development Agenda [the U.N.s Sustainable Developmental Goals)]. After receiving the prize, we comprehensively started thinking, working and meeting on this matter. I met with the U.N.s Secretary General and discussed the matter twice, as well as with other U.N. agencies .

BN: Are you taking the campaign abroad?

KS: I realized very early that this problem extended to parts of Nepal and Pakistan and many such areas, so we started working on it at a South East Asian level and were able to work with the governments of SAARC [South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation] countries.

We learned then that this fight is global.

Under my new foundation, we are looking at it from a perspective of policy, people and practice  the 3 Ps.

Policy means we try to fill all the gaps in policies in countries the world over. With people, we are hoping to mobilize young people. I call it 100 million for 100 million  where 100 million privileged youngsters should become the guardians of 100 million underprivileged children.

As far as practice is concerned, we want to bring together all the successes and failures of all NGOs across the world, both known and acknowledged, so that we can collectively learn to scale up replicability and multiplication of programs across the world.

BN: How do you see the developed and the developing world joining hands to fight child labor?

KS: The developed world has a lot to do when it comes to fulfilling all it had proposed and pledged to do.

For example, in the total overseas development aid worldwide, less that 4 percent is allocated to childrens development and assistance.

BN: You have often said that in your lifetime, you wanted to see the end of child labor. What is the biggest challenge in achieving that goal?

KS: The biggest challenge is prioritizing children in the political domain, and that perhaps I am able to do it soon. But definitely in my lifetime I will see the end of it.

I am hopeful, as 36 years or so ago, when we started out, nobody thought that it would become such a big issue. And 36 years is only a short time in the history of humankind.

I would like to underline that this has happened not due to me, but due to a strong and diligent collective effort.

Just 15 years ago, the number of child laborers in the world was 260 million. That figure has now come down to about 170 million.

So hope is still alive.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (left) speaks to reporters following a meeting in Jakarta to discuss the latest kidnapping of Indonesian sailors, June 24, 2016.

Ministers from Indonesias government confirmed Friday that seven Indonesian sailors were abducted at sea off the southern Philippines four days earlier, acknowledging they were slow to verify and announce the latest in a string of kidnappings in the militant-infested region.

Top Indonesian officials, including the foreign minister, the security minister, and the heads of national police and intelligence agency, met in Jakarta on Friday to discuss the latest hostage crisis involving Indonesian sailors.

But officials still had no information about whether the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), which is based on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao (see map below), had abducted the seven sailors on Monday in the waters off Tawi-Tawi.

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister for Poltical, Legal and Security Affairs, who chaired Fridays meeting  only the first one held to date to discuss the hostage crisis  told reporters that the government was still trying to secure information about who carried out the kidnapping  whether it was Abu Sayyaf or a splinter group.

The motive of the unidentified hijackers who took the sailors was unknown, he added.

On Thursday, however, an anonymous government official familiar with the case confirmed to the Jakarta Post that the seven were taken by the same network that hijacked the Brahma 12 tugboat in March. The official was referring to the kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf militants of 10 Indonesian sailors, who were eventually released in May.

Abu Sayyaf, which has aligned itself with the extremist group Islamic State (IS), in the past two months beheaded two Canadian hostages after its ransom demands were not met. But on Friday, ASG freed a Filipina, Marites Flor, who had been held with the Canadians, news agencies reported from the Philippines.

According to some reports in the Indonesian media, the kidnappers of the seven sailors were demanding a ransom of 20 million ringgit, the equivalent of U.S. $4.9 million or Rp. 65 billion. Authorities have not yet confirmed the ransom demands.

This third incident is truly intolerable, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters as she emerged from the emergency meeting, referring to Abu Sayyafs earlier snatching of a total of 14 Indonesians in March and April. All 14 of those sailors were freed in May unharmed.

Crisis center activated

The current location of the missing sailors was unknown, she said, adding that the government had mobilized its crisis response center to deal with the latest abduction.

The Crisis Center already exists to work for the release of hostages, and that is on again. We are intensifying our communications with parties in the Philippines and Indonesia to identify the next steps, Retno said.

In addition, Indonesia would also maintain a moratorium on coal shipments to the Philippines by sea, until that country guaranteed the safety of its waters, Retno said.

The sailors were sailing back to East Kalimantan province from the Philippines after delivering a cargo of coal, when their barge and two tugboats were hijacked off Tawi-Tawi, according to reports.

Retno added that many of those ships carry coal, a trade that meets more than 90 percent of the Philippines coal needs. The coal supply comes from Kalimantan. Despite the moratorium, ships apparently are still making the sea journey.

My husband called me

Luhut acknowledged that the government was late in verifying the the hostage-taking even after relatives of the victims in Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, learned about the abduction on Wednesday.

Starting Wednesday, the government had attempted to confirm the report with relevant authorities, and had failed to obtain confirmation, Luhut said.

Philippine intelligence authorities were still hesitant about it until yesterday afternoon, he said.

In the confusion, some top officials gave out wrong information, Luhut noted. The head of the Indonesian military, Gatot Nurmantyo, was even quoted as saying that the report about the abduction was a hoax.

The first person to hear of the kidnapping was Dian Megawati Ahmad, whose husband Ismail called her to say he had been kidnapped.

My husband called me using the hijackers cell phone number. He only told me to tell the company and the media that they are being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf, Dian told BenarNews on Thursday.

Her husband, Ismail, told her that the hijackers had released six crewmembers, ordering them to sail the tugboats and barge back home, but that he and six other sailors were taken by the gunmen.

For sure, my husband is on dry land but I have no idea whether he is in a house, forest or hut, I dont know. I had no chance to ask where he is because the line was bad, Dian said.

Joint patrols not yet launched

Meanwhile, plans by Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to mount joint patrols in waters along their shared borders to prevent more maritime hijackings have not yet materialized, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said Friday.

The plan was one of four agreements that came out of a trilateral meeting in Yogyakarta on May 5, which was attended by the military chiefs and foreign ministers of the three countries.

The three countries are in the process of discussing standard operating procedures, following that meeting in Yogyakarta. We continue to push for this to be finished soon, Arrmanatha told reporters.

The Yogyakarta meeting followed the kidnappings of the 14 Indonesians sailors as well as four Malaysians in three hijackings by Abu Sayyaf. All 18 were released last Month.

Luhut said the government was studying what security measures could be put in place to prevent a repeat of the kidnappings.

We are still thinking about what this should look like. Does the military escort ships, or do we put military personnel aboard ships  it had not been decided. But it is urgent to avoid further hostage takings, he said.

National Police Chief Badrodin Haiti said ships should have security escorts.

We can also involve the Philippine military to provide the escorts along certain dangerous routes. But this idea needs to be discussed more with the Philippines, Badrodin said.

Gunawan in Balikpapan, Indonesia, contributed to this report.
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Supreme Court Upholds Texas Colleges Affirmative Action Plan

The Supreme Court today upheld the University of Texas policy that takes race into account as a component of its admissions process.

In a 4-3 vote, the justices upheld the judgment of the court of appeals, which ruled in favor of the states considering race in its admissions process.

This case is the second trip to the Supreme Court for Abigail Fisher, a white woman who was denied admission to the University of Texas and then filed a lawsuit challenging the universitys consideration of race in admissions.

Supreme Court Upholds Texas Colleges Affirmative Action Plan

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ABC News Supreme Court Analyst Kate Shaw Previews the Upcoming Term

In the first Fisher case, the Supreme Court ruled that the lower courts were too deferential to school administrators, requiring the courts to look more closely at evidence rather than accept school administrators assurances of their good intentions when considering race. A lower court took another look and stood by its earlier decision, and the case ended up back before the justices, who heard oral arguments Dec. 9, 2015.

Texas has a unique admissions program, which first takes approximately the top 10 percent of graduating seniors from each high school in the state. To fill the remaining spots, the system examines students applications in what it calls a holistic analysis, considering areas such as race, community service, leadership and family circumstances.

Fishers attorneys argued that the implementation of the top 10 percent program is sufficient to increase minority enrollment, so there is no need to take race into account when filling the remaining spots.

View gallery Supreme Court Upholds Texas Colleges Affirmative Action Plan (ABC News)

Fisher attorney Bert Rein argued in December before the Supreme Court that U.T. needed to prove that the use of race in its admissions process was a necessary last resort in pursuing diversity, taking into account reasonably available nonracial alternatives.

On behalf of U.T., former U.S. Solicitor General Gregory Garre argued before the Supreme Court in December that the Texas holistic plan is necessary to complement its other admissions process and that it has a meaningful impact on diversity.

He concluded by saying, Now is not the time, and this is not the case to roll back student diversity in America.

Solicitor General Donald Verrilli also argued in support of U.T.

At the time of oral arguments, Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February, spawned the hashtag #StayMadAbby and was criticized when he suggested that it might not be a good thing for U.T. to admit as many blacks as possible and that perhaps black students should attend a slower track school.

There were only seven justices left on this case after Scalia died and Justice Elena Kagan recused herself because she worked on it when she was solicitor general.

Kate Shaw and Audrey Taylor contributed to this story.
A check by state Auditor Charlie Janssen's office into the financial operations of a Falls City nonprofit found problems with mileage reimbursement and expense and travel logs of the director.

Janssen's office said that after being contacted about concerns with Project Response, it did preliminary work, but determined a full financial audit wasn't warranted.

The examination by the auditor showed Project Response Director Dawn Parriott might also have used the nonprofit credit card for personal purchases, which she later paid back, and approved her own expense vouchers and signed her own paychecks.

Project Response provides support and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse and their families.

The nonprofit gets more than half of its income from government grants, according to its 2014 federal income tax records. In 2014 and 2015, Project Response received more than $250,000 from the state Department of Health and Human Services and the Nebraska Crime Commission.

Other government grants, provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, totaled more than $143,000.

The Auditor's office expressed its biggest concerns about Parriott's travel reimbursements and the lack of documentation to support them.

Twenty-three days worth of travel expenses in 2015 for workshops, totaling $8,871, might have been falsified, the auditor said. And there was a lack of any documentation for 82 days of travel for workshops, meetings and conferences, totaling $23,481.

Also, there were unreasonable mileage reimbursements and travel expenses paid prior to or during trips, the auditor's report said.

"Whether legitimate or otherwise, none of the agendas provided for these trips contained sufficient details to substantiate whether the conference or workshop actually occurred," the auditor's report said.

The agendas provided included titles and topics easily found using a Google search, the report said.

For proper internal control, procedures should ensure payments made for travel are supported by adequate documentation, with details, and other records, the report said.

"Without such procedures, there is an increased risk for misuse of Project Response funds," the auditor's office said.

Parriott's salary is paid through grant funds and her travel is paid by donations and other funds.

The Project Response Board of Directors, of which Father Thomas Dunavan is president, told the auditor's office it met with Parriott on June 16 to discuss the concerns.

The board said it would seek to implement the auditor's recommendations in a timely fashion.

Dunavan told the Journal Star it appears to the board that documentation by the director needs to improve.

"Dawn wants to cooperate with us on everything and with what the auditor found," he said. "She seems to be pretty transparent with things, and until that's proven otherwise I guess I'm standing behind her until she gives me a reason why I shouldn't."

Janssen's office forwarded a copy of the report to the Nemaha County Attorney's Office for review and any appropriate action, and Dunavan said he will leave it to that office to investigate the issues further.

Parriott could not be immediately reached to respond to the report.
The Bible has been under attack in the western world for over 200 years but never more intensely than today. These attacks have taken different forms and have come from many different corners of the academic world, from philosophers, to scientists, to textual critics. In the specialized world of archaeology the attacks have increased dramatically in the past 50 years. Once a specialization filled with Bible believing individuals, the field of archaeology is now overrun with atheists and skeptics, agnostics and those committed to the destruction of the Bible as a source of true historical information.

These attacks on the Bible are a part of a sweeping movement in western culture. Spearheaded by academic elitists in the university and the public educational system, the news and popular media, and the entertainment industry, these revisionists cloak themselves with supposed objectivity, purity of motives, and the superiority of science over the "uninformed", "unscientific", religious community.

They regularly mock those who question their world-view and their conclusions by name-calling and the worst forms of anti-Bible and anti-Christian propaganda. They have powerfully infected the church by turning Bible believing Christians against the very Scripture which is the foundation of truth and life in this world. Instead of contending for the Bible, Christian academics, pastors, and lay-persons are making egregious accommodations to these destroyers of faith and truth.

In these days of intense spiritual battle, God has called ABR to step into the gap to contend for the truth and to assist the church in this critical hour. ABR is a non-profit ministry dedicated to demonstrating the historical reliability of the Bible and to give answers to questions being asked by believers and non-believers alike. We do this by using original archaeological fieldwork and research along with studies in other apologetic disciplines. We take on the bold claims of skeptics and critics. We challenge the bizarre anti-biblical propaganda that is purveyed upon the public as gospel through television and print media. We uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is God's message for the salvation of all mankind!
When David Droga, possibly the most creatively awarded person in the world takes to the stage, people listen . When accompanied by Kevin Plank, founder and CEO of his client Under Armour at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, people positively flocked to hear their story.

Droga5 was launched in 2006 with Puma as an account, but resigned it for the smaller Under Armour. Their belief was that they should choose the clients that would help them grow the agency by doing really great work. This is a business relationship truly based on trust.

When Kevin Plank started Under Armour in 1996 he did every job himself including, his advertising. In 1999 he bet $25k on a magazine ad, to the chagrin of his fellow directors. But he needed to get their story out and proved the power of marketing, as this one ad resulted in 8,000 direct calls and over $800,000 in sales.

Droga and Plank

When Plank met David Droga his marketing changed forever. What attracted Droga to Under Armour was that unlike other brands, Under Armour had a point of view. They were an organisation true to their values, spent less than their competitors and were never swayed by their activities. They remained focused on their core beliefs, which is one of the reasons they have succeeded in becoming the second biggest sportswear brand in the US.

Plank states that the purpose of brands is to give you something you never thought you needed, but once you have you cant live without. Brands are everything.

Always trust and keep challenging

For Droga, the success of the relationship is that Under Armour listens. It says what it thinks and then gets Droga5 to execute it. Droga believes the most intimidating thing a client can do is to trust their agency. Plank responds in jest: I trust Droga until we run a lousy campaign.

Droga says that in terms of his agencys success, we are always challenging. Agencies should never buy their own bullsh!t. The ad industry spends too much time trying to prove we are average.

According to Plank, the opportunity is all about the brand. Challenge everything. Believe in yourself and build the product youre selling. He believes in the power of creativity, which is what is ultimately being sold.

The Cannes Grand Prix that Droga5 won for Under Armour last year for I will what I want spoke to women, which was a key need of the client. Plank says despite the challenge, they never believed it couldnt happen, as the campaign put a flag out there and forced them to improve their product line. The campaign has contributed to Under Armour becoming a $17 billion brand.

This is truly an example of a client-agency relationship based on trust and one that turned two underdogs into complete game changers.
At the 26th edition of Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors' Showcase Premiers, at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, NDS 2016 Showreel and a behind-the-scenes video showed how Saatchi & Saatchi and Team One pulled off a short film conceived, directed and edited by machines.

The 2016 Showreel features an international selection of 20 directors hailing from Chile, Israel, Poland, The Netherlands, UK and US, but included one Artificial Intelligence (AI) director. The question was whether the audience were able to identify the AI film, which was created through collaboration between Saatchi & Saatchi, Team One and Zoic Labs in Los Angeles.

Intense subject matter and dedication to craft, feature strongly in this years NDS Showreel, with genres including horror, animation, drama, and music promos, with a smattering of humour.

Andy Gulliman, NDS curator and producer, and director of Film & Content, Saatchi & Saatchi, commented, Theres an abundance of craft and different techniques on the NDS 2016 reel; from Claymation to full on AI, beautiful cinematography and amazing narratives. What is amazing this year is there are more directors not represented by production companies than any previous year. This year it was harder to find the humour we have recognised in previous years. In 2016. dedication to craft outweighs laughs.

For more information, watch the trailer:

NDS Class of 2016

Albert Omoss - Undercurrents



Anni Mathison - Eclipse



Bennet Silverman - Handjob Cabin



Caroline Bartleet - Operator



Connor Hurley - El Perro Del Mar In The Woods



In The Woods Dan DiFelice - Carved in Mayhem



Dorota Kobiela - Loving Vincent



Grant Singer - Skrillex Red Lips



Jake Dypka - Hollie McNish Embarrassed



James Burns - We Live This



Jason Kupfer - Invaders



Layzell Bros - Harvey Nichols Shoplifters



Matt Lambert - Mykki Blanco High School Never Ends



Nicolas Davenel - KCPK ft. STS Who Wants It



Nicos Livesey - Radkey Glore



Reed Morano - Coordown How Do You See Me?



Rupert Burton - AICP Reel



Studio Smack - De Staat Witch Doctor



Tomas Vergara - Isolated



Uri Lotan & Yoav Shtibelman - Jane Bordeaux Maagalim

Fewer commercials

Three female directors are featured this year; Reed Morano, Caroline Bartleet and Dorota Kobiela. There are noticeably fewer commercials on the 2016 Showreel  Reed Moranos thought-provoking How do you see me film for Coordown, which stars Hollywood actress Olivia Wilde, and the Layzell Bros humourous Shoplifters ad for Harvey Nichols.

An eclectic mix of styles features on the 2016 Showreel, with dramatic tension, cinematography, documentary and slapstick horror. Embarrassed, London-based commercials director Jake Dypkas collaboration with poet Hollie McNish, demonstrates his passion for bringing truth and humanity to his craft. New Jersey-born filmmaker Dan DiFelices Carved in Mayhem also visualises poetry, in a beautifully-shot monochrome film of one mans journey to salvation.

American director Connor Hurley wrote, produced, directed and starred in a beautifully cinematic music video El Perro del Mar for In The Woods. Hurley is currently gearing up to produce a feature film about the US prison system.

British actress and director Caroline Bartleet won the 2016 Best British Short Film BAFTA for her tense seven minute short film Operator. Bartleet based the script on a real life 999 call, which inspired her to make the film, which reveals the incredible composure of emergency services operators during crises. Another powerful short is We Live This, a documentary directed by James Burns (USA), which follows the lives of four young boys from the projects in New York. The NDS Showreel features an excerpt from the short. Burns has an incredible life story, he spent time in solitary confinement at age six, and was later incarcerated at an adult facility in Colorado when he was still a minor, spending years in the criminal justice system. After his release his formative years where the subject of a feature film Jamesy Boy.

American filmmaker and musician Jason Kupfers horror short Invaders was featured at Slamdance and Beyond Fest, and won at Fantastic Fest, and documents an attempted burglary turned into gory slasher fest. Bennett Silverman (USA) also pays homage to the horror genre in his trailer for breakout horror movie Handjob Cabin, which follows four friends whose vacation is interrupted by an overly friendly ghost.

Director Matt Lambert (USA) collaborated with musician Mykki Blanco and cinematographer Martin Ruhe on High School Never Ends, an epic Shakespearean music video shot in rural Germany and exploring forbidden love.

Studio Smack hail from the Netherlands, and their trippy promo for De Staats track Witch Doctor has won multiple awards including Berlin Music Video Award 2016 for Best Concept, Edison PopPris 2016, and Holland Animation film festival 2016 Grand Prix for Best Dutch Animation.

French director Nicolas Davenel started his career as an Editor, before moving behind the camera to direct his first music video for The Parisians. His latest unsettling promo for French trio KCPK, produced by Iconoclast, depicts the evil underbelly of Russian gang life with an adrenaline-fuelled journey through different generations exposed to the mobster world.

Israeli directors Uri Lotan & Yoav Shtibelman created an enchanting animation for Jane Bordeauxs track Maagalim. The animated promo invites the viewer into a cartoon world inhabited by a wooden doll. A wooden doll, stuck in place and time, is overtaken by every-day life scenarios.

Director and computational artist Albert Omoss (USA) takes the viewer onto a trip through their own consciousness in Undercurrents, an experimental short film which pushes the boundaries of animation. Omoss began programming computers at the tender age of eight, and his work explores the fragility of the human form.

New York based director Rupert Burton worked with Method Studios design group on his AICP Reel, featuring visuals of professional dancers motion-captured then manipulated by digital artists using procedural animation and dynamic simulations.

AI debut on anniversary of scientist Alan Mathison Turing

The AI director featured in the 2016 Showreel goes under the pseudonym of Anni Mathison, and the result of the experiment commissioned by Saatchi & Saatchi and Team One is a short film named Eclipse, conceived, edited and directed by machines.

The short film debuts on the anniversary of scientist Alan Mathison Turings birth on 23 June 1912. Turing was the first to ask the question, Can machines think? which then leads immediately to the question can machines be creative?

Eclipse uses several technologies in a never-before-seen combination to create the film from start to finish:

IBM Watson and Microsofts AI chatbot Ms_Rinna (Microsoft Rinna) registered the emotion behind the lyrics to generate a completely original storyline for the music video.



In addition to helping provide the storyline, Ms_Rinna was asked opinions on characters, wardrobe, location and catering for the shoot.



The team used Affectivas facial recognition software and EEG data to help cast the perfect co-star.



Drones gave direction on the day of the shoot by using a combination of data from IBM Watsons tone analysis and Affectivas facial recognition software. This data allowed the drones to capture intense emotional moments with mathematical precision.



AI was used again during the edit. The team created a proprietary program that identified which clips to put where based on the beat of the song and the emotional intent of the lyrics.



All of the visual effects were created using a custom neural art program. This program allowed the machines to apply a filter to the raw footage based on reference images selected based on the artists vision.

Whats next in the evolution of what it means to be a director? Because of innovations in technology, the definition has changed over the years, adds Chris Graves, chief creative officer at Team One. We are continuing to explore and advance the art of filmmaking, and are challenging the creative community this year, by asking them and the world, Can a film made by machines move you?



For more:


What makes a successful campaign might be an age-old question in the advertising world, but it is as relevant today as it is was a decade ago. Recently after being asked the question, and not having a clear answer, Ben Wagner, Head of Native VML, got to grips with what makes up a successful campaign using the analogy of the human body.

Kicking off the presentation at Native VMLs offices in Sandton, Gauteng, Wagner admitted to a fascination with classical anatomy drawings from when he was a young child. This fascination increased with age as I got to appreciate the field and what all goes into it - muscles, bones etc.  and that for a human body to produce a successful body all of these have to come together.

This, he says, is the inspiration behind his anatomy of a successful campaign. And it all starts with the heart.

The heart is our relationship with our clients and their relationship with us and it is the most important part. For a strong heart there has to be a true and healthy partnership between agency and client, that is a commitment to each other.

Apart from this, for the heart to function optimally, there also has to exist a mutual obsession for great work. Work is the ultimate focus in the heart metaphor. At the same time both client and agency have to be impeccable with their word, in other words, do what they say they are going to do. Linked to this is guarding against individual complexities eroding great work and knowing when to get out of the way - and that applies to both agency and client, he says. The last point is to trust but there is so much more in the heart analogy as it feels what eyes do not see and the mind does not understand.

To demonstrate his heart analogue, Wagner showed the work that this year won Native VML its first ever Cannes Gold Lion in the Print and Publishing (Public Health & Safety) category. Native VML partnered with People Against Suffering Oppression and Poverty (Passap), a South African non-profit that advocates for equality, justice and human rights for all in a print and poster campaign, Being a Muslim does not make someone a terrorist.

Image via NATIVE VML

Next is the brain, which governs purpose. The brain is divided into two hemispheres, left and right, one of reason and one of creativity, but both have to work together if we are to produce purpose-driven work that lives in peoples lives.

The time of interruption is over, and you have to lead with purpose today if you are to offer or add value. However, he says, even this is not good enough. "Today you must have shared value.

The spine is the strategic framework off which you build your ideas. It includes your business strategy, brand strategy and communications strategy. Keep in mind your spine is connected to your brain.

The ears and eyes come next. Ears are for listening. As marketers we sometimes fail to hear what consumers are saying and forget what the customer wants. The eyes are for interpreting data and shifting through data and pulling out the smart data to do meaningful work. It is about marketing to the right 'Jane' in the right moment and not a generic stereotype.

The nose represents intuition. There are times when we know an idea will work, but we do not know why and we have no research, but we know. This also takes us back to the trust between the client and agency.

Producing content with context is the mouth. People are blocking ads or turning off or tuning out, so this is the most important thing we do. We cannot interrupt the content people are interested in; we have to become the content people are interested in.

Wagner used the example of the Jameson Indie Channel that was created to reframe the brand in local content. The channel not only became a vital enabler of creativity in South Africa, enabling young creatives, but it also increased sales by 23%.

Native VML Jameson Indie Channel

The arms are using the correct tools and focusing on craft. Craft can make work stand out in the eyes of the consumer. We should not be obsessed with our technology as this can trip us up and distract us, and lead to us losing the idea.

The legs are how we move an idea to get it into the spaces and places. Sometimes a piece of work does not require much as it moves itself, such as the Love Has No Labels campaign that went viral and had 22 million views.

Lastly, from time to time we need to be brave, he says. And to be brave, we need some balls.
NetFlorist, South Africa's largest same-day gift and flower delivery service, recently challenged its agency to get guys to send their gals more flowers more often, not just on anniversaries and birthdays.

FCBs solution? Happy Cam, a camera hidden in the NetFlorist drivers peak that captured the look on the recipients face when she opened the door to a fragrant bunch of beautiful blooms.

The teams rationale, said FCB Cape Town Executive Creative Director, Mike Barnwell, was that if guys could see how happy receiving flowers made their girls feel, theyd send them more often.

NetFlorist drivers witness these joyful moments every day, so we came up with a way that we could record them and share them with those responsible.

A targeted online campaign directed guys to the NetFlorist site. There, they saw a new button: "Happy Cam". By clicking this button when they ordered, they activated the Happy Cam and the reaction of their loved ones were filmed and sent back to the generous fellows.

With Happy Cam, guys all over South Africa were finally getting what the big deal was with flowers, said Barnwell. And they could share these videos with friends and encourage them to order too. Now South African guys know the power of flowers, and that they are not just for special occasions, but to make people happy every day.

Watch Happy Cam at work here: https://vimeo.com/166380158.






The annual Local Media Excellence Awards for 2015, held at Leriba Hotel and Spa in Centurion, were presented under the auspices of the Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ).

At the Awards (previously known as the Sanlam/MDDA Local Media awards), local and community newspapers from all over the country and across all media houses compete against each other to award the best of the best in South Africa.

The judges said, In general, we were impressed with the work submitted by the finalists. The local media is clearly in the forefront of informing (and entertaining) the communities they serve. In fact, print media is far from dying when one looks at the local media newspapers. On the contrary, it is alive and kicking.

Winners

Journalist of the Year: Jana Boshoff ( Middelburg Observer )



) Photographer of the Year: Zita Goldswain (Witbank News)

Best Front Pages



Independent commercial newspaper: Zoutpansberger



Corporate owned free newspaper: TygerBurger (Table View)



(Table View) Corporate owned paid newspaper: Middelburg Observer



Community media / grassroots newspapers: Not enough entries to select a winner

Best Newspapers

Independent commercial newspaper: Zoutpansberger



Corporate owned free newspaper: Bolander



Corporate owned paid newspaper: Lowvelder



Community media / grassroots newspapers: Not enough entries to select a winner

For more information on the full list of winners, go to www.fcjonline.co.za.
LINCOLN  A judge has struck down a lawsuit alleging that a ballot question to reinstate capital punishment in Nebraska is unfairly slanted in favor of death penalty supporters.

Lancaster County District Court Judge Lori Maret rejected arguments by death penalty opponents in a ruling issued Tuesday.

The ballot language submitted by Attorney General Doug Peterson informs voters that retaining the repeal law would eliminate capital punishment and change the "maximum" penalty for first-degree murder to life in prison.

Death penalty opponents contend the word "maximum" is misleading because it incorrectly implies that first-degree murder convicts could face a lesser sentence than life in prison.

Maret noted in the ruling that the ballot wording is consistent with the language lawmakers used in the legislation that abolished capital punishment.
Disproportionally affected by the consequences of global warming, South Africa's coast has been identified as having one of the highest risks of flooding. Studies also estimate that wildfires burn approximately three million hectares per year.

Mario Molina, international director of The Climate Reality Project

Longer dry spells and rising temperatures would only increase that risk, warns Mario Molina, international director of The Climate Reality Project. Molina is one in a lineup of internationally recognised climate change and sustainability leaders to address the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Convention in Johannesburg this July.

An advocate for bold green leadership globally, Molina has worked extensively developing public-private partnerships for Climate Reality, briefed business and government officials on climate and energy policy, and on the critical role of finance in accelerating a clean energy transition.

Mario spearheads former US VP and Climate Reality chairman Al Gores international policy, advocacy, and communications programme strategies, leveraging cross-sector partnerships to advance implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions to the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) agreement to take collective action to limit average global warming to under two degrees Celsius.

Sustainability and conservation programmes

Before joining Climate Reality, Molina was responsible for the design, operation and management of the Alliance for Climate Education, working in nearly 30 cities across the US in the development of climate science curricula and energy efficiency projects. Prior to his work in the US, he developed several sustainability and conservation programmes in Australia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Peru.

Molina and climate scientists are unanimous in their findings: this is the decade to take decisive action to prevent catastrophic global warming.

He explains that, as one of over 175 nations signed onto the COP 21 Paris agreement, South Africa will need to submit its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations according to its capabilities.

This historic agreement is the best opportunity the world has to avoid catastrophic climate change, build resiliency into our communities, and transition to a clean energy economy, says Molina.

It will take bold leadership to set South Africa on a more sustainable course, and do this without delay. Molina reports that in its NDC, South Africa is expected to recognise the importance of adapting to the unavoidable impacts of climate change, and the need for international support through funding and technology transfer.

The importance of progress towards implementation of the NDCs cannot be overstated. To achieve its Paris commitment and meet its development goals, Molina notes that South Africa has a big task ahead.

Modernise energy policies, infrastructure

Molina adds, South Africa will need to modernise its energy policies and infrastructure, attract capital towards low-carbon and efficient technologies in all sectors, and build the capacity of its institutions through climate education and readiness. Currently, the country is heavily reliant on coal as a fuel supply and this dependency is nearing the end of its lifecycle.

On the other hand, Molina reports the renewables market in the country is poised for growth. In 2014, South Africa was rated the most attractive emerging photovoltaic market in the world and its wind industry has seen unexpected and unprecedented success in the last four years.

South Africa averages more than 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, and average solar radiation is about 5kWh/m2 per day, an excellent source of free energy. The combination of distributed and utility-scale generation of solar energy could facilitate energy access to communities that are currently not connected to the grid and provide reliable electricity to urban areas, notes Molina. Wind has also proven to be a reliable energy source at close to zero net cost.

In the last four years, the wind industry in South Africa has become an almost R75bn industry with over 1GW commissioned and another 2.2GW on the way. Millions have been set aside for social and economic development surrounding windfarms.

Clean energy market

Globally, clean energy is currently the biggest market opportunity for the private sector, according to Molina. But it has other meaningful benefits too. Investment in low-carbon development can help countries, especially those in emerging economies, lower emissions and increase resilience to climate change, he says.

He adds that while the trends are encouraging, the approximately $400bn invested in low-carbon development in 2014 represents less than half of what will be required to meet the Paris commitment.

He is optimistic that by leapfrogging fossil fuel technologies and mobilising capital investment in renewables, emerging economies can achieve both mitigation and development goals.

Highlighting the importance of bold green leadership, Molina says: Post-Paris, business and civil society must remain informed and vigilant while holding governments accountable for implementing policies that hasten a transition to low-carbon, equitable, and sustainable economies.

Build a better world NOW is the theme of the ninth Green Building Convention to be held 26-28 July 2016 at Sandton Convention Centre. For more information on the Green Building Convention 2016 or to register, go to www.greenbuildingconvention.org.za.
Mooi River farmers Peter and Sandy Ward, members of Kwanalu, are providing young aspiring farmers a unique opportunity by offering them mentorship and real-life job experience on their farm. Over the past two years, they have taken in seven young students from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria. As a mandatory part of these students' agricultural degrees or diplomas, they are required to work as an intern within the sector of their choice during their third year.

Peter and Sandy Ward with interns

The students are expected to source and arrange their own internship placement and although there are some prospects for organised placements through AgriSETA and other NGOs, there are definitely far more students needing placement than there are opportunities for them, said Peter. Peter and Sandy heard about the need for placement positions through the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) who run a scheme placing students on dairy farms.

It is an especially difficult task for students who have not grown up on farms and have little or no contacts in agricultural communities. They really are between a rock and a hard place, as their future is at the mercy of whoever decides to take them in, he said. This is where Peter and Sandy come in. In exchange for a small salary (funded through AgriSETA) and lots of hard work, the students are provided with serviced accommodation and the opportunity to gain real work experience.

We try to expose them to all aspects of the dairy as well as general farm work. Over and above working with the animals, they learn about tractor driving, irrigation, field prep and working with different implements, said Peter.

Most of the students we get are from towns or cities and so have had little or no exposure to farm life. I think this is why we can empathise with them  we too had to learn as we went along as we were not always farmers, explains Sandy.

Unlike many farmers in KZN, Peter and Sandy do not come from farming stock, nor did they study or intend to work within the agriculture sector. I was a businessman turned dairy farmer after Sandy bought a single cow in 1989 for our own milk. I had to travel in-between Johannesburg and the farm for 10 years while Sandy built up our farming business. We understand the passion in these young men and women to choose dairy as a career. We are happy to help them and to be contributing in some small way to the changing South Africa, said Peter.

Future farmers

But it is not just about us helping them, he added. We really value the interns in our operation, even though they are not practically experienced, they are very quick to grasp concepts and they work hard because they are motivated to finish their studies, he said. In fact, Peter was so impressed with one of the interns, Philani Mntungwa, who grew up in Pietermaritzburg, that he has employed him full time (as a dairy supervisor) and enrolled him in the Future Farmers Programme; an integrated learning scheme that places aspiring farmers in positions on farms overseas.

I love my job here and enjoy working with the animals. I am also looking forward to the new adventure and being exposed to different methods of dairy farming. I hope that one day I will be able to do something for myself, said Philani.

Kwanalus CEO Sandy La Marque encouraged more KZN farmers to get involved in internship programmes as a viable way to contribute towards job creation and reform in the agricultural sector. Philani has been given an amazing opportunity and has clearly proven his worth. It shows that the system can work, provided more of our farmers come forward to actively take part, she said.
Volkswagen has agreed to pay $10 billion to settle a huge US civil case over its diesel emissions-cheating scandal, a person familiar with the negotiations told AFP on Thursday. As part of the settlement, Volkswagen would compensate owners of around 480,000 2.0-liter diesel cars up to $7,000 in cash each, and would also fund a programme to fight air pollution, the person said.

Simon via Pixabay

Volkswagen admitted in September that it had installed software on diesel cars that tricked US emissions tests into showing the cars met environmental standards. After testing, the device switched off, allowing the vehicles to spew up to 40 times the permitted amounts of nitrogen oxides. The scandal, which emerged with the revelations in the United States, went global after Volkswagen admitted it had installed the emissions-cheating software in 11 million VW, Porsche and Audi cars with diesel engines worldwide.

The San Francisco civil lawsuit accuses Volkswagen of major damages to the environment and to the owners of the illegally rigged diesel cars. A settlement could be enough to allow Volkswagen to avert a huge trial over how it would deal with the scandal that has already deeply damaged the world's second-largest automaker.

To help the various sides reach a deal, the federal district court in San Francisco court recently pushed back the deadline by a week to 28 June. A court hearing on the final settlement agreement is scheduled on 26 July. The San Francisco judge supervising the settlement negotiations, US District Judge Charles Breyer, has imposed a gag order, stressing the need to keep the talks confidential until an agreement can be presented to the court.

Volkswagen has set aside 16.2 billion euros ($18.4 billion) to cover the costs of the scandal, including seven billion euros for legal risks. A settlement would not end Volkswagen's troubles in the United States.

The company needs to address similar charges over its 3.0 litre diesel cars with emissions-cheating devices. It also faces fines potentially running to the tens of billions of dollars from US regulators, and a criminal investigation over the scandal. At the same time it is facing similar charges and litigation in Europe and elsewhere for the same issues.

Source: AFP
Safari Investments, which has grown its portfolio about 30% in the year to March, says it is on track to reach its R3bn property target by the end of 2018.

Atlyn Shopping Centre

The group said on Wednesday, 22 June, that during the year under review, it had increased its portfolio to 19 properties valued at R2.2bn, from a previous nine properties worth about R1.7bn.

The company, which listed in April 2014, said its focus on township shopping centres was serving it well and that its expansion plans in Namibia were also gaining traction.

CEO Francois Marais said Safari was looking to more than double its portfolio from the R1.3bn it listed with in 2014, to R3bn by the end of 2018.

Revenue increased 22% year-on-year to R172m, with R140m in the 2015 financial year.

The company's net asset value per share was R8.54 at year-end.

The investment company declared a cash distribution of 32c per share due at the end of June.

Safari is expanding its operations in the rest of Africa. In October, the company will open its first investment across the border, the Platz am Meer Waterfront development at Swakopmund in Namibia.

The 50,000m development consists of 27,000m of retail space, 31 penthouses and six apartments.

The shopping centre's anchors include Woolworths, Checkers, Dis-Chem and Edgars.

Safari has also been touted as a takeover target because many of the properties it owns are well-located, and some retail-focused larger companies have struggled to buy new, well-positioned malls.

Source: Business Day
The Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) has taken the top prize in the international Student Cluster Competition held at the International Supercomputing Conference (ISC) in Germany this week.

No newcomer in this competition, CHPC won the top prize in 2013 and 2014 and took second prize in 2015. This year the centre entered another team of undergraduate students and took the overall prize, beating 11 other contenders from across the globe.

Other entrants included:

 Purdue University and University of Colorado, Boulder (USA)

 Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)

 National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (USA)

 University of Science and Technology of China (China)

 University of Hamburg (Germany)

 Tsinghua University (China)

 University of Tartu (Estonia / USA)

 Boston Green Team (USA)

 Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech (Spain)

 Huazhong University of Science & Technology (China)

 Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China)

The awards ceremony took place on 22 June in front of ISC attendees from around the globe who met in Frankfurt to share the latest developments in high performance computing (HPC) and to witness student expertise in what is hoped to become the formation of a pipeline for future HPC experts. The international competition features small teams that compete to demonstrate the incredible capabilities of state-of- the-art high-performance cluster hardware and software.

In a real-time challenge, 12 teams of six undergraduate and/or high school students build a small cluster of their own design on the ISC exhibition floor and race to demonstrate the greatest performance across a series of benchmarks and applications.

Winning team

Winning team members under the supervision of CHPC engineers, David Macleod and Matthew Cawood are:

 Andries Bingani  University of the Witwatersrand

 Ashley Naude  Stellenbosch University

 Avraham Bank  University of the Witwatersrand

 Craig Bester  University of the Witwatersrand

 Sabeehah Ismail  University of the Witwatersrand

 Leanne Johnson  Stellenbosch University

Reserves:

 Kayla-Jade Butkow  University of the Witwatersrand

 Bakhekile Ndlovu  University of the Witwatersrand

The South African team is the only team that enters a brand new team each year. This is done to give as many students as possible exposure to the international HPC community. The international competition is a culmination of two rounds of national competition processes that CHPC starts every April with a call to students in all universities in the country.

The CHPCs ISC team was sponsored by Dell South Africa who provide the team with equipment, travel, accommodation, meals and training for the ISC competition. Mellanox sponsored the teams EDR Infiniband interconnect.

Team selection

The competition begins with team selection, a process designed to impart critical knowledge for building a cluster. This includes: using Linux systems, the basic software stack of a cluster and considerations which should be taken into account when choosing hardware. Team selection concludes with each team presenting a theoretical design for a student cluster to a panel of judges. The results from the team selection project and applications are used to select the teams which will proceed to the CHPC Student Cluster Competition, a national competition.

National CHPC Student Cluster Competition

In the CHPC Student Cluster Competition participants build small HPC clusters out of hardware provided by the CHPC and its industrial partners. The contest takes place on the exhibition floor at the CHPC National Meeting annually. The participants are given a selection of applications to optimise and run on their cluster to demonstrate their designs performance. Each team is assigned a budget of approximately R200,000 and a parts list from one of the CHPC's industry partners. With this budget and parts list, the team must design a cluster taking into consideration the set of applications which will be used to benchmark the cluster.

Once the cluster's design is finalised the hardware specification is submitted to the CHPC's partners for manufacturing. The hardware, as specified in the cluster design, is delivered to the exhibition floor of the CHPC National Meeting. Here the teams unpack their equipment, construct their cluster, install the software stack and perform benchmarks. The teams are judged on a combination of the performance of the applications and the design of the cluster.
In mid-June 2016, 'Student Politics in Africa: Representation and Activism', edited by Thierry M Luescher, Manja Klemencic, and James Otieno Jowi, was launched. The book has brought together the work and questions of eighteen scholars who are concerned with the issues of higher-education development, governance and student politics in Africa.

Taabo Mugume, Sam Masingi, and Dr Thierry Luescher at the launch of the book, Student Politics in Africa: Representation and Activism.Photo: Hatsu Mphatsoe

Dr Luescher is an assistant director in the Directorate of Institutional Research and Academic Planning (DIRAP) on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.

The book focuses on the generation of new knowledge about student politics in Africa. Dr Luescher explained that the inspiration behind the book was based on the importance of how the voice of students is represented in higher education. Steady increase has been seen over the decades across Africa of students being involved in the decision-making structures of universities.

Dr Luescher says, #FeesMustFall is an example of student activism in response to the problem where student leaders have not been heard about student funding, especially assistance to poor and middle income students. The book shows that the South African student movement is not unique, but actually part of a continent-wide  indeed a global  resurgence of student opposition against neo-liberal policies in higher education.

Another question raised focused on ensuring a healthy relationship between student activism and political parties. It was explained as being a different process across different African countries. While both go hand-in-hand, it is important to ensure that there is a regulation between the two so that student leaders do not become captive to parties and are indebted to them, said Dr Luescher.

The book will serve as a great way for both student activists and the structures that exist in institutions to gain an understanding of eachs perspective and how to have a more amicable relationship.
How will the currency fluctuations caused by Brexit, in particular, affect tourism in Cape Town?

sharonang via pixabay

 The exchange rate still makes SA a highly favourable prospect for international visitors as it means affordable luxury. For international visitors, once in the city, the costs of exploring and experiencing the attractions are reasonable: the reaction that is given from international visitors after their visits is that a stay in the city was far more affordable than theyd perceived prior to visiting.

 The shock of Brexit on travel will be short-lived. The process to exit will take about two years, which means that in the medium term, tourists and tourism businesses will need to prepare themselves for a series of changes. For South Africans travelling abroad, the questions around VISAs will need to be answered as soon as possible, but, for now, it would remain unchanged.

 According to the Post Office Holiday Money Report 2016 (released in January 2016), prices in Cape Town were down 20 percent, making Cape Town one of only two long haul destinations to make the leading 10 destinations. As a result of the great strides made by sterling against the rand in recent months, the city has powered past Bali to make it the lowest-priced of 32 long haul destinations surveyed and third cheapest overall. With sterling now worth 28 percent more than a year ago, equating to 111 extra cash on a 500 currency purchase, Post Office Travel Money has chosen South Africa for its 2016 hotlist. Despite the fluctuation in currency, this remains largely true.

 We would caution against tourism businesses raising their prices to gain from international visitors only to price locals out of the market, especially since locals may opt to travel domestically within SA as a result of unsteady exchange rates.

 Exchange rates fluctuate so this is not the sole feature that should be used to market attractions and experiences, but there are those that offer value for money regardless of the exchange rate. It must be noted that imported goods will increase in price and the supply chain may affect local pricing.

 On the whole, we anticipate that those international visitors who have booked well in advance will be able to enjoy their visit to the Mother City, and we will continue to showcase all that the city has to offer as a world-class travel destination.
Durban Container Terminal's (DCT) road at Pier 2 is the main arterial supply for the North, South and East quays and other departments in DCT which handle approximately 3,000 laden trucks and other vehicles in the terminal daily. The road has been in existence for more than 35 years and, due to constant heavy traffic, several repairs have been completed.

Over the years bad weather has also exacerbated the decline of the condition of the road to the extent that it can no longer be maintained normally. The poor condition of the road is not only a poor reflection on Transnet Port Terminals' (TPT) position as a leader in our industry but it has also impacted on the general wear and tear of equipment, thereby also increasing maintenance expenses at DCT.

In November 2015 we began to address this issue by rolling out Phase 1 of our two-part project to provide the terminal users with a suitably superior and safely constructed road. I am delighted to report that, despite recent underground service risks which we had identified as being problematic, we are at 47% completion of the overall Road Rehabilitation Project with minimal impact to operations and truck turnaround times, stated Transnet Port Terminals GM: KZN Operations Containers, Brenda Magqwaka.

Phase 1 of the Road Rehabilitation Project entailed the reconstruction of the current inbound lanes with traffic being diverted onto the current outbound lanes. Outbound traffic has in the interim been diverted onto the temporary outbound lanes created during the preparatory phase.

Challenges faced during this stage included identifying and securing the underground services, which was acknowledged as a potential risk ahead of the project commencing. However, the issues were resolved efficiently with additional sleeves being added for extra services in the event the need arises in the future. The completion date for Phase 1 is set for Quarter 3 of this year with the overall project completion date predicted for Quarter 2 in 2017.

We understand the importance of investing in our infrastructure to create greater value for our customers by ultimately delivering better service and turnaround times. Our key accounts managers are in constant communication with our clients and stakeholders to update them on the progress being made. We are grateful for their patience and support with the completion of this much-needed road rehabilitation project, concluded Magqwaka.
Sad but true: Not enough is being done to uplift the previously disadvantaged in SA and to get more of those voices involved in the local creative industry. Here's how the Loeries' Creative Future Scholarship is making inroads.

Last years Loeries Creative Future Scholarship finalists.

Greg Tregoning, the head navigator at Vega School of Brand Communications in Durban, has a passion for driving this cause, but could not do it alone. Luckily, the Loeries have stepped in, and over the last eight years have helped passionate and talented students live their dream.

For example, through sponsorship five years ago, Vega Durban ran two Imagination Labs, one in Westville and another in KwaMashu. In total, 50 students were given the opportunity to experience creativity and branding, with the best of those students selected to study further at Vega, at no cost. In the end, 15 students graduated with degrees, which is something Tregoning is immensely proud of.

Tregoning explains that this years 10 finalists stand the chance of being awarded the Loeries Creative Future Scholarship, worth R500,000. But every year is different. For example, last year the Loeries and Vega School decided on five bursaries and scholarships in total. So depending on the finalist, further bursaries and scholarships to study may be awarded through Vega and sister brand Design School South Africa. He clarifies that theres no fixed number of scholarships or bursaries on the cards and that other educational institutes may also be invited to participate and award bursaries.

Reimagining the creative future

Its not a free-for-all though: Only Grade 12 learners based in KwaZulu-Natal, who come from a disadvantaged background, are eligible. Entries close on 4 July. The top candidates will then be invited to an interview and the recipient of the scholarship will be announced at the Loeries this August. The recipient will be allowed to select a course to study full-time at Vega in Durban.

Obviously judging whos truly worthy of receiving the scholarship is no easy task.

Tregoning explains the judging panel comprises Loeries CEO Andrew Human, himself and various Vega lecturers. Other educational institutes may also be invited to participate this year.

Its a very special day for the applicants. After what he calls a hectic day of having their portfolios viewed by the judges, they complete a creative challenge and go through a gruelling interview, after which the winner is selected. The scholarship covers just about everything, ranging from fees and study materials to accommodation and living expenses. It also offers mentorship, internships and best of all, employment in the communications industry after studying. Everything you need to begin your creative future.

Click here for full application details and here for more info on the scholarship.
Sitting in a jail cell in 1989, Tom Winslow knew he could die in the electric chair for a Beatrice woman's rape and murder four years earlier.

Gage County Sheriff Jerry DeWitt mentioned it when he dropped off his meals or the mail, he said.

Still, he wouldn't take the plea deal he said the county attorney had offered up: testify against Joseph White and he'd reduce the charge and recommend a sentence of zero to five years.

"Why didn't you testify against him?" attorney Maren Chaloupka asked Winslow Thursday in a U.S. District Courtroom in Lincoln at a trial seeking to make the county pay for botching the investigation that led to him and five others going to prison for a crime tied by DNA to another man years later.

"I knew that I did not do those things to her," Winslow said. "I also knew that he did not do those things to her, and I wasn't going to get on the stand and say that."

That fall, after a jury found White guilty, Winslow agreed to plead no contest to abetting second-degree murder. He told then-Gage County Attorney Dick Smith he wouldn't plead guilty.

One by one this week, Winslow and the surviving members of the Beatrice 6 -- Deb Shelden, James Dean, JoAnn Taylor and Kathy Gonzalez -- took the witness stand at a civil rights trial to tell the jury their stories of being free one day and locked up the next.

"I began to wonder if I might have been involved in it, because everybody around me was against me, telling me I was," James Dean said Monday.

After he was shown videos and photos of the crime scene and started working with Dr. Wayne Price, a reserve Gage County deputy, he started having dreams of the crime.

On Wednesday, Lois White told the jury about her son, Joseph, who died in a workplace accident in Alabama in 2011.

She remembered how he never seemed to give up hope that the truth would come out. Lois White said her daughter was bitter after he got out in 2008, but he wasn't.

Taylor, who is mentally ill, said she started to believe she was at the crime scene. There are times she said she still can feel the pillow in her hands that she was accused of suffocating the woman with, even though she knows she wasn't there and didn't do it. Wilson wasn't suffocated with a pillow.

On Thursday morning, Winslow said he remembered how the Beatrice woman's killing was all over the TV and newspapers in 1985 when it happened.

Later that year, Beatrice police cleared him after he gave a sample of his A-positive blood. The suspect had left B blood at the scene.

Regardless, Winslow eventually would go to prison for 19 years and seven months before DNA tests led to his release.

In March 1989, he was in jail in Lincoln for an assault when Gage County Deputy Burdette Searcey came to see him, wanting help with the Wilson homicide. He asked about his car, whether he was working the night it happened, if he recognized people in a photo line-up.

"If you told him everything he wanted to know, it was OK. If you didn't give him exactly the answers he wanted he would repeat them. If you frustrated him, he would throw a paper on the desk," Winslow said.

He said he told Searcey stories that weren't true about Taylor and White. In exchange, he got out on bond. Three days later, Gage County deputies came to his mom's place in Wymore to arrest him.

Winslow said within days of starting to serve time at Lincoln Correctional Center for Wilson's rape and murder, an inmate sexually assaulted him. It was the first of many assaults over the next 11 years, he said.

"I can't count them to this day."

In prison, you have to make yourself look as tough as possible, he said with his voice getting quiet. But not too tough, because that can lead to a fight.

"You've got to become as inhuman as your surroundings ... so you fit in," Winslow said.

He remembers being at work at a prison sewing shop in 2005 when he was told he had an attorney visit, even though he hadn't had an attorney in years.

It was Doug Stratton, a Norfolk attorney he didn't know who had taken White's appeal.

"He said to me, 'Tom, ... my client tells me he was not involved in this crime, and I believe him.' And he says, 'I believe you weren't there either,'" Winslow said, wiping his nose with a tissue.

Winslow got out of prison Oct. 17, 2008, after the DNA testing connected Bruce Allen Smith to the killing and none of the six.

Chaloupka asked Winslow if he has been able to find himself again in the time since.

"I don't think I ever will completely, no. I gotta be realistic," he said. "But I am better than I was."

The Beatrice 6 side rested Thursday. Gage County began presenting its defense late in the afternoon.
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Its hard to think of summer without thinking of the many neighbors we shared the southern Illinois heat, humidity and mosquitoes with on the dairy farm of my youth.

Back then, in the mid-1960s, wed often see neighbors across the table-flat Mississippi River Bottoms as they cultivated corn or soybeans and we baled straw or raked hay.

One set of neighbors, the bachelor brothers of Woodrow, Elvin, and Tanny L., owned land on either side of our farm so six days a week one of the men would ka-push, ka-push past our house on their Johnny Popper A. If Elvin was at its wheel, hed wave to my brothers and me like a long-gone uncle utterly delighted to meet his newly-discovered nephews.

Since we milked 100 Holsteins, wed see many neighbors during their evening trips to the dairy barn to buy our 50-cents-a-gallon milk. The price never changed; the neighbors rarely did. Most arrived just in time to visit while we milked the last couple of cows.

Those visits leaned more towards local news than local gossip. Felix V. could be counted on to tell us if the morels were up. Young John O. (there was an Old John O.), who was the deckhand on the nearby Mississippi River ferry, always knew if the river was rising, falling or, as he liked to say, on a stand. Ivan M., who worked at a local grain elevator, offered the weeks price for wheat, corn, and soybeans.

Sometimes a neighbor came to the dairy barn to arrange an equipment or manpower swap. For example, my father often borrowed Gary K.s three-point, two-row John Deere planter to plant the many rows our six-row Oliver planter, the worlds worst, had skipped due to its faulty engineering and our faulty attention.

In return, Dad would combine Garys red clover or loan him our baler on a June day when it wasnt the dusty center of his sons sweaty universe.

No one on either side of those transactions ever talked money; we were neighbors and neighbors were neighborly.

Money did change hands, however, when we bought food from each other. We always bought our butcher hogs from a neighbor, usually Elmer B. Also, every week we purchased four dozen eggs from Mrs. M. with the same dollar bill her son Ivan, the elevator man, had given us a couple of days earlier on his weekly, two-gallon milk run.

Two months ago, on a perfect spring day, I visited most of those old neighbors atop the nearby bluff during a slow meander through St. Leos Catholic Church Cemetery. I saw, for the first time in decades, Elvins hearty wave, Mrs. M.s lipsticked smile, and Garys deeply creased grin.

Far below in the blue distance lay the lovely, fertile Bottoms where they had spent their entire lives, often together, making a living and enjoying life. None ever had much money by today's never-enough standards, but they had something money can never buy, the rarely mentioned respect and the never-mentioned love of their neighbors.

Today that respect and love  that neighborliness  seems to end at the property line or courthouse steps. For example, on June 14, voters in North Dakota rejected, by a resounding 3-1 margin, their legislatures loosening of the states corporate farming law.

That overwhelming defeat, however, will not deter the North Dakota Farm Bureau (NDFB) from pursuing its federal court suit to have the century-old state law declared unconstitutional. After the vote, NDFBs president, Daryl Lies, said the suit must continue because Our court system is the only appropriate place to settle this question without the issue being derailed by emotion....

Not true; Lies neighbors from every city, village and farm in North Dakota calmly and democratically settled the question by a perfectly clear 75-to-25 percent margin.

In rejecting that outcome, though, the NDFB again proved what a growing segment of the American public now firmly believes: Farmers love to talk to consumers; they just dont want to listen to em.

A good neighbor would.
The post can also be found on www.nccapitolconnection.com A bill filed in the House last week, if approved, will open up the state to Constitutional carry, or being able to carry a concealed handgun without a Concealed Handgun Permit, if you meet certain criteria.Now the criteria to conceal under the bill would be essentially the same as that to get a concealed carry permit.The oldest state to allow concealed carry of a firearm without a permit is Vermont, which has never placed any limits on a person's ability to bear arms in a discreet manner since its inception in 1791.Over the last 25 years another nine states have opened the doors to Constitutional carry including Montana in 1991, Alaska in 2003, Texas in 2007, Arizona in 2010, Wyoming in 2011, Arkansas in 2013, Kansas in 2015 and most recently Idaho and West Virginia.And a common thread between all of these states is that, since the inception of Constitutional carry, not one of them has had blood running through the streets as many opposed to permitless carry predicted.HB1148 would not only allow U.S. citizens, that otherwise meet the criteria under the law, to conceal a handgun in the state but would also put forth a referendum to the voters in November about whether or not they want to delete a sentence from the state Constitution that says, "Nothing herein shall justify the practice of carrying concealed weapons, or prevent the General Assembly from enacting penal statutes against that practice."This portion of the North Carolina Declaration of Rights, Article I of the state Constitution, is the tail-end of the state recognition of the right to bear arms, which reads in full as follows, "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; and, as standing armies in time of peace are dangerous to liberty, they shall not be maintained, and the military shall be kept under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power. Nothing herein shall justify the practice of carrying concealed weapons, or prevent the General Assembly from enacting penal statutes against that practice."The section in question however does not harken back to 1776 when the first North Carolina Constitution was passed, or even 1868 when the second Constitution was drafted.No, it was added into the Constitution in 1971 during the recodification of the state Constitution, a full 24 years before the state passed concealed carry permit laws.Keep that in mind as pundits and political actors espouse the wisdom of our forefathers in banning concealed carry in the first place over the coming days.The bill would also outline that property owners, specifically owners or controllers of properties that charge admission or serve alcohol would still be able to deny concealed carry in their businesses, but with the exception that it would not apply to a large group of privileged government workers including law enforcement officers, some courthouse employees, penal system employees and justice system employees, as well as some military personnel.The law already makes exceptions for many of those listed in the bill but would expand the net to catch more people within government.The timing of the filing coincides with a federal appellate court decision in California ruling that said "the right of a member of the general public to carry a concealed firearm in public is not, and never has been, protected by the Second Amendment."The 7-4 decision ruled that any "prohibition or restriction a state may choose to impose on concealed carry" is permissible, which would include as it says, prohibition on concealed carry.In a time when courts are rewriting the Second Amendment to pave the way for banning the carry of firearms, especially in states like California where open carry is illegal, it is nice to see some taking a stand to expand carry rights in this state.
For years the NCDOT has attempted to evade its duty to pay just compensation for land it plans to use for highway rights-of-way by imposing uncompensated, long-term development moratoria on that land. Now it is attempting to evade judicial scrutiny of its actions by encouraging this Court to apply highly deferential standards and tests. However, the Map Act does not merit such deference. It does not resemble the legislation that governs transportation planning in other states; it does not resemble the legislation that governs conventional land use regulation in North Carolina; it is blatantly unfair; it is patently unnecessary; and it violates fundamental rights protected by the United States Constitution and the Constitution of North Carolina, including the rights to equal protection, due process, and just compensation.

The Map Act's indefinite restraint on fundamental property rights is squarely outside the scope of the police power. No environmental, development, or relocation concerns arise absent the highway project and the accompanying condemnation itself. ... Though the reduction in acquisition costs for highway development properties is a laudable public policy, economic savings are a far cry from the protections from injury contemplated under the police power. ...

By recording the corridor maps at issue here, which restricted plaintiffs' rights to improve, develop, and subdivide their property for an indefinite period of time, NCDOT effectuated a taking of fundamental property rights. On remand, the trier of fact must determine the value of the loss of these fundamental rights by calculating the value of the land before the corridor map was recorded and the value of the land afterward, taking into account all pertinent factors, including the restriction on each plaintiff's fundamental rights.

Government is instituted to protect property of every sort.

The great and chief end, therefore, of men's uniting into commonwealths, and putting themselves under government, is the preservation of their property.

RALEIGH The N.C. Supreme Court handed down a unanimous decision this month in Kirby v. North Carolina Department of Transportation . It's a well-earned victory for the plaintiffs and their legal team, but we're celebrating here at the John Locke Foundation as well.The Kirby plaintiffs own land in Forsyth County that the DOT plans to use eventually for a beltway around Winston-Salem. Under a statute known as the Map Act, DOT imposed a development moratorium on that land. Because both improvement and subdivision were forbidden, the land lost value and became difficult to sell, which was precisely the point. The purpose of the Map Act is to suppress the value of land so that DOT pays less when it eventually acquires it.The moratorium placed the Kirby plaintiffs in a state of limbo - unable to develop their property, unable to sell it for a reasonable price, and uncertain about when, if ever, the state actually would take it and offer them compensation. And it left them there for a long time; it's already been almost 20 years for some of them, and, at a public hearing, DOT indicated that it might go on for another 20 years. It's little wonder, therefore, that the plaintiffs decided to sue and demand compensation.At the John Locke Foundation, we've always been highly critical of the Map Act , and we've been rooting for Mr. & Mrs. Kirby and their fellow plaintiffs ever since they decided to sue. Last year, when the case reached the Supreme Court, we were able to do more than just root. We filed a friend-of-the court brief in support of the plaintiffs. In it we summed up our objections by saying:As that summary suggests, the primary issue before the Supreme Court was whether a development moratorium imposed under the Map Act should be regarded as ordinary regulation imposed under the state's police power, which does not require compensation, or as a taking under the state's power of eminent domain, which does. We cheered last year when the N.C. Court of Appeals found that Map Act moratoriums are takings, and we're cheering even harder now.Writing for a unanimous Supreme Court, Justice Paul Newby upheld the Court of Appeals:The opinion is admirably clear, concise, and focused, but Newby nevertheless finds room to place the case in its historical context. Citing North Carolina's 1776 Constitution as evidence, he notes that, "The fundamental right to property is as old as our state." After also noting that, "From the very beginnings of our republic we have jealously guarded against the governmental taking of property," he quotes James Madison:And John Locke(!):These historical references come as no surprise. Justice Newby is a scholar with a particular interest in North Carolina's constitutional history. He's an adjunct professor of law at Campbell University and (along with University of North Carolina Professor John Orth) co-author of The North Carolina State Constitution, which was published by Oxford University Press in 2013. No one is better qualified to explain how North Carolina's Constitution implicitly protects property against uncompensated takings or why the property protected "clearly includes the rights to improve, develop, and subdivide."It's a great opinion and a great result.
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Top 5 Ayurvedic Remedies To Increase Breast Milk Supply Wellness oi-Tanushree Kulkarni

Call it liquid gold or life-giving nectar, but you cannot deny the importance of breast milk for a newborn. It is the most beneficial thing for a baby.

In fact, so much is its importance that the World Health Organization recommends giving just mother's milk to the baby for the first 6 months of his/her life.

Many mothers, especially the first timers, often worry about their milk supply. Nature has bestowed every mother with a sufficient amount of milk to feed their newborn.

Also Read: 5 Effective Ways To Treat Anaemia With Ayurveda

However, some new mothers are unable to produce a sufficient quantity of milk for their young ones.

The dwindling supply in the new mothers could be because of hormonal changes, illness, nutritional deficiency, birth control pills or an improper latching position.

Insufficient milk supply could put your newborn at the risk of an array of diseases such as malnutrition, weak memory, health issues and a host of other issues.

Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine, has many herbs that can solve the problem of insufficient milk supply in new mothers. Use Ayurveda to harness the potential of various herbs to alleviate diseases.

Also Read: Best Ayurveda Remedies to Treat PCOS

So, here are some of the Ayurvedic remedies to increase milk production in new mothers, have a look at these.

Methi Seeds

Methi seeds are one of the best remedies recommended in Ayurveda for increasing production of milk. Methi seeds contain a compound called phytoestrogens that help in boosting the function of the mammary glands. Young mothers suffering from the problem of an insufficient milk supply should consume methi seeds.

Usage

Soak methi seeds in water overnight. Then, boil this concoction. Strain it and drink it every morning to increase your milk supply.

Cinnamon

According to Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine, cinnamon helps in increasing the flow of mother's milk. It also helps in increasing the flavour of the milk when consumed by nursing mothers. It will help in delaying periods after the childbirth, thereby delaying early conception.

Usage

New mothers can consume cinnamon by making a mixture of half a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon. You can also consume cinnamon by the way of adding a pinch of it to some warm milk. Consuming it for a month or two will result in increasing the supply of milk in lactating mothers

Shatavari

This traditional Ayurvedic herb has been used since time immemorial to cure the problem of insufficient milk supply in nursing mothers. Shatavari contains a compound that helps in keeping hormones in check and also helps in increasing the production of milk in females.

Usage

Drink two teaspoons of Shatavari mixed with water to increase the milk production. You could also buy it in the form of a capsule in any OTC medical store.

Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are commonly found in an Indian kitchen and are an integral part of the Indian cuisine. But they are also a highly efficient remedy for treating problems related to the insufficient supply of milk. These seeds are also packed with iron that gives strength to the nursing mothers.

Usage

Make a mixture of 1 teaspoon of sugar and cumin powder. Consume this with warm milk every day before going to bed to ensure an increased breast milk supply.

Garlic

Garlic is an efficient Ayurvedic herb used since time immemorial to increase the secretion of milk in new mothers. This galactagogue herb helps in also increasing the flavour when it is consumed by a nursing mother.

Usage

You can consume garlic by the way of adding it to your food every day.
Weirdest Stories Of Parents Forgetting Kids! Life oi-Syeda Farah

When a couple gets a new baby in the house, the usual scenario is they are always near the baby taking care of all the needs of the baby.

However, there have been a few set of parents who've actually forgotten about their baby completely. This happens to those who have too many things on their plate to be handled.

Though this situation sounds funny and hard to believe, there are times when it gets pretty serious as well. Being a negligent parent can be one of the worst mistakes that a parent can do.

Here, in this article, we've shared some of the weirdest stories of parents who have forgotten their kids at some point of time.

These situations are embarrassing for the parents as well, as it shows how negligent they are in taking care of their little ones and are mostly thinking of other major things in their lives.

Being responsible and taking care of the little one should be the utmost important thing that a parent must follow.

So, find out more about some of the weirdest stories of parents who have forgotten about their kids completely.

The Parents Who Forgot Their Kid At The Airport

The staff at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel found a 4-year-old girl alone in a duty-free shop. Her parents forgot to take her along while they were busy with their luggage and the other 4 kids. They were informed about their missing child once the flight had taken off to Paris. The poor little kid was sent along with a good Samaritan to Paris in the next flight.

The Father Who Left His 1-Year-Old Behind In A Parking Lot

A father in Massachusetts made a frantic call to 911 to report that he forgot to pick his one-year-old daughter from the backseat of his car. He had boarded the train when he realised that the little kid was missing. Quincy officials found the car in the parking lot and rescued the baby, and the father-kid duo were united shortly.

The Mother Who Drove With Her Kid On Top Of Her Car Roof

Catalina Clouser was a 19-year-old mother from Phoenix, Arizona. She was arrested for being negligent for leaving her 2-month-old baby on her car roof while she drove under the influence of marijuana. By the time she realised her grave mistake, the kid had already toppled off, but was unharmed.

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The Mother Who Forgot Her Kid When She Went For Donut Shopping

A mother from San Diego had a quest for a perfect donut, and the sacrifice was a baby. The mother went with her cousin and her 5-month-old baby to Golden Donut in San Diego; and when she did not find her favourite donut, she went into another shop to find the perfect donut. In all this rage, she forgot about her toddler who was seated in the shop. The baby was united with the mother once she rushed back to the shop.
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See the entire speech to North Carolina Liberals /Socialists below. You may wish to fast forward through the long winded Jim Hunt introduction speech:

Should Americans be thankful for North Carolinians setting precedent in taking a stand for their state's right to manage the safety of their public facilities, where separation of the sexes remains, or should they follow Bruce Springsteen's lead and boycott the state as bigots since they will not allow grown Transgender men to use the same bathrooms /locker rooms as pre-pubescent girls? North Carolina is right to control the separation of the sexes as a matter of decorum and safety. North Carolina is a bigoted state to not require that children of opposite sexes share the same public facilities with adults of the opposite sex, although misidentified - the Transgender. I generally prefer the natural environs of the vacant, although rather public, large tree. 236 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



poll#95 What should be the priority of the Federal Government after the "Pulse" massacre: Should we turn our attention toward destroying, earadicating ISIS as Candidate Trump suggests, or, as Democrats' President Obama suggests, broaden our efforts to effect stricter Gun Control laws to limit "Gun Violence?" 88.24% After many years of trying to degrade and contain the murderous ISIS, we should make it the nation's policy to destroy ISIS immediately. 3.68% Gun Violence in America can be eliminated by limiting access to guns for all American citizens. 8.09% I don't care either way; I just live here. 136 total vote(s) Voting has Ended!



Standing behind the podium at a staged campaign stop in Raleigh, North Carolina , June 22, 2016, Hillary B. Clinton promised to 'return North Carolina back to the days of Democrat Control, after this recent detour (McCrory administration and Republican legislature)', when North Carolina suffered its first deficit budget - a three billion dollar big red hole.She continued by slamming businesses and Wall Street on one hand, while during this same week, Hillary Clinton will hold /attend three fund raisers by wealthy Wall Street millionaires /billionaires and super rich Hollywood Producers. Considering Hillary's chronic struggle with everyday truths, and her factual reality as a pathological liar from a long term perspective , this is just her Socialist face to a liberal North Carolina cheering mob, and nothing more.As she continued speaking, as a pattern socialist, Ms. Hillary B. Clinton spoke to one Liberals' pathetic understanding of real World situations to another, using Socialist buzz words, buzz phrases, and then continued to play to the Liberal simple perceptive constructs of real World truths by emphasising that she had no real understanding of House Bill 2 , by pandering to the "LGBT Community" at the expense of any semblance of common sense, which Hillary has more than demonstrated that she has none - remember the facetious 'wiping a server, like with a rag' comment.Hillary droned on about: free college (debt free was the code word here), free community college , free health care, free child care, free food, free housing ... free, well free everything. With over 19 trillion dollars in national debt, 11 trillion accrued under Obama, an administration that Hillary B. promises to emulate ( so that she may not be indicted by Hussein Obama's corrupt Justice Dept. on a multitude of current felony investigations by the FBI), Hillary never mentioned how we would pay for more free stuff for Liberals ... those that would vote for her, and others like her.Never, during the entirety of her speech on: unfunded free stuff for Democrat voters, the racism /bigotry of Whites /Patriots, etc., did she discuss the keeping of communities safe, or our nation defended from Radical Islam. It was a speech for liberal Democrats /Socialists. It was not a speech for an American patriot.
Press Release:



Millie Chalk with Duke Energy speaks to instructor Matthew Lincoln about the needs of the community college

Contact: Crystal Feldman

Crystal Feldman govpress@nc.gov

Washington, NC During the last four years, the Duke Energy Foundation has contributed $ 825,916 to Beaufort County Community College. BCCC is ranked eleven in terms of grants received across the 58 community colleges in North Carolina, putting it on par with much larger community colleges in the state.Much of the funding has gone to replacing welding, fabrication and other industrial equipment to keep up with the latest in technology. Manufacturers are looking for students who are trained on the latest equipment used in the field. The updated technology gives students an advantage in the workplace. Many BCCC students have jobs lined up before they even graduate the program. Instructors Ted Clayton and Matthew Lincoln have been instrumental identifying program needs by working with employers and the BCCC grant writer, Julie Crippen.The Duke Energy Foundation contributed $141,029 in 2013, $248,302 in 2014, $221,111 in 2015 and 215,474 in 2016. More grant applications are in the works already. The funds have purchased equipment such as virtual welders, which save the college on materials used for training and give detailed feedback to students on their techniques.cheered Julie Crippen.said Duke Energy District Manager Millie Chalk.Beaufort County Community College provides accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training and lifelong learning opportunities to the people of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington Counties. Its machining and welding instructors are often able to place students with local companies even before they have finished their certification. To learn more about BCCC, visit www.beaufortccc.edu/ Duke Energy Foundation makes charitable investments on behalf of Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the United States with 7.2 million customers in six states. Over the foundation's long history in local communities, it has identified focus areas that maximize the foundation's dollars and guide the foundation's giving. In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation invests $16 million annually for community support and charitable contributions. To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community


"Because of the extreme secrecy surrounding the No Fly List, people generally only discover that they are on it when they are denied boarding on a flight  often very publicly, at the airport. The public does not know how many people are on the No Fly List, and the criteria for inclusion are so broad and vague that they inevitably ensnare innocent people engaged in First Amendment-protected speech, activity, or association".









"Strangely, its not the background check itself that creates the database. By law, the FBI must destroy the electronic record of all firearms-related background checks by the next business day. As long as the Fibbies follow the letter of the law, an FFLs criminal background check doesnt pose a threat to a gun owners personal privacy.



Its The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) thats the problem. Theyre the Agency in charge of making sure that all FFL dealers maintain a paper record of all firearms sales and transfers in their bound book. The ATF requires that FFLs enter the following information about a gun buyer into their bound book:

The date of receipt of the firearm; The name and address of the non-licensee or the name and FFL license number of the licensee from whom you received the firearm; The name of the manufacturer and importer (if any) of the firearm; The model of the firearm; The serial number of the firearm; The type of firearm (pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, receiver, frame, etc); and The caliber or gauge of the firearm

This is a gun registry."



Bill of Rights - The Really Brief Version

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are summarized below.

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. Right to keep and bear arms in order to maintain a well regulated militia. No quartering of soldiers. Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. Right to due process of law, freedom from self-incrimination, double jeopardy. Rights of accused persons, e.g., right to a speedy and public trial. Right of trial by jury in civil cases. Freedom from excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishments. Other rights of the people. Powers reserved to the states.



I am 100% if favor of building more prisons in every county in the United States where we can incarcerate all those illegal, undocumented criminal guns. Nowhere in the Constitution is there a reference to a gun having any rights. We would not have court trials because guns have no rights. Think of the money saved if we could just pronounce all guns as criminal and arrest them. Naturally, this would require that all guns turn themselves in because we do not have the manpower needed to find them all. New laws outlawing Gun Amnesty Cities would solve the problem of sanctuaries for those foreign guns that creep across our borders. We all know that many guns concealed themselves because they afraid of being profiled.Based on the success we have had with the war on poverty, illegal drugs, welfare cheats, food stamp abuse, and illegal immigration, I think that would be a good solution. The only ban that I can think of that has worked is the prayer in school ban, but all that did was drive the prayers underground.Of course, one of the only gun free zones left would be every local cemetery, but I doubt the terrorist would bother to attack there.I normally don't like Memes because they are usually non-factual pejorative statements attached to a picture to make an point or elicit an emotional response devoid of thought or accuracy.If you have applied for a concealed carry licenses or purchased a gun at a gun store and undergone a background check, you are probably already on a watch list at the ATF. They may not be actively following you but you are on the radar. If you have purchased more that one gun in the last six months and submitted to a NICS background check, you are flagged as a potential problem. The NICS database includes people with similar names. Ted Kennedy was on the no-fly list. Do not ever underestimate how our government will use information at it's disposal to pursue or harass perfectly innocent people.I do not have a concealed carry permit and I do not keep a gun in my car or carry one on my person. I have passed a background check for the purchase of a gun. I have no doubt that this rant will place me on somebody's watch list. With that disclaimer in place I reluctantly offer this meme which I think is based on factual context.Normally one would not expect me to reference the ACLU website but I have found that in spite of their left leaning politics, they are in fact quiet often correct on rights and civil liberties issues (Quite often is the operative phrase here).Let's say that you suspect you are on the no-fly list or the NICS no buy list. Short of trying to board a plane or buy a gun, is there a simple way to see if you are in either group?I have tried to do some rudimentary research to no avail. Here is some information about the No-Fly list from the ACLU Website. Here is some information about the NICS background check. I still have not found a way for a private individual to see if he is on the list. Background checks for dummies Why would I get so worked up over this issue if I were not a "GUN-NUT". It is simple, if they can deny me the 2nd amendment rights without due process. What other rights can they deny me? Below is the summary of what is at risk. Bill of Rights summar
In light of continued developments, primarily since 2008, there exists in these United States a Legal System which operates on a proved Two Tiered approach to justice rendered, which primarily benefits Democratic Elites and Woke Ideological Virtue Signalers, representing their co-dependent wards, to the expressed exclusion of normal hardworking American citizens: What is your suggestion in remedying this widespread injustice and, if not corrected, its existential outcome for our Constitutional Republic?

Complete overhaul of the Department of Justice and their enforcers - the FBI - to reflect a far more honest justice system to keep patriots remaining calm.

Disband the FBI, and request that congress investigate all unethical and non patriotic practices to partially right the wrongs of a distrusted and politically weaponized "Department of Justice."




KOLKATA (PTI): In the wake of FDI reforms in defence sector, the government-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday said it was not only ready to compete with foreign companies but also export its products.



The government had on Monday announced opening up the defence sector by allowing foreign companies to own up to 100 per cent equity.



"Someday there may be a possibility that a big company with a 100 per cent FDI may come with their technology and may be a competition to us. And we are rearing to go for competition," Director General, DRDO, S Christopher told reporters in Kolkata.



The DRDO, functioning under the Ministry of Defence, undertakes design and development of products and technologies to suit the requirement of the three wings of the Indian armed forces.



On the government's thrust on 'Make in India', Christopher said it was a bonanza as far as DRDO was concerned.



"DRDO technology is made in India. It is a huge boost," he said, adding they have even asked the government several times for exporting DRDO products.



"In case if I am not up to your level, there are several other countries which are poorer and they are willing to have the product we have," the DRDO chief said, adding they can export products which have suffered because of environmental conditions.



When asked about the repeated delays in execution of various projects by the DRDO, he said when those programmes and projects were taken up they never realised the complexity.



"If I have said seven years (for delivering a product), then at the end of seven years someone will knock at my door.



So that is the problem of miscalculation of number of years," the DRDO DG said.



The second issue, he noted, was during the gestation period the requirement of the defence forces increases sometimes and therefore the product development takes more time.



"A new product takes lot of time even in other countries.



When you take submarines it has taken not less than three decades. Air-borne warning system has taken not less than 15 years even in the US. So when compared to that we are also in a similar kind of situation," he said.



"These are areas where we are stuck. We can't give lame excuses. We are explaining these to the government," he said.






NAGAPATTINAM (PTI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to set up a training base at Kodikkarai, a coastal town in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, and an aerial survey has been conducted to identify the site for the project, officials said.



Officials of the IAF led by Captain A S Abhyankar, Air Wing Commander, Thanjavur Air Force Station, and Nagapattinam District Collector S Pazhaniswamy undertook an aerial survey of the 22,000 acre land owned by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department in Kodikkarai area on Wednesday.



Pazhaniswamy said the district administration would submit a report to the state government on the findings of the aerial survey for further action.



IAF has already established a Radar station at Kodikkarai for surveillance along the Palk Bay and Palk Strait.



The Union Defence Ministry has requested the state government to allot land for the training base at Kodikkarai.






HOUSTON (PTI): A team of 13 Indian engineering students, including four girls, will participate in NASA's prestigious global competition to build and design remotely operated vehicles from scratch.



The team named 'Screwdrivers' from Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management, Mumbai, will compete against 40 other teams from countries like China, Scotland, Russia, USA, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Denmark, Egypt, Turkey, and Poland in NASA's 15th annual international Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) competition in Houston from June 23.



The competition is being organised by MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) and Screwdrivers is the only team from India and competing against 40 other teams.



Competing for a coveted prize as part of NASA's MATE international ROV competition, the team guided by Prof Sawankumar Naik, is all set to represent India at the NASA Johnson Space Canter's Neutral Buoyancy Lab from June 23 to 25.



"Although it is their third visit to the space centre, but this time, with over 40 participating teams from across the globe, the stakes are higher than ever," he told PTI.



Students are expected to build and design their own remotely operated vehicles from scratch.



Chief Technical Officer, Vijayender Joshi said the tasks change each year but are always based on ocean engineering.



This year, NASA is going to start a mission to Jupiter's moon Europa. Since the moon also has water, the students would have to create a model, which will not only work underwater but also survive in space.



"The design is completely revamped from the model that went last year, we're told. And with various changes in design, the cost has come up to an approximately US$ 1,000.



Made over a span of five months, the robot, which the team calls 'spyder', has two parts one that can stay above water and another that can go under it," he adds.



Team Screwdrivers has previously been felicitated by late President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, ace nuclear scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar, record holding astronaut Sunita Williams and Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis for innovative design and cost-effective implementation.


Tom Campbell

Before the all-but-certain nasty political rhetoric dominates the airways it might be instructive to use this "quieter" time to analyze the North Carolina electorate and look at who might vote. Catawba College Political Science Professor, Dr. Michael Bitzer, along with State Board of Elections statistics help provide some data to instruct us.There are 6.597 million voters in our state. Females outnumber males by 53.4 to 45 percent. White voters account for 70.26 percent of the electorate, while Blacks are 26.32 percent. 40 percent are registered as Democrats, 30 percent as Republicans and 29 percent proclaim themselves Unaffiliated. 34 percent are Baby Boomers between the ages of 51 and 71. Millennials (those under 35) constitute the second largest group at 29 percent, while voters between 36 and 50 years of age (Generation X) account for 25 percent and those over age 71 make up 12 percent of registered voters. 19 urban counties contain 54 percent of all registered voters, with Wake and Mecklenburg together accounting for 20 percent of all voters.This data, along with some voting trends, leads to some conclusions. Statewide campaigns will focus most of their attention and ad money where the most voters live, in the urban and suburban counties. Democrats do better in larger cities, with larger numbers of younger voters, while Republicans concentrate on the burbs and rural areas. The groups that vote most faithfully are the Boomers and those over 71. Women lean toward voting Democratic while White men favor Republicans. Blacks are almost unanimous in selecting Democrats.The unanswered question is who will actually turn out November 8th. Since 1980, our state has averaged 65 percent turnout in presidential election years, with lows of 59 percent in both 1996 and 2000, and highs of 68 percent in 2012 and 70 percent in 2008, the Obama elections.Voter turnout depends, to a great extent on passion, and Donald Trump has certainly generated the most, both positive and negative. Republicans, especially the traditional GOP mainstream and, to a lesser extent, Democrats are concerned about their presidential nominees. Many voters proclaim they don't like either Trump or Clinton and may either stay home or just vote in down-ballot contests. North Carolina will not be a battleground state, with Clinton and Trump focusing most of their time and dollars to key states like Florida, Ohio, Virginia and Pennsylvania.We will be a battleground for the U.S. Senate race. Democrats know that if they stand a chance of recapturing control of the Senate they must win here, so expect a bloody campaign and major TV dollars to be spent. Three other statewide races are more likely to motivate voters, namely the gubernatorial, state treasurer's and attorney general's contests, but we question whether any of these are sufficiently exciting to motive large voter turnouts.Expect the angry white males to vote in force to support Trump. Blacks and Millennials spurred the record turnouts in 2008 and 2012, but it is questionable whether either group will be highly motivated to vote this year.There is much at stake and every vote counts in these key races but we strongly suspect we won't be besting our average turnout. We will be watching with you to see who exercises their right to vote.
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Friends and family filled the gymnasium at Sioux Valley High School on Thursday morning to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2016.

This year, five students wearing mortarboards edged with the colours of the medicine wheel walked across the stage to accept their diplomas. The ceremony included many sweet and funny moments while staff members shared memories about grads Rayna Francis, Damian Elk, James Daniels, Xavier Taylor and Andreas Wanbdiska.

Theres going to be a void to fill because they are a wonderful group, principal Kevin Nabess said, adding that hes known all of the grads since they entered the school in Grade 7. This group of graduates are very special because they were our student leaders.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Graduates prepare to enter the gym during the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation High School graduation ceremony at the former Fleming School in Brandon on Thursday morning.

Francis, Elk, Daniels, Taylor and Wanbdiska were all members of the schools junior chief and council at one time or another and, according to Nabess, they all had near-perfect attendance during their high school career.

Roughly 110 students attended the Louise Avenue school this year and Nabess says it can be difficult to say goodbye to members of the tight-knit community.

When youre a small school, you get to know them on a different level, he said. (Graduation) is probably my hardest thing and my most privileged thing that I do in my profession.

At the request of the graduating class, the halls of the high school were transformed into a miniature Las Vegas on Thursday, complete with poker tables and a photo booth.

The ceremony started with an honorus song by the Riverside Dakota drummers and included a number of speakers.

Tim Smith/Brandon Sun Guest speaker Kendal Netmaker, founder of Neechie Gear clothing, addresses the graduates during the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation High School graduation ceremony in Brandon on Thursday.

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Chief Vince Tacan congratulated the grads on their accomplishments and noted the importance of indigenous students being able to choose their own career path  unlike the experiences of previous generations that were forced to attend residential schools.

Indigenous entrepreneur Kendal Netmaker was the events keynote speaker and he encouraged the graduates to make goals for the future.

Regardless of where you come from, what youve been through, what youre going through, you can always change your life and become who you want to be, said Netmaker, who grew up on Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan and has built a successful clothing company from the ground up.

While post-high school plans varied for each grad, Taylor is excited to be heading to Assiniboine Community College in the fall and hopes to work at Sioux Valleys health centre in the future.

Im looking to go into the comprehensive health-care aide program  and transfer over to Brandon University and come back to Sioux Valley and help out the best I can, Taylor said. Ive always liked helping people in my community, even if its just a small little thing.

Tim Smith/Brandon Sun Valedictorian James Daniels delivers his address during the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation High School graduation ceremony at the former Fleming School in Brandon on Thursday.

Taylor was surrounded by four generations of relatives on Thursday and his mother Elicia says the day is a big deal for the family.

Hes the first of his generation in our family to graduate  the first great-grandchild to graduate, Elicia said. Im excited for him, Im looking forward to seeing him further his education  as with all the other graduates.

 ewasney@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @evawasney
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THE PAS, Man.  More than 2,000 people have been ordered to evacuate two northern Manitoba communities due to approaching wildfires.

The Manitoba government said Friday that residents must leave Easterville and Chemawawin First Nation because of smoke and the threat from a fire that has moved to within half-a-kilometre of the community.

Fire crews, including two water bombers, are working on three fires in the area.

Approximately 70 people from the community of Easterville will be heading to The Pas while up to 2,000 people from the neighbouring Chemawawin First Nation will be going to Winnipeg.

A graduation ceremony on the Chemawawin reserve was cut short before the grads even got their diplomas because of the evacuation order.

Melissa Houle of Easterville was attending the ceremony. She said it started at 3 p.m. Thursday but half an hour later they got word from the Red Cross to get out.

They are busing everybody out, said Houle, adding people were told they were only allowed to take one bag.

The communities are 450 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

The government says support and co-ordination of the Chemawawin First Nation evacuation will be handled by the Canadian Red Cross.

The province says there have been 100 wildfires recorded in the province so far this year. The average for this date is 233.

(The Canadian Press, CTV Winnipeg)
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VANCOUVER  The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in favour of three British Columbia medical workers who argued they developed breast cancer as a result of their jobs, where they used known carcinogenic chemicals.

Katrina Hammer, Patricia Schmidt and Anne MacFarlane, who worked at Mission Memorial Hospital, were among seven lab employees who were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Hammer and MacFarlane were technologists and Schmidt was an aide at the lab where they tested blood and other bodily samples using various chemicals.

The Workers Compensation Board originally denied their applications for compensation benefits on the grounds their breast cancers were not occupational diseases.

But rulings by the Workers Compensation Administrative Tribunal in 2010 and 2011 overturned those decisions and linked the cancers to the workplace.

The British Columbia Court of Appeal, however, said the tribunals decisions were patently unreasonable because there was no evidence that the womens cancer was caused by their work environment and the tribunal ignored expert advice to the contrary. The court suggested the cases were a statistical anomaly.

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled 6-1 in favour of women.

Justice Russell Brown, writing for the majority, said the tribunals finding was not patently unreasonable.

While the record on which that decision was based did not include confirmatory expert evidence, the tribunal nonetheless relied upon other evidence which, viewed reasonably, was capable of supporting its finding of a causal link between the workers breast cancers and workplace conditions, he wrote.

He said the law sets a lower burden of proof in such cases and must favour the women.

The applicable burden of proof is not the civil burden of balance of probabilities,  he wrote.

Where the evidence leads to a draw, the finding must favour the worker.

Justice Suzanne Cote disagreed sharply with the majority.

In my view, the original decision of the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal is patently unreasonable, she wrote in her dissent.

On my reading, there is no evidence  and certainly no positive evidence  capable of supporting a causal link between the workers employment and the development of their respective disease.

Tonie Beharrell, a lawyer representing the Health Sciences Association and members Hammer and MacFarlane, said the decision empowers the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal to decide causation of disease based on occupational factors without strict scientific evidence or intervention by the courts.

There was evidence that said theres a statistically significant cancer cluster, an increase rate of breast cancer, which is about eight times that of what you would expect in the general B.C. population, but we dont know what caused it.

Beharrell said the women used chemical carcinogens including ortho-toluidine and falmalin, a component of formaldehyde, in their jobs at the lab.

Several breast cancer cases of workers at the lab were diagnosed dating back to at least 1990, and there were six cases between 2000 and 2005, she said.

It made them wonder: Why are we all getting breast cancer?

The women, now in their 50s, are in remission, Beharrell said.

None of the women could be reached for comment.

Beharrell said the use of carcinogenic substances and the degree of exposure was significantly higher in the past and that a variety of new processes have been introduced.

Val Avery, president of the Health Sciences Association, thanked the three workers for their perseverance.

Today, they are responsible for setting an important precedent for all workers, she said.

Jennifer Whiteside, spokeswoman for the Hospital Employees Union, which represented Schmidt, said the woman has retired from her job as an aide.

This is a significant decision, particularly for men and women who become ill in environments where they are in the course of caring for other individuals, she said.

Tasleem Juma, spokeswoman for Fraser Health, the authority responsible for the hospital, said an independent investigation was launched in 2002 after the cancer-cluster issue was identified.

The investigation concluded in 2006 and found that there was no link back to the workplace, she said.
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A supervisor at Brandons Trican Well Service says he found out about Wednesdays abrupt shop closure over the phone.

Nathan Bergen and three other local employees were working for the oil services company in Grande Prairie, Alta., when Trican executives and human resources personnel descended on Brandon to deliver the news.

I was told via another co-worker, Bergen said, adding that the companys vice-president, Canadian region, followed up with a phone call. The (Grande Prairie) base manager had us come in and we talked to Rob Cox via conference call and then were handed our letters of option  they hung us out to dry.

On Wednesday, Cox told The Brandon Sun that faltering oil prices and a drop in demand for pumping services were the reasons behind the closure.

Bergen, who has worked with the company since it started operating in Brandon in January 2012, was one of roughly 40 employees given the option to collect a severance package or transfer to Estevan, Sask. He says moving is not an option for his family.

My kids are 16, 14 and 6 and Im not relocating them to Estevan to potentially work, he said. They tell us its going to be busy but they cant tell us with what. And, I have a hard time believing that because if its going to be so busy, why are we shutting Brandon down?

The severance package offered by Trican varies by salary range and how long an individual worked at the base  according to Bergen, the amount offered works out to roughly $29 per week worked.

While news of this weeks shutdown was a surprise, Bergen says the writings been on the wall for at least a year.

There was no notice, we all knew it was coming we just werent sure of when, he said. Theres been quite a few layoffs and whatnot leading up to this.

In the past year, Trican started cutting employee wages and Bergen says he made more in 2014 as a data van operator than he did in 2015 as a fracturing supervisor. He also says he was stationed away from his family for 129 out of 365 days last year.

Every time we turned around they were taking 10 per cent here and another 20 per cent there, he said. To be in a promoted position and make less money doesnt make sense to me.

Trican says the Brandon base closure is a temporary suspension of operations and the company hopes to reopen sometime in the next two to three years when oil production picks back up. Right now, Bergen doesnt believe thats going to be the case.

Bergen and his crew were flown out of Grande Prairie almost immediately after receiving news and he doesnt know what his immediate job prospects are because hes still processing everything that has transpired.

I havent been actively looking because I was happy with my job and they never really gave any notice that it was going to happen like this, he said. They put the job in front of their men and thats one thing that Trican used to not do  Ill be honest  and pardon the language  Im pretty pissed.

 ewasney@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @evawasney
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OTTAWA  With Britain voting to leave the European Union, where does that leave Canadas landmark free trade deal with the 28-country bloc?

In serious jeopardy, with a real risk that it will never be ratified, say experts in Canada and the United States, which has just embarked on its own free trade talks with the EU.

The decision by British voters to leave the EU immediately pummelled the markets, including in Canada, sinking the British pound to its lowest level in more than 30 years and dragging the Canadian dollar down about a cent.

Canada and the EU hoped to ratify and fully implement their hard-fought free trade deal  talks began in 2009  by early 2017. Full ratification needs the approval of the European Parliament, but with Europe seized with what boils down to a two-year divorce negotiation, many have raised questions about whether the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will ever see the light of day.

Canadas envoy to Britain, High Commissioner Gordon Campbell, told The Canadian Press prior to the referendum that a leave victory could scuttle CETA because the EU would become overwhelmed with negotiating Britains departure.

Even if the EU is able to follow through and finish its work on the agreement, the Brexit vote raises questions about the future viability of the bloc itself and therefore the trade deal, said Fen Hampson, a foreign policy expert at the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ont.

Hampson questioned whether the narrow decision by British voters might trigger a similar Frexit movement in France, where there is more opposition to the EU, or in the Netherlands, as well as hastening the departure of financially battered Greece.

The real question is: does CETA have any kind of a future? he said. I would say CETA is probably dead.

The Brexit vote could represent the beginning of a cascade of bad news for Canadian trade, Christopher Sands, director of the Centre for Canadian Studies at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, wrote in a Friday analysis.

Will the remaining European Union countries see Canadian trade as sufficiently valuable to them now to complete this agreement? How long might it take for Canada to patch together a bilateral agreement with Britain modeled on CETA?

Sands and Hampson noted that British Prime Minister David Cameron was an important ally to Canada during the CETA negotiations.

The British were helpful in resolving the final roadblock in the negotiations, assuaging concerns in Germany and France over the investor settlement dispute mechanism that threatened to scuttle the deal after Canada and the EU signed an agreement in principle in 2014, said Hampson.

Richard Haas, president of the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations, said the decision by British voters might mean the end of the American ambitions for its own free trade deal with Europe, which is in an early stage of negotiations.

Its hard to see how the political environment in the United States becomes more conducive to trade, or to passing free trade agreements any time soon, said Haas.

International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland affirmed Canadas commitment to the free trade deal with the EU.

I was in touch early this morning with the EU trade commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom, about our commitment to CETA and to deepening our trading relationship, Freeland said in a statement.

We remain committed to growing global trade that is good for Canadas economy, good for the environment, good for labour, and good for people.

There was a noticeable lack of optimism on the EU side.

The EU embassy in Ottawa declined comment.

A joint statement by the EUs main political leadership, including European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Parliament President Martin Schulz, told Britain to move as soon as possible, however painful that process may be to formalize exit plans in order to minimize uncertainty.

Until then, it said, Britain is bound by all EU treaties and laws.
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HALIFAX  In a case one civil libertarian warns could set a very chilling precedent, a Nova Scotia man will face trial for swearing in public.

Joseph Currie was arrested during a Halifax protest against the Conservatives anti-terror legislation, Bill C-51, last year, and charged with unlawfully (causing) a disturbance  by swearing.

The 26-year-olds lawyer said his client, who is alleged to have shouted obscenities into a megaphone, has no criminal record and will defend his right to criticize the government publicly.

The only way a message gets out is if concerns are broadcast, Gordon Allen said. Some people in public wouldnt want to hear that or pay attention. They just want to go about their day, but thats the nature of democracy.

Currie is due to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing next Wednesday and his trial is set to begin on Oct. 6.

According to police reports, Currie was one of 200 protesters in the Spring Garden Road area last June. Two other protesters were arrested for blocking traffic by sitting on a crosswalk, but police only laid charges against Currie.

A video of the arrest on YouTube shows a handcuffed Currie telling police he wont swear again as an officer takes off the activists Guy Fawkes mask and puts him in the back of his car. Fellow protesters heckle the officer, who tells them he received numerous complaints about the disturbance.

Allen said the use of foul language has become so commonplace that in some ways the F-word was an appropriate expression of his clients contempt for the former Harper governments policy.

He could have said, Golly, darn it! Gee, dont like the government! And people would think, OK, hes channelling Ned Flanders, he said. When you hear this, its the type of expression that makes people pay attention and thats the point of protest.

Allen cited the long history of artists using swear words to voice political discontent, including songs by The Who, Rage Against the Machine, and N.W.A.

Josh Paterson of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, who himself participated in protests against Bill C-51, said he worries restricting what people can and cannot say during political speech could set a very chilling precedent.

If you feel strongly about something and those kind of words are the ones that suit your sentiment then you should be free to use them, said the lawyer and executive director of the civil liberties organization. We dont have the criminal law to guard against people being offended by the use of indelicate language.

Without knowing the ins and outs of Curries case, Paterson said this kind of a charge simply makes no sense.

If what weve read about what happened is true  that would then call into question the ability of Canadians right across the country to express themselves politically in public, he said.

Halifax police Staff Sgt. Mark Hobeck would not comment on the specifics of the case, but said their response to a profanity-laden protest would depend on where it is, who is being affected, and if there are complaints.

As public safety unit commander, Hobeck said his team ensures protesters have the right to express themselves. His team was not at the Bill C-51 protest, but said the patrol officers made a discretionary decision based on the complaints they were receiving.
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FORT MCMURRAY, Alta.  Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, saw first-hand the destruction caused by last months wildfire in Fort McMurray on Friday.

Prince Edwards wife was greeted upon her arrival at the citys airport by Gov. Gen. David Johnston and Wood Buffalo Mayor Melissa Blake. Sophie travelled with Albertas deputy premier, Sarah Hoffman.

They then boarded a bus for a tour through the city and were given a commentary about the fires progress by fire Chief Darby Allen.

Sophie Countess of Wessex meets a family at Government House in Regina, Saskatchewan on Thursday, June 23, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michael Bell

At the destroyed neighbourhood of Beacon Hill, Sophie got off the bus and held onto a fence with her fingers while gazing at the devastation. Sophie asked about what supports are available to address the emotional fallout experienced by those whose homes were lost.

It really is a case of a picture being worth a thousand or 10,000 words, said Johnston. Its hard to fathom the devastation.

The group later stopped at a sports complex downtown for a reception where people were waiting to greet the countess.

Chantal Boutin was holding a Canadian flag that she managed to recover from the wreckage of her destroyed home and asked Sophie to sign it.

When we saw that our house was burned to the ground, I saw the flag and the flag gave me hope, said Boutin.

First responders, citizens and volunteers of the city were presented with the Governor Generals Commendation for Outstanding Service.

Johnston praised first responders that ran toward, instead of away, from the fire.

Thats what our people in uniform do. When we are faced with danger, they go the wrong way. They go and face it head on.

After the ceremony, Sophie greeted Red Cross volunteers, RCMP officers and firefighters.

From there, the group headed to the Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, southeast of the city.

The community was presented with a commendation for helping Fort McMurray evacuees that day and for the courage they showed when the fire spread and they faced their own evacuation.

Residents performed a traditional song and dance for the visitors. Elder Julie Cheecham presented Johnston with a moose hide, a fur-trimmed pair of mittens and Sophie with a beaded pair of moose hide slippers. She said it took about a week to make both of the gifts herself.

Earlier in the day, Johnston presented a commendation to the First Nations community of Fort McKay north of Fort McMurray, which provided food and temporary shelter to evacuees.

Residents had to flee their homes when flames whipped by high winds raced through the city May 3. About 2,400 houses and other buildings  about 10 per cent of the city  were destroyed in the blaze.

Its not the first time royals have visited a fire-ravaged Alberta town. Five years ago, newlyweds Prince William and Kate lifted spirits when they visited Slave Lake, Alta., where a wildfire destroyed one-third of the community.

Friday was the fourth and last day of the couples visit to Canada. They arrived in Toronto on Tuesday and made a quick visit to Winnipeg before heading to Saskatchewan.

Sophie dedicated a park in Edmonton on Friday before she flew to Fort McMurray, while Edward handed out the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, named after his father, to young people in Calgary.

The royal couples visit to Canada was to conclude with a gala reception at the National Music Centre in Calgary.
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Eight stories in the news today from The Canadian Press:



BRITAIN PM CAMERON TO STEP DOWN IN WAKE OF BREXIT VOTE

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street, London as his wife Samantha looks on Friday, June 24, 2016. Cameron says he will resign by the time of the party conference in the fall after Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, according to tallies of official results Friday. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

British Prime Minister David Cameron says he will resign by the fall following a historic referendum to leave the European Union. He says he is not the captain that will steer the ship through negotiations with the EU. The leave side won the vote by a margin of 51.9 per cent of the vote to 48.1 per cent for the remain side.



BRITISH VOTE ROCKS WORLD FINANCIAL MARKETS

British stocks plunged when the market opened as investors scramble to react to the news that the country has voted to leave the European Union. The main stock index, the FTSE 100, nosedived 8.7 per cent to 5,790 points shortly after the open Friday. The British pound, which trades around the clock, has plunged to a 31-year low.



FEDS FREEZE CAP ON TEMPORARY WORKERS

The federal government is freezing the 20 per cent cap on the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers a company can hire. Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk said the controversial temporary foreign worker program needs an overhaul and will announce her plan for more changes later this year. But for now, the cap, which was set to go down to 10 per cent beginning July 1, will instead stay where it is.



JUDGE TO SENTENCE PARENTS IN MENINGITIS DEATH CASE

A couple found guilty of failing to provide the necessaries of life to their toddler son who died of bacterial meningitis in southern Alberta will be sentenced today  more than four years after his death. David Stephan, 33 and Collet Stephan, 36, whose family helped start a nutritional supplements company, were convicted by a jury in April in the 2012 death of 19-month-old Ezekiel.



CROWN DIDNT PROVE CASE AGAINST VADER: DEFENCE

The lawyer for a man accused of killing two great-grandparents, burning their motor home and hiding their bodies said the case against his client is just speculation. In his closing arguments, Brian Beresh told an Edmonton court that the Crown has failed to prove the most basic elements of its case against Vader, who has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann.



CONRAD BLACK SEEKS EMERGENCY HEARING INTO TAX MATTER

Conrad Black is seeking an emergency hearing next week into tax-related matters holding up the sale of his Toronto mansion, arguing that servicing the three mortgages on the property is hurting his personal financial position. In documents filed with the Federal Court, Black says hes paying more than $1 million a year towards three mortgages on the home, which come to more than $13.5 million in total, and that its eating away at the amount of equity he has in the property.



HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PUTS UP BUILDING ON FIRST NATION

Habitat for Humanity has built its first ever on-reserve structure in Canada. The charity is hoping the 10-unit elders lodge on the Flying Dust First Nation  near Meadow Lake, Sask. will be the first of many it builds in First Nation communities across the country. Habitat usually focuses on building homes for families, but about two years ago the then chief of the Flying Dust First Nation approached Habitat about a partnership. Friday marks the opening of the elders lodge.



COUNTESS OF WESSEX TO VISIT FORT McMURRAY

The wife of Britains Prince Edward is scheduled today to visit the northern Alberta city of Fort McMurray, which is recovering from a massive wildfire that forced the evacuation of nearly 90,000 people for a month. Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, is to be accompanied by Gov. Gen. David Johnston, who will present commendations for outstanding service to those involved in emergency relief efforts.


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VERNON, B.C.  As Cathy Gaetz-Brothen opened the box to show her book club the hundreds of love letters her father had written her mother during the war, she recalls several people recoiling.

Nestled alongside what may be the largest surviving collection of Second World War correspondence from a Canadian army soldier was a soiled, red armband decorated with the unmistakable sign of a swastika.

Gaetz-Brothen explained how her father, Joseph Gaetz, had been given the artifact, along with several other pieces of Nazi memorabilia, from enemy prisoners at the wind down of the conflict in Europe.

Cathy Gaetz-Brothen of Vernon, B.C. holds a picture of her parents Joseph Jacob Gaetz who served in the Canadian Military during the Second World War with his then fiancee Jean McRae who later became his wife, in Vernon, B.C. on Thursday, June 16, 2016. Gaetz wrote some 587 letters from July 8, 1943 to November 22, 1945 to wife during his time in the Canadian military. The letters were a detailed account of his life from front line during the war. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff Bassett

In the letters, he talks about being given an armband as a memento, she said during an interview at her home in Vernon, B.C. And some of the soldiers who were prisoners at the end of the war gave him some of their badges.

Those relics are part of an extensive collection of wartime paraphernalia. Included are black-and-white photos, an army-issued scrapbook and a half package of Wild Woodbine cigarettes, each wrapped in disintegrating, yellowed papers.

For Gaetz-Brothen, the letters hold the real treasure.

Carefully tied bundles tell handwritten accounts of a man whose upbringing in small-town Alberta to German-speaking parents saw him repeatedly sent behind enemy lines, tasked with capturing and interrogating enemy soldiers.

Those same dispatches chronicle the misgivings of a soldier buffeted by the bloodshed around him and the affection he felt for the woman who would become his wife.

Most importantly for Gaetz-Brothen, they offer a window into the father she never knew.

Joseph Gaetz died at age 41 of chronic hypertension in October 1956, days after Gaetz-Brothens first birthday. It was another 40 years before she began reading and documenting her fathers letters.

To sit down in the evening and take notes, it became like sitting down with him and getting to know him, she said.

When I finished them all it was a great sense of feeling whole, feeling complete, because you have all the pieces of the puzzle  Now I know my whole family.

Joseph Gaetz joined the army in 1942 at 27. Five months later he became engaged to his sweetheart, Margaret Jean McRae, before shipping off to Europe with the Calgary Highlanders.

Over the next two years he sent 451 letters home, describing his transfer to a scout platoon to work as an interpreter. He wrote of various covert expeditions into enemy territory to seize German soldiers and gather intelligence.

My officer and I went a mile into the Jerry lines one night and took 52 prisoners out of a barn  That was quite an experience, Gaetz penned from somewhere in Holland in late 1944.

Many of the details are intentionally vague and every letter is stamped with the ID number of the censoring soldier, sometimes accompanied by blacked-out lines.

Despite the redactions, Gaetz-Brothen said her fathers personality shone through in the writing, especially in the way he treated her mother.

(He) always addressed her as my dearest darling Jeanie, always signed off with three Xs, Gaetz-Brothen said. That was their little signal. And later in life my mother would do that in writing to us girls.

A snippet of dried heather survived the decades following the war, preserved in a plastic bag. Its the same fragment Gaetz carried in his uniform pocket for good luck, in homage to his fiancees Scottish heritage.

It was through his letters that Gaetz-Brothen discovered her fathers fondness for Rosebud chocolates, Chiclets and 1,000-piece puzzles. She learned that his fellow soldiers nicknamed him Pearly Gates because of his brilliantly white teeth.

I would send my sisters copies of my notes and little gifts of what I learned about him, she said. That gave us another connection, another way to appreciate and know him.

Gaetz-Brothens eldest sister, Linda Gaetz-Roberts, was seven when her father died. She remembers him marching in Remembrance Day parades and recalls seeing her mothers name inked on his upper arm.

Its a good thing he married her or hed have had to change his tattoo, she said in an interview, laughing.

Gaetzs letters are believed to be the largest known collection of such correspondence in the Canadian army, though larger examples do exist elsewhere in the military, said Stephen Davis, director of the Canadian Letters and Images Project. The project is an online archive of war materials based out of Vancouver Island University.

As for the Nazi armband, Gaetz-Brothen has a theory that it may have been part of a disguise he used, though war historians say thats unlikely as a soldier risked summary execution for espionage if caught as a spy.

Once shed finished reading his letters, Gaetz-Brothen said she was surprised to find herself mourning her father.

I dont think we ever really grieved for our father because we never really knew who he was, she said. The sad side  is knowing how much we missed.

Still, Gaetz-Brothen said shes grateful for the chance the letters have given her and her siblings to better understand their family history.

It was a beautiful gift, she said. We got to know our dad.

 Follow @gwomand on Twitter
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/06/2016 (2315 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MONTREAL  As Quebecers gathered to celebrate Fridays Fete nationale holiday, many were wondering what effect Britains decision to leave the European Union could have on the provinces independence movement.

The June 24 holiday has traditionally served as a rallying cry for those pushing for Quebec sovereignty, and some Montrealers lining the streets for this years parade suggested the vote could give that cause a boost.

I think it will help us, said Kathy Pepin, who had painted the logos of the separatist Bloc Quebecois and Parti Quebecois on her face for the occasion.

Parade spectators keep the hot sun off their heads with the help of the Quebec flag as they watch the annual Montreal Fete Nationale Parade pass along rue Sainte-Catherine in Montreal Quebec, on Friday, June 24, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe

I think people will realize that if (the British) can do it, were big enough as a province, so now we need to gather our own resources and our tools to make our own decisions.

But with no Quebec referendum looming for probably several years, the results of the British vote are unlikely to have an immediate impact on sovereigntist fortunes.

The next Quebec election is set for the fall of 2018, and the Parti Quebecois remains leaderless after the departure of Pierre Karl Peladeau earlier this year.

If the PQ fails to win that vote, its next crack at taking power would likely be 2023.

And even if the PQ does form a government in two years, theres a good chance that whoever has become the sovereigntist premier will take a go-slow approach to the divisive referendum question.

Most of the PQ leadership candidates have been reluctant to commit to a firm timeline for calling a referendum, with only one, Martine Ouellet, promising one in a first mandate.

On Friday, the leadership hopefuls were cautious about drawing conclusions regarding the significance of the vote.

Perceived front-runner Alexandre Cloutier said although there are many differences between Quebecs situation and Britains, he was encouraged that governments around the world including Canadas  seemed to accept a tight vote result.

I commend the reaction of Canadas prime minister, who recognized the rule of 50 per cent plus one, which in my opinion in the only rule applicable in a democracy, he said.

All around the world, national leaders recognized the peoples will to freely decide their political and economic future.

One of his leadership rivals, Veronique Hivon, said the result shows discussions on sovereignty are not a thing of the past.

We had an example yesterday (Thursday), in a different way, of how questions of sovereignty are still very pertinent, she said.

But whoever is named party leader Oct. 7 will face the formidable task of persuading young Quebecers to embrace a political option that has been in the doldrums in recent years.

While there is no doubt most Quebecers feel very nationalist, poll after poll has suggested those sentiments do not translate into hard-core support for leaving Canada.

Some of the politicians mingling with the Fleur-de-lis-waving crowd at the parade, such as NDP foreign affairs critic Helene Laverdiere, felt the political and economic issues at play in the vote on Britains exit from the EU had little to do with those in Quebec.

I think its two very different situations, she said, adding she hopes the British can come together after a divisive vote.

Such arguments didnt stop some sovereigntists on the streets of Montreal from seeing at least a small symbolic victory in the Leave sides win.

Paul-Andre Girard, who attended the parade dressed head-to-toe in blue and white, said it was nice to see a nation vote for more self-determination after what he saw as disappointing results in two Quebec referendums and the defeat of the independence forces in the Scottish referendum in 2014.

Another flag-draped PQ supporter, Marcel Bergeron, said he had mixed feelings about the vote because he believes in the idea of shared markets.

But he understood the need for self-determination.

Theres also peoples need to feel at home and if anyone knows that feeling its Quebecers, he said. I dont know if (the British) felt threatened but, if so, I understand.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/06/2016 (2315 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Highlights from the news file for Friday, June 24:

CANADA CAN WEATHER BREXIT, TRUDEAU SAYS: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought to ease tumultuous Canadian markets Friday, saying Canada is well-positioned to weather global uncertainty in the wake of the United Kingdoms dramatic decision to leave the European Union. The British vote to exit the EU had an immediate impact in the financial world, with the British pound plunging to its lowest level in three decades and world stock prices falling. Trudeau said Canada shares deep historical ties and common values with the U.K. and the EU and will continue to build relationships with both.

____

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives at the Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec to attend the official reception to mark la Fete nationale du Quebec in Quebec City on Friday June 24, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Francis Vachon.

CANADA-EU TRADE DEAL AT RISK, EXPERTS SAY: Experts say Britains vote to abandon the European Union leaves Canadas recent free trade deal with Europe in serious jeopardy. Canada and the EU had hoped to ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement by early next year. But Canadas envoy to Britain said before the referendum that a victory for the leave side could scuttle the deal. High Commissioner Gordon Campbell told The Canadian Press that Europe will be overwhelmed with negotiating Britains departure.

____

TRUMP LINKS BREXIT VOTE TO HIS CAMPAIGN: Donald Trump, in a visit to Scotland on Friday, hailed Britains vote to leave the European Union, drawing parallels to the anger driving his own presidential campaign. In a tweet on arrival, Trump said Scotland is going wild over the vote. They took their country back. But Scotland had voted firmly to remain in the EU. In fact, Scotland, which voted against independence in 2014, may now hold another referendum on independence in hopes of staying in the EU. Trump said he would support Scottish independence if a vote were held.

____

CAMERONS RESIGNATION TO SET OFF LEADERSHIP SCRAMBLE: British Prime Minister David Camerons decision to resign after losing the referendum vote on European Union membership will set off an intense Conservative Party leadership battle. Cameron said Friday a new prime minister should be in place by a party conference in October. That means the party must choose a leader, who would become prime minister. Among the possible contenders are former London mayor Boris Johnson and Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who both helped lead the leave campaign, and Home Secretary Theresa May.

____

MILITANTS REJOICED AS CANADIANS BEHEADED: HOSTAGE: Militants rejoiced as Canadians were beheaded:Freed hostage

AS-Philippines-Freed-Hostage

MANILA  Abu Sayyaf extremists rejoiced as they watched two Canadians being beheaded in the jungles of the southern Philippines, said a still-shocked Filipino hostage who was freed Friday. Marites Flor tearfully recalled to reporters the moments when Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall were handcuffed and led away to a nearby jungle clearing to be separately decapitated in April and early this month by the ransom-seeking militants.

____

HALIFAX VETERAN ADMITTED TO FEDERAL HOSPITAL: The family of a decorated 94-year-old veteran who has been fighting for a bed at the federally funded Camp Hill Veterans Memorial hospital in Halifax says he is getting his wish. His son Peter Blendheim says he met with Halifax MP Andy Fillmore on Friday and was informed that his father would be admitted to the hospital. Ottawa initially rejected entry to Camp Hill for Petter Blindheim last October. The family appealed that decision and in January, Veterans Affairs again refused his entry because it said Norwegian forces fighting from England didnt qualify as official allies.

____

STATUS OF WOMEN RESTORES ADVOCACY FUNDING: The federal government has quietly revealed changes to the eligibility requirements for its womens program funding. Status of Women Canada says it will soon allow groups advocating for women and girls to receive project money. The decision reverses a controversial Conservative policy, which opponents say silenced advocacy for those who needed it most. The Native Womens Association, which has struggled under the current rules, is applauding the change.

____

B.C. WOMEN WIN BREAST CANCER APPEAL: The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in favour of three British Columbia medical workers who argued they developed breast cancer as a result of their jobs.Katrina Hammer, Patricia Schmidt and Anne MacFarlane, who worked in a lab at Mission Memorial Hospital, were among seven women at the lab who developed breast cancer. The Workers Compensation Board originally denied their applications for compensation benefits on the grounds their breast cancers were not occupational diseases.

____

WILDFIRE-HIT FORT MCMURRAY GETS ROYAL VISIT: The wife of Prince Edward visited the northern Alberta city of Fort McMurray on Friday, which is recovering from a massive wildfire that forced the evacuation of nearly 90,000 people for a month. Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, was accompanied by Gov. Gen. David Johnston, who presented commendations for outstanding service to those involved in emergency relief efforts. Prince Edward was in Regina on Friday for some private meetings, a farm barbecue and tour before flying to Calgary for the rest of the day.

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CIVIL LIBERTARIAN CRIES FOUL AFTER N.S. MAN CHARGED: A civil rights group is criticizing authorities in Nova Scotia for laying charges against a 26-year-old man for swearing during a protest. Joseph Currie was arrested last year, during a rally in Halifax against the federal Conservatives anti-terror legislation. Hes alleged to have shouted obscenities into a megaphone, and is charged with unlawfully causing a disturbance by swearing. Josh Paterson of the B-C Civil Liberties Association says he worries the case could set a chilling precedent on political expression in Canada. Currie is due to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing Wednesday and his trial is set to begin on Oct. 6.
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Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/06/2016 (2315 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Some people drink only white wine.

Some people drink only red wine.

Some people, me included, drink both  meaning either/or  when the circumstances, the accompanying food, or the wine offered or on hand dictates.

For a lot of folks, though, perhaps with the notable exception of the red wine only ones, seasons  essentially meaning the weather  can also dictate what the wine of the day (or the week or the month) will be. A big, heavy red just doesnt seem to go well with a hot, humid summer day.

However, although I generally tend to prefer whites and roses (but especially whites) during the summer months, I dont compromise my love for big red wines if theyre going to be paired with big red meats as main courses. Or with Italian staples like lasagna or pizza or something parmesan  anything with a tomato-sauce base. Ive always liked reds  hefty, bold reds  with steak, ribs, roasts, lamb, venison  regardless of the time of year.

So for the red-wine-only lovers, and for those who, like me, enjoy red when the food calls for it (Ill usually  in fact, almost always  sip white ahead of mealtime, though), here are some fabulous reds Ive discovered over the last little while, ones that are good on their own and particularly lovely accompanying red meat or Italian fare.

McManis Family Vineyards (2013) from California, thats not available at Liquor Marts but is at some private wine stores in Winnipeg, is an absolute delight. While it verges on being almost too soft, it stops just this side of that, but definitely should be chilled to about 16 C to maintain its edge.

With plenty of black cherry, hints of hickory or juniper, chocolaty mocha, and an abundance of liquorice, I really enjoyed this wine a lot. My friend Kit recommended it more than a year ago and I finally got around to trying it.

I dont know where the bottle I had came from  it was likely a gift because I know I didnt purchase it  and I dont know how much it costs (my guess would be somewhere upward of $20), but if you get the chance to try this wine, go for it. Its delicious.

My love affair with this next brand began in Aruba, where I discovered the Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay, and sought it out when I came home  its very good if youre into Chard and costs $17.99 a bottle at Liquor Marts.

But just recently, I sampled the 2013 Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (also $17.99) and was super impressed. With blackcurrant, black raspberry, anise, a floral touch, with just a bit of clove to lift it at the end, this red, with a hint of sweetness, is yummy. Again, it benefits, as most reds do, from being chilled to cellar temperature  16 C to 18 C.

And now, two from Chile. The 2014 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Devils Collection Reserva blend (my bottle says Devils Collection but whats listed in the MLCC product index calls it Devils Red) mixes black fruits and plum with dark chocolate. This is a lovely wine that was smoother than I expected, especially for $14.99 a bottle.

And the 2013 Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia is really impressive  its rich, lush and weighty. With black raspberry and blackcurrant and blackberry  just black fruit period!  it was delightful on its own and great with barbecued ribs. It has a dusty element which I adore  I tried to determine whether it was dusty cranberry or juniper berry but really couldnt nail it down so Im settling for just dusty, which I guess means a bit dry and tannic. Anyway, I loved it.

Ill have more reds to recommend in a few weeks time, when hopefully weve got a lengthy barbecue season still to come.

Diane Nelson is a longtime journalist and former Sun staffer who really likes wine. A lot.

 vinelines.ca

 Twitter: @vinelinesbdn
Either absolute anarchy or an Orwellian nightmare, almost like the comic book/movie 'V for Vendetta' where society made that choice. Unfortunately it seems today that more people are seeing the consequences to political decisions in such polarizing forms. If you choose to act, you will be abridging on freedoms, however you will be 'safe.' However if you do not go with the knee jerk reaction, you will contribute to the fall of civilization. This polarization is a dangerous threat, and when afraid, people will choose security no matter what it comes from. In V for Vendetta, High Chancellor Sutler came into power because he offered the people protection and safety from the diseases and terrorism of the outside world.Many will write this off as merely a superhero story, and that is fine, but let's see how this story is playing out today.With every tragedy our country faces, we are almost always greeted just moments after with demands to infringe on a right so we may prevent another tragedy; sometimes there doesn't need to be a real tragedy to trigger said event, the demand for self-expulsion of liberty conjures overtime. It is times like this that a politician has near free reign to work towards limiting liberties while the populous and legislatures are blinded by their emotions to rationally observe the consequences of the government's actions. New laws are passable that would otherwise seem satirical to even suggest; legislation that abridge the fundamental liberties and principles the United States was founded on.These opportunistic politicians have taken advantage of the recent tragedy where an individual (who will remain nameless) who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and murdered 50 people. There are many reactions to the event. Many blame gun-manufacturers (the day after, the wrong gun-manufacturer) for designing weapons that are capable of performing its intended function. Many from the same school of thought are also pushing for a new law to restrict gun sales for people on the no-fly list. The law might sound like a great way to stop terrorist at first glance. However the problem is apparent when you know how to get on the no-fly list.People get on the no-fly list without even knowing they are on the list; people are added to the list based on the government's suspicion. Suspects are not given a trial, thus this law would allow the government take away an individual's Second Amendment right without due process , a liberty guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. There are few Americans on the no-fly list; Senator Dianne Feinstein claims the no-fly list includes less than 1,700 as a justification for this infringement. However declaring that the law will only infringe on the liberties of some to protect the majority is not a good reason. The rights of the individual should not be infringed to make us feel safer as a collective.Another disgusting act by the nation's legislative body involves the complete disregard to the fourth and fifth amendment in the name of security. Senators Richard Burr and John McCain proposed an amendment to allow the FBI to view citizen's browser history without a warrant . Thankfully this horrible amendment failed to pass by just 2 votes . A few months before, anti-privacy activist Burr also proposed a law forcing technology companies to unlock devices and provide technical assistance in the government's espionage. This draft coerces businesses to provide a service to the government . It does not matter what their proclaimed reason is, by principle it is wrong and unconstitutional. Legislating away the public's rights in interest of national security is unjustifiable. Many will minimalize the dangers of such legislation by proclaiming that the law applies only to metadata. However, in an era where technology is used so frequently, simply knowing what websites a person went to can accurately predict enormously personal details about them.Giving up liberties for a sense of security is not only irrational, but also especially dangerous. Even in the hypothetical world where our current politicians will use their powers for good, those people will not stay in power forever. When our current politicians resign, new ones will take their place, with that office they inherit the power given to the predecessor. There will always be corrupt politicians attempting to seize power by virtue of human nature. Governments are comprised of people, therefore expanding the government's power can only worsen the problem.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/06/2016 (2315 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NEEPAWA  A lot has happened to Mother Earth since I wrote my last letter about our changing climate.

A state of emergency was declared in Dawson Creek, B.C., last week after heavy rain turned the creek, which runs through the middle of town, into a raging torrent. It cut the community in two. They got as much rain in a day (90 mm) as they normally get in a month. People living there say theyve never seen anything like it. One called it the worst in living memory.

Homes were flooded, streets and vehicles swept away. Many residents were stranded and had to be rescued. Premier Christy Clark warned Canadians to expect more of the same, as global warming (caused by the burning of fossil fuel) spawns more extreme weather events like this. She pledged millions of dollars to help flood-proof her province.

Even as Dawson Creek struggled to get back on her feet, a heat wave described as rare, dangerous and deadly descended upon California, Arizona and Nevada. Temperatures in the high 40s C (113 F) are being recorded there. (Pardon me, but isnt that fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk kind of heat?) As I write this, nine million people in the region are under heat alerts. Terrible wildfires, fuelled by the heat, rage out of control along the central coast. Six people have died so far, as the infernos continue.

As if that werent bad enough, almost 30 million California trees that havent already been consumed by fire, are believed to be dying. Why? Because the drought is so severe and prolonged (four years), its rendering them vulnerable to bugs such as the pine bark beetle. Remember them? Aided and abetted by warmer winters brought on by climate change, theyve also been eating their way through vast pine forests in B.C. and eastward for years. Trees that die in this way are providing ever-drier fodder for ever-more-intense wildfires, as we speak.

All of this, of course, comes on the heels of wildfires which scarred Alberta communities in May and drove 90,000 unfortunate citizens from their homes and businesses.

So are ominous events like these happening just here and there, in North America? Hardly! The table is already set for lots more of the same, already happening both here and abroad! Drought and wildfires have been an even worse scourge in Russia for years, burning over vastly larger areas than in Canada. Because of this, 30 people perished in the forests of Siberia just last year. Images on Russian TV are eerily similar to those from Alberta last month. Even Sicily is suffering a searing heat wave. There, arsonists with the Mob are preying on the tinder-box conditions, lighting terrible fires and causing misery for many.

To get a broader understanding of just how this can be happening, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (the U.S. weather service) reports that, in 2015, Earths surface temperature was the hottest it has ever been since official records began in 1880; And by the biggest margin ever recorded, one year over another!

And, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Centre, in February, sea ice in the Arctic shrunk to its lowest extent since satellite records began more than 30 years ago. In Antarctica, it was the ninth lowest.

So, are our politicians rising to the challenge of all of this? Some, such as Premier Clark, seem quite aware. For others, like Manitobas new premier, Brian Pallister, not so much.

His government is now hinting it might halt a major power corridor, already being built on the west side of Lake Winnipeg, and reroute it down the east side. This would clearly place plans for a huge World Heritage Site on that side, years in the making, in jeopardy. Thats because a huge swath of boreal forest would need to be cleared for the right-of-way, right within the boundaries of the site! Until Pallister stepped in, the project seemed headed for final approval later this summer.

One thing seems clear. Neither Pallister, nor his staff, spend a lot of time reading scholarly journals such as Nature. Because a recent article there reminds us that forests help provide us with clean water, reduce flood damage and conserve biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Forests are also a large carbon sink, reads the article, and play an increasing role in mitigating global warming.

Make no mistake, we humans (and all other creatures we share this planet with) are now caught up on a deadly treadmill which may become irreversible if we (and folks like Pallister) dont help find the off switch soon.

 Larry Powell lives in Neepawa where he publishes www.PlanetInPeril.ca.
If you're feeling a bit down today, this might do you good (plus it's Friday!).

A Frenchman has written the nation a love letter that's going viral on Facebook.

Translated by Celine Venet Le Riche, Olivier Sauton wrote this ridiculously sweet letter to the Irish fans, praising their "generosity, brotherhood and good atmosphere" and, most importantly, apologising for Thierry Henry.

"You do honor to your country, your people, to your ancestors. Even drunk, you're a gentleman. Even with your belly sticking over your shirt, you have class.

"Even defeated, you're in good spirits. I love you, the Irish, and I think I am telling the truth when I say the whole France that has fallen under your charm. You have so conquered us than you reign over us already. "

Stop, you're making us blush.

Here it is in full:

A bit OTT but we'll take it!

This line though: "You drink so much! Ive never seeing anything like it. And you're beautiful when you drink! You sing, you laugh, you make friends and I rarely see you vomit."

Oh Olivier, you sweet, summer child.

You have no idea.
Wednesday night was a big night for us all, thanks to Robbie Brady's stuff-of-dreams goal against Italy.

But one Dublin woman had many, many more reasons to celebrate than that one when she checked her ticket at half-time.
Update 5.30pm: The Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister have spoken by phone for 12 minutes in the wake of the UK vote to leave the EU.

Enda Kenny and David Cameron have agreed to initiate immediate talks between Ireland and Britain on key issues such as the Common Travel Area and the border with Northern Ireland.

At an emergency Cabinet meeting earlier, the Taoiseach said he was very sorry that the UK had voted for a Brexit.

The Dail will be recalled on Monday to discuss the Brexit and the issue will top an EU summit in Brussels next week.

Update 1.15pm: The Government's contingency plan for a Brexit was prepared over "many months", the Department of the Taoiseach said, and includes on the economic front:

An information campaign by Enterprise Ireland including explainers and guides, online information and webinars, an updated UK market access guide and regional seminars in Ireland and the UK.

Intensified international trade missions by Enterprise Ireland for the rest of 2016, including tonorthern Europe, the US, China, India and other high growth markets. Enterprise Ireland will also host an International Markets week in October in Ireland, to provide Irish exporters with access to its overseas market advisors.

Enterprise Irelands UK office, based in London, will provide advice and support on the implications of Brexit such as improving competitiveness, reducing supply chain costs, accessing funding, employment regulations and legal issues, as well as identification of key business opportunities.

Enterprise Ireland will intensify its work with clients exporting to the UK to improve their competitiveness in the market through its management capability and development programmes and can provide international funding supports to client companies for evaluating new market opportunities.

The planning process identified the following priority issues: UK-EU negotiations, British-Irish relations, Northern Ireland, trade, investment, North-South border impacts, competitiveness and macroeconomic issues, research/innovation funding and energy.

Update 1pm: The Taoiseach has said there is no evidence to support calls for a border poll on Northern Ireland joining the Republic.

The call from Sinn Fein comes as the north voted in favour of remaining in the European Union along with Scotland.

The Scottish First Minister has already said a vote for independence is now firmly back on the table as a result of the Brexit vote.

And the Taoiseach Enda Kenny gave this response when asked if he'd support a vote on a united Ireland: With regard to a border poll, that is contained in the Good Friday Agreement, provided that the secretary of State of the day considers that there could be a serious movement of a majority of people to want to have a situation where they want to join the Republic.

There is no such evidence.

There are much more serious issues to deal with in the immediate term and that is where our focus is.

Earlier: Taoiseach Enda Kenny spoke for the first time since the Brexit referendum and has said he respects the UK's position on voting to leave the EU.

No immediate change to flow of goods and people between both countries, says Kenny #brexit #iestaff  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) June 24, 2016

He said the Irish Government has prepared for this eventuality and there will be no immediate change to the freeflow of people, goods or services between Ireland and the UK.

He said the Government would be working hard to minimise any possible disruption of the flow of goods and services in the coming months.

The Taoiseach also said he was acutely aware of the concerns of the Irish people regarding this decision and he also reiterated Irelands intention to remain in the EU which he described as an issue of profoundly International interest.

"I want to assure them that the Irish Government will also have their interests in our thinking as we approach the forthcoming negotiations. It is important to remember that the position of Irish citizens within the EU will be unaffected."

Read: Read More: Live: What Brexit means for Ireland

He says there will be a number of key actions and the government will work to protect and advance this country's interests.

Ireland of course will remain in EU, adds Taoiseach #brexit #iestaff  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) June 24, 2016

"After more than 40 years of membership, we have built up strong bonds of partnership with all the other member states, and with the European institutions, that will continue to serve us well. We must now begin a period of reflection and debate on how we can renew the Union of 27 and equip it for the challenges ahead."

'Acutely aware' of concerns felt by thousands of people here and in Britain, says Kenny #brexit #iestaff  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) June 24, 2016

Mr Kenny finished his speech by offering his best wishes to David Cameron who he described as a friend and a supporter at EU level.

"Finally Id like to reiterate that while Irelands future lies within the European Union, Irelands strong and close relationship with the UK will remain."

The Dail is being recalled on Monday for a special meeting to discuss Brexit.

Kenny expresses best wishes to Cameron & both have worked closely together, he says. A good friend, a supporter at EU level #Brexit #iestaff  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) June 24, 2016

Answering questions after his speech, the Taoiseach defended his decision to campaign in Britain where efforts were made to persuade Irish people there to vote to remain.

Additional reporting from Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Juno McEnroe
The Government is expected to hold an emergency Cabinet meeting this morning after the UK voted to leave the EU.

It is expected the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan will address the media early this morning at Government Buildings.
United States Vice President Joe Biden has said that Ireland will still remain a cornerstone of US international policy following the British exit from the EU this morning.

Mr Biden said upon hearing the news this morning of a Brexit that he would have preferred a different outcome.

He said: "We, the President and I, the US, found that a majority of the British people voted to leave the European Union. We had looked for a different outcome."

The visiting US politician stated that his country fully respect the decision they have made and Mr Biden added that Americas special bond with the UK runs deep and will endure.

Mr Biden was speaking at an event in Trinity College this morning where he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the university.

Mr Biden was joined in Trinity by members of his family and his five grandchildren, who have accompanied him on his visit to Ireland. It is the first such honorary doctorate the Vice President has received outside of the United States.

The ceremony was held in Trinity's Public Theatre, where the Chancellor of Trinity college, former Irish President Mary Robinson and the current college Provost Dr Patrick Prendergast welcomed the US Vice President.

Speaking at the event Mr Biden said it was an enormous privilege to receive the honorary doctorate.

Addressing the crowd of graduating Trinity doctorate students seated in the hall, Mr Biden said I am honoured to have the opportunity to speak today, you are preparing to add your intellectual talent to the world.

We are at an inflection point in world history, weve never had as much potential to do so much good. You are graduating into a world that can make change. Our world is infinitely more complex, that complexity holds opportunity Mr Biden said. You can do a hell of a lot. You are put in a moment in history that makes it possible. Go and do good Mr Biden concluded.

Mr Biden was also awarded a gold medal by the Trinity Philosophical Society, and then taken by the Trinity Provost and President Patrick Prendergast to view the Book of Kells.
Update 3.20pm: The Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar has moved to reassure pensioners and others here and in the UK that receive payments from the other jurisdictions that those will continue to be paid.

Minister Varadkar said nothing would change during the period of negotiation: "Pensions, workers' rights and cross-border employment issues all remain the same."

"As part of the negotiations which will now take up a lot of time and be really important, I'll be making particular efforts to ensure cross-border workers and pensioners retain all the rights that they currently have."

Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has asked the Irish Ambassadors from EU capitals to travel to Dublin to discuss next steps, which will include high level political contacts with the EU.

Mr Flanagan said a key priority would be ongoing work to support stability, reconciliation and prosperity for the people of Northern Ireland.

Update 2.50pm: The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) said it was as yet unclear what the Brexit vote means for the industry here, but said "uncertainty is not good for any business".

In a statement, the body said: "Britain remains the largest source market for inbound visitors to Ireland with, according to the Central Statistics Office, 3.55 million visitors coming to Ireland in 2015, a market valued at circa 995m to the Irish economy.

"The fall in sterling, and potential weaknesses to the UK economy, as a result of the referendum mean that Irelands competitiveness is more vital than ever."

Update 1.30pm: Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers has ruled out Sinn Fein's call for a referendum on the reunification of Ireland.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the poll should happem given the North's Remain vote, saying English voters have effectively "dragged" Northern Ireland and Scotland out of the European Union.

Update 1pm: The Restaurants Association of Ireland CEO, Adrian Cummins, has expressed disappointment at the outcome of the UK referendum reiterating the need for the Irish Government to immediately take urgent steps to allay the concerns for the Restaurant and Tourism sector about the implications of this vote.

He stated: The outcome of the UK vote has major implications for Irish Tourism and the Restaurant Sector. It is imperative the Irish Government give a clear signal on issues of major importance to the Restaurant sector, our trading relationship with the UK and Northern Ireland and the EU budget.

"The Restaurants Association is calling for a clear strategy to how the Irish are to deal with Brexit and minimise damage to Irish tourism.

"The Irish Tourism industry is highly dependent on the British Market as over three million from the UK visit Ireland each year."

Update 11.05am: The Union of Students in Ireland has said Britain leaving the EU will negatively affect new graduates and emphasized that the factors influencing the decision to leave were racism, selfishness, intolerance and fear-mongering.

The UK is the most popular destination for Irish graduates to emigrate - one in twelve Irish graduates pursue work opportunities in the UK, and USI said Brexit will affect these graduates, and students who want to do undergraduates, postgraduates or the Erasmus programme in the UK.

The outcome of the Brexit referendum is incredibly disappointing, Kevin Donoghue, USI President, said: Not only for the future of Britain, but also for the future of Ireland.

More than 8% of Irish graduates pursue work opportunities in the UK, and Brexit will affect them, as well as the students who wish to study their undergraduates or postgraduates in the UK, or do the Erasmus exchange programme there.

There will be tighter border controls and more complicated visa processes which will deter young people from emigrating to the UK for job prospects, education or travel opportunities.

The USI also said new border controls between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland could potentially damage years of progress in peace, economic and social relations between Ireland and the UK, and Ibec has said the return of border controls could disrupt the commercial activity between the north and south of Ireland and undermine the all-island economy.

Update 11am: Enda Kenny's briefing his Ministers on the implications of the Brexit vote for Ireland at Government buildings this morning.

Update 10.40am: Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is reported to have promised to return to politics if certain circumstances present themselves.

Mr Ahern said he would re-ignite his career if a campaign for Ireland to leave the EU becomes a possibility.

Speaking to the Irish Independent Mr Ahern said he was sad and disappointed at the Brexit result and he also said he does not believe there should be a vote for a united Ireland

Update 10.10am: The effects of Brexit are already being felt on the currency markets with Sterling already weakening against Euro by 5% with further weakness expected over the coming weeks.

Barry Dowling, co-founder of Irish-owned Global Payments Provider Transfermate explained: The markets are not fans of uncertainty and with investors deciding where their money is best placed, decisions to invest in the UK are likely to be affected which will have a further knock on effect on Sterling.

The implications for Irish business are uncertain and varied.

Experts at Transfermate say that while businesses paying suppliers in Sterling, would welcome a weaker Pound, for UK suppliers that are sourcing goods from overseas, a weaker Sterling will ultimately feed through to prices increases with UK suppliers looking to take account the knock on effect of a higher cost of goods, wiping out any short terms gains to be made by importers.

Barry continued: Our advice to Irish importers would be to contact suppliers as soon as they can to lock down pricing before inventory levels run lower and decisions are made by suppliers to increase pricing. If you can benefit from a weaker Sterling and security in relation to pricing you are likely to be in a stronger position.

Update 10am: The Irish economy will be hardest hit by the inevitable slowdown in the UK economy according to some economists.

The UK Treasury estimates that their economy will take a 4-6% hit, in terms of economic output.

Britain is one of our biggest trading partners - and that partnership is under the spotlight in light of Britain's decision to leave the EU.

Chief Economist with Goodbody Stockbrokers, Dermot O'Leary, has said a slump in Britain will hit us here: Youre talking about a 4-6% hit to the UK GDP.

That will also have knock on implications to the rest of Europe., the euro area and within that obviously Ireland would be the most affected of any European country because of a slowdown that is going to happen in the UK.

So huge ramifications across the European sphere, and obviously huge ramifications across the market sphere also.

Update 9.50: Irish agribusiness is now bracing itself for the outcome of the Brexit result, as the UK remains our prime market outlet.

Primary trade between North and South, the issue of EU and non-EU approved ingredients and how they would be labelled and marketed is also of real concern to Irish farmers.

The Farmers Journal has said 50% of Irelands total beef exports goes to the UK, followed by one third of our total dairy exports. With the UK leaving the EU, a drop in Irish exports of between 150m to 800m can be expected.

Update 9.40: Managing partner of KPMG Ireland Shaun Murphy has said it is in everyones interests that trade between Ireland and the UK maintains its relationship.

Ireland and the UK are significant markets for each others goods and services and this will not change but there is a concern about potential unwelcome alterations to trade rules  this can be avoided if negotiators on both sides stay focussed on minimising trade disruption.

Commenting on the effect this referendum will have on cross border trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic Mr Murphy said quick effective negotiations are required.

Cross border trade is vital to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Given the potential impact on employment and exports, businesses on both sides of the border will want to see quick, effective negotiations that result in minimum cost and disruption to trade. 

Update 9.30am: SIPTU General President, Jack O Connor, has stated that the victory of the Leave campaign in the British referendum on EU membership results from the implementation of austerity policies that have alienated working people across Europe.

OConnor said: The vote for Brexit is the result of the years of austerity which have alienated working people all over Europe.

"Unless there is a dramatic shift in fiscal policy and an immediate end to one sided austerity the end of the European project is now inevitable."

Update 9.20: Car data experts Motorcheck.ie have said Brexit will have a negative effect on the Irish motor trade.

The financial markets expect Sterling to weaken against the Euro by between 15-25% meaning imports from the UK become more attractive prompting a further surge of used vehicles imported from the UK hitting our shores in the coming months.

Commenting on the potential effects of this, Michael Rochford, Managing Director of Motorcheck.ie said "the knock on effects of Brexit are potentially very worrying for both the new and used car markets in Ireland.

Firstly a weakening of sterling and a surge of cheap UK imports will mean used car values in Ireland may fall sharply from their current position. This may leave many car buyers in negative equity as the value of the car they are driving falls beneath what they owe".

Update 9.15am Deputy Michael Healy Rae has issued a statement vocalising his concerns regarding Brexit.

"The decision by the British people to leave the European community will have effects far beyond their own borders.

"With the removal of the UK from the EU trade channels, it will become more difficult for Irish producers to export their goods across the Irish sea, resulting in a potential decrease of 20% on the bilateral trade flows between the two countries and a 3.3% drop in total merchandise exports from Ireland, disproportionately affecting the Basic and Fabricated Metals, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Food and Beverages, and the Textile product and sectors.

"Trade is not the only area affected by British exit. With their departure, Foreign Direct Investment into the UK is also likely to fall, leading to lower productivity growth and lower potential growth, effects which will, in turn, negatively affect Ireland as well.

"Finally, the labour migration of workers between Ireland and the United Kingdom is at risk. Given previous EU immigration laws, this had never been a problem, but now, it is possible that the UK could impose visa requirements upon Irish citizens working in the UK, creating a great inconvenience to our citizens. Furthermore, immigrants that had been bound for the UK will now come to Ireland, with research suggesting an average wage fall of 3.9% with workers in high skilled positions experiencing a 5% wage decrease.

"Once again, I am very disappointed in the actions of the United Kingdom. They have not only abandoned their closest neighbours, but also the entire European Community."

Earlier Former Taoiseach John Bruton has said Irish exports will now become much more expensive, for the UK market.

He says we need to become much more competitive - but believes we are a strong modern economy and will be able to cope :Well I think we should have bilateral discussions with everybody but we have got to strengthen our own economy.

This is a major shock to the Irish economy, because the fall in Sterling is going to make Irish exports to the United Kingdom, much more difficult to sell because of the price increase.

So we are going to have to become much more competitive as an economy.

The Irish Hotels Federation has released a statement stating: It is too early to predict the effect that todays decision will have on Irish tourism given the uncertainty around the future relationship between the UK and the EU and the time it may take for the nature of that relationship to be agreed.

While Irelands competitive tourism offering will help mitigate any negative impact, there is a risk that economic uncertainty and a weaker Sterling could impact on visitor numbers from the UK, which is our largest source of inbound tourists.

The Irish Hotels Federation is therefore calling on the Government to set up a dedicated working group to examine the short and long-term implications and to ensure appropriate measures are put in place to enable Irish tourism react quickly.
The Brexit vote in the EU referendum has triggered a renewed debate in Northern Ireland on its constitutional position within the UK.

With the region backing Remain by 56% to 44%, Sinn Fein has insisted the time has come for a border poll on Irish unity.

The call has been rejected by the Democratic Unionists who have claimed Northern Ireland's status as part of the UK was "safe and secure".

In recent years the thorny constitutional issue has dropped down the political agenda at Stormont, as more focus was placed on economic and social affairs. But the result of the referendum - with the UK overall voting leave, but Northern Ireland voting to stay - has propelled the question back to public prominence.

A border poll can only be called by the region's Secretary of State in circumstances where there is clear evidence of a public opinion swing towards Irish unity.

Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said she did not believe the criteria for triggering a border poll had been met.

In Northern Ireland 440,707 (56%) people voted Remain and 349,442 (44%) Leave.

Of the North's 18 constituencies, 11 voted Remain and seven voted Leave.

Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "For us to be dragged out of the EU against our will is absolutely unacceptable.

"We have been calling for a border poll prior to this referendum. The outcome absolutely strengthens our argument, given that the democratically expressed wishes of the people of the North are going to be effectively ignored by a negotiation which will take place in all probability with a new British Prime Minister."

Mr McGuinness, who was flanked by party president Gerry Adams as he reacted to the result at Stormont Castle, said those who believed lost EU monies could be replaced were living in "cloud cuckoo land".

However, Stormont's First Minister Arlene Foster rejected the Sinn Fein demand.

"The call for a border poll was as predictable as the flowers in May," she said. "We knew it would come but the test has not been met so therefore I don't believe it will happen."

The DUP leader added: "I think we are now entering a new era of an even stronger United Kingdom.

"I am very much looking forward to working with our colleagues in our national government to build a very strong, outward-looking UK moving forward and of course Northern Ireland as a very key constituent part of that."

The renewed focus on Northern Ireland's constitutional position came as Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a second referendum on Scottish independence was "highly likely".

'More serious issues'

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said there was no evidence of a shift in the Northern Ireland electorate for a border poll on a united Ireland.

"That [provision for a border poll] is contained in the Good Friday Agreement, provided that the Secretary of State of the day considers that there would be a serious movement of a majority of people to want to have a situation where they would join the Republic," he said.

"There is no such evidence."

Mr Kenny added: "There are much more serious issues to deal with in the immediate terms and that is where our focus is."

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan also dismissed the idea of a poll.

"I believe any further referendums, with particular reference to the status of Northern Ireland, or otherwise, would in the circumstances be most unhelpful," he said.

A UK Government spokesman said: "Although there were strong views on both sides of the debate, all the main NI parties are agreed on one thing. The people of NI want to see peace and political stability continue, they want their elected representatives to work together, and in co-operation with the UK and Irish Governments.

"The UK Government is strongly committed to the Belfast Agreement and the institutions it created. Nothing in this vote will undermine the workings of the devolved government, the North/South institutions or the British-Irish Council.

"The UK Government will continue to abide by its commitments in the Belfast Agreement. But there is no reason to change our view that a majority of the people of NI support the current political settlement and want to remain part of the UK. As the Government made clear in its NI manifesto last year, it continues to be the case that the requirements in the Belfast Agreement for a border poll are not met."
Britain's "historic" vote to leave the European Union should not provoke hysterical reactions and the bloc is prepared for Brexit, European Council president Donald Tusk has said.

Mr Tusk said he was fully aware of how dramatic a moment it is and warned that it was impossible to predict what happens next.

He said: "There's no hiding the fact that we wanted a different outcome of yesterday's referendum.

"I am fully aware of how serious or even dramatic this moment is politically. And there is no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, especially for the UK.

"It is a historic moment but for sure not a moment for hysterical reactions. I want to reassure everyone that we are prepared also for this negative scenario.

"As you will know the EU is not only a fairweather project."

Mr Tusk said the other leaders were "determined to keep our unity as 27" but would have to have a "wider reflection" about the EU's future.

"For all of us the union is the framework of our common future," he said - amid speculation that the UK vote could have a domino effect and prompt similar votes in other countries.

He said he had offered EU leaders an informal meeting in the margins of next Tuesday's European Council summit in Brussels to discuss "the details of further proceedings".

"I will also propose to the leaders that we start a wider reflection on the future of our union."

He acknowledged that recent years had been "the most difficult ones in the history of our union. But I always remember what my father used to tell me: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

He said there would be "no legal vacuum" because EU law "will continue to apply to and within the UK " until a formal exit.

"By this I mean rights as well as obligations."
FBI investigators have not been able to produce any persuasive evidence that Orlando gunman Omar Mateen was gay or pursuing gay relationships, sources say.

The FBI began looking into that possibility after media reports last week quoted men as saying that Omar Mateen had reached out to them on gay dating apps and had frequented the gay nightclub where the June 12 massacre took place.

One man claimed to be Mateen's gay lover in an interview with Univision that aired this week, while another recalled Mateen as a regular at the Pulse club who tried to pick up men.

But the officials say the FBI, which has conducted 500 interviews, has recovered Mateen's phone and is reviewing evidence from it, has not found concrete evidence to corroborate such accounts nearly two weeks into the investigation. They also cautioned that the investigation is ongoing and that nothing has formally been ruled out.

Law enforcement officials have said there is no doubt that Mateen was radicalised at some point before the Pulse nightclub attack, though there is no evidence that he was directed by any foreign terror groups.

In calls with the police after the shooting began, he pledged his allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State, declared himself to be an Islamic soldier and demanded that the United States stop bombing Syria and Iraq, the FBI said.

"I let you know, I'm in Orlando and I did the shootings," he said, according to a partial transcript made public by the FBI on Monday.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch has taken pains not to describe radical extremism as his sole motivation and declined to rule out any other possibility, including that he was secretly gay. She also declined to say what evidence, if any, existed to support alternate theories but said investigators remain focused on why he picked a gay nightclub as the target of his attack.

Over the past two years, the Islamic State has targeted gay men for death in keeping with its radical interpretation of Islam, throwing dozens of them from tall buildings in Iraq and Syria.

In the interview and in later remarks to reporters, Lynch called the attack that killed 49 people an act of both terror and hate.

"While we know a lot more about him in terms of who he was and what he did, I do not want to definitively rule out any particular motivation here," she said, later adding: "It's entirely possible that he had a singular motive. It's entirely possible that he had a dual motive."

Mateen had a wife who has been extensively interviewed by federal investigators. He also had a three-year-old son.

Jim Van Horn, 71, who said in the days after the attack that he recognized Mateen from previous visits to the Pulse, said Friday he was not sure why investigators would not have discovered persuasive evidence of that, though he said he had no concrete evidence himself. He said he has not spoken with investigators and that they have not reached out to him.

Van Horn also said some people may be reluctant to talk about a past relationship with Mateen.

"Nobody's going to say they slept with a terrorist and be on national TV," Van Horn said.
Brussels will be on alert for a wave of copycat national polls across the European Union following Britain's decision to quit.

Right-wing leaders across the 28-member bloc were swift to underline their demands for similar votes following the shock result.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Front in France, tweeted "victory for freedom", adding that she had "asked for years" for the same process to be held in all EU nations.

Geert Wilders, who heads the populist PVV party in the Netherlands, said Dutch voters should be given a say on membership as soon as possible.

"The United Kingdom is leading the way to the future and liberation," he said. "The time is now for a new start, trusting in its own strength and sovereignty. Also in the Netherlands.

"The Dutch population deserves a referendum as well. The Party for Freedom (PVV) demands therefore a referendum on Nexit, a Dutch EU exit. Dutch people should have the opportunity as soon as possible to decide on the Dutch membership of the European Union."

Italy's Five-Star party is pushing for a referendum on whether to keep the euro following a boost in support at the polls.

Denmark, which has remained outside the euro, has seen growing support for a vote on EU membership.

Neighbouring Sweden is also showing interest in quitting, with one of the country's Democrat politicians, Paula Bieler, tweeting "#swedenisnext".

The country's foreign minister, Margot Wallstrom, recently warned that the "spill-over effect will be unfortunately felt, deeply felt".
The Spanish government has called for shared sovereignty over Gibraltar in the face of Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

The British Overseas Territory voted overwhelmingly to Remain, with 95.9% of voters backing the status quo. The enclave at the entrance to the Mediterranean relies heavily on its open border with Spain for trade.

But acting Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said he hoped "co-sovereignty" of Gibraltar and "the Spanish flag on the Rock" were much closer to happening in the wake of the vote, in a radio interview cited by Reuters.

Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo, who shared a platform with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in May in support of the Remain campaign, had earlier tweeted: "We have surpassed greater challenges. It is time for unity, for calm and for rational thinking. Together and united we will continue to prosper."

He is due to give a speech on this afternoon.

Julie Girling, the South West England and Gibraltar Conservative MEP - who also backed Remain, said; "I am deeply sorry that the people of the UK have chosen this leap in the dark. I believe future generations will question our wisdom.

"The EU has many faults, of course, but I remain convinced that we would be safer, stronger and better off by remaining a member."

Gibraltar was ceded to Britain in 1713 in the Treaty of Utrecht. But over past decades Spain has made various noises about taking it back, including a 2013 dispute which saw border checks reintroduced - causing long delays - in a row over an artificial reef.

A referendum on joint sovereignty in 2002 saw 98.48% of citizens of the territory back remaining British.

The Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce had also backed the Remain campaign, calling Brexit "a leap in the dark".

In a letter to members on Tuesday, the chamber's board said the open border with Spain had helped the territory's financial services industry develop.

It added: "Each weekday half of Gibraltar's workforce crosses the border to get to work. Of the 12,000 people who cross the frontier, around 7,000 are Spanish and the remaining 5,000 are other Europeans. Without this open frontier many businesses in Gibraltar would not have a workforce."

In May Mr Picardo told a news conference that Brexit supporters should reflect on the fact that a leave vote would see joint sovereignty "back on the table".

He said: "Ironically, somebody who believes they are being patriotic and supporting Gibraltar by voting to leave the European Union will be bringing about, actually, Gibraltar having to face, once again, the prospect of joint sovereignty with Spain, something which most of the friends of Gibraltar in the Brexit side of the argument fought tooth and nail against at the time it was last tabled by a Labour government in the early part of the 21st century."
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It's a creative hobby turned much-loved career. Armed with shampoo and scissors, groomers like Caitlin Howship can makeover a shaggy mess into a good-looking, pouncing pooch.

"I get to be around animals and show off my creative side. I love being able to transform a dog from a big scruffy mess into something like a gorgeous poodle," said the 20-year-old.

Canberra dog groomer Caitlin Howship is excited to show her creative skills in the ACT competition .

With no grooming competitions previously offered in the ACT, the only option for dog lovers such as Caitlin to show off their prowess has been to travel interstate.

Now, The Pet Industry Association's Plus Puppy Grooming Competition is coming to Canberra, giving locals a chance to shine in their own stomping ground on July 2 and 3.
Bookies have drastically revised their odds on Brexit betting after unexpectedly strong early polling for the leave campaign upended their confidence that the United Kingdom would vote to stay in the European Union.

Markets have followed the same dramatic route, with the pound hitting six-month highs before dropping off a cliff.

As voting closed about 7am Australian time, betting agency William Hill was offering odds of 1/9 for a remain victory - indicating a 90 per cent probability the UK would stay in the EU.

Ladbrokes and Paddy Power had the likelihood of a remain victory at 92 per cent.
Battle lines have been sharply drawn ahead of the vote about whether Britain should remain a member of the European Union.

The intense debate over the Brexit referendum has pitted neighbours and relatives against one another.

The tension over Britain's historic referendum has spilled over to social media, where people let their pets battle it out. Credit:123rf.com

It has spilled over to Twitter, where in moments of tension users often turn to pet memes.

Last week, Lilian Edwards, a law professor in Scotland, posted a picture of her cat on Twitter, curled up on a pillow and looking slightly sad, and added the hashtag #CatsAgainstBrexit, asking other cat owners to join her.
Tens of thousands of Victorian Catholic school students have been sent home with letters warning their parents against voting for the Greens in next week's federal election.

The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria has circulated the letter to schools in marginal seats, seats where MPs are retiring and electorates where the Greens are hoping for a win.

These include Batman  which the Greens hope to pick up thanks to its rapidly changing demographic and the Greens-held seat of Melbourne. The letters were also stuffed into school bags in Wills, Corangamite, La Trobe, Bruce, Chisholm and Dunkley.
Queensland Liberal MP Warren Entsch has dismissed links between a controversial election poster and sexist attacks on former prime minister Julia Gillard as "absolute bullshit".

Mr Entsch's campaign has produced signs criticising Labor's proposed changes to negative gearing with the slogan 'It's a wicked thing to do', complete with an image of a witch and a depiction of Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

The poster, placed next to signs for Labor's candidate for the seat of Leichhardt, Sharryn Howes, claims the changes would leave 10,000 far north Queensland families worse off and tells voters to "put Labor last".
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says Coalition MPs will be free to ignore the result of the public vote on same-sex marriage and follow their consciences after the national plebiscite.

Mr Turnbull said that when it comes to legislating change he would not bind his cabinet colleagues to vote according to the will of the people, but that he expected most MPs  including those opposed to same-sex marriage  to accept the public's verdict.

The details of the proposed plebiscite, including the exact question to be asked, have yet to be resolved even though a vote is expected by the end of the year. It has been unclear whether Coalition MPs, particularly cabinet members, would be forced to accept the plebiscite verdict.
Her first tweet late on Thursday night was a video in which she appeared to advertise Chanel while showing her Instagram followers she was watching the BBC's EU referendum results show.

Lindsay Lohan has become one of the highlights of a tense EU referendum results night as she offers her insightful views on remaining in the EU, where Sunderland is and free trade.

On Thursday, the UK went to the polls to vote on whether they should remain or leave the European Union.

During the course of a tense night, American Lohan provided commentary which had Twitter users hailing her analysis.

The Mean Girls star began by stressing that we were all people...

...then she tweeted at the Independent newspaper's Twitter account blaming Sunderland for the drop in the pound.
"But it would be wise from a precautionary perspective to head off the problem of corruption and misconduct at the federal level, particularly given the growth in international financial contributions to the Australian political scene."

The calls for change come after a string of scandals and sagas around political donations including backdoor developer payments to the NSW Liberals through a federal Liberal fundraising body, foreign bribery payments and kickbacks, allegations of Border Force corruption, and insider trading at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Mr Hewson agreed a national ICAC would need to be careful to protect the rights of those people it investigated and questioned. "What you want is that those who are guilty are genuinely accountable and subject to the full force of the law. To the extent that the process compromises that, I think you've got to be pretty careful."

Integrity experts including Queensland anti-corruption stalwart Tony Fitzgerald have previously supported an anti-corruption commission last year telling the ABC's Leigh Sales that there was no reason to believe that the federal sphere was any cleaner than state politics. "I think it's self-evident," he said at the time.

"The people who go into State Parliaments and the major political parties are the same people who go into Federal Parliament," said Mr Fitzgerald. "I cannot understand why they'd be corrupt at one level, or be corruptible at one level, and not at the other."
A cruise ship from which passengers were hurt in a fatal bus crash in Vanuatu has returned to Brisbane.

P&O's Pacific Dawn made port just before dawn, bringing to an end an eventful cruise for the wrong reasons for some voyagers.

Passengers on the Pacific Dawn were injured in a bus crash after a tour in Vanuatu. Credit:P&O

Ten Australians were injured when a tour bus was involved in a head-on collision with a commuter bus on Monday. Three locals died.

The last of the injured Australian passengers - an 11-year-old boy with serious head injuries and his mother and brother - returned to the Gold Coast on Friday.
A former Queensland Anglican priest seeking to appeal his jail term for molesting an altar boy more than 40 years ago has failed in his bid to be released on bail.

Barry John Greaves, 79, was on Monday sentenced to a term of 12 months, suspended after three months, after he pleaded guilty in Brisbane's District Court to indecently dealing with a child under 14.

Former priest Barry John Greaves was sentenced to 12 months' jail after he pleaded guilty to indecently dealing with a child. Credit:Virginia Star

Greaves, who once served as a chaplain to former governor-general Peter Hollingworth, was a priest stationed in southwest Queensland in the late 1960s and early 1970s when he abused his 13-year-old victim.

His legal team on Friday applied for Supreme Court bail pending an appeal against his sentence, which is unlikely to be heard before September when he would have served most or all of his custodial term.
A Queensland man arrested after sending an ultrasound of his unborn child to an undercover FBI agent posing as a paedophile has been sentenced to five years' imprisonment for child pornography offences.

Ashley David Hill fronted Brisbane District Court on Friday having pleaded guilty to five charges, including using a carriage service to access child pornography material.

Half of all adult inmates in NSW have been diagnosed or treated for a mental health problem.

Judge David Reid sentenced him to five years' jail, with a non-parole period of two-and-a-half years, for the offences.

He said while Hill's sending of the ultrasound as a "bargaining tool" was not a crime, it was indicative of the "depth of (his) moral degradation".
A Queensland man charged with the stabbing murder of a 27-year-old south of Brisbane has been granted Supreme Court bail.

Shane Colin Duffy, 35, is accused of the stabbing murder of James Beel-Endycott, who was found wounded at a property on Tubber Street, Beaudesert, and died on the way to hospital earlier this month.

A man has been granted bail after allegedly stabbing another man to death.

Justice Peter Applegarth upheld Duffy's bail application in Brisbane's Supreme Court on Friday after hearing submissions from his legal team that he didn't pose an unacceptable flight risk and had viable defences, such as self-defence, to the crown case.

AAP
The government should block "ride sharing" in Queensland because Ubers are just taxis, the cab industry argues.

In its submission to the critical review charged with determining the future of cabs, ride-sharing and other personalised transport, Taxi Council Queensland essentially called for a ban on Uber in its current form.

Uber has amassed a $US15 billion war chest since 2009. Credit:4bc.com.au

The peak body demanded "full compensation" for licence owners who have seen their values halved since the rival service's launch if changes were made to the current regulations.

After months of calling for an "even playing field", CEO Benjamin Wash justified the appeal for a ban on his rivals by arguing ride-share cars were no different to cabs in Queensland, due to the state's "unique" industry.
A police incident at Southern Cross has caused evening peak-hour chaos, with major delays across the Metro Trains network.

Police were called to the station about 2.30pm after a trespasser positioned himself on a metal platform attached to a bridge.

Major delays on train lines.

They successfully coaxed him down just before 4.30pm.

The incident caused major delays on eight lines as police negotiated with the man.
Residents of fire-ravaged Yarloop could launch a class action against the state government after a damning report exposing its failures to protect the town.

An independent report released on Thursday into the January blaze, which claimed two lives and destroyed 69,000 hectares and 181 buildings, found emergency services were delayed in dispatching fire fighting resources to the small South-West town and failed to provide timely warnings to residents.

Slater and Gordon lawyer Rachel Cosentino said the report's findings raised legal questions that were worth investigating.

The legal firm has previously represented residents in Margaret River and Parkerville in class actions after catastrophic fires in those regions in 2011 and 2014 respectively.
The stock market also slumped, with banks including Lloyds, Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland losing a fifth of their value by Friday lunchtime. The pound crashed in reaction to the vote to leave the EU. Credit:Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg Rating agency Standard & Poor's warned Britain would lose its last remaining triple-A credit rating, saying it was "untenable" in the face of Brexit. Meanwhile, leadership speculation distracted both Labour and the Conservatives. Boris Johnson leaving his London home on Friday. Credit:Getty Images

David Cameron's vow to resign by October fired the starting gun on the race to succeed him, with prominent Leave campaigner Boris Johnson trying to position himself as a progressive, Europe-friendly voice  an irony not lost on protesters who booed him out of his Islington home. And a group of Labour MPs rose in open rebellion against Jeremy Corbyn, whom they blamed for not doing enough to energise the Labour base for Remain. David Cameron resigned after the Brexit vote. Credit:Chris Ratcliffe A motion of no confidence in Mr Corbyn was tabled by Labour MPs Margaret Hodge and Ann Coffey, though he was expected to survive the move with the support of the unions. According to polling, almost two-thirds of Labour supporters were for Remain, while only 42% of Conservative voters were. Less than a third of the eventual Remain vote came from Conservatives.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell told Channel 4 he expected a general election to be called as soon as the new prime minister took office in the autumn, which would require killing off a recent law imposing fixed parliamentary terms.. Meanwhile, rumours spread of big businesses already making plans to quit for the continent. The BBC reported that US investment bank Morgan Stanley had a strategy to move 2000 staff out of London to either Dublin or Frankfurt  though the company denied the story. Airbus announced it would "review UK investment strategy, like everybody else will". Labour's former foreign secretary Margaret Beckett said she feared major firms including Rolls Royce, train maker Bombardier and car giant Toyota would leave the UK.

Some desperately speculated on Friday that the government, or parliament, might foil Brexit with a new referendum or by simply declining to act on the will of the people expressed in the vote. Outside Number Ten, David Cameron insisted "The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered". However he then declined to deliver it himself, saying it would not "be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination". For Britain to leave the EU, the government must formally activate 'Article 50', a hitherto-unused treaty power that sets off a two-year period of negotiation with the continent over the terms of divorce. Mr Cameron said it was for the next prime minister to take the decision about when to trigger Article 50.

The man considered most likely to be that PM, Boris Johnson, said there was "no need for haste". "Nothing will change over the short term except that work will have to begin on how to give effect to the will of the people." Part of the reluctance to leap into negotiations was the reaction of Northern Ireland and Scotland to the result. Both had voted to Remain in the EU  Scotland by a heavy margin. Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said a new independence plebiscite north of the border was "highly likely". It would be "democratically unacceptable" to drag Scotland out of the EU against its will, she said, after 62 per cent of Scots backed Remain.

And Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness called for a new poll on a united Ireland. His region receives considerable 'peace money' subsidies from the EU. However the call from Sinn Fein's McGuinness was rejected by both the pro-British first minister and the Irish prime minister. Within England, regions who had come out for Leave such as Cornwall sent querulous demands to the Leave camp seeking reassurance that their European subsidies would be refunded by Westminster. Johnson directly addressed those in the UK and overseas "anxious" about the consequences of Brexit. He specifically addressed young Britons, who had voted strongly to Remain in the EU.

"This doesn't mean the UK will be in any way less united nor any less European," Johnson said, denying the result was an isolationist "pulling up a drawbridge". "We are part of Europe," he said. "Our children and grandchildren will continue to have wonderful future as Europeans. "Britain will continue to be a great European power. We can find our voice in the world again." He promised a more prosperous future for the UK by taking back control of laws and policies, saying Britain would continue to be a "powerful, liberal, humane and extraordinary force for good in the world." Conservative MP Michael Gove promised a calm and consensual approach to implementing the Brexit process.

The mission was to "secure the best possible terms for Britain" in the upcoming negotiations with Europe, predicting a "gradual divergence" from the EU. But the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, said the EU would not let the UK re-join the single market. "Leave is leave", he said. Angela Merkel invited the French, Italian and European leaders to talks on Brexit next week. Nigel Farage continued to celebrate achieving the apotheosis of Euroscepticism, which he had dubbed 'Independence Day'.
But for all the drama the Leave victory brings, there will be no instant change. The process of decoupling will take time:

A withdrawal would take two years after the British government chooses to invoke a provision of Article 50 the EU treaty that sets out the basics for a departure. Everyone is in the dark how exactly that will work considering no country has ever left the union.

Britons have voted to exit the European Union in an historic poll. Credit:Bloomberg

It is not entirely clear whether Prime Minister David Cameron, who has led the campaign to stay, would stick to his stated plan to invoke it immediately if the country votes to leave. In legal terms, the British government is not bound by the result of the referendum, which is generally considered a toss-up at this point. In a report for the Constitution Society, Richard Gordon and Rowena Moffat said that "The government could, in strict law, choose to ignore it."

If a deal can be reached within the two years, it may need to be ratified in all 28 member nations and perhaps approved by the Parliament in Scotland, where all major parties want to remain in the bloc.

Trade
As Democrats took to alternative forms of video broadcasting, their message gained tremendous momentum from social media. On Twitter, the hashtags #NoBillNoBreak and #HoldTheFloor have been tweeted at least 1.4 million times. Democrat members of Congress including Representative John Lewis, centre, and Elizabeth Esty participate in the sit-down protest. Credit:AP Of the roughly 20 members of Congress who remained at the sit-in overnight, 19 of them used Facebook Live for a total combined viewership of 3 million. "It really connected with people out there," Congressman Scott Peters told Reuters. "This whole phenomenon with [live video] struck a nerve." Democrat members of Congress, including Representatives John Lewis, centre, participate in the sit-down protest. Credit:AP

Peters used the application Periscope, which is connected to the social media platform Twitter, to send out video. "Without that, think about it, it would have been a caucus meeting where we talk to ourselves," he added. Democrat members of Congress, including, from left, Representatives Steve Cohen, Joe Courtney and Rosa DeLauro in the sit-down protest. Credit:AP In remarks Wednesday outside the Capitol, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi praised how her party harnessed social media. "Without you and without the technology of Periscope [the sit-in] would just be a debate in the Halls of Congress unrecorded because they turned off the microphones," Pelosi said. "But we raised our voices. They turned off the cameras and we went to Periscope."

Democrat members of Congress on the floor during the sit-down protest. Credit:AP Congressman Mark Takano, who began posting live videos from the chamber to his Facebook page Wednesday afternoon and continued to throughout the night, said the social media video helped him connect with constituents. "Once I got started with the live streaming I didn't feel like I could let down the people who were following me," said Takano. "It was a way to push out a message." Democrat members of Congress, including, from left, Steve Cohen, Senator Al Franken and Raul GriJalva participate in the sit-down protest. Credit:AP Republicans moved to take back control of the floor in a series of dramatic overnight clashes. Shortly after 3am, they moved to immediately adjourn until after the July 4 holiday - two days sooner than planned - in order to end the sit-in. Democrats stayed on the floor another 10 hours.

House Speaker Paul Ryan harshly criticised the Democratic sit-in at a news conference on Thursday, declaring it a gimmick that undermined the institution. "We can disagree on policy, but we do so within the bounds of order and respect for the system; otherwise, it all falls apart," he said. "We are not going to allow stunts like this to stop us from carrying out the people's business." But it was clear that the "stunt" achieved its objectives for the Democrats, unifying and energising the often-fractious minority that has tended to greet each new gun-related tragedy with a sense of resignation that no effective action was possible, given the political potency of gun rights advocates - particularly the National Rifle Association. Some veteran Democratic lawmakers called the effort unprecedented and expressed optimism that Republicans would eventually have to capitulate. The sit-in episode took on the cast of a 1960s civil rights protest. It was partly led by Representative John Lewis who a half-century ago was physically beaten in many of them.

"Thank you for getting in trouble - good trouble," Lewis told colleagues Wednesday night. "Sometimes by sitting down, by sitting in, you're standing up." Advocacy groups have seized on the Democrats' recent efforts to draw attention on Capitol Hill. On Thursday, they began strategising ways to pressure lawmakers in their home districts during the July 4 recess. Everytown for Gun Safety, a group backed by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, plans to deploy volunteer activists to legislators' town-hall meetings, though it is still determining which lawmakers to focus on. The group said its members made more than 181,000 calls to the House over a 24-hour span to express support for the sit-in and that Facebook and Twitter posts by its members reached more than 10 million people. "The environment has changed; the atmosphere has changed," said Brina Milikowsky, Everytown's chief strategy officer. "Leaders can't run away from the fact that Americans are calling for reforms, and the majority are calling for the measures that we've been pushing."
Baltimore: A judge has found the sole officer charged with murder in the death of Baltimore man Freddie Gray not guilty of all counts, leaving prosecutors without a conviction for the third time in the high-profile case that spurred riots and unrest and sparked the Black Lives Matter movement last year.

The verdict in the trial of Caesar Goodson Jr is the second acquittal handed down by Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams in the case. The judge last month acquitted the second officer who went to trial in Gray's death. The first officer's trial ended in a hung jury.

Goodson, 46, drove the van that transported Gray through West Baltimore the morning of April 12, 2015, when the 25-year-old was arrested. Gray suffered a severe neck injury in the back of the van and died a week later.
The man who spent an estimated 6 million ($11.3 million) to incite a "peasant revolt" to quit the European Union is Arron Banks, a millionaire worth an estimated 200 million.

"Poll was spot 52% / 48% - Nigel is a hero," Mr Banks tweeted on Friday, attributing the success of the leave campaign to Nigel Farage - the leader of UK Independence Party (UKIP). He said that Mr Farage's ability to connect with Labour voters had delivered millions of Labour voters.

Mr Banks founded the Leave.eu campaign, which was backed by former London mayor Boris Johnson and others.

Mr Banks, a businessman and former Tory, told BBC on Friday that he had backed the move simply because it was something in which he believed.
Edinburgh: Scotland sees its future firmly in the European Union, its leader said on Friday as most of the rest of Britain voted to leave, raising the spectre of a new independence vote and the possible dissolution of the United Kingdom.

Scotland voted by a margin of 62 per cent to 38 per cent to remain in the European Union in Thursday's referendum, putting it sharply at odds with the United Kingdom as a whole, which voted 52 per cent to 48 per cent to leave.

Most voters in Northern Ireland also voted to remain and Irish nationalist leaders there called for a poll on leaving the United Kingdom and uniting with Ireland.
Banking regulator APRA Is dialling up the scrutiny on banks commercial real estate lending after double-digit loan growth.Charles Littrell, APRAs executive general manager for supervisory support said the regulator was turning up the pressure amid fears of an apartment oversupply.According to a report in The Australian, with estimates of a national oversupply of 70,000 apartments, Littrell said it was not a bad time to be seeing banks strengthen the equity position in their balance sheet.Speaking at a Centre for International Finance and Regulation event yesterday, Littrell said commercial property had historically been what goes wrong for the banking system. Plus, there is now the added risk of becoming so systemically concentrated.In 1990 the four major banks had 40% of the banking market; now theyve got 80%, he told the event, The Australian has reported.Theyre all in the same business model, theyre all hugely exposed to each other ... and we dont quite know what would happen if that business model gets whacked by external stress all at once.So there is a lot of conventional work at our end  focusing on sound lending and in fact now were dialling up our systemic supervisory focus on commercial real estate.Luci Ellis, the Reserve Bank head of financial stability, echoed APRAs concerns. She told the event that commercial property and development was one area that lacked research since the global financial crisis to draw on.The thing that has tended to be the causal agent in a banking crisis, even though you saw something go wrong in housing prices, it was the property developers, it was the commercial real estate, these are the vectors of distress, she said, according to The Australian.According to Credit Suisse, total bank commercial real estate lending has boomed in the past three years, with exposures growing 10% to $214bn for the year to March, the highest rate of growth since the GFC.
Australian banks have a deep-rooted problem with risk culture, which has led to a lack of trust in the sector, warns a new report released by BTS, a global professional services firm.Drawing on research from the firms extensive work with financial institutions globally and its own joint research with the Economist Intelligence Unit, the research uncovered deep problems with a culture of avoidance. Bank management and staff choose not to pass on bad news to relevant people or turn a blind eye to bad behaviour.The research found that this culture of avoidance or the covering up of bad news was a strong predictor of bad behaviour and conduct within the banks.According to the report, a banks risk culture depends on how employees perceive the relative importance of risk management and ethical behaviour.The study also indicates that banks struggle to gain buy in to critical initiatives like risk management below the highest levels of management. The research highlights that the most successful companies work systematically with employees to ensure theyre convinced that critical initiatives will have a personal benefit, ensure a better environment, and lead to overall success.Mark Jackson, managing director of BTS Australia said Australian banks need to act quickly to address this.Australias financial institutions are in a period of turmoil, after years of growing discontent by the public with their conduct. With a crackdown by APRA and ASIC and a potential Royal Commission into banking conduct looming as we wait to see the outcomes of the upcoming election, banks need to act quickly.They need to address their risk culture, making sure its high on the agenda. It is crucial that there is a well-defined culture in place that will ensure risks are easy to identify, reported on and escalated. And more importantly, not covered up.
While final results arent due for another several hours, early indications from a respected poll strongly suggest that Britain has voted to stay in the European Union.No official exit polls were conducted for Brexit, but a YouGov poll showed Remain beating Leave 52%-48%. While the poll has a much smaller sample size than a typical exit poll, YouGov did call the Scottish Independence vote within one percentage point in 2014. And Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party and a prominent booster of the Leave campaign, has told Sky News that he thinks Remain will edge it.British Prime Minister David Cameron had long lobbied for Britain to remain in the EU, saying an exit would cost British jobs and deal a blow to the nations economy. Those who wanted to leave the union, however, said Brexit would allow the UK to better control immigration and save the money it contributes to the EUs budget.It has boiled down to jobs versus foreigners, Justin Fisher, a politics professor at Brunel University in London, told Bloomberg.So if early signs are correct, what does that mean for the Australian economy and property market? Mostly, it means we can breathe a sigh of relief. According to commercial real estate company Colliers International, a Brexit could have a significant impact on consumer sentiment, especially when it comes to property investment which is closely tied to financial economic conditions.Direct property investment, while somewhat sensitive to real economic conditions, is more sensitive to financial economic conditions than other sectors  especially if you consider property to be a stand-alone asset class, Colliers said.Investment decisions take into consideration a wide range of financial drivers like the regulatory environment, policy transparency and fluctuations in sentiment. Following this school of thought, it's possible that a Brexit would have a significant impact on sentiment and the direct property investment market.However, Colliers said that consumer uncertainty from a Brexit could also play into the Australian property market, which is typically regarded globally as a safe-haven option for real estate investment.Our 2016 global investor survey placed London as the preferred destination for offshore property market investment followed closely by Melbourne and Sydney. If a UK vote to leave the European Union was passed on June 23rd [June 24th in Australia], this would most likely have a negative impact on business and investor confidence, and boost demand for safe havens further, the commercial real estate company said.Given these outcomes, Australian real estate investment could benefit either which way the referendum results fall.
The NSW Government has abolished business mortgage duty which cost Australian business over $200 million in FY2015.As a part of the states budget, NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the government will abolish mortgage duty, along with share transfer duty and non-real transfer duty from July 1 this year.Last year alone there were 250,000 hits to business from these three taxes, amounting to over $400 million, Berejiklian said.Mortgage duty, a tax is charged on a business mortgage when used as security for another business transaction, cost businesses over $212 million in FY2015 alone. According to the NSW Treasury, 210,068 mortgage duty transactions were paid in the financial year, costing an average of $1,010 per transaction.While Labor wants to hit businesses with higher taxes and red tape, the NSW Liberals & Nationals appreciate supporting businesses supports economic growth and more jobs, Treasurer Berejiklian said.Scrapping these taxes will provide businesses with certainty, improve economic efficiency and lower business operating and administration costs. This will help businesses grow, be more successful and employ more people  helping to drive economic growth.
The MFAA will take their time appointing a new CEO after Haydens short tenure; APRA is dialling up bank scrutiny on commercial real estate lending and experts debate UK/ Aussie mortgage comparisons.The MFAA announced the resignation of CEO Siobhan Hayden , citing strategic differences as the reason for Siobhan Haydens short tenure. She took over from long term CEO Phil Naylor in October of 2014.Im proud of what Ive achieved in the role and think the mortgage broking industry is well positioned into the future, Hayden said.The MFAA told Australian Broker they would reassess what they are looking for in a replacement CEO with a decision not expected to be announced until the end of the year.APRA announced it would be dialling up bank scrutiny on commercial real estate lending this week after national apartment oversupply was estimated at over 70,000. Executive general manager for supervisory support Charles Littrell said the regulator was turning up the pressure, saying its not a bad time to see banks strengthen the equity position of their balance sheets.In 1990 the four major banks had 40% of the banking market; now theyve got 80%, he said.Theyre all in the same business model, theyre all hugely exposed to each other ... and we dont quite know what would happen if that business model gets whacked by external stress all at once.So there is a lot of conventional work at our end  focusing on sound lending and in fact now were dialling up our systemic supervisory focus on commercial real estate. Comparisons with the UK mortgage market are incredibly misleading, MoneyQuest managing director Michael Russell has said.At the FBAA National Tour last week, former Barclays CEO of mortgages Steve Weston said ASIC would question the fact that Australia is one of the last markets in the world to pay trail commissions to brokers.The other big, big difference is on remuneration  and that is something we should be concerned about with ASIC because regulators will speak to their international counterparts, Weston told brokers.
Opinion / Columnist

The recent visit to Zimbabwe by a special Chinese envoy has reignited hope that the Asian economic giant is still committed to implementing the mega-deals signed between the two all-weather friends in 2014 and 2015.The visit comes in the wake of wide speculations that the deals hang in the balance after China was reportedly displeased with government's alleged economic policy inconsistencies. The visit has put paid and put cold water on such destructive speculations that are bent on throwing spanners on the path to economic revival.The envoy headed by the Chinese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Zhang Ming updated President Mugabe on the progress in the implementation of the $4 billion mega-deals that were signed in 2014 and 2015 when the two Presidents paid each other State visits. President Mugabe visited China in 2014 and signed nine milestone deals that will help in the revitalization of the economy, a national vision spelt in the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset).Some of the deals focus on the critical economic enablers such as energy, road, national railway networks, telecommunications, agriculture and tourism. When President Xi Jinping paid a reciprocal State visit in 2015, 12 more landmark deals were inked. These include the construction of the new parliament building in Mt Hampden, a pharmaceutical warehouse, expansion of a national fiber optic broadband project and many others.Already Hwange Thermal Power Station which China is set to bankroll is already taking off with the Chinese contractor, Sinohydro already on the ground. So contrary to what is being said and written about Chinese mega-deals, there is actually something happening that detractors are not privy to. They might be privy but the agenda they are pushing for dictates that they denigrate and discredit such projects that give a political credit to Zanu PF.The unfortunate reality is that the biting consequences of a bad economy indiscriminately affect all and sundry. Look at the sanctions that Mr Morgan Tsvangirai called for. They are biting everybody including their chief architect, Mr Tsvangirai himself. The MDC-T leader is reportedly failing to fuel his donated vehicle. Rumor has it that the party's benefactors are funding all his family needs. He could have been homeless had it not been the benevolence of government which let him continue to occupy a state house which he was allocated when he was still the prime minister.These are all effects of sanctions and a self-induced collapsing' economy. It is apparent that some people do not learn from history. While they celebrate the declining economy and try by all means to scare away investors, lest they forget that the effects of those actions will haunt them as well.China is willing to deliver on all its promises and that commitment must get support from every sane Zimbabwean across the political divide. Perhaps Zimbabwe is to be blame for the delays in the implementation of these deals. We have to play our part of the bargain before the Chinese come on the ground. For instance, the Chinese raised concern in March this year that Zimbabwe government had not yet cleared the ground for a new parliament building.The Chinese cannot just come and construct a parliament building in a bush. They had also requested for the construction of a link road to the site. It's unfortunate that the special envoy is coming again when this road had not yet been constructed. We seem to be not in a hurry. Our authorities must not forget that there are many other countries that are drooling for the Chinese investment.China's director of African Affairs Department, Mr Lin Songtian confirmed to a Herald reporter in March this year that his government was ready to implement the mega-deals and implored Zimbabwean authorities to play their party."For China's side no problem, we are ready but of course from your side, my side, each of us will need to follow the procedure to complete the deals. We are taking very serious whatever the commitment made by my President to His Excellency the President. We will deliver each of them, no problem. But what can we do there, it's step-by-step and when the condition there is ready, the Zimbabwe side gets ready, we are ready," said Mr Lin.Indeed we need to be ready as soon as yesterday. One area where we need to be ready is to create a corrupt free environment. As we know, China loathes corruption to the bone. It is known for its legacy in fighting the scourge of corruption. In view of that, China needs to be equally yoked. We should be seen to be fighting corruption if the Chinese confidence is to be totally won. There have been too many reports of corruption in the media and definitely China has been profiling all these corrupt cases by our ministers and senior government officials. Let us not give investors a room to think that by investing in Zimbabwe, they will be pouring their money into a bottomless pit.The macro-environment prevailing in this country needs an acute placement of priorities. Of all the deals that China is to bankroll, it will be a misplaced priority to begin with the construction of a parliament building. We have been using the current parliament for over a century and we can still do for many years to come. If the current building no longer has enough space for the bloated parliament, we can still do with a mean parliament. There is nothing that the 350 MPs can do that a good size of 100 MPs cannot do, especially in urban areas where their work overlaps with that of the councilors.The construction of a parliament building will not contribute much to the revival of our economy. Unfortunately it seems the parliament project is at the heart of the Chinese. We cannot allow donors to buy us cakes when we don't even have mealie meal in the house. First things first, let's put our priorities right.
Federal authorities investigating Bob Menendez, reports and adviser say

The investigation by New York prosecutors is reportedly connected to the 2017 trial in which the senior U.S. senator was acquitted.
The year is 1856. The East India Company is all set to march into Lucknow, and banish its ruler, Wajid Ali Shah, to Calcutta. Two noblemen, Mirza Sajjad Ali and Mir Roshan Ali, rakishly handsome and courteous to a fault, sneak out of the city to enjoy a quiet game of chess. There is an altercation between them and a pistol shot is fired that draws no blood. The two are ready to kill over a game of chess, yet they lift not a finger to defend Lucknow.
For marketers who are cynical of agencies and agencies who are cynical of marketers, here is something to reflect on: Relying on research and pre-testing, abdicating one's judgement isn't a great idea for clients.
The prospects of Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) have come as a rude shock to Indian companies, as they are likely to face lower sales, increased cost of operations, immigration barriers for their employees and a fall in export earnings.
It was a somber mood at the boardrooms of Indian companies, which have huge exposure in Britain and in the European Union. like Tata Motors (JLR), Tata Steel Europe and Motherson Sumi are expected to face falling sales, increased costs of operations and immigration barriers for its employees.
It was a sombre mood in the boardrooms of Indian with a lot of exposure to Britain and the European Union (EU).
It might not be all that tougher for Tata Steel, the countrys largest in this segment, to sell its UK division after that countrys vote to leave the European Union.
Beverages major The Company is targeting to make its flagship juice brand Maaza a $1 billion brand in sales by 2023, doubling its procurement to two lakh metric tonne of mango pulp worth around Rs 1,100 crore annually. The resource infusion behind the brand is a part of the $5 billion investment plan of the company and its bottlers in India, between 2012 and 2020, said the company.

"We are now embarking on this mission of turning Maaza into the world's first $1 billion juice drink brand (by sales), coming out of India. We are very excited about what this can do for the agri sector and the food processing industry," said Venkatesh Kini, President, India and South West Asia in an event celebrating the 40 years of brand Maaza. At present, the market size of Maaza is over 50% in the total mango fruit drink market, he said.
Auto stocks bore the brunt of the Brexit impact losing nearly 10% of their value. Tata Motors which gets about a quarter of its volumes from the UK was among the worst affected as was auto component supplier Motherson Sumi which supplies parts to a number of luxury car makers.



While JLR sources about 40% of its parts from the EU, costlier imports on higher duties will make exports uncompetitive. However, the positive would be a weaker pound which could offset some impact.



Motherson sources its parts from across the globe though both its subsidiaries accounting for over 80% of revenues are based in Netherlands. While sourcing of raw material happen in local currency, the impact either way could be on currency translation.



The other two auto companies with a major exposure to Europe are Bharat Forge at 39% and Apollo Tyres getting about 30% of revenues from Europe.
As Britain votes in favour of exiting the European Union, the Indian Information Technology (IT) services industry is bracing up for another phase of uncertainty in the short to mid-term.
Oman Air wants the Indian government to implement an 'open skies' policy, one enabling the Gulf carrier to start unlimited flights to this country, said its chief executive officer, Paul Gregorowitsch.
Ltd has been ordered to pay NTT DoCoMo Inc $1.2 billion to buy DoCoMo's stake in a joint venture, the Japanese firm said, citing an international arbitration court ruling.

In 2009, the Japanese telecoms group acquired a 26.5% stake in Tata Teleservices Limited for around 127.4 billion rupees. In April 2014, it announced plans to exit the venture, which struggled to grow subscribers as quickly as its peers.

DoCoMo said it held the right to request that Tata find a buyer for its stake at 50% of the original price or at fair market value, whichever was higher.

But Tata failed to find a buyer, and India's central bank rejected Tata's offer to buy the stake, saying a rule change in the previous year prevented foreign investors from selling stakes in Indian firms at a pre-determined price.

The Japanese company said in a statement the award was for Tata Sons' breach of their shareholders' agreement.

The decision comes at a time when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to pursue predictable policies amid concerns that foreign investments are not adequately protected in Asia's third-largest economy.
A 24-year-old woman employee of IT major was allegedly murdered at Nungambakkam railway station, one of the railway stations in the heart of Chennai city. She was hacked to death by an unidentified young man, according to reports.

According to police, the victim S Swathi a resident of Choolaimedu was waiting at a railway platform to board a train to her office at Mahindra World City, in Maraimalainagar, in the outskirts of the city at around 6.30 am on Friday.
Finance Minister Amit Mitra on Friday, presenting the state budget for 2016-17, proposed increasing the Plan Expenditure to Rs 57,905 crore after its actual plan expenditure surpassed the estimated figure last year.

"I propose to increase the Plan Expenditure to Rs 57,905 crore for the financial year 2016-17. Our aim is to work for financial and social development for the people of Bengal, particular for those who remain financially and socially backward," Mitra said during his budget speech in the Assembly.

In 2015-16, the state's actual Plan Expenditure surpassed the estimated allocation by 7%. Estimated at Rs 49,507 crore, actual expenditure turned out to be Rs 53,010 crore, almost Rs 4,000 crore more.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said the 2015-16 figure of Rs.49,507 crore itself was higher than the previous year's actual Rs 39,444 crore by over 25%.

She earlier said when her Trinamool Congress came to power in in 2011, the plan expenditure (2010-11) was just around Rs 14,000 crore.
United Kingdoms exit from the European Union may not delay the execution of the Paris Agreement on climate change but it could mar the global pacts ability to achieve deep greenhouse emission cuts in the short- and medium- run.



The next step to operationalising the global compact requires at least 55 countries contributing at least 55 per cent of the global greenhouse gas emissions to formally join the agreement. The US and the EU have both lobbied and advocated that this get sealed by or at the G20 meeting scheduled for September 2016. The UN is organising a high-level event, to be attended by ministers and heads of states in September, alongside the UN General Assembly, to try and get the requisite numbers of countries on board.



UKs exit from EU may not delay the coming into force of the Paris Agreement, with US President Barack Obama keen to seal this as his legacy.



Edward King, editor of the UK-based Climate Home, a specialist media outlet on climate change, said, UK may be able to ratify in 2016 before the EU and help the Paris deal come into force early. I dont see any new government opposing the PA, and remember the UK is well on course to meeting its 2020 carbon targets.



But Brexit could dull EU and UKs enthusiasm for meeting their emission reduction and climate finance commitments to the developing world.



Under the agreement, the developed countries are obliged to increase their emission reduction targets and financial commitments between now and 2020 as well and not just for post-2020. EUs appetite to do so will be further diminished by todays events, said an Indian climate negotiator. We shall not be the only ones keenly watching how the EU now meets the climate change challenge going forward, especially their short and long term commitments to provide finance to the developing world, he added.



EU operates as one block at the climate change negotiations and takes a single greenhouse gas emission reduction target under the Paris Agreement. The burden of this target is then shared between its member countries through internal negotiations. Talks for this were be held in July. While UK would remain a formal member of the EU for at least the next two years, the climate targets are for a much longer time-horizon running up to 2030.



Image via Shutterstock
More Indians are expected to buy properties in the UK, following majority of Britons voting for Britains exit from the European Union.
Vice-President on Friday raised serious concerns over the quality of public statistics in India and infringement of privacy by government's data collection machinery.

Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of the four-day International Seminar on Social Statistics, organised by the Asian Development and Research Institute (ADRI) in Patna on Friday, the Vice President said that the some criticism of the Indian public statistics, especially on the measurement of cross cutting social issues such as gender disparity, inequality, poverty and growth seems to be valid and have attracted opprobrium.



He said, "All is not well in Indian social statistics sector. Concerns have been raised about the quality of data being generated... It's not only undermining credibility of Indian statistics, but also hurting the analysis of some of the most important elements of the Indian economy."
The Narendra Modi government on Friday suffered a diplomatic defeat when the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) turned down New Delhis bid to enter the club unless it were to sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Prime Minister on Friday held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the16th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here.

President Putin said India is a special and privileged partner, asserting that there is a long standing friendship between both the nations.

Earlier on Friday, India formally joined the SCO after signing a Memorandum of Obligation and became a full member of the group.

Putin also welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of the SCO and looked forward to India's chairmanship of BRICS, which has grown in influence.

Prime Minister Modi on his part thanked Russia for its support in SCO and said India as BRICS chair would keep up the momentum generated by Russia.

During the meeting, both the leaders discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy, partnership in the gas and petrochemicals sector and space sector. During the course of the meeting, matters relating to trade and investment also came up.

The two heads recalled old cultural connections and agreed to find ways of further invigorating cultural ties.

"Final meeting of the day in Tashkent with a trusted partner of India. PM @narendramodi meets with President Putin," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

After holding talks with Putin, Prime Minister Modi paid floral tribute at the bust of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.

The Indian Prime Minister, who arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit, also held bilateral meetings with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
Prime Minister on Friday held bilateral talks with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon on the sidelines of the SCO summit here.

During the talks with Belarus, the two sides discussed the anniversary of 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Belarus, focussing on all the different spheres of bilateral ties.

Both sides stressed on the need to take relations to new heights. The diversification of trade, encouraging the possibility of Indian investments in potash mines in Belarus and collaboration in the field of science and technology, particularly by drawing on the talent of the youth were priority areas of discussion, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement.

Modi met President Rahmon on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. The two leaders decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in a manner befitting the strong bonds between the two countries.

Both leaders spoke of the intensification of trade and economic linkages, working towards better connectivity between the two countries and of ongoing security cooperation. The yearly celebration of the International Day of Yoga was a special item of discussion, the statement said.
On a day on mixed developments for India on its membership bid in the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) membership, Canada and Brazil have extended their complete support to New Delhi.

According to sources, Brazil today supported India's bid but called for a common criteria for all non-NPT states.

Brazil also said that India has by far a better nuclear proliferation record than Pakistan

However, in a complete shocker, Switzerland, who had earlier extended its complete support, has now opposed New Delhi's bid citing it being a non Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) state.

This comes as a jolt for India as earlier, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Switzerland, the European nation had extended its complete support.

"I am thankful to the President for Switzerland's understanding and support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We have both agreed to support each other for our respective bids for the non-permanent membership of the UNSC," Prime Minister Modi said while delivering the joint statement with the Swiss President.

Meanwhile, in another blow to India, China has said that the NSG will not discuss its membership bid into the elite group, adding that New Delhi will first have to sign the NPT, as it is a must and a major criteria set up by the NSG.

Speaking to ANI here, Director-General of the Arms Control Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Qun asserted that India's membership has 'never ever' been on the agenda of the NSG and that there is no such agenda item for the two-day plenary, adding that there is no point of China opposing or supporting India as well as the membership of other countries.

"One thing is clear that India's membership has never ever been taken up as an agenda item. In the two plenary sessions, there was no extraordinary session on this matter. There is no such agenda matter. In the caveat there could be observations and interventions but that's all," he said.

Earlier, highly placed sources told ANI that China is not the sole opponent to India's member ship to the NSG, but Brazil, Austria, Ireland, Turkey and New Zealand too have opposed India's entry, citing it's not being a signatory of the NPT for nuclear weapons and weapons technology.
An unidentified militant was killed in a gunbattle with security forces in north Kashmir's on Friday, the seventh ultra to be killed in three encounters in the district since Thursday.

The fresh encounter broke out in Petha Wadar forest area of Handwara this morning, an army official said.

A search operation was launched by a joint team of police and army after receiving specific inputs about the presence of militants in the area. The hiding militants fired upon them, triggering an encounter in which the militant was killed.

He said the operation was on when reports last came in.

Friday's encounter is the third in district since Thursday in which a total of seven militants have been killed so far.

On Thursday, three militants were killed in an encounter in Dobwan forests of Lolab area of the district.

In another gunfight last evening in Waterkhani forests of Drugmulla area of the district, another three militants were killed by the security forces.

Meanwhile, security forces on Friday, averted a tragedy after detecting and defusing an (IED) here.Improvised Explosive Device

An IED weighing five kgs, planted in a rice cooker, was detected by police near a flyover at Hyderpora in Srinagar this morning, a police official said.

He said the IED was destroyed by a bomb disposal squad.
After four orders from the Central Administrative Tribunal, the appointments committee of cabinet headed by the Prime Minister finally took a call on Sanjiv Chaturvedis transfer to Arvind Kejriwals office. The committee rejected Delhi government and Chaturvedis request.
With the United Kingdom voting to be 'out', with respect to the education sector, there would be a mixed impact for students travelling to UK from India. While due to the UK currency pound falling in comparison to the Indian rupee may mean cheaper education for Indians, it is anticipated that immigration norms would be further tightened making it more difficult for Indian students wishing to stay back post their degree to look for employment opportunities.


The government on Friday extended the on import of milk and its products from China for one more year till June 2017.

"Prohibition on import of milk and milk products (including chocolates and chocolate products and candies/ confectionery/ food preparations with milk or milk solids as an ingredient) from China is extended for one more year, i.e., till 23.6.2017 or until further orders, whichever is earlier," Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

The ban, which expired on June 23, is extended every year.

India had first imposed the in September 2008. It was apprehended that some milk consignments from the country contained melamine, a toxic chemical used for making plastics and fertilisers.

India, however, does not import milk products from China, but has imposed the as a preventive measure.

India is the world's largest producer and consumer of milk. The country's milk production increased from 137.68 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 146.31 million tonnes in 2014-15.

Among states, Uttar Pradesh is the leading milk producer, followed by Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The Centre has prepared a roadmap for investing Rs 6,000 crore through public sector oil companies in Assams petroleum sector in the current fiscal. This will be a part of the total Rs 80,000 crore investment that the oil companies will be making by 2030 in the state as part of Centres ambitious plan to make the petroleum hub of Southeast Asia.
With Britain deciding to exit from the European Union, India will have to rework the proposed free trade agreement with the single-currency bloc, a top government official has said.

"My interest will get changed because number of tariff lines (products) will change (now). I will calibrate and the EU will also calibrate. Now they would reassess and we are also be going to reassess," Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia said.

She was replying to a question about the impact of on the ongoing negotiations between India and the EU on free trade agreement.

Teaotia said recalibration is required as some items of interest to Britain may have to be removed.

On the FTA issue, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: "I would think, they (EU) would need time now to assimilate this outcome. Once they assimilate the outcome, they will only then respond. I will talk to my counterparts."



Launched in June 2007, negotiations for the proposed Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) have seen many hurdles with both sides having major differences on crucial issues like intellectual property rights, duty cut in automobile and spirits and liberal visa regime.

Sitharaman and European Union Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom had met in Paris earlier this month and discussed issues including possibility of resuming the long stalled FTA negotiations.

The talks have been held up since May 2013 as both the sides are yet to bridge substantial gaps on crucial issues. Although top officials from both the sides have met, but they have not yet fixed any date to resume the talks.

Talking about the impact on on trade, the secretary said that it will not have any immediate impact.

" will not impact our trade with the UK. With EU also, nothing directly affects our trade. In long term, we would be interested to see how UK negotiates its exit from EU," Teaotia said.

Sitharaman also said the first impact would be visible on currency volatility as there is a possibility of devaluation of the pound and euro.

"So the impact of volatility of the currency is something which might have an immediate impact on our exporters," the minister told reporters.

She said India is in a position to face the eventuality of this outcome.

"We will however have to keep watching currency based volatility, both in the short and the medium term and also look at the impact on overall trade itself," Sitharaman said.

The bilateral trade between India and the UK stood at $14 billion in 2015-16 as against $14.33 billion in 2014-15.

India has received $23.10 billion FDI from Britain during April 2000 and March 2016.

Two-way trade between India and the EU dipped to $88.4 billion in 2015-16 from $98.5 billion in the previous fiscal.
Minister of State for Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Urban Development Shri Babul Supriyo has said that the Government will promote regional planning by moving beyond city-centric planning for construction of houses in satellite townships, peri-urban and peripheral areas to meet the housing demand in urban areas. He inaugurated an international workshop on Human Settlements-Planning and Design : A Shared Understanding" here today. .

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Shri Supriyo said that the Government is committed to ensure housing for urban poor by 2022 and further observed that the government while acknowledging problems in urban areas is striving to solve them in an integrated and goal centric manner". The Minister stressed the need to assist the poor even in remote and far off places in planning , design and construction of safe and resilient houses. .

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Shri Supriyo referred to various initiatives launched by the Government to address infrastructure bottlenecks and housing shortage in urban areas. .

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Dr.Nandita Chatterjee, Secretary (HUPA) said that the Ministry is close to finalizing a pro-acive, practical and pragmatic Rental Housing Policy keeping in view that 27% of the housing demand is for such rental housing". She emphasized on the need for effective planning and design so as to meet the housing needs of all sections of the people in the context of rising costs of land, labour and availability of materials. .

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Dr. Chattejee noted that to move beyond city-centric planning for housing, construction of houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) is being allowed in planning areas which go beyond city limits. She said that planning needs to be done in the context of rural urban continuum and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission is a step in this regard. .

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Ministry of HUPA has organized the workshop for sharing of ideas and experiences in respect of housing among the Asia-Pacific countries. Representatives from 9 countries viz., Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Fiji have attended the workshop. .

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AAR .

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June 24,2016 .

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The Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers Sh. Ananth Kumar inaugurated CHEMINAR-2016" in New Delhi today. The subject of seminar was Sustainable Chemistry Indias future growth story". .

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Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Ananth Kumar said that the Chemicals & Petrochemicals industry in the country is growing at the rate of 11 12 % and producing output worth $200 billion annually. He called upon the industry to target a growth rate of 14.7% per annum so as to double its output in next 5 years. He said the Government will facilitate in the growth story. Touching upon the issue of availability and cost of feedstock for these industries, he said that the Government can help in long term pricing contract with other countries for Natural Gas. Sh. Ananth Kumar said that there are 22 refineries in the country, and there is a move to set up chemical hubs around them. This will result in savings as cluster approach can reduce costs. The projects need not be confined only to the Greenfield projects but also cover the Brownfield projects i.e. the projects already running at various places. The Minister said that the Government can help in providing common facilities like infrastructure, effluent plants, trading and testing facilities, etc. which can help in cutting down the cost by 25 30 %. He called upon the industry to be competitive in all aspects. Sh. Ananth Kumar said that the Government has opted for Coal Gasification route for Talcher Fertilizer plant and is also laying gas pipelines to make available gas in the Eastern part of the country. On the issue of reverse SEZs, he said that the discussions are on with Iran and Mozambique, and other places can also be explored. .

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Earlier addressing the seminar, the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Secretary Sh. A.K. Bishnoi said that the sector has vast potential of generating employment. Though the sector contributes 3.8% to Indian GDP and 9.4% to exports, the per capita consumption of the products is low and hence, there is immense potential to grow. He expressed the Governments commitment to make India an easy place to do work. He assured the industry that the steps will be taken to provide all facilities and clear bottlenecks. Sh. Bishnoi said that the National Chemical Policy covering all aspects of the industry is on the anvil which will help in scaling up investments and realize Economies of Scale. He called upon the industry to put in more R&D efforts and have closure linkages with academia. .

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YKB/NV
In the wake of Britain's exit from the European Union, German Chancellor will host talks with European Union's President Donald Tusk, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo in Berlin on Monday.

Merkel said, "We must analyse the Brexit situation calmly and not rush into any decisions." Adding, "our goal must be to have close future relations between Britain and the EU."

She admitted that Britain's decision to leave EU is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process but urged the member states to calmly and prudently analyse and evaluate the situation before making decisions.

Britain voted for an exit from the EU which led to Prime Minister David Cameron announcing his resignation.
UK votes by 52% to 48% to leave the European Union; Fed to play long game dealing with the fallout; Pound and FTSE plunge even as Treasuries and gold soar; Global markets tumble before partial recovery; Second Scottish referendum 'highly likely' The aftershocks from Britain's political earthquake buffeted markets and policy makers, creating political upheaval in London, dismay in European capitals and panic on trading floors around the world. The pound plunged to the lowest since 1985, stocks in Europe and Asia tumbled and US Treasuries surged after UK voters decided in a ...
Britain has voted to leave the European Union (EU), the BBC said based on voter tallies from Thursday's referendum, an outcome that would set the country on an uncertain path and deal the largest setback to European efforts to forge greater unity since World War Two.
In a historic mandate whose aftershocks will likely be felt far beyond Friday, Britain has voted to part ways with the European Union, marking the end of a long-simmering relationship, and possibly opening the way for other nations such as Italy, Spain and the Netherlands to follow.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has reassured Britons working for the EU executive that their jobs are not at risk following Britain's vote to leave the European Union, an EU official said on Friday.

EU civil service jobs are generally restricted to EU citizens and Britons will lose that status once their country has completed its departure. Juncker sent a mail to staff saying that people would not be forced out.

Senior officials have said they may leave the EU service, however, since career moves into the higher grades in Brussels requires political patronage from EU member governments.



'No' beginning of end of EU, says Juncker

Juncker insisted on Friday that Britain's decision to leave the EU was not the beginning of the end for the bloc.

Answering that question from a reporter at a packed news conference in the EU executive's Brussels headquarters, Juncker replied simply, "No." That drew applause from EU officials in the room as Juncker left after taking just two questions.
Shocked chief executives from Mumbai to Denver woke up on Friday to face tough decisions over how to respond to Britain's vote to leave the European Union (EU).

In Britain itself, businesses as diverse as engineering group Rolls-Royce, drugs giant AstraZeneca, housebuilders and makers of Scotch whisky were braced for disruption in the short and long term as the pound plunged to its lowest level since 1985.

Big business -- with a very few exceptions -- has been strongly in favour of remaining in the world's biggest trading bloc, primarily because of ease of access to 500 million European consumers.

"The weeks and months ahead are going to be a nervy time for business leaders," Simon Walker, director general of British business lobby the Institute of Directors, said on Friday.

JLR, Britain's biggest carmaker, has estimated its annual profit could shrink by 1 billion pounds ($1.4 billion) by 2020 if Britain returns to WTO rules for trade with Europe.

Shares in the company's owner, India's Tata Motors, slumped more than 10%.

Makers of Scotch whisky, who export about 90% of what they produce, have stressed the importance of the EU, which swallows about a third of those exports, but also the clout EU membership gives in negotiations with fast-growing markets such as India, which has a 150% tariff on imported spirits.

Some investors warned of a coming British or even global recession as sterling collapsed to hit its lowest since 1985, while FTSE futures fell 8%.

The president of Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal, the world's second-largest steelmaker, said the vote was extremely disappointing. "We are greatly concerned for the negative impact this will have, not only on Britain and the EU but also on the global economy," said Kosei Shindo.

Martin Sorrell, the boss of the world's biggest advertising group WPP, said: "This decision will create tremendous uncertainty, which will slow economic activity and decision making."

Sterling Headache

Big swings in sterling will be a headache for some international companies, with a fall in the currency hitting profits earned in Britain.

International companies with sizeable sterling exposure include Denver-based Molson Coors, owner of Carling beer, which is heavily reliant on the UK.

Aside from market access, streamlining of regulations within the EU has made life simpler.

Pharmaceutical companies, for example, enjoy a one-stop shop in the form of the European Medicines Agency -- based in London - which approves new drugs for all EU countries, while the EU's open airspace deals have fostered a surge in air travel and common policies on agriculture and food safety have allowed for smoother supply chains and richer eating.

Companies in those sectors have fretted that Britain outside the bloc would disrupt the regulatory landscape.

"This creates immediate challenges for future investment, research and jobs in our industry in the UK," said Mike Thompson, CEO of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.

AstraZeneca said it was concerned for the competitiveness of the British life sciences industry and would work to ensure patient access to medicines, amid worries that leaving the EU could delay drug approvals.

Access to workers is another important factor for companies. Automotive industry executives, who are heavily reliant on exports, ranked tapping a skilled workforce a close second to accessing EU markets in a survey on reasons to remain in March.

Ahead of the vote, some British-based multinationals such as Diageo, Unilever and Rolls-Royce had expressed their support for "Remain" directly to employees, although most stopped short of this.

Government figures show 12.6% of Britain's economic output is linked to exports to the EU's 27 other members, for whom only 3.1% of output is linked to exports to Britain. And 80% of British businesses trading overseas do so with the EU.

The Confederation of British Industry has estimated there could be between 550,000 and 950,000 fewer jobs by 2020 in the event of .

For banks, a huge concern has been the threat that financial institutions based in London could lose their EU "passports", or the automatic right to sell services across the bloc under single low-cost system. That has made bank shares particularly volatile in the run-up to the referendum.

uncertainty has also helped push British merger and acquisition activity this year at its lowest as a proportion of global activity since records began in 1980.



($1 = 0.7428 pounds)
An Indian social entrepreneur has been named among 10 "champions and pioneers" by Chief Ban Ki-moon under the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative that calls on companies to align with universal principles of human rights, environment and anti-corruption.

Zubaida Bai, the founder of 'ayzh', a for-profit social venture providing health and livelihood solutions to impoverished women worldwide, was named among the 10 '2016 Global Compact SDG Pioneers', an initiative launched by to search for "entrepreneurs" who can play a pivotal role.

The Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, supports companies to do business responsibly by aligning their strategies and operations with ten principles of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption; and to take strategic actions to advance broader societal goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Ban announced the 10 pioneers at the Global Compact Leaders Summit in the city this week.

Congratulating the honorees, Ban said that he counts on their "strong commitment and engagement" to help businesses seize the opportunities of the SDG era.

"All of you are leaders in the campaign for a world without poverty, a thriving planet, a vibrant and inclusive global economy and a life of dignity for all.

"This is the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals, agreed upon by the Member States of the UN in September last year," he said at the summit.

The Leaders Summit aims to jump-start business action everywhere on the SDGs.

To that end, the Global Compact unveiled a multi-year strategy to drive business awareness and activity that supports the achievement of the goals by 2030.

Noting that trillions of dollars will be invested in infrastructure in the coming years, he said that the Paris Agreement and the SDGs give the private sector an unprecedented opportunity to create clean-energy, climate- resilient, sustainable economies.

"We are at a decisive moment in the shift to sustainable and inclusive markets," continued the Secretary-General, noting that the first step in this regard would be to mobilise the global business community as never before.

"All businesses, everywhere, can and should play a role in improving our world. That starts with integrity - doing business right," he said.
Israeli Prime Minister slammed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for refusing to meet with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in Brussels on Thursday.

"Abu Mazen (Abbas) had shown his true face in Brussels," a statement sent from the prime minister's office read on Thursday, Xinhua reported.

"Those who refuse to meet the president and the prime minister for direct negotiations, and those who spread blood libel in the European parliament, are lying when they say their hands are outstretched for peace," the statement read.

Earlier on Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas turned down an invitation to meet with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, as the two are currently in Brussels.

The offer was delivered to Abbas by the European Parliament President Martin Schultz, who urged Rivlin several weeks ago to meet with Abbas.

A senior Israeli official told the Ha'aretz daily that Schultz announced Abbas' decline to Rivlin on Thursday, on the last day of latter's visit to the Belgian capital.

The Israeli president spoke in front of the European Parliament on Wednesday. In his speech, he accused the Palestinian Authority of its ineffectiveness to rule the Palestinians and blamed the failure of the peace talks on them.

The last round of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians ended abruptly without results in April 2014, with both sides blaming each other for the talks' failure.

There is growing pressure to restart the peace process, after nine months of ongoing violence which claimed the lives of 32 Israelis and 205 Palestinians.

One of the initiatives currently discussed is the French peace initiative, which seeks to hold an peace conference later this year that aims to resume negotiations between Israeli and the Palestinians.

While the Palestinians' supporting the bid, Israel rejects it, saying the forum is not the way to reach peace but rather direct negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister had stated the forum would allow Palestinians to "avoid" direct talks and set preconditions for negotiations.

Instead, Israeli officials made statements recently alluding to a possible process to be set in motion by regional Arab states, led by Egypt, in accordance with the 2002 Saudi peace initiative.

The 2002 initiative offers full normalisation of ties between Israel and Arab states in the region in exchange for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal.

With that, an upcoming report by the Middle East Quartet (a forum including the US, EU, United Nations and Russia), set to be released soon, is expected to draw harsh criticism on Israel's policies towards the Palestinians, and its Jewish settlements.

Israel occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip territories, home to more than five million Palestinians, during the 1967 mid east War. The international community views the Jewish settlements in these lands as illegal.

Israeli leaders charge the ongoing wave of violence is the result of the Palestinian Authority's incitement to violence, whereas the Palestinians charge it is the result of the 49 years of Israeli occupation on lands on which they wish to establish a Palestinian state.
The US desires to see India's application for be considered seriously even as its bid to enter the 48-nation grouping has hit a roadblock reportedly due to Chinese opposition.

"We have made clear our desire to see India's application be seriously considered," State Department Spokesman Kohn Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference yesterday.

NSG members are scheduled to continue their meeting in Seoul today wherein countries supporting India's application are expected to raise it again.

The US, Kirby said, has consistently supported and raised India's membership to the NSG before its other 47 member countries.

"We have made very clear our support of their application, and I have no reason to suspect that it was not discussed at this meeting. But what was discussed in the room and where they came down, I just do not know.

"I will see what we can do to find out for you, but I do not know how complete an answer I am not going to be able to give you," Kirby added.

China "belligerently" led opposition to India's membership of NSG at a three-hour post-dinner meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group here last night which ended in a deadlock.

Preceding the two-day plenary of the 48-member NSG, which began yesterday, China had repeatedly said that India's membership was not on the agenda and is said to have made every effort to prevent any discussion on India's bid.

Indian official sources said that China was joined by Austria, Ireland and Brazil among other countries which questioned as to how a country like India which had not signed the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) can be admitted to the grouping.
The US has termed as "inaccurate" the news reports which claimed that Pakistan continues to sell nuclear materials to and China was aware of it.

"As far as we are aware, this story is inaccurate," a State Department Spokesperson said yesterday when asked about a recent news report that Pakistan was selling nuclear materials to in violation of the UN Security Council sanctions and that China knew it.

"I am not a position to comment further," the spokesperson said when asked about the news report.
A South Korean court on Friday issued the first warrant for the arrest of a AG executive in connection with its cheating of vehicle emissions tests, in another blow to the German automaker's efforts to move on from the scandal.

The warrant is the first to be levelled against a executive anywhere in the world after the firm in September admitted to using software to falsify pollution tests on some diesel cars, spurring legal action in the United States, Germany, South Korea and elsewhere.

"This is just the beginning of the investigation," an official at the prosecution office said, declining to be named because the investigation was ongoing.

The Korea executive, identified by his last name Yun, faced five accusations including fabrication of documents and violation of the Air Quality Preservation Law, Seoul Central District Court spokesman Shin Jae-hwan said.

"The court acknowledges the reason and the necessity of the arrest," he told Reuters, declining to give further details or name the executive.

A Volkswagen Korea spokeswoman declined to comment.

South Korea has taken a particularly hard line against the automaker, filing a criminal complaint against two other executives, fining it 14.1 billion won ($11.97 million) and ordering it to recall 125,522 vehicles.

About 4,400 Korean consumers also have filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and sister marque Audi demanding compensation over the false emissions claims.

Sources in the United States on Thursday said Volkswagen would pay more than $10 billion to settle claims by nearly 500,000 owners and fund efforts to offset pollution.

The South Korean arrest warrant comes after German prosecutors on Monday said they were investigating former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn and another executive over whether they effectively manipulated markets by delaying the release of information about the test cheating.

South Korean prosecutors would cooperate with their counterparts in Germany and the United States, the official said in Seoul.

The scandal has triggered a slide in Volkswagen's share of Asia's No.2 diesel car market, where it competes with dominant domestic players Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors.

Volkswagen said in April it would set aside 16.2 billion euros ($18.2 billion) and slash its dividend to cover the costs from the scandal.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) said on Friday it was prepared to help Britain and the European Union (EU) after the vote to leave the bloc."The WTO stands ready to work with the UK and the EU to assist them in any way we can," WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo said on Twitter.

Azevedo warned in a speech this month that British business competitiveness would suffer if Britons voted to leave the European Union. "While trade would continue, it could be on worse terms," he said at the time of a vote to leave the EU.

He has already said that Britain would have to renegotiate its relationship with the rest of the WTO, which could take years or decades.
have staged recovery in late trades with Nifty reclaiming the crucial 8,000 mark amid short covering. At 14:10 pm, the S&P BSE Sensex slumped 802 points at 26,199 and the Nifty50 plunged 253 points at 8,018



Fallout of the Brexit vote had sparked a massive sell-off across the bourses with Sensex plunging over 1000 points.



At 14:10 pm, the S&P BSE Sensex slumped 642 points at 26,360 and the Nifty50 plunged 200 points at 8,070.



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(updated at 13:10 pm)



As a fallout of the Brexit referendum, Indian equities have taken a hit with Sensex falling nearly 1000 points mirroring heavy volatility in the world stock .



At 13:10 pm, the S&P BSE Sensex slumped 802 points at 26,199 and the Nifty50 plunged 253 points at 8,018.
Shares of Indian companies having operations and exports to the European Union have plunged on selling pressure after Britain which voted in a historic referendum to exit the European Union would hurt revenues and profitability.
Shares of Tata Motors, Indias biggest automobile manufacturer, crashed more than 13 per cent on the BSE in intra-day trading on Friday as news of UKs exit from the European Union spooked investors.
Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Friday asked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to allow an 'impartial' probe into the NDMC officer case by not giving it 'political colour' and added that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government should realise that they are no longer a street organisation.

"The AAP which is the ruling party of Delhi they have to realise that they are no more a street organisation who can say anything which is not in tune with the constitutional provision. While the investigation is on, the AAP and the Delhi Chief Minister continues to attack the Delhi lieutenant government and some other people. It is very unbecoming on the part of the Delhi Government. While the case is being investigated if you try to draw a political color to it then it will dilute the case," Rijiju said.

Rijiju said the Center has full faith in the Delhi Police, and therefore, is making 'good progress' in the case.

"They (AAP) are the ruling party and they must behave in that way. The matter related to case is being investigated fairly and impartially by the Delhi Police. And we have full faith in Delhi police. We have full faith in LG and Delhi Police that the truth will come out and the guilty will be punished," he added.

He further said that the Delhi Government headed by the AAP is playing and is throwing the great opportunities they have received from the people of Delhi to serve them and work for them.

As the controversy rages over the murder of NDMC legal adviser M M Khan, the Delhi police had yesterday claimed it is conducting an impartial probe into the matter and gave clean chit to BJP MP Maheish Girri and NDMC vice-chairman Kanwar Singh Tanwar.

AAP had earlier alleged that lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung's role in the Khan case was 'suspicious' and demanded his arrest.

"His (Jung's) role is suspicious in the case. Why had he written to the NDMC, seeking action against Khan? We demand that the L-G be arrested and sacked from his position,"AAP Delhi unit convener Dileep Pandey said at a press conference.

LG Jung's office had yesterday issued a statement calling the AAP's allegations as "frivolous" and said the murder was a grave tragedy for Khan's family.

"Everyone understands that the claims of the AAP are frivolous and, therefore, the attempt to draw political mileage from this tragedy is sad," a statement from Jung's office said.

The statement clarified that a letter was submitted by Girri to the LG on May 10 stating that in any dispute between the Licensee and the Licensor, in this case regarding that of a prominent hotel in central Delhi, arbitration would rest before the LG under Clause 54 of the License Deed.

This letter was forwarded to the Chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council "for necessary action as per law".
The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the applications of Pakistan and India for the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) could not be considered in isolation from the goal of maintaining strategic stability in South Asia.

"It has been Islamabad's consistent position that the question of Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) membership for non-NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty signatory) states must be dealt with in accordance with a single, uniform, non-discriminatory and fair criteria," said MoFA spokesperson Mohammed Nafees Zakaria, while answering a question on efforts put in by Pakistan to block India's entry in the NSG during a media briefing here on Thursday.

He, therefore, added, "It is absolutely essential for the NSG to consider the Indian and Pakistani applications simultaneously and in an even-handed manner."

Saying that Islamabad has been making efforts to muster support of the NSG members for its membership, Zakaria added: "Pakistan's NSG membership is in the interest of nuclear trading countries as it will further promote NSG's non-proliferation objectives by the inclusion of a state with nuclear supply capabilities and its adherence to NSG Guidelines."

Earlier in the day, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that exception for NSG membership could disturb strategic stability in South Asia.

"Pakistan has made notable efforts over the years to strengthen its export controls, command and control and nuclear safety and security. The President also said that any exception given for NSG membership could disturb strategic stability in South Asia," MoFA said in a statement.

Pakistan President Hussain, who held a bilateral meeting with the Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Head of State Council Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), discussed the subject of Pakistan's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

India is seeking its induction into the elite group of NSG.
Speaking on the aftermaths of Brexit, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha on Friday asserted that though it will take a few days to settle things down, India stands out as the only stable star at a time when there is economic turbulence around the world.

Talking to media, Sinha said Brexit will not have a major impact on India, adding that the government is taking all steps to combat the complexities of the situation.

"In today's time India is a haven of stability and this state will be maintained. And we will win peoples trust through our policies. During this time when there is so much turbulence in the world India stands out as the only shining stable star," said Sinha.

"It will take a few days to settle things down. In the mean time we will keep on monitoring all the concerned statistics. We will help all our companies in every which way- through our high commissions, our Ministry of External Affairs, Commerce Ministry," he added.

Elucidating the endeavours of the government, Sinha highlighted three aspects which New Delhi will be considering to come out of the situation.

 Adjustments in the market: In the adjustment process, a lot of resetting of expectations will be done and the process will go on for another one-one and half week. The adjustment process has to be looked after and the provision of liquidity in terms of currency markets in particular should be maintained.

 The second aspect is that our companies, who have made their base in the UK and are carrying out businesses operations in Europe, will soon require to bring in changes in their trading operations as trading relationships will change.

 India now will have to think about the trading arrangements with the United Kingdom and Europe Union.

Lastly, Sinha also made a pitch of passage of the GST, Bill stating that the Goods and Services Tax bill will act as a boon for the nation in the present economic conditions.
British Prime Minister David Cameron resigned from office on Friday, after Britain voted against his call to stay on as a member of the European Union.

Cameron said "I fought this campiagn the only way I know going with what I strongly believe" and added that the people's will must be respected.

He said "I am very proud and honoured to have been the Prime Minister of Britain for the last six years" and further reassured the markets and investors that Britain's economy is fundamentally strong.

Cameron's decision comes after much speculation on his stay in the office as Britain chose for Brexit.

Before the polls, Cameron had urged the British people not to quit the EU but the poll result reflected otherwise.

Britain has voted in favour of Brexit with 52 percent of the voters backing the decision to leave the European Union.

The total voter turnout was around 72 percent.

The voters' decision to drop Britain's membership in the European Union is expected to disturb markets on Friday.

Earlier, many Tory MPs signed a letter saying Cameron has a "mandate and a duty" to remain in the post but, scores of Conservatives believed he cannot stay in the office for long.

Cameron finally chose to step down as the Prime Minister of Britain. .
The ultimate villain of the 'Star Wars' universe, Darth Vader, is all set to come back with a menacing appearance in the prequel film, 'Rogue One

Reportedly, the movie will reveal "never-before-seen characters while also reintroducing a few classic ones," reports Channel24.

"We're confirming a big one on our cover: the galactic man in black himself, Darth Vader," the report added.

Rumours about Vader's return began in April with the release of the movie's first trailer.

The first standalone 'Star Wars' story, 'Rogue One,' which is set just before 'A New Hope' - the original film in the series, stars British actress Felicity Jones alongside Hannibal star Mads Mikkelsen and Oscar winner Forest Whitaker.

The 100-second teaser featured a retread of John Williams' familiar Star Wars score, including a snippet of the infamous Imperial March, used to signify Vader's approach.

However, there has been no revelation on which actor will be portraying Vader in the film which is due to hit theaters in the United States on December 16.
Clearing up the paternity claim, a DNA test has revealed that Prince is definitely not the father of convicted felon Carlin Q. Williams.

This information, which was given out by an anonymous person who has seen the sealed document, means that Carlin is no more entitled to inherit a fortune worth up to 300 million dollars, reports Channel24.

The person, who revealed the news, kept it in the dark as he was not authorised to release the finding.

However, TMZ.com was the first one to publish the DNA result, citing unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the case.

Attorneys for Bremer Trust, the special administrator for the estate, filed the results on June 22 in Carver County District Court.

However, Carlin's mother, Marsha Henson, said that she did not believe that the DNA results show their claim as false.
The Shiv Sena on Friday said the verbal volley between BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over the remarks against Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, has brought the inner conflict of the saffron party to the fore.

"Both Swamy and Jaitley are from same party and the differences between them have brought the inner conflict of the BJP to the fore. We have affection for Swamy because of his fight for Hinduism and his initiatives against corruption," Sena said in its mouthpiece Saamna.

"What Dr. Swamy wants to prove by attacking two important positions of the Finance Ministry, is best known to him but to say that Swamy is being used by someone else to do this is wrong," the editorial said.

The Saamna editorial also pointed out that the election of Swamy to Rajya Sabha was done because Swamy is an economist, and he is also an old confidante of BJP.

"But the tussle involving Rajan, Jaitley, Swamy and Arvind Subramanian has only exposed the BJP's inner conflict," it added.

The Shiv Sena's mouthpiece further downplayed the Congress' allegation that the nation will see a new finance minister.

"The allegations made by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh that Swamy would be named as the Finance Minister of the country is foolishness," it said.

The party in its mouthpiece said it has got nothing to do with the economic conflict that erupted between RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, Prime Minister's Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian and Dr. Subramanian Swamy.

The Shiv Sena also criticised people who raised their eyebrows when it takes a stand and questions the stance of the government on internal security and Kashmir issues, saying those people are maintaining a stoic silence over their own party's conflicts.

"Neither Arun Jaitley belongs to Shiv Sena nor Swamy, so nobody should direct Shiv Sena for not criticising the BJP-led government while simultaneously being a part of it, because the truth always remains as truth," the editorial said.

It further said that Raghuram Rajan is not seeking a second term and the credit for his removal obviously goes to Swamy.
Coming down heavily on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Vibhor Anand, a final year law student on Friday demanded the disentitlement of the 27 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs over the office of profit issue after filing a fresh application with the Election Commission.

"These 27 MLAs have been appointed as the chairman of 38 hospitals, whereas the guidelines given by the Central Government in 2015 are highly categorical in nature. It states that only the district magistrate or the local MP or the health minister can be appointed as the chairman. Local MLAs can only become a member of the committee," he told ANI.

Anand said if Sheila Dikshit's government made some mistakes during their term in office the present government should not have repeated it.

"I only ask the government to debar their membership from the office," he added.

Vinhor Anand has claimed in his complaint that 27 AAP MLAs hold posts of Chairpersons of the Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKSs) of different government hospitals in Delhi without any sanctity of law.

The 27 MLAs include seven legislators against whom the Election Commission is already considering a similar plea.

The list also includes Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, his deputy Rakhi Birla, former deputy speaker Bandana Kumari and estranged AAP MLA and Swaraj Abhiyan leader Pankaj Pushkar.
A militant has been killed in an encounter that is underway in Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir with security forces.

A joint team of 21 Rashtriya Rifles and Handwara Police are engaged in a fierce gunbattle since last night with a group of militants hidden in the area.

On specific information about presence of militants, the security forces cordoned the area.

When they were searching houses, the militants opened fire and one was killed in the firing that ensured.
Accusing the present Modi Government of indulging in 'public tamashas', the Congress Party on Friday dubbed the BJP-led NDA government as 'desperate' and accused the saffron party of allowing India into the NSG elite group, saying this kind of hectic campaigning was not required.

"It is an embarrassment for India to do what was not required. When there are no obstacles when it comes to nuclear trade with the NSG countries, it was unnecessary. We do not know why India showed its desperation and allowed India to be equated with Pakistan on the issue of NSG membership," senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma told ANI.

"It's high time that Prime Minister Narendra Modi realizes that diplomacy requires gravitas, depth, seriousness and not 'pubic tamashas'," he added.

Sharma said that this kind of intense lobbying could be justified in case of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government trying to get UN Security Council membership.

"We have never seen diplomacy being conducted in a manner in which Prime Minister Modi and his government have done, making it very clear that whom you are lobbying with and whom you are petitioning with," he further said.

Earlier today, China said that the NSG will not discuss its membership bid into the elite group, adding that New Delhi will first have to sign the NPT, as it is a must and a major criteria set up by the NSG.

Speaking to ANI in Seoul, Director-General of the Arms Control Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Qun asserted that India's membership has 'never ever' been on the agenda of the NSG and that there is no such agenda item for the two-day plenary, adding that there is no point of China opposing or supporting India as well as the membership of other countries.

"One thing is clear that India's membership has never ever been taken up as an agenda item. In the two plenary sessions, there was no extraordinary session on this matter. There is no such agenda matter. In the caveat there could be observations and interventions but that's all," he said.

Earlier, highly placed sources told ANI that China is not the sole opponent to India's member ship to the NSG, but Brazil, Austria, Ireland, Turkey and New Zealand too have opposed India's entry, citing it's not being a signatory of the NPT for nuclear weapons and weapons technology.

Meanwhile, on a day on mixed developments for India Canada and Braxil have extended their complete support to New Delhi.

According to sources, Brazil today supported India's bid but called for a common criteria for all non-NPT states.

Brazil also said that India has by far a better nuclear proliferation record than Pakistan.

However, in a complete shocker, Switzerland, who had earlier extended its complete support, has now opposed New Delhi's bid citing it being a non NPT state.

This comes as a jolt for India as earlier, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Switzerland, the European nation had extended its complete support.
The Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that a dalit student of Al Qamar College of Nursing in Gulbarga, Karnataka was forced by her seniors to drink phenyl while ragging her due to which her food pipe was burnt and internal organs were damaged.

She is from Kerala and now battling for life at the Government Medical College, Hospital, Kozhikode in the state.

Reportedly, the brutal incident took place two weeks ago and both the Gulbarga Police and the College Authority tried to hush up the case.

The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Karnataka as well as the District Collector and Superintendent of Police, Kozhikode, Kerala calling for reports on action taken in the matter within four weeks.

The Commission has also observed that ragging has been banned in the educational institutions and certain guidelines on recommendations of the Raghvan Committee have been issued in this regard.

The apex court, while deciding the Civil Appeal No. 887 of 2009, has also referred to ragging as an ugly scar, which is required to be obliterated from the face of educational institutions. The College Authorities are legally bound and responsible to ensure protection of students from the menace of ragging.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Police yesterday said that they would comprehensively investigate the case.

The doctors have reportedly said that the toilet cleaning fluid has burnt the student's internal organs.

The principal of the nursing school, Dr Esther, has said that there was no ragging, adding the girl drank the phenol because of some family problems.

The victim's mother, who is a daily wage labourer, took a loan of Rs. three lakh for her daughter's education.
Both India and Pakistan, it seems will have to wait for some more time to gain membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), as the 26th plenary meeting of the group held in Seoul, South Korea concluded on Friday without any discussion on their applications.

As of now it appears that the membership application of both countries will not be considered for discussion unless they sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is the building block of the .

Chaired by Ambassador Song Young-wan of the Republic of Korea, the held discussions on the issue of "Technical, Legal and Political Aspects of the Participation of non-NPT States in the NSG" and decided to continue its discussion on the matter.

The group stated that Switzerland will assume the Chairmanship of the from 2017 to 2018 and welcomed Switzerland's plans to host the next Plenary.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, HE Yun Byung-se, welcomed the participating governments and reaffirmed his country's support for all NSG activities.

The South Korea's Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of the thorough implementation of UNSCR 2270 (2016) for the resolution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear issue and asked the NSG to continue its efforts to cut off the DPRK's access to its nuclear program's supply chain.

Within the framework of the NSG's mandate, the group expressed its concerns regarding continued global proliferation activities and reaffirmed its determination to continue to cooperate closely in order to deter the transfer of controlled items or technology that could contribute to nuclear weapons.

The participating governments also reiterated their firm support for effective implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime.

Deploring the nuclear test conducted on 6 January 2016 by the DPRK, the Participating Governments reconfirmed their commitment to UNSCRs 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013) and 2270 (2016) which strongly condemned the DPRK's challenge to the nuclear non-proliferation regime and underlined that export of all controlled items within the NSG to the DPRK is prohibited.

The NSG welcomed the announcement on 16 January 2016 of the Implementation Day of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Following up on the Extraordinary Plenary held on 21 January and 26 April this year, the NSG expressed interest in continuing to be briefed by the Procurement Working Group coordinator on the procurement channel established under the JCPOA and UNSCR 2231 (2015) as appropriate.

Participating governments called upon all states to exercise vigilance and to ensure effective implementation of all UNSCRs relevant to the purpose of NSG.

The meeting also discussed on technical issues important to the implementation of the control lists by exchanging views and agreeing on a number of proposals to clarify and update the NSG control lists and guidelines to keep pace with the fast-paced nuclear industry.

The group appreciated the growing number of states that have harmonised their export control systems with the NSG guidelines and control lists.

Options for enhancing outreach such as dedicated briefings and meetings with interested non-NSG partners were also discussed.

The meeting agreed upon shared information on all aspects of the 2008 Statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India and discussed the NSG relationship with India.

The NSG Plenary invited all nuclear supplier states to express their responsible approach to nuclear exports by adhering to the NSG guidelines.
Convicted Paralympics runner Oscar Pistorius believes that his late girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp wouldn't want him to waste his life behind bars and instead would have wished to see him devoting his life in works of charity.

The 29-year-old, who will be sentenced on July 6 for the murder of Steenkamp in 2013, also reiterated that he didn't kill his partner internationally.

In his first interview since his girlfriend's death, the double-amputee athlete expressed that he didn't want to go back to jail, adding that he 'would like to help the less fortunate' if he was given the 'opportunity of redemption', Sport24 reported.

He also stated that he could understand the pain of those who felt he should be punished, adding that he feels that 'same pain' and 'same hate for myself'.

Pistorius has always claimed that he had accidently killed his model girlfriend after mistaking her for an intruder in his toilet before he battered the door down using the bat.

Earlier in December, Pistorius was found guilty of murder after the Supreme Court overturned his previous culpable homicide conviction following the state's successful attempt in challenging the verdict.

Pistorius, famously known as the Blade Runner, was released on parole in October 2015 and has been placed under house arrest since then at his uncle's house after serving almost a year in prison of his five-year sentence.

According to the South African law, the minimum sentence for murder is 15 years in prison.
Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi will chair a review meeting with the Secretaries of the Central Ministries on key development issues of the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states on Friday.

The Chief Secretaries of seven LWE affected states i.e. Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Maharashtra will also attend the meeting.

The Union Home Minister will take the review meeting on a later date.

The Ministries/Departments participating in the meeting include Department of Telecom, M/o Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Department of School Education and Literacy, Department of Financial Services, Department of Posts, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has adopted a multi pronged strategy which inter alia includes security related interventions, development measures, ensuring rights and entitlement of local communities etc.

Special projects such as construction of roads, installation of mobile towers and construction of Fortified Police Stations etc. have been sanctioned by the Government of India.

The development works are implemented through the states and relate to various schemes/programmes of the development ministries of the Government of India.
The Rajkot police yesterday arrested a retired senior accountant in the murder case of his own son.

According to reports, retired accountant Naran Vasoya hired contract killers to kill his elder son Dipesh Vasoya.

The police have also nabbed two others, who carried out the alleged murder for money, in connection with the case.

33-year-old Dipesh Vasoya, a resident of Manhar Plot area here went missing on Tuesday evening after he went to meet a man who rang him up saying that he had found his lost cell phone.

However, on Wednesday morning, Dipesh was found dead in a ditch in Raiyadhar area of the city.

According to reports, the local police grilled one suspect and his nephew in connection with the missing mobile phone.

Finding their answers non satisfactory, the cops continued the probe when they confessed the crime and claimed that it was Naran who had given them a contract to kill Dipesh.
At a time when India needs all the support it can get for its Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) membership, Switzerland, who had earlier extended its complete support, has now opposed New Delhi's bid citing it being a non Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) state.

According to sources, Switzerland has now joined the group of countries opposing India's bid for NSG.

This comes as a shock for India as earlier, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Switzerland, the European nation had extended its complete support.

"I am thankful to the President for Switzerland's understanding and support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We have both agreed to support each other for our respective bids for the non-permanent membership of the UNSC," Prime Minister Modi said while delivering the joint statement with the Swiss President.

Meanwhile, in another blow to India, China has said that the NSG will not discuss its membership bid into the elite group, adding that New Delhi will first have to sign the NPT, as it is a must and a major criteria set up by the NSG.

Speaking to ANI here, Director-General of the Arms Control Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Qun asserted that India's membership has 'never ever' been on the agenda of the NSG and that there is no such agenda item for the two-day plenary, adding that there is no point of China opposing or supporting India as well as the membership of other countries.

"One thing is clear that India's membership has never ever been taken up as an agenda item. In the two plenary sessions, there was no extraordinary session on this matter. There is no such agenda matter. In the caveat there could be observations and interventions but that's all," he said.

Earlier, highly placed sources told ANI that China is not the sole opponent to India's member ship to the NSG, but Brazil, Austria, Ireland, Turkey and New Zealand too have opposed India's entry, citing it's not being a signatory of the NPT for nuclear weapons and weapons technology.
Promising strong support from United States President Barack Obama for New Delhi's candidature for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Friday said India presents a strong case and Washington will continue to extend its support for India's accession in the NSG.

"We think they present a strong case and have been strongly supportive of its succession into the Nuclear Suppliers Group," Verma told the media.

"It was probably six years ago that President Obama affirmed strong support for India's entry into the NSG. We have reaffirmed that many times over the years," he added.

We have been supportive at the highest possible levels and will continue to do so as this plays out over the next day or so.

According to sources, Brazil today supported India's bid but called for a common criteria for all non-NPT states.

Brazil also said that India has by far a better nuclear proliferation record than Pakistan.

However, in a complete shocker, Switzerland, who had earlier extended its complete support, has now opposed New Delhi's bid citing it being a non Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) state.

This comes as a jolt for India as earlier, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Switzerland; the European nation had extended its complete support.

Meanwhile, in another blow to India, China has said that the NSG will not discuss its membership bid into the elite group, adding that New Delhi will first have to sign the NPT, as it is a must and a major criteria set up by the NSG.

Earlier, highly placed sources told ANI that China is not the sole opponent to India's member ship to the NSG, but Brazil, Austria, Ireland, Turkey and New Zealand too have opposed India's entry, citing it's not being a signatory of the NPT for nuclear weapons and weapons technology.
Practical and pragmatic Rental Housing Policy on the anvil, says Secretary (HUPA)

Minister of State for Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Urban Development Shri Babul Supriyo has said that the Government will promote regional planning by moving beyond city-centric planning for construction of houses in satellite townships, peri-urban and peripheral areas to meet the housing demand in urban areas. He inaugurated an international workshop on Human Settlements-Planning and Design : A Shared Understanding.

Shri Supriyo said that the Government is committed to ensure housing for urban poor by 2022 and further observed that the government while acknowledging problems in urban areas is striving to solve them in an integrated and goal centric manner. The Minister stressed the need to assist the poor even in remote and far off places in planning , design and construction of safe and resilient houses.

Shri Supriyo referred to various initiatives launched by the Government to address infrastructure bottlenecks and housing shortage in urban areas.

Dr.Nandita Chatterjee, Secretary (HUPA) said that the Ministry is close to finalizing a pro-active, practical and pragmatic Rental Housing Policy keeping in view that 27% of the housing demand is for such rental housing. She emphasized on the need for effective planning and design so as to meet the housing needs of all sections of the people in the context of rising costs of land, labour and availability of materials.

Dr. Chattejee noted that to move beyond city-centric planning for housing, construction of houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) is being allowed in planning areas which go beyond city limits. She said that planning needs to be done in the context of rural - urban continuum and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission is a step in this regard.

Ministry of HUPA has organized the workshop for sharing of ideas and experiences in respect of housing among the Asia-Pacific countries. Representatives from 9 countries viz., Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Fiji have attended the workshop.

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Sun Pharmaceutical Industries rose 0.16% to Rs 752.90 at 12:00 IST on BSE after the board of directors approved buyback of the company's equity shares at a good buyback price.

The announcement was made before market hours today, 24 June 2016.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was off 971.62 points or 3.8% at 26,030.60 slumping along with the carnage witnessed in world financial markets after Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU) results showed after Brexit Referendum.

On BSE, so far 5.76 lakh shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 5.43 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 765 and a low of Rs 734.10 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 965.15 on 20 August 2015. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 706.40 on 24 November 2015. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 23 June 2016, falling 4.16% compared with Sensex's 7.02% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, declining 11.21% as against Sensex's 6.57% rise.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 240.68 crore. Face value per share is Rs 1.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries said that the company will buyback upto 75 lakh shares at a price of Rs 900 each. The buyback is being undertaken by the company to return surplus funds to the equity shareholders and thereby, enhancing the overall returns to shareholders. The buyback price is 19.73% premium to the closing price of Rs.751.70 yesterday, 23 June 2016. The record date for the buyback is 15 July 2016. The promoters of the company have indicated their intention to participate in the proposed buyback in such a manner that their aggregate shareholding percentage in the company will not fall below their current aggregate percentage shareholding.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' (Sun Pharma) consolidated net profit rose 92.7% to Rs 1713.69 crore on 21.5% growth in net sales to Rs 7413.87 crore in Q4 March 2016 over Q4 March 2015.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is a specialty generic pharmaceutical company and India's top pharmaceutical company.

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Sun Pharmaceutical Industries announced after market hours yesterday, 23 June 2016, that its board approved buyback of the company's equity shares. The company will buyback 75 lakh shares from the public at a price of Rs 900 each. The buyback price is 19.73% above the company's last traded price of Rs.751.70 on the BSE. The company said that the buyback aims to return surplus funds to shareholders and enhance overall returns for them. The record date for the buyback is 15 July 2016. Under Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) guidelines, 15% of the buyback offer is reserved for small investors holding shares worth not more than Rs 2 lakh as on the record date.

State Bank of India (SBI) announced after market hours yesterday, 23 June 2016, that a meeting of the executive committee of the central board of the bank is scheduled to be held on 29 June 2016 at Mumbai. The committee will examine the status and decide on long term fund raising in single/multiple tranches up to $1500 million through a public offer and/or private placement of senior unsecured notes in US Dollar or any other convertible currency during the financial year 2016-2017.

Sector specific action could be witnessed after early results of Brexit referendum showed that the Britain is on its course to leave the European Union. IT, auto and steel sector could witness selling pressure as they derive good amount of revenue from the European Union.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced before market hours today, 24 June 2016 that it has received tentative ANDA approval from the USFDA for Olmesartan Medoxomil Tablets, 5 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg.

Separately, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced it has received ANDA approval from the USFDA for Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment USP, 100,000 units/1 mg per gram.

Omax Autos said that railway division of the company has secured order for supply of railway parts from Indian Railways for order value estimated between Rs 90-100 crore. Formal purchase order would be received by the company in due course of time, Omax Autos said. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 June 2016.

Ruchira Papers said that the credit rating of the company has been upgraded from CARE BBB- (TRIPLE B -) to CARE BBB (TRIPLE B) assigned to Long term facilities and CARE BBB/CARE A3+(TRIPLE B/ A THREE PLUS) assigned to short term facilities of the company. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 June 2016.

Shilpa Medicare said that a meeting of the board of directors of the company will be held on 27 June 2016, to consider a proposal of merger of Navya Boilogicals with the company. Navya Biologicals (NBPL) is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, is engaged on research and development activities in the field of biologicals. NBPL has specifically been in the development of bio-similars and product process technologies. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 23 June 2016.

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At least 14 Taliban militants were killed in military operations in two Afghan provinces, authorities said on Monday.

"Six terrorists were killed and five others injured following an Afghan National Army (ANA) cleanup operation in Takhar province on Sunday," Xinhua news agency quoted defence officials as saying.

In the neighbouring Kunduz province, eight militants were killed and four others wounded after Afghan army and intelligence agency operatives launched an operation in Aqtash district,.

The victims included two Taliban commanders, the sources added.

--IANS

and/ksk

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least 18 persons were killed when a seven-axle container truck collided with a mini bus on the Surat-Nagpur highway here on Friday evening, police said.

The incident occurred when one of the wheels of the truck, which was bound for Parola in adjoining Jalgaon district, broke loose. The driver then lost control of the truck near Kasvihir village.

It rammed into the packed oncoming mini bus from Parola and crushed it by its sheer weight, said police officer S.P. Patil of Dhule. Two people were injured and were in critical condition.

After the accident, traffic on the highway, which connects Surat in Gujarat and Kolkata, was disrupted for several hours to facilitate relief operations.

--IANS

qn/mr
Film: "7 Hours To Go"; Director: Saurabh Varma; Cast: Shiv Pandit, Sandeepa Dhar, Natasa Stankovic, Varun Badola, Himanshu Malik and Rohit Vir; Rating: *1/2

The concept of this film, without a doubt, must have been exciting on paper. A murder mystery, hostage drama along with a heist, is what gives an impetus to thrillers and this film has it all, except that it trudges on a convoluted, verbose plot, filled with plot-holes and poor characterisation.

Directed by Saurabh Varma, the film, with a snazzy prologue begins with a promise of a murder mystery, where - Arjun Ranavat, a witness to the murder of Seema -- the mistress of Kabeer Khemka, a scion of a prominent construction giant, in Muzaffarpur, Bihar -- comes to Mumbai to look for work.

A police informer pitches his story to a News Channel, which is readymade fodder for instant fame, for Arjun is willing to identify the accused. But that's not the bottom line.

Instead, when Arjun lands up at Bombay High Court, he recreates the murder scene and takes the Mumbai police by surprise, when he holds seven hostages, threatening to kill one, every hour. He gives the police seven hours to solve the murder case. But again, that is not the bottom line.

The promise soon crumbles, when subtlety is lost and the director thrusts, his oft quoted, "game of misdirection" concept on the audience too. The intricately complex path gets tedious to even let the audience bother about the real motive, which is so weakly presented.

The first half of the film is tolerable, but it is during the second half that the director seems to have lost the plot. Quite literally.

While the tale is designed as a thriller, the director has infused oodles of light moments with behind the scenes action involving his characters. This defuses the momentum of suspense and the thrill in the narration.

The film is supposed to be about the hostages, but their anxiety or anguish is never shown. The only scenes with them are half-hearted and lukewarm.

"7 Hours To Go" is technically polished but definitely weak on the script. The characters are poorly developed and paper thin.

Especially jarring is the Assistant Commissioner of Police Dhadke who behaves like an uncouth Inspector and his assistant Inspector Ghorpade, too is a caricature. Their demeanour makes the entire narrative unconvincing.

Varun Badola as the irritating and exasperating ACP Dhadke is flawless as an actor. So is Shiv Pandit who essays the role of Arjun Ranawat, a noir-protagonist, convincingly.

Sandeepa Dhar as the agile and competent ACP Shukla who is investigating the case, is effortless. Natasa Stankovic as Maya has hardly anything to offer, due to her limited screen presence.

Radio City's Jockey Rohit Vir debuts as the antagonist with flourish. His schizophrenic flunkey act too leaves a lasting impression, but unfortunately both of them are lost in the complicated narrative.

Himanshu Malik as the sharpshooter Tamim Chakri and Vipin Sharma as the hostage are wasted due to their poorly written characters.

Watch "7 Hours To Go" only if you have two hours with nothing better to do.

--IANS

troy/rb/bg
Philippines-based extremist group Abu Sayyaf has released a Filipina woman who was kidnapped around last September, along with a Norwegian and two Canadians, officials said on Friday.

Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Filemon Tan, in a statement to EFE news, confirmed the release of Marites Flor who, he said, was undergoing a "medical check-up".

The release comes a day after seven Indonesian seamen were kidnapped in the waters of the southern Philippines by an armed group that could probably be the rebels, Indonesian Interior Minister Retno Marsudi said on Friday.

Abu Sayyaf never demanded any ransom for Flor, while the two Canadians -- John Ridsdel and Robert Hall -- were executed after non-payment of ransom within the deadline set by the rebels.

--IANS

ksk/dg
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said the ministry is trying to make Assam a hub of petroleum products for Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Unveiling the ministry's plan to invest Rs 1,30,000 crore in the sector by 2030, Pradhan said: "Out of this amount, Rs 80,000 crore will be in Assam." The ministry has already prepared a roadmap of investing Rs 6,000 crore in the state in the current financial year, he added.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and state Industry Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary accompanied Pradhan at the press conference.

"Our plan is to make Assam and northeast as a hub of petroleum products so that it can cater to the requirements of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar," Pradhan said.

"We are planning to make the whole of the northeast region including Assam a hydrocarbon hub. The planned investment includes capacity enhancement of the four refineries in the state including the Digboi refinery, the Guwahati refinery, the Bongaigaon refinery and the Numaligarh refinery," Pradhan said, adding that the plan is to enhance the refining capacity of the four refineries to 16 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT). The existing capacity of the four refineries is only seven MMT per year.

Pradhan said the central government is also planning to set up 5,000-km grid of crude pipeline, product pipeline, LPG pipeline and natural gas pipeline in the region.

"I have visited Russia recently and the central government wants to procure gas from Russia. We are considering probable routes to bring the gas and it can be brought to Agartala through Chittagong port in Bangladesh from where it can be transferred to other parts of the region," he said, adding that the proposed plan to set up a grid of 5,000 km of pipeline network will be helpful for this.

The Union minister said the government has discovered 67 small oilfields across the country and Assam has 12 of them. "We have divided them into eight clusters and the process for leasing these small oilfields will start from mid July this year," he added.

--IANS

ah/bim/vm
Noted Bangladeshi economist and political activist Anu Muhammad on Thursday dubbed the proposed Rampal coal power plant in world's largest mangrove forest Sundarbans as "an illusion of development" and urged people in India to stand up against the project saying it would have a ripple effect on their side too.

"Burning coal will cause smog, soot, acid rain, global warming, and toxic air emissions. It will impact water and the ecosystem. Around four crore people in the coastal areas are protected from natural disasters by the mangroves. Since the mangroves are connected, the Indian side will also face the threat," Muhammad said here.

Rampal project is a proposed 1,320 MW coal-fired power station at Rampal subdistrict of Bagerhat District in Khulna, Bangladesh. It is a joint partnership between India's state owned National Thermal Power Corporation and Bangladesh Power Development Board. The joint venture company is known as Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company (BIFPC).

The proposed project, on an area of over 1,834 acres of land, is situated 14 kilometres north of the Sundarbans, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Given the climate change scenario, this shield is crucial, said Muhammad.

"Once the mangroves are destroyed, people in coastal zones will start migrating to other areas including neighbouring India," said Muhammad, member secretary of the citizen's movement platform called National Committee to Protect Oil-Gas-Mineral-Resources-Port and Power, Bangladesh.

Environmentalist Soumya Dutta of Energy and Climate Group (Beyond Copenhagen Collective) said this would lead to conflicts.

"This is just an opener. Once it is through, several such projects would mushroom," cautioned Dutta at a concerned citizen's meet organised by National Alliance for Peoples Movement.

Muhammad claimed the transport of coal via waterways between the two countries would be detrimental to the mangroves as well, in addition to the burning of coal itself.

"The authorities say the fly ash, which is a coal combustion product, would be diverted to cement factories while the cement factories advertise they are producing fly ash-free cement. The movement against Rampal is not just about saving the Sundarbans, but it has also instilled a perspective on development among people in Bangladesh," he said.

"Now it is time for Indians to join hands and save the Sundarbans from Rampal," Muhammad added.

--IANS

sgh/ssp/vd
Almost three years after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Santosh Koli died in a road accident in Ghaziabad, the BJP on Friday demanded that the Uttar Pradesh government order a CBI enquiry into the case.

"We demand a CBI enquiry into the death of Santosh Koli in a road accident from the Uttar Pradesh government," Delhi unit Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Satish Upadhyay told reporters here.

"We will also write to UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav over the issue and also meet him, if required," he added.

Koli, once a close associate of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, suffered critical injuries in an accident in Ghaziabad on June 30, 2013 when a speeding car rammed a motorcycle on which she was riding pillion. She succumbed to injuries on August 7, 2013 in a private hospital in Gurgaon.

Accusing Kejriwal of being involved in the hit-and-run incident, Upadhyay said: "There is a conspiracy in the death of Koli, as she was the only person who had all the records of the party."

"At the time of Koli's accident, Kejriwal's personal secretary Kuldeep Panwar was with her. Why didn't he get injured in the accident," Upadhyay asked.

"Even the motorcycle on which they were travelling was burnt," he added.

"Why was she immediately shifted to a hospital in Gurgaon, while there were a number of good hospitals in Ghaziabad and Delhi," the BJP leader said.

"Why had Kejriwal kept the medical and autopsy report of Koli with him and not handed it over to her family," Upadhyay wondered.

When asked why the BJP is raising the issue after such a long gap, Upadhyay said: "During Delhi assembly elections we had demanded the same. Even their parents met us over this issue."

The BJP leader also said that the AAP was known for doing on the dead. Citing references, the BJP pointed out the cases of Koli and Rajasthan farmer Gajendra Chauhan, who died during an AAP rally in the national capital last year.

--IANS

aks/lok/dg
A former Brazilian minister from Brazil's suspended President Dilma Rousseff's Workers' Party (PT) was arrested on Thursday in a police operation as part of the investigation into the Petrobras corruption ring, official sources said.

Paulo Bernardo Silva was the Minister of Planning under the government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Minister of Communications for Rousseff, and a former treasurer of PT.

He is facing charges of having received over 7 million reais ($2.1 million) between 2010 and 2015 from the Petrobras corruption ring, with these funds being credited to a law firm which never existed, Xinhua reported.

Bernardo Silva was arrested at his home in Brasilia, while another home he owns in the southern city of Curitiba was searched.

He is married to Gleisi Hoffman, a PT senator and Rousseff's former chief of staff, who is one of the foremost defenders of the suspended president.

Other people arrested on Thursday included Carlos Gabas, Rousseff's former minister of civil aviation, and Leonardo Attuch, the editor of Brasil 247, a news platform with links to PT.

This focus on PT also saw police search the party's headquarters in Sao Paulo for eight hours on Thursday morning.

Police officers seized and took away a computer, documents and a number of files from the building, as part of a joint operation with the Secretariat of Federal Revenue.

According to a press release from Operation Car Wash investigators, the raid was part of a search into bribes paid for the allocation of information service contracts worth $30 million between 2010 and 2015.

Rui Falcao, the president of PT, issued a press release saying that "the Workers' Party condemns the unnecessary search and seizure made at our national headquarters in Sao Paulo. Following a series of facts and accusations against politicians and business people...an operation is being carried out to try once again to criminalize PT."

The PT, founded by Lula in 1980, is currently undergoing the most critical time in its history, with Rousseff being suspended in May, pending an impeachment trial.

--IANS

vr/
Britain would retain its position in Nato despite the change in the EU's political landscape, said its secretary general on Friday after Britons voted to withdraw from the European Union.

"The British people have decided to leave the European Union," Xinhua news agency quoted Secretary General of Nato Jens Stoltenberg as saying.

"As it defines the next chapter in its relationship with the EU, I know that Britain's position in Nato will remain unchanged," he said.

He stressed that Britain would still be a strong and committed Nato ally, and would continue to play its leading role in the alliance.

"Today, as we face more instability and uncertainty, Nato is more important than ever as a platform for cooperation among European allies, and between Europe and North America," he said.

--IANS

ask/ahm/dg
British celebrities like JK Rowling, James Corden and Hugh Lawrie among others weighed in their thoughts about the historic victory.

According to the BBC, Britain voted by 52% to 48% to leave the European Union (EU) after 43 years in a historic referendum on Friday. The referendum turnout was 71.8%-- with more than 30 million people voting. This was the highest turnout at a British poll since 1992.

"Harry Potter" author JK Rowling, a staunch opponent, was mournful as she weighed in on the vote, offering her affirmation of the popular opinion that Scotland will now move to secede from Britain, reports deadline.com.

She posted a series of tweets:



I don't think I've ever wanted magic more. https://t.co/gVNQ0PYIMT  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

Scotland will seek independence now. Cameron's legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen. https://t.co/4MDj7pndcq  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016

Actor and TV host James Corden was mournful in his reaction to the outcome.

"I can't get my head around what's happening in Britain. I'm so sorry to the youth of Britain. I fear you've been let down today," Corden wrote on Twitter.

"The Sandman" creator Neil Gaiman, a British native who now resides in US, wrote: "Dear UK, good luck. I am afraid you are going to need it."

"House" and "The Night Manager" star Hugh Laurie was more cautious. He wrote: "Congratulations exiters. Reverse is across and down, easy on the clutch".

Britain would be the first country to leave the EU since its formation -- but a leave vote will not immediately mean Britain ceases to be a member of the 28-nation bloc.

That process could take a minimum of two years, with leave campaigners suggesting that the referendum campaign may not be completed until 2020 -- the date of the next scheduled general election.
Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday assured markets and investors that the British economy remained "fundamentally strong" after the nation voted to leave the European Union.

"I would reassure markets and investors that the economy is fundamentally strong," Cameron said in a televised statement outside Downing Street.

"I would reassure Britons living abroad and EU nationals here that there will be no immediate changes."

--IANS

ruwa/sar/vm
A British Muslim extremist was sentenced for life in prison after plotting a 'Lee Rigby' style beheading on Remembrance day.

Nadir Syed, 23, who was sentenced on Thursday, will serve a minimum of 15 years before he is eligible for parole, the Daily Mail reported.

Syed of West London planned to sever the head of a poppy seller on Remembrance Day in November last year and hold it up for the camera.

The Muslim extremist was in touch with an Islamic State (IS) member in Syria, officials said.

He was in regular contact with two of his friends who had joined the IS and had been encouraging others to launch terrorist attacks.

Syed is said to have admired IS executioner Jihadi John and secured his phone with the passcode 77911 in tribute to the 7/7 and 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The detectives had Syed and his friends under surveillance and realised that he was buying a knife and preparing what they believed was to be a suicide attack.

Syed was frustrated at being unable to leave the country to join the IS and decided instead to launch attacks in Britain.

Detectives believe the "tipping point" came when he was served with an anti-social behaviour order on November 6, 2015 which banned him from associating with a number of other radicals.

Syed was encouraged by a fatwa released by the IS which called for "lone wolf" terrorist attacks in the West.

He was increasingly obsessed by Remembrance Day and was filmed with his cousin, Yousaf, stamping on a poppy in the street.

--IANS

ask/py/vm
Despite opposition from the Taipei government, Cambodia on Friday deported to China 25 Taiwanese nationals wanted on fraud charges.

The Taiwanese suspects were escorted by dozens of Cambodian and Chinese police officers onto a plane at Phnom Penh International Airport, along with 14 Chinese nationals, EFE news reported.

All 39 suspects are accused of involvement in internet fraud schemes targeting mainland China.

Taiwan's Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Eleanor Wang said earlier this week that officials were working to prevent the deportation, and were urging Cambodia to adhere to the 'nationality principle' by deporting the Taiwanese suspects to Taiwan.

Cambodia, one of China's closest allies in Southeast Asia, adheres to Beijing's 'One China' policy, which states that Taiwan is part of China.

While Taiwan has been self-ruled since splitting from China in 1949, Beijing maintains that it is part of its territory waiting to be reunified.

Cambodia's decision today to deport the group comes just months after Malaysia and Kenya deported Taiwanese nationals to mainland China in April, sparking strong criticism from Taipei.

--IANS

ksk/dg
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday reiterated his demand that caste-based data of the Census of India 2011 should be made public to "ensure the empowerment of all those lagging behind in development".

"People have a right to know it and every caste should know its strength and weakness in terms of population and other things," Nitish Kumar, who is also President of Janata Dal-United (JD-U), said at a conference on social statistics here, hosted by think tank Asian Development Research Institute.

The conference was inaugurated by Vice President M. Hamid Ansari.

Nitish Kumar said "real information" about the socio-economic development of all sections of the population must be made publicly available.

The caste-based Census data will explode several myths about development of backward and marginalised people and help formulation of schemes for their socio-economic progress, he said.

The Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 was the first caste-based census since 1931, he noted.

Last year during the Bihar assembly polls, Nitish Kumar joined Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad in demanding that the central government should make the caste-based statistics public instead of withholding the data on numerical strength of different castes.

In July last year, the central government released Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011, but reportedly withheld the caste-based data, saying it was concerned with economic data which will help in effective implementation of its programmes.

--IANS

ik/kb/vt
The central government has returned to the Delhi government nine bills passed by the Delhi assembly, official sources said on Friday.

"Nine bills have been sent back by the central government," a senior official in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government told IANS. The source did not give details.

The returned bills reportedly include the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill 2015 which the AAP had described as the "strongest" anti-corruption legislation in the country.

--IANS

am-nd/mr
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court (ATC) here on Friday sentenced a Chinese national to nine years imprisonment for trying to smuggle weapons from Pakistan to China. The court also banned him from visiting Pakistan again.

Hearing the case, Gilgit ATC judge Shahbaz Khan also asked the Punjab inspector general of police to take action against the arms dealer who sold four pistols and hundreds of bullets to the foreigner, Dawn reported.

On May 24 this year, the Khunjrab Security Force personnel had arrested a Chinese citizen named Wang Jiangquo from Khunjrab National Park area of Hunza district near the China-Pakistan border for allegedly trying to smuggle arms and ammunition to China. A case was registered against the Chinese national under the anti-terrorism law and the accused shifted to Gilgit for investigation.

During the investigation, the suspect confessed to his crime of trying to smuggle four pistols and ammunition across the border. The Gilgit police presented the Chinese national in the local ATC amid tight security. After the court decision he was shifted to district jail, Gilgit.

--IANS

ahm/bg
Former union minister and five-time Lok Sabha member from Mumbai Gurudas Kamat, who is back as Congress general secretary after he withdrew his resignation, on Friday said the "Congress party was the best platform to serve the people".

"When I met President Sonia Gandhi ji day before yesterday, she explained to me everything and I thought she was right. Then I decided that I should once again get attached with the party. I thought Congress Party is the best platform to serve the people," Kamat told reporters.

"I did not expect that I would be again given the same charge of the general secretary, but the party president told me that I would be working at the same post," he added.

Kamat resigned on June 6, but the party high command did not accept his resignation and senior party leaders tried to persuade him to withdraw the resignation and continue to work in the party.

Asked if Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam was the reason behind his resignation, Kamat said: "I have spent my entire life in Congress, for 45 years. How can one leave the party for one Sanjay Nirupam?

"I had some personal issues because of which I thought I should leave. For the last three-four months I thought I needed some time for myself. I was unable to give myself time because I was travelling in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and used to be busy there," he added.

"Gujarat elections are also coming after one-and-a-half years. So I thought if I leave now it would be a correct decision instead of leaving just a couple of months before the elections, which would have been unfair," he added.

Asked about Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's much-talked about elevation to the post of president, Kamat said: "I support Rahul Gandhi's elevation to the post of party president, but what kind of surgery the party needs has to be decided by the party president."

--IANS

sid/rn/bg
Social media giant Facebook is training its employees to identify and check their political leanings to address the concerns over the treatment of conservative viewpoints on the social network.

"Facebook plans to add a section on 'political bias' to its class on 'managing bias.' All Facebook executives and many employees have taken the class which focuses on identifying and neutralising racial, age, gender and other types of bias," Wall Street Journal quoted Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer, Facebook, as saying.

Facebook wants to be a platform for an open exchange of ideas, Sandberg added.

Last month, reiterating that an internal investigation revealed no evidence of systematic political bias in the selection or prominence of stories in its "Trending Topics" feature, Facebook is set to revamp the controversial feature in response to a Senate inquiry into allegations of an editorial bias against conservative news organisations.

While "our data analysis indicated that conservative and liberal topics are approved as trending topics at virtually identical rates, at the same time, our investigation could not fully exclude the possibility of isolated improper actions or unintentional bias in the implementation of our guidelines or policies," said Colin Stretch, Facebook General Counsel, in a blog post.

"As part of our commitment to continually improve our products and to minimise risks where human judgment is involved, we are making a number of improvements to Trending Topics," he added.

The revamping includes an updated terminology in its guidelines to make them more clear and a refresher training for all reviewers that emphasises that content decisions may not be made on the basis of politics or ideology.

"We will also have additional controls and oversight around the review team, including robust escalation procedures," the post read.

A report in technology website Gizmodo recently accused Facebook of an editorial bias against conservative news organisations, sparking sharp reactions from across the spectrum.

"Trending Topics" was launched in 2014 to surface major conversations happening on Facebook.

It appears on right-hand side on desktop as well as when you tap on the search box in the mobile app and primarily for people using Facebook in English (there are limited tests being run in Spanish and Portuguese).

--IANS

anuj/na/vm
First counting venue Gibraltar declared its result as 19,322 voted to stay in and 823 voted to leave, Gibraltar local authority said late on Thursday as the counting is under way across Britain in the historic EU membership referendum.

The estimated turnout for EU referendum is 83.7 per cent, while the last general election was 66 per cent, Sky News said, according to Xinhua.

Over 80 pro-Brexit Conservative MPs signed a letter calling for British Prime Minister David Cameron to stay in his post regardless of the referendum result on Thursday night.

The final result is expected to declare at around breakfast time on Friday.

--IANS

vr/
Britain on Friday voted to leave the European Union after a 43-year-long stint. But it had less than smooth relations with the group of nations -- its first application to join was peremptorily rejected by France's Charles De Gaulle in 1963, dealing a major blow to the career of then Conservative Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.

It was only in 1973 that it got in (under Edward Heath, another Conservative) but never seemed to have been comfortable there given the less than complimentary references in popular media.

One of the best guides to what the British establishment thought of their European association is in Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn's satirical TV sitcom "Yes Minister" (1980-84) and "Yes Prime Minister" (1986-88). Though it chronicled Minister for Administrative Affairs Jim Hacker's struggles to effect changes in government policy against the Civil Service's opposition, represented particularly by his Permanent Secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby, dealing with outcomes of Britain's membership of the European Economic Community (as the European Union was till 1993) frequently came up.

Hacker initially had a benign view of Europe but Appleby was more cynical.

In one episode, "The Writing on the Wall" (telecast March 1980), he tells Hacker that "Britain has had the same foreign policy objective for at least the last five hundred years: to create a disunited Europe", for which they had "fought with the Dutch against the Spanish, with the Germans against the French (Napoleonic Wars), with the French and Italians against the Germans (World War I), and with the French against the Germans and Italians (World War II). Divide and rule, you see. Why should we change now, when it's worked so well?"

As Hacker notes it was "all ancient history", he responds: "Yes, and current policy. We 'had' to break the whole thing (the EEC) up, so we had to get inside. We tried to break it up from the outside, but that wouldn't work. Now that we're inside we can make a complete pig's breakfast of the whole thing: set the Germans against the French, the French against the Italians, the Italians against the Dutch... The Foreign Office is terribly pleased; it's just like old times."

On a policy for a national identity card, Appleby notes that the "Germans will love it, the French will ignore it and the Italians and the Irish will be too chaotic to enforce it. Only the British will resent it".

In a latter episode ("Devil You Know", telecast March 1981), as Hacker says "Europe is a community of nations, dedicated towards one goal", Appleby laughs and asks him to look at it "objectively".

To Hacker's assertion that Britain joined "to strengthen the brotherhood of free Western nations", Appleby responds: "We went in to screw the French by splitting them off from the Germans." In the same episode, he seeks to explain the reason for some EU directive they have to follow as "the penalty we have to pay for trying to pretend that we're Europeans".

"Party Games" (telecast December 1984), which sees Hacker's unlikely elevation to the top post, begins with him trying to deal with the "Eurosausage" - the latest European standardisation measure which will see the British sausage now be called the "Emulsified High-Fat Offal Tube" and adroitly use the issue to gain enough popularity to succeed the Prime Minister who has resigned unexpectedly.

Though a compromise is reached on the sausage issue, Hacker pretends it still hangs and attacks Europe in a speech: "I'm a good European. I believe in Europe. I believe in the European ideal..... but this does not mean that we have to bow the knee to every directive from every little bureaucratic Bonaparte in Brussels...... They've turned our pints into litres and our yards into metres; we gave up the tanner and the threepenny bit, the two bob piece and the half crown. But they cannot and will not destroy the British sausage."

Attitudes haven't changed much since. BBC journalist-cum-author Adam Brookes, in his second espionage thriller "Spy Games" (2016) tells us that while British intelligence share an important document with their American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand counterparts, only a "stripped-down version, scrubbed almost into invisibility, went to the European Union Situation Centre in Brussels."

(Vikas Datta is an Associate Editor at IANS. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)

--IANS

vd/rn/hs/vm
Film: "Independence Day: Resurgence"; Director: Roland Emmerich; Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Liam Hemsworth, Maika Monroe, Jessie T. Usher, William Fichtner, Brent Spiner, John Storey, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vivica A. Fox, Joey King, James A. Woods, Judd Hirsch and Robert Loggia; Rating: *1/2

There is nothing exciting about "Independence Day: Resurgence". While the 1996 released "Independence Day" was a fun film that wooed cinema-goers, this digitally upped sci-fci movie is a sure letdown.

"Independence Day: Resurgence" deals with Intergalactic war and the premise is, saving the planet from an invincible extra-terrestrial alien. Though the narration takes off from where it left 20 years ago, the dynamics of its predecessor are missing in this film.

The US, now led by President Lanford (Sela Ward) prepares to celebrate the anniversary of the "War of 96" and its heroes. But the celebrations are interrupted by the return of the vicious aliens, who apparently also decide to celebrate the date.

This brings most of the survivors of the previous film and a few new characters together. The script ensures that former President Thomas J. Whitmore (Pullman) follows - affected by some mental connection with the villains, Brakish Okun (Brent Spiner) remained in coma for exactly 20 years, David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) became a government consultant in the area of extra-planetary technology while his father Julius Levinson (Judd Hirsch) tries to make some money as an author and General William Grey (Robert Loggia) makes a small appearance.

To these join Dylan Hiller (Jessie Usher) as Captain Steve Hiller's son, his former friend and fellow pilot Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth), the African guerrilla Dikembe (Deobia Oparei) and Patricia Whitmore (Maika Monroe) the daughter of the former President. In addition, there is scientist Catherine Marceaux played by Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Needless to say, there are too many characters in the various locations to keep track of and to make matters worse, in the second half of the film, a family of orphan kids join in to follow Julius Levinson.

Most of the characters are dispensable as they do not play any function in the plot. Most evident of the lot is Floyd Rosenberg played by Nicolas Wright, who incidentally is one of the five scriptwriters of the film.

The writing is truly the sore point. The exposition is verbose and the plot is riddled with plot-holes. Also, the motivational speeches and dialogues are generic and redundant. They are delivered in a very casual and fatigued manner. And the last dialogue is simply pompous.

Visually, this film does not offer anything novel. The CGI heavy frames with 3D effects, over a period of time, get tedious because most of the action has been seen in recent disaster films.

The set-action sequences too are nothing to write home about. And the alien 'Queen' ship though gigantic, is pretty unimpressive.

Overall, "Independence Day: Resurgence" is a huge disappointment.

--IANS

troy/rb/bg
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that India's membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) would contribute to the region's prosperity and strengthen its security.

In his address at the summit, Modi said connectivity among the countries of the region is crucial to their economic prosperity.

"What we need is seamless flow of goods, services, capital and people among ourselves. Our region also needs to nurture strong rail, road and air links with the rest of the world," he said.

Modi said leaders had accepted India as its full member at the Ufa summit last year and the Memorandum of Obligations signed during the Tashkent summit would formalise the process of India's membership.

"I am confident that India's engagement with all members will help us build a region, which is an engine of economic growth for the world; is more stable and secure internally, and strongly connected with other geographies," Modi said.

He noted that with India as its full member, SCO boundaries would stretch from the Pacific to Europe and from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean.

"India's membership of SCO would contribute to region's prosperity. It would also strengthen its security. Our partnership will protect our societies from the threats of radical ideologies of hate, violence and terror," Modi said.

"India will unite with SCO countries to work towards this goal. And, we will adopt zero tolerance and a comprehensive approach in fighting terrorism at all levels," he added.
A 24-year-old woman employee of Infosys was stabbed to death at a railway station here by an unidentified person on Friday, police said.

The woman, identified by police as S. Swathi, was waiting on the platform to board a train when a man approached her. They were seen arguing by others.

Suddenly, the man took out a knife and attacked her. She reportedly died on the spot.

Infosys said in a statement: "We are saddened by the unfortunate incident that has led to the demise of our employee in Chennai.

"We are working with the local authorities as they investigate the matter and will continue to provide our co-operation and support.

"Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family of the deceased. Infosys will provide all the necessary support to the family in their hour of grief."

--IANS

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The Saudi Interior Ministry announced on Friday that two Islamic State (IS) members attacked their own family and killed the mother, a media report said.

The two brothers -- Khalid and Saleh -- launched the attack on Friday morning at their house in Riyadh, in which the father and another brother were seriously injured, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The police said the twins trapped their mother in the storeroom and stabbed her to death, according to Xinhua.

The two were arrested at dawn and police are trying to ascertain the reason behind the attack.

--IANS

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The CPI-M-affiliated Students Federation of India's (SFI) Karnataka unit on Friday opposed the steep hike in admission fee for seats in private medical and dental colleges across the state.

"We have petitioned the state government to restrain the private medical and dental colleges from increasing the fee for students seeking admission under its quota, as it will be difficult for their parents to afford it," SFI's Karnataka president V. Ambarish told IANS here.

Under the government quota, 40 per cent of the seats in private professional colleges are reserved for students and admitted on the rank secured in the common entrance test (CET), conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA).

At a meeting with parents, prospective students and social activists, the SFI has decided to approach the Karnataka High Court for a stay if the government fails to stop the private colleges from hiking the fee by as much as 29 per cent.

"We want the central government to amend the laws for a uniform fee structure in private professional colleges across the country, at least on quota seats so that meritorious students are saved from being fleeced," Ambarish said.

In a memorandum submitted to state Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash Patil earlier in the day, the SFI urged the government to direct the private colleges to admit rank students for this academic year on the prescribed fee.

"As many private colleges in the state are owned and run by politicians, including lawmakers and ministers through educational trusts or societies, admissions to 60 per cent of the seats are made through capitation fee or donations under the management quota, which includes 10 per cent for non-resident Indian students," Ambarish lamented.

Admitting that the fee hike proposed by the private colleges was prohibitive and would affect the educational prospects of merit students, Patil told reporters that the government was persuading the managements to admit quota students as per the prescribed fee.

"If the private colleges are allowed to hike the fee, students under quota will have to pay Rs 70,000 a year as against Rs 55,000 last year for a medical seat and Rs 45,000 per a dental seat as against Rs 35,000 last year.

Under the management quota, the private colleges have hiked the fee to Rs 4.25-5.75 lakh per year for a medical seat and Rs 2.75-3.90 lakh for a dental seat.

--IANS

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The Congress on Friday asserted that central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showed unnecessary desperation for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership that embarrassed the country in the end.

"Diplomacy is always done by wisdom and silence. We have never seen diplomacy being conducted in this manner, making it very clear whom are you are lobbying with and whom you are petitioning with," senior Congress leader and Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said talking to reporters at party headquarters here.

"It is an embarrassment for India to do what was not required. This kind of intense lobbying by Prime Minister Modi and his government, we can understand, should have been done for UN Security Council membership," Sharma said insisting, there was no need to show desperation that led India to be equated with Pakistan in NSG case.

"Why did the Prime Minister and this government make so much of noise about it and kind of hectic campaigning and lobbying for it? In 2008, NSG had given India specific waiver which allowed India's integration with the Nuclear mainstream after decades of isolation," he added.

That agreement Sharma said paved the way for India to enter into agreement with United States of America. He added that India specific IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) agreement allowed India to also trade with NSG Countries.

"NSG countries can sell reactors to India and India can do the same. So there was no need of this desperation on NSG issue," Sharma said.

He added NSG membership would not have brought any drastic change to India's nuclear trade.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday left for home after a two-day visit to the Uzbek capital to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit here.

"Thank you Tashkent! A short but productive visit for the SCO Summit ends as PM @narendramodi departs for India," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

The SCO summit saw the six-member China-led bloc launch the process for India's absorption as a member.

Modi also held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines, including with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, and with Russia's Vladimir Putin on Friday.

He later also offered tribute at the bust of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.

"Paying homage to a great son of India. PM @narendramodi offers flowers at the bust of former PM Shastri," Swarup tweeted.

Modi also spoke with the Uzbek sculptor of the bust. "A moment with the scuptor. PM greets Yaakov Shapiro, the Uzbek sculptor of former PM Shastri's bust," Swarup posted.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to hold a bilateral meeting on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here.

Modi, who arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit, earlier held a bilateral meeting with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, in his first diplomatic engagement of the day.

He later posed for a family photograph with the SCO members ahead of attending a plenary of the grouping that is to focus on enhancing connectivity and cooperation.

"Expanding cooperation in our extended neighbourhood. PM @narendramodi with SCO Summit leaders in a family photograph," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

"Enhancing connectivity & cooperation, building prosperity. PM @narendramodi attends SCO Plenary in Tashkent," he posted.

The six-member China-led grouping has kicked off the process for absorbing India and Pakistan as members, following an agreement reached last year at the summit in Ufa, Russia.

--IANS

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Counterfeiters are lurking in the dark and there's no guarantee that the medicines sold from the drug stores across India are all genuine. A consumer cannot tell whether the pharma product wrapped in sleek packaging isn't fake.

India is yet to adopt international solutions which are necessary to authenticate medicines and pharmaceutical products that millions of people depend on to combat health conditions. Unlike Pakistan, India doesn't have a system with which the consumer can check whether a medicine is genuine.

"The counterfeiters here are successful because we are not making their task difficult and not making this business less profitable for them," U.K Gupta, President of Authentication Solutions Providers Association, told IANS.

"The counterfeiters can pursue their business because of non-adoption of authentication solutions, inadequate surveillance efforts by brand owners to identify counterfeit products and lack of consumer awareness," he said.

According to Gupta, the product packaging is easily copied due to availability of packaging raw materials in the neighbouring countries.

So what needs to be done?

"We already have a barcode system to check the authenticity of medicines that are exported. Through this system we can keep at bay all types of spurious and fake medicines," Drug Controller General of India G.N. Singh told IANS.

"However, we do not have any system to check the medicines that come to India and the medicines that are sold in India," he added.

But it's a different scene in Pakistan where the Drug Regulatory Authority introduced the global unique identification code system to counter the sale of spurious drugs and over-pricing. Under the new system, buyers having smartphones can verify a medicine and its price.

Can such a system be implemented in India?

Singh said: "The process has already been initiated and within a couple of months we will have a code system like Pakistan to check the spurious medicines".

"Documents and the entire plan is with the ministry and they are examining it. This will be a technology-driven system."

A large part of the procedure will involve oversight, testing, tracking and analysis of practices.

"Adopting authentication solutions is the most important preventive step. The government and brand owners should communicate to the consumers about the authentication features on their product and the means to verify those features," Gupta said.

"Hologram is the best tool. These days we have interactive and 3D hologram as well," he added.

"The interactive hologram can be verified by a device which tells the consumers about its authenticity. The consumer can check the details of this product by physical verification such as visual checking," Gupta said.

"Even a consumer can verify product details from a company's website or by digital authentication of products with features such as barcodes or unique SMS verification codes," he added.

A 2014 ASSOCHAM report titled 'Fake and Counterfeit Drugs In India-Booming Biz' stated that around 25 per cent of India's drugs are fake, counterfeit or substandard. The fake drugs market is likely to cross US$ 10-billion mark by 2017.

ASSOCHAM had suggested that the government must make it a mandatory for all branded medicines to feature a tracing and tracking mechanism.

"The only step required is a strong regulatory oversight with proper testing procedures, and a robust tracing and tracking mechanism. We also must have a centralised depository to analyse the good manufacturing and distribution practices," Bejon Misra, former Chairman of Consumer Coordination Council, told IANS.

However, Misra said the "biggest challenge is the lack of trained persons in the state drug regulatory authorities" to curb the menace of fake pharma products.

Expressing a similar view, Anil Bansal, former Chairman of Anti Quackery Cell of the Delhi Medical Council, said: "The government should enforce the Pharmacy Act strictly so that the chemists cannot sell any medicine without a doctor's prescription. But it seems that the government is not seriously concerned about the health of the people."

According to a World Health Organisation report, every year about one million people die globally due to spurious drugs. Keeping that in mind, India must not lag behind in taking stringent measures to stamp out the counterfeit drugs. Authentication solutions would be a step forward.

(Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in and Rupesh Dutta can be contacted at rupesh.d@ians.in)

--IANS

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India and Russia on Friday discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy and partnership in the gas and petrochemicals sector during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here.

Modi met Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here.

During the meeting, "Putin said India is a special and privileged partner. There is long standing friendship between Russia and India", said a statement by the External Affairs Ministry.

Putin also welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO and looked forward to India's Chairmanship of BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- which has grown in influence.

Modi thanked Russia for its support in SCO and said India as BRICS chair would keep up the momentum generated by Russia. Russia had hosted the last BRICS summit at Ufa in last July.

The two leaders discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy, and partnership in the gas and petrochemicals sector. They also discussed furthering cooperation in the space sector. Matters relating to trade and investment also came up.

Both leaders recalled old cultural connections and agreed to find ways to further invigorate cultural ties, the statement said.

--IANS

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A police sub-inspector probing a madrassa scam was shot dead in Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh, police said on Friday.

Sukhbeer was posted in Baghpat district and was on his way to Meerut for probing the scam when he was ambushed and shot at point blank range on Thursday, police and other sources said.

The incident happened on the Modinagar road. Locals and passers-by rushed Sukhbeer to a medical facility where he was pronounced dead. His revolver was missing, an official said.

Sukhbeer is the second sub-inspector to be shot dead in Uttar Pradesh in the past 48 hours.

The scam relates to about 118 madrassas in the state which exist only only on paper but have been getting government grants.

--IANS

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The US Supreme Court's 4-4 tied decision over President Barack Obama's immigration policy, which left nearly five million undocumented immigrants in a legal limbo, became the most important issue at the conference of Latino politicians of America.

"The community is very disappointed", the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Official's (NALEO) president Arturo Vargas told EFE news at the NALEO annual conference held on Thursday.

NALEO, one of the most important Hispanic organisations in the US, is holding a conference in Washington from today to June 25 and thousands of Latino officials and national leaders across the country are participating.

The Supreme Court decided to block Obama's plan to legalise millions of illegal immigrants is something that Vargas "had expected from this Supreme Court", evenly divided between the four liberal justices and four conservative.

The draw among eight judges of the High Court, and the absence of the ninth judge after the death of the ultra-conservative Justice Antonin Scalia last February, blocked Obama's plan to lift the threat of deportation from undocumented residents.

Vargas added that the immigration reform bill must be advanced because it is the "only law that is going to fix the situation".

Among the political leaders who attended the conference is California congressman and the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Xavier Becerra.

"The eight judges in the Supreme Court are those who will tell us whether our relatives, neighbours or friends will have the opportunity to emerge from the shadows or whether our children will have access to higher education," Becerra said during his speech at the NALEO annual conference.

Although both likely candidates, Hillary Clinton of the Democratic Party and Republican Donald Trump, rejected a NALEO invitation, Senator Bernie Sanders, who won the votes from Latinos with his "comprehensive immigration reform" bill, attended the conference.
Bharatiya Janata Party MP, on Friday took his attack against those in the finance ministry to a new level. He issued a veiled threat to those asking him to follow restraint saying if he disregarded discipline, there will be a bloodbath.



People giving me advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath, he tweeted in an attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Though he did not name Jaitley, he was referring to the minister urging him for restraint and discipline in the wake of his attacks on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian on Wednesday and his use of the word discipline in defending Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das on Thursday.

In another apparent swipe at Jaitley, whose photographs of meeting with the Bank of China Chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing in a longue suit appeared appeared in newspapers on Friday, Swamy tweeted, BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters.
A Chinese media outlet that carried a call for President Xi Jinping to resign has been shut down and two of its staff have been detained for more than 100 days, according to a social media post today.

Wujie website in March published an anonymous letter accusing the Chinese leader of a litany of policy mistakes and asking him to step down for the good of the country on the eve of a high-profile political meeting.

The letter, signed "Loyal Communist Party members," was quickly deleted and staff reported a wave of detentions as authorities tried to track down the document's author.

Wujie also stopped publishing original articles on its website.

Media criticism of top leaders is almost unheard of in China, where the press is strictly controlled.

Wujie chief executive officer Ouyang Hongliang and senior editor Cheng Shengzhong have been "out of contact" for 101 days "assisting relevent departments with an investigation", Ouyang's wife Liu Yankun said in a letter posted on social media.

She said the outlet had been "forcibly closed" in March, and that many staff had their benefits such as medical insurance suddenly cut.

"We are suffering from fear and worry," Liu said, adding she had only been able to speak with her husband "a few times" by telephone.

When contacted by AFP Liu declined to comment, but two former employees at Wujie confirmed the post was genuine and said all staff at the outlet had lost their jobs.

One former reporter at the outlet who asked not to be named said managing editor Huang Zhijie was detained in March but later released.

Beijing freelance journalist Jia Jia also went missing shortly after the letter was published, and authorities rounded up the relatives of several dissidents living abroad.

Xi has tightened already strict controls on the media since coming to power in 2012, and this year urged state-run outlets to "reflect the will of the party".

Mainland Chinese media coverage of Xi is typically limited to accounts of meetings or speeches, or gushing with praise.

He has presided over a slowdown in economic growth and a clampdown on civil society that has seen hundreds of people arrested.

The letter, seen by AFP in a cached form, berated him for centralising authority, mishandling the economy and tightening ideological controls.

Beijing-based Wujie -- known as "Watching" in English -- was founded in 2015 with funding from the provincial government of Xinjiang in China's northwest.
: Madras High Court today granted two months time to the state School Education secretary to inspect corporation schools in the city and file a report before it on their working conditions as per the report of the court appointed committee constituted for the purpose.

The First Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan bench stated this while refusing to accept what it said was the excuse for non-compliance of its order to file the report of the Committee on implementing a Government Order to provide basic facilities in government, government aided and private schools in the city.

The Bench was hearing a PIL from V Karthikeyan,Secretary Chennai Wing of the Revolutionary Student Youth Front, praying for a direction to the government toimplement the Dec 22 2012 G.O in this regard and to appoint a perennial committee, comprising technical experts,educationists and representatives of parents and students, to monitor its implementation



The bench warned the Government that If the report was not filed three days before the next date of hearing on sept 2, the Secretary would have to personally appear in court.

The petitioner referred to two students of a Corporation Middle School who were injured in a roof collapse on Jan 10 2014 and sought a direction of compensation to the injured.

The bench had on August 14 2014 had appointed a Committee under Dr D Rajendran, the then Joint director of School Education, with two other retired Head and Assistant Head Masters and directed them to complete inspection of Corporation Schools within three months.

The matter was heard by the bench continuously and the bench was passing interim orders on the same.

On June 10 2016 the HC said despite its orders on several occasions, there was no compliance by filing the Committee's report before the court.

When the matter again came up today, Government submitted that non-compliance was because D Rajendran had retired in March 2016.

The bench said "the excuse is completely specious in character because Dr D Rajendran was appointed by name to preside over the committee,which had two other retired members. His retirement did not take away his status as Chairman of the Committee."



Counsel for the Secretary,School Education Department, assured that the report would be filed within two months.

The bench said if it is not filed before three days of the next date of hearing (Sept 2), the Secretary would have to personally be present in Court.

The bench then posted the matter to that date.
Three senior students of a nursing college here were today arrested in connection with the alleged ragging of a first year Dalit girl student from Kerala who is now being treated at a hospital in her home state for severe damage to her internal organs.

Kalaburugi Superintendent of Police N Shashikumar told PTI that those arrested were identified as Lakshmi, Athera and Vishnupriya.

All of them have been sent to judicial custody, he said.

Nineteen-year-old Aswathi was allegedly force-fed toilet cleaner by her seniors at the hostel of Al Qamal College of Nursing in Kalaburigi on May 9, seriously damaging her internal organs.

She is now battling for life at Kozhikode Medical College hospital, where she was admitted on June 2.

Based on her statement, police in Kozhikode had registered an FIR on June 22 against five of her seniors.

National Human Rights Commission took cognizance of media reports of the incident and asked the state government and Kozhikode district authorities to file a report on it and action taken.

It issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Karnataka, as well as the District Collector and Superintendent of Police of Kozhikode, calling for reports on action taken in the matter within four weeks.

It observed that ragging has been banned in educational institutions and guidelines on recommendations of the Raghavan Committee to curb ragging have been issued in this regard.

NHRC said the Apex Court has also referred to ragging as an ugly scar, which needs to be obliterated from educational institutions. The college authorities were legally bound and responsible to ensure protection of students from the menace of ragging, the Commission stated.

A Karnataka police team probing the incident is now in Kozhikode and will visit her tomorrow to record her statement.

Kerala Women's Commission also wrote to its counterpart in Karnataka, urging it to intervene in the matter.
At least three people were killed and another 20 injured when a bomb ripped through a busy square in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, police said today.

The bomb was planted on a motorbike parked along the road in Almo Chowk of Quetta city and it exploded when people were busy in shopping during the holy month of Ramadan.

"Three people were killed and 20 injured in the attack," a police official said.

The victims were shifted to the Civil Hospital Quetta, where some of them were said to be in critical condition.

Security personnel rushed to the place of attack and have started investigations, he said.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack but Taliban and Baloch nationalist militants are active in the area.
At least three people were killed and another 32 injured when a bomb ripped through a busy square in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, police said today.

The bomb was planted on a motorbike parked along the road in Almo Chowk of Quetta city and it exploded when people were busy in shopping during the holy month of Ramadan.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Quetta Chaudhary Manzoor said the blast was caused by explosives weighing around six to eight kilograms.

Three people were killed and 32 injured in the attack," a police official said.

"The injured include five children and a woman who are being treated at the Civil hospital while three persons were killed in the blast," he said.

The victims were shifted to the Civil Hospital Quetta, where some of them were said to be in critical condition.

Security officials rushed to the spot and have started investigations, he said.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack but Taliban and Baloch nationalist militants are active in the area



Eye-witnesses said the blast damaged dozens of shops and nearby homes in the area.

The purpose of the blast appeared was to spread panic and fear in Quetta, the capital city of the Balochistan province, a police official said.

Yesterday, the US had advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Quetta due to a heightened threat in the near term affecting government and military installations, hotels, and western interests in and around the city.

Last month, at least two policemen were killed while five others injured in an explosion near Balochistan University in Quetta.
Suspected militants in the southern Philippines boarded an Indonesian tugboat and abducted seven of 13 crew members in a third such attack in the volatile region, the Indonesian foreign minister said today.

The crewmen were believed to be taken by two separate groups to a jungle camp in Sulu, a predominantly Muslim province about 950 kilometers south of the Philippine capital, Manila, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told a conference in Jakarta.

Jolo island in Sulu province is a stronghold of militants from the Abu Sayyaf group, notorious for ransom kidnappings and beheadings of hostages.

"This third incident absolutely cannot be tolerated," Marsudi said. "The government will do everything possible to ensure the release of all those hostages. The safety of the seven Indonesians will be prioritized."



She said that the government received confirmation that six of the 13 crew members of the tugboat that was towing a coal barge were freed with the vessel and on their way to Indonesia.

Filipino militants held 14 Indonesians among more than 20 hostages after raiding tugboats in separate incidents in late March and early April. The Indonesians were freed last month following reports that a ransom was paid, but the Indonesian government denied it gave money.

Foreign ministers and military chiefs from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines agreed in a recent meeting to boost maritime security and take possible coordinated actions, including sea and air patrols, to stem a wave of kidnappings.
The US today said that there is "a path forward" for India to become a full member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group by the end of the year, hours after the group's plenary meeting ended in Seoul with no decision on India's membership in face of strong China-led opposition.

"We are confident that we have got a path forward by the end of this year," a top Obama administration official said.

"It needs some work. But we are confident that India would be a full member of the (NSG) regime by the end of the year," the official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Refusing to divulge thediscussions and opposition to India's membership within the 48-member grouping, the official said details of the internal deliberations are confidential.

But the US strongly believes in India's membership in the NSG and the Obama Administration has "worked closely" with New Delhi and other countries on this issues, the official said.

Without going into details of deliberations, the official referred to a similar discussion within the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to which India was inducted early this month after months of discussions within its member countries.

Like NSG, decisions within MTCR is taken with consensus.

"We expected a discussion on the role that India will play and where it has been," said the official.

"We were able to end discussion this week and we have a clear path forward for India to become a full member by the end of the year," the official asserted.

"That's our expectation," the senior administration official reiterated when asked if US expects that India's NSG membership could be achieved by the end of this year.

"Our expectations is that this would be finished by the end of this year," the official said.

The NSG ended its plenary meeting in Seoul with no decision on India's membership.

China, which had made no secret of its opposition, succeeded in scuttling India's bid despite a significant majority backing the Indian case. Thirty-eight countries supported India, according to Indian officials.
The UN has said it will sent home those peacekeepers found responsible of "inadequate response" during a deadly attack on its base in South Sudan where 48,000 civilians had sought refuge in February.

The United Nations takes "very seriously" the findings that confusion over command and rules of engagement hampered peacekeepers' response to the deadly attack, the world body's top peacekeeping official has said.

"We take it very seriously the fact that the Board of Inquiry points to an inadequate response by some of our people on the ground [in Malakal]; there was a lack of responsiveness from some and lack of understanding about the rules of engagement," Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Herve Ladsous told reporters yesterday after what he described as "very extensive" closed-door consultations with the UN Security Council.

Ladsous did not name the troops' countries but UN sources said Ethiopian, Rwandan, Indian and Bangladeshi units were deployed in Malakal at the time of the incident.

An Indian official told PTI that Indian troops were not guarding the camp at the time of the incident.

Ladsous said he has already spoken with the Permanent Representatives to the UN of the countries concerned.

"That time to call names has not come. I have talked to the Permanent Representatives of the country concerned and there will be follow up as there has been. I will not name names at this point but certainly there will be repatriation, in some cases of a unit and in other cases of individual officers," he said.

Ladsous along with Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, and Stephen O'Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, briefed the 15-member Council on that state of what are now known as 'Protection of Civilian' (PoC) sites that have been up and running in for the past two years in South Sudan.

The UN peacekeeping chief stated that "there was no question that at the time, we made the right decision to take in these people - many of them would be dead now if we had not done that. But then, no one expected the crisis [in South Sudan] to continue for such a long time and that we would still have these huge numbers in our protection sites."



The briefing came after the release of a note to correspondents, in which the Office of the Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said a special investigation and a UN Headquarters board of inquiry were convened to review the circumstances of the violence that erupted in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) PoC site in Malakal from February 17 to 18, in which at least 30 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were killed, 123 others were wounded, and a significant portion of the camp was destroyed.

According to the note, the preliminary report of the board mentions, among others, that a number of issues contributed to the incident.

On the UNMISS response, there was confusion with respect to command and control and rules of engagement, and a lack of coordination among the various civilian and uniformed peacekeepers in Malakal at the time of the crisis, the note said.

(Reopens FGN 22)



Further to the note, the board also mentioned that there were unrealistic expectations as to the level of protection that UNMISS could feasibly provide to the 48,000 internally displaced persons in Malakal at the time of the incident.

Ladosus said that even though the two reports on the "very very grave" incident at Malakal are not quite complete and are now being reviewed by legal experts, the officials took it very seriously that the documents "found that while some of our people on the ground responded very well, some did not. So we are following up on this."



Asked what kinds of actions the UN would take in the wake of the probe's finding, Ladsous said: "Well there is much to do. Clearly we still have to do a better job in training [...] and it's a process. People we trained last year have since rotated [out of the Mission] so we have to make sure new incoming people get training as soon as they arrive in mission."



"It's also about explaining in depth and making sure that everyone, from the top to the bottom, has a thorough understanding of the rules of engagement and what they should do [...] this sort of training has to be undertaken on a very regular basis so that nobody slips through [...] the net," he said.

In its latest update, UNMISS estimates the number of civilians seeking safety in six PoC sites located on its bases is 158,727, including 95,126 in Bentiu, 32,719 in Malakal, 27,959 in Juba UN House, 2,004 in Bor, 700 in Melut and 219 in Wau.
The 21.5-billion dollar Australian rail and mine project of Indian energy giant today faced another legal hurdle after a community group asked the Supreme Court to scrutinise Queensland state government's decision to approve the firm's Abbot Point Terminal expansion.

Whitsunday Residents Against Dumping, claiming to save the Great Barrier Reef, brought an application to the Queensland Supreme Court that soughta hearing to determine whether the state's environment department properly considered legislative tests when approving thecontentious port expansion.

A former tourism worker and spokesperson for the activist group, Sandra Williams said, "Australia's precious Great Barrier Reef is already in poor health, and Indian coal company Adani's controversial port project, which will cause irreparable damage, has raised significant concern in our community."



"We believe the approval of Adani's port proposal was unlawful and, long with many thousands of Australians, we feel that it is wrong to damage the glorious Great Barrier Reef to build a port for an unviable foreign owned coal mine that nobody wants or needs," Williams said.

"There is a question mark over whether the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection properly assessed the project, as required by law, before it gave this billion dollar proposal the green light. It is critically important that the decision, which has such grave implications for the Great Barrier Reef, is properly scrutinised," she said.

"Both state and federal governments in Australia are allowing fossil fuel to expand the port, for a coal project that will decimate the Reef and its glorious corals, and threaten marine life, including endangered snubfin dolphins, turtles and giant manta rays."



Meanwhile in response to the latest legal challenge, an Adani spokesperson said that it was yet another attempt by activists to delay the project - one of the world's largest coal mines - and highlighted the massive costs to Queensland.

"What we see today is yet another politically-motivated activist attempt to delay a centrepiece of Adani's plans to build a long-term future with Queensland," he said, adding that "this latest challenge is to a science-based approval that has now gone through three exhaustive state environmental approvals processes, and three exhaustive federal environmental approvals processes, and accompanying public consultation processes.

"The activists are again represented by a group committed through multiple challenges to delay investment and job creation through resource projects in this state."



He highlighted that as a PwC report commissioned by Adani released this week noted that activist-delays would have cost "our state $3.9 billion in a reduction in Gross State Product through 2023-24, and 2,665 jobs through 2023-24."



"Unusually, the activist advancing this challenge today reportedly said that it would be wrong tobuild a port at Abbot Point. The port already exists, and is strictly regulated. It has operated for several decades," he said.
Mizo National Front (MNF) president Zoramthanga today said a new alliance of non-Congress parties of the northeastern region will be formally launched in Guwahati on July 13.

The launch of the alliance called North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) is likely to be participated by BJP president Amit Shah and many Union ministers. NEDA would support the NDA government at the Centre, he told party workers at 'Hnam Run', the MNF's office here.

"NEDA has been conceived to wipe-out Congress from the northeast region, Zoramthanga said, adding the national party has already been uprooted from Delhi and recently from Assam.

He said at least 10 non-Congress parties met in Guwahati recently to draft the constitution for NEDA, and MNF is its only member from Mizoram.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today took a dig at Congress leader Amarinder Singh, saying he was "trying to replicate" him by launching mass outreach campaign in the hope of becoming Chief Minister but his dream will "never be fulfilled."



Badal said Amarinder was "promising moon" to everyone knowing very well that he "could not form" the government when he faces the Assembly polls next year.

"Former Chief Minister is trying to replicate me. The most inaccessible Captain is now sweating out in scorching heat in the hope of becoming the Chief Minister of state," the SAD leader said here on the sidelines of 'Sangat Darshan' programme in Nakodar assembly segment.

Badal was taking a swipe at Amarinder's recently-started six-month mass outreach campaign 'Halke Vich Captain' (Captain in the area) under which the Punjab Congress Chief will spend a day in each of all 117 assembly constituencies to establish a direct contact with voters.

In this campaign, Amarinder, an MP from Amritsar, is hearing out grievances of people, and promising them to set up Special Task Force within 100 days if Congress forms government for redressing public grievances.

Through this campaign, Amarinder aims to reach out to 2 crore people which has been designed by I-PAC, team of poll strategist Prashant Kishor.

Badal has been holding 'Sangat Darshan' (meeting people) programme whereby he listens to problems of people and tries to solve them on the spot.

"This dream of Captain (of becoming the Chief Minister) can never be fulfilled as people of state are solidly with the SAD-BJP alliance. The 'darbars' of Captain are totally a futile exercise as Captain neither has the intention nor the will power to ensure welfare of people" Badal said.

Slamming the Congress leaders for shedding "crocodile tears" on the emotive issue of Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, the Chief Minister said they should not forget that they were a "part and parcel of this grave conspiracy to snatch the waters of state".

He said every Congress leader, who is creating hue and cry over this issue, should know that it was Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who laid the foundation of this canal to "ruin" the state.

Likewise, he said that at that time every big or small Congress leader including the present state Congress Chief Captain Amarinder Singh had welcomed Indira Gandhi to perform ground breaking ceremony for depriving Punjab of its share in water.

Later, on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan programme in



Bhai Ka Kera village, the Chief Minister said he would raise with the central government the issue of resuming the broadcast of Punjabi bulletin service from All India Radio (AIR).

He said the state government was duty-bound to promote Punjabi language and culture. "We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that this bulletin service is restarted at the earliest," Badal added.

The Chief Minister also expressed deep concern over desecration of Gurdwara Sahib in Srinagar and imposition of tax on Gurdwara Sahib in Aligarh.

Noting that such incidents should be avoided as they have serious repercussions, Badal said all state governments should ensure that sanctity of each religion was maintained.

Replying to a query, he said Congress leaders were to be blamed for Chandigarh not being given to Punjab and they were "shedding crocodile tears" on the issue. He said the party has a done grave injustice to the state on the issue.
Andhra Pradesh today formally joined the Centre's scheme that seeks to revive ailing electricity distribution companies, a step which will enable the state government to take over debts amounting to Rs 11,000 crore of its discoms during the current fiscal.

The Union Ministry of Power, the AP government and the state's two power distribution companies (discoms) signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding to formally join the Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojna (UDAY).

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power Piyush Goyal and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu graced the function wherein Union Joint Secretary (Power Distribution) A K Varma and state Principal Secretary (Energy and Infrastructure) Ajay Jain signed the MoU and exchanged the papers.

Under the agreement, the state government would take over debts amounting to Rs 11,000 crore of the discoms (APSPDCL and APEPDCL) during the current fiscal.

Lauding the initiatives of the Naidu government in the power sector, Goyal announced Andhra Pradesh has become the third state, after Gujarat and Punjab, to accomplish 100 per cent household electricity connectivity.

"This is a landmark achievement," Goyal said, adding, it would be another landmark when the state reduces power transmission, distribution and (billing) collection losses to 5-6 per cent soon.

The state's TDC losses currently stood at 10.19 per cent.

"It's an aggressive target to bring down the losses to 5-6 per cent and if it is achieved, AP will be better than Europe and the USA.

"AP will soon become the first state in the country to install smart meters that will help curb power theft and pilferage," the Union Minister added.

Noting that AP has come forward to replace existing 15 lakh agricultural pump sets over the next three years with energy efficient pump sets, Goyal said the Centre would fund the programme 100 per cent initially.

The state would pay back the Centre from the power saving over the next 10 years.

"Energy efficiency is a challenging yet rewarding programme for India," Goyal remarked.
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to go ahead with the controversial Swiss Challenge model for selecting the master developer for the state's new capital city Amaravati.

The state Cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, approved the Swiss Challenge model after a high-powered committee headed by Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu cleared the proposal.

Briefing media at the end of the Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said a Singapore consortium of Ascendas-Singbridge and Sembcorp Development Limited had submitted a proposal on October 30 last year under Swiss Challenge to be the master developer of Amaravati.

"We have thoroughly scrutinised the proposal at various levels and the high-powered committee gave its approval last week. We discussed this in the Cabinet meeting and approved the Singapore consortium's proposal," the Chief Minister said.

Singapore government has 74.5 per cent equity in the consortium, he added.

"The Singapore consortium has offered a 42 per cent stake to Amaravati Development Company (ADC), a special purpose vehicle floated by the state government, under Swiss Challenge. The master developer will develop 6.84 sq km of seed capital area," he said.

The Singapore consortium and the ADC will together form the Amaravati Development Partner that would be given 1691 acres of land in three phases for development of the seed capital area, Chandrababu explained.

"We will give 50 acres at a nominal price. The Singapore consortium offered Rs 4 crore per acre for 200 acres to be developed in the first phase," he added.

"We have sounded Japan, China, UK and other countries for development of the seed capital under Swiss Challenge. August 15 will be the deadline for selecting the master developer," Chandrababu announced.

Swiss Challenge model aims to award project works to bidders having best ideas to execute them.
The Andhra Pradesh government today offered help to a nine-month-old child suffering from a rare liver disease after her parents approached a court in Chittoor district seeking mercy killing.

Gyanasai, born to Ramanappa and Saraswati from Chittoor district, has been suffering from a rare liver disease known as biliary atresia, since her birth, a state government release said.

"The parents could not bear the huge cost of treatment for the disease and they approached a court in Chittoor district seeking mercy killing for the baby as they were unable to see her pain," it said.

State Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas took up the matter with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who announced that help would be provided to the child from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

The baby was taken to a liver specialist Mohammed Rela, who suggested that she needed a liver transplant surgery urgently, the release added, adding, the father would donate his liver to the daughter in the operation to be conducted in a major hospital in Chennai next Monday.

Officials have completed all arrangements for the surgery to be performed in Chennai, it said.
At least four deaths have been reported in flooding that has devastated parts of West Virginia, a state official said today morning.

Chris Stadelman, West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's communications director, said three people have died in Kanawha County and a fourth died in Wheeling.

He didn't have details and said the numbers don't include a young boy who crews have been looking for after he was swept away by swift water yesterday in Jackson County.

Stadelman said some areas in the state were "probably looking at flooding that's going to be the worst in 100 years."



Storms with heavy rain rolled into West Virginia early yesterday and continued throughout the day leaving tens of thousands without power and several roads impassable due to high water.

The fatalities included at least one child. Wheeling police told newspaper The Intelligencer that an 8-year-old boy died after he was swept away by swift water.

Stadelman said today morning that some areas were "devastated." He said the hardest hit counties included Greenbrier, Nicholas, Fayette, Kanawha and Webster.

Tomblin issued a state of emergency yesterday for 44 counties in the state. He said in a statement today that the Emergency Operations Center worked through the night and was continuing to coordinate with local officials today.

"I have authorized the deployment of up to 150 members of the West Virginia National Guard to assist local emergency responders as we continue to evaluate the situation today," he said.

Although some areas were evacuated, Stadelman said others had to be rescued.

"We had swift water rescue teams out until late last night and back out again his morning literally rescuing people from rooftops and upper stories of houses," he said.

The Kanawha Sheriff's Department put out a statement urging residents to stay off the roads unless there is an emergency.

"Due to the widespread flooding through the county, there are many road closures. Travel throughout the county will be very dangerous today," the statement said, and warned drivers not to travel through high water.

Meanwhile across the state line, Virginia's governor declared a state of emergency in Alleghany County and Covington after severe weather and flooding there.

Governor Terry McAuliffe tweeted last night that a state of emergency has been declared, allowing state agencies to bypass some time-consuming procedures to quickly help local governments.

Three emergency workers were injured during a water rescue in Alleghany County, officials said. Botetourt County Battalion Chief Andrew Moore said by telephone today that one worker fell in the water during a rescue in Alleghany County last night.
vice president Prabhat Jha has said that his party's alliance with Akali Dal in Punjab will continue and the two would contest the forthcoming Assembly elections together in that state.

The Assembly elections in Punjab are due next year.

"Our alliance in Punjab with Akali Dal will continue. It is an unbreakable relationship which people have supported not just once, but twice. Therefore, we will contest the polls in coalition only," Jha, who is also the in-charge of in Punjab said last evening.

"We all workers are working hard in Punjab and we will again form the government there in 2017," he said.

Referring to Uttar Pradesh, the Rajya Sabha MP said the people in UP are fed up of both the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, and that the people gave the message during the recent BJP's executive meeting in Allahabad.

"People have given a new slogan in UP, 'Na Sapa na Basapa, sirf Bhajapa' (neither SP nor BSP, only BJP), and I am confident that in this scenario, the is going to form government in the northern state," Jha said.

Replying to a question, Jha criticised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly making irresponsible statements against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"There are 34 chief ministers in the country, but no one talks the way he is making statements against the Prime Minister. He thinks that if he attacks Namo (Narendra Modi) then he would become a big leader. People understand everything. They know he (Modi) is unparalleled," Jha said.

On the issue of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar virtually boycotting the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21, Jha remarked, "It appears that Kumar is not well and therefore, he was unable to do yoga exercises that day."



"The day was celebrated by Muslims, Christians and people who believe in god and non-believers. It is mainly for keeping one healthy and has nothing to do with religion. When people all over world have listened to him (Modi) on the issue, how come Nitishji will not listen to him? It seems he is not well and therefore did not come for it," Jha said.
BMS on Friday said "every day anti-worker decisions are coming out in the name of one-sided labour law reforms."



It expressed deep-felt dissatisfaction on the callous and lethargic attitude of the Centre on welfare of workers and asked it to immediately stop anti-labour reforms.

In a resolution passed at the two-day meeting of its office-bearers in Nagpur, BMS has decided to hold demonstrations at district and industrial centres on July 8 to educate workers on the grievous labour situation and give memorandum to all MPs with its demands before the Monsoon session of the Parliament.

It said it would decide on issuing a strike notice at its central executive committee meeting in August in Bhopal.

...Government is openly identifying itself with the big industrial houses and proposing a paradigm of industrial progress at the cost of withdrawing workers welfare. Its ease of doing business is tainted by anti-worker content.



This is being blindly followed by many of state governments. Thus, BMS is unhappy about the poor performance of the government in the labour sector. Government due to its ignorance has fallen into the trap. It displays its ignorance on tripartite tradition, well-settled labour jurisprudence, objective of industrial peace and international labour standards of ILO, it said.

BMS expresses its deepfelt dissatisfaction on the callous and lethargic attitude of the Central Government on welfare of the workers. This is in spite of our detailed resolution on Stop Anti Labour Reforms and Implement Agreed Demands passed by the Central Executive Committee meeting held in Hyderabad in February.

Government has shown least respect towards the promises it has given in writing on August 28, 2015 on the joint Charter of Demands. That is why every day anti-worker decisions are coming out in the name of one-sided labour law reforms, it said.

It also cited examples of repeated aggressions on EPF and ESI, anti-worker reforms, textile policy with anti-worker proposals, maritime policy, NITI Ayog recommendation on PSUs, price rise, banking reforms, negative stand on international labour standards of ILO, inviting FDI offering to exploit the cheap labour in India as the government's anti-labour moves.
Bank of India today said it has raised Rs 500 crore through issuance of Basel-III compliant bonds.

"The Bank has raised Rs 500 crore by issue of Basel-III compliant additional Tier-1 bonds (Series-Ill)", it said in a regulatory filing.

The bonds have been rated as AA (-) by Brickwork and A+ by Crisil and bear a coupon rate of 11.50 per cent per annum, it added.

Yesterday, the bank had informed about raising Rs 1,000 crore via Basel-III compliant bonds.

Bank of India shares were trading 2.07 per cent down at Rs 94.45 on BSE during the afternoon session.
The differences between India and China on boundary issue and other matters may have "some marginal effect" on bilateral trade but businesses between the two sides have been expanding, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said today.

"Economic relationship normally moves independently. Because trade will depend on terms of trade. These factors could have some marginal effect," said Jaitley, who is here on a five-day visit to pitch for more Chinese investments in India's infrastructure sector.

Asked about the impact of Sino-India differences, specially in the backdrop of the boundary dispute, he said, "If at all it is marginal. You are not at a stage countries have stopped dealing with each other businesses. Issues are there. Issues will be resolved. The boundary issue has existed for decades. Our business expanded notwithstanding."



About ballooning trade deficit which amounted to about USD 48 billion last year in over USD 70 billion bilateral trade, Jaitley said, "it can only be bridged by improving upon your trade".

"Otherwise those who are in a position to become global suppliers also has to work on their own costing," he said.

About India pressing China to provide market access to IT and Pharmaceuticals, he said, "the market issues between the two countries are real. These issues are discussed time to time."



On the the flow of Chinese investments into India, Jaitley said investments in rural and public sectors have to government investments. But two areas private investment is always welcome are, infrastructure and manufacturing.

"These two areas we prefer lot of private investment which will come from where ever it is available," he said.

Some corporations have large investable surpluses. Therefore, investment do come into manufacture and infrastructure, he said.

"As a rule they are welcomed unless there is some other issue. In terms of investments it could always be more," he said.

On the feasibility study for Delhi-Chennai bullet train corridor, he said study is there but it has not come to me yet.

Jaitley, who addressed an Investors Forum meet here today attended by officials of the top Chinese firms will take part in the Board of Governors meeting of the China sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) tomorrow. India is the second largest shareholder in the bank after China.
With the Brexit causing a big havoc in financial markets globally, the volatility index of Indian stock markets zoomed over 10 per cent and experts warned of a huge volatility ahead on concerns of 'copycat' exit referendums in other European nations.

Financial services major Ambit Investment Advisors' CEO Andrew Holland said Brexit is a huge negative and has far reaching ramifications for global markets and economies.

Andrew, who hails from Britain and has been active in the Indian equities markets since 2006 said there will be speculation over whether Scotland will call for a new referendum given they voted to "remain" in the European Union.

"Elsewhere in Europe other countries may well follow suit and hold their own referendums and concerns would rise as to whether the European Union will disintegrate," said Holland who has previously been with Merrill Lynch as MD and Head of Proprietary Trading.

"The global and market implications for this are very negative and volatility across all asset classes will be high for some time going forward.

"We could therefore revisit the concerns of earlier this year that the global economy could now take a shift down and central banks have fired most of their ammunition and anyways it is not really working. So politics will be at the forefront of markets and with that huge volatility," he added.

Tata Asset Management Chief Investment Officer Ritesh Jain said the "so-called unthinkable" has happened with the UK becoming the first country to do so since the formation of the European Union.

Stating that markets are going "haywire" after going into a complacent mode into the lead up to referendum, he said, "And not to forget of our complacency... The Indian VIX is up 10 per cent this morning on of Brexit".

He further said going ahead "volatility will remain abound as positions get un-wound and markets speculate on the future of Europe.

"The biggest beneficiary will be safe havens: dollar denominated assets (especially short-term US treasury) and gold... The 10-year US Treasury yields is already down 30bps, the most since 2009! The pound is at its lowest in 30 years," he said.

The British pound was down nearly 9 per cent in early morning trade.

Jain further said Europe has a busy election season in the next 12-36 months and Brexit will only aggravate the separatists elsewhere in the euro zone. Italy already has pro-separatist mayors getting elected in Rome and Turin. Spain goes into elections on Sunday," he added.

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, however, sought to calm the nerves saying markets are trying to factor the consequences of this development and this has already led to sharp corrections in financial markets around the world.

"The Indian economy has good fundamentals, low short-term external debt and sizeable foreign reserves. These should stand the country in good stead in the days to come," he said, adding RBI was keeping a close vigil on market developments, both domestically and internationally, and will take all necessary steps, including liquidity support (both dollar and Indian rupee, to ensure orderly conditions in financial markets.
As central bankers from across the world, including RBI chief Raghuram Rajan, met here today, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) said there is likely to be a "period of uncertainty and adjustment" in the wake of Britain's decision to exit the European Union.

In a development that could have far-reaching implications for Europe as well as the global economy, Britain has voted to leave the 28-nation bloc EU, causing bloodbath in financial markets.

"There is likely to be a period of uncertainty and adjustment... With good co-operation at a global level, we are confident that uncertainty can be contained and adjustments proceed as smoothly as possible," BIS said in a statement.

Noting that the referendum outcome has resulted in high volatility in markets, BIS said extensive contingency plans by the private sector and central banks have been put in place to limit disturbances.

"Stronger capital and liquidity buffers in the private sector have also made financial systems more resilient," the statement said.

"Central banks have already communicated that they are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to take the necessary actions to ensure orderly market functioning."



Earlier in the day, Rajan asked central banks across the globe to desist from currency depreciation to create competitive advantage in the wake of Britain's exit from the EU.

"Authorities across the world will (have to) pay more attention to building popular and political support for keeping an open world," he said, adding that rallying public support would be a "silver lining" from the Brexit episode.

Meanwhile, BIS also said the UK is closely integrated in the global economy and hosts one of the world's most important financial centres.

Heads of central banks are meeting here at the headquarters of BIS, which is popularly known as the bank for central banks.
As Brexit roiled financial markets, top industry leaders today said India cannot be in a denial mode as the referendum has opened a "pandora's box of grave uncertainties" and Indian companies, especially in IT sector, will have to rework their strategies for the region.

They also foresaw Indian companies having to shift their operations out of the UK to other European locations.

While the government and RBI sought to calm the nerves saying any impact on India would be transient lasting just for a few days, the exporters warned of immediate impact on their margins due to volatility in rupee value.

As the USD 108-billion Indian IT sector stared at a phase of uncertainty in near-term, homegrown multinationals Tata and Mahindra groups said access to markets and skilled workforce will remain key issues after Britain voted to exit from the EU, an event which also "highlights the importance of sound risk management for the corporate world".

Tata group saw shares of their various companies including Tata Motors and Tata Steel with significant exposure to UK taking a big hit.

Exporters feared that the turmoil in global currencies would bring in more currency risks and could prove disastrous for the world trade, although rupee depreciation may appear to be good in longer term for those shipping goods overseas.

"It has opened up a Pandora's box of grave uncertainties," Biocon CMD Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw told PTI when asked for implications of Brexit.

She further said: "Will Euro remain intact or will we see others exit? What will be the impact on the Euro itself? Will it devalue and to what extent? How will India's bilateral trade with UK and Europe be impacted?"



Mazumdar-Shaw said India cannot be in a denial mode that it will be immune to Brexit, adding that there is likely to be mayhem for several weeks before things stabilise.

Tech investor and former Infosys director T V Mohandas Pai said Indian IT players catering to clients in the financial services space in London may shift their operations to other parts of Europe as a cheaper Pound Sterling will have the biggest impact on these firms.

"That's already impacting them, marginally, depending upon who is exposed to business in the UK," said, adding "now, many of them may migrate to Europe...What happens there is something that needs to be seen. So, there could be temporary relocation over a period of four to five years".

Expressing similar views, IT industry body Nasscom said: "Likely decline in the value of the British pound, which could render many existing contracts losing propositions unless they are renegotiated."



Europe is the second largest market for Indian IT-BPM industry, constituting almost 30 per cent of the sector's export revenue of about USD 100 billion. The UK plays a key role within this market. In addition to representing a large share of Nasscom's members' activity in Europe, many use Britain as a gateway for further investment across the EU.

Concerns further mounted as commentators said that Britain's exit could mean that the EU could slip into recession while Indian firms would also need to rework their strategy to use UK as a gateway for their European operations.

Besides, there are fears that the UK operations as such might take a hit of several Indian companies due to immigration and other restrictions that might come in because of Brexit.

Financial services major Ambit Investment Advisors' CEO Andrew Holland said Brexit is a huge negative outcome and has far reaching ramifications for global markets and economies.

Andrew, who hails from Britain and has been active in the Indian equities markets since 2006, there will be speculation over whether Scotland will call for a new referendum given they voted to "remain" in the European Union.

"Elsewhere in Europe, other countries may well follow suit and hold their own referendums and concerns would rise as to whether the European Union will disintegrate," said Holland who has previously been with Merrill Lynch as MD and Head of Proprietary Trading.

"The global and market implications for this are very negative and volatility across all asset classes will be high for some time going forward.

"We could therefore re-visit the concerns of earlier this year that the global economy could now take a shift down and central banks have fired most of their ammunition and anyways it is not really working. So politics will be at the forefront of markets and with that huge volatility," he added.

Stating that markets are going "haywire" after going into a complacent mode into the lead up to referendum, he said going ahead "volatility will remain abound as positions get un-wound and markets speculate on the future of Europe.

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan however said the Indian economy has good fundamentals, low short-term external debt, and sizeable foreign reserves.

"These should stand the country in good stead in the days to come," he said.

(REOPENS DEL 51)



Industry body Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said: "Since India has a huge corporate investment in the UK economy, Indian firms with manufacturing or other facilities in Britain will have to realign their business plans."



Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman Ashok G Rajani said: "Britain is our largest market in the European union accounting for around 30 per cent of our exports to EU. It's exit would significantly dilute the relevance of EU FTA for us.

Exporters' body FIEO President S C Ralhan observed that in the immediate future, volatility in currency may put pressure on India's exports as both British Pound and Euro will depreciate giving greater competitiveness to their products particularly in third countries.

CII President Naushad Forbes said with the UK voting to leave the EU, Indian companies will re-engineer their European strategy.

"This should not be an issue. India will not be affected due to Brexit if we look at a mid to long term perspective," he said.

Commenting on the development, the over USD 100 billion Tata Group said access to markets and skilled workforce will remain important considerations after Britain's decision to leave EU.

It, however, said the 19 independent group companies in the UK in diverse businesses will review their strategies and operations in the wake of the development.

"Each company continuously reviews its strategy and operations in the light of developments, and will continue to do so. Access to markets and to a skilled workforce will remain important considerations," a Tata Sons spokesperson said in a statement.

Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover said it is "business as usual" and will manage the long-term impact and implications of Brexit, insisting "nothing will change" overnight for it and the automotive industry.

Another homegrown multinational Mahindra group also said Brexit will result in uncertainty in the immediate aftermath which will moderate over time.

"The impact on India and Indian industries will not be significant. No impact on M&M Ltd, the impact on Mahindra Group will be muted. As a group, our 'resilience' will stand us in good stead and we are poised to take advantage of any opportunities that may emerge," Mahindra Group CFO, V S Parthasarathy said.
Cambodia deported 25 Taiwanese nationals wanted on fraud charges to China today, a police officer said, despite vehement opposition from Taipei which wanted the suspects returned to Taiwan.

Taipei accuses Beijing of "abducting" its citizens from countries that do not recognise the island's government -- such as close China ally Cambodia.

"The Chinese plane just took off from the Phnom Penh airport with the suspects," Cambodian immigration officer Uk Heisela told AFP.

The 25 Taiwanese suspects were joined by 14 Chinese nationals, all of whom were recently arrested for allegedly running a telephone fraud targeting victims on the mainland.

"Chinese police came with the plane. Each suspect was escorted by two Chinese police," said the officer, adding that a total of 90 Chinese officers arrived to oversee the hand-off.

Taiwan insists citizens deported from third countries should be returned to the island and not to mainland China.

Taiwan has been self-ruling since the end of a civil war in 1949 but Beijing still sees it as a part of its territory waiting to be reunified.

The island has never formally declared independence.

Cambodia, one of Beijing's closest allies in Southeast Asia, refuses to differentiate between China and Taiwan, simply referring to nationals from the latter as "island Chinese".

In April Malaysia and Kenya sparked uproar in Taipei when they returned Taiwanese nationals accused of crimes to mainland China.

Observers saw the deportation cases as Beijing's effort to pressure the new Taiwanese government that took office in May.

China does not trust the traditionally pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Taiwan's new president Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly pledged to maintain the "status quo", but she also has not bowed to pressure to accept Beijing's definition of cross-strait relations.
Prime Minister David Cameron today announced his resignation following the UK's vote to leave the EU, saying a new Prime Minister should be in place by October as it would not be right for him to try to be "the captain that steers the country" to its next destination.

Cameron, whose voice choked with emotion as he addressed media outside 10 Downing Street soon after the results in favour of Brexit had been confirmed, said that while nothing would change instantly, it will be a new Prime Minister who would "deliver the instruction" of the British public.

"We must now prepare for a negotiation with the European Union...The country requires fresh leadership to take this forward. While it is important that I stay on to steady the ship, I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," said Cameron, who led a spirited campaign for the Remain side.

"I will do all that I can to help," the 49-year-old Conservative leader said, adding that the "will of the people must be respected".

Describing the referendum as a "giant democratic exercise," Cameron said, "Across the world people have been watching the choice that Britain has made. Iwould reassure those markets and investors that Britain's economy is fundamentally strong and I would also reassure Britons living in European countries and European citizens living here, that there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances."



Nearly 30.6 million had turned out in Thursday's referendum to deliver the verdict of 51.9 per cent in favour of Brexit and 48.1 per cent for Remain.

"There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold," Cameron said.

The Cabinet will meet on Monday when a timetable for him stepping down will be firmed up, a decision he said he had communicated to Queen Elizabeth II.

Cameron, who has been Prime Minister of the UK for six years, winning a majority second term for his Conservative party in the 2015 general election, said the country now requires, "strong, determined and committed leadership" to negotiate the UK's future with Europe and the rest of the world.

With wife Samantha by his side, Cameron concluded his statement on an emotional note, saying "I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it and I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed."



Bank of England governor Mark Carney moved soon after to also issue a strong statement to try and calm the turmoil unleashed on the world markets.

"We are well prepared for this. The Treasury and the Bank of England have engaged in extensive contingency planning and the Chancellor and I have been in close contact, including through the night and this morning. The Bank will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as those markets adjust and the UK economy moves forward," he said.
Chief secretaries of seven Naxal-affected states and secretaries of key central ministries today reviewed development projects initiated in Maoist-hit areas, including installation of mobile towers, expansion of railway lines besides others.

Issues such as installation of mobile towers in grey areas, increasing the reach of networks of Doordarshan and All India Radio, improvement in development programmes, expansion of railway lines, banking and postal services were discussed in detail, a Home Ministry official said.

Addressing the meeting, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that progress in development works has picked up during the last two years, and congratulated the states and the central ministries concerned.

Singh stressed the need to build upon this progress further, and finish the projects in hand at an even quicker pace, so that the people living in these areas are benefited and get access to services and facilities on par with other parts of the country.

The Home Minister also noted that deaths due to Left wing extremism incidents had declined by 42 per cent in 2015 as compared to 2013.

The meeting, initiated by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, took stock of the progress of different projects in the seven Naxal-hit states -- Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Maharashtra.

Secretaries of the central ministries like Railways, Road Transport and Highways, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Post, Information and Broadcasting, Communication and IT, Finance, Health and Family Welfare and Human Resource Development participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, special projects such as construction of roads (both RRP-I and II), installation of mobile towers, development measures such as schools with hostel facility, Kendriya Vidyalayas/Navodaya Vidyalayas in the worst-affected districts were discussed threadbare.

It was also decided to upgrade the multi-specialty hospital at Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh.
The Centre has shot down the deputation request of forest service officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi, whom Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wanted to be posted as OSD in his office, saying service rules bar such hiring.

It said that Chaturvedi needs to first complete mandatory cooling-off period of three years before joining the Delhi government.

Chaturvedi, a 2002 batch Indian Forest Service officer of Uttarakhand cadre, is working as Deputy Secretary in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He had last year sought inter-cadre deputation to Delhi government.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on February 16, last year written to Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar seeking services of Chaturvedi as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in his office.

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has declined the proposal for inter-cadre deputation of Chaturvedi from Uttarakhand cadre to the Government of National Capital territory of Delhi, an order issued recently by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said.

The decision comes after an order by Central Administrative Tribunal on June 2 directing the ACC to decide within three weeks on the deputation of the officer.

After his induction into the service, Chaturvedi was allocated Haryana cadre. However, he sought change in the cadre citing "extreme personal hardship". The ACC had approved the inter-cadre transfer of Chaturvedi from Haryana to Uttarakhand in August 2015.

However, in February this year, Uttarakhand government



rejected a representation of Chaturvedi seeking a No-Objection Certificate for inter-cadre deputation stating "if government of India grants waiver of cooling off condition, Uttarakhand has no-objection for inter-cadre deputation".

As per rules, an officer can get central deputation or inter-cadre deputation only after the concurrence from both the state government concerned (the cadre state of the officer) and the Centre.

Further, an officer must serve three years cooling off period between the two central deputation tenure. The central deputation tenure of Chaturvedi comes to end on June 28.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had earlier informed the ACC that Chaturvedi was yet to serve in his new parent cadre i.E. Uttarakhand.

The Ministry had further added that on account of the different socio-economic, political, cultural and geographical conditions from state to state, it was imperative for an officer to fully familiarise himself with the demand and constraints of his cadre in the formative stage of his career, in order to effectively meet the challenges of his cadre.

In its recent communication dated June 16, the MoEFCC had said since the government of Uttarakhand has not accorded its consent, and the officer is required to complete the mandatory cooling-off in his cadre prior to consideration of his next deputation, the inter cadre deputation of Chaturvedi from Uttarakhand to Delhi government "cannot be considered".

The ACC-led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in its order issued on Tuesday declined the inter cadre deputation to Chaturvedi.
The Centre today said it will support Assam's stand in the legal procedure the state will undertake against the public sector oil companies regarding the royalty issue.

"In our meeting today, we resolved to support Assam and to proceed in the matter legally. The Central government will definitely help Assam and will ask the oil companies to pay after the legal procedure," Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at a press conference here.

From 2014, about Rs 1,450 crore are due from Oil India and ONGC to Assam after the Supreme Court gave an interim relief to Gujarat, he claimed.

The Centre has already asked the companies to pay the amount after the legal procedure, he said.

Attacking former Prime Minster Manmohan Singh and former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Pradhan said: "The state was represented by the PM and I never understood why the state was neglected so much. In Centre and state, there was Congress government.

"When I had met Tarun Gogoi, I said that I would like to help him... He filed a writ petition and was sitting over it for two years."



Assam government had filed a petition in 2014 at Gauhati High Court regarding the royalty issue.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has been allowing ONGC and OIL to supply crude to oil marketing companies at highly discounted rates and has asked the producers to pay royalty to the states on the basis of such subsidised prices.

The Tarun Gogoi-led Assam government claimed many times that the amount of discount has at times been as high as 90 per cent or more and this has handed the state a cumulative loss of revenue of more than Rs 10,000 crore since 2008-09.

The Supreme Court, in its interim order, had directed ONGC to pay oil royalty to Gujarat at pre-discounted crude price beginning February 1, 2014.

Earlier, the Gujarat High Court, in a petition filed by the Gujarat government, held that the royalty should be payable to the state at market price of crude oil and not post-discount price.

Assam government has been demanding that the state gets its share of royalty on crude and VAT as well as other taxes at actual market price and not on the basis of heavily discounted sale price as is the case of Gujarat.

Upstream companies like ONGC and OIL are liable to pay royalty to the states on production of crude oil at 20 per cent on well head price, subject to certain deductions.

Besides, such firms are also liable to pay VAT at 5 per cent on sale of oil.
The Centre today unveiled draft rules for five Union Territories under the Real Estate Act which seeks to regulate the real estate sector, bring in transparency and help protect consumer interests.

The Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Ministry has posted the draft rules on its website for UTs without legislature--Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep -- and sought objections and suggestions from public in two weeks, an official release said.

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2016 was passed by the Parliament in March.

Non-discrimination against anyone in allotment of apartment and deposit of 70 per cent money realised by promoter in a separate account for meeting construction and land cost are some of the key highlights of the draft rules.

As per the draft, interest to be paid by promoters and allottees for delays would be SBI Prime Lending Rate plus 2 per cent, the release said.

"Fee proposed for registration of projects with the Regulatory Authority is Rs 10 per sq mt if the plot area is below 1,000 sq mt and Rs 20 if the area for development is more than that for residential projects," it said.

For commercial projects, however, the registration fee will be Rs 50 per sq mt for up to 1,000 sq mt and Rs 100 per sq mt beyond that.

The promoters are also required to submit information on 60 aspects about themselves and their projects, according to the draft rules.

The draft rules also suggest that the Real Estate



Regulatory Authority be set up in states/UTs to ensure availability of information in respect of 60 aspects relating to promoters and their projects.

These relate to the profile of developer, track record of promoter, details of past or ongoing litigations relating to real estate projects, apartment and garage related details, location, and details of registered agents and consultants, among others.

The promoter will also be required to upload updates on the web page of the project, within seven days from the expiry of each quarter, regarding number and types of apartments or plots booked and status of construction of each floor with photographs, among others, the release said.

Promoters of all ongoing projects which have not received completion certificates are also required to apply for registration of projects within three months and disclose all relevant information including the size of the apartment based on carpet area.

The draft rules also provide for payment of 10 per cent of the estimated cost of the project for compounding of imprisonment of promoter for non-registration of the project or violation of the order of the Real Estate Appellate Tribunal, it said.

Imprisonment of real estate agent and buyer for violating Tribunal's order can be compounded upon payment of 10 per cent of the estimated cost of the plot, apartment or building.

After eliciting public comments over the next two weeks, the draft rules will be discussed with officials of the five UTs and further to revision if required, the rules will be sent for legal vetting, the release said, adding thereafter, the rules will be notified.

The rules will also be referred to states and UTs for consideration and adoption to save time, an official said, adding that for Delhi, Ministry of Urban Development is responsible for notifying the rules.

The Urban Development Ministry could also consider adoption of the rules framed by HUPA Ministry in due course, he added.
Defending its opposition to entry of non-NPT countries like India into NSG, China today said it was guided by the rules of the 48-nation grouping which were not directed against any specific country.

It also advocated an "out of the box" thinking to arrive at a consensus over the issue of entry of non-NPT countries into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

"China wants two things; we must abide by the rules of NSG because these kind of rules are not directed against any specific country. We must strive for consensus by thinking out of the box," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a briefing.

Hua claimed that during the NSG's plenary session in Seoul, China worked together with a couple of other countries to press ahead with the entry of non-NPT states through "creative means".

"This is also major progress achieved at the plenary session. China has been working positively and constructively to that end," she said.

Hua also insisted that the entry of India and other non-NPT states was not on the agenda of the plenary session.

"So it does not make sense to say that China objects their entry. We have seen some media reports in this report. Hope relevant media when making such kinds of reports clear all the facts to avoid misleading the public," Hua said.

Hua's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought China's support for India's NSG membership.

Modi had urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to make a "fair and objective" assessment of India's application which was before the Seoul plenary as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The plenary meeting of the nuclear trading club ended today with no decision on India's membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.
China today continued to vehemently oppose India's membership of NSG which is unlikely to go through as the two-day plenary of the 48-nation grouping headed towards a conclusion here.

Wang Qun, Director General of China's Department of Arms Control, told reporters that there was no consensus on the NSG membership of non-NPT countries like India.

He insisted that for a country to be a member of NSG, signing of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty "is a must". This rule has not been set by China but by the international community, he added.

Wang warned "if exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether".

Asked about reports that Beijing was blocking India's membership, the Chinese chief negotiator said NSG has so far not agreed to any agenda item on participation of non-NPT countries. Therefore, there was no point of China supporting or opposing India's membership.

The anti-India stand taken by China again today clearly shows that Chinese President Xi Jinping has not responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's urgings in Tashkent yesterday that Beijing should support India's case.

Seeking China's support for India's membership, Modi had urged Xi to make a "fair and objective" assessment of India's application which is before the Seoul plenary as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
An anti-terrorism court in Gilgit-Baltistan region of PoK has sentenced a Chinese national to nine years imprisonment for trying to smuggle weapons from Pakistan to China.

The court also imposed a ban on the Chinese man, Wang Jiangquo, from visiting Pakistan again.

On May 24, the Khunjrab Security Force (KSF) personnel had arrested the Chinese citizen from Khunjrab National Park area of Hunza district near the China-Pakistan border for allegedly trying to smuggle arms and ammunition to China.

A case was registered against the Chinese national under the anti-terrorism law and he was shifted to Giglit for investigation, the Dawn reported.

The Chinese man had arrived in Islamabad from China in the first week of May on a one-month visa. He then travelled by bus to Aliabad, Hunza, from where he reached Sost. In Sost he hired a taxi and went to the Khunjrab National Park, police said.

The taxi driver had told local police that Wang had asked him to slowly move forward while he took photographs in the National Park. When the Chinese citizen did not return, the driver got worried and informed the nearby checkpost officials. The officials along with policemen combed the area and found the man near a glacier.

On search of his bag the police officials found four pistols, 200 bullets, a map, compass and binoculars.

The police shifted him to Sost town where a case was registered against him under the anti-terrorism law. He was later shifted to Gilgit for investigation.

During the investigation, the suspect confessed to his crime of trying to smuggle four pistols and ammunition across the border.

Hearing the case, Gilgit ATC judge Shahbaz Khan also asked the Punjab inspector general of police to take action against the arms dealer who sold four pistols and hundreds of bullets to the foreigner.
Stung by the article in a BJP journal daring Shiv Sena to exit the alliance in Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party today demanded a clarification from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis if it was his party's official stand and said his government would be in trouble if the lead partner chooses a course of self-destruction.

Reacting sharply to state BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari's article in the party fortnightly 'Manogat', Sena leader Sanjay Raut reminded Fadnavis that his government would have to depend on a party like the NCP if it opted to break the alliance.

The article, 'When are you taking talaaq Mr Raut', had dared the Sena to take "divorce" while enumerating the sacrifices BJP has made in past couple of decades-and-a-half to keep the tie-up intact.

The write-up in the BJP came in the backdrop of growing strains in the relations between the two parties with Sena mounting scathing attacks on the Centre through its mouthpiece "Saamana", often in a mocking tone.

Bhandari's article also drew an analogy from the Bollywood flick 'Sholay' in which a jailor character, played by Asrani, asks policemen to march in different directions, only to later on find that no one is standing behind him.

"Probably Raut and his party president (Thackeray) are apprehensive that if they do walk out of the government no one from the Sena would be left standing behind them," it stated.

Taking serious objection to the article, especially about personal references against him, Raut said criticism should be made on policy decisions and not on a personal level.

"Fadnavis should immediately clarify if the views expressed by a certain BJP leader (Bhandari) is the official stand of the party. We believe that such comments cannot be made on a personal level. Criticism should be made against policy decisions and not on a personal level. Making below the belt remarks only shows their level of thinking," Raut said.

"It seems they (the BJP) want to finish off their own government and thereby drown Maharashtra. We have taken the issue very seriously. Remember your government stands with our support. Otherwise, you have the option of taking support of Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare and Ajit Pawar (referring to the NCP). People will answer you then," he added.

Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire said in Aurangabad that "people like Madhav Bhandari should be aware of the wrath of Shiv Sainiks over his comments against the Sena leadership."



Wranglings between BJP and Shiv Sena, long time allies and partners in Maharashtra and at the Centre, have assumed a shrill pitch in recent times.
Some 400 UN personnel will monitor a disarmament deal ending Colombia's civil war and courts will rule in July whether a referendum can be held to endorse the ceasefire, officials said.

The announcements came yesterday after the Colombian government and the country's biggest rebel force, the FARC, signed a definitive ceasefire agreement, one of the last steps toward ending the half-century conflict.

The next step will be to sign a full peace agreement, which will launch a six-month UN-monitored disarmament process.

Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin told Radio Caracol that at least 400 UN observers would come to monitor the demobilization and disarmament. She said she expects the United Nations to fund the operation.

The estimated 7,000 members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) will gather in 23 "normalization zones" for demobilization.

Analysts cautioned that several other points of discussion remain to be settled between the two sides, including how to reintegrate FARC members into civil and political life.

The sides also have yet to agree on where the final deal would be signed.

The government wants it to happen in Bogota while the FARC prefers Havana, where the peace talks have been hosted.

"Some points remain to be negotiated, but it seems clear after yesterday's signing that there will soon be a final accord," said Arlene Tickner, an international relations expert at the University of the Andes in Bogota.

The 180-day deadline for disarmament "seems a relatively short time," she however noted.

President Juan Manuel Santos said ahead of Thursday's signing that he hoped for a full peace deal by July 20, though the timing remained unclear yesterday.

Holguin said the signing of the final agreement was "very, very close."



She said the constitutional court was expected to rule "around the beginning of July" on the government's call for a referendum.

In their ceasefire accord sealed Thursday, Santos and FARC rebel chief Timoleon Jimenez promised to abide by the court's decision.

If a referendum does take place, it would be a symbolic gesture that would take place after the signing of the final peace deal.
Terming the developments at the NSG meet in Seoul as an "embarrassment" to India, Congress, on Friday, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to realise that diplomacy needs "depth and seriousness and not public tamasha".

"We do not know why India showed its desperation and allowed the country to be equated with Pakistan on the issue of NSG membership," party's senior spokesman Anand Sharma said

"It's high time that Prime Minister Narendra Modi realises that diplomacy requires gravitas, depth and seriousness. PM Modi needs to realise diplomacy needs depth not public tamasha," he said.

"The world saw the PM make a spectacle of himself and India. Now India faces embarrassment unnecessarily," Sharma told reporters.

He said the intense lobbying by Modi government was "unnecessary".

Sharma said, "This kind of intense lobbying Prime Minister Modi and his government, we can understand should have done for the UN Security Council membership. When there is no obstacle when it comes to nuclear trade within the NSG countries, it was unnecessary."

The plenary meeting of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group ended on Friday without any decision on India's membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.

Ahead of the meeting, India had pushed its case with a number of countries, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge.

Modi had also met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent urging him to take a decision on India's membership on merit while seeking Beijing's support but China persistently opposed India's bid.
A Delhi court has convicted two men of wrongfully confining three kids, compelling them to work in a restaurant without salary and sodomising one of them.

The court held the accused - Raju Gupta and Rajesh Shukla - guilty of offences under the IPC and provisions of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, saying there was evidence against them. Rajesh was also held guilty of trying to sodomise one of the kids.

"I have reached a conclusion that the prosecution's case stands duly proved. There is overwhelming evidence to show that the rescued boys were below 18 years of age.

"All three boys deposed in sync and gave similar account of cruelty committed upon them by the accused persons. They deposed that they were forcibly made to work at the dhaba without salary. It has been proved that the accused were exercising control over the boys and they treated them with cruelty as defined under Section 23 of Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Child) Act," Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sudhanshu Malik said.

The court, while convicting Rajesh under section 377 (sodomy) read with 511 of IPC, said, "there is evidence that Rajesh attempted to commit carnal intercourse with one of the kids. The unrebutted statement of the child is more than sufficient to establish this fact in issue."



The court is yet to pronounce the quantum of sentence to the convicts.

According to prosecution, Raju and Rajesh had in 2011 allegedly wrongfully confined the three children, who were between 13-16 years of age and had come to Delhi from West Bengal, at their dhaba (restaurant) and compelled them to work as labourers.

It was also alleged that during the period of wrongful confinement, Rajesh attempted to sodomise one of the children and therefore, charge under Section 377 (sodomy) of the IPC read with Section 511 IPC was pressed against him.

They were tried for committing offences under Section 342 (wrongful confinement) and 374(unlawful compulsory labour) of the IPC and provisions under the Juvenile Justice Act.

The police said the victims came to Delhi in 2011 from their village in West Bengal and started looking for some work near New Delhi Railway Station.

They were hired as labourers at a dhaba owned by the convicts in Paharganj in central Delhi. When the children expressed their desire to leave, they forcibly made them work.

In 2012, one of the kids escaped from the restaurant and was found by an NGO to which he narrated his ordeal. Soon, the other two boys were also rescued and an FIR lodged against the accused duo.
A 17-year-old Dalit girl bobbitised a man who allegedly attempted to rape her at knifepoint, police said today.

The incident took place last evening when the girl had gone to relieve herself at a jungle in Incholi area here, a police spokesperson said.

The girl snatched the knife from the accused Raees (23) when he attempted to force himself on her, and attacked his private parts with it.

Villagers arrived at the spot after hearing his cries and admitted him to a hospital, where his condition is stated to be serious.

Police said they have registered a case against the man after a complaint by the girl.

They said security has been stepped up in the village as a precautionary measure, since the accused and the girl belonged to different communities.
The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) today raised doubts over credibility of Delhi Police's probe into the death of a 13-year-old girl whose parents alleged she was raped and murderd while the police suspected it to be a case of suicide.

The mother of the deceased girl has alleged that instead of heeding to her pleas, police facilitated the cremation of the body and prevented the mother from witnessing the cremation. Police also refused to record the statements of the mother and other family members of the victim despite their repeated requests.

Police dismissed the allegations and said that the girl's father had himself sought financial support for the cremation and he had given his consent for the same not only to the police but also to the priest at the cremation ground.

"The girl's mother was counselled by a group of doctors and she was taken along to the cremation ground," DCP (southwest) Surender Kumar said.

Yesterday, the girl was found dead in her home in Inderpuri and a post-mortem of the deceased was conducted today. According to the mother of the deceased, it was conveyed to the parents by the police that the post mortem did not show the ocurrence of rape, the DCW said in its statement.

"The mother demanded that police repeat the post-mortem but the police immediately put the body in a jeep along with the father of the victim and drove to Green Park shamshan ghat. The mother has alleged that the police did not allow her to be present in the jeep and that they took away the phone of the father of the deceased so she was unable to contact him.

"The mother later realized that the police jeep is going towards shamshan ghat and reached the spot and begged the police not to burn the girl. It is alleged that instead of heeding to the pleas of the aggrieved mother, the police facilitated the cremation of the dead body and prevented the mother from witnessing the cremation," said the Commission.

DCW chief Swati Maliwal, along with the DCW Rape Crisis Cell in-Charge, Neelam Narang, immediately reached the ghat and were appalled to see the condition of the mother.

"It was shocking to note that not only was the ACP



present on the spot but also that there was an SHO and several police officers. This generally is not the case as the duty of the police is limited to handing-over the body of the deceased to the family members after the post-mortem," the Commission said.

Upon preliminary inquiry, the Commission learnt that the Police had approached the pandit of the shamshan ghat almost 2.5 hours before, to facilitate the last rites of the deceased which the DCW thought was strange at that time as even her post-mortem had not been completed. The Commission spoke to the SDM of the area over phone who informed that he had not been intimated of the case as mandated under Section 174 of CrPC.

The Commission then brought it to the notice of the DCP-South-West district who also reached the spot with a team of police officers and informed that they had facilitated the last rites of the victim in order to prevent a "law and order situation" in Inderpuri.

"The Commission brought it to the notice of the police that the manner in which the last rites of the girl were performed reflected foul play and a very inhuman attitude on their part," the statement said.

The Chairperson also brought it to the notice of the DCP that the statements of the mother and other prominent family members of the victim had not yet been recorded despite their repeatedly requesting for the same. The DCP assured the Commission that the same will be done immediately.

The Commission has instituted an inquiry into the same, the statement added.
The Delhi government today approved a proposal of its education department to create 769 posts of trained graduate teachers for Punjabi language and 610 posts of Urdu teachers.

The move is aimed at promoting both the languages at the government schools. Decision ensures that there will be at least one teacher for Sanskrit, Punjabi and Urdu in every Delhi government school.

The decision was taken at a meeting of Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held at Delhi Secretariat.

The move comes at a time when the ruling Aam Aadmi Party is gearing up for contesting Punjab Assembly polls which are slated to be held next year.

At present, out of a total of 1,024 (898 Sr. Secondary, 106 Secondary and 20 Middle) government schools in Delhi, Sanskrit is taught in about 98 per cent schools, while Punjabi is taught in about 24 per cent schools and Urdu in about 25 per cent schools.

In the academic year 2015-16, 28,612 students have opted for Punjabi language and 82,341 students for Urdu language at the time of admission.

A senior government official said the present position is that up to class VIII, three languages are being taught, and in classes IX and X, only two languages are taught.

Delhi government wants to provide the facility of at least one such language teacher in each school so that students are not discouraged from opting Punjabi and Urdu languages.

"The Cabinet also decided to form a Society for Excellence in Education to devise systems and approaches for improving and sustaining quality in education with emphasis on character building and personality," the official said.

The official added that this society is an effort in the direction of bridging all social category gaps in the availability of quality education to children up to 18 years age group.

The society will involve professionals in education sector for transforming the education imparted in government school setup. The society will initially run five schools - two in Rohini and three in Dwarka where new buildings are available, official also added.
In view of rising incidents of human-animal conflict, the new draft national forest policy has proposed a host of measures including taking up habitat enrichment, provision of adequate compensation for people affected by wildlife and establishment of rescue centres to treat animals to manage the problem.

The draft National Forest Policy 2016, put up by the Environment Ministry, notes that the country's wildlife is facing a threat and wild species are being altered by increasing anthropogenic pressures, rising human-animal conflicts, illegal trade in wild species and climate change.

The draft document, once ratified, will replace the National Forest Policy, 1988.

Even as the debate rages on whether culling of wild animals help mitigate the human-animal conflict, the draft, under its section 'Strengthening wildlife management', has stressed that there is an "urgent" need to renew efforts to safeguard wildlife and secure their habitats.

"Manage and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts by taking up habitat enrichment. Provide adequate and timely compensation in case of injury or loss of human life, property, crop damage or livestock casualties.

"To manage problem animals, establish rescue centres and develop a team of well-equipped and trained personnel," the draft policy states.

It has also proposed management of protected areas and other wildlife rich areas and corridors with the primary objective of biodiversity conservation, while enhancing other ecosystem services.

"Voluntary and attractive relocation packages of villages from within national parks, other wildlife rich areas and corridors should be developed. Such areas should be effectively secured by strengthening enforcement, restoring habitats and establishing ecological corridors," it said.

The recent decision of the Environment Ministry to allow some states to cull wild animals has started a debate with the green bodies expressing "shock" over the Ministry's decision and asserting that culling would not help mitigate human-animal conflict.

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi had also locked horns over the issue with the latter saying that there was "lust" for killing in the Environment Ministry and the former defending by noting that animal culling is allowed on the request of states.

The draft NFP 2016 also proposes that threat assessment



of species and recovery measures based on population and habitat viability parameters should form an "integral and regular" part of management practices.

It has also called for establishment of regional forensic labs to support wildlife crime detection and prosecution.

"Build capacity among the front line staff and equip them for better detection and conviction in wildlife cases," it said.

The draft proposes that introduction of exotic species through public or private sources should be "prohibited" unless long-term scientific studies undertaken by specialists in ecology, forestry and agriculture have established that they have no adverse impacts on native vegetation, wildlife or environment.

The Environment Ministry had recently given permission for "scientific management" of such animals in Uttarakhand, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh while similar proposals of Maharashtra and Gujarat are under examination.

"Sound eco-tourism models should be developed with a focus on conservation to ensure nature education of the visitors while supplementing the livelihood needs of the local communities.

"Ensure that tourism is responsible, does not negatively impact wildlife and its habitat and maximises the incomes of the local community," the draft NFP said.

The draft NFP has been prepared by the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) and the Ministry has put it up in public domain seeking public opinion.
The Delhi Housing Board today instructed all its executive engineers to ensure that 52 JJ clusters in the national capital are developed as "model slums" by August.

The focus areas of the agencies will be sanitation, water supply, power, solid waste management and primary education among others.

The task will be completed by August 30 with the backing of NGOs, departments and agencies concerned, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) said today.

During a consultation jointly organised by DUSIB and the Centre for Advocacy and Research, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia extended full support to the initiative.

"At the end of the day what people are looking for is dignity, greater certainty about the services they are entitled to and livelihood and skill development that meets their requirement and not something imposed from above," he said.

The consultation brought together representatives of the civic bodies, discoms, Delhi Jal Board as well as donors, experts and members of civil society and community-based organizations.

"DUSIB was committed to slum re-development and making Delhi open defecation free and this will be achieved in a phased and time-bound manner with the consistent involvement of all stakeholders," DUSIB CEO VK Jain said.
The Delhi High Court will take up for hearing on June 27 the plea by an advocate for a court- monitored SIT probe into the alleged phone tapping by corporate major Essar of high-profile people and some union ministers.

The matter came up for hearing before a vacation bench of justices Siddharth Mridul and A K Pathak after the advocate sought an urgent hearing.

However, no order was passed as Justice Pathak recused himself from hearing the matter as he normally does not hear matters in which Centre's counsel Jasmeet Singh appears for personal reasons.

Though the lawyer's plea will now be heard by a new bench, today's bench orally suggested him to give whatever sensitive material he has to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a sealed cover.

"The limited issue before us is what to do about the custody of the sensitive material. You (petitioner) can give it to the MHA officer in a sealed cover," the bench said.

Advocate Suren Uppal's complaint filed before the Prime Minister's Office has already been forwarded to the MHA.

The advocate has sought a court-monitored probe into alleged illegal tapping of phones of high-profile people and some of the union ministers by corporate major Essar.

During the brief hearing Justice Mridul mentioned that he had passed a similar order of keeping in custody of Madhya Pradesh High Court Registrar the sensitive material relating to Vyapam scam held by the whistleblower.

The court, thereafter, renotified the matter for hearing on June 27 before another vacation bench.

Uppal in his plea has claimed that he has filed the petition on the basis of CDs of the recorded conversations whose genuineness also he wants to be examined.

Essar has denied allegations of wrong doings.
An ongoing photo exhibition here reflects upon the life and legacy of a lesser known character from Indian history - Buddhist monk Kumarajiva.

The 10-day-long exhibition titled, "The Life and Legacy of Kumarajiva," underway at India International Centre here, throws light on the achievements of the scholar through a wide range of manuscripts and photographs.

Shashibala who has curated the exhibition says that not many people are aware of the country's rich heritage and the contribution of icons like Kumarajiva often go undocumented.

"India has given so much to the world outside. We have sent the best of our sons as teachers and monks across world to disseminate the philosophy and culture, transcendental and moral values, literature etc. However, Indians are not much aware of their own heritage," she says.

Kumarajiva, who was born to a Kashmiri father and the then Princess of Kucha (a kingdom on the Silk Route), was a master of both Sanskrit and Chinese who rendered Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit to Chinese, laying a strong foundation of Buddhism.

"He was a teacher who was so great that a Chinese emperor had sent an army to capture him. He was taken as a war booty and later on was appointed as Rajya Guru in China," says Shashibala, who works as a researcher at the International Academy Of Indian Culture.

The exhibition chronicles the monk's life journey through the medium of photographs of sites he had visited, cave murals, holy objects and manuscripts of the sutras that he had translated.

"The exhibition is like a home coming of the great philosopher where one can see the austere landscape of the places associated with him, brilliant murals from the caves and other sacred objects, manuscripts of sutras and the royal personages who were pious and dedicated," says the curator.

Shashibala also says that Kumarajiva's legacy spans upto



the shores of Japan, where even today thousands of devotees at temples and monasteries chant sutras translated by him.

Talking about why figures like Kumarajiva remain unnoticed in the pages of history, she says, "There are not many who are researching on such great people because they have never been a part of out curriculum at schools or colleges.

"We are not aware of these figures. There should be an awareness about this glorious past. Indian historians have not used documents that are available outside India like in China, Japan, Mongolia, Tibet, or the rest of South East Asia where there is so much inscriptional evidence."



Kumarajiva is also credited with the creation of new terminology for Chinese because parallels of Sanskrit terms were not available, besides "trans-creating" the texts because matching the Buddhist concepts with those of other philosophers like Tao and Confucius philosophy were not possible.

"Through translations by Kumarajiva monk-scholars, philosophers, artists and devotees could internalize the Buddhist philosophy deeply," Shashibala says.

The exhibition is set to conclude on June 26.
Prime Minister on Friday met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and requested him to expedite efforts to secure the release of an Indian woman kidnapped by suspected militants from Kabul two weeks back.

Modi said he had an opportunity to meet and exchange greetings with Ghani on sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tashkent during which he raised an issue of kidnapping of Judith D'Souza, who was working for an international NGO.

"In my discussion with President Ashraf Ghani, raised the issue of the unfortunate kidnapping of Kolkata-based Judith D'Souza in Afghanistan," the Prime Minister tweeted.

"Requested President Ashraf Ghani to expedite efforts to rescue Judith D'Souza and extend all possible support to her family," he said.

40-year-old Judith, working for the Aga Khan Foundation as a senior technical adviser, was scheduled to return home this week but was kidnapped by suspected militants from outside her office in Kabul on June 9.

Judith's family had also written to Modi, urging him to do utmost in securing her release.

In the letter, family members had said that Judith had been working in Afghanistan for the well-being of the Afghan people and as an ambassador of goodwill from India's people, participating in developmental programmes of that country.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had said every effort was being made to secure her safe release.
Four Filipino crew members of a merchant vessel were caught off Odisha coast for using the banned 'Thuraya' satellite communication set on board, Coast Guard officials said today.

Alajandro C Dango, master of the vessel 'Frontier Triumph', and three other crew members, were caught on June 9 and the ship was detained off Dhamra port.

Customs, police and the Coast Guard spent a number of days to investigate the purpose and usage of the set and then lodged an FIR against them at Dhamra marine police station on June 20.

Officials said two calls were made from the banned satellite phone which has been frequently used by terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir. It was used during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Use of Thuraya satellite phones is banned in Indian territorial waters under section 6 of Indian Wireless Act and section 20 of Indian Telegraph Act.

On June 9, the Threat Management System (TMS) at Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Kolkata picked up transmissions originating from an unauthorised communication equipment off the shores of Bengal from within Indian waters.

The geographical location of the source of transmissions was identified and Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) Amogh and Sarojini Naidu based at Paradip were diverted to investigate the matter.

A merchant vessel Frontier Triumph was found anchored at the location after which the investigation team boarded the vessel to discover the banned satellite communication set concealed under the label "Marino Phonepal".

The crew had not declared the presence of the set in the Pre Arrival Notification System (PANS) of the vessel, a mandatory declaration for all boats and ships that intend to enter Indian waters.
Opponents of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro finish giving their fingerprints to electoral authorities today to wrap up a key stage in their drive for a referendum to remove him.

Already used to queuing for hours to buy food in an economic crisis, this week they lined up at electoral offices for a sometime frustrating process.

Officials were taking their electronic fingerprints to authenticate signatures on a petition calling for a recall referendum. That is just one stage in a months-long bureaucratic process.

One voter in the northern city of Maracay, civil servant Felix Rodriguez, skipped off work to come and give his signature.

He has no flour, milk or meat in his kitchen. His old truck is broken down and there are no spare parts available.

"Prices are going up every day, on top of the shortages," he said. "Whether you have money or not, you've got problems."



In Maracay the electoral office opened late, due to electricity cuts.

The queue stretched for several blocks in the 30-degree Celsius heat. Rodriguez had to rush back to work.

"I took a risk by leaving work," he explained. In the end, he said angrily, "I won't be able to validate my signature."



Today was the fifth and last day of the fingerprinting process, which could make or break the bid to hold a recall vote on Maduro.

The opposition MUD coalition has accused the government of sabotaging the process through delays, obstacles and veiled threats to suspend the process.

Of the 1.3 million signatures recorded by the electoral board in the initial petition, at least 200,000 must be authenticated to pass to the next phase.

Opposition lawmaker Delsa Solorzano said 300,000 fingerprints have already been submitted. These have yet to be validated by the National Electoral Council (CNE).

It said it will do so by July 26.

The next step will require the collection of four million more signatures to call a full referendum.

The opposition is rushing to complete the recall process by January 10, the cutoff date to trigger new elections.

After that date, a successful recall vote would simply pass power to Maduro's hand-picked vice president.

Maduro vowed there will be no referendum this year.

"If there is one, we will go and win it. If there isn't, political life in this country will go on," he said yesterday.

Venezuela is grappling with an economic crisis sparked by the plunge in prices for its crucial oil exports.

People face shortages of basic foods and goods as well as electricity blackouts.

Deadly looting erupted last week. Authorities said at least five people were killed and more than 400 arrested.

The opposition says Maduro's economic management is also to blame. They denounce the jailing of his political opponents.
Finance ministers and top central bankers from the Group of Seven warned that Britain's vote to quit the European Union could have "adverse implications", after the pound dived to three-decade lows and equity markets flew into a tailspin.

"We recognise that excessive volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates can have adverse implications for economic and financial stability," the club of rich nations said in a statement.

"G7 central banks have taken steps to ensure adequate liquidity and to support the functioning of markets.

"We stand ready to use the established liquidity instruments to that end."



It added that the United Kingdom's "economy and financial sector remain resilient and (we) are confident that the UK authorities are well-positioned to address the consequences of the referendum outcome".

Earlier today, the Bank of England announced it was ready to pump 250 billion pounds (USD 370 billion, 326 billion euros) to aid the smooth running of markets after today's chaotic trade.

The European Central Bank also said it was on stand-by to open the liquidity floodgates if needed, while the Bank of Japan pledged to work with other major central banks to inject ample liquidity to counter wild volatility in markets.

The statement followed a conference call among officials from the G7 - the United States, Germany, Japan, Britain, Italy, France and Canada - to discuss today's historic vote results.

The group has previously warned that a so-called "Brexit" could have disastrous economic consequences.
Global Engineers Ltd (GEL) today said it has signed an agreement to form a joint venture with Bowas Induplan Chemie of Austria to manufacture propellants.

The JV company will operate as Bowas Global (India) Pvt Ltd, GEL said in a statement.

The main objective of the JV is to leverage both the firms' unique capabilities to strengthen presence in the Indian market.

It will align itself with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative by focusing on developing indigenous capabilities and making itself self-reliant terms of manufacturing and process technology, it said.

Bowas Induplan Chemie GmbH is a 52 years old engineering company which specialises in the design, planning and construction of plants for the explosives industry as well as plants for the production of raw materials for the explosives industry.
The tourist train 'Tiger Express', that will take travellers to the world-famous Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks in Madhya Pradesh, will start its regular run from October, an official said.

The semi-luxury train is operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

"The train will be starting from Delhi and going through the Tiger corridor - Bandhavgarh and Kanha circuit. We are in talks with them (IRCTC) on how to give the travellers the best tourist experience in all these places.

"The Tiger Express will start (regular run) from October and the duration of the tour will be five nights and six days," Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Additional Managing Director Tanvi Sundriyal told reporters here today.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had on June 5 flagged off the inaugural run of the tiger trail circuit train from Delhi's Safdarjung station.

"The train will accommodate 100 persons per trip. Because the entire section is in MP, we will provide the travellers with accommodation, among other things," she said.

"Madhya Pradesh is bestowed with diversity and has hence designed diverse tourism products," Sundriyal said.

To promote various tourism projects, MP government has come out with policies like "wayside amenities", "land allotment" and "incentive for heritage projects", she said.

"We have mapped 303 wayside amenities which will be build over the next three years with private partnership. We are trying to increase accommodation (for tourists) and planning to increase it two times over the next five years by offering land parcels."



"Under the heritage policy, Taj Mahal palace in Bhopal, Govind Garh Fort in Rewa and Madhavgarh Fort in Satna district would be converted into heritage hotels under PPP model," the official added.
More than 25,000 employees of Haryana power distribution companies today decided to go on a two-day strike from June 29, seeking rollback of "outsourcing" of operation and maintenance of power sub-divisions, even as the government invoked Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent disruption in power supply.

"We have decided to go on two-day strike on June 29 and 30. The government's invoking of ESMA is sheer despotism," Haryana Joint Action Committee (Power), General Secretary Subhash Lamba said.

Employees have been protesting against the government's decision of "outsourcing" of operation and maintenance of 23 power sub-divisions in the state and removal of 485 contractual employees and purchase of power from private sources.

Besides, they are demanding filling up of 30,000 vacant posts, inquiry into "sharp rise in losses and debt" of power distribution companies.

The government today invoked ESMA in the state for six months.

"Treating the distribution and maintenance of supply of electricity as an essential service to the people, Haryana government has invoked Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in the state for six months in view of the call for two-day state-wide strike given by the unions of workers of Haryana Power Utilities on June 29 and 30," an official spokesman said.

The protesting employees condemned the government's decision, saying "it is choosing a path of confrontation instead of addressing their issues."



"The employees have given a notice about the strike to the government well in advance and have assured it that power disruption will not take place. Despite it, the government went ahead invoking ESMA which shows that the state government is pursuing a path of confrontation," Lamba said.

Lamba said they will not bow down and will go ahead with



their plans.

"We are not scared. We will go ahead with our proposed plan," he said.

Earlier, the talks between protesting employees and senior officials of power distribution companies failed to reach any consensus.

"The power portfolio is with Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. He did not show any interest in talks with us to resolve our issues. Rather, the government sent its officers for talks who were not competent to address our concerns," Lamba claimed.

Employees also had on May 11 gone on a mass-casual-leave against the government's move.
The Allahabad High Court granted a week's time to the Advocate General to file counter affidavit in the matter of restricting IPS officer Amitabh Thakur from going to Mathura where violence had taken place during an anti-encroachment drive at Jawahar Park on June 2.

The Lucknow bench of Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi and Justice Shamsher Bahadur Singh on June 22 passed the order on the petition filed by Thakur challenging the UP DGP order restricting him from going to Mathura.

The petitioner's counsel submitted that every citizen has a fundamental right to move freely to any place in India and this cannot be curtailed as a public servant.

AG Vijay Bahadur Singh, who appeared for the state government, opposed it contending that Amitabh wanted to go to Mathura merely to create a controversy.

On the request of AG, the court granted him a week's time to file a counter affidavit and listed the case on July 6.

Amitabha Thakur are at loggerheads with the state government since long after he accused ruling Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav of having threatened him over phone, a charge denied by Yadav.
The Madras Court bench here today sought a status report from the Ramanathapuram Superintendent of Police on the death of a 11-year old boy on a petition by his father who alleged he was murdered by homosexuals.

Justice M.Venugopal gave the direction while hearing a petition by A Hithayatullah, the father of the victim, seeking a CB-CID probe into his son's death.

The boy's body was found floating in the Gurumilangudi Tank near Thondi in Ramanathapuram District.

The petitioner submitted that his son Mohammed Biaz was seen taken in a motorbike by three neighbours on May 2, 2016 and he did not return.

Though he tried to give a complaint, police did not accept it, he claimed.

His son was found dead with severe injuries and contusions and it gave rise to suspicion that he had been tortured and murdered, the petitioner said.

He alleged that Thondi Police not only refused to accept the complaint initially, but to save the accused also took his signature in blank papers and forced him to accept that the boy had drowned himself in the tank.
Officials of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have seized heroin worth Rs 40 crore from two Colombo-bound passengers and detained them and an airline staffer for inquiry.

According to DRI sources, the narcotic substance was seized from the duo's suitcases in the intervening night of June 22 and 23.

They had concealed the 40 kg heroin in their suitcases among packets of sugar and maida, DRI sources said, adding an airline staffer had helped them in carrying them.

The three, all Indian citizens, have been detained and interrogation was on, they said.

Meanwhile, DRI officials today seized unaccounted US currency, valued around Rs 30 lakh, from a Colombo-bound passenger.

The passenger, a native of Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, was being interrogated, they said.
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah today said his group would not be affected by fresh US sanctions because it receives its money directly from Iran, not via Lebanese banks.

In a speech broadcast by the Shiite party's Al-Manar station, Nasrallah brushed off assertions that Hezbollah would be hurt by US sanctions on Lebanese financial institutions that work with the group.

"We do not have any business projects or investments via banks," Nasrallah said, insisting the group "will not be affected."



"We are open about the fact that Hezbollah's budget, its income, its expenses, everything it eats and drinks, its weapons and rockets, are from the Islamic Republic of Iran," he added.

Iran was instrumental in Hezbollah's inception three decades ago and has provided financial and military support to the group.

In December, the US Congress voted to impose sanctions on banks that deal with Hezbollah, considered a "terrorist group" by the US.

And last month, Lebanon's central bank instructed the country's banks and financial institutions to comply with the new measure against the Lebanese Shiite group.

Hezbollah has fiercely criticised the law and accused central bank governor Riad Salameh of "yielding" to Washington's demands.

"As long as Iran has money, we have money... Just as we receive the rockets that we use to threaten Israel, we are receiving our money. No law will prevent us from receiving it," Nasrallah said.

The Hezbollah chief also warned that some banks were applying the law too harshly and shutting down the accounts of Lebanese charities.

Earlier this month, a bomb exploded outside the Beirut headquarters of BLOM BANK, one of the country's largest, wounding one person.

Several Lebanese newspapers known to be critical of Hezbollah said at the time the explosion was a "message" to banks complying with the US ruling.

Washington has labelled Hezbollah a global terrorist group since 1995, accusing it of a long list of attacks including the bombing of the US Embassy and Marine barracks in Lebanon in 1983.
Failing to serve a cup of tea to her husband has cost a 23-year-old Hindu woman her life in Pakistan's Sindh province, police said today.

The incident took place yesterday when Nagji Kolhi returned from work and asked for a cup of tea from his wife, Keeso Kolhi, police said.

When she didn't give him the tea on time he got angry and axed her to death in the presence of his minor children, they said.

On the complaint of the woman's father, the local police registered a case.

The accused himself surrendered to the police and said he had committed the crime in a fit of anger, police said.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hindu Council condemned the incident.

The chief patron of the council, Ramesh Kumar said the of the incident was disturbing for the Hindu community as the deceased was the mother of two minor girls.

"We are gathering more information as the incident took place in a remote area of Tando Bhag. We plan to educate our community about discouraging such acts," he said.

Sindh has the largest population of the nearly 300 million Hindus in Pakistan specially in the remote areas of the province.
Many big Bollywood stars may have featured in Hollywood films, albeit mostly in small roles but actress Deepika Padukone, set for her international feature debut, hopes more A-listers from India now take the plunge in the west.

Deepika features alongside Hollywood star Vin Diesel in the third instalment of "xXx", titled "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage".

When asked if more Bollywood stars should try their luck in Hollywood now, Deepika said, "I hope so, but I also feel different things excite different people. I have been offered roles in the past itself but I don't think I was ready and I don't think I was excited enough.

"As an actor I don't think I was ready for the challenge before. You have to look everything that you get as an opportunity. There is no role that's too small or big. It is all about what you make of the opportunity," Deepika said in an interview on the sidelines of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards here.

Besides Deepika, Priyanka Chopra has created waves in Hollywood with her role on hit American TV series "Quantico" and is making her feature film debut with "Baywatch" movie alongside Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

Irrfan is another actor from Bollywood, who has a successful career in the west having starred in films like "Life of Pi", "Jurassic World" and the upcoming Tom Hanks-starrer, "Inferno".

Deepika wrapped the shoot of "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage", last month.

During the movie's shoot, the actress had chronicled her experiences on social media and going by the photographs it seemed she had a great time working in the film, which also stars Vin Diesel, Ruby Rose and Nina Dobrev.

Deepika feels "xXx" came to her at the right point in her career as she had been craving to do an action movie for a long time.

"Sometimes certain things happen to you know when they are supposed to. Most importantly, it is an action film and I haven't done one since 'Chandni Chowk to China'.

"I treated the film like I would treat any other project. It is not like it is a Hollywood film so you would do some different performance. As an actor, at the end of the day, you want to challenge yourself. You want to do different things," she said.

The actress said she didn't find much difference between



the working culture of Bollywood and Hollywood, except for the latter's structured time schedule tha the Hindi film industry lacks.

"They have a very structured timing which allow you weekends. I used to do grocery shopping, cooking and also my own laundry in Toronto. Everything else is same as Bollywood."



Deepika said Indian film industry has evolved a lot, with big studios and content of movies, that an actor will not feel any difference when he or she goes to work in Hollywood from here.

"There are similarities. The fact that I didn't find anything glaringly different says a lot about Indian film industry. We have evolved as a industry - independent producers, big studios, the kind of movies we are making, its content and our basic work ethic.
US President today said he might visit India next year if invited for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES).

"You know, I'll try to stop by, if I'm invited," Obama said in his address to GES at Stanford University in California.

GES is a personal initiative of Obama to bring entrepreneurs from across the globe on one platform.

After meeting Obama at the White House early this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that India would host the next GES.

The Obama Administration has thanked India for continuing Obama's legacy.

"It is really fitting that we are all gathered here for this, the final gathering of the GES under President Obama. But it will continue, and as you all know, will take place next year in India," the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, had said in his address to the summit yesterday.

The first GES was held in the US in 2010 thereafter it has been hosted by Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Morocco and Kenya.

Over 700 entrepreneurs and more than 300 investors from 170 countries are attending the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit. India has also sent a large contingent.

During his visit to the US early this month, Modi had invited Obama to India.

Obama is the first American president to visit India twice.

A senior administration official said Obama is unlikely to visit India in the remaining seven months of his presidency, but did not rule out his travel along with that of the First Lady after they leave the White House next year.
India today failed in its determined bid to clinch membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in the face of strong China-led opposition after which it gave vent to its unhappiness over the hurdles created by Beijing.

In a clear setback to its efforts to join the 48-nation grouping, a two-day NSG plenary ended here after deciding against accepting India's membership application.

China, which had made no secret of its opposition, succeeded in scuttling India's bid despite a significant majority backing the Indian case. Thirty-eight countries supported India, according to Indian officials.

Beijing was unrelenting in thwarting India despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting in Tashkent yesterday to support India's case on its merits.

An upset India later accused "one country", a clear reference to China, of persistently creating procedural hurdles during the discussions on its application.

"We understand that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country, a three-hour-long discussion took place last night on the issue of future participation in the NSG," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

"The NSG plenary in Seoul earlier in the day decided against granting India membership of the grouping immediately and said it will continue to have discussions on participation of countries which have not signed the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

"An overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported India's membership and appraised India's application positively. We thank each and every one of them. It is also our understanding that the broad sentiment was to take this matter forward," he said.

Besides China, countries like Brazil, Switzerland,



Turkey, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand were also opposed to India's entry because it is not a signatory to Nuclear non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In its statement, at the conclusion of the plenary, NSG declared its "firm support" for the "full, complete and effective" implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime.

However, it said it had discussions on the issue of 'Technical, Legal and Political Aspects of the Participation of non-NPT States in the NSG' and decided to continue its discussion.

Confirming that the India's application was discussed during the two-day deliberations, the statement, under a sub-heading 'Outreach', said it shared information on all aspects of the 2008 statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India and discussed the NSG relationship with India.

Defending its opposition to entry of non-NPT countries like India into NSG, Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was guided by the rules of the 48-nation grouping which were not directed against any specific country.

It also advocated an "out of the box" thinking to arrive at a consensus over the issue of entry of non-NPT countries into NSG.

"China wants two things; we must abide by the rules of NSG because these kind of rules are not directed against any specific country. We must strive for consensus by thinking out of the box," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a briefing in Beijing.

Earlier, Wang Qun, Director General of China's Department of Arms Control, told reporters here that for a country to be a member of NSG, signing of NPT "is a must" and warned "if exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether".
The multifaceted engagement between India and Qatar in different fields would further deepen and strengthen the ongoing cooperation, President Pranab Mukherjee said today.

In a message to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al on the eve of the anniversary of his accession, Mukherjee said the historical and friendly relations between the two countries are anchored in millennia-old cultural, religious and economic ties, characterised by extensive people-to-people contacts.

"I am confident that our multifaceted engagement in different fields would further deepen and strengthen our ongoing cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

"I take this opportunity to convey to your highness my best wishes for your good health and well-being and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the state of Qatar," the President said.
India on Friday signed Memorandum of Obligations  a key document  kick starting the process of its accession to the (SCO), a powerful security grouping increasingly seen as a counterweight to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The document was signed by the Secretary (East) Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta at the SCO summit which was attended by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India will have to sign around 30 other documents in 2016 to complete the process for membership. Pakistan is also being inducted into SCO as a full member.

SCO's membership is expected to help India have a greater say in issues relating to security and defence besides combating terrorism.

India, one of the largest energy consuming countries in the world, is expected to get greater access to major gas and oil exploration projects in Central Asia once it becomes a member of the SCO. Many of the SCO countries have huge reserves of oil and natural gas.

The SCO had set ball rolling to make India a member of the bloc during its summit in Ufa in July 2015 when administrative hurdles were cleared to grant membership to India, Pakistan and Iran.

SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran and Pakistan were admitted as observers at the 2005 Astana Summit.

The Tashkent SCO Summit in June 2010 had lifted the moratorium on new membership, paving the way for expansion of the grouping.

India feels as SCO member, it will be able to play a major role in addressing the threat of terrorism in the region.

India is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.

India has been an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

Russia has been favouring permanent SCO membership for India while China pushed for induction of Pakistan.
Describing the new IPR policy by the Centre as a "step in the right direction", US Ambassador to India Richard Verma today stressed the need for robust IP protection mechanism, saying foreign investors would also make decisions based on steps being taken to protect Intellectual Property.

"India's recently released IPR policy which really is a step in the right direction towards nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within a strong national IPR framework. There is always room for improvement, however.

"We continue to have a robust dialogue with the government on everything from patent, copyright and trademark protection. We need to arrive at that optimal place where IPR frameworks provide a strong protection that innovators need without the encumbrance of red tape, delay, frivolous litigation that stifles innovation.

"We also need to improve the enforcement on the ground and that's where initiatives like TIPCU come in which can play crucial role..." he said.

Verma was speaking at the launch of Telangana Intellectual Property Crime Unit (TIPCU), set up by the state government in coordination with the Telugu film industry.

Observing that India and the US share a mutual interest in strengthening their intellectual property regimes, Verma said America can help India build an IPR environment, by working together closely, to deter theft of IP.

Foreign investors would make their decisions on the quality of actions taken to protect intellectual property right, he said.

"IPR infringement also impacts India's global economic reputation as a destination for investment. Investors today are watching with interest how governments and businesses are working together to protect intellectual property rights. They will make decisions based upon the quality of these actions.

"IPR, strengthening IPR, strengthening IPR enforcement is a big part of our government-to-government dialogue and it will be going ahead in the months and years," Verma said.

Noting that TIPCU, the first-ever state-level IP enforcement agency, can become a model for others in the country, Verma said the US would support such endeavours.

Noting that piracy adversely affected the livelihoods of



thousands in the world of films and others, he wondered how could artistes and other creative people continue to produce their works if they are not protected.

"If we don't protect their livelihoods, how can these musicians, directors and artists continue to produce their great work," Verma said.

Recalling that Indian movies served as a powerful connection to the homeland for his and other families who lived in Western Pennsylvania in the US during his childhood, he said such is the case around the world.

The movies used to be shown on the wall of a local gymnasium when he was a kid, he recalled.

Telangana IT Minister K T Rama Rao said the state government initiated steps to check the piracy menace when the Telugu film industry approached it and promised to add to the bouquet of activities of TIPCU.

Talking about the damage caused by piracy, leading Telugu producer D Suresh Babu said the number of film theatres or screens had come down to 1,700 in undivided Andhra Pradesh from about 3,000 screens in 2000.

The industry lost "serious money" due to piracy and it impacted the lives of a large number of personnel in the film industry.

Director of Bollywood film "Udta Punjab" Abhishek Chaubey talked about the experience of making the film and how it was at the receiving end of piracy menace.

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Meanwhile, Telangana IT Minister K T Rama Rao held a meeting with Verma, a government release said.

Stating that he recently visited the US, the minister told Verma that during discussions American companies expressed readiness to invest in Telangana, it said.

Rao told the envoy that Telangana government was ready to work with America in 14 priority areas, including IT and pharmaceuticals.

The Telangana government is making efforts to set up a 'country desk' in the US and also to have an outpost of the T-Hub, the start-up incubation centre established by the state administration here, in Silicon Valley, the release added.
Country's strong macro-economic fundamentals will help it withstand the Brexit fallout, although companies having exposure to the UK need to realign their strategies to stave off the negative impact on their businesses, India Inc said today.

CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said the fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong and it would be able to withstand the short-term issues that Brexit may create.

The UK voted to leave the European Union after 43 years in a historic referendum that saw 52 per cent of votes in favour of 'Leave'.

"Since India has a huge corporate investment in the UK economy, Indian firms with manufacturing or other facilities in Britain will have to realign their business plans," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.

"With the UK voting to leave the EU, Indian companies will re-engineer their European strategy. This should not be an issue. India will not be affected due to Brexit if we look at a mid to long term perspective," CII President Naushad Forbes said.

However, Principal Economist at India Ratings & Research Sunil Kumar Sinha said the Indian corporates having exposure to Europe/UK either through trade or if their production units are located there, would be adversely impacted.

Banerjee felt India's strong macro-economic environment and stable, predictable and transparent policy regime would make it an attractive destination for investors in such a volatile global scenario and thereby spur growth further.

Rawat observed that it's time India buffeted its domestic firewall by rolling out crucial reforms like Goods and Services Tax to remain the most credible destination for global funds.

On frenetic selling in early trade today, market benchmark Sensex nosedived by over 948 points to crack the crucial 27,000-mark, while Nifty broke below the 8,000-level after local media declared that Britain has voted to leave the European Union.

PHD Chamber of Commerce President Mahesh Gupta said the volatility in financial and currency markets is short lived as the Indian economy is resilient and sustainable on account of its strong macroeconomic fundamentals and well supported dynamic policy reforms.

"From India's perspective, Brexit will have both positive and negative impact. As Brexit will vitiate the already uneven and fragile global recovery, it will exert downward pressure on global commodity prices and India will benefit being a net commodity importer.

"However, with risk rising in the global financial market, foreign capital will flow out putting pressure on the rupee to depreciate and making Indian financial market volatile," Sinha said.
Government will support Indian companies operating in the UK to help them do business with the European Union post-Brexit, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said today.

"Business change is constant and (our) companies are very competitive and capable and I am sure they will be able to adjust to this.

"Whatever support is required on the trade side or in terms of negotiations or discussions with other sovereigns, we will be there to support them," he told reporters hours after Britain voted to leave European Union.

There are concerns that Indian companies in the IT and automobiles sector, having base in UK, may face issues in getting preferential assess to the EU market post Britain's exit.

Europe is the second largest market for Indian IT-BPM industry, constituting almost 30 per cent of the sector's export revenue of about USD 100 billion.

While Mahindra Group said Brexit would have muted impact on it, USD 100 billion Tata group said access to markets and a skilled workforce would remain important considerations for its businesses in Britain.

Tech Mahindra, however, said London-headquarters Indian companies may have to look at Europe from a different standpoint.

IT body Nasscom said Indian IT companies may need to establish separate headquarters/operations for EU. This may lead to some disinvestment from UK, it said, adding that skilled labour mobility across EU and UK could be impacted.

"The first priority of the UK will be to first have a new political leadership... They will have to work through what their arrangement with the EU and other trading partners, ofcourse India is one of those. But that is a long-drawn out process," Sinha said.

India, he added, is on a "rock solid" foundation right now.

"India is a haven of stability, both our macro economic fundamentals and reform and growth agenda is very very strong. We have a fortress balance sheet in terms of reserves," he added.
South African Indian-origin lawyer and long-time human rights activist Yasmin Sooka has been appointed to chair a UN commission to monitor the human rights situation in South Sudan and make recommendations for their improvement.

Sooka, who has vast experience in global human rights matters, will serve together with Kenneth Scott from the US and Godfrey Musila of Kenya on the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, a senior UN Human Rights Council official said.

The UN resolved to establish the Commission following calls for investigation into alleged atrocities by both government and rebel forces before an independent South Sudan was carved out of the larger Sudan in 2011.

The Commissioners will provide guidance to the government of South Sudan on transitional justice, accountability and reconciliation issues and will engage with international and regional mechanisms to promote accountability for human rights violations and abuses, the official said.

Sookais currently the Executive Director of the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) in South Africa.

A leading anti-apartheid activist, Sooka served on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) established by former President Nelson Mandela from 1996-2001, assisting with the final report of the Commission.

She was also appointed by the UN to serve on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Sierra Leone from 2002-2004, as well as advising the UN Secretary General on accountability for war crimes committed during the final stages of the war in Sri Lanka.

The FHR deals with issues of human rights and the legacy of apartheid, during which there were gross human rights abuses, many of which brought Commissioners at the TRC, including its Chairman Archbishop Desmond Tutu, to tears.

"At the FHR, we go to great lengths to ensure that we respond in a holistic and comprehensive manner to the issue of poverty, examining closely its linkages to HIV and gender," Sooka said at a recent conference.

"We explore how rights as set out in the constitution can be used as a tool to address these issues in a holistic manner. We are particularly concerned with helping poor communities to realise their constitutional rights," she has said.
Jakarta banned today any Indonesian-flagged vessels from sailing to the Philippines, the transport ministry said, after yet another violent kidnapping in the strife-torn waters between the two nations.

The ruling was issued after the government confirmed seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped at gunpoint earlier this week, and were being held hostage by an unknown group.

It's the third time this year Indonesian sailors have been abducted in the Sulu sea, a vital waterway that's seen a spike in seaborne crime like armed robberies and kidnappings.

In response to the latest incident, the transport ministry issued a notice informing all harbour masters they were "strictly prohibited from issuing permits to all Indonesian-flagged vessels bound for the Philippines, without exception".

"This hijacking issue is a serious matter and cannot be tolerated anymore," the ministry's water transport director general A Tonny Budiono said in a statement.

To prevent any commercial vessels from breaching the ban, Indonesia will also ramp up marine patrols in its waters bordering the southern Philippines, Budiono added.

It's not yet clear how significantly trade will be affected by the ban, but it could severely disrupt the flow of goods from Southeast Asia's largest economy -- including natural resources like coal -- to the Philippines.

The Sulu and Celebes seas form a key waterway between Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, and are used for the passage of 55 million metric tonnes of goods and over 18 million people per year.

Last month, the three countries agreed to launch a coordinated patrol of the waters after the recent surge of kidnappings.

The Indonesian sailors abducted this week were towing a coal barge through the Sulu sea when their tugboat was attacked by gunmen.

"The government will do everything possible to free these hostages," foreign minister Retno Marsudi told reporters.

Sulu, a southern archipelago, is a known hideout of Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants who have earned millions of dollars from kidnappings in recent years.

A spokesman for the foreign ministry said he could not confirm whether a ransom demand had been made, or if Abu Sayyaf was responsible for the abductions.

Earlier this year the group kidnapped 14 Indonesian sailors, holding them in their stronghold in the southern Philippines. They were later freed but there was no information on whether a ransom was paid.
Islamic State militants abducted about 900 Kurdish civilians in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo over the past three weeks, forcing the captives to build fortifications for the extremists in retaliation for a Kurdish-led assault on a nearby stronghold, activists said on Friday.

Reports also emerged that at least 26 of those abducted have been killed for refusing to follow orders.

The abductions come amid fierce fighting for control of Manbij a key stronghold in this Syrian province where the extremists are being routed from the town center by the predominantly Kurdish and US-backed Syria Democratic Forces.

Some of the abducted Kurds have been pressganged into digging trenches and shelters for the IS, according to Kurdish media activist Rezan Hiddo, while have been forced to wear IS uniforms and ordered to fight at the fronts.

Today, the mostly Kurdish SDF battled IS militants inside Manbij after having encircling the stronghold in a weeks-long offensive that has been backed by US-coalition air strikes.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported that coalition jets struck targets around the town.

The SDF has lost 89 fighters since launching its campaign for Manbij on May 31, according to the Observatory. Also, 463 IS militants have been killed.

The push by the SDF into Manbij has been slow as the US-backed fighters first focused on capturing dozens of villages and farms near the town in the past weeks.

The town lies along the only IS supply line between the Syrian-Turkish border to the north and the IS extremist group's self-styled capital of Raqqa, which lies to the southeast, in the IS-held neighboring province of Raqqa.

If Manbij is captured, it will be the biggest strategic defeat for IS in Syria since July 2015, when the extremist group lost the border town of Tal Abyad.

The US has embedded 300 special forces operators with the SDF. The White House says they are advisers. French special forces operators are also embedded with the group.

SDF spokesman Sherfan Darwish told Associated Press that the IS militants began abducting Kurdish civilians in retaliation the offensive on Manbij.

"Whenever Daesh is defeated, they retaliate against civilians," Darwish said, using an Arabic acronym for IS, adding that there are whole families among those taken.

The abductions have been taking place mostly in areas under IS control, from the western Manbij countryside to the towns of al-Bab and al-Rai, according to Hiddo. He said the ongoing campaign has prompted families to flee the towns in fear.
Actor Matthew McConaughey has revealed that it was love at first sight when he first laid eyes on his now-wife Camila Alves.

The "Dallas Buyers Club" star was taken aback when he first met the 34-year-old model but insists he wasn't looking for a relationship at the time, reported People magazine.

Recalling his first meeting with the brunette beauty, McConaughey said, "I was very happily single and healthily single. I was not looking. I was sleeping well, I was spiritually sound, I was good hanging with me.

"Out of the corner of my eye, this sort of aqua-green figure went floating across the frame about 20 feet in front of me. My eye went up and I remember what came out of my mouth, 'This is not the kind of woman you call over across the room, McConaughey. Get off your chair and go get her', Which I did", he added.

Nearly a decade later, it's still easy for McConaughey to describe what immediately drew him to Alves.

"The self-respect she had, the way I understood her and her relationship with family, the way she respected me but never took anything for granted, not putting on any airs whatsoever," the 46-year-old star revealed.

The couple have three kids, Levi, Vida, Livingston.
Jammu and Kashmir DGP today called for strengthening the security for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and asked officials to keep Jammu-Srinagar national highway under continuous surveillance.

DGP K Rajendra Kumar reviewed security setup, including deployment of forces, for the Amarnath Yatra at a high level meetingheld at the Police Headquarters (PHQ) here in the evening.

"The officers should identify the sensitive places and strengthen the security grid after making joint efforts. Joint patrolling should be carried out round the clock in these (yatra routes) areas", Kumar said.

He said the highway should be kept under continuous surveillance to foil any attempt of disruption of the yatra by miscreants.

"All busy places, including langars, should be brought under security cover and intelligence gathering accelerated and shared for making preventive measures," Kumar said.

"CCTV cameras should be utilised to get footage of busiest places. Round the clock functioning of joint control rooms and supervision of arrangements by the senior officers should be put in place," he said.

He added that sufficient manpower from different security agencies will be put on the pilgrimage duty to strengthen the deployment grid.

During the meeting, officers from different security agencies gave detailed information about deployment of personnel along the route from Lakhanpur to Jawahar Tunnel and the places of stay of pilgrims.

Police helplines will be established at different places for the convenience of pilgrims, he said.

People's cooperation is a must for keeping law and order maintained and the field staff should develop sincere relationship with the public to achieve better results, Kumar said.

The DGP also asked for strengthening the communication network and maintain liaison about the arrival and departure of pilgrims.

Duty magistrates and the civil administration should be provided full cooperation in the performance their duties, he said.

Earlier, Jammu IGP Danish Rana briefed the meeting about security arrangements put in place for pilgrims.
Jammu and Kashmir government today said that a consultative committee will be set up in Planning Department for in-house appraisal of detailed project reports (DPRs) on development projects in the state.

A four-hour-long high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti here to review the progress of development projects in Jammu region took this decision, an official spokesman said.

Contract committee will meet every fortnight to clear developmental projects, the spokesman said, adding Rs 100 crore has been released for clearing State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) liabilities.

It was also decided that all departments will be asked to submit utilisation certificates under SDRF within 15 days while Khillani Grid Station will be upgraded to improve power supply position in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.

Mehbooba reviewed the progress of flagship institutional projects including AIIMS Jammu and five new nursing colleges coming up at Kishtwar, Udhampur, Poonch, Kathua and Jammu.

She also reviewed the progress of other health institutions coming up in the state including trauma hospitals, district hospitals, model hospitals and paramedical training institutions.

The chief minister asked the Health Department to firm up an implementable action plan for spending Rs 900 crore available under the Prime Minister's Development Programme in the next four years.
A team of Karnataka police, probing the alleged ragging of a first-year Dalit student of a nursing college in Gulbarga who is now undergoing treatment at a hospital here with severe stomach and foodpipe problems, will visit her tomorrow to record her statement, police said.

"A team of policemen from Karnataka has already arrived while higher ranked officials will arrive here tomorrow," Sub Inspector of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (KMCH) police station, Habib, told PTI.

19-year-old Aswathi was allegedly force-fed toilet cleaner by her seniors at the hostel of Al Qamal College of Nursing in Gulbarga on May 9, seriously damaging her foodpipe.

Based on her statement, city police on June 22 registered an FIR against five of her seniors. A copy was sent to Gulbarga Police Commissioner for further investigation.

Aswathi was admitted to a private hospital in Gulbarga after the incident, but her condition worsened after five days and she was sent back home with another Keralite student.

She was then admitted to Thrissur Medical College Hospital, after which she was referred to KMCH on June 2.

Doctors at KMCH had suggested a major surgery as the chemicals of the toilet cleaner severely damaged her food pipe following which she had been admitted to the ICU.

Meanwhile, Kerala Women's Commission in a letter to the Karnataka Women's Commission, urged it to intervene in the matter and "take right action on the incident in which the girl was brutally harassed in the name of ragging".

KWC Chairperson Rosa Kutty also spoke to her Karnataka counterpart before sending the letter, a KWC release said.

KWC member Noorbeena Rasheed said she visited the victim at KMCH yesterday, based on which the letter was sent to the women's commission in Karnataka.

The letter alleged that Karnataka Police was not willing to act against either college authorities or hostel officials. The girl was in a serious condition and she needed six months treatment and special surgery, it said.

Considering the seriousness of the matter, the KWC should intervene in the matter and take action, it added.
DMK president M Karunanidhi today once again rejected accusations made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa over the ceding of Katchatheevu islet in 1974, saying his then government had indeed opposed the Centre's move.

Responding to Jayalalithaa's criticism of him in the state Assembly yesterday, he said the 2013 TESO meeting had made it clear that the 1974 Indo-Lanka agreement had been implemented "despite the strong opposition" by the then DMK government headed by him.

"And as minimum facilities, conditions like allowing Indian fishermen to dry their nets and fishing rights in Katchatheevu were included on DMK government's insistence," he said, quoting from the 2013 TESO (Tamil Ealam Supporters' Organisation) resolution.

Karunanidhi recalled that Indira Gandhi had deputed her officials to discuss the matter with him when there was a "situation" for it to be ceded when she was Prime Minister and said he had registered the state's opposition to the move.

On arch rival AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa's contention that he, and not his party MLAs, should respond to her charges against him in the assembly, the wheelchair-bound octogenarian leader asked how can he enter the House as he had been allotted a seat "which is inaccessible.
Kerala is facing an "acute" financial crisis and "vexing" development stalemate but the CPI(M)-led LDF government would evolve a multi-pronged strategy to steer the state out of the situation, Kerala Governor Justice P Sathasivam told the Assembly today.

In his customary address at the opening session of the 14th Assembly, the Governor said there were no funds left even for the capital expenditure like construction of roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects.

"Kerala is today facing an acute financial crisis and a very vexing development stalemate.

"The government will focus on a multi-pronged strategy, firstly, of stepping up revenue mobilisation, secondly, of eliminating wasteful expenditure and thirdly, of leveraging provisions earmarked in the budget for the capital expenditure for mobilising funds from market," he said.

In the over two hour-long address, the governor said that for the last three years (2013-2016), implementation of the Annual Plan approved by Assembly has "virtually stagnated".

Kerala needs an infusion of Rs 50,000 core to Rs 1,00,000 crore funds for infrastructure, both in the public and private sector, to propel itself to the forefront in terms of economic development and competitiveness, he said.

"This means that Kerala will have to mobilise 10-15 per cent of its current GDP during the next five years for infrastructure. The task is by no means easy," he said.

Making it clear that the LDF government would not distance itself from private investment, the governor said it would encourage rapid infusion of private investment into the state and would provide a congenial environment for this.

The government would ensure that it would be without "neglecting the rights of workers or without breaching the environment laws."



Criticising the previous government for putting the resource mobilisation at grave risk by undermining the revenue collection machinery, the governor said LDF government would pursue a proactive policy of "zero tolerance to corruption".

The government would further strengthen the Kerala State Right to Service Act-2012, he said.

It would extend the land under paddy cultivation to three lakh hectares and expand the area of vegetable farming to 50,000 hectares.

"A special package for addressing price fall in cash crops including rubber will be formulated with the support of the Central government," he said.
A 22-year-old recipient has been arrested in connection with a kidney racket which was busted at a private hospital here earlier this month, police said today.

The accused, identified as Ashutosh (22), is the first kidney recipient arrested in the high-profile case in which 12 people, including personal assistant of senior nephrologists, middlemen, donors and the racket's kingpin, have been nabbed so far, a senior police official said.

The man, a native of Uttar Pradesh, was arrested from a hospital in central Delhi, where he had come for a check-up yesterday. His father is a junior engineer at Delhi Jal Board, the official said.

Ashutosh is believed to have paid Rs 25 lakh for the kidney transplant, of which Rs 3 lakh was paid to the Kanpur-based donor.

Efforts are on to identity more recipients in connection with the case, of which three more have been identified, the official said.

The middlemen used to forge documents to adhere to organ transplantation laws. So far, the police have come across at least 10 cases facilitated by the racket, the official added.
The Kremlin today hoped that Britain's decision to exit the European Union would not damage ties with Russia, insisting that a strong and predictable European Union is in Moscow's best interests.

President Vladimir Putin has yet to comment on the result of the referendum, but his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he hoped the decision to leave the EU would not hurt Britain's bilateral ties with Russia.

"We have a very complicated history... In bilateral relations, we can't always say that our British partners are ready to communicate and cooperate," Peskov told journalists.

"We hope that in the new reality, the understanding of a necessity to build good relations with our country will prevail."



Britain's relations with Russia have soured in recent years notably by the case of Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko who was murdered by polonium poisoning in London.

Many observers have said that Brexit would play into the hands of Putin who has been accused of driving a wedge between EU members.

Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that a European Union without Britain would be less likely to maintain economic sanctions against Russia.

"Without Britain, nobody will keep fighting so hard for EU sanctions against us," he wrote on Twitter.

Peskov however made no indication that Moscow is pleased with the result of the vote.

"The topic of Brexit is Britain's domestic issue and an issue of its relations with the EU," he said.

"The EU is a very important trade, economic and investment partner of Russia, and Moscow is of course interested in the EU staying a big economic power, one that is flourishing, stable and predictable.
The life of Lal Bahadur Shastri inspires every Indian, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today as he paid glowing tributes to the former premier who died here following a heart attack in 1966.

Modi, who arrived here yesterday to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), paid tribute to Shastri at a bust erected in his memory at the heart of Tashkent.

"The life of Lal Bahadur Shastri ji inspires every Indian. Paid tributes to this great personality in Tashkent," Modi tweeted.

A prominent figure in the independence movement, Shastri died of a heart attack in Tashkent in 1966 during an official visit at the age of 61. Shastri had taken over the office of Prime Minister after Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's death in 1964.

He is best remembered for his slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' which was aimed at encouraging the farmers for a better yield to reduce country's dependence on imported food grains while also to infuse renewed enthusiasm in soldiers fighting the Indo-Pak war of 1965.

"Paying homage to a great son of India. PM @narendramodi offers flowers at the bust of former PM Shastri," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

The Prime Minister also interacted with the sculptor who made the bust of Shastri.

"A moment with the sculptor. PM greets Yaakov Shapiro, the Uzbek sculptor of former PM Shastri's bust," Swarup said in another tweet.
A man was awarded life sentence for killing his 25-year-old wife by setting her on fire by pouring kerosene.

District and Sessions judge Ashok Kumar Vyas also imposed a fine of Rs 4,000 on Premshankar Goswami, a resident of Dolunda village under Keshoraipatan police station.

On the night of December 13, 2013, the woman sustained 90 per cent burn injuries when Premshankar poured kerosene over her and set her on fire. She died during treatment.

On a complaint by the deceased's father Ghanshyam Goswami, a case of murder was lodged against Premshankar the next day in Keshoraipatan police station, Public Prosecutor Bhupendra Sahay Saxena said.

In her dying declaration to the judicial magistrate, the woman also said she was set ablaze by her husband.

During the trial, 24 witnesses were produced before the court.

The court also ordered a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the father of the deceased woman and directed the department concerned to ensure proper care of her son, who was one and half years old at the time of her death.
BJP in Maharashtra today resorted to damage control exercise following an article in a party journal critical of ally Shiv Sena as it asserted the write-up does not reflect its official stand.

Reflecting the growing chasm between the saffron allies, a Sena corporator invoked the names of Bollywood villain Gabbar and comedian Rajpal Yadav to target BJP chief Amit Shah and state party spokesperson Madhav Bhandari.

The article in BJP's fortnightly magazine 'Manogat' has been written by Bhandari. The piece, 'When are you taking talaaq Mr Raut'? had dared the Sena to take "divorce" while enumerating the sacrifices BJP has made in the past to keep the alliance intact.

Seeking to assuage an angry Sena, which has sought a clarification, state BJP President Raosaheb Danve said the alliance with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party remains intact and the coalition government will complete its full term.

"If anybody publishes any report in any newspaper, it does not mean its the party's official stand. Newspapers are free to air their own views," Danve in a statement issued here late this evening.

"The (BJP-led) government in the state will last for full five years. We (BJP-Sena) have been natural allies for the last 25 years. The people of the state have given us mandate to rule for full term," he added.

Danve said directives have been issued to BJP cadres to exercise restraint and maintained the Sena should also issue similar instructions to its workers.

Meanwhile, adding Bollywood touch to the war of words, Sena Corporator Kishori Pendnekar compared Shah with Gabbar Singh, the feared villain of "Sholay", and likened Bhandari to actor Yadav, known for his comic roles in Hindi cinema.

Speaking to reporters, Pednekar said, "If for the BJP, the Sena President was the jailer (Asrani) of 'Sholay', then BJP President was like Gabbar."



Meanwhile, irate Sena workers took to the streets and protested against the article. They also burned the effigies of Bhandari.

Sena cadres held demonstrations in Nashik and at Kranti Nagar in Girgaum, Mumbai. The party has also announced it will boycott a programme in Pune where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present.
Maharashtra and Karnataka are set to auction 15 iron ore mines, with an area of more than 790 hectares and estimated reserves of over 260 million tonnes (MT), next month.

While Karnataka will put 14 mines under the hammer, Maharashtra will auction one iron ore mine, a senior government official said.

For Karnataka, the initial bid date was postponed to July 11 due to issues related to stamp duty. But now, amendment to the Stamp Duty Act is under final consideration of the state cabinet, which will clear the docks for the auction, the official added.

In the case of Maharashtra, a state government official said the initial bid date is July 29 for the Devge-Banda block in Sindhudurg district.

The officer said issues related to these mines were discussed at the meeting of the Union and State Mines Ministers in Jaipur last month.

So far, Odisha is the only state to have auctioned an iron ore mine, which was won by Ruias-promoted Essar Group last fiscal.

The auction will help the state government earn revenues, including royalty, DMF and NMET, of Rs 11,328 crore over a period of 50 years.

According to government data, domestic production of iron ore was 169 MT in 2011-12 and 137 MT in 2012-13 as against consumption of 101 MT and 103 MT, respectively.

In 2015-16, the country mined about 155 MT of the ore as against 129 MT in the preceding year.

Around 106 mines containing minerals like iron ore, bauxite, limestone, gold, copper, phosphate and potash would be offered by states for auction in the second phase. It also includes leftover blocks from first phase.

In the last auction, 17 blocks could not be sold due to insufficient number of initial bids on account of factors such as quantity and grade of ore, quality of the mineralisation studies, land ownership pattern, dull market scenario and end use conditions imposed by states.
Congratulating the students and faculty of College of Engineering (CoEP) in Pune for successful launch of their satellite 'Swayam', Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde today said the state government will finance the next satellite project of the institute.

The cube-shaped academic satellite developed by the students of COEP was successfully launched in orbit along with 19 others by ISRO on Wednesday.

"With Swayam in space, the students and faculty members, who burnt the midnight oil to make this happen, have added another feather in the college's cap. I congratulate the students for their astounding feat," he said.

Tawde was at the 162-year-old premier institute, an autonomous body of Maharashtra government, to felicitate the students and faculty members for their feat.

He said the Higher and Technical Education Department will provide Rs 50 lakh for CoEP's next satellite project.

"Research work should not get affected by lack of funds. The state government will allot substantial funds for research projects at the college level," he said.

As per the college, ISRO has approved a second satellite which will be powered by solar energy and three times the size of 'Swayam'.
A man has been arrested on the charge of cheating by posing a high-ranking Army officer after he was found clicking pictures inside the Fort William here, the Army's Eastern Command Headquarters, police said today.

Promit Kumar Mitra (48), who is into realty business, was held from his residence in south Kolkata by a team of Military Intelligence officers before being handed over to Kolkata Police at Maidan Police Station yesterday, they said.

The matter, which raised questions on the security at the Fort William, came to the Army's notice when Mitra, a few days back, had entered the defence area driving his car which had a private registration number with the word 'Army' inscribed in red, a Kolkata Police officer said.

"Mitra was caught on CCTV footage wearing a Major General's uniform. It also showed that he was with his son. At the main gate, he introduced himself as Officer on Special Duty at Panagarh, a military base. Inside, he told another personnel that he is from Army Headquarters, New Delhi and went around Fort William clicking photos," the officer said.

Suspecting him to be an outsider, Army officials went through the CCTV footage and found that the ribbons on his uniform was worn in an incorrect manner and the formation-sign was also not matching.

"Another thing which struck them was that the accused looked much younger to be a Major General. Also an Army official of a Major General-rank rarely drives his car. Then they started looking out for him by his car's registration number caught on the CCTV footages," the officer said.

Also, there were complaints that the accused had been attending parties posing as an Army official.

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It is learnt that Mitra was a senior executive for a famous jeweller in the city before entering into the realty business.

"The accused's father was a Commodore in the Indian Navy while his wife is a teacher at a city school. We have spoken to both of them and they had no clue about this. We are questioning him to get a clear picture about his intention behind posing as an Army officer," the officer said.

A Special Task Force of Kolkata Police and Intelligence officials from the state and the Centre would also question Mitra, another senior officer said.

Mitra, who has been charged under IPC section 419 (Cheating by personation) of IPC was remanded in police custody till June 29.
As dust settled down over the row between makers of Bollywood film "Udta Punjab" and the CBFC, an LGBT activist here has locked horns with the Maharashtra Censor Board of Theatres over his Marathi play.

MCBT chairman and veteran actor Arun Nalawade, however, said the play, which has been certified for 'A' alongwith some cuts, will be re-examined.

Bindumadhav Khire, founder of Samapathik Trust which works for the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, has opposed 14 cuts suggested by the board to his play 'Fredy'.

"I submitted the script 11 months back and recently the board replied with suggestion of 14 cuts and gave it an 'A' (adults only) certificate," he claimed.

"I agree that there are some cuss-words in the play, but the character is abusive and arrogant and certain language is a must for such a character," said Khire.

The play is "a black comedy" dealing with homosexuality and masculinity as portrayed in Bollywood with an actor from the film industry as its central character, he said.

"While writing on homosexuality, one cannot omit the sexual content," he said, adding, "The board should understand the LGBT cause, then only it can look beyond suggesting cut and understand the subject."



Further giving 'A' certificate and suggesting cuts at the same time was ridiculous, Khire said.

"If the board has given me 'A' certificate, it should allow me to go ahead with the original script as the play will then only be for the adult audience," he said.

Khire has had trouble with the censor earlier too. "My two plays -- 'Purushottam' and 'Jaswand' -- faced scissors," he said.

"I think there is a need for immediate reforms in the guidelines followed by the board."



Nalawade said, "The play did not come to me, but I will check who examined the script and suggested the cuts. I will refer the script to another member."



Generally, two board members review a script and if they find anything controversial it is referred to a third member, he said.

"I am sure the issue of cuts would be resolved through discussion. I am also open to discussion with the playwrights on the guidelines," he said.

Khire said Marathi playwrights cannot afford to fight



legal battles owing to lack of money and other resources.

"Unlike Hindi filmmakers and producers, the Marathi playwrights lack money and manpower to fight it out in court. However, I am now talking to other Marathi experimental playwrights who have faced similar fates, so that we can collectively go and talk to the board," he said.
Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) today announced a week-long 'Monsoon Fit Checkup Camp' for customers across the country.

Vehicles will be checked for 17 critical points under the complimentary check up for safe and problem-free driving during monsoon season, MSI said in a statement.

The camps will be held starting today till June 30 at the company's 1,714 dealer workshops located in 1,516 cities across the country, it added.

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70k Maggi 'Hot Heads' packs fly off Snapdeal shelves in 4 hrs * Online marketplace Snapdeal today said 70,000 units of Nestle's new offering Maggi Hot Heads were sold out within four hours of the exclusive online preview sale today.

"Those who missed ordering their packs will be able to buy the new Maggi Hot Heads in the first week of July when they will be back in stock on Snapdeal. In addition, Nestle launched yet another offering of 'No Onion, No Garlic' noodles today, exclusively on Snapdeal," the company said in a statement.

Snapdeal Senior Vice President - Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives, Tony Navin said, "Success of Maggi Hot Heads launch is yet another milestone in our partnership with Nestle. With the aim of catering to a much wider range of consumption needs, we continue to enhance our products assortment along with providing best in class delivery experience."



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Su-Kam bags solar power project from Chennai Metro Rail * Power back-up solutions provider Su-Kam today said it has bagged a new project from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) for installation of a solar power plant that would help save the CMRL Rs 1.12 crore annually.

The project was to install 1 MW Grid Tie Solar Power Plant at the head office of CMRL at Koyambedu here, a company statement said.

The state-of-the-art 1 MW grid tie solar photo-voltaic system on the rooftop of the Chennai Metro Rail office would generate about 5,000 units of electricity per day enabling CMRL to save Rs 1.12 crore every year, it said.

IBM inks 3-year deal with IndusInd Bank



* Tech giant IBM today said it has inked a three-year deal with IndusInd Bank to deploy its cloud and analytics solution to powers end-to-end digital marketing campaigns at the bank.

However, no financial details were disclosed.

IndusInd Bank will use IBM's Cloud commerce solutions to transform customer engagements and enhance its cross-sell platforms in line with the Bank's strategy, IBM said in statement.

The solution will enable IndusInd Bank to strengthen its online banking presence and improve the product holding per customer. As on June 30, 2016, IndusInd Bank had 1,004 branches and 1,885 ATMs spread across 625 geographical locations of the country, it said.

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Lenovo appoints Pankaj Harjai as Head of SMB vertical * Chinese tech major Lenovo today said it has appointed Pankaj Harjai as the head of its newly formed Small and Medium Business (SMB) business group in India.

Harjai, who will lead sales, product and go-to-market strategy for the SMB vertical, has also taken charge of Lenovo's commercial channel business, Lenovo India said in a statement.

He will report to Lenovo India Managing Director Rahul Agarwal. Harjai has been a part of Lenovo since August 2012.

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mycity4kids appoints Paritosh Gunjan as CTO * mycity4kids, an online content platform for mothers, today said it has appointed Paritosh Gunjan as its Chief Technology Officer.

"Paritosh's key mandate is to make mycity4kids a technology-driven company with data-science forming the core of everything - from content creation, campaign management and content distribution," mycity4kids co-founder and MD Vishal Gupta said.

Prior to mycity4kids, Gunjan has worked with companies like Wipro, Samsung, Crayon Data and Flygrades (start-up co-founded by Gunjan).
Global time payment processing firm today said micro, small and medium enterprises need to go for online payments which currently account for just four per cent of total transactions in the country.

"Of the total transactions made in the country, 96 per cent are done through cash transactions. The remaining four per cent is done through digital medium..", MasterCard, Group Head, Senior Vice President, Global Policy Affairs and Community Relations, Ravinder S Aurora told reporters.

He said micro merchants comprising kirana stores, small retail shops having 2-5 employees comprise of about 10 crore in the country.

"This sector plays a significant role in overall retail industry as it is growing at a rate of 11.5 per cent," he said.

in association with the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has trained over 50,000 traders across the country under the digital campaign exercise, he added.

He said the company operates in 210 countries with transactions in 150 currencies.

To a query, he said, the company was in talks with Central and State government agencies, and had also signed a Memorandum of understanding with State of Gujarat to bring in digital payments for traders.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel today warned EU member states against drawing hasty conclusions about Britain's decision to quit the bloc, as that risked further splitting Europe.

"We take note of the British people's decision with regret. There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process," she said.

But "what the consequences of this would be... Would depend on whether we - the other 27 member states of the EU - prove to be willing and able to not draw quick and simple conclusions from the referendum in Great Britain, which would only further divide Europe," said Merkel.

Member states should "calmly and prudently analyse and evaluate the situation, before making the right decisions together," said Merkel, who will host talks with French President Francois Hollande, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and European Council president Donald Tusk in Berlin on Monday.

Recalling the founding aim of the EU, Merkel urged Europeans to "never forget that the idea of European unity was an idea of peace.
The militants, who were killed in two separate encounters in Kupwara yesterday were affiliated to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the army today claimed.

"About 200 to 220 militants are active in Kashmir valley. Among them, about 100 are local militants and rest are foreigners," Commander Eight sector Rashtriya Rifles Brigadier Rajeev Puri said while talking about the successful operations in Kupwara.

He said the number of militants in south and north Kashmir varies as they do not have boundaries.

Playing down the use of new app "Calculator" by militants to keep in touch with their handlers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir without being detected by Army's technical surveillance, the Army officer said "such things keep happening between the security forces and the terrorists".

"Earlier, they were using radio sets and we used to intercept it. They come out with a new thing and we counter it," he said.

Giving credit to human intelligence for successful anti-militancy operations, he said "our human intelligence is very strong. If they succeed in level one (infiltrating from across the LoC), we get them at level two and eliminate them."



Talking about the two successful operations which left six militants dead in Kupwara district yesterday, the army officer said "all the six were affiliated to Pakistan-based LeT outfit".

"The first operation started at Khailia Doban in the north of Lolab valley at around 9 AM and resulted in the death of three Pakistani militants of LeT group. The operation ended at 1.30 PM," he said.

"A large quantity of medicines and eatables, carrying Pakistan-made mark, were recovered from the slain militants. Soon after the first operation was over, a second operation took place in Drugmulla's Waterkhai area and three more LeT militants were killed," the officer said.

A huge cache of arms and explosives were seized from both the operations, he said, adding the seizure included six AK 47 rifles, maps, Under Barrel Grenade Launchers, grenades, radio sets, night vision devices, compass and Ground Positioning System (GPS).
Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today ordered an inquiry into issuance of a mining lease to a person who is not a permanent resident of the state, despite his direction to keep the matter in abeyance, and said the House and the Chair have been "insulted".

Questioning how the decision was taken when the matter was being examined by a House committee, the Speaker sought action against erring officials after members cutting across party lines expressed their unhappiness over the issue.

Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Prakash Ganga said that the matter had not come to his notice and assured the House that it will be examined.

As soon as the house assembled for the day's proceedings, the issue was raised by CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami who said "this is an insult of this House and insult of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution".

He was supported on the issue by members from all political parties including PDP and BJP.

Speaker Kavinder Gupta said, "My office had issued an order to the Commissioner- Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, regarding the decision to keep SRO 105 (related to mining) in abeyance.

"It is unfortunate that this chair (of the Speaker) has been insulted and this House has been insulted."



The MLAs were protesting against issuance of a lease to Mohinder Pal Singh, a resident of Chandigarh, by the department.

The Speaker also directed an inquiry into how the order of sanctioning lease came to be passed as the High Court had stayed granting of mining leases while the house committee was examining the SRO 105.

"Strict action should be taken against these officials so that no one dares to repeat such a thing," he added.

Tarigami said, "For the first time there was a consensus on an issue in this house and it was regarding SRO 105, which was put in abeyance and a house committee formed to look into its provisions."



He said even as the House Committee was examining the matter, the officials of the state government had issued lease to Singh for mining over 40 hectare in Ravi belt of Kathua district.

"This is an insult of this House and insult of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. We will not allow Jammu and Kashmir to be put on sale," the communist leader said.

Ganga tried to make a statement on the issue but was shouted down by the opposition members, who demanded his resignation.

The minister was later allowed to make a statement following the intervention of the Speaker.

"I assure this house that this lease is not in my notice. We will examine this and there will be action on it as well," the minister said.

Revenue Minister Basharat Bukhari, however, said the officer who has issued the order should be placed under suspension with immediate effect.
India and Russia today discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the civil nuclear energy and hydrocarbon sector as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to take forward the special and privileged bilateral partnership.

Modi and Putin, during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit here, discussed a range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

"The two leaders discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy, partnership in the gas and petrochemicals sector. They also discussed furthering cooperation in the space sector. Matters relating to trade and investment also came up," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

He said President Putin welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO that has kick-started the process of India's accession as into the powerful grouping as a "full member".

India will have to sign around 30 other documents in the course of the year to complete the process for membership. Pakistan is also being inducted into the SCO as a full member.

Putin said Russia was looking forward to India's chairmanship of BRICS, adding it has grown in influence.

"President Putin said India is a special and privileged partner. There is long standing friendship between Russia and India. He welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO and looked forward to India's Chairmanship of BRICS, which has grown in influence," said Swarup.

He said the Prime Minister thanked Russia for its support to India in SCO and said India as BRICS chair would keep up the momentum generated by Russia.

India has assumed chairmanship of the influential bloc BRICS comprising five countries having 42 per cent of the world population and combined GDP of over USD 16 trillion.

India will host the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-China-South Africa) summit later this year. Russia had the chairmanship of BRICS and it was passed onto India.

The 7th BRICS summit was held in the Russian city of Ufa on July 8-9 last year.

"Both leaders recalled old cultural connections and agreed to find ways of further invigorating cultural ties," said Swarup.
Madhya Pradesh government today started the process of selling over 9,36,000 quintals of onions at Rs 6 per kg, purchased earlier for giving relief to farmers.

"We had purchased 9,36,254 quintals of onion at Rs 6 per kg from 36,136 farmers from June 4 onwards. Today we issued tenders for its sale," Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Marketing Federation's general manager (procurement) Yogesh Joshi said.

The last date for bidding is June 30.

After the onion prices crashed and in some places farmers threw away the produce, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on June 1 had announced purchase at Rs 6 per kg.
Scores of Buddhists ransacked a mosque in central Myanmar forcing Muslims to seek refuge overnight in a police station after a dispute between neighbours spilled into religious violence, officials and residents said today.

Bouts of anti-Muslim violence have left scores dead across the country since 2012 and the febrile atmosphere poses serious challenges for Aung San Suu Kyi's new government.

The violence erupted yesterday as a mob of around 200 Buddhists rampaged through a Muslim area of Thuye Tha Mein village in Bago province following an argument between neighbours over the building of a Muslim school.

"It started when a Muslim man and a Buddhist women started to argue and then people came to fight him," Hla Tint, the village administrator, told AFP.

"Parts of the mosque were destroyed... They also destroyed the fence of the Muslim cemetery," he added.

Around 70 Muslims, including children, sought shelter in a police station overnight yesterday, he said, adding there were no serious injuries and peace had been restored.

Police and the secretary of the mosque confirmed the damage, while a Muslim resident told AFP his community of around 150 people is now living in fear.

"We had to hide as some people were threatening to kill Muslims. The situation has never been like this before," Tin Shwe OO, 29, told AFP, adding his family stayed at the small police station overnight.

"I do not dare to stay at my house. For the safety of my family, I want to stay somewhere else for about a week or so."



Outbreaks of deadly violence have roiled the country threatening to unpick democratic gains since the army began loosening its stranglehold on the country in 2011.

The worst violence struck central Myanmar and western Rakhine State which is home to the stateless Rohingya Muslim minority, tens of thousands of whom still languish in displacement camps after rioting.

Buddhist nationalists vigorously oppose moves to recognise the Rohingya as an official minority group, instead labelling them "Bengali" - shorthand for illegal migrants from the border with Bangladesh.

Democracy champion Suu Kyi, who is currently visiting Thailand, has come under fire for failing to speak up for the Rohingya - although she recently caused surprise by using the incendiary term during a visit to Myanmar by America's top diplomat.

Religious tensions pose a unique challenge to the new government and to Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate once garlanded for her fight for rights for all.

Her party is dominated by ethnic Bamar Buddhists and did not field any Muslim MPs in the election last year that drove it to power.

Hardline monks - known as the Ma Ba Tha - are accused of stoking violence and tensions with hate speech.
Fashion e-commerce platform Myntra today said it expects to see a 20-fold jump in daily sales during its 'End of Reason' sale to be held on July 2-3.

The company, which was acquired by Flipkart in 2014, expects about 10 million people to shop on its platform on the two sale days.

"We are geared up for our End of Reason sale (EORS). We have invested strongly in strengthening our platform and in ensuring that logistics remains smooth. We anticipate about 10 million people will shop on Myntra in the two days of this sale, which is the fourth edition of EORS," Myntra CEO Ananth Narayanan told PTI.

He added there will be up to 80 per cent discount that will be offered to consumers on the sale days.

Narayanan, however, did not comment on the investments the company had made to beef up its platform.

For the fiscal ended March 2016, Myntra had gross merchadise value (GMV) of USD 500 million. For the ongoing financial year, the company is eyeing the USD one billion mark.

"We expect to see a 20X jump in revenues from what we do on an average day. This will also be about 2X bigger than our last sale in January," he said.

Asked about the concerns raised by offline retailers about the discounting mechanism adopted by eCommerce players to ramp up sales, Narayanan said the sale is not different from those seen in physical retail stores.

"Traditional retailers also have sales which usually lasts over weeks. We are offering a similar sale, just that it is for 2 days. Most of these discounts are coming from the brands themselves," he said.

Over 2,000 Indian and international brands will be part of EORS, including 11 of Myntra's in-house brands, he added.
The Calcutta High Court today send the Narada sting tapes to Chandigarh CFSL after its counterpart in Hyderabad expressed its inability to analyse the genuineness of the recordings purportedly showing people resembling senior TMC leaders taking money.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice A Banerjee noted that Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Hyderabad where the Narada tapes were sent along with devices used, had failed to retrieve the recordings that were allegedly in the hard disc of a laptop used for the purpose.

Mathew Samuel, editor of Narada News, had claimed that the alleged sting operation was recorded using an iPhone 6, transferred to a laptop and then to a pendrive, all of which had been sent by the high court to CFSL, Hyderabad for examination of the genuineness of the recordings.

A report by CFSL, Hyderabad in this regard was submitted before the court in a sealed cover.

After going through the report, the Chief Justice said that according to the Hyderabad laboratory, it does not have the facility to analyse the exhibits in isolation.

The bench said that it had requested the court to send the devices and the video footage to CFSL, Hyderabad for determination of authenticity.

Accordingly, the court directed the three-member special committee (formed by the bench and headed by the registrar administration of the high court) to hand over the devices and a photocopy of the Hyderabad facility's report to CFSL, Chandigarh within 10 days.

The bench asked CFSL, Chandigarh to submit its report on the authenticity of the video footage within a month thereafter.

The matter would come up for further hearing after six weeks.

(Reopens LGC1)



The division bench had on April 29 ordered the director of CFSL, Hyderabad to make preliminary inquiry to find out whether the devices used in the 'sting' and the recordings were tampered, engineered, doctored or genuine.

It had directed CFSL to complete the analysis within four weeks of being given the recordings and devices - an iPhone, a laptop and a pen drive.

Acting on a petition seeking to find out the genuinenes of the tapes and an inquiry into the matter, the court had observed that as a preliminary step it has to first ascertain whether the devices are tampered, engineered, doctored or genuine.

The recordings, which were released by Narada a few days after the election to the West Bengal Assembly was announced, purportedly showed Trinamool Congress MPs and state ministers taking money in exchange for services for a fictitious company.
NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered an unexpected mineral in a rock sample on Mars, a finding that suggests the red planet hosted explosive volcanoes during its evolution.

The Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, has been exploring sedimentary rocks within Gale Crater since landing in August 2012.

In July last year, on Sol 1060 (the number of Martian days since landing), the rover collected powder drilled from rock at a location named "Buckskin."



Analysing data from an X-ray diffraction instrument on the rover that identifies minerals, scientists detected significant amounts of a silica mineral called tridymite.

Tridymite is generally associated with silicic volcanism, which is known on Earth but was not thought to be important or even present on Mars, researchers said.

The discovery of tridymite might induce scientists to rethink the volcanic history of Mars, suggesting that the planet once had explosive volcanoes that led to the presence of the mineral.

"On Earth, tridymite is formed at high temperatures in an explosive process called silicic volcanism. Mount St Helens, the active volcano in Washington State, and the Satsuma-Iwojima volcano in Japan are examples of such volcanoes," said Richard Morris, NASA planetary scientist at Johnson.

"The combination of high silica content and extremely high temperatures in the volcanoes creates tridymite," said Morris.

"The tridymite was incorporated into 'Lake Gale' mudstone at Buckskin as sediment from erosion of silicic volcanic rocks," he added.

The findings will also stimulate scientists to re-examine the way tridymite forms.

Researchers examined terrestrial evidence that tridymite could form at low temperatures from geologically reasonable processes and not imply silicic volcanism. They found none.

They will need to look for ways that it could form at lower temperatures.

The study was published in the journal PNAS.
Braving rough and squally weather, Navy today evacuated two patients from Lakshadweep's Kiltan Island and brought them here for treatment following a request from Lakshadweep and Minicoy Administration.

The two patients at Kiltan Island were a nine-month-old baby girl with a broken hand and a 70-year-old woman with a hip bone fracture, and required specialised treatment, a Navy official said.

A Helicopter was launched from the Indian Naval Air Station, Garuda, which evacuated both the patients along with the baby girl's parents, he said.

Meanwhile, a Navy Dornier aircraft was positioned at Agatti. The patients and attendants were moved to the Dornier and flown to Kochi.

"The operation involved detailed planning because of the large distances for flying over sea in adverse monsoon conditions," the official said.

"The helicopter was flown by Lieutenant Colonel Y K Ajit Singh, Lieutenant Commander S S Dash and R K Sharma whereas the Dornier aircraft was flown by Commander V V Mani and Lieutenant R C Vishnu," he said.

Meanwhile, the life of a person, who suffered a heart attack in Minicoy could not be saved despite efforts by island administration and Navy.

A Navy chopper was deployed to airlift the patient from the island, but he died before help could reach him, officials said.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) here has devised various awareness programs for school and college students as part of celebration of 'International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking', which falls on June 26, officials said.

According to Zonal Director of Ahmedabad-NCB Hari Om Gandhi, students are most vulnerable for drug abuse.

The Ahmedabad Zonal Unit of NCB has jurisdiction comprising Gujarat state and Union Territories of Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

"To save our young generation from falling pray to this menace, we have planned to carry out various programs as part of International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. We have roped in various schools and colleges to carry out these activities and convey a message among masses about drug abuse," said Gandhi.

These programs, to be held on June 25 and June 26, include a rally and street plays organised by the students of city based RJ Tibrewal Commerce College tomorrow. On the same day, a large number of college students are invited to attend an awareness program at International Exhibition Centre in Surat.

"We have roped in many volunteers, mostly college students, to carry out various other programs, such as musical shows and street plays during these two days. We have also organised a car rally in Surat on June 26. Volunteers will stand at public places in several cities to spread the message using banners and leaflets," said Gandhi.

"To make students understand about the drawbacks of drugs, we will show them a short film featuring film star Akshay Kumar. One of our messages this time is 'Listen First', which conveys that students must listen to their parents and well-wishers about the evils of consuming drugs and stay away from it," added Gandhi.
The apex consumer commission has asked an insurance company to pay over Rs one crore to the kin of a man who died in 2007, rejecting its contention that the death was a suicide and did not attract the claim.

National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), presided over by Justice J M Malik, asked the Oriental Insurance Company to pay Rs one crore and a compensation of Rs 50,000 to the wife and two minor daughters of Anil Kumar Malik, whose dead body was found lying near a railway track in West Delhi in 2007.

The commission passed the order while rejecting the firm's contention that the death was unnatural and did not call for insurance, noting that "due to lack of evidence, the factum of suicide hardly stands proved."



"We have perused the viscera report and the two inquest reports. There is no inkling that suicide was committed. The opposite party (firm) has failed to prove its case. The case of the complainant (Anil's family) stands proved.

"We hereby direct the opposite party - insurance company to pay to the complainant no 1 (Anil's wife), on behalf of all the complainants (Anil's wife and two minor daughters), a sum of Rs 1 crore... We also award compensation and litigation costs, in the sum of Rs 50,000," the NCDRC said.

According to the complaint, the dead body of Anil, who was working as a Development Officer with the Life Insurance Corporation of India Limited, was found lying on the railway track near Brar Square in West Delhi in February 2007.

He had obtained a policy of Rs one crore from the Oriental Insurance Company Ltd, the complaint said.

The firm asked the complainant to submit the viscera report which was the prerogative of police and was lying within their domain. In September 2009, the company closed the case for 'Non-submission of Viscera Report', it said.

The complainant later obtained a copy of the viscera report from police and handed it over to the firm which even then did not take any action, following which a complaint was filed by his family members seeking a claim of Rs one crore, the complaint said.

The firm contended before the commission that Anil's death clearly suggested that it was a case of suicide. It also claimed that the complainants did not cooperate with it in furnishing the requisite documents to enable it investigate their claim.
Nepal has banned its citizens from working in strife-torn Afghanistan, days after 13 Nepali security guards were killed in a Taliban suicide bombing in Kabul.

13 Nepalese nationals working in Afghanistan were killed and five others sustained serious injuries when militants exploded a bomb in a minibus on Monday.

A cabinet meeting yesterday decided to suspend issuing labour permits to Nepalese nationals for Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Libya until a further notice.

After the Kabul attack, the government made the decision to bar Nepalese nationals from going to the war-hit nations for the purpose of employment.

The government also decided to provide Rs 1 million as compensation to families of the victims. It has also made arrangements for the treatment of those injured in the attack by Taliban.

The meeting also directed the Ministry of Labour and Employment to submit a report after carrying out detailed study of all aspects of the incident.

Moreover, a decision was made to hold diplomatic talks with the Afghanistan government in order to guarantee thesecurity and safety of theNepalese in Afghanistan and also toprovide necessary support for those willing to return home.

The government also evacuated 24 other Nepalese nationals who were working as security guard in the Canadian Embassy in Kabul following the terror attack.
A 72-year-old New Hampshire woman who says Bill Cosby raped her in 1965 withdrew her civil defamation lawsuit against the comedian today, a day after a federal judge had allowed the case to move forward.

Kristina Ruehli's lawyer told The Associated Press her client had decided not to pursue the case because the legal landscape has changed since she first filed suit in November.

Cosby now faces criminal prosecution in Pennsylvania and similar civil actions are in play in Massachusetts and elsewhere by dozens of other accusers.

"Ms Ruehli is 72 and her husband just celebrated his 79th birthday," Megan Deluhery, Ruehli's lawyer, said. "She will watch the pending cases proceed in solidarity with other survivors, those known and unknown, while returning her focus, if she can, on her daily life and trying to put behind her all the pain this ordeal has caused her."



Cosby spokesman Andrew Wyatt responded that the comedian hopes more lawsuits are dropped or dismissed and that Cosby looks forward to fighting the rest before a jury in court.

Wyatt also noted Ruehli's is the second defamation case against his client to be dismissed this year. In January, former teen actress Renita Hill's civil suit was dismissed by a federal judge in Pittsburgh who ruled that the Cosby camp's comments were protected by the First Amendment.

"For those in the media who accepted every allegation raised without question or evaluation, they need to answer the well-known question with respect to Mr Cosby, 'Which office do I go to get my reputation back?'," Wyatt said in a statement.

Deluhery countered that Ruehli's dismissal, unlike Hill's, was voluntary and had "nothing to do" with the merits of the case.

Ruehli filed a notice to voluntarily dismiss the suit without prejudice, meaning she could refile it. It came after a judge in Springfield, near where Cosby has a home, rejected the comedian's bid to dismiss the case yesterday.

Like other alleged victims seeking civil judgments against Cosby, Ruehli argued that Cosby falsely accused her of lying and tarnished her reputation when she came forward in 2014 to say he raped her.

Ruehli, who lives in Windham, near the Massachusetts state line, had said in her lawsuit that she met Cosby while working as a secretary at a Los Angeles talent agency when she was 22 years old.

She said Cosby invited her and others to a party at his home. Ruehli, who was named Donna Czapla at the time, says she took two drinks from Cosby and passed out, only to wake up naked and in Cosby's bed. She says Cosby was trying to force her to give him oral sex.
The plenary meeting of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) ended here today with no decision on India's membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.

China's stand that India's membership application cannot be considered because it has not signed the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was backed by nearly 10 other countries which effectively torpedoed India's bid although it had the strong backing of the US, the UK, France and a majority of countries in the nuclear trading group.

Earlier, the chief Chinese negotiator, Wang Qun continued to vehemently oppose India's membership of NSG.

Wang, Director General of China's Department of Arms Control, told reporters that there was no consensus on the NSG membership of non-NPT countries like India.

He insisted that for a country to be a member of NSG, signing of the NPT "is a must". This rule has not been set by China but by the international community, he added.

Wang warned "if exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether".

Asked about reports that Beijing was blocking India's membership, he said the NSG has so far not agreed to any agenda item on participation of non-NPT countries. Therefore, there was no point of China supporting or opposing India's membership.

The anti-India stand taken by China again today clearly shows that Chinese President Xi Jinping has not responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's urgings in Tashkent yesterday that Beijing should support India's case.

Seeking China's support for India's membership, Modi had urged Xi to make a "fair and objective" assessment of India's application which is before the Seoul plenary as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
The Madras High Court bench here has observed that when the public sector Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation was selling flats to Policemen, then the Registration Department should not suspect that the property had been undervalued.

Dismissing a bathch of writ petitions filed by the Registration Department alleging evasion of stamp duty Justices Nooty Ramamanohana Rao and S S Sundar said the PSU would never resort to suppressing the true market value of immovable properties.

The appeals had been filed against a similar order passed by a single judge of the High Court in 2008.

Challenging the single judge's order the appellants claimed that it would lead to loss of revenue to the state in the form of deficit in collection of stamp duty.

The Judges said that the considerations payable by the policemen had been mentioned in the conveyance deeds and such an amount had also been received by the TNPHC.

There was no room for one to suspect any possible evasion of state's revenue by deliberate indulgence in under-valuation.

The judges said that it was "totally unwarranted" on the part of Registration Department to initiate proceedings under Indian Stamp Act, 1899 on charges of undervaluing the property.
The top North Korean official for US relations on Saturday said that his country is now a nuclear threat to be reckoned with, and Washington can expect more nuclear tests and missile launches like the ones earlier this week as long as it attempts to force his government's collapse through a policy of pressure and punishment.

"It's the United States that caused this issue," Han Song Ryol, director-general of the department of US affairs at North Korea's Foreign Ministry, told AP in his first interview with an American news organisation since assuming the post three years ago.

"They have to stop their military threats, sanctions and economic pressure. Without doing so, it's like they are telling us to reconcile while they are putting a gun to our forehead."

Han defended the North's test-launching on Wednesday of two medium-range ballistic missiles. Foreign military experts believe that, once perfected, such missiles could deliver nuclear warheads to US bases in Japan and possibly to major US military installations as far away as the Pacific island of Guam, where long-range US Air Force bombers are deployed.

The tests indicated technological advances in the North's missile capabilities. They were quickly condemned by Washington, Tokyo and Seoul as a "provocation" and a violation of United Nations resolutions.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said US policy calling for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula hasn't changed.

"The capabilities that the DPRK continues to pursue are doing nothing obviously to get us to that goal," he said. "We urge the North to take the necessary steps to prove that they're willing to return to the six-party talk process, so that we can get to that goal."

Han dismissed the criticism, saying has no choice but to build up its military deterrent as long as the world's largest superpower, and the country that first developed nuclear weapons, remains an enemy.

He noted that the US recently deployed nuclear-powered submarines and strategic bombers capable of dropping nuclear weapons on to the region, and earlier this year conducted training for precision airstrikes on North Korea's leadership, along with simulations of an advance into the capital, Pyongyang, with the South Korean military during joint annual exercises.

"This launch was a significant and novel step that my country must take to produce a powerful nuclear deterrent," Han said. "The real provocation is coming from the United States. How can my country stand by and do nothing?"

Han said has never recognised a longstanding United Nations Security Council ban on its testing of nuclear weapons or long-range missiles, though the world body has ratified the resolutions and imposed heavy sanctions on North Korea for continuing them, including a round of new sanctions imposed after its latest nuclear test in January. North Korea says that test was its first of an H-bomb.
Security forces apprehended a



NSCN (R) cadre from Saching village in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Personnel of Assam Rifles, acting on intelligence input, apprehended the self-styled ultra Ngeungthung Techi (28 years) from the village during early hours yesterday, an official report informed here today.

A .22 bore Chinese pistol with magazine and three live rounds were recovered from his possession, the report added.
Leading bourse National Stock Exchange (NSE) will auction investment limits for overseas investors on Monday for the purchase of government debt securities worth Rs 6,949 crore.

The auction will be conducted on NSE's e-bid platform from 1530 hrs to 1730 hrs, after the close of market hours.

The debt auction quota gives overseas investors the right to invest in debt, up to the limit purchased.

According to the latest data with depositories, total investment in government debt has reached Rs 1,33,051 crore till yesterday, which is 95.04 per cent of total permitted limit of Rs 1,40,000 crore.

Consequently, the exchange has decided to conduct an auction for the allocation of unutilised debt limits on June 27.

A mock bidding session would be conducted today in this regard.

Last two auctions conducted by the exchanges for government debt securities witnessed lukewarm response after months of oversubscription.

The government debt securities attracted bids worth Rs 4,011 crore from foreign investors as against Rs 4,046 crore put on offer in an online auction on June 6.

Prior to that, it had attracted bids worth Rs 2,957 crore as against securities worth Rs 3,340 crore put on offer in the auction conducted on May 16.

To boost foreign funds inflows, the limit for overseas investors in central government bonds was hiked to Rs 1.4 lakh crore from April 4 and it will be further increase to Rs 1.44 lakh crore from July 5. Earlier, the limit was Rs 1,35,400 crore.
President Barack Obama tried to reassure Britons today that the special relationship between Washington and London would withstand an impending and likely messy divorce from Europe, as his administration scrambled to assess the fallout from a decision that left people stunned on both sides of the Atlantic.

As stock markets tumbled the day after the unexpected vote, Obama offered words of calm and continuity, saying the the shocking vote would disrupt neither the "enduring" bond between the US and the UK nor American support for the European alliance.

In a blitz of phone calls, Obama and his senior advisers called British and European officials to express support. Obama spoke with Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel separately to begin discussions on how Britain will extricate itself from the 27-member union, a process expected to take up to 2 years.

Obama said he came away from his call with Cameron "confident" that Britain is "committed to an orderly transition."



"One thing that will not change is the special relationship," between the US and the UK, Obama said in remarks at Stanford University.

The reassurance could not paper over what was clearly a blow to the president, who in one night saw his calls for unity rejected and his legacy in Europe reshaped.

Obama had strongly urged that the UK remain in the EU, and the decision significantly undermined his efforts to counter the isolationist viewpoints taking hold in many parts of the world.

The vote also ensured that, despite his high-profile aim of strengthening international alliances, he will leave office with the European Union diminished and under threat of further unraveling.

The impact of the vote was felt far beyond London and Brussels today. Stocks plunged in the US and worldwide as stunned investors wondered what will come next for Britain, Europe, the world's largest economic bloc, and the global economy.

US Treasury Sec Jacob Lew promised to work closely with British and European officials to ensure "economic stability, security, and prosperity in Europe and beyond."



Lew said he had been consulting for weeks with finance officials and investment firms.
The Odisha government today issued advisory on how to undertake blood transfusion process and decided to recruit 60 laboratory technicians to meet the shortage of manpower in blood banks across the state.

"We will soon appoint nearly 60 laboratory technicians under the National Health Mission (NHM) and about 50-60 data entry operators to meet the staff shortage problem," said health and family welfare secretary Aarti Ahuja.

Stating that the state government has issued directives to blood bank officers and those who were in-charge to strictly adhere to the guidelines, Ahuja said those found violating the guideline would be punished.

She said this after a review meeting on proper management and development of the three medical colleges and 53 blood banks in the state.

While Rs 16 crore would be spent for augmenting infrastructure in blood banks in the state, an amount of Rs five crore would be spent for buying modern equipment, an official said.

Ahuja said the department has issued an advisory to all three government-run medical colleges and 53 blood banks to adopt proper procedure and maintain transparency while testing blood and its transfusion.

She said a committee has been set up at the district level to monitor and check implementation of the advisory.

"We have issued an advisory which has guidelines on how to follow standard operating procedures as per protocol provided in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. We have made it clear that so far blood safety is concerned, we have zero tolerance. Whosoever is found to be negligent, action will be taken against him/her," she said.

The development came in the backdrop of the final blood report from a Mumbai-based laboratory confirming one Tazeen Parween, a three-year-old girl of Balasore suffering from thalassemia, was transfused blood infected with Hepatitis C virus at Balasore district headquarters hospital recently.
The driver of a school bus was killed and 13 others were injured when it hit a pillar in the Karaya Police Station area here today.

The incident occurred at around 7.15 AM when the bus of the Loreto Convent School, (Middleton St) collided with a pillar near Hindu Burial ground, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said.

Driver Biswanath Dey (30) died at the hospital. Eleven students, who suffered minor injuries, were released after preliminary treatment, he said. The bus was carrying 31 students.

The khalasi of the vehicle and another person injured in the accident were being treated, he said.
The City police arrested another person in connection with the mysterious death of a 29-year-old engineer Ronit Mondal, during an alleged fight with a group of locals in south Kolkata.

Deep alias Baptu Nayak (22), a resident of 39B, Beltola Road, was arrested this evening from 5/1 Madhab Lane, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said adding, one more accused was still at large.

Mondal and his four friends, all residents of Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas, on Friday night drove down to Maddox Square after buying 'biriyani' from a Park Circus outlet.

The five were having the food when, as per Mondal's friends, a few locals asked them to leave the place following which there was a quarrel between them that soon turned into a fight.

The five tried to drive away from the place when the locals allegedly threw bricks and other heavy objects that smashed the windshield of the car.

On their way, they found Mondal profusely bleeding from the back of his head following his friends took him to a hospital on the EM Bypass where the youth died on Monday night.
The Bombay High Court today extended the stay on framing of charges against Sameer Gaikwad, a right-wing Hindu activist, who has been arrested in connection with the murder of rationalist Govind Pansare as the prosecution is awaiting a forensic report from the UK.

The report has been sought to find out if there was any link between the killings of Pansare, and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and M M Kalburgi.

On June 9, the high court had directed a sessions court in Kolhapur which is at present conducting the trial against Gaikwad, to defer framing of charges.

The direction was given on a petition filed by the Maharashtra government's CID, which is probing the Pansare murder case, challenging a May 20 order passed by the Kolhapur sessions court rejecting the prosecution's application seeking to defer framing of charges against Gaikwad, pending the forensic report.

Public Prosecutor Sandeep Shinde told HC that CBI has sent empty cartridges recovered from the crime scene in all the three murders to a forensic lab of Scotland Yard police in the UK.

"CBI is in touch with authorities concerned and has assured that all necessary steps will be taken to procure the report expeditiously," Shinde said.

Justice Sadhana Jadhav then adjourned the petition for further hearing on July 8. "The stay granted shall continue till further orders," the court said.

Gaikwad, an alleged member of Sanatan Sanstha, is the only suspect arrested by Kolhapur Police in connection with this case. He was arrested on September 16, last year from his residence in Sangli.

Pansare and his wife were shot by unidentified persons in Kolhapur during their morning walk on February 16, last year. While his wife survived, the veteran CPI leader died in a Mumbai hospital four days later.

Yesterday, the HC had sought to know from the Maharashtra government if it has decided to seek a CBI probe in the Pansare case as claimed by the lawyer of the family of the slain activist, even as the prosecutor said he has no such instruction so far.

It also came down heavily on CID and CBI, probing the Pansare and Dabholkar murder cases respectively, for slow progress.
Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council today witnessed ruckus as members, cutting across party lines, demanded apology from Social Welfare Minister Sajjad Lone over his alleged remark against PDP MLC Zaffar Iqbal Manhas.

Lone had accused Manhas of playing to the galleries for publicity.

"The minister has accused PDP MLC Zaffar Iqbal Manhas of playing to the galleries in order to get his photo published in the media," the MLCs said.

"This is not a matter of an individual member but of the whole House and its sanctity," Congress MLC G N Monga said, adding that "the members of the Council were public representatives and had a right to raise issues of public importance."



He said the behavior of the ministers towards the legislators was condemnable and yesterday's incident in which minister used harsh words against the member of the House was unfortunate.

"We have seen how the ministers are non-serious towards this House," Monga said, seeking an apology from the minister before the House.

Legislators from all the parties including ruling PDP, BJP and Opposition Congress and National Conference supported Monga and sought an apology from Lone.

"I do not need any publicity and the minister should behave properly while replying to the queries of the members. I have achieved a lot in my life and I am content with it. We are here to raise the issues of public," Manhas said.

Minister for Rural Development Abdul Haq Khan pacified the agitated members by saying that the members of the House and the ministers should be tolerant to each other's diverse view points.
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today inaugurated the wi-fi service facility in Patna High Court campus.

"Apart from the Supreme Court, Patna High Court is the first HC of the country to have wi-fi service facility," the Union Communications and IT Minister said while speaking at the closing ceremony of the HC's centenary celebrations.

Prasad announced that wi-fi service would be available free for today and tomorrow in the high court premises.

Acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court Justice Iqbal Ahmad Ansari welcomed it and said the facility would be helpful for lawyers and others.
The pharma sector is expected to grow by 20 per cent on account of relaxed foreign direct investment (FDI) norms and a separate ministry to focus on the sunrise sector is on the anvil, Chemical and Fertiliser Minister Ananth Kumar today said.

While continuing with 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in greenfield pharmaceuticals, the government had earlier this week allowed 74 per cent foreign investment in brownfield pharma companies through the automatic route.

"The pharma industry is growing by 14 per cent every year. With relaxed FDI norms, I think pharma sector will grow by 20 per cent," Kumar said on the sidelines of an event here.

There is huge potential in the sunrise sector and more investments would boost prospects of growth, he said.

At present, the country exports pharmaceutical goods to 205 countries and every five medicines or tablets consumed in the world are from India, he added.

Kumar further said a separate ministry for the sector has been proposed for better coordination of the work.

"Already, we have proposed to the Cabinet Secretary as well as to the Prime Minister... I think for the first time, this is being discussed and is on the anvil," he said.

At present, the pharma department is looking after the drug price regulation while various other facets like licencing is with Health Ministry, promotion of industry with Commerce Ministry and research with Science and Technology Ministry.

"Therefore, we need to bring about all these things together to carve out a pharma ministry," Kumar noted.

It may be noted that FDI in brownfield projects has been a contentious issue as concerns have been raised over some mergers and acquisitions of Indian pharma companies by foreign giants.

As per estimates, over 96 per cent of the total FDI in the sector between April 2012 and April 2013 flowed into the brownfield pharma companies.

India is recognised as a major generic medicine hub of the world. The market size of the country's pharma industry is estimated at over USD 20 billion.
Indian IT players catering to clients in the financial services space in London may shift their operations to other parts of Europe in the wake of Britain's exit from the European Union, says tech investor T V Mohandas Pai.

For the Indian IT industry, the biggest immediate impact would be the shift in the movement of Pound Sterling, which has now become cheaper, Pai said.

"That's already impacting them, marginally, depending upon who is exposed to business in the UK," he told PTI noting that over a period of time, lot of work is being done by Indian IT companies in UK financial services space in London.

"Now, many of them may migrate to (other parts of) Europe. In case they migrate to Europe, they have to shift to Europe. What happens there is something that needs to be seen. So, there could be temporary relocation over a period of four to five years", Pai, a prominent angel investor, said.

He also said Indian IT companies may become more competitive in the UK because EU players would not be able to come to the UK very easily as they would now need visa and work permits, unlike the scenario today.

"Competition for India will be slightly less. I think it will be positive. I think overall, let's say neutral (the impact of Brexit on the Indian IT industry) over the next four-years. Right now, it may hurt a bit because of currency but overall it will be neutral over the next four to five years," the Chairman of Aarin Capital Partners said.

On the strategy that needs to be adopted by Indian IT companies post-Brexit, Pai said they are well prepared.

"They have understood what it is. Currency has fallen 10 per cent today. That no body can prevent. You just have to take it in the chin. Quite understandable. They are working in Europe, the UK and America for many long years, and they can understand what's happening (currency movements)".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today wrapped up his two-day visit here during which he attended the annual summit of the the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and held talks with Presidents of China, Russia and three other Central Asian countries.

The Prime Minister was here primarily to attend the annual SCO summit which today kick-started the process for India's accession into the the grouping as its full member.

In his address at the SCO summit, Modi said its partnership with India will help protect the region from threats of radicalisation, violence and terror. He said India's membership of the SCO will drive economic growth in the region.

Modi, who had arrived here yesterday, held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uzbek President Islam Karimov yesterday.

Today he held bilateral talks with Russia President Vladimir Putin during which they discussed ways to step up cooperation in the civil nuclear energy and hydrocarbon sector.

Modi also held talks with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and explored ways to expand cooperation in areas of trade and investment.

"Thank you Tashkent! A short but productive visit for the SCO Summit ends as PM @narendramodi departs for India," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted as Modi departed for New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held separate bilateral talks with Presidents of Tajikistan and Belarus and explored ways to expand cooperation in areas of trade and investment with the resource-rich Central Asian countries.

The Prime Minister held the meetings on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Uzbekistan capital here.

In the meeting between Modi and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, both leaders reviewed diverse aspects of the bilateral ties and emphasised the need to take relations to new heights.

"During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the anniversary of 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Belarus focusing on all the different spheres of bilateral ties.

"The two sides emphasised the need to take relations to new heights. The diversification of trade, encouraging the possibility of Indian investments in potash mines in Belarus and collaboration in the field of science and technology particularly by drawing on the talent of the youth were priority areas of discussion," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

In the meeting between Modi and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, it was decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in a manner "befitting" the strong bonds between the two countries.

"They spoke of the intensification of trade and economic linkages, working towards better connectivity between the two countries and of ongoing security cooperation. The yearly celebration of the International Day of Yoga was a special item of discussion," said Swarup.

Earlier, Modi attended the SCO summit where he said the partnership between India and the grouping will help protect the region from threats of radicalisation, violence and terror and drive its economic growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned home tonight after a two-day visit to Tashkent where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and met leaders of various countries, including Russia and China.

The highlight of his visit was his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which he pushed for support to India's bid for NSG membership by China which has been opposing it steadfastly.

Addressing the SCO Summit where the final process for India's accession as a full member of the SCO began, Modi said India's ties with the bloc will help protect the region from threats of radicalisation and violence asserting that it would adopt "zero tolerance" to terrorism.

He said India would significantly benefit from the grouping's strengths in energy and natural resources and in turn India's strong economy and vast market could drive economic growth in the SCO region.

He also met Russian President Vladimir Putin as also leaders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Belarus.
A state-owned power company in Maharashtra has been ordered by a consumer court here to pay Rs 17,000 to a consumer for its deficient services.

Thane District Consumer Redressal Forum president Sneha Mhatre and members Madhuri Vishwarupe and N D Kadam, in their order issued yesterday, directed the division office of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDC) to make the payment within next two months.

Complainant Sujay Nandlal Mayekar, a resident of Nala Sopara in Vasai of Palghar district, told the forum that he received a bill for Rs 150 for November-December 2013 which he paid vide a cheque drawn on Jaoli Sahakari Bank, Mumbai.

But, to his surprise, the power company in the next bill showed an outstanding and made a demand of Rs 640, including a penalty of Rs 350.

Later, without informing him, the MSEDC disconnected power supply to his tenement for four months. As a result, his sleep got disturbed, he got up late and reached office late due to which he lost his job, the complainant claimed.

The power company informed him that the cheque deposited by him had been returned by bank stating wrong delivery and not drawn on it.

Later, it transpired that MSEDC had sent the cheque for clearance to Bank of Maharashtra instead of Jaoli Sahakari Bank, due to a mix-up in the cheque's MICR number.

The forum observed that the MSEDC was deficient in its services in disconnecting the power, making wrong demand and also levying penalty for which it needs to pay a compensation to the complainant.

The forum directed that the MSEDC's Achole division office in Vasai should pay Rs 15,000 to the complainant for mental suffering and Rs 2,000 towards the legal expenses.

On the second defendant, the head office of MSEDC at Bandra, the forum observed that since it does not have any direct involvement in the dispatch of cheque for clearance and disconnection of power, it is being exonerated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin today said the British government was "overconfident" and "superficial" in the EU referendum, and denied taking a position on Brexit.

The organisation of the referendum was "nothing more than overconfidence and a superficial approach to solving fateful decisions for one's country, and Europe as a whole, on the part of the British leadership," Putin said,in comments broadcast on Russian state television.

"It will have consequences for the United Kingdom, for all of Europe and for us, of course," he added.

Many observers have said that Brexit would play into the Putin's hands as he has been accused of driving a wedge between EU members.

But Putin today said that Russia had never "interferred, never expressed our opinion on the matter" and dismissed attempts to associate Moscow with the UK vote to split from the European bloc.

"Of course we closely followed what is happening but did not in any way influence the process and didn't even try to," the Russian strongman said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also stressed there was no indication that Moscow was pleased with the result of the vote.

"The topic of Brexit is Britain's domestic issue and an issue of its relations with the EU," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Putin also said Russia would strive to minimise Brexit's potential effect on the Russian economy, which is already reeling from low oil prices and the devaluation of its currency.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned that Brexit's impact on markets has created "additional risks for the world economy, and therefore, for our economy."



The British vote to leave the EU demonstrated the desire to stop "feeding and subsidising weaker economies" and showed the population was "dissatisfied with the approach to security questions" amid the continent's migration crisis, Putin said.

Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that the vote had "shown there are serious contradictions in the European Union."



As for EU sanctions against Russia, Putin said Brexit was unlikely to affect the bans Brussels imposed on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.
Expelled CPI(M) leader Jagmati Sangwan, who opposed the party's alliance with Congress in West Bengal assembly polls, today said her resignation was a "political decision" and not part of any "personal rivalry".

In her second Facebook post on the issue in four days, she said she would "never" do anything to harm the interests of the Communist movement.

"Considering my resignation was in my opinion a step to strengthen the party, there is no question now of trying to weaken the party or any mass organisation. My decision was an entirely political decision and to interpret it as some kind of personal rivalry is absolutely wrong," said Sangwan who heads CPI(M)-backed women's organisation AIDWA.

Media reports suggested that the opposition within the party's Central Committee (CC) to the tie-up with Congress in West Bengal was the fallout of a factional rift.

Earlier this week, Sangwan had targeted CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on the alliance with Congress in Bengal.

The woman activist, in her latest post, said that "as someone who has always tried to put her organisational responsibilities before my personal interest, I cannot in anyway involve myself in any activity that will cause damage to what we have achieved together while trying to carry forward the glorious history of Communist movement."



General secretary of All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), Sangwan said she would like to continue to make her contribution towards strengthening the struggle for women's equality to the best of her ability.

Sangwan had walked out of the CPI(M) Central Committee meeting on June 20 and announced quiting the party over the West Bengal poll alliance issue, after which she was expelled from the party for "gross indiscipline".

CPI(M) faced a humiliating defeat in the assembly polls in its erstwhile bastion of West Bengal, winning only 26 seats in the 294-member House.
RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan and heads of central banks from across the world got into a huddle today in this Swiss town as Britain's vote to exit European Union gave an early morning shock to the financial markets globally.

Rajan, who has been pitching for greater coordination among central banks to deal with such situations, was expected to reiterate this point amid fears that Europe may slip into recession and many more countries may call for similar referendums posing a huge risk to recovery in world economy.

Head of central banks from various countries get into a 'Basel huddle' every second month here at the headquarters of the Bank for International Settlement (BIS), popularly known as bank for central banks.

The contours of this bi-monthly meeting are never made public and the discussions held there are kept top-secret, though they concern the monetary policy actions the central banks across the world need to take in the wake of emerging and foreseeable trends in the global economy.

However, today's meeting happens on a crucial day when the Britain referendum results showed the UK public has voted against remaining in EU.

Being away in Basel for this meeting, Rajan issued a written statement to allay concerns about impact of Brexit on Indian financial markets while reiterating RBI's promise to provide necessary liquidity support to ensure orderly movements.

Besides, he also did a rare phone-in with some business channels to reassure investors about India's preparedness to deal with the eventuality and said the rupee's fall has been relatively moderate compared to many other currencies globally.

Rajan said RBI is continuously maintaining a close vigil on the market developments, both domestically and internationally, and will take all necessary steps. He also said he was in touch with other central banks globally.

The RBI Governor, who announced last week that he would return to academia after the end of his current three-year tenure on September 4, has for long been pitching for greater monetary policy coordination among central banks globally.

Rajan, known for his outspoken views on domestic and international economic issues, in March called for a system for assessing the wider impact of monetary policies of global central banks, including unconventional tools and their spillover effect, and colour codes for rating them.

Asserting that unconventional monetary policy used by industrialised nations has impact globally, he said there was a need to discuss the issue and analyse its spillover effect.

He also suggested a traffic light system grading policies green, orange or red and said a group of eminent academics with reasonable representation across the globe should be set up to analyse and grade various policies.
Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan today asked central banks across the globe to desist from currency depreciation to create competitive advantage in the wake of Britain's exit from the European Union.

"Currencies do help adjustment and some movement is warranted... What I have been concerned about is intervention in a big way in the currency so as to move it in a particular direction and create a competitive advantage... We as central bankers will have to get together and make sure we do not do it," Rajan told CNBC TV18 after the UK vote to leave the EU.

The Governor said the issue of competitive devaluation of currencies is one of the concerns for the past many months and he has been fairly public about it.

"I do not think anybody would argue that Britain engineered Brexit to depreciate the pound," Rajan added.

Britain voted to leave the EU in a deadly blow to the 28-nation bloc, forcing Prime Minister David Cameron to resign, triggering panic reaction in world markets and raising questions over immigration and other issues in Britain after the separation.

Britons' decision to exit led to a sharp fall in the domestic market as well as the rupee following which the government and the RBI said the economy has enough "firepower" to deal with the situation.

In a statement issued today, Rajan said RBI is watching markets closely and is ready to act if there is any disorderly behaviour.

"RBI is watching all the markets... We are ready to act when there is disorderly conduct, disorderly behaviour (in the markets)," he said.
Scholars who attended Rashtrapati Bhavan's In-Residence programme have vowed to work in the country rather than look for jobs abroad, which will help prevent brain drain.

The week-long programme, a first for scholars from IITs, IISc-Bangalore and IISERs, started on June 18.

The 18 scholars closely observed the initiatives taken by President Pranab Mukherjee with an aim to contributing in the growth of the nation.

"Being in IIT, we do not lack in exposure. But, the feeling of patriotism and to serve your nation, I was never sensitised to that part. What we usually do, we go abroad and spend all our life there.

"Being here while talking to the President I understood that the country has invested in us and we need to return that. I have to give something back to my nation. I would like to get into academia. The alumni of the prime institutes are not giving the country what they actually should," Nupur Rathore, PhD scholar from IIT-Jodhpur, said.

In his address, the President had asked the students to contribute to the nation, work hard to make India great and address the challenges that the country faces, and the scholars are all motivated to do their best for the country.

Kartikeya Umesh Upasani, who is doing B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT-Indore, says he would like to bring a change among his batchmates and persuade them to contribute to the growth of India.

"From outside we have a very different picture of how the country functions and sadly most of it is negative. Initially, I also had a lot of questions in mind. But, when I saw their working methods, I realised they are more nuanced and evolved from what we see from outside.

"A lot of my batchmates don't wish to contribute to the government. I have a lot of stories to share with them and I hope to inspire them the way I have been inspired," he said.

A Rashtrapati Bhavan official said the President was happy with the response of the scholars and the change in their attitude towards the country.

It will prevent the brain drain from India, the official said.

The programme was designed by the President to give the common man an insight into the way of working at Rashtrapati Bhavan and make them understand the smart city model through various initiatives.

"After coming here, I realised that the President and the government are working for the well being of the society. I am moved. The way the smart city model is being created here has inspired me to contribute to it at larger level.

"I will start my journey to bring the change from my house, then my friends and then the society," Nikita Trivedi, an M.Tech student from IIT-Bhubaneshwar, said.

The programme that concluded today was organised by Rashtrapati Bhavan in collaboration with IIT-Delhi. Prabal Talukdar from IIT-Delhi was the faculty coordinator for the scholars.
India Foundation, a think-tank considered close to the government and BJP, had planned on June 16 an event in London aimed at shoring up support for Remain cause but called it off at the last minute after getting feedback that the Brexit campaign may win.

A senior functionary of the Foundation said the proposed half-day long event was meant for the South Asian community, including those of India, and was to involve leaders of various communities.

It was generally believed that the immigrant communities would be better off with the UK remaining a European Union member, he said, speaking about the reason for planning the event.

However, the feedback received by the organisers indicated that the support for Brexit was strong and enjoyed some traction among the community members as well.

The event was called off as they believed that if Brexit won, which turned out to be the case today, then the South Asian immigrants may suffer from loss of face.

He said many South Asian community leaders well-settled in the UK were for Brexit as they believed their businesses and jobs felt threatened by the new wave of immigrants. Many leaders of the Indian community also supported the campaign.

He gave the example of Priti Patel, a Conservative member and minister in the government, who rallied support for 'Brexit'.
Super luxury British carmaker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars on Friday launched the new version of its convertible Dawn here with an asking price of Rs 6.25 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

Dawn comes with a 6.6-liter engine and downs the roof in flat 20 seconds while cruising at 50 kmph, and is the quietest convertible car in the world currently, said Sven Ritter, Rolls-Royces Sales Manager for South Asia.

He said the new four-seater Dawn is the first super-luxury convertible in the country and will be launched in Delhi and Chennai soon.

The firm's Asia Pacific Regional Director Paul Harris said Dawn is the pinnacle of luxury and therefore meant for only a select few.

"With the progressive economy, growing appetite for luxury goods and increasing number of successful entrepreneurs, Rolls-Royce has targeted India for future growth," he added.

While refusing to share sales expectation, he said globally the company sold over 4,000 units last year and with the already strong heritage that the brand has here, we are optimistic about the demand for Dawn.



He added that the company is not looking at expanding its dealerships here in the near future, which stands at just three now.

It has showrooms in Ahmedabad and Mumbai (Navnit Motors), Hyderabad (Kun Exclusive), New Delhi (Select Cars), and Chandigarh.

Sharad Kachalia, who owns Navnit Motors that has exclusive marketing and sales rights for Rolls-Royce in the country, told PTI that since the company became the authorised dealer in 2005, it has sold over 250 units here.

Refusing to offer any break-up, he said the Ghost, priced at Rs 5 crore, is the largest selling model, followed by the Wraith at Rs 5.5 crore and the Phantom, which is priced at a whopping Rs 8.5 crore.

Kachalia said onroad price of the Dawn will be close to Rs 7.5 crore considering customisation and the 20 per cent road tax, apart from the 183 per cent customs duty.
South Asian groups in the US have expressed disappointment over a Supreme Court decision blocking two immigration reform programmes of Obama administration which was benefitting thousands of illegal migrants from the community including those from India.

The Supreme Court's failure to reach a consensus will leave millions of undocumented individuals, including several hundred thousand South Asians, bereft of any immigration options and will ensure that they continue to operate as a part of our shadow economy, South Asian Association of North America (SAAB North America) said yesterday.

"As an organisation committed to the South Asian community, we are intensely frustrated that the Supreme Court refused to validate these Executive Actions which would have served to legitimise thousands of individuals who are now forced to remain on the margins of society and, unlike millions of those before them, are denied the American dream," said SABA North America president Vichal Kumar.

"Today's ruling is a catalyst for the next Congress to act and ensure that all immigrants have a path to the full benefits of citizenship and allow us to live up to our core values of fairness and opportunity," said Suman Raghunathan, executive director of the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).

"This is a disappointing outcome that leaves over 4 million people uncertain about their future and keeps them in the shadows. The President's approach was sensible and consistent with prior executive actions. This unsatisfying outcome underscores the importance and the urgent necessity for Congress to take up immigration reform," said Immigration co-Chairs Kalpana Peddibhotla and Tejas Shah.

SAALT expressed its profound disappointment that Supreme Court 4-4 split in US v. Texas failed to reach a decision on the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs, part of the President's executive action on immigration issued in November 2014.

The original DACA program announced in 2012 remains, and the Supreme Court ruling upheld a lower court ruling blocking the DAPA and expanded DACA programs.

"As a result of today's ruling, millions of immigrants, including 450,000 undocumented Indian Americans alone, cannot contribute to the economy and pursue their dreams. The only real solution is legislative change through Comprehensive Immigration Reform," SAALT said.

Nearly 225,000 Indian and Pakistani individuals are eligible for DACA and DAPA. India ranks among the top 10 origin countries with individuals eligible for DACA, and ranks third among individuals eligible for DAPA. At least 23,000 Indian and Pakistani youth are eligible for DACA and expanded DACA. At least 200,000 Indian and Pakistani individuals are eligible for DAPA.
A group of South Korean human rights lawyers filed a police complaint today accusing the country's spy chief of illegally detaining a dozen North Korean restaurant workers who defected in April.

All 12 were waitresses at a North Korea-themed restaurant in China who arrived in the South with their manager, making headlines as the largest group defection in years.

While Seoul says they fled voluntarily, Pyongyang claims they were kidnapped by South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) and has waged a campaign through its state media for their immediate return.

The liberal lawyers' group, called the Lawyers for a Democratic Society, has been seeking direct access to the defectors to determine their version of events.

Having obtained power-of-attorney from the waitresses' families in the North, the group managed to force a court hearing on Tuesday at which the women had been requested to appear and answer questions.

But the NIS said they were unwilling to testify and refused to bring them to court.

In the police complaint submitted today, the lawyers asked that NIS chief Lee Byung-Ho be investigated for abuse of power, accusing him of holding the women against their will and denying them access to the lawyers.

"Given the highly isolated circumstances around the defectors and their lack of knowledge in the South's legal system, it is very suspicious whether every one of them firmly agreed not to make an appearance at the court," the lawyers said in a statement.

"We believe that it is highly likely that (Lee) is lying ... And trying to conceal the defectors' intentions by taking advantage of their emotional vulnerability," the statement said.

Most new arrivals from the North are held for about three months at an NIS interrogation facility for screening for potential spies, before being sent to a resettlement centre for three months' training.

But the NIS announced this week that the 12 women would remain in its protective custody, rather than being sent to the centre.

The dispute over the defectors has fanned inter-Korean tensions that have been running high since the North's fourth nuclear tests in January.

Nearly 30,000 North Koreans have fled poverty and repression at home to settle in the capitalist South.

But group defections are rare, especially by staff who work in the North Korea-themed restaurants overseas and who are handpicked from families considered "loyal" to the regime.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said today he regretted Britain's decision to leave the EU, calling it a "sad day for Europe".

"The early morning from #GreatBritain are truly sobering. It looks like a sad day for #Europe +the #UnitedKingdom," Steinmeier wrote on Twitter.

EU Parliament President Martin Schulz said he would speak with German Chancellor Angela Merkel "on how we can avoid a chain reaction" of other EU states following.

"The chain reaction that is being celebrated everywhere now by euroskeptics won't happen," he said.

The EU was the biggest single market in the world and "Great Britain has just cut its ties with that market," Schulz said.

"That'll have consequences and I don't believe other countries will be encouraged to follow that dangerous path."



"I am not shocked," he said of the results of the British referendum, adding: "We were prepared.
A day after a BJP publication dared its ally to walk out of the alliance, Shiv Sena today demanded a clarification from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the issue and sought to know if it was the ruling party's official stand, saying it has taken the article "very seriously".

BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari's article in the party unit's fortnightly publication 'Manogat', titled 'When are you taking talaaq Mr Raut', had dared the Sena to take "divorce" while enumerating the sacrifices BJP has made in past couple of decades-and-a-half to keep the tie-up intact.

The article also drew an analogy from famous Bollywood flick 'Sholay' and to its Jailor character, played by actor Asrani, in which he asks policemen to march in different directions, only to later find that no one was standing behind him.

"Probably (Sanjay) Raut and his party president (Uddhav Thackeray) are apprehensive that if they do walk out of the government no one from the Sena would be left standing behind them," it stated.

Responding to the article, Sena MP Raut said criticism should be made on policy decisions and not on a personal level.

"Fadnavis should immediately clarify if the views expressed by a certain BJP leader (Bhandari) is the official stand of the party. We believe that such comments cannot be made on a personal level. Criticism should be done against policy decisions and not on a personal level. Making below the belt remarks only shows their level of thinking," Raut said in a statement issued here.

"It seems they (the BJP) want to finish off their own government and thereby drown Maharashtra. We have taken the issue very seriously. Remember your government stands with our support. Otherwise, you have the option of taking support of Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare and Ajit Pawar (referring to the NCP). People will answer you then," he added.

The article had also attacked Raut for his recent 'Nizam' remarks.

Raut had recently said the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra were "worse" than the government of Nizam.
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said the state police have arrested several persons in connection with the search of Anandpal Singh who is wanted in several cases and escaped from the police custody last year.

"During the search for Anandpal Singh, police have arrested many criminals. Anandpal Singh has given an application in the court that he wants to surrender. If he does not surrender, police will do its job," Kataria said.

Singh, along with two others, had escapedfrom police custody in September last year while they were being taken back to Ajmer prison from a court in Parbatsar in Nagaur.

He is also charged in the infamous Didwana murder case where he and his accomplices allegedly killed Jeevan Ram Godara at Didwana town of Nagaur district in 2006.

Asked about his controversial comment on former prime minister Manmohan Singh during a speech in Churu on Sunday, the minister said that he was prompt to express apology.

Meanwhile, Kataria was shown black flags by Congress workers when he reached Bikaner for his comments on former Prime Minister.
State-owned SIDBI has disbursed Rs 3,337.20 crore out of Rs 3,783.20 crore sanctioned during 2015-16 through its wholly-owned subsidiary MUDRA to fund the small and self owned enterprises.

MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinancing Agency) encourages development of micro units.

In order fulfill the mandate of "Stand-up India" Scheme, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) developed a web-portal "www.Standupmitra.In," its CMD Kshatrapati Shivaji said today.

It has been designed to enable registrations, accept application forms for financial assistance, provide links for hand holding on different aspects, tracking and monitoring of applications, he said at the 18th Annual General Meeting of SIDBI here.

Shivaji said, the portal, with a database of more than 1.07 lakh bank branches and 17,000 handholding agencies, is functioning as a virtual loan market place.

Startups play an important role in the overall growth of any economy, he noted.

To help startups, which mainly fall in the SME category, SIDBI created a Rs 2,000-crore "India Aspiration Fund" (IAF) to be utilised as a Fund of Funds for making investments in Venture Capital Funds which would, in turn, make investments in MSMEs to the extent of twice the commitment of SIDBI or 50 per cent of the corpus of the VCF, whichever is more, he said.

Shivaji further said SIDBI has been playing an important role in financial inclusion space through its activities in the micro-finance sector.

Its assistance to micro finance institutions has an aggregated Rs 10,769 crore.

SIDBI's microfinance support has benefited around 345 lakh disadvantaged people, most of them women, in terms of improved quality of life, improved social security, asset status and improvement in health and education parameters, he said.

The CMD mentioned that the Bank's balance sheet size increased by 25.7 per cent to Rs 76,478 crore and the outstanding increased by 18.6 per cent to Rs 65,632 crore as on March 31, 2016.

The Bank's networth increased by 18.7 per cent to Rs 10,836 crore. The net profit of the Bank stood at Rs 1,117 crore for the year 2015-16, with Earnings Per Share (EPS) at Rs 24.87, he added.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has asked Block Development Officers to prepare a list of poor persons in consultation with local MLAs and submit it to the Panchayat and Rural Development Department within 15 days.

Sonowal asked officials to transform BDO offices into a model one as "our government wants to make every development block a model office so that poor people get proper treatment and don't have to face harassment in getting their work done".

Sonowal said the BDOs have to ensure no poor person encounters any sort of problem in course of filing of complaints or grievances, an official release said on Friday.

He directed BDOs to put up complaint box at their offices and to dispose of complaints without delay.

Expressing concern over the delay in construction of two lakh houses under 'Pradhan Mantri Grameen Awas Yojana' across the state, Sonowal asked the BDOs to complete the task within the next two months and warned of action if the target was not met.

The Chief Minister underscored the need for strengthening the monitoring mechanism for issuing job cards to ensure transparency and accountability and creating awareness.

He also asked BDOs to come up with a fact sheet on the exact number of bank accounts opened under Jan Dhan Yojana and total number of beneficiaries under 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', 'Fasal Bima Yojana', Start-up India-Stand-up India, 'Mudra Yojana' etc. Within the next two months.

Sonowal asked the officials to go to the villages and doorsteps of the people to build a rapport with them and conduct surveys to find out whether the schemes have actually benefited them.
People who visit parks for 30 minutes or more each week are much less likely to have high blood pressure or poor mental health than those who do not, according to new research.

The study led by University of Queensland (UQ) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CEED) suggests people might need a minimum "dose of nature".

According to Dr Danielle Shanahan, parks offer health benefits including reduced risks of developing heart disease, stress, anxiety and depression.

"If everyone visited their local parks for half an hour each week there would be seven per cent fewer cases of depression and nine per cent fewer cases of high blood pressure," Shanahan said.

"Given that the societal costs of depression alone in Australia are estimated at 12.6 billion dollars a year, savings to public health budgets across all health outcomes could be immense," she said.

Associate Professor Richard Fuller said the research could transform the way people viewed urban parks.

"We've known for a long time that visiting parks is good for our health, but we are now beginning to establish exactly how much time we need to spend in parks to gain these benefits," he said.

"We have specific evidence that we need regular visits of at least half an hour to ensure we get these benefits," Shanahan added.

The research was published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports.
Sri Lankan Parliament today unanimously passed the Right to Information bill aimed at restoring transparency and good governance in a country plagued by corruption and misrule.

The Right to Information (RTI) bill was adopted without a vote in the Parliament after two days of debate. The opposition moved amendments were all incorporated at the committee stage, officials said.

The new law gives citizens access to public information except personal data, national security information, financial and commercial policy decisions, intellectual property and medical reports.

During last year's presidential campaign President Maithripala Sirisena promised the new law, since Sri Lanka has had a long history of official secrecy.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the lack of such legislation led to large-scale corruption and financial losses to the country through questionable deals.

Speaking in the debate over two days the information Minister Gayantha Karunathilake said that the adoption the bill was a culmination of an idea mooted in 1994.

He said Sri Lanka's RTI is the seventh best such piece of legislation in the world.

The opposition raised queries on some of the provisions in the bill which aims to curtail the free flow of information.

The JVP in particular questioned provision if it would hinder information on the proposed Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the move was a key element in the unity government's democratisation programme.
Under attack for supporting UK Prime Minister David Cameron's failed campaign to persuade British people to remain in the European Union, Sri Lankan government today said the decision was made keeping in view national priorities.

Leading a team of government officials, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harsha de Silva and Telecommunications Minister Harin Fernando had traveled to Britain earlier this month to canvass support for Brexin among the Lankan community in the UK.

Dinesh Gunawardhana, the leader of the joint opposition group, today ridiculed the move after Britain in an historic referendum voted to leave the EU in a deadly blow to the 28-nation bloc, forcing Cameron to announce his intent to resign.

De Silva said the government was having its economic priorities at the fore when it campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU.

"We want our exports to reach UK with no tariff barriers. That's why we campaigned," de Silva said.

He said Sri Lanka's exports to EU had a 40 per cent UK tax component.

"We want our exports to grow," de Silva said.

In response to the Brexit vote results, de Silva said Sri Lanka now looks forward to signing a trade agreement with UK as its plan B.

"The Prime Minister will soon give details of it," de Silva told the parliament.
In a heartwarming gesture, troops of border guarding force SSB helped save the life of a villager living along the Indo-Bhutan frontier in Assam and pooled money for his treatment.

Officials said the incident was reported from the Sashipur border out post (BOP) of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Chirang district early yesterday when a local woman approached the paramilitary unit seeking help from them as her husband was seriously ill and required immediate medical assistance.

They said the SSB post in-charge, Sub-inspector Sunil Kumar, immediately talked to his troops about the woman's distress and some jawans deployed in the area for long told him that the her husband, identified as K Narzary (52) of Palau Sonapur village, is known to them for quite some time and that they should provide her all help.

Soon after, officials said, the SSB unit relayed a wireless communication and called an Assam government ambulance available about 8-kms away in Amteka village and in the meantime pooled Rs 11,000 which was handed over to the woman for possible medical expenses.

They said soon after Narzary was shifted to a hospital in Bongaigaon in lower Assam, even as some locals assisted her in the ambulance journey.

Officials said the village and the BOP is located in a far-flung area in the state along the International Border (IB) between India and Bhutan.

SSB troops of 16th battalion are deployed in the area for border guarding tasks.

The force is mandated to secure the 699 km IB with Bhutan and is deployed extensively in Assam.
Congress today said Subramanian Swamy wants to become the Finance Minister and termed his diatribe against Arun Jaitley as an "open war".

"It is a comedy theatre. It is having a tremendous impact when the Brexit crises is on," former Union minister Prithviraj Chavan told reporters at the AICC briefing.

He noted that at such a time, the need is of a united leadership of the External Affairs Ministry and of the Finance Ministry as the External Affairs Minister in case of NSG.

"But it is a comedy theatre going on and Prime Minister is not able to control Dr. Swamy or is he working at the behest of somebody. It is an open war between Dr. Swamy who wants to become the Finance Minister and the current Finance Minister," he remarked.

On Brexit, he said it will have an "impact" on India because India is the largest investor in Britain and "I think our interests will have to be protected if Indian companies have to do well."



He expected the government to come out with some kind of plan of action about the outcome of the EU vote soon.
A piece of aircraft debris found off the coast of Tanzania will be examined to see whether it could be from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Australian officials said today.

Australia's Transport Minister Darren Chester gave no description of the fragment found on Pemba Island, the latest in a string of pieces being examined for links to the aircraft lost more than two years ago with 239 people onboard.

"The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is seeking further information on the debris to ascertain whether it was from the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, MH370," Chester said in a statement.

The bureau said Malaysian officials were in contact with Tanzanian authorities to arrange for the piece to be examined.

The final location of MH370, which was on a routine flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it vanished in March 2014, has never been found despite an extensive search.

But pieces of debris thought almost certainly to have come from the plane have washed up on the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion and Mauritius as well as in South Africa and Mozambique.

In May, Chester said three more pieces were to be tested -- two from Mauritius and another from Mozambique, but gave no further details.

Australia is coordinating the underwater search for the plane in the southern Indian Ocean far off its western coast and so far some 105,000 square kilometres have been searched.

Australia, Malaysia and China -- which had significant numbers of citizens on the plane -- have said the hunt will be abandoned once the agreed search area is thoroughly combed.

Officials from the three countries met earlier this week to discuss the search and Chester said discussions were productive but gave no further details ahead of a ministerial meeting planned for late July.
Tata Sons has been ordered to pay Japan's largest mobile phone firm NTT DoCoMo USD 1.17 billion in compensation for breaching an agreement on India joint venture.

The London Court of International Arbitration ruled in favour of DoCoMo over price it was entitled for exiting the Indian joint venture, the Japanese firm said in a statement.

In November 2009, Docomo had acquired 26.5 per cent stake in Tata Teleservices for about Rs 12,740 crore (at Rs 117 per share). Later, in April 2014, the company decided to exit after the joint venture struggled to grow subscribers quickly.

DoCoMo said its 2008 investment was with an understanding that it would get at least 50 per cent of its acquisition price if it exits the Indian company in five years.

Accordingly, it sought Rs 58 per share or Rs 7,200 crore from Tatas to buy out Japanese telecom major's 26.5 per cent stake in the loss-making Tata Teleservices for Rs 23.34 a share.

The Japanese firm had filed for arbitration on January 5, 2015.

The company said "it received on June 23, 2016, from the London Court of International Arbitration a binding arbitration award under the arbitration proceeding regarding its stake in Tata Teleservices (TTSL), a telecommunication service provider in India."



"The award orders that Tata Sons pay damages to DoCoMo in the amount of approximately USD 1.172 billion for Tata Sons' breach of the shareholders agreement, upon DoCoMo's tender of its entire stake in TTSL to Tata Sons or its designee," it said in a statement.

According to the arbitration award, Tata Sons will receive or designate a recipient for DoCoMo's entire stake in TTSL.

DoCoMo said it is uncertain whether Tata Sons will pay the awarded damages.

"As of the date of this press release, some matters remain uncertain, including whether Tata Sons will pay the awarded damages and when the delivery of TTSL's shares will be made. Accordingly, DoCoMo is not able to predict how events will unfold," it added.

Tatas offer to DoCoMo was in line with the Reserve Bank of India guidelines that state that an international firm can only exit its investment at a valuation "not exceeding that arrived at on the basis of return on equity."



It had made an offer of Rs 23.34 a share after the finance ministry and the RBI rejected the Group's application to buy back DoCoMo's shares at the pre-agreed valuation of Rs 58 a share. The 60 per cent lower offer was made on the basis of a fair market value determined on June 30, 2014.

TTSL witnessed its complete networth erode two years ago and it posted a loss of Rs 3,846 crore on a revenue of Rs 10,944 crore in 2014-15 fiscal.

(REOPENS FGN17)



In a statement, Tata Sons said it has received the arbitration award and is currently studying it.

"We will not be able to comment further at this stage, beyond maintaining our consistent position that Tata Sons has always been and continues to be committed to discharge its contractual obligations in a manner consistent with the law," a Tata Sons spokesperson said in a statement.
India's tea exports to Britain and other European nations may have some impact in value terms after Brexit vote, a top Tea Board official said today.

"I dont see there will be any impact of tea export in quantity terms, but there could be slight impact in terms of realisation of exports to Britain and may be to other European countries also," Tea Board Chairman Santosh Kumar Sarangi told PTI.

The tea exports to European Union in the last fiscal was close to 42 million kg, out of which about 20 million kg was to United Kingdom only.

The EU accounts for more than 15 per cent of the country's total tea exports which was more than 232 million kg in the last fiscal.

The beverage exports to the UK stood at 0.48 million kg valued at Rs 7.64 crore in April this year, as against 0.55 million kg valued at Rs 9.20 crore in the year ago period.

India is the world's second biggest tea producer and also one of the largest consumers.

The country exports CTC (crush- tear-curl) grade tea to countries like Egypt, the UK, and other traditional varieties to Iraq, Iran and Russia.

The sector is facing issues including migration of laborers to other industries.
A 13-year old boy died of snake bite near Mettupalayam in the early hours of today, even as the relatives refused to accept the body after postmortem in the Government hospital blaming the negligence of district administration for the death.

The boy Mohanraj, an eighth standard student of Ukkan Nagar on Mettupalayam-Annur Road, had come out of to answer nature's call and a snake bit him around 3.30 AM, police said.

Parents found him lying dead with foam coming out of his mouth and immediately brought to the Government Hospital here. However, he was declared brought dead, they said.

A group of 50 persons, including boy's parents, relatives and some of the residents came to the district collectorate and sought immediate action against increasing incident of snake bites in the area.

They went to the government hospital and staged a demonstration and refused to accept the body, seeking immediate action on their pending demands, police said.
Police have taken three persons, including two minors, into custody for allegedly murdering a minor girl in east Delhi's Gandhi Nagar area.

The girl went missing from her home in Shanti Mohalla of Gandhi Nagar on May 18 and a complaint was lodged in this connection by her brother Vijender Kumar at Krishna Nagar police station.

Avinash (19), who was in contact with the girl, was arrested from Old Delhi railway station yesterday, said Rishi Pal, DCP(east).

During interrogation, he disclosed that he along with his cousin who is a juvenile, murdered the girl and put her body in a plastic bag before disposing it of in the Najafgarh drain.

The clothes and slippers of the girl were recovered from the house of Avinash's girlfriend in Tughlaqabad, police said.

The cousin and the girlfriend (both juveniles) were apprehended by the police today.

Search for the body of the girl is on, police said.
Hollywood star Tom Hanks will receive the lifetime achievement award at the upcoming Rome Film Fest.

The 59-year-iold two-time Academy Award-winning actor will join in a public conversation with the fest's director Antonio Monda about his body of work, and the festival will host a 15-film retrospective of his top hits, said The Hollywood Reporter.

The actor has delivered three decades of blockbusters, including "Saving Private Ryan", "Apollo 13", "The Da Vinci Code" and "Bridge of Spies", and he won the best actor Oscar for "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump".

"I consider Tom Hanks to be one of the greatest actors of all time," Monda said in a statement, adding, "for the versatility that he commands extending from drama to comedy, for the psychological finesse with which he immortalizes characters who will remain forever in our imagination."



Also announced among early confirmations for the festival, three-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep will discuss great Italian actresses who have influenced her career, most notably Silvana Mangano.
The world's major economies today suspended anti-money laundering measures against Iran for a year despite concerns that the Islamic Republic uses its financial sector to protect criminal enterprises and fund terrorist activity.

The announcement is another sign of progress in Tehran's campaign to return to the global economy after last year's nuclear accord.

At a meeting in South Korea, the United States and the 36 other members of the Financial Action Task Force welcomed Iran's commitment to address shortcomings in how it tackles money laundering and fights terrorism financing. The Iranians also are seeking technical assistance in their efforts.

To protect the international financial system, FATF members are supposed to apply countermeasures against any country on the organization's blacklist.

The body, which meets three times a year, said banks should continue applying due diligence in business relationships and transactions with Iranian individuals.

If Iran fails to make progress over the next 12 months, "FATF's call for counter-measures will be re-imposed," it said in a statement. "If Iran meets its commitments under the action plan in that time period, the FATF will consider next steps."



The FATF urged Iran to fully address its deficiencies, "in particular those related to terrorist financing."



Today's move will alarm some opponents of the Iran nuclear deal in the United States.

The seven-nation agreement promised Iran significant relief from financial, trade and oil sanctions in exchange for steps to curtail a program that many Western countries feared was close to nuclear weapons capability.

Iran has adhered to its commitments thus far, according to the UN nuclear agency, but Republican and other critics say the US shouldn't be doing anything more than it is required under the agreement.

In a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew last week, Rep. Ed Royce, the House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, urged the Obama administration to fight to keep Iran remained on the blacklist. He said Iran's support for terrorism continues.

That State Department upheld that conclusion, too, in its latest terrorism report. Iran also is backing Syrian President Bashar Assad's government in its civil war with US-backed and Arab-backed rebel groups.

"Hezbollah, Iran's leading terrorist proxy, is currently playing a central role in Iran's effort to prop up the murderous Assad regime in Syria," Royce wrote. "This US designated 'Foreign Terrorist Organization' also has tens of thousands of rockets pointed at Israel.
Cab-hailing app Uber today said it will now present its riders in the US and in some parts of India with 'upfront fare', making it easier for customers to see how much they will have to pay for a ride.

The fare will be calculated on the basis of expected travel time, distance, traffic, surge and tolls where applicable.

The move will also help the US-based firm address its Achilles' heel 'surge pricing' that has received criticism from many users as well as governments like Karnataka.

"We moved to upfront, per trip fares-just like airlines and hotels-two years ago when we launched uberPOOL... So in April, we began slowly introducing upfront fares for regular uberX trips in cities across the US and more recently in India, with more to follow," Uber product managers Arundhati Singh and Dennis Zhao said in a blogpost.

To date, hundreds of thousands of riders have experienced upfront fares as part of this rollout, it added.

An Uber India spokesperson told PTI that "Uber has been testing upfront fares for a small segment of riders across five cities in India since the beginning of this month".

"These cities include New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai," she added.

The company plans to roll out the changes to pricing in the app globally over the next few months, including other cities in India.

In the US, upfront payment feature is available in six cities -- New York City, Miami, San Diego, Philadelphia, Seattle and New Jersey.

While booking the ride, customers had to mandatorily enter their destinations, which allowed Uber to calculate the fare in advance and show it to riders before they book their ride.

"Knowing how much a ride will cost in advance is clearly something riders appreciate: today uberPOOL accounts for over 20 per cent of all rides globally. And we now want more riders globally to benefit from this feature," the blogpost said.

In India, 25 per cent of Uber's rides in Delhi and Bengaluru are through uberPOOL.

Uber had launched uberPOOL in San Francisco almost two years ago, where the upfront fare feature was introduced for the first time.

The company is now taking this product feature to riders across uberGO, uberX and other Uber services.

With the new version of the app, the lightning-bolt icon previously used to indicate surge pricing on Uber will go away.

Previously, Uber has defended surge pricing saying it balances demand and supply and that it is always transparent about exactly how much more it is charging customers than the normal fare.

Karnataka has already barred app-based cab companies from charging surge pricing.

"(Now) when fares go up due to increased demand, instead of surge lightning bolts and pop-up screens, riders are given the actual fare before they request their ride. There's no complicated math and no surprises: passengers can just sit back and enjoy the ride," the blogpost said.

With upfront price feature surge still remains a component of how a rider is charged for his trip but will not see the surge multipliers and the icon in-app, the spokesperson said.
British politics was upended today by a shock vote to leave the EU which forced Prime Minister David Cameron to quit, triggered a leadership race and raised doubts the country could survive in its current form.

Announcing his resignation outside Downing Street, Cameron said a new leader should be in place by October.

His successor faces an uphill struggle to heal divisions in both the country and the ruling Conservative party and could face pressure to call a new general election, even though it is just a year since Cameron won the last one.

There were already signs that pro-EU Scotland could move to hold a fresh independence referendum, as well as fears that stability in Northern Ireland could also be threatened by the move.

The main opposition Labour party was not immune from the turmoil, either.

Its leader, veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn, had campaigned reluctantly to keep Britain in the EU and he is now facing criticism from some in his party after many traditional Labour areas backed Brexit.

Anand Menon, director of the UK In A Changing Europe academic research group, added: "Nationalist politicians, be they in Scotland, Northern Ireland or England, will be making hay."



John Mann, a pro-Brexit Labour MP, said he was "out of touch" with traditional working-class Labour voters who were "sick to death" with his policies.

There were also reports of a leadership challenge brewing against Corbyn.

The constitutional consequences of the vote could run deeper.

Scotland's ruling Scottish National Party has long indicated that a Brexit vote could provide momentum for a second referendum after independence was rejected in a previous vote in 2014.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said early Friday that Scotland sees its future as "part of the EU", fuelling speculation.
Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti was today admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here after she complained of "chest pain".

The Minister was admitted in the new private ward under the supervision of Dr Rajesh Malhotra who heads the orthopedic department there, said a senior doctor at AIIMS.

"Uma Bharti was rushed to the hospital after she complained of chest pain," Ministry spokesperson Samir Sinha said.

A source close to the Minister said she developed pain in the chest at around 6 PM when she was at her official residence at 6, Akbar Road here.

When asked, a senior doctor at AIIMS said "she was admitted today evening. She has suffered sprain in the back and also has pain in the knee. Because of the sprain in the back, she may have felt pain on the walls of the chest. A team of experts is monitoring her condition.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said the UN looks forward to continuing to work with both "important partners" the UK and European Union following the Britain's vote to leave the 28-nation bloc.

"At the UN, we look forward to continuing our work with the United Kingdom and the European Union - both important partners," a statement issued by Ban's spokesperson said.

"The Secretary-General expects the European Union to continue to be a solid partner for the United Nations on development and humanitarian issues, as well as peace and security, including migration.

He also expects that the UK will continue to exercise its leadership in many areas, including international development. He very much hopes that this will continue," the statement said.

"When we work together, we are stronger," Ban said in the statement.

It added that the Secretary-General closely followed discussions surrounding the referendum in the UK, and that the vote to leave the EU came at the end of "intensive deliberations and rich discussions" not just in the UK, but across Europe.

"Now, as the UK and other EU Member States embark on the process of charting a way forward, the Secretary-General trusts in Europe's well-proven history of pragmatism and common responsibility in the interest of European citizens," the statement said.

The national referendum, in which the "Leave" side won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent, makes the UK the first country to exit the 28-nation bloc.

The UK is the second largest economy in the EU. British Prime Minister David Cameron said he would resign by October after UK citizens voted to leave the European Union.
Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor, under fire over alleged involvement in bond dealings favouring a firm linked to his son-in law, will stay away from the job until the parliament's scrutiny committee clears his name, the government said today.

Arjuna Mahendran, whose term was to end on June 30, will stay away from his job until Parliament's Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE)investigate him in the issuance of Treasury Bonds issue, the Information Department said in a statement.

Mahendran was handpicked by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to be the bank chief when President Maithripala Sirisena won the presidential election defeating Mahinda Rajapaksa in January 2015.

Soon after his appointment, Mahendran, a Tamil and a Singaporean national, found himself mired in controversy when a primary dealer company connected to his son in law was accused of profiting from inside information in a Central Bank bond issue in February 2015.

Another scandalous deal involving the firm was reported in March this year.

Since then, Mahendran was under constant public pressure with opponents demanding his removal.

Wickremesinghe was also accused of protecting him.

Sirisena in a public speech a year ago had expressed unhappiness over Mahendran's conduct.
Union Ministers Santosh Gangwar and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti today had a rough going during their visit here as alleged BJD supporters including some MLAs pelted stones and showed black flags to their cavalcade.

Union Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar and Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti faced the wrath of BJD leaders when they arrived in the district to attend BJP's Vikas Parv Rally, marking completion of two years of NDA Government at the Centre, a police official said.

At least nine platoons (around 270 personnel) of police were deployed as part of security measures for the visit of the two ministers and the rally. The protesting BJD supporters showed black flags and demonstrated in front of Gangwar's vehicle, he said.

At least three vehicles, including one carrying Gangwar, were damaged in the incident, the official added.

"The police turned mute spectator when BJD leaders and supporters showed black flags without any hindrance," BJP state general secretary Bhrugu Buxipatra alleged.

Unfazed by the protest, Gangwar reached the venue to attend the rally. Tension erupted when BJP supporters opposed the BJD action. BJD workers also protested near Gandhi Chhak wearing black shirts and holding black flags, Buxipatra said.

The BJD workers, led by Bargarh MLA Debesh Acharya, also took out a bike rally in the town this morning protesting BJP's Vikas Utsav, the countrywide celebration of two years of the Narendra Modi government.

Defending his party workers' actions Acharya said, "We have protested in a democratic manner".

BJD activists also allegedly ransacked a saree show room in the city, where Gangwar was scheduled to hold discussion with some weavers later today, the police official said.

"This is an unfortunate incident. It is responsibility of the state government to provide security to the visiting union ministers. If union ministers are not safe in the state, the state government and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should ponder whether common people can live peacefully here," Gangwar said.

Stating that Prime Minister has been placing before



the public, the account of his two years in office, Gangwar said, "Patnaik is afraid that despite 16 years of being in office, he has nothing to claim before the people. Let Patnaik consider how the visiting union ministers are treated in his state."



Condemning the incident, BJP's Odisha said the violent incident showed the feudal mindset of ruling BJD which was directed against tribals, poor and dalits. It pointed out that Gangwar belonged to OBC, while Niranjan Jyoti represented the Dalit sections and former Jharkhand chief minister Arjun Munda was a tribal leader.

At a press conference in Bhubaneswar, BJP leader Bhrugu Buxipatra blamed Patnaik, also the state home minister, for the incident at Baragarh. He claimed that the BJD workers would not have dared to show such behaviour without Patnaik's consent.

DIG, northern region, Sambalpur Prateek Mohanty and Baragarh district SP Jugal Kishore Kumar Banoth did not to respond to media queries.
The US military has launched its first airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan since President Barack Obama's decision to expand America's involvement against the insurgents.

Two US officials confirmed today to The Associated Press that the airstrikes began this month but wouldn't elaborate on their outcome.

US military spokesman in Kabul, Brig Gen Charles Cleveland, says US forces "have conducted a limited number of strikes under these new authorities."



He says the strikes "are only being used where they may help the Afghans achieve a strategic effect."



Obama's decision gave the US military wider latitude to support Afghan forces, both in the air and on the ground Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt Jeff Davis, said the expanded US military authorities have been in effect "for about the last week or so.
The US would like to see a "healthy relationship" between India and China which are very strong and growing economies with significant influence, a top official has said amid China's opposition to India's NSG bid.

"We would like to see healthy bilateral relations between India and China. We would like to see them work out whatever differences they have," State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily conference yesterday.

"We have differences with China and we have a strong vehicles for dialogue to try to work through them. It does not mean we get to complete agreement on everything, but we have vehicles and avenues to have a healthy discussion. We would welcome that between India and China," Kirby said as he was responding to questions on China's opposition to India's NSG membership.

He said both India and China are "very strong, very growing economies" each with a large population and a significant influence not just regionally but globally.

"So we believe it is in everyone's interest to have India and China have good, healthy bilateral - a good bilateral relationship. But where it is going to go, I mean, I could not possibly predict that," Kirby said.

The US has made very clear how seriously it wants India's application to be taken up inside the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), he said.

"The Chinese can speak for themselves in terms of their views on that. But if you are asking me a broader question about would we favour healthy bilateral relations between India and China, of course we would. We would not stand in the way of that at all. But to the degree there's tensions there over this or any other matter, it is really for those two nations to speak to," Kirby added.

China has sought to de-link its opposition to India's membership of NSG from Sino-Indian ties saying that it does not concern the bilateral relationship.

China "belligerently" led opposition to India's membership of NSG at a three-hour post-dinner meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group here last night which ended in a deadlock.

Preceding the two-day plenary of the 48-member NSG, which began yesterday, China had repeatedly said that India's membership was not on the agenda and is said to have made every effort to prevent any discussion on India's bid.
Expressing concern over China's recent actions in the disputed East China Sea to "unilaterally raise tensions" in the region, top American senators have said they stand firmly behind US' commitment to Japan's security.

"As the international community awaits the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea's decision regarding China's excessive maritime claims to the South China Sea, we are also concerned by Beijing's recent action to unilaterally raise tensions in the East China Sea," four top Senators said in a statement.

The statement was jointly signed by Senators John McCain and Jack Reed, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Bob Corker and Ben Cardin, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"We stand firmly by President (Barack) Obama's statement from April 2014 that the United States' commitment to Japan's security is absolute and Article 5 of our Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security covers all territories under Japan's administration, including the Senkaku islands," the Senators said.

China and Japan both claim a small group of islands in the East China Sea, known as Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese.

China established an air-defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea in 2013, raising protests from the US and several Asian countries. The US responded by sending two B-52 bombers inside the zone without notifying Chinese authorities.

Japan earlier this month summoned the Chinese ambassador to Tokyo after a Chinese navy vessel encroached upon what Japan considers its territorial waters in the East China Sea for the first time.

The US said Chinese fighter jets made an "unsafe" interception of a reconnaissance flight in international airspace over the East China Sea earlier this month.

Tensions have renewed in the East China Sea after Japan used the G7 meetings to criticise China and express opposition to any "intimidating, coercive or provocative" actions in both the East and South China seas, drawing an angry reaction from Beijing.
Seoul prosecutors arrested an executive of Volkswagen's South Korean unit today, as part of an ongoing probe into the emissions fraud scandal that engulfed the German carmaker.

An official with the Seoul Central District Court said that it had issued the warrant to arrest the executive -- identified only by his surname Yoon.

Charges include manipulating documents on emissions tests to get approval for selling Volkswagen vehicles in the country.

Prosecutors plan to question Yoon on whether he was acting under orders from Volkswagen's German headquarters, Yonhap agency said.

The world's second-largest automaker faces legal action in several countries, after it admitted in September to faking US emissions tests on some of its diesel-engined vehicles.

In November last year, Seoul ordered Volkswagen Korea to recall more than 125,000 diesel-powered cars sold in the South Korean market and fined the firm 14.1 billion won (USD 12.3 million).

Foreign carmakers, especially German brands like Volkswagen, have steadily expanded their presence in the South's auto market long dominated by the local giant Hyundai and its affiliate Kia.

Sales of foreign cars account for about 15 percent of total auto sales, compared to 10 percent in 2012.

Around 70 per cent of foreign auto sales in South Korea are diesel-engined vehicles.
A Western Naval Command has successfully scaled mountain peaks Mount Satopanth (7075m) and an unnamed but challenging peak at 6020m in Uttarkashi region.

The expedition, lead by Lieutenant Commander Rameshwar Puri was received by Vice-Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, Chief of Personnel, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy), on their return to New Delhi today.

The summiters proudly flew the national flag and Naval Ensign on these peaks, a Defence release said here today.

Despite adverse weather, six members squad lead by Lieutenant Commander Vinit Doshi, of Headquarter Maharashtra Naval Area, scaled Mt Satopanth on June 16.

The following day, five members of the team summited an unnamed peak (commonly referred as 'point 6020') of 6020m in Uttarkashi region.

The team also cleared the base camp, Vasuki Tal where they picked not only their non-biodegradable garbage but also cleaned the remains of other expeditions.

They deposited nearly 45 kg of garbage at Kanku forest check post in an attempt to ensure the mountains remain clean and carry forward the Prime Minister's vision of 'Swachh Bharat', it said.
With Britain choosing to leave the EU in a historic referendum, it faces the prospect of a Conservative Party leadership contest and a long and hard road of negotiations between the UK and its leading trade partner.

The results of the referendum, which were confirmed as 51.9 per cent in favour of Brexit and 48.1 per cent against today, are not legally binding on the UK government.

However, the ruling Conservative party had promised the referendum as part of its manifesto pledge in the 2015 General Election and British Prime Minister David Cameron had repeatedly confirmed that the will of the people will be respected.

He reiterated that view in his resignation speech outside Downing Street this morning: "The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected."



At a practical level, what this means is he has effectively kick-started a time-line for his own exit from Downing Street, expected by October, when a new Prime Minister will now have to take the Brexit mandate forward.

The most likely candidate is believed to be former London mayor Boris Johnson, who was the star campaigner for Vote Leave and often touted as Cameron's successor.

Cameron will chair a Cabinet meeting on Monday and soon after travel to Brussels to inform the European Council of Britain's referendum next Tuesday and Wednesday.

However, the road ahead is anything but clear-cut, with a number of factors coming into play.

The referendum has effectively triggered the process of a massive renegotiation process during which trade issues will be at the heart of talks to thrash out exactly how Britain's relationship with the EUwill work in future - negotiations that many expect will last for years.

Quitting the EU could cost Britain access to the EU's trade barrier-free single market and means it must seek new trade accords with countries around the world.

The EU, taken as a whole, is the UK's major trading partner, accounting for 44 per cent of exports and 53 per cent of imports of goods and services in 2015.

Brexit has often been referred to by the British media as a difficult divorce after the break-up of a marriage of convenience.

Officially, the process involves invoking Article 50 of the2009 Lisbon Treaty, which deals with the process of exit for any member country.

This will be the first time this article will be used, and indeed, tested as the only other country to exit the EU was Greenland back in 1982, when the EU was known as the European Economic Community (EEC).

Article 50 has provision for a two-year timeframe for negotiations, with scope to extend the negotiation period if all parties involved agree.

The year 2020 has been suggested by some experts as a potential timeline, when the next UK General Election is scheduled to take place.

As Cameron stressed, "there will be no initial change in



the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold".

However, his resignation and the need for a new Prime Minister to take charge of the negotiations has added a bigger question mark to the process ahead.

The European Commission has already indicated that it is not willing to wait for Britain to settle its own internal party politics to start the negotiation process.

In the interests of the EU's own future, European leaders are keen to conclude Brexit proceedings as quickly as possible to avert any further divisive referendums among its 27 other member-countries.

France has already expressed some murmurings of its own referendum.

"The UK should invoke Article 50 as soon as possible, however painful that process may be,"said Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, the executive branch of the EU.

He had warned before the vote: "Out is out".

On Saturday, the foreign ministers of the founding six member states - France, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy and Belgium - will meet to discuss the implications of the British vote.

The deal the EU had struck with Cameron after months of negotiation earlier this year, has evaporated under a so-called "self-destruct" clause triggered by the referendum.

Now European leaders want to avoid being drawn into months and years of haggling over Britain's status, mounting pressure on invoking Article 50 instantly to setthe two-year clock ticking and after that, the Treaties that govern membership no longer apply to Britain.

The terms of exit will be negotiated between EU's 27 counterparts, and each will have a veto over the conditions.

It will also be subject to ratification in national parliaments, which means MPs from individual member countries could squash aspects in their own Parliament.

Two vast negotiating teams will be created, with the EU side likely to be headed by one of the current commissioners and the British side most likely by a new Prime Minister.

Disentangling from the union is foreseen as the relatively simpler process, with renegotiating a lucrative trade deal and establishing acceptable tariffs and barriers with the UK's biggest trading partner seen as the toughest and most uncertain aspect.
As Britain voted to leave the European Union, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma today said it (the decision) was a democratic process and one has to now see the implementation part.

"It is a democratic process and we now have to see how the implementation rolls out in the weeks and months to come. This is something for the people of Great Britain to judge now how best to take this forward," Verma said on the sidelines of 'The Future is Now: From COP21 to Reality' conference.

In a landmark referendum, the UK has voted to leave the European Union after 43 years as the 'Brexit' camp today took a seemingly unassailable lead over the 'Remain' camp in a down-to-wire referendum with far reaching implications for the world.

British Prime Minister David Cameron today announced his resignation in the wake of defeat in the crucial referendum after Britain voted to leave EU in a deadly blow to the 28-nation bloc that triggered a panic reaction in world markets and raised questions over immigration and other issues in the UK after the divorce.

Meanwhile, on China's reported non-cooperation to India's entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group, Verma said India has a strong case for membership and USA always supported it.

China today continued to vehemently oppose India's membership of NSG.

Wang Qun, Director General of China's Department of Arms Control, told reporters that there was no consensus on the NSG membership of non-NPT countries like India.
The government will go beyond the city-centric approach to promote regional planning in peripheral areas to ensure housing for the urban poor by 2022, Union minister Babul Supriyo said today.

It acknowledges the problems being faced in the urban areas and strives to solve them in an "integrated and goal-centric manner" to meet the housing demand, he said.

"The government will promote regional planning by moving beyond city-centric planning for construction of houses in satellite townships, peri-urban and peripheral areas to meet the housing demand in urban areas," Supriyo, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA), said.

He was addressing an international workshop, organised by HUPA Ministry, on 'Human Settlements -Planning and Design: A Shared Understanding' here.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Pradan (PMAY)-Urban launched last June, two crore houses for the urban poor are to be built by 2022.

The Centre is "committed to ensuring" housing for urban poor in the next six years, the minister said, observing that "the government while acknowledging problems in urban areas is striving to solve them in an integrated and goal-centric manner".

He stressed the need to assist the poor even in remote and far off places in planning, design and construction of safe and resilient houses.

HUPA Ministry Secretary Nandita Chatterjee said the the department is "close to finalising a pro-active, practical and pragmatic" Rental Housing Policy keeping in view that 27 per cent of the demand is for such rental housing.

She emphasised on the need for effective planning and design so as to meet the housing needs of all sections of the people in the context of rising costs of land, labour and availability of materials.

Chatterjee noted that to move beyond city-centric planning for housing, construction of houses under PMAY (Urban) is being allowed in areas which go beyond city limits.

Apart from India, representatives from eight countries --Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Fiji-- attended the workshop for sharing of ideas and experiences in respect of housing among the Asia-Pacific countries.
A 24-year-old woman employee of an IT firm was today found murdered at a city railway station.

S Swathi, employed with software giant Infosys, was found dead with cut injuries on her face and neck around 6.30 AM on a platform in Nungambakkam railway station, police said.

The incident is believed to have taken place when Swathi, a resident of Choolaimedu near the station, was waiting to board a suburban train to reach her office as per her routine, they said.

It caused a flutter in the neighbourhood and the station, which usually gets busy around 7 AM.

The body had been retrieved and sent for postmortem, police said, adding various angles were being probed to find out the assailant and also ascertain the motive behind the killing.

Infosys described the incident as "unfortunate" and said it was cooperating with investigating officials.

"We are saddened by the unfortunate incident that has led to the demise of our employee in Chennai. We are working with the local authorities as they investigate the matter and will continue to provide our co-operation and support," it said in a statement.

"Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family of the deceased. Infosys will provide all the necessary support to the family in their hour of grief," it further said.

The victim was employed with Infosys' branch at Mahindra World City at Singaperumalkoil on the city outskirts.
Tamil Nadu government today told the Madras High Court that it was yet to take a decision on the premature release of Nalini Sriharan, the life convict in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case since her case with other co-convicts are pending before the Supreme Court.

The government said this in its counter affidavit in response to a petition by Nalini seeking premature release.

The case is expected to come up before Justice M Sathyanrayananon Monday.

Nalini submitted that she had spent quarter of a century in jail though the legal requirement was only 20 years to be eligible for premature release.

The counter said the state had written to the Centre in March 2016 itself seeking its concurrence for release of all seven convicts. "So far, no reply has been received from the government of India in this regard," it said



The Supreme Court had awarded death penalty to four of the 26 persons found guilty in the case, including Nalini and her husband Murugan. It awarded life to three others.

Nalini's sentence was commuted to life after Tamil Nadu government invoked Article 161 of the Constitution, which made the then Governor pass relevant orders in April 2000.

The death penalty of the three others, Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalanwas commuted to life by the apex court on February 18, 2014 on the ground of inordinate delay in disposing of their mercy petitions by the President.

Nalini filed a fresh petition seeking premature release stating that her representation on February 20 2014, should be considered as she had completed more than 20 years in jail



She referred to a 2011 Government Order which facilitated the release of life convicts who served 20-year jail term



Since the case was probed by a central agency, the state government is obliged to 'consult' the Centre in the case of premature release of convicts. The state government wrote to the Home Ministry on February 19,2014 seeking its views on the proposal to release all seven life convicts.

The Centre had moved the Supreme Court to quash Tamil Nadu government's proposal.

The apex court had in July 2014 restrained the state government from offering remission to life convicts. It was later modified a little.

On Dec 2, 2015, the apex court ruled that the term 'consultation' in Sec 435(1) of CrPC implied 'concurrence'. Only after that did the state government seek a clarification from theCentre, which is still awaiting reply.

The counter said the three-member bench of the Supreme Court had on April 18, 2016 decided tohear the Centre's case every Monday and Friday and added that the case had so far not been listed for hearing.

Tamil Nadu government detailed all correspondence between the state and the Centre in the counter.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker insisted on Friday that Britain's decision to leave the EU was not the beginning of the end for the bloc.

Answering that question from a reporter at a packed conference in the EU executive's Brussels headquarters, Juncker replied simply, "No." That drew applause from EU officials in the room as Juncker left after taking just two questions.

He had begun his conference by reading out a joint statement issued earlier by the heads of EU institutions.

(Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; @macdonaldrtr; Editing by Alissa de Carbonnel)
Scotlands devolved government is preparing to present legislation allowing a second independence referendum while continuing discussions on its place within the European Union, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Saturday.

A second (Scottish) independence referendum is clearly an option that requires to be on the table, and it is very much on the table, she said in a live statement.

To ensure that that option is a deliverable one in the required timetable, steps will be taken now to ensure that the necessary legislation is in place, she added.

Scotland voted 62 to 38 per cent to remain in the EU in a referendum on Thursday, sharply contrasting with Britains overall 52-48 per cent vote to leave. That result could be justification for another independence vote, the Scottish government argues.

Scottish independence from the United Kingdom was rejected by 55-45 per cent in 2014.

Tsipras blames on austerity

Meanwhile, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, whose own rebellion against European Union policy brought the bloc to a crisis last year, said he did not blame the British people for voting to leave but rather EU leaders. Speaking to his leftist Syriza partys central committee, Tsipras blamed the outcome on the chronic deficiencies of European leaders and their insistence on austerity policies that fed populism and nationalism.

As much as the decision of the British people saddens us, it is a decision to be respected. We must not put the blame on the British people ... when the borders remain open on austerity policies but stay closed for people, Tsipras said.
By Elisabeth O'Leary

EDINBURGH (Reuters) - Scotland sees its future in the European Union despite Britain's vote to leave, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday, raising the spectre of a new Scottish independence vote and the possible dissolution of the United Kingdom.

Scotland voted by a margin of 62 percent to 38 percent to remain in the EU in a referendum on Thursday that put it at odds with Britain as a whole, which voted 52-48 in favour of Leave.

"Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status," said Sturgeon, head of the Scottish National Party.

Former first minister Alex Salmond explicitly said Scotland is now likely to push for a second independence referendum after the conditions spelled out in the SNP manifesto before reelection in May appeared to have been met.

One key reason Scots rejected independence in a referendum almost three years ago was because independence meant leaving the EU too. After Thursday's vote, the question is whether some Scots who wavered but eventually voted to stick with the UK in 2014, may now prefer to join the secessionists

Splitting Scotland from the UK would end three centuries of shared history, upending another successful economic relationship shortly after the now-impending divorce between Britain and the EU.

Most voters in Northern Ireland also voted to remain and Irish nationalist leaders there called for a poll on leaving the United Kingdom and uniting with Ireland.

Calling a new Scottish vote would not be quick or simple and the SNP, marked by caution since Sturgeon took over as leader, would want to first ensure a new vote could be won.

Where the last Scottish independence campaign fell down is considered to be the economic argument; a new Scotland was then projected to stick with its old currency, the pound, and was underpinned by an oil price then over $100 but which is now roughly a half of that level.

Sturgeon would have to build a robust economic independence strategy to convince those emotionally persuaded in 2014 but not economically so.

She would also have to make sure that the maelstrom around Britain's EU exit does not sweep away some of the support the SNP currently has.

There are other big factors hindering a divorce. One may be fears that a lightweight EU, without Britain, is a less attractive partner for Scotland, which sends two thirds of its output to the rest of the UK.

Another rests on concerns about what a border between England and Scotland would do to both security and the economy.

"It could be that in the panic that ensues after a British exit, some people might want to stick with what we still have," said an SNP lawmaker speaking on condition of anonymity.

Polls do not indicate that support for secession has changed much since 2014, but there are several other factors, beyond leaving the EU, which mean that could change.

The biggest is Sturgeon herself, a skilled politician, highly rated by both political friends and foes.

With approval ratings of 60 percent among Scots according to pollster Yougov, she is a convincing messenger for independence which she told last week she "desperately" wants.

Yet Sturgeon needed to play it cautiously for "good reason," said Anand Menon of think tank UK in a Changing Europe.

"Nicola Sturgeon knows that if Scotland is independent and England is out of the EU, you have an external EU border between Scotland and England. An external border means the prospects of terrorists, its means the prospect of different regulations, and trade will be obstructed," Menon said.

Many voters remain sceptical but acknowledge the departure of Britain from the EU shone a new light on the issue.

"The SNP will have to come back with a better argument for independence in a European context to convince me," said Catherine, a 41-year-old operations manager from Aberdeen.

"If they come back with some real proper facts and figures I would think about it. We're a small country, we definitely don't want to be on our own."

(Reporting By Elisabeth O'Leary; Editing by Mark John)
Sterling surged to a 2016 high against the US dollar on Thursday after an opinion poll suggested Britons have voted to keep the country in the European Union, a relief for investors who had feared a would trigger market uncertainty and volatility.

YouGov's poll, the closest thing in Britain's EU referendum to a publicly available exit poll, suggested a 52 per cent vote to stay in the EU against 48 per cent to leave. The final official result is expected around 0600 GMT.

Sterling raised more than a cent to a fresh 2016 high of $1.5004 from $1.4975 before polling stations across the country closed at 2100 GMT. The euro fell to a one-month low of 76.01 pence.

Sterling has rallied 7.0 per cent in the past week as investors grew more confident that a Brexit, with all the associated market uncertainty and volatility most analysts anticipated such an outcome would unleash, would ultimately be avoided.

"We need a slam dunk before we move up top the $1.52-53 range. It's not all over, but the market is starting to discount it (a Remain victory) quite aggressively now," said David Bloom, head of global currency strategy at HSBC in London.

"Volatility should collapse too," Bloom added.

The cost of hedging against sharp swings in sterling over the short term fell sharply after the YouGov poll was released.

Amid very thin liquidity conditions, overnight sterling/dollar implied volatility traded at around 42 per cent, down from 72 per cent before polling stations across the country closed at 2100 GMT. Earlier on Thursday, overnight volatility reached a record 125 per cent.

One-week implied volatility also fell, to 19 per cent from around 25 per cent.

YouGov's poll was based on responses from a pre-selected group of people seen as representative of the wider electorate on how they actually voted in the referendum.

The referendum on whether to quit the EU was bitterly-contested, and polarized the nation. Financial markets, on edge for weeks over the uncertain outcome, rallied on the strength of late polls that showed a swing towards staying in.

Banks had warned clients about volatile trading conditions around the results which may lead to large gaps in prices. Barclays stopped accepting new "stop loss" orders as of 0600 GMT, an extremely rare move for one of the big six banks that dominate the world's biggest financial market.
In terms of location, few can beat the P R Lama senior secondary school in West Sikkims Rinchenpong. Facing the snow-clad Kanchenjunga range, the government school (with 236 children from nursery to Class X) is blessed in terms of weather, view and the sheer number of flora that naturally surround sit. A large playfield can be seen, with a rugged and self-assembled goal post on either side.
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Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan on Friday asked central banks across the globe to desist from currency depreciation to create competitive advantage in the wake of Britain's exit from the European Union.

"Currencies do help adjustment and some movement is warranted... what I have been concerned about is intervention in a big way in the currency so as to move it in a particular direction and create a competitive advantage... we as central bankers will have to get together and make sure we do not do it," Rajan told CNBC TV18 after the UK vote to leave the EU.

The Governor said the issue of competitive devaluation of currencies is one of the concerns for the past many months and he has been fairly public about it.

"I do not think anybody would argue that Britain engineered Brexit to depreciate the pound," Rajan added. Britain voted to leave the EU in a deadly blow to the 28-nation bloc, forcing Prime Minister David Cameron to resign, triggering panic reaction in world markets and raising questions over immigration and other issues in Britain after the separation.

Britons' decision to exit led to a sharp fall in the domestic market as well as the rupee following which the government and the RBI said the economy has enough "firepower" to deal with the situation.

In a statement, Rajan said RBI is watching markets closely and is ready to act if there is any disorderly behaviour. "RBI is watching all the markets... we are ready to act when there is disorderly conduct, disorderly behaviour (in the markets)," he said.


In an indication of the growing discomfort among the "nationalist" elements over BJP government's foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, Swadeshi Aandolan, a splinter group of Swadeshi Jagran Manch - a key affiliate of BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) - has termed Narendra Modi-led government's FDI policy as "ruinous".

The group has asked RSS to clarify its stand on BJP's FDI policy as 'the Sangh parivar had always maintained that India will be built by Indians'.

In a press release issued in New Delhi on Friday, KV Biju, All India Organising Secretary, Swadeshi Andolan, alleged that the Modi government has made the United States its business partner completely disregarding India's long-standing tradition of independence in foreign policy.

"The new FDI policy will ruin all prospects of self-reliance and destroy the vast industrial infrastructure and capability created over decades. Unfortunately, the FDI policy has completely ignored specific issues in the defence sector", he said.

"100% FDI in the pharma sector is another US demand that the Modi government has acquiesced to. 100% FDI in brownfield pharma means that any foreign company can acquire Indian drug makers. When Ranbaxy was taken over by a Japanese MNC, LK Advani issued a statement against it. Will there be a similar statement now that a BJP government is in power?" Biju asked.

"Even technology transfers happen at hefty royalties to MNCs. For example, Suzuki takes home 6.7% of the value of a car made by Maruti in India as royalty. If this happens in the auto industry, one can imagine what would happen in the highly competitive sophisticated arms industry which the Modi government has opened up fully to foreigners" he said

Criticizing the government's decision to relax norms for FDI in retail, Biju reminded that many Sangh Parivar organizations, including the BJP, have been fighting against FDI in retail for years.

"The Sangh Parivar, which calls itself the zealous guardian of Indian nationalism, was consistently opposed to FDI in education, media, media-related industries and strategic sectors. Immediately after returning from the US, Prime Minister Modi opened up two strategic sectors-- defence and aviation--to foreign investment. The RSS should clarify its stand immediately or risk being called hypocrites", the release said.

The working committee of the group, which met here today, decided to step up their protest against by the central govt on its FDI policy.


In a bloody carnage on Dalal Street, market benchmark Sensex plunged by 604.51 points on Friday to 26,397.71, its biggest single-day fall in nearly four months, as a shock victory for 'Leave' camp in the UK referendum sent markets across the world into a tailspin.

As a result, total investor wealth, measured in terms of cumulative market value of all listed stocks, tanked nearly Rs 1.79 lakh crore.

The rupee also took a sharp plunge of 96 paise (intra-day) against the US dollar to crash below the 68-level, but RBI intervention to infuse liquidity helped the local currency recoup some early losses.

Britain voted to leave the EU today in a deadly blow to the 28-nation bloc, forcing Prime Minister David Cameron to announce resignation in the wake of defeat in the referendum whose result triggered a panic reaction in world markets.

Global markets went into a tizzy with Japan's Nikkei tumbling 7.92 per cent while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 2.92 per cent. European stocks was also trading lower with London Stock Exchange's FTSE index down 5 per cent after crashing 9 per cent in early deals.

Domestic stocks, which had plunged close to 1,100 points in early trade, recouped some of the losses on value-buying in pre-close session and talking-up by influential policymakers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan.

After opening lower at 26,367.48, the BSE Sensex continued to slide, hit by plunging global markets, forcing the index to crack the 26,000-mark and touch a low of 25,911.33.

However, value-buying in key bluechips, helped the index recover part of the lost ground to close the session 604.51 points or 2.24 per cent down at 26,397.71. This was the index's weakest closing since February 11.

The 50-share NSE Nifty, which cracked below 8,000-level to hit a low of 7,927.05 during the session, managed to recover part of the initial losses and settled 181.85 points or 2.20 per cent down at 8,088.60.

Companies having large exposure to the UK, led by Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Bharat Forge, Infosys, TCS, Hindalco and Tech Mahindra which get a substantial proportion of their revenue in pound, also ended in the deep red.

The fall was so widespread that 23 Sensex stocks closed in the red including Tata Motors, Tata Steel, L&T, ICICI Bank, ONGC, RIL, Axis Bank, SBI, TCS and Adani Ports crashing by up to 7.99 per cent.

Among BSE sectoral indices, realty suffered the most by 3.74 per cent followed by metal (3.59 pc), capital goods (3.30 pc), banking (2.69 pc), auto (2.63 pc), IT (2.13 pc), teck (2.01 pc) and oil&gas (1.82 pc).

Broader markets also performed weak with the BSE small-cap index falling 1.46 per cent and mid-cap down 1.07 per cent.
As news reports trickle in of the UK voting to leave the European Union, there are concerns already being expressed within Indian pharma, especially around what this could imply for companies that have exposure to these geographies.

All are keen to watch how the UK vote will get reflected in currency fluctuations. The Financial Times has just reported: "The pound dropped 11 per cent to its lowest level in over three decades as the market awoke to the shock realisation that the Leave camp had upset the odds to score a stunning victory in the UK referendum on EU membership."

Implications of this on rupee-versus-pound and rupee-versus-Euro are being looked into. Most expect Indian companies to see lower realisations from these regions. For instance, a 10 per cent decline in currency would mean anyone with $300 million revenue from the region will take a $30 million hit.

But other than the currency dimension, from the perspective of Indian pharma there is another aspect of added costs this development could trigger. There will now be separate new drug registrations for the two regions. There will also be independent audits by both regions - that unlike one Euro audit today, there will be separate audits by EU and the UK, plus separate bio-clinical studies in the two regions.

As far as Indian pharma is concerned, companies to watch would be Aurobindo Pharma, which has little over 20 per cent of business coming from Europe. The, there would be those like Sun Pharma, Intas, Torrent and to some extent Dr Reddy's and Glenmark, the last perhaps with around 10 per cent of business from this region.

While the UK is still not really major, perhaps more for say Dr Reddy's, but it is a no brainer that the UK is one of the major countries of Europe and among the top five with others being Germany, Italy, France and Spain. These cover the bulk of the European population and market and anything happening, at least in these countries, will be hugely significant for exporters from India. Even as Indian pharma is learning to cope with currency volatility-related challenges in the emerging markets, the timing of this development may add also an element of concern.
The Small Firms Association has today claimed the UKs vote to leave the EU creates significant challenges for small businesses in Ireland.

They have warned of the "severe pressure" this morning on Irish exporters and all companies that compete with UK firms as a result of the Sterling movements.

The SFA have also claimed that the UK's tax treatment of entrepreneurs and small business is already more favourable than Ireland's and this vote means the UK is likely to further improve its offering and intensify the competition with Ireland as a business hub.

Director of the Small Firms Association, Patricia Callan commented, "Small firms will feel the impact of the vote most severely, as they dont have the same degree of mobility or diversification as larger companies."

She added, "For many Irish small businesses, the UK is their first and often their only export market. The survival of many businesses is dependent on UK suppliers, investors and customers, so this outcome is particularly worrying for them."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

About us
Ireland is bracing itself for damaging economic and political fallout from the decision by Britain, its nearest neighbor and largest trade partner, to vote to leave the European Union.

Ireland has the EU's fastest-growing economy but also more to lose than any other member state from a 'Brexit' with far-reaching implications for its trade, economy, security of energy supplies and peace in British-ruled Northern Ireland.

Within minutes of the outcome becoming apparent, Northern Ireland's largest Irish nationalist party, Sinn Fein, said the result intensified the case for a vote on whether Northern Ireland should leave the United Kingdom.

"The downside is definite and the upside is speculative," Noonan told parliament as the United Kingdom voted on Thursday, referring to the potential upside that some companies keen to stay in the EU might move from Britain to Ireland.

Ireland's central bank had warned that a withdrawal would hurt economic growth and jobs and significantly impact the financial sector, while a government-commissioned report found it could cut trade with Britain by at least 20%.

Noonan said earlier this week that an estimated cumulative Brexit-related hit on the Irish economy of as much as 1.6% of GDP would be "containable."

Irish exporters will be the first to suffer, as the pound weakened significantly against the euro, making their euro-priced goods more expensive. Ireland will have to consider taking steps to assist firms exporting into Britain, Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan told Reuters on Wednesday.

Farmers and food producers, major UK suppliers, are especially vulnerable. The British Irish Chamber of Commerce said business needed a comprehensive and quickly concluded trade agreement between the EU and the UK that recognized the unique relationship between Ireland and the UK.

"As the voice of businesses with significant employment in the UK and Ireland, the Chamber is concerned about any adverse impact the UK's decision could have on trade between these Islands," said John McGrane, Director General of the Chamber.

Of most concern to Dublin is the impact on Northern Ireland, which has the only land frontier between the United Kingdom and the rest of the EU. It was marked by military checkpoints until a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian violence.

Flanagan said the reintroduction of a hard border would have to be considered in any negotiation and that the return of controls, for customs or security, could pose a difficult challenge for the peace process.

The dismantling of military border posts was a key aspect of a 1998 peace deal that ended three decades of violence between Catholic nationalists seeking a united Ireland and Protestant unionists who wanted to keep Northern Ireland British. Over 3,600 died in the conflict.

British finance minister George Osborne has said border controls would be inevitable, while former prime ministers Tony Blair and John Major, who also campaigned for a vote to remain, said a Brexit could undermine peace in the six-county province.

Pro-Brexit campaigners, including Britain's minister for Northern Ireland, described those warnings as "scaremongering" and said a Brexit would not endanger a common travel area that predates both countries' entry into the EU in 1973.

While the United Kingdom as a whole voted by 52% to 48% in favor of leaving the EU, 56% of those in Northern Ireland favored staying.

Northern Ireland's nationalist Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said ahead of the vote that Britain should immediately commit to holding a vote to unite Ireland if its citizens chose to leave the EU.

Britain's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland may call such a vote at any time, according to the 1998 agreement that brought about peace. It also specifies that the Secretary "shall" order a referendum if it appears likely that a majority of those voting would seek to form part of a united Ireland.

Nigel Dodds, a senior member of the province's largest party, the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party, told Sky News on Thursday that Sinn Fein were on very weak ground calling for a unity vote.

But Sinn Fein chairman Declan Kearney said in a statement: "This outcome tonight dramatically changes the political landscape here in the north of Ireland and we will be intensifying our case for the calling of a border poll.

"The British government as a direct result have forfeited any mandate to represent the interests of people here in the north of Ireland in circumstances where the north is dragged out of Europe as a result of a vote to leave." (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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Northern Ireland's deputy leader Martin McGuinness called for a vote to unite the two sides of the Irish border on Friday, as stocks tumbled and the damaging economic and political fallout from Britain's decision to quit the EU were immediately felt.

Ireland has the EU's fastest-growing economy but also more to lose than any other member state from Brexit with far-reaching implications for its trade, economy, security of energy supplies and peace in British-ruled Northern Ireland.

After 56% of Northern Irish voters sought to remain in the EU compared to the 52% of the United Kingdom as a whole who voted leave, Sinn Fein's McGuinness said it was imperative that London called a referendum on a united Ireland.

"The British government now has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the North in any future negotiations with the European Union and I do believe that there is a democratic imperative for a 'border poll' to be held," McGuinness told RTE.

"The implications for all of us on the island of Ireland are absolutely massive. This could have very profound implications for our economy (in Northern Ireland)."

The call from Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland's largest Irish nationalist party, was later rebuffed by First Minister Arlene Foster.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who has said his government had a full-scale contingency plan in place should its nearest neighbor and largest trade partner vote to leave, called an emergency cabinet meeting shortly after the result.

The outcome has very significant implications for Ireland and the EU as a whole, a government statement said.

Ireland's central bank had warned that a withdrawal would hurt economic growth and jobs and significantly impact the financial sector, while a government-commissioned report found it could cut trade with Britain by at least 20%.

Irish banks, whose exposure to the UK accounts for around 21 percent of total assets, led the Irish stock market nine percent lower, with shares in Bank of Ireland and permanent tsb down 21% and 17% down by 0845 GMT.

Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers Ryanair , building materials group Kingspan and packaging producer Smurfit Kappa also fell sharply. The local bourse was down by as much as 16% earlier on Friday.

The yield on Ireland's benchmark 10-year bonds was marginally higher at a near record low 0.78%.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan said earlier this week that an estimated cumulative Brexit-related hit on the Irish economy of as much as 1.6% of GDP would be "containable."

As the UK voted on Thursday, Noonan told parliament that while the downside was "definite," any upside was only speculative, referring to the possibility that some companies keen to stay in the EU might move from Britain to Ireland.

Irish exporters will be the first to suffer, as the pound weakened significantly against the euro, making their euro-priced goods more expensive. Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan told Reuters on Wednesday that the government will have to consider helping firms exporting into Britain.

Farmers and food producers, major UK suppliers, are especially vulnerable.

"This development is unambiguously negative for the Irish economy," said Philip O'Sullivan, chief economist at Investec Ireland.

Of most concern to Dublin is the impact on Northern Ireland, which has the only land frontier between the United Kingdom and the rest of the EU. It was marked by military checkpoints until a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian violence.

Flanagan said the reintroduction of a hard border would have to be considered in any negotiation and that the return of controls, for customs or security, could pose a difficult challenge for the peace process.

The dismantling of military border posts was a key aspect of the peace deal between Catholic nationalists seeking a united Ireland and Protestant unionists who wanted to keep Northern Ireland British. Over 3,600 died in the conflict.

Northern Ireland's pro-British First Minister Foster dismissed the call by her deputy, McGuinness, for a vote on Irish unity as "opportunistic."

Britain's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland may call such a vote at any time, according to the 1998 agreement. It also specifies that the Secretary "shall" order a referendum if it appears likely that a majority of those voting would seek to form part of a united Ireland.

"There is no way even if there was a border poll that it would be in favor of a united Ireland," Democratic Unionist Party leader Foster told Northern Ireland's Radio Ulster. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
LOGAN  A war of words is growing between the executive director of the Sherwood Hills Recovery Resort and the state government. It began after Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, government investigators, licensing authorities, and others, raided the rehab facility and shut it down Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement, posted on the centers Facebook page, Executive Director Richard Knapp called the states actions, an abuse of power. He said the raid showed a complete disregard for the people they are trying to help.

Department of Human Services (DHS) Licensing Director, Diane Moore said in an earlier statement that Sherwood Hills Recovery Resort has shown a history of non-compliance with DHS Licensing Rules. She also outlined 21 documented violations by the facilitys staff.

Some of those rule violations included a medical doctor prescribing drugs despite not being registered with the DEA. Also, the staff reportedly dispensed substances from an unregulated internal pharmacy and didnt dispose of medications properly.

Knapp claims the only mistake his staff made was failing to leave a number off, when filling out a form. He said the State of Utah has been trying to find an excuse to take their license for nearly nine-months but has not been able to make a case.

We will, of course, appeal this all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary, said Knapp. In doing so, will seek to remove those who have abused their powers.

In the meantime, Wednesdays raid means the rehab facility was given 10-days before they must close, while appealing the action. Patients currently undergoing treatment are being transferred to other facilities.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
Cade Austin, 30, arrested and charged with attempted murder and other charges. Police claim Austin crashed his vehicle and then brandished a handgun and shot at paramedics before being shot himself.

LOGAN  Mondays sentencing for Cade Austin, who previously pleaded guilty to attempted murder and aggravated assault, will be postponed so the defendant can seek a new attorney. The 31-year-old Preston, Idaho man was arrested last winter for shooting at first responders during a traffic accident near Lewiston.

Austin appeared in 1st District Court Thursday afternoon.

Public defender Bryan Galloway asked the court to be released as Austins attorney so that the defendant could hire private council.

Austin had previously written a letter to Judge Kevin Allen describing his disagreements and displeasure with Galloways work.

Judge Allen questioned Austins intentions saying, not getting along with your attorney is not an excuse to get a new one. He said, he had worked with Galloway for seven-to-eight-years and seen that he gives good solid legal advice.

Austin said he didnt want to attack Galloways charcter but would like to change counsel.

Judge Allen said Austin had the absolute right to hire any attorney and should be afforded every opportunity, considering the seriousness of the charges.

In May, Austin pleaded guilty to attempted murder and aggravated assault, both amended to second-degree felonies. As part of the deal, prosecutors dropped the remaining charges.

On December 15, Austin was driving a Pontiac Sunfire, northbound on US-91, when he ran off the road, striking a gas line and coming to a stop in a bar pit. He then brandished a handgun and exchanged gunfire with an EMT who arrived on the scene to treat him.

Austin continued to wave the gun around inside the vehicle while drinking alcohol from a bottle. He was later pulled from the car by SWAT team members after losing consciousness. He was transported to a hospital by ambulance and treated for gunshot wounds to the chest and right shoulder.

Judge Allen ordered Galloway to remain as Austins attorney until a new one is hired. He ordered him to appear again in court July 11.

Austin is being held in the Cache County Jail without bail and could face up to 15-years in prison.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
In what used to be endeavors just for college or graduate students, young kids between eight and 16-years-old are doing amazing things when it comes to high-tech projects. Locally the Cache Makers 4-H Club is assisting young ones with hands-on experience.

From that group 14-year-old Jenna Porter and 11-year-olds Madi Frandsen and Natalie Lyman were on <a href=http://610kvnu.com/assets/podcaster/324/2016_06_24_324_46334_2867.mp3 target=_blank>KVNUs For the People program on Thursday</a>. Natalie and Madi talked about how they got into the group and about their latest project involving a balloon launch.

My dad told me about this program where you could make an L.E.D. sign and you could program it to make any words you want it to do. So we did that. And Kevin, our leader in our balloon launch, he was in that group and he told my Dad and I about this balloon launch and we decided we would do it, said Natalie.

Madi explained what they did. We launched a huge balloon with these boxes with devices inside of them. They were hooked up to the balloon when it launched. It was cool.

The launch took place at Nibley Park on June 11th. Data collected included how high the device reached, which was 112,000 feet (or just over 21 miles), degrees of turning, temperature and its location. The students built the device that was launched with all its circuitry.

The device was airborne for about an hour-and-a-half before the balloon popped and it fell back to earth landing near Thatcher, Idaho. The students also built the tracking devices to locate the payload.

Cache Makers co-founder Kevin Reeve was a mentor for the girls on this project.

So, I have this philosophy: you can either read about cool stuff in a text book, you can watch cool videos on YouTube or you can do it. Cache Makers is about hands-on, fun projects that you do, Reeve said.

For more information on the club, go to CacheMakers.org.
There will be great music, exotic fireworks and an abundance of patriotism when Logan City brings its 2016 Freedom Fire celebration to Utah State Universitys Maverik Stadium the night of Friday, July 1st.

It is usually held on July 3rd but since that falls on a Sunday this year, Logan Citys Freedom Fire will come early. Executive Producer Holly Fjeldsted said it will be Cache Valleys first Independence Day event with gates opening at 7 p.m. followed by a program at 8 and fireworks by Logans own Fireworks West at dark.

The 2016 Freedom Fire plans were discussed on KVNUs For the People program Wednesday with Fjeldsted, Logan City Parks and Recreation Director Russ Akina and Logan City Mayor Craig Petersen.

Fjeldsted said the program will have some traditional patriotic elements, but there will also be some other special tributes.

This is all about Americas 240th birthday but it is also Logans sesquicentennial, Fjeldsted explained. So were doing a little bit of a flashback.

If you think of 150 years ago, in 1866 everyone here was farmers. So were doing a special tribute to farmers. If you think about farmers, there aint no doubt they love this land.

Although Fjeldsted said she knows some families watch the fireworks from outside on the lawn, there is much to miss when you dont come inside.

Were catering to the crowd inside the stadium and that is best seen inside the stadium, she explained. Everyone really loved the laser show and we are bringing that back. Immediately following the fireworks is a concert and laser show combined.

On KVNUs For the People program Wednesday, Fjeldsted said all tickets are general admission and children under three get in free. Tickets are available at the Logan Community Recreation Center, the Logan Aquatic Center, Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, the USU Spectrum ticket office and online.
Once again, NATO will likely turn down Georgias bid for a Membership Action Plan (MAP) during the Alliances fast-approaching Warsaw summit on 8-9 July. Instead, NATO assures that Georgia will receive a firm declaration and a strengthened package of support during the summit, but no details have been yet specified. Apparently, some of NATOs most powerful members are anxious that offering Tbilisi more will irritate Russia, which is already protesting plans to further strengthen NATOs eastern flank. While NATO at present does not close the door to the future enlargements, Georgians are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with their countrys inability to clear the path to membership  a fact eagerly exploited by outlets for Russian propaganda, which are gaining strength in Georgia.

BACKGROUND: Georgia is one of the most dedicated NATO aspirant countries with strong public approval of Euro-Atlantic integration, which has in the past decade significantly boosted its defense capability. Georgia has since 2004 achieved many important milestones towards ensuring its armys compatibility with NATO forces. In April, Georgias Minister of Defense Tinatin Khidasheli announced that the government is ready to remove the conscription system and introduce fully professional military forces starting from 2017, to make them more compatible with Trans-Atlantic standards. Reforms were also carried out in the security sector, while Tbilisi worked on improving governance and democratic institutions. Multiple assessments of Georgias military and security reforms show that these sectors still feature several shortcomings, which can nevertheless be gradually improved. Though Georgia has maintained a democratic trajectory in its domestic reform process, areas such as media freedom still need improvement. Furthermore, the persistent conflict between Georgias key political players  the Georgian Dream (GD) coalition and the United National Movement (UNM); the ruling coalitions political fragility; and frequent government reshuffles have likely undermined Georgias image with NATO.

However, tense relations with Russia and the conflict over the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia pose a far more important obstacle for Georgias admission to NATO than the countrys internal political problems. Tbilisi and Moscow have engaged in a rapprochement process since 2012, resulting in renewed trade ties. However, diplomatic relations have not yet been restored and the prospects of reconciliation appear weak, especially in the aftermath of the conflict in Ukraine. Though Tbilisi did not join the majority of Western sanctions against Russia  except for banning exports from Crimea and Sevastopol  and has avoided overt criticism of Russian actions in Ukraine, Russia feels threatened by NATOs increased activities in Georgia. Moscow protested against establishing the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC) in 2015 and recently expressed its concern with one of the hitherto largest NATO-Georgia military drills, which took place in early May 2016. Russias Foreign Ministry deemed the two-week Noble Partner exercises, which were jointly conducted by UK, U.S. and Georgian troops, a provocative step aimed at destabilizing the region.

IMPLICATIONS: Despite Tbilisis efforts to woo the breakaway regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the possibility of restoring control over them remains elusive. On the contrary, both Sukhumi and Tskhinvali remain strongly oriented towards strengthening their ties with Russia. In the past two years, both regions have concluded treaties with the Russian Federation, deepening strategic cooperation in important spheres. South Ossetia has long sought even closer integration with Russia. In early April, South Ossetias de facto President Leonid Tibilov announced that a constitutional referendum would be held before August 2016, which would allow him to request the regions accession to Russia. On May 26, the referendum was postponed until after presidential elections in the region in 2017. The international community deems these steps illegal and considers South Ossetia and Abkhazia to constitute parts of Georgia, while in practice Russia has consolidated its influence over them.

The presence of protracted conflicts on Georgias territory remains a main reason why key NATO members such as Germany and France oppose Georgias membership in NATO. In addition, several European NATO members, including France and Austria, have recently requested the EU to lift its sanctions against Russia, whereas NATO is also currently seeking to mend ties with Moscow. In April, representatives of NATO and Russia held the first meeting of the NATO-Russia Council since June 2014, when cooperation was halted due to Russias annexation of Crimea and the war in Eastern Ukraine backed by Russian forces. Although the West has made clear that cooperation with Russia will not be restored unless Moscow respects international law, steps towards rapprochement means that NATO will be less eager to offer Georgia a firm declaration on strengthened mutual ties in Warsaw.

Even though the majority of Georgian leaders understand that acquiring a MAP is unlikely during the upcoming NATO summit, the Georgian government has since last year intensified its efforts to convince the Alliance to strengthen mutual ties. During high-profile government visits in NATO headquarters in Brussels and the U.S. over the last six months, Georgia received strong statements of support from the Alliance but no firm declarations about acquiring a MAP. In April and May, several media outlets such as New Europe based in Brussels, claimed that NATO is preparing to offer Georgia and Ukraine the newly invented status of associated partnership and closer cooperation in the Black Sea. The new format is deemed an alternative aiming to substitute an official candidature for NATO membership. NATO also prepares to offer Tbilisi and Kiev extended cooperation under a 28+2 format, modeled on the existing cooperation with Finland and Sweden. Due to ongoing negotiations before the Warsaw Summit, NATO officials neither confirmed nor denied this version. However, a decision on extended cooperation with NATO in the Black Sea basin seems credible since it is in line with the Alliances current interests in the region. South-eastern NATO members such as Romania and Turkey are pushing for a strengthened NATO presence in the Black Sea, which they argue is becoming dominated by Russia. Extending Georgias and Ukraines participation in NATO activities in the Black Sea will further strengthen the Alliances south-eastern flank and help keeping the balance of power in the region.

Although Georgias level of cooperation with NATO is unmatched among the other post-Soviet republics, the stalled process of acquiring a MAP is frustrating for the countrys elites and public. Khidasheli, one of the countrys most pro-Western politicians, has frequently expressed her dissatisfaction with NATOs reluctance to issue a bold declaration on Georgias future membership. In 2015, Georgias MoD stated that Georgia will be extremely disappointed if it does not receive a MAP in Warsaw and that a MAP is the only proposal that the Georgian government will extend to its NATO partners before the summit.

While Euro-Atlantic integration still enjoys considerable support among Georgians, surveys conducted by National Democratic Institute (NDI) reveal a small but steady decrease in support for joining NATO since 2013. This is eagerly exploited by Russia, through propaganda efforts channeled by media, political parties and NGOs. In the 2016 Nations in Transit Country Report on Georgia, Freedom House experts forecast that decreasing or stagnant support for the two key political groupings  GD and UNM  might benefit non-parliamentary parties, including pro-Russian and anti-Western parties, which could substantially alter Georgias political landscape after the October 2016 elections.

Georgian discontent with the pace of NATO integration could be exacerbated by the fact that in May, NATO signed the accession protocol with Montenegro. Montenegro has made less progress in implementing reforms than Georgia and needs to tackle important domestic issues such as poor governance and dysfunctional democratic institutions as well as a high level of corruption. Moreover, public opinion in Montenegro, unlike in Georgia, displays strong divisions on NATO membership.

CONCLUSIONS: Expectations for NATOs Warsaw summit are high not only in Georgia but also among the new NATO members in Central Europe and the Baltic States, which call for establishing permanent NATO bases in the region. However, it is unlikely that these expectations will be fulfilled in Warsaw, since NATO seeks to avoid measures that risk irritating Russia. The Alliance seemingly wants to keep Georgia devoted to NATO integration without firm declarations on admission, though participation in the MAP program neither predetermines future admission to NATO, nor imposes an obligation on NATO to defend the aspirant country if subjected to aggression from outside. Furthermore, Moscow will likely feel threatened by any form of closer cooperation between Tbilisi and NATO while it remains the main benefactor of the current stalemate concerning Georgias admission process. Tbilisi will likely retain its Euro-Atlantic orientation in the foreseeable future, but mounting discontent could boost the popularity of pro-Russian and anti-Western political forces in the country.

AUTHORS BIO: Natalia Konarzewska is a graduate of University of Warsaw and a freelance expert and analyst with a focus on political and economic developments in the post-Soviet space.

Image Attribution: www.nato.int, accessed on June 23, 2016
Cafebabel at the EU-Balkans Civil Society Forum

Published on June 24, 2016

Story by Anthony Papadimitriu

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On the 3rd and 4th July, cafebabel will take part in the EU-Balkans Civil Society Forum in Paris, a forum that aims to help the voice of civil society actors be heard and to strenghten collaboration across the EU and the Western Balkans.

At a moment of existential crisis for the European project, of breakdown of solidarity between countries throughout the continent and of undermining of fundamental rights and democracy in many countries, it is vital to change the narrative, to put relations between citizens and civil society throughout Europe at the core of a renewed vision for the future of the continent.

On the 3rd and 4th of July 2016, the Civil Society Forum Paris brings together activists from the European Union and the Western Balkans civil society organisations in order to elaborate policy proposals and to push forward actions that answer the main challenges facing the continent today.

The objective is to make the voice of civil society actors heard, at the core of the European project. It is a space for exchange and aims at building a long-term collaboration across the Western Balkans and the EU as a permanent platform.

This forum is organised on the occasion of the 3rd intergovernmental summit of Western Balkans and EU countries to be held in Paris on the 4th July 2016. It follows the Civil Society Forum held in Vienna in August 2015, and in Novi Sad and Belgrade in May 2016, where four main policy areas have been identified as priorities for the Western Balkans region.

Migration, climate change and green growth, bilateral disputes and youth cooperation will be part of the Paris Forum Programme and are likely to be discussed by the political leaders.

We also want to address transversal issues of democratic governance, the role of civil society and respect of fundamental rights. The forum is open to other topics, developed on the suggestion of the participants. If you are interested in taking part, the forum is open to all, upon registration.

The two days of activities will be structured around workshops, dialogue with European and national parliamentarians, cultural activities and an open public citizens summit on European solidarity.

For further information on the forum, click here.

The forum is coordinated by European Alternatives, ERSTE Stiftung, European Fund for Balkans, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Citizens for Europe and the Charles Leopold Mayer Foundation.

Story by Anthony Papadimitriu
Britain votes for Brexit: Europe's biggest test

Published on June 24, 2016

Story by euro topics Translation by: euro topics

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For the first time in history a country has voted to leave the EU. Just under 51.9 percent of British voters cast their ballots in favour of Brexit, while 48.1 percent voted to remain. Prime Minister Cameron has announced his resignation. Is this just a warning for the Union to get its act together or the beginning of the end?

End of the UK? - Financial Times, Great Britain

The Scots and Northern Irish, a majority of whom voted against Brexit, may now want to split from the predominantly anti-EU English, the Financial Times fears: "The nations of the United Kingdom divided; and England split between its metropolitan cities and post-industrial provinces.  A vote against the EU could well turn out also to be a vote against the United Kingdom. The Brexiters were English nationalists. Scotland and Northern Ireland wanted to remain. So did London, the pre-eminent global city. So the leaving of one union may be the death of another. Who could blame the Scots for preferring Europe over an England turned in on itself? How long before the English tire of picking up the bill for Northern Ireland?" (24/06/2016)

A mirror held up to Europe - Il Sole 23 Ore, Italy

The EU will have a hard time recovering from this shock, Il Sole 24 Ore predicts: "The EU has been 'Brexitising' for some time now - overcome by the wave of anger, frustration and disappointment from its citizens. In this sense the real Brexit is like a mirror that mercilessly reflects the bad conscience of Europe - a union that has been at odds with itself for years. The negotiations with London will be tough and complicated, and this time - unlike in the past - there will be little willingness to compromise because the priority will be to deter others from following suit. To make matters worse general elections will be held in the Netherlands, France and Germany next year. The first two have been under unbearable pressure from nationalism and Euroscepticism for years, while the third is suffering from an anti-migration and anti-euro syndrome." (24/06/2016)

Cameron took a gamble and lost - Heldingin Sanomat, Finland

Cameron's referendum was a bad idea from the start, Helsingin Sanomat rails: "The shocking results on Friday morning show that the Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron took a decision that was fatally wrong from the start. To strengthen his position and that of his party, Cameron promised the British a referendum. He knew how widespread Euroscepticism was in Britain, and he knew that such plebiscites are not always decided by the issue at hand. Nevertheless he took the risk and promised the referendum. Now it's time to bear the consequences. ... The stakes were high, and Cameron has lost - as have Britain and the entire Europe Union." (24/06/2016)

Which exit comes next? - Berlingske, Denmark

The chain reaction has begun, Berlingske fears: "'Today we discuss a Grexit, tomorrow comes the Brexit and the next day it will be the Frexit' the leader of Front National Marine Le Pen said a year ago. And in the Netherlands too, where a clear majority voted against an EU trade agreement with Ukraine in an April referendum, a referendum on the EU could be on the agenda if EU critic Geert Wilders comes to power next year.  There is talk of a Nexit. And a Danish exit - a Dexit - is already being mentioned in connection with the Frexit and the Nexit on social media. And last but not least, EU enemy number one Nigel Farage predicted that a Brexit would be followed by a Dexit and a Nexit and then the complete collapse of the EU.  The word playing is likely to continue." (24/06/2016)

Will the EU break up like the Soviet Union did? - Duma, Bulgaria

If any more cracks open up in the EU peace will be at stake, the socialist daily Duma comments: "The British are disgusted with the EU and its leadership. Juncker's behaviour towards the British - and others - has been repulsive and arrogant. The EU is a symbol of thick-skinned bureaucracy, absurd quotas and unrealistic regulations. In such an unhealthy environment it's no wonder nationalism is thriving and many European countries want to abandon the sinking ship. Nonetheless, we saw in the 1990s what happens when a union collapses: the Armenians, Georgians and other ex-Soviet republics were at each other's throats. Could it be that similar conflicts break out in the EU?  Absolutely! Brexit or even the collapse of the EU won't trigger war, but the risk of conflicts breaking out will increase considerably." (24/06/2016)

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30 Countries, 300 Media Outlets, 1 Press Review. The euro|topics press review presents the issues affecting Europe and reflects the continent's diverse opinions, ideas and moods.

Story by euro topics

Translated from Brexit: Europas grote Belastungsprobe
Young Brits talk Brexit: The ultimate morning after

Published on June 24, 2016

Story by Tessa Clara Walther

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At seven o'clock this morning, four young Brits woke up to the news that their country was leaving the European Union, a future that none of them have voted for. An interview with some flabbergasted youth.

Ellen (23), employee at Somerset House, London

"This morning, everyone I've met is grieving. My housemate, who looked broken and sleepless on the sofa from waiting through the night for a result we never expected, even if they said it was too close to call. My partner, who turned to me and asked, 'Are we going to be OK?' as if needing reassurance after waking from a nightmare. The people I passed on the way to the station, their faces set grimly despite the first sunshine in what feels like weeks. The passengers on my train from Brighton to London, on their way to Gatwick Airport, horrified that they hadnt exchanged their pounds for euros before today. They've woken up poorer than yesterday. The people on the tube, not looking each other in the eye as they stepped over discarded 'Im in' stickers trodden into the floor, and in my office, we greeted each other with sadness and talked about our worries for the future.

"Its been a matter of hours and the bad news keeps on coming. We realise that this has really happened; it isn't a dream, there's no going back. We've made our bed (out at sea, in the cold, far away from the familiarity and security of our European home). Now we have to lie in it.

"Last night I didn't go to sleep worried. I didnt feel the need to stay up and wait. I believed that I would wake up relieved and feeling safe. Because everything I've seen told me we'd stay. I've almost exclusively heard the voices of my friends and colleagues in Brighton and London, saying that leaving would be absurd, and I allowed myself to believe that the rest of the UK would see the vicious rhetoric of the cartoonish 'Leave' politicians for what it was. However, it's obvious that the failure of the 'Remain' campaign was that we were standing in an echo chamber, agreeing with one another. We've forgotten that the legacy of decades of poor governance has been that people feel angry and powerless. A vote to leave is to some an attempt to feel in control of our fate, however misguided.

"So we are facing a future that will be characterised by uncertainty. Our Prime Minister has resigned. UK stocks have lost 200 billion overnight. Honestly? We're terrified."

Morna (30), studying in Paris

"This makes me feel completely depressed. I cried like a baby when I woke up to the news. I'm scared that it means the beginning of the end for the European Union, and peace in Europe. It's been difficult to judge the atmosphere from France but what I was annoyed at, prior to the vote, was how lightly the media was taking the debate  especially on the left.

"My favourite radio program  the News Quiz on BBC Radio 4  is a current affairs comedy show. For the majority of the campaign its left wing pundits were referring to the vote as a 'boring referendum'. In fact it's probably the most important vote any of us ever cast. Now the atmosphere is odd. I've been in train stations the whole day  Gare du Nord and London Euston. Everyone's talking about it. Some are jubilant and some are extremely angry. I spent the entire Eurostar journey talking about it with a stranger. The French customs official looked at me with pity and said 'Bon courage' when I left.

"My future is directly affected by the vote. I wanted to work for the European Commission in the future, or in European lobbying. I'm not sure how easy that will be now. I had over ten thousand pounds in savings that were for paying my tuition fees for second year. They have now really depreciated in value. It will be much harder for me to finish my studies at Sciences Po."

Tom (22), PhD student at the University of Sussex

"I suppose the two biggest things I'm feeling are disappointment and apprehension. I really feel like the politicians and the media here have failed the people. Most of the people I've spoken to have also been remain voters  they seem to feel the same way.

"I always liked the idea that I had the option to live in Europe. I never had any specific plans, but it's something I think about quite often. Now there's this big roadblock in the way. I can't say I saw it coming; I was nervous about the results but quietly optimistic that we'd stay. It did come as a shock."

Bradley (30), film director in London

"I'm British, but I fear soon I'll only be English. I feel that our country has betrayed itself by not educating the working class and allowing a campaign ruled by fear and built on Nazi propaganda to win. I feel hollow. I feel that no referendum with less than a 70% majority could ever be considered fair  if a referendum can ever be considered fair at all. I feel angry with the nearly 13 million registered voters who didn't vote, for better or worse. I feel betrayed by my parents and the parents of my entire generation, who feel they were doing the right thing for their future but didn't considering how that future wants to be represented. And they'll die before they have to face the repercussions they're leaving us with.

"The atmosphere is one of dread  a death knell has rung out for our country and we won't be the United Kingdom for much longer. This is an incredibly sad, depressing thing to say  the country I know and identify with has been defeated by a very tight margin. I anticipated it solely because campaigns built on fear tend to win. People are angry, and feel change is better than nothing, even if they don't understand the change they're voting for. The poor have just made themselves poorer.

"My industry, the film and TV industry, is built upon support and funding from the EU. Without it, British Independent Films will be nearly impossible to fund. International productions will flee, fearing the drop in value of the pound and the inevitable changes in tax incentives, leaving us with an infrastructure that's grown rapidly becoming increasingly unused, and a newly trained workforce with nowhere to go."

Story by Tessa Clara Walther
Channel among first steps approved by council for North Beach drainage

Plans are moving forward to develop a channel on North Beach  an area that, while known for its popular tourist attractions, is also flood prone.
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By Kirsten Crow of the Caller-Times

The route of the Harbor Bridge replacement has long been established. But some of its design features are getting a second look.

Suggestions to the bridge's design features could affect Interstate 37 and North Beach.

But any changes would need to go through a multi-step process. The idea behind the open house, hosted Thursday by the Texas Department of Transportation and Flatiron/Dragados  the firm designing the replacement bridge  was to start the process of gathering public comment on the proposals.

Construction of the Harbor Bridge replacement is considered a design build project, which offers opportunities to make improvements to the original design. Officials have said the nearly the $1 billion bridge is needed to address safety issues associated with the existing, aging Harbor Bridge. With a clearance of 205 feet above the water, the new bridge is also needed to make room for the passage of taller ships, they have said. Groundbreaking is expected Aug. 8.

"As the project moves forward and we get comments from the public or we identify design elements that would benefit the public or the project, we have the ability to incorporate those changes," said Rickey Dailey, transportation department spokesman.

The most visible of the recently proposed changes, if ultimately adopted, would be to the Interstate 37 corridor leading into downtown. As envisioned in the conceptual drawings, Interstate 37 would look much less like a highway, and more like a city street as it approaches the city's urban core.

Possible adjustments could include raising the roadway to meet the height of the existing Staples Street overpass and outfitting the newly created intersection with stoplights and a crosswalk.

It would take about 20 to 22 feet of fill to bring the roadway up to reach the overpass, said Ramiro Garcia, an engineering consultant for the Texas Department of Transportation, and Joseph Briones, deputy manager of the bridge project.

That concept would also incorporate a more gradual transition from highway speeds to speeds more suited to city streets.

Speed limits on southbound Interstate 37 likely would be about 70 miles per hour until reaching the Crosstown Expressway interchange, where they would drop to about 55 miles per hour. Speed limits would drop further to 45 miles per hour by the Staples Street intersection, and 35 miles per hour at Mesquite Street, project officials said.

Other proposals include what were described in proposals as "enhancements" on North Beach. Those possible changes include better traffic flow from the Beach Avenue exit. Another conceptual drawing shows an expanded shared-use path  a sidewalk that accommodates bicycle and foot traffic  and puts more space between the path and the road.

North Beach residents have voiced a number of concerns about the design of the project, including safety issues and traffic congestion at the Beach Avenue exit, which would be the single exit remaining for North Beach when heading northbound.

Dailey said official are responding to residents' concerns by proposing changes they say will ease traffic. Those changes include creating a dedicated right-turn lane from the frontage road on to Beach Avenue, and a dedicated turnaround to the left, with no stop sign.

Albert Alvarado, a North Beach resident, said the real traffic problem is reducing the number of northbound exits from two to one.

Finalizing any of the proposals will require taking into account public comment on the proposals, then re-evaluating environmental impacts, Garcia said.

If it's determined that a change would be an improvement, there would be a negotiation on the costs to compare the pricing of the original design and the pricing of the proposed design, Garcia said. That could mean an increase or decrease in costs, he added.

Twitter: @CallerCrow
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By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times

A Mexican national who pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography was sentenced Thursday, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.

Rogelio Alfaro Carrillo, 27, was sentenced to six years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales after pleading guilty in February.

Homeland Security agents executed a search warrant at Carrillo's home in Corpus Christi on August 2015 and found more than 1,400 images and more than 20 videos of child pornography. The search warrant was obtained after Corpus Christi police used peer-to-peer software to download child pornography from Carrillo's IP address.

Agents testified some images depicted children as young as 4, according to the release.

Carrillo also will serve 10 years of supervised release after his prison term and must register as a sex offender.

Twitter: @Caller_Fares
Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Sadanand Giri (clockwise from left), Vikas Dhole, Ashni Kumar, Mohammed Kaunoige, T.J. Rodgers and V. Satlerv shake hands as Rodgers prepares to leave the Corpus Christi International Seaman's Center. Rodgers is a seaman who lives in Corpus Christi. The others are seamen on an oil tanker from India.

SHARE Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Men working on an oil tanker get a ride from the Corpus Christi International Seaman's Center to go shopping. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times John Shutts, operations manager at the Corpus Christi International Seaman's Center, pours a beer for customers on Wednesday. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times T.J. Rodgers, a seaman who lives in Corpus Christi, shows necklaces he wears that tie to the industry. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Vikas Dhole, an oil tanker seaman, talks with an employee at the Corpus Christi International Seaman's Center. From India, he said the job lets him see the world and support his family.

By Jamil Oakford, jamil.oakford@caller.com

V. Satlerv has been at sea for three months as an able bodied seaman on an oil tanker.

"It can be hard," Satlerv said. "You are missing your family for months."

With a newborn daughter and a son who will start school soon, he finds that although he misses his family while working on an oil tanker, he knows he's helping out by making money. He said he also knows the importance of his job.

It is because of the vital roles seafarers like Satlerv serve in a global economy that the United Nations set aside a day to help recognize the quiet work they perform. Day of the Seafarer, scheduled for this Saturday, is in place to bring that hard work to the forefront of people's minds.

T.J. Rodgers, who is entering his 12th year as a seaman, agrees wholeheartedly with the idea.

"I think this is a great opportunity for people to understand just how much we do without them knowing," Rodgers said. "I just came back from Sudan where we brought over grain for the Sudanese. And that's the kind of thing I've been doing."

Whether they are carrying grain, oil, flour or fabric across seas and oceans, seafarers have contributed to societies globally. According to the International Maritime Organization, 90 percent of the goods and products made and consumed around the world are due to seamen's efforts.

After making port in Corpus Christi, Rodgers and his fellow seamen use their down time to make phone calls, text and grab a beer at the Corpus Christi International Seamen's Center, a local haven for seafarers.

Started just over 40 years ago, the center serves as a place of respite from the daily grind of ship life.

"Before this center was here, seamen would make port and then go into the downtown area to drink and stretch their legs," said Sharon Emerson, the center's executive director. "They would get beaten and robbed of everything they had."

While seamen typically don't know where their next destination is after completing one shipment, the center wants to give them certainty of a safe place to relax. Rodgers said the center is a great place to meet other seamen, learn about them and share stories.

"It's magnificent, because when we're overseas and in different countries, to be able to go to a seamen's center, we know it's secure," he said.

The center not only provides a safe place for seafarers to sleep, drink, eat and call home. It also houses a chapel for those who wish to pray, and a chaplain who visits ships, boats, tankers and barges for daily prayers.

With three staff members, three drivers (one that is a volunteer), the center is a nonprofit organization that arranges transportation between the port, the center, and local areas for a seaman's shopping needs.

The center will mark the U.N.'s Day of the Seafarer by providing free SIM cards and phone cards.

But while the world celebrates the seaman's work and sacrifices, Satlerv shrugged at the idea of the special day.

"At sea, we do not even celebrate birthdays," he said. "We have a duty. There are no days off when we're at sea."
SHARE CHRIS RAMIREZ/CALLER-TIMES Veterans demonstrate outside the VA Outpatient Clinic in Corpus Christi on Thursday to oppose a proposal to privatize VA hospitals and medical facilities. Statewide, 110,115 veterans are authorized for VA-funded care. CHRIS RAMIREZ/CALLER-TIMES Veterans march outside the VA Outpatient Clinic in Corpus Christi on Thursday. The demonstrated against a measure to privatize VA hospitals and medical facilities. Statewide, 110,115 veterans are authorized for VA-funded care.

By Chris Ramirez of the Caller-Times

Veterans picketed in front of the VA Outpatient Clinic on Thursday to speak out against a proposal to privatize VA hospitals and medical facilities around the country.

Joe Gonzales has for years heard rumors that the clinic on Old Brownsville Road was in danger of closing. The talk seems to have gotten more serious in the weeks since the release of a "straw man" report by the VA Commission on Care that called for an immediate halt to construction of new VA hospitals and clinics, and closure of some existing facilities around the country.

Shuttering the facility would force Gonzales, an Army veteran, to traveling to San Antonio or get vouchers for other clinics for regular check ups and other health care.

"We as veterans have this (service) given to us by Congress as a means for us to be taken care of," said Gonzales, 61.

Veterans marched in 90-degree heat, waved to passers-by and carried signs that read "Veterans for a strong VA" and "Keep the promise to our vets."

"Sometimes it seems there's more concern for bottom lines than there is with the well being of people who put on the uniform," said Jerry Ibarra, 62, who served in the Marines during the Vietnam War.

The demonstration was intended to raise awareness of potential VA hospital closings proposed in the commission's report, said Rena Youngblood, executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, local 3511.

The commission's 34-page report, made public in March, described the Veterans Health Administration as being "in a state of crisis," and said such measures were necessary to head off escalating health costs. There has been no formal indication that the local VA facility is in jeopardy of closing.

Proposed Strawman Assessment and Recommendations by callertimes
This photo provided by Rep. Chillie Pingree,D-Maine, shows Democrat members of Congress, including Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., center, and Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Conn. as they participate in sit-down protest seeking a a vote on gun control measures, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, on the floor of the House on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Rep. Chillie Pingree via AP)

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The word "gridlock" has been heard ad nauseam in recent years. But the 1960s-style House sit-in has brought deeper meaning to the label by which the American people have come to know their Congress.

Democrats staged the sit-in as a protest of the gridlock Republicans have maintained on any meaningful attempt to address gun violence  locking up the floor with their physical presence and loud voices.

Speaker Paul Ryan tried to dismiss the sit-in as attention-seeking theatrics. It was. But the civil rights sit-ins and marches in which Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, took part as a young man also were deliberate bids for attention. Then, like now, Lewis and his colleagues lacked other options for being heard.

Ryan could have moved House business along by calling for votes on the proposals to expand background checks and ban sales to individuals on the terror watch list. It wouldn't have taken long. The Democrats would have had the opportunity to vote  and lose, fair and square. The Republicans could have maintained their fearsome sugar daddy National Rifle Association's hard line. And the House could have attended to other matters.

In other words, Ryan could have unlocked the gridlock. Instead he compounded it by locking down his Democratic colleagues and pulling the plug on C-SPAN  thus locking the American people out of their own House.

If Ryan and his Republican colleagues are actual believers that expanded background checks and a ban on gun sales to terror suspects are bad ideas, why not go on record with votes against them? And if Ryan actually believed, like he said, that the Democrats were misbehaving obstructionist attention-seekers, he should have kept the C-SPAN cameras trained on their miscreant behavior for the American people to see.

But a public shaming wouldn't have worked because the Democrats weren't the ones ashamed. Preventing votes and pulling the plug on cameras are the slinking behaviors of someone who has something to hide.

The sit-in had some ugly moments, such as when Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, squared off with a Florida congresswoman and said the real issue was radical Islamic terror. Our own Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, said the same thing in a video posted on his Facebook page. It's the party line because the Orlando gunman called 911 to claim ISIS as his cause. Actually he was a frustrated closeted gay married father whose target was a gay nightclub, not "America." Farenthold and his colleagues may find it easy to dismiss the gunman's father's assertions that religion had nothing to do with his son's motive, and that his son wasn't all that religious. But the father also pointed out the indisputable fact that his allegedly radicalized Muslim son hadn't even bothered to grow a beard.

Also, radical Islam had nothing to do with Sandy Hook Elementary or Columbine. Farenthold's assertion that the Democrats are exploiting tragedy for a completely unrelated purpose rings hollow. Expanded background checks and so-called no-fly no-buy wouldn't trample the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. But if Farenthold, the chivalry-challenged Gohmert and their Republican colleagues believe otherwise, they should have expressed their alleged moral outrage at the Democrats' alleged crass opportunism by voting against those measures. They could have declared their no-votes a stand against radical Islamic terror and seen how that played out.

Instead we have an unprecedented spectacle of gridlock. Our hope is that the sit-in proves to be the key that unlocks it  eventually. Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Massachusetts, told The Boston Globe she was tired of inaction after each new mass shooting. "Inaction," she told the Globe, "is a choice."
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I had the privilege of growing up in Corpus Christi and I am proud to call this city my home. I am also a very out and proud gay man and it was because of my pride in the LGBT community that I was one of the vocal residents of the Coastal Bend who started the online campaign to have our Harbor Bridge lighted rainbow as a memorial to the 49 lives lost and 53 wounded after the senseless shooting in Orlando.

First and foremost it's important to thank Mayor Nelda Martinez and Councilwoman Colleen McIntyre for their support of the bridge lighting. These two women were instrumental in helping the momentum of this sign of solidarity become a reality. So on behalf of not only myself but all of those here in Corpus Christi, I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to both of these pillars in our community.

Last week another concerned citizen stood in front of our City Council and asked them not to recognize the rainbow colors because they were representative of a "sinful lifestyle" that offended him. This man read the definition of homosexuality, as if Merriam Webster could accurately articulate the complexities and the beauty of the LGBT community.

The LGBT community is far more than that man's definition.

The LGBT community is families, families that probably look a lot like yours.

The LGBT community is fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. Perhaps it's your father, your mother, your son, or your daughter.

The LGBT community is men and women who serve in the armed forces, and until five years ago with the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell served this country faithfully without being able to be open and honest about their sexual orientation without fear of losing their jobs and dishonoring their nation.

The LGBT community is the men of Uganda who can be sentenced to life in prison for being gay.

The LGBT community is the men ISIS is throwing off of buildings to their deaths.

The LGBT community is the gay men who are publicly executed in Iran.

The LGBT community is the trans-women of color here in our own nation who experience disproportionate victimization and oppression.

The LGBT community is the 41 percent of the transgender population who attempt suicide at some point in their lives.

The LGBT community is Ronin Shimizu, a 12-year-old boy from Folsom, California, who in 2014 ended his young life because of systematic anti-gay bullying.

The LGBT community is Alexander "A.J." Betts Jr., a 16-year-old boy who was subjected to intense bullying at Southeast Polk High School in Iowa because of his sexuality, who also took his own life.

The LGBT community is 17-year-old Josh Pacheco of Fenton, Michigan, who took his own life after years of bullying targeted at his sexual orientation.

The LGBT community is the countless others who have done or are thinking about doing the same.

The LGBT community is the hundreds of individuals who marched down Shoreline Boulevard year after year here in Corpus Christi in support of marriage equality.

The LGBT community is the allies who speak up for their queer brothers and sisters.

The LGBT community is strong, and resilient, and here to stay.

Because we are much more than a definition read by a man who used the city's microphone to amplify his narrow-minded view of the world, I am proud to be here today to amplify mine.

When people continue the rhetoric of demonizing and belittling the LGBT community by labeling our identity a "lifestyle choice" and preaching that it is equated with the biblical definition of "sin," those words feed hostile attitudes toward our community and encourage the continuation of our lack of respect in society and lack of representation in our government.

However, a silver lining of the past week's dialogue is that through the hard work of Sarah Hedrick and Morgan Johnson, Corpus Christi will be celebrating our first Pride Downtown on Sunday. Multiple businesses in the downtown area have joined the celebration and we hope to see you all there. Thank you for your time, and thank you again for your sign of solidarity and respect not only to the lives lost in Orlando but also to the struggles of the LGBT community here at home and around the world.
| BY Ricki Green |

Award-winning Australian visual effects company Alt.vfx has once again celebrated the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity with its annual welcome party and barbecue.

The event, held at an beautiful villa location in the French Riviera, saw the best and brightest from the creative industries gather to enjoy some fine Aussie hospitality from the Alt boys.

Says Colin Renshaw, co-founder Alt.vfx: Every year we like to welcome all of our friends and colleagues to join us and celebrate this amazingly creative industry were all part of. Cannes can be a bit of a whirlwind, and this party is just our attempt to give everyone a chance to relax and enjoy themselves.
"Too many people got killed in that war. Some of my relatives were also killed and everything was gone, the schools, the houses, the marketplace. I was not seeing any hope about my future there," he said.
His death in 1965, when Carol was eight months' pregnant, was never discussed. She never got to hold her baby. She never got to see him. His funeral was held while she was still in hospital in Sydney. The only link she had to him was the bill for the funeral.
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Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

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Elon Musk previously confirmed that Tesla Motors is looking into securing a location and a local partner for a manufacturing facility in China and it seems that the company has reached an initial agreement.



The automaker has reportedly chosen Shanghai and signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Jinqiao Group, a local government-owned company; each partner could invest around 30 billion yuan ($4.5 billion) in the factory, Bloomberg writes, citing a source with knowledge of the matter.

This would be a major win for Tesla and Shanghai. The investment will probably include a nationwide dealership network, superchargers, R&D center and potentially a second Gigafactory, said auto analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, Steve Man.

Setting joint ventures with local companies is a must for all foreign automakers that want to set up manufacturing facilities in the Peoples Republic and they can own up to 50 percent stake. Moreover, producing cars in China will help Tesla Motors avoid the 25 percent import levy, which, in turn, will make its EVs more competitive against luxury-brand rivals such as BMW and Audi and local offerings coming from BYD and BAIC Motor.

China is a giant consumer of new cars, globally, and with the introduction of the Model 3 earlier this year, a flood of pre-orders for the most affordable Tesla vehicle yet has been received from the Asian country, so opening a plant there means that the brand is looking to satisfy local demand, as Elon Musk previously said.

At the time of writing, Tesla Motors refused to comment on the topic, and so did officials within the Jinqiao Group, while a spokeswoman for the Shanghai municipal government didnt confirm nor deny the negotiations.

PHOTO GALLERY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rennie Sloan, rennie.sloan@cartercenter.org

ATLANTAThe Carter Center Mental Health Program has partnered with the Qatar Foundations World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) global healthcare community initiative to develop and implement a Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism (RCJF) program in Qatar. The RCJF Qatar program will be the second mental health fellowship program for journalists in the Middle East. The first one began in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in May 2016.

The announcement of this mental health program was made earlier this week at WISH headquarters in Doha, Qatar.

Over nearly two decades, the Center has awarded one-year fellowships to 165 journalists to connect them with resources and experts to enhance their ability to cover mental health issues around the world. The program is currently in the United States, Colombia, and the UAE and was previously in New Zealand, South Africa, and Romania.

We are proud to give journalists in Qatar the opportunity to benefit from the training and access to experts provided by the Rosalynn Carter Journalist Fellowship Program, said Jason Carter, chairman of the Carter Center's Board of Trustees. This important partnership with WISH will give qualified journalists tools and best practices to increase the quality and quantity on reporting on mental health issues and ultimately reduce the stigma and discrimination against those with mental illnesses in Qatar.

The Carter Center will provide trainings, educational materials, mentorship, evaluation tools, and technical expertise to develop a sustainable and tailored program in Qatar.

WISH will manage the program in that country and will be responsible for the selection of journalists, facilitating media trainings, and adapting the program to meet the needs of the local journalists.

Egbert Schillings, chief executive officer for WISH, said: Under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Qatar became one of the first nations in the region to create a national mental health strategy. Evidence-based research shows that shame and fear of stigmatization of mental health issues in Qatar often deter individuals and their families from seeking treatment and support. Because the media is a key vehicle to combat negative views of mental illnesses, we are delighted to be working with The Carter Center to help our local journalists report sensitively and accurately on mental health issues and share available services and resources.

Since the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism were established in 1996, fellows have produced more than 1500 stories, documentaries, books, and other works during and after their fellowship year. Their projects have garnered Emmy Awards, nominations for the Pulitzer Prize, and other awards.

###

The Carter Center

"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.

Visit our website CarterCenter.org | Follow us on Twitter @CarterCenter | Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/CarterCenter | Follow us on Instagram @TheCarterCenter | Watch us on YouTube YouTube.com/CarterCenter | Add us to your circle on Google+ http://google.com/+CarterCenter

World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH)

WISH is a meeting point for thousands of high-level policymakers, academics, and professionals. It has evolved into a key platform for the dissemination of healthcare innovation and best practices. It is closely aligned with Qatar Foundations mission to reinforce Qatars pioneering role as an emerging centre for healthcare innovation. WISH is an initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and is under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, its Chairperson.

For further information about WISH, please visit www.wish-qatar.org and Twitter @WISHQatar.
Former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura has apologized for a series of sexist comments that were published in The Guardian earlier this month in which he claimed that women were too realistic to direct fantasy animated features.

Nishimura, who produced Ghiblis last two features, When Marnie Was There and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, issued the statement through his Studio Ponoc Twitter account. He apologized to both Ghibli for misrepresenting the studios viewpoints, and to women for holding sexist beliefs. He wrote:

I apologize for comments made in an article published on June 6 in the British newspaper The Guardian. The article was based on an interview conducted in Britain on September 28, 2015. I actually made those statements at the time. First, I left Ghibli at the end of 2014, and I am no longer a Ghibli employee. I deeply apologize for causing the mistaken impression that my opinions represent Ghiblis and displeasing all who love Ghibli. Next, I definitely had the sexist belief that men had a strong tendency to be idealistic and that women were better at living reality. I am reflecting and learning. Gender has nothing to do with making movies. My deepest apologies.

All twenty of Studio Ghiblis feature films have been directed by men.
Photo: Contributed

Just when you thought the Jane Austen catalogue has been fully explored on film, a little gem like Love and Friendship emerges.

Based on her novella, Lady Susan, the film follows the exploits of anti-heroine widow Lady Susan Vernon, a renowned flirt," as she gossips and connives her way through late 1700s English society.

The story line is straight forward: newly widowed Lady Susan Vernon is broke, and comes to stay temporarily at her in-laws' country estate. Upon arriving, she is determined to find a suitable match for her reluctant daughter, Frederica, while taking care of her own interests as well. Unfortunately for all who come up against her, she is not bound by the same moral compass as are others.

A period piece can be pretentious, but despite the era in which this story takes place, director Whit Stillman imbues the movie with a sense of fun. As the characters are introduced to us, they are staged together in groups with their names printed on the screen along with a defining characteristic statement about them.

For example, Sir James, a complete nitwit, is labelled as a bit of a rattle.

Kate Beckinsale (Underworld, Pearl Harbor, The Aviator) is absolutely resplendent as Lady Susan and I believe this role delivers some of the best acting, which has been grossly underutilized.

Not only is she lovely and a costumers dream, but she also embodies some of the worst characteristics of the female gender. She is a woman we love to hate, and is the backbone of this film.

Lady Susan is an absolute genius at not only observing, but also anticipating and directing human behaviour to her own favour. When confronted with unequivocal evidence of her own wrong doing, she simply states facts are such horrid things, and briskly moves on.

She has one motive and one motive only  to secure the futures of herself and her daughter. As she comments on their present vulnerable status, we dont live, we visit  a status she intends to change. We only find out at the end of the film just how brilliantly she achieves her goals.

Chloe Sevigny, as Alicia Johnson, is perfect as Lady Susans confidante who is always willing to lend a sympathetic ear, deliver notes and do what she can to further her machinations.

Because her husband has forbidden her to have anything to do with Lady Susan lest she be shipped off to live in Connecticut, their clandestine meetings always have a furtive air.

As Lady Susan observes, hes really nothing but a nuisance and hopes for his demise, lets hope his next gouty attack ends more favourably.

Morfydd Clark is lovely as Frederica Vernon, Lady Susans innocent daughter; Emma Greenwell is excellent as Catherine DeCourcy Vernon, Lady Susans disapproving hostess; and Xavier Samuel is sincere and sweet as Reginald DeCourcy, a young, unsuspecting man, smitten by Lady Susans charms.

A special mention should also be made of Jenn Murray (Brooklyn), as the distraught Lady Lucy Manwaring whose husband has obviously been captivated by Lady Susan.

One of the brightest acting performances in the film comes from Tom Bennett, the lovable dolt of a suitor, Sir James Martin. Where has this actor been? His physical comedy, posturing as a man of means, and his idiotic smile are nothing short of brilliant.

It seems he has done a fair bit of improv and television roles. Major kudos to the director for letting him just play with the role because the scene with the peas definitely has an improvised feel. It would be worth seeing this film again just to watch him more closely.

Were it not for the impeccable casting and acting, this film could very easily have fallen flat because it depends largely upon the actions and reactions of its characters, but the dialogue is pure gold.

There was no greater observer of the human condition than Jane Austin, and co-screenplay writer Whit Stillman has served her words well.

Filled with beautiful sets, scenery and spectacular costumes, Love and Friendship does not disappoint visually, but it is the acting and sharp dialogue that makes this film a must see.

I give this film four and a half stars.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Contributed

If you're looking to buy gas for under $1 a litre, you'll have to take a road trip.

But if you don't mind paying more than many other Canadians to fill up your vehicle, you're living in the right place.

The Okanagan has some of the most expensive gas in the country.

Topping the list is Golden, B.C., which had the unfortunate distinction of having the most expensive gas in Canada on Thursday, with an average of 129.7 cents per litre across the town.

Castanet compared the average price of gas from cities across Canada, which is collected by GasBuddy.com. It lists the most and least expensive gas prices across the country.

Nineteen of the top 25 most expensive cities are in B.C., including Penticton, the third priciest at 121.9 cents per litre, Vernon, the 11th most expensive at 121.9 cents per litre, and Kelowna, the 14th most expensive at 118.9 cents per litre.

No B.C. cities could be found in the top 25 least expensive cities for gas on Thursday.

The Canada-wide average for regular fuel prices is 107.5 cents per litre, while the B.C. average is 118.6 cents per litre.

For those looking to relocate out of beautiful British Columbia to find cheaper fuel, head east to Peterborough, Ont., where the average gas price is 93.5 cents per litre, the least expensive in Canada. Edmonton is a bit closer to home, and currently has the second least expensive gas in Canada at 96.6 cents per litre.

The highest gas prices Kelowna has seen since Gas Buddy began recording prices in 2008 was 147.2 cents per litre in July 2008, and the least expensive was just five months later, when prices hit 77.9 cents per litre in December.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The lawyer for a man accused of killing two great-grandparents, burning their motor home and hiding their bodies said the case against his client is just speculation.

"Where's the beef?" asked Brian Beresh Thursday in his closing arguments in defence of Travis Vader.

Beresh told an Edmonton court that the Crown has failed to prove the most basic elements of its case against Vader and is relying almost entirely on a theory that things "must have happened this way."

"'Must have happened his way' was the standard applied by vigilante groups that often executed the wrong person," Beresh told Justice Denny Thomas. "There is an absence of fundamental evidence in this case upon which you could ever convict Mr. Vader."

Vader, 44, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann, who were in their late 70s when they vanished while on their way to a family camping trip in 2010.

They were last seen July 3 of that year as they fuelled up their motorhome in their hometown of St. Albert, a bedroom community north of Edmonton, before they headed out to British Columbia.

Two days later their motorhome was found burning in the bush. The SUV they had been towing was later found hidden in some trees on a rural property.

The Crown has argued that Vader was a desperate drug user living in a makeshift camp when he came across the McCanns and killed them.

But Beresh  summing up his defence in front of a packed courtroom with many members of the McCann family present  pointed out that without the bodies of the seniors, a murder weapon or even much in the way of forensic evidence, there's no real proof the couple is even dead.

He took a similar tack with other pieces of Crown evidence. He said there's nothing to prove, for example, that Vader ever actually had the McCanns's cellphone, used the day of their disappearance to place calls to Vader's ex-girlfriend.

Beresh suggested that two key Crown witnesses, who identified an SUV Vader was driving as similar to one owned by the McCanns, had conspired against his client and lied about the identification. He said the keys to the SUV, later found in a truck that Vader had been driving, could have been planted there by police officers.

The keys, Beresh said, were discovered long after the truck was first found and searched.

"We suggest those keys were not present when the vehicle was taken to the storage yard."

DNA evidence placing Vader inside the SUV is sketchy at best, Beresh said, and doesn't prove anything more than Vader was at one time near the vehicle. Drops of Lyle McCann's blood, which were found on his hat, could have come from the nosebleeds to which the man was prone.

Beresh said there's no evidence to show that Vader was broke or out of money.

"This is an attempt to paint Mr. Vader as a bad person, which we say is being used as a substitute for any real evidence."

On Wednesday, prosecutor Ashley Finlayson acknowledged the Crown's case was circumstantial.

But he asked Thomas "to consider the totality of the evidence as a whole."

The trial began in March. Thomas has heard testimony from more than 80 witnesses and examined about 200 exhibits. He is expected to deliver his verdict on Sept. 15.

Outside court, Beresh said a persuasive circumstantial case would offer evidence that led to logical conclusions. The Crown, he said, is asking the judge to connect dots that don't necessarily lead to each other.

"Mr. Vader ... feels that this trial demonstrated how a transparent case can be seen by the public and how when you come to look at all the evidence, there's a much different complexion than there was before the trial started."
Photo: Google Maps

A toddler has died after falling from the upstairs window of a Langley home.

Langley RCMP say officers were notified around 3 p.m. Thursday that a four-year-old child had fallen out of the third-storey bedroom window of a townhouse residence in the Willoughby area.

The Mounties say the child was not home alone at the time.

Police say the child was taken to hospital and died shortly after 4 p.m.

Officers are investigating but say the incident doesn't appear suspicious.

RCMP Victim Services were dispatched to provide assistance to the family.
Photo: Government of Alberta

A controversial proposal for a dam designed to mitigate flooding in Alberta is undergoing a federal review.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is asking for comment until July 25 about the impact of the Springbank reservoir project.

The project would see gates upstream of Calgary divert water during flooding into a canal that would lead to surrounding land.

The water would be channelled back into the Elbow River when the flood subsided.

Dozens of landowners would be affected and they have vocally opposed the plan.

The Alberta government has said the Springbank project is less expensive and has less environmental impact than alternatives.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says she told an environmental review panel on the Trans Mountain Pipeline that her province is doing its bit to control greenhouse gas emissions.

Notley says she told the three-member panel that Alberta's climate plan will cap oilsands emissions to 100 megatonnes and phase out coal-fired electricity by 2030.

"Alberta has done its own homework and is on it," Notley told reporters at the legislature Thursday, after meeting with the panel earlier in the day.

"This particular pipeline application ought to be considered on the basis of its individual merits, not as a symbol for this much larger issue (of greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta)."

Texas-based energy infrastructure giant Kinder Morgan is seeking federal approval to expand the existing Trans Mountain line in order to triple the capacity of diluted bitumen travelling from Alberta's oilsands to Burnaby B.C. The move would tanker traffic on the West Coast by about seven-fold.

The project has faced heated opposition from environmentalists, politicians, and indigenous groups in British Columbia worried about the environmental impacts of any spills.

It has been a long and complicated legal process.

The federal regulator, the National Energy Board, OK'd the project last month after two years of hearings and research, saying the ultimate benefit to Canadians outweighs the potential problems.

The final decision still rests with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government.

That decision is to come in December, but in the meantime, the federal government has struck the three-member review panel to further assess the environmental risks and to ensure that indigenous groups and others affected by the line have been consulted.

The three-member panel can't overrule the energy board's decision but its comments will be used by Trudeau's government in making its final decision.

Notley's government has been lobbying hard for pipelines to gain more access to ports to get Alberta's oil to distant markets to fetch a better price.

The worldwide slump in oil prices over the last two years has lopped billions of dollars off Alberta's bottom line and put its budgets deeply in the red.

The National Energy Board decision in May was a big hurdle to clear for Kinder Morgan, but that decision now faces legal challenges.

The City of Vancouver along with environmental groups and a B.C. First Nation are asking for a federal review of the decision, saying the energy board did not fully consult and did not properly assess all the environmental impacts.
Photo: CTV

A huge tree has toppled in Vancouver's West End, damaging two low-rise apartments.

The tree was among a row of similar trees, all roughly 12 metres tall, along the 1800 block of Nelson Street, just north of Denman Street.

Park Board officials say it came down without warning on Thursday afternoon.

Boughs of the large, deciduous catalpa tree smashed windows on several floors of both buildings but no one was hurt.

Roots of the tree were also ripped out of the ground, tearing up a large chunk of sidewalk.

Park Board spokesman Howard Normann says crews will take a very close look at the tree and its roots as they haul the remnants away, because it's not clear why the catalpa fell.

"The roots look healthy, the tree looks good. It's very strange," he says.

Weather was pleasant and winds were light at the time.
Photo: The Canadian Press - file photo

Abu Sayyaf extremists rejoiced as they watched two Canadians being beheaded in the jungles of the southern Philippines, said a still-shocked Filipino hostage who was freed Friday.

Marites Flor tearfully recalled to reporters the moments when Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall were handcuffed and led away to a nearby jungle clearing to be separately decapitated in April and early this month by the ransom-seeking militants.

She said that Hall, who was killed last week, was her fiance. Ridsdel was beheaded by the militants in April.

"It's so painful because I saw them moments before they got beheaded," Flor told reporters in southern Davao city, where she was flown to meet President-elect Rodrigo Duterte after her release in nearby Sulu province.

"They were watching it and they were happy," she said of the militants, adding that she did not witness the killings.

Flor said she was slapped and threatened and her fellow hostages were beaten when the militants disliked what they were doing. "They told me, 'Robert's head has been chopped off. You're next,'" she said. "They treated us like dogs, like children."

Flor was abducted with Hall, Ridsdel and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad from a resort on southern Samal island in September last year and taken to the jungles of the predominantly Muslim island province of Sulu. The militants killed the two Canadians after ransom deadlines lapsed.

The captives were among some two dozen people held by the Abu Sayyaf this year.

On Friday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said seven Indonesians were abducted by armed men who raided their tugboat and taken to Sulu, in a third such recent attack. Six others were released with the vessel, she said.

Duterte said he was told that Sekkingstad may already be on the way out of captivity, but did not provide details and appeared unsure of his statement. He later went into a meeting with the Norwegian ambassador.

Duterte cut short his speech in a nationally televised police ceremony when officials arrived and brought the 38-year-old Flor, who appeared still distraught, to the stage. Duterte tried to console her and quietly asked a few questions.

Shortly before facing Flor, Duterte asked the Abu Sayyaf militants to stop ransom kidnappings, which he said have given the country "a very bad image." He warned people against joining the Abu Sayyaf, suggesting a major offensive was forthcoming.

"There will be, I said, a reckoning one of these days," he said.

It was not immediately clear if a ransom was paid to secure the freedom of Flor, who appeared in Abu Sayyaf videos tearfully pleading for her life and those of her companions. In a final video, she called on Duterte to save their lives before the extremists killed Hall a few days later.

Rebels belonging to the larger Moro National Liberation Front and a Sulu official, Abdusakur Tan, helped negotiate Flor's release with an Abu Sayyaf commander identified as Hatib Sawadjaan, two officials from the military and police who monitored the talks told The Associated Press.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the killings and called on other nations not to pay ransoms if their citizens are abducted to discourage the militants from carrying out more ransom kidnappings.
Photo: RCMP

A total of 43 people are facing charges in connection with a year-long drug trafficking investigation in the Peace River region, RCMP announced Friday.

During a news conference in Prince George, police showed off an array drugs, thousands of dollars in cash and weapons  including an AR15 semi-automatic rifle, seized during searches on residences and traffic stops.

In July 2015, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit began an investigation in street and mid-level drug traffickers in the Peace region, said a press release. That investigation has now resulted in the arrests of multiple individuals and the seizure of drugs and firearms.

The seizures yielded:

One .22 calibre rifle

One loaded 12 gauge shotgun

One AR15 semi-automatic rifle

74 ounces of cocaine

Approximately 700 fentanyl pills

3.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine

17.4 grams of an amphetamine

Two percocets

1.75 litres of liquid GHB

Approximately $70,000.00

The gang squad say 43 individuals are facing charges.

Twenty-nine of those people were arrested during nine roundups between Dec. 5th, 2015 and May 24th of this year.

Fourteen others are still at large and investigators are making efforts to locate and arrest them, police said. Three people have been charged so far.

They include two people arrested last Dec. 5th for allegedly trying to sell 24 ounces of cocaine for $39,000.

On Feb. 19, Jamie Christopher St. Denis, 37, of Dawson Creek pleaded guilty to charges of trafficking cocaine, trafficking a firearm and possession of an illegal firearm. He received 7.5 years in jail and is currently serving time for these offences.

Christina Marie MacKay, 30, of Bay Tree, Alberta is charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and two counts of breach of conditions.

On December 5th, 2015, investigators arrested Jamie Christopher St. Denis and Christina Marie Mackay in Dawson Creek for attempting to sell 24 ounces of cocaine for $39,000.

Ryan Holden, 36, of Dawson Creek has been charged with a number of firearms offenses, one count of possession of body armour without a permit and one count of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

Holden and Mackay are set to appear in a Dawson Creek court for a preliminary hearing in July.

These enforcement actions are a blow to the capabilities of certain gang members in BCs North and Peace regions. We have taken guns and drugs off the streets of our communities, and reduced the threat to public safety, said C/Supt. Kevin Hackett, Chief Officer of the CFSEU-BC. CFSEU-BC will continue its relentless pursuit of those gang members and their associates who choose to continue their criminal enterprises and place our communities at risk.

"This multi-jurisdictional investigation pulled together a number of local, regional and provincial resources to target criminal activities within BC's Peace Region. Success was due to an intelligence-led, targeted and coordinated approach which will continue to be a priority for North District, said C/Supt Lesley Bain, RCMP "E" Division North District Commander. We remain committed to identifying, investigating, disrupting and deterring those who choose to commit offenses in our northern communities".

Todays announcement from the CFSEU-BC North District Office is an example of successful integration, collaboration and solid police work and on behalf of the Province, families, and communities of B.C.s Peace Region we thank you, said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris. By removing drugs, firearms and the cash associated with them, you have not only disrupted those illegal activities, but you have sent a message to others that we will not tolerate violence and gang activity in our communities.
Photo: VJH Foundation. Travis Thompson and Sue Beaudry with new equipment.

A list of the most urgently needed medical equipment for Vernon Jubilee Hospital and residential care facilities in the North Okanagan has been supplied by the VJH Foundation  following a meeting of the board of directors and consultations with Interior Health and medical staff.

The 33 pieces of equipment total $480,816 and will assist residential care in Armstrong and Enderby as well as the operating room, respiratory services and women and children's health services at VJH.

We are excited to have completed the annual process of determining which urgently needed pieces will most benefit the various and growing needs of North Okanagan residents, said Sue Beaudry, the foundation's director of development.

The foundation raises the funds needed to buy necessary equipment.

Included in the list is a $16,300 airway clearance system for patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions.

The vest system uses high frequency chest wall oscillation to clear lung secretions.

The machine will be used for adult and some pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, muscular dystrophies and quadriplegics, said Michael MacAulay, cardiopulmonary lead at VJH.

Also on the list is a $22,700 flexible ureteroscope for urology, a $24,000 laryngoscope for difficult intubation and two portable patient lifts totalling $7,900 for palliative care residents in their own homes.

The foundation already has a head start on a couple of the items, including $62,000 for a central monitoring system for the womens and childrens health department at the hospital, which was raised during the SUN FM Have a Heart Radiothon in April.

Funds raised from the 2015 Wine, Women & Woods Tee Off for the Cure and Prospera Vernon Dragon Boat Festival purchased a $99,000 ultrasound unit and stretcher for the mammography department.

The equipment arrived on June 21st and is already in use.

Having this state of the art equipment helps us provide our patients with the best possible health care, said Travis Thompson, manager of digital imaging.

Pieces of equipment, specific projects, individual programs and Interior Health staff training and education are all part of what is considered. Based on VJH Foundations fund raising capacity, our board determines how much it is able to fund each year, said Beaudry.

Last year, the VJH Foundation raised more than $2,500,000 to furnish and equipment the 6th and 7th floors of Polson Tower as well as money for equipment and training.

The complete list of urgently needed medical equipment can be seen online.
Photo: Facebook

A B.C. mom's open letter, penned after her son was excluded from a classmate's birthday party, is touching hearts across the internet.

Jennifer Kiss-Engels wrote the emotional post and shared it through Facebook after her son Sawyer, who has Down Syndrome, was the only child out of 23 who didn't get an invite to the party.

"Maybe you are struggling with the words to say to your child because your child did not want my son at their birthday party," she writes. "Maybe you let your child decide that it was OK to single someone out. I know it can be difficult to teach our children about something we may not understand ourselves. I struggle with this as well."

In the letter, Kiss-Engels says she knows the exclusion "was not an oversight on your part, that it was an intentional decision to not to include my son."

She says she doesn't expect her son to be invited to every party, and added she only invited a small group to her own son's party because it was over Christmas holidays.

"I am not mad at you," she said. "Rather, I think this is an opportunity for you to get to know my son better. You see, having Down Syndrome doesnt mean that you dont want to have friends. It doesnt mean that you dont have feelings."

She says people with Down Syndrome want the same things as others: close relationships, to contribute and have meaningful lives  and, of course, they want to go to birthday parties.

"Its only until this happened that I realized myself that Sawyer hasnt been invited to hardly anyones birthday party this past year," she said. "The kids are getting to that age where they often only invite a few children to their parties and he hasnt made the cut."

She said it's her obligation as Sawyer's parent and advocate to educate people more about what it means to have Down Syndrome and how they are more like you than different.

"I may be a mama bear but I am not a scary person. I recognize that we all make mistakes and at the end of the day, I think we both could have done better."
Photo: VPD

Vancouver Police have released a sketch of a suspect believed to be responsible for the sexual assault of a woman on Napier Street early Sunday morning.

On June 19 at about 2 a.m., a woman was walking on Napier Street, near Victoria Drive, when an unidentified man approached her from behind, pushed her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

The woman managed to scream and fight off her attacker who walked away.

The suspect is described as white, between 35-to-45 years old, about 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds  with short, brown hair, a receding hairline and a full red beard.

The suspect was wearing a dark-coloured hoody, dark shirt, dark camouflage cargo pants and possibly boots.

Police have appealed to the public for information that would help identify the attacker and hope the composite sketch will prompt some calls.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the sexual assault is asked to call the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit at 604-717-0602, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 8477.
Photo: Contributed

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in favour of three British Columbia medical workers who argued they developed breast cancer as a result of their jobs, where they used known carcinogenic chemicals.

Katrina Hammer, Patricia Schmidt and Anne MacFarlane, who worked at Mission Memorial Hospital, were among seven women at the lab who developed breast cancer.

The Workers' Compensation Board originally denied their applications for compensation benefits on the grounds their breast cancers were not occupational diseases.

But rulings by the Workers Compensation Administrative Tribunal in 2010 and 2011 overturned those decisions and linked the cancers to the workplace.

The British Columbia Court of Appeal, however, said the tribunal's decisions were "patently unreasonable" because there was no evidence that the women's cancer was caused by their work environment and the tribunal ignored expert advice to the contrary. The court suggested the cases were a statistical anomaly.

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled 6-1 in favour of women.

Justice Russell Brown, writing for the majority, said the tribunal's finding was not patently unreasonable.

"While the record on which that decision was based did not include confirmatory expert evidence, the tribunal nonetheless relied upon other evidence which, viewed reasonably, was capable of supporting its finding of a causal link between the workers breast cancers and workplace conditions," he wrote.

He said the law sets a lower burden of proof in such cases and must favour the women.

"The applicable burden of proof is not the civil burden of 'balance of probabilities,' " he wrote.

"Where the evidence leads to a draw, the finding must favour the worker."

Justice Suzanne Cote disagreed sharply with the majority.

"In my view, the original decision of the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal is patently unreasonable," she wrote in her dissent.

"On my reading, there is no evidence  and certainly no positive evidence  capable of supporting a causal link between the workers employment and the development of their respective disease."

Tonie Beharrell, a lawyer representing the Health Sciences Association and members Hammer and MacFarlane, said the decision empowers the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal to decide causation of disease based on occupational factors without strict scientific evidence or intervention by the courts.

"There was evidence that said there's a statistically significant cancer cluster, an increase rate of breast cancer, which is about eight times that of what you would expect in the general B.C. population, but we don't know what caused it."

Beharrell said some of the women tested blood and other bodily samples in their jobs using chemical carcinogens including ortho-toluidine and falmalin, a component of formaldehyde.

Several breast cancer cases of workers at the lab were diagnosed dating back to at least 1990, and there were six cases between 2000 and 2005, she said.

"It made them wonder: Why are we all getting breast cancer?"

The three women, who are now in their 50s, are in remission, Beharrell said.

None of the women could be reached for comment.

Beharrell said the use of carcinogenic substances and the degree of exposure was significantly higher in the past and that a variety of new processes have been introduced.

Val Avery, president of the Health Sciences Association, thanked the three workers for their perseverance.

"Today, they are responsible for setting an important precedent for all workers," she said.

Fraser Health, the authority responsible for the hospital, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Photo: Kate Bouey DND grounds on a better day.

Heavy rain has forced the closure of the ball diamonds on the DND grounds south of Vernon.

Soccer fields remain open.

The closure delays the start of the Vernon co-ed slo-pitch league playoffs which were slated to start Friday evening.

Organizers hope to reschedule those games for Saturday and Sunday.
Photo: Darren Handschuh

A traffic signal at Highway 97 and the notorious Stickle Road, north of Vernon, appears to be the preferred option among members of the public despite efforts to find a different solution, according to a transportation ministry spokesperson.

However the ministry is still going through the approximately 150 comments from feedback forms, email and regular mail, submitted during and after a May 26th open house. A total of 234 people attended.

At that session, ministry officials explained their $9.5 million plan, which does not include a traffic light for the intersection where there has been a number of fatal accidents.

The ministry plan included changes to both the intersection and an extension of 20th Street from behind the Rona store through to Stickle Road. Acceleration and deceleration lanes were proposed for the west side of the highway.

We are still going through all of the comments but the majority of public responses seem to indicate a preference for a traffic signal, said Kate Mukasa, public affairs officer. This is important for us to know and, as we stated in the materials presented at the open house, public input will be considered along with technical, environmental and financial information, and input from local governments.

The ministry stated that once all the input is reviewed, the next steps would be considered.
Photo: UBC

Former students and faculty involved in the University of British Columbia's investigation of its creative writing chair say the allegations against him included sexual harassment, bullying and threats.

The university announced Wednesday that acclaimed writer Steven Galloway no longer works there over what it called an "irreparable breach of trust."

The school has not disclosed any details of the allegations Galloway faced or which complaints were found to be substantiated. A report produced by former judge Mary Ellen Boyd after a months-long investigation has not been made public and the faculty association said only one allegation against Galloway was substantiated.

There has also been criticism of the process used to investigate complaints made in the case.

The faculty association and members of the literary community have accused the university of being unfair to Galloway, while some complainants say the process lacks transparency.

When Galloway was suspended in November, the school only said he faced "serious allegations." But since then, The Canadian Press has spoken with five people involved in the investigation, who described sexual comments, threats and bullying they allege they witnessed or experienced.

All spoke on condition of anonymity, citing fears about how speaking out against the best-selling writer could impact their careers or concerns about how the public treats women who come forward with allegations of harassment.

"I put in a complaint about sexual harassment and bullying," said one woman, who declined to discuss the specifics of her complaint in an interview earlier this week.

Galloway has not responded to multiple emails and phone calls requesting comment since November. Attempts to reach him this week by phone, email and through his publisher and faculty association were unsuccessful.

Penguin Random House Canada, which said after he was suspended it was "proud" to publish the author, has not responded to requests for comment since Galloway's departure from the university.

Mark Mac Lean, president of the faculty association, said in November that UBC released "confidential information" and violated Galloway's legal right to privacy when it announced his suspension.

After Galloway's removal this week, Mac Lean issued a statement expressing serious concerns about the university's "misleading public and private comments" about Galloway.

"We wish to clarify that all but one of the allegations, including the most serious allegation, investigated by the Honourable Mary Ellen Boyd were not substantiated," he said.

"Out of respect for fair and due process, a process which is ongoing, the faculty association will not be commenting further on this matter at this time."

The association did not explain how it knew which allegations had been substantiated.

The Canadian Press does not know if any of the allegations from the complainants in this story were substantiated in the investigation by Boyd.

UBC spokeswoman Susan Danard said the university cannot comment on the allegations made against Galloway due to privacy concerns. She also said she cannot respond to other points of view on the process.

The university has said Galloway did not dispute any of Boyd's critical findings when the dean of arts, Gage Averill, reviewed the report with him.

A professor said he filed a complaint alleging that he witnessed threats and instances of bullying by Galloway.

"It's not just students who forwarded complaints. It was also faculty members, too," said the professor, who asked not to be identified because he still works for the university, on Thursday.

A former student who filed a complaint based on what she witnessed said in an interview in November that Galloway used his powerful position to threaten and intimidate aspiring writers who clashed with him.

When she first arrived at UBC, she said she was told by other students: "You don't want to make Steven Galloway mad. You don't want to piss him off because he will retaliate ... You are here because of his good will. He can make you go away."

Another former student said he put forward a complaint alleging Galloway had threatened his career. He said Galloway actively befriended some students while being "cold and hostile" towards others.

"He created a really terrible working environment for growing artists and writers," the former student said Thursday. "It's kind of surprising that anything came out of that atmosphere."

Another witness who filed a complaint said on a number of occasions Galloway displayed "questionable behaviour" in public, including making a sexual comment about a student's breasts in front of others from the creative writing program.

On another occasion, Galloway made a bet with a student in which the winner got to slap the loser. When Galloway won, he waited until the student was unaware and slapped her hard at a bar in front of other students, said the witness.

"As kind and good as he was to many people, there were clear signs that he could abuse his power on occasion," he said in an email in November.

The witness said in an email sent this week that he was "angry and sad" that many will continue to see Galloway as the wronged party and UBC will never reveal the allegations against him.

The way allegations of misconduct have been investigated by Canadian universities has come under greater scrutiny, with accusations that schools have not been open about what is happening on their campuses after some complainants say they were told not to publicly discuss their cases.

Meanwhile, some in Canada's close-knit writing scene have raised concerns that the process at the University of British Columbia was unfair to Galloway.

Author Raziel Reid tweeted on Thursday: "Steven Galloway is a true visionary, and I look forward to his next book. He can be 'unsubstantially' inappropriate with me any day."

Reid said in follow-up tweets that people with serious allegations should contact the police, not a university. The case is ambiguous and from that space has come "hearsay and persecution," he said.

Hal Wake, artistic director of the Vancouver Writers Fest, who emphasized he is not speaking on behalf of his employer, said it is his personal opinion that the information provided publicly by the university is "partial, selective and intended to create a particular narrative."

"I have concerns that the handling of the matter may have been deeply flawed. I would encourage the university to release the judge's findings, with all due respect to privacy issues."
Nepal: Hongshi-Shivam plant faces possible delays

ICR Newsroom By 24 June 2016

Hongshi-Shivam Cements plans to build a 2Mta cement plant in Nawalparasi in southern Nepal have run into problems over the amount of land needed for the project, Xinhua reports. Under Nepali law, government ministers must approve land sales above eight hectares, while Hongshi-Shivam has said it requires 40ha to build the plant.

A director at Hongshi-Shivam, Satish More, said: "The Land Reform Ministry has sent the proposal of clearing our company to hold more lands to the cabinet. We are awaiting the clearance from the government at the earliest and we are hopeful that it will happen soon."

Despite having initiated this process some time ago, officials at Hongshi-Shivam are worried that if approval is not quickly forthcoming the project could be delayed. Construction work is planned to start in October and will take about three years.

Hongshi-Shivam is a joint venture between Chinas Hongshi Holding Group and Nepalese firm Shivam Cement.

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Vietnam: Viet-Dung Quat cement plant forced to close

24 June 2016

Dai Viet-Dung Quat cement plant has been forced to temporarily shut down in the central province of Quang Ngai due to environmental pollution. Since 26 May, the locals have gathered in front of the plant to call for a shutdown.



Director of Central Region Cement JSC Trinh Van Dien, investor in the Dai Viet-Dung Quat cement plant, said, "We invited an environmental monitoring team to check the dust concentration and the results are safe. The local Department of Natural Resources and Environment hasn't reached a conclusion on the noise level yet."



He added, "Weve had to temporarily close the plant, meaning were losing VND300m (US$13,437) and the 100 workers are kicking their heels at home. I don't know what to do."



Dung Quat Economic Zone's management board have already moved households and spent VND36bn on the first relocation phase. According to the plan, 236 households in the radius of 50m to 100m around the plant will be moved in the second phase and this land will be used to build the Dung Quat coal power plant.

The ground clearance work should have been done this year but coal-powered plant project was delayed until 2020. As the result, the ground clearance work has also been delayed.

According to the locals, they want to be compensated for the relocation if the plant stays and if they stay then the plant can't exist. "We dont want to stay. We have to move," local Nguyen Ne said.

The US$136m Dai Viet-Dung Quat cement plant went into operatio in 2012. The plant employs 100 workers and has a cement capacity of 500,000tpa.

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Japan: Taiheiyo Cement plans 75MW biomass power plant

24 June 2016

Japan's Taiheiyo Cement will construct a biomass-fired unit with 75MW in Ofuna Factory, Iwate prefecture. The new unit is understood to burn domestic and imported biomass fuel.



At the site, a several power units had been operational, but some of them were damaged when the Great East Japan Earthquake hit the country in 2011. Thus, the new unit is considered as a replacement of the old power unit. Plus, since it will be built on the premises of the factory, Iwate prefecture decided there would be no need for environmental assessment procedures.





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Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Friday made the following statement about the United Kingdoms decision to leave the European Union:

"A free people should choose their own way, and we respect the British decision to leave the European Union.

Today's referendum will not change our special relationship with the United Kingdom. That close partnership will endure, and we will continue to work together to strengthen a robust trade relationship and to address our common security interests."

He criticized "the lack of commitment among NATO members to collective defense while citing mounting pressures facing Europe from Russian aggression, the flow of asylum seekers, and terrorism. Only five of NATOs 28 member states spend the required two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense."

The senators comments came during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the agenda for the upcoming NATO Summit (July 89) in Warsaw, Poland.

Never has there been a more critical or opportune moment to discuss and recommit tocollective defense, crisis management and cooperative security [within NATO], said Senator Corker. I think one of the greatest threats to NATO is[that] most of the countries are not pulling their load, and they depend so heavily upon [the United States] for their security.

He also reiterated his request of President Obama to announce a decision before the summit postponing the drawdown of U.S. security forces in Afghanistan.

Senator Corker said, Just last week, I called on President Obama to clearly articulate his intentions for U.S. troop strength for this mission prior to the summit, in order to deliver a clear message about U.S. leadership in the efforts to secure a stable and democratic Afghanistan and generate the essential support of our NATO allies in this endeavor.

The committee heard testimony from Derek Chollet, a counselor and senior advisor for security and defense policy at the German Marshall Fund, and Ian Brzezinski, a resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council. Full testimony and archived footage from the hearing is available here.
An international collaboration has now demonstrated a completely new approach to increase data density in storage media. They used ultra-short laser pulses to trigger a phase transition in the ferromagnetic material BaFeO 3 (BFO). Experiments at the Femtospex facility at BESSY II of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin showed that by inducing this phase transition, magnetic domains can be easily manipulated. These magnetic domains are otherwise very stable and therefore suited for long-time data storage.

The storage capacity of hard disks has increased steadily over decades. But now, it is approaching limits given by fundamental laws of physics. Very small magnetic bit-units that can readily be switched by a hard-disk write head tend to become instable and to lose the stored magnetic information with time. More stable magnetic materials exist but they are so stable that they cannot be switched with the write head any more. Techniques like heat-assisted magnetic recording overcome this problem by heating the magnetic bit when writing thereby reducing the energy barrier that needs to be overcome.

Laser pulses help switching

An international collaboration has now demonstrated a completely new approach to manipulate the energy barrier in a magnetic material. They lower the barrier for magnetic manipulation by driving the material across an insulator-to-metal transition. The team led by Prof Hiroki Wadati from the University of Tokyo studied the material BaFeO 3 (BFO) with ultra-short x-ray pulses generated at the Femtospex facility of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin. The material is a ferromagnetic insulator with a comparably stable magnetic order. Only when exposed to laser pulses above a certain threshold power, the material turns highly susceptible to an external change of its magnetic state and can easily be switched by an external magnetic field.

Local phase transition lasts long enough for technical applications

By combining magnetic and spectroscopic probes the scientists could identify the threshold for easy magnetization switching with the formation of a transient metallic state in the material. Unlike in common magnetic materials, where laser-excitation creates a metallic-like state only for less than a trillionth of a second, the electronic structure of BFO leads to a self-stabilization of this metallic state. It persists about thousand times longer, bringing the effect in a time range where technical applications become possible.

Ultrafast processes observed at FEMTOSPEX facility

These findings, published in Physical Review Letters, show a new approach to magnetic data manipulation. The also demonstrate the capacity of the Femtospex facility at HZB to combine magnetic and spectroscopic information into a comprehensive picture of ultrafast processes in materials.
Vineyards by nature are picturesque and romantic with their rolling hills and rows of vines sweeping out over the landscape.

That makes a vineyard a classic place to host a wedding, says Kim Bunbury, events manager at Aurora Cellars in Lake Leelanau, Michigan. "People have been doing this for a long time, but it's becoming more popular in the Midwest."

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From an intimate ceremony among the vines to a barn party for 200 or a fancy affair at an Italian-style estate, there are many Midwestern wineries and vineyards that "do weddings."

In fact, some of the newer wineries were designed specifically for that purpose. They offer on-site accommodations and food and beverage packages. While some vineyard wedding venues are summer-only, others operate year-round. All provide the magic of getting married in a one-of-a-kind destination  plus the chance to enjoy local wines.

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Aurora Cellars, which opened two years ago, is tailor made for weddings. The look and feel of the place is modern-rustic. It has two outdoor event spaces for different size weddings, accommodating up to 300 people. One space is adjacent to a restored Victorian farmhouse overlooking a pond and vineyards. "It's perfect for an extended stay destination wedding," Bunbury says.

Weddings of fewer than 100 people are held on a terrace off the tasting room and include a bridal suite for getting ready. This package also offers food catered by a third-generation Italian deli. "Our tasting room is very European and we have a huge bar and patio attached, covered with a tent. The reception is held out there," Bunbury says. On average, couples can expect to spend $10,000 for a wedding package there, Bunbury says.

When planning a wedding outdoors, you always want a plan B in case of bad weather, whether that be a tent or a building on the property.

At Over the Vines in Edgerton, Wisconsin, couples have the run of the entire eight-acre property, which includes a private vineyard and a 19th-century restored barn.

"Some couples have their ceremony in the vineyard and the reception in the barn, but they can always move the ceremony indoors if need be," says co-owner Billie Kratky. The private event venue has been booked solid since it opened in 2013.

"It's for relaxed, outdoorsy couples who want to give their guests a different feel," Kratky says. "We've had California couples who went to college in Wisconsin and want to bring in some of that vineyard feeling from their home state. We've also had Wisconsin couples who have grown up on farms and want to bring that nostalgia back."

If you want a Midwest vineyard wedding with European flair, that's available too.

Many wineries have European origins, such as Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park, Illinois. Founder Vito Brandonisio learned the craft of winemaking from his grandfather in Italy. He eventually created a 40-acre winery estate with a 20,000-square-foot facility for tasting and events in luxurious Italian style. Acquaviva Winery boasts amazing architecture and hand-painted fine art by world renowned artist Andrew Zabela.

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It allows the couple to have a vineyard setting for their wedding of up to 230 guests in all four seasons.

A bed and breakfast is set to open on the property soon.
A rendering of the Colectivo Coffee slated to open in October in Lincoln Park. (Colectivo Coffee)

Milwaukee-based Colectivo Coffee will open a cafe in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, co-owner Lincoln Fowler said.

The store, which will be at 2530 N. Clark St. (formerly an Einstein Bros. Bagels), is the company's first location outside of Wisconsin and is slated to open in October.

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Colectivo launched in 1993 as Alterra Coffee. The company sources its beans from Colombia, Brazil, Sumatra, Ethiopia, Mexico and more, and roasts in Milwaukee on vintage, manually operated Probat roasters to create single-origin coffees and blends (blended after roasting).

RELATED: 50 NEW RESTAURANTS TO TRY THIS SUMMER

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Company officials have been dropping hints about the expansion for some time. Fowler told the Milwaukee Business Journal in October 2015 that Chicago's large market was a target.

"We always knew that we would eventually grow  hopefully  and (that would) allow us to reach down south," he told the Tribune on Friday. "Chicago is certainly the big neighbor."

Now, they've found a space that appeals to them, Fowler says.

"It's an awesome neighborhood. It's an excellent walking neighborhood," he says, citing his plans to turn what was a small parking lot for the storefront into a "fabulous" patio.

The cafe's core will be the coffee, but customers will also find Letterbox Fine Teas (Colectivo's house tea line), bakery items from Troubadour (another house line, baked off-site), sandwiches, all-day breakfast and Colectivo Keg Co. house beer on the menu.

Colectivo currently operates 16 locations across the Milwaukee and Madison areas. Roasting will still be done daily in Milwaukee and delivered to Chicago.






Embeya, which opened in 2012 with one of the prettiest dining rooms in the city, closed recently. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

Embeya, the ambitious Asian-inspired restaurant on Randolph Street in the West Loop, which recently lost a lawsuit with its namesake founding chef, has closed as of last weekend.

"Two days notice to staff," said a direct message from the Embeya Twitter account, in response to a request for comment from a Tribune reporter. "Lawsuit ruined us," the direct message said.

Opening chef Thai Dang won more than $102,500 in May for lost wages, according to Crains, after saying he was not paid his agreed upon salary. The restaurant was christened with Dangs childhood nickname, which means little one in Vietnamese.

A direct message sent from the Embeya Twitter account in response to a question about the restaurant's closing. (Chicago Tribune)

Michael Sheerin took over as executive chef after Dang left. I didnt know this was coming, Sheerin said Thursday afternoon. I found out the Wednesday before.

The last dinner was Saturday; we did a private-party event for a family wedding, he added. Im sorry, too. Honestly, right now Im looking for work. (He closed his Packed: Dumplings Reimagined in May.)



Mike did a tremendous job; he was unbelievable," said co-owner Attila Gyulai. "Im going to miss the employees tremendously; we had amazing, amazing employees. And Im going to miss the food.

It came to a point that we just could not do it any more, Gyulai added. Both my wife and I have aging parents with health issues, and two babies under 2 years old. It was too much to do. As you know, a restaurant is way more than a full-time job, and there just werent enough hours in the day to fulfill our obligations.

We were a nice cuisine, and thats always a bit more difficult with a big space. But we did quite well. It came down to family.

Thai Dang, left, the founding chef at Embeya, and partner Attila Gyulai, shown in 2012. Dang left the restaurant in 2015. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Embeya was one of the most interesting restaurants to open in 2012, featuring chef Thai Dangs very personal take on Vietnamese flavors. Almost nothing on his menu was traditional Vietnamese as Chicagoans understood it, and he happily featured such acquired tastes as durian fruit  which tastes good but smells like bad cheese  among his desserts.

It's not clear whether enough Chicagoans understood Dangs cooking, which might have led to the very public breakup between Dang and Gyulai.



When Mike Sheerin came on board, he increased the breadth of the menu, incorporating Thai, Chinese and other flavors, though you would never describe his food as traditional. The Tribune awarded Embeya two stars under both Dang and Sheerin.

Dang and his wife, Danielle Dang, are opening HaiSous in Pilsen. When reached for comment on Embeya, they referred the Tribune to their lawyer.

On their new restaurant? Opening in the fall, wrote Danielle Dang via Facebook Messenger.

This report has been updated to reflect that, while the Twitter direct message response came from the Embeya account, Embeya co-owner Attila Gyulai said later, "Those are not my comments."



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lchu@tribpub.com

Twitter @louisachu






Jason Vincent, pictured making a salad at his former restaurant Nightwood, will open a new spot in Logan Square in July. (Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune)

Our weekly update on Chicago's newest restaurants:

SmallFry, an ambitious late-night burger stop, opened in Logan Square Tuesday. Owners Colin Kelahan and Egan Quinn are looking to meet an underserved need in the neighborhood: fast-casual dining.

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"Logan (Square)'s got a lot of great food, but a lot of it is on the higher end," Kelahan says. "We're a couple guys that appreciate fast food and really want to take that concept and have fun with it."

The core menu items are a burger, a chicken sandwich, a veggie burger and fries. Order your chicken sandwich plain, spicy, garlic-tossed or banh-mi-inspired with pickled onions, radish, cabbage and carrots. A rotating specials menu currently has brisket gravy poutine, spring salad and a corndog with miso-roasted corn and jalapenos.

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In the future, the shop hopes to pay tribute to favorites like the Wendy's Frosty and Taco Bell's Quesalupa by doing their own versions during fast-food theme weeks. They've also been in talks with a local artist to have toys made for their own take on the Happy Meal.

Work from about 10 different local artists are painted on the shop's walls, though diners' eyes will likely fixate on the ten-foot great white shark replica hanging from the ceiling. It was the team's first design purchase, and is perhaps the largest fish dangling in a Chicago restaurant. They had the shark before they had paint for the space, Kelahan says, pointing to the hammerhead shark hung at Glascott's Saloon in Lincoln Park as inspiration.

"We always joked when we were younger that we were going to steal that shark one day," he says of himself and Quinn, who both went to DePaul. "When we were first going through the design stuff, Egan  slightly inebriated in the wee hours of the night  came across the ability to purchase a ten-foot great white  theoretically, we built out the rest of the design around the shark." 2489 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-661-1365.

Giant, the small-spaced seasonal restaurant , is opening its doors July 1. Jason Vincent  former chef at Nightwood, a Pilsen restaurant that closed in July 2015  is returning to the scene along with partners Ben Lustbader and Josh Perlman.

"It's exhilarating," Vincent says of his return. "It's a little bittersweet, you know, because my 5-year-old doesn't understand why I'm not home as much. But just the raw talent we have at this place for our opening team"

The menu will feature items like baby back ribs with a housemade sauce that Vincent says is technically intricate, but still tastes like classic barbecue sauce. The menu will also feature a few Nightwood holdovers like Thai chili peanut sauce.

"We're making food that people know and people love," he said. "You know, I think one of the worst things on menus is when the menu reads like something you want and then you get it and they've (expletive) it up by cheffing it up."

Vincent hopes the new spot is a normal, simple restaurant that gives diners a great meal. "Under promise and over deliver," he says.

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Reservations are recommended and can be made now through Giant's website or by calling the number listed here. 3209 W. Armitage Ave., 773-252-0997.

Honey's Hot Chicken, headed up by the team behind Urban Barbeque, is set to open its doors in downtown Highland Park on June 28, according to a release. Diners who visit between 11 a.m. and noon on opening day will receive a complimentary two-piece fried chicken meal, and the first guest in line will win free Honey's Hot Chicken for a year. The menu features traditional southern comfort sides like mac 'n' cheese and potato salad, as well as grilled watermelon with feta cheese. 1791 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park, 847-432-6300.

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Retro Bistro has brought its creative French menu to another location, this time in downtown Crystal Lake. The restaurant had been in Mount Prospect for more than 25 years before thie recent expansion. 83 N. Williams St., 815-893-4465.

It's supposed to be finished in late 2017, but work on Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Chicago has already begun. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place Monday. Local firm Studio K designed the West Loop hotel which will feature 103 rooms and suites, a Nobu restaurant as well as a unique rooftop indoor and outdoor bar and lounge, indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and spa treatment rooms, according to a release. 854 W. Randolph St.

Uptown fixture Baker and Nosh is moving one block east to the larger, former Starbucks location on the corner of Magnolia and Wilson this fall. The move is part of the bakery's expansion that includes the opening of a second location in Edgewater.

In case you missed it:

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Embeya closed its doors with owner citing the demands of running a restaurant and the time it takes away from family.

Rick Tramonto is aiming to return to Chicago with the opening of a third Restaurant R'evolution at the OneEleven luxury apartment building.

nwooten@tribpub.com

Twitter @nwootened






Rojo Gusano-Central opened quietly in Chicago's Belmont-Cragin neighborhood last weekend, but expect more of a delicious fuss come July 1 and 2 when free tacos will be offered to mark its arrival.

The restaurant, a smaller outpost of chef Dudley Nieto's original Rojo Gusano at 3830 W. Lawrence Ave., has 40 seats compared to the 80 seats at the Albany Park original.

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RELATED: THE REPORTER WHO ATE TACOS EVERY DAY FOR A MONTH

Menus for the two spots are identical. Look for tacos with spicy chorizo, charred butternut squash, Korean barbecued beef and beer-battered fried fish, and also such goodies as octopus and shrimp ceviche, pibil pork rice bowls and portobello empanadas. There's carryout service and catering, too.

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The free tacos  one per person  will be offered from from 4 to 6 p.m. on both Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2.

Rojo Gusano-Central, 3331 N. Central Ave.

wdaley@tribpub.com

Twitter @billdaley






Fried eggplant at Ugo's has a shatteringly crisp coating and a sultry, creamy mass inside. It's served with a sweet and cinnamon-scented tomato jam. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

I can't help but root for Ugo's Kitchen & Bar. On a stretch of Armitage Avenue in Logan Square increasingly populated with some of the hottest restaurants in town (Osteria Langhe, Dos Urban Cantina and Table, Donkey and Stick), Ugo's is adorably untrendy. It doesn't attempt to replicate the complicated cooking of some exotic micro-region, instead boldly keeping its menu vaguely Italian.

At first glance, Ugo's looks like nothing more than a standard neighborhood bar, with scruffed-up tables and a truly minimal design.

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And yet. Bread is freshly baked. Chicken liver mousse and pork rillettes are made in-house. All of the thin and delicate pastas are made daily  not with any fancy equipment, mind you, but a Kitchenaid attachment. This makes it easy to cast Ugo's as the ragged underdog.

GET OUTSIDE: MORE THAN 100 PATIOS AND ROOFTOPS FOR EATING, DRINKING

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Obviously, someone in the kitchen is trying. Chef and owner Stephen Hasson is a veteran of some genuinely respected restaurants, including Sixteen and Alinea. And what kind of next-level talent did he pick up while working in those respected kitchens?

Hasson can probably fry anything.

Eggplant, as we all know, likes to act like a sponge when it faces oil, instantly sucking up every last drop in the pan and transforming into a soggy, greasy mess. But the fried eggplant ($6) here has a shatteringly crisp batter for protection, which allows the eggplant to melt into a sultry, creamy mass. When dunked in the sweet and cinnamon-scented tomato jam, each bite hovers invitingly between sweet and savory.

Hasson has even figured out how to fry Parmesan cheese ($5). He simmers the cheese rinds with tapioca to create a thick puree. Dried and sliced, the mixture dramatically puffs up when it hits frying oil, turning into a cheese chicharron  crunchy, salty and absolutely stellar with a cold beer.

Salty bar food turns out to be Hasson's specialty. The aforementioned chicken liver mousse ($9), spiked with brandy and garnished with a sweet bourbon-cherry gel, is luxuriously smooth. The spreadable pork rillettes ($7) exude pure meatiness, which is nicely balanced with a slather of nose-clearing house mustard.

Build a meal out of these appetizers, and you'll wonder if Ugo's is an under-the-radar gem.

The entrees aren't as uniformly solid, though some come close. The pappardelle combines beautiful chunks of crisp maitake mushrooms, bright green arugula pesto and crunchy hazelnuts. It's all held together by a tangle of thin, wide noodles, delicate but still with some bite. It's the kind of pitch-perfect dish that makes you wonder if all the pastas are this good.

Sadly, they aren't. The noodles in the carbonara ($15) are one step away from mush, and drenched in a bland creamy sauce.

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The pizzas, which make up the bulk of the entrees, seem more like a missed opportunity than anything else. The mozzarella is made in-house, but the dough is crunchy and compact, instead of open and airy. Each bite would taste immeasurably better with less flour caked on the bottom of the crust.

Ugo's doesn't quite deserve a special trip, but that's OK. Every neighborhood could benefit from an unpretentious spot like this, where you can grab a drink and a well-made appetizer at a reasonable price. What a novel idea.

nkindelsperger@tribpub.com

Twitter @nickdk

Ratings key: Four stars, outstanding; three stars, excellent; two stars, very good; one star, good; no stars, unsatisfactory. The reviewer makes every effort to remain anonymous. Meals are paid for by the Tribune.

2833 W. Armitage Ave.

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773-698-8984

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

http://www.ugoschicago.com/

Tribune rating: One star

Open: Dinner on Wednesday through Monday

Prices: Entrees $11 to $15

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

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Reservations: Accepted

Other: Wheelchair accessible






From the metallic shell of the 1996 smash "Independence Day," director Roland Emmerich has pulled a seriously lousy sequel, dripping with alien goo and incoherence.

I take no pleasure in reporting this news, folks. I've been a lonely, half-mad defender of some of Emmerich's cheesiest cheese, including "10,000 B.C." But "Independence Day: Resurgence" is the Emmerich movie his fiercest detractors always said he could manage, if he put his mindlessness to it.

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Will Smith, star of the original, passed on the sequel. Smart move. The list of performers who thought, instead, "Oh, what the hell, it's money, and how bad can it be?" include the beloved Jeff Goldblum, back as scientist and alien-defense expert David Levinson, but this time pushed into strained panic-reaction shots throughout.

Bill Pullman, now the ex-president (Sela Ward plays the current U.S. leader, at least for a while  spoiler alert!), is haunted by visions of a second alien invasion. Judd Hirsch returns as Goldblum's dad, who commandeers a school bus full of orphaned preteens. Brent Spiner boomerangs back, in long gray wig and finally roused from a 20-year coma ("How long was I out?" he says, in the film's sole amusing line), as Dr. Brackish Okun, obsessed with alien technology.

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Then there's a fleet of calculatedly diverse 25(ish) hotshots, spearheaded by brash, uninteresting (here, anyway) Liam Hemsworth; Jessie T. Usher, portraying the son of the original Will Smith character; Maika Monroe as the former prez's jet pilot daughter, engaged to Hemsworth's "Top Gun"-inspired maverick. They're joined by, among others, the Chinese actress Angelababy as Rain Lao, who plays another pilot hanging around the defense base established on the moon. Soon these pups are pressed into dogfight service, while the sound effects go "Ptew! Ptew!" and the audience wonders: Honestly, is this the best human/alien aerial dogfight ya got?

The aliens suck entire cities into the sky, and then plop them back down. A kid rescues a puppy. The queen-bee alien (it's a she, so that someone can call her a b---- during the climax) chases the little yellow school bus, like an angry commuter running after the 146 down Michigan Avenue. The tonal switchbacks from camp to action to wisecracks to exposition to action again could give you whiplash, and so little of it clicks you wonder if screenwriters Nicolas Wright, James A. Woods, Dean Devlin, James Vanderbilt and Emmerich ever read each other's drafts or versions of scenes before spitting out a revision.

There's a new, bigger UFO, 3,000 miles in diameter, which is just dumb. When your UFO is 3,000 miles wide, your movie threatens to lose all sense of dramatic scale. Watching "Resurgence," a subtitle better suited to the "Divergent" franchise, it's clear straight off: You can up the ante all you like, and wipe out major world landmarks. But if your witty asides aren't witty, and your digital effects look like so much else you've seen the last few years, and your editing (Adam Wolfe takes the blame) juggles the various plotlines so ineptly ... then you have a movie like this one. Characters keep talking about comas and boredom and how tedious reunions are, and you know exactly what they mean.

What I remember best from the first "Independence Day" are two things: the alien autopsy scene, icky and startling and suspenseful, and, in the final confrontation, Goldblum and Smith taunting the alien like a couple of kids. Those scenes I remember. I saw "Resurgence" an hour and a half ago, and I feel like an alien wiped my memory clean already.

Michael Phillips is a Tribune Newspapers critic.

"Independence Day: Resurgence" -- 1 star

MPAA rating: PG-13 (for sequences of sci-action action and destruction, and for some language)

Running time: 2:09

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Opens: Friday

mjphillips@tribpub.com

Twitter @phillipstribune

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American values and gun violence - on screen and off







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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP)
To watch John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath"  as famously adapted for the stage by Frank Galati in 1988  on the cusp of Britain's fear-fueled departure from the European Union was to be reminded that, throughout history, migrants have usually been outcasts but have not always been international travelers.

The Joads, after all, were merely fleeing Oklahoma during the Great Depression, heading for points west in their own starving nation, but still being treated at every moment like nonresident aliens. Seen by everyone they meet as undesirables, this extended family just wants work, happiness and a small slice of the American Dream, but, as Steinbeck famously recounted, it finds hostility at every bend in the dusty road. Everyone refuses to see them for who they really are: In every community through which they travel they're viewed as part of a terrifying wave of the needy, a disruption of normal life, something to be repelled en masse.

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For her fascinating new production at the Gift Theatre in Jefferson Park  a theater so small as to be almost filled by the Joads' truck, never mind the 19 notably diverse actors in this decidedly uneconomical cast  director Erica Weiss has made the Joads an interracial family, and thus afforded Steinbeck's iconic story a sense of timelessness as well as specificity. It works quite spectacularly well, since, especially in Galati's seminal adaptation, the storytellers are as central to this story as the Steinbeck characters themselves.

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Weiss has found some very fine actors, including Namir Smallwood, a rising talent in Chicago whose deep dive of a performance captures the most crucial aspect of Tom Joad: his progressive radicalization as he realizes that his initial post-jail impulse to sink into the bosom of his family, led by Paul D'Addario's Pa, cannot work for him in these circumstances. In this production he has an especially strong relationship with his mother, generously played by Kona N. Burks, the rock rattling around in the back of the Joads' jalopy.

That vehicle, although somewhat miniaturized, takes up most of the stage at The Gift, which has a maximum capacity of only about twice the size of this cast, and that limits what Weiss can do. Inevitably, some transitions feel crammed. But the real force of this excellent piece of direction lies in its collection of beautifully wrought two-person scenes. Whether between Tom and the sad-eyed preacher, Jim Casey (the excellent Jerre Dye), Tom and Floyd Collins (the similarly fine Jose Nateras) or, well, Tom and pretty much anyone, these small and usually painful conversations are the heart of a production with an auteur point of view and a palpable embrace of complexity.

The difficult, famous last scene of "The Grapes of Wrath" works beautifully here, partly due to the work of the actress Emily Marso, who plays Rose of Sharon with apparent subjugation to all she feels, but mostly due to the number of intense personal investments in this essential neighborhood theater, and all it means to Chicago theater, that have been banked early in the night.

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

cjones5@tribpub.com

Twitter @ChrisJonesTrib

"The Grapes of Wrath"  3.5 STARS

When: Through Aug. 14

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Where: Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Tickets: $35 at www.thegifttheatre.org

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'Batsu!': Gonzo Japanese game show sets up shop in Chicago
Richard Trethewey (left), host Kevin O'Connor, Roger Cook and Tom Silva answer homeowner questions with house calls on "Ask This Old House." (Carl Tremblay / PBS)

Talk about a warm welcome.

"Ask This Old House" host Kevin O'Connor is scheduled to visit Underwriters Laboratories, a Northbrook-based safety science company, on Wednesday to learn about fire safety and prevention. O'Connor plans to light stuff on fire to find out why modern homes burn much faster than in the past for an upcoming episode of the PBS series, which answers homeowner questions with house calls.

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Heath Racela, senior producer and director of "Ask This Old House," said Northbrook residents shouldn't notice the blazes.

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"It's all very contained, very safe," Racela said.

Meanwhile, "Ask This Old House" contractor Tom Silva plans to visit Lincoln Square on Tuesday to help a woman transform her one-car garage into a workshop.

The episodes are scheduled to air during Season 15, set to premiere in October. Racela said the show's last Chicagoland shoot was about four years ago, and the crew has visited the area four or five times during the show's nearly 15-year run.

"People in Chicago love working with their hands. It's a very good fit for us," Racela said.







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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP)
June's collection of animal books runs the whole gamut of behavior, from natural predatory instincts to the symphonic hymns of birds chirping. Here's a brief look.

"The Hunt: The Outcome Is Never Certain" by Alastair Fothergill and Huw Cordey (Yale University Press): The companion book to the BBC series of the same name, "The Hunt" features more than 250 stunning images of predators hunting their prey. Though the narrative gives background on the hunting habits of a variety of animals, it is the large colorful images that really tell the story in jaw-dropping detail. See a midflight peregrine falcon with its talons around the neck of a willet, a polar bear with a ringed seal in its jaws, sea lions chasing a school of sardines and jellyfish 23,000 feet below sea level. Oh, and if you're the type who thinks spiders are "not that bad," wait until you see a Portia jumping spider sink its fangs into a fellow arachnid.

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"Dog Gone: A Lost Pet's Extraordinary Journey and the Family Who Brought Him Home" by Pauls Toutonghi (Knopf): There are lost dogs, and then there is Gonker, a 6-year-old golden retriever mix with Addison's disease. The beloved pet of Fielding Marshall, Gonker bolted into the woods while hiking on the Appalachian Trail with his owner in 1998. If Gonker isn't found within 23 days to receive another dose of artificial hormones, he will die. "Dog Gone" explores not only the search for Gonker, but also the pain  emotional and, in Marshall's case, physical  of losing a furry member of the family: "Maybe this is why their loss is so heartbreaking," Toutonghi writes of missing pets whose "attitude toward us is unquestioningly kind." "Their loss implies the loss of the kind of innocence that doesn't exist very often in our contemporary world."

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"Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History" by Dan Flores (Basic Books): Coyotes have a legendary appeal in North America, from the folklore tales of indigenous tribes to everyone's favorite "Super Genius," Wile E. Coyote. In "Coyote America," Flores does more than just shed light on the legend; he explores 5 million years of biological history that lead up to the evolution of the modern coyote (Canis latrans) and details the unique versatility of an animal that has continued to thrive despite human campaigns of annihilation.

"Listening to a Continent Sing: Birdsong by Bicycle from the Atlantic to the Pacific" by Donald Kroodsma (Princeton University Press): Kroodsma and his son David embarked on a 10-week bicycle journey through 10 states to listen to the symphonic stylings of nature's composers. "Listening to a Continent Sing" is a travelogue of Kroodsma's 5,000-mile trip, a celebration of nature, and a multimedia experience  the book is littered with quick-response codes that link to samples of birdsong found throughout the trip, such as the pileated woodpecker and the sandhill crane.

"Animal Kingdom: Stereoscopic Images of Natural History" by Jim Naughten (Prestel): Stereoscopy was invented in 1838 by Charles Wheatstone as a way to study binocular visions, but never before has it been as illuminating as the 3-D images that make up "Animal Kingdom." Some 50 images of historic collections from the 18th and 19th centuries are divided into chapters on sea creatures, reptiles, birds, mammals and primates. Better yet, a stereoscopic viewer is included in the book, so you can spend hours gaping as the skeleton of a diamond python pops out at you or marvel at just how long the ears of a brown long-eared bat are.

jmikula@tribpub.com Twitter @jeremymikula

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Listening to a symphony on YouTube or watching a dancer in full-screen mode might be the perfect prelude to appreciating the real deal. (Onfokus / Getty Images)

Before attending her first opera performance, Lisa Middleton and her plus one went out for dinner. But the soothing company of her dear friend who also happened to be an opera connoisseur wasn't quite enough to put her mind at ease. When was she supposed to clap during the performance? What if she couldn't understand the words?

So she asked him to "tell me everything about it," she recalls. Instead of the detailed account she was hoping for, Middleton, now director of marketing at Lyric Opera of Chicago, was simply told to "go and enjoy it."

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They ended up having "the most amazing night."

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Stepping into an art venue can stir up a lot of anxiety. But experts agree that letting go of stereotypes and finding something that speaks to you  whether it's a striking painting or a ballerina's impressive leap across the stage  is key to falling in love with art.

Here is a list of things to consider when dipping your toes into the realm of opera, ballet, symphony or art exhibits.

Not just for the elite: The idea that the arts are for the wealthy stems to back in the day, when only the creme de la creme had access to the arts. That perception has been reinforced by the film industry. Take classical music for example. "I always cringe when in the movies the villain, a wealthy person, is listening to classical music while petting a white cat," says Emil Decou, music director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. "We need to break the stereotypes."

The arts are not only accessible to the elite. Affordable tickets are offered to the public. Lyric Opera of Chicago, for instance, sells tickets for as little as $17 when you subscribe and $34 when you purchase single tickets.

Do a little research: Listening to a symphony on YouTube or watching a dancer in full-screen mode might be the perfect prelude to the real deal.

"I would Google the company; oftentimes they have a YouTube channel where they put out videos explaining their performances or interviewing dancers," said ballet YouTube star Kathryn Morgan.

Soprano Marina Rebeka sings 'Non mi dir' from 'Don Giovanni', currently playing at Lyric Opera. (Chicago Tribune)

As for Middleton's fear of not making sense of foreign words? Many opera companies are "providing English translations above the stage so you can keep up with the story," Middleton said.

Start with what you know: Going for the familiar in the early stages of art exploration ensures you won't get overwhelmed and throw in the towel.

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Morgan's advice for ballet first-timers is to "pick a ballet that they know the story, like 'Romeo and Juliet' or 'Swan Lake.'" Middleton subscribes to this idea: "If you are interested in the story, you'll love hearing and seeing it come to life in front of you."

Likewise, classical music seems less daunting when listening along with your favorite movie.

"Live movie concerts are very popular," Decou said, referring to a relatively new type of show that has the symphony orchestra perform the soundtrack live in sync with the film projected on a high-definition screen. "I've done 'Singing in the Rain,' 'West Side Story' and 'Casablanca,' among others, and soon I'll be conducting 'Star Trek Into Darkness,'" he said.

Stay open-minded: According to Arica Hilton, curator and president at Hilton-Asmus Contemporary, people should come to a gallery or a museum "and try to view what they see through the eyes of a child."

For ballet, that childlike curiosity might translate into marveling at how much stamina is required to create the illusion of levitation.

"Even if you're not into the beauty of it or into classical music, you can still appreciate just the sheer physicality," said Morgan, a former New York City Ballet soloist.

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And think outside the box when planning to see a show, she said. "Make a night of it, have dinner and then go see a ballet show."

You can wear anything, even jeans: People tend to dress up when going to the opera or ballet, but wearing casual attire is not frowned upon, Middleton said.

"We say come as you'd like. Fancy dresses are fine if you want to make a special night of it; jeans are OK too," she said.

Clap when you want: Decou assures newcomers that clapping at a live art performance is not a capital sin. "Clap whenever you want, as long as you're sincere. In Mozart's day, people clapped in the middle of a piece if they felt like."

Don't give up if you're not sold right away: It might take a while to find something that clicks. As Middleton put it, "If we all gave up after only trying once, there wouldn't be sushi restaurants." And while a first encounter with art might not blow you away, your surroundings probably will.

"Try to look at the beauty of the rooms; they're decorated to highlight the experience," Decou said.

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Andreea Ciulac is a freelance writer.

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Forty percent of couples used a friend or relative to officiate their 2015 wedding ceremonies, according to the Knot Real Weddings Study. (Caiaimage/Tom Merton / Getty Images)

As their 2014 wedding approached, Shannon Monte, 28, and Randy Johnson, 30, reviewed their to-do list. Flowers? Check. Venue? Check. Food? Check. Ceremony officiant? Um 

A member of the clergy was not an option, said the Kenosha, Wis., couple, because they didn't know a pastor well. So, they asked a friend, Claire Zautke of Milwaukee.

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The Johnsons are not alone. Forty percent of couples used a friend or relative to officiate their 2015 wedding ceremonies, according to the Knot Real Weddings Study. That's up from 29 percent in 2009, when online wedding resource The Knot started keeping track. Most of the other couples used a "professional," such as a cleric or a professional wedding officiant.

Zautke, who works in community relations and on a school board, was ordained through the Seattle-based, nondenominational Universal Life Church, which issues free officiant licenses.

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The Johnsons chose Zautke because she knew them well. In the ceremony, Zautke recounted the day she knew they would marry. "Shannon and I were leaving for a weekend, and Randy was so sad. He didn't want to say goodbye to her, even for a few days."

Couples choose nonclergy officiants (some call themselves "celebrants") for several reasons, say those who do this for a living. The couples want their wedding and reception in the same place. They subscribe to different religions. Their church will not marry the partner who was married before. Or they are among the growing number of nonchurchgoers.

Thirty-five percent of millennials (born 1981-96) are "religious nones," reported a 2014 Pew Research Center study, and describe themselves as agnostic, atheist or not affiliated with an organized religion. In 2007, 25 percent were "nones."

"We both grew up Catholic but were lapsed, agnostic adults," said Tim Ritz, 29, who married his wife, Kolleen, 29, in 2015. The Chicago couple were disenchanted with Catholic ceremonies they had attended because "they seemed dedicated to extracting a promise to produce lots and lots of babies," he said.

While the Ritzes eschewed the church, they wanted "someone with the gravitas and authority of the clergy," Ritz said. They chose the Rev. Anne Styx of New Lenox, Ill., a nondenominational officiant.

Unlike a friend who gets ordained just for your wedding, a professional can predict pitfalls because she's seen it all, Styx said.

Guests look to the officiant to take charge when a problem occurs. "Sometimes I've had to stop the ceremony, like when a bridesmaid fainted," Styx said. "But usually it's a matter of 'stay calm and carry on.'"

Work with your officiant to write a ceremony script. "Then, on your wedding day, you'll be prepared, so you can be in the moment and enjoy it," said the Rev. Phil Landers, an Addison, Ill., officiant.

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No need to start from scratch; there are plenty of templates online.

"Traditional enough to consider the relatives but fresh enough that it's not like every other wedding" is how most couples envision their ceremonies, Landers said.

There are certain elements most couples want, Landers said: a welcome, a processional, readings, vows, a ring exchange and a declaration of the couple as married. But it's the couple's story that makes it personal.

Landers' present-tense delivery injects humor into the ceremony. "She wants a ring for her birthday," he said at a recent ceremony. "He gets her a crockpot."

Many couples incorporate cultural traditions in their nuptials, such as jumping the broom or participating in a Chinese tea ceremony.

When Emily Guevera, 23, married Manuel Ramirez, 27, in 2015, the Aurora, Ill., couple included a lasso ritual that was familiar to their families. Wrapped loosely around the couple, the lasso formed the figure eight, symbolizing infinity.

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Some couples honor deceased loved ones with candle lightings, said Wexford, Pa., officiant Pat Carver, whose website lists ritual ideas.

Don't let your script run longer than a half-hour, warned the officiants. "After that, your guests' eyes glaze over," Carver said.

Heed wedding license rules and officiant requirements, which vary state to state and even county by county. In Colorado, for example, you can be your own officiant.

Listen to advice from well-meaning relatives, Styx tells her couples. Then, she added, "Learn to say this: 'I love you, but this is our wedding.'"

Leslie Mann is a freelance writer.

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I wrote a column the day after a 6-year-old girl was shot in my neighborhood, during which I contemplated whether Chicago is still where I'd like to raise my children.

I'm writing this follow-up column the day after a very different experience: I was watering my plants when I noticed my neighbor, who just lost his 97-year-old mother. We hugged and talked. Our other neighbors walked outside with their 2-year-old daughter and her baby sister, born just one week ago. We hugged and talked. I returned to my watering.

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This circle of life, this community, is routine  more routine than the violence and the drumbeat of fiscal ruin. But they exist side by side.

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I received an outpouring of emails on that original column. Here is a sampling, edited for length and clarity.

I am a suburban empty-nester who raised three kids in Downers Grove. I had so much less worry about their safety than you appear to have. I cannot imagine living with that fear in my gut.

You mention your reasons for loving living the city life. Things like the diversity at your playgrounds and public schools. Even though we are in what I understand to be a wealthy suburban area, I can assure you that the diversity is continually increasing. There are plenty of children here from comfortable homes, but there are also plenty of culturally diverse families and a vast socio-economic spread. My kids were friends with Pakistani kids from Oak Brook, children of engineers and car mechanics, police officers, working moms and stay-at-home moms. They grew up to know they were no better than anyone else.

I've never been a city dweller, so I cannot fully empathize with your leanings toward living there with your kids. But I can empathize with your position of motherhood. On that I can say that the feeling of raising my kids in the suburbs has been one of educated caution but never all-out fear. And I am thankful for that.

 Donna Granback

A woman cries while police investigate a shooting in the 2100 block of North Bingham Street in the Palmer Square neighborhood on June 6, 2016. A 6-year-old girl was shot in the back. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)

My sister and I live on the same block in North Center. Our daughters, finishing grades two, four and six, attend Bell. We're raising our kids to value family, community, diversity, culture. That's what we love about the city. And now, because we cannot assure either education or safety, we are seriously evaluating moving this year to La Grange or Western Springs, where we grew up. Familiar places. Still safe, because our friends who are still there say they are exactly the same towns they always were. I'm so sad right now. At least I know I'm not alone.

 Michelle Smyth

I moved to Lincoln Park after college in 1971. For most of my career I worked on Michigan Avenue and commuted by bike. I loved the energy of the city and all it had to offer. But when I began working in Lombard, the daily three hours of commuting wasted too much time. The taxes on my condo were up to $7,200, plus monthly assessments. When I first moved to Lincoln Park it was scary and dilapidated with gang graffiti everywhere. People like me made it nice. Then they taxed the hell out of us.

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There were a number of hair-raising incidents over the years in Chicago that made me realize what a relief it is not to constantly have your guard up. Parking is everywhere, and it's free, tons of shopping and every restaurant, no gridlock and lots of room. You see groups of young kids on bikes and in the numerous parks. Mostly it's just so much easier and civilized. The shootings and crime in Chicago are terrifying. I could never go back, and I wonder how I could've lived like that for so long.

 Lyn Cole

We made our choice years ago when my company moved to Naperville and my commute from Rogers Park became unbearable. We landed in Elmhurst when I was four months pregnant. Here is the other side: I now live in an upscale neighborhood where everyone drives an Audi, Trump signs are sprinkled on manicured lawns and everyone is white.

But there's also this: My children walked, unattended, under tree-lined streets to Blue Ribbon schools. I can walk my dog at 3 a.m. and feel perfectly at ease. My backyard is large enough to throw a Frisbee as hard as I can while my dog runs full force to catch it.

Now, facing my next stage, I too wonder if I could move back to Chicago. It wears on you, though. Not only the constant body counts, the intractable despair of thousands living in poverty, Rauner, Madigan and Rahm, but also sprinkled in on the news is, "Chicago got an F in air quality and traffic."

When I lived in Chicago, I was fully in it. Taking the "L" to my night classes. Seeking refuge in the Art Institute whenever life kicked me. Singing with the street musicians in the cool of the underground subway. Passing a guy riding a skateboard while playing the guitar with his dog on the back of his skateboard on the lakefront made me happy.

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I hope you stay. I don't blame you if you don't.

 Meg Sullivan

I met my city-dwelling daughter for a picnic at Blues Fest. Because we had a bottle of wine with us we were turned away. My thought at first was to sit on the lawn in front of the Petrillo Bandshell, but when we got there, there were signs and a low rope all around the perimeter around the lawn asking people to please stay off to protect it. What amazed me was that people obeyed. Many people walked up with baskets, looked over the vast expanse of green, read the sign and turned to look for a different place to sit.

Among a city of millions, we are still a civilized people. Most of us want what everyone else wants  camaraderie, humanity, decency, respect, friendliness, enjoyment, life. And safety.

After our picnic we walked back over to Grant Park. Along the walk, a little girl with her family recognized my daughter, who is a Chicago Public Schools teacher. Such smiles and nods and laughter, and on we went. In this huge, huge city. We are still family. It is possible.

I loved hearing your description of the rich life you and your family have in the city. And I know that the question of whether to stay or go will always be there in the back of your mind. Until that time comes, if that time comes, I hope you are able to rejoice in your beloved city.

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 Polly Hansen

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President Barack Obama is designating the Stonewall Inn in New York, seen in 2014, a national monument  the first to honor gay rights. (Richard Drew / AP)

President Barack Obama announced Friday that New York City's Stonewall Inn  widely considered ground zero of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights movement  will officially be designated a national monument by the National Park Service.

As Pride Month winds down, the president's announcement comes two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Supreme Court's marriage equality decision, and just two weeks after the mass shooting in Orlando, Fla., where a gunman killed 49 people at the Pulse nightclub, an LGBT hot spot.

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The new Stonewall National Monument encompasses nearly 8 acres of the Greenwich Village neighborhood and includes Christopher Park and the historic Stonewall Inn, where riots in June 1969 were the opening salvo in the national campaign for LGBT rights.

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In a White House video accompanying the monument's announcement, Obama said, "Raids like these were nothing new, but this time the patrons had had enough. So they stood up and spoke out. The riots became protests. The protests became a movement. The movement ultimately became an integral part of America."

While the new national monument is the first of its kind dedicated to LGBT history and rights, we've rounded up five other historical sites that also deserve recognition.

Furies Collective | Washington, D.C.

This past May, the National Park Service added two new LGBT locations to the National Register of Historic Places. The first lesbian site to ever be recognized by the NPS, the two-story Washington, D.C., house of the Furies Collective served as the operational center of the Furies, a 1970s lesbian feminist group that published and debated questions relevant to women's identity and relationships. Publishing "motive" magazine and The Furies newspaper, the 12 women who helmed the collective actively defined the agenda of lesbians and feminists for years.

Edificio Comunidad de Orgullo Gay de Puerto Rico | San Juan, Puerto Rico

In the same announcement recognizing the Furies Collective, the NPS also designated this Puerto Rican meeting hall on the National Register. Also known as Casa Orgullo ("House of Pride"), the community group was founded in 1974 to help organize Puerto Rico's LGBT community, inspired by the Stonewall Riots to fight discrimination, educate and provide social support.

Julius' | New York City

Located around the corner from the Stonewall Inn, Julius' is arguably the oldest gay bar in New York. A bar since 1864 but patronized by LGBT people since the '50s, the bar was also the site of protest. In 1966, three years before Stonewall, members of the Mattachine Society, a national gay rights group, sought to challenge a liquor law that prohibited the sale to homosexuals. At that point a known LGBT watering hole, Julius' had already been raided by police, so it was under close watch, lest they serve their LGBT clientele. With press in tow, the four Mattachine members ordered drinks at Julius' and were promptly refused, allowing them to (successfully) challenge the law in court.

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Rev. Troy Perry's Home | Los Angeles

In October 1968, the Rev. Troy Perry gathered 11 other people in his home in the Los Angeles suburb of Huntington Park, Calif., effectively establishing the Metropolitan Community Church. That first worship meeting signaled the creation of a church focused on positively ministering to LGBT people. Besides his work founding MCC, the Rev. Perry is also credited with co-founding Christopher Street West, the organizers of the first Pride Parade in June 1970.

GLBT History Museum| San Francisco

The City by the Bay is a must for any LGBT person seeking out culture and context for our queer pasts. In fact, it can almost be overwhelming, between visiting Polk Street, Harvey Milk's Castro Camera shop and myriad other sites. The GLBT History Museum is a must-visit. Located in the heart of the Castro, one of the country's first gay neighborhoods, the site is also a first-of-its-kind museum dedicated to archiving and exhibiting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer historical material.

jbhernandez@tribpub.com

Twitter @joeybear85

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It was honorable of longtime civil rights activist John Lewis to lead his fellow Democrats in a sit-in on the floor of the U.S. House to press for a vote on gun control legislation.

But we all know it was just theater. The protest, which we were able to watch through a jury-rigged C-SPAN video, made Democrats look like heroes on white horses but it did nothing to move Congress closer to enacting any sensible gun laws.

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No one was more suited for the spot at the helm than Lewis, whose brutal beating by state troopers helped define the Bloody Sunday march in Selma, Ala., in 1965. Without him, Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer would have looked ridiculous standing on the floor of Congress singing "We Shall Overcome."

I have no doubt that Lewis' motives were sincere. He has devoted his life to civil disobedience, acts that as a young man put him shoulder to shoulder with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the struggle for equal rights.

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Unfortunately, I can't say the same for many of the other politicians who stopped by the House chamber long enough to snap a Facebook photo with Lewis and send out an email to their constituents asking for a campaign donation.

The moment that email from my congresswoman popped into my mailbox, what initially had seemed to be a desperate, though legitimate, call for gun reform suddenly started feeling like a sympathy-grabbing political ploy.

And as someone who grew up in the South and benefited personally from the work of the martyrs in the civil rights movement, I felt uneasy.

Drawing an analogy between denying blacks the right to vote in the South and Speaker Paul Ryan's refusal to call a vote on gun legislation that had no way of passing in the House seemed manufactured.

If we learned anything from the civil rights movement over a half-century ago, it is that battles must be chosen carefully. You don't waste emotional capital on a fleeting moment of self-gratification. You go for the long haul.

After 24 hours of speeches and media interviews, the weary Democrats figured they'd chanted "no bill, no break" long enough and decided that it was time to get off the floor and join their Republican foes on vacation.

If Lewis had really been in charge, I suspect he would still be there.

Without question, we have a serious gun problem in America. If the slaughter of 49 people in an Orlando, Fla., nightclub or the deaths of 26 people, most of them children, at Sandy Hook Elementary School couldn't force Republicans to stand up against the National Rifle Association, a Democratic sit-in certainly could not.

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Legislation to ban AR-15s and other high-powered weapons isn't even on the table in Washington. But Congress does have a chance to address some common-sense issues. Two bills  expanding background checks and banning suspected terrorists on the FBI's no-fly list from legally purchasing guns  led Democrats to protest.

A fair number of people were just happy to see Democrats take a stand against the Republican majority, which has consistently stonewalled any attempts to close these serious loopholes in America's gun laws.

But for some of us, a symbolic gesture is not enough.

We're tired of the grandstanding, vitriol and games that have become trademarks of our do-nothing Congress. We want Republicans and Democrats to do their jobs and figure out how to compromise.

In other words, we want our elected officials to act like they care about America.

Lewis, 76, knows better than anyone that a single lunch-counter sit-in wasn't enough to change the direction of the country a half-century ago. To get Congress' attention, the civil rights leaders needed voices, lots of them.

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So on Aug. 28, 1963, hundreds of thousands of Americans descended on the nation's capital in the March on Washington. Lewis, the 23-year-old head of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, was the youngest speaker at the event. He and the others sent a clear message to Congress, and soon after, the House and the Senate passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A year later, the Voting Rights Act was passed.

Only time will tell whether the Democrats are interested in publicity stunts or a movement.

And if Americans feel as strongly about the mass murders in Orlando and Newtown, Conn., as we say we do, then it's time to prove it.

We don't need another moment of silence. We need to shout it out to Washington, but this time with a unified voice.

dglanton@tribpub.com

Twitter @dahleeng
Chicago police at the scene of a fatal shooting in the 3500 block on South State Street on May 20, 2016. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

A 16-year-old boy was arrested Friday in last month's killing of a city of Chicago dispatcher, who was shot as she left a coffee shop near police headquarters by gunfire intended for a man who is gang member, authorities said.

Yvonne Nelson, 49, of Chicago, who had recently finished her 14th year with the 311 Center, was shot in the chest as she walked out of a Starbucks at 35th and State streets May 20. The intended target was shot several times and injured.

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Chicago police and the U.S. Marshals Service announced the arrest at a news conference Friday afternoon. A criminal court warrant for the arrest of the boy on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm was obtained by police May 27, according to court records.

The boy was 15 at the time of the shooting, so he was expected to appear initially in juvenile court, but authorities are seeking to have him prosecuted as an adult, police said at the news conference.

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The Tribune is not naming the boy until his case has been transferred to criminal court.

The boy was put on probation in 2015 for multiple robberies he committed in 2014 using a BB gun.

"Our offender is no stranger to criminal activity," police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Friday.

The shooting happened just before 4 p.m. when a gunman opened fire on a man, a documented gang member in his 20s from the neighborhood, who was hit several times, Johnson told reporters the day of the shooting. Chicago police headquarters is at 35th Street and Michigan Avenue.

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Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy said Friday that Nelson was walking out of the Starbucks after buying coffee. About a block away, the teen, armed with a handgun, got out of a car and started chasing the man.

The man had walked out of a PNC Bank branch and as he got to the corner of 36th and State streets, he started walking north. The teen got to the same place, pulled out his gun and fired eight shots, Roy said.

One of the shots hit Nelson, who later was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. She lived in the Bronzeville community.

Roy said investigators used video surveillance to track the boy's movements before, during and after the slaying. Police said the youth was arrested without trouble at 11:30 a.m. Friday in the 9600 block of South Wentworth Avenue.

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Johnson vowed to work with the community to "make our city safer."

"It's the least we can do to pay tribute to Yvonne's memory," he said.

Chicago Tribune's Liam Ford contributed.
British Conservative party leadership candidate Theresa May speaks to members of the media at The St. Stephen's entrance to the Palace of Westminster in London on July 7, 2016. (Ben Stansall / AFP/Getty Images)

If you're looking for something to blame for the chaos unleashed on world markets Friday by Britain's vote to leave the European Union, consider Chicago pizza  at least if you believe the British press.

London's Financial Times and other British media reported that during a meeting at a pizzeria at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in May 2012, British Prime Minister David Cameron agreed to grant voters a referendum on Europe.

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Cameron  who'd urged his countrymen to vote to stay in the EU  resigned Friday morning after the shocking result triggered the value of the British pound to plunge to its lowest rate in 30 years.

But he might have saved his career, and the union, had he skipped sharing a pizza with his foreign secretary, William Hague, and chief of staff, Ed Llewellyn, according to the Financial Times and other British media.

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Cameron and his team were in Chicago to meet with other world leaders at a NATO summit that saw protesters clash with the police in the streets, when they grabbed a minute at the airport to discuss domestic concerns, according to several British publications.

In a concession to the Euroskeptic wing of his Conservative Party that helped him win Britain's 2015 general election, he made the "fateful decision" over pizza to grant a referendum before 2017, the Financial Times reported.

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Chicago Aviation Department spokesman Owen Kilmer said early Friday that Cameron was whisked straight from his private flight into a vehicle that took him downtown and that NATO summit security measures meant that "he was never in any of the terminals at O'Hare ... when he arrived or when he departed." But at least two witnesses tweeted on May 21, 2012, that they had seen Cameron eating at the airport.

One of the witnesses, British TV reporter Robert Moore, wrote in a blog post a day later that "as I passed through Chicago's O'Hare Airport, the Prime Minister was eating at a fast-food cafe, surrounded by fellow passengers, waiting for an American Airlines flight back to London."

It's unclear where he grabbed a bite. According to a list of vendors, Uno Pizzeria & Grill and the Wolfgang Puck cafe are currently the only vendors serving pizza at Terminal 3, where flights for American Airlines depart. An Uno spokesman could not immediately say whether it hosted Cameron and calls to the Wolfgang Puck concession were not returned.

Cameron's tastes in pizza are known to typically run to the upmarket British chain restaurant Pizza Express, which serves an Italian-style thin crust pizza. But Chicagoans might have enjoyed the ridicule he attracted in Britain last year when he was photographed eating a hot dog with a knife and fork.

Deep dish will now likely be off the menu at 10 Downing Street for a while, at least until Cameron's pro-exit rival Boris Johnson  the bookies' favorite to be Britain's next prime minister  moves in.

kjanssen@tribpub.com

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A Tribune analysis of 445 police-related lawsuits during Mayor Rahm Emanuel 's tenure found the city resisted the plaintiffs' requests for potential evidence in 109 cases. In 83 of those cases -- more than 75 percent of the time -- the judge sided with the plaintiff, at least in part, and ordered the city to comply with the request.

83 Judge ordered city to turn over potential evidence 26 No order given

The 109 cases, by types

Serious excessive force

Distinction used by the city to indicate the most severe injury allegations, including police-involved shootings. Minor excessive force

Distinction used by the city when the alleged injuries are not considered severe. Reversed convictions

Lawsuits from those convicted of crimes, only to have them overturned after sentencing. Malicious prosecution and detention

Lawsuits often claim the plaintiff's civil rights were violated when they were knowingly prosecuted or detained by police without probable cause. False arrest

Cases that allege police arrested the plaintiff without probable cause or another legally justifiable reason.

Detailing the sanctions In 5 cases the city's conduct was found to be so egregious that federal judges took the unusual step of sanctioning it.

Case (Year sanction was levied) Description Sanction cost Foltin et al vs. Police Officer Ugarte, et al (2011) Judge finds city failed to actively investigate the identity of an officer referenced in lawsuit $1,794.50 Fields v. City of Chicago, et al (2012) Judge awards sanctions for city's refusal to answer questions about who found a missing file and where it was found. $9,687.50 Volland v. The City of Chicago, et al (2013) Judge rules that the city did not respond to discovery requests -- in particular, records of complaints lodged against officers -- quick enough. $5,175 Hadnott v. City of Chicago, et al (2015) Judge finds city failed to turn over a police log related to plaintiff Jonathan Hadnott's allegation. Orders a new trial and awards attorney fees to Hadnott's lawyer. $350,000 Coyler v. City of Chicago (2015) Commonly referred to as the "Pinex case," judge finds a city attorney intentionally withheld evidence and chastises the law department's sloppy discovery practices. Orders new trial and attorneys fees. Still to be determined.

Sources: Court documents and Tribune reporting
Michelle Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, June 1, 2016. (Evan Vucci / AP)

WASHINGTON  Michelle Obama departs on Sunday for a six-day trip to Africa and Europe to advocate for the "Let Girls Learn" initiative, White House officials said.

The stops in Liberia and Morocco will be recorded for a documentary by CNN Films, which is picking up the costs for two trip participants: actresses Meryl Streep and Freida Pinto, an Obama aide said Friday.

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The documentary will air in the fall, said Tina Tchen, the first lady's chief of staff.

Let Girls Learn is a U.S. government-wide effort to get the estimated 62 million uneducated girls overseas into classrooms. Poverty, cultural barriers, violence and forced marriage are among hurdles they confront.

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In Liberia on Monday, the first lady will be joined by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Obama will visit a Peace Corps training facility in Kakata and a school in Unification Town.

Pinto, who rose to prominence in the film "Slumdog Millionaire," will moderate a talk at the school with adolescent girls who have faced obstacles in getting an education.

On Tuesday and Wednesday the first lady will be in Marrakech, a major city in Morocco. Streep will join Obama and Pinto to meet adolescent girls for a talk moderated by CNN's Isha Sesay, who is of Sierra Leonean descent.

Also on tap for the first lady is an iftar dinner with the Moroccan king's wife, Princess Lalla Salma.

The last stop is Madrid, where on Thursday Obama will speak to hundreds of girls and young women and afterward, Queen Letizia of Spain, will make remarks, Tchen said.

Obama and the queen later will meet.

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White House officials said the trip takes in three important regions  sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and Europe  and allows the first lady to stress the importance of lifting up women and girls.

Obama earlier visited Japan, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Cuba and Argentina for the initiative.

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She'll be sharing trip highlights on Twitter, Instagram, Snap chat and hellogiggles.com, Tchen said.

Obama's daughters, Malia and Sasha, and her mother, Marian Robinson, will accompany her.

Foreign policy and communications staffers and a security detail will be on the trip, but Tchen said she did not have a total count on the size of the traveling party, which returns July 1.

kskiba@tribpub.com

Twitter @KatherineSkiba
Desean Wynn, 23, of the 4400 block of South Dearborn Street, was charged with attempted first-degree murder, felony aggravated discharge of a weapon and felony use of a firearm by a felon or parolee. (Chicago Police Department)

Moments after visiting relatives on Father's Day, the father of 3-year-old Devon Quinn found himself diving in front of the boy to shield him from bullets fired in a drive-by shooting, Cook County prosecutors said Friday.

But one bullet entered the boy's right shoulder as he sat inside a vehicle, carving a destructive path that ended near his carotid artery. The child is now paralyzed from the chest down and cannot breathe on his own, prosecutors said.

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Reputed "Dro City" gang member Desean Wynn, 23, was allegedly celebrating a different holiday  Dro Day, a celebration of the life of a slain gang member  when he took aim at Crank Town gang rivals in the 6100 block of South Kimbark Avenue on Sunday evening, prosecutors said.

Assistant State's Attorney Lorraine Scaduto said the boy's father, Desmond Bell, was not the intended target but rather the Crank Town gang members out on the street nearby. She said Wynn fired at the vehicle the boy was in and another car that was double-parked on the block.

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Scaduto said Wynn, who is on parole for a robbery conviction, slowly drove south down Kimbark in a red Nissan with tinted windows about 6:15 p.m. The boy's father recognized Wynn, of 4400 block of South Dearborn Street, as he drove past, stopped his car and completely lowered the driver's side window.

"He put his hand out of the window and fired at least 10 shots," Scaduto said.

Bell dove on top of his son, hoping to protect him, but one bullet hit his son as he sat in a car seat.

The boy was placed in another car and rushed to the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital, where Bell carried him into the emergency room, Scaduto said.

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A Chicago police surveillance camera captured Wynn's car just after the shooting at Kimbark and 63rd Street, she said. Eight minutes after the shooting, police found the car, with front-end damage that matched the car seen in the video, parked in the 6400 block of South Ellis Avenue.

Bell and others on the street identified the shooter as "Little D from Dro City," she said. Bell showed police a Facebook photo of Wynn and identified him as the shooter, she said.

Wynn was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempted first-degree murder, felony aggravated discharge of a weapon and felony use of a firearm by a felon or parolee.

Judge Laura Sullivan ordered him held without bail Friday.

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Wynn, dressed in a light-colored T-shirt and jeans, quickly walked out of the courtroom with his head lowered after the hearing ended.

sschmadeke@tribpub.com

Twitter @SteveSchmadeke
A Southwest Side man is accused of attempting to sexually assault a CTA bus driver who was on her lunch break Wednesday in the West Chatham neighborhood.

Donell Booker, 30, was ordered held in lieu of $750,000 bond after being charged with attempted criminal sexual assault, authorities said.

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Booker, of the 2400 block of West 63rd Street and who prosecutors say has 57 prior arrests, appeared for a hearing Friday afternoon before Judge James Brown at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.

The victim, a 46-year-old woman, was in uniform when she placed her order at a fast-food pizzeria in the 7900 block of South LaSalle Street and sat down to wait, according to Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Matt Howroyd.

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That's when Booker, who entered the eatery drinking a beer, began staring at her before grabbing her face with one hand and pulling her face toward his groin, according to Howroyd.

She pushed him away but Booker exposed himself, causing the woman to move away from him and ask for help. He then molested her after following her to the counter, and the woman called 911, prosecutors said.

Booker walked out of the restaurant, but police found him in a stairwell a short time later.

After his arrest, Booker told officers that he "enjoyed it'' and that he has done this before "usually every day'' to different women, according to Howroyd.

The entire incident was "captured clearly'' by surveillance video, according to Howroyd.

Tribune reporter Steve Schmadeke contributed.
Roosevelt Johnson -- seen with two of his children, Stanton, 17, left, and Stephon, 21, on June 23, 2016 -- moved his wife and four kids from Chicago to northern Lake County about 10 years ago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

Cook County in 2015 recorded the largest black population of any county in the U.S., a title it has held for several years, but its lead grows shakier as more African-Americans are opting to move to outlying suburbs or warm-weather states, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data.

Between 2014 and 2015, more than 9,000 black residents left Cook County, and since 2010, the Chicago area, which for the census includes parts of Indiana and Wisconsin, has lost more than 35,000 black residents. The exodus is greater than in any other metropolitan area in the country.

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"I have very little desire to return to the city," said Roosevelt Johnson, 47, who moved to Lake County 10 years ago when he first saw the writing on the wall: limited services on the South Side, where he grew up, and unaffordable housing on the North Side, where he later moved. "It became a rat race of having to try to get from Point A to Point B with raising our family. Making sure everyone is in the place they need to be, despite escalating costs. It became too much for us to handle."

Chicago itself lost 181,000 black residents between 2000 and 2010, according to census data. The numbers are indicative of a larger pattern of Illinois' general population loss, which dropped by 22,194 residents between 2014 and 2015. The Chicago metropolitan statistical area, defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as the city and suburbs that extend into Wisconsin and Indiana, lost an estimated 6,263 residents between 2014 and 2015, the area's first population dip since at least 1990.

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Still, Cook County had the largest number of black residents of any county since at least 2010, and holds the lead over California's Los Angeles County by about 300,000 residents, according to the new census data released Thursday. Cook County has about 1.3 million black residents.

Propelling black flight is the search for stable incomes, safe neighborhoods and prosperity, with many African-Americans, similarly to other Illinois residents, flocking to warm-weather states. During the years after the economic recession of the late 2000s, migration to those states slowed, but it has heated up again as states in the South have greater job opportunities and affordable housing.

It's a trend that William Frey, a demographer with the Brookings Institution, calls "reverse migration."

The Greater Atlanta area in 2015 had the greatest numerical gain in black residents of any city area in the U.S., with more than 198,031 black residents moving there, according to an analysis of census data. But Fulton County, the county where most of Atlanta sits, has far fewer black residents than Cook County. Fulton County had 460,505 black residents in 2015.

While jobs are attracting younger African-Americans in their 20s and 30s, they're heading south for cultural reasons, too, perhaps to reconnect with their identities or relatives in a region with deep African-American history, Frey said.

"Atlanta has a rising black middle-class population, and people want to link into that labor market," Frey said. "But there's also a cultural part to it. If you're moving to a place where the economy is not so much better (than where you were) and you don't have family or friends there, but there is an established black community, that's attractive to you."

While experts believe it's largely middle-class families leaving Chicago, affluent African-Americans have relocated as well. Last fall, a Tribune article detailed how Chicago had fallen out of the top 10, from seventh place to 21st, in the percentage of black households earning at least $100,000. Many of the cities on the list are now in the South as a result of reverse migration.

Census numbers also show that African-Americans continue to move to the suburbs, a pattern that slowly began in the 1970s, when manufacturing jobs started to dry up, and picked up in the 2000s. Stephanie Schmitz Bechteler, director of research and evaluation at the Chicago Urban League, said suburbs in DuPage and Kane counties have better housing and job opportunities, citing the Interstate 88 business corridor in DuPage.

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"They've got lower taxes, more job opportunities, maybe better-funded school districts. All of those things are available in Cook County, too, but not as strongly," she said.

But there are issues that come with the increasing loss of the black middle class in neighborhoods across Chicago, Schmitz Bechteler said. Those left behind often belong to households that can't afford to leave and the families that are struggling most.

"You lose that healthy mix of incomes in the community, which can be problematic for the families still living there, in terms of investment and reinvestment and circulating dollars," she said. "I'd never fault a family for leaving, but it does present challenges for the community they leave behind."

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Johnson, the 47-year-old who grew up on Chicago's South Side and now lives in northern Lake County, understands that a black exodus can create problems for predominantly black neighborhoods, particularly on the South Side.

"If a human being doesn't have the ability to provide for him or himself they become desperate, and that's when these areas become dangerous," he said, referencing his time living in the South Shore neighborhood more than a decade ago, when he first began noticing an increase in violence. "I think it's very unfortunate. It's creating a dangerous culture of individuals. If I didn't have a job, if I had little education and I'm hungry ... I'll become a desperate individual."

Johnson said he mainly left the South Side due to the area's limited resources, such as the availability of grocery stores. From there he moved to Rogers Park, where he briefly raised his children but left when he failed to find affordable housing options for his family of five.

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Giving up on Chicago wasn't easy, considering how much the city had shaped his life  from skating at The Loop Roller Disco on West 95th Street to taking eager bites into saucy Italian beef sandwiches. But his decision to leave is reaffirmed with each visit, and the sight of crumbling infrastructure in his old neighborhoods.

"I'm saddened by the fact that my trips to the city are now filled with less enthusiasm, more apprehension and a much more sobering view that 'Sweet Home Chicago' is more so in song than reality," he said.

meltagouri@tribpub.com

Twitter @marwaeltagouri
James Green, 33, is charged with fatally shooting Edward Flowers, 42, on Feb. 1 after Flowers punched him in the face at what prosecutor described as a neighborhood social club. (Chicago police photo)

A man arrested this spring in Madison, Wisc., was ordered held in lieu of $2 million in the February killing of a man who prosecutors say punched him in the face at a neighborhood social club in the West Garfield Park neighborhood.

James Green, 33, is charged with fatally shooting Edward Flowers, 42, who punched him in the face Feb. 1 at what prosecutor described as a neighborhood social club. Judge Brown ordered him held in lieu of $2 million bail.

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Authorities originally had said Flowers was from Cicero, but court records indicate he lived in the 4900 block of West Harrison Street.

Flowers was shot about 12:30 a.m. Feb. 1 outside the back of a business in the 500 block of South Cicero Avenue and was pronounced dead at 2:45 a.m. the same day at Mount Sinai Hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

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Witnesses at the scene the day of the shooting said it took place in a building on the east side of the street, two stories tall with trash-filled vacant lots on either side and a handwritten sign in the window advertising low prices on mattresses. The back room of the business is something of a local hangout, neighbors said, where people can shoot pool and play cards late at night.

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Just before the shooting, Green was seated and Flowers went up to him and punched him once in the head, prosecutors said Thursday.

Flowers then started walking away, and Green got up and started walking toward Flowers. Green pulled a gun out of his pants pocket, pulled back the slide on the gun and fired one shot at Flowers, prosecutors said.

After Flowers fell to the ground, Green stood over him, put the gun to Flowers' head and fired another shot into the ground, prosecutors said.

Surveillance video from inside the business shows Green shooting at Flowers, and multiple witnesses identified Green as the shooter, prosecutors said.

Flowers was taken to Mount Sinai, where he died from what the medical examiner's office later determined was a gunshot wound to the back, prosecutors said.

Investigators obtained a warrant for Green's arrest on Feb. 26, and Green was arrested in Madison on March 4 with a gun. Local gun possession charges against Green were dismissed earlier this month, according to Wisconsin court records. He was extradited to Illinois on Tuesday, prosecutors said.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story inadvertently juxtaposed Green and Flowers' names in some paragraphs. The Tribune regrets the error.
Dewann Crook, of Gary, was charged in a 2011 shooting that killed a man and injured another on Chicago's Far South Side. (Chicago Police Department)

A Gary man was charged Friday morning in a 2011 shooting that killed one man and injured another on the Far South Side.

Dewann Crook, 37, was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm in the March 14 fatal shooting of Clint Eldridge in the 11500 block of South Champlain Avenue, said police.

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Shortly after 1:30 p.m. that day, Eldridge and a 27-year-old man were both wounded. Eldridge, 38, of the 9300 block of South King Drive, suffered a wound to the head and was pronounced dead, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

The second victim was shot in the right arm.

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Crook was arrested June 22, 2016, after being identified as the gunman in the Riverdale neighborhood shooting.

Crook, who was named in a murder warrant, was scheduled to appear Friday afternoon at a bail hearing.
A Kane County sheriff's deputy has been charged with drug possession, authorities said Friday.

Kimberly Zinke, who has been on paid leave with the sheriff's department for at least six months, was indicted Thursday on felony charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, officials said.

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The indictment stems from an allegation that an illegal substance was found in Zinke's home in McHenry County, said Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Reginald Mathews.

The charges were filed in McHenry County, but an outside prosecutor was brought in to handle the case because of Zinke's ties to McHenry County authorities: Her husband, Andrew Zinke, is the former McHenry County undersheriff. When he ran for sheriff in 2014, he lost in the Republican primary to Bill Prim, who was supported by State's Attorney Louis Bianchi. Prim ultimately won the seat.

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The investigation into Kimberly Zinke was handled by Illinois State Police, and the probe continues, officials said.

A Kane County sheriff's spokesman said Friday that Zinke has been on paid leave for six months. But the Tribune, citing official sources, reported in May 2015 that Zinke had been placed on paid leave the prior month, the same day a search warrant was executed at her Woodstock home.

Zinke worked in record keeping and the evidence unit, Kane County authorities said last year.

It was not immediately clear Friday if Zinke was in police custody.

Robert McCoppin is a staff reporter; Susan Berger is a freelance reporter. Freelance reporters Amanda Marrazzo and Clifford Ward contributed.
Traffic passes Chicago and Illinois State Police vehicles on the side of the outbound Eisenhower Expressway near South Kostner Avenue on June 23, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

A car was found shot on the Eisenhower Expressway late Thursday, police said.

State police received reports of shots fired about 10:10 p.m. on the outbound lanes of I-290 near Kostner. A Chevrolet Monte Carlo was found shot, though nobody was reported injured.
The Lucas Museum saga in Chicago has ended.

"Star Wars" creator George Lucas announced Friday he is abandoning plans to build the project in Chicago, ending months of debate and controversy. Lucas, who wanted to build a museum showcasing his art collection along the city's lakefront, said in a statement he would shift his focus to trying to build the museum in California.

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The Lucas Museum proposal has been on hold since November 2014, when the group Friends of the Parks filed a federal lawsuit blocking construction.

"No one benefits from continuing their seemingly unending litigation to protect a parking lot," filmmaker George Lucas said. "The actions initiated by Friends of Parks and their recent attempts to extract concessions from the city have effectively overridden approvals received from numerous democratically elected bodies of government."

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The decision to abandon plans for the museum comes after months of heated rhetoric from city officials and leadership of the parks group over the fate of the project. The controversy kicked into high gear during the past week, with city and museum representatives trading public barbs.

In the statement, Lucas thanked Chicago and Illinois officials for their efforts to bring the project to the Midwest.

"We are deeply appreciative to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Gov. Bruce Rauner and countless others for all the time and effort they invested in trying to secure the museum for Chicago," Lucas said. "While Chicago will not be home to the museum, my wife and I will continue to enthusiastically support a wide variety of educational and cultural activities throughout the city."

Lucas' wife, financial executive Mellody Hobson, is a Chicago native.

Friends of the Parks held firm to the position that the Lucas project did not belong on the lakefront, a position it reaffirmed again Friday in response to Lucas' decision to leave Chicago.

"It is unfortunate that the Lucas Museum has made the decision to leave Chicago rather than locate the museum on one of several alternative sites that is not on Chicago's lakefront. That would have been the true win-win," Friends of the Parks Executive Director Juanita Irizarry and board chair Lauren Moltz said in a statement. Irizarry could not immediately be reached. Moltz declined additional comment.

Friends of the Parks argued that the museum plans violate the public trust doctrine, benefit a private interest more than the state's residents and tarnish the city's lakefront. While the group hinted at a compromise in recent days, Friends of the Parks did not withdraw its lawsuit and remained steadfast in its opposition to lakefront development.

Emanuel issued a statement Friday saying the city lost a "once-in-a-generation opportunity."

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago featured many ideas that became city icons and many that did not, such as a Civic Center Plaza at Halsted Street and Congress Parkway. In the above rendering by Jules Guerin, the view is from the east. (Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago)

"Unfortunately, time has run out, and the moment we've consistently warned about has arrived," Emanuel stated. "Chicago's loss will be another city's gain. ... We tried to find common ground to resolve the lawsuit  the sole barrier preventing the start of the museum's construction. But despite our best efforts to negotiate a common solution that would keep this tremendous cultural and economic asset in Chicago, Friends of the Parks chose to instead negotiate with themselves while Lucas negotiated with cities on the West Coast."

Rauner issued a statement saying he was "disappointed" but understood the decision "given the numerous hurdles faced every step of the way."

"Diana and I wish George and Mellody the best of luck and express my gratitude for their patience and willingness to consider Chicago as the home for their state of the art museum," the governor wrote.

The plan for the futuristic-looking 300,000-square-foot museum on 17 acres of lakefront property south of Soldier Field had received the approval of the Chicago City Council, the Plan Commission and the Chicago Park District. The Park District owns the land and had entered into an agreement to lease the property at a cost of $10 for 99 years, with a two-time option to renew.

The estimated price tag of the museum, near $750 million, was to be funded by Lucas.

Hobson, who in the spring voiced displeasure with the faltering prospects for her husband's museum, did not make a public comment on the decision. Hobson had labeled Friends of the Parks a "special interest group" that "hijacked" the process.

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"As an African-American who has spent my entire life in this city I love, it saddens me that young black and brown children will be denied the chance to benefit from what this museum will offer," she said in May.

Lawyers for the city and the parks group tussled in court for more than a year over the legality of the proposal on land formerly part of Lake Michigan. A federal judge allowed the lawsuit to proceed, stating the park group adequately stated a claim. The city of Chicago then filed a motion in federal appeals court, essentially asking a panel of judges to toss out the parks group's lawsuit, which would clear the way for the project. The project had all the necessary city and state approvals. The appeals court had not yet ruled on the city's motion.

Lucas chose Chicago after plans to build the museum in San Francisco were rejected. He has again been exploring a site on an island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Los Angeles also has expressed interest.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti jumped on the news.

"The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art would be perfect for Los Angeles," Garcetti said in a statement. "Tens of millions of people visit our city every year  and L.A. has unquestioned stature as a world arts capital, thanks to institutions like the Broad, the Getty, MOCA and LACMA. We would welcome the opportunity to be a permanent home for this incredible collection, which would become part of a museum culture that is unrivaled in the United States."

The decision by Lucas to build his museum elsewhere elicited frustrated responses from many in Chicago who had worked to bring the project to the city.

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The Rev. Michael Pfleger, a strong supporter, criticized Friends of the Parks. The city loses a "major jewel  all because of an elitist GANG called Friends of the Park who think they run the lakefront," Pfleger posted on his Facebook page. "Don't ever tell me about gangs in the community, some of the most powerful gangs in Chicago live in high-rises and seek to run the whole city!!!"

Pfleger's post drew a mixed response from his followers online, with some people voicing disappointment in the decision and others saying the city has more pressing concerns.

Labor groups and pastors from neighborhoods south and west of the proposed museum became vocal supporters of the Lucas plan in recent weeks, holding rallies at the parking lot site and outside the Friends of the Parks' Loop offices. The mayor's office touted the project as a jobs creator and tourism draw.

The Rev. Leon Finney, pastor of the Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church, who helped organize several pro-museum rallies, said Friday he was "disappointed and disgusted."

"To lose 4,000 construction jobs, 2,000 permanent jobs, where else are you going to get those in the Rust Belt?" Finney said. "I'm pretty upset. I'm disappointed Chicago couldn't be united behind this."

With the parking lot plan in legal limbo, Emanuel pitched an alternate plan to put the Lucas Museum at McCormick Place. That idea called for tearing down the Lakeside East convention hall and building the museum on that site. But that proposal went nowhere amid the state budget stalemate.

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The McCormick Place plan came with a $1.17 billion price tag, extending five taxes beyond their expiration dates. To fund it, the Exposition Authority, known as McPier, would have had to issue bonds. A $743 million contribution from Lucas would pay debt on the borrowing for the first 16 years of the 40-year loan.

Friends of the Parks initially opposed the alternate plan as well. The group then softened its stance in recent weeks, issuing a list of negotiating points, but city officials indicated the only viable plan was the parking lot site.

Tailgating Bears fans, on the other hand, had been vocal opponents of the plan to replace the South Lot with the Lucas Museum. With the Lucas proposal off the table, football fans will have plenty of space when the preseason opens in six weeks.

On the Lucas Museum website, which for months trumpeted the project's benefits, two words that had previously been displayed prominently next to "our investment" were gone Friday afternoon.

The deleted words: "in Chicago."

poconnell@tribpub.com

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bruthhart@tribpub.com
Police officers in north suburban Round Lake Park have sued the village over their claims that body cameras invaded their privacy by secretly recording them in the bathroom and in other private moments.

The department started using the body cameras last September, and officers were instructed to activate them during traffic stops and other enforcement actions.

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But the officers said in the suit that, unbeknownst to them, the cameras were actually shooting video "nonstop," in violation of the department's policy not to record private body parts or nonenforcement activities.

The suit claims that the cameras recorded thousands of "highly offensive and voyeuristic intrusions," including video that exposed officers' genitals and showed them engaging in "private and personal acts," including using the bathroom and changing their clothes.

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In response to the federal lawsuit, Chief George Filenko said Friday that he had been unaware of the recordings until an officer discovered them. Filenko issued a statement saying the 10 officers who sued raised their allegations before all the facts are known.

"The police officers who filed the lawsuit against the village made a quick rush to judgment, without considering all of the facts," the statement read.

Filenko said the village hired an independent attorney to investigate the operation of the body cameras "to determine whether there was any impropriety in their use." That investigation is ongoing.

Body cameras are small video-recording devices that attach to officers' uniforms, and they're becoming increasingly common as police departments and the public seek better records of the conduct of officers and the people with whom they interact on the job.

In Round Lake Park, Officer Dominick Izzo, one of the officers suing, said he discovered while reviewing video from his camera in May that it had continued to record even when it was "off" or in sleep mode, according to the lawsuit, which claims the system at that point had video going back at least to February.

Upon realizing what had occurred, the suit states, the officers were "humiliated, embarrassed and greatly upset."

Izzo alerted a commander, who wrote a memo that day notifying other officers of the problem and advising them to take off the cameras when not working. The agency soon halted use of the cameras altogether.

The only two people with full administrative access to the video review system were Filenko and Deputy Chief Daniel Burch, who therefore knew about the unauthorized video, asserts the suit, which names both as defendants. Burch had also conducted the department's initial two-hour training session on the cameras, showing officers how to start and stop the devices, advising officers to record almost all calls, both routine and emergency, including traffic stops and foot pursuits.

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The Police Department's policy stated that the cameras would not normally be used in places where a reasonable expectation of privacy existed, such as restrooms and dressing rooms.

After the discovery, another officer said he witnessed Burch delete all the unauthorized video, despite a state law that requires body camera recordings be saved for at least 90 days, according to the suit.

Ten officers, out of 13 on the force, filed the suit Thursday in federal court, claiming that the recordings violated their civil rights and invaded their privacy. Each officer is seeking damages of more than $100,000, which would total more than $1 million.

Reached by phone, Filenko said he never saw the controversial video, and said the plaintiffs had refused to talk to the law firm investigating it, Ancel Glink.

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Filenko also had not yet seen the suit Friday, and declined to answer further questions while it was pending. He said the case would be referred to the village's insurer.

The vendor that provided the cameras is Enforcement Video, LLC, of Allen, Texas, doing business as WatchGuard Video. It claims to be the world's largest manufacturer of in-car police video systems and that more than 1,000 departments use its VISTA body camera.

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The cameras are always recording unless that feature is disabled by the administrator, WatchGuard spokeswoman Jaime Carlin said. The company trains police supervisors on how to disable the feature, and supervisors then train officers on how to use the system, she said. Officers can override the feature simply by turning the camera off, she said.

The system only saves video to the server if it is marked as evidence, she said. Otherwise, it typically gets recorded over in a day or two.

The feature has helped catch criminals, Carlin said, citing a Massachusetts case in which a squad car camera caught a man at a fatal arson scene who was later convicted of manslaughter.

rmccoppin@tribpub.com

Twitter @RobertMcCoppin
Nearly 200 people gathered in front of ICE offices in Chicago to protest the Supreme Courts 4-4 decision to block President Obama's immigration reform programs. (Nereida Moreno/Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Luke Hwang is apprehensive about calling his father after Thursday's Supreme Court decision.

The 4-4 tie vote effectively ends President Barack Obama's effort to expand deportation protection to older immigrants like Hwang's father.

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The University of Chicago graduate student is a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which began in 2012 and has not been challenged in court. DACA allows certain immigrants who entered the country illegally before their 16th birthday and before June 2007 to receive a renewable two-year work permit and exemption from deportation.

Hwang, 25, had hoped Obama's 2014 expansion would provide the same protection for his father, a Korean immigrant who lives in New Jersey.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Vicky Chavez, 40, who is undocumented, weeps in frustration and anger over the ending of DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents) and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) as she joins dozens of protesters outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs building in Chicago, to protest against the Supreme Court's 4-4 split vote this morning on a landmark immigration case that essentially puts a stop on DAPA and expanded-DACA on June 23, 2016. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

"I'm sad that it's not happening," Hwang said. "I'm sad that my father couldn't live out the privileges that I have, and it's my own parent and it's my immigrant father, so it's real and it's tangible."

Thursday's split decision leaves the federal appeals court ruling in place, prohibiting the Department of Homeland Security from implementing Obama's executive order, according to a statement from Jeh Johnson, secretary of Homeland Security. The vote also ends Obama's Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, which would have extended protection to parents of citizens and lawful permanent residents.

"The President and I remain committed to fixing our broken immigration system," Johnson said in a news release. "We are disappointed by the 4-4 vote in the Supreme Court today, and the gridlock in Congress that has stood in the way of more lasting, comprehensive immigration reform."

Other organizations support the decision, saying it indicates that the president overstepped his constitutional authority.

Ira Mehlman, a spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, said Congress is "missing in action" and needs to "step up" and make clear what the limits on the president are.

"Our focus is going to be getting Congress to act to limit the discretion of the president and also to implement the kind of reforms that recognize the American people as the primary stakeholders of the immigration policy," Mehlman said.

In Chicago, about 200 people from various immigration organizations gathered Thursday in front of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in the South Loop chanting "Si, se puede" and "Yes, we can," and holding signs that read "No human is illegal," "The fight continues" and in Korean "Comprehensive immigration reform now."

Many expressed their disappointment with the court's decision and Obama's failure to make good on his promises. They also encouraged people to vote in the November general election.

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Berenice Alonzo, whose husband is facing deportation, said at the rally that she and her family are going to "keep fighting alongside the community to go forward."

Jose Juan Federico Moreno, her husband, was convicted in 2009 of aggravated DUI and was placed on ICE's priority list of cases. The aggravating factor in Moreno's case was that he was driving without a license, which he could not apply for without legal documentation. He has been in sanctuary since April 15 hoping that ICE will reconsider his case.

The couple expected Alonzo to be protected under DAPA because their children were born in the U.S., but now they are both living with uncertainty.

"We had hoped that at least I would qualify," she said. "But I see him every day and now more often than ever since the kids are out of school. We don't want him to get discouraged with the situation. We're going to keep fighting for a better life."

Michael Jarecki, vice chairman of the Chicago chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said the decision does not set a precedent in the Supreme Court and leaves a lot of confusion going forward.

"If the president wants to go forward with other executive actions, whether it be immigration or other contexts, this decision doesn't say if the president can extend DACA or create the DAPA program," Jarecki said. "Had Congress or the Senate done what it should have done and heard the nomination for the Supreme Court, it's possible that we would have gotten clear guidance on this, and the country could have moved forward with the law as they see it."

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Rosi Carrasco, an organizer with Organized Communities Against Deportations, said her group resolved to keep fighting and is calling for immediate action from Obama to halt deportations.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a statement saying that while disappointed, the city will continue to fight for families to stay together and ensure that immigrants can participate in the economic and cultural life of Chicago.

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., called the decision "reckless" in a news release. She criticized Congress for not bringing up comprehensive immigration reform for a vote and for refusing to hold a hearing for a Supreme Court nomination.

"This decision is damaging and wrong, but it won't break our resolve in the fight for immigration reform," she said in a news release. "By working together both inside and outside the halls of Congress, we will succeed."

The topic of immigration is not going away, especially with the upcoming election, experts said.

"The decision wasn't more than one sentence so we don't know exactly how the Supreme Court feels, but I suspect that we will know in the coming years," said Jon Feere, legal policy analyst at the Center for Immigration Studies. "In the meantime, it guarantees that this issue will remain front and center in the election cycle. So the people will have to decide whether they want President Clinton or President Trump to nominate a justice who will inevitably be a deciding factor in whether or not this controversial policy is upheld."

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Some groups are doubling down on registering the immigrant community to vote and educating them about the issues, making sure they know their communities will be directly affected.

"We're going to support DAPA and DACA families and we're going to support those who are running for election who are supporting this," said Inhe Choi, executive director of the Korean American Resource and Cultural Center. "We can make a difference and immigrants are going to make a difference in the election."

Hwang hopes to be one of those who makes a difference by sharing his story. He is not giving up and plans to "move forward."

"Moving forward means some sort of status for the rest of our families, not just those who are perceived as Dreamers and people who have to be educated and contributing to society, but for the rest of the family who are working hard to support these children," Hwang said. "It really means a lot for us to be inclusive and be categorized as real Americans and first-class citizens."

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Hwang's father came to the United States in search of a better life and educational opportunities for his children after he lost his job during a financial crisis in South Korea in the 1990s.

"It was a very selfless act," Hwang said. "It was a very courageous one because they had to leave everything behind, and we had to leave the rest of our family and relatives and friends behind. It was a big leap of faith."

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Hwang's family overstayed a tourism visa and settled in New Jersey, but Hwang said it was frustrating to live illegally in the country because he would see his friends driving or applying for internships and jobs, which he couldn't do because he kept his status secret. In October 2012, he became a beneficiary of DACA.

"I was talking to my dad and my dad was saying, 'This can really change the course of events in your life,'" Hwang said. "As soon as I got it, I was able to apply to graduate school so I came to (Chicago). It really changed my life. If it didn't happen, I don't know how else my life would have unfolded. I couldn't imagine where I would be right now without it."

Chicago Tribune's Nereida Moreno contributed.

gwong@tribpub.com

Twitter @GraceWong630
Part of the campus of the University of Chicago on Sept. 30, 2015. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

Faculty members and student groups are pushing back against University of Chicago leadership and its ongoing effort to lay off administrative personnel across campus.

Leaders of multiple academic divisions were directed to cut budgets by 8 percent, following a university mandate to reduce spending on administration, faculty members told the Tribune. Several non-academic and secretarial staffers in the Humanities division were let go in mid-May, and another round of cuts affecting other branches could hit at the end of June, according to faculty and union representatives.

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The layoffs have some questioning why the prestigious institution carrying more than $8 billion in net assets would need to cut costs at all, and how eliminating lower-level administration would help meet changing financial demands. U. of C. paid out just over $2 billion in salaries and benefits to faculty and staff in 2014-15, according to its financial statements.

A university spokesman would not make any top administrators available for comment or to answer specific questions about the cuts. Instead, the officials offered a statement saying the university is committed to aggressive spending on new academic programs, facilities and financial aid packages, things that could not continue without cutbacks elsewhere.

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"Limiting spending in administrative areas will help ensure a financially sustainable basis for ongoing investments the university is making in support of faculty, academic initiatives and comprehensive support for students," the statement said. "While the cost containment will be achieved primarily through attrition and controls on hiring, some reduction of current staff positions is necessary to meet budget targets."

The move has roiled students, staff and faculty at the South Side campus.

"The feeling is that an elite university of the stature of University of Chicago with the size of the endowment that it has  that this simply shouldn't happen," said Jason Grunebaum, a senior lecturer in Hindi. "It was a real unforced error that's going to have immediate and drastic impact on the core mission of students and faculty. I've never seen my department so demoralized."

Division deans were told to implement budget cuts to the academic departments by laying off secretarial staff, according to Willemien Otten, professor of theology and the history of Christianity. Non-academic units also were told to eliminate administrative employees to reduce spending, Otten said.

Grunebaum said the Humanities division cut staff in Germanic studies, Slavic languages and literature, and South Asian languages and civilizations. Members of the Humanities dean's office also were laid off, while vacant positions were eliminated and other jobs converted to part-time posts, according to faculty members.

The reasoning, faculty members said, was that university leaders felt the number of non-academic staff members was growing out of proportion with the grant money received to fund them. Otten, who also serves as the local president for the American Association of University Professors, disputed that rationale.

"The layoffs seem to affect especially the Humanities, so far, where there are really no major grants to speak of," Otten said. "Grants are much more prevalent in other divisions, like biological sciences."

Catharine Schutzius, union representative for Teamsters Local 743, said more layoffs are expected by July 1, the start of the 2017 fiscal year. The union is not formally notified until the day affected workers are served, but she believes the next cuts could affect around 10 members on the library staff and employees in the Social Sciences division.

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"We're just devastated," Schutzius said. "These are long-term people. They're mostly older workers, so we're worried about future (job) prospects. It's a pretty tough time for the support staff."

Among the people in Humanities who lost their jobs was Alicia Czaplewski, a beloved, longtime secretary in South Asian languages and civilizations. In response, a former U. of C. doctoral student started an online petition urging university leaders to reconsider their staffing decisions. Nearly 600 people have signed.

Spencer McAvoy, who graduated this month with a degree in English, said departmental secretaries and coordinators often serve as a primary link for students to faculty and department leaders.

"As an undergraduate, the main contact I have with my department  the person who knows what my requirements are, when I need to take them by, what I need to do to get into classes, what I need to do to write my thesis  is the departmental coordinator," McAvoy said.

In the midst of the backlash, the Humanities dean, Martha T. Roth, resigned her post and opted to return to her faculty position effective June 30, according to emails obtained by the Tribune. Roth was dean for nine years. U. of C. President Robert J. Zimmer said he would appoint an interim leader for the 2016-17 school year while an elected committee searches for a new dean.

University annual financial reports show some slides in income versus expenses. The campus generated about $22.5 million in net operating revenue in 2014 but dropped to about $13.4 million in 2015. Salaries increased about 6 percent in 2015.

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Net assets dipped by about $151 million, to just more than $8 billion. The university also took a $101 million loss in its investments, which university officials said were "insufficient to support the endowment payout."

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U. of C.'s endowment stands at $7.55 billion, according to its investments office.

The university has invested heavily in new construction and renovation over the past several years, devoting hundreds of millions of dollars annually to capital projects. New buildings in recent years include the William Eckhart Research Center, the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. Several other new facilities are in the pipeline, including a new undergraduate dorm and dining commons scheduled to open in the fall.

U. of C. also launched a new financial aid program in 2014, replacing need-based loans with grants for qualifying students.

Top administrators say upgraded facilities and programs give the university a competitive edge in drawing top faculty and students. Critics contend such spending is ballooning out of control.

"The cuts that now result, we feel, should go to those projects and not go to positions that are part of the bread and butter of the university: research and teaching," Otten said.

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cdrhodes@tribpub.com

Twitter @rhodes_dawn
Taxis wait for the light to change at Randolph and Michigan last September. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield.

Topspin

Months after some Chicago cab companies began illegally charging riders a 50-cent "technology fee" for fares paid with credit cards, the city is trying to get them to refund the money.

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The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection sent an email to all cab companies operating in the city, ordering them to pay back each 50-cent fee they charged before the surcharge law took effect April 13.

The City Council passed the fee in March, with 9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale saying it was a "budget-neutral" way to put some money in the pockets of struggling cabbies who get dinged by credit card companies for the credit transactions. Not budget-neutral for riders who have to kick in an additional two quarters on top of the $3.25 flag pull for a cab ride in Chicago, of course, but for a cash-strapped city that's trying to help out taxi drivers who are losing passengers to ride-hailing companies.

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Even before aldermen adopted the add-on, the city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection sent out a notice to the cab industry in early February informing drivers that "credit card payment transaction fees or technology fees may not be charged to passengers."

That was in response to complaints from riders who said the fee already was turning up on their credit card statements, according to Business Affairs spokeswoman Mika Stambaugh.

Stambaugh said the city does not know how much the cab companies charged in illegal technology fees. She said no cab companies or cabbies had been cited for illegally charging the fees.

As for holding the cab companies responsible for repaying the illegal fees, sounds like that will be up to passengers. Stambaugh said people who don't get refunds for the tech fees that were charged before April 13 can call the city at 311 to file a complaint, and city inspectors will look into it. (John Byrne)

What's on tap

*Mayor Emanuel will announce new hotels for O'Hare International Airport.

*Gov. Bruce Rauner is scheduled to tour tornado damage in Pontiac and has three stops in Peoria.

What we're writing

*Emanuel curt, cracks jokes in rare deposition of sitting mayor (there's an epic photo). Read the transcript.

*Madigan, Cullerton summon lawmakers back to Capitol next week.

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*Kirk camp slams Duckworth for lawsuit settlement talks, but Madigan's office said judge requested it.

*Commissioner Fritchey pushing referendum to combine Cook County clerk, recorder of deeds offices.

*Rep. Robin Kelly speaks out on gun control in second day of sit-in.

*Emanuel jumps aboard Metra Electric rapid transit, perhaps as cheaper option than Red Line southern extension.

*McDonald's unveils plans for new HQ at old Oprah spot.

What we're reading

*City Hall often fights to keep files secret in police abuse suits.

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*Chicago Reporter: City does little to control police misconduct  or its costs.

*Woman stabbed to death on CTA Red Line in possible domestic attack.

*Federal securities regulators slap ex-UNO chief Rangel with $10,000 fine.

From the notebook

*The mayor, he doesn't know: Mayor Rahm Emanuel didn't recall very much when questioned by attorneys in a civil suit about Chicago cops who were dropped from his security details. Here's a breakdown of the mayor's responses during his deposition.

"I don't know"  four.

"Do you recall/can you recall"  10 negative responses.

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"No idea"  12.

"I can't remember/I don't remember"  nine.

"Not at all"  one.

Variations of "That was Terry Hillard's job"  five.

"Nope"  three.

"I don't recall or remember"  one.

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Tallying it up, there were 40 or so various versions of he didn't remember and five times where he cited Hillard. Read it for yourself here. (Hal Dardick)

*How the sausage is made at City Hall, Part I: We're still unpacking the gems from this week's rambunctious Chicago City Council meeting.

Before the watered-down compromise on ride-hailing regulations favored by Mayor Emanuel passed, some aldermen tried briefly to block a vote on the measure, arguing they had not been given enough time to digest the latest amendments to the ordinance they were being asked to consider. South Side Ald. Willie Cochran offered a telling glimpse into how the council conducts business while speaking in favor of an up-or-down roll call.

"We've talked about how we introduce documents in front of us before we're supposed to vote on it, and not having enough time," said Cochran, 20th. "And it's been going on for as long as I've been in the council, the last 10 years. And we've talked about it and we continue to talk about it. And I think that we will continue to have a situation where we will be posed with that.

"On that note, what has evolved out of that is a concise summary of changes on this ordinance that has been presented to us from the staff in (the mayor's) office to let us understand so that we won't have to go through all these issues," Cochran said.

"The mayor's office has produced documents to let us know in summary. How many of us asked our staff to summarize that report and read it to me so that I can make a decision on it?" he asked. "That's what we do. We don't read a lot of things that come before us." (John Byrne)

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*How the sausage is made at City Hall, Part II: This week's council meeting also featured a couple of instances of the notoriously, proudly foul-mouthed mayor admonishing aldermen for profanity.

Talking about the need to pass Uber regulations, Southwest Side Ald. George Cardenas, 12th, used some colorful language in describing the complaints he hears from constituents. "Folks have come to me and said 'Alderman, I've got a, excuse my French, s----- job,' and I've been, really, faced with this ..."

"Thank God the kids are gone from here earlier," Emanuel interjected, referring to a grade-school chess team the council had honored.

Later, Northwest Side Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno, 1st, drew Emanuel's ire for using an acronym with a letter for a naughty word while talking up the need to pass an ordinance giving Chicago workers paid sick leave.

"When President Obama passed health care, they were walking up to the podium and as you know Mr. President, Vice President Joe Biden said 'This is a BFD,'" Moreno said. "Well, this earned sick time ordinance is a BFD."

"You know, there is, on a serious note, alderman, there's a level of decorum here in the council, and I'd like us to, that was in the ear of the president, so I'd like us to remember that," Emanuel said to Moreno.

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"That's why I abbreviated it," Moreno said.

"I understand you abbreviated it, but I do hope all of us respect this institution when speaking," Emanuel replied. "That's my one request." (John Byrne)

*Giving vets a leg up: Mayor Emanuel and Ald. Ed Burke, 14th, this week proposed measures aimed at boosting work for military veterans.

Emanuel's proposal would give bidding preferences to veteran-owned companies seeking city construction work, provided no state or federal money was involved, and to veteran-owned small local businesses bidding on other city work.

Burke's proposal, also backed by Ald. Matthew O'Shea, 19th, would require that veterans get a share of all work done with funds from tax-increment finance districts. They also want to study whether a similar requirement can be imposed on other city work.

Those are two slightly different approaches to helping veterans. It will be up to City Council Budget Committee Chairman Carrie Austin, 34th, a mayoral ally typically simpatico with Burke, to decide whether both get a hearing. Emanuel spokeswoman Shannon Breymaier said it was possible that both proposals could be enacted. (Hal Dardick)

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*The Sunday Spin: On this week's show, Chicago Tribune political writer Rick Pearson's guests are Juan Perez Jr., who covers Chicago Public Schools for the newspaper; Leanne Redden, executive director of the Regional Transportation Authority; and Christopher Mooney, director of the University of Illinois' Institute of Government and Public Affairs. The "Sunday Spin" airs from 7 to 9 a.m. on WGN-720 AM. Listen here.

Follow the money

*Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to be in Chicago tonight to raise money for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign. To achieve host status, you've got to raise or donate $50,000, which gets you a reception with the former president and preferred seating. Co-host status means raising or contributing $33,400, which gets you into the reception. For "champions," it's $10,000 and for "fighters," it's $2,700.

*Track campaign contribution reports in real time with this Tribune Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ILCampaignCash

Beyond Chicago

*Brexit stunner overnight.

*Obama immigration plan blocked by 4-4 tie on Supreme Court, but win for affirmative action backers.

*Could Kaine be Clinton's veep pick?

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*RNC fundraisers hedge on Trump, Politico says.

*An end to Democratic gun-control sit-in Ryan dismissed as "stunt."
From left, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y., House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif. and Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., sing "We Shall Overcome" on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, June 23, 2016, after House Democrats ended their sit-in protest. (Carolyn Kaster / AP)

WASHINGTON  Exhausted but exuberant, House Democrats vowed to fight on for gun control Thursday as they ended their high-drama House floor sit-in with songs, prayers and defiant predictions of success. Republicans offered a dose of political reality, denying House Democratic demands and holding a Senate vote designed to show a bipartisan gun compromise can't pass.

"They're staging protests. They're trying to get on TV. They're sending out fundraising solicitations," House Speaker Paul Ryan complained in an angry denunciation of the Democrats' 25-hour occupation of the Capitol chamber. "If this is not a political stunt, then why are they trying to raise money off of this, off of a tragedy?"

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Ryan said the House would not be giving in to Democrats' calls for votes on legislation expanding background checks for gun buyers and keeping people on the no-fly list from getting guns in the wake of the Orlando shooting. And in the Senate, GOP leaders scheduled a vote on a bipartisan compromise by moderate Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, but only to show the "no-fly" legislation does not command the 60 votes needed to pass.

A visibly deflated Collins suggested Senate leaders were intentionally draining support from her bill by allowing a GOP alternative to also come to a vote.

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House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis listens to a question during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, June 23, 2016. (Evan Vucci / AP)

"Let us not miss an opportunity to get something done," she pleaded on the Senate floor prior to the 52-46 vote. But Republican leaders, unmoved, were ready to move on.

"I think we need to be engaged in something more constructive that would have actually stopped shooters like the Orlando shooter," said the No. 2 Senate Republican, John Cornyn of Texas.

Yet while they may have lost the legislative battles at hand, Democrats on both sides of the Capitol were congratulating themselves on a remarkable success in gaining attention for their demands for action to curb the widespread availability of firearms, first by a 15-hour Senate filibuster last week and then with their extraordinary occupation of the House floor.

That latest effort broke up around midday Thursday after going through the night, even after Ryan moved up the Fourth of July recess and gaveled a chaotic House out of session in the early morning hours. Democrats chanted, "Shame! Shame!" and "No bill, no break."

On Thursday Democrats streamed onto the steps of the East Front of the Capitol, where cheering crowds welcomed them with cries of "We're with you!" under humid skies. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, the civil rights icon who helped lead the sit-in, urged the crowd not to give up and to vote in the fall elections.

"We're going to win," Lewis declared. "The fight is not over. This is just one step."

Lewis' voice was firm as he evoked phrases from the civil rights movement, but the 76-year-old also showed his age and the hours of protest as members around him called "Help him up" as he stood on a makeshift podium to speak.

For hours on the floor of the House, Lewis had led members in delivering speeches that mixed victory declarations with promises not to back down in their drive to curb firearm violence. Placards with photos of gun victims were prominently displayed. As night wore into morning some members rested with pillows and blankets, sustaining themselves with snacks sent over by allied Democrats in the Senate.

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The public could see it all, because even after Republicans shut off the cameras in the House chamber, Democrats began recording the action on their cellphones, and C-SPAN and other networks carried the feeds. It was not the first time the minority in the House commandeered the floor, but was the first time social media allowed the world to see it, giving Democrats a public relations success and a megaphone.

Democrats said public opinion is with them and will shift votes on the issue over time. The National Rifle Association disputed that. In an interview, Chris W. Cox, the NRA's chief lobbyist, said of Collins' bill: "What the vote today showed was she doesn't have 60 votes, and the reason she doesn't have 60 is because it's an unconstitutional approach" lacking an effective appeal process for people denied guns.

Pressure has built on Capitol Hill following the shootings at a gay nightclub in Orlando this month that killed 49 people and injured 53 others. The assailant also died. The attack followed other violent incidents over the past years including the elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

Associated Press
Shown is the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., where Omar Mateen opened fire last week, killing 49. (John Raoux / Associated Press)

Since the shooting at an Orlando nightclub last week that left 49 people dead, reports have emerged that gunman Omar Mateen frequented the gay club, used gay dating apps and had gay lovers.

But the FBI has found no evidence so far to support claims by those who say Mateen had gay lovers or communicated on gay dating apps, several law enforcement officials said.

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Mateen, 29, told police negotiators he had carried out the shooting that began at 2 a.m. June 12 and ended, after a three-hour standoff, when he was killed by police.

He claimed the shooting was carried out in allegiance to the militant group Islamic State, as a message to halt U.S. bombing in Iraq and Syria.

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Several Pulse regulars have come forward in the days since the shooting, claiming to have seen Mateen at the club or to have been contacted by him on the gay dating apps Grindr, Jack'd and Adam4Adam.

On Tuesday, Univision aired a report in which "Miguel," a man wearing a disguise to conceal his identity, alleged he had sex with Mateen after meeting him on the gay dating app, Grindr. He said Mateen had sex with other men too, including a threesome with a Puerto Rican who allegedly told Mateen, after having had unprotected sex with him, that he was HIV positive.

But investigators do not consider the man's account credible, according to one senior law enforcement official with access to the investigation.

In seeking to verify the reports, federal agents have culled Mateen's electronic devices, including a laptop computer and cellphone, as well as electronic communications of those who made the claims, law enforcement officials said.

So far, they have found no photographs, no text messages, no smartphone apps, no gay pornography and no cell-tower location data to suggest that Mateen  who was twice married to women and had a young son  conducted a secret gay life, the officials said.

The FBI is continuing to explore Mateen's past, but investigators now believe the men who made the claims are not credible, or confused Mateen with someone else.

The FBI has not said whether it has uncovered any evidence that Mateen visited the Pulse nightclub prior to the shooting.

But law enforcement sources did say that investigators have not uncovered any direct links between Mateen and members of Islamic State.

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It is possible that Mateen might have had communications on cellphones or other electronic equipment that have not been recovered by investigators in the wake of the shooting.

Some of those who have claimed to be in contact with Mateen before the shooting continue to insist that the gunman seen in the photos released after the shooting is the same man who visited the nightclub before the shooting.

Kevin West, 29, a Navy veteran and Pulse regular, said Mateen messaged him on Jack'd and also said he recognized him entering the club on the night of the shooting. After the attack, West turned his phone and app passwords over to police and FBI investigators. He said Mateen didn't reveal his name, but he recognized him from the photo Mateen had posted on the app, which matched one of the gunman released after the shooting.

On Thursday, he dismissed federal investigators' doubts.

"No one is lying about him being on there," West said of the gay apps, adding that "once you have the app and delete your profile, it's gone."

West said the focus should be on keeping guns out of the hands of potentially violent people.

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"People died by that man's hands and [the] only thing this country is concerned about is if he is gay or not," West said.

Cord Cedeno, 23, another Pulse regular, insisted he saw Mateen at Pulse months before the shooting and messaged with him on Grindr for a short time, but eventually blocked him because he would only send photos and say "Hi." Cedeno said he has no reason to doubt accounts from other Pulse regulars who have said they had seen Mateen visit the club in the past.

"The FBI obviously is trying to cover up their information," he said of gay men who reported being contacted by Mateen. "I can go take a lie detector test. I know for a fact Omar messaged me."

Cedeno said he did not contact police to tell them about his contact with Mateen, because some of his friends who did had their phones taken and were told not to talk to reporters. He said he doesn't trust the FBI to investigate Mateen, given they questioned him in 2013 and again in 2014, placed him on a terrorist watch list but then removed him from the list.

"They let him go. They let him do this massacre. They could have arrested him. It just does not add up," Cedeno said.

The Washington, D.C., bureau contributed to this report.
Richard Rosario, center, is joined by his daughter Amanda, right, son Richard Jr., left, and wife Minerva as he leaves Bronx state Supreme Court in New York after his conviction was overturned. Rosario, who spent 20 years in prison for a killing he says happened while he was in Florida asked a judge Friday, June 24, 2016 to keep his case open so he could be fully vindicated. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File) (Mary Altaffer / AP)

NEW YORK  After 20 years behind bars for a murder he says he didn't commit, Richard Rosario was about to get the charges dropped Friday. Until he said no.

Prosecutors conceded he'd been wrongfully convicted and said they would dismiss the charges because they felt they couldn't retry the 1996 case. But in a highly unusual move, Rosario persuaded a court to leave the case open for more investigation, saying prosecutors should fully exonerate him, not just end the case.

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"It's not acceptable. The public should know the truth," said Rosario, who told police early on that 13 people could vouch that he was in Florida when Jorge Collazo, also called George Collazo, was killed on a Bronx street. "It's clear that I'm innocent."

Surprised, Bronx state Supreme Court Justice Robert Torres agreed to leave the case open at least through Aug. 30, over objections from prosecutors who said they had already robustly reinvestigated the killing.

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Rosario had been freed in March after new Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark agreed Rosario had been improperly convicted because his former defense attorneys hadn't done enough to track down Rosario's alibi witnesses. Clark didn't immediately dismiss the charges in March, saying she needed more time to reinvestigate.

Prosecutors considered the evidence they could produce, the alibi witnesses and the time Rosario had served, and they concluded they couldn't prove the case at trial, said Julian Bond O'Connor, Clark's deputy counsel.

"This office is and remains fully committed to investigating and making every single effort to find and prove what happened that day," but the indictment shouldn't hang over Rosario, O'Connor said.

But Rosario said he'd rather live with the indictment than with a resolution that didn't vindicate him.

"All I'm seeking is transparency for me and my family, for the community and for the victim's family," he said.

Collazo's relatives bristled at Rosario's insistence that he should be cleared.

"You were never proven innocent. Let's just get it straight," the victim's father and namesake said, approaching Rosario outside court.

The father said he didn't take issue with overturning Rosario's conviction because of the questions about his defense, but "there's a lot of deception" in arguments for Rosario's innocence.

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The case, which has been featured in a "Dateline" digital series on NBCNews.com, is among more than 25 convictions from New York City's high-crime 1980s and '90s that prosecutors have disavowed in the last five years.

Rosario's attorneys have called his case an illustration of unreliable eyewitness testimony, bungled defense and the difficulty of fighting a guilty verdict. He had lost multiple appeals over the years.

Rosario was arrested after two witnesses identified him from a police photo book as the man who'd shot the 17-year-old Collazo in the head after an exchange of words on a street on June 19, 1996. No forensic or physical evidence tied Rosario to the crime.

He said he'd been staying with friends in Deltona, Florida, and he listed over a dozen people he said had seen him there.

Police didn't contact those people, according to Rosario's current lawyers. And his own court-appointed attorneys at the time didn't fully explore the alibi witnesses, either.

After phoning the witnesses proved difficult, his first attorney got a judge's OK to pay to send a private investigator to Florida but then never dispatched the investigator, according to a 2010 appeals court decision. Another defense lawyer took over before Rosario's trial and mistakenly thought the court had nixed funding for the investigator's Florida trip.

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Some of the witnesses did testify at trial, but prosecutors at the time urged jurors to discount them because they were Rosario's friends.

During Rosario's appeal, a judge said additional alibi witnesses wouldn't have added significantly to his defense. Rosario's lawyers argue otherwise.

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A mural in Baltimore depicts Freddie Gray, who died last year in police custody. Baltimores states attorney quickly indicted six officers in the case. None of three to be tried so far has been convicted. (Patrick Semansky / AP)

Local prosecutors, being elected to office, are subject to the rule of the people. Their decisions, however, are not  or at least they shouldn't be. Any state's attorney or district attorney worthy of the office gives public opinion about particular cases exactly the weight it deserves: zero.

If you need evidence for the wisdom of that approach, take the decision of Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby to indict six police officers in connection with the arrest of Freddie Gray. The 25-year-old African-American's death from spinal injuries while in police custody had echoes of the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. It set off protests and riots that went on for days.

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Mosby helped restore calm by announcing the charges less than two weeks after Gray's death. "To the people of Baltimore and the demonstrators across America: I heard your call for 'No justice, no peace,'" she said then, promising "to deliver justice on behalf of this young man." In the strife-torn city, reported The New York Times, her "surprise announcement did seem to bring a palpable sense of relief."

The Black Lives Matter movement has voluminous cause to protest the lethal treatment of African-Americans by police. John Crawford was shot to death in an Ohio Wal-Mart while holding a BB gun he had taken off the shelf. Walter Scott, unarmed and fleeing after a traffic stop in South Carolina, died from multiple gunshots in the back. Laquan McDonald was riddled with 16 bullets while walking away from Chicago police.

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But criminal prosecutions are the wrong tool for appeasing legitimate anger about broad patterns of police abuse and overcoming centuries of discrimination. Their function is to hold wrongdoers accountable for specific offenses. They should be brought only when the evidence is sufficient to prove guilt.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 72 Baltimore city sheriff's deputies stand outside one of the Lexington Street doors at the courthouse on the scene of the Goodson trial verdict. (Barbara Haddock Taylor / Baltimore Sun)

In the case of Gray, three cops have gone on trial and none has been convicted. The first trial produced a hung jury, and the other two ended in acquittal. The outcomes support the accusation by Hal Riedl, a white investigator for the previous state's attorney, that this "was a totally political prosecution."

The latest verdict doesn't mean the cop was blameless. But as the judge said, "the state has failed to meet its burden to show that the actions of the defendant rose above mere civil negligence."

Declining to file charges in the case would have been politically risky for Mosby. But prosecutors have a duty to set such considerations aside before putting a police officer or any other citizen at the mercy of the criminal justice system.

Withstanding the pressure of public sentiment is a part of the job that St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch took seriously after Ferguson patrol Officer Darren Wilson fatally shot Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old. After presenting evidence to a grand jury that refused to bring charges, allowing Wilson to go free, McCulloch was reviled from coast to coast.

But he explained his decision not to pursue an indictment with admirable concision: "I know what it takes to prove a case in court, and if I can't prove it, I can't charge it."

Responding to the uproar and the unanswered questions about the killing, then-Attorney General Eric Holder ordered a Justice Department investigation of whether the officer violated Brown's civil rights. It found "no credible evidence to refute Wilson's stated subjective belief that he was acting in self-defense."

Holder endorsed that finding. "Brown's death, though a tragedy, did not involve prosecutable conduct on the part of Officer Wilson," he said.

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A separate Justice Department report concluded that law enforcement in Ferguson has been unfair and brutal in its treatment of African-Americans. "These disparities occur, at least in part, because Ferguson law enforcement practices are directly shaped and perpetuated by racial bias," it found. The city ended up agreeing to major changes to avoid a federal lawsuit.

In some ways, Brown's fate may have been the toxic product of an inequitable criminal justice system. But McCulloch recognized that indicting Wilson would have been neither helpful nor sufficient in bringing about fundamental improvements. If there was guilt, it lay elsewhere.

When people die at the hands of police, there is often a furious public outcry against the cops involved. As these cases reveal, though, snap conclusions based on incomplete evidence can be terribly mistaken. Mob justice can be satisfying, but it's rarely justice.

Steve Chapman, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/chapman.

schapman@tribpub.com

Follow Steve Chapman on Twitter @SteveChapman13 and Facebook.
As filmmaker George Lucas ends his pursuit of a museum site fronting Lake Michigan, we count five reasons why Chicagoans owe him gratitude. We had hoped for a compromise in which Lucas would accept any of the many splendid Chicago sites where his museum could have thrived without seizing scarce lakefront land. But that wasn't to be. He wanted what he wanted. We wish him well and thank him for schooling us on these points:

1. The struggle to protect Chicago's lakefront never ends: For nearly 200 years, courageous people from many walks of life have risked the wrath of the powerful in order to keep this extraordinary lakefront as open, clear and free as they could. Each generation has to fight that fight anew. There's always some well-intentioned promoter with an otherwise fine project, if only Chicagoans would agree to develop this land. As long as Chicago exists, that fight won't end  unless defenders of the lakefront surrender to people with political clout.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 A draft rendering of the Lucas Museum on McCormick Place's Lakeside Center site near Chicago's lakefront. (Lucas Museum of Narrative Art)

2. A federal court can cast a long shadow: U.S. District Judge John Darrah didn't issue a final decision in a trial that didn't even start. But by twice explaining to City Hall's lawyers in his pretrial rulings why a lawsuit challenging the project could proceed, Darrah put in place legal obstacles that will haunt the next private person or group with plans to capitalize on the lakefront. The city's attorneys repeatedly pooh-poohed the challenge from Friends of the Parks under the public trust doctrine, but time and again City Hall's arguments flopped. Mayor Rahm Emanuel may conclude he was a victim of lousy legal advice when he first tried to ramrod the Lucas project, then a victim of oddly inconsistent lawyering on his behalf  Speed up this case! No, slow down this case! Full stop, we've appealed!  in Darrah's courtroom.

Plaintiffs' attorney Thomas Geoghegan smartly filed the lawsuit in federal court, beyond the reach of politically attuned Cook County judges who tend to rule however Democratic mayors of Chicago want them to rule. Darrah played this graciously and absolutely straight, writing that Emanuel's plan likely would give a private entity control of public land that has special protections. The judge plainly realized what the city's lawyers evidently did not: that case law had strengthened the public trust doctrine since Chicago's other lakefront museums were constructed. Darrah didn't get swept up in other people's power struggle. His crisp, unambiguous writings will confront any future private project on the lakefront.

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3. City Hall cares more about today than about tomorrow: We appreciate that politicians are creatures of their respective moments. "I kept the lakefront clear for future centuries of Chicagoans" isn't as energetic a re-election slogan as "Look at this cool new stuff built on my watch!" Regrettably, all of us should count on aldermen and their underlings on city boards and commissions to do as they're told by whatever mayor is sitting on City Hall's fifth floor. As with the ultimately withdrawn effort of the Chicago Children's Museum to relocate to Grant Park, this project got as far as it did with the help of city officials who didn't prioritize lakefront protection over private-sector development. That is, with the help of city officials who knuckled under to Emanuel rather than doing their jobs.

4. Remove the Lakeside Center: We acknowledge once again the Tribune's long (and long-ago) advocacy for constructing a convention center east of Lake Shore Drive; it's the namesake of Tribune owner and publisher Robert R. McCormick, who died 61 years ago. The building is architecturally significant but in need of costly technology upgrades. The biggest trade shows occupy its top floor. But its vast lower levels, as cynics who work there say, is where pillars go to die. Emanuel was willing to see the Lakeside Center razed when he proposed putting a museum on that site. Nixing the Lakeside Center was a good idea when Emanuel voiced it, and it'll be a good idea until the lakefront does breathe free of that building.

5. Convert the parking lot to a park: Emanuel and other Lucas proponents have complained loudly that the originally proposed Lucas site is an unsightly parking lot. They're absolutely right. In its current form, that space serves as an oasis only for vehicles and tailgaters. But just imagine what a lakefront spectacle it could be, a rolling, lavishly landscaped expanse of green sweeping south from Soldier Field. The Lucas discussion included proposals on how best to move parking from that site to another location. Mayor Emanuel, let's get it done.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.
Workers unload signature petitions out of a truck at the Illinois State Board of Election office in Springfield, Ill., on May 6, 2016. (Seth Perlman, AP)

The Independent Map Amendment is on a roll.

The volunteer army fighting for a fair redistricting process beat the deadline for submitting its petitions with more than 100,000 signatures to spare and passed the validation process with flying colors.

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A threatened rival initiative  the so-called People's Map  never materialized.

A last-minute attempt to get a competing measure on the ballot via the General Assembly fizzled.

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Next up is Thursday's faceoff in Cook County Circuit Court, where attorneys representing the entrenched powers in Springfield will try to kill the measure.

To do so, they'll have to convince Judge Diane Larsen that the framers of the state constitution were only kidding when they wrote the section granting voters the right to put amendments on the ballot to check the power of lawmakers.

They'll have to sell her on the baffling notion that delegates to the 1970 constitutional convention talked openly about empowering voters to amend Article IV, which deals with the legislative branch  then turned around and crafted language designed to thwart every attempt.

Convention records show the delegates specifically mentioned redistricting as an appropriate target for citizen-driven change. But here comes attorney Michael Kasper, a proxy for the Democratic machine headed by Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, to argue that this proposal, like all the others before it except for one, runs afoul of the ever-narrowing case law about which voter initiatives are allowed.

So get ready to hear that the proposed amendment impermissibly strays from the legislative arena by requiring the state auditor general  an officer of the executive branch  to draw three names out of a hat once every 10 years. (Those three people would select a pool of 100 candidates from which the 11-member mapmaking panel would be chosen.)

Or that the measure's wording imposes a new requirement that Illinois Supreme Court justices declare a party affiliation. (Two justices would name a special commissioner if the panel deadlocked. The amendment says they can't be from the same political party.)

Or that the amendment is really several amendments, unconstitutionally rolled into one.

No, we're not doing those creative but far-fetched arguments justice. We'll leave that to Kasper, who can be quite persuasive. He has a formidable adversary in Lori Lightfoot, who's representing the Independent Maps coalition.

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For now we'll just observe that this is a throwing-spaghetti-at-the-wall attack. The objective is to find something that will stick so Madigan & Co. don't have to debate the amendment on its merits.

They'd rather not talk about how an independent redistricting process stacks up next to the status quo.

What would the Illinois legislative maps look like if the people drawing them didn't first plot the addresses of sitting lawmakers, then build the districts around them? If the lines were drawn to protect the integrity of communities instead of to manipulate the outcome of legislative elections?

What we'd end up with are districts in which more than one candidate had a reasonable chance to win, which in turn would encourage more than one candidate to run.

Voters would have choices. Candidates would have to raise their game. Incumbents wouldn't coast to re-election unopposed.

Here's what we have now: All 118 seats in the Illinois House and 40 in the Senate are up for election this year. Yet there are only 63 contested races in the Nov. 8 general election. That's 40 percent, or two out of five.

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In California, which switched to an independent redistricting system in 2010, 79 percent of state legislative races are contested, the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform notes. In Ohio, it's 77 percent.

Think about that. In Illinois, a state with devastated finances, huge taxpayer debts and laws that drive away jobs  can you think of a better throw-the-bums-out argument?  candidates are running unopposed in 60 percent of races. You can't throw them out. They don't have to earn your vote.

That's all the reason you need to scroll to the bottom of the ballot and punch "yes" for the Independent Map Amendment. And it explains why Mike Madigan wants to make sure you don't get that chance.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.
(Warning: Graphic language) Jonathan Hadnott, left, and Gloria Pinex, whose son was fatally shot by Chicago police, discuss their cases and their experiences with city of Chicago lawyers who were chastised by judges for withholding evidence.

(Warning: Graphic language) Jonathan Hadnott, left, and Gloria Pinex, whose son was fatally shot by Chicago police, discuss their cases and their experiences with city of Chicago lawyers who were chastised by judges for withholding evidence. (Chicago Tribune)

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration routinely fights turning over information in federal civil rights lawsuits against Chicago police officers, often leaving a judge to step in and order the city to disclose potential evidence, a Tribune investigation has found.

Although typically not the type of issue that draws attention outside legal circles, the city's handling of these lawsuits speaks to the police accountability issues that have intensified in recent months and have cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. Whether by bureaucratic negligence or stonewalling by city agencies, the Law Department places the interests of the Police Department and its officers above the public good, according to plaintiffs' lawyers and even some former city attorneys.

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It's an implicit policy, those critics say, that corrodes an already weakened relationship between the city and the people it serves.

A Tribune analysis of nearly 450 lawsuits alleging police misconduct since Emanuel took office found that in more than 19 percent of the cases  nearly one in every five  a federal judge ordered the city to turn over police reports, personnel files or other potential evidence it withheld from plaintiffs.

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In cases involving allegations of wrongful convictions or serious excessive force such as police shootings, where the financial stakes are the highest and the threat to the city's image are the most serious, the frequency jumped to 27 percent, more than one in four cases.

And in five cases, the city's conduct was found to be so inappropriate that federal judges took the unusual step of handing down sanctions. Those sanctions led a judge in two cases to take the even rarer step of throwing out jury verdicts that had favored the city and ordering new trials.

109 cases where a plaintiffs lawyer filed a motion to compel the city to release evidence or important documents: 83 26 Judge ordered city to turn over potential evidence No order given 5 cases where the city was sanctioned 109 cases where a plaintiffs lawyer filed a motion to compel the city to release evidence or important documents: 83 26 Judge ordered city to turn over potential evidence No order 5 cases where the city was sanctioned Click here for details

"The (Law Department) believes it has to support the police whether the police are right or wrong," said Irene Dymkar, a Chicago attorney who represents plaintiffs in civil rights cases. "But if you work for the city, you have an obligation to the public to look at things objectively. You have to protect the truth."

Irene Dymkar, a Chicago attorney who represented Jonathan Hadnott in his civil rights lawsuit against the city. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

To be sure, the judicial system depends upon an honest exchange of evidence before trial. The process  known as discovery  allows the two sides in a lawsuit to uncover relevant facts through documents, sworn depositions and other disclosures. When the process breaks down, plaintiffs can find themselves at a disadvantage, their lawyers uncertain they are working with all of the evidence.

Stephen Patton, Emanuel's hand-picked corporation counsel, rejected any implication of wrongdoing among his staff of about 45 attorneys in the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division, which handles most lawsuits involving police. In five hours of interviews, he said that his attorneys are vigorous advocates for their clients, but said they do not cross the line into what the courts term misconduct.

"The pattern shows absolutely an absence of any kind of discovery misconduct or abuse, and that if there are patterns it is the kinds of things that happen all the time in litigation," Patton said.

"That's part of representing clients' interests. It's part of what lawyers do. It doesn't mean anybody is withholding something or not acting in good faith."

Stephen Patton, the city of Chicago corporation counsel, said his office does not withhold evidence in police abuse cases. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

While Patton disagreed that the Tribune's findings reflect a systemic issue, he acknowledged that he had identified problems and was taking steps to address them. What's more, in January, Emanuel asked former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb to examine how the Law Department deals with civil rights claims, and Patton said his office is fully cooperating. Patton said every lawyer in the division had been interviewed by Webb's team, and he was aware of some 60 cases under review.

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The reforms include setting up an in-house document management system to ensure discovery can be better tracked, new policies requiring attorneys to double and triple check which records have been turned over, and hiring outside lawyers to represent individual officers in cases involving the most egregious misconduct allegations. Perhaps most significantly, he said he will drastically reduce the Police Department's role in collecting documents needed for litigation.

In police misconduct cases, the rules typically require the city to provide plaintiffs with arrest reports, radio transmissions, crime scene videos, witness interviews and other evidence. Plaintiffs and the city can reach informal agreements as to which records to trade, or they can submit formal requests for production. If they cannot agree on which evidence to exchange, they can ask a judge to settle the dispute. They can only take that step, however, after engaging in a "good-faith" effort to reach an agreement.

In 2013, for example, U.S. Judge Milton Shadur ordered the city to turn over documents to John Volland, who had filed a lawsuit claiming two officers beat him during a traffic stop in 2012. Volland's attorneys wanted, among other things, records involving complaints against the officers.

When Shadur expressed his displeasure with how long the city was taking to turn over records, assistant corporation counsel Brendan Moore blamed the Police Department for the delay. He suggested the Law Department was just "the middle man" between the plaintiff and the police  an excuse that Shadur suggested shirked the Law Department's responsibility.

"You can't say, well, I am the ... messenger, don't execute me," Shadur said during a September 2013 hearing.

Shadur gave the city two weeks to turn over the records. The city provided some of the requested records by the deadline  but not all of them  so Volland's attorneys asked Shadur to intervene a second time.

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The judge sanctioned the city for not turning over the documents in a timely manner. The city had to pay a relatively modest amount, $5,175  the attorneys' fees associated with filing the request. But the fact that there was a sanction at all was rare.

In the end, Shadur said, plaintiffs are at a financial disadvantage when they have to fight for records because it costs the attorneys time and money.

"I just don't see the fairness of having a party being required to expend funds for purposes of getting discovery that is appropriate in the ordinary course," Shadur said, according to a December 2013 court transcript.

Patton acknowledged that having to deal with the Police Department's legal staff has long been an issue for his office, but he said it should be mitigated by his lawyers collecting documents themselves. After a recent change of police leadership, Patton said there was less resistance to giving his assistants access to police records.

"We wear the jacket in the courts," Patton said, "so give us the authority to fulfill the responsibility."

The Police Department has agreed to give city lawyers access to its records "to ensure efficiency," a spokesman said. Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson on June 13 issued a directive ordering all officers to cooperate with the new policy, more than two weeks after the Tribune presented its findings to the city.

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The prompt exchange of documents is considered so sacrosanct, and so crucial to unearthing the truth, a Law Department policy manual includes a "Golden Rule on Discovery."

"When in doubt whether to produce a document, your decision should almost always be to disclose the document," the manual states. "It is better to overproduce than underproduce. If you have a question whether or not to produce a document, speak to your supervisor. If you are leaning towards a belief that the rules don't require you to produce a document, picture yourself explaining your position in front of the judge and make sure you are on solid ground under the rules to not produce a document. Don't play semantic games in an attempt not to produce a document."

Yet the Tribune found repeated instances in which the city resisted turning over even the most basic documents or did little to force the cooperation of the Police Department or its other municipal agencies, leading to legal skirmishes that sometimes dragged on for years.

Time and again, the city blamed its own agencies as it tried to explain incomplete or missing records. Though they all fall under Emanuel's control, records show the Law Department often has difficulty obtaining cooperation from the Police Department and the Independent Police Review Authority, the city-run agency that investigates police-involved shootings and other allegations of excessive force.

The Police Department often resists releasing personnel records without a judge's order, though it is well established that plaintiffs are due that material. IPRA, meanwhile, sometimes opposes the release of videos and documents that it deems sensitive to investigations.

The city also routinely fights releasing records from officers' complaint histories, a decision Patton described as often a strategic one because judges typically settle the dispute by giving plaintiffs fewer complaints than they requested but more than the city wanted to turn over.

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The Law Department's practices rankle plaintiff's lawyers, including several attorneys who have been interviewed by Webb's team. They say they believe Patton's office tacitly supports the so-called code of silence that protects police by allowing other departments to call the shots.

When they turn a blind eye, they become part of the blue shield that protects officers.  Antonio Romanucci, plaintiff's attorney

When evidence is not turned over, they said in Tribune interviews, it can be difficult to tell if city lawyers have purposely flouted the rules of discovery or have been stymied by the Police Department or IPRA  or if the lawyers are merely hiding behind those agencies.

In those cases, their only recourse is to fight the city's denials with motions to compel, formal requests that ask a judge to order another party to produce evidence.

"I don't think the Law Department intentionally tries to hide evidence," said plaintiff's attorney Antonio Romanucci, who has spent more than four years waging a discovery battle in a lawsuit involving a shooting with an off-duty officer's gun. "But they don't do their due diligence and demand that discoverable items get turned over. When they turn a blind eye, they become part of the blue shield that protects officers."

In one case, city lawyers stood by as IPRA lawyers refused to turn over records involving Randy Dorsey Jr.'s claim that he had been punched in the mouth by a Chicago police officer at a gas station in March 2012. IPRA said that sharing the file, which included video of the incident, would compromise its investigation of the officers, according to court documents.

But public records suggest there wasn't much of an investigation. IPRA acknowledged that it had not interviewed the officers or other witnesses as of June 2013, more than a year after Dorsey had filed his complaint.

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U.S. District Judge Ronald Guzman sided with Dorsey, in part, and ordered IPRA to immediately turn over a portion of the Dorsey file, including the video.

The city settled the case shortly after for $37,000.

"When it helps the city, things get turned over to us quickly," said attorney Ed Fox, who represented Dorsey. "When it supports the other side, IPRA and the law and police departments become obstructionists. And the city is OK with that."

Patton said IPRA often is represented by its own counsel, so his department can do only so much to influence what it discloses. But he acknowledged his department's policy is to err on the side of disclosure and not tolerate discovery violations by any city entity, including IPRA.

A spokeswoman for IPRA, which has new leadership, said she could not explain how cases were handled in the past. Under new Chief Administrator Sharon Fairley, the decision on what to release in civil rights cases is made on a case-by-case basis by Fairley, her general counsel and her chief investigators, spokeswoman Mia Sissac said.

The Tribune investigation comes as the Emanuel administration continues to reel from disclosures about the city's troubled oversight of its Police Department, much of it sparked by the November release of a video showing Officer Jason Van Dyke shooting Laquan McDonald 16 times in 2014.

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The Law Department was pulled into the fray in January, when U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang sanctioned one city attorney for intentionally concealing evidence in a fatal police shooting case and another for failing to make a reasonable effort to locate key records.

Less than a week later, Emanuel asked Webb to begin his review.

Webb's findings have not yet been released, but the Tribune found a Law Department staff carrying a heavy workload and receiving minimal training on proper discovery practices until after Chang's sanctions. City officials said a senior counsel typically juggles about two dozen active cases at any given moment and many attorneys had delegated discovery responsibilities to paralegals or the Police Department's office of legal affairs to keep themselves from drowning in paperwork.

In anticipation of Webb's report, Patton has ordered the division lawyers to attend a half-dozen discovery and ethics-related training sessions since January, with more scheduled. He also has added three new attorney positions to cut the workload and has hired more paralegals.

"As I said when we announced Dan Webb's review of that division earlier this year, we intended to treat this as an opportunity to improve policies and procedures, provide additional training and commit additional resources, and that is exactly what we have done," Patton said.

The Tribune spoke to about a dozen present and former city attorneys, most of whom described a department that faces another challenge: serving taxpayers while representing officers.

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"The attorneys in (the police litigation division) believe they represent the individual police officer being sued, and they are not wrong," said former assistant corporation counsel Marcelle LeCompte, who also spent time as a Cook County prosecutor and is now a plaintiff's lawyer. "The problem is they are so blinded by the white hat syndrome that they think getting the officer out of liability is the same as representing the city and the public good."

As part of its investigation, the Tribune reviewed 445 police-related lawsuits filed in federal court in which discovery was conducted during the mayor's tenure and while the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division has been under Patton's leadership.

About 70 percent of the reviewed cases were handled by members of the unit. The other 30 percent were given to outside lawyers, whom the city pays an hourly rate of up to $295.

In the lawsuits reviewed by the Tribune, plaintiffs' attorneys raised discovery issues in 109 cases, or about 25 percent of the time. Those concerns were upheld by judges, at least in part, 75 percent of the time.

In many cases, the judges only partially granted the requests, meaning the plaintiffs received only some of the records they wanted. Patton said that proves his office was at least partly right to push back.

The city also files its share of motions to compel, though not as frequently as the plaintiffs.

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The problems did not begin with Emanuel's administration. The Tribune identified dozens of discovery issues toward the end of Mayor Richard M. Daley's last term, as he bequeathed Emanuel a Law Department that allowed agencies to shape what records would be turned over in civil rights cases.

These lawyers have been getting away with this stuff and pleading ignorance for years.  Jared Kosoglad, plaintiff's attorney

Plaintiff's attorneys say the evidence exchange has improved somewhat under Emanuel and Patton, especially since the McDonald video became public. Yet they remain concerned about the city's overall approach to civil rights lawsuits.

"These lawyers have been getting away with this stuff and pleading ignorance for years," said plaintiff's attorney Jared Kosoglad. "They treat it all like a game, but it's not a game to the citizens of Chicago."

Added plaintiff's attorney Jon Loevy: "They have set up a system that's designed not to work."

While gamesmanship sometimes is involved in discovery conflicts, legal experts say such tactics can tarnish the judicial process and undermine the city's credibility. The city has been fined five times for discovery violations since Emanuel took office in 2011, though one of those cases straddled the Daley and Emanuel administrations.

By comparison, during Daley's last decade in office, his Law Department was sanctioned eight times for discovery violations.

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"If you have five sanctions in five years, it suggests you have an institutional problem," said Suja Thomas, a professor at the University of Illinois Law School and an expert in discovery issues.

Patton disagreed with that analysis, calling five cases out of the hundreds of cases handled by his office a low number, and saying the sanctions were for "usually relatively insignificant things."

The city, however, has received two sanctions in the past year that prompted two new trials and ultimately could end up costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars more in fines. The first sanction stemmed from a 2007 lawsuit filed by a local art teacher, Jonathan Hadnott, who accused police of stopping him on the street for no reason and, after he showed them his firearm ownership card as identification, of illegally searching his mother's home to seize his gun.

The city's defense of the officers, who denied searching the home, depended on a complicated timeline; the officers, the city argued, could not have searched the house because they never had the time to stop Hadnott, run his name through a database to determine if he had an arrest warrant, search the home, and then return to the station at the time shown on records. The database run alone, they said, could have taken 20 minutes.

Jonathan Hadnott waited 10 years to see justice after a traffic stop in 2006. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

After Hadnott's case ended in a partially hung jury in June 2011, with Hadnott losing all but one count, his lawyers began preparing for a retrial on the remaining count. Three years later, city attorneys said they "rediscovered" a coded log that showed the database search was done in 11 seconds, rather than 20 minutes, upending the timeline as well as a central argument the city's lawyers used to win the case.

In court documents, the city called the error "inadvertent," but acknowledged it likely had the log since before the first trial. In court documents, it described the log as "gobbledygook" that would be difficult for the Law Department's "untrained eyes" to decipher.

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"It was like a slap in the face," Hadnott said of learning about the log. "I was just an average citizen trying to make a grievance against the police and then this happened. ... A regular Joe shouldn't have to go through that kind of insult."

Although some of the city's conduct occurred before Emanuel took office in the case, and Patton said the Emanuel administration should not be blamed, Chang ruled that the discovery violation ran through the 2011 trial, shortly after Emanuel took office. Eventually, Hadnott and the city settled the lawsuit for $200,000. The city paid an additional $350,000 for its discovery violations  more than the settlement itself.

The city attorneys involved in the violation were not disciplined after the violation was discovered.

Patton said steps have been taken to ensure such a mistake could not happen again, including a new policy requiring evidence to be scanned and logged before it gets placed in a case file.

The Tribune found that, in the 362 cases where a judge found no discovery problems, the city paid more than $56.6 million in damages and legal fees. In the 83 cases where a judge had to force the city to turn over evidence, the city's bill was more than $59 million, suggesting the city's resistance came in the cases where the financial peril was greatest.

That total does not include the hundreds of thousands of dollars the city stands to be fined for sanctions in the Darius Pinex case, an excessive force lawsuit stemming from a fatal shooting in 2011. In January, Chang sanctioned a city attorney for intentionally withholding evidence and chastised the Law Department's sloppy discovery practices. He has ordered the city to pay attorneys fees, though the amount has not yet been determined.

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In a bruising ruling, Chang ordered a new trial and detailed significant flaws in how the Law Department responds to civil rights cases. He described a byzantine system in which city attorneys don't understand how police records are kept  and make little effort to find out.

The ruling reversed a March 2015 decision in which a federal jury found in favor of Officers Raoul Mosqueda and Gildardo Sierra, concluding they were justified in killing Pinex during a January 2011 traffic stop on Chicago's South Side. Both officers testified at trial that they had pulled over Pinex's Oldsmobile because it was similar to a description they'd heard over their police radios of a car wanted in an earlier shooting.

Before the lawsuit was filed, a Law Department paralegal asked the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications to save radio calls from the night of the shooting. OEMC provided a call about a pursuit in Zone 8, but did not turn over any such audio from Zone 6, where the officers were working, court records show.

During the middle of the trial, though, city attorney Jordan Marsh told Chang he had learned a week before trial that 30 minutes of Zone 6 audio had been sent to a police sergeant in 2011. Marsh said he did not know what was on the recording and had never possessed it.

But when it was turned over, the Zone 6 audio described a different Oldsmobile Aurora and did not mention a shooting.

After months of post-trial discovery, Chang found Marsh "intentionally concealed" knowledge of the radio call and misled the court about it.

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"The federal court system cannot achieve its goal of fair, just and accurate judgments without requiring that good faith be instilled into the discovery decision-making of every attorney," Chang wrote.

Records show Marsh was not disciplined by his supervisors after acknowledging the radio call's existence in court  a period of nine months in which he was the lead lawyer in two major civil rights trials. He resigned his position on the day Chang granted Pinex's family a new trial and attorneys' fees.

Patton said he had outside lawyers review about 60 cases handled by Marsh and other attorneys involved in the Pinex and Hadnott cases. So far, the cases all have received a "clean bill of health" on discovery matters, he said.

Marsh, now in private practice, declined to comment.

In the Pinex case, Chang also found that Marsh's co-counsel, city attorney Thomas Aumann, had failed to make a reasonable effort to find the dispatch recording during the discovery process. Aumann signed a document stating that all evidence had been turned over to the plaintiffs, but court records show he only looked for documents in the Law Department's file. He didn't know how the documents were compiled, where they came from or even who gathered them, Chang wrote.

Aumann, who left the Law Department shortly after the Pinex trial, could not be reached for comment.

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Gloria Pinex, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of her son's estate, said she was stunned to learn of the Law Department's conduct.

"I knew the police officers protected each other. But I didn't know that the mayor's lawyers would hide the truth," she said. "I thought it would be different in a courthouse, but it wasn't. It's the same conspiracy, the same code of silence."

Gloria Pinex's son Darius Pinex, 27, was killed by Chicago police during a 2011 traffic stop. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

The city recently agreed to settle the case for more than $2 million, a source with knowledge of the agreement said.

Patton would not comment on a possible settlement but said the mistakes in the Pinex case were "isolated" and "unacceptable."

Even when the city does turn over records, the Tribune found, they can be incomplete. This puts plaintiffs' attorneys at a disadvantage, as they must guess at what facts are missing or move blindly ahead with the legal process.

In February 2014, attorney Candace Gorman asked the city to turn over videos of witness statements as part of a lawsuit stemming from Divonte Young's fatal shooting by a Chicago police officer. She asked again in September. And again in December.

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Each time, court records show, the city said it had turned over all the records provided by the Police Department  a position that would have held if Gorman had not noticed a reference to a witness statement buried in the records she did receive. The statement was given at a police station, which meant it was likely recorded on video.

The Police Department eventually provided that video of the witness' statement, but Gorman wanted more. She asked for a summary of all interviews with another witness and that witness' last-known address.

City lawyers made several requests for the information, but the Police Department never responded, according to a Law Department memo obtained by the Tribune.

A month later, the Police Department turned over a document showing the witness had given another statement seven months after the shooting and had backed off his initial claims that he saw Young, 20, shooting a gun shortly before an officer fired on him.

City officials said "the failures to timely provide responsive materials in this case" would be avoided in the future through plans to give the division attorneys direct access to CPD records.

Young's lawsuit was briefly halted earlier this year after the Law Department earmarked the case for an outside review of discovery practices following Judge Chang's ruling. An outside firm found no irregularities in its review, officials said.

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While Gorman welcomes the outside review and promises of reform, she still has doubts as to whether the Law Department wants to improve.

"The things they do are mind-boggling," she said. "There won't be any real change until the city truly wants change."

sstclair@tribpub.com

jcoen@tribpub.com

jrichards@tribpub.com

Twitter @stacystclair

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Twitter @jeffcoen

Twitter @jsmithrichards
One license has been revoked and another suspended in the latest crackdown on St. Charles massage businesses.

Mayor Raymond Rogina, as liquor control commissioner, approved the penalties at a recent hearing, according to city officials.

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At U Spa, in the 600 block of Randall Road, the business was cited for prohibited acts and conditions after a worker without a valid Illinois massage license was allegedly giving a massage to a customer while the manager was not present. U Spa's license has been revoked, and the business must pay a $500 fine.

Massage World, in the 2400 block of West Main Street, was cited with administrative sanctions for operating after hours and not having a manager on site. The business license was suspended for seven days  from June 27 to July 3  and its owners must pay $1,500 in fines and fees.

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In April and May, the commission revoked licenses for at least four other St. Charles massage spas for license violations. Employees at two of the spas also were charged with prostitution, and both are scheduled to appear in court later this month.

In May in Batavia, workers at two of that city's massage businesses were also charged with prostitution.

hleone@tribpub.com

Twitter @hannahmleone
Oswego officials are looking at how the village would respond to a large-scale emergency.

Oswego police Chief Jeff Burgner and Public Works Director Jennifer Hughes said the village's first responders and staff are trained to work under the National Incident Management System, a nationwide approach that provides a way for agencies in an area to work together.

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Hughes said the emergency plan was developed to respond to catastrophic events, such as damaging storms, floods or other disasters.

"We want to talk about what your role is as trustees so that we are prepared," Hughes told the Village Board.

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The National Incident Management System was originally developed by firefighters battling forest fires that needed an emergency response plan involving multiple agencies, she said, adding the system is essentially a nationwide template formalized by the Department of Homeland Security.

"After Sept. 11, (2001), there was a general recognition of the need for emergency responders to work under a common framework and language," Hughes noted.

Should the village ever have a need to call for assistance from agencies in other parts of Illinois or out of state, Oswego's first responders would communicate with them through the program, Hughes said.

Burgner said that two years ago his department did a tabletop exercise that simulated a blizzard and involved other governmental entities.

"Under (the National Incident Management System), once you start getting lots of bosses and incident commanders involved, we start operating under a unified command where everyone is working together," Burgner said.

Oswego adopted its Emergency Operation Plan in 1992, with the last revision in 2014.

Trustees were advised to complete online training courses as part of their preparation for dealing with a major emergency.

Hughes said the role of trustees, in part, might require them to assist with volunteers and monitoring social media to detect issues within the community.

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"We hope that you share this intelligence with the emergency operations center through the public information officer. We ask that trustees use caution when responding in these situations to ensure that the village is providing a consistent message," Hughes said.

Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
CSX will need to file monthly reports on railroad crossing blockages on a line that passes through Chicago's Southwest Side and suburbs, a federal agency says. (Patrick Semansky / AP)

A federal agency is taking a fresh look at CSX Transportation's operation of a rail line that runs through Chicago's Southwest Side and adjacent suburbs, such as Evergreen Park, noting the railroad hasn't lived up to an agreement to minimize grade crossing blockages on the line.

The Surface Transportation Board, in a decision Tuesday, will require the railroad to file monthly reports for the next year detailing instances where crossings are blocked by trains, and said that it could take additional action if the data show CSX is not making "significant progress or that the situation is not improving."

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The City of Chicago and Evergreen Park in February asked the board to consider fines or other sanctions against CSX because of freight trains blocking crossings. They wanted the board to require additional monitoring of the railroad's operations on the Elsdon Line, which passes through Chicago communities including Beverly and Mount Greenwood.

CSX acquired the rights from another railroad to run trains on the Elsdon Line, agreeing to restrictions imposed by the STB in the summer of 2013 to route trains on the line only when the track was clear and crossings wouldn't be blocked for an inordinate amount of time.

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The railroad is required, under that agreement, to break trains when a blockage is expected to exceed 10 minutes. Such action rarely occurs, and blockages are frequent, according to residents and Chicago Ald. Matt O'Shea, 19th Ward. Residents said that, while not blocking street crossings, it's not uncommon for trains to sit and idle for hours.

CSX has previously said it has invested millions of dollars in upgrades on the line, and that blockages have been down as a result. The railroad said that some idling trains are due to potential interference with trains operated by other railroads on tracks that cross Elsdon, but that it is developing operating protocols with those carriers to address that.

In a statement Thursday, the company maintained the situation has improved but, "We appreciate that we still have work to do," and "We will continue to build on the better performance we have already seen in 2016."

More than annoyance to people trying to get around the area, the blockages, particularly those on busy 95th Street, were cited as a hazard for first-responders, such as paramedics bringing people to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park or Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and O'Shea said Thursday they hoped the STB's decision would be a step toward forcing the railroad to comply with the terms of the 2013 agreement.

O'Shea said the ruling was "good news" and that he was "relieved" the STB agreed with evidence presented by local officials and residents showing that blocked crossings had continued to be a problem.

"My hope is this will make CSX a better neighbor," he said. "I'm hoping this will be the beginning of bringing a resolution."

Since the February petition was filed, CSX had argued it wasn't necessary to reopen the matter because it had taken steps to address the problem. However, the STB, in its decision, saw things differently. At the time it won the board's approval in 2013 to operate on the Elsdon Line, CSX said it anticipated that any blockages would be in the neighborhood of three minutes, but that evidence presented to the board by area officials and residents shows blockages have "been substantially in excess" of that.

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The board said it had allowed CSX "more than enough time to address the many problems that have arisen," and while it acknowledged the railroad inherited a line that had been poorly maintained, it was still CSX's responsibility to fix those problems.

CSX's first report, covering blockages during July, would have to be filed by mid-August, the STB said.

mnolan@tribpub.com
Eastbound lanes along 159th street may be unfinished indefinitely as the state faces a budget crisis. (Gary Middendorf / Daily Southtown)

The $104 million widening of 159th Street through Homer Glen and Orland Park is already behind schedule, but is in danger of falling even further behind if the state legislature fails to act on a stopgap budget before the end of June.

Likewise, road improvements on LaGrange Road, through Orland Park's shopping district, may also come to a screeching halt, thanks to the budget impasse.

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"It's aggravating," said Homer Glen Mayor George Yukich, after meeting Friday with state Sen. Christine Radogno and Rep. Jim Durkin, the two Republican leaders who have sponsored appropriations bills in their respective chambers, which Gov. Bruce Rauner has supported.

"They told us they don't know which way the vote will go," Yukich said, fearing that if it's not approved, the construction project may not resume until next year.

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The Illinois Department of Transportation issued a statement recently saying it has begun to inform its industry partners that "all of our projects in both construction and engineering phases will be shutting down starting June 30 due to the majority party in the legislature's failure to pass a balanced budget."

"There will be no interruption in our projects and programs if the General Assembly returns to Springfield and passes House Bill 6585/Senate Bill 3435," IDOT said in the statement, calling it a "fiscally responsible solution."

In Cook, Will, DuPage, McHenry, Kane and Lake counties, $665.5 million in projects could be impacted.

Utility work began over a year ago on 159th Street, through Homer Glen and Orland Park, which is being widened from two to four lanes from Interstate 355 at Gougar Road to just west of LaGrange Road, with drainage improvements, sidewalks and street lights. The project was initially scheduled to be completed in 2017, but Yukich figures that it may now take another year.

"Business owners aren't freaking out yet. They still have access," he said.

"If they don't pass this now, I have no idea when they would act on it. Everyone has to work together and no one is working together," Yukich said.

Will County's own projects will still move forward, but roadwork being handled by the state in the county could be stopped, said Jeff Ronaldson, assistant county engineer.

In a statement, Rauner said, "Transportation is one of the cornerstones of our state's economy," and strengthening IDOT is one of his "top priorities."

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The stopgap funding measure will "allow important projects and programs to continue past June 30 without interruption (and) will keep IDOT's summer construction program moving forward without delay," he said.

Steve Brown, press secretary for House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, blasted Rauner and IDOT, saying, "Their strategy is to create panic."

Other projects that could be halted include:

The widening of LaGrange Road to three lanes in each direction, with a landscaped median from approximately 131st Street to 179th Street. Orland Park can continue with its landscaping work, but some of that is contingent on coordinating with subcontractors on the project so village officials are unsure how much they can accomplish.

The addition of turn lanes at the intersection of 151st and Harlem Avenue, including a right-turn lane on southbound Harlem for traffic going westbound onto 151, and an additional left-turn lane for eastbound traffic on 151 turning onto northbound Harlem.

Reconstruction of a mile-long stretch of University Parkway, from the Metra station to Crawford Avenue, in front of Governors State University, in University Park.

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Additional lanes on U.S. 30 from Interstate 55 to Illinois 59 in Joliet/Plainfield.

Bridge replacement on Torrence Avenue over the Grand Calumet River.

Construction of a new alignment on Exchange Street in Crete.

Reconstruction of the I- 55 and U.S. 41 interchange in Chicago.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Construction of the Interstate 90/94 to Interstate 290 flyover bridge.

Bridge rehabilitation and added auxiliary lanes at Illinois 171 at I-55 in Cook County

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Bridge repairs on Interstate 80 and various other locations over the Des Plaines River in Joliet.

Drainage improvements, curb and gutter replacements along Route 7 in Lockport.

Construction of 95th Street in Naperville/Bolingbrook, from Plainfield-Naperville Road to Boughton Road.

slafferty@tribpub.com

Frank S. Abderholden also contributed.
Entrance to the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 office at Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox on Thursday, April 14, 2016. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

On paper, Lincoln-Way High School District 210's operating budgets looked good.

For years, the district's administration led by Lawrence Wyllie and then Scott Tingley presented the school board with balanced operating budgets and modest projected surpluses.

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But Lincoln-Way's annual financial reports at the end of those fiscal years told a different story. A Daily Southtown review of Lincoln-Way's operating budgets and annual financial reports from fiscal years 2007 to 2015 found the district overspent each year it presented a balanced operating budget, typically by millions of dollars.

Lincoln-Way's 2014 annual financial report indicated Lincoln-Way had to complete a deficit reduction plan for its 2015 budget but the district did not submit one until its 2016 budget.

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To cover repeated overspending, Lincoln-Way officials spent from reserves and depleted much of the district's savings.

In 2009, Lincoln-Way had more than $26 million in operating reserves. By June 30, 2015, the school district had about $2.8 million on hand in operating reserves  a little more than 11 days' worth, state records show.

In 2006, Lincoln-Way taxpayers approved a $225 million referendum to build two new high schools, North and West, pushed by the district's board and administrators to accommodate what they predicted would be massive population growth.

Those schools opened in 2008 and 2009, respectively, but the district's student enrollment projections never panned out.

After years of overspending, Lincoln-Way landed on the state's financial watch list in 2015, where it remains, prompting the school board to approve shuttering North as a cost-saving measure.

Tingley, the district's superintendent, has said Lincoln-Way should have closed a school sooner and can't afford to operate four. Nevertheless, some in the community believe the district could, with the right financial management and leadership.

Liz Sands, president of Lincoln-Way Area Taxpayers Unite, said the district's overspending represents a failure on the part of administrators, the school board members responsible for providing oversight, district auditors, and the state for not stopping the overspending.

"None of the checks and balances helped," Sands said. "That is a scary, scary thing that a district can be run that long without the checks and balances functioning. As a result, the public was unaware."

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Steven Wahlert, a New Lenox township resident, said he feels the district misled the community with its "bogus" budgets.

An ISBE spokeswoman said Lincoln-Way doesn't meet the criteria to be certified in "financial difficulty," and the state can't intervene with a district's overspending before it receives that distinction.

Lincoln-Way school board members Dee Molinare, Christine Glatz and Christopher Kosel, who have been on the board since 2011, 1993 and 2005, respectively, did not return a message seeking comment.

After years of optimistic budgets, Lincoln-Way filed a budget for fiscal year 2016, ending June 30, that predicted a $5.2 million operating deficit.

Through spokeswoman Taryn Atwell, the district released a statement attributing some of its past overspending to numerous factors, including reduced state funding.

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 board of education superintendent Scott Tingley listens in during a regular meeting at Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox on Thursday, April 14, 2016. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

"While still anticipating to end (the current fiscal year) with a deficit, the district will perform better than the budget," Atwell said. "The district will look to continue to improve its practices as it develops the budget for the (f)iscal (y)ear 2017."

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Consistent overspending

In fiscal year 2007, Lincoln-Way overspent $727,366 from its operating funds. The next fiscal year, Lincoln-Way overspent $3,051,087 from its operating funds.

In fiscal 2009, the district overspent $4,490,750from its operating funds, then overspent $2,833,521 the next fiscal year. By fiscal 2011, Lincoln-Way spent $3,058,535 more from its operating funds than it budgeted.

In fiscal 2012, the district overspent $2,646,371, and in fiscal 2013, the school district overspent $1,801,341 from its operating funds.

The school district continued its overspending into fiscal year 2014, Tingley's first year as superintendent.

That year, the district overspent $7,705,731 from its operating funds. In fiscal 2015, Lincoln-Way again overspent by $6,258,587 from its operating funds.

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Atwell, the district's spokeswoman, gave the following explanation in an email for some of the district's overspending.

From 2007-2012, Atwell said, Lincoln-Way "realized one-time sources of revenue that allowed it to operate as the economy slowed."

In spring of 2012, Lincoln-Way did not receive the anticipated local property tax distribution, Atwell said. As a result, that money was received in the fall, during fiscal year 2013, and the district collected approximately 104 percent of local property taxes during fiscal year 2013.

But, Atwell said, not all fiscal 2013 bills were paid by the close of that year. The district paid additional months' worth of bills in the 2014 fiscal year that were backlogged from the previous year, causing an increase in expenditures that was discussed at board meetings, Atwell said.

The fiscal 2014 budget and all contracts were already in place before July 2013, when Tingley took over, Atwell said.

"Following past practice, the administration rolled the FY 2014 budget over to FY 2015," Atwell said.

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That budget "was built on the assumption that revenue would increase and expenditures would decrease, and should have been built line-by-line from the actual expenditures from the previous year," Atwell said. "The district did spend less in (fiscal) 2015, but also received less from the (state)."

The current budget, for fiscal 2016, "was developed based on actual expenditures from 2015," Atwell said.

Asked about the district's failure to submit a deficit reduction plan with the 2015 budget, Atwell said "the district made several reductions" but did not complete and submit the form with the budget.

The district did submit a plan this year, Atwell said.

"Prior to being placed on the financial watch list, the district worked with ISBE to abide by all requirements," Atwell said.

Questionable financial practices

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Experts contacted by the Daily Southtown said budgets don't typically turn out 100 percent accurate, and many factors can contribute to differences in spending and revenue versus projections.

But Paula Worthington, a lecturer at the University of Chicago, said the district's consistent practice of overspending is a "warning sign governance-wise."

Worthington noted that the district kept predicting balanced operating budgets but kept overspending. Its smallest overspending total, aside from 2007, was nearly $2 million.

"That's telling you something," Worthington said.

Over the years, Lincoln-Way officials blamed some of its financial problems on the state. But community members have questioned what they call wasteful spending and failures to maximize revenue by the district's leaders.

In 2011, a school board candidate argued that the district had been overspending. He also questioned why Lincoln-Way operated West even though it was half-full without exploring other options to fill the school or close it.

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The district didn't take public steps toward closing a school until 2015, even though officials have cast the decision to shutter North as a necessary cost-saving measure.

For years, Lincoln-Way allowed a private day care business to use space at all four of the district's schools without paying rent, passing up potentially thousands of dollars each year in revenue  a choice panned by critics in the community as financially irresponsible.

Lincoln-Way's agreement with Aunt Nancy's child care stands in contrast to a similar arrangement between Oak Lawn-based Community High School District 218 and a private day care provider that has paid $76,250 a year at one of its buildings.

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In 2007, Lincoln-Way bought $5 million worth of farmland in Manhattan Township, apparently without an appraisal, in a deal that netted a firm run by the Lincoln-Way Foundation's then-president $195,000 in commission.

Lincoln-Way also paid more than $368,000 into a retirement annuity for Wyllie, the former superintendent, without public discussion, among other instances of controversial spending.

The district first opened Wyllie's annuity in 2004 but didn't write it into his contract until May 8, 2010. At that same meeting, Wyllie told board members, "this will be another tough year," and said it would be necessary to cut $1.6 million in expenses, according to meeting minutes.

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Later in the meeting, the board approved Wyllie's contract, including a promise that the board would pay $4,876.80 each month to a "board funded annuity" of Wyllie's choice until the contract's end in summer 2015. The district stopped paying when Wyllie retired in 2013.

Wyllie did not return a message seeking comment.

gpratt@tribpub.com

Twitter: @royalpratt
David Mendez, father of Alexis Mendez, place a memorial stone in her memory outside Eisenhower High School. Alexis Mendez passed away suddenly her senior year. Friday, June 17th, 2016, at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. | Gary Middendorf-Chicago Tribune Media Group (Gary Middendorf / Daily Southtown)

Alexis "Lexi" Mendez's obsession with school began in kindergarten.

She'd finish her chemotherapy treatment at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago and then remind her mom that she needed to get back quickly to Blue Island to attend school.

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"She was like, 'Hurry, I can't miss, I gotta get there,'" the girl's mother Rose Mendez recalled.

School, Mendez said, was always important to her youngest child, even on the kind of days that could sideline most other kids.

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You might say school was a gift to Alexis. It was a respite, a responsibility, a social gathering and an avenue through which to dream about one day working with animals for a living.

Which is why it is fitting that Alexis is now being honored by her school.

Thanks to her classmates, Alexis, who was born with a genetic disorder that early on robbed her of her eyesight and last March of her life, will forever be etched into the history of Eisenhower High School, a permanent reminder of the importance of education, perseverance and friendship.

Last week, the Eisenhower Class of 2016's gift, a coral burst crab apple tree and a stone engraved in Alexis's name, were presented during a dedication ceremony on the school's front lawn.

Alexis's parents, Rose and David Mendez, and her brother, David, were among those present for the official welcoming.

"It's amazing. Really," Mendez said. "This was the last thing I expected. They let us cross the stage to pick up her diploma and there was a standing ovation for her. That was surreal. I thought that was special.

"When they told me about the planting of the tree and dedication plaque, I didn't know what to do. I was happy and excited and sad all at once. I told my husband, 'Lexi may be gone but she's still working her magic down here.'"

The best part, Mendez said, is, "Not only do I have a place in the cemetery where I can visit her, I can visit her here at Eisenhower too."

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Alexis was born with neurofibromatosis 1, a genetic disorder that caused tumors to grow on her nervous system. When she was 18 months, a tumor grew on the optic chiasm in her eyes. Because there was no way to operate, the only treatment was two years of chemotherapy. A few years later, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and again endured chemotherapy.

Alexis Mendez, pictured here with her brother, David, and parents, Rose and David Mendez, died in March of 2016. Her peers at Eisenhower High School recently dedicated their class gift in her memory. (Photo courtesy of the Mendez family)

Alexis never let the treatments, seizures and blindness keep her from enjoying life, Rose said.

"Nothing ever stopped her from doing what she wanted to do, or attempting to do what she wanted to do," her mom said. "She was quite determined."

And even when she wasn't successful, Rose said, Alexis would shrug and say, "Well, I tried."

Alexis attended Lincoln, then Whittier grammar schools, followed by Kerr Middle School and finally Eisenhower, where she'd earned enough credit hours to graduate a semester early but stayed on because she enjoyed seeing her friends and working in the school office.

Social Studies teacher Jennifer Connelly knew Alexis well.

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"She was a very inquisitive young lady who had such a zest for life. Her smile could light up an entire room instantly," Connelly said.

"Alexis was kind, yet tough. She never let anyone tell her she 'couldn't' do something. She was always determined to defy the odds and show people that a disability doesn't stop you from living life to the fullest," she said.

"I miss her smile, her humor and her morning hugs. This gift from the class of 2016 shows what an important impact she had on her classmates. She will never be forgotten."

Alexis died March 15 following complications from jaw surgery.

She was 18 and making plans to go through the adult transitions program at Eisenhower and then head to the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville, Ill., where she looked forward to living on her own while studying.

Mendez said her daughter loved animals, particularly her dogs, Sasha, a Maltese, and a cockapoo named Oso, which means "bear" in Spanish.

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She also loved helping others, and was known to stand up to bullies even though she was sometimes on the receiving end of the mistreatment, her mom said.

Last year, Alexis had her head shaved, raising $1,700 for the St. Baldrick's cause.

The Class of 2016 donated a tree and memorial stone to Eisenhower High School in memory of student Alexis Mendez, who passed away suddenly her senior year. Friday, June 17th, 2016, at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. | Gary Middendorf-Chicago Tribune Media Group (Gary Middendorf / Daily Southtown)

After she died, as her peers prepared for graduation, her friend Jamie Walenta Seyl suggested to members of the student council that the graduating class honor Alexis through its gift. Teacher Stephanie Delejewski and staffer Maureen Russell brought the idea to the attention of the class officers.

"They all agreed immediately," Russell said. "Alexis touched every one of us and we felt this was a great way to honor a wonderful girl with an incredible outlook on life."

Jamie, who was friends with Alexis since grammar school, said, "Everybody loved her  kids, teachers, the people in the office. She was always smiling. That smile brought my day to a happy note. She was the kind of friend that made you feel great the minute you saw her.

"Lexi was a gift to us, she truly was," Jamie said. Now, she added, the class gets to return the favor.

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Until her daughter's funeral, Mendez said she had no idea how many people loved her daughter. Krueger Funeral Home was inundated with students and staff that night, she said.

"I didn't even know half the people coming in. I was like, 'Oh, my gosh.' It was crazy."

In addition to her parents and her older brother, Alexis is survived by her grandparents, Herminio and Antonia Salgado and Daniel and Lucy Mendez, and, of course, Eisenhower's class of 2016.

Mendez doesn't have to think long to summarize her daughter's legacy: "No matter what type of disability or impairment you have, you have to push forward toward your goals. She would always say, 'I'm gonna try, if I get it done, fine, if not, well, I tried.'"

"She was a very caring and beautiful soul."

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Follow-up to last week's column

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Last week, I wrote about the Orlando tragedy. My 26-year-old nephew is a rookie cop in that city and was one of the first responders on the scene that night.

Needless to say, the experience was somewhat traumatic.

His regular beat is one of the poorest, toughest parts of the city. Last Christmas, he compiled and handed out goody bags to some 50 kids who live in the crime-ridden area.

In a show of compassion, a few days after the Pulse Night Club shooting, some of those kids presented him with a goody bag and a card with the note, "You are my hero."

dvickroy@tribpub.com

Twitter @dvickroy
The Elgin man accused of leaving a phone message threat for Gov. Bruce Rauner last month must remain on GPS monitoring while his case continues, according to court records.

Jesse Kuzma, 31, is free on $50,000 bail after his arrest last month on a single count of making a threat to a public official, according to court records. Kane County prosecutors allege Kuzma called the Governor's Office of Constituent Affairs around 11 p.m. May 7 and left a message stating, "If I ever see you, consider this your death threat." Illinois State Police investigated the call and arrested Kuzma a few days later.

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Kuzma's bond conditions attached to his release from jail last month included staying away from the governor and to be monitored electronically, according to court records. His attorney recently asked Judge James Hallock to lift the GPS requirement on Kuzma because prosecutors "erroneously" stated Kuzma was once charged with carrying a bomb. The motion points to a DuPage County case from 2002 in which he possessed pepper spray as a minor and later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.

Hallock didn't agree that was enough to change Kuzma's bond conditions and denied the motion, court documents state.

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Kuzma is scheduled to return to court Aug. 4.

Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Bring back village stickers: I am calling about the number of single landscape and recycle trucks and trailers that are flooding our immediate area. Everyone is wondering who they are and if they are paying their fair share of taxes to our communities. Years ago, if you had a business and drove a truck, you had to register with every village you did business in or you would be arrested and fined. We need to bring back village stickers. We have so many people roaming through our communities without knowing who they are or where they came from. It's hurting the local businessman who lives by the law. Let's have a safe and honorable system again. Don't say the stickers cost too much. We all know the price of a village sticker on a truck will pay for itself, and our villages will be more secure. Please take care of us.

Contract for firefighters: If Rick Kozal is going to be the new Elgin city manager, does this mean that the firefighters are finally going to get a contract?

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Take pride in America: I was calling about Memorial Day. I was a World War II soldier. There are very few of us left. I heard people talking about how U.S. soldiers were mistreated in Japanese prison camps. President Obama flew over to Japan recently and talked about the terrors of war. The Japanese leader said he would never go to Pearl Harbor and lay a wreath for all the damage they did because it was war. It was a sneaky surprise attack that killed American soldiers. It puzzles me when I remember how the Japanese said they would take us over economically. Now everywhere you look, you see all the foreigners coming to this country driving Japanese cars. Our economy is going down, but all the other countries such as Korea are doing great at our expense. If people come to this country, they should try to be American citizens and build up this country. If not, they should stay where they are at. If people would buy American cars, they would put Americans back to work.

Not doing their job: I really wonder when the voters of this state and even our country will stop voting along party lines and wake up. This state cannot pass its budget, and yet people continually vote Democrat. I'm not saying Republicans are any better, but Democrats are running Illinois. It is a joke what's going on. These guys are not doing their job. They should be kicked out of office.

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Unreasonable release: Just think of all the murderers and potential murderers running loose in Chicago. It must be 1,000-plus. All the while, our politicians want to release prisoners early, but look at all the security that they demand for themselves.

Out of control: This is about the city of Chicago with all the shootings that are going on. I understand there were 400 shootings in May alone and 68 deaths. Mayor Emanuel is not doing his job. He should not be the mayor anymore. I have so much respect for the police and the fire department. I think their hands are tied. If they slap someone, they are slapped back. Chicago is out of control. This mayor has to go. He can't keep blaming others for his incompetence.

Unjust justice: I love the way our prosecutors work, especially in Kane County. A week ago, the sixth and final Florida resident was given 18 months of probation for having 700 counterfeit credit and debit cards. That's justice for you. Just give him 18 months of probation, and he will likely be back in Florida the next day.

Wondering about Ryan: What's up with Paul Ryan? Why is he keeping his endorsement of Donald Trump so low-key? He just sent out a little tweet. It's because he doesn't want what's coming behind that support. Come on and be a man. Don't be afraid to support who you want to support. I'm supporting Bernie Sanders. I'm not afraid. I think Ryan is being force-fed.

Think before serving drinks: I'm curious about all these concerts and summer fests where they sell alcohol. Do they know how dangerous it is for people who are not responsible and who do not have designated drivers? Shouldn't there be a limit on how much alcohol should be served to one person? Why do these events have to sell alcohol in order for people to have a good time?

Incorrectly endorsed as member of the force: I do believe The Courier-News is wrong in calling the civilian animal control officer a cop. He's not a cop. Correct me if I'm wrong. In the meantime, it gives the police department a bad name.

Respect for elders: Something about Hispanic culture you rarely find in America today is respect for the elderly. Our nursing homes are full of lonely, often neglected seniors. Hispanics usually keep their elders at home and idolize them.

Let off easy: Here's another example of our Kane County prosecutor's useless position as well as a typical situation of police officers getting caught and let off easy. This previous officer who stole $6,000 from the Explorer post was given a misdemeanor sentence and conditional discharge. Typical deal. Why don't they ever prosecute and put someone away, especially if they are a cop? They're sworn to uphold the law and should be held to a higher standard.

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Roused about rally: I would really like to know where the police are in this country. I was watching the San Jose violence at a Donald Trump rally. All these Mexicans waving their Mexican flags and beating up Trump supporters. Where are the police, and why is this tolerated? I don't understand why people don't think this is wrong.

What would Lincoln say: Mexican immigrants claim California as their own. Didn't President Lincoln say a nation divided cannot stand? In Chicago, African-Americans are being murdered by the thousands. Another Lincoln success story going to pot 150 years later.

Beware of IRS scam: I got three calls in one day supposedly from the Internal Revenue Service. Everyone in Elgin is getting these calls. It's been said on the radio they arrested five people from Florida who ripped people off by $6 million. They need to get rid of these people.

UFOs in hiding: I want to comment on the Speak Out about bringing on the UFOs. The reason the UFOs have gone into hiding is because they know the Republicans would go to war with them like they want to go to war with everyone else.

Editor's note

Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-2460 or email couriernews@tribpub.com. Please include "speak out" in the subject line.
West Leyden High School students and chaperones did service work in three different orphanages during a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Courtesy of Cynthia Diaz)

Students and chaperones from West Leyden High School did service work in three different orphanages during a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There were 45 people in the group, which made the trip from May 31 to June 7.

It was the third year in which a group from West Leyden made such a trip.

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"We got so many students to go that we split into two groups every day," said Jason Cummins, the school's assistant principal and a chaperone.

The orphanages the students attended included Casa Hogar and Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, or RISE. The third orphanage, Pasitos De Luz, is for children who are physically and mentally disabled.

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"At the orphanages, we helped the students with their homework," Cummins said. "We spent about four hours at each place during the weekdays. They helped them with English, math, science and reading. They did arts and crafts with the kids."

West Leyden senior Jose Sanchez has been visiting the orphanages with the school for the past three years.

"Instead of being a tourist, I thought it would be better to serve a little bit and get involved," he said.

Sanchez said that enough kids attend the service trip that participants are able to focus on one or two kids at the orphanage. He said they get really attached to the kids that they are working with.

"You just give them as much attention as you can," he said. "You have a good time and make a connection to them."

Sanchez said it is an eye-opening experience. Upon reflection, he said any problems he has close to home seem arbitrary compared to what many of these kids are struggling with every day.

"It's sad to see what they have to deal with," he said.

Senior Cynthia Diaz agreed. She said she learned to appreciate more of the little things in life, such as spending time with her family.

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"I really like to help people, so I saw this opportunity to try something new," she said.

After realizing how much she enjoyed helping young children, Diaz said she plans on becoming a physical therapist for kids with disabilities.

"Our biggest message to them is that we wanted them to have the experience of giving back," Cummins said. "It was great to have some insight of how students of poverty live."

Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
District 35 Superintendent Catherine Wang, left, looks over information with Amy Holaday, right, the district's newly-named director of curriculum and instruction. (Daniel I. Dorfman / Pioneer Press)

Construction is underway at South School to make changes to accomodate students for all-day kindergarten, which begins for Glencoe District 35 in the 2016-2017 school year, according to Superintendent Catherine Wang.

In a June 17 interview with Wang and Amy Holaday, the district's incoming director of curriculum and instruction, Wang said approximately 120 students are registered for all-day kindergarten at South School, and the renovations are on schedule.

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"The major renovation work is in the library," Wang said. "There are minor things going on in the classrooms. We anticipate being able to be back in those spaces in August, in time for the school year."

The renovations are expected to cost roughly $500,000, according to Jason Edelheit, the district's director of finance and operations.

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Wang said the longer day for kindergartners will allow for more time each week for Spanish, physical education, music and art, as well as for play-based learning.

"Our youngest learners will have a more calm and organized day," Wang said. "I think we are going to see their self-esteem and their own social-emotional wellness be more stable, (with) less stress and worry."

Wang added there will be six kindergarten classes with approximately 20 children per class, and teachers assigned to one unit all day.

"Teachers are really excited about being around that opportunity to be with that one group of children," she said.

Another big change at District 35 in 2016-17 will be the new role for Holaday, who has worked in the district for nine years, first as a teacher and then as a technology specialist.

Holaday said she hopes to build on her previous work in technology.

"It's where my passion is, and I think this will provide me with the opportunity to get to do that on a more global level," she said. "I won't do that just with my small team and just with my small building. I can do it K-8, and hopefully have a bigger impact that way."

Holaday said she will focus her work on the district's continuing implementation of the Common Core State Standards Initiative and Next Generation Science Standards. Holaday said she and other members of the District 35 team will also be looking at how best to incorporate new state mandates for social studies classes throughout all grades that will eventually be part of the curriculum.

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Also, in 2016-17 a new performance and evaluation system for teachers based on student growth will be in place, according to administrators. This change follows the passage of a state law in 2010. Holaday said the state gave the individual districts time to prepare for the new evaluation system, and this will be the year that it will be in place.

"We've been prepping and working toward that for the last few years and we are ready," Wang said.

In another change, the School Board's monthly meetings in the next school year will be held on the first Thursday of each month, instead of the first Monday of the month, because a large number of upcoming holidays fall on Mondays, Wang said. She said there has been no decision about what day the Board meetings will be held in the 2017-2018 school year.

Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press
This year, Glenview's Fourth of July celebration will begin with a children's bike parade and end with a concert and fireworks show.

At 10:30 a.m., children between 4 to 9 years old should gather in the Prairie Street cul-de-sac, just north of the Glenview Public Library, with their decorated bikes, according to the village website. The bike parade starts at 11:15 a.m.

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The Independence Day parade will begin at 11:20 a.m. with 75 community groups, entertainers, floats and marching bands moving from the intersection of Harlem Avenue and Glenview Road south to Central Road and west to Johns Park, according to the website.

During the parade, there will be a tow zone in place on Lehigh Avenue from Rugen Road to Glenview Road. Cars can't be parked on either side of the street on Washington Street from Lehigh Avenue to Prairie Street; on Washington Street from Glenview Road to Dewes Street; and on Spruce Drive near Lehigh Avenue, according to the parade map.

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There will be no parking on one side of the street for about six blocks south of Linneman Street, according to the parade map.

At 7 p.m., the Northshore Concert Band will perform at Gallery Park, followed by fireworks, which will be shot from the middle of Lake Glenview, according to the village website.

Those in attendance can view the concert and fireworks to the west, south and north of the lake, according to the village website. Free parking will be available in The Glen Town Center parking garages and the Metra station parking lots.

After the fireworks, a DJ will perform and food vendors will be set up along Patriot Boulevard, said Amy Watson, director of recreation for the Glenview Park District.

akukulka@tribpub.com
Lake County Circuit Court Judge Jorge Ortiz has been elected by fellow circuit members to a second term as chief judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit.

Ortiz was unanimously re-elected in a vote among circuit judges earlier this week, according to a statement released Friday.

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"It has been a busy and interesting six months of my first term, and I am honored to have the confidence of the other circuit judges to continue to serve in the leadership role as chief judge," Ortiz said in the release.

Ortiz will not begin his second term until Jan. 2 of next year, but under state statute, the election of a chief judge must occur before June 30 of this year.

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The judge said he is looking forward to continuing to pursue goals targeted during his first term, including changes to make the court system more accessible to all residents.

"If we are to provide true and meaningful access to justice for all, courts must adapt to societal changes and emerging trends," Ortiz said. "We must provide appropriate facilities, implement a state-of-the-art case management system and apply use of cutting-edge technology."

Ortiz said projects are currently in progress to achieve those goals include the construction of the a new criminal courts tower at the main courthouse in Waukegan, and improvements to the court facility at the Depke Juvenile Complex located in Vernon Hills.

"Other projects are forthcoming," he said.

Ortiz was appointed as an associate judge in 2002. In August 2008, he was appointed circuit judge by the Illinois Supreme Court, and was successfully elected circuit judge in the 2010 general election.

jrnewton@tribpub.com

Twitter @jimnewton5
More than 300 volunteers from AbbVie joined Carman-Buckner Elementary School staff in the renovation of school areas on Thursday, June 23. (Yadira Sanchez Olson / Lake County News-Sun)

Students of Carman-Buckner Elementary School in Waukegan will see a renovated building and playground this fall when they return to classes.

The new learning spaces and play area are the result of the collaborative efforts of more than 300 AbbVie employees, who were volunteering during the company's Week of Possibilities, and The Heart of America Foundation, a national group based in Washington D.C. that aims to ensure children have opportunities to learn and grow.

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Adding to the complete renovation of the play area and computer labs was the work to spruce up other parts of the school with a fresh coat of paint on hallways and storage rooms.

The biggest transformation though, took place in the school's library, which was decorated with new, brightly-colored furniture and shelves.

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Materials that will be housed in the new space are high-tech gadgets, such as the 95 Chromebooks and a 3D printer that were donated.

On Thursday, volunteers laboriously handled the school's entire library book collection in preparation for a more modern electronic catalog system, which the district will pilot at the elementary school this fall.

"The middle schools and high school already use the electronic catalog form, but we're the first elementary school to be added to it," said Principal Roberto Silva.

Adding to that collection were more than 9,000 books that were also donated by AbbVie.

In the fall, a wooden custom-made shelf that looks like a tree will greet the students and invite them into the newly-decorated and state-of-the art library.

"The kids'll be really excited to see all the new paint and materials," said Crystal Eubanks, who works as a special education resource teacher at the school and was one of the renovation volunteers.

Eubanks said the new technology will be most helpful when students are working on research papers.

A day before the remodeling of the inside the school, volunteers built a playground that was designed with the help of the 715 students who attend Carman-Buckner, Silva said.

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The students were asked to imagine their dream play space early in the school year, and Silva said "some wanted a pool and trampolines."

With the more feasible components in mind, three designs were selected and voted on by the school community  students will now have a playground with inclined cliffhangers, lily pods to jump from and a slide.

Other additions to the playground include an outdoor classroom and a picnic table.

"Coming into an environment that's pleasant and looks and feels like a beautiful learning space will enhance the positive student culture," Silva said.

The principal added that he was appreciative for the volunteers from the local and national organizations for all their work.

"This is a gift. This is a gift we don't take lightly," Silva said. "We are going to use these spaces to make Carman-Buckner that center of the community again because that's what (AbbVie and Heart of America) would want from us from this gift."

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Yadira Sanchez Olson is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun
Brian Roan and Sherry Spaid sit with their two sons, Ryan (left) and Brian, on the couch in their new home. (Angelica LaVito, Lake County News-Sun)

Army veteran Brandon Dunston smiled as he received the keys to his new North Chicago home with his 10-year-old daughter by his side Friday. The keys, strung by pieces of red and blue ribbon onto an American-flag star, open the door to Dunston's new home and will keep him from living out of his car.

Dunston said he left the Army in 2014 after serving for eight years, and he has struggled to find a stable job and residence since. He was between jobs in Arizona and thought his best option was to send his daughter to live in Milwaukee with her grandmother while he looked for a new job and lived out of his car.

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Then one of his Army buddies, Joy, told him about a program in North Chicago that aimed to help homeless veterans. On Friday, Dunston, Joy and another Army veteran, Brian Roan, became the first beneficiaries of a Community Action Partnership of Lake County initiative, which was funded by AbbVie.

"I don't cry that much, and I cried when I found out I was approved for this program because I was so happy and relieved," Dunston said. "It's an awesome program. It's amazing."

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Dunston will move into a single-family house with his daughter, Arianna. Roan will move into a townhouse with Sherry Spaid and their 21/2-year-old twin boys, Ryan and Brian. Joy will move into the unit next door.

Contractors have worked on renovating the homes since April, and AbbVie volunteers helped complete the finishing touches Friday as part of the North Chicago-based pharmaceutical company's Week of Possibilities. About 40 volunteers spent the morning preparing the homes for their new residents with tasks such as scrubbing windows, painting doors and arranging furniture.

"This is a perfect way to tie up the week. It really is," said Melissa Walsh, head of global philanthropy for AbbVie and the AbbVie Foundation. "We have more than 5,500 employees across the world this week doing projects in 50 different countries.

"This to me epitomizes the intention of Week of Possibilities, which is really to give back to the communities where we live and work, and this is the perfect example of that."

When AbbVie announced it would include the veteran housing project as part of its annual volunteer week, employees realized the new residents would receive renovated but empty homes. They began collecting used furniture and some new household items like bedspreads that now fill the spaces.

"It's nice. That helps," Roan said. "Financing that means we can take that money for something else."

CAP of Lake County decided to expand its efforts to include helping homeless veterans after analyzing homelessness data in 2013, according to CEO and Executive Director Mary Lockhart White. The organization began a Home for the Holidays program that gave veterans transitional housing around the winter holidays before exploring permanent housing.

Wells-Fargo donated a house to CAP, but it did not have the resources to renovate it alone. The organization turned to AbbVie, which supplied the funding and labor to fix the house and the building where the two townhouses are located.

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CAP owns the properties, and the tenants will pay the organization rent based on the Department of Housing and Urban Development's guidelines so the families can afford it.

The effort does not stop there. According to CAP officials, the agency owns eight buildings with four units, totaling 32 townhouses. The organization's goal is to convert them all into veteran housing, and it is working with the city and the county to achieve that goal. Lockhart White said she hopes to realize that target by the end of 2017.

For Joy, who asked to keep her last name private, it "means a lot" to see local organizations help veterans, a group that often faces employment and financial hardship. After years of moving around the Chicago area, she has a new job and a new home.

"I feel like my future's looking up," Joy said. "A form of stability is now forming in my life, and I'm very excited about it."

For Dunston, having the opportunity to access an affordable home where he can live with his daughter is "still surreal."

"It means the world to me," Dunston said. "I'm so grateful."

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Angelica LaVito is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Catherine Kemp (far right), 22, of Arlington Heights, prepares to leave Lincolnshire with the Illini 4000 group. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)

A University of Illinois-based group of bicyclists recently stopped in Lincolnshire during their 71-day, 4,000-mile trek from New York City to San Francisco to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

The 18 cyclists from the Illini 4000 organization this year has raised $81,000 for cancer research and patient services, while they also document the American cancer experience. For the past 10 years, the University of Illinois-based nonprofit has sent different groups of students on a cross-country bike ride to support cancer research and various charities, such as the American Cancer Society.

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"It's been awesome," said Catherine Kemp, 22, a 2012 graduate from John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights who also graduated from the University of Illinois this year. "It's a great team. They make it easy, and we get along well."

Kemp joined a few other people from the northern suburbs on the cross-country trip, including Glenview native Catherine Schmid, Dakota Karson, of Northbrook, and Sara Desmond, of Evanston. A rider leader, Kemp participated in the organization's fundraising tour in 2013, she said.

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After spending the night at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort on Tuesday, the team left Lake County on Wednesday morning to cycle to Lake Geneva, Wis., where they stayed at a private residence. From there, they'll head north to the Wisconsin Dells and up to Minnesota, according to the Illini 4000 organization.

They'll see locations such as Rapid City, S.D., Jackson, Wyo., Boise, Idaho and Redding, Calif.. They'll be hosted overnight in private homes, churches and hotels, the organization said.

The tour is scheduled to end Aug. 8 in San Francisco. The group met for the first time this past fall.

So far, Kemp and other cyclists on the team have encountered some challenging conditions while out biking the country, she said.

"It can be difficult," Kemp said. "Wind is our worst enemy."

Despite the weather, Sara Tirnanic, an off-campus rider from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, called the experience amazing, while Desmond, 19, a 2014 Evanston Township High School graduate, keeps learning more about it  her first time riding for the Illini 4000.

"It's definitely a lot more than I expected," Desmond said, adding her motivation for the trip is to help people who have cancer and "don't deserve it."

Schmid, 20, a Loyola Academy of Wilmette graduate, also is riding the Illini 4000 for the first time.

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"I think It was kind of nice to have a break in Lincolnshire," Schmid said. "The first two weeks were pretty rough, but we adapted to it. We weren't used to the hills coming from Illinois."

For the trek, cyclists pedal in groups, a method considered safer for the riders, while a van accompanies them along the 4,000-mile journey. They ride through rain and other weather conditions, only stopping for dangerous conditions, such as lighting.

The riders also are working to put together the "Portraits Project," a collection of personal narratives and stories from various cancer survivors and caretakers the team meets while on their cross-country ride.

Karson, 21, a 2013 graduate from Glenbrook North High School, said the experience so far has helped the team bond. The 18 cyclists treat each other like family, she said.

"It's an amazing experience," Karson said. "It definitely has taught me more about how cancer has affected our country and world."

Karie Angell Luc is a freelance photographer and reporter for Pioneer Press.
Skokie's Rails To Trails multi-use path travels from the Dempster Street Skokie Swift station on the north to Lincoln Avenue right at the Lincolnwood border on the south. (Mike Isaacs / Pioneer Press)

Two bike paths that were scheduled for construction this year in Lincolnwood have been put on hold due to the state's ongoing budget impasse, which has prompted the Illinois Department of Transportation to begin shutting down construction projects throughout the state starting June 30.

It's been less than a month since contractors started prepping land along a utility corridor the village is leasing from ComEd to build the first of the two bike pathsthe Valley Line Trail. Village officials said construction has been halted and the path won't open on as planned on July 12 because of the budget standstill.

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Public Works director Ashley Engelmann said the state had not directly notified the village of its plans to halt the bike path construction.

"We heard about it through our village engineer, but haven't had any direct communication with the state," Engelmann said.

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Lincolnwood had been counting on about $1.6 million in state funding from two Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grants to fund 80 percent of the combined $1.9 million in total construction costs for both paths, according to the village.

IDOT notified contractors of the shutdown earlier this week before issuing a statement Wednesday saying $2 billion in construction and engineering projects across the state would be stalled until a resolution moves forward in Springfield.

"We have started to inform our industry partners that all of our projects in both construction and engineering phases will be shutting down starting June 30 due to the majority party in the legislature's failure to pass a balanced budget," IDOT spokeswoman Gianna Urgo said in an email. "The conversation about how individual projects will wind down is continuing."

If no budget or stopgap spending bill is in place by July 1st, projects will cease, IDOT said.

"The stopgap proposal is a fiscally responsible solution proposed by the Republican leaders that can be voted on today," Urgo said. "There will be no interruption in our projects and programs if the General Assembly returns to Springfield and passes (the measure)."

Plans for the Valley Line Trail have been in the works for several years. The 12-foot wide, mile-long path was supposed to connect Lincolnwood's borders with Skokie at Jarvis Avenue and Chicago at Devon Avenue.

A month-long construction period scheduled for the second trail, known as the Union Pacific Bicycle Path, was planned to start this fall. Plans for the path called for the trail to run along the east side of Lincolnwood along the former Union Pacific Railroad Corridor between Devon and Touhy avenues.

IDOT had contracted with Chicagoland Paving Contractors for the Valley Line Trail, but it was unclear whether a construction company had been selected for the Union Pacific Bicycle Path, according to the village.

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Future plans to build a pedestrian bridge next year over Touhy Avenue also hang in the balance of the state budget. The village was issued a similar state grant to cover a portion of construction costs for that project.

Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Stay on top of the news all day with the Tribunes web notifications. Well let you know  right in your web browser  when theres big breaking news happening, and also share our editors top picks so you see the best of what the Tribune has to offer.
A man who sent naked photographs of a woman to her Naperville employer after she declined to date him has been sentenced to community service work and court supervision.

James J. Casey, 32, with addresses listed in the 700 block of Academy Street in Valparaiso, Ind., and the 2600 block of North Sawyer Avenue in Chicago, pleaded guilty Tuesday in a DuPage County case that stems back to 2014.

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Naperville police began investigating Casey that summer in conjunction with Westmont police. The victim lives in Westmont, but the photographs were sent to the human resources department of the Naperville business for which she works.

The woman "met" Casey via a Canadian dating website called PlentyOfFish.com. After two days of communicating via text and telephone, the woman told police she "thought (Casey) was a good guy because he had not inquired about sex yet," police reports said.

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At one point Casey "made a comment to her, stating he didn't want any secrets," according to the reports. The woman "agreed with him, and gave him one of her (online) passwords," which granted him access to "a lot of her accounts."

The woman eventually told Casey she did not want to meet him in person or date him. Court records showed Casey on Aug. 15, 2014 sent a text message to the woman, in which he wrote, "You are a lying little (expletive,) no wonder your ex beat the (expletive) out of you."

Three days later, Casey sent "five nude photos" of the woman that he had found in one of her online accounts to her employer, records indicated. He also posted the pictures to a website he had created, according to records.

Members of the Naperville Police Department's High Technology Crimes Unit then got the website shut down, and preserved the images that had been sent to the woman's employer. Police in October 2014 secured a warrant for Casey's arrest on the electronic harassment charges.

Casey pleaded guilty Tuesday to the reduced charge of disorderly conduct/breach of peace. Associate Judge Alexander F. McGimpsey that day accepted the plea and ordered Casey to perform 30 hours of community service work, spend a year on court supervision and have no further contact with the woman, court records showed.

A telephone number in Indiana that had been provided for Casey proved Thursday to belong to another man. Efforts to reach him via telephone for comment in the Valparaiso and Chicago areas proved unsuccessful.

wbird@tribpub.com
The College of DuPage board of trustees adopted a balanced budget for fiscal year 2017 that takes into account a funding shortfall from the state and resurrects financial support for a reinstated theater company.

With operating funds revenue at $173.3 million and expenditures of $172.9 million, the college will have a balanced budget, despite not receiving all the state funding that was expected in the current fiscal year.

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Fiscal year 2017 begins July 1, which is also the start date for the incoming college president, Ann Rondeau.

"I hope that everyone will understand that the board is engaged not only through this budget, but in other ways, in trying to be institutionally responsible going forward," said Deanne Mazzochi, chairwoman of the board of trustees, in a nod to the spending abuse crisis that enveloped the college's former president, Robert Breuder, who was fired last fall.

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A Chicago Tribune investigation found Breuder and other senior officials had spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer and donor dollars on food and alcohol and that noncompetitive contracts had been questionably awarded. Due to doubts about its governance and integrity, the college is on probation with the Higher Learning Commission, its accrediting organization.

Before the board passed the budget with a 6-1 vote Thursday, Mazzochi said, "I very much appreciate that this year's budget is ensuring that we're targeting a balanced budget, notwithstanding the budget battles down in Springfield, because I think as we've seen with other community colleges, there are downsides to not preparing that way if you get caught off guard and you've overcommitted your expenditures."

Earlier this month, Elgin Community College approved a budget that would call for laying off between 10 and 30 support staff.

Mazzochi said the College of DuPage's board is "at the very least, trying to make sure that we're making what might be a harder choice now so we don't have to make extremely difficult choices that can be truly disastrous for people in their professional capacity later on."

Frank Napolitano, secretary of the board and budget committee chairman, said even though the college received from the state only $3.5 million of the $12.2 million budgeted for fiscal year 2016, a balanced budget for 2017 was possible by underspending last year's budget by $9 million and declining some potential expenditures that didn't affect academic programming. As examples, he cited positions that were left unfilled and the wireless network which won't be updated..

"We didn't cut anywhere when it comes to new programs, anything that anyone wanted to get funded when it comes to additional classes, scheduling of classes, new technology in classrooms  none of those items were cut," he said in an interview Wednesday. "The only things that were cut were the nonessential capital investments in the technology, budget, upgrades, and nice-to-have things that would enhance the experience."

The Buffalo Theatre Ensemble will receive $131,422, Napolitano said. The professional ensemble, which is directed by College of DuPage faculty members, had been on hiatus since 2013. It performs at the McAninch Arts Center on campus.

Funding the ensemble allows students to have opportunities to work side by side on productions with professional actors.

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"It's really a big win for us," Napolitano said. "It was important to me to bring it back, and it was important to the students and the members of the community. They came out in droves to ask us to bring it back, and we were able to do that."

Trustee Dianne McGuire was the lone vote against the budget, taking issue with the $9 million savings from last year being used on operating expenditures.

"I think they should be singled-out, one-time-only, unique expenses," she said after the vote. "It shouldn't be used for everyday operating expenses. If you've got a savings account that's suddenly become part of your grocery budget, that's usually not what we keep our savings for."

But Napolitano pointed out that the 2017 budget takes a conservative approach on state funding and doesn't increase the tax levy or tuition.

"We're budgeting and banking on as if (the state) will give us zero," he said. "So if they give us anything, it's kind of a bonus."

"So we're able to hold the line on tuition and hold the line on taxes, which serves our students and our taxpayers well," he said. "At the same time, we maintain the same quality of education because we didn't cut anything that was mission-critical."

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Erin Chan Ding is a freelance reporter.
Naperville Sun readers have plenty of opinions when it comes to the news of the day. Here are some of the comments as they appeared on stories posted on www.napersun.com and our Facebook page.

In response to a story on Naperville police conducting a roadside safety check on Friday night:

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I think it's ironic that Naperville will be checking for DUI, while continuing to sell/award more liquor licenses and allowing the increasing number of bars to stay open longer into the morning.

nothing like a nice violation of your constitutional rights to start the weekend.

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In response to a story on Naperville Whole Foods clerk Tabitha Bailey, who takes inspiration from the animated character Nemo because she has a condition that resulted in undersized fingers on her right hand. She was thrilled to have met the local boy who voices Nemo in the new "Finding Dory" movie, although she did not know she had at the time.

Naperville Sun Twice-weekly News updates from the Naperville area delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

I've met Tabitha multiple times at whole foods and have never noticed her hand. She's bright and kind and great to customers. What a fun story to read about her and our local little Nemo!

Love Tabitha! She has a heart of gold!!! Just Sunday, she brought a smile to my ill daughter's face by giving her a sticker in the checkout line

I have gone through Tabitha's line several times! This story doesn't surprise me because she is always friendly, kind and upbeat! Everyday hero!

On the death of Michael Szot, 23, who was found dead in the Waubonsee Community College Library just three months after being sentenced to periodic imprisonment for driving his car into a Naperville quarry, killing two friends.

Very sad, 3 young men gone, families heartbroken. Prayers to all

Tragedy upon tragedy...

Simply horrible for every person connected in any way to these young men. Broken hearts.
The father and grandmother of a 15-month-old boy taken at gunpoint from his Gary foster home in April have been charged in his kidnapping.

Timothy Franklin Jackson Sr., 17, of East Chicago, and Dollie Tecaxco, 36, of Lake Station, each were charged Thursday with burglary and two counts of kidnapping, Gary police spokeswoman Lt. Dawn Westerfield said in a news release Friday. Tecaxco also faces two counts of assisting a criminal; Jackson is being charged as an adult.

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The boy was taken from a home in the 2000 block of Waite Street around 11:20 p.m. April 11. Two individuals, whose faces were covered, forced their way into the home, held the homeowners at gunpoint and kidnapped the boy, according to police.

The child was discovered the next day with his minor parents  Jackson and a girl, 15, who was reported as a runaway April 8  at a residence in the 200 block of Dallas Street. The boy was a ward of the state, Westerfield said.

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Tecaxco is in custody, but Jackson is at large. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Sgt. William Fazekas at 219-881-1210 or the crime tip line at 866-274-6347.

The Gary Response Investigative Team task force as well as the Lake County and Hammond police departments assisted in the case, Westerfield said.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
"Destination Mars' is a 'trip' to the Red Planet, or what such a trip might be like in the future. (Merrillville Community Planetarium / Hamdout)

Traveling to space with astronauts may be closer than you think.

Merrillville Community Planetarium presents "Destination Mars!" July 8-23 at Clifford Pierce Middle School in Merrillville.

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"We have a state-of-the-art facility," said Gregg Williams, director of the planetarium, which is part of Merrillville Community School Corp. "We're using the same software that they use at Adler Planetarium in Chicago and at the Digital Visualization Theater at the University of Notre Dame. You don't have to drive into Chicago to go to a planetarium show."

"Destination Mars!" offers a chance to explore the Red Planet.

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"This is a hypothetical trip to Mars by a group of astronauts showing us what it might be like to go to Mars in the future," said Williams, of Merrillville. "Historically, people have always wondered about the possibility of there being life on Mars. We've carried that idea that someday we might find life on Mars. That's part of the excitement."

When weather permits, an outdoor observing session follows "Destination Mars!"

"This summer Mars is relatively close to the Earth. This is a good time to actually go outside to look at Mars in the sky because Mars appears relatively bright and maybe a little larger than we normally see it," Williams said.

Merrillville Community Planetarium presents four shows during the school year. "Destination Mars!" is the final program for 2015-16.

"We do private shows and we provide programming for Merrillville classes. All Merrillville students from kindergarten through eighth grade come to the planetarium," he said."We give between 500 and 600 shows a year."

Students also get hands-on learning at the planetarium.

"One of the things we offer for students who go to Pierce Middle School is an opportunity to be in the Planetarium Club," said Williams, putting membership at about 55. "They learn how to operate planetarium equipment and help out with shows that we give."

'Destination Mars!'

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When: 7:30 p.m. (7 p.m. doors) July 8, 15-16 and 22-23; other showings may be added

Where: Clifford Pierce Middle School, 199 E. 70th Ave. (park and enter on west side), Merrillville

Admission: $4 adults; $2 children; seating is limited and should be reserved by phone

Information: 219-650-5486 or www.mcpstars.org

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter.
The Lake County X-Ray Survey Foundation conducted a massive program during the summer of 1955 when Mobile X-Ray units, traveled the county and provided free chest X-rays to determine if people were suffering from ailments, including tuberculosis. A 1957 parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Indiana Tuberculosis Association features a mobile X-ray similar to those used in Lake County. (Indiana Historical Society, M038 / Handout)

Editor's note: On Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state in the Union. Lake, Porter and Newton counties originally were one, but on Jan. 28, 1836, Porter County was created. A year later, on Jan. 18, Lake County became independent. As the state celebrates its bicentennial, the Post-Tribune will be taking a regular look back at the history of Northwest Indiana.

In the old days  before people could Google disease information and before 24-hour-news channels could provide the latest news about anything from allergies to Zika  it was much more challenging for people to learn how to avoid dangerous diseases like tuberculosis.

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Tuberculosis, known as TB, was once one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. In the early 1900s it killed one out of every seven people in the U.S. and Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Anti-tuberculosis societies in Indiana came up with the concept of "Disease Prevention Day" in an effort to fight the disease. They garnered support from Gov. Samuel Ralston and various local health agencies. The date was set for Oct. 2, 1914, and cities and towns were urged to organize pageants and parades to spread the word.

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In 1914, community parades and pageants were popular methods of getting the word out about everything from women's suffrage to disease prevention. The events allowed communities to literally "bang the drum" and share significant information with great fanfare and excitement.

Valparaiso and Gary were on board. In fact, according to the Oct. 2, 1914, Gary Tribune, "Perhaps the biggest celebration of Indiana's first disease prevention day was held in Gary."

Hundreds of adults and 3,000 children participated in the 45-minute parade as it marched north on Broadway to 5th Avenue and on to West Side Park. At the park, hundreds of children had been practicing to march in formation to form the word "HEALTH" in letters 40 feet high and 20 feet wide.

The Valparaiso parade also drew thousands of spectators. Participants rode on horseback, in automobiles and walked along. Some carried signs reading "Keep Clean" and "The Only Good Fly is A Dead One." Some signs warned people against drinking the popular bottled "remedies"  calling them booze and dope.

The first Disease Prevention Day was such a big deal that the The New York Times covered it. It was also considered a huge success in Indiana, according to the Indiana State Board of Health's bulletin for June 1915. A second Disease Prevention Day was scheduled for Oct. 1, 1915. "The idea was so big and so fruitful of good results that it has been taken up by other states, which this year will follow Indiana's example," the bulletin reported.

But the pageants and parades were not a cure and scientists, doctors and health officials continued to labor for decades to continue the fight against tuberculosis.

"Before the 1950s, there weren't many good options for TB patients. But since then, antibiotics have made TB a very treatable disease," said Eric Hawkins, director of TB and Refugee Health at the Indiana State Department of Health.

By 1954, Christmas Seals was raising as much as $50,435 in Lake County, according to the Jan. 3, 1954, Chicago Sunday Tribune. Much of that was used to "sponsor the mobile X-ray unit which covers the county every month and in the tuberculin patch testing which is done in the schools," the Trib reported. The money was also used to pay for literature, films and talks on tuberculosis and other community health problems.

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In the summer of 1955, the Lake County X-Ray Survey Foundation conducted a massive drive to provide free chest X-rays to an estimated 233,000 Lake County residents. The cost of the project was about $200,000, according to the Monday, May 2, 1955, Post-Tribune.

The effort required the use of eight mobile X-ray units to tour the county from May to August with its first stop in Hobart and other parts of the south county. Trucks were parked in front of the Superior Court House in Hammond as well as in Cedar Lake, Gary and Lowell.

The Lake County mobile X-ray effort was "the largest X-ray survey program ever attempted in Indiana as most of the units of the Indiana State Board of Health are being used," according to an article in the July 2, 1955, Franklin Evening Star,

In the U.S. there was a spike of TB cases between 1985 and 1992, according to the CDC. But it is once again declining in this country. There were 9,421 cases of TB in the U.S. in 2014, which represents a 1.5 percent decline in cases from 2013, according to the CDC. About 555 people died from the disease in 2013, an 8 percent increase from the 510 deaths in 2012. Overall, the number of TB deaths reported has annually has decreased by 67 percent since 1992.

"There are still some challenges," said Hawkins. "It can take anywhere from 4 months to 2 years of antibiotics to ensure that a patient is cured, and typically a health provider must deliver the medication and watch while the patient takes the antibiotics. This helps ensure that the patient isn't developing a resistance to antibiotics and protects their family and friends from infection. But we have come a long way from the days when people were placed in TB sanatoriums and routinely died of TB."

Hawkins points out that much of the work in TB today, focuses on controlling the spread of disease.

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"Anytime a person is confirmed to have TB, we also work to find anyone who might have been exposed to the patient and to test them for the TB bacteria," Hawkins said. "Those who test positive are offered treatment to prevent them from becoming a TB patient in the future."

Nancy Coltun Webster is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Merrillville Town Judge Gina Jones may have to look for ways to cut her budget in order to receive a raise.

Jones told the Town Council during a workshop session Wednesday that she took a pay cut to take the judge position and that two employees under her make more money than she does.

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She said she now earns a little more than $45,000 a year.

Jones said she handles more cases than some cities do. She also pointed out that soon after she took over the judge's seat in 2010, she discovered the embezzlement of funds from the court by a former employee.

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"That derailed all my attention. I was here all day, every day," she said.

Council President Richard Hardaway, D-2nd, and Councilman Shawn Pettit, D-6th, said they had no problem with Jones getting a raise but said she should look in her budget to find ways to pay for it first.

The town court budget is $354,000.

"If you want to go up to $50,000 and remove a part-time employee, that's up to you," said Pettit, who pointed out that he hasn't gotten a raise for being a council member in 13 years.

"If your budget can stand it, I will support it 100 percent," Hardaway said of the raise request.

Jones will get together with Pettit, who chairs the council's budget and finance committee, to look over the court budget and see if there any cuts that can be made or a line item that the judge doesn't anticipate using next year.

"If there isn't, we'll see if we can find another $5,000 or $10,000 somewhere. It's not going to be a 'no,' " Pettit said.

In other matters, the council members were amenable to passing an ordinance declaring Merrillville a broadband-ready community. The council members present at the workshop said it would be placed on Tuesday's Town Council agenda.

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"This tells people we are a progressive community. It would be a plus," Town Attorney John Bushemi said.

The Indiana Economic Development Commission is encouraging broadband development throughout the state by certifying communities as broadband ready.

The certification tells telecommunication companies that the community has taken steps to reduce barriers to broadband infrastructure investment.

Devin Hillsdon-Smith, a spokesman for AT&T, told the council that all of the Ameriplex complex is fiber-ready and the company is working on making Twin Towers and a business park on Whitcomb fiber-ready as well.

Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Porter County officials said a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that requires police to get a search warrant before taking blood from drivers suspected of drunken driving will have no impact here because police do that already.

The ruling, issued Thursday, said police must get warrants for the blood alcohol tests  but not breath tests because the court considers those less intrusive.

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"I always thought you needed a court order" for a blood test, said Porter County Sheriff David Reynolds. "We can take a breath test. That hasn't changed."

The Supreme Court ruling came in three cases in which drivers said so-called implied consent laws in Minnesota and North Dakota violated the Constitution's ban on unreasonable searches and seizures. State supreme courts had upheld the laws.

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The U.S. Supreme Court upheld warrantless breath tests for people suspected of driving while intoxicated, Porter County Prosecutor Brian Gensel said in an email.

"Under current Indiana statutes, a police officer 'shall' offer a chemical test to anyone involved in a serious injury or death accident. If exigent circumstances exist, a blood test can be done involuntarily," he said. "Those are rare. Almost always, police get a search warrant for the blood test."

Drivers in all 50 states can have their licenses revoked for refusing drunken-driving tests. The court's ruling affects laws in 11 states, including Indiana, which impose additional penalties for such refusals.

While the other states have additional criminal penalties for refusing a chemical test, Gensel said, Indiana does not but does impose additional license suspensions through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Portage police Chief Troy Williams said his department routinely seeks warrants for those who refuse to consent to a blood test. If a suspect is taken to a local hospital because of injuries in an accident, for example, and medical personnel do a blood draw, police can subpoena the sample later, he said.

"For our department, we're not getting a blood test without a warrant," he said.

Writing for five justices in the majority, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said breath tests do not constitute "significant privacy concerns." Unlike blood tests, Alito said, a Breathalyzer doesn't pierce the skin or leave a biological sample in the government's possession.

In all three cases before the high court, the challengers argued that warrantless searches should be allowed only in "extraordinary circumstances." They said routine drunken-driving stops count as ordinary law enforcement functions where traditional privacy rights should apply.

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Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg said they would have gone further and required search warrants for both breath and blood alcohol tests. Justice Clarence Thomas dissented, saying he would have found both tests constitutional.

State officials called the testing laws a legitimate condition for using state roads. State prosecutors argued it was too burdensome for police to obtain a warrant every time a driver refused a test because some rural areas have only one judge on call late at night or on weekends. They also expressed concern that even if police get a warrant, a driver can refuse to take an alcohol test and face lesser charges for obstruction.

During oral arguments, some of the justices pointed out that even in rural states, police can call a magistrate and get a warrant over the phone in just a few minutes.

The states garnered support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which argued that public safety justified the laws. But civil liberties groups said states can't criminalize the assertion of a constitutional right.

Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. The Associated Press contributed.
Niles North High School's incoming principal, James B. Edwards, said he plans on "moving the needle forward on student achievement and equity" when he officially takes over as principal at the school on July 1.

"My background has always been in diverse places," said Edwards, who is leaving his job as principal of South Elgin High School to take over the reins at Niles North.

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"My personal philosophy on education has been to really try to extract the best out of every kid no matter ... what tools they come in with," he said in an interview Thursday. "It's our job as administrators, teachers and staff to really focus on moving that kid forward academically and socially and emotionally."

During its July 21 meeting, the Niles Township High School District 219 Board of Education appointed Edwards as Niles North principal effective July 1, the district said in a release. Edwards has served as principal of South Elgin High School for the past three years and replaces outgoing Niles North principal Ryan McTague who left the school at the end of the school year to become the superintendent of McHenry School District 156, officials said.

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"James comes to us with great high school principal experience and will be able to immediately work well with the Niles North community," said District 219 Superintendent Steven Isoye in a written statement. "He is student-focused and understands the importance of student voice. I look forward to working with him in the years to come."

Edwards was assistant principal for curriculum for three years at Elmwood Park High School and prior to that served as an assistant principal at Morton West High School for a year and as dean of students for two years, said officials. They also said that at Noble Street Charter School in Chicago he was a summer school principal, college counselor and as English and social science teacher and taught social science for six years at Wells High School in Chicago and was also a mock trial coordinator.

"What I saw [in District 219] is a district, and a school in particular with a really vibrant school culture, that I though was a mirror of what we have here in South Elgin," Edwards said. "I saw numerous clubs, activities. There was something for all kids beyond the regular school day."

Hiring Edwards was one of the first big in-house decisions the board since Steven Isoye became District 219's superintendent in May after the then-superintendent, Nanciann Gatta, and assistant superintendent of operations John Heintz, resigned late last year following a lengthy internal investigation into administrative spending habits and perks.

"The top priority is to get to know the staff, get to know what their strengths are what areas they feel needs improvement within the school itself," Edwards said.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to jump into that district. I think I have a lot of the qualities that are compatible with the principal they had there already. I can only build on what's been built before."

The board on July 21 also appointed, Laura Bolech, as the new assistant principal of student services at Niles North, officials said. Before coming to District 219, Bolech worked as district special education program facilitator for 11 years at Park Ridge-Niles School District 64.

Kathryn Geist was appointed assistant director of special education at Niles North, officials said, adding that she comes from J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 in Berwyn, where she served as special education coordinator for three years.

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Brian L. Cox is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Residents enjoy water activities on Lloyd Beach in Winnetka in 2012. The future of Lloyd and the Winnetka Park District's four other lakefront parks is the focus of the district's "Winnetka Waterfront 2030" master plan. (Brent Lewis / Chicago Tribune)

Winnetka village trustees got their first look on June 21 at the recently approved Winnetka Park District's "Winnetka Waterfront 2030" master plan, a vision of how the district's five lakefront parks should be maintained, renovated and upgraded.

That vision, which park commissioners approved on Feb. 25, isn't set in stone, but is instead a guide that can be used to continue community discussions about Lloyd, Elder Lane, Centennial, Maple Street and Tower Road beaches and parks, Park District Executive Director Robert Smith and consulting team head Scott Freres of the Lakota Group told the council.

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"The master plan is a living thing," Freres said. "A good master plan is revisited every year, and every five years. It changes just like the water level in Lake Michigan changes."

The master plan, which grew out of strategic planning efforts in 2011, was created with the help of a 2014 grant of $119,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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Freres said two years of studying park conditions, talking to and surveying residents, park users and affected community groups  including the village council  showed the consulting team that patrons use the more than 26 acres of lakefront parks in more active ways than they did decades ago.

Each beach has its own personality, strengths and challenges, Freres said. Sometimes that can be reflected in the pull between the needs of powerboat and non-powered sailing craft users, or between users who don't want to take active measures on bluff or beach erosion, and those who do, he said.

Some near-term goals in the plan would be to plant and maintain lakefront bluffs, and longer-term goals could focus on other methods of shoreline preservation, Freres said.

Village Trustee Penny Lanphier called Waterfront 2030 "a really nifty plan," while Trustee Chris Rintz said he was impressed with how the plan outlined the cultural changes reflected in changing park uses.

Linden Street resident Krysia Miller, who said she has attended almost all meetings during the master plan process, said she was concerned that the Park District approved the plan as a whole rather than on a beach-by-beach basis. However, Smith said individual aspects of the plan will be discussed in future, adding that "this is a master plan, not a construction document."

He said the master plan can now play into the park district's regular five-year strategic planning cycle, and that the district can quickly focus on some projects: "Park staff is going to look at the low-hanging fruit, things like bluff restoration, and new signage that would show bikeway trails and waterway trails."

He told Village Trustee Scott Myers that the Park District could be back in front of the council, beginning the lengthy approval process for various projects, within the next 18 months.

Smith said on June 23 that an executive steering committee of district administrators has already begun choosing major initiatives for the 2017-2022 strategic planning cycle, and some of the Winnetka Waterfront 2030 goals will dovetail into an initiative to "optimize facilities" in district parks. The committee was set to meet next on June 28, Smith said.

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Smith said that only a few of the master plan's goals would reasonably become part of the next five-year period, adding that "it's likely that they would be rolled over for the next few planning cycles."

According to the Waterfront 2030 report, the last lakefront plan was completed in 1983 when erosion issues were threatening district beaches. Smith said on June 23 that the Waterfront 2030 plan represents a "clean slate" of new ideas.

kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
By Dezan Shira & Associates

Editor: Jake Liddle

Apple has recently been involved in a few IP infringement cases in China that it has lost. Earlier this month, there was a case where sales of all models in Apples iPhone 6 series were to be suspended by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Intellectual Properties due to alleged infringement of appearance design patent of Shenzhen Bailis 100C model mobile phone. Earlier this year, Apple lost a trademark case with a Beijing company, Xintong Tiandi, a leather goods firm which used the word IPHONE on leather wallets. Some foreign companies are still under the assumption that because they have registered their trademark in the country of origin, it will be protected in China. This is not the case. Chinas State Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) does not recognize trademark registrations overseas.

These sorts of IP disputes would be unthinkable in the West, but happen in China because of its first to file system. This is a system whereby the rights to a trademark are awarded to the first party to apply, rather than the first to use it, even if the trademark is already registered in other countries. This gives rise to the common problem of trademark squatting, where companies in China look out for well-known trademarks and register them before companies come and claim them. Many of these trademark squatters wait for these companies to enter the China market and sell the trademark to them. This happened to Tesla Motors, the American electronic automotive company, when it decided to enter China. A Guangzhou-based man had acquired the rights to the Tesla trademark in China in 2009.

With this in mind, it is obvious that Chinas IP legal environment is perilous to even the largest of foreign investors, and registering a trademark within China is of upmost importance.

RELATED: Business Advisory Services from Dezan Shira & Associates

Registration Process

A company must first check that no similar or identical trademarks exist or have already be registered in order to start procedures. The following materials are required for an application, filled out only in Chinese, signed and stamped with the companys official seal:

Trademark registration form (or Power of Attorney if applying via an agency) ;

A copy of the companys certificate of incorporation;

The companys name and address supplied in English and Chinese;

Company directors signature;

Six copies of printed digital version of proposed trademark;

Category of proposed trademark and 10 auxiliary categories*;

Trademark explanation.

*A company will need to specify the category of the product to designate the trademark to. There are 45 classes for goods and services according to the World Intellectual Property Organizations Nice classification. However, unique to China, these 45 classes are divided into further sub-classes.

Eligibility and completeness of the application will be overseen by the China Trademark Office. If the application is accepted, the AIC will issue a preliminary approval, and publish the trademark in the China Trademark Gazette, where other companies have the period of three months in which to oppose the registration of the trademark. If there is no opposition during this period, the AIC will approve the trademark registration. This approval will be published as a notification in the Gazette.

The overall trademark registration process can take from around 12 to 18 months, and a trademark is valid for 10 years.

Key Takeaways

With such a long processing period, it is important for a foreign company to plan well ahead before entering the China market. Without the protection of trademark, products sold in China will be left open to abuse or squatting. It goes to show that even the biggest of multinational companies are not immune to trademark disputes, and cannot always settle them in their favor. A trademark is essential for a businesses recognition and identity among competitors that already hold the rights to their names and logos.



About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email china@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight. 

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Selling, Sourcing and E-Commerce in China 2016 (First Edition)

This guide, produced in collaboration with the experts at Dezan Shira & Associates, provides a comprehensive analysis of all these aspects of commerce in China. It discusses how foreign companies can best go about sourcing products from China; how foreign retailers can set up operations on the ground to sell directly to the countrys massive consumer class; and finally details how foreign enterprises can access Chinas lucrative yet ostensibly complex e-commerce market.

Establishing & Operating a Business in China 2016

Establishing & Operating a Business in China 2016, produced in collaboration with the experts at Dezan Shira & Associates, explores the establishment procedures and related considerations of the Representative Office (RO), and two types of Limited Liability Companies: the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise (WFOE) and the Sino-foreign Joint Venture (JV). The guide also includes issues specific to Hong Kong and Singapore holding companies, and details how foreign investors can close a foreign-invested enterprise smoothly in China.
China's debt has been rising rapidly, but risks are controllable, officials said on Thursday.

China's total debt ratio is at a medium level among the world's major economies, said Sun Xuegong, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission's (NDRC) department of finance, at a briefing.

The leverage ratio of China's non-financial sectors and total debt ratio remain between 200 percent and 300 percent, Sun said citing the Bank for International Settlements and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"It is a fact that China's debt load has been expanding relatively fast in recent years, and the leverage ratio of non-financial companies is particularly high," said Sun, describing the phenomenon as "growing pains" caused by the country's specific development stage.

While acknowledging the high debt level has had a bad effect on businesses and the financial sector, raising companies' financial cost and the risks of debt default, Sun said the risks are generally controllable, but future risk cannot be neglected.

At the briefing, an official with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) disclosed China's government debt levels.

By the end of 2015, government debt stood at 26.66 trillion yuan (about 4 trillion U.S. dollars), accounting for 39.4 percent of GDP, said Wang Kebing, deputy head of the MOF budget department, at the briefing.

When outstanding debt of local government finance platforms is included, the ratio reached 41.5 percent of GDP, Wang said.

This is lower than the 60-percent warning line set by the European Union and much lower than major developed economies and emerging economies, Wang said.

This means, on the whole, there is still some room for the Chinese government to borrow, Wang added.

On bad loans, Sun said, given the ample provision and sound balance sheets of commercial banks, corporate debt risks will not to shake the stability of the financial system, the banking system in particular.
President Xi Jinping proposed joint efforts with Russia and Mongolia on Thursday to achieve fruitful results in building an economic corridor linking the three countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (C), Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj (R) attend the third trilateral leaders' meeting of the three countries in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

The nations should also enhance cooperation in areas including infrastructure interconnection, investment, production capacity, culture and environmental protection, he said.

Xi made the remarks at a trilateral meeting of leaders from China, Russia and Mongolia on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

The meeting, chaired by Xi and attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, is the third of its kind.

The development strategies of the three countries  China's Belt and Road Initiative, Russia's construction of a Europe-Asia passage and Mongolia's Grass Road initiatives  should be the focus of the trilateral cooperation, Xi said.

The three countries should also enhance cooperation under the SCO framework, he said.

Putin, describing China and Mongolia as friendly neighbors based on equality, respect and mutual benefits, said Russia wants to work with the two countries to cooperate on infrastructure construction, transportation and customs facilitation.

Russia is willing to advance the process of forming a regional economic body with China and Mongolia and to enhance people-to-people exchanges, Putin said.

Elbegdorj spoke highly of building a Mongolia-China-Russia economic corridor, adding that Mongolia wants to enhance cooperation on infrastructure and economic affairs along the border region.

Ulan Bator will make efforts with Beijing and Moscow to achieve cooperation on agriculture and the prevention of natural disasters, he said.

Sun Zhuangzhi, secretary-general of the SCO Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said it has been tradition for the leaders of China, Russia and Mongolia to meet on the sidelines of SCO summits.

He said the priority for the three neighbors is to discuss details of linking their development strategies and to build the China-Mongolia-Russia corridor, which has been declared part of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

"There is huge potential in trilateral cooperation. However, to eliminate obstacles, we have to build a joint community of fate, strengthen high-level policy coordination, and make long-term top-level plans for bilateral ties and regional cooperation," he said.
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Schools across China have been ordered to remove running tracks that have been blamed for sickening students in the latest of a long line of product scandals to hit the country.

A statement on the Ministry of Educations website said inspections will be carried out by environmental and consumer protection departments in schools during the summer school break.

Tracks found to be unsafe will be removed, the statement said. No new tracks will be laid until the contractors are properly vetted to ensure they meet the industry standards.

Officials and others involved in the project will be probed for possible negligence and corruption. Those found guilty "will be shown no mercy," the statement said.

Tracks made from recycled tires and other industrial wastes are believed to have caused dizziness, nosebleeds and respiratory problems among students in Beijing and several outlying provinces.

Authorities have shut down nine factories and detained some executives after reports that toxic industrial waste was used to make running tracks used in schools.

Inspectors have sealed machines, materials and semi-finished products from the factories.

China Central Television reported earlier this week that running track factories in Cangzhou and Baoding cities in north Chinas Hebei Province were using scrap rubbers and recycled industrial waste as materials, which contain toxic substances.

A man surnamed Pan, who claimed to have several contracts for schools in Beijing, said they use whatever rubber they get, from automobile tires to electrical wires, to cut costs, CCTV reported.

He admitted the running tracks pose health risks to children.

"The materials are not environmental-friendly. Toxic substances will emit gradually and sicken students."

Pan charged about 80 yuan (US$12) for making and paving every square meter of running track. For safe ones with high quality, the pay is estimated to reach more than 1,000 yuan per square meter, CCTV found.

"The higher the price, the better the quality," Pan told CCTVs undercover reporter.

At least 30 schools in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Changzhou, Wuxi and Shenzhen, have reported cases of students falling sick after breathing toxic fumes emitted from newly-laid running tracks.
Nearly 500 guns were seized in major drug cases in China last year, a significant growth of firearms associated with drug manufacturing and trafficking, the drug control authority said on Thursday.

Guangdong police show methamphetamine, guns and ammunition that they seized during a crackdown on drug smuggling, in May. [Photo/China Daily]

Police departments at or above city level cracked 257 drug cases last year, an increase of 52 percent from the previous year, according to the latest data from the China National Narcotics Control Commission.

In those cases, 476 gunsup 40 percent year-on-yearand more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition were seized.

The use of guns in the drug trade has gained momentum rapidly in the past year, and most suspects in major drug cases possess firearms, according to the commission.

The convergence of firearms with drug manufacturing and trafficking poses great danger to society, and the commission urged drug control agencies at all levels to put gun-related drug cases in their crosshairs.

Inspections for firearms and drugs will be strengthened at major checkpoints, customs gateways and toll gates in each province, the commission said in a written statement.

In addition, the commission said it will focus on drug dealing and the firearms trade on the internet and set up an information exchange mechanism with internet supervisory authorities.

Private possession of firearms in China is strictly prohibited with very few exceptions. Those who illegally possess firearms can face up to seven years in prison.

Firearms for civilian use are permitted in only a few organizations and workplaces, including hunting groups and those involved in the breeding and research of wildlife.

Hunters in some areas and herdsmen in rural regions may be allowed to possess hunting rifles.

In the latest large-scale drug case, in Shaoyang, Hunan province in June, 16 suspects were arrested, and two firearms, 40 rounds of ammunition and a host of gun parts were seized. More than 70 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized.

In recent years, a number of police officers have been killed in firefights with drug suspects in Yunnan province.

Yang Jungang, head of an investigative squad of the Armed Police Force in Pu'er, Yunnan province, was shot and killed by a suspect in March when he was about to examine three suspected accomplices.

"Police officers need to be prepared to face violence at any moment while performing their duty and must be ready to fight with drug suspects who often break into checkpoints by force," said Liu Xiaoqing, deputy head of the Yunnan Public Security Bureau.

Some methods of concealment

1 Hiding drugs in machines

Police in Baiyun district, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, cracked a cross-border drug trafficking gang that hid 282 kg of drugs in an air compressor and a steel wire drawing machine and caught four members of the gang. Police said that the machines looked OK to the eye but under optical scanning the drugs could be seen clearly.

2 Hiding drugs in thick broad-bean sauce

Police in Shenyang, Liaoning province, cracked an interprovincial methamphetamine trafficking case when they found that 16.5 kg of methamphetamine had been sealed in 23 small packages and hidden in thick broadbean sauce, which was sent from Guangzhou, Guangdong province, to Shenyang by a logistics company.

3 Hiding drugs inside your body

On May 28, Guangzhou customs found an African man hiding drugs in his body. The Ugandan confessed that he swallowed 23 compressed pills wrapped with high density material before he got on the flight. He said that he could earn $4,000 by smuggling. In the 11 days before and after he was seized, another eight African men who hid drugs in their bodies were also held by customs. The suspects hid a total of 3.9 kg of heroin and 4.3 kg of cocaine in their bodies.

4 Hiding drugs in wine bottles

On Nov 30, customs staff at Shanghai Pudong Airport checked five pieces of luggage carried by two Chinese passengers and found by X-ray that two of the pieces contained 32 bottles of wine. When customs inspected the wine they found 28.2 kg of cocaine hidden inside. The two passengers were a couple and did business in Brazil. They said a Chinese man asked them to bring the wine to China and paid 3,200 yuan ($486) as a service charge. The couple were detained for further investigation.
A forum, gathering together museum curators, leading scholars in new media and artists, was held in Beijing on June 24.

A forum, gathering together museum curators, leading scholars in new media and artists, was held in Beijing on June 24.[Photo/China.org.cn]

Participants talked about the role of museums and new media and how the two can work collaboratively to present China to the outside world.

Among other leading scholars in literature and media, participants of the events included Bai Yuntao, vice director of National Museum of China, Sun Yu, dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Renmin University of China (RUC), and Yang Boxu, professor of the School of Journalism and Communication at Peking University.

The forum, as a follow-up event to last year's discussion of cross-cultural communication, aims to create a platform for academic exchanges and further boost international communication of Chinese culture and literature.
China always insists direct and peaceful negotiation with relevant countries to resolve the South China Sea issue, Chinese experts said on Friday at the Japan's National Press Club.

Wu Shicun, president of China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told a press conference that the core of the South China Sea issue is disputes over sovereignty and maritime administration of parts of Nan Sha Islands between China and other claimant countries.

He said China endeavors to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and calls for adherence to the principle of "putting aside disputes and seeking joint development" in the region.

Wu pointed out that the unilateral arbitration filed by the Philippines breaches consensuses reached by the Chinese and Philippine governments in the last century on the issue and the move is not aiming at resolving the disputes between the two sides, but making new troubles.

The South China Sea issue is not only a legal but a political one with historical and geopolitical factors, he said, adding that territorial disputes are not covered by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Yu Tiejun, associate professor at the School of International Studies of Peking University, believed that Japan should not intervene in the issue as it may affect the recovering bilateral relations, adding that hyping up the South China Sea issue by the Japanese side will benefit no one.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Serbia and Poland from June 17 to 21, marking his second visit to Central and Eastern Europe in three months. Such frequent visits highlight the strategic significance of diplomatic relations between China and Central and Eastern Europe.

First of all, the visits add more fuel to the "Belt and Road" initiative and the "16+1" program, marking a new phase in the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Central and Eastern Europe. Since the launch of 16+1 in April 2012, Chinese leaders have met with their counterparts in Central and Eastern Europe four times. Both the Medium-Term Agenda for Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries and the Suzhou Guidelines for Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries are now under implementation. The new mode of cooperation -- regardless of the differences in geographical locations and political systems -- is meant to benefit China, Central and Eastern Europe, and the European Union.

The "Belt and Road" initiative has been greeted with a warm response by Central and Eastern European countries. All 16 countries from Central and Eastern Europe are included in the "Belt and Road" initiative, and seven of them have signed a memorandum of understanding with China.

President Xi's visit to Serbia has landmark significance: This is the first time in 32 years that a Chinese president has visited the country. Serbia is the first country in Central and Eastern Europe to have established a strategic partnership with China; the two have also signed a number of cooperation agreements ranging from infrastructure, agriculture, defense, to telecommunication, power stations, banks and education. The visits have also made Serbia and Poland outstanding representatives of the ties between China and Central and Eastern Europe.

Poland is equally important. The Polish capital of Warsaw was the location of the first meeting between Chinese leaders and Central and Eastern European leaders and the birth place of 16+1. Poland is not only the largest country in Central and Eastern Europe, but also China's largest trading partner in the region and the only founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in the region. The visit will push China-Poland ties to new heights.

In addition, the visits will add more fuel to trade and investment cooperation, infrastructure building and other pragmatic forms of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe. The Pupin Bridge -- a bridge over the Danube River in Belgrade, Serbia and the first project built with loans from China in the region -- has been completed and is now in operation. The construction of the Serbian section of the Hungary-Serbia railway, which will be carried out by Chinese companies, was launched late last year. Moreover, direct flights are available between China and Hungary and between China and the Czech Republic, and a number of trains between China and Central and Eastern European countries are in operation.

China and Central and Eastern European countries are bound to build a community of common interests in such sectors as economy and trade, science and technology, culture and media and education. Under the cooperation framework of China and Central and Eastern Europe, the prosperity of the region will provide continuous support to the regional integration in Europe.

The author is a researcher with the Institute of European Studies of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The article was written in Chinese and translated by Zhang Lulu.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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The Nigerian Army on Thursday refuted claims that some of its senior officers planned to topple the national government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman dismissed the purported coup plan as "baseless and a distraction" to the military's various operations, including the determination to end the vicious attacks by Boko Haram in the volatile northeast region and the economic sabotage of militants in the country's Delta area.

The Nigerian army is suspecting a militant group known as the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force in the country's southeast region of being behind the allegation of planned coup d'etat, Usman said.

He told Xinhua the army is investigating the allegation and pledged the loyalty of the army to the Nigerian president and other democratic institutions.

Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, after nearly two decades of military rule.
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U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) rebels have advanced on a main stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) in the northern province of Aleppo, near the Turkish borders, a monitor group reported on Thursday.

For the first time since the SDF unleashed an offensive for the capture of the northern city of Manbej late last May, clashes are now taking place inside the city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The London-based watchdog said the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition were carrying airstrikes against IS positions in Manbej to facilitate the progress of the SDF, which is comprised of Syrian Arab and Kurdish fighters and led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units.

A total of 63 SDF fighters and 458 IS militants have been killed during the battles for Manbej since May 31, said the group.

Earlier reports said that U.S. special forces were providing help to the SDF in their push for Manbej, an important outpost in one of the IS' main supply routes.
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U.S. President Barack Obama and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday agreed to work closely to address the refugee issue in the African country.

In a telephone talk, the two leaders discussed the challenges Kenya faces in hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees for more than two decades and the need for strong international support, the White House said in a statement.

Citing "very heavy economic, security and environmental burden," Kenya announced in May plans to close Dadaab refugee camp, the world's largest human settlement sheltering more than 350,000 refugees from Somalia.

Members of the United Nations Security Council have urged Kenyatta to reconsider the repatriation of Somalia refugees, saying the move could jeopardize regional peace and security.

In the telephone conversation, Kenyatta reiterated that Kenya will continue to respect the dignity and safety of refugees in Kenya and comply with its international legal obligations, according to the White House.

Obama reiterated his appreciation for the strong partnership between Kenya and the U.S. on a host of issues, including combatting global terrorism and noted the progress Kenya has made on security.

Kenya claims Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which has staged several bloody attacks in Kenya in recent years, has hideouts in Dadaab.

It is not yet clear when the closure of Dadaab will begin, but the Kenyan government has disbanded its Department of Refugee Affairs, which worked with humanitarian organizations for the welfare of the refugees.
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The UN Security Council on Thursday renewed the sanctions imposed on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) until July 1, 2017.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-nation council renewed transport, financial and travel sanction measures and expanded the sanction criteria to apply the measures to those who engage in acts that undermine the security of the country.

While expressing their concerns over the security crisis in eastern DRC due to ongoing military activities of armed groups and the smuggling of Congolese natural resources, in particular gold and ivory, the council members stress the need to cut off financing for armed groups involved in these activities.

The eastern part of DRC has been plagued for two decades by chronic instability caused by local and foreign armed groups who have perpetrated ethnic violence while fighting for mineral resources.

The United Nations has warned that the increasing insecurity has constrained the access of humanitarian assistance to some 1.6 million vulnerable people in North Kivu province, eastern DRC.

According to the resolution, the council has also decided that the sanction measures shall apply to individuals and entities that plan or commit acts that constitute human rights violations against civilians.

On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a DRC official for his role in police violence against civilians.
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China stands ready to help India address its nuclear energy needs, should that be required, an official of the Chinese Foreign Ministry has said.

Wang Qun, director-general of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks to reporters here on Thursday on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

China understands India's sentiment on developing nuclear energy to meet climate changes, Wang said, adding that this is also the common challenges confronting the developing countries.

Noting that India has bilateral cooperation with many NSG members in nuclear energy, Wang said that subject to India's needs, China also stands ready to explore cooperation in this field, so as to help India address its nuclear energy needs.

The Chinese official also pointed out that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is not at odds with the Paris Agreement on climate change, and on the contrary, they are mutually reinforcing and supportive.

One of the pillars in the NPT is to ensure the legitimate rights of country in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, he added.
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South Korea's foreign ministry said Friday that the country will place consistent sanctions and pressures on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear program to make it give up its nuclear ambitions.

The foreign ministry submitted a report to the parliamentary committee for foreign affairs and unification, saying Seoul will consistently carry out anti-DPRK sanctions for a sufficient period of time until the sanctions show effectiveness.

The ministry said the country will encourage the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions and the strengthening of independent sanctions against the DPRK of each country, while urging the international community to put pressures on Pyongyang.

The DPRK conducted its fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6, followed by a launch on Feb. 7 of a long-range rocket launch, which was condemned as a disguised test of ballistic missile technology.

Since then, Pyongyang has test-fired Rodong ballistic missiles twice during the first half of this year, test-launching Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missiles six times. The ministry said the DPRK conducted 19 provocations in the first half alone.

The DPRK's KCNA news agency reported Thursday that its sixth test-launch of a surface-to-surface strategic ballistic missile Hwasong-10 has succeeded as it flew about 400 km after flying to the maximum altitude of 1,413.6 km along the planned flight orbit.

The Seoul ministry said that if Pyongyang conducts another provocation, including the fifth nuclear test, the country will push for swift, stern actions against it, including new UN Security Council sanctions and each country's additional sanctions.
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Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday expressed disappointment over the result of the British referendum on EU and called for calm in his first public response over the Brexit vote.

"Step by step we have to find a stable solution to minimize the consequences on our economy," Rutte told the press in The Hague, "We have to act wisely...It(Brexit) is a motivation to reform the European Union."

While denying there's much interest in a scenario of the Netherlands' withdrawal from the EU, the Dutch leader said most Dutch people understand that cooperation in a common market like the EU is of crucial importance.

The Netherlands has the EU Presidency until June 30 this year. Shortly after the media appearance, Rutte was on his way to Brussels to discuss the Brexit at the EU headquarters, with European Council President Donald Tusk, among others.

"Hurrah for the British!," Geert Wilders, leader of Netherlands' far right party PVV, wrote in his Twitter account. "Now it is our turn. Time for a Dutch referendum!"
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A Chinese envoy to the United Nations (UN) called for all parties to defend the authority and integrity of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) here Thursday.

Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the appeal at a meeting on issues concerning the UNCLOS.

Wu said the UNCLOS provides a comprehensive legal framework and acts as an essential basis for activities of all states in the seas.

"It is incumbent upon all parties to hold fast to the purposes of the convention, interpret and apply the convention as well as the dispute settlement provisions therein accurately and in good faith," he said.

Responding to the South China Sea arbitration case raised at the meeting, Wu said the arbitral tribunal is "wrongly instituted," has the "wrong jurisdiction" and will produce a "wrong award."

He stressed that "the arbitration procedures under the convention manifestly do not apply to the matter" and "the arbitral tribunal has no jurisdiction over this matter."

"The essence of the case is a matter of territorial sovereignty and delimitation of maritime boundaries. The real intention (of this case) is to deny China's territorial sovereignty and legitimate rights," said the Chinese representative.

The Philippines has unilaterally filed an arbitration case against China over the South China Sea disputes. The move went against an agreement it reached with China in the mid-1990s on settling their disputes through negotiation.

China has excluded maritime delimitation from compulsory arbitration in a declaration it made in 2006 in accordance with Article 298 of the UNCLOS and has made it clear it will not accept or get involved in those proceedings.

Wu said that China's position of non-participation, non-acceptance and non-recognition on the case is aimed at defending China's own legitimate interest under international law.

It is also aimed at maintaining the integrity and authority of the convention and safeguarding the international rule of law, he said.

China will continue to settle disputes through negotiation and to manage disputes by setting up rules and introducing mechanisms, and strive for mutually beneficial outcomes through development and cooperation, Wu said.

"We will also safeguard the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea as well as peace and stability in the region," he added.
 Flash

As Britain has voted in the historic referendum to leave the European Union (EU), the reform deal reached between the United Kingdom and the EU in February will not take effect and ceases to exist, top officials announced on Friday.

The leaders, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Council President Donald Tusk, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose government holds the rotating EU presidency, released a joint statement after a meeting saying they regretted but respected the British decision. They pledged to stay as a union of 27 member states.

"This is an unprecedented situation but we are united in our response," they said, stressing that the Union of 27 Member States will continue.

"The Union is the framework of our common political future," the leaders said, "together we will address our common challenges to generate growth, increase prosperity and ensure a safe and secure environment for our citizens."

They called for the UK "to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be."

"Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty," the leaders warned, suggesting the UK to leave the union in an "orderly way."

"We stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the United Kingdom regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union," the statement said.

They added that the deal agreed with British Prime Minister Cameron in February to protect London's financial markets, curb immigration and opt out of closer union will not take effect and ceases to exist, adding that there will be no renegotiation.

Juncker has warned clearly ahead the referendum that "out is out," ruling out further renegotiation of Britain's membership with the EU.

However, the leaders said the UK will remain a member of the EU until the process of exit negotiations is over.

"According to the Treaties which the United Kingdom has ratified, EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a member," the statement said.

As for the future relationship between the UK and the EU, the leaders said they hope the two to be "close partners."

"Any agreement, which will be concluded with the United Kingdom as a third country, will have to reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations," they said.

According to the EU laws, in order to leave the union, the UK government will first have to launch a proposal to activate Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which sets out the procedural requirements for a member state to terminate its membership.

Then a "withdrawal agreement" needs to be negotiated on such things as tariffs on British goods and freedom of movement with the remaining member states.

Tusk has warned that renegotiating the relationship between the UK and the EU could take up to seven years. Endit
 Flash

China and Russia on Friday pledged to further expand two-way investment cooperation to boost bilateral relations.

The pledge came out of the third meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee, co-chaired by Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli and Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov in Beijing.

The main task of the meeting is to prepare for the investment cooperation to be discussed when the two state leaders meet in Beijing on Saturday, according to a press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The two sides reviewed the results already achieved since the second meeting, and determined some new investment cooperation projects. They agreed to speed up the synergizing of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union; give full play to the two sides' market advantages, resources, technology and talent; create more normative and favorable conditions; and jointly explore markets in third countries, the press release said.

China and Russia, both emerging economies with open development strategies, share good foundations and prospects for further investment cooperation, Zhang said.

He called on the two countries to strengthen policy communication and coordination, discuss new measures to expand two-way investment cooperation, provide better conditions for companies from the two countries, and forge more cooperation projects.

Shuvalov said Russia is willing to actively promote two-way investment cooperation with China, and hopes to determine and implement more projects through the committee, so as to promote the common development of the two countries.
China AidReported in Chinese by Qiao Nong. Translated by Carolyn Song. Written in English by Brynne Lawrence.

(Nanyang, HenanJune 18, 2016) A police-backed gang bulldozed three acres of land owned by a Christian on June 5 after forcefully taking it from him.

Liu Zigeng, a local gang member, took a soybean field from Bai Fengju, a Christian, in order to build temples. On the morning of June 5, Liu sent a group of 20 people to destroy the property.

According to Bais sister, the field was demolished without notice. When she heard of the demolition, she posted the story to overseas websites. That night, government personnel made Liu apologize to Bai, returned his property and gave him 2,000 Yuan (U.S. $303.00) in compensation for his losses. Additionally, they agreed to move the walls of the temple back 23 feet and return the land to him.

When asked why she thought the government chose to reimburse her brother, Bais sister said, It could have been [because of] the news we sent out  otherwise, they (the government) would not care about him (Bai Fengju).

However, she also claimed that the police sent the demolition team.

China Aid exposes abuses, such as those experienced by Bai Fengju, in order to promote religious freedom and rule of law in China.

China Aid Media Team

Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985

Email: [email protected]

For more information, click here
China Aid

Reported in Chinese by Qiao Nong. Translated by Carolyn Song. Written in English by Brynne Lawrence.

(Guangzhou, GuangdongJune 20, 2016) Officials in Chinas southern Guangdong province began harassing a house church recently as part of an ongoing crackdown on unofficial churches.

On June 7, Pastor Zhang from Zhongfu Canaan Church informed a China Aid reporter that authorities summoned him to discuss the possibility of moving the church. During the conversation, they asked him about the identity of his church members and the funding of the church. The authorities also requested that the churchwhich they termed an illegal gatheringjoin the government-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM).

I made my position clear, Zhang said to the reporter. I told [the authorities] that the church was by no means a recent establishment; it had been there for a few decades  We cannot join the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. The town government [that operates] in the village hasnt come to find us yet, but the landlord said today that officials from the public security, firefighting and various other industry and commerce departments will soon enforce the law here. No [official] has come yet [to enforce], but the landlord is already very frightened. He said, You need to move out immediately. This is our current circumstance.

Christians from a church in Guangzhou

hold a service outside of their church

building, which officials closed last

year. (Photo: China Aid)

Additionally, government personnel accused the church of having an inadequate firefighting system.

Various government agencies are carrying out similar measures throughout Guangdong and Shenzhen provinces, leading Christians to worry that these are the initial steps of a rampant suppression of religious expression. Pastors who attended the National Work Conference on Religions, which was held earlier this year, reported that the majority of the conversations centered on how to deal with house churches.

Additionally, a pastor said, They are likely to work [their way inward] from the coastal areas. Our remote regions are very hard for them to reach. At the very least, they will try to win over the majority  They certainly would start in the areas where the churches are most active, such as Shenzhen, Guangdong and Dongguan. They want to carry out a trial run in which they first seize a portion of the region.

China Aid exposes abuses, such as those suffered by Zhongfu Canaan Church, in order to promote religious freedom and rule of law in China.

China Aid Media Team

Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985

Email: [email protected]

For more information, click here
The European Union's new strategy on China will accelerate the pace of cooperation, especially in the areas of trade and market status under the World Trade Organization rules, analysts said.

The strategy was set up in a joint communication issued on Wednesday by the European Commission and the European Parliament.

The document said that Europe sees China as a partner, which is rapidly increasing its international influence and should be more closely engaged for the next five years.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Thursday that China is willing to develop ties with the European Union from long-term perspective after gaining this information and China is urging that EU members to grant market economy status to China in December.

He Jingtong, a professor of economic policy at Nankai University in Tianjin, said that even though people in the United Kingdom are edging closer to voting in favor of remaining in the EU on Thursday, the bloc still faces multiple political and economic challenges to remain together.

He said: "China must prepare for more flexible strategies in dealing with Europe. This also requires China to readjust its policies to deal with individual members within the bloc to protect the interest of its companies.

"China also should enhance ties with Eastern and Central European countries to deepen cooperation to develop the Belt and Road Initiative."

The European Commission's last communication on China was adopted a decade ago in 2006. Brussels said the EU and China have both undergone considerable changes since then and China has a stronger presence in all regions of the world, economically and politically.

"Under such circumstances, the EU's new move will not only create a better platform for China to carry out its economic transformation, but is also key to Europe's own economic recovery. The EU can stimulate growth of new markets by diversifying trade and investment categories with Chinese companies," said Ma Yu, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing.

Trade between China and the EU amounted to 521 billion euros ($592 billion) in 2015 and China's share of total EU trade in goods has doubled since 2002, rising from 7 percent to 15 percent, data from EU show.

According to the paper, broader ambitions such as a deep and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement can be considered once an investment agreement has been concluded between the two sides, and reforms that level the playing field for domestic and foreign companies have been implemented.
Terry Gou, chairman of Foxconn Technology Group, shows food cooked with a water oven at a Sharp showroom in New Taipei City on Wednesday. [Photo/Agencies]

Foxconn Technology Group plans to close costly and redundant overseas operations of its new acquisition Sharp Corp, and bring to the market products using Sharp's valuable patents and technology as quickly as possible, said the chief of the world's largest electronics manufacturer.

Terry Gou, who founded Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, the formal name of Foxconn, made the comments on Wednesday at his company's first annual general meeting since announcing the purchase of two-thirds of the money-losing Japanese display maker for $3.5 billion.

Gou said all legal procedures for the acquisition will be completed this month, and that new management will take charge of Sharp on July 1.

"We will start overseas," Gou said of restructuring Sharp. "Those improper, high-cost joint ventures overseas, we will close them to reduce a lot of the operational cost, which will lead to lower (product) sales prices."

The comments come as Foxconn seeks to build on Sharp's technology and branding to strengthen its pricing power with major client Apple Inc.

For Sharp, the takeover is a lifeline at a time when Japan's technology companies, once synonymous with cutting-edge electronics, are being out-manoeuvred by upstart Asian rivals.

Gou said speeding up the transformation of Sharp's patents into technologies that yield commercially viable products will be part of the initial restructuring, as will a metrics-based review of all Sharp staff.

In May, Foxconn told Sharp employees that layoffs were a must and would be carried out "responsibly and sensitively".

A person familiar with the matter said at the time that the cuts could total 3,000 in Japan, and more when Sharp's global operations are included.

Gou also said Foxconn sees growth potential in Sharp's home appliances business. He said Foxconn would work to expand sales channels in the United States and that his company is discussing the matter with a major US wholesaler.

Foxconn will also work to rebuild Sharp's semiconductor business, an area where Sharp once held many patents but sold some to plough resources into display technology, Gou said.
A Chinese woman shows credit cards and other bank cards in Qionghai city, south China's Hainan province, April 14, 2012. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING - The Ministry of Education on Thursday told students to exercise caution when applying for online loans, warning of fraud and usury.

The ministry's call came as a fast growing but not properly regulated market of online loans specifically targets students. In some cases, lenders offer false credit data and low thresholds to lure applicants into borrowing more than they can afford, and ultimately into usury traps.

Student debtors' information has a high risk of being leaked to third parties and some lenders resort to violence to deal with defaulters.

"Students should be fully aware of the risks of dubious online loans and have a sense of financial security," the ministry said.
A worker from State Grid repairs power transmission facilities in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. [Yao Feng/For China Daily]

State Grid Corp of China, the world's largest utility company, is in talks to buy a stake in Brazilian power distributor CPFL Energia SA, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Government-owned State Grid is in discussions to purchase some or all of Camargo Correa SA's holding in CPFL, one of the people said, asking not to be identified, as the information is private.

Camargo Correa owns about 23.6 percent of the company, according to CPFL's website. Based on CPFL's market value of about 20.8 billion reais ($6.2 billion), the entire stake could be valued at about $1.5 billion, not including any premium paid by the acquirer.

The Chinese power distributor has been making acquisitions globally. The company isn't limited in how much it can spend to expand, State Grid's then-chairman, Liu Zhenya, said in March.

Discussions are still ongoing and may not result in a transaction, the people said.

Camargo Correa hasn't made any decision on its stake in CPFL, according to a statement on Wednesday. The Brazilian builder is always evaluating strategic opportunities and is regularly in contact with potential investors, it said in the statement.

Any deal would add to the $144.3 billion in overseas acquisitions by Chinese companies this year, data compiled by Bloomberg show. State Grid was among suitors planning to submit bids for Australian power network Ausgrid, which could fetch more than A$10 billion ($7.5 billion), people with knowledge of the matter said in February.

State Grid, which distributes electricity to 1.1 billion people, had a profit of 86.5 billion yuan ($13.1 billion) on a revenue of 2.08 trillion yuan in 2015, its website shows. The company was named the preferred bidder for a 14 percent stake in Belgian electricity and gas distribution system operator Eandis Assets earlier this month, according to a press release.

State Grid already operates in Brazil, running about 6,000 kilometers of transmission lines, according to its website. In April, the company won the largest portion of an auction of transmission lines in the country, gaining a total of 1,005 km.
Photo taken on June 22, 2016 shows the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, North China. The Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2016, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, will be held at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin between June 26 and 28. This year's forum carries the theme "the fourth industrial revolution and its transformational impact." [Photo/Xinhua]
Sinopec employees inspect natural gas pipelines in Zibo, Shandong province. [Photo/CFP]

MOSCOW - Russia's largest gas processing and petrochemical company Sibur has hailed its cooperation with China's top oil refiner Sinopec.

Dmitry Konov, chairman of Sibur's Management Board, said the experience of running a joint venture with Sinopec in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk has been successful.

"The feedback from our Chinese colleagues has helped navigating the plant by (knowing) the current needs of Asian consumers so as to produce exactly what our partners want," Konov said in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday.

Sinopec and Sibur established a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) joint venture in Russia's Krasnoyarsk in 2013, in which Sinopec holds 25 percent plus one share.

The NBR is widely used in the automotive and aeronautical industry to make various fuel and oil handling hoses, tanks and other components, where ordinary rubber can't be used.

The creation of the joint venture has led to a significant increase in NBR exports to China in the past few years, Konov said, adding that in 2015 the sales of NBR rubber in China increased by 17 percent from the previous year.

According to Konov, the two companies are deepening cooperation as Sinopec acquired 10 percent share of Sibur in December and another NBR joint venture will be built in Shanghai.

Konov added that Sibur was also discussing with potential partners including Sinopec about building a gas processing plant in Amur region in Russia's Far East, which will use Russian gas from fields in Eastern Siberia.

As Asia is becoming a major consumer of petrochemical products, Konov expects that Russian petrochemical exports to China would increase alongside rising energy supplies.

He recalled a number of energy cooperation projects with China supported by the leadership of both countries, including the East-Route Gas Project between Russian gas giant Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), the Eastern Siberia - Pacific Ocean (ESPO) oil pipeline and among others.

CNPC and Gazprom signed a deal for the East-Route Gas Project on May 21, 2014. The 30-year contract will see the east-route pipeline begin providing China with 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from 2018.

Under the bilateral agreement, Russia will export 70 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China every year upon completion of both the east- and west-route gas pipelines.

"Gas is one of the raw materials in the production of petrochemical products, so increasing exports to China may bring additional revenue to the petrochemical industry," Konov said.

In the ESPO project, an oil pipeline linking Russia's Far East and northeast China was launched on Jan. 1, 2011. It is a branch of Russia's 4000-km-long East Siberia to Pacific Ocean Pipeline which runs from Taishet in Eastern Siberia to the Pacific port of Kozmino.
The shadow of an attendee sits on a podium wall during a Lenovo Group Ltd news conference in Hong Kong, China, May 26, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

A Chinese multinational computer hardware and electronics company has launched an accelerator program in Hong Kong, aiming to provide finance, technology and human resources support for start-ups.

The Lenovo Capital & Incubator Group, a subsidiary of Lenovo Group Limited, will provide between 500,000 ($76,000) and 1 million yuan to each selected program.

The first phase of the program will focus on technology-driven start-ups in artificial intelligence, big data and robotics, according to George He, president of the Lenovo Capital & Incubator Group.

"Based on Lenovo's global technology and market resources, we are aiming to develop a nationwide professional technology accelerator to help nurture start-ups with promising market potentials in the near future," He said.

Programs will also be provided free workspace at the Hong Kong Cyberport, for three months.

"Early-stage tech start-ups and teams are able to directly contact with global investors and work with field experts, as well as receiving one-to-one mentoring services," He said.

Cindy Liang, general manager of Lenovo Accelerator, said technologies in artificial intelligence, big data and robotics would be of fundamental significance for products in the next five years.

According to Liang, the accelerator program will focus on early-stage entrepreneurs in higher education authorities in Hong Kong and the neighboring Guangdong province.

"We will work closely with universities to develop technology start-ups and teams," Liang said.

A group of universities, including the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology and the Shenzhen University have reached cooperative agreements with the program.

"We hope the technology start-ups will become a powerhouse to drive the economic development and help upgrade industries between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong," Liang said.
GENEVA - A senior UN official said on Wednesday that China's liberalization efforts of investment regime, driven partly by its investment administrative reform, will create opportunities for global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows.

James Zhan, director of Investment and Enterprise at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), told Xinhua during an interview that Chinese investors were very active and FDI outflows in China had increased significantly over the last few years.

According to the latest annual global investment report by UNCTAD, China in 2015 was the third largest investor in the world, after the United States and Japan.

The report revealed that FDI inflows and outflows in Chinese mainland stood at $136 billion and $128 billion respectively. "China represents roughly 10 percent of the global FDI flows," noted Zhan.

In 2015, global FDI flows rose to $1.76 trillion in 2015, hitting their highest level since pre-crisis peak in 2007.

However, UNCTAD warned that cross-border investment is expected to contract by 10 to 15 percent this year, barring another wave of cross-border mega deals and corporate reconfigurations.

Zhan predicted that "FDI flows into China will remain at a high level but won't have a drastic increase in 2016."

He added that China's FDI structure change would create potential opportunities, noting the FDI inflows in China tend to target high-tech industries, R&D areas, as well as involving automation in manufacturing.

"For outflows, I see that China will continue to be very active in acquiring firms and engaged in green field investment," he said.

Over the medium term, FDI flows are projected to resume growth in 2017 and to surpass $1.8 trillion in 2018, according to UNCTAD.
Introduction

China's northern port city of Tianjin is getting ready for the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2016, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, between June 26 and 28.



This year's forum carries the theme "the fourth industrial revolution and its transformational impact." Around 1,700 politicians, entrepreneurs, scholars, and media representatives from over 90 countries will attend.



Premier Li Keqiang will address the opening ceremony, the 10th such event in China, alternatively held in Tianjin and northeastern port city of Dalian.
Alain Dehaze, chief executive officer of the world's biggest job recruitment and human resources company Adecco Group Top human resources group's boss lives up to his company's motto "better work, better life"

For Alain Dehaze, new chief executive officer of the world's biggest job recruitment and human resources company Adecco Group, his driving ambition does not simply lie in numbers.

With nearly two decades of experience in the human resources industry, he always looks beyond numbers as he tries to live up to the company's motto of "better work, better life".

And the Swiss group's partnership with the State-owned enterprise Foreign Enterprise Human Resources Service orFESCO, one of the most successful Chinese human resources businesses, is just another case in point.

"FESCO's knowledge of the local market and Adecco's worldwide practices have been translated into the joint venture," he says.

"As Adecco has a lot of international customers, they are also willing to receive the services in China provided by our joint venture."

The joint venture formed six years ago now provides clients and individuals outsourcing, dispatching, recruitment, employee welfare and related HR solutions.

Recently, Dehaze spoke to China Daily about business opportunities in China, the trends of human resource industry, and his management philosophy and style.

The following are edited excerpts from the interview.

What is your understanding of China's economic slowdown and the possible impact it will have on your company?

China's GDP growth will slow down to a lower level, but not significantly for an economy of this size.

Recent figures have shown that the economy is picking up. It means the government is making the right decisions.

For us, the joint venture here in Shanghai continues to grow very fast. We have 500,000 associates and 10,000 clients here in China.

Since 2010, FESCO Adecco had been given the Fastest Growth Award or the Best Emerging Market in Adecco Group. As a significant player in China, we believe FESCO Adecco will outperform the market.

What do you think about the change from business tax to value-added tax?

Value-added tax is the common practice among the majority of the countries in the world. I understand that the Chinese government plans to give a relief to companies, so there is more competitiveness and attractiveness for them.

For us, the major challenge lies in an experience and learning curve. Our customers are used to paying business tax.

But now they will have to pay VAT and invoice in VAT. They will only pay the difference between what they have invoiced and what they have paid. We have to explain that to our customers.

You said in your 2015 fiscal report that you will devote more effort to developing the permanent placement sector this year. Will China follow it?

Yes. Last week we acquired a company called Person. This will help us to accelerate permanent recruitment activities in China.

Reasons vary. It corresponds to the need of our customers who would like to outsource this recruitment process. It represents an opportunity for us to go into new markets, not specifically in China but also in many other markets.

For general staffing, this sector in many markets mainly concentrates on the blue-collar workers, who are relatively lower-qualified candidates. For permanent placement, we are tapping into a new market which targets higher-skilled candidates.

What do you think about the prospect of flexible staffing?

We have seen different kinds of flexible solutions. It can be temporary staffing. We are also sending people with competencies to our customers, in IT, engineering and also the medical sector.

There is a global trend for flexible staffing. All work is becoming more volatile and more uncertain. The various economies in the world are developing rapidly and so are technologies. The life cycles of products are becoming shorter. It means that everything and everyone has to be flexible and agile.

You have built up a strong team of career transition business with the acquisition of Penna Consulting plc and Knightsbridge Human Capital Management Inc, together with the group's Lee Hecht Harrison. What is your outlook of this business in China?

By having done these, we have consolidated our global leadership. It means now we can serve our customers in 64 markets in the world. The second market player in career transition is 50 percent smaller than we are.

In the short term, Chinese candidates will find such consulting services less necessary, for the market is vibrant enough for them to land a new job easily. But China is now confronting new competitors such as Vietnam or Indonesia. Candidates must have new skills to deliver better products and more sophisticated services. This will require services such as talent development or career transition.

This business definitely has a promising future in China. Companies are looking for transformation. Therefore, they need us to help them transition, outplace, train people or provide internal mobility and external mobility. That's why we are changing the term "outplacement" into "career transition".

You were appointed the chairman of Global Apprenticeship Network and have placed a lot of stress on youth unemployment. How is the network going to work in China?

It is very relevant for China. In every country in the world, youth unemployment is double the rate of average unemployment.

One of the problems the world now faces is that education is currently producing students with competencies which are proving less relevant for the business community, which results in high youth unemployment.

The only three exceptions are Germany, Switzerland and Austria. It is because for decades they have adopted an apprentice model.

The majority of the youth there become apprentices from 15 to 18 years old. They are doing a combined training.

Around 20 percent of the time is spent at school and the rest is being trained in companies. Within three years, they build up specific competencies and functions.

After that, they have the possibility of either going to universities to earn a degree, or going out to regular work.

China has a very good educational system. It ranks ninth globally in terms of the quality of its formal education system. But what it lacks is vocational education.

As you are moving from a low-skilled manufacturing country to a service economy, you will need to secure the talents and competencies of the workforce. Lifelong learning is important.

What are your criterion for choosing the right people working within your organization?

I am always looking for people who reflect our values and management behavior, have entrepreneurship, passion, a sense of responsibility, a cool head and a curious mind, smile a lot and are hands-on.

What is your life and business philosophy?

The 4Ps: people times purpose times performance equal profit. With this I mean getting the right people working with a purpose in a well-performed way, then profit will come.

What is the book that you are reading right now?

Start with Why by Simon Sinek.

Please use three words to describe Chinese business people?

Driven, relationship-based, long-term.

CV

Age: 53

Birthplace: Belgium

Career:

2015 onwards: CEO of Adecco Group

2011-15: Regional Head of Adecco France

2009-11: Regional Head of Adecco Northern Europe

2007-09: CEO of Humares 2005-07: COO of USG People

2002-05: CEO of Solvus 2000-02: Managing Director of Creyf's Interimin Belgium (now Start People)

1987-2000: Senior positions in Henkel and ISS

Education:

ICHEC Brussels Management School, Belgium

Family:

Married with three sons and a daughter
An intelligent robot on display attracts visitors at an industry expo in Beijing. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

China's industrial robot manufacturers have significantly increased their local market share, as the country is keen on automating its production base, industry experts said.

Although China's robotics market is still dominated by foreign companies, domestic robot makers had expanded their market share to 31 percent in 2015, while in 2013 it was only about 25 percent, according to a report issued on Wednesday by the International Federation of Robotics.

Sales of industrial robots grew 17 percent year-on-year in 2015 in China, with 68,000 industrial robots sold, the report said.

Due to the economic slowdown and China's reforms in the manufacturing sector, the growth rate slackened last year. Robot sales in 2014 were up 56 percent on the previous year. Nonetheless, China surpassed the total market volume for Europe, whose total sales for industrial robots in 2015 was 50,000 units, the report said.

Ding Zhilei, assistant president of Ninebot Inc, a Beijing-based short-distance personal electric-vehicle and robot maker, said China's robotics industry had gained a lot from the government and the capital markets over the past few years.

"Many Chinese robot makers are investing a lot in research and development to improve the performance of their products," he said.

"We invest about 8 percent to 10 percent of our revenue in R&D, so I think the quality disparity between the products of Chinese makers and overseas companies is narrowing. In some areas, Chinese makers have the potential to lead technology innovation," he added.

Chinese producers are keen to develop their capabilities and move up the value chain through M&As. Midea Group, China's biggest maker of home appliances based in Foshan, Guangdong province, on June 16 launched an offer for all the shares above its current 13.5 percent stake in Kuka AG, a German technology leader in robotics and automation.

China is in the process of transforming from a labor-intensive manufacturing hub into a manufacturing power with high-tech and innovations, and developing the robotics sector is seen as an important part of this.

In April, a robotics industry development plan was issued by three ministries to stimulate healthy growth in the industry for the coming five years. The plan envisages that by 2020, the number of industrial robots made by Chinese companies with self-owned brands will reach 100,000 units.

The worldwide sales of industrial robots reached a record high of 248,000 units in 2015, which represented a rise of 12 percent on the previous year. The report said it expected that by 2018, some 2.3 million units would be deployed on factory floors.

Ma Si contributed to this story.
A hospital alliance between China and countries in Central and Eastern Europe was set up on Monday to facilitate cooperation in health and medical care.

The China-CEEC Hospital Collaboration Alliance has 47 founding members, including 34 major hospitals from China and 13 from five of the European countries, including the Czech Republic.

Huang Jiefu, former deputy minister of health and president of the Chinese Hospital Association, made the announcement on Monday at the second Ministers Meeting between China and CEEC that opened in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, on Monday.

More European hospitals are expected to join the alliance in the future, with intensified cooperation and exchanges between China and the region, he said.

Major missions of the alliance include joint research and academic exchanges in health and medical care, technological cooperation and exchanges, and development of medical tourism in areas such as nursing and rehabilitation, said Xue Xiaolin, vice-president of the association.

"Cooperation and exchanges between medical institutions are an important part of the cooperation and exchanges between China and central and eastern European countries," Xue said.

"The alliance will serve as an international platform for exchanges and cooperation between medical institutions from these countries."

Wang Lingling, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Hospital Association, said members of the alliance are considering furthering their current cooperation and exchanges involving some new areas, such as attracting overseas tourists with their unique medical care resources.

"Some Central and Eastern European countries, such as Hungary and Lithuania, have shown strong interest in traditional Chinese medicine, and hope to promote TCM," she said.

Miloslav Ludvik, president of Motol University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic, said his hospital can offer high-end cardiac surgery, neurosurgery and other medical services.

wangxiaodong@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/21/2016 page5)
Driving under the influence of narcotics should be punishable under the Criminal Law, the China National Narcotics Control Commission said in a recent statement.

It is urgent to write statutes on the issue, the statement said, adding that those who drive under the influence of illicit drugs should be given jail sentences regardless of whether they have caused a traffic accident or not.

Traffic accidents involving driving under the influence of narcotics have surged in recent years.

The Ministry of Public Security had no precise numbers. According to what it said was "incomplete" data, 85 traffic accidents in 2009 involved drivers using illegal drugs. In 2013, the number of those crashes rose to more than 800, more than doubling 2012.

It is not currently a criminal offense in China to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of illegal drugs, so long as an accident does not occur. Drivers who are found to have taken illegal drugs but who didn't crash may have their licenses suspended or revoked. The most severe punishment with no traffic accident is 15 days of detention for a noncriminal violation of public security.

The call from legal experts to make driving under the influence of narcotics a crime began in 2010.

Hong Daode, a professor of criminal law at China University of Political Science and Law, said driving under the influence of drugs is comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol, which is currently a crime.

Zang Tiewei, deputy head of the criminal law division of the Legal Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress, said it hasn't been included in the Criminal Law because legislators are discussing which narcotics should be included, as well as the circumstances defining a criminal offense.

He said technology to test drivers is not ready.

"The techniques of a quick test on a few types of drugs are available, but there are more than 200 types of controlled narcotics that cannot be detected immediately," he said.
Guangdong police show methamphetamine, guns and ammunition that they seized during a crackdown on drug smuggling, in May. CHEN FAN/CHINA DAILY

Nearly 500 guns were seized in major drug cases in China last year, a significant growth of firearms associated with drug manufacturing and trafficking, the drug control authority said on Thursday.

Police departments at or above city level cracked 257 drug cases last year, an increase of 52 percent from the previous year, according to the latest data from the China National Narcotics Control Commission.

In those cases, 476 gunsup 40 percent year-on-yearand more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition were seized.

The use of guns in the drug trade has gained momentum rapidly in the past year, and most suspects in major drug cases possess firearms, according to the commission.

The convergence of firearms with drug manufacturing and trafficking poses great danger to society, and the commission urged drug control agencies at all levels to put gun-related drug cases in their crosshairs.

Inspections for firearms and drugs will be strengthened at major checkpoints, customs gateways and toll gates in each province, the commission said in a written statement.

In addition, the commission said it will focus on drug dealing and the firearms trade on the internet and set up an information exchange mechanism with internet supervisory authorities.

Private possession of firearms in China is strictly prohibited with very few exceptions. Those who illegally possess firearms can face up to seven years in prison.

Firearms for civilian use are permitted in only a few organizations and workplaces, including hunting groups and those involved in the breeding and research of wildlife.

Hunters in some areas and herdsmen in rural regions may be allowed to possess hunting rifles.

In the latest large-scale drug case, in Shaoyang, Hunan province in June, 16 suspects were arrested, and two firearms, 40 rounds of ammunition and a host of gun parts were seized. More than 70 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized.

In recent years, a number of police officers have been killed in firefights with drug suspects in Yunnan province.

Yang Jungang, head of an investigative squad of the Armed Police Force in Pu'er, Yunnan province, was shot and killed by a suspect in March when he was about to examine three suspected accomplices.

"Police officers need to be prepared to face violence at any moment while performing their duty and must be ready to fight with drug suspects who often break into checkpoints by force," said Liu Xiaoqing, deputy head of the Yunnan Public Security Bureau.

Contact the writers at liyingqing@chinadaily.com.cn
"I want to have a younger brother or sister because I will have a playmate then," one kindergartner said.

Another was less enthusiastic: "I don't want to have a younger brother or sister because they may be naughty and take away my toys."

Twelve 6-year-olds at a kindergarten in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, were candid with their thoughts about a future younger brother or sister in a debate held earlier this month.

The debate was one of the special activities the kindergarten launched in May to help parents and kids prepare themselves for a possible new family member, as China's new second-child policy is expected to raise the country's birthrate.

The kindergarten also mixed older and younger kids in class, and paired families with kids of different ages to spend weekends together.

"Through these activities, parents can learn what their kids think about having a sibling, and kids can improve their patience and awareness of sharing in a kind of rehearsal," said Zhang Shaozhen, principal of Tiyu Donglu Kindergarten in Guangzhou's Tianhe district.

The kindergarten conducted a survey of parents to determine whether they wanted a second child. About 30 percent said yes, and 50 percent said they were hesitant. But only a handful - less than 10 people - gave a firm "no", Zhang said.

"Kindergartens need to adjust our teaching to the new second-child era," Zhang said.

Besides Zhang's kindergarten, at least two others in Tianhe district have organized activities designed as "second-child education", Guangzhou Daily reported.

Shu Xiaoying, 33, mother of a 6-year-old girl studying at Tiyu Donglu, said she hadn't wanted a second child, but the weekend event changed her mind.

Shu's daughter was paired with a 3-year-old boy, and the two soon bonded like siblings, spending every weekend together climbing hills and playing in parks.

"Honestly, I joined the activity because I wanted to dismiss my daughter's idea of having a younger brother or sister by throwing her into the difficulties of taking care of someone," said Shu, 33.

"But she has proved to me that she is not asking for a younger brother or sister as a new toy but takes the role as an elder sister seriously," she said, recalling with a smile the moments when her daughter shared toys with her playmate.

By contrast, Chen Jia, mother of a 6-year-old girl and a 15-month-old boy, finds it a headache to handle the relationship.

"Teachers told me that Chuchu (the sister) gets along well with younger playmates in kindergarten, but she is impatient with her younger brother at home and often makes him cry," the mother said.

"I guess she may think her brother takes away my love for her because I was so busy looking after the newborn that I paid less attention to her after I gave birth."
Prosecuting authority expands efforts to stop embezzlement of money meant to help poor

China's top prosecuting authority said it will build on its recent success in the fight against corruption in poverty alleviation by setting up inspection stations in rural areas.

When poverty alleviation was highlighted by the country's central leadership in October and noted in China's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), the fight against graft in this field became a priority for prosecuting bodies at all levels, Wang Songmiao, spokesman for the Supreme People's Procuratorate, said on Thursday.

From January to May, Chinese prosecutors investigated 658 people on suspicion of duty-related crimes, including graft and dereliction of duty, when they were meant to be helping the poor. That was a 53.7 percent year-on-year increase.

It was the first crackdown in a five-year plan for fighting and preventing corruption in the field of poverty alleviation, Wang said, adding that it was a joint effort between prosecutors and the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development.

President Xi Jinping said in November that no one can spend poverty alleviation funds with impunity, because they are a lifeline for the poor.

"To implement the leadership's requirement and play a role in fighting duty crimes, we have pursued the campaign since January," Wang said, adding that similar crackdowns will continue until December 2020.

"We will go to villages in rural areas to research and investigate, build inspection stations and dispatch prosecutors as liaisons to get more clues to understand more about potential corruption problems," he said. "The move is intended to stop grassroots graft."

On Thursday, the top prosecuting authority also reviewed 13 cases in the poverty relief field.

For example, Dong Sheyou, former director of the poverty alleviation department in Wudu district, Longnan city, Gansu province, has been sentenced to 14 years in jail after using his post to provide illegal profits to 16 residents in developing a poverty relief project.

Dong also solicited 3.32 million yuan ($505,000) in bribes and held property valued at 8.91 million yuan. He could not explain where he got such a large sum of money.

Song Hansong, director of the No 4 Anti-corruption Department under the prosecuting authority, said people who possess or embezzle money that was intended for the poor will be severely punished under the latest judicial interpretation issued in April.

"People who embezzle 10,000 yuan will face a criminal penalty," Song said, noting that the threshold for corruption in other industries was 30,000 yuan.

He confirmed that graft in the field of poverty alleviation is most often perpetrated by officials at lower levels - "which is why we planned to set up the inspection stations in villages to ensure the poverty relief funds reach the poor", he said.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn
The Supreme People's Court said on Thursday that drug cases across the country last year surged by one-third, and it pledged to deal with the problem with an iron hand.

Nearly 140,000 drug cases were tried and closed last year, an increase of 30 percent from the previous year, according to data from the court.

"Heavy sentences apply in drug cases, especially those involving firearms in drug deals and taking part in international organized drug rings," said Ma Yan, deputy presiding judge of the 5th Criminal Court at the Supreme People's Court.

About 137,000 people have been convicted in the cases, up 25 percent from the previous year.

Nearly 20 percent of those convicted were sentenced to prison for more than five years or given death sentences.

"Death sentences apply to drug lords, professional drug dealers and repeat offenders in severe drug cases," Ma said.

The guideline for sentencing in drug cases was revised in April, extending the punishments to cases involving an additional 12 new types of drugs, including methcathinone and tramadol.

Li Jingran, an assistant judge of the 5th Criminal Court, said sentences for those who provide venues for others to use illicit drugs were specified in the guideline.

Heavy sentences will be given to those who provide minors with drugs or provide places for them to use drugs.

Gao Feng, a manager at a nightclub in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, was sentenced to two years in prison and fined 50,000 yuan ($7,600) this month for allowing 55 people to use drugs in two rooms of his club.
Yu Jianchun shares his calculations at Zhejiang University in June. ZHANG BINGQING/CHINA DAILY

A migrant worker who developed five unique math formulas and inspired a university professor has been offered a new job that will give him more space for personal development.

Yu Jianchun, a 33-year-old worker at a logistics company's packaging shop in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, made headlines recently when he was invited to share his formulas predicting numerical patterns with mathematics professors and PhD candidates at Zhejiang University.

Cai Tianxin, a math professor at the Hangzhou-based university, invited Yu to his class to share his thinking and said he found Yu's calculations inspiring.

Silk Road Holding Group, a company based in Huzhou, offered to employ Yu in a statistics-related position that would "give him better development for a career and also more time for furthering his interest and talent in mathematics", said Ling Lanfang, president of the group.

The company also promised Yu a dormitory room, free of charge, to lighten his economic burden.

While the specific position and salary have yet to be settled, Yu thinks the new job would be a good platform.

"It's a more stable job, I think, and would help improve my life so I can keep doing mathematics research," said Yu, who comes from a mountainous rural county in Henan province and graduated from a vocational school.

Over the last eight years, as he moved around for different jobs, he developed an interest in Carmichael numbers, a kind of pseudo-prime numbers that occur as positive integers about 255 times in every 100 million. He developed a formula to predict them.

Ling, the group president, shares Yu's passion for mathematics. Though he never realized his own dream to become a mathematician, he has kept close ties to Cai, the professor, for occasional mathematics discussions.

After Cai told him Yu's story, Ling decided to offer Yu a job that would allow for personal development. He said he admired Yu for his persistence in mathematics despite being forced to earn a hard living.

"Many people believe money counts, but Yu showed us the quality of persistence in pursuing his academic dream. So he is really worth our encouragement," Ling said.

Zhu Lixin contributed to this story.
China is under growing pressure from drugs smuggled in from the Golden Triangle area, where poppy cultivation remains high, according to the country's top anti-drug authority.

Ninety-five percent of the heroin seized in China last year came from the Golden Trianglea drug-producing area that overlaps the mountains of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, China's National Narcotics Control Commission has said.

"Drugs from the Golden Triangle are penetrating China on all fronts. We're facing mounting pressure year by year," an official from the commission said in a written interview with China Daily.

"Whether we can effectively curb drugs from this region will directly affect the success of China's fight against narcotics," said the official, who declined to be named, ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which falls on Sunday.

A report released on Thursday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime also said that trafficking out of the Golden Triangle area is increasing, mainly due to rising levels of opium production in Myanmar since 2006.

Although poppy cultivation worldwide fell last year by 11 percent year-on-year to about 281,000 hectaresdue mainly to a decline in AfghanistanMyanmar's cultivation area remained almost unchanged, accounting for 20 percent of the world's total, the report stated.

Cultivation in the Golden Triangle mainly fuels drug consumption in East and Southeast Asia, the report added.

The official said it is vitally important to curb the influx of drugs from border areas in Southwest China.

Last year, 7.3 tons of heroin from the Golden Triangle were seized in Yunnan, Sichuan and Guizhou provinces as well as the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, accounting for 83 percent of heroin seized nationwide, according to the commission.

The official said drug traffickers are using more complicated and secretive methods and technologies. Trafficking routes are spread out along the long border between China and Myanmar, making narcotics control very difficult.

Chen Shuaifeng, a drugs expert at People's Public Security University of China, said political instability in northern Myanmar is the main reason for the unabated flow of drugs into China from the border areas between the two countries.

"The central government lacks control of the local ethnic minority armed forces in northern parts of Myanmar, where opium poppy planting is rampant and the cultivation area has been expanding steadily in recent years," he said.

Chen said the key to curbing the drugs problem in the Golden Triangle is to stabilize the political situation in the area.

He said replacement planting has been an effective method to curb poppy production, and he advised Chinese law enforcement departments and other departments to work more closely with Myanmar on this.

Li Yingqing in Kunming contributed to this story.
State councilor leaves for weather-battered region to guide rescue work (Xinhua) Updated: 2016-06-24 16:05

BEIJING - State Councilor Yang Jing left Beijing for east China's Jiangsu province on Friday where at least 98 have died and nearly 850 sustained injuries in one of the most fatal natural disasters hitting the region.



Entrusted by President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, Yang will direct the rescue and emergency response work and visit the displaced and injured.



Intense rain, hail and a tornado battered parts of Yancheng City close to the eastern coast of China at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, destroying buildings, trees, vehicles and electricity poles.
Heavy rain wrecks havoc in south China (Xinhua) Updated: 2016-06-24 16:45

CHONGQING - Intense downpours and hailstorms have caused havoc across several Chinese provinces, resulting in casualties, disrupted traffic and inundation.



In addition to a fatal tornado and hail storm, which claimed 98 lives in east China's Jiangsu Province on Thursday, many urban areas in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality are reporting flooding.



A section of a rail track linking Chongqing with Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, was also flooded. Railway authorities have diverted 10 trains as repair work is underway.



In the rural district of Yongchuan, downpours damaged 602 houses, resulting in one death and another missing. Rain on Thursday night flooded a section of the outer wall of Yuxi Prison forcing the relocation of 1,400 inmates over night. The prison authority has reinforced security and ensured provisions.



Zhutuo Hydro Station on the Yangtze, which runs through Chongqing, warned that the water level had risen by 1.91 meters in one day.



In east China's Jiangxi, workers on Friday morning repaired a 64-meter breach in a dike in Poyang County.



Aided with some 100 pieces of heavy machinery, more than 2,000 workers have worked around-the-clock, for 46 hours, to mend the breach.



In the county, two reservoirs sustained damage, 189 river bank breaches were found, and 26,000 houses were either inundated or damaged.
Family members of victims comfort each other on Friday, the day after a tornado hit Funing county in Yancheng, Jiangsu province. LAI XINLIN / FOR CHINA DAILY

Emergency workers have mounted a massive relief operation as the death toll from a tornado in East China climbed to 98, with 846 people injured.

The tornado, which was accompanied by hailstorms and downpours, hit densely populated areas of Yancheng, Jiangsu province on Thursday. In its path of destruction, the tornado turned buildings to rubble, toppled trees and flipped vehicles onto their roofs.

More than 8,600 houses, two elementary schools and eight factory buildings were damaged or destroyed, according to the provincial government.

About 3,500 police officers and disaster relief workers were called in to assist with the rescue efforts and to help displaced residents.

Winds of up to 125 kilometers per hour destroyed houses in Funing county, one of the hardest-hit areas, and brought down power and communication lines.

On Friday afternoon in the county's Beichen village, where more than 10 people died, villagers sifted through fallen bricks and the pillars of their destroyed homes, many of which had their roofs torn off and walls brought down. Workers tried to clear roads blocked by fallen trees, downed power lines and even a container that was carried 2 kilometers by the tornado.

Liu Dingguo, a 52-year-old villager, was searching for family belongings with his daughter in the debris of his house. But all they found were broken household appliances.

"Everything is gone. My wife is gone," he said. "We haven't had time to give her a proper funeral yet."

Fu Ling, director of the rescue team in Beichen, said the search for survivors in the debris had been completed and cleanup was underway.
China is under growing pressure from drugs smuggled in from the Golden Triangle area, where poppy cultivation remains high, according to the country's top anti-drug authority.

Ninety-five percent of the heroin seized in China last year came from the Golden Triangle - a drug-producing area that overlaps the mountains of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, China's National Narcotics Control Commission has said.

"Drugs from the Golden Triangle are penetrating China on all fronts. We're facing mounting pressure year by year," an official from the commission said in a written interview with China Daily.
Early enterprise development zone made the most of infrastructure, foreign Investment

Yang Zhiping says the success of the Suzhou Industrial Park depends on bringing in talented people from around the world.

The 52-year-old chairman of the park says it is the quality of its international expertise that is behind its success as one of China's most successful enterprise areas.

Some 70 percent of the people who live and work in the 288 sq km area are from outside of Suzhou.

"We don't just attract local people but we attract talents from around the world. Suzhou, of course, has a history of 2,500 years and has been a strong commercial area based on the Yangtze River Delta, but one of its strengths has been its international outlook."

Yang was speaking in his office in the Xiandai Building on the park, which is one of the highest ranking of China's national high-tech parks.

Some 80,000 companies are located in the area, of which 5,550 are foreign, including Samsung, Bosch, Siemens and Microsoft.

The GDP of the SIP grew by 8 percent last year (significantly higher than the 6.8 percent nationally) to 206 billion yuan ($31.4 billion), bringing in tax revenues of 24.1 billion yuan.

"These kinds of parks are important for the development of China. It took the United States in its market economy more than 200 years to develop Silicon Valley in the 1990s. We couldn't wait that long," he said.

"In the normal environment outside the park it is not so easy for startup companies to get the support to make their businesses successful. They don't have the level of service, favorable policies or access to venture capital or the pools of talented people."

The SIP was originally formed as a joint venture between the China and Singapore governments as the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park in 1994.

It was one of China's first EDZs (Enterprise Development Zones) and an attempt to replicate the success of such zones in Singapore, which was seen as a model for China's development.

"It was never something we could just copy and paste. Singapore has a UK heritage, from its legal system through to its parliament, and China has its own different law system and administration. We do share some cultural background but it was a matter of adapting to what suited China."

Back in the 1990s, the vast expanse of what is now a vast perfectly landscaped area consisting of state-of-the-art offices, laboratories as well as hotels, restaurants and the homes of some 1.2 million residents looked very different.

"We had nothing. It was just farmland. Our challenge then was not building a new city but beginning a process of industrial development, which meant attracting foreign investment."

Many of the first companies that moved in to the park were from Singapore but officials were also successful in attracting a number of Fortune 500 companies, including Siemens and Samsung.

"We had a lot of help at the outset from the Singapore side. We didn't have a reputation then and they helped us quite a lot in the marketing," he said.

After establishing an industrial base, the next phase of its development, which began in the last decade, was to become the home of start-up, innovative and creative companies.

It was helped in this by being designated as one of China's now 115 national high-tech parks in 2006. It is now ranked among the top 10 of these in the country.

"We set up our own one-stop service center. Small companies that have between five and 10 people had no idea about legal services, financial accounting or even how to organize a company. We helped them in a whole range of areas including registering intellectual property and access to venture capital."

Yang, who is from Suzhou, has a master's degree in aerospace engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics(NUAA), joined the park 17 years ago after working in IT for a State-owned enterprise.

He took over as chairman in April 2008, and has overseen the transformation of the park. It is now in its third phase of development focusing on three main areas: biotechnology and biomedicine; nanotechnology and cloud computing.

The park consists of facilities such as BioBay, located in the southwest of SIP, which has 400 high-tech innovative companies working in a range of areas from drug discovery to nanotechnology. It also has a dedicated science park for cloud computing.

"It is important for us to focus on these three areas and not hundreds of them so we have a level of specialization," he said.

The park's aim has always been to forge strong links with universities and some 27 universities, including Liverpool Jiaotong University, UCLA, Trinity College Dublin, Waterloo University in Canada and Monash University in Australia, have research institutes or campuses located there. It has been negotiating for the past three years with Oxford University about setting up the Oxford Suzhou Center for Advanced Research (OSCAR) on the site.

"It is an essential part of developing an innovative environment on the park. Their research can provide a boost to the local economy. With their help we can create new products, new technology and also create some spin-off companies from the universities themselves."

Yang says fostering innovative businesses is going right back to ideas behind the park at the outset.

"Then we had to create good infrastructure to attract foreign investment. You can't do this if you have no electricity, no roads, and no people. Innovation companies need their own ecological system also."

"The park's philosophy is essentially about creating the software in which businesses can thrive."

He says one of the challenges for developing businesses is access to capital and part of the park's role is putting them in touch with venture capital and private equity.

"A country like the UK has had a stock market for several hundred years. The China exchanges have been in place just 20 years and venture capital is in its very early stages. We need to help businesses have the same access to finance as those in Silicon Valley or in London," he said.

The residents of the park have one of the highest per capita incomes in China at around $40,000, almost at the level of advanced economies and double that of first-tier cities such as Shanghai and Beijing. The per-capita disposable income rose 7.5 percent last year to 56,000 yuan, despite the national economy slowing.

Some believe that within 30 or 40 years parks like Suzhou could become redundant as the rest of China catches up.

Yang, however, says the challenge is more for the park to keep playing a leading role and advancing forward.

"China is not a balanced country. In Singapore, for example, the rest of the country has caught up with the parks. This is not the case here. We need to continue exploring new roads," he said.

andrewmoody@chinadaily.com.cn

The Suzhou Industrial Park attracts talented people. provided to China Daily

(China Daily 06/24/2016 page29)
I Love Fairy Tales, starring celebrated TV hosts Zhou Zhou (left) and Ju Ping, features famous stories like The Three Little Pigs.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Tigger is one of Zhou Zhou's favorite cartoon characters.

In 2006, when Disney's theater production Winnie the Pooh toured the Chinese mainland, Zhou, a veteran host of children's shows on China Central Television, was pregnant.

She watched five shows in Beijing. When her son was born later in the year, she lovingly called him Tigger, after the tiger friend of the teddy bear, Pooh.

"I am born in the Year of the Tiger, too!" the 41-year-old says, referring to the Chinese zodiac.

Her friend helped bring the production to China, and Zhou got a chance to observe how the team prepared, rehearsed and made the 90-minute show happen.

The experience inspired Zhou to make her own children's plays.
Chen Peng, chemical biologist. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Chinese chemical biologist Chen Peng has received the latest Tan Kah Kee Young Scientist Award in recognition of his original and innovative scientific and technological achievements.

The award is given every two years in China to only one scientist under the age of 40 in six fields, including mathematics and physics, chemistry and Earth science.

As the principal investigator of the Center for Life Sciences of Peking University-Tsinghua University, the 37-year-old leads a lab that is focused on protein chemistry and engineering.

He is also a PhD supervisor in the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at Peking University.

The lab aims to explore and apply protein-based platform technologies to study life sciences, and many of its research projects surround the host-pathogen interface, with a particular interest in understanding how pathogens employ a wide array of protein effectors to subvert host defense and establish infection.

The research findings can provide new tools to develop medicines against cancer and infectious diseases, Chen says.

"I love what I'm doing," he says, adding that he is always motivated by science.

Born in 1979 in Lanzhou, the capital of Northwest China's Gansu province, Chen has been fascinated with chemistry since a young age.

He enrolled in Peking University in 1998 to study chemistry without taking the national college entrance exam, because he had won a top prize at a science competition.

After four years of study at the leading Chinese institution, he went to the University of Chicago for further education in 2002, under the guidance of He Chuan, a well-known Chinese-American chemical biologist.

There, Chen was exposed to frontier research in chemical biology and completed projects with fellow students and their professors. Their findings were published in top scientific publications.

In 2007, Chen got a PhD in chemistry and was given the university's Elizabeth R. Norton Prize for excellence in research in chemistry. Only three students had earned the award that year.

He continued his postdoctoral research in the United States but eventually decided to return to China.

His parents couldn't adapt to life in the US.

The years he spent in the US deepened his love for China, as expats feel for their homeland when away, he says.

In 2009, Chen took the offer from Peking University to build a world-class chemical biology lab.

Two years later, he became one of the first researchers in the newly established Center for Life Sciences of Peking University-Tsinghua University, a cooperative program supported by the central government to reform education and research in life sciences at the two top universities.

Chen has won many awards since, including Chem Soc Rev Emerging Investigator Lectureship in 2014. The award is given every year by the international editorial board of the Chemical Society Reviews under the Royal Society of Chemistry in Britain, to a rising scientist who has made remarkable achievements in the independent study of chemistry or related fields.

Chen says China is developing its scientific research fast and, as an individual researcher, he is getting abundant support.

He is also a mentor to young talent, helping to nurture critical thinking.

"Working abroad, I probably would have a prosperous life. But in China, the sky is the limit," Chen says.
Dopey and Grumpy is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. [File photo]

Zhejiang Children's Publishing House reissued Dopey and Grumpy (In Pinyin, Meitounao he Bugaoxing) in a commemorative edition to mark the 60th anniversary of its debut.

The publication comes with the permission of Ren Rongrong, a well-known children's literature writer who created the amusing duo.

The 93-year-old writer disclosed the inspiration of the two characters.

"I used to tell foreign stories to kids at school. As time went by, I became tired of it. I wanted to be close to kids' daily life and that led to the birth of Dopey and Grumpy. I myself was a classic 'Dopey', having no clue of anything whatsoever, while 'Grumpy' was a catchword shared by most kids who shrugged off their bad temper and negativity. Then I thought, why not let them keep their defects and try to accomplish anything as grownups? They might learn a hard lesson in doing so," he said.

In February 1956, Dopey and Grumpy was published in the journal Kids' Literature, to the delight of children nationwide. In 1962, it was made into a cartoon. This year's commemorative edition includes seven of Ren's works and classic illustrations.

Ren Rongrong is a prominent translator as well as a writer. Some of his translations include Pinocchio, The Adventures of Onionhead and Peter Pan.

Related:

Award winner's books get film adaptations
Amos Oz. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Amos Oz, an acclaimed Israeli writer, came to Beijing this week to receive an award given by Chinese students on Wednesday and to release the Chinese edition of his novel Scenes from Village Life on Friday.

Oz was the recipient of The 21 University Students International Literary Award, which was set up by Renmin University of China. The award had a jury of 21 Chinese students, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral students in the School of Liberal Arts, and it was co-hosted by Tencent Culture.

"I have received in my life maybe 40 or 50 literary prizes, all of them are from a jury of professors and scholars. This is the first time I get a prize from students. This is very special for me," Oz told China Daily after the award ceremony.

Speaking of the Nobel Prize for Literature, of which Oz has long been considered a possible winner, Oz said humorously that "I can assure you, if they never give me the Nobel Prize I am not going to die an unhappy man."

This is Oz's second visit to China. "I have read Mo Yan and some other Chinese writers in translation because I am intrigued by this country. Particularly Mo Yan's work on World War II, on the experience of Chinese people under the Japanese occupation."

Related:

Children's favorites 'Dopey and Grumpy' mark 60th anniversary
The Coquerel's sifaka is one of the exotic animal species that are native to Madagascar. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The reality show The Law of Us, showcasing the adventures of seven Chinese celebrities in the jungles of Madagascar and Ecuador, recently premiered on Anhui Satellite TV. Participants include actor-turned-entrepreneur Li Yapeng, actor Nicholas Wu and comedian Xiaoshenyang.

The current episodes showcase Madagascar's picturesque scenery and biodiversity, which are appealing to Chinese tourists. They can get a visa on arrival in the country.

In 2015 more than 8,000 Chinese traveled to Madagascar, according to the country's Ministry of Tourism, Transports and Meteorology.

Victor Sikonina, Madagascar's ambassador in China, said city-dwellers will especially enjoy the beauty of jungles. The country have more than 40 national parks, to better preserve the biodiversity and develop ecotourism.

He said tourism is the best way to strengthen ties between people of the two countries and quoted an old Chinese saying, "It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books".

"Our friendship can date back to the early 20th century, when Chinese settled on the island," he said.

Related:

Drama focuses on what emperors ate
[Photo/China Daily]

In Spanish tradition, proud parents with more than pocket change celebrate the christening of a child with a "los ninos" (children's) cask, a barrel of fine sherry. One of rarest gems of this kind is Barbadillo Versos 1891, a luxury Amontillado sherry from a leading Spanish winemaker's personal collection.

The cask was a gift created for the baptism of former Barbadillo director, poet and sherry expert Manuel Barbadillo when he was born in 1891.

With only 100 bottles in existence, this deep-mahogany colored nectar is now offered by the British wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd in Hong Kong for HK$89,450 ($11,527).

"The exclusive sherry fills the palate with intense nutty, woody and rich dried-fruit flavors, indicating its age," BB&R exults in a press release.

The collector's item has been bottled in fine crystal glass that has been individually carved and etched with gold, while the bottle neck and the cork is hand painted with platinum, all presented in a fine Spanish leather box.
Didi Chuxing, a car-booking mobile app owned by Didi Kuaidi, is shown on a mobile phone, Sept 17, 2015. [Photo/IC]

WANG JUAN, a resident in Changsha city, Central China's Hunan province, was charged 150 yuan ($23) for a 25-kilometer Didi ride on Monday. After complaining to the service staff of the Chinese car-hailing app company, Wang was told the driver had detoured from the regular route and the service company returned some of the money to Wang. Changsha Evening News commented on Tuesday:

Exorbitant fares are only one of many problems that occur with car-hailing rides. Only a few cities, such as Shanghai, have regulated the car-sharing industry, other places are yet to do so. Some condone its growth, while others seek to combat them as "black cabs".

Nothing can be perfect and all the ills revealed should prompt strengthened supervision of the car-sharing market. As problems are exposed, appropriate regulations should target the issues.

Previously, we might have been able to find a reason to say that something new was born and you do not need to worry about it. But the car-hailing business has been around for several years and its business scope has expanded from the first- and second-tier cities to third- and fourth-tier cities or even towns.

Now it is time for the introduction of appropriate regulations to cover this part of the economy.
Chen Xingjia is about to land. [Photo from Sina Weibo]

A VIDEO SHOWING CHEN XINGJIA, the Party chief of Badong county, Central China's Hubei province, skydiving to promote local tourism has gone viral on the internet. Beijing Youth Daily commented on Thursday:

Known by many as an internet celebrity because of his efforts to promote local scenic spots, Chen seems to be different compared with many in his position, most of whom are unlikely to skydive or sing on stage for a public cause as he did.

Instead of inviting real showbiz celebrities to promote tourism, which can cost a lot, the county head has chosen to do it all by himself. However, this is working just as well, as the local hotels are often fully booked, thanks to his online popularity.

A number of netizens are inclined to give credit to the Hubei official, given his sincere, if unorthodox, efforts to boost the local economy. He gives the impression of being down-to-earth and accessible to local residents. In fact, local officials, regardless of their ranks, are now encouraged to endear themselves to the people and many of them have tried to do it, although not very effectively.

Basically, they have been found from time to time taking part in street-cleaning, using public transports, or shopping in a supermarket like normal residents do, which, in the eyes of many, are nothing special, even "orchestrated shows".

In comparison, the Hubei official is widely lauded because his performances focus on improving local people's livelihoods and he doesn't exhibit any bureaucratic superiority. In addition, he is adept at using social media to attract online attention and bond with netizens in the country.

For governments at all levels, their closeness to people now plays an essential part in modern social governance, as well as soliciting public support and trust. This could be achieved in many ways, eye-catching or not, as long as the officials mean what they say and their words and deeds garner the respect of residents.
Li Feng / China Daily

Will iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus be kicked out of Chinese market? Well, it depends.

Last month, Beijing Intellectual Property Office ruled that Apple had violated the patent rights of Shenzhen-based mobile-phone maker Baili Marketing Service Inc. The US tech giant has now moved Beijing Intellectual Property Court against BIPO to get the decision overturned. If Apple loses again, it could appeal to Beijing High People's Court, although the two parties could seek settlement during the course of the case, which is a common practice in patent disputes.

Based on the information on the website of State Intellectual Property Office, Baili filed the design patent for mobile phone (100C) on Jan 13, 2014, and got it on July 9, 2014. Both the dates are earlier than the official date of launch of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus on the Chinese mainland, that is, Oct 17, 2014.

The high-profile case involving a global tech giant and an almost unknown domestic company has given rise to many speculations. Some have praised BIPO's decision claiming Chinese companies have raised their IP awareness. Others say Baili is a patent troll trying to blackmail Apple into paying it money. Still others see the case in the backdrop of China-US trade dispute, saying the BIPO decision avenges the US' trade attacks against several Chinese enterprises. And a few Western media outlets feel China is adopting tougher regulations against Western companies.

The case, however, is essentially a legal dispute.

There are two misunderstandings about design patent. The first is that a patent holder must actually manufacture the product. A patent is an intellectual property right aimed at encouraging creation, and the patent law does not require the patent holder to actually make the product. And the second is the application of confusion principle to determine the similarities in designs. In the patent law, there is no need to consider the likelihood of confusion between the patented design and the accused or "stolen" design. This means, whether consumers will confuse iPhones with 100C is of no concern.

Patent is a highly complicated and professional industry. For high-tech companies, patent is not just a property right, but also a powerful weapon against competitors. Because once a new design is found infringing existing patent rights, selling of the product bearing such a design must stop.

Tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Samsung apply for thousands of patents every year to form a broad patent portfolio in order to maintain their competitive edge and drive off competitors. No wonder they are always involved in all kinds of legal proceedings, suing other companies or being sued by them no matter whether they win or lose.

In the patent battlefield, however, a small company can beat a giant. So there is no need to make a fuss about a single case and exaggerate its impact. Some people wonder how a tech giant like Apple can infringe the patent of a small company like Baili that is on the brink of bankruptcy. But this is possible in the field of patent. For example, in 2016, Apple lost a huge patent case to VirnetX and had to pay $626 million in damages. But VirnetX has been labeled a "patent troll", because despite being a patent holding company, it sells only one product.

The author is a fellow with the research office of Shunyi district people's court in Beijing.
Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski (L) looks on as Trump speaks about the results of the Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois and Missouri primary elections during a news conference held at his Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, March 15, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

The breaking news in the United States these past days has been that the Donald Trump's campaign had only $1.3 million in cash on hand at the end of May, in stark contrast to the $42 million held by his rival Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Compared to the $28 million raised by Democratic front runner Clinton in May, Trump, the presumptive Republican candidate, took in a meager $3.1 million that month.

Many have been shocked by Trump's inability to raise funds at a time when the Republican National Committee has not fully thrown its weight behind him. The New York real estate mogul has been self-funding his campaign during most of the primaries, despite reports suggesting that some of the money has been used to pay his own companies.

Many people are waiting to see whether such a large fund raising gap will be narrowed in the months leading up to the November election. This, however, over-looks a key issue, the influence of money in politics, which is widely regarded as a cancer in US politics today.

Clinton does look to be bullish and powerful in fund raising. The latest report shows that she will soon tap into President Obama's email list that helped Obama's campaign rake in some $500 million through email and online donations in the 2012 race.

Just on Monday, Clinton attended a fundraiser in New York City attended by Hollywood stars such as LeonardoDiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Obama, who has complained about money in politics, has also been criticized for doing nothing about it during his presidency. He will soon spend much time hitting the campaign trails to raise money and support for Clinton.

The mania in the US for political fundraising has worsened since the 2010 Supreme Court decision on the Citizens United case which opened the floodgates to unlimited campaign finance, much of it in the form of super political action committees that pool campaign funds for or against candidates or proposed legislation.

According to the data released by the Federal Election Commission on May 23, Clinton had raised some $85 million while her super PACs amounted to $229 million, compared with $3.3 million and $63 million for Trump. Trump this week has accused Clinton of raising "blood money" from Wall Street.

Sadly, Bernie Sanders, the only candidate who has constantly taken on the campaign finance system head on in each and every rally, will not be his party's nominee.

Sanders called the campaign finance system "corrupt and increasingly con-trolled by billionaires and special interests. "I fear very much that, in fact, government of the people, by the people, and for the people is beginning to perish in the United States of America," he said.

Many Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, are deeply concerned about the problem. A Pew Center poll released last December found that 76 percent in both camps believe money has greater influence on politics today than ever before, while over 60 percent believe the high cost of presidential campaigns dis-courages good candidates.

Such public grievances are also reflected in a Gallup poll early this month that found a very low percentage of Americans have "a great deal" or "quite a lot" confidence in their institutions, including the presidency, Congress, the criminal justice system, the media, and big business.

And it is ironic that in the self-pro-claimed greatest democracy in the world, because of money a large percentage of Americans will be forced to make a brutal choice between lesser of two evils in electing their president in November.

The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
A journey always starts with a path, and the success of the path starts with a dream. I started my journey at Shandong University on Feb 12, 2006. At that time, China was a mysterious land to many people in the world, including me. After I arrived in China, it was Spring Festival, with nights full of noise from firecrackers and celebrations. I had never seen such a celebration before.

After reaching Shandong University I was as excited as my other class fellows to begin the life of a medical student, leading to the noble profession of a medical doctor. Here I will mention some important events in last 10 years of my life in China.

Muhammad Shahbaz Ali [Photo provided to Chinadaily.com.cn]

1. 2006, my first year of Bachelor of medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Anatomical Dissection: It was 7:58 am one day in May in Building No. 1, Anatomy west side classroom was full ofstudents, mostly from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Three students were from South Africa and two were from the US. Professor Sun Jinhao had not yet arrived in class. There were four deep freezers and the students were sitting around them.. Suddenly one of the freezers upper lids opened and the cadaver inside it started rising up gradually, like the climax scene in a horror movie. Most of the women in our class ran out, some shouting for help, but some of the men,including the class representitive Imran Khan, and I were trying to figure out the situation. Out of nowhere our classmatefrom the US, Maceo, stood and took the lid and put it above the cadaver and started pushing it down; Ali Arslan,Zeeshan Madni and Rizwan Khan were helping him but it was useless. This was a shocking scene in the first dissection class. Suddenly Professor Sun entered in the class and he pressed a button and the cadaver went inside the freezer in no time. Since that day no ones tried to sit near the freezer.

Later I attended the Asia Health Expo in Karachi, Pakistan, representing Shandong University. It is always a great experience for me to represent SDU at international forums from Shanghai to Sydney and Beijing to Strasbourg. I always feel excited when Shandong University is written next to my name. Conferences and seminars always bring a wave of inspiration to our brains. Visiting different medical schools and universities also lets you compare differences in teaching methodology in different countries.These seminars and conferences also give you a chance to get to know more people in the scientific field.

2. Medical Campus Rush Hour. Students in China are very hardworking, especially medical students. I used to see a phenomenon every day in the morning at 7:50 and at 1:20 pm called Medical Campus Rush Hour. Hundreds of Chinese students rush to classes just 5 to 10 min before they start and the crowd diminishes in no time. For a medical student, the most important part is consistency and punctuality. Self-study also plays a pivotal role in the field. Most students dont study for half the semester and when they start they try to devour the books, which is wrong. Just try to finish one book, one at a time and keep the big books for reference, Is what our professors used to tell us. Since 2012 I have been trying to help the junior students learn and guide them to be the best doctors in the future, as youth are our future.

3. The year of Beijing Olympics.2008. Long-awaited, the day arrived finally. Then the world witnessed the showpiece of miraculous performance and the opening ceremony was simply amazing. The tickets sold like hot cakes. I and most of my friends managed to see the opening ceremony at home. The best part of the year was Professor Niu Jun, my mentor, was honored to carry the Olympic torch. Professor Niu is a very famous surgeon. He performed the first NOTES scarless surgery in China in 2009. His research publications are immense. He is a world renowned hybrid surgeon. Hybrid is a new term used for surgeons who can perform conventional open surgery and advanced image guided aided minimally invasive surgery. I am lucky to be the student of Professor Niu.

4. 2010. Internship year. I was in Pakistan in my hometown for an internship in the fifth year of my MBBS degree. It was a long day in June. I came back home at 2 pm after 36 hours of emergency night medical training at the district headquarters hospital. I was in front of my house when a motorcyclist had an accident with the truck and was severely injured. I rushed to the site with my first aid kit and gave first aid to the patient, who had a severe fracture of his right leg. Soon the ambulance arrived at the scene and I accompanied the patient to the hospital and assisted in a successful operation. The patient was back on his feet after rehabilitation.

Sometimes the doctors have to sacrifice their own time to comfort others. The importance of doctors is seen in the situation of floods, earthquakes and natural disasters. We should act spontaneously to help those in need and serve humanity.

5. The success starts here. Shandong University has given me the opportunity, the pathway to success. The journey I started on Feb 12, 2006 is propelling me to success but still I have to learn a lot to find the right location of my pathway. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the professors, my friends and family for all their encouragement throughout these years. SDU is the platform that guides you to success. The success starts here.

Written by Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz (Ali), PhD student at the Shandong University School of Medicine on a CSC (China Scholarship Council) Scholarship.
Protesters raise placards reading "Anger was over the limit" during a rally against the US military presence on the island and a series of crimes and other incidents involving US soldiers and base workers, at a park in the prefectural capital Naha on Japan's southern island of Okinawa, Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo June 19, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Tens of thousands of Okinawa residents protested on Sunday against the heavy US military presence and violent crimes by American military personnel on the island. Demonstrators, claimed by organizers to total 65,000, gathered in Okinawa prefectures capital of Naha, after a former US Marine employed as a civilian base worker allegedly raped and murdered a young woman in April. In Tokyo, some 3,000 people gathered outside the Japanese parliament demanding that US military bases and troops be removed from Okinawa.

So will Okinawa residents have their years of hope of driving US troops out of their homeland fulfilled and seen an end to the noises, environmental pollution and occasional crimes unleashed by the US soldiers? Given the strategic intentions of the US and Japanese governments in Asia, the answer, however, seems negative. To realize its pivot to Asia strategy, the US will have to make use of the so-called first island chain in the West Pacific to weaken the buildup of Chinas military. Therefore, Washington considers it very important to use Okinawa as a military outpost to monitor the developments of Chinas military, as a comprehensive base to bolster its pivot to Asia strategy and as the first forward position for a possible military strike against China.

This means the US will not shift, at least in the near future, its military bases from Okinawa. Besides, Japans subordinate status in the US-Japan military alliance makes it impossible for Tokyo to unilaterally change Washingtons military plans on Japanese territory.

In the eyes of the Japanese government led Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japans extant military power is not enough to take on that of a rising China. So to deal appropriately with a rising neighbor, Abe hopes to allow the US to maintain its military bases in Okinawa.

For Japan, a direct military conflict between the US and China would best serve its interests. No wonder the Abe government does not want a Japan free of US military presence. Moreover, even if Tokyo demands that Washington withdraw its troops from Okinawa, it would only be a symbolic gesture aimed at appease Okinawa residents.

In fact, the Abe government can use such a demand as a diplomatic chip to hold talks with the US on other issues. It can also use the US refusal to withdraw its troops from Okinawa to pressure local residents into agreeing to a compromise on the relocation of the US bases.

Despite their strong demand for the removal of US soldiers, Okinawa residents dont have enough means to substantially influence the US or the Japanese government. True, a majority of ordinary Okinawa residents are opposed to the heavy US military presence on the island, but some senior officials of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and right-wingers in Okinawa support the relocation of the US military bases within the prefecture instead of their complete removal.

Such different attitudes toward US military presence in Okinawa, and the lack of ordinary residents power to influence the US and Japanese governments, means rallies and protests will be of no use to force a change in the US military plan to construct a new military base in Okinawa or in the Japanese governments established policies.

The author is a professor of Japan studies at China Foreign Affairs University.
A file photo of Wang Jianlin, chairman of the Wanda Group. [Photo/Agencies]

Dolby Cinema, featuring advanced cinema technology, has officially landed in Asia as Wanda Cinema Line opened four sites in China on June 23.

The four new theaters -- in Dalian, Changchun, Chongqing and Jinan -- are the first of 100 Dolby Cinemas that Wanda Cinema Line and Dolby Laboratories plan to open in China over the next five years. By the end of 2016, six more sites will be added, including Beijing and Chengdu.

"The speed with which we've been able to bring these first four sites into reality with Wanda has been spectacular," Bob Borchers, Dolby's senior vice-president, told China Daily. "I think it shows the pace to reach the market is growing."

Dolby Cinema features Dolby Vision, a vivid laser projection system which offers a richer, more detailed viewing experience, and Dolby Atmos sound technology which moves audio around the theatre and overhead.

Combined with the vision and audio technologies, the cinema is designed to make audiences feel closer to the onscreen action to transform the movie experience, according to the San Francisco-based company.

Since their launch in April 2015, more than 200 Dolby Cinema sites have been installed or committed to in the world, with 26 Dolby Cinema sites currently in operation.

The first Dolby Cinema movie title released in China is the latest blockbuster in China Warcraft, produced by Legendary, which was acquired by Wanda. It was considered "a prime example of the power and sophistication of Dolby Cinema," according to Peter Loehr, CEO of Legendary East.

"This shows that Wanda is not only collaborating with Dolby on the exhibition side, but also looks forward to more collaborations in movie production, so as to provide audiences with an unprecedented experience combining Wanda's premium movie content with Dolby's leading technologies in sight and sound," said John Zeng, president of Wanda Cinema Line.

"There's a great synergy between Legendary, Wanda, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos all coming together," said Borchers, adding that it was "amazing" that the appetite of consumers around the world -- especially in China -- to have great stories both from Hollywood and locally was growing.

Warcraft will be followed by Finding Dory, Independence Day: Resurgence, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and The Legend of Tarzan, which have been confirmed to be released in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for Dolby Cinema in China.

Besides the Hollywood titles, "we've got a strong pipeline of local titles as well," said Borchers. He said Dolby has been working closely with filmmakers in China through Dolby Institute, helping upcoming filmmakers figure out how to tell their stories using Dolby technologies.

The team also works with Chinese film festivals, and universities and colleges that are training filmmakers, as well as local production companies to make sure color grading and audio mixing capabilities are available, according to Borchers.

"We've done significantly well with Dolby Atmos in China, and we are just beginning to do so with Dolby Vision," he said. "So we are making significant investment in terms of training new filmmakers, and also making sure that the infrastructure is in place so that when somebody has a great story that they want to tell using Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, the tools are available to them in the local market."

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com
China has pushed the discussion of participation in the non-Non-Proliferation Treaty states during the Seoul Plenary of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a Foreign Ministry official has said, refuting reports saying that China is blocking India's membership at the meeting.

"At this plenary, China once again pushed the group to discuss the issue of non-NPT states participation in an innovative format. It should be stressed that such a format is not only more formal, but represents a major result achieved at this annual plenary," Wang Qun, director general of the department of arms control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters.

The plenary was held in Seoul, South Korea on Thursday.

According to Wang, the NSG has hitherto not agreed to any agenda with the item on non-NPT states participation. And this plenary has no such item on its agenda either.

"So, there is no point of so called opposing or supporting Indias membership," he said.

Instead, the official said that China, for its part, attaches great importance to the issue of how to handle the issue of non-NPT states participation. Under the Argentina Chairmanship, China has worked hard to push discussions on the above issue in all aspects.

As for the eligibility of new members of the NSG, Wang emphasized the importance of NPT, as it represents the cornerstone of the entire non-proliferation regime.

"If exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether," he said.

Wang also said that China understands Indias sentiment on developing nuclear energy to meet climate changes, as it is a common challenge confronting developing countries.

China stands ready to explore cooperation with India in the field of nuclear energy, so as to help India to address its nuclear energy needs, he added.
BEIJING - The involvement of the United States in the South China Sea issue has aggravated the tense situation of the Asia-Pacific region and has its hidden agenda, experts say. Following are some quotable quotes.

-- Narayanman Bijukchhe, chairman of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party:

South China Sea has been unnecessarily dragged in dispute by Western countries, primarily the US, to maintain the hegemonic exploitation over Asian countries.

-- Sergei Luzianin, acting director of the Institute for Far Eastern Studies from the Russian Academy of Sciences:

The launch of the tribunal is a collective effort to impose on China an alternative view on the South China Sea division. The United States is creating informal anti-Chinese coalitions or groups to dispute China's sovereignty.

-- Xulio Rios, director of the Observatory of Chinese Politics of Spain:

The intervention of the court in these disputes is part of a strategy to put pressure on China, which at the same time is inseparable from the growing US involvement in the litigations.

-- Mahmoud Allam, former Egyptian Ambassador to China:

Increasing attention to the South China Sea goes in parallel with the US strategy of "pivot to the Asia-Pacific," and it also serves Washington's plan of deploying an anti-missile system on the Korean Peninsula. It is simply an excuse for the United States to tighten its grip on Asia and curb China's rise.

-- William Jones, Washington Bureau Chief of US publication Executive Intelligence Review:

The intervention, and really the role of the United States, has become the most aggravating part (of the South China Sea issue).

-- Peter Li, associate professor at Houston Downtown University:

To the United States, China could be pulled into extended conflicts. Resources would have to be diverted to military preparations, affecting people's livelihood.
Screenshot from the BBC shows the results after all votes have been counted.

British voters elected to leave the European Union in a historic decision that will have far-reaching repercussions both domestically and internationally, and immediately plunged the 28-member political and economic union into its worst crisis since it was founded.

In a campaign that was at times bitter and acrimonious, the Leave campaign, headed by former London Mayor Boris Johnson, took 51.9 percent of the vote to the 48.1 percent that the Remain campaign, headed by Prime Minister David Cameron. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, 72 percent of the electorate voted.

The result had an immediate effect on the financial markets, with the pound plunging to a 30-year low against the US dollar and the euro, Europe's single currency, slid 3 percent against the US currency.

Reaction was immediate.

Whilst maverick UKIP leader Nigel Farage, a fervent anti-EU campaigner, proclaimed June 23 as Independence Day for the UK, others were shocked.

Nigel Farage, the leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) reacts at a Leave.eu party, as votes are counted for the EU referendum, in London, Britain June 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

"Never in a thousand years would I have believed that the British people would have voted in this way. This is catastrophic for our country," said Keith Vaz, a Labour member of parliament who is chairman of the powerful Home Affairs Committee.

Chuka Umunna, a Labour legislator and a prominent Remain campaigner, described the decision as a "seismic event for our country."

Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union and Nicola Sturgeon, the country's first minister, hinted that her SNP party may seek a fresh referendum on Scottish independence; the SNP narrowly lost a national vote on quitting the United Kingdom in 2014.

JK Rowling, multi-millionaire author of the Harry Potter series of books, was a prominent backer of the Remain campaign, and tweeted: ``Scotland will seek independence now: Cameron's legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen.''

Most analysts seemed unclear what exactly will happen next. Cameron himself said before the vote that in the event of a Leave victory he would immediately initiate Article 50 of the EU accession treaty, which would in effect start then negotiation process for Britain's departure.

However Cameron has two years in which to invoke the start of the exit process, and there have been suggestions that it might be delayed in order to negotiate the best departure terms.

What has not yet become clear is the future of Britain's relations with two of its major trading partners, China and the US.

The US has for years had British membership of the EU a core part of its European policy, while the UK and China are experiencing what Cameron and President Xi Jinping labelled "a golden era" after the Chinese leader's state visit to Britain last October, when deals worth 40 billion sterling were announced.

China's official reaction, as voting got under way, was outlined by Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying at her regular press conference in Beijing on June 23.

"We follow closely the upcoming referendum in the UK. We respect the choice made by the British people, China always supports the integration of Europe, and is happy to see a united, robust and stable EU play a significant role in international affairs," she said.

"China attaches great importance to its relations with the UK, and is willing to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation with the UK across the board."

To contact the reporter: chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com
In the end, it was a close-run thing. But British voters went to the polls on Thursday in a referendum on whether or to stay in the 28-member European Union, and by saying No blew the whole question of the EU's future wide open.

Relying on a mix of calls to patriotism, fear of unlimited immigration and suffocation by what it sees as Brussels red tape and petty rules, the Leave campaign, headed by the maverick former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, just had the edge.

Once the flag-waving and celebrations die down, Britons are going to be left wondering just what they have left themselves in for.

Partners such as China, with whom Britain is currently enjoying a "golden age, according to President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister David Cameron at the end of the Chinese leader's state visit last October, must be wondering what comes next.

One estimate currently doing the rounds is that it will take 500 British officials and 10 years to negotiate a fresh trade deal with China.

And then there's the Chinese investors who, according to a couple of surveys by real estate companies, were holding off on decisions to buy property in the UK.

Much has been made of the Chinese theory that the UK acts as a sort of bridgehead into the European Union  it is an inescapable fact that setting up a business in the UK involves far less red tape than places such as France, Germany or Italy.

So what happens to that theory now, no-one knows.

In fact the only thing that is certain is years of chaos will ensue as the various ties that have bound the UK to the EU are painstakingly untied.

But that's not all. The can of worms that Cameron opened with what many are now calling a singular lack of political judgement contains another nasty surprise.

Scotland, which voted mainly in favour of remaining in the European Union, is now expected to clamour ever more loudly for another referendum on independence.

Those in favour of independence took 44.7 percent to the Remain camp who took 55.3 percent in a Scottish plebiscite. What it did do was see a resurgence of the Scottish Nationalist Party, the SNP, which holds an overwhelming majority in Scotland's devolved national assembly.

The SNP's argument goes that as it wants overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, therefore it should be allowed to go its own way.

In other words Britain's hapless prime minister has managed, with his decision on holding an EU referendum, to split the country, threaten the future of the EU, divide his own party, as well as usher in months, if not years of uncertainty.

Chris Peterson is Managing Editor, Europe, for China Daily. Contact him on chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com.
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks after Britain voted to leave the European Union, outside Number 10 Downing Street in London, Britain June 24, 2016. [Photo by Jiang Shan/China Daily]

UK Prime Minister David Cameron said he would step down in three months time to allow a new leader to negotiate the UKs exit from the European Union after Britons voted 51.9 percent to 48.1 percent to leave the EU in yesterdays referendum.

Cameron, who has been prime minister for six years, said his successor will trigger the so-called Article 50 which starts the departure process from the EU.

His successor would be elected by the members of party ahead of its annual conference in October.

British voters elected to leave the European Union in a historic decision that will have far-reaching repercussions both domestically and internationally, and immediately plunged the 28-member political and economic union into its worst crisis since it was founded.

In a campaign that was at times bitter and acrimonious, the Leave campaign, headed by former London Mayor Boris Johnson, took 51.9 percent of the vote to the 48.1 percent that the Remain campaign, headed by Prime Minister David Cameron. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, 72 percent of the electorate voted.

Screenshot from the BBC shows the results after all votes have been counted.

The result had an immediate effect on the financial markets, with the pound plunging to a 30-year low against the US dollar and the euro, Europe's single currency, slid 3 percent against the US currency.

Reaction was immediate.

Whilst maverick UKIP leader Nigel Farage, a fervent anti-EU campaigner, proclaimed June 23 as Independence Day for the UK, others were shocked.

"Never in a thousand years would I have believed that the British people would have voted in this way. This is catastrophic for our country," said Keith Vaz, a Labour member of parliament who is chairman of the powerful Home Affairs Committee.

Chuka Umunna, a Labour legislator and a prominent Remain campaigner, described the decision as a "seismic event for our country."

Nigel Farage, the leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) reacts at a Leave.eu party, as votes are counted for the EU referendum, in London, Britain June 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union and Nicola Sturgeon, the country's first minister, hinted that her SNP party may seek a fresh referendum on Scottish independence; the SNP narrowly lost a national vote on quitting the United Kingdom in 2014.

JK Rowling, multi-millionaire author of the Harry Potter series of books, was a prominent backer of the Remain campaign, and tweeted: ``Scotland will seek independence now: Cameron's legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen.''

Most analysts seemed unclear what exactly will happen next. Cameron himself said before the vote that in the event of a Leave victory he would immediately initiate Article 50 of the EU accession treaty, which would in effect start then negotiation process for Britain's departure.

However Cameron has two years in which to invoke the start of the exit process, and there have been suggestions that it might be delayed in order to negotiate the best departure terms.

What has not yet become clear is the future of Britain's relations with two of its major trading partners, China and the US.

The US has for years had British membership of the EU a core part of its European policy, while the UK and China are experiencing what Cameron and President Xi Jinping labelled "a golden era" after the Chinese leader's state visit to Britain last October, when deals worth 40 billion sterling were announced.

China's official reaction, as voting got under way, was outlined by Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying at her regular press conference in Beijing on June 23.

"We follow closely the upcoming referendum in the UK. We respect the choice made by the British people, China always supports the integration of Europe, and is happy to see a united, robust and stable EU play a significant role in international affairs," she said.

"China attaches great importance to its relations with the UK, and is willing to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation with the UK across the board."

To contact the reporter: chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com
Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held either face-to-face talks or telephone talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in almost every one of the past 12 months, a clear demonstration of the closeness of ties between China and Russia.

Those talks have taken place not just in the hallowed halls of ministry buildings, but also in venues of global or multilateral events from New York and Munich to Tashkent in Uzbekistan.

Chinese experts on Russia say both sides are increasingly pragmatic in dealing with one another, and the issues they have discussed have ranged widely, taking in the Korean peninsula, Syria, Iran and tensions in the South China Sea.

Wang, in his latest meeting with Lavrov, in Tashkent on May 24, said: "China and Russia have maintained close strategic coordination and cooperation in international and regional issues, becoming an indispensable and important factor for safeguarding international strategic stability."

As for the top leaders, President Vladimir Putin is expected to make at least two visits to China this year  a state visit starting on Saturday and another to attend the G20 summit in Hangzhou in September, observers said.

Feng Yujun, head of the Institute of Russian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said there have been frequent top level-contacts in recent years, sometimes five or six meetings a year.

Putin's upcoming state visit to China "aims to reinforce economic cooperation  particularly trade, investment, infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies  because both countries are faced with demanding tasks for structural reform even as they face economic pressures", Feng said.

He forecast that the two countries will discuss major global issues, especially on the Korean peninsula, the US rebalancing in Asia and the reinforced US East Asia alliance, and he said he looks forward to seeing how Beijing and Moscow will further coordinate their policies and interests.

Chen Yurong, director of Eurasian studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said the shape of the China-Russia relationship will be "shaped by how they each define themselves strategically".

"China is deepening reforms at home and seeking stability in its neighborhood ... while Russia is seeking to return to its best shape and secure its say in the global arena. That is why they are working with one another and why their interests outweigh their differences."

This year marks the 20th anniversary of both countries establishing their strategic partnership of coordination, as well as the 15th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good Neighborly Friendship and Cooperation.

Yang Cheng, deputy director of the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University in Shanghai, said the two countries do not need to forge a Cold-War era style alliance.

"Also, the two countries could work on cooperative ties that go beyond generic two-way collaboration. It is acceptable if they are selective, covering certain topics."

Yang dismissed the notion that "good strategic collaboration could automatically be translated into considerably improved economic collaboration".

A range of factors, including economic pressures in the two countries, dictate that the growing economic collaboration will be limited, he said.

"Both sides need to rule out these proposals that are not that pragmatic when they plan economic cooperation."

Yang said he believes "there is no absolute standoff" between the West and the rest, because countries can work on global issues such as climate change, drug abuse and anti-terrorism that challenge all mankind.

Sun Zhuangzhi, an expert on Russia at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the "two-way collaboration has considerably transcended bilateral realms" when the two countries echo each other's points on major global issues and work more closely together in institutions such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the BRICS and G20.

As China's Belt and Road Initiative has started dovetailing with the Russia-led Eurasia Economic Union, their strategic collaboration in Eurasia presents new opportunities, Sun said.

Both countries have faced tough challenges in their growth over the past year, underlining "the need to be in the same boat to weather the storm", Sun said.
European Council President Donald Tusk briefs the media after Britain voted to leave the bloc, in Brussels, Belgium, June 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Leaders from the 27 EU member states that will remain in the bloc after the UK leaves will gather next week in Brussels for an extraordinary meeting at which they will chart the course of the organization going forward against the backdrop of mounting concerns about the future of European integration.

European Council President Donald Tusk held a news conference on Friday where he sought to reassure the world that the leaders of the 27 countries stand together in solidarity and will start a wider reflection on the future of the union.

But he also showed deep sympathy for the UK after it became clear it will leave the European Union, an organization it joined in 1973.

"There's no hiding the fact that we wanted a different outcome of yesterday's referendum. I am fully aware of how serious, or even dramatic, this moment is politically," said Tusk.

"And there's no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, especially for the UK. It is a historic moment but, for sure, not a moment for hysterical reactions."

European analysts have also shown great concern about how the referendum outcome might affect the future of the EU.

Fredrik Erixon, director of the European Centre for International Political Economy in Brussels, said the EU will be consumed by negotiating the exit of one of its core members during the coming two years. He said that will be a massive task and one that will draw a lot of energy from other important initiatives.

Erixon said the Brexit vote will also strengthen forces in other countries that want to break away from the EU.

"I don't think there is another country that may be on the brink of having a similar referendum, but the Brexit vote will, over the next couple of years, likely erode the confidence and authority of the EU," he said.

"There is a risk that it will push the EU to become less open to the rest of the world, to trade, and it is key now that other countries take leadership in shaping an EU that will not go on the direction of protectionists."

Paal Frisvold, managing director of the Brussels branch of the Norwegian communication company Geelmuyden Kiese, said: "The Brexit will bring enormous impacts to European integration because it has brought a lot of insecurity and uncertainties. Few know how Briton will leave the EU and how this will affect trade, finance, the economy and political instability."

But European Council President Tusk said he wants to reassure everyone that the EU was prepared for the possibility of the UK deciding to leave.

"As you know, the EU is not only a fair-weather project," said Tusk.

He said he spoke to all EU leaders about the possibility of a Brexit during the preceding two days.

"Today, on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27," said Tusk.

He noted that the procedures for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU are clear and are already set out in treaties.

But Tusk has offered the leaders of the countries that will remain in the EU the chance to have an informal meeting in the margins of the European Council summit next Tuesday and Wednesday, so they can discuss the details of how to proceed.

"And I will also propose to the leaders that we start a wider reflection on the future of our union," said Tusk.

Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament, said that prior to the summit, parliamentary members will prepare a resolution for Tuesday's meeting after assessing the outcome of the referendum.
Vote Leave campaign leader Boris Johnson prepares to speak at the group's headquarters in London, Britain June 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Former London mayor Boris Johnson said Friday the UK will find its "voice in the world again" now the British public voted "out" in the EU referendum, while Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a second Scottish independence vote is "highly likely."

At a Leave campaign press conference held Friday morning, conservative MP Michael Gove emphasised there were no plans to rush the process of the UK's disengagement from the European Union, and Johnson agreed with Prime Minister David Cameron's recommendation to hold off for now on invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Agreement.

Minutes later, Sturgeon said it would be democratically unacceptable for Scotland to exit the EU, given Scotland voted 62 percent to 38 percent in favour of remaining in the union in Thursday's referendum.

"We said clearly we don't want to leave the European Union," Sturgeon said at a press conference in Edinburgh on Friday, and indicated that she planned to move toward Scotland holding a second vote on its independence. Scotland held a referendum in 2014 with 55.3 percent of the country voting against independence.

A still image from video show Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking following the results of the EU referendum, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain June 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

In London, Boris Johnson began by paying tribute to David Cameron, who announced Friday morning he would be stepping down as prime minister, saying he was sad to hear the news but that he "respects the decision."

"I've known David Cameron for a very long time and I believe he's been one of the most extraordinary politicians of our age  a brave and principled man who's given superb leadership of his party and his country for many years."

Johnson addressed criticism that this decision should never have been given to the public via a referendum.

"Some people are saying that it was wrong and that the people should never have been asked in this way  I disagree. I believe it was entirely right and inevitable," he said. "It's about the right of the people of this country to settle their own destiny."

Johnson  who odds makers have as the favourite to replace Cameron as prime minister  went on to say there was "simply no need" for Britain to be part of a "federal system of government based in Brussels that is imitated nowhere else on earth."

"[Out of the EU] We can pass our laws and set our taxes entirely based on the needs of the economy, we can control our own borders in a way that is not discriminatory but fair and balanced, and take the wind out of the sails of extremists and those who play politics with immigration," Johnson said.
video video video

A day of political drama unfolded in Britain on Friday as voters elected to leave the European Union and the Prime Minister David Cameron announced his intention to resign.

The historic decision to leave the EU will have far-reaching repercussions both domestically and internationally, and immediately plunged the 28-member bloc into its worst crisis since it was founded.

Cameron's bombshell came shortly after 8 am London time, when he announced he would step down in three months' time to allow a new prime minister to be in place to handle the complex negotiations surrounding Britain's departure.

The new leader has two years in which to invoke the start of the exit process, and there have been suggestions that it might be delayed in order to negotiate the best departure terms.

What has not yet become clear is the future of Britain's relations with two of its major trading partners, China and the US.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 23, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

TASHKENT -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin met here Thursday on enhancing bilateral ties and promoting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)'s role in regional development and security.

The two heads of state met briefly late Thursday ahead of the 16th SCO summit in Tashkent and Putin's upcoming visit to China on Saturday.

Noting that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia good-neighborly treaty of friendship and cooperation and the 20th anniversary of the two countries' strategic partnership of coordination, Xi said Putin's state visit to China bears special significance.

China is willing to join hands with Russia to carry forward their friendship from generation to generation, consolidate political and strategic mutual trust, and beef up support to each other, Xi said.

The two countries should push for the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), and carry out closer coordination in major international and regional affairs, Xi said.

China stands ready to make joint efforts with Russia to play a positive role in the SCO's steady and healthy development, he said.

The SCO members should expand mutual support, deepen convergence of interest through win-win cooperation, and gradually resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, Xi said.

The Chinese president also urged SCO member states to facilitate regional trade and investment so as to further activate practical cooperation within the organization.

On strengthening security cooperation, Xi called for working out an anti-extremism convention at an early date and improving the mechanism for drug control.
President Xi Jinping urged on Friday that the projects of China-Kazakhstan production capacity cooperation should be launched as soon as possible.

The Chinese president made the remarks while meeting with his Kazakhstani counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev in Tashkent during the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

The two sides should work together to enhance cooperation in areas including agriculture, energy, people-to-people and culture exchanges, Xi said.

Kazakhstan will become the rotating chair country of the SCO after the Tashkent summit, and China will make joint efforts with Kazakhstan to ensure that the SCO will play a bigger role in regional and international affairs, Xi said.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Nazarbayev agreed to connect his country's strategy of the Bright Road with China's strategy of Belt and Road, and the bilateral relationship with China is the country's priority, he said.

Kazakhstan would like to initiate the cooperative projects on automobile and chemistry, and enhance cooperation in trade, agriculture, logistics, infrastructure and tourism, he said.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
China supports the peaceful rebuilding process in Afghanistan, which should be pushed forward inclusively, "led by Afghan people and owned by Afghan people", President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

The Chinese president made the remarks while meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Tashkent during the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

China will proactively participate in international aid for Afghanistan, and support the SCO to play its role in Afghan issues, Xi said.

The two sides should work together to enhance cooperation in areas including agriculture, energy, infrastructure and the exploration of human resources, Xi said, adding that cooperation in anti-terrorism and security should be enhanced.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Calling China a trustworthy friend, Ghani expressed gratitude for China's support in the country's rebuilding process.

Afghanistan would like to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and participate in the Belt and Road Initiatives proposed by China, he said.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
China and Belarus should enhance cooperation in big projects with a focus on industrial park projects, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

The two countries should push forward the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiatives and strengthen ties in bilateral trade, investment, finance and local governments communications, Xi said.

The Chinese president made his remarks while meeting with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in Tashkent during the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Calling China a trustworthy friend, Lukashenko said that the two countries have been supporting each other in their major concerns.

Belarus is willing to enhance cooperation with China in economic matters and trade, local government communication and high-technology cooperation, he said. His country also is wants to participate in China-proposed Belt and Road Initiatives and establish the Belarus-China industrial parks model projects, he said.

Xi also mentioned that last year, Lukashenko came to China and attended the celebration of the 70th anniversary of victory of the Anti-Fascism War as well as the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
Chinese President Xi Jinping (C front) attends the 16th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The six-member Shanghai Cooperation Organization approved memorandums on Friday to pave the way for India and Pakistan to join the organization.

Observers said the expansion would make the group more resilient in security and economic cooperation amid rising regional security concerns and gloomy global economic prospects.

In a speech at the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, President Xi Jinping suggested the organization should remain open and inclusive in expanding its membership.

He also called for all involved to use the opportunity of the signing of memorandums of obligation for the two countries to expand and deepen cooperation in all areas.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said before the summit, "India is glad to be a member of the SCO and looks forward to fruitful outcomes, particularly in the field of economic cooperation through the SCO."

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain told Xi during their meeting on Thursday that his country expects to continue close cooperation with China, as well as within multilateral organizations such as the SCO, on the economy and security.

The memorandums of obligation list the requirements that the countries must meet before they are accepted by the SCO, said Sun Zhuangzhi, secretary-general of the SCO Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
[2016-06-24 03:41]

The upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China is "of special significance" in light of the two countries' joint efforts to boost mutual political and strategic trust, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.




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The online edition of Nature, the international weekly journal of science, on June 20 did a lengthy feature on the "Science stars of China" whose contributions have advanced science in China and also impacted the world



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Those featured in the story are Nancy Ip, biotechnology; Wu Ji, space science; Nieng Yan, structural biology; Cui Weicheng, deep sea science; Wang Yifang, particle physics; Caixia Gao, genetic engineering; Qiaomei Fu, genome historian; Qin Weijia, polar explorer; Chen Jining, environmental protection and Chaoyang Lu, quantum information technology.



"These 10 individuals highlight the breadth and promise of innovation in China as the country continues its strong push to become a leader in science," said Richard Monastersky, Nature's features editor.



*Nancy Ip, dean for science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, began her career by studying neurotransmitters at Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts then moved to the biotechnology industry where she explored the neurotrophic factors that support neuron survival and growth.



She spends much of her time with her large research group whose work covers basic neural biology and translational science for neurological disorders. Ip plans to take her work to mainland China where she plans to expand clinical research into Alzheimer's disease and train people with expertise in both clinical medicine and research.



* Wu Ji, director general of the Chinese National Space Science Center in Beijing since 2003, has successfully steered China's space program towards basic research instead of a focus on space exploration for national prestige. The center launched the Dark Matter Particle Explorer satellite that can detect electrons and gamma rays with greater resolution than other facilities.



It will launch the Hard X-Ray Modulated Telescope later this year and the world's first space-based experiment that will study the phenomenon of quantum entanglement. China plans to launch five new space science satellites over the next five years. He once famously said "There is no Chinese space science. Only science."



* Nieng Yan looks at how proteins act at the level of atoms. Her work has concentrated on determining the structures of proteins embedded in cells' plasma membranes. She's known for her work on the human glucose transporter GLUT1, a protein essential for supplying energy to cells. The structure of this protein evaded researchers for over 50 years because it rapidly changes its shape. Yan used a series of innovative devices to restrict the movements of the protein.



She did graduate and postdoctoral research at Princeton University in the U.S. then set up her own laboratory at Tsinghua University in Beijing in 2007. Yan said one of the benefits of working in the mainland is she never has to worry about money.



* Cui Weicheng is a deep-sea diving expert and was present when China's Jiaolong submersible plunged below 7,000 meters into the Mariana Trench in the Pacific in 2012. Cui and his team are building a tougher, three-person submersible, the Rainbow Fish that intends to descend 11,000 meters into the Challenger Deep Valley at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.



Because of his passion, China is now one of only a few nations that can explore the deep ocean. Jiaolong allows Chinese scientists to reach 99.8 percent of the ocean floor.



* Wang Yifang aims to make China a leader in particle physics research. The director of the Institute of High Energy Physics, Wang leads the effort to build a particle accelerator with a diameter of 100 km, successor to the 27 km Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland. China's proposed collider will be seven times more powerful than the LHC and cost $6 billion. When built, it will be the largest in the world.



Wang wants to build two particle colliders. The first will explore the Higgs boson in 2028. The other will collide particles at up to seven times the energy of the LHC.



* Caixia Gao, a plant biologist, is using the controversial but very effective gene editing technique called CRISPR Cas-9 for genetically editing crops, specifically wheat and rice. This work takes place in her lab at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology in Beijing and she became the first to use CRISPR Cas-9 for this purpose.



She built-up her expertise working on genetically modifying grass at the seed company DLF in Denmark for 12 years. On her return to China, Gao worked on genetically engineering wheat and developed a disease-resistant variety she hopes to grow and sell in China.



* Qiaomei Fu pursued her PhD in ancient-human genomics at the venerable Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany in 2009. Fu helped to re-draft the history of Europe's earliest modern humans and returned to China last January to lead an ancient-DNA lab at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing.



At this institute, Fu will focus her energies on the first Homo sapiens to settle Asia, a species that might have arrived some 100,000 years ago.



* Quin Weijia has been to Antarctica half a dozen times. He's the executive deputy director of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration in Beijing. In December 2015, he led an international team that scanned thousands of square kilometers with ice-penetrating radar and other sensors mounted aboard China's first fixed-wing aircraft that mapped features under the ice.



The team discovered the longest canyon on Earth and one of the largest melt areas under the ice sheet. He hopes China will be able to retrieve the oldest ice on the Earth to shed light on the history of the Antarctic ice sheets and how they've changed.



* Chen Jinning is minister for environmental protection whose task is to manage China's massive pollution problem that strangles cities, pollutes drinking water and poisons farms. He began by boosting a campaign to stamp-out corruption and ensure that local officials and companies follow anti-pollution rules. He now has the additional authority from Beijing to investigate and prosecute polluters.



* Chaoyang Lu, 33, has been praised as a "wizard of entangled photons." His focus in on quantum entanglement, a perplexing phenomenon where two separate particles behave as if they were a single, combined state so that measurement of one affects the state of the other. The best efforts by other scientists have resulted in the entanglement of just four photons.



Chaoyang, who has returned to work in China, holds the world record at eight, and is working on doing it with 10. Achieving this state could lead to computers of unimaginable speed.



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Classified information stolen by Noshir Gowadia, an Indian convicted in 2011 for selling U.S. aerospace secrets to China, is apparently helping China make progress in building its H-20 strategic stealth bomber.



The subsonic, low observable bomber with a payload of 10 tons is being designed and built by Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation, which also builds China's largest bomber, the Xi'an H-6. The H-20 will have the same flying wing design as the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber of the U.S. Air Force. It might have a range of 8,000 kilometers without refueling.



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Reports said data provided by Gowadia is proving of value to the Chinese as they continue forward with the H-20. Gowadia was sentenced to 32 years in prison in 2011 for helping China design a cruise missile exhaust nozzle that gives off less heat, making it harder to spot by U.S. military infrared sensors.



The convicted spy also worked on the B-2 project while an employee of the stealth plane's contractor, Northrop Grumman. Gowadia, a naturalized American, agreed to spy for China to pay for expensive improvements to his mansion in Hawaii.



The H-20 is expected to enter service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force by 2025.



China's decision to go ahead with its own stealth bomber seems to have been triggered by its failure to buy the supersonic Tupolev Tu-22M3 variable-sweep wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed by Russia's Tupolev Design Bureau.



This Russian bomber has a combat radius of 2,400 kilometers and can carry up to 24,000 kilograms of bombs and missiles.



Western military analysts said China needs the H-20 to deny the U.S. from entering the "First Island Chain" from Alaska to the Philippines, and to cement its military leadership in Asia. They also believe the H-20 could have an unmanned combat aerial vehicle version along the lines of the upcoming "Long Range Strike-Bomber" or LRS-B of the U.S. Air Force.



This next generation stealth bomber, which will succeed the B-2, will have very long range and the ability to loiter for extended periods over distant targets such as those in the South China Sea and Asia, hence its nickname, the "China Bomber."



The LRS-B is intended to "manage" China in a future conflict, said Andrew Krepinevich, a defense policy analyst who currently serves as President of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.



The LRS-B is being designed to defeat low-frequency radars as effectively as high frequency sets. It will eventually be capable of delivering the entire range of air delivered nuclear weapons in the US arsenal, a capability only currently afforded USAF B-52 bombers.



Ultimately, the USAF will transform the LRS-B into the world's first unmanned or robotic strategic bomber with unmatched endurance.



In the unmanned role, the LRS-B will be used in non-nuclear combat to rain down guided missiles or guided bombs onto land or naval targets. The nuclear capable versions of the bomber will be manned.



What will distinguish the LRS-B from the current B-1or B-2 bombers is the LRS-B's enhanced stealthiness and its capability to loiter or hover over a battlefield for long periods of time, attacking multiple targets of opportunity with precision.



It's designed to survive daylight raids over heavily defended enemy territory. The LRS-B will carry a weapons load of 14,000 lbs. to 28,000 lbs (6,350 kg to 12,700 kg).



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TagsH-20, Noshir Gowadia, Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation, B-2
(Photo : VCG/VCG via Getty Images) People search for their belongings on the rubble of collapsed houses on June 24, 2016, Jiangsu Province of China. Heavy hail and a strong tornado has hit eastern China's Jiangsu province on June 23, which has left at least 98 people dead and some 800 injured, according to local media.

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After the floods experienced earlier in eight of China's provinces, killing dozens and displacing thousands, the country experienced another disaster, as a tornado and hail kill numerous people.



In a report by BBC, a tornado and a hail storm killed around 98 people and injured hundreds in the east Chinese province of Jiangsu. China's state media also said that the hail storm and tornado was accompanied by heavy rains on Thursday afternoon. The winds reached up to 125 kilometers per hour.



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Rescue efforts for the survivors have been halted due to the heavy rains and the possibility of more hailstorms and tornadoes. Rescuers have been carrying injured villagers into ambulances and have delivered water and food to the families affected. Tents and other emergency supplies have also been sent to the province from China's capital, Beijing.



Aside from the deaths, buildings, trees, power lines, and vehicles have been destroyed. The Jiangsu province is around 800 kilometers from Beijing.



The disaster has been declared as a national-level emergency. President Xi Jinping had to order the central government to provide what the people need as he was on his way to Uzbekistan.



One of the villagers, Wang Shuqing, said in an interview with the Associated Press, "The people inside tried to run outside, but the wind was too strong so they couldn't. My family members were all inside, they all died. The police then came and took the bodies out, I can't bear it."



Other residents said that they felt like it was the end of the world for them.



Some of the photos from the area show bodies lying in the open, while some are buried in rubble.



Tornadoes hit southern China during the summer, but this one resulted in the most casualties and damages ever recorded.



This year, the water levels in some major rivers have exceeded the previous high, recorded back in 1998.



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Tagshail, Storm, rain, tornado, china, Chinese province, Jiangsu, 98 people dead
(Photo : YouTube Screenshot) Chinese technology company LeEco, formerly known as LeTV, released a teaser of the first SD823 phone in the world.

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Chinese technology company LeEco, formerly known as LeTV, released a teaser of the first SD823 phone in the world. The company will host a product launch event on June 29 during Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, China.



The teaser does not show the above-mentioned phone. The Mobile World Congress in Shanghai will start on June 29 and end on July 1. However, reports say that a new flagship smartphone will be unveiled at the event. They also said that this phone will not just be another flagship, since it will be the world's first Snapdragon 821-powered device.



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Qualcomm has recently reported renaming SD821 to SD823. This coincides with the rumours earlier this month that LeEco will be unveiling a Snapdragon 823-powered smartphone this June.



Other rumors say the device will have a 25-megapixel rear camera sensor and 8 GB of DDR4 RAM memory. It will also have a higher clock speed for its chip, which is the same as the Snapdragon 820, and a more powerful Adreno 530 GPU.



It will support an additional X12 LTE baseband and Cat. 12/13. Another recent rumour reveals that the smartphone will have a price tag of 3,000 yuan ($455/405).



There is still no official announcement for this mysterious smartphone.



LeEco launched Le Max Pro as the first SD820-powered phone in the world back on January 1. That model features a 6.33-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 and a pixel density of 464ppi. It comes with a 21-megapixel main camera, 4 GB of RAM, a 3400 mAh battery, 2.2 GHz CPU frequency, and Android 6 OS.



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TagsLeeco, leeco news, LeEco SD823, world's first SD823 phone, LeEco Le Max Pro, le max pro
(Photo : Nicolas Asfouri - Pool/Getty Images) US Secretary of State John Kerry (L) speaks with China's President Xi Jinping (R) as they sit next to Chinese vice premiers Liu Yandong (R) and US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew (L) at the Great Hall of the People at the end of the eight round of U.S-China strategic and economic dialogues on June 7, 2016 in Beijing, China.

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China's fight against corruption is gaining ground, as evidenced by the growing number of Chinese public officials who reportedly have been implicated in the embezzlement of poverty relief funds.



This as the Central government is carrying out a sweeping crackdown on duty crimes across the mainland, reported China Daily.



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According to Wang Songmiao, spokesperson of the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP), prosecutors have in the first five months of the year investigated a total of 658 officials who have been tasked to handle the Chinese government's poverty alleviation program.



This figure shows a year on year increase of 53.7 percent in the number of anti-corruption cases being handled by the anti-graft body.



Wang also disclosed that 4,775 officials who have also been involved in agriculture rural area-related projects were investigated for alleged duty crimes in the first five months, with 2,640 of them involved in abuse of finances.



Investigations conducted by the SPP discovered that local-level officials had a propensity for being involved in cases of bribery, embezzlement, speculation, and dereliction of duty.



Through its aggressive fight against corruption, China hopes to lift 70 million poor people, particularly those in the nation's rural areas, out of poverty and build "a moderately prosperous society" by 2020.



President Xi Jinping administration aims to achieve this by increasing the national government's funding for relocation, ecological protection, electric power infrastructure, and renovation programs in rural areas.



Relative to this, Wang disclosed that the SPP will tighten supervision and set up an information sharing system to ensure all funds are used effectively and transparently.



He added that a massive education campaign will also be launched for local officials in order to increase their awareness of legal issues.



China's fight against corruption kicked off this year via the Xi government's five-year campaign to eradicate corruption in the bureaucracy, particularly targeting public officials who are engaged in poverty relief work.



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(Photo : China Photos/Getty Images) Students dressed in traffic police uniforms, stand at ease during a contest on Dec. 15, 2006 in Shenzhen of Guangdong Province, China

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Shenzhen will be the site of five or six more international schools by 2020, as part of the southeastern Chinese City's efforts to meet the demands of a growing international population.



This move is also geared towards the Shenzhen government's efforts to establish an international, modern, and innovative city, China Daily reported.



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Official statistics show that more than 26,000 foreigners from 127 countries were living in Shenzhen as permanent residents in 2015, an increase of 7.2 percent from the previous year.



Japanese were the biggest group of foreign immigrants, followed by nationals from South Korea, the United States, India, and Canada.



Fan Kun, deputy director of the Shenzhen Education Bureau, explained that the establishment of more international schools in Shenzhen and the internationalization of its educational standards and facilities will be crucial in the development of the city's educational system.



"By learning from advanced international educational concepts and introducing high-quality international educational resources, Shenzhen will strive to enhance its educational internationalization level and increase its influence and competitiveness globally," Fan said.



Ziver Olmez, senior business development manager of Harrow International Management Services, which manages Harrow International Schools across the globe, noted that the number of international schools in Shenzhen is still relatively small compared with the country's other first-tier cities.



"There are big potentials to explore. In the coming years, more foreigners are expected to come and work in Shenzhen, and we are seeing more Hong Kong people going there as well. Therefore, I am quite positive about the prospects of the city's educational internationalization development," Olmez said.



Meanwhile, Dale Cox, head of Shekou International School in Shenzhen, which has been operating in the city for the past 27 years, lamented that hiring quality teachers has been a "great challenge" for their institution.



"It's very difficult to do and it's very expensive to do. And it's getting harder and harder to do because there are more and more schools competing for those teachers," Cox said.



He added that 60 percent or more of the budget of most international schools is spent on personnel.



Shenzhen's decision to establish more international schools in the area is therefore expected to address these education-related concerns, as the city gears up for the increasing challenges of globalization.



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(Photo : Facebook/Xiangnan Li) Xiangnan Li, who was convicted of killing his girlfriend while the pair were exchange students at the University of Iowa, was given a life sentence in a Chinese court on Wednesday.

(Photo : Facebook/Tong Shao)

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A Chinese student who fled the U.S. after murdering his girlfriend in Iowa and stuffing her body into a car trunk has been sentenced to life imprisonment in China.



Xiangnan Li, 24, was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Tong Shao, while they were both studying at the University of Iowa. The 20-year-old was strangled to death by Li before being stuffed inside the trunk of her own car in September 2014.



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The couple checked into a hotel in Nevada, Iowa together on Sept. 5, and Shao was last spotted alive the following day at the hotel. Shao was reported missing by her roommates, and her body was found on Sept. 26 in Iowa City.



According to Chinese prosecutors, Li had purchased a suitcase and two dumb bells and had plans to sink the dead body to the bottom of a pond, but later had second thoughts and scrapped the plan.



Shortly after killing his girlfriend, Li fled to China and was on the run for as long as eight months before turning himself in to Chinese authorities.







In the presence of Iowa investigators, he was convicted of intentional homicide at the Intermediate People's Court in the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou on Wednesday, months after he admitted to murdering Shao at a hearing in March.



Shao's family was disappointed by Li's sentence, as he had faced the death penalty for the crime. They accepted a sum of two million yuan ($308,000) as civil compensation.



"We were at least expecting a death sentence with reprieve even though we had accepted the compensation," said the victim's father, Chunsheng Shao, according to CNN.



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TagsXiangnan Li, Tong Shao, university of iowa, china, US, Iowa
(Photo : Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Sichuan Opera performers of the Jinyuan Opera Company eat lunch on May 3, 2016 during a break at the Dongyue Temple in Cangshan, Sichuan province, China. The tradition suffered a setback 50 years ago during the Cultural Revolution, the period of persecution and upheaval set into motion in May 1966 by Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong to reassert his ideological authority.

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China's fight against corruption continues to gain ground, as the next round of the central government's anti-corruption inspections will focus on the leadership of 32 state and party organs.



This was announced in a statement released by the Communist Party of China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) on Wednesday, reported China Daily.



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The forthcoming round of inspections, which will run over the next few months, will be led by inspection teams that will be dispatched to the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference - the nation's top political advisory body.



The inspection team will also visit the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the National Audit Office, and the State Council organs in charge of legislative affairs and government policy work related to Hong Kong and Macao, and overseas Chinese residents.



Other party organizations that will be scrutinized by the inspection team in line with China's fight against corruption include the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, and a central leading group for the prevention and handling of cults.



The anti-corruption inspections will also include a re-examination of Tianjin Municipality and the provinces of Jiangxi, Henan, and Hubei, all of which have been inspected in previous rounds.



During a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the new inspections, Wang Qishan, head of the CCDI, highlighted the importance of these anti-graft inspections with regards to intra-Party supervision.



Wang stressed that inspectors should conform with the CPC Central Committee "in both thoughts and actions," and focus on Party building, anti-corruption work, and policy implementation.



He added they should also inspire institutional innovation to improve the Party, as China ramps up its campaign against corruption in government.



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(Photo : Getty Images) In this photo illustration, the LinkedIn logo is displayed on the screen of a laptop computer on January 27, 2011 in San Anselmo, California.

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Microsoft's plan to acquire business-oriented social networking service LinkedIn seems to face a problem in China because of the censorship law in the country.



Alyssa Abkowitz of the Wall Street Journal suggested that the merger may be complicated, because of the so-called Great Firewall, which permits the communist government to control the internet traffic in the country.



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LinkedIn, unlike other tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter, agreed to follow China's censorship rules and regulations, and the choice clearly paid off. Since its entry in 2014, its membership increased by over five times, thanks to 20 million users in China.



However, with the recent deal LinkedIn's efforts to enter China may be compromised.



"LinkedIn could somehow be hampered by that relationship," Travis Wu, Beijing's Forrester Research vice president who used to work for Microsoft, said. "It was seen as independent but now it's part of a big machine and if the machine has issues with the government it could affect them."



Furthermore, WinBeta noted that Microsoft has been the target of China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce probes and raids since the country formulated a new set of anti-monopoly laws in 2008.



On the other hand, Microsoft insisted that LinkedIn will remain as a separate entity. A representative from the company reiterated that "LinkedIn will retain its distinct brand, culture, and independence" across all its locations, including China.



LinkedIn, however, refused to comment about the possible problem that could arise following the acquisition.



Last week, Microsoft agreed to buy LinkedIn for $26.2 billion in cash, its biggest purchase ever made. The deal sells at $196 per LinkedIn share.



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(Photo : Getty Images) The death toll in the tornado that struck Jiangsu province is expected to rise as search and rescue workers continue to look for bodies in the rubble on its second day

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the mobilization of all search and rescue units as well as military troops to find more survivors after a tornado hit the Chinese province of Jiangsu, killing 98 people and injuring 500 others on Thursday.



The official state-run news Xinhua said a powerful tornado coupled with heavy rains and hailstorms pounded parts of the Yangcheng city of Jiangsu province late in the afternoon, flattening thousands of homes and leaving hundreds of villagers trapped in the rubble.



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According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the death toll is expected to rise in the coming days as search and rescue units continue to look for more survivors and pull more bodies out of the rubble.



National Emergency



The disaster has been declared a national emergency, and Beijing has started sending tents and other emergency supplies to the affected province.



The civil affairs ministry said more than 500 people have been injured, 200 of which are in critical condition.



Xi, who is in on a state visit to Uzbekistan, has ordered Chinese government agencies to send a group to Jiangsu to conduct relief operations and expedite resettlement of the thousands of villagers who have lost their homes to the extreme weather condition.



Disaster response preparedness



He also ordered all agencies involved in relief work to take the necessary measures to reduce the number of casualties and facilitate the immediate evacuation of those who have become homeless.



According to state broadcaster CCTV, the ongoing search for the dead and survivors in the rubble is being hampered by the continuous rains and hailstorms.



Around 8 million people reside in Yangcheng city, according to the CCTV.



Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has likewise ordered hospitals to immediately treat the injured and prioritize those in critical condition.



Li said all necessary measures should be taken by the concerned government offices to normalize life and activities in the affected areas of Jiangsu.



He also reiterated the need for authorities to step up efforts in disaster response preparedness to minimize loss of lives.



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TagsJiangsu disaster, President Xi Jinping, Civil Affairs Ministry, tornado, hailstorms, search and rescue units, relief operations, china
(Photo : Fred Dufour / Pool / Getty Images) President Xi has stated that the Silk Road Initiative is a key component of China's foreign policy.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has revealed that Chinese company invested close to $15 billion in various countries that are part of the Silk Road Initiative in 2015. The total investment is 20 percent higher than the figure in 2014. Xi noted that Silk Road Initiative is a key component of China's foreign policy.



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Speaking in Uzbekistan, President Xi said, "The Belt and Road Initiative's primary planning and deployment has been completed and is now stepping onto the stage of taking root and intensive cultivation for sustained development." Xi is currently on a trip visiting Uzbekistan, Poland, and Serbia.



The Silk Road Initiative was rolled out in 2013. It is alternatively known as the "One Belt, One Road" plan. Under this initiative, China will invest in various infrastructure projects in countries such as Asia, Africa, and Europe. The country has also established a Silk Road Fund with a capital of $40 billion. China is apparently endeavoring to revive its ancient Silk Road routes, which connected China to Europe. The initiative will help China to gain access to new markets.



According to Chinese state media, China and Uzbekistan have agreed to work closely to counter terrorism."China and Uzbekistan share concerns about terrorism, with extremists in the two countries sometimes conspiring together," China Daily reported.



Meanwhile, Uzbekistan reiterated its support for One-China policy. The country also expressed its disapproval of "Taiwan Independence." Beijing and Tashkent have elevated their collaboration to a comprehensive partnership.



China has entered into production capacity cooperation agreements with 20 countries along the Silk Road route. The agreements have generated up to 60,000 local jobs.



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(Photo : SpaceX) Red Dragon over Mars

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SpaceX has told NASA that work on its Dragon manned spacecraft; its Falcon 9 launch vehicle and ground operations development in support of its Mars mission are on track for a second quarter 2017 debut of the Dragon spacecraft.



The first Dragon launch with a human crew remains scheduled for the end of 2017. In a meeting with NASA, SpaceX outlined the steps it plans to take to land humans on Mars.



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SpaceX Director of Space Operations Garrett Reisman said the company's success in safely landing the first stage of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle on robot barges in the ocean is the most visible aspect of the success of its overall effort to land spacecraft, robots then humans on Mars.



Because of this success, SpaceX has begun to have storage space issues at its Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) at LC-39A at the Kennedy Space Center. This facility houses four of the Falcon 9 first stages that successfully re-landed from December 2015 to April 2016. A fifth landing in June ended in failure.



"We're really excited about what's happening with reusability because it will allow us to drastically reduce the cost of getting things into space, which will enable all kinds of new architectures," said Reisman.



SpaceX's goal of reusing Falcon 9's first stage is driven by the need to reduce the cost of space exploration, and the need to gain more experience in "propulsive landings." SpaceX will use propulsive landing to land its unmanned Red Dragon spacecraft on Mars in 2018.



"Earth's upper atmosphere is also a really good analogue for Mars' atmosphere," said Reisman. "When you get up high enough, the density and consistency of the atmosphere is very similar to what you face during Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) on Mars.



"So every time we land, we take one of these rockets and we perform hypersonic retrograde propulsion, the data from which we're sharing with JPL because it's the first time this has ever been demonstrated on a major scale."



He said the Falcon 9 first stage landings are really test beds for the EDL systems of eventual Mars missions.



"Every time you see one of those rockets coming back, not only is it enabling a whole new paradigm for launching things into space, but it's also bringing us one step closer to Mars."



He said SpaceX is also heading toward a series of several major upcoming milestones to enable human flights on its Dragon spacecraft. One of these steps will be to build a flight-like capsule in which SpaceX will test the life-support systems it plans to install on its first Mars human landing mission set for 2025.



And, of course, there's the SpaceX spacesuit, said Reisman.



SpaceX will have to qualify its spacesuit (or make sure it's safe for astronaut use) in a series of solo tests and human tests.



"We're going to finish our spacesuits and qualify them, including vacuum chamber testing with suited human subjects."



This will then lead to the Flight Test Without Crew Certification Review. This is the final certification SpaceX needs to launch the Demo 1 uncrewed mission of the human-rated Dragon spacecraft in the second quarter of 2017.



Demo 1 will use the exact hardware, software and operations planned for use on crewed Dragon missions. It will give SpaceX and NASA a chance to see how all of the Dragon's life-support systems operate in an integrated fashion during actual flight.



Once the Demo 1 flight is complete, SpaceX will proceed forward with parachute qualification before performing an in-flight abort test. This in-flight abort test will demonstrate Dragon's ability to separate safely during the most difficult region of first-stage flight.



Once the in-flight abort test is complete, SpaceX will proceed to the Design Certification Review and the Flight Test Readiness Review, the final review before the Demo 2 crewed flight in late 2017. Demo 2 is a re-flight of the Demo 1 mission, except it will carry a crew this time around.



"This will mark, hopefully, the first time that we restore the capability of launching people to space from America," said Reisman about Demo 2.



Once Demo 2 is complete, SpaceX will perform the Operations Readiness Review before the final Certification Review (CR) with NASA. Once NASA accepts the CR, SpaceX will be granted permission to launch up to six Post Certification Missions with humans to the International Space Station.



And then, it's on to Mars.



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TagsSpaceX, NASA, Dragon, Mars landing, Falcon 9, Garrett Reisman
(Photo : Getty Images) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged China's Xi Jingping to support India's NSG membership bid 'on its own merits.'

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China on Friday continued its opposition to India' Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) membership bid, insisting that Beijing would not support the membership of non-signatories of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).



"If exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation order then will be collapsed altogether," Wang Qun, director-general of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said. "In the absence of NPT as the political and legal basis, how could the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsular be resolved? All these merit reflection. While it's easy to adopt double standards, the consequence can be enormous."



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Qun's remarks followed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with China's Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent on Thursday. Modi, in the meeting, urged Xi to support India's NSG membership bid 'on its own merits.'



China, along with Brazil, Turkey, New Zealand, Austria, and Ireland, has opposed India's entry into the 48-member elite grouping on the ground that New Delhi is not a signatory of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The two-day plenary meeting of the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) was held in South Korean capital Seoul on Thursday and Friday.



tHE Indian government, however, remains optimistic about its NSG membership. India's Foreign Minister spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that an early decision on its membership is in the larger global interest.



"India believes that an early decision on its application remains in larger global interest. India's participation in the NSG will further strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and make global nuclear commerce more secure. It would advance energy security and make a difference to combating climate change. We are confident that the NSG will recognize these benefits as it deliberates further on this issue," Swarup said.



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(Photo : NASA) NASA's Mars Plan

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Under pressure from an impatient U.S. Congress, NASA is fleshing out its final plan for Mars missions that will eventually see NASA's first astronauts land on the Red Planet by 2035. SpaceX, however, intends to accomplish this feat by 2015, or 10 years earlier.



NASA reported it continues to work towards a 2018 debut for the Space Launch System (SLS) launch with the Exploration Mission -1 (EM-1) Orion spacecraft. SLS will eventually take NASA astronauts to Mars by 2035.



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The next Orion mission, this time with a crew, is set for "no later than" 2023. NASA, however, hopes to attain this target earlier to avoid a five year gap between its first two SLS missions.



NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) was briefed on the status of the agency's Mars planning by Bill Hill, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development (ESD) in NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate.



ASAP evaluates NASA's safety performance and advises the agency on ways to improve that performance. It's a senior advisory committee that reports to NASA and Congress.



Hill said NASA is working towards a three year mission to Mars. He noted NASA managers are "beginning to lay out the framework" on what must be done to learn how astronauts can live, work and remain healthy for a long-duration mission that can take anywhere from five to six months one-way.



ASAP has criticized Orion's apparent inability to fully conduct Mars missions since its heat shield can't survive the increased re-entry velocity when returning to Earth directly from Mars.



Hill said NASA needs to develop a capability where Orion can survive the 13.5 kilometers per second re-entry velocity. He said this problem will be explored in the coming years.



ASAP also said it's been asking NASA for a formal plan "for some time" as to what technologies will be required for the Mars program and when they will be needed.



Hill said NASA is in the beginnings of "putting the meat on the bones" for the "providing ground" phase or the transitional period where NASA turns its attention from the ISS to cislunar space (the space between the Earth and the Moon).



NASA's current plan calls for orbiting a manned space station in cislunar space that will serve as a "pit stop" for future treks to Mars and the asteroid re-direct mission. Congress wants NASA to again land humans on the Moon and to forego its asteroid re-direct mission.



Experts agree it will take a large increase in funding to push NASA towards a viable plan that might lead to speeding-up this timetable. NASA has publicly pinpointed 2035 as the year it intends to land humans on Mars but current funding levels don't support this date.



Hill also pointed out NASA's current plan to get to Mars calls for 41 SLS flights from 2018 through 2046 in the path towards surface missions. NASA intends to land astronauts first on Phobos and later on Mars itself.



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TagsU.S. Congress, NASA, Mars, Space Launch System, Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
(Photo : Getty Images) Sharp Corporation Representative Director and Executive Vice President Kozo Takahashi speaks at a press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2013 International CES in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Japan's electronics giant Sharp Corp. became the first electronics manufacturer to be under foreign ownership after shareholders of the company gave a green light at a meeting in Osaka on Thursday to be taken over by Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Corp.



The Taiwanese firm, popularly known as Foxconn, is poised to acquire 66 percent of the Japanese company for about $3.8 billion within the month.



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During the shareholders' meeting, Sharp President Kozo Takahashi apologized for the massive loss incurred by the company over the second-straight year in the year ended in March.



"I want to apologize for failing to live up to shareholders' expectations," he said.



He further explained that the "strategic alliance" with the Taiwanese firm "will accelerate our efforts for revitalization and growth."



After the acquisition process has been completed, Takahashi will step down from his position and will be replaced by Hon Hai's vice chairman Dai Zhengwu.



Furthermore, Foxconn will also nominate six executive board members for the company, which will reportedly include those who have previously worked with the manufacturer's rivals including Sony Corp. and Panasonic Corp, Japan Times reported.



Sharp's headquarters will also be transferred from Osaka to Sakai, Osaka Prefecture.



Meanwhile, according to Japan News, some shareholders have criticized Sharp's management, saying that because of congenital liabilities, the amount of investment from Hon Hai was reduced from initial plans, and this could be a potential loss in the future.



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TagsSharp Corp., Hon Hai Precision Industry Corp, Foxxconn, Kozo Takahashi, Dai Zhengwu
(Photo : Getty Images) The Cambodian government has deported 25 Taiwanese suspects accused of telephone fraud to China.

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Cambodia deported 25 Taiwanese nationals to China on Friday on fraud charges despite staunch opposition from the Taiwanese government. The 25 Taiwanese suspects were deported along with 14 Chinese suspects, all of whom were detained in connection with telephone fraud scam.



Cambodian immigration officer Gen. Ouk Haiseila said all the suspects were deported on a special plane arranged by the Chinese government, adding that each suspect was escorted by two Chinese police and a total 90 Chinese police officials supervised the deportation process.



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Reports indicate that initially, the Cambodian government had planned to deport only 35 suspects, but four more suspects were detained in the raid this past week.



Earlier this year, Malaysia and Kenya had also deported several Taiwanese citizens to China in connection with the telephone fraud scam. The deportation had irked Taiwanese government, who accused China of abducting its citizens from countries that do not recognize the sovereignty of the island nation.



At present, only a handful of countries recognize Taiwan as a country, while most countries support China's "One China" principle, which states that China and Taiwan are part of one China. Experts claim that China is using all its diplomatic and economic clout to internationally isolate Taiwan. They also claim that the Chinese government is resorting to deportation tactics to pile up pressure on the new Taiwanese government led by pro-independent leader Tsai Ing-wen.



Cross-strait relations have been on a downswing ever since Tsai and her Democratic People Party (DPP) won a landslide victory in January's presidential election. Asserting her pro-independence views, Tsai conspicuously omitted the mention of "One China" principle in her inaugural speech on May 20.



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Decision by 'lame-duck' Prime Minister may need to be postponed Related Links

'Dodgy' Ad Saying Most Local People Back Third Runway Banned



Heathrow Third Runway Decision Postponed for Six Months



'Biggest Ever' Rally against Heathrow Third Runway Airports Commission Chooses Third Runway Participate Sign up for email newsletters from PutneySW15.com &

WandsworthSW18.com The success of the Leave campaign in the EU Referendum yesterday has led to calls for the Government to postpone its decision on a Third Runway. David Cameron was due to make an announcement next month on whether or not it was going to proceed with the project but it is widely felt that this may now not occur. With Boris Johnson odds on with the bookies to be Prime Minister in October, anti-expansion campaigners believe that the Third Runway would be off the agenda for the foreseeable future with an opponent of the plan running the Government. HACAN chair John Stewart said, "Brexit must cast doubts on whether a Third Runway at Heathrow will ever be given the green light. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor have lost the fight of the lives. Outers like Boris Johnson, who is fiercely opposed to Heathrow expansion, have won. At the very least, a decision on a new runway must now be up in the air. "A new Prime Minister would want to look again at its desirability, its deliverability and the cost its related rail and road infrastructure would impose on the public purse. "The Government had pencilled in 7th or 8th July to announce its runway decision. It may confirm its intentions over the next few days but it would surprising if a lame-duck Prime Minister risked further splits within the Conservative Party by making such a controversial decision just weeks before he leaves office. A Heathrow spokesperson said, "With todays result, the case for expansion at Heathrow is stronger than ever before. Only Heathrow can help Britain be the great trading nation connecting all regions of the UK to the world. It is the keystone that connects businesses of every size to markets across the world as the UKs only global hub airport. "Global connections are critical for a new outward-looking UK to help our businesses and economy to thrive - and with expansion we can deliver up to 40 new destinations on top of the 83 we serve now. "We are confident that the Government will make the right choice for the future of the UK, putting the interests of the country first."



June 24, 2016
Pastor: Murdered twin sisters left the 'land of dying' together and are with Christ 24 June, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

MCKINNEY, Texas (Christian Examiner)  It is the type of horrible crime that just doesn't happen in McKinney, Texas  a domestic dispute turned homicide, but not just any homicide.

When the incident was over, twin sisters Karen Bigham and Kathy Boobar lay dead at the hands of Bigham's estranged husband, who made good on a threat from week before. Both were shot to death in the Bigham home, and friends say Kathy likely died trying to protect her sister.

Police quickly arrested Kelley Bigham, 50, for the crime. He is a man reportedly plagued by alcohol abuse and bipolar disorder. He now sits in jail, charged with two counts of capital murder and his bond set at $1.5 million.

Kathy knew that the relationship between her sister and her husband was bad. The two were in the process of getting a divorce. She had gone to her sister's house to be supportive of her twin, Kathy's husband Tom told Dallas FOX affiliate KDFW. In fact, Kathy had said she suspected something might happen.

"[Kathy] told me yesterday that her sister needed her and she was going up there to be supportive of her, so she headed up there after work," Tom Boobar said. It was the last time he saw his wife.

What happened in the McKinnery home sounds like a scene from a Hollywood movie. An angry husband arrives. He tells his daughter and grandson to leave and then he walks into the room where one sister is doing the other sister's hair. He kills his wife and her twin sister. Police laid out the chilling scenario in their arrest warrant.

Police also said Bigham's daughter heard a gunshot, a scream, and then another shot as she was running out the back door with her son. She received a text message 16 minutes later from her father: "I'm sorry."

Kathy and Tim Boobar had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. When he spoke with another local news station, Tim chose not to focus on the pain he and his daughter Carly are experiencing. He chose the fonder memories of his wife. He thought about their first date.

"Got up the nerve to ask her out, and we still talked about that first date," Boobar told News Fix.

Sam Dennis, the Boobar's pastor at Parkway Hills Church, described how he found about the incident on his blog. He got a call at church, but couldn't answer it because he was busy on another line. Then another call came. And another. And another. Finally, he answered the phone.

"My heart raced to high gear," Dennis wrote. "Kathy, Tim and daughter Carly have been members of Parkway Hills for years, and had just been part of our trip to Israel this past Christmas. One of our finest and more faithful families. I braced myself for what might come and called Tim's cell phone. Sitting in my truck, Carly, Tim's daughter, answered the phone sobbing. I asked, 'Carly, where are you?' 'In McKinney,' she said. 'Is your mom OK?' She sobbed deeply, then cried the words I dreaded, 'Pastor, she's gone. Mom has been killed.' I groaned. Holding back my own shock and pain. 'Where are you?' I asked. And as she was giving me the address I turned my truck north toward McKinney, Texas, and my next hours, which were to be as horrific as any I'd ever known."

Dennis wrote of the entire family's faithfulness to their church and their deep faith in Christ. He also wrote about how much Kathy loved her sister.

"They loved each other deeply. Coming into this world together, they left the land of dying and entered the land of living together, as well," Dennis wrote.

"For a while  a long while  we will all reflect on the horrific nature of how their lives ended. But eventually, even for the family, thoughts will turn otherwise. They will be remembered for who they were, what they gave, how they loved and how they lived. And for we who are in Christ, we will cling to the truth  the gospel  which becomes ever more real. In an instant, Jesus received them to himself."

Tim Boobar said he and his family might not understand why what happened took place, but he said they are comforted knowing that the twin sisters were together when they born and when they died.

"We're going to celebrate their lives together," he said.
The Supreme Court upheld the University of Texas affirmative action program on Thursday, allowing the university to consider race and ethnicity in the admissions process.

By a 4-3 vote, the justices voted in favor of the program. Justice Elena Kagan recused herself due to her prior position as solicitor general during which she had worked on the case.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote the majority opinion. He was joined by Justices Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

A university is in large part defined by those intangible qualities which are incapable of objective measurement but which make for greatness.' Considerable deference is owed to a university in defining those intangible characteristics, like student body diversity, that are central to its identity and educational mission, he wrote. But still, it remains an enduring challenge to our Nations education system to reconcile the pursuit of diversity with the constitutional promise of equal treatment and dignity.

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., however, contended that the university had not specified its reasons for its affirmative action program, saying the university has still not identified with any degree of specificity the interests that its use of race and ethnicity is supposed to serve, in his 51-page dissent. He was joined by Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas.

The University of Texas admissions program, also called the Top 10 Percent program, allows for the top students in every high school in the state to be admitted into the university. The remainder of the freshman class is admitted under a more holistic review that includes academic achievements, like SAT scores, and race and ethnicity.

Abigail Fisher, a white woman who was denied admission to the university, brought the case in 2008, the grounds that she was discriminated against in the admissions process because of her race.

I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has ruled that students applying to the Univ. of Texas can be treated differently because of their race or ethnicity. I hope that the nation will one day move beyond affirmative action, Fisher said in a statement.

In 2013, the Supreme Court sent her case back to the lower courts after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided the program to be constitutional.. The lower courts, again, affirmed the constitutionality of the program, prompting Fishers appeal to the Supreme Court.

States that ban the consideration of race in the admissions process of public universities include Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington.
The Korea Evangelical Church of America (KECA) recently hosted a Next Generation Leadership Conference for the second generation Korean American pastors of the denomination from June 13 to 16 at Johns Creek Korean Church.

About 30 Korean American pastors attended the conference, which featured times of worship, lecture sessions, fellowship, and discussions.

Rich Danzeisen from One Mission Society spoke on Diaspora and the Church Body, and Min Chung of Covenant Fellowship Church spoke on leadership.

Who will lead our church after us? Whatever work you do, if it is led by Gods hand, it becomes His ministry. I hope that you will be ministers who move forward depending on the Lord, said Ha Kyoon Hwang, the president of the KECA. I hope that you also would remember the hunger mentality of the first generation Koreans, and that you would embrace in your hearts the history and vision of those who came before us, and become leaders that lead Gods people.

I have wondered and thought about what message I should convey to the younger generation, and the ministers who lead them, said David S. Lee, senior pastor of Johns Creek Korean Church.

Korean American pastors have seen the difficulties that arose in the church with the first generation Korean members, and I know that it isnt easy for those in the English ministry of Korean churches, Lee continued. I hope and pray that this will be a time to hear the voice of the English ministry pastors, and for us as ministers to share our hearts with each other  I hope that through regular gatherings like this, we can network with each other and think of more effective plans to move forward together.

This article has been translated. For the original in Korean, visit kr.christianitydaily.com.
A portion of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A (PCUSA)'s opening plenary session for its 222nd General Assembly has garnered criticism, as a Muslim offered up prayers to 'Allah' during a time of vigilance for the victims of the Orlando and Charleston shootings.

According to Heath Rada, the moderator of the PCUSA's 221st General Assembly, the denomination's Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons asked the ecumenical and interfaith ministries of PCUSA to organize a time during the first plenary session to remember the victims of the recent Orlando incident and the Charleston shooting which took place last year.

"Allah bless us and bless our families and bless our Lord. Lead us on the straight path - the path of all the prophets: Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Peace be upon them all, Amen," said Wajidi Said of the Portland Muslim Community, after completing a chant in Arabic.

Said went on calling upon Allah and saying God "created us and made us into nations and tribes, from male and females that we may know each other, not that we might despise each other."

"Incline towards peace and justice and trust in God, for the Lord is one that hears and knows everything and the servants of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful, gracious are those who walk in the earth in humility and when bigots and hateful and Islamophobes address them, they say peace. Peace be upon them and peace be upon Allah," he said in conclusion.

Mateen Elass, a former Muslim who now works with a ministry for Arab-speaking individuals called Voice of the Truth, called the event one which "denied the gospel and lordship of Jesus Christ."

Elass criticized the PCUSA for inviting "a practicing Muslim ... to lead the worship of Christians," and pointed out that Said asked "Allah to convert the assembly" during his prayers.

"Praying to Allah ... he was pleading that the Presbyterians gathered there would be converted to the straight path, i.e., becom Muslims," Elass wrote in his blog.

During an afternoon plenary session on Wednesday, Parsons offered an apology during the announcements, saying that "it was never the intention of the one offering the prayer to offend any of us." Parsons' apology statement in full:

"During the interfaith prayer service on Saturday, in response to the killings in Charleston and Orlando, a prayer was offered that went beyond what had been scripted. It was an offense of the head, not of the heart, and came from one seeking to be authentically gracious and part of the healing service. Some commissioners found it offensive. When in relationship with people of other faiths, sometimes we can be inadvertently offensive when we mean to be sensitive and ecumenical. It was never the intention of the one offering the prayer to offend any of us. Nevertheless, we offer an apology to all those who were offended."
The Supreme Court has deadlocked over a case regarding President Barack Obamas immigration plan, it announced on Thursday, blocking the plan from taking effect which would have allowed undocumented immigrants to receive work permits and protected over four million undocumented immigrants from deportation.

The 4-4 split vote was announced with a one-sentence ruling that reads, The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided court. The tie vote leaves in place a lower court ruling made in 2015 that ruled against Obamas executive order.

"This is a ruling that affects millions of American families, but because the Supreme Court does not have its full complement of nine justices, the court was unable to deliver a definitive ruling a case of such national importance." said president of Constitutional Accountability Center Elizabeth Wydra, referring to Justice Antonin Scalias death this past February.

Obama expressed his frustration shortly after the announcement of the ruling.

"It is heartbreaking for the millions of immigrants whove made their lives here, whove raised families here, who hoped for the opportunity to work, pay taxes, serve in our military, and more fully contribute to this country we all love in an open way, he said, according to USA Today.

Obama announced his immigration programs via an executive order in 2014. Immediately, a coalition of 26 states, including Texas, blocked the plan on the basis that the president overstepped his power in attempts to bypass Congress.

In 2015, a federal judge blocked the plan from taking effect, siding with the states.

Todays decision keeps in place what we have maintained from the very start: One person, even a president, cannot unilaterally change the law, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton said in a statement following the ruling.

The program, called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA, would have offered protection to parents of children who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents from deportation and provided a renewable work permit for three years.
A Pew study released on June 23 says that religious persecution around the world has been decreasing over the past few years.

The research, which analyzed data up to 2014, shows that government restrictions on religion and social hostilities towards religion declined slightly between 2013 and 2014. There was a similar decline in the year 2011-2012. This downward trend was noted after a steady increase in religious persecution during the previous years.

In 2014, some 24 percent of the 198 countries studied (with the exclusion of North Korea) had high or very high levels of government restrictions, which was less than 28 percent in the previous year. Social hostilities towards religion also dropped from 27 percent to 23 percent. In 2012, the religious hostilities had reached a record high at 33 percent before declining subsequently, the study said.

There was an increase in fundamentalist terrorist activities between 2007 and 2014, but this did not curtail the trend of moderate decline in government restrictions against religion.

The number of countries where terrorist activities were reported increased from 73 countries (37 percent of the total number of nations studied) in 2013 to 82 (41 percent). Terrorism displaced about 31.4 million people in 2014, as compared to 27.3 million in the previous year.

The ongoing crisis in Syria has displaced about 12.5 million or 60 percent of the Syrians from their homes, according to another Pew study.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled to neighboring countries in the Middle East and Africa because of sectarian violence, and many have taken shelter in Europe and the United States.

However, the rise in terrorist violence was offset by decrease in assault and retaliatory actions against religious activities by social groups belonging to the majority faith in the country during the years 2013-14.

The level of social hostilities against minority religion were seen to have increased in the Middle East and North Africa, even though the incidents related to religion were down in many other parts of the world in the year 2014.

The overall level of restrictions, including government policies and social persecution, declined from 39 percent in 2013 to 34 percent in 2014. The restrictions were as high as 43 percent in 2012, Pew reported.

North Korea was excluded from the study, though it is known to be one of the most oppressive regimes in the world, because of insufficient data available to quote specific statistics on the level of government and societal persecution of religion in the country.

Pew has been analyzing the religious restrictions around the world for the last several years, and the study was a part of the Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures project.
In high school, newly following Christ, I made a lofty life commitment after hearing a guest speaker at youth group. He was blond and tan, betraying the SoCal surf culture he had jettisoned to follow Christ into the darkest jungles of exotic Papua New Guinea. We nicknamed him Bruiser, a play on his last name that hinted at his preaching style. Bruiser regaled us with tales of his decades spent successfully evangelizing a tribe. We were captivated by his every word.

True to his nickname, Bruiser ended with a missionary altar call, of sorts. He asked: How is it fair that comfortable US Christians hoard the gospel while people in Papua New Guinea die without hearing of Jesus?

I was 16, my heart was racing, and I was all in. Sure, I had never traveled outside my home state, and the thought of giant insects was almost a deal-breaker. But if Christ had willingly suffered torture and death, couldnt I overcome my fear of cockroaches?

D. L. Mayfield, too, was once all in. Given an opportunity to serve among refugees while attending college in Portland, Oregon, she leapt at the chance. Now in her early 30s, Mayfield (also a regular writer for this magazine) has spent her adult years living among Somali Bantu communitiesteaching English, baking cakes, and weaving herself into the tapestry of families beginning a new life.

But like so many other missionaries, Mayfield found her early excitement crashing against the rocks of reality. Her breakout book, Assimilate or Go Home: Notes from a Failed Missionary on Rediscovering Faith (HarperOne), traces a journey from zealous youth to collegiate do-gooder to disillusioned doubter to chastened disciple.

Impossibly Complex

Assimilate or Go Home is arranged into four movements ...

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This past November, at the gorgeous St. Pauls Cathedral in Melbourne, I was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Australia. When the archbishop laid his hands on me and prayed for me, I was overwhelmed with feelings of joy and divine pleasure.

This journey into the priesthood has been significant for me in two ways.

First, it was the culmination of a long denominational journey from Baptist to Presbyterian to Anglican. I have fond memories of all the churches and traditions I have been involved with. I tell folks that the Baptists taught me to love Jesus, the Presbyterians taught me to love theology, and the Anglicans taught me to love the church. That said, Anglicanism feels like home with its liturgical worship, evangelistic proclamation, and charismatic affections.

Second, ordination helps me fulfill what I regard as my calling to be a mediator between the church and the academy. As a priest-scholar, I have one foot set in the lecture hall, and the other foot set in the sanctuary. I speak from both the podium and the pulpit. Plus, I get to engage people as diverse as unbelieving professors in secular universities and ordinary churchgoers in the pews.

Throughout my journey, Pauls discussion in Romans 15 of his own ministry has been crucial. There, in verses 15 and 16, the apostle writes:

Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

For me, this passage shows that my calling to preach the gospel is the calling to a priestly ministry. ...

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I had the privilege or reading a pre-release version of "God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church." Here are 20 quotes from the book, which you should pick up.
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) overwhelmingly voted last night to repent for its racist actions during the civil rights era, even though the denomination wasnt founded until nine years after the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

But during the civil rights period, there were founding denominational leaders and churches who not only failed to pursue racial reconciliation but also actively worked against it, read the one-page overture, which passed 861 to 123.

Those churches segregated worshipers by race, barred blacks from membership and black churches from joining presbyteries, participated in and defended white supremacist organizations, and taught that the Bible sanctioned segregation and opposed inter-racial marriage, the overture said.

The PCA also confessed to failing to lovingly confront our brothers and sisters concerning racial sins and personal bigotry.

I'm overjoyed & overwhelmed to be present at this historic moment in racial reconciliation ...

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Fallen pastors and the inherent danger of celebrity evangelicalism have been ongoing topics of discussion among evangelicals. Recently, Scott Sauls, senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, wrote a widely shared post on the subject entitled "Thoughts on the Rise and Fall of Pastors, in which he discussed his own vulnerabilities and the need for churches to resource their leaders. We asked Scott to share some more of his reflections on fallen pastors and the redemptive communities upon which they depend.

What prompted you to write about the issue of fallen evangelical pastors?

I wrote because of a phone call I received, and then multiple news stories that followed, about my longtime friend Darrin Patrick losing his ministry due to a pattern of moral compromise. Darrin is the latest in a long string of pastor friends of mine who have either left the faith or disqualified themselves from ministry.

My impulse when this sort of thing happens is to go into immediate self-reflection. If I'm honest, sometimes I wonder how God has kept me in ministry for as long as he hasthough, by God's grace, I have not engaged in behaviors that would disqualify someone from ministry, it is not because I am in any way superior to those who have. I know my own frailty and fickleness enough to know that, given the right set of circumstances, I could be next.

I see myself in Peter as he denies Jesus in his cowardice. I see myself in David as he succumbs to temptation after isolating himself. I see myself in Judas as I betray Jesus even as I kiss him. Even on my best days, I feel inside that I am more like these men than I am like Jesus. Like them, I'm prone to wander and to leave the God I love. So I ask myself, "Why was it Darrin instead of me?"

Do you think church members understand their pastors frailty?

In some cases, yes; in other cases, no. I don't think that most people know that, due to the unique pressures of ministry, pastors are more prone toward anxiety and depression than most other people. According to a study conducted by Thom Rainer, on average people expect their pastors to put in about 114 hours of ministry per week. That's crazy.

I also think it's easy to put pastors and other public figures on a pedestal. But when people do this, they turn pastors and public figures into objects instead of subjects, personas instead of persons, celebrities instead of neighbors, untouchable heroes instead of the frail image-bearers that we actually are. This tends to widen the community gap between congregants and their pastors, which in turn isolates pastors significantly. This can be especially true in larger churches.

Hearing sermons every week, people start to feel that they know their pastor. But when self-disclosure doesn't go both ways, it leaves pastors in the dreaded situation of having fans instead of friends. It's not good to be alone. If being isolated in Paradise was considered a bad thing, how much worse is it in a fallen world?

What are some rhythms pastors in their local churches can get into that would serve as guardrails against isolation?

Churches must allow their pastors to step off their pedestals, and pastors must be equally willing (and eager) to do so. The more people can humanize their pastors, and the more pastors can allow themselves to be humanized, the less vulnerable pastors will be to feeling like they need to be heroes. God has called no person, including the pastor, to be awesome. Rather, he has called each of us to be loved, forgiven, humble and humbled, faithful and free. We should all leave the being awesome part to Jesus.

This happens best, if not exclusively, in the context of transparent community. Churches should insist that their pastors live in community with them, and pastors should be wildly grateful for and responsive to such a gesture. Pastors and church staff and other leaders should most certainly live in community with each other. It's also not a bad idea for pastors and their spouses to be part of a small group. Critique and accountability should freely flow up the org chart as well as down. Don't put yourself above critique. Don't punish people for calling you out. Otherwise, eventually you're sunk.

We're in a tumultuous political season, which can sometimes be tricky for pastors to navigate without stirring up controversy. What advice would you give for pastoring people through the next few months?

If you find yourself feeling more at home with people who share your politics but not your faith than you do with people who share your faith but not your politics, there are probably some things you need to start repenting for. Jesus cares deeply about the kingdoms of this world and aims to redeem, restore, and renew them through government and other means. And yet, while his kingdom may be in this world, his kingdom is not and never has been ofnor a product ofthis world.

Its significant that two of Jesus' 12 disciples were Simon, an anti-government zealot, and Matthew, a government employee. We have no indication that either of these brothers departed from their political "parties," but under Jesus they did not behave in partisan ways toward each other. Did you know that of all four gospel writers, it is only Matthew who highlights the fact that Simon was a zealot and he, Matthew, was a tax collector? There's something significant in there for us to learn from.

Scott Sauls is senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee and author of Jesus Outside the Linesand Befriend: Create Belonging in an Age of Judgment, Isolation and Fear (releases October 2016).
Select Panel Refers UNM & Late-term Abortion Facility for Criminal Charges Related to Fetal Tissue Procurement Contact: Troy Newman, President, 316-683-6790 ext 111; Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President, 316-516-3034; both with Operation Rescue, info.operationrescue@gmail.com



WASHINGTON, June 24, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rep. Marsha Blackburn, chairman of the House Select Panel on Infant Lives, has sent a letter to New Mexico Attorney General Hector H. Balderas, Jr., referring the University of New Mexico and Southwestern Women's Options (SWWO) for criminal charges and further investigation.



Blackburn's 291-page letter contained attachments that document what she described as "systematic violations of the law" related to the "transfers of value" of fetal remains for "research purposes."



"This recommendation of criminal charges against UNM and Southwestern Women's Options is the fruit of years of research and hard work done by a tenacious community of pro-life activists," said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue. "Seeing the fruit of that labor makes this a great day for us. All that's left now is for law enforcement to read them their rights and take them away!"



Operation Rescue has worked extensively in New Mexico with activists Bud and Tara Shaver of ProtestABQ to expose and oppose Southwestern Women's Options, which is the largest late-term abortion facility in the U.S., committing abortions throughout all nine months of pregnancy.



ProtestABQ has for years called attention to Southwestern Women's Options' long affiliation with the University of New Mexico. SWWO is the only supplier of aborted baby tissue to UNM, and there appears to exist a "symbiotic relationship" between the two, according to Blackburn.



The letter to Banderas explained that UNM aggressively expanded abortion services in Albuquerque over the "resistance" of University officials. This eventually forced an ideological shift at the University to one that now is focused on abortion promotion, using even UNM students to further their pro-abortion political agenda.



Blackburn indicated that the Select Panel uncovered violations of New Mexico's Jonathan Spradling Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, which for years has been misconstrued by UNM to allow for the donation of aborted baby remains. However, Select Panel attorneys found that the act specifically prohibits fetal remains from being donated for research or other uses, making the transfer of aborted baby remains from SWWO to UNM illegal.



The Panel also notes that SWWO staff were brought on the UNM as "volunteer" faculty and received employee benefits at UNM.



It was Tara Shaver that first uncovered SWWO's participation in supplying aborted baby tissue after she obtained an abortion consent form that buried brief tissue consent language near the bottom of a wordy form that required a patient signature before abortions could be performed. This raised questions about whether women actually understood that their aborted baby's remains would be used for "research." That consent form was modified after Shaver made the initial, illegal form public.



Shaver filed a formal complaint with the Attorney General's office seeking a criminal investigation into violations of the Spralding Act and other crimes. That complaint has been so far ignored.



"We hope that this very heavily documented recommendation from the House Select Panel will persuade Attorney General Banderas to act to enforce New Mexico laws and stop the illegal exploitation of aborted babies for 'valuable consideration,'" said Newman. "We also hope that he will put an end to UNM's practice of using taxpayer funds as well as UNM students to push their political agenda of abortion expansion upon an unwilling community."



Operation Rescue also calls for the immediate closure of Southwestern Women's Options in light of the serious criminal accusations that are now pending.



Read Blackburn's letter to Banderas dated June 23, 2016



About Operation Rescue

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Click here to support Operation Rescue.

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Archbishops of Canterbury and York respond to referendum with call for 'unity, hope and generosity'

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have called for "unity, hope and generosity" as the UK awoke to find it had voted to leave the European Union.

The two most senior leaders of the Anglican Church had both openly backed the case for remaining in the EU with the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, saying he could not see a cogent case to leave.

But in the aftermath of the vote to leave, Justin Welby and Sentamu said the UK must now unite in the "common task to build a generous and forward looking country".

They said: "We must remain hospitable and compassionate, builders of bridges and not barriers." They said that many from overseas will feel a "deep sense of insecurity" and called on people to "respond by offering reassurance, by cherishing our wonderfully diverse society, and by affirming the unique contribution of each and every one".

The vote means the UK must "reimagine" what it means to be British and also the values it uses to engage with others around the world, the Archbishops said.

"Unity, hope and generosity will enable us to overcome the period of transition that will now happen, and to emerge confident and successful."

Shortly before the Archbishops' statement was released, Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would resign before the Conservative party conference in October. He choked back tears as he said "the country requires fresh leadership" to take it in its new direction.

Welby and Sentamu called for prayers "especially" for Cameron in his last few months in office as well as other leaders around the world in light of the change.

"Let us pray especially that we may go forward to build a good United Kingdom that, though relating to the rest of Europe in a new way will play its part amongst the nations in the pursuit of the common good throughout the world."

You can read the full statement on our live blog here (scroll down to 9.40am).
Canon Andrew White suspended in dispute over alleged payments to rescue ISIS sex slaves

The Vicar of Baghdad was suspended by the charity he founded amid an investigation into alleged payments used to rescue Islamic State sex slaves, according to The Times.

Canon Andrew White, 52, who was ordered to leave Iraq at the end of 2014 by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby over fears for his safety, has continued working in the Middle East and worldwide to help Christians, Yazidis and other minorities fleeing ISIS.

He was suspended after the Charity Commission launched an investigation into the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, the charity he set up in 2010 when he was Vicar of St George's Church, Baghdad.

Last October Canon White posted a notice on Facebook where he said: "Want to know what we are doing to help the Yazidi sex slaves?"

He linked through to an interview by Dr Sarah Ahmed, director of Iraq operations for the foundation, who told The Church Times that the charity was helping 155 girls who had been rescued after being captured by Islamic State.

Canon White is mentioned on the website of the Liberation of Christian and Yazidi Children of Iraq, an organisation in Canada, which says: "The price of a child's life to remove them from the hands of ISIS is between $1000-$3000. We, as avid consumers, spend that money on gadgets and tools. Why not spend that money to save a life? Most of the girls and women held by ISIS are being used as sex slaves, raped up to 30 times a day by both Islamic fighters and local men."

On the same page is published an endorsement by Canon White for the "transparency" of what the organisation does.

Canon White's foundation has denied any links between the two organisations. As a registered charity in the UK, the foundation is not allowed to engage in hostage release negotiations. Also, paying ransoms to proscribed terror groups is illegal.

According to The Times, Canon White has said in the past that making payments for the release of the sex slaves is "the only way" to get their freedom. However, Iraq's Yazidi community has also demanded evidence of the Canadian group's claim to have rescued 130 sex slaves.

Canon White, currently in Jordan, did not respond to Christian Today's request for comment but wrote on Facebook that his suspension was "in response to some inaccurate statements I made about our work with and funding for the former slave girls taken by ISIS."

He wrote: "What is clear is that at no time did we pay money to any terrorists. Whilst I cannot work on behalf of the FRRME I continue to lead worship and support individuals that we are helping."

He asked his Facebook followers to "pray for us at this very difficult time".

In a statement on its website, the foundation says: "The Rev Canon Andrew White has been suspended with pay by the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East pending the findings of a Charity Commission Statutory Enquiry.

"The Foundation is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities. It would be inappropriate to comment further on an active investigation other than to say that the Foundation believe at this stage that the alleged incident stemmed from a genuine desire by Canon White to help others."

The Charity Commission said in a statement: "In response to a statement published on the website of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, The Charity Commission ('the commission'), the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, can confirm that it opened a statutory inquiry into the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, registered charity number 1133576 on 9 June 2016. The commission cannot comment further on this live investigation at this time."

The charity's details can be viewed on the commission's online charity search tool.
Christians in eastern China left with the ruins after local officials burn down their church

Here's a reason for Christians to appreciate their place of worship: fellow faithful in eastern China have lost their church, but they are still carrying on by holding services in the ruins.

On the evening of May 20, Christians in Wenzhou, Zheijiang province, were left in a state of shock after local officials reportedly destroyed the government-sanctioned Zhuyang Church without warning.

According to the civil society group China Aid, the official Three-Self Zhuyang Church was razed despite the fact that Church members were still negotiating with local officials on how to preserve it.

Officials from a sub-district government office had reportedly discussed a possible relocation site and a fee for moving the church to another place before the church was reduced to ruins.

Chinese authorities said destroying the place of worship was necessary to improve and "transform the villages" in the city. Since April 2014, local officials of Wenzhou have been implementing the "Three Rectifications and One Demolition" initiative in an attempt to "beautify" the city and the rest of the province.

Despite this event, Christians who worship in the destroyed church still go there to conduct services.

Late last month, they placed protest banners on the ruins saying: "We are strongly opposed to this brutal, violent forced demolition," "The illegal principles of law enforcement are intolerable" and "The powerful are headstrong."

The churchgoers uploaded pictures and reports about the church demolition on Chinese social media site Weibo, but their posts were reportedly blocked or taken down.

"Before, the government said that religious matters would be handled with care, but now it doesn't care about religions at all," a church member was quoted by China Aid as saying. "Even churches with full legal documentation, if they fail to reach an agreement, will be brutally torn down by the government. The brothers and sisters of this church wonder if justice still exists."
Colombia: Churches celebrate ceasefire after 50-year civil war

Churches are celebrating following the declaration of a ceasefire in Colombia, ending five decades of civil war.

A peace agreement was signed between the government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the country's largest illegal armed group.

"This represents an important step forward in bringing an end to a conflict that has left millions of victims over more than half a century of conflict," said Mervyn Thomas, chief executive of religious freedom charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

The civil war in Colombia is the longest running in the Western hemisphere and has left around 220,000 people dead and millions displaced.

There have been human rights infringements by all sides during the war, according to CSW, including the violation of religious freedom. Hundreds of church leaders have been targeted and assassinated since 2000.

The peace agreement has built in a reconciliation process that pledges to bring clarity to the thousands of open cases of murder and disappearance.

Churches and faith-based organisations affiliated with the Inter-Ecclesial Dialogue for Peace are holding simultaneous liturgical celebrations across the country today.

The President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, called it a "historic day".

"We have reached the end of 50 years of death, attacks and pain. This is the end of the armed conflict with the FARC," he said.

While FARC has been the main actor against the government of Colombia, there have been other insurgent groups involved in the internal conflict, including guerrilla group the National Liberation Army (ELN) and far right neo-paramilitary groups.

CSW, alongside other partner organisations, is calling on the Colombian government "to also pursue effective policies to address the other actors in the conflict, including the ELN and neo-paramilitary groups, both of which are responsible for ongoing human rights violations, including violations of freedom of religion or belief," said Thomas.
Escaped Yazidi teenager speaks of horrific ordeal as ISIS sex slave

A Yazidi teenager who was kidnapped by ISIS, raped and became pregnant has shared her story.

Nihad Narakat Shamo Alawsi was just 15 when she was captured alongside her family when Islamic State took control of her hometown of Sinjar, northern Iraq, in 2014. She was sold into sex slavery for the equivalent of 540 and was impregnated by a militant who raped her on multiple occasions.

"I felt like committing suicide, but every time I did I thought of my mother," Alawsi said in a video released by the Amar International Charitable Foundation.

"I felt that I had a criminal from Daesh [ISIS] inside me. I tried many times to abort it."

These attempts meant she was hospitalised for four days "due to the pills and other steps I'd taken", but they were ultimately unsuccessful and she gave birth to a boy.

"They brought the baby to me, and he looked up at me. I felt he was part of me and I loved him," Alawsi, now 17, said.

She managed to flee Iraq to Kurdistan with her family, however she had to leave her son in Iraq.

She is now working for Amar and the Women Against Radicalisation network.

"Inshallah, this year I want to go back to school and finish my studies. My thoughts and fears remains with my missing siblings and my three cousins. I feel the same about all the Yazidi people under the control of Daesh. We are all one," she said.

The UN recently officially labelled the treatment of the Yazidi people by ISIS a genocide.

"Genocide has occurred and is ongoing", said Paulo Pinheiro, chair of the commission that researched the treatment of Yazidis. "ISIS has subjected every Yazidi woman, child or man that it has captured to the most horrific of atrocities."

Thousands of Yazidi women and girls in Syria are still being held captive and abused, often as sex slaves. At least 30 mass graves of Yazidi people have been found in the country and 3,200 women and girls are thought to remain held by militants.
ISIS triggerman-spy turns follower of Jesus: 'I hate those people and they show me love'

A Christian pastor now based in Turkey shared one of his most unforgettable experiences while ministering to his flock after he fled Iraq in a recent interview with CBN News.

Ghassan Thomas, former pastor of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA) congregation in Baghdad, said he fled Baghdad when Islamists threatened him and his family with death. He then joined other refugees to Turkey where he quickly started a new church to reach out to other refugees.

The pastor said while he was establishing his church in Turkey, he had an encounter with an avowed assassin and spy for the Islamic State (ISIS) jihadist organisation.

CBS News also interviewed the ISIS militant who identified himself only as "Mohammed."

He said he was sent by his ISIS commander in Iraq to spy on Thomas' church.

Before he undertook the spying mission, Mohammed confided that he was part of an ISIS unit assigned to execute infidels and enemies of the terrorist group in Iraq. After his men gun down the members of a family inside their home, his task is to go back to the house and finish off anyone who is still alive.

"In that time, I think in this way: I should kill. I should do many bloody things just to be close with my Allah," Mohammed told CBS News.

He explained that this lust for blood is what motivates ISIS. "If you are not a Muslim, you need to be a Muslim or we should kill you and take your everything  financial, women and everything. This is in the Quran."

When the fighting between ISIS and Iraqi government forces intensified, Mohammed said his parents feared for his life and told him to go to Turkey. It so happened that his ISIS commander also ordered him to go to Turkey to spy on Thomas' church.

Mohammed said he was unprepared for what happened next when he stepped inside the church.

"I saw the people, how they welcomed me and they don't know me," he recalled. "And I hate those people and they show me love."

Members of Pastor Thomas' congregation prayed for Mohammedand the ISIS hitman and spy said this changed his life.

"When they pray for me, I start to cry like a child. And I feel like something come out of my body  very heavy," he said. "When I finished the service, I went home, but there is a person walk[ing] with me, just talking, but I feel like I'm not on the earth. I said, 'am I flying? I don't feel like I'm walking. Like someone carry me.'"

Then Mohammed began reading the Bible and comparing it to the Quran.

"I went there and discovered this is the God I'm trying to find. This is the true God. This is what I want for my life," he said.
Over 14,000 suspected drug criminals, militants arrested in Bangladesh to stop machete attacks on Christians, atheists

More than 14,000 suspected drug traders and militants from Bangladesh were arrested by police officials last week in an attempt to stop the gruesome machete attacks being launched against Christians and atheists in the predominantly Muslim nation.

According to a report by The Los Angeles Times, police official Kamrul Ahsan estimated that some 14,552 individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement authorities during the government crackdown last week.

Most of the arrested persons, Ahsan said, have suspected links to the drug trade.

The police official added that 166 suspected militants were among those arrested. Most of them are believed to be members of two homegrown extremist groups Jamaatul Mujahidin Bangladesh and Ansarullah Bangla Team.

The police crackdown on suspected criminals was prompted by the deaths of at least 49 people - mostly members of religious minorities including Christians, Hindus and atheists - over the last 17 months in the hands of machete-wielding assailants.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier assured members of her ruling Awami League party that police officials will catch "each and every killer" involved in these horrible crimes.

"It may take time, but God willing, we will be able to bring them under control. Where will the criminals hide? Each and every killer will be brought to book," Hasina said, as quoted by Sky News.

Despite the police crackdown, however, criminals seem unfazed. Attackers with machetes were reportedly arrested by police last week Thursday for allegedly wounding a Hindu college teacher from southern Bangladesh.

Still, religious minority groups are thankful for the government's efforts to stop the killings.

Neem Chandra Bhowmik,a University of Dhaka professor and vice president of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said that the police crackdown is giving members of religious minority groups some peace of mind.

"If they don't detain them, how could they find out the mastermind of these murders?" Bhowmik told The LA Times.
Pope prays for rebel Chinese bishop under house arrest

The Pope is personally following the fate of Chinese Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin of Shanghai in China, according to the Vatican.

Bishop Ma, who has been under house arrest since he rejected the Chinese state church at his ordination in 2012, apparently wrote a blog in June that suggested he had reversed his position. However, there have been suggestions he was not personally author of the post put online in his name.

Vatican spokesman Father Frederico Lombardi said Pope Francis prays for Chinese Catholics every day and has had no direct contact with Bishop Ma, the Catholic Herald reported.

Unusually, his ordination in 2012 was approved by the Pope at the time, Benedict XVI, and the Chinese government. But he was placed under house arrest and his appointment rescinded when he said he wanted to focus on pastoral work and evangelisation so could no longer hold a position in the Chinese government's Catholic Patriot Association.

His predecessor Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian died in 2014, aged 96. Currently Shanghai does not have a Catholic bishop.

Father Lombardi said: "The personal and ecclesial life of Msgr Ma Daqin, like that of all Chinese Catholics, is followed with particular care and concern by the Holy Father, who remembers them daily in prayer."

In his blog in June, Bishop Ma ostensibly wrote: "For a certain time, I have been deceived by others and made certain wrong words and deeds about the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association."

An underground Catholic Church operates separately from the state Church and answers only to the Pope. In his original public statement at his ordination, which caused some people to start crying and others to applaud, Bishop Ma accused the Chinese state Church of defying the Vatican.
Prophet and preacher: Who was John the Baptist?

Today is the Nativity of St John the Baptist, a lesser-known Christian feast day celebrating the birth of the prophet who foretold the coming of Jesus Christ.

While not as famous as the Christmas story, John's nativity is a feast day celebrated around the world by Christians, and has been since 506AD. It's even a national holiday in Quebec.

Who was John the Baptist?

Preacher, prophet and second cousin of Jesus, John the Baptist lived in the early first century AD. He gets his name because he used baptism as a central sacrament in his ministry. He in fact baptised Jesus himself. It's likely that Jesus was a disciple of his older cousin before starting his own ministry. But John's ministry was never about himself  it was always pointing to the coming Messiah, who he recognised to be Jesus. He was, in many ways, a forerunner of Jesus himself.

OK, so he's important. But why do we remember his birth specifically?

John is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke before he was even born; his conception was miraculous and is often thought to precursor Jesus'.

While most saints are celebrated on their death-days not their birthdays, John is a little different. His birth is celebrated, like Mary mother of Jesus and Jesus himself. It is said that John was "filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb" which makes his birth a day of triumph.

His parents  Zechariah and Elizabeth  were way beyond child-bearing age when they miraculously conceived after an angelic visitation. Zechariah, a priest, was offering incense to God when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him and told him they were to have a son. It was so unexpected that Zechariah did not believe him, and was rendered speechless until his son's birth. Only after he had written that his name would be John did Zechariah receive his speech back. He then prophesied the ministry of his son (Luke 1:67-69).

During the pregnancy, when Mary visited Elizabeth pregnant herself, Luke's Gospel tells that John-in-utero "leapt" with joy.

The festival comes six months before the Christmas nativity in anticipation of the feast that is to come, just as John came to prepare and anticipate Jesus' coming.

How is it celebrated?

All over Europe hilltops will have been alight with "Saint John's fires" on the eve of June 24. In Quebec it is a national holiday and people celebrate it as a sort-of second Christmas. Elsewhere, Saint John is celebrated through art work and liturgy. In Eastern Christianity people hold all-night vigils and there is an extended period of celebration called an "afterfeast".

There has been a weird conflation outside of the Church with summer solstice traditions. In Germany there is a tradition that herbs are given unusual powers of healing, which are retained if plucked during the eve of the feast  these herbs are called Johanneskraut (St. John's herbs).
The Church is not 'on the way out' but has a great future, says Archbishop of Canterbury

The Church is recovering its confidence and has a "huge contribution" to make to society, the Archbishop of Canterbury said yesterday.

"We're not on the way out. There's a great future because we serve the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead," he said.

Archbishop Welby was speaking to Christian Today at the end of a three-day visit to the Derby diocese.

With Bishop of Derby Alastair Redfern, he visited and spoke to university, business and civic leaders, met and prayed with children and adults across the diocese and carried out open air full-immersion baptisms in a temporary swimming pool in Glossop town square.

The Archbishop said that he had witnessed an extraordinary working out of the power of God.

Speaking at St Peter's Swadlincote, he said: "What we are seeing is huge amounts of partnership and where we are seeing the partnership you see a sort of liberation of the Spirit of God  not that we need to liberate him  but the Spirit of God working in a powerful way, drawing people together, and people coming to faith.

"Now we've seen people coming to faith over the last few days, and you've seen it in the context of the Church working with lots of other people. I think we're recovering the confidence, and we have been for many years now."

Earlier, at St Thomas's Normanton in Derby, a church being refurbished with Heritage Lottery funding as a new type of missional church, he spoke about the Bible story of Ruth, who accepts the religion of Naomi, her mother-in-law, as her own.

"It's an extraordinary example to us of what it means to be those who allow the breaking down of barriers, which is God's truth, to overcome the setting up of barriers, the resistance to the incomer, the dislike of the stranger, the fear of the other that is human truth  and sadly, occasionally, government truth.

"We are the ones who are called, under God, to be the breakers down of barriers.

"When I look at this church, a closed church is a barrier. And if you can break down that barrier, open it up, open the doors, make it a place of welcome, the Ruths will come in. So will the Naomis. So will a bunch of others."

Bishop Redfern told Christian Today that just eight years ago, St Thomas' was about to be closed and had become a sign of a church in decline.

Now the building was almost fully restored and the church has gone into partnership with faith groups, voluntary organisations and others.

"It's a sign of how the Church needs to be different in our culture," he said. "Regeneration and resurrection are two sides of the same coin. In our culture where there's so much need, so much power of the forces of darkness, we've got to join with others as you see Jesus doing, bumping into people from all kinds of cultures and backgrounds, and creating goodness and grace in the midst of communities."

Watch Archbishop Welby speaking exclusively to Christian Today below:
Unity vs defiance: Church leaders respond to Brexit

Shocked Christian leaders up and down the country today struggled to come to terms with the UK's decision to leave the European Union.

The result prompted the Prime Minister to announce his resignation after strongly campaigning to remain and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to face a motion of no confidence in his leadership. The FTSE 100 market plunged by up to 8 per cent in the wake of the biggest political earthquake in decades.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York called for "humility and courage" as the UK woke to find 51.9 per cent had voted to leave the EU. Both men had previously announced they would support the remain campaign.

"Unity, hope and generosity will enable us to overcome the period of transition that will now happen, and to emerge confident and successful," said the two senior leaders in the Anglican church.

"Let us pray especially that we may go forward to build a good United Kingdom that, though relating to the rest of Europe in a new way will play its part amongst the nations in the pursuit of the common good throughout the world."

The Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler, offered a similar reconciliatory tone having also strongly supported remaining in the EU.

12 years ago today I was consecrated as a bishop. Called to pray and lead. This remains. Healing and grace needed for all in our nation.  Paul Butler (@BishopPaulB) June 24, 2016

However other church leaders who supported remain were more defiant.

The Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson, did not hesitate to reiterate his horror at the decision. Watson previously said a Brexit vote would be one of his "nightmare scenarios" alongside a Donald Trump presidency.

A message to our continental European friends: please note that 48.1% of us think this is a very bad idea.  Andrew Watson (@BishopGuildford) June 24, 2016

Steve Chalke, Baptist minister and founder of Oasis, was similarly dogmatic.

This is how YouGov says age groups voted:

18-24: 75% Remain

25-49: 56% Remain

50-64: 44% Remain

65 : 39% Remain



The young believe in unity!  Steve Chalke (@SteveChalke) June 24, 2016

But Cardinal Vincent Nichols offered a more conciliatory voice. The Archbishop of Westminster, and head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, admitted Britain's new course would be "demanding for all". Nichols is yet another church leader who was not afraid to mince his words ahead of the vote. He previously warned Brexit would cause "complex problems" and said there was a tradition in Christianity of "holding things together... to start down the path of division almost inevitably leads to further division".

But in the aftermath of the result, Nichols prayed the UK would build on its "finest traditions of generosity".

In a statement he said: "Our prayer is that all will work in this task with respect and civility, despite deep differences of opinion. We pray that in this process the most vulnerable will be supported and protected, especially those who are easy targets for unscrupulous employees and human traffickers."

The Bishop of the Church of England's Diocese in Europe, the Rt Revd Dr Robert Innes, tried to calm the shock of the decision and said, "the world is still turning".

In an article for ACNS, he said he had "particular concerns" for the futures of Ireland and Scotland and said there was a need for "listening and healing" as the UK finds "a new future".

He went on to say the "bruising" campaign had showed how many British people felt alienated from "mainstream London and Brussels-centric political discourse". Other Europeans shared their "discontents" he said, as he called on EU leaders to reform the political structures in order for them to survive.

"The task of reconciliation is never done, and I want my children and grandchildren to enjoy the kind of European peace which my generation has known."

Steve Clifford, general director of the Evangelical Alliance, said: "God is not fazed by the result." He criticised the "cynical campaigning" in the build up to the vote but said efforts must now be made towards "building bridges" between the sides.

"Reconciliation requires honesty and hard work," he said. "It requires that we show respect and openness to those who we disagree with.

"We cannot ignore the differences that this vote has exposed, but we cannot let the differences define us. Our hands of friendship must do the work that voting cannot."

You can read all the updates from various church leaders on our live blog here.
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Houston wrestled on Friday with the local impact of the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union.

Economists and analysts here predicted a temporary dip in oil prices. Lawyers cautioned patience with their clients. Financial managers advised customers to buy long-term investments. Universities sought reassurance that international relationships stood solidly.

And students voyaging abroad celebrated newfound wealth; the British pound dropped an astounding 9 percent by midafternoon.

GLOBAL IMPACT: Markets reel as world absorbs shock of UK vote for Brexit

Tim Powers, managing partner of Haynes and Boone in Dallas, said he's been fielding calls from nervous customers about the implications of the Brexit vote.

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"We're telling our clients don't panic," said Powers, an international finance lawyer who works with businesses throughout Europe. "It will be a two year process at a minimum" to figure out all the implications.

Still, the market's reaction on Friday was swift: Oil fell sharply on the news, with the U.S. benchmark down nearly 5 percent in New York to settle at $47.64 a barrel early in the day. The Euro crashed by almost 3 percent, to $1.11 in the early afternoon. And the pound cratered, to $1.36.

Patrick Jankowski, chief economist for the Greater Houston Partnership, called the impact on oil prices "transitory."

SECESSION, AGAIN: #Texit calls for Texas secession after "Brexit" is successful

And Griffin Perry, managing director of Dallas private equity firm Grey Rock Energy Partners, doubted Brexit would make any difference in the way his firm invests in oil companies.

But European uncertainty on already testy financial markets could set back a weak global economy, lower demand for oil, and stall crude's recent climb.

"Really, these aren't the healthiest economic times globally," said Drew Kanaly, president of the wealth management firm Kanaly Trust.

ALL ABOUT TRUMP: Trump, in Scotland, touts real Brexit winner: His golf courses

Still, he said, Brexit doesn't change the "fundamentals of the oil patch." The markets just weren't prepared for the English vote, he continued. "If they would remain calm and carry on, they'd see that the long term implications of this are not as dire," Kanaly said.

James Osborne and L.M. Sixel contributed.

At HoustonChronicle.com, more local analysts weigh in on what Brexit means for Houston.
A 30-year-old New Jersey man has been sent to prison for more than five years after he tried to smuggle cocaine through George Bush Intercontinental Airport last year, officials said.

Christopher Curi was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Thursday.
A father has been accused of fatally shooting his 35-year-old son during an argument Thursday at the younger man's apartment in northwest Houston.

Binh Trinh, 65, is charged with murder in the death of Duong To Trinh about 10:20 a.m. in the 9500 block of Kempwood, according to the Houston Police Department.
A murder suspect was recently arrested in a 1979 killing after he was on the run for more than thirty years.

Leon Dudley, 69, is charged with murder in a fatal shooting about 2:20 a.m. Nov. 3, 1979, in the 9200 block of Buffalo Speedway, according to the Houston Police Department.

Police said investigators recently learned Dudley was living in Euclid, Ohio, where he was arrested without incident. He has waived extradition to Texas and is expected to be transferred to the Harris County Jail soon.

Police said at the time of the shooting Dudley was driving a 1973 black-and-yellow Mercury four-door car when he got into an argument with a waitress in a parking lot . He pulled out a handgun during the dispute and fired gunshots into the crowd that had gathered, wounding Stephan Tramble Chambers, 23, and 25-year-old Charles Eugene Philleo.

Chambers was rushed to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Philleo was shot in the mouth, but survived his wounds. He died of natural causes on June 25, 1998.

At the time of the shooting, police said, investigators identified Dudley as the suspect in the case and on Nov. 7, 1979, he was charged with murder. However, Dudley had already boarded a bus and left the Houston area. He remained at large 36 years.

After he was arrested in Ohio, Dudley refused to discuss the case with investigators.

No information was released about what Dudley had been doing while he was on the run or how investigators tracked him to Euclid, Ohio.
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NEW ORLEANS - Chef Alon Shaya's unlikely love affair with Louisiana started years ago.

"My first cookbook was Emeril (Lagasse's) 'Louisiana Real & Rustic,'" said the chef, who was born the Tel Aviv, Israel suburb of Bat Yam. "I always thought that one day I could come and cook in Louisiana. It just seemed like this mystical place to me."

While Lagasse made his name by excelling at the city's classic Creole cooking, Shaya has forged a different path since arriving in New Orleans more than a decade ago. In 2015, he opened his namesake restaurant , a bustling Israeli eatery on chic Magazine Street that the James Beard Foundation last month named the Best New Restaurant in the U.S. The food harkens back to dishes he grew up with, drawing on culinary influences from Yemen, Bulgaria, Morocco and Turkey.

There's the lutenitsa, a spicy Bulgarian relish, and the shakshuka, a North African dish of eggs, chili peppers, tomatoes and onions.

"The fact that Israel is made up of so many people from so many backgrounds allows that food to attract several different types of people from different backgrounds," Shaya said. "That's kind of the magic of it."

Shaya's family moved to the U.S. when he was 4, settling in Philadelphia. He attended the Culinary Institute of America and then honed his craft at various restaurants. But a friend encouraged him to move to New Orleans in 2003. With a fulltime job at Harrah's Hotel, Shaya also worked on his days off at Restaurant August for famed New Orleans chef John Besh

Then came Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Shaya evacuated with Besh and the two watched as the city was consumed by water from the failed levees. He quickly returned, doing what he could to help. Shaya recalls cooking red beans and rice with ingredients from a looted Wal-Mart, feeding volunteers who were helping rebuild Willie Mae's Scotch House , and struggling to reopen the steakhouse where he was then the head chef. At times, he slept in Besh's car.

"Those moments throughout those few weeks changed my life forever," Shaya said. "It made me very loyal to the city because I felt like I was really needed down here, like I was a part of something that was just way bigger than myself or way bigger than some cool recipe that I could pick up along the way."

A city that could have been just another became home and Shaya decided to open his first restaurant, Domenica, in 2009, and its sister eatery, Pizza Domenica, five years later. As he describes it, he was "gung-ho, 100 percent Italian." His wife even called him Alonzo.

Then in 2011, he traveled to Israel with other chefs.

"I'm walking through the markets and listening to people talking and I can almost hear my grandmother's voice. I see the foods I grew up eating. ... This light went off inside saying 'Why do I never cook any of this stuff?'" he said.

When he returned, he started sneaking Israeli influenced dishes onto the menu at Domenica - a head of roasted cauliflower served with whipped feta cheese was extremely popular. He also served a lamb Bolognese on a bed of whipped tahini with crostini sprinkled with za'atar.

"I was calling hummus 'ceci puree,'" he said, referring to the Italian word for garbanzo beans. "Before you know it, the menu at Domenica was looking very emotionally torn."

Eventually, he decided it was time to open an Israeli restaurant, imagining a small, neighborhood eatery in the Mid-City area. Instead his partner, Octavio Mantilla took him to the chic - and expensive - Magazine Street locale, complete with a courtyard and an upstairs private dining room.

A little over a year later, the hummus seems to be paying the bills.

It can take weeks to get a prime dinner reservation. The restaurant is only the second in New Orleans to win the James Beard Foundation's Best New Restaurant award (Peche Seafood Grill won in 2014).

The restaurant's success is no surprise to Liz Williams, the head of the city's Southern Food & Beverage Museum, who said New Orleans has a long history of embracing food from other regions.

Snowballs, seen as a quintessential New Orleans dessert, came from Sicilians who emigrated during the 1800s, she said. Many of the city's po boy shops now offer pickled vegetables, and Williams says she's found shrimp Creole flavored with lemongrass - both reflections of the city's Vietnamese influence.

Shaya says he isn't done yet - there's another part of his upbringing he wants to embrace in the town he calls home.

"Deep down inside I would love to open a Philly cheesesteak place someday, but that's not going to happen anytime soon."
With the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, travel prices to the UK from the United States could drop dramatically in the near future.

While the full impact on travel costs is still unclear, the "Brexit" vote could open the door on opportunities to visit some of the world's most amazing landmarks, such as Stonehenge or the Urquhart castle near lake Loch Ness. It never hurts to plan.
Johnny Hanson/Staff

Despite threats of a lawsuit from the University of Houston, South Texas College of Law isn't backing down from plans to change its name to Houston College of Law, law school officials said Friday.

Leaders of the 90-year-old law school say they picked the new name to highlight its ties to its longtime home, downtown Houston. But University of Houston officials say the new name is too close to the University of Houston Law Center, the law school on the south Houston campus. They have threatened to take legal action if South Texas College of Law moves forward with the name change.
The Pasadena Police Department is seeking a man who reportedly tried to abduct a little girl.

According to a department news release, a man entered through an apartment front window at 721 Richey and grabbed a 9-year-old girl. The alleged abduction attempt happened at 2:40 a.m. Friday.
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Family and friends of a Patton Village police sergeant who was killed during a high-speed chase last weekend gathered at a Woodlands church on Friday morning to remember him as a dedicated, faithful and compassionate public servant.

More than a hundred officers and firefighters attended funeral services for Sgt. Stacey Baumgartner, 39, a four-year veteran of the Patton Village department, at The Woodlands Church.

"He was a brilliant light," said Patton Village Mayor Leah Tarrant. "He loved his career and it was without a doubt his calling."

She also praised Baumgartner, who had a 4-year-old daughter in addition to a 20-year-old son, as "the absolute example of what a father should be to his children."

Dwayne Bryant, the officer's older brother, described Baumgartner as a "big and goofy Teddy bear" who had the most "tender of hearts."

"I've never truly known heartache until now," Bryant said.

After the services, officers, firefighters and other public safety personnel gathered in line outside as bagpipes were played. Then the procession began to the cemetery, passing under a towering American flag that flew between two fire ladder trucks.

Baumgartner was pursuing a suspect, 29-year-old Garrett William Nee, early Sunday evening when his police cruiser was struck at the intersection Texas 242 and FM 1485 by a Chevy Suburban and hit a pole. The collision also killed 11-year-old Adan Hilario, one of seven family members traveling in the SUV, and injured several others.

Nee was arrested at the scene and charged with murder, intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault with a vehicle causing bodily injury, jail records show. He was being held in the Montgomery County jail on $1.3 million bond.

Authorities said Baumgartner had responded to a call about a man urinating in public and exposing himself when the suspect, Nee, allegedly tried to strike the officer's vehicle and fled.

The Patton Village police department covers a small city just off U.S. 59 and about 35 miles northwest of downtown Houston.

In addition to his children, Baumgartner is survived by his wife Donna, a dispatcher with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.
Parents, amirite?

Sometimes it doesn't matter to your parents that you're a successful entrepreneur because the real issue is: When are you going to get married and have kids?

Assumedly, Salt Lake City businessman Baron Brooks has been dodging this question for some time. In an effort to move things along, Brooks' father, Arthur, took out a full-page dating ad for his son in the Coeur D'Alene Press in Idaho on June 20 for $900.

The ad was printed in the newspaper, allegedly without Baron's knowledge, and listed qualities necessary in a wife for Baron. Interested parties were then invited to meet Arthur at a local resort for an interview on Friday. The selected "person or persons" would be given roundtrip tickets to Salt Lake City to meet with Baron.

The Spokesman-Review in Spokane scored an interview with Baron, who told the reporter: "I can't even describe to you how embarrassing and ridiculous this is."

Baron described the elder Brooks as "neurotic," according to the paper, and likened him to Larry David's character from the HBO series, "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Baron noted that since his father started experiencing health issues, Arthur wanted a grandson to continue the family name.

Arthur, 78, lives in Beverly Hills, Calif., and refused to talk to reporters or Baron about the ad, and said he wouldn't talk about the ad until noon on Sunday. Baron guessed that his father placed the ad in the Coeur d'Alene paper after a recent visit.

The ad itself is notably written in the first-person by Arthur, posing as Baron  and features a framed photo of Baron, roses and the headline, "Looking for a wife."

"My name is Baron Brooks. I am 48 years old, never been married and live in Salt Lake City. I am looking for a wife who is ready, willing and able to have children as soon as possible," the full-page ad reads.

"I look just like my picture except I now have grey hair," the sentence alongside Baron's photo notes.

What followed was a list of both flexible requirements and "musts" of Baron's soon-to-be-wife.

Among them:

You will probably be between the ages of 34-38 but that can be flexible.

You must be politically conservative. This is very important to me. If you voted for Obama or plan to vote for Hillary you are not for me.

I am 5'5" and if you are 5'8" & like to wear high heels it may not work.

I would expect that if we have children you would be a stay at home mom.

Baron has graciously allowed his father to proceed with the interviews, and told the Spokesman-Review, "it's worth a shot" especially since the ad was already out there.

"If I don't go through with this, he's going to be devastated and I don't want to hurt his feelings," Brooks said to broadcast news station KHQ in a phone interview.

"People meet in weird ways... this would definitely be the most weird way possible."

To read the ad in its entirety, visit the Coeur d'Alene Press. It should be noted that the article indicated that Baron wrote the ad himself, which Baron has since (very clearly) denied.
Secessionists are pushing for an independent Texas after voters in the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union Thursday.

The hashtag #Texit is making the rounds on Twitter, with some people calling for Texans to demand a vote for independence from the United States in the same fashion as the UK.
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With the help of social media tips, authorities were able to track down a man who was caught on video catching and then beating a snapping turtle to death with a hammer on the banks of Lady Bird Lake in Austin this week.

The Austin Police Department told mySA.com on Friday they are conducting an ongoing investigation surrounding the suspect in the footage, identified by police as Terry Washington.

RELATED: San Marcos residents arrested for allegedly defacing Enchanted Rock summit near Fredericksburg

The case was initially handled by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department when an Austin news station notified the office of a video circulating on social media, shot by a resident named Geoffrey Frank.

"We got word from a Fox affiliate that they received video from a witness that shows a guy catching a large snapping turtle with a rod wheel and taking a hammer and beating it to death," TPWD News Manager Steve Lightfoot told mySA.com.

RELATED: 'Monster' alligator snapping turtle at Texas lake takes social media by storm

Lightfoot said the station was urged to put out a call for information from viewers and on Thursday, TPWD and animal cruelty officers were able to locate Washington with the help of tips on the operation game thief hotline and social media.

Washington confessed to game wardens that he had committed the offense, Lightfoot said.

He was issued two Class C misdemeanors for "hunting without a license," punishable by a fine up to $500, and for "illegal dumping of wildlife resources," since Washington allegedly threw the turtle back into the water, Lightfoot said.

Fines for the second offense will depend on the size of the turtle.

Lightfoot said a "valid Texas hunting license" is required for anyone hunting any animal, bird, frog, or turtle in Texas.

RELATED: 12-foot alligator found on road in Floresville killed by officials

According to APD, Washington is possibly facing misdemeanor charges for "Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals," The APD Animal Cruelty Unit is asking the public for witnesses to come forward with statements by calling 512-978-0523.

Frank, who witnessed the incident first-hand and published the footage on Facebook, told mySA.com he is "still flabbergasted" by the local "viral" response to the story, which helped authorities track down Washington. His June 21 Facebook post has been shared more than 2,000 times as of Friday morning.

"The city came together to bring justice to a turtle, when many would have just walked by and said 'Oh, it's just an animal,'" he said.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
Veterans wanting to take Texas up on its promise to cover college tuition must have been state residents when enlisting in the military, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.

The decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reverses a ruling from a lower court that found unconstitutional the state's Hazlewood Exemption law that limits college tuition benefits to veterans who called Texas home when they signed up for military service.

"Because Texas has presented a rational basis for its residency-at-enlistment requirement and because Texas's decision to impose the condition on a portable benefit does not infringe (Kevin) Harris's right to travel, we reverse the district court's judgment," the appeals court ruled Thursday.

Attorney General Ken Paxton called the decision a win for taxpayers and veterans.

"Education is vital in their transition back to civilian life and today's ruling allows Texas to exercise its sovereign right to encourage Texas students to finish high school, volunteer for military service, and bring their skills back to Texas to pursue higher education," Paxton said in a statement.

The lower court ruling by U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. in early 2015 ordered the University of Houston not to deny veteran Keith Harris access to benefits through the Hazlewood Exemption solely because he enlisted in the military while a resident of Georgia. Harris since has entered into an agreement with the University to temporarily forgo tuition payments pending the outcome of the case. Harris has graduated, according to his attorney, John Sheppard who said they likely will appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"It's not only important to veterans. If the state can permanently discriminate based on when you got to Texas using the same rationale, they can deny people access to public schools or to emergency rooms or to welfare benefits," Sheppard said.

In Thursday's ruling, the justices said that "without a clearer indication from the Supreme Court that Texas's decisions violate constitutional provisions, we are hesitant to impose further restrictions on the sovereign power of the State to regulate its own education system."

The lower court ruling in 2015 spurred Texas legislators last year to consider revamping the Hazlewood Exemption, which has grown expensive since lawmakers extended the benefits to veterans' children in 2009. Legislators failed to make changes to the exemption both chambers could agree to during the waning days of the legislative session and let the bill die.

Several lawmakers said they were happy with the decision, in part because it limits the number of people who can use the exemption at a time when universities are struggling to afford offering free tuition to the children of veterans.

According to the Legislative Budget Board, Hazlewood cost Texas universities $169 million in 2014 and is projected to reach $379.1 million by 2019. About 39,000 students were covered by the Hazlewood Act in 2014, up from 29,000 in 2012 and 36,000 in 2013, the agency said.

"If they make it where it's something where we have to give it to anybody's who's just arrived, then it would be nearly impossible for us to keep up with the funding. It would be basically to say Texas is the place to go for free college for your kids if you've ever served in the military," said Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio.
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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Shane Bauer tried to keep a straight face. The Mother Jones senior reporter was on assignment at a private prison in Louisiana, working as a guard. Conditions at the facility were deplorable. A poorly-trained staff lacked the support to respond to growing violence. And one of Bauers colleagues, who had no knowledge of Bauers primary job, told him that an investigative journalist should shed light on the facilitys rampant mismanagement and horrid treatment of inmates.

I wish I could have said something, Bauer recalls in an interview with CJR. Though hed landed the job under his own name, Bauer kept his motives secret from colleagues and prisoners for four months. On Thursday, 15 months after Bauer resigned from Winn Correctional Center, Mother Jones published a colossal expose that seems to fulfill his former co-workers wishes.

Bauers grisly retelling of his time at the facilitya 35,000-word opus accompanied by a six-part video series, with a podcast produced with Reveal to come next weekconfirms many of our worst fears about the private prison industry. Corporate hunger for profits led to a woeful lack of resources in the cell blocks that Bauer patrolled. Inmates lived in squalor and were denied health care for serious sickness. Prison officials resorted to the use of force in lieu of proper staffing. Low wages begat a constant turnover among employees. It was a bad dream for prison guards like Bauer and a hopeless nightmare for the men behind bars.

Every guard that I worked with complained about the place, Bauer says in an interview. And at times, I saw camaraderie among the guards and prisoners over their disdain for the [management] company.I was surprised by how chaotic it was. I saw people get stabbed right in front of me.

Undercover reporting is not and should not be a journalistic norm. But it has seen occasional success when reporters have exhausted all other options. In 1887, Nellie Bly infiltrated a walled-off New York mental institution to write about the plight of patients, and Ted Conover posed as a correctional officer at Sing Sing, a notorious maximum-security facility, for his 2000 book Newjack.

Stories from private prisons are similarly untouchable through normal journalistic means. Prisons are already opaque to outside observers, and for-profit facilities are immune to many public access laws. Bauer, for his part, did not attempt to conceal his identity when applying for jobs with the Corrections Corporation of America, one of the nations largest private prison operators.

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Within a couple weeks [of applying], pretty much every CCA prison was calling me for interviews, Bauer says. I never lied when I was there. That was a ground rule. If somebody had figured it out and asked me if I was a journalist, I would have said yes.

Instead, Bauer excelled at his $9-an-hour job, at least relative to the many other cadets who came and went during his short stint there. He was offered a promotion within months. After reading his descriptions, its hard to imagine the type of employeelet alone inmatewho could last long in such an environment.

In one particularly chilling scene, Bauer watches over prisoners on suicide watch. Confined to tiny, empty cells, they sleep on metal bunks and are given meager rations. One inmate masturbates while staring at Bauer, while another, just one cell over, yells that hes going to get up on top of this bed and jump straight onto my motherfucking neck if yall dont get the fuck out from the front of my cell. The prison, which held more than 1,500 inmates, did not employ a full-time psychiatrist.

The pieces underlying argumentthat private prisons dont have the cost benefits that corporations and lawmakers would have us believehits its stride during a brutal surge in violence. Order is restored only when state wardens arrive as reinforcements. Bauer recorded 12 stabbings at his prison over the first two months of 2015, but his employers eventual report to the state counted only five by November of that year. Bauer describes one spate of violence:

A CO is frantically calling for a stretcher. Several inmates are stabbing each other; they cant count how many A minute later, a bleeding man is wheeled by on a work cart and I return inside. Several people were injured, and I hear one was stabbed about 30 times. Miraculously, no one dies. Three days later, I see two inmates stab each other in Ash. A week after that, another inmate is stabbed and beaten by multiple people in Elm. People say he was cut more than 40 times.

Bauer was able to capture such details with the help of an audio and video recorder. He mentions the former in his piece but declined to elaborate on his methods by phone this week. After the first couple of days I was in training, I felt that if I had left, I would already have a good story, Bauer adds. People were speaking freely. They werent acting or being cautious, because they didnt know they were talking to a reporter.

And in a way, they werent. Bauers firsthand accounts of prisoners daily struggles were bracketed by historical context on the growth of private prisons generally and the Corrections Corporation of America in particular. But his own psychological transformation makes for another compelling through line. The story nods to the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment in which study participants quickly assumed social roles of guards and prisoners. Bauer noticed himself doing the same over a very short period.

I did things Im not proud of, he tells CJR. I sent people to solitary confinement. He continues:

Initially, I felt like I was a journalist with a guard suit on, like it was a mask. But as time passed, I became more and more of a guard. All of my energy was dedicated to working there. The duties I had as a guard were impossible to do in and of themselves with the type of staff we had. On top of that, thinking about what questions I needed to be asking was really difficult. The longer I was there, I started feeling like I was these two different people at different times of the daySome days, when I was driving home, I was feeling ashamed. I was writing about this other person who existed inside the prison.

Bauer played the part so successfully that he was only found out when a Mother Jones videographer was arrested while gathering footage nearby. He skipped town almost immediately and resigned his post within daysa final harrowing anecdote toward the end of the piece. It felt like I stepped out of this time warp, he says. And I remember sitting, having a beer for the first time after it all, and having this huge sense of relief. Obviously the inmates were still going through far worse than I ever dealt with.

Five months later, Mother Jones received a letter threatening legal action from a law firm representing the prison operator. Bauer summarizes in his piece: CCAs counsel claimed I was bound by the companys code of conduct, which states, All employees must safeguard the companys trade secrets and confidential information.

Its the sort of legal shot across the bow thats commonplace from corporations wary of negative coverage. But, as Mother Jones Editor Clara Jeffery writes in a note that accompanied Bauers story, its also a particularly chilling endnote in the age of Peter Thiel. The letter came not from CCAs in-house counsel, Jeffery writes, but from the same law firm that had represented a billionaire megadonor in his three-year quest to punish [Mother Jones] for reporting on his anti-LGBT activities. When he lost, he pledged $1 million to support others who might want to sue us.

Jeffery doesnt know if there is in fact an explicit connection. But, she adds in an interview, there is an increasing collection of power and money at the top that doesnt want the scrutiny. And theyre aided by a general tilt toward NDAs and trade secrets and invoking these private protections. So its becoming harder and harder for the public to know whats going on, even if its a corporate entity providing a public service.

As for the Corrections Corporation of Americas primary complaint about Mother Jones methodsthat Bauer didnt identify himself as a reporterJeffery replies, Wouldnt you just Google people before you hire them?

Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled Clara Jefferys surname.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

David Uberti is a writer in New York. He was previously a media reporter for Gizmodo Media Group and a staff writer for CJR. Follow him on Twitter @DavidUberti.
Amid publishers ongoing handwringing about social platforms control over media, BuzzFeed has become a poster child for embracing third-party distribution networks. This progressive view has helped it gain a massive global audience. But on Friday, days after news broke that BuzzFeed had inked a $3.1 million deal to produce Facebook Live videos, company brass called on Facebook and similar platforms to codify their internal processes for regulating speech.

We dont know why Facebook takes down some stories or some posts but not some others, BuzzFeed Assistant General Counsel Nabiha Syed said during a panel discussion at Columbia Journalism Schools Tow Center. The event followed up on a piece penned by Syed and BuzzFeed Editor in Chief Ben Smith on Medium. We dont know why Twitter disables some accounts, but not others, Syed added. They have some general principles, they have broad guidelines, but they dont tell us how theyre applied.

The problem isnt that Vladimir Putin parody accounts have been suspended, but rather the lack of clarity about guidelines for doing sothe veneer of neutrality, as Syed put it. Syed and Smith argued that platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat should more proactively and transparently outline how they handle online harassment and inflammatory speech. A lot of people getting banned from Twitter for that sort of thing deserve to be, Smith said. But I would like to know who and why.

A ban on journalists or news organizations is the implied fear at the bottom of this potentially slippery slope. When a journalist is banned from Twitter, for example, she may effectively disappear to much of her audience.

It was a welcome call to action from an organization that exemplifies many of the changes that have gripped the media industry in recent years. Its not clear, however, how much publishers can actually effect change by platforms, given what appear to be increasingly lopsided power dynamics. With media companies building or rebuilding their business models around social distribution, theres little impetus to play hardball.

I actually dont think the best thing is to set up an antagonistic relationship between [platforms and publishers], Syed said, not for business reasons and not for the purposes that were after in terms of transparency.

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The business imperative to not rock the boat is indeed strong. As social networks have grown more advanced and far-reaching, publishers have come to rely on them to distribute journalism. There are measureable benefits to this shift. Twitter brings journalists within keystrokes of their audience, for example, while Facebooks Instant Articles and live video capabilities send content directly to users feeds. Such tools give old and new media alike potentially global reach with each story. That power cannot be overstated.

Facebook and its counterparts can meanwhile keep users feeds populated with new content while bearing little responsibility for its contents. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act puts legal liability on publishersfrom individual users to The New York Timesand it has allowed platforms to become complacent about their own internal guidelines for regulating speech.

To the extent theyre reacting somewhat randomly, theyre not really incentivized to do anything more than that, said Stuart Karle, a Columbia Journalism School media law professor who also took part in Fridays panel. Right now, Smith remarked, these platforms are operating on instinct.

Syed and Smith both noted the advantages of strategic approaches, such as limiting the reach of hateful speech with tactics like shadowbanning. You dont let trolls get the satisfaction of knowing theyre banned, Smith said.

But they stopped short of calling for legal changes. Syed argued that they would stifle new platforms from growing and competing with existing giants. She did point to the threat of government intervention, particularly in countries with less robust free speech laws, as a potential catalyst for change. Regulation is coming down the roadas it did for Google in the EU with the right to be forgottenand companies should prepare ahead of time, rather than waiting for the axe to fall.

Youre already under some scrutiny here, Syed said of platforms. Youre likely to be under extreme scrutiny elsewhere. So why dont we set up a system that makes you transparent, that makes you accountable, that lets you put forth these principles and applications in a way that diffuses the situation for you?

We just want to add [BuzzFeeds] voice to that potential pressure, she added.

Smith, who deserves plaudits for building out a world-class newsroom at BuzzFeed, believes media companies have untapped leverage in this emerging relationship. Smith sympathizes with social platforms in many regards. But he also believes their complex and opaque internal processesfrom producing algorithms to governing speechshould be more aggressively covered by news organizations.

The platforms are making these decisions every day that theyd rather you not write about, he said. Theyre not operating under a very clear set of rules, and theyre taking advantage of a lack of scrutiny and ambiguity. And those are often the best stories.

Gizmodos scoop that Facebook editors were manually manipulating the platforms Trending tab is one example of aggressive media coverage spurring change. That story lent credence to the idea that platforms are behaving more like publishers with each passing year. Which is to say: The ambiguity is only growing, and the time to exert pressure continues to slip away.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

David Uberti is a writer in New York. He was previously a media reporter for Gizmodo Media Group and a staff writer for CJR. Follow him on Twitter @DavidUberti.
New York is limiting opioid drug prescriptions to seven days of painkillers following a patients initial visit to a doctor.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, signing the new law Wednesday, said its among four significant measures that he and state lawmakers are enacting to address the opioid and heroin addiction crisis raging nationally.

The changes also require insurers to cover initial inpatient drug treatment without prior approval; extend from 48 to 72 hours the time someone can be held for emergency treatment; and add 2,500 addiction-treatment slots statewide.

Its not just what people are going through today. Whats most frightening is the exponential increase in the numbers, Cuomo told a gathering in Buffalo. Ten years ago we had about six deaths. Now we have about 100 every year in Erie County.

Overdose deaths have roughly matched the losses from the AIDS epidemic at its peak, Cuomo said. Its a nightmare for families, especially parents trying to help a child whos struggling and those whose children have died in heartbreaking situations, he said.

I think probably the most unnatural pain in life is the loss of a child, he said.

Opioid-related emergency rooms visits in the state increased 73 percent during the years 2010 to 2014, according to state health officials. There were 952 deaths in 2013, the most recent year for which figures were available.

Cuomo headed to Long Island and Staten Island later Wednesday to make similar addresses.

He told the Buffalo group that his own daughter was prescribed a 30-day painkiller supply after having her tonsils out, far more than anyone needs for that procedure.

The law, effective in 30 days, limits initial prescriptions for acute pain to seven days, down from 30 days, with refills or renewals after further consultations. There are exceptions for chronic pain and hospice and palliative care.

Massachusetts enacted a seven-day opioid prescription limit earlier this year. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker joined five other New England governors at a forum this month at Harvard, where they all acknowledged grappling with the addiction crisis. Baker said the 1,379 unintentional, opioid-related deaths last year in his state could have topped 5,000 without the overdose reversal drug naloxone, which emergency personnel are increasingly using in New York also.

From 1999 to 2014, more than 165,000 people in the U.S. died from overdoses involving prescription opioids, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. There were more than 14,000 deaths in 2014, while almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids.

New Yorks new law also requires insurers to cover necessary inpatient services in their networks for detoxification and rehabilitation without pre-authorization or utilization review during the first 14 days of inpatient treatment, provided the company is notified within 48 hours of admission.

The state this year has budgeted nearly $200 million through the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to address heroin and opioid addiction, administration officials said. That includes $66 million for residential treatment beds with counseling and support services for about 8,000 individuals, $38 million for medication-assisted treatment for 12,000 clients in residential or outpatient settings, plus other programs.

The measure signed by Cuomo on Wednesday will allow for 270 more treatment beds and 2,335 additional program slots, according to the governors office.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Connecticut Bookmaker Gets Prison Time in Insurance Fraud Scheme

A bookmaker who pleaded guilty to charges he shot a gambler with a stun gun and tried to burn down a Middletown restaurant in an insurance fraud scheme is headed to prison.

The Hartford Courant reports 52-year-old John Barile of East Hartford was sentenced Tuesday to 71 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty in February to charges of arson, insurance fraud, gambling and extortion.

Authorities say the East Hartford man ran an illegal sports-related bookmaking operation from 2010 to 2014. Prosecutors say he shot a gambler with a stun gun to punish him for not paying his debts.

Federal prosecutors say Barile and three others plotted to burn down a pizzeria he and a partner owned to collect an insurance payout in January 2010.

Former California Senator Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes in Workers Comp Fraud Scheme

Former California State Senator Ronald S. Calderon has agreed to plead guilty to a federal corruption charge and admits in a plea agreement that he accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for performing official acts as a legislator, according to an announcement by the United States Attorney for the Central District.

Calderon agreed to plead guilty to one count of mail fraud through the deprivation of honest services to resolve a case against him that was filed in 2014. The plea agreement comes several weeks before he was set to go on trial on charges contained in a 24-count federal indictment.

The corruption investigation of former Senator Calderon began when our detectives at the California Department of Insurance discovered evidence that Michael Drobot, then owner and CEO of Pacific Hospital in Long Beach, was bribing Senator Calderon, said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. Detectives from the California Department of Insurance successfully investigated the scheme whereby Drobot was paying kickbacks to physicians, chiropractors and others to send him patients on which his hospital performed back surgeries  resulting in over $500 million of workers compensation fraud.

In the plea agreement, Calderon admits accepting bribe payments from the owner of a Long Beach hospital who wanted to prevent passage of a new law that would stop the hospital CEO from continuing to reap millions of dollars in illicit profits from a separate workers compensation insurance fraud scheme and from undercover FBI agents who were posing as independent filmmakers who wanted changes to Californias Film Tax Credit program.

Michael Drobot, former owner of Pacific Hospital in Long Beach, a major provider of spinal surgeries billed to the workers compensation system, admitted to bribing the former senator to influence lawmaking and ensure he could continue to defraud workers compensation insurers with his lucrative criminal scheme.

Prosecutor: Man caused 12 wrecks, put videos online

A North Carolina man will spend at least a year in prison after prosecutors said he intentionally caused 12 wrecks, filming many of them on a dashboard camera and uploading the footage to the internet.

District Attorney Todd Williams said in a news release that a jury found 27-year-old Byron Fulghum guilty of six felony counts of insurance fraud, four misdemeanor counts of assault with a deadly weapon and other charges.

Fulghum was sentenced Thursday to 12 months to 34 months in prison.

Williams says no one was seriously hurt in the 12 wrecks, which took place over three years around Asheville.

The prosecutor says Fulghums own video from his Ford Focus showed him intentionally turning his car into the bumpers of other vehicles.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
With the nation spending billions on medical and indemnity expenses for employees injured on the job, as well as patients facing illnesses or surgeries, workers compensation carriers, group health insurers and Third Party Administrators (TPAs) are looking for innovative solutions to providing better and less costly health services.

Two Thought Leadership papers  one for workers compensation payers and one for group health organizations  from PTPN, a national network for independent rehabilitation specialists, examine the role and benefits of physical therapy in both group health and workers compensation cases in the face of major changes in the American healthcare system.

As they adapt to new value-based care models, health plans and workers comp carriers require new solutions to meet their needs and those of injured workers, says Michael Weinper, PT, DPT, M.P.H., president of PTPN. These papers show how a different approach to the changes in the nations workers comp and group healthcare can not only improve the delivery of health services, but also deliver better outcomes for a wide range of patients at a lower cost.

According to The New Paradigm for Better Quality, Lower Costs papers  Leveraging the Power of PT for Workers Comp and Leveraging the Power of Ancillary Services, workers comp carriers and health plans and may be missing an important ally in their efforts to meet the goals of healthcare delivery today: providers of physical therapy services. Studies show that bringing physical therapy into an injured patients treatment early can have major benefits, including better patient outcomes, reduced use of pain medicine, improved patient satisfaction, reduced re-admissions and lower medical and indemnity costs. Key points to consider from the PTPN papers include:

While imaging often is used to diagnose patients with chronic and or acute back pain, it may not be the best first step. A 2015 study in Health Services Research Journal found that for patients who were first treated with physical therapy, costs were an average of $4,793 less than patients first sent to imaging.

A landmark 2012 study in Spine reported that prompt referral of patients from primary care physicians to physical therapy resulted in decreased use of advanced imaging, surgery, injections and prescription pain medications. Savings were an average $2,736.23 less for patients receiving early physical therapy.

The Workers Comp Research Institute reports that 65 to 85 percent of injured workers getting a pain medication are prescribed an opioid. Industry analysis of best practice data indicates that close to 90% of those injuries are more appropriately treated with over-the-counter pain medications and PT. Avoiding opioids can reduce the possibility of reliance or even addiction to the powerful drugs, a concern in the United States today.

According to the American Hospital Association, organizations should seek to develop preferred relationships with post-acute providers that have demonstrated good outcomes and are willing to collaborate on performance improvement. The PTPN papers offer steps to finding PT providers who meet these criteria as well as what to expect from a quality independent PT network. These benchmarks include innovation in care pathways and readmission risk reduction; the highest credentialing and quality standards; and outcomes measurement.

By collaborating with independent physical therapists who hold themselves to the highest standards of care, says Weinper, health plans and workers comp carriers can achieve the vision and promise of todays value-based healthcare programs.

Source: PTPN
Despite adding sophisticated electronic safety features and touch screens that once were prone to glitches, most automakers improved their reliability scores this year in an annual survey of new-car buyers.

The latest survey by the J.D. Power consulting firm determined that quality improved for 21 of 33 auto brands in the survey. This years scores improved 6 percent over 2015, double last years increase and the biggest jump in seven years. And for the first time in 27 years, a brand for the masses led the pack as Kia edged out Porsche as the automaker with the fewest problems.

It has become clear that automakers are listening to the customer, identifying pain points and are focused on continuous improvement, said Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. auto quality at J.D. Power.

Touch screens, voice recognition and Bluetooth technology have long been bugaboos for automakers, and for years they have brought down scores in the surveys. But last year automakers turned a corner, and this year they improved even more, Stephens said. The improvement in part is due to people getting used to new technology, but automakers also are simplifying the devices, taking out screens that seemed cool but were hard for users to grasp, she said.

The study also found that U.S. nameplates collectively scored better than foreign-based competitors for just the second time in the surveys 30-year history. And for the first time since 2006, mainstream brands had fewer problems than more expensive premium brands.

The 2016 survey of more than 80,000 car buyers from February through May found that Koreas Kia had the fewest problems per 100 vehicles at 83. It was closely followed by Porsche at 84, Hyundai at 92, Toyota wit 93 and BMW with 94. The survey asked owners about problems in the first 90 days of ownership.

The worst-performing brands were smart, Fiat, Volvo, Land Rover and Mini, according to the survey.

The average score for all brands was 105, seven problems fewer than last year. The Chrysler and Jeep brands, which for many years have been toward the bottom of the survey, showed the most improvement. Chryslers problems fell from 143 to 114, boosting the brand from 31st place in 2015 to 20th this year. Jeep rose from 29th place to 18th, improving its problems per 100 vehicles from 141 to 113.

General Motors led all manufacturers with seven top finishers by segment, followed by Toyota with six.

GMs Chevrolet Spark led the city car segment, and the Buick Cascada convertible tied with the Scion tC for top sporty car. GMs Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain tied for top compact SUV, and the Chevy Tahoe was the most reliable large SUV. Chevrolets Silverado won in both the light duty and heavy duty large pickup categories.

The survey is the first major assessment of quality for 2016 vehicles, and its closely watched by car shoppers. Consumer Reports magazines influential quality study comes out in October and includes other years.

Among the findings from J.D. Power this year:

WINNERS AND LOSERS: Kia, which took top honors, had only 83 problems per 100 vehicles. Mercedes smart minicar brand was last with 216 problems.

MOST IMPROVED: Chrysler and Jeep climbed 11 places each. Jeep finished 18th with 113 problems, while Chrysler finished 20th with 115 problems.

BIGGEST SLIDE: The Jaguar luxury brand plummeted 24 spots to 27th with 127 problems.

Stephens said that brands with the most revamped models tend to score lower, while those with older vehicles that were carried over into the new model year score higher.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Hailing a ride with a smartphone app in many U.S. cities is coming down to a fight over fingerprints.

Following incidents where Uber drivers were found to have criminal records, a number of state and local officials have proposed fingerprint background checks for ride-hailing drivers  often with the support of local taxi companies.

Uber and its chief rival, Lyft, have fought those checks, contending their own method of vetting drivers is just as safe. Their political muscle showed in the past week. The Chicago City Council Wednesday passed ride-hailing regulations that exclude fingerprint checks after an alderman removed the fingerprint requirement when Uber and Lyft threatened to leave the city. Rhode Island on Saturday passed regulations without fingerprint checks, which also are under consideration in Atlanta and the states of New Jersey, California and Massachusetts.

Uber and Lyft have recently made good on threats to vacate cities that impose fingerprint checks, such as Austin, Texas, leaving drivers without jobs and riders without an alternative to taxis. Agreeing to fingerprint checks, as Uber did in Houston, slows the pace of hiring and increases pickup times. If passengers have to wait too long, the companies say, they give up on ride-hailing.

Uber and Lyft hire private background companies that run a drivers name, license and Social Security number through local court records, national criminal databases and a federal sex offender registry. Searches can take as little as 24 hours. Lyft rechecks drivers each year, but Uber does not.

Fingerprint checks, which are run through the FBIs national database, can take a few days longer. But experts say fingerprinting catches people who lie about their names.

The accuracy of a fingerprint check is eons beyond what you could do in a name check, says Jay Wachtel, a criminal justice lecturer at California State University Fullerton and retired U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent.

In a lawsuit against Uber, prosecutors in Los Angeles and San Francisco found 25 drivers who passed Ubers checks despite having criminal histories, including a driver convicted of felony sexual exploitation of a minor. Uber paid $25 million to settle the case in April. Lyft paid a smaller amount, and both agreed to stop implying that their background checks were safer.

Both companies have enlisted high-powered supporters to fight fingerprinting. Earlier this month, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, whose law firm advises Uber, sent letters to New Jersey and Chicago lawmakers saying fingerprints are unfair and potentially discriminatory.

Uber, after just six years, completes 150 million rides per month in nearly 450 cities worldwide. Lyft, which started four years ago, does 11 million rides per month in more than 200 U.S. cities. The companies need thousands of drivers to make the model work.

Chicago passenger Giovanni Thurman, 33, says he feels safe using Lyft and Uber because apps give you the drivers picture, name and other information. Thurman runs a consulting business and works with a nonprofit that helps ex-convicts, including some who have gotten back on their feet by driving for the companies.

Those drug dealers that I knew, they drive Uber because its an option to not go back (to dealing), he says. If you impose all of those background checks  then now youve cut off another way.

San Francisco-based Uber and Lyft pulled out of Austin last month after voters decided against overturning a city ordinance that requires fingerprinting.

The companies say around 10,000 full- and part-time drivers lost work, and tens of thousands of riders were stranded. But Austin City Councilwoman Ann Kitchen says smaller ride-hailing companies  which agreed to fingerprints  have helped make up the difference, along with roughly 900 registered taxis.

Kitchen, a fingerprint backer, cant figure out why Uber and Lyft spent $9.1 million to fight fingerprints.

I suspect that its much more than Austin, she says. Its a national issue.

In Chicago, Alderman Anthony Beale agreed to delay fingerprinting for at least six months to allow more time to study that requirement.

Sam Abuelsamid, transportation analyst with Navigant Research, thinks Uber and Lyft will eventually agree to fingerprint drivers if they get something in return, like a promise that drivers will remain independent contractors and not employees. Such a promise could insulate the companies from liability.

Uber and Lyft blame taxi companies for the fingerprint push. Cab drivers in most major cities are fingerprinted and even drug-tested. The ride-hailing companies say their drivers  almost all part-time  are squeezed for time and cash and dont want additional hurdles.

In Houston, ride-hailing drivers who pass a background check from Uber can drive for 30 days until doing a city-required fingerprint check, a physical and a drug test.

Dorothy Chou, Ubers head of public policy for safety, says more than 19,000 drivers in Houston passed its screening but failed to do fingerprint checks and other steps because theyre so cumbersome. She says the company has seen no difference in the rate of complaints about Houston drivers with a company background check and those that were fingerprinted.

Why would we say yes to a process that doesnt improve safety? she asked.

Torren Smith, 30, needed just over a month to get his license to drive for Uber in Houston. The fingerprint check took fewer than five days, Smith says. But it was difficult for him, as full-time truck driver, to get to a drug-testing clinic, fingerprint office and car inspection site. The whole process cost him around $150.

But Houston insists that fingerprint checks are needed. In a March report, city officials said such checks found a driver who passed Ubers background check despite having 24 aliases, 10 Social Security numbers and an arrest warrant. It also found drivers charged with murder and drunken driving.

Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor, cautions that neither check is foolproof. Private background checks have improved but FBI records may lack data on whether a person was convicted of a crime. Saltzburg says ideally, the companies would do both.

The driver is in a pretty good position to engage in criminal acts, Saltzburg says. The car is moving, the doors lock.

(Associated Press Writer Jason Keyser in Chicago contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - Five development teams are competing to add apartments, townhouses, retail and structured parking to the Cedar Fairmount business district, on publicly owned land where Cleveland Heights glances down toward the arts and cultural hub of University Circle.

The East Side suburb is evaluating preliminary proposals to remake its western gateway, a hilltop site wedged between Euclid Heights Boulevard and Cedar Road. Now blanketed with asphalt, grass and brush, the roughly 4-acre property could land a $50 million to $125 million project if Cleveland Heights leaders sign off and the community concurs later this year.

Last month, six developers expressed interest in the site, known as Top of the Hill, in response to a solicitation from the city.

Cleveland Heights nixed one of the applicants, the NRP Group of Garfield Heights, which submitted the thinnest of the proposals and focused heavily on apartments. The city is interviewing and vetting the other five teams, led by Cleveland-based Fairmount Properties; the Finch Group of Boca Raton, Florida; Flaherty & Collins Properties of Indianapolis; Liberty Development Co. of Westlake; and the Orlean Co. of Beachwood, as part of a group called Cedar Fairmount Redevelopment Partners.

Real estate companies have romanced Top of the Hill for decades. But timing, economic hurdles and neighbors have kept the property barren for nearly 50 years.

In the early 1980s, for example, Forest City Enterprises, Inc. - now called Forest City Realty Trust - considered building a condominium tower, a parking garage, restaurants and stores at the high-profile corner. But the plan ran afoul of residents who worried about traffic and objected to the land price and the size of the project.

There's a precedent for housing atop Cedar Hill, where apartments stood in the early 1900s and one building, the Buckingham, still lingers as condos. In 1946, a pair of apartment buildings on Cedar became Doctors' Hospital, which operated until 1968. That year, the medical center moved east, where it lived on as Hillcrest Hospital. Cleveland Heights bought the former hospital property and demolished the buildings.

Today, the most distinctive feature of the site is a parking lot. There's one single-family home, facing Euclid Heights. And to the east, a stretch of shopping and dining starts with the long-running Nighttown restaurant, where owner Brendan Ring is hoping that the city's process generates more than conversation.

"We've been looking for good news in Cleveland Heights for a while," said Ring, whose eatery hosts live music, parties and, on the busiest nights, hundreds of people between inside rooms and a trio of patios. "This is good news. People are willing to drop $100 million in Cleveland Heights. That's a good message."

He believes such a project will be an easier sell in Cleveland Heights now than it was before the 2007-2009 recession. The suburb has lost some of its commercial vitality - and tax base - with the decline of Severance Town Center during the past few years.

Ring and other leaders of the Cedar Fairmount Special Improvement District are anticipating streetscape improvements and repaving work next year. They want to see the Top of the Hill site developed.

And Cleveland Heights needs to build fresh housing if the community wants to keep longtime residents who are downsizing and to compete with downtown Cleveland and University Circle for high-end renters.

"But it has to be good," said Ring, who acknowledged that his top priority is ensuring that there's ample parking for existing businesses and any new buildings. "It has to be great. It can't just be some development that someone throws up, moves on and 10 years later we're left holding the bag. It will be scrutinized."

In its invitation to developers, Cleveland Heights asked for more detail about the players - the development teams and their track records - than the potential projects. Tanisha Briley, the city's manager, said officials hope to work with a developer and residents to craft what gets built on the corner.

After follow-up interviews, an evaluation committee will decide which teams can proceed to City Council presentations in July. The entire process of picking a developer could take several months, Briley said, adding that the city wants to find a balance between building on the existing assets in the neighborhood and addressing residents' concerns about boosting the tax base, preserving pedestrian access, conserving green space and addressing potential parking issues and traffic congestion.

The Plain Dealer reviewed the proposals after filing a public-records request with the city. Every developer proffered housing. Apartments dominated the conceptual plans, but condos and townhouses also cropped up. The proposals included varying amounts of retail space and, in some cases, the possibility of offices or a hotel.

Every pitch involved a parking garage, which would replace more than 200 surface spaces lost to construction and accommodate hundreds of additional cars. All of the developers acknowledged that they would need public financing, such as the partial diversion of new property-tax revenues to cover debt payments, in order to make the garage financially feasible.

Some developers adhered to the narrowest interpretation of the site boundaries, while others came up with uses for additional city-owned parcels in the neighborhood. A few alluded to their interest in buying nearby private properties, if buildings or land became available.

Here's the breakdown:

Cedar Fairmount Redevelopment Partners



Cedar-Fairmount Redevelopment Partners, a venture formed by two local developers, wants to build housing, retail and lots of structured parking on the Top of the Hill site.

The Orlean Co., developer of the Bluestone community on Mayfield Road, teamed up with Integrity Realty Group, a major local apartment owner whose portfolio includes properties just east of the Top of the Hill site.

As Cedar Fairmount Redevelopment Partners, the companies described a project that could involve 145 apartments and 80 condominiums, though they're open to replacing some of that residential space with hotel rooms or offices. Their early sketches also show two parking garages, comprising 484 spaces; 100 surface parking spaces; just over 20,000 square feet of retail; a public park and gathering space; and reconfigured streets.

The companies would tackle construction in phases, starting with the parking garage and using vacant land along Cedar for temporary surface parking. Construction could start in May 2017, and it might take five years to complete the project, according to the proposal.

The total project costs could be almost $125 million, with roughly 15 percent of that money coming from public sources tied to demolition, parking and infrastructure.

Reached by phone, Ken Lurie of the Orlean Co. referred all questions to the city.

The Cedar Fairmount team includes planner and architect Paul Volpe and former Cleveland Heights Mayor Ed Kelley, who would play the role of community-relations and government coordinator. Orlean would oversee the project, while Integrity would be the residential manager. The developers also listed a public-finance consultant, a sustainability planner, a traffic-engineering firm and a parking consultant in their submission to the city.

Fairmount Properties



Fairmount Properties of Cleveland incorporated a hotel into its proposal and talked about potential retail uses including a cooking school.

The Cleveland-based developer outlined a $50 million to $100 million project, with a conceptual master-plan that included apartments, a smaller cluster of townhouses and a hotel. That plan also shows a 600-space parking garage and retail and restaurants along Cedar, where the lineup of potential tenants could include a cooking school.

If Cleveland Heights picks Fairmount to develop the site, construction could start a year later and take 12 to 18 months. Fairmount would do the lion's share of the work and own most of the real estate, but the company could pick an outside hotel developer to own and manage the hospitality project.

Fairmount principal Adam Fishman wouldn't discuss the development concept during a recent phone conversation, but he talked up the property.

"It's a remarkable, one-of-a-kind site in an extraordinary and special community," he said of Top of the Hill. "Having developed in the Heights in the past, we think - we hope - that we understand some or much, I should say, of what makes Cleveland Heights a fabulous place. But, frankly, there's so much to learn about the hopes and dreams and aspirations of the community for this very unique piece of land. Our approach is to listen first and be very respectful of whatever process the community wants to go through."

The Fairmount team includes Dimit Architects of Lakewood and Cleveland-based design firm Moody Nolan. Fairmount is a co-developer of the Flats East Bank, a downtown Cleveland riverfront project spearheaded by Scott and Iris Wolstein. The company also is the developer for Pinecrest, a planned shopping center that will include a hotel, apartments and offices in Orange, a small village in the eastern suburbs.

The Finch Group



The Finch Group proposed a multi-year, multi-phase development that could include a 12- to 14-story apartment building.

The Finch Group, which owns historic apartment buildings and newly built projects in and around Cleveland's University Circle, envisions a $102 million project in the Heights.

Developer Wes Finch proposed a multi-building, multi-phase project that would add 248 homes, most of them apartments, to the Cedar Fairmount district. The development also would house 83,500 square feet of commercial space, 47 surface parking spots and 550 garage spaces. Finch would partner with Payne & Payne Builders of Chardon on the for-sale housing, which might include townhouses perched above retail along Cedar.

One of the apartment buildings could be 14 stories tall, with parking on the lower floors. Full construction and lease-up might take as long as nine years, according to the developer's submission to the city.

"We feel we need to speak with the community," Finch said during an interview. "Do they want to have a tower that will be visible from the lake, visible from airplanes flying into Cleveland? Do they want to have a dominant tower in their community? That, we don't know.

"They want something iconic," he added, referring to guidelines laid out in the city's request for proposals. "Is a 12-story, 14-story building on that site deemed to be iconic?"

Like his competitors, Finch would have to work with the city on zoning issues and street reconfigurations. The site carries mixed-use zoning, but Cleveland Heights still might find itself considering zoning variances related to building height and density.

The Finch team also includes architecture firms Westlake Reed Leskosky and Robert P. Madison International, Inc. Former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones would handle community outreach as a business consultant to the project.

Flaherty & Collins Properties

Flaherty & Collins has worked on multifamily and mixed-use projects across the Midwest, including this apartment town in downtown Indianapolis.

The out-of-state developer specializes in mixed-use and multifamily projects in the Midwest. For the Top of the Hill site, Flaherty & Collins proposed a series of four- and five-story buildings with a parking structure that could accommodate 550 to 600 cars.

The project would include 225 to 275 apartments, designed with the possibility of a future condo conversion in mind. Those apartments would be relatively small - an average of 900 square feet - and equipped with lots of technology and high-end features. The complex also would include a swimming pool, a bike-repair room and other bells and whistles.

Flaherty & Collins estimates that the project would be a $50 million to $75 million endeavor. Construction could start in January 2017 and take 18 months, if the city signs off.

Brian Moore, the developer's marketing director, deferred to the city on any questions about the Top of the Hill proposal.

In the company's submission, Flaherty & Collins mentioned its preference for hanging onto projects instead of building and selling them. "We would commit to not selling this property if the city would be interested in such an arrangement," the company wrote.

Liberty Development Co.

Liberty Development Co. provided renderings of an apartment-and-condo project that the local real estate outfit would tackle with the Columbus-based Edwards Companies.

Liberty, whose developments range from Lakewood townhouses to a historic office-building restoration near Cleveland State University, proposed a $110 million project on the Top of the Hill site.

That project, on 6.2 acres, might include 180 apartments, 12 townhouses, 60 condos, a 100-room hotel, some offices, retail, restaurants and more than 900 parking spaces. Edwards Companies, based in Columbus, would own and manage the apartments. Liberty would own the rest of the project, with the exception of townhouses and condos sold to residents.

The developers estimated that they'll need $35 million in public debt - bond debt that would be repaid using a slice of new property-tax revenues generated by the project - to make the deal work. "It is our intent to leave as much millage as possible for the school district while securing enough proceeds for public infrastructure," Liberty said in its submission to the city.

Tom Kuluris, Liberty's president and chief executive officer, didn't respond to a request for comment. The company's proposal suggested 12 months of pre-construction preparation work, including site-plan approvals and community meetings. Liberty said it would need to sell half the townhouses and 20 percent of the condos before starting construction.

The Liberty team includes RDL Architects, Passov Real Estate Group and Hotel & Leisure Advisors, a hospitality consultant based in Lakewood.

The NRP Group



The NRP Group, an apartment developer, submitted a proposal but was winnowed out early by the city, which wanted more of a mixed-use project that would build on the existing Cedar Fairmount business district.

Cleveland Heights did not invite NRP to make a follow-up presentation to the city's selection committee, so the apartment developer isn't in the running anymore.

NRP proposed a 270-unit apartment project with roughly 700 parking spaces and 7,000 square feet of retail. The company teamed up with Lake County homebuilder Bo Knez to add 40 townhouses to the plan. In its submission to the city, NRP predicted that such a project would require a $70 million to $80 million investment and be completed in late 2019.

Aaron Pechota, the company's senior vice president of development, did not respond to a request for comment.
COLUMBUS -- Ohio President Keith Faber wasted no time Thursday to question the suitability of Gov. Kasich's new appointment to the Public Utilities Commission.

Kasich appointed veteran energy lawyer Howard Petricoff, a Democrat and the only Democrat to hold one of the five PUCO seats.

Within a few hours of the appointment, Faber, a Republican from Celina, called for "formal hearings" to determine whether Petricoff would have too many "conflicts of interest" or be "neutral" in deciding key cases.

"Senators have expressed some concerns about Mr. Petricoff's inability to hear many of the cases pending before the commission due to conflicts of interest involving past legal work," Faber said in a statement.

By law, the Senate approves gubernatorial appointments.

Petricoff is expected to recuse himself in two pending cases in which FirstEnergy and American Electric Power sought special "power purchase agreements" between their no-longer regulated companies that own power plants and local distribution companies such as the Illuminating Co. and Ohio Edison.

Faber's statement also alluded obliquely to his colleagues having "raised questions about his ability to make neutral decisions given his past activism."

Kasich's spokeswoman Emmalee Kalmbach said the administration had no comment.

The chair of that Senate committee which would hold the hearings is Sen. William Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican, who has led GOP lawmakers in their efforts to freeze the state's renewable energy and energy conservation mandates.

Kasich has said he would veto any legislation permanently freezing the requirements, which are suspended until the end of 2016.
CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- Chief Jim Brosius is retiring after more than two decades with the Chagrin Falls Police Department.

Lt. Amber M. Dacek will succeed Brosius as chief after he retires Aug. 19, Mayor Bill Tomko said in a Facebook post.

Brosius, 70, became Chagrin Falls' police chief on April 1, 1994. While he's looking forward to spending more time with family -- especially his two grandchildren -- he said he'll miss the relationships he's forged with his colleagues.

"I'm very satisfied with my career," he said Thursday. "Chagrin Falls has been a wonderful place to work. I'm going to miss being in this environment."

Brosius "turned [the Chagrin Falls] Police Department into a police force that we can all be proud of," Tomko said.

"Not only did Chief Brosius turn our police department into a police force that we can all be proud of, he was a leader in reorganization efforts," he said.

Brosius began his adult life by following in his father's footsteps in joining the U.S. Air Force. He served four years and settled in Cleveland after leaving active duty in 1968.

Two years later Brosius joined the Shaker Heights Police Department. He rose to the rank of deputy chief during his 24-year tenure.

Brosius applied for the Chagrin Falls job in 1994 because he felt it represented a unique opportunity for him and his family.

"We were living in South Euclid at the time, but my wife and I were always visiting Chagrin Falls," he said. "We loved the area. You couldn't ask for a better place."

Tomko lauded Brosius' work in organizing the Valley Enforcement Group, a collaborative that allows members to share enforcement and investigative resources, and the Council of Governments, which provides dispatch services to member communities. Those partnerships have saved Chagrin Falls "several hundred thousand dollars," Tomko said.

Brosius recently oversaw a case he described as one of the more difficult of his career: the shooting that left two employees dead May 24 at the Hamlet Village retirement community. A Chardon man is facing murder charges in connection with the slayings.

"Those things don't happen very often," Brosius said. "It's a very safe community."

Brosius' successor, Dacek, joined the department in 2002. She served as a school resource officer at the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools before being promoted to sergeant in 2008 and lieutenant in 2013.

She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in criminal justice from Youngstown State University. Dacek is also a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College and is a certified law enforcement executive through the Ohio Chiefs of Police and the Law Enforcement Foundation.
RNC protest route

This photo was taken from along Cleveland's official protest route for the Republican National Convention, at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario avenues, which is about one-third of a mile from the arena and represents the route's closest point to the arena. A federal judge ruled the route and the event zone unconstitutional and the city and the ACLU of Ohio settled on Friday.

(Mark Naymik/cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The city of Cleveland and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio have settled a case over restrictions in downtown during the Republican National Convention next month.

The settlement comes after U.S. District Judge James Gwin on Thursday ruled that the city's plan for a so-called "event zone" and the restrictions on protests and parades that would have applied within it violated the First Amendment.

Minutes from the court case say both sides "will execute a settlement agreement expeditiously." While the exact terms of the agreement were not available Friday evening, ACLU of Ohio executive director Christine Link gave a few details to cleveland.com reporter Andrew J. Tobias.

Dan Williams, a city spokesman, did not return a message seeking comment.

The city and the ACLU, which brought the lawsuit, started negotiating on Thursday, shortly after Gwin said the restrictions were problematic. The minutes say both sides "worked well into the evening." U.S. District Judge Dan Polster presided over the settlement talks.

The city originally planned to have a 3.5-square-mile area throughout most of downtown that would have had heightened security during the RNC, which is scheduled for July 18-21.

Gwin said during a hearing that the area, as drawn, was "unduly large." The judge was also critical of usage restrictions for downtown parks and where and when parades could be held.

Updated after the ACLU gave more information about the event zone.

Reporter Andrew J. Tobias contributed to this report.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An East Side Cleveland man was sentenced to 66 years in prison for a drive-by shooting attempt.

Antonio Houston, 25, was also accused of threatening his attorney, witnesses in the case and police officers on several recordings of conversations on a phone from the Cuyahoga County Jail.

Cuyahoga Common Pleas Judge Brendan J. Sheehan sentenced Houston, also known as Poppa, in two separate shooting cases.

Houston was convicted of felonious assault, discharging a firearm on a prohibited premises and other firearms charges.

Houston shot at three brothers in a July 5, 2015 drive-by. All of the victims survived and Houston was arrested during a traffic stop with the gun used in the shooting.

Attorneys from the Cuyahoga County prosecutors office played the judge a recording of a phone call Houston made from the jail the day after he was convicted. He threatened witnesses in the case, police and even his own lawyer.

"Judge Sheehan's strong sentence makes our community safer by interrupting a continuing cycle of violence," Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Bokoch said.
Arnail Vines and Hassan Ooten.jpg

Arnail Vines, 39, and his son Hassan Ooten, 23, are wanted in connection with a fatal shooting that happened June 18 in East Cleveland.

(East Cleveland police)

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Investigators are searching for a father and son in connection with a fatal shooting that left one man dead and another injured Saturday in East Cleveland.

Cleveland residents Arnail Vines, 39, and Hassan Ooten, 23, are accused of murder and attempted murder in the shooting on Strathmore Avenue near Manhattan Avenue, police said.

The East Cleveland Police Department obtained arrest warrants on Friday.

Investigators believe the two might have fled Ohio after the shooting, East Cleveland Detective Commander Scott Gardner said Friday.

Sadario Wagner, 24, of Willoughby, remained on life support for several days after being shot in the head. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office reported his death Friday.

The second victim suffered a gunshot wound to the neck and underwent surgery at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. His current condition was not immediately available.

Officers arrived just after 5 a.m. Saturday and found a man, later identified as Wagner, unconscious in the driver's seat of a car. The other man was found outside the car.

Investigators later obtained evidence linking Vines and Ooten to the crime scene, Gardner said. He did not offer any additional details.

If you'd like to discuss or comment on this story please visit our crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Coming up with a way to pay homage to Cleveland producing legend Tommy LiPuma on the precipice of his 80th birthday could have given the folks at the 37th annual Tri-C JazzFest pause.

Could have. But didn't.

The best way to honor a man whose 50-plus years in the music business have produced 33 Grammy nominations and five wins is -- no-brainer here -- with music.

And man, what music, from fellow legends Dr. John, Al Jarreau, Leon Russell and the irrepressible Diana Krall. The notes that filled Playhouse Square's Connor Palace were as sweet as the memories for the man who actually began his career just a few hundred yards from this very stage.

Of course, those few yards were on the second floor of a Playhouse Square building . . . and that career was as a barber like his father. From such humble beginnings arose a man whose dreams of being a saxophonist segued into becoming one of the best and most prolific producers in music.

As host for "Tommy LiPuma's Big Birthday Bash,'' Christian McBride, a four-time Grammy winner, noted, LiPuma "went from cutting hair to cutting hit records.''

Cuyahoga Community College President Alex Johnson said it pretty well when he noted that Thursday night's celebration -- not unlike Wednesday's parade for the Cleveland Cavaliers -- was for one of the city's own, who just happens to belong to the world as well.

Even luminaries such as Herb Alpert and Lani Hall (with a horribly off-key and funny rendition of "Happy Birthday"), Barbra Streisand (with a Tommy LiPuma bobble head, complete with LiPuma's signature round eyeglasses), Sir Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Randy Newman, Elvis Costello and the late Dan Hicks joined the party, via videotaped message.

But it was the live music from Dr. John -- resplendent in a royal purple outfit and his trademark rhinestoned fedora -- and the great Jarreau with his trademark vocal percussion, Russell and the sultry Krall that made the night.

Cleveland's own Dominick Farinacci, a Tri-C alum who recorded his album "Short Stories'' with LiPuma and Al Schmitt at Tri-C in 2015, also got into the act, performing "Tango'' off that album.

Hosted by McBride, the 2015 artist in residence for the Tri-C JazzFest, who chose the night to debut his own custom-made LiPuma specs, the evening evolved into a serenade to the man whose studio genius led to the sale of 75 million records worldwide.

Superbly backed by the Los Angeles-based Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, each artist performed four songs, including Russell doing his own "The Masquerade,'' which turned out to be the very first Grammy-winning tune, done with the great George Benson, save for show-ender Krall, who turned in a stunning multisong set that showcased her emotive alto and fingers that moved with hummingbird speed and lightness over the piano keys.

That's only fitting, since her partnership with LiPuma has resulted in an astounding 25 million records, one of the most commercially successful unions in jazz. And there's more to come, as Krall revealed that she and LiPuma will be pairing up again this fall for another album.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Dr. John and Russell and Grammy winner Jarreau all had to use canes to make it to the stage, but their music showed the whimsy, art and love that LiPuma and his longtime engineer partner, Schmitt, were able capture so well and so often.

"It's been a long trip, thank you for coming and . . . I love you all,'' an emotional LiPuma told the crowd.

And the feeling was mutual. That was clear as organizers presented him with a massive cake and they -- we -- serenaded him with our own chorus of "Happy Birthday.''
EUCLID, Ohio -- The Euclid man accused of having a gun when an off-duty officer fired shots at him has been arrested, police said.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Brandon E. Cleveland, 26, on Thursday on Alcoy Avenue in Cleveland.

Cleveland is charged with felonious assault and having weapons under disability in a May 27 incident outside the Richmond Hills Apartments.

Judge Deborah A. LeBarron set bond at $500,000 during Cleveland's appearance Friday in Euclid Municipal Court.

An off-duty officer was working security at the apartment complex when he smelled marijuana coming from an SUV, police said. The officer ordered a driver -- later identified as Cleveland -- and a passenger to exit the SUV.

The passenger was detained without incident. Cleveland ran toward a wooded area and the officer gave chase, police said.

The officer fired at Cleveland after seeing that he had a gun, police said. Officials did not say if Cleveland pointed the gun at the officer.

Investigators did not find any evidence Cleveland had been shot, police said.

The officer -- a 14-year veteran of the department -- was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, police said.

A SWAT team and officers from neighboring suburbs searched a wooded area near the apartments but did not find Cleveland. Investigators found a gun in the woods but have not said if it belongs to Cleveland.

In 2014, Cleveland was sentenced to one year in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of drug possession in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

His criminal history also includes previous convictions for domestic violence and trafficking, according to court records.

If you wish to discuss or comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section.
Moving wall varisco.JPG

Vietnam War Navy veteran Dave Varisco pauses to reflect in front of the names of some of the fallen from that war. He participated in an opening ceremony today for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall, which has been installed at Medina High School for this weekend.

(Ann Norman, special to cleveland.com )

MEDINA, Ohio -- Tom Huxley drove up from Wooster today to pay his respects to two old friends from high school.

He found their names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall, which has been set up this weekend on the lawn of Medina High School, at the corner of East Union Street and Weymouth Road.

Dennis C. Marshall's name can be found on Panel 7, Line 60. A few sections away, 2E, Line 40 carries the name of Mitchell L. "Midge" Anderson.

"I used to fold papers with Dennis Marshall when we delivered the Akron Beacon Journal when we were kids," Huxley said.

Both Marshall and Anderson were killed in action during the Vietnam War.

Vietnam War veteran Tom Huxley points to the name of his childhood friend, Dennis C. Marshall, on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall, which is visiting Medina this weekend. Marshall, of Wooster, was killed in action during the war.

"I came close to getting killed many times over there, and I watched close friends die," said Huxley, who served as a sergeant with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1970 and 1971.

"I went to Vietnam when I was age 20," he said. He served at a firebase called Weight-Davis south of Pleiku.

Huxley was among about 100 veterans, family members, local dignitaries and area residents who attended an opening ceremony for the Moving Wall earlier today.

Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell, Medina County Commissioner Adam Frederick and Rick Pethtel, commander of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 385, all spoke at the event.

Veterans laid a wreath at the wall, read a list of the 33 Medina County men who were killed in the war and presented a 21-gun salute. The service ended with a playing of "Taps" by veteran bugler Dave Lofy, a member of American Legion Post 202.

After the service, veterans, family members and others walked along the length of the wall, which is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Inside the school, commemorative panels created by the Medina County Veterans Service Office were set up to honor the county's fallen Vietnam War soldiers.

Visitors reacted in different ways. Some were solemn as they took in the names of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Parents explained the history of the war to their children. Others reminisced with fellow veterans and shared their memories of the war or loved ones lost.

Vietnam War veteran Tom Huxley, of Wooster, pays tribute to his fallen brothers in arms in front of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall in Medina today.

Dave Varisco, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5137 who served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Osborne during the war, quietly surveyed a section of the wall.

"It brings back some memories," he said, noting that he lost two shipmates in the war.

He said he was pleased that the Veterans Service Office and local veterans groups were able to bring the Moving Wall to Medina as part of their commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the war.

"It's really gratifying. I'm glad to see it," Varisco said.

Area veterans volunteered to guard the wall 24 hours a day during its stay in Medina and to act as guides to help people find specific names or make rubbings from the wall.

Catherine Owen is a retired Navy Reserve chief and a member of American Legion Post 234 in Brunswick. Her husband is a Vietnam veteran.

She volunteered to help with guarding the wall as a way to give back to the veterans.

"They died for us. The least I can do is stand here and guard this wall for them. It's an honor to do it," Owen said.

Veteran Dave Lofy plays "Taps" on his bugle at the end of today's opening ceremony welcoming the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall to Medina.

"I just had a group come by, and the veteran with them, he knew 15 guys who died on the same day. It hits you. It's just tough," she said.

Owen said the Moving Wall offers a sense of healing for many veterans, especially Vietnam veterans who came home to indifference at best, and disrespect and abuse at worst.

"It's a sore spot for many Vietnam veterans," she said.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Hanwell apologized on behalf of the city for the lack of welcome Vietnam veterans received when they came home from that unpopular war.

"We're changing that in Medina, and we're changing that across the country. You should not have been treated differently on your return," Hanwell said.

"We lost 33 members of our community. We owe a great debt of gratitude to all of you," he said.

In addition to helping bring the Moving Wall to Medina this summer, the city also is home to a permanent memorial to the county's Vietnam veterans. That memorial can be found off Northland Drive, adjacent to the Veterans Service Office.

Commissioner Frederick is himself a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and father to a daughter in the U.S. Air Force. He was born while his father was serving with the Marines in Vietnam in 1966.

A couple visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall in Medina peruse the names of the more than 50,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the war.

We live in a time when active duty soldiers and veterans are respected and even revered, Frederick said.

"But there was a time in our country's history when this wasn't the case. Men in my father's generation were no different than me or my children. (But) they were not given the respect they deserved," he said.

"That indifference, even contempt - it leaves a hole," Frederick said.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Moving Wall can help veterans heal, he said.

"What makes the memorial distinct, what makes it stand out, are the names. The individual names make it personal," he said.

The Moving Wall adds an extra dimension to that healing.

"The Moving Wall doesn't make the veterans come to the wall in D.C. The wall comes to you," Frederick said.

"It represents America coming to you, the veteran, and thanking you and welcoming you home," he said.

Veterans Service Officer Ed Zackery said the Moving Wall holds a personal meaning for each person who visits.

"Those 50,000 names represent hundreds of thousands of lives that were affected by their loss," he said.

Huxley first saw the Moving Wall when it came to Aurora back in 2000.

"It's something I'll never forget. So when I heard it was coming here, I really wanted to come here and pay respect and honor to my fellow brothers," he said.

He said he never used to wear his Vietnam veteran ball cap in public. But as the country has shifted toward expressing gratitude to all veterans and service members, he has begun to wear it proudly.

"Now when people see me in this hat, they look at me and say thank you. It means a lot to me," he said.

"The two most important words when you see a Vietnam veteran are 'thank you' or 'welcome home.' That's all you have to say," Huxley said.

"You can see us on the street, say those words and walk on without another word. We know what you mean, and it means the world to us," he said.
Renovation work nearly complete at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

After a year of work, Cleveland is set to cut the ribbon Monday on $36 million in improvements at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The work includes upgrades to facades inside and out on both the ticketing and baggage claim levels, as well as installation of new parking canopies to provide shelter in bad weather.

(Robert Higgs, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - After a year of work, Cleveland is ready to cut the ribbon on $36 million in improvements at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Mayor Frank Jackson and interim airport Director Fred Szabo will celebrate the completion of more than a year of construction work at 1 p.m. Monday at the airport.

The work gave the terminal a new look inside and out, one that the city promised would be ready in time for the Republican National Convention in July.

The changes include more windows to provide natural light. New energy-efficient lighting was installed. And internal systems not seen by visitors -- like air conditioning, heating and ventilation -- were replaced.

Signs in the terminal were replaced for a consistent look and to provide more information for travelers. Interior and exterior facades for both ticketing and baggage claims levels were improved.

There also were upgrades to parking, where canopies were installed over the lots to provide shelter in bad weather.

The work in the terminal and on the facades was a $26 million project. The parking canopy work was a $10 million project.

Other work included the rebuilding of security Checkpoint B, which has been closed since early spring. Its completion will provide passengers with additional pre-check security services.
Tom Lix

Tom Lix of Cleveland Whiskey will discuss how to use crowdfunding for new and aspiring businesses, one of many sessions at next week's "Startup Scaleup" event.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Whiskey-making is an old, time-bound process, or so folks in Kentucky and Tennessee will tell you.

But Tom Lix, from Northeast Ohio, is changing that. Lix is, in fact, helping to disrupt the distilled-spirits business through his startup company, Cleveland Whiskey. A whiskey-maturation process that takes traditional distillers six and a half years takes Lix less than 24 hours.

He's the kind of entrepreneur you'll hear featured at Startup Scaleup. The June 28 all-day Cleveland event, sponsored by the nonprofit JumpStart Inc., will offer seminars, speeches and networking opportunities. It aims to show experienced and fledgling business creators how people such as Lix make their particular magic work.

To do what Lix does -- to make, market and sell a new whiskey brand -- takes risk. He's also offering new whiskey flavor profiles: sugar maple wood, apple wood, black cherry wood, honey locust and hickory.

But is takes money, too. A business like his can crowd-fund, but the Securities and Exchange Commission has recently changed the rules for raising relatively modest amounts from thousands of small investors. Lix will help clarify how this works in a session called "Win The Crowd: Is Equity-Based Crowdfunding Right For Your Company?"

Crowdfunding is radically different from bank borrowing. Investors can participate with as little as $100 under the SEC rules. Lix's current crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $200,000 from 350 investors.

If this seems "radically different," that happens to be the theme of Cleveland Whiskey. Lix has a process that dramatically accelerates the maturation and flavor development of distilled spirits. "Our process creates a flexible and scalable 'just-in-time' manufacturing environment, and a better product," says the company website, "Some call it sacrilege, but all we care about is taste."

Sound like an idea worth discussing over a glass served neat? You'll have to work that out on your own, but Lix will discus the funding part at Startup Scaleup.
Ohio colleges make national rankings CWRU, OSU, Oberlin score high marks

Oberlin College offered buyouts to faculty and staff.

(Jon Fobes, The Plain Dealer )

OBERLIN, Ohio - Oberlin College, in an effort to save several million dollars a year, has offered buyouts to 323 faculty and staff.

Buyout offers at colleges are rare but have become a way to encourage professors, whose positions are protected by tenure, to retire.

Oberlin offered the Voluntary Separation Incentive Plan to employees, including 100 faculty, in April. The college expects about 85 individuals to accept the offer, spokesman Scott Wargo said in an email.

The program goes into effect for staff on Dec. 31 and for faculty on June 30, 2017. Wargo said he did not know how many faculty accepted the offer.

"For individuals, the program will offer an opportunity for those who are considering retirement, but are uncertain whether they can do so financially," Wargo wrote. "For the college, the primary purpose of the VSIP is to expedite voluntary attrition with the goal of decreasing long-term operational costs."

The college expects to save between $2.75 million and $3.5 million per year, he said.

Employees had to be at least 52 and have at least 10 years of service. The age and service years had to total at least 75, Wargo wrote.

Those who accepted the offer will receive one year's salary and the college will waive health insurance premiums for the first year after retirement.

"The places I'm familiar with that have done it have found that it's really been a win-win," President Marvin Krislov told the Oberlin Review. "It's helped people retire in a way that preserves their dignity and gives them some extra money, and it helps the institution in that it allows for predictability."

Krislov told the Oberlin Review the college is not considering forced retirement or reduced wages and benefits.

The board of trustees agreed to slow the rate of tuition increase from 3.9 percent to 2.8 percent in the 2016 fiscal year, which will result in $2.1 million in reduced gross income, the Review said.

Annual tuition and fees total $50,636. Standard room and board costs are $13,630.

But last year, approximately 80 percent of Oberlin students received some form of financial aid, with an average grant of $32,000--a total of nearly $59 million, the college said.

A growing number of colleges are offering incentives to faculty and staff to encourage them to retire, according to a study on higher education retirement trends by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

The number of people older than 65 teaching full time at American colleges and universities nearly doubled between 2000 and 2010, according to the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund. College professors, many who say they still enjoy teaching, are among the oldest Americans in the workforce.

Oberlin did remove a clause in the retirement agreement that had concerned faculty and staff. The clause had made it illegal for anyone who takes the severance to publicly criticize the college or other signees, according to the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram..

Faculty had raised concerns that that the adoption of a non-disparagement clause by an academic institution undermines principles of academic freedom and faculty governance.

Story has been changed to reflect 100 faculty received buyout offers.
Barack Obama at federal prison

President Barack Obama, shown visiting the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution in Oklahoma in 2015, has been promoting programs to reduce the chances that inmates will return to crime once they're released.

(Evan Vucci, Associated Press)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The White House is building on programs to keep felons out of further trouble by pairing federal college grants with universities that will give prison inmates a college education.

Most inmate-participants will take classes offered at prisons and online. Ashland University, about 65 miles southwest of Cleveland, is the only university or college in Ohio chosen to participate, but its estimated share of eligible inmate-students, 1,040, is the largest of all colleges chosen across the country.

Ashland has long partnered with prisons, starting in 1966 at the Ohio State Reformatory, and has expanded in-prison courses with those offered through the Internet, using Android tablets and a secure network. With the new Pell grants, Ashland will provide courses to inmates in Ohio, Louisiana and West Virginia, said John Dowdell, director of the university's correctional education program.

President Barack Obama's administration said colleges and universities had to apply to participate and were selected based on their records in these kinds of programs.

As a share of federal education dollars and of inmates, the sums in this program are small. Only 12,000 inmates across the country will participate in the 2016-2017 academic year, out of a U.S. federal and state prison population of 1.5 million. The federal tab for these Pell grants comes to $30 million, out of the Pell program's budget of more than $30 billion.

U.S. Education Secretary John King said on a conference call with reporters that the amount spent on the "Second Chance Pell Grant" program represents less than one-tenth of 1 percent of total Pell grant spending. It will not affect the availability of Pell grants for traditional college students, he said

Symbolically, this and related "second chance" programs represent another step in an ongoing effort to keep inmates from serving their sentences without falling back on crime. According to research from the Rand Corp., inmates who participate in education programs have a lower chance of returning to prison.

Pell grants of up to $5,815 a year are awarded based on a student's financial need, and Congress spars annually over the amount of money it will provide. Normally, inmates in state and county prisons are ineligible for Pell grants, a ban Congress started in 1994.

But the U.S. Department of Education used its power to start experimental programs by extending Pell grants to a limited number of inmates in 2015, and is continuing to use that power with the grants for the 2016-2017 school year. Only inmates likely to be released within five years may participate.

King said the government has "experimental authority" under the Higher Education Act to award the money to inmates. He said he thinks the federal ban, part of a 1994 crime bill, should be dropped.

"The evidence is clear," King said. "Promoting the education and job training for incarcerated individuals makes communities safer by reducing recidivism and saves taxpayer dollars by lowering the direct and collateral costs of incarceration."

Congressional Republicans say they agree with the goals of second-chance programs. But they have criticized Obama in the past for acting without the cooperation of Congress.

In related programs, the Department of Labor announced $64.5 million for job-training and related programs for recently released inmates and those on work release.

Of the nationwide total, the RIDGE Project, in McClure, southwest of Toledo, will get a $1.36 million Training-to-Work grant, and Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio will get the same.

A southwest Ohio program, Community Action Organization of Scioto County, will get $401,042 from a program that prepares inmates for employment.
John J. Russo

Cuyahoga County Judge John J. Russo speaks to a group of judges, prosecutors, civil rights leaders and others June 8 about how he will take a closer look at the county's bail system. Three weeks later, some people who signed up to help the judge said they are discouraged by the slow pace of Russo's plan. (Photos by Mark Naymik/cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Some of the people who signed up to help Cuyahoga County's top judge, John J. Russo, study bail reform are discouraged that they will not begin working for two months.

Cleveland.com contacted the volunteers Friday, a day after Russo said he doesn't plan for the study committees he organized to be ready to meet until Aug. 23.

"I don't understand why we will wait until the end of August to have the committees formed," said Jonathan Witmer-Rich, an associate professor at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

Russo announced he would study bail reform on May 26, two weeks after cleveland.com launched Impact 2016: Justice For All, a series examining the county's bail system and how some courts elsewhere have devised fairer systems for dealing with poor defendants.

The judge then hosted a June 8 meeting and asked the 60 attendees to sign up for any of four committees.

But Thursday he told cleveland.com that a steering committee of law school deans and bar association heads could change the makeup of the four committees entirely.

Cleveland.com talked with four volunteers as well as county Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty.

Here's what they had to say:

Judge John Sutula:

Russo's colleague was the only committee volunteer of the four who wasn't disappointed by the judge's timeline.

"Starting a committee in the middle of the summer is not the easiest thing to do," Sutula said. "You have, theoretically, six, eight, 10 people who are busy and they may have vacations and stuff like that."

Sutula, like Russo, is not convinced the bail system needs reforming, and defended some changes judges have made to make the system more fair, including using GPS ankle bracelets to monitor people who are released before trial.

He echoed concerns shared by other judges who are scared to release people without bail because they might commit more crimes or die of drug overdoses.

"I'm a Democrat," he said. "I believe times are tough out there, and money has been taken from the poor and given to the rich. The question is: Are these bonds reasonable? Are they achieving the goal" of keeping people out of trouble and coming back to court?

"I'm open to change, but I'm not open to change that won't benefit the system."

Criminal defense Attorney Russ Bensing:

Bensing recited a phrase he uses often to describe bureaucracy when he heard Russo's plans:

"A committee is an alleyway down which ideas are lured to be strangled," he said.

Despite the judge's August deadline, Bensing said he remains optimistic that Russo is serious about reform.

"I can understand Judge Russo wanting to make sure this is carefully considered, and I want it to be handled more expeditiously."

Cleveland NAACP leader and civil rights attorney James Hardiman:

Hardiman, who was instrumental in getting Russo to schedule the June 8 meeting, wants the judge to move faster.

"Let's get on with it. Let's move," Hardiman said. "But on the other hand, [Russo] is interested in making sure it's done properly.

The NAACP believes bail has a disparate impact on minorities and poor defendants, and members of the civil rights group have met with Russo to urge him to address the issue.

"We were strong in our request to take a long, hard look at bail reform," he said. "I know other communities have considered that issue and come up with a solution," he said.

Hardiman also said he is still hopeful the judge will move toward reform.

"I'm convinced we have the right people in place," he said. "I just hope we don't take too much time to get the process started. I hope we move quickly, but let's see how this works."

Witmer-Rich:

The assistant professor is confident there are ways to improve Cuyahoga County's bail system, and that the timing is ripe for change, as countless court systems throughout the country are implementing bail reform.

He said he agrees that the committees might need tweaking, but thinks they can be formed in less than two months.

"That feels like a long time to take just to get the committees organized," he said.

McGinty:

Before learning about Russo's timeline, the prosecutor said he thought the committees were a sham.

McGinty and Russo have disagreed about criminal justice issues for decades, and bail reform is no exception. McGinty is certain the system is broken and is part of another group of criminal justice system leaders, separate from Russo's, who are trying to fix it.

He said he plans to work around the county common pleas court judges and take his ideas to the municipal courts, where people accused of crimes make their first court appearances.

"Russo and these guys will never make any reform," he said. "They will never do anything. We will get the municipal courts to do it."

Russo was irate when he heard McGinty's comments, and pointed out that the prosecutor lost re-election and has only six months to work on the issue.

"He doesn't like that there's a steering committee in charge," Russo said. "He wants to run like a maverick wild and free. He wants to push and bully people to get what he wants.

"Unfortunately everybody else agrees this is good, and it's going to move forward. Except for one person."

McGinty emailed a statement to cleveland.com after this story was posted in response to Russo:

"For three years this judge has talked a good game on reform, but the reality is that nothing has happened except blocks, boycotts and stalls. Bail reform has been studied to death here and around the country. It's time to stop defending the status quo and seize this opportunity to create a system that's effective and fair. Robert Kennedy described our situation best when he said that justice delayed is democracy denied."

An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that Judge Russo said the committees he formed to study bail reform could take years to complete their work. Russo said he did not know how long the process might take,

but quoted

another public official as saying it could take years.
John J. Russo

Cuyahoga County Judge John J. Russo speaks to a group of judges, prosecutors, civil rights leaders and others at a June meeting about how he plans to take a closer look at the county's bail system and its potentially disparate impact on poor defendants.

(Mark Naymik, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Weeks after taking steps toward bail reform, Cuyahoga County Administrative Judge John J. Russo said in an interview Thursday that making any real changes will be a laborious process and it will be two months before committees are formed to study the issue.

Only then will they begin to gather data to show whether the court needs to change its bail system.

"This is not a six-month project," Russo said. "There's a lot of data-gathering . . . that's a lot of information to go out and find.

Russo started that process earlier this month by convening a meeting to discuss potential reforms. The judge, who says he's not convinced the system is broken but is open to changes if they're necessary, organized the meeting in response to critics, including civil rights leaders, the county prosecutor and executive, who say bail is inherently unfair to people who can't afford it.

Russo asked attendees to sign up for four committees that will collect data on the issue and appointed a steering committee made up of law school deans and bar association heads to select committee chairs.

Russo followed up with the steering committee for the first time since his initial meeting in a conference call Thursday. He said the steering committee could change the entire structure of the committees, a task he is giving them until Aug. 23 to complete.

"The steering committee decided they wanted to look at what I defined as each of the subcommittees then decide if they were going to change it, modify it, clarify it, add to it, subtract to it," Russo said.

The judge said he is staying out of the process. He will not serve on a committee and will instead appoint his staff to represent the court.

"I'm going to leave that to [the steering committee]. It's important for them to keep their autonomy, because I purposely went to those three organizations, because none of them really [are] stakeholders in bail and bond setting."

Hours after Russo warned about the lengthy road to reform, other county leaders met and made plans to move full-speed-ahead on changing a bail system many of them, including Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty, are convinced is broken.

McGinty, who has butted heads with Russo and the other judges on reform for decades, discussed the issue at a meeting of the county's Justice System Reform committee, which Russo and his colleagues pulled out of last year.

McGinty and First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Duane Deskins touted a bond-setting system used by other courts throughout the country that calculates defendants' risk of new crimes and skipping court to decide whether to release or jail defendants while their cases are resolved.

Click here to learn more about the Arnold Foundation risk assessment.

Deskins said the tool is so successful that none of the courts and states that have adopted the tool have reverted to the old ways.

Crimes committed by defendants on pretrial release dropped 15 percent in the first year that Kentucky used the Arnold Foundation assessment, according to a follow-up study by the foundation. At the same time, the number of defendants released while waiting for their cases to be resolved increased 2 percent.

The county and the Cleveland Municipal Court have been taking steps to adopt the tool, and McGinty said Thursday the Arnold Foundation will come to Cleveland again in July to discuss the next move.

Russo said he also expects his committees to study the Arnold Foundation tool.

This story is part of a series, Impact 2016: Justice For All, examining the county's bail system and ways it could be made more fair to all defendants.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that Judge Russo said the committees he formed to study bail reform could take years to complete their work. Russo said he did not know how long the process might take, but quoted another public official as saying it could take years.
Jackson.JPG

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson says the city's new plan to address youth violence is certain to fail if policies backed by both Democrats and Republicans sabotage the city's ability to provide residents with paths to a better life.

(Cleveland.com file photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - No plan to stem the violence epidemic among Cleveland's youth will succeed, if the city is unable to address the problem's root cause - an overall dearth of opportunities to climb out of poverty, says Mayor Frank Jackson.

And yet, recent policies promulgated by both Republicans and Democrats will hamstring the city's ability to do just that, Jackson said during a meeting Thursday with reporters and editors from cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.

Jackson was invited to cleveland.com, along with Community Relations Director Blaine Griffin, to discuss the city's newly drafted plan for preventing youth violence.

But the mayor -- who has developed policies to parlay multi-million-dollar construction projects into job opportunities for residents - sounded off on two initiatives that, he believes, threaten to stunt the city's growth and leave Cleveland's youth without options for a better life.

A voter-driven initiative, backed by the Service Employees International Union and a handful of high-profile Democrats, seeks to set Cleveland's minimum wage at $15 an hour, while the rest of the state remains at $8.10. Jackson and City Council President Kevin Kelley have decried the proposal, arguing that it would drive business from the city and kill jobs.

Meanwhile, Gov. John Kasich recently signed into law Republican-sponsored House Bill 180, which bans cities from requiring contractors on publicly funded construction projects to hire city residents. The bill effectively shuts down the city's Fannie M. Lewis Cleveland Resident Employment Law, which was enacted 12 years ago to help combat poverty by ensuring that residents participate in the city's economic development.

Together, the policies could devastate the city and sabotage any other initiative - including the youth violence plan - aimed at improving the quality of life for Clevelanders, Jackson said.

"Now what passion would I have for facilitating billions of dollars of development annually in Cleveland when we are told that we cannot require that local people benefit from that development?" Jackson said. "... Then you ask us about the people who have been excluded, and you want to know why there is violence and what is the plan to deal with it? The plan is irrelevant if there is no infrastructure to support the plan."

The battle over Cleveland's minimum wage

The minimum-wage proposal, which is pending before City Council, was the result of a petition drive headed up by Raise Up Cleveland, a newly formed organization backed by the SEIU.

The group had collected enough signatures to compel council to introduce legislation on the topic last month.

If council rejects the proposed ordinance or adopts an amended version, the petitioners have the option of taking the original language to voters.

Council has held three hearings on the legislation so far. At the first, proponents argued that the current statewide minimum wage of $8.10 is keeping families in poverty.

"If you don't stand with the working people in the city of Cleveland, mark our words, you are standing against them," testified Becky Williams, president of the SEIU 1199. "If you look around at what's going on and you make the decision to do nothing, shame on you."

Among the most prominent Democrats who testified in support of the proposal is former State Senator and former City Councilwoman Nina Turner, who said the wage hike "is an idea whose time has come."

At the second hearing, Kelley had invited two local economists to share their views on the impact that such a dramatic citywide minimum wage hike would have on businesses and the local economy.

In short, the wage increase would be too high, too fast and in too limited of a geographical area, they concluded, predicting that the net result would be a loss of jobs and businesses in Cleveland.

At the third hearing, held last week, several local business owners testified that paying their employees $15 an hour starting in January would force them to either leave Cleveland or shut their doors.

Some council members have said they would support a phased-in approach to the wage increase.

But on Thursday, Jackson accused them and other Democrats of pushing a populist political agenda at the city's expense and against the true interests of its people.

"I support a minimum wage," he said. "But I am never going to support a minimum wage that includes just Cleveland alone. It is a death knell. Just like the Republicans will continue development, but exclude people from taking part in it, the Democrats will bring development to a complete halt."

House Bill 180 vs. the Fannie Lewis Law

While weathering that storm, Jackson said the city also is planning a lawsuit against the state of Ohio, arguing that the ban on local hiring rules infringes upon the city's right to home rule under the Ohio Constitution.

The city's Fannie Lewis law, named after the late, longtime city councilwoman, requires that on projects of $100,000 or more, at least 20 percent of construction hours be performed by Cleveland residents, with at least four percent of that work done by residents considered to be low-income. Failure to meet the requirements results in a fine equal to 1/8 of one percent of the total contract cost for each percentage by which the contractor misses the goal.

The city could take other legal action, as well, including canceling the contract or prohibiting the contractor from working for the city in the future.

Ohio Rep. Ron Maag, a Lebanon Republican, introduced HB 180 last year, and Sen. Joe Uecker, a Miami Township Republican, sponsored Senate Bill 152, a companion piece that will expire now that the House bill has been signed.

Maag and Uecker argued that local hiring rules shut out workers in their regions from getting construction work in big cities.

The Ohio Contractors Association and others who felt hiring laws should be banned also contended that such quotas often make it harder for contractors to hire the most qualified workers.

Jackson implored Kasich to veto the bill, pointing out that up to 80 percent of workers on any given construction project can come from outside the city. He also argued that hiring locally saves transportation costs for contractors and opens up career paths for the people who need them most.

Kasich signed the bill, despite his earlier overtures suggesting he supported hiring locally for the state's Opportunity Corridor project, which will connect Interstate 490 to University Circle in Cleveland.

In 2014, Kasich came to Cleveland to announce an historic pact with the city. The governor pledged that 20 percent of the $267 million in construction contracts on Opportunity Corridor would go to minority and disadvantaged businesses -- and at least 20 percent of the workforce on the state-funded roadway would be residents of Cleveland wards adjacent to the project.

He made the announcement during a standing-room-only event in the heart of one of the low-income neighborhoods that hopes to benefit from the construction of the road.

In the past few weeks, Kasich has refused to publicly explain his change of heart on local hiring.

How Jackson sees it

On Thursday, Jackson said HB 180 won't stop development in the city. But it will give developers permission to exclude local workers from participating in the prosperity in their own town.

The citywide minimum wage, on the other hand, will bring development to a screeching halt, Jackson said.

The mayor reflected for a moment on an upcoming ribbon-cutting for a new hotel - the third Cleveland has seen in a month.

"If [the $15 minimum wage] were in effect when those investors were talking about those projects, they never would have occurred," Jackson said. "Then you look at the staff [at the hotels] and you see people working and taking care of their families and doing the things necessary to create stable communities."

It has become a mantra of Jackson's decade in office: Inclusion is the key to making Cleveland great. Opportunities for "the least of us" are the foundation for nearly everything the city tries to do - including a collaborative plan to address youth violence in a desperate community.

But such planning, Jackson said Thursday, is meaningless if the minimum wage initiative and House Bill 180 move Cleveland in the wrong direction.

"This will fail," he added, tapping his finger on a two-inch binder containing the details of the city's anti-violence proposal. "I don't care how much funding you get. It's not going to work without that infrastructure on the front end to support it."
CLEVELAND - Recess couldn't come soon enough for the House of Representatives this week. The kids were acting up.

Not to be outdone by Senate Democrats, who filibustered for a bit last week over asinine gun-control proposals, House Democrats -- who can't filibuster because there's no such thing as unlimited debate in their chamber -- took us back to the 1960s with a sit-in.

As the Republicans headed home for a few weeks, Democratic members were breaking out the pillows and blankets and settling in for the long ... photo op.

OK. Now, let's see some dedication: Which members will still be there, unshowered and a few pounds lighter, when Speaker Paul Ryan calls the House to (what passes for) order on July 5?

None. Although Rep. Maxine Waters of California expressed a willingness to stay until hell froze over, thus guaranteeing those willing to hang on to the bitter end the light of one particularly dim bulb, the show closed pretty quickly.

If they had actually stayed and spent the long days of inactivity on serious introspection, they might have realized that the proposals over which they embarrassed themselves are just partisan publicity stunts.

Oh, wait. They know that already.

The two proposals that the House's Republican leadership refused to schedule for debate, thus touching off the tantrum, are bad ideas. But that's all right, because the tantrum -- not the passage of legislation -- was always the goal.

Here's the deal:

Rep. James Clyburn wants to revive a bill that went nowhere last year after nine people were shot at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, Clyburn's home state. His Background Check Completion Act is intended to be a direct response to that incident, in which the killer used a handgun he was not legally permitted to buy because of a history of drug possession. The trouble is, Dylan Roof couldn't have done it without the help of several levels of inefficient government.

Federal law requires investigators to answer background check requests within three days. If they take longer, the dealer may assume there's no problem and make the transaction. Clyburn would delete the three-day requirement, giving investigators unlimited time to complete background checks.

If Carol Bowne were still alive, she could testify about the problem of slow background checks.

Bowne was stabbed to death by an ex-boyfriend last year while waiting for authorities in New Jersey -- a state with criminally restrictive gun laws -- to give her permission to buy a gun. State law gives them 30 days to do a background check. They blew the deadline, but that didn't mean she could make her purchase. It meant she had to wait for however long it took.

She died of bureaucracy. But since her killer didn't use a gun, we're all safer, right?

The crime that motivated Clyburn's bill was the result of a chain of bureaucratic screw-ups, too. The disqualifying information on South Carolina shooter Roof was on the record, but entry errors, jurisdictional oddities and a local prosecutor's failure to respond to the FBI's questions kept it from coming to light.

The three-day deadline in the federal background check law is not a legal "loophole," as various media know-nothings have described it. As Bowne's case shows, it's a prudent requirement. The law was written to put the onus on government to do its job in a timely fashion, especially when it comes to citizens' exercise of constitutional rights. And so it should remain.

The law is based on the belief that Americans can be trusted to abide by the law -- a supposition that hundreds of millions of Americans who own hundreds of millions of guns prove correct every day.

The other rejected idea that prompted the House Democrats' hissy fit, also a Clyburn creation, is the No Fly, No Buy bill. It would make anyone on an FBI-maintained list of people not permitted on commercial flights in the United States because of -- well, they won't say how a person gets on the list -- ineligible to buy a gun.

When a similar bill was voted down this week in the Senate, West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin -- he of the 2010 campaign ad that showed him blazing away with a rifle -- lamented that "due process is what's killing us right now."

Here's what Manchin is really saying: If not for due process -- the legal structures that protect citizens' rights against arbitrary government actions -- we could make a secret list of people whom we don't want to own guns. Until people on the list tried to make gun purchases, they wouldn't even know they were listed. When they asked why they couldn't buy guns, we could say, "Sorry. Can't tell you. National security. Buzz off." Now that's gun control.

House and Senate Democrats are afraid of guns in the hands of bad people. That makes sense. To solve that problem, they're willing -- even eager -- to take guns out of the hands of good people. That doesn't make sense.

But rather than doing it haphazardly, through the back door, why not just do as the Constitution prescribes? Next time they get control of Congress, have Clyburn or some other anti-gun zealot draft a measure to repeal the Second Amendment. Put it to the legislatures. Put it to the people.

It might pass in New Jersey. Carol Bowne would have voted against it, but she's dead.

O'Brien is The Plain Dealer's deputy editorial page editor.
Cleveland reacts to gay marriage OK by high court

Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the landmark US Supreme Court decision, several Democrat Ohio lawmakers said the state needs to do more to ensure gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Ohioans are protected from discrimination.

(Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, Democratic state legislators said Ohio needs to do more to ensure all in the state are treated fairly in the eyes of the law.

A trio of Democrat-sponsored anti-discrimination bills has not seen much action at the Republican-controlled Statehouse. Bill sponsors Reps. Nickie Antonio of Lakewood, Denise Driehaus of Cincinnati and Debbie Phillips of Albany on Friday called on GOP leaders to schedule hearings on the bills when lawmakers return from summer break.

The bills

House Bill 389: It would add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to the list of characteristics for which someone cannot be discriminated against under the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. It would make no changes to existing Ohio law protecting religious freedom.

House Bill 247: It would prohibit licensed therapists from practicing conversion therapy, also called reparative therapy, intended to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, on minors.

House Bill 569: It would add sexual orientation and gender identity to Ohio's definition of hate crimes.

What's the issue?

Ohio anti-discrimination law does not protect LGBT Ohioans from employment or housing discrimination. But 84 percent of Ohioans incorrectly think it does, according to a 2013 survey by the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute.

Antonio, who is the first openly gay Ohio lawmaker, said a same-sex couple could legally marry on a Saturday, tell everyone at work the good news on Monday and be fired.

"We believe every Ohioan should have the freedom to be who they are and love who they choose without fear of violence, intimidation or coercion," Antonio said.

What's the holdup?

Housing and employment anti-discrimination bills have been introduced since 2011, but have failed to gain support of many Republicans, who now control both the House and Senate. Several conservative Republicans have called for more laws in the wake of last year's court decision to further protect First Amendment right of freedom of religion.

GOP legislative leaders and Gov. John Kasich have said they don't think that's necessary. Kasich and House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger have said concerns about religious freedom and nondiscrimination could be addressed in the same bill.

An attempt to do that has failed to gain support from both sides.

Driehaus said most Ohioans support the three anti-discrimination bills, and GOP legislators are not representing their constituents' interests. Driehaus said 15 Ohio cities have adopted inclusive anti-discrimination policies and 88 of the top 90 Ohio businesses have as well.

"These businesses recognize that in Ohio, we continue to lack policies that are inclusive and embrace everyone we are falling behind, especially with young people," Driehaus said.
Sherrod Brown

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is skeptical that the "no-fly, no-buy" gun measure will get a real vote.

(Sait Serkan Gurbuz, Associated Press)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Another day, another gun debate in the U.S. Capitol. Theoretically, you could say Thursday was a win for the gun-control side.

The Senate moved one step closer to passing legislation that would allow authorities to deny gun purchases to anyone on the federal no-fly list.

Yet gun-control Democrats such as Ohio's Sen. Sherrod Brown are skeptical that legislation will really pass -- or will even see a final vote. Even after his side won an incremental advance Thursday, he issued a statement saying lawmakers "have to go home once again and look the people we work for in the eye and tell them senators didn't have enough political courage to stand up to the gun lobby..."

Wait. Didn't his side just score a small victory?

Technically, the answer is yes. But more gamesmanship may lie ahead. We'll explain.

What happened Thursday?

After a week of failing to advance broader measures to restrict gun rights for people who might be up to no good, depending on your standard of proof (we're not being cute; the standard is a real sticking point), a compromise seemed possible Thursday.

The compromise was offered by a small bipartisan group led by Sen. Susan Collins, a moderate Republican from Maine. Colleagues earlier in the week turned down broader measures, but Collins proposed an amendment to limit gun-purchase restrictions to individuals on the federal "no-fly" list.

That's a class of people, mostly of foreign nationals, deemed so suspicious that they are not allowed to board aircraft that fly in or over the United States. The no-buy restriction would also extend to people tagged on a "selectee" list; they require a second check before they can board a plane.

Altogether, this would affect only about 2,700 Americans, Collins and other said.

"It's just commonsense -- if someone is too dangerous to board an airplane, they're too dangerous to buy a gun," said Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, the lead Democrat joining Collins.

What do airplanes have to do with this?

Very little. After all, the latest calls for more restrictive gun laws came from a June 12 massacre of 49 people by a gunman at an Orlando, Florida nightclub, and before that, from the deaths of 14 people in a San Bernardino, California, office building.

But an overwhelming majority of Republicans in the Senate, whose party controls the chamber, already turned down proposals to ban gun purchases from a broader group of people -- those who are on federal watch lists because they are suspected of having ties to terrorists.

So never mind the watch lists. The smaller group of people banned from flying because of suspected terrorist ties would offer a more targeted base, one that perhaps everyone could agree on: If they're too dangerous to fly, they're too dangerous to get a firearm.

The ensuing slogan: No fly, no buy.

Wouldn't that leave gaping holes?

It could.

But the Collins amendment also called for using the broader watch lists as a backstop of sorts.

Being on a watch list couldn't disqualify someone from getting a gun, but the Collins amendment called for alerting law enforcement authorities anytime someone on a terror watch list in the most recent five years tried to buy a gun through a licensed firearms dealer.

(Licensed dealers must already check a national database and deny gun sales to felons and a few other categories of people. People buying guns from individuals who are not licensed dealers don't go through those checks, but that's a different story -- and a different set of would-be laws that were rejected this week, too.)

This is where the Orlando murderer enters the debate. The gunman, Omar Mateen, had been on an FBI watch list in 2013 and 2014, though the FBI ultimately concluded it had no reason to keep him on it. Under Collins' five-year look-back proposal, his purchase of weapons would have triggered an alert to law enforcement, who might have begun surveillance anew and even stopped him.

So everyone liked this no-fly, no-buy compromise, right?

No. Some Republicans still said it would infringe on Second Amendment rights. Once in a while, they note, a citizen winds up on the no-fly list or selectee list by mistake, such as sharing the name of a bad guy.

Collins and supporters of her compromise allowed that that could happen, but if so, the would-be gun buyer whose purchase was denied could appeal and get his or her attorney fees paid.

But opponents said the harm will have been done already: His or her constitutional rights will have been denied.

Did these opponents offer an alternative?

They did, although it didn't last long. It was offered by Sen. Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin, and supporters included Sen. Rob Portman, Republican of Ohio.

The Johnson amendment would have required stronger proof -- probable cause that a terrorist act was likely to be committed -- before someone on the no-fly list could be denied a gun purchase.

We'll let Portman explain, as he did in a statement:

"It would require the government to persuade a court there is credible evidence that a person is a terrorist threat before blocking the gun sale. I believe that is important because under our system, when the government wants to take away someone's constitutional rights, it first must prove its case to a judge."

So what happened?

Notice that we have called these measures "amendments?" That's because they lacked support to get considered as free-standing bills. So sponsors tried to get them attached as amendments to a government-spending bill, for the Commerce and Justice Departments, working through the Senate.

With Monday's failure to advance any of the previous amendments -- none could pass a 60-vote procedural threshold -- and with political pressure building all week to do something, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky agreed Thursday to take up the Collins and Johnson amendments.

Except he didn't really do that.

Instead, he agreed to put the competing amendments to another kind of procedural test, called a motion to table. A motion to table requires a simple majority, and if it gets that, the measure is tabled, or put aside and possibly ignored thereafter.

The Collins amendment survived, however. Even though a majority of Republicans opposed it, seven GOP colleagues joined Collins, as did all Democrats present. That gave her a majority, with 52 votes against tabling her measure.

The Johnson amendment fared far worse. In fact, 27 Republicans joined Democrats in getting it tabled, 67-31.

This was a victory for no-fly, no-buy, right?

You'd think so. Collins and Heitkamp certainly framed it that way.

"Today's vote demonstrates that there is strong bipartisan support for common sense legislation that would help keep guns out of the hands of terrorists, while protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans," Collins said in a statement.

But Brown, the Ohio Democrat, and a number of other Democrats are pessimistic.

Yes, the measure survived a motion to table. But it now is up to McConnell to put the amendment to a real vote, and Brown is skeptical he will do that.

Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican in the leadership who saw his own amendment -- similar to Johnson's -- fail on Monday, said Thursday that he, too, thinks this debate now goes on hold. Not only will the gun matter likely be put aside, but so will the underlying spending bill, Cornyn suggested.

"I think we're probably through with that for a while," Cornyn said, according to Congressional Quarterly.

A New York Times reporter phrased it well: The matter "is in a sort of legislative purgatory."

Legislation takes both houses of Congress. What's happening in the House?

Nothing is happening there. House Democrats held their sit-in from Wednesday to Thursday morning to protest the lack of action on any gun proposals. Then House Speaker Paul Ryan, Republican of Wisconsin, declared the House was in recess, starting a two-week break a day early.

Ohio Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur on Wednesday had tried to get a no-fly, no-buy amendment put in a Homeland Security spending bill, but the Appropriations Committee voted it down. Republicans committee leaders took a view similar to Cornyn's and Portman's in the Senate -- that the "reasonable suspicion" standard was too weak for denying gun rights. And they said that a gun measure with legal issues is best left to the House Judiciary Committee, anyway.

Ryan, the House leader, said Thursday that the Appropriations Committee vote showed that Republicans were not refusing to let the gun issue be considered.

"That's a fact," and one that the Democratic protesters in the sit-in "didn't want to talk about," he said at a press briefing.

"Here's another one: if Democrats want a vote for a bill on the floor, there is a way to get one. It just takes 218 signatures on a petition, and they can have a vote. It is that simple. That's how the House works--it's a well-known process."

Given the current partisan standoff, that might be tough. Of the 435 members in the House, only 188 are Democrats.
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1040 forms

(YR/cleveland.com)

Erik M. Jensen is the Coleman P. Burke Professor of Law at Case

Political commentators commonly say that one president or another raised (or lowered) taxes, as if amending the Internal Revenue Code were a presidential prerogative.

That kind of nonsense can be found across the political spectrum. For example, Paul Krugman, a left-of-center economist, recently wrote in The New York Times that "in 1993, ... Mr. Clinton raised taxes on the wealthy."

Former President Bill Clinton couldn't have done that, of course. Krugman may have won prizes in economics, including the Nobel, but, by ignoring Congress' role, he wouldn't win one in constitutional law -- or high school civics.

And folks on the right often refer to Reagan or Bush tax cuts (or, when grumpy, to Reagan or Bush tax increases), as though those three presidents (two Bushes, remember) were solely responsible for the changes. They weren't.

Several presidential candidates in this and past election cycles have contracted a similar disease, promising enormous changes to be effective on Inauguration Day. The proposals generally aren't tax-related (although during the 2012 campaign Rick Santorum did promise that he would repeal Obamacare, including its tax provisions, by executive order on day one), but many are still astonishing in scope: like removing all illegal immigrants on Jan. 20, 2017. (Guess who suggested that!)

If proposals like that are serious -- or at least are supposed to be taken as serious by the audience -- they send the message that a new president won't be subject to any legal or political constraints.

I'd like to be able to assume American voters know better. But it's not difficult to infer from the results so far that lots of voters hope a new president will be able to make significant changes, on his or her own, in many areas including taxation.

The sense that new presidents can change the world in a nanosecond may be due to the legend of Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Apparently like magic, an astonishing amount of legislation was enacted within "100 days" after FDR was inaugurated.

But no magic was involved. The 1932 election had been a landslide for the Democrats, creating huge majorities in both houses of Congress. FDR was able to get his way during the 100 days not because of fiat, but because Congress was willing to go along. Congress may have been pliable, but it remained a critical participant. The constitutional formalities were observed.

Let's review constitutional basics. The taxing power belongs to Congress, with bills for "raising revenue" required to originate in the House of Representatives. Provisions in the Internal Revenue Code, a congressional enactment, can't be amended by executive order.

To be sure, a president isn't a mere bystander. The president must sign a bill for it to become law (except when Congress overrides a veto). Perhaps more important, the president has the "power to persuade" (a term coined by Kennedy-era political scientist Richard Neustadt). The president can let Congress know what he or she thinks the law should be, and use influence -- as well as carrots and prods -- to shape legislation.

Tax increases or decreases are thus affected by presidential desires. But the power to persuade (or prod) isn't the same as the power to enact.

It's probably the case that, no matter what a sitting president said as a candidate, he or she isn't going to claim the power to unilaterally change the tax code, or anything else in which Congress should play a role. But who knows? Constitutional niceties aren't high on lists of talking points these days.

In any event, it doesn't help to have "experts" writing about presidential power as if it were unconstrained. On a blog not long ago, a tax professional asked, "Who will tax us more when elected President of the United States? Mr. Trump or Secretary Clinton?" Geez. That sort of thing feeds candidates' already overstuffed egos.

It will also increase the frustration of ordinary voters when the monumental changes they want (or think they want) don't occur even if their favored candidate prevails. President Barack Obama suffered from such exaggerated expectations. (He contributed to the hype, but that's another matter.) To the extent expectations are used to measure success, no president should want them to be unrealistic.

And, for our own psychological well-being, we voters should evaluate presidents using measures tied to reality.

As awful as the Internal Revenue Code is, the next president won't be able to change it acting alone, and we shouldn't want any president to try. In our constitutional system, the president isn't all-powerful. That's good; not something to complain about.

Erik M. Jensen is the Coleman P. Burke Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
rncparaderoute.jpg

Cleveland.com columnist Mark Naymik captured images along the city's original protest parade route for the RNC. Here's the view of Quicken Loans Arena from the halfway point on the Lorain-Carnegie bridge. It's hard to see over the bridge walls and hard to imagine delegates and others at The Q being able to see and hear demonstrators on the bridge, Naymik observed.

(Mark Naymik, cleveland.com)

With just weeks to go before one of the most highly anticipated and controversial Republican presidential nominating conventions in years, it's no surprise that protest rules have emerged as a heated topic of disagreement.

Cleveland now has additional motivation to fix its overly restrictive rules that are unconstitutional on their face.

On Thursday, a federal judge found that aspects of the city's protest rules, routes and other parameters violated the Constitution and he directed the city to redo them.

It's imperative that Cleveland officials do so quickly and in a way that addresses U.S. District Judge James Gwin's concerns about protesters' First Amendment rights.

In that light, it's encouraging that the city -- even while vowing to appeal Gwin's ruling -- reportedly started talks immediately on a possible compromise arrangement with the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, which had filed suit on behalf of three groups seeking city "parade" permits.

Three changes that Cleveland should make right away would go a long way -- maybe all the way -- to resolving this mess.

The first would be to allow protesters on Ontario Street across from The Q -- the street is expected to be closed anyway and barricades could keep protesters out of any Secret Service exclusion zone.

The second would be to give protesters easier access to Public Square and other high-profile sites farther from the convention.

A third would be to allow protests during late-afternoon and evening hours when delegates are likely to be attending the convention.

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While acknowledging that security and public safety concerns must be addressed, Gwin found that the city's decision to restrict protesters to areas and times "when delegates are almost invariably not going to be present" was a clear constitutional violation. He's right.

But beyond constitutional considerations, appropriate, common-sense Cleveland protest rules would give protesters more reason to organize peaceably and within the city's rules.

The ACLU lawsuit was filed on behalf of Citizens for Trump, an unofficial pro-Donald Trump organization, and the liberal groups Organize Ohio and Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless.

The city had argued in response to the ACLU's lawsuit that changing the designated protest route would create traffic congestion and hamper public safety and emergency vehicles and that allowing longer protest hours would be a burden on the city.

Of course, the safety of citizens and of the nearly 2,500 Republican delegates along with their families, the media and others attending the convention -- or protesting at it -- should be paramount. No one wants a single delegate or protester or police officer to be injured. But the city must make sure that the constitutional rights of protesters and advocates are not squelched in the process.

The city's narrowly prescribed rules did not live up to the spirit of the law or the obvious desire of protesters to have some visibility with Republican National Convention delegates.

Cleveland created a protest parade route so isolated - it was to start at the the west end of the Lorain-Carnegie bridge, head east toward downtown before turning right on Ontario near Progressive Field, and looping under Interstate 90 before ending at East 9th Street -- that it would have ensured that few protesters or advocates would be in shouting distance of the delegates they hope to influence.

Ditto for the severely limited time of the parades - between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on July 18, the first day of the convention, and then 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the other three days.

Common-sense restrictions on time and place are needed, but too much of the city's current plan amounts to uncommon restrictions on the freedom of protesters. Those restrictions should not be tolerated at either this high-profile Republican National Convention or at any other political convention in America. Gwin's ruling indicates they will not be tolerated in Cleveland. Now the city has to move ahead quickly to fix its rules.
rnc 2016 cleveland

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio and Cleveland officials on Friday struck a deal pertaining to the city's security rules during the Republican National Convention.

(Mary Kilpatrick, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An agreement reached Friday between the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio and Cleveland officials will result in a "much smaller" heightened-security zone during the Republican National Convention, among other security-related changes.

The new zone -- the specific boundaries for which were not available -- will exclude the west side of the Cuyahoga River, as well as public parks and other areas in and around downtown, according to ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link.

Other terms include a longer "parade" route for RNC protesters and additional time slots for demonstrators to march along the route.

The deal, which is still being finalized, was struck following eight hours of negotiations on Thursday. The talks follow a ruling by U.S. District Judge James Gwin that the city's so-called "event zone" and other planned restrictions on protests and parades during the convention would have violated the First Amendment.

Link called the settlement a "good deal," saying time was a factor in the negotiations, which were presided over by U.S. District Judge Dan Polster. The convention is scheduled for July 18-21, a little more than three weeks away.

"Is there a better deal out there? Certainly," Link said. "But I think this is the best deal we could have gotten. We don't want the perfect to be the enemy of the good."

ACLU officials said they will work to finalize a first draft of the agreement by Monday or Tuesday. It then will go to Cleveland officials for approval.

Dan Williams, a spokesman for Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, did not return a message seeking comment.

A key feature of the deal is the smaller size of the event zone, inside of which camping, the construction of speaking platforms, and a laundry list of legal weapons and more innocuous everyday items will be banned.

Originally, the zone encompassed a 3.5 square-mile area, and would have stretched from West 25th Street across downtown to the Innerbelt. But Gwin said during a hearing that the area, as originally drawn, was "unduly large."

The judge was also critical of usage restrictions for downtown parks and where and when parades could be held.

As for the parade route, Link did not have the exact locations but described it in general terms.

Like the city's original route, the new route will begin at the west end of the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge and head toward downtown. But rather than turning south at Ontario Avenue, near Progressive Field, and concluding past the Interstate 90 overpass, the new route will return to Carnegie Avenue after a southward turn and end at East 14th Street, with the crowd dispersing in the vicinity of a nearby area the city has set aside for use by food trucks.

"They're not going to be eyeball-to-eyeball with delegates, but they'll be a lot closer," Link said.

The deal also includes specific concessions for the three groups on whose behalf the ACLU sued. Citizens for Trump, an unofficial group supporting presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, and two left-leaning groups -- Organize Ohio and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless -- all plan to have presence at the GOP convention.

The concessions, according to Link, are:

Citizens for Trump will be permitted to hold a rally in Settlers Landing Park on the east bank of The Flats, near West St. Clair Avenue and West 10th Street. The city had previously denied the group a permit to hold a rally in a downtown park.

Organize Ohio will be granted a parade route that begins on the city's east side. The group was seeing an east-side route to symbolically refer to the 50th anniversary of the race-related riots in Hough, the east-side and historically black Cleveland neighborhood.

The event zone restrictions will not apply to the city's homeless population, which was a concern of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. Police are concerned that demonstrators will infiltrate the homeless population. Link said officials are discussing how the city's homeless population might be easily identified apart from the lawsuit.

The city had said its original event zone it created was to ensure security for people coming downtown.

Cleveland.com reporter Eric Heisig contributed to this story

This story was corrected to reflect that the parade route will end at East 14th Street, and that soapboxes will not be permitted in the "event zone."
Emerging market (EM) assets have witnessed sharp market swings amid uncertainty over the Brexit vote, but a 'leave' outcome could shine a new light on the sector.



"We think if emerging market assets are unduly sold down due to Brexit, it could represent a good investment opportunity," said Louis Lau, portfolio manager at Brandes Investment Partners, a firm with $27 billion in assets under management.

Speaking to CNBC's The Rundown on Friday, he believed equities, in particular, were undervalued and could provide value to long-term investors.

The sector will undoubtedly be disrupted if the United Kingdom (U.K.) votes to leave the European Union (EU) but significant damage wasn't likely, he explained.

"Fundamentally, the U.K. does not represent a large percentage of exports and gross domestic product (GDP) across the emerging world. There may be more trade linkages between Central and Eastern Europe and the U.K. but even then, the large core European markets like Germany are more important."

Voting ended late on Thursday in the U.K. and opinion polls indicated a tight race between the 'remain' and 'leave' camps. A YouGov poll of 4,772 people showed 52 percent favored staying in the economic and political bloc, while 48 percent preferred leaving.
Former London Mayor and 'Vote Leave' campaigner Boris Johnson speaks during a press conference in central London on June 24, 2016.

The decision by British Prime Minister David Cameron to step down later this year puts former London Mayor Boris Johnson among the top contenders to succeed him.

So, just who is Johnson?

The Conservative politician was London mayor from 2008 to early this year and provided a leading voice in the British campaign to leave the European Union. The view pitted him directly against Cameron, a party fellow and a proponent of remaining in the economic and political bloc.

Cameron announced early Friday that he would step down as it became apparent that the British people had voted to break from the EU. The result shocked global markets, which had largely bet that the U.K. would vote to remain.

Johnson, a member of Parliament for Uxbridge and South Ruislip in Greater London, appears to be on the early short list to succeed Cameron. Bookmaker Ladbrokes listed Johnson as the favorite, ahead of Home Secretary Theresa May and Justice Secretary Michael Gove, according to Reuters.

Johnson told CNBC earlier this month that the referendum marked a "once in a generation chance to take back control from an institution that is out of control, spending ever-growing quantities of British taxpayers' money." He cited a perceived loss of control over taxation and borders as reasons to break from Europe.

"I think that over time the U.K. economy would get a lot of dynamism from the removal of so much of the regulation and the inappropriate law that holds us back," he said.



He also contended that Britain had lost control of some aspects of its judicial system because of the structure of EU institutions.

After the referendum vote, though, Johnson expressed some caution about breaking from Europe too quickly and attempted to assuage Britons who voted to remain. He said the U.K. "cannot turn (its) back on Europe" because it is "a part of Europe," according to the BBC.

Johnson earned a reputation as a colorful and sometimes controversial figure during his time as London's mayor. He often drew attention for public displays, like when he went down a zip line in a suit waving British flags.

He has also drawn ire for certain remarks during his time in the public eye. Earlier this year, Johnson implied that U.S. President Barack Obama's "part-Kenyan" heritage led him toward anti-British sentiment, according to The Guardian.
Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan told CNBC on Friday the U.K. vote to leave the European Union ushers in a period that's even worse than the darkest days of October 1987.

Britons voted by 51.9 percent to quit the 28-country union, shocking markets that had priced in a win for the remain camp.

"This is the worst period I recall since I've been in public service," Greenspan said on "Squawk on the Street."

"There's nothing like it, including the crisis  remember October the 19th, 1987, when the Dow went down by a record amount, 23 percent? That I thought was the bottom of all potential problems. This has a corrosive effect which is not easy to go away."

(You can watch the full broadcast interview on CNBC PRO.)

The former Fed chairman said that the root of the "British problem is far more widespread." He said the result of the referendum will "almost surely" lead to the Scottish National Party trying to "resurrect Scottish Independence."



Greenspan said the "euro currency is the immediate problem." While the euro and the euro zone were major steps in a movement toward European political integration, "it's failing," he said.



"Brexit is not the end of the set of problems, which I always thought were going to start with the euro because the euro is a very serious problem in that the southern part of the euro zone is being funded by the northern part and the European Central Bank," Greenspan said.
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Bank stocks plummeted to the bottom of indexes across Europe Friday after the U.K. voted to quit the European Union (EU) and stunned global markets. The U.K. people voted by 51.9 percent to 48.1 percent to quit the 28-country union, shocking markets that had priced in a win for "remain." Shares of U.K. banking giants RBS , Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group all closed more than 17 percent lower, sharply underperforming the FTSE 100 index.

These banks retain a focus on the U.K.  unlike rival HSBC , which also has a strong Asia base. Shares of HSBC closed around 1.4 percent down on Friday. Each of RBS, Barclays and Lloyds issued statements aimed at reassuring investors, customers and staff on Friday.





European markets



"The strategy we announced on March 1, 2016 was not conditional on the UK remaining in the EU. We are a transatlantic consumer, corporate and investment bank, anchored in the U.K. and the U.S.," Barclays chief executive, Jes Staley, said in a statement emailed to CNBC.

RBS said there would be no immediate impact on their services, but that time would be required for the bank to "work through the implications of the vote with regulators."

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney announced on Friday that the central bank would act to support U.K. financials and the broader economy as required. "As a backstop, and to support the functioning of markets, the Bank of England stands ready to provide more than 250 billion ($343 billion) of additional funds through its normal facilities," he said in a public statement. S&P Global Ratings said the "leave" vote would have no immediate impact on U.K. commercial banks' ratings. "We see the effects of a leave vote on these banks as indirect, arising from potential adverse consequences for economic activity, new business volumes, asset prices, and demand for U.K.-related debt ... volatility may interrupt wholesale debt issuance and affect the values of financial assets in the near term," the ratings agency said in a report on Friday.





European banks react

European banks headquartered outside of the U.K. also fell sharply on Friday. Shares of Greek and Italian banks, which were already under pressure because of concerns about their bad debt piles, were notably poor performers.

Shares of Greece's Alpha Bank and Eurobank Ergasias both closed around 30 percent lower, while Italy's Intesa Sanpaolo declined by around 23 percent. Shares of French and German banks also tumbled, with Deutsche Bank tending around 14 percent lower on Friday. "I'm afraid that this is not such a good day for Europe," Deutsche Co-CEO John Cryan said in a statement on the bank's website on Friday. "At this stage, we cannot fully foresee the consequences, but there's no doubt that they will be negative on all sides. As a bank headquartered in Germany and with a strong presence in the U.K., we are well prepared. However, there's no doubt that the uncertainty created by the referendum's results will be a challenge," he added.

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The British pound has dropped in excess of 10 percent from its previous close in the New York market overnight. Traders, portfolio managers, hedgers, punters, and economists have all denounced the Brexit decision as a huge negative for the pound. Money managers throughout the world have sold billions and billions of pounds to limit their U.K. exposure. What happened?

The analogy I use with my clients is to consider how Texas voted secession from the United States between 1836-1845. Yes, Texas exited the United States as its own country and there is even a Texas embassy in London to prove it. Anyway, if Texas were to do the same today, they would have greater autonomy to decide their own fate and pick and choose the laws they wish to impose on the electorate. They would own immigration, taxes, the law, and most everything else that didn't require outside assistance. The U.K. just left their United States but it's called the European Union.



OK so now what? Who wins and who loses in the currency market now that so much uncertainty has been unleashed for months and years to come? In my view, the London Foreign Exchange (FX) banks, still suffering from the manipulation scandal, will bear the brunt of the Brexit vote as will their clients, while the trading exchanges, high frequency trading firms and Fintech will benefit.



Losers



FX banks in London traditionally did very well during periods of increased volatility. Today however, with regulations crimping the amount of risk they can run and increased capital costs applied to holding those risks, banks are less likely to garner outsized gains. In an environment of increased volatility, banks tended to eventually widen their spreads and capture more profits. Today, with non-banks providing an ever-increasing amount of liquidity to the market, banks will find it tougher to pass their costs onto their clients.

End-users will also suffer, as wider spreads due to a larger risk premium in the market will make hedging and trading more costly. They will chose to forego hedging in the face of increased volatility (costs) thereby increasing their risks. The fallout is that doing business in British pounds will become more costly. Period.



Winners



Fifty-two percent of the U.K. voting population won today. Other winners will be the centrally cleared exchanges where currencies are traded. They will see more business as counterparty risk will be re-priced higher after the vote. Also, high frequency trading firms will undoubtedly benefit. These are firms that utilize computers to quickly scalp small price differentials or exploit changes in currency correlations over thousands of transactions an hour. They are typically winners in higher volatility periods and these firms have stepped into the currency market where the banks have retreated.

Additional winners after today's U.K. vote will be the fintech companies that figure out how to develop, implement and manage a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that will quickly reduce counterparty risk, margin requirements, and settlement in the roughly $5 trillion a day FX market. As these technologies come to market, they should be in a position to attract new entrants with lower transaction costs, increased transparency, and ultimately bringing increased liquidity to the market.

The currency market in the U.K. flourished for decades with liquidity on tap 24 hours a day with little to no regulatory oversight. With the result of the Brexit vote I'm afraid this trend will be reversed and the London market will undergo a period of lower risk tolerances from liquidity providers and increased costs which will bring forward the shuttering of loss making 3rd tier FX banks that can no longer afford to operate in such an operational unknown.
"It's not business as usual, but we're open," Mike Laven, the chief executive of London-based global payments start-up Currency Cloud, told CNBC, highlighting the mood among the country's tech companies as they prepare for life after Brexit - and a possible end to the freedoms and benefits they enjoyed in the European Union. The immediate fallout from Britain's decision to leave the European Union (EU) was seen in the stock market turmoil and huge fall in the pound - which had an impact on some tech firms. Money transfer start-up TransferWise suspended trading of sterling while Currency Cloud warned customers that transactions could be slower. TransferWise said that transfers were suspended on Thursday "in anticipation of the London currency market closing overnight" to "protect customers from rate volatility". The service reopened Friday.

Aside from the immediate impact on some U.K. start-ups, most investors, lawyers and entrepreneurs are trying to digest what this means in the long-term.

"The number one problem is uncertainty," Hussein Kanji, partner at London-based venture capital (VC) firm Hoxton Ventures, told CNBC by phone on Friday. "This is effectively going through a divorce and you don't know what is going to happen to the kid. If you're a kid and a parent gets divorced you don't know what's going on." Britain has cemented itself as a global financial technology  or fintech  hub, producing some of the world's most innovative start-ups. This has been helped by a number of the world's major banks having massive presence in London and as well as the ability to scale across the EU thanks to regulation. Any business regulated by U.K. authorities can "passport" their products across the European Economic Area. The easy movement of workers has helped Britain as well. All of these are now in jeopardy and start-ups are concerned. "The two main benefits of being part of the EU are access to talent because of the free movement of labor and the fact that you can 'passport' regulation - so if you're regulated in the UK, you're regulated across the EU. We don't know what's going to happen with either of those," Taavet Hinrikus, CEO and co-founder of TransferWise, told CNBC by email.

'Focus on other markets'

With Brexit on the cards, start-ups in other parts of Europe have also been put off by the prospect of expanding into Britain in the near-term. German challenger bank Number26, which is backed by the venture firm of Asia's richest man Li Ka-shing as well as Peter Thiel, said that as other European countries are more likely to be its next targets. "It's more likely for us now to focus on other markets. The U.K. market is still interesting, butit's not clear how regulation will play out or if we are willing to take the additional cost in entering the market," Valentin Stalf, founder and CEO of Number26, told CNBC by phone. "It's bad for consumers, because in the end, financial innovation is less likely to be available in the U.K. The big advantage of the U.S. is that you can reach millions of consumers in one market, now 60 million in Britain are going to be out of the EU market, that's not good for European startups in general."

VC investment hit?
Horacio Villalobos | Getty Images

Britain's exit from the European Union means the unrestricted free flow of goods, services, materials and labor will likely cease, warn financial analysts. This brave new world will at the very least complicate the expansion plans of one tech behemoth with global ambitions: Amazon . The Seattle-based company earlier this year announced plans to substantially increase its UK operations in 2016  opening two new UK fulfillment centers and adding 2,500 new permanent jobs. That expansion will increase the total number of UK facilities to twelve and bring the company's total workforce to 14,500 by the end of the year. While it's unclear specifically how this will impact those plans, there's a good chance that hiring could become more difficult, as Amazon relies on low wage, often immigrant workers to staff its fulfillment centers  those jobs start at 7.35 ($10.07 USD) an hour  who may suddenly find it harder to work in the UK. The company is actively hiring workers for a range of positions  from operations managers to associates handling orders at the new fulfillment centers.

Amazon has been able to attract the best low wage workers by offering extremely competitive benefits packages, including stock grants, private health insurance, income protection and subsidized meals. It is unclear how a shortage in the supply of those workers could impact Amazon's hiring and margins in the UK.

Over the past six years, Amazon has invested over 4.6 billion ($6.30 billion USD) in the UK economy to build and run its business there. In March, the company announced plans to hire throughout the country  at its head office, research and development centers, customer service centers, and new Amazon Web Services (AWS) UK data centers, currently under construction. (Amazon declined to comment.)

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Today is the first glorious day of liberation from the terrible tyranny of bossy Brussels. We're free!

Free to eat wonky bananas and oddly-shaped cucumbers. (We never appreciated Brussels' obsession with the shape of our fruit.) Free of the vile yoke that oppressed our people for so long, forcing us into having the right to live anywhere we pleased anywhere in Europe. Free of the horrendous oppression that forced our benevolent employers to give us paid holidays, maternity and paternity leave and workplace rights.

Oh, jolly good. Well done us.

Now we no longer have to worry about having the monstrous evil of socialized medical care when we're travelling in Europe. We can pay for private health insurance! Now we no longer have to face the horror of our sons and daughters spending time abroad on ridiculous Erasmus schemes which allow us to study anywhere on this benighted, awful continent and meet, get to know and even fall in love with dreadful foreigners who don't "share our values."

Instead we can be free! We can finally cut ourselves off from this dreadful corrupt, sclerotic sh*thole that produced the Enlightenment, Mozart, Michelangelo, Cervantes, Kafka, the Nobel Prize, Voltaire and the Eurovision Song Contest.

Ahead to our glorious future! One filled with day trips to Dunstable, Spitfires roaring in the sky, Lyons Corner Houses and no bloody immigrants coming over here from Poland, mending our bathrooms and picking the fruit in our fertile British fields.

All hail the heir apparent, Boris Johnson! A man who, more than any politician ever seen, espouses the Marxist axiom, "those are my principles, and well, if you don't like them, I have others." (Groucho, not Karl.) A man whose lust for power and self-aggrandizement led him to valiantly support the leave side against all the odds and triumph as the presumptive new leader of this sceptr'd isle.

And special congratulations must also go to Nigel Farage, without whom this glorious moment of freedom would never have happened.

Farage is a plucky, downtrodden privately-educated former stockbroker, who bravely stood up against the elite; who, according to a former schoolteacher, used to sing Hitler-youth songs in school; and, who formed a pact with Holocaust-deniers in the European Parliament to get funding. He is a man who was happy for us to be told that Brexit would allow our strained public health service hundreds of millions of pounds, yet gleefully disavowed that claim this magnificent morning.

Glorious Nigel, who blames traffic jams on immigrants. Without his threat of violence on the streets if we didn't "take back control of our borders," we would never have achieved this superb moment.

I'm so happy that, from now on until the end of civilization (brought significantly closer by this vote), I will see him on my television and hear his husky, ale-lubricated, Benson-and-Hedges voice proclaiming that we have won our freedom "without a bullet being fired," blissfully ignoring the brutal murder of Jo Cox.



So hurrah! Rule Britannia! Everyone loves us now that we've trashed the one supranational organization that has provided peace and prosperity in Europe for the last 70 years.

Despite what you might've heard from Donald Trump, the perfidious Scots are like, totally out of here, with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon calling for a second referendum.

And Pax Ireland! Good luck now that we've trashed important clauses in the Good Friday Agreement in a country where 58 percent voted to remain. I'm sure it'll be just fine.

And dreadful London, where 60 percent voted to stay! Thank Celtic war queen Boudicca that we've liberated our glorious country from these pesky metropolitan elites, that capital of Europe, making all that money that pays for our public services, pensions and defense.

A special thanks must also go to the olds. Without the support of Brexit from those over 50 (the blindly misguided youth voted in droves for remain) we would never have this moment of glorious independence from our nearest neighbors, biggest trading partners and group of liberal, social democracies.

Our wondrous pound has plunged on the foreign-exchange markets, driving up the price of such fripperies as food and clothing.

Rejoice, I say. Rejoice!
Hours after the UK's historic vote to exit the European Union shocked the world and sent financial markets crashing, British expats gathered at local pubs in New York to express their disbelief and speculate on what may be in store for their country's future.

"I didn't believe it myself until this morning," said Kevin Hynes, who co-owns the Cock and Bull British restaurant in midtown Manhattan with his wife.



As the bar began to heat up around lunchtime with Wall Street workers coming in for a beer and lunch, the BBC streamed in the background and talk of the Brexit dominated conversation.



Hynes, who is from Dublin but has British family, said a lot of British visitors come to his bar on vacation, and he had been surprised by the number of people who said they were in favor of a Brexit. He called the decision to have a referendum a "big mistake" for UK Prime Minister David Cameron, and said he did not know who would end the fearmongering that lead up to the victory for "leave."



David Bruder, who came over to the U.S from London around two to three years ago, said he does not usually go to bars in the middle of the day, but was at the Cock and Bull "in honor of the historic occasion."



But Bruder, sporting a shirt bearing the British flag, said it was a not a celebratory  but rather an emotionally conflicted and "shocking"  outcome for him.



While he said that "rationally" it would have been better for the UK to remain in the EU, he felt a "moment of emotional jubilation at the leave."



He wasn't alone. Chris Jordan, originally from outside of London, called it "the worst possible way that the correct answer could come out."



Jordan said he was not surprised though, and predicted the fate of Scotland  whose leader is already calling for another referendum on the region's independence from Great Britain  would dominate the continuing conversation. His lunchtime partner predicted it would lead to a weaker Europe and a strengthened Russia.



Diners munched on pot pie and mash, and a few could be heard ordering extra rounds to help ease the day's stress. Overall, the mood was relatively subdued despite the dire warnings flashing on the TV screens.



"I don't think it's the end of Britain's global relevance," Bruder said.
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Bullish positions in gold and volatility and well-timed short bets on China and emerging markets, among other areas, were some of the trades that benefited hedge funds on Friday as markets digested Britons' surprise decision to exit the European Union, according to people familiar with the matter. Saba Capital, the credit hedge fund in New York, and a flagship fund at the London investment firm Odey Asset Management were two beneficiaries of the "leave" victory in the U.K. overnight, according to these people. And so-called "macro" fund managers George Soros and Stanley Druckenmiller, who run private firms managing family money through investments in a range of assets, appeared to be benefiting from long positions in gold, according to filings, though their overall performance numbers weren't clear.

Saba, run by the fund manager Boaz Weinstein, was up primarily on positions that benefited from volatility  a combination of holdings that included equity put options in Europe and Asia and credit-default swaps, or insurance policies on debtors unable to pay off their debts, one of these people said. With nearly 13 percent upside through the end of May, Saba is one of the better performing hedge funds this year, according to an industry poll conducted weekly by HSBC. At the same time, Odey Asset Management, which runs a variety of funds, was up 15 percent in its flagship fund by the close of European markets on Friday, according to people familiar with the matter. (Nonetheless, with declines of more than 26 percent through mid-June, according to HSBC, in its European fund, Odey has been home to some of the worst performance numbers so far this year.)

Odey, which manages about $10 billion, is headed by Crispin Odey, an outspoken advocate for Britain's exit from the EU who according to sources familiar with the matter commissioned private polls to get an early gauge on the potential outcome of Thursday's referendum vote.

George Soros Getty Images

His firm's flagship fund benefited, however, from various short positions put on many months before Britons went to the polls, including bearish bets on China, emerging markets, material and cyclical stocks, luxury stocks, and a number of currencies, according to people familiar with the matter. Odey's fund was also bullish on gold, these people added. "Ordinary people have spoken and broken ranks with the experts and their political leaders," Odey said in an e-mailed statement on Friday. "This reflects proper disaffection in a world of low growth and almost no productivity growth, which can only get worse if unanswered. This is a black day for those who would prefer decisions to be made in darkened rooms by experts. What a day. But it must not go to waste and we must remember how close it was but also how brave a decision it was!"

A spokesman for Saba declined to comment on specific performance figures.

Elsewhere in the market, a stunning 4.5 percent jump in the price of gold created paper profits for Soros and Druckenmiller, both of whom held bullish positions in the yellow metal, according to recent regulatory filings.

Ahead of the referendum Soros, who runs the $30 billion Soros Fund Management and recently took a more active role in the company's trading, argued passionately for Britons to stay in the EU. "Too many people believe that a vote to leave the EU will have no effect on their personal financial position,"Soros wrote in an op-ed piece published by the Guardian newspaper earlier this week. "This is wishful thinking." He added that in the wake of an exit vote, the British pound would fall precipitously  as it did Friday  and that there would be "an immediate and dramatic impact on financial markets, investment, prices, and jobs." Whether Soros's portfolio was positioned specifically to benefit from a British exit of the EU, however, through a long bet in the pound or other means, was never clear.

Notwithstanding that, some of Soros Fund Management's positions seemed to be rallying on Friday.
For Google CEO Sundar Pichai, one quote perfectly describes what it's like to be an entrepreneur, he said in a speech Friday.

Pichai spoke before a group of more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors and government officials at the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Palo Alto, California.

For the long-time engineer, it's no surprise Pichai chose a quote by Thomas Edison, the American inventor who brought the world the light bulb and the first way of recording sound.

That quote by Edison is: "I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work."
Obama spoke from the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in California, where he was scheduled to speak on his commitment to tackling global challenges and bringing entrepreneurs together. It came on a day when globalization was front and center, as financial markets across the world digested the economic implications of Britain's vote to exit the European Union.

"There's not a problem out there where young entrepreneurs are not already finding innovative solutions," Obama said in an online stream on Facebook Live. "The key is to build the infrastructure for it. To build the structures of rule of law and regulatory structures so that they're not getting bottled up and frustrated by old creaky systems. And the goal for the U.S. government is to continue to speak up on behalf of these entrepreneurs ... and also work with their governments."

The government has the responsibility to free young entrepreneurs of "creaky" old policies that hamper technology  even it is scary, U.S. president Barack Obama told Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Friday.

There has been an "incredible" transformation in social media since 2008, providing a sense of immediacy that has changed politics and economics in fundamental and powerful ways, Obama said.



"What that does is give entrepreneurs opportunities to leapfrog over old technologies, old political structures, old institutions, and start forming their own," Obama said. "It's disruptive. In some cases it's also scary."



Obama pointed to Egypt in 2010 and 2011, where social media helped launch the Arab Spring and the blow back that came with it.

"Part of our goal has to be to make sure that we help young people, like the ones that are here at this entrepreneurship summit, use these new tools, form these new bonds and not crush the innovation, but rather, help to shape it in a way that creates more jobs, more opportunities, more inclusiveness, more tolerance, more understanding, more peace, less conflict," Obama said. "It's going to take some time. I think you're always going to have people who react to all this new stuff and say, 'That's a little scary.'"

Obama said that fostering entrepreneurial culture requires openness and admitting new information, and that governments can't fall back on a "top down" control of communication technology, even balanced with the threat of violent extremism.

The president also said governments must be mindful to create a culture where those who want to start a business aren't bogged down by paperwork and fees. That includes the U.S. Congress, which needs to streamline the more than 16 agencies involved in doing business, he said.

"The thing that brands America more positively than anything is the notion that you have an idea, and you go out there and build something and you start something," Obama said.

Zuckerberg said at the event that he'd be willing to spend "billions" to build the right infrastructure  like worldwide access to the Internet and other technical tools.

"Entrepreneurship is about creating change, not just creating companies," Zuckerberg said on stage at the summit. "The most effective entrepreneurs that I've met are deeply about some mission and some change they are trying to create ... when I was getting started I cared deeply about giving everyone a voice and tools to share everything that they cared about and bringing a community together."
Britain's vote to leave the European Union will lead to the political end of the United Kingdom, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations told CNBC on Friday.

There will "no longer be Great Britain, at best you'll have Little Britain," Richard Haass said on "Squawk Box."

"This is Dissolution Day," he said. "This will light the fuse for Scotland, a second referendum [to leave the U.K.]. They'll opt for Europe over the U.K. I [also] worry about then what happens in Northern Ireland."

Northern Ireland's deputy leader Martin McGuinness on Friday called for a vote to unite the two sides of the Irish border. Roman Catholics in British-ruled Northern Ireland have long sought to reunite with Ireland. Under the EU, the border issue was diminished. McGuinness, a senior member of the Sinn Fein party, was formerly head of the militant Irish Republican Army.

As for the Scots, they voted two years ago to remain in the U.K., though a key argument at the time was a desire to stay in the EU.

"It's easy to sound melodramatic, but the European project is three quarters of a century old, and people take its peace and prosperity for granted," said Haass, an ambassador during the presidency of George W. Bush and an advisor to George H.W. Bush.

There's too much emphasis on the negatives of the EU such as the inefficiencies and over-regulation, Haass said. "But this is playing with history, and people are going to look back on this and they're going to say, 'This was a colossal mistake.'"

The Brexit vote shows the "danger of governing by referendum," he argued. "People went to the polls without the full understanding of the consequences of what they were setting in motion."

The "knock-on effect" of other nations looking to leave the EU is "very real," Haass said. "It goes far beyond whatever gyrations happen in the market this week."

Far-right movements in several European nations will feel emboldened by Britain's vote, he argued. For example, he added: "You'll have people in the right in France calling for Frexit."

The European Union, founded in 1951, has 28 member nations, including the U.K., whose exit from the group will need to be negotiated over course of what's expected to be at least two years.
Boris Johnson  The former London mayor and grudging "Leave" supporter-turned enthusiastic "Leave" leader chose the winning side. He's now a front-runner to lead the Tory party. #HellFreezesOver

Theresa May  Boris Johnson's populist approach to the Brexit campaign ticked off quite a few Tory elders, so the real money should be on UK Home Secretary Theresa May to succeed outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron. May is a political heavyweight and is generally respected among the Tories, something Boris Johnson is  um, not.

Nigel Farage  the once-embattled UK Independence Party leader gets his moment in the sun. Also gets to keep having a political career. And the fact that he quoted "Independence Day" in his victory speech made a crazy night that much crazier.

Marine Le Pen/Geert Wilders  Charismatic figures with a long history agitating for EU exits, France's Marine Le Pen and the Netherlands' Geert Wilders wasted no time calling for their own referendums. Brexit legitimizes their years of saber-rattling, and moves them from the political fringes into the mainstream, where they can do serious damage to the European project.

Vladimir Putin  Russia's strongman needed this. Low oil prices have leveled the Russian economy, and the International Olympic Committee has banned Russian track athletes from competing at #Rio2016. But now he gets to say "at least we're not Europe."

Nicola Sturgeon  The head of the Scottish National Party delivered on her end from Scotland, where 62 percent of Scots voted to "Remain," though turnout wasn't as high as hoped. She now has political leverage by threatening to hold another Scottish referendum. And if Scotland leaves, the British drought at Wimbledon gets retroactively reinstated.

German/US relations  Going to get stronger. By default.
New York and Frankfurt should rise as global currency trading hubs now that Britain has voted to leave the European Union, according to a survey of foreign exchange market professionals.

London has been the top forex trading hub with nearly 41 percent of the market share, or $2.2 trillion, and more than double New York's market share of about $1 trillion. That leadership soon could be eroded if the professional sentiment proves true, according to a survey from Chatsworth Communications.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents said Brexit would negatively affect London's position as the world's largest currency trading center. Of those, 40 percent said New York should benefit. Frankfurt was the top expected beneficiary, with support from 71 percent of respondents, followed by Paris at 49 percent.



"There is no doubt that London's leading position as a $2.2 trillion hub for FX trading is now under threat," Chatsworth CEO Nick Murray-Leslie said in a statement Friday.



"London and the city in particular as a global financial capital, where the vast majority of currency trading is transacted, will be bracing itself as the rest of the EU takes stock of the result," he said. "Traders, investors and money managers can now expect a prolonged period of uncertainty  the number one bugbear for financial markets  as the UK takes a step into the unknown."



The survey was conducted between March 11 and April 4 of this year and covered more than 12,000 currency market professionals around the world based on their membership of the trade group for global currency market professionals, the ACI Financial Markets Association.


Britain's vote to leave the European Union will not divide the "indispensable" partnership America has with the United Kingdom and the EU, U.S. President Barack Obama told an audience at Stanford University on Friday.

Obama said he had spoken to British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel after the vote, and that their economic teams will remain in close contact for the weeks and months ahead. The teams will stay focused on ensuring economic growth and financial stability, Obama said.

Cameron, who announced after the vote his intention to resign, assured Obama of the U.K.'s commitment to an orderly transition out of the EU, the president said. Obama said that shared values like pluralism, democracy and equal opportunity, as well as alliance through NATO, will continue to unite the U.S., U.K. and EU.

"Yesterday's vote speaks to the ongoing changes and challenges that are raised by globalization," Obama said. "But while the U.K.'s relationship with the EU will change, one thing that will not change is the special relationship that exists between our nations. That will endure."

Obama spoke from the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in California, where Obama was scheduled to speak on his commitment to tackling global challenges and bringing entrepreneurs together. It came on a day where global financial markets struggled to make sense of Britain's changing relationship with the European Union, with shares of major U.S. indexes falling more than 3 percent.

"The world has shrunk, it is interconnected," Obama said. "All of you represent that interconnection. Many of you are catalyzing it and accelerating it. It promises to bring extraordinary benefits. But it also has challenges. And it also evokes concerns and fears. Part of why this Global Entrepreneurship Summit has been so close to my heart, and something I've been so committed to, is because I believe all of you represent all the upside of an interconnected world."
The fact that Britain voted to leave the European Union is a signal that Donald Trump could win the U.S. presidential election.

Both Trump supporters and Britons who voted to leave the EU share the same kind of disenchantment with the political status quo and they support what's been portrayed as a radical solution to change it. They share concerns over border security, national sovereignty and trade deals. They share the desire not just for change, but somewhat radical change, despite the risks all the conventional wisdom experts keep telling them they face by embracing a Brexit and a non-political veteran candidate like Trump. They even share the same age as older voters in Britain have been the strongest "leave" supporters and Trump's base is also mostly aged 40-plus.

But now that the Brexit vote has ended in a win for the leave camp, we've learned something else very important. It's something the Hillary Clinton campaign should pay close attention to as well. Because this Brexit vote proves that "Do as you're told!" isn't such a good campaign slogan or strategy after all.

Make no mistake, that was exactly the message the pro-remain forces used the most leading up to the U.K. vote, with a heavy dose of, "the other side is a bunch of racists" thrown in. Sound familiar? It should because that message is pretty much the thrust of the anti-Trump campaign. The Brexit and pro-Trump sides even have President Obama in common  that is they have the fact that President Obama strongly came out against them and warned against voting the way they want to. Whatever happens here in the U.S. in November, the Brexit result should teach the White House, the Clinton campaign, and the legions of people working so hard to discredit Trump an important lesson about how their methods may be accomplishing the exact opposite of what they're trying to do.

Of course the U.S. and the U.K. are different countries. But because we both went through so many similar effects of the global financial crisis of 2008, the mood and collective experiences of the electorate in both countries is more similar than usual. In this landscape, the voting public seems to be a lot less interested in what the established authority figures tell them. Trump's popularity and the Bernie Sanders surge in the face of massive establishment effort in both parties to destroy their campaigns are the proof.

And in a world that is now getting most of its news from social media on mobile devices, the establishment figures in government and the news media shouldn't be so shocked that fewer people are even able to hear their messages anymore, let alone agree with them.

And remember, this kind of thing has happened before: In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became Britain's prime minister on a domestic and foreign policy platform quite similar to Ronald Reagan's message, which landed him the U.S. presidency one year later.

The victory for the leave camp proves there is now a worldwide movement for change. Will it be enough for the decidedly "change" candidate Donald Trump to win the White House? This country's voters, politicians, and pundits better start getting more prepared for the answer to be "yes."
LAUREL  Genes Pharmacy, whose origins trace back to the frontier founding of the city, closed its downtown shop Thursday afternoon.

Owners John and Sedley Barsness said it was a surprisingly emotional farewell after 34 years of business at 111 E. Main St.

Theres been a lot of people coming in to say goodbye, wish us well. This was a pleasure for us, John Barsness, 65, said hours before the closure.

The Barsnesses, longtime Laurel residents, sold the prescriptions and most of the inventory to the CVS pharmacy on the southeast part of town. The couple still own the building and are looking for a buyer.

The family-run pharmacy was founded by John Heinz as Gardner Drug in 1909, a year after Laurel was incorporated. The first two prescriptions filled, which are now barely legible, are displayed prominently in front of the drugstore counter.

The business was sold twice before being bought in the early 1950s by Gene Barsness, Johns father and namesake for the business, he said. Its been in the Barsness family for 64 years.

John Barsness remembered climbing through the aisles of the store as a child, but he had no desire to follow in his fathers footsteps after graduating Laurel High School. He majored in business at Montana State University, worked a few years in finance at a job he hated, then figured his fathers profession wasnt so bad.

I started realizing, maybe I do like pharmacy, Barsness said.

He finished graduate school at the University of Montana and moved back to Laurel to work three years with his dad. Gene Barsness, now deceased, owned the business for 30 years before selling to his son.

In addition to selling prescription drugs, Genes was a downtown retail store, displaying knickknacks, old posters and pictures, and souvenirs for both the city of Laurel and state of Montana.

The far wall is like a local museum, featuring old books and photos from Laurels past. Behind a glass display case are a few dozen old bottles, mostly brought in by former customers, Barsness said.

Most of the artifacts will be donated to the Laurel Public Library, he said.

Barsness said he believes Genes may be the oldest pharmacy in Montana but isnt 100 percent sure. A representative of the Montana Board of Pharmacy told him he was unaware of any older, Barsness said.

The family-owned pharmacy has become an endangered species over the years as big players such as CVS, Walgreens and other box stores have come to dominate the market.

Barsness said the rise of pharmacy benefit managers and mail-order prescriptions have pinched small pharmacies and pushed the younger generation to the security of larger firms instead of starting their own business.

Barsness said he tried to sell the business to another buyer but couldnt find enough interest. At 65, he said, it was time to retire, particularly as he and his wife struggle through health problems.

With the time off, the Barsnesses are planning a paddlewheel trip on the Mississippi River and visits to grandchildren in Wisconsin and Washington state.

Theyll miss the daily interactions with customers and being a part of their daily lives.

Its kind of a cliche, but its always about the people, Barsness said.

Editor's note (June 24) A previous version of this story misstated the year the drug store was founded. This version is correct.
The shock result of the U.K.'s referendum on its future in the European Union has thrust the region into renewed uncertainty. One area of concern is how Brexit will impact job recruitment. Many businesses are concerned about what the result, in which the vote to leave won 51.9 percent of support, will mean for their staff.

"The result is shocking and it's a sad day for the UK," Mark Mitchell, CEO of recruitment specialist Meridian Business Support, said in a statement.

"The result makes us appear to be less friendly and tolerant and has turned many of our workforce into official immigrants than colleagues  this will have a detrimental effect on staffing."

Christopher Furlong | Getty Images

EU nationals may now be nervous and reluctant to apply for jobs in the U.K., warned Sian Goodson, managing director of executive search and corporate insight business Goodson Thomas.

"My concern is to what extent will we now be able to attract EU candidates for prestigious roles in the U.K?" she said in a statement to CNBC.

"It wasn't an easy ask previously because of how the different member states' education systems were set up and because of the various EU rules and regulations, but it was always an option to include EU candidates in our listings."

The result could prove to be highly divisive. Several young people took to social media Friday to express their disappointment with the decision and considered emigrating, while U.K. nationals working abroad pledged not to return.

"I'll be staying in Spain now. Maybe elsewhere in Europe beyond that. But not the United Kingdom," Joey Vaughan, a bar manager from Kent working in Spain, told CNBC via email.
Stunned reaction to 'Brexit,' as well as to David Cameron's shock announcement that he will resign as the country's prime minister, is pouring in from across the globe.

It's not only markets that are in complete turmoil to the U.K 's decision to leave the European Union.

- U.S. President Barack Obama: "The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy. So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond. The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."

- U.S. Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton: "Our first task has to be to make sure that the economic uncertainty created by these events does not hurt working families here in America. We also have to make clear America's steadfast commitment to the special relationship with Britain and the transatlantic alliance with Europe."

- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: "The UK and the EU are important strategic partners for Canada with whom we enjoy deep historical ties and common values. We will continue to build relations with both parties as they forge a new relationship."

- International Monetary Fund's Christine Lagarde: "We take note of the decision by the people of the United Kingdom. We urge the authorities in the U.K. and Europe to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition to a new economic relationship between the U.K. and the EU, including by clarifying the procedures and broad objectives that will guide the process."

- G-7 (U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the U.K.) ministers: "We, G-7 Ministers and Governors, respect the intention expressed today by the people of the United Kingdom to exit from the European Union. We are monitoring market developments following the outcome of the referendum."

- U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan: "I respect the decision made by the people of the United Kingdom. The UK is an indispensable ally of the United States, and that special relationship is unaffected by this vote."

- German Chancellor Angela Merkel: "Deeply regrets the UK's decision to leave the European Union." Merkel added that Germany has a "special interest and special responsibility" in European unity succeeding, and thus has invited the EU's Donald Tusk, France's Francois Hollande and Italy's Matteo Renzi to Berlin on Monday.

- French president Francois Hollande: The Brexit vote is a "painful choice. And I regret it deeply, for the UK and for Europe. But that's their choice, and we must respect it."

- A joint statement released by the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, holder of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU Mark Rutte, and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission stated: "In a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but respect it. This is an unprecedented situation but we are united in our response. We will stand strong and uphold the EU's core values of promoting peace and the well-being of its peoples."

- Former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair: "I'm very sad, I'm very sad for our country, for Europe, for the world, actually, because it's got vast implications economically and politically, in terms of our security also I think. What is really important now is that we do everything we can to stabilize the situation in our country... The Prime Minister has got a huge task now in trying to bring people together, because the most important thing is that we minimize the bad consequences... This is a very, very sad day."

- Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness called for a referendum on a united Ireland on national Irish broadcaster RTE: "We are now in unchartered waters, nobody really knows what is going to happen. The implications for all of us on the island of Ireland are absolutely massive. This could have very profound implications for our economy."



- Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull: "The impact on Australia immediately, directly, from a legal point of view, will be very limited because it will take some years for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, to negotiate an exit. However, we've seen already large falls on stock markets and there will be a degree of uncertainty for some time."


The Summit Federal Credit Union on Tuesday formally opened its branch at Township 5 in Camillus, which the Rochesterbased credit union is describing as its branch of the future. Photo credit: The Summit Federal Credit Union.

CAMILLUS, N.Y.  The Summit Federal Credit Union on Tuesday formally opened its new office at Township 5 in Camillus, which the nonprofit describes as its branch of the future.

The new location features individual teller towers, which have replaced partitioned stations and cash drawers.

The Summits purpose is to serve our members and to support their communities in an ever-changing financial world, Mike Vadala, president and CEO of the credit union, said in a news release issued Wednesday.

To further our commitment to the Syracuse area, we have built our most innovative branch to date in Camillus. The Summit considers its Camillus branch the most technologically-advanced of its 18 branches.

The innovations and new technology seek to assist credit-union members with items that range from credit cards to loans to investments. The advancements include interactive technology for educating members about the credit unions products and services and enhanced digital-marketing displays inside the branch.

Founded in 1941, the Summit Federal Credit Union is a Rochesterbased nonprofit, member-owned financial cooperative.

With about $800 million in assets, the Summit has more than 230 employees and serves about 80,000 active members in Central and Western New York.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
ROCHESTER, N.Y.  The Bonadio Group has announced a succession plan that will have Thomas (Tom) Bonadio, the firms founder, handing over the CEO role in three years.

The Rochesterbased firm, which operates an office in Syracuse, describes itself as upstate New Yorks largest independent provider of accounting, consulting, and financial services.

The firms partners voted to have long-time employee Bruce Zicari assume the role of CEO on May 1, 2019. The Bonadio Group on May 1 of this year named Zicari a managing partner of the Rochester office.

Tom Bonadio will continue to mentor Zicari over the next three years, the firm said in its news release issued Friday.

Bruce Zicari is the perfect individual to succeed me as our next CEO, Bonadio said. He will have more than 25 years with the firm when he assumes that role, but he still will be young enough to continue in that position for another 15 to 20 years. His skill set and knowledge of how we operate will make him an outstanding leader for The Bonadio Group for many years into the future.

Tom Bonadio also emphasizes he has no plans to retire.

Its time to implement our plan for the succession of our firms leadership. Its a plan that has been meticulously designed to keep the company on track with our overall strategic plan, and will work as a seamless transition over the next three years.

As a managing partner in the Rochester office, Zicari will work with Bonadio COO Robert Enright to oversee the administration and operation of the Bonadio Groups headquarters.

In addition, Zicari will continue to lead the firms small-business advisory state-wide practice.

Besides the CEO succession, the firm announced that Mario Urso became chairman of the Bonadio Groups board of directors on May 1.

Mario has more than 25 years with the firm, and he has the skills and trust of our partners to lead our board, Bonadio said in the release.

As chairman, Urso will lead the Bonadio Group board of directors and set the strategic direction for the firm.

In addition to that position, he will still co-lead the firms healthcare/tax-exempt practice.

Mario and Bruce will continue to operate the Bonadio Group through the lens of our strategic business philosophies, said Bonadio. They will work closely with each other in an effort to continue to lead the firm down this path of success  not only for our employees, but also for our growing roster of clients.

The Bonadio Group now serves more than 17,000 clients on a local, national, and international scale, with an employee base of more than 700 people across New York.

The publication Accounting Today recently recognized the firm as the 38th largest certified public accountant (CPA) firm in the nation, with revenue of about $100 million.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
Redesign of U.S. currency, both paper money and coins, would have been derailed had Kings measure been congressionally approved.

The House Rules Committee June 21 denied floor consideration of a proposed amendment to a Treasury Department appropriations bill that would have blocked the redesign of the $20 Federal Reserve note to feature abolitionist Harriet Tubman, affected designs for future U.S. coins, including America the Beautiful quarter dollars, and more if enacted.

The proposed amendment to H.R. 5485 had been introduced June 17 in the House by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa.

The amendment, if passed, would have halted all redesign for U.S. paper money and coins, including changes already underway for the $10 Federal Reserve note intended to improve the notes anti-counterfeiting properties and to comply with a 2008 federal court order requiring paper money to be accessible to the blind and visually impaired.

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Kings proposed amendment to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2017 was targeted toward modifying the following text in the legislation:

Sec. 119. None of the funds appropriated in this Act or otherwise available to the Department of the Treasury or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing may be used to redesign the $1 Federal Reserve note.

Had the amendment been adopted, the text would have read thus (emphasis added):

Sec. 119. None of the funds appropriated in this Act or otherwise available to the Department of the Treasury or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing may be used to redesign the [sic] any Federal Reserve note or coin.

OPINION: King amendment threatened our coins and notes

According to news sources, Rep. King acknowledged that the amendment was intended to stop design changes that Treasury Secretary Jack Lew announced on April 20. Lew announced that portrayal of Andrew Jackson on the face of the $20 Federal Reserve note would be moved to the back, replaced on the face with a portrait of Tubman. A rendition of the White House will accompany Jacksons portrait on the back.

Lew also announced at the same time that future $5 and $10 Federal notes would be redesigned to include vignettes celebrating women in U.S. history.

The portraits of Alexander Hamilton, the first Treasury secretary, and the 16th U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln, would remain on the faces of the redesigned $10 and $5 Federal Reserve notes, respectively.

However, the reverse designs would be replaced with new designs celebrating Womens Suffrage and the Civil Rights movement.

The Treasury Department building on the back of the $10 note is to be replaced with a rendering illustrating the March 3, 1913, march for womens suffrage that ended on the steps of that structure.

Featured in the design will be likenesses of suffragists Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul.

While the back of the $5 note will retain the Lincoln Memorial, the redesign will incorporate images of events held there and include renditions of people who helped shape American history.

Kings proposed amendment would have derailed the currency redesign, which has been underway for the $10 note for some time. Prior to the new design changes announced by Lew, work was already in progress involving the addition of advanced anti-counterfeiting devices and other details to serve the needs of the blind and visually impaired under provisions of a 2008 court ruling. The note is expected to be revealed by 2020.

A lower court decision that the Treasury has failed to design, produce and issue paper money that is readily distinguishable to blind and visually impaired individuals was upheld May 20, 2008, in United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

The lawsuit originally filed in 2002 by the American Council for the Blind and two visually impaired individuals, Patrick Sheehan and Otis Stephens, alleged that the physical design of the Federal Reserve notes violates Section 504 of the federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act.

Action taken by the House Rules Committee June 21 not to put the proposed amendment to the full House for consideration allows the Treasury Department to continue the redesign initiative currently unimpeded.

Representatives from Kings office failed to respond to Coin Worlds multiple emails and telephone calls for comment on the proposed amendment.

Officials from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Mint also declined to comment on the measure.
This week's top post on CoinWorld.com concerned an 1849 Mormon $20 gold coin that until recently had been stored in a lock box for more than 50 years, unknown to the numismatic world.

Its time to catch up on the week that was in numismatic insights and news.

Coin World is looking back at its five most-read stories of the week.

Click the links to read the stories. Here they are, in reverse order:

5. 1879 Coiled Hair Stella $4 pattern in aluminum in Spink sale: Stellas were intended to be gold $4 coins. Two distinct designs were struck in both 1879 and 1880, one design depicting the Coiled Hair Liberty and the other depicting a Flowing Hair Liberty.

4. Small-size $2 denomination returns in 1976 as a Federal Reserve note: If you were to ask numismatists which denomination of paper money is least useful, nearly all would agree: the $2 bill. On the other hand, if you were to ask them about their favorite current note, they would also probably answer: the $2 bill.

3. Here are all of the Barack Obama Presidential medal designs being considered: The Commission of Fine Arts convened on June 16 to review designs and make recommendations for two Barack Obama Presidential medals.

2. California Gold Rush bar brings $140,400 at Bonhams: The handsome bar, recovered from the SS Central America shipwreck, measures 98 by 42 by 30 millimeters.

1. 1849 Mormon gold $20 coin surfaces after half century in storage: The privately produced 1849 Mormon gold $20 coin is considered by many numismatists to be the first coin of that denomination to enter general circulation in the United States, beating the federal issuance of double eagles by a year.

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The Mint of Finland plans to honor the birth centennial of Finnish philosopher Georg Henrik von Wright with a circulating commemorative 2 coin in 2016.

Finland will honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of philosopher Georg Henrik von Wright with a circulating commemorative 2 coin.

The late professor at the University of Cambridge was born June 14, 1916, and died June 16, 2003.

In total, 1 million of the coins are due for release in October.

At the center on the reverse of the coin is an ancient Doric pillar with an oak branch at the left. The inscription GEORG HENRIK VON WRIGHT is placed in semi-circle from left to right.

The year of issue (2016) and the FI indication of the country of minting also appear.

The ringed-bimetallic coin has a copper-nickel core and copper-aluminum-nickel ring.

The coins outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag. The common reverse shows a map of the European Union.

The 2 coin weighs 8.5 grams and measures 25.75 millimeters in diameter.

Each nation is allowed to issue up to two different circulating commemorative designs annually, with designs of their choosing, though few nations issue the maximum number of designs.

Joint euro programs like the 2015 coins honoring the 30th anniversary of flag of the European Union do not count toward this limit.
A veteran of the Billings restaurant scene has taken over a downtown lounge and country western dance hall and added his culinary touch.

Reid Pyburn, 37, of Billings, is now part owner of the High Horse Saloon and Eatery, formerly Montana Chads at 3953 Montana Ave. Pyburn was a longtime cook at the Rex downtown, and he said hed been looking at ownership opportunities outside the state when this one popped up.

Pyburn and partners Jim Kisling and Scott Ugrin, both local contractors, have spent about $250,000 to remodel the facility. This includes a new bar, new flooring, 12 additional beer taps, a photo wrap by the stage of galloping horses hooves and other improvements.

Were dressing up for the prom, Pyburn said last week.

With Kislings and Ugrins connections in the construction industry, renovations were completed swiftly, and the casino never closed during the ownership change, Pyburn said.

The business reopened April 25 under the High Horse name.

The spot is best known as longtime home of Montana Chads. About two years ago, the name changed to Smitty after the business was sold, but it went back to the original owners and Montana Chads last year.

Pyburn said the casino and bar remain the core of the business, but hes determined to make a name for his food, too. The menu is simple but heavy on homemade ingredients: fresh fries, steak and omelets and pancakes for breakfast.

Its not your typical casino/bar menu. Prime rib, all day, Pyburn said.

I knew the food would be good, but I didnt know it would be received like this.

The High Horse still has its outdoor patio, live country music on weekends and free dancing lessons Tuesday nights. The lounge has about 25 employees, mostly former Montana Chads workers, Pyburn said.

High Horse Saloon and Eatery is open from 8 a.m. to closing daily, which is at least midnight. Call 259-0111 for more information.

Activity at former Vann's site

Work is underway to build new storage space for Lowes Home Centers at the former Vanns appliance store at 2647 King Ave. W., according to city building permits.

The permit states that Lowes is spending about $10,000 to install racking to store overflow materials in the former appliance store.

A spokeswoman for North Carolina-based Lowes said the company has no plans to bring a new store to Billings. Lowes operates a retail box store a block away at 2717 King Ave. W.

The owners of Vanns, Florida-based Khaledi Group, closed at the end of 2014. The chain was in the news recently when its former chief financial officer, Paul Nisbet, pleaded guilty to federal charges that he conspired with former Chief Executive Officer Leslie Manlove to defraud the Missoula-based company and force it into bankruptcy as far back as 2011.

Manlove has pleaded not guilty to more than 200 charges of conspiracy and fraud and is scheduled for trial in October.

The Khaledi Group bought the chain out of bankruptcy and has closed all stores.

IRS shows some heart

If you did the time in the hoosegow for a crime you didn't commit, and then won some kind of financial settlement, chances are the IRS was first in line to collect a big chunk of it.

A new rule, however, offers the wrongly convicted a one-year window to file for a refund of the taxes paid.

Before Congress passed the new rule in December, that restitution was considered income.

Haikus from the valley

According to a new survey from Bankrate.com, about 66 million Americans have zero dollars saved for an emergency.

Members of my generation, Generation X, are the worst offenders: one-third of American ages 36-51 havent saved anything, compared to 27 percent in the same boat ages 18 and above.

So this got me thinking. Is this further evidence we children of the late '80s and '90s were truly the Slacker Generation, wallowing in our grunge music and multiple Reality Bites viewings when we should have been looking for jobs, and no, starving artist doesnt count?

Maybe. But something else hit us pretty hard in the wallet, too, and it wasnt all our own bad decisions and broken dreams.

Hard to save money

After recession destroyed
Space is no longer a problem for workers at Pyramid Cabinet Shop in Billings.

In their new, 10,760-square-foot manufacturing facility, theres plenty of room to take in raw lumber and other materials at the north end, process and finish them, and then stack them to ship to customers.

More space saves time, which manager Dan Hugelen says will allow Pyramid to bid for more jobs during the brisk commercial construction season and possibly hire more workers.

Were not moving cabinets three different times anymore, Hugelen said Tuesday with a laugh.

The 13 workers at Pyramid are settling into their new manufacturing facility at 4520 S. Frontage Road, finished in March and part of a new string of industrial developments south of Interstate 90.

West of Pyramid is the first Montana store for Tacoma Screw, a Washington state company that sells fasteners, tools and other building supplies. The $1.5 million shop also opened in March.

On Pyramids eastern side, Dick Anderson Construction completed its new $948,125 office and headquarters. Anderson had formerly shared a location with Pyramid at 1201 Fourth Ave. N., which was becoming too small for both companies, Pyramid and Anderson officials have said.

I said, Get us out of the building. Get us into our own building, Hugelen, of Billings, said.

Combined, the three buildings  all built by Dick Anderson  represent about a $3 million investment along the South Frontage Road corridor.

Hugelen said Pyramids business is tied closely to the commercial construction industry, which has soared in Billings over the last few years but is tapering off in 2016.

Through May, builders filed permits for about $41 million in new commercial projects in Billings, down from $47.8 million in the same period in 2015, according to city figures.

Commercial remodeling has also slowed, tallying about $18 million from January to May, down from $23.8 million in the same five months in 2015, according to the city of Billings.

Pyramid is a 15-year-old company that became an affiliate of the Dick Anderson family about two years ago. Pyramid operates independently, but investors in the contracting firm, including Anderson himself, are part owners of Pyramid, according to Hugelen.

With the expanded space, Hugelen said he expects to be able to boost the volume of business 20 percent to 25 percent in Montana and Wyoming.

Pyramid has worked as subcontractor for cabinet, front office and counter top making on a number of large projects in recent months, Hugelen said.

These include improvements at Billing Clinic, desks for First Interstate Banks Gilette, Wyo., branch of the future, the reception desk for Pierce Flooring in Billings and a reception desk for the Crowley Fleck law branch office in Bozeman.

We can do just about anything, Hugelen said.

Pyramid has customers in Kalispell, Gillette, Butte, Missoula and Great Falls. Hugelen said his strong workforce proved that Pyramid was viable to stand on its own and operate in its new headquarters.

This group of people that work here, (they) have been here long enough and have the experience, he said.
What you need to know ahead of mandatory CWD sampling in Missouri
When Billings Clinic welcomed 11 new resident physicians Thursday morning, it represented not only a new crop of faces but a major step for its young residency program.

With the White Coat Ceremony officially bringing the new residents into the fold as its third-ever class, the clinic's Internal Medicine Residency program has now for the first time filled out each class in the three-year program.

"This is the last White Coat Ceremony only because next year we'll be doing a White Coat Ceremony along with a graduation ceremony for our very first class of residents," said Dr. Nicholas Wolter, Billings Clinic CEO.

The 11 new resident physicians come from a wide range of backgrounds  each graduating from a different medical school, including schools in Brazil and Ireland, and four were born and grew up in foreign countries  and will spend the next three years training in and around Billings Clinic.

Residency is a required step and the final stage of a physician's graduate medical education before they go into practice and involves training and working under the supervision of an attending physician.

Each of the new residents received the white coats commonly associated with doctors in a ceremony that represents their careers' transition into physicians.

"Really, it's a symbol of medical authority and a symbol of the doctor-patient relationship," said Dr. Robert Ficalora, program director.

After the residents received their coats, all of the other physicians in the room stood and recited the Hippocratic Oath with them.

Dr. Lauren Thom, who grew up in Canada, recently finished medical school at the University of Limerick in Ireland. She said the care and attention the staff in Billings Clinic's residency put into the students appealed to her, as did the chance to be among the first students in the program.

"When I met the directors, I got the sense they were really invested in the careers of the residents," she said. "I love that it's a smaller program and that it's just starting. That's part of the reason I chose it. I love that I'll be able to have input on how it forms."

The ceremony also held a little extra significance for Thom, who had to hustle to Billings from Ireland to start up her residency.

"I never got a graduation (ceremony) from medical school," she said. "I had to get here. It has a double meaning as a graduation and an introduction here."

Ficalora told the resident physicians that, with the now-full program, in joining the residency they'll be part of the largest primary care practice in Montana.

The first class saw 12 physicians, and 10 residents joined in the second class.

With all three classes now in place, it will allow the experienced third-year physicians to take on more of the teaching duties and serve as senior residents with the newer residents, freeing up the faculty to work in a more academic role.

That's something Ficalora said he and other staff have been waiting on for four years.

"We're going to have people walking here who are confident and know what they're doing," he said. "I don't see you guys as brand-new interns who are nervous. I know what you're going to become."

One of the senior residents, and a member of what will be the program's first graduating class, is Dr. Sierra Gross. She's looking at practicing general and primary care upon finishing her residency and hopes to stay in Montana to do so.

She said that having a multi-specialty team to train her and other residents has provided invaluable experience as they figured out together how the residency program would work.

"It's been a real compliment for these first years to help grow and develop what the program will look like," Gross said. "We've had a lot of ups and downs and a lot of bumps in the road, but we've been able to address them all quickly thanks to the help from the staff here."

The residency program is designed in part to help address physician shortages across Montana and in underserved areas. National statistics show that around 70 percent of physicians practice near where they completed their residency.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was on a tour of the South to recruit volunteers for his "Poor People's Campaign", spoke to an overflow crowd at Mason Temple March 18, 1968. Crowd estimates ranged from 9,000-13,000. Speaking in support of striking sanitation workers, King called for a general work stoppage by black Memphians if the city did not agree to a union dues checkoff. "Along with wages and other securities, you're struggling for the right to organize. This is the way to gain power. Don't go back to work until all your demands are met", Dr. King told the crowd. He pledged to return to Memphis on March 22 to lead a march that was postponed because of a near record snowfall. The protest was rescheduled for March 28. The march ended in disorder with looting and vandalism along Beale and Main Streets. Police moved in with tear gas and nightsticks. By day's end, one person had been killed and more than 60 injured. King would agonize over what happened and vowed to return to lead a peaceful mass march. On Wednesday, April 3, King again returned to Memphis. That night, more than 2,000 listened as he gave his famous "Mountaintop" speech at Mason Temple. The next day, at 6:01p.m., an assassin's bullet struck Dr. King as he stood on the balcony outside room 306 at the Lorraine Motel. King would have celebrated his 84th birthday Thursday, Jan. 15, 2013. Memphis is celebrating the life of the civil rights leader today with prayers, a parade and other celebrations. REFER KING EVENTS (Photo by Vernon Matthews / The Commercial Appeal)

By Michael Collins of The Commercial Appeal

WASHINGTON  The temple in Memphis where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke the night before his assassination could receive national monument status under a proposal drawing the interest of tourism officials and historic preservationists.

The Mason Temple at 930 Mason St. is the international sanctuary and central headquarters of the Church of God in Christ, the largest African-American Pentecostal group in the world.

Outside of Memphis, the temple is probably best known as the site where King delivered his prophetic "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, his last one before he was fatally shot while standing out side a room at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968.

A grass-roots movement led by the widow of the church's first elected presiding bishop is exploring the possibility of asking the federal government to declare the temple a national monument under the auspices of the National Park Service.

"This is long overdue," said Mary Patterson, who lives in Memphis and is the widow of Presiding Bishop J.O. Patterson Sr.

Patterson has worked for a decade, along with Darrin Rodgers of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center, to bring attention to the temple's historical significance. Recently, the National Park Service approached her and others about the possibility of having the temple become a part of the park system.

On Monday, Patterson and Calvin Taylor of the Memphis Convention and Visitors' Bureau met with a National Park Service representative to learn more about what would be involved.

Though the discussions are in the preliminary stages, one proposal under consideration would involve a partnership between the Park Service and the church.

The Park Service would provide tours of the temple, prepare brochures and other promotional materials and put up some funding for maintenance. The church or another private entity also would be responsible for additional funding.

Congress would have to pass legislation declaring the site a national monument or President Obama could order the declaration himself under the Antiquities Act, a 110-year-old law providing general protection to cultural or natural resources.

A Park Service spokesman in Washington declined to comment on Friday.

Taylor, a special assistant to the president of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, said declaring the temple a national monument would help preserve the facility and provide national recognition of its role in the civil rights movement.

"This is a very good suggestion, and we're trying to see what we have to do to get it accomplished," he said.

Bishop David Allen Hall of the church's Tennessee Headquarters Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction said he was aware of the movement to make the temple part of the Park Service but did not know details.

Still, Hall said he would "totally embrace" designating the temple as a national monument as long as it would not prevent the church from holding worship services there or making it available for other purposes, such as community events.

"The Mason Temple is our national shrine, and it is a world venue in the sense that the Church of God in Christ is in all 50 states and 70 countries around the world," Hall said.

The temple is the centerpiece of a group of six buildings forming the church's world headquarters. Capable of seating 7,500 people on two levels, it was constructed for regular services as well as to house the annual national convention of church representatives. Upon its completion in 1945, it was the largest church building owned by a predominantly black Christian denomination in the United States.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the temple served as a focal point of civil rights activities in Memphis. King spoke at a fundraiser there for African-American candidates for a various offices in 1959. On the night of April 3, 1968, he would give his final speech at the temple in support of 1,300 striking sanitation workers who met regularly at the church.

While the temple already is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its significance often is overlooked in the national narrative on civil rights, said Lauren Beaupre, a member of the Shelby County Historical Commission.

"To me, the Mason Temple is the physical embodiment of the past 75 years of the civil rights movement and deserves to be honored as such," said Beaupre, who wrote an academic article about the temple as a graduate student at the University of Notre Dame.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, also said the temple deserves to be honored.

"Mason Temple will always be known as the site of Dr. King's last speech and should forever be preserved," Cohen said. "It being the founding home of the Church of God in Christ adds to its rich heritage."
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By Meghan Daum

In what's being touted as a turning point in the way the Supreme Court considers the factor of race in the criminal justice system, Justice Sonia Sotomayor on Monday delivered a scathing dissent in Utah vs. Strieff, a 4th Amendment case about police searches.

The court ruled in a 5-3 decision that it was legal for police to search someone even if he or she had been stopped without a lawful reason, as long as an outstanding warrant was later discovered. Unlawful stop or not, if you have so much as an outstanding traffic ticket, any evidence of wrongdoing turned up in a search could count against you.

Sotomayor was in the minority, with Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan, but her dissent effectively sent a stronger message than the ruling itself.

Decrying the way the decision "forgives" police who detain people based on nothing more than a hunch, Sotomayor drew on her own experience as a Latina and invoked the lessons of the Black Lives Matter movement.

"For generations, black and brown parents have given their children 'the talk,'" she wrote, "  instructing them to never run down the street; always keep your hands where they can be seen; do not even think of talking back to a stranger  all out of fear of how an officer with a gun will react."

She cited Michelle Alexander's book, "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness," and Ta-Nehisi Coates' "Between the World and Me," which wrestles with the legacies of racism in terms so plain as to be revolutionary.

"People of color," Sotomayor wrote, "are disproportionate victims" of unlawful police stops "that corrode all our civil liberties and threaten our lives."

Though it's hardly news to many blacks and Latinos, plenty of middle-class whites are only now beginning to grasp the scope of their privilege when it comes to dealing with the police. Cavalier as it sounds, I can tell you that as a white person (a blond, female one at that) my interactions with law enforcement over the years have taken a notably breezy tone. I'm hard pressed to think of a situation where being in the presence of a cop would make me fear for my life  even if, ahem, I had actually done something wrong.

I'm hard pressed to think of a situation where being in the presence of a cop would make me fear for my life  even if I had actually done something wrong.

As it happens, on Monday, right around the time Sotomayor's dissent began making a splash, I did have a run-in with the law. Near where I'm living in New York City, there's a stretch of road closed to traffic and used as an unofficial dog run. NYPD officers routinely sit in a cruiser nearby, paying no attention to local canines enjoying a few minutes of illicit freedom. However, on Monday my dog and I were stopped by a sanitation officer who'd "observed" my "infraction" and demanded to see ID. Since I didn't have any on me, he said he would "escort" me to my building to retrieve my driver's license, and then he made a big show of radioing in to see if I was wanted for anything.

Hoping to defuse the encounter, I registered disbelief: "You're kidding me!" Then I kicked it up a notch, gently teasing the officer: "How did you get stuck on this detail?" Finally, I resorted to the sympathy card: "My dog and I are here from California and it's been a hard adjustment." In the end, I still got a $200 ticket, but the officer apologized because I seemed so nice. And I said I was sorry he had such a difficult job.

Speaking of apologies, I'm also sorry to say that before I read "Between the World And Me," I probably wouldn't have thought much about the extraordinary display of privilege contained in this encounter. Like Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who has indicated in the past that he has never been stopped by police, I have generally operated on the notion that if you're law-abiding, the police are nothing to be afraid of. And I'm an NPR-listening, Obama-loving, supposedly enlightened liberal who's supposed to think beyond that.

That's why Sotomayor's dissent is so important. In pointing out where the court's decision went wrong, it points the way forward. It suggests that the day might come when the law of the land more accurately echoes the cultural conversation. Either that or the day Roberts gets busted for no good reason. We'll see which comes first.

Meghan Daum is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times.
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By Paul Waldman

In two dramatic decisions, the Supreme Court Thursday reminded everyone of what the most important issue in the 2016 presidential election really is. In the first case, the justices upheld the University of Texas' affirmative action program in a surprising 4-to-3 decision written by Justice Anthony Kennedy. (Justice Elena Kagan had to recuse herself.) But I want to focus on the other case, in which the court, shorthanded because Senate Republicans have refused to consider President Barack Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to fill the seat of the late Antonin Scalia, deadlocked 4-to-4 on a critical immigration case:

"The Supreme Court handed President Obama a significant legal defeat Thursday, refusing to revive his stalled plan to shield millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation and give them the right to work legally in the United States. 

"The court's liberals and conservatives deadlocked, which leaves in place a lower court's decision that the president exceeded his powers in issuing the directive."

To clarify, this is not about the original Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), which allowed people who were brought to the United States as children to stay and work legally. This lawsuit concerned the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents program (DAPA), which allowed parents who are themselves undocumented but whose children are citizens or legal residents to stay, in the interests of not breaking up families.

This case is hugely significant, not only for the millions of families that now have to worry about being split up, but also for the future of the Supreme Court. As The Washington Post's Greg Sargent explained in April, the fate of DAPA was going to be decided by the next president no matter what the court did this time. Had they found for the administration, the policy would continue if Hillary Clinton wins the election, but if Donald Trump wins, he would reverse Obama's executive action anyway and shut it down. On the other hand, now that DAPA has been suspended, if Clinton wins, she'll probably move to have the case reheard once she gets her Supreme Court justice confirmed, and in all likelihood her administration would win 5-to-4.

And Sargent argued on Twitter that if Clinton does win, the chances that the GOP will be willing to entertain comprehensive immigration reform, including a provision like DAPA, will be improved:

"The GOP will have been wiped out with the ultimate restrictionist  a proponent of mass deportations who takes visible pleasure in insulting Mexican immigrants  at the top of the ticket. It's always possible, of course, that Republicans could remain cowed by the hard right on this issue. But many mainstream House conservatives do appear open to legalization, so it is not that hard to imagine Ryan responding to Trump-inspired wipeout by marginalizing the party's restrictionist wing and getting reform done."

Sargent might be right, but I have to say I'm more skeptical than he is. The fundamental dynamic that stops the GOP from enacting comprehensive immigration reform will still be operative: While it's in the party's interest to communicate to Latinos that Republicans don't hate them, most individual Republican members still represent overwhelmingly conservative districts where comprehensive reform is deeply unpopular. They know if they vote for it, they could get a primary challenge from the right. And after a big loss, as a group they'd be even less likely to support reform, since many of their members from more competitive districts, where voters might be more open to reform, will have lost. The remaining caucus will be more conservative than the current one. And we could be in for a whole new kind of tea party rising up in opposition to Clinton as it looks toward the 2018 off-year elections.

The other question is how this decision affects the thinking about the Supreme Court vacancy. One scenario that some have suggested is that if Clinton wins, Republicans will rush to confirm Garland's appointment in a lame-duck session, reasoning that he'll be better than anyone Clinton picks, not just because he's known as a moderate, but more important, because he's 63 years old and would therefore spend less time on the court. But there's another scenario, one that seems outlandish but that we should consider seriously.

Republicans might decide that having a Supreme Court divided 4-to-4 is better than having one with a 5-to-4 liberal majority, and just refuse to confirm any justice nominated by a Democratic president. After all, the Constitution doesn't forbid them from doing that; it just says that the Senate has to provide its "advice and consent." Their advice could be that they refuse to give their consent.

And if your response to that suggestion is, "Well they'd never go that far," you haven't been paying much attention to today's GOP.

Thursday, President Obama spoke to reporters about this case, and to my surprise, he addressed this very question:

"The Supreme Court wasn't definitive one way or the other on this. The problem is they don't have a ninth justice. So that will continue to be a problem. With respect to the Republicans, I think what it tells you is that if you keep on blocking judges from getting on the bench, then courts can't issue decisions. And what that means is then you're going to have the status quo frozen and we're not going to be able to make progress on some very important issues. Now that may have been their strategy from the start. But it's not a sustainable strategy, and it's certainly a strategy that will be broken by this election, unless their basic theory is that we will never confirm judges again. Hopefully that's not their theory, because that's not how our democracy is designed."

I promise you, there will be Republicans suggesting that after waiting most of a year to see if they could elect a Republican president and get a conservative appointed to that seat, why not just wait another four years? What's the alternative  letting that dastardly Hillary Clinton appoint some radical leftist and deliver the court into Democratic hands for years or decades to come? Unacceptable!

There is one final piece of this puzzle. If Democrats take back the Senate this year and Republicans were to mount a filibuster against a Clinton nominee (something which hasn't happened in decades), then Democrats would probably change Senate rules to forbid filibusters on Supreme Court nominations. And Republicans would express their outrage at such a breakdown in the norms of that august and noble body of legislators. Just you wait.

Paul Waldman is a contributor to the Washington Post's Plum Line blog and a senior writer at The American Prospect.
The U.S. and the European Union have reportedly reached an agreement on the language of a key data transfer pact, including limits on U.S. surveillance.

The revamped EU-U.S. Privacy Shield was sent to EU member states overnight, according to a report from Reuters. Privacy Shield would govern how multinational companies handle the private data of EU residents.

Member states are expected to vote on the proposal in July, unnamed sources told Reuters. Representatives of the EU and the U.S. Department of Commerce didn't immediately respond to requests for comments on the reported deal.

Critics of Privacy Shield, including European privacy regulators, have said the deal is too complex and fails to reflect key privacy principles.

The new language sent to member states includes stricter data-handling rules for companies holding Europeans' information, Reuters reported. The new proposal also has the U.S. government explaining the conditions when they would collect data in bulk, according to the report.

Negotiators on both sides of the Atlantic have been rushing to craft a new trans-Atlantic data transfer agreement since the Court of Justice of the European Union struck down Safe Harbor, the previous transfer pact, last October.

The court ruled that Safe Harbor didn't adequately protect European citizens' personal information from massive and indiscriminate surveillance by U.S. authorities. Safe Harbor had been in place since 2000.
A strong cold front moving into the region is expected to bring scattered thunderstorms across much of eastern Montana late Friday, the National Weather Service said.

Some of the storms may be severe and have large hail and damaging winds. The northeast section of Montana and the Dakotas have the best chance for severe storms.

The storms are expected to form west and north of Billings by midafternoon and then move east and northeast.

Dangerous fire conditions, with strong winds gusting up to 50 mph from the northwest, also are expected ahead of the storm Friday afternoon over portions of southeast Montana and northern Wyoming.

A few thunderstorms are possible east from Miles City to Broadus in the evening.

The NWS advised people to use caution when operating vehicles and equipment in dry grassy areas and to extinguish all fires and cigarettes and to obey local burn bans.

In the Billings area on Friday, skies will be sunny and the high is expected to be about 86 degrees. There is a 30 percent chance for precipitation. The low will be about 49 degrees with isolated thunderstorms.

Skies will be sunny on Saturday while the high will be about 79 degrees. Westerly winds will be up to about 28 mph. The low will be about 52 degrees with mostly clear skies.

Sundays high will be about 83 degrees. Skies also will be sunny. The low will be about 53 degrees.
A U.S. court has ruled that the FBI can hack into a computer without a warrant -- a move which is troubling privacy advocates.

The criminal case involves a child pornography site, Playpen, that had been accessible through Tor, a browser designed for anonymous web surfing.

The FBI, however, managed to take over the site in 2014, and then tracked down and arrested its members by hacking their computers. This allowed law enforcement to secretly collect their IP addresses.

One of the arrested suspects has argued that the evidence against him had been unlawfully seized. But a U.S. court in Virginia has ruled in favor of the FBI, according to court documents unsealed on Thursday.

The judge, Henry Morgan, ruled that even though the FBI obtained a warrant to hack into the suspects computer, none was needed.

The suspect may have used Tor to keep his browsing anonymous, but his IP address still isnt private information, the judge wrote in his ruling. This is because the IP address is given out to third parties in order to access the Internet and even the Tor network.

Privacy advocacy group, Electronic Frontier Foundation, is opposed to this part of the ruling.

The implications for the decision, if upheld, are staggering, wrote Mark Rumold, an attorney with the group in a blog post. Law enforcement could seize information from a persons computer without a warrant, probable cause or any suspicion at all, he said.

To say the least, the decision is bad news for privacy, he added.

Morgan, however, said in his ruling that the rise of hacking has changed expectations about privacy.

For example, hacking is much more prevalent now than it was even nine years ago, he said. Now, it seems unreasonable to think that a computer connected to the Web is immune from invasion.

As a result, Tor users cannot reasonably expect to be safe from hackers, he added. The FBI also didnt violate the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by hacking into the suspects computer. Law enforcement should be able to use cutting-edge technology to stop crimes done in secrecy, Morgan said.

Rumold, however, expects that this part of judges ruling probably wont hold up in appeal.
With the haircut that the sterling-euro exchange rate has taken in the wake of the U.K.'s vote to leave the European Union, the U.K. has suddenly become a low-cost country for companies wishing to host or process the personal information of EU citizens.

EU businesses will need to weigh that price cut against the regulatory uncertainty Thursday's vote introduced -- but it turns out that's surprisingly small, at least in the short to medium term.

As for U.K. businesses hoping for more relaxed data protection rules in the wake of the referendum vote, they will have to wait -- perhaps for a very long while.

That's because many of the rules that the 51.9 percent who voted to leave the EU hoped to escape are, in fact, firmly part of U.K. law, and will only go away if the U.K. parliament votes to repeal them.

And it can't do that until it has negotiated its exit from the EU, which is a matter of international treaty and not the will of the people.

The first question, then, is when will the U.K. officially leave the EU?

That will depend on when the U.K. government informs the other member states of its intention to leave by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. The UK will cease to be bound by the EU treaties two years after that date -- sooner in the unlikely event that all parties reach an agreement on an exit settlement before then.

However, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron is in no hurry to invoke Article 50. On Friday morning he announced that he will resign and make way for a new leader of the ruling Conservative Party before the party's annual conference in October. Invoking Article 50, he said, would be a task for his successor.

That means the U.K. is likely to remain part of the EU until October 2018 -- or longer, if Cameron's successor is in no rush to invoke Article 50.

That means U.K. businesses and citizens will still be subject to EU laws for some years to come.

Those laws come in two forms: directives, and regulations. In the field of data protection, there's one of each to pay attention to.

The most significant -- for now -- is the 1995 Data Protection Directive.

Directives are proposed by the European Commission (the members of which are nominated by the EU member states), then amended by the European Council (composed of the heads of the EU member governments or their ministers) and the European Parliament (directly elected by EU citizens) until all three parties reach a compromise. Then, the parliaments of each member state transpose the directives into their own national law, adapting it where necessary to fit their own legal systems and circumstances. In this way, the Data Protection Directive took effect in 1998.

One of its key provisions, for businesses at least, is that EU citizens' personal information may only be processed in countries offering a level of data protection at least equal to that afforded by EU law.

Since the U.K.'s data protection regime will remain unchanged, for now, U.K. businesses can still process data for EU companies and citizens, and U.K. citizens will have the same protections if their data is exported to, say, the U.S.

Protection of EU citizens' data in the U.S. has itself been called into question since the October 2015 decision by the Court of Justice of the EU to overturn the legal instrument providing that protection, the so-called Safe Harbor Agreement. EU and U.S. officials are still negotiating the details of its replacement, Privacy Shield, which will also cover the U.K. until it formally leaves the EU.

The other EU data protection law of relevance to the U.K. is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), voted in April 2016. This introduces harsher fines for companies breaching the rules -- up to 4 percent of worldwide revenue -- and seeks to harmonize those rules, eliminating national differences allowed under the Data Protection Directive.

Regulations begin life in the same way as directives, as compromise texts agreed upon by the Commission, Council and Parliament. After that, though, there's no time-consuming transposition into national laws: Regulations are directly applicable, and automatically enter effect after two years.

At first sight, that would suggest that U.K. citizens will benefit from, and U.K. businesses will be subject to, the effects of the GDPR from April 2018 through at least October 2018.

That, though, is without considering the exemptions from EU home affairs and justice legislation negotiated by the U.K., Ireland and Denmark. The exemptions mean the GDPR will apply only partially in the U.K up until October 2018.

But what then? Well, one of the innovations of the GDPR is that the rules applicable depend on the location of the data subject, so companies in the U.K. will still have to comply with it when processing EU citizens' data.

U.K. businesses might even choose voluntarily to follow EU data protection rules at all times, in order to hang on to their U.K. customers.

"It would make no sense at all for U.K. regulations to be any less stringent. Poor safeguards against loss, theft and misuse of data would ultimately cost U.K. business, as consumers and brands put their data elsewhere," said Richard Lack, EMEA director of sales at Gigya, which provides a visitor tracking and identification service for websites.

Following the EU data protection rules would be a good thing for U.K. businesses in other respects, according to Javvad Malik, security advocate at AlienVault, a security threat management company.

"Many Infosec professionals seem to view the legislation in a positive light, believing that stipulations such as 'data protection by design' will make the data held by their organizations more secure," he said of the GDPR.

Until October 2018, then, and even beyond, it seems unlikely that much will change, in the field of data protection at least.
Lenovo has fixed two high-severity vulnerabilities in the Lenovo Solution Center support tool that is preinstalled on many laptop and desktop PCs. The flaws could allow attackers to take over computers and terminate antivirus processes.

Lenovo Solution Center (LSC) allows users to check their system's virus and firewall status, update their Lenovo software, perform backups, check battery health, get registration and warranty information and run hardware tests.

The two new vulnerabilities, tracked as CVE-2016-5249 and CVE-2016-5248 in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures database, were found by security researchers from Trustwave. They affect LSC versions 3.3.002 and earlier.

The CVE-2016-5249 vulnerability allows an attacker who already has control of a limited account on a PC to execute malicious code via the privileged LocalSystem account.

Privilege escalation flaws like this one cannot be used by themselves to compromise computers, but are often used in exploit chains. Due to security improvements in modern operating systems, remote code execution flaws don't always provide attackers with full control over affected systems and need to be combined with privilege escalation vulnerabilities.

Because of the functionality in the LSC.Services.SystemService component, any local user can open a communication pipe to the service and force it to execute arbitrary .NET code. Because this LSC service runs under the LocalSystem account, the rogue code would also be executed with LocalSystem privileges.

The second vulnerability, CVE-2016-5248, allows any local user to send a command to LSC.Services.SystemService in order to kill any other process on the system, privileged or not. The target process could, for example, belong to an antivirus program or another security product.

Lenovo advises users to upgrade to LSC version 3.3.003. This can be done from the application itself by agreeing to automatic update prompt, from the separate Lenovo System Update utility or by downloading the latest version of LSC manually.

This is not the first time that serious flaws were found in LSC. However, Lenovo seems to be responding to such vulnerabilities in a timely manner by releasing patches and publishing security advisories. In a recent security analysis of the update tools preloaded on computers PC manufacturers, LSC was found to have one of the most secure implementations.
This site lists 129 Conservative MPs as having supported Leave.

Robert Syms has organised a letter of support for David Cameron which as I write has been signed by 86 of them.

That leaves 43 who havent signed it (some may not have been asked to; some may have missed Symss invitation; and some of course wont want to add their names).

Around 50 letters are required for a leadership challenge. I dont see one in these numbers  let alone a successful one.

P.S: The challenge scenario probably applies only in the event of a Remain vote. In the event of a Leave one I would expect Cameron to stay on as Prime Minister and Party leader only briefly.
Iain Dale is Presenter of LBC Drive, Managing Director of Biteback Publications, a columnist and broadcaster and a former Conservative Parliamentary candidate.

I sit here in my Leicester Square hotel room. Its 6.34 in the morning, and a new dawn has broken, has it not? Ive just had the privilege of presenting LBCs seven hour referendum results show. I ought to be dead on my feet, but Im not remotely tired. I feel a profound sense of excitement and anticipation. This is the most momentous domestic political event of my adult life. It is more significant than Margaret Thatchers election victory in 1979, or her defenestration in November 1990. Its bigger than Black Wednesday. The ramifications from todays vote, both positive and negative, will be felt for generations to come.

I decided to vote Leave a long time ago. Having been a strong advocate of the European Community (as it then was) in the 1980s, I can remember attending European Movement meetings in Norwich. I grew more and more disillusioned as I realised that the EU (as it had by then become) was grabbing ever-more power for itself. When the euro was born, I finally realised that the endgame really was a United States of Europe. That was why I always told selection committees that if I ever voted for Britain to join the euro they should deselect me. They saved themselves the trouble by not selecting me in the first place.

Up until today, I have not for a moment regretted deciding to come off the Conservative Party Candidates list in 2010. But today, I have a slight pang of what might have been. Being an MP over the next few years will be fascinating for those were lucky enough to be elected to the Commons. They will be at the centre of Britain reasserting itself as a fully independent nation.

A good friend of mine only decided how to vote when he entered the polling booth. After weeks of indecision, he voted Remain. He skyped me at around 3am, saying: I think I must have made the wrong decision, cos I keep cheering when Leave gets in the lead and getting anxious when Remain goes higher. I didnt feel that way. I did wonder how I would feel if it looked like a Brexit, but my reactions when the result became clearer merely confirmed that I was glad that I had voted how I did.

Its been very frustrating that, because of the ludicrous OfCom broadcasting regulations, I havent been able to declare my hand until after voting had closed. Those who follow me on Twitter wont have been under any illusion about how I had voted, even though I couldnt say so in so many words. Its ludicrous that on polling day that The Sun can tell its readers how to vote, yet I as a broadcaster arent even allowed to mention the referendum, let alone tell anyone how I had voted. Its a mad system.

Sure, there are going to be some bumps in the road. Sure, its going to create havoc in the Conservative Party. But these are mere short term considerations. In the medium to long term I am absolutely convinced Britain has made absolutely the right decision.

In the end, the people have spoken. And it is down to the elected Government to listen to the people. It is also up to the Remain-support 75 per cent of MPs to learn that the people have spoken. Any attempt to have a re-referendum or water down the out to a out but with a foot left in the door just will not do.

Those MPs who dont have the stomach to make this work should depart the pitch now and let others take the country forward into this new era. Those who think they know better than the people who elect them need to face a reality check. When I saw Keith Vaz on TV basically saying that the people know not what they have done  and then when interviewing Vince Cable hearing him essentially calling the people stupid  I knew that we were about to say goodbye to a failing set of politicians who have let the people down.

The British people have voted for Brexit for a number of reasons. The EU has been its own worst enemy. The European Commission has been its own worst enemy. And then there are those supercilious Remain-supporting politicians who keep banging on about being able to reform the EU from the inside never really believed it (though I certainly dont include in that category all of those who back that cause)

And theres another of reasons why I supported Leave. The whole institution is unreformable. Its dictatorial as the Greeks will tell anyone who cares to listen. Its fundamentally undemocratic  and I have the quaint view that we in Britain are better at deciding whats good for us than unelected EU civil servants.

Its now 7.43. I keep being interrupted by phone calls. The Prime Minister is expected to address the nation shortly, but its time to file this piece. There will be a lot of speculation about his future or lack of it. The same can be said for the Chancellor  the same Chancellor who told me on Monday that there were no Treasury plans for Brexit. In that one sentence, he displayed such arrogance and a gross dereliction of duty. In some ways I hope he was lying to me. What a sad state of affairs.

The Prime Minister and Chancellor may stay in office. After all, John Major and Norman Lamont did following the Black Wednesday humiliation in 1992. But it can surely only be temporary. Whether Conservatives admit it or not, they know the Cameron era is all but over. They are looking for the next leader, but theres little agreement on who it should, or could be. I have two, possibly three, leading contenders.

But thats for another day. I think.
Police arrested a man they say took a vehicle on a drunken morning ride through an occupied construction zone, nearly hitting workers.

Jared Adam Bruder, 21, faces a felony criminal endangerment charge, as well as seven misdemeanors for driving under the influence, obstruction, reckless driving and others.

At 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, witnesses reported seeing a vehicle driving through a Knife River construction site near North 13th Street. One witness said the driver, later identified as Bruder, shouted an expletive at one of the workers, according to court documents.

The SUV was missing its rear tires and was rolling on two rims.

One Knife River worker told police that he heard something behind him. He looked and saw the SUV coming at him, and the worker jumped out of the way.

Bruder was pulled over and arrested on Main Street, charges state. He smelled of alcohol and continued to shout profanities in the back of the patrol car. At one point, he said that if he got out of the handcuffs, he would "kick both officers' asses," according to the documents.

Inside Bruder's vehicle, officers found empty beer cans throughout, charges state.

While being taken to the jail, Bruder began slamming his head into the center divider of the patrol car until it bled, according to court documents. He was then taken to a hospital, where he accused the officers of hitting him. Much of the rear area of the patrol car was eventually splattered with blood.

At the hospital, officers said Bruder continued to threaten police and fought as he was taken inside. He was later restrained.

Bruder is scheduled to appear in Yellowstone County District Court on June 30.
A man has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of kidnapping and raping a 4-year-old girl who was taken from a park on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation earlier this year.

John William Lieba II, 21, entered his plea Thursday during a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Johnston.

A grand jury indicted the 21-year-old Lieba on Tuesday on charges of kidnapping an individual under 18, aggravated sexual abuse and assault resulting in serious bodily injury on an individual under 18. The charges carry a combined maximum penalty of life in prison and $750,000 in fines if he is convicted.

The indictment said Lieba abducted the girl in Wolf Point and held her for ransom in February. It says he engaged in a sexual act with the girl and assaulted her.

Lieba also faces charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and aggravated sexual assault of a minor in Fort Peck Tribal Court. The complaint filed in that court says Lieba raped and attempted to strangle the girl.

U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Melissa Hornbein said the federal court has assumed jurisdiction, and the tribal proceedings have been stayed pending the outcome of the federal case.

The child was abducted on Feb. 26, and Lieba was apprehended while driving around Wolf Point on Feb. 27, after being identified by witnesses to the abduction.

After an intensive search, the girl was found a day later at an undisclosed location about six miles from the abduction site, according to the FBI.

Lieba made an initial appearance in Fort Peck Tribal Court on March 1 where he was charged with kidnapping, attempted murder and aggravated sexual assault of a minor.

Judge Marvin Youpee ordered him held without bail.

In the tribal court, Lieba was accused of forcibly removing the girl from the park and holding her against her will "for a significant period of time," according to a criminal complaint filed by Fort Peck Chief Prosecutor Adrienne Weinberger.

During that time, Lieba raped and attempted to strangle the girl at an undisclosed location in or around the town of Wolf Point on the northeastern Montana reservation, according to the complaint.

Both Lieba and the victim are American Indians. They are not related by blood, Roosevelt County spokesman Lee Allmer said. The Fort Peck Reservation is home to the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes and has a population of about 10,000 people.
SHARE An Indianapolis family wants to bring Gloria Akello, who has lost both her parents, to Indianapolis to study but the federal government will not grant her a student visa. (Photo: Photo provided by Jared Hill)

By Shari Rudavsky/ USA Today Netowrk/ The Indianapolis Star

From the very beginning, the plan was to have Gloria Akello return to her native Uganda. Jared Hill and his wife did not want to adopt the teen orphan permanently; instead they wanted to give her an American education and allow her to return to her homeland to help others with her skills.

So they sought an F-1 visa, also known as a student visa, to bring her to the United States to live with them in their north-side home.

The only problem? The federal government denied Gloria, now 14, a student visa, saying they feared she would come here and never leave.

Our whole intention was of pursuing the F-1 visa and not adopting her, our vision the whole time is what theyre denying it for, said Hill, a pilot for UPS. Our hope was to educate a child and have them return.

Now, Hill, assisted by a UPS co-worker, has launched a social media campaign, #letglorialearn, riffing off first lady Michelle Obamas Let Girls Learn initiative.

The Hills first met Gloria while living in northern Uganda for half a year in 2014. Jared taught math at Restoration Gateways orphanage, which has about 140 children. As they neared the end of their stint, the Hills agreed they wanted to provide an American education for one of the orphans.

Both instantly agreed that Gloria would be that child. She wasnt necessarily the best student in the orphanage but something stood out about her. Her dream is to become a midwife.

God just put her in our heart as the one to bring, Hill said.

Last August, the International School of Indiana admitted Gloria, Hill said. Plans called for her to live with the Hills and their three children, ages 11, 10, and 6. They would cover her tuition.

Everyone, including Restoration Gateway, of which Hill is now chair of the board of directors, endorsed the idea wholeheartedly.

This is not something that was even on Restoration Gateways radar. This is something that the Hills felt they were called into, said Brint Patrick, U.S. executive director of the organization. Theres a lot of advantage for a child to come to the United States and study.

Over the past eight months, the Hills became Glorias guardians so that the Uganda government would allow her to live with them. All that remained was the U.S. visa.

Laura Lane, a former diplomat in the Foreign Service and now president of global public affairs at UPS, met Hill last August when they both presented TED Talks at a UPS event. With her background in consular affairs, she made calls to attest to Hills character.

She was shocked when the consulate denied the visa on the grounds that Gloria has no reason to return to Uganda.

This is not what America stands for. We believe in giving people opportunity. What chance does she have without an education? she said. Now that I know about her situation, I cant stay silent because its so wrong.

But the situation is not necessarily that simple, say adoption experts.

Adam Pertman, president of the National Center on Adoption and Permanency, said he had no knowledge of the particulars of this situation.

In general, though, he said strict rules and regulations exist for international adoption, and the government may want to proceed cautiously.

From the adoption model, you can understand that they want to be very careful, said Pertman, also author of Adoption Nation. Presumably what the State Department doesnt want to do is set up a back channel by which kids are informally adopted. One could see how that could open if not a floodgate, at least a gate.

Earlier this year Uganda tightened its adoption rules amid stories of corruption. The most recent laws say that intercountry adoption shall be considered as the last option.

Uganda is not the roadblock for Gloria, though.

Nor is she the first orphan whose visa the United States has denied. Last fall, Restoration Gateways leaders wanted to bring a few children from the Uganda orphanage back to the United States with them on a visit. The youngsters did not receive their visas.

Without a visa, Gloria will likely have to return to village and eke out a life of poverty, Hill said.

Shes a child without parents that has a chance of world-class education, he said.

One path might be for the Hills, who are now Glorias legal guardians, to seek to adopt the girl.

Hill, however, said he and his have not even begun to explore that.

We havent even gone down that road because that was never really our intention, he said.
DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Ben Barnes measures a section of Washington Avenue which will receive repair by the city with newly acquired state money.

SHARE DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Ben Barnes, paving coordinator for the City of Evansville, marks sections of Washington Avenue near St. Mary's Medical Center which will receive "full-depth patches" when work commences. Barnes says the patches will be about 5 1/2 inches of asphalt and then another layer of about 1 1/2 inches will be added over the entire road. DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS An intersection at Maxwell and Fares avenues will also see much needed repair with the state money the city will be receiving.

By Zach Osowski, zach.osowski@courierpress.com

INDIANAPOLIS  The orange cones stretching for miles; the men in women in their neon green vests and markers asking drivers to merge into one lane. It's one of the most tell-tale signs in Indiana that summer is officially in swing.

This year, drivers all across Indiana could be dealing with a lot more construction thanks to an influx of cash from the General Assembly, with more potentially on the way.

"I think there's going to be an increase in construction all across the state," Posey County Commission James Alsop said. "Everyone's taking advantage of the money."

Road and infrastructure funding was one of the most hotly contested issues during the 2016 Indiana General Assembly. How much money, where the money should come from and how to ensure there would be more money in the future were all debated until the last day of session. In the end, lawmakers came up with a one-time gift for local governments from excess local income tax, created a matching bridge and road fund and promised to come up with a long-range plan next year.

While the money may not be enough to handle all the infrastructure issues facing local cities, towns and counties, it's more than they would normally have. And with the Community Crossings matching grant fund now open for applications, government leaders are hoping for even more cash to play with.

Alsop said Posey County is working on its application and plans on asking the Indiana Department of Transportation for about $1 million.

"That's free money," Alsop said. "You never want to pass up on free money."

Lawmakers even said the local governments can use the excess local income tax money as their matching money for the Community Crossings grant. Posey County received about $1.7 million from the state, just more than Gibson County's $900,000 but less than Warrick County and Vanderburgh County, which brought in $2.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively.

While the income tax money was determined by population size, Community Crossings money will be doled out based on individual projects. Half of the available $150 million has to go to rural counties. That means Posey and Gibson, both below the 50,000 population threshold, have extra incentive to apply.

"We are certainly thankful they designated so much money for rural counties," Alsop said. "It definitely helps."

The extra funding allows local governments to knock out some projects that have sat on the back burner for awhile  projects that need to get done but are either too expensive or too far down the list to matter.

With its income tax money, Evansville is paving parts of Washington Avenue and Stringtown Road, among others. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke said that money, plus some of the money received from Tropicana Evansville for the move to a land-based casino, allowed the city to create the three-year Municipal Moves plan.

Winnecke said the city already has $1 million in road plans ready to go for this year, with more coming in 2017 and 2018 with the Municipal Moves program. In addition to road projects, the city will also do work on 21 drainage projects.

Winnecke said the city spent about $1.8 million total on infrastructure projects in 2015, which was down from previous years. Evansville also plans on applying for Community Crossings money for additional projects.

The same is true in Warrick County, where officials are going over which projects to write proposals for. Commissioner Don Williams said the details are still being worked out. While the specific streets aren't known, Williams said any money the county gets will "most likely" go towards repaving roads for economic development purposes.

The governments in Southwest Indiana aren't the only ones going after the matching money from INDOT. In fact, INDOT officials already announced the program would be extended until July 29 due to a high volume of interest from across the state. Officials expect to notify winning communities by the end of August.
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By Chelsea Schneider and Marisa Kwiatkowski / USA Today Netowrk / The Indianapolis Star

Two Indianapolis Public Schools administrators are protesting their potential terminations as fallout continues over the districts handling of sexual abuse allegations involving a former school counselor.

An attorney for William Jensen, assistant principal at Positive Supports Academy, said the Indianapolis Public School Board met privately Thursday to discuss Jensens future with the school district. The board denied his attorneys' request to open the meeting to the public. Paper covered the windows on the doors to the room.

Attorney Kevin Betz said he told the School Board if they fire Jensen, so be it. He only followed the policy and followed the directives of his boss. But if they fire Jensen, Betz argued, then they also need to fire IPS Superintendent Lewis Ferebee and the other IPS administrators who learned of allegations of misconduct involving former counselor Shana Taylor and did not immediately report them to police or the Indiana Department of Child Services.

On Monday, the School Board will meet again to discuss the district's recommendation that Deb Leser, the director of student services, also be fired.

Jensen was the first IPS administrator to learn of suspected misconduct involving Taylor, a former school counselor accused of having sex with two students.

Taylor was charged in March with nine felony counts of child seduction, one felony count of dissemination of matter harmful to minors and one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

At least seven IPS officials knew about allegations against Taylor as early as Feb. 17, but no one reported them to DCS until Feb. 23, according to court records and interviews.

Two IPS human resources employees, Lela Tina Hester and Shalon Dabney, each were charged with a misdemeanor count of failure to make a report, Marion Superior Court records state. Both agreed to pretrial diversion, meaning they will not be prosecuted as long as they meet certain conditions and don't commit another offense.

None of the other IPS officials was charged.

A students mother met with Jensen on Feb. 17 to report suspected misconduct involving her teenage son and Taylor. She showed Jensen copies of messages and inappropriate photos, according to court records. Jensen then contacted school Principal Mark Cosand. He also contacted Leser, the director of student services, who instructed him to contact Hester, the IPS human resources director, court records state. Jensen forwarded the messages and photos to Hester, who then forwarded them to Dabney, a human resources case manager.

On Feb. 18, Cosand sent an email to another IPS employee asking for Taylor's badge to be deactivated.

"No questions," he wrote in the email. "Top secret."

That same day, Hester sent an email to Chief Strategist Le Boler that said: "I asked that the school police stay out of it so that she is not charged and we can handle from an HR perspective, but I don't know if the mom plans to file charges."

Betz, one of Jensen's attorneys, said it "seems absurd" that the district is trying to fire Jensen, who followed policy and was not charged with failing to report the abuse, while those who were criminally charged continue to be employed.

IPS cited violations of policy and "insubordination" as its legal basis for his termination, according to a motion from Jensen's attorneys. They argued the district had failed to provide a factual basis for those claims.

The situation shows just what Superintendent Ferebee called it, and it was a confluence of incompetence," Betz said. "Unfortunately for IPS, Dr. Ferebee is the crown prince of that incompetence, and I say that with all due respect because he, I think, is a good man. But he is incompetent, and he is driven by public relations and politics more than hes driven by the care of the children who are in IPS.

Ferebee left the School Board's executive session Thursday night without speaking to the media. He did not return a call afterward seeking comment. Attorney Scott C. Newman said Ferebee is the one seeking Jensen and Leser's terminations.

IPS School Board member Michael OConnor declined comment after the hearing. Board members could publicly weigh Jensens termination as early as next week.

The board will meet in executive session again Monday to discuss Leser's potential termination on similar grounds. Her attorneys said they plan to challenge that action.

Call IndyStar reporter Chelsea Schneider at (317) 444-6077. Follow her on Twitter: @IndyStarChelsea.
Courier & Press Illustration (Photos provided by indystar.com and redgoldtomatoes.com)

By Jon Webb of the Courier and Press

Indiana Rep. Todd Rokita, author of a bill that could sometimes replace fresh foods in school lunches with canned or frozen foods, has received thousands of dollars in campaign cash from the food processing industries.

During an interview with the Indianapolis Star on Thursday, Rokita pushed for canned and frozen foods to take the place of the fresh produce provided to low-income students in Marion County. Rokita explicitly advocated for tomato processor Red Gold  a company that contributed $1,500 to Rokita's 2016 reelection effort.

According to OpenSecrets.org, Red Gold, Inc. has contributed $4,000 to Rokita's campaign since 2012. In addition, the American Frozen Food Institute PAC has given Rokita $1,000.

Red Gold's headquarters are in Elwood, Indiana.

Rokita said in a statement to the Courier & Press that the proposals come from talks with "stakeholders."

"The updated nutrition standards in my proposal are a direct result of speaking with stakeholders, such as school administrators and food suppliers, about the need for flexibility and the scarcity of food products that could actually meet the burdensome requirements of the 2010 law," the statement reads.

The Fourth District Republican touts his bill  "Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016"  as a way to save money.

"It limits flexibility," Rokita told the Indianapolis Star on Thursday. "You talk to companies like (tomato processor) Red Gold who say, 'We make a perfectly good product and we should be able to sell that product to meet these standards and we can do it in a much more economical way than fresh fruits and vegetables.'"

It's the second school-lunch-related cost-cutting measure Rokita has sought. His bill, approved by a House committee last month, would also make more difficult for high poverty schools to qualify for free lunches.

Rokita told the Indy Star in May that savings from the move would go toward other nutrition programs.

The program has provided low-income kids with not only apples and oranges, but more exotic fruits such as guava and kumquats, according to the Star. School officials say the program provides fresh fruit to children who cannot afford it. The initiative is part of the Federal Fresh Fruit And Vegetable Program.

Rokita will face Democrat John Dale in the general election.
A 26-year-old Helena man was sentenced to life in prison Thursday for beating a 2-year-old girl to death, which investigators called "the worst incidence of violence that we've ever seen." Coleton Christous Coburn will be eligible for parole after 30 years per his sentence in Helena District Court.His defense attorneys had argued for placement in the state mental hospital because he has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Judge Mike Menahan said he didn't see enough evidence during the two-day sentencing hearing to prove the need for treatment at Montana State Hospital above incarceration in prison.When handing down the sentence, Menahan said that if Coburn's past disruptive behavior at the Montana State Prison while serving time for previous crimes is any indicator, "it's highly unlikely the parole board would ever grant him parole." Prior to the sentencing, Coburn's lawyers asked for the chance of parole if the judge decided to send him to prison instead of Montana State Hospital. "Lock you up and throw away the key, you developmentally disabled person. It's just not humane," defense attorney Craig Shannon told the judge in his closing arguments Thursday afternoon. "If we close that door today ... it just doesn't seem right. That's why we have parole boards."Prosecutors asked the judge to let Coburn die in prison. The toddler Coburn killed, Persephone Aurora Marie Nielsen, died as a result of blunt-force trauma to her head. But, Lewis and Clark County Attorney Leo Gallagher said those injuries were just a few in what amounted to more than 70 wounds the girl suffered at the hands of Coburn. "Some people are just plain evil. Some people are monsters," Gallagher said. "Some just need to be taken away."Coburn was babysitting the toddler alone at the time she was fatally injured.When first questioned by police the day of the attack in July 2015, Coburn said the girl, his girlfriend's daughter, fell off some boxes, resulting in multiple skull fractures and other injuries. He later told his father in a phone conversation from jail that he had fallen down stairs with the girl in his arms.Investigators said Coburn struck the child repeatedly with a metal rod, rammed her into a corner of a table or like object and hit her numerous times, causing a handprint to appear on her chest. "You have the tortuous killing of an innocent 2-year-old girl," Gallagher said. "There is no crime worse."Coburn entered an Alford plea in December on a charge of deliberate homicide. The plea means he does not admit guilt but acknowledges the prosecution has enough evidence for a conviction. The judge noted testimony on the crime itself was minimal during the two days of hearings, the first of which took place June 23. "We simply don't have that in this case," Menahan said. "It makes it more difficult for me." Gallagher said that although Coburn has a mental illness, he made deliberate choices just before the attack, including drinking malt liquor and using marijuana while babysitting the girl. Psychologist Natalie Novick Brown of Seattle testified Coburn displays "very childlike behavior," poor social judgment and no impulse control due to his fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The related brain damage causes a general lack of self control, she said. "The last thing you would want to do is put someone with FASD in charge of a child," she testified. Menahan said he believes Coburn realized that his actions that day were criminal and was unable to conform to the law, but not due to his mental health issues. "He's got a lot of time in prison," Menahan said. "He'll be watched the entire time he is there.""If he behaves anything like he did in prison previously, he will serve life in prison."Gina Rasmussen, a state probation and parole officer who conducted the pre-sentence investigation, spoke of Coburn's inability to follow rules while incarcerated both in jail and in prison. His criminal record began in his teens and is filled with mostly property crimes and threats, she said. "He has the worst criminal juvenilerecord I've seen," Rasmussen added. Coburn read a prepared statement to the judge. He said he agrees he should serve time but feels he can be rehabilitated. "I'm not an animal or a monster," Coburn read, adding he has remorse. "I do not go a day without thinking about what has happened." In a handwritten letter read and submitted to the court, the toddler's mother, Suzane Sword, addressed her daughter's killer. I hope you get what you deserve. Sorry wont bring her back. Nothing will bring her back. And Ill never be okay with that, Sword wrote.Menahan spoke directly to Sword at the end of the hearing. "In the event he is ever, ever to be released from prison, he will have to completely and fundamentally change his behavior," he told her.
BUTTE  Authorities have not ruled out foul play in the death of a 20-year-old prerelease escapee whose body was found in a wooded area in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County last week.

Kaitlyn Mary-Faith Grover walked away from the Womens Transitional Center in Uptown Butte on April 21. Law enforcement investigators discovered her decomposed body 25 to 30 yards off Moose Creek Road on June 12 after receiving a tip, Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester said Wednesday.

The sheriff estimated Grovers body had been at the remote site for at least three weeks.

We dont really know how she ended up in the location she was, Lester said, declining to provide details on what if anything was found at the scene as well as the condition of the body.

Police don't believe Grover left the prerelease center in Butte against her will.

The joint investigation by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and law enforcement from Butte and Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is focusing on determining what happened after she walked away in April, Lester said.

Grover began her placement at the Womens Transitional Center in February after a 60-day treatment program at the Passages correctional facility in Billings. She was eligible for release in July, said Shaila Roeber, a case manager at the Butte Prerelease Center.

Roeber was surprised when Grover failed to return to the facility, saying I didnt see anything that would prompt her to leave.

She described Grover as a tall, skinny, quiet girl who was respectful and never caused any problems. The Washington-born woman landed a job at Arbys a week after she arrived. A spokesperson for the fast-food chain did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Many of the women residents at the Womens Transitional Center  ages 19 to 60  have sought out Roeber since they learned of Grovers demise. Some expressed sadness; others admitted getting out scares them.

It makes them realize what can happen to them, she said.

In September 2015 in Missoula County, Grover received a two-year sentence to the Montana Department of Corrections for felony criminal possession of methamphetamine. A previous two-year deferred sentence was revoked due to probation violations including using meth and marijuana, according to court documents.

In his judgment, Missoula County district Judge John W. Larson wrote I think the prospects of rehabilitating you are marginal unless you follow through on this judgment and change your life by addressing your chemical dependency and any anger issues.  Your criminal history is becoming extensive.

Four months prior to Larsons judgment Grover was sentenced in Shoshone County in Idaho to three years unsupervised probation for possession of a controlled substance, court documents state.

Roeber remembered Grover as a congenial resident who worked her own program.

I believe she got along with everyone. She talked to some people, but she kept to herself, Roeber said, noting that she wasnt always aware of Grovers regular interactions at the centers dining area or in her workplace.

When Grovers body was found, the case manager was startled.

I never thought it would happen  usually they (escapees) are found," Roeber said. Its weird to see someone you saw for three months and (then) theyre gone.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Capt. Jerome McCarthy at 406-497-1124 or Butte-Silver Bow Crimestoppers at 406-782-7336.
Yellowstone Countys low unemployment rate allows job seekers to pick and choose among openings for which they are qualified.

But with qualified applicants hard to come by, Suzanne Trower has decided to pull the plug on the Billings office of Snelling Employment Services, ending her 32-year association with the nationwide company.

Trower plans to close the office June 30 and will soon begin her own job search. She's optimistic about her chances of landing another job.

With the economy the way it is and has been for the last several years, I dont feel that I can adequately provide quality employees anymore, Trower wrote in an email announcing the closure. Because of this I felt it was better to close rather than damage my reputation by providing unsuitable candidates.

The Billings Snelling office specializes in office workers such as clerical staff, bookkeepers and data entry specialists. Workers are hired to fill temporary positions, permanent positions or temporary jobs that can evolve into permanent positions, Trower said.

Trower said she will continue to service existing clients from her home, but wont take on new clients. Snelling has about 130 offices nationwide.

Yellowstone Countys unemployment rate for April stood at 3.1 percent, more than a full percentage point below Montanas jobless rate of 4.2 percent.

With the unemployment rate so low, there are not that many people to choose from, Trower said.

Many workers exited western North Dakota after oil prices collapsed in the second half of 2014. The number of job applicants in Billings rose temporarily as a result. But that didnt last for long, Trower said.

Billings is an anomaly, she said. We are a hub for Eastern Montana and northern Wyoming. We have construction going on, hotels and motels and new food places. They all need employees, and thats part of the reason our unemployment rate is so low.

In its recent State of the Workforce Report, the BillingsWorks Workforce Council reported that, despite the recent downturn in the Bakken, Billings businesses continue to post job openings, and many employers face challenges trying to fill vacancies.
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At the beginning of June, the Montana Department of Health and Human Services counted 3,206 children in foster care  80 more than in March. In November there were 2,775 kids in foster care, a year earlier the total was 2,317. In 2011, Montana had 1,746 foster children. In 2016, the state is on a pace to double the number of foster children from five years ago.

Parental drug addiction has become the No. 1 factor in reported cases of Montana children being neglected and abused. Family violence and mental illness also are major factors in the surge of abuse and neglect.

The Legislatures Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee has received testimony at multiple meetings from people with varied concerns about the state child protection system  that it intervenes too much, too little, fails to communicate, doesnt protect parents rights, grandparents rights or childrens rights. Some complaints are valid, some aren't.

Sen. Roger Webb, R-Billings, a committee member who has served on the appropriations subcommittee that vets the child protection budget, told The Gazette that he plans to introduce his own solution to the child protection crisis in the 2017 Legislature. It's a proposal that was being drafted this week in Kansas City by the Foundation for Government Accountability, which Webb described as a faith-based organization based in Orlando, Fla., that doesnt want to have anything to do with the state. Webb said his proposal would allow parents to avoid involvement with the child protection system by designating someone to care for their children at no cost to the state.

Families at risk

Rep. Jessica Karjala, D-Billings, another member of the interim committee has a different perspective on protecting children, informed by her talks with Yellowstone County attorneys and judges.

Weve got to fully fund CPS (Child Protective Services). Weve got to fully fund the judicial branch, Karjala said, noting that the greatest caseload increase and the greatest need is in Yellowstone County.

The heart of the problem is poverty and families at risk, Karjala said. Unless those factors are addressed, We will continue to see this problem as another wave of drugs comes in or the next Bakken boom and bust occurs.

Rep. Ron Ehli, R-Hamilton, chairs the interim committee and the appropriations subcommittee that reviews the DPHHS budget. Ehli cautioned that a child protection plan that relies only on more money and more programs will fail miserably in the Legislature. He said lawmakers have funded child protection at unprecedented levels and warned against blaming the Legislature for the child protection system's problems.

The single biggest factor in Montanas child protection crisis is unprecedented numbers of child abuse and neglect cases that have been investigated, filed in court and adjudicated by a judge with parents, children and the state all represented by publicly funded attorneys.

Child abuse and neglect is out of control, the system overload is a symptom. That said, the system must start doing more with the resources it has. The Montana Department of Health and Human Services must demonstrate good use of limited staff and show improvements in efficiency and effectiveness to protect kids.

How to help

Community members can help. The CFSD relies on local nonprofits for many services to foster children and their families. In Yellowstone County, private, nonprofit organizations such as Family Tree Center, Center for Children and Families and Family Support Network all work to assist parents before problems are so serious that children are endangered. These organizations also help children and parents already in the foster care system. Yellowstone CASA, another Billings nonprofit, trains volunteers to be CASAs: unpaid court-appointed advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system. If you want to help local children, help these organizations.

Bullock and lawmakers need to pull together and understand: Most of the foster children will be reunited with their parents. Many chemically dependent parents will get addiction treatment so they can be safer, better parents. Many dysfunctional families will receive referrals to counseling and other health care. Destitute families will be connected to food and housing resources. Intensive drug treatment courts will help reunite children with parents who got treatment, stayed sober and started working. Unfortunately, not all cases have such successful endings.

Everyone involved in the system  from the front lines to policy making and budgeting  has to recognize that child abuse and neglect is the big problem. While the protection system must be significantly improved, Montanans must figure out how to reduce the incidence of abuse and neglect. Untreated chemical dependencies, untreated mental illnesses, and domestic violence are major factors.

The biggest crisis in child protection isnt within the foster care system; its in homes in every county where children witness violence and drug dealing, or are left alone in dirty diapers without food. Its in cars with drunken or drugged parents behind the wheel and children in the front seat.

Montanans cant waste time arguing whos to blame. The 3,200 kids in foster care are waiting for help now.
CROW AGENCY  Seven years ago following a near-fatal automobile collision, Warren Stevens was told that although he was lucky to be alive he might never walk again.

Yet this week he was riding a horse across a portion of the Little Bighorn Battlefield dressed as an 1876-era soldier with 22 other students in the U.S. Cavalry School. Although he admitted the work was hot and tiring, he seemed as giddy as a puppy.

Its a time machine, thats what I told my wife, said Stevens, a 61-year-old retiree from the aviation and aerospace industry in Southington, Conn. Ive stepped back in time.

In the process, he seemed to have regained the emotional vitality of his youth.

Battleground

On the 140th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn  an event considered one of the worst military defeats in U.S. Army history but one of the greatest victories by Indian tribes  re-enactors, students, volunteers and family have been mixing on the Real Bird property. Its the location for what has become an annual gathering at a portion of the actual battle site, Medicine Tail Coulee, and on land where Chief Sitting Bull and his band of Sioux were encamped.

This is hallowed ground, said Gary Stewart, a 57-year-old Salt Lake City man playing Brevet Lt. Col. Tom Custer in this years re-enactment  his 20th.

Wearing a blue shirt with the crossed saber cavalry insignia on the collar he held his restless horse as he chatted about seeing Indian ghosts on horseback, finding an ancient buffalo skull and his love for the history of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Everyone here has a passion for history and wants to find out what it was like, and this is as close as you can get, he said.

The school ends this weekend in a re-enactment of the battle on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Stevens plans to take part, even though he knows his character will die at the hands of his Indian adversaries.

Its not even over yet, and I want to come back, he said. The ride we took yesterday, the word 'fantastic' seems to be an understatement. I cant believe the things Im doing on horseback. I cant imagine this getting any better, but I know it will.

Re-creation

Adding to the feeling of stepping back in time, canvass tents were pitched along the Little Bighorn River underneath the shading branches of cottonwood trees. A sign lying at the base of one read: 7th U.S. Cavalry Welcome to 1876. One tent bore a sutler sign  the traveling salesmen of the time who followed soldiers to peddle provisions. Over the top of a wood fire, large coffee pots were set on a grate to boil water.

Under a nearby awning Keith Herrin, the 44-year-old owner of the school whose other job is working for the National Guard in Helena, paused between hurried bites of a lasagna lunch to talk about the history of the school.

It was founded in the late 1990s by veterans who participated in making the Kevin Costner movie The Postman, a post-apocalyptic tale. They had such a good time on the film that they created the school, Herrin said. After working at all different jobs at the school following his introduction in 2004, he bought the operation in 2013.

Students, including women, pay up to $1,900 for an immersion that includes clothing, tack, a horse and chances to learn mounted horse maneuvers, shooting, saber fighting tactics and even basics like cleaning a saddle and washing clothes 1800s style. Many of the students are veterans, Herrin said, and about 30 percent are return visitors. Some students attended so many times that theyve become instructors. Another component of the students are horse people looking for something different, Herrin said, like riding the battlefield or taking part in the re-enactment.

It fills some desire to experience what it was really like rather than read about it in a book, said Mark Jacobsen, a Miles City volunteer who has been taking part in the re-enactment for four years and acts as the camp trumpeter. Being treated like a trooper, some of the basics of frontier life, the visitors from back East really enjoy that.

Lifestyle

For some, the step back in time extends beyond this Little Bighorn encampment.

Sharon Brown and her husband Mark, of Whitehall, have been taking part in re-enactments for more than 35 years. Sharon, who wore a small sheathed knife hung around her neck, has earned high praise for her ability to weave cloth and make clothes that are historically accurate down to the last detail. Shes even reproduced one-of-a-kind items for the National Park Service.

A nine-button pleated enlisted soldier's blouse copied from the original in the Big Hole Battlefield Museum was hand-stitched, taking her about three months to make working 10 hours a day. For a blouse she sells for $325, thats about a penny-and-a-half an hour in wages, she figured. The only other original is in the Smithsonian Museum.

Thats OK, Im not doing it for the money, she said, her handmade, full-length white print dress shifting in the breeze. Im doing it to see if I can re-create something.

She owns more than 800 original garments from which to learn about different sewing techniques of the era. She even has eight original sewing machines, the oldest from 1854, to match stitching of the time period.

Her husband, Mark, takes photographs similar to the age using a wet plate camera from 1860 that can require a 30 second exposure. He compares the process to going back in time a little bit.

Its not like George Orwells Time Machine, he said, but emotionally, culturally and educationally its a mission you are on.

Defender

For Gerry Schultz of Glendive, that mission has been to elevate the historical status of Pvt. Peter Thompson of Company C. While some historians have discounted Thompsons written recollections of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the 62-year-old Schultz said he has been able to verify the survivors account.

Thompsons The Experience of a Private in the Custer Massacre so enthralled Schultz that he began researching the battles history and took part in his first re-enactment in 2009.

Paul Kicking Bear, a Los Angeles-area born Lakota Sioux, said visiting the Real Bird property and re-enactment has changed his life. His family never talked about their native roots, but hes found a reconnection to his ancestors by sleeping on the same ground where the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes numbering an estimated 11,000 were camped on June 25, 1876. To the tribes involved, it was the Battle of the Greasy Grass.

That was the most precious thing to me, to sleep and walk the ground my ancestors did, he said.

Disengage

Kicking Bear, 50, said he cant wait to leave Los Angeles for the annual gathering in Montana. It gives him a chance to de-escalate and disconnect while enjoying the history and the fellow re-enactors. Since he plays a hostile, he noted with air quotes, he enjoys ribbing his cavalry counterparts. His T-shirt depicted the profile of a 1800s-era soldier on horseback riddled with arrows.

Hey, they lose on this fight anyway, he said. Its not like theyre not expecting it. So I enjoy rubbing it in. I dont hide that. But its done in good humor, not in a resentful way.

He also takes the opportunity to educate the participants on the native view of the battle and the era. The entire camp seems to be an education that never stops. Depending on who a visitor talks to, everyone is a historian in some respect with an in-depth knowledge of some aspect of the time, battle or people involved.

This battle, this time period, has always been kind of my focus, said Mark Brown as he relaxed in the shade after conditioning his horse to the sound of mock gunfire in a nearby corral. Im frozen in it. Its been studied and studied. Its amazing, 140 years later and people are still coming up with ideas of what happened here.
The long-talked about ferry terminal in Bar Harbor, Maine, could be coming into play for cruise ships calling sooner than later.

The State is in the process of acquiring the terminal from a Canadian corporation, John H. Henshaw, executive director of the Maine Port Authority, told Cruise Industry News. Our longer-term plan is to turn it into a cruise terminal with a pier. In the near term we are going to use it for tendering operations.

A deal could come as soon as August, with a lease-to-buy structured contract. A float system will need to be installed to accommodate tenders.

I anticipate that will happen for 2017, added Henshaw.
With the haircut that the sterling-euro exchange rate has taken in the wake of the U.K.'s vote to leave the European Union, the U.K. has suddenly become a low-cost country for companies wishing to host or process the personal information of EU citizens.

EU businesses will need to weigh that price cut against the regulatory uncertainty Thursday's vote introduced -- but it turns out that's surprisingly small, at least in the short to medium term.

As for U.K. businesses hoping for more relaxed data protection rules in the wake of the referendum vote, they will have to wait -- perhaps for a very long while.

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That's because many of the rules that the 51.9 percent who voted to leave the EU hoped to escape are, in fact, firmly part of U.K. law, and will only go away if the U.K. parliament votes to repeal them.

And it can't do that until it has negotiated its exit from the EU, which is a matter of international treaty and not the will of the people.

The first question, then, is when will the U.K. officially leave the EU?

That will depend on when the U.K. government informs the other member states of its intention to leave by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. The UK will cease to be bound by the EU treaties two years after that date -- sooner in the unlikely event that all parties reach an agreement on an exit settlement before then.

However, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron is in no hurry to invoke Article 50. On Friday morning he announced that he will resign and make way for a new leader of the ruling Conservative Party before the party's annual conference in October. Invoking Article 50, he said, would be a task for his successor.

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That means the U.K. is likely to remain part of the EU until October 2018 -- or longer, if Cameron's successor is in no rush to invoke Article 50.

That means U.K. businesses and citizens will still be subject to EU laws for some years to come.

Those laws come in two forms: directives, and regulations. In the field of data protection, there's one of each to pay attention to.

The most significant -- for now -- is the 1995 Data Protection Directive.

Directives are proposed by the European Commission (the members of which are nominated by the EU member states), then amended by the European Council (composed of the heads of the EU member governments or their ministers) and the European Parliament (directly elected by EU citizens) until all three parties reach a compromise. Then, the parliaments of each member state transpose the directives into their own national law, adapting it where necessary to fit their own legal systems and circumstances. In this way, the Data Protection Directive took effect in 1998.

One of its key provisions, for businesses at least, is that EU citizens' personal information may only be processed in countries offering a level of data protection at least equal to that afforded by EU law.

Since the U.K.'s data protection regime will remain unchanged, for now, U.K. businesses can still process data for EU companies and citizens, and U.K. citizens will have the same protections if their data is exported to, say, the U.S.

Protection of EU citizens' data in the U.S. has itself been called into question since the October 2015 decision by the Court of Justice of the EU to overturn the legal instrument providing that protection, the so-called Safe Harbor Agreement. EU and U.S. officials are still negotiating the details of its replacement, Privacy Shield, which will also cover the U.K. until it formally leaves the EU.

The other EU data protection law of relevance to the U.K. is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), voted in April 2016. This introduces harsher fines for companies breaching the rules -- up to 4 percent of worldwide revenue -- and seeks to harmonize those rules, eliminating national differences allowed under the Data Protection Directive.

Regulations begin life in the same way as directives, as compromise texts agreed upon by the Commission, Council and Parliament. After that, though, there's no time-consuming transposition into national laws: Regulations are directly applicable, and automatically enter effect after two years.

At first sight, that would suggest that U.K. citizens will benefit from, and U.K. businesses will be subject to, the effects of the GDPR from April 2018 through at least October 2018.

That, though, is without considering the exemptions from EU home affairs and justice legislation negotiated by the U.K., Ireland and Denmark. The exemptions mean the GDPR will apply only partially in the U.K up until October 2018.

But what then? Well, one of the innovations of the GDPR is that the rules applicable depend on the location of the data subject, so companies in the U.K. will still have to comply with it when processing EU citizens' data.

U.K. businesses might even choose voluntarily to follow EU data protection rules at all times, in order to hang on to their U.K. customers.

"It would make no sense at all for U.K. regulations to be any less stringent. Poor safeguards against loss, theft and misuse of data would ultimately cost U.K. business, as consumers and brands put their data elsewhere," said Richard Lack, EMEA director of sales at Gigya, which provides a visitor tracking and identification service for websites.

Following the EU data protection rules would be a good thing for U.K. businesses in other respects, according to Javvad Malik, security advocate at AlienVault, a security threat management company.

"Many Infosec professionals seem to view the legislation in a positive light, believing that stipulations such as 'data protection by design' will make the data held by their organizations more secure," he said of the GDPR.

Until October 2018, then, and even beyond, it seems unlikely that much will change, in the field of data protection at least.

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Microsoft has significantly upped the tally of U.S. government gag orders slapped on demands for customer information, according to court documents filed last week.

In a revised complaint submitted to a Seattle federal court last Friday, Microsoft said that more than half of all government data demands were bound by a secrecy order that prevented the company from telling customers of its cloud-based services that authorities had asked it to hand over their information.

The original complaint -- the first round in a lawsuit Microsoft filed in April against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Attorney General Loretta Lynch -- had pegged the number of data demands during the past 18 months at 5,624. Of those, 2,576, or 46%, were tagged with secrecy orders that prevented Microsoft from telling customers it had been compelled to give up their information.

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The monthly average of data requests accompanied by a gag order during the stretch was 143.

Microsoft's revised complaint updated those numbers to account for the past 20 months, from September 2014 to May 2016. It was unclear whether the changes reflected an increase in secrecy orders in the last two months or simply a recount, although the numbers suggested the latter.

In any case, Microsoft now claims that of the more than 6,000 data demands it's received in the last 20 months, 3,250, or 54% of the total, came with a gag order. The Redmond, Wash. company received an average of 163 data requests locked by a secrecy order each month during that span.

Microsoft's lawsuit asked the court for a judgment that would declare unconstitutional a section of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), a 30-year-old law that government agencies increasingly name when forcing email, Internet and cloud storage service providers to hand over data to aid criminal investigations.

The firm hasn't objected to the ECPA as a whole, but to what it said had become the routine issuing of gag orders alongside the demands for data. The new figures are likely an attempt by Microsoft to strengthen its argument.

In both the original and revised complaints, Microsoft asked the court to strike the ECPA gag order section on the grounds that it violated both the First and Fourth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

A comparison of the two complaints by Computerworld showed that Microsoft's lawyers made numerous editing corrections in the latest, but did not change their contentions that the ECPA's secrecy clauses were unconstitutional.

The attorneys altered the complaint in at least two ways, however. They cited a second section of the ECPA as unconstitutional, and made it clearer that they believed the company's constitutional rights -- not just those of its customers -- were being violated by the government's actions.

"For the same reasons that Section 2705(b) is facially invalid, it is also unconstitutional as applied to Microsoft," the revised complaint stated.

Because of the amended complaint, the federal court hearing the case has rescheduled the briefing schedule for replies by the DOJ and Attorney General Lynch, and for rebuttals by Microsoft.

NEXT READ THIS: The CSO password management survival guide

This story, "Microsoft: Government's data gag order practices worse than first thought" was originally published by Computerworld .
Welcome to the weekly recap of news and other interesting items. Today's Rehashed is somewhat overshadowed by the Brexit meltdown in the United Kingdom. There were plenty of things happening in the security world this week, but the fallout from EU referendum is sure to dominate headlines for the rest of the month.

This week's recap will cover LinkedIn, YouTube defacements, Blizzard's authentication problems, banking malware, government contracts, Ransomware, and the fact that FBI doesn't need a warrant to hack you.

FBI doesn't need a warrant to hack your computer

A U.S. court in Virginia has ruled that the FBI can hack into a suspect's computer without a warrant, which stirred privacy advocates for obvious reasons. The case where the ruling was logged is a child pornography case. However, it's unlikely the ruling will hold up in appeal.



Comodo trying to commandeer Let's Encrypt's brand

Let's Encrypt, the organization stated by the Internet Security Research Group, and has helped millions of websites implement SSL protections is having to deal with a trademark problem. In a blog post, Let's Encrypt revealed this week that Comodo was attempting to register trademarks with their Let's Encrypt brand. In their defense, Comodo's CEO justified their actions and bandwagon jumping by attempting to spin the conversation towards letting the courts deal with the situation, and accusing Let's Encrypt of stealing his company's business model. Update: Late in the afternoon on Friday, a Comodo staffer posted to the company forums that they've resolved the dispute with Let's Encrypt. "Comodo has filed for express abandonment of the trademark applications at this time instead of waiting and allowing them to lapse. Following collaboration between Let's Encrypt and Comodo, the trademark issue is now resolved and behind us and we'd like to thank the Let's Encrypt team for helping to bring it to a resolution." - Robin Alden, Comodo Staff



More voter records leaked

154 million people had personal information exposed, after a voter database was left exposed to the public. The database was discovered by Chris Vickery, a researcher with MacKeeper who has discovered similar records, including the two voter databases covered here on Salted Hash. The database contained data on a voter's stance with a number of topics, including abortion, gun ownership, marriage equality, and voting habits.



Ransomware infections are on the rise

Research from Kaspersky Labs shows that they number of Ransomware infections globally is climbing. According to their figures, 2.3 million users encountered ransomware between April 2015 and March, and thirteen percent of them were corporate users.



LinkedIn blamed for multiple secondary compromises

Remember that LinkedIn data breach a few years ago? When the full list of compromised accounts dropped recently, criminals didn't hesitate to use them in order to target organizations in a number of markets. Multiple industry sources have shared details on upwards of thirty instances where an organization has been compromised and sensitive information exfiltrated by the attackers. The common thread in each case is the LinkedIn list, generic password policies, a lack of two-factor authentication, and remote access software from services such as GoToMyPC, LogMeIn, and TeamViewer. Clearly, security professionals can spot the problem here, but the question is  how do you fix it?



YouTube fame comes with privacy risks

CSO's Editor-in-Chief, Joan Goodchild, went to VidCon this week. From her report: "It seems a new YouTube star is born every day lately with thousands now making money and pursuing full-time careers in online video. But the popularity that comes with millions of viewers is not without its privacy challenges."



Other items of note:

AWS, Microsoft win government contracts

Three vendors, AWS GovCloud, Microsoft's Azure GovCloud, and CSRA's ARC-P IaaS, have won a key U.S. government authorization that allows federal agencies to put highly sensitive data on their cloud-computing services.

GozNym Trojan targeting U.S. banks

The malware redirects victims to perfect replicas of online banking websites

Blizzard authentication servers fall offline

Players reported authentication issues for more than an hour, Lizard Squad took credit for the attack.

That's all for this week. Have a great weekend!

Remember, if you have thoughts on something that should be added to Rehashed, email me and let me know. Such additions can include links to news items, blog posts, code samples, cool scripts, etc.
ANAHEIM - With over a billion users and millions of hours of content, YouTube is the second most-visited web site on the internet and has seen its popularity explode over the last decade.

YouTube officials say the media force of the online video-sharing site shows no signs of slowing as growth in watch time has climbed at least 50 percent year over year for the last three years.

These days, millions of people are logging on daily to watch videos, and it is launching careers and paying big bucks for some creators who have managed to net millions of subscribers. Subscribers watch these YouTubers with the same kind of loyalty a generation before them watched popular television shows.

They log on to check out their favorite YouTube content, which can include anything from family reality shows to gaming content to lifestyle tips and tricks. The amount of content and subjects are endless. Fans watch, make comments and share the videos. Advertisers easily recognize the power of YouTube, particularly among younger demographics, and are making deals daily with popular YouTube stars. Many YouTubers make six or seven figure salaries off of the content they are creating.

CSO spent part of this week in Anaheim at VidCon, an annual event for video creators and their fans, attending sessions to learn more about the privacy and security challenges these YouTube success stories face each day. Unlike television and movie stars, these online celebrities face a different kind of privacy challenge because, by nature of the work they do, they are expected to be accessible and to interact with fans.

Keeping things private and running a successful video log (vlog) are not exactly two compatible goals. This is because, according to LaToya Forever, an online personality with two popular vlogs on YouTube, one of the secrets of YouTube success is keeping things 100 percent real and genuine. This means broadcasting everything from adorable kid moments to family drama for the world to see.

Sometimes its hard to wade through and decide what to share and what not to share, said Nikki Phillipi, a lifestyle vlogger with over a million subscribers.

One way to ensure nothing goes online that isnt considered carefully is to delay posting, said Katie Bratayley (not her real last name), a popular mom vlogger with a YouTube channel that has more than 2 million subscribers. Katie and her family dealt with bringing one of the most difficult private issues public last year when her son, Caleb, died unexpectedly.

Were two days behind on what we post which gives us time to think about if we should we post this or should it stay private.

Mindy McKnight, a mother of six with daughters who are now running their own YouTube channels, said her family understands the rules of posting because she holds them to an informal contract around privacy.

We make it clear that these are the family rules. You dont show our address, or our license plates, for example. Either follow these rules or there will be a consequence to your use of your YouTube channel if you dont follow them, she told an audience in a panel titled Being a Mom on YouTube.

McKnights family boasts more than 4 million subscribers to their channel, called Cute Girls Hairstyles. What started as a hair design tip channel morphed into a reality show about their family, she said.

People came for the hair designs, but stayed for the family, said McKnight. As a result, her privacy standards have evolved, too.

We used to shoot only the back of their heads and referred to them as Kid 1 and Kid 2, etc. As I became more comfortable in the space, we started using names.

We are private about our location, added a mom vlogger known as Kristine Fun Pack. Her channel, the popular Family Fun Pack, has millions of subscribers. Unfortunately, the attention has brought with it some concerning comments over the years, she said.

Weve had some really creepy comments. I have to take them all seriously. In the beginning, we used fake names. Weve stopped doing that but we still use an alias in public.

Among some of the other privacy notes from panelists were caveats about keeping on top of what kind of private information might be visible in the background of videos. Beware of things you might not even consider when you shoot, several noted. Mail, for example, could be viewed by stopping the video and taking in certain sensitive information.

Regardless of how private each YouTuber was keeping their life online, all noted a similar problem with so-called trolls; commenters who show up to make disparaging remarks in the comments section of their channels.

In fact, sometimes the behavior goes beyond mean comments as trolls made news earlier this week for hacking popular YouTube channel WatchMojo.

All panelists said that often the best strategy for dealing with nasty or harassing behavior in the comments section was most often to simply not deal with it at all.

Jack Baran, known as Thatsojack on YouTube, is an openly-gay YouTube star with content that is a mix of humor and frank discussion about a variety of topics. Baran, with well over a million subscribers, has dealt with his fair share of trolls over the last few years while he has been creating content on YouTube. He says his advice is simply to develop a thick skin, as mean people are inevitable in the online video world.

People are vicious, noted Baran in a session titled Taking the High Road, which offered advice for dealing with online trolls and mean comments. Its terrifying how aggressive some people can be. But if someone is being a bullying to you online, you dont have to deal with them. It takes time, but you have to train yourself to ignore it.

You can check out some of the work of these panelists below:
Lenovo has fixed two high-severity vulnerabilities in the Lenovo Solution Center support tool that is preinstalled on many laptop and desktop PCs. The flaws could allow attackers to take over computers and terminate antivirus processes.

Lenovo Solution Center (LSC) allows users to check their system's virus and firewall status, update their Lenovo software, perform backups, check battery health, get registration and warranty information and run hardware tests.

The two new vulnerabilities, tracked as CVE-2016-5249 and CVE-2016-5248 in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures database, were found by security researchers from Trustwave. They affect LSC versions 3.3.002 and earlier.

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The CVE-2016-5249 vulnerability allows an attacker who already has control of a limited account on a PC to execute malicious code via the privileged LocalSystem account.

Privilege escalation flaws like this one cannot be used by themselves to compromise computers, but are often used in exploit chains. Due to security improvements in modern operating systems, remote code execution flaws don't always provide attackers with full control over affected systems and need to be combined with privilege escalation vulnerabilities.

Because of the functionality in the LSC.Services.SystemService component, any local user can open a communication pipe to the service and force it to execute arbitrary .NET code. Because this LSC service runs under the LocalSystem account, the rogue code would also be executed with LocalSystem privileges.

The second vulnerability, CVE-2016-5248, allows any local user to send a command to LSC.Services.SystemService in order to kill any other process on the system, privileged or not. The target process could, for example, belong to an antivirus program or another security product.

Lenovo advises users to upgrade to LSC version 3.3.003. This can be done from the application itself by agreeing to automatic update prompt, from the separate Lenovo System Update utility or by downloading the latest version of LSC manually.

This is not the first time that serious flaws were found in LSC. However, Lenovo seems to be responding to such vulnerabilities in a timely manner by releasing patches and publishing security advisories. In a recent security analysis of the update tools preloaded on computers PC manufacturers, LSC was found to have one of the most secure implementations.
ROSS, N.D.  Paul William Green II, 36, of Alger, Mich., has been identified as the oil field worker who died Monday after being struck by equipment, the Mountrail County Sheriffs Office said.

Green was pronounced dead at a well site about 4 miles northeast of Ross after a deputy responded to a 911 call about 11 p.m. Monday.

Deputy Duane Marmon said that it appears the operator of a boom crane, used to lift drill pipe onto pipe racks, had not seen Green enter into an area known as the red zone. The zone is an area workers are not supposed to enter while the drilling rig is operating.

A blind spot was caused by the boom when the operator of the crane picked up a pipe with the boom and lowered it on to the pipe rack striking Mr. Green, Sheriff Ken Halvorson wrote in a news release.

Green was unresponsive when the deputy arrived.

State Forensic Medical Examiner William Massello III listed the cause of death as blunt chest injuries due to the impact of being struck and crushed by the falling metal boom.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating. Green worked for Advanced Energy LLC of South Boardman, Mich. The oil well is owned by EOG Resources.

Greens death was the second oil field fatality in North Dakota in three days.

Advanced Energy has declined to comment on the incident.

OSHA also is investigating a well explosion near Watford City that killed one man and injured three last Saturday.
Connecticuts shoreline along Long Island Sound is dotted with lighthouses, from Greenwich to Stonington. While some are open to the public, most are best viewed by boat or from the shore. Luckily for lighthouse aficionados, there are several organizations in Connecticut that put on lighthouse cruises to give a closer look at the beacons that welcome ships to our shores. The Greenwich Parks Ferry, Norwalk Seaport Association, Captains Cove, the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Mystic Seaport and more.

Click through the slideshow above to see some local houses and scroll down for information on even more Connecticut lighthouses.

Unless otherwise noted, these lighthouses are not open to the public for tours and are best viewed by boat.

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Great Captains Island Lighthouse

Great Captains Island, located 1.5 miles off the coast of Greenwich, has a rich, storied history. Captain reportedly refers to Captain Daniel Patrick, Greenwichs first military commander. Both New York and Connecticut claimed ownership of the island until 1879, when jurisdiction was officially awarded to Connecticut. The lighthouse on Great Captains Island was first built as a wooden structure in 1829, and was later replaced by a handsome stone structure in 1868. Today, the island is open to the public and accessible by ferry from Greenwichs Arch Street dock in the summer.

www.greenwichct.org

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Greens Ledge Lighthouse

Greens Ledge Lighthouse is located off the southwest end of the Norwalk Islands. The sparkplug lighthouse was built in 1902 to replace the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. In 1990, the Greens Ledge Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse is not open to the public, though it serves as the starting point for the annual Ladrigan Lighthouse Swim Race. It is best seen by boat.

www.newenglandlighthouses.net

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Stratford Shoal Lighthouse

The Stratford Shoal Lighthouse is so far from shore that there has been debate about whether the lighthouse belonged to New York or Connecticut. It is best viewed from the decks of the Port Jefferson Ferry.

www.newenglandlighthouses.net

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Faulkners Island Lighthouse

Located off the coast of Guilford, the Faulkners Island Lighthouse is the second oldest surviving lighthouse tower in Connecticut. Built in 1802, it remains an active beacon to incoming ships and is maintained by the group Faulkners Light Brigade.

www.faulknerslight.org

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Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse

The Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse is the tower depicted on Connecticuts Preserve the Sound license plates. It is located at Fenwick Point near Old Saybrook. It is one of two lighthouses built off Lynde Point and is known as the pairs Outer Light.

www.newenglandlighthouses.net

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Lynde Point Lighthouse

The Lynde Point Lighthouse is known as the Inner Light of the pair of lighthouses built off Lynde Point near Old Saybrook. Together, the lighthouses highlight the channel at the mouth of the Connecticut River.

www.newenglandlighthouses.net

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New London Harbor Light

The New London Harbor Light is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Connecticut. It is maintained and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is open to the public on a limited, appointment-only basis. Call 860-447-2501 to inquire.

www.nlmaritimesociety.org

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New London Ledge Lighthouse

The New London Ledge Lighthouse is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Ernie, its former keeper. Legend has it that Ernies wife ran away with the captain of the Block Island Ferry, driving Ernie to jump from the roof of the lighthouse. His body was never recovered, but it seems that Ernie never left Ledge Lighthouse. The lighthouse is maintained by the Ledge Lighthouse Foundation, which offers guided tours of the lighthouse. Call 860-445-9007 for more information.

www.ledgelighthouse.org

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Avery Point Lighthouse

The Avery Point Lighthouse is positioned on the University of Connecticut campus at Avery Point in Groton. It was the last lighthouse to be built in the state and serves as a symbol of the U.S. Coast Guards duty to lighthouse keeping responsibilities. Thanks to the efforts of the Avery Point Lighthouse Society, it was relit in 2006 after being deactivated nearly 40 years prior. The grounds are open to allow an up-close view of the lighthouse.

www.averypointlight.com

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Stonington Harbor Lighthouse

The Stonington Harbor Lighthouse marks the entrance to Stonington Harbor in Connecticut. It was first built in 1823 and now serves as Stoningtons Old Lighthouse Museum, which is open to the public.

www.stoningtonhistory.org
BRIDGEPORT  Police have tentatively identified a body found Thursday in Fairfield as that of missing boater Shigemune Mori.

Mori, 32, had last been seen near Seaside Park in Bridgeport on June 12, before taking a 14-foot raft into the Long Island Sound.

On Thursday, two girls walking along the shore near 981 Fairfield Beach Road spotted the body about 25 feet into the water. They called police, who then recovered the remains.

Officials have yet to definitively confirm that the body is that of Mori, but they said they matched jewelry and other descriptors given by his wife.

More News Search suspended for man missing in L.I. Sound

We made a tentative identification based on clothing descriptions and personal item, said Bridgeport Police Capt. Brian Fitzgerald, who was on the scene Thursday. Fitzgerald heads the marine unit that oversaw recovery of the body.

Police said Mori had been rafting with a friend, who was able to escape and swim to shore after their vessel capsized. The Coast Guard launched a search for Mori, but called it off after combing the area around his reported disappearance.

Mori, whose address could not be determined Thursday, is survived by his wife, Yoshi Mori, as well as two daughters, ages 4 and 7, according to the Facebook page of her employer, the Town of Westport. Yoshi Mori is also expecting a third child in October, according to the Facebook page.

A crowdfunding website has been set up to aid Yoshi Mori in the wake of her husbands death. Contributions can be made online at http://bit.ly/Shigemune and checks can be dropped off at the Westport Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Ave.

A memorial service is scheduled for Shigemune Mori on Saturday, July 2 at 11 a.m. at Lester Gee Funeral Home at 1390 Fairfield Ave., in Bridgeport.
HARTFORD  Second-term Attorney General George Jepsen has been elected president of the National Association of Attorneys General.

Jepsen, a former longtime state Senate majority leader and Democratic State Cental Committee leader, was elected Thursday night during the associations summer meeting in Burlington, Vt.

His one-year term succeeds that of South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

Attorneys general very often come together on a bipartisan basis to uphold our state laws and to work cooperatively on issues of mutual concern, and NAAG is a strong and valuable resource that aids us in our work, Jepsen said in a statement Friday morning.

Jepsen, 61, is a Greenwich native and former Ridgefield resident He represented Stamford in the House and Senate for 16 years. He now lives in Hartford.

Jepsen announced that his term will focus on health care delivery and the affect of changes on costs and competition and costs, as well as the challenges facing regulators.

Across the country, weve seen the emergence of merger proposals involving health insurance carriers and increased costs for pharmaceuticals, both of which can affect consumers and states that are coping with tight budgets, Jepsen said.

A Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School graduate, Jepsen currently leads a staff of 200 attorneys that represents the states civil-litigation arm.

kdixon@ctpost.com;
BUTTE  A driving under the influence trial for ex-Navy SEAL Rob ONeill has been set for September, his attorney said Friday.

Billings-based attorney Mark Parker said the jury trial will be comprised of six jurors. According to Butte city court records, the proceedings are slated for Sept. 14.

ONeill, 40, told Butte-Silver Bow police that he took a prescribed sleep aid before he was found asleep at the wheel of a Nissan Sentra at a Town Pump convenience store on April 8. Several customers told a clerk that a man was sleeping in the running vehicle.

A police report stated that ONeill was hazy about whether he had been drinking or taken Ambien, a prescription drug used to treat insomnia. The Butte native was also unclear about where he had traveled from to his hometown.

ONeill was arrested and later refused a Breathalyzer test. He pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor DUI, a first offense, the day of his arrest.

In a statement released by his public relations firm, ONeill said he took a prescribed sleep aid to help with long-standing insomnia.

ONeill has claimed he killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden during a U.S.-led attack in Pakistan in 2011.
Ban Ki Moon is in Havana for Colombian ceasefire accord

The Secreatry-General of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon arrived in Havana on Wednesday night to attend the signing of a final ceasefire accord between the Colombian government and the FARC-EP guerrilla.

Ki Moon arrived accompanied by the President of the UN General Assembly Mogens Lykketoft and the President of the UN Security Council Francois Delattre.

The United Nations is playing a pivotal role in the monitoring and verification of the agreement between the parties involved in the longest armed conflict in the Americas that includes the issue of disarmament and sets the guarantees of safety and the fight against criminal organizations responsible for genocide in Colombia.
HELENA  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials have named an interim director for the VA Montana Health Care System.

Kathy Berger began her 120-day assignment on Thursday, replacing John Ginnity. Ginnity announced his resignation earlier this month.

VA spokesman Mike Garcia said Ginnity will remain at Fort Harrison until his July 8 resignation takes effect, helping Berger with the transition and writing reports for VA officials in Washington.

Berger is the director of the VA's health care system in Sheridan, Wyo. She is expected to return to that job after her Montana assignment.

Ginnity did not specify a reason for his resignation.

The agency is conducting an internal investigation into leadership misconduct allegations at Fort Harrison. Garcia said Ginnity's resignation is unrelated to the investigation.
LARAMIE  A former Laramie foster parent has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for sex crimes.

Stephen Calderon, 32, was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to four counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor and one count of sexual exploitation of children. Seven other sexual abuse charges were dismissed.

The prison term will run concurrently to identical sentences from Converse County, where Calderon was convicted of abusing a young girl.

According to court documents, most of the Laramie charges stem from abuse that took place between January 2013 and June 2014, when Calderon was a foster parent.

In court Wednesday, Calderon said he was sorry and that he hopes the victims get the help they need and live fulfilling lives.
Lake County's latest restaurant inspections: 1 hit with 19 violations

Eight restaurants in Lake County failed to meet health and safety standards last week. One restaurant received 19 violations.
I-75 crash kills three in south Marion County

First responders said multiple vehicles were involved in the crash, which killed three people on I-75 near the Marion County and Sumter County line.
CHEYENNE, Wyo.  Members of the Legislatures Joint Appropriations Committee voted Wednesday against asking for a special legislative session related to Wyomings evolving budget crisis.

The decision was on the second day of the committees two-day agenda and followed Gov. Matt Meads announcement Tuesday of about $248 million in budget cuts for the 2017-18 biennial fiscal year.

Those cuts will essentially be effective July 1, unless the Legislature decides otherwise in a special session.

The committee does not have the ability to initiate a special session on its own, so it was instead voting on whether to ask the Legislatures Management Council to request a special session.

The proposal for a special session was made by Rep. Cathy Connolly, D-Laramie, who said she felt lawmakers needed to take some action regarding the budget.

I think that, in fact, its our duty as the Legislature to address the budget, she said.

Connolly said the Legislature would be able to free up some money that was not available to Mead, including expanding Medicaid and reconsidering funding for capital improvement projects in the state.

Were the ones who tied up an awful lot of capital construction, she said. A special session wouldve allowed us to take a look at those special funds.

Her Republican colleagues on the committee, however, were not in favor of a special session, saying they believed Meads cuts as proposed were sufficient until the next regular legislative session in 2017.

They also expressed concern over the amount of time and money a special session would cost.

A special session could cost up to several hundred thousand dollars, said Don Richards, the budget and fiscal administrator for the nonpartisan Legislative Service Office.

Literally, it would dominate everything we do until January, said Sen. Jeff Wasserburger, R-Gillette. We have an election coming up  I just dont see how we can squeeze in a special session.

Sen. Bruce Burns, R-Sheridan, said he felt that differences lawmakers would have with the governors cuts are minimal and dont justify a special session.

I think the governor has done the heavy lifting on this, he said.

The vote to request a special session was along party lines, with Connolly and Sen. John Hastert, D-Green River, voting for the proposal.

Remaining committee members  all Republicans  voted against requesting a special session.

Rep. Tim Stubson, R-Casper, a committee member who is running for Congress, held a campaign press conference in Cheyenne on Wednesday morning but did not attend the committee meeting.

The vote was near the end of the committees Wednesday meeting, which opened with Richards, the LSO staff member, giving a bleak report of Wyomings budget projections.

Richards said he believes the state is on track to be $130 million short in revenue for the current fiscal period, which ends at the end of the month. He said 2016 is the worst year for sales and use tax collection within the last decade or so.

Richards reiterated information from a January Consensus Revenue Estimating Group report, which projected the state would have much more income than is actually the case.

The biennial budget for 2017-18 was largely based on that report, which attempts to forecast future revenues.

A subsequent CREG report in April painted a much more dismal picture of the states revenue stream, which prompted Mead to initiate budget cuts in May. Those cuts were revealed publicly on Tuesday.

The Joint Appropriations Committee will next meet in October in Casper.
Green was pronounced dead at a well site about 4.5 miles northeast of Ross after a deputy responded to a 911 call about 11 p.m. Monday.

Deputy Duane Marmon indicated that it appears the operator of a boom crane, used to lift drill pipe onto pipe racks, had not seen Green enter an area known as the red zone -- an area workers are not supposed to enter while the drilling rig is operating.

A blind spot was caused by the boom when the operator of the crane picked up a pipe with the boom and lowered it onto the pipe rack, striking Mr. Green, Sheriff Ken Halvorson wrote in a news release.

Green was unresponsive when the deputy arrived.

State Forensic Medical Examiner William Massello III listed the cause of death as blunt chest injuries from being struck and crushed by the falling metal boom.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident. Green worked for Advanced Energy LLC of South Boardman, Mich. The oil well is owned by EOG Resources.

Greens death was the second oilfield fatality in North Dakota in three days.

Advanced Energy has declined to comment on the incident.
WATFORD CITY -- An autopsy shows that an oilfield worker who died Saturday was killed as the result of a fall, the second time a worker for the same company has been hurt in a fall in the past eight months.

State Forensic Medical Examiner William Massello III listed the cause of death for 52-year-old Johnny Stassinos as blunt chest, abdominal and pelvic injuries that resulted from a falling from a height associated with a petroleum site explosion near Watford City.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration continues to investigate the incident that killed Stassinos and injured three others who were on a workover rig when the oil well ignited.

Stassinos, a well operator for Most Wanted Well Service, died at Trinity Hospital in Minot later the same day. An obituary says Stassinos, of Rock Springs, Wyo., is survived by his wife, four children, two stepchildren and a grandchild.

The incident marks the second time in less than a year that a Most Wanted Well Service employee suffered injuries stemming from a fall while working on a North Dakota well site owned by XTO Energy, according to OSHA records.

OSHA issued a citation to Most Wanted Well Service after investigating a Nov. 23, 2015, incident that involved a worker who suffered fractures and lacerations from a fall while escaping from a snubbing basket on a workover rig without an adequate escape line. OSHA classified the citation as a serious violation, issuing a fine of $2,800.

In that case, the worker was in a basket 27 feet above ground and the means of escape available to him were a ladder and a nylon rope, according to OSHA records. A slide pole was installed, but the OSHA report said it was impossible to use because of a wind tarp wrapped around the snubbing basket.

A well blowout occurred, making the ladder impractical to use because the worker would have had to go through high-pressure crude and brine, the OSHA report says. The employee slid down the rope with his hands and arms and fell about 10 feet to a trailer. He rolled onto the ground after hitting the trailer, documents show.

Eric Brooks, area director of the Bismarck OSHA office, said the investigation into Saturdays incident is still ongoing and he couldnt comment on whether it involved a similar safety violation.

Both incidents involved crews working on the same type of well servicing operation.

Three other workers suffered serious injuries in Saturdays explosion.

Daniel Montes, 28, Fruita, Colo., and Richard Maheu, 27, Rock Springs, Wyo., suffered severe burns and were being treated at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Maheu was listed in critical condition Friday. Regions Hospital did not have any information to release about Montes, but a fundraising site for him says he remained hospitalized Friday. Both suffered third-degree burns on 70 percent of their bodies.
Opinion Wordle

The next day I woke to find myself in a WhatsApp group titled Quordle is Awesome!! A small group of three. There was no getting out of it now.
Little more than a year ago, David Cameron strode triumphantly back into Downing Street, having achieved the Conservative General Election victory that escaped him in 2010.

Yesterday, amid the ashes of referendum defeat and personal humiliation, he made the only possible response by promising his resignation as prime minister. Cameron has been destroyed by Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage, leading what became a popular revolt against his leadership as much as a vote against the EU.

This prime minister has always treated government as a tactical game, aimed at getting himself through to next Tuesday rather than seeking to take this country towards some appointed destination.

Humbled: David Cameron delivers his speech in Downing Street after Britain voted for Brexit announcing he was to resign as prime minister

He now pays the price for years of unfulfilled pledges and for running a rotten Remain campaign, which disastrously misjudged the mood of the British people. Before we consider how this act of self-destruction came about, we should acknowledge Camerons virtues and past achievements.

On entering Downing Street six years ago as leader of a coalition government, he made a fine start towards extracting the UK from the economic morass left by Labour. His closest colleague George Osborne committed his early chancellorship to curbing public spending.

Today, the countrys national debt remains enormous but the two men deserve gratitude for their courage, and for facing down tumultuous abuse from the state sector, including teachers and NHS workers. Cameron can also claim credit for appointing Michael Gove as a radically reforming education secretary, though later he lost his nerve and removed the controversial minister.

School boy: The Prime Minister seems uninterested in counsel from anybody outside his personal clique, which is dominated by Etonian contemporaries

In public, Cameron has conducted himself with a dignity and natural authority which contrast with his predecessor Gordon Browns gracelessness. His best speeches are well-crafted, gracefully delivered.

He managed the 2010-15 coalition government with notable tactical skill. Indeed, the political restraints imposed by his Lib Dem partners suited this prime minister better than the open pitch created in May 2015 by the election of an exclusively Tory government.

Cameron has never shown much evidence of principle, of any passionately held conviction beyond a yearning to be prime minister. This helps to explain his lack of success in addressing such big domestic challenges as reform of the NHS, pensions, a credible energy policy.Abroad, he has conducted a series of ill-considered lunges into North Africa and the Middle East. In 2011, he persuaded European allies and a reluctant U.S. president to follow his lead in supporting Libyan rebels committed to overthrowing Libyas President Gaddafi, ignoring warnings that anarchy rather than democracy would follow.

Cameron and his Downing Street advisers urged armed Western intervention in Syria, until checked by a 2013 Commons vote. When the National Security Council was once discussing the Syrian rebel factions, Tory grandee Ken Clarke exasperated the prime minister by observing memorably and sensibly: How can we back any of them? Theyre all loonies.

Cameron is a bright man but he has never shown much judgment. It was once put to Boris Johnson that the PM had won a first-class degree at Oxford. The then-London mayor responded mischievously: Only in PPE. He meant Politics, Philosophy and Economics, which seriously clever people regard as a soft option. (Boris got a lower 2:1 degree in Classics.)

Common sense is the quality that has been most lacking at No. 10 on Camerons watch. The PM seems uninterested in counsel from anybody outside his personal clique, which is dominated by Etonian contemporaries. His judgment of people and appointments has been consistently poor; think, for example, of business tsar Lady (Karren) Brady and underwear tycoon Baroness (Michelle) Mone, both whimsically elevated to government roles.

New boy: Cameron entered the House of Commons in 2001 when he was elected as the MP for Witney, Oxfordshire (credit: Clive Postlethwaite)

He seems most socially comfortable in the company of public relations men such as he was himself for years: he embraced rash friendships with Matthew Freud and Murdoch executive Rebekah Wade.

He has never seemed to possess any vision of where he wanted to take Britain, of what he had become prime minister to accomplish, beyond occupying the office.

Make me your leader: Cameron delivers his winning speech at the 2005 Tory conference, where he was elected leader

He gets through the daily business of government well enough, yet has never mastered the art of making people feel good, whether one-to-one or in crowds of thousands.

This stems partly from patrician condescension, of a kind that has made enemies inside Whitehall, and few admirers outside it. A Cabinet colleague said ruefully a couple of years ago: Nobody comes out of Daves office feeling better than when they went in. Natural arrogance bred a complacency that has now undone him.

He rightly grasped that political power must be sustained by winning support in the middle ground, as previous Tory leaders William Hague, Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard had failed to do. But he forfeited the support of his party faithful, for instance by championing gay marriage, then trumpeting the passage of the law, which upset many loyal Tories. He compounded matters in his resignation speech yesterday by repeating it as one of his achievements. To this day, it is doubtful if he realises how many people on his own side have come to hate him, and why: because he shows no sign of understanding, far less respecting, their most deeply-held beliefs.

When Cameron became Tory leader, he conveyed to party supporters, and indeed to the nation, the impression that even if not a committed Eurosceptic, he was sensibly sceptical about the EU and committed to force change in Britains relationship with Brussels.

In government, however, he seemed ever more lazily resigned to membership of the inert consensus of European national leaders, incapable of self-reform, recklessly insensitive to the crises rocking the continent and profoundly distressing their peoples.

Cameron gave repeated public pledges to control immigration, then made no credible effort to do so. This failure has grown into the single most important cause of the breakdown of public trust in him. As the numbers of people coming to Europe from Africa and the Middle East increase into the millions, the response of EU leaders remains pitiful.

My hero among historians and the wisest man I know, Professor Sir Michael Howard, 93, told me this week: The movement of peoples from south to north represents the most significant shift in the worlds population since the early Christian era.

Millions of British people understand far better than their political masters the threat posed to the stability and identity of our societies by tens of millions who want to enter Europe.

Hug a husky: Cameron going green in 2006. When Cameron became Tory leader, he conveyed to party supporters, and indeed to the nation, the impression that even if not a committed Eurosceptic, he was sensibly sceptical about the EU and committed to force change in Britains relationship with Brussels

During the referendum campaign, I raised the issue of the latest migration numbers with one of Camerons closest Cabinet colleagues. He dismissed it as a temporary statistical blip.

Likewise, when I mentioned the importance of Britain escaping from the tyranny of obsolete, Europe-inspired human rights law, he shrugged and said that to do so would set a poor example to countries like Belarus. In near-despair after that meeting, I told my wife that I thought a Brexit likely. A disastrous disconnect had grown up, I then realised, between the inhabitants of Downing Street and the temper of the British people. David Cameron failed to understand the strength of popular sentiment in favour of English  and Scottish  national identities, and growing rage and frustration about the threats to it.

Mr Cameron pictured at Brasenose College, Oxford

Our deepest tribal instincts have been roused by the issues of uncontrolled immigration and loss of sovereignty to unelected bureaucrats. On both sides of the Atlantic, we are seeing nationalists in rebellion against ruling elites, and every politician ignores this phenomenon at their peril.

Some of us believed from the outset that Cameron was reckless, first to promise this referendum, then to schedule it so early in his new term of government; and finally, to try to foist it on the British people after a perfunctory, insultingly inadequate renegotiation of our terms of EU membership, which merely shifted deckchairs.

The campaign laid bare the chasm between the political class, which has supported the EU since its inception, and most English people outside London, who have never loved it and have lately come to hate it. A generation ago, one of U.S. presidential candidate Bill Clintons staff posted on the wall of his campaign headquarters a notice which said Its the economy, stupid!. The message was that voters in all elections end up rooting for whoever seems most likely to fill their wallets and purses.

Politicians around the world have campaigned on such a mantra ever since, yet the British people this week have not voted with their wallets and purses. The heaviest economic guns warned them that leaving the EU would cost them  us  real money. Most voters have ignored the experts and accepted that risk as the price of regaining what they believe will be freedom  above all, freedom to restrict immigration.

Ultimately, this weeks historic upheaval seems to represent a reversal of the overthrow of Margaret Thatcher in 1990. Many of the same devoted supporters who then sobbed at her downfall as prime minister, together with their ideological successors of the Right, are those who have led the campaign for Britains withdrawal from the EU.

The two of us: Cameron seals his coalition with the Lib Dems 2010 as he enters 10 Downing Street with Nick Clegg

I wrote before David Cameron became PM that it was his misfortune to win the job at a time when a merely adequate prime minister would not suffice: Britain faced so many problems that we needed a great one. In the event, Cameron has proved to have the wit but, alas, not the wisdom or force of character to rise to the huge challenges.

Last chance: In February, leaving No 10 after trying to get a better EU deal

From the outset, as an admirer of Tony Blairs political wiles, he sought to emulate Blairs statecraft. Thus, he plunged into many of the same pitfalls with the same consequences, above all loss of public trust because he promised much, especially about the EU then delivered so little.

When Cameron leaves Downing Street, there will be no substantial legacy. Historians will merely record that he held the top job for longer than many incumbents. He will be remembered chiefly for lighting the fuse that led to Britains withdrawal from Europe.

His self-immolation derives from a misguided belief that the British people would be content to stagger on within an unreformed EU, subject to the sneers and diktats of Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and Eurocrats.

I voted Remain because I feared for Britains economic future if we voted Leave. But I wrote in the Mail earlier this year that Cameron did not deserve to win his referendum because his renegotiation of better terms for the UK was a sham.

Today, he deserves little sympathy. After winning last years election and seeing the Labour opposition implode, he has presided over the shipwreck of his own administration, precipitating Britain into a maelstrom of political and economic uncertainty. He will leave the UK and his party more divided than at any time for a generation.

We Remainers should accept the possibility that the voters of Britain, not for the first time, have shown better judgment than the clever-clogs and doomsters, whose views I and others accepted.
Boris Johnson delivers his winning speech after Britain opted to leave the Europe Union

His entire life has been a preparation for this moment. As a small child, he painted on the wall of his playroom the message Boo to grown-ups!

From that day to this, Boris Johnson has been no respecter of what the grown-ups  or the pompous people who like to think of themselves as grown-up  tell us to do.

If you instruct him earnestly that the only sensible way to do something is as follows, he will immediately ask what is wrong with doing it the other way round.

So it came naturally to him to defy the warnings of the Establishment, marshalled by David Cameron, that to leave the EU would be catastrophic.

To Boris, this conventional wisdom sounded timid, feeble and unutterably defeatist. To him, it was the special pleading of an official class which has committed so much time and energy to the existing European set-up that it could not bear the idea there might be a better way of doing things.

When he decided earlier this year, after much agonising, to back the Leave campaign, many accused him of opportunism.

It is true that Boris, now 52, yearns to be Prime Minister. And if one looks back over his career, one does not find him making a principled case, framed in terms of national sovereignty, for leaving the EU.

But a thread of consistency can still be detected in Boriss attitude to Europe. In his mid-20s he made his first reputation, as a journalist, by exploding the view that events in Brussels deserved to be treated with reverential solemnity. Boris, who arrived as a correspondent in that city in 1989, soon set about debunking the EU.

He realised that Jacques Delors, the formidable President of the European Commission, was grabbing power from member states, and proceeded to dramatise this process by describing how it was an attack on, say, the great British sausage, or banana or even condom.

Some of Boriss rival correspondents have never forgiven him for the cavalier insouciance with which he embellished the details of these stories, which they often found themselves in the horrible position of having to follow up in their own papers.

Boris with his wife Marina casting their votes. A thread of consistency can still be detected in Boriss attitude to Europe

His entire life has been a preparation for this moment. As a small child, he painted on the wall of his playroom the message Boo to grown-ups!

But had not Boris a fundamentally irreverent outlook, he would never have thought of ridiculing Delors in the first place.

By breaking open the cosy Brussels journalists cartel he became the favourite journalist of Margaret Thatcher, whose premiership ended in 1990 when she failed to carry enough of her colleagues with her in her resistance to the creation of a single European currency.

Now, David Camerons premiership has been wrecked by the European issue, too, though in his case because he was seen, by a narrow majority of Britons, to have been too emollient towards Brussels.

We have shown in this referendum that we want a tougher defence of our nation. To the Establishment, this seems intolerably risky. But Boris got where he is today, one step from Number 10, by taking risks.

In 1999, when he became editor of The Spectator, he promised he would not seek selection as a Tory MP, yet he was elected for the safe seat of Henley in the General Election of 2001.

He remained Spectator editor, an attempt at riding two horses at once which ended in disaster in 2004, when he was forced by the Tory leader Michael Howard to apologise to the people of Liverpool for an editorial in which he accused them of wallowing in their victim status.

Now, David Camerons premiership has been wrecked by the European issue, too, though in his case because he was seen, by a narrow majority of Britons, to have been too emollient towards Brussels

The following month, Howard dismissed Boris from the Conservative front bench for having dismissed accusations hed had an affair as an inverted pyramid of piffle, a denial which was untrue.

That would have been the end of a less resilient politician. The following year, when Howard stepped down after losing a General Election, Boris was viewed as too much of a loose cannon to be leader.

Cameron got the top job and resolutely refused to promote Boris to the shadow cabinet. The last thing the prudent new leader wanted was his fellow Old Etonian crashing about all over the place, grabbing headlines and subverting discipline.

To get to the top, Boris had to find another way. In 2007, he decided to stand against the seemingly unassailable Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.

He defeated Livingstone the next year and again in 2012, when he overshadowed Cameron during the capitals Olympic Games.

And now Johnson is the bookies favourite to succeed Cameron. His astonishing comeback will appal Establishment-minded people who see him as a buffoon on a par with Donald Trump.

But if Boris does become our next PM, he will be determined, just as he was when he became Mayor of London, not to play into his critics hands by making a hash of it. He will employ brilliant colleagues to do the careful administrative work for which he himself is temperamentally unsuited.

And he will set out to show that he alone possesses the boldness and resilience required to extricate us from the EU, and re-establish us as a prosperous and proudly independent democracy.
There have been two great democratic moments in post-war British politics. The first was in the 1945 General Election when victory for the Labour Party under Clement Attlee swept away the old British establishment and brought in a new era of social democracy.

The second is today. Just as the old establishment was swept aside in 1945, we have seen a popular revolution against a bankrupt political class.

The nature of this revolution is still not properly understood by politicians at Westminster where the result is being treated with horror and scorn.

It is a revolution by ordinary British people against a grasping political class which gave us Black Wednesday, the Iraq War and the financial crash of 2008. Essentially, this is a revolt by the provinces against London and the poor against the rich.

'More than 40 per cent of Labour voters supported Brexit  even though less than 5 per cent of Labour MPs did. I'd expect Prime Minister Johnson to offer a hand to Labour in the hope of forming a national government'

We are likely to see seismic changes in the British political system, which was already breaking, and the consequences will spread far beyond our shores. UKIP has achieved Brexit and no longer has a purpose. Many of its activists will return to the Conservative Party which will most likely be led by Boris Johnson and Michael Gove.

A significant number of Tory MPs will refuse to accept the leadership of Boris Johnson. Meanwhile, there is already an active move to get rid of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader. Although Corbyn and his Left-wing cohort will retain control of the party machine, a majority of Labour MPs will break away and create a rebel group in the Commons. I expect the Labour Right to merge with the modernising wing of the Conservatives. Effectively, they will form a new political party and fight ruthlessly to restore the Blairite/Cameron status quo that was blown to smithereens by the British people on Thursday.

This new party, having fought an unprincipled  albeit failed  campaign for Remain, can be expected to fight an equally unprincipled economic campaign and, backed by the City, to try to panic the British people into abandoning Brexit.

In these circumstances, it is unlikely that Boris Johnson will be able to command a Commons majority. Notwithstanding the Fixed Term Parliament Act (which means that apart from in exceptional circumstances, General Elections will only be held every five years), a way will be found to hold an election next year  or as early as November.

More than 40 per cent of Labour voters supported Brexit  even though less than five per cent of Labour MPs did. I would expect Prime Minister Johnson to offer a hand to Corbyns Labour in the hope of forming a national government. There are obvious Labour candidates for senior ministerial roles in this coalition, including Brexiteer MP Gisela Stuart and the veteran MP Frank Field.

In the interests of democracy, it is essential Labour should be represented in the post-Brexit negotiations with Brussels. The new government should be single-minded in its dedication to securing the best future for the UK outside the EU.

A government role should be found for Nigel Farage (one of the two or three most important post-war politicians) and his team. Since UKIP has only one MP, this will probably have to be done through peerages. The party which has campaigned for Brexit for so long deserves to share the responsibility of putting their ambitions into effect.

'A government role should be found for Nigel Farage (one of the two or three most important post-war politicians) and his team'

The Scottish Nationalists should be offered a second independence referendum  when the terms of Brexit are settled. This would be a fair democratic decision and it might secure the Parliamentary life of the new London government. For the Scot Nats would then be dependent on the new government to obtain permission to go ahead with a second independence referendum and thus it would agree not to support any no-confidence vote. The SNP would also face the same problem as before if it went independent and sought to rejoin the EU on its own  it would struggle as a small state to persuade Brussels to give it the same influence and hand-outs that Scotland got from Westminster. For example, would EU taxpayers fund Scotlands lavish social security system, free university tuition fees, free prescriptions and public services in the way that English taxpayers do now?

The post-Brexit government will be a supreme test for the Civil Service under Sir Jeremy Heywood. It must work with as much dedication for the new administration as it did for Camerons pro-EU government. Any civil servant who feels they are unable to do so should resign.

Post-Brexit ministers must discover what contingency plans for Britain leaving the EU have been made in their departments. If, scandalously, no such emergency planning was made by Sir Cover-ups team  Sir Jeremy and his senior civil servants should be sacked for dereliction of duty. (In the run-up to the 1975 referendum on Britains membership of the EEC, quite detailed planning was undertaken in the event of a Leave vote even though it was far less likely than in 2016.)

The Civil Service must immediately work to identify the EU legislation (and the UK legislation derived from it) which is in the genuine interests of the British people (for example, food safety) as distinct from that emanating from vested interests or crazed regulators. Parliament should set up a permanent committee to accelerate this work.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney must go. The Canadian banker has been a partisan voice in the referendum debate and cannot command the confidence of a post-Brexit government and people

Bank of England governor Mark Carney must go. The Canadian, former Goldman Sachs banker has been a partisan voice in the referendum debate  even attacking the Leave campaign on BBC1s The Andrew Marr Show  and cannot command the confidence of a post-Brexit government and people. His predecessor Mervyn King should be persuaded to resume his post, to help calm markets.

The bold decision by the British people will stimulate a wider European revolt against the EU. I expect Greece to fall out of the euro within months, setting off a chain reaction. There will be a determined attempt, led by Germanys Angela Merkel, to use this crisis to make moves to create a single European country. This will be resisted, leading to convulsions across Europe against a background of mass unemployment and economic failure.

The post-Brexit government has a huge opportunity to lead all European peoples to a better future than the declining, undemocratic, unloved EU. Already some European leaders are demanding a referendum in their own countries. We have everything to gain from presenting an agenda for a better Europe.

Our message should be: No European people should have to accept the extinction of national democracy. No European people should have to accept mass unemployment and savage deflation  or massive extra taxation  to prop up the euro. No European people should be obliged to accept indefinite immigration, or to accept the continued failure and waste built into the Common Agricultural Policy and the fisheries policy and a host of other EU boondoggles. No European people need accept the folly of an EU army and the pretensions of an EU foreign policy.
The party leader surveying the ruins of his political career with the heaviest heart should not be David Cameron. After all, the Prime Minister has had some successes of which he can be justly proud.

No, it is Jeremy Corbyn who should hang his head in shame and despair. Whether or not he survives in the short-term as Leader of the Labour Party, the Hard-Left member for Islington North is guilty of a double betrayal  of working-class Labour voters and his own principles  that is likely to be fatal to him, and possibly his party.

For there is no doubt it was disgruntled working-class voters in the North-East, Yorkshire, the West Midlands and South Wales who swung the referendum for Vote Leave. As Nigel Farage correctly said yesterday, it was won by the Old Labour vote. Without them, we should still be under the heel of Brussels.

It is Jeremy Corbyn who should hang his head in shame and despair. Whether or not he survives in the short-term as Leader of the Labour Party, the Hard-Left member for Islington North is guilty of a double betrayal  of working-class Labour voters and his own principles  that is likely to be fatal to him, and possibly his party

Labour heartlands like Sunderland, pictured, voted overwhelmingly to leave the European Union

And there is also no doubt that the issue above all which drove them to vote in favour of leaving the EU was uncontrolled mass immigration. Ignored or patronised for years by major politicians of all parties, they finally expressed their exasperation in the only way they could.

If he had been true to his life-long principles, Jeremy Corbyn would have put himself at the head of this huge army of unhappy voters. Probably the over-riding belief of his entire political career has been a deep antipathy towards the EU.

As a young politician, he campaigned during the 1975 referendum to leave what was then called the Common Market. He worshipped Tony Benn, who was one of the two or three leading lights in the movement to pull out. Benn was his political mentor.

When, after losing the 1987 election, most of the parliamentary Labour Party began to drop its opposition to the Common Market, Corbyn remained an unregenerate critic of the organisation. In 1993 he spoke out against the Maastricht Treaty, which established the European Union and laid the foundations for economic and political union.

Indeed, what he said about monetary union was uncannily prescient. He rightly predicted that it would take away from national parliaments the power to set economic policy, and hand it over to an unelected set of bankers who will impose the economic policies of price stability, deflation and high unemployment throughout the European Community.

In 2008, Corbyn stood by his principles when he voted against the Lisbon Treaty. He wrote that the EU had always suffered a serious democratic deficit.

As a young politician, he campaigned in 1975 to leave what was then called the Common Market

Even during last years leadership campaign, Corbyn made several anti-EU remarks which set him apart from his pro-EU rivals. During one trade union hustings he said: I would advocate a No vote if we are going to get an imposition of free market policies across Europe.

Yet after being elected by an overwhelming majority, he soon lost the power of his convictions. Under pressure from pro-EU Labour MPs, he agreed to recommend staying in the EU. This was done in the most half-hearted manner, thereby earning the contempt of both sides.

So it was that the Labour leader idiotically stated during a Sky News Q&A in the course of the campaign that he was hoping to vote for Remain but this was not unconditional by any means. Such equivocation infuriated almost everybody.

Imagine what his idol Tony Benn would have done in these circumstances. He would have remained true to his principles.

But Corbyn, despite having achieved an impregnable mandate, jettisoned the beliefs of many years. The one-time revolutionary, who had confidently declaimed his opposition to the EU when he was a nobody, became, as Leader, a timid and wholly unconvincing proponent of Remain.

Of course, he was never going to convince most of the Shadow Cabinet to join him in the cause of leaving the EU. But his power in the party was so great that he could have led a Leave faction without fear of challenge.

If he had done that, he would have won the admiration and support of the great multitude of alienated Labour voters in places such as Sunderland, Swansea and Hartlepool who have felt so let done by the party of Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband.

Yet after being elected by an overwhelming majority, he soon lost the power of his convictions

The reason he failed to do so was not simply a kind of bumbling cowardice. Ensconced in his Islington redoubt, he is surrounded by metropolitan lefties such as his neo-Stalinist director of strategy, the former Guardian journalist and Winchester College-educated Seumas Milne, who neither know nor care about Labours working-class voters.

Corbyn is unable to relate to their fears. In his handbook of international socialism, immigration is an unalloyed good which must be promoted at every opportunity. It doesnt matter to him or to his advisers that millions of Labour voters have seen their wage rates undercut by EU workers, and pressure placed on their schools, hospitals and GP surgeries by uncontrollable EU migration.

Ive no doubt, too, that Corbyn cant understand the deep patriotism  and the desire not to be bullied by bloodless Brussels-based Eurocrats  which so many of these decent people feel. His neighbouring Labour MP in Islington, whom he has promoted to be Shadow Defence Secretary notwithstanding her almost total ignorance of her brief, is Emily Thornberry.

Having been sacked from the Shadow Cabinet by Ed Miliband after she had sneeringly tweeted a picture of a family home draped with flags of St George, her banishment did not last long. Corbyn obligingly rehabilitated her soon after his election as Leader.

His almost bone-headed inability to grasp the effects of mass immigration on working-class communities was paraded by him in the most shaming way last Sunday on BBC1s The Andrew Marr Show.

Having loftily blamed the pressure on housing and schools on the Tory Governments spending cuts, he asserted with absurd myopia: There is no uncontrolled immigration. There is freedom of movement that goes both ways: more than two million British people are living in Europe. No wonder Labour supporters voted as they did!

Ive no doubt, too, that Corbyn cant understand the deep patriotism  and the desire not to be bullied by bloodless Brussels-based Eurocrats  which so many of these decent people feel

True, Labours deputy leader, Tom Watson, appears to have belatedly woken up to the problem. He recently stated that the party would look again at the free movement of labour.

But unless the Labour hierarchy wakes up to what is going on, it faces the threat of annihilation in its heartlands at the hands of Ukip such as it has already experienced in Scotland at the hands of the Scottish Nationalists.

If only Jeremy Corbyn had had the courage to identify with Labour supporters by blaming the widely distrusted EU and all its ways, he would stand today as a courageous man who had stuck by his principles. He would, in fact, show he had the moral stature to be prime minister.

Instead of which, this frivolous metropolitan lightweight was seen at breakfast yesterday morning laughing with his aides. He was evidently happy with an outcome for which he was not brave enough to fight.
Nestled on a soft white leather seat in the corner of a Gulfstream jet, or sleek yacht with a glass of perfectly chilled Dom Perignon in hand, a billionaires lifestyle bears little resemblance to most peoples daily grind.

And then there are their multiple houses, designer outfits, gobstopper-sized jewels, glitzy hotel suites and an ever-expanding art collection.

Yet the rest of us can have a piece or two of this luxury lifestyle. Here, CATHERINE OSTLER offers a nifty guide on how to swagger around like a billionaire, even when youre on a rather more restricted budget.

CATHERINE OSTLER offers a nifty guide on how to swagger around like a billionaire, even when youre on a rather more restricted budget

Decked out: The yacht

Do you envy all those celebrities photographed swanning around the Med this summer?

Well you, too, can stay on one for less than 100 a night.

There is a one drawback, though: the boat wont be going anywhere.

Websites such as bedsonboard.com list yachts for hire  like the lovely Southern Cross, thats moored in Barcelona. Built in 1962 and lined with polished wood, it also boasts an on-deck Jacuzzi.

Websites such as bedsonboard.com list yachts for hire  like the lovely Southern Cross, thats moored in Barcelona. Built in 1962 and lined with polished wood, it also boasts an on-deck Jacuzzi

Or theres a newer 30-metre super-yacht moored in La Spezia, between Pisa and Genoa in Italy, with two decks that you can wander around, drink in hand, pretending to passers-by in the marina that its your own.

Both are about 100 per person per night, depending on the date.

MAKE A BLINGTASTIC ENTRANCE For 425 (plus VAT) you could wear this 42,500 Belle Epoque diamond and pearl tiara, made in 1900 Bentley & Skinner, in Piccadilly, London, which holds royal warrants from the Queen and Prince Charles, hires out jewellery at one per cent of its retail value for 24 hours. So for 425 (plus VAT) you could wear this 42,500 Belle Epoque diamond and pearl tiara, made in 1900. Or for 79.50, these 7,950 Victorian amethyst and gold earrings. The only catch is you have to pay a fully refundable deposit equal to the pieces value. So yes, as with all renting, if something goes wrong (say, you drop the tiara down a drain), it is a financial disaster. Even men can get in on the act, with WatchMe (watchmeluxuryhire.com) offering daily hire of luxury watches including very grand Rolexes such as a Submariner or the Cosmograph Daytona from 95. Advertisement

Join the jet-set: A private PLANE

Take advantage of a clever ruse where you can hop onto a so-called empty leg of a flight  the planes trip home after a rich customer has been dropped off, or, alternatively, the journey to pick them up.

The downside is that theres little flexibility on timings and locations because you are fitting in with someone elses plans. And, of course, you have to plan your own return trip!

Adam Twidell of privatefly.com warns that such plans can be subject to last-minute changes.

But, he says: If you are prepared to be flexible, book at the last minute and travel as a group, it can be a way to experience a private jet flight for a price closer to that usually seen on a standard airline ticket.

Take advantage of a clever ruse where you can hop onto a so-called empty leg of a flight  the planes trip home after a rich customer has been dropped off, or, alternatively, the journey to pick them up

You can either request specific locations, dates and times, or scroll through the list of empty legs available and just pick one that takes your fancy.

Gulfstreams, Cessnas and even helicopters are available, but sharing a mid-size plane with a group of friends can work out cheapest. For example, on June 29, theres a flight from Luton to Paris Le Bourget with 13 seats at a total cost of 3,600 (if it wasnt an empty leg then it would be 8,450)  which works out at 277 a person. Another, for four people, on the previous day from Biggin Hill to Paris, works out at 375 a head.

By comparison, a British Airways business-class single ticket from London to Paris would cost 348. For shorter distances, Uber, the taxi app, is trialling a helicopter service in Brazils grid-locked city of Sao Paolo, which costs just 12 for a four-mile trip. If the idea takes off, then the same service could be introduced in London.

SUPERSTAR SUPERCARS Fancy a spin in a Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Maserati (pictured) or the ultimate  a Ferrari? A red convertible Ferrari 355 GTS can be hired for 450 a day from Blue Chip (bluechipcarhire.co.uk). To buy, it could cost 75,000 or double that depending on its exact specification and mileage. A Bentley Flying Spur  Prince William has a souped-up bullet-proof one  can be had for 545 a day on hire (current list price new is 142,800). Fancy a spin in a Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Maserati (pictured) or the ultimate  a Ferrari? A red convertible Ferrari 355 GTS can be hired for 450 a day from Blue Chip (bluechipcarhire.co.uk) Advertisement

So suite: the grand hotel

If you are happy to go off-peak, book late or early, or buy a package (for example with museum entry or dinners included), VIP bargains can be found.

The top tip is to pick a Sunday night  the least busy day of the week  particularly if its a city or a country house hotel youre visiting.

If you are happy to go off-peak, book late or early, or buy a package (for example with museum entry or dinners included), VIP bargains can be found

For example, on Sunday, July 3, you could stay at the five-star Bauer Hotel, set in a palazzo on the Grand Canal in Venice, with its own water dock and right by St Marks Square, for 107.50 each, including breakfast. (Charles and Camilla, and Brad and Angelina have all stayed there.)

Or theres an Andalusian palace with a pool, Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville  a favourite of actress Sophia Loren  for 115.50 the same night.

Dress code: Look the part

To copy the stars designer-wear, rental is the way to go.

Girls Meet Dress (girlsmeetdress.com) will send you a dress with next-day delivery.

You could, for instance, hire a Roland Mouret (like the blue one worn by the Duchess of Cambridge the other day) for two nights for about 10 per cent of what it would cost to buy. Theres Mourets jade green Zonda satin dress for 89 (cost price 895) and a pink full-length Tinea crepe dress (right) for 189 (cost 1,895).

Chicbychoice.com has frocks by designers such as Alice Temperley. A gold cocktail sequin dress retailing for 1,100 can be hired for 99, while a 2,434 black and white strapless Valentino floor-sweeper goes for 194.

You get the dresses for four days, so plan your social life carefully.

Loyalty pays: BA Gold Card

As a holder of one of these British Airways upmarket loyalty cards, you can find yourself pampered like a multi-millionaire.

To get one, you need to travel on four eligible flights and collect 1,500 Tier points.

The simplest way of doing this quickly is to go business class return to Hawaii via the U.S. mainland, and then back the same way (about 1,300 for all four flights).

Then, armed with your gold card, you are entitled to free use of first-class lounges, you can enjoy free spa treatments and get room upgrades at the Mandarin Oriental.

YOUR STATELY HOME SWEET HOME Even billionaires often balk at buying a proper stately home  not because of the price, or even the running costs, but just the sheer hassle that goes into its daily upkeep. Even here, theres a rental option. For example, big-name properties such as Althorp (Earl Spencers pile) or Belvoir Castle (Duke of Rutland), or Inveraray Castle (Duke of Argyll) in Scotland, are available through luxury travel agency Loyd & Townsend Rose (ltr.co.uk). If enough people pile in and join you, the price can make sense. Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, Herefordshire, looks like Camelot, with a grand dining room, deer park and 5,000 acres Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, Herefordshire, looks like Camelot, with a grand dining room, deer park and 5,000 acres. Belonging to James Hervey-Bathurst (now married to an ex-lady-in-waiting to Fergie, after his first wife ran off with the gamekeeper), it can be yours for 380 a head a night if there are 12 or more of you  including dinner, breakfast and the run of the 100-room castle and its grounds. Advertisement

Lunch time: the set course ruse

Millionaires havent got a monopoly on Michelin-star meals.

You can get two courses at lunchtime for 26 at Londons Savoy Grill, which is now under Gordon Ramsay, who has three Michelin stars.

Amid the polished wood and chandeliers in the Art Deco room, you will also be served a free bellini if you book online.

Typical menus are asparagus with walnut mayonnaise, followed by breaded veal.

Outside London, there are mouth-watering deals at such upmarket eateries as celebrity chef Tom Kerridges gastro-pub, The Hand and Flowers, in Marlow, Buckinghamshire  one of only 23 UK restaurants to have two Michelin stars.

There, the two-course set lunch is just 15. Sample dishes are smoked brisket of beef with English mustard, mash and beer-pickled onion, followed by rhubarb fool with ginger sorbet and oat crumble.
Susie O'Neill has admitted she used smacking as a punishment for her two children and didn't see anything wrong with the practice - until recently.

The former swimming legend spoke candidly about smacking with a panel of mothers for Australian Regional Media.

There she said she stopped smacking her 10-year-old son as his own strength increased, meaning physical punishment no longer worked.

Speaking out: Former swimming great Susie O'Neill has opened up about her decision to stop smacking her kids

Stopping smacking: O'Neill has two children with her husband Cliff Fairley (right): Alix, 12 and William, 10 (left)

'I used to really smack my son a lot, but now I don't because he's now 10 and he's physically probably nearly stronger than me and it hasn't worked,' she said.

The 42-year-old went on to say she has done a '180 degree' on smacking, and no longer hits her kids.

O'Neill, who is an eight-time Olympic medalist, has two children with her husband Cliff Fairley: Alix, 12 and William, 10.

Turnaround: O'Neill, now 42, said she had turned '180 degrees' on smacking

'I was smacked and it never hurt me': The eight-time Olympic medalist said she was smacked as a child, and she used to smack when she could not put her feelings in to words

The swimming great said smacking was a part of her own childhood and was what she knew growing up.

She also said she would smack her kids when she struggled to put her feelings in to words.

'Plus I was smacked and it never hurt me,' she said.

Another turning point in her decision to stop came after she enrolled in a psychology course at university.

New methods: The mother-of-two said she learned reinforcement worked better than punishment

There she learned reinforcement was more effective than punishment when it came to changing behaviour.

'I still want to do it sometimes, and I do it sometimes out of habit, but I try not to because kids don't learn from that,' she said.
THE Duchess of Cambridge never puts a foot wrong in the fashion stakes, by sticking to boring nude court shoes.

But fellow royal clotheshorse Lady Helen Taylor treads a more unconventional path.

The Duke of Kents daughter, a one-time muse and former ambassador for designer Giorgio Armani, stepped out at the V&A summer party in a pair of platform sandals with neoprene soles and thick black and gold Velcro straps.

Lady Helen Taylor treads a more unconventional path than other royals when it comes to footwear

At this week's V&A summer party she wore a pair of platform sandals with neoprene soles and thick black and gold Velcro straps

The striking footwear  or flatforms  are thought to be by Italian designer brand Marni, where this seasons similar style costs 440.

Of course, the 52-year-old fashionista doesnt need to worry about price tags.

Her millionaire art-dealer husband, Timothy Taylor, recently won 100,000 from his long-running legal feud with his landlords over noisy building work at his Mayfair art gallery.

So what will Grandpa Bernie say, Sophia?

Formula One heiress Tamara Ecclestone is certainly doing her best to turn her two-year-old daughter, Sophia into a mini-me. After dressing her up in designer clothes, taking her handbag shopping and giving her professional manicures, there were worrying signs this week that Tamara had taken it all too far.

At the launch of her new hairdressing salon in Wimbledon, guests were shocked to see the tot appeared to have tattoos, just like Mummy, on her forearms.

Sporting a grey dress with teddy faces on it, teamed with silver shoes, she showed off her new markings  but thankfully, they were only temporary ones. Bernie Ecclestones daughter Tamara, 31, has no fewer than nine tattoos, including most recently a black S on her left hand, a tribute to Sophia.

At the launch of Tamara Ecclestone's new hairdressing salon in Wimbledon, guests were shocked to see Sophia appeared to have tattoos, just like Mummy, on her forearms. Thankfully, they were temporary

Michael Palin is optimistic that Terry Gilliams film, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, is finally going ahead, 19 years after it went into pre-production.

It seems to be on course, says Palin. Ive been having horse-riding lessons and read-throughs with [Star Wars actor] Adam Driver, just in case it really happens!

Tweed caps off to the Countess of Lucan, whose high-society shooting sideline is going with a bang.

Her Fies Club company, which organises shoots on estates such as the Earl of Leicesters Holkham Hall, made a profit of 47,321 in 2015, according to new accounts. It also has more than 100,000 in cash. Danish heiress Anne-Sofie, 38, recently announced she and husband George Bingham, the 48-year-old son of fugitive peer Lord Lucan, are expecting their first child in the autumn.

But I doubt that will diminish her zest for staging wargames for corporate types, complete with BB guns and smoke grenades. The champion sharp-shooter, who favours a 12-bore Beretta, hopes to go game shooting in the African bush in the near future.

Versaille's French producer, Claude Chelli, cant see what all the fuss over the graphic sex is about

Television bonkbuster Versailles has been scandalising post-watershed viewers with its graphic sex scenes in the court of womanising French king Louis XIV.

But the shows French producer, Claude Chelli, cant see what all the fuss is about. With Gallic nonchalance, he claims the real Louis XIV was even more hungry than the BBC2 drama suggests.

What we hate in France is a woman who is in bed and pulls the sheet over her breasts in a very unnatural posture, he says.
Ms Reponty hasn't ruled out moving back to Australia - she loves Avalon

She has been surfing since birth and is engaged to a pro surfer

She attended Sydney University and has become a swimwear designer, too

You'd be forgiven for thinking she's not real, she's so ethereal and beautiful.

With her long blonde hair, even longer limbs and preference for appearing in swimwear on her tropical-inspired Instagram page, it's no wonder Hanalei Reponty, describes herself as a 'real life mermaid'.

The Tahiti-born model who has 130,000 followers and now calls California home, has been snapped up by a number of high-profile designer names and magazines and also designs her own swimwear collection.

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Island life: Ms Reponty was born in Tahiti, and attended university in Sydney from the age of 18 - her Instagram page is littered with her blonde hair and beautiful blue waters

Real-life mermaid: Hanalei Reponty (pictured) is a model, designer and social media star - she has been called a real-life 'mermaid'

Personal language: The 25-year-old could practically swim before she walked, and is a total water baby

Having surfed since the age of three, Hanalei described learning to swim before she could walk defined her entire life.

'I learned how to swim before I could walk, when my dad put me on his board in the middle of the line-up, and that is when I discovered the beauty of nature and all the treasures in the ocean,' she told Oyster Mag.

'I was born and raised in paradise, and my love for the ocean became unconditional.'

Raised in Tahiti, Loralei became a professional surfer as a teenager, enabling her to travel the globe from a young age.

Despite describing it as 'the most thrilling experience' ever, at 18 she decided to pursue her education.

She was already working as a model after being spotted by the surf brand Rip Curl as a teenager, and it wasn't long before other labels took note of her flowing locks, delicate features and long limbs, too.

She moved to Queenscliff, New South Wales at the age of 18 with her French parents, and brother, Rome and decided to combine university studies with a career as a model.

Brand management: She is currently represented by IMG Worldwide model agency

California dreaming: Ms Reponty currently lives in California, and has been signed up by many big-name brands and designer labels

Hanalei in action on her surf board in the Maldives

Hanalei has since been signed up by countless brands and swimwear labels, and is currently represented by the world-famous IMG Worldwide Model agency.

She modelled for the likes of Vogue and Cosmopolitan in between her studies.

And she is now also the successful owner of her own swimwear label, Abysse.

The former professional surfer now juggles a career as a model with swimwear design

The water baby grew up in Tahiti and was swimming before she could walk

Upbringing: Raised in Tahiti, Ms Reponty moved to Queenscliff at age 18 with her French parents, and brother, Rome

First campaign: As a teenager, Ms Reponty was signed up by RipCurl, before plenty of other labels followed suit, too

While living in Tahiti, she never needed a wetsuit thanks to the warm temperatures.

But working for Rip Curl exposed her to different ocean and weather conditions and she discovered there was little to choose from in terms of stylish and functional wetsuits.

It inspired her to think about starting her own business, and also influenced her choice of degree - business studies - at Sydney University.

Hanalei with her fiance and fellow surfer Pat Gudauskas

The model and designer boasts 130,000 followers on Instagram where she treats followers to updates on her enviable life

Hanalei is passionate about the ocean and was swimming before she could walk

The designer modelling her own ethically and repsonsibly made swimwear

Her beautiful blue Instagram page is now littered with the model-cum-designer wearing her own neoprene pieces in daring cuts and neutral shades.

Her aesthetic inspired by the stingrays and sharks that swim off the island of Moorea, near where she grew up in Tahiti.

'I grew up on an island surrounded by sharks, and you get to understand their environment and they dont mean to harm,' she told Vogue.

Busy girl: After her teen years, Ms Reponty then attended university in Sydney, where she modelled for the likes of Vogue and Cosmopolitan in between her studies

The star shows off her beautiful sparkler. She is engaged to her long-term partner who is also a surfer

'We need sharks. They sustain equilibrium in the ocean and keep it clean.'

On the side of her different careers, Ms Reponty has made it her business to be as ethical and resourceful as possible, thanks to her passion for all things ocean related.

Her swimwear is responsibly-made from Japanese geoprene, a limestone-based material that takes less processing than neoprone and is therefore better for the environment.

Other business: She also has her own swimwear label, Abysse, which is filled with neoprene pieces

Passionate: On the side of her dual careers, Ms Reponty has made it her business to be as ethical and resourceful as possible, thanks to her passion for all things ocean related

She spends much time working with her close friend and environmentalist, Malia Rouillon of Sirens for Sea, to raise awareness about the impact our modern-day lives have on the seas.

She has also not written off a return to Australia with her fiance and partner of eight years, the surfer Pat Gudauskas.
The price of corn was about $3.25 Friday as agricultural lenders huddled at the Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy to discuss the industry in today's low-price environment.

National estimates are calling for an average price of $4.20 for wheat planted this year, a 16 percent decrease from last year, and soybeans are expected to bring an average of $8.50.

I dont think we'll see $7 corn again for a while, said Barry Haugen, president of Independent Community Banks of North Dakota.

Members of the organization were there for its agricultural lending school. The annual weeklong program started three years ago in an effort to train young agricultural lenders as veterans retire. There were 32 participants, with 14 of them graduating from the two-year program this week.

This years course had a different tone from years past.

Most of us are realistic that were in a downturn, said Mark Holkup, of Bismarck State Colleges Farm Management Education program, adding there is also optimism among the lenders.

I dont think were in a crisis by any means; more of a correction, Haugen said of the market. Nobody is in panic mode, but most of the participants have been in ag lending less than five years -- and therefore havent seen tough times.

So ICBND is helping small-town banks prepare their agricultural lenders to protect the institutions from bad loans, but also to be strong advisers to customers.

There will certainly be some difficult conversations; were trying to prepare them for it, Haugen said.

Keynote speaker Ed Schafer, former North Dakota governor and U.S. secretary of agriculture, said loan officers will face pressure in ag lending, but the industry is cyclical.

Weve lived through these before, he said of the downturn.

And Schafer said he believes most farmers will be able to handle it. As of 2015, producers were about 75 percent debt-free.

Balance sheets were strong at the end of 2015, so when we went into this economic dip, they were in a stronger position, he said.

Lynn Paulson, senior vice president and director of agribusiness development for Bell State Bank & Trust, agreed but also cautioned young lenders about some large operators still carrying a lot of debt.

If they go down, the ripple effect will be larger than we think, he said.

Paulson and Schafer told lenders to watch land values, which are sinking after several years of drastic increase. Land value accounts for most of farmers assets, and major decreases could cause those once steady balance sheets to erode.

If land values tank, then theres cause for concern, Paulson said.

Schafer said another area of concern is that lending is up 16 percent for direct loans and 20 percent for loan guarantees, while net farm income has decreased by 56 percent in the past three years. What helps is the increase in off-farm earnings.

Farmers get out there and go to work, he said.

Their skill sets go way beyond the farm gates, Paulson added.

Schafer said the bottom line is producers will need to tighten their belts, and lenders should be there to advise them how.

2016 will certainly be a pivotal year in production agriculture, he said.
Princess Olympia of Greece brought her royal glamour to a glitzy dinner party in London this week.

The 19-year-old royal attended a private bash hosted by designer Michael Kors in celebration of the launch of his Regent Street flagship store.

The royal glittered in a gold embellished dress by the designer that appeared on the autumn/winter 2016 runway.

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Princess Olympia of Greece dazzled in a golden mini dress as she joined A-listers for a private dinner party hosted by Michael Kors. Pictured: The young royal with interior designer Karina de Brabant Brignone

She paired her daring ensemble with a sparkling envelope clutch and nude strappy sandals that elongated her toned legs.

The princess joined other stars at the prestigious River Cafe serving up Italian cuisine in London's Thames Wharf.

She was photographed with socialite and interior designer Karina de Brabant Brignone who also attended the dinner.

Other famous faces included model Daisy Lowe who stunned in a Fifties-inspired fuchsia crop top and skintight pencil skirt at the lavish star-studded event.

The royal oozed glamour in one of Michael Kors' very own creations, a Seventies-inspired golden mini dress that appeared on the autumn/winter runway

Other famous faces included models Daisy Lowe and Elle Macpherson who were seen making friends

Gwyneth Paltrow also dazzled in a metallic skirt as she posed for a photo next to the New York based designer

The 27-year-old was seen making fast friends with Elle Macpherson who looked lean and graceful in a lace and floral embroidered jumpsuit with flared trousers.

Gwyneth Paltrow also added her star-power to the event, dazzling in a metallic skirt as she posed for a photo next to the New York based designer.

Princess Maria-Olympia who is the only daughter of Pavlos and Marie-Chantal, the Crown Prince and Princess of Greece, hit headlines earlier this year as she was rumoured to be dating British royal Prince Harry.

However, royal sources quashed the accusations revealing that the prince denied the rumour reported by an Australian magazine.
Between the shock of Brexit and the washout summer so far, thoughts of escaping the UK are not far from many people's minds.

But getting away from it all is no trouble for the rich kids of Instagram with yachts and private jets at their disposal.

Wealthy youngsters have been flaunting their summer getaways on social media, sharing them with the founder of Rich Kids London to post on Instagram.

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Jewellery designer Anil Arjandas, who is currently soaking up the sun in Marbella shared his holiday snap with Rich Kids London on Instagram - just one of the wealthy individuals flaunting their luxury breaks online

A moneyed youngster joked that they were having 'a hard life' while relaxing on their father's yacht

Jewellery designer Anil Arjandas, who is currently soaking up the sun at the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa in Marbella shared a photo of his champagne and sushi lunch, captioned: 'Pool parties with the peasants'.

Anil has also treated followes on his own Instagram account to a selection of luxury watches slung over the neck of a bottle of Moet.

His trinkets include an Audemars Piguet watch, which doesn't come much cheaper than 30,000 and a Richard Mille timepiece, costing around 80,00.

Meanwhile another moneyed youngster joked that they were having 'a hard life' while relaxing on their father's yacht, while Masha Chigirinskaya found herself travelling by private jet with Roman Abramovich.

Another pair, pictured perched on the bonnets of their vehicles in the desert boasted that they were 'balling internationally'

Since arriving in Ibiza, Lana's had nothing more strenuous to do than pose atop a white Range Rover in her pink bikini

Lana, floating around in the pool on a flamingo inflatable

London-born multi-millionaire heiress Lana Scolaro has kept fans up to date on her getaway to Ibiza, posting a photo of herself on the way there - by private jet, of course - with her YSL handbag perched on her knee

Another pair, pictured perched on the bonnets of their vehicles in the desert boasted that they were 'balling internationally'.

Some of the best known rich kids of Instagram have also been sharing their summer escapes.

London-born multi-millionaire heiress Lana Scolaro has kept fans up to date on her getaway to Ibiza, posting a photo of herself on the way there - by private jet, of course - with her YSL handbag perched on her knee.

Masha Chigirinskaya found herself travelling by private jet with Roman Abramovich

Anil's trinkets include an Audemars Piguet watch, which doesn't come much cheaper than 30,000 and a Richard Mille timepiece, costing around 80,00

Since arriving, she's had nothing more strenuous to do than pose atop a white Range Rover in her pink bikini and float around in the pool on a flamingo inflatable.

Entrepreneur Evan Luthra has also been living it up on a yacht, making use of his newly purchased 'champagne gun'.

He shared a video showing him using the gun to pour champagne down the throat of a bikini-clad companion.

Evan purchased a gold 'champagne gun' as an accessory for a summer of partying

Evan Luthra delivering a 'champagne execution' to a female companion aboard a yacht

Entrepreneur Evan Luthra has also been living it up on a yacht, making use of his newly purchased 'champagne gun'

The self-made tech millionaire, who mostly travels by helicopter, has previously spoken about how he spends his downtime.

He will hire a yacht for the day when he fancies a party and post an invitation on his Instagram account for people to join him.

Within an hour he'll have 20 girls texting him, eager to come along.

Evan Luthra has been living it up in Mykonos, which is now rivaling Monte Carlo as a Millionaire's playground.

Evan Luthra advised his Instagram followers to save water and drink champagne instead

He's been living it up in Mykonos, which is now rivaling Monte Carlo as a Millionaire's playground.

He's clearly been partying hard, sharing a photo of himself lying on a bed of champagne and vodka empties, clutching a large bottle of Belvedere.
He finally lets her in on prank after she says she'll take him to doctors

A prankster managed to convince his mother that he was seriously ill - by using a Snapchat filter on a picture he sent her.

Patrick Mungovan, 20, from Quilty in County Clare, Ireland, told his mother he had 'really sore eyes' following a possible allergic reaction to the cheese she had in the fridge.

He then sent her a scary-looking picture of himself with bug eyes and an altered chin, to which his mother replied: 'Oh my god Patrick'.

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Patrick Mungovan, 20, from Quilty in County Clare, Ireland, tricked his mother into believing he was seriously ill after using a Snapchat filter on a picture he sent her

When he tells her he also has a sore chin, his mother fears that he might have palsy, a condition that causes muscle weakness or paralysis.

She says: 'God Patrick hope Ur not getting Palsy.My mother had it years ago .Hold on Im on way to drive U to Shannon doc .God love you.'

Patrick, who is a swimming instructor, then decided to let her in on the prank.

He told The Irish Mirror: 'I phoned her after that to tell her the truth before she crashed the car trying to race home!

When he tells her he also has a sore chin, his mother fears that he might have palsy, or paralysis. Following this exchange, Patrick decided to tell her the truth

'She didn't say anything on the phone for a second but eventually she just started laughing.

'She will get an awful shock when she sees this, I'll have to text her again!'

Patrick is not the only one to realise the potential of filters used to distort the face.

Earlier this week, Rebecca Wyn Owen from Gaerwen, in Anglesey, North Wales decided to have some fun with her mother, Lana Owen.

She sent her an image of her face looking more than a little distorted.

Lana got herself into a whirl of worry and tried to reason what could possibly be behind her daughter's cuboid expression.

Be there or be square: Prankster Rebecca Wyn Owen from Gaerwen in Wales tricked her mum into thinking that her face had changed shape

The image of Rebecca showed her bespectacled face looking red and swollen with her mouth puckered up.

She sent it to her mum saying: 'This is funny. Lol'

Her mum, clearly alarmed, then asked her if she'd got p***** last night.

She followed up with: 'How's your face like that? You must have reaction to something you ate.'

The teasing continues but Lana remains none the wiser, even after Rebecca puts her new-style face down to the fact that someone told her she would be 'square' if she didn't go to a party. And she didn't go.

Beyond excessive drinking, Lana also suggests dodgy 'salmon paste' and a drug called 'magic' might be to blame.

Quite a transformation! Rebecca how she normally looks on her Facebook profile picture. Right, as she appeared in the image she sent to her mother

Face-changing apps clearly haven't reached Lana yet, who tells her daughter to 'get some rest'

Food poisoning? Lana goes through a myriad of reasons as to why her daughter's face might be looking more angular

How's your face? The worry drags on another day for Lana, who texts her at 8:28am the next morning

Finally, Rebecca fesses up but not before she's sent another distorted image, which further panics her mother

Mostly though, she implores her daughter to see a doctor as soon as possible.

When Rebecca finally lets her mum in the joke, after first sending a picture of her face looking distorted in a different direction, she's unsurprisingly furious and says she had a sleepless night worrying about her daughter's visage

Lana writes: 'OMG you put it on Facebook, everyone is going to think I'm thick now'

You never stop worrying: mum Lana Owen's concerned texts to her daughter have gone viral

The penny drops...and Lana confesses that she had a sleepless night worrying about her daughter's visage

The post has since been viewed more than 5,000 times and last night, Rebecca posted about the messages going viral, saying it all started because of a video that her mother didn't watch.

She wrote: 'There's me thinking this video is an absolute buzz...Send it to my mum on Whatsapp and she's that daft she doesn't even watch it.

'She just sees the square head - doesn't even watch the video and the rest is history...
Downton Abbey fans wont believe their eyes when they tune in to ITVs saucy new comedy drama Brief Encounters next month.

Theres Penelope Wilton, a Dame no less since she was recognised in this months Birthday Honours and best known as the well-mannered Isobel Crawley, answering the door to a policeman while dressed in a low-cut pink lacy negligee.

We are women in the throes of a sexual awakening, Penelopes character Pauline tells the startled young PC, whos been called to her home to investigate claims that the property is being used as a brothel. So if you dont mind, would you please leave!

Penelope plays Pauline in Brief Encounters - the story of four women in early 1980s Sheffield who host Ann Summers parties at their homes

Brief Encounters is the story of four women in early 1980s Sheffield who host Ann Summers parties at their homes, selling saucy lingerie to earn extra cash  and butchers wife Pauline is right to the fore. Not only does she sell the racy clothing, she models it for her customers too.

Its a huge shift for 70-year-old Dame Penelope, who spent nearly six years playing Isobel Crawley. Was she trying to distance herself from the gentility of Downton? Actually no, I was just trying to find a good script, explains Penelope.

And the scripts for this are good. They made me laugh and I dont come across many that do that. I thought they were an interesting mix of comedy and drama, while most scripts tend to go down just one route.

Its a huge shift for 70-year-old Dame Penelope, who spent nearly six years playing Isobel Crawley

Its been such fun to do this, and in many ways its not been so different from filming Downton. On that I was down south filming in the freezing cold, on this Ive been in Yorkshire filming in the freezing cold. But the costumes are slightly different.

You can say that again. Paulines lacy negligee  called the Royale  is just one of several skimpy garments the ladies in the show sell.

They offer their customers all manner of things including a remote control marital aid called the Extending Hermit, grins Penelope.

Its extraordinary. All the men in the crew went quiet when they saw it and I admit to being pretty staggered myself. But the Ann Summers connection is only used at the beginning of the series. Essentially Brief Encounters is about the friendships between the women who organise these parties and the relationships that develop.

Its about women achieving independence and no longer relying upon their husbands for money. Before we started filming we had lunch with some women whod hosted Ann Summers parties back in the 1980s. One of them had used the money to achieve financial independence and escape an unhappy marriage. Shed been able to put her children through university, marry again and buy a beautiful Audi car  all thanks to Ann Summers!

Pauline is the oldest of the four women who become party planners in the show  the others are young mums Steph (Peaky Blinders Sophie Rundle) and Nita (Lewiss Angela Griffin), and hairdresser Dawn (Sharon Rooney)  but shes no slouch when it comes to passion. Her negligee has an instant effect on husband Brian when he returns home from his butchers shop, even if what follows is left to the viewers imagination. And with their love life firmly back on track, Paulines happy to share intimate personal secrets with her fellow party planners. I call my husband Snuggle Sausage, she tells them with great delight.

Born in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, Penelope and her two sisters were brought up by her mother Alice, whom she describes as extremely glamorous and their barrister father Clifford, whod been captured during the Second World War and held prisoner in Italy. She says she was aware, from an early age, that passion in the bedroom is not confined to the young.

I was lolling around on my mothers bed one day when I was 14 and I started looking at the books on the bookcase by the side of the bed. There were quite a few of my fathers fishing books but also a book called Sex And The Older Woman which was my mothers. I said, Gosh Mum, look at that book and she said, Its absolute rubbish  the womans only 38! I was amazed.

Penelope's character Pauline models the underwear for her customers as well as selling it

Married twice, to actors Daniel Massey and Sir Ian Holm, Penelope has a daughter, Alice, from her marriage to Massey although shes always been reluctant to talk about her private life and resisted several offers to write her autobiography. To that extent Im a bit like Pauline, she says. She talks about not being an open book to pick up and read whenever anybody feels like it, and I feel the same way. I dont think I can turn into other people, become different characters, if everyone knows my inside leg measurement.

Her 47-year career is an object lesson in how to achieve longevity as an actress, with long periods of steady employment mixed with occasional barren patches and several bouts of stardom. In the 1980s she found fame as Ann Bryce, the wife of Richard Brierss character Martin in the BBC sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles.

More recently shes become famous on both sides of the Atlantic as Isobel Crawley, mother of Downton Abbey heir Matthew Crawley, and as Jean in the two Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films. You can always tell what generation a person is by what show they want to talk to me about, she laughs.

Whether Brief Encounters achieves similar kudos remains to be seen, but ITV is hoping it will prove the perfect antidote for viewers fed up with the summer of sport. Penelope thinks its dedication to period detail could prove crucial to its appeal.

There are cars from the 80s, shows from that time playing on peoples TVs, an 80s soundtrack and keen attention has been paid to the fashion of the period too, she says. Were in the full throes of the TV supersoap Dynasty here, with enormous shoulder pads on show.

We even found this wonderful house in one of the Sheffield suburbs for Brian and Paulines home. It didnt appear to have changed one jot since 1982. You walked in and it took your breath away. It was beautifully done but it wouldnt have been my choice of decoration. Havent we moved on a bit since cork wallpaper!
Dear Stanford Survivor,

I know you are confused and disgusted. I know youre scared. I feel your anger. I know it seems like there is nothing anyone can do or say to get rid of these feelings.

I am sorry that these feelings have intruded into your life, and I wish there was something I could say or do to take your pain away, but unfortunately I know nothing can change the way you feel or the way you have been hurt.

I know this because on June 3, 2011, I was raped, taken advantage of, humiliated, and robbed of my self-worth and innocence. Two older, wealthier and more popular boys from my Catholic high school in California assaulted me in my own bedroom. The physical pain was bad enough, but the emotional toll I endured after the assault is what truly broke me.

For three months, I tried to hide that I was assaulted. Then my parents found out and together, we told my school hoping they would protect me, but regardless, I was still tormented at school. The two boys and their friends would corner me in the halls and follow me to my classes. They would yell slut across the quad when they saw me, and they threatened me on social media. I was terrified. I started having night terrors and panic attacks, and I slept in my parents room with the lights on. I never slept in my own bedroom again.

About eight months after my attack, I found out one of my attackers had raped another fourteen-year-old girl at my school. The sadness I felt was unimaginable, if only someone could have saved her from the hell I knew she would experience at school. I talked to her and told her my story, and decided we both had to report the attacks to the police. I thought things would get better after that, but I was wrong.

People looked at me differently, like they didnt know what to say, so eventually they just wouldnt say anything and only whisper to each other as I walked by. Every news channel was publicizing the most intimate and humiliating moment of my life, and there was no escaping it. I was no longer Delaney - I was known as Jane Doe, the high school rape victim from that point forward. I hated when people showed their discomfort around me, but I hated even more when people did not believe my story. The bullying at school and online became so bad that I never left my home. My own friends stood in silence as my perfect world turned into a wildfire.

I even had to leave my school because by that point after months and months of harassment, bullying and threats, the environment had become so bad that I physically was not safe.

One month after reporting the assault, the torment, guilt, shame and fear had overcome me. I let it win, and I tried to end my life.

I remember waking up in the hospital and wondering how my life had gone from normal to a nightmare, in just a short period of time. As more people discovered I was Jane Doe, the high school rape victim, I decided to tell my story and face the media. But again, this only worsened my situation. I had food thrown at me in restaurants, water bottles thrown at me at football games. People were posting I hope you die and you hold her down and Ill spit on her on Facebook.

One attacker was charged for the other girls assault, and I had to testify. I know how it feels to walk through those courtroom doors and face the boy responsible for all of the pain and aftermath youve endured. I know how it feels to get chills because he has been inside you, and has taken everything from you. I know how it feels to be verbally attacked and to have your reputation trashed while trying to defend yourself. I also know how it feels to testify on the stand about a night you barely remember, in front of twelve complete strangers there to judge your testimony.

I am writing to tell you that I understand your pain. I understand how it feels to have someone you dont even know overpower you, and use your body like it is worthless. I understand the confusion, and I know all too well what it is like to build a wall stopping anyone from being close to you. I know what it is like sitting in a doctors office, having strangers pry inside you with metal tools because I was so swollen and in so much pain for some time after my assault.

I know what it feels like to have a school and the justice system completely fail you. I felt like my attacker, like yours, only received a slap on the wrist for raping me. There was not enough justice for you when your attacker received such a lenient sentence. They took so much from us, and justice has not been served for the pain we continue to feel every day.

During the midst of chaos, I received a call from Angela Rose. Angela founded PAVE - Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment - a non-profit organization for victims of sexual assault. That call changed my life. I even Co-founded my own organization called SafeBAE, which informs students of their rights under Title XI. Angela changed my entire perspective on my attack. I was no longer Jane Doe, the high school rape victim. I was Delaney, the survivor.

I became a PAVE ambassador, and with the support of Angela and PAVE, I slowly began to gain back my power.

Three weeks after starting college, the power was taken from me once again. A friend of my attackers wrote a rap song that threatened to kill me. He performed it and published it online. He said my full name and threatened that he was coming to murder me for snitching on his two friends, the rapists. The song was downloaded thousands of times. The panic attacks, sleeplessness and constant fear quickly returned.

Angela and PAVE picked me up yet again. She gave me a reason to believe in myself and fight to take back control of my life. PAVE gave me something I had lost a long time ago: hope and a purpose to live.

The writer of the rap song was charged with two felonies for threatening a victim of a crime, and this summer, I will testify at his trial. I am scared to death to face them all over again, but this time, I have PAVE by my side.

PAVE taught me how to be a survivor, not a victim. PAVE made me unbreakable.

I am writing this to tell you that you are not alone. I understand what you are going through because I am going through it with you. You are truly inspiring to me and to so many other survivors out there. I hope this gives you hope when you need it most, just like PAVE gave me hope when I needed it most. I admire you for your relentless spirit and noble voice. I hope you realize that youve given a sense of hope to every survivor out there, who has never thought they could win. Youve already helped so many lives by using your powerful voice and standing as that beacon of light for all of us in the darkness.

Your courage and strength will continue to change lives.

Stay strong,
A British man with gonorrhea in his throat has sparked fresh fears the STI is rapidly becoming a superbug.

Health experts fear the disease is hurtling towards becoming untreatable with increasing numbers of cases where patients fail to respond to antibiotics.

The patient, a heterosexual man who had just returned to the UK from Japan, was treated using a combination of antibiotics.

But while there was no sign of the infection in his urine, tests showed he still had gonorrhea in his throat more than two weeks after he started treatment.

Gonorrhea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics with a case of a British man needing double the normal dose to get rid of the infection from his throat

It was only after doctors doubled the dose, the unidentified man finally became clear of the infection - three months later.

The case was reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Experts at Public Health England (PHE) warned it was a clear case of 'treatment failure' and a further sign the infection was getting harder to treat.

Gwenda Hughes, head of sexually transmitted infections for PHE, told Health Day: 'This case highlights that gonorrhea may become untreatable due to antimicrobial resistance.

'Despite successful treatment of this case with higher doses of antibiotics, this approach to treatment would only be an interim solution.'

It follows an outbreak of 'super gonorrhoea' in the north of England, which triggered a national alert at the end of last year.

Cases of the drug-resistant gonorrhoea strain were confirmed in West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, London and the North East though many other cases are likely to have gone unreported.

It is caused by a bacteria quickly becoming immune to one of the last two available antibiotics.

Experts fear it will soon develop a resistance to the second drug  and there are no others in reserve.

Gonorrhoea is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK after chlamydia.

The man was found to have gonorrhea in his throat three months after treatment with two types of antibiotics. It only went after doctors gave him double the normal dose (file photo)

The majority of cases affect people under the age of 25.

Around 10 per cent of men and almost half of women with the infection do not experience symptoms.

Left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which can cause a blockage and result in infertility.

Gonorrhoea can also be passed on to an unborn baby during pregnancy.

In men, the disease can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles.

In rare cases, this may cause a man to be sterile, or prevent him from being able to father a child.

Rarely, untreated gonorrhea can also spread to the blood or joints, which can be life-threatening.

In recent years, both genital and oral forms of gonorrhea have shown antibiotic resistance.

In this case, the patient had had sexual relations in Japan with a woman who had been treated for gonorrhea.

Ten days after he returned, he went to the doctors complaining of 'urogenital' symptoms.

He was given the standard treatment - a single 500 milligram injectable dose of the antibiotic ceftriaxone (Rocephin) alongside the antibiotic azithromycin (Zithromax).

However 15 days after treatment, the infection was still found in his throat.

Tests almost three months later also found it was still present and he was prescribed a double dose of the same treatments.

Researchers said this time tests revealed it had worked.

However the patient refused further testing for syphilis and HIV.
A grandmother died from blood poisoning after care home staff failed to notice she had infected bedsores.

Myfanwy Osborne, 83, was only supposed to stay at Beechfields Nursing Home in Lichfield, West Midlands, for a short time to recover after treatment for crippling bowel problems.

But just three months after she arrived, she was raced to hospital when a doctor discovered she had pressure sores that had become infected.

Despite doctors' best efforts to save her, she died on October 1, 2012.

In the wake of her tragic death, her family have received 20,000 in a settlement from Beechfields Nursing Home.

Myfanwy Osborne, 83, had only been in Beechfields Nursing Home for three months when she developed bed sores and was rushed to hospital (right). They became infected and she died of pneumonia after contracting sepsis. Her family have now been awarded 20,000 by the home in a settlement over her death

Mrs Osborne's daughter, Susannah Marmot, 48, from north London, said both she and her mother had made the decision for her to go to the home.

'Mum and I made the decision that Beechfields could provide the care she needed and we trusted they were experts and knew what to do,' she said.

'It grieves me to think how much pain and distress she must have suffered.

'I take their payout as a full and frank apology.

'I think when these things happen, it's for people in the profession to learn from to ensure that it doesn't happen again.'

Ms Marmot told of how her mother was treated for severe constipation at Queen's Hospital in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, in early 2012.

Following her treatment, she did not believe she was well enough to return home to live independently.

'Her constipation was really bothering her and we sensed that she needed 24/7 care,' Ms Marmot said.

'But she didn't want a live-in carer or to leave the Midlands, where she'd grown up, to live with me.

'She wanted to stay in the area where her friends were. She didn't want to uproot.

'She'd been a teacher and a matron, and was a very independent woman.'

Having viewed several care homes, she settled on Beechfields Nursing Home and moved there in that June.

Ms Marmot said she was happy as other family lived nearby and would regularly visit.

Mrs Osborne, pictured with daughter Susannah Marmot as a baby, was very independent but decided to go into the care home temporarily to help her recover from crippling bowel problems

The grandmother, pictured left holding granddaughter Dana, was regularly visited by friends and family. But her health quickly deteriorated after developing bed sores while staying in the home

But between late August and early September the same year, there was a two week period where work and holiday commitments meant nobody could visit.

In this time, her condition seemed to rapidly deteriorate.

'Her cousin said before she went away, mum was up on her feet, pottering around,' said Ms Marmot.

'When she got back she was shocked to see the state mum was in.

'Looking back, I think it was during this period the bed sores must have developed.'

In September the same year, Mrs Osborne was taken to Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, after a doctor discovered bed sores.

Ms Marmot said the sores had been treated and dressed by the time she arrived at hospital.

She said her mother was initially alert but her health deteriorated over the next fortnight as she visited.

She was diagnosed with sepsis - blood poisoning caused by infection - then developed pneumonia.

She died shortly afterwards.

'I was devastated,' said Ms Marmot. 'She had paid to go in to a home to be looked after. We didn't expect her to die.

'Everyone was so shocked by what had happened to Mum.'

'She had paid to go in to a home to be looked after. We didn't expect her to die,' her devastated daughter said

She was rushed to hospital after a doctor visiting the home discovered she had bed sores. Mrs Osborne developed sepsis - blood poisoning from infection - and died of pneumonia weeks after she was admitted

Following Mrs Osborne's death, an investigation was carried out by the Specialist Adult Protection Investigation Team on behalf of Staffordshire County Council.

It resulted in two nurses employed by the home resigning.

Ms Marmot has now reached an out of court settlement with the care home.

Rosalyn Steeple, a clinical negligence solicitor at Thompson's Solicitors, said the home had failed in its duty of care.

'Care homes have a duty to look after their residents and what happened to Myfanwy was completely unacceptable, she said.

'Staff should have been properly trained and known that bed sores needed flagging to medical professionals immediately after they develop.

'It is clear that the systemic negligence was so horrific that her condition was not even noticed, let alone dealt with, and that this caused the death of our client's mother.'

A Care Quality Commission Report as recent as January 2016 illustrates that Beechfields Nursing Home safety standards still require further improvement.

A spokesperson for Beechfields Nursing Home said: 'This is an historical incident that occurred 3 years ago. The home has been under new management since.
Credited it with remarkable recovery before cancer returned and killed him

A bowel cancer patient who claimed he was cured by cannabis oil has died - four years after he was given just 18 months to live.

David Hibbitt, 34, was diagnosed with the disease in July 2012 and underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

Doctors told him the cancer was terminal - so he decided to try cannabis oil as a last resort and bought it from a local dealer for 50 a gram.

He had been concerned about using cannabis oil and even approached a police officer for advic,e but was told it would not be in the public interest to press charges.

Last January the father-of-one revealed he was cancer-free and put the class-B drug down to his miracle recovery.

But the cancer returned in March this year and spread to his lungs and brain. It claimed his life earlier this month.

David Hibbitt, 34, said doctors gave him 18 months to live with advanced bowel cancer. In desperation, he tried cannabis oil, which last year he credited with his recovery. Sadly, the disease has now claimed his life

Today, his family vowed to fight for more research into the use of cannabis oil for cancer patients.

His sister Alison Hayward, 38, of Stafford, said: 'Dave would never tell people to stop taking their treatment.

'But the cannabis oil certainly helped Dave and cannabis certainly has healing properties.

'He was striving for cannabis to be legalised for medicinal use and he had meetings with his MP.

'Dave was very laid back. He would always think about other people before himself.

'He always believed if you wanted something badly enough you could achieve it and that you should follow your dreams.

'He had set up a charity and a support group to help other people going through cancer. That work is going to continue.'

His mother, Glenda Eardley, 61, added: 'I love my son, I'm very proud of him. He was very strong and never complained of being in pain.

'He was such a caring lad, he always thought about others first.'

Mr Hibbitt was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer after initially being told he was suffering from piles.

After undergoing treatment at the Christie Hospital, in Manchester, the cancer returned and he had another operation in July 2013 followed by more chemotherapy.

He was given the all-clear before Christmas that year, but a month later he found a lump, and was told the cancer was in the lymph nodes in his groin.

Speaking last year, Mr Hibbitt, who worked in advertising, said: 'This time they told me there wasn't a lot they could do.

Paying tribute to her son (pictured with his wife Heather) , Mr Hibbitt's mother, Glenda Eardley, 61, added: 'I love my son, I'm very proud of him. He was very strong and never complained of being in pain'

'I was told I may only have 18 months to live and I felt I had to try everything I could.

'In July, after doing a lot of research, I got some cannabis oil. I was having chemo, and I was getting to a point where I couldn't really do much, I had no energy.

'In August I decided I'd had enough and I was going to stop the chemotherapy.

CANNABIS OIL: AN EXPERT VIEW Dr Kat Arney, from Cancer Research UK, said: 'We know that cannabinoids - the active chemicals found in cannabis - can have a range of different effects on cancer cells grown in the lab and animal tumours. 'But at the moment there isn't good evidence from clinical trials to prove that they can safely and effectively treat cancer in patients. 'Despite this, some cancer patients do choose to treat themselves with cannabis extracts. 'Researchers are collecting patients' experiences to build a picture of whether these treatments are helping or not, although this is weak evidence compared to properly-run clinical trials. 'Cancer Research UK is supporting clinical trials for treating cancer with cannabinoid-based drugs in order to gather solid data on whether they benefit people with cancer.' Advertisement

'I felt like it was killing me and I had nothing to lose. I couldn't accept I was going to die.'

After going online to research his options, he discovered a lot of information about cannabis oil - and decided to try it.

Mr Hibbitt, from Stoke-on-Trent, said: 'Friends had told me about cannabis oil and I dismissed it at first. I've never been into drugs.

'I pay around 50 for a gram from a bloke I know who makes it,' he said. 'That lasts me about a month usually.

'It gets your pretty high and knocks you for six, but it's nowhere near as bad as chemotherapy.

'The pain just seemed to disappear and it seems to have done the job. I just want to make other people aware there are other options out there.'

In October, he had an operation to remove the affected lymph nodes at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

But he chose to carry on taking cannabis oil rather than have any more treatment, deciding against further chemotherapy sessions.

Following a scan in January 2015, he was given the all-clear.

Mr Hibbitt, who has a six-year-old son, Ashton, said: 'I feel really good and I hope my story will help other people.'

His wife Heather, a nursery nurse, said: 'I didn't want him to take the cannabis oil at first because it's illegal, but I saw the change in him and slowly got used to it.

'He is a determined person and did a lot of research. He wanted to live.'

Describing the effects of cannabis oil, he said last year: 'It gets your pretty high and knocks you for six, but it's nowhere near as bad as chemotherapy. The pain just seemed to disappear. I just want to make other people aware that there are other options out there'

Cancer Research UK says it is aware of patients using cannabis extracts to treat themselves but stressed there is 'no good evidence' to prove it was safe and effective.

The charity is supporting clinical trials into the use of the drug and a synthetic cannabinoid to treat the disease.

Dr Kat Arney, from Cancer Research UK, said: 'We know that cannabinoids - the active chemicals found in cannabis - can have a range of different effects on cancer cells grown in the lab and animal tumours.

'But at the moment there isn't good evidence from clinical trials to prove that they can safely and effectively treat cancer in patients.

'Despite this, some cancer patients do choose to treat themselves with cannabis extracts.

'Researchers are collecting patients' experiences to build a picture of whether these treatments are helping or not, although this is weak evidence compared to properly-run clinical trials.
Straight men are less likely to use a condom if they find their partner very attractive, a new study claims.

Protection methods get thrown out of the window when it comes to one-night stands with pretty women, experts discovered.

In the eyes of men, good looking women take more care of themselves and have less chance of carrying a sexually transmitted infection (STI), scientists found.

And the better looking a man believes himself to be, the less likely he is to use a condom.

Men aren't as fussed about using condoms when it comes to sex with pretty women, experts have discovered

Lead author Anastasia Eleftheriou, from the University of Southampton, told The Washington Post: 'Men are more willing to have condomless sex with attractive women even though they might believe those women are more likely [to have an STI].'

Co-author Roger Ingham also told them he believes the findings are due to men wanting to reproduce with good-looking partners and are willing to take more risks to do so.

He said: 'Men want to reproduce with women they find to be more attractive... and so are willing to take more risk to acquire this status.'

The study aimed to better understand the relationship between perceived attractiveness, sexual health status and intended condom use among heterosexual men.

Researchers from the University of Southampton and the University of Bristol quizzed 51 English-speaking heterosexual men aged between 18 and 69 years.

Each man was shown 20 black and white facial photographs of different women and asked how likely they were to want to have unprotected sex with her.

They were also asked to rank the woman's attractiveness, how likely they would be to use a condom, how many other men like themselves would have unprotected sex with her and the odds of her having an STI.

Writing in the British Medical Journal Open, researchers found higher condom use intentions were found in women ranked as less attractive and more likely to carry an STI.

They also found protection was more likely to be used if the man was in an exclusive relationship, had a less satisfactory sex life or was younger.

High numbers of sexual partners, losing their virginity at an older age and more unprotected sex in the past year also made men more likely to use a condom during a fling.

Men recorded higher condom use intentions in who women they found uglier or more likely to have an STI

Mr Ingham said further research should be undertaken to work out if the link could be applied to gay men.

'It would indeed be of great interest to repeat the study using men who have sex with men to explore if similar patterns of results are obtained,' he said.

Previous research has found men view attractive women as more likely to have an STI.

While other scientists have found humans believe attractive people often have better levels of health and are less likely to get asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

The research comes just a week after HIV-positive Charlie Sheen endorsed a new condom he claims will protect people from STIs without reducing sexual pleasure.
Memoir

GET ON WITH IT

by Algy Cluff

(Cluff & Sons 15)

Man-about-town Algy Cluff was portrayed in his Seventies pomp as a cross between screen adventurer Indiana Jones and secret agent James Bond.

A tall, handsome ex-Grenadier Guardsman, he escorted beautiful women, belonged to Londons smartest clubs and tantalisingly remained unmarried until he was 50 years old.

Charmed life: Algy with a girlfriend in 1982. He was portrayed in his Seventies pomp as a cross between screen adventurer Indiana Jones and secret agent James Bond

Now a long-respected international entrepreneur, he lives with his beautiful West Indian wife, Blondel, in a windmill overlooking the White Cliffs of Dover.

At 76, he reflects in this memoir on a blissful-sounding life at home and abroad - high jinks in the Army, languorous City luncheons primed by pink gins, drilling successfully for oil in the North Sea, mining diamonds in Africa and becoming friendly with such disparate figures as Margaret Thatcher and Zimbabwes notorious President Robert Mugabe.

This is not a misery memoir, says his friend, author A. N. Wilson, in a foreword. Indeed not. What would we expect from someone christened John but nicknamed Algy by school friends a lifetime ago after theyd seen a film version of Oscar Wildes play The Importance Of Being Earnest?

Wildes pampered playboy Algy Moncrieff is described as a hedonist who does more or less what he likes, more or less all the time. This appears true of Algy Cluff, the only child of prosperous North Country businessman Harold Cluff and his attractive wife, Freda.

I was about five when I noticed that in my parents eyes there was little, if anything, I could do wrong, he admits.

Sent to board at the age of eight at Mostyn House School, on The Wirral, he didnt care for the food, preferring the Bachelors tinned ravioli on toast that his mother had given him for lunch every day for the previous seven years. He says he learned nothing at Mostyn House. Nor at his next school, Stowe, where his sole achievement was winning a cross-country race, after which he was carried shoulder-high for the first and last time of my life.

Sent to board at the age of eight at Mostyn House School, on The Wirral, he didnt care for the food, preferring the Bachelors tinned ravioli on toast that his mother had given him for lunch every day for the previous seven years

When he joined the Grenadier Guards, his mother rewarded him with a Sunbeam Alpine car. Pitching up in Aldershot at 4am in his dinner jacket following a friends 21st birthday party in Sussex, he found an empty bed and passed out.

A furious drill sergeant woke him, pointing out that the car park in which hed left the Sunbeam was their drill square.

Dispatched with his regiment to the Cameroons, Algy was charged with training the new Mobile Police Force at Jakira Hill Station - mobile in the sense that they had feet, but little else, he explains.

There he relaxed with the six books a month he ordered from Hatchards, and three records he played on the wind-up gramophone sent by his mother - The Sound Of Music, All Aboard For Margate and The Massed Bands Of The Brigade Of Guards.

He and the Fon of Banso, the operatic-sounding Paramount Chief of the area, became friends, hunting and carousing together virtually every day.

But when he was presented with the biggest lady I had ever seen in Africa - the Fons idea of absolute beauty - Algy lamented: Sorry, Fon, Ive suddenly got a shocking headache.

Prior to coming home, he was introduced to businessman Charles Letts, who advised Algy that rubber and oil plantations - nearly all British-controlled - were massively undervalued on the London Stock Exchange. Algy tipped off his father, who duly invested heavily, passing the profits to his son.

So began a long business career which led to Cluff Geothermal, Cluff Gold, Cluff Natural Resources and Cluff Oil, providing homes for Algy and his family in London, Kent and the Scottish Highlands.

For a time he also owned The Spectator magazine, where he discovered his City lunch practices were replicated. A friend reported to him that the editor arrived at noon and repaired shortly afterwards to a pub until about 4pm.

Enjoyably gossipy, Get On With It also contains valuable insights into business and political life.

Devoted to ex-lawyer Blondel, by whom he has three sons - they married when he was 50 and she 33 - Cluff does appear superficially to resemble the fictional Algernon Moncrieff, but sometimes theres a melancholy tone to his recollections.

A. N. Wilson says friends ask each other: Hows our Algy?, implying that hes something of a lost boy who still needs looking after.

His great success does seem to come from being an only child who actually enjoyed, like Algy Moncrieff, always doing exactly as he wanted - backed by a loving, generous mother and father.
The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Carbontec Energy Corporation of Bismarck a $300,000 grant to develop biomass-based heating to produce iron.

Carbontec will partner with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Purdue University.

Carbontec will use supercomputers and modeling to develop and design a furnace for the companys E-Nugget process, which uses biomass, including waste wood and sugar beet products, to produce iron nuggets, enabling iron to be produced at a lower cost than imported iron.

By increasing the effectiveness and uses of biomass energy, we can make what would otherwise be waste products into an opportunity for additional income for our agriculture producers. Further, by producing iron products more cost-effectively and with better environmental stewardship, we can reduce our reliance on iron imports, support job creation at home and lower costs for consumers," Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said in a statement.

As North Dakotas economy continues to diversify, we also need to support research and development to harness new technology that will help the state grow, said Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D. Carbontec is a prime example of this entrepreneurial spirit that is thriving in North Dakota."
WOMAN IN DIOR: PORTRAITS OF ELEGANCE

by Laurence Benaim

(Rizzoli 29.95)

WOMAN IN DIOR: PORTRAITS OF ELEGANCE by Laurence Benaim

For those unable to take an impromptu trip across the Channel to the fabulous Christian Dior exhibition in his childhood home in Normandy, here is a sumptuous companion book by way of compensation.
you might not know

Nature

NIGHTINGALES IN NOVEMBER: A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF 12 BRITISH BIRDS

by Mike Dilger

(Bloomsbury 16.99)

The celebrated scientist Edward Jenner astonished the Royal Society in 1788 by making an outlandish suggestion.

Cuckoos, he claimed, never actually build their own nests. Rather, they dupe the occupants of other nests into hatching the cuckoos eggs as their own.

In a desperate if ingenious attempt to keep her mate at home, the female robin will imitate a baby robins cry as shes about to give birth so that he will continue to feed her. Recently voted Britains favourite bird, the robin has an enduring reputation for being as friendly as it is cute

At the time, this idea was greeted with hoots of disbelief. But, as Mike Dilger reveals in this fascinating account of a year in the life of 12 British birds, for centuries next to nothing was known about what birds actually got up to.

Up until the start of the 20th century, for instance, the swallow was widely believed to spend its winters buried in mud. Only in 1912 was it conclusively proved that in fact they did something far more remarkable.

Every winter countless swallows, weighing on average a mere 20g each, somehow navigate their way across 10,000km (6,214 miles) of incredibly varied terrain and sea to reach their winter homes. Even now, we still dont know exactly how they manage it.

Perhaps they employ an inbuilt magnetic compass. Perhaps they steer by the sun.

In many ways, writes Dilger, it is as close as we may ever see to a miracle.

While nightingales may not be quite as adventurous, theyre also confirmed long-haul flyers.

One nightingale fitted with a geolocator to monitor its movements - Nightingale 098, as it was unromantically known - took just three days to cover the 3,300km (2,050 miles) from Sierra Leone to southern Portugal, travelling at an astonishing 45 kph (28 mph).

It constantly reminds you just how extraordinary birds are - even the ones we take for granted. Ever since I finished reading it Ive been walking around with my head tilted back and my mouth hanging open

Waxwings, too, cover an awful lot of ground. One made it all the way from Aberdeen to the far reaches of the Russian Federation before suffering an all-too-familiar fate - it was eaten by a cat.

Dilgers book is stuffed with titbits like this. Until I read it, I had no idea that puffins can live to a venerable 37 years old.

At the other end of the scale, the kingfisher, firmly in the live-fast-die-young camp, seldom makes it beyond its second birthday.

A surprising number of birds also turn out to be monogamous. Not just swans, but also tawny owls and puffins.

The robin, on the other hand, is an incorrigible philanderer, constantly hopping from one love nest to another.

In a desperate if ingenious attempt to keep her mate at home, the female robin will imitate a baby robins cry as shes about to give birth so that he will continue to feed her.

Recently voted Britains favourite bird, the robin has an enduring reputation for being as friendly as it is cute. But in Europe, its regarded quite differently - as a reclusive woodland dweller.

Why should robins behave differently in one country to another? The answer, Dilger believes, lies in their history. For centuries in Britain, robins would follow wild boar in order to feed on the food they unearthed.

As wild boar died out, so humans became ever more plentiful.

Robins, it seems, like us because we remind them of wild boar.

As far as they are concerned, were just a species of tall pig.

Monogamous or not, birds tend not to hang about when it comes to mating.

While puffins have been known to stretch it out to a languorous 30 seconds, peregrine falcons like to get the whole business over with in about ten, albeit after some elaborate displays of body language.

But then, everything peregrine falcons do is conducted at breakneck speed. They can easily hit 200 mph when theyre diving after prey, and during their aerial manoeuvres they experience g-forces as high as 28g - thats compared to the 19g fighter pilots experience when executing turns at high speed.

As Edward Jenner claimed all those years ago, its almost impossible to beat the cuckoo for sheer effrontery.

Once a cuckoo has laid its eggs in another birds nest, the newly hatched chicks will promptly kick out all the other eggs so they can enjoy the full attention of the unwitting occupant.

Young cuckoos, its estimated, take just three to four minutes to dispose of each egg - this when they are only a few minutes old themselves.

One of the many pleasures of Nightingales In November is that it constantly reminds you just how extraordinary birds are - even the ones we take for granted.

Ever since I finished reading it Ive been walking around with my head tilted back and my mouth hanging open.
TRUMPET by Jackie Kay

TRUMPET

by Jackie Kay

(Picador 8.99)

Twenty years ahead of its time, Kays compassionate and sometimes harrowing 1998 novel deals with the currently topical subject of gender confusion.

Elderly Millies legendary jazz trumpeter husband Joss dies and she is suddenly hounded by reporters. Word has spread that the long-married couple had lived with a sensational secret.

When their adopted son learns the truth he is shocked and disillusioned and sells the story to a vile writer who plans to turn the story into a salacious book. Kays poetic prose and gritty dialogue combine to make this an unforgettable novel which provokes, challenges and opens eyes and minds.

THE ORCHARD ON FIRE by Shena Mackay

THE ORCHARD ON FIRE

by Shena Mackay

(Virago 8.99)

For an indelible picture of childhood years in Fifties England there is no better book than Mackays small masterpiece.

Aprils cash-strapped Londoner parents move to semi-rural Kent, where she makes friends with feisty, disadvantaged Ruby.

The two discover an abandoned railway carriage in an overgrown orchard and turn it into their secret camp.

Both little girls have unshared secrets. April is pestered by a creepy, well-spoken paedophile, while Ruby hides bruises. Mackays daring, rebellious, laughing, show-off girls have the sort of freedom modern kids might envy.

Funny, sad and suffused with a very English nostalgia for childhood innocence, this novel is a delight.

A LONG LONG WAY by Sebastian Barry

A LONG LONG WAY

by Sebastian Barry

(Faber 8.99)

A stunning contribution to war fiction is Barrys portrayal of World War I slaughter and madness.

Innocent, home-loving Willie leaves Dublin to fight for King and Country in France, where he experiences the prolonged and hellish nightmare of the trenches.

He returns home wounded, only to be spat upon and attacked.

Caught up in the brutal, anti-British Easter Rising, he and his fellow volunteers of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers are lambasted as traitors, and left homeless and hungry.

The reception that was given to these exhausted soldiers shamed Ireland.

As Willie loses his fiancee and the goodwill of his intractable father, this powerful tale becomes absolutely overwhelming.
Indian intelligence agencies are now monitoring the nuclear trade between Pakistan and North Korea.

Top government sources said that Indian agencies have become active after claims that nuclear missile materials are being transported by Pakistan to North Korea by sea, using cargo ships.

America's spy agency, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has alleged that Pakistan is continuing to sell nuclear materials to North Korea at a time when Islamabad has been urging the international community to accept its membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Allegations have arisen that Pakistan is transporting nuclear material to North Korea by ship

Agency sources said that entities from the Pakistan Energy Commission (PAEC) have been continuing to supply restricted items such as Monel and Inconel material to North Korea in violation of the UN sanctions.

The sources said that nuclear materials supplied to the PAEC by Chinese entities have also found their way in to North Korea.

The China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) recently received a written complaint that supplies from a Chinese company, Beijing Suntech Technology Company Limited, bound for Pakistan were being diverted to North Korea by the Pakistani authorities.

The Chinese government hushed the matter up as it could affect Beijings bid to support Pakistan at the NSG.
After the success of International Yoga Day earlier this week, the Narendra Modi government is attempting to highlight the benefits of yoga in controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a bid to promote alternative healthcare.

NCDs, mostly lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular ailments, cancer, diabetes, obesity and hypertension, have been a cause of concern for a number of India's former governments. Health departments are increasingly looking to alternative treatments for relief.

However, experts allege that the present government is trying to link everything to yoga, although it does not always offer a significant health benefit.

After the success of International Yoga Day earlier this week, the Narendra Modi government is attempting to highlight the benefits of yoga in controlling non-communicable diseases

Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on Wednesday that yoga can help in the prevention and management of NCDs.

He said: Yoga and knowledge in the AYUSH system of medicine can be of great help in not only preventing, but also controlling NCDs.

"The traditional system of medicines can complement modern medicine. Yoga is not only a physical activity, but also a complete science of living. Yoga, as an intervention, is being encouraged as an integral part of NCD prevention and management.

But healthcare experts claim there is often 'maximum hype and minimum science' in alternative systems of medicine (including yoga), when it comes to the prevention and management of diseases like diabetes.

Anoop Misra is the chairman of the Fortis-CDOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, the chairman of the National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC), and director of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the Diabetes Foundation of India.

He said of the subject: "Ayurveda and other forms of alternative medicine are increasingly becoming visible in the public domain, with some officials describing them as effective and emphasising the supposed absence of side-effects.

Despite PM Modi's keenness to link diabetes management and yoga, healthcare experts claim that there is 'maximum hype, and minimum science' in alternative systems of medicine

Union Health Minister JP Nadda also inaugurated the Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research (CIMR) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), claiming that the government has placed significant emphasis on yoga and traditional systems of medicine, and the establishment of the integrative centre is a major step forward in the governments efforts to promote yoga as an integrative discipline.
Great Britain is a little island again.

And for good reason.

The UK on Thursday voted 52 per cent to 48 per cent in favour of exiting the European Union (EU), propelled largely by a feeling of being a cork on a river, tossed away by global currents instead of being fully in control of ones own destiny.

Britains frustration has been piling up.

The UK on Thursday voted 52 per cent to 48 per cent in favour of exiting the European Union (EU), propelled largely by a feeling of being a cork on a river

A 28-member commission in Brussels, for instance, influences almost 60 per cent of laws in the country.

And none of them elected by the people.

Pressure

There has been resentment over the inability to negotiate and strike international trade deals independently, the UKs apparently outsized contribution to a weaker EU economy, freedom of movement rules putting intense pressure on public utilities like health, education, transport and housing.

There have also been complaints of bureaucratic red-tape, single-market compulsions and inability of membernations to scrap value-added tax without the EUs permission to ease load on their own citizens.

As Spectator noted recently, calling the EU a protectionist scam and urging Britain to leave: A bloated bureaucracy that has outgrown all usefulness.

A parliament that represents many nations, but with no democratic legitimacy.

But the most compelling reasons  ones which make liberals across the world squirm  are fears of cultural invasion, increased crime, illegal immigration, and the very real threat of hosting sanctuaries and testing grounds of Islamist terror.

The possibility of Turkeys inclusion in the EU multiplies some of these threats. Reports suggest the UK already has more than 3,000 homegrown jihadis, and that number is growing fast.

An estimated six inland attacks and nine overseas plots were foiled by British police and intelligence.

MI5 boss Andrew Parker is on record saying Britain is currently battling the highest number of terror plots in more than 30 years.

Memories of the Rotherham child sexual abuse scandal and the mass sex attacks in Cologne are fresh.

Besides, none can rob a people the right to defend their culture and ethos from being hijacked.

Just as the West forcing the idea of democracy on the Middle East is appalling, forcing a deeply problematic Euro-multiculturalism on the UK or France is counterproductive.

Tremors

Those Bremain hardliners who claim to be liberal but are in denial of the rise of one of the darkest, bloodiest, and most illiberal ideologies in history  deaf to the UKs concern about Islamism and the right to shut it out  are part of the problem.

The immediate tremors of Britains exit from the EU  berserk markets and currencies  will be felt across the world. Predictions are flying thick that Britain will emerge from this emaciated.

The rise of the British empire was out of crippling adversity, not glorious advantage. British were the weakest on sea compared with maritime empires of the Spanish, Dutch, French and Portuguese.

Empire

Its rise owes more to Britons being canny pirates rather than intrepid explorers, smart late-movers rather than glorious pioneers.

The empire started taking shape out of empire-envy towards the Spanish, almost a century after the Armada.

Why were the British such good pirates? They had to overcome some real disadvantages, writes conservative historian Niall Ferguson (who, one must admit, argued against Brexit) in Empire.

Their pattern of Atlantic winds and currents gave Portuguese and Spanish vessels a natural edge. In naval technology too, the British were laggards, he writes.

But Britain turned these disadvantages around by overhauling ship design, adopting Euclidean geometry, making cheaper homemade iron cannons which meant more bangs per buck, improving health of crews and beginning to use better maps.

Waterloo is not the only time the British have turned seemingly insurmountable odds into opportunity.

They are possibly the best when being selfishly practical, even petty, about their national interest. And that is why being an island again is likely to work.
Taking a cue from Britain with regard to opting out of the European Union (EU), the Delhi government may hold mohalla sabhas in all the 70 constituencies seeking peoples opinion on complete statehood for the city.

The move by the AAP government came at a time when the government made a draft Bill on Delhis statehood public last month.

The demand of full statehood to Delhi was among AAPs top poll promises and the party has been pushing for full statehood.

The Delhi government may hold mohalla sabhas in all the 70 constituencies seeking peoples opinion on complete statehood for the city. Pictured is Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

After UK referendum, Delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, tweeted.

Opposition and legal experts instantly shot down the Delhi CMs idea by terming it unconstitutional.

There is no provision of seeking referendum in the Indian Constitution. As a democratic nation, India holds election every five years that serves as a referendum of the people of this country, said a legal expert.

Meanwhile, in another political shot down, the Home Ministry returned long-pending 14 bills passed by the Delhi Assembly, saying proper procedures were not followed by the AAP government while adopting the legislations.

The bills which were returned in the last few weeks include the Jan Lokpal Bill 2015, the Minimum Wages (Delhi Amendment) Bill 2015, Delhi School (Verification of Accounts and Refund of Excess Fee) Bill 2015, Delhi School Education (Amendment) Bill 2015, Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Delhi Amendment) Bill 2015 and a Bill related to working journalists.

A senior Home Ministry official said since Delhi is a union territory any bill it wants to adopt in the Assembly has to be first sent to the central government for approval.

If the nod is given, then only it can be moved for legislative approval.

When the Assembly passes a Bill, then it has to go to the lieutenant governor and the central government for Presidential assent, an official said.

Despite strong objections by the Opposition, senior government officials confirmed that a referendum will be conducted to assess the mood of the people and will help in putting pressure on the long-pending demand of complete statehood for Delhi.

The AAP government is still in the planning stage to figure out the mechanics to hold a referendum but said mohalla sabhas are among the top choices.

Kejriwal had discussed the referendum plan with his Cabinet colleagues.

Senior AAP members hinted that they may approach the Election Commission (EC) to explore possible ways to conduct the referendum.

AAP leader Ashish Khetan took to Twitter and said, After the UK referendum on EU exit, its time to have a referendum on full statehood of Delhi. In a democracy the will of the people is supreme.

The Opposition said the AAP is trying to hide their failure behind it.

Further suggestions from public have been sought till June 30 after which it will be tabled in the Delhi Assembly and in Parliament for approval.

Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken said his party was opposed to the idea of holding a referendum and termed it dangerous.
A woman employee of IT major Infosys was hacked to death in front of dozens of horrified onlookers at a busy railway station in Chennai today.

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Swathi.

The woman was attacked by a man at the railway station and before anyone could react he walked out of the crime scene.

A woman employee of IT major Infosys was hacked to death in front of dozens of horrified onlookers at a busy railway station in Chennai

Swathi, who worked as an IT professional in Infosys, was dropped at Nungambakkam railway station around 6.20 am by her father.

As she was waiting to catch a train to her office, a man approached her on the platform. The man, wearing a green shirt and black trouser, started arguing with Swathi over some issue. The two had an animated discussion.

Before anyone could react, the man suddenly pulled out a sickle from a travelling bag that he was carrying and slashed Swathi below her jaw.

She fell on the ground bleeding profusely. The attacker walked away from the platform as no one came forward to stop him.

Cops arrived on the spot later and it took them nearly two hours to remove her body from the spot.

A manhunt has been launched to nab the attacker.
Housebuilding, banking and travel-related stocks have taken the biggest hit from the outcome of the EU referendum as investors worry about a slump in the property market.

With Britain set to leave the EU, Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey were the top losers on the FTSE 100 index, with shares down 23-24 per cent, closely followed by Barratt and Berkeley, which were about 20 per cent lower.

Other property-related stocks were also dragged down, such as commercial property developer British Land, which declined 19 per cent, as demand could be hit for its office blocks if foreign companies decide to downsize their UK operations.

Housing fears: Housebuilders have taken the biggest hit from the outcome of yesterdays referendum

Building merchant Travis Perkins, which has benefited from the booming housing market, also saw its share price slump by around 14 per cent.

Economists and property experts had warned a Brexit vote could hit Britain's property market for at least the next two years, with a number of estate agents having also warned that the referendum had already been a drag on housing market activity.

Mark Weedon at Property Partner said: 'In the short run, housing transactions in the mainstream market are likely to remain low, but the "stickiness" of residential property may prevent house prices from actually falling, with the probable exception of Londons most expensive areas.

'Unlike other asset classes, far fewer people are willing to sell residential property in uncertain times, which in turn further reduces supply and eventually provides upwards pressure on prices.'

The other two sectors to feel the pain of Brexit were UK banks and travel companies.

Lloyds Banking Group and RBS were down 22 per cent and 18 per cent respectively, while Barclays share price was 17 per cent lower.

Top FTSE 100 losers: Builders, banks and airlines are UK shares hit hardest by the Brexit sell-off

Both Lloyds and RBS have repositioned their operations in recent years to focus on UK retail and commercial markets, hence the big falls.

On the contrary HSBC, the UKs largest bank by assets, appears to have avoided the worst, with shares down 4 per cent. This is because, while having its headquarters in London, most of its revenues are generated overseas.

In the FTSE 250, small business and residential mortgage lender Aldermore saw 25 per cent wiped off its market value. Shawbrook, which targets the same markets, fell 21 per cent.

Shares in asset managers, whose income is dependent on how financial markets perform, also experienced heavy losses.

Lloyds Banking Group and RBS were down 22 per cent today

Hargreaves Lansdown fell 13 per cent, while Schroders - Londons largest listed fund manager - tumbled 11 per cent. Emerging markets focused Ashmore declined 10 per cent.

Among the travel firms under pressure, British Airways-owner IAG was 19 per cent lower and budget airline easyJet also plummeted 18 per cent, while holiday operator Thomas Cook was down 17 per cent.

IAG also issued a profit warning this morning following the UK's decision to leave the EU.

'Following the outcome of the referendum, and given current market volatility, while IAG continues to expect a significant increase in operating profit this year, it no longer expects to generate an absolute operating profit increase similar to 2015,' the group said in a statement.

The firm insisted it believes the vote 'will not have a long-term material impact on its business', but added that it experienced 'a weaker than expected trading environment' in the run up to the referendum.

The FTSE 100 was down 301 points, or 4.75 per cent, at 6,036.79p around midday, while the FTSE 250 was trading 8.6 per cent lower at 15,843.6p.




Sens. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., joined fellow members of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee in a compromise proposal to address GMO labeling.

The proposed legislation would establish a uniform labeling standard for food that may be bioengineered. It includes three labeling options to be developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture: a phrase indicating the product contains genetically modified food, an on-package symbol, or a scannable QR or barcode.

The legislation exempts foods in which meat, poultry and egg products are the main ingredients and prohibits the secretary of agriculture from considering any food product derived from an animal to be bioengineered solely because the animal might have eaten bioengineered feed.

Small manufacturers and restaurants also will be exempt.

Weve been working hard to find a solution to the GMO issue that can pass in both the House and the Senate. Now, we need to act and move this bipartisan proposal before Vermonts labeling law goes into effect next month, Hoeven said in a prepared statement.

Im proud our efforts have produced a bipartisan compromise to give farmers and ranchers certainty and give consumers the information they want about their food, said Heitkamp. Critically, this deal guarantees that any labeling doesnt stigmatize biotech food, which is safe and helps North Dakota farmers put food on the table for families in North Dakota, the United States and the world.
The owner of British Airways has issued a profit warning after its trading weakened in the run up to the referendum that has seen Britain vote to leave the European Union.

Just hours after the Brexit vote emerged, International Consolidated Airlines Group - which also owns Spanish carrier Iberia, Irelands Aer Lingus and Spains Vueling - said Britain's decision will not have a significant long-term impact on its business.

In a brief statement, FTSE 100-listed IAG added that it no longer expects its operating profit to increase significantly this year.

The airlines group said: Following the outcome of the referendum, and given current market volatility, while IAG continues to expect a significant increase in operating profit this year, it no longer expects to generate an absolute operating profit increase similar to 2015.

Sky dive: IAG - the owner of British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia owner  has issued a profit warning, blaming weaker than expected trading in the run up to the referendum that saw a majority Brexit vote

The company had been guiding investors to expect a 945million jump in operating profits during 2016. The firm said it would update the market with more details in due course.

In late morning trading, IAG shares had dropped 19 per cent, or 101.3p to 426.7p, while fellow blue chip airline easyJet shed 16 per cent, or 254p to 1,279p as travel stocks were hammered by worries over the Brexit implications.

easyJet also said that the UK's decision to leave the EU will not have a material impact on its strategy in a brief post-Brexit statement today.

Carolyn McCall, easyJets chief executive, said: We remain confident in the strength of easyJet's business model and our ability to continue to deliver our successful strategy and our leading returns.

We have today written to the UK Government and the European Commission to ask them to prioritise the UK remaining part of the single EU aviation market, given its importance to trade and consumers.

The discount airline said it had been preparing for the eventuality of a Brexit vote in the lead up to the referendum vote and has been working on a number of options that will allow it to continue flying in all of its markets.

Earlier this month, newspaper reports said, in the event of a Brexit vote, easyJet was looking at obtaining an air operator's certificate in an EU country, which would require it to establish a local holding company.

It was understood that establishing a holding company in Europe would not require easyJet to move its Luton headquarters abroad.

The airline, which supported Britain staying in the EU, had also examined making more use of its Swiss air operator's certificate and its easyJet Switzerland subsidiary as part of its plans.

The worst-case scenario for airlines would be if the UK was subsequently pushed out of the European common aviation area following the referendum vote.

Bumpy flight: easyJet said the decision to leave the EU will not have a material impact on its strategy but said it has asked the UK government to prioritise the UK remaining part of the single EU aviation market

A Brexit vote was seen as being more problematic for easyJet than for IAG or Irish discount rival Ryanair, although analysts thought a Brexit may also force Ryanair to set up a formal British business by obtaining a UK AOC.
Leading British engineer Rolls-Royce saw its share price rise today as investors bet that a weakened sterling would boost its exports.

That made it one of 20 stocks on the blue-chip FTSE 100 index to rise amid a generally torrid day's trading as the stock market was routed by the Brexit vote and Prime Minister David Cameron's resignation.

Analysts also reckoned that its strong customer base in the US should ensure it is not so heavily damaged from the fallout of leaving the EU.

The Derby-based company, which has been plagued by profit-warnings and falling share price, has been a bright spark in a bad day for UK shares, along with a handful of gold miners and pharmaceutical stocks.

Bright spot: A weaker pound will make the company's products cheaper for foreign buyers in the US

Earlier this week expert stock pickers told investors to plough money into companies that earn the bulk of their profits overseas or are currency hedged in such a way that a fall in the pound would be a benefit.

Analysts at JP Morgan added that the fall in sterling after Lehman Brothers collapsed was a major factor in Rolls' 2009 share price rally, and the same effect could be happening now.

Shares in Rolls Royce closed 1 per cent higher at 649.5p.

Rolls Royce chief executive, Warren East said: 'It is important to remember that Rolls-Royce is a global company: two-thirds of our revenue and three-quarters of our order book is generated outside the European Union, so the UK's decision will have no immediate impact on our day-to-day business.

'The medium and long-term effect will depend upon the relationships that are established between the UK, the EU and the rest of the world over the coming years.'

Before the referendum East had warned that investment decisions at the firm - including a new 65million test bed at its civil aerospace site at Sinfin - may have to be put on hold in the event of Brexit.

Today he added: 'We respect the verdict of the electorate, although this is not the outcome we would have chosen.

'As we have said before, whatever the outcome of the referendum Rolls-Royce will remain committed to the United Kingdom where we have been headquartered for more than a century, where we have a talented and committed workforce and where we carry out the lion's share of our research and development.'

But Sandy Morris, an analyst at Jefferies, was skeptical about Roll's future in the UK.

Morris said: 'It will be fascinating to see if Rolls leaves its research in the UK once we are out of Europe.

'It doesn't really matter where the company assembles its engines - whether it's Derby, Germany of Singapore, that's not the highest cost for the company, the R&D is.'

Shock: Sir Martin Sorrell, the founder and chief executive of advertising giant WPP, has said a Brexit vote 'is not good news, to say the least'

Other stocks to survive the session's whitewash included gold miners.

With gold racing to its highest in more than two-years, hitting $1,358 an ounce, Randgold Resources, the precious metals miner surged 14.0 per cent to 7,315.0p, while Fresnillo, the Mexican gold explorer, jumped 12 per cent to 1,399.0p.

Investors also sought out defensive stocks with British American Tobacco edging up 4 per cent to 4,431.5, while pharmaceutical companies also rallied.

GlaxoSmithKline rose 5 per cent to 1,497.0p and AstraZeneca climbed 4 per cent at 4,058.0p .

But for most investors this session has been one to forget.

Bank stocks have crashed amid fears they could lose access to the European single market from their bases in London.

Workers in the Square Mile have also braced themselves for months of pain after JP Morgan, HSBC and Goldman Sachs all said prior to the vote that thousands of jobs in the City of London could be moved to the continent in the event of Brexit.

According to reports Morgan Stanley has already begun the process of moving about 2,000 of its London-based investment banking staff to Dublin or Frankfurt.

As a result Lloyds was down 21 per cent at 56.0p, while the Royal Bank of Scotland has slumped 17 per cent to 207.0p and Barclays has tumbled 19.6 per cent at 150.2p.

Other blue chips to suffer include British Airways owner IAG, after it downgraded its earnings growth forecast for this year amid expected volatility after the referendum.

It shares have plummeted 20 per cent and stand at 417.2p.

Meanwhile the world's second largest aircraft maker - Airbus - also chipped in with its own damning verdict.

Tom Enders, chief executive, said: 'I hope the divorce will proceed with a view on minimising economic damage to all impacted by the Brexit.

'Of course we will review our UK investment strategy, like everybody else will.'

At the same time the world's second biggest telecoms company - Vodafone - said it was too soon to form a view on where the UK-based company would be domiciled after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

The group said it was committed to supporting its British customers now and in the future, but added: 'It is too soon to form a view on the implications of the referendum outcome for the domicile of the group.'

Sir Martin Sorrell, the founder and chief executive of advertising giant WPP, also chipped in as shares in the firm dropped 3 per cent at 1,542.0p.

He said: 'Very disappointed, but the electorate has spoken. The resulting uncertainty, which will be considerable, will obviously slow decision-making and deter activity.

'This is not good news, to say the least. The PM's resignation clearly adds to the uncertainty. However, we must deploy that stiff upper lip and make the best of it.
Fresh cracks have appeared in the crisis-torn eurozone following Britains vote to leave the EU.

As investors struggled to come to terms with Brexit, borrowing costs rose in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece.

And while the FTSE 100 index closed the day 3.15 per cent, or 199.41 points lower at 6138.69 in London, European stock markets fared even worse with Frankfurt down 6.8 per cent, Paris 8 per cent, Milan 12.5 per cent and Madrid 12.4 per cent.

Fresh cracks have appeared in the crisis-torn eurozone following Britains vote to leave the EU

It is feared other EU members could now push for referendums of their own  creating further uncertainty.

Christoph Rieger, an analyst at German lender Commerzbank, warned of a flight of money from peripheral eurozone countries to safer assets such as German and US government bonds.

The yield on ten-year Greek bonds  the amount it costs the government to borrow money  rose back above 9 per cent having fallen below 7 per cent a month ago.
Bank of England governor Mark Carney offered to pump 250bn into the UK financial system

The worlds most powerful central banks sought to soothe the financial markets yesterday after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney offered to pump 250bn into the UK financial system and said we will not hesitate to take any additional measures required to keep the economy on track.

Other central banks rushed to reassure investors, with the Federal Reserve promising to provide liquidity to address pressures in global funding markets which could have adverse implications for the US economy.

The European Central Bank said it would protect financial stability in the eurozone while the Peoples Bank of China pledged to keep the yuan stable.

In a rare move for a central bank, the Swiss National Bank intervened to weaken the Swiss franc as investors looking for somewhere safe to park their cash snapped up the currency.

The SNB said it will remain active in the market to prevent the franc strengthening too much.

In a statement, G7 finance leaders said: We respect the intention expressed today by the people of the United Kingdom to exit from the European Union.
Job fears across the economy hit the shares of recruitment firms as foreign banks looked to follow through on a threat to move jobs overseas.

Shares in some recruiters lost more than half their value during morning trade yesterday, with PageGroup down 52 per cent, Hays down 29 per cent, Robert Walters down more than 10 per cent and Staffline down 29 per cent.

It came as there was concern about the number of finance jobs that would be created when Britain left the EU.

Shares in some recruiters lost more than half their value with PageGroup down 52 per cent, Hays down 29 per cent, Robert Walters down more than 10 per cent and Staffline down 29 per cent

Morgan Stanley was understood to be looking at a plan to move 2,000 jobs from London to Madrid or Frankfurt. Other banks such as HSBC and JP Morgan had also pledged to move thousands overseas.

Mariano Mamertino, economist at the global job site, Indeed, said: After months of tortuous, recruitment-sapping uncertainty in Britains labour market, the Brexit verdict will deliver more of the same.

But yesterday, analysts suggested rash moves by big banks to shift jobs might be overplayed. City analyst David Buik at broker Panmure Gordon said: London will not surrender 70 years of infrastructure to Frankfurt or Paris, which are Mickey Mouse centres in comparison.

London is the centre of the time zone. English is the trading language of the world and frankly we are better than any other centre at financial services.

THREAT TO CITY JOBS There are 2.2m UK jobs in finance  729,600 in the City

55,800 City jobs were lost during the last financial crisis

Average City banker earns 100,000  but just 70,000 in Frankfurt and Paris

And despite fears for jobs in the City, others believe bankers will stay put.

A survey by Emolument.com said bankers in London earn 30 per cent more than counterparts in Europe.

On average it found associates in London earned 100,000 while counterparts pocketed 71,000 in Frankfurt and 70,000 in Paris.

Jeremy Leach, chief executive at asset manager Managing Partners Group, said Brexit would have little long-term impact on the UK financial services industry.

He said: Financial services will continue to be the UKs biggest export for the same reasons it has been for the last 100 years, which are its pragmatism, innovation and desire to trade.
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A filmmaker has been pictured diving into the enclosure of a five-metre-long saltwater crocodile with nothing but a plastic tube for protection.

Franny Plumridge, 26, who lives and works in Byron Bay in the south-east of New South Wales, can be seen submerged in the crocodile's tank while it floats with its jaws open next to her.

The enormous crocodile is part of the 'Cage of Death' exhibit at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin City in the Northern Territory and Australia's only crocodile dive.

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Canadian-born filmmaker Franny Plumridge has been pictured diving into the enclosure of a five-metre-long saltwater crocodile at popular Darwin tourist attraction Crocosaurus Cove in the Northen Territory (pictured)

Ms Plumridge is seen floating next to the gigantic reptile wearing a bikini and a snorkel as it floats motionless next to her with its mouth gaping open.

Posted to Instagram on Tuesday Ms Plumridge wrote: 'Off on another film adventure. Such a fascinating afternoon spent swimming and shooting with this meaty 17 foot fella.'

The 26-year-old told the Daily Mail Australia that she felt completely 'safe' when going into the 'dome' because it had a cover on top.

She said: 'A lot of people think that I should have been scared but it was more of a thrill and fascinating.

'I have never been in close quarters with such a massive creature because they're usually at the bottom of a murky muddy pool of water.'

Ms Plumridge said that the experience was an 'adrenalin rush' and that she would 'encourage people to step out of their comfort zone'.

The incredible picture is one of hundreds posted to social media of people visiting the heart-stopping activity (pictured), with many posing for 'selfies' with the giant reptile

She said: 'Its such a thrill and you're completely safe, there is really no risk at all.'

The picture garnered over 3,800 likes and 209 comments some terrified for Ms Plumridge and others keen to try the thrilling dive out.

One user said that they were adding this exhibit to their 'bucket list of things to do' while another said: 'We need to go to Australia and do this. Start Saving.'

Others commented their fear of the giant creature which was likened to a 'dinosaur' and said that it was 'official' that 'dinosaur's exist' while another said: 'This is terrifying, crazy girl!'

Only the stomach of the croc can be seen as Ms Plumridge presses her hand against the plastic case she is submerged in while looking at the creature.

The incredible picture is one of hundreds posted to social media of people visiting the heart-stopping activity, with many posing for 'selfies' with the giant reptile.

Some visitors are seen looking calm as the saltwater croc comes centimetres from their faces, while others are seen posing with fearful expressions as the creature shows off a toothy grin.

Some visitors are seen looking calm as the saltwater croc (pictured) comes centimetres from their faces, while others are seen posing with fearful expressions as the creature shows off a toothy grin

Dives at the Darwin reptile park include 15 minutes within the enclosure (pictured) with one of the massive reptiles and with regular feeding by handlers people inside the cage are ensured to get 'up close and personal'

Dives include 15 minutes within the enclosure with one of the massive reptiles and with regular feeding by handlers people inside the cage are ensured to get 'up close and personal'.

The Crocosaurus Cove website read: 'Operated by an over-head monorail and designed for one or two people per cage, the Cage of Death has you suspended above the crocs before being lowered into the pen.

It also adds that visitors can enjoy a 360 degree view of the tank and creatures that lie below the surface in the exhibit that operates 12 times a day.

The popular picture of Ms Plumridge comes just 19 days after she was seen snorkelling behind a fish which was pictured swimming inside a jellyfish off Australia's east coast.

Underwater photographer Tim Samuel, 26, was in the water with Ms Plumridge at a resort in Byron Bay in December when they both came across the little creature trapped inside the jellyfish.

The expression on the golden fish's face, visible through the transparent jellyfish, appears to be of fear.

Mr Samuel wrote in a post to Instagram: 'He was trapped in there but controlled where the Jellyfish was moving.'

The image has been viewed by more than 2.4 million people on Imgur and has 11,000 likes on Instagram after it was posted on June 4.

Underwater photographer Tim Samuel was in the water with Ms Plumridge (background) at a resort in Byron Bay in December when they both came across the little creature trapped inside the jellyfish (foreground)
The high court ruled in the case of Abigail Fisher who was suing against affirmative action

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of affirmative action and social media erupted with memes against the woman who filed the lawsuit against it.

The justices' 4-3 decision was in favor of the University of Texas program that takes account of race in deciding whom to admit.

The high court ruled in the case of Abigail Fisher, a white Texan who was denied admission to the university in 2008.

She contended she was rejected while African-American applicants with lower grades and test scores were admitted.

The school said Fisher, who did not graduate in the top 10 percent of her class, would not have been admitted with or without race as a factor.

But officials did conditionally offer to allow her to transfer in as a sophomore if she maintained a 3.2 grade-point average at another public college in Texas.

Instead, she went to Louisiana State University, from which she graduated in 2012, and pursued her lawsuit.

Fisher was recruited for the suit by Edward Blum, an opponent of racial preferences who has been remarkably successful in persuading the Supreme Court to hear cases challenging the use of race in education and politics.

Once the ruling by the Supreme Court was announced, social media caught on quickly to Fisher's failed bid.

One Twitter user referenced Beyonce's 'Lemonade' album and called the trial the 'case of Becky with the Bad Grades V. U. of Texas.'

Lavinia M'Bala, the woman who came up with the nickname that spread like wildfire on Twitter, told the New York Daily News that she posted what she thought 'what everyone is thinking.'

'I was watching CNN while scrolling through Twitter,' M'Bala told the Daily News in an email. 'It just popped into my head when I heard the news.'

The justices' 4-3 decision was in favor of the University of Texas program that takes account of race in deciding whom to admit. Above demonstrators gather outside the Supreme Court on Thursday

In the narrow victory for affirmative action, the important national decision was cemented by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. He is pictured above in 2013

Another Twitter user suggested that a photo of Fisher should be 'the new Jordan face' in reference to the popular photo of Michael Jordan crying.

The hashtag, #BeckyWithTheBadGrades, also became heavily used in reference to Fisher.

'In the past 8 years, #BeckyWithTheBadGrades could have finished her bachelor's degree and started a PhD. Instead, she chose to be mad,' one user wrote on Twitter.

'You spend 5 years suing the school for curving you, and then the Supreme Court Hit you with the 'NAH' #BeckyWithTheBadGrades,' another user tweeted.

Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his majority opinion that the Texas plan complied with earlier court rulings that allow colleges to consider race in pursuit of diversity on campus.

'The university has thus met its burden of showing that the admissions policy it used ... was narrowly tailored,' Kennedy wrote.

The court's three more-conservative justices dissented, and Justice Samuel Alito read portions of his 51-page dissent, more than twice as long as Kennedy's opinion, from the bench.

'This is affirmative action gone wild,' Alito said. The university 'relies on a series of unsupported and noxious racial assumptions.'

In a separate dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas repeated his view that the Constitution outlaws any use of race in higher education admissions.

With the death of Scalia in February and with Justice Elena Kagan sitting out the case because she worked on it while serving in the Justice Department, just seven justices participated in the decision.

Scalia, long opposed to affirmative action, almost certainly would have voted with his fellow conservatives.

He was criticized for suggesting at arguments in December that some black students would benefit from being at a 'slower-track school,' instead of Texas' flagship campus in Austin.

At the very least, Scalia's vote could have made the result a tie and limited the high court to issuing a one-sentence opinion upholding the lower court ruling in favor of Texas.

In that instance, the result would have been the same but without the Supreme Court endorsement offered by Kennedy Thursday.

The university considers race among many factors in admitting the last quarter of incoming freshmen classes.

The state fills most of its freshman class by guaranteeing admission to students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their Texas high school class.

The Supreme Court heard Fisher's case once before and issued an inconclusive ruling in 2013 that sent it back to a lower court and set the stage for Thursday's decision.

In 2003, the justices reaffirmed the consideration of race in the quest for diversity on campus. Their decision then set a goal of doing away with such programs in 25 years.

'The most important part of this case is that the court reaffirmed what it said in 2003 which is that diversity can be a compelling interest of a university in fulfilling its educational mission,' said Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

In a statement, Fisher said: 'I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has ruled that students applying to the University of Texas can be treated differently because of their race or ethnicity.

'I hope that the nation will one day move beyond affirmative action.'

In a statement, Fisher (right) said: 'I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has ruled that students applying to the University of Texas can be treated differently because of their race or ethnicity'

Separate legal challenges have been filed to affirmative action plans at the University of North Carolina and Harvard University.

Vanderbilt University law professor Suzanna Sherry said the outcome of the Texas case 'makes the universities' cases a lot stronger. The challengers have an uphill battle.'

Texas is unique in marrying the top-10 plan to a separate admissions review in which race is one of many factors considered.

The university's current freshman class is 22 percent Hispanic and 4.5 percent African-American. White students make up less than half the school's freshmen.

Eight states prohibit the use of race in public college admissions: Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington.
Shocked Eurocrats went to bed fearing the 'scrapheap' by morning

As dawn broke over a shocked Brussels, a group of European MEPs warned that last night's astonishing Brexit vote will cause the EU to crumble to pieces within the next five years.

Their statement came as Britain voted to leave the EU, contrary to all projections by pollsters, to the bewilderment of the Eurocrats in Brussels.

'This is the beginning of the end for the EU,' Peter Lundgren, an MEP from the far-Right Sweden Democrat party, told MailOnline. 'So many other countries will follow the UK. Europe will fall.'

Shattering: European MEPs warned that last night's astonishing Brexit vote will cause the EU to crumble to pieces within the next five years

Resign: An emotional David Cameron resigning this morning as Samantha Cameron looks on, as Brussels scrambled to make sense of Britain's decision to exit and MEPs warned Europe will crumble

European Council President Donald Tusk prepares to address a media conference at the EU Council building in Brussels today

Message for Britain: Graffiti on a wall in at a Deutsche Post location at Hallisches Ufer in Berlin after the shock Brexit result

Far right: Today French far-Right leader Marine le Pen changed her twitter symbol to the Union Jack in a sign of how Brexit will increase support for the far-Right in France

The Eurosceptic MEPs from Sweden, Germany, Italy and France said a number of governments will now be under intense pressure to hold referendums of their own, and try to renegotiate their own individual deals.

This, they said, will lead to a domino effect in the wake of Britain's trailblazing and unprecedented decision to leave the EU.

'The EU cannot survive. It is too undemocratic, corruption is too high, the Eurocrats ambition is too much, there is too much money in the gravy train. It makes ordinary people raving mad.

Its just a matter of time, Lundgren said. Britain has set a precedent. Other member states will follow and the whole thing will fall apart. It will happen very soon.

Overnight, as it became apparent that Britain was turning against the EU establishment, Brussels Eurocrats gradually left the bars around the parliament building and went home to bed.

Several British apparatchiks were concerned about their livelihood, with one telling MailOnline that he was expecting 'to be on the scrapheap in the morning'.

The Commission and European Parliament buildings remained deserted, but a number of lights burned on the upper floors as a small number of desperate bureaucrats tried to lay the groundwork for a response to the most momentous event in the Union's history.

Last night's extraordinary vote was a reflection of the support for Eurosceptic parties that has been steadily growing across Europe in recent years, including for the populist and far-Right movements.

The Sweden Democrats  which started as a white supremacist party before sanitising its image  became the countrys third-largest party in 2014, and topped opinion polls last year.

Italy, Holland, Austria and other countries also have significant Eurosceptic followings, forming a wave of cynicism towards the EU and its cosseted elites

Collapse: MEPs Marco Zanni and Peter Lundgren claimed today that the European Union will now crumble

Panic: European Parliament President Martin Schultz, right, meets with presidents of political parties at the European Parliament in Brussels today amid deep shock over the Brexit result

European Council President Donald Tusk briefs the media after Britain voted to leave the European Union. Meanwhile Beatrix von Storch, right, said it was only a matter of time before the European Project fell apart

HOW BREXIT CONTAGION COULD SPREAD SWEDEN: Polls have consistently shown that a majority of Swedes wish to stay in the EU. However, when considering a Europe without Britain, surveys produce a very different result, with at least one poll showing more Swedes determined to enact a 'Swexit'. FRANCE: On Tuesday, Marine Le Pen, the leader of the Front National, called for a French referendum modelled on the British vote. I would vote for Brexit, even if I think that France has 1,000 more reasons to leave than the UK, she said, referring to the EU as decaying. With French elections approaching, the issue is likely to become more contentious than ever. ITALY: Earlier this month, the populist Five Star movement vowed it would demand a referendum on membership of the Euro, which would lead to a full-scale vote on EU membership. Beppe Grillo, the partys leader, said: The mere fact that a country like Great Britain is holding a referendum on whether to leave the EU signals the failure of the EU. NETHERLANDS: According to the latest polls, most voters are in favour of a referendum on EU membership, with far-Right politicians like Geert Wilders agitating for a 'Nexit'. In the aftermath of the Brexit decision, his will be a difficult demand for the Dutch government to ignore. Advertisement

In France, the Front National is now finishing first in elections, and in Germany, Alternative Fur Deutschland has more than 20,000 members.

Italy, Holland, Austria and other countries also have significant Eurosceptic followings, forming a wave of cynicism towards the EU and its cosseted elites.

Britain's vote to leave will be seen as a huge boost for the Eurosceptics and populists, who have long argued that the Brussels elite are out of touch with the will of the people. Among them are inevitably a number of far-Right parties.

Our support is growing all over Europe,' Lundgren said. 'The EU cannot survive. It is too undemocratic, corruption is too high, the Eurocrats ambition is too much, there is too much money in the gravy train.

It makes ordinary people raving mad. People are gradually realising whats going on. Britain has now started the process, and Europe will be fully dismantled by another country.

Jeppe Koford, a mainstream Danish politician who leads the Social Democrats in the European Parliament, admitted that the EU was in dire straits but thought it was too early to make that judgment.

He said: Its not the UK referendum that could make Europe fall apart. Its the lack of solutions to problems, whether its low wages, high unemployment or the terrorist threat, he said.

These are the main drivers of disintegration, if were not strong enough.

But Beatrix von Storch, an MEP from Germanys Alternative Fur Deutschland, argued that Britains stunning decision would start a process that cant be stopped, and had turned the EU upside down.

Lets not forget that even those who voted to remain didnt like the EU much, she said. Remain campaigners kept repeating the EU is not perfect. They didnt passionately believe in it, they have just been scared into supporting it.

Camerons renegotiation was going towards the Eurosceptic side, showing that even the people who are too scared to vote to leave the EU want less of it.

MEPs predict Brexit is the 'beginning of the end' and several countries will follow suit and hold a referendum, including Sweden, Germany and Italy

Cash crash: The FTSE opened 8 per cent down today as traders ran in fright from the shock Brexit result. Above, a trader sits in front of his screens, one which displays the rate of the British pound which drops against the US dollar

The EU's failure to find solutions to the economic crisis, migration crisis and security crisis have all been blamed for the growing mistrust in Brussels

This, she said, reflected a Europe-wide disaffection with the EU that is growing year by year. The process of the end has begun, she said. Something has been started in Europe, and it cannot be stopped. Once one country is out, Europe will fall.

Lundgren and von Storch are part of the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy bloc, a populist grouping in the European Parliament containing many Ukip MEPs, including Nigel Farage.

Their analysis was questioned by the anti-extremism expert Vidhya Ramalingham, fellow at the German Institute on Radicalisation and De-Radicalisation Studies and Director of Moonshot CVE.

Its an apocalyptic scenario which may not come about, she said. It plays into the narrative that they are trying to promote. Its fear mongering.

She argued that the assumption that Europe would fall in response to Brexit was simply a way to sow division inside the EU. 'It suits the Eurosceptic parties to make as much of it as possible,' she said. 'But the EU is stronger than that.'

Vote Leave supporters celebrate as a landslide victory in Sunderland points to final result - a win for Brexit

Cheers: Brexit supporters can't contain their excitement as Britain votes Leave and triggers calls for a wave of similar referendums across Europe

Shock: The Remain camp is distraught as Brexit voters outnumber Remain by more than a million

But Marco Zanni, an Italian MEP from the Five Star movement who is also a member of the bloc, said that there were good reasons to predict the downfall of the EU.

He told MailOnline that the EU is facing 'three crises at once': the economic crisis, which has seen a bailout of Greece and deleterious growth across southern European countries; the migration crisis, which has caused the de facto suspension of the Schengen arrangement; and the security crisis, in which major attacks in Brussels and Paris have claimed hundreds of lives.

In each and every case, the EU is showing that it cannot solve these problems. It simply does not have the solutions, and people are getting fed up with it,' he said.

In Italy, polls show disaffection with the EU skyrocketing. The majority is still in favour, but it is close to 50-50.

Italians are already agitating for a referendum. Last year, two hundred thousand Italians signed a petition demanding a referendum on our membership of the Euro, but it wasnt granted.

The British referendum has given Italians an ambition to have a referendum as well.

There will be too much tension to hold the EU together. It will collapse within the next 10 years.

In France, the far-right National Front celebrated a Brexit Victory and said it threatened the disintegration of the entire European project.

Marine Le Pen, the National Front (FN) leader, said the historic European Union vote was a clear indication the 28-nation bloc was decaying.

Calling for a referendum in her own country, and anticipating other exits across the EU, she said: Victory for liberty!

As Ive asked for many years, it is now necessary to have the same referendum in France and in the European Union.

Marion Marechal-Le Pen, another member of the Le Pen dynasty and an FN MP, also tweeted Victory!

What now: MEPs said disaffection with the EU was 'skyrocketing'

The Le Pens, including the convicted racist and anti-Semite MEP and party founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, are fiercely anti-Europe.

They view an end to the EU as the best way of implementing their anti-immigration and anti-globalisation agenda.

Other parties in France, including the governing Socialists, were overwhelmingly shocked and saddened by the result.

President Francois Hollande had made it clear that a leave vote was irreversible, and that there will now be extremely serious consequences for the UK.

Under the headline The Immediate consequences for Britons, LExpress said the millions who visit France from the UK every year would now need a visa.

Holidays on the continent will also be more expensive, and expats including retired people living in France will see agreements on their health treatment and other benefits scrapped.

Thousands of French people living and working in the UK will be reassessing their futures, along with Britons based in France.

LExpress also warned of more frontiers going up around Europe, including one between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Newspapers like Le Monde, meanwhile, highlighted the collapse of Sterling and panic in the markets.

It described a deeply divided Britain, with large differences between the old and the young.

Le Monde adds: The focus on immigration, which has risen sharply, could accentuate the fractures in a country, also marked by a widening gap in wealth between the poor and the wealthy.

Le Point also warned of a domino effect, saying the terrible blow to the European project and the prime minister, David Cameron would have lasting negative effects.
Two men ambushed a backyard cookout near Pittsburgh, killing a pregnant woman, her 8-month-old fetus and four other adults, because they wanted retribution for the 2013 slaying of a friend, authorities said.

And witnesses in the jail they've been locked up in allege one of them wanted to kill the victims' relatives at their funerals.

Cheron Shelton, 29, and Robert Thomas, 27, have each been charged with six counts of criminal homicide for the March 9 ambush in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. announced Thursday.

Cheron Shelton (left), 29, and Robert Thomas (right), 27, have each been charged with six counts of criminal homicide for the March 9 ambush in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. announced Thursday

Thomas fired 18 shots from a .40-caliber pistol into about 15 partygoers, prompting them to run toward a rear porch, Zappala said. That's where Shelton, hiding behind a fence, peppered them from five feet away with 30 shots from a rifle similar to an AK-47, killing the victims, Zappala said.

Shelton blamed Lamont Powell, one of three people wounded, for killing his best friend three years ago, Zappala said. Nobody's been charged in the 2013 killing, though police have called Powell a suspect.

Two unnamed jailhouse witnesses, who spoke with the suspects after they were taken into custody on unrelated charges weeks after the shooting, described Shelton's alleged bloodlust, according to criminal complaints.

One of the witnesses said Thomas indicated Shelton wanted to shoot more people at the cookout victims' funerals, but Thomas claimed to have talked him out of it.

'I'm trying to treat them like the Jews; I'm trying to eliminate their whole blood lines,' Thomas told the witness, quoting Shelton's intentions, according to police.

A second witness said Shelton 'told him he was 'hitting them' with the 'chopper''  street slang for an AK-47  'and that he wanted everyone gone,' investigators said.

Thomas also expressed remorse to the witness, authorities said. The witness quoted Thomas saying: 'Yeah, it's killing me, crushing me every day. I'm trying not to think about it. I'm trying not to become a vegetable.'

Robert Thomas is escorted from the Allegheny County Police headquarters in Pittsburgh on Thursday

Cheron Shelton is escorted from the Allegheny County Police headquarters in Pittsburgh. Authorities have charged Shelton and Robert Thomas with multiple counts of criminal homicide

Thomas' attorney, Casey White, said he wouldn't comment on the accusations until after he reads the complaint and talks to his client.

He and Shelton's lawyer previously said their clients were innocent.

Earlier this week, the men's attorneys attempted to get Shelton and Thomas out of jail, claiming both were unfairly being kept in solitary confinement to 'squeeze' them for information on killings they knew nothing about.

The slain victims were Brittany Powell, 27, who was renting the home and living there with her child, and her siblings: Chanetta Powell, the 25-year-old pregnant woman, and Jerry Shelton, 35. The county medical examiner ruled Chanetta Powell's unborn son died because of her death. The others killed were the siblings' cousin, Tina Shelton, 37, and their friend, Shada Mahone, 26.

Cheron Shelton is not related to the victims and planned the shootings with Thomas after a friend called to tell them a Facebook post indicated Lamont Powell was at the cookout, police said.

'Nobody else was involved in this. They planned it. They carried it out,' Zappala said of the two suspects.

Police said they also have surveillance video from about 25 minutes before the shootings showing Shelton in a car after carrying a long, slender object. They say other video from a nearby home shows the same car turning onto the street where the shooting occurred minutes later. Police said they also have information from 31 calls or text messages between Shelton and Thomas' cellphones that night, but didn't release details.

Both men are also charged with six counts of aggravated assault and reckless endangerment for the three others wounded, and three children in the house but unharmed when bullets pierced its walls. They are also charged with criminal conspiracy.

Police haven't found either weapon, but they believe Shelton gave someone instructions to dispose of the rifle using hand signals during a recorded jailhouse visit.

They said Thomas also told one witness he had ditched his gun.
These photos from a 2012 study show A) an adult female A. borealis or 'zombie fly', B) a 'zombie fly' on a worker honey bee, and C) two fly larvae exiting a worker honey bee's body

The mysterious 'zombie bee' parasite that kills honeybees has reached the southern United States after scientists confirmed a case in Virginia about an hour outside Roanoke, researchers announced this week.

The discovery suggests the phenomenon is more widespread than previously thought, although researchers still know little about how many bees it actually kills.

Flies attach themselves to the bees and inject their eggs, causing erratic 'zombie-like' behavior in the bees such as flying at night and toward light.

The bees often die within hours. Fly larvae burst out of their carcasses days later.

The phenomenon was first discovered in California in 2008 and has spread to states including Oregon, South Dakota and New York.

But even as 'zombie bees' reach the South, scientists still don't know what role they might play in the pollinator's alarming decline.

'We're trying to answer some of these questions about how important this is,' said John Hafernik, a biology professor at San Francisco State University who studies 'zombie bees'.

'We don't know whether it's a major player in honeybee decline or a minor actor in a B-movie.'

Honeybees contribute billions of dollars to the US agriculture industry.

They already fall prey to mites, viruses and Colony Collapse Disorder, a phenomenon in which worker bees disappear or abandon their hives.

Hafernik said he turned to the nation's beekeepers to lookout for 'zombie bees' and report any noticeable patterns.

One of them is Lynn Berry, 50, of Collinsville, Virginia, a receiving manager at a mattress and pillow factory who keeps bees as a hobby with his wife and mother-in-law.

Berry learned about 'zombie bees' from presentations at local bee clubs. And some of his bees did indeed hover at night around an outdoor garage light before dying.

He put the carcasses in a jar covered with cheese cloth.

After maggots emerged days later, he contacted scientists in California, who confirmed that Berry had discovered Virginia's first case.

'My concern is what is going to happen as this spreads more and more,' Berry said. 'At this point it's kind of sporadic and here and there. But everything starts somewhere. Bees have enough issues as it is.'

In the meantime, like-minded beekeepers across the country are collecting dead bee samples.

But Richard Fell, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech's entomology department, said he's not alarmed yet.

For instance, he said, there are flies in other parts of the world that have similarly killed bees without a severe impact on the population.

'At this point, I'm not worried,' Fell said. 'We don't have enough data to make any kind of conclusion.'
A Virginia school board must allow a transgender teen to use the boys restroom while the court considers the legal issues of his case, a federal district judge ruled Thursday.

US District Court Judge Robert G. Doumar's order directs the Gloucester County School board to let Gavin Grimm use the bathroom that corresponds to his gender identity when he returns for his senior year of high school this fall.

Grimm said Thursday that he's elated to be able to attend his last year of high school with his 'full rights restored.'

US District Court Judge Robert G. Doumar ruled Thursday that the Gloucester County School Board must allow Gavin Grimm to use the bathroom that matches his gender identity while the case is being litigated in court (August 2015 photo)

'After nearly two years of humiliation and intense struggle, equality has finally prevailed,' Grimm said in a statement. 'Now hopefully other transgender people will not have to face this type of discrimination.'

The order comes after the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in April that the school board's policy barring Grimm from using the boys restroom violated Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination in schools.

The appeals court said Doumar, the judge who previously rejected Grimm's discrimination claim, ignored a US Department of Education rule that transgender students in public schools must be allowed to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity. The court reinstated Grimm's Title IX claim and sent it back to the federal court for further consideration.

The school board has said it plans to ask the US Supreme Court to review the appeals court decision, arguing that it imperils the privacy rights of all students. The appeals court recently rejected a bid by the school board to stay its ruling until the high court hears the case, allowing the case to proceed at the federal level.

'After nearly two years of humiliation and intense struggle, equality has finally prevailed,' Grimm said in a statement. 'Now hopefully other transgender people will not have to face this type of discrimination'

The school board has said it plans to ask the US Supreme Court to review the appeals court decision, arguing that it imperils the privacy rights of all students

Josh Block, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union who's representing Grimm, said it was clear after the 4th Circuit's ruling that Grimm 'would ultimately prevail in court.'

'This preliminary injunction makes sure that Gavin's legal victory has a real impact on his life while he is still at school,' Block said in a statement.

An attorney for the school board didn't immediately return a message left at his office Thursday.
An Australian man who escaped a kidnapping in Nigeria hid underneath his car to allude his attackers.

Perth mechanic Tim Croot, 24, managed to escape with a Nigerian driver from the early morning ambush that saw Australians Peter Zoutenbier, Jack Couranz and Mark Gabbedy kidnapped.

New Zealander Jamal Khan, South African Wayne Smith and Nigerian Austin Adise are also missing.

Mr Croot, who had army reserve training, took shelter underneath a car and the attackers were unable to spot him in the dim light of the early morning, The West Australian reported.

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Australian Tim Croot (pictured) who escaped a kidnapping in Nigeria hid underneath his car to allude his attackers

Another Australian Mark Gabbedy was kidnapped and still missing in Nigeria on Wednesday. Mr Croot managed to escape with a Nigerian driver

Australians Jack Couranz (left) and Peter Zoutenbier (right) were also kidnapped in the ambush and remain missing

Following his escape, the 24-year-old phoned his parents on Wednesday night.

He assured them he was okay and told his mother, Leanne: 'Don't stress, mum,' according to The Australian.

Mr Croot is being assisted by consular officials in Nigeria.

The four-car convoy was ambushed on a roadside in the country's south-east, outside the city of Calabar in the Akpabuyo district, about 5.30am local time on Wednesday.

One of the cars believed to be involved in the ambush on Wednesday outside the city of Calabar in the Akpabuyo district

The men work for West Australian mining company Macmahon Holdings which is contracted to cement company Lafarge Africa.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed to AAP three Australian citizens and one resident were among the group kidnapped.

Jack Couranz is believed to be a reliability engineer, Mark Gabbedy is a project manager at Macmahon, Tim Croot is a heavy diesel mechanic and Peter Zoutenbier is a senior maintenance planner.

It is thought the group was on their way to work when they were ambushed near a bridge crossing.

The workers were being escorted by a security truck with four armed policemen when they were attacked by the gunmen, with the police reportedly unable to do anything while the attack lasted.

According to local media, a group of militants ambushed the contractors before opening fire and killing the driver on the spot.

The kidnappers fled with the hostages in a waiting boat hidden under the nearby Idundu Bridge.

'One of the expatriates hid under the vehicle and they didn't see him because it was still a bit dark,' an unnamed witness told Vanguard.

'They also took one of the drivers ... then one supervisor and three white guys and it was like they had a boat by the beach already waiting for them.'

Irene Ugbo, a spokeswoman for Cross River state police, said the kidnappers had not contacted police.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop said the Australian Government was working of firming up details of the ambush.

They were attacked on the outskirts of the city of Calabar at around 5.30am local time on Wednesday

The men, who work for Macmahon Holdings, were contractors for cement company Lafarge Africa

'The Australian Government is in close contact with the Nigerian Government, which is taking the matter extremely seriously,' she said.

The family of Peter Zoutenbier said they were shocked by what had happened.

Mr Zoutenbiers sister-in-law, Tracy Zoutenbier, said it was a 'real concern' the group of kidnappers had already killed someone.

'We just want to do everything we can to get these guys home safe to all their families,' she said.

Lafarge Africa said it had been informed of the incident by Australian contractor Macmahon Holdings.

'Macmahon is working with the security agencies to resolve this situation,' said Viola Graham-Douglas, a spokeswoman for Lafarge Africa.

A statement from Macmahon Holdings said the company was 'working to ensure the safe return of all the men involved and are in communication with their families'.

Nigerian publication Today said police were working to ensure the victims were released unharmed.
He heard the call come over the radio and raced home but Sam was dead

The paramedic was on an emergency call out of town when his son died

Paramedic Pete Keach, 36, was attending an emergency an hour away from home when his little boy died in his sleep.

'I heard the call come over the radio and I knew that if it wasn't Sam it would be one of the kids from the mother's group,' Mr Keach, from Rye, Victoria, told Daily Mail Australia.

When he flicked his radio to the clinician's channel his worst nightmare came to life: 'Yes Pete, it's your address.'

He had only been away from home for 45 minutes and his whole world had changed.

Pete and Georgie Keach with their son Sam before he died from SIDS in his cot at home in Victoria

The baby boy died when his dad was on an emergency call-out an hour away in the small town's local ambulance

Mr Keach's wife Georgie, 37, had called for an ambulance after their little boy Sam was found lifeless in his cot. He died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The Paramedic will never be able to forget the moments after he first heard the emergency ring out over the radio.

'I tried to call Georgie but the home phone wasn't answering.

'So I tried to call the mobile, it was engaged so I just hoped Georgie was talking to her sister.

'But I found out later she was on the phone to the 000 call centre.'

When he couldn't get on to his wife he contacted despatch which is when he found out the call had been made from his address.

He immediately arranged to meet another ambulance so the paramedic on board could take over the care of the patient in his care, so he could get home to his family.

The Keach family with their Red noses for Red Nose Day which is a fundraiser for the SIDS charity

By 10pm he was pulling in to his street.

'It sounds a bit cliche but it was a dark, windy, rainy night,' Mr Keach said.

'I turned the corner and saw three ambulances; their lights lighting up my street like a Christmas tree.

'My ambulance made a total of four.

'I saw my neighbour and father in-law on the deck, by this time I knew the outcome and I could tell they did too.

'When I went into the house I walked past three of my colleagues who had attempted to resuscitate Sam.

'I found Georgie in Sam's room with her mother. We sat there and cuddled him and kissed him.

'He never liked kisses and cuddles much but when he was dead we could give him as many as we wanted and he couldn't squirm away from us.'

Mrs Keach had been sure Sam was dead before she called the ambulance, but wanted to make sure she did everything in her power not to let her first and only child die.

This tragic series of events occurred in June 2012.

Since then the couple have had two girls, Lucy, 1 and Anna, 2 and have learnt a lot about how to prevent SIDS, only relaxing a little when Anna passed the 21-month-mark.

Since Sam's death Georgie, pictured, and Pete have had two more children, Anna, 2, pictured left and Lucy, 1 pictured right

In the past year the paramedic attended his first SIDS call-out since Sam's death.

Attending that incident finally helped Mr Keach see what had happened the night of his own baby's death.

'The way the mother reacted and presented put the whole picture together for me,' he said.

'The family was in shock it was literally like they were having a bad dream and thought they would wake up soon only to realise they were already awake.

He says he wasn't affected by the call-out until he was able to reflect on it when he left the hospital.

'You are in clinical mode when you are on the scene but after I left the hospital I could see parts of the story which were similar,' he said.

Since that call out the couple have decided to be vocal about the SIDS charity.

An organisation which works to save the lives of infants by providing education to parents and funding to SIDS research.

Pete, right, and Sam, left used to go for rides together before the young boy died suddenly in his cot

The couple consider the mum's and dad's involved in Sam's playgroup as a child as some of their best friends but admit it is hard seeing their children grow up.

'We couldn't wait to send Sam to school, not to get rid of him, but to see him with the backpack and the uniform walking down the street and making new friends.

'We won't be able to see that, he would have been going to school this year which is really hard for us.

'My dream was to be in the playground and over hear someone say 'gee that Sam Keach is a well-mannered boy'.'

SIDS charity also helps parents of stillborn babies.

Mr Keach says he still considers himself to be the father of three children when people ask.

Friday is Red Nose Day in Australia. It is the SIDS charity's major fundraising and awareness day.

Mrs Keach has a stall at the local shopping centre to help 'give back to the SIDS charity'.
The commodore in charge of the U.S. Navy boats that strayed into Iranian waters leading to capture of 10 American sailors on board will be relieved of command.

Capt. Kyle Moses, commodore of Commander Task Force (CTF) 56, who was responsible for the boats and the crew on board, will be removed from his position in a move that will likely end his career, according to Fox News.

His crew were aboard two patrol craft on January 12 and due to a 'multitude of errors' were detained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) when they inadvertently entered Iranian territorial waters.

The nine men and one woman were released the next day after being held for about 15 hours.

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Capt. Kyle Moses (pictured right), the commodore in charge of the U.S. Navy boats that strayed into Iranian waters leading to capture of 10 American sailors on board, will be relieved of command

The 10 sailors were detained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) when they inadvertently entered Iranian territorial waters on January 12

United States Navy officials are reviewing potential punishments against the American sailors and are close to a decision, a Navy official said on Thursday.

Findings of the five-month long investigation will be presented by Admiral John Richardson, the chief of U.S. Naval Operations, at a briefing in the Pentagon on June 30.

Richardson will give more details on the incident, the official said.

If any punishments will have been decided by then, they will be announced by Richardson, the official added.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the investigation also found the incident was caused by communication failures and not enough oversight and training.

'The investigation is complete, and is being referred to appropriate commands for adjudication,' said U.S. Navy spokesman Commander Mike Kafka.

In May, the U.S. Navy said it had fired the commander of the 10 American sailors.

At the time, a Navy statement said that it had lost confidence in Commander Eric Rasch, who was the executive officer of the coastal riverine squadron and responsible for the training of the more than 400 sailors in the unit.

The Navy said he had been temporarily reassigned to a new role.

In May, the U.S. Navy said it fired Cmdr. Eric Rasch (left and right), the executive officer of the squadron

The sailors were detained after their boat drifted into Iranian waters off Farsi Island, an outpost in the middle of the Persian Gulf that has been used as a base for Revolutionary Guard speedboats since the 1980s, hours after they left Kuwait for Bahrain.

The crew on board the boats were inexperienced, running late and were captured after a 'multitude of errors,' defense officials told Fox News.

The sailors were on two small armed vessels, known as riverine command boats, on a 300-mile journey from Kuwait to Bahrain, where the Navy's 5th Fleet is located.

Though the sailors were held for less than 24 hours, the incident was a major embarrassment for the U.S. Navy and President Barack Obama.

It raised tensions between the U.S. and Iran because of embarrassing images Iran published of the soldiers kneeling with their hands on their heads, which were broadcast on Iran's state TV and then sent around the world.

In footage broadcast on Iranian state television, one sailor was filmed apologizing to Iran.

'It was a mistake. That was our fault. And we apologize for our mistake,' he said.

It caused political uproar, too, coming on the day of President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address - and months after the signing of a deal with Iran to curb its nuclear program in exchange for relief from financial penalties.

In footage broadcast on Iranian state television, one sailor was filmed apologizing to Iran. 'It was a mistake. That was our fault. And we apologize for our mistake,' he said

The nine men and one woman were released the next day after being held for about 15 hours

The United States carefully avoided escalating the situation, maintaining a conciliatory tone with Tehran days ahead of the implementation of a historic international deal over Iran's nuclear program.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the sailors made a navigational error and went off course.

An initial account said the 'planned transit path for the mission was down the middle of the Gulf and not through the territorial waters of any country other than Kuwait and Bahrain.'

That account said the crew stopped when a diesel engine in one of the boats appeared to have a mechanical issue. The second boat also stopped.

At this point they were in Iranian territorial waters, 'although it's not clear the crew was aware of their exact location,' the report said.

While the boats were stopped and the crew was trying to assess the mechanical problem, two small Iranian craft carrying armed personnel approached.

Soon after, they were joined by two more Iranian military vessels. A verbal exchange ensued between the Iranians and Americans, but there was no gunfire.

The sailors had been scheduled to meet up with a U.S. Coast Guard ship, the Monomoy, in international waters to refuel.

The sailors were aboard two patrol craft (above) and due to a 'multitude of errors' were detained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps when they inadvertently entered Iranian territorial waters

But about 10 minutes before the refueling was supposed to take place, the Navy headquarters in Bahrain got a report that Iranians were questioning the crew members.

Soon afterward, the Navy lost communications with the boats.

The Navy launched a large-scale search-and-rescue mission, but it is not clear whether the Americans had already been taken ashore on Farsi Island. The Iranians eventually told the U.S. that the 10 sailors were safe and healthy.

Secretary of State John Kerry, in a series of phone calls, used the personal relationship he has formed with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to work out the crews' release.
Up to a quarter of Britons will leave a bigger tip if the waiter or waitress is attractive  and the smile counts the most, a survey reveals.

While everyone values good service, 23 per cent of diners will leave a bit extra if the person has a nice smile.

And they are more likely to dig deeper as a result of a bit of harmless flirting than if the waiter or waitress is sexy, said the survey of 1,000 adults by money saving site Voucherbox.

Up to a quarter of Britons will leave a bigger tip if the waiter or waitress is attractive  and the smile counts the most, a survey reveals (file image)

While 16 per cent will leave more if the person serving has flirted with them, only 14 per cent hand over extra to someone with an attractive figure.

Nice eyes are enough for 11 per cent to open their wallet, nice hair does it for 8 per cent and 10 per cent said they would leave a bigger gratuity if the person 'smelled nice'.

But four in ten would leave nothing if confronted with body odour. Dirty fingernails, greasy hair and scruffiness would also get a smaller tip, or none.

While 16 per cent will leave more if the person serving has flirted with them, only 14 per cent hand over extra to someone with an attractive figure (file image)

A spokesman for Voucherbox, said: 'Only a minority of Britons admitted to tipping more money if they found the waiter or waitress attractive.

'But it is still a significant number. Interestingly a nice smile was much more important than an attractive build or figure when it came to persuading diners to part with their hard earned cash.
A man has been charged with a string of drug offences after neighbours contacted police to allege children as young as 13 were visiting his home before school and leaving with packages.

Police searched a 57-year-old man's home in Dwellingup, 100km south of Perth, on June 9 to investigate the possible illicit drug activity taking place at the property.

They found and seized two hydroponic setups containing 37 cannabis plants, about 10 grams of cannabis and drug paraphernalia.

Police raided a home on McLarty Street (pictured) in Dwellingup, about 100km south of Perth

The 57-year-old was charged with Cultivate Prohibited Plan with Intent to Sell/Supply and Possess Prohibited Drug.

He will face Mandurah Magistrates Court on Friday July 1.

Due to the large amounts of cannabis found, proceeds of crime officers are investigating the possibility of assets obtained as a result of the sale of drugs.

Dwellingup Police received information from concerned members of the community alleging that children as young as 13 years of age were attending a local residence before school and exiting with packages.

The raid came after neighbours reported children as young as 13 visiting the house before school and leaving with packages (stock photo)
A woman who travels Europe inviting complete strangers to touch her genitals as an 'expression of art' was arrested in Trafalgar Square.

Performance artist Milo Moire had been in London promoting her 'Mirror Box' show - in which she offers members of the public the chance to feel breasts or genitals for thirty seconds.

But she was arrested by police following a complaint from a passer-by clearly unimpressed with her routine.

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A woman who travels Europe inviting complete strangers to touch her genitals as an 'expression of art' was arrested in Trafalgar Square

Performance artist Milo Moire had been in London promoting her 'Mirror Box' show - in which she offers members of the public the chance to feel breasts or genitals for thirty seconds

And this is not the first time the controversial Swiss artist has fallen foul of the law.

On previous occasions, the artist's antics have seen her walk around a museum carrying a baby, pose for selfies with tourists in front of the Eiffel Tower, and protesting in Cologne - all while naked.

She was arrested today in one of London's most famous landmarks after inviting strangers to fondle her genitals.

The concept of her routine - which she has also taken to Dusseldorf and Amsterdam - was to promote women's rights not to be touched.

The concept of her routine - which she has also taken to Dusseldorf and Amsterdam - was to promote women's rights not to be touched

But she was arrested by police following a complaint from a passer-by clearly unimpressed with her routine

She offers people over the age of 18 the opportunity to touch her breasts or genitals while she uses a stopwatch to time them.

Ms Moire told the Mirror Online police warned her she was breaking the law, before arresting her and taking her to court.

She added other countries in Europe had a more liberal and accepting approach to her 'show'.

'In Amsterdam it was very different - they are more free towards sexuality,' she said.

Both men and woman are invited to participate in her act, which she says is to highlight 'women's rights, sexual self-determination'

She offers people over the age of 18 the opportunity to touch her breasts or genitals while she uses a stopwatch to time them

She added other countries in Europe had a more liberal and accepting approach to her 'show'. 'In Amsterdam it was very different - they are more free towards sexuality,' she said

She adds: 'Women have a sexuality, just like men have one. 'However, women decide for themselves when and how they want to be touched and when they don't'

'But in London it was more strict - too strict I think. They don't understand this form of performance.'

She also said her audience in London were 'very interested': 'Then some mothers called the police I think because they felt offended.

'It won't stop me. It is a risk, but it is a risk I am willing to take.'

Both men and woman are invited to participate in her act, which she says is to highlight 'women's rights, sexual self-determination'.

She adds: 'Women have a sexuality, just like men have one.

'However, women decide for themselves when and how they want to be touched and when they don't.'

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called to Trafalgar Square on Sunday evening following a complaint from a member of the public, adding a woman had been charged with outraging public decency.

She appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty.

She was fined 750, and ordered to pay 85 costs and a victim surcharge of 75.

'But in London it was more strict... They don't understand this form of performance.' She also said her audience in London were 'very interested': 'Some mothers called the police I think because they felt offended'

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called following a complaint from a member of the public, adding a woman had been charged with outraging public decency

In January this year, Ms Moire held a sign reading: 'Respect us! We are no fair game even when we are naked!!!' as she staged a protest naked in front of Cologne cathedral.

In July last year, the artist was arrested while posing for naked selfies with tourists in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Police told Ms Moire to put her clothes on and she spent the night in prison in Paris for public indecency.

And in February 2015, red-faced visitors were left stunned as the brunette sauntered around the LWL Museum for Art and Culture in the town of Munster in north-west Germany as part of her 'Naked Life' exhibition, which saw her stripping off to express her art.

Milo Moire was arrested in London following a complaint from a member of the public. The artist is pictured one year ago, when she spent the night in jail after taking naked selfies with tourists in Paris

The Swiss performance artist caused a stir in 2015 when she walked around a museum naked, while carrying a baby

Visitors were left stunned when Moire sauntered around the LWL Museum for Art and Culture in the town of Munster in northwest Germany as part of her Naked Life exhibition

In July last year, the artist was arrested while posing for naked selfies with tourists in front of the Eiffel Tower

Police told Ms Moire to put her clothes on and she spent the night in prison in Paris for public indecency in 2015
Donald Trump sleep-walked back his remark that Hillary Clinton was 'asleep' during the attack on the U.S. compound in Benghazi Libya in 2012, saying whether Clinton was snoozing or not she was 'asleep at the wheel.'

He modified his comment a handful of times, saying Clinton 'might have been sleeping' and that the attack went on for 'a long time.'

Trump got a wake up call about his comment in an appearance on NBC News Thursday, when Lester Holt asked him about his comment during a blistering speech Wednesday.

Trump had said in his anti-Clinton speech that Hillary 'spread death, destruction and terrorism everywhere she touched' as secretary of state.

'Among the victims was our late Ambassador Chris Stevens. I mean what she did with him was absolutely horrible. He was left helpless to die as Hillary Clinton soundly slept in her bed. Thats right. When the phone rang, at 3:00 in the morning, Hillary Clinton was sleeping,' Trump said, in one of the harshest lines of his attack.

Holt asked Trump about the comment, saying that fact-checkers found the attack occurred during the day. Politifact reported that the attack occurred at 3:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time.

'It happened all during the day and it was going on for a long period of time,' Trump responded, as Holt pressed him.

'Excuse me, it was going on for a long period of time,' Trump continued.

Trump made the claims about 'sleeping' Hillary during an attack speech at the Trump Soho Hotel in Manhattan Wednsday

'And she was a sleep at the wheel. Whether she was sleeping or not  who knows if she was sleeping? She might have been sleeping,' Trump continued.

Then he tried to knock down the idea that she was awake because she sent a tweet.

'Why, because she put out a Tweet. Somebody said she put out a tweet therefore she wasnt be sleeping. Nobody else could put out a tweet?'

'I can tell you this, whether she was sleeping or not  and she might have been sleeping  it was a disaster.'

Politifact noted that Clinton put out a statement after 10 pm and emailed her daughter, Chelsea.

That email has caused Clinton trouble in another respect. In the email, where Chelsea used the pseudonym Diane Reynold, Clinton says an 'Al Qaeda-like group' was behind the attack. That email is odds with some of her early public statements that referenced an anti-American video.

In the interview, Trump also said Clinton's controversial private email server was 'hacked.'

'Well first of all, she shouldn't have had a personal server, okay?' Trump said.

'She shouldn't have had it. It's illegal. What she did is illegal. Now she might not be judging that way because, you know, we -- we have a rigged system. But what she did is illegal. She shouldn't have had a personal server,' he added.

Asked for evidence, Trump stumbled.

'I think I read that, and I heard it and somebody,' Trump said.
Nava told authorities other soldiers at Ft. Bliss are involved in the operation and identified the leader of the group as a Private First Class

The men told agents that they were apart of the 377 TC Company at Ft. Bliss and it was their second time smuggling in illegal immigrants for pay

Nava and Cleveland were allegedly trying to smuggle two Mexican citizens in the back seat of the car as they drove into the US

At least two active duty military soldiers out of an Army post in Texas are currently under investigation for an illegal immigrant smuggling operation.

Marco Antonio Nava Jr and Joseph Cleveland, two US soldiers out of the Ft. Bliss Army post in El Paso, were arrested by border patrol officers at Falfurias, Texas Border Patrol Station Checkpoint last Saturday, WOAI reported.

Nava and Cleveland were allegedly trying to smuggle two Mexican citizens in the back seat of the car as they drove into the US.

The men, who were not wearing their uniform at the time of their arrest, told Border Patrol agents that they were apart of the 377 TC Company at Ft. Bliss and that it was their second time smuggling in illegal immigrants for pay.

At least two active duty military soldiers out of Ft. Bliss Army post (above) in El Paso, Texas are currently under investigation for an illegal immigrant smuggling operation

Marco Antonio Nava Jr and Joseph Cleveland, two US soldiers out of the Ft. Bliss Army post in El Paso, were arrested by border patrol officers at Falfurias, Texas Border Patrol Station Checkpoint (above) last Saturday

Nava told authorities during a debriefing that other soldiers at Ft. Bliss are allegedly involved in the smuggling ring and identified the leader of the group as a Private First Class.

It's unclear how long the operation has been going on or exactly how many others are involved at the post, which is the headquarters for El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC), a federal tactical operational intelligence center.

Nava told authorities that about one week before he was caught, the group of soldiers at the Army post smuggled six illegal immigrants through the Falfurrias Checkpoint, WOAI reported.

When officials questioned how they were able to do it, 'Nava stated that all of the aliens were simply sitting inside the vehicles with them,' WOAI reported.

The illegal immigrants were dropped off at a house roughly 30 minutes north of Houston after they were picked up at a trailer.

Nava told officials that each soldier involved in that attempt was paid $1,000 cash.

For the trip that was intercepted by Border Patrol agents on June 18, the men were to be paid $1,500.

In addition, text messages that were exchanged between the six soldier smugglers were reviewed by border agents, WOAI reported.

Homeland Security Investigations is reportedly handling the probe and would not comment about the situation.

The El Paso Intelligence Center at Ft. Bliss was previously involved in the controversial Fast and Furious-related cases when the Justice Department secretly allowed weapons to be trafficked to Mexican drug cartels.
Bernie Sanders told a roaring crowd of supporters Thursday that his campaign is 'just getting started' fighting economic inequality, changing the Democratic Party and bolstering Democrats running for Congress.

Speaking to a packed hall in Manhattan, Sanders took something of a victory lap as he reviewed the states he won and the fact that many young people flocked to his campaign over presumptive Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's.

He did not mention her name, let alone endorse her as leading Democrats have urged.

'Our goal from day one has been to transform this nation and that is the fight we are going to continue,' Sanders, his voice hoarse, told supporters who packed a venue called The Town Hall near Times Square.

'We have got to make sure that (Republican presidential candidate Donald) Trump is not president. But that is not good enough.'

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Bernie Sanders told a roaring crowd of supporters Thursday that his campaign is 'just getting started' fighting economic inequality, changing the Democratic Party and bolstering Democrats running for Congress

Sanders urged his supporters to keep fighting inequality and insisting on 'forcing open the door' of the Democratic Party to allow working Americans, not political elites, to run it

The independent senator got standing ovations as he reviewed his campaign positions, from free health care and college tuition to campaign finance reform.

Sanders urged his supporters to keep fighting inequality and insisting on 'forcing open the door' of the Democratic Party to allow working Americans, not political elites, to run it.

That was a not-subtle swipe at a party he complained rigged the nominating system in Clinton's favor.

Clinton earlier this month clinched the delegates required to carry the Democrats' banner against Trump. And Sanders this week acknowledged that he would not be the nominee.

Sanders supporters, who lined up for several blocks in advance of the speech, were not eager to hear him endorse Clinton.

Judi Gardner, of Huntington, New York, waited more than five hours. She's an elected delegate to the Democratic National Convention, and she's sticking with him through the event.

'The political revolution is continuing,' Gardner, 69, said. 'This will not end here.'

Steve Favilla, 36, was concerned while he waited in line that the hall might fill up before he got in.

Supporters react as Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., takes the stage before an address in New York on Thursday

A man is seen in New York City on Thursday with a Bernie Sanders puppet

'I want the media to see the thousands of people who are out here knowing we won't get in and still showing our support for Bernie,' Favilla, an electrician from Queens, said.

Sanders has been signaling the transition of his movement from a presidential run to one aimed at bolstering likeminded Democratic candidates for Congress and offices up and down the ballot.

He was traveling to Syracuse, New York, on Friday to hold a rally with congressional candidate Eric Kingson, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in next Tuesday's primary to challenge Republican Rep. John Katko.

Sanders has raised about $2.5million for congressional and legislative candidates in recent weeks, sending out fundraising emails on behalf of liberals who could further Sanders' message.

The Vermont senator has raised about $300,000 for both former Sen. Russ Feingold, who is trying to win back his old seat in Wisconsin, and Florida congressional candidate Tim Canova, who is challenging Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who represents a Fort Lauderdale-area district.

Sanders has raised about $2.5million for congressional and legislative candidates in recent weeks, sending out fundraising emails on behalf of liberals who could further Sanders' message
Wiping my forehead, I made a decision: I wasnt going to endure the almost unbearable heat or the sharp incline. I wasnt going to climb back up that mountain path. Instead, I was going to ride a donkey  yep, a donkey.

I am doing a pilgrimage in Israel for 10 days with the University of Mary. And in my column next week, I am going to write about the spiritual side of the pilgrimage, which is wonderful and life-changing, and really why I am here. But this week, I want to write about the adventures I have encountered so far.

We hiked down to a monastery that was built into the mountain near the Valley of the Shadow of Death. It was a nice climb going down, and we even encountered Bedouins, a nomadic people. They were selling jewelry left and right, and some were even giving donkey rides. At the bottom, I looked up (and up and up) and realized that I really wanted to ride a donkey. So, my nomadic guide hefted me on top of his donkey, and I rode it up, leaning on the Bedouins shoulder so I wouldnt fall off. It was an experience I will never forget.

Another adventurous part of this trip happened at the Dead Sea. Now, many people traveling to Israel go to this place, but I am so glad I hopped into this body of water. We made a little spa afternoon, rubbing mud all over our bodies, then rinsing it off to find that our skin looked fantastic -- though Im not sure it looked 10 years younger. Sipping a raspberry vodka drink at the lowest bar in the world, I was reminded of the heat as we checked the temperature: 118 degrees.

I also got to try St. Peters fish, which is tilapia from the Sea of Galilee. As the plate was placed on the table, I saw the eyes of the fish staring back at me, its tail and head still attached. The fish was delicate and flaky, not overly fishy. We were told the best way to eat the fish is by hand, so I pulled apart my fish the way Jesus and his disciples might have. I wasnt adventurous enough to eat the eyeballs, though.

This land is full of adventure and uniqueness: I have eaten falafel and shawarma, swum in the Sea of Galilee while watching the full moon rise, and had a minute-and-a-half camel ride after getting help from shopkeepers for my random bloody nose. I have made wonderful friends and lasting memories.

This small country is home to many diverse topographies, politics and policies as well as cultures. My time here has been an adventure, and Im excited to be a part of it.
A flightless bird which is native to Australia has been pictured fleeing raging wildfires 10,000km away in California.

The emu was snapped running down the middle of a highway in Potrero, California, while firefighters battled a blaze in the background.

Emus are only found in the wild in Australia and the sighting of the bird has led many to speculate on how it might have arrived in the United States.

A singed emu flees from raging wildfires in the Californian town of Potrero near the American-Mexican border

The bird, native to Australia, bolts down a highway in Potrero as firefighters battle the blaze in the background

The town of Potrero, near the American-Mexican border, is under threat from two raging wildfires which have already forced thousands of residents to evacuate the area.

A singed emu was seen bolting down a road in Potrero as it also fled the fires.

Photographer Mike Blake snapped the image and told The Guardian: 'It all happened in a few seconds.

'The emu zooms past me as I zoomed out with my lens, I spun and followed him around as he headed off into a field away from the flames.'

The next day Mr Blake saw the emu again, this time being led to safety by state wildlife officers.

Two raging fires are threatening the Californian town of Potrero, near the American-Mexican border

Photographer Mike Blake said: 'It just zoomed past me. I spun around and saw him heading into a field away from the flames'

The two most likely explanations for the emu is that it is a pet or that it escaped from one of the few remaining emu farms in operation nearby.

Emu farms became popular in California during the early 1990s but their prevalence has slowly died out.

The birds are farmed for their lean meat, oily skin and their large eggs and the United States is estimated to harbour a population of emus nearing 1.5million.

An emu, believed to be the same bird, was seen by Mr Blake on the loose in the area the following day

Around 1.5million emus live in the United States, where they are farmed for their meat and eggs

A Californian fire official stops traffic to herd the emu off the highway as the Potrero wildfires continue to blaze

Will Seeger runs an emu ranch in San Diego and said he was not aware of many others involved in farming the birds, reported The Gaurdian.

He said it was most likely the bird was an escaped pet.

'An ostrich is mean, a cassowary will kill you.

'Emus, on the other hand, they're just real gentle.'

The bird was eventually captured by wildlife officers and led away to the local animal shelter. It is still waiting for collection

The emu is either kept as a pet by a Potrero resident or belongs to one of the few emu farmers in the area




Roxy Jacenko drove straight to work after her husband Oliver Curtis was sentenced to two years behind bars for insider trading.

The Sydney PR supremo was glassy-eyed when she collected her husband's watch and a wad of $50 notes from Curtis when he was sentenced in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday.

Ms Jacenko gave Curtis, 30, one final kiss and left the the court in the middle of a media scrum to make her way to her car.

She drove her black four-wheel-drive straight to the underground carpark at her office in Double Bay, inner-east Sydney, and had posted to her company Instagram by about 11am.

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Roxy Jacenko is pictured walking to her car to drive to work straight after her husband Oliver Curtis, 30, was sentenced to prison for insider trading

Ms Jacenko is pictured walking through a media scrum to her car to drive to her Double Bay office on Friday

She posted to her company's Instagram advertising a sale by about 11am, shortly after her husband Oliver Curtis was jailed

Both Curtis and a tearful Ms Jacenko held grim expressions on their faces as NSW Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum handed down her verdict.

But the couple and parents-of-two appeared to keep their emotions mostly in check.

Curtis, clearly apprehensive, constantly re-adjusted his suit jacket.

As the judge left the courtroom, Ms Jacenko sprung up from her seat, while Curtis reached down to pick her up into a hug.

Curtis exchanged a wan smile with family members and waved goodbye.

She took a watch and a wad of $50 notes from her husband before he was taken away on Friday at sentencing

Ms Jacenko was glassy-eyed but did not cry at the NSW Supreme Court on Friday when her husband was sentenced to prison

Ms Jacenko is pictured holding it together as she makes her way through a media scrum to her car to drive to work

As uniformed court officers surrounded him, Curtis started surrendering his jewellery  including a watch  and his lawyer took a wad of $50 notes out of Curtis' wallet and handed it to Ms Jacenko.

Curtis handed his belt and tie to his lawyer and gave Ms Jackeno a final kiss before being taken away.

Ms Jacenko left the court in the middle of a media scrum, with security and journalists jostling as she tried to make her way to her car and drove to her office in Double Bay.

About 40 minutes later, the first social media post after sentencing surfaced on her company's Instagram page, Sweaty Betty PR.

'25% OFF all #pixiesbows,' the post said, alongside a picture of her daughter, Pixie, blowing bubbles.

Ms Jacenko walks through a pack of journalists to her car after her husband was sentenced to a maximum of two years and a minimum of one year in prison

Ms Jacenko, wife of 30-year-old Oliver Curtis, makes her way to her car after collecting her husband's watch and a wad of $50 notes from him when he was jailed

The PR queen got in her car at the NSW Supreme Court and drove to her office in Double Bay for work

Justice McCallum said Curtis knew what he was doing was 'very wrong', but he used his insider trading with his former best friend to fund a 'lifestyle of conspicuous extravagence'.

WHAT WAS OLIVER CURTIS' CRIME? Oliver Curtis, pictured at Riverview College, which he attended with John Hartman A jury found Oliver Peter Curtis guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading in early June. Prosecutors told the jury Curtis and Hartman made $1.4 million in net profit through the scheme, which ran from May 2007 to June 2008. The jury heard the pair split the profits 50/50 - spending it on a lavish overseas holiday, a $3000-a-week Bondi apartment, a $60,000 Mini Cooper and $20,000 Ducati motorcycle. The court heard evidence Curtis gave Hartman a Blackberry mobile phone so the stocks analyst could send him tips via encrypted messages. Curtis then traded on the information, buying complex financial products called CFDs (contracts for difference). John Hartman served 15 months prison for insider trading offences. He was released in 2012. Advertisement

She ordered he receive a minimum one-year jail sentence and then serve a good behaviour order for a further year.

Curtis will now spend the next year at Silverwater Correctional Complex, in Sydney's west.

Justice McCallum noted there has been extensive media coverage but said it was not all aimed at Mr Curtis and he did not seek media attention.

'He is not to be equated to his wife in this context,' she said, to a ripple of laughter in the public gallery.

During the trial, Ms Jacenko wore designer dresses and regularly posted selfies of her clothing choices for the day.

The judge accepted nasty comments online since the verdict would have been 'extremely distressing to Mr Curtis'.

His defence lawyers had submitted he had been called a 'grub' and a 'd***' in sentencing submissions, as well as other 'vile' jokes.

Walking methodically through her decision, she told the packed courtroom Curtis had not openly shoed contrition: 'The evidence in this case has persuaded me a sentence of imprisonment must be imposed in this case.'

Justice McCallum said he was driven by 'self-interested pursuit of material wealth'.

She said a jail sentence would have 'real bite' in deterring other members of the community.

'The objective seriousness of the offence is high,' she said.

'It is troubling that, unlike [his former best friend John] Hartman, Mr Curtis has not embraced responsibility for his offending. Mr Curtis has not embraced responsibility for his offending.

About 11am, the first social media post after the sentencing surfaced on her company's Instagram page, Sweaty Betty PR

Ms Jacenko walks her way through a media scrum after her husband was sentenced to prison on Friday at the NSW Supreme Court

Ms Jacenko is pictured making her way through a media scrum on Friday morning outside the NSW Supreme Court

'While many people have spoken of his positive qualities in business and as a family man, he shows no sign of progression beyond the self-interested pursuit of material wealth which prompted his offending.

'On balance, however, I think the indications are that he is unlikely to re-offend.'

Justice McCallum said he had shown no contrition, at least openly to the court.

She acknowledged Curtis had become a father and his lifestyle had changed since he committed the crimes when he was aged 21 and 22.

'The prospect of family separation is always gutting, especially where young children are concerned, but Mr Curtiss family is well-resourced and better placed than many to meet that event,' she said.

The judge rejected the defence lawyers' argument Curtis's bail conditions - that he had to seek permission to go overseas from ASIC for several years - should be taken into consideration in the sentence.

Roxy Jacenko leaves the NSW Supreme Court after her husband Oliver Curtis was sentenced to a maximum of two years and a minimum of one year in prison

As the judge left the courtroom, the PR queen sprung up from her seat, while Curtis reached down to pick her up into a hug

'He has travelled overseas 24 times while on bail,' she noted.

ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft has welcomed the jail sentence handed down to Mr Curtis, and said the watchdog was serious about misconduct.

'This sentence reinforces ASIC's commitment to purse complex trading cases no matter how long they take and how vigorously they're defended,' Mr Medcraft told reporters in Sydney.

During the trial, Ms Jacenko wore designer dresses and regularly posted selfies of her clothing choices for the day.

The father-of-two was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading earlier this month after a three-week trial where his former best friend, John Hartman, testified against him.

Defence lawyer Murugan Thangaraj SC argued he should not be locked up, but Justice Lucy McCallum was not easily persuaded.

As uniformed court officers surrounded him, Curtis started surrendering his jewellery  including a watch  and his lawyer took a wad of $50 notes out of Curtis' wallet and handed it to Ms Jacenko

Ms Jacenko went straight from her husband's sentencing to her office in Double Bay. She is pictured leaving the court

'If your client was charged with larceny, would we be having this debate?' she asked.

'If (your client) stole $1.4 million, would you be putting in a submission for a non-custodial sentence?'

The defence also tendered 81 pages of character references from family and friends of Curtis, arguing he shouldn't be imprisoned.

In her letter to Justice McCallum, Ms Jacenko said she feared the impact Curtis being jailed would have on their children Pixie, four, and Hunter, two.

'Pixie and Hunter adore their dad. Hes fun, tolerant, uncomplaining and loving. They screech with excitement as soon as they see him and no one else matters to them  not even me.'

She said Curtis was the kids' 'primary carer' as she was often busy at her '24 hours, 7 days a week' job.

The Sweaty Betty PR executive also revealed the family nanny is planning to leave August and they are still trying to find a replacement.

She continued: 'If Oli were to be sent to jail our children will lose the close relationship the have with their father for a period of time.

'Given their ages I'm worried about the effect this will have on them.

A court sketch shows Oliver Curtis, 30, being sentenced as his wife Roxy Jacenko watches on in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday

'I will need to significantly reduce the amount of hours that I work to maintain my businesses in order to take up the parental responsibilities that Oli currently has.'

His father, Nick, said in his submission his son was a 'brash' 22-year-old at the time of his crimes.

Mr Curtis Senior said the investigation and public exposure had a 'psychological effect' on his son.

'The (investigation and trial) have had a profound impact on his life, and have clearly marked him dearly,' he wrote.

'They do not, however, describe the man I know today. They do not define who he is.'

He revealed the 'toll' the events had taken on his son.

'Over time Oliver has became more withdrawn and private than the man he had been prior to the investigation,' he said.

An artist's impression of Roxy Jacenko listening to Justice McCallum's judgement at Oliver Curtis' sentencing

A court drawing of Oliver Curtis in the NSW Supreme Court as Justice McCallum sentences him to prison

Former colleagues of Curtis, his family friends, and Ms Jacenko's mother and aunt also penned glowing character references.

The three-week trial attracted huge attention - with Ms Jacenko arriving at court with her husband each day in designer brands including Dior, Gucci and YSL.

During the trial, Hartman, a fellow former Riverview College old boy, told the jury the pair had been 'swept up in this fake world'.

Hartman - who did not make eye contact with Curtis while giving evidence - said the pair had discussed getting caught.

'We both agreed we'd both be in a lot of s*** if this came out,' he said.

'It wouldn't just be one of us who would be in trouble.'

Curtis (right) was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading - an offence punishable by up to five years imprisonment

Curtis' wife Roxy Jacenko has been a constant presence by his side throughout the trial, often arriving in designer dresses. Bodyguard pictured on left

Ms Jacenko gets out of her car at the NSW Supreme Court on Friday for her husband's sentencing

The PR maven arrived by her husband's side and was again dressed head-to-toe in black

Family picture: Curtis is pictured with Ms Jacenko, their four-year-old girl Pixie and two-year-old Hunter

Society couple: Wife Jacenko has drawn headlines for her designer wear arriving at the courthouse
Silverwater Jail is a long way from the palatial penthouse unit Oliver Curtis has shared with his wife Roxy Jacenko and the couple's two children in exclusive North Bondi in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

And while the jail is not maximum security, life will not be easy for the 30-year-old jailed for two years for insider trading.

Instead of the wealthy neighbours, luxurious fittings and spectacular views over Australia's most famous beach, Curtis will sleep on rudimentary bunk beds with another convicted criminal with just a curtain for privacy when one of them wants to use the toilet.

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A cell at Silverwater Correctional Complex in Sydney's west shows where inmate sleep and spent their time

Curtis, 30, lives in luxury with his wife Roxy Jacenko and two children in an apartment in North Bondi

It's the same jail that company director Rodney Adler spent part of his two-and-half-year jail sentence for his part in the downfall of insurance giant HIH.

When Adler left the prison he described the experience in an article he wrote for The Bulletin. 'I looked forward to the lockdown each night as it meant I had survived another day,' he wrote.

Silverwater is where most of Australia's high-profile white-collar criminals end up doing their time.

It's the same prison where former best mate and fellow insider trader John Hartman served his 15-months behind bars. Curtis will serve at least 365 long days there now.

Curtis was sentenced to a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years behind bars at Silverwater

This is the view that Oliver Curtis is accustomed to, but now he'll be confined to a cell in Silverwater jail in Sydney's west

The pair exchanged insider information to buy and sell shares, making a profit of $1.4million to spend on a lavish overseas holiday, a $60,000 Mini Cooper and a $20,000 Ducati motorcycle.

Silverwater Correctional Complex has three different sections: A woman's maximum security section, a maximum security centre for men and also Dawn de Loas, a minimum security correctional centre, where Curtis' friend John Hartman served time.

The exterior of the infamous jail is surrounded by surveillance cameras and barbed wire.

Roxy and her children will only be allowed to visit Curtis on weekends now that he is behind bars

Jackenko and Curtis share a beautiful apartment in North Bondi in Sydney's eastern surburbs

In his article, Adler described his personal horror of Silverwater: 'Jail is degrading, horrible, at times barbaric, mind-numbingly boring and a waste of time.

'I saw raw violence and the crushing effect that drugs and a life of crime had on young people,' he said.

Curtis will now be restricted to seeing his children Pixie, four, and Hunter, two, on Saturdays and Sundays.

Curtis and Jacenko married in 2012 and have had two children together, Pixie and Hunter
A 500lb gun smuggler nicknamed Wobbles has been jailed for 15 years  and claims hes dying.

William Soler, 33, pleaded guilty to 21 counts of gun trafficking, gun possession and gang conspiracy last month.

Soler, who is also known as Redrum (murder backwards), and his ring of gun runners were busted last year after they sold 93 weapons to an undercover cop.

He was facing 25 years in prison after allegedly plotting to murder rival gang members and smuggling guns into New York City on Metro-North trains.

William Soler, a 500lb gun smuggler nicknamed Wobbles, was sentenced to 15 years in jail on Thursday

But Soler, allegedly a ringleader in the Bloods gang in The Bronx, was sentenced to 15 years at Bronx Supreme Court on Thursday.

Im dying, he said, when asked about his death after the sentencing, the New York Daily News reported.

He also smirked and gave reporters the middle fingers before being loaded into the freight elevator in his wheelchair, according to the Daily News.

However, the obese gangster has shed around 80 pounds at Rikers Island since he was arrested in May last year.

Soler has entered through the side of the courtroom for every hearing since his double-wide wheelchair does not fit through the normal entrance for inmates

Despite the weight loss, Soler has entered through the side of the courtroom for every hearing since his double-wide wheelchair - branded a love seat on wheels by a judge - does not fit through the normal entrance for inmates.

And his arraignment was held in a tiny courthouse basement room because his wheelchair wouldnt fit through the elevator doors at Bronx Criminal Court.

Soler, his lawyer, prosecutors and a judge were all forced to meet in an eight-by-ten-foot basement room of the courthouse for the arraignment.

'Basically, it's a love seat on wheels,' Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas told the New York Post, upon seeing the wheelchair last year.

Soler, who is also known as Redrum (murder backwards), and his ring of gun runners were busted last year after they sold 93 weapons to an undercover cop

Soler and his crew reportedly bought firearms on the streets of Westchester, New York, as well as in Maine and Connecticut before smuggling them into New York City

Soler and his crew reportedly bought firearms on the streets of Westchester, New York, as well as in Maine and Connecticut.

They hid the weapons, which included .22 caliber handguns and semi-automatic rifles  in suitcases and boarded trains to New York City, according to court documents.
A man who has been a longtime suspect in the murder of JonBenet Ramsey was arrested last week on sexually exploiting a child in Colorado.

Gary Oliva, who is a registered sex offender, is currently in the Boulder County Jail, according to the Daily Camera.

The 52-year-old, who has previously admitted to being obsessed with Ramsey, was arrested after Google notified authorities that suspected child pornography was uploaded to a Gmail account registered under his name, according to his arrest affidavit.

Oliva allegedly uploaded 22 images of children younger than age 10 engaging in sex acts 'with each other or with adult males' to an email account that is registered under his name.

Gary Oliva (left), a man who has been a longtime suspect in the murder of JonBenet Ramsey (right) was arrested last week charges related to sexual exploition of children in Colorado

Gary Oliva, who is a registered sex offender, is currently in the Boulder County Jail. The 52-year-old has previously admitted to being obsessed with Ramsey (above)

The Denver Post reported that a Boulder police investigator 'reviewed sexually explicit images of a girl between 4 and 7-years-old attached to an email account registered to Oliva.'

Oliva, who has a history of sexually abusing minors, was one of the suspects who came to the attention of authorities after the unsolved murder of the beauty queen in 1996.

He was often found near the Ramseys' home going to soup kitchens nearby, as he lived only a few blocks away at the time of the murder.

He was questioned in 2000 when authorities arrested him on a drug charge and found a picture of the little girl in his backpack along with a stun gun and poem that he wrote called 'Ode to JonBenet,' the Daily Camera reported.

Some investigators believed that a stun gun was used in her murder, but it has never been confirmed.

'The focus on him has to do with this new case, we are not in a position at this point to say if he is being looked at in connection with JonBenet,' said Boulder city spokeswoman Sarah Huntley.

Oliva, who has a history of sexually abusing minors, was one of the suspects who came to the attention of authorities after the unsolved murder of the beauty queen in 1996. Above John and Patsy Ramsey are pictured

He was often found near the Ramseys' home (above) going to soup kitchens nearby, as he lived only a few blocks away at the time of the murder

'We are not comfortable ruling anybody in or out as a suspect in connection with JonBenet, including Mr. Oliva.'

While awaiting extradition to Oregon in 2002 for a parole violation, Oliva told the Post that he was being 'persecuted' due to his history of pedophilia.

'JonBenet's murder touched me very deeply,' Oliva told The Post.

'I feel she was an exceptional girl whose death was an exceptional loss. I felt the need to build a monument, a shrine, to remember this little girl.'

He said that's why he carried a photo of her in his backpack and that the stun gun was given to him by a friend for protection.

Oliva is currently being held on $10,000 bond in the current investigation on two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child and one count of sexual exploitation of a child.

He is scheduled to appear in court on July 11 at 9am.

The Ramsey case is facing renewed attention as the 20th anniversary approaches in her murder.
As the UK looked set to vote for a Brexit in the historic EU referendum, David Cameron and leaders of the Remain campaign remained conspicuously silent.

While key players in the Leave campaign spoke to supporters and broadcasters through the night, the Prime Minister, Jeremy Corbyn and George Osborne were nowhere to be seen.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage gave a number of television speeches and interviews, declaring Britain as being on the brink of independence shortly after 4am.

Laying low: David Cameron was seen leaving a polling station with his wife Samantha on Thursday

Questions: Voters took to Twitter to ask why the Prime Minister was missing from Remain events overnight

The Prime Minister was seen leaving a polling station with his wife Samantha early on Thursday, but he did not appear publicly at any of the Remain parties being held across the country.

Voters took to Twitter to call out the Prime Minister, asking where he was 'on such an important night in history'.

Another asked: 'Where IS Jeremy Corbyn? Where IS David Cameron. Have they both fled the country.'

Projections showed the Brexit campaign was set to prevail in the historic referendum despite massive support for Remain in London and Scotland.

Speaking out: Meanwhile Nigel Farage appeared at a number of events in support of the Leave campaign

Deafening silence: Jeremy Corbyn, David Cameron and George Osborne have all failed to appear overnight

The direction of the battle started to become clear with a shock result in Sunderland which saw Leave win by 61 per cent to 39 per cent.

A surprise victory for Brexit in Swansea, where the pro-EU side had been expecting to romp home, was then followed by a series of other strong showings.

With around a quarter of the declarations in, analysts and betting markets are now forecasting that the Leave campaign will come out on top.
Turned up to court wearing designer brands each day Gucci, Dior, YSL

She flaunted her luxury lifestyle on social media during the proceedings

PR queen wife of Oliver Curtis attracted much of the attention during trial

Oliver Curtis has been pictured in handcuffs for the first time - as the convicted insider trader prepares for up to two years in prison.

Curtis, 30, was on Friday sentenced to two years jail after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading.

The court heard the investment banker and his private school friend John Hartman made $1.43 million off a scheme from 2007 and 2008.

NSW Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum said Curtis, 30, knew what he was doing was 'very wrong'.

But, she said, he had used his insider trading with his former best friend to fund a 'lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance'.

The trial of the father-of-two has riveted Sydney - and not just for because of what happened inside the courtroom.

Much of the spotlight was on Curtis' wife, Roxy Jacenko, and the Sweaty Betty PR founder's extravagant lifestyle.

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Grim moment: Hands bound in cuffs, convicted insider trader Oliver Curtis is taken away by court officers

Still wearing his navy suit and dark shoes, Curtis kept his composure as he was taken away by a prison van

Oliver Curtis was sentenced on Friday to two years jail. He and Ms Jacenko are pictured arriving at his trial in May - with the PR queen wearing a dress that cost $2385.00

Elevator selfies: Ms Jacenko would post her court wear to Instagram. Left: a $2,835 Mary Katrantzou dress (left) and a striking $1700 pink-and-black Christian Dior dress and Aviator sunglasses (right)

On many days of the trial, Ms Jacenko posted pictures of her dresses. According to her captions, she is wearing Celine on left and a polka dot Dior frock on right

Front row of Fashion Week: Ms Jacenko is pictured with her daughter, Pixie

Each day of the proceedings, she would arrive at the historic St James Road courtroom holding her husband's hand and wearing a different designer dress.

Her wide range of outfits quickly caught the attention of the paparazzi. And throughout the trial, she would post elevator selfies of the day's outfit to her 96,000 Instagram followers.

The dresses - which often cost thousands of dollars - were captioned with the name of the elite designer brand she wore, including Gucci and Dior.

Throughout the trial, Ms Jacenko kept up her high profile personal and business schedule.

When a hearing was postponed because of a juror's illness, she was photographed attending Mercedes Benz Fashion Week instead.

Towards the end of the proceedings, Ms Jacenko held a seminar about her marketing tips and tricks at the plush Shangri-La Hotel.

Her husband's sentencing hearing coincidentally fell on the same day, although the 'In Conversation with Roxy Jacenko' event still went ahead.

She wore a $5000 Gucci outfit to the seminar and in the lead-up, shared pictures of her $13,700 Rolex watch on social media. Her husband had a matching one.

Often loath to speak about her private life, at the event she told media she had no comment on the proceedings.

To her crowd of followers, she said only that she had disturbed sleep and that she was following a simple creed: 'Hey you! Don't give up!'

Ms Jacenko conducted photoshoots for her public relations company throughout the trial and also maintained her daughter Pixie's online bow business.

After her husband was found guilty of his charge by a jury, Ms Jacenko made a submission to her husband's sentencing.

Curtis (sketched in court today) was mostly expressionless in the dock as the decision was read out

Ms Jacenko watched the verdict sitting next to her mother, Doreen Davis

Curtis adjusted his suit multiple times after Justice McCallum announced her decision

In her letter Ms Jacenko reflected upon how Curtis was the primary carer of her children as she has a '24 hour, 7 days a week' job running her businesses, and noted the family nanny was leaving in August.

'Pixie and Hunter adore their dad. Hes fun, tolerant, uncomplaining and loving,' she wrote. 'They screech with excitement as soon as they see him and no one else matters to them  not even me'.

Justice McCallum considered the effect the imprisonment would have on the family in her sentencing.

'The prospect of family separation is always gutting, especially where young children are concerned,' she told the court.

'But Mr Curtiss family is well-resourced and better placed than many to meet that event.'

After Justice McCallum handed down her verdict on a rainy Friday morning, Ms Jacenko kissed her husband three times and gave him a hug.

Curtis removed a ring, his watch, his belt and tie, and his lawyer took money from his wallet. Glassy-eyed, she marched straight for her car as security guards pushed media out of the way.

She headed straight back to work, driving back to her company offices. Not long after, her company Instagram account announced a 25 per cent off sale for Pixie's bows.

Oliver Curtis (right with Roxy Jacenko) was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading. He was sentenced on Friday at the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney
Zoe Woolmer, 23, was killed when she plunged 30 metres at Kings Canyon, 450km west of Alice Springs, on June 15, 2014

The parents of a British backpacker who fell from the ledge of a canyon in the Australian outback while posing for a photograph have expressed relief after the tour company was fined over the accident.

Zoe Woolmer, 23, was killed when she plunged 30 metres at Kings Canyon, 450km west of Alice Springs, on June 15, 2014, while with a tour group.

Directors of 'The Rock Tour' pleaded guilty in the Alice Springs Local Court on Monday and have been now been fined $140,000 for failing to comply with their health and safety duty to the tourist, the NT News reports.

The backpackers family, from Hertfordshire in England's south, said the guilty plea proved what 'they already knew from the start'.

Zoe's mother Dawn Woolmer said her daughter wouldn't have put her own life in danger 'knowingly'.

'They let her down and in turn they let us down too. Their constant denial has been an additional pain and frustration to the loss,' Mrs Woolmer said.

The family have been waiting for the guilty plea for two years. In addition to the fine the company have also been ordered to pay $12,290 to NT Worksafe.

The backpacker had been in Australia working for ten months before she fell to her death while attempting to pose for a photo at Kestral Falls.

In the Alice Springs Local Court on Monday, directors of 'The Rock Tour' pleaded guilty to failing to comply with their health and safety duty to the tourist (image showing tourists at Kings Canyon posing off edge)

'This is a fantastic place to visit, but dangerous if not respected. The tour companies are getting too complacent about the safety of tourists,' Mrs Woolmer said.

The family travelled to Alice Springs to see the inquest into Zoe's death and expressed their praise for the rangers who stayed with Zoe's body after the fatal fall.

The also expressed sympathy for the tour guide, Rebecca Gethan, who told the inquest she was 'just trying to do her job'.

Photos of guides and walkers posing on the ledge were posted to the company's Facebook page, but were removed following Ms Woolmer's death.

The Woolmer family previously revealed how the death of Zoe had devastated their lives in moving Victim Impact Statements the ABC reported.

'We've been totally robbed of an ordinary and normal life, the company should have kept Zoe safe,' one of the statements read.

'My belief is that this awful tragedy could have easily happened to others on the tour,' wrote Zoe's mother.

'We've been totally robbed of an ordinary and normal life, the company should have kept Zoe safe' - Family members revealed their devastation in an Alice Springs court on Monday

While police did not reveal the cause of the traveller's death, she was reportedly dangling over the edge of the cliff when she fell during the afternoon tour walk.

Ms Woolmer was able to talk to paramedics after the fall, but she later died at the scene.

The backpacker, from Hertfordshire, had been travelling around Australia for 12 months after studying Human Resources at the University of Portsmouth.

After Ms Woolmer's death, photos emerged of tour guides from The Rock Tour skylarking at the edges of Kings Canyon - posing close to the edge and standing on small ledges above 50 metre drops.

Adam Cooper, who was a tour guide with the company but left before Ms Woolmer's death, told Daily Mail Australia at the time that walkers regularly posed on a thin ledge just a metre wide in the area of the walk where it is believed she died.

A number of photos of guides and walkers posing on the ledge were posted to the company's Facebook page, but were removed following Ms Woolmer's death

'There's actually a bit up near the waterfall where... guides encourage people to take a photo off the ledge, it's so dangerous, if you fell that'd be falling 50 metres,' he said.

Managing director of The Rock Tour, Rob Cowan said at the time that photographs were uploaded to the company's Facebook page by employees and the page is regularly monitored by company management.

'Whenever management sees a photograph depicting inappropriate behaviour they remove the picture and talk to the guide in question', he said.

'We have a three-strikes-you're-out policy,' he said and commented that two of the tour guides depicted in the photographs obtained by Daily Mail Australia had been fired or encouraged to leave.

Police took statements from the 16 people on the tour with Ms Woolmer as they investigated her death.
Nigel Farage today called for a new bank holiday in Britain to mark its 'Independence Day' from Brussels.

The Ukip leader was celebrating 'a new dawn' for Britain after his 25-year campaign for the UK to leave the EU came to an extraordinary conclusion.

But it came hours after he admitted that he believed Remain had won the referendum during a sombre interview an hour after the polls closed at 11pm last night.

It was a bitter blow for a man who admitted he had dedicated his life to cutting Britain's ties with Brussels.

But by 12.30pm after a huge win for the Leave campaign Mr Farage was back in jubilant mood and grinning widely when the battle lurched back towards Brexit.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage today celebrated a momentous win, claiming victory and the completion of his life's work after Britain voted to leave the European union

It was a dramatic turnaround from the sombre scenes as Farage publicly admitted defeat last night when exit polls gave Remain a slim lead

However, as Leave took an early lead with a huge win in Sunderland, Farage looked elated as the prospect of his lifelong dream coming true looked possible

Moments after all the results were declared, he thanked the British people, tweeting: 'We've got our country back. Thanks to all of you. #IndependenceDay'

He looked jubilant after the vote, despite the fact that it could mean the end of his political career after 25 years of campaigning as he would lose his job as an MEP and does not have a Westminster seat.

However, he said today that the next step for Britain is a 'pro-Brexit' Prime Minister and after the vote, David Cameron announced he will stand aside in October.

After losing the campaign for Britain to remain in the EU, Cameron could now face a snap election which may leave the door open for Farage to finally win a seat in the Commons.

After the result was confirmed this morning, he said: 'Today, the sun has risen on an independent Britain, and look at it, even the weather has improved.'

He said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning that the next step is choosing the right leader, and suggested June 23 - 'independence day' - should be made a public holiday.

Late last night, the Ukip leader looked crestfallen as he publicly admitted defeat when the exit polls gave Remain a slim lead.

However, by 12.30am, he looked jubilant as Sunderland returned with a big victory for Leave that experts had previously predicted would indicate they would go on to win the vote.

At 4.30am, he claimed an overall win, throwing his hands in the air as he declared June 23 Britain's 'independence day'.

Talking of the victory today, he added: 'The election was won in my view in the Midlands and the North and it was the old Labour vote that came to us and we, particularly as a party, campaigned as hard as we could in those areas,' he told reporters on College Green in Westminster.

'There is still a massive disconnect between Westminster, SW1 and real communities,' he added.

Farage also said he hoped Brexit would kick start the break up of the EU.

Nigel Farage responds to a historic victory today, although it could mean the end of his career in politics

After the result was confirmed, Farage spoke on the steps of Westminster, saying: 'Today, the sun has risen on an independent Britain, and look at it, even the weather has improved.'

As he accepted congratulations from fellow campaigners, the Ukip leader smiled outside Westminster

He added: 'An opinion poll in the Netherlands said that a majority there now want to leave, so we may well be close perhaps to Nexit.

'Similarly in Denmark a majority there are in favour of leaving so we could be quite close to Dexit.

'And I'm told the same may apply to Sweden and perhaps Austria and perhaps even Italy too.

'The EU is failing, the EU is dying, I hope that we've got the first brick out of the wall.'

He added: 'We need the negotiations to start as soon as humanly possible, we need to start thinking globally about our future, and the other thing I think that needs to happen is that June 23 needs to become a national bank holiday and we will call it independence day.'

Nigel Farage was a founding member of Ukip after leaving the Conservative party in 1992 and campaigning against the euro and European Union.

The scenes outside Westminster were awash with Union Jacks today after

A vote leave supporter celebrates at a Brexit party in Westminster after early votes suggest a victory

He fought for seats in Westminster elections and the European union elections in 1994, billing himself as an alternative to mainstream politicians, but did not win a seat for Ukip.

Farage was eventually elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 1999 and gave controversial speeches against the euro, constantly criticising the work of Brussels.

He continued to fight for change and became leader of the Ukip party in 2006, however, he has been unable to win a seat in Westminster despite contesting numerous elections.

In the 2010 election, he fought for the seat of Buckingham and Westminster, briefly resigning from his post as leader of Ukip to focus on the election.

He was seriously injured in a plane crash when the aircraft, which was flying a Ukip banner, came down on the morning of the election on May 6.

Farage suffered a punctured lung and broken injuries and said he has lived with constant pain due to the injuries.

Farage said today that the first thing that needs to happen in Britain is for a pro-Brexit Prime Minister to replace David Cameron, who campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU

This morning, Cameron announced he will be resigning in October, saying he is not the right person to 'captain the ship' as Britain departs from the European Union

He failed to win the seat, however, he claimed a win for the party when the Conservatives promised an EU referendum to stave off an increasing wave of Euroscepticism within the public and their own party.

Farage fought for another seat, Thanet South, in 2010, and had promised to resign if he did not win.

However, after handing in his resignation to the Ukip board, they refused it in a controversial move which saw him hold on to leadership of the party.

But despite failing to win a seat, Farage claimed a victory today in the historic ballot after stacking up votes in England and Wales against support for Remain in London and Scotland.

The direction of the battle started to become clear with a shock result in Sunderland which saw the Out camp win by 61 per cent to 39 per cent.

A surprise victory for Brexit in Swansea, where the pro-EU side had been expecting to romp home, signposted a disastrous showing for Remain across Wales.

Nigel Farage shakes his supporters' hands after a dramatic speech claiming victory in which he credited ordinary volunteers from all and no political parties with the Leave win

A jubilant Nigel Farage celebrated with supporters after the Leave campaign headed for a victory with just a few areas left to declare

But now the battle is won, Conservative MPs such as Leave campaign leaders Boris Johnson and Michael Gove will be expected to usher in the change with Farage stuck in the political wilderness.

Even if Farage were to win a by-election, there are questions over his health after speculation when he was fighting the election last year.

He admitted he was prescribed Temazepam for a serious back condition and suffered serious headaches and shoulder pain.

The politician said he saw his doctor twice a week for treatment and he had also been prescribed with sleeping pills to help as he worked to a grueling schedule throughout the election campaign.

He has also been touched by scandal after being accused of having an affair with former aide Annabelle Fuller.

But today, he enjoyed the victory, speaking on the steps of Westminster after celebrating with campaigners in London.

The Ukip leader, who started campaigning for Brexit 25 years ago, raised his hands in delight after Leave won the vote last night

Moments after all the results were declared, he thanked the British people, tweeting: 'We've got our country back. Thanks to all of you. #IndependenceDay.'

This morning, he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme that Britain must 'have a Government that is committed to Brexit',

He added: 'Two things need to happen - one is a Brexit Prime Minister, and secondly we need a negotiating team who are going to go to Brussels to get us our new deal.

'But also, simultaneously, let's start negotiating not just with Brussels but with the rest of the world because the real opportunity we have got from Brexit is that we have left a failing political union in Europe, we can now start to re-engage with the world.'

He said he was prepared to wait a couple of months to get a pro-Brexit Prime Minister and that Britain should 'play within the rules of the club' and trigger Article 50 and begin the process of leaving the EU.

Calling for a national holiday, he added: 'There are 183 countries in the world who have independence day - what we have just done is we voted to become the 184th.

Leave campaigners cheer from London as they welcome winning results around the country tonight

UKIP's Paul Nuttall, Steven Woolfe and David Campbell at Manchester Town Hall celebrating the victory

'We have broken free from a failing political union. We have managed, the little people, the ordinary people who have ignored all the threats that have come from big business and big politics and it has been a huge, amazing exercise in democracy.'

Speaking at the national count centre in Manchester, Paul Nuttall, deputy leader of Ukip, said: 'This is just the beginning - we are going to make this country even better.'

When asked about the impact on Sterling, he replied: 'That's short term pain for long term gain.'

David Cameron will face crowds outside Downing Street today, where he is expected to announce that Britain will be leaving the EU.

Yesterday, 80 pro-Brexit Conservative MPs signed a letter backing him to stay on as Prime Minister even if Britain votes to Leave but he will now face pressure to resign after a failed campaign to Remain.
Officials representing charities say granting North Dakotas five American Indian tribes exclusive rights to host online gambling could effectively end charitable gambling in the state. The tribes want Gov. Doug Burgum to approve the idea under tribal-state agreements known as compacts. The current compacts expire at the end of this year and only Burgum can approve them. The tribes argue that their casinos have been hurt by the explosion of the charities Las Vegas-style pull tab machines. Burgum heard arguments from the charities and tribes on Friday. He says the terms of the compacts are still being negotiated and should be completed next month.
Incredible satellite imaging has revealed farmers are hurriedly clearing thousands of hectares of trees ahead of new laws that could be introduced to prevent restrict tree lopping.

The Queensland Government is investigating 86 cases of 'unexplained clearing' of trees on properties, according to the ABC.

Satellite imaging presented in a government vegetation management report shows how the technology has been used to track tree clearing, with one lot of regulated vegetation shown to be removed over two months.

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Satellite imaging has revealed farmers are hurriedly clearing thousands of hectares of trees ahead of new laws that could be introduced to prevent restrict tree lopping. Pictured is legal tree clearing in Queensland

Satellite imaging (pictured) presented in a government report shows how the technology has been used to track tree clearing, with one lot of regulated vegetation shown to be removed over two months

The area marked by a pink line shows the protected vegetation and clearing start to appear in July, 2015

Two weeks later, satellite imaging shows the perimeter of the vegetation begin to minimise

Within one month almost all of the vegetation has been removed, including trees within the protected area

Two months later the entire vegetation lot has been removed at the unknown location in Queensland

By April 2016, the satellite imaging shows that vegetation has been removed from the regulated area, marked in pink

The Queensland Government had received up to 16 illegal clearing complaints per month in the past 12 months, according to the report.

The rise of 'unexplained' removal of bush has been prompted by new legislation introduced in March which sought to toughen tree-clearing laws, initially introduced by the LNP Newman government.

Wilderness Society spokesman Tim Seelig said that the imaging shows that farmers have resorted to 'panic clearing' of trees and that illegal clearing is rampant across the state.

'The current imagery clearing shows illegal clearing, most is clearing that should not be happening,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'It also suggests there is an ongoing issue with panic clearing, where farmers are clearing in case laws are changed.

'Farmers are accelerating clearing and clearing as much as they can because they fear the laws will be changed or rather than find out if it is lawful clearing.'

The Queensland Government is investigating 86 cases of 'unexplained clearing' of trees on properties

Queensland Government had received up to 16 illegal clearing complaints per month in the past 12 months, according to the report

The rise of 'unexplained' removal of bush has been prompted by new legislation introduced in March which sought to toughen tree-clearing laws, initially introduced by the LNP Newman government

Wilderness Society spokesman Tim Seelig said that the imaging shows that farmers have resorted to 'panic clearing' of trees and that illegal clearing is rampant across the state

Mr Seelig said the most recent available data showed 296,000 hectares were cleared in Queensland during the 2013-2014 financial year. He anticipates the figure will be much higher for the following year.

He said illegal clearing occurs when trees are removed in protected areas or where trees have been regrown.

The government's investigations will determine if any cases of unexplained tree clearing have been illegal.

But Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles told ABC that farmers had nothing to fear if they were not breaking laws and that panic clearing was not yet evident.

Mr Seelig said the most recent available data showed 296,000 hectares were cleared in Queensland during the 2013-2014 financial year. Pictured is a Google satellite image that shows vegetation before it was removed

A later shows the vegetation has been removed. Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles said farmers had nothing to fear if they were not breaking laws and that panic clearing was not yet evident

'We need to let the investigators get out there and find out exactly what's happened,' he said.

Opposition spokesman Andrew Cripps told ABC farmers would not excessively be clearing bush from their properties.

'Those landowners will be very concerned that the opportunities for expanding their farm businesses that were afforded them under the previous Liberal National Party government were going to be taken away,' he said.

A parliamentary review of the new tree-clearing laws is due next week, with the legislation due for debate in August.

The satellite imaging clearly shows areas of bush that have been cleared by farmers. Here is a satellite image of bush before it has been cleared
The English shires and Labour's northern heartlands led Britain out of the European Union in a victory for middle England.

Despite Britain's biggest cities backing a Remain vote at yesterday's historic referendum, the country overall headed for the Brexit door.

The results caused immediate turmoil in the markets as the pound collapsed by more than 10 per cent in the hours after the polls closed and the FTSE-100 braced for heavy losses.

Nigel Farage - who earlier appeared to concede defeat - made a jubilant victory speech at around 4am declaring it was a 'victory for ordinary people'.

Tory constituencies across the south and midlands voted for Brexit in huge numbers.

Places such as Wellingborough, West Somerset and Chesterfield all voted for leave by more 60 per cent.

The referendum map was painted blue for Out across vast swathes of England - despite London and Scotland being bright yellow.

How Britain voted Map Table Back to UK Shetland Islands London Gibraltar UK Overall 48 Remain 16,141,241 votes 52 Leave 17,410,742 votes England 47 Remain 13,247,674 votes 53 Leave 15,187,583 votes Wales 47 Remain 772,347 votes 53 Leave 854,572 votes Scotland 62 Remain 1,661,191 votes 38 Leave 1,018,322 votes N.Ireland 56 Remain 440,707 votes 44 Leave 349,442 votes Test Remain votes Leave votes Back to UK Council Remain Leave % Council Remain Leave % Aberdeen 64.0k 40.7k 61 39 Aberdeenshire 76.4k 62.5k 55 45 Adur 16.9k 20.3k 45 55 Allerdale 22.4k 31.8k 41 59 Amber Valley 29.3k 44.5k 40 60 Anglesey 18.6k 19.3k 49 51 Angus 32.7k 26.5k 55 45 Argyll & Bute 29.5k 19.2k 61 39 Arun 34.2k 56.9k 38 62 Ashfield 20.2k 46.7k 30 70 Ashford 28.3k 41.5k 41 59 Aylesbury Vale 52.9k 54.0k 50 50 Babergh 25.3k 29.9k 46 54 Barking & Dagenham 27.8k 46.1k 38 62 Barnet 100.2k 60.8k 62 38 Barnsley 39.0k 84.0k 32 68 Barrow-in-Furness 14.2k 21.9k 39 61 Basildon 30.7k 67.3k 31 69 Basingstoke & Deane 48.3k 52.1k 48 52 Bassetlaw 20.6k 43.4k 32 68 Bath & North East Somerset 60.9k 44.4k 58 42 Bedford 41.5k 44.6k 48 52 Bexley 47.6k 80.9k 37 63 Birmingham 223.5k 227.3k 50 50 Blaby 22.9k 33.6k 41 59 Blackburn with Darwen 28.5k 36.8k 44 56 Blackpool 21.8k 45.1k 33 67 Blaenau Gwent 13.2k 21.6k 38 62 Bolsover 12.2k 29.7k 29 71 Bolton 57.6k 80.5k 42 58 Boston 7.4k 23.0k 24 76 Bournemouth 41.5k 50.5k 45 55 Bracknell Forest 29.9k 35.0k 46 54 Bradford 104.6k 123.9k 46 54 Braintree 33.5k 52.7k 39 61 Breckland 26.3k 47.2k 36 64 Brent 72.5k 48.9k 60 40 Brentwood 19.1k 27.6k 41 59 Bridgend 33.7k 40.6k 45 55 Brighton & Hove 100.6k 46.0k 69 31 Bristol 141.0k 87.4k 62 38 Broadland 35.5k 42.3k 46 54 Bromley 92.4k 90.0k 51 49 Bromsgrove 26.3k 32.6k 45 55 Broxbourne 17.2k 33.7k 34 66 Broxtowe 29.7k 35.8k 45 55 Burnley 14.5k 28.9k 33 67 Bury 46.4k 54.7k 46 54 Caerphilly 39.2k 53.3k 42 58 Calderdale 47.0k 59.0k 44 56 Cambridge 42.7k 15.1k 74 26 Camden 71.3k 23.8k 75 25 Cannock Chase 16.7k 36.9k 31 69 Canterbury 40.2k 41.9k 49 51 Cardiff 101.8k 67.8k 60 40 Carlisle 23.8k 35.9k 40 60 Carmarthenshire 47.7k 55.4k 46 54 Castle Point 14.2k 37.7k 27 73 Central Bedfordshire 69.7k 89.1k 44 56 Ceredigion 21.7k 18.0k 55 45 Charnwood 43.5k 50.7k 46 54 Chelmsford 47.5k 53.2k 47 53 Cheltenham 37.1k 28.9k 56 44 Cherwell 40.7k 41.2k 50 50 Cheshire East 108.0k 113.2k 49 51 Cheshire West & Chester 95.5k 98.1k 49 51 Chesterfield 22.9k 34.5k 40 60 Chichester 35.0k 36.3k 49 51 Chiltern 32.2k 26.4k 55 45 Chorley 27.4k 36.1k 43 57 Christchurch 12.8k 18.3k 41 59 City of London 3.3k 1.1k 75 25 Clackmannanshire 14.7k 10.7k 58 42 Colchester 44.4k 51.3k 46 54 Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar 8.2k 6.7k 55 45 Conwy 30.1k 35.4k 46 54 Copeland 14.4k 23.5k 38 62 Corby 11.5k 20.6k 36 64 Cornwall 140.5k 182.7k 43 57 Cotswold 28.0k 26.8k 51 49 Coventry 68.0k 85.1k 44 56 Craven 16.9k 19.0k 47 53 Crawley 22.4k 31.4k 42 58 Croydon 92.9k 78.2k 54 46 Dacorum 42.5k 43.7k 49 51 Darlington 24.2k 31.0k 44 56 Dartford 20.0k 35.9k 36 64 Daventry 20.4k 28.9k 41 59 Denbighshire 24.0k 28.1k 46 54 Derby 51.6k 69.0k 43 57 Derbyshire Dales 22.6k 24.1k 48 52 Doncaster 46.9k 104.3k 31 69 Dover 24.6k 40.4k 38 62 Dudley 56.8k 118.4k 32 68 Dumfries & Galloway 43.9k 38.8k 53 47 Dundee 39.7k 26.7k 60 40 Durham 113.5k 153.9k 42 58 Ealing 90.0k 59.0k 60 40 East Ayrshire 33.9k 23.9k 59 41 East Cambridgeshire 23.6k 24.5k 49 51 East Devon 40.7k 48.0k 46 54 East Dorset 24.8k 33.7k 42 58 East Dunbartonshire 44.5k 17.8k 71 29 East Hampshire 37.3k 36.6k 51 49 East Hertfordshire 42.4k 43.0k 50 50 East Lindsey 23.5k 56.6k 29 71 East Lothian 36.0k 19.7k 65 35 East Northamptonshire 21.7k 30.9k 41 59 East Renfrewshire 39.3k 13.6k 74 26 East Riding of Yorkshire 78.8k 120.1k 40 60 East Staffordshire 22.9k 39.3k 37 63 Eastbourne 22.8k 30.7k 43 57 Eastleigh 36.2k 39.9k 48 52 Eden 14.8k 16.9k 47 53 Edinburgh 187.8k 64.5k 74 26 Elmbridge 45.8k 31.2k 60 40 Enfield 76.4k 60.5k 56 44 Epping Forest 28.7k 48.2k 37 63 Epsom & Ewell 23.6k 21.7k 52 48 Erewash 25.8k 40.7k 39 61 Exeter 35.3k 28.5k 55 45 Falkirk 45.0k 34.3k 57 43 Fareham 32.2k 39.5k 45 55 Fenland 15.1k 37.6k 29 71 Fife 106.8k 75.5k 59 41 Flintshire 37.9k 48.9k 44 56 Forest Heath 9.8k 18.2k 35 65 Forest of Dean 21.4k 30.3k 41 59 Fylde 19.9k 26.3k 43 57 Gateshead 44.4k 58.5k 43 57 Gedling 30.0k 37.5k 44 56 Gibraltar 19.3k 823.0 96 4 Glasgow 168.3k 84.5k 67 33 Gloucester 26.8k 37.8k 42 58 Gosport 16.7k 29.5k 36 64 Gravesham 18.9k 35.6k 35 65 Great Yarmouth 14.3k 35.8k 29 71 Greenwich 65.2k 52.1k 56 44 Guildford 44.2k 34.5k 56 44 Gwynedd 35.5k 25.7k 58 42 Hackney 83.4k 22.9k 78 22 Halton 27.7k 37.3k 43 57 Hambleton 25.5k 29.5k 46 54 Hammersmith & Fulham 56.2k 24.1k 70 30 Harborough 27.0k 27.9k 49 51 Haringey 80.0k 25.9k 76 24 Harlow 13.9k 29.6k 32 68 Harrogate 48.2k 46.4k 51 49 Harrow 64.0k 53.2k 55 45 Hart 30.3k 27.5k 52 48 Hartlepool 14.0k 32.1k 30 70 Hastings 20.0k 24.3k 45 55 Havant 26.6k 44.0k 38 62 Havering 42.2k 96.9k 30 70 Herefordshire 44.1k 64.1k 41 59 Hertsmere 27.6k 28.5k 49 51 High Peak 27.1k 27.7k 49 51 Highland 70.3k 55.3k 56 44 Hillingdon 58.0k 75.0k 44 56 Hinckley & Bosworth 26.0k 39.5k 40 60 Horsham 43.8k 41.3k 51 49 Hounslow 58.8k 56.3k 51 49 Huntingdonshire 45.7k 54.2k 46 54 Hyndburn 13.6k 26.6k 34 66 Inverclyde 24.7k 14.0k 64 36 Ipswich 27.7k 38.7k 42 58 Isle of Wight 30.2k 49.2k 38 62 Isles of Scilly 803.0 621.0 56 44 Islington 76.4k 25.2k 75 25 Kensington & Chelsea 37.6k 17.1k 69 31 Kettering 21.0k 32.9k 39 61 Kings Lynn & West Norfolk 28.6k 56.5k 34 66 Kingston-upon-Hull 36.7k 76.6k 32 68 Kingston-upon-Thames 52.5k 32.7k 62 38 Kirklees 98.5k 118.8k 45 55 Knowsley 34.3k 36.6k 48 52 Lambeth 111.6k 30.3k 79 21 Lancaster 35.7k 37.3k 49 51 Leeds 194.9k 192.5k 50 50 Leicester 71.0k 68.0k 51 49 Lewes 31.0k 28.5k 52 48 Lewisham 87.0k 37.5k 70 30 Lichfield 26.1k 37.2k 41 59 Lincoln 18.9k 25.0k 43 57 Liverpool 118.5k 85.1k 58 42 Luton 36.7k 47.8k 43 57 Maidstone 36.8k 52.4k 41 59 Maldon 14.5k 24.3k 37 63 Malvern Hills 23.2k 25.3k 48 52 Manchester 121.8k 80.0k 60 40 Mansfield 16.4k 39.9k 29 71 Medway 49.9k 89.0k 36 64 Melton 12.7k 17.6k 42 58 Mendip 33.4k 32.0k 51 49 Merthyr Tydfil 12.6k 16.3k 44 56 Merton 63.0k 37.1k 63 37 Mid Devon 22.4k 25.6k 47 53 Mid Suffolk 27.4k 33.8k 45 55 Mid Sussex 46.5k 41.1k 53 47 Middlesbrough 21.2k 40.2k 35 65 Midlothian 28.2k 17.3k 62 38 Milton Keynes 63.4k 67.1k 49 51 Mole Valley 29.1k 25.7k 53 47 Monmouthshire 28.1k 27.6k 50 50 Moray 24.1k 24.0k 50 50 Neath Port Talbot 32.7k 43.0k 43 57 New Forest 47.2k 64.5k 42 58 Newark & Sherwood 26.6k 40.5k 40 60 Newcastle-under-Lyme 25.5k 43.5k 37 63 Newcastle-upon-Tyne 65.4k 63.6k 51 49 Newham 55.3k 49.4k 53 47 Newport 32.4k 41.2k 44 56 North Ayrshire 38.4k 29.1k 57 43 North Devon 24.9k 33.1k 43 57 North Dorset 18.4k 23.8k 44 56 North East Derbyshire 22.1k 37.2k 37 63 North East Lincolnshire 23.8k 55.2k 30 70 North Hertfordshire 42.2k 35.4k 54 46 North Kesteven 25.6k 42.2k 38 62 North Lanarkshire 95.5k 59.4k 62 38 North Lincolnshire 29.9k 58.9k 34 66 North Norfolk 26.2k 37.6k 41 59 North Somerset 59.6k 65.0k 48 52 North Tyneside 52.9k 60.6k 47 53 North Warwickshire 12.6k 25.4k 33 67 North West Leicestershire 22.6k 35.0k 39 61 Northampton 43.8k 61.5k 42 58 Northern Ireland 440.7k 349.4k 56 44 Northumberland 82.0k 96.7k 46 54 Norwich 37.3k 29.0k 56 44 Nottingham 59.3k 61.3k 49 51 Nuneaton & Bedworth 23.7k 46.1k 34 66 Oadby & Wigston 14.3k 17.2k 45 55 Oldham 42.0k 65.4k 39 61 Orkney Islands 7.2k 4.2k 63 37 Oxford 49.4k 20.9k 70 30 Pembrokeshire 29.4k 39.2k 43 57 Pendle 16.7k 28.6k 37 63 Perth & Kinross 49.6k 31.6k 61 39 Peterborough 34.2k 53.2k 39 61 Plymouth 53.5k 80.0k 40 60 Poole 35.7k 49.7k 42 58 Portsmouth 41.4k 57.3k 42 58 Powys 36.8k 42.7k 46 54 Preston 30.2k 34.5k 47 53 Purbeck 11.8k 17.0k 41 59 Reading 43.4k 31.4k 58 42 Redbridge 69.2k 59.0k 54 46 Redcar & Cleveland 24.6k 48.1k 34 66 Redditch 17.3k 28.6k 38 62 Reigate & Banstead 40.2k 41.0k 50 50 Renfrewshire 57.1k 31.0k 65 35 Rhondda Cynon Taf 54.0k 62.6k 46 54 Ribble Valley 15.9k 20.6k 44 56 Richmond-upon-Thames 75.4k 33.4k 69 31 Richmondshire 11.9k 15.7k 43 57 Rochdale 41.2k 62.0k 40 60 Rochford 17.5k 34.9k 33 67 Rossendale 15.0k 23.2k 39 61 Rother 23.9k 33.8k 41 59 Rotherham 44.1k 93.3k 32 68 Rugby 25.4k 33.2k 43 57 Runnymede 20.3k 24.0k 46 54 Rushcliffe 40.5k 29.9k 58 42 Rushmoor 20.4k 28.4k 42 58 Rutland 11.4k 11.6k 49 51 Ryedale 14.3k 17.7k 45 55 Salford 47.4k 62.4k 43 57 Sandwell 49.0k 98.3k 33 67 Scarborough 23.0k 37.5k 38 62 Scottish Borders 38.0k 27.0k 58 42 Sedgemoor 26.5k 41.9k 39 61 Sefton 76.7k 71.2k 52 48 Selby 21.1k 30.5k 41 59 Sevenoaks 32.1k 38.3k 46 54 Sheffield 130.7k 136.0k 49 51 Shepway 22.9k 37.7k 38 62 Shetland Islands 6.9k 5.3k 57 43 Shropshire 79.0k 104.2k 43 57 Slough 24.9k 29.6k 46 54 Solihull 53.5k 68.5k 44 56 South Ayrshire 36.3k 25.2k 59 41 South Bucks 20.1k 20.6k 49 51 South Cambridgeshire 56.1k 37.1k 60 40 South Derbyshire 22.5k 34.2k 40 60 South Gloucestershire 74.9k 83.4k 47 53 South Hams 29.3k 26.1k 53 47 South Holland 13.1k 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Mr Farage told a jubilant Leave.EU rally in central London: 'Dare to dream that the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom.

'This, if the predictions now are right, this will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people.

'We have fought against the multinationals, we have fought against the big merchant banks, we have fought against big politics, we have fought against lies, corruption and deceit.

'And today honesty, decency and belief in nation, I think now is going to win.

'And we will have done it without having to fight, without a single bullet being fired, we'd have done it by damned hard work on the ground.'

Mr Farage praised Ukip donor Arron Banks along with Labour and Tory MPs and those of 'no party' who have taken part in the Leave campaign.

Nigel Farage tonight declared victory for ordinary people as Middle England led Britain to a Brexit vote in the EU referendum

He went on: 'And we'll have done it not just for ourselves, we'll have done it for the whole of Europe.

'I hope this victory brings down this failed project and leads us to a Europe of sovereign nation states, trading together, being friends together, cooperating together, and let's get rid of the flag, the anthem, Brussels, and all that has gone wrong.

'Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day.'

Labour MP John Mann said: 'This is not about Farage, Johnson or any of us politicians. It is about the people wanting to take back power and influence.'

Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb said the Government must respond to 'social divisions' which seemed to have pushed many of the 'white working class' to vote Leave.
Australians will find it harder and more expensive to travel, live and invest in Britain as a result of the Brexit Out decision.

The ripples from Britain's all-but-confirmed decision to leave the European Union were already reaching Australian shores less than two hours after polling booths shut.

The faint sniff of an Out vote caused the Australian sharemarket to plunge and by Friday afternoon investors had dumped $50billion worth of stock in anticipation of the decision.

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Britons celebrate as the country's decision to leave the European Union is finalised. The decision had an immediate impact in Australia

Malcolm Turnbull was quick to capitalise the referendum result on Friday: We need a strong, majority, Coalition government to deliver Australians the economic leadership they need and they deserve, in these times of opportunity and of risk''

As Britons came to grips with what the decision meant for their country, Australians were also grappling with how it might change their relationship with Britain.

How Brexit affects Australians' travel with Britain

Australians may be required to apply for extra visas when they visit Britain now that it has separated from the EU.

Tourism expert Dr David Bierman told The Daily Telegraph that a European visa stamp no longer gave visitors the access to Britain they once enjoyed.

He said: 'Traditionally if you've come in through Britain you get automatic entrance to all the EU countries, and the same is true if you land in France and then visit the UK.

'If Brexit does occur, all that will mean is you'll have a special stamp for coming into the UK and another stamp for EU countries.'

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it would not comment on the potential consequences of the decision.

Peter Harris of Barking and Dagenham UKIP, Paul Oakden, National Party Director UKIP, Tariq Sieed, Barking and Hovering branch and Roger Gravett, Regional Organiser London UKIP, celebrate after an historic victory after the EU referendum

Brexit could make it more difficult for Australians to travel to Britain, according to a tourism expert

How Brexit affects Australians' business with Britain

The campaign to remain in the European Union has warned that leaving could make it more difficult for Australian businesses to trade with Britain.

Australia may need to renegotiate particular trade deals and companies may find it more difficult to use Britain as a gateway to Europe.

In trading directly with Europe, they may face barriers and costs they did not before.

On the back of the Brexit decision the Australian stock market immediately plunged by $50billion. Pictured is the drop in the S&P ASX50 index

Australian British Chamber of Commerce chief executive David McCredie said the decision may disrupt trading connections between Australia, Britain and Ireland.

Some Australian companies are reportedly worried that a vote for Britain to leave the EU could make it more difficult for them to trade in Europe as well.

Shadow assistant treasurer Andrew Leigh said a 'Brexit' would lead Britain to look more inward and force it to renegotiate trade agreements with other countries.

'For Australian companies that use Britain as an entry point to the EU it would also generate disruption,' Dr Leigh said.

How Brexit affects Australia's financial markets

Financial markets are often spooked by uncertainty and Britain leaving the EU has already created turmoil in Australia.

By Friday afternoon investors had dumped $50billion worth of shares on the back of the decision.

Australian businesses could find it harder to trade with Britain and may lose access to other European markets

The possibility of Britain leaving the EU could create lasting turmoil in the UK and the global financial markets, directly affecting the Australian market (stock photo)

In a worst case scenario it could precipitate another financial crisis, reported The Conversation.

As Australia is closely linked to offshore markets, the turmoil would have a large impact on domestic trade.

If the markets seize as they did in 2008, big Australian banks would find it difficult to secure offshore funding, share prices would fall and the government may need to step in to back failing businesses.

In this scenario, it would be unlikely that Australia would avoid a recession like it did in 2008-2009.

The Prime Minister and the Treasurer respond to Brexit

Australia's Prime Minister and Treasurer have sought to calm the growing unease surrounding Britain's departure from the European Union.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the instability currently seen in financial markets across the globe would be ironed out in the long run.

He said: 'It is important to remember that the Australian economy is strong and resilient and has weathered global shocks before and weathered them well.'

Mr Turnbull said he had no doubt the British government would negotiate a satisfactory departure from the European Union.

'This could take several years, and in the meantime, our relations with the United Kingdom, which are as close as any two nations' relations could be, will continue as positively and intimately as ever,' he said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has sought to ease tensions over the impacts of Brexit. He said: 'The Australian economy is strong and resilient and has weathered shocks before'

AUSTRALIANS SEE DRAMATIC DROP IN FLIGHT PRICES TO BRITAIN Flights to the UK just became much cheaper for Australian travellers after Britain voted to leave the European Union. Australian holidaymakers now have the benefit of a much weaker British pound and outbound flights from Australia to UK are currently sitting at unprecedentedly cheap levels. Webjet managing director John Guscic told AAP that the Aussie dollar can buy more euros as well as more pounds, so more leisure travellers are expected to head over there for the northern hemisphere's summer. Flight Centre spokesman Haydn Long said greater buying power would make the UK a lot more attractive to Aussies. 'People get most excited about airfare prices, however this exchange rate benefit would certainly make the UK an even more attractive proposition.' Advertisement

Treasurer Scott Morrison also said the impacts of Brexit will smooth out in the long term after a period of short term volatility.

'The advice that we have is that Australia's exposure in these circumstances is very limited,' Mr Morrison told AAP.

He said the key issues were around immigration, national sovereignty and Brexit might impact job availability and the cost of investment in the UK.

There would also be some 'internal GDP effects' in the UK and European Union.

'We will see some short-term volatility ... but the smarter investors are always the cooler heads in these circumstances, and the government has a cool head on these matters.'

Treasurer Scott Morrison said: 'Australia's exposure in these circumstances is very limited. The government has a cool head on these matters'
Britain has voted clearly in favour of leaving the EU, but that is just the start of a very long process before we officially untangle ourselves from the network of institutions in Brussels.

The historic result could see us embarking on a path to an enlightened era of prosperous global trade, freed from the shackles of unelected Brussels bureaucracy.

Or if you listen to the Remain camp, it could be the end of Western civilisation, with the continent descending into war and pensioners going hungry.

Whichever side of the European argument you fall, the only certainty seems to be that things from now on will be pretty lively. So what will the next 100 days of Brexit Britain look like?

David Cameron will shortly appear outside Downing Street to concede defeat

Today

A shattered and emotional David Cameron has announced he is resigning as Prime Minister as he gave a statement outside 10 Downing Street at 8.20am this morning.

He spoke to the Queen to alert her of his decision to stand aside in three months time - allowing a new Tory leader to be elected and installed by October.

The Prime Minister promised to implement the wishes of the British people, but his speech was necessarily short on detail and he said he would not immediately trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty - the formal mechanism for leaving the EU

His main focus in his speech outside Number 10 was an appeal for stability and unity in a bid to avoid further financial and political turmoil.

Meanwhile the Chancellor George Osborne was heading up emergency discussions between the Treasury, Bank of England and European Central Bank.

They will each activate contingency plans to shore up the pound and the euro, while injecting liquidity to banks to ensure the system keeps working.

Outside Downing Street this morning Mr Cameron said it would not be right for him to be the 'captain of the ship' while the UK negotiated its exit from the EU.

But he will stay on as Prime Minister for three months to calm the markets.

It will also allow the Conservative party to elect a new leader - almost certainly to be Brexit-supporting Boris Johnson - who will lead Britain into negotiating its official withdrawal from the EU.

In his statement today, Mr Cameron sought to reassure EU migrants living in the UK and expats living on the continent that their circumstances will not change - at least in the short term.

Goods and services will still be bought and sold between UK and European firms and consumers, he added in a bid to stave off fears of a hit to Britain's trading economy.

When he made his speech at a press conference later in the morning, Mr Johnson agreed with Mr Cameron that Britain should not trigger Article 50 until a battle plan for negotiations have been drawn up.

June 28-29

EU leaders are due to gather for a summit in Brussels, at which there will be only one topic - the Brexit vote.

They could even bring the meeting forward by a few days if their anxiety is great enough.

Mr Cameron is expected to formally notify them of our intention to leave, trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty - the legal process for quitting the 28 nation bloc.

That starts the clock on a two-year period during which we negotiate a new set of arrangements in areas such as trade, justice and reciprocal visas.

The UK can leave earlier than that if terms are easily found. But if there is no deal by the end of the time we will be outside without any special provisions - meaning much higher trade tariffs.

However, the PM may hold off as some Leave campaigners do not want to invoke Article 50 at all, believing it puts our negotiators at a disadvantage.

Instead we could try to force the EU to strike a deal without imposing a time limit - but that may depend on whether other states are willing to play ball.

European commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has already warned that 'deserters' will not be treated kindly.

But leaders will have to navigate the whole process as they go because quitting the EU is an unprecedented move.

Only semi-independent Greenland has quit the EU before, and that was 30 years ago when the island had a population of just 56,000.

It can be argued that Algeria left too - when it stopped being part of France in the 1960s.

Britain will become the first fully-signed up member of the European Union to leave after voters backed Brexit in yesterday's historic referendum. Only Greenland has left the union and that was more than 30 years ago, when the union was called the European Community

David Cameron (left) will tell European Council President Donald Tusk (right) and EU leaders of Britain's desire to leave after losing the EU referendum

July 6

As the immediate shock of the Brexit vote eases, the government machine gears up to the task of negotiating a new deal with the EU and replacing other bilateral trade agreements.

Despite volatility on the markets, the public will almost certainly be surprised to find that little changes in their everyday lives.

Importantly, there is virtually no chance that George Osborne's threat of a post-Brexit 'punishment' Budget will happen.

That is partly because victorious Conservative Eurosceptics will have demanded Mr Osborne is moved from No11, but also because the hit to the real economy will not have been as immediate as some made out.

On July 6, Mr Cameron will be able to lead the government response to the publication of the long-awaited Iraq Inquiry report. Shortly afterwards he is due to attend a Nato summit.

David Cameron will probably stay on in Number 10 until a swiftly-held Conservative leadership contest can be held - most likely to be won by leading Brexit campaigners such as Boris Johnson (right) or Michael Gove (left)

July 21

Parliament is due to rise for its summer break, but there will be little rest for ministers as they are consumed by the negotiations.

The civil service has been quietly contingency planning for the possibility of our departure, with every department set to be affected by the seismic changes.

But Mr Cameron, if he is still in place, will be largely peripheral to the process.

Having been so closely associated with the Remain campaign, it is almost inconceivable that Mr Cameron would be regarded as a credible head negotiator.

It is possible that another, Brexit-supporting minister such as Michael Gove could be appointed to oversee the work.

Vote Leave said the government should invite figures from other parties, business, the law and civil society to join the negotiating team to 'get a good deal in the national interest'.

By now the Tory leadership contest is likely to be in full swing.

The party's rules mean MPs nominate two candidates, who are then put forward for an election by the wider membership.

While Mr Cameron could stay on as PM to oversee the initial stages of leaving the EU, he will almost certainly only be a caretaker while the Tories choose a new leader.

Brexit champion Boris Johnson would almost certainly emerge victorious.

Mr Cameron would be able to lead the response to the long-awaited Iraq Inquiry report on July 6, and attend a Nato summit shortly afterwards.

But he is likely to become irrelevant to the main workings of government, as the machine focuses on the task of organising the UK's new status.

Chancellor George Osborne, who would share in Mr Cameron's ignominious defeat, also face being sidelined along with other prominent pro-EU figures like Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn could struggle to hang on to his job after criticism of his half-hearted campaign.

As for the nation's finances, sterling is expected to drop in the short term at least, hitting holiday makers and importers but helping exporters.

The FTSE could also be significantly lower as investment dries up pending clarity on the shape of the new trading and border arrangements.

Boris Johnson is now in prime position to take over from David Cameron after Britain voted for Brexit

Mid-August

The cracks could quickly start to show in the rest of the EU, as other countries wonder whether they too can forge another course outside the club.

EU council president Donald Tusk has questioned whether the Brussels club - and indeed 'Wetern civilisation' - can survive Brexit.

And senior figures such as German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble have also admitted the grouping will be significantly weakened.

Political turmoil will be perhaps the biggest threat to the UK.

If the Conservative leadership takes a similar length of time as in 2005, this is around when the successor to Mr Cameron could be announced.

Given the need for someone to take charge of the talks, it is likely there would be a strong desire to move as fast as possible.

Mr Johnson would be in a position to win a very strong mandate, as the politician who did the most to deliver the Brexit vote.

September

Parliament is due back, and while the early autumn sitting it usually viewed as a sop to those who complain MPs do not work hard enough, this year it could be extremely busy.

Vote Leave has called for legislation in the current session of Parliament to 'end the European Court of Justice's control over national security and allow the government to deport criminals from the EU'.

The Brexiteers have also pledged abolish the 5 per cent rate of VAT on household energy bills by amending the Value Added Tax Act 1994.

Other parliamentary actions promised by the Leave campaign include ending the automatic right of all EU citizens to enter the UK, and - finally - repealing the European Communities Act 1972 (Repeal) Bill.

That is the legislation that guarantees the supremacy of EU law to domestic rules.

However, it is not clear how fast the Brexiteers will be able to cut the ties to Brussels.

Around three quarters of MPs support EU membership, and some are already considering how that weight of numbers can be used to limit the impact of a Leave vote.

There could be efforts to defy the public will altogether, or keep us in the single market rather than quitting the bloc altogether.

Iain Duncan Smith has said that MPs who ignore the outcome of the referendum it would trigger a 'constitutional crisis' and potentially a snap general election.

October 5

The political party conference season is always frantic, but this year it will have an even greater significance. The realignment of politics set in train by the referendum would have been huge for Britain and for Europe.

Just after the first hundred days draws to a close, the new Tory Prime Minister could take to the stage in Birmingham to address activists.
But members of far-right parties across the continent celebrated the result

Came as European leaders also called the result 'a bad day for Europe'

Voters in the UK clearly backed Brexit despite predictions they would stay

Newspapers and politicians across Europe have expressed their shock at Britain's decision to leave the EU, just a day after many pleaded with the UK to stay.

Voters in the UK clearly backed Brexit despite polls previously predicting that the country would remain within the bloc.

As leaders across Europe woke up to the news, France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen changed her Twitter picture to a Union Jack and told her followers the result was 'victory for freedom'.

'As I have been asking for years, we must now have the same referendum in France and EU countries,' she wrote.

Other European politicians called it a 'bad nightmare', while the European media also reacted with shock.

The Boston Herald reports the news of a Brexit on its front page with a picture of Brits outside the Houses of Parliament

Germany: Tabloid newspaper Bild expressed their shock at the result with a picture of dejected Remain campaigners with the headline 'Britain OUT'

Austrian newspaper Kurier's take on the historic referendum, with a picture of John Cleese's Basil Fawlty

France: Liberation featured the picture of a married couple on top of a wedding cake holding Union flags saying 'Britain opts to leave'

Denmark: Politiken also opted for a picture of two dejected Remain supporters holding their heads in shock

As leaders across Europe woke up to the news, France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen changed her Twitter picture to a Union Jack and told her followers the result was 'victory for freedom'

German tabloid Bild, who yesterday offered 11 hilarious reasons for Britain to remain, posted on their website a picture of dejected Remain supporters with the headline: 'Britain Out.'

'The British referendum must lead to a reform of the European Union!'

It went on to list eight things it must do to become 'adorable' again, including cutting back on bureaucracy, EU Commission costs and putting an end to the 'circus' of having the EU parliament sit in Strasbourg as well as Brussels.

Belgian newspaper Le Soir featured a picture of a married couple on top of a wedding cake holding Union flags, declaring 'Britain opts to leave.'

Danish newspaper Politiken also featured a picture of shocked Remain supporters.

Meanwhile the website of Italian newspaper Corriere della Serra and Spanish website El Pais featured a jubilant picture of leading Leave campaigner Nigel Farage.

The New York Times' take on the referendum, with the headline 'British stun the world with vote to leave EU'

Belgium: The website of national newspaper Le Soir also chose to illustrate their shock at the result chosing a picture of a Remain supporters looking worried

Italy: Corriere della Serra were running a Brexit special and summed up their coverage with a picture of a jubilant Nigel Farage

Germany's influential Spiegel magazine, which two weeks ago took the extraordinary decision to devote an issue in English begging Britain to stay, said it was the 'big bang' and added: 'The unimaginable has happened. The Brexit. The British want to leave the EU - against the advice of almost all experts and against economic reason - and against the wishes of other Europeans.

'The result of the referendum is a shock. For Prime Minister David Cameron, for the majority of the political elite, for the economy - and for Europe. For the first time ever, a member country wants to leave the EU. It is a huge vote of no confidence and one that could find imitators. The future of the European Union is at stake.'

It went on to state that Britain stood at the gates of a political and economic crisis as a result.

'Black Friday' on the markets is now feared, it said, adding: 'Experts fear the country is now headed for a recession.

'The whole political class in Westminster finds itself standing before enormously difficult times. After this defeat, Cameron will no longer be prime minister.'

Spain: Newspaper website El Pais showed the two sides of the vote featuring a celebrating Farage and a Remain supporter commiserating with themselves

In France, the Gallic media spoke of a 'deeply divided' Britain, which would now enter one of the darkest periods in its recent history.

Under the headline 'The Immediate consequences for Britons', L'Express said the millions who visit France from the UK every year would now need a visa.

Holidays on the continent will also be 'more expensive', and expats including retired people living in France will see agreements on their health treatment and other benefits scrapped.

Thousands of French people living and working in the UK will be reassessing their futures, along with Britons based in France.

L'Express also warned of more 'frontiers going up' around Europe, including one between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Newspapers like Le Monde, meanwhile, highlighted 'the collapse of Sterling' and 'panic in the markets'.

It described a 'deeply divided' Britain, with 'large differences between the old and the young'.

Le Monde adds: 'The focus on immigration, which has risen sharply, could accentuate the fractures in a country, also marked by a widening gap in wealth between the poor and the wealthy.'

France: The Gallic media spoke of a 'deeply divided' Britain, which would now enter one of the darkest periods in its recent history

Le Point also warned of a 'domino effect', saying the 'terrible blow to the European project and the prime minister, David Cameron' would have lasting negative effects.

It comes as European leaders also began to express their shock at the result with the German vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel branding the move a 'bad day for Europe'.

Gabriel, who is also Germany's economy minister said on his official Twitter account: 'Damn! A bad day for Europe!'

His colleague, the German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier added he also regretted Britain's decision to leave calling it a 'sad day for Europe.

He tweeted: 'The early morning news from #GreatBritain are truly sobering. It looks like a sad day for #Europe +the #UnitedKingdom," Steinmeier wrote on Twitter.

While EU Parliament President Martin Schulz said he would speak with German Chancellor Angela Merkel 'on how we can avoid a chain reaction' of other EU states following.

He said: 'The chain reaction that is being celebrated everywhere now by eurosceptics won't happen.'

Germany: The vice chancellor of Germany Sigmar Gabriel was quick to tweet his dismay and the result saying: 'Damn! bad day for Europe!'

France: However, prominent French far right politician Marion Le Pen declared that the British result was a victory

The EU was the biggest single market in the world and 'Great Britain has just cut its ties with that market,' Schulz said.

'That'll have consequences and I don't believe other countries will be encouraged to follow that dangerous path."

'I am not shocked," he said of the results of the British referendum, adding: "We were prepared.'

Former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb predicted the result would mean chaos on the continent.

He wrote on Twitter: 'Please tell me I'm still sleeping and this is all just a bad nightmare!

'Usually these things advance in three stages 1. Crisis; 2. Chaos; 3. Sub-optimal solution. Don't know where we are at this stage.'

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he 'deeply regretted' the decision but 'European co-operation will have to continue'

European Council leader Donald Tusk has led the stunned continent's reaction to Brexit insisting: 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'

Meanwhile Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he 'deeply regretted' the decision but 'European co-operation will have to continue'.

He added that Brexit 'appeared irreversible but the process to leave may take a long time' and 'may not start until after the German elections' which are due between August and October 2017.

However, the result also triggered Dutch far-right MP Geert Wilders to call for a referendum on EU membership in the Netherlands.

Wilders, who is leading opinion polls, said if he is elected prime minister next March he will force a vote.

He said in a statement: 'We want to be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders and our own immigration policy.

'As quickly as possible the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union.

'If I become prime minister, there will be a referendum in the Netherlands on leaving the European Union as well. Let the Dutch people decide.'

USA: Other people on Twitter pondered if the EU referendum result suggested how the US presidential elections would go

USA: After Leave campaigners won the referendum, on Twitter user joked Donald Trump might want to consult Nigel Farage

European Council leader Donald Tusk led the stunned continent's reaction to Brexit insisting: 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'.

Tusk said Britain's 'historic' vote to leave the European Union should not provoke 'hysterical reactions' and urged the rest of the bloc to 'keep out unity as 27'.

In America, the White House has yet to respond to the result but many took to Twitter to suggest it might predict a win for Donald Trump in the upcoming US preidential elections.

Broderick Greer tweeted: 'Brexit is further proof that Donald J Trump will be the next President of the United States.'

While Anivan Ghosh posted: 'Trump might want to consult Nigel Farage on how to win on a divisive, anti-immigration message. #Brexit'

Meanwhile Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull predicted instability on the financial markets in the wake of Brexit.

He said: 'The impact on Australia immediately, directly, from a legal point of view, will be very limited because it will take some years for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, to negotiate an exit.
Oliver Curtis' family will 'always look after him', judge acknowledges

The family of Oliver Curtis will 'always look after him' even if he never has a career independent of his investment banker father, the judge said as she jailed him on Friday morning.

Curtis, the husband of Sydney PR supremo Roxy Jacenko, was sentenced to a maximum two years jail by the New South Wales Supreme Court.

The 30-year-old was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading, with Curtis and his former best friend pocketing $1.43 million from their scheme and splashing it on their lavish lifestyles.

Curtis' parents, wealthy resources businessman Nick Curtis and wife Angela, watched on as their son was remanded in custody.

Mr Curtis Sr, the former chairman of resources giant Lynas Corp, has been a constant presence at his baby-faced son's insider trading trial.

Oliver Curtis's parents are pictured arriving at the New South Wales Supreme Court for their son's sentencing

Still wearing his navy suit and dark shoes, a handcuffed Curtis kept his composure as he was taken away

Curtis (sketched in court today) was mostly expressionless in the dock as the decision was read out

Ms Jacenko and Curtis appeared apprehensive but composed as the sentence was read out

He wrote a three-page plea to the court last week asking Justice McCallum not to jail Curtis, saying the insider trading investigation and charges had a 'psychological effect' on his boy.

Curtis' defence lawyers had also asked the court to consider the impact a sentence would have on his career.

And in her sentencing, Justice McCallum said: 'It was acknowledged that Mr Curtis's father, who is evidently a successful investment banker, will 'always look after him'.

'In that circumstance, the adversity faced by Mr Curtis due to his offending is considerably less than for many people convicted of offences of dishonesty.'

'I accept that an 'independent career' (one that is independent of his father's support) may be foreclosed to him but he acknowledges that he has, within that constraint, developed a 'sound and successful' career.'

In his letter to the court, Nick Curtis said he was 'very close' to his son - who was brought up in Mosman, on Sydney's upper north shore, and attended the prestigious Jesuit school, Riverview College.

Oliver Curtis (right with Ms Jacenko) was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading. He was sentenced on Friday at the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney

Nicholas Curtis, page one: 'I am very close my son...(The events) have had a profound impact'

Nicholas Curtis, page two: 'He is a very strong family man with a very close relationship with his wife'

Nicholas Curtis, page three: 'I respectfully request that your Honour consider a non-custodial sentence'

He revealed how he had worked closely with Curtis over the seven years since he lost his job at Transocean Securities, a banking and corporate advisory shop. Mr Curtis Sr hired him as an executive for his new specialist investment business, Riverstone Advisory.

'I have come to rely strongly on his judgment and commercial acumen.

The fact that Oliver will be banned from managing companies for a significant period of time... will curtail what he can contribute in this regard.

'The conviction will... make it very difficult for Oliver to have a career with any large corporate entity and to forge a career outside our family businesses and relationships.

'While I will always be there to support Oliver and will always help him, I recognise the importance of him proving himself independently.'

'I believe that Oliver will not be defined by this sad incident of his youth'.
A deadly wildfire that roared through dry brush and trees in the mountains of central California gave residents little time to flee as flames burned dozens of homes to the ground, propane tanks exploded, and smoke obscured the path to safety.

An elderly couple trying to flee from the flames were overcome with smoke outside of their house and killed, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said.

Their bodies were found Friday near Lake Isabella, a popular recreation area east of Bakersfield that was ravaged by wind-whipped flames, said Phil Neufeld, a county fire spokesman.

At least 80 houses were destroyed in the southern Sierra Nevada as the fire burned out of control across nearly 47 square miles, leveling neighborhoods and forcing thousands of people to flee from fast-moving flames.

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A firefighter is seen working the scene near Kernville, California, on Friday

Firefighters battle the Erskine Fire by lighting back fires Thursday night around 11pm in Lake Isabella

Near Lake Isabella, a firefighter carries a water hose to put out a wildfire burning along Highway 178 on Friday

The wildfire that roared across dry brush and trees in the mountains of central California gave residents little time to flee as flames burned homes to the ground, propane tanks exploded and smoke obscured the path to safety

Firefighters put out a spot fire as they continue to battle a wildfire burning along Highway 178

At least 80 houses were destroyed in the southern Sierra Nevada as the fire burned out of control across nearly 47 square miles, leveling neighborhoods and forcing thousands of people to flee from fast-moving flames

The names of the two dead have not been released. The sheriff said his department hasn't been able to search very extensively and would be looking through burned homes with cadaver dogs seeking more possible victims.

David Klippel, 78, a retired police officer, said he didn't see much of a threat after receiving an automated call advising him to leave. That changed dramatically within an hour Thursday afternoon.

'I've never been so close to a fast-moving, ferocious fire. It was unbelievable,' said Klippel, who later learned his house had caught fire. 'I almost didn't have time to get out.'

Neighborhoods of mobile homes were charred to their foundations. Gusty winds pushed the flames and smoke farther into drought-starved terrain. The fire is 5 per cent contained.

Neighborhoods of mobile homes were charred to their foundations. Gusty winds pushed the flames and smoke farther into drought-starved terrain. The fire (pictured Friday) is 5 per cent contained

Scorching heat and tinder-dry conditions across the West have contributed to massive wildfires in the past week that have destroyed properties and sent residents to seek shelter and hope for the best (Friday photo)

Dangerous flames are seen in Lake Isabella, California, with a firefighter carrying a hose nearby on Friday

The California blaze erupted quickly, putting some 1,500 homes in jeopardy. Three firefighters suffered from smoke inhalation. A firefighter is pictured in Lake Isabella on Friday

A burned down car and remains of a home destroyed by a wildfire are seen Friday near Mountain Mesa

Scorched trees and debris are all that remains of a home burned by a wildfire in Mountain Mesa

Firefighter Kyle Newton puts out a hotspot at a Mountain Mesa home that was destroyed

'The forces of nature collided with a spark,' Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall said. 'The mountainous terrain, five years of drought and wind gusts of over 20 mph all drove a fire over 11 miles in 13 hours.'

Scorching heat and tinder-dry conditions across the West have contributed to massive wildfires in the past week that have destroyed properties and sent residents to seek shelter and hope for the best.

Laura Rogers was one of those who thought she'd never see her home or her brother's home again. Instead, she was lucky to find both standing in a neighborhood of mobile homes that was devastated.

'I was sure this place was gone last night,' Rogers said through tears as she gestured at the destruction around her. 'I mean look at this, I can't believe it. It's like a scary movie.'

The downspout of her brother's home was melted on the ground, but the structure was intact.

A smoldering power pole hangs on power lines as wildfires continue to burn Friday

Ambers burn in the mountain as firefighters continue to battle a wildfire burning in the area Friday near Lake Isabella

A converted DC-10 drops thousands of gallons of fire retardant on the Erskine fire near Lake Isabella, California, on Thursday. The blaze has destroyed 80 homes

Large columns of smoke from the fire near Lake Isabella are shown on Thursday. Flames raged over 2,000 acres and threatened several rural communities

Dozens of other homes were gone, left in piles of charred sheet metal and cinderblock foundations. Scorched tricycles, air conditioners and TV dishes littered the landscape. Burned-out cars sat on tireless rims and leafless trees poked from barren, blackened dirt.

The California blaze erupted quickly, putting some 1,500 homes in jeopardy. Three firefighters suffered from smoke inhalation.

Crews faced a 'firefight of epic proportions' as they tried to protect neighborhoods, Marshall said. Officials said they expect to find many more homes destroyed as the smoke clears and they do a more thorough check of smoldering neighborhoods.

Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight the fire and cleanup its aftermath. It also temporarily suspends some state regulations and waives fees as a way to ease the return of evacuees and those who have lost homes.

Dramatic video from Thursday night showed homes fully engulfed and others already gone as propane tanks flared up and popped. Flames glowing in the steep, rocky hillsides were reflected on the lake.

Residents described a frantic flight from communities surrounding the lake, a dammed section of the Kern River that is a destination for boating, fishing, rafting, hiking and camping.

Cachet Kirby, 22, of Mount Mesa and her neighbors grabbed clothes, blankets and their dogs and fled through thick smoke as flames charged down the slopes.

'It was to the point you couldn't see, you couldn't breathe,' she said.

She and others, exhausted Friday morning after little sleep in shelters and cars, were desperate for information about their homes.

'We could have gotten lucky and the wind shifted, or our house could be burned down,' Kirby said.

Cellphone service was cut off in many areas, contributing to the anxieties.

Very low humidity and gusty winds of up to 55 mph could worsen the blaze that broke out amid high temperatures and climbed over at least three ridges into hillside neighborhoods.

Kern County fire captain Tyler Townsend said: 'I've never been in a wildland fire where I've seen so many homes burn. It's one of the most devastating I've ever seen.'

Capt Townsend said many of the houses in the area have propane tanks, adding to the danger.

Several thousand people were told to evacuate in Bella Vista, South Fork, Weldon, Onyx, Lakeland Estates, Mountain Mesa, South Lake, Squirrel Valley, and Yankee Canyon.

But some have refused to leave their homes.

Hillside homes along dirt roads were consumed by heavy flames in Squirrel Mountain Valley, a community of about 500 people.

Fire crews are dwarfed by huge boulders, colored red by flame retardant dropped by planes in the area on Thursday

Smoky haze could be seen for miles around, and orange flames lit the evening air as planes and helicopters dropped brightly colored flame retardant on the blaze.

Elsewhere in the state, cooler weather helped crews fighting two fires that burned more than eight square miles of chaparral and brush in the Angeles National Forest and foothill communities northeast of Los Angeles.

More than 1,300 homes in Duarte and Azusa were evacuated, but half have been allowed back.

Near the Mexican border in San Diego County, an 11-square-mile fire burned down five homes.

A Kern County firefighting helicopter drops water on the wildfire Thursday near Lake Isabella which has been triggered by heat in the 90s and single digit humidity

An air tanker makes a fire retardant drop on the southwest corner of the fire as it moves towards the tiny settlement of Onyx on Thursday
Jeremy Corbyn has brushed aside calls to quit tonight defiantly saying: 'I will not resign'.

Furious Labour MPs said Mr Corbyn 'had to take his share of responsibility' for the referendum result, which saw huge numbers of voters in traditional Labour heartlands back Brexit.

Party grandee Dame Margaret Hodge and backbencher Ann Coffey today tabled a formal motion of no confidence in Mr Corbyn, saying it was time for him to go.

But the Labour leader insisted he was the right man to lead the party, telling Channel Four News: 'Of course I want to lead this party in order to put forward an alternative and lead this party to win the election as soon as it comes'.

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured walking back to his office holding notes after attending a shadow cabinet meeting today) could be ousted as Labour leader within days

The Labour leader insisted was not resigning despite a motion of no confidence being tabled by MPs

He said: 'I'm carrying on. I'm making the case for unity, I'm making the case of what Labour can offer to Britain, of decent housing for people, of good secure jobs for people, of trade with Europe and of course with other parts of the world.

'Because if we don't get the trade issue right we've got a real problem in this country.'

He added: 'What the British people need now is stability. Stability to retain their jobs, stability to protect those working conditions, and we need a plan from this government now on how they're going to approach the negotiations for leaving the European Union before they invoke Article 50.'

When asked about the vote of no confidence, he said: 'Margaret is obviously entitled to do what she wishes to do. I would ask her to think for a moment, a Tory prime minister resigned, Britain's voted to leave the European Union, there are massive political issues to be addressed.

'Is it really a good idea to start a big debate in the Labour Party when I was elected less than a year ago with a very large mandate not from MPs, I fully concede and understand that, but from the party members as a whole.'

Mr Corbyn, a lifelong Eurosceptic, only agreed to back the Remain camp after he was threatened with a shadow cabinet walkout last year.

But he struggled to make a convincing case to Labour voters, admitting he was 'no lover of the EU'.

Calls for Mr Corbyn to follow the Prime Minister and fall on his sword have grown louder after as many as half of Labour voters abandoned the political mainstream to support the Leave campaign.

Dame Margaret Hodge, pictured attacking Mr Corbyn on Sky News earlier today, has tabled a motion of no confidence in the Labour leader

MPs will vote on the motion next week in a secret ballot.

Mr Corbyn has never had significant support among Labour MPs and would be likely to lose a secret vote.

The Labour leader has faced repeated accusations he ran a limp, half-hearted campaign for Remain hampered by his long-held Euroscepticism.

Dame Margaret today told Sky News: 'I have thought about this overnight, I reflected really deeply.

'I think this is for the sake of the nation and the party in the context of a secret ballot, I think there will be overwhelming support.

'Labour needs to be able to lead the nation through a period of tumultuous change.'

An anonymous Labour MP put it more bluntly, telling the Evening Standard: 'He is toast. If we got into a general election with him as leader, we will be wiped out. The Shadow Cabinet has got to tell him to go.'

Parliamentary Labour Party chairman John Cryer will be asked to accept the motion on Monday night. If he does so, the secret ballot of confidence in Mr Corbyn would be held on Tuesday.

While not binding a defeat - which appears inevitable - would be devastating to what little authority Mr Corbyn wields over his MPs.

Jeremy Corbyn, pictured today leaving home, was deserted by thousands of Labour supporters but the party still tried to claim today he was best placed to speak for a divided Britain

Mr Corbyn faced repeated claims he had run a lacklustre campaign. On the final day he appeared with (from left) Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan

LEAKED MEMO OBTAINED BY MAILONLINE REVEALS LABOUR LEADERSHIP HAS EIGHT-POINT PLAN TO SAVE JEREMY CORBYN The Labour leadership sent out a script to Labour MPs which contained an eight-point plan on how to defend Jeremy Corbyn's performance during the referendum A leaked memo was sent to Labour MPs with scripted lines to take boasting about how well Jeremy Corbyn had performed during the botched EU referendum campaign. In a detailed document for Labour spokespeople going on air to use - obtained by MailOnline - the party claims leadership claims the result is a 'damning indictment' of the Government and defend the desertion of Labour voters as a protest against the Tories. Remarkably, the script gave eight bullet points under the heading: 'What's Jeremy done in this campaign'. It says he has attended 10 EU rallies, met with nurses in Birmingham, a clean beaches event in Truro, launched the Labour In bus and the Ad Van, taken part in a debate on Sky News, written two op-eds, reached more than 10 million people on social media, made six statements to the House of Commons on the EU, dedicated 10 PMQs on Europe and has been 'consistent on this issue from day one of his leadership'. The lengthy document - nearly 2,000 words long - signals the degree of panic at the heart of the Labour leadership over Mr Corbyn's future. He was repeatedly blamed throughout the campaign for failing to send a clear enough message on Labour's stance on the referendum and many in the party are blaming him for the crushing Brexit defeat. It has fuelled speculation that Mr Corbyn privately did not fully support staying in the EU. The lifelong Eurosceptic voted No in the 1975 referendum on whether Britain should stay in the Common Market and admitted as recently as Monday that he was 'not a lover' of the EU and said Brussels must change 'dramatically'. And he also admitted during the campaign that his passion for staying in the EU only rates at 'seven or seven and a half' out of ten. Advertisement

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair led attacks on Mr Corbyn's campaign in the aftermath of the declaration.

He said Mr Corbyn had been 'pretty lukewarm' about staying in the EU.

He said Labour faced massive questions about its future, adding: 'I think what we will learn in the days, weeks, months ahead, I'm afraid, you can ride the anger through these populist movements but you don't actually produce the answers to the challenges people face.'

Asked if Mr Corbyn should quit, Mr Blair said: 'I think there are much, much bigger questions for the Labour Party right now.

'We've got to consider what our purpose is, where we are going and what we are trying to do here.'

His former spin chief Alastair Campbell said: 'I don't think there is anyone who can seriously think that Jeremy Corbyn connected with these voters that we lost.'

Former Cabinet minister Ben Bradshaw called for him to quit, saying: 'This was a devastating and catastrophic defeat, not just for the Labour party but for our Labour leadership. I think Jeremy is a decent and nice man but his leadership, or rather lack of it, particularly during the referendum campaign, has been abysmal.

'And I do think that, like David Cameron, he needs to shoulder his share of the responsibility and for the sake of the party and the country, step down.'

Pro-EU MP Simon Danczuk, who had his Labour whip suspended last year, said there is 'no doubt' that Mr Corbyn must go.

Mr Corbyn today answered 'No' when asked if he would resign.

Mr Danczuk told Sky News: 'We've failed to get the message across to what you might describe as Labour heartlands.

'The truth is that Jeremy Corbyn just doesn't communicate well with those core voters. And the important point from that is that I think they're actually making that final disconnect with Labour.

'They weren't happy under Ed Miliband's leadership but they put up with it. They're not happy with Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

'Their final act of disconnection is that they've gone and voted to take us out of Europe and that's what we're seeing this morning in these results.'

Asked if it means a change of leadership, he said: 'There's no doubt about it. You can't carry on, if you can't communicate with your core voters then you're not going to win general elections.'

Brexit-backing Labour MP John Mann was scathing in his response, saying working class voters are 'sick to death' with what they are being offered.

He told BBC News: 'Labour has gone wrong by not being in touch with its voters, I've been saying this for the last 10 years in relation to immigration and free movement of labour, I've been saying it in relation to what the offer is to working class people - it's not something new in this campaign, I'm not the only one, but it's a small number who have been saying it at the national level in Labour.

'I've said it for the last 10 years repeatedly and what we're offering working class people, what the country's offering, is zero hours contracts, agency work, insecurity, and people are sick to death of it, they've had enough.

'And that's why in my area and elsewhere Labour voters have voted in huge numbers to leave the European Union.'

Simon Danczuk, pictured today at the national referendum count in Manchester, was the among the first Labour voices to call for Mr Corbyn to resign over the referendum result

ARTICLE 50 OF THE LISBON TREATY Until the Lisbon Treaty was signed, the EU had no formal legal process for members to leave. But when member states were negotiating the 2007 agreement  which came into force two years later  they inserted Article 50. This spells out the process by which governments can give the EU notice of their intention to leave the bloc. Activating Article 50 fires the starting gun on a two-year negotiation, after which the member state automatically ceases to be in the EU. Any new deal on membership terms must be signed off by a two-thirds majority of the European Council and be approved by the European Parliament. The deadline can only be extended by a unanimous vote of the Council members. Advertisement

Shadow minister Jon Ashworth said Labour must 'get out of London' and understand why Northern towns have voted to leave the European Union.

He told Sky News said: 'We have to understand why people voted the way they did. I've been arguing that we in the Labour Party, all the way down from the shadow cabinet, we'll be having our shadow cabinet meeting tomorrow, I'll be saying one of things we've got to do is get out of London and go to Sunderland, to Middlesbrough, to Wigan, and find out why people voted the way they did.'

Former Cabinet minister Yvette Cooper said Labour must address concerns in industrial towns and former coalfield communities.

Ms Cooper told ITV News: 'I think it does show really the pattern of a divided country and that is going to be a challenge for us whatever the result is, a real task to pull the country back together again.

'We have got particularly division between the cities and the towns, we knew that the Tory shires were more likely to be voting to Leave, the cities more likely to be voting Remain, we've also known for some time that industrial towns and coalfield communities were more likely to be voting to Leave as well.

'I think recognising the divisions and the genuine concerns of people who are voting out because they are in envy about the lack of economic opportunities, feeling worried about immigration, those sorts of concerns, that I think the Government has not listened to and not responded to and all parties need to respond to as well.'

Labour MP Graham Jones said: 'I want a damn good explanation from Jeremy Corbyn as to why we ended up in this mess. If I am not satisfied, I will support the motion.'

A key member of the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign told HuffPostUK: 'Jeremy hasn't pulled his weight. Even if we had won, it would have been despite not because of him.'

Piers Corbyn, the Labour leader's brother, suggested Mr Corbyn retained his Eurosceptic views and could have backed Brexit in the privacy of the polling booth

Mr Corbyn was dogged throughout the referendum campaign by claims he was failing to effectively make the case for staying in the EU.

Even his brother, Piers Corbyn, said the Labour leader could back Brexit in the privacy of the polling booth.

Nigel Farage today laid claim to the 'old Labour' vote, using a speech in Westminster to herald Ukip's success in winning over working class communities.

Labour MPs who were already furious with Mr Corbyn will seize upon suggestions Mr Corbyn could capitalise on Brexit as further evidence the veteran left winger is deeply out of touch.
Police are responding to reports of armed robbery at

A jewellery store employee has posted a series of distressing messages to Facebook detailing an armed robbery at the store.

Police were called to Harrington and Co jewellery store in Woolloongabba, south-east of Brisbane, after responding to reports two men, one who was armed with a firearm, were robbing the store at 2pm on Friday.

A store employee took to Facebook during the ordeal to frantically describe what was happening and to urge friends to contact the police.

A jewellery store employee has posted a series of distressing messages to Facebook detailing an armed robbery at the store in Brisbane on Friday

Police were called to Harrington and Co jewelry store in Woolloongabba, a Brisbane suburb, after responding to reports two men, one who was armed with a firearm, were robbing the store

'Someone call 000 please armed robbery,' the first post read.

She posted the store's address before writing 'Please', which was followed by a desperate 'Please!!!!!!'.

Alarmingly, the woman then posted 'Shotgun fired'.

Police would not confirm what type of firearm was used during the robbery but said no shots were fired.

A police spokesperson said the men were in the store for a short time before fleeing with stolen goods.

Police would not confirm what type of firearm was used during the robbery but said no shots were fired in the store

A police spokesperson said the men were in the store for a short time before fleeing with stolen goods

The suspected armed robbers had still not been found at 4pm on Friday.

The spokesperson said the men covered their faces with a piece of clothing.

No one was injured during the incident.

Just hours before the ordeal unfolded, the jewelry store posted an image to Instagram showing a delivery van picking up goods from the shop.

Daily Mail Australia has contact Harrington and Co for comment.
A father who raped his own daughter and pimped her to other men known as the 'Evil 8' said 'it was fun while it lasted'.

The 42-year-old Perth father, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to 61 offences committed between 2013 and 2015 when his daughter was aged between 11 and 13.

The offences included giving his daughter a stupefying drug, watching as others raped her, and recording her while she was naked and in bondage.

He was sentenced on Thursday in the West Australian District Court to 22-and-a-half years.

A 42-year-old father pleaded guilty to 61 offences committed against his daughter between 2013 and 2015 when she was aged between 11 and 13. He was sentenced on Thursday to 22-and-a-half years in the WA District Court (stock image)

She had been shackled to a bed wearing a dog collar with the word 'b***h' on it while she was raped and filmed.

As she struggled with the restraint, the girl pleaded with her father, saying: 'Stop please, dad'.

The girl, now 14, was forced to shower with another man before being further abused.

When he was arrested, the father told police 'it was fun while it lasted'.

'I really, really want to get out of this scene because it, I'm going to be honest, it was fun while it lasted but it went way over the line,' he told police, the court heard.

'I just wanted to get back to normal. Live a normal life.'

In a letter, the father expressed 'remorse, regret and utter shame'.

Former pastor and father-of-two, David Volmer, was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years after he admitted molesting and raping the blindfolded girl while her father was present

Pictured: the former pastor who was sentenced for 10-and-a-half years after he admitted to molesting and raping the girl while her father watched

The girl lived alone with her father after his second marriage, which the girl was not the daughter of, deteriorated.

He then used his daughter to replace his ex-wife for sex and emotional support.

She was subjected to 'degradation of the highest order', prosecutor Justin Whalley said.

Justice Philip Eaton agreed with prosecutors that the case was 'one of the most serious examples of sexual offending against a child ever to appear before a criminal court in this State'.

The 42-year-old described himself as a caring father, and argued the girl was able to consent.

'You in fact allowed complete strangers to treat your daughter as a sexual object and treated her like that yourself,' Justice Eaton said.

'I have no doubt that you derived a perverse sexual enjoyment from doing so.

'Your needs required that you involve other men, and that you gained some degree of sexual gratification from viewing their sexual conduct with your daughter,' Justice Eaton said.

Benjamin Simon Clarke was previously sentenced to three years in jail for his involvement, which included photographing the girl in lingerie and nude.

He said there will be lasting and probably irreparable consequences for the girl.

The father had met the other men over websites like Craigslist, the court heard.

Benjamin Simon Clarke was previously sentenced to three years in jail for his involvement, which included photographing the girl in lingerie and nude.

Former pastor and father-of-two, David Volmer, was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years after he admitted molesting and raping the blindfolded girl while her father was present.

Mark Wesley Liggins was also charged as part of the intensive police investigation and was sentenced to more than two years in prison in May.

Four other men also face charges.

It does not appear the other men were connected.

The father was sentenced to 22-and-a-half years, with a minimum of 20-and-a-half years.
As Donald Trump flew in to Scotland today after the UK's seismic break with the European Union, parallels have been drawn with the anti-immigration message that led to Brexit and his rise to presumptive Republican presidential candidate.

Many have pointed out the similarities between Britain's decision to leave the EU and Trump's campaign - and believe it is an indication of how Americans will vote on November 8, which could see Trump in the White House.

The Donald's arrival in the UK will be seen by many as a meeting of minds - two worlds colliding with shared views including a disgruntled electorate; lost national pride; isolationism; and the issue of immigration.

However, he may not get the desired reception in Scotland: while voters in England and Wales swung the result for Leave, Scots voted overwhelmingly for remaining part of the EU.

And today, he promised close ties between the U.S. and UK if he becomes President, saying: 'A Trump Administration pledges to strengthen our ties with a free and independent Britain, deepening our bonds in commerce, culture and mutual defense'.

'Brexit is further proof that Donald J Trump will be the next President of the United States,' wrote Broderick Greer on Twitter.

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Twitter drew parallels with the 'anti-immigration' message that led to Brexit with the meteoric rise of the Donald Trump

TRUMP'S STATEMENT ON EU REFERENDUM The people of the United Kingdom have exercised the sacred right of all free peoples. They have declared their independence from the European Union, and have voted to reassert control over their own politics, borders and economy. A Trump Administration pledges to strengthen our ties with a free and independent Britain, deepening our bonds in commerce, culture and mutual defense. The whole world is more peaceful and stable when our two countries  and our two peoples  are united together, as they will be under a Trump Administration. Come November, the American people will have the chance to re-declare their independence. Americans will have a chance to vote for trade, immigration and foreign policies that put our citizens first. They will have the chance to reject todays rule by the global elite, and to embrace real change that delivers a government of, by and for the people. I hope America is watching, it will soon be time to believe in America again. Advertisement

Paul Harris added that Americans should learn a lesson from the result in Britain.

'If you think Trump can't win you are lazy, complacent and very dangerous,' he warned.

Arnivan Ghosh said Trump should look for tips from Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party who has spent 20 years campaigning to the country to leave the EU, on how to win with a 'divisive, anti-immigration' message.

'That Nigel dude is British Trump,' added Wanda Sykes.

Huw James Collins added: 'The correlation of Trump enthusiasts delighting in the 'Leave' victory perfectly illuminates the roots of this debacle.'

Others were concerned that the result will lend credence to Trump's nationalistic agenda and mean other nations turn to isolationist policies.

'Deeply concerned that #Brexit will cue other nations to recede into isolationism, and lend credence to #Trump's nativist agenda,' wrote Guy Wilson.

Many have warned that this nationalist drive now sets the world stage for a Donald Trump presidency.

In an op-ed for the LA Times, London School of Economics fellow Brian Klaas and Marcel Dirsus, a lecturer at the University of Kiel in Germany, compare Brexit voters to 'Trump supporters sporting "Make America Great Again" hats' who 'believe they have lost too much for too long'.

'Their complaint is understandable,' they write. 'But turning inward will only make their problems worse and the world more dangerous.

'Britain narrowly succumbed to isolationist populism Thursday. Lets hope Americans dont make the same mistake by voting for a Trump presidency come November.'

Meanwhile, BBC World News anchor Katty Kay, an English journalist now based in Washington, said that if disgruntlement, nationalism, populism and anti-globalization are enough to force a radical move in the UK, then it could be the same in the United States.

She highlighted five reasons why Brexit could mean the billionaire businessman winning the White House in November: an angry electorate, globalization, immigration, lost pride and populism.

Twitter has been flooded with those comparing the Brexit campaign's 'divisive' anti-immigration message with the meteoric rise of The Donald

Many on Twitter believing the result it's a sign that Trump will be the next president of the United States

The two most surprising political phenomena of this year have been the rise of Donald Trump and the success of the Leave Europe camp in Britains referendum on Brexit, she wrote in an article published earlier this week.

Kay notes that few pundits saw either coming, including herself, but believes the result in Britain could indicate how America votes in the November 8 election.

She compared Donald Trumps tactic of tapping into the angry electorate with Boris Johnson, the former Mayor of London who campaigned for Britain to leave the EU.
Experts say the market should settle in a week as everyone calms down

The financial market was turned on head as Britain voted to leave the EU

Australians urged to buy pounds as they hit the lowest rate in 30 years

Experts are urging Australians to buy British pounds now and cash in on the low exchange rate after the pound hit its lowest point in more than thirty years on Friday.

The financial market was turned on its head as the world reacted to Britian's decision to leave the European Union, with currencies fluctuating rapidly throughout the day.

Comm Sec Market Analyst Steven Daghlian said Australian travellers could benefit from the fall.

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Experts are urging Australians to buy British pounds now and cash in on the low exchange rate after the pound hit its lowest point in more than thirty years on Friday

'If you're going to the UK this outcome has put you in a better position because the Aussie dollar has jumped by about 4.5 per cent against the pound which means it's at its highest level since November 2014,' he said.

As polling booths opened in the UK, many traders were optimistic Britain would remain in the EU which lead to a strong start to Friday for the Australian dollar.

Australians that changed their money to US dollars early on Friday ended up saving money.

'Overnight the AUD was sitting at 76.5 US cents, so that was on hopes that the UK would stay in the EU. But now after the votes have come through and were seeing a Brexit take place, the AUD sits at 73.5 cents. A drop by 3 cents in one day is big!'

Professor Richard Holden from the UNSW Australia Business School said the fluctuations are likely to continue.

'Weve already seen a big movement of the Australian dollar strengthening against the pound but whether there will be further movements over the coming day is hard to say. It will depend on the flow on effects of today's vote in financial markets and UK politics,' he said.

The All Ordinaries Index is displayed alongside the Top 10 S&P Index at approximately 4.30pm on June 24. The UK voting to leave the EU caused heavy selling of shares and wiping almost A$50 billion from the ASX as a result

Mr Daghlian said tumultuous markets are likely when historic changes take place and many have a knee-jerk reaction.

'Most were expecting Britain would remain in the EU, and then this happened, it's the biggest drop we've seen in a while for the Australian dollar.

'The UK has been part of the EU for 43 years. Its a big deal theyve voted with this and theres a lot of uncertainty going forward over what exactly will happen. Half the UKs trade is with the European Union so its going to be a long drawn out process to renegotiate contracts,' he said.

Many people already exchanged their dollars on Friday but Mr Daghlian said the pound could go even lower.

'Tonight were set to have a pretty bad night for the markets and the pound. Were likely to have a period of volatility where the market will rise one day and fall the next. The market is at it's lowest level since April this year, with markets in Asia doing even worse,' he said.

Mr Daghlian said he expects it wont take long for the dust to settle and the commotion to slow down.

'By mid-next week the market could have calmed down a bit.'
European leaders have warned Britain to leave the EU quickly and avoid prolonging uncertainty.

The presidents of the EU's main institutions said in a statement today that they expect London to act on the decision to leave 'as soon as possible, however painful that process may be.'

As he demanded Britain make a quick exit from the EU, furious European Parliament President Martin Schulz said the U.K.'s relationship with the EU had been ambiguous, but was 'now clear.'

He added a prolonged exit was 'the opposite of what we need', adding that it was difficult to accept that 'a whole continent is taken hostage because of an internal fight in the Tory party'.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz has said Europe must not be 'held hostage' by Britain

French President Francois Hollande said the UK's vote to leave the EU must act as a 'jolt' to the bloc to implement the 'profound change' needed to address its troubles

European Council leader Donald Tusk has led the stunned continent's reaction to Brexit insisting: 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'

Merkel expressed 'great regret' at the UK's decision to leave the European Union and said the bloc must never forget that the foundation of European unity was the 'idea of peace'

French President Francois Hollande has admitted the EU requires 'profound change' in the wake of the Brexit vote as German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her dismay at the result.

Hollande said the UK's vote to leave the EU must act as a 'jolt' to the bloc to implement the change needed to address its troubles - adding he was 'sad' to see Britain sever relations.

Merkel described her 'great regret' at the UK's decision to leave and said the EU must never forget that the foundation of European unity was the 'idea of peace'.

The four - EU Council President Donald Tusk, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Parliament President Martin Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte - said that 'any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty.'

David Cameron has suggested that formal notification of Britain's departure might not come before October.

On Monday, Merkel and Hollande will meet to discuss the vote with Donald Tusk, who earlier insisted: 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'.

Newspapers and politicians across Europe have revealed their shock at Britain's decision - just a day after many pleaded with the UK to stay.

The French President warned the remaining 27 member states that action was needed to reconnect with citizens.

'The British people have decided to leave. It is a sad decision but one which I respect,' he said.

'The vote puts the European Union in difficulties. It must recognise its shortfalls.

'A jolt is necessary. Europe must reaffirm it values of freedom, solidarity, peace. The EU must be understood and controlled by its citizens. I will do everything to secure profound change rather than decline.'

The International Monetary Fund 'stands ready' to deal with the fallout of the UK's decision to leave the European Union, according to its managing director Christine Lagarde

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (pictured) insisted on Friday that Britain's decision to leave the EU was not the beginning of the end for the bloc

Merkel later warned EU member states against drawing hasty conclusions about Britain's decision to quit the bloc, as that risked further splitting Europe.

'We take note of the British people's decision with regret. There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process,' she said.

But 'what the consequences of this would be... would depend on whether we - the other 27 member states of the EU - prove to be willing and able to not draw quick and simple conclusions from the referendum in Great Britain, which would only further divide Europe,' said Merkel.

Member states should 'calmly and prudently analyse and evaluate the situation, before making the right decisions together,' said Merkel.

Tusk had earlier pleaded for the EU 'to keep our unity as 27' adding that Britain's 'historic' vote to leave the European Union should not provoke 'hysterical reactions'.

Voters in the UK clearly backed Brexit despite polls previously predicting that the country would remain within the bloc.

Tusk said Britain's 'historic' vote to leave the European Union should not provoke 'hysterical reactions' and added that the EU was prepared for such an outcome

Speaking in Brussels on Friday, Tusk said he was confident in the EU's future, adding that 'what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.'

The European Council leader said: 'I am fully aware of how serious, or even dramatic, this moment is politically.

'There's no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, especially for the UK. But for sure this is not a moment for hysterical reactions. I want to reassure everyone that we are prepared also for this negative scenario. As you know the EU is not only a fair-weather project.

'Today, on behalf of the twenty seven leaders I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27. For all of us, the union is the framework for our common future. I would also like to reassure you that there will be no legal vacuum.'

He said that EU law 'will continue to apply to and within the UK' until Britain has formally left the bloc.

'Until the United Kingdom formally leaves the European Union, EU law will continue to apply to and within the UK. By this , I mean rights and obligations.

He added: 'Finally, it's true that the past years have been the most difficult ones in the history of our Union. But I always remember what my father used to tell me: What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.'

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he 'deeply regretted' the decision but 'European co-operation will have to continue'

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker insisted on Friday that Britain's decision to leave the EU was not the beginning of the end for the bloc.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz said Britain's exit from the EU must be done quickly.

Schulz tweeted on Friday that the 'will of voters must be respected. Now need speedy and clear exit negotiation.'

He says the U.K.'s relationship with the EU had been ambiguous but that 'now it's clear.'

Britain has up to two years to negotiate an exit, but EU officials have been insisting on quick and potentially tough negotiations to discourage the 27 other countries in the bloc from wanting to leave.

The heads of the European Greens party say the European Union needs a reset with the vote to leave in Britain showing that the EU is more divided than ever.

Joint chairs Monica Frassoni and Reinhard Buetikofer say Friday that 'Europe is more divided and less colourful' and that 'we cannot go on with business as usual.'

They said: 'We need to 'reset' the EU and together make it able to deliver credible solutions, notably to those facing a persistent economic uncertainty and a growing sense of insecurity.'

As leaders across Europe woke up to the news, France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen changed her Twitter picture to a Union Jack and told her followers the result was 'victory for freedom'.

'As I have been asking for years, we must now have the same referendum in France and EU countries,' she wrote.

As leaders across Europe woke up to the news, France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen changed her Twitter picture to a Union Jack and told her followers the result was 'victory for freedom'

France: However, prominent French far right politician Marion Le Pen declared that the British result was a victory

Germany: The vice chancellor of Germany Sigmar Gabriel was quick to tweet his dismay and the result saying: 'Damn! bad day for Europe!'

Italian Premier Matteo Renzi insisted it was time for 'calm and lucidity' so Europe can set to work restructuring.

Renzi said 'Europe is our home' and 'that of our children and grandchildren.' He added that, today more than ever, 'the house must be remodeled, maybe freshened up, but it's the house of our tomorrow.'

He said Europe's young people are asking for 'more Europe' to realise dreams and expectations.

Many Italian college graduates, unable to find jobs at home, head to Britain to pursue research or careers in finance and other fields.

Renzi recalled that 'in moments of difficulty, Europe pulls out the best of itself.'

Margus Tsahkna, of Estonias centre-right coalition said Britain had started the break up of Europe and that Russian President Vladimir Putin is drinking champagne.

European citizens also vented their anger on Twitter, with digs from the French towards Les Anglais. Many used the hashtag #BonDebarras  good riddance  and one said: The English vote like they cook, its diabolical.

France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen changed her Twitter picture to a Union Jack and told her followers the result was 'victory for freedom'.

This morning, Marion Marechal-Le Pen, a member of the Le Pen dynasty and an FN MP, tweeted 'Victory!'

The Le Pens, including the convicted racist and anti-Semite MEP and party founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, are fiercely anti-Europe.

They view an end to the EU as the best way of implementing their anti-immigration and anti-globalisation agenda.

Germany: Tabloid newspaper Bild expressed their shock at the result with a picture of dejected Remain campaigners with the headline 'Britain OUT'

France: Liberation featured the picture of a married couple on top of a wedding cake holding Union flags saying 'Britain opts to leave'

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said he was 'sad for the United Kingdom' and that 'Europe will continue but it must react and rediscover the confidence of its peoples. It's urgent.'

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said it was necessary to 'change (the EU) to make it more human and more just, but Europe is our home, it's our future.'

Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen said 'Denmark belongs to the European Union' and the Scandinavian country has 'no plans to hold a referendum on this basic matter.'

He said being member of the 28-member bloc is 'Denmark's best opportunity to influence the world.'

Referendums across the EU 'must be food for thought,' he said, adding it shows a euroskepticism 'that we as decision-makers must take very seriously.'

In Norway, which is not an EU member, Prime Minister Erna Solberg told Norwegian broadcaster NRK she was confident that the EU would 'find solutions to this.'

Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said the bloc now faces 'great challenges' when it comes to economy, migration, climate and security.

And the International Monetary Fund 'stands ready' to deal with the fallout of the UK's decision to leave the European Union, according to its managing director Christine Lagarde.

She urged the UK and EU to ensure a 'smooth transition' to a new economic relationship after the Brexit vote.

'We urge the authorities in the U.K. and Europe to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition to a new economic relationship between the U.K. and the EU, including by clarifying the procedures and broad objectives that will guide the process,' Lagarde said in a statement.

She added: 'We strongly support commitments of the Bank of England and the ECB to supply liquidity to the banking system and curtail excess financial volatility. We will continue to monitor developments closely and stand ready to support our members as needed.'

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (pictured) said it was necessary to 'change (the EU) to make it more human and more just, but Europe is our home, it's our future'

Meanwhile Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he 'deeply regretted' the decision but 'European co-operation will have to continue'.

He added that Brexit 'appeared irreversible but the process to leave may take a long time' and 'may not start until after the German elections' which are due between August and October 2017.

Rutte also dismissed right-wing politician Geert Wilders' call for a Dutch vote on the EU, saying 'I don't think the Dutch are currently interested in having a referendum on that.'

The prime minister says the Dutch understand that 'cooperation with other countries in a common market ... is vital for our country.'

POPE FRANCIS: BRITISH DECISION REFLECTS THE WILL OF ITS PEOPLE Pope Francis has said the British decision to leave the European Union reflects the will of its people and that Britain and the rest of the continent must now work to live together. Francis told reporters en route to Armenia on Friday that the decision places 'a great responsibility on all of us to guarantee the well-being of the people of the United Kingdom.' Pope Francis has said the British decision to leave the European Union reflects the will of its people and that Britain and the rest of the continent must now work to live together He said it also will require all to 'take responsibility for the well-being and coexistence of the entire European continent.' The Vatican has supported the European project from its inception, seeing unification as a way to improve social and economic standards and solidarity. While officially taking a neutral position as Britain debated whether to leave, Francis' demands that Europe welcome in more migrants put him squarely at odds with the Brexit camp. Advertisement

He was one of a number of European leaders to voice their shock at the result this morning.

German vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel branding the move a 'bad day for Europe'.

Gabriel, who is also Germany's economy minister said on his official Twitter account: 'Damn! A bad day for Europe!'

Germany's foreign minister said Britain's decision to leave the European Union is 'truly sobering' news.

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that 'it looks like a sad day for Europe and for the United Kingdom.'

German officials have repeatedly said that they wanted Britain to remain in the EU.

Denmark: Politiken also opted for a picture of two dejected Remain supporters holding their heads in shock

Belgium: The website of national newspaper Le Soir also chose to illustrate their shock at the result chosing a picture of a Remain supporters looking worried

Italy: Corriere della Serra were running a Brexit special and summed up their coverage with a picture of a jubilant Nigel Farage

Meanwhile former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb predicted the result would mean chaos on the continent.

He wrote on Twitter: 'Please tell me I'm still sleeping and this is all just a bad nightmare!

'Usually these things advance in three stages 1. Crisis; 2. Chaos; 3. Sub-optimal solution. Don't know where we are at this stage.'

Meanwhile the result also triggered Dutch far-right MP Geert Wilders to call for a referendum on EU membership in the Netherlands.

Wilders, who is leading opinion polls, said if he is elected prime minister in March he will force a vote.

He said in a statement: 'We want to be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders and our own immigration policy.

A television channel shows the front page of the Daily Mail with the headline 'WE'RE OUT!' while traders watch their screens at the stock exchange in Frankfurt, Germany

'As quickly as possible the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union.

'If I become prime minister, there will be a referendum in the Netherlands on leaving the European Union as well. Let the Dutch people decide.'

German tabloid Bild, who yesterday offered 11 hilarious reasons for Britain to remain, posted on their website a picture of dejected Remain supporters with the headline: 'Britain Out.'

'The British referendum must lead to a reform of the European Union!'

It went on to list eight things it must do to become 'adorable' again, including cutting back on bureaucracy, EU Commission costs and putting an end to the 'circus' of having the EU parliament sit in Strasbourg as well as Brussels.

Belgian newspaper Le Soir featured a picture of a married couple on top of a wedding cake holding Union flags, declaring 'Britain opts to leave.'

Danish newspaper Politiken also featured a picture of shocked Remain supporters.
Australias southern ski slopes were gifted with heavy snow on Friday morning, and parts of Sydney and Melbourne are set to get their taste over the weekend.

The most powerful cold front to hit south-eastern Australia in three years will bring a winter chill to cities on the coast.

There has been widespread reports of snowfall across New South Wales.

Snow is pictured completely blanketing road and surrounding bushland in Apollo Bay on the coast of Victoria

Only in Australia: A hopeful surfer pictured near the seaside town of Lorne in Victoria

A dog embraces the blustery conditions as snow fell across south-eastern Australia

Snow has blanketed parts of the Great Ocean Road along the south-eastern coast of Australia

More than 40cm of fresh snow has fallen on the higher reaches of Thredbo Resort in the last 24 hours

Cars move slowly through snowfall in Blackheath in New South Wales

The sky has broken: A man rejoices as snow falls from the sky at Perisher on Friday morning

Time for lunch: A man shovels snow from a picnic table at Perisher where snow fell on Thursday night

A skier enjoys the soft slopes at Perisher where fresh snow has fallen

Snow continues to fall across the Alpine region following 40cm at Thredbo Village and 35cm at Perisher resort on Thursday night.

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded five centimetres at Thredbo between 8 and 9am on Friday, and many photos of snowfall in southern and central regions have been posted on social media since.

Heavy rain turned Melbourne streets into 'swimming pools' at peak hour before snow was dumped across the east coast and wind and rain hit in a powerful cold front.

Snowfall on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria

Snow across the road in Oberon in the central tablelands of New South Wales

Snowfall in Blackheath in New South Wales on Friday

Snowfall takes centre stage! A man is excited to see snow in Lorne, Victoria on Friday

The downpour caused flash flooding on Thursday night in areas of South Melbourne on the Nepean Highway, after 6.6 millimetres fell about 5.30pm, while gale force winds uprooted trees and brought down power lines.

Snow, sleet, rain, hail and thunder are expected around Melbourne on Friday, Bureau of Meteorology warned, with a high of 10 degrees  the coldest June day in 16 years.

Meteorologist Tristan Meyers ruled out any snowfall in Melbourne's metropolitan areas but said it would be 'pretty cold'.

Saturday in Melbourne is expected to have a high of 13 degrees with clearing showers.

Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high of 12 degrees, according to Weatherzone.

Watch out for the tree: Skiers embracing the cold conditions at Perisher on Friday

Watch your step: People shovel snow from the steps at Perisher

The Blue Mountains town of Katoomba, west of Sydney, was dusted by snow late on Friday morning.

It is expected to fall above 600 metres, according to Weatherzone.

Sydney is expected to have a windy Friday and a top of 17 degrees, followed by a sunny Saturday at 16 degrees.

The more it snowed the more children loved it at the Thredbo Resort in the Snowy Mountains of NSW

Snowball fights were the order of the day as residents enjoyed themselves at the Thredbo resort

But it wasn't all fun and games for those who needed to drive their cars through the snow

Despite the heavy snow visibility was not good in areas of the Thredbo Resort in NSW

Sunday will have increasing clouds and be 16 degrees.

Adelaide has also suffered heavy rain and strong winds which caused widespread damage and minor flooding.

Fears were also held for possible flooding at Port Adelaide early on Friday with the downpour coinciding with a high tide and storm surge.

The City of Adelaide opened Franklin St Bus Station to provide shelter to the homeless during the severe weather, providing food and hot drinks.

The State Emergency Service said it took more than 100 calls for help on Thursday as heavy rain caused problems for residents across a wide area in the Adelaide Hills and parts of the city.

Blocked drains were also responsible for some properties suffering minor flooding while wind gusts of more than 100km/h brought down a number of trees.

Dude, wheres my car? A white car is camouflaged by snow at Perisher

A downpour caused flash flooding on Thursday night in areas of South Melbourne on the Nepean Highway, after 6.6 millimetres fell about 5.30pm

WEATHER FORECAST Sydney Saturday: Max 17 and windy Sunday: Max 16 and sunny Monday: Max 15 and late shower Melbourne Saturday: Max 13 and clearing shower Sunday: Max 12 and mostly sunny Monday: Max 12 and clearing shower Brisbane Saturday: Max 18 and sunny Sunday: Max 19 and mostly sunny Monday: Max 19 and rain Adelaide Saturday: Max 14 and mostly sunny Sunday: Max 13 and possible shower Monday: Max 15 and possible shower Source: Weatherzone Advertisement

Mt Gambier, in the state's southeast, had 50mm of rain, its wettest June day on record.

By late on Thursday a flood watch remained in place for the Adelaide Hills and a severe weather warning for Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, the Adelaide region and the state's southeast.

The SES said it supplied more than 3000 sandbags to concerned residents and more remained available.

The Bureau of Meteorology said the showers would continue into Friday but falls would be lighter.

There was also a chance of snow on some of the higher peaks of Mt Lofty Ranges, in the mid-north and across the southern Flinders Ranges before dawn.

Saturday in the South Australian city is expected to be mostly sunny and 14 degrees. Sunday in Adelaide will have a high of 13 and possible showers.

'When the water rises above your boots and the cars that drive past make waves,' one Melbourne resident wrote on Instagram on Thursday evening

Snow will fall above 500 metres about the nearby hills on the outskirts of Melbourne (blue shows 500m+ and grey shows 300-500m)

Craving it up: Perisher saw heavy snowfall on Thursday night

Ski fields in NSW and have experienced blizzard-like conditions- Pictured is Perisher where snow fell on Thursday night/Friday morning

Rain will be clearing in Brisbane on Friday with a high of 22 degrees. Saturday is forecast to be sunny and 18, while Sunday will be mostly sunny and 19 degrees.

The Bureau of Meteorology says snow will fall above 800 metres in southern and central NSW on Friday, with Thredbo ski resort predicting around 50-60cm of snow by the end of the week.

The SES has warned that snowfalls of up to 15cm in the Central Tableland region could close the Great Western Highway between Oberon and Orange before conditions clear on Saturday.

The Bureau of Meteorology says snow will fall above 800 metres in southern and central NSW on Friday (pictured: Perisher on Thursday night/ Friday morning)

35cm of snow has fallen across four resort areas of Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega in NSW (pictured: Perisher on Thursday night/ Friday morning)

The Bureau of Meteorology says snow will fall above 800 metres in southern and central NSW on Friday, with Thredbo ski resort predicting around 50-60cm of snow by the end of the week (pictured: Perisher on Thursday night/ Friday morning)

The SES has warned that snowfalls of up to 15cm in the Central Tableland region could close the Great Western Highway between Oberon and Orange before conditions clear on Saturday (pictured: Perisher on Thursday night/ Friday morning)

Forecasters predicts ski resorts in NSW and Victoria can expect 20-40cm of fresh powder on Friday and snow could fall in Queensland at the weekend.

The chilly weather has been brought on by two cold fronts moving over the east coast, including South Australia.

Weatherzone's Kim Westcott said the 'substantial pool of very cold air' coming across originated in Antarctica and it was enough to turn rain into snow.

'Potentially bringing another round of wind, rain and snow and sleet,' she said.

'Gusty conditions will be confined to the coast during Tuesday as the front moves offshore, with the winds easing throughout Wednesday.

'West of the ranges will be settled and sunny until around Friday.'

The chilly weather has been brought on by two cold fronts moving over the east coast, including South Australia (pictured: Perisher on Thursday night/ Friday morning)

People shovel snow from a pathway while 35cm of snow fell on Thursday evening at Perisher Valley

Forecasters predicts ski resorts in NSW and Victoria can expect 20-40cm of fresh powder on Friday and snow could fall in Queensland at the weekend (pictured: Perisher on Thursday night/ Friday morning)

Pictured: Perisher in NSW, where snow fell on Thursday night as a cold front sweeps across Australia's east coast

An Antarctic chill is hitting Australia, with Melbourne suffering their coldest June day in 16 years

Snow falling at the Thredbo Alpine Resort in the NSW Snowy Mountains on Wednesday

Thredbo Alpine Resort in the NSW Snowy Mountains on Wednesday, where 50-60cm snow is expected to fall by the end of the week

Melbourne is set to be transformed into a winter wonderland with snow forecast for the outskirts of the city as the east coast is hit by a cold snap. Pictured is Perisher in NSW

Pictured: the rain begins to fall in Melbourne on Thursday evening with flash flooding

Friday is predicted to be a wet and windy for the city as temperatures will hit a low of 4C and the weekend will not be much different

Heavy rain and strong winds uprooted trees in parts of Melbourne on Thursday

The city will see a top of just 10C on Friday with temperatures dropping as low as 4C as a powerful cold front sweeps across Australia's east coast

Areas around the Yarra Ranges and Mount Dandenong are expected to get a light dusting, according to Weatherzone. Above is resort areas around Perisher

Mr Meyers ruled out any snowfall in Melbourne's metropolitan areas but said it would be 'pretty cold'. Above are snowmobiles covered in snow in NSW

The chilly weather has been brought on by two cold fronts moving over the east coast, including South Australia (pictured: Thursday)

The Bureau of Meteorology says snow will fall above 800 metres in southern and central NSW on Friday

Weatherzone's Kim Westcott said the 'substantial pool of very cold air' coming across originated in Antarctica and it was enough to turn rain into snow

With this cold front, a high will sit over NSW over the weekend, and with skies clearing and winds lighter temperatures are set to plummet at night

Gusty conditions will be confined to the coast during Tuesday as the front moves offshore, with the winds easing throughout Wednesday

This front will bring with it very strong winds, and combined with the snow showers, visibility will be poor which will make driving conditions extremely difficult
A severed human head found in a quarry belongs to a man who may have died 50 years ago after being 'hit by a train in a tragic accident', police say.

The remains were found by a worker at a quarry in Mepal, near Ely, Cambridgeshire, in May, but police had been unable to say if it was male or female.

Specialists now believe the man was aged between 30 and 50 and could have died as long ago as the 1960s, although experts believe it is more likely to have occurred about 10 years ago.

The remains were found by a worker in May, but police had been unable to say if it was male or female

Officers believe the head could have been lodged in a nearby bridge for more than a decade before coming loose when the structure was cleaned.

A post-mortem examination was carried out after the discovery, but came back inconclusive. The cause of death remains to be unknown at this stage.

Police are now working on the theory that the man could have been hit by a train along the nearby railway.

Detective Inspector Jerry Waite, from the MCU, said: 'One possible scenario we are looking at is that it may have been a tragic accident whereby the man was hit by a train along the Bedfordshire line.

'We believe the head may have been lodged somewhere along the structure of the bridge in Sharnbrook, and as part of the recent cleaning process, has been dislodged, found its way into the skip and deposited at the quarry in Mepal.

'We have been working very closely with anthropologists at the Natural History Museum in London to establish the age and gender of the deceased, as well as the National Crime Agency's Missing Persons Database, which unfortunately has not shown any DNA matches.

Police are working on one theory that the man could have been hit by a train along the nearby railway

'I would urge anyone who has any suspicions around who this person may be to contact us.'

The proximity of the site to where Natalie Hemming - a 31-year-old woman who disappeared earlier this year - meant police were previously not ruling out a link to her case.

But that theory was ruled out when experts said the person whose head was found was killed long before Ms Hemming went missing.

Also missing in the area is children's author Helen Bailey, 51, who vanished on April 11 while walking her dog in Royston, Hertfordshire. The post mortem ruled out the remains belonging to her.

A quarry worker, who asked not to be named, previously claimed his colleague spotted the head lying on top of the skip and believed it to belong to a woman in her 30s or 40s.

The severed head was found at a quarry in Cambridgeshire and police believe it could have been lodged in a nearby bridge for more than a decade

The worker said: 'My colleague collected the skip, where he saw nothing out of the ordinary, and put a cover over the top to stop anything falling out during transit.'

'When he got back to our site, he took the cover off and spotted something straight away. At his first thought was that it was a manikin's head.'

No other body parts have been found by police.
Cleaner Oswald Allen, 39, installed his clandestine camera in a toilet cubicle and is now facing jail

The world's worst Peeping Tom was caught when he went into adjust his secret device after accidently filming himself.

Cleaner Oswald Allen, 39, installed his clandestine camera in a toilet cubicle so badly that he only managed to film unsuspecting females' head and shoulders.

Now Allen is facing jail after being found guilty of installing the apparatus to observe someone doing a private act for his sexual gratification on October 26 last year.

The pervert fixed the camera, which was the size of a matchbox, in a toilet at the University of Leicester where he had been working for the past 14 years, Leicester Magistrate's Court heard.

Ron Brirkett, prosecuting, said: 'The camera had been tacked to the floor of the stall in the lavatory in the university's Rattray Building.'

He said footage from the camera, which was played in court, showed Allen fitting it shortly before 9am.

Less than five minutes later it filmed a girl student entering the stall and taking down her trousers. And it also showed her spotting the camera and grabbing it.

Mr Brirkett said: 'She was obviously taken aback by seeing the camera.'

The student picked up the camera and reported the incident to university security which immediately launched an investigation.

She told the police: 'I was freaked out to see that the camera was on the toilet floor.

'I was upset and sick that someone would do such a thing to plant a camera to spy on us.'

University staff recognised Allen from the video and he was interviewed and arrested by police.

He was suspended by the university and subsequently dismissed from his 120-a-week job.

Allen from Leicester admitted he was captured on the camera, but said he was cleaning up the lavatory and could not remember seeing or touching it.

But he denied owning the camera or planting it in the cubicle, however he was found guilty following a trial.

The pervert installed the camera, the size of a matchbox, in a toilet at the University of Leicester where he had been working for the past 14 years (file photo)

Matthew Dowsett defending said his client had come to Britain from Montserrat in the West Indies and had worked for the university for 14 years.

'He was highly thought of,' added Dowsett.

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports, but Allen was warned all options, including a prison sentence, would be considered,

He was also warned that the case could be referred to Leicester Crown Court for sentence.
A horse charity has been forced to close its doors and leave sick animals to die after it was raided by police amid allegations from an online activist group that say it misused funds.

Jennifer Malloch, the charity's media manager and a foster carer for sick horses, owns Save A Horse Australia Horse Rescue and Sanctuary in Queensland.

She said the raid came after two years of cyber bullying.

'We have suffered since the beginning of the investigation and have seen a massive drop in donations,' Ms Malloch told Daily Mail Australia.

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A horse charity has had to close its doors to any more sick horses like Trixie, above, after fraud allegations left them struggling to get donations

Jennifer Malloch with Trixie after she was nursed back to health - the volunteer fears their ability to help horses has been hurt by the allegations

Amanda Vella, left, was the founder of the sanctuary she is pictured here with Jennifer Malloch

Four properties and three homes linked to charity were raided by State Crime Command's Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad on June 14, police said.

Ms Malloch's property was one of those raided by police  she said the charity has nothing to hide.

'We don't expect to be charged because we have done nothing wrong,' Ms Malloch said.

'We feel it was excessive for police to raid our properties when we have been assisting them with their investigation.'

Ms Malloch was not at home when police turned up.

'I was at work and the police called me and told me to come straight home,' she said.

'They took the rugs off all the horses, took photos of them and scanned them for microchips.

'Then they went through my home, took my laptop, receipts and went through my personal bank accounts.'

Ms Malloch said 'I have never had money from the charity in my bank account' and stressed she is a volunteer for the charity who works for free.

Gumby was one of the rescue's most emaciated horses when her arrived

Gumby after being at the sanctuary which says it costs between $80 and $120 per week per horse

The complaints against the charity stem from online activists according to Jennifer who says their allegations are false

'It is devastating to see the charity I love being the subjects of such hateful remarks and online bullying.

'It is a disgrace that people are trying to shut us down because we do so much to help these horses.'

According to the charity's figures it costs $80-120 to house each horse  depending on age and condition  every week.

According to their records 1,200 horses have been rescued since 2009.

According to the charity they have saved 1,200 horses since 2009

They said they pay for vet bills, farrier and food for all of the horses as well as training if it is needed

'We have 158 horses in care right now including in foster homes.

'We have to pay for farrier, vet bills and food while they are waiting for adoption and at the moment we are not making that in donations.

The charity receives donations from Australia and around the world, according to police.

Mrs Malloch believes the police have interviewed 'people with random complaints against the charity' but not the founder, Ms Vella.

One comment on the charity's Facebook Page claiming the founder uses funds for herself

Police raided the properties used by the charity on June 14 taking photos and microchip details of every horse

More comments directed toward the charity. The charity spokesperson said it has been bullied online for two years

'She has been left in the dark so far but we are hoping the police see these people have nothing on us,' she said.

The charity has 'temporarily' closed its doors since the beginning of the investigations because they 'can't afford to help any more horses without donations'.

'All of the horses we have helped have been surrendered to us  or we have saved them (by buying at sales) from being sold to the knackery where they would be turned into dog food.'

Online 'attacks' against the charity include accusations of embezzlement, mocking of the horses and offering to kill the horses because they are suffering 'too much to be given a chance of life' Ms Malloch said.

The investigation is ongoing. No persons have been charged to date as a result of this investigation. No further comment can be made at this time, police told Daily Mail Australia.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission based in Melbourne who are assisting police with their investigation also told Daily Mail Australia they couldn't comment.

No one has been charged from police investigations yet - the volunteers involved with the charity are upset they have had to close their doors to more sick horses - pictured Max who has already been rehomed

The charity is 'mocked' by people online claiming they only photograph the horses to get more money and even making polls asking how the horses who are too sick should die
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David Cameron almost broke down and his wife Samantha wiped away tears as he fell on his sword after his devastating referendum defeat.

The Prime Minister looked tired and grey as he walked out of No 10 at 8.23am as it became clear his exit was now inevitable.

His great gamble on a referendum on European Union membership had not paid off and he acknowledged that 'fresh leadership' was required.

Flanked by his wife his voice cracked with emotion as he announced his decision to step down as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street.

Afterwards he grabbed Samantha's hand and refused to stop for questions as he filed back through the famous black door.

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Emotional: Mrs Cameron clearly had tears in her eyes as her husband resigned - Mr Cameron himself struggled to get through his speech

Embrace: After the Prime Minister said that the UK needed a new leader he clasped hands with his wife - who was too emotional to return his smile

The end: David Cameron announces he is quitting as Prime Minister as Samantha Cameron wipes her eyes after his devastating referendum defeat

Tender: Mr and Mrs Cameron, who have lived in No 10 for six years, held hands as they left the door this morning and then the Tory leader put his arm round his wife as they walked away

There were some gasps among the world's press, who had been gathering in Downing Street since dawn to hear how Mr Cameron would respond to the humiliation of defeat.

But there were also some cheers outside Downing Street as Brexit supporters waving Union Flags heard news that Mr Cameron would step down.

The delivery of newspapers shortly after 6am would not have improved the mood behind the famous black door of Number 10, with headlines foreshadowing what would soon become official - the British people had voted to Leave.

There had been frenzied speculation among the waiting press about what exactly Mr Cameron would do - would he vow to fight on, despite the blow to his authority? Would he quit immediately?

A correspondent for French broadcaster iTele repeatedly told her viewers that Mr Cameron was 'fini', while British reporters monitored the opening of the FTSE, tracking the numbers rising next to the red downward arrow as markets responded to the referendum result.

Overhead, TV helicopters hovered over Westminster while two Union Flags hung limply over the roofs of 10 and 11 Downing Street.

It had been expected that Mr Cameron would respond to the result before 8am - when the stock markets opened.

8.23am: Mr Cameron emerges from No 10 with his wife. There were rumours he would speak as early as 7am, which led to speculation that his tenure as PM was coming to an end

Brave face: Mr Cameron looked tired as he held his wife;s hand as he took the walk to the podium in Downing Street

Solemn: Mrs Cameron was clearly upset at her husband's fate - but Mr Cameron said he was no longer the right man to lead the country

Speech: Mr Cameron, who will remain in post for a few months, said that he loved his country and would do his best to 'steady the ship'

Message: Mr Cameron spoke after the UK markets opened and said that they would take measures to make sure the economy was stablised

End of an era: Mr Cameron said he stood by his assertion that the UK could 'find a way' to survive outside the EU - his wife Samantha was clearly overwhelmed

Close: Mr Cameron ended his speech and then smiled at Samantha - Mrs Cameron was unable to do the same as she grabbed his hand

Leadership: Mr Cameron said he would be handing over to a new leader after he failed to lead the Remain campaign to victory

Warm: Mr Cameron put his arm around his wife's waist as they entered No 10 Downing Street after his shock resignation

Instead, it was around 20 minutes later when Mr and Mrs Cameron walked into the street. The delay hinted that he was prepare to resign.

With his wife standing nearby, Mr Cameron declared that he would not be able to 'captain' the ship of state into the uncharted waters of Brexit.

'The country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction,' said Mr Cameron.

'I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I don't think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.

'I love this country  and I feel honoured to have served it - but we should have a new Prime Minister': David Cameron's speech in full

The country has just taken part in a giant democratic exercise  perhaps the biggest in our history. Over 33 million people  from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar  have all had their say.

We should be proud of the fact that in these islands we trust the people with these big decisions.

We not only have a parliamentary democracy, but on questions about the arrangements for how we are governed, there are times when it is right to ask the people themselves - and that is what we have done.

The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected.

I want to thank everyone who took part in the campaign on my side of the argument, including all those who put aside party differences to speak in what they believed was the national interest.

And let me congratulate all those who took part in the leave campaign  for the spirited and passionate case that they made.

The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered. It was not a decision that was taken lightly, not least because so many things were said by so many different organisations about the significance of this decision.

Message: Mr Cameron said: 'We should be proud of the fact that in these islands we trust the people with these big decisions'

Huge crowds: The world's press gathered in Downing Street to hear the Prime Minister's speech, which turned out to be a resignation

So there can be no doubt about the result.

Across the world people have been watching the choice that Britain has made. I would reassure those markets and investors that Britains economy is fundamentally strong.

And I would also reassure Brits living in European countries and European citizens living here that there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances. There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold.

We must now prepare for a negotiation with the European Union. This will need to involve the full engagement of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments, to ensure that the interests of all parts of our United Kingdom are protected and advanced.

But above all this will require strong, determined and committed leadership.

I am very proud and very honoured to have been Prime Minister of this country for six years.

I believe we have made great steps, with more people in work than ever before in our history; with reforms to welfare and education; increasing peoples life chances; building a bigger and stronger society; keeping our promises to the poorest people in the world, and enabling those who love each other to get married whatever their sexuality.

But above all restoring Britains economic strength, and I am grateful to everyone who has helped to make that happen.

I have also always believed that we have to confront big decisions  not duck them.

Thats why we delivered the first Coalition government in seventy years to bring our economy back from the brink. Its why we delivered a fair, legal and decisive referendum in Scotland. And why I made the pledge to renegotiate Britains position in the European Union and hold a referendum on our membership, and have carried those things out.

I fought this campaign in the only way I know how  which is to say directly and passionately what I think and feel  head, heart and soul.

I held nothing back.

I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union, and I made clear the referendum was about this and this alone  not the future of any single politician, including myself.

But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path, and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction.

I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.

This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but I do believe it is in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.

There is no need for a precise timetable today, but in my view we should aim to have a new Prime Minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party Conference in October.

Delivering stability will be important and I will continue in post as Prime Minister with my Cabinet for the next three months. The Cabinet will meet on Monday.

The Governor of the Bank of England is making a statement about the steps that the Bank and the Treasury are taking to reassure financial markets. We will also continue taking forward the important legislation that we set before Parliament in the Queens Speech. And I have spoken to Her Majesty the Queen this morning to advise her of the steps that I am taking.

Outside: Large numbers of people also gathered at the gates of Downing Street - and there were some cheers when he quit

A negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new Prime Minister, and I think it is right that this new Prime Minister takes the decision about when to trigger article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the EU.

I will attend the European Council next week to explain the decision the British people have taken and my own decision.

The British people have made a choice. That not only needs to be respected  but those on the losing side of the argument, myself included, should help to make it work.

Britain is a special country.

We have so many great advantages.

A parliamentary democracy where we resolve great issues about our future through peaceful debate; a great trading nation, with our science and arts, our engineering and our creativity respected the world over.

And while we are not perfect, I do believe we can be a model of a multi-racial, multi-faith democracy, where people can come and make a contribution and rise to the very highest that their talent allows.

Although leaving Europe was not the path I recommended, I am the first to praise our incredible strengths. I have said before that Britain can survive outside the European Union and indeed that we could find a way.

Now the decision has been made to leave, we need to find the best way, and I will do everything I can to help.

I love this country  and I feel honoured to have served it.
Patwardhan would 'rub himself against women and fondle breasts'

A former gynaecologist and 'manipulative individual' has been found guilty of groping four female patients during their medical consultations.

Mahash Vidyadhar Patwardhan, 53, from Essex, was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court for offences against four women at two south London hospitals between 2008 and 2012.

They were at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich and Blackheath Hospital in Lewisham.

Mahash Vidyadhar Patwardhan, 53, (inset) from Essex, was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday for offences against four women at two south London hospitals between 2008 and 2012

On each occasion the women were patients attending the hospitals for private or NHS medical examinations.

Woolwich Crown Court heard Patwardhan would bend over his victims over an examination couch and fondle their breasts from behind, even asking one woman to reveal her tattooed bum.

The court heard Patwardhan was turned on by rubbing himself against the women as he groped them.

Detectives said Patwardhan used his position of trust to prey on his victims and use his authority as an opportunity to sexually assault them.

Convicted: Patwardhan (pictured) was arrested on 20 November 2014 at Heathrow Airport as he returned to the UK on a flight from India

Patwardhan, who is married to an anaesthetist, was also convicted of two counts of fraud relating to falsely billing private medical insurers for work he did not perform.

The already-disgraced doctor had been struck-off by the General Medical Council in October, 2014 and publicity from that case prompted more victims to come forward.

An investigation was launched by the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command and Patwardhan was arrested on November 20, 2014 as he stepped-off a flight from India at Heathrow Airport.

Prosecutor Miss Kate Bex told the jury a 32 year-old woman was seen at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

She told the court: "He came behind her and put his arms around her and onto her breasts.

"He groped her breasts and squeezed them with his hands and she was in total shock," added Miss Bex, explaining the woman made an excuse to avoid removing the rest of her clothing.

In a digitally-recorded interview with police the woman explained: "He came behind us and that's when he put his hands on us. He wasn't talking, he was just groping my breasts.

"It was horrible, I was in total shock. I didn't know what to do, I felt sick and disgusted.

"When he said: 'Take your knickers off' I knew something was wrong. If I had lied on that couch and took my knickers off what would he have done?"

Another 37-year-old woman, said Patwardhan became more intimate after sizing her up.

"The cuddling started after her second or third visit," explained Miss Bex.

"He'd hug her goodbye and push his body into her, grab her bottom and kiss her on the cheek.

"He examined her breasts after asking her to bend over the couch and asked her to show him the tattoo on her bum."

A 30 year-old woman was a private Blackheath Hospital patient.

Miss Bex added: "The defendant put his arms around her, his hand on her knee and told her she was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.

He asked her to bend over the couch and she could feel his body pressing against hers from behind while cupping her breasts.

"She thought he became aroused and she was embarrassed so put her clothes on and left the room as fast as she could."

The court heard Patwardhan offered to investigate the back pain of a woman aged 26.

"He felt her spine and then cupped her breasts, said Miss Bex.

The court heard a 35 year-old private patient gave Patwardhan the opportunity to make some extra money out of her insurers.

He performed intimate cosmetic surgery on the woman, but billed her insurers for cyst removal because they would not cover the true operation, the jury were told.

"Afterwards he told her she would soon be having: 'Lots of sexy sex and orgasms' in a way that gave her the creeps," said Miss Bex.

Patwardhan was cleared of sexually assaulting this patient and a 37 year-old referred by her GP after a smear test.

The sexual assaults took place at two South London hospitals including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich (pictured above)

The court heard a private BUPA patient came forward to report Patwardhan for making her sign a claim form for a 195 non-existent pre-surgery consultation for which he was convicted.

She was seen at The Holly, where the defendant's wife was the anaesthetist, and said she did not make a fuss.

When questioned by police Patwardhan mainly answered "no comment" to questions, but did deny making dishonest claims and conducting sexually-motivated examinations.

Detective Constable Mark Azariah, from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command at Lewisham, said: 'Patwardhan is a highly manipulative individual; having used his position of trust and authority to pray on the victims' under his medical care; believing that they would be too embarrassed to report such offences to police.

'Thankfully he was mistaken and I commend the victims for their courage in speaking out despite the sensitivity surrounding their personal medical concerns. I hope that today's result and the fact he is no longer a practising doctor brings them some comfort and peace of mind in what has been a traumatic ordeal.

'It is hoped that this result will reassure other vulnerable victims of crime that the police take all allegations of crime very seriously and will work effortlessly to see that justice prevails.'
A 26-year-old Bismarck woman pleaded guilty to contributing to the delinquency of a minor in South Central District Court on Tuesday.

Carla Yellowbird received a one-year suspended sentence for a period of a year on supervised probation, according to court records. She is also required to pay $325 in fees.

In December, Bismarck Police officers found that three children were living in unfit conditions in her apartment, according to an affidavit filed in the case. There were knives on the floor within easy reach of the children, and there were no clean clothes or diapers.

Jeremy Alberts, who was a co-defendant in the case, pleaded guilty to child neglect and possession of drug paraphernalia in April. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
A mother stopped her son, 23, from taking a knife with knuckledusters to a fight unaware he instead had a gun which he later used to fatally shoot an 18-year-old, a Sydney court has been told.

Jed Coates was gunned down by Matthew James Perry in a street near his home at Colyton in western Sydney late on June 18, 2014.

The teenager's mother and brother had also desperately tried to stop him from going to the pre-arranged fist fight which was arranged on Facebook following an exchange of abusive messages.

Matthew Perry (pictured) had been accused of gunning down 18-year-old Jed Coates in a street near his home at Colyton in western Sydney late on June 18, 2014

Perry, 23, (pictured) has pleaded guilty to gunning down 18-year-old Jed Coates (pictured) in a western Sydney street after a fight in a pub where they had been watching State of Origin in 2014

Matthew James Perry, 23, pleaded guilty in the NSW Supreme Court to murdering Mr Coates.

The pair, who had gone to the same school, had earlier thrown punches at each other leading to their being ejected from a pub where they had watched a State of Origin match.

According to a statement of agreed facts tendered to the judge on Friday, a security guard described Mr Coates and a friend as being drunk and yelling out to Perry in the car park after they were thrown out of the pub.

'We are going to get you,' said Mr Coates, while his friend yelled: 'We know where you live. I will get a knife and stab you and your family'.

Both Mr Coates and Perry went to their nearby homes, but after the Facebook abuse and fight arrangement the teenager's mother tried to talk him out of going to the meeting.

She also contacted his brother to get him to persuade him not to meet Perry, but he too was unsuccessful.

Jed Coates suffered a single gunshot wound to his neck when he was shot on June 18, 2014. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital where he died soon after

Jed Coates' distraught mother Julie Lowe declined to comment as she left the NSW Supreme Court on Wednesday on the first day of Matthew Perry's trial

Meanwhile, Perry's mother stopped her son from taking a knife with knuckledusters to the meeting, unaware he had taken a gun instead.

At about 11pm, nearby residents heard shouting including words to the effect of 'just shoot me, just shoot me' and 'just shoot him, just shoot him'.

They also heard: 'just walk away Jed, just walk away' and 'I'll f*****g shoot you'.

Perry was armed with a .22 calibre firearm, about 35-40cm long, which he pointed at Mr Coates and his friend, moving it backwards and forwards.

After the pair stepped backwards, Perry fired the gun fatally wounding Mr Coates.

Mr Coates suffered a single gunshot wound to his neck. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital where he died soon after.

'It is agreed that the offender acted with reckless indifference to human life and that the shooting was not pre-meditated, but was a spontaneous act at the scene,' the facts said.

The matter was adjourned to July 28.
China is forcing up to 90,000 prisoners a year to have organs removed, a shocking new report has claimed.

The widespread practice of removing organs from political prisoners has fuelled 'organ tourism' in China with foreigners paying for transplants.

Medical professionals and human rights advocates at The International Coalition To End Organ Pillaging In China have published a damning report which examines the transplant activity at hundreds of hospitals in China.

Co-author of the report Ethan Gutmann said in a video posted online:'If somebody goes to China to get an organ at this point, chances are they are getting it from a Falun Gong practitioner who was murdered on their behalf.'

'Even if voluntary donations of organs have gone up, they cant reach this level. This is live organ harvesting,' he warned.

A report claims China is forcing up to 90,000 prisoners a year to have organs removed

Human rights activists have long campaigned for an end to the cruel practice but the latest report claims transplants have increased

China has struggled to receive voluntary organ donations due to culture concerns so prisoners are primarily used to fill the demand for transplants.

The Chinese medical establishment claims that China performs 10,000 transplants per year but the report says the figure is closer to 100,000.

The report investigated the amount of transplant activity, surgical staff and beds in China and predicted an average of up to two transplants a day in China, over 100,000 transplants a year.

'Many of the hospitals are relatively new or have new transplant wings or beds. This development would not have occurred without confidence in a continuing supply of organs for transplants,' the report states.

An average of up to two transplants a day are carried out in China, over 100,000 transplants a year

'The transplant business in China has developed with not only an abundance of available organs from 2001 on, but also with a confidence that this abundance would continue into the indefinite future,' it continues.

Gutmann explained that removing organs from prisoners in China began in the 1980s but has dramatically increased in recent years.

'By 2001, over one million Falun Gong incarcerated within the Laogai System were subject to retail-organ testing, and Chinese military and civilian hospitals were ramping up their transplant facilities. By 2002, it was select House Christians. By 2003, it was the Tibetans turn,' he wrote on the End Organ Pillaging website.

Falun Gong is a Taoist-Buddhist sect that practices spiritual exercise and meditation regime. It has tens of millions of followers in China but in 1999 the Communist Party leadership initiated a nationwide crackdown to eradicate the practice.

Among the methods used to obtain the shocking transplant figures, researchers reviewed data from telephone surveys, hospital websites, and medical journals for the 865 hospitals in China which perform organ transplants (about 13 per cent of all hospitals).

They tracked 712 liver and kidney transplant centres and collected and analysed information about them and examined individually 165 hospitals approved by the Government of China to conduct transplantation.

On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying claimed the report's findings are false.
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Hundreds of Filipino villagers wearing capes made from banana leaves have covered themselves in mud in a ritual to thank their patron saint.

The 'mud people' festival in Bibiclat village dates back to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II.

The villagers believe John the Baptist saved some residents from Japanese firing squads during the war.

Villagers say Japanese troops had planned to execute male villagers in a Bibiclat village church courtyard.

But residents prayed to Saint John and a sudden downpour saved the men, according to villagers.

The villagers rolled in the mud in jubilation and have carried on the tradition ever since.

A parish priest said on Friday that some of the mud-splattered participants want to thank God for blessings while others pray for help to solve personal problems during the festival in northern Bibiclat village.

'They're doing it yearly as a vow,' said Bibiclat's parish priest, the Rev. Elmer Villamayor.

'They're thanking St. John the Baptist for the many blessings they receive from God.'

Hundreds of Filipino villagers donning capes of banana leaves have covered themselves in mud in a ritual to thank their patron saint

The villagers believe John the Baptist saved some residents from killings by Japanese invaders in World War II

The 'mud people' festival in Bibiclat village dates back to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during the war

Japanese troops gathered male villagers in a Bibiclat church courtyard for execution by firing squad during World War II, according to villagers

But after women and children prayed to Saint John to spare them, a sudden downpour saved the men

A parish priest said on Friday that some of the mud-splattered participants want to thank God for blessings while others pray for help to solve personal problems during the festival in northern Bibiclat village

A villager, donning capes mostly of dried banana leaves and covered in mud, holds red and white roses as she joins a procession in a bizarre annual ritual to venerate their patron saint, John the Baptist

The villagers rolled in the mud in jubilation and have carried on the tradition ever since since Japanese occupation of the Philippines

A villager carries a cellphone while making the rounds of the houses to beg for candles during the annual ritual

'They're doing it yearly as a vow,' said Bibiclat's parish priest, the Rev. Elmer Villamayor

Elmer Villamayor blesses villagers to venerate their patron saint, John the Baptist in the Bibiclat village

'They're thanking St. John the Baptist for the many blessings they receive from God,' Rev. Elmer Villamayor said

A woman wears a t-shirt printed with Pope Francis as she attends the ritual, which villagers have been taking part in since the 1940s

Villagers wearing capes made of dried banana leaves and mud walk towards the church for the annual ritual

Villagers believe their patron saint John the Baptist saved them from Japanese firing squads during World War II

A man covered in mud taking part in a Filipino ritual thanking a saint who saved them from Japanese invaders

A woman leans on the shoulder of a fellow villager covered in banana leaves and mud
The last moments of a father who vanished and was 'most likely murdered' in a drug-related attack has been released by police.

CCTV footage has emerged of missing Adelaide man Michael Modesti, 33, walking around at Adelaide International Airport three days before he vanished, South Australia Police revealed.

It is believed Mr Modesti was murdered some time after the morning of Monday May 9, when his blue 2005 Mitsubishi Magna was abandoned in Chenoweth St at Croydon in north Adelaide.

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CCTV footage has emerged of missing Adelaide man Michael Modesti (pictured), 33, walking around at Adelaide International Airport three days before he vanished

Footage captured at Adelaide Airport on the morning of May 6 shows Mr Modesti wearing a light-coloured jacket emblazoned with the word 'LEE', light coloured jeans and white sneakers.

Mr Modesti can be seen leaving the airport, looking around and then heading back into the building.

South Australia police suspect that the 33-year-old was wearing the same jacket and similar trousers and shoes the day of his disappearance.

It is believed that Mr Modesti left his home in Willsmore Street, Beverly at between 8am and 10.30am on May 9 driving his Magna.

Footage captured at Adelaide Airport on the morning of May 6 shows Mr Modesti wearing a light-coloured jacket emblazoned with the word 'LEE', light coloured jeans and white sneakers

Mr Modesti can be seen leaving the airport, looking around and then heading back into the building

Footage of a similar blue sedan captured travelling about 9.20am on the morning he went missing could either eliminate or include another sighting for investigating police.

Mr Modesti's vehicle was found abandoned in Chenoweth Avenue, West Croydon on Wednesday May 11, two days after his disappearance.

Detective Inspector Greg Hutchins from Major Crime Investigation Branch said: 'Police are asking members of the public to try and recollect any sighting of Mr Modesti's vehicle in Chenoweth Avenue that morning, and in the following two days before it was located on Wednesday 11 May.

'We believe the car was abandoned in that location sometime between 9.30am and 10.34am two days prior on Monday 9 May.

The abandoned vehicle was also captured passing a Light City Bus (pictured) at about 10.34am on May 9

A woman leaving the bus was captured on CCTV footage walked past where the car had been abandoned (pictured)

'We'd also ask that any motorists who may have captured 'dash cam' footage in Willsmore St, Beverley extending to Chenoweth Ave, West Croydon on Monday 9 May to contact Crime Stoppers.'

Mr Modesti travelled to Bangkok on April 26 to attend an expo and returned to Australia to bring a discounted rate of silicone back to his tiling business

The abandoned vehicle was also captured passing a Light City Bus at about 10.34am on May 9 where a woman who exited the bus walked past the car.

Insp Hutchins told The Advertiser that Mr Modesti's phone records had been examined and it is believed he met someone the morning of his disappearance.

He said: 'Our quite strong suspicions are that he's either met someone at home and left with them, or he's gone to meet somebody.

'What we don't know is if it's Mr Modesti dumping the car in Chenoweth Ave or if it's somebody else dumping the car there.

'We can't rule in or rule out anything at the moment, we can't discount that it's drug related or money related, I think we have to keep an open mind and explore all those possibilities.

'People don't go missing or get murdered for no reason,' he added.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray told the Daily Mail Australia in May: 'Police believe unfortunately that Michael was most likely murdered.'

'From the outset police had great concerns because of the circumstances of this case.'

Mr Modesti travelled to Bangkok on April 26 to attend an expo where he was 'exploring the possibility' of buying silicone at a discounted rate to bring back to Australia for his tiling business.

Mr Modesti (right) returned safely to Australia on May 6 and spent the weekend with his partner, Crystal Catacchio (left), and his four-year-old son

On May 8 Mr Modesti (right) spoke with his girlfriend, Ms Catacchio (left) on the phone at 10.45pm before going to bed, his last known contact with anyone

It is not clear whether he ever made it to the event but police know he also travelled to the party town of Pattaya during the trip.

He returned safely to Australia on May 6 and spent the weekend with his partner, Crystal Catacchio, and his four-year-old son.

On May 8 he spoke with his girlfriend on the phone at 10.45pm before going to bed, his last known contact with anyone.

He was reported missing to police by concerned family two days later on May 10.

Mr Modesti was known to police for offences between 2002 and 2006. His only drug related crime was in 2014 when police discovered he had nine 'seedlings' growing on his property.

South Australia Police have asked any motorists who may have captured 'dash cam' footage in Willsmore St, Beverley extending to Chenoweth Ave, West Croydon on Monday 9 May to contact Crime Stoppers

Mr Modesti's vehicle was found abandoned in Chenoweth Avenue, West Croydon on Wednesday May 11, two days after his disappearance

Mr Modesti had 'legitimate reason' to travel to Bangkok for the purposes of buying discounted supplies, police say.

The man's family pleaded for his return in a brief statement, describing him as a 'good boy'. His partner has made several appeals on social media for information surrounding his whereabouts.

'Two weeks ago was the last time I got to hear your voice, "I love you" the last words I heard.

'Come home Michael, we all love you, we miss you' she wrote.
Ralph Fiennes has revealed he has already required medical treatment due to playing hunchback king Richard III in London's Almeida theatre.

The Hollywood actor is the latest thespian to suffer for his art in depicting the king whose body was found buried under a car park.

Several actors who have played the misshapen monarch, described by Shakespeare as a 'hunchback toad.'

Ralph Fiennes, pictured, has admitted he has experienced pain as a result of playing Richard III

The 53-year-old actor said he spends three hours a day putting his spine out of true

Scientists confirmed Richard III had a large hump after finding his bones under a Leicester car park

Speaking to Radio 4's Front Row, Fiennes said: 'I already feel it. I've got a massage after this interview because I'm carrying myself in a certain way -I've got a lot of tension in my left side.

'I'm monitoring it day by day because it's three hours where you're putting your spine out of true. And on top of that it's adrenaline.

'I started doing it in rehearsals seven or eight weeks ago so I'm feeling it. I'm not in pain, but I'm aware.'

Previous stars to play the demanding role also admitted they were left in pain. Ian McKellen, who took the role for a 1995 film said those playing the king 'bear the scars for the rest of their careers'.

He told the Telegraph: 'I did indeed have a twisted spine evidenced by a false hump I wore under my shirt. So I divided my body through the middle: one side was normal, fully-functioning and the other was not.

'The audience got the sense of someone who was fighting all the time against physical difficulties but successfully functioning

'It also meant that I didn't put my back out which Antony Sher did and many other Richard III. They bear the scars of playing Richard III for the rest of their careers. Well I didn't want that to happen to me.'

Richard III's remains were reburied in Leicester Cathedral
Police confirm they are investigating but believe it is not a 'serious crime'

MP for the city Roberta Blackman-Woods said words 'personally upset' her

The sickening message was found scrawled across the doors of a boathouse in Durham

Police are hunting the person who sprawled a sickening graffiti message across two wooden doors which reads 'Jo Cox deserved it, Durham next'.

The horrifying note was sprayed close to the city centre of Durham - but police are assuring people it is not a serious threat.

The graffiti, which was plastered across the shabby double doors of St Cuthbert's Society's boathouse, was painted over yesterday afternoon while people were voting.

Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods said she has no plan to make any changes following the message.

'Obviously I think it's a really horrific message but more because I'm personally upset because of what it says about Jo,' she said.

'I find that really distressing as I know many people will find it. I've been in touch with the police and college and they told me it was removed.

'That's just what I wanted - for it to be removed as quickly as possible.

'I think I've always taken reasonable precautions and I'm not in any way going to change what we do.

'I believe MPs have to be accessible and I will continue to do what I do.'

Jo Cox, the MP for Batley and Spen, died after being shot and stabbed in the West Yorkshire village of Birstall on Thursday last week.

Dr Blackman-Woods added: 'Since last Thursday we have been almost overwhelmed by really lovely messages from people on social media and to me personally.

'Yes the language hasn't been great coming up to the referendum but after last week the outpouring of lovely messages is what we will take forward.'

Inspector Dave Coxon slammed the person responsible but said there is nothing to suggest the threat is genuine.

'This is a sickening incident, but we have no reason to believe the graffiti represents a serious threat.

Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods (right) has described the graffiti referencing the death of Jo Cox MP (left) a 'horrific message'

'A number of empty cans of alcohol were noted near to the scene which suggests the graffiti was the work of someone who was under the influence of drink.

'We have recovered CCTV footage from cameras in the area which we hope may help us identify the offender, or potential witnesses who were in the area at the time.
At her trial, Ms Ownsworth, 38, testified that she had forgotten her son

as loving and her actions were an aberration

A woman who left her sleeping toddler in a car on a 41C day is 'a loving mother and her actions were an aberration', a court has heard.

Trisha Joy Ownsworth's three-year-old boy spent about half an hour in a car in Tea Tree Plaza carpark, in Adelaide's north-east during a very hot day in February 2014.

He had to be coaxed out of an open window to be treated by paramedics.

Prosecutors say Trisha Joy Ownsworth's, 38, son would likely have died had it not been for the intervention of other people.

Trisha Joy Ownsworth, 38, has been described as a 'loving mother' and leaving her three-year-old son in a car on a hot day was an 'aberrant action' an Adelaide District court has heard

The three-year-old boy spent about half an hour in a car in Tea Tree Plaza carpark, in Adelaide's north-east during a very hot day in February 2014

Prosecutor Andrew Fowler-Walker said only a custodial sentence was appropriate as the crime was 'sufficiently serious to warrant a term of imprisonment.'

'Without intervention by other people at the shopping centre is it more than likely this child would have died,' he said.

Defence counsel Adam Gaite told the District Court on Friday that the boy, who cannot be named, was obviously upset and in some discomfort but was otherwise unhurt.

Mr Gaite described Ms Ownsworth to the court as a loving mother and said her actions were a departure from her normal behaviour.

He asked the court to consider either not imposing a sentence or, alternatively, imposing a suspended jail term.

At her trial, Ms Ownsworth testified that she had forgotten her son when she left him in the car while prosecutors argued it was a deliberate act.

Mr Gaite said following her trial and conviction his client had been attacked on social media, had lost her job as a security guard, was banned from the industry for 10 years and had suffered stress because of the publicity her case had attracted.

Judge Julie McIntyre will sentence Ms Ownsworth on July 11.

Prosecutors say Trisha Joy Ownsworth's, 38, son would likely have died had it not been for the intervention of other people

At her trial, Ms Ownsworth testified that she had forgotten her son when she left him in the car (pictured) while prosecutors argued it was a deliberate act
The abuse drove him to try and commit suicide with 72 Valium pills

Ken McIlwain said he was raped repeatedly while training with the Navy

The commission is hearing more than 100 stories from former military

Allegations of abuse in the Australian Defence Force are being examined

to as CJU, said they made a dog lick his

Former Army apprentice said he was sexually abused by peers as a teen

A former Army apprentice testified this week that senior apprentices tried force him to have sex with a dog after the animal licked Vegemite from his testicles during years of sexual and physical abuse.

The man, who has been given the pseudonym CJU, detailed his abuse he was subjected to as a teenager at the Army Apprentices School in Victoria during the 1960s and 1970s for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

CJU said he was stripped naked by older recruits one night and a dog was forced to lick his genitals before the recruits tried to push the dog against his bottom.

'They said, "This is the only way you're ever going to have sex. You're a dog for reporting us. If you tell anyone about anything else, the next time it will be worse and we'll kill you".'

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A former Army apprentice told a investigating commission in Sydney this week that that senior apprentices tried force him to have sex with a dog after it licked Vegemite from his testicles (stock image)

The man detailed his abuse he was subjected to as a teenager at the Army Apprentices School in Victoria during the 1960s and 1970s for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

The commission has also heard the cases of former Navy apprentice Ken McIlwain (left) and 15-year-old cadet Eleanore Tibble (right), who committed suicide

The attack was to scare him after he complained to staff members that a previous physical attack caused him to break his arm, CJU said.

Telling staff didn't make a difference, CJU said, and that he was told 'these things happened all the time and that we needed to get on with daily life.'

The Australia Defence Force did silence abuse, he said.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse began an examination into the ADF's handling of abuse allegations on Tuesday and has heard testimony from numerous men and women who say they were abused.

Ken McIlwain (pictured), opened up on Wednesday about the months of sexual abuse he endured at the hands of two men

Mr McIlwain shared his powerful story with the hosts of The Project, leaving them stunned and horrified. A visibly upset Carrie Bickmore (pictured) said it is 'incredibly unfair'

CJU's testimony comes just days after a former Navy apprentice opened up about the months of sexual abuse he endured at the hands of two men and left the hosts of The Project stunned and horrified.

Ken McIlwain told the panel on Wednesday night about the years he spent training with the Navy as a teenager in the early 1970s, during which he would often iron the uniforms of senior apprentices.

One day after he brought a cleaned uniform to the room of a senior, Mr McIlwain said instead of handing him money, the senior threw him onto the bed and had oral sex with him.

WHY IS THE COMMISSION LOOKING INTO THE ADF? 111 people who experienced physical, mental and sexual abuse within the ADF have contacted the commission

50 were about child abuse at HMAS Leeuwin in Perth or the army apprentice school at Balcombe in Victoria

26 were about child sex abuse of ADF cadets

More than 30 people have complained about child sexual abuse within other ADF establishments including at HMAS Cerberus, the ADF Academy, Puckapunyal Army Base, Kapooka Army Base and RAAF Base Wagga Wagga Advertisement

That was the beginning of a cycle of of sexual abuse by two men  the senior and an officer, he said.

'This went on for a fair while. After a couple of months I went to a medical officer and told him that I had problems with my bottom and pains in my stomach and he just said it was anxiety from my father, who was a bit of a drunken abuser,' Mr McIlwain said.

The second and third time he returned to the medical officer, Mr McIlwain said he told them he was being raped by the two men but that they just gave him bottles of Valium.

Mr McIlwain said he reached his breaking point one night while taking a shower after being raped.

'I was just so embarrassed and ashamed and at that time I decided I'm not going to get away from this so I went and got a can of Pepsi and I had three bottles of Valium left  I remember counting them there was 72  I took the whole lot to commit suicide because I was happy to go, there was no way I could get out of it,' he said.

During the decades that followed, Mr McIlwain said he remained silent but tried to deal with the 'triggers.'

Ms Tibble's mother Susan Campbell was among 111 people who contacted the commission about the ADF

He said that at the grocery store he would buy the brand of soap he used to clean himself after each rape in bulk, in case he ran out.

Mr McIlwain is now calling for a change within the Australian Defence Force and for other victims to share their story.

A visibly stunned Carrie Bickmore agreed with Mr McIlwain, urging for the truth about the ADF to be released.

'He is right, the truth needs to be spoken. For people like Ken. Hearing him say he just has to manage the triggers. He shouldn't have to manage any,' she said.

'It is so incredibly unfair he spent 40 years of his life dealing with something he had no control over.'

A former Navy cadet who served at the Leeuwin base, in Perth's south, in 1967 told the commission (pictured) he was 'repeatedly' dragged to an oval, raped and forced to perform oral sex on his fellow recruits

The commission has also heard that 15-year-old cadet Eleanore Tibble was driven to commit suicide after the ADF threatened her with a dishonourable discharge because she had a sexual relationship with a 30-year-old instructor.

Her mother Susan Campbell was among the 111 people who contacted the commission about the ADF as they failed to tell her daughter the 'fraternisation' charges were being dropped.

Graeme Frazer, who survived horrendous abuse when he was 16 the same naval training base said it took 36 years before the Navy and the Department of Defence acknowledged the systemic abuse, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Frazer said the abuse, which included being knocked unconscious while being forced to run a gauntlet, caused him lifelong physical and psychological damage.

He said he was also subjected to a painful initiation ritual known as 'nuggeting' which involves being held down while his genitals were smeared with boot polish and scrubbed with a hard bristled brush.

Mr Frazer said he twice reported the abuse to a senior officer at Leeuwin but was told it was a 'rite of passage in the real Navy'.

Mr Frazer said he twice reported the abuse to a senior officer at Leeuwin but was told it was a 'rite of passage in the real Navy'

He felt he was picked on because he was short and colour blind, which meant he had difficulty with the flag exercises.

When he finished his training at Leeuwin, he served 12 years at HMAS Albatross in Nowra and achieved the highest non-commissioned rank of leading seaman before he left.

Mr Frazer told the commission he went on to study at the University of Sydney and worked as a social worker but began to have health problems including crippling anxiety.

He went to a rehabilitation centre and revealed the abuse for the first time.
Spain has demanded shared sovereignty over Gibraltar where more than 95 per cent voted to remain in the EU.

The British Overseas Territory, at the entrance to the Mediterranean, relies heavily on its open border with Spain for trade.

But acting Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said he hoped 'co-sovereignty' of Gibraltar and 'the Spanish flag on the Rock' were much closer to happening in the wake of the vote.

Spain has demanded shared sovereignty over Gibraltar (pictured) where more than 95 per cent voted to remain in the EU

Acting Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo (pictured) said he hoped 'co-sovereignty' of Gibraltar and 'the Spanish flag on the Rock' were much closer to happening in the wake of the vote

'We have been working hard on Brexit scenarios', said the Foreign Secretary, explaining that 'the instant the treaties stop applying, Gibraltar becomes a third country'.

That would lead to discussions on co-sovereignty, he said, which would be bilateral with the UK, not involving the European Union.

Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo, who shared a platform with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in May in support of the Remain campaign, had earlier tweeted: 'We have surpassed greater challenges. It is time for unity, for calm and for rational thinking. Together and united we will continue to prosper.'

Julie Girling, the South West England and Gibraltar Conservative MEP - who also backed Remain, said; 'I am deeply sorry that the people of the UK have chosen this leap in the dark. I believe future generations will question our wisdom.

'The EU has many faults, of course, but I remain convinced that we would be safer, stronger and better off by remaining a member.'

Worry and sadness have overwhelmed the minds and the hearts of Gibraltarians in the wake of the uncertainty produced on Gibraltar's future by the result of the EU referendum.

There is a common factor in their reactions: the management of the flow of people crossing the border to enter into Gibraltar from the Spanish side everyday, mainly commuters and tourists, as well as the general political stance of Spain regarding Gibraltar after the Spanish general elections next Sunday.

Vijay Vatvani, a Gibraltarian businessman, said: 'It's a little bit disappointing for Gibraltar since most of us wanted to remain within Europe because is better for us, it's safer, it means an easier passage into Spain, specially, and now we don't know what documents may be required to cross the border.

Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo (pictured) had earlier tweeted: 'We have surpassed greater challenges. It is time for unity, for calm and for rational thinking'

'We're still in Europe, obviously, but we don't know how much human rights since we aren't in the EC are going to be respected there.

'I don't feel angry, I understand the British position totally, I understand a lot of money have been put into the system which a lot of English residents in England didn't agree with, so I understand their position but from my point as Gibraltarian I'm very disappointed.'

Shopowner Joseph Bautista added: 'For Gibraltar is a difficult situation; we thought that Britain would remain in Europe but unfortunately it has not happened.

'Spain can creates problems to Gibraltar's future. We legally will be in Europe but the situation will change to the worst.

'I'm concerned, I'm sure everybody in Gibraltar is the same. We have to wait and see haw things develop.

Even if Britain tries very hard to protect Gibraltar there are certain circumstances which make it more difficult because now, we are out of Europe, we don't know what's going to happen.'

Gibraltar was ceded to Britain in 1713 in the Treaty of Utrecht. But over past decades Spain has made various noises about taking it back, including a 2013 dispute which saw border checks reintroduced - causing long delays - in a row over an artificial reef.

A referendum on joint sovereignty in 2002 saw 98.48 per cent of citizens of the territory back remaining British.

The Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce had also backed the Remain campaign, calling Brexit 'a leap in the dark'.

In a letter to members on Tuesday, the chamber's board said the open border with Spain had helped the territory's financial services industry develop.

It added: 'Each weekday half of Gibraltar's workforce crosses the border to get to work. Of the 12,000 people who cross the frontier, around 7,000 are Spanish and the remaining 5,000 are other Europeans. Without this open frontier many businesses in Gibraltar would not have a workforce.'

In May Mr Picardo told a news conference that Brexit supporters should reflect on the fact that a leave vote would see joint sovereignty 'back on the table'.
A Liberal candidate is in damage control after sending thousands of personalised letters to his constituents addressed to 'Salutation_Letter'.

Ned Mannoun, Liberal candidate for Werriwa in south-west Sydney, faces a tough task in the upcoming election as he attempts to win a seat which has been a Labor stronghold for 72 years.

And his chances can't have been helped after he sent a letter asking constituents to vote for him, addressing them as 'Salutation_Letter.'

Ned Mannoun, Liberal candidate for Werriwa in south-west Sydney, sent a letter (pictured) asking constituents to vote for him, addressing them as 'Salutation_Letter'

A campaign spokesperson for Mr Mannoun told Daily Mail Australia 'a technical error' had caused the blunder

'Dear Salutation_Letter - such a personal way to ask me to vote for you,' one user posted on Twitter.

'Amazing personalised letter from @NedMannoun and @LiberalAus party today. Dear Salutation_Letter,' another said.

'Can't even get a letter template right,' one commented.

A campaign spokesperson for Mr Mannoun told Daily Mail Australia 'a technical error' had caused the blunder.

Mr Mannoun was elected Liverpool Mayor at the 2012 local election, a post he still holds

Mr Mannoun responded to online comments and apologised for the campaign blunder: 'Sorry there was a problem with the mail merge. I'm sorry,' he said

Mr Mannoun responded to online comments and apologised for the error: 'Sorry there was a problem with the mail merge. I'm sorry,' he said.

The seat of Werriwa was once held by former prime minister Gough Whitlam and has been in Labor hands since 1934.
Nearly 140,000 North Dakotans cast votes statewide in the June 14 primary election, according to results certified Friday morning by the state canvassing board.

Official results report voter turnout of 139,957, or 24.51 percent of the state's 570,955 eligible voters.

Each of the states 53 county canvassing boards met on Monday to certify their results. Prior to the meeting of those boards, unofficial results from late last week showed 138,685 votes cast.

One minor hiccup led to a short delay in completing the proceedings when, upon reviewing county-by-county results in the Republican gubernatorial race, an unusually low vote total for Renville County was spotted.

The problem occurred because the county provided only its late-arriving absentee ballot totals to the state instead of combining that number with the countys full Election Day vote count.

A good catch, said Secretary of State Al Jaeger, adding that if it hadnt been caught the board wouldve had to reconvene for results to reflect the correct totals.

Fixing the problem required a phone call to Renville County, and the meeting lasted a few minutes longer while waiting for the correct results to be entered into the states system.

The updated vote totals didnt have any significant impact on the GOP gubernatorial primary results. Doug Burgum won 49 of 53 counties and received about 59.5 percent of the 114,415 votes cast in that race.

Results were unanimously approved by the board.

Full election results can be viewed at www.sos.nd.gov.
A former music teacher and saxophone player at an exclusive college is likely headed for jail after admitting he indecently assaulted students.

Yi 'Allan' Yang pleaded guilty to assaulting four girls aged between seven and 13 from January 2006 until June 2013, three girls were abused at his home in Kew, Melbourne, during private saxophone lessons, reported The Age.

The 51-year-old touched and kissed some of the girls inappropriately when their parents were not present.

He told one of the girls it was their 'special time' together and not to tell anyone, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard on Friday.

Mr Yang (pictured) assaulted four girls from January 2006 until June 2013, at his home in Kew, Melbourne, during saxophone lessons

Twice, Yang stated: 'You look like my wife.'

The 51-year-old has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of indecent acts against a child under 16.

Magistrate Johanna Metcalf adjourned the case for further argument, saying it was very serious offending.

'He is looking at an immediate jail term,' she said.

Yang's barrister, Shane Gardner, acknowledged there had been a breach of trust and all Yang's young and vulnerable victims were deeply affected by his crimes, which took place over a protracted period.

He said a well-educated Yang, who had achieved significant accolades through his musical talents, was the 'author of his own destruction' and had lost his good reputation.

'He has to live with that now for the rest of his life,' Mr Gardner said.

The 51-year-old has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of indecent acts against a child under 16

Yi Yang, also known as Allan Yang (pictured) faces 16 charges of committing an indecent act with a child under 16

Yang who is also a father to a young girl told a nine-year-old victim as he abused her: 'This will be our secret relationship [that] not even my daughter has.'

If Yang is to be sentenced to jail the family of one of his daughter's school friends has offered to care for he in his absence as she has no other family members in Australia.

Mr Gardiner asked the Magistrate to consider what jailing Yang can do to his daughter.

'That makes her an unfortunate victim, an innocent victim of the conduct my client has engaged in,' Mr Gardiner said.

Yang, of Kew, is due back before the court on August 5.

Yang told one of his victims: ''This will be our secret relationship [that] not even my daughter has'
Murdered Labour MP Jo Cox died from multiple stab and gunshot wounds before she even got to hospital, a court heard.

An inquest into the death of Mrs Cox has been opened and adjourned, eight days after she was brutally attacked outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire.

Speaking during a short six minute hearing at Bradford Coroner's Court, detective superintendent Nick Wallen, of West Yorkshire Police, said it had been clear to paramedics and police that the 41-year-old was 'very seriously injured indeed'.

Jo Cox MP (pictured) was murdered on Thursday last week outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire

The court heard Mrs Cox's body was identified by her sister, Kim Leadbeater, at a mortuary in Bierley, Bradford.

Mr Wallen gave brief details about what happened in Birstall, saying the first injured person spotted by police and paramedics was Bernard Kenny - the 77-year-old pensioner who was stabbed as he rushed to Mrs Cox's aid.

He said: 'It was immediately clear who was very seriously injured.

'A number of people informed police that the lady was Jo Cox, Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen.'

It was also revealed the passionate MP was not taken to hospital after being pronounced dead in an ambulance at the scene at 1.48pm.

Mr Wallen said the mother-of-two was rushed to an ambulance but paramedics were 'unable to save her life'.

Thomas Mair, 52, has been charged with her murder and is due to go on trial in November.

Mr Wallen added that a second post-mortem examination had not been requested by Mair's defence team.

Crowds came together on Wednesday to celebrate what would have been the 42nd birthday of murdered MP Jo Cox

Speaking at Bradford Coroner's Court (pictured), detective superintendent Nick Wallen said paramedics were unable to save Mrs Cox's life

Coroner Martin Fleming concluded the inquest by saying: 'This gives me the opportunity to release the body so the family can get on with the grieving process.

'Quiet rightly there is an extensive criminal inquiry underway.'

Mr Fleming suspended the hearing pending the outcome of the trial.

Crowds - including Mrs Cox's widower Brendan and their children - gathered at London's Trafalgar Square on Wednesday to celebrate what would have been her 42nd birthday.

Earlier in the week, David Cameron praised the young MP as 'a voice of compassion whose irrepressible spirit and boundless energy lit up the lives of all who knew her'.

And Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said British society had lost 'one of our very best'.

Cameron and Corbyn visited Birstall market square to add their tributes to a sea of floral memorials yards from where the tragedy happened.
This adorable pup gets full marks for his hunting technique - but might want to work on his choice of prey.

A funny video shows a little golden retriever ever so slowly approaching a stuffed toy before pouncing on it victoriously and running off.

The clip, filmed in Sao Paulo, Brazil, shows the puppy ignoring a green toy dinosaur lying on the wooden floor and heading for what looks to be a fluffy lion ahead.

The clip, filmed in Sao Paolo Brazil, shows the puppy ignoring a green toy dinosaur lying on the wooden floor and heading for what looks to be fluffy lion ahead

The pooch presses its nose to the floor as though to track the 'lion' better - presumably all he's getting is a whiff of washing detergent or the aroma of the child who last cradled it

The embodiment of stealth, it silently stalks before crouching down low and staring down its prey.

The pooch then presses its nose to the floor as though to track the 'lion' better.

As he slowly begins to hone in on the target, he comes to a stop just in front of the soft animal and can be seen giving a sneaky glance at his owner as he prepares to pounce...

Nevertheless, the pup takes his task seriously and slowly begins to hone in on the target

He comes to a stop just in front of the soft animal and can be seen giving a sneaky glance at his owner as he prepares to pounce...

And suddenly he's off. The dog grabs the toy in his mouth and leaps out of sight - mission complete

And suddenly he's off. The puppy grabs the toy in his mouth and leaps out of sight - mission complete.

Online commentators have loved the footage. 'Cute instincts on display,' one said.

'He'll be a handful when he grows up,' another pointed out.
it is illegal to pay terrorist organisations such as ISIS

Questions have been raised over how he secured their release

The Vicar of Baghdad has had his charitable work in the Middle East put on hold after claims he was involved in paying ransoms to buy back sex slaves from ISIS.

The British clergyman, 52, was suspended by his own charity, when the Charity Commission launched an investigation into a Facebook post he made last October.

Rev. Canon Andrew White, who runs the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, reportedly wrote on Facebook that the Foundation had done a 'huge amount of work with the woman and girls who have been rescued as sex slaves'.

'This is huge work that we have not been able to really speak much about,' he said, the Times reports.

British clergyman Canon Andrew White is suspended from his role as President of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East

Questions have been raised over how he secured the sex slaves' release. In Britain it is illegal to pay ransoms to terrorist groups such as ISIS.

White earned the nickname Vicar of Baghdad while serving as the vicar of the city's St George's Church, the only Anglican church in the whole of Iraq.

He was forced to leave the country for Israel amid constant threats on his life by Islamic State and now lives in in Amman, Jordan.

Iraq had 1.5 million Christians before the US-led invasion in 2003, but in 2014 all that were left was 250,000 who have been displaced from their homes in the north of the country by the advance of ISIS.

Questions have been raised over how he secured the release of women and girls captured as sex slaves by ISIS

Rev. White earned the nickname Vicar of Baghdad while serving as the vicar of the only Anglican church in the whole of Iraq

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, confirmed that it had opened a statutory inquiry into the Foundation on June 6.

'The commission cannot comment further on this live investigation at this time,' it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Foundation said White has been suspended with pay.

'The Foundation is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities. It would be inappropriate to comment further on an active investigation other than to say that the Foundation believe at this stage that the alleged incident stemmed from a genuine desire by Canon White to help others,' the Board of Trustees said.

Canon White, who has a family home in the UK in Liphook, Hampshire, has previously spoken of the horrors he witnessed in Baghdad,

He said in an interview with the Orthodox Christian Network it is 'impossible' for Christians to survive in Iraq under the tyranny of ISIS.

MailOnline has contacted Rev. Canon Andrew White for comment.
It was supposed to be his big moment, but a Gibraltar returning officer's big moment was ruined - when someone's phone went off as he prepared to announce the first referendum vote results.

The eyes of the world were on Paul Martinez as he stepped up to reveal how 20,145 people had voted in the British Overseas Territory.

But as he geared up to deliver the results of the evening's count, a mobile phone's ring tone shattered his moment in the limelight.

The eyes of the world were on Paul Martinez (pictured) as he stepped up to reveal how 20,145 people had voted in the British Overseas Territory

As he geared up to deliver the results of the evening's count, a mobile phone's ring tone shattered his moment in the limelight

Footage captures the moment he looks down at his paper and prepares to speak - before the device rudely interrupts.

The unplanned stoppage prompts Martinez to frown, shrug his shoulders and look disapprovingly into the audience.

Less than impressed, he waits until the phone is turned off, shaking his head in disbelief at the people to his right.

Eventually, he is able to deliver the results - which turned out to shows a landslide for Remain.

There turned out to be 19,322 (95.91 per cent) votes to Remain and just 823 (4.09 per cent) for Leave.

The unplanned stoppage prompts Martinez to frown, shrug his shoulders and look disapprovingly into the audience

The British territory (pictured), at the entrance to the Mediterranean, relies heavily on its open border with Spain for trade

Meanwhile, Spain has demanded shared sovereignty over Gibraltar following the vote.

The British territory, at the entrance to the Mediterranean, relies heavily on its open border with Spain for trade.

But acting Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said he hoped 'co-sovereignty' of Gibraltar and 'the Spanish flag on the Rock' were much closer to happening in the wake of the vote.

Julie Girling, the South West England and Gibraltar Conservative MEP - who also backed Remain, said; 'I am deeply sorry that the people of the UK have chosen this leap in the dark. I believe future generations will question our wisdom.
As Britain's shock decision to leave the EU shakes the world, Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten have turned to voters to choose their respective parties to steer Australia through the resulting volatility.

The Prime Minister and Coalition leader, Malcolm Turnbull, was quick to urge voters to choose stability as he sought to weave Britain's exit from the European Union into the federal election campaign.

Mr Turnbull told ABC TV's 7.30 program that Australia's economy and financial markets were sound and added that the 'leave' vote would not hurt Australia's ties with either the UK or Europe.

The Prime Minister said he had 'consoled' David Cameron before the UK leader announced his resignation and said he was sorry to him resign.

Malcolm Turnbull said he had 'consoled' David Cameron (pictured) before the UK leader announced his resignation

Mr Turnbull declined to discuss the details of his conversation with the UK leader but said he respected the decision of the British people.

'Naturally, I consoled him on the defeat in the referendum and we discussed his next steps and what he announced did not come as any surprise,' Mr Turnbull told host Leigh Sales.

Laurie Oakes, Political Editor for Channel Nine, said the 'leave' decision would 'most certainly help Malcolm Turnbull and the Coalition in the final week of the campaign.'

Speaking to Nine News, Mr Oakes said during time of instability voters were 'likely to turn to the incumbent government' meaning the Brexit vote will most certainly help Malcolm Turnbull during his campaign's final week.

The political editor added that the 'leave' decision will also push other issues aside, leaving the topic of the economy at centre stage in the election, where Malcolm Turnbull wants it.

48 per cent of Britain voted to stay in the EU while 52 per cent voted to leave.

Bill Shorten (pictured) said Australia could withstand any fallout from Brexit, noting Labors previous economic achievements, in particular when the Rudd government saw the nation through the global financial crisis

The Prime Minister was quick to capitalise the referendum result on Friday: We need a strong, majority, Coalition government to deliver Australians the economic leadership they need and they deserve, in these times of opportunity and of risk'

The Prime Minister was quick to capitalise the referendum result on Friday, speaking to reporters in Devonport, Tasmania.

'Australians, I recognise, will be concerned by the uncertainty and instability in global markets, falls in currencies, including the Australian dollar and in equity markets,' Mr Turnbull said.

'It is important to remember that the Australian economy is strong and resilient, and has weathered global shocks before and weathered them well.

'Above all we need stability. We need a strong, majority, Coalition government to deliver Australians the economic leadership they need and they deserve, in these times of opportunity and of risk.'

Both the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader have said previously that the UK should remain in the EU.

Labor leader Bill Shorten acknowledged short term volatility in the Australian economy, but played down the Brexit impact on Australia

The Prime Minister said he had 'consoled' David Cameron before the UK leader announced his resignation and said he was sorry to him resign

Labor leader Bill Shorten acknowledged short term volatility in the Australian economy, but played down the Brexit impact on Australia.

Bill Shorten said Australia could withstand any fallout from Brexit, noting Labors previous economic achievements, in particular when the Rudd government saw the nation through the global financial crisis.

Mr Shorten said that proposed budget repair measures such as negative gearing reform would help Australia's response to the market volatility.

'The fundamentals of the Australian economy are solid,' he told reporters.

'Share markets go up and down all the time. That's not an argument to not change a government. The argument about changing the government goes down to the economic fundamentals and the economic plan,' he said.
Flights to the UK just became much cheaper for Australian travellers after Britain sensationally voted to leave the European Union.

Australian holidaymakers now have the benefit of a much weaker British pound, thanks to the Brexit vote.

The pound plunged against all currencies as the result was confirmed on Friday, leaving flight prices at unprecedentedly cheap levels.

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Flights to the UK just became much cheaper for Australian travellers after Britain sensationally voted to leave the European Union. Above, a plane over Sydney Harbour

Australian holidaymakers now have the benefit of a much weaker British pound, thanks to the Brexit vote. Pictured, the London Eye by the Thames River

The Australian dollar is now buying 54 pence, up from 51 pence on Thursday, and just below a 15-month high hit in April.

'At the moment cheap outbound airfares are at unprecedented levels,' Webjet managing director John Guscic told AAP.

'Now with an Aussie dollar that can buy more euros as well as more pounds, we expect to see a lot more leisure travellers to head over there for the northern hemisphere's summer.'

The Australian dollar is buying almost 67 euro cents, up from 64 euro cents a month ago.

Flight Centre spokesman Haydn Long said greater buying power would make the UK a lot more attractive to Aussies.

'People get most excited about airfare prices, however this exchange rate benefit would certainly make the UK an even more attractive proposition,' he said.

But the Australian dollar has plunged against the US dollar, as well as the Japanese yen, as the Brexit vote caused investors to buy into assets seen as less risky.

The Australian dollar was buying 76.5 US cents on Friday morning, but is now worth 73.7 US cents.
Families are on high alert following an infestation of venomous spiders.

Thousands of false widows are running loose after hundreds of eggs hatched on the streets of Harlow in Essex.

The 50p-sized critters are the most lethal of the UK's 12 species and can leave its victims fighting for their lives.

Be aware: Concerned mother-of-three, Toni Trevillion has been putting up signs in her local area to advise of the danger the false widows pose after claiming Harlow Council refused to help

Essex mum-of-three, Toni Trevillion: 'They're running around mine and my neighbours houses, and constantly growing in numbers'. The creepy critters have been spotted in her home (pictured) and she is now warning people not to go near them

Parents have been warned not to let their children touch the spiders as they may bite and can trigger allergic reactions causing chest pain, swelling and nausea.

Mum-of-three, Toni Trevillion, said: 'We first noticed them earlier in the week outside on the streets but the wet weather has brought them inside.

'They're running around mine and my neighbours houses, and constantly growing in numbers.

'I'm doing everything I can to stop them, using ant killer to destroy them as I've been advised by Environmental Health, but it's a much bigger problem.

'We need some real help as it's getting out of hand. The council say spiders aren't their problem but they must have teams of people who could come and sort this out within hours.

'It's worrying as a parent that my children could be bitten by them, and children have been seriously ill in the past from false widow bites.

'People need to know how seriously this problem is.'

Full-time mum Toni, 29, has been putting up signs in her local area to advise of the danger the false widows pose after claiming Harlow Council refused to help.

The sign, which is littered with the words 'spider' and 'bite', reads: 'Confirmed False Widow Nest. Running along the entire building. Harlow council AWARE, Not willing to treat. Please do not let your children touch the wall.'

The spiders are distinctive for their shiny, black flesh, bulbous bodies, thick legs and skull-like patterns. It was first spotted in the UK in Torquay, Devon, in 1879

A statement from Harlow Council said: 'Where we have reports of false widow spiders we ask residents to safely collect a sample in a sealed container so we can arrange a test and carry out further research.

'Like many councils we don't offer a treatment service for controlling spiders but we will always help where we can and offer advice and guidance to residents.'

False widows are Britain's most venomous spider and are named for their physical resemblance to the deadly black widow spider, which is not found in the UK.

Millions of false widows, Britain's most venomous spider, have been found across the UK and the population is believed to be on the rise.

It was first spotted in the UK in Torquay, Devon, in 1879, and is understood it may have made its way to our shores from Madeira or the Canary Islands in a shipment of bananas.

The spiders are distinctive for their shiny, black flesh, bulbous bodies, thick legs and skull-like patterns.
Coles is talking with suppliers about raising the price of cleaning products, sauces, light bulbs and other grocery items, according to a leading analyst.

The grocery chain is interested in raising the cost of such items  also including shoe police, stationary and other electrical goods  by 10 percent, Citi analyst Craig Woolford told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Woolford said it is surprising move for Coles, who began talks with suppliers this month.

Coles is talking with suppliers about raising the price of cleaning products, sauces, light bulbs, shoe polish, stationary and other electrical goods by 10 percent, according to a Citi analyst (stock image)

By raising the prices, Coles would increase its earnings by just $10 million to $30 million (stock image)

'Perhaps Coles has felt margin pressure from some of its investment in private label and high-profile branded price reductions,' he said.

By raising the prices, Coles would increase its earnings by just $10 million, Mr Woolford said.

'For such a small financial benefit, we are somewhat puzzled by the feedback,' he said.

An anonymous supplier told the SMH that Woolworths attempted the same tactic a couple of years ago but shoppers ended up going to other stores in search of cheaper products.

'It's normally the second-tier items that people don't notice, that fund the markdowns on $1 milk,' the supplier said.
Vice President Joe Biden was in Ireland, receiving an honorary doctorate; he said in his speech, 'I must say we had looked for a different outcome'

In the race for the White House, Hillary Clinton joined Obama on the side of the 'remain' campaign and Donald Trump urged

President Barack Obama says he spoke to British Prime Minister David Cameron on the phone today, and he is 'confident' after their discussion that the United Kingdom 'is committed to an orderly transition' out of the European Union.

Obama said that the United States will remain in close contact with Britain, and their economic and financial teams will 'stay focused on ensuring economic growth and financial stability.'

He also spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, he said, and they agreed the US and the EU will also 'work closely together in the weeks and months ahead.'

'I do think that yesterday's vote speaks to the ongoing changes and challenges that are raised by globalization,' Obama said in his opening remarks at Stanford University's annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit.

Obama had publicly aligned himself with Cameron in the fight to keep the EU intact, an unusual intervention in another country's politics at the invitation of its leader of the moment.

He attempted to calm choppy global waters on Friday afternoon brought on by Britain's spectacular decision to leave the EU by promising that the United Kingdom's relationship with the United States would remain the same.

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President Barack Obama says he spoke to British Prime Minister David Cameron on the phone today, and he is 'confident' after their discussion that the United Kingdom 'is committed to an orderly transition' out of the European Union

As a result of the vote, Britain's relationship with the EU will change, Obama assessed at Stanford. 'One thing that will not change is the special relationship that exists between our two nations.'

The president said in a statement that both the UK and the EU would continue to be 'indispensable partners' and touted the former's involvement in NATO as an example of Western stability in face of tumbling worldwide markets.

'The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision,' he said in a statement.

On the West Coast for a summit and fundraising events, Obama did not immediately speak to Cameron on Friday. In the interim, the White House offered no formal declaration of policy as the pound plunged and the stock market crashed abroad.

At Stanford, Obama had little to say about how the vote will affect the United States' trade partnership with Britain, now that it will soon exit the EU.

It will need to ink a new deal with the United States, he warned in April, and that could take months, and even years.

The referendum result was as much a smack down of the U.S. president as it was the British prime minister, who said this morning that he would resign in October.

'David has been an outstanding friend and partner on the global stage,' Obama said today of Cameron, whom he closer with than any other world leader.

Obama said that the United States will remain in close contact with Britain, and their economic and financial teams will 'stay focused on ensuring economic growth and financial stability'

The U.S. president had publicly aligned himself with Cameron in the fight to keep the EU intact, an unusual intervention in another country's politics at the invitation of its leader of the moment

Vice President Joe Biden was in Ireland on Friday, receiving an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin. 'I must say we had looked for a different outcome,' Biden said of Brexit

Officially in California for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, with two Democratic fundraising events lined up later in the day, the U.S. president waited until the event at Stanford - a speech and discussion with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg - to offer a televised comment on the shocking world event.

Hours after the vote totals poured in the White House issued a statement on Obama's behalf that asserted, 'The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdoms membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy.

'So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond.'

The chief executive of the United States promised that both parties 'will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world.'

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) following news that the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union. The Dow Jones industrial average quickly fell nearly 500 points on the news with markets around the globe plunging

Britain voted 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU on Thursday, shocking the world and electrocuting the financial markets

WHITE HOUSE ON CAMERON CALL President Obama spoke by phone today with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom to discuss the outcome of yesterdays referendum on membership in the European Union, in which a majority of British voters expressed their desire to leave the EU. The President assured Prime Minister Cameron that, in spite of the outcome, the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, along with the United Kingdoms membership in NATO, remain vital cornerstones of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy. The President also expressed his regret at the Prime Ministers decision to step aside following a leadership transition and noted that the Prime Minister has been a trusted partner and friend, whose counsel and shared dedication to democratic values, the special relationship, and the Transatlantic community are highly valued. The President also observed that the EU, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond, will remain an indispensable partner of the United States. The President and Prime Minister concurred that they are confident that the United Kingdom and the EU will negotiate a productive way forward to ensure financial stability, continued trade and investment, and the mutual prosperity they bring. Advertisement

Britain voted 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU on Thursday, shocking the world and electrocuting the financial markets.

Vice President Joe Biden was in Ireland on Friday, receiving an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin.

'I must say we had looked for a different outcome. We would have preferred a different outcome,' he said in his speech, 'but the United States has a long-standing friendship with the United Kingdom and that very special bond will endure.'

Biden added, 'We fully respect the decision they have made.'

Obama warned at at a joint news conference with Cameron in April that the UK would be sent to 'the back of the queue' if it voted to leave the 28-nation arrangement and go its own way.

'Maybe some point down the line, there might be a UK-U.S. trade agreement, but its not going to happen anytime soon,' Obama said, 'because our focus is in negotiating with a big bloc, the European Union, to get a trade agreement done.'

The US president added, 'The UK is going to be in the back of the queue -- not because we don't have a special relationship -- but because, given the heavy lift on any trade agreement, us having access to a big market with a lot of countries rather than trying to do piecemeal trade agreements is hugely inefficient.

Obama justified his toiling with the EU by casting the possible Brexit as a US security matter.

'What happens in Europe is going to have an impact here,' he said at the news conference at No. 10. 'And what happens in Europe is going to have an impact in the United States.'

Like Obama, Hillary Clinton, the next Democratic nominee, had urged Britain to 'remain' in the EU. She echoed again echoed Obama in a statement - released after the White House had finally spoken - that said, 'We respect the choice the people of the United Kingdom have made'

Obama warned at at a joint news conference with Cameron in April that the UK would be sent to 'the back of the queue' if it voted to leave the 28-nation arrangement and go its own way

GOP leaders and presumptive Republican Donald Trump blasted Obama's meddling as 'inappropriate.'

'He came in and really tried to convince people to stay, and I thought it was inappropriate,' said Trump, who threw his lot in with the 'leave' faction. 'And I actually think that his recommendation perhaps caused it to fail.'

At a press conference that officially marked the reopening of his Turnberry golf course in Scotland, Trump said Obama is 'constantly dictating to the world what they should do.

WHITE HOUSE ON MERKEL CALL The President spoke today by phone with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany regarding the British peoples decision to leave the European Union. Both said they regretted the decision but respected the will of the British people. The two leaders agreed that the economic and financial teams of the G-7 partners will coordinate closely to ensure all are focused on financial stability and economic growth. The President and the Chancellor affirmed that Germany and the EU will remain indispensable partners of the United States. The leaders also noted that they looked forward to the opportunity to underscore the strength and enduring bond of transatlantic ties at the NATO Summit in Warsaw, Poland, July 8-9. Advertisement

'The world doesn't listen to him, obviously. You can see that from the vote.'

Trump promised the country's closest ally that if he succeeds Obama, he'll quickly negotiate a new trade deal with Britain.

'That wouldn't happen with me. They'll always be at the front of the line,' he said in reference to Obama's 'back of the queue' comment in April.

Trump said, 'They've been great allies. I was very surprised when I heard President Obama say that.'

The U.S. presidential election is in November. The sitting president does not leave office until two and a half months later.

Like Obama, Hillary Clinton, the next Democratic nominee, had urged Britain to 'remain' in the EU.

She again echoed Obama in a statement today - released after the White House had finally spoken - that said, 'We respect the choice the people of the United Kingdom have made.'

'Our first task has to be to make sure that the economic uncertainty created by these events does not hurt working families here in America. We also have to make clear America's steadfast commitment to the special relationship with Britain and the transatlantic alliance with Europe.

Clinton said in the written statement: 'This time of uncertainty only underscores the need for calm, steady, experienced leadership in the White House to protect Americans' pocketbooks and livelihoods, to support our friends and allies, to stand up to our adversaries, and to defend our interests. It also underscores the need for us to pull together to solve our challenges as a country, not tear each other down.'

FULL WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT ON BREXIT The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdoms membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy. So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond. The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world. Advertisement

Trump blasted Obama today: 'He came in and really tried to convince people to stay, and I thought it was inappropriate,' said Trump, who threw his lot in with the 'leave' faction. 'And I actually think that his recommendation perhaps caused it to fail'

Previously, Jake Sullivan, her senior policy adviser, said she supported Cameron and Obama's position.

'Hillary Clinton believes that transatlantic cooperation is essential, and that cooperation is strongest when Europe is united. She has always valued a strong United Kingdom in a strong EU. And she values a strong British voice in the EU,' he told the Observer in April, a day after the Obama-Cameron presser.

Trump used it as a cudgel against her on Friday. He said, 'She's always misread everything...She's misread this.'

'The only reason she did it is because Obama wanted it,' he said. Clinton 'doubled down' on what Obama said 'and she did the same thing.'

'And obviously, for the 219th time, they were wrong. They're always wrong. And that's the problem with them.'

House Speaker Paul Ryan refused on Thursday to get involved in the Brexit debate UK voters made their decision.

'Im going to do exactly what the president did not do and not weigh in on this, and send the signal to our great friends and allies in Britain that we stand with them regardless of what decision they make,' Ryan said.
Workers from Poland living in the UK say they are concerned by out vote

Futures those who arrived after 2012 not guaranteed, to be renegotiated

Those living in Britain for more than five years have UK residency to stay

Eastern European immigrants living in the UK say they fear for their futures after the Brexit shock.

The country's three million non-British EU citizens, many of whom are cooks, cleaners and builders, say they are 'stunned' by the referendum - and may reconsider their plans to stay in Britain.

At Warsaw's Modlin airport in Poland today migrants boarding flights back to London said they are 'scared' by the prospect of Britain out of the EU.

Shock': NHS Occupational Therapist Agata Farquherson, 30, from Lublin, was among those flying back to Britain from Warsaw's Modlin airport today in the wake of the result. She has lived in London for 10 years and said: 'I am shocked and very disappointed. It's a very bad day'

Shock: Farquherson is among three million non-British EU workers living in the UK, of those 850,000 are Polish. Those visiting family back home said a Brexit is their worst nightmare and facing uncertain futures

Tadeusz Kaminski, 31, from the Polish capital Warsaw but working as a baker in Sunderland since 2011 told Mailonline: 'I am completely shocked. I knew it would be close but I didn't really think Britain would vote out.

'I think it's a very bad idea. I have been living in England for five years. I will have to think very hard about my future now.

'I don't even know if I'll have a future in the UK anymore.

Marta, 34, another Pole visiting family in Warsaw who works for a Brighton-based catering company, told Mailonline: 'This is the worst thing that could happen.

I think it's a very bad idea. I have been living in England for five years. I will have to think very hard about my future now Tadeusz Kaminski, 31, a baker

'I am really scared now. I am scared for my family in England. My son goes to school there my husband is Polish and works for the city council. We have our lives there.

'Now I don't know what will happen. Will we be forced to leave?

'I have been in England for four years. We went there for a better life, better money, a better education for our son.

'This vote could destroy all that. That's why I'm afraid.'

NHS Occupational Therapist Agata Farquherson, 30, originally from Lublin, Poland, but has been living in London for 10 years.

She told MailOnline: 'I am shocked and very disappointed. I am now worried about the NHS as most of the people who work there are foreigners. If they have to leave it will be catastrophic.

'I don't know how it will affect me personally. I got married last week but I don't have British citizenship. Not yet.

'Perhaps I will try and get it. Some of my Polish friends were applying for it in the lead up to the vote.

'A lot of people are quite afraid of what will happen. They have built their lives in the UK and now what?

'My husband voted remain, but his parents, my in-laws, voted leave. That created some problems.

'I wouldn't say this vote is destroying lives and relationships but it could easily turn in to that.'

When Poland and many other Eastern European countries joined the EU 12 years ago, some 850,000 Poles jumped at the chance of working in Britain.

Devastated: Latvian Irina Knazeva, 26, who lives in Hammersmith told MailOnline: 'I thought the result would be to remain, and now that David Cameron has resigned I'm even more heartbroken'

Residency: The Eastern European Advice Centre said it had been flooded by non-Brish EU workers applying for British citizenship and permanent residence documents in the weeks and months before the referendum

Concerns: Of Brexit Tadeusz Kaminski, said: 'It's a very bad idea. I have lived in England for five years. I will have to think hard about my future now. I don't even know if I'll have a future in the UK anymore'

Now London-based Eastern European Advice Centre said it has been flooded by applications for British citizenship and permanent residence documents.

The leave campaign gave unequivocal assurances a new immigration system would not affect the three million non-British EU citizens already in the country.

Under British law, immigrants who have lived in the UK for more than five years can apply for permanent residency.

The Polish Institute of International Affairs, a Warsaw-based think tank, estimates that still leaves between 120,000 to 400,000 Poles who arrived after 2012.

The rights of those EU citizens living in the UK are not guaranteed and will be part of the negotiation with Europe following Brexit.

Britain already has an Australian-style points system to stop uncontrolled numbers from outside the EEA coming to Britain.

The tier two visa system is the main route for visa applicants and operates on a points system similar to that of Australia with salary, English language fluency and other factors scored.

After five years of continuous residency, visa holders can apply for the permanent right to remain in the country.

Now it is almost certain that non-British citizens who had the right to live and work in the UK will need documentation to prove their rights to stay.

'Anger': Mother-of-one Gabriela Rydzik, 36, a Pole living in Richmond, west London, said: 'It's devastating for all us Poles. We were hoping for a different result. But now nobody knows what will happen'

Scared: Marta, 34, a Pole visiting family in Warsaw who lives in Brighton, told Mailonline: 'This is the worst thing that could happen. 'I am really scared now. I am scared for my family in England'

Damian, 39, who comes from the Polish city of Lodz but has been working as a factory supervisor in Croydon for eight years said: 'They were whipped into a fever over immigration, as if that was the only issue at stake.

'People became afraid of us. It's too early to say what I'll do. I'm still stunned by it.

'I'll be in Poland for a week and will see how the situation develops. I don't want to leave Britain. It's my home. But perhaps I'll have no choice other than to leave.'

He added: 'The immigration issue has basically turned us into villains. But what people don't seem to realise is that if you're part of a common market you have free movement of people.

'That's the same for Brits living in Europe too. What's going to happen to all of them living and working in France, Germany, Italy, etc?'

Monika Cyrek, a Polish national who works in a grocery store run by her mother that sells mostly Polish products, said: 'If we're not wanted here, probably a lot of people will leave and try other places.'

And Romanian Raluca Cioroianu, a farm shop manager in Addlestone, Surrey, said: 'I came here with good intentions, to work, to pay taxes, to improve my knowledge, my culture, and to make a better life.'

Latvian Irina Knazeva, 26, from Hammersmith, west London, I feel heartbroken. I thought the result would be to remain, and now that David Cameron has resigned I'm even more heartbroken. He supported British people in the European Union until the end.

Fearful: Monika Cyrek, a Polish national who works in a grocery store run by her mother that sells mostly Polish products, said: 'If we're not wanted here, probably a lot of people will leave and try other places'

Proud to be Romanian: Raluca Cioroianu is a farm shop manager in Addlestone. She said: 'I came here with good intentions, to work, to pay taxes, to improve my knowledge, my culture, and to make a better life'

Mother-of-one Gabriela Rydzik, 36, a Pole living in Richmond, west London, is an account manager market for research company.

She said: 'It's devastating for all us Poles. We were hoping for a different result. But now nobody knows what will happen.

We hoped that in the modern world we would break down walls not build new ones. But many of us have British citizenship.

I've been here for thirteen years, and now I have citizenship. I brought my family here and they do too  apart from my mother who helps look after my daughter. Now this is an additional obligation.'

Cambridge PhD student Joy Muraszko, 26, is half-Polish and half-British. Originally from Warsaw she has been living in Cambridge for three years.

Damian, 39, who comes from the Polish city of Lodz but has been working as a factory supervisor in Croydon for eight years said: 'They were whipped into a fever over immigration, as if that was the only issue at stake'

Unease: The rights of those EU citizens living in the UK, particularly the 400,000 or so Poles who arrived after 2012, are not guaranteed and will be part of the negotiation with Europe following Brexit

She told MailOnline: 'I am very unhappy about the result. It's a disaster. I saw the results coming in last night and when I woke up this morning I just couldn't believe it.

'It will certainly affect me because my PhD is funded by the European Union. I'm thinking about leaving, but I don't know where I would go. It's a very bad day.'

Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said this morning that Poland would stay a key ally of Britain despite the vote to leave.

He told Polish Radio: 'Britain was, is and will remain an ally in several areas that have not changed.

'On questions of security, Europe. Britain will remain in NATO, will remain a transatlantic country that links Europe with the United States. Here, as our ally, that will not change.'

He added: 'But of course Britain, leaving the EU, will stop being our ally in a certain concept of the development of the EU because it will no longer take part in decisions.'
This dramatic video footage shows the moment policemen rescued an old lady who was pleading for help after being trapped inside a burning shanty house.

The incident happened in a poor neighbourhood of the Chilean capital city Santiago, where unfortunately a teenager died in the fire.

Footage show various police officers desperately trying to break open the entrance to the house as cries for help can be heard from inside.

Police battle to force their way into the burning shanty house where a woman was shouting for help

Please help: The woman makes desperate attempts to get free as the fire rages on in her house

Neighbours of the trapped woman are gathered around the door anxiously watching the events unfold.

One of the officers finally manages to break open the door using a large object and the woman is pulled out of the flames and dragged to safety as the fire continues to rage.

The officers continue to try and access the house with one even trying to keep the burning door open, but in the end has to let it go.

Eventually the woman was freed from the shanty house, but sadly a 16-year-old girl died in the tragedy

Tragically at the back of the house a 16-year-old girl remained trapped and died in the fire.
I turned in at 6am this morning, afraid I'd wake up and it all be a dream.

Turning on the news to find the Leave campaign broken-hearted, Farage conceding defeat and millions of British patriots resigned to the loss of a country their grandfathers fought to defend.

But I've pinched myself, had coffee, checked all the papers, watched the Prime Minister resign and heard the whoops and cheers of the Leavers.... Believers.

And it's all still true. We're out. We voted Leave.

Vote Leave supporters, watching the results come in last night. Hopkins said it marks the day that Britain reclaimed its birthright

Watching the results come in was a glorious thing. A moment in history. Hearing the heartlands of the nation jump to its feet, one by one, and shout 'leave'.

West Devon: Leave. Sheffield: Leave. Sunderland: Leave.

Each returning vote, flicking a v-sign right back at Bob Geldof, simpering liberals and the politics of fear.

Ashford. Leave. Erewash (I know, me neither). Leave. Eastbourne. Leave.

The authors of the Remain campaign, now conspicuous by their absence. Lying low; pondering their chances of clinging on to their selfish ambition.

Theresa May - happy to lecture our police. Too weak to fight for our country. Now wondering if she said sufficiently little to stay in post. Pathetic.

Osbourne - rowing back on every threat he ever made, watching power slip through his fingers as quickly as his receding hair.

Britain has finally stood behind our big hitter, Boris Johnson (pictured) who put it all on the line to be true to the vision for Britain he believes in

Philip Hammond, Jeremy Hunt, Justine Greening, and 18 other cabinet members, suddenly on the wrong side of history. Backing the wrong horse.

Coventry. Leave. Darlington. Leave. West Midlands. Leave.

All shouting right back at the liberal luvvies paraded before us as the definitive arbiters of right and wrong, what's socially acceptable and not.

JK Rowling, Benedict Cumberbatch, Idris Elba. Flaunting their dubious political credentials, beloved of the left. Can we stop listening to these players now?

Even businessmen who should know better hedged their bets against us. Richard Branson used to celebrate the underdog. Now he's a mongrel mascot for the disenfranchised.

And despite the collective hangover felt on the stock exchange this morning, nothing will make me regret the celebrations of the night we decided to take our country back.

When we decided the sovereignty, democracy and security of our country mattered more. When we took back control of our borders, resisted the dictatorship of the EU and fought back against laws not of our own making.

We voted to figure out who can stay in our country, or who we will deport. Whether criminals deserve the right to a family life. What we do with our own funds. What small business can afford.

We decided to stop paying bureaucrats simply for turning up, to reject the dictatorship of Junker and his crony mates telling us to stand in line, and send Obama to the back a queue for his pension cheque.

We stood up for our own families, who need doctors appointments and primary schools for their kids, who did not deserve to be put in second place behind families fresh off a plane. We voted to stop sending your taxes back to kids in countries other than our own.

Philip Hammond (left), Jeremy Hunt (right), Justine Greening, and 18 other cabinet members, are suddenly on the wrong side of history.

We applauded our fishing fleet for persevering through adversity to reclaim the waters their fathers fished in. And voted with our feet to reclaim the 350 million we send to the EU - for our own NHS, instead of subsidising the lavish lifestyles of fat cats and bureaucrats from The European Union

And we took a once in a generation opportunity to take back control of our borders, to stop unchecked immigration, to say no to the Turkish invasion and push back on Merkel, mother of all migrants.

And we stopped listening to David Cameron, because we are smarter than that.

Katie Hopkins (pictured) said Britain has finally reclaimed control over its sovereignty, democracy and security

Failing to get a deal from the EU was one thing. Trying to flog a bad deal to us like a second-hand carpet salesman was quite another. Dave needed to come clean.

'This deal stinks.' We prefer the truth.

But he held his nose, and lied to us, repeatedly. A wolf acting like any other EU sheep.

And we stopped being scared. We simply couldn't be frightened. The brave of Britain ignored all the tales of fear from the city. Every banker, every expert, every institution who told us Brexit would spell disaster... the CBI, the IMF, the OECD, the IFS.

We told them to rearrange their powerful acronyms into a well known phrase or saying.

'EU can f*** off too.'

Because the terror we might import from Syria via Europe is greater than any we face at home in the UK.

And we decided against the wretched grief-fest manipulated in the wake of the death of Jo Cox MP and looked to our own children and grandchildren and hoped we could make our country a better place for them to live happily instead.

And finally, we stood behind our big hitter. Boris Johnson. He put it all on the line. He risked it all, to be true to the vision for Britain he believes in.

We followed. Nervously at times. Occasionally doubting. Sometimes bolstered by bombastic rhetoric. But we followed and we kept the faith. We reclaimed our national identity, which mattered more to our hearts than tomorrow's pound in our pocket or the fear planted in our heads,

And woe betide the martinets of Brussels if they even think about robbing us. Or making us keep voting until we get the right answer like they did the Irish.

We won fair and square against some of the most reprehensible campaigning I've ever seen.

So as Boris surely heads for Number 10, the EU begins to implode, and Britain retakes its place as the decider of its people's destiny, I am finally able to sleep.
Within four months, David Cameron will have left Number 10 and the UK will have a new Prime Minister for the first time since 2010.

The country's leader will be the winner of the Conservative leadership election, decided by Tory MPs and members.

Here is MailOnline's guide to the runners and riders in the contest...

BORIS JOHNSON

The overwhelming favorite going into the contest, the former Mayor of London has led the Vote Leave campaign to an improbable victory.

Declaring for Brexit in February cemented the Uxbridge MP as a darling of the Tory right and he seems certain to make the shortlist.

Johnson has a celebrity unique among British politicians but despite eight years running the capital, he will have a big job to do to persuade the country he is up to leading the country.

Odds: 4/6

Stars: Boris Johnson and Theresa May are considered among the frontrunners to be the next Prime Minister

THERESA MAY

After six years as Home Secretary, Theresa May is the sober, serious choice - and probably the strongest 'continuity candidate' who could succeed Cameron.

May has become the longest serving Home Secretary, thriving in a brief which has proved the graveyard for many a political career.

Tough, a safe pair of hands and widely respected - if not always seen fondly - May could be the anti-Boris.

Odds: 11/4

GEORGE OSBORNE

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has long been the heir-apparent to David Cameron.

The Prime Minister's deputy and close ally has spent six years in Number 11, is credited by many in the Tory Party for rescuing the economy and is a prized tactician.

But his leadership bid has almost certainly been crashed off the tracks by a catastrophic Budget in March and his role standing shoulder to shoulder with the PM during the referendum campaign.

Odds: 25/1

Ministers: George Osborne and Stephen Crabb are considered to be more outside bets

STEPHEN CRABB

Perhaps the biggest unknown in the race, the Work and Pensions Secretary was parachuted into the top of front line politics as the replacement for Iain Duncan Smith after his bombshell resignation over the Budget.

Crabb, a Welsh son of a broken home, could be the leading One Nation candidate in the leadership race.

Being a new name - and one who was quiet in the referendum - could allow Crabb to define himself a unifying candidate.

Odds: 25/1

RUTH DAVIDSON

The Leader of the Scottish Conservatives arrives at the contest having pulled off the near miracle of overhauling Labour to take second in Scotland.

Davidson was a star of the referendum campaign for her combative appearance at the final TV debate and as someone a million miles from the old Etonian Tory which has proven toxic with much of the electorate she would be prized by the One Nation wing of the party.

Her candidacy is a longshot - not least because she is not an MP and has a huge job opposing Nicola Sturgeon in Holyrood. But on the day Britain backed Brexit is anything impossible?

Odds: 33/1

Contrast: The fellow Scots Ruth Davidson and Liam Fox backed different sides in the EU referendum

LIAM FOX

A heavyweight with Cabinet experience, Fox has run for the leadership before - and lost.

But he is extremely popular on the right of the party and played a leading role in referendum campaign, appearing with different parts of the Leave movement.

The former Defence Secretary is known to have a war chest ready and waiting for the leadership campaign and is well connected on the Tory benches.

While it is perhaps hard to see a route onto the final shortlist, Fox would undoubtedly be well-organised and a fearsome candidate.

Odds: 25/1

MICHAEL GOVE

As one of the leaders of the Leave campaign, the Justice Secretary has become a major voice in the referendum debate who could rally pro-Brexit members while retaining strong links with Cameron's own followers.

He also has a reputation as a radical reformer with the ability to cross political lines, and has drawn praise for his liberal approach to prison reform.

However, he has insisted he has no interest in the top job - and he may be regarded as too divisive to be leader, given his unpopularity as Education Secretary.

Odds: 7/1

Experienced: Michael Gove and Nicky Morgan have both served as Education Secretary under Cameron

NICKY MORGAN

Gove's replacement as Education Secretary is respected for the way she stopped the topic becoming a hot-button issue in last year's Election.

She has few enemies at Westminster, and as a centrist woman who is a relatively new MP she could be a breath of fresh air for the party.

But although friends have said she is considering running, she may well conclude she is not sufficiently well-known to take on the more high-profile contenders.

Odds: 33/1

SAJID JAVID

The Business Secretary, a former investment banker, is admired by many for his smooth style and was the first of the 2010 intake of MPs to make it into the Cabinet.

Many pro-Brexit MPs were upset with his decision to back Remain, claiming that he went against his own instincts in order to suck up to Downing Street.

But if Osborne decides he cannot win, it is possible that Javid would stand as his 'surrogate' in order to continue the current leadership's centrist, pro-business agenda.

Odds: 25/1

Outsiders: Sajid Javid, Andrea Leadsom and Priti Patel are all possible leadership contenders

ANDREA LEADSOM

Leadsom, a junior Minister for Energy who previously worked in the Treasury, is relatively obscure among the public at large.

But her profile has received a huge boost during the EU referendum campaign, where she has been regarded as one of Leave's most impressive voices.

As one of the least divisive pro-Brexit Tory politicians, she could be an outside bet to be the compromise candidate for MPs to rally around.

Odds: 14/1

PRITI PATEL

The Employment Minister has long been tipped as a contender for the leadership one day - she combines an unorthodox background with staunch Right-wing views.

Patel, 44, is the daughter of Ugandan immigrants who ran a successful chain of newsagents.

She was a vocal campaigner for Leave, and has adopted socially conservative causes such as banning prisoners from having the vote.

However, those close to her have reportedly said that she will not stand, saying: 'We've made enough history for one week.'

Odds: 20/1
Dozens of bomb sniffing dogs have been killed by an American security company after its contract with an oil firm ended, animal rights activists have claimed.

Eastern Securities of Kuwait has been accused of murdering the dogs because they were no longer needed after its deal with Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) ran out.

At least 24 dogs were slaughtered. Pictures of their dead bodies were posted on Facebook, including an image showing a worker standing on top of one of the canines.

One horrifying picture shows the dead dogs piled up, while another shows two gloating workers standing over one of the animals.

Horrific: Dozens of bomb sniffing dogs have been killed by an American security company after its contract with an oil firm ended, animal rights activists have claimed

Gloating: At least 24 dogs were slaughtered. Pictures of their dead bodies were posted on Facebook, including an image showing a worker standing on top of one of the canines

Animal rights campaigner Esmail Al Misri, who has called for the security firm to be prosecuted, told the Arab Times that 90 more dogs could be killed.

He said workers killed the hounds because they had not been paid for two months after the firm's contract with KNPC ended.

'We know how dogs that are well-fed and well taken care of look. The photos were taken immediately after the incident so we can rule out dehydration as a cause of their sickly state,' Mr Al Misri said, implying they were killed.

An Eastern Securities worker said the company was meant to humanely euthanize the dogs in small groups, but another employee 'jumped the gun' and killed them all in one go.

He confirmed to the Arab Times that workers had not been paid and that the contract with KNPC had ended, but said this was not the reason the bomb sniffing dogs were killed.

He claimed they were killed because they were ill or old, saying some had tumors, cataracts and problems with their hip joints.

One horrifying picture shows the dead dogs piled up, while another shows two gloating workers standing over one of the animals

The security firm employee also claimed a handful of the canines were put down because they were too aggressive.

'These dogs were suffering in the condition they were in. In my opinion, this should have been done a year ago,' the anonymous worker said.

He also claimed the company asked animal welfare groups in Kuwait to adopt the dogs, but they said no.

It is not clear how the dogs were killed.

Daily Mail Online has contacted Eastern Securities of Kuwait for comment.
Australians have been stranded overseas with no access to money as the Commonwealth Bank suspended foreign exchange of British pounds following Britain's decision to leave the EU.

The Commonwealth Bank confirmed they temporarily suspended the exchange of British pounds and any other exchanges not involving Australian dollars.

'Due to recent results from the British exit referendum we are temporarily suspending all foreign exchange of GBP pounds and transactions that do not include AUD until further notice.'

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The Commonwealth Bank confirmed they temporarily suspended the exchange of British pounds and any other exchanges not involving Australian dollars

The Commonwealth Bank's decision following Britain's decision to leave the European Union

The suspension lasted for an estimated six hours before a spokesman confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that services were back to normal.

'The temporary suspension to retail foreign exchange transactions this evening was lifted as of midnight Sydney time (on Friday, 24 June 2016).

'All retail foreign exchange channels including international money transfers, travel money card and foreign currency accounts are operating as normal. We thank our customers for their patience.'

During the outage however, Australians around the world were left unable to use cards or access cash.

'It would be nice if someone told us what is happening with travel money cards. The thing is useless it might as well be a bookmark. Some of us rely on this to draw our income weekly to live overseas,' wrote disgruntled customer Josh Dzarir.

Another posted to Twitter: 'Got my first #Brexit shock: #commonwealthbank blocked loading of all currencies for travel money cards, can't say how long freeze will last.'

With just $10 to cover her weekend expenses, another customer tweeted: 'Surely you have some duty of care to customers who have informed you that they are overseas. This beyond stressful for us.'

Australians across the globe have taken to social media to express their frustrations at the bank's actions as many are unable access to cash

The Commbank freeze on exchanging currencies has not been applied to trades for commercial and business purposes
Latest incident comes after boy, 10, was raped at Austrian pool by an Iraqi

Pool will hire two security guards before removing the sign

An outdoor swimming pool in Austria has banned refugees after a 13-year-old girl told police that a man followed her into the women's dressing room and sexually molested her.

Operators of the pool in the town of Mistelbach, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northwest of Vienna, have erected signs saying 'today no entry for refugees'.

The daily Kronen Zeitung said that police are investigating Wednesday's reported attack at the pool.

It cited the girl as saying the man had a dark complexion and fled after she screamed but gave no other details.

The newspaper carried a photo of the sign and said it was put up at the entrance of the pool on Thursday.

A 13-year-old girl has told police she was sexually assaulted in the women's dressing room of a swimming pool in the town of Mistelbach (file photo)

Local mayor Alfred Pohl told The Local: 'This decision was not taken lightly, but I take responsibility.'

Two security guards are being hired to patrol the swimming pool and the ban on refugees will stay until 'the security is in place', Pohl said.

The latest alleged incident comes after a 10-year-old boy was raped at an Austrian swimming pool by an Iraqi who said it was 'a sexual emergency'.

The boy was raped in a cubicle of the Theresienbad pool on December 2, 2015.

The child had to be hospitalised with serious injuries and his mother said her son has been crying himself to sleep every night since the attack.

Speaking to local media, his mother Dunja revealed how she was a single mother, who had struggled with little money but had always encouraged her five children not to judge other people.

The latest alleged incident comes after a 10-year-old boy was raped at an Austrian swimming pool in December 2015

The child had to be hospitalised with serious injuries after the assault at Theresienbad pool (pictured)

However, when she heard the Iraqi migrant's claims that it was a 'sexual emergency', she immediately wished she had warned her son about the dangers of trusting strangers.

'I couldn't believe it when I heard that. I come from Serbia, and I spent five years living in a Caritas home together with people from many different nations.

'You certainly can't call me a racist, but to try and defend himself in that way is just monstrous. It's like me saying I'm going to go to a bank tomorrow and rob it because I don't have enough money for my five children.'

The Iraqi man had been working as a taxi driver in Vienna and when reports emerged on Facebook police said they must be sensitive about cases involving migrants, who have 'been through a lot', but that there would be zero-tolerance.

However, police later officially announced the details of the shocking crime.
Documents which were top secret for years have revealed how Britain and America were prepared to use nuclear weapons to keep the Russians from getting their hands on the Middle East's oil.

The files, discovered by Politico magazine at the National Archives in London, give an insight into the steps Britain and the United States were prepared to go to stop the vital oil getting into the hands of the communist Soviet Union.

In the summer of 1951 a CIA officer, George Prussing, told three British oil executives about a secret US government plan to decimate the Middle East if it was ever invaded by the Red Army.

Indian troops, under British command, march into a refinery in what was then Persia in 1941. But 10 years later the British were terrified the region's oil would fall under Soviet control

The plan - known as the 'denial policy' - called for oil wells to be plugged, fuel stockpiles destroyed and refineries and pipelines disabled.

Ironically in 1941 Britain and the Soviets were wartime allies and they launched Operation Countenance, a peaceful invasion of what was then Persia to take control of the region's oil, which was needed to fight the Germans.

But after the war Stalin and the Soviet Union became Britain and America's enemy as the Cold War kicked off.

Soviet artillery is paraded through Red Square in Moscow in 1947. After 1945 the Soviet Union, which had been a wartime ally of Britain, suddenly became the enemy and the West was terrified it would seize the Middle East's oil

A huge mushroom cloud is created by the explosion of a hydrogen bomb during British nuclear tests in Christmas Island in the 1950s

The oil denial policy was cooked up in 1948 during the Berlin Airlift, when the Soviet Union tried to blockade West Berlin and the British and American air forces were forced to fly in vital supplies.

President Harry Truman feared the Russians might invade Iran, Iraq and possibly the Arabian peninsula, choking off the oil supplies which were vital for America and Europe.

Truman and his generals realised they would not be able to stop a Soviet invasion of the Middle East so they began working on a top secret plan to sabotage oil facilities in the region.

The US National Security Council cooked up a plan known as NSC 26/2, which was approved by Truman in 1949, whereby oil wells, pipelines and refineries would be blown up or plugged to prevent the fuel falling into Stalin's hands.

But they needed the co-operation of British and American oil companies.

That was why Prussing came to meet the executives, who worked for Iraq Petroleum, Kuwait Oil and Bahrain Oil.

Prussing told them: 'Security now is more important than the success of any operations.'

Documents at the Truman Presidential Library in the US also shed light on attempts to deny oil in Saudi Arabia from the Soviets.

CIA agent Allen Dulles, who would later become the agency's director, visited Terry Duce, the vice president of Aramco, an oil company which had extensive oilfields in Saudi Arabia.

Aramco - which is nowadays largely owned by the Saudi state - was at the time jointly owned by western oil companies Exxon, Mobil, Chevron and Texaco.

The most complete method of destroying oil installations would be by nuclear bombardment British document

The files suggest Duce readily agreed to help and Aramco volunteered its employees to execute the plan, in the event of a Soviet invasion.

Britain successfully tested its own nuclear weapons in the early 1950s and in 1953 the British and Americans helped oust Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq after he dared to suggest nationalising the Anglo-Persian oil company, which later became BP.

In 1955 Britain's joint chiefs of staff showed interest in using nuclear weapons to destroy oil facilities in Iran and Iraq.

In 1953 a military coup in Iran, stirred up by the CIA and MI6, overthrew the prime minister Mohammad Mossadeq, who had been planning to nationalise western oil interests. Britain and America were terrified about Middle Eastern falling into Soviet hands

A report found by Politico reads: 'The most complete method of destroying oil installations would be by nuclear bombardment.'

British Military of Defence documents suggest there were plans to ask the United States to help by using some of its nuclear arsenal on Iran in the invasion of a Soviet invasion.

American and British officials discussed the plan in London in early 1956.

A decision was deferred until Prussing could review the denial plan for Iran and inspect its oilfields.

A British memorandum to the joint chiefs of staff after the meeting said: 'In the near future the only feasible means of oil denial (in Iran) would be American nuclear action.'
The NYPD raided a Brooklyn candy store on Thursday and uncovered a major narcotics operation dealing in heroin and cocaine behind a secret back door.

Police say the discovery came during a routine inspection of untaxed cigarettes by a Department of Finance inspector in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick on Wednesday night.

A narcotics team then returned to Gates Candy & Grocery on Gates Avenue on Thursday morning and seized over $100,000 worth of drugs.

The search warrant was executed at the store - right across the street from the popular Food Bazaar supermarket - at 9.30 a.m.

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Scene: Gates Candy - advertising cold soda, ice cream and coffee - in Bushwick was raided on Thursday morning and found to have a major drug supply business operating out of a secret back room

Huge haul: Pictures taken by police at the scene showed a truck full of boxes that were seized in the raid

Drug bust: Police say over $100,000 worth of drugs were seized, as well as drug paraphernalia like glassine bags. The haul was taken to a lab for testing

Narcotics team: A Bushwick candy store that had a secret heroin and cocaine supply room was busted by cops with the 83rd Precinct

According to Bushwick Daily, police described what they found as an 'old school supply business'.

Two men were arrested in the relation to the haul. Pictures taken by police at the scene show an entire truck full of packages that were seized.

A major part of the haul was drug paraphernalia, including more than a million glassine envelopes - typically used to package heroin - stuffed into 50 boxes.

The seizure came as a shock to locals in the area, which is on the border of Bushwick and Ridgewood.

'Yeah, I was really surprised. Yeah, I mean living here for a while and then had no idea,' Kil Park, a neighbor, told ABC 7.

A woman looks on as the haul seized in the drug bust is loaded onto a NYPD truck on Thursday morning. Two men have been arrested

Another neighbor added: 'Yeah (it was) really under people's nose and it's just across the street from a supermarket, and people walk by it like all the time, so yeah I was really surprised.'

According to The New York Daily News, several ziplock bags of suspected heroin were found.

Additionally there was two full barrels of cutting agent, and several blue bags of what police believe to be fentanyl  a powerful prescription painkiller often used to cut and enhance heroin.

Everything was taken to a lab for testing.

'They had a pretty elaborate setup here,' Dep. Inspector Max Tolentino, the 83rd Precinct commander, told The Daily News.

The store was thought to be supplying drugs in Brooklyn and Queens.
Reichberg and Grant have been charged in NYPD corruption probe along with NYPD Deputy Chief Michael Harrington

Says she was hired for trip by Jeremy Reichberg and Jona Rechnitz, both prominent Bill de Blasio campaign donors

Grecko claims she then spent weekend in Vegas sharing a room with Grant

Claims James Grant and Michael Milici stripped off and ordered her to perform sex acts on them, often at the same time

Said she boarded private jet with the pair dressed as sexy stewardess

and estranged wife of billionaire Geoffrey Edelsten, claims she was paid to take Vegas trip with NYPD cops

A former prostitute and reality TV star has claimed she was paid to accompany two NYPD officers at the center of a corruption probe on a lavish alcohol and sex romp to Las Vegas in 2013.

Gabi Grecko, ex of millionaire Geoffrey Edelsten, said she was paid to join Deputy Inspector James Grant and since-fired Detective Michael Milici on a private jet to Sin City.

Grecko, who says she was recruited by New York businessman and Bill de Blasio campaign donor Jeremy Reichberg, recalled how she performed sexual favors for the officers during the flight, sometimes on both men simultaneously.

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Gabi Grecko, a former prostitute and ex-wife of billionaire Geoffrey Edelsten, claims she was hired by New York businessman and Bill de Blasio campaign donor Jeremy Reichberg for Las Vegas trip

Grecko claims she boarded a private jet from New York to Vegas with Deputy Inspector James Grant and since-fired Detective Michael Milici before performing sex acts on them while dressed as a stewardess

She told the New York Post: 'I was supposed to be a sexy stewardess. Id ask: "Tea or coffee?" They all wanted me, I guess, and not the tea or coffee.

'I didnt think it would be as extreme as it was, but then because I obviously couldnt get off the plane, I had to do what they were telling me.

'More than one would try to get my attention at once. They were really creepy and very rude and offensive.'

Once in Vegas the group made their way to the MGM Grand hotel, where two penthouse rooms had been arranged for the weekend, where they planned to watch the Super Bowl, Grecko claims.

Grecko claims that when she arrived in Vegas she shacked up for the weekend with Grant (pictured center) who has now been charged as part of a corruption probe

Grecko says she was recruited for the trip by Reichberg, and that the flight and hotel were paid for by his friend Jona Rechnitz, who is also believed to have been charged in the probe

Grecko claims most of the men stayed in a penthouse suite with accompanying hot tub, while she stayed in a smaller penthouse room with Grant.

The following day the men made their way to a private room of the hotel where the Super Bowl was being shown, before bingeing on champagne and food, with more prostitutes brought in for an orgy back in the rooms, Grecko alleges.

Grecko says that former detective Michael Milici also accompanied the party on the flight and demanded sex acts from her

Grecko claims the men bet heavily on the San Francisco 49ers, who narrowly lost to the Baltimore Ravens, meaning she was only paid $1,500 for her services.

As well as Grant, Milici and Reichberg, sources named another man on the trip as Jona Rechnitz, a businessman and friend of Reichberg, who is believed to have picked up the tab for the trip totaling at least $57,000.

Also believed to be on board was Marco Franco, a friend of Rechnitz, who claims the pair did not participate in the sexual activities on board the plane or at the hotel.

Court papers filed against Reichberg, Milici and Grant previously told how a high-end prostitute was paid $10,000 to take part in the Vegas trip.

The woman, named by DNA Info as 'Candi', was hired to accompany Deputy Inspector James Grant, his friend, two businessmen and two other people, an indictment says.

Grecko claims she used the alias Candi while taking part in the trip.

Reichberg, of Brooklyn, now faces corruption charges along with Grant and NYPD Deputy Chief Michael Harrington.

Rechnitz has already pleaded guilty to the charges, DNA Info reports, and is cooperating with authorities.

Along with Reichberg, he is accused of spending more than $100,000 bribing NYPD officers in exchange for favors, according to prosecutors.

Court documents allege that a prostitute was paid $10,000 to accompany the officer on their Vegas trip in return for favors from the police department, and Grecko claims to have been that woman

In exchange for the bribes, Reichberg and others 'got a private police force for themselves and their friends,' Bharara said. 'Effectively, they got "cops on call".'

Reichberg is accused of exploiting his connections within the police department to speed up gun license processing, make tickets disappear, get police escorts for him and his friends, get assistance to resolve personal disputes and boost security at religious sites and events.

He even managed to get his connections to shut down a lane of the Lincoln Tunnel connecting New Jersey and Manhattan and obtain a police escort for a visiting businessman, the complaint said.

In return, Reichberg and another businessman, believed to be Rechnitz, showered his favored police officials with well over $100,000 in benefits from 2012 to 2015, including prostitutes, home improvements and prime seats to sporting events, prosecutors said.
Howard Sparber, 69, was arrested after he allegedly fired 33 rounds into the home of a woman who has repeatedly refused his sexual advances

A 69-year-old Florida man is behind bars after he allegedly fired 33 rounds in the home of a woman who has repeatedly refused his sexual advances.

Howard Sparber has been charged with armed burglary, aggravated stalking, shooting into a dwelling and criminal mischief.

The homeowner told police that Sparber was a neighbor and had repeatedly approached her home, harassing her with sexual propositions. for the last seven months.

She said Sparber previously pointed a gun at her and made her fear for her life, according to WKMG.

Both Sparber and woman are residents of The Villages, which calls itself Florida's 'friendliest retirement hometown'.

Neighbors of the woman confronted Sparber after hearing the gunshots and found him still holding a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, according to police.

Authorities said Sparber was intoxicated when he was taken into custody.

He had fired shots in an attempt to enter the house on Monday night.

Nobody was inside the home at the time of the shooting, but bullets tore through the storm door and front door, causing $3,000 worth of damages.

Sparber was found with two empty magazines at the time of his arrest. One had a 15-round capacity and another had a 20-round capacity, police said.

Officials said the woman had taken steps to avoid Sparber after he repeatedly approached her home in the last year.

Sparber is being held in the Sumter County Detention Center without bond.
Ventura County Firefighters have stopped a massive oil leak that would have seen 700 barrels of crude oil - equivalent to around 29,400 gallons, authorities said - hitting the Pacific Ocean.

The spill, which began about a mile inland from San Buenaventura State Beach Thursday, had been headed toward the San Jon Road, which would have redirected it onto the 101 Freeway and ultimately on to the Pacific Ocean.

Thankfully it was stopped before it could become a slick - but now environmental crews are scrambling to find out how much damage the deadly liquid has done to an area frequented by deer, mountain lions and other wildlife, LAist reported.

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Spill: The oil leak began at 5.30am Thursday morning from a valve in an oil pipeline that was under maintenance. It's not known if the valve itself or human error caused the spill. No animals were harmed

Emergency: The Ventura County Fire Department was among several emergency and environmental agencies that arrived to help stop and clean up the spill, which could have hit the 101 Freeway and Pacific Ocean

The spill began at around 5.30am in Hall Canyon Thursday and flowed down the Prince Barranca Valley, covering grass, trees and bushes in thick black goo. By 8.45am it had traveled a half mile.

It had come from a valve in a pipeline run by Colorado-based Crimson Pipeline LLC, the LA Times reported, although it's not clear whether the leak was due to damage, decay or human error.

The pipeline, which is up to date on state and federal inspections, according to Kendall Klingler, a spokeswoman for the company, was under maintenance so wasn't at full pressure when the spill was created.

The pump station that was pushing the oil out was shut down and the valve in question has been replaced.

'Theres no excuse for this happening,' Henning Ottsen, a 74-year-old engineer who has lived in the area for 30 years, told the LA Times. Some of his property was affected by the spill.

'We know the oil fields are back in the hills,' he said. 'It should be assured they take care of the infrastructure and not let this sort of thing happen.'

No animals were caught in the flow, although a firefighter told the LA Times that the affected area is used by animals such as coyote, deer and mountain lions as a 'freeway'.

Had it reached the 110 Freeway, the spill would likely have flowed on to Pierpont Bay, and potentially hit a second pipeline that would have redirected it again into the Pacific Ocean.

But it hit a storm water basin, where it pooled, slowing the flow long enough for emergency services to contain it.

The Fire Department, the Coast Guard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and the Coast Guard all responded to the situation, LAist said.

'We were able to do a damming and diking operation with our agencies working together, and stopping the flow of oil from making it even through the city, much less down to the ocean,' Ventura City Fire Department chief David Endaya said, according to KTLA.

The department was monitoring air quality around the spill on Thursday evening, the department said on Twitter.

The LA Times confirmed that Crimson is responsible for the cleanup, though it's not known how long that will take. Crimson claims the spill was no more than 25,200 gallons.

Assessing: Fire crews were assessing the air quality around the spill on Thursday evening. The pipeline's owner, Crimson Pipelines LLC, is responsible for the cleanup operation. The spill valve was replaced

The company has been responsible for 11 pipeline spills or equipment incidents since 2006, according to US Department of Transportations Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration records.

They saw a total of 313,000 gallons of oil spilled, the LA Times reported, with the largest also happening in Ventura in 2008, when 280,000 gallons were lost.

And last year a corroded pipeline poured 143,000 gallons of crude oil onto Santa Barbara's Refugio State Beach.

That spill - the fault of Plains All American Pipeline - killed 204 birds and 106 marine mammals.

Plains was fined $3million after being indicted in May on 46 criminal counts, including four felony charges of knowingly discharging a pollutant into state waters.
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These worn-out pool tables covered in dirt and dust hint at happier times in an abandoned juvenile detention centre, where few have stepped foot since the 1970s.

Stonewall Jackson Development Center was once a correctional facility in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, where young males were locked up for delinquency.

All that remains now are derelict rooms filled with long-forgotten furniture - rusty iron beds here, a mangled piano there.

Photographer Johnny Joo has spent the last ten years exploring deserted places to preserve their stories for future generations.

Stonewall Jackson Development Center was once a correctional facility in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, where young males were locked up for delinquency. Above, abandoned pool tables covered with detritus

The centre first opened its doors in 1909, and was named after the confederate general Stonewall Jackson

Photographer Johnny Joo has spent the last ten years exploring deserted places to preserve their stories for future generations

While inmates were given an academic education and taught a trade, the institution faced criticism in later years for overcrowding and prisoner violence

Joo said: 'The more dirty attics, broken hospital hallways and rain-soaked classrooms I climbed through, the more I came to appreciate the history these places held; the stories they could tell'

Russell Smith, an activist against prison violence, alleged that he was attacked and raped when imprisoned at the facility in the 1960s from age 13 to 15

Ohio-based Joo, 26, said: 'It's more scary than it is sad, simply seeing that people can so easily forget about something and toss our history away.

'If we keep getting rid of what we once had, how will our future generations ever remember a time that once was?'

The centre first opened its doors in 1909, and was named after the confederate general Stonewall Jackson.

While inmates were given an academic education and taught a trade, the institution faced criticism in later years for overcrowding and prisoner violence.

Russell Smith, an activist against prison violence, alleged that he was attacked and raped when imprisoned at the facility in the 1960s from age 13 to 15.

And after World War II, the centre performed sterilisations by vasectomy on six teenage boys, authorised by the state Eugenics Board as part of statewide efforts to limit 'feeblemindedness'.

After World War II, the centre performed sterilisations by vasectomy on six teenage boys, authorised by the state Eugenics Board as part of statewide efforts to limit 'feeblemindedness'

Joo said he got addicted to shooting abandoned places when he realised that many of these historic time capsules were being left to rot. Above, nature reclaims one of the rooms

A womens group - known as the King's Daughters lobbied state legislature for years to get the school established. Above, a reference to them outside one of the cottages at the facility

Fencing surrounds part of the centre. At its peak, the facility held 500 youths

Joo said he got addicted to shooting abandoned places when he realised that many of these historic time capsules were being left to rot.

The photographer said: 'The more dirty attics, broken hospital hallways and rain-soaked classrooms I climbed through, the more I came to appreciate the history these places held; the stories they could tell.

'I strongly felt that these forgotten places were something that needed to be documented and saved in at least one way.

'One day, maybe we'll look back and realise how many things have been unnecessarily replaced due to greed, selfishness, forgetfulness or otherwise.'

Delinquents would engage in activities such as shoemaking, printing, textiles or work at the machine shop

Now Joo aims to share these forgotten pieces of history with as many people as possible.

Having published one book of his adventures last year, the photographer will continue publishing in print and on his blog.

After receiving messages of support from disabled fans living vicariously through him, Joo began to produce 360 video packages of the deserted buildings he captured.

Joo hopes to continue funding the project through his Patreon web page.
They pleaded not guilty to all the charges, including the possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug

Girl was found in Bayside, Queens and has been reunited with her mother

REUNITED: The 16-year-old (who has not been identified) who was the target of a rescue mission by three gun enthusiasts is back with her mother, say police

The runaway girl who three gun enthusiast anti-drug crusaders were attempting to rescue has been reunited with her mother.

The 16-year-old, was found in Bayside, Queens and has been reunited with her mother, NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told New York Daily News.

John Cramsey, 50, who runs Higher Ground Tactical in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, Dean Smith, 52, and Kimberly Arendt, 29, face a series of gun charges after they were stopped at Holland Tunnel in New Jersey as they attempted to rescue the girl who they believed was being 'held against their will'.

The trio faced the judge via video link at the Hudson County courthouse in New Jersey Wednesday.

They made their way to court after reports surfaced that the teenager had begged Cramsey and his two supposed accomplices to pick her up.

The girl, who has not been identified, was supposedly scared after one of her friends died of an overdose in a bed next to her.

They all pleaded not guilty Wednesday to multiple weapons charges. They also pleaded not guilty to drug charges for a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia police say they found in the pickup.

Attorneys for the three said Wednesday the search was illegal and they will seek to have the evidence suppressed. A Hudson County judge declined to give them the option of paying 10 percent of their $75,000 cash bail.

'The police officers said they stopped them because they saw a crack in the windshield, but clearly that's not what happened,' James Lisa, Cramsey's attorney, said after Wednesday's arraignment.

'They saw all the decals and the painting basically espousing their Second Amendment rights and that's why they stopped them.'

The three defendants appeared at the arraignment through a video link with the Hudson County jail, where they are being held. Lisa and fellow defense attorneys Mario Blanch and Amanda Hickey all argued for an easing of the bail terms.

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Kimberly Arendt (left), John Cramsey (center) and Dean Smith (right) appeared in Hudson County Court, New Jersey, via video link following their arrest outside New York's Holland Tunnel on Tuesday

The trio, who allegedly drove from Pennsylvania to try and 'rescue' a 16-year-old girl, all wore green jumpsuits and stood alongside each other

The trio are now facing gun charges after police found this huge cache of weapons in their vehicle. The collection included rifles, ballistic vests and a camouflage helmet

Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Tom Zuppa took issue with the defense lawyers' characterization of the case as 'just another gun possession case' being blown out of proportion due to the publicity it has generated.

'Despite counsel's attempt to minimize these charges, this is not just an ordinary gun case,' he said. 'This conduct had the potential to bring danger to the destination of these defendants.'

New Jersey has tougher gun regulations than Pennsylvania and requires guns to be unloaded and inaccessible while driving.

According to the New York Daily News, Arendt told investigators: 'We were trying to save my girl.'

Her mother is then believed to have got hold of Cramsey, who decided to go and 'extract' the girl.

Lyn Baker, a close friend of Cramsey, said the trio set out for Brooklyn after the teen sent her text messages to Arendt.

Initial reports had suggested she wasn't harmed and wanted to be left alone.

Just before the trio were detained, Cramsey wrote on Facebook: 'I'm currently 11 miles outside of Brooklyn New York and going to a hotel to extract a 16 year old girl who went up there to Party with a few friends.

'One of those friends she went up there with will not be returning.

'This young lady from Wilkes Barre is scared and wants to come home. Last night she woke to find her friends body next to her in the same bed were her friend died of another heroin overdose.

'The Child named [censored] and she is from the Wilkes Barre area.

'A Facebook message to the Mother and the Brother with no response yet. I'm bringing her out of NY today and anybody else in that hotel that wants to go home too.'

Police then managed to track down the teenager who said then said she was fine, sources told the New York Post.

John Cramsey, 50, (left) who runs Higher Ground Tactical in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, was with Dean Smith, 52, (right) and 29-year-old Kimberly Arendt (center) when they were pulled over on their way into New York with a huge cache of weapons on Tuesday

(From left to right in their mugshots) Cramsey, Ardent and Smith are now facing a slew of gun charges

Sierra Schmitt (left and right), 20 - mom to four-year-old twin boys - was found dead in bed next to close friend Jenea Patterson, 17, on Monday morning. Schmitt and Patterson had visited New York City to do drugs and party

The friend who died of an overdose was identified as Sierra Schmitt, 20, whose mother has since spoken out about her daughter's death - and the trio's arrests.

In an exclusive interview with Mail Online, Schmitt's mother Mandy Powell, 38, sprung to their defense, saying: 'These guys shouldn't be in jail - they are heroes not criminals.

'To do that for somebody else's child, I give them all the credit in the world. I just wish they could have got to my daughter in time.'

Authorities first stopped the group for a cracked windshield, before multiple loaded guns, rifles, knives, ballistic vests and a camouflage helmet were discovered.

When questioned, they described themselves as self-styled vigilantes, according to reports, and were on their way to a Brooklyn hotel where they wanted to 'extract' a teenager from a bad situation that possibly involved heroin.

The trio was detained on the four-month anniversary of the day Cramsey's daughter, Alexandria 'Lexii' Cramsey, died of a heroin and fentanyl overdose.

The 20-year-old girl, who passed away on February 21, was found with her boyfriend, Marquillis Calhoun, who was also dead inside of a Pennsylvania house.

The 22-year-old man died from a 'mixed drug toxicity' overdose, the Lehigh County coroner's office detailed in a report, according to The Morning Call.

As both deaths were ruled accidental, Cramsey, who is from Zionsville, Pennsylvania, near Allentown, started a mission to fight against heroin.

Following her death, the father consistently shared posts about it on Facebook and the battle against the drug.

They were detained on the four-month anniversary of the day Cramsey's daughter, Alexandria 'Lexii' Cramsey (pictured), died of a heroin overdose

The 20-year-old girl (above), who died on February 21, was found with her boyfriend, Marquillis Calhoun, who was also dead. Cramsey consistently shared posts about her death and the battle against the drug on Facebook

The gun enthusiasts were driving this vehicle, covered with logos related to Higher Ground Tactical - a gun range based in Pennsylvania that's owned by Cramsey

In a post from February, he described himself as 'an addict' for his late-daughter, who worked as a professional model with three agencies in Atlanta, Philadelphia and Mexico.

'Now, I want to personally address the confusion of why we proudly display the 'SHOOT YOUR LOCAL HEROIN DEALER' decals,' Cramsey wrote. 'Who are you to judge me for my opinion.'

'Grow up and either get involved...or get out of here!' he added.

Cramsey also spoke in an interview not long after her death about visiting the place where she died in Allentown.

According to The Morning Call, he said that he even laid down on the bed where she passed away inside a home.

'I wanted to see where she took her last breath,' Cramsey said. 'It was like Daddy tucking her in one last time.'

Cramsey was seen posing next to the vehicle that was pulled over as it was heading to New York

Just before he was arrested on Tuesday, Cramsey wrote on Facebook: 'I'm currently 11 miles outside of Brooklyn New York and going to a hotel to extract a 16 year old girl who went up there to Party with a few friends.

'One of those friends she went up there with will not be returning.

'This young lady from Wilkes Barre is scared and wants to come home. Last night she woke to find her friends body next to her in the same bed were her friend died of another heroin overdose.

'The Child named [censored] and she is from the Wilkes Barre area.

'A Facebook message to the Mother and the Brother with no response yet. I'm bringing her out of NY today and anybody else in that hotel that wants to go home too.'

Cramsey is believed to have made similar 'rescues' in recent months.

A picture of the fluorescent Dodge truck believed to be involved shows it covered with logos for the gun range. A sign in the back window reads: 'We The People'.
'We see no other way to keep our life here, says Allison Feeley

They are becoming French citizens to avoid any consequences of Brexit

Two days before the Brexit vote, Nick and Allison Feeley, went to their local sous-prefecture to begin the process of taking French nationality.

Although convinced the UK would remain within the EU after the vote, they decided theyd better start to cover their backs. Just in case of a worse case scenario.

Now, in two months, after a language and knowledge test and an in-depth interview, they will, if all goes well, become citizens of the Republic of France.

It is not a move either of them foresaw, or necessarily wished for, when they left an increasingly stressful, difficult life in England to seek the good life, or dream, in La France Profonde amid the sunflower fields of the Tarn et Garonne.

Did not, in all their calculations, factor in a Brexit.

Now we see no other way to keep our life here, says Allison simply.

Two days before the Brexit vote, Nick and Allison Feeley, pictured outside their gites complex with daughters Megan, now 23, and Abigail, 14, went to their local sous-prefecture to begin the process of taking French nationality

Now, in two months, after a language and knowledge test and an in-depth interview, they will, if all goes well, become citizens of the Republic of France

In many ways we are already French citizens  we pay our taxes here, are domiciled here, our daughter is more French than English, and weve worked day and night for all weve got

But we intend to go for dual nationality. We could never cut off our links with Britain and God knows what the future holds for us in France.

But our lives are firmly here.

In many ways we are already French citizens  we pay our taxes here, are domiciled here, our daughter is more French than English, and weve worked day and night for all weve got.

We cannot see that taken away.

Still shocked and they admit, surprisingly emotional, after the results and watching David Camerons resignation speech, Allison and Nick do not fit the perceived image of expats abroad.

They are not old, not retired and not the cartoon figures lampooned as ruddy-faced wine drinkers idling by a pool. In truth, only a small percentage of the estimated 300,000 Brits in France actually are.

Stunning: The Feeley family sold up their detached four bedroomed house in Newbury, Berkshire, and ploughed virtually every penny they had into a magnificent, if shabby, five-bedroomed manor house with two independent houses on site

Within months of moving in 2011 they had created a B&B suite in the main house and a website extolling the glories of their valley

Dating from the 1700s and nestled in its own little valley, the honey stone complex of farm buildings already had its own large pool and fishing lake

And far from lounging under the present temperatures of 30+degrees, they have spent every hour God sends working ceaselessly to create a life and a business.

TWO MILLION BRITS LEFT IN LIMBO There are an estimated 2 million British nationals living in the EU. The figure is a guess because many have not registered as actually being within the system. Under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty there is a two-year process, which has still to be triggered to begin the breakdown and breakaway of all reciprocal arrangements. Meanwhile all are in legal limbo as to what rights will be retained in a possible quid pro quo agreement for the thousands of EU foreign nationals living in the UK. At the moment, EU membership gives the right to residence, to healthcare, schooling, maintenance payments and access to children, cross-border police and research information. All is now up in the air including pensions and property, the main worry for many abroad. France has already warned it will be a quick, even bitter divorce, but pragmatism is likely to kick in when faced with the problems of their own nationals heavily based in the London financial sector. On healthcare alone, France, for example, reclaims from the UK the bills of British pensioners who have paid via National Insurance over the years into the Health Service. If, as has to be the case, that goes, then expats will have to take out hefty insurance policies to cover the expensive, though excellent, provision in many parts of the EU. Most on fixed incomes will be unable to afford it and will seek to return to the NHS, causing major problems for the UK. Advertisement

Weve worked harder, often physically harder, and longer than we ever did before, admits Alison, But for life here it has been worth every moment.

Now 51, Allison and Nick, 57, spent months searching for the perfect house and business before settling on a 2.5 hectare estate close to one of Frances plus beaux villages, Auvillar, in the Tarn et Garonne, six years ago.

Alison, a sales and marketing executive with an IT company and Nick, an executive with an American IT company appeared to have it all in England.

But when Nick was made redundant, Allison ended up juggling three jobs, as well as bringing up two young daughters, Megan, now 23 and Abigail, now 14.

We were stressed out frankly, remembers Allison. We wanted, desperately needed, a better quality of life; a new life to get us off the treadmill we were on; a fresh start  something better.

There had to be more than this.

Used to France from spending summers in the South with a pen pal, it seemed an obvious choice for Allison who already spoke good, if not fluent, French.

Plus it was close enough to go back and forth to the UK to see family and aging parents.

France was familiar, it was part of all we both knew and of course, being in the EU, easy to access, live and work in.

They sold up their detached four bedroomed house in Newbury, Berkshire, and ploughed virtually every penny they had into a magnificent, if shabby, five-bedroomed manor house with two independent houses on site.

Dating from the 1700s and nestled in its own little valley, the honey stone complex of farm buildings already had its own large pool and fishing lake.

They bought from an elderly Baroness whose family had used it as a holiday house.

They arrived without their furniture and knew no one. Nick did not speak the language at all and even now admits to knowing only builders French.

Idyll: The family sold up after Nick lost his job. We were stressed out frankly, remembers Allison. We wanted, desperately needed, a better quality of life.

From scratch: The couple built up the shabby complex, with Nick doing everything from plumbing to stone stripping to pool maintenance.

But the couple was both realistic and commercially hardheaded in their aims.

Within months they had created a B&B suite in the main house and a web site extolling the glories of their valley.

Nick began work on the gites, learning as he went along everything from plumbing to stone stripping to pool maintenance.

Bit by bit they created two stunning gites aimed at a luxury market but keeping prices realistic.

Allison focused on the marketing; kept a contract job for a UK based American company in IT sales and when money was tight, crawled on all fours to pluck strawberries for a local farmer at 9 euros an hour.

Between them they formed links and friendships with the local community, and earned respect for all they were doing.

Luxury: The couple's website states 'many people find it hard to drag themselves away and revel in the fact that we offer truly child friendly gites and Bed and Breakfast'

Location: The complex is in Auvillar, a medieval bastide village with its unusual circular corn exchange and views over the Garonne valley

Their elder daughter, Megan, remained in England to finish her education and their youngest, Abigail, was thrown into the deep end of a French school with minimal language skills.

Today she has just taken the French equivalent of GCSEs as a boarder in one of the few private schools. It costs a mere 3000 a year.

Her anticipated University choice will be free; her accommodation grant given; even her transportation home at weekends. Education in France is a free right not a privilege for some.

All that though, says Allison, is up in the air. She will be a foreigner within the system once the deal goes through.

Hopefully though she wont be once she is French like us. We couldnt afford to send her back to the UK for either boarding school or university.

We have no fixed income. We are entitled to health care the same as the French as I am in the tax system and we have a mutuelle (an insurance) to top up the 70 per cent limit.

Taste: The couple also run wine tours but say business has slowed this year and are now fearful of the effects of Brexit

Concern: The Feeleys have applied for French nationality because they are so anxious about what how the Brexit result will affect them

People think everything is cheap in France. Once upon a time, perhaps. No longer. All our taxes and social charges continue to rise.

The last two years weve seen a worrying drop in business. People are worried because of the terrorism and the state of emergency.

The / fluctuates so much they put off coming. This year for the first time we have no bookings, not one, in September.

And nowthis.

Outside, the heat pulses and from every window there is a bucolic view of haystacks, sunflower buds and a heat haze covering gently rising hills.

I suggest that perhaps back in the UK there are many who would feel no sympathy for their plight  after all there are no fixed income guarantees there either.

Of course not, says Allison immediately. And were not asking for any. We have always, and still do, paid our way and worked our way in life.

Haven: The gites complex was the family's refuge from a stressful life in Britain but the Brexit result has left them fearing for the future

Beauty: The Feeleys take pride in the comfort and luxury of the accommodation they run but are worried about their livelihoods following the Brexit result

Perhaps it would be easier to return, to look for jobs in our own language, to find work whatever it was. Definitely less work than we do here.

But this, this, is our life. We are part of this country now. We took the chance, the leap, and not blindly. At this moment Im shocked, emotional and yes, fearful, frightened of what is to come.

We are in limbo.

The couple, naturally, unlike it seems a number of expats, registered and voted. Obviously for remain?

Nick says: Yes but it was last minute. I, we, was going to vote for leave.

I believed all that Farage said about the bloated EU and how the money would go to the NHS. All lies. It was only in the end when people like the Governor of the Bank of England pointed out the financial facts that I understood.

For us it was never, ever about immigration. We are immigrants ourselves. And we do believe that there are many things wrong with the EU, many excesses but ultimately, we are better in than out.

 Too late now.'

Empty: In the last few months as business dwindled Allison has also become an independent estate agent, paid only on sale

Job loss: Despite the beauty of the surroundings the family are concerned because Allison's contract job with the US company is likely to go in July, because they are outsourcing everything to cheaper Czechoslovakia

In the last few months as business dwindled Allison has also become an independent estate agent, paid only on sale. Her contract job with the US company is likely to go in July as they are outsourcing everything to cheaper Czechoslovakia.

She laughs: Houses are already not selling even at rock bottom prices. Little chance of the Brits buying now with the uncertainty and the / situation.

At this moment, I cant see what else we can do except wait, hope we can survive somehow and.

There is often little sympathy for those many in the UK see as having jumped ship for the good, cheap life abroad. Even a slight gloating as to what may be to come for them now.

But couples like Nick and Allison perhaps show that being in the EU was much, much more than that.
Egyptian investigators will take the memory chips from the black boxes of crashed EgyptAir flight MS804 to France next week for repairs because they are currently too badly damaged to download information from.

The Egyptian investigation committee said in a statement on Thursday that France's BEA accident investigators would help to remove salt deposits from the chips before they were returned to Egypt for analysis that is crucial to unravelling what caused the Airbus A320 to crash.

EgyptAir flight MS804 spiralled down into the Mediterranean early on May 19 on its way from Paris to Cairo, killing all 66 people on board.

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One of the two black boxes from the EgyptAir plane that crashed in the Mediterranean is shown here. It is currently too damaged to retrieve data from

With little debris and no bodies recovered, investigators hope analysis of the black boxes will help them piece together what happened in the final half hour of the flight.

But the plane is believed to have crashed in the deepest part of the Mediterranean and the black boxes, which were recovered last week, were found badly damaged.

Egyptian investigators have been attempting for days to repair the memory chips, allowing them to begin transcribing and analysing the recordings and data.

The Egyptian investigators also said that French forensics experts would be arriving in Egypt to help retrieve human remains as a specialist ship attempts to map the wreckage.

So far, only a few remains have been retrieved and sent for DNA testing.

Some of the passengers' belongings and parts of the wreck of EgyptAir flight MS804
A Muslim gangster accused of assaulting a prison guard while serving a life sentence for murdering a nursery teacher refused to attend court today due to 'religious objections'.

Yassin James, 21, was jailed for at least 37 years for shooting dead mother-of-one Sabrina Moss as she celebrated her 24th birthday in Kilburn, northwest London.

James and fellow hitman Hassan Hussain, 31, killed Miss Moss and wounded her friend Sabrina Gachette as they sheltered from the rain in their party dresses outside a bar on 23 August 2013.

Sabrina Moss, right, died after she was shot outside a bar in Kilburn, north west London on her 24th birthday along with friends by Yassin James, 21, left, who wanted to murder a rival drug dealer

Sabrina Gachette, left, was left fighting for her life after she was hit while standing next to her friend, right

The pair, armed with a Mac 10 submachine gun and a sawn off shotgun, hit the women because they were standing next to the intended targets - members of the South Kilburn Gang (SKG).

Getaway driver Martell Warren, 24, was associated with the Kensal Green Boys (KGB), a gang which has been involved in a deadly tit-for-tat dispute with the SKG since 2007.

Sabrina Moss, who lived in Neasden, northwest London, and worked at Alice's Wonderland nursery in Stonebridge, had a four-year-old son.

Her family said she was 'irreplaceable'.

Hussain, James, and Warren were all sentenced to life with a minimum of 37 years imprisonment on 12 September 2014 for the murder of Sabrina Moss and the attempted murder of Sabrina Gachette.

Simon Baptiste, 31, was also jailed for four years for conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm after letting the gunmen use his house as a base for the killing.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard James allegedly assaulted prison guard Dwain Thomas on June 20 last year while serving as a category A prisoner at HMP Belmarsh.

He was due to stand trial for assault but refused to attend after complaining that he isn't able to wash before prayers during Ramadan.

Yassim James, who is a member of the Kensal Green Boys, was convicted of Ms Moss' murder

James is accused of assaulting Dwain Thomas on June 20 last year while on remand at HMP Belmarsh

Ms Moss died and her friend Sabrina Gachette was severely wounded following the indiscriminate attack

Lucie Wibberley, defending, said: 'It's five times a day requirement and he is required to wash in a particular way prior to each prayer.

'What he is saying is he hasn't been given the opportunity to do that and that's what he is objecting to.'

District Judge Karim Ezzat said: 'He has got a trial date, he says I won't attend due to religious practices.

'Well he is not attending for any religious purpose.'

Judge Ezzat put the matter back to 2pm when he will decide whether to continue with the trial in his absence.

James, who is currently appealing his conviction, has now been moved to HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire.
After long-running legal battle, judge rules family are entitled to damages

They sued his employers, saying they failed to check the flight's safety

The aircraft crashed, leaving his wife and two children heartbroken

Company executive was in Peru in 2012 when he took helicopter flight

Tomas Dusek was killed in a helicopter crash in Peru in 2012. His family have now won a long-running legal battle over compensation

The family of an investment banker who died in a helicopter crash in the Andes have won a appeal court fight over multi-million-pound compensation.

Father-of-two Tomas Dusek, 37, was one of a dozen executives killed when a chartered helicopter crashed into the Mama Rosa mountain in Peru in 2012.

Mr Dusek's wife, Angela, and their young children, sued his London-based employer, StormHarbour Securities LLP, saying it failed in its duty to ensure the flight was safe.

A judge last year ruled StormHarbour fully liable for Mr Dusek's death in the 'high risk' flight over extremely challenging mountain terrain towards Cusco.

Bur StormHarbour's lawyers dragged the case into the Court of Appeal, arguing the judge's decision flew in the face of reason.

Mr Dusek was a 'high level employee with great autonomy', who was not averse to taking risks, and was able to decide for himself whether to get on the flight, the company claimed.

The firm argued it was 'wholly unrealistic', from its base in London, to carry out a risk assessment of events on the other side of the world.

The flight was arranged by a reputable South American company and the helicopter was operated by an approved charter firm, it pleaded.

However, senior judge Mr Justice Baker today handed final victory to the family when he ruled StormHarbour's appeal 'hopeless'.

The anything but routine flight across the mountains, which tested the helicopter right to its limits, was 'inherently dangerous', he said.

The firm 'knew or ought to have known' of the risks involved but 'no inquiry was carried out at all', added the judge.

This Sikorsky S58-ET helicopter got into difficulties over the Andes and crashed down, bursting into flames

StormHarbour had breached the duty of care it owed Mr Dusek as his employer and that caused his death, the judge concluded.

Mr Dusek, from Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, died alongside 11 other executives who flew into the Andes to observe progress on a billion dollar hydro-power project on June 6, 2012.

Mr Dusek, originally from the Czech Republic, had a 'distinguished' educational background, winning a scholarship to Cambridge and being awarded the coveted Magdalene College Prize for Economics.

He enjoyed spells with Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan Chase and Banque AIG in London before joining StormHarbour in 2009.
German police are investigating a female teacher after a Muslim Imam refused to shake her hand - and then filed a complaint against her for harassment and discrimination.

Imam Kerim Ucar had been called in to see the female teacher at a school in Berlin over complaints about his son's behaviour.

But when the teacher welcomed him into her office and offered him her hand, he reportedly refused to shake it.

Upset at the rejection, the teacher reportedly attempted to explain why it was important and when he repeatedly refused to shake hands, she decided to end the meeting.

But although the teacher made no formal complaint, the Imam went to police and filed a criminal complaint against the teacher at the Platanus School in Berlin, citing religious discrimination and xenophobic behaviour.

Imam Kerim Ucar has filed a criminal complaint against a female teacher who asked him to shake her hand

The Imam, a member of the conservative Shiite sect, said that the criminal complaint was justified because he had made it clear at the start of the conversation that he had no interest in shaking the hands of a woman as it was against his religion.

He said he had generously offered to place his hands on his chest as a sign of greeting, and was offended when she told him this was not enough.

He added: 'I was certainly very calm about the whole thing, after all, I waited for a whole week for her to apologise. It was only when that did not happen that I instructed my lawyer to file a criminal complaint.'

His wife Dilek Ucar has meanwhile removed the children from the school. She told German broadcaster Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg: 'I no longer have any confidence that they will teach the children in a correct way.'

Mr Ucar said he had generously offered to place his hands on his chest as a sign of greeting to the female teacher but she refused

The Imam has filed a criminal complaint against the teacher at the Platanus School in Berlin (pictured)

According to local media the Imam has lived in Germany for 15 years and speaks numerous languages, however he does not speak German.

When asked why, he said: 'Because of my enormous workload as an Imam, I have simply not found the time yet.'

The female teacher who was not identified told local media that she believes he should be more ready to adopt local laws, cultures and customs.

As the row worsened, the school finally issued a statement on the subject, saying: 'The bilingual English-German Platanus School is characterised by a great diversity and respectful coexistence. Out of respect for the children and their parents, we will not comment on any in-school situations in order to protect the other students, as well as the teaching staff.'
Ryken M. Cleverley, 2 1/2-year-old son of Alisha Cleverley and Josh Padilla, Bainville, Mont., died June 22, 2016, at Roosevelt Medical Center, Culbertson, Mont., as the result of a swimming pool accident. He will be returned to Saint Anthony, Idaho, for services and burial. Further arrangements are pending with Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston.
City rocked: Banking giant JP Morgan is reportedly considering moving staff from his London HQ to Paris after today's Brexit vote

Several of the world's biggest banks are already considering sending thousands of jobs out of Britain after today's Brexit win.

JP Morgan, the globe's biggest investment bank, and BNP Paribas, France's financial giant, are reportedly looking at whether they should now move their London bases to Paris.

But American giant Morgan Stanley has denied rumours that it is planning to move 2,000 investment banking jobs to Frankfurt and Dublin.

It came as British Airways owner IAG issued a profit warning following the UK's decision to leave the EU.

The company's share price tanked 19 per cent to 425.6p in trading on Friday morning.

City workers are braced for months of pain as banks and financial institutions begin the process of considering whether to slash jobs or relocate to Europe in the wake of Brexit.

HSBC and Goldman Sachs all said prior to the vote that thousands of jobs in the City of London could be moved to the continent in the event of Brexit.

Sarah Phillips, partner at solicitors Irwin Mitchell, said the Brexit vote will have a 'big impact' on people working in Britain's financial services sector.

She added: 'Many banks, insurers and fund managers who have large businesses in continental Europe could consider relocating to Paris or Frankfurt and senior staff will either lose their roles or have to move to another country.

'Some global investment banks, such as JPMorgan, have said that Brexit would lead to a significant loss of jobs in the UK.'

HSBC boss Stuart Gulliver said in February that a vote to leave could see 5,000 London-based investment bankers move out of London to Paris.

Jamie Dimon, head of JP Morgan, said earlier this month that up to 4,000 jobs could be hit.

Although banks have been cautious on Friday in making any brash statements regarding their future plans, experts are forecasting that large scale redundancies could be on the cards.

Virgin founder Richard Branson said today it 'a very sad decision that will do huge damage to Britain's prosperity & Europe's stability'

O2 Telefonica UK chief Ronan Dunne said: 'Whatever we think on IN/OUT, people were simply unconvinced by the case to #Remain. We have failed our citizens rather than them failing us.'

Dixons Carphone Warehouse boss Sebastian James said: 'Feels strange and unsettling following the vote but we are the same, our company is the same, and our job is the same. Making people happy'.

Nick Elwell-Sutton, partner at Clyde & Co, said: 'At a more fundamental level, unless the financial services passporting rules are resolved in the UK's favour, then many large financial services businesses are likely to relocate to within the EU - meaning large scale redundancies would be highly probable.'

Many banks and businesses joined the Remain campaign and warned of catastrophe have today looked to reassure instead.

Goldman Sachs boss Lloyd Blankfein has said the bank respects the decision of the British electorate, while HSBC chairman Douglas Flint said that 'we are today entering a new era for Britain and British business'.

Dixons Carphone Warehouse boss Sebastian James said: 'Feels strange and unsettling following the vote but we are the same, our company is the same, and our job is the same. Making people happy'.

Some banks could be sending its London traders out of the UK after today's vote, but Morgan Stanley has denied it is one of them today

Virgin founder Richard Branson said today it 'a very sad decision that will do huge damage to Britain's prosperity & Europe's stability'.

O2 Telefonica UK chief Ronan Dunne said: 'Whatever we think on IN/OUT, people were simply unconvinced by the case to #Remain. We have failed our citizens rather than them failing us.'

Tim Martin, founder and chairman of Wetherspoons: 'The UK is in an immensely strong position/ The referendum result will enhance freedom and security.

'Some people will now be anxious, but concentrating on these immensely important factors will provide reassurance.

'Anxiety about the economic effects of independence during the campaign was misplaced.

'The UK will thrive as an independent country, making its own laws, and we will work with our good friends and neighbours in Europe and elsewhere to ensure a positive outcome for all parties.

Oil and gas experts Royal Dutch Shell said: 'Although Shell was in favour of the UK remaining in the EU, we respect the decision of the majority of the British people who voted to elect to leave.

'We will work with the UK government and European institutions on any implications for us. Our priority is to continue providing reliable, affordable energy to our customers in Europe and the UK.'

David Sproul, chief executive of Deloitte UK: 'We are likely to see a period of uncertainty'
Byers also tried to shoot and kill another lover in 1993 but he survived

Byers said she hit him on the head and he fell into the Coomera River

Police said they spoke with Byers but have yet to find Mr Gottgens' body

A convicted killer must tell where the body is to be released on parole

A woman has admitted to killing her boyfriend who has been missing for 26 years with the hope of being released from prison on parole under a new South Australian law.

Patricia Byers, nicknamed Queensland's 'black widow', confessed this week to killing her partner of eight years Carel Gottgens in 1990, according to the Courier Mail.

She also attempted to kill a second partner by shooting him in the head as he slept but he survived.

Patricia Byers (pictured), nicknamed Queensland's 'black widow', has admitted to killing her partner Carel Gottgens in 1990 in the hopes of being released from prison on parole under a new law

Byers was convicted for his murder 17 years ago but had maintained he was alive, but her recent confession comes after South Australia  where she is in prison after a recent transfer  passed the 'no body, no parole' law.

The law prevents convicted murderers from being released on parole if they refuse to say where their victim's body is.

Detectives flew to South Australia to meet with Byers after her confession but said they have not found any remains in the location she specified.

Byers said she killed Mr Gottgens by hitting on the head, causing him to fall into the Coomera River in south-east Queensland.

Mr Gottgens was planning on leaving Byers for another woman when he disappeared and Byers told his family that he had left and was still alive.

Police later found that Byers had forged Mr Gottgens' signature on documents handing over his house and boat to Byers.

Three years after Mr Gottgens went missing, Byers shot her new partner John Asquith while away on holiday for a weekend.

It was discovered that she had also forged Mr Asquith's signature on a life insurance policy that she would benefit from.
She and her husband were 'attacked' and cornered in their home, she said

A good 911 operator has to be ready for anything - but even the most hardened operator would have been thrown for six by the emergency call one Wisconsin woman made Friday.

The woman - a resident of Greenfield, a city in Milwaukee - called to report that she was being held hostage in her own home.

But the perpetrator wasn't a home invader or an angry partner... it was her family's cat, CBS 58 reported.

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Bad cattitude: A woman in Greenfield, Wisconsin, called 911 to say her cat was holding her and her husband hostage in their home Friday. The cat was taken away by animal control authorities (file photo)

The fractious feline had something of a meltdown, it seems, and rather than - for example - wrapping it up in a blanket while it calmed down, the woman decided to call for outside help.

'This is gonna sound like a strange question,' the woman told the 911 operator, understating beautifully, 'but we have a cat and it's going crazy and it's attacked my husband and we're kind of hostage in our house.'

'And we're just wondering who we should call to do something, get rid of the cat or help us...'

She signed off with a nervous chuckle, but help was indeed on the way and the cat was taken to Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission.

No one was injured.

This isn't the first time a kitty calamity has led to authorities being called.

In 2014, a Portland family called police for help after Lux, their 22lb Himalayan cat, cornered them (and their dog) in their bedroom after it turned aggressive and scratched their seven-month-old baby.

Lux was later diagnosed with feline hyperesthesia syndrome, a complex condition that can cause cats to go into violent outbursts, and given medication by his new owners.

And in July last year a man in West Yorkshire, England, called police because he wanted to press charges against his girlfriend and her cat after they ate his bacon.

'Sir, its not a criminal offense to let your cat eat your bacon,' the operator told him.
Jessica Cheung, 21, from Surrey, (pictured) admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Southwark Crown Court

A Chinese law student who punched a rival during a violent karaoke bar brawl after he refused to toast her friend as a 'sign of respect' was spared jail.

Jessica Cheung, 21, from Surrey, and friend Guan-Hong Chen, 19, from East London, joined a man known only as 'JJ' for a meal with victim Chen Tan at China City, in London's Leicester Square.

The three friends had fallen out with Mr Tan at a house party at the University of London the previous week, and decided to settle their dispute at the restaurant.

After finishing their meals in the small karaoke room Cheung poured Mr Tan a full glass of whiskey and ordered him to drink it as a sign of 'respect' for JJ.

Mr Tan refused the demand and was attempting to leave when he was grabbed from behind as the lights were turned off, and punched in the stomach by Cheung.

The victim curled into the foetal position and was smashed over the head with a whiskey glass and repeatedly kicked and punched in front of other horrified diners.

Cheung and Chen both admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Southwark Crown Court.

They were each sentenced to a 12 month community order and must carry out 160 hours of unpaid work. Each of them must also fork out 500 in compensation to Mr Tan within the next 28 days.

Explaining the whiskey ritual, Cheung said: 'It was out of respect to ask him to drink it. So he would have drank it as a sign of respect to JJ.

'After he refuses the drink he stands up and he wants to leave and then Mr Chen stands up. And then JJ goes to pull him back and then quickly a fight started. The lights turned off so I was quite unaware of the situation.'

Cheung and Chen both denied wielding the whiskey glass and striking Mr Tan while he was on the floor. They said JJ was holding the glass during the assault.

Cheung said: 'I was assuming that he would give it to Mr Tan to drink it.'

Asked why she struck Mr Tan, she said: 'Well a fight starts breaking out so I just stood up, I'm not going to just sit there.

The three friends had fallen out with Chen Tan at a house party the previous week and decided to settle their dispute at China City, in London's Leicester Square (pictured)

'As the fight broke out Mr Tan was lashing out at me so I thought he was going to hit me so I just threw my fist out and just punched him, but not hard.'

Chen admitted kicking and punching Mr Tan while he was standing, but denied doing so when he was on the floor.

Judge Stephen Gee QC accepted the duo's basis of plea that neither of them had used a weapon in the incident at an earlier hearing.

He previously said: 'There were four people in the room, there was a gentleman called JJ, there were the two defendants and there was Mr Tan.

'Mr Tan was given a glass of whiskey which was filled to the brim and he was told to drink it as a sign of respect to JJ.

'JJ has not participated in this hearing.

Cheung (pictured) was sentenced to a 12 month community order and must carry out 160 hours of unpaid work

'The position is that Mr Tan refused to drink the whiskey, he went to leave the room, his way was blocked by the third defendant, Mr Chen.

'There then took place an incident, part of the time Mr Tan was standing up, part of the time he was on the ground, the lights were off at this stage.'
Doctor told tribunal he did not recognise the specimen

Tribunal ruled that the doctor deliberately tried to cover up his error

Theatre nurse told tribunal she was asked to 'chuck' the testicle

Dr Marwan Farouk has been struck off after cutting off a patient's right testicle and then deliberately attempting to cover it up

A consultant surgeon who accidentally removed a man's testicle and then attempted to cover it up has been struck off.

Baghdad-born Dr Marwan Farouk was operating on a cyst when he removed the patient's right testicle by mistake at the private BMI Children Hospital in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, in April 2014.

Dr Farouk, who was educated in a grammar school in Durham, then failed to tell the patient the truth and instead told him that his testicle had shrunk.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) heard Dr Farouk was meant to repair a hernia and remove a cyst on the epididymis. The epididymis is attached to the testicle.

In the case brought by the General Medical Council, a theatre staff, told the tribunal they had been told to 'chuck it' by the doctor.

However, it was the doctor in the end who disposed of the testicle in a medical waste bin.

After the operation, the tribunal heard how the doctor was dishonest to the patient during the post-operative consultation on April 20, 2014. He told the unnamed patient instead: 'You have a small right testicle but it won't give you any problems.'

At the hearing Dr Farouk admitted that he had removed the testicle and had also failed to ensure it was sent for testing to the histology department.

It was reported that the tribunal did not believe Dr Farouk's evidence of how he had not recognised the specimen to be a testicle, which was the reason he had not recorded any tissue being removed.

The ruling said: 'As an experienced surgeon, even on a cursory examination, you must have recognised the specimen for what it was.

'This was a series of deliberate acts designed by you to cover up the fact you had made an error.'

The MPTS ruled that Dr Farouk had been misleading or dishonest, on Wednesday.

The father of three young boys was also alleged to have written to the man's GP to say there had been some tissue damage, without advising them that the patient's testicle had been removed.

Dr Farouk's privileges of practicing at the Chiltern Hospital (pictured) were removed following the incident

However, the tribunal found it was not proven that Dr Farouk failed to tell the patient's GP or that he had operated outside his area of expertise.

It was concluded that Dr Farouk's misconduct meant that his ability to practice was impaired.

He now has 28 days to lodge an appeal against the ruling if he wishes.

A BMI spokesman told the BBC: 'Dr Farouk's practising privileges at the Chiltern Hospital were removed following the incident and our own investigation.
A veteran's service dog was killed trying to protect him from an alligator in LaBelle, Florida.

Robert Lineburger says he was walking at night in April on the dock of Port LaBelle Marina with his dog, Precious,, where he lives on his boat, when a gator came out of the dark and tried to bite him.

'It was pitch black, and I really didn't hear anything until I rounded the corner, and then I heard like claws,' a shaken Lineburger told NBC2.

Precious (above), who was the loyal service dog of a vet who suffers from seizures, sacrificed her life to save him

Robert Lineburger (pictured) lives at the Port LaBelle Marina in Florida and he says that his dog didn't have to die if the marina didn't have code violations

But his loyal pooch, whom he has had for six years and who is trained to sniff out Lineburger's epileptic seizures before he has them, jumped in front of his owner and the 13-foot beast went for her instead.

'My service dog stepped out in front of me to protect me, and the gator grabbed a hold of her front legs,' he said.

The last thing Lineburger saw was his dog being dragged away by the gator.

Neighbors confirmed they too had seen the gator, and some were taking precautions with their own pets.

'We don't let him run around by himself,' marina resident Denise McPherson said of her small dog. She added that the gator had been seen frequently. 'It's just an every day ordeal,' she said.

Lineburger's pup, Precious, got between her owner and the gator and was bitten and dragged; Lineburger lives on his boat on the marina in LaBelle

A devastated Lineburger blames the lack of lighting in the marina, which he says should be there by law.

'We have no lighting, which is mandatory code enforcement. Fire extinguishers are mandated by the fire marshal, we have cluttered docks, and at night with no light, you can't see the clutter,' he told WPTV. 'You trip over them, and now you put the alligator problem on top of it, it's a place for a disaster to happen.'

Lineburger, who could barely hold back tears as he recounted the tragedy of his dog's violent death, said that he wants something done about the lights.

'Nothing they will do will bring her back, but I do not want her death to be in vain,' he said. 'At least let it accomplish something and get some of these violations taken care of.'

While WPTV said that the dock master, identified as Peter Sullivan by NBC2, has given permission to have the 'nuisance gator' removed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

However, a couple of weeks ago, Sullivan reportedly told NBC2 he believed the gator should remain in its natural habitat and would not give permission to remove it.

'This all could have been avoided,' Lineberger, who was able to recover the pup's body and buried her in his frontyard, said.
A Perth man has described how he was allegedly bound, gagged and beaten after being assaulted by a group of men at Denpasar Airport in Bali.

Matthew Akker, 21, landed in Bali on Thursday night where he claims he was randomly detained for no reason by a group of men who appeared to work for the airport.

'I just tried to walk towards the door of detaining room to leave as none of them would tell me why I was there in the first place then one of them shoved me on the ground and they all started kicking the s*** out of me again and again.'

The apprentice tattoo artist said on Facebook on Friday morning that he was tied up for 10 hours and is now 'an absolute mess both physically and mentally.'

Matthew Akker, 21, was allegedly bound, gagged and beaten by a group of men who appeared to work at Denpasar Airport in Bali

On Facebook Mr Akker claims the group of men began kicking him, before taping his hands behind his back as well as binding his legs together with tape.

'My hands were taped together so tightly they swelled up massively and they gagged my mouth so I couldn't yell for help,' he alleges.

'After they taped my hands up I couldn't protect my face or any part of my body they just kept kicking me for what felt like forever.

'I thought they were going to kill me.'

Mr Akker claims he was left covered in bruises after the alleged assault and that his blood covered the floor of the detaining room.

The 21-year-old also said the men assaulting him took pictures of him as he was breaking down on the floor.

As he boarded a plane home to Perth on Friday evening, Mr Akker expressed his thanks for the kind words and support from friends and family.

'I just want to get home and not be so scared anymore, the things they did to me heavily effected me both physically and mentally, I feel absolutely traumatised.'

Balinese police had no reports of an Australian man being detained Perth Now reported.

The Australian Embassy told Nine it was attempting to help a man detained in Bali.

The apprentice tattoo artist said on Facebook on Friday morning that he was tied up for 10 hours and is now 'an absolute mess both physically and mentally'
Concerns have been raised after students from a top boys' college handed in assignments containing pictures of The Candyman Travers Beyon and his female friends.

Brisbane Boys' College, a prestigious Queensland private school, defended the assignments claiming that they are part of their English course work for their final year of high school.

The assignment was part of a year 12 English class which required students to critically analyse the ethics and bias of a contemporary issue in the media.

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A school assignment canvased with raunchy images from 'Candyman' Travers Beyon's (centre) social media accounts have raised concerns on the impact they may have on students in Queensland

A statement issued from the school said: 'The purpose of the images was to demonstrate the way in which the issue had been portrayed.

'It's important to note the assessment is not a commentary on the topic itself.'

'At no point did the college or the students endorse the images or behaviours associated with the topic.'

One student who did his assignment on the 'Candyman' defended the project and told The Courier Mail: 'A school assignment on media bias is probably the least of a student's worries.

Two students from Brisbane Boys' College handed in the English assignment with cover pages plastered with images from Mr Beyon's Facebook and Instagram including one with him covered in whipped cream (pictured)

Another image on the assignment has a woman who is completely naked lying flat on her back covered in sushi (pictured)

'It was a real-world assignment with real-world issues.'

Two students from the school handed in the English assignment with cover pages plastered with the controversial and racy social media posts.

One photos shows a naked woman lying flat on her back covered in sushi and another shows Mr Beyon lying on the floor covered in whipped cream.

Opposition Deputy Leader and Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek told the newspaper that he was concerned at the impact such material had on 'impressionable' students.

He added that it was healthy to discuss current affairs but called Mr Beyon's publicity 'tawdry'.

Mr Beyon, known for hosting extravagant poolside parties with bikini-clad models, spoke out about the negative portrayal of his lifestyle July last year insisting he was just living a 'larrikin life'.

The Gold Coast tobacco tycoon often shares controversial photographs of himself and his lavish mansion surrounded by women and in one picture leading his wife on all fours chained to a leash.

He has often been criticised of being 'degrading' and 'chauvinistic' with critics comparing his mansion to a zoo.

It is estimated that the owner of Freechoice Tabacoo is worth about $USD50million ($AUD66million) and rose to fame through pictures posted to Instagram and Facebook.

Opposition Deputy Leader and Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek raised concerns that the images which often show bikini-clad models (pictured) could negatively impact 'impressionable' students

The Gold Coast tobacco tycoon often shares controversial photographs of himself and his lavish mansion surrounded by women (pictured)
North America has been surpassed for the first time as the region with the highest concentration of super-rich individuals.

There are now more high net worth individuals (HNWI) in Asia-Pacific, according to the World Wealth Report 2016.

Produced by Paris-based global consulting, technology and outsourcing firm Capgemini, it reveals that the wealth of HNWIs in Asia-Pacific soared by 10 per cent in 2015, five times the two per cent growth experienced by the super-rich in North America.

North America has been surpassed for the first time as the region with the highest concentration of super-rich individuals

Capgemini said that Asia-Pacific's growth rate - the only one to reach double digits - was driven by 'supercharged ultra-HNWI wealth growth in China and Japan of 17.6 per cent and 13.2 per cent respectively'.

It added: 'Asia-Pacific ultra-HNWI wealth grew at more than double the rate of next-fastest Europe (4.8 per cent) and well over North America (2.9 per cent).'

Asia-Pacific's HNWI population has now reached 5.1million, compared to North America's 4.8million. In terms of billionaires, Asia-Pacific is also ahead, with 590. There are 540 in the US and 489 in Europe, according to the 2016 Forbes Billionaires List.

It has also pulled ahead in terms of wealth, amassing $17.4trillion versus North America's $16.6trillion.

By 2025, world wealth is poised to reach $100trillion, primarily propelled by the Asia-Pacific region, the report added.

Asia-Pacific's HNWI population has now reached 5.1million, compared to North America's 4.8million

It was revealed earlier this year that a trend among the super-rich is to buy up underground bunkers to protect them against civil unrest and natural disasters.

Bespoke hidden chambers in Germany and the US are being snapped up as the world's wealthiest look to secure a safe spot if crisis strikes.

And while numbers are difficult to ascertain, experts say more and more of the wealthy are installing 'safe rooms' in their apartments - or at least fortifying rooms to hide in should disaster strike.

One firm that makes them, Vivos, said that customers are encouraged to decorate their 'chamber' like they would their yachts.

Some rich people have installed swimming pools, cinemas, bars and meeting rooms.
Turkey accidentally shutdown access to YouTube and popular Google services such as Gmail when it tried to censor the Internet this month

Turkish citizens were left frustrated when Turkey's Internet Watchdog reportedly attempted to block access to Google Cache and slowed down their Internet speed in the process.

Google Cache takes a snapshot of each web page ever created and examines and caches (stores) that version as a back-up.

The cached version is what Google uses to judge if a page is a good match for your search query.

It also allows people to view content that might have been removed - including material previously banned in Turkey.

Turkish internet users were unable to access popular Google sites and YouTube this month

Social media users began to unravel what caused the Internet to 'break' and pointed the finger at Turkey's Internet Watchdog

The Turkish government attempted to block Google Cache but in doing so stopped access to many popular sites.

However, Turkeys Ministry of Communication has denied that Google Cache was ever censored.

In a statement released on Twitter, it claimed the break down in Google services was due to a technical fault with fiber-optic cables.

The country has a law that allows Turkey's telecommunications authority (TIB) to block any website without seeking a court ruling first.

The authority is not required to give the website a chance to remove the offending content.

In 2014 during the election period, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan banned social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

He described social media as 'the worst menace to society'.

One social media user joked that the slow Internet speed occurred because 'totalitarianism slows you down'

Internet users questioned Turkey's motive for trying to block Google's web cache which stores copies of banned material
A bipartisan gun control bill co-sponsored by Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota survived its first vote Thursday, but still needs additional support from Republicans to move forward.

Senators voted 52-46 to defeat Majority Leader Mitch McConnells motion to table the compromise bill introduced earlier this week by Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

That keeps the bill in play and allows supporters to continue to try to build consensus, Heitkamp said. The vote came just a few days after the Senate failed to advance four gun measures after last weeks mass shooting in Orlando, Fla.

Albeit not a giant step, it certainly is a step in the right direction, Heitkamp said by phone. We shouldnt stop the dialogue.

The bill would prevent about 109,000 people on the governments no-fly list and selectee list from legally purchasing guns or explosives from licensed dealers. Those blocked from buying firearms could appeal in federal court to have their names removed from the lists and, if theyre successful, would be awarded attorney fees.

The important thing to think about is: How do you balance the Second Amendment right (to bear arms) with a public safety mandate? Heitkamp said.

Law enforcement also would be notified if anyone whos been entered into the broader Terrorist Screening Database within the previous five years tries to buy a gun or explosives.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., who has raised concerns about the due process aspect of the bill, voted to table it.

The bill needs 60 votes to pass the Senate. The 52 votes on Thursday included eight Republicans, and Heitkamp said it would have been 54 votes if not for two absent members.

She said the next step is to discuss modifications that can help the bill advance.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the bill Thursday in the House of Representatives.
This is the shocking moment when a cruel mother kicks her toddler so hard she flies into the air and almost lands on her back in the middle of a city street.

The video, secretly recorded on a smartphone by eyewitness Alma Najera, starts with the little girl struggling to climb up a step on the pavement in the capital Mexico City.

She looks too scared to jump up the concrete bump all by herself and appears to be asking her mum - who is lighting up a cigarette - for help.

Cruel: This is the shocking moment a mother kicked her daughter in the air in a street in Mexico

The child finds it hard maintaining her balance after being booted, and right, the two then rush along the street

The mother, not named in reports, yells at her toddler: 'Come up, idiot. Come up.'

She shouts at the little girl several more times before finally walking over - not to help but to slap her around the face, pull her up by the arm and then kick her from behind, which sends the poor toddler flying.

The small girl with brown hair is only stopped from crashing onto her back when her mum keeps hold of her hand and prevents her from falling.

Harsh: The clip began with the woman appearing to be telling off her child for not keeping up

The person that took the video, Alma Najera, then shared it on social media and also said she had sent it to police.
He paid tribute to wife and said 'she would do anything for anybody'

But on their arrival, she began to be sick and was rushed to hospital

Grandmother had enjoyed meal before jetting off to Turkey with husband

A woman who ate a carvery dinner before she jetted off on holiday has died of suspected food poisoning two weeks after a pub visit.

Grandmother-of-four Julie Hemmings, 53, tucked in to a carvery meal in a London pub with her husband Mark, 55, brother-in-law Nick Kyriacou, and his wife Trish before the couple flew to Turkey.

But when the pair arrived at the resort the next day, Mrs Hemmings started spewing up 'red' vomit and died two weeks later after her condition worsened.

Julie Hemmings (right) died from suspected food poisoning after jetting off to Turkey with her husband Mark (left)

Doctors told her devastated husband that the poison was 'seeping through her body' after her bowel had perforated.

An investigation is now under way into the food poisoning claim after the couple and Mr Kyriacou all fell ill with sickness and diarrhoea following their meal out.

Describing his wife's condition, Mr Hemmings, of Hull, East Yorkshire, said: 'While I recovered, Julie got worse and on the plane her stomach cramps were so painful she ended up in tears.

'As soon as we opened the apartment door Julie ran to the toilet - but once she had managed to get to bed her symptoms worsened.

'She had messed the bed so I got her on the floor and put a pillow under her head and covered her with a blanket and I tried to clean up the mess - she was basically unconscious.

'When she was being sick, it was a red colour, I don't know whether it was blood or not, but it was red.'

Mrs Hemmings was rushed to Milas Public Hospital and later put on life support at Turkey's Bodrum State Hospital.

Mr Hemmings said the couple's insurance company arranged for her to be transferred to the Acibadem private hospital on May 14.

Doctors then told him that his wife's bowel had perforated and the poison was seeping into her system.

She had gone into septic shock and her organs began to fail.

Mr Hemmings said: 'She was so heavily sedated, I'd look at her and her eyes were just like glass. They said she could hear me and understand me, but five minutes later she might not have known I wasn't there.'

He was then told on May 29 they had done all they could, and that her life 'was in God's hands'.

Mrs Hemmings was put on life support at Bodrum State Hospital in Turkey (pictured) before she died

Mrs Hemmings' body was brought home to Hull earlier this month and a funeral was held on Wednesday.

Speaking about the horrific ordeal, Mr Hemmings said: 'I don't want anyone else to go through what Julie went through.

'When you get a bit of diarrhoea you just think it's a dodgy pint or something, and you don't really say anything.

'But the only thing we all had together apart from that meal was a cup of tea, and three of the four of us got sick.'

Doctors in Turkey told a heartbroken Mr Hemmings that the poison was seeping into his wife's system and her bowel had perforated

Mr Hemmings said his loneliness following her death is unbearable because she is not lying by his side.

'She would do anything for anybody - she never had a bad word to say about anyone,' he said

'If she only had 1 left she would give it away to someone who needed it more than her.'

He added: 'She was really looking forward to going to Turkey. We had been before, but not to this place and we were looking forward to doing something a bit different.'

An inquest into Mrs Hemmings' death will be held at Hull Coroner's Court in due course.

A Merton Council spokesperson said: 'Merton Council's Environmental Health team are carrying out an investigation.

'While the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.
The lawyer for a California cafe has accused a group of Muslim women of 'civilizational jihad' after they launched a discrimination lawsuit claiming they were asked to leave because of their hijabs.

The women were asked to leave Urth Caffe in Laguna Beach on April 22 due to a policy that limits seating in the venue to 45 minutes.

The women, six of whom wear hijabs, claim they were unfairly targeted since the cafe had plenty of empty seats and other groups were allowed to stay seated longer than they were.

David Yerushalmi, a controversial lawyer representing Urth Caffe, filed a countersuit against the women for trespassing and accused the group of trying to 'weaken western civilization'.

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A lawsuit filed in May alleges that a group of seven women were kicked out of Urth Caffe, a coffee house in Laguna Beach, California, because they were Muslim

Plaintiff Sara Farsakh (seen left and right) has said: 'What began as a night out with some friends ended as a painful and embarrassing reminder of what it is like to be visibly Muslim - even in liberal California'

Plaintiff Sara Farsakh wrote on Facebook last month: 'What began as a night out with some friends ended as a painful and embarrassing reminder of what it is like to be visibly Muslim - even in liberal California.'

In a press release on Farsakh's profile, the other plaintiffs were identified as Soondus Ahmed, Rawan Hamdan, Sara C., Yumna H., Safa R. and Marwa R.

The group claims they were discriminated against when a staff member asked them to leave, even though there were several empty tables.

David Yerushalmi (pictured) is representing Urth Caffe

Farsakh also wrote: 'The party on the table next to us (a group of white women) overheard our conversation and were shocked. They told us they had been sitting far longer than we had but had never been told to prepare to leave.'

The cafe disputed their accusations and pointed to their policy that patrons must share or give up their table after 45 minutes when it's busy.

But their policy also includes the statement: 'If tables are available you are certainly welcome to enjoy Urth for as long as you desire.'

The women resisted leaving, and employees at the cafe called the Laguna Beach Police.

Yerushalmi, who is representing Urth, pointed out the co-owner of the cafe is Muslim before saying: 'This lawsuit claiming religious discrimination is a fraud and a hoax on the courts and the media.

'It is nothing short of an abuse of process to extort public apologies and other accommodations from my client, Urth Caffe.'

Farsakh posted this image on Facebook last month, which allegedly shows Urth Caffe's seating policy

Farsakh also posted a video to Facebook, apparently showing empty tables at the coffee house. The incident at Urth Caffe allegedly happened on April 22

Yerushalmi is a controversial figure who has been called an 'anti-Muslim activist' by the non-profit advocacy group Southern Poverty Law Center.

He told the Guardian he often represents Muslim Americans before adding: 'If you want to say I'm an anti-jihad lawyer, you're 100% right.

'Am I anti-Sharia? Yes, I am. Am I anti-Muslim? Not if he doesn't have a gun in his hand shooting at me.'

He filed a countersuit against the women on the grounds that they were trespassing.

He also roped in the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), saying the women's lawsuit was part of an organized 'civilizational jihad to weaken western civilization'.

A spokesperson for CAIR said they were not involved in the case, and Mohammad Tajsar, one of three lawyers representing the women, slammed Yerushalmi as someone who 'made a career out of crusading against Muslims in America'.

He added: '[The cafe owners'] decision to hire this particular gentleman frankly makes our case. It demonstrates that this organization has no regard for the very Muslim clientele that it claims it caters to.'

Urth Caffe published this statement on its Facebook page in April denying claims of racial or religious discrimination

Owner Shallom Berkman (pictured) has denied discriminating against the women and pointed out that he is Jewish while his wife is Muslim

Plaintiff Sarah Farsakh wrote a detailed Facebook post that was shared more than 3,000 times after the incident.

It started: 'I am completely appalled by the racist and Islamophobic treatment some friends and I were subjected to by staff at Urth Caffe in Laguna Beach last night.'

She also included a video she took after they were asked to leave, showing a number of empty tables in Urth Caffe.

Dan Stormer, whose law firm is representing the women, said it was clear his clients were targeted because of their religion.

'At the time our clients were there, there were several dozen free tables,' he said.

'There were people who were there before our clients arrived and they were not asked to leave.

'Those people were white and they were not wearing the hijab.'

Urth Caffe said in a April 26 Facebook post: 'Urth Caffe categorically denies any and all claims of racial or religious discrimination against Sara Farsakh.

'While a full investigation is still on-going, it appears that Ms. Farsakh and her friends violated company policies and that the staff at Urth Caffe in Laguna properly and justifiably applied company procedures.'

The statement said: 'Urth Caffe sincerely hopes that its customers will withhold judgment until all of the evidence in this case comes to light.

'Once the evidence is fully revealed, Urth believes that everyone will be satisfied that Urth Caffe continues to serve all of its guests with the same respect and admiration.'

In interviews with local media, the owner of the restaurant, Shallom Berkman, denied discriminating against the women and pointed out that his wife was Muslim.

Other patrons were waiting in line, he told KABC last month.

Berkman told the TV station: 'We're very sorry that [Farsakh] has this feeling that this was something racist, but that is just not the case.'
Somalian Abdirashid Khadar, 22, strangled and repeatedly stabbed his pregnant wife

An illegal immigrant who murdered his pregnant wife before dialling 999 and telling police: 'I've got something to show you,' has been jailed for 20 years.

Somalian Abdirashid Khadar, 22, strangled and repeatedly stabbed 21-year-old Amal Abdi with three different knives after she asked for a divorce.

The dad-of-one then left his wife, who was 15 to 16 weeks pregnant, curled in a pool of blood in their flat before calling the police, a court heard.

In a thick accent, he told the operator: 'I'm kill someone. I'm kill my wife.'

Officers found Amal in the living room of the flat she shared with Khadar in Barton Hill, Bristol with more than ten stab wounds to her body and neck.

They tried to resuscitate her but she was pronounced dead at the scene, the jury was told.

Khadar, of no fixed address, had denied murdering his wife on Sunday, July 26 last year but was found guilty after a week-long trial at Bristol Crown Court.

He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years after the jury took just two hours and 40 minutes to convict him.

Sentencing the killer, Justice Neil Garnham QC said: 'This was a brutal and unprovoked attack on a young woman in her own home. You stabbed her not once but ten times.

He added: 'It is plain you attacked her from behind or you carried on stabbing her after she attempted to turn away or after she had fallen to the floor.

The dad-of-one then left 21-year-old Amal Abdi (pictured), who was 15 to 16 weeks pregnant, curled in a pool of blood in their flat before calling the police, a court heard

'This was an appalling and cowardly attack on a defenceless woman. I have no doubt that you intended to kill her.

'You cut her down and left her dead on the floor of her own sitting room.'

The trial heard that Khadar came to the UK from Italy in March 2015 before meeting up with his wife, who had lived in Bristol since 2010.

He and Amal, who had one child together, had previously married in Ethiopia and kept up a long-distance relationship as Khadar could not get the right travel documents.

But the pair, who shared a flat, had a rocky relationship and Amal told the defendant that she 'didn't want him any more' on the morning she died.

Khadar later lured Amal to their home, telling her that family were visiting and she needed to tidy up, before unleashing a 'ferocious' and 'frenzied' attack on her.

Officers found Amal in the living room of the flat (pictured) she shared with Khadar in Barton Hill, Bristol with more than ten stab wounds to her body and neck

Justice Garnham told him: 'Soon after she entered the flat you set on her with three different knives. You showed no mercy at all.

'The likelihood is that the first knife you used broke as you used it on her. Not content with the injuries you had inflicted, you chose a second knife and stabbed her again.

'It is clear you stabbed this defenceless woman again and again and again.

'It demonstrated the savagery of this attack. It is beyond imaginable what that woman went through as you, her husband, murdered her.'

He added: 'When you stabbed her you were killing not just her but also your unborn child.

'There is no doubt that you had a difficult journey to this country but that does not provide you with even the beginnings of an excuse for what you did.'

The court heard that after the killing, Khadar washed his hands, leaving Amal's blood on the taps, before putting an extra layer over his blood-stained clothes.

He then walked out of the flat and into the building's lift, adjusted his hair and called the police to tell them what he had done.

Emergency service teams tried to resuscitate her but she was pronounced dead at the scene (pictured), the jury was told.

When Khadar was taken to the police station, he asked police to kill him after finding out his wife had died. He refused hospital treatment, saying he'd rather die.

During police interviews, he claimed he did not remember the incident.

He made no expression as he was taken down to the cells.

Speaking after the hearing, Amal's auntie, Zahra Ahmed, 46, said: 'Amal has gone and she is never coming back. She was a young lady and we really loved her.

'She left a young girl, five, who doesn't know what happened to her mother.

'She had all her future ahead of her. This is really difficult and upsetting for all of us.'

DCI Mike Williams, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, said he was pleased with the sentence and described the murder as 'appalling'.
A disgraced dentist who invented thousands of patients to con the NHS out of almost 800,000 has been struck off.

Jayantilal Mistry, 68, created false dental records, forged prescriptions and used non-existent names and addresses during his more than 15 year scam at Mistry Dental Surgery.

He claimed to have treated 3,360 patients at his practice in Kentish Town, north-west London but nearly 90 per cent of them could not be traced.

Mistry, who has since repaid the stolen 775,000, was jailed for three years last year after admitting the fraud at Blackfriars Crown Court.

Jayantilal Mistry, 68, created false dental records, forged prescriptions and used non-existent names and addresses during his 15 year scam at Mistry Dental Surgery (pictured)

He did not appear before the committee of the General Dental Council considering his case at a hearing in central London.

Panel chair Edythe Murie said: 'We have had regard to the serious nature of Mr Mistry's conviction; in his respected position as a dentist he committed fraud on a large scale over a period of more than 15 years.

'He received public money for the treatment of patients in the region of 775,000, to which he was not entitled.

'In view of the gravity of Mr Mistry's conviction, we have determined that it would be wholly inappropriate to conclude this case without taking any action in respect of his registration or with a reprimand.'

'Dishonest conduct is unacceptable and is highly damaging to a registrant's fitness to practise and to public confidence in dental professionals.

'We are satisfied that Mr Mistry's conviction is so serious that it is fundamentally incompatible with him remaining on the Dentists' Register.'

When investigators searched Mistry's home they found dental records stored in fruit crates and Sainsbury's shopping bags.

The judge at Blackfriars Crown Court told Mistry that he committed fraud on a 'grand scale' against the NHS

It emerged that Mistry had used around 300 non-existent addresses for patients, and registered dozens at a bank in Islington, north London.

Mistry, who conducted the scam between 1997-2013, also completed treatment dates on some dental record cards in pencil so that he could easily change names, dates and details later.

The judge at Blackfriars Crown Court told Mistry: 'Over a period of more than 15 years you committed fraud on a grand scale against the National Health Service.

'You went to considerable trouble to create false dental records and trails to x-rays to substantiate your claim.

'You also made false claims in respect of a small number, 10 or 20, of genuine patients but about 90 percent of all the claims you submitted were bogus.

'In total, you obtained some 775,000. This fraud committed in breach of trust over a substantial period of time with significant planning and sophistication plainly reaches the highest level of culpability.'
Jesse Salas, 23, was arrested for allegedly groping and kissing a teen girl against her will on a flight

A teenage girl was groped by a stranger on an airplane Tuesday in the second such incident this month.

The 16-year-old girl was touched and kissed against her will by a man on an Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon, to Anchorage, police said.

After the victim alerted the crew, the flight was diverted to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport where the suspect Jesse Salas, 23, was arrested by Port of Seattle police officers.

The arrest of Salas comes only six days after 26-year-old Chad Camp was arrested for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old girl who was traveling as an unaccompanied minor on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Portland.

In Tuesday's incident, the victim told police Salas grabbed her right thigh while she was trying to sleep.

Thinking it could have been a mistake, the girl pushed Salas' hand away and tried to go back to sleep, but then felt him grab her again, according to a police report.

Salas then kissed the girl on the mouth, using his tongue, she told police.

She said she felt disgusted and violated and that Salas smelled and tasted like 'stale beer,' according to the police report.

The girl then pushed Salas away and asked 'What the f**k are you doing?'

A 16-year-old girl was touched and kissed against her will by a man on an Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon to Anchorage, police said

Chad Camp, 26, was arrested for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old girl on an airplane last week

Salas allegedly touched the girl on her thigh about five more times before another passenger asked the girl if she knew Salas, to which she answered no.

Responding officers wrote in the report that Salas refused to cooperate and that he appeared drunk.

As he was being led off the plane, he was 'weaving and bumping into passengers seated along the aisles', one officer noted.

Salas was booked into King's County Jail on Tuesday evening and charged with assault in the fourth degree with sexual motivation, records show.

He walked out of jail at midnight after posting $1,000 bail.

Salas declined to comment on the incident when reached on the phone by Daily Mail Online.

Camp, who was arrested in last Wednesday's incident in Portland is being held in Multnomah County Jail without bail, and faces a charge of abusive sexual contact.
As the country reflects in the wake of the EU referendum, Leave voters are celebrating changing the course of history and breaking free from the shackles of the European Union - and its laws and regulations.

Despite the fact Britain has voted in favour of leaving the EU, this is still the start of a long process before the country officially untangles from the network of institutions in Brussels.

And among that network there were a number of bizarre - and some argued trivial - rules the Brussels bureaucracy passed.

Here are some of the more bizarre regulations the Brexiters can enjoy saying goodbye to.

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David Cameron said he could not be the 'captain of the ship' while the UK negotiated its exit from the EU as he announced he would be resigning as Prime Minister and Tory leader

Boris Johnson stopped short of confirming that he would stand to succeed David Cameron today - but made a broad appeal to people stay calm and help forge a better future

1. Ban on curvy bananas and crooked cucumbers

The first - and one which reared its head as the Brexit and Remain camps drew up their battles lines - was the banana regulation.

An example often cited as 'legislative heavy-handedness' was the EU ban on 'bendy bananas' and crooked cucumbers.

A 1994 EU regulation specified that bananas must be 'free from abnormal curvature.'

A 1994 EU regulation specified that bananas must be 'free from abnormal curvature' and cucumbers needed to be straight

EU rules also governed the shape of many other fruits and vegetables  cucumbers, for example, needed to be almost perfectly straight.

Many of these specifications were abolished in 2008, though the banana guidelines remain on the books.

Just days ago, Boris Johnson became embroiled in a bizarre row over EU rules on how bananas should be sold.

The strange row was triggered by comments Mr Johnson made as he took his referendum bus tour to the Midlands ahead of the vote.

Delivering a stump speech to a crowd in Stafford, Mr Johnson said: 'If we take back control on June 23, we can also get rid of so much of the pointless rules and regulations that are holding back this country.

'It is absurd that we are told you cannot sell bananas of bunches of more than two or three bananas. You cannot sell bananas with abnormal curvature of the fingers. Why should they tell us?

'Why should they tell us how powerful our vacuum cleaners should be? Why should they tell us how powerful our hairdryers should be?

'This is not a matter for an international, supranational body to dictate to the British people.'

Government banned the import of 100-watt bulbs

2. Incandescent lightbulbs

Something else that could now make a return is the incandescent lightbulb.

Incandescent bulbs have been phased out in stages in the UK since 2009 following European regulations.

The Government banned the import of 100-watt bulbs from 2009, followed by a ban on 60w bulbs in 2011 and a full ban on all 'traditional' bulbs in 2012.

The bulbs were branded environmentally-unfriendly because some 95 per cent of the energy that goes into them gets turned into heat rather than light.

Following the EU's ban on incandescent light-bulbs, many people were reported to have suffered epileptic fits from the flickering, supposedly eco-friendly fluorescent bulbs.

3. Vacuum cleaners

On his campaign trail in recent weeks, Boris Johnson also blasted Brussels red tape that he said placed burdensome extra costs on UK retailers selling products such as bananas, vacuum cleaners and hairdryers.

The European Commission triggered an outcry by banning powerful vacuum cleaners two years ago.

From September 1, 2014, companies were prohibited from manufacturing or importing any vacuum cleaners above the 1,600-watt limit as part of a drive to reduce domestic electricity use.

The European Commission triggered an outcry by banning powerful vacuum cleaners two years ago (file photo)

A furore broke out when shoppers panic-bought high-powered vacuum cleaners ahead of the deadline in 2014.

This directive was expected to be extended to kettles, toasters, hair-dryers and other domestic appliances but it was shelved earlier this year amid fears it would drive the British public towards the EU exit door.

In 2011, a ruling claimed drinking water did not ease dehydration

4. Drinking water does not prevent dehydration

In 2011, a ruling by the European Commission claimed that drinking water 'does not ease dehydration'.

EU authorities passed a law which claimed scientists had found no evidence to suggest drinking water stopped dehydration.

Manufacturers of bottled water were prohibited from labelling products with claims that would suggest consumption would fight dehydration.

5. 'Diabetics' banned from driving

European laws introduced in 2011 meant that drivers who treat their diabetes with insulin who have had one or more episodes of severe hypoglycaemia, known as 'hypos', could face losing their licences.

If sufferers had one or more episodes of severe hypoglycaemia - when a patient's blood sugars drop to dangerously low levels - and required assistance from another person, they would have to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Diabetes UK said that the DVLA did not differentiate between daytime and night-time episodes of hypoglycaemia, meaning that some people with diabetes are losing their driving licence unnecessarily.

European laws introduced in 2011 meant that drivers who treat their diabetes with insulin who have had one or more episodes of severe hypoglycaemia, known as 'hypos', could face losing their licences

After a review of evidence, the European Commission said in March this year the driving ban for people experiencing recurrent severe hypoglycaemia when asleep should be lifted.

Diabetes UK said the DVLA will be asked to make the changes by 2018.

6. It is illegal to eat your pet horse

In 2009 a law set out it was illegal to eat 'pet' horses after figures revealed that around two million pet horses were eaten across the EU each year.

According to the guidelines, all horses, ponies, donkeys and related animals (including zoo species like zebras) must have a horse passport.

The passport is a small booklet that identifies an owner's animal by its height and species.

It also states whether the animal can be used for food at the end of its life.

Owners can declare that the animal isn't intended for human consumption by filling in the appropriate section of the passport. This cannot be changed later.

7. Jams, jellies and marmalade guidelines

In 2010, a directive was made relating to fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree intended for human consumption.

EU rules stated that a preserve must contain at least 60 per cent sugar to be called a jam.

Anything containing less had to be called a 'fruit spread', while a low sugar jam with less than 50 per cent of sugar was named a 'conserve'.

However these laws were relaxed in 2013.

In 2010, a directive was made relating to fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree intended for human consumption

8. Olive oil in restaurants

Three years ago, the European Union planned to ban the glass jar which is filled, and refilled, with olive oil and served on restaurant tables across the EU, stating that only non-refillable bottles with proper labeling on the contents would be accepted.

Bureaucrats had originally argued that diners were at risk of being served 'inferior' or diluted oil, which could also harbour germs if served in an open dish or bottle.

Officials had wanted to force restaurateurs to only serve oil in its original bottles, with tamper-proof lids.

The 2013 olive oil plan, intended to ensure hygiene and curtail fraud, set off a barrage of complaints - including from David Cameron - and never actually took effect.

A waiter refills an empty bottle of olive oil at an Italian restaurant in Brussels
After waging a long campaign against Hillary Clinton and 'revolution' against a political system he described as rigged, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders said he'll cast his ballot for Clinton in November.

'Yes,' Sanders responded when asked on MSNBC whether he would vote for Clinton.

But he stopped short of an endorsement, and immediately started speaking about the threat of Donald Trump when asked about it.

'I think the issue right here is I'm going to do everything I can to defeat Donald trump. I think Trump in so many ways would be a disaster of this country if he were elected president,' Sanders said.

'I'm pretty good at arithmetic, and what I know is that Hillary Clinton has more than I do, and she has a lot more superdelegates than I do,' he said on MSNBC.

But asked just minutes later on CNN who he'll vote for, Sanders responded: ''In all likelihood, it will be Hillary Clinton.'

Sanders answered 'yes' when asked on MSNBC whether he'd vote for Hillary Clinton

But he added a 'probably' when asked who he'd vote for on CNN

He continued: 'But what I also know is we're bringing 1,900 delegates into the convention, that we have received 13 million votes, and that what I am going to be doing right now  we are gonna be urging millions of people to get involved in the political process.'

Sanders, who has been negotiating with Clinton since she beat expectations and trounced him in the California primary this month, said he wants to make sure the party represents 'working people.'

'What I'm trying to do right now is to make sure that the Democratic Party becomes a party that represents working people, not Wall Street, that is prepared to have an agenda that speaks to the need of creating millions of jobs, raising the minimum wage to 15 bucks an hour, dealing with climate change, dealing with pay equity,'he said.

Democrats have been anxious for Sanders to get on board, and occasionally furious at his pace, in order to unify the party and begin winning over any disappointed holdouts from the Sanders camp, including younger voters who backed him in droves.

Democrats are certain they'll be stronger if Sanders gets fully behind the presumed nominee and brings his devoted followers along with him

Sanders' incredible 'revolution' was fueled in part by his attacks on entrenched interests and on Hillary Clinton herself

Sanders spoke to his supporters in Manhattan Thursday

Although Clinton has been leading Donald Trump in the polls, tight races in Ohio and Pennsylvania are cause for party concern.

Clinton campaign press secretary Brian Fallon brushed off the lack of a more full-throated endorsement when asked about it by Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC.

'I think he had his pompoms there Andrea they were just off camera so you couldn't see them in the shot,' he quipped.

'Im going to leave it to him in terms of how he wants to characterize his support for Hillary Clinton,' Fallon added.

But Sanders brushed off talk of disunity. 'You talk about disunity, I talk about involving the American people in the political process and wanting to have a government and a party that represents all of us,' he said.

In the CNN appearance, Sanders was able to look on the bright side after going further than almost anyone in politics predicted but still failing to topple the Clinton juggernaut.

He said if he could get the party to back free public college tuition, a hike in the minimum wage to $15 minimum and a strong climate change plank, "you know what? I think I've run a winning campaign."
Farrah Abraham has put her Los Angeles home back on the market just two months after buying the property as a base from which to launch her Hollywood career.

The Teen Mom OG reality star, 25, bought a townhouse in the Hollywood Hills for $845,000 in April.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is now listed for sale at $899,995 or to rent for $5,500 a month on realtor.com.

Abraham made the decision to move to the Los Angeles home when she decided to launch a Hollywood career

The Teen Mom OG reality star Farrah Abraham has put her Los Angeles home (pictured) on the market for $899,995

The Teen Mom OG reality star bought the home for $845,000 in April, and has since flipped it to resell or rent the property

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom Los Angeles house boasts an open-kitchen plan, hardwood floors and balconies

The property boasts an open-kitchen plan, hardwood floors and balconies and is just a short walk away from Universal Studios.

A source told Daily Mail Online that Abraham had never moved into the 2,700-square-foot modern home.

Daily Mail Online reached out to to Abraham to ask about the home, and the reality star said she flipped the house to resell it.

Yes I flip homes as well so I flipped it and now ready for a new home owner! Look forward to your article, she wrote in an email.

At the MTV Movie Awards in April, she explained to People why she bought the house in the first place.

The MTV reality star said she flipped the Los Angeles house to resell it and make money to launch her Hollywood career

She said not only does it feel like she made 'the right choice', but living in LA will help her daughter build a career as a model and fashionista

I just passed the house on the way here because its by the studio, so Im like, I made the right choice, Abraham said.

The Teen Mom OG reality star said it will also be a big deal for her seven-year-old Sophia (left), who loves the beach

The MTV reality star, who has also made a name for herself with the release of two porn films, said the move to Los Angeles is a big deal for her seven-year-old Sophia, who loves the beach.

Its also the right place for her daughter to be in terms of fostering the child burgeoning career as a model and fashionista, Abraham told People.

What im most proud of is Sophia is really into fashion, she said. Shes opening up her own Sophia Laurent boutique store in Austin, Texas.

Shes mentioned in New York Fashion Week. Shes in children model magazines.;

'She's just been so successful on her own so that's just awesome to me,' she added.

Abraham's time in the spotlight has involved a host of shock twists and turns ever since she first hit MTV screens on 16 And Pregnant.

After her appearance she went on to spin-off show Teen Mom and later went on to launch her Mom And Me pasta sauce range, release a memoir and launch a foray into the music industry.

Following her relatively wholesome ventures, in 2013 it was suggested he earned $1.5million for selling her sex tape Farrah Superstar: Backdoor Teen Mom.

Her co-star in the tape James Deen blasted Abraham's claims that the film was leaked as he admitted she was paid to make the movie by the porn producers.

Three years later, the pretty star is evidently more seasoned in the industry as she was seen shooting her newest lesbian erotica video.
George Osborne's political career looks all-but over tonight after his 'Project Fear' warnings of economic chaos if Britain voted for Brexit failed to scare voters into backing Remain.

Responding to the shock win for Leave this morning the Chancellor tweeted he will do 'all I can to make it work'.

But he gambled his own career and economic legacy in the final days before the EU referendum last week by warning voters that he'd have to present an emergency budget after a Brexit vote to plug a 30billion hole in the public finances.

George Osborne's political career looks all-but over tonight after his 'Project Fear' warnings of economic chaos if Britain voted for Brexit failed to scare voters into backing Remain

He claimed he would be forced to break key Tory election pledges to protect NHS, defence and education spending while also warning of 2p hikes in income tax in an extraordinary 'punishment' Budget.

But Brexit campaigners likened his warnings to bribery and dozens of Tory MPs vowed to axe Mr Osborne if Britain backed Brexit.

Having generated such strong animosity with Tory colleagues, Mr Osborne will struggle to survive and any move to stay on could lead backbench rebels to vote down a future Budget.

The unprecedented backlash against the Chancellor last week from more than 60 of his own colleagues was the most vicious Blue-on-Blue clashes of the campaign.

Responding to the shock win for Leave this morning the Chancellor tweeted he will do 'all I can to make it work'.

A remarkable 65 people publicly put their name to a letter saying his position as Chancellor would be 'untenable' if he tried to impose an emergency budget of huge spending cuts and tax rises.

Today Mr Osborne did not make an appearance publicly as he was locked in emergency meetings with Treasury officials, Bank of England staff and discussions with European Central Bank over their contingency plans for reacting to the Brexit vote.

CHOOSING A PM: HOW THE CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP ELECTION WORKS The leadership election is a two-stage process - first Conservative MPs have their say, then members of the party all around the country are able to vote. If there are two or more candidates, all Tory MPs vote on who they prefer, with the bottom candidate in each round being eliminated until only two are left. The final two then make their pitch to members of the party in a straight head-to-head contest, with the winner determined by postal voting. The exact timescale is unclear, but David Cameron said today that he wants his successor in place by the time of the party conference in October, meaning that the process will have to begin within weeks. Only full members of the party who pay their 25 subscription are entitled to vote - unlike in Labour's leadership contest, where supporters could register for just 3. Advertisement

He said central banks across the G7 have taken action to ensure the proper functioning of financial markets.

Mr Osborne said he had briefed G7 finance ministers and bank governors on the outcome of the vote and that the Bank of England and the Treasury were 'monitoring the situation closely'.

He revealed details of his day's engagements on Twitter, writing in a series of posts: 'They all respect the decision of the British people.

'G7 central banks have taken steps to ensure adequate liquidity and to support functioning of markets.'

He added: 'It was a hard fought campaign. It is not the outcome I wanted but I respect decision of British people and will do all I can to make it work.'

Other key figures under threat after today's dramatic events include Matthew Hancock, a key Osborne ally who is currently minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General.

Amber Rudd, the Energy Secretary who is close to both Osborne and Cameron, could also lose her job after attacking Boris Johnson so viciously in a key EU TV debate.

She branded Mr Johnson a liar obsessed with becoming PM and jibed that he was 'not the man you want to drive you home at the end of the evening' in what was seen as the most personal attack of the campaign.

As for next Tory leader, up to a dozen candidates could throw their hats into the ring.

Stars: Boris Johnson and Theresa May are considered among the frontrunners to be the next Prime Minister

Mr Johnson is the overwhelming favorite going into the contest after leading the Vote Leave campaign to an improbable victory.

Declaring for Brexit in February cemented the Uxbridge MP as a darling of the Tory right and he seems certain to make the shortlist.

Johnson has a celebrity unique among British politicians but despite eight years running the capital, he will have a big job to do to persuade the country he is up to leading the country. His odds are 4/6.

After six years as Home Secretary, Theresa May is the sober, serious choice - and probably the strongest 'continuity candidate' who could succeed Cameron.

May has become the longest serving Home Secretary, thriving in a brief which has proved the graveyard for many a political career.

Tough, a safe pair of hands and widely respected - if not always seen fondly - May could be the anti-Boris. Her odds are 11/4.

Ministers: George Osborne and Stephen Crabb (above) are considered to be more outside bets

Perhaps the biggest unknown in the race, the Work and Pensions Secretary was parachuted into the top of front line politics as the replacement for Iain Duncan Smith after his bombshell resignation over the Budget.

Crabb, a Welsh son of a broken home, could be the leading One Nation candidate in the leadership race.

Being a new name - and one who was quiet in the referendum - could allow Crabb to define himself a unifying candidate. But his odds are far out, at 25/1.

Ruth Davidson, the Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, pulled off the near miracle of overhauling Labour to take second in Scotland and in doing so has parachuted herself up the leadership rankings.

She was a star of the referendum campaign for her combative appearance at the final TV debate and as someone a million miles from the old Etonian Tory which has proven toxic with much of the electorate she would be prized by the One Nation wing of the party.

Her candidacy is a longshot - not least because she is not an MP and has a huge job opposing Nicola Sturgeon in Holyrood and her odds are 33/1.

Contrast: The fellow Scots Ruth Davidson and Liam Fox backed different sides in the EU referendum

Liam Fox is a heavyweight with Cabinet experience and has run for the leadership before - and lost.

But he is extremely popular on the right of the party and played a leading role in referendum campaign, appearing with different parts of the Leave movement.

The former Defence Secretary is known to have a war chest ready and waiting for the leadership campaign and is well connected on the Tory benches.

While it is perhaps hard to see a route onto the final shortlist, Fox would undoubtedly be well-organised and a fearsome candidate. His odds are the same as Mr Crabbs - at 25/1.

As one of the leaders of the Leave campaign, the Justice Secretary Michael Gove has become a major voice in the referendum debate who could rally pro-Brexit members while retaining strong links with Cameron's own followers.

He also has a reputation as a radical reformer with the ability to cross political lines, and has drawn praise for his liberal approach to prison reform.

However, he has insisted he has no interest in the top job - and he may be regarded as too divisive to be leader, given his unpopularity as Education Secretary. His odds are just 7/1.

Experienced: Michael Gove and Nicky Morgan have both served as Education Secretary under Cameron

Gove's replacement as Education Secretary is respected for the way she stopped the topic becoming a hot-button issue in last year's Election.

She has few enemies at Westminster, and as a centrist woman who is a relatively new MP she could be a breath of fresh air for the party.

But although friends have said she is considering running, she may well conclude she is not sufficiently well-known to take on the more high-profile contenders. Her odds are at 33/1.

The Business Secretary Sajid Javid, a former investment banker, is admired by many for his smooth style and was the first of the 2010 intake of MPs to make it into the Cabinet.

Many pro-Brexit MPs were upset with his decision to back Remain, claiming that he went against his own instincts in order to suck up to Downing Street.

But if Osborne decides he cannot win, it is possible that Javid would stand as his 'surrogate' in order to continue the current leadership's centrist, pro-business agenda. His odds are 25/1.

Outsiders: Sajid Javid, Andrea Leadsom and Priti Patel are all possible leadership contenders

Andrea Leadsom, a junior Minister for Energy who previously worked in the Treasury, is relatively obscure among the public at large.

But her profile has received a huge boost during the EU referendum campaign, where she has been regarded as one of Leave's most impressive voices.

As one of the least divisive pro-Brexit Tory politicians, she could be an outside bet to be the compromise candidate for MPs to rally around. Her odds of becoming leader are 14/1.

The Employment Minister Priti Patel has long been tipped as a contender for the leadership one day - she combines an unorthodox background with staunch Right-wing views.

Patel, 44, is the daughter of Ugandan immigrants who ran a successful chain of newsagents.

She was a vocal campaigner for Leave, and has adopted socially conservative causes such as banning prisoners from having the vote.
A North Dakota Department of Health employee who was fired after complaining about sexual harassment in the workplace is suing the agency in federal court for retaliation, while a $40,000 settlement was reached with another employee who claimed age discrimination and retaliation.

The new lawsuit brought by former autopsy assistant Ranae Kunz claims she suffered loss of income, mental anguish, emotional distress and other damages in excess of $75,000. Shes also seeking unspecified punitive damages and attorney fees.

Kunz, who was hired in October 2011 and was on temporary employment status, filed an initial complaint with human resources in June 2015, claiming harassment and two instances of unwanted touching, both involving the same male co-worker placing his hand on her back.

An internal investigation substantiated the second incident but not the first, and the male co-worker was fired in July.

Kunz alleged that in retaliation for complaining about the harassment, she was harassed further and reassigned from her regular duties in the office.

She filed a discrimination complaint last July with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that also claimed sexual harassment by a male supervisor.

The department fired her in late October for unwillingness to participate in attempts to improve the work environment, including backing out of a mediation session, according to her termination letter.

The EEOC issued Kunz a notice of right to sue, and she filed the lawsuit April 6 in U.S. District Court in Bismarck.

Many of the allegations in the termination letter were false or misconstrued what events  had occurred in the past in an effort to give the department an excuse to retaliate against Kunz by firing her, the lawsuit stated.

The state denied that allegation in its answer, arguing that Kunz fails to show how the state violated any of her federal rights, and that she hasnt suffered any injuries and isnt entitled to damages.

Attorneys for Kunz did not immediately return phone messages seeking comment. Health Department spokeswoman Colleen Reinke said the department generally does not comment on lawsuits.

A scheduling conference in the lawsuit is slated for Monday.

In a separate case, the department reached a $40,000 settlement agreement earlier this year with former microbiologist Sandra Young, who had accused the Health Department of age discrimination and retaliation in complaints filed in summer 2014 with the state Department of Labor.

Young was fired in May 2015 after a six-month investigation by Human Resource Management Services. She and Timothy Brosz, a former lead analyst in the microbiology lab, had claimed retaliation -- including negative performance reviews -- for comments they had made about the lab and its leadership during an investigation into a sexual harassment claim against Young.

In the settlement agreement, the Health Department said it denies any wrongdoing and merely intends to avoid litigation. The settlement was paid from the state general fund.

Youngs husband, Chris Young, said they werent satisfied with the settlement but had gotten to the point where quite frankly, it was just damaging to our family and very expensive.

They have all the resources to destroy the credibility and reputation of employees who bring forth honest concerns, and thats what they did, he said. There needs to be a better process here.

Brosz, who was stripped of his lead analyst role and demoted in May 2015, has since retired. The Labor Department issued a no probable cause determination on his complaint in April, according to Kathy Kulesa, the agencys human rights director.
After 20 years behind bars for a murder he says he didn't commit, Richard Rosario was about to get the charges dropped Friday. Until he said no.

Prosecutors conceded he'd been wrongfully convicted and said they would dismiss the charges because they felt they couldn't retry the 1996 case. But in a highly unusual move, Rosario persuaded a court to leave the case open for more investigation, saying prosecutors should fully exonerate him, not just end the case.

'It's not acceptable. The public should know the truth,' said Rosario, who told police early on that 13 people could vouch that he was in Florida when Jorge Collazo, also called George Collazo, was killed on a Bronx street. 'It's clear that I'm innocent.'

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Richard Rosario, center, is joined by his daughter Amanda, right, son Richard Jr., left, and wife Minerva as he leaves Bronx state Supreme Court in New York after his conviction was overturned in March 2016

Surprised, Bronx state Supreme Court Justice Robert Torres agreed to leave the case open at least through August 30, over objections from prosecutors who said they had already robustly reinvestigated the killing.

Rosario had been freed in March after new Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark agreed Rosario had been improperly convicted because his former defense attorneys hadn't done enough to track down Rosario's alibi witnesses. Clark didn't immediately dismiss the charges in March, saying she needed more time to reinvestigate.

Prosecutors considered the evidence they could produce, the alibi witnesses and the time Rosario had served, and they concluded they couldn't prove the case at trial, said Julian Bond O'Connor, Clark's deputy counsel.

Rosario (left) was freed in March after Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark agreed Rosario had been improperly convicted because his former defense attorneys hadn't done enough to track down Rosario's alibi witnesses. Victim Jorge Collazo is pictured right

'This office is and remains fully committed to investigating and making every single effort to find and prove what happened that day,' but the indictment shouldn't hang over Rosario, O'Connor said.

But Rosario said he'd rather live with the indictment than with a resolution that didn't vindicate him.

'All I'm seeking is transparency for me and my family, for the community and for the victim's family,' he said.

Collazo's relatives bristled at Rosario's insistence that he should be cleared.

'You were never proven innocent. Let's just get it straight,' the victim's father and namesake said, approaching Rosario outside court.

The father said he didn't take issue with overturning Rosario's conviction because of the questions about his defense, but 'there's a lot of deception' in arguments for Rosario's innocence.

The case, which has been featured in a Dateline digital series on NBCNews.com, is among more than 25 convictions from New York City's high-crime 1980s and '90s that prosecutors have disavowed in the last five years.

Rosario, who spent 20 years in prison for a killing he says happened while he was in Florida, asked a judge on Friday to keep his case open so he could be fully vindicated (March 2016 photo)

Rosario was arrested after two witnesses identified him from a police photo book as the man who'd shot the 17-year-old Collazo in the head after an exchange of words on a street on June 19, 1996. No forensic or physical evidence tied Rosario to the crime

Rosario's attorneys have called his case an illustration of unreliable eyewitness testimony, bungled defense and the difficulty of fighting a guilty verdict. He had lost multiple appeals over the years.

Rosario was arrested after two witnesses identified him from a police photo book as the man who'd shot the 17-year-old Collazo in the head after an exchange of words on a street on June 19, 1996. No forensic or physical evidence tied Rosario to the crime.

He said he'd been staying with friends in Deltona, Florida, and he listed over a dozen people he said had seen him there.

Police didn't contact those people, according to Rosario's current lawyers. And his own court-appointed attorneys at the time didn't fully explore the alibi witnesses, either.

After phoning the witnesses proved difficult, his first attorney got a judge's OK to pay to send a private investigator to Florida but then never dispatched the investigator, according to a 2010 appeals court decision. Another defense lawyer took over before Rosario's trial and mistakenly thought the court had nixed funding for the investigator's Florida trip.

Some of the witnesses did testify at trial, but prosecutors at the time urged jurors to discount them because they were Rosario's friends.
Savage ISIS militants stabbed a so-called 'spy' in the heart and shot him in the head in a disgusting public crucifixion.

The man, identified as Mohammed Al Kadri, was strapped to a metal pole and stabbed in the chest as families walked by in Raqqa, Syria.

ISIS terrorists said he was killed because he had carried out 'crimes' against the fundamentalist group.

ISIS militants blindfolded the man and handcuffed him before he was walked over to be executed

The man, identified as Mohammed Al Kadri, was strapped to a metal pole and had a gun pointed to his head

The graphic images were secretly taken by the rebel anti-ISIS group Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently.

ISIS started carrying out these sick crucifixions last month. One man dressed in an orange-boiler suit was killed for 'crimes against the caliphate'.

Images show a heavily-built executioner holding a knife against the chest of the man who was also held in the terror group's Syrian stronghold of Raqqa.

The man, named by the news agency ABNA as Abdulhadi Essa al-Salem, was knifed in the heart before a shot was fired into his head.

Shocking photos posted on Twitter then show the victim being crucified in public.

According to ABNA, he had been accused of co-operating with the US-led coalition.

A knife was then used to stab him in the chest before he was shot in the head with a pistol

ISIS started carrying out these sick crucifixions last month. One man dressed in a orange-boiler suit was killed for 'crimes the caliphate'

It is the latest gruesome method of execution carried out by ISIS extremists.

On May 8, pictures emerged of another barbaric killing of a man for allegedly being homosexual.

The unidentified young man had been accused of 'sodomy', according to local sources, and was punished for this supposed 'crime' by being thrown off a five-storey building in Manbij, Aleppo province.
A suspected gunman in the Delaware shooting that left a police officer with serious wounds to the face, neck and shoulder, is now in custody.

Folcroft Borough officer Chris Dorman, 25, was seriously wounded Friday morning at around 9.45 am in the rear of an apartment building, say officials.

Dorman is said to be in a critical but stable condition, Police Chief Robert Ruskowski told NBC.

He added that the bulletproof vest likely saved the officer's life.

A suspected gunman in the Delaware shooting that left a police officer with serious wounds to the face, neck and shoulder, is now in custody. Folcroft Borough officer Chris Dorman, 25, (right) was seriously wounded Friday morning at around 9.45 am in the rear of an apartment building

A search for the suspect ensued as police from various Delaware municipalities scoured nearby train tracks and neighbors were asked to remain at home

The apartments on Elmwood Avenue, Delaware, Pennsylvania, where the shooting took place were just a short distance from both the Folcroft police station and SEPTA's Folcroft train station.

The officer had been responding to a report of people smoking drugs - believed to be marijuana - behind the apartment complex.

Witnesses said they saw residents running from the apartment complex with their hands raised.

One witness Lawrence Ladd, who lives next to the apartment building, told NBC: 'I heard the shots. I looked out my windows and see police with sniper rifles running around.'

A hospital spokesman said that police rushed Dorman to nearby Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, where his condition was stabilized,

He was later taken by helicopter to Penn Presbyterian Hospital in West Philadelphia.

Officer Dorman has been on the force for just over a year.

A search for the suspect ensued as police from various Delaware municipalities scoured nearby train tracks and neighbors were asked to remain at home.

After a two hour search arrested a man suspected of being the shooter.
While President Obama is driven around in armored behemoth nicknamed The Beast, John Kerry had to settle for a slightly less formidable car as he visited California to meet technology experts.

The Secretary of State tried out a driverless Google car, but did not appear to be going anywhere fast as he sat inside the stationary vehicle for photographs.

He was in Silicon Valley on Thursday for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit and met up with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg for a tour of the social media giant's headquarters.

Secretary of State John Kerry tried out a driverless Google car at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit

Kerry did not appear to be going anywhere fast as he sat inside the stationary vehicle for photographs

Kerry took a look under the hood at its engine, before taking a seat inside the tiny two-seater vehicle

Zuckerberg and Kerry were seen meeting inside the plush Menlo Park offices and the two southpaws shared a left-handed handshake at the start of the day.

The Secretary of State was taken to a blackboard to write an inspirational message alongside dozens of others.

He wrote: 'Great ideas born in Massachusetts! Keep connecting the world - onward Facebook!'

Afterwards, Kerry was taken outside to have a go in a Google driverless car.

He took a look under the hood at its engine, before taking a seat inside the tiny two-seater vehicle.

The cars are not currently roadworthy but legislators are considering changing the law to allow them on U.S. highways.

The cars are not currently roadworthy but legislators are considering changing the law to allow them

Kerry met up with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg for a tour of the social media giant's headquarters

The Secretary of State was taken to a blackboard to write an inspirational message alongside dozens of others

Also at the the Global Entrepreneurship Summit was President Obama - who launched the annual meetings of technology pioneers six years ago

One of the main hurdles Google has to overcome is legislation saying cars must have a driver.

But U.S. vehicle safety regulators said in March that the artificial intelligence system piloting a self-driving Google car could be considered the driver under federal law .

Major automakers and technology companies such as Google are racing to develop and sell vehicles that can drive themselves at least part of the time.

All participants in the autonomous driving race complain that state and federal safety rules are impeding testing and eventual deployment of such vehicles.

Also at the the Global Entrepreneurship Summit was President Obama - who launched the annual meetings of technology pioneers six years ago.
The mother of one of two Wisconsin girls accused of trying to murder their classmate in the so-called 'Slender Man' stabbing attack says her daughter has admitted to having schizophrenic tendencies since she was a child but hid them from her family.

In her first interview since the 2014 attack, Angie Geyser, mother of attempted murder suspect Morgan Geyser, said this week that while she feels like she has failed as a mother, she was shocked to learn her daughter had planned to carry out a violent crime.

Morgan, now 14, is being treated for early-onset schizophrenia after she and a friend stabbed their classmate 19 times days after her 12th birthday in an attempt to appease the online 'demon' Slender Man, a fictional character the pair claim drove them to kill.

'There were no glaring, obvious signs she was ill,' Mrs Geyser told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

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A district attorney's office representative said: 'Police reports about the incident don't seem to substantiate sexual assault.' Geyser (above last August) is being treated for early onset schizophrenia

Mrs Geyser said that Morgan's father suffers from schizophrenia and the couple were aware their daughter had increased chances of developing the disorder, however they believed the symptoms would not manifest for another couple of years.

She said that Morgan went through puberty and started menstruating in the weeks leading up to the attack, and some of the strange behaviors she exhibited at the time were put down to her coming-of-age

'Even though she reports now having (schizophrenic) symptoms as young as three, the way that she explains it is, because it was always like that for her, she just assumed that that's the way it was for everyone,' Mrs Geyser said.

'She did make a conscious effort to hide her symptoms from us. I think part of that was because her hallucinations were her friends. They were friendly, for the most part, and she didn't want them to go away.'

Morgan Geyser her friend and Anissa Weier, now 14, are being tried as adults for attempted first-degree intentional homicide in the May 2014 attack on Payton Leutner.

The three girls - all 12 at the time - had enjoyed a sleepover at Geyser's home for her birthday in Waukesha, outside Milwaukee, and went to a park after waking up the following morning.

There, Geyser and Weier allegedly took turns stabbing Leutner with a kitchen knife in what prosecutors called a well-planned and thought-out attack.

Leutner managed to survive the stabbing and crawled to a nearby road, where she was saved by a passing cyclist.

They stabbed Payton Leutner (above) 19 times as they tried to appease the Slender Man, a fictional Internet character who they claim told them to murder Leutner. At the time of the incident, all three were 12 years old

The girls told investigators they wanted to kill Leutner and run off to live in the forest castle of Slender Man, a ghoul they had read about in online horror stories.

Neither of the suspects has entered a plea as the attorneys attempt to move the case to juvenile court.

The two girls' attorneys have never denied they attacked and stabbed Payton, but claim they were so disturbed they truly believed the Slender Man would kill their own families in three seconds if they did not do his bidding.

Mrs Geyser said she was shocked the girls were being tried as adults.

'Some of the comments on stories say: ''Adult crime, adult time.'' That's B.S. These are children,' she said.

Mrs Geyser said her daughter was traumatized for 19 months after the attack. Once in custody, she was diagnosed with early onset schizophrenia and began treatment.

During that time, according to doctors, she was talking to hallucinations of Harry Potter characters and Slender Man.

Morgan Geyser (left in 2014) and Anissa Weier (right in 2014) are being tried as adults for attempted first-degree intentional homicide. Geyser claims she was sexually assaulted by her cell mate last year

'When the medication finally worked, it was like a switch went on, like, ''There you are! Where have you been?''

Beforen that, Geyser said: 'We never knew which Morgan we'd get' during visits. 'She was floridly psychotic for 19 months.'

However, in May, Morgan's condition deteriorated, and she was committed to a state mental health hospital after trying to slash her wrist with a broken pencil.

As per procedure, Morgan was placed on suicide watch in a solitary room with only a padded gown.

'She couldn't have books or drawing materials or even her glasses,' Mrs Geyser said.

'I find the thought of her sitting in solitary, blind, eating with her hands like an animal extremely disturbing.'

Mrs Geyser says that, as her daughter's mental health improved, so too did the realization of what she had done and what her situation was.

'I try to help her be hopeful, saying: 'When you come home, when you go to college.' She responds: If she does those things,' Mrs Geyser said.

Earlier this year a judge denied request from both suspect's attorneys asked that their bail be reduced from $500,000 so that they can be put under house arrest.

Mrs Geyser is still pushing for the bail to be lowered so that Morgan can go live with her grandfather, a retired police officer in Wisconsin, where she will continue to seek treatment and be watched around-the-clock.

The families of both girls, from Waukesha, Wisconsin, have said they cannot afford the current bail, which has been set at $500,000 (Weier in court last August above)

Attorneys for Anissa Weier said that she was diagnosed as having a 'shared delusional belief', but that had improved with separation from her co-defendant.

Counselors reported that Geyser no longer heard voices or believed she interacted with Harry Potter characters, as she had in the past, after being treated with anti-psychotic medication.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported last year that counselor Kenneth Robbins evaluated Geyser twice, and later testified that she had delusions which appeared to be worsening.

Robbins said her disease would never disappear and that she would at some point begin to lose the ability to function.

He also said he believed she would qualify for an insanity defense due to the fact that she believed Slender Man would hurt her or her family if she did not do as he wished and murder Leutner.

Nicole Simon, a jail officer in Washington County where Geyser was previously being held, and other jail officials testified that she was a timid, polite and extremely creative child last year.

They also said she talks to herself, sits under a table in her jail pod and feeds and plays with ants crawling on the floor.

Evidence shown in court ahead of the trial includes a list of supplies (right) and mutilated Barbie dolls (left) found in Geyser's room

Testifying for the state, Kenneth Casimir said that despite her problems Geyser should not be sent home as she told him she would have to kill again for the Slender Man, proof he said that she is 'certainly at risk to engage in violent behavior.'

When asked if she would commit murder if freed, Casimir said Geyser told him: 'I'd have to do it.'

If the case is moved to juvenile court, the girls would spend no more than three more years in custody and would get far more more intense supervision after being released.

As adults, they could receive a sentence of 45 years behind bars.

Wisconsin law requires anyone accused of certain serious crimes to be charged as adults if they are 10 or older.

According to a criminal complaint, the girls plotted for months before they lured Leutner, their former friend, into some woods after a sleepover and attacked her.

Collins testified again at that hearing that Geyser told her she uses Vulcan mind control to keep negative emotions at bay and believes Harry Potter villain Lord Voldemort visits her when he's not away on business trips.

The alleged attackers were found after the stabbing walking toward the Nicolet National Forest, where they say they thought they would join Slender Man.
President Obama urged a new generation of entrepreneurs to create new ventures in an increasingly interconnected world  while global markets tanked amid concerns that Britain's withdrawal from Europe could bring new financial woes.

'The world has shrunk it is interconnected,' Obama declared at a conference in Silicon Valley. 'All of you represent that interconnection,' he told entrepreneurs gathered from around the world. 'Many of you are catalizing it and accelerating it.'

The summit represented a great networking opportunity for the young leaders  not to mention President Obama, who joked he was almost ready to join Zuckerberg in donning the famously business casual wardrobe of a simple T-shirt.

President Obama took off his jacket at the entrepreneurship summit for an appearance with Facebook cofounder Mark Zuckerberg

At the start of a panel with the tech billionaire and Facebook founder, Obama said he 'cant wear a T-shirt like Mark  for at elast another six months. But I will take off my jacket,' he quipped.

Obama got an early start courting entrepreneurs during a swank Thursday night dinner at Twenty Five Lusk.

Guests included venture capitalist John Doerr, Stanford University President John Hennessy, LinkedIn Chairman Reid Hoffman, Claire Lee, managing director of Silicon Valley Bank, Elizabeth Gore from Dell and Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

"The President will dine with leaders who promote global entrepreneurship to make communities around the world more economically prosperous, inclusive, and secure,' the White House said Thursday night.

Obama told the techie crowd, even as Europe fretted about its future and Donald Trump campaigned on putting up barriers to immigration, 'All of you represent all the upside of an interconnected world.'

Obama said he looked forward to donning a T-shirt in six months, when he leaves office

The two met with young entrepreneurs from around the world

The president said he'd like to attend next year's summit in India

'Guests have demonstrated this leadership through capital investments, mentorship, or entrepreneurial incubator opportunities for global entrepreneurs. In addition, all of the guests have had a role in shaping the Global Entrepreneurship Summit and are speakers during the summit.'

Obama addressed about 1,200 entrepreneurs at the event from 170 countries, including for the first time Cuba.

'Hola. Mucho gusto,' Obama told the Cubans.

Just 3 percent of venture capital-backed startups are led by women and only 1 percent by African-jAmericans, something Obama said he wants to change.

"Turns out that starting your own business is not easy. You have to have access to capital, you have to meet the right people, you have to have mentors who can guide you as you get your idea off the ground," Obama said. "And that can be especially difficult for women and young people and minorities and others who haven't always had the same access to networks and opportunities."

Zuckerberg talked about using a business not just to make dough, but to bring change.

'Entrepreneurship is about creating change, not just creating companies,' he told the Stanford audience. 'You keep going because you care not because youre trying to create a business,' he added.

Obama introduced Zuckerberg as 'A guy that you may have heard of who has done pretty well for himself.'

At the top of his remarks, with world leaders spooked, Obama said he had spoken to British Prime Minister David Cameron about the Brexit vote.
The devastated partner of a man who was beheaded by Islamic militants has told how his killers were 'happy' after the execution.

Marites Flor was abducted in September by Abu Sayyaf militants, along with three others, two of whom - Flor's partner Robert Hall and fellow Canadian John Ridsdel - were killed in a jungle in the Philippines.

Flor cried as she recounted how the kidnappers led away Hall to be beheaded after a ransom deadline lapsed last week. Ridsdel had been killed in April.

Marites Flor (pictured) was abducted in September by Abu Sayyaf militants in a Filipino jungle

Islamist extremist group Abu Sayyaf released Flor a day after seven Indonesian sailors were abducted in a separate incident in southern Philippines waters

'It's so painful because I saw them moments before they got beheaded,' Flor said.

'They [the militants] were watching it and they were happy.'

Flor said she was slapped and threatened and her fellow hostages were beaten when the militants angrily reacted to what they were doing.

'They told me, "Robert's head has been chopped off. You're next,''.' 'They treated us like dogs, like children,' she said.

Flor was abducted with Hall, Ridsdel and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad from a resort on southern Samal island whilst on yachts in September last year and taken to the jungles of the predominantly Muslim island province of Sulu. The militants killed the two Canadians after ransom deadlines lapsed.

The captives were among some two dozen people held by the Abu Sayyaf this year.

On Friday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said seven Indonesians were abducted by armed men who raided their tugboat and took them to Sulu, in a third such recent attack. Six others were released with the vessel, she said.

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, who has met Flor, said he was told that Sekkingstad may already be on the way out of captivity, but did not provide details.

He later went into a meeting with the Norwegian ambassador.

Filipino armed forces will continue to pursue Abu Sayyaf, according to defence secretary Voltaire Gazmin (pictured centre)

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has warmed that the extremists will face a major new offensive (pictured Filipino armed forces)

Duterte cut short his speech in a nationally televised police ceremony when officials arrived and brought the 38-year-old Flor, who appeared still distraught, to the stage. Duterte tried to console her and quietly asked a few questions.

Shortly before facing Flor, Duterte asked the Abu Sayyaf militants to stop ransom kidnappings, which he said have given the country 'a very bad image.'

He warned people against joining the Abu Sayyaf, suggesting a major offensive was forthcoming.

'There will be, I said, a reckoning one of these days,' he said.

It is not known if a ransom was paid to secure the freedom of Flor, who appeared in Abu Sayyaf videos tearfully pleading for her life.

In a final video, she called on Duterte to save their lives before the extremists killed Hall a few days later.

Rebels belonging to the larger Moro National Liberation Front and Sulu officials helped negotiate Flor's release with an Abu Sayyaf commander.
Social media users hit out at county voters for 'not reading the fine print'

Cornwall has begun pleading for reassurances that it won't lose the 60million a year it gets from the EU - just hours after the county's residents voted overwhelmingly for Brexit.

Some 182,665 Cornish residents sided with the out camp, while just 140,540 voted to remain.

But the reality of the situation may have started to hit home already in a county reliant on the 60million its gets every year for the European Union.

Some 182,665 Cornish residents sided with the out camp, while just 140,540 voted to remain - apparently on the understanding the 60million a year the EU currently spends in the county will now be paid by Westminster

In the last 15 years, the EU has put a billion pounds into Cornwall - including helping fund the Eden Project. The council is now 'seeking reassurances' that this will continue

Over the past 15 years, almost a billion pounds has been spent - including on things like the Eden Project, and Newquay Airport, which the EU had touted as a possible site for a spaceport in the future.

Money from the EU has also helped launch local businesses and boosted educational facilities, including at Falmouth University and Truro College.

Brexiteers had promised they would keep up the payments, which would mean vital projects the EU was helping to fund like railway improvements and bringing in superfast broadband could be thrown into doubt.

Cornwall is now begging for reassurances that this will not be the case - a worry, especially after Nigel Farage admitted the apparent promise to spend 350million a week sent to the EU on the NHS instead was not going to happen.

Council leader John Pollard said: 'Now that we know the UK will be leaving the EU we will be taking urgent steps to ensure that the UK Government protects Cornwall's position in any negotiations.

'We will be insisting that Cornwall receives investment equal to that provided by the EU programme which has averaged 60 million per year over the last 10 years.'

But Pollard's pleading has not gone down well on social media, with many, like Twitter user Ben Bulmer asking why Cornwall should 'have your cake and eat it... with clotted cream'.

It has not gone down well with social media users, who took to Twitter to mock the county, with one person suggesting Cornwall is having its cake and eating it 'with clotted cream'

This tweet explains the reasons why Cornwall got the funding - and the apparent folly in now rejecting it

@Nutmeg3isme pointed out: 'Sorry (not sorry), Cornwall. Shd've read the fine print, ie. paid attention to the facts.'

Meanwhile, Kernow/Cornwall (@Porthynys) noted .Cornwall's position as one of the poorest areas int he EU is not going to recover anytime soon'.
As a former principle dancer at the Royal Ballet, Darcey Bussell knows better than anyone how to curtsey.

Today, however, she swept so low it seemed as if she and the Queen were doing the Cha-cha-cha.

The monarch smiled broadly as the retired ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge contorted her 5ft 5in frame almost to the ground as they met at Buckingham Palace.

As she met a beaming Queen today, Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell contorted her 5ft 5in frame almost to the ground  though still managed to return the monarchs smile

The Queen is patron of the Royal Academy of Dance, where Miss Bussell is president, and the pair have met several times before

Miss Bussell was at the royal residence with choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne, who was being presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award.

The Queen is Patron of the Royal Academy of Dance, while Miss Bussell is its president.

The pair have met several times before  the dancer has been awarded both an OBE and CBE and was present at the Queens 90th birthday street party just last month.

The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award is an honour presented annually by the Royal Academy of Dance, to people who have made a significant contribution to the ballet and dance industry.

Miss Bussell was at the royal residence with choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne (pictured together), who was being presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award

Dame Adeline Genee instituted the award in 1953 to mark the coronation of the Queen and her appointment as Royal Patron of the Academy.

The first winner of the award was Dame Ninette de Valois, founder of the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Royal Ballet School.
A mother whose three-year-old daughter strangled on a window blind cord has filed a $4million lawsuit.

Natoshia Jones was visiting Pineview Apartments in Clackamas, Oregon, in February 2015 when her daughter Sahrye Imani Hardy got caught in the dangling cord and died.

Jones is now suing the apartment complex, Cascade Rental Management Company, and the blind manufacturer Newell Window Furnishings, Oregon Live reported.

Sahrye Imani Hardy (pictured) died when she was visiting Pineview Apartments in Clackamas, Oregon with her mother. She strangled on a window blind cord

Her mother Natoshia Jones (right) is now suing Pineview Apartments, Cascade Rental Management Company, and the blind manufacturer Newell Window Furnishings,for $4million

Jones was in the room with her daughter when she became entangled in the cord, but did not immediately realize the toddler was in danger.

'These are silent deaths. The cord basically cuts off the ability to speak, cry or many any specific noise,' lawyer Jim Corrigan told Oregon Live.

The lawsuit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, claims the apartment complex and its management company should be responsible for leaving the long cord.

The non-profit group Parents for Window Blind Safety has advocated for cords shorter than 7.25inches, in an attempt to reduce the risk of strangulation.

The suit also claims Newell Window Furnishings was negligent for selling their product without safety devices or 'mechanisms to prevent the possibility of strangulation.'

The lawsuit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, claims the apartment complex and its management company should be responsible for leaving the long cord

There have been 332 cord strangulations in America in the last 30 years, or just under one death a month, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Many retailers now only sell cordless blinds, and the CPSC have made efforts to recall shades in 1994, 2000 and 2009.

In 2009, more than 500million shades were recalled, but many of the potentially hazardous blinds are still being sold.

Old models that have been installed and left on windows around the country still present a possible danger.

The CPSC cautions against using window coverings with cords in all homes, while parents are advised not to place cribs, beds or other furniture near windows.




Orlando Williams, 38, has been arrested after he allegedly slammed his fiance's eight-year-old boy in anger over a messy room, killing the child

An eight-year-old boy is dead after his mother's fiance allegedly slammed him on the ground in anger over a messy bedroom.

Orlando Williams, 38, has been charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person.

The boy, named JonMarquis Stepich, had to be placed on a ventilator and suffered a brain bleed and herniated brain stem. He also had bruises covering his body, according to a criminal complaint.

Doctors called police after seeing the extent of the boy's injuries.

Williams told police he and his fiance took a trip with his son and her two boys to Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania earlier that weekend before returning to their North Braddock home on Sunday.

The fiance then left for work and Williams, who said he had been drinking earlier that day, was left to watch the children.

Williams said he went into JonMarquis' room that night and became angry after he tripped over a laundry basket.

He woke the boy up and told him to clean his room, according to WPXI.

Williams left the room only to return a couple of minutes later, where he found JonMarquis sitting on his bed.

That's when Williams said he grabbed the boy and tried to slam him in the middle of the bed. But he missed and JonMarquis hit the floor, immediately losing consciousnesses.

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The boy, named JonMarquis, had to be placed on a ventilator when he arrived at the hospital on Sunday and suffered a brain bleed and herniated brain stem. He died from his injuries on Thursday

Williams told police he was trying to slam JonMarquis onto the boy's bed after he tripped over a laundry basket in his room. But Williams missed, and the boy hit the ground instead

Williams and his mother took the boy to a nearby hospital. JonMarquis was then flown to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where he died on Thursday.

Police arrested Williams on Monday night and took him to Allegheny County Jail.

Williams is a registered sex offender who was convicted of rape in 2002, according to CBS Pittsburgh.

He has been classified as a Tier III sex offender, which means he must remain on the state refistry for life.

Police have not yet disclosed if he will face more charges because of his status.
Migrants believe French police will no longer stop them sneaking into UK

Migrants living in the jungle refugee camp in Paris have praised the Brexit vote claiming French authorities will no longer block their passage to Britain.

French politicians reacted angrily to the referendum result, with the Mayor of Calais seeking the removal of the controversial refugee camp claiming the British government should deal with the situation.

Asylum seekers make nightly attempts to sneak on board trucks looking to cross the Channel, but are often intercepted by French police.

Migrants living in the Jungle Camp in Calais believe Brexit will make it easier to sneak into the UK

French politicians want to abandon an agreement where UK border checks are carried out in Calais

One Afghan asylum seeker told the Mirror: 'Everything is very tough now, they dont let people go to the UK. But if the UK is out of the EU, France is going to say, "Bye bye, you are out, now take your refugees".'

Currently border checks are conducted on the French side of the Channel with many migrants living in the infamous Jungle camp.

But now the the understanding, known as the Touquet agreement, between France and the UK has been called into question following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

And mayor of Calais Natacha Bouchart says she will be pressing for the agreement to be suspended.

She told French broadcaster BFM TV: 'The British must take on the consequences of their choice.

Mayor of Calais Natacha Bouchart, who says migrant camps in the French port town should to be moved to Britain after a vote in favour of Brexit

'We are in a strong position to push, to press this request for a review and we are asking the President to bring his weight (to the issue).

'We must put everything on the table and there must be an element of division, of sharing.'

This echoed calls from Xavier Bertrand, the centre-right president of the Hauts-de-France region, who tweeted: 'The English wanted to take back their freedom, they must take back their border.'

Prior to the referendum, a French government minister had warned a vote for Brexit could see migrant camps being moved from Calais to Britain.

Finance minister Emmanuel Macron said in February that the treaty, which was signed in 2003, could be scuppered, telling reporters: 'The day this relationship unravels, migrants will no longer be in Calais.'

There are currently around 7,000 migrants camped in Calais and Dunkirk, many of whom make regular attempts to get into the Channel Tunnel or board a ferry.

Ending the agreement would mean cars and lorries would not be checked for migrants until they reach the British side of the Channel.

However, previously Bernard Cazeneuve, the French Interior Minister, rubbished suggestions the border with Britain could be opened.

'Calling for the border with the English to be opened is not a responsible solution,' Mr Cazeneuve said.

Before the vote, a French government minister had warned Brexit could lead to the camps moving to England

Ending the agreement would mean vehciles would not be checked for migrants until they reach Dover

There are currently around 7,000 migrants camped in Calais and Dunkirk seeking to sneak into the UK

'It would send a signal to people smugglers and would lead migrants to flow to Calais in far greater numbers.

'A humanitarian disaster would ensue. It is a foolhardy path, and one the government will not pursue.

'On the contrary, we're going to make the border even more watertight to dissuade smugglers and migrants, respect international rules and reduce the pressure on Calais.'
Before being tasered to the ground, Robinson apparently shouts 'Kill me!'

The pair struggle with the weapon as others come in with tasers

As he is uncuffed by officer James Ball, Robinson grabs Ball's gun

This is the dramatic moment a murder suspect tried to grab a Cincinnati police officer's gun in the interview room - and the struggle for survival that followed.

The footage, filmed June 16 and shared on LiveLeak, shows Thomas Robinson, 23, waiting to be interrogated in the shooting death of Joseph Reno Armstrong Jr, 17, in Westwood.

In what appears to be an attempt at suicide-by-cop, Robinson grabs the officer's gun, then appears to shout 'Kill me! Kill me!' as the men struggle over the weapon and other police rush into the room.

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Spotted: Murder suspect Thomas Robinson (left) was filmed in an interview room in a Cincinatti police station. As the video begins, he's seen spotting the gun on officer James Bell's hip

Thinking it over: Robinson seems to weigh up his options as Bell removes the cuffs that keep him on the chair. He has been charged with the murder of Joseph Reno Armstrong Jr, 17, in Westwood on June 16

Going for it: As Bell unlocks the cuffs, Robinson lunges and grabs the officer's gun. But Bell is quick and locks Robinson's arm so he can't pull it out of its holster. A dramatic struggle follows

The footage, filmed on a security camera, shows Robinson handcuffed to a chair in the interview room when a uniformed officer - identified as James Ball by Cincinatti.com - comes in to uncuff him.

Ball leans down to uncuff Robinson's left hand, leaving his right side - the one that his firearm is on - exposed.

Robinson glances over once, and pauses a moment, seemingly thinking his options over.

Then, as Ball fumbles with the cuffs, Robinson reaches over with his right hand, pulls the pistol out of its holder and quickly stands up, the chair still cuffed to his hand.

As he does so, the officer grabs his gun arm and locks it horizontally across his chest, shouting for help.

Another cop rushes in, pulling out a taser and firing it into Robinson's back, apparently without effect. The suspect then shouts what sounds like 'Kill me! Kill me!'

Backup: Bell shouts for help and an officer runs in with a taser. Robinson continues to struggle, apparently shouting 'Kill me! Kill me!' at the cops. The office fires his taser into Robinson's back, to no effect

Tased again: A third cop enters and this time manages to tase Robinson in the chest, apparently knocking him out. Bell can be seen next to the other officer, falling backwards

Down for the count: As Robinson lies on the floor the second cop inspects his taser and calls it a 'piece of s***'. Robinson was charged with assault, as Bell - seen getting up off the floor - was allegedly hit in the face

Robinson continues to struggle with Ball, who is twisting his arm back to keep the gun pointed away from them.

The new cop races in to restrain Robinson as a third officer enters the room.

He tries to grab Robinson too, but apparently realizing the room is too small for that maneuver, he steps back and brings out his own taser.

This one hits Robinson in the chest, and he goes down, the chair landing on top of him, as Ball is pushed away by the second officer.

The second officer looks at his useless taser, grumbles 'Piece of s***!' and then goes over to the unconscious Robinson.

Ball confirms that he's 'good' and that Robinson couldn't get the gun off him as a fourth person enters the room.

In addition to the murder of Armstrong Jr, Robinson has also been charged with assaulting a police officer after hitting Ball in the face when he took the gun, Cincinatti.com reported.

Armstrong Jr was found dead at 2627 Montana Avenue in Westwood by Cincinnati Police on June 16, along with another individual who had suffered a gunshot wound.

When he was arrested, Robinson was also found to have a ball of heroin in his sock.
Samantha Cameron has been elegant, discreet, thoroughly admirable as chatelaine of No 10, says QUENTIN LETTS

The moment David Cameron stepped out of No 10 with his wife Samantha, we knew he was going to leap. Wife and husband were hand-in-hand. This was not merely a matter of state. It was, for them, something more than that  something personal, emotional, maybe more impulsive  and she was determined to stand by her man.

She did so just about without shedding a tear, though it can not have been easy.

Sam Cam has been elegant, discreet, thoroughly admirable as chatelaine of No 10. It was only right she should decorate his announcement of departure and do so in a bright frock. At first she seemed close to tears. Mr Cameron, for his part, twice struggled to keep his composure as he spoke from his official lectern.

Down at the far end of the street, 100 yards away beyond its high, black gates, car horns tooted in celebration of this remarkable, liberating referendum result. An old man ground out Land of Hope and Glory on a hand-held organ.

Even as Mr Cameron began his remarks, passers-by shouted cheers of celebration at the Leave result.

But here behind the citadel defences? Only glumness and a twitching of the net curtains as aides peeped out at a world no longer theirs.

The first time Mr Camerons voice wobbled was when he spoke of pride that his Government had enabled gay people to marry the people they loved. The second was in his peroration when he said I love this country and feel honoured to have served it.

Love, both times, triggered emotion. Is that not often the way? Some of us had already been in Downing Street a couple of hours  what a throng of foreign media there was, with a French TV woman repeatedly rehearsing her lines (David Cameron est fini).

A Japanese reporter whispered urgently into a camera. German and American correspondents mouthed the word Brexit.

Seventeen million UK voters have made the world take notice.

Larry the No 10 cat was let out for his own, personal constitutional. He stared at the crowd of onlookers as though to say excuse me, do you mind NOT staring? A chap needs a little privacy round here. Lord Feldman, Tory party chairman, turned up.

He ignored my question will you resign? but later we heard he would be departing in due course.

Initially it had been thought Mr Cameron might speak some broad words to accept the ballot result and to reassure the City before the markets opened at 8am, telling dealers that smooth Government would continue. As that hour first approached, then passed, we sensed something bigger was afoot.

So it proved. The country requires fresh leadership... I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination, said Mr Cameron.

He did say that delivering stability would be important, but after the autumn it would be someone elses task. Many will feel he should have stayed longer.

The country requires fresh leadership... I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination, said Mr Cameron as his wife looked on

There had been efforts, behind that black door, to persuade him not to quit. Had he not promised to do so in the last days of the referendum campaign? But you can not separate entirely the personal from public duty. Did he feel pique? Anger? Petulance? Maybe. He is only human.

What has been done has been done. He hoped there would be a new PM by the autumn. The snowdome has been shaken. We will have to see where the flakes fall.

He delivered this last soliloquy with dignity and professionalism. The performance, as ever, was faultless, even if the content will be controversial. Then: a turn to Samantha, for it was time to return indoors.

She moved to kiss him but they thought better of it, lest that punctured their stoicism. He steered her inside with a hand on the small of her back.

They did not turn round to give the cawing photographers a glimpse of any tears. The media vultures were denied their peck at the eyes.

Three hours later, at Vote Leaves grimy HQ south of the river, we saw Boris Johnson, the man Mr Cameron had challenged in this gamble. Politics is roulette with a harvesters scythes for its wheel

Three hours later, at Vote Leaves grimy HQ south of the river, we saw Boris Johnson, the man Mr Cameron had challenged in this gamble. Politics is roulette with a harvesters scythes for its wheel.

At such moments, in the twitch of the politicians jaw and the sudden change to a more statesmanlike mode, you sense the weightiness of the responsibility. Boris suddenly looked more serious. On leaving his Islington home earlier, he had been shouted at by protesters infuriated by the democratic outcome. Scum! they called him.

It is perhaps no wonder that such people should like the undemocratic European Commission.

So often the joker, Boris found a gravelly tone of regret for his short speech. Sadness in victory: it was not just tactful but felt rooted in truth.

It was more in keeping with the gravity of developments than the foot-bouncing huzzahs we had had earlier from Nigel Farage.

To one side of Boris stood Labours Gisela Stuart, who has emerged from this referendum a senior and significant figure.

To his other stood Michael Gove, who was almost sepulchral as he said that Mr Cameron deserves to be remembered as a great Prime Minister. It was as though he had died. Perhaps their friendship has.

What has been done has been done. He hoped there would be a new PM by the autumn. The snowdome has been shaken. We will have to see where the flakes fall

Both Boris and Gove did look genuinely sorry, and perhaps even a little shaken, that Mr Cameron had quit.

They were two reluctant assassins. There was none of the fist-clenching and air-punching you get at general election victories.

Mr Cameron was a brave and principled man who had given superb leadership to the Conservative party for many years, said Boris.

He also thanked him for giving us the referendum  the first chance for a generation to consent to the transfer of so much of our sovereignty.

The first chance, after 43 years, for the British public to agree to the attempted theft of their kingdoms self-determination! Is it any wonder we rebelled?
Boris Johnson and Michael Gove could stand on a Brexit dream ticket in the race to succeed David Cameron in Downing Street.

Mr Johnson was installed as odds-on favourite to replace Mr Cameron yesterday after leading the stunning campaign to get Britain out of the EU.

Last night there was speculation he could run on a ticket with Mr Gove, who is credited with being the brains behind the Leave strategy. In this scenario, Mr Gove would be installed as Chancellor and lead the detailed negotiations on Brexit.

Boris Johnson and Michael Gove could stand on a Brexit dream ticket in the race to succeed David Cameron in Downing Street

But the former London mayor faces concerted opposition from Cameron loyalists at Westminster. One former minister last night said discussions had begun on identifying a stop Boris candidate, with Home Secretary Theresa May emerging as a likely favourite.

Mrs May, who appeared to be a reluctant supporter of Remain, is said to be in talks with the arch-Eurosceptic Liam Fox about launching a rival ticket.

The respected home secretary, who was a quiet supporter of remain, is being offered support to try and unify the party - and beat the former London mayor.

While Mrs May has been praised for her long service in one of the toughest cabinet roles, many MPs do not see her as a 'team player'.

Tory women in particular have complained in the past that Mrs May did not dine with them when the Commons sat late. However insiders now believe she could be the safe pair of hands to halt Mr Johnson.

Meanwhile Ken Clarke, the former Cabinet minister, said Mr Cameron should be replaced by people who were 'ready to deliver the serious business of government', a dig at Boris Johnson.

Mr Clarke, a keen supporter of the EU, told the BBC's Newsnight he had to count to ten when discussing Brexit to work out 'what the devil' happens next.

In his victory speech yesterday, two hours after Mr Cameron announced he was stepping down, Mr Johnson said Britain could have a glorious future outside the EU

'We have a caretaker government. We have no policy of any kind on what our relationship will be with the outside world and Europe in particular.' He added that 'the British have caused a crisis for half the western world' by voting out of the EU.'

Until recently, Mr Johnson had lacked the parliamentary party backing to stand as leader. He was seen as remote and out of touch when he came back to the Commons after two terms at City Hall. However his support for Brexit catapulted him to becoming the favourite to succeed Mr Cameron.

Mr Johnson yesterday refused to take questions about his leadership ambitions. He is said to have been taken aback by both the scale of the win and the decision of the Prime Minister to resign immediately.

In his victory speech yesterday, two hours after Mr Cameron announced he was stepping down, Mr Johnson said Britain could have a glorious future outside the EU.

Hinting at how he might pitch his future leadership, he reached out to young voters who backed Remain in large numbers, saying: It is the essence of our case that young people in this country can look forward to a more secure and more prosperous future if we take back the democratic control which is the foundation of our economic prosperity.

Mr Johnson also insisted Brexit would not mean somehow pulling up the drawbridge, because I think the very opposite is true.

He added: In the end this decision is about the people, the right of people in this country to settle their own destiny. The very principles of our democracy, the rights of all of us to elect and remove the people who make the key decisions in their lives.

His father Stanley, who played a prominent role in the Remain campaign, said he had total confidence in his sons ability to make a good prime minister, adding: Anybody who wins the Brackenbury scholarship at Balliol is certainly qualified to be prime minister.

Boris Johnson read Classics at Oxford Universitys Balliol College, from 1983 to 1987. At that time, scholarships were of nominal value and were awarded to those considered to have outstanding academic ability.

Mr Cameron yesterday fired the starting gun on a three-month leadership contest by announcing he would stand down at the Tories October conference. His decision could spark a General Election within the next 12 months, with his successor likely to want to take advantage of Labours feeble state to secure their own mandate.

A TNS poll yesterday showed 50 per cent of voters would expect a new Tory leader to hold an election, compared with 22 per cent who think it is unnecessary.

Bookmaker William Hill immediately installed Mr Johnson as 4/5 favourite to succeed his old friend and rival. Mrs May was given odds of 3/1, while Mr Gove was on 5/1. Mr Gove is popular with party activists, but has repeatedly said he has no interest in being PM. He has forged a close relationship with Mr Johnson during the campaign and many Tories predict the two men will stand on a joint ticket.

Chancellor George Osborne, who was favourite before the referendum began, has drifted to distant odds of 12/1, after masterminding a campaign which infuriated many Tories by ramping up claims about the threat to the economy of leaving the EU.

The history of Tory leadership contests suggests they are rarely won by the initial favourite, and a number of other candidates are considering throwing their hats in the ring.

One former minister last night said discussions had begun on identifying a stop Boris candidate, with Home Secretary Theresa May emerging as a likely favourite

Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb is said to have teamed up with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to make a run for the leadership. Mr Crabb is unusual among Tory MPs in having a working-class background, and is seen as a moderniser. But he opposed Brexit and is currently priced at 20/1.

Pro-Remain Education Secretary Nicky Morgan is also thought to be considering a run for the leadership, despite enjoying little popularity among Tory activists.

But many Tory MPs believe the next leader will have to be a Brexit supporter in order to successfully lead EU negotiations. Veteran Conservative MP Sir Bill Cash said: Whoever is in No 10 needs to be absolutely committed to Brexit. Fellow Tory Andrew Bridgen said the next leader has got to be someone from the Brexit camp.

Energy minister Andrea Leadsom, who had a prominent role in the Brexit campaign, is priced at 10/1, and employment minister Priti Patel, a fellow Brexiteer, has odds of 16/1.

Graham Brady, chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee of Tory MPs, is expected to set a timetable for the contest next week.

Under Tory rules, MPs whittle the field of candidates down to two in a series of secret ballots at Westminster. The two candidates are then voted on by the 150,000 Tory members. Most MPs believe Mr Johnson would win comfortably if his name is put to the country. Some opponents believe he could be stopped by keeping him off the final ballot.
Alfredo Perez, 30, was sentenced to four years in prison for an unprovoked attack on a bus driver

A Bronx man will spend four years behind bars for an unprovoked knife attack on a bus driver, the Brooklyn District Attorney's office announced Thursday.

Alfredo Perez, 30, slashed a Metropolitan Transit Authority bus driver across the side of his face and neck in the September, 2014 attack in Brooklyn's Brownsville neighborhood, said Brooklyn DA Ken Thompson in a press release.

The attack came after driver John Browne stepped out of his parked B35 city bus near the corner of Mother Gaston Boulevard and Hegeman Avenue and went into a bodega at around 10:15pm.

Browne's bus appeared to have a mechanical problem, and the 45-year-old driver was waiting for assistance.

When the driver exited the store, Perez, who had never met Browne before, started cursing him from the opposite street corner, Thompson said.

Perez then quickly approached Browne, pulled a knife, and slashed him.

Browne, who was in uniform, was taken to hospital and received six stitches. He still suffers pain from the incident, and has a visible scar on his face, Thompson said.

Perez fled the scene but was caught four days later.

Perez is pictured crying in court Thursday. He was sentenced to four years for slashing a bus driver with a knife in a September, 2014 attack in Brooklyn

Driver John Browne points to a scar he sustained in the 2014 attack. He said after the sentencing of his attacker: 'All the copy cats out there, you will be caught and punished'

The attack came after driver John Browne stepped out of his parked B35 city bus near the corner of Mother Gaston Boulevard and Hegeman Avenue and went into a bodega at

MTA buses, which service all five boroughs of New York City, are plastered with stickers that say: 'Bus operators are protected by New York State law - Assaulting a bus operator is a felony punishable by up to 7 yrs. in prison.'

'This defendant's vicious and unprovoked attack against a hard-working public servant who was simply waiting for his bus to be towed is completely unacceptable. He deserves to be sent to prison to protect the public,' Thompson said after the sentencing.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, the victim said the four-year sentence should be a deterrent to other would-be attackers.

'This is for all the copy cats out there who think they can get away with doing the same thing, you will be caught and punished,' Browne said.
An incredible video has emerged showing an illegal cash machine skimmer being discovered by a security expert while on holiday in Vienna.

American security consultant Benjamin Tedesco found the dodgy device attached to a cash machine outside St. Stephen's Cathedral in the Austrian capital.

The shocking video has been viewed more than 100,000 times since it was uploaded to YouTube last week.

The security expert said: 'While on vacation with my family in Vienna, Austria, I went to grab some cash from an ATM.

'Being security paranoid, I repeated my typical habit of checking the card reader with my hand as I have 100s of times... today's the day when my security awareness paid off'.

'In addition to the magnetic strip reader, it has a battery (the large silver object on the right) some sort of switch (the small silver object in the middle with the small black tab sticking out of it) and of course the control board with the 4 pin connector (the large green board to the left).'

He added: 'I have since notified the Vienna Police Department regarding this discovery'.

An incredible video has emerged showing an illegal cash machine skimmer being discovered by a security expert while on holiday in Vienna (pictured)

American security consultant Benjamin Tedesco found the dodgy device attached to a cash machine outside St. Stephen's Cathedral in the Austrian capital

The video starts with Mr Tedesco showing the cash machine and its position near to the cathedral.

He then points to a small amount of glue surrounding the card entry point on the machine.

With one small pull the security whizz pulls the almost-identical skimmer straight off the machine.

Mr Tedesco then warns another ATM user about the potential risks of the machines.

On social media Gomez Perez said: 'You're awesome for exposing that'.

With one small pull the security whizz pulls the almost-identical skimmer straight off the machine. Mr Tedesco then warns another ATM user (right) about the potential risks of the machines

The shocking video filmed in Vienna (pictured) has been viewed more than 100,000 times since it was uploaded to YouTube last week
From working class estates in Labour heartlands to Tories in the Home Counties, it was an unlikely meeting of minds.

The extraordinary alliance of voters who embraced 'Leave' also included many of the nation's suburbs and vast swathes of agricultural areas in the East of England and West Country.

While motivations may have varied with geography, they had common purpose: to give a firm slap in the face to the London political elite.

The map of results vividly depicts the capital as a small, isolated island of euro-enthusiasm in a sea of blue.

The map of results vividly depicts the capital as a small, isolated island of euro-enthusiasm in a sea of blue

To a greater or lesser extent, almost everywhere else in England and Wales resolved to quit Brussels. Scotland and Northern Ireland, however, both voted to remain. Six years after Gordon Brown infamously dismissed a voter in Rochdale who was concerned about the effects of mass migration as a 'bigoted woman', yesterday the Labour Party could only watch as its supporters defied leader Jeremy Corbyn with Leave votes mounting up in its heartlands.

Across the North in old socialist bastions such as Warrington, Wigan, St Helens, Doncaster and Barnsley, the Leavers were overwhelmingly the winners.

The same groundswell was in evidence in Tyneside too  another former New Labour stronghold.

There were relatively wealthy Newcastle residents opting to remain but their poorer neighbours in Gateshead, Sunderland, Consett and South Shields were choosing to quit.

In Labour-dominated Merseyside, while voters in Liverpool city centre stayed loyal to the official party line and backed Remain, the less affluent suburbs opted to leave.

The biggest punches were dealt by voters in the Midlands, Eastern England, Lincolnshire and Humberside, especially in areas where Eastern European immigration has been a huge concern.

The greatest support for Brexit was in Boston, Lincolnshire  home to a higher proportion of Eastern European migrants than anywhere else in England and Wales  which polled 75.6 per cent of votes to leave the European Union.

Nearby South Holland was second, on 73.6 per cent, while Thurrock in Essex, recorded 72.3 per cent and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk had 71.5 per cent.

Yet overall, evidence suggests immigration was not in fact the chief reason why leavers decided it was time to quit.

To a greater or lesser extent, almost everywhere else in England and Wales resolved to quit Brussels

Yesterday's Referendum special after news of the incredible result came through

 questioning 12,369 people on Referendum Day after they had voted  revealed the number one motivation to leave the EU was concerns over sovereignty, with migrants coming second. Asked why they had voted Out, almost half of leavers (49 per cent) said the biggest single reason was 'the principle that decisions about the UK should be taken in the UK'.

A further 33 per cent cited regaining control over immigration and borders as the biggest reason. The third largest factor was feeling powerless to stop the EU expanding its membership or powers.

By contrast, those who voted to stay in the EU did so for entirely different reasons, the research found, suggesting the two sides were never really engaging with each other's arguments.

The biggest factors for the remainers were the risks to the economy, jobs and prices.

Second on the list was access to the single market, and third was a feeling of isolation.

In all of these breakdowns, the priorities were the same for Conservative and Labour voters.

The analysis also shows that the Leave camp won over voters on the key battlegrounds of the NHS, border controls, protection against terrorism, and quality of life.

While voters trusted leavers more on these topics, they trusted remainers more on the economy and the cost of living  but of course not enough to sway the balance.

Tens of thousands of people put off their decision till late, the Ashcroft analysis shows, perhaps explaining why the opinion polls were so volatile.

Fewer than half of voters said they had always known how they would vote. About a quarter left it to the final week of the campaign to make up their minds  and about one in ten voters only decided on polling day itself.

Asked why they had voted Out, almost half of leavers (49 per cent) said the biggest single reason was 'the principle that decisions about the UK should be taken in the UK'

Overall, the older the voter, the more likely they were to have chosen to leave the EU. While three-quarters of those aged 18 to 24 voted to remain, a majority of those over 45 voted to leave. Around two-thirds of council and housing association tenants voted for Brexit.

Vote-Remain was highest among people with university educations.

Among Conservative voters, 58 per cent chose to leave. Among Labour, it was 37 per cent. And nearly one in three Lib Dems  once led by arch-europhile Nick Clegg  gave their vote to leave.

Despite Green Party MP Caroline Lucas saying she was 'heartbroken' at the result yesterday, some 25 per cent of her party's supporters were in the camp to leave. Bizarrely, some 4 per cent of UKIP supporters  whose party's entire raison d'etre is independence from the European Union  voted to remain.

Geographically, the pockets of remainers included cities in which universities loomed large  56 per cent for remaining in Norwich, more than 60 per cent in Bristol, rising to 70 per cent and more in Oxford and Cambridge  all of which are home to many of 'the experts' derided by the leavers.

Wales, another former Labour heartland, defied predictions by narrowly choosing Brexit and, in common with the national trend, its more prosperous regions  the Vale of Glamorgan and the student-heavy capital in Cardiff  both chose to remain.

The East of England matched the polls' predictions as one of the most eurosceptic parts of the UK, with almost three in five of its residents backing Brexit.

This region is home to MP Douglas Carswell's constituency, Clacton, the only Ukip seat in Parliament, which contains the most deprived area in the UK, with 33 per cent youth unemployment, where locals blamed Europe and uncontrolled immigration for the decline of the seaside town.

Remain was strong almost everywhere in the capital  75 per cent in Islington and Camden, 78 per cent in Hackney, 66 per cent in wealthy Kensington and Chelsea.

But Leave still managed a majority in the East London working class neighbourhoods of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, plus Bexley and a number of neighbouring areas in the Thames estuary.

Commentator Roy Greenslade said yesterday that for residents in these areas, the economy was 'a vague concept compared to their everyday experience of immigration'.
Emergency services believe it is impossible he survived in cold conditions

Emergency services have suspended their desperate search for a man who tumbled overboard from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.

Just after midnight on Saturday, passengers alerted the crew after seeing the 45-year-old Ballarat man fall over the edge as the ship was around 43 nautical miles south-east of Victoria,The ABC reported.

The ferry was travelling from Melbourne to Tasmania, but turned around after realising the man had fallen overboard.

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Emergency services are desperately searching for a man who tumbled overboard from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry (stock image)

Water Police and Police Air Wing scoured the water for any signs of the missing passenger, but temporarily called off the search after 12 hours.

Some clothes believed to belong to the man are being examined by police after being found floating in the water.

Two ships travelling along the Bass Strait assisted in the search, but emergency services believe it is impossible the man could have surviced.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) spokeswoman Andrea Hayward-Maher told the ABC the water temperature was around 12 degrees and a 2.5-metre swell is expected.

Victoria's Water Police Sergeant Paul Bartlett said the risk of the missing man suffering hypothermia was high and his chance of survival is 'very limited'.

The Spirit of Tasmania ferry was expected to arrive in Devonport, Tasmania at 6am on Saturday, but changed its arrival time to 2.15pm.

Spirit of Tasmania revealed on its Facebook page on Saturday morning both ships were returning to their destinations and abandoning the search
Facebook will start training its employees to spot their own political bias - weeks after a former employee accused the platform of downplaying conservative news in its trending topics.

All of the company's leaders and all of its employees have taken a class helping them manage their own biases and the module will now include a chapter about politics, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sheryl Sandberg announced Wednesday.

Facebook faced accusations of bias earlier this year when a former employee told Gizmodo the team had prevented stories about conservative personalities or topics from appearing in the Trending Topics section.

The company denied the accusations and said it had found 'no evidence of systematic political bias' after an interval investigation - but pledged to revamp the tool to minimize risks.

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Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg said the company would now train its employees to keep their own political bias in check during a talk in Washington, DC on Wednesday (pictured)

'We think a lot about diversity at Facebook,' Sandberg said on Wednesday.

'And we have a managing-bias class that all of our leaders and a lot of our employees have taken that I was part of helping to create, and we've focused on racial bias, age bias, gender bias, national bias, and we're going to add in a scenario now on political bias.'

'So that, as part of [how] we think about helping people understand different points of view and being open to different points of view, we're dealing with political bias as well going forward.'

Sandberg spoke Wednesday in Washington, DC as part of a series of talks about the competition of ideas organized by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a conservative think tank.

Sandberg spoke as part of a series of talks about the competition of ideas organized by conservative think tank American Enterprise Institute and told its present Arthur Brooks (pictured left with Sandberg on Wednesday) that Facebook had become more rigorous in managing its trending topics feature

Video courtesy of AEI

'It is a political time and we're proud of the role we play in elections, not just here but around the world,' Sandberg told AEI president Arthur Brooks on Wednesday.

'The vision of Facebook was to enable individuals to connect, but to connect not just to their friends and family, but also to the people who are representing them and who they want to represent them.'

A former Facebook employee told Gizmodo in May that some of the company's employees had downplayed stories about topics such as the CPAC, Mitt Romney and Rand Paul in the trending topics section.

'I believe it had a chilling effect on conservative news,' the former employee, who had worked as a news curator for Facebook according to Gizmodo, told the website at the time.

Facebook announced it would conduct an internal review of the trending topics tool and announced in May the probe had revealed 'no evidence of systematic political bias in the selection or prominence of stories' displayed in the feature - which Sandberg told Brooks again on Wednesday.

The company said in a statement at the time: 'At the same time, our investigation could not fully exclude the possibility of isolated improper actions or unintentional bias in the implementation of our guidelines or policies.'

Sandberg acknowledged on Wednesday that there is concern that companies in the Silicon Valley have a liberal bias - but explained that human oversight was needed to regulate the trending topics tools otherwise 'every day at noon, lunch would be trending'.

The platform said in May that it would take several measures to 'minimize risks where human judgment is involved', including updating its guidelines to make them more clear and giving additional training to reviewers in charge of the feature, reminding them that 'content decisions may not be made on the basis of politics or ideology'.

Sandberg reminded Brooks of these measures on Wednesday and said the company had become more 'rigorous' in its handling of the editorial team.

Other measures included not relying on an external list of new sources to rate the importance of certain stories and removing the ability to assign an importance level to a topic.
Jeremy Corbyn has claimed he did 'all he could' to prevent the UK leaving the EU as pressure mounts on him to resign.

Today angry activists criticised him for 'failing to get working class votes' after dozens of typical Labour heartlands in the north and Wales voted for Leave.

And the embattled Labour leader, who was attending London's Pride festival, was criticised for 'using the LGBTQ community' to 'protect his leadership'.

But Mr Corbyn defended his Brexit campaign record and told activists that 'I did all I could'.

Labour's John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, went as far as saying Mr Corbyn, 67, 'worked himself to the ground' despite many on the right and left criticising him for a 'lacklustre' effort.

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Mr Corbyn was vocally attacked by Labour activists as he took part in Gay Pride in London today

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn made no comment on his own future as Labour leader today despite an attempt to oust him with a no confidence motion

Mr Corbyn attempted to get back on the front foot earlier today with a major speech on immigration, blasting an 'irresponsible' debate during the campaign and demanding the Government focus more on the public's worries about how migrants impact on public services.

As many as 200 Labour MPs are expected to back a no confidence motion in Mr Corbyn if it is called to a secret ballot on Tuesday.

But asked today if he would contest any leadership contest that follows, Mr Corbyn told Sky News: 'Yes. I'm here.'

Labour MP Frank Field today claimed Mr Corbyn should recognise he cannot return Labour to power and quit for the good of the party.

In his speech, the Labour leader insisted the concerns about immigration and its impact on public services and housing.

He said: 'We have to address the needs of people and places that have been left behind, building an economic strategy that works for all, in all parts of the country'

'And we have to move beyond the irresponsible debate that we sometimes have that makes people afraid or that accuses people of being Little Englanders or racists just for raising the issue.

'It is clear from the vote on Thursday and from the people I have spoken to across Britain  that there was a backlash against the free movement of people across the 28 nations in the European Union.'

Labour leader Mr Corbyn tried to get back on the front foot today after the shock Brexit vote with a speech on immigration

Mr Corbyn insisted he was elected as Labour leader 'to redistribute power and wealth in this country' but otherwise did not address his own role.

He said: 'Inequality is the issue of our times and we must face it and act decisively against it.

'We must talk about immigration but we will never pander to prejudice.

'So, as we begin in the coming weeks and months  to negotiate  in all its complexity  our exit from the European Union we must also debate the Britain we want that will be shaped by how that exit takes place.'

Brexit backer Mr Field praised the Labour leader for focusing on public frustrations with the impact of globalisation but said his pitch was tainted by 'serious claptrap' in other areas.

Labour MP Frank Field today called for Mr Corbyn to resign for the good of the party

The embattled Opposition leader has rejected calls for his resignation amid growing fury at his failure to galvanise the party's traditional supporters to turn out in favour of EU membership.

There is alarm within the party at the way a series of traditional Labour strongholds in the North and Midlands voted heavily for Leave, with many voters citing concerns about immigration.

Mr Corbyn is facing a vote of no confidence from some of his MPs, as many express concern at the possibility of him leading the party into a snap autumn general election.

Mr Field had said Mr Corbyn should use today's speech to follow Mr Cameron and announce his departure.

'One of the dilemmas that we have is that Jeremy is the only senior politician who has tried to grapple with and put forward views of that group of the electorate who are the losers by globalisation,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today.

'Jeremy's problems are that he packages this with serious claptrap. For example our defence policy that we will have Trident, we will renew Trident but of course we won't have any weapons, has our supporters and probably the rest of the country lying down on the floor and yelling with rage or just simply crying

'We are into an era of new politics where those people who have lost out clearly by globalisation, for the first time have found their voice through the referendum to saying in this country 'enough is enough'.

'What Jeremy has been trying to do, with his social justice programme, is begin to answer those questions that are posed by the losers of globalisation but he clearly isn't the right person to actually lead the party into an election because nobody thinks he will actually win.

'I would very much like him to do that and set the debate going with that kind of flavour.'

Within hours of the referendum result, Labour MPs launched their plot to oust Mr Corbyn next week over his 'abysmal' performance in the EU referendum campaign.

Furious MPs said Mr Corbyn 'had to take his share of responsibility' for the referendum result, which saw huge numbers of voters in Labour heartlands back Brexit.

Last night Mr Corbyn indicated he will try to brazen it out, telling Channel 4 News: 'I will not resign.' He will attempt to get on the front foot today with a speech on immigration in London.

Furious MPs said Jeremy Corbyn 'had to take his share of responsibility' for the referendum result, which saw huge numbers of voters in Labour heartlands back Brexit

But Labour grandee Dame Margaret Hodge and backbencher Ann Coffey tabled a formal motion of no confidence in Mr Corbyn yesterday. Last night ten MPs had signed it.

Scores of other Labour figures publicly criticised Mr Corbyn, and some sources believe close to 200 of the party's 232 MPs may back the motion when they vote on it in a secret ballot next week.

Dame Margaret said: 'The referendum was a test of leadership and I think Jeremy failed that test. He came out too slowly, he was very half-hearted about his attempts to campaign and Labour voters simply didn't get the message.'

The motion has no legal force under Labour's rules, but some Labour MPs say it would be 'untenable' for Mr Corbyn to cling on if he faces a public vote of no confidence from his own MPs.

A spokesman for Mr Corbyn described the attempted coup as 'self-indulgent', pointing out the Labour leader was given a huge mandate when he was elected less than a year ago.

But there were signs they were taking the threat seriously, with Mr Corbyn pulling out of a planned appearance tomorrow at Glastonbury Festival. A spokesman said: 'He is focusing on the immediate issues from the EU vote.'

Mr Corbyn, a lifelong Eurosceptic, struggled to make a convincing case for Remain and was yesterday spotted laughing with aides over breakfast in the Commons in the immediate wake of the Brexit vote.

Labour grandee Dame Margaret Hodge and backbencher Ann Coffey tabled a formal motion of no confidence in Mr Corbyn yesterday. Last night ten MPs had signed it

Former Cabinet minister Ben Bradshaw said: 'This was a catastrophic defeat. I think Jeremy is a decent man but his leadership, or rather lack of it, particularly during the referendum campaign, has been abysmal.

...BUT ODDS FAVOUR LEADER A motion of no confidence has been tabled against Jeremy Corbyn to be heard by the party next week. If accepted, it will be voted on Tuesday, when as many as 200 MPs could vote against Mr Corbyn. However, the motion has no legal force, and Mr Corbyn's allies last night indicated he would try to brazen it out  leading Labour MPs to search for an alternative way to oust their leader. The rules for removing a Labour leader are largely untested and designed to make it difficult for potential pretenders to seize the crown. Anyone wanting to mount a formal leadership challenge needs the public support of 51 Labour MPs and MEPs to trigger a contest. Some MPs believe they could easily gather the names needed. But they are not united around a single candidate, and many fear Mr Corbyn would automatically be placed on the ballot paper  meaning his army of activists may well re-elect him. Advertisement

'Like David Cameron, he needs to shoulder his share of the responsibility and ... step down.'

Former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie said he 'would need an awful lot of persuading to have confidence in Jeremy's leadership going into a general election', while MP Graham Jones said: 'I want a damn good explanation from Jeremy Corbyn as to why we ended up in this mess. If I am not satisfied, I will support the motion.'

Tony Blair said Mr Corbyn was 'pretty lukewarm' about staying in the EU while Peter Mandelson said he 'seemed to be travelling through the entire referendum with a handbrake on'. Ex-spin chief Alastair Campbell and Labour's former energy spokesman Caroline Flint both said Mr Corbyn had failed to connect with the voters they lost.

Stephen Kinnock, a prominent Remain supporter, also indicated he is prepared to vote for the motion.

But shadow chancellor John McDonnell, one of Mr Corbyn's closest allies, said the Labour leader has 'overwhelming support' among grassroots activists.

In a major boost last night, more than 80,000 activists signed a petition supporting Mr Corbyn and 12 of Britain's biggest unions  including Unite, Unison and the GMB  backed the Labour leader. They said: 'The last thing Labour needs is a manufactured leadership row in the midst of this crisis.'

Now it's Project Spite from EU cheerleaders

The fiercely pro-EU Left-wing establishment reacted with bitterness and disbelief yesterday following the dramatic vote for Leave:

PETER MANDELSON

Former EU Commissioner and business secretary Lord Mandelson said it was 'the worst day in post war British history'.

The former MP for Hartlepool said that people in the North East 'were sold this ridiculous notion that coming out of the European Union was some sort of 'magic bullet' to solve all our country's problems with immigration'.

Former business secretary Lord Mandelson said it was 'the worst day in post war British history'

'You should've looked really at the small print of what the Leave people were saying,' Lord Mandelson added. 'They didn't have one shred of an idea, not one single policy that explained how immigration would be changed if we came out of the European Union  I really regret we were not more successful in countering that ridiculous, fantasy politics and propaganda that spewed out of the Leave campaign.'

TONY BLAIR

The strongly pro-EU former prime minister said Brexit made him 'sad for our country, for Europe, for the world'. He also said the Labour leadership was 'pretty lukewarm in its support for Remain' and had failed to show its supporters the 'enormous consequences' of a Leave vote and to help them 'understand that this was not a protest vote against the Government'.

'The answers to the challenges of globalisation do not lie in shutting ourselves off from the world,' he said in an interview with Sky News.

'I think what we will learn in these days, weeks and months ahead is that you can ride the anger through these populist movements but you don't actually produce the answers to the challenges people face ... We will find that what people thought was going to be an answer to these problems is not an answer at all.'

The strongly pro-EU former prime minister said Brexit made him 'sad for our country, for Europe, for the world'

KEITH VAZ

Labour MP for Leicester East and former Europe minister Keith Vaz said the result was a 'catastrophe'. He told the BBC: 'Frankly, in a thousand years I would never have believed that the British people would have voted this way.

'And they have done so and I think that they voted emotionally rather than looking at the facts. It'll be catastrophic for our country, for the rest of Europe and indeed the world.'

He added: 'The issues of immigration are extremely important, if you look at the campaign I think that there needed to be a much stronger campaign to stay in.'

ALASTAIR CAMPBELL

The former Labour spin doctor said Britain is now in 'uncharted territory' and warned the break-up of the UK will follow.

'One of the so-called Project Fear arguments that we kept trying to get over in this campaign is that there were incredible possible unintended consequences of a vote to leave the European Union,' he said. 'One is the break-up of the United Kingdom, I think we are looking at that.'

He told ITV News: 'We saw what happened in Scotland and I think we are now seeing something similar in parts of the North of England. I think the whole question of the union now comes into view.'

Former spin doctor Alistair Campbell warned of the unintended consequences of Brexit, including the break up of the United Kingdom

POLLY TOYNBEE

The Guardian columnist said: 'What dark place does Britain for the British take us to? Catastrophe. Britain has broken apart.

'An uprising of resentment by the left-behind has torn us in two, a country wrecked by a yawning class divide stretched wider by recession and austerity. Anger against a London establishment was deftly diverted by the Tory right and Ukip towards foreigners  enemies in Brussels and aliens in our midst.'

She added: ' 'Controlling our borders', [Brexit voters] will expect immigrants, new and old, to be gone. They were told more housing, GP appointments and school places would be freed up from migrants. But as treasury receipts fall, there will be less of everything. Will the next call be to expel foreigners already here? What dark place does Britain for the British take us to?'

EMILY THORNBERRY

'It won't be people like Boris Johnson who suffer, but those whose heads are only just above water,' said the Islington South MP.
Speculation that Mr Osborne could quit the Treasury as early as next week

The Chancellor did not appear publicly unlike other Remain campaigners

George Osborne was nowhere to be seen yesterday as Tory MPs pronounced the end of his political career.

The Chancellor, unlike other leading Remain campaigners, did not appear publicly, limiting himself to several short statements on Twitter.

Brexit supporters said his credibility  and his diminishing hopes of becoming Tory leader  were fatally undermined by his relentless scaremongering during the referendum campaign.

Last night there was speculation in Westminster that Mr Osborne could quit the Treasury as early as next week, having stayed for the immediate aftermath of the referendum.

George Osborne's political career looks all-but over tonight after his 'Project Fear' warnings of economic chaos if Britain voted for Brexit failed to scare voters into backing Remain

Responding to the shock win for Leave this morning the Chancellor tweeted he will do 'all I can to make it work'.

FELDMAN QUITS AS TORY BOSS Tory party chairman Andrew Feldman will also quit when the Prime Minister leaves Downing Street later this year, it was announced yesterday. Shortly after David Cameron's resignation speech, Lord Feldman  one of Mr Cameron's oldest friends in politics  became the first Tory to quit his role. Mr Cameron has asked him to stay on until the party elects a new leader, expected to take place before the Conservatives' autumn conference in October. Last night a party spokesman said: 'Andrew Feldman always said that he would serve alongside the Prime Minister for as long as he was needed. 'Lord Feldman will step down when the Prime Minister leaves Downing Street.' Advertisement

As the chief architect of Project Fear, he claimed Brexit would mean the average pensioner would be 32,000 worse off, families would be 4,300 worse off by 2030, house prices would plummet and the country would plunge into recession.

He also claimed Leave campaigners were 'economically illiterate'.

The final straw was his attempt to scare the public with an emergency 'Brexit Budget'. This, Mr Osborne claimed, would mean a 15billion cut to the NHS, defence and other priorities and 15billion in tax rises, including a 2p rise in the basic rate of income tax to 22 per cent, a 3p rise in the higher rate to 43 per cent, and a 5p rise in inheritance tax rates to 45p as well as higher fuel duties.

But the last-ditch ploy, which followed a series of worrying opinion polls for the Remain camp, backfired horribly.

Yesterday Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said Mr Osborne 'used up all his credibility' on the 'punishment budget'.

He said there was 'genuine anger' among MPs when Mr Osborne came out 'threatening to go back' on so many manifesto commitments: 'He was like a poker player who went all in. He bet the farm and lost.'

Yesterday Mr Osborne did not appear before the cameras, but wrote on Twitter that it was a 'hard-fought campaign'.

He added: 'It is not the outcome I wanted but I respect the decision of British people and will do all I can to make it work.' Earlier in the day, in the wake of the result being announced, he tweeted that had 'briefed G7 finance ministers and bank governors on outcome of EU referendum. They all respect the decision of the British people.

He added: 'G7 central banks have taken steps to ensure adequate liquidity and to support functioning of markets.'

Last night one Remain MP said Mr Osborne had 'run his course' and was finished. 'He's a spent force. It's over,' the MP said.

'I'm sure he knows that, and there's no chance he'll stand for the leadership'. A year ago, in the wake of the Tory general election victory, Mr Osborne was firm favourite to follow Mr Cameron as the next Tory leader and Prime Minister.

But the last 12 months saw his political stock crash repeatedly, after he was forced to reverse controversial tax credit cuts in last June's Budget, and this year, cuts to disability benefits.

The Brexit camp last night paved the way for sidelining 'toxic' Nigel Farage from future EU negotiations

In the last Parliament, Mr Osborne was hailed as the Cabinet's 'master strategist' and, like his immediate predecessor Gordon Brown he used the Treasury to build a Whitehall empire and dispense political patronage. But the referendum campaign destroyed relations with Brexit Tory MPs, for whom he became a hate figure, much more even than the Prime Minister.

According to one biography of the Prime Minister, Mr Osborne argued with Mr Cameron against including a referendum promise, fearing the consequences. Anthony Seldon wrote that both 'are profoundly irritated by their Eurosceptic MPs, but Osborne is even more pragmatic than Cameron.

'The Chancellor's view is that it is simply not sensible to talk about disengaging from major international institutions in the 21st century  not worth considering it.' On Wednesday Mr Osborne is expected to take PMQs when Mr Cameron is in Brussels for the European Council.

The Brexit camp last night paved the way for sidelining 'toxic' Nigel Farage from future European Union negotiations.

Vote Leave sources said the Ukip leader had tried his best to damage their campaign but would now become an 'irrelevance'.

Mr Farage dominated the airwaves as the vote came in. But it is understood that Vote Leave  the official Brexit campaign group, which includes Boris Johnson and Michael Gove  now want to distance themselves from him entirely.
A 91-year-old Pennsylvania man who has for years lectured to school groups and others about what he said were his experiences at Auschwitz has admitted that he was never a prisoner at the German concentration camp.

Joseph Hirt, of Adamstown, admitted in a letter to LNP newspaper Wednesday, saying that he used poor judgement and faulty reasoning in trying to tell the story of those affected by the Nazis.

'I am writing today to apologize publicly for harm caused to anyone because of my inserting myself into the descriptions of life in Auschwitz,' Hirt wrote.

Joseph Hirt (pictured), 91, who has for years claimed he escaped Auschwitz recently admitted that he was never a prisoner at the German concentration camp located in Poland

'I was not a prisoner there. I did not intend to lessen or overshadow the events which truly happened there by falsely claiming to have been personally involved.'

Hirt's admission came weeks after his story of escaping from Auschwitz was questioned by Andrew Reid, a history teacher in Turin, New York.

Reid and several students attended an April presentation by Hirt and the educator concluded that many of the speaker's claims didn't add up.

He launched his own investigation, which culminated in a 25-page letter he sent to media outlets and organizations that had written about or hosted Hirt.

Those organizations unknowingly perpetuated 'his false claims to an even greater audience', Reid said.

Among other findings, his research indicated that the identification number tattooed on Hirt's arm was actually that of another prisoner from 1944.

Hirt apologized to Reid in a phone call earlier this month, according to Reid, who said he pushed Hirt to make a public apology.

In his letter, Hirt recounted a visit he made to Auschwitz several years after World War II and said he was determined 'at that moment to prevent the loss of the truth' about life and death at the concentration camp.

In his letter, Hirt recounted a visit he made to Auschwitz (pictured in 1965) several years after World War II and said he was determined 'at that moment to prevent the loss of the truth' about life and death at the concentration camp

Hirt's nephew, Michael, confirmed that his uncle has made the whole story up, saying there were distant family members imprisoned and killed in Nazi-run camps, but Hirt and his immediate family had fled Poland before the Germand invaded, according to PennLive.

His nephew added that Hirt and his family were later rescued by the allies in Italy before being granted asylum in the US.

Hirt initially stood by his claims and argued against detractors like Reid and his own nephew.

Reid issued a statement regarding Hirt's confession, which said he 'was very happy to read Mr. Hirt's confession of wrongdoing and public apology'.

'I believe there is truth, that truth is not relative, and that the truth is the most liberating force in life,' Reid wrote in the statement.

Hirt said he was wrong to lie to discuss the 'the important truth of the suffering and death of so many' at the hands of the Nazis.

In his letter, Hirt asked for forgiveness.
A well-liked kindergarten teacher in Georgia was shot to death at her parents' home allegedly by her mother-in-law on Thursday.

Authorities say 63-year old Elizabeth B. Wall of McRae is accused of shooting dead her daughter-in-law, 35-year-old Jenna Wall at a home on Antioch Road SW in Powder Springs.

The grandmother arrived at Jenna Wall's home with her grandsons, ages 7 and 8 around noon on Thursday, WSB-TV reported.

She told the boys to wait outside in a pickup truck when she entered the house.

Authorities say 63-year old Elizabeth B. Wall (left) of McRae is accused of shooting dead her daughter-in-law, 35-year-old Jenna Wall (right) at a home on Antioch Road SW in Powder Springs

Cobb County Police Sgt. Dana Pierce says the victim's two young sons (above), ages 7 and 8, were outside of the home at the time of the shooting around noon. Pierce said the boys are 'safe and sound'

Wall called her son, Jerrod Wall (above), after the shooting and told him to come to the home where he found her sitting in the living room holding a gun

Authorities said the children heard several gunshots from inside the home.

'We've been able to get a good bit of information from them. They are safe. They are sound,' said Cobb police Sgt. Dana Pierce.

'They are at our Crimes Against Children Unit. They are being interviewed.'

The victim's estranged husband and the boys' father, Jerrod Wall, was alerted to the murder by a strange call he received from his mother asking him to come to the home.

When he arrived, he found her sitting in the living room holding a gun, WSB-TV reported.

Wall has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony and cruelty to children, WGCL reported.

According to WSB-TV, neighbors say that the teacher lived at the home with her parents.

Police haven't released a motive yet, but spent most of Thursday afternoon collecting evidence from the crime scene (above)

Wall has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony and cruelty to children. She is pictured above with her youngest son and husband

Jenna Wall (right) filed for divorce first, but in a counter-petition filed by Jerrod Wall (left) against her, he claims that she was involved in an extra-marital affair with a former boyfriend from high school

Police have not released a motive for the shooting yet, but believe that it was domestic in nature.

'Now we are just simply trying to confirm what we believe to be the motive which we're not disclosing at this time,' Pierce said.

Documents obtained by WGCL show that the former couple who were married on July 17, 2004 had been separated for a year as they were in the middle of a contentious divorce.

The teacher filed for divorce first, but in a counter-petition filed by Jerrod Wall against her about two weeks ago, he claims that she was involved in an extra-marital affair with a former boyfriend from high school.

In the documents, he claimed that his estranged wife disclosed to him that she was having the affair after she filed for divorce.

The mother-of-two and her former high school boyfriend started communicating via social media in 2013 before meeting up in 2014.

Neighbors say that the teacher lived at the home with her parents since she was going through a divorce. Pictured above is the crime scene

Neighbor Susan Bruns said that the teacher was a good mother to her children and would play basketball with them outside of the home (above)

Jerrod Wall claimed in the divorce petition that the she would speak to the man between 15 to 20 times a day while she was at work or at home with the family.

He alleges that the teacher created specific accounts to communicate with him in an effort to conceal the affair, and that she had sex with him inside the home they shared.

Jerrod Wall, who is an investigator at the Paulding District Attorney's Office, claims that she exposed their children to at least one of her romantic meetings with the man.

In addition, he claims that she would not allow him to spend time with their two children and filed for permanent custody of the boys.

But he claimed that she was financially and emotionally unstable and wouldn't be able to care for the children, the documents state.

Another neighbor, Thomas Wilson, said that 'it's a sad day.' 'I wish them all the love in the world. I know it's a sad day. I know it's a sad day,' he said. Pictured above is the crime scene

Investigators spent most of Thursday afternoon collecting evidence from the crime scene.

Several bags of evidence was carried out as investigators towed away a red truck that was parked in front.

The victim taught kindergarten at Kemp Elementary School in Cobb County.

A school website says she was a graduate of Harrison High in Kennesaw, Georgia, and the University of Georgia and had taught at two other schools in Cobb County.

Jenna Wall (above) taught kindergarten at Kemp Elementary School in Cobb County

Neighbor Susan Bruns told WAGA that the teacher was a good mother to her children.

'She was with her boys, very active playing basketball, always at the swim and tennis, just a wonderful family, very close knit,' Bruns said.

Another neighbor, Thomas Wilson, said that 'it's a sad day.'

'I wish them all the love in the world. I know it's a sad day. I know it's a sad day,' he said.

'I hope the boys, I don't know what's going to happen to them, I hope they can get over it.'

Another neighbor who didn't want to be identified told 11 Alive News that what happened to her is 'just awful'.

A family friend told WGCL that the teacher's death is a 'tragedy.'

'It's a tragedy,' Thomas Wilson said. 'I don't know what the world is coming to. I don't know what would make anybody get that mad at somebody else.'

Wall went before a judge on Friday morning and reportedly became emotional when she was denied bond.

She is currently being held at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.
him but were unsuccessful in their attempts

They tried to

A man in China has been sentenced to 11 years in jail after he was found guilty of beating his girlfriend's son to death.

The boy was just five years old when he was abused by his mother's boyfriend in Jiangsu province reports Huanqiu, affiliated with the People's Daily Online.

Hu is said to have hit the boy on multiple occasions in the lead up to the fatal beating.

Court: The man, surnamed Hu, was sentenced to 11 years after beating his girlfriend's son to death

Sickening: The man took the child's body to hospital and claimed that he had found him by a roadside

Tragic: The child was kicked and hit by the man for three months in the lead up to his death

Chinese media reported that the 5-year-old boy's parents were divorced and had been living with his father.

However in 2015 he moved in with his mother who resided with her boyfriend in Suzhou.

The man surnamed Hu kicked and slapped the boy over a period of three months.

On the morning of May 16, Hu entered the hospital carrying the child and told medical staff that he had found the boy by the roadside.

Medical staff say that the child's body was purple and he had a swollen mouth.

Doctors tried to revive Cong Cong but they were unsuccessful in their attempts.

According to reports, the boy died from a blunt forceful hit to the head.

Doctors reported the case to authorities out of concern that his death may have been caused by domestic abuse.

Police arrested Hu on suspicion of causing the child's death.

He was later charged with causing intentional injury and sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Shocking: Hu took the child to the hospital where medical staff claimed he had extensive injuries
The couple were stunned to discover later the products had holes on them

An 18-year-old from China has had to go through two abortions in three months after falling pregnant accidentally due to defective condoms.

The young woman, named Xiao Yu, and her boyfriend have been buying condoms from a local grocery store in the city of Shuangliu, Sichuan Province.

After the unexpected pregnancies in March and May, the couple checked the remaining new condoms and found out there were holes most of them, reported People's Daily Online.

Unexpected trouble: Xiao Yu and her boyfriend were shocked after she became pregnant twice in three months. The couple from China had been buying condoms (pictured) from a local grocery store

According to the report, Xiao Yu went to the hospital on March 5 for what she thought were digestive problems. But the doctor told her she was pregnant after relevant checks.

She said: 'At the time my appetite increased dramatically.

'I could eat up to seven bowls of rice in one sitting and I especially desired spicy and sour food.'

After discussing with her boyfriend Xiao Dong, with whom she lives together, Xiao Yu decided to abort the baby on March 7.

The couple said they were not ready for a child.

However on May 15, Xiao Yu found out she had become pregnant again.

Upon hearing the news, her boyfriend Xiao Dong said: 'It's unbelievable. We used protection every time.'

He said they had decided to terminate Xiao Yu's pregnancy for a second time.

Xiao Dong explained: 'We would like the baby, but our living conditions don't allow us to.'

The man said he and Xiao Yu's family live in a rented studio in Huayang county.

The five of them squeeze in a room just 107 square feet in size.

After the second abortion, Xiao Yu had to stay in bed to recover from the multiple operations and her boyfriend had to quit his job to look after her.

Damaged: The boyfriend Xiao Dong later discovered 10 out of the 12 condoms in a new box had holes on them

In the afternoon of June 18, Xiao Dong decided to check the quality of the condoms they had bought.

He filled water in a new condom and was stunned to see the liquid leaking out.

He said: 'We then opened a new box and discovered 10 out of the 12 condoms in it were defective. Some of them had black spots.'

The couple added that they had bought all their Sixth Sense-branded condoms from the Yibin Grocery Store in the past six months.

A reporter from Chengdu Television Station confirmed that some of the condoms sold by the shop were damaged after purchasing two boxes.

The reporter found holes on seven out of the 12 condoms in the pack.

In the most extreme case, there were five holes on a single condom.
A man who depicted Tayyip Erdogan as the 'Lord of the Rings' character Gollum was convicted of insulting the president on Thursday and warned he faced a year in jail if he committed another crime, the Hurriyet newspaper reported.

A court in the southwestern province of Antalya sentenced Rifat Cetin - who likened Erdogan on social media to the 'small, slimy creature' immortalised in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novels - to a year in jail, suspended for five years.

Under Turkish law, the offence is punishable by up to four years in prison.

Prosecutors have accused more than 1,800 people, including cartoonists and a former Miss Turkey, of insulting Erdogan, who has dominated - and polarised - Turkish politics for a decade and a half.

Rifat Cetin likened Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan as the 'Lord of the Rings' character Gollum in a Facebook post in 2014

The court also stripped Cetin of his parental custody rights, Hurriyet said, without giving details. A court official declined to comment on the case when contacted by Reuters.

Cetin posted an image on Facebook in 2014 in which he combined three pictures of Erdogan with Gollum, the newspaper said.

Cetin told another newspaper, daily BirGun, he planned to appeal the verdict given that Erdogan was not president, but prime minister, at the time the image was posted.

Cetin likened Erdogan on social media to the 'small, slimy creature' immortalised in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novels

Gollum appears in Tolkien's tale 'The Hobbit' and his 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, which have been turned into blockbuster movies.

The creature is portrayed as both an antagonist of Tolkien's heroes, the hobbits Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, and a victim of the most powerful of the trilogy's eponymous rings, which has twisted his mind and body.
Robot will be used to help with lessons at a new school opening in London

It has been used for customer

A school in London is set to become the first in Britain to welcome a robot teacher when it opens in September.

The humanoid robot, known as Pepper, will be used in classrooms at the London Design and Engineering University Technical College, to help teach pupils about cutting-edge robotics.

It will be the first instance of an educational robot being used in a UK classroom.

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Pepper the robot is already being used in lessons at Shoshi High School, in Japan (pictured), but it will now be arriving in the first British school in September when the London Design and Engineering University Technical College opens to help teach pupils about technology

Pepper teaching smaller 'Nao' humanoid robots

WILL ROBOTS TAKE YOUR JOB? Claims made by an expert in artificial intelligence predict that in less than five years, office jobs will disappear completely to the point where machines will replace humans. The idea that robots will one day be able to do all low-skilled jobs is not new, but Andrew Anderson from UK artificial intelligence company, Celaton, said the pace of advance is much faster than originally thought. AI, for example, can carry out labour intensive clerical tasks quickly and automatically, while the latest models are also capable of making decisions traditionally made by humans. 'The fact that a machine can not only carry out these tasks, but constantly learn how to do it better and faster, means clerical workers are no longer needed in the vast quantities they once were,' Mr Anderson said. For example, a machine can recognise duplicate insurance claims by knowing it has seen a phone number or an address before. Advertisement

Standing at just over a metre tall, this high-tech creation, equipped with microphones, HD cameras and 3D depth sensors, will interact with students in their lessons.

According to Japanese robotics company Softbank, who launched Pepper in 2014, this will '...help people grow, enhance their life, facilitate the relationship, he will have fun with them, give some services and connect them with the outside world.'

Softbank describe him as 'kindly, endearing and surprising'.

They claim he is the first robot capable of perceiving human emotions, adapting his behaviour to match your mood, and intend him to be a 'genuine day-to-day companion'.

Pepper boasts a range of features to help pupils learn about innovative robotic engineering, including gyroscopes, touch sensors, sonars, lasers, bumper sensors, and language and voice gender recognition.

It has already been used in Shoshi High School in Japan to help students in language lessons.

Pepper will be used to teach students about the technology of assisted living - helping vulnerable people around the house.

For example, it can remind older people to take medication at certain times of day.

It can also detect if people are smiling or not, or if they are appropriately dressed for the weather outside - and can make suggestions to help them.

There will also be a Pepper model at the school reception, welcoming guests.

Principal Geoffrey Fowler is excited at the prospect of Pepper being incorporated to the brand new school.

'Some of our tech is bonkers, so its great for kids to have access to it,' he told MailOnline.

Mr Fowler said six students had applied for every one place available at the new school.

It will be modelled on a real life working environment, with the school day being 9am - 5pm, students and staff addressing each other by first names, and uniform being business dress.

Customers in thousands of Japanese Nescafe outlets are already used to the service provided by Pepper

Equipped with the latest voice and emotion recognition technology, Pepper (pictured) reads people's facial expressions and listen to their tone of voice to analyse how they are feeling

Pepper opts for a traditional pen and paper while welcoming guests at the school reception, with Principal Geoffrey Folwer using more recent technology

'It will be quite different from secondary school environment.' said Mr Fowler.

Two Belgian hospitals also began using Pepper as a receptionist and visitor guide this month.

Pepper made headlines again this month when two hospitals in Belgium announced they were to recruit Pepper as a receptionist and assist visitors to the correct ward or department.

Softbank Mobile already use hundreds of Pepper models as customer assistant in their Japanese stores, and report that Nescafe are set to introduce him to 1000 of their outlets.

A single Pepper unit will cost around 1250 ($1870) with payment plans and insurance options available.

A 'welcome' event for Pepper at the new East London school will take place on July 2nd.
Robots that work as assistants alongside people are set to upend the world of industrial robotics by putting automation within reach of many small and medium-sized companies for the first time, industry players said this week.

Collaborative robots, or 'cobots', tend to be inexpensive, easy to use and safe to be around.

They can easily be adapted to new tasks, making them well-suited to small-batch manufacturing and ever-shortening product cycles.

The global cobot market for 'cobots' is set to grow from $116 million last year to $11.5 billion by 2025, capital goods analysts at Barclays estimate. They can help with repetitive tasks like picking and placing, packaging or glueing and welding.

Cobots can typically lift loads of up 10 kilograms (22 lb) and can be small enough to put on top of a workbench.

They can help with repetitive tasks like picking and placing, packaging or glueing and welding.

Some can repeat a task after being guided once through the process by a worker and recording it. The price of a cobot can be as little as $10,000, although typically they cost two to three times that.

The global cobot market is set to grow from $116 million last year to $11.5 billion by 2025, capital goods analysts at Barclays estimate.

That would be roughly equal to the size of the entire industrial robotics market today.

'By 2020 it will be a game-changer,' said Stefan Lampa, head of robotics of Germany's Kuka, during a panel discussion organised by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) at the Automatica trade fair in Munich.

Growth in industrial robot unit sales slowed to 12 percent last year from 29 percent in 2014, the IFR said on Wednesday, weighed by a sharp fall in top buyer China.

The world's top industrial robot makers - Japan's Fanuc and Yaskawa, Swiss ABB and Kuka - all have collaborative robots on the market, although sales are not yet significant for them.

But the market leader and pioneer is Denmark's Universal Robots, a start-up that sold its first cobot in 2009 and was acquired by U.S. automatic test equipment maker Teradyne for $285 million last year.

'We are approximately doubling every year, in terms of units.

'That's our ambition and we have almost hit our ambition every year for six straight years,' co-founder Esben Ostergaard told Reuters in an interview.

A Baxter robot of Rethink Robotics picks up a business card as it performs during a display at the World Economic Forum (WEF), in China.

Ostergaard and his co-founders were already working on robotics at university together when the Danish ministry of food launched an initiative to get more robots into the Danish food industry to be more competitive.

They realised that existing robots were not suitable for the industry's frequent seasonal product changes.

'They could not readjust the robots.

'The whole machine weighed 500 kilos. It was very expensive. And most of all it was impossible to teach them how to programme it,' Ostergaard said.

Interest is also growing from larger players.

U.S. competitor Rethink Robotics - another pure-play cobot maker, whose investors include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos - announced this week that logistics giant DHL had ordered several of its Baxter and Sawyer smart cobots for testing in its warehouses on tasks such as packing and assembly.

These smaller, leaner companies typically do not rely on the expensive maintenance contracts that earn fat margins for more established players - partly because the cobots tend to be simple and pay back their costs within months.
Paedophiles have been known to conceal hard drives with child pornography in walls, ceilings and cabinets to avoid being caught.

Finding these small storage devices can be a struggle for police - but there may be help at hand.

Police in Utah have recruited a dog, named URL (pronounced Earl), which is trained to detect electronic storage devices.

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Police in Utah have recruited a dog, named URL (pronounced Earl), which is trained in detecting electronic storage devices. Affectionately dubbed 'porn dog' by the department, URL operates by sniffing out chemicals used in storage media

TRAINING SNIFFER DOGS When training dogs to sniff our contraband, police handlers and trainers will associate the smell of the drug, memory card or similar with the animal's favourite toy. To begin the training, the handler plays with the dog and the toy, which has been carefully washed so that it has no scent of its own. Later, the item that the handler wants to train the dog to sniff out is rolled up inside the toy - which is often a towel, or similar. After playing for a while, the dog starts to recognise the smell of the contraband as the smell of his favourite toy. The handler then hides the towel, with the contraband, in various places and if he finds it, he is rewarded with either use of the toy, food, or both. Advertisement

Dubbed 'porn dog' by the department, URL operates by sniffing out chemicals used in storage media.

Lieutenant Lane Findlay, of the Weber County Sherrif's Office, said: 'I think everyone was pretty skeptical. Really? A dog that can detect electronics?

'He certainly has some unique abilities, and we're excited to have him.'

URL will go to work with the FBI, Homeland Security and many other agencies.

He is one of nine certified electronic detection dogs in the US.

Since 2014 Connecticut State Police have also been using a golden labrador to find concealed memory cards in return for food, and the scheme has already led to arrests.

Thoreau, owned by handler Detective Adam Houston, can also find hard drives, USB sticks and other similar gadgets by identifying the scent of the metal and components used in the devices.

The dog is being used to find storage devices containing images of child porn, hidden by paedophiles.

Thoreau received 22 weeks of training in how to detect devices in exchange for food at the Connecticut State Police Training Academy.

Thoreau found a flash drive containing child pornography hidden inside a tin box, within a metal cabinet.

That discovery led the police to secure an arrest warrant.

During tests, Thoreau also located a hard drive inside a bag in the upper shelf of a desk, as well as a flash drive and thumb drive in a draw.

'If it has a memory card, he'll sniff it out,' Detective Houston told The Providence Journal. 'This is how [Thoreau] eats every day.'

When training dogs to sniff our contraband, police handlers and trainers associate the smell of the drug, memory card or similar with the animal's favourite toy.

To begin the training, the handler plays with the dog and the toy, which has been washed so that it has no scent of its own.

Later, the item that the handler wants to train the dog to sniff out is rolled up inside the toy - which is often a towel, or similar.

The dog then starts to recognise the smell of the contraband as the smell of his favourite toy.

The handler hides the towel, with the contraband, in various places and if the dog finds it, he is rewarded with either use of the toy, food, or both.

Connecticut State Police has started using a golden Labrador (stock image pictured) called Thoreau to find concealed memory cards, hard drives and USB sticks. The dog identifies the scent of the metal and components used in the devices and is being used to find storage devices containing images of child porn
While you might associate Lego as a fun, happy activity, the themes over the last 50 years have not been so cheerful.

New research shows that 'weapon bricks' have become more common in toy sets, and depictions of violence in products has increased since 1970.

The study didn't pinpoint how this change had any influence on violent behavior among children, claiming that the research is 'inconclusive'.

Lego released a light saber in the Star Wars set in 1999 and added rifles and blasters to the line in 2007

THE INCREASE IN VIOLENT THEMES The researchers analyzed the Lego set inventory lists from BrickLink.com, a large online marketplace for after-market LEGO trading. The site categorised 155 parts as 'weapon bricks,' including swords, guns and cannons. In 1970, Lego released 35 sets of toys, while in 2010 they release 419 sets. The number and proportion of weapon bricks in these sets tended to increase annually over time as well. The researchers also studied perceived violence of Lego sets using the company's annual product catalogues from 1973 and later. The study team recruited 161 participants from an online crowd-sourcing platform to rate perceived violence in the catalogues. Results showed that the odds of physical violence being depicted in a catalogue increased by 19 per cent each year. By the period 2010-2015, about 40 per cent of catalogue images contained some sort of violence, according to the online surveys. Advertisement

Christoph Bartneck, from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, who led the study, said: 'Current evidence for a connection between violent toys and actual violence among kids is inconclusive.'

The researchers analyzed the Lego set inventory lists from BrickLink.com, a large online marketplace for after-market Lego trading.

The site categorised 155 parts as 'weapon bricks,' including swords, guns and cannons.

In 1970, Lego released 35 sets of toys, while in 2010 they release 419 sets.

According to the results, published in PLoS One, the number and proportion of weapon bricks in these sets tended to increase annually over time as well.

The first weapon bricks - a sword, halberd and lance - were released in 1978, so the researchers focused on the appearances of new weapons between 1978 and 2014.

The proportion of weapon bricks per total bricks increased steadily from 1980 to 2001.

In 2001 they dropped below five per cent, only to rise back to almost 30 per cent in 2014.

The researchers also studied perceived violence of Lego sets using the company's annual product catalogues from 1973 and later, in which mini figures and models act out their intended behaviors in scenes.

The study team recruited 161 participants from an online crowd-sourcing platform to rate perceived violence in the catalogues.

Results showed that the odds of physical violence being depicted in a catalogue increased by 19 per cent each year.

By the period 2010-2015, about 40 per cent of catalogue images contained some sort of violence, according to the online surveys.

Children are most likely to use a LEGO set according to its building instructions, which are in most cases violent for violent parts. Dr Robert Busching said: 'I'm one of the fans of the idea that we should toss building instructions and build with the LEGO bricks whatever we want'

Although shooting and hitting were both depicted in the catalogues, there were no cases of perceived sexual violence.

Casey Blossom, an associate brand manager for LEGO in Hartford, Connecticut, said: 'Children are our most important concern. We want to develop play experiences that children love, and that at the same time develop essential skills.

'Conflict play is a natural part of how children play, and it helps them learn how to deal with conflicts in their own lives.

'We see a clear distinction between conflict and violence. And we do not make products that promote or encourage violence.

The researchers analyzed the Lego set inventory lists from BrickLink.com , a large online marketplace for after-market LEGO trading. The site categorised 155 parts as 'weapon bricks,' including swords, guns and cannons

'The key for us is not a specific number of a given LEGO element in the portfolio, but the context, the story around it, and most of all: the play experience for the child.'

Children are most likely to use a LEGO set according to its building instructions, which are in most cases violent for violent parts.

Dr Robert Busching of the University of Potsdam in Germany, who was not involved in the study, said: 'I'm one of the fans of the idea that we should toss building instructions and build with the LEGO bricks whatever we want.

'That way the child has a better creative experience.'

Many weapon bricks, like the lightsaber, can also be used as basic building materials, and don't have to be used only for violence, he said.

Dr Bartneck added: 'The question of what is a violent act, it's very complex.'

'When deciding for or against a particular toy, parents should always have in mind that this toy also communicates to a child which behavior is appropriate and which is not and choose accordingly,' he said.
From disruptive patterns to mimicry, insects ability to camouflage themselves from predators has played an important role in their evolutionary success.

Now experts have discovered the oldest known evidence of bugs using debris carrying to stay hidden  a clever method still used by some larvae today.

Amber fossils reveal immature lacewings and reduviids (assassin bugs) concealed themselves by carrying grains of sand and soil, leaf fragments and even the exoskeletons of their prey, 100 million years ago.

The fossils include the earliest known chrysopoid larvae (green lacewings), myrmeleontoid larvae (split-footed lacewings and owlflies), and reduviids (assassin bugs). Pictured are chrysopoid larvae from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber and the reconstruction of naked chrysopoid larva (bottom left)

MODERN 'JUNK BUGS' The Aphid lion - green lacewing larva - uses dead bodies of other insects to conceal itself. The insect sucks the innards from prey using horn-like mouth parts and once it's had its fill, flings the drained husks on its back, according to a Al.com. Scientists think the insect lugs its kills around on its back to fool birds and predatory ants. This cunning method of camouflage may also help the insect hunt aphids and the eggs of other bugs. Advertisement

Debris-carrying, a behaviour of actively harvesting and carrying waste materials, is among the most fascinating and complex behaviours because it requires not only an ability to recognise, collect, and carry materials, but also evolutionary adaptations in related morphological characteristics, so an animal can blend in.

The fossil record, of such behaviour is extremely scarce, with only a single Mesozoic example from Spanish amber known previously

However, now Dr Wang Bo from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and his colleagues have now reported a diverse insect assemblage of exceptionally preserved debris carriers from Cretaceous Burmese, French, and Lebanese ambers.

The fossils include the earliest known chrysopoid larvae (green lacewings), myrmeleontoid larvae (split-footed lacewings and owlflies), and reduviids (assassin bugs).

These ancient insects used a variety of debris material, including insect exoskeletons, sand grains, soil dust, leaf hairs of ferns, wood fibres, and other vegetal debris to cover themselves.

They convergent evolved their debris-carrying behaviour through multiple pathways, giving them plenty of flexibility to evolve and thrive.

The amber fossils demonstrate that the behavioural repertoire, which is associated with considerable bodily adaptations, was already widespread among insects by at least the Mid-Cretaceous, approximately 145 to 66 million years ago.

From disruptive patterns to mimicry, insects ability to camouflage themselves from predators has played an important role in their evolutionary success. Pictured is an assassin bug

The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, shed light on the early evolution of camouflage in insects and ancient ecological links between plants and insects.

Most of the Burmese amber lacewing larvae were preserved with dendritic trichomes or tiny hairs produced by gleicheniacean ferns, and two chrysopoid larvae were carrying these trichomes, suggesting that the fossil lacewing larvae were closely associated with the habitats of gleicheniacean ferns.

Gleicheniaceae, or forked ferns were common in many habitats across the world in the Mid-Cretaceous are thought to be among the earliest colonisers after fire events.

The experts believe the presence of gleicheniacean trichomes in the Burmese amber shows there were fires at the time the amber was deposited.

This supports a relationship between fire events and the high production of plant resins and also highlights the importance of wildfires in Mid-Cretaceous pre-angiospermous ecosystems, they say.

Amber fossils reveal immature lacewings and reduviids (assassin bugs) concealed themselves by carrying grains of sand and soil, leaf fragments and wood fibres, 100 million years ago. Pictured is a green lacewing




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If you thought Earth's grand Canyon was impressive, think again.

Nasa has revealed a stunning New horizons image of Pluto's moon Charon with an even bigger rift.

Called Argo Chasma, it measures 430 miles (700 kilometers) long and nine miles deep.

For comparison, Arizonas Grand Canyon is 280 miles (450 kilometers) long, and five times shallower.

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The image was obtained by New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) at a resolution of approximately 1.45 miles (2.33 kilometers) per pixel. The section of the canyon seen here measures approximately 185 miles (300 kilometers) long.

WHAT IT SHOWS The inset above magnifies a portion of the eastern limb in the global view of Charon at left, imaged by NASAs New Horizons spacecraft several hours before its closest approach on July 14, 2015. A deep canyon informally named Argo Chasma is seen grazing the limb. Advertisement

Scientists were stunned by the unusual canyon system thats far longer and deeper than the Grand Canyon.

The section of it seen here measures approximately 185 miles (300 kilometers) long.

As far as New Horizons scientists can tell, Argos total length is approximately 430 miles (700 kilometers) long  for comparison, Arizonas Grand Canyon is 280 miles (450 kilometers) long.

'At this fortuitous viewing angle the canyon is seen edge-on, and at the northern end of the canyon its depth can be easily gauged,' Nasa said.

Based on this and other images taken around the same time, New Horizons scientists estimate Argo Chasma to be as deep as 5.5 miles (9 kilometers), which is more than five times the depth of the Grand Canyon.

There appear to be locations along the canyons length where sheer cliffs reaching several miles high occur, and which could potentially rival Verona Rupes on Uranus moon Miranda (which is at least 3 miles, or 5 kilometers, high) for the title of tallest known cliff face in the solar system.

A Grand Canyon closer to home: With an average depth of 1,600 m (one mile) and a volume of 4.17 trillion cubic metres, it is far smaller than the new Canyn of Caron.

The image was obtained by New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) at a resolution of approximately 1.45 miles (2.33 kilometers) per pixel.

It was taken at a range of approximately 289,000 miles (466,000 kilometers) from Charon, 9 hours and 22 minutes before New Horizons closest approach to Charon on July 14, 2015.

Earlier this month Nasa has released a new image from the New Horizons spacecraft, revealing the jagged highlands that border the southeastern portion of Plutos great ice plains.

The region is informally named Krun Macula, a reference to the Mandaean lord of the underworld.

According to the astronomers, the highlands sit 1.5 miles above the plain, dotted with clusters of circular pits that create deep valleys stretching more than 25 miles long.

Nasa has released a new image from the New Horizons spacecraft, revealing the jagged highlands that border the southeastern portion of Plutos great ice plains. The region is informally named Krun Macula, a reference to the Mandaean lord of the underworld

KRUN MACULA Krun Macula reaches 1.5 miles above Sputnik Planum, the surrounding plain. Along the highlands are clusters of connected, roughly circular pits that reach between 5 and 8 miles across, and up to 1.5 miles deep. The pits form boundaries at the border of the plain, which can be 25 miles long, 12.5 miles wide, and almost 2 miles deep. Advertisement

The valleys at the border of Sputnik Planum, the informal name of the surrounding plain, are almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and are covered with nitrogen ice.

These formations are up to 12.5 miles wide, and almost two miles deep.

They may have been formed as a result of surface collapse, the astronomers say, though what caused the collapse remains a mystery.

Many of the clusters along Krun Macula are connected, and can be up to 1.5 miles deep, the researchers say.

In the image, Plutos striking red colour can also be seen.

Scientists believe this is a result of complex molecules called tholins, which are found along much of the surface.

To create the scene, astronomers stitched together three separate New Horizons observations from July 2015.

The highlands sit 1.5 miles above the plain, dotted with clusters of circular pits

On the right side, they used 260 feet-per-pixel data from the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI).

This was taken 9,850 miles from Pluto, roughly 23 minutes before New Horizons closest approach.

The left half of the image is made up of 410 feet-per-pixel LORRI data, taken about six minutes earlier.

At this point, New Horizons was 15,470 miles from Pluto.

The images come from the highest and second highest-resolution observations made by the spacecraft, Nasa says.

It was colourized using New Horizons Ralph/Multispectral Visual Imaging Camera.

Earlier this month, Nasa revealed a new mystery on the dwarf planet.

Taken only a few minutes after closest approach on July 14, 2015, it shows the 'twilight zone' or haze of the planet.

It also appears to show a cloud - which Nasa describes as ' an intriguing bright wisp measuring tens of miles'.

The space agency believes it could be a low-lying cloud in Pluto's atmosphere, making it the only one yet identified in New Horizons imagery.

The image was obtained at a high phase angle that is, with the sun on the other side of Pluto, as viewed by New Horizons.

Seen here, sunlight filters through and illuminates Pluto's complex atmospheric haze layers.

Nasa's New Horizons spacecraft took this stunning image of Pluto only a few minutes after closest approach on July 14, 2015. It shows sunlight filtering through and illuminating Pluto's complex atmospheric haze layers. It also appears to show a cloud - which Nasa describes as ' an intriguing bright wisp measuring tens of miles'.

The southern portions of the nitrogen ice plains informally named Sputnik Planum, as well as mountains of the informally named Norgay Montes, can also be seen across Pluto's crescent at the top of the image.

Looking back at Pluto with images like this gives New Horizons scientists information about Pluto's hazes and surface properties that they can't get from images taken on approach.

The image was obtained by New Horizons' Ralph/Multispectral Visual Imaging Camera (MVIC) approximately 13,400 miles (21,550 kilometers) from Pluto, about 19 minutes after New Horizons' closest approach.

THE BIGGEST ICE VOLCANO IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM: IMAGES REVEAL 90 MILE-WIDE CRYOVOLCANO ON PLUTO The most detailed image yet of a giant mountain on Pluto, which is suspected to be an ice volcano, was released by Nasa last month. It is one of two potential cryovolcanoes spotted on the surface of Pluto by the New Horizons spacecraft in July 2015. At about 90 miles (150km) across and 2.5 miles (4km) high, this feature is enormous. The feature, known as Wright Mons, was informally named by the New Horizons team in honor of the Wright brothers. If it is in fact a volcano, as suspected, it would be the largest such feature discovered in the outer solar system. 'These are big mountains with a large hole in their summit, and on Earth that generally means one thing  a volcano,' said Oliver White, a New Horizons researcher. The most detailed image yet of a giant mountain on Pluto, which is suspected to be an ice volcano, has been released by Nasa (left). It is one of two potential cryovolcanoes spotted on the surface of Pluto by the New Horizons spacecraft in July 2015. At about 90 miles (150km) across and 2.5 miles (4km) high, this feature is enormous Mission scientists are baffled by the sparse distribution of red material in the image and wonder why it is not more widespread. Also perplexing is that there is only one identified impact crater on Wright Mons itself, telling scientists that the surface - as well as some of the crust underneath - was created relatively recently. This is turn may indicate that Wright Mons was volcanically active late in Pluto's history. The other potential ice volcano on Pluto has been named Piccard Mons, is up to 3.5 miles (6 km) high. Both ice volcanoes are located near Pluto's South Pole. 'We're not yet ready to announce we have found volcanic constructs at Pluto, but these sure look suspicious and we're looking at them very closely,' said Jeff Moore, a planetary scientist at Nasa said in an earlier release. Nasa says that if Pluto does have cryovolcanoes, it may be an indication that there is volatile ice that coats its surface. Advertisement

The image has a resolution of 1,400 feet (430 meters) per pixel. Pluto's diameter is 1,475 miles (2,374 kilometers).

The inset at top right shows a detail of Pluto's crescent, including an intriguing bright wisp (near the center) measuring tens of miles across that may be a discreet, low-lying cloud in Pluto's atmosphere; if so, it would be the only one yet identified in New Horizons imagery.

This cloud  if that's what it is  is visible for the same reason the haze layers are so bright: illumination from the sunlight grazing Pluto's surface at a low angle.

Atmospheric models suggest that methane clouds can occasionally form in Pluto's atmosphere.

The scene in this inset is 140 miles (230 kilometers) across.

The inset at bottom right shows more detail on the night side of Pluto.

This terrain can be seen because it is illuminated from behind by hazes that silhouette the limb.

A full-resolution, unannotated view of Plutos Twilight Zone. The image was obtained by New Horizons' Ralph/Multispectral Visual Imaging Camera (MVIC) approximately 13,400 miles (21,550 kilometers) from Pluto, about 19 minutes after New Horizons' closest approach.

The topography here appears quite rugged, and broad valleys and sharp peaks with relief totaling 3 miles (5 kilometers) are apparent.

This image, made from closer range, is much better than the lower-resolution images of this same terrain taken several days before closest approach.

These silhouetted terrains therefore act as a useful 'anchor point,' giving New Horizons scientists a rare, detailed glimpse at the lay of the land in this mysterious part of Pluto seen at high resolution only in twilight.

The scene in this inset is 460 miles (750 kilometers) wide.

When scientists received the first high resolution images of Pluto last year, they were amazed to find an intricate network of shapes covering its icy surface.
There was no tussle for the best leg room for one man on a flight to New Orleans earlier this week, as he was the only passenger.

Steven Schneider of Lawrenceville, Georgia, couldn't believe his luck when he discovered he'd be flying solo from Atlanta on Tuesday.

Schneider was stunned when he arrived at the Louis Armstrong Airport and clocked that there was no queue at his boarding gate.

Steven Schneider of Lawrenceville, Georgia, pictured here with a member of cabin crew, was the only passenger boarding a Delta flight to Atlanta on Tuesday. The air steward claimed she had never seen anything like it

When Schneider went to check in, he was asked by the crew if he would prefer to take a flight the following day as there would be no one else joining him on the plane for the 1hour 25 minute journey.

Troubles with Flight 2426 had caused the departure times to be delayed a couple of times, which meant customers previously on the flight had decided to change the day or time of their departure.

But as the aircraft was still required to be on the tarmac at Atlanta airport the following morning, the plane still needed to fly out of New Orleans, so Schneider opted to continue with his travel plans.

The lucky traveller had his pick of the plane's seats in an occurrence that none of the cabin crew manning the flight had witnessed in 17 years.

A second picture taken by Schenider of the eerily empty cabin showed row upon row of empty seats behind his own

He told the American television station WSB-TV: 'At first I felt really bad because I didnt want the plane to only make the trip because of me.

'But after talking to a flight attendant at the gate, she said the plane needed to go back to Atlanta anyway.

'She called this an empty leg flight.'

Cabin crew on the Delta flight said they hadn't seen anything like it in 17 years

Morgan Durrant, a spokesman for Delta Air Lines told MailOnline Travel: 'We're glad this customer enjoyed a somewhat rare solo experience.

'Other customers were re-accommodated on other flights after a delay to an earlier departure from New Orleans to Atlanta.

'The reason we operated the flight was so this customer could get to where he needed to go and so we could have that airplane positioned back in Atlanta for other scheduled departures the next day.'

Durrant revealed that although there was only one person on the flight, it was still more cost effective than if the flight hadn't taken place.

He said: 'From a cost perspective, it would actually be more costly to have the aircraft and crew out of position.

'In this case, both aircraft and crew were already scheduled to be back in Atlanta that evening so they could continue on to other scheduled destinations.

'So it was better for the customer in this case to get to where he was going and better for us from an operations perspective so we didnt have further disruption out of Atlanta.'

In January, Alex Simon, 28, who was the only passenger to show up for a Philippine Airlines flight as he travelled from Manila to Boracay

This isn't the first time a passenger has had the benefits of a 'private plane' while paying for an economy ticket.

In January, MailOnline Travel reported on holidaymaker Alex Simon, 28, who was the only passenger to show up for a Philippine Airlines flight as he travelled from Manila to Boracay.

The travel blogger, who lives in Ischgl, Austria, was stunned when no one else boarded the twin turboprop  leaving him alone with two flight attendants and two pilots.

Simon shot footage on board the domestic flight and even had a chance to enter the cockpit and chat with the pilots before the plane took off.

In February, a female solo traveller with the surname of Zhang, enjoyed an entire plane to herself during her two-hour journey from the Chinese cities of Wuhan to Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines

And in February, a female solo traveller with the surname of Zhang, enjoyed an entire plane to herself during her two-hour journey from the Chinese cities of Wuhan to Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines.

Zhang took pictures of her solo voyage in the economy class and shared her experience on China's Twitter-like social media platform Weibo as soon as she landed.
British tourists who are heading abroad this summer will be among the first to feel the effects of a vote to leave the EU, but they shouldn't expect to see any major changes to their holiday.

Although the long-term impact of Brexit is unclear, in the short-term, at least, Britons will get less bang for their pound when they head to the continent for a city break or a beach holiday.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who announced he would step down following the vote, has assured Britons there will be no initial change in the way people travel between the UK and the rest of Europe, as holidaymakers head into the busy summer travel period.

However, significant changes could be in store in the months ahead as governments, financial markets and companies react to the historic outcome and the UK goes through the necessary steps to withdraw from the EU.

Prime Minister David Cameron has said there will be no initial change in the way Britons travel to the EU

Buying currency

For travellers, the immediate impact comes in the form of spending while they're abroad.

It now costs more to buy foreign currency, including the euro, after the pound plummeted overnight, hitting its weakest level  $1.33  against the US dollar in 31 years.

FairFX, a travel money specialist, said the pound's value dropped by 5.7 per cent. It said the pound has lost 2.6 per cent of its value against the euro in the last week, and 4.2 per cent of its value against the US dollar.

Consumers exchanging 1,000 before the vote would have received 1,306, but they now would only receive 1,231  a difference of 74.60 (60.61), said Ian Strafford-Taylor, CEO of FairFX.

That means Britons will have to spend a little more every time they buy a meal, drink or souvenir, or pay for petrol on long car journeys, when they visit countries such as Spain, France or Italy this summer, unless the pound recovers.

FairFX said the fall in the pound marks the biggest drop since 1978 when it fell by 4.3 per cent. This week's fall is greater than that seen during the peak of the financial crisis in 2009, when the pound slid 3.9 per cent following the collapse of lender Lehman Brothers.

Britons can continue to take out money at cash points as normal, said the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta).

Their loss is others gain, however. The pounds slide will benefit foreign visitors, including citizens of EU member states, Americans, Canadians and Australians, whose currencies have strengthened against sterling.

Although the short-term impact may be rather minimal, the long-term impact has a number of potential scenarios that are causing concern within the global tourism industry, not to mention financial markets.

The pound has lost more than two per cent of its value against the euro in the last week, said analysts

Should I buy currency now or wait?

This is a tough question to answer, as the pound's performance in the coming days, weeks or even months will be difficult to predict.

Strafford-Taylor said his advice to tourists is to keep a very close eye on currency movements so they buy at the ultimate time.

He said: 'The pound is currently very volatile as the world gets to grips with the result of the vote, and it is likely it will remain volatile until the future of the UK becomes clearer.'

Bob Atkinson, travel expert at TravelSupermarket, said: 'The value of the pound has the potential to have the biggest impact on holiday costs.

'Uncertainty has already seen the value of the pound fall and markets will determine whether it improves, stabilises or falls further in the coming days, weeks and months.'

Experts predicted the pound would fall if Britain voted to leave the EU, and now that it's happened it's a situation that has many travellers worried.

Trip planners want to know if the pound will continue to slide and how far it will go, and if and when the losses will be recovered - but there are no definite answers.

In a sign of panic, Google saw the highest ever search interest in the pound following the vote, and a 500 per cent increase in people searching 'buy gold'.

For foreign tourists visiting the UK, they're facing attractive exchange rates.

Experts in the US and Australia have urged people to buy pounds now and cash in on the rise against sterling.

Zach Honig, editor-in-chief of New York-based travel website ThePointsGuy.com, said: 'With a significantly improved exchange rate, Britain is effectively on sale, giving American tourists a fantastic opportunity to visit this historically expensive country on the cheap.'

Higher airfares?

There are fears Brexit could lead to more expensive holidays through higher costs for plane tickets, and analysts are worried Britons will lose important air passenger protections once the UK officially leaves the union.

Before the vote, a number of budget airlines, including Luton-based easyJet and Dublin-based Ryanair, warned that the rolling effect of a vote to leave the EU could force them to charge more for airfare if there's an increase in jet fuel prices, which are tied to US dollars, and they lose their ability to operate in the EU's common aviation market.

The UK government must now negotiate full access to that market to ensure an open skies arrangement.

For now, Britons can only wait and see if that happens.

In the short-term, the weaker pound could impact the cost of flights or even discourage people from travelling abroad.

Ryanair launched a seat sale after the vote to encourage Britons to travel within the EU this summer, and offered a pointed take on the outcome of the referendum.

Spokesman Robin Kiely said: 'Its a good job were better at running an airline than political campaigns. Britons are booking our 9.99 seats in record numbers in what will be the last big seat sale of its kind, as they look to flee a country which will be run by Boris [Johnson], [Michael] Gove and [Nigel] Farage.'

Airlines warned before the vote that the price of airfare could rise if Britain leaves the European Union

What are airlines doing about it?

EasyJet was more restrained in its response as it reassured its investors and passengers that it is working on options that will allow it to continue to fly to all of its current destinations.

Carolyn McCall, the airline's chief executive, said she has written to the government and European Commission 'to prioritise the UK remaining part of the single EU aviation market' that allows EU and UK airlines to fly freely across Europe.

Joel Brandon-Bravo, UK managing director of Travelzoo, urged the government to act quickly to keep the skies open and keep fares low.

He said: UK airlines seem unanimous in the opinion that a Brexit will lead to reduced competition, reduced routes and higher travel prices.

With so many variables in play its difficult to predict the exact impact the leave vote will have on the tourism industry, but research suggests it will be a negative one.'

Andrew Shelton, managing director of travel website Cheapflights.co.uk doesn't believe Britons shouldnt assume everything will be lost in terms of regulations.

He said: The UK travel market is vital to the economy of many European countries and regions. It will be in their interests to seek ways to maintain the status quo. We believe a lot of effort will be made in the coming months and years to ensure the UK cash cow isnt put out to pasture.

What about the holiday I've already booked?

Abta said people who have already paid for all of their travel arrangements, as part of a package holiday, for example, will be protected to a large degree from a drop in the value of the pound.

But as mentioned, tourists' spending power in Europe will be impacted by a weaker pound.

The same goes for those who are paying for accommodation in other currencies, including the US dollar.

Other than that, Abta reassured travellers they will see little changes to their holiday this summer, saying: 'Once the UK formally notifies the EU of its intention to leave, the remaining member states will have up to two years to offer the UK a deal for a future trading relationship and during this period holidaymakers will not see any immediate changes.'

Atkinson said there are still deals to be had and the travel industry in Europe and beyond will welcome Britons' spending money as they have always done before.

He added: 'The main thing to convey to consumers is that you can continue to holiday with no changes whatsoever to what we are used to throughout this summer.'

What about holidays in 2017 or the years to come?

There are many things that could happen between now and then to influence the price of flights, rail tickets, cruises, accommodation or other things.

Atkinson said: 'Beyond this summer there is the potential for Brits to face higher package prices, flight prices and accommodation charges, and other items we consume overseas would start to rise as the impact of a weaker pound flows through to consumers.

'The value of the pound falling has been predicted by a number of organisations as well as economic and market analysts and any sustained impact on the UK economy would affect demand for holidays.

'The result? We could have a supply-demand issue where prices fall for some trips as the industry battles for consumers and rebalances itself to changes in the level of demand.'

Passengers go through passport control at St Pancras station prior to boarding a Eurostar train to Paris

Borderless travel?

As Cameron mentioned in his speech outside 10 Downing Street, there will be no initial change in the way people travel between the UK and EU member nations.

They will still have to go through passport control in the same queue as they did before the vote.

The same goes for EU citizens arriving in the UK, with Heathrow Airport saying: 'Anyone travelling through the airport will find it operating normally with no changes to security and immigration.'

A similar message was displayed on the airport's departure boards on Friday.

Until the UK officially leaves, British passports are still valid and there will be no need to get a new one, said Abta.

But the design of passports and driving licences, which display EU branding, will eventually change.

Abta said: Until the UK officially leaves the EU, not sooner than two years time, there will no changes to holiday arrangements.

Travellers are as free to move between the UK and the EU as they were before the vote.

Some experts have poured cold water on the theory that visa regulations will change, but it remains to be seen.

Compensation for disrupted flights?

Under EU law, passengers are currently entitled to up to 600 in compensation if their flight is cancelled or arrives more than three hours late at its final destination, depending on the circumstances.

That law remains in place, but it will have to be replaced by MPs during the transition phase.

When that happens, it could be an exact replica or even offer greater or fewer protections.

Frank Brehany, consumer director at HolidayTravelWatch, warned: Some have said that the UK government, free of Brussels could replicate lost laws.

'Our experience of Westminster reveals a Parliament less keen on what happens with consumers and more interested in the rights of industry.

Health benefits?

With the European Health Insurance Card, British travellers are entitled to treatment in EU countries at a reduced cost or no cost at all. Visitors to Britain receive the same right.

But with Brexit, the British government would have to renegotiate an agreement and it would have to guarantee the same benefits for visitors from those countries.

Without a renegotiated agreement, Britons would be required to take out private insurance before they travel in order to ensure they have sufficient coverage.

For now, the health cards are still valid and Britons can still use them.

'Arrangements between the UK and other EU countries will have to be reached once the UK officially leaves the EU,' said Abta.

A tourist takes a look at the price of spirits in a duty free shop at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany

Duty free goods

Abta said travellers can still bring home unlimited goods until the UK is officially out of the EU.

When that happens, a duty free allowance could be restored.

Currently, the alcohol allowance for arrivals from outside the EU is 16 litres of beer, four litres of wine (not sparkling) and a litre of spirits or other liquors over 22 per cent alcohol.

The tobacco allowance is either 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, or a split.

Travellers can bring in other goods worth up to 390.

Will roaming charges increase?

EU roaming rules have helped Britons to avoid costly mobile phone bills when they travel to member states.

For now, those same rules remain in place.

Going forward, the UK government will be responsible for implementing a new law.

Otherwise, travellers will be at the mercy of roaming charges set by service providers, said Abta.

My travel company has asked me to pay more due to the currency fluctuations

If this situation arises, check the terms and conditions of the company you've booked with, said Abta.

It said: 'If youve booked a package holiday this is covered by certain rules: the maximum surcharge by law is up to 10 per cent of the original cost of the holiday.

'If you havent booked a package, you should check the terms and conditions of your travel arrangement.'

Will ferry travel be affected this summer?

Discover Ferries, which represents a dozen ferry companies, said it will be business as usual following the vote.

Director Bill Gibbons said: Holidaymakers can rest assured that this decision will not affect their summer travel plans.
by Germans and built by Swiss, it flew around Europe, Africa and across both North and South America

It was the epitome of luxury travel with a dining salon, smoking lounge, wet bar and comfortable seating onboard

It first set-off in July 1929 but was grounded forever in the late 1930s after the airline became financially strapped

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In July 1929 a symbol of luxury air and sea travel took its first flight.

Known as a flying boat the Dornier Do-X, which took its name from its designer Dr Claudius Dornier, could soar through the skies and skim through the seas.

It provided a glamorous way to see the world as the 70-100 passengers onboard were treated to a dining salon, smoking lounge, wet bar and comfortable seating. However, passengers were integral in helping the captain bank into turns by moving from one side of the cabin to another whenever necessary.

Weighing 61 tones and with a wingspan of 177 feet, it was a massive craft that had over 12 engines and could reach an altitude of 1650 feet.

Though it was financed by the German Transport ministry it had to be build in Switzerland as a section of the Treaty of Versailles forbade Germany from manufacturing certain types of airplanes.

While it made publicity journeys through Europe, across the Atlantic to New York, down to Brazil and around the west coast of Africa the airline eventually shuttered as it struggled to foster a commercial audience. Though notably it did have a few non-fatal accidents, which couldn't have helped its image and by the mid-1930s the aircraft had gone out of fashion.

In July 1929 the Dornier Do-X aircraft, which could operate as both a commercial plane and a boat, set off on its first successful journey

All 169 passengers were onboard waiting for take-off and looking excited for one of the Dornier Do-x's early flights in this shot from October 21, 1929

Though it wasn't the first seaplane, it was the first of its size and luxury. It was designed and named after German engineer Dr Claude Dornie. This picture was taken in September 27, 1930

The 70 to 100 passengers on-board were treated to a luxurious experience as they had comfortable seats and top-notch service, as seen above en route to the United States

Oct. 21, 1929 Dornier employees and crew staff aboard the Dornier Do-X on a flight over Lake Constance, Germany

Passengers on board the Dornier Do-X had access to a dining salon (pictured above), a wet bar and a smoking lounge

An operator would man a radio onboard the aircraft to listen out for and make any necessary transmissions

It was an exceptionally large flying boat, weighing in at 61 tons, with a wingspan of 157 feet, it had 12 engines and could reach an altitude of 1650 feet

The design of the the engines came from Germany but used powerful American motors to lift it to an altitude of 1,650 feet in the air

A chief navigator was in-charge of steering the direction of the boat plane and can be seen examining a physical map of the world in the navigation cabin in 1930

In a dramatic shot from 1931 the Dornier Do-X flew past the New York City skyline as it made its way to dock in the city

Following one of the first flights in 1929 all airline employees and their family can be seen pictured by the gigantic craft in an airfield

Though the plane was German financed, it was Swiss made due to an element of the Versailles Treaty that restricted Germany's plane production. Here a machinist can be seen operating the flying boat's engine room

October 21, 1929: With over a dozen engines working simultaneously a machinist (above) had to constantly man the engine room

A view of the controls in the Dornier Do-X cockpit shows the complicated nature of making this plane fly

To fly the craft a captain stationed in the cockpit would send instructions that were actioned by the engineer adjusting the throttle in the engine room

July 12 1929: People came out the watch the first maiden voyage of the Dornier Do-X aircraft-boat, which was manned by 12 people

A completed Dornier Do-X flying boat sat fully assembled in hangar of the aircraft plant in Altenrhein, Switzerland, a few days before its maiden voyage
The impact of terrorism goes beyond the immediate horror.

International travel, particularly to Europe, has felt the waves of panic caused by an uplift in terror attacks and as a result more travellers are taking out insurance and cancelling holidays.

In response to the events in Paris and Brussels an American insurance company has reported a significant rise in thousands of holidaymakers taking out policies for European trips, especially to the UK and Italy, compared with last year.

Following the latest wave of terror attacks less travellers were heading to Paris (above) and Belgium, while those that go are more likely to take out insurance

The insurance firm, SquareMouth, also witnessed a drop in the popularity of vacations to France and Belgium, among their customers.

This was specifically acute within a month of each of their terror attacks, which calculated to 19% high trip cancellation rate when compared to the prior year.

And those who visited these two destinations were more likely to purchase insurance.

However, trips to Turkey were more likely to be outright cancelled.

The report explained that overall American residents are showing new caution.

While the threat of more terror is not preventing international travel, they are more likely to purchase insurance now if visiting Europe.

CHANGE IN NUMBER OF PEOPLE PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE ONE MONTH AFTER PARIS ATTACKS THREE MONTHS AFTER PARIS ATTACKS ONE MONTH AFTER BRUSSELS ATTACKS THREE MONTHS AFTER BRUSSELS ATTACKS Italy +47% +22% +47% +31% UK +57% +19% +35% +21% France +17% -0.12% -8.5% +2.7% Spain +26% +27% +10% +28% Germany +22% +20% -12% +14% Compared to the same period in the previous year. Source: SquareMouth report

Places like Belgium (above) are suffering from the impact of terrorism, with more American tourists cancelling trips across the whole of Europe, according to SquareMouth

And, trip cancellation was reported to be 19 per cent higher for Americans than the previous year.

Popular holiday destinations for the US have been impacted too.

More Americans are showing a new internet pattern, like searching the web to be on top of terrorism coverage. Compared to this time last year, this behaviour has gone up by 167 per cent.
He's the star of one of the best-reviewed shows on television.

And it looked as though Rami Malek was definitely enjoying that fact, as he was all smiles while on set filming a new season of Mr. Robot on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old actor donned two different outfits while filming in New York's Central Park.

Fun job: Rami Malek was all smiles while on set filming a new season of Mr. Robot on Wednesday

Initially, Rami looked relaxed in beige short-sleeve button down shirt which he tucked into some skinny jeans with the help of a thin black belt.

A pair of stark white sneakers and some wayfarer-style shades rounded out the first ensemble.

Later, the Night at the Museum star appeared in a new outfit while taking a break between scenes to talk with lovely co-star Stephanie Corneliussen, 29.

Malik's second look was even simpler than the first, and was composed of a charcoal grey t-shirt, tucked into black skinny jeans paired with black sneakers.

Summer casual: Initially, Rami looked relaxed in beige short-sleeve button down shirt which he tucked into some skinny jeans with the help of a thin black belt

A little grittier: Later, the Night at the Museum star appeared in a new outfit while taking a break between scenes to talk with lovely co-star Stephanie Corneliussen, 29 (right)

Light and dark: Malik's second look was even simpler than the first, and was composed of a charcoal grey t-shirt, tucked into black skinny jeans paired with black sneakers

Stephanie's outfit was a bit more summer friendly, and featured an airy tan colored swoop neck t-shirt under a semi-sheer white cardigan.

On the bottom, the Danish beauty sported a pair of white floral print trousers with unique tan-pattern flats.

Later, she had her own wardrobe change and popped up in a demure flower print button up blouse and some cream-colored straight leg slacks.

Regal: Later, she had her own wardrobe change and popped up in a demure flower print button up blouse and some cream-colored straight leg slacks

It seemed everyone on set was in quite a good mood, which may have been due to the news that the series would be getting two additional episodes for season two, bringing the total to 12, according to The Wrap.

A live after show called Hacking Robot has also been announced, and will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the show after the premiere.

Mr. Robot's second season is set to premiere on July 13th on USA.

Great news: It seemed everyone on set was in quite a good mood, which may have been due to the news that the series would be getting two additional episodes for season two, bringing the total to 12, according to The Wrap
She's often been an advocate for positive body image since finding fame on The Bachelorette and been given a platform for expressing her strong opinions on radio.

And on Friday, 2DayFM Hit 104.1's Sam Frost declared war on a new app called iCandy, which describes itself as 'iCandy is to men what Pinterest is to women.'

Criticising the application as sexist and derogatory towards women, the 27-year-old unleashed her disgust, struggling to understand why this sort of thing would even exist.

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'Are you JOKING?' Sam Frost declares war on a new app that asks women to share topless photos of themselves and have men vote on their favourite snap

'It's simple. Gorgeous women upload topless photos of themselves, tasteful nudes, and the users get to vote on their favourite photo,' she said of the app's description.

'We turn sexy photos into a fun game,' she continued in a sarcastically happy tone.

'Are you JOKING? They're encouraging women to take off their clothes, post photos of themselves for this app for sleazy, grimy men and people vote on it.'

'Isn't that the most disgusting, degrading thing?' The reality star went on to explain she was hesitant about even talking about the app for fear of encouraging listeners

'Why would someone want to sign up for this?' Throughout Sam's explanation, her co-host Rove McManus was visibly disgusted

Throughout Sam's explanation, her co-host Rove McManus was visibly disgusted and asked: 'Why would someone want to sign up for this?'

'Isn't that the most disgusting, degrading thing?' Sam replied.

'If you want to have a look at your filthy pornos or whatever you do, I don't care... but don't encourage vulnerable women to take off their damn clothes for sleazy men.'

The reality star went on to explain she was hesitant about even talking about the app for fear of encouraging listeners.

'People were saying I looked disgusting and gross': Earlier this year, the breakfast host opened up about body shaming she'd experienced after sharing a snap of her at the beach to her Instagram

Earlier this year, the breakfast host opened up about body shaming she'd experienced after sharing a snap of her at the beach to her Instagram.

Speaking once more on her radio show, she explained how she was almost left in tears after some of her followers said she was too skinny.

'People were saying I looked disgusting and gross...I was playing with my niece and trying not to cry because Im thinking "how are people so horrible?"' she said.
Roxy Jacenko cut a solemn figure as she headed into court on Friday morning to await her husband Oliver Curtis' sentencing for insider trading.

The PR maven wore an ensemble of all-black, sticking with a similar theme she has held for the entire trial at the New South Wales Supreme Court in Sydney.

The 34-year-old covered her eyes with large sunglasses before Justice Lucy McCallum delivered a sentence which would see the investment banker go to prison for two years.

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A day of mourning: Roxy Jacenko cuts a solemn figure in all-black as her husband Oliver Curtis is sentenced to two years imprisonment for insider trading

Keeping warm in a gold-buttoned blazer by Balmain, the founder and director of Sweaty Betty PR also donned a pair of stylish Azzedine Alaia sandals.

She also appeared to be wearing the same Dior dress she had Instagrammed three weeks ago.

She wore her long blonde locks in her trademark loose curls, and had matte, subtle makeup applied.

Meanwhile Oliver opted for muted tones of grey and black in his suit, holding his wife's hand tightly as they headed into the courthouse.

Fancy footwear: Keeping warm in a chic blazer, the founder and director of Sweaty Betty PR wore stylish Azzedine Alaia sandals

Solemn: She wore her long blonde locks in her trademark loose curls, and wore matte, subtle makeup

Roxy looked grim after his sentence was delivered and kissed him three times before he handed over his ring and other personal possessions to prison guards.

Justice McCallum said Oliver, 30, used the insider trading to fund 'a lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance' and classed the seriousness of his offence as high.

'Mr Curtis has not embraced responsibility for his offending,' she said, adding he was driven by 'self-interested pursuit of material wealth'.

Shocked: The mother-of-two has remained in mostly black the duration of her husband's trial

Grim: Roxy looked grim after his sentence was delivered

Justice McCallum also said he did not show remorse over his offending.

'It is wrong to regard insider trading crime as victimless,' she said.

The mother-of-two held her head up high as she left the courthouse solo, walking through a sea of reporters who were awaiting her exit.

The father-of-two was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading earlier this month after a three week trial where his former best friend, John Hartman, testified against him.
Wild (Hampstead Theatre)

Verdict: Too much talk

Rating:

American whistleblower/traitor Edward Snowden is depicted in Mike Bartletts new play, Wild.

Snowden is never actually named, but the play gives us a young man called Andrew who looks very much like the bespectacled Snowden and is holed up in an anonymous airport hotel in Moscow or somewhere.

Andrew is on the run after releasing information his country wanted to keep secret. What a rich topic this could be, offering all sorts of avenues. It could explore treachery, idealism, abandoned love, nationalism, temptation, globalism versus internationalism, cyber libertarianism, youthful vanity, regret and so much more.

Wild tells the story of a young man called Andrew who looks very much like the bespectacled Edward Snowden and is holed up in an anonymous airport hotel in Moscow or somewhere

But the Hampstead Theatres production may be remembered not so much for its intellectual content or its acting as for a closing coup de theatre.

Critical conventions prevent me from giving away the surprise, but the final scene involves major engineering. It is no wonder that some of the previews hit snags.

That ending sends you off feeling slightly dizzy and certainly nurturing respect for designer Miriam Buether, director James Macdonald and the backstage team at the Hampstead.

But for all its technical wizardry, it may not quite erase the memory of the preceding hour and a half or so of verbiage.

Words, words, words. I just about kept alert, but my two neighbours bit the dust.

On my right, a 70-something gent nodded off so badly that his glasses fell to the floor. To my left, a grandmotherly figure pitched into such a deep slumber that she slumped against her companion. They did both wake up in the last five minutes, though.

Designer Buethers opening set gives us the bland hotel room. It could be anywhere in the world. Andrew (Jack Farthing) is confronted by a woman he does not know (Caoilfhionn Dunne).

Is she a Russian intelligence agent, a corporate spy, a police officer, a journalist, a torturer playing psychological games?

Playwright Bartlett keeps things uncertain. Miss Dunne tries to enliven proceedings by giving her opaque character some eccentricities. Im afraid I found her entirely unconvincing.

But the Hampstead Theatres production may be remembered not so much for its intellectual content or its acting as for a closing coup de theatre

Later, a male counterpart of this woman arrives. He is played by John Mackay, who achieves something more Pinteresque and menacing.

The show has elements of a spy thriller  the possibility of the honey trap, the talk of a deal with shadowy authorities  but it all seems indistinct, circular and over-ambitious.

Can we call it a black comedy? It does not have quite enough laughs for that.

Only towards the end does Andrew start to explain the sense of entrapment he felt with the Western world. He felt powerless against the big companies, the CCTV cameras, the banks.

Right at the end, as the engineering spectacular is happening, his torturers laugh at him for the misplaced faith that he had in some better world. Not an uplifting evening, at least in the emotional or moral sense.

Barbu (London's South Bank)

Verdict: Bravo beardies!

Rating:

A good test of any circus is: Do I feel like running away with them? Montreals Cirque Alfonse easily passes this test.

Its five bearded hipsters and two trim lasses exude a surreal good humour while doing various acrobatic, juggling, balancing and magic tricks. By the end they are down to their underpants.

A good test of any circus is: Do I feel like running away with them? Montreals Cirque Alfonse easily passes this test. Pictured: Antoine Carabinier-LEpine performs with a Cyr Wheel

This is all accompanied by live, francophone folk music and video shots of Canadian meadows which could be adverts for low-fat butter.

This show at the Spiegeltent near the London Eye will suit adults who are out for an evening of quirky, slightly naughty spectacle. On Wednesday night it was so hot that, by the end, the performers were dripping sweat.
Independence Day: Resurgence (12A)

Rating:

Another week, another sequel. But although most of them are routinely promoted as eagerly-awaited while actually being about as eagerly-awaited as root canal surgery, heres one that really has generated some frothy anticipation.

Moreover, nobody can say that it has been rushed out with indecent haste.

The original Independence Day, in 1996, was a sci-fi disaster movie made with tremendous swagger. In the list of the decades biggest commercial triumphs, it trailed only the monster hit Jurassic Park.

Jet jockey: Liam Hemsworth in Independence Day, Resurgence. Nobody can say that the sequel has been rushed out with indecent haste

The sequel has the same director, Roland Emmerich, and much of the same cast, although not the originals shining star Will Smith, who played heroic fighter-pilot Steven Hiller.

According to which gossip you believe, Smith was this time considered either too expensive or too old, or opted out after deciding he doesnt like sequels (in which case, more power to his throttle).

Whatever, Captain Hiller has been killed off, leaving his son Dylan (Jessie Usher) to fight the alien hordes, who naturally are back with a vengeance.

But the real replacement for Smith is Liam Hemsworth. He plays Dylans maverick fellow moon-station pilot Jake, although Emmerich and his co-writers have cooked up some simmering tension between the two that is no sillier than anything else in the film, and yet quite silly enough.

Of course, silliness and the alien attack blockbuster have never been unacquainted, but about 20 minutes in, it occurred to me that the best way to enjoy this movie really is to view it as a comedy.

That enables us to savour the basic storyline, which has alien invaders trying to steal the earths molten core so they can use it to refuel their mothership.

It means we can laugh at a miscast Charlotte Gainsbourg, who plays a psychologist and appears to have wandered absent-mindedly off the set of a French art-house film.

The sequel has the same director, Roland Emmerich, and much of the same cast, including Jeff Goldblum, although not the originals shining star Will Smith, who played heroic fighter-pilot Steven Hiller

And it dampens the irritation engendered by some of the clumsiest dialogue you will ever hear, as when we learn that Jake is towing a half-trillion-dollar weapon through space from a colleague who tells him there are worse things you could be doing than towing a half-trillion-dollar weapon through space.

Funniest of all, though, are the aliens themselves: huge, gooey, octopus-snake-dragon hybrids, with nasty pincers and terrible teeth.

Why do cinematic aliens, with the notable exception of Scarlett Johansson in Under The Skin (2013), always have to be so darned ugly? And why are the men and women who fight them off always so pretty?

Well, we all know the answer  it compounds our notion of superiority. But I look forward to the day when screen aliens work out not only how to reach distant galaxies such as ours, but also how to make themselves a smidgen more presentable.

Its all ludicrously corny, unevenly scripted, unpalatably worshipful of the U.S., and yet another example of a sequel not worthy of the original

The leader of them here is female, which is apt because so is the U.S. President (Sela Ward), not that feminists should bother adding this film to Suffragette on their must-see list. It is men, as ever in the cinema, who really win the day.

Leading the scientific resistance to the aliens is government boffin David Levinson (again played, with his trademark semi-comic insouciance, by Jeff Goldblum).

Bill Pullman is back, too, as vaguely befuddled former President Whitmore, who seems to have a telepathic connection to the invaders.

This is helpful, but not helpful enough when they start destroying the worlds great cities, with London getting conspicuous attention.

But this digitalised Armageddon does not quite engulf one particular yellow school bus, that symbol of American innocence and purity so beloved of Hollywood screenwriters.

Its all ludicrously corny, unevenly scripted, unpalatably worshipful of the U.S., and yet another example of a sequel not worthy of the original. But go for laughs and you wont be disappointed.

Elvis & Nixon (15)

Rating:

We're back at the White House in Elvis & Nixon, in which all the laughs are intentional, and mined beautifully by Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey in their respective roles as the King of Rock n Roll and the 37th U.S. President.

Liza Johnsons intriguing film semi-fictionalises the events leading up to the real-life brief encounter between the pair, in December 1970.

Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey as the King of Rock n Roll and the 37th U.S. President in Elvis & Nixon

Agitated by the state of his country, Elvis blamed the drug-taking culture, and formulated a bonkers plan: he wanted Nixon to make him an agent-at-large for the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

Nixon, at first, wouldnt countenance the idea of meeting Elvis. He didnt want his cherished nap hour interrupted.

But an astute aide (nicely played here by Colin Hanks, Toms boy) realised that it could do the presidential reputation, as yet untarnished by Watergate, the world of good to receive Americas favourite entertainer in the stuffy Oval Office.

After a further nudge from his daughter, Nixon agreed to it. And evidently enjoyed it far more than he thought he would.

The snapshot of their handshake  the leader of the Free World looking saturnine but relaxed, Elvis wearing a slight sneer and a belt-buckle the size of Tennessee  is still by all accounts the most requested image in the U.S. National Archives. It was a nice idea to spin that photograph into a feature film, and an even better idea to cast Shannon and Spacey.

Some of us are used to seeing the latter as an even more unscrupulous occupant of the Oval Office, as Frank Underwood in the brilliant TV drama House Of Cards. But he is marvellous as Nixon, hunched and jowly, paranoia seeping from every pore.

Shannons performance is a different kettle of catfish (and if you dont get the allusion, look up Elvis and catfish  its a tale that rather sums up the Kings declining years).

Even with the big hair and the bejewelled get-up, he doesnt look remotely like a 35-year-old Elvis. Its an impression rather than an impersonation.

But then the world has quite enough Elvis impersonators, and Shannon brilliantly conveys the spirit of the great man at the start of his own descent into paranoia.
At just two-years-old, he's not likely to understand the legal drama surrounding his father.

And on Thursday night, the evening before Oliver Curtis was sentenced to two years for insider trading, a blissfully unaware Hunter Curtis was seen in an Instagram video of himself digging into Doughnut Time.

'I mean what does it look like I'm eating?!' a caption alongside it read, as the son of Roxy Jacenko and Oliver tucked into a variety of delicious treats.

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Delicious! Hunter Curtis tucked into Doughnut Time on Thursday evening, the night before dad Oliver was sentenced for insider trading

Doting mother Roxy, who runs Hunter and daughter Pixie's social media accounts, most likely shared the sweet family moment to put a focus on the positive rather than dwell on the troubles Oliver is experiencing.

Hunter, who was clad in a pair of Cars pajamas in the video, was seated in his high chair with a 'Slim Shady' -a vanilla glaze covered in M&Ms- on his plate.

Next to him was a Doughnut Time box filled with goodies, including the brand's signature Nutella-filled doughnut.

'I mean what does it look like I'm eating?!' was in written in the caption on two-year-old's Instagram account

Yum! The video also featured Doughnut Time's signature Nutella-filled doughnut

Doughnut Time is a client of Roxy's famous PR firm, Sweaty Betty.

As Hunter enjoyed the delectable dessert, he was likely unaware that his father was preparing to be sentenced for insider trading the next morning.

Oliver, the convicted insider trader husband of public relations maven Roxy, was sentenced to two years prison on Friday morning.

Blissfully unaware: Hunter was most likely unaware that his dad was about to be given a two-year sentence for insider trading

Justice Lucy McCallum handed down her sentencing in the NSW Supreme Court to a packed room on Friday.

Oliver, 30, was ordered to serve a year in prison and be released on a good-behaviour bond for the remainder of his sentence.

His wife, Roxy, looked grim after his sentence was delivered and she kissed him three times before he handed over his ring and other personal possessions to prison guards.

In her sentencing remarks, Justice McCallum said Mr Curtis used the insider trading to fund 'a lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance' and classed the seriousness of his offence as high.

'Mr Curtis has not embraced responsibility for his offending,' Justice McCallum said, adding he was driven by 'self-interested pursuit of material wealth'.
Kate Beckinsale had guests and fans alike in the palm of her hand when she arrived to Los Angeles Confidental Magazine's Women Of Influence event in Beverly Hills on Thursday.

The 42-year-old left passerby captivated as she sported a tree and pearl necklace design dress that clung to her exquisite frame and featured a playful baby pink bow at the cleavage.

Kate's frock also had a sweetheart cut neckline, fell at a modest length below her knees, and was teamed with a pair of pointed and pretty violet heels.

All eyes on her: Kate Beckinsale had guests and fans alike in the palm of her hand when she arrived to Los Angeles Confidental Magazine's Women Of Influence event in Beverly Hills on Thursday

As for her hair 'do, the British-born beauty kept it chic and simple, slicking back her curly strands into a stylish high ponytail.

Keeping the accessories to a minimum, the actress added some glamour with her sparkling studded earrings and touched up her radiant complexion with a smoky coat of eyeshadow and dark blush.

She added another shimmery pop of colour with her baby pink lip gloss.

Kate graces the cover of Los Angeles Confidential's spring edition, and the actress was more than happy to give it an autograph as she posed beside the incredible photograph of herself.

Simply stunning: The 42-year-old left passerby captivated as she sported a tree and pearl necklace design dress that clung to her exquisite frame and featured a playful baby pink bow at the cleavage

Kate has starred in countless films, including Pearl Harbor, Click, and the Underworld series.

Yet it wasn't always smooth sailing in her career, with the actress admitting to the magazine that she suffered panic attacks and anxiety early in her career.

Reflecting on travelling to New York solo for a role in the 1998 film The Last Days of Disco, the actress remembered thinking, '"Oh my God, none of my friends are free, my boyfriend's busy, and my mom can't come"'.

Looks familiar! The actress graces the cover of Los Angeles Confidential 's spring edition, and the actress was more than happy to give it an autograph as she posed beside the incredible photograph of hersel

'"I have to go to New York and be by myself,"' she added.

But luckily, the change of pace seemed to benefit the Pearl Harbor actress.

'So I sort of let off into the unknown world of Whit Stillman and disco dancing...and I'm really glad I did,' she added.

Kate will next return to her role of Selene in the upcoming Underworld: Blood Wars film, which is now in post-production and scheduled for release later this year.

She also stars in the thriller The Disappointments Room, which is now complete and also stars Lucas Till.
He is one of Hollywoods biggest stars - but to his beloved children, Chris Hemsworth is simply dad.

The 32-year-old, who is married to Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, took to his social media sites on Friday to share a picture of the sweet artwork daughter India Rose drew of him.

Gushing with pride, the Australian star explained how the colourful piece was inspired from a dream his four-year-old girl had from the night before.

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'This is you as a girl in my dream last night': Chris Hemsworth shared a cute picture of the artwork his daughter India Rose drew of him on Friday

He explained: My daughter painted this and said "it's you dad last night when you were a girl and the dinosaurs were alive and that's you holding your toy and then the dinosaurs died and you turned into a boy, in my dream last night" [sic].

Alongside the cute image, Chris also added the hashtags, #epic, #amazing and #kidsrule.

Just moments later, the former Home And Away heartthrob shared another image, but this time a snap of him from a meeting he had with Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi.

Doting father: Gushing with pride, the Australian star explained how the colourful piece was inspired from a dream she had the night before

Just had a very constructive story meeting': Moments later, the 32-year-old heartthrob shared another image, but this time a snap of him from a meeting he had with Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi

Just had a very constructive story meeting with our Thor 3 director @taikawaititi - gonna be a lotta fun [sic], he revealed.

If you haven't seen his other film yet @huntforthewilderpeople, go see it! It's got more heart, humor and fun than a bag of marshmallows.

It seems as if Chris is back in work mode after he recently enjoyed a luxury trip around Australia with his wife Elsa and their three children - India Rose, four, and two-year-old twin boys Tristan and Sasha.

In Thor mode! It seems as if Chris is back in work mode after he recently enjoyed a luxury trip around Australia with his wife Elsa and their three children

'Sunsets and laughs!': The couple have been sharing several candid snaps on social media from their travels, including one of both the stars posing in front of a striking sunset backdrop

Daily Mail Australia recently revealed the family spent a week at the lavish One & Only Hayman Island resort in the Whitsundays before.

The couple have been sharing several candid snaps on social media from their travels, including one of both the stars posing in front of a striking sunset backdrop.

With their arms wrapped around each other, the lovebirds - who have been together for over six years - were unable to hide the delight from their faces.

Sunsets and laughs, the 39-year-old actress gushed in the caption, while adding the hashtags, #seeaustralia, #oohaymanisland and #funtimes.
Gun-toting Jason Statham and scantily-clad Jessica Alba don't do too much to dissuade typecasts in the latest trailer for The Mechanic: Resurrection.

The duo team up for the sequel to Statham's 2011 action thriller, itself a remake of Charles Bronson's 1972 original.

Alba plays the action star's old flame, who is kidnapped in order to blackmail Statham into pulling off three 'impossible' hits.

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Hot couple: Scantily-clad Jessica Alba teams Jason Statham's assassin in the action-packed trailer for the Mechanic sequel Resurrection released on Thursday

'The principal I represent has an offer for you,' the Courier - played by Rhatha Phongam - tells him. 'Each death must look like an accident... your specialty I believe.'

The trailer opens with Statham pulling off one of these hits, which for something that is supposed to look like an accident is incredibly elaborate and even more conspicuous.

After scaling to the top of a skyscraper, he climbs along the underside of an enormous overhanging glass bottomed pool jutting out off the roof above the city.

He then drills a hole in the bottom just as his target dives in for a swim, sending tens of thousands of gallons of water and one arms dealer onto the pavement below in what the coroner will presumably decree an accident.

Seems legit: The trailer opens with Statham pulling off a hit, which for something that is supposed to look like an accident is incredibly elaborate and just as conspicuous

Good crack: After scaling to the top of a skyscraper, he then climbs along the underside of an enormous overhanging glass bottomed pool jutting out off the roof above the city

Floater: The target notices him, but it's too late

No one will notice: He drills a hole in the bottom just as his target dives in for a swim, sending tens of thousands of gallons of water and one arms dealer onto the pavement below in what the coroner will presumably decree an accident

'You have 36 hours to eliminate all the targets from this list - or they will eliminate me,' Alba tells Statham via FaceTime, after she is grabbed from the idyllic beach retreat by a team of mercenaries.

'They' appears to be one Riah Crain - played by Sam Hazeldine - an international arms dealer who wants his nearest three rivals taken care of.

'I've been waiting too long to get even with you,' he menacingly informs him.

Beach bod: If the trailer is anything to go by, Jessica Alba spends much of the film in a bikini

Boo: Baddie Riah Crain - played by Sam Hazeldine - wants Statham to eliminate his rivals... or he will eliminate Alba

Fab four: A helpful digital portfolio reveals that one of Riah rivals is Tommy Lee Jones doing his best Ringo Starr impression - his profile even reveals he is 'Britanian' by birth

Nice arms dealer: But instead of eliminating him, it looks like Jason and Tommy team up

A helpful digital portfolio reveals that one of Riah rivals is Tommy Lee Jones doing his best Ringo Starr impression - his profile even reveals he is 'Britanian' by birth.

But instead of eliminating him, it looks like Jason and Tommy team up.

'I wanna help you avoid an accident,' Statham tells him after breaking into his home.

Kick ass: Alba meanwhile is no helpless damsel, as she is seen beating up some of her armed guards

Plot device: She then swims away from the camera as it lingers on some gratuitous bikini shots

Water baby: She's so tough, she doesn't even need goggles

'What do you have in mind?' Jones asks. 'You'll have to die,' he replies with a grin.

Alba meanwhile is no helpless damsel, as she is seen beating up one of her armed guards before swimming away from the camera as it lingers on some gratuitous bikini shots.

'I've spent my whole life setting people up to die,' Statham tells her. 'Let's set you up to live.'

Mechanic: Resurrection explodes into cinemas on August 26.

Action hero: Jason meanwhile spends much of the trailer aiming guns...

Assassin: ... lots and lots of guns
The fashion label is called Buffalo Girl.

But Sophie Monk opted for a horse instead of the horned beast as she posed in a string of stunning photos for the Byron Bay-based brand.

The 36-year-old looked impeccable as she posed on the sandy shore of the beach next to the statuesque white mammal.

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Beach babe: Sophie Monk posed with a horse in the new campaign for Buffalo Girl clothing

The Date Movie starlet wore her luscious blonde locks in long beachy waves as she posed against the picturesque backdrop.

At one point she mounted the horse and clung to the back of a shirtless male model, turning her head back to deliver a sultry stare to the camera.

Sophie's glamorous display is worlds away from the image she showed in the recently released trailer for her upcoming horror film, Blood Feast.

Blonde bombshell: The 36-year-old wore her blonde locks in long beachy waves

Perk of the job! The former pop diva got close to a shirtless male hunk as part of the pictorial

Where to look? Sophie put on a busty display as her shirtless co-worker flaunted his physique

In the trailer, which was shared to Sophie's Instagram page on Monday, the former Hollywood star plays an American waitress whose father becomes a crazed cannibal.

At one stage in the clip, the radio star is seen gnawing into what appears to be a chunk of bloodied human flesh.

In the caption, Sophie wrote: 'WARNING: R+18 #horrormovie. My new movie trailer just released. Aussie being an American'.

'My new movie trailer just released!' The former Hollywood starlet is preparing for a comeback

'WARNING: R+18!' The gory horror movie, titled Blood Feast, features extreme violence and acts of cannibalism

She completed her post with: '#bloodfeast #remake' and tagged her castmates: '@marcelwalz @robertrusler @willicaroline @sadiekatz'.

In the film, Sophie takes on the role of Penny Ramses, whose father, seduced by the ancient Egyptian goddess, Ishtar, is driven by madness into a murderous and cannibalistic rampage.

The film was first released in 1963, with actor Mal Arnold in the leading role as Penny's father.
She's been by her daughter Roxy's side over the past few weeks as son-in-law Oliver Curtis appeared in court for his insider trading trial.

And on Friday, it was no different, with Doreen Jacenko providing her famous daughter with moral support as Oliver was sentenced to two years in prison.

Doreen was spotted making a coffee stop in Double Bay shortly after leaving the New South Wales Supreme Court in Sydney.

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On the go: Doreen Jacenko was spotted grabbing some coffee in Sydney's Double Bay on Friday, the day her son-in-law Oliver Curtis was sentenced to two years in prison for insider trading

She wore a printed blue dress on the day, featuring a nautical themed print including bold seagull designs.

Layered over the top was a chic white coat, while she completed her look with a pair of strappy black shoes, similar to the stylish Yves Saint Laurent pair owned by Roxy.

Holding onto a coffee cup and a takeaway box of food, Doreen appeared rather downcast as she made her way down the street.

Court appearance: Doreen was right behind daughter Roxy as they left the New South Wales Supreme Court following the verdict

Blue design: She wore a printed blue dress on the day, featuring a nautical themed print including bold seagull designs

Adding more: Layered over the top was a chic white coat, while she completed her look with a pair of strappy black shoes

Earlier Doreen was seen walking right behind her daughter Roxy as they emerged from court after Justice Lucy McCallum delivered a sentence which would see investment banker Oliver go to prison for two years.

Roxy looked grim after his sentence was delivered and kissed him three times before he handed over his ring and other personal possessions to prison guards.

Justice McCallum said 30-year-old Oliver used the insider trading to fund 'a lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance' and classed the seriousness of his offence as high.

Picking up essentials: Holding onto a coffee cup and a takeaway box of food, Doreen appeared rather serious as she made her way down a street

Serious: There was no chance of Doreen cracking a smile given the day's events

'Mr Curtis has not embraced responsibility for his offending,' she said, adding he was driven by 'self-interested pursuit of material wealth'.

Justice McCallum also said he did not show remorse over his offending.

'It is wrong to regard insider trading crime as victimless,' she said.

The father-of-two was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading earlier this month after a three week trial where his former best friend, John Hartman, testified against him.

Dedicated: She has been by her daughter's side throughout the trial over the past few weeks

Solemn figure: PR queen Roxy wore an all-black ensemble for the court appearance
Jenna Dewan-Tatum smoldered in a slinky black dress on Thursday while out and about in Los Angeles.

The 35-year-old actress showed her fit figure in the sleeveless dress with plunging neckline and mid-thigh slit.

The Supergirl star completed her outfit with black open-toed strap heels.

Lady in black: Jenna Dewan-Tatum sizzled in a slinky black dress on Thursday in Los Angeles a day after husband Channing Tatum praised their sex life during a talk in Cannes, France

Jenna had her short black hair down and added a pop of colour with red liptsick.

The actress looked effortlesly stunning a day after her husband Channing Tatum, 36, praised their sex life at Cannes Lion in France.

'Me and sex are friends. We're animals. It's not a means. It's something that enriches your life  it's one of the clearest ways that we communicate, it boils things down to a very primal level,' Channing said during a conversation streamed on Facebook Live.

The Magic Mike star told Cosmopolitan editor Joanna Coles that he and Jenna don't have sex after an argument unless matters have been resolved.

Fit figure: The dancer turned actress showed her fit figure in the sleeveless dress with front slit

On the move: Jenna looked stunning in the low-cut black dress

'That's how we know there's something we have to talk about, that we have to solve ... whatever's between us energetically, before we can sort of get down.

'For lack of a better term, we don't hate-f**k each other. That's just not what we do. Sometimes it's, "Look, you've got to get this done, I've got to work." That's a real thing.

'To me, that's us being completely open. Saying, "Look, I don't have the energy." Then you have full-on, just completely, totally connected, otherworldly connections.'

Cute smile: The actress added a pop of colour with red lipstick

On the stage: Channing is shown on Thursday at the Cannes Lions in Cannes, France

Candid star: The actor candidly talked about his sex life on Wednesday at Cannes Lions

Jenna and Channing have three-year-old daughter Everly together.

Channing can next be seen on the big screen in the sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle due out on June 16, 2017.

Jenna had a recurring role on the first season of Supergirl on CBS and it was renewed for a second season debuting later this year on sister network The CW.
Its only half way through the year and Australian actor Joel Edgerton has already reaped success for three big Hollywood films.

Now the 42-year-old actor, producer and screen writer has returned home to his native Australia for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

The Great Gatsby star was spotted on Thursday frolicking in the waves at Bondi Beach in a pair of patterned board shorts.

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Hunk alert! Joel Edgerton stripped down to just his swimming trunks and exposed his bare chest as he splashed through the chilly Winter waters during a trip to Bondi Beach on Thursday

Looking less-than-toasty, the Blacktown-born star look a little chilly has he splashed about, wearing only a pair of lace-up swimming trunks printed with drawings of beachgoers.

The A-lister swept back his brunette tresses with one hand and he sported a face full of facial hair.

After a cool dip in the ocean, the screen star emerged from the wintry waters before quickly wrapping himself in a large striped beach towel.

Chilly dip: Looking less-than-toasty, the Blacktown-born star splashed about, wearing only a pair of lace-up swimming trunks printed with drawings of beachgoers

Heading back: After he frolicked through the waves, the 42-year-old waded back to the beach

Meanwhile, the former Secret Life of Us Star is currently on top of the world as his new civil rights film Loving is getting serious Oscar buzz.

The film doesnt hit cinemas until November but critics, who attended the Cannes festival screening, are almost unanimous in their praise, and have been bowled over by Joel's acting.

The Australian star plays lead character Richard Loving sentenced to prison in Virginia in 1958 for entering into an interracial marriage with partner Mildred, played by Ruth Negga.

Stylish: The A-lister swept back his brunette tresses with one hand and sported a face full of facial hair

Success: The former Secret Life of Us Star is currently on top of the world as his new civil rights film Loving is getting serious Oscar buzz

Award nominations: The film doesnt hit cinemas until November, but critics, who attended the Cannes festival screening, are almost unanimous in their praise and have been bowled over by Edgertons acting

The civil rights drama comes not long after Joel's success with Midnight Special  with both movies directed by Jeff Nichols.

Joel made headlines earlier this week when he compared the old American state laws against mixed-race marriages featured in Loving to the continued block of gay marriage in Australia.

One of the things that struck me while working on this film is what happens between two individuals is nobody else's business, he said after Mondays screening.

Praises: The civil rights drama comes not long after Joel's success with Midnight Special  with both movies directed by Jeff Nichols

Making a statement: Joel made headlines earlier this week when he compared the old American state laws against mixed-race marriages featured in Loving to the continued block of gay marriage in Australia

There was a definite resonance with my own country, particularly with the rights of gay marriage and the latency of under-the surface racism, which is something I think we really need to talk about.

The Hollywood A-lister also reaped praise earlier this year for true-crime gangster drama Black Mass.

The film follows the career of infamous Irish-American mobster James 'Whitey' Bulger, played by Johnny Depp.

Edgerton stars opposite Depp as corrupt FBI agent John Connelly in the film.

Making waves: The Hollywood A-lister also reaped praise earlier this year for true-crime gangster drama Black Mass




It was eleven years ago that their first film as a foursome debuted.

And on Wednesday, Blake Lively shared a photo of her Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants castmates in honour of the #LeanInTogether campaign.

The hashtag has surfaced on social media in hopes to encourage women to support one another.

Girls' unite: On Wednesday, Blake Lively, 28, shared a photo of her film castmates in honour of the #LeanInTogether campaign. (L-R) Amber Tamblyn, Blake, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera

'Not just my friends, but my sisters, my mentors, my inspiration-- Artists, poets, activists, women. We can and do empower each other,' Blake began.

'When women support each other, we accomplish amazing things. Celebrate the women who #LeanInTogether with you,' encouraged the star.

In the snap, the Gossip Girl actress, Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel and America Fererra are seen aboard a plane.

In an interview with Sirius XM, Blake discussed the possibility of a third film, which has been previously confirmed by both America and Alexis, who will produce.

Company honour: Reese Witherspoon listed her clothing line's CEO Andrea Hyde as her a woman she admired

BBF love: Victoria Beckham listed best friend Eva Longoria as a woman whom she supported

'There is a strong chance there might be a third. The four of us are still best friends and to be able to create something together again has always been a dream of ours,' she said, pointing out that the characters' age and story line will of course have matured.

Just like Blake, other female celebrities used their social media platforms for what they felt was an important topic.

Reese Witherspoon listed her clothing line's CEO Andrea Hyde as her a woman she admired, writing: 'I have been so fortunate to benefit from the business acumen, leadership skills, and work ethic of @DraperJames CEO #AndreaHyde.

Multiple support: Model Ashley Graham highlighted what appeared to be fellow models of all sizes

'Andrea helps me bring my creative ideas for the company to life. I feel so lucky that we get to work together. When women support each other, we accomplish amazing things.'

Victoria Beckham listed best friend Eva Longoria as a woman whom she supported, sharing: '@EvaLongoria, I couldn't be more inspired by you. When women support each other, we accomplish amazing things. Celebrate the women who #LeanInTogether with you x vb.'

Meanwhile Christina Aguilera drew attention to her mother.

Her special lady: Christina Aguilera drew attention to her mother

She wrote: 'Mom, thank you for driving me to my singing jobs when I was 7 and helping me realize my dreams. When women support each other, we accomplish amazing things. Celebrate the women who #LeanInTogether with you.'

Selena Gomez, 23, took to Instagram to champion her team and singled out her assistant Theresa for praise.

'I wouldnt be here without my team  thank you for always having my back. When women support each other, we accomplish amazing things,' Selena wrote in the caption.

Incredible women: Selena Gomez posted a video on Instagram championing members of her team including her assistant Theresa Marie Mingus

The trio: Morning show host Gayle King shared a photo of herself and best friend Oprah with Maya Angelou

'Here's to my soul sister': Kate Bosworth shared a photo with her 'inspiring, kind, extraordinary' friend Jacqui Louez Schoorl

Model Ashley Graham posted a snapshot with models of all sizes, writing: '"I'm a movement by myself, but I'm a force when we're together." When women support each other, we accomplish amazing things. Celebrate the women who #LeanInTogether with you. #BeautyBeyondSize.'

And Gayle King shared a photo of herself and best friend Oprah with Maya Angelou.

'Talk about #leanintogether the great maya Angelou was one of the original lean in women she is no longer with us but the lessons she taught will never be forgotten,' she wrote.

Kate Bosworth also took part, sharing a snapshot with her 'soul sister' Jacqui Louez Schoorl and captioning it: 'Here's to my soul sister... the inspiring, kind, extraordinary @jacqsls. When women support each other, we accomplish amazing things. Celebrate the women who #LeanInTogether with you.'

Their word: Selena Gomez, Emma Watson and Scandal star Keri Washington were just a few celebrities who gathered together for the #LeanInTogether campaign's official video

Calling out: The women named other women in their lives who helped shape the people they are today

Selena Gomez, Emma Watson, Lena Dunham and Scandal star Keri Washington were just a few celebrities who gathered together for the #LeanInTogether campaign's official video.

The women named other women in their lives who helped shape the people they are today.

Keri, 39, even questioned where her career would be without Scandal show creator Shonda Rhimes.

'I'm gonna try to say this without getting really emotional. But I'm not really sure what my life would look like if it were not for Shonda Rhimes,' she said.
It was a case of been there, done that, have the snarky Instagram post to prove it.

Paris Hilton jetted into to Los Angeles on Thursday and while she strutted through arrivals in designer flats, she may as well have ridden in in her high horse.

The 35-year-old took a dig at former best friend Kim Kardashian earlier in the day.

She has arrived: Paris Hilton jetted into to Los Angeles on Thursday and while she strutted through arrivals in designer flats, she may as well have ridden in in her high horse

The reality star posted a collage of all her GQ covers saying: 'Love all my #GQMagazine covers.'

While maybe she was just feeling nostalgic, the collage did seem to be throwing shade at Kim who just landed a very sexy GQ cover.

Paris was in fact very prolific with her Throwback Thursday snaps as she posted up a number of former campaign images during the day.

She was able to reminisce and post at lightning speed as the star carried not one, but two phones with her.

Burrrrrn: The 35-year-old took a dig at former best friend Kim Kardashian earlier in the day posting a collage of all her GQ covers saying, 'Love all my #GQMagazine covers'

Been there, done that: While maybe she was just feeling nostalgic, the collage did seem to be throwing shade at Kim who just landed a very sexy GQ cover

For her flight wore her go-to look of a long patterned maxi dress with a split on the leg to allow her to show glimpses of her tanned legs.

The dress was plunging and very summery so she threw on a studded leather cropped jacket and carried a matching bag.

Paris wore her long blonde locks in a half up, half down 'do and kept sunglasses fastened to her face.

Signature style: For her flight wore her go-to look of a long patterned maxi dress with a split on the leg to allow her to show glimpses of her tanned legs

The Simple Life star was arriving back in Los Angeles after spending the week in Miami.

She will not have long at home as she is due to DJ in Canada on the weekend.

The 35-year-old also just announced that for the fourth year in a row she will have a DJ residency at club Amnesia in Ibiza.
She just enjoyed a seemingly never-ending vacation, taking to her social media sites to document her idyllic travels.

And ditching her summer ensembles, Ashley Hart was back to wearing her winter chic wardrobe as she stepped out in Sydneys Bondi area on Monday.

The 27-year-old - who is primarily based in the US - looked sensational in her getup as she jumped on the back of friends scooter after grabbing a quick coffee.

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Keeping her cool! Ashley Hart was back to wearing her winter chic wardrobe as she stepped out in Sydneys Bondi area on Monday

She slipped her lean and slender curves into a pair of tight leather pants, which was teamed with a bold metallic silver jacket and black sneakers.

Toting her belongings in a designer handbag, Ashely kept herself warm with a Louis Vuitton while amping up the glam factor with various midi rings and a delicate gold necklace.

Her peroxide blonde tresses were left loose in tousled waves, while she allowed her natural beauty to shine with muted tones of makeup.

Caffeine fix: The 27-year-old - who is primarily based in the US - looked sensational in her getup as she jumped on the back of friends scooter after grabbing a quick coffee

Glam biker chick: She slipped her lean and slender curves into a pair of tight leather pants, which was teamed with a bold metallic silver jacket and black sneakers

The Australian stars sighting comes shortly after she returned to Sydney from a luxury holiday in North America with Extra host Renee Bargh.

The two best friends soaked up the beautiful sights and surroundings as well as the sunny climes in Mexico before flying to New York for a stylish city break.

Ashley announced her return Down Under at Los Angeles Airport on Sunday, sharing an Instagram snap with the caption: 'See you soon, OzzieLand'.

'See you soon, OzzieLand': The Australian stars sighting comes shortly after she returned to Sydney from a luxury holiday in North America with Extra host Renee Bargh

The pretty blonde - the younger sister of former Victoria's Secret runway star Jessica Hart - is married to fellow model Buck Palmer.

The couple, who are based in New York, often spend lots of time in her native Australia - which comes after they spontaneously tied the knot in April last year.

Buck proposed to Ashley in the south of France in July 2014, after she'd spent four months away from her man on a yoga teacher training course in India.
Roxy Jacenko has a long two years ahead of her while her husband Oliver Curtis is in prison following his insider trading conviction.

The 36-year-old Australian businesswoman will be faced with the task of juggling her successful public relations firm Sweaty Betty PR and management agency Ministry Of Talent, along with mothering young children Pixie and Hunter, aged four and two respectively.

But the Sydney-based media personality, who famously responded to work emails less than an hour after giving birth to son Hunter in 2014, will no doubt face her biggest challenge with fierce determination, while also relying on her financially successful and busy business, and support of mother Doreen and extended family.

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What will the future hold? Roxy Jacenko has a long two years ahead of her while her husband Oliver Curtis is in prison following his insider trading conviction

Launched back in 2004 when she was just 24 years of age, Roxy's public relations firm Sweaty Betty PR has gone on to become a bustling agency boasting more than 70 clients, with luxury brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Le Coq Sportif and Australian supermarket Coles having been on the company's books.

In 2012, she also founded Ministry Of Talent, an agency managing talent such as models, bloggers and other social media influencers.

While Oliver will be behind bars and not bringing any cash-flow to the household, many believe Roxy will be just fine in terms of finance, thanks to her own public relations enterprise.

Challenging times: The 36-year-old Australian businesswoman will be faced with the task of juggling her successful public relations firm Sweaty Betty PR and management agency Ministry Of Talent, along with mothering young children Pixie and Hunter, aged four and two respectively

Family torn apart: Roxy and Oliver pictured with young son Hunter

In recent months, Sweaty Betty PR has been promoting the products of clients Doughnut Time, Avon Australia and New Zealand and the exquisite Sydney harbourside restaurant Catalina.

And it was just as recently as last week when the official Sweaty Betty PR Instagram page introduced a new client signed to the agency, male grooming company Face of Man.

However when penning a serious letter to the NSW Supreme Court last week, Roxy spoke of the dangers her business would face if husband Oliver was sent to prison.

'I will need to significantly reduce the amount of hours that I work to maintain my business in order to take up the parental responsibilities that Oli currently has.

Important years: No doubt the next two years will be tough on the family

Mum to the rescue: No doubt Roxy's mother Doreen will help look after her grandchildren

She's done it before: Doreen often spends time with her grandchildren, pictured here with Roxy's four-year-old daughter Pixie

'I will need to reconsider my current clients as many require my physical attendance at events on weekends and evenings.

'I am currently only able to service these clients because of Oli's support to look after our children.'

While she has a 'team of over 25 staff' to assist her, she said she often has to work long hours and attend to clients' needs late at night and on weekends.

Going forward, it's likely that Roxy's mother Doreen will help look after the PR guru's young children, a babysitting duty she is no stranger to.

Convenience: Doreen happens to live in the same Bondi building that Roxy and her children reside in

At work: Roxy often takes daughter Pixie to front-row fashion events, and will no doubt continue to do so

There's further convenience with the fact that Doreen lives in the same Bondi building that Roxy and the children reside in.

Throughout Oliver's trial over the past few weeks, Doreen has been by her daughter's side as a source of immense moral support.

Meanwhile, growing up in Sydney, Roxy already came from a family of great wealth.

Her father Nick Jacenko made millions through his clothes manufacturing company, where Roxy actually worked until her mother sacked her after six months.

'I had decided at 18 that I knew how to run her business better than she did,' Roxy told The Sydney Morning Herald earlier this year.

Back in the day: Roxy launched her own business Sweaty Betty PR in 2004, the blonde beauty pictured here in 2006

Privileged upbringing: Despite her father Nick Jacenko's successful clothing manufacturing business, Roxy says she's proud she's made her own money - pictured here in 2010

And after working for fashion brand Diesel's public relations department, she decided to find success with a company of her own.

'I had a private school education and I had a family who could have bought me the things I wanted to and they chose not to. In hindsight now, at [age] 35, I think "Too bloody right, I'm glad you instilled that in me",' she told The Sydney Morning Herald.

In addition to her multi-million dollar enterprise, Roxy manages the social media accounts of daughter Pixie and son Hunter, raking in thousands per Instagram post while spruiking different brands.

Roxy, who married Oliver Curtis in 2012 after several years of dating, is now preparing to spend two years without the love of her life.

Businesswoman: Roxy's public relations firm Sweaty Betty PR has gone on to become an incredibly successful agency boasting more than 70 clients

Diverse portfolio: In 2012 she also founded Ministry Of Talent, an agency managing talent such as models, bloggers and other social media influencers

On Friday 30-year-old Oliver was sentenced to two years' imprisonment after being convicted of insider trading.

The father-of-two was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading earlier this month after a three week trial where his former best friend, John Hartman, testified against him.

As uniformed court officers surrounded him on Friday, Oliver started surrendering his jewellery  including a watch  and his lawyer took a wad of $50 notes out of Oliver's' wallet and handed it to Roxy.

Oliver handed his belt and tie to his lawyer and gave Roxy a final kiss before being taken away.

Strategy: In addition to her multi-million dollar enterprise, Roxy manages the social media accounts of daughter Pixie and son Hunter, raking in thousands per Instagram post while promoting different brands

Roxy left the court in the middle of a media scrum, with security and journalists jostling as she tried to make her way to her car and drove to her office in Double Bay.

Justice McCallum said Oliver used the insider trading to fund 'a lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance' and classed the seriousness of his offence as high.

'Mr Curtis has not embraced responsibility for his offending,' she said, adding he was driven by 'self-interested pursuit of material wealth'.

Justice McCallum also said he did not show remorse over his offending.

'It is wrong to regard insider trading crime as victimless,' she said.

Sentencing: On Friday 30-year-old Curtis sentenced to two years' imprisonment after being convicted of insider trading

There she goes: Roxy left the court in the middle of a media scrum, with security and journalists jostling as she tried to make her way to her car and drove to her office in Double Bay

Like Roxy, Oliver comes from a relatively wealthy family.

Prior to Friday's sentencing, Oliver's father Nick Curtis AM pleaded for his son not to go to prison, saying years of pressure has had a 'marked psychological effect' and also led the younger Curtis to become 'more private and withdrawn'.

In his submission, Nick Curtis said he was 'very close to his son' who had changed dramatically since he was a 'brash 22-year-old' at the time of the offence.

He argued he was 'not a socialite' and was actually a 'strong family man' who cared deeply for his wife and two children.
She was a hard working reporter in Sex in the City.

And apparently Sarah Jessica Parker doesn't mind a little hands-on work in real life either, as she promoted her shoe brand at a Florida Bloomingdales on Thursday.

The 51-year-old actress and fashion maven physically sat with customers as they tried on new offerings from her SJP line of footwear.

Into the fray: Apparently Sarah Jessica Parker doesn't mind a little hands-on work, as she promoted her shoe brand at a Florida Bloomingdales on Thursday

For the event, the Hocus Pocus star donned a cream-coloured airy linen blouse with baggy sleeves and an intricate design printed horizontally across the chest.

The mother of three rocked some cropped khakis and a pair of eye-catching magenta shoes from her own brand.

As usual the Hollywood vet's honey locks were parted in the middle and perfectly coiffed.

Boho: For the event, the Hocus Pocus star donned a cream-coloured airy linen blouse with baggy sleeves and an intricate design printed horizontally across the chest

In her shoes: On the bottom, the mother of three rocked some cropped khakis and a pair of eye-catching magenta shoes from her own brand

Always looking good: As usual the Hollywood vet's honey locks were parted in the middle and perfectly coiffed

Fan favorite: The HBO star also took time to take several photos with fans

Aside from a slick of peach lipstick and some smokey eye-makeup, her visage appeared quite clear.

Sarah seemed energetic as she helped customers try her shoes and then signed those who opted to go home with a pair of the flashy new duds.

The HBO star also took time to take several photos with fans, and even wrote a little note to one.

One of a kind: Sarah seemed energetic as she helped customers try her shoes and then signed those who opted to go home with a pair of the flashy new duds

Wordsmith: She even wrote a quick note for one fan

Earlier in the week, Sarah and her husband Matthew Broderick were out in force at a star-studded fundraiser held for Hillary Clinton, 68, hosted by Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and his fashion designer wife Georgina Chapman at their Manhattan home.

The New York power couple both dressed to impress in stylish green ensembles for their night out alongside the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as a whole host of political heavyweights.

Sarah was vocal about her support for Hillary Clinton before the former Secretary of State announced she would run for president.
She failed to win back her ex Josh 'JP' Patterson after he broke up with her for kissing another guy in Monday's episode of Made In Chelsea.

But Binky Felstead showed her former flame what he was missing as she modelled a series of skimpy swimwear while soaking up the sun with her co-stars in the South of France on Thursday.

The 26-year-old reality star has been sending temperatures soaring on Instagram in a series of sizzling bikini snaps, highlighting her gym-honed figure to perfection.

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Looking all-white: Binky Felstead showed her former flame what he was missing as she modelled a series of skimpy swimwear while soaking up the sun with her co-stars in the South of France on Thursday

The beauty was not shy about flaunting her fabulous physique and in one snap, she gazed seductively at the camera, while the upwards angle of the camera focused on her plunging white crochet bikini.

An array of tassels teased her toned tum, while her bottoms boasted navy tie details.

Binky shared another Instagram image where she cropped out her face, posing in a skimpy red two-piece from her own In The Style collection.

Sitting on a perfect white beach, the brunette beauty showed off her perfectly toned tum and Riviera tan to perfection.

Red hot: The 26-year-old reality star has been sending temperatures soaring on Instagram in a series of sizzling bikini snaps, highlighting her gym-honed figure to perfection

Fun in the sun: It definitely looks like Binky has been focusing on topping up her tan as she posted yet another sun-kissed photo of herself in a long neon dress with Cannes in the background

It definitely looks like Binky has been focusing on topping up her tan as she posted yet another sun-kissed photo of herself in a long neon dress with Cannes in the background.

In another short video, she stunned in a printed two piece as she twirled her arms above her head.

Her lavish holiday is being filmed for an upcoming episode of the popular E4 reality show, which is now on season 14.

Joined by MIC co-stars Stephanie Pratt, Louise Thompson Alex Mytton, Olivia Bentley, Tiffany Watson, Ollie Locke and Jess Woodley, the gang are filming a summer spin-off in the French holiday hotspot.

Abs-olutely fabulous: In another short video, she stunned in a printed two piece as she twirled her arms above her head

Sad times: Monday's episode of Made In Chelsea saw Binky's boyfriend of one year her ex Josh 'JP' Patterson call time on their relationship once and for all

In a recent interview with OK! magazine Binky divulged that she does eats an 'awful lot', however maintains her slim figure by working out with a personal trainer four times a week.

'Im either too fat or too thin, I cant win. I dont think Im too slim, I eat an awful lot.

I train four times a week with my personal trainer. We do an hour of high-intensity training together and Ill be introducing weights soon.'

It has been a rough few weeks for Binky, who filmed some emotional scenes with her ex JP who was convinced she was too much of a 'party girl' to be in a committed relationship.

A devastated Binky did her best to convince him it was a one-off mistake, however only cemented JP's decision with him telling her to 'move on'.

The French Made In Chelsea spin-off follows last year's Los Angeles-based show and the New York trip made by the cast in 2014.

Moving on: It has been a rough few weeks for Binky, who filmed some emotional scenes with her ex JP who was convinced she was too much of a 'party girl' to be in a committed relationship
She recently revealed she's made the tough decision to cut all ties with her long-term on-off boyfriend James 'Arg' Argent after their explosive break-up last month.

But Lydia Bright looked as though she was doing the best to move on with life as a single lady as she attended a series of meetings in London on Thursday afternoon.

The TOWIE star, 25, looked effortlessly elegant as she showed some skin in a backless light blue cotton summer dress with floral cut-out detailing as she traded in her native Essex in favour of the capital.

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Dressed to impress: Lydia Bright looked effortlessly elegant as she showed some skin in a backless light blue cotton summer dress with floral cut-out detailing to attend meetings in London on Thursday

The boutique owner's chic outfit choice was the perfect choice for soaring summer temperatures and helped her keep cool on the humid day.

Lydia cinched in her slim waist with a tan belt, while coordinating her accessories by adding height to her frame in a pair of towering tan platform heels.

The reality star toted her belongings in a cream satchel bag with tan detailing, and carried a suede jacket over one arm ready for when the weather turned.

Lydia completed her stylish summer look with natural make-up to accentuate her pretty features and wore her hair in loosely tousled waves.

Single and ready to mingle: The boutique owner's chic outfit choice was the perfect choice for soaring summer temperatures and helped her keep cool on the humid day

Hard at work: Lydia cinched in her slim waist with a tan belt, while coordinating her accessories by adding height to her frame in a pair of towering tan platform heels

As well as attending meetings in the capital, Lydia found the time for a spot of pampering.

Heading to The Body Shop for a makeover, the fashion blogger posted a snap of her glam squad tending to her on her Instagram page, alongside the caption: 'Make-up chair glam.'

Lydia is bouncing back after her heartbreaking split from her co-star James Argent after seven years of on and off dating, suffering an explosive and unexpected break-up last month.

In an exclusive chat with MailOnline Lydia revealed she has cut off all contact with her ex-boyfriend, but said she will be 'civil' to her ex-beau, 28, when the ITVBe show kicks off later this summer.

She said: 'We don't communicate and I think that's the best way for us. When you first break-up with someone I personally don't think it's a good to keep in contact.

Pamper time: As well as attending meetings in the capital, Lydia found the time for a spot of pampering. Heading to The Body Shop for a makeover, the fashion blogger posted a snap of her glam squad tending to her

Onwards and upwards: The reality star split from on-off boyfriend of seven years James 'Arg' Argent last month and is now looking forward to enjoying single life

'It wasn't a very good break-up but obviously we have to work with each other so we will become amicable and civil for the sake of that. It is for good this time.'

And the blonde is planning to make the most of being single and ready to mingle in the absence of her former flame.

Lydia added to MailOnline: 'Single life is really good. I went away to Indonesia and Vegas. I just feel like it is what it is. You have to see it as the end of a chapter and the start of a new one and I'm just really enjoying my new chapter.

'I'm not looking for love, I'm just having fun being with my friends, being with my family and just enjoying myself.

'I'm not in any rush to move forward and if you sign up for a dating app you're really looking for love and your soulmate but I'm just taking a bit of time out.

'I was with James on and off for seven years I've only been three months single so I just wanna enjoy myself.'
She recently attracted a flurry of attention for her unrecognisable appearance when she stepped out at New York City's Tony Awards recently.

But on Thursday, Meg Ryan, 54, made her way to Scotland, where she wowed as she made her arrival at the Edinburgh International Film Festival screening of her directorial debut Ithaca.

The blonde beauty lit up the red carpet in a flattering golden lacy knee-length dress, which she teamed with a black overcoat to combat the unseasonably inclement weather.

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On British shores: Meg Ryan stepped out at the Edinburgh International Film Festival premiere of her directorial debut Ithaca on Thursday

The When Harry Met Sally star stood tall in a sturdy pair of open-toed heels as she struck her best poses for photographers.

With golden blonde waves framing her face, the veteran actress opted to draw her makeup colour scheme from the lighter and more natural end of the palette.

It's been a busy summer for Meg, who just a few days before showing up in Scotland was spotted at China's Shanghai Film Festival.

Refreshed: The 54-year-old actress looked youthful and refreshed as she walked the red carpet

Chic: The actress wowed as she stepped out in a golden lacy dress, which she teamed with a black jacket

Ryan's glowing appearance is a far cry from her time on stage at the Tony Awards earlier this month.

The star inadvertently became one of Facebook and Twitter's top-trending topics for her appearance while introducing the cast of She Loves Me, which was inspired by her 1998 rom-com You've Got Mail.

Users criticized her suspiciously smooth face and plump pout, cruelly likening the divorced mother-of-two to Batman's Joker and Cry-Baby's Ratchetface.

New role: Ithaca, a coming-of-age drama adapted from William Saroyans novel The Human Comedy, is Meg's directorial debut. She also stars in the film

'Someone erased her delightful, wholesome, girl-next-door look and replaced it with a weird caricature,' plastic surgeon Dr. Lyle M. Back - who has not treated Meg - told Radar Online last year.

'It looks like shes had multiple laser resurfacings, as well as way too much Botox and heavily pumped filler, especially in her overstuffed cheeks.

'Her lips also appear to have been overfilled, leaving her with a "Joker"-like smile. All the laser resurfacing on her face has created a weirdly smooth sheen.'

Sign of the times: The Hollywood actress signed autographs as she prepared to enter the venue

Friendly: She mingled with a host of attendees as she praised the stunning city's vibrant arts scene

In a similar style to Oscar winner Renee Zellweger, the former wife of Dennis Quaid has scoffed at plastic surgery rumours.

'There are more important conversations than how women look and how they are ageing,' she told PORTER's Winter Escape Issue 12 back in December.

'There's a lot of hatred in the world today - it's so easy to judge. Imagine being a hater. How stupid!'

The NYU grad continued: 'I love my age. I love my life right now. I love what I know about. I love the person I've become, the one I've evolved into.'

Something's different: Meg became one of Facebook and Twitter's top-trending topics for her appearance while introducing the cast of She Loves Me at the recent Tony Awards in New York City
She may have spent the day scouting out a new business venue for her brand new cosmetics store.

But Kylie Jenner still found time to post a sexy snap on Thursday, perched on the end of her bed and displaying her ample assets in a barely there nude dress.

The 18-year-old, an expert at pulling off the perfect pose, was sat in profile glancing at the camera over her left shoulder, drawing attention to her ample posterior.

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Best foot forward: After spending the day looking for venues for her new cosmetics shop, Kylie Jenner found time to post a sexy snap on Thursday, displaying her curves in a barely there nude dress and green boots

While her dress was almost as short as it could be, her green leather boots made up for the shortfall, coming up to the middle of her thighs.

The striking over-the-knee shoes, in a soft olive suede, were the focus of the outfit, with Kylie jutting her knee forward to show her fancy footwear... and her famous, shapely derriere, of course.

As always, the reality star's make-up was honed to perfection, with a dewy glow to her skin, smokey eyes and pale nude lips to match her figure fitting dress.

Putting her best foot forward: Kylie showed off her figure in a form-fitting, tan mini dress as she stepped out to browse locations for her store during the day on Thursday

The youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner brood, Kylie has recently revealed plans to expand her business empire with cosmetic stores in California.

The brunette beauty viewed retail space in LA along with her momager Kris Jenner during the day - and documented the process on Snapchat.

'Looking for Kylie Cosmetics stores right now... make-up stores about to be lit!' she said while filming herself in an empty shop.

She means business: Kylie Jenner hunted for retail space in LA on Thursday and revealed she plans to open cosmetic stores

Kylie showed off a big smile as she panned the camera to show off the empty space, which could soon be the Kylie Cosmetics flagship store.

It's not surprising that the enterprising teen would be looking to open a shop, as reception to her cosmetics products has been overwhelmingly positive.

Her lip kits routinely sell out, with entire collections selling out of the online store selling out in under seven minutes at times.

Sneak peek: The entreprising teen gave fans a glimpse at the space that could one day be the flagship store for Kylie Cosmetics

Expansive: The property looked to be pretty large, and featured lots of overheard lighting

The property featured the cash wrap in the center of the store, surrounded by wide open space and lots of overhead lighting.

Kylie showed off a rack of clothing and a few bins of accessories stacked by a corner as she panned the modern space.

It looked to be a relatively large space, with a second video clip giving an even better look at the room as Kylie's team as well as momager Kris could be seen walking around in the background.

What's to come: Kylie took to Snapchat on Thursday to tease a space that could soon be the flagship store for Kylie Cosmetics

'make-up stores about to be lit!' Kylie showed off her excitement as she checked out a possible space for her new shop

Her day: Kylie also celebrated her achievements as she stopped by Neiman Marcus and saw a rack containing her and sister Kendall Jenner's Kendall + Kylie clothing line

The raven-haired beauty later made her way to Neiman Marcus, where she spotted another one of her business ventures.

Kylie pointed out a rack containing items from her and 20-year-old sister Kendall Jenner's Kendall + Kylie clothing line.

She gushed about the line's white, Belted Zip-Front Leather Jacket, which retails for $995, as she encouraged fans to come to Neiman Marcus.

It takes a village! The E! star was spotted filming for Keeping Up with the Kardashians with her mother at the Topanga Mall in Canoga Park, California

Mother-daughter bonding: After browsing for a location for Kylie Cosmetics, the two did a little shopping before grabbing some sushi for lunch

'I love this jacket!' she squealed, before sharing the same sentiment for a pair of black and white striped trousers.

Kylie dressed to impress as she stepped out to browse locations for her flagship store in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The reality star put her curves on display, sporting a figure-hugging tan dress, which hit at her mid-thigh.

Flashing some skin: The skintight mini highlighted Kylie's toned pins, and she coupled it with a pair of lace-up, tan suede peep toe boots

Throwing shade: Kylie hid her eyes behind a pair of over-sized, reflective sunglasses

Trendy: The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star covered up her figure-hugging dress with a distressed denim jacket

Any messages? She kept an eye on her omnipresent phone as she made her way back to her car

Sister time: Kylie shared a photo on Instagram on Thursday of herself and sister Kendall perusing outfits

She coupled the skintight mini dress with a pair of lace-up, tan suede boots, with a peep toe and a chunky heel.

She accessorized the fitted dress with a stylish, distressed denim jacket, worn with the sleeves rolled up to just past her wrists.

Kylie wore her long, raven tresses styled straight, and showed off a pink lipstick for the business outing.

Snap happy: She posed for a selfie with a fan, as she sat in her car

Smile: The ladies had their photograph taken together

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star hid her eyes behind a pair of over-sized, reflective sunglasses, and toted a chic, black leather handbag.

She posed for a selfie with a fan, as she sat in her car.

Kylie was joined by her mother Kris, who sported an eye-catching patterned ensemble for the errand.

The Kardashian matriarch wore a pair of loose-fitting white trousers covered in a bold, green leaf print, along with a coordinating jacket.

Eye-catching: Kris Jenner made quite a statement in a white suit with a bold, green leaf pattern

Laid-back: The mother-of-six coupled the green and white ensemble with a pair of low-top, white sneakers

In good spirits: Kris showed off a big smile as she was spotted heading into the mall with youngest daughter Kylie

'So original' Kylie teased her mother for her look on her Snapchat account after noticing a mannequin at one of the shops was styled to wear that exact pair of trousers

The matching jacket featured a tie belt, which the mother-of-six had cinched-in to show off her slim waist.

At one point Kylie teased her mom on her Snapchat account about her outfit, as it seemed she matched the trousers that were on display at one of the shops.

'Mom, you're so original!' Kylie teased, as her mother laughed and tried to explain herself - though the video cut out before she could.

Case of the ex: Across town Tyga seemed in good spirits as he headed out of 1OAK nighclub in West Hollywood after a night of partying at the celebrity hotspot

Making a statement: The rapper wore a blue basketball jersey over a white T-shirt teamed with jogging bottoms

Rocking up: The star wound down his windows as he came to the club, showing off his lavish watch
He's been hitting the gym hard following his explosive breakup with Taylor Swift.

And Calvin Harris certainly gave his ex-beau something to think about as he stripped down to his Speedos to show off his rippling muscles in a cheeky Instagram snap.

The 32-year-old stood with his fingers on his nipples in the good-humoured photo, while his hunky friends posed in a range of amusing stances.

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Showing her what she's missing! Calvin Harris certainly gave Taylor Swift something to think about as he stripped down to his Speedos to show off his rippling muscles in a cheeky Instagram snap

Calvin left very little to the imagination in the electric blue swimming trunks, which drew attention to his rock hard abs.

And he proved that his well documented 'leg days' had been paying off as he sported toned and powerful thighs.

The photo was shared on Instagram by Calvin's close pal, Emil Nava.

Loved-up! Taylor Swift, 26, appears to have had no problem moving on after the breakup as she has been seen packing on the PDA with new love interest Tom Hiddleston

Emil, who has directed a number of Calvin's music videos, including I Need Your Love, posted the snap alongside the cryptic caption: 'We said YES'.

But it's no surprise that Calvin has managed to get buff when the going got tough, as he has been attending an exclusive private gym in Los Angeles.

The celebrity gym boasts just two trainers - Gregg Miele, who has trained Jay Z, and Kevin Lilly.

Hitting the gym: Calvin proved that his well documented 'leg days' had been paying off as he sported toned and powerful thighs

And the small team comes with the poignant motto: 'Strong souls aren't just born, they are built by forging thru the perils in life and still have the ability to shine.'

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, 26, appears to have had no problem moving on after the breakup as she has been seen packing on the PDA with new love interest Tom Hiddleston.

The British actor has been spending time with the beauty in her home town, since they were first spotted kissing on a beach in Rhode Island.

Focusing his energy: Calvin has focused on getting buff since the going got tough with his love life

Keeping in shape: Calvin has been attending an exclusive private gym in Los Angeles

They've been maxing out their time together, and were seen smooching at Selena Gomez's show on Tuesday night.

They were first seen dancing together at the Met Gala on May 2, getting back in touch after Taylor Swift's split from Calvin Harris a month later.

A source even told Us Weekly that the pop princess will soon introduce him to her parents, Scott and Andrea, as well as her beloved cats Meredith and Olivia, and it seems that moment is moving ever closer.

Flashback: Calvin is almost unrecognisable when he performed in Australia back in 2008 before hitting the big time

As fans know, meeting the cats is a big milestone for anyone in Taylor's life, as they mean a great deal to the Blank Space hitmaker.

She frequently posts about them on her social media accounts and often discusses how much it pains her whenever she can't be around them.

Meanwhile, the Avengers star reportedly also wants to get serious with Taylor, with a source telling the publication that he has 'wanted to settle down for a while.'

'I think he will introduce Taylor to his mates soon,' the source close to Tom added.
Many grow out of their childhood looks, mostly thanks to puberty, and of course the likes of make-up and even surgical enhancements often change appearances.

But the same can't be said for David Walliams as he shared a throwback snap on Thursday of himself as a young boy on Instagram, in which he looks almost exactly the same as he does now.

The vintage image showed obvious resemblances to the now 44-year-old with his brown eyes and circular face, although it looked like he was a natural blond compared to his now-dark head of hair.

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Not much has changed! David Walliams, 44, shared a vintage throwback snap on Thursday of him as a young boy in which he looked exactly the same

The only thing missing was a cheeky smile, as David has built a career for himself as a comedian and has been making the world laugh for over a decade.

And it was no different as he amusingly captioned the image: 'I just got a new passport photo today.'

His 161,000 followers were thrilled at the throwback snap, with the majority commenting about the lack of difference in appearance.

One user @small_spitch even stated: 'The mischief in eyes!', signalling what was set to follow in his adult life.

Year later: There were obvious resemblances such as with his brown eyes and circular face, although he happens to sport slightly more brunette mane now

Loves a laugh: The only thing missing from the throwback snap was a cheeky smile as David has built a career for himself as a comedian

David has come a long way since his humble South London beginnings. After graduating from The University Of Bristol, he met his future collaborator Matt Lucas.

The two went on to produce, write and star in the hugely successful BBC sketch series Little Britain from 2003 to 2005 which also spawned a live stage show.

Since 2012, he has been a judge on Britain's Got Talent alongside Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden and even won the Best Judge award at the National Television Awards in 2015.

While he has had a fruitful career, David has also been known for his love life.

Talented pals: After meeting his future co-star Matt Lucas. The two went on to produce, write and star in the hugely successful BBC sketch series Little Britain from 2003-2005

Offering his expertise: He has also been serving as a judge on Britain's Got Talent alongside Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden since 2012

David wed Dutch supermodel Lara Stone in 2010, however the duo called it quits five years later.

And since then he has been linked to a bevy of beauties with the first being Made In Chelsea star Ashley James after reportedly meeting through mutual friends at a party last year.

According to The Mirror, the Little Britain star pulled out all the stops to impress the blonde stunner.

'It's a slow-burner but David has made his feelings clear,' a source told the publication. 'He recently sent her a bunch of white roses and a card signed 'DW'.

'They hang out in a group with other people and she has been to his house with other friends.'

Doomed: David wed Dutch supermodel Lara Stone in 2010, however the duo called it quits five years later

However, the relationship was never confirmed and in May it was reported the funnyman was romancing 24-year-old Playboy model Emily Agnes

Back in 2014, busty Emily spoke to The Sun about her dating life: 'I'm back in the dating game but haven't come across anyone yet. I'm hoping the Playboy shoot may get me a new boyfriend. I'm a very sexual person so I would love to find someone.

The stunning model was the first British playmate in over a decade when she appeared in the spread two years ago.
He's gone from rural New South Wales to Summer Bay and is now he is making his way in Hollywood.

And it seems Stephen Peacocke is making fast friends with established stars as he films blockbusters overseas and tries to break into the LA scene.

The 34-year-old appeared with Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke and Hunger Games actor Sam Caflin in a behind-the-scenes snap from a dinner out while they were filming their latest movie Me Before You.

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Rubbing shoulders: Stephen Peacock (left) is seen hanging out with Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke and Hunger Games actor Sam Caflin on a night out while they filmed Me Before You in Spain

The trio are seated at a restaurant in Spain, where the romantic comedy was shot, surrounded by empty glasses having polished off plates of food, coffee and numerous drinks.

'#fbt that time when we all went on our holidays. I mean filming,' Emilia wrote on her Instagram next to the recently-posted throwback snap to celebrate the film hitting cinemas.

'WE WERE FILMING Me Before You I swear... Not just having a giggle by the sea and sangria of Spain... @mrsamclaflin and Mr Peacocke showing this little lady how to dine with decadence.'

The smiling actress followed it up with a series of long-winded hash-tags that, when spaces between words were added, detailed how their big night of misadventures went.

Going places: Stephen admitted he had a 'pinch yourself' moment during a screening of his film Whiskey Foxtrot Tango in New York

'Is it obvious we asked the waiter to take our photo like a proper vacation?!,' she began.

'Sorry Spain for drinking all your sangria. Also for getting lost and waking up all of Spain on the way home. Never ask an Aussie and a couple of Brits for directions - lessons have been learnt.'

Last month, the LA-based Australian actor said he still had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming when he rubbed shoulders with Hollywood A-listers.

He recalled the moment he realised he 'was a long way from Dubbo': when he was seated next to Hollywood heavyweights Tom Hanks and Steve Martin at a screening of his film Whiskey Foxtrot Tango in New York.

Big names: The 34-year-old said it was when he was seated next to Hollywood heavyweights Tom Hanks and Steve Martin he realised he 'was a long way from Dubbo'

'It was a long way from Dubbo,' the former Home and Away star told the Daily Telegraph. 'The closest thing I had to this world was the video shop on Macquarie Street in Dubbo once upon a time.

'To all of a sudden be sitting there in a private screening with these people watching my little part ... it was a pinch yourself moment,' Stephen continued.

And instead of hanging around to rub shoulders with some of the biggest stars, Stephen said he 'got very shy and ran straight out of the room' as soon as the credit rolled.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: In the film, Stephen played tattooed security guard Nic for Tina Fey's character Kim in war-torn Afghanistan

Whiskey Foxtrot Tango also sported an impressive cast, featuring Hollywood funny lady Tina Fey, felling Australia Margot Robbie and Billy-Bob Thornton.

In the film, Stephen played tattooed security guard Nic for Tina Fey's character Kim in war-torn Afghanistan.

Stephen left his role as Home and Away bad boy Darryl 'Brax' Braxton at the start of the year to focus on his international career.
She may be a busy mum and actress.

But that didn't stop Jennifer Garner from making time to workout as she was spotted in her gym attire while out and about in LA on Wednesday.

The 44-year-old cut a sporty figure as she showed off her enviably toned physique in the all-black ensemble.

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Workout chic: Jennifer Garner was spotted in her gym attire while out and about in LA on Wednesday

Jennifer styled her off-duty look with a pair of skin-tight leggings that perfectly accentuated her shapely curves.

And she rounded off her look with a cap-sleeved T-shirt that she tucked in casually at the front.

However, the star couldn't resist showing off her more playful side, as she added a burst of colour to her ensemble with a pair of pastel turquoise and pink trainers.

Her hot pink bra straps were also just visible under the sheer paneling of her shirt.

Feeling fit! The 44-year-old cut a sporty figure as she showed off her enviably toned physique in the all-black ensemble

She also added a touch of sparkle with a delicate gold chain, which glinted prettily in the Californian sunshine.

The brunette beauty scraped her shiny tresses up into a sleek high ponytail for an easy, yet sophisticated style.

And she showed off her natural beauty as she appeared to go makeup free for the outing by sporting a dewy complexion behind her oversized shades.

Jennifer kept things simple as she chose to forgo a bag and, instead, toted her heavy water bottle on her finger, while she clutched her purse and phone.

Jennifer's divorce with Ben Affleck is expected to be finalized this summer, according to a recent report by People magazine.

The couple share three children together: Violet, 10, Seraphina, seven, and Samuel, four, from their 10-year marriage.

The divorce hasn't slowed down either Jennifer or Ben on the work front.

Jennifer has starred in Miracles From Heaven and Mother's Day so far in 2016 and has three films slated for release later this year, including Wakefield which she stars alongside Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston.

Ben made his debut as Bruce Wayne and his alter ego Batman in March in Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice and will reprise the role in Suicide Squad due out on August 5.

He also can be seen in the action thriller The Accountant co-starring Anna Kendrick, JK Simmons and Jon Bernthal upon its release on October 14.
It's been a stressful week for Roxy Jacenko.

And the Sydney PR maven took time out to get pampered on Thursday, in preparation for her husband, Oliver Curtis', court sentencing on Friday.

The 36-year-old Sweaty Betty CEO stopped by Bella Salon, located near her office in the affluent suburb of Double Bay, ahead of Oliver's court appearance.

Pampering session: Roxy Jacenko treated herself to a manicure at Bella Salon in the affluent suburb of Double Bay on Thursday, ahead of her husband Oliver Curtis' court sentencing

'She had a manicure and [seemed] happy,' a salon worker told Daily Mail Australia. 'She's always happy.'

While Roxy has kept a low profile on social media recently with no new posts since Monday, Bella Salon shared a photo of the blonde beauty at the nail spa.

'Dream hands @roxyjacenko @sweatybettypr #bellasalondb #bellanail #bellasalon #doublebay #doublebaynail #doublebaysalon #mani,' the caption read.

Chaos: The Sydney PR maven was swarmed by photographers outside NSW Supreme Court on Friday

Facing the music: Oliver, 30, was sentenced to two years jail on Friday, following his insider trading conviction

In the image, the PR queen showcased her $25 manicure while flashing her pear cut diamond sparkler.

Roxy's relaxing trip to the spa came one day before Oliver was sentenced to two years jail in NSW Supreme Court, following his insider trading conviction.

The mother of two was present in court as NSW Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum handed down her verdict.

Happy family: The couple share two children, a four-year-old girl Pixie and a two-year-old boy Hunter

After the sentencing, a downcast Roxy returned to work at her Sweaty Betty headquarters.

Oliver, 30, will serve a minimum term of one year behind bars for conspiracy to commit insider trading.

The couple share two children, four-year-old Pixie and two-year-old Hunter.
She vied for the heart of Tim Robards on the first season of The Bachelor.

And it appears Sarah-Mae Amey is still yet to find her final rose as she happily posed among bunches of flowers.

Taking to Instagram, the 25-year-old was pictured smiling as she lay down in the middle of brightly coloured flowers.

Not roses in sight! Sarah-Mae Amey is still yet to find her final rose as she happily posed among bunches of flowers on Friday and later posted to Instagram

Despite the cold Sydney weather, Sarah-Mae, who has her own floristry business, put on a leggy display in a denim skirt and a white high-necked crop top.

Sarah's long brunette tresses fell around her face, styled in loose curls, while the beauty opted for a more natural make-up look with lightly blushed cheeks and a light coating of gloss.

'With the flowers,' Sarah captioned the picture before including the hash-tag of her business.

Sarah-Mae first appeared on our screens looking for love with Tim Robards on the first season of The Bachelor Australia in 2013.

Search for love: Sarah-Mae first appeared on our screens looking for love with Tim Robards on the first season of The Bachelor Australia in 2013

There was speculation that she would sign on as Australia's second Bachelorette, following in the foot steps of best friend and radio star Sam Frost.

Sarah is on the look-out for love after breaking up with former The Bachelorette contestant Dave Billsborrow, who was vying for Sam's affections when he appeared on the reality show last year.

However, earlier this week it was announced 27-year-old Tasmanian Georgia Love would begin her journey to find love on the next season of The Bachelorette.

Single? There was speculation that she would sign on as Australia's second Bachelorette, following in the foot steps of best friend and radio star Sam Frost

Best friends: The brunette beauty and former reality star Sam Frost are best friend and have previously lived together

The WIN News personality and former trapeze artist has revealed she quit her job to appear on the show.

She told The Daily Telegraph she has never shacked up with a boyfriend and has a hard time dating being in the 'public eye' with her TV career, because people think they know her.

In a statement obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald, Channel Ten said Georgia was a 'clear choice' to be the new Bachelorette.

'Georgia's impressive accomplishments and warm personality made her the clear choice to lead the upcoming season of The Bachelorette Australia,' it read.
She enjoyed some well-deserved down-town in her native Queensland this month.

But it was back to the daily grind for Sophie Monk, who was spotted as she strolled through the arrivals terminal at Sydney Airport on Friday, just in time to start her new radio gig in the Sydney KIIS FM studios from Monday.

The bubbly 36-year-old enjoyed a rock-star entrance, sauntering past the taxi rank and heading straight towards the limousine pick-up area.

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Sophie Monk, 36, enjoyed a rock-star entrance as she jetted into Sydney Airport on Friday, sauntering past the taxi rank and heading straight towards the limousine pick-up area

Clad in a black coat, white T-shirt and skinny blue jeans, Sophie looked typically stylish as she pulled a large white suitcase behind her.

She completed her look with a pair of Hunter-branded gumboots, an animal-print scarf and a thin gold necklace, while opting to wear her blonde hair to fall loosely by her shoulders.

Her make-up was quite dramatic thanks to the addition of grey smokey eye-shadow and bright pink lipstick.

Trendy: The bubbly 36-year-old enjoyed a rock-star entrance as she waited for her private pick-up looking stylishly clad in a black coat, white T-shirt and skinny blue jeans

Chic: She completed her look with a pair of Hunter-branded gumboots, an animal-print scarf and a thin gold necklace

Dolled up: Her make-up was quite dramatic thanks to the addition of grey smokey eye-shadow and bright pink lipstick

Last month, the former pop star announced that she is returning to radio after a brief hiatus.

She will be hosting The Fling breakfast show across the Australian Radio Network (ARN)'s Sydney and Melbourne stations alongside fellow radio star Matty Acton.

Kicking off on June 27, the pair will be entertaining audiences in the top breakfast time-slot while regular hosts, such as Sydney's Kyle and Jackie O, and Melbourne's Matt and Meshel, enjoy some time off.

The blonde is back! Last month, the former pop star announced that she is returning to radio after a brief hiatus

Dynamic duo: She will be hosting The Fling breakfast show across the Australian Radio Network (ARN)'s Sydney and Melbourne stations alongside fellow radio star Matty Acton

The decision to sign the Sophie and Matty follows the success of the pair's KIIS FM collaboration over the summer non-ratings period in December last year.

In a press statement ARNs National Content Director Duncan Campbell said: 'After the success of The Summer Fling, were pleased to be welcoming back Sophie and Matty to continue to deliver great content on KIIS, while our breakfast shows take a well-deserved mid-year break'.

Sophie was also delighted to be preparing for her on-air return, saying: 'Im super excited to be back on air waking up Sydney and Melbourne with Matty on KIIS'.

A tough act to follow: Kicking off on June 27, the pair will be entertaining audiences in the top breakfast time-slot while regular hosts, such as Sydney's Kyle and Jackie O, and Melbourne's Matt and Meshel, enjoy some time off

Back for a second innings! The decision to sign the Sophie and Matty follows the success of the pair's KIIS FM collaboration over the summer non-ratings period in December last year

Good to have you back! In a press statement ARNs National Content Director Duncan Campbell said: 'After the success of The Summer Fling, were pleased to be welcoming back Sophie and Matty to continue to deliver great content on KIIS, while our breakfast shows take a well-deserved mid-year break'
Gabi Grekco courted controversy this week when she allegedly spoke of how she was hired to engage in a mile-high sex romp with two New York police officers in 2013.

Now, Gabi's estranged husband Geoffrey Edelsten has weighed in on the situation.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, the 73-year-old businessman revealed that he is struggling to come to terms with his ex-wife's admissions, saying: 'Despite some of the outrageous things that young lady has done, it doesn't sound like something she would be involved in'.

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'Despite some of the outrageous things that young lady has done, it doesn't sound like something she would be involved in': Gabi Grecko's estranged husband Geoffrey Edelsten has weighed in on claims she was paid to engage in a mile-high sex romp with NYPD officers in 2013

It comes after 27-year-old Gabi was apparently quoted in the New York Post as having been paid to perform sex acts on now-disgraced NYPD Deputy Inspector James Grant, since-fired Detective Michael Millici and three other men during a private flight to Las Vegas in 2013.

'They all seemed really comfortable to take their pants off in front of each other and laugh about it. It's like they'd done this before', she reportedly told the publication.

She also apparently revealed that Grant and Millici jokingly wielded a pair of handcuffs during the in-flight orgy.

Details: It comes after 27-year-old Gabi was quoted in the New York Post as having been paid to perform sex acts several policemen during a private flight to Las Vegas in 2013

'They all seemed really comfortable to take their pants off in front of each other and laugh about it': Gabi allegedly described several lewd acts performed with now-disgraced NYPD Deputy Inspector James Grant, since-fired Detective Michael Millici and three other men

'I didn't think it would be as extreme as it was': She also allegedly revealed that Grant and Millici jokingly wielded a pair of handcuffs during the in-flight orgy

'I didn't think it would be as extreme as it was, but then because I obviously couldn't get off the plane, I had to do what they were telling me', she allegedly later admitted.

Geoffrey and Gabi are alleged to have met through dating website SugarDaddy.com in 2014 and enjoyed a brief marriage in 2015, with the pair tying the knot in June before breaking up five months later.

At the time, Gabi claimed that Geoffrey had fallen in love with his long-term secretary, a claim Geoffrey has strongly refuted.

Former couple: Geoffrey and Gabi enjoyed a brief marriage in 2015 after meeting on SugarDaddy.com, with the pair tying the knot in June before breaking up five months later

Scandalous: In March this year, Gabi posed with a Geoffrey Edeslten look-alike on the front cover of US Magazine 'Girls And Corpses'

Since the high-profile split between the Celebrity Apprentice Australia co-stars and couple, Gabi has since moved back to her native USA.

There, she signed on to the same talent agency as famed porn star Jenna Jameson.

In March this year, Gabi posed with a Geoffrey Edeslten look-alike on the front cover of US Magazine 'Girls And Corpses'.

'I love the Girls And Corpses magazine but the main focus was Dr Edelsten, basically my ex-husband who was extremely older than I am, 72-years-old. I think the guy who played him really pulled it off,' she told the magazine.

She has also created hype on social media this month when she posted to Instagram a photo of herself apparently performing in an adult movie.

Racy: She recently signed on to the same US-based talent agency as famed porn star Jenna Jameson
She's a new ambassador for Puma.

And model Jodi Anasta inadvertently showed why she was chosen to represent the international sportswear brand Down Under while flaunting her gym-honed physique in Sydney on Friday.

The brunette beauty hit the red carpet in a black figure-hugging gown while attending the annual Jeans For Genes Excellence Ball.

Elegant: Jodi Anasta hit the red carpet in a black figure-hugging gown while attending the annual Jeans For Genes Excellence Ball in Sydney on Friday

Yummy mummy: The 31-year-old actress styled her silky mane in a quif and her flawless make-up featured smokey eyes with a touch of bronzer

With her silky mane neatly styled in a quif and her glowing complexion on display, the 31-year-old single mum looked every inch the yummy mummy while striking a pose.

Her flawless make-up featured smokey eyes and a touch of bronzer.

Her single shoulder floor-length Alex Perry gown featured a thigh-high split that showcased her toned pins while her slender arms did not go unnoticed.

Effortlessly chic: Her strapless floor-length gown featured a thigh-high split that showcased her toned pins while her slender arms did not go unnoticed

The elegant look was complete with pointed-toe black pumps and a chic black Mon Purse clutch.

The Neighbours star's most stunning accessory was perhaps her mother, Bronwyn Gordon, who acted as her date for the evening.

The mother-daughter duo posed for photos before making their way into the event, which Jodi applauded on Instagram after it raised $400,000.

Like mother like daughter: Jodi attended the ball with her mother Bronwyn Gordon as her date for the evening

'Love supporting @jeansforgenesau to help raise much needed medical funds for the CMRI,' she captioned in reference to the Children's Medical Research Institute.

'A charity I love and deeply admire all the work they do. Thank you for having my mumma and I along tonight- a magical evening as always.'

The actress was among a crowd of star-studded guests, which included Sydney Swans player, Josh Kennedy, and his Colombian wife Ana, who looked elegant in black-tie attire.

Date night: Sydney Swans player, Josh Kennedy, and his Colombian wife Ana, looked elegant in black attire

The AFL star, who shares a one-year-old son Emilio with Ana, looked dapper in a classic tuxedo while his wife opted to wear a long-sleeve sheer gown.

Also spotted was media personality Sally Obermeder, who is a breast cancer survivor.

The 42-year-old looked angelic in all-white gown while posing for photographers and accessorised with black heels, clutch and statement earrings.

Looking all white! Media personality Sally Obermeder, who is a breast cancer survivor, stepped out to support the cause

Dapper: Retired Olympic Swimmer Daniel Kowalski was master of ceremonies

Retired Olympic Swimmer Daniel Kowalski was master of ceremonies and he looked suave in a black and white suit complete with a bow tie.

Sydney-born actress Emma Lung looked radiant in a strapless cocktail gown.

The Wonderland star attended with her husband Henry Zalapa, with whom she shares a one-year-old son.
She's already making waves ahead of her tender years in the modelling world.

And 17-year-old Sofia Richie certainly turned heads when she was spotted leaving West Hollywood nightspot 1OAK with 28-year-old Manchester City player Samir Nasri.

The younger sister of Nicole Richie - was seen holding the midfielder's hand as they left the popular venue with a group of friends on Thursday.

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Turning heads: 17-year-old Sofia Richie was spotted leaving West Hollywood nightspot 1OAK with 28-year-old Manchester City player Samir Nasri

The duo appeared to stop holding hands once they were spotted, with Sofia linking arms with some of her pals instead.

Making their way to Samir's Rolls Royce, the group suddenly appeared camera shy, hiding their faces as they left the venue.

French-born Nasri was at the club to celebrate his upcoming 29th birthday, and has been single since splitting from his former WAG, Victorias Secret model Anara Antanes, last year.

Shy? The younger sister of Nicole Richie - was seen holding the midfielder's hand as they left the popular nightclub with a group of friends on Thursday

Bashful? Making their way to Samir's Rolls Royce, the group suddenly appeared camera shy, hiding their faces as they left the venue

Wearing skinny jeans with a tucked-in jet black camisole top, the model paired her black combo with simple strappy black heels.

A dark red pedicure shone through the four-strapped heels, with a black manicure perfectly matching her outfit.

To add a touch of glitter to her look she threw on a couple of gold chains, sparkling beneath her mane of pale blonde locks.

Stylish: Blonde beauty Sofia looked chic in a simple black on black ensemble

Fashion forward: Sofia showed that she can work a simple but striking outfit both on and off the catwalk

Pretty: The 17-year-old starlet kept her make-up simple and her blonde locks loose and straight, falling around her bare shoulders

The teen is much in demand, and was recently photographed for Vogue China by Sydney stylist and photographer Margaret Zhang.

Sofia spoke with Margaret about her dream of becoming a fashion designer, and said her family is: 'really involved in everything that I do'.

'They all have a solid opinion on what I do, and I go to them for almost everything,' she said, in an interview that was posted to Margaret's website, Shine By Thee.

Lend a hand: Wearing skinny jeans with a tucked-in jet black camisole top, the model paired her black combo with simple strappy black heels

Camera shy: The group suddenly appeared bashful, hiding their faces as they drove off

Ambition: Sofia spoke with Margaret about her dream of becoming a fashion designer, and said her family is: 'really involved in everything that I do'

Big sis: Sofia also has a protector in big sister Nicole - who was adopted by Lionel and his first wife Brenda when she was a youngster - Sofia pictured here with a pal

'I feel like they have a good understanding of what I want and what my aspirations are.'

Sofia also has a protector in big sister Nicole - who was adopted by Lionel and his first wife Brenda when she was a youngster.

In an interview with ES Magazine, Sofia revealed how Nicole, 34, warned her about the dangers of bad influence friends and drugs.

'People look at me thinking, "Oh, you are probably going to go through the same thing." [Nicole] says, "Don't let people pressure you to do what they think is cool, like taking drugs. Be true to yourself,"' Sofia told ES.

Flashback: Earlier this week Sofia had shared this cute snapshot of her and brother Miles with their dad in honour of Father's Day
She recently enjoyed a trip to Mallorca with her daughter Nelly.

And Billie Faiers seemed pleased to discover the sunny weather had followed her back to Britain as she stepped out in her hometown of Essex on Friday.

Stepping out and soaking up the sunshine, the 25-year-old TOWIE star seemed in good spirits as she strode forward with a big smile on her face.

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Chic and cheerful: Clad in a white vest and distressed jeans, Billie looked effortlessly chic, showing off her hourglass figure whilst a pair of nude block heels added some extra height to her petite frame

Clad in a white vest and distressed jeans, Billie showed off her hourglass figure whilst a pair of nude block heels added some extra height to her petite frame.

Sweeping her golden tresses into a high bun, the starlet finished off her summery look with a pair of aviator sunglasses.

Greg looked effortlessly stylish in a blue polka dot top and was no doubt pleased to be reunited with his fiancee after she jetted off on holiday last week.

Reunited: Also joining the pair on the outing was Billie's fiance Greg Shepherd who was no doubt pleased to be reunited with his two girls after they jetted off on holiday to Mallorca last week

Joining Billie and Nelly on their idyllic getaway to the island was Billie's sister Sam and her six-month-old son Paul, as well as their mum Suzanne Wells.

The sisters have been keen to document their family fun time on social media as well, with a deluge of sunny snaps showing the duo with their children flooding onto their timelines.

However it wasn't a complete family holiday as Billie and Sam jetted away solo, leaving their other halves, Greg, and Paul Knightley respectively, at home although they ensured they returned for Father's Day on Sunday.

Bootylicious: Billie's figure-hugging jeans also showed off her enviably perky posterior

Billie ensured Greg was treated on Father's Day, taking him out for brunch with their daughter.

The family-oriented pair are also looking to expand their family, and earlier this year, Billie told Star! magazine: 'We'll definitely have more [children] and we don't want to leave it much longer.

'Hopefully I'll fall pregnant by the end of this year. I'm ready for another baby now.'

On numbers, she added: 'Definitely two, maybe three. You never know how you'll feel, though. I might want even more!'
She's long been known for her voluptuous figure - and her unabashed willingness to display it.

But on Friday, it appeared that Kelly Brook became the unwitting victim of a little unwanted exposure, as she suffered a near-wardrobe malfunction while out about in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

As she made her way into a meeting at the Skechers headquarters, the 36-year-old stunner was forced to protect her modesty as a gust of wind lifted her floral minidress to worrying heights.

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Wardrobe malfunction: Kelly Brook was caught in a near-embarrassing gust of wind as she made her way to Skechers' headquarters in St Albans, Hertfordshire, on Friday afternoon

The TV personality took the moment in her stride as she made her way into the offices in the dress, which boasted a plunging sweetheart neckline, allowing her to show off her ample bosom.

She teamed the barely-there dress with a textured cream cropped jacket, while a pair of shiny black heels added length to her shapely legs.

Her voluminous ombre tresses tucked behind her ears to reveal Sif Jakobs Jewellery Siena Ear Jackets as she clutched a white handbag.

Itsy bitsy ensemble: The busty beauty stepped out in a thigh-skimming floral minidress

Gone with the wind: As she anticipated the weather getting the better of her, she moved to protect herself

Little Miss Sunshine: The TV personality appeared to be in jovial spirits as she made her way into the offices

Complements: She teamed her flattering dress with a textured cream cropped jacket and matching handbag

Hair today...: Her voluminous ombre tresses were styled in loose waves and rested about her shoulders

Staying abreast of issues: Her famous cleavage was also on prominent display in the plunging dress

And, in doing her bit for the brand she represents, Kelly emerged from the building in a pair of grey-and-blue Skechers and posed for waiting photographers.

While recently shooting the debut episode of her new Channel 5 show, Its Not Me, Kelly - currently engaged to Frenchman Jeremy Parisi - spoke about her three previous engagements.

Speaking with fellow panellists Vicky Pattison and Eamonn Holmes, she said: 'I have been engaged a few times. Id kind of been dating this guy once  actually, I broke it off with him but thought: Im in the area hes in! Maybe I could call him up and go round and...'

Promoting the product: Later, she emerged from the building sporting a pair of Skechers' shoes

Say cheese! She smiled for waiting photographers as she struck her best poses while plugging the shoes

Perfect pins: The dress allowed for Kelly to proudly show off her shapely limbs during her daytime excursion

Working girl: Kelly has also been busy promoting her upcoming Channel 5 show It's Not Me, It's You

Bling: The star showed off her engagement ring from fiance Jeremy Parisi as she posed for photographers

Summer ready! Kelly slipped off her jacket to show off her pretty dress and some skin

Super stylish: The model looked gorgeous in her skimpy ensemble

Vicky interrupted: 'Have sex,' prompting laughs from Kelly as she continued: 'So I get there, we have a lovely evening and all is great and he starts acting really strange and he brings out a ring and proposed to me when it was only meant to be a booty call!

'I was like: "Are you joking? Are you literally joking?" I said yes and then had to spend the next three months trying to get out of it. It was awful.'

She added: 'I think Ive said yes four times [to proposals], but have never gone through with it. My brother tells me to stop getting engaged.'

Oops! Kelly Brook has revealed that she once accepted a marriage proposal from a man who was only supposed to be a booty call

The way they were: Kelly was in a long-term relationship with Jason Statham from the late-'90s until the mid-2000s. He was the first to propose

While she didn't name the man in question, her fiances include Jason Statham, Billy Zane and David McIntosh, to whom she was engaged for a few months before calling things off September 2014.

On Thursday, as she prepared to shoot the upcoming show, Kelly put on a very busty display for her latest Instagram snap.

She dazzling in the gold sequined dress, which drew attention to her impressive cleavage with a deep plunging neckline.

The Hollywood actor: Billy Zane proposed to Kelly in 2006 and they even acquire a house together in her native Kent, but their relationship eventually came to an end in 2008

Kelly decided to rip up the fashion rule book in the revealing gown as she couldn't resist showing off her endless legs and effortlessly sun-kissed glow.

And she decided to let her show-stopping outfit do the talking, as she shunned all accessories apart from a single gold bangle.

Despite her otherwise metallic look, Kelly also added a bright burst of colour to her ensemble with a vibrant scarlet manicure.

Whirlwind romance: Kelly and David McIntosh began dating in February 2014 and announced their engagement just two months later, quickly calling it off in September of that year

The model maintained her high-glamour look right down to her hair and makeup, as she fashioned her ombre locks into loose, Hollywood curls that rested neatly on her shoulders.

She smoldered in front of the camera with a sexy smokey eye, that drew attention to her deep brown peepers.

And she showed off her catwalk credentials as she crossed her arms over her slender waist in a typically elegant pose.

Devastating loss: Kelly was also in a relationship with rugby ace Danny Cipriani

Kelly was dressed up for her appearance on the first episode of her new series, It's Not Me It's You.

The TV dating show will see the former Big Breakfast presenter go head-to head with Vicky Pattison, who'll head-up the opposing team.

This Morning's Eamonn Holmes with act as the programme's anchor and moderate the dating takes the helm and they are joined by celeb guests.

Making a comeback! Kelly was dressed up for her appearance on the first episode of her new series, It's Not Me It's You

Speaking about the show a TV insider revealed to The Sun: 'The show is very much on the same lines as Celebrity Juice, but focused on the world of relationships.

'Its the classic panel show set-up but will be centred on dating, with rounds on drunken chat-up lines and couples leaving the honeymoon period.'

Before the show started, the busty beauty posted another picture on social media of her with her fellow presenters, alongside the caption: 'The Gang #INMIY '.

Vicky put on a delighted expression for the shot, whereas Eamonn looked dapper in a navy blue suit.

Dream team: The busty beauty posted another picture on social media of her with her fellow presenters Eamonn Holmes and Vicky Pattison, alongside the caption: 'The Gang #INMIY '
She's the poster girl for chic brand Givenchy, and an apparent perk of Amanda Seyfried's modelling duties is wearing gorgeous clothes while strolling through one of the world's most fashionable cities.

On Thursday, the Mamma Mia! star was spotted making the most of her break in shooting for the French fashion giant, when she went for a romantic walk through Paris with beau Thomas Sadoski.

Wearing a pristine white cropped tie blouse and smart skinny jeans, the actress managed to grab some time with her boyfriend in the midst of a shoot for Givenchy's new fragrance Live Irresistible.

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It's black and white: Amanda Seyfried was spotted going for a stroll with her boyfriend managed to grab some time with her boyfriend during the Givenchy shoot

Creating artistic scenes all over the city, Amanda was snapped in a selection of outfits and poses.

For one shot, she could be seen lying on a bridge wearing an oversized button-up shirt over a thigh-skimming pink lace negligee.

Later, she stopped traffic in her white shirt and skinny jean combo, climbing a ladder on the Rue du Louvre.

Another sequence saw the 30-year-old actress styled in a gorgeous pale pink designer frock made up of lace ruffles and layers with a cinched in waist to make the most of her trim figure.

Work hard, play hard: Later she stopped traffic in her white shirt and skinny jean como, climbing a ladder on the Rue du Louvre

Perched at a chic Parisian cafe, Amanda broke out her best poses, sitting at an al fresco table with a menu board featuring the slogan 'Be irresistible' propped up beside her.

In between shots Amanda's flawless makeup was touched up, while she was spotted swapping her towering heels for comfy slippers for a stroll in the sunshine.

During breaks Amanda and fellow actor Thomas, 39, who were revealed to be dating in March, could be seen chatting privately, sharing laughs and holding hands.

It's been a jet-set time for Amanda, who was in China earlier this week for Cle de Peau Beaute, a makeup brand from The Shisheido Group.

In a dash: The designer frock was made up of lace ruffles and layers with a cinched in waist to make the most of Amanda's trim figure

The 1920s-style bash was in celebration of the brand's latest collection, inspired by artist Tamara de Lempicka of the Art Deco period.

Amanda and Tom started dating while shooting their upcoming film The Last Word and reportedly became friends while appearing together as a couple who have a one-night stand in the off-Broadway production of The Way We Get By in 2015.

Former Newsroom star Thomas is in the middle of a divorce from his ex-wife of eight years, casting director Kimberly Hope.

Amanda split from her ex-boyfriend, actor Justin Long, in September after they began dating in 2013.

Gorgeous in green: It's been a jet-set time for Amanda was in China earlier this week for Cle de Peau Beaute, a make-up brand from The Shisheido Group
On Thursday her new beau shared a loved-up selfie of the two of them at the Glastonbury Festival on Instagram.

And on Friday Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor were pictured walking hand in hand together as they enjoyed the sights of the festival.

The reunited Made In Chelsea couple looked stylish in bright festival get-ups, seemingly unbothered by the thought of bumping into Millie's recent ex husband Professor Green, who is also at the music fest.

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Glastonbury love: On Friday Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor were pictured walking hand in hand together as they enjoyed the sights of the festival

Donning matching Hunter wellies to ward off the English wet weather, the duo looked well-prepared for a weekend of mud, music and festivities.

Quality Street heir Millie, 26, looked stylish in a white boho-chic lace and polka dot strapless sundress, keeping warm in a grey faux fur gillet.

Accessorising with sunglasses, the reality star kept her make-up to a minimum, leaving her blonde locks loose.

Festival chic: Quality Street heir Millie, 26, looked stylish in a white boho-chic lace and polka dot strapless sundress, keeping warm in a grey faux fur gillet

Stylish couple: The reunited Made In Chelsea couple looked stylish in bright festival get-ups, seemingly unbothered by the thought of bumping into Millie's recent ex husband Professor Green, who is also at the music fest

Trendy: Accessorising with sunglasses, the reality star kept her make-up to a minimum, leaving her blonde locks loose

Hugo, 30, kept up with his trendy girlfriend in jeans and a bright Aztec cardigan, accessorising with sunglasses and necklaces.

On Thursday night, Hugo took to Instagram to share a snapshot of himself hugging a smiling Millie as they posed for an affectionate selfie on the grounds of the enduring Somerset fest.

'First trip to @glastofest,' Made In Chelsea's Hugo captioned the image, which showed him wearing a grey hoodie under a black leather jacket and a pair of circular-framed mirrored sunglasses.

Trendsetter: Hugo, 30, kept up with his trendy girlfriend in jeans and a bright Aztec cardigan, accessorising with sunglasses and necklaces

Mingling: The couple enjoyed a chat with their group of friends, never straying far from one another

Festival of love: Hugo Taylor posted a picture of himself enjoying a cuddle with his girlfriend Millie Mackintosh at Glastonbury on Thursday night

The ever-glamorous Millie looked elegant in a fur-trimmed coat, teamed with a wide-brimmed black hat, from which fell her wavy blonde locks, as she smiled for the camera.

And as the pair took to their social media accounts to share shots of their time together at the festival, Millie's ex-husband, Professor Green, was spotted on the grounds.

The rapper appeared to be in jovial spirits as he walked the muddy grounds in a red waterproof coat, teamed with jeans and a pair of heavy-duty wellies.

The ex factor: Meanwhile, Millie's ex-husband Professor Green was spotted at the festival on Friday

Friendly: The British star wasn't short of admirers, and was quickly approached by a few female fans

What mud? Pro Green looked cheery as he walked the muddy grounds in a red waterproof coat, teamed with jeans and a pair of heavy-duty wellies

Sipping from a multi-coloured cup, he smiled at onlookers as he prepared to buckle down for the fun-filled - and potentially awkward - weekend ahead.

The British star wasn't short of admirers, and was quickly approached by a few female fans.

Happy to oblige, Pro Green- born Stephen Manderson, chatted easily with the welly-blad beauties.

Cuppa? Sipping from a multi-coloured cup, he smiled at onlookers as he prepared to buckle down for the fun-filled - and potentially awkward - weekend ahead

High spirits: The rapper appeared to be in jovial spirits as he wandered through the muddy field in wellies

Shade: As the sun bobbed in and out between the clouds, he carried a pair of sunglasses alongside his drink

And despite the weather, the group appeared to be having a whale of a time.

Ahead of travelling to the iconic festival, Millie shared her preparation tips on social media, while her ex uploaded a snap of himself sporting a new hair cut for the highly anticipated event.

Things could be decidedly strained if the two do run into each other, especially as she she reunited with Hugo after her divorce from the hip-hop star was finalised in May.

Fun with friends: On Friday, Millie uploaded a shot of herself posing with friend Antonella Bonetti

All that glitters...: She also posed with friend Lydia Waterbury, who sported some elaborate facial decoration

Oh what a beautiful morning! As day two kicked off on Friday, Hugo soaked up the long-missed sunshine

Talking about his trip, Hugo, 30, commented: 'Remaining optimistic for sunshine,' alongside a snap of the Glastonbury weather forecast.

Meanwhile, Millie seemed oblivious to the potential awkwardness as she shared an excited Instagram post of Glastonbury fields on Thursday once she had arrived.

She wrote alongside it: 'Finally at the farm.'

She stuck out her tongue in the au natural shot, which she captioned: 'Pre-glasto beauty prep underway @drfrancesprennajones @julesvonhep @revivme.'

Hands in the air! The Made In Chelsea beauty posed again with Lydia, who she dubbed her 'festival wife'

All of the lights: The couple have been sharing a plethora of images of their time at the iconic festival

Brave sole! On Friday, Millie showed her followers that she was venturing out in the mud pristine Converses

Millie also gave an insight into her festival packing preparations. Donning a bohemian-inspired patterned kimono, she flashed a peace sign as she showed off her neatly packed suitcase.

She captioned it: 'Nearly finished packing.. So excited for Glastonbury! @americaneagleuk #aeostyle #sponsored'

Millie saw her two and a half year marriage to rapper Professor Green, 32, dissolved in just 30 seconds at the end of May.

Awkward! Professor Green may have to face his ex-wife Millie as they both party at Glastonbury

Three's a crowd: It's not just Professor Green and Millie who could bump into each other; the ex-Made In Chelsea star is being joined by her boyfriend Hugo Taylor, who she reunited with after her divorce

They were granted a decree nisi at Central London Family Court with Millie citing 'unreasonable behaviour' as the reason for their split.

The divorce comes just three months after the couple announced they were separating after living separate lives.

In a statement at the time, they said: 'It is a mutual decision, we still care deeply about each other and would like it to be known that it is on amicable terms and we wish each other well.'

'So excited for Glastonbury!' Millie excitedly told followers about her preparation for the iconic music event

Looking sharp: Meanwhile, the rapper shared a snap of himself sporting a new hair cut for the Somerset festival

They decided to part shortly after returning from a make-or-break holiday in Florence, Italy, which was well documented on their respective Instagram pages.

Stephen said they had gone on the break after only spending one day in each other's company all year.

He said: 'It was the first time I had seen her properly in 30 days. We had seen each other like ships in the night, but we werent getting any quality time together. It is good sometimes to have space, but it is also difficult when you miss someone for that long.

'Finally at the farm': Millie seemed oblivious to the potential awkwardness as she shared an excited Instagram post of Glastonbury fields on Thursday once she had arrived

Ready for her close-up: Millie shared another selfie on Wednesday that flaunted her glowing complexion

'It used to happen when I was touring. You would have a day off and try and have the best day of your life. But then youd just start arguing. That is a relationship.'

The brunette beauty had dated Hugo for six months in 2011 when they appeared on the Made in Chelsea series together.

However, their romance came to an end in 2013 when it emerged he had slept with her best friend Rosie Fortescue.

The former flames struck up a romance again and have been spotted holidaying in Monaco earlier in June.
Halle Berry donned a cleavage-baring, white baggy top to grab groceries at Pavilions in West Hollywood on Thursday.

While hauling three shopping bags, the Oscar winner easily defied her 49 years in a black pair of trendy drop-crotch trousers and matching Ipanema with Starck sandals.

The Extant actress' long locks cascaded down her back, covering her brand new lotus-shaped undercut at the nape of her neck.

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Busy mother-of-two: Halle Berry donned a cleavage-baring, white baggy top to grab groceries at Pavilions in West Hollywood on Thursday

Evergreen: While hauling three shopping bags, the Oscar winner easily defied her 49 years in a black pair of trendy drop-crotch trousers and matching Ipanema with Starck sandals

Loading the boot: The Extant actress' long locks cascaded down her back, covering her brand new lotus-shaped undercut at the nape of her neck

Earlier that morning, Halle - born Maria - tweeted a snap of her bare feet, Louboutins, and black PVC dress captioned: 'Set stuff.'

The former Bond girl was likely filming her role as a Statesman agent called Ginger in the BritishAmerican spy sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle - hitting US/UK theaters June 16, 2017 - alongside Channing Tatum, Colin Firth, and Julianne Moore.

On Monday night, Berry was spotted on the arm of photographer Cliff Watts on a cozy stroll through Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood.

The silver-haired lensman sparked romance rumours by captioning a June 15 snap of the pair: '@halleberry my love. Such a wonderful human being. Thank you for a great day.'

Earlier that morning, Halle - born Maria - tweeted a snap of her bare feet, Louboutins, and black PVC dress captioned: 'Set stuff'

Hitting US/UK theaters June 16, 2017! The former Bond girl was likely filming her role as a Statesman agent called Ginger in the spy sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle alongside Channing Tatum and Colin Firth

According to TheyBF.com - Cliff is actually the godfather of Halle's eight-year-old daughter Nahla with her French-Canadian ex Gabriel Aubry.

The former Miss Ohio USA 1986 also has a two-year-old son Maceo with estranged husband #3 Olivier Martinez, whom she separated from in October 27.

Watts shot the biracial beauty and designer Michael Kors for the United Nations World Food Programme back in 2013.

Tall companion: On Monday night, Berry was spotted on the arm of photographer Cliff Watts on a cozy stroll through Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood

The silver-haired lensman sparked romance rumours by captioning a June 15 snap of the pair: '@halleberry my love. Such a wonderful human being. Thank you for a great day'

'Love my girl HB. Awwww!' According to TheyBF.com - Cliff is actually the godfather of Halle's eight-year-old daughter Nahla with her French-Canadian ex Gabriel Aubry (pictured in 2013)

'Quick trip to NYC!' It's very likely Watts was the person shooting Berry for an upcoming spread in W Magazine that she mentioned in a tweet Tuesday

It's very likely Cliff was the person shooting Berry for an upcoming spread in W Magazine that she mentioned in a tweet Tuesday.

Halle will next play a mother searching for her kidnapped child in the long-delayed action thriller Kidnap - which she also executive produced - hitting US theaters December 2.

And following the release of her 10-piece Scandale Paris collection at Target stores last year, the Golden Globe winner will launch her next lingerie line in January.

Hitting US theaters December 2! Halle will next play a mother searching for her kidnapped child in the long-delayed action thriller Kidnap, which she also executive produced (pictured in 2014)
They both know how to make a fashion statement.

And TV presenters Bec Judd and Rebecca Maddern both brought their fashion A-game to Channel Nine on Friday.

The media personalities joined forces for a special episode of Postcards, which saw Geelong-native Rebecca take a pregnant Bec on a tour along the Great Ocean Road.

Teaming up: Channel 9 presenters Bec Judd and Rebecca Madderm joined forces for a special episode of Postcards, which saw Geelong-native Rebecca take a pregnant Bec on a tour along the Great Ocean Road

In a snap shared on Instagram, Bec, 33, was pictured wearing a floor-length wrap dress by Melbourne label steele.

The purple and white-print gown featured flared sleeves and a cinched waist, with a plunging neckline.

Her burgeoning baby bump was slightly concealed under a black fur coat, which added a hint of glamour to the otherwise casual look.

Pregnancy glow: The socialite is expecting her third and fourth child with her husband Chris Judd in October

The stunning wife of former AFL star Chris Judd beamed alongside AFL Footy Show co-host Rebecca, while sporting a neatly styled mane and flawless make-up.

'Tonight on @9postcards at 7.30pm the lovely @rebeccamaddern takes me to some of her fave places along the Great Ocean Road. @channel9,' the caption read.

Rebecca, 38, looked chic in a tan-coloured winter coat atop a cream blouse paired with matching boots.

Famous guests: Last week, Bec filmed an episode of Postcards with radio personality Hamish Blake's wife Zoe

What a life! The mother of two travels around exploring Victoria as part of her travel show

Her blonde mane was freshly blown out and styled in a side part while her natural makeup gave her a fresh-faced look.

'Finally worked with this gorgeous BABE!!! TONIGHT 7.30pm Postcards on Channel 9, I take Juddy on a little tour of the Great Ocean Road. @channel9 @9postcards @becjudd @greatoceanroad,' she wrote on Instagram.

Bec, who is five months pregnant with twins, began hosting the travel program in 2011.

Bonding time: Bec shares a two-year-old daughter Billie Kate and a four-year-old son Oscar Dylan with Chris

Also on Friday, Bec shot an upcoming episode with fellow AFL WAG, Nadia Bartel.

The socialite shared a photo of Nadia caressing her growing bump in a post while gushing about the wife of Geelong footy star, Jimmy Bartel.

'Magic belly. It's not work when you get to film with one of your fave gal pals @nadiabartel all day for @9postcards. Here we are at @huskofficial,' she captioned.
It wasn't her birthday nor anyone else's in her family, but just being home again was worthy of a special treat.

Naomi Watts was smiling brightly as she carried off a half-dozen cupcakes to longtime partner Liev Schreiber and their two boys on Friday.

The 47-year-old actress, who had flown home to New York City the day before after a week of filming in Montreal, brightened the day in a white blazer, white blouse and denim jeans.

Got a surprise: Naomi Watts smiled with glee while ferrying a half-dozen frosted cupcakes home to partner Liev Schreiber and their sons Sasha, 10, and Samuel, nine, in NYC on Friday

She had on a pair of white-rimmed shades that were perfect for summer, along with brown T-strap slip-on sandals.

A black bag was hanging across her shoulders and her blonde hair blew back from her minimally made-up face in natural waves.

It was the plastic package balanced on arm that captured the most attention - six delicious yellow cake treats frosted in the palest of green with pale pink sprinkles.

Those look yummy: The 47-year-old actress was perhaps celebrating her return home after a week of filming The Glass Castle in Montreal and wouldn't her family be thrilled

Early riser: Naomi stepped out early on Friday to run some solo errands while looking comfortable in overalls and sandals

Naomi would certainly be the appreciated one once she arrived home that afternoon.

She had spent a few days in Canada filming The Glass Castle.

On Thursday Naomi looked happy to return to her family in New York as she jetted out of Montreal, where the movie is being shot.

On that occasion, the actress kept things simple in a long patterned denim blazer over a white tunic dress which fell right below her knees.

Flying back home! Naomi looked very happy to return back to her family as she was spotted jetting out of Montreal on Thursday

The Mulholland Drive star shielded her world famous face with a trendy pair of dark shades and looked in high spirits while engaging with a fan during check-in.

She opened in several smiles and accessorized her simple daytime ensemble with a silver pendant choker, a black cross-body bag and a set of not-so-sexy white sandals.

The two-time Oscar nominee wore no make-up showing off her timeless beauty and flawless complexion.

Naomi wore her trademark blonde tresses away from her face in a low ponytail.

Incognito: The Mulholland Drive star shielded her world famous face with a trendy pair of dark shades and looked in high spirits while engaging with a fan during check-in

The mother of two says that she is on a winning streak and is landing better movie roles the older she gets, admitting: 'I dont want to curse myself by saying this, but Im going to, I guess things are pretty OK for me.'

The Glass Castle is the film adaptation of the best-selling memoir by journalist Jeanette Walls in which she details her unconventional and poverty-stricken childhood and her eventual escape to New York City where she ultimately gets a job at a newspaper.

The drama is slated for a 2017 release.

Earlier last week Naomi showed off her beach body as she filmed scenes for the movie with her co-star, Woody Harrelson, 54.

Keeping it casual: She opened in several smiles and accessorized her simple airport style with a silver pendant choker, a black cross-body bag and a set of not-so-sexy white sandals

Naomi wore a brightly colored thigh-length shift dress with side splits over a black swimsuit and was seen alternately sitting by the pool or standing poolside and gesturing.

When she is not on set in Canada, Naomi likes to spend time with her family in New York City.

And on Saturday the stunning actress attended the Broadway musical Hamilton in New York with her longtime beau, Liev Schreiber, 48, and their two sons, Sasha, aged 10, and Samuel, aged nine.

The family of four appeared overjoyed to catch the Tony winning production as a unit, stepping out in Times Square.

Naomi's movie Allegiant was released last Friday while her comedy drama Demolition is due out on April 8.

It's hot on set: Earlier last week Naomi showed off her beach body as she filmed scenes for the movie with her co-star, Woody Harrelson, 54. She wore a brightly colored thigh-length shift dress with side splits over a black swimsuit
He's the hunky 'Instagram husband' behind Natasha Oakley's unstoppable social media brand.

But Gilles Souteyrand showed off his tender side on Friday as he bid farewell to his girlfriend at the end of their romantic holiday in Italy.

The UK-based model shared a photo of himself and Natasha, 25, in Capri, with the caption: 'If I could take this view with me to London'.

'If I could take this view with me to London': Model Gilles Souteyrand (right) showed off his tender side on Friday as he bid farewell to his girlfriend Natasha Oakley (left) at the end of their romantic holiday to Italy

Gilles, who hails from France, spent the last few weeks enjoying a European getaway with the gorgeous bikini blogger.

He has been keeping his Instagram followers up to date with their trip, which has seen the couple visit several luxury destinations.

But before returning to England, Gilles paid tribute to Natasha as they posed for for a selfie against a stunning ocean backdrop.

Long distance love: The Men's Fitness UK cover star, who hails from France, is due to return to England where he is signed to modelling agency Select. Bikini blogger Natasha is based in Sydney and Los Angeles

'If I could take this view with me to London' he wrote, and she replied: 'No we will have to come back'.

It would seem they are returning to their long-distance relationship as Gilles is signed to London modelling agency Select.

Meanwhile, Natasha is likely bound for her native Sydney, or her adopted home city of Los Angeles.

The man behind the lens: Gilles is likely the mystery man responsible for many of Natasha's Instagram snaps

Natasha confirmed their relationship to Daily Mail Australia last November, saying they had actually been secretly dating for a while.

After being spotted walking hand-in-hand in Sydney, she said: 'That's my boyfriend. We are very much in love and have been together for six months.'

Natasha rose to fame in 2012 after launching her popular blog A Bikini A Day alongside her friend Devin Brugman.

True love: Natasha confirmed her relationship with Gilles to Daily Mail Australia last November, saying they had actually been secretly dating for six months
She showed off her political side as she took to Twitter to live tweet the EU referendum results.

But Lindsay Lohan was more interested in matters of the heart on Friday as she posed for a loved-up selfie with her beau, Egor Tarabasov, 22.

The 29-year-old puckered up for the camera in the cute snap as she cosied up to her smartly dressed boyfriend.

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'It's a sunny day': Lindsay Lohan was concerned with matters of the heart on Friday as she posed for a loved-up selfie with her beau, Egor Tarabasov, 22

Celebrating the sunshine, Lindsay captioned the photo: 'It's a sunny day! Yay!! #tgif' and she sported an enviably sun-kissed glow.

The actress styled her lusciously long auburn hair into loose waves which cascaded down past her chest in a carefree fashion.

And she drew attention to her plump pout with just a slick of baby pink lipstick, which perfectly complemented her peachy eye-shadow.

Not hacked: Actress Lindsay Lohan sent a string of garbled tweets about the EU referendum vote

Meanwhile, Egor looked dapper in a crisp white shirt and showed off his manly side with a hint of designer stubble.

Earlier on, Lindsay had been weighing in on Britain's decision to leave the EU.

Amidst the vote-counting, the 29-year-old became something of a viral sensation - live-tweeting the results of the referendum.

The Hollywood wild child threw her support behind a Remain vote, sending dozens of garbled messages about Obama, the pound and European safety directives.

And in the stream of bizarre political punditry, she tweeted her 9.28million followers to confirm she had not been hacked.

She ended the four-hour report with a sultry photo from Nylon magazine seven years ago - her finger in her mouth and hair over her eyes - with the caption: '#remain'.

Bizarre: The 29-year-old actress spoke out against counties who voted Leave and threw her support behind places like Shetland declared for Remain, describing Shetland residents as 'pure hearted people'

Lohan started her garbled outpouring as the first EU referendum results were announced, writing: '#besmart pay attention and work hard to buy @chanel #remain where's Sunderland?'

She urged 'small shops' to 'pay more attention' and a lowering of the British pound 'will lower all margins'.

And she has even quoted lines from her cult chick-flick movie Mean Girls, telling the Leave campaign 'you can't sit with us'.

And constituencies that votes to stay in the EU have been getting their own personal 'thank you's tweeted from Lohan.

Movie quotes: Apparently drawing on a famous Mean Girls catchphrase, Lohan wrote: 'We should all be sitting together' and hashtagged the tweet #youcantsitwithus

At one point she directed a fierce tweet at Kettering, demanding to know where it was after seeing that the town had voted to quit the EU. Kettering is between Leicester and Cambridge.

Celebrating the Shetlands Remain vote, the actress wrote: 'i love the #shetlands @BBCNews thank goodness we have pure hearted people our side #besmart #ShetlandsVSSunderland #BringItOn'.

She added: '#OXFORD #EXETER #lambeth Workplace fatalities in the UK have reduced by half since European safety directives were introduced in 1996.'

Drawing on a catchphrase from cult hit film Mean Girls, she said: 'We should all be sitting together'. She finished many of her tweets with #REMAIN, #onelove and #lovenothate.'

One particularly confused tweet read: 'yes.. as more research and care for all children will come if we #Remain'.
She has had to get up early on two Friday mornings now.

Last week Demi Lovato took the stage in New York's Central Park to perform for Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series, inviting country star Brad Paisley as her surprise guest.

This Friday, Brad returned the compliment when he invited the 23-year-old to join him on the outdoor stage where the pair performed their hit duet, Without A Fight.

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Rise and shine: Demi Lovato glittered in the sunshine in a black sequinned dress as she performed in New York's Central Park for Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series on Friday morning

The 42-year-old revealed to GMA co-host Robin Roberts that he had always imagined singing the song with a partner, adding: 'I didn't know who it would be.'

But after meeting the 23-year-old, he said: 'I just thought, it's got to be her.'

When Robin asked Demi about her newfound love for country music, she echoed Brad's line from the previous week when he said: 'She's from Dallas, so she's born with it.'

There's a surprise: Brad Paisley invited the pop star to join him on stage to sing their new duet, Without A Fight

Pairing up: The 43-year-old revealed to GMA co-host Robin Roberts that he had always imagined singing the song with a partner, adding 'I didn't know who it would be'

On a morning when the temperature was already in the seventies fahrenheit, Demi looked cool in a black sequined mini-dress that sparkled in the sunshine.

Her bob-cut raven tresses were teased into a tousled style and her made-up was expertly applied with black eyeliner and lashings of mascara. She added colour with bright red lipstick.

Brad kept his country rocker creds in a blue, short-sleeved shirt, black jeans and a cream cowboy hat.

Brad took a break from his Life Amplified World Tour to appear on GMA.

Country girl at heart: When Robin asked Demi about her newfound love for country music,she echoed Brad's line from the previous week when he said, 'She's from Dallas, so she's born with it'

Rockin' the park: The couple put on a great show together as the temperature began to climb into the high 70sF

The 35-date tour kicked off in May and runs through until October 1, wrapping in Las Vegas at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival.

Meanwhile, last Friday Demi promoted her upcoming Future Now tour with Nick Jonas, eliciting screams of glee from the delighted audience.

'We work really well together and we're business partners together,' she said. 'We own a label called Safe House Records, so it makes a lot of sense.'

They are due to hit the road to play in Atlanta, Georgia on June 29, ending up at The Forum in Los Angeles after 42 dates across the U.S. and Canada.

Working girl: Demi talked about her upcoming Future Now tour with Nick Jonas that kicks off in Atlanta, Georgia on June 29 and wraps at The Forum in Los Angeles after 42 dates across the U.S. and Canada.
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has decided to uphold the California Department of Managed Health Cares 2014 mandate that health care providers must include elective abortion coverage in all their plans. Previously, several health insurance companies in California had provided plans exempting these services for customers with religious objections, including churches and religiously-affiliated schools.

The statement released by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) under the HHS rejected complaints that the California ruling violated the Weldon Amendment, which protects health care providers from being compelled to provide abortions. The amendment refuses to fund government programs that discriminate on the basis that the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. The definition of health care entity includes those directly providing the services, such as doctors, hospitals, and insurers. In response to the challenge, the OCR has determined that only the religious objections of those entities must be respected, not religious objections of their customers. The OCR statement points out that none of the health care providers had religious objections, so California can legally compel them to provide abortion services in their insurance plans.

However, in the text of the amendment, it does not specify proper motivations behind the refusal to provide abortions, only that such a refusal may not be grounds for discrimination. The amendment also specifically includes health care plan in the list of entities. Californias order that all plans include abortion services unless the provider specifically has a religious objection seems to directly defy the Weldon Amendment. Unfortunately, the HHS under the Obama Administration has reinterpreted the amendment in a very narrow way. Casey Maddox, a Senior Counsel lawyer for Alliance Defending Freedom, who originally brought the suit against the mandate on behalf of several religious institutions, has even accused the administration of inventing new interpretations out of whole cloth.

The practical effect is that religious and religiously-affiliated institutions, including churches, will be compelled to provide elective abortion coverage in their health care plans. This is a clear and blatant violation of the rights of conscience of religious peoples and institutions.

Not only does the mandate burden religious freedom, it is also unnecessary. The government has demonstrated that there are feasible ways to provide access to contraception and abortion services without involving the employer at all. This is no better exemplified than in the protracted legal battle between several religious institutions and the HHS in the case Zubik v. Burwell. The case centered on religious objections to a procedure under the HHS mandate that allowed religious institutions to pass providing contraception on to the federal government only if they signed a document. Religious institutions claimed that signing the document involved them in the process of providing coverage for abortion and contraception, which they could not do in good conscience. When the case made it to the Supreme Court, the Court decided to send the case back to circuit courts for reconsideration, unconvinced that the government was achieving their ends of providing universal abortion and contraception coverage in the way that least involved the employer. President Obama himself, while legal injunctions allowed the religious employers to delay complying with the mandate, claimed in an interview with Buzzfeed News that the government was having no problem providing women with these services, in total absence of employer involvement.

Considering that it is conceivably illegal for California to force all plans to include abortion and contraceptive services under current laws and that it is unnecessary for achieving the end of providing such services to all women, California should consider retracting its mandate. It is imperative to respect the religious convictions of others and to protect their rights of conscience, and both California and the Obama administration have failed to do so.
Mariah Carey is 'saving herself' until after her wedding to Australian businessman James Packer, a source has sensationally claimed.

The US pop diva has a 'mostly platonic' relationship with her wealthy fiance, The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Saturday.

'I hear that it has been a mostly platonic relationship,' a friend said. 'According to what I hear she wants to save herself for the wedding night.'

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'A mostly platonic relationship': Mariah Carey (left) is 'saving herself' until after her wedding to Australian businessman James Packer (right) a source told The Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday

Mariah and James, 48, got engaged in New York City back in January after a whirlwind romance of less than a year.

The son of late media tycoon Kerry Packer presented her with a diamond ring with an estimated value of US$7.5 million.

But despite the romantic gesture, one of James' oldest friends reckons that the couple are not overly physical.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Mariah's representatives for comment.

Bride to be: Mariah and James got engaged in New York City back in January after a whirlwind romance of less than a year (Pictured at the GLAAD Media Awards in NY last month)

Mariah, 46, was previously married to America's Got Talent host Nick Cannon for six years before their split in 2014.

It has been claimed that the 35-year-old rapper has been 'delaying' the divorce - but he denied the reports in an interview with Extra.

'There's nothing to tell... me and Mariah get along great, and it's a process, nobody is holding nothing up.

'Why would I hold it up? I want her to be happy. She is such a beautiful spirit, and we put the kids first.'

'Delayed' divorce? Mariah, 46, was previously married to America's Got Talent host Nick Cannon (right) for six years before their split in 2014. They share twins Moroccan and Monroe born in 2011

James Packer's first marriage to glamour model Jodhi Meares, 45, in October 1999 lasted just two years.

He later wed model Erica Packer (nee Baxter) in June 2007 after dating on-and-off for several years.

They announced their separation in September 2013 and officially divorced later that year.

Meanwhile, the former couple share three children together, daughters Indigo and Emmanuelle and son Baxter.

Mariah has two children with her ex Nick, twins Moroccan and Monroe, born in 2011.
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She's the model of the moment whose elfin features and lithe physique have won her campaigns with Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs.

And Kendall Jenner added another iconic name to her repertoire as she stomped the Givenchy Menswear Spring/Summer 2017 catwalk in a stunning beaded ivory gown and a 1920s style bob during Paris Fashion Week.

The statuesque 20-year-old was joined by her close pal Bella Hadid, who went for a gothic vibe in a strapless black tasselled gown and embellished sandals.

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Ruling the runway: Kendall looked regal in the two-tone gown, which effortlessly hugged her lean curves thanks to a billowing skirt and a tight bodice with a cinched-in waist

Kendall looked regal in the two-tone gown, which effortlessly hugged her lean curves thanks to a billowing skirt and a tight bodice with a cinched-in waist.

The one-shoulder creation from the French fashion house had a retro flapper vibe thanks to pearl embroidery and feathered waist, while the pleating added an insouciant flair.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star looked virtually unrecognisable thanks to her retro-inspired slicked back hairdo that featured a deep side-parting and was styled in a severe bob.

The supermodel's striking features were highlighted subtly thanks to a sweep of mascara and strong eyebrows and just a touch of nude lipstick to highlight her alabaster complexion.

Natural beauty: The supermodel's striking features were highlighted subtly thanks to a sweep of mascara and strong eyebrows and just a touch of nude lipstick to highlight her alabaster complexion

Throwback: The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star looked virtually unrecognisable thanks to her retro-inspired slicked back hairdo that featured a deep side-parting and was styled in a severe bob

Dazzling white: The one-shoulder creation from the French fashion house had a retro flapper vibe thanks to pearl embroidery and feathered waist, while the pleating added an insouciant flair

Fellow model Bella Hadid looked similarly striking in a strapless creation that bared her toned arms and shoulders beautifully.

The midnight black gown was dripping with hundreds of opulent embellishments and featured tassels along the bust for an added touch of sparkle.

The 19-year-old model looked confident as she strutted down the runway, again sporting minimal make-up to let her dress do all the talking.

Gothic goddess: Bella Hadid looked similarly striking in a strapless creation that bared her toned arms and shoulders beautifully

Opulent: The midnight black gown was dripping with hundreds of opulent embellishments and featured tassels along the bust for an added touch of sparkle

Minimal make-up: The 19-year-old model looked confident as she strutted down the runway, again sporting understated make-up to let her dress do all the talking

Vampy lady: Irina Shayk stunned in an androgynous black blazer with striking panels embellished with intricate mirror shards

Model moment: The Russian bombshell, 30, oozed sex appeal in the plunging jacket, which revealed a hint of cleavage, paired with loose-fit trousers

Irina Shayk stunned in an androgynous black blazer with striking mismatched panels that were embellished with intricate mirror shards/

The Russian bombshell, 30, oozed sex appeal in the plunging jacket, which revealed a hint of cleavage, paired with loose-fit trousers and houndstooth pointed courts.

The girlfriend of Bradley Cooper showed off her signature full pout as she strutted her stuff and worked in the 1920s theme with some decadent drop pearl earrings.

Monochrome maven: Joan Smalls commanded the runway as she revealed more than a hint of toned leg in her thigh-split gown

Decadent: The 27-year-old Puerto Rican model revealed a hint of cleavage in the plunging gown that was dripping in black beading

Also at the dramatic runway event was Givenchy muse Amanda Seyfried who attended with her hunky actor boyfriend Thomas Sadoski.

The 30-year-old Mamma Mia! actress, who is in Paris for the launch of Givenchy's new fragrance Live Irresistible, looked casual yet chic in a pair of boyfriend jeans with a raw hem.

She paired the androgynous garment with a ribbed knit crop top that flashed a generous hint of the blonde beauty's impossibly flat stomach.

Keeping her accessories understated the Lovelace star carries a mini black tote bag and added height to her petite frame with some simple black peep-toe heels.

Loved-up: Also at the dramatic runway event was Givenchy muse Amanda Seyfried who attended with her hunky actor boyfriend Thomas Sadoski

Elegant: The 30-year-old Mamma Mia! actress, who is in Paris for the launch of Givenchy's new fragrance Live Irresistible, looked casual yet chic in a pair of boyfriend jeans with a raw hem

Looking cosy: Amanda and Tom, who started dating while shooting their upcoming film The Last Word, seemed loved-up as they sat close together on the FROW

The look of love: The couple couldn't keep their adoring eyes off one another as they smiled cheekily

The blonde beauty let her striking features shine, outlining her green peepers with just a slick of mascara and bronze shimmer and plumped her famously full pout with a nude-pink gloss.

Amanda and Tom started dating while shooting their upcoming film The Last Word and reportedly became friends while appearing together as a couple who have a one-night stand in the off-Broadway production of The Way We Get By in 2015.

Former Newsroom actor Thomas is in the middle of a divorce from his ex-wife of eight years, casting director Kimberly Hope, while Amanda split from her ex-boyfriend, actor Justin Long, in September after they began dating in 2013.

Bashful: Amanda flicked a coy glance to the camera as she posed for the cameras with her arm through Thomas'

Rock chick: The actress threw on a heavy-duty leather jacket with a boxy cut to add a tougher edge to her ensemble

Natural beauty: The blonde beauty let her striking features shine, outlining her green peepers with just a slick of mascara and bronze shimmer

Fashion-forward: One model rocked an almost identical plunging blazer to Irina Shayk (left) while another beauty dazzled in a textured all-white creation (right)

Backstage beauties: Kendall, Bella and Irina pulled off theirbest smouldering poses as they waited backstage for the show to begin

In the zone: The runway stars had looks of pure concentration before heading out in front of the fashionable crowd

After strutting her stuff on the runway Kendall made an equally stylish as she left the fashion show in a pink satin gown that featured trumpet sleeves and a demure midi length.

The brunette beauty completed the blushing pink dress with some cult Acne boots with a mirrored heel and rocked some edgy round-eye shades.

Sporting the same slicked-back hairdo as on the runway, the reality star managed to look polished and preened nonetheless.

She appeared to be in high spirits and stopped to take a smiling selfie with a fan as she headed out of her car.

Helping hands: A flurry of activity surrounded the top model as final adjustments were made to her designer ensemble

Ready for her closeup: Kendall showed off her natural beauty while waiting backstage with her locks in a hairnet

Passing the time: Kendall checked her phone while chatting with Bella and the fellow models

Model friends: The close friends caught up as they waited patiently for hair and makeup

Simply stunning: Joan and Irina's beauty shone through their minimal makeup and less than glam hair nets

Runway star in the making: Bella has followed her older sister Gigi into the modelling world

Time for a selfie: Irina couldn't resist capturing the backstage activity with a glam selfie

Outfit change! After strutting her stuff on the runway Kendall made an equally stylish as she left the fashion show in a pink satin gown that featured trumpet sleeves and a demure midi length

Just a moment with the fans: She appeared to be in high spirits and stopped to take a smiling selfie with a fan as she headed out of her car

Flair for fashion: Sporting the same slicked-back hairdo as on the runway, the reality star managed to look polished and preened nonetheless

Killer accessories: The brunette beauty completed the blushing pink dress with some cult Acne boots with a mirrored heel and rocked some edgy round-eye shades

Making their exit: Bella and Irina also rocked their runway hair dos and makeup as they left the venue

What a day! Irina teamed her show do with a pretty print dress for her exit
She's been in Paris all week, shooting a campaign for Givenchy's new fragrance Live Irresistible.

And the work between Amanda Seyfried and the French fashion house continued on Friday night, as the Hollywood star was the guest of honour at the Givenchy Menswear Spring/Summer 2017 show in the city.

The 30-year-old actress rocked an effortlessly casual look for the big runway presentation, arriving arm in arm with her boyfriend Thomas Sadoski, 39.

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Her plus one: Amanda Seyfried was the guest of honour at the Givenchy Menswear Spring/Summer 2017 show in Paris on Friday night, arriving with boyfriend Thomas Sadoski

Amanda matched the edgy vibe of the new Givenchy menswear collection with her front row style.

She teamed a simple black crop top with loose-fit jeans, showing some skin and a hint of her toned stomach.

The stylish star added a touch of glam with a pair of peep-toe black heels, while she carried a chic tote bag.

Super chic: Amanda matched the edgy vibe of the new Givenchy menswear collection with her front row style

Working her poses: She teamed a simple black crop top with loose-fit jeans, showing some skin and a hint of her toned stomach

The blonde styled her long locks into a backcombed up do and added a touch of blusher and pale pink lip colour to complete her ensemble.

Amanda was joined by her actor boyfriend, who was dressed down in dark jeans and a black zip up sweater.

The couple couldn't resist cosying up as they took their seats in the front row to watch the likes of Kendall Jenner, Irina Shayk and Bella Hadid walk the runway.

Date night: The couple couldn't resist cosying up as they took their seats in the front row

Can't take my eyes off of you! Amanda and Thomas had matching grins as they posed on the front row

Finishing touches: The blonde styled her long locks into a backcombed up do and added a touch of blusher and pale pink lips to complete her ensemble

Thumbs up: Amanda has been working with Givenchy since 2011 and has been shooting a new fragrance campaign for the brand in Paris this week

Amanda and Tom started dating while shooting their upcoming film The Last Word.

They reportedly became friends while appearing together as a couple who have a one-night stand in the off-Broadway production of The Way We Get By in 2015.

Former Newsroom actor Thomas is in the middle of a divorce from his ex-wife of eight years, casting director Kimberly Hope.

Amanda split from her ex-boyfriend, actor Justin Long, in September after they began dating in 2013.

Work it: Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid were both dressed to the nines as they walked in the runway show
He's currently traveling for his massive Purpose World Tour, for his most recent and well-received album.

So it's no surprise that Justin Bieber was able to easily make lemonade out of lemons when he was stuck in Hamilton, Illinois on Thursday after his tour bus needed repairs.

The 22-year-old kicked back for the night in a palatial $10k per night Airbnb rental, equipped with a spacious infinity pool, according to TMZ.

Not quite stranded: Justin Bieber relaxed in a luxurious $10k per night Airbnb rental after getting stuck in Hamilton, Illinois for the night on Thursday, after his tour bus required repairs

In the lap of luxury: The hitmaker likely felt like a king in the small-town estate, which featured an infinity pool, full-sized arcade games, and even a jukebox

Justin was sidelined in the small Illinois town, which sits on the Mississippi and has a population of only 2,800.

The massive, riverfront mansion - which accomodates eight - only has four bedrooms, though it comes equipped with a host of other ameninities.

The luxurious estate, equipped with an elevator, features a gym, hot tub, indoor fireplace and televisions.

Quite a view! The striking infinity pool overlooks the Mississippi River as well as Keokuk, Iowa

That's not all! The massive home also boasts a hot tub

Glamorous: The four-bedroom, seven-bedroom abode featured dramatic styling and elaborate decor

Cozy: The luxuriously decorated home featured an indoor fireplace, among other amenities

The listing's infinity pool overlooks the Mississippi River as well as Keokuk, Iowa, and a private chef is available upon request.

The lavish home also boasts full-sized arcade games, a screening room, and even an old-school jukebox.

The seven-bathroom estate costs $10k per night, with an added security deposit of another $1k.

Old school: The Hamilton estate featured an old, Grecian style decor

Plenty to do: Though the home only contained four bedrooms, it had much more to see, including a bar, a gym, and a screening room

Opulent: A striking dining room with a large, artistic chandelier marked another memorable room of the estate

Luxurious: The Airbnb listing also shared that a personal chef was available for the home upon request

The listing also boasts its proximity to the Keokuk airport, which has the ability to handle private planes or jets.

And activities such as tours and Jet Sking are available along the river, which can be seen from the infinity pool.

The house comes with only three rules: No smoking, no pets, and no children from 0 to two years old.

Game room: It's unlikely that Justin found himself bored on Thursday - despite being in the small town - as the home boasted so many amenities, such as a pool table

Privacy: The home also featured a private screening room

Working up a sweat! The rental also boasted its own gym

Keeping him occupied: Another fun attraction of the expensive Hamilton home was this full-sized video game system

TMZ reported that police had to patrol the road on Thursday as Hamilton citizens attempted to get a glimpse at the What Do You Mean? hitmaker during his short stay.

Following his impromptu Illinois overnight, Justin made his way to the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio to continue with his Purpose Tour.

The following day he will proceed to the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, before moving on to Nashville, Tennessee.

Music to his ears! The property even came equipped with an old school jukebox

In good hands: TMZ reported that police monitored the roads around the estate on Thursday, as citizens tried to get a glimpse at the pop star
She's been quietly visiting the Children's Hospital Of Los Angeles for eight years.

And this week saw Kim Kardashian honoured for her charity work, which started when the child of a friend was taken ill.

Sharing an image of herself being presented with a framed children's picture, she wrote on her blog of her pride.

'I received an award from the Armenian community for all of the work I have done at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles,' the reality star told fans.

'I am truly honored!' Kim Kardashian shares her pride as she is handed an award for her work with Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

Explaining that she was 'truly honored', Kim added 'Thank you so much to the Children's Hospital for everything you do to help children!'

She wore a shiny silver dress to collect her gong, while her hair was tied up in a fancy ponytail.

The reality star regularly stops by the hospital - either with or without husband Kanye West - to bring some cheer to it's young patients.

Previously talking of her voluntary work, Kim has said: 'The kids there are so brave. They are smiling, sweet and happy despite their circumstances and being around them is truly inspiring.'

Frequent visitor: Kim, seen with her husband Kanye West at the hospital with some patients in 2012, is a frequent visitor; she started her charity work after a friend's child became ill

Each year the hospital offers care to 107,000 children from around the world.

Speaking to Variety last year, DeAnn Marshall, a senior vice president for the hospital, said Kim's visits were eagerly anticipated.

'Her positive spirit and genuine concern for their situations has lifted up many families during unimaginable times,' she said.
She's been hitting the gym regularly since her split from husband Ben Affleck a year ago.

And it seems Jennifer Garner's fitness regime included weight training as she had absolutely no trouble lifting her seven-year-old daughter Seraphina out of the back of the family's grey SUV in a car park in Los Angeles on Friday.

The adorable child clung to her 44-year-old mother - and it's not likely the actress will be able to do that for much longer as the tween is growing rapidly.

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Cuddle up: Jennifer Garner showed off her strength by carrying her seven-year-old daughter Seraphina when they were seen out and about in Los Angeles on Friday

Jennifer appeared to be in gym wear, layering up in a blue long sleeved T-shirt over a grey T-shirt plus black leggings and turquoise and pink sneakers.

She smoothed her brunette tresses back into a pony tail as she cuddled her middle child.

Seraphina was cute as a button in a mid-blue hoodie over a dark blue T-shirt with what looked like Cinderella's crystal slipper on the front. She teamed them with light green shorts, white socks with a light blue trim and cream sneakers with orange laces and a pink sole.

She completed her outfit with a cap with the U.K. flag on the crown, probably something she picked up on the family's trip to London in May.

Giving her a hand: The fit 44-year-old lifted her middle child out of the back of the family SUV

Careful mother: She let the little girl slide gently down from her arms

The mother and daughter dropped into a store to pick up some treats to take home.

Aside from Seraphina, Jennifer and Ben share two more children from their 10-year marriage: Violet, 10, and Samuel, four

Meanwhile, the couple's divorce is expected to be finalized this summer, according to recent reports.

Whatever happens, the turmoil of the split hasn't slowed down either Jennifer or Ben when it comes to their careers.

On a sugar run: The mother and daughter duo dropped into a store to pick up some treats to take home to Violet, 10, and Samuel, four

Jennifer has starred in Miracles From Heaven and Mother's Day so far in 2016 and has three films slated for release later this year, including Wakefield in which she stars alongside Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston.

Ben debuted as Bruce Wayne and his alter ego Batman in March in Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice and will reprise the role in Suicide Squad due out on August 5.
Saudis urged to say 'no' to Ramadan begging

Clad in black and with a baby in her lap, a woman sits on the ground shaking a cardboard box outside the door of a Saudi mosque.

She says she is from Jazan, a southern region of Saudi Arabia bordering Yemen, and begs every day outside the mosque in a Riyadh neighbourhood of migrant workers.

Many of the South Asian men attending the mosque are low-paid labourers but they still spare a riyal for her. The box fills quickly as they drop the equivalent of 27 US cents after their prayers.

A woman sits and begs outside a supermarket on a main street in the Saudi capital Riyadh, on June 20, 2016 Fayez Nureldine (AFP)

Charity is one of the main principles of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month when Muslims around the world fast from dawn until dusk.

Each Ramadan, which began this year on June 6, many more beggars take to the streets of oil-rich Saudi Arabia, Islam's spiritual home.

But this year a leading charity is urging Saudis to channel their generosity elsewhere.

Alwaleed Philanthropies, the charity arm of billionaire Saudi businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, says begging is linked to "street gangs" and substance abuse.

"Cases of begging rise by 50 percent in the month of Ramadan," the organisation said in a statement announcing its campaign, warning that giving money "only serves to perpetuate the problem".

It said the "reality of street-beggars" involved practices including "faking disabilities" and taking advantage of children, and that more than 700 million riyals ($187 million) was made in Saudi Arabia every year from begging.

The campaign provides a website directing people to "the right charities".

- 'Forced labour' -

Elsewhere in Riyadh, boys with cleaning fluid and squeegees offer their services as windshield cleaners in a variant of begging at traffic lights.

Children from South Asia, East Africa and Yemen "are subjected to forced labour as beggars and street vendors, facilitated by criminal gangs," the US State Department's 2015 Trafficking in Persons Report said of Saudi Arabia.

In 2014 Saudi authorities arrested more than 8,000 people for begging -- 70 percent of them foreigners.

However, between April and December of that year only one person was convicted of forcing others to beg, the US report said.

The presence of so many foreign beggars is due in part to the country's role as a destination for Muslim pilgrims.

Millions of pilgrims from around the world visit Saudi Arabia every year for the hajj and the lesser umrah pilgrimage, which is popular during Ramadan.

The United Nations children's fund (UNICEF) has said that many poor families who enter Saudi Arabia on a pilgrimage visa stay on illegally and become beggars, or leave children behind to beg and send money home.

Many beggars can be seen in the holy city of Mecca and at its Grand Mosque, Islam's holiest site.

They are mainly women of various Arab, Asian and African origins, often accompanied by children.

- 'People like to give' -

One youngster hoping for money clings to the simple ihram cloth worn by a pilgrim.

The beggars are reluctant to talk and careful to avoid local authorities stationed in the area to catch them.

A few kilometres (miles) from the Grand Mosque, AFP spoke to one beggar sitting outside a mini market. She gave her name as Um Mohammed and said she came from Chad seven years ago on a pilgrimage.

She never left.

"Good people like to give to the poor and needy. We are poor," said Um Mohammed. "We take what we need to survive and send the rest to families in Chad."

She says she receives 30-60 riyals on a normal day. In a good month her earnings can rise to 5,000 riyals ($1,300), more during pilgrimage season.

Riyadh police arrested 90 beggars including 34 children during the first four days of Ramadan, the Arab News reported.

Yet many are undeterred.

At a sprawling Riyadh intersection, a woman clad in black walks slowly along a line of cars with a finger raised, hoping for handouts in the mid-day heat that exceeds 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

She tells AFP she is from Mecca, and claims to be a novice beggar.

"I just came today," she says, clutching a one-riyal note given by a passing taxi driver.

Charity is one of the main principles of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month when Muslims around the world fast from dawn until dusk Fayez Nureldine (AFP)
Seven Indonesian sailors kidnapped, held hostage: govt

Seven Indonesian sailors have been kidnapped at sea in the southern Philippines, the government in Jakarta said on Friday, the latest in a spree of abductions by armed gangs in the strife-torn region.

The crew were towing a coal barge in the Sulu sea on Monday when their tugboat was hijacked by armed groups, Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi said.

Seven sailors were taken hostage in two separate attacks on the vessel around an hour apart, Marsudi added. The six other crew aboard the tugboat were left unharmed.

Philippine marines patrol a highway on the southern island of Mindanao as they continue their hunt for Abu Sayyaf militants Therence Koh (AFP/File)

"The government will do everything possible to free these hostages," Marsudi told reporters.

"The safety of these seven Indonesian citizens is our priority."

A spokesman for the foreign ministry said he could not confirm whether a ransom demand had been made, or if the Philippine-based Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf was responsible for the abductions.

Earlier this year the group kidnapped four Malaysian seamen and 14 Indonesian sailors, holding them in their stronghold in the southern Philippines. They were freed several months later but there was no information on whether a ransom was paid.

A spokesman for the Philippine government said they were working to verify the report.

If confirmed, it would be the third kidnapping of Indonesian sailors this year.

The defence ministers of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed this week to consider coordinated steps including possible joint patrols to tackle a wave of seaborne crime in the Sulu and Celebes seas, which together form a key waterway among the three countries.

Abu Sayyaf, a small band of Islamic militants, is highly active in the region and specialises in kidnappings-for-ransom.
Decade after Nepal peace pact, war crimes finally probed

A handful of faded photographs has long been Suntali Rasaili's only treasured momento of her teenage daughter, allegedly executed by Nepali soldiers at the height of the Maoist insurgency.

But a decade after Maoist rebels signed a peace pact, families of victims are also hoping for justice, as Nepal prepares this month to start investigations into crimes committed during the conflict.

Rasaili is among thousands filing complaints with two commissions, one of which is headed by a high-ranking judge and the other by a senior parliamentary official.

Nepalese woman Suntali Rasaili (L), whose teenage daughter was allegedly executed by Nepali soldiers at the height of the Maoist insurgency, prepares food at her house in Kathmandu Prakash Mathema (AFP)

The commissions have a two-year term and were set up to probe murders, rapes, forced disappearances and other atrocities.

"I feel like I won't find any peace until I die... not unless I get justice for my daughter," Rasaili told AFP.

One night in February 2004, dozens of soldiers turned up at Rasaili's home, demanding to see her daughter Reena whom they suspected of being a Maoist.

Plucking the 17-year-old from her bed, the soldiers barred her parents from leaving the house, the family says. Hours later, three gunshots rang out across the isolated hamlet.

Reena's body was found slumped next to a tree and the soldiers were gone. She had been shot in the head, eye and chest, according to activists who took up the case.

"Reena enjoyed school, she used to say that once she finished her studies and got a job, she would take care of the family and look after us in our old age," Rasaili said.

"Her death tore apart our family. After that I never wanted to let any of my children out of my sight, I was scared they would never come back," she added.

More than 17,000 people were killed, 1,300 people disappeared and thousands were displaced during the decade-long war that ended in 2006.

The peace deal signed between Maoists and government forces included plans for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Commission for Enforced Disappearances.

But Nepal only established the two bodies in 2015 after years of political infighting over how to bring justice to victims of abuses committed by both sides.

Activists say the delay reflects authorities' reluctance to find the perpetrators, many of whom still occupy positions in the military and political parties.

"Whether it's the Maoists or the police or the army, all the people involved in these crimes are on the same page," said Ram Kumar Bhandari, coordinator of the National Network of Families of the Disappeared and the Missing.

"They have come together to cover the truth and hide the truth."

- Amnesty concerns -

The commissions have already received some 27,000 complaints of abuse, and one of the commissions has extended this month's filing deadline because of the huge response.

But concerns have been raised about the safety of those willing to testify to investigators, because there is no protection programme for witnesses.

Local media recently reported that security forces had tried to gain details of complainants in western Nepal, prompting the army to issue a statement saying such attempts do not reflect official policy.

"We will support and cooperate with the commissions, there is no question of threatening anyone or trying to influence investigations," army spokesman Tara Bahadur Karki told AFP.

Rights groups are also alarmed after Nepal's ruling coalition, which includes the Maoists, agreed a deal allowing for alleged perpetrators identified by the commissions to be pardoned.

The legislation comes after the commissions, which can recommend prosecutions but not issue punishment, were given discretionary powers to grant amnesty in cases. Rights groups condemned that law as a move to protect perpetrators.

The Supreme Court, acting on petitions from victims challenging the powers, has repeatedly rejected amnesty, but the Maoists say it is critical to achieving peace.

"The most important question is reconciliation. In our society, we don't need to prosecute and punish anyone for the sake of revenge," Maoist leader Dinanath Sharma told AFP.

"When we talk about establishing peace in the world... amnesty is important, forgiveness is important."

- Fight for truth -

Since the conflict ended, Nepal's courts have issued several arrest warrants for alleged perpetrators, but only one case has resulted in convictions: that of five former rebels jailed in 2014 for murdering a journalist.

For those left behind, calls for forgiveness strike a hollow note.

"I am never going to find peace unless I know the truth about what happened," said Shobha Bhatta, whose husband disappeared at the hands of Maoist cadres in 2001.

Bhatta, now 39, was forced to raise two children alone while battling bouts of depression and without ever knowing what happened to her husband.

As Bhatta prepares to file a complaint with a commission, she said the prolonged wait had deepened her determination to find answers.

"I cried for a long time but you can't cry forever... I know I am not the only woman who lost a loved one," she told AFP.

"There are thousands of us and we will fight together until we know the truth."

A handful of faded photographs has long been Suntali Rasaili's only treasured momento of her teenage daughter who was allegedly executed by Nepali soldiers at the height of the Maoist insurgency Prakash Mathema (AFP)

Shobha Bhatta's husband disappeared at the hands of Nepal Maoist cadres in 2001 Prakash Mathema (AFP)
Tanzania debris to be checked for MH370 link: Australia

A piece of aircraft debris found off the coast of Tanzania will be examined to see whether it could be from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Australian officials said on Friday.

Australia's Transport Minister Darren Chester gave no description of the fragment found on Pemba Island, the latest in a string of pieces being examined for links to the aircraft lost more than two years ago with 239 people onboard.

"The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is seeking further information on the debris to ascertain whether it was from the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, MH370," Chester said in a statement.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 was on a routine flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it vanished in March 2014 Manan Vatsyayana (AFP/File)

The bureau said Malaysian officials were in contact with Tanzanian authorities to arrange for the piece to be examined.

The final location of MH370, which was on a routine flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it vanished in March 2014, has never been found despite an extensive search.

But pieces of debris thought almost certainly to have come from the plane have washed up on the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion and Mauritius as well as in South Africa and Mozambique.

In May, Chester said three more pieces were to be tested -- two from Mauritius and another from Mozambique, but gave no further details.

Australia is coordinating the underwater search for the plane in the southern Indian Ocean far off its western coast and so far some 105,000 square kilometres (40,540 square miles) have been searched.

Australia, Malaysia and China -- which had significant numbers of citizens on the plane -- have said the hunt will be abandoned once the agreed search area is thoroughly combed.
Cambodia deports 25 Taiwanese fraud suspects to China: police

Cambodia deported 25 Taiwanese nationals wanted on fraud charges to China Friday, a police officer said, despite vehement opposition from Taipei which wanted the suspects returned to Taiwan.

Taipei accuses Beijing of "abducting" its citizens from countries that do not recognise the island's government -- such as close China ally Cambodia.

"The Chinese plane just took off from the Phnom Penh airport with the suspects," Cambodian immigration officer Uk Heisela told AFP.

Cambodia, one of Beijing's closest allies in Southeast Asia, refuses to differentiate between China and Taiwan, simply referring to nationals from the latter as "island Chinese" Tang Chhin Sothy (AFP/File)

He added that the 25 Taiwanese suspects were joined by 14 Chinese nationals, all of whom were recently arrested for allegedly running a telephone fraud scam targeting victims on the mainland.

"Chinese police came with the plane. Each suspect was escorted by two Chinese police," he added.

Taiwan's foreign ministry slammed the move Friday and said Cambodia went ahead with the deportation "despite strong demand from our side".

"The foreign ministry expresses its strong dissatisfaction about the handling and has instructed our representative office in Ho Chi Minh city to express our serious concerns and deep regrets to the Cambodian side," it said in a statement.

It added that Cambodia faces significant pressure from Beijing to uphold its 'one China' policy.

A foreign ministry spokeswoman said Taiwan was only aware of 18 nationals on board the plane, though Cambodian police insist the number is 25, including ten who were not carrying passports.

China considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though the island has ruled itself since 1949 following a civil war split.

Taiwan insists citizens deported from third countries should be returned to the island and not to mainland China.

But Cambodia, one of Beijing's closest allies in Southeast Asia, refuses to differentiate between China and Taiwan, simply referring to nationals from the latter as "island Chinese".

In April Malaysia and Kenya also sparked uproar in Taipei when they returned Taiwanese nationals accused of crimes to mainland China.

Observers saw the deportation cases as Beijing's effort to pressure the new Taiwanese government that took office in May.

China does not trust the traditionally pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Myanmar Buddhists ransack mosque as religious violence flares

Scores of Buddhists ransacked a mosque in central Myanmar forcing Muslims to seek refuge overnight in a police station after a dispute between neighbours spilled into religious violence, officials and residents said on Friday.

Bouts of anti-Muslim violence have left scores dead across the country since 2012 and the febrile atmosphere poses serious challenges for Aung San Suu Kyi's new government.

The violence erupted on Thursday afternoon as a mob of around 200 Buddhists rampaged through a Muslim area of Thuye Tha Mein village in Bago province following an argument between neighbours over the building of a Muslim school.

Hardline Myanmar monks, known as the Ma Ba Tha, gather at a monastery on the outskirts of Yangon on June 4, 2016, for the annual summit of their ulta-nationalist group Romeo Gacad (AFP/File)

"It started when a Muslim man and a Buddhist women started to argue and then people came to fight him," Hla Tint, the village administrator, told AFP.

"Parts of the mosque were destroyed... they also destroyed the fence of the Muslim cemetery," he added.

Around 70 Muslims, including children, sought shelter in a police station overnight on Thursday, he said, adding there were no serious injuries and peace had been restored.

Police and the secretary of the mosque confirmed the damage, while a Muslim resident told AFP his community of around 150 people is now living in fear.

"We had to hide as some people were threatening to kill Muslims. The situation has never been like this before," Tin Shwe OO, 29, told AFP, adding his family stayed at the small police station overnight.

"I do not dare to stay at my house. For the safety of my family, I want to stay somewhere else for about a week or so."

Outbreaks of deadly violence have roiled the country threatening to unpick democratic gains since the army began loosening its stranglehold on the country in 2011.

The worst violence struck central Myanmar and western Rakhine State which is home to the stateless Rohingya Muslim minority, tens of thousands of whom still languish in displacement camps after rioting.

Buddhist nationalists vigorously oppose moves to recognise the Rohingya as an official minority group, instead labelling them "Bengali" -- shorthand for illegal migrants from the border with Bangladesh.

Democracy champion Suu Kyi, who is currently visiting Thailand, has come under fire for failing to speak up for the Rohingya -- although she recently caused surprise by using the incendiary term during a visit to Myanmar by America's top diplomat.

Religious tensions pose a unique challenge to the new government and to Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate once garlanded for her fight for rights for all.

Her party is dominated by ethnic Bamar Buddhists and did not field any Muslim MPs in the election last year that drove it to power.

Hardline monks -- known as the Ma Ba Tha -- are accused of stoking violence and tensions with hate speech.
Freed hostage recounts boyfriend's beheading by Philippine militants

A Filipina hostage released by southern Philippine militants on Friday broke down in tears as she recounted how her Canadian boyfriend had been beheaded a week earlier.

Marites Flor was abducted in September by Abu Sayyaf militants, along with three others, two of whom -- Flor's partner Robert Hall and fellow Canadian John Ridsdel -- were killed.

Flor cried as she recounted how the kidnappers led away Hall to be beheaded after a ransom deadline lapsed last week. Ridsdel had been killed in April.

Marites Flor, seen after she was released by Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants in Jolo, on the southern Phlippine island of Mindanao, on June 24, 2016 - (AFP)

"It was painful to see them so happy before they did the beheading. They just put handcuffs on him and took him out," she said.

The four were seized in September aboard yachts at a tourist resort on Samal island, about 500 kilometres (300 miles) to the west of Sulu, known as a hideout of the militants.

On Friday, Flor was dropped off at dawn outside the house of a local politician on Sulu, provincial police chief Wilfredo Cayat told AFP.

Incoming Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he and his aides were "able to negotiate" for her release.

Duterte says he is currently trying to secure the release of the fourth hostage, Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad.

"Hopefully, God willing, the Norwegian will be freed soon," the firebrand politician -- who has vowed to crack down on crime -- said in a speech from his hometown of Davao, with Flor beside him.

- Indonesian sailors kidnapped -

Flor was released the same day Jakarta announced that seven Indonesian sailors had been kidnapped at sea off the southern Philippines, in waters where Abu Sayyaf is known to operate.

Following the announcement Jakarta banned any Indonesian-flagged vessels from sailing to the Philippines.

"This hijacking issue is a serious matter and cannot be tolerated anymore," senior transport ministry official A. Tonny Budiono said in a statement.

It's not yet clear how significantly trade will be affected by the ban, but it could severely disrupt a major flow of goods from Southeast Asia's largest economy -- including natural resources like coal -- to the Philippines.

Philippine authorities told AFP they were working to verify the report but a local analyst said it was likely Abu Sayyaf was behind the abduction.

Earlier this year the group kidnapped 14 Indonesian sailors, holding them in their stronghold in the southern Philippines. They were later freed but there was no information on whether a ransom was paid.

The defence ministers of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed this week to consider coordinated steps including possible joint patrols to tackle a wave of seaborne crime in the Sulu and Celebes seas, which together form a key waterway among the three countries.

The Abu Sayyaf is a loose network of a few hundred Islamic militants formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network that has earned millions of dollars from kidnappings-for-ransom.

It is a radical offshoot of a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines that has claimed more than 100,000 lives.

Although Abu Sayyaf's leaders have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, analysts say they are more focused on their lucrative kidnappings-for-ransom than setting up an Islamic caliphate.
Global banks seek to reassure after Brexit vote

Global banks sought to reassure investors and clients Friday that they will absorb the impact of Britain's vote to leave the EU, with US giant JPMorgan warning that financial sector jobs may leave Britain.

"In the months ahead... we may need to make changes to our European legal entity structure and the location of some roles," said a JPMorgan staff memo obtained by AFP.

JPMorgan employs 16,000 people in Britain, while chairman and chief executive Jamie Dimon previously said that up to 4,000 jobs could move out of the UK.

Jamie Dimon has said JP Morgan Chase could move 4,000 jobs out of Britain if it leaves the EU Mark Wilson (Getty/AFP)

"For the moment, we will continue to serve our clients as usual, and our operating model in the UK remains the same," the memo said.

Earlier Friday, the chairman and chief executive of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Blankfein, said the US investment bank had "been focused on planning for either referendum outcome for many months".

Rival Morgan Stanley, while warning that "the UK's vote to leave the European Union is a very significant decision which will have a considerable impact", it noted "there will be time to implement any changes required to adjust" its banking business.

Like JPMorgan, major European players like HSBC and Deutsche Bank said they may need to shift activities abroad in the event of a Brexit, in a warning shot to London's City financial district that employs tens of thousands of people.

Following an EU exit, London could shed 100,000 jobs, according to finance lobbyists TheCityUK ahead of the vote.

That is almost one in seven of the estimated 729,600 people employed by financial and related professional services in the traditional City district -- and the newer Canary Wharf area that houses Britain's biggest bank HSBC and rival Barclays.

Among the biggest fallers in European stock market trading Friday were banks, with shares in Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland shedding around 20 percent of their values.

"Banks and housebuilders have been hit particularly hard as markets try to factor in the Brexit effect on the UK economy," said Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at stockbrokers Hargreaves Lansdown.

HSBC chairman Douglas Flint said the bank's "commitment to British businesses, customers and staff in the UK remains undiminished".

"We are today entering a new era for Britain and British business," he noted.

"The work to establish fresh terms of trade with our European and global partners will be complex and time consuming," Flint said.

- Bank of England pledge -

BBA, the lobby group for Britain's banking sector, sought to reassure customers on Friday.

"People will be able to take money out of cash machines, exchange currency and have full access to their banking services," BBA chief executive Anthony Browne said in a statement.

"Any consequences of the referendum result will take some time to resolve and any changes to banking will take place over several years," he added.

Foreign currency dealerships witnessed a boom in trade in the days running up to Thursday's vote, with Britons lining up to sell their pounds, concerned about a devaluation if Britain voted to leave the EU.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney on Friday said the BoE "stands ready to provide" more than 250 billion of funds to aid the smooth functioning of markets.
Senegal says ex-president Wade's son freed after graft pardon

Senegalese President Macky Sall on Friday pardoned Karim Wade, the divisive son of his predecessor, letting the former minister go free after serving half of a six-year sentence for graft.

In detention since his 2013 arrest, Wade was found guilty in March 2015 of illicitly amassing a fortune worth at least 178 million euros ($198 million).

Wade, 47, who held several government portfolios during his father's 2000-2012 rule, was freed in the early hours of Friday morning, said Soro Diop, press officer for the justice ministry.

Karim Wade is serving a six-year sentence after being convicted of illicitly amassing a fortune worth at least 178 million euros ($198 million) Georges Gobet (AFP)

Diop said Wade had left Dakar for Qatar. According to the Senegalese media and the opposition, he left in a private jet.

The presidency later released a statement saying that the financial sanctions against him remained in place.

Wade was fined the equivalent of more than 210 million euros and his assets were confiscated after his conviction.

Justice Minister Sidiki Kaba said the decision "does not erase the conviction which will remain on his file."

Sall had raised the possibility of a pardon in an interview with French broadcaster RFI on June 2, and had also hinted at a release before the end of Ramadan -- due to finish around July 6.

"A lot of people are asking that he be released," the president told RFI on a visit to France, adding that "they should not lose hope".

- 'Very negative message' -

Wade was appointed the presidential candidate for the opposition PDS party, which is still led by his father, days before his conviction. No other names have been put forward to replace him despite his jail time.

Civil society group "Y en a marre" (We're sick of it) which campaigned against Wade's father's attempt at a third term, said Thursday in anticipation of Sall's decision that his liberation would send out the wrong signals.

"If Karim Wade, who was charged with graft, is freed, that would send out a very negative message to all the people who might be tempted to embezzle public funds," the group said at a press conference.

"It would say 'yes, get rich and we will (still) release you," they added.

The younger Wade was an extremely divisive figure in Senegalese politics in the run-up to the last election when his father's bid to seek a third term sparked deadly riots.

Many believed ex-president Abdoulaye Wade was trying to line him up for succession.

Wade was charged in 2013 after his father's stunning election defeat to Sall, prompting the PDS and his father to accuse the government of conducting a witch hunt.

After a successful career in finance in London, Wade returned to Senegal two years after his father's 2000 presidential victory and was soon tapped for a series of increasingly important public positions.

Those included simultaneous appointments to key ministerial portfolios, earning him the nickname "minister of Heaven and Earth".

He was also chosen to head the National Agency for the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (ANOCI), which successfully oversaw the transformation of Dakar in time to host the 11th Islamic Summit of 57 Muslim countries in 2008 -- but was also criticised for a lack of financial transparency.

Backed by his father, Wade was also selected to oversee the construction of a new international airport in Dakar, the restructuring of Senegal's chemical industry and the creation of a special economic zone.
Sanders says will vote for Clinton in US election

Bernie Sanders said Friday he will vote for Hillary Clinton in the US presidential election in November, bowing to his rival for the Democratic nomination but stopping short of endorsing her.

Asked on MSNBC whether he would cast his ballot for Clinton, the Vermont senator -- who waged a surprisingly tough campaign against the former secretary of state during the primaries -- said, "Yes."

"I think the issue right here is I'm going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump," Sanders said, referring to the billionaire businessman who is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

Democratic presidential hopefuls Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton

But rather than praise Clinton or offer an outright concession -- something many Democrats have been hoping to hear ahead of the party's nominating convention next month -- Sanders instead laid into the Republican flagbearer as unfit for the Oval Office.

"I think Trump, in so many ways, will be a disaster for this country if he were to be elected president," Sanders told the network, charging that the cornerstone of Trump's campaign is "bigotry."

He said Trump has alienated many voters with his provocative rhetoric that involves "insulting Mexicans and Latinos and Muslims and women," and that he is a candidate "who does not believe in the reality of climate change."

Sanders has repeatedly stressed he wants to carry his insurgent campaign all the way to the Democratic national convention in July in Philadelphia.

He has resisted dropping out of the race and embracing Clinton's campaign, even though the primaries are over and the onetime first lady and senator has reached the delegate threshold she needs to formally secure the nomination.

Asked Friday on CBS This Morning why he has yet to formally endorse Clinton, Sanders responded: "Because I have not heard her say the things that I think need to be said."

- 'Best platform' possible -

The 74-year-old acknowledges he wants to exert influence on Clinton and push her policy positions more to the left, including "to make sure that the Democratic Party becomes a party that represents working people, not Wall Street," he said on MSNBC.

In a New York speech Thursday entitled "Where we go from here," Sanders reiterated his claim that the political revolution he started was not about him but the future of a "grassroots" movement.

"Election days come and go, but what is much more important is that political and social revolutions continue," he said.

"Our goal from Day 1 has been to transform this nation, and that is the fight we are going to continue."

Sanders, who describes himself as a democratic socialist, did surprisingly well during primary season by winning over younger voters, in particular with his pledges to overhaul what he calls a tainted political and economic system and work to end income inequality in America.

The challenge for Clinton will be luring those Democrats and independents who backed Sanders in the primaries.

Clinton has expressed confidence that come November she will be able to win over those voters.

But she is a divisive candidate, even within her own party, and recent polling suggests Democrats rallying around her is no foregone conclusion.

A June 14 national Bloomberg politics poll showed just over half of Sanders supporters -- 55 percent -- planned to vote for Clinton, with 22 percent saying they would vote for Trump and 18 percent opting for Libertarian Gary Johnson.

Organizers from the progressive group "Democracy Spring," which includes many Sanders supporters, said they were sending some 150 trained activists to the Democratic convention.

The group says they are prepared to engage in "mass civil disobedience" if the party refuses to reform its nominating process and reduce corporate influence on elections.

Democratic Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders pictured during a rally on June 8, 2016, has repeatedly stressed he wants to carry his insurgent campaign all the way to the Democratic national convention in July. Molly Riley (AFP/File)
Pope visits Armenia with Mideast peace message

Pope Francis began a three-day visit to Armenia on Friday, just over a year after he enraged Turkey by using the term genocide to describe the mass killings of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire.

The pontiff's 14th overseas trip since his 2013 election is expected to see him highlight Vatican concern over instability, conflict and the plight of Christians in the war-torn Middle East, which has seen Armenia take in many refugees.

But his visit will also be closely followed in Ankara, which rejects the idea that a genocide took place during World War I and has accused international powers of using disputed history as a means of bullying Turkey.

Francis is the second pope to visit Armenia since it re-emerged as an independent state from the ashes of the Soviet Union Tiziana Fabi (AFP/File)

On his way to Yerevan, Francis told reporters that Britain's decision to exit the European Union means Europe must bear "great responsibility" to ensure the well-being of its population.

"The people's will has been expressed," Francis said. "This requires of us great responsibility to ensure the well-being of the people of Great Britain, as well as well-being and coexistence of the whole European continent."

Highlights of the papal trip will include a visit to Armenia's main memorial to the 1915-17 killings, a meeting with members of the country's small Roman Catholic community and the release of two doves in the direction of Mount Ararat from the Khor Virap sanctuary near the border with Turkey.

The 5,160-metre (16,900-feet) high Mount Ararat was Armenian until 1915 and is now located inside Turkey. It features in the Bible as the place where Noah's Ark supposedly came to rest.

Francis is the second pope to visit Armenia since it re-emerged as an independent state from the ashes of the Soviet Union.

John Paul II went there in 2001 to attend celebrations marking 1,700 years of the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, which was the first country to have the faith as its state religion.

John Paul was also the first pope to recognise the slaughter of Armenians as genocide, although he did so only in writing.

Francis pronounced the word during a mass at St Peter's last year, winning great praise from Armenians at the cost of infuriating Turkey, which withdrew its ambassador in protest.

- Suffering and tragedies -

Francis's visit "bears religious, political, and humanitarian messages," said Father Shahe Ananyan, a cleric in the Armenian Apostolic Church, to which the vast majority of the country's population belong.

By visiting the Tsitsernakaberd genocide memorial on Saturday, "the pontiff makes it clear that he is steadfast in his position on the matter," Ananyan added.

"This is a message to the entire Catholic world, to those who didn't yet recognise the genocide. This will favour international recognition."

Over 13,000 people have booked tickets to attend the mass the pope will preside over in Gyumri with pilgrims from Lebanon and Georgia's Armenian-populated Javakheti region expected to be among them.

In an Armenian-rite mass at St Peter's basilica in April 2015, Francis said the massacres suffered by Armenians between 1915 and 1917 are "widely considered the first genocide of the 20th century".

Vatican officials have avoided using the term in the build-up to the visit and it is unclear whether Francis will risk inflaming tensions with Turkey by doing so at any point.

In a video message to the Armenian people ahead of the trip, Francis said their history provoked pain and admiration.

"Admiration because you have found in Jesus's cross and in your spirit, the ability to always recover, including from suffering that has been among the worst humanity has experienced, pain for the tragedies that your fathers lived in the flesh."
Obama insists EU and Britain both 'indispensable partners'

President Barack Obama, who had warned against Britain quitting the European Union, said Friday that Washington would respect the British voters' decision to do just that.

The US leader said Britain and the European Union would both remain "indispensable partners" of the United States and that the "special relationship" with London would endure.

"The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision," Obama said, in a statement from his White House office echoed by presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

US President Barack Obama said the "special relationship" with London will endure Mandel Ngan (AFP/File)

But, in a nod to Washington's frustration that its ally has been unwilling to back a European project seen as a cornerstone of Western power, Obama also paid tribute to the EU.

"The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security, and economic policy," he said.

"So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond," he said.

"The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."

Clinton also stressed "America's steadfast commitment to the special relationship with Britain and the transatlantic alliance with Europe."

"This time of uncertainty only underscores the need for calm, steady, experienced leadership in the White House to protect Americans' pocketbooks and livelihoods, to support our friends and allies, to stand up to our adversaries, and to defend our interests," she said.

"It also underscores the need for us to pull together to solve our challenges as a country, not tear each other down."

The statement clearly alluded to her Republican rival Donald Trump, who hailed the British vote as "a fantastic thing" that had parallels with his own presidential campaign.

"People want to take their country back, they want independence," Trump said in Scotland, where he was visiting one of his golf courses.
A Zimbabwean truck driver has been jailed for two years for failing to make way for Robert Mugabes motorcade.

Joseph Chakanetsa, 28, was also banned from driving trucks for life, the privately-owned NewsDay newspaper reported.

He was charged with negligent driving after ignoring the presidential convoy when the veteran ruler was travelling to his home in the upmarket Harare suburb of Borrowdale.

Zimbabwean truck driver Joseph Chakanetsa, 28, was jailed for two years for failing to make way for the convoy of President Robert Mugabe (pictured)

Mugabe travels with more than ten cars and motorbikes and drivers who interfere with the fleet face arrest or alleged on-the-spot assaults by his security staff.

Chakanetsa was convicted on his own plea of guilty after he told the court that he did not realise the presidents motorcade was passing, the paper said.

He said the noise from his truck prevented him from picking out the police siren and when he realised that he had cut through the presidential motorcade, he literally lost his mind.

Chakanetsa was arrested a few miles from the scene after attempting to escape by driving through traffic lights and at times in wrong lanes.
IS snipers, car bombs await US-backed fighters in Syria's Manbij

As a knot of US-backed Syrian fighters advanced gingerly into the Islamic State group bastion of Manbij, the crack of a jihadist sniper round forced them to take cover behind a bullet-riddled wall.

One crouching fighter identified the source and shouted directions into a walkie-talkie. Immediately, his colleagues fired a barrage of bullets at the shooter from behind the wall.

Backed by US-led coalition warplanes, the Syrian Democratic Forces -- an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters -- broke into western districts of Manbij on Thursday.

Fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) gather on the outskirts of the northern Syrian town of Manbij, on June 10, 2016 Delil Souleiman (AFP)

A unit of SDF fighters piled into a camouflaged, armoured vehicle they nicknamed Scorpion and drove past a blue English-language sign at city limits announcing: "Welcome to Manbij".

Nearby, a large stone plaque erected by IS after its capture of the city in 2014 promised residents: "In the land of the Islamic State, you, your money, your religion and your honour are safe."

Accompanied by a team of AFP journalists who were given exclusive access, the SDF fighters rolled slowly through the city's western districts, clearing out the last IS snipers before attempting to push further towards the centre.

Blown-out apartment blocks stood empty, as thousands of civilians had already fled.

Wrecked cars blocked off sidestreets, probably booby-traps planted by the jihadists to slow down the SDF's advance.

Several bodies lay abandoned on the street, unidentifiable as they began to decompose in the summer heat.

As dusk began to fall, SDF commanders ordered AFP's journalists to pull back beyond city limits in anticipation of an IS counter-attack.

- Car bombs, secret tunnels -

SDF forces began their drive on Manbij on May 31, crossing the Euphrates River from the east and encircling the city less than two weeks later.

At least 200 US special operations forces, as well as French special forces, are supporting the operation in an advisory capacity.

On the western edge of the city, SDF fighter Mervan Rojava stood outside an apartment block that had been partly destroyed by an IS car bomb.

"The first phase -- surrounding Manbij -- is over, and now we are gradually entering the city itself," he told AFP.

The lanky, bearded fighter wears a green bandana emblazoned with a reddish-pink floral pattern.

"There are fierce street battles in western neighbourhoods between our forces and Daesh," he said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

In a small village less than a kilometre (mile) away, SDF field commanders met in a damaged building to plan their next steps.

Laying out a map of the city, they identified IS positions inside Manbij and prepared to send the coordinates to coalition warplanes circling above.

One SDF fighter in the meeting told AFP that IS had planted car bombs across the city.

"They also dug many tunnels to avoid the coalition air strikes," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Air support from coalition warplanes has been crucial to the SDF advance.

According to CENTCOM, the coalition has carried out at least 230 strikes since the offensive began last month.

- 'Daesh is collapsing' -

SDF field commander Ali Kobane said the growing number of car bombs driven by suicide attackers showed the jihadists' desperation.

"Daesh is collapsing. This is why it's resorting to using car bombs, but our forces are patient," Kobane said, wrapping a checkered black-and-white scarf gently around his neck.

"Even if Daesh has prepared a huge number of car bombs, it will be to no avail," he said.

"Whenever we see a car bomb coming our way, we're happy -- it means Daesh is crumbling."

Founded in October, the Kurdish-dominated SDF have seized territory from IS across swathes of northern and northeastern Syria.

Capturing Manbij, a key staging post on IS's supply route from Turkey, would be their most significant victory yet.

In the nearby village of Um al-Safa, dozens of residents displaced from the city are living in tents, awaiting an SDF victory so they can return home.

A small child ran through the streets, waving a flyer that had been dropped by coalition warplanes hours earlier.

"The will of the Syrian people will break the shackles of terrorism," it said.
The United Kingdom shocked everyone and made the decision to leave the European Union. With 72.2 percent voter turnout, 51.9 percent chose to leave. England and Wales voted to leave while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain. You can see a breakdown of the referendum numbers at the Telegraph.

Actons director of international outreach and author of The New Totalitarian Temptation, Todd Huizinga, issued the following statement congratulating the Brits on their decision:

Hats off to the British people and the courage they showed in the Brexit referendum. Despite the fear-mongering and scare tactics of the Remain campaigners and the European Union, the British reclaimed their right to self-government. They have set an example for people all around the world, and especially in the West. With the ongoing erosion of democratic sovereignty occurring in Europe and America, the politicization of the courts and the alarming growth of the administrative state throughout the West, we are called to emulate the strength of conviction of the British and reassert control over those we elect and the bureaucracies that are meant to be accountable to those who represent us.

This is not a time for gloating. The conservative, cautious temperament of the British electorate, as reflected in the Remain vote, is worthy of great respect. There were intelligent people of good will on both sides of the Brexit debate. With all of the complex issues we face and the growing traditionalist-progressive divide, it is necessary to restore greater civility to the public square if we want better to exercise democratically accountable self-government.

What will now happen in the European Union is anyones guess. But those who voted for Brexit are not alone in Europe. For a long time, and accelerating since the May 2014 European elections, pro-EU establishment parties throughout the EU have been hemorrhaging support, and anti-EU protest parties have been gaining ground.

Unfortunately, the established elite has yet to draw the real conclusion from this state of affairs: after sixty-five years, the project of European integration has conclusively shown itself to be inherently undemocratic, unaccountable and unresponsive to voters. Europeans want political power transferred back to their national governments, the ones that they vote in and vote out and that are accountable to them, the people they claim to serve. The first final straw, that fueled this ongoing political upheaval was the eurozone crisis that resulted from the politically motivated decision to establish a common currency for hugely differing economies. The second final straw was and is the ongoing immigration crisis and all of the disruption it is causing. The third final straw is the terrifying vulnerability of a Europe of open borders to deadly terrorism, as weve seen in Brussels and Paris in recent months. And now we have Brexit. How many more final straws can the EU take?

But the EU is unparalleled in its ability to ignore reality and double down on European integration. The European Union and its supporters will do all they can to stay the course, perhaps after a period of retrenchment. Already, the pro-EU think tank German Marshall Fund has posted an article entitled, With Britain Leaving, Europe Will Need to Quickly Carry On. Believe it or not, European Council President Donald Tusk had the following comment, What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.

Well, not always, Mr. Tusk. Brexit changes everything. All bets are off.
New orchid species found in Philippine forest guerrilla zone

Five new orchid species have been discovered in remote Philippine mountains, protected from poaching because of an insurgency in the region, conservationists said Friday.

The species are found only in a mountain range on the rebellion-torn Mindanao area in the southern Philippines and have eluded those cataloguing plant life for 200 years, expert Miguel David de Leon told AFP.

Poaching of wild orchids mostly by locals is rampant in the Philippines, with some communities illegally harvesting them without permits for export or to sell them along roads.

The new orchid was named as the dendrobium lydiae species and was found on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao Miguel David De Leon (AFP)

But Mindanao region is among the country's areas wracked by one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies, whereby Maoist guerrillas retain support among the poor in the farming and mountainous communities.

"The insurgency problem helps prevent poachers or would-be orchid-hunters from entering the forests," said De Leon, a plant and wildlife conservationist who found the species while trekking the mountains of Bukidnon province in Mindanao.

"These areas are very isolated. The terrain is treacherous, accessible only by foot and occasionally, a motorcycle or horse," he added.

The finds, first published in the German OrchideenJournal this year, include a dazzling yellow bloom flecked with brown spots.

"It is one of the most attractive among members of the genus," said De Leon.

"(The) other species are red or purple but this really stands out because it's the brightest shade of yellow."

De Leon, Australian taxonomist Jim Cootes and Filipino research associate Mark Arcebal Naive named their most vivid find Epicrianthes aquinoi, to honour outgoing Philippine President Benigno Aquino whose family uses the colour yellow in political rallies.

Other species they discovered include a pure white and a red-lipped white Dendrobium, a dark red Epicrianthes, and a green slipper orchid with red stripes.

Cootes, who has written three books on Philippine orchids, told AFP the discoveries showed the rich biodiversity of the Southeast Asian nation, with more species awaiting discovery.

"We need to preserve what is left because the variation within the different species is so high that it is almost priceless," he said.

"The mountains throughout the archipelago need to be preserved," he added.

US-based Conservation International lists the Philippines as among 35 biodiversity hotspots -- areas with the world's richest but most threatened plant and animal life.
Fight for Aleppo 'greatest battle' in Syria: Hezbollah chief

The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement said Friday that the offensive on the city of Aleppo was the "greatest battle" in Syria, pledging to dispatch more fighters to support Syrian regime forces.

In remarks broadcast on the Shiite group's Al-Manar television, Hassan Nasrallah said his party would "increase our presence in Aleppo... because the real, strategic, greatest battle is in Aleppo and the surrounding area."

He spoke at a commemoration event for Mustafa Badreddine, a Hezbollah commander killed in an explosion on May 12 near Damascus international airport.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah gives a televised address on June 24, 2016

Hezbollah has intervened in Syria's complex war on behalf of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and has dispatched thousands of fighters to Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs provinces, among others.

Aleppo city -- once Syria's economic hub -- in particular has seen an uptick in violence over the past two months between government forces in the west and rebel groups in the east.

Regime fighters, backed by Hezbollah and government and Russian warplanes, are seeking to close off the last rebel route out of the city.

"We are facing a new wave, or a new phase, of military operations in Syria that will be fought in the north, specifically in the area of Aleppo," Nasrallah said.

He announced that 26 Hezbollah fighters had been killed in the offensive this month, a rare admission of casualties for the group.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war-torn country and tallies casualties, at least 25 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in fighting south of Aleppo city.

"Fighting in defence of Aleppo is in defence of the rest of Syria, of Damascus. It's in defence of Lebanon and Iraq and Jordan," Nasrallah said via video-link.

"This is why it is our duty to be in Aleppo -- and we were, and we will stay in Aleppo."

More than 280,000 people have been killed since Syria's war erupted in 2011, and millions have been forced to flee their homes.

International efforts to reach a political solution to the war have faltered and a ceasefire brokered by the US and Russia has all but collapsed.

In Aleppo, several temporary freezes on fighting have been announced in an attempt to bolster the broader truce but violence has steadily risen.

Nasrallah accused the United States of securing the truce in Aleppo to give rebels a change to re-arm.
Ebola-hit Sierra Leone gets Mecca all clear

Saudi Arabia's government has allocated 800 places to Sierra Leone for hajj pilgrims, lifting a two-year ban imposed due to the Ebola crisis, officials said Friday.

Saudi authorities in 2014 banned people from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia -- the three nations that bore the brunt of the outbreak.

But the Planning Hajj Committee in Muslim-majority Sierra Leone announced Friday that the Saudi authorities had granted 800 places, although more had been requested.

Muslim pilgrims arrive at the Mina valley five kilometres east of the Saudi Arabian holy city of Mecca, on November 14, 2010 Mustafa Ozer (AFP/File)

"The government had requested accommodation for 3,000 pilgrims but due to limited accommodation, the Saudi authorties had turned down the request," a committee source told AFP.

"A three-man pre-hajj delegation (will go) to Mecca Friday to negotiate to double the quota to 1,600 for the pilgrimage to the Holy Land."

Ebola quarantines in west Africa sealed off hundreds of thousands of people from the outside world when the tropical virus was at its height, following the first cases that emerged in Guinea in December 2013.

Sierra Leone declared it had no more cases of the viruses on March 17.

The news that pilgrims would be permitted to make the trip to Mecca -- a religious requirement once in the life of every Muslim -- was greeted with relief from those forced to delay their journeys.

"It's a dream come true after being in hibernation for the past two years and I will definitely make the hajj this year," said Mohamed Kamara, who recalled being ready to board a flight from Freetown to Jeddah in 2014 when civil aviation authorities announced the ban.
Pope denounces 'genocide' in Armenia visit

Pope Francis began his three-day visit to Armenia on Friday with a denunciation of the mass killing of Armenians a century ago by Ottoman forces as "genocide", risking Turkey's fury.

The pontiff -- who is making his 14th overseas trip since he was elected in 2013 -- invoked a term Turkish authorities have vehemently rejected during a meeting with Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian.

"Sadly this tragedy, this genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century," Francis said at the presidential palace in Yerevan.

Pope Francis gives a speech as he visits the Apostolic Cathedral in Etchmiadzin, outside Yerevan, on June 24, 2016 Tiziana Fabi (AFP)

When Pope Francis last used the term in the Vatican in 2015, on the centenary of the killings, Ankara angrily recalled its envoy from the Holy See for nearly a year.

The pontiff expressed the hope that "humanity will learn from those tragic experiences" to prevent a "return to such horrors."

Armenians have long sought international recognition for the 1915-1917 killings as genocide, which they say left some 1.5 million of their people dead.

Turkey -- the Ottoman Empire's successor state -- argues that it was a collective tragedy in which equal numbers of Turks and Armenians died.

The pontiff also highlighted the plight of Christians in the war-torn Middle East, with Armenia taking in many refugees.

"Today Christians in particular, perhaps even more than at the time of the first martyrs, in some places experience discrimination and persecution for the mere fact of professing their faith," he said.

On his way to Yerevan, Francis also commented on Britain's decision to exit the European Union, telling reporters Europe must ensure the well-being of member states' citizens.

"The people's will has been expressed," Francis said. "This requires of us great responsibility to ensure the well-being of the people of Great Britain, as well as well-being and coexistence of the whole European continent."

- Visit highlights -

Highlights of the papal trip will include a visit to Armenia's main memorial to the 1915-17 killings, a meeting with members of the country's small Roman Catholic community and the release of two doves in the direction of Mount Ararat from the Khor Virap sanctuary near the border with Turkey.

The 5,160-metre (16,900-feet) high Mount Ararat was Armenian until 1915 and is now located inside Turkey. It features in the Bible as the place where Noah's Ark supposedly came to rest.

Francis is the second pope to visit Armenia since it re-emerged as an independent state from the ashes of the Soviet Union.

John Paul II attended celebrations in 2001 marking 1,700 years of the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, which was the first country to have the faith as its state religion.

John Paul was also the first pope to recognise the killing of Armenians as genocide, although he did so only in writing.

- Suffering and tragedies -

Francis' visit "bears religious, political, and humanitarian messages," said Father Shahe Ananyan, a cleric in the Armenian Apostolic Church, to which the vast majority of the country's population belong.

By visiting the Tsitsernakaberd genocide memorial on Saturday, "the pontiff makes it clear that he is steadfast in his position on the matter," Ananyan added.

"This is a message to the entire Catholic world, to those who didn't yet recognise the genocide. This will favour international recognition."

Over 13,000 people have booked tickets to attend the mass the pope will preside over in Gyumri with pilgrims from Lebanon and Georgia's Armenian-populated Javakheti region expected to be among them.

In an Armenian-rite mass at St Peter's basilica in April 2015, Francis said the massacres suffered by Armenians between 1915 and 1917 are "widely considered the first genocide of the 20th century".

Vatican officials have avoided using the term in the build-up to the visit and a copy of the pope's Friday speech distributed in advance did not contain the word.

In a video message to the Armenian people ahead of the trip, Francis said their history provoked pain and admiration.

"Admiration because you have found in Jesus's cross and in your spirit, the ability to always recover, including from suffering that has been among the worst humanity has experienced, pain for the tragedies that your fathers lived in the flesh."

Pope Francis (C), Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II (L) and Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian at Yerevan's Zvartnots Airport on June 24, 2016 Alexander Nemenov (AFP)
Saudi cop shot dead in Shiite district: ministry

Gunfire on Friday killed a Saudi policeman in the kingdom's east, where most minority Shiites live, the interior ministry said.

It called the shooting a "terrorist act" which killed the driver of a police car.

The attack happened at 1:45 am (1045 GMT) in the Saihat area of Qatif, a Shiite-dominated district on the Gulf coast, the ministry said.

A Saudi Shiite woman holds a placard during a protest in the eastern coastal city of Qatif, a Shiite-dominated district on the Gulf coast, on January 2, 2016

It was the latest attack in Saihat, where gunmen in January shot dead two policemen escorting a truck used for transporting cash.

Last October, a shooter killed five people at a Shiite meeting hall in Saihat.

Sunni extremists from the Islamic State group claimed that attack as well as others against the minority community.

They have also said they murdered Saudi security personnel, but there was no immediate claim after Friday's killing.

The shooting came despite the deployment of armoured vehicles at checkpoints in the area this week, according to a resident.

Tensions are high in neighbouring Bahrain, where there has been an escalating crackdown on the Shiite majority, just over the causeway from Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.

Protests that began in Saudi Arabia's east in February 2011 escalated after Saudi forces intervened weeks later in Bahrain to help crush a Shiite-led uprising there.

Hundreds were arrested in a Saudi crackdown after the initial protests, according to Amnesty International.

Sporadic unrest has continued since.

Eastern Province is home to most of Saudi Arabia's Shiites, who have long complained of marginalisation in the Sunni-dominated kingdom.
Brexit blow to Obama and US 'special relationship'

Britain's vote to leave the European Union was a severe blow to one of the United States' key alliances and a setback for its influence across the old continent.

But can Barack Obama leverage what remains of the "special relationship" to smooth its exit and limit the damage to Western security and the global economy?

The US president travelled to London during the referendum campaign to back his friend Prime Minister David Cameron's doomed campaign against Brexit.

After speaking to Cameron on Friday, President Barack Obama, pictured at Stanford University on June 24, 2016, said he was "confident that the UK is committed to an orderly transition out of the EU" Mandel Ngan (AFP)

And on Friday he was quick to defend the enduring "special relationship," a phrase coined by Winston Churchill in 1946 after the Allies' World War II victory.

Nevertheless, Washington analysts were unanimous that the shock result was a huge setback for the alliance and for US interests -- and urged Obama to help fix things.

Following the vote, Britain will have to negotiate its departure from the world's biggest trading bloc without triggering a domino effect of economic catastrophe.

After speaking to Cameron on Friday, Obama said he was "confident that the UK is committed to an orderly transition out of the EU."

But European leaders have warned that they will not give London an easy ride, fearing that a smooth Brexit will encourage other European powers to jump ship.

- Divides allies -

That would be counterproductive, warned Tom Wright of the Brookings Institution, if a stormy debate further disturbs markets and divides US allies in Europe.

"In the last few weeks European leaders have taken a tough line and said there won't be concessions, but that may change now that the vote has happened," he said.

"I do think the US position will almost certainly and correctly be to try to make this as smooth as possible."

Wright did not downplay the scale of the harm Brexit would do to trans-Atlantic cooperation but said Obama could "mitigate" it by reaching out to France and Germany.

"The most important decisions will be taken in Berlin and in Paris," he told AFP in an interview.

"And if the US is going to engage these countries it will have to be at the leader level."

There is a lot of anger in Washington at what experts see as Cameron's unnecessary gamble on a referendum, but most hope the alliance will survive.

"Nothing will be served by pushing the UK away or by retaliating by diminishing the alliance," said Wright.

Jeffrey Rathke, a fellow of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told AFP that the fundamentals of the alliance remain in place.

"The reason for the special relationship is basically because we have very similar interests and very similar ways of looking at the world," he said.

"However, if Britain's influence globally decreases then the US naturally has to find ways to compensate for that," he warned.

"The US will have to beef up its engagement with key European partners."

This analysis was shared by Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, who told reporters that Brexit was a harsh blow for the United States.

- 'Less special' -

"The net result will be the special relationship will be that much less special," he said.

"This essentially is a cloud without a silver lining when it comes to the UK itself, when it comes to Europe or when it comes to the United States.

"On balance this will diminish order within Europe and arguably beyond."

So a disaster then, in the eyes of experts, but could Obama have done more to steer his ally through the mess of its own making?

Analysts like Dalibor Rohac of the American Enterprise Institute, pointed out that the would-be "Pacific president" had somewhat neglected European ties.

And Britain too, in the grip of austerity economics and fixated by referenda first on Scottish independence then on Brexit, has retreated from the world.

"Much of the UK's political clout was related to its ability to steer European policy," said Rohac. "That clout is gone once the UK leaves."

A man takes a copy of the London Evening Standard with the front page reporting the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron and the vote to leave the EU in a referendum in London on June 24, 2016 Leon Neal (AFP)
US carries out first Taliban strikes under new rules

The US military has carried out its first air strikes against Taliban targets in Afghanistan under newly approved rules, the Pentagon said Friday.

President Barack Obama this month announced greater powers for US forces to go after the Taliban, making it easier to work with Afghan security forces to strike the insurgent group directly.

"There have been operations carried out with these new authorities," Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said.

Afghan security forces keep watch in the Daykundi province about 310 kilometres west of Kabul on May 11, 2016 Shah Marai (AFP/File)

"It's fair to say that these strikes did target Taliban positions."

Cook added that the strikes occurred in southern Afghanistan, but he did not provide additional details.

US forces have been in an advisory role in Afghanistan since the start of 2015 and had previously only been authorized to hit Taliban targets for defensive reasons, or to protect Afghan troops.

Now the United States can more proactively support Afghans, including by providing additional close air support and accompanying Afghan forces on the battlefield.

Afghan security forces last year took the lead in ensuring security across the country, but suffered a string of devastating setbacks at the hands of the Taliban.

More than 5,000 Afghan security forces were killed last year alone.

Some 9,800 US troops remain in Afghanistan in an advisory capacity, down from a peak of around 100,000 in March 2011. That number is set to drop to just 5,500 by the year's end.

Diplomatic efforts to engage the Taliban are in disarray and the United States last month killed the group's leader, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, in a drone strike in Pakistan.
North Korea rejects UN rebuke, warns tensions 'uncontrollable'

Pyongyang on Saturday rejected the UN Security Council's sharp criticism of its latest missile tests and blamed the United States for driving the divided peninsula toward an "uncontrollable extreme phase".

North Korea this week conducted its most successful tests to date of a powerful home-grown missile it hopes will one day be capable of launching nuclear attacks on the US mainland.

They drew a strong rebuke from the UN Security Council, which described the launches as "grave violations" of resolutions banning the North from developing ballistic missiles.

A woman walks past a television screen reporting news of North Korea's latest Musudan missile test, at a railway station in Seoul on June 23, 2016 Jung Yeon-Je (AFP/File)

The 15-member council called for sanctions to be redoubled after holding an emergency meeting over the tests.

But Pyongyang rejected the criticism, calling it "a product of high-handedness wantonly violating the sovereignty of an independent state".

"This is an unreasonable deed of turning black into white," a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.

North Korea has conducted a string of failed missile launches this year which, coming hot on the heels of its fourth nuclear test in January, have escalated international tensions.

At a rare congress of the ruling party in May, leader Kim Jong-Un vowed Pyongyang would push ahead with its nuclear weapons programme despite UN sanctions and near universal condemnation.

North and South Korea have technically been at war for decades, and Seoul has rejected recent overtures for peace talks with Pyongyang as an "insincere" propaganda ploy.

Saturday's KCNA statement blamed the US for ratcheting up tensions between the neighbours by sending weapons to South Korea.
Obama designates first US LGBT national monument

President Barack Obama designated the first LGBT national monument Friday, bestowing the honor on a New York bar and surrounding area considered to be the birthplace of America's gay rights movement.

The monument includes Greenwich Village's Stonewall Inn bar, the small park next door, and the immediate vicinity, where protests that came to be known as the Stonewall Uprising erupted in 1969 following a police crackdown.

"The designation will create the first official National Park Service unit dedicated to telling the story of LGBT Americans," the White House said in a statement.

The Stonewall Inn, designated by President Barack Obama as the first LGBT national monument, is seen from the street on June 24, 2016 in New York City Drew Angerer (Getty/AFP)

On June 28, 1969, officers arrived at the Stonewall Inn to enforce a law that forbid the sale of alcohol to gays.

Customers resisted the police crackdown and a crowd gathered outside, with riots ensuing on nearby streets.

In the days that followed, demonstrations and clashes with police continued, and nearby Christopher Park became a gathering place for members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community to express their frustrations and steel their resolve.

The events are "widely considered to be a watershed moment when the LGBT community across the nation demonstrated its power to join together and demand equality and respect," the White House said.

Christopher Park and Stonewall Inn remain to this day a rallying spot for the LGBT community.

Following the Orlando massacre, the deadliest mass shooting in US history that left 49 dead at a gay nightclub earlier this month, thousands gathered in the area.

It's also where the gay community gathered to celebrate the Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage in all 50 states on June 26, 2015.

The designation of the monument comes just days before the one-year anniversary of that decision.

Gay rights groups heralded Obama's announcement Friday.

"The Stonewall National Monument will pay tribute to the brave individuals who stood up to oppression and helped ignite a fire in a movement to end unfair and unjust discrimination against LGBTQ people," president of Human Rights Campaign advocacy group, Chad Griffin, said in a statement.

Within a year of the Stonewall Uprising New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago began to hold annual pride marches. Traditionally held in June, New York's is scheduled for Sunday.

Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park and their immediate surroundings were classified national historic sites in 2000.
Erdogan meets Hamas leader amid reports of Israel deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday met the leader of radical Palestinian group Hamas for unscheduled talks following reports Ankara was close to agreeing a deal on normalising ties with Israel.

Erdogan received the Doha-based Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, whose group rules the Gaza Strip, at the Ottoman-era Yildiz Palace in Istanbul, the official Anadolu Agency reported, quoting presidential sources.

Turkish press reports have said Israel and Turkey could hold final talks on normalising ties on Sunday but this had yet to be confirmed.

Palestinian Hamas leader Khaled Mashal (L) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R), pictured on December 19, 2015, have met again for unscheduled talks in Istanbul Kayhan Ozer (Turkish Prime Minister Press Office/AFP/File)

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday there was a "large possibility" the negotiations would take place by the end of this month.

Anadolu said Erdogan and Meshaal discussed how to ease the humanitarian problems of the Palestinians and how to bridge the differences between Hamas and the other main Palestinian group Fatah.

The report made no reference to the Turkish talks with Israel.

Previously tight relations between Israel and key NATO member Turkey were significantly downgraded after Israeli commandos staged a deadly pre-dawn raid on a six-ship flotilla in May 2010 as it tried to run the blockade on Gaza.

Two of Turkey's key conditions for normalisation -- an apology and compensation -- were largely met, leaving its third demand, that Israel lift its blockade on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, as the main obstacle.
Clinton failed to hand over key email to State Department

WASHINGTON (AP)  Former Secretary Hillary Clinton failed to turn over a copy of a key message involving problems caused by her use of a private homebrew email server, the State Department confirmed Thursday. The disclosure makes it unclear what other work-related emails may have been deleted by the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

The email was included within messages exchanged Nov. 13, 2010, between Clinton and one of her closest aides, Deputy Chief of Staff Huma Abedin. At the time, emails sent from Clinton's BlackBerry device and routed through her private clintonemail.com server in the basement of her New York home were being blocked by the State Department's spam filter. A suggested remedy was for Clinton to obtain a state.gov email account.

"Let's get separate address or device but I don't want any risk of the personal being accessible," Clinton responded to Abedin.

FILE - In this March 12, 2012 file photo, then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton checks her mobile phone after her address to the Security Council at United Nations headquarters. Newly released emails show State Department staffers wrestled in December 2010 over a serious technical problem with then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's home email server. They temporarily disabled security features, which left the server more vulnerable to hackers. Weeks later, hackers attacked the server so seriously it was shut down. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Clinton never used a government account that was set up for her, instead continuing to rely on her private server until leaving office.

The email was not among the tens of thousands of emails Clinton turned over to the agency in response to public records lawsuits seeking copies of her official correspondence. Abedin, who also used a private account on Clinton's server, provided a copy from her own inbox after the State Department asked her to return any work-related emails. That copy of the email was publicly cited last month in a blistering audit by the State Department's inspector general that concluded Clinton and her team ignored clear internal guidance that her email setup violated federal standards and could have left sensitive material vulnerable to hackers.

"While this exchange was not part of the approximately 55,000 pages provided to the State Department by former Secretary Clinton, the exchange was included within the set of documents Ms. Abedin provided the department in response to our March 2015 request," State Department spokesman John Kirby told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Clinton campaign spokesman Brian Fallon said she provided "all potentially work-related emails" that were still in her possession when she received the 2014 request from the State Department.

"Secretary Clinton had some emails with Huma that Huma did not have, and Huma had some emails with Secretary Clinton that Secretary Clinton did not have," Fallon said.

Fallon declined to say whether Clinton deleted any work-related emails before they were reviewed by her legal team. Clinton's lead lawyer, David Kendall, did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The November 2010 email was among documents released under court order Wednesday to the conservative legal advocacy group Judicial Watch, which has sued the State Department over access to public records related to the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's service as the nation's top diplomat between 2009 and 2013. The case is one of about three dozen lawsuits over access to records related to Clinton, including one filed by the AP.

Before turning over her emails to the department for review and potential public release, Clinton and her lawyers withheld thousands of additional emails she said were clearly personal, such as those involving what she described as "planning Chelsea's wedding or my mother's funeral arrangements, condolence notes to friends as well as yoga routines, family vacations."

Clinton has never outlined in detail what criteria she and her lawyers used to determine which emails to release and which to delete, but her 2010 email with Abedin appears clearly work-related under the State Department's own criteria for agency records under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

Dozens of the emails sent or received by Clinton through her private server were later determined to contain classified material. The FBI has been investigating for months whether Clinton's use of the private email server imperiled government secrets. Agents recently interviewed several of Clinton's top aides, including Abedin.

As part of the probe, Clinton turned over the hard drive from her email server to the FBI. It had been wiped clean, and Clinton has said she did not keep copies of the emails she choose to withhold.

On Wednesday, lawyers from Judicial Watch, a conservative legal organization, questioned under oath Bryan Pagliano, the computer technician who set up Clinton's private server. A transcript released Thursday shows Pagliano repeatedly responded to detailed questions by invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, as he did last year before a congressional committee.

Dozens of questions Pagiliano declined to answer included who paid for the system, whether there was technical help to support its users and who else at the State Department used email accounts on it. Pagliano also would not answer whether he discussed setting up a home server with Clinton prior to her tenure as secretary of state, according to the transcript.

Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton said the November 2010 email cited in the inspector general audit was one of more than a dozen work-related emails that his group identified that Clinton sent or received but later failed to turn over the State Department.

"Contrary to her statement under oath suggesting otherwise, Mrs. Clinton did not return all her government emails to the State Department," Fitton said. "Our goal is to find out what other emails Mrs. Clinton and the State Department are hiding."

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Associated Press reporters Stephen Braun and Jack Gillum contributed from Washington.

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Census: Asians remain fastest-growing racial group in US

WASHINGTON (AP)  Asians remain the fastest-growing racial group in the United States, according to new information from the Census Bureau.

The nation's Asian population grew at 3.4 percent between July 2014 and 2015, with migration responsible for the majority of the growth, government officials said Thursday. There are now 21 million Asians in the United States, with Hawaii as the nation's only majority Asian state.

Sam Garrow, a Census Department demographer, said Asians have been the fastest-growing race group since about 2000, and the main driving force is international migration. In 2013, China replaced Mexico as the top sending country for immigrants to the United States, officials said.

FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2015 file photo, participants hold the "Oath of Allegiance" and American flags during a naturalization ceremony attended by President Barack Obama at the National Archives in Washington. Asians remain the fastest-growing racial group in the United States, according to new information from the Census Bureau. The nation's Asian population grew at 3.4 percent between July 2014 and 2015, with migration responsible for the majority of the growth, government officials said Thursday, June 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Other minority groups grew as well. The Hispanic population grew by 2.2 percent to 56.6 million, and New Mexico had the largest percentage of Hispanics in the country at 48 percent. The African-American population grew by 1.3 percent to 46.3 million, with Mississippi holding the nation's largest percentage at 38.3 percent. And the American Indian and Alaska native population grew 1.5 percent to a total of 6.6 million, with Alaska having the largest percent at 19.5 percent.

California has the largest number of most racial and ethnic groups, with more Hispanics, whites, Asians and American Indians than any other state. New York state has more blacks than any other state, and Hawaii has the largest numeric population of Native Hawaiians than any other state.

The second fastest-growing racial group was those who claim two or more races, government officials said. The number of people who claimed two or more races grew 3.1 percent to 6.6 million. This group was also the youngest group of all racial or ethnic groups with a median age of 20 years old.

In fact, the most diverse generation is the nation's youngest. Census figures show that of those born since 2000, nearly half  or 49 percent  belong to a race or ethnic group other than non-Hispanic white. In contrast, 44.5 percent of the millennials  born between 1982 and 2000  did not classify themselves as non-Hispanic whites.

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WHITES SHOWING SLOWEST GROWTH

The nation's white population is showing the slowest growth.

The census found that the white population, including those who chose white along with another race, grew only 0.5 percent between 2014 and 2015. There were more than 255 million people who said they were white or white in combination with something else. California had the largest number of these people at 29.8 million, but Vermont had the highest population of those described themselves as white or white along with another race or ethnicity at 96.6 percent.

The numbers change little for those who say they are white alone. There are 198 million people who say they are white alone, an increase of 0.1 percent. California once again had the largest population at 14.9 million, but Maine had the largest percentage as its population at 93.6 percent.

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SUMTER COUNTY, FLORIDA, IS THE OLDEST

The oldest place in the United States is Sumter County, Florida, where the majority of the population is at least 65 years old.

Almost 55 percent of Sumter County has reached retirement age, government figures showed, and the median age in the country was 66.6 years old.

Sumter County also contains one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. The Villages retirement community located northwest of Orlando was the nation's fastest-growing metro area with a 5.4 percent increase that raised the population to 114,000 residents. The attraction to areas like The Villages is part of the reason for the increase in population and age, said Jason Devine, assistant division chief for Population Estimates and Projections.

"As the nation's 65-and-older population grows, other counties with retirement communities like The Villages will get closer to this threshold," Devine said.

There was only one other county with a population of at least 1,000 close in age to Sumter County: Catron County, New Mexico. That county had a median age of 60.1 years.

The youngest county in the United States? Lexington County, Virginia, which had a median age of 22.4 years.

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Jesse J. Holland covers race and ethnicity for The Associated Press. Contact him at jholland@ap.org, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jessejholland and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jessejholland .

In this Wednesday, June 22, 2016 photo, Jesus Villarreal and Martha Guzman of the LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc., work on Hispanic student-related programs in the Albuquerque office, N.M. The nation's Hispanic population grew by 2.2 percent to 56.6 million, and New Mexico had the largest percentage of Latinos in the country at 48 percent, according to new information from the U.S. Census Bureau. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)

In this Wednesday, June 22, 2016 photo, John M. Moya, the Albuquerque director of LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc., works on Hispanic student-related programs in the Albuquerque office, N.M. The nation's Hispanic population grew by 2.2 percent to 56.6 million, and New Mexico had the largest percentage of Latinos in the country at 48 percent, according to new information from the U.S. Census Bureau. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)

In this Wednesday, June 22, 2016 photo, a tourist walks in front of San Felipe de Neri Parish, one of the country's oldest Hispanic Catholic churches, in Albuquerque's Old Town, N.M. The nation's Hispanic population grew by 2.2 percent to 56.6 million, and New Mexico had the largest percentage of Latinos in the country at 48 percent, according to new information from the U.S. Census Bureau. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)
Donald Trump arrived in Scotland and said it was 'fantastic' that the British had 'taken back their country'

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Furious European Parliament President Martin Schulz has demanded the UK makes a quick exit from the EU following the shock result of Thursday's referendum.

Schulz said the UK's relationship with the EU had been ambiguous, but was 'now clear' and a prolonged exit was 'the opposite of what we need'. He added that it was difficult to accept that 'a whole continent is taken hostage because of an internal fight in the Tory party'.

And the presidents of the EU's main institutions said in a statement today that they expect London to act on the decision to leave 'as soon as possible, however painful that process may be'.

EU Council President Donald Tusk, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said 'any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty'.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who on Friday announced he will resign, had suggested that formal notification of Britain's departure might not come before October.

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Resignation: David Cameron, watched by his wife Samantha, announces outside 10 Downing Street that he will be resigning as prime minister. He said it would not be right for him to 'captain of the ship' as Britain negotiates its exit from the EU

Furious: European Parliament President Martin Schulz has demanded the UK make a quick exit from the EU following the shock result of Thursday's referendum

EU Council President Donald Tusk (left), Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (centre), Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (right) said that 'any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty'

Grexit next? A survey by the Pew Research Center suggested that Greece and France are close behind Britain on opposition to the EU

Cameron has suggested he would delay invoking Article 50 - which triggers formal exit from the EU - until his successor takes over in the fall.

Britain has up to two years to negotiate an exit, but EU officials have been insisting on quick and potentially tough negotiations to discourage the 27 other countries in the bloc from wanting to leave.

Eurosceptic parties across the continent are intensifying demands for their own referendums in the wake of the Brexit vote. Shortly after the result was announced, Marine Le Pen, the leader of the Front National in France, called for a 'Frexit' vote on Twitter, while the far-Right Dutch firebrand Geert Wilders called for a 'Nexit'.

In Italy, the leader of the Italian anti-immigrant Northern League, Matteo Salvini, called the European Union 'a cage of crazies' that is killing jobs and citizen dignity.

And there are also fears that Brexit could also trigger a Czexit, a Swexit, and a Grexit in the Czech Republic, Sweden and Greece. Even if the union holds, the political earthquake that has erupted in Britain will have far-reaching aftershocks.

World markets were thrown into turmoil on Friday after the final vote was announced, prompting Cameron to try and reassure businesses across the globe that Britain's economy was fundamentally sound.

Cameron said he would stay on for three months and New York-born Boris Johnson, the former Mayor of London who led the 'leave' campaign, is the hot favorite to replace him.

President Barack Obama said the UK and EU will remain 'indispensable partners' of the United States following the Brexit vote.

Obama said: 'The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in Nato remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security and economic policy.

'So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond.

'The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world.'

David and Samantha Cameron comforted each other after he made his emotional statement outside the famous door of 10 Downing Street

Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump arrived at the Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire, Scotland, with his family to officially open the revamped resort he bought in 2014.

He said the British people had 'taken back their country', adding: 'It's a fantastic thing.'

Later, when asked his opinion on Cameron quitting, Trump said: 'Well, that's too bad.'

Trump posted a statement on Facebook promising close ties between the U.S. and UK if he becomes President, saying: 'A Trump Administration pledges to strengthen our ties with a free and independent Britain, deepening our bonds in commerce, culture and mutual defense.'

Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton said in a statement: 'We respect the choice the people of the United Kingdom have made. Our first task has to be to make sure that the economic uncertainty created by these events does not hurt working families here in America.

'We also have to make clear America's steadfast commitment to the special relationship with Britain and the transatlantic alliance with Europe.

'This time of uncertainty only underscored the need for calm, steady, experienced leadership in the White House to protect Americans' pocketbooks and livelihoods, to support our friends and allies, to stand up to our adversaries, and to defend our interests.'

Her campaign has called Donald Trump's reaction to Britain's vote to leave 'dangerous and frightening'.

Trump, say her aides, reacted with 'pathological self-congratulations', a lack of understanding about the situation and a focus on his own businesses rather than the economic impact on American families.

Trump 'actively rooted' for the United Kingdom to leave the EU and is 'rooting for the economic turmoil in its wake', Clinton adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.

Meanwhile, Trump dramatically said President Obama and Clinton pushed Britain into leaving the European Union - and predicted Americans will make a similar choice in November.

He said the president - who in April lectured Britain that it must stay in and threatened it with dire economic consequences if it left - and his would-be Democratic successor had misread the mood of the free world.

'She's always misread everything, if you think. She's misread this,' Trump told DailyMail.com of Clinton, during a press conference coinciding with the re-opening of a golf course in the west of Scotland.

Both Obama and Clinton urged Britons to vote with the 'Remain' forces.

Boris Johnson stopped short of confirming that he would stand to succeed David Cameron today - but made a broad appeal to people to stay calm and help forge a better future

Boris Johnson (right) leaves his home in London this morning under the gaze of press photographers and protected by a considerable police presence. The New York-born former journalist is tipped to be favorite to take over after Mr Cameron resigned

Vote Leave campaigner Boris Johnson arrives for a press conference at Vote Leave headquarters in London on Friday June 24

Bank of England governor Mark Carney moved to reassure panicking markets this morning after the pound nose-dived to its lowest level against the US dollar for 31 years.

Scottish Nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon raised the prospect of a second independence referendum in Scotland within two years, potentially heralding the break-up of the UK, after 62 per cent of Scots voted to remain but were outvoted by the English.

Initial polls had the 'remain' camp winning by a knife-edge. But the final count saw a narrow victory for 'leave' as the nation split 52-48 in favor of becoming the first of the 28 EU member states to request an exit.

Stocks plunged in the U.S. and worldwide Friday. The result of the vote stunned investors, who reacted by rushing to the safety of gold and U.S. government bonds as they wondered what will come next for Britain, Europe and the global economy.

U.S. stocks gave up all their gains from earlier in the year. The Dow Jones industrial average tumbled 611.21 points, or 3.4 per cent, to 17,399.86. The Standard & Poor's 500 dropped 76.02 points, or 3.6 per cent, to 2,037.70.

Both indexes took their biggest loss since August. The Nasdaq composite suffered its biggest loss since mid-2011, down 202.06 points, or 4.1 per cent, to 4,707.98. Indexes in Europe and Asia took even larger losses.

Before Wall St had even opened, world stocks had seen more than $2 trillion wiped off their value amid falls of up to 10 per cent on stock markets around the world.

The pound fell dramatically, to $1.3638. At one point the British currency hit a 31-year low.

Britain's FTSE 100 dropped 3.1 per cent. At one point it was 8 per cent lower. The German DAX index sank 6.8 per cent and France's CAC 40 index tumbled 8 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei 225 finished a wild day down 7.9 per cent, its biggest loss since the global financial crisis in 2008. South Korea's Kospi sank 3.1 per cent, its worst day in four years. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index tumbled 4.4 per cent and stocks in Shanghai, Taiwan, Sydney, Mumbai and Southeast Asian countries were sharply lower.

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said they were prepared to deal with the market volatility.

Canadian-born Carney said the bank had 'engaged in extensive contingency planning' and he was in close contact with Chancellor of the Exchequer,

European Parliament President Schulz said the EU assembly would hold an emergency session on Tuesday and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said that after 'the blow' of Britain voting to leave, the whole European project needed a rethink.

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed 'great regret' at the result, but said the EU was 'strong enough' to 'find the right answers' to the vote.

Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday morning just as the European referendum results were being announced. Trump (pictured, right with a bagpiper at Turnberry golf course) said it was a 'great thing' that British voters had 'taken their country back'

Trump dramatically said President Obama and Clinton pushed Britain into leaving the European Union - and predicted Americans will make a similar choice in November

Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign has called Donald Trump's reaction to Britain's vote to leave 'dangerous and frightening'

Hillary Clinton said in a statement: 'We respect the choice the people of the United Kingdom have made... This time of uncertainty only underscored the need for calm, steady, experienced leadership in the White House'

POPE FRANCIS: BRITISH DECISION REFLECTS THE WILL OF ITS PEOPLE Pope Francis has said the British decision to leave the European Union reflects the will of its people and that Britain and the rest of the continent must now work to live together. Francis told reporters en route to Armenia on Friday that the decision places 'a great responsibility on all of us to guarantee the well-being of the people of the United Kingdom'. He said it also will require all to 'take responsibility for the well-being and coexistence of the entire European continent.' The Vatican has supported the European project from its inception, seeing unification as a way to improve social and economic standards and solidarity. While officially taking a neutral position as Britain debated whether to leave, Francis' demands that Europe welcome in more migrants put him squarely at odds with the Brexit camp. Advertisement

EU President Tusk, from Poland, said it was 'a historic moment but for sure not a moment for hysterical reactions'.

Tusk, who had earlier warned that Brexit could 'end Western political civilization', said on Friday: 'Today on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27.'

Merkel, Tusk, French President Francois Hollande and Italy's Matteo Renzi are planning to meet in Berlin on Monday to discuss the next step.

As results of the referendum poured in on Thursday night and in the early hours of Friday morning, a picture emerged of a sharply divided nation: Strong pro-EU votes in London and semi-autonomous Scotland were countered by sweeping anti-Establishment sentiment for an exit across the rest of England, from southern seaside towns to rust-belt former industrial powerhouses in the north.

Speaking at a jubilant Leave.EU rally in central London, Nigel Farage, leader of the U.K. Independence Party (UKIP), said June 23 should go down in history as 'our independence day', and called for it to become a national Bank Holiday.

He said on Friday morning Britain needed a 'Brexit government'.

A key factor in the vote was the migrant crisis which has hit Europe in the last few years, but many working class British voters also resented immigrants from EU countries such as Poland, Hungary and Romania who they feared were taking 'their' jobs.

John Mann, one of the few Labour MPs to support the 'leave' campaign, said there had been a split between middle class voters who felt they benefited from EU membership and working class voters who felt the disadvantages - especially migration - outweighed the advantages.

Mr Cameron, who called the referendum to placate the conservative anti-Europe wing of his party, backed the 'remain' campaign and was left with no option but to resign after the vote.

In an emotional resignation speech outside the prime minister's official residence, 10 Downing Street in London, he said: 'I held nothing back, I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union and I made clear the referendum was about this and this alone - not the future of any single politician including myself.

A screen shows world stock market index at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Friday. World financial markets were rocked by Britain's unprecedented vote to leave the European Union, with stock markets and oil prices crashing and the pound hitting its lowest level in three decades

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Friday after Britain voted to leave the European Union

Traders in Frankfurt (left) look anxious after the Brexit vote caused panic on stock markets worldwide. The FTSE (right) plunged

'But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction.

I want to send a clear message to the British people and to businesses and investors around the world this morning - there is no need to panic Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

'I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.'

Choking back tears, Mr Cameron said he would not depart immediately and would seek to calm the markets over the coming 'weeks and months'.

But he said a new Prime Minister should be in place for the Conservative Party conference in October. Johnson, who stepped down last month as Mayor of London, will be the overwhelming favorite to take over.

Johnson's successor, and the first Muslim Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said today Britain 'can survive and prosper outside the European Union'.

He said: 'I want to send a clear message to the British people and to businesses and investors around the world this morning - there is no need to panic.'

Johnson started to set out his vision for a revitalized, outward looking country in a speech just hours after his long-time rival tearfully declared that he would stand aside.

Nigel Farage (pictured, centre, outside Parliament in Westminster) was unable to get himself elected as an MP in last year's general election but the UKIP leader has helped cause a political earthquake in Britain

The map shows a starkly divided Britain with Scotland, Northern Ireland and most of London voting to remain in the EU but most of England, and surprisingly Wales too, opting for the exit. Cities with large student populations, like Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter and Norwich, also voted for 'remain'

Scottish First minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was now 'highly likely' that there would be a second independence referendum north of the border, potentially within a matter of months

Johnson said Britain cannot and should not 'turn its back on Europe' and the Brexit vote was not a signal for the UK to 'pull up the drawbridge' and cut itself off from the continent.

He said the EU was a 'noble idea' for its time but was 'no longer right for this country'.

Johnson said Britain now had a 'glorious opportunity' to set its own laws, set its own immigration levels and 'take the wind out of the sails' of extremists who play on fears about immigration.

He said: 'Yesterday the British people spoke up for democracy and I think we can be very proud of the result.'

Johnson also paid tribute to Cameron, who he described as a 'brave and principled' man and expressed sorrow at his decision to resign.

One of the repercussions of the vote will be in Scotland, which was out of kilter with England, having overwhelmingly voted to remain.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this morning said she would be pressing ahead with plans to stage a second Scottish independence referendum, which could be held within two years, as the Brexit vote was a 'material change'.

She said: 'Scotland faces being taken out of the European Union against our will, which I consider democratically unacceptable.'

Prominent Irish nationalist politician Martin Guinness also demanded a referendum on whether Northern Ireland should stay in the UK or unite with the Republic of Ireland, which remains in the EU.

McGuinness, who is Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland, said: 'The British government now has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the North in any future negotiations with the European Union and I do believe that there is a democratic imperative for a 'border poll' to be held'.

Pound plummets: The pound initially soared as polls closed and two opinion surveys put 'remain' ahead but it later suffered one of its biggest one-day falls in history (pictured) and is expected to fall further through Friday

On the counting floor in Sunderland in north-east England, there are scenes of joy as the huge win for the 'leave' campaign is announced, which sent ripples of hope to fellow Brexit voters across the country. It was to be a harbinger of what was to come

The atmosphere at the Leave.EU campaign party in London was jubilant as voters in the early stages gave them a larger lead than expected

Supporters of the 'Stronger In Europe' campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at a results party at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Labour MP John Mann said middle class voters had tended to vote for 'remain' but working class voters had voted for 'leave' because of fears about migration and low wages

McGuinness's party Sinn Fein was the political wing of the now-defunct Irish Republican Army and Brexit has raised fresh fears that the Good Friday Agreement, which ended 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland, could unravel.

Last week, Ireland's prime minister Enda Kenny raised the prospect of border controls being reimposed along the border between the Republic and the UK, in Northern Ireland, if British voters opted to pull out of the EU.

The former prime minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British overseas territory in the Caribbean, Michael Misick, tweeted: '#turksandcaicos and other #British colonies should be given a #referendum to decide whether we would like to remain British.'

Some political analysts say the disaffected voters who opted for 'leave' were similar in many respect to those supporting a Donald Trump presidency.

In an op-ed for the LA Times, London School of Economics fellow Brian Klaas and Marcel Dirsus, a lecturer at the University of Kiel in Germany, compared Brexit voters to 'Trump supporters sporting "Make America Great Again" hats' who 'believe they have lost too much for too long'.

'Their complaint is understandable. But turning inward will only make their problems worse and the world more dangerous. Britain narrowly succumbed to isolationist populism Thursday. Let's hope Americans don't make the same mistake by voting for a Trump presidency come November,' they wrote.

The 28-nation trading bloc was created from the ashes of the Second World War to keep the peace in Europe.

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: 'As it defines the next chapter in its relationship with the EU, I know that the United Kingdom's position in Nato will remain unchanged.

'The U.K. will remain a strong and committed Nato ally, and will continue to play its leading role in our alliance,' he added.

The first signs of trouble for the 'remain' campaign came as the first results came in from England's working-class northeast, which showed a smaller-than-expected 'remain' win in Newcastle and a bigger-than-expected 'leave' vote in nearby Sunderland.

The 'leave' side also outperformed expectations in other areas of England, and also in Wales.

The two areas which were solidly in favor of 'remain' were London, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A Brexit campaigner holds up a Union Jack as she celebrates the victory for the 'leave' campaign. Analysts suggested older voters opted for 'leave' while the young tended to side with the 'remain' campaign

Nigel Farage looked somber as he conceded defeat at around 11pm, admitting that Remain may edge the victory, but he looked overjoyed after a series of results that were better than expected for the campaign at 12.30am

On Friday morning, Nigel Farage called for June 23 to be a national bank holiday called 'Independence Day'

TRUMP'S STATEMENT ON EU REFERENDUM The people of the United Kingdom have exercised the sacred right of all free peoples. They have declared their independence from the European Union, and have voted to reassert control over their own politics, borders and economy. A Trump Administration pledges to strengthen our ties with a free and independent Britain, deepening our bonds in commerce, culture and mutual defense. The whole world is more peaceful and stable when our two countries  and our two peoples  are united together, as they will be under a Trump Administration. Come November, the American people will have the chance to re-declare their independence. Americans will have a chance to vote for trade, immigration and foreign policies that put our citizens first. They will have the chance to reject todays rule by the global elite, and to embrace real change that delivers a government of, by and for the people. I hope America is watching, it will soon be time to believe in America again. Advertisement

As the polls closed Thursday, UKIP leader Farage set a downbeat tone for the supporters of a British exit  or Brexit  from the EU, telling Sky News television 'it looks like 'remain' will edge it' in the referendum, sending the pound to a 2016 peak of $1.50.

But he withdrew those comments later, telling reporters at a 'leave' party in central London 'maybe just under half, maybe just over half of the country' had voted to pull Britain out of the EU.

Pollster Ipsos MORI said a survey conducted on Wednesday and Thursday suggested the 'remain' side would win Britain's EU referendum by a margin of 54 per cent to 46 per cent.

But on Thursday the firm had released a poll that indicated a 52-48 victory for 'remain'.

That phone poll of 1,592 people had a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. And it proved to be wrong by exactly that margin.

The overseas territory of Gibraltar, off the coast of southern Spain, was the first to report results late Thursday, and as expected the British enclave reported an overwhelming vote for 'remain'  96 per cent.

There as elsewhere, turnout appeared high.

Officials in the Rock of Gibraltar said almost 84 per cent of eligible voters turned out to cast ballots; witnesses and reporters elsewhere said turnout was higher than in last year's general election, which was 66 per cent.

On Friday, Spain seized on the result to call for co-sovereignty of Gibraltar.

Spain's acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said: 'It's a complete change of outlook that opens up new possibilities on Gibraltar not seen for a very long time.

'I hope the formula of co-sovereignty - to be clear, the Spanish flag on the Rock - is much closer than before.'

High turnout had been expected to boost the 'remain' vote, because 'leave' supporters are thought to be more motivated. But high turnout in working-class areas that typically have lower tallies also boosted the 'leave' vote.

That was certainly the case in Newcastle, a city which had been expected to deliver a resounding victory for 'remain', Instead, the pro-Europe side squeaked by with 50.7 per cent of the vote. In Sunderland, 61 per cent of voters chose 'leave,' a bigger-than expected margin.

Referendum workers verify the validity of ballots in Britain's overseas of territory of Gibraltar, where 96 per cent of voters opted for the UK to remain in the EU. Spain seized on the Brexit vote to call for co-sovereignty with Britain in Gibraltar

This pro-EU campaigner in Northern Ireland checks his mobile phone for early results, which painted a grim picture for the overall result. Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister later called for a referendum on Ulster joining the Republic of Ireland, which remains in the EU

Polls had for months suggested a close battle, although the past few days have seen some indication of momentum swinging toward the 'remain' side.

At a referendum night party at the London School of Economics, Kevin Featherstone, the head of the European Institute, said the vote should serve as a wake-up call to politicians across the continent.

'Wider Europe has got to learn the lesson about how to re-engage with ordinary publics,' he said. 'We can see across Europe countries which have been... far bigger supporters of the European Union for a number of years starting to have serious doubts.'

But Peter Lundgren, an MEP from the far-right Sweden Democrat Party, told MailOnline: 'This is the beginning of the end for the EU. So many other countries will follow the UK. Europe will fall.'

THE RUNNERS AND RIDERS: WHO WILL LEAD THE RACE TO REPLACE DAVID CAMERON AT NUMBER 10? Conservative leadership contests are fought in two parts - first the Tory MPs whittle down the contenders to just two before the Tory membership picks a winner. The format has a habit of squeezing out contenders and in 2005 Liam Fox ran but never made it into the final round - contested in the end by David Cameron and David Davis. BORIS JOHNSON The overwhelming favorite going into the contest, the former Mayor of London has led the Vote Leave campaign to an improbable victory. Declaring for Brexit in February cemented the Uxbridge MP as a darling of the Tory right and he seems certain to make the shortlist. Johnson has a celebrity unique among British politicians but despite eight years running the capital, he will have a big job to do to persuade the country he is up to leading the country. GEORGE OSBORNE The Chancellor of the Exchequer has long been the heir-apparent to David Cameron. The Prime Minister's deputy and close ally has spent six years in Number 11, is credited by many in the Tory Party for rescuing the economy and is a prized tactician. But his leadership bid has almost certainly been crashed off the tracks by a catastrophic Budget in March and his role standing shoulder to shoulder with the PM during the referendum campaign. RUTH DAVIDSON The Leader of the Scottish Conservatives arrives at the contest having pulled off the near miracle of overhauling Labour to take second in Scotland. Davidson was a star of the referendum campaign for her combative appearance at the final TV debate and as someone a million miles from the old Etonian Tory which has proven toxic with much of the electorate she would be prized by the One Nation wing of the party. Her candidacy is a longshot - not least because she is not an MP and has a huge job opposing Nicola Sturgeon in Holyrood. But on the day Britain backed Brexit is anything impossible? THERESA MAY After six years as Home Secretary, Theresa May is the sober, serious choice - and probably the strongest 'continuity candidate' who could succeed Cameron. May has become the longest serving Home Secretary, thriving in a brief which has proved the graveyard for many a political career. Tough, a safe pair of hands and widely respected - if not always seen fondly - May could be the anti-Boris. STEPHEN CRABB Perhaps the biggest unknown in the race, the work and pensions secretary was parachuted into the top of front line politics as the replacement for Iain Duncan Smith after his bombshell resignation over the Budget. Crabb, a Welsh son of a broken home, could be the leading One Nation candidate in the leadership race. Being a new name - and one who was quiet in the referendum - could allow Crabb to define himself a unifying candidate. LIAM FOX A heavy weight with Cabinet experience, Fox has run for the leadership before - and lost. But he is extremely popular on the right of the party and played a leading role in referendum campaign, appearing with different parts of the Leave movement. The former defence secretary is known to have a war chest ready and waiting for the leadership campaign and is well connected on the Tory benches. While it is perhaps hard to see a route onto the final shortlist, Fox would undoubtedly be well organised and a fearsome candidate. Advertisement

Banking giants consider moving thousands of jobs out of Britain after Brexit vote as big businesses warn of a profits slum

City rocked: Banking giant JP Morgan is reportedly considering moving staff from his London HQ to Paris after today's Brexit vote

Several of the world's biggest banks are already considering sending thousands of jobs out of Britain after today's Brexit win.

JP Morgan, the globe's biggest investment bank, and BNP Paribas, France's financial giant, are reportedly looking at whether they should now move their London bases to Paris.

But American giant Morgan Stanley has denied rumours that it is planning to move 2,000 investment banking jobs to Frankfurt and Dublin.

It came as British Airways owner IAG issued a profit warning following the UK's decision to leave the EU.

The company's share price tanked 19 per cent to 425.6p in trading on Friday morning.

City workers are braced for months of pain as banks and financial institutions begin the process of considering whether to slash jobs or relocate to Europe in the wake of Brexit.

HSBC and Goldman Sachs all said prior to the vote that thousands of jobs in the City of London could be moved to the continent in the event of Brexit.

Sarah Phillips, partner at solicitors Irwin Mitchell, said the Brexit vote will have a 'big impact' on people working in Britain's financial services sector.

She added: 'Many banks, insurers and fund managers who have large businesses in continental Europe could consider relocating to Paris or Frankfurt and senior staff will either lose their roles or have to move to another country.

'Some global investment banks, such as JPMorgan, have said that Brexit would lead to a significant loss of jobs in the UK.'

HSBC boss Stuart Gulliver said in February that a vote to leave could see 5,000 London-based investment bankers move out of London to Paris.

Jamie Dimon, head of JP Morgan, said earlier this month that up to 4,000 jobs could be hit.

Although banks have been cautious on Friday in making any brash statements regarding their future plans, experts are forecasting that large scale redundancies could be on the cards.

Nick Elwell-Sutton, partner at Clyde & Co, said: 'At a more fundamental level, unless the financial services passporting rules are resolved in the UK's favour, then many large financial services businesses are likely to relocate to within the EU - meaning large scale redundancies would be highly probable.'

Many banks and businesses joined the Remain campaign and warned of catastrophe have today looked to reassure instead.

Goldman Sachs boss Lloyd Blankfein has said the bank respects the decision of the British electorate, while HSBC chairman Douglas Flint said that 'we are today entering a new era for Britain and British business'.

Virgin founder Richard Branson said today it 'a very sad decision that will do huge damage to Britain's prosperity and Europe's stability'.

Oil and gas experts Royal Dutch Shell said: 'Although Shell was in favor of the UK remaining in the EU, we respect the decision of the majority of the British people who voted to elect to leave.

'We will work with the UK government and European institutions on any implications for us. Our priority is to continue providing reliable, affordable energy to our customers in Europe and the UK.'
Dalai Lama says people should not impose religion on others

BOULDER, Colo. (AP)  The Dalai Lama told a crowd in Boulder on Thursday that people should not try to impose their religious beliefs on other people.

He also says religion can offer forgiveness and ways to reduce afflictions.

According to the Denver Post (http://tinyurl.com/zhqmyfx ), the spiritual leader from Tibet urged compassion for other people and a global awareness that could make the world more peaceful.

Amdo Nyima rearranges fruit as he helps the Tibetan Association of Colorado prepare for the Dalai Lama's visit in the Coors Event Center at Colorado University Boulder on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. (Autumn Parry/Daily Camera via AP) CREDIT

During his visit to teach lessons at the University of Colorado-Boulder, the Dalai Lama put on a bicycle helmet given to him as a gift from Boulder Mayor Suzanne Jones, saying the helmet is a symbol of protection people need as they struggle to make a better life.

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Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com
Ruling signals 'yellow light' on college affirmative action

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  In upholding an affirmative action program at the University of Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court provided some reassurance to the minority of the nation's colleges that continue to consider an applicant's race in admissions.

But Thursday's ruling is unlikely to result in an expansion of more explicit race-conscious practices that have fallen out of favor in the past two decades due to shifting public opinion, previous court rulings and state bans for public institutions, legal and education experts said.

In a 4-3 opinion, a court majority held that Texas demonstrated its narrowly tailored policy of looking at race to fill one-quarter of its freshman classes was necessary because a strictly "nonracial approach" failed to produce enough student diversity.

In this Sept. 27, 2012, file photoTexas students walk past the university's iconic tower, in Austin. In a 4-3 opinion, a court majority held that Texas had demonstrated its narrowly tailored policy of looking at race to fill one-quarter of its freshman classes was necessary because a strictly nonracial approach had failed to produce enough student diversity. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

The prevailing justices also noted, though, that higher education leaders must ensure their affirmative action measures are based on strong evidence of their need and efficacy. They also said the measures must be periodically reassessed to determine if they remain valid.

"I think this is a yellow light, a continuing yellow light that says you can proceed here, but you must proceed with caution because these are challenging issues that require intense thought, review and deliberation," said Arthur Coleman, co-founder of education consulting firm EducationCounsel.

Only one-quarter of the nation's four-year colleges take into account race and ethnicity when assessing applicants, according to survey data from The College Board, a nonprofit that administers the SAT and AP tests. Highly selective private schools are the most likely to, with 62 percent listing race and ethnicity among their evaluation criteria compared with 21 percent of the most selective public colleges.

The vast majority of the campuses with race-conscious programs  including the eight Ivy League schools and the nation's service academies  say race is not as important to their deliberations as a student's grade-point average, personal essay, high school course load and standardized test scores, The College Board data show.

The outcome of the Texas case should be welcome news to schools that use race along with other markers of student diversity, such as parental education or experience overcoming adversity, in deciding whom to admit, American Council on Education general counsel Peter McDonough said.

"Today's decision recognizes that the formula for educational excellence is elusive, that it changes over time and that it is usually affected by context," McDonough said. "If you feel as an institution you have gone about this in a defensible, sensible way and you really believe in the value of a diverse learning community, you should feel very good today about what you can accomplish tomorrow."

The high court repeatedly has held in the years since it outlawed the use of quota systems in 1978 that higher education institutions must have sound reasons for seeking diversity in their student bodies. But it also has limited the methods they can use to bring it about.

In a pair of cases challenging University of Michigan admission policies, court majorities ruled in 2003 that admissions officers can look at race but only as one of several factors determining an individual's acceptance or rejection and only if no viable alternatives for creating racially diverse classes exist.

Century Foundation Senior Fellow Richard Kahlenberg said the earlier rulings and the unpopularity of race-based policies among the public drove schools to employ alternative strategies, such as recruiting students from low-income families and disadvantaged schools. He worries they might be less motivated to make use of those approaches now.

"Every dollar universities spend on financial aid for needy students is a dollar they can't spend on boosting their rankings, so they are very reluctant to take on class diversity," Kahlenberg said. "The one incentive they had was socio-economic affirmative action was a legal way of producing racial diversity, and now I think the Supreme Court has reduced that pressure."

Eight states  Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington  have banned public colleges and universities from practicing affirmative action in any form. Elsewhere around the country, policies vary considerably.

None of the public universities in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico and Wyoming have race-sensitive admission policies, while majorities do in Connecticut, Wisconsin and Virginia.

Even at the University of Texas, Austin, the school at the center of the ruling, three-quarters of the incoming freshman classes are made up of Texas residents who automatically gain admission by graduating at the top of their classes.
Markets reel as world absorbs shock of UK vote for Brexit

LONDON (AP)  Britain has jumped. Now it is wildly searching for the parachute.

The U.K.'s unprecedented decision to leave the European Union sent shockwaves through the country and around the world Friday, rocking financial markets, toppling Prime Minister David Cameron and even threatening the ties that bind the United Kingdom.

Britons absorbed the overwhelming realization that their anti-establishment vote has pushed the British economy into treacherous and uncertain territory and sparked a profound crisis for a bloc founded to unify Europe after the devastation of World War II.

FILE - In this Friday, June 24, 2016 file photo, Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha walk back into 10 Downing Street, London, after speaking to the media. Cameron says he will resign by the time of the party conference in the fall after Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, according to tallies of official results Friday. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)

"Leave" campaigners hailed the result as a victory for British democracy against the bureaucratic behemoth of the EU.

Conservative former London Mayor Boris Johnson said "the British people have spoken up for democracy in Britain and across Europe," while Nigel Farage, leader of the hard-right U.K. Independence Party, said "the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom."

But for the 48 percent of British voters who wanted to remain  and for the 2 million EU nationals who live and work in Britain, but could not vote  there was sadness, anger and even panic.

At a London train station, commuter Olivia Sangster-Bullers called the result "absolutely disgusting."

"Good luck to all of us, I say, especially those trying to build a future with our children," she said.

The decision launches a yearslong process to renegotiate trade, business and political links between the U.K. and what will become a 27-nation bloc, an unprecedented divorce that could take a decade or more to complete.

Cameron, who had led the campaign to keep Britain in the EU, said he would resign by October and left it to his successor to decide when to invoke Article 50, which triggers a departure from European Union.

"I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months," a somber Cameron said outside 10 Downing St. "But I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination."

He also said he had spoken to Queen Elizabeth II "to advise her of the steps that I am taking."

In a referendum marked by notably high turnout  72 percent of the more than 46 million registered voters  "leave" won with 52 percent of the votes.

Stock markets plummeted around the world, with key indexes dropping more than 12 percent in Germany and about 8 percent in Japan and Britain. Markets calmed and later recovered some of their losses after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney promised to take "all the necessary steps to prepare for today's events."

The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 611 points, or 3.4 percent, its biggest fall since August.

The euro fell against the dollar and the pound dropped to its lowest level since 1985, plunging more than 10 percent from about $1.50 to $1.35 before a slight recovery, on concerns that severing ties with the single market will hurt the U.K. economy and undermine London's position as a global financial center.

The referendum result revealed Britain to be a sharply divided nation: Strong pro-EU votes in the economic and cultural powerhouse of London and semi-autonomous Scotland were countered by sweeping anti-establishment sentiment for an exit across the rest of England, from southern seaside towns to rust-belt former industrial powerhouses in the north.

For many who voted "leave," the act was a rebellion against the political, economic and social establishment and the derided "experts"  including CEOs, artists, scientists and soldiers  who had written open letters warning of the consequences of an EU exit, or Brexit.

Pro-Brexit voters were persuaded by the argument that leaving the EU meant taking back control of immigration  by abandoning the bloc's principle of free movement among member states  and reclaiming billions that the U.K. pays to Brussels each year.

"Remain" supporters said this was a fantasy of sovereignty in an interconnected world, one that ignored the benefits the EU, and EU workers, bring to Britain.

But for many "leave" voters  who tended to be older, less well-educated and less well-off than the other side  the vote was reclaiming a birthright.

"It's a vindication of 1,000 years of British democracy," 62-year-old Jonathan Campbell James declared at the train station in Richmond, southwest London. "From Magna Carta all the way through to now, we've had a slow evolution of democracy, and this vote has vindicated the maturity and depth of the democracy in our country."

The vote also represented a cultural and political populism stirring across Europe and beyond.

Populist politicians including France's Marine Le Pen and the Netherlands' Geert Wilders hailed the result and called for similar anti-EU votes in their countries.

Donald Trump praised the decision during a visit to one of his golf courses in Scotland, saying Britons "took back their country." He compared the vote to the U.S. sentiment that has propelled him to presumptive Republican presidential nominee, saying "people are angry all over the world."

President Barack Obama said he talked to Cameron and believes the British voters' decision speaks "to the ongoing changes and challenges that are raised by globalization."

The divisions exposed by the referendum threaten to unstitch the complex fabric of the United Kingdom of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said "Scotland has voted to stay in the EU," and a new referendum on independence from the United Kingdom is now "highly likely." Scotland voted in 2014 to remain a part of the U.K., but that decision was seen by many as conditional on the U.K. remaining in the EU.

The EU exit would also complicate the status of Northern Ireland, which shares a border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member. Irish nationalists used the result to call for an all-island referendum to reunite the two parts of Ireland after 95 years of partition into an independent south and British north.

But nothing matched the shock of many in the capital, London, where more than 10 percent of the population is from the EU, and which voted by a large margin to remain in the EU.

Christine Ullmann, a German who worked on the campaign urging other Europeans to "Hug a Brit," expressed a widespread sense of sadness and loss.

"What about Brits who believe in the goodness of their society who find themselves in a society where they can't travel and work freely in Europe?" she said. "I feel really sad for them. They've lost more."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan reassured the 1 million Europeans in the capital that they were "very welcome here."

"We all have a responsibility to now seek to heal the divisions that have emerged throughout this campaign  and to focus on what unites us, rather than that which divides us," he said.

Britain would be the first major country to leave the EU, which was born from the ashes of World War II as European leaders sought to build links and avert future hostility. With no precedent, the impact on the single market of 500 million people  the world's largest economy  is unclear.

The result triggers a new series of negotiations expected to last two years or more as Britain and the EU search for a way to separate economies that have become intertwined since the U.K. joined the bloc on Jan. 1, 1973. Until those talks are completed, Britain will remain a member of the EU.

Leaders from across the EU voiced regret inflected with anger at the British decision. Germany called top diplomats from the EU's six founding nations to a meeting Saturday, and the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said the bloc would meet without Britain at a summit next week to assess its future. Tusk vowed not to let the vote derail the European project.

"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," he said  but noted that there was "no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, especially for the U.K."

Cameron's largely self-inflicted downfall was a political tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. He called the referendum largely to silence euroskeptic challengers, then staked his reputation on keeping Britain in the EU, warning voters on the eve of the referendum that their choice would be irreversible: "You can't jump out of an airplane and then clamber back into the cockpit."

His resignation announcement sparks a Conservative leadership battle in which Boris Johnson is a leading contender.

Former Business Secretary Vince Cable said Cameron had made a monumental political misjudgment that would now haunt him.

"There was a chronic failure to understand what can happen when you just throw the cards in the air," Cable said. "Unpredictable things happen. People find an outlet for their grievances, whether it's got anything to do with Europe or not."

The result also triggered turmoil in the left-of-center opposition Labour Party, whose traditional working-class supporters defied the party's call to vote "remain" in large numbers. Leader Jeremy Corbyn, a socialist who lent lukewarm support to the pro-EU cause, faces an incipient challenge to his leadership.

But for many in Britain, the economy is the biggest and most pressing worry.

Authorities ranging from the International Monetary Fund to the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of England have warned that a British exit will reverberate through a world economy that is only slowly recovering from the global economic crisis.

It will also affect the ability of professionals such as investment managers, accountants and lawyers to work in the EU, threatening London's position as one of the world's pre-eminent financial centers.

"The U.K. has woken up today a deeply divided society," said Megan E. Greene, chief economist at Manulife Asset Management. "In the face of political instability and economic uncertainty, the British leadership must also figure out how to reunite society to avoid adding social unrest to the list of challenges the U.K. faces. This is a tall order."

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Associated Press writers Raphael Satter and Frank Jordans in London and Shawn Pogatchnik in Dublin contributed to this report.

Vote Leave campaigner Boris Johnson arrives for a press conference at Vote Leave headquarters in London Friday June 24, 2016. Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron announced Friday that he will quit as Prime Minister following a defeat in the referendum which ended with a vote for Britain to leave the European Union. (Mary Turner/Pool via AP)

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street, London as his wife Samantha looks on Friday, June 24, 2016. Cameron says he will resign by the time of party conference in the fall after Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, according to tallies of official results Friday. (Lauren Hurley/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE

Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party, celebrates and poses for photographers as he leaves a "Leave.EU" organization party for the British European Union membership referendum in London, Friday, June 24, 2016. On Thursday, Britain voted in a national referendum on whether to stay inside the EU. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

British MP Boris Johnson leaves his home in London, Friday, June 24, 2016. Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, according to tallies of official results Friday. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

Countera begin to tally ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK membership of the European Union, late Thursday June 23, 2016. On Thursday Britain votes in a national referendum on whether to stay inside the EU.(Liam McBurney / PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES

A teller counts ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, after polls closed in the EU referendum Thursday, June 23, 2016. Britain's referendum on whether to leave the European Union was too close to call early Friday, with increasingly mixed signals challenging earlier indications that "remain" had won a narrow victory. (Liam McBurney/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT

A worker on a lift adjusts the EU flags in front of EU headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Voters in the United Kingdom are taking part in a referendum that will decide whether Britain remains part of the European Union or leaves the 28-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

The front page of the Sun newspaper reporting on the EU referendum on a news stand in Westminster, London, Thursday, June 23, 2016.Voters in the United Kingdom are taking part in a referendum that will decide whether Britain remains part of the European Union or leaves the 28-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wipes his brow before speaking during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Voters in the United Kingdom are taking part in a referendum on Thursday that will decide whether Britain remains part of the European Union or leaves the 28-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
Use of drones for disaster missions put to the test

CAPE MAY, N.J. (AP)  How to distribute lifesaving supplies quickly and safely after a natural disaster has long been a puzzle for responders. Now, drones might be the lifesaver.

That idea was put to the test this week in New Jersey as a drone delivery service conducted test flights to help determine whether drones can be used to carry human medical samples to and from areas that cannot be accessed or communicated with during major storms, earthquakes or other disasters.

Experts say drones are becoming a more valuable tool in many humanitarian operations, where the unmanned aircraft can be quickly launched and used to collect data and images and help locate people who might be injured or trapped. But Timothy Amukele, an assistant professor of pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, said that biological samples "are not like a shoe or a book; they are pretty fragile items."

Johns Hopkins researchers have set a new record in the up-and-coming field of medical drones. The team successfully transported human blood samples across 161 miles of Arizona desert. This test shows progress for the team's first in New Jersey in 2016 (pictured)

"For example, if blood is being carried on the back of motorcycle, shaking caused by the bike and its vibrations can ruin the sample," said Amukele, a volunteer adviser to Flirtey, the company that conducted the tests in New Jersey. "We want to see what tasks the drones can perform and if the drones have similar effects on samples they carry."

About 100 people looked on as the drones flew Wednesday between an onshore medical relief camp and a test facility on a vessel stationed on the Delaware Bay. They took medical supplies from the vessel to the medical camp, while blood and other medical specimens were flown between the sites.

The tests were done at the invitation of the Field Innovation Team, a nonprofit that works with agencies and experts from various fields to develop solutions to humanitarian disaster scenarios.

The tests came a day after President Barack Obama's administration approved the routine use of small drones by real estate agents, farmers, filmmakers and countless other commercial operators after years of struggling to write rules that would both protect public safety and free the benefits of a new technology.

The Reno, Nevada-based firm conducted what it said was the nation's first autonomous urban drone delivery in the U.S. in March. That happened in Nevada, one of six states the Federal Aviation Administration has designated as unmanned aircraft systems test sites.

Matt Sweeny, Flirtey's chief executive, believes medical drone delivery will happen "more quickly than people realize," possibly within the next three years. He says such a service could potentially help hundreds of thousands of people, noting the number of residents affected by recent disasters such as Superstorm Sandy, which struck near the site where the tests were conducted.

Eight of the world's 10 largest cities are coastal communities, and more than 3 billion people  or 44 percent of the world's population  live within 95 miles of the coast, according to the United Nations.

Amukele believes it will probably take about five years before drones are used regularly in disaster situations. He notes that roughly 59 nations currently have drone regulations, so responders will need to know what rules other countries will put in place.

Agencies involved in humanitarian relief agree that drones have been helpful in certain humanitarian operations for collecting data and imagery where infrastructure is destroyed or was already lacking, including in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. But they also note that caution must be used in cases where humanitarian relief drones could be mistaken for military drones.

"The potential is indeed huge for drones to deliver small, lifesaving packages, such as vaccines," said George Fenton, director of humanitarian innovations at World Vision International, a London-based humanitarian aid, development and advocacy organization. "The potential for confusion between military action and humanitarian work is high, and we must proceed cautiously with this relatively new technology."

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Shipkowski reported from Trenton.

Dr. Tim Amukele, with Johns Hopkins, walks away after handing-off a package of simulated blood, and other medical samples to be carried in a drone for a ship-to-shore delivery simulation Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Lower Township, N.J. When natural disasters strike, it often becomes very difficult _ or nearly impossible _ for emergency responders to reach areas where infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed and residents are in need of medicines and supplies. Now, drones might be the lifesaver. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Amukele (right) says 'We expect that in many cases, drone transport will be the quickest, safest, and most efficient option to deliver some biological samples to a laboratory from rural or urban settings,'

Workers load a package of simulated blood, and other medical samples to be carried in a drone for a ship-to-shore delivery simulation Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Lower Township, N.J. How to distribute lifesaving supplies quickly and safely after a natural disaster has long been a puzzle for responders. Now, drones might be the lifesaver. That idea was put to the test this week on the New Jersey coast as a drone delivery conducted test flights to help determine whether drones can be used to carry human medical samples to and from areas during major natural disasters. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

A drone aircraft lowers a payload of simulated blood, and other medical samples onto a floating platform just offshore during a ship-to-shore delivery simulation Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Lower Township, N.J. How to distribute lifesaving supplies quickly and safely after a natural disaster has long been a puzzle for responders. Now, drones might be the lifesaver. That idea was put to the test this week on the New Jersey coast as a drone delivery conducted test flights to help determine whether drones can be used to carry human medical samples to and from areas during major natural disasters. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Dr. Tim Amukele, with Johns Hopkins, watches as a drone aircraft flies with a return payload from a floating platform just offshore during a ship-to-shore delivery simulation Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Lower Township, N.J. When natural disasters strike, it often becomes very difficult _ or nearly impossible _ for emergency responders to reach areas where infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed and residents are in need of medicines and supplies. But experts dealing with such matters say drones are becoming a more common and valuable tool in many humanitarian operations, where the unmanned aircraft can be quickly launched and used to collect data and images and help locate people who may be injured or trapped. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Dr. Tim Amukele, with Johns Hopkins, watches as a drone aircraft, right, flies with a return payload from a floating platform just offshore during a ship-to-shore delivery simulation Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Lower Township, N.J. The drone on the left is filming the event. When natural disasters strike, it often becomes very difficult _ or nearly impossible _ for emergency responders to reach areas where infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed and residents are in need of medicines and supplies. But experts dealing with such matters say drones are becoming a more common and valuable tool in many humanitarian operations, where the unmanned aircraft can be quickly launched and used to collect data and images and help locate people who may be injured or trapped. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Pope prays at Armenia memorial after denouncing 'genocide'

YEREVAN, Armenia (AP)  Pope Francis heads to Armenia's genocide memorial for a prayer service, fresh from his ad-libbed declaration that the Ottoman-era massacre of Armenians a century ago was a planned "genocide."

Francis is due to lay a floral wreath at the memorial Saturday and greet descendants of the Armenian orphans who were taken in by Pope Pius XI in the 1920s and housed at his summer residence south of Rome.

Francis drew a standing ovation upon his arrival Friday in Armenia when he denounced what he called the ideologically twisted, planned "genocide" of Armenians starting in 1915. His prepared speech had avoided using the politically-charged term, which Turkey rejects.

Pope Francis and Catholicos Karekin II leave the Apostolic Cathedral of Etchmiadzin, in Yerevan, Armenia, Friday, June 24, 2016. Pope Francis is in Armenia for a three-day visit. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

After the genocide memorial visit, Francis heads to northwest Gyumri for his only public Catholic Mass, followed by a prayer for peace.

Pope Francis, left, and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, right, review honour guards shortly upon arrival to Zvaretnots airport in Yerevan, Armenia, Friday, June 24, 2016. Pope Francis is in Armenia for a three-day visit. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Pope Francis kisses the Holy Book as he visits the Apostolic Cathedral of Etchmiadzin, Yerevan, Armenia, Friday, June 24, 2016. Pope Francis is in Armenia for a three-day visit. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Francis leaves a plane shortly upon his arrival to Zvaretnots airport in Yerevan, Armenia, Friday, June 24, 2016. Pope Francis is in Armenia for a three-day visit. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Pope Francis arrives at Yereven's Zvaretnots airport, Armenia, Friday, June 24, 2016. Pope Francis is in Armenia for a three-day visit. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

FILE - In this Sunday, April 12, 2015 file photo, Pope Francis, left, is greeted by the head of Armenia's Orthodox Church Karekin II, during an Armenian-Rite Mass on the occasion of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican. Pope Francis is making his first foray into the former Soviet Union with a weekend visit to Armenia, a year after he riled Turkey by declaring the Ottoman-era slaughter of Armenians genocide and amid fresh tensions with rival Azerbaijan. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

FILE - In this Sunday, April 12, 2015 file photo, Pope Francis, left, is greeted by the head of Armenia's Orthodox Church Karekin II, during an Armenian-Rite Mass on the occasion of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican. Pope Francis is making his first foray into the former Soviet Union with a weekend visit to Armenia, a year after he riled Turkey by declaring the Ottoman-era slaughter of Armenians genocide and amid fresh tensions with rival Azerbaijan. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

FILE - In this Sunday, April 12, 2015 file photo, the head of Armenia's Orthodox Church Karekin II, second from left, flanked by Catholicos Aram I, left, walks past Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, center, during an Armenian-Rite Mass celebrated by Pope Francis to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican. Pope Francis is making his first foray into the former Soviet Union with a weekend visit to Armenia, a year after he riled Turkey by declaring the Ottoman-era slaughter of Armenians genocide and amid fresh tensions with rival Azerbaijan. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

Pope Francis, left, and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan smile during welcoming ceremony at Zvaretnots airport at Yerevan, Armenia, Friday, June 24, 2016. Pope Francis is in Armenia for a three-day visit. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The Latest: Calls for 2nd referendum crash UK website

LONDON (AP)  The Latest on Britain's historic vote to leave the European Union (all times local):

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10:35 p.m.

A remain supporter stops to talk to people as he walks around with his European flag across the street from the Houses of Parliament in London, Friday, June 24, 2016. Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron announced Friday that he will quit as Prime Minister following a defeat in the referendum which ended with a vote for Britain to leave the European Union. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Tens of thousands want a do-over.

So many users are signing a petition for a re-run of Britain's referendum on European Union membership that they've crashed the House of Commons website hosting the document.

The petition passed the 200,000 mark on Friday evening, with a map of the voting indicating that most activity was in London - where most boroughs backed the "remain" camp in the referendum.

The House of Commons said it had seen "high volumes of simultaneous users on a single petition, significantly higher than on any previous occasion."

A second referendum isn't in the cards for now, but experts say it isn't out of the question if those who back a British exit begin suffering from buyer's remorse.

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10:20 p.m.

Ratings agency Moody's has changed the U.K.'s sovereign rating from "stable" to "negative," reflecting what it said would be a drawn-out period of uncertainty about the future of the country.

Moody's said in a note that the unpredictability of British decision-making factored into its move, as did the likelihood of lower economic growth which it said would outweigh any savings the U.K. might hope to get from savings coming from not having to contribute to the EU budget.

"Over the longer term, should the U.K. not be able to secure a favorable alternative trade arrangement with the EU and other countries, the UK's growth prospects would be materially weaker than currently expected," the note said.

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9:50 p.m.

The U.K.'s withdrawal from the European Union threatens to make the country less appealing as a hub for shipping products throughout Europe.

Amazon.com Inc., for instance, currently uses the U.K. as a major distribution hub. Outsell analyst Michael Balsam says Amazon and other tech companies handling physical goods may re-evaluate their distribution channels if it becomes more difficult to ship across borders.

Morningstar analyst R.J. Hottovy believes U.K. merchants who use Amazon as an online sales outlet are more likely than the company to be hurt by any cross-border delays.

Amazon declined to comment. The Seattle company generates nearly one-third of its sales in Europe, where it operates in 16 countries.

Supply chain specialist MWPVL says Amazon has about 10 distribution centers and 20 smaller centers that sort packages in the U.K. before they're sent to local post offices. That's a sliver of Amazon's nearly 300 distribution centers throughout the world.

Beyond distribution hubs, some U.S. companies might move operations out of Britain altogether.

Crawford del Prete, a longtime tech industry analyst with IDC, says banks and financial services companies are expected to make that move, and companies that sell computers and software to them are likely to follow to stay close to their customers.

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9:45 p.m.

In recent years, the European Union has been taking a strong stance limiting how much personal information that U.S. internet companies such as Google and Facebook can collect from Europeans.

Stricter rules will take effect in 2018. Outsell analyst Michael Balsam believes the U.K.'s exit from the EU could make the new rules more difficult to enforce, at least among Britons.

But Jules Polonetsky, CEO of the industry-backed think tank Future of Privacy Forum, says the implications at this point are "completely unknowable."

While Polonetsky says the U.K. will lose its moderating influence on online privacy in Europe, it's possible the U.K. would remain in the EU for the purposes of data protection through treaties and deals.

Meanwhile, research firm Fssorrester says, uncertainty will impede companies' quest for insights based on personal data.

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9:25 p.m.

Germany's foreign ministry is promising to keep working for a better Europe  but only after it's had a few drinks.

The ministry posted on its Twitter account Friday evening: "We are off now to an Irish pub to get decently drunk. And from tomorrow on we will again work for a better #Europe! Promised! #EURef."

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to meet five of his European Union counterparts in Berlin on Saturday after Britain voted to leave the 28-nation EU.

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9:10 p.m.

The U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union will create more challenges for retailers, with analysts seeing luxury sellers taking the biggest hit.

Hana Ben-Shabat, a partner at A.T. Kearney, says any increased trade barriers could lead to higher costs in Britain. Plus, if large banks move operations elsewhere in Europe, she said that "could impact sales of luxury goods significantly, since many luxury consumers are employed by this industry."

In the U.S., stores like Tiffany and Macy's that draw a lot of British tourists to their flagship New York stores could be among those hurt. Foreign visitors account for 40 percent of Tiffany's flagship business, says Cowen and Co. At the main Macy's store, that figure is 5 percent.

Global retailers like Wal-Mart and Hennes & Mauritz that have a large U.K. presence could be hurt by currency effects and the general uncertainty. Faith Hope Consolo, chairman of the retail group at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, believes Wal-Mart's Asda division will find tougher conditions but will manage because of its size.

Steve Barr at PwC says that overall, any prolonged declines in the stock market could make shoppers wary about spending.

The good news for U.S. shoppers? More European retailers may look to expand in the U.S. Consolo noted many messages from businesses looking to accelerate their growth in the U.S. "They're thinking, 'Where can I land to do the best for the company?"

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9:05 p.m.

Restaurant companies with a significant presence in the U.K. and Europe could be hurt by currency effects as well as weakness in consumer confidence after Britain's vote to leave the European Union, according to an RBC Capital Markets analyst.

David Palmer noted that the U.S. restaurant companies with the most exposure to the United Kingdom and Europe are McDonald's Corp., and to a lesser degree Yum Brands Inc. and Starbucks Corp.

The pound plunged to its lowest level in over 30 years on Friday after the vote.

Starbucks has 850 stores in Britain, its largest market in Europe.

Spokeswoman Linda Mills of Starbucks said it's too soon to say how the chain might be affected but Starbucks remains "fully committed to the U.K.," where it's pursuing significant growth plans.

PepsiCo declined to comment. McDonald's and Yum did not respond to messages.

Coca-Cola said in a statement it has a long history of adapting to political landscapes, and that this would be no different. The Atlanta company said its belief in its growth opportunity in Great Britain and the European Union remains unchanged.

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9:00 p.m.

Left-wing and anti-racism activists have held rallies to protest Britain's vote to leave the EU and send a message of welcome to migrants.

Several hundred people rallied in a park in Whitechapel in east London, an area that has been home to successive generations of new immigrants to London. They held placards saying "No to racism" and "Refugees welcome here."

A similar demonstration was held in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

A group of the London marchers  some wearing masks and waving flares  moved on to protest near the offices of the Sun newspaper, which enthusiastically bashed the EU for years and urged its readers to vote to leave the bloc in Thursday's referendum.

Immigration was a major issue in the referendum because the EU allows citizens of all 28 member states to live and work freely in the others. Some "remain" campaigners said the concerns about pressure on jobs and public services from immigration masked darker xenophobic views.

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8:55 p.m.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has put forth a dramatic proposal to change some of the European Union's basic machinery.

Sarkozy suggested Friday the EU should create a new treaty, a new borderless travel accord and trim the reach of technocrats in the bloc.

Sarkozy, a conservative, said in a declaration that a re-founding of the EU is needed after the British referendum to leave.

"The British message is exploding in the face of all European governments," Sarkozy said.

He said he wants to replace the Treaty of Lisbon that he signed off on and that took effect after years of laborious negotiations in December 2009.

Sarkozy also wants a redo of the borderless Schengen accords with a "Schengen 2" that limits free circulation to European citizens only. He also wants a European monetary fund to "assure the independence of Europe which has no need for the IMF to deal with its internal affairs."

Presenting his map for a reformed EU of 27 member states, he pressed "pillars" he leaned on as French president from 2007-2012 to keep the far right at bay  European civilization, a European identity and culture, and added a reduction in the EU's often dreaded technocracy.

"We no longer want a technocratic Europe. Democracy has rules," said Sarkozy.

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8:25 p.m.

Tech-industry officials and analysts are divided over how the U.K.'s withdrawal from the European Union will affect legal battles on personal privacy, corporate tax rates and competition.

The Computer and Communications Industry Association, a trade group that includes Microsoft, Facebook and Google, is worried the withdrawal will deprive the EU of a "leading light" for a free market, potentially making the continent a "more hostile place" to do business.

But Outsell analyst Michael Balsam believes U.S. tech companies will have an easier time lobbying for their causes more directly with U.K. lawmakers.

Google is being accused by the EU's chief antitrust regulator of using its dominant internet search engine to thwart competition by driving traffic to its own digital services. Google and other companies also face allegations they haven't been paying their fair share of taxes in various EU countries, including in Britain. Google declined comment.

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8:15 p.m.

Britain's decision to leave the European Union has dampened some spirits at the Glastonbury Festival, the country's leading summer music extravaganza.

Some festivalgoers felt the vote sat awkwardly with an event dedicated to togetherness, which draws 150,000 people from around the world to sylvan but muddy Worthy Farm in southwest England.

Jonnie Bevan, 21, said he was "pretty disappointed  Glastonbury's vision of unity doesn't really seem to fit with this. We've said we are just going to have a good time and not think about it for the moment. We are here to enjoy ourselves so we will deal with the reality on Monday."

Rachel Hawkins said she was "a bit speechless" at the result of the vote. The 25-year-old said it was a blow to people her age, "the generation who are all trying to get jobs post 2008 when we were still in the middle of a recession ... Now our generation is going to go through another recession and the same difficulty again."

The festival runs to Sunday, with headliners including Muse, Adele and Coldplay.

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7:30 p.m.

Britain has voted to leave the EU but London wants to stay  and some are suggesting the capital city should go its own way.

While 52 percent of British electors voted to leave the European Union, a majority of voters in London wished to remain.

After the result, Mayor Sadiq Khan issued a statement telling the 1 million EU citizens in London "you are very welcome here."

Some Londoners urged the mayor to declare independence, rallying on social media under the hashtag #londependence.

Columnist Holly Baxter wrote in The Independent that "London didn't vote for this, and Londoners should go it alone." And former Labour government adviser Spencer Livermore tweeted "Independence for London within the EU should now be our goal. We would have a GDP twice as large as Singapore."

Khan didn't go that far, but he said that it was "crucial that London has a voice at the table" during Britain's exit negotiations with the EU.

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7:05 p.m.

U.K. technology startups, already hampered by a conservative banking environment, could face a tougher time raising money without access to funds that had been jointly financed by the European Union.

Mark Mulligan, a media analyst at London-based Midia Research, says replacing access to such funds with British alternatives "could take a couple of years, which is a lifetime in the startup world."

One such fund, The North West Fund, has so far invested 150 million pounds in 440 British companies. For example, it helped South Manchester-based digital music startup Beatroot Ltd. launch last year with a 250,000-pound investment.

The fund is financed by the European Regional Development Fund and European Investment Bank under the European Commission's "JEREMIE" program to help small businesses.

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6:55 p.m.

French Finance Minister Michel Sapin says that "no one can say that this shock won't have consequences" on European growth, but it surely will have a damaging effect on Britain's economy.

"There will be very grave consequences for Great Britain," Sapin told reporters Friday after the British referendum to leave the 28-member European Union. He urged London to quickly let others know when it wants to exit "to give visibility to economic actors."

"This is not meant to be brutal, but the collective interest is that things move quickly," Sapin said.

For the moment, consequences for the Eurozone are "extremely limited ... but this calm may perhaps not last."

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6:30 p.m.

An organization of the world's central banks says it's confident that market uncertainty following Britain's vote to leave the European Union can be contained with good global cooperation.

The Bank for International Settlements said in a statement Friday that "there is likely to be a period of uncertainty and adjustment." It noted that Britain is closely integrated into the global economy and London is one of the world's most important financial centers.

The Basel, Switzerland-based organization said: "With good cooperation at a global level, we are confident that uncertainty can be contained and that adjustments proceed as smoothly as possible."

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6:15 p.m.

Talk about procrastinating: Google says a leading question in the U.K. on Friday was, "What is the EU?"

"What is the EU?" was perhaps something to consider  and Google  before Britons voted themselves out of the European Union. Yet it's the second-highest question on the European Union among U.K. Google users since the results of the country's referendum were announced.

"What is the EU?" will certainly mean something different now that one of its most powerful and largest members has decided to leave.

Among other questions U.K. users pondered Friday, at least when it comes to the EU, include "What does it mean to leave the EU?" and "What will happen now (that) we've left the EU?"

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5:55 p.m.

The International Air Transport Association said in a preliminary estimate Friday that the number of U.K. air passengers could be down 3 percent to 5 percent by 2020, driven by an economic downturn and fall in the value of the pound.

The British aviation market is dominated by outbound traffic, with such traffic accounting for just over two-thirds of all passengers, according to airline trade group. Last year, there were 53.9 million visits overseas by air by U.K. residents, compared to 26.2 million visits to the UK by overseas residents.

The economic impact would be offset partially by an expected increase in visitors to the U.K. attracted by the cheaper pound. The British currency fell to a 31-year low on Friday.

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5:40 p.m.

Britain's ambassador to the United Nations says the United Kingdom will remain "a world power" and "a diplomatic power" despite the vote to leave the European Union.

Matthew Rycroft told several reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York on Friday that "this is a significant moment for the UK, for the British people and for the UK's role in the world."

"The fundamentals of the UK's strength in the world will endure," Rycroft stressed, pointing to "our economy, our world-class diplomacy, armed forces, our commitment to international development, helping the world's poorest, and above all here at the United Nations our permanent seat on the Security Council."

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5:30 p.m.

An extreme right political party in Greece has hailed Britain's referendum result to leave the European Union as a victory for nationalism across Europe.

Nikolaos Michaloliakos, leader of the Golden Dawn party, called for a similar vote to be held in Greece.

"Golden Dawn welcomes the victory of the nationalist and patriotic forces in Great Britain against the European Union, which has turned into a brutal instrument of international loan sharks," he said in a statement.

Once a tiny far-right group which openly praised Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany, Golden Dawn's popularity surged during the country's severe financial crisis to become the third largest party in Greece's parliament.

Michaloliakos and other senior party officials are currently on trial for allegedly running a criminal organization.

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5:15 p.m.

Amid the anxiety over Britain's vote to leave the European Union, the Irish are managing some laughter to relieve the tension of a looming break-up.

Ireland's premier drag queen, Panti Bliss, says she observed perfect comic timing when traveling through Dublin Airport arrivals after flying Friday from London.

As passengers neared the immigration checkpoint, she said, a passports official advised the newcomers: "All EU passports this way."

After a long pause, the official clarified to much laughter: "Including the U.K.!"

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4:20 p.m.

NATO's chief says Britain's defense secretary has called to reassure him his country remains fully engaged in the alliance the vote to pull out of the European Union.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters: "I spoke with Michael Fallon this morning and he assured me on behalf of the British government that they will continue to be committed, they will continue to contribute."

Britain's commitments to NATO include being a lead nation in 2017 for a new high-readiness joint task force and supplying the core for one of the four multinational battalions being created to help defend the Baltic states and Poland.

Stoltenberg said Britain opting to leave the EU makes for "a more unpredictable situation," and that it is more crucial than ever for NATO to be strong and united.

He added: "But now it is a fact that the U.K. will leave (the EU). So then we have to look forward and find out how we can in the best possible way respond to that."

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4:05 p.m.

A member of the Estonia's center-right coalition says Britain has started the breaking up of Europe and Russian President Vladimir "Putin is drinking champagne."

Margus Tsahkna, chairman of the Baltic country's conservative ILR party, says "Europe can be broken by no one else but by Europe itself. You don't need tanks for it."

His comments were seen as a nod to the increased assertiveness by Russian forces around the Baltic Sea. Moscow has yet to comment on the outcome of the British vote.

The ILR party is part of the three-party government that also includes the pro-market Reform Party and the Social Democrats.

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3:50 p.m.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says the European Union is in need of serious introspection after Britain's decision to withdraw from the bloc.

Speaking to reporters Friday, he said all EU "policies have been unsuccessful," pointing to integration, expansion, security and economic-related policies as examples.

The EU, the minister added, has failed to address the rise of several negative trends such as extremism, Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia.

He said that Britain's withdrawal hinders the EU's capacity to be a powerful global actor and that Ankara would have preferred it stayed in the bloc.

Cavusoglu said this development underscores Turkey's importance for EU stability and security.

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3:40 p.m.

The news of Britain's decision to leave the European Union has become a topic of discussion for players at the European Championship in France.

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini and his teammates went to bed thinking Britain would vote to remain in the European Union and they were "a bit shocked" to learn the country chose to leave the bloc.

Chiellini was speaking at the team's Euro 2016 base camp in Montpellier, France, on Friday, three days before Italy's match against Spain in the last 16.

He said "the main concern should be about an eventual domino effect caused by this decision. I don't think that a simple U.K. exit can change the equilibrium of the whole European economy, or the world economy, aside from the heartburn everybody's feeling these days."

Chiellini added: "This vote is the symbol of a general discussion that you can feel in Italy and all across Europe, but I think that discontent shouldn't lead to a vote for disintegration."

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3:30 p.m.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew has promised to "work closely with both London and Brussels and our international partners to ensure continued economic stability, security, and prosperity in Europe and beyond."

In a statement released Friday following Britain's vote to leave the European Union, Lew said he has been consulting for weeks with finance officials and investment firms in the United Kingdom, Europe and around the world.

He said: "The U.K. and other policymakers have the tools necessary to support financial stability, which is key to economic growth."

Stock markets and the pound have plunged amid investor concerns about the economic repercussions of Britain's departure from the EU, the world's largest economic bloc.

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3:10 p.m.

Bosnia's leaders say EU membership will remain their goal despite Britain's vote to leave.

Prime Minister Denis Zvizdic said Friday Bosnia is determined to join the European Union as "nowhere on this planet people live better."

The country's Croat member of the presidency, Dragan Covic, who submitted Bosnia's membership application in February, said the U.K. vote was just another challenge that will make the Union stronger.

The worst war fought on the continent since the Nazi era was in Bosnia after the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Part of the cause was nationalist separatism. Covic says Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats found inspiration in the European Union to overcome their differences and the joint efforts to become an EU member "turned us into better, more responsible" people.

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3:00 p.m.

Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak says Britain must quickly inform its European Union partners about when it plans to leave the bloc.

Lajack said Friday after talks with EU counterparts in Luxembourg that "the overwhelming feeling among the member states is that we cannot afford to wait until the Conservative Party will find a new leader."

When asked whether the EU could wait until October for Britain to notify Europe of its intentions, Lajcak said "I simply cannot imagine that," and he added: "We do not have this luxury of waiting."

He said: "We need to know where we stand. We need to be able to communicate with our people."

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2:45 p.m.

Turkey's minister for EU affairs, Omer Celik, says Ankara respects the British people's vote to withdraw from the European Union, but is warning that it was a bad decision for Europe.

Noting that European values were humanity's shared values, Celik added that there had been serious problems with the implementation of European ideas in recent years and called for an update to existing mechanisms.

However, he added, "Young people's support for the 'remain' campaign indicates that the idea of Europe has been successful."

Celik also condemned the negative portrayal of Turkey in the lead-up to the referendum, saying UK Prime Minister David Cameron had failed to resist the extreme right's attacks against Turkey.

"When mainstream politicians can't act with common sense, they are drawn into the extreme-right agenda," he said.

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This item has been corrected to say Celik is Turkey's minister for EU affairs, not Development Minister.

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2:30 p.m.

Malta is offering to help smooth Britain's path out of the EU when the Mediterranean island nation assumes the rotating presidency of the European Union in January.

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat noted Friday at a news conference that Britain was due to take on the baton in July 2017.

Muscat says Maltese ministries had already made preparations in case Britain voted to leave the union. He says Malta is "in full gear" to take on an important role as part of exit negotiations which will take place under its presidency.

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2:20 p.m.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite says she believes the European Union and Britain "will find a new way to live together."

Grybauskaite says that "in the short term" the EU "will feel the consequences of this decision," adding "it is our duty to restore people's trust in the EU."

Separately Friday, her Estonian counterpart Toomas Hendrik Ilves expressed hope that Britain's decision to leave the bloc will strengthen cooperation between the remaining 27 EU member states.

Ilves said "personally, I hope that it will have a unifying effect on the EU27," according to the Baltic News Service agency.

The three Baltic countries  Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia  joined the European Union after nearly five decades of Soviet occupation.

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2:05 p.m.

The president of the European Council says the bloc is ready for quick talks on Britain's exit, but that all EU regulations will apply to the nation until it fully leaves.

Donald Tusk said on Polish TVN24 Friday that "all laws and rules will apply as long as Britain is an EU member, and that will be years from now."

The former Polish prime minister estimated the process will take about two years, after which Britain will be under its own laws and can seek to tighten immigration regulations.

He said he doesn't expect the current or future British government to procrastinate over the opening of talks on a decision made by the nation.

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2:00 p.m.

Britain's Treasury Chief George Osborne has briefed Group of Seven finance ministers and central bank governors after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Osborne told his followers on Twitter that he contacted his counterparts in the world's biggest economies after markets gyrated following the seismic decision. The comments come after a dramatic day in which Bank of England Gov. Mark Carney also promised that the institution would take any necessary steps to maintain fiscal and monetary stability.

Osborne said Friday the vote for a British exit, or Brexit, was "not the outcome I wanted," but that he respects the decision of the British people.

He promised to "do all I can to make it work."

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1:45 p.m.

Serbia's prime minister says the Balkan country will continue on its pro-EU path despite the British vote to leave the European Union.

Aleksandar Vucic also expressed hope Friday the British exit will not affect EU plans to accept new members in the future.

Vucic says, "This is the biggest political earthquake since the fall of the Berlin Wall and there is no doubt that it will leave significant consequences."

He concedes that "I cannot tell you what the EU enlargement policies will be (in the future)," But adds, "Serbia will continue on its European path."

Serbia has sought to move closer to the EU following years of instability and war during the 1990s. There are concerns that Britain's exit could strengthen the nationalists seeking closer ties with Russia.

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1:40 p.m.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Friday that by opting to leave the European Union, British voters had expressed their disapproval of the negative campaign conducted against Turkey in the lead-up to the referendum.

In his first public statement following the United Kingdom's EU referendum, Yildirim rebuked British Prime Minister David Cameron for speaking out against Turkey's EU membership. "Despite centering his campaign on Turkey, despite making several outlandish comments, British voters dismissed his claims and have informed Mr. Cameron that his views regarding Turkey were wrong."

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1:35 p.m.

Italian Premier Matteo Renzi says after the British vote, it's time for "calm and lucidity" so Europe can set to work restructuring.

Renzi said Friday "Europe is our home" and "that of our children and grandchildren." He added that, today more than ever, "the house must be remodeled, maybe freshened up, but it's the house of our tomorrow." He said Europe's young people are asking for "more Europe'" to realize dreams and expectations.

Many Italian college graduates, unable to find jobs at home, head to Britain to pursue research or careers in finance and other fields.

Renzi recalled that "in moments of difficulty, Europe pulls out the best of itself."

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1:30 p.m.

Poland's prime minister says she will propose reforms at the European Union summit next week that are necessary to make the bloc stronger.

Beata Szydlo, whose government has been put under the EU's rarely used "rule of law" scrutiny procedure, said Poland will remain a "responsible member" of the EU concerned about the unity and growth of a bloc that is shrinking to 27 members.

At the summit next week Poland will "propose reforms that we consider necessary," Szydlo said

The EU must not pretend that it is not going through a crisis and should not avoid discussing difficult issues, she said.

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1:30 p.m.

Croatia's foreign minister says the British vote to leave the European Union presents a blow for the bloc and will likely affect its enlargement plans.

Miro Kovac, however, said Friday that Britain's exit from the EU should not significantly affect Croatia's economy.

Kovac said: "Croatia and Great Britain are not that connected economically like Croatia and some other EU member states." He conceded that "Croatia will have to adapt politically to Great Britain's exit from the EU."

Croatia is the EU's newest member state, having joined in 2013. Several Balkan states are also waiting in line for membership.

Kovac said: "We will advocate that the exit has no effect on the enlargement, but we have to be realistic, there will be consequences."

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1:25 p.m.

Pope Francis says the British decision to leave the European Union reflects the will of its people and that Britain and the rest of the continent must now work to live together.

Francis told reporters en route to Armenia on Friday that the decision places "a great responsibility on all of us to guarantee the well-being of the people of the United Kingdom."

He said it also will require all to "take responsibility for the well-being and coexistence of the entire European continent."

The Vatican has supported the European project from its inception, seeing unification as a way to improve social and economic standards and solidarity. While officially taking a neutral position as Britain debated whether to leave, Francis' demands that Europe welcome in more migrants put him squarely at odds with the "Brexit" camp.

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1:15 p.m.

Greece's prime minister says the British referendum dealt a severe blow to European unification, and should force a shift toward more "democratic" practices within the European Union.

Alexis Tsipras who, a year ago, nearly presided over debt-crippled Greece's exit from the Eurozone, said Friday that the vote "confirms a deep political crisis, a crisis of identity and strategy for Europe."

He called for a swift change of course in EU thinking, saying politics must retake the lead "from the economy and technocrats.

"The British referendum will either serve as a wake-up call for the sleepwalker heading toward the void, or it will be the beginning of a very dangerous and slippery course for our peoples," Tsipras added in an address televised live.

Athens stocks tumbled 14 percent Friday.

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1:10 p.m.

A senior commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard has described Britain's vote to leave the European Union as payback for "years of colonialism and crimes against humanity."

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency quoted Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri making the comment Friday after the results of the EU referendum were announced. Jazayeri also serves as the deputy chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces.

Meanwhile, an official in President Hassan Rouhani's office, Hamid Aboutalebi, called the vote a "big earthquake" that's part of the "domino" collapse of the EU.

Iran's government is still suspicious of Britain over its role in backing the 1953 coup that installed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to power. A British-Iranian woman remains held in the country by the Revolutionary Guard.

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1 p.m.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants Europeans living in the British capital to feel welcome in the city despite the result of the EU referendum.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Khan praised London's "nearly one million European citizens" as hard-working, tax-paying residents contributing to civic and cultural life.

"You are welcome here. We value the enormous contribution you make to our city and that will not change as a result of this referendum," Khan said.

"We all have a responsibility to now seek to heal the divisions that have emerged throughout this campaign  and to focus on what unites us, rather than that which divides us."

___

12:50 p.m.

The leader of Poland's ruling party says that Britain's decision to leave the European Union makes it evident that the bloc needs a new treaty that would regulate its operations better.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski said a constructive reaction in the form of new, more precise regulations is needed to the crisis that was exposed by the British vote.

"The conclusion is: we need a new European treaty," Kaczynski told a news conference.

He said EU laws should be made more precise and become the sole basis for the group's operations, as they are now sometimes based on arbitrary decisions. Also the principle of general consensus should be replaced by a strong majority, to avoid delays in decision-making, he said.

He suggested top EU leaders should consider leaving their posts.

___

12:45 p.m.

The leader of an Italian anti-immigrant party is calling the European Union "a cage of crazies" that is killing jobs and citizen dignity.

Matteo Salvini, who heads the right-wing Northern League, said Friday that the European Union is "the death of our work, our dignity."

He says his party will push for reviewing and overhauling EU treaties dealing with the euro common currency, trade and immigration.

The League used to be a key ally of former Premier Silvio Berlusconi. But it has increasingly become more right-wing as it seeks alliances with far-right parties across Europe.

___

12:40 p.m.

Spain's acting Foreign Minister says his country should make the most of Britain's decision to leave the European Union to press its claim for sovereignty of the disputed colony of Gibraltar.

Margallo told Onda Cero radio Friday that Spain should again push its offer of a period of co-sovereignty for Gibraltar's 30,000 inhabitants prior to becoming Spanish again.

Margallo, whose conservative Popular Party runs Spain's caretaker government ahead of repeat elections Sunday, said the Brexit vote, while regrettable, completely changes the panorama regarding Gibraltar.

"I hope the joint sovereignty formula, or to put it clearly, the Spanish flag on the Rock - is much closer rather than further away," said Margallo.

Margallo said as soon as the EU-UK divorce is completed, EU treaties would no longer apply and Gibraltar would be considered a third country, outside the single market. He said Spain should then seek for Gibraltar to be excluded from future Britain-EU negotiations and treated as a strictly bilateral issue with Spain.

Gibraltar, which voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, depends heavily on Spain for produce and supplies. English and Spanish are spoken on the Rock and thousands of Spaniards cross over the border each day to work.

Spain ceded Gibraltar's sovereignty to Britain in a 1713 treaty but has persistently sought its return ever since.

___

12:35 p.m.

Romania's president says the country will look after Romanians living in Britain after it voted to leave the European Union.

Klaus Iohannis said Friday it would take Britain two years of exit negotiations and "we will negotiate so that Romania's interests are protected and we will look after Romanians who live and work in Britain."

There are officially 150,000 Romanians working in Britain, but unofficially there are double that.

Iohannis said he regretted Britain's decision to leave the EU, but urged Romanians to "not to worry excessively," adding the economic impact on the Romanian leu was "small and manageable."

He spoke after meeting Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos, the central bank governor Mugur Isarescu and party leaders.

___

12:30 p.m.

Polish President Andrzej Duda says Britain's decision to exit the European Union is "sad news" that should spur the bloc to counteract any other nations wishing to leave.

"We must do everything to avoid the domino effect, a situation when other member nations also say that they don't want to be in the European Union any longer," Duda said Friday in his hometown of Krakow.

He said the European leaders should analyze what made Britain vote to leave.

"Maybe (the EU) imposes too much on its members, maybe the citizens believe that it does not operate in a democratic way and they have no right to speak on matters important to them, maybe they believe that too many decisions are taken arbitrarily in Brussels.."

___

12:20 p.m.

Italy's foreign minister calls the British vote for an EU exit a "wakeup" call to the rest of the bloc.

Minister Paolo Gentiloni says Italy, an EU founding member, will push so that after this "grave decision" Brussels won't react with "ordinary administration" of affairs.

Instead, Gentiloni said Friday, Italy contends the challenge to respond to the British exit, "which is negative for us," must be to relaunch "common policies for growth, for migration and common defense."

For Italy, a staunch proponent of the European Union, the vote result was shocking.

Said SkyTG24 TV, "it's as if Big Ben stopped."

___

12:15 p.m.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg says British voters' decision to leave the EU will be "a boost for extreme forces that want less cooperation in Europe."

Solberg whose country is not an EU member, said Friday they are "anti-establishment, anti-globalization, anti-EU forces (...) that can be pretty extreme."

Oil-rich nation Norway has signed up to the European Economic Area agreement and thereby access to the EU's huge single market.

In neighboring Sweden, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said "we must build a Europe for the people, by the people, with the people."

___

12:15 p.m.

Germany's foreign minister says the European Union must avoid falling into hysteria or shock after British voters decided to leave.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier said as he arrived Friday at a meeting with EU counterparts: "What matters now is that we keep Europe together."

He said that officials don't yet have answers to all the questions that arise from the British vote, but that people want the EU to respond to the problems they see.

Steinmeier says leaders should focus on finding "common European solutions where they are missing"  for example to the migrant crisis and doing more to boost jobs and growth.

___

12:10 p.m.

The European Union's Dutch presidency says Europe must pay more attention to people's concerns about jobs, security and migration in the wake of the British vote to leave the EU.

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders said Friday that "what we have to do here is not business as usual, but look at the real concerns of citizens."

Koenders warned of two short-term dangers: "those who want to take Europe apart, and the others saying we have to all at once go to even more Brussels, even more integration."

He expressed hope that the process of negotiating Britain's exit would be "transparent, predictable and as soon as possible."

___

12:10 p.m.

Austria's chancellor says Britain's decision to leave the EU shows the necessity for reforms, particularly in boosting European economies, stemming unemployment and improving working conditions.

Christian Kern says the EU needs "a reform process with a clear direction" that will be supported by citizens of member countries.

His statement issued Thursday says such themes must be discussed in Brussels but adds national governments must also provide input "because we have now seen how quickly people's trust in the EU can be lost."

Rising disenchantment with the EU in Austria contributed to the strong showing last month of a euroskeptic populist candidate who came within a few percentage points of winning presidential elections.

___

12:05 p.m.

Slovenia's prime minister says Britain's exit from the European Union will eventually help consolidate the bloc.

Miro Cerar said Friday that the British vote to leave the EU will cause "a short period of relative uncertainty of international markets."

Cerar added that after that it will lead to "further consolidation of the EU and encouragement to its renewal."

"It is time to refocus seriously on our common future, in particular on those concrete elements to the benefit of our citizens which bond us and make us stronger," Cerar says.

He adds that "Slovenia by all means remains strongly committed to the strengthening of the European Union."

___

11:55 a.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the European Union is strong enough to find the "right answers" to Britain's vote to leave the bloc.

Merkel said Friday that Germany has a "special interest" and a "special responsibility" in European unity succeeding. She said she has invited EU President Donald Tusk, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Premier Matteo Renzi to a meeting in Berlin on Monday ahead of a previously scheduled EU summit.

Merkel told reporters in Berlin that Europe shouldn't draw "quick and simple conclusions" from the referendum that would only create further divisions.

She voiced "great regret" at the British decision to leave the EU and said the bloc must aim for a "close" future relationship with Britain. She emphasized that the country remains an EU member with "all rights and obligations" on both sides until negotiations are complete.

___

11:40 a.m.

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon says a new Scottish referendum on independence is "highly likely" because of Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

She said Friday legislation will be prepared for a possible new vote. Independence was defeated two years ago in a Scottish referendum.

Sturgeon said she would do everything possible to keep Scotland inside the EU. She said this means another referendum "has to be on the table."

Britain's decision to leave the EU represents a substantial, material change in Scotland's relations and could justify another independence vote, she said.

The Scottish leader also praised British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has said he will resign when a new party leader is chosen before October.

____

11:35 a.m.

European Union leaders say that Britain will remain a member of the bloc until its exit negotiations are concluded, which probably means at least two years longer.

The leaders of the EU's institutions said Friday that "until this process of negotiations is over, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, with all the rights and obligations that derive from this."

They said in a statement that under the bloc's treaties "EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a member."

The statement was signed by European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency.

___

11:30 a.m.

French President Francois Hollande said he profoundly regrets the British vote to leave the European Union, but that the union must make changes in order to move forward. In a brief televised statement, Hollande said the vote will put Europe to the test, and he called for bolstering security and industrial policies.

He also called for reinforcement of the zone of countries that use the euro.

He said, "To move forward, Europe cannot act as before."

___

11:25 a.m.

Boris Johnson says the vote to leave the European Union gives Britons a "glorious opportunity" to take control.

He said Friday there is no need for haste in negotiations.

He said the vote means Britain will be able to set its own taxes and control its own borders.

"It was a noble idea for its time; it is no longer right for this country," Johnson said of the EU.

He praised Prime Minister David Cameron as an "extraordinary politician" and said he is "sad" to see Cameron resign.

The former London mayor did not say Thursday if he plans to contend for the Conservative Party leadership.

___

11:15 a.m.

European Union leaders are warning Britain to leave the EU quickly and avoid prolonging uncertainty.

The presidents of the EU's main institutions said in a statement Friday that they expect London to act on the decision to leave "as soon as possible, however painful that process may be."

The four  EU Council President Donald Tusk, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Parliament President Martin Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte  said that "any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty."

Prime Minister David Cameron has suggested that formal notification of Britain's departure might not come before October.

___

11 a.m.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen says pro-independence movements in the European Parliament will meet soon to plan their next move after the British vote to leave the European Union.

With a broad smile on her face, Le Pen said her National Front was the only political party in France to take the possibility of a British exit seriously, and she reiterated her call for a similar referendum in France, calling it "a democratic necessity."

"The British people have given to Europeans and to all the people of the world a shining lesson in democracy," Le Pen said.

Le Pen, who is a member of the European Parliament, is also positioning herself to run for president of France in elections next year.

___

11 a.m.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico says the EU will have to react quickly to Britain's decision to leave.

Fico, whose country is taking over the rotating EU presidency in July, says the bloc's key policies have to change.

In a Friday statement Fico says: "Huge numbers of people in the EU reject the EU's immigration policy, there's big disappointment with the economic policy."

Fico says the EU needs to be bold enough to say that those EU policies need "a fundamental change."

Fico is a vocal critic of the EU's approach to the migrant crisis, in particular to the plan to redistribute the refugees in member states.

He says that during the presidency, he is ready to provide room for informal debates on the bloc's future.

___

9:25 a.m.

British Prime Minister David Cameron's decision to resign after losing the referendum vote will set off an intense Conservative Party leadership battle.

Cameron said Friday a new prime minister should be in place by the party conference in October.

Among the likely contenders are former London Mayor Boris Johnson and Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who both helped lead the "leave" campaign.

Other Cabinet members are likely to contend as well.

___

8:25 a.m.

Prime Minister David Cameron says he will resign by the fall and insists the British people's will must be respected after voters chose to leave the 28-nation European Union.

Cameron says there can be no doubt about the result of Thursday's historic vote but that he is not the "captain" that will steer the ship through difficult negotiations with the EU.

He says he will resign by the time of the Conservative party conference in the fall.

British stocks are plunging as the market opens as investors scramble to react to the news. The pound has hit a 31-year low.

FILE - In this Friday, June 24, 2016 file photo, a remain supporter stops to talk to people as he walks around with his European flag across the street from the Houses of Parliament in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)

Festival goers watch Jess Glynne perform at the Glastonbury music festival at Worthy Farm, in Somerset, England, Friday, June 24, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)

A TV screen shows global stocks plunging following the British Brexit vote as traders, background, work at the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange, Netherlands, Friday, June 24, 2016. The British vote to leave the EU shook up financial markets around the globe on Monday, leading to sharp falls in stocks and the British pound.(AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

European Council President Donald Tusk speaks during a media conference at the EU Council building in Brussels on Friday, June 24, 2016. Top European Union officials were hunkering down in Brussels Friday to try to work out what to do next after the shock decision by British voters to leave the 28-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Thierry Monasse)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during a statement about the referendum in Britain at the chancellery in Berlin, Friday, June 24, 2016. Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, according to tallies of official results Friday. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

The anchor of a financial news channel holds a British flag as he reports from the trading floor of the Frankfurt, Germany, stock exchange Friday, June 24, 2016 after Britain voted to leave the EU. (Frank Rumpenhorst/dpa via AP)

British MP Boris Johnson leaves his home in London, Friday, June 24, 2016. Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, according to tallies of official results Friday. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party celebrates with his supporters in London, Friday, June 24, 2016. Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, according to tallies of official results Friday. (Anthony Devlin/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street, London as his wife Samantha looks on Friday, June 24, 2016. Cameron says he will resign by the time of party conference in the fall after Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, according to tallies of official results Friday. (Lauren Hurley/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha smiles as they leave after voting in the EU referendum in London, Thursday June 23, 2016. Polls opened in Britain Thursday for a referendum on whether the country should quit the European Union bloc of which it has been a member for 43 years. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party, celebrates and poses for photographers as he leaves a "Leave.EU" organization party for the British European Union membership referendum in London, Friday, June 24, 2016. On Thursday, Britain voted in a national referendum on whether to stay inside the EU. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Vote Leave supporters celebrate as they walk through Parliament Square in London, Friday, June 24, 2016. Britain entered uncharted waters Friday after the country voted in a referendum to leave the European Union, according to a projection by all main U.K. broadcasters. (Anthony Devlin/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE

A teller counts ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, after polls closed in the EU referendum Thursday, June 23, 2016. Britain's referendum on whether to leave the European Union was too close to call early Friday, with increasingly mixed signals challenging earlier indications that "remain" had won a narrow victory. (Liam McBurney/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, casts her vote in Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday June 23, 2016, as voters head to the polls across the United Kingdom in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT

Countera begin to tally ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK membership of the European Union, late Thursday June 23, 2016. On Thursday Britain votes in a national referendum on whether to stay inside the EU.(Liam McBurney / PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES

Ballots from the City of Westminster and City of London are counted at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, Thursday June 23, 2016. On Thursday Britain votes in a national referendum on whether to stay inside the EU.(Anthony Devlin / PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES

Ballot boxes arrive for the City of Westminster count at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, Thursday June 23, 2016. On Thursday Britain votes in a national referendum on whether to stay inside the EU. (Anthony Devlin / PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES

Ballot papers are poured out of ballot boxes at Manchester Central count, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, in Manchester, England, late Thursday June 23, 2016. On Thursday Britain votes in a national referendum on whether to stay inside the EU. (Danny Lawson / PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES

A ballot box is carried into the Royal Horticultural Halls in London as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, Thursday June 23, 2016. On Thursday Britain votes in a national referendum on whether to stay inside the EU. (Anthony Devlin / PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES

A woman on a bicycle leaves a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital, London Thursday June 23, 2016. Voters in Britain are deciding Thursday whether the country should remain in the European Union. (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVE

Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital, London, to vote in Britain's EU referendum Thursday June 23, 2016. Voters in Britain are deciding Thursday whether the country should remain in the European Union a historic referendum that threatens to undermine the experiment in continental unity that began in the aftermath of World War II. (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT

People make their way along a flooded path as they arrive to vote at the polling station in East Hanningfield, Essex, England, Thursday, June 23, 2016 as torrential downpours and flooding have swamped parts of London and the South East in the early hours of EU referendum day. Voters in Britain are deciding Thursday whether the country should remain in the European Union  a referendum that has exposed deep divisions over issues of sovereignty and national identity. (Nick Ansell/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT

United Kingdom Independence Party leader, Nigel Farage, arrives to cast his vote in Biggin Hill, south eastern England, Thursday, June 23, 2016, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum. Voters in Britain are deciding Thursday whether the country should remain in the European Union  a referendum that has exposed deep divisions over issues of sovereignty and national identity. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT

British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha leave after casting their votes in the EU referendum at a polling station in London, Thursday, June 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves after casting his vote in the EU referendum at a polling station in Islington, London Thursday June 23, 2016. Voters in Britain are deciding Thursday whether the country should remain in the European Union. (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVE

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wipes his brow before speaking during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Voters in the United Kingdom are taking part in a referendum on Thursday that will decide whether Britain remains part of the European Union or leaves the 28-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

People leave a polling station in St-Giles-without-Cripplegate church in the City of London on the day of the EU referendum, London, Thursday, June 23, 2016. Britain votes whether to stay in the European Union in a referendum today. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, casts her vote in Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday June 23, 2016, as voters head to the polls across the United Kingdom in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT
Crude spews from California pipeline, but none reaches beach

VENTURA, Calif. (AP)  Tens of thousands of gallons of crude oil spilled from an underground coastal pipeline in Southern California, but the ooze never reached the ocean or beach, stopping instead in a canyon ravine.

About 29,000 gallons of oil spilled and flowed at least a quarter-mile in the canyon near Ventura on Thursday, fire authorities said.

Resident Kirk Atwater said he called 911 after smelling and hearing the flowing crude. "We started getting this horrendous smell, and I knew right away what it was," he said.

Crew members work to keep crude oil from flowing into the ocean after a spill in Ventura, Calif. Thursday, June 23, 2016. (Rob Varela/The Ventura County Star via AP) LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

Atwater, 56, said he went up the canyon on his motor scooter and found the oil gushing from an above-ground box that he surmised covers equipment. "It was just pouring out like water coming out of a fire hydrant," he said.

Atwater said he found a posted phone number and reported the leak to the pipeline company.

Fire crews responded, and a pump house operating the line was shut down. Firefighters built a dam of dirt to keep the oil from moving farther.

The oil left a black stain down the brush- and tree-filled arroyo.

The line operator, Crimson Pipeline, estimated that at most 25,200 gallons were released, spokeswoman Kendall Klingler said. The cause was under investigation, she said.

The spill was the 11th for Crimson since 2006, with prior releases totaling 313,000 gallons of crude and causing $5.9 million in property damage, according to accident reports submitted by the company to federal regulators and reviewed by The Associated Press.

The largest was a 2008 spill of 280,000 gallons  one of three blamed on an equipment failure. All of the spills occurred in Southern California.

The leak Thursday occurred near a valve on an underground line that runs from Ventura to Los Angeles. The line was closed for maintenance, and crews had replaced that valve the day before, Klingler said.

The line contained a total of 84,000 gallons of crude.

"The initial concern was that there was a chance that it could have made its way further, but the spill was contained very early on and a lot of damage has been mitigated because of that," Klingler said.

The spill occurred in the Hall Canyon area and flowed into the Prince Barranca, a ravine that ends near the Ventura Pier. Initial projections that up to 210,000 gallons may have spilled were later reduced.

The oil was produced by a company called Aera Energy.

Firefighters had a training exercise with Crimson and an oil-spill cleanup company about two weeks ago, including building a dam as was done Thursday, Ventura County fire Capt. Scott Quirarte said.

Four of the prior Crimson spills were blamed on corrosion and two on excavation damage. An electrical arc from a power pole was the cause of another leak.

Klinger defended the company's safety record and said most of the past spills were caused by third parties.

The company says its California network traverses about 1,000 miles and moves nearly 200,000 barrels  8.4 million gallons  of oil daily.

The Crimson line is an intrastate pipe, meaning it does not cross out of California and is therefore outside of federal jurisdiction, said Artealia Gilliard, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Gilliard said the federal agency was sending personnel to assist on scene, but the investigation would be led by California officials.

The line was up to date on its government inspections, said Klingler, the pipeline spokeswoman. She wasn't able to say when the last one was done. A message to the office of the state fire marshal, which oversees inspections, was not immediately returned.

The spill came 13 months after more than 120,000 gallons of oil from a pipeline with a different owner spilled on the coast of neighboring Santa Barbara County. Some of the crude flowed into the ocean at Refugio State Beach and killed birds and sea lions.

___

AP reporters John Antczak in Los Angeles and Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, contributed to this report.

Cal State Channel Islands professor Sean Anderson talks on the phone as he studies oil from a spill Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Ventura, Calif. Thousands of gallons of crude oil spilled Thursday from a pipeline and flowed down an arroyo in Southern California. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Spilled oil fills a ravine, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Ventura, Calif. Thousands of gallons of crude oil spilled Thursday from a pipeline and flowed down a ravine in Southern California but did not reach the ocean, officials said. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A worker vacuums oil from a spill, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Ventura, Calif. Thousands of gallons of crude oil spilled Thursday from a pipeline and flowed down an arroyo in Southern California. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Trees are reflected in a pool of oil from a spill, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Ventura, Calif. Thousands of gallons of crude oil spilled Thursday from a pipeline and flowed down an arroyo in Southern California. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
 Former Undersecretary of State Thomas Pickering Testified in Favor of Iran Deal While Taking Money From Boeing | Main | Historical Malfeasance of The Daily Telegraph (Australia) 

June 24, 2016

Some Cover, Others Cover Up, Abbas Anti-Semitism





Its difficult to imagine German chancellor Angela Merkel standing before the European Parliament and announcing that, having studied the misshapen skulls of minorities in Germany, she has concluded that phrenology is a legitimate science.

Its harder still to imagine major newspapers ignoring the deplorable allegation, or worse yet painting her speech as conciliatory.

But something to that effect is precisely what happened when Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas spoke at the European Parliament on Thursday. In a revival of the antisemitic European blood libel, Abbas told the parliamentarians that a number of rabbis? in Israel petitioned their government to poison water to kill the Palestinians.?

In medieval Europe, the allegation that Jews caused the bubonic plague by poisoning wells led to the murder of thousands of Jews, and were a staple of antisemitism on the continent over the centuries that followed. Today, Palestinian claims about nefarious Jewish plots similarly contribute to a hateful atmosphere that helps sustains anti-Israel terrorism.

Some news organizations did cover Abbass libel with appropriate focus. Reuters, for example, pointedly addressed the issue in the lede of its article, Abbas says some Israeli rabbis called for poisoning Palestinian water?:

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israeli rabbis on Thursday of calling for the poisoning of Palestinian water, in what appeared to be an invocation of a widely debunked media report that recalled a medieval anti-Semitic libel.

Even Diaa Hadid, a New York Times correspondent whose coverage of Israel at times has been dreadful, emphasized the importance of the story with a powerful opening paragraph:

Echoing anti-Semitic claims that led to the mass killings of European Jews in medieval times, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority accused rabbis in Israel of calling on their government to poison the water used by Palestinians.

But other news organizations, including the Associated Press, ignored Abbass antisemitic comments even while covering Abbass speech.

The Wall Street Journal took it a step further. Not only did the newspaper ignore the Palestinian leaders hateful remarks in coverage of the speech, but it even framed Abbass remarks as being moderate relative to a speech by Israeli president Reuven Rivlin:

The refusal of Mr. Abbas comes as an ironic finale to the two leaders visits to the Belgian and European capital. In a speech to the European Parliament on Wednesday, it was the Israeli president who brought the unpopular message that there were no prospects of a final peace deal in the near future and that a recent French initiative to revive negotiations amounted to little more than negotiations for negotiations sake.? Mr. Abbas, by contrast, talked Wednesday evening of the vital importance of the French peace initiative and said it was Israel that needed to get behind a two-state solution and start working on peace. In a speech to EU lawmakers on Thursday, Mr Abbas condemned Israels never-ending provocations? and fascist policies.? Our hands are extended with a desire for peace and we have a will to achieve peace and we would ask [Israel], do you have the same will?? he said.

As if it isn't newsworthy, readers are left in the dark about the fact that Abbas recycled an antisemitic canard in that very same speech.

If a European leader like Merkel spewed such bigotry, it would certainly not be ignored. If Benjamin Netanyahu did so, it would be an international scandal. But too often, news organizations have different rules  one could call it different standards, or better yet a discriminatory triple standard  when it comes to Israelis, Palestinians, and the rest of the world.

Posted by GI at June 24, 2016 01:55 PM

It is also interesting that, to my knowledge, there has been no reaction from any members of the EU parliament, foreign ministers including Secretary o fState Kerrey, no one is reacting to this blatant anti-semitic statement. IN a way, it gives support to President Rivlin's assessment -- I mean, how can there be a chance for peace when the leader of the Palestinian people can actually believe this about Jewish Rabbis?!?!? 929165

Posted by: Robert E Litman at June 24, 2016 08:21 PM

Abbas hate TV glorifies slaughtering Rabbi's praying in Synagogue in Jerusalem 2 years ago to Arabize Jerusalem. How the Europeans support this Abbas thug is beyond me? http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2014/11/28/palestinian-tv-presents-jihadi-terrorists-as-heroes/

PALESTINIAN TV PRESENTS JIHADI TERRORISTS AS HEROES

by JORDAN SCHACHTEL

Nov 28 2014

Posted by: Barry Meridian at June 26, 2016 08:56 PM

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EU urges Britain to go quickly as bloc reels from exit vote

BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union nations urged Britain on Friday to quickly exit the bloc and end uncertainty about the future, as Prime Minister David Cameron said he would leave the departure negotiations to his successor, possibly until sometime in October.

Britain's vote to leave plunged the EU into a new existential crisis as it struggles to recover from economic woes, public disenchantment with Brussels-imposed austerity policies in debt-stricken Greece and Europe's inability to manage the refugee emergency.

"We cannot afford to wait until the Conservative Party will find a new leader," said Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak, whose country takes over the EU's presidency next week and will have to supervise preparations for Britain's departure.

EU flags flutter in the wind in back of a no entry street sign in front of EU headquarters in Brussels on Friday, June 24, 2016. Voters in the United Kingdom voted in a referendum on Thursday to decide whether Britain remains part of the European Union or leaves the 28-nation bloc. Results will be known later on Friday. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Cameron's fellow Conservative and Britain's most prominent "leave" campaigner, Boris Johnson, said early Friday that "it is vital to stress that there is now no need for haste."

But Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders, who an EU meeting in Luxembourg Friday to prepare next week's summit, said: "You can't have your cake and eat it."

"There is a clear plea from the majority of member states to speed this process up," he added.

Still reeling from the U.K. decision, and with the pound losing value while markets shook, other top EU officials tried to put on a brave face despite having no clear idea how to negotiate the unprecedented departure of a member state.

They also warned Britain that it would remain a member, with all the obligations that entails, until the talks on leaving are over, which could mean more than two years longer.

The heads of the EU's main institutions said in a statement that they want Britain to act on the vote "as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty."

The statement was signed by European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency.

They added that under the bloc's treaties "EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a member."

Tusk told reporters that Britain's 27 partners were "determined to keep our unity." But, he said, "there's no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event."

He said EU leaders will meet without Cameron next week on the sidelines of a summit in Brussels "to start a wider reflection on the future of our Union."

While he admitted that the last year has been one of the toughest in EU history, Tusk said: "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."

Schulz announced that the European Parliament would hold an emergency session Tuesday morning, hours before a two-day summit of presidents and prime ministers, to debate the next steps.

As if Britain's departure wasn't bad enough, Cameron's resignation and decision to leave exit negotiations to his successor from October raised new worries about how long the process might drag on and possibly fuel the ambitions of others who might want to leave.

Once its intentions are officially notified, Britain would have two years to officially negotiate its departure, although London could be granted an extension if all 27 EU member states agree.

The head of the biggest bloc in the parliament fired an early warning shot, saying that Britain should expect no free ride as it negotiates its departure.

"There cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom. The British people have expressed their wish to leave the EU. Leave means leave. The times of cherry-picking are over," European Peoples Party leader Manfred Weber said.

He insisted that the exit negotiations "should be concluded within two years."

This insistence on a "hard exit" is aimed at discouraging other countries from wanting to leave the bloc in the belief that they might be able to negotiate a comfortable partnership from the outside.

Many European officials fear the U.K. vote will play into the hands of the far right and left and fuel calls for referendums in other countries.

The possibility to leave exists in the EU's rule book, but it's never been used before.

Whatever decisions are taken, the coming weeks and months will be frantic and uncertain, according to analysts.

"This summer will see the beginning of a tumultuous political crisis that will probably set many EU member states against one another, and will certainly reverberate around the world," warned Giles Merritt from the Friends of Europe think tank.

A crow flies by EU flags in front of EU headquarters in Brussels on Friday, June 24, 2016. Top European Union officials were hunkering down in Brussels Friday to try to work out what to do next after the shock decision by British voters to leave the 28-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

A man looks down at flowers displayed in the words 'Please Stay' in front of the UK representation to the EU office in Brussels on Friday, June 24, 2016. Voters in the United Kingdom voted in a referendum on Thursday to decide whether Britain remains part of the European Union or leaves the 28-nation bloc. Results will be known later on Friday. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

European Council President Donald Tusk prepares to address a media conference at the EU Council building in Brussels on Friday, June 24, 2016. Top European Union officials were hunkering down in Brussels Friday to try to work out what to do next after the shock decision by British voters to leave the 28-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Thierry Monasse)

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wipes his brow before speaking during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Voters in the United Kingdom are taking part in a referendum on Thursday that will decide whether Britain remains part of the European Union or leaves the 28-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
Kuwait central prison fire caused by short circuit kills 1

KUWAIT CITY (AP)  A fire at Kuwait's central prison caused by a short circuit has killed one person and injured 55 people.

The state-run Kuwait News Agency reported late Thursday that the fire began around noon in the prison's Ward No. 4.

KUNA quoted Maj. Gen. Jamal al-Bulaihees of the Kuwait Fire Service Directorate as blaming the blaze on a short circuit.
7 Indonesian tugboat crewmen abducted in Philippines

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  Suspected militants in the southern Philippines boarded an Indonesian tugboat and abducted seven of 13 crew members in a third such attack in the volatile region, the Indonesian foreign minister said Friday.

The crewmen were believed to be taken by two separate groups to a jungle camp in Sulu, a predominantly Muslim province about 950 kilometers (590 miles) south of the Philippine capital, Manila, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told a news conference in Jakarta.

Jolo island in Sulu province is a stronghold of militants from the Abu Sayyaf group, notorious for ransom kidnappings and beheadings of hostages.

"This third incident absolutely cannot be tolerated," Marsudi said. "The government will do everything possible to ensure the release of all those hostages. The safety of the seven Indonesians will be prioritized."

She said that the government received confirmation that six of the 13 crew members of the tugboat that was towing a coal barge were freed with the vessel and on their way to Indonesia.

Filipino militants held 14 Indonesians among more than 20 hostages after raiding tugboats in separate incidents in late March and early April. The Indonesians were freed last month following reports that a ransom was paid, but the Indonesian government denied it gave money.

After meeting security ministers and military and intelligence chiefs on Friday, Marsudi said that Indonesia extended a moratorium on coal exports to the region until the Philippine government can guarantee security for coal barges in its waters.

She said that Indonesia supplies more than 90 percent of coal to the southern Philippines.
Son of ex-Senegal president released early from prison

DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  Authorities on Friday freed Karim Wade, the son of Senegal's longtime former president, after he served half of his six-year sentence on charges of corruption and illegally accumulating a fortune of at least $200 million.

The former Cabinet minister has long been a divisive figure in Senegal. He became so powerful under his father, ex-President Abdoulaye Wade, that Senegalese derisively referred to him as "Minister of the Sky and the Earth" and critics feared he was being groomed as a possible successor.

Karim Wade's arrest and prosecution in a special anti-corruption court was the most high-profile case in the crackdown on graft waged by current leader Macky Sall, who defeated Abdoulaye Wade in a 2012 election. Karim Wade's supporters said his 2015 conviction was evidence of a personal vendetta against the family. The Wades have dismissed the charges as politically motivated.

Originally accused of amassing a fortune of more than $1.3 billion, Karim Wade was fined around $230 million as part of his sentence.

In a presidential decree, Sall said the financial sanctions and penalties against Wade remained in place, and Justice Minister Sidiki Kaba said the state would continue to confiscate assets.

Wade flew to Qatar immediately after being released. In a statement, he thanked the Gulf country's ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, "who out of friendship for me, never stopped intervening to put an end to the injustice I suffered for four years."

Wade said the conditions of his release made it impossible for him to see supporters before leaving. He did not elaborate. Authorities had sought to avoid a repeat of the unrest that was unleashed the day of his conviction, when young supporters set tires ablaze in the streets.
Freed hostage: Militants rejoiced as Canadians were beheaded

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Abu Sayyaf extremists rejoiced as they watched two Canadians being beheaded in the jungles of the southern Philippines, said a still-shocked Filipino hostage who was freed Friday.

Marites Flor tearfully recalled to reporters the moments when Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall were handcuffed and led away to a nearby jungle clearing to be separately decapitated in April and early this month by the ransom-seeking militants.

She said that Hall, who was killed last week, was her fiance. Ridsdel was beheaded by the militants in April.

"It's so painful because I saw them moments before they got beheaded," Flor told reporters in southern Davao city, where she was flown to meet President-elect Rodrigo Duterte after her release in nearby Sulu province.

"They were watching it and they were happy," she said of the militants, adding that she did not witness the killings.

Flor said she was slapped and threatened and her fellow hostages were beaten when the militants disliked what they were doing. "They told me, 'Robert's head has been chopped off. You're next,'" she said. "They treated us like dogs, like children."

Flor was abducted with Hall, Ridsdel and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad from a resort on southern Samal island in September last year and taken to the jungles of the predominantly Muslim island province of Sulu. The militants killed the two Canadians after ransom deadlines lapsed.

The captives were among some two dozen people held by the Abu Sayyaf this year.

On Friday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said seven Indonesians were abducted by armed men who raided their tugboat and taken to Sulu, in a third such recent attack. Six others were released with the vessel, she said.

Duterte said he was told that Sekkingstad may already be on the way out of captivity, but did not provide details and appeared unsure of his statement. He later went into a meeting with the Norwegian ambassador.

Duterte cut short his speech in a nationally televised police ceremony when officials arrived and brought the 38-year-old Flor, who appeared still distraught, to the stage. Duterte tried to console her and quietly asked a few questions.

Shortly before facing Flor, Duterte asked the Abu Sayyaf militants to stop ransom kidnappings, which he said have given the country "a very bad image." He warned people against joining the Abu Sayyaf, suggesting a major offensive was forthcoming.

"There will be, I said, a reckoning one of these days," he said.

It was not immediately clear if a ransom was paid to secure the freedom of Flor, who appeared in Abu Sayyaf videos tearfully pleading for her life and those of her companions. In a final video, she called on Duterte to save their lives before the extremists killed Hall a few days later.

Rebels belonging to the larger Moro National Liberation Front and a Sulu official, Abdusakur Tan, helped negotiate Flor's release with an Abu Sayyaf commander identified as Hatib Sawadjaan, two officials from the military and police who monitored the talks told The Associated Press.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.
Acquittal of officer leaves Baltimore asking: What happened?

BALTIMORE (AP)  With no witnesses or video inside the metal compartment of a police van, it's likely no one will ever know what snapped the neck of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man left handcuffed and shackled but unbelted on his trip to the station.

What is certain is that six police officers criminally charged in his death were the last to see him uninjured. But none blamed a fellow officer, and the driver of the van, Caesar Goodson, was acquitted of murder and all other charges Thursday after he consistently refused to talk.

With no convictions after three trials so far, the judge presiding over all the cases declared that he has yet to see evidence proving any of the officers committed a crime.

Officer Caesar Goodson, left, one of six Baltimore city police officers charged in connection to the death of Freddie Gray, arrives at a courthouse before receiving a verdict in his trial in Baltimore, Thursday, June 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

For a citizenry desperate for fundamental changes in the culture of a police department under federal investigation after allegations of decades of abuse, the question remains: How can nobody be held accountable for the death of a young black man whose only apparent transgression was his attempt to run from a police patrol in his neighborhood?

"It's a matter of fact that he was alive when he got in the van. It's a matter of fact that his spine was severed," said Black Lives Matter activist and former mayoral candidate DeRay Mckesson. "Six people contributed to that."

Goodson and the other officers may be not guilty in a court of law, but "in the street we see it as criminal, and we see that our loved ones are dead," said Baltimore's NAACP president, Tessa Hill-Aston.

Prosecutors said Goodson, who was behind the wheel of the transport van and the only officer to be with Gray at each of the six stops along the 45-minute journey from the site of his arrest in Sandtown-Winchester to the Western District station house, was criminally negligent when he failed to buckle Gray into a seat belt and chose not to call a medic after Gray indicated that he wanted to go to a hospital. The state also floated the theory that Goodson gave Gray a "rough ride," leaving him intentionally unrestrained in order to bounce him around the metal compartment and cause injuries.

Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams didn't deny that Gray was fatally injured inside the police van, but he dismissed the charges because the state failed to provide evidence or witnesses to support the claims.

"Here, the failure to seatbelt may have been a mistake or it may have been bad judgment," he said, "but without showing more than has been presented to the Court concerning the failure to seatbelt and the surrounding circumstances, the state has failed to meet its burden to show that the actions of the defendant rose above mere civil negligence."

After Williams issued his ruling, Ben Jealous, former president of the NAACP, posted on Twitter, "Maybe we should put the police van on trial for the death of #FreddieGray?"

Observers, attorneys and even the Gray family lawyer acknowledged a great divide between justice for a young man's untimely death, and what's prosecutable under the letter of the law.

Billy Murphy, who represents Gray's family and helped secure a $6.4 million civil settlement, said the family experienced "immense frustration" at Goodson's acquittal, but was hopeful moving forward.

"They hope for justice," he said, "whatever that is, and they know justice doesn't have guilty or not guilty attached to it."

Warren Brown, a Baltimore attorney who observed much of the trial, said the state's case amounted to "this was a tragedy and so therefore someone should be held responsible, but that's just not the way it works."

In the wake of the acquittals, activists in the city are shifting their focus from the individuals and the facts of this particular case to the need for comprehensive police, prosecutorial and legislative reforms to protect citizens who are typically disenfranchised: poor African Americans.

Officials have begun the process. Officers will soon be outfitted with body cameras, and vans equipped with devices with the capacity to record and store footage. The department also recently rolled out a new online platform to disseminate policies and procedures to ensure that no officer will ever say he or she didn't get the memo on any particular rule. And this year, the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights was amended for the first time in decades.

But many say it's not enough. One activist group, the People's Power Assembly, called for quarterly assemblies for citizens to publicly share experiences with police abuse and for more resources to be funneled to vulnerable communities.

Michaela Brown, an activist with the group Baltimore Bloc, called for an overhaul of the criminal justice system.

"We need to stop saying the system is broken," she said. "It is not broken; it is doing exactly what it was designed to do ... That is why we're not going to stop saying his name. We're not going to stop fighting until we see justice."

A mural depicting Freddie Gray is seen past blighted row homes in Baltimore, Thursday, June 23, 2016, at the intersection where Gray was arrested. Officer Caesar Goodson, one of six Baltimore city police officers charged in connection to the death of Gray, was acquitted of all charges in his trial Thursday. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Baltimore state's attorney Marilyn Mosby, center, leaves a courthouse after Officer Caesar Goodson, one of six Baltimore city police officers charged in connection to the death of Freddie Gray, was acquitted of all charges in his trial in Baltimore, Thursday, June 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Baltimore Police Officer Chantell English, center, and young girls play with hula hoops in the Penn North neighborhood of Baltimore, Thursday, June 23, 2016, near the site of unrest following the funeral of Freddie Gray. Officer Caesar Goodson, one of six Baltimore city police officers charged in connection to the death of Gray, was acquitted of all charges in his trial Thursday. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

A boy sits on a wall as a member of the Baltimore Police Department walks by in the Penn North neighborhood of Baltimore, Thursday, June 23, 2016, near the site of unrest following the funeral of Freddie Gray. Officer Caesar Goodson, one of six Baltimore city police officers charged in connection to the death of Gray, was acquitted of all charges in his trial Thursday. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
With tears and resolve, immigrants vow to keep fighting

NEW YORK (AP)  After learning the Supreme Court deadlocked on an immigration plan that would protect her from being deported, Marta Gualotuna could barely speak through her tears.

"This decision is very, very painful for me," Gualotuna, 57, said in Spanish through a translator. The Ecuadorian immigrant had hoped the court would uphold President Barack Obama's 2014 executive order, which was designed to reduce the threat of deportation for certain immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

Despite her sadness, Gualotuna, a New York City resident who's been in the country for more than 20 years and has three American-born children, was also determined. "The only thing I know is we're going to keep fighting," she said.

Activists stand in the middle of a major downtown road to protest a Supreme Court decision on immigration Thursday June 23, 2016, in Phoenix. The crowd carried signs in sweltering heat and chanted in Spanish and English. About two dozen more stood on the sidewalk in the shade. (AP Photo/ Beatriz Costa-Lima)

It was a sentiment expressed by other immigrants and their advocates Thursday after the high court's deadlock left intact a lower court ruling blocking Obama's order.

"For me, living in the shadows, it's like I don't have a life. I'm like nobody. I feel like nobody," said Betty Jaspeado, a mother of three in Los Angeles.

The Mexican immigrant described her working life in the United States as one devoid of hope, one where she constantly watched her back in fear of deportation. The possibility of protection offered by Obama had given her something to hold onto.

"I was thinking I could feel human again," Jaspeado said.

In November 2014, Obama proposed Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA, and he expanded the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, to effectively shield up to 4 million immigrants. His executive orders to this effect were put forth in a political climate where the chances for a legislative overhaul of the nation's broken immigration system were remote at best.

But 26 states filed suit against those orders, and a divided Supreme Court had no definitive answer. Stuck in the middle were people like the parents of Giselle Gasca, 22, of Fresno, California.

Gasca said her parents, whose names she did not reveal, were eligible for DAPA through her sister, a U.S. citizen. She had hoped they would get a chance to experience the opportunities she has been able to get through the original DACA program, such as the ability to travel outside the United States with the right permits. The travel limitations, Gasca said, prevented her mother from returning to Mexico to visit her own parents.

"That's something that my mom was hoping for, and I was hoping for her," Gasca said. "When her dad passed in 2009, she wasn't able to go back to Mexico and say her final goodbyes."

Obama said the ruling was "heartbreaking." He tried to offer assurances, saying his administration's priorities for deportations would continue to be new arrivals and those with criminal records.

"As long as you have not committed a crime, our limited immigration enforcement resources are not focused on you," Obama said.

That wasn't reassuring to many immigrants and their advocates, who have long criticized Obama for tightening enforcement of current laws at the border. Many of them call him the "deporter in chief," and some didn't waste any time making their unhappiness known.

In Phoenix on Thursday, more than 60 people blocked a major thoroughfare outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, carrying signs in sweltering heat and chanting in Spanish and English. Protester Eduardo Sainz, of the nonprofit advocacy group Mi Familia Vota, said the Supreme Court's deadlock brought tears to his eyes.

"This is a demonstration to show our community members that they're not alone and to also show our elected officials that we will hold them accountable. And that we will explore all the different scenarios that we have to do in order to move our agenda forward," Sainz said.

Meanwhile in North Carolina, Latino activists blamed Gov. Pat McCrory for joining the federal lawsuit that blocked a program to shield some immigrants. A few dozen people rallied outside the executive mansion in Raleigh Thursday evening chanting "sin papeles, sin miedo" - no papers, no fear - and "McCrory, escucha, estamos en la lucha" - McCrory, listen, we're fighting.

"We're going to keep pushing and fighting and going forward," said Carmen Rodriguez, a DAPA eligible parent from Raleigh, who has three sons who are U.S. citizens. "We're going to work to make sure Latino voters come out like never before."

The outcome puts even more pressure on the result of the presidential election. Democrat Hillary Clinton has spoken out in support of the executive actions, while Republican Donald Trump has spoken of his intention to build a border wall and deport all 11 million immigrants in the country illegally.

Immigrants plan to be part of the election process, said Javier Valdes, co-executive director of Make the Road New York, an advocacy organization.

"We're going to be fighting this until we get the outcome we want," Valdes said, pointing to efforts to influence those who can vote. "We want to punish those that came after us," he said.

Alejandro Mendiaz-Rivera, 26, a graduate student at the University of New Mexico, said the court's action may spark more Latinos to vote in November.

"I think that might be the only silver lining in this ruling," Mendiaz-Rivera said. "Those of us (who) are undocumented ... can't vote. But we sure as heck can encourage our friends and family who are citizens to go vote."

___

Associated Press writers Janie Har in San Francisco; Astrid Galvan in Tucson, Arizona; Anna Gronewold in Raleigh, North Carolina and Russell Contreras in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed to this report.

___

Follow Deepti Hajela at www.twitter.com/dhajela . Her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/deepti-hajela .

Elia Rosas, center, is consoled by two of her four daughters, Jocabet Martinez, left, and Girsea Martinez, right, while speaking on the phone with another daughter, Greisa Martinez, (who was outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.) after the news of the United States Supreme decision was announced on the case of United States v. Texas, No. 15-674, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in their Duncanville, Texas home. The Supreme Court split the decision 4-4, which left the appeals court ruling to block President Obama's plan to shield as many as five million undocumented immigrants from deportation and to allow them to work legally in the country. (Andy Jacobsohn/The Dallas Morning News via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; MAGS OUT; TV OUT; INTERNET USE BY AP MEMBERS ONLY; NO SALES

Alejandro Mendiaz-Rivera, 26, a University of New Mexico graduate student and an immigrant who had been granted temporary protection from deportation, works in an office on campus on Thursday, June 23, 2016. The Supreme Court deadlocked Thursday on President Barack Obama's immigration plan that sought to shield millions living in the U.S. illegally from deportation, effectively killing the plan for the rest of his presidency. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)
How the UK could remain in the EU despite a vote to leave

LONDON (AP)  Britain has voted to leave the European Union and that's that. No appeals. No do-overs. Right?

"Out is out," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters the day before Thursday's vote.

"You can't jump out of the airplane and then clamber back into the cockpit," is how British Prime Minister David Cameron put it in a recent radio interview.

A red light flashes in front of an EU flag in front of EU headquarters in Brussels on Friday, June 24, 2016. Voters in the United Kingdom voted in a referendum on Thursday to decide whether Britain remains part of the European Union or leaves the 28-nation bloc. Results will be known later on Friday. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Financial markets seem to have taken the vote as the final word on Britain's relationship with the EU, cutting an eye-popping 10 percent off the pound's value.

But what if, when the dust clears, the vote to leave isn't really that final or dramatic?

"The EU is a bit like the Hotel California in the Eagles song," said Tim Oliver, a fellow at the London School of Economics' IDEAS foreign policy think tank. "You can check out anytime but you never really leave."

Much of the uncertainty stems from the ambiguity about what a British exit, or Brexit, really means. Abandoning Europe could mean anything from a sweeping withdrawal from EU institutions to more limited opt-outs which could leave major pillars of European integration, such as free movement of labor, untouched.

"'Leave' could mean a million different things," Oliver said, giving Britain's political establishment considerable scope to loiter in Europe's lobby as euroskeptics argue over where the exits are. Some believe Britain is likely to end up more-or-less where it started.

Britain, like other nations roiled by euroskeptic revolts, will simply "negotiate a new agreement, nearly identical to the old one, disguise it in opaque language and ratify it," Princeton University politics professor Andrew Moravcsik predicted ahead of the referendum.

"The public, essentially ignorant about Europe, always goes along."

Moravcsik has a point; repackaged deals have helped bail out the European project before. After Irish voters rejected EU reforms in 2008, politicians in Dublin won modest concessions from their European counterparts and ran the vote again the following year, this time with a positive outcome. Similar EU referendum do-overs turned an Irish "No" into a "Yes" in 2002 and helped secured a Danish "Ja" in 1993.

But even those who say a second referendum is possible acknowledge that would not be so easy in the British case.

"That's a long way down the road and it may never happen," said Gavin Barrett, an expert on European constitutional law at University College Dublin.

The path to a second referendum in Britain is far narrower, in part because  unlike in Ireland  the political establishment is split over Europe. If leading euroskeptic Boris Johnson takes the reins of the ruling Conservative Party  as now seems possible  the prospect of a final vote will fade further still.

Alan Renwick, the deputy director of the Constitution Unit at University College London, said a do-over would only be plausible "if a party wins the 2020 election on a platform of having a second referendum and trying to go back in."

That seems unlikely given the current political alignment, but he said nothing is completely out of the question when it comes to a potential Brexit.

"You have so many possible long-shot scenarios," he said. "If you add up the probabilities of all of them, you end up with a significant chance of something surprising happening, whatever that might be."
Taiwan protests after Cambodia deports suspects to China

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  Taiwan protested after Cambodia deported 25 Taiwanese internet scam suspects to rival China in the latest snub of the self-ruled island.

The 25 Taiwanese and 14 Chinese were deported on a special plane dispatched by the Chinese government on Friday, said the chief of the Cambodian Interior Ministry's Immigration Investigation Bureau, Gen. Ouk Haiseila.

He said they were sent to China because they had committed crimes against Chinese citizens. They are accused of defrauding victims in China using phone calls made over the internet, which complicated tracing them. Cambodia also regards Taiwan to be part of China.

Although Taiwan's constitution formally decrees that it and the mainland are part of a single Chinese nation, Taiwan functions like an independent country and does not acknowledge Beijing's claim of authority over it.

Rights activists and Taiwanese authorities say such deportations reflect the great influence China exercises over Cambodia through aid and investment.

The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry said it had lodged formal protests with Cambodia and expressed "deep regrets" over the deportation.

Originally Cambodia had planned to deport 35 people, but four more were arrested in raids this past week, Haiseila said.

Asked about Cambodia's action at a regular briefing Friday in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying noted that"the Cambodian government had said before that it wouldl tackle the problem based on the one-China policy.

"We think highly of Cambodia's attitude toward the issue," she said. "We believe the competent authority in China will keep close contact and cooperation with the counterpart in Cambodia, in a bid to properly handle the issue and protect the lawful right and interest of the victims of telephone frauds."

China is a key ally and economic partner of impoverished Cambodia. It has provided millions of dollars in aid and investment over the past decade, agreed to write off debts and granted it tariff-free status for hundreds of items.
Sri Lankan lawmakers approve freedom of information law

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP)  Sri Lankan lawmakers unanimously approved a law on Friday giving citizens the right to demand public information, a move many hope will restore transparency and good governance to a nation long plagued by corruption and misrule.

The country's 225-member Parliament approved the Right to Information Act without calling for a vote after two days of debate.

The law gives citizens access to public information except personal data, information relating to national security, financial and commercial policy decisions, intellectual property and medical reports. Information can also be withheld if its release is deemed to violate parliamentary privileges.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe attends an event before going to Parliament for discussion and probable vote on a bill presented by him on right to information in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, June 24, 2016. Sri Lankan lawmakers are close to giving citizens the right to demand public information, a move many hope will restore transparency and good governance to a nation that has for long been plagued by corruption and misrule. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

"This is landmark legislation that strengthens the fundamental rights of the people of the country," ruling coalition lawmaker Jayampathy Wickramaratne said after the law's passage.

Sri Lanka has a long history of official secrecy. Information has frequently reached the public only through the leaking of documents to the media, and in recent years the government has cracked down on that as well. The bill, a longstanding demand from journalists and activists, is part of reforms President Maithripala Sirisena promised before winning the 2015 presidential election. Under his predecessor, Mahinda Rajapaksa, access to government information was greatly limited and journalists were regularly threatened, attacked or even killed.

At least 95 countries have some form of freedom of information laws on their books, according to Right2Info, a website launched by the Open Society Justice Initiative. Still, enforcement varies considerably and some of those governments routinely ignore or refuse information requests.

Presenting the freedom of information bill to Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the lack of such legislation led to large-scale corruption and financial losses to the country through questionable deals.

Media and Information Minister Gayantha Karunatillaka said 4,000 state institutions will be covered by the law and 8,000 officials will be trained to handle information requests. The government says it will take about one year to complete logistics and training and for the law to become fully operational.

"This is a huge victory for a nation that had nothing of this sort," said K.W. Janaranjana, an activist lawyer and newspaper editor.

He said the law will take time to fulfill its potential. "It is not enough bringing in laws; we have to build up an information culture. People are not used to it so we must encourage them to practice this frequently."

Leading lawyer and ethnic Tamil lawmaker M.A. Sumanthiran said the law probably will not be helpful in answering questions from the country's quarter-century civil war, even though it doesn't explicitly exclude such requests. Tens of thousands of people remain missing from the war, which ended in 2009, and others have been denied access to property seized during the fighting.

"What is contemplated through the RTI (law) is not this kind of information," he said.

Pakiyasothy Saravanamuttu, head of the local think tank Center for Policy Alternatives, said information related to the civil war can be denied, citing exceptions under national security, but people should use every opportunity to test it.

The law requires an information officer to decide whether to release or withhold requested information within 14 working days and to share the information within the next 14 days. People seeking information who are dissatisfied by those decisions have three levels of appeal.

A five-member Right to Information Commission will be set up to monitor and ensure compliance, and will have powers to hold inquiries and hear appeals.

The act proposes fines and jail terms for officials who deliberately refuse applications, refuse to release shareable information or destroy or distort information in their custody.

___

Associated Press writer Krishan Francis contributed to this report.

A man reads a newspaper with news on a bill introduced to Parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on right to information, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, June 24, 2016. Sri Lankan lawmakers are close to giving citizens the right to demand public information, a move many hope will restore transparency and good governance to a nation that has for long been plagued by corruption and misrule. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
 Historical Malfeasance of The Daily Telegraph (Australia) | Main | CAIR Loses in Court, Media Fails to Notice 

June 27, 2016

UPDATED: The PA Blood Libel Repeated by President Abbas was Already Debunked with CAMERA's Help

June 24, 2016

Today's New York Times features a forthright and informative article by Diaa Hadid about Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' blood libel to the EU. She writes:

Echoing anti-Semitic claims that led to the mass killings of European Jews in medieval times, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority accused rabbis in Israel of calling on their government to poison the water used by Palestinians. He made the unsubstantiated allegation during a speech to the European Parliament on Thursday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said in a statement later that Mr. Abbas had spread a blood libel? in the speech.

Abbas was repeating the medieval blood libel that was revived last week by Palestinian Authority officials who invented a fictional rabbi named "Rabbi Shlomo Mma" and a fictional rabbinical council called the "Council of Rabbis in the West Bank Settlements" calling for the poisoning Palestinian water sources. Palestinian Media Watch describes how the PA turned an unsubstantiated claim against settlers by a radical activist into the full-blown blood libel, which was subsequently repeated by the PA president to the European Union.

The Jerusalem Post earlier published an article debunking the Palestinian Authority invention, quoting research from CAMERA. According to the Post, there is no evidence of any "Shlomo Mlma or Mlmad or the Coucnil of Rabbis in West Bank settlements." Rather:

There is a Council of Rabbis in Judea and Samaria, led by Yishai Babad. There is a Rabbi Zalman Melamed of Beit El. Mlmad is similar to Melamed, and Zalman is Yiddish for Shlomo. Rabbi Zalman Melamed told Gidon Shaviv, a senior research analyst for press watchdog CAMERA, "I did not say that and do not believe any rabbi would say something like that." Melamed also called the report a blood libel. [emphasis added]

Updated, June 26: Abbas Retracts the Libel

The New York Times reports:

Mr. Abbass retraction was sent to reporters early Saturday morning, issued by the P.L.O., of which Mr. Abbas is the chairman. It said that Mr. Abbas rejected all claims that accuse him and the Palestinian people of offending the Jewish religion.? It added that he also condemned all accusations of anti-Semitism.? After it has become evident that the alleged statements by a rabbi on poisoning Palestinian wells, which were reported by various media outlets, are baseless, President Mahmoud Abbas has affirmed that he didnt intend to do harm to Judaism or to offend Jewish people around the world,? the statement continued.

Posted by RH at June 27, 2016 01:15 PM

Great article on the Munich massacre financier Abbas and his racist policies supporting Palestinian mass murderers of Israeli civilians. http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/pa-funding-of-terrorists-this-is-how-its-done/2014/06/26/

PA Funding of Terrorists  This is How its Done

Did you murder Jews? Have you abducted children? Get up to 12,000 shekels a month from Abu Mazen!? - the salaries paid out to Palestinian terrorists are actually enshrined in PA law.

By Aryeh Savir

June 26th, 2014

Posted by: Barry Meridian at June 26, 2016 08:52 PM

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Uganda plans to withdraw troops from Somalia by end of 2017

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP)  Uganda's military chief said Friday the country plans to withdraw its more than 6,000 troops from the African Union force in Somalia by December 2017. The Ugandans are the largest troop contingent in the AU force trying to protect the Somali government from the extremist group al-Shabab.

Gen. Katumba Wamala told The Associated Press that the Ugandan government believes it has achieved its goal of helping to stabilize the Horn of Africa country.

Wamala said the decision to withdraw is also fueled by frustration with international partners, including the U.S. and the European Union, that he accused of not doing enough to train the Somali military.

Uganda's government said last month it was reviewing its operations in Somalia after the EU cut its funding to the AU mission in Somalia by 20 percent.

More than 22,000 troops and police serve in the AU force, which also includes troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia.

The Islamic extremist group al-Shabab opposes the presence of foreign troops in Somalia and has launched attacks in countries that have contributed to the AU force.
Bombing in market in southwest Pakistan kills 3, wounds 32

QUETTA, Pakistan (AP)  A police spokesman says a bomb rigged to a bicycle has exploded outside a market in southwestern Pakistan, killing at least three people and wounding 32 others.

Shahzada Farhat says several shops were also damaged in Friday's bombing in Alam Road in Quetta, the capital of impoverished Baluchistan province. No group has claimed responsibility, but militants with links to the Pakistani Taliban have been implicated in similar attacks in the past.

Baluchistan has witnessed a low-scale insurgency by small separatist groups, who have been demanding more autonomy and a greater share of the province's oil and gas resource.
Judge lashes out after defendant threatens his family

ROME, Ga. (AP)  A northwest Georgia judge threatened to lock a defendant up for years and used a gay slur after the defendant repeatedly shouted obscenities and threatened to kill the judge's family.

Citing a transcript from the June 17 hearing in Rome, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://bit.ly/28Uw7z7 ) reports that Denver F. Allen repeatedly swore at Judge Bryant Durham Jr. after his request for a new public defender was denied. Allen told Durham he would "cut (Durham's) children up into pieces."

Durham used the gay slur after Allen said he liked to have sex with "boys."
North Korea: We won't abandon nukes with US gun to our head

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP)  The top North Korean official for U.S. relations told The Associated Press on Friday that his country is now a nuclear threat to be reckoned with, and Washington can expect more nuclear tests and missile launches like the ones earlier this week as long as it attempts to force his government's collapse through a policy of pressure and punishment.

"It's the United States that caused this issue," Han Song Ryol, director-general of the department of U.S. affairs at North Korea's Foreign Ministry, said in his first interview with an American news organization since assuming the post three years ago. "They have to stop their military threats, sanctions and economic pressure. Without doing so, it's like they are telling us to reconcile while they are putting a gun to our forehead."

Han defended the North's test-launching on Wednesday of two medium-range ballistic missiles. Foreign military experts believe that, once perfected, such missiles could deliver nuclear warheads to U.S. bases in Japan and possibly to major U.S. military installations as far away as the Pacific island of Guam, where long-range U.S. Air Force bombers are deployed.

Han Song Ryol, director-general of the department of U.S. affairs at North Korea's Foreign Ministry speaks during an interview with The Associated Press on Friday, June 24, 2016, in Pyongyang, North Korea. Han told The Associated Press on Friday that his country is now a nuclear threat to be reckoned with, and Washington can expect more nuclear tests and missile launches like the ones earlier this week as long as it attempts to force his government's collapse through a policy of pressure and punishment. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

The tests indicated technological advances in the North's missile capabilities. They were quickly condemned by Washington, Tokyo and Seoul as a "provocation" and a violation of United Nations resolutions.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said U.S. policy calling for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula hasn't changed.

"The capabilities that the DPRK continues to pursue are doing nothing obviously to get us to that goal," he said. "We urge the North to take the necessary steps to prove that they're willing to return to the six-party talk process, so that we can get to that goal."

Han dismissed the criticism, saying North Korea has no choice but to build up its military deterrent as long as the world's largest superpower  and the country that first developed nuclear weapons  remains an enemy. He noted that the U.S. recently deployed nuclear-powered submarines and strategic bombers capable of dropping nuclear weapons on North Korea to the region, and earlier this year conducted training for precision airstrikes on North Korea's leadership, along with simulations of an advance into the capital, Pyongyang, with the South Korean military during joint annual exercises.

"This launch was a significant and novel step that my country must take to produce a powerful nuclear deterrent," Han said. "The real provocation is coming from the United States. ... How can my country stand by and do nothing?"

Han said North Korea has never recognized a longstanding United Nations Security Council ban on its testing of nuclear weapons or long-range missiles, though the world body has ratified the resolutions and imposed heavy sanctions on North Korea for continuing them  including a round of new sanctions imposed after its latest nuclear test in January. North Korea says that test was its first of an H-bomb.

"The United States must see correctly the trend of the times and the strategic position of (North Korea) and must withdraw its hostile policy," he said in the hour-long interview at the Foreign Ministry, located next to Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang. "My country is a nuclear state. In the past, my country has been threatened by the United States with its nuclear weapons, but I can now say proudly that the United States is being threatened by my country's nuclear weapons."

He held out the possibility of dialogue with the United States, but only if Washington agrees to "drop its hostile policies," replace the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War with a lasting peace treaty, and withdraw its troops based in South Korea.

None of those proposals is new. North Korea has repeated them for years, but they have gotten virtually no traction in the U.S., which has instead stood by its own demand that North Korea show a willingness to give up its nuclear program before any meaningful talks can begin.

Han, who formerly served at North Korea's United Nations mission and lived in New York, said it would require "political resolve" in Washington to change its policies toward North Korea. "There are many measures that the United States can take," he said. In response, he said, North Korea is willing to follow suit, regardless of what has happened in the past.

But until that happens, he said, there are "clouds of nuclear war" on the Korean Peninsula.

Han said North Korea has only grown stronger under the "strategic patience" policy of the Obama administration, which focuses on sanctions and military pressure to weaken and isolate North Korea and has brought talks between the two countries to a virtual standstill. The policy was initiated after North Korea conducted its second nuclear test in 2009. It has conducted two more nuclear tests since then and launched rockets that carried satellites into orbit, but which share technologies that could be used to produce rockets with warheads to strike the U.S. mainland.

"Day by day our country is becoming stronger, especially the military capacity," he said. "It is natural that many Americans, including the critics, say that strategic patience is a failure. It gave a lot of time to my country to strengthen. So if the United States does not change its policy, which is based on the collapse and overturn of my country, without accepting it as a nuclear state, any policies in the future are fated to fail as well."

He said he is not optimistic the election of a new U.S. president in November will bring much change.

"Since the founding of our country the United States has refused to accept our country as a sovereign state," he said. "My country will be focusing on the new administration. But we don't think it will change its policy, so we are preparing ourselves to deal with its policy to overturn our country ... I can see dark clouds hanging over the sky of the Korean Peninsula."

He said that as long as those dark clouds remain, Washington can expect more nuclear tests and missile launches.

___

Associated Press writer Bradley Klapper in Washington contributed to this report.

In this July 27, 2013, file photo, North Korean soldiers turn and look towards leader Kim Jong Un as they carry packs marked with the nuclear symbol as they parade during a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea. Han Song Ryol, director-general of the department of U.S. affairs at North Korea's Foreign Ministry told The Associated Press on Friday that his country is now a nuclear threat to be reckoned with, and Washington can expect more nuclear tests and missile launches like the ones earlier this week as long as it attempts to force his government's collapse through a policy of pressure and punishment. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)

Han Song Ryol, director-general of the department of U.S. affairs at North Korea's Foreign Ministry speaks during an interview with The Associated Press on Friday, June 24, 2016, in Pyongyang, North Korea. Han told The Associated Press on Friday that his country is now a nuclear threat to be reckoned with, and Washington can expect more nuclear tests and missile launches like the ones earlier this week as long as it attempts to force his government's collapse through a policy of pressure and punishment. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)
Press freedom group calls Turkey arrests 'illegitimate'

ISTANBUL (AP)  Reporters Without Borders is condemning the arrest of its Turkey representative and two others on charges of "'disseminating terrorist propaganda."

Christophe Deloire, the secretary general of the media freedom watchdog, said Friday that the arrests are an attempt by the authorities to intimidate journalists and called them "illegitimate." He spoke at a news conference in front of Istanbul's Metris Prison, where the three journalists are being held.

The group's Turkey representative Erol Onderoglu, journalist Ahmet Nesin and academic Sebnem Korur Fincanci were put under pre-trial arrest Monday for their participation in a solidarity campaign with a pro-Kurdish daily, Ozgur Gundem.
Russia adopts controversial counter-terrorism amendments

MOSCOW (AP)  The Russian parliament on Friday adopted a set of controversial counter-terrorism amendments which have sparked alarm among rights activists.

The amendments that the Duma voted on Friday include introducing prison sentences for failure to report a grave crime and doubling the number of crimes that Russians as young as 14 years old can be prosecuted. Another forces telecommunications companies to store logs and data for months, a measure which threatens to eat almost all of the companies' profits.

A brainchild of the hawkish pro-Kremlin lawmaker Irina Yarovaya, the bill was rammed through the parliament by the ruling United Russia party and voted on in the Duma's final session before the summer recess and the September election. Widespread rigging at the December 2011 vote which elected the current Duma led to large-scale opposition protests.

In a throwback to the Soviet time, the amendments introduced prison sentences for failing to report a crime.

"How successful we are in fighting terrorism depends not only on authorities and how law enforcement works but also on the public," the bill's co-author Ernest Valeyev said in defense of the amendment. "That's why we think this amendment will encourage the public to counter terrorism."

The bill which rattled Russian business most will make it obligatory for telecommunications companies to store call logs for 12 months and call and message data for six months. Businesses have said this is 100,000 times as much data and they store already and will take more than $33 billion in investment to organize and run, eating up all of their profits. The original bill, however, would have the companies store data for several years.

Communist deputy Yuri Sinelshchikov was among the bill's critics, worrying that storing data and call logs would open the door to official abuse. He said law enforcement can petition the court and then phone companies to trace calls if they need to investigate the crime, and giving them six months to do so is too much.

Opposition lawmaker Dmitry Gudkov said the amendment will be a heavy burden for the businesses. "Instead of competing and entering new markets and improve connection quality, our telecommunications companies will have to deal with this stupidity," he said.

The most draconian amendments, including the right to strip Russians of their citizenship, were hastily taken out of the bill before the debate. Some lawmakers complained that they never got the final draft before the vote.

Human Rights Watch said in an opinion piece published on Thursday that even without the most alarming amendments, the bill is cause for concern.
Syrian teenager shot trying to return from Greece to Turkey

THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP)  Greek police say a teenage Syrian refugee has been lightly injured after being shot by an unknown man while trying to illegally return to Turkey, from which he had entered Greece months earlier.

The 16-year-old, together with a 21-year-old Iraqi, had bought a small inflatable dinghy in which they planned to cross the Evros river, on Greece's northeastern border with Turkey, near Didymoteicho.

Police say both men were threatened Thursday by two men in a boat from the Turkish side, who fired at them with a shotgun as they ran away. The incident was announced Friday.
EU must now stop further unraveling _ if it can

BRUSSELS (AP)  The EU must reinvent itself to survive after Britain's vote to leave. It may be too late.

The damning verdict of British voters was the worst setback to the EU since the germ of a more integrated Europe first took shape in the ruins left by World War II. And it threatens to be wildly contagious  even before the ballots were all tallied, populist leaders in some of the EU's founding nations were clamoring for a vote on EU membership in their own countries.

From Paris to Berlin to Brussels, EU leaders agree they need to change in response to the British referendum. Yet they disagree on how  on whether to tighten their union or rethink it to address those who increasingly distrust all things EU.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wipes his brow before speaking during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Voters in the United Kingdom are taking part in a referendum on Thursday that will decide whether Britain remains part of the European Union or leaves the 28-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

And before they make any lasting moves, EU decision-makers remain at the mercy of Britain's Conservative Party and how it handles the pending divorce.

"Hurrah for the British! Now it is our turn. Time for a Dutch referendum!" said Dutch firebrand Geert Wilders, chairman of the PVV party which is leading Dutch opinion polls. The jubilation was similar at the French National Front party of Marine Le Pen.

At EU headquarters in Brussels, leaders moved swiftly to try to minimize chances that other member countries might head for the exit.

After Britain's departure, a 27-nation EU would have to do without the world's fifth economy, Western Europe's top military power, a diplomatic juggernaut and a reliable bridge to the United States and the rest of the global Anglosphere.

EU Council President Donald Tusk warned that a British withdrawal "could in fact be the start of the process of destruction of not only the EU, but also of the Western political civilization."

In retrospect, European leaders took too long to recognize the groundswell of British discontent, and never took it seriously enough, equating it only with the sometimes farcical oratorical performances of U.K. Independence Party leader Nigel Farage.

But Farage's joyful prediction Friday that the EU is dying no longer sounded so farfetched. So more than starting to think of grand new missions for itself, the EU needs first to stanch the bleeding and protect what it has.

All eyes now turn to France and Germany, the reliable axis of the EU since its inception as the Common Market in 1958. But even there, the balance will change. With Britain's departure, Germany will lose a pro-business ally, and the departure of the free-market island could turn the EU further toward the left.

Germany also punches far above France's weight now, economically and inside EU institutions, and a Britain-free bloc will be even more subject to Berlin's influence.

On the EU's plus side, it is used to multitasking through numerous crises, and has a proven track record of muddling through to find compromises. For much of the past decade, it has had to fight the global economic crisis that already weakened support in much of its southern rim.

Then Greece threatened to tumble out of the eurozone group of nations that share the common currency, Russia annexed Crimea, and a million refugees on the EU's borders had to be dealt with.

After all that, the European Union is still standing. But Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the EU executive, has direly labeled the body he has led since November 2014 "the last-chance Commission."

Some EU governments may lobby for even greater European integration now that they will be rid of Britain, long the biggest thorn in the side of those seeking a more seamless and unified continent.

But in other, newer member nations like Hungary and Poland, distrust of all things EU is on the rise.

On Tuesday, EU leaders will hold a previously scheduled two-day summit, with the urgent priority what to do following the British vote. Some will be looking to punish Britain and make its exit anything but a cakewalk, if only to scare off copycats.

"If you leave, you have to assume the consequences," said Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. After all, some have predicted Thursday's vote might lead to the effective breakup of Britain, and Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon spoke Friday of a possible second referendum on independence from the United Kingdom after a 2014 vote ended with the union intact.

The economic turmoil that may occur in an increasingly isolated Britain could also discourage other EU members from following its example.

At the same time, the pressure has increased for the EU to reinvent itself by getting closer to ordinary citizens who increasingly are critical of what they see as an aloof elite. Though by many accounts the greatest setback in EU history, the British withdrawal could also offer an opportunity.

"I always remember what my father used to tell me," Tusk said Friday. "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."

___

Follow Raf Casert on Twitter at http://twitter.com/rcasert
24 dead in West Virginia floods; search and rescue continues

CLENDENIN, W.Va. (AP)  Surrounded by muddy devastation, Cathy Light and her husband Chris thought it was "heaven sent" they had free burgers to munch on in a Clendenin parking lot Saturday.

To their left, the roof of a Dairy Queen slumped to the pavement. Behind it, a trailer home was ripped from its foundation, with four concrete stairs all that remained in the ground. Occasional whiffs of rotten food wafted from a nearby grocery store that, not long ago, was filled with five feet of muck water.

Before they jumped in a rescue boat in Clendenin on Saturday, the Lights could only save their dog Odie and a TV that sat atop a bedroom dresser  the highest-up they stored anything in their house, really.

Shane Altzier starts to sweep out the mud from the town utilities office in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for . (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

The heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia resulted in at least 24 deaths, leaving families homeless with the tearful realization that they're starting from scratch.

"I don't have anything," said Cathy Light, as she ate the free meal provided by Grace Community Church. "Where do we go now?"

The scene in Clendenin, located in Kanawha County, wasn't as deadly as in Rainelle. Sixteen people died in Greenbrier County, at least 15 of them in Ranielle. Greenbrier is the only county where Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's administration believes people remain missing.

"It does not appear there are unaccounted for people in other counties, but it's still a somewhat fluid situation," said Chris Stadelman, Tomblin's chief of staff.

Rainelle Mayor Andrea "Andy" Pendleton wept as she surveyed her town Saturday.

"I weep for my people, I weep for the businesses," she said.

About six buses full of people whose homes were either without power or too damaged to inhabit were evacuated. Some were taken initially to a fire department facility, but then it flooded so they were moved to an abandoned store. When that started to flood, buses took the evacuees to a church 40 miles away.

Search and rescue teams went house to house, marking those checked with a spray-painted 'X.' Abandoned pets were taken to a shelter. A water department filtration system, built with a $2.6 million loan, was damaged, Pendleton said.

Help came from multiple sources, including two search and rescue teams from Virginia.

Six other deaths were reported in Kanawha, in addition to one each in Jackson and Ohio counties. About 500 people were stranded overnight in a shopping center when a bridge washed out, and dozens of other people had to be plucked off rooftops or rescued from their cars. A gravel access road was built to let them out.

On Saturday, Tomblin was approved for a major federal disaster declaration to get help for Greenbrier and the two other counties hardest hit by flooding. Tomblin's office said he made an expedited verbal request Saturday to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for individual assistance for Kanawha, Greenbrier and Nicholas counties. Individual assistance includes housing and crisis counseling.

Some of the heaviest rainfall was in Greenbrier County, where The Greenbrier luxury resort and golf course is nestled in the mountains. The PGA Tour has canceled a tournament there from July 4-10 because the course is overrun by floodwaters.

"Cancelling The Greenbrier Classic is certainly the most prudent course of action as our foremost concern is the well-being of those who are having to live through this tragic situation," PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said in a news release Saturday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them."

Resort owner Jim Justice said the needs of flood-ravaged West Virginians are of utmost concern. Two health-care facilities at the resort will be open this weekend to provide care for residents. The resort will also offer a limited amount of free rooms and meals to those affected by the floods for as long as the resort is closed for business, Justice said in a statement Saturday evening.

"All of our focus needs to be on helping all of the people of our great state," Justice said in a news release. "So many have lost loved ones, their homes, and have no place to go."

An area near the West Virginia-Virginia border received at least 9 inches of rain while other parts of the state had 3 to 5 inches, National Weather Service hydrologist John Sikora said. A flood warning remains in effect for Greenbrier County until 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Others waited days to see their loved ones rescued.

Kari Townsend of Clendenin sat at a shelter in Charleston for most of Friday before her niece, Britani Shafer, and her niece's five-month-old baby, Shay, made it to safety.

The mother and child had been holed up in a doctor's office in flooded downtown Clendenin since Thursday afternoon, and started running out of baby formula. Shafer could only send a couple text messages to let her family know what was going on.

Shafer's neighbor was able to get her out in a truck, and he drove the pair back to meet up with their family.

"There was not a dry eye, let me tell you," Townsend said. "The baby is fine, (Britani Shafer) is good. It's awesome."

___

Scott Stroud in Nashville, Tennessee and Steve Helber in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia contributed to this report.

This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of the town Rainelle.

West Virginia State Trooper C.S. Hartman, walks from a shed that he checked out as he and other crews search homes in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Bridgeport W.Va. fireman, Ryan Moran, marks a flooded home as searched and empty as he and a crew search homes in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

West Virginia Natural Resources police officer Chris Lester, left, walks into the top floor of a flooded home as he and Lt. Dennis Feazell search homes in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. About 32,000 West Virginia homes and businesses remain without power Saturday after severe flooding hit the state. The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management also said Saturday that more than 60 secondary roads in the state were closed. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

West Virginia Natural Resources police officer Chris Lester searches a flooded home in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. About 32,000 West Virginia homes and businesses remain without power Saturday after severe flooding hit the state. The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management also said Saturday that more than 60 secondary roads in the state were closed.. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Lt. Dennis Feazell, of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, rows his boat as he and a co-worker search flooded homes in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. About 32,000 West Virginia homes and businesses remain without power Saturday after severe flooding hit the state. The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management also said Saturday that more than 60 secondary roads in the state were closed.(AP Photo/Steve Helber)

West Virginia Natural Resources police officer Chris Lester searches the scone floor of a flooded home in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. About 32,000 West Virginia homes and businesses remain without power Saturday after severe flooding hit the state. The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management also said Saturday that more than 60 secondary roads in the state were closed. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Flooded homes are still surrounded by water in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. About 32,000 West Virginia homes and businesses remain without power Saturday after severe flooding hit the state. The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management also said Saturday that more than 60 secondary roads in the state were closed. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

West Virginia Natural Resources police officer Chris Lester searches a flooded home in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Paul Raines looks over his flooded Western Auto store in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Bridgeport W. Va fireman Ben Tacy, left, kicks in the door of a flooded home under the supervision of State Trooper C.S. Hartman as they search homes in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Rainelle W.Va. Mayor, Andrea Pendleton, right, talks to resident Nicholas Remick as she tours the flooded streets of Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Lt. Dennis Feazell, of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, contacts his command center as he and a co-worker search flooded homes in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Lt. Dennis Feazell, of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, watches for debris as he and a co-worker search flooded homes in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Lt. Dennis Feazell, of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, keeps his boat on station as he and a co-worker search flooded homes in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Bridgeport W.Va. firefighters, Steve Gallo, left, and Ryan Moran, center, are joined by an unidentified co-worker as they walk through a flooded street while searching homes in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Bridgeport W.Va. fireman, Ryan Moran, exits a home as he and a crew search homes in Rainelle, W.Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Heavy rains that pummeled West Virginia left multiple people dead, and authorities said Saturday that an unknown number of people in the hardest-hit county remained unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

West Virginia State Trooper C.S. Hartman, left, and Bridgeport W.Va. fireman, Ryan Moran, wade through flooded streets as they search homes in Rainelle, W. Va., Saturday, June 25, 2016. Teams were rescuing people from second-story windows, the hoods of cars and the tops of trees as floodwaters drenched southeastern West Virginia. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Jay Bennett, left, and step-son Easton Phillips survey the damage to a neighbors car in front of their home damaged by floodwaters as the cleanup begins from severe flooding in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., Friday, June 24, 2016. A deluge of 9 inches of rain on parts of West Virginia destroyed or damaged more than 100 homes and knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Jimmy Scott gets a hug from Anna May Watson, left, as they clean up from severe flooding in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., Friday, June 24, 2016. A deluge of 9 inches of rain on parts of West Virginia destroyed or damaged more than 100 homes and knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. Scott lost his home to the flood and a fire that consumed his and the homes of several relatives. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

This Thursday June 23, 2016 image provided by the Greenbrier shows flooding on a fairway in front of the clubhouse of the Old White Course at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Severe flooding hit the area that is scheduled to host a PGA tour event in two weeks. (Harry Watson/The Greenbrier via AP)

This Thursday June 23, 2016 image provided by the Greenbrier shows flooding on the 17th green of the Old White Course at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Severe flooding hit the area that is scheduled to host a PGA tour event in two weeks. (Cam Huffman/The Greenbrier via AP)
Court hearing set for suspects in 6 cookout ambush deaths

PITTSBURGH (AP)  Two men accused of killing five adults and an unborn child when ambushing a suburban Pittsburgh cookout have a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 1.

Twenty-nine-year-old Cheron Shelton and 27-year-old Robert Thomas were charged Thursday with six counts of homicide and other crimes in the March 9 slayings in Wilkinsburg.

Authorities say Shelton and Thomas went gunning for a man they believed had killed Shelton's best friend in 2013 and ended up wounding that man and two others. But authorities say they also killed five adults and an unborn child one of the victims was carrying.

This photo provided by Allegheny County, Pa., shows, Cheron Shelton. Shelton, 29, and Robert Thomas, 27, have each been charged with six counts of criminal homicide for the March 9, 2016, ambush in Wilkinsburg, Pa., Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. announced Thursday, June 23, 2016. (Allegheny County via AP)

Attorneys for the men have yet to comment on the charges.

Under Pennsylvania law, they're being held without bond because of the homicide charges.
Finance minister says India wants more manufacturers

BEIJING (AP)  India wants to attract manufacturing investment following its latest market-opening initiatives, the country's finance minister said Friday, despite business concerns about access to land, taxes and other issues.

The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened more industries to foreign ownership and streamlined official procedures, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. He was in Beijing for the first meeting of the Chinese-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Changes announced Monday by Modi's 2-year-old government included allowing complete foreign ownership of airlines and military industries. They also eased investment in pharmaceuticals, food and retailing.

India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley speaks during an interview in Beijing, Friday, June 24, 2016. India wants to attract manufacturing investment following its latest market-opening initiatives this week, the country's finance minister said Friday, despite business concerns about access to land, taxes and other issues. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

"Being a fast-growing economy, I think we are one of the priority options that the world of investors has," Jaitley said.

India is known for software and other tech industries but has lagged neighboring China in manufacturing.

Investors see the country as Asia's next major growth story as China's explosive expansion of the past decade cools.

Retailers and foreign investors are attracted by India's economic growth  the highest of any major country last year at 7.4 percent  but are frustrated by bureaucracy and market barriers.

Modi came to power promising to overhaul the economy.

"Whichever industries have come to India and invested in India have eventually ended up making India a hub for global manufacturing," Jaitley said.

Industrial investors have long been frustrated by the difficulty of gaining access to land due to requirements that local residents give their approval. Steelmakers Posco and ArcelorMittal have cited land-related delays in scrapping planned projects.

The Modi government failed to reform land acquisition laws last year when its legislation stalled in the upper house of India's Parliament, where Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party lacks a majority. The government has told investors it will be left to states to decide how to appropriate land for manufacturing.

"I don't think land is any longer a problem," Jaitley said. "Land certainly for industrial projects will be made available."

Companies also were spooked by the previous Indian government's decision to present some with retroactive tax bills. Modi's government said it would not demand similar payments, though the previous bills still are outstanding.

Jaitley said New Delhi is looking to the AIIB as a possible source of financing for a backlog of infrastructure projects. India is the bank's second-largest shareholder after China.

"One of our great challenges in India is infrastructure creation," he said.

India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley speaks during an interview in Beijing, Friday, June 24, 2016. India wants to attract manufacturing investment following its latest market-opening initiatives this week, the country's finance minister said Friday, despite business concerns about access to land, taxes and other issues. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Owner hopes to show 'Pulse is alive' with street party

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  The owner of the Orlando nightclub where a gunman fatally shot 49 patrons hosted a street party Thursday night to show that "Pulse is alive."

Pulse owner Barbara Poma held the block party in the neighborhood in downtown Orlando.

The party had a Latin theme, since it was "Latin night" at Pulse on June 12, when gunman Omar Mateen opened fire in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. In addition to those killed, another 53 patrons were wounded.

People react while watching a female impersonator at a street party, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to benefit the employees of the Pulse nightclub, the scene of the recent mass shooting. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Spokeswoman Sara Brady said Poma wants to show that Pulse's mission continues and that the club is moving forward.

For Orlando Torres, the event offered an opportunity to hug friends and dance with people who were regular patrons at the bar.

He said he spent hours hidden inside the club's bathroom the night of the shooting.

"I would have died but for the person who fell on me when they were shot," Torres told the Orlando Sentinel. "Even so, I felt the killer poke me in the back to see if I would move."

Poma hasn't decided if the gay nightclub will ever reopen.

Carlos Perez, an employee at the nightclub, said the street party helped workers feel better, but not normal. "We can't feel normal yet after what happened," Perez said.

Mateen died in a gun battle with police. In a 911 call from the club, he pledged solidarity with the Islamic State group.

Orlando police officers patrol a street party, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to benefit the employees of the Pulse nightclub, the scene of the recent mass shooting. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Pamela Sadlon, left, and Julie Eberwein attend a street party, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to benefit the employees of the Pulse nightclub, the scene of the recent mass shooting. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

A female impersonator with the stage name Maya Andrews, performs at a street party, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to benefit the employees of the Pulse nightclub, the scene of the recent mass shooting. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Erwynn Umali, left, and Will Behrens, the first gay couple to be married on a military base, kiss after making a presentation of a rainbow colored wreath to show support of the Pulse nightclub victims while attending a street party, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to benefit the employees of the nightclub, scene of the recent mass shooting. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

A female impersonator with the stage name Maya Andrews, performs at a street party, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to benefit the employees of the Pulse nightclub, the scene of the recent mass shooting. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

People dance to latin music at a street party, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to benefit the employees of the Pulse nightclub, the scene of the recent mass shooting. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

People show off their recent tattoos with the Pulse logo to support the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting at a street party, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to benefit the employees of the Pulse nightclub. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Kira Humphrey, age 7, left, hugs her uncle Patrick James at a street party, Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to benefit the employees of the Pulse nightclub, the scene of the recent mass shooting. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Cambodian leader fined for not wearing motorcycle helmet

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, known as a tough and canny politician during his more than three decades in power, is pitching himself as a repentant driving scofflaw.

He turned up at a police station in Phnom Penh on Friday to pay a 15,000 riel ($3.75) fine for driving a motorcycle without a helmet and license plate during a recent visit to the southern province of Koh Kong. He arrived on another motorcycle, accompanied by a phalanx of bodyguards on their own motorbikes.

On his Facebook page this past week he apologized after photos and videos of his ride drew criticism.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen briefs media after paying a traffic violation at a local police station in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, June 24, 2016. Cambodia's long-serving prime minister, who is known to often boast about his work and achievements, on Friday pad fine for driving a village motorbike without a helmet. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

He told reporters that even as prime minister he could not cite parliamentary immunity to avoid punishment, a dig at lawmakers from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party who complain of being stripped of their immunity after being targeted in the courts by Hun Sen.

"I hope that all people in Cambodia, regardless of whether poor, rich or powerful, whenever they committed wrongdoing against the law, they will face equal punishment before the law," he said. He also praised the country's traffic policemen for their dedication, not addressing the likelihood that they would not issue a citation to the country's leader on their own initiative.

He criticized unnamed politicians whom he accused of not respecting the law and then appealing to foreign countries to help them. Human rights groups and Western governments have criticized Hun Sen's government for its repression of its opponents, particularly through the courts, which are widely seen as politically biased.

Cambodia traditionally has been lax in enforcing traffic laws, but an upsurge in new drivers and roads has led to more accidents and consequently a crackdown in recent months.
GM plans $290 million investment in Corvette plant

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP)  Kentucky officials say General Motors Corp. plans to invest $290 million at the automaker's Corvette plant in Bowling Green.

The company's North American manufacturing manager, Arvin Jones, said Friday the investment includes technology upgrades to improve the Kentucky plant's manufacturing process.

The investment announcement was made by Gov. Matt Bevin's office in Frankfort.

Bevin's office says the investment includes a $153 million project aimed at improving vehicle assembly line processes. The latest investment follows a series of upgrades and expansions in recent years at the Corvette assembly plant in south-central Kentucky.
Obama says UK committed to 'orderly transition' out of EU

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Barack Obama tried to reassure Britons Friday that the special relationship between Washington and London would withstand an impending and likely messy divorce from Europe, as his administration scrambled to assess the fallout.

As stock markets tumbled, Obama offered words of calm and continuity, saying the shocking vote would disrupt neither the storied bond between the U.S. and the U.K. nor American support for the European alliance. In a blitz of phone calls, Obama and top advisers called British and European officials to express support.

Obama spoke with Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel separately to discuss on how Britain will extricate itself from the 27-member union, a process expected to take up to two years. Obama said he came away from his call with Cameron "confident" that Britain is "committed to an orderly transition."

President Barack Obama pauses as he begins to speak at the Global Entrepreneur Summit at Stanford University, Friday, June 24, 2016, in Stanford, Calif. Obama gave opening remarks on Britain voting to leave the 28-nation European Union. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

In Obama's call with Merkel, both "said they regretted the decision but respected the will of the British people," the White House said.

"While the U.K.'s relationship with the EU will change, one thing that will not change is the special relationship that exists between our two nations," Obama said Friday in remarks at Stanford University. "That will endure."

Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Secretary of State John Kerry also spoke to their British counterparts Friday.

The reassurance could not paper over what was clearly a blow to the president, who in one night saw his calls for unity rejected and his legacy in Europe reshaped. Obama had urged strongly that the U.K. remain in the EU, and the decision undermined his efforts to counter the isolationist viewpoints taking hold in many parts of the world. The vote also ensured that despite his high-profile aim of strengthening international alliances, he will leave office with the European Union diminished and under threat of further unraveling.

The impact of the vote was felt far beyond London and Brussels on Friday. Stocks plunged in the U.S. and worldwide as stunned investors wondered what will come next for Britain, Europe, the world's largest economic bloc, and the global economy. U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew promised to work closely with British and European officials to ensure "economic stability, security, and prosperity in Europe and beyond."

Lew said he had been consulting for weeks with finance officials and investment firms.

"The U.K. and other policymakers have the tools necessary to support financial stability," he said.

In the run-up to the vote, the White House had declined to discuss its contingency planning for Britain's departure, suggesting it was not expecting to need it.

But in making his case against the split, Obama had described some stark outcomes. On national security and economic matters, Britain is a key liaison to Europe for the U.S. That status would be diminished upon a withdrawal from the union, Obama said during an April visit to London, where he made an aggressive case against the "leave" campaign.

Obama had also painted a grim picture for British companies that do business with the U.S. The United States will continue to prioritize its still-unfinished free trade deal with the EU and will be in no hurry to start negotiating a free trade deal with Britain.

"The U.K. is going to be in the back of the queue," he said.

In a statement issued as he traveled in California, Obama took a softer tone.

"The United Kingdom's membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security and economic policy," Obama said in a statement. "So, too, is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond."

House Speaker Paul Ryan said the vote was "all the more reason for America to lead."

President Barack Obama pauses as he begins to speak at the Global Entrepreneur Summit at Stanford University, Friday, June 24, 2016, in Stanford, Calif. Obama gave opening remarks on Britain voting to leave the 28-nation European Union. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Israeli forces kill Palestinian female attacker in West Bank

JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel's army says troops have shot and killed a Palestinian woman after she purposely rammed her vehicle into an Israeli car, injuring two people in the West Bank.

The military says the woman "accelerated and crashed into a stationary vehicle" at the entrance to the settlement of Kiryat Arba. Forces opened fire and killed her. The two injured Israeli civilians were taken to hospital.

Friday's incident is the latest in nine months of dozens of Palestinian attacks, including stabbings, shootings and assaults using cars.

The attacks have killed 32 Israelis and two Americans. About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most of them described by Israel as attackers. The rest died in clashes.
Potential MH370 debris found on island off African coast

CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Aircraft wreckage potentially from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has been found on an island off the east African coast, an Australian official said Friday.

Transport Minister Darren Chester, who oversees the search for the Boeing 777 than vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board, said a "piece of aircraft debris" was found on Pemba Island off the coast of Tanzania.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which is conducting the search on Malaysia's behalf, is seeking further information to determine whether the debris is from Flight 370, Chester said in a statement. It did not say when the debris was found.

Several pieces of the plane have washed up over the past year on coastlines around the Indian Ocean, which is consistent with drifting models based on it having crashed in the Indian Ocean southwest of Australia.

The bureau announced on Wednesday that debris found on an Australian island earlier this month was not from Flight 370.

The airliner vanished on March 8, 2014, after flying off course during a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing.

Authorities say the plane likely crashed in the Indian Ocean, but officials have had no luck finding the main wreckage despite an extensive underwater search of a vast area. Crews are expected to complete their sweep of the 120,000-square kilometer (46,000-square mile) area by August, and there are no plans to extend the hunt beyond that.
Cypriot state lawyer: Egyptian hijacker lied about motives

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  An Egyptian man lied when he said he hijacked a domestic EgyptAir flight to focus the world's attention on the evils of his country's government, a lawyer seeking the man's extradition claimed Friday.

Lawyer Eleni Loizidou repeatedly attacked Seif Eddin Mustafa's credibility, telling a court that he initially told police in a sworn statement he had hijacked the plane in a bid to see his ex-wife and children in Cyprus after more than two decades apart.

Loizidou said 59-year-old Mustafa never told Cypriot authorities after his arrest that he belonged to an anti-Egyptian government group as he now claims. She also said Mustafa told the Cyprus Asylum Service that he hadn't been persecuted for his political beliefs since the government of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi came to power.

Loizidou tried to poke holes and highlight contradictions in Mustafa's 18-page testimony in which he claimed that he intended to seek asylum in Italy and to expose Egypt's "fascist" government.

Mustafa is fighting his extradition, fearing that he would be tortured and killed if he is sent back to Egypt and that he would be glad to be tried for the hijacking in Cyprus where he says he would receive a fair trial.

Mustafa has disavowed his statement to police immediately after his arrest, saying everything in it is "wrong" and that he only signed it because he "trusted" Cypriot authorities. He has later insisted he belonged to an underground anti-Egyptian government group and that it made no sense for him to hijack a plane simply to see his family.

But the lawyer painted Mustafa as a petty criminal and highlighted contradictions in his testimony, including his claim of being a pacifist while admitting to having volunteered for a suicide bombing mission in Lebanon back in 1979. She also dismissed his claim that he never meant to take hostages when he hijacked the plane.
Crisis or speed bump? What UK vote means for economy sectors

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)  Britain's vote to leave the European Union adds a heavy dose of uncertainty to a world economy that is still struggling to reach full speed years after the global financial crisis.

The most immediate pain will be felt in Britain. But economists say the ripples could be felt much farther afield.

Companies will wonder whether to invest or locate in Britain during the yearslong negotiations to define new trade conditions with the EU, its biggest business partner. Across Europe, trade and immigration may lose ground to nationalism and protectionism.

The curve of the German stock index DAX is displayed at the stock exchange in Frankfurt, Germany, Friday, June 24, 2016. The British vote to leave the European Union shook up financial markets around the globe, leading to sharp falls in stocks and the British pound. (Frank Rumpenhorst/dpa via AP)

The EU itself, minus market-oriented Britain, may turn to more government intervention and regulation. Other countries may eventually seek to leave the bloc.

"A new set of economic circumstances has been created, which the world will have to deal with," said India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. "Volatility is the new norm. And therefore, economies have to learn to live with crisis after crisis."

The global economy isn't in crisis at the moment, but growth is muted and uneven among countries. The International Monetary Fund forecasts growth of 3.5 percent for this year. The Chinese economy is slowing, the U.S. recovery has hit a slower patch, major emerging economies like Brazil are in recession, and Europe and Japan are stagnating.

That's not good enough to bring people out of poverty or get them jobs. Unemployment remains at a high 10.2 percent in the 19 countries that use the euro. In the U.S., it's a lower 4.7 percent. But the labor participation rate hasn't recovered since the recession of 2008-9, indicating that many workers have not benefited from the stronger U.S. recovery.

Here's a look at what the vote means for the world economy:

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ECONOMIC GROWTH

The most direct economic pain will be felt by the U.K., while the direct consequences for the world economy are likely to be more moderate. Moody's Analytics estimates that global economic output would be 0.25 percent smaller after five years than it otherwise would have been, while the EU would be a full percent smaller and the U.K. 4 percent.

Then there are indirect effects. Stock market plunges can make people feel poorer and less likely to spend. Uncertainty can make executives put off investments in new production.

"Uncertainty certainly impedes investment decisions, and with few signs of any pickup in the global economy we're probably going to see a slower rebound in capital spending," said Sara Johnson, senior research director of global economics with IHS Global Insight.

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CENTRAL BANKS

The market plunges after the vote are one reason for the world's central banks to keep their rock-bottom interest rates in place.

"Brexit could be a game changer for central bank thinking," Megan Greene, chief economist at Manulife Asset Management, wrote in a research note.

The Federal Reserve is less likely to raise short-term interest rates this year  and might even have to cut them. Greene predicted that the Bank of England could have to print money to finance government spending, tax cuts or both and that the Bank of Japan could follow. The European Central Bank might expand its current bond-buying stimulus program.

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THE LONDON LILY PAD

Many big companies use the U.K. as a base for their European operations. London's strength as a banking center is in part based on easy access to financial markets in Europe. Regulatory approval to do business in the British capital means an all-access pass to the 27 other EU countries, a process called passporting.

Global banks like JP Morgan Chase have already said that they would have to move jobs from London to the European mainland if Britain leaves the EU.

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CONSUMERS, TRAVELERS

The pound and euro both dropped Friday, which should make British and eurozone exports cheaper overseas. American travelers heading to Britain and the rest of Europe are going to find less-expensive meals, hotels, souvenirs and museum admissions because the U.S. dollar will go further. Airfare for peak summer months probably won't dip, but any taxes and fees levied in Europe will be cheaper. For instance, all coach passengers leaving the U.K. for the U.S. pay 73 pounds for the Air Passenger Duty. That tax is now cheaper.

Among retailers, analysts expect luxury sellers  which have already seen weaker demand  to be hurt the most.

London luxury shops could suffer if banks move out, taking big-spending employees with them, said Hana Ben-Shabat, a partner at A.T. Kearney. In the U.S., stores like Tiffany and Macy's, which draw a lot of British tourists to their flagship New York stores, could be hurt.

Restaurant companies with a significant presence in the U.K. and Europe could be hurt, said David Palmer, an RBC Capital Markets analyst. He said the U.S. groups with the most exposure are McDonald's Corp., and to a lesser degree Yum Brands Inc. (Pizza Hut, KFC), Restaurant Brands International Inc. (Burger King), and Starbucks Corp.

Overall, said Steve Barr at PwC, any prolonged declines in the stock market could make shoppers wary about spending.

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TRADE

The impact on U.K.-EU trade would depend on how quick and amicable negotiations are on a new set of relations. Britain could wind up like Switzerland, which simply adopts EU requirements without having any say in how they are decided. Britain sends 44 percent of its exports to the EU, less than any other member country but still significant.

The price for continued market access, however, could be allowing free movement of workers. A desire to control immigration was a major force behind the "leave" campaign, so it's unclear if such an agreement could ever be reached.

"If the U.K. takes a tougher stance on immigration, for businesses this will be a disaster as the EU will retaliate," said Christian Stadler, professor of strategic management at the Warwick Business School in Coventry, Britain. "Access to the EU will become difficult. For some companies, this means doing business in Europe won't be attractive anymore."

"Others will have to deal with complicated bureaucracy," he said. "In short: a nightmare."

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MARKETS

Stock markets plunged Friday, with Germany's DAX falling almost 7 percent, the Dow Jones industrial average 3.4 percent and Britain's FTSE 3.2 percent. The pound hit a 31-year low.

Outside the U.K., however, that turmoil may not last. Analysts at Oxford Economics think the global market reaction and fears of an EU breakup are exaggerated.

Today's drops "are hard to square with the likely long-term impact on the U.K.  at worst a few percent of GDP in the long run in an economy that is only 3.5 percent of world output."

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POLITICAL DOMINOES

The British vote would have a much broader impact if it becomes a political turning point away from trade and economic integration. In economic terms, free trade is considered a plus for growth. It should mean bigger markets, lower consumer prices and more competition. Yet those advantages can quickly be forgotten if people feel that the benefits are not fairly distributed, or that their jobs are left unprotected and move to other, lower-cost countries.

Many think a British exit could embolden anti-EU, anti-immigration political movements such as the National Front in France. Its leader, Marine Le Pen, is already considered likely to make the final round of presidential elections next year. Geert Wilders, head of the anti-Islam, anti-EU Freedom Party in the Netherlands, called Friday for a referendum on the EU there, too.

And it goes beyond Europe. Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee for U.S. president, has described the free trade agreement among Canada, the U.S. and Mexico as "a disaster." Likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has said the U.S. should "renegotiate deals that are not working for Americans" and if necessary reject a proposed trade deal with Asian countries if it doesn't show clear benefits for raising wages and jobs.

"In the U.S., there is a clear parallel between the rise of Donald Trump ... and what is going on in the U.K. and the rest of Europe," said Rob Carnell, chief international economist at ING Commercial Banking. "The recovery has left large swathes of the population behind, and this is their protest."

"I think this vote has been a vote against open and integrated societies, quite frankly," said Guntram Wolff, director of the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. "And I think the sentiment in many other European countries ... would be to say, we will not counter that, we are so fearful, that we will basically try to counter populism by following the same road and be more protectionist."

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AP writers Joe McDonald in Beijing, Paul Wiseman in Washington and Scott Mayerowitz, Anne D'Innocenzio and Candice Choi in New York contributed to this report.
Mexico to cut spending in light of Britain's EU exit

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico's government will cut public spending by more than $1.6 billion (31.7 billion pesos) in response to the economic uncertainty unleashed by Britain's vote to exit the European Union.

Treasury Secretary Luis Videgaray said at a news conference Friday that the year's second cut to government spending is being made to reduce the public sector's financing demands.

Videgaray also sought to assure Mexicans that the government has covered all of its financing needs for the remainder of the year. He said that means volatility in international financial markets will not affect the country's financing needs.

He said the government still plans to have a budget surplus in 2017 for the first time since 2008.

The state-owned oil company known as Pemex announced a $5.5 billion budget cut in February.

Deputy Treasury Secretary Fernando Aportela said Mexico's peso, which has devalued 21.5 percent in the last year, plunged as low as 19.50 to $1 overnight after the British vote counts began coming in, before levelling off at 18.94 to $1 by the end of the day Friday.
The Latest: 2 dead in California blaze were trying to flee

LAKE ISABELLA, Calif. (AP)  The Latest on wildfires burning in the West (all times local):

6:30 p.m.

Authorities say two people who died in a central California wildfire were trying to flee when they were killed.

A Kern County firefighter sets a backfire by a wildfire burning near Lake Isabella, Calif. on Friday, June 24, 2016. Dozens of homes burned to the ground as a wildfire raged over ridges and tore through rural communities in central California, authorities said. (Ryan Babroff via AP) ONE TIME USE NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, MAGS OUT

Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said at a news conference Friday that the two were outside of their house and overcome with smoke when they died in the massive blaze in the Lake Isabella area.

He released no further details on the two dead.

Youngblood said his department hasn't been able to search very extensively and would be looking through burned homes with cadaver dogs seeking more possible victims.

County fire officials say the blaze has grown to nearly 47 square miles since breaking out Thursday and is still burning out of control.

It has destroyed 80 homes and forced the evacuation of 1,500 more.

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6:05 p.m.

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell says it's the peak of fire season in the Southwest and extensive droughts throughout the region have made fire conditions more severe.

He made the comments Friday after touring central New Mexico where a wildfire raced across 28 square miles, forced evacuations and destroyed 24 homes and numerous other structures.

Tidwell and members of New Mexico's congressional delegation were briefed by fire officials. The blaze is now more than 80 percent contained thanks to rain and high humidity levels.

Tidwell says what's happening in New Mexico, Arizona and California was expected and it's going to continue as the fire season moves north.

Tidwell says the New Mexico fire could have been worse had it not been for thinning and other preparations made in the Manzano Mountains in recent years.

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5 p.m.

A wildfire that has destroyed 80 homes and killed two people has prompted Gov. Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency in Central California.

The proclamation issued Friday frees up money and resources for the firefight and the aftermath of the blaze.

It also temporarily suspends some state regulations and waives fees as a way to ease the return of evacuees and those who have lost homes.

Brown's statement offers condolences to those affected by the fire and commends the courage of firefighters.

The blaze began Thursday and quickly tore through rural neighborhoods near Lake Isabella northeast of Bakersfield.

Some 1,500 homes are under evacuation orders.

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2:05 p.m.

Utah firefighters are trying to keep a wildfire burning in a forest on the edge of a small mountain town from descending on homes.

Officials encouraged residents of about 400 homes in the southwestern Utah town of Pine Valley to leave the area and warned that mandatory evacuations could be ordered if the fire flares up.

The lightning-caused blaze was about a mile away from some homes Friday after charring about 1  square miles while burning on a steep canyon slope above the town.

Fire officials ordered the evacuation of about 100 homes in the town earlier in the week but lifted the order Thursday.

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1:15 p.m.

Authorities say a wildfire roaring through mountain communities in central California has killed two people.

Kern County fire spokesman Phil Neufeld says Friday that two residents were found dead in Lake Isabella, a popular recreation area east of Bakersfield.

No other details are immediately available.

The wind-whipped fire has destroyed 80 homes in the southern Sierra Nevada and exploded to more than 29 square miles.

It erupted Thursday afternoon and moved so fast that many people had little time to flee as propane tanks exploded and smoke obscured the path to safety.

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12:55 p.m.

Smoke from California's wildfires has prompted an air quality alert across the border in the Las Vegas area.

The Clark County Department of Air Quality issued a warning Friday about elevated levels of ozone and smoke coming from wildfires outside Los Angeles and Bakersfield.

Southern Nevada officials say there is or will be an unhealthy level of pollution at least through Saturday morning, particularly for those sensitive to air quality conditions.

Officials are urging people to stay indoors, limit outdoor exercise and run the air conditioner, as smoke and dust can aggravate respiratory illnesses.

The latest alert is an upgrade from an existing air quality advisory that's in effect through Monday.

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12:20 p.m.

Authorities say a massive wildfire is no longer endangering residents of some eastern Arizona communities.

The Navajo County Sheriff's Office announced Friday that residents in Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside and other unincorporated areas can stand down after being told for days to prepare to evacuate if needed.

Navajo County spokesman Adam Wolfe says the White Mountain Apache Tribe will make its own decision about whether to lift notices on tribal land.

Law enforcement made the decision after consulting with the incident team overseeing the fire.

Residents still are prohibited from building campfires, using fireworks or smoking outdoors.

The blaze has burned 72 square miles and is less than halfway contained.

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11:10 a.m.

Officials say a wildfire in eastern Arizona that has burned 72 square miles of brush and pine is nearly half contained.

Firefighters made significant progress Thursday on a blaze that has prompted pre-evacuation notices in Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low and nearby communities.

Officials say the fire is now 42 percent contained after officials were able to put down miles of fire line on the north and south edges of the blaze.

However, firefighters are concerned about the possible impact of any rain in the coming weeks.

A team trained to evaluate burned out areas says half of the drainages near the community of Cedar Creek have been severely damaged.

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10:40 a.m.

A wind-whipped wildfire burning among mountain communities in California's southern Sierra Nevada has ballooned to more than 29 square miles.

The latest measurement at midmorning Friday is more than double the previous estimate.

About 100 buildings around the popular recreation area of Lake Isabella have been destroyed, including 80 homes, since the blaze erupted Thursday afternoon and sent residents fleeing.

Fire authorities say an additional 1,500 structures are threatened.

Six hundred firefighters are battling the blaze about 35 miles northeast of Bakersfield and hundreds more are on their way.

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9:30 a.m.

A wildfire that has burned 28 square miles in central New Mexico is nearly contained.

The blaze in the Manzano Mountains south of Albuquerque has destroyed two dozen homes. It was more than 80 percent contained as of Friday morning.

Fire officials say crews benefited from nearly 3 inches of rain falling on areas of the fire Thursday. They say the chance of hot spots igniting has decreased drastically.

Meanwhile, firefighters further north are battling a wildfire within the municipal watershed for Santa Fe. The blaze, which started Thursday afternoon, has grown to 15 acres and isn't at all contained.

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9:10 a.m.

Firefighters are clearing brush and wetting grass on the edges of a forest near the Colorado-Wyoming border where a blaze has burned 8 square miles.

Crews are concentrating on keeping the flames from about 40 nearby vacation homes. So far, only a few small structures have burned.

Officials have stepped up their response since the blaze broke out Sunday, with 379 firefighters on the lines versus 120 earlier in the week. A team experienced in dealing with a complex fire got in place Thursday.

Team spokesman Brian Scott said Friday that large, standing trees killed by a beetle infestation are fueling the blaze. A dead tree could fall at any time, creating a risk to firefighters.

Scott says heavy rains overnight didn't dampen much of the fire, but it didn't spread. Thunderstorms expected this weekend could bring winds that spread the flames.

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8:50 a.m.

Residents have described a frantic flight from mountain communities where a wildfire burned dozens of homes to the ground in California's southern Sierra Nevada.

The blaze has destroyed 80 houses and 20 other buildings around Lake Isabella, a major recreation destination 35 miles northeast of Bakersfield. Three firefighters have suffered smoke inhalation.

Several thousand people have been forced to evacuate, and some 1,500 homes are threatened.

Cachet Kirby said Friday that she and neighbors grabbed clothes, blankets and their dogs and fled through thick smoke as flames came down the mountains.

The 22-year-old says she couldn't see or breathe. She and others were desperate for information about their homes.

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7:15 a.m.

An explosive wildfire that has destroyed 80 homes and is threatening some 1,500 other residences in the central California mountains has grown to more than 12 square miles.

Fire officials said Friday that the blaze also has destroyed about 20 other buildings around Lake Isabella, a major outdoor recreation destination in the southern Sierra Nevada. It's not clear what those structures were.

Forecasters have posted warnings of very low humidity and gusty winds of up to 55 mph that could worsen the fire 35 miles northeast of Bakersfield.

Similar warnings are posted 150 miles south for mountains near Los Angeles.

A home is fully engulfed in a fire caused by a fast burning wildfire in the section of South Lake near Lake Isabella, Calif. on Friday, June 24, 2016. Dozens of homes burned to the ground as a wildfire raged over ridges and tore through rural communities in central California, authorities said. (Ryan Babroff via AP) ONE TIME USE NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, MAGS OUT
Actress Kelly McGillis attacked at North Carolina home

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (AP)  An apparently shaken and frantic Kelly McGillis could be heard on a recorded 911 call screaming about a woman who broke into her North Carolina home, saying the woman attacked her and claimed to know her.

The 58-year-old actress, who appeared in "Top Gun" and "Witness," wrote on Facebook that she returned to her Hendersonville home June 17 to find a light on and her front door unlocked. She says she was soon confronted by a woman who attacked her when she ran outside to call 911 and took her cellphone.

Authorities in Henderson County said 38-year-old Laurence Marie Dorn of Clinton, Illinois, was arrested and faces charges including stalking and assault and battery.

FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2013, file photo, Kelly McGillis from the film "We Are What We Are" poses for a portrait during the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. McGillis wrote on Facebook that she was attacked by a stranger on June 17, 2016, at her home in Hendersonville, North Carolina. (Photo by Victoria Will/Invision/AP Images, File)

Dorn was released after posting a $60,000 bond. Online records don't say whether she has an attorney. Dorn did not immediately return a call to a voice message from the Associated Press at a number listed for her.

She is scheduled to appear in court on June 28.

Dispatchers received a call from McGillis at 9:15 p.m. on June 17 saying someone had broken into her house.

"Right now. Help me!" McGillis is heard screaming in a recording of the 911 calls.

The next phone call came one minute later with McGillis screaming for help again.

"I have somebody in my house. They're beating me up! Please help me! Help me!" The dispatcher asks multiple times for McGillis' address but doesn't get a response.

Another call at 9:23 p.m. came from an unidentified woman who said she'd been stopped by a woman who told her someone had broken into her house.

"I came home, door unlocked, lights were on. I said 'hello, hello' and she came out and just said a bunch of (expletive) about how I knew she was coming and how could she do this to me, why don't I get her a hotel," said McGillis, whose conversation with the dispatcher was punctuated by a wheezing cough and heavy breathing. "I don't know. I think she's a freakin' thief. She's trying to act crazy."

McGillis writes that she was left scratched and bruised but is otherwise OK. She says she has gotten a concealed-carry gun permit to protect herself.
US Embassy in Mexico warns about travel to Oaxaca state

MEXICO CITY (AP)  The United States Embassy in Mexico has warned its citizens about travel to Oaxaca, a southern state convulsed by protests in recent weeks.

The message was issued after eight people were killed in a weekend clash between protesters and police in Nochixtlan. The embassy tells government employees they may only travel by air to the beach resort towns of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.

That excludes the state's scenic capital, also named Oaxaca, popular among tourists who flock to its rich culinary and craft offerings.

A young woman walks with a photo of Jesus Cadena, who died last Sunday during the clearing of the highway by police, as others carry his coffin in Nochixtlan, in Oaxaca state, Mexico, Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Violence erupted during the weekend in which at least 8 people died in confrontations between the police and striking teachers. The teachers are protesting against plans to overhaul the country's education system which include federally mandated teacher evaluations. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Foreign tourists were scarce in the capital this week. Hotels complained of cancelled bookings, sidewalk cafes that grace the city's central square were empty.
Charges filed in slaying of 2 US missionaries in Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP)  Authorities in Jamaica say one man has been charged and another is being sought for questioning in the killing in April of two U.S. missionaries who had worked for years in the Caribbean island.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force said Thursday that 25-year-old Andre Thomas has been charged with murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He lives in the district where the two Americans were killed April 30. A court date had not yet been set.

The police announced they were seeking a man identified as 25-year-old Dwight Henry for questioning.
Officer critical but stable; convicted felon arrested

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  A police officer was shot several times Friday as he approached people suspected of smoking marijuana behind an apartment building, prompting a three-hour manhunt near Philadelphia that halted a dozen Amtrak trains, authorities said.

Folcroft Officer Christopher Dorman, 25, sustained injuries that required at least two surgeries, officials said. He was in critical but stable condition Friday, and police had a suspect in custody.

Police chief Robert Ruskowski wondered aloud at a news conference how somebody "just hanging out, smoking grass at 10 o'clock in the morning ... is willing to take your life."

Law enforcement gather in the aftermath of a shooting, Folcroft, Friday, June 24, 2016. Authorities are hunting for a suspect after a police officer was shot near Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Donte Island had served about nine years in federal prison on a gun conviction before his release in 2013. His parole officer requested an arrest warrant and revocation hearing in September after Island repeatedly tested positive for marijuana, which he said he used for stress, court records show. But the officer then had trouble finding Island at his listed Folcroft address, and there's no sign the hearing occurred.

Island was arrested at the same address, an apartment house near the railroad tracks, Friday afternoon after police who had surrounded the building for several hours entered the unit.

Island was being charged with two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated assault. Police said he exchanged gunfire with a second officer after shooting Dorman. His last known defense lawyer, a public defender who represented him in the 2003 gun case, did not immediately return a message after business hours Friday.

Federal officials did not have any immediate information on the parole violations or requested hearing.

Dorman was shot in the face, leg and groin. His police vest deflected several more shots that could have been life-threatening, Ruskowski said.

The shooting took place about a block from the tracks used by Amtrak and a regional rail line. The lines were shut down for more than two hours as police combed the area. About 500 passengers on Amtrak's Acela and Northeast Regional lines were stopped on tracks nearby, spokesman Craig Schulz said.

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Associated Press reporter Dake Kang contributed to this report.

Law enforcement gather in the aftermath of a shooting, Friday, June 24, 2016, in Folcroft, Pa. Authorities are hunting for a suspect after a police officer was shot near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Authorities search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Authorities search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

People look on as authorities search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Law enforcement gather as authorities search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Law enforcement gather as authorities search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Authorities move out to search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Law enforcement detain people in the aftermath of a shooting of a police officer Friday, June 24, 2016, in Folcroft, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Law enforcement detain people in the aftermath of a shooting of a police officer Friday, June 24, 2016, in Folcroft, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Pistorius shown in TV interview ahead of murder sentence

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  After his sentencing hearing last week, convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius was mistakenly ushered to a vehicle carrying Barry Steenkamp, father of Reeva, the girlfriend he killed. A police officer pulled open the sliding door before realizing the error. Surrounded by journalists and onlookers, Pistorius stepped away, made a phone call and was soon driving away in a car that had arrived to collect him.

The mishap outside a Pretoria courthouse came toward the end of a three-year drama in South Africa's wood-paneled courtrooms as well as in the global arena of public opinion. It nearly thrust together two men described as broken  defense lawyers say the double-amputee Olympian is emotionally devastated, and the prosecution says Steenkamp is shattered by the loss of his daughter.

Ahead of the July 6 sentencing of the athlete, a television interview with Pistorius is reviving questions about the former star who, despite intense media coverage of his trial, seems unknowable to many who speculate about what exactly happened on the night he fatally shot Reeva Steenkamp in his home early on Valentine's Day 2013. Did he kill her intentionally or after mistaking her for an intruder, as he maintains? Did his tears on the witness stand express true remorse or were they an exercise in self-pity and a bid to garner sympathy?

FILE - In this June 15, 2016 file photo Oscar Pistorius' prosthetics lay on the floor as he walks on his amputated legs during argument in mitigation of sentence by his defence attorney Barry Roux in the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa. The long legal saga of Oscar Pistorius is drawing to a close as he faces sentencing on July 6 for murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. (Siphiwe Sibeko via AP, Pool,File)

The documentary on Britain's ITV, to be broadcast late Friday, appears to be an effort by Pistorius, a multiple Paralympic champion who also ran at the 2012 Olympics, to sway public opinion even as he has suffered setbacks in the courts. South Africa's M-Net will also screen the documentary.

In interview excerpts reported by some media, Pistorius said he doesn't want to "waste" his life by going back to jail, where he already spent one year on an earlier conviction of manslaughter for Steenkamp's death that was overturned in favor of the murder conviction. An appeals court determined that Pistorius intended to kill  whether an intruder, according to his account, or his girlfriend, by the prosecution's account.

South Africa's minimum sentence for murder is 15 years in prison, though a judge can reduce that sentence in some circumstances. The prosecution, which has asked for 15 years, or the defense can appeal the sentence.

"If I was afforded the opportunity of redemption I would like to help the less fortunate like I had in my past. I would like to believe that if Reeva could look down upon me, that she would want me to live that life," Pistorius said in the edited interview. Pistorius also wept as he delivered his account of thinking an intruder was in his house, opening fire, realizing his error and trying to revive Steenkamp.

Last week, chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel said it was "disrespectful" to Steenkamp and her family that Pistorius conducted the interview but declined to testify at his sentencing hearing.

Lawyers generally advise clients not to talk to the media while a case is underway because of possible legal complications. Earlier this month, Pistorius' uncle, Arnold Pistorius, said the family had declined many requests for interviews with his nephew to respect the legal process. He said ITV's request was granted in an effort to dispel what he described as the many inaccuracies and speculations that had arisen.

The image of a man overwhelmed by grief because of a tragic error captivated supporters of Pistorius, including those who wept and gasped last week when his lawyer asked him to take off his prostheses and walk on his stumps in the courtroom to show his vulnerability.

Barry Steenkamp was a picture of distress on the witness stand. He described how he has jabbed hard at his stomach and arms with the needles he uses for his diabetes medication to try to simulate the pain that his daughter must have felt. He also argued successfully for the judge to release graphic photos taken after she was shot, and some media have shown the images of Reeva Steenkamp with blood-caked hair and closed eyes.

"Oscar has to pay for what he did," said Barry Steenkamp, adding that he would like to talk to Pistorius in private at a later stage.

Last week, no words were exchanged when Pistorius stood briefly at the door of the vehicle carrying the father of his dead girlfriend.

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Follow Christopher Torchia on Twitter at www.twitter.com/torchiachris

FILE - In this June 14 2016 file photo Oscar Pistorius wipes his face with a cloth as he appears in the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa on the second day of his sentencing hearing for murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Ahead of the July 6 sentencing of the double-amputee Olympian, a television interview with Pistorius is reviving questions about a former star who, despite intense media coverage of his trial, seems unknowable to many who speculate about what exactly happened on the night he fatally shot Steenkamp in his home early on Valentine's Day 2013 (Kim Ludbrook/ Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - In this June 14 2016 file photo Barry Steenkamp, father of Reeva Steenkamp, gives evidence in mitigation of sentence as Oscar Pistorius appears in the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, on the second day of the double-amputee runner's sentencing hearing for murdering girlfriend Steenkamp. The prosecution said that Steenkamp is devastated by the death of his daughter. (AP Photo/Kim Ludbrook, Pool, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 4, 2012 file photo, South African Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp arrive for an awards ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ahead of the July 6 sentencing of the double-amputee Olympian, a television interview with Pistorius is reviving questions about a former star who, despite intense media coverage of his trial, seems unknowable to many who speculate about what exactly happened on the night he fatally shot Reeva Steenkamp in his home early on Valentine's Day 2013 (Lucky Nxumalo/Citypress via AP, File) SOUTH AFRICA OUT
Moldova mayor arrested on suspicion of money laundering

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP)  A Modolvan court has ruled that a mayor can be arrested on suspicion of money laundering connected to the disappearance of $1 billion from three Moldovan banks in 2014.

A Chisinau district court ruled Friday that Ilan Shor, mayor of the town of Orhei, should be arrested for 30 days in connection with huge loans given by Savings Bank where he was chairman of the board from April to Nov. 28, 2014.

Ilan's lawyer, Iulian Balan, said he would appeal.

U.S. investigative company Kroll, which is probing the disappearance of the money from three Moldovan banks in 2014, says about $1 billion was transferred from the Savings Bank on Nov. 24-26, 2014.
Hezbollah vows to send more fighters to Syria's Aleppo

BEIRUT (AP)  Hezbollah's leader said on Friday that the Lebanese militant group will be sending more fighters to Syria's Aleppo province, where pro-government forces are battling Syrian rebels on several fronts.

Hassan Nasrallah made the pledge despite heavy losses the Shiite group has incurred in fighting along Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces in the war-wrecked Aleppo province this month.

In a speech addressing supporters to mark 40 days since the killing of Hezbollah's top commander Mustafa Badreddine in Syria, Nasrallah called the fight for Syria's largest city and its province the "great" battle of the Syria war.

A Hezbollah supporter wave his group flag, as Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, center, speaks via a video link during a ceremony marking the death of Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine who was killed in in Damascus last month, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, June 24, 2016. Nasrallah says the Lebanese Shiite militant group will send more fighters to Syria's Aleppo province, where pro-government forces are battling Syrian rebels on several fronts. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

"We will increase our presence in Aleppo," he said and added that "there can be no retreat, and no doubt."

Hezbollah, a Shiite group which is also part of the Lebanese government, has sent thousands of fighters to support Assad's forces in the civil war next door. The conflict is now in its sixth-year. Over 1,000 of Hezbollah's fighters have been killed in battle.

Nasrallah admitted to losing 26 fighters in the Aleppo region in June alone but also claimed that more than 600 fighters were killed on the side of the enemy.

He also said the fate of Lebanon is intertwined with that of Syria and Iraq, adding that it is only natural that his fighters be involved in those conflicts to protect Lebanon.

Nasrallah also criticized Bahrain's rulers for their decision to strip the country's leading Shiite cleric of his nationality in a move that brought thousands of protesters into the streets and threatened to further ignite sectarian tensions across the region.

In his speech, he blasted Bahrain's Sunni leaders as being "midgets" and "servants" of the Saudi ruling family.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, center, speaks via a video link during a ceremony marking the death of Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine who was killed in in Damascus last month, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, June 24, 2016. Nasrallah says the Lebanese Shiite militant group will send more fighters to Syria's Aleppo province, where pro-government forces are battling Syrian rebels on several fronts. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Texas Supreme Court sidesteps key home schooling issue

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  The Texas Supreme Court sided Friday with a family accused of not teaching its children anything while waiting to be "raptured," but failed to answer larger constitutional questions about whether home-schooled students must be properly educated.

The 6-3 decision by the all-Republican court on technical grounds means nothing was decided regarding a showdown between religious liberties and educational requirements in America's largest conservative state, though it will live on in lower Texas courts.

Texas doesn't require parents who home-school their children to register with state authorities. While families must meet "basic educational goals" in reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and citizenship, they don't have to give standardized testing or otherwise prove student progress is made.

Problems for Laura and Michael McIntyre, who once educated their nine children in an empty office at the family's motorcycle dealership in El Paso, arose after an uncle told the school district that he never saw the children do much of anything educational. According to court filings, he also overheard of the children tell a cousin "they did not need to do schoolwork because they were going to be raptured," or blessed by the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The family's eldest daughter, 17-year-old Tori, ran away from home in 2006 so she could return to school. The El Paso district put her in the ninth grade because officials weren't sure she could handle higher grade-level work  a claim her parents' dispute.

Attempting to investigate accusations of non-learning, school district attendance officer Michael Mendoza sought proof the children were being properly educated. That prompted the McIntyres to sue, arguing that their equal protection rights under the 14th Amendment had been violated and that the school district was anti-Christian.

The family said it used a religious curriculum similar to one offered in El Paso's Christian schools, and noted the uncle invented claims of waiting for the rapture because he was embroiled in a dispute over ownership of the since-defunct motorcycle dealership.

The high court found that 14th Amendment claims were not a question for Texas' educational code.

"Whether their constitutional rights were violated remains to be decided, but it is a question the courts  not the commissioner  must decide," Justice John Devine wrote, referring to the state's education commissioner, Mike Morath.

The lower courts may ask for new briefs detailing each side's argument, but there's "a very good chance" that the larger constitutional issues could eventually be settled legally, according to Chad Baruch, an attorney who represents the McIntyres.

"I think my clients would love for there to be some clarification as to the limits on the school district's power to demand information from home-school families," Baruch said. "But they recognize that's down the line."

Since the case involved alleged educational violations, the justices sent it back to the El Paso Court of Appeals, which can either rule on it or ship it back to the trial court, also located in El Paso.

Friday's ruling wasn't a total win for the McIntyres, however. The Texas Supreme Court also agreed with a lower court in that Mendoza didn't violate federal 14th Amendment protections when he investigated the McIntyres.

Anthony Safi, an attorney for the El Paso school district, said "we're pleased with the court's decision dismissing the claims against Mr. Mendoza" but that he was still studying the full extent of it.
Haiti orphanage founder wants defamation lawsuit reinstated

PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  A Haiti orphanage founder wants a court to reinstate his defamation suit against a Maine activist who publicized sexual abuse accusations against him.

A federal jury concluded last year that Paul Kendrick defamed orphanage founder Michael Geilenfeld and awarded more than $14 million in damages. But an appellate court in Boston then questioned whether the case ever belonged in federal court in the first place.

U.S. District Judge John Woodcock Jr. ruled earlier this month that Geilenfeld wasn't living in the U.S. when he filed his claim and the case lacked grounds to be heard in a U.S. court.

Geilenfeld filed his appeal on Friday to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Italian and French archaeologists have discovered four skeletons and gold coins in the ruins of an ancient shop on the outskirts of Pompeii.

The skeletons are those of young people, including an adolescent girl, who perished in the back of the shop near the ancient Roman town when Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered it in ash in 79.

Three gold coins and a necklace's pendant were scattered among the bones. In the workshop was an oven which archaeologists think might have been used to make bronze objects.

Italian and French archaeologist team, digging in the outskirts of Pompeii, have discovered four skeletons (the bones of one, pictured) and gold coins in the ruins of an ancient shop. Pompeii archaeological site officials said the skeletons are those of young people who perished in the back of the shop when Mount Vesuvius erupted

The excavation of that and a second ancient shop started in May near a necropolis in the Herculaneum port area.

Archaeologists are puzzling over what kind of business the second shop did. It features a circular well accessible by a spiral staircase and dug out of the terrain.

Officials said there was evidence the shop had been ransacked by clandestine diggers after the eruption, presumably 'on the hunt for treasures buried under the ashes.'

The coins and the gold-leaf-foil pendant, in the shape of a flower, apparently escaped the eyes of those pillaging the shop, the archaeologists said.

Three gold coins and a necklace's pendant were scattered among the bones. In the workshop was an oven which archaeologists think might have been used to make bronze objects

In another stunning discovery, the dig revealed a 4th century B.C. tomb of an adult, complete with funerary vases.

The find 'adds to the rare funerary testimony of the pre-Roman age,' the statement said.

Inside the tomb was the skeleton of an adult, possibly male, lying on his back. Near the arms and feet were at least six vases painted black.

AN ACCOUNT OF POMPEII PANIC BY PLINY THE YOUNGER An administrator and poet called Pliny the younger watched the disaster unfold from a distance. Letters describing what he saw were found in the 16th century. His writing suggests that the eruption caught the residents of Pompeii unawares. He said that a column of smoke 'like an umbrella pine' rose from the volcano and made the towns around it as black as night. People ran for their lives with torches, screaming and some wept as rain of ash and pumice fell for several hours. While the eruption lasted for around 24 hours, the first pyroclastic surges began at midnight, causing the volcano's column to collapse. An avalanche of hot ash, rock and poisonous gas rushed down the side of the volcano at 124mph (199kph), burying victims and remnants of everyday life. Hundreds of refugees sheltering in the vaulted arcades at the seaside in Herculaneum, clutching their jewellery and money, were killed instantly. As people fled Pompeii or hid in their homes, their bodies were covered by blankets of the surge. While Pliny did not estimate how many people died, the event was said to be 'exceptional' and the number of deaths is thought to exceed 10,000. Advertisement

Pompeii was a large Roman town in the Italian region of Campania.

Mount Vesuvius unleashed its power by spewing ash hundreds of feet into the air for 18 hours, which fell onto the doomed town, choking residents and covering buildings.

But the deadly disaster occurred the next morning, when the volcano's cone collapsed, causing an avalanche of mud travelling at 100mph (160km/h) to flood Pompeii, destroying everything in its path and covering the town so that all but the tallest buildings were buried.

People were buried too in the ash, which hardened to form a porous shell, meaning that the soft tissues of the bodies decayed, leaving the skeleton in a void.

In another stunning discovery, the dig revealed a 4th century B.C. tomb of an adult, complete with funerary vases. The find 'adds to the rare funerary testimony of the pre-Roman age,' the statement said. Inside the tomb was the skeleton of an adult, possibly male, lying on his back

Archaeologists are puzzling over what kind of business the second shop did. It features a circular well accessible by a spiral staircase and dug out of the terrain

Reports claim two thousand people died, and the location was abandoned until it was rediscovered in 1748. Many of the buildings, artefacts and skeletons were found intact under a layer of debris.

It is now classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site and more than 2.5 million tourists visit each year.

In November, French and Italian archaeologists excavating areas of the ancient town found raw clay vases that appear to have been dropped by Roman potters fleeing the disaster.

The perfectly-preserved settlement was discovered by accident in the 18th century, buried under 30ft of ash.

Excavators were amazed to find human remains inside voids of the ash and soon worked out how to create casts of the people to capture a moment frozen in time.

The discovery was made in an ancient shop on the outskirts of Pompeii. Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum were ancient Roman towns. Much of the area is still to be excavated, including of Herculaneum, which was buried deeper, beneath as much as 80 feet (24 meters) of ash
South Florida man says he's didn't kill FSU professor

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  One of the two men accused of killing a Florida State University professor is pleading not guilty to the charges.

Sigfredo Garcia appeared in a Leon County court on Friday as his attorney sought his release on bail until trial. A grand jury last week indicted Garcia and Luis Rivera on first-degree murder charges in the July 2014 shooting of Daniel Markel.

Police have said Rivera and Garcia came to Tallahassee from South Florida as part of a plot to kill Markel. Authorities have suggested the scheme was sparked by a bitter divorce between the professor and his ex-wife.

Garcia attorney Jim Lewis asserted in court there isn't enough evidence to connect his client to the crime.
Afghan official: Islamic State kills 8, including civilians

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  An Afghan official says Islamic State militants in the country's east have killed eight people, including two women and two children.

Attaullah Khogyani, spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial governor, says two policemen were among those killed while seven civilians were wounded in Friday's violence in Kot district, where IS militants attacked several checkpoints.

Khogyani says the IS extremists also burned down 25 houses in the district.

He says Afghan forces responded to the attack and that fighting with IS militants is continuing in the district and that about 30 militants have been killed in fierce clashes.
Uzbek man convicted of terror charges drops appeal

BOISE, Idaho (AP)  An Uzbek refugee sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted in a plan to kill military personnel or civilians in Idaho has dropped an appeal of his conviction and sentence in exchange for dismissal of bomb-making charges in Utah, a newspaper reported.

The deal also includes prosecutors in Idaho dropping their appeal that the sentence for 33-year-old Fazliddin Kurbanov wasn't long enough, the Idaho Statesman reported (http://bit.ly/28SLjbL) Thursday.

A federal court judge in Boise sentenced Kurbanov in January following his August conviction on charges of conspiracy, attempting to support a terrorist organization and possession of bomb-making components.

A Utah grand jury in May 2013 indicted Kurbanov on charges of providing instruction on the construction and use of an improvised explosive device. Kurbanov could have faced an additional 20 years in prison if convicted of that count.

That case was put on hold while proceedings in Idaho moved forward.

Chuck Peterson, Kurbanov's attorney, declined to comment.

Federal prosecutors in Idaho said Kurbanov had an unwavering commitment to kill personnel at a military base or civilians at crowded Fourth of July celebrations in downtown Boise.

Authorities also said Kurbanov discussed with a confidential FBI source targeting military bases, in particular West Point Military Academy in New York.

Prosecutors say the Russian-speaking truck driver who fled Uzbekistan in 2009 downloaded jihadist and martyrdom videos from a terrorist website and communicated with a terrorist organization, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. Authorities monitored his communications and arrested him in 2013.

Kurbanov has denied being a terrorist. But U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge said during sentencing that Kurbanov intended to commit jihad against the U.S.
Obama names Stonewall national monument; 1st for gay rights

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Barack Obama created the first national monument to gay rights on Friday, designating the site of the Stonewall riots in Manhattan where the modern gay rights movement took root nearly five decades ago.

The Stonewall National Monument will be anchored by Christopher Park, a small park just across from the iconic Stonewall Inn tavern, and covers a 7.7 acre swath of Greenwhich Village where the uprising took place after police raided the gay bar in 1969. Obama said the monument would "tell the story of our struggle for LGBT rights" and of a civil rights movement that became a part of America.

"I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country: the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us," Obama said. "That we are stronger together, that out of many, we are one."

FILE - In this June 16, 2016 file photo, a man lights candles on a memorial outside the Stonewall Inn for victims of the Orlando Shooting, in New York. President Barack Obama is designating the Stonewall Inn in New York a national monument, the first to honor gay rights. AP (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

To herald the designation, a White House video with photos of the monument was to be played at noon Saturday on the billboards in Times Square just as New York's annual pride celebration is getting under way, the White House said. The declaration also comes as advocates celebrate the one-year anniversary on Sunday of the Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage nationwide.

Designating the small area marks a major act of national recognition for gay rights advocates and their struggles over the last half-century. In addition to the Supreme Court decision, since the 1969 uprising the U.S. has enacted anti-discrimination protections, allowed gays and lesbians to serve openly in the U.S. military and seen prominent athletes and entertainers come out of the closet.

It also comes as the gay community comes to grips with a fresh and agonizing reminder of ongoing threats to their safety. In announcing the monument, the White House said the mass shooting at a gay bar in Orlando, Florida, illustrated that LGBT people still 'face acts of violence, discrimination and hate."

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo joined gay rights groups in praising the new monument, along with New York lawmakers who had long advocated for a national designation. Last year, New York City made it a city landmark  the first named primarily because of significance to LGBT history.

"Stonewall is finally taking its rightful place in American history," said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., who had advocated for federal recognition for the site.

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Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP
New Hampshire woman drops defamation suit against Bill Cosby

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP)  A 72-year-old New Hampshire woman who says Bill Cosby raped her in 1965 withdrew her civil defamation lawsuit against the comedian on Friday, a day after a federal judge had allowed the case to move forward.

Kristina Ruehli's lawyer told The Associated Press her client had decided not to pursue the case because the legal landscape has changed since she first filed suit in November. Cosby now faces criminal prosecution in Pennsylvania and similar civil actions are in play in Massachusetts and elsewhere by dozens of other accusers.

"Ms. Ruehli is 72 and her husband just celebrated his 79th birthday," Megan Deluhery, Ruehli's lawyer, said. "She will watch the pending cases proceed in solidarity with other survivors, those known and unknown, while returning her focus, if she can, on her daily life and trying to put behind her all the pain this ordeal has caused her."

Cosby spokesman Andrew Wyatt responded that the comedian hopes more lawsuits are dropped or dismissed and that Cosby looks forward to fighting the rest before a jury in court.

Wyatt also noted Ruehli's is the second defamation case against his client to be dismissed this year. In January, former teen actress Renita Hill's civil suit was dismissed by a federal judge in Pittsburgh who ruled that the Cosby camp's comments were protected by the First Amendment.

"For those in the media who accepted every allegation raised without question or evaluation, they need to answer the well-known question with respect to Mr. Cosby, 'Which office do I go to get my reputation back?'," Wyatt said in a statement.

Deluhery countered that Ruehli's dismissal, unlike Hill's, was voluntary and had "nothing to do" with the merits of the case.

Ruehli filed a notice to voluntarily dismiss the suit without prejudice, meaning she could refile it. It came after a judge in Springfield, near where Cosby has a home, rejected the comedian's bid to dismiss the case Thursday.

Like other alleged victims seeking civil judgments against Cosby, Ruehli argued that Cosby falsely accused her of lying and tarnished her reputation when she came forward in 2014 to say he raped her.

Ruehli, who lives in Windham, near the Massachusetts state line, had said in her lawsuit that she met Cosby while working as a secretary at a Los Angeles talent agency when she was 22 years old.
Britain joins EU in 1973

LONDON (AP)  EDITOR'S NOTE: Britain voted in a referendum Thursday to leave the European Union. Britain was not included when the precursor to the EU was formed following World War II, but finally joined the group  known at the time as the European Economic Community, or the Common Market  on January 1, 1973.

The Associated Press is making its original coverage from that day available with photos.

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FILE - In this Jan. 15, 1973 file photo, family photo of the enlarged European Economic Community foreign ministers and members at the opening meeting at the Palais D'Egmont in Brussels, Belgium on Jan. 15, 1973. Front row L-R: British Foreign Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home; Dutch Foreign Minister Wilhelm Klaus Norbert Schmelzer; Mario Pedini of Italy; French Foreign Minister Maurice Schumann; Ivar Noergaard Foreign Minister for Denmark; Belgium's Pierre Harmel; Common Market President Francois-Xavier Ortoli; West German Foreign Minister Walter Scheel; Irish Foreign Minister Brian Lenihan; Gaston Thorn Foreign Minister of Luxembourg; and Secretary General of the Council Mr. Calmas. Britain voted in a referendum Thursday, June 23, 2016 to leave the European Union. Britain was not included when the precursor to the EU was formed following World War II, but finally joined the group, known at the time as the European Economic Community, or the Common Market, on Jan. 1, 1973. The Associated Press is making its original coverage from that day available with photos. (AP Photo)

Britain enters the European Common Market on New Year's day almost equally divided on whether the historic move is a good idea, the latest public opinion poll showed Monday.

The survey appeared to indicate a belated swing toward public acceptance of the act of membership. Earlier polls showed the British voters, some 60 percent, against entry.

The newest survey found 39 percent of those asked were unhappy about joining the Common Market, 38 percent happy and 23 percent with no opinion.

It was taken among nearly 1,000 Britons in all parts of the country and all walks of life in mid-December by the opinion research center for the British Broadcasting Corp. and published Monday.

Opponents of Common Market entry generally fear higher food prices and loss of sovereignty. Backers say membership should reverse Britain's long economic decline since World War II and give this nation a stronger voice in world affairs.

Much of the controversy evaporated however, as the entry date approached. Anti-market newspapers shifted their campaigns from opposing membership to preparing for a European role.

Labor opposition leader Harold Wilson also sought to move away from the long controversy in a New Year's message to his party which was deeply split all year on the Common Market question.

As Prime Minister, Wilson favored Common Market entry. As opposition leader, he opposed the entry terms negotiated by Prime Minister Edward Heath's Conservative party. The turnaround split Labor wide open.

The opposition is still committed to renegotiating British entry terms when it next gains power. But in his New Year's message, Wilson sought to shift attention away from that controversial stand as well.

He stressed the time has come "to unite in a single-minded determination to rid this country of the most arrogant authoritarian and incompetent administration since the 1930s," and defeat Heath at the next election which must come by 1975.

For Heath, Common Market entry was one of the great triumphs of a political career. But when the moment came the prime minister was in Ottawa where he attended the funeral of former Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.

In a radio interview recorded before he went to Ottawa, Heath said Britain's entry into the Common Market marked a degree of European unity "for which people have longed for centuries."

"I find it a very moving moment and at the same time a very exciting one," Heath said. He denied that the British people lacked his own enthusiasm, saying:

"I think a lot of people do share this excitement, particularly the younger generation. I think, in their phlegmatic and pragmatic way, the British are now waiting for action. And as we in the community together take action, then I think more and more will respond to it."

The Common Market is a customs union with all members letting in each other's goods duty free and charging the same tariffs on imports.

FILE - In this Jan. 15, 1973 file photo, Solemn opening of the enlarged Common Market Minister Council at Brussels' Palais d'Egmont the morning of Jan.15, 1973. From left, Members of the Commission: Henri Simonet, Belgium; Christopher Soames, England; M. Haferkamp, West Germany; and Common Market President Francois Xavier Ortoli. Britain voted in a referendum Thursday, June 23, 2016 to leave the European Union. Britain was not included when the precursor to the EU was formed following World War II, but finally joined the group, known at the time as the European Economic Community, or the Common Market, on Jan. 1, 1973. The Associated Press is making its original coverage from that day available with photos. (AP photo/gries/str)

FILE - In this Oct. 19, 1972 file photo, a view of the opening session of a conference for members of the newly enlarged European Common Market. Leaders of Common Market countries attend summit meeting in Paris. Present at this meeting, the first of the newly expanded European organization, were chiefs of state of France, Great Britain, Italy, West Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Holland (Netherlands), Belgium and Luxembourg. Talks were being held at the International Conference Centre in Paris. Britain voted in a referendum Thursday, June 23, 2016 to leave the European Union. Britain was not included when the precursor to the EU was formed following World War II, but finally joined the group, known at the time as the European Economic Community, or the Common Market, on Jan. 1, 1973. The Associated Press is making its original coverage from that day available with photos. (AP photo/file)

FILE - In this Oct. 19, 1972 file photo, European leaders pose for a photograph, at the European Common Market summit conference, with French President Georges Pompidou fourth from right stands next to Britain's Prime Minister Edward Heath, third from right, at an Elysee Palace luncheon, in Paris. Britain voted in a referendum Thursday, June 23, 2016 to leave the European Union. Britain was not included when the precursor to the EU was formed following World War II, but finally joined the group, known at the time as the European Economic Community, or the Common Market, on Jan. 1, 1973. The Associated Press is making its original coverage from that day available with photos. (AP Photo/Michel Lipchitz, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 15, 1973 file photo, a general view of the ceremony for the First Ministerial Meeting after the enlargement of the Common Market at the Palais D'Egmont in Brussels, Belgium. Britain voted in a referendum Thursday, June 23, 2016 to leave the European Union. Britain was not included when the precursor to the EU was formed following World War II, but finally joined the group, known at the time as the European Economic Community, or the Common Market, on Jan. 1, 1973. The Associated Press is making its original coverage from that day available with photos. (AP Photo)
The Latest: Suspect on parole in gun case when cop shot

FOLCROFT, Pa. (AP)  The Latest on Officer Shot-Pennsylvania (all times local):

6 p.m.:

A man charged with shooting a suburban Philadelphia police officer over a marijuana complaint has been accused of repeated drug violations while on federal parole in a gun case.

Law enforcement gather in the aftermath of a shooting, Folcroft, Friday, June 24, 2016. Authorities are hunting for a suspect after a police officer was shot near Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Court records show a parole officer for Donte Island requested in September that an arrest warrant be issued and a revocation hearing held.

But there's no sign either occurred.

Island had been in prison from about 2003 to 2013 for being a felon in possession of a gun. The three years of probation that followed was set to end Saturday.

A probation officer reported that he tested positive for marijuana repeatedly last year. The report says that Island said he used the drug to deal with stress. But the officer says he couldn't locate Island at his Folcroft address after July. He was arrested at the same apartment house Friday after the shooting of 25-year-old Officer Christopher Dorman. He was in critical but stable condition.

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5:30 p.m.

A convicted felon is being charged with shooting a police officer seven times and prompting a manhunt that shut down Amtrak service near Philadelphia for two hours.

Folcroft Police Chief Robert Ruskowski says suspect Donte Island is in custody Friday and being charged with two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated assault.

He says Island exchanged gunfire with a second officer after shooting 25-year-old Officer Christopher Dorman.

Dorman was listed in critical but stable condition Friday as he underwent several operations. Authorities say he was shot in the face, leg and groin.

They say his police vest deflected several more shots that could have been life-threatening.

Authorities say Dorman was responding to reports of people smoking marijuana in the area Friday morning when he was shot.

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1:45 p.m.

A Pennsylvania police officer is in critical but stable condition after being shot, while a three-hour manhunt ended with at least one person in custody.

Train service has meanwhile resumed in the area just south of Philadelphia.

Authorities say 25-year-old Folcroft Officer Christopher Dorman was shot several times Friday morning while investigating reports of drug use behind an apartment house.

Folcroft Chief Robert Ruskowski says Dorman was conscious when he was admitted to the hospital and is preparing to undergo a second surgery.

He says the officer's bulletproof vest may have saved his life.

An Amtrak spokesman says about a dozen trains were affected when tracks in the Folsom area were closed for more than two hours. A commuter train line that uses the same tracks was also affected.

Law enforcement gather in the aftermath of a shooting, Friday, June 24, 2016, in Folcroft, Pa. Authorities are hunting for a suspect after a police officer was shot near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Authorities search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Authorities search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

People look on as authorities search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Law enforcement gather as authorities search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Law enforcement gather as authorities search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Authorities move out to search for a suspect after a police officer was shot, in Folcroft, Pa., Friday, June 24, 2016. The shooting occurred in the morning in Folcroft near Philadelphia. Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz says two northbound passenger trains are being held due to the police activity in the area. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Law enforcement detain people in the aftermath of a shooting of a police officer Friday, June 24, 2016, in Folcroft, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Law enforcement detain people in the aftermath of a shooting of a police officer Friday, June 24, 2016, in Folcroft, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Cameron under pressure to speed up EU 'divorce' talks

Outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron faced pressure to speed up "divorce" talks with the EU as Brussels made it clear it wants the UK out of the union as soon as possible.

Prominent Brexit backers in the Tory party also expressed concern about Mr Cameron's plan to let the situation drift until he formally leaves Downing Street in October.

Leading Leave campaigner and Tory MP Bernard Jenkin insisted it was unrealistic to wait until the autumn.

Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street, where he announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the European Union

"I think there is a problem just saying 'right, we're not going to do anything between now and October' to address the European Union relationship, because they don't want us hanging around and destabilising all their arrangements. They want certainty, and I think we should be able to do this more quickly," he said.

The call chimed with the views of European parliament president Martin Schulz who warned the EU would not be held "hostage" while the Tory party squabbled over its next leader.

Mr Schultz insisted that uncertainty was "the opposite of what we need", adding that it was difficult to accept "a whole continent is taken hostage because of an internal fight in the Tory party".

In a blunt sign of Britain's new status in the departure lounge of the EU, it emerged leaders of the remaining 27 member states would meet to discuss the emergency situation without Mr Cameron present on Wednesday.

The move came as embattled Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was set to face down a growing wave of criticism regarding his role in the referendum with a speech on immigration and the consequences of Brexit.

Mr Corbyn has rejected calls for his resignation amid growing fury at his failure to galvanise the party's traditional supporters to turn out for Remain.

The Labour leader is facing a vote of no confidence from some of his MPs, with one senior source describing the mood within the party as one of "utter devastation".

But Mr Corbyn insisted he will be carrying on and "making the case for unity" ahead of a potential general election once Mr Cameron's successor is chosen by the Conservatives.

After what some observers described as one the most significant days in British politics since the end of the Second World War, the Tory party was coming to terms with the ramifications of the pro-Brexit vote which forced Mr Cameron into announcing his slow-motion resignation, and saw SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon make it clear she was preparing to push for a second Scottish independence referendum.

Northern Ireland, which like Scotland voted heavily to Remain in the EU, also saw calls from Sinn Fein for an all-island referendum with the Irish Republic on reunification.

With ex-London mayor Boris Johnson firm favourite to succeed Mr Cameron at the Tory helm, Labour's Ken Livingstone attacked media "obsession" with the pair , which he said drowned out the real issues in the debate.

"It was like the whole of the media was obsessed by this sort of struggle between Cameron and Johnson as they gnawed away at each other's testicles.

"It was like civil war in the Tory party, not a debate about the economy," Mr Livingstone told Sky News.

The 52% to 48% victory for Brexit in the knife-edge referendum caught financial markets and the international order off-guard as repercussions from the move sent shockwaves across the globe.

Mr Cameron, flanked by wife Samantha, made an at times emotional address on the steps of Downing Street as he announced his resignation.

The move saw calls from anti-EU Tories for a more Brexit-looking Cabinet to be put in place soon as questions were raised about the future of Chancellor George Osborne.

As the scramble to replace Mr Cameron gathered pace, Home Secretary Theresa May and Education Secretary Nicky Morgan were being talked of as potential rivals to Mr Johnson.

Even as polling stations closed on Thursday night, most observers, pollsters and bookmakers were expecting victory for Remain, albeit by the narrowest of margins.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage even came close to conceding defeat, admitting he believed that Remain had "nicked it" and vowing to fight on for withdrawal from the EU.

But after votes piled up for Leave he hailed an escape from the EU which had been achieved "without a single bullet being fired", and said he hoped the vote for Brexit would bring down the entire "failed project".

As the financial impact of the vote continued to reverberate across the world, credit rating agency Moody's moved to change the UK's long term issuer and debt ratings to negative from stable due to the uncertainty unleashed by the result.

Flanked by wife Samantha, David Cameron said he had informed the Queen of his decision to remain in place for the short term, but hand over to a new prime minister by the time of the Conservative annual conference

His voice breaking, David Cameron said: "I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it and I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed."

David Cameron said he accepted the decision of the electorate, which voted by 52% to 48% to quit the EU

Boris Johnson leaves his home in north London after David Cameron announced he will quit as Prime Minister by October following a humiliating defeat in the referendum which ended with a vote for Britain to leave the European Union.

Boris Johnson leaves his home in north London

The Dancing Priest, Neil Horam, right, holds a placard as a car carrying Boris Johnson leaves his home in north London in the wake of the referendum which ended with a vote for Britain to leave the European Union.

Ukip Leader Nigel Farage at the Leave.EU party in London where he claimed victory for the Leave campaign in the EU referendum

Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster

Jenny Watson, the chief counting officer for the EU Referendum, announces the result

A vote Remain poster lies discarded on the ground in London's Parliament Square after the Leave campaign won the EU referendum

The aftermath of a party hosted by Leave.EU in central London

Larry the cat on the steps of 10 Downing Street after Britain voted to leave the European Union

Votes are sorted into Remain, Leave and Doubtful trays as ballots are counted during the EU Referendum count for Westminster and the City of London

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on College Green in Westminster, London, after Britain voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum

A Scottish Vote Leave and Brexit badge worn by a campaigner at the count in Glasgow
Jo Cox's body released to her family

The body of Labour MP Jo Cox has been released to her family so they can "get on with the grieving process", a coroner has ruled, more than a week after her death sent shockwaves around the globe.

The inquest heard a second post-mortem examination was not required on the body of the 41-year-old, who died on Thursday last week after being attacked outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire.

Sitting at Bradford Coroners Court, coroner Martin Fleming confirmed the mother-of-two died from multiple stab and gunshot wounds.

Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in Birstall

Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, of West Yorkshire Police, told the six-minute hearing that it was immediately clear to paramedics and police attending the crime scene that Mrs Cox was "very seriously injured indeed".

Mr Wallen said medics worked to save her life but she was pronounced dead by a doctor in an ambulance outside Birstall library on June 16.

The detective said lawyers for Thomas Mair, the man charged with murdering the Batley and Spen MP, did not require a second post-mortem examination.

The coroner said this meant he could release Mrs Cox's body "so the family can get on with the grieving process".

The inquest was adjourned until the completion of the criminal case.

None of Mrs Cox's family were in court for the hearing.

Mr Wallen gave brief details about what happened in Birstall, saying the first injured person spotted by police and paramedics was Bernard Kenny - the pensioner who was stabbed as he came to Mrs Cox's aid.

The officer told the court: "On Thursday June 16 2016, at just after 12.52pm, both the police and ambulance service were called by a number of emergency calls to Market Street in Birstall town centre where initial information was that a man armed with a gun and knife had attacked and seriously injured a man and a woman.

"Police officers and paramedics arrived quickly at the scene and firstly found a male named Bernard Carter Kenny, aged 77, being tended to by members of the public.

"He had sustained a stab wound to the abdomen."

Mr Wallen said the emergency services also found a woman being tended to by members of the public "who, it was immediately clear, was very seriously injured indeed".

He said: "A number of people informed the police that the lady was Jo Cox, member of parliament for Batley and Spen."

The detective said Mrs Cox was taken into an ambulance by paramedics and emergency doctors who "tended to her but were unable to save her life".

He said she was pronounced dead at 1.48pm.

The coroner was told that Mrs Cox was formally identified by her sister, Kim Leadbeater, at a mortuary in Bradford.

Mr Wallen confirmed that Mair has been charged with murder and other offences and is due to appear at the Old Bailey again later this year.

Opening proceedings, the coroner said Mrs Cox's death was "very sad". He referred to her full name - Helen Joanne Cox.

The death prompted a huge wave of shock and emotion around the UK and across the world.

Her widower Brendan and their children marked what would have been Mrs Cox's 42nd birthday at an event in Trafalgar Square on Wednesday along with people at gatherings around the world.

Earlier in the week, they heard Prime Minister David Cameron praise the young MP as "a voice of compassion whose irrepressible spirit and boundless energy lit up the lives of all who knew her".

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said British society had lost "one of our very best".

Mr Cameron and Mr Corbyn visited Birstall market square to add their tributes to a sea of floral memorials yards from where the tragedy happened.

Mrs Cox had only been an MP for just over a year, having been elected for the Batley and Spen constituency, where she grew up, in last year's general election.

Her dedication to a range of causes, both as an MP and in her previous work with development charities, has drawn praise from all sides of the political spectrum and prompted calls for a rethink of the public's attitude to public figures and the nature of political discourse.

Her death has led to a fresh debate about how to protect politicians.

Former miner Mr Kenny, who turned 78 on what would have been Ms Cox's birthday, was released from hospital earlier this week.
Sunny spells to give respite after day of torrential rain and flooding

Sunshine and showers will spread across the country on Friday after torrential rain and flooding caused misery for swathes of southern England.

The last remnants of the thunderstorms that brought travel chaos to London, the South East and East Anglia on Thursday will rumble on through the morning before scattered showers, possibly heavy at times, develop widely.

It will be a fresher day with temperatures expected to reach around 18C (64F) in Glasgow and 22C (71.6F) in London.

A car left stranded in a flooded road in Billericay, Essex

Met Office forecaster Emma Boorman said: "There could be the odd rumble of thunder away from the South East as those showers bubble up, but there should be some sunny spells outside them."

South Farnborough saw 54.6mm of rain fall on Thursday, around the monthly average for June, as torrential rain swept in from the Channel causing widespread travel chaos.

Abellio Greater Anglia and Network Rail apologised for the disruption to services between Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and London on Thursday but said a full service is expected to run on Friday.

"This is due to extensive flooding, caused by heavy rain, affecting both the tracks and signalling equipment, which has necessitated the closure of the lines between Ilford and Stratford," a statement said.

Thameslink said trains would be running on Friday but explained there may be some cancellations.

South West Trains said disruption is due to continue until midday on Friday with queuing systems in place if there is overcrowding at stations.
Quarry severed head victim may have been hit by train, say police

The victim whose severed head was found in a quarry was a man aged between 30 and 50 who could have been hit by a train in a "tragic accident", according to police.

Officers believe that the head could have been lodged in a nearby bridge for more than a decade before coming loose when the structure was cleaned.

Experts from the Natural History Museum and forensic dentists have been working with police to determine who the person was and when they died through specialist testing.

The severed head was found at a quarry in Cambridgeshire and police believe it could have been lodged in a nearby bridge for more than a decade

It is thought the victim was a man aged 30 to 50 who may have met his death as long ago as the 1960s but more likely around 10 years ago.

Detective Inspector Jerry Waite said: "One possible scenario we are looking at is that it may have been a tragic accident whereby the man was hit by a train along the Bedfordshire line.

"We believe the head may have been lodged somewhere along the structure of the bridge in Sharnbrook, and as part of the recent cleaning process, has been dislodged, found its way into the skip and deposited at the quarry in Mepal.

"We have been working very closely with anthropologists at the Natural History Museum in London to establish the age and gender of the deceased, as well as the National Crime Agency's Missing Persons Database, which unfortunately has not shown any DNA matches.

"I would urge anyone who has any suspicions around who this person may be to contact us."

A post-mortem examination was unable to determine the cause of death after a worker at the site in Mepal, Cambridgeshire, made the gruesome discovery on May 16.
Second independence referendum 'highly likely' after Brexit - Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon has warned the UK a second vote on Scottish independence is "highly likely" after Britons delivered a shock Brexit victory in the European referendum despite Scots voting overwhelmingly to remain.

The Scottish First Minister and SNP leader confirmed her government will now begin to draw up the legislation that could see another independence referendum take place within the next two years.

Across the UK, 52% of voters backed leaving the European Union, a verdict which resulted in David Cameron announcing he would step down as Prime Minister before October's Conservative conference.

Nicola Sturgeon casts her vote at Broomhouse community hall in Glasgow

The result was welcomed by US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who hailed it as an "amazing vote".

The controversial tycoon, visiting one of his golf resorts in Scotland, said of Leave campaign's victory: ''Basically, they took back their country. That's a great thing."

In Scotland, 62% of those who voted backed the UK staying in Europe, with all 32 council areas returning a majority for Remain.

Ms Sturgeon said: " As things stand, Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against our will. I regard that as democratically unacceptable."

The SNP manifesto for May's Holyrood elections said the Scottish Parliament "should have the right to hold another referendum if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014", such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against its wishes.

"It is, therefore, a statement of the obvious that a second referendum must be on the table, and it is on the table," Ms Sturgeon declared.

When Westminster triggers the process to withdraw from Europe later this year, she said " the UK will be on a two-year path to the EU exit door".

The SNP leader added: "If Parliament judges that a second referendum is the best or only way to protect our place in Europe, it must have the option to hold one within that timescale.

"That means we must act now to protect that position. I can therefore confirm today in order to protect that position we will begin to prepare the legislation that will be required to enable a new independence referendum to take place if and when Parliament so decides."

Ms Sturgeon, who campaigned for a Remain vote, said: "This is not a situation that I wanted Scotland or the UK to be in today."

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson, another prominent figure in the pro-EU camp, said staging a second independence referendum is not " in the best interests of the people of Scotland".

Recalling the result of the 2014 ballot on independence, Ms Davidson said: "T he 1.6 million votes cast in this referendum in favour of remain do not wipe away the two million votes that we cast less than two years ago.

"We do not address the challenges of leaving the European Union by leaving our own Union of nations, our biggest market and our closest friends."

Former Labour first minister Henry McLeish said the debate over Scotland's future had " massively changed overnight".

"The issue is we have now left the EU and Scots now have to make a decision on where they think their true interests lie," Mr McLeish said.

''I have great difficulty, great political difficulty and personal difficulty, being part of the UK that is no longer a part of the EU.''

Harry Potter author JK Rowling, a high-profile supporter of the UK during the 2014 referendum, tweeted that "m any No voters will think again now".

Ms Sturgeon, who addressed the media at her official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh, said: "The re are many people who voted against independence in 2014 who are today reassessing their decision, indeed a very large number of them have contacted me already."

She insisted: " I am proud of Scotland and how we voted yesterday.

"We proved we are a modern, outward-looking, open and inclusive country, and we said clearly that we do not want to leave the European Union.

"I am determined that we will do what it takes to make sure that these aspirations are realised."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said the Conservatives' "gamble" with the country's place in Europe is now hammering the economy and risking the future of the UK.

He said: "This referendum was a reckless gamble inflicted on the UK by a Conservative Party leader more focused on the divisions in his party than doing the right thing for our country and its economy.

"With the pound and the markets plummeting, the economy is already feeling the heat from this Brexit decision.

"Brexit is risking the future of the United Kingdom, too, with the SNP hungry for another referendum on independence.

"The Conservatives can no longer claim to be a party for a strong economy or the strongest defenders of the Union with the rest of the UK."

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale described the Brexit victory as a "bad result for jobs and for the economy in Scotland and the UK".

She discussed the UK's vote to leave the EU with Ms Sturgeon on Friday afternoon.

Ms Dugdale said: " We both have profound disagreements about the constitutional future of Scotland but I stand ready to work with her in the best interests of the people of Scotland.

"Now is the time for calm heads. Labour's manifesto ruled out a second referendum in the lifetime of this Parliament - we won't be changing our minds any time soon.

"However, on the question of independence, many of the fundamental questions that were unresolved and unanswered in 2014, remain so. Not least the question of currency.

"What we don't need today is more turmoil, more upheaval and more economic chaos."

The counting of votes from the Glasgow Region starts at the city's Emirates Stadium after the polls closed in the European Union Referendum.
Tyson Fury ankle injury forces postponement of re-match with Wladimir Klitschko

Tyson Fury's world heavyweight re-match with Wladimir Klitschko has been postponed after the British boxer suffered an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old was due to face Ukraine's Klitschko in Manchester on July 9, with the WBA, WBO and IBO belts on the line, but Fury has now pulled out on doctor's orders.

In an Instagram video, he said: " I've got a little bit of bad news for you all. About 10 days ago I was running in the Lake District and went over on my ankle, spraining my ankle.

Tyson Fury, pictured, has had to posptone his re-match with Wladimir Klitschko after an ankle injury

"I've been to the hospital and had X-rays, MRI scans and all that stuff. They've said it's not broken but it's badly sprained and to keep off it for six to seven weeks.

"I've had a second opinion a week later and had the same advice so the fight will be postponed."

Fury upset the odds to become world champion in Dusseldorf last November, handing Klitschko his first defeat in 11 years by comfortably outpointing the veteran in a bravura performance.

He hopes the rematch will still go ahead once he has recovered from his setback.

"Sorry to all my fans, to let you all down, but injuries do happen and it's one of those things," Fury added.

"My apologies to everyone who's booked dates, but the fight will be on as soon as possible. As soon as the ankle gets better, we will reschedule."

His uncle and trainer, Peter Fury, posted a photo of his nephew's bruised ankle on Twitter, and said: "So theirs no doubt. Of injury thank you. & sorry to our fans. Fight date will be postponed with new date released very soon prob today.

"Fight will remain in Manchester with same venue."

In the weeks before and after his victory over Klitschko, Fury courted controversy for some of his views, as he equated homosexuality and abortion with paedophilia and said a woman's ''best place is on her back'' - although he repeatedly denied he was a homophobe.

Fury apologised for his remarks at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, at which he came fourth in the main vote, while the British Boxing Board of Control reminded him of his "heavy responsibilities".

More recently, Fury made outspoken comments on rape, bestiality and the Jewish faith in a video published on YouTube last month, drawing the ire of Klitschko.

The 40-year-old said earlier this week: "I was in shock at his statements about women, the gay community, and when he got to the Jewish people he sounded like Hitler. The man is an imbecile. Seriously.

"You cannot put it all together as a representation of the sport of boxing. He's an imbecile champion. Either he needs to be shut up or shut down in the ring, or just suspended, because you cannot create more hate.

"Friction creates friction, the more hate you bring out there - with women, the gay community and Jewish people - what next is he going to say?"

Klitschko admitted he was saddened by the postponement and is eager to have the bout rearranged.

He said: "Of course I am currently totally disappointed about the cancellation.

"As well for my fans I'm very sorry who were all very excited for this rematch. But one thing is also clear: Then I'll get my belt a few weeks later."

Fury's promoter Mick Hennessy added: "It's very unfortunate at this crucial stage of Tyson's preparations that this injury has occurred with just a couple of weeks to go.

"There was no way Tyson could go into the fight against Wladimir Klitschko less than 100 per cent fit.

"It's essential now that Tyson gets the correct medical professional treatment for the injury and then we can then look to announce the new date.
Fans descend on Paris for Wales' crunch knockout clash against Northern Ireland

Thousands of supporters have descended on Paris ahead of Wales' crunch Euro 2016 knockout clash against Northern Ireland on Saturday.

Eurostar services from Britain have been heavily booked, and flights from Cardiff and Belfast sold out, with at least three extra charters laid on from Belfast International Airport.

The Parc des Princes will be the backdrop to the home nations' face-off when Northern Ireland face a Welsh team hot off their 3-0 thrashing of Russia.

A Northern Ireland fan stands in front of the Parc des Princes stadium

Northern Ireland succumbed 0-1 to Germany at the same venue during the final group stage match.

The bars of central Paris have begun to fill up with Welsh and Northern Irish fans and Eurostar services arriving at Gare du Nord in the capital on Friday evening were filled with optimistic football supporters.

Wales fan Greg Mason, 41, from London, said: "There's been good banter on the train with some Northern Ireland fans but I think we'll win tomorrow. Ramsey and Bale, 2-0."

Kevin Lee, 40, also from London, said: "We booked this ticket as soon as we knew Wales were heading to Paris. We weren't going to miss this for anything.

"Hopefully we'll get a result - we played so well against Russia so I'm confident."

The Republic of Ireland team is hoping to keep its fans' dreams alive when they meet hosts France in Lyon on Sunday.
French politicians seek border deal changes after Brexit vote

Calls have been made to renegotiate a border deal which keeps border checks - and many migrants - on the French side of the Channel after the UK's Brexit vote.

The Touquet agreement between France and the UK has been called into question following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

Prior to the referendum, a French government minister had warned a vote for Brexit could see migrant camps being moved from Calais to Britain.

French politicians have suggested migrant camps could come to the UK

Finance minister Emmanuel Macron said in February that the treaty, which was signed in 2003, could be scuppered, telling reporters: "The day this relationship unravels, migrants will no longer be in Calais."

Now, after 51.9% of people voted for the UK to leave the bloc of 28 nations, the mayor of Calais is among those pressing for a renegotiation of the treaty.

Natacha Bouchart told French broadcaster BFM TV: "The British must take on the consequences of their choice.

"We are in a strong position to push, to press this request for a review and we are asking the President to bring his weight (to the issue).

"We must put everything on the table and there must be an element of division, of sharing."
Barcelona expect Neymar to stay at Nou Camp

BARCELONA, June 22 (Reuters) - Barcelona are not contemplating selling their Brazil forward Neymar, the Spanish champions' financial vice-president Susana Monje said on Wednesday.

Neymar, who has been in talks over a contract extension with his current deal expiring in June 2018, has been linked in Spanish media with a move to Paris Saint Germain.

"Neymar's renewal is a sporting issue," Monje told a news conference in which she spoke about the club's importance to the city of Barcelona.

"We have not studied the impact of hypothetically losing Neymar. We don't contemplate it."

El Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday that French champions PSG have offered to double Neymar's salary to 30 million euros ($33.86 million) net per season.

Neymar has just completed his third year at Barca since joining from Santos. He scored 31 goals in 48 appearances last season to help the club win La Liga and the King's Cup.

The 24-year-old Brazil captain did not play at the Copa America in order to rest at Barcelona's request.

However, Neymar will compete at the Rio Olympics, which starts in August, as one of the three over-age players allowed in Brazil's under-23 squad.
Spanish retailer Mercadona to expand into Portugal

MADRID, June 23 (Reuters) - Spanish discount food retailer Mercadona said on Thursday it planned to open four stores in Portugal in 2019, the first foreign investment by the family-owned group after a rapid expansion in its home market.

Mercadona said it would invest 25 million euros ($28.40 million) in the Portuguese project and aims to create 200 jobs there.

Founded nearly 40 years ago in the Spanish region of Valencia, its push at a national level over the last two decades has turned it into Spain's biggest supermarket chain and one of the country's biggest employers, with around 76,000 staff.

Mercadona relies heavily on its own brand of products and unlike rivals like DIA or Carrefour it has shunned acquisitions, preferring to grow organically. It has a market share of around 23 percent in Spain's food retail market, more than 10 percentage points above its closest peers.

It has been opening stores in Spain at a rate of around 60 a year even after the country emerged from a deep recession which pushed many shoppers to seek out discount brands.
U.S. Navy mulls punishment for sailors seized by Iran

WASHINGTON, June 23 (Reuters) - United States Navy officials are reviewing potential punishments against the American sailors who were briefly held by Iran in January and are close to a decision, a Navy official said on Thursday.

Ten U.S. sailors, who were aboard two patrol craft, were detained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Jan. 12 when they inadvertently entered Iranian territorial waters. They were released the next day after being held for about 15 hours.

The U.S. military said the Americans were intercepted after the diesel engine in one of their boats developed a mechanical problem.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the investigation also found the incident was caused by communication failures and not enough oversight and training.

Findings of the five-month long investigation will be presented by Admiral John Richardson, the chief of U.S. Naval Operations, at a briefing in the Pentagon on June 30 where he will give more details on the incident, the official said.

If any punishments will have been decided by then, they will be announced by Richardson, the official added.

"The investigation is complete, and is being referred to appropriate commands for adjudication," said U.S. Navy spokesman Commander Mike Kafka.
Brazil prosecutor calls talk about Odebrecht plea deal 'bewildering'

By Brad Brooks

CURITIBA, Brazil, June 23 (Reuters) - For weeks, his possible earth-shattering testimony in Brazil's biggest corruption scandal has been the talk of the nation, filling endless pages in newspapers and magazines.

Breathless reports stated that Marcelo Odebrecht, the former chief executive of Latin America's largest construction firm, was on the cusp of turning state's witness, and he would deliver the biggest catch of all - a confession of funneling millions in illegal campaign donations to suspended President Dilma Rousseff.

There is just one problem, said Carlos Lima, a lead prosecutor in the sprawling kickback probe at state-run oil company Petrobras : None of the above is true.

"Marcelo Odebrecht has never said a word to us, he has not spoken with a single prosecutor," Lima told Reuters from his office in the southern city of Curitiba. "It's bewildering, these stories I'm reading, saying that Marcelo has reached some deal with prosecutors. He's not even close."

Rousseff, who has denied any wrongdoing, faces impeachment in a separate Senate trial for allegedly breaking budget rules to help win re-election. She has not been accused of personal corruption, but Brazil's chief prosecutor has asked the Supreme Court for permission to investigate her for trying to obstruct the Petrobras probe.

The two-year graft investigation into Petrobras is the driving force behind Brazil's political turbulence. It has seen scores of top executives and politicians jailed amid allegations that billions were paid in bribes and stoked popular anger at Brazil's ruling class.

At the center of it all lies Odebrecht, a firm that spans 15 divisions spread across two dozen countries and has 130,000 employees. It is responsible for most of the building behind the Olympics that will start this August in Rio de Janeiro.

If the firm's executives decide to tell all, few doubt that little of the political establishment will be left standing. Many senior politicians were named in documents seized at the company's offices as apparently receiving bribes.

Lima said he does not know who is responsible for all the false reports about Marcelo Odebrecht. "I think it is from people who are trying to both help and hurt him, those who may be exposed by any testimony he might actually give."

That significantly ratchets up the intrigue surrounding the once all-powerful head of the Odebrecht firm, now serving over 19 years in jail on corruption convictions.

"Either someone is trying to force an accord on us, which simply will not work," Lima said. "Or, even more duplicitous, somebody is releasing false information in the hope that it would destroy any accord, in the hope that Marcelo stays silent."

A spokeswoman for the Odebrecht firm, who refused to say who is legally representing Marcelo Odebrecht, said in an email the company had no comment on Lima's remarks.

Since his June 2015 arrest, the bespectacled, wiry Odebrecht, who turned his family's company into Brazil's largest employer and one of the top-five private sector groups, has maintained a defiant stance.

Before his conviction, he told a congressional panel that as a parent, he would be more upset with one of his children who tattled on the other, than the one who may have been up to mischief - indicating he would never be a rat.

But last August, his father, Emilio, former head of the conglomerate, reportedly told his son to testify so the company could minimize its financial losses.

Then in March, investigators said that in an Odebrecht raid they found a spreadsheet containing the names of over 300 public officials and others plus amounts of money paid to them, totaling tens of millions of dollars. It is not yet known how much of that may have been bribes or legal campaign contributions.

On that news, the firm announced it was ready to cooperate with prosecutors.

In addition to plea deals with individuals, federal prosecutors have separately signed five leniency deals with companies for lighter sentences in return for information. They have not identified the companies, but Odebrecht is not among them.

Lima acknowledged that Odebrecht could possibly provide the most information, given the size of the company and its deep ties to politicians. But he also said it was not certain that any request for a leniency deal from Odebrecht would be approved.
SE Asian Islamic State unit being formed in southern Philippines - officials

By Randy Fabi and Manuel Mogato

JAKARTA/MANILA, June 23 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian militants who claim to be fighting for Islamic State in the Middle East have said they have chosen one of the most wanted men in the Philippines to head a regional faction of the ultra-radical group, security officials said on Thursday.

The claim was made in a video that was recently posted on social media, possibly last week, a military intelligence official in the Philippines told Reuters.

The video is significant, experts say, because it shows that Islamic State supporters are now being asked to stay home and unify under one umbrella group to launch attacks in Southeast Asia, instead of being drawn to the fight in the Middle East.

Authorities in the region have been on heightened alert since Islamic State claimed an attack in the Indonesian capital Jakarta in January in which eight people were killed, including four of the attackers.

In the 20-minute video seen by Reuters, young men and some children in military fatigues are shown carrying and training with weapons, and holding Islamic State flags. A section of the video showed some of these men engaging in gunbattles in jungles but it was not clear where and with whom.

The video also showed three men apparently being executed, but it was not clear where and who they were.

The authenticity of the video and when it was taken could not be independently verified.

In the video, a man authorities in Malaysia have identified as Mohd Rafi Udin, a Malaysian militant currently in Syria, says in Malay: "If you cannot go to (Syria), join up and go to the Philippines."

In the video, Udin also urges Muslims to unite under the leadership of Abu Abdullah, a Philippine militant leader who pledged allegiance to Islamic State in January.

Abu Abdullah, also known as Isnilon Hapilon, is a leader of the Philippine militant group Abu Sayyaf. He is on the FBI's most wanted list for his role in the kidnapping of 17 Filipinos and three Americans in 2001 and carries a bounty of $5 million.

The video was released to mark Islamic State's acceptance of allegiances from jihadists in the Philippines, the first formal recognition of a Southeast Asian group, said Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, chief of Malaysia's police counter-terrorism unit.

"This video is not just propaganda, but is a serious threat. We are definitely expecting more attacks in this region," Pitchay told Reuters.

Hapilon is known to be based in the interior hills of the island of Basilan in the Mindanao region of the southern Philippines. In April, at least 18 Philippine soldiers were killed and 53 wounded in an attack on his followers on the island.

KIDNAP GANG

For decades, Abu Sayyaf has been known for extortion, kidnappings, beheadings and bombings, and is one of the most brutal Muslim rebel factions in the south of the largely Christian Philippines.

The group has posted videos on social media sites this year pledging allegiance to Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

The latest video appears aimed at recognising Hapilon as the Southeast Asian leader of the group, anti-terrorism experts said.

"I think this is a very significant video," said Sidney Jones, a Jakarta-based security expert. "This acknowledges support from Indonesia and Malaysia."

"It suggests there will be more efforts to get people to actually go to Mindanao to launch operations from there."

The Jakarta attacks in January were claimed by Islamic State. But the attack did not bear the hallmarks of other spectacular strikes by the radical group - the militants lacked sophisticated weaponry and were amateurish in the execution.

Some security officials fear a more organised and better trained militant group could launch far deadlier attacks in the region.

But Philippine military officials dismissed these concerns, saying the video was just propaganda and should be ignored.

"People should not be bothered by this," said Philippine military spokesman Restituto Padilla "Authorities are working on this. They can be identified, and they can be hunted down."
S.Korea issues arrest warrant for VW exec in emissions probe - prosecution official

SEOUL, June 24 (Reuters) - A South Korean court issued an arrest warrant on Friday for a Korea-based Volkswagen AG executive in connection with the German automaker's cheating of vehicle emissions tests, a prosecution official said.

The arrest warrant is the first to be levelled against a Volkswagen executive anywhere in the world after the firm admitted to using software to fool emissions tests, spurring legal action in the United States, Germany, South Korea and elsewhere.
S.Korea issues arrest warrant for VW exec in emissions probe

By Hyunjoo Jin

SEOUL, June 24 (Reuters) - A South Korean court on Friday issued the first warrant for the arrest of a Volkswagen AG executive in connection with its cheating of vehicle emissions tests, in another blow to the German automaker's efforts to move on from the scandal.

The warrant is the first to be levelled against a Volkswagen executive anywhere in the world after the firm in September admitted to using software to falsify pollution tests on some diesel cars, spurring legal action in the United States, Germany, South Korea and elsewhere.

"This is just the beginning of the investigation," an official at the prosecution office said, declining to be named because the investigation was ongoing.

The Volkswagen Korea executive, identified by his last name Yun, faced five accusations including fabrication of documents and violation of the Air Quality Preservation Law, Seoul Central District Court spokesman Shin Jae-hwan said.

"The court acknowledges the reason and the necessity of the arrest," he told Reuters, declining to give further details or name the executive.

A Volkswagen Korea spokeswoman declined to comment.

South Korea has taken a particularly hard line against the automaker, filing a criminal complaint against two other executives, fining it 14.1 billion won ($11.97 million) and ordering it to recall 125,522 vehicles.

About 4,400 Korean consumers also have filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and sister marque Audi demanding compensation over the false emissions claims.

Sources in the United States on Thursday said Volkswagen would pay more than $10 billion to settle claims by nearly 500,000 owners and fund efforts to offset pollution.

The South Korean arrest warrant comes after German prosecutors on Monday said they were investigating former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn and another executive over whether they effectively manipulated markets by delaying the release of information about the test cheating.

South Korean prosecutors would cooperate with their counterparts in Germany and the United States, the official said in Seoul.

The scandal has triggered a slide in Volkswagen's share of Asia's No.2 diesel car market, where it competes with dominant domestic players Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors .
Seven Indonesian sailors kidnapped in Philippines - foreign minister

JAKARTA, June 24 (Reuters) - Seven Indonesian sailors have been taken hostage in the Sulu Sea in the southern Philippines, Indonesia's foreign minister said on Friday, the latest in a string of abductions in the waters between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

"We got confirmation (yesterday) of an incident of kidnapping involving Indonesian crew of a ship," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters. He said the hijackings were carried out by two different armed groups.

Six of the 13 crew on board were freed, Marsudi said, and were on their way back to Indonesia.
COMMODITIES-Gold soars, oil slumps after shock British vote to exit EU

By Manolo Serapio Jr and Aaron Sheldrick

MANILA/TOKYO, June 24 (Reuters) - Gold rallied the most since the 2008 global financial crisis and oil and copper tumbled on Friday, as Britain's vote to leave the European Union rattled commodities markets, forcing a selloff in risky assets and a rush to safe havens.

Sharp falls in oil, base metals and grains mimicked other financial markets, which dived as complete results from a British referendum showed a near 52-48 percent split for the UK leaving the EU.

The vote created the biggest global financial shock since the 2008 crisis, this time with interest rates around the world already at or near zero, stripping policymakers of the means to fight it.

Sterling suffered its biggest one-day fall in history, plunging more than 10 percent against the dollar to levels last seen in 1985 on fears the decision will hit investment in the world's fifth-largest economy.

"It's certainly going to retard the kind of recovery momentum we've seen shaping up in Europe and for the UK it will probably negate a lot of the stimulus effects," said Vishnu Varathan, senior economist at Mizuho Bank.

"Already we are in a situation where global demand is not forthcoming. If we take a few more steps back the effects would certainly be hardest felt in the UK followed by the EU" and the impact could spread to the rest of the world, said Varathan.

Spot gold was up 5.1 percent at $1,319 an ounce by 0651 GMT, after rising as much as 8.2 percent to $1,358.20, the strongest since March 2014. Gold had surged nearly 11 percent in September 2008.

Britain would be the first state to leave the 28-nation European Union since its foundation.

With the global economy likely to take a hit, it could curb demand for raw materials from oil to copper, dragging down prices again just as many were regaining favour in recent weeks.

"Bad economies in the UK and Europe are not good for oil and there could be a domino effect on other economies in Asia," said IHS oil analyst Victor Shum.

Gold in terms of sterling and euro surged to the highest since April 2013.

U.S. crude was down $2.50, or 5 percent at $47.61 a barrel and Brent oil slid $2.53, also 5 percent, to $48.38 a barrel.

London copper fell 3 percent to $4,637.50 a tonne, after touching a seven-week high of $4,795 on Thursday. Nickel fell 3.9 percent and zinc dropped 3 percent.

Losses were limited in China-traded commodities, with rebar futures down 1 percent and iron ore off 0.8 percent.

There could be further selling in LME base metals as London traders came in, said Daniel Hynes, commodity strategist at ANZ.

"I don't discount some impact in the very short term, but fundamentally, once it settles down I can't see things being too different from where we were a week ago," he said.
Indonesia says coal on hold for Philippines after 7 sailors abducted

By Kanupriya Kapoor and Manuel Mogato

JAKARTA/MANILA June 24 (Reuters) - Indonesia said on Friday a halt on coal shipments to the Philippines will remain in place until Manila can secure its waters after seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped, the latest in a string of abductions.

Philippine authorities could not immediately confirm the hostage-taking but said a Filipino woman held since September was freed on Friday by Abu Sayyaf, an Islamist militant group that has amassed tens of millions of dollars from kidnappings for ransom.

It was unclear whether the sailors were taken by Abu Sayaff, which has beheaded two Canadian nationals in recent weeks after ransom deadlines passed. The group is still holding men from Japan, the Netherlands and Norway.

Indonesia is concerned that piracy in the Sulu Sea area, a major sea traffic corridor for the world's top thermal coal exporter, could reach levels previously seen in Somalia.

"The moratorium on coal exports to the Philippines will be extended until there is a guarantee for security from the Philippines government," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters.

Indonesia supplies 70 percent of the Philippines' coal import needs, which Indonesian data shows stood at about 15 million tonnes, worth around $800 million, last year.

Analysts say $40 billion worth of cargo passes through the Sulu Sea area a year, including supertankers from the Indian Ocean that cannot use the crowded Malacca Strait.

Marsudi said earlier the seven Indonesians were kidnapped by two different armed groups in attacks on a tugboat towing a coal-carrying barge and that the government would "try all options to free the hostages".

Fourteen Indonesians were abducted in two separate assaults on tugboats in March and April but were freed in May. In April, the Indonesian navy instructed all commercial vessels to avoid piracy-prone waters near the southern Philippines.

Filipino captive Marites Flor, abducted from an upscale resort in September along with Canadian Robert Hall, was freed at dawn on Friday on Jolo, an army spokesman said. Hall was beheaded on June 13.

In Davao City, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said they were "able to negotiate" for the release of two captives, a Norwegian man and Filipino woman.

"The kidnapped Norwegian could not get out yet because he could not cross because of the rough seas," Duterte said, adding "there will be time that I will have to confront the Abu Sayyaf".
Wildfire destroys more than 50 structures in central California

LOS ANGELES, June 23 (Reuters) - A fast-growing wildfire destroyed 50 to 60 structures near the mountain town of Lake Isabella in central California on Thursday, Kern County and federal fire officials said.

The so-called Erskine Fire erupted at about 4 p.m. local time some 42 miles northeast of Bakersfield, and within four hours had devoured about 2,500 acres, fire officials said.

Fire officials said power was knocked out as darkness fell and evacuation orders were in effect in the area.

Local media reported that more than a thousand structures were threatened and that a hospital in the vicinity was evacuated, with patients transferred to a nearby school.

Footage of the blaze broadcast on the Kern County Fire Department's Facebook page showed flames consuming several homes and roaring through nearby foothills, as firefighting helicopters maneuvered around billowing black and white smoke.

There were no immediate reports of injuries. Kern County said about 275 personnel were assigned to the blaze.
"A bad day for Europe", says Germany's Gabriel

BERLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel on Friday described Britain's vote to leave the European Union as "a bad day for Europe".

"Damn! A bad day for Europe," Gabriel, who is also Germany's economy minister, said on his official Twitter account.

Results from Thursday's landmark referendum showed Britain voted to leave the EU, an outcome that sets the country on an uncertain path and deals the largest setback to European efforts to forge greater unity since World War Two.
German bond yields hit new low after Brexit vote, peripheral spreads widen

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Benchmark 10-year euro zone sovereign bond yields fell to a fresh record low below zero on Friday as investors rushed to the safety of German government debt after Britain's dramatic and historic decision to leave the European Union.

The yield fell as low as -0.09 percent, according to Tradeweb data, before recovering some ground to -0.3 percent.

Investors sold riskier euro zone bonds like Spanish and Irish paper. The spread between Irish and German bond yields widened as much as 20 basis points to 88 basis points , and the Spanish/German yield spread widened a similar amount to 158 basis points.
GULFPORT, Mississippi -- Gulf Amusements LLC, owners of FunTime USA, said in a press release received by The Sun Herald residents of Georgia Place, a nearby neighborhood, who are opposed to the amusement park, filed an appeal against the Gulfport Planning Commission's decision to allow the project to move forward.

The commission voted 7-2 in May to approve the project.

The park was a fixture of the U.S. 90 landscape in Gulfport before 2005's Hurricane Katrina destroyed it.

FunTime's owners initially planned to begin construction in January but zoning challenges delayed the start.

Construction was pushed back to June, but the residents' appeal will delay it yet again. The city council will hear the appeal in August. Owners say the setback means FunTime likely won't open this year.

___
Nikkei tumbles to more than 4-month low as Brexit looms

TOKYO, June 24 (Reuters) - Japanese stocks tumbled to more than a four-month low on Friday as voting returns suggested Britain has opted to leave the European Union.

The Nikkei dived as much as 8.3 percent to 14,890.56 points, the lowest since February. At 0415 GMT, the Nikkei was down 7.2 percent to 15,069.62.

A sharp surge in the yen added to downward pressure on the Nikkei as investors sought safe havens.

The greenback dropped to 99.00 yen, a fall of 6.7 percent, the first time it fell below the 100 mark since late 2013. It later edged back to 101.50 yen.

Trading was briefly halted for Japan's Nikkei futures, the first time since May 23, 2013, when then Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke stunned the market by hinting a possibility that Fed purchases would be scaled back.

The broader Topix dropped 6.8 percent to 1,210.41 and the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 declined 6.9 percent to 10,920.67.
In Turkey's judicial overhaul, Erdogan's critics see payback time

By Humeyra Pamuk

ISTANBUL, June 23 (Reuters) - Two days after calling for Turkey's justice minister to resign on Facebook, prosecutor Menderes Arican received a letter reassigning him from a western province to a relative backwater in the east with immediate effect.

The 49-year old, a prosecutor for two decades, has little doubt that his sudden self-described "exile", seven months into a new posting, was punishment for his criticism of the government.

His reassignment, part of a nationwide shake-up of thousands of judges and prosecutors, comes as the ruling AK Party pushes wider reforms within the higher judiciary.

Critics see it as a bid by President Tayyip Erdogan to remove troublesome judges and tighten his grip on the courts, at a time when he is seeking constitutional change to bolster his powers and introduce an executive presidential system. The AK Party says it will clear bottlenecks in the legal system.

"We're going through a period where the executive seeks total control of the judiciary," Arican told Reuters by phone from the western province of Canakkale, where his family still lives even though he has been working in the east since February. "This is against the separation of powers."

An official at the Justice Ministry said Arican's claims on his appointment were "not true, do not reflect the truth" but did not elaborate further.

Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek told Reuters last week that the aim of the reforms was to end a crippling bottleneck in the court system, something he said was demanded by the business community.

The European Union has repeatedly raised concern about the erosion of judicial independence in Turkey, with officials warning it is taking the country away from European standards and further undermining an already strained EU membership bid.

Under a draft law being debated in parliament, most of the 711 judges at two of the highest courts - the Council of State, which hears cases lodged by citizens against the government, and the Supreme Court of Appeals - will be removed. It is not clear how many of them will be reappointed in the new structure, which will have fewer courts and judges.

Erdogan will then be able to appoint a quarter of the judges at the Council of State, allowing him to stack one of the country's most important legal bodies with his allies.

The head of the bar association, Metin Feyzioglu, has described the changes as dangerous, while a senior EU source said they "look like payback for judgments challenging Erdogan".

The reforms come on top of an unprecedentedly big reshuffle this month by the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK), which oversees judicial appointments and falls under the control of the Justice Ministry.

The HSYK reassigned more than 3,700 judges and prosecutors in its latest biannual reshuffle, a quarter of those in office, sparking accusations of a witch hunt. It said in a statement on June 10 that the calendar was announced as usual but there were more reassignments to plug shortages in some regions.

"The HSYK now sees everyone who doesn't think in line with its own values as 'the other' and is basically is telling them all to face the consequences of being on the wrong side," said Murat Aydin, 45, a judge who was transferred from the Aegean province of Izmir to the Black Sea province of Trabzon.

His reappointment came a few months after he appealed to the constitutional court challenging Turkey's law on insulting the president - an article prosecutors have invoked more than 1,800 times since Erdogan took office in 2014, suing journalists, academics, a former Miss Turkey and students.

NEW FORM OF TUTELAGE?

Many court cases in Turkey are already heavily politicised.

A five-year jail term handed in May to Can Dundar, editor of the opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper, for revealing state secrets came after Erdogan said he would not forgive the newspaper's reporting of an alleged Turkish weapons shipment to Syrian rebels. Rights groups condemned the sentence.

Four Turkish academics were held for several weeks earlier this year on charges of spreading terrorist propaganda for reading a declaration calling for an end to military operations in the mainly Kurdish southeast. They are still facing trial and Erdogan has said they must pay a price for such "treachery".

He has also said he wants to see members of the pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), parliament's third-largest party, prosecuted for alleged links to militant groups and has stripped lawmakers of their immunity as a first step.

The courts have become more loyal to Erdogan's agenda, his opponents say, since large-scale purges in the judiciary following a corruption scandal in 2013.

Erdogan, then prime minister, cast the scandal as a plot orchestrated by U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, a former ally-turned-foe whose network of religious followers held key positions in the court system.

AKP lawmaker Resat Petek, a member of parliament's justice commission, said the reforms currently under discussion were aimed at flushing out any remaining influence of Gulen, whom Erdogan accuses of trying to form a "parallel structure".

"There will be a liquidation of this parallel organisation from the higher ranks of the judiciary," Petek told Reuters, estimating that around 160 members of the court of appeals were chosen while the HSYK was still under Gulenist influence.

Opponents fear one system of tutelage will simply be replaced with another.

"We don't want a Gulenist structure within the judiciary but neither do we want an Erdoganist structure," said Feyzioglu, the bar association head.

AKP officials say the reforms will speed up a judicial system swamped by as many as two million cases, some waiting years to be heard. But Ali Suat Ertosun, who has worked at the Court of Appeals for 16 years, sees a different agenda.
Finnish eurosceptics say respect Brexit vote, no time for Finland euro exit

HELSINKI, June 24 (Reuters) - Finland's foreign minister, eurosceptic Finns party leader Timo Soini, said one must respect the result of Britain's EU referendum, adding that any "retaliation" in future negotiations between the EU and Britain must be ruled out.

"The nation has had its say," he said on a party news website. "Any retaliation and whinge (in EU-Britain negotiations) is out of the question."

Kaj Turunen, a Finns party MP and chairman of the parliament's commerce committee, said this was not the time for Finland to leave the euro zone.

"In this situation, an own currency doesn't have any chance," he said on his Twitter account.
Asian car makers fret over uncertainty ahead after Brexit vote

By Norihiko Shirouzu

BEIJING, June 24 (Reuters) - Executives at Asian automakers with factories in Britain, largely set up to export to the European Union, say they could slow investments in Britain or pause them for now, after the country voted to leave the 28-nation bloc.

Automakers, including Toyota and Nissan, had been among the manufacturers that have warned that a period of uncertainty would follow a Brexit vote, as trade and labour deals with Europe are renegotiated. Most on Friday estimated it could take around two years.

Toyota and Nissan had said in the run-up to the vote that continued membership of the European Union was preferable for their operations: a vote to leave would create new challenges for an industry that employs some 800,000 people in Britain.

"We don't have any choice but to be more cautious with our investment decisions, including moves like whether to produce a new or significantly redesigned vehicle model in the UK," said one official at a global automaker with manufacturing capacity in Britain, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Tata Motors' Jaguar Land Rover is Britain's largest carmaker, followed by Nissan, which has been in Britain for three decades and makes 475,000 cars a year in the country, most of them for export inside the European Union and beyond.

Sunderland in northern England, where Nissan has its operations, was among the constituencies that surprised pundits by voting to leave.

"Big question for automakers . . . is what kind of trade deals with the EU would be negotiated. That is the big unknown," a second executive at a global automaker said.

TARIFF-FREE EXPORTS

Exports from Britain to the European Union are free of tariffs and duties. Toyota has said duties under new trading deals could be as much as 10 percent, hitting either prices or margins, and denting sales.

Toyota produced about 190,000 cars in Britain last year. Of that, 75 percent went to the European Union. Only 10 percent was shipped and sold within Britain.

South Korea's auto association said it was worried a departure could revive a 10-percent tariff on exports of passenger vehicles to UK -- unless a separate deal is negotiated.

"This could inevitably undermine the price competitiveness of South Korean automakers in UK, as opposed to Japanese and German rivals which have production bases there," said Kim Tae-nyen, vice president at the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA).

Aside from Toyota, Tata and Nissan, others manufacturing in Britain include BMW, GM and Honda.

Honda produces around 140,000 vehicles per year, including the CR-V crossover SUV and Civic sedan at its plant in Swindon. Half of its production is exported to the EU.

Some industry officials have said the exit even raises the prospects of those automakers moving Britain-based manufacturing capacity elsewhere in the EU bloc.

For now, officials said efforts would turn to lobbying hard for better trade deals.
Far right FN party calls for French "Frexit" referendum on EU

By Ingrid Melander

PARIS, June 24 (Reuters) - France's far right National Front party called for a French referendum on European Union membership on Friday, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda at home.

The anti-immigrant, anti-euro FN, was the only major French political party to call for Britons to vote to leave the EU.

"Victory for freedom!" said FN chief Marine Le Pen, who displayed the British flag on her Twitter page. "We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries."

Her deputy Florian Philippot said it was now France's turn to vote to leave the EU. "The liberty of peoples always wins in the end! Bravo to the United Kingdom," he wrote on Twitter. "Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit."

Since taking over from her father as FN leader, Jean-Marie, in 2011, Marine Le Pen has reworked the image of the FN to make it more mainstream. The party has done better, election after election - in the first round.

But it still loses in run-offs, and now controls less than a dozen small and medium-size municipalities.

Analysts, but also a few FN top officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy, was partly to blame for this by putting off key older voters.

Britain's "Leave" vote can go a long way to help it overcome this, Ifop pollster's analyst Frederic Dabi said.

"It's good news for Le Pen because the European issue was one of the key drags on FN voting," Dabi said.

"Older voters, executives, feared a leap in the unknown because of its anti-EU stance. But the UK is setting a precedent. If it goes well there, it will make the FN's stance look much more mainstream."

Usually omnipresent in French media, Le Pen had become largely silent over the past few months after suffering a huge disappointment in regional elections in December.

The Brexit vote could well throw her back on the front scene.

Le Pen had said last month that if she won next year's French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations with Brussels on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU in a referendum, she said.
Poland says EU concept needs rethinking after Brexit

WARSAW, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union is bad news for Europe and for Poland and it is a signal that some concepts of the block will have to be changed, Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said on Friday.

"This is bad news for Europe, for Poland. (...) This is a great dilemma for the eurocrats, we all want to keep the EU, the question is in what shape," Waszczykowski told private broadcaster TV Republika.

"We will be trying to use this situation to make the European politicians aware why this happened. And it happened because this concept, which was created some time ago, is no longer popular in Europe," he added.
Hungary PM Orban says UK vote shows Brussels must listen to popular voice

BUDAPEST, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union shows that Brussels must listen to the voice of the people and give proper answers to such pivotal issues as migration, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday.

Orban told public radio that the issue of migration had a key role in the British debate ahead of Thursday's referendum.

"Brussels must hear the voice of the people, this is the biggest lesson from this decision," Orban said.

Orban said British people were not satisfied with the policies that the EU took on the migration crisis.

"Why is Hungary in the EU? Hungary is in the EU because we believe in a strong Europe," Orban added.

"But Europe is strong only if it can give answers to major issues such as immigration that would strengthen Europe itself and not weaken it. The EU failed to give these answers."

Orban said the majority of Britons had interpreted EU answers to the migration crisis as ones that would weaken Europe.

He added that Visegrad countries in Central Europe would soon hold discussions about the British vote.
UK govt bond yields indicated at new low 1 pct after Brexit vote - Tradeweb

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - The yield on 10-year UK government bonds was indicated at a new low on Friday, according to pricing data from bond platform Tradeweb, as investors rushed to the safety of government debt after Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

The 10-year yield fell to 1.008 percent in highly volatile and illiquid movements, having earlier been indicated as high as 1.59 percent on Friday morning immediately after Tradeweb started offering quotes on traders' screens.

Tradeweb usually starts offering quotes at 0800 London time but opened at 0400 London time on what turned out to be a historic day.

Traders said there has been very little - if any - actual trading and the prices on the screens were largely indicative. But Citi's rate strategists lowered their 10-year gilt yield forecast to 0.9 percent on Friday.
China's offshore wind power plans lag, 2020 target under threat

By Kathy Chen

BEIJING, June 24 (Reuters) - China is lagging far behind its target to boost the country's offshore wind power capacity due to technical problems and high costs, which in the absence of more state subsidies could dent its plans to install 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2020, developers said.

China is the world's top generator of electricity from wind turbines, with 145 GW of installed capacity, but most of this is onshore. The push to expand offshore has been driven by the fact that many of its major economic hubs are near the coast.

The country's first offshore project, the 102-megawatts (MW) Donghai Bridge Wind farm, was built eight years ago in Shanghai. Development has, however, slowed since then with a total capacity of only 1 GW being installed by 2015, versus a target of 5 GW, according to the Global Wind Energy Council.

"We hold a conservative view on the 2020 target," given losses from the target miss, but are positive that China will step up investment, said Wang Wen, spokeswoman of China's second largest offshore wind turbine producer, Sinovel.

"It is a global trend to go offshore, but it needs financial support to tackle technical hurdles," she added. "The cost to build an offshore project is twice that of the onshore plant."

Installing large turbines offshore is challenging, with most countries struggling in initial phases. However, nations like Denmark, Britain or Germany already have much more installed.

Chinese officials agree that costs have been a major deterrent, but believe the country needs to master the technology first instead of rushing to expand.

"We don't need a massive expansion, given the high risk level and time we need to gain experience and improve the technology," Shi Lisha, deputy director of the renewable energy division under the National Environment Administration, said this week. Also, the 2020 target is not mandatory, he added.

To make investment into offshore wind more attractive, developers have called for higher subsidies, or so-called feed-in tariffs, but Shi poured cold water over such hopes, saying the current tariff of 0.85 yuan ($0.1287) per kilowatt-hour would likely remain for the next five years.

Given the difficulties, it is unclear how much offshore capacity will be installed.

Still, there is some development. China Three Gorges Corporation, the operator running the world's largest hydropower plant, plans to build a factory to test turbines at 5 MW or more for the Fujian coastal province, China's third largest offshore wind province after Jiangsu and Hebei.
Brexit adds to fragility of global growth

By John Mair

SYDNEY, June 24 (Reuters) - The pain of Britain's European divorce radiated around the globe on Friday, blowing up a storm in financial markets that may take time to die down and retarding prospects for a recovery in world trade.

Sterling's steepling fall to 30-year lows showed investors saw the British vote to quit the European Union as a self-inflicted wound, but economic casualties could spread far and wide.

"The global economy was fragile before and is more so today," Citi economists said in a report.

Markets, caught off guard by the result, pushed back the expected timing of rate rises by the U.S. Federal Reserve and tried to work out if the Bank of England and other central banks would ease to shore up their economies.

"In the real economy, global GDP is definitely going to be affected, U.S. GDP, Japan GDP, GDP everywhere!," said Bob Takai, President at Sumitomo Corp Global Research in Tokyo.

"So I think it's going to be difficult for the Fed to raise rates. No rate hikes this year and maybe the Fed is going to have to think about their whole monetary policy."

Japan, which wants a weaker yen to break free of recession, felt the impact immediately.

The yen, regarded as a safe haven currency, surged past 100 per dollar to its strongest in 2-1/2 years and stocks fell more than 8 percent during trade on Friday.

Asia's emerging markets were also hit hard, with stocks and currencies falling.

China's yuan slumped to its lowest in more than five years, with the central bank thought to be intervening to sell dollars.

"From an investment perspective it's the last thing the global economy needed because of the uncertainty that it's going to add in to what's already been a volatile year," said Savanth Sebastian, an economist at Comsec in Sydney.

The yen's gains intensified the concerns of Japanese policymakers, who want a weaker currency to support exports and their deflation-hit economy.

So far, Japan has been unable to garner support from other major countries, most notably the United States, for intervention to weaken the yen.

It was unclear if that would change even as Tokyo signalled on Friday it was ready to act.

"I'm extremely concerned about the risk (Brexit) has on the global economy, financial and currency markets," Japan's finance minister Taro Aso said.

"It is extremely important to ensure growth in the global economy, as well as maintaining currency and financial stability."

Any unliateral action by the Japanese could run the risk of triggering competitive devaluations by rival export-focused economies, vying for market share at a time when world trade was slowing.

"NOT A LEHMAN MOMENT"

Ratings agency Standard & Poor's said the United Kingdom was likely to lose its AAA credit rating, the Financial Times reported, and economists said if the transition - including negotiating trade deals with the EU and other countries - was not smooth then Britain risked falling into recession next year.

But despite the market ructions, many said the Leave vote was not a moment equivalent to the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers that could tip the world economy back into crisis.

"Financial markets will likely react in an aggressive manner this morning and the world has changed, but from a market perspective this is not a systemic Lehman moment," Exane BNP Paribas analysts said in a report.

"It is politics where the main uncertainty now lies, with central bank response also important."

One of the biggest challenges for Britain will be to reach standalone trade deals in the timeframe of about two years to manage its withdrawal, given such negotiations often take much longer.

"These processes and their eventual outcomes could well remain unresolved for years, weighing heavily on investment and economic sentiment during the interim and depressing output," the International Monetary Fund said in a report last week ahead of the vote, saying it could potentially tip Britain into recession.

Indonesia is currently negotiating a trade deal with the European Union, and Darmin Nasution, coordinating minister for economics said Brexit would be a manageable complication.
IMG_4996.JPG

Members of the Boys and Girls Club from Pascagoula and Gautier perform an interpretive mime dance at the 2016 Steak and Steak Dinner. (Tyler Carter/Gulflive.com)

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - A packed Jackson County Civic Center was full of parents and children who were looking to celebrate one of the county's biggest fundraisers and for most children, their first steak. Edmond Hughes of Ingalls Shipbuilding served as one of the sponsors for the event and his sole purpose, according to him was his love for community.

"This is the major fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County and looking out into that crowd and listening to individuals who have been a part of it, along with them discussing what the Boys & Girls Club meant to them and their success, it is all worth the time, energy, and effort," Hughes said.

The 2016 honoree for the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year is Pascagoula native, Kamyrn Tart who was awarded with a $1,500 scholarship from Bacot McCarty and a $500 Legacy scholarship.

Executive Director of the Bacot McCarty Foundation, Todd Trenchard. presents a college scholarship to Kamryn Tart, the 2016 Youth of the Year of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Jackson County. She will be attending Tougaloo College.

Tart is known by her unit director James Davis as a bright young woman with ingenious ideas and in shaping young ladies to realize their purpose in society as, "Becoming Young Ladies of Dignity and Strength." Thursday evening, Tart spoke about her love for the Boys & Girls Club, being named youth of the year, and what her unit has taught her.

"This feeling is beyond incredible," Tart said. "It is humbling to know that I am representing the youth in such a positive way. The Andrew Johnson Boys & Girls Club assisted me in my upbringing by taking me in as their own, demonstrating what it is to be a true leader, and instructing me on how to wear confidence."

The uniqueness of Tart's speech echoed a sentiment of current Republican Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Tart spun it into a way the audience could relate.

"My motivation for spinning Donald Trump's comment was to acknowledge that children are the future heroes of the world," Tart said. "With that being said, the Boys & Girls Clubs around the world make children that much "greater!"

Tart is a Pascagoula High graduate who plans to attend Tougaloo College to major in computer science with a minor in business and aspires to be a traveling computer programmer or trainer for hospital systems.

Former Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year and current Mississippi state legislature District 110 representative Jeramey Anderson spoke about what the Boys & Girls club has done for him and the effect that it can have on children.

"Boys & Girls Club serves as a home away from home I'd like to say," Anderson said. "I started at six years old until I was 18 and had the opportunity to speak to the House and Senate about the importance of programs such as the Boys & Girls Club, not knowing that two or three years later, I would actually be in the house."

"This program provides an opportunity for young people to explore themselves and explore others with different backgrounds," Anderson said. "My mom works at the Boys & Girls Club and often times I say that I never came from a less fortunate background, but I knew kids who did that were in the club. Knowing them gave me the opportunity to experience both sides because often time, we take our current situation for granted and the Boys & Girls Club makes you not only aware, but very well-rounded."

Keynote speaker Major General Augustus L. Collins speech consisted of key words he grew up using because they were ingrained into him throughout his youth.

"As role models, parents, or advisors, the most important thing you can teach the youth is the value of "yes sir", "no sir", "yes ma'am," "no ma'am", "please", and "thank you," Collins said. "These simple phrases will go a long way in helping to prepare the youth for the rest of their lives."
Mob destroys mosque as religious, ethnic tension rises in Myanmar

By Antoni Slodkowski

YANGON, June 24 (Reuters) - A group of men from a village in central Myanmar destroyed a mosque in the first serious outburst of inter-religious violence in months, coinciding with a rise in tensions over how to refer to the Rohingya, the country's persecuted Muslim minority.

Villagers from Thayethamin, a remote settlement a two-hours' drive northeast of Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, destroyed the mosque on Thursday after a dispute over its construction, and beat up at least one Muslim man, media and a police spokesman said.

Religious tensions simmered in Myanmar for almost half a century of military rule, before boiling over in 2012, just a year after a semi-civilian government took power.

Hundreds died in clashes in northwestern Rakhine State between Rohingya Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, leading to the organized expulsion of Rohingya by Rakhine mobs. More violence between Muslims and Buddhists in other parts of the country followed in 2013.

Photographs that circulated on social media on Friday, purportedly from the village, showed a seriously damaged building, furniture scattered along the streets and a large group of men roaming around, some armed with sticks.

Further details of the incident were unclear. Reuters was unable to verify the photographs.

"Things are well under control now and action hasn't been taken against anyone yet," said colonel Zaw Khin Aung, spokesman of the Police Headquarters based in Myanmar's capital, Naypyitaw.

The violence coincides with a rise in tensions over how to refer to the Rohingya, a 1.1-million group of Muslims living in apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine since the 2012 violence.

Country leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won in a landslide in historic November elections, faces a daunting task of resolving ethnic and religious tensions and ending human rights abuses in the state.

On Monday, she told the U.N. Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, that the government would not use the term "Rohingya" because it viewed it as inflammatory.

The Rohingya identify themselves by that name. Many have lived in Myanmar for generations, but many Myanmar Buddhists call them "Bengali" - a term implying they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Suu Kyi has appealed to people not to use either term, and instead refer to the "Muslim community in Rakhine State".
BP says to keep UK headquarters despite British EU exit vote

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Oil major BP said on Friday its headquarters would remain in the United Kingdom, despite Britain voting to leave the European Union.

"It is far too early to understand the detailed implications of this decision and uncertainty is never helpful for a business such as ours," BP said.
Senegal ex-president's son jailed for corruption released - govt

DAKAR, June 24 (Reuters) - Karim Wade, the son of Senegal's former president, was released from prison after the issuing of a presidential pardon, a spokesman for President Macky Sall and his lawyer said on Friday.
Ukraine president expects Russia sanctions to continue despite Brexit

KIEV, June 24 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Friday he expected Western sanctions against Russia to continue despite Britain voting to leave the European Union.

In the run up to Thursday's vote, politicians in Kiev fretted that a Brexit vote would weaken the EU's support for Ukraine and undermine its resolve to stand up to Russia.

"Today the current challenge for the European Union is to find a way to the hearts of eurosceptics so as not to allow a single chance to the opponents of the euro-integration project and to their generous sponsor," Poroshenko tweeted.
Philippines' Duterte says time will come to confront Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, June 24 (Reuters) - Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Friday the time will come when he will have to confront the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Islamist militants in the south of the mainly Catholic country.

On Friday, Indonesia's foreign minister said a halt on coal shipments to the Philippines will remain until Manila can secure its waters after seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped, the latest in a string of abductions.
Brexit leaves uncertain future for Europe's carbon market

By Susanna Twidale and Nina Chestney

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's decision to leave the European Union has raised a critical question about the future of the world's biggest carbon market and fears that it could also quit the scheme sent prices tumbling.

Britain is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Europe and as a result its utilities are among the largest buyers of permits in the EU's Emission Trading System (ETS), which charges power plants and factories for every tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) they emit.

With Britain's continued participation in the scheme under question, EU carbon prices plunged more than 10 percent on Friday morning, and to their lowest level since March.

"We are now faced with the real possibility Britain could leave the ETS, which would be hugely bearish, not just on the supply/demand side but for the wider hopes for strong market reforms post 2020," a carbon trader said.

EU lawmakers are currently working on reforms of the market that will reduce the share of free carbon permits handed out after 2020 as part of an effort to fix the oversupply in the system and boost prices.

In the past Britain has been a champion of measures to drive up prices, but will no longer have influence to shape the market's future regulations.

For example, Britain, along with Germany, led efforts to broker a deal with member states last year to get ETS reforms started in 2019, two years earlier than countries such as Poland had wanted.

British MEP Ian Duncan, who was shepherding the changes through the European Parliament, tendered his resignation as rapporteur of the ETS reforms.

"His draft report is a good basis for further discussions towards a successful reform (of the market) and we hope, in case Mr Duncan gives back the rapporteurship, that whoever takes over will work in the spirit of the work done," said Dirk Gotink, spokesman for the EPP group in the EU Parliament.

Ian Duncan was not available for comment.

Most analysts believe Britain will remain in the EU ETS even though it has voted to leave the European Union, and follow a similar path to Norway whose companies participate in the scheme despite not being an EU member.

"Logic says that the UK will try and negotiate an agreement which still gives them access to freedom of movement of goods and capital but not people. That will require the UK to keep a huge range of EU policies and it is likely that the EU ETS would be one of them," said Trevor Sikorski, analyst at UK-based consultancy Energy Aspects.

"However, you could see a world where it pulls out of the EU ETS and just keeps the carbon tax and argues it's an equivalent measure. Really, all we have now is uncertainty," he added.
Cambodia deports 25 Taiwanese fraud suspects to China

By Prak Chan Thul

PHNOM PENH, June 24 (Reuters) - Cambodia deported 25 Taiwanese nationals wanted on fraud charges to China on Friday, ignoring attempts by Taiwanese officials to have them returned to Taiwan.

A team of 90 Chinese police arrived in Phnom Penh to pick up the 25 Taiwanese nationals and another 14 Chinese nationals detained in Cambodia over suspected involvement in internet and telephone fraud.

The detainees, some in tears, were forced to squat on the tarmac as the police searched them, removed their belongings and handcuffed them.

"Ninety Chinese police came here and picked them up themselves from the airport," Cambodian immigration officer Uk Heisela told Reuters.

Cambodia, one of China's closest allies, detained the Taiwanese and Chinese nationals in coordination with Chinese authorities who are attempting to halt the proliferation of scams that have cost billions of dollars.

Cambodia does not have official relations with self-ruled Taiwan and considers the island part of "one China", in line with Beijing which considers the island a breakaway province.

"Please, don't consider Cambodia as a hiding place or for doing illegal businesses," Heisela said, confirming that the Taiwanese nationals were deported under the one-China policy.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said it was "deeply unsatisfied" with the way Cambodia handled the case.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China was appreciative of Cambodia's handling of the issue under the "one China" principle and that the suspects would have their rights guaranteed.

Cambodia has deported more than 200 people suspected of involvement in fraud rings to China since November.

Human Rights Watch said the group should have been allowed to appeal the decision to deport them in court.

"Sending a SWAT-style team to bundle these Taiwan and China nationals away without any sort of hearing or appeal process clearly demonstrates that China thinks that international laws and standards somehow don't apply to them," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy director in Asia.
Danish government-allied populists call for EU vote, PM rejects

COPENHAGEN, June 24 (Reuters) - Denmark's populist anti-immigration party called on Friday for a referendum on the country's membership of the European Union following Britain's decision to leave, but the prime minister rejected such a possibility.

The Danish People's Party (DF), an ally of the right-leaning government, said it wanted a referendum about continued membership once Britain has negotiated the terms for its future cooperation with the union.

"I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have it now," DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl told broadcaster DR.

The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. In total, the four parties have only one seat more than the opposition bloc. The DF holds 37 seats in the 179-seat parliament.

Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance. Those two parties hold 51 seats, while the minority government holds just 34 seats and depends on other parties to pass laws.

Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a "slimmer EU".

"We belong in the EU," Rasmussen told a news conference. "I do not foresee that there will be a situation in the foreseeable future where we need to take a break with that".

An opinion poll this week showed 59 percent of Danes would be against holding a referendum similar to the British on EU membership, while 33 percent were for a vote.

A spokesman for the biggest opposition party, the Social Democrats, holding 47 seats in parliament, told the same broadcaster that it was in Denmark's clear interest to remain within the EU.

The leader of Britain's UK Independence Party, Nigel Farage, said before the result was known that Brexit would trigger a domino effect in which several Northern European countries would leave the EU, starting with Denmark.

In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats has long demanded a referendum on the country's EU membership.

"The Sweden Democrats will now increase our pressure on the government, and we demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum," party leader Jimme Akesson said by email.
Turkey grants immunity to security forces fighting militants

ANKARA, June 24 (Reuters) - Turkey's parliament has granted immunity from prosecution to members of the armed forces conducting counter-terrorism operations as security forces battle Kurdish militants in fighting that has killed thousands in the past year.

The law, passed late on Thursday, gives expansive powers to the military as it tries to stamp out an insurgency by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) after last year's collapse of a two-year ceasefire.

Before becoming president in 2014, Tayyip Erdogan spent much of his rule as prime minister building up civilian oversight of the military. Critics say the new law undoes some of those reforms.

The legislation could make it harder to investigate allegations of rights abuses. The United Nations and human rights groups have raised concerns about such violations during the last year of operations that have been centred in densely populated cities. Hundreds of civilians have been killed, according to opposition parties.

Erdogan said 7,500 PKK fighters have been "neutralised" and almost 500 soldiers and police officers killed.

Meanwhile, six Turkish soldiers were killed in two attacks on Friday, the military said. Four soldiers were killed when an improvised explosive device detonated in Hakkari province, near the Iraqi border, it said on its website.

Rebels opened fire and killed two soldiers near the town of Derik in Mardin province, north of the Syrian border, it said.

Turkey, the United States and the European Union all consider the PKK a terrorist organisation. It first took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984, and more than 40,000 people, mostly Kurds, have been killed since.

The new law requires permission from the military or political leadership for any prosecutions of soldiers. The law will be applied retroactively, thereby covering the operations undertaken over the past year.

Civil servants engaged in counter-terrorism activities will also be protected from prosecution, according to the law.
Russia's FinMin: negative consequences of Brexit will be limited

MOSCOW, June 24 (Reuters) - Negative consequences for the Russian economy from Britain's decision to leave the European Union will be limited, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in a statement on Friday.

"The task for Russian economic policy is to be ready for negative scenarios in global economic development, which means it is necessary to use conservative premises when planning."
Tellis, Chambers.jpeg

Tellis Chambers (left), the man accused of the 2014 burning death of Jessica Chambers, has been extradited back to Mississippi from Louisiana.

(File photos/GulfLive.com)

HERNANDO, Mississippi -- Authorities say the man wanted in the 2014 burning death of a woman is back in Mississippi.

Panola County District Attorney John Champion tells local media outlets 27-year-old Quinton Tellis, charged with capital murder in the 2014 burning death of 19-year-old Jessica Chambers, was returned to Mississippi on Thursday.

Champion said Tellis was picked up from Louisiana authorities Thursday morning and was in the DeSoto County Jail in Hernando as of about 6:15 p.m.

The return, faster than expected, comes after Tellis pleaded guilty in May to unauthorized use of a debit card in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. The card belonged to a slain Monroe, Louisiana, woman. Tellis was not charged in her death.

Champion said the first step after Tellis' return will be an arraignment, expected July 5 in Panola County.

"That'll be the only court appearance until motions are filed," Champion said. "Realistically, it will probably be the spring before it goes to trial."

Champion said the discovery documents prosecutors accumulated during a 16-month investigation, which will be turned over to defense before trial, will "fill a table."

Tellis is represented by two Jackson attorneys.

Tellis was indicted by a Panola County grand jury and charged in February. He was charged as a habitual offender because of two previous burglary convictions and a felony fleeing conviction.

He grew up in Courtland, in Panola County, with Chambers and knew her before moving to Louisiana in 2015, authorities said.

Charging him with Chambers' death ended a lengthy investigation into the grisly burning death of the 19-year-old, who died at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis hours after being found near her burned-out vehicle on a road not far from home.
Sinn Fein calls for Irish unity poll as Brexit fallout begins

By Padraic Halpin

DUBLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - Northern Ireland's deputy leader Martin McGuinness called on Friday for a vote to unite the two sides of the Irish border as stocks tumbled in the economic and political fallout from Britain's decision to quit the EU.

Ireland has the EU's fastest-growing economy but also more to lose from Brexit than any other member state, with far-reaching implications for its trade, economy, security of energy supplies and peace in British-ruled Northern Ireland.

After 56 percent of Northern Irish voters sought to remain in the EU compared to the 52 percent of the United Kingdom as a whole who voted to leave, Sinn Fein's McGuinness demanded that London call a referendum on a united Ireland.

"The British government now has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the North in any future negotiations with the European Union and I do believe that there is a democratic imperative for a 'border poll' to be held," McGuinness told national Irish broadcaster RTE.

"The implications for all of us on the island of Ireland are absolutely massive. This could have very profound implications for our economy (in Northern Ireland)."

The call from Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland's largest Irish nationalist party, was rebuffed by pro-British First Minister Arlene Foster and Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who said there were much more serious issues to deal with.

Kenny called an emergency cabinet meeting shortly after the result and afterwards published a plan his government had prepared in advance, listing actions it would take over trade, investment, British-Irish relations and Northern Ireland.

"UNAMBIGUOUSLY NEGATIVE"

Ireland's central bank had warned that a withdrawal would hurt economic growth and jobs and significantly impact the financial sector, while a government-commissioned report found it could cut trade with Britain by at least 20 percent.

Irish banks, whose exposure to the UK accounts for around 21 percent of total assets, led the Irish stock market eight percent lower, with shares in Bank of Ireland and permanent tsb down 25 percent and 21 percent down at 1345 GMT.

Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers Ryanair , building materials group Kingspan and packaging producer Smurfit Kappa also fell sharply. The local bourse was down by as much as 16 percent earlier on Friday.

The yield on Ireland's benchmark 10-year bonds was marginally higher at a near record low 0.84 percent. The country's debt agency said its funding position was strong with limited financing needs for the rest of the year and through the first half of 2017.

The cost of insuring exposure to Irish government debt nearly doubled on Friday, surging to the highest level in nearly 2-1/2 years.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan, who earlier this week said an estimated cumulative Brexit-related hit on the Irish economy of as much as 1.6 percent of GDP would be "containable", said the outcome would not derail his immediate budget plans.

"There is nothing catastrophic for Irish fiscal policy on the horizon," Noonan told national broadcaster RTE with the caveat that the hit to economic growth could limit his budget plans beyond 2018.

Investec Ireland said it will likely cut its GDP forecasts for 2016 and 2017 that are currently in line with government predictions of 5 and 4 percent, calling the referendum result "unambiguously negative" for the Irish economy.

Davy Stockbrokers said that while it did not think a Brexit will be sufficient to push Ireland into recession, it could lower growth by 1 to 2 percent in both years.

Ratings agency S&P said Brexit had no immediate impact on Ireland's sovereign ratings and it expected the Irish economy to stay resilient enough to withstand the negative impacts.

Brexit may not be all bad for Ireland, and Noonan said there may be some upside if companies keen to stay in the EU moved to Dublin from London. The contingency plan calls for marketing efforts to be intensified in sectors like financial services for firms wanting to be based in the EU.

BORDER CONTROLS

But of most concern to Dublin is the impact on Northern Ireland, which has the only land frontier between the UK and the rest of the EU. It was marked by military checkpoints until a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian violence.

Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan told Reuters this week that the reintroduction of a hard border would have to be considered in any negotiation and that the return of controls, for customs or security, could pose a difficult challenge for the peace process.

The dismantling of military border posts was a key aspect of the peace deal between Catholic nationalists seeking a united Ireland and Protestant unionists who wanted to keep Northern Ireland British. Over 3,600 died in the conflict.

Kenny said Ireland would do its utmost to keep the country's decades-old common travel area with Britain. His plan says that options for possible customs and excise controls, including the role of modern technology, would be analysed with a view to minimising trade restrictions.
Three people killed in shootout in Turkish hospital - media

ISTANBUL, June 24 (Reuters) - A gunman opened fire inside a pharmacy in a Turkish university hospital in the capital Ankara on Friday, killing three people and seriously wounding another, the privately-owned Dogan news agency reported.

It was not immediately clear why the shooting erupted but the agency said it was a personal dispute among hospital employees, who were also among the victims.

Police teams have been dispatched to the scene and security inside the hospital has been tightened, Dogan said.
European airlines slump on Brexit vote, IAG warns on profit

By Victoria Bryan

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Airline stocks plunged on Friday and IAG said it would no longer meet its profit targets this year after Britain's vote to leave the EU raised concerns over travel demand and flying rights.

Airlines with a strong focus on the UK market were worst hit, with IAG, easyJet, Wizz Air and Ryanair all down by 18-22 percent. British bank HSBC downgraded all European carriers to "reduce".

Ahead of the vote, airline bosses had warned that a so-called Brexit could lead to a slide in demand for leisure and business travel, though analysts say that a fall in the pound could make leisure travel to the UK more attractive.

IAG said on Friday that, while it does not expect the Brexit vote to have a long-term material impact on its business, profit will take a hit in the short term.

"Following the outcome of the referendum, and given current market volatility, while IAG continues to expect a significant increase in operating profit this year it no longer expects to generate an absolute operating profit increase similar to 2015," the company said in a statement.

FLYING RIGHTS

A Brexit could also lead to detrimental changes to airlines' flying rights. As an EU member state, Britain is currently part of the EU's single aviation market, which allows airlines to fly freely to and within member states.

While the UK government is expected to seek to rejoin the single aviation market, there is no certainty this will be achieved.

HSBC said that if Britain did not rejoin the single aviation market 30 percent of easyJet's operation could be affected, or 40 percent if its Swiss air operators certificate (AOC) is also called into question. The bank said that about 30 percent of Ryanair's operations could be hit and 25 percent at Wizz Air.

Brokerage Concorde puts easyJet's exposure at 45 percent, IAG at 35 percent, Ryanair at 27 percent (excluding Ireland) and Wizz Air at 15 percent.

To get around any restrictions, easyJet could seek an EU-based AOC for its continental European operations, while Ryanair and Wizz could set up a UK-based AOC.

"Implementing new corporate structures would add overhead costs and reduce operational flexibility," HSBC analysts said.

CONSIDERING OPTIONS

EasyJet said it is working on a number of options to allow it to continue flying in all of its markets and has already written to the UK government and European Commission to urge them to ensure Britain stayed in the single aviation market.

"We remain confident in the strength of easyJet's business model and our ability to continue to deliver our successful strategy and our leading returns," CEO Carolyn McCall said in a statement.

Eastern European carrier Wizz Air could also suffer from reduced demand from Polish and Hungarian workers flying to and from the UK, said Daniel Tunkli, airline sector analyst at Concorde Securities in Budapest.

"That market is now under serious risk, but what precise implications it might have remains to be seen. I doubt the UK will now send guest workers home, but if they begin to require visas and generally just make air travel more cumbersome, that will hurt Wizz Air," he said.

Lufthansa Chief Executive Carsten Spohr said that he considers the impact of Brexit on the German carrier's business as "manageable" because Britain accounts for only 5 percent of group revenue.
Three people killed in shootout in Turkish hospital

ISTANBUL, June 24 (Reuters) - A hospital technician opened fire in a Turkish teaching hospital in the capital Ankara on Friday, killing three people and seriously wounding another, the governor's office said.

The gunman, who opened fire in a pharmacy in the complex, was captured by the police, the governor's office said in a statement. The three victims were pharmacy employees, it said.

It gave no details on the reason for the shooting, but the privately-owned Dogan news agency said it was a personal dispute. Police teams were sent to the scene and security inside the hospital has been tightened, Dogan said.
WPP chief predicts a slowdown of the world economy after Brexit vote

CANNES, June 24 (Reuters) - WPP Chief Executive Officer Sir Martin Sorrell predicted on Friday a slowdown of the world economy after Britain voted in favour of leaving the European Union.

"What will naturally happen is that the economies will slow, because our clients will become more cautious," Sorrell told Reuters in an interview in Cannes.

"The world is going at between 3 or 3.5 percent (of growth rate)... My guess is that the next forecast from the World Bank or the IMF is going to be even more conservative."

Sorrell said that WPP, the world's largest advertising company, was in danger of losing influence in western continental European markets after the British vote, meaning that incremental jobs were less likely to be created in Britain and more likely to be created in countries like Germany, France and Italy.
Brexit could slow EU enlargement, Croatia warns

ZAGREB, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union could slow down the bloc's enlargement process that Balkan states see as their route to prosperity, the foreign minister of Croatia, the EU's newest member, said on Friday.

The Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, which went though war and economic turmoil in the 1990s, are all at different stages of joining the now 28-nation EU.

But Croatian Foreign Minister Miro Kovac said the British Brexit vote could slow the pace at which candidate nations join the EU. "We also want stability in southeastern Europe and we will work so that Brexit does not have too much effect on the enlargement process," Kovac told regional broadcaster N1 TV.

"However, we must be realistic. I'm afraid that there will be an effect on that process and that it may slow down a bit."

Croatia was the second former Yugoslav republic to join the bloc, in 2013, after Slovenia in 2004.
Poland says all must be done to stop others from leaving EU

WARSAW, June 24 (Reuters) - Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Friday efforts should be made to prevent other countries from leaving the European Union after Britain voted to leave the bloc.

"One must do everything to prevent other countries from leaving," Duda told reporters, adding that Poland wanted to maintain its economic and defence ties with Britain.

Duda also reiterated that his cabinet would continue to work on legislative solutions to help hundreds of thousands of Poles saddled with Swiss franc mortgages.
Greek PM Tsipras says new vision is needed for a better Europe

ATHENS, June 24 (Reuters) - Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Friday Britain's decision to leave the European Union was symptomatic of a deeper malaise in Europe which needed to be urgently addressed.

"The extreme choices of austerity that widened the inequality between countries of the north and south, fences and closed borders and the denial to share the burden of the debt and migrant crises had signaled an extended crisis in Europe," Tsipras said in televised comments to state TV.

"We urgently need a new vision and beginning for a united Europe - for a better Europe, more social and democratic."
France says new Europe needed after Brexit "explosive shock"

By Ingrid Melander and Richard Lough

PARIS, June 24 (Reuters) - The European Union has suffered an "explosive shock" and must reinvent itself to prevent its break-up and restore the confidence of voters, French leaders said on Friday after Britain voted to quit the bloc.

President Francois Hollande must navigate a fine line between tackling French voters' increasing disillusionment with the EU and France's ambition to be in the driving seat alongside the bloc's powerhouse Germany.

He said on Friday he would make proposals to ensure the EU moved forward on key remits of security and defence, investment for growth and jobs, and reinforcing the euro zone.

But he also insisted it cannot be business as usual for the EU and deep changes must be made.

"Europe must be understood and controlled by its citizens. Europe must act quickly where it's needed and must, once and for all, let member states handle what is their exclusive domain," he said in a televised address.

From the far-left to the far-right, French politicians of all stripes stressed Brexit suddenly made Europe a top theme for next year's presidential election. They all had the same message Friday - Europe must change - but with very different methods.

For far-right National Front party leader Marine Le Pen, who hailed Britain's Brexit vote as a "victory for freedom," change means scrapping the euro, leaving the Schengen border-free area and carrying out a referendum on EU membership.

Center-right former prime minister Alain Juppe, whom opinion polls see likely to win the 2017 election, also wants a referendum, he said, in a shift from previous comments - but on a new EU project France, Germany and other core countries would work on, not on membership of the bloc.

Former president Nicolas Sarkozy said he wants a new treaty and the suspension of Turkey's EU accession negotiations.

Hollande, who has scheduled meetings with the leaders of France's main political parties on Saturday, will travel to Berlin on Monday to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

He did not spell out what proposals he would make.

"In a country that is increasingly eurosceptic, even politicians who are historically pro-European like Hollande must be careful," said Francois Miquet-Marty, head of the Viavoice polling institute.

While the French were largely attached to EU membership, polls over the past few years consistently showed a majority want Europe to have less powers, Miquet-Marty said.

France is the country where support for the EU has fallen the most this year, according to the Washington-based Pew Research Center.

French Prime Minister Valls said the Brexit vote revealed a malaise within Europe that had been ignored for too long. It was time to reinvent Europe or risk the bloc's fragmentation, he said.
Austria's far right calls for Juncker, Schulz to resign after Brexit vote

VIENNA, June 24 (Reuters) - Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) called for the heads of the European Commission and the European Parliament to resign after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

The party narrowly lost last month's presidential election and has mounted a legal challenge against the result. The constitutional court has until July 8 to decide whether the run-off has to be repeated.

"With a bit of decency and respect for a good future of Europe, they shall resign immediately," FPO head Heinz-Christian Strache said of the head of European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz.
OSPD cars collage.jpg

The Ocean Springs Police Department has received six new Dodge Charger patrol cars, thanks to the receipt of more th $200,00 in drug seizure and forfeiture money.

(OSPD photo)

OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Prior to 2016, it had been a number of years since the Ocean Springs Police Department had received new patrol cars.

Thus far this year, however, the department has gratefully welcomed a total of nine new patrol cars to its fleet -- including six Dodge Chargers the OSPD recently received through the use of funds received through seizures and forfeitures.

Police Chief Mark Dunston said Friday the new cars are a welcome addition and join with two new patrol cars the board of aldermen appropriated at the start of the fiscal year and another Dunston purchased with forfeiture money.

In addition, aldermen have recently discussed including money in the 2016-17 budget to purchase 10 more new patrol cars.

"The new cars are greatly appreciated," Dunston said. "Getting 10 more would be really nice. We're skeletizing some cars to repair others."

Dunston said the new cars are assigned to patrol officers based on seniority. He noted all of the new vehicles are assigned strictly to the patrol division.

"I drive a 2009 Chevy," he said. "I drive the car nobody else wants."

The City received roughly $230,000 in seizure and forfeiture money from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which distributes funds to agencies involved in making arrests in drug cases.

The six black Chargers cost $133,488. The remaining funds will be used to equip the cars for patrol use.

"The City is proud of our police officers who have partnered with the Jackson County Drug Task Force to apprehend drug traffickers," said Mayor Connie Moran. "With our share of the forfeiture funds we have been able to purchase these much needed police vehicles. We want to let our citizens know how the efforts of our police officers have paid off."

Dunston also said the arrival of the new cars is a boost for his department.

"It's definitely good for the morale of our officers," he said. "They appreciate having good equipment."
Malaysia PM sacks former deputy from party, still considering cabinet reshuffle

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Reuters) - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday sacked his former deputy from the ruling party and said he needed more time to think about a cabinet reshuffle.

Former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin was sacked from the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO), along with Mukhriz Mahathir, the son of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Both have been tough critics of Najib, calling for his resignation following allegations of graft and mismanagement at scandal-hit state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

Najib, who chaired the advisory board of 1MDB, has faced intense pressure following revelations that up to $1 billion had been deposited into his personal account. Najib has denied any wrongdoing.

He also said he needed more time to think about a cabinet reshuffle. He announced his plan to rejig the lineup after the ruling coalition won the Sarawak state elections by an increased majority last month.

"I need more time to think about it," he told reporters.

The last cabinet reshuffle was last July, when Najib culled leaders critical of his handling of 1MDB.

Malaysia's ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional, coasted to victory in two by-elections earlier this month, defying a political movement led by Mahathir who has sought to turn voters against Najib.

The wins, along with a landslide win in the Borneo state of Sarawak last month, prompted some political experts to believe Najib may call snap polls.

Najib dismissed these rumours.
Brexit vote marks a watershed moment for Europe -Merkel

BERLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union is deeply regrettable and marks a watershed moment for European integration, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday.

Merkel told reporters she had invited the leaders of France and Italy as well as the European Council president to Berlin on Monday to discuss how to secure European unity after Britain referendum vote to quit the 28-member bloc.

"We have to recognise the decision of the majority of the British people with deep regret today," she said. "There is no point beating about the bush: today is a watershed for Europe, it is a watershed for the European unification process."

Merkel said Germany had a particular interest and responsibility in European unity succeeding.

"I have therefore invited EU Council President Donald Tusk, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to Berlin for talks on Monday."

Merkel said it was important that all the other 27 EU member states analysed the situation together in a calm and sober manner and did not rush into any decisions.
Poland wants EU to be a strong union of sovereign states-PM

WARSAW, June 24 (Reuters) - Poland will propose reforms aimed at making the European Union (EU) a strong bloc of sovereign nations, Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said on Friday, after Britain voted to leave the EU.

"The British referendum is a result of crises," Szydlo told a news conference.
Heavens open over EU capital as Brits weep for Brexit

By Julia Fioretti and Alastair Macdonald

BRUSSELS, June 24 (Reuters) - A night of thunder and torrential rain left Brussels flooded at dawn on Friday as British voters delivered a metaphorical lightning bolt to the European Union and left compatriots working there in tears.

Britons employed in the EU civil service and in the ranks of lawyers and lobbyists who ply their trade in Europe's capital went to bed reassured by polls pointing to a vote to remain in the EU in Britain's referendum on Thursday.

So they reacted with shock, sadness and flashes of anger when they woke to find compatriots back home had backed Brexit.

A British woman broke down in tears at the gates of one international school, where parents from many nations dropped off children on a day rendered eerily calm after a stormy night by a general strike in Belgium that halted public transport.

"I am grieving," said another Briton, who has worked Brussels for 30 years and called Brexit "a complete tragedy".

"We can't predict what we have done to our children."

Many fear for their jobs and, if not that, then for promotions. To join the 55,000-strong European civil service, staff must in general be EU citizens. So once Britons lose that status, their positions will be in jeopardy, depending partly on what arrangements Brussels negotiates with London.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wrote to staff to reassure Britons that he would do everything in his power to ensure they could keep their jobs.

"Disappointment, of course," European Commission official William Floyd said when asked how he felt about the referendum result. "They need us. I think I do a useful job here and I'm going to go on carrying on doing it."

SURPRISE

There were damp eyes and grim faces among some Britons at the EU executive, even as Juncker won an unusual ovation from staffers in the press room for telling journalists that it was not the beginning of the end for the EU.

The bloc's leaders delivered assurances that the fallout will be managed, though even they could not conceal surprise after opinion polls had shown the trend moving to Remain.

"We had two speeches ready. But we had spent a lot more time on the one for Remain," an official involved in preparing one of those statements. "To be honest, that was a much nicer speech."

Some Britons are applying for Belgian passports as long-time residents or switching allegiance to the countries of their European spouses. Mayors of boroughs and towns around Brussels told Le Soir newspaper their town hall staffs had been bombarded by requests on Friday from Britons seeking citizenship.

Florence Reuter, mayor of the upmarket suburb of Waterloo, said five of her town's estimated 450 British residents had filed requests for Belgian citizenship and dozens had asked about the process.

Joyce Hill, a British pensioner who has lived in Brussels for decades, told Reuters she had formally received Belgian nationality on Thursday, the very day of the Brexit referendum whose outcome she said was, simply, "sad, sad, sad".

"The Brits were always semi-detached (from the EU)," she added. "They were never really in, so the fact that they've chosen to come out is sad but not enormously surprising."

The eventual status of Britons in the EU service will be negotiated between London and Brussels.

"People are in shock, but we're civil servants, we're practical, we plough on," the British head of a department in one of the EU institutions said.
Netherlands to cut more Groningen gas production

AMSTERDAM, June 24 (Reuters) - The Dutch government has decided to cut production at the giant Groningen gas field from its current level of 27 billion cubic metres a year from October 1, 2016, Deputy Prime Minister Lodewijk Asscher said on Friday.

Earlier this week, the Netherlands' National Mines Inspectorate advised the government to cap production at 24 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas annually, De Telegraaf reported, citing a recommendation to Economy Minister Henk Kamp.
Two killed, 100 homes destroyed by fast-moving California wildfire

By Noah Berger

LAKE ISABELLA, Calif., June 24 (Reuters) - A massive California wildfire that has already killed two people and destroyed 100 structures was burning out of control on Friday evening as officials said it was possible more victims could be found in the rubble.

The so-called Erskine Fire, which broke out on Thursday afternoon in the foothills of Kern County about 42 miles (68 km) northeast of Bakersfield, had mushroomed on Friday to char more than 30,000 acres (12,140 hectares), making it one of the worst in an already intense California fire season.

The blaze has also sent three firefighters to the hospital for smoke inhalation and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes ahead of the flames. California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency for Kern County.

"This has been a massive amount of evacuations, people going door to door asking people to leave their homes because it's very dangerous out there," Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood told reporters at a Friday evening press conference.

Youngblood said two people had been confirmed killed in the inferno and that more fatalities could be discovered once authorities were able to search burned out neighborhoods.

"We're gonna go back over the rubble with cadaver dogs," he said. "We don't know if there are other victims who were unable to escape this fire."

Fire officials said they had five percent containment of the Erskine Fire as of Friday night, which was being driven by high temperatures and bone-dry vegetation from a five-year California drought.

"Everything is just working into a perfect storm," Kern County fire Captain Mike Nicholas said in a phone interview.

Some 800 firefighters struggled against the fast-moving flames in steep terrain and hundreds more were headed in to reinforce.

On Friday, authorities warned the more than 3,000 residents of the community of Lake Isabella on the shore of a reservoir to be prepared to evacuate.

Southeast of Lake Isabella, dozens of burned-out homes and car frames could be seen in a neighborhood reduced to a field of mangled metal and collapsed roofs. Two groups of residents picked through the rubble while firefighters worked in the area.

Alex Thompson, 20, was standing on a street in the community of Weldon, where houses were burning, and said he believed his home was lost as well, though he could not be sure.

"It makes me sad because I know I can't get that stuff back," Thompson said. "Basically, we're homeless right now."

The rapidly expanding blaze 150 miles (241 km) north of Los Angeles has destroyed 100 structures, including homes, outbuildings and detached garages, Nicholas said. Another 1,500 structures were threatened.

To the south, firefighters were struggling to manage the so-called San Gabriel Complex fire in the foothills of Los Angeles County.
Triumph for "Brexiteer" Nigel Farage, British scourge of the EU

By Estelle Shirbon

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union is a triumph for Nigel Farage, the abrasive anti-immigration politician who tapped into a deep well of popular anger that rivals failed to understand.

On a night that seemed to start badly for the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), with the last opinion polls predicting defeat for the Leave camp in Thursday's referendum, Farage said at first it looked like Remain would win.

But it ended with victory for him and on Friday morning he declared jubilantly that the vote for a British exit from the EU, or Brexit, heralded a new dawn for the nation.

"The EU is failing, the EU is dying. I hope we've knocked the first brick out of the wall. I hope this is the first step towards a Europe of sovereign nation states," he said, predicting that the Netherlands and Denmark would go next.

Not for the first time causing outrage, he said the result had been achieved "without a single bullet being fired".

The comment drew accusations of insensitivity after the killing of pro-EU lawmaker Jo Cox last week, after which a man charged with her murder told a court his name was "death to traitors, freedom for Britain".

But with his blunt approach, Farage has finally achieved the goal he has pursued relentlessly in his 25 years in politics.

"It's been a hell of a long journey, this," he told reporters, recalling that in the first election he contested, in 1994, he came second-from-last, beating only comedy candidate Screaming Lord Sutch by a handful of votes.

"Now there are 17 million people that voted for Brexit. It's a victory for ordinary people, decent people. It's a victory against the big merchant banks, against the big businesses and against big politics."

Farage had languished for years on the fringes of British politics. A member of the European Parliament since 1999, he was best known for trying to disrupt it from within, once telling then European Council President Herman Van Rompuy to his face that he had "the charisma of a damp rag".

REVENGE OF THE "LOONIES"

So marginal was he considered that in 2006 David Cameron, then leader of the Conservative opposition, dismissed UKIP supporters as "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists, mostly".

But Farage, often pictured holding a pint of beer, always ready to bang the patriotic drum, and above all keen to talk about immigration in blunter terms than others in mainstream politics, reached neglected parts of the electorate.

"People here don't understand," Farage said on Friday morning in Westminster, central London's political district.

"They're too wealthy, they don't get what open-door, mass immigration as a result of EU membership has done to people's wages, to people's availability of getting doctors' appointments, or their kids into local schools. This was the issue ultimately that won this election."

Rob Ford, professor of political science at Manchester University, said Farage had tapped into deep disenchantment with politics among people, particularly those without a university education, who felt left behind by Britain's globalised economy.

"In terms of the impact he's going to have on Britain and its place in the world, he's more significant than most prime ministers have been," Ford told Reuters.

Farage, who as a boy went to a prestigious private school and later worked as a commodities trader, has often been called hypocritical for presenting himself as a man of the people.

But Ford said that was missing the point. He said the fact that Farage left school at 16 and didn't go to university set him apart from almost all other significant British politicians.

"There was something about his manner and way of thinking and way of discussing the issues that completely resonated with non-graduates at a time when they feel that their entire lives are being run by the know-it-alls, the elites, " said Ford.

"He waved the flag, he went down to the pub, he didn't like immigration, he was their man. Simple as that," he said, adding non-graduates, a majority of the population, were fed up with being told what to do by people "who think they're cleverer".

"BREAKING POINT"

Farage was a key factor in bringing about Brexit.

In 2013, with Cameron now in Downing Street and UKIP increasingly looking like an electoral threat, the prime minister promised an in/out referendum on the EU issue in an attempt to defuse internal party tensions and neuter Farage.

Cameron's strategy looked good after his Conservatives won a parliamentary election in May 2015. UKIP won 4 million votes but, because of the electoral system, got only one parliamentary seat, and Farage failed to win the seat he was contesting.

During the EU referendum campaign, he was marginalised by the official Vote Leave campaign who deemed him too divisive, instead touring the country in a double-decker bus painted purple, the colour of UKIP.

He was denounced as inflammatory and misleading, including by senior Vote Leave figures, over a campaign poster that showed a snaking line of Syrian refugees trying to get into southern Europe under the headline "Breaking Point".

But the voters sided with him. On Friday morning, shortly after Cameron announced his resignation, an ecstatic Farage had the last laugh.
Norway's wealth fund files complaint against Volkswagen

OSLO, June 24 (Reuters) - Norway's $850-billion sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, has filed a complaint against Volkswagen, as part of a joint legal action following the carmaker's emissions scandal, the fund said in a statement on Friday.

The fund said the complaint was filed to the Braunschweig District Court in Germany and is part of the lawsuit filed by law firm Quinn Emanuel on behalf of institutional funds in connection with the scandal..

It is Volkswagen's largest shareholder without a seat on its supervisory board and said in May it planned to join class-action lawsuits filed against Volkswagen over the German automaker's emissions scandal.

The fund, which holds 1.02 percent of VW, has long been critical of Volkswagen's governing structure, where the Porsche and Piech families hold 31.5 percent of the capital but control 50.7 percent of voting rights.

In the past, it said it had written to Volkswagen about its concerns over the company's leadership structure.

Separately, the fund voted against every proposal to discharge the members of the board of Volkswagen for their activities in 2015 at the firm's annual general meeting on June 22, according to voting records published on its website.
Money laundering body keeps Iran blacklisted, freezes some steps

By Louis Charbonneau

UNITED NATIONS, June 24 (Reuters) - An international group that monitors money laundering worldwide decided on Friday to keep Iran on its blacklist of high-risk countries but welcomed Iranian promises to improve and called for a one-year suspension of some restrictions on Tehran.

At a meeting of its 37 members in South Korea, the Financial Action Task Force also moved to keep North Korea on its blacklist and urged countries to be on guard against Pyongyang's attempts to bypass sanctions to finance illicit weapons programs.

"The FATF welcomes Iran's adoption of, and high-level political commitment to, an Action Plan to address its strategic (anti-money laundering and anti-terror financing) deficiencies," the task force said in a statement.

"The FATF therefore has suspended counter-measures for 12 months in order to monitor Iran's progress in implementing the Action Plan."

The statement said that if Iran fails to improve its record on money laundering and financing terrorism as promised, the FATF's call for vigorous counter-measures will be reinstated. If there is improvement, the task force will consider further positive steps.

The decision confirmed a Reuters story from earlier this week.

Iran has lobbied to get off the blacklist and is likely to treat the FATF announcement as a major victory. Tehran has complained it is not getting economic benefits promised it during last year's negotiations on a nuclear deal with six major powers.

As a result of that agreement, many international sanctions against Iran were lifted. The United States, however, still has sanctions in place that prohibit trade with Iran in dollars and Iranian access to New York's financial system. Banks remain wary of getting into trouble with U.S. authorities.

Sanctions experts, banking sources and Western officials say little will change regarding financial institutions' "hands off" approach to Iran, above all due to concerns about the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) omnipresence in the Iranian economy. The IRGC is still under international sanctions.

"Practically speaking the FATF decision changes little since global financial institutions will continue to voluntarily implement strict counter-measures given their serious concerns over Iran's illicit financial conduct," said sanctions expert Mark Dubowitz of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Despite the encouragement for Tehran, the FATF reiterated concerns about "the terrorist financing risk emanating from Iran and the threat this poses to the international financial system."
Turkey warns of rising European xenophobia after Brexit vote

By Nick Tattersall and Daren Butler

ISTANBUL, June 24 (Reuters) - Europe's politicians are failing to combat rising xenophobia and anti-immigrant views, Turkish officials said on Friday, after Britain's vote to exit the European Union deprived Turkey of what had been a major backer in its quest for EU membership.

The Brexit campaign and the rise of Europe's populist right have cast further doubt over Turkey's decade-long accession negotiations, a process which was in its early years an anchor for economic and social reforms in the country.

President Tayyip Erdogan blamed Islamophobia for holding up Turkey's accession process, accusing the bloc of double standards and warning that more countries could seek to leave.

"The practice currently against Turkey is Islamophobic, that is why they are delaying taking us in," he said in a televised speech late on Friday.

"If the European Union deepens its inconsistencies and continues on its path, in a short time it will be inevitable for it to face new exits," he said.

His comments echoed those of one of the country's deputy prime ministers earlier in the day.

"The fragmentation of the EU has started. Britain was the first to abandon ship," Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli wrote on Twitter.

Turkey's EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik said the British campaign had been marred by Islamophobia and anti-Turkish sentiment fuelled by mainstream politicians.

The "Out" campaign played on voters' fears about immigration by warning of dire consequences if Turkey, a largely Muslim nation of 79 million, joined the EU. Ankara was particularly angered by the response of Prime Minister David Cameron, once a staunch advocate of Turkish accession to the EU, who joked that it would not happen until the year 3000.

"This has been a worrying process ... in which mainstream politicians relied on the far right's rhetoric too much," Celik told a news conference.

Turkey began EU accession talks in 2005 but has made scant progress despite an initial burst of reforms. Many EU states are not eager to see such a large, mostly Muslim country as a member, and are concerned that Ankara's record on basic freedoms has gone into reverse in recent years.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the EU needed to reflect carefully on the British vote and to embrace more inclusive policies. His foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said the EU's enlargement and integration policies had been a failure.

But trade ties are likely to remain strong between Turkey and both Britain and the EU.
PONTOTOC, Mississippi -- An international animal protection group is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever's responsible for starving and dumping two dogs in Pontotoc County.

In Defense of Animals, the group that operates Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, Miss., and the Mississippi based Justice for Animals Campaign announced the reward Thursday.

The pair of emaciated female dogs had apparently been left for dead just off of Highway 278 in Pontotoc on June 9. Their rescuers named the dogs Hope and Faith. Authorities say Faith died, while Hope is receiving specialist care but she is expected to make a full recovery.

Anyone with information on who dumped the animals should contact In Defense of Animals at 415-448-0048 or Hope Animal Sanctuary at 662-466-0906.
Nepali migrants banned from working in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria

By Gopal Sharma

KATHMANDU, June 24 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Nepal has banned its nationals from working in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria after 13 Nepali security guards were killed by a Taliban suicide bomber in the Afghan capital earlier this week, Labour Minister Deepak Bohara said on Friday.

The decision comes after a parliamentary panel ordered Prime Minister K.P. Oli's government to crack down on traffickers who send thousands of migrants each year to conflict-torn countries where they can often face danger or exploitation.

"Our decision is prompted by the security situation in those countries," Bohara told Thomson Reuters Foundation. "If our nationals already working in those countries want to return home, the government will make arrangements for that."

Nepal is one of the world's poorest countries.

Political instability since a decade-long civil conflict ended in 2006 has discouraged investment, stunted growth and curtailed job creation -- forcing hundreds of thousands of Nepalis to migrate overseas in search of work.

To make matters worse, the Himalayan nation is still recovering from twin quakes in April and May last year which killed more than 8,800 people and left two million homeless.

Most go to the Middle East, India and Malaysia to work as guards, drivers, construction workers or domestic staff -- sending home remittances which make up nearly 30 percent of the country's annual gross domestic product.

Many however face a labour abuses such as a lack of freedom of movement, long working hours, unsafe working conditions and withholding of their salaries, say activists.

Bohara said Monday's attack on a bus carrying Nepali guards working at the Canadian embassy in Kabul had forced the government to withdraw issuing work permits for the four nations in the interests of the safety of its citizens.
Central banks flex muscles to soften Brexit blow

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - A number of central banks around the world geared up to take action or intervened in their markets on Friday in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

The Bank of England said it could provide more than 250 billion pounds plus "substantial" access to foreign currency to ease any squeeze in markets, while the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank said they were ready to offer liquidity through existing swap lines. The Bank of Japan also signalled readiness to intervene to stem excessive yen strength.

Below is a list of central banks that have already taken action in the wake of Britain's EU referendum.

SWITZERLAND - The Swiss National Bank provided rare confirmation that it had intervened in the currency market to weaken the Swiss franc in the wake of the vote. The safe-haven franc hit its highest level against the euro since August 2015 and had its biggest one-day jump since the SNB removed its franc peg to the euro on Jan. 15, 2015.

NORWAY - Norway's central bank pumped 23.2 billion Norwegian crowns ($2.73 billion) into its commercial banking system. While providing funds through "F-loans" auctions is a frequently used policy tool, it came with an unusually early deadline and was accompanied by a statement that said the bank was continuously assessing the liquidity situation. SERBIA - Dealers say the Serbian central bank sold euros on the local market to bolster the dinar after it tumbled to its weakest level on record against the euro.

SOUTH KOREA - South Korean foreign exchange authorities were believed to be selling dollars to curb the won's fall amid Brexit fears, multiple traders told Reuters on Friday.

INDIA - The Reserve Bank of India likely sold dollars through state-owned banks to prevent the rupee sliding further, according to traders, after the currency fell to its weakest since March.
U.S. Navy captain involved in seizure by Iran relieved of command

WASHINGTON, June 24 (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy captain who was in charge of 10 American sailors briefly held by Iran in January has been relieved of command because of a "loss of confidence in his ability to command," a Navy statement said on Friday.

Ten U.S. sailors, who were aboard two patrol craft, were detained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Jan. 12 when they inadvertently entered Iranian territorial waters. They were released the next day after being held for about 15 hours. ]

Captain Kyle Moses, commander of Task Force 56, was the second person to be publicly reprimanded so far over the incident. In May, Commander Eric Rasch, who was the executive officer of the coastal riverine squadron that included the 10 sailors, was fired.

Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said he had taken corrective action against Moses several weeks ago.

"However, after thoroughly examining the findings of the final, comprehensive investigation, I determined that this additional action was necessary," Donegan said in the statement.
Hezbollah to send more fighters to Syria's Aleppo

BEIRUT, June 24 (Reuters) - The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement said on Friday it will send more fighters to Syria's Aleppo area, a battleground where it has suffered heavy losses fighting alongside Syrian government forces against insurgent groups.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said thousands of Hezbollah's Sunni militant foes had recently entered Syria via the Turkish border with the aim of taking over Aleppo and its surrounding countryside.

"We are facing a new wave...of projects of war against Syria which are being waged in northern Syria, particularly in the Aleppo region," Nasrallah said in a speech broadcast live on the group's Al Manar TV.

"The defence of Aleppo is the defence of the rest of Syria, it is the defence of Damascus, it is also the defence of Lebanon, and of Iraq," he said.

"We will increase our presence in Aleppo," he said. "Retreat is not permissible."

Shi'ite, Iranian-backed Hezbollah has long supported President Bashar al-Assad against mostly Sunni insurgents.

Aleppo has been a focus of intensified fighting in the months since peace talks in Geneva broke down and a ceasefire deal brokered by Washington and Moscow unravelled. Russia intervened in the five-year-old conflict in September with an air campaign to support Assad.

"It was necessary for us to be in Aleppo ... and we will stay in Aleppo," Nasrallah said.

Aleppo city is split between government and rebel control. Russian and Syrian warplanes have pounded a road leading from the rebel-held areas north towards the Turkish border. That major rebel supply line from Turkey to Aleppo city was effectively cut by government advances earlier this year.

A pro-Damascus source recently told Reuters government forces and their allies are trying to encircle rebels in the Aleppo area. Assad, for whom the recapture of Aleppo would be a strategic prize, has vowed to take back "every inch" of Syria from what he calls terrorists.

Russia's intervention has helped government forces and their allies advance against insurgents, and separately against Islamic State, in some areas.

But some of those battles have been costly, including around Aleppo.

Islamist insurgents including the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front in May inflicted heavy losses on a coalition of foreign Shi'ite fighters including Iranians and Hezbollah members south of Aleppo.

Nasrallah said that 26 Hezbollah fighters had been killed in June alone, a rare acknowledgment of the toll their involvement is taking. Several of its senior military commanders have died in the Syrian conflict, alongside hundreds of fighters.
France fears Brexit consequences for EU defence capability

PARIS, June 24 (Reuters) - France fears Britain may downsize its military ambitions once outside the European Union, leaving its neighbour to a role as the only significant power in the region, according to French defence ministry sources.

Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian published a column on Wednesday in Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper in which he urged Britons to vote to remain in the EU, stressing the importance of Britain's defence relationship with its European partners as the west battles jihadi groups in the Middle East and Africa.

"Europe will be stronger with the UK, and the UK will be more secure and more influential if it remains with us," he wrote.

Speaking after Thursday's vote to leave, the sources said France still hoped that relationship could continue in some form.

"We have one main partner in Europe when it comes to defence and that is the United Kingdom," one said. "That's the country best-placed to deploy forces abroad when necessary, and with whom we can do high-level defense industry cooperation."

"All this needs to continue because it is in our interests," said the source, "We want to be sure that after this vote there won't be a strategic withdrawal by the United Kingdom, that it will continue to be a player on the international scene."

President Francois Hollande said on Friday that France's close relations with Britain over defence would be preserved. A more detailed position could be outlined over the coming days, the ministry sources said.
Kuczynski wants Peru to become metals refining hub -finance minister

By Mitra Taj and Marco Aquino

LIMA, June 24 (Reuters) - President-elect Pedro Pablo Kuczynski wants China to help transform Peru into a metals refining hub to boost the Andean country's key mining exports as prices for them slump, the incoming finance minister said.

Alfredo Thorne told Reuters that some Chinese companies have already signaled interest in partnering in developing new refineries, part of Kuczynski's plans to boost infrastructure investments to rev up sluggish economic growth.

Kuczynski, a 77-year-old former investment banker and prime minister, plans to discuss the proposal in detail with officials in China on his first trip abroad as Peru's president after taking office July 28, Thorne said.

"Pedro Pablo is very clear on this. Today we export a lot of rocks with our raw materials and some of those minerals should be refined in Peru," Thorne said in an interview.

Thorne said Peru could eventually refine copper from the world's top producer, neighboring Chile. "We have to look at our competitive advantages, look at how to partner with the Chinese to ensure benefits for both countries."

China is Peru's top trading partner and owns two major new copper mines in Peru, Chinalco Mining Corp International's Toromocho deposit and MMG Ltd's Las Bambas project.

Thorne, a former director at JPMorgan Chase and the only future minister that Kuczynski has announced as part of his cabinet, said it was too soon to say how many or what kind of refineries might be built.

Peru is set to become the world's No.2 copper producer this year, replacing China, but has just one copper refinery, which is owned and operated by Southern Copper Corp.

A slew of copper mines in southern Peru, including Las Bambas and Hudbay Minerals Inc's Constancia project, send concentrates abroad for processing.

Peru is also a major producer of zinc, silver and gold.

The economy grew 3.3 percent last year, down from rates topping 6 percent when mineral prices surged in the past decade.

Thorne said growth could "easily" quicken to his goal of 5 percent per year as early as 2017, as domestic demand firms on rising public investments.

Thorne said he was preparing a list of 10-15 infrastructure projects worth at least $8 billion that will be fast-tracked to clear obstacles slowing their development.

The projects include Brazilian construction company Odebrecht's $5 billion natural gas pipeline, snagged on financing, and stalled plans to expand the airport in Lima.
Ireland says well-placed to lure firms from London post-Brexit

By Padraic Halpin

DUBLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - The Irish state agency in charge of attracting foreign investment has been in touch with firms considering relocating from London for months and could now reap the benefits post-Brexit, its chief executive said on Friday.

While Ireland is considered to have more to lose than fellow European Union member states by Britain's decision to quit the bloc, the possibility that firms keen to stay in the EU could choose Dublin as their new home offers some potential upside.

Ireland already attracts many multinationals every year, from Apple to Citigroup, in a hugely successful regime that accounts for almost one in 10 Irish jobs.

"We're not starting from scratch today in that the IDA has a lot of its homework done, we have been engaged with clients, as we are all of the time, over the last couple of months and some of those discussions were around Brexit," IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shannahan told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"You'll know from statements that some very large companies and some very large financial companies in particular have made clear in the last two days that Ireland is being considered. Suffice to say, some companies have short lists and have publicly stated that Ireland is part of their consideration."

Morgan Stanley President Colm Kelleher told Bloomberg Television on Wednesday that Brexit could prompt it to move its European headquarters to Dublin or Frankfurt from London.

Ireland is one of the world's largest centres for services like fund administration - so-called "back office" banking functions, many of which are farmed out from London - and houses sizeable operations for Citi and Credit Suisse, which opened its first trading floor in Ireland this year.

As well as Frankfurt, Dublin faces competition from another far bigger centre in Paris in its bid to woo British-based bankers, but Shannahan said it will keep casting a wide net.

"Ireland is attractive in any event. The context has just changed a little today and some of those pluses that we have are probably even bigger pluses now, particularly our access to the European market," said Shannahan, who spent the last two days meeting potential clients in New York.
Six Central African Republic police hostages freed

BANGUI, June 24 (Reuters) - Six police officers in the Central African Republic were freed on Friday after they were taken hostage in the capital by members of the former Seleka rebel group, a mediator and a senior presidential aide said.

The officers were handed over to U.N. peacekeepers upon their release, parliamentary deputy Amadou Aboubakar Kabirou, who was part of the mediation team, said.

He gave no further details.

Kabirou said he was himself kidnapped on Tuesday while negotiating with the hostage takers but was freed on Friday.

The kidnap took place in the mainly-Muslim PK-5 suburb of Bangui in retaliation for the arrest of 26 residents suspected of illegally bringing in arms. It underscores the scale of the task President Faustin-Archange Touadera faces in restoring the state's authority after years of violence and lawlessness.
Pope on visit to Armenia cites "genocide", likely to anger Turkey

By Philip Pullella and Margarita Antidze

YEREVAN, June 24 (Reuters) - Pope Francis departed from his prepared text on Friday to use the word "genocide" to describe the mass killings of Armenians in 1915, a description that infuriated Turkey when he said it a year ago.

In an address to Armenia's president and the diplomatic corps, Francis used the Armenian term 'Metz Yeghern' (the great evil), but then added to his prepared text "that genocide" to refer to what he also called "the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century".

There was no immediate reaction from Turkey, which last year recalled its ambassador to the Vatican after the pope used the 'genocide' term. The envoy was kept away for 10 months.

Turkey accepts that many Christian Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces during World War One, but it contests the figures and denies that the killings were systematically orchestrated and constitute a genocide. It also says many Muslim Turks perished at that time.

"There is no reason not to use this word in this case," Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told reporters. "The reality is clear and we never denied what the reality is."

Lombardi said the pope felt is was important for people to "understand the lessons of the past" and that it often seemed that little was learned from them.

He noted that the pope has in the past lamented that the killing of Armenians in 1915 was followed by the Stalinist purges in the Soviet Union in the 1930s, the Nazi attempt to exterminate the Jews, and more recently, the mass killings in the Balkans and the Great Lakes region of Africa.
Peru's Segura says Brexit impacts would be indirect, medium-term

LIMA, June 24 (Reuters) - Peru's finance minister Alonso Segura said on Friday that he was watching the impacts of Britain's vote to leave the European Union on local markets, but said economic impacts would likely be indirect and felt in the medium-term.
The National Genealogical Society has announced the publication of two new books as part of its Research in the States series, which now covers research in more than 24 states.

The newest volumes are "Research in Florida" by Ann Staley and Amy Giroux, and "Research in Texas" by Kelvin L. Meyers. The books are available for purchase in the online NGS store in both PDF and print versions.

"Research in Florida" covers that state's history as the earliest permanent white settlement in the United States and includes sources and guides to records of its early history under the British, French, and Spanish governments. From the time of its establishment as a territory of the United States, Florida has suffered little record loss resulting in a rich array of records for the researcher. In addition to a discussion of general record groups, emphasis is placed on Special Archives.

Publications detailing Florida's military history including its Indian wars, which, along with school, tax, and voter records, provide focused sources for research. Sources for information on Florida's Sunshine Law are also provided.

"Research in Florida" co-author Giroux is an award-winning author with articles published in the "National Genealogical Society Quarterly," the "New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Record" and "The Genealogist." She serves as the editor of the "Florida Genealogist" and webmaster for the Board for Certification of Genealogists(r).

Staley is an instructor, consultant, trip leader, and a lecturer. She is the education chairman for the Jacksonville Genealogical Society Inc., secretary of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, a faculty member of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies and a trustee of the Florida State Genealogical Society.

"Research in Texas" begins with a brief review of Texas's rich history from early exploration and settlement to the Battle of the Alamo. It provides an overview of the major research facilities including the well-known Texas State Library and Archives, the Dallas Public Library and Houston's Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research as well as lesser known, but equally important, smaller collections. Resources for major research categories from atlases, maps, and gazetteers to women are also provided.

The publication includes a discussion of differences in probate law under the Spanish and Mexican governments and the English common law adopted by the Republic of Texas, as well as topics specific to Texas including cattle brands and the Texas Rangers.

Meyers has been a professional genealogist since 1996. He has a solo practice as a forensic genealogist serving clients that include probate attorneys, trust departments of banks, the United States Immigration Service and energy companies. Meyers is a former board member of the Association of Professional Genealogist, a former president of the Lone Star Chapter of APG, and a founding member of the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy.

These titles may be ordered from the NGS site, www.ngsgenealogy.org. NGS is a non-profit organization.
Peru's Segura says Brexit impacts would be indirect, medium-term

LIMA, June 24 (Reuters) - Peru's outgoing Finance Minister Alonso Segura said on Friday that he was monitoring local markets after Britain's vote to leave the European Union, but he said economic impacts would likely be indirect and felt in the medium-term.

"It's unfortunate," Segura told Reuters in an emailed statement. "What's needed is a world that's more integrated, not one that fractures. It's worrisome that these separatist initiatives are happening in other parts of the world."

Britain is not a major trading partner with Peru, but global volatility hit local markets after a majority of British voters backed a British exit or "Brexit" from the EU.

Peru's sol currency closed 0.9 percent lower on Friday after retreating from steeper losses earlier in the day. Peru's mining-heavy select stock index slipped 1.7 percent as shares in base metals producers Southern Copper Corp and Volcan tumbled.

Shares in Peruvian precious metals miner Buenaventura , however, climbed more than 4 percent as gold prices rose on support from safe-haven seekers.

Peru is a leading producer of copper, zinc, gold, silver and tin. It implemented a free trade agreement with the EU in 2013 and mostly ships minerals, coffee, cotton and fishmeal to member states.

Segura will step down as finance minister on July 28 when president-elect Pedro Pablo Kuczynski takes office.
After Brexit, what? U.S. secessionists hankering for 'Texit'

By Jon Herskovitz

AUSTIN, Texas, June 24 (Reuters) - Emboldened by Brexit, U.S. secessionists in Texas are keen to adopt the campaign tactics used to sway the British vote for leaving the European Union and are demanding "Texit" comes next.

The citizen-driven vote in Britain can be a model for Texas, which was an independent country from 1836 to 1845, and its $1.6 trillion a year economy would be among the 10 largest in the world, said Daniel Miller, president of the Texas Nationalist Movement.

"The Texas Nationalist Movement is formally calling on the Texas governor to support a similar vote for Texans," the group said on Friday. The office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott was not immediately available for comment.

The group, which claims about a quarter million supporters, failed earlier this year to place a vote on secession on the November ballot but aims to relaunch its campaign for the next election cycle in 2018, buoyed by the British vote, Miller said.

"Texit is in the air," he said.

Texit, for Texas exit, is a play on the British exit, or Brexit, and was trending on Twitter in the United States on Friday.

"Yee-haw! #Brexit shows how to get it done. Now we need a #Texit," tweeted user Phillip Paulson (@PaulsonPhillip).

Constitutional scholars, however, say a U.S. state cannot break away, but this has not stopped hundreds of secessionist schemes throughout the nation's history. No state has been formed by seceding from another since 1863, when West Virginia was created during the Civil War.

From Maine to Alaska, the bids to break away by groups often angry at taxation or what they see as an infringement of their liberties have been unsuccessful either due to the nearly impossible legal challenges or lack of support.

A 2014 Reuters/Ipsos poll showed nearly a quarter of Americans are open to their states leaving the union.

In Texas and other states, the Brexit vote came too late for U.S. secessionist to use it as a springboard to launch drives resulting in ballot measures for the November election.

But it did push the idea that if they can land a measure on the ballot for secession, they have a good chance to win over voters.

"We intend to mimic that process here in California by putting an independence referendum on the ballot so we can exercise our right to self-determination and vote to leave or remain part of the American Union," said Louis Marinelli, president of the secessionist group, the Yes California Independence Campaign.

VERMONT REPUBLIC?

The group, which opposes what it calls mass domestic surveillance and militarization of California's local police departments, said the state has the resources to go it alone and doing so will be in the best interest of Californians.

Campaigns have been simmering for years in places like Hawaii and in New Hampshire, where the Free State Project has been looking to have 20,000 people move to the New England state and set up a colony of like-minded people opposed to big government.

Most movements are small and centered around a few leaders. A campaign for secession in Vermont called the Second Vermont Republic lost steam when its founder Thomas Naylor died in 2012. The group was pushing for a small, democratic, nonviolent and egalitarian state.
German officials warn against EU "revenge" for UK Brexit vote

BERLIN, June 24 (Reuters) - The 27 countries left in the European Union after Britain's vote to leave should refrain from taking revenge, but focus on building consensus in areas such as security, migration and economic growth, German officials said Friday.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told the ZDF television station there was hard work ahead negotiating the terms of Britain's exit, but European leaders were committed to charting a new course that tackled high rates of youth unemployment and other issues raised through the UK referendum.

Steinmeier said he told EU foreign ministers at a meeting in Luxembourg on Friday to focus on rebuilding a strong Europe, not hashing through differences with Britain.

"We have to accept the decision that was made, and not go looking for revenge," said Steinmeier, who will meet the foreign minister of France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg - the six founding EU members - in Berlin on Saturday.

Manfred Weber, who represents German Chancellor Angela Merkel's political party in the European parliament, said it was imperative to start negotiations with Britain soon about its departure, to ensure stability and avoid uncertainties.

"We want to negotiate a new relationship, not a nasty divorce," Weber told the Muencher Merkur newspaper. "My goal would be to wrap up the exit negotiations within about a year."

German officials are worried France, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland and Hungary could also seek to leave the EU after Britain's vote, German newspaper Die Welt said on Friday, citing a finance ministry strategy paper.
New York LGBT bar becomes first U.S. monument to gay rights

By Ayesha Rascoe

WASHINGTON, June 24 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Friday designated the site of a watershed event in the history of U.S. gay rights, the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, as a national monument, the first to honor the contributions of gay Americans.

The Stonewall Inn gay bar in Manhattan's Greenwich Village was the scene of a police raid that triggered riots and ignited a long struggle to bring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the American mainstream and guarantee their rights.

"Welcome to the family," the National Park Service said in a tweet welcoming its 412th site.

LGBT rights advocacy groups hailed the national recognition, saying it will help highlight the gay communities' continued struggles, especially in the aftermath of the June 12 mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Florida that killed 49 people.

"This new national monument will be a source of inspiration to a new generation of Americans across the country standing up for equality and uniting to show the world that love conquers hate," Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said.

The move was the latest of several steps Obama has take on gay rights during his presidency.

In 2010, he signed a law repealing a policy that had banned gays from serving openly in the U.S. military. In 2012, he became the first president to support gay marriage, a stance he has admitted took time to evolve. His administration also supported the legal challenge that led to the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide.

"There is important distance yet to travel, but through political engagement and litigation, as well as individual acts of courage and acceptance, this movement has made tremendous progress toward securing equal rights and equal dignity," Obama said in a proclamation officially designating the historic site.

The events of late June and early July 1969 in New York helped start the modern American gay rights movement.

A week of violent clashes on Christopher Street between patrons of the Stonewall Inn and police, who had periodically raided the bar, arresting gays under morals laws of the era, became known as the Stonewall riots.

The crackdown was also tied up in a dispute between the Mafia, which owned the bar, and corrupt police officers seeking payoffs for protection. But it unleashed a year of protests, culminating with the first gay pride parade in 1970.

This year's weekend LGBT pride festivities started in New York on Friday with a street fair and were to culminate with Sunday's parade through Lower Manhattan. Events were scheduled across the country in San Francisco, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City and elsewhere.

Obama's designation protects about 7.7 acres (3.1 hectares) of land, including the Stonewall Inn and nearby Christopher Park. U.S. lawmakers representing New York, in a statement, called the site "a beacon for liberation."

It drew renewed attention in the wake of this month's massacre in Orlando at another gay venue, a nightclub called Pulse. Mourners in New York flocked to the inn and created a makeshift memorial after the shooting, the worst such attack in modern U.S. history.

In honor of the new monument, the White House will release a video that will be played on billboards in New York's Times Square on Saturday. U.S. officials will also hold a designation ceremony at Stonewall on Monday.
Dear Nitishji,

I felt like writing to you for some time. But something stopped me. Perhaps I was fighting my own conscience. How do I confront the same man I campaigned for? But today, I need to break my own barriers.

I hail from Nalanda - your district. I have met you many times at cultural celebrations in the district. Recently, I worked for you as a communication consultant much against the wishes of my parents and my family. I patiently and silently celebrated the number of likes and shares and followers and retweets on your social media profiles which you so snidely derided as a mere chidiya, sometime back.

But today, like scores of other Bihari women, I feel cheated, robbed and helpless. Today I feel enraged, inflamed, hurt, helpless, extremely angry and very emotional. I am angry with myself. You might be interested in knowing why for I represent 50 per cent of your vote bank.

On June 23, a 10-year old girl was gangraped in Bihar. The very same day, a 21-year-old was raped at gunpoint and her private parts were mutilated with a pistol and wooden sticks. The suffering of the girl and the brutality of the crime led to comparisons with the Nirbhaya episode in Delhi. These might seem like one of those rare cases for an Indian state, Nitish babu. But let me take you through the incidents in this month alone.

On June 10, a man was killed for resisting and protesting the rape of his wife. On June 5, two daughters of a gangraped woman were abducted in Nawada. On June 2, a girl was raped in front of her brother at Madhaura in Bihar. On the same day, another rape was reported by a girl who was abducted and gangraped months ago. Remember, this is just half of June.

Nitishji, I was 12 years old when I was molested in a crowded bus by an adult from a specific caste. You might know which one and why I even mention the caste angle. But in this age of political correctness, let me say it for you and for my readers - because he had proudly proclaimed, "Jab Laluji gaddi par, to Yadavan ke kaahe ke dar". This was when I shouted amidst tears that I will lodge a police complaint.

My family decided when I was 14 or 15 that I should move out and I did - perhaps never to return.

But I did. I came back to work in the state for the state. My parents were happy, I was happy. You made us feel that we could lodge police complaints and that prompt action would be taken. You rebuilt that lost trust in the "system". I was thankful to you. Women across the state thanked you.

This adulation was not random and whimsical Nitishji. It was a thought over gesture built on concrete evidence and lived realities. It was a voice of your support. It was a way of telling you - keep doing the good work, we trust you completely. And you do know what I am talking about, don't you?

There was an air of threat and an air of insecurity even in the state capital, forget about districts far away from Patna, before you came to power the first time.

Even men did not feel safe in the state. We had forgotten to laugh in mirth openly. People avoided travel plans at night. Mothers were constantly praying till fathers returned from work if it was past dusk.

En masse migration of talent happened. All small and big successful businesses wound up. Professors left to teach in universities other than the state. Scenes of organised violence and fear in Gangs of Wasseypur seem normal to all of us in Bihar who grew up in the '90s, for it was normal and you do know that, don't you?

But things changed after you came in. For women like me, you fulfilled a dream. I could now have coffee in open spaces in Patna. I could roam around aimlessly, talk to strangers on the street and feel at home.

I could travel in crowded buses, fighting and conquering my inner demons. I could breathe in Bihar, Nitishji.

From a woman who had goosebumps when I moved out of the Hai Complex office for the first day at work in Patna because it was 8pm and I was never that late on Patna's streets while growing up to become a woman who confidently returned home at 3am all alone by the end of the campaign, it was a self assuring journey - both personal and political.

But today Nitishji, that trust stands shattered. Women like me feel hurt, cheated and let me not beat around the bush, we feel molested and raped. You do know what I am talking about, don't you?

In every pre-election rally, you passionately appealed to the mothers and sisters of Bihar to vote for you. You said, "Go and vote on the election-day, first. Don't cook before you vote."

Women voted. And you also know that women stood rock solid behind you even while their own men protested your political moves. Women made you win. We trusted you. We felt we were safe and will continue to be safe till you are around.

I will share an anecdote here. I remember that in Madhubani, during the campaign, while I was staying at a friend's place, my friend's mother - a doctor married to an RSS swayamsevak, went out and voted for you much against the wishes of her husband. Do you know why? I will quote her for you: "Vote bhijua hota hai. Kya pata achha hi ho. Nitishji ne theek kaam kiya hai. Ek mauka aur deke dekhte hain."

Since, I worked with the Mahila Prakoshth of your party, Nitishji, I assume the voice of those women who might not have the advantages that I have to air their opinions in English and even in Hindi on national platforms. I assume this voice because this article is written after due consultation with more than a dozen women in your own party and more than hundreds in your state - some known very closely to you.

We all feel cheated. We feel as if we were taken for a ride. We feel as if we continue to remain your vote banks and nothing else. We fell for your raksha bandhan rhetoric in election rallies. We fell for the facade of this partial liquor ban to woo our en masse vote. Alcohol ban is a sham, Nitishji, if you could not flex your bureaucratic muscles in reining those that are more inebriated from power than by country made liquor.

Each woman who is looked at lasciviously by an emboldened man feels that your political manipulation molested her. Each teenage girl whose family decides to not let her stay in the state curses you for taking them for a ride. Each young woman entrepreneur who felt she could return and start something of her own for the state feels raped of choices in your new reign.

Nitishji, you were elected not for your social philosophy and your political revolutionary theories - Lalu fulfilled enough of that by giving the so-called voice to the voiceless. Scores of women oblivious to socialist theories voted for you because women wanted change. We wanted some peace - nothing else, for we knew that as Bihari women, we will handle everything else. We will build, rebuild, innovate, figure out, adjust and celebrate.

But you have taken us for a ride. You have cheated all of us. You have reduced us to a mere box on your checklist that you need to tick and "check" during the meticulous crafting your political strategies.

I am enraged at myself, I am livid at my stupidity and am aghast at your pretence.
What's at Risk if a Lawsuit Is Successful?

On billboards and in television ads, plaintiffs' attorneys vow to fight like pit bulls to force doctors who commit malpractice to pay huge sums. It's no wonder so many physicians fear they could lose their homes or life savings in a lawsuit.

However, the reality is that the fear is overblown.

"It's a myth that lives on, despite the fact that it happens so rarely," said Michael Sacopulos, a defense attorney in Terre Haute, Indiana. "First of all, two thirds of malpractice claims are dropped or dismissed, and physicians win 90% of cases that go to trial. Almost all cases that reach a verdict are settled by the insurer without the doctor spending a penny of his or her own money."

Infrequent, Although Not Nonexistent

Although extremely rare, there have been isolated cases where a physician was required to contribute personal funds, said Nancy D. Miller, an attorney in Lakewood, Colorado, who works with malpractice insurers. "Generally, insurance coverage is adequate to settle the casebut there are exceptions."

Plaintiffs' attorneys have filed liens on doctors' bank accounts and property to force them to take a loan against their homes to pay off the excess judgment. They may force physicians to seek bankruptcy protection, she said.

How often does that happen? Anecdotally, it's extremely unusual, but it's almost impossible to quantify for certain. The legal system has no central repository of data about how those malpractice verdicts are collected.

"I know of one case where a physician blatantly lied on the witness stand," said Miriam Weizenbaum, a plaintiff's attorney in Providence, Rhode Island. "The judge was incensed and sanctioned the physician. That fine wasn't covered by insurance because it wasn't negligence, but an intentional act of wrongdoing. The doctor had to pay it out of his own pocket."

Recovering a Physician's Assets Is Difficult

Each state has its own rules about which assets can be attached, but many physician assets are exempt from collection efforts.

"Remember when O.J. Simpson moved to Florida in 1999 after a civil jury found him liable in the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman?" said Michael Sacopulos. "One reason may be because the law in Florida says a defendant's residence cannot be attached. You could own a waterfront mansion worth millions of dollars, but a plaintiff won't be able to touch it."

Laws around the country also provide substantial protection for primary residences. "In Colorado, the law is that the first $105,000 of equity in a house for people aged 60 and older is exempt from execution," said Nancy Miller. "It's $75,000 for younger defendants.

"If the defendant is married, the house may be held jointly, making it more difficult to collect on," she said. "There's also usually a mortgage to be satisfied. Even in the rare case where the plaintiff can attach the home, he or she would have to market and sell it. It's a lengthy and costly process."

Joint accounts are considered marital property and are difficult to collect on. If your practice is a limited liability company, a building the practice owns can also be exempt. Retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, are often protected, as are cash-value life insurance policies, she said.

Transferring assets to a spouse provides less protection than many physicians think. "Any such transfer should be part of an overall integrated estate plan," said Nancy Miller. "If the transfer is made after the doctor had reason to know that he could face a legal judgment, and especially after a suit has been filed, courts have deemed those transfers to be fraudulent. So any protection would be lost."

In addition, lawyers say it's especially important to be confident in the strength of your marriage. If your spouse divorces you or dies before you do, any protection will be lost. If the spouse is holding assets that the defendant actually controls, a creditor might be able to collect. Transferred assets must truly become the spouse's property.

"Some doctors spend a lot of money on asset protection schemes," said Sacopulos. "They can be expensive. It's probably smarter to purchase more malpractice insurance." Nancy Miller believes the best asset protection is contributing to a retirement account.

Why Large Awards Are Usually Settled

Both plaintiff and defense attorneys agree that there's strong incentive on both sides to settle the case within the doctor's policy limits, which are typically $1 million per incident.

"Malpractice cases are lengthy and expensive," said Michael Sacopulos. "If the plaintiff's attorney succeedsand that's a minority of the timehe wants a check and not an Easter egg hunt. The attorney has fronted tens of thousands of dollars in expert witness fees and other expenses. The client needs money to pay for current medical expenses. The attorney wants his contingency fee. No one gets paid until the case is settled, and insurance coverage is almost always enough to do that. To go after a doctor's assets requires protracted litigation that just isn't worth the effort."

Although some plaintiffs want the physician to pay something out of pocket, their attorneys will rarely make the attempt. "An angry client will often demand that the doctor be forced to pay something," said Miriam Weizenbaum. "The patient feels betrayed and wants the doctor to feel some pain. We always advise against this. Our purpose is to make the injured person whole again. We have no interest in destroying the doctor. It's not a personal issue. Trying to tap a doctor's assets can be a difficult, ugly fight."

James E. Beasley Jr, MD, JD, a plaintiff's attorney in Philadelphia, tells a similar story. "Any time a client says, 'It's not about the money; it's about teaching the doctor a lesson,' I get a little worried. If there's enough insurance to help the patient recover from this negligence, that ought to be enough. I tell clients, 'You won the case. You'll never get back to where you were before the malpractice. Why do you need an extra pound of flesh, and a possible 3-year war to try to collect the doctor's assets? It's time to close the chapter and move on.'"

Malpractice Insurers Fear Bad-Faith Lawsuits

If a malpractice insurer refuses to settle a case for an amount within policy limits, especially if the doctor requests it, the carrier could be liable for a bad-faith lawsuit. That means the insurer didn't protect the physician and put its own interests over the doctor's.

"Let's say the liability is clear, such as a surgeon leaving a foreign object in the patient," said Michael Sacopulos. "The doctor demands that the case be settled within the policy limit of $1 million. But the insurer may believe the case is defensible or the plaintiff's demand is too high. The case goes to trial and the jury awards $3 million, thereby exposing the surgeon's personal assets. The law is that the insurer is then gambling with its own money, not the doctor's, and can be required to pay the full verdict."

That's why insurers may pay something over the policy limits if there is an excess verdict. This isn't done out of altruism. If the insurer doesn't settle the case, the physician can file a bad-faith lawsuit charging that the insurer mishandled the claim and needlessly exposed his or her assets. Insurers want to maintain goodwill with physicians, who often have a choice about which malpractice carrier to select.

"If there's an excess verdict, the defendant doctor will often assign his bad-faith claim to the plaintiff and testify that he asked the insurer to settle for coverage, but the insurer refused," said Nancy Miller.

"The law, at least in Rhode Island, is well established," said Miriam Weizenbaum. "If the insurer refused a settlement offer for within policy limits and the verdict comes in higher, the insurer is on the hook for all of it, not the doctor.

"It's wise for a physician to retain her own attorney to send a letter to the insurer demanding settlement, so that she isn't personally exposed," Weizenbaum said. "If doctors are so concerned about protecting their assets, it baffles me why so many never get their own lawyers. Often at malpractice trials, one lawyer hired by the insurer is defending several doctors and/or a hospital or clinic. Doctors need to get an independent perspective to make sure the insurance company lawyer isn't cutting corners or favoring one defendant over another."

James Beasley said it's generally easier to fight an insurance company in court than go after an individual doctor's assets.

What Insurance Usually Won't Cover

Insurance policies cover negligence in the practice of medicine. They don't cover punitive damages or other "intentional" tortsmeaning willful actions, such as sexual harassment.

The insurer will usually provide a defense for the doctor in a case involving inappropriate relations with a patient, or a privacy violation. But it will do so under a "reservation of rights" clause, meaning that the doctor could be on the hook for any indemnity award, said Miriam Weizenbaum. "Even then, depending on how strong the case is, the insurer might be willing to pay a portion of the award while the doctor pays the rest."

Punitive damages are excluded from all insurance policies. Such awards are rare. "It has to be outrageous, almost intentional misconduct," said Sacopulos. "For example, an oncologist who cuts his patient's dose in half so he can make more money. It isn't an honest mistake. It's a deliberate action, bordering on the malicious."

A physician also can blow his coverage and leave his personal assets exposed. Some insurance policies specify that alteration of medical records can cancel the policy, whereas while others will still provide a defense and pay the award, lawyers say.

Not cooperating with the insurer in the defense of the case can cause cancellation of the policy. "Coverage can be withdrawn. An attorney can't properly defend a doctor who won't return his or her phone calls or prepare for depositions and trials," said Sacopulos. "That's written into every policy.

Finally, the doctor's assets could be on the line if his or her insurer becomes insolvent. Although that's also rare, it has happened. Most states have guaranty funds to cover policyholders if a licensed insurer is in financial trouble. However, the amount is often less than what a jury may award, and physicians have been required to pay something out of their own funds. Doctors should be wary of companies with deeply discounted premiums that might not be around when the claim comes due.

Why the Fear of Losing Your House Persists

If attaching a physician's assets is so rare, why do so many doctors worry about it? Predictably, plaintiffs' and defense attorneys disagree on this.

"Any doctor who has ever given a deposition or testified in court soon realizes just how aggressive plaintiffs' attorneys can be," said Michael Sacopulos. "It's not hard to think that they'll gladly go after your house and life savings."

Physicians are out of their element in litigation, so fear of the unknown plays a role. "Doctors work hard, and their homes are important to them. A lawsuit threatens the stability of their lives," said Nancy Miller. "Having to pay personal assets may be rare, but it's certainly possible, and no one can guarantee that it will never happen."

The other aspect may be the law of odds. Even if the potential consequences are rare, they're terrible if they happen to youand for many, that's worth worrying about.

(from Medscape Business of Medicine)

Thanks!
 Piedmont Virginia Community College offers Student Orientation, Advising and Registration sessions for prospective students. The free sessions are required for 2016 high school and homeschool graduates and non-graduates who are first-time college students interested in pursuing a degree or certificate beginning with the fall 2016 semester. Participants will receive help with registering for classes and learn about PVCC resources and student services. SOAR sessions are held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, with additional dates scheduled in July and August at the Charlottesville campus at 501 College Drive. Prospective students must apply to PVCC and take math and English placement tests. Advance registration for SOAR is also required. pvcc.com/soar. (434) 961-6581. The Piedmont Advantage Program, open to all 2016 high school graduates, offers six hours of instruction a day of instruction in math, reading and/or writing, as well as academic tutoring and college advising. The program is scheduled to run from Wednesday through Aug. 3 at the PVCC Charlottesville campus. Upon completion, students receive three PVCC credits. Details and registration are available at pvcc.edu/piedmontadvantage. (434) 961-5424.
WASHINGTON  An Associated Press review of the official calendar Hillary Clinton kept as secretary of state identified at least 75 meetings with longtime political donors, Clinton Foundation contributors and corporate and other outside interests that were not recorded or omitted the names of those she met. The fuller details of those meetings were included in files the State Department turned over to AP after it sued the government in federal court.

The missing entries raise new questions about how Clinton and her inner circle handled government records documenting her State Department tenure  in this case, why the official chronology of her four-year term does not closely mirror the other, more detailed records of her daily meetings.

At a time when Clinton's private email system is under scrutiny by an FBI criminal investigation, the calendar omissions reinforce concerns that she sought to eliminate the "risk of the personal being accessible"  as she wrote in an email exchange that she failed to turn over to the government but was subsequently uncovered in a top aide's inbox.

The AP found the omissions by comparing the 1,500-page calendar with separate planning schedules supplied to Clinton by aides in advance of each day's events. The names of at least 114 outsiders who met with Clinton were missing from her calendar, the records show.

No known federal laws were violated and some omissions could be blamed on Clinton's highly fluid schedule, which sometimes forced late cancellations. But only seven meetings in Clinton's planning schedules were replaced by substitute events on her official calendar. More than 60 other events listed in Clinton's planners were omitted entirely in her calendar, tersely noted or described only as "private meetings"  all without naming those who met with her.

Clinton campaign spokesman Nick Merrill said Thursday night that the multiple discrepancies between her State Department calendar and her planning schedules "simply reflect a more detailed version in one version as compared to another, all maintained by her staff."

Merrill said that Clinton "has always made an effort to be transparent since entering public life, whether it be the release of over 30 years of tax returns, years of financial disclosure forms, or asking that 55,000 pages of work emails from her time of secretary of state be turned over to the public."

In one key omission, Clinton's State Department calendar dropped the identities of a dozen major Wall Street and business leaders who met with her during a private breakfast discussion at the New York Stock Exchange in September 2009, The meeting occurred minutes before Clinton appeared in public at the exchange to ring the market's ceremonial opening bell.

Despite the omission, Clinton's State Department planning schedules from the same day listed the names of all Clinton's breakfast guests  most of whose firms had lobbied the government and donated to her family's global charity. The event was closed to the press and merited only a brief mention in her calendar, which omitted all her guests' names  among them Blackstone Group Chairman Steven Schwarzman, PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi and then-New York Bank of Mellon CEO Robert Kelly.

Clinton's calendar also repeatedly omitted private dinners and meetings with political donors, policy sessions with groups of corporate leaders and "drop-bys" with old Clinton campaign hands and advisers. Among those whose names were omitted from her calendar were longtime adviser Sidney Blumenthal, consultant and former Clinton White House chief of staff Thomas "Mack" McLarty, former energy lobbyist Joseph Wilson and entertainment magnate and Clinton campaign bundler Haim Saban.

The AP first sought Clinton's calendar and schedules from the State Department in August 2013, but the agency would not acknowledge even that it had the material. After nearly two years of delay, the AP sued the State Department in March 2015. The department agreed in a court filing last August to turn over Clinton's calendar, and provided the documents in November. After noticing discrepancies between Clinton's calendar and some schedules, the AP pressed in court for all of Clinton's planning material. The U.S. has released about one-third of those planners to the AP, so far.

The State Department censored both sets of documents for national security and other reasons, but those changes were made after the documents were turned over to the State Department at the end of Clinton's tenure.

The documents obtained by the AP do not show who specifically logged entries in Clinton's calendar or who edited the material. Clinton's emails and other records show that she and two close aides, deputy chief of staff Huma Abedin and scheduling assistant Lona J. Valmoro, held weekly meetings and emailed almost every day about Clinton's plans. According to the recent inspector general's audit and a court declaration made last December by the State Department's acting executive secretary, Clinton's aides had access to her calendar through a government Microsoft Outlook account. Both Abedin and Valmoro were political appointees at the State Department and are now aides in her presidential campaign.

Unlike Clinton's planning schedules, which were sent to Clinton each morning, her calendar was edited after each event, the AP's review showed. Some calendar entries were accompanied by Valmoro emails  indicating she may have added those entries. Every meeting entry also included both the planned time of the event and the actual time  showing that Clinton's calendar was being used to document each meeting after it ended.

Former senior State Department logistics officials and government records experts interviewed by the AP said that secretaries of state have wide latitude in keeping their schedules  despite federal laws and agency rules overseeing the archiving of calendars and warning against altering or deleting records. Omissions in Clinton's calendar could undermine the document's historical accuracy, particularly its depictions of Clinton's access to political, corporate and other influences, experts said.

"It's clear that any outside influence needs to be clearly identified in some way to at least guarantee transparency. That didn't happen," said Danielle Brian, executive director of the Project on Government Oversight, a nonpartisan government reform group. "These discrepancies are striking because of her possible interest at the time in running for the presidency."

When Clinton met in September 2009 with her 12 corporate breakfast guests at the New York Stock Exchange, her planning schedule that morning listed the hourlong event as "CEO breakfast discussion and New York Stock Exchange opening bell ceremony," adding that no press would be allowed.

Besides Schwarzman, Nooyi and Kelly, Clinton's other guests were Fabrizio Freda, CEO of the Estee Lauder Companies Inc.; Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks Corp.; Lewis Frankfort, chairman of Coach Inc.; Ellen Kullman, then-CEO of DuPont; David M. Cote, CEO of Honeywell International Inc.; James Tisch, president of Loews Corp.; John D. Wren, CEO of Omnicom Group; then-McGraw Hill Companies chairman Harold McGraw III; and James Taiclet, chairman of the American Tower Corp. Also attending was then-NYSE CEO Duncan Niederauer, who later accompanied Clinton when she rang the stock exchange bell.

As she opened the day's trading session, Clinton cited Wall Street's resurgence after the 2008 recession. "Coming back as secretary of state after all that we've done in the last year to try to pull ourselves out of this economic downturn is very exciting," she said.

Details about Clinton's private conversation with her corporate guests were not included in her records. Four of the attendees  Schwarzman, Nooyi, Cote and Kullman  headed companies that later donated to Clinton's pet diplomatic project of that period, the U.S. pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo. All the firms represented except Coach lobbied the government in 2009; Blackstone, Honeywell, Omnicom and DuPont lobbied the State Department that year. Schwarzman and Frankfort have personally donated to the Clinton Foundation, and the other firms  except for American Tower and New York Bank of Mellon  also contributed to the Clinton charity.

P.J. Crowley, a State Department spokesman for Clinton at the time, told the AP that Clinton's vision of "21st century statecraft" included exchanging views with corporate leaders and promoting public-private partnerships. "That was certainly reflected in her day-to-day schedule, her travel and her global outreach," Crowley said.

Clinton's calendar listed meetings with 124 business leaders and political donors and loyalists, but not with 114 others who were identified by the AP's review. In some cases, repeat Clinton visitors were listed in her calendar for some meetings, but not for others.

Four meetings with S. Daniel Abraham, a multimillionaire who founded the Center for Mideast Peace, were noted in Clinton's calendar. But in four other sessions  including two listed only as "private meeting"  Abraham's name was omitted. Abraham, a prolific fundraiser for Clinton's 2008 campaign who has donated $3 million to a super PAC backing Clinton in 2016, told the AP last year that he and Clinton typically discussed Mideast policy.

"The fact that some information was not captured isn't necessarily a sign of bad faith," said Steven Aftergood, a government records expert at the Federation of American Scientists. He added, "It's obviously more important to have a complete record than a scattershot one."
As secretary of State, Hillary Clinton Hillary Rodham Clinton McConnell: Trump needs to act like a 'serious candidate' Clinton campaign: Brexit drama builds case against Trump Trump up, Obama down after shocking Brexit vote MORE went to the famed Apollo Theater to hear the senior pastor at the Bronx Christian Fellow Baptist Church preach about finding joy in life and of getting up when youre knocked down.

Clinton was moved by Suzan Johnson Cooks sermon about being in South Africa and watching Bishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela dance the Toyi-Toyi in an auditorium.

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She loved Cooks view that Mandelas body and spirit were telegraphing the message that he was once a prisoner but he turned into a president  an act of God.

The secretary of State would later tell friends she was swept away by Cooks infectious ability to touch everyone in the room and later asked her to be the States ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom.

The inspiration at the Apollo was a small but telling example of how religious faith and secular values have intersected throughout Clintons life.

Confidantes, aides and other allies of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee say she is a spiritual woman whose foundation was laid in her Methodist upbringing.

While they say Clinton isn't one to wear religion on her sleeve, she views her faith as a staple of who she is.

On the campaign trail, she has been known to invoke John Wesley, the founder of the church. She says she has lived by his philosophy to do all the good we can, in whatever ways we can, to all the people we can for as long as we can, something she reiterated at a campaign event in North Carolina on Wednesday as she faced attacks about her faith from Donald Trump Donald Trump 'Never Trump' group ad compares Trump to Reagan McConnell: Trump needs to act like a 'serious candidate' Anti-Trump delegates pitch convention rule change to RNC MORE , the presumptive Republican nominee for president.

Trump told a group of evangelical leaders earlier this week that little is known about Clintons religious views as he sought to differentiate himself from his likely opponent this fall.

Shes been in the public eye for years and years and yet, theres nothing out there about Clintons faith, Trump said.

I know nothing about it, he told CBS in an interview the following day.

The comments angered people in Clinton World.

I would suggest he might want to do his homework, Karen Finney, Clintons senior adviser for communications and political outreach, said in an interview.

Clinton wrote of her Methodist faith in her 2014 book, "Hard Choices."

The Wesleyan call to service helped me decide to take the plunge into elected office when I launched my first Senate campaign in 2000 and now it helped me make the hard choice to leave the Senate and accept the position of Secretary of State, she wrote.

Earlier this year, asked by a Catholic supporter at an event in Iowa if her beliefs align with the Ten Commandments and whether that is something important to her, Clinton said: It is very important to me. I am a person of faith. I am Christian. I am a Methodist.

My study of the Bible, my many conversations with people of faith, has led me to believe that the most important commandment is to love the lord with all your might and to love your neighbor as yourself and that is what I think we are commanded by Christ to do, she said.

Clinton  who was confirmed in the 6th grade at her familys church in Park Ridge, Ill., and took part in its youth group, once taught a Sunday school class for adults on forgiveness.

In Washington during the Clinton administration, the first couple frequently attended Foundry Methodist Church, down the street from the White House. Clinton, friends say, has turned to her faith during the more rocky times of her life, including the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

She is relatively quiet and modest about her faith, but the still waters run very deep, said one longtime Clinton adviser and confidante.

Aides who served on her Senate staff recall that Clinton was part of the weekly Senate Prayer Group, though one staffer said she never drew attention to it.

Clinton has also been known to field frequent spiritual reflections from Burns Strider, who served as a one-time faith adviser to her, as well as Minyon Moore, her longtime friend and confidante. Sometimes the messages involve teachings from theologians Thomas Martin and Henri Nouwen.

The Clinton campaign's latest slogan, Stronger Together, takes a very Wesleyan approach, aides say.

In the speech in North Carolina on Wednesday, Clinton said fighting for children was the cause of my life, something she said was rooted in the values that I learned from my family and my faith.

We are all in this together and we are responsible to lift each other up, she said at the event, before quoting Wesley.

While some longtime allies acknowledge that Clinton has talked about her faith only fleetingly, her campaign aides say there have been many times during the campaign cycle when Clinton has spoken about her beliefs.

They point to the conversation Clinton had with the Rev. Frederick Donnie Hunt during a trip to South Carolina last year when she talked about First Corinthians 13.

Its alive, Clinton said about the bible, according to a CNN report. Its the living word.

Earlier this year, during a visit to Flint, Mich., Clinton stood at the pulpit at the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church and promised to help with the community ravaged by a polluted water crisis.

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I want you to know this has to be a national priority not just for today or tomorrow, she said.

Finney, who now serves on the Clinton campaign but also worked for Clinton when she was first lady, said Clintons faith is something that has sustained her throughout her life.

She does talk about it and it comes very naturally to her, she said.
RICHMOND  The Latest on severe weather in Virginia (all times local):

9:30 a.m.

Officials say three emergency workers were injured during a water rescue in Alleghany County.

Botetourt County Battalion Chief Andrew Moore said by telephone Friday that one worker fell in the water during a rescue in Alleghany County on Thursday night. He says the worker is in critical but stable condition. He says two other workers hurt while rescuing their colleague received minor injuries and were released from a hospital.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency in Alleghany County and Covington on Thursday in response to severe weather and flooding. Virginia Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Karla Ramos says the agency is in response mode, but flood waters are expected to recede rapidly Friday.

Alleghany County Public Safety Director Ryan Muterspaugh says the area saw the worst flooding it has seen since 2004. He says some areas were evacuated and people had to be rescued from two homes by boat. He says the Jackson River and creeks in the area have crested and damage assessment teams are headed out Friday morning.

Dominion Power reports about 2,100 customers without power statewide.

___

7 a.m.

Virginia's governor has declared a state of emergency in Alleghany County and Covington after severe weather and flooding.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe tweeted Thursday night that a state of emergency has been declared, allowing state agencies to bypass some time-consuming procedures to quickly help local governments.

The Virginia Department of Transportation warns that more than a dozen Alleghany County roads are closed Friday morning due to flooding and there are reports of downed trees and utility lines. Dominion Power reports about 1,700 customers without power statewide.

The National Weather Service reports that about 4.75 inches of rain were measured in the Eagle Rock area of Botetourt County in the 24 hours ending at 6 a.m. Friday. About 4 inches was reported in the Dunlap Creek area near Covington in Alleghany County.

CHARLESTON, W.Va.  The Latest on flooding that has devastated parts of West Virginia:

9:15 a.m.

A West Virginia official says there are four confirmed fatalities from flooding that has devastated parts of the state.

Chris Stadelman, who's Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's communications director, said Friday morning that three people died in Kanawha County and a fourth died in Wheeling. He didn't have details and said the numbers don't include a young boy who crews have been looking for after he was swept away by swift water Thursday in Jackson County.

Storms with heavy rain rolled into West Virginia early Thursday and continued throughout the day leaving thousands without power and several roads impassable from high water.

Stadelman said Friday morning that some areas were "devastated." He said the hardest hit counties included Greenbrier, Nicholas, Fayette, Kanawha and Webster.

___

8 a.m.

A West Virginia official says multiple fatalities have been reported in flooding that has devastated parts of the state.

Chris Stadelman, who's Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's communications director, says some areas are "probably looking at flooding that's going to be the worst in 100 years."

At least two fatalities related were reported after storms rolled into West Virginia early Thursday and continued throughout the day leaving thousands without power and several roads impassable.

The fatalities included at least one child and one adult. Wheeling police told The Intelligencer that an 8-year-old boy died after he was swept away by swift water. Brooke Hylbert, Kanawha Metro 911 agency coordinator, told the Charleston Gazette-Mail that a man drowned in Clendenin, but she didn't have details.

Stadelman said Friday morning that some areas were "devastated." He said the hardest hit counties included Greenbrier, Nicholas, Fayette, Kanawha and Webster.
The American Film Institute could not have possibly foretold the latest mass shooting in the country and the political aftermath in the nations capital when it scheduled the documentary Newtown for its AFI DOCS film festival this week.

Newtown  is an unavoidably sad but nonetheless gripping film about the 2012 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the Connecticut town of the films title.

Twenty young students and six adult staff members were killed by the mentally disturbed 20-year-old who had killed his mother before heading to the school. (The film declines to name the assailant based on the movement to deny notoriety to such killers. Ill go along with that.)

Newtown, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and is scheduled for theatrical release in September, was introduced at the AFI DOCS festival on June 23 by two members of Congress who had participated in recent outbreaks of unusual protest or dissent in the House of Representatives that followed this months mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla.

One was Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., who participated in the takeover of the House floor by members seeking a vote on a proposal that people on the No Fly list not be able to purchase weapons. The other was Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., who walked out of the House rather than participate in the moment of silence conducted after the Orlando killings. He said that offering such a moment of silence was not enough anymore.

But the festival is about the films. Newtown has a few moments devoted to the political aftermath of the Sandy Hook killings, such as the passage of tough gun restrictions by the state of Connecticut and the bitter disappointment of President Barack Obama and the Newtown parents that Congress would not adopt anti-gun measures after the tragedy.

But the film by director/producer Kim A. Snyder and producer Maria Cuomo Cole is not primarily political. And it is also not chiefly about the tick-tock of what happened at Sandy Hook on Dec. 14, 2012, though there is enough context about the facts and some harrowing dashcam video of police cars arriving on the scene.

Newtown is primarily about the painful aftermath for families that lost a child or sibling and a community where life must go on. Three or four families touched by the tragedy offer incredibly poignant perspectives on how they cope with the loss of a child, or in the case of one Sandy Hook teacher, having been inside the school.

Nicole Hockley, the mother of 6-year-old Dylan Hockley, who was killed in the tragedy, shows the room where she keeps the boxes of well-meaning items sent by strangers from around the world, such as sketches of Dylan. Nicole cant handle looking at all the items. (And some of the sketches look a little off, which must be only further disconcerting to parents who have lost a child.)

Mark Barden, the father of 7-year-old Daniel Barden, who was killed at Sandy Hook, protests that hes a professional musician, not an anti-gun activist, as events propel him into being more of an activist.

David Wheeler, the father of 6-year-old victim Benjamin Wheeler, talks about how one day he suddenly felt the need to enter Sandy Hook school, soon before it was to be demolished, to get more of a feel of where his son died. The step seems to have been at least somewhat cathartic.

Some of the parentsBarden and Hockleyappeared at a panel discussion after Thursdays screening at the Newseum in Washington. Barden noted that many of the child victims would be moving on to intermediate school next fall. He says he steered clear of the community debate to tear down Sandy Hook Elementary and build a new elementary school, which is scheduled to open this fall.

Snyder, the director, said she could have gone in many directions with the Newtown documentary, but she opted for putting a human face on gun violence and for stressing a message of community.

The director ended on a political note. Every member of Congress should have to watch the film, she said, to applause from the audience.
Minnesota ushered our nation into a new era of school reform 25 years ago this month, creating a vehicle that promotes parent engagement and empowers parents to match their children with schools that best meet their needs.

Greg Richmond

Today, many charter schools are achieving extraordinary outcomes for the nearly 3 million students they serve, especially in communities that have historically been left behind by our educational system. But then again, some are not.

For every charter to be a great school we must continue to focus on three of the principles that were at the core of our nations first charter school law:

1) Providing quality education. We must remember that outcomes matterand have always mattered. Charter schools were called outcome-based schools in Minnesotas original charter school law . Not choice schools. Not innovation schools. Choice and innovation may have been the means, but better outcomes were the end.

Going forward, we must hold all of our public schools accountable for successfully educating their students. No school should have a perpetual right to exist regardless of outcomes. If a school persistently fails, we have a moral obligation to provide its students with a better education.

2) Serving all children. Our nations charter laws exist to give every child in our country access to a great education that will prepare them for success throughout their lives, regardless of their backgrounds or address.

Here again, while many charter schools serve all students in their communities, we know some do not. Some will not enroll students in upper grade levels, others counsel children out mid-year, and some even tell families of students with disabilities that their school cannot serve them.

This isnt right. If we believe that charter schools can provide a better education, the academic success of all children should be our priority. We must continue to do better with student discipline, with special education, and with English-language learners.

3) Teachers leading. Al Shanker, former president of the American Federation of Teachers and the original proponent of charter schools, saw them as a strategy to empower teachersto shift power out of districts central offices and into the hands of teachers. Minnesotas first charter school law required a majority of the members of the board of a charter school to be teachers at that school.

Charter schooling was and still is a tool to empower teachers and communities. Yet, too often in the past 25 years, the charter school movement has supported the quick replication of national organizations over the slow development of local educators and community organizations.

We need to support more classroom teachers and communities to start their own new schools. When we do so, we honor the major pillars of the charter philosophy: innovation, engagement, and empowerment.

At the end of the day, parents dont care whether their child attends a charter school or a district school. They simply want a good, safe school for their child, regardless of who runs it.

By doubling down on our commitment to quality education, equity, and teachers who know best, charter schools will continue to provide parents great schools that meet the needs of their children for years to come.

Greg Richmond is the president and CEO of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers.
New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie has proposed to flatten the states funding formula by equalizing the amount of money it distributes for poor and wealthy students, according to the New Jersey Star Ledger. The revision, proposed at a high school in a New York City suburb Tuesday, would serve as a major blow to the states urban districts which have a high concentration of students living in poverty.

Some districts, such as Newark, would lose as much as $14 million, or 69 percent of their state funding, according to an analysis released by Gov. Christies office.

The proposal received swift backlash.

Chris Christie Punches Poor Children in the Face https://t.co/v9Gg8SVwcC  Diane Ravitch (@DianeRavitch) June 24, 2016

Meanwhile, the states suburban districts stand to receive millions more in funding. For example, the North Caldwell Boro school system will receive $6 million more in funds, a 1,714 percent increase (not a typo).

Urban and impoverished rural districts have long argued in court that poor kids are more difficultand expensiveto teach and often invest their money into wraparound services such as counseling, after-school tutoring programs and smaller class sizes.

New Jerseys funding formula gives extra money to students with special needs and students whose parents fall below the poverty line. While districts would still receive more money for students with special needs under Gov. Christies proposal, they would no longer receive extra funds for educating poor children.

Gov. Christie wants the legislature to place the proposed formula on the 2017 ballot. The states funding formula is constitutionally mandated.

As for the cuts to urban districts, he told nj.com, They get a big check from the state every year, they are not making any changes in the way they educate children and they are not showing any increase in success.

New Jersey districts are one of the first to successfully sue the state over their funding formula. In fact, in 1976, the state supreme court shut down the school system for eight days in order to get the states legislature to increase school funding.

Sound familiar, Kansas?
The Alto has been the best-selling hatchback in the country for over a decade. It's latest avatar, the Alto 800 underwent the knife to take on young guns such as the Renault Kwid and the Datsun redi-GO. What does the facelift bring to the table Let's find out.

The 800 defined the Maruti brand like no other. The hatchback went on to become such a roaring success that it was often referred to as just the 'Maruti'. The only other hatch to surpass the sales feat of the 800, was the Alto - a car, that eventually stepped into the 800's shoes. The Alto 800 was born in 2012, combining both legendary nameplates into one. With competition turning the heat up, it was only natural that the best-selling car in the country got a makeover.

Exteriors

The front is where you find the most dominant changes to the design. Instead of the thin chrome grille with a body coloured slat, you now get a chunky piece of plastic that flows neatly between the headlamps and an inverted airdam below it courtesy the new bumper. The car also looks wider due to the update up front. There are other minute changes for which one would have to look really close. For example, the headlamps now have an amber-coloured housing for the turn indicators and you also get fog lamps that were not present in the previous version. But, this it is not standard and is only available on the top of the line variant. What you now do get as standard is the left side ORVM.

Move to the side and what you see is exactly the same straight shoulder line with no drama, which is a good thing if you are looking at a simple, no-nonsense design in a car. The rear has the same tail lamp housing as the outgoing version with the similar bulge curving near the centre on each side of the Suzuki logo. The bumper between both versions is the same and gets space for the registration number plate in an inverted U-shape cutout of the bumper.

Overall, the exterior has some tweaks but, they are not big enough to notice. You would have to be a fanatic and look really close to notice the changes. On the whole, it is still a simple, no-nonsense design.

Interiors

Not much has changed on the inside. What you get is a fresh new fabric design on the door panels and new upholstery for the seats. The three-spoke steering wheel still feels chunky to hold, but does not house audio controls. Plastic feel on the dash is slightly improved but still not at par with the competition in this segment. What is really interesting though, are the backrest of the front seats, which have been neatly carved out to accommodate more space. They also provide enough bolstering and comfort for daily runabouts. But, long hauls, particularly for tall people would be a problem due to lack of under-thigh support.

The rear is decently spaced and can accommodate two adults comfortably. Again, if like me you stand over six-feet tall, you would pray for the journey to get over soon as there is no knee room and very little head room. The front, on the other hand, has reasonable headroom and legroom for people with average height.

The boot space is the same as the earlier version at 177 litres and accommodates one large bag and two small ones. That's satisfactory for a small family but not good enough to fill in large suitcases when your relatives turn up for a vacation. You would have the option of either seating them or filling up the car with luggage as the Alto 800 does not offer 60:40 split seating. It would have been a good option if the entire segment would provide this as an option (probably for the occasional lugging around).

Coming to the infotainment system, there is a single-din unit that can be connected through local radio stations, USB or AUX inputs deliver a decent sound quality through two speakers up front. But thats not really my grouse. In today's day and age where almost every car across segments offers Bluetooth connectivity, the Alto 800 does not. Pulling over to the side of the road every time I need to answer a phone call just doesnt cut it anymore! And the infotainment unit has to be purchased for lower versions and is a part of the package in the top-end trim.

Overall, while the Alto 800s interior offers a bit of everything, it still skimps on some basic features that are present in the competition. One point lost for that, Maruti!

Safety

Another aspect where the Alto 800 could have been better! Then again, no other car in this segment has this aspect properly covered. With the ever-increasing number of vehicles on road, safety features are now all the more important factor.

So, it is best that this hatchback (or any other in its segment) should be best left to city runabouts where speeds are moderate. There are crumple zones that help in reducing occupant injury, but airbags throughout should become a mandate soon across all segments and variants (It does have an optional driver airbag though). Yes, there will be a bump in the price tag, but is it not worth the money?

For information sake, the VXi version we tested had a driver airbag.

Engine and Powertrain

Like the pre-facelift version, the Alto 800 is powered by the existing (and one of the longest existing ones) 796cc motor that is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Power and torque figures remain the same at 47PS and 69Nm respectively. While these figures may not really seem impressive, what one tends to overlook is the relatively light weight of this hatchback. And in that sense, the car does not feel underpowered at all.

In fact, torque is available from a really low rev-range that makes it a breeze to trot around town and even keep speeds up to 90kmph without unnerving the car. Talking about high-speed road-noise, once the car crosses the 60kmph mark, there is considerable tyre noise from the stock setup and post 70kmph, wind noise also starts to creep in.

Overall, the proven engine continues to be a refined unit with brilliant low and mid-range to trot around town but limited high-end torque which is something you would anyway not need.

Ride and Handling

This is another department that scores a huge plus from our side. The ride is pretty planted and there is minimal body roll while negotiating tight corners as compared to the competition. There is a bit of understeer but nothing to complain about. The Alto 800 keeps its composure, unlike its competition in the segment.

What you also notice is the way this little hatch tackles bad roads. Passengers or the driver have very little jerks felt inside the cabin. Sure, on really poor stretches the car will undulate a lot, but it being a monocoque chassis like all its rivals, there is nothing much you can do about. That said, the pliant ride and good handling characteristics like its predecessor are very good and keep the Alto 800 well-planted over all roads.

Verdict

So, the Alto 800 is an age-old design that has minor tweaks, some new goodies, a few changes to the fabric and decals, but there is nothing striking about it. That said, there are a number of reasons why I would buy the Alto 800. Those being the huge brand following, dealership network, reasonable and easy-to-find spare parts.

If you are the one who would not want to experiment (not stating that other cars in this segment are any bad in any of the aforementioned aspects but they have a lot of challenges to overcome) with fresh brands, the Alto 800 is the car you should buy.

Source: CarDekho.com
Cars present in the Indian market before failed to excite buyers. Now these cars are re-entering the market. How will they fare this time around?

Premium and luxury segments are growing year on year, with buyers constantly demanding more bang for their buck. This leaves automakers with no option but to put their best foot forward. However, over the years many models had to be phased out due to lack of demand among other reasons. Quite a few of the discontinued models are set to re-enter the market. We put together a list to find out if they will be second time lucky.

Honda Civic

Let us begin with the most iconic car of the lot  the Honda Civic. Honda India launched the Civic in 2006. It used to sit between the City and the Accord and was discontinued in 2012. This eighth generation model was admired by a lot of enthusiasts and was a runaway success for the Japanese automaker. But over time, the arrival of newer rivals and lack of a diesel counterpart contributed in decreasing sales. On a brighter side, hopefully, Honda will launch the latest 10th generation Civic, which was recently spied, in 2017.

India Bound Honda Civic: What To Expect

Honda Accord

Honda showcased the ninth generation Accord at the 2016 Auto Expo and it is scheduled to enter the market this year. Just like the Civic, due to low demand, the manufacturer discontinued the eighth-generation model from India, which had been a popular product in its segment since its inception in 200 . Moreover, the Accords demand also fell due to a potent diesel rival in the segment  the Skoda Superb. Now, we will get the facelifted ninth-generation version.

Presently, this segment is shifting toward hybrid and one such successful example is the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Toyota is very happy with the Camry Hybrid's sales in the country, as almost 90 per cent of the Camrys sales come from this green variant. Also, the nameplate has survived till now without any diesel offering. Honda will also launch a Hybrid version of the Accord and is expecting a similar success story.

Nissan X-Trail

Nissan showcased the third-generation X-Trail at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo and it will be hitting the market this year. The new X-Trail will be the countrys first hybrid SUV and unlike the previous generations, it will not have a diesel avatar. The hybrid powertrain will be fuel efficient.

Nissan entered India with the first generation X-Trail and the Teana. The latter was also introduced in its second generation here. However, the SUV never really kicked-off despite being a very potent performer with four-wheel drive setup. A couple of factors also played their hand in the cars failure -- such as Nissan being a relatively newer brand at that time with limited dealerships.

Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Launch In Current Financial Year

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai is one such brand in India which doesnt hesitate from entering a new segment. The company launched its i20 premium hatchback was taken aback by its popularity and success. In 2005, the Korean automaker introduced the Tucson crossover-SUV in same space and price band which was made popular by the Mahindra XUV500.

When the automaker launched the Tucson, the buyers were not much acquainted with this segment and the Honda CR-V was its sole competitor. The CR-V comes only in a petrol avatar, has always been a niche product in the market. The Hyundai was available with a powerful diesel and an all-wheel-drive setup. It had caught consumers attention initially, but soon demands dropped and the car was discontinued in 2010.

Hyundai skipped the second generation Tucson from India and is now coming up the third generation version. The third-gen SUV made its debut at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo and will be launched in the coming months. It is loaded to brim when it comes features and is coming with a powerful 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engine.

Hyundai Tucson: What We Know So Far!

Maruti Suzuki Vitara

Indian customers never grew accustomed to the concept of buying an expensive Maruti Suzuki. The company had offered the Kizashi in the market and the Grand Vitara, and both never really enticed buyers. The products had enough potential, but sadly enough, found fewer buyers despite having the largest service and retail outlets in the country. This said, the Grand Vitara is coming back in the form of Vitara -- a less expensive product which will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, the Mahindra XUV500 and others.

Since the company has changed its approach of selling premium cars through its separate Nexa dealerships, the car might work this time around. The new diesel and turbocharged petrol powered Vitara with Suzukis AllGrip and clever packaging has the potential to uplift the Vitara nameplate.

Vitara: Maruti's Answer to Hyundai Creta?

All in all, the scenario of the segments in which these vehicles will eventually fall has changed significantly since their discontinuation. Only time will tell how will these cars fare in their respective segments, but they all look competent and promising.

Source: CarDekho.com
Volkswagen will to help boost zero emissions vehicles and introduce a program to offset excess diesel pollution from the offending vehicles.

Volkswagen will pay more than $10 billion to settle claims by nearly 500,000 owners stemming from its US diesel emissions cheating scandal and fund efforts to offset pollution, three sources briefed on the agreement said on Thursday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, due to court-imposed gag rules, a source said that owners will receive an average of $5,000 in compensation along with the estimated value of the vehicles as of September 2015, before the scandal erupted. Owners would also receive the compensation if they choose to have the vehicles repaired, assuming US regulators approve a fix at a later date.

As part of the settlements, Volkswagen will to help boost zero emissions vehicles and introduce a program to offset excess diesel pollution from the offending vehicles.

The settlement is valued at $10.3 billion in documents outlining some of the complex settlements, the source added.

Another source said that figure does not include part of the environmental costs, which will raise the overall settlement total. The source would not disclose the overall total.

Volkswagen and the US Environmental Protection Agency declined to comment.

In September, VW disclosed that it had used sophisticated software to evade emissions requirements in nearly 11 million vehicles worldwide. It also misled the EPA, which had started asking questions in 2014. The company's chief executive officer, Martin Winterkorn, resigned in the wake of the scandal.

Complex Settlement

According to reports, last week the initial VW settlement would not include civil penalties under the US Clean Air Act or address about 80,000 larger 3.0 liter Audi, Porsche and VW vehicles that emitted less pollution than 2.0 liter vehicles. A deal covering the 3.0 liter vehicles may still be months away.

The settlement also does not address lawsuits filed by US states or investors or a criminal investigation by the Justice Department.

In April, US District Judge Charles Breyer said the settlement will also include an offer to repair polluting vehicles if regulators approve it.

Regulators will not immediately approve fixes for the 2.0 liter vehicles - and may not approve fixes for all three generations of the polluting 2009-2015 vehicles, the sources told Reuters.

The settlement is complex, requiring owners to fill out detailed worksheets about their vehicle to calculate the buyback value.

Also, in April it was reported that the owners may have two years before having to decide whether to sell back vehicles.

German Probe

The EPA, California Air Resources Board, US Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission and lawyers representing owners have been working for weeks to hammer out the final agreements.

VW is not expected to be allowed to resell or export repurchased vehicles, unless they convince regulators that they can be fixed, sources said.

Former owners of the polluting vehicles will also be eligible for compensation - although less than current owners, sources said.

In April, Volkswagen said it would set aside 16.2 billion euros ($18.2 billion) and slash its dividend to cover the costs from the scandal known as Dieselgate - including nearly 8 billion euros to cover buying back and fixing polluting vehicles.

EPA initially said VW's emissions cheating affected 482,000 2.0 liter vehicles produced by VW, but the agency said last week the actual figure is 499,000 - since the original figure did not include some 2012 Passat diesels.

German prosecutors are investigating former CEO Winterkorn and VW brand chief Herbert Diess over whether they effectively manipulated markets by delaying the release of information about the emissions test cheating.
New Delhi: Fashion e-commerce platform Myntra on June 24 said it expects to see a 20-fold jump in daily sales during its 'End of Reason' sale to be held on July 2-3.

The company, which was acquired by Flipkart in 2014, expects about 10 million people to shop on its platform on the two sale days.

"We are geared up for our End of Reason sale (EORS). We have invested strongly in strengthening our platform and in ensuring that logistics remains smooth. We anticipate about 10 million people will shop on Myntra in the two days of this sale, which is the fourth edition of EORS," Myntra CEO Ananth Narayanan told PTI.

He added there will be up to 80 per cent discount that will be offered to consumers on the sale days. Narayanan, however, did not comment on the investments the company had made to beef up its platform.

For the fiscal ended March 2016, Myntra had gross merchadise value (GMV) of USD 500 million. For the ongoing financial year, the company is eyeing the USD one billion mark.

"We expect to see a 20X jump in revenues from what we do on an average day. This will also be about 2X bigger than our last sale in January," he said.

Asked about the concerns raised by offline retailers about the discounting mechanism adopted by eCommerce players to ramp up sales, Narayanan said the sale is not different from those seen in physical retail stores.

"Traditional retailers also have sales which usually lasts over weeks. We are offering a similar sale, just that it is for 2 days. Most of these discounts are coming from the brands themselves," he said.

Over 2,000 Indian and international brands will be part of EORS, including 11 of Myntra's in-house brands, he added.
New Delhi: With Britain deciding to exit from the European Union, India will have to rework the proposed free trade agreement with the single-currency bloc, a top government official has said.

"My interest will get changed because number of tariff lines (products) will change (now). I will calibrate and the EU will also calibrate. Now they would reassess and we will also be going to reassess," Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia told PTI.

She was replying to a question about the impact of Brexit on the ongoing negotiations between India and the EU on free trade agreement. Teaotia said recalibration is required as some items of interest to Britain may have to be removed.

On the FTA issue, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: "I would think, they (EU) would need time now to assimilate this outcome. Once they assimilate the outcome, they will only then respond...I will talk to my counterparts."

Launched in June 2007, the negotiations for the proposed Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) have seen many hurdles with both sides having major differences on crucial issues like intellectual property rights, duty cut in automobile and spirits and liberal visa regime.

Sitharaman and European Union Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom had met in Paris earlier this month and discussed issues including possibility of resuming the long stalled FTA negotiations.

The talks have been held up since May 2013 as both the sides are yet to bridge substantial gaps on crucial issues. Although top officials from both the sides have met, but they have not yet fixed any date to resume the talks. Talking about the impact on Brexit on trade, the secretary said that it will not have any immediate impact.

"Brexit will not impact our trade with the UK. With EU also, nothing directly affects our trade. In long term, we would be interested to see how UK negotiates its exit from EU," Teaotia said.

Sitharaman also said the first impact would be visible on currency volatility as there is a possibility of devaluation of the pound and euro.

"So the impact of volatility of the currency is something which might have an immediate impact on our exporters," the minister told reporters. She said India is in a position to face the eventuality of this outcome.

"We will however have to keep watching currency based volatility, both in the short and the medium term and also look at the impact on overall trade itself," Sitharaman said.

The bilateral trade between India and the UK stood at USD 14 billion in 2015-16 as against USD 14.33 billion in 2014-15. India has received USD 23.10 billion FDI from Britain during April 2000 and March 2016. Two-way trade between India and the EU dipped to USD 88.4 billion in 2015-16 from USD 98.5 billion in the previous fiscal.
New Delhi: Government will support Indiancompanies operating in the UK to help them do business with the European Union post-Brexit, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said on Friday.

"Business change is constant and (our) companies are very competitive and capable and I am sure they will be able to adjust to this. "Whatever support is required on the trade side or in terms of negotiations or discussions with other sovereigns, we will be there to support them," he told reporters hours after Britain voted to leave European Union.

There are concerns that Indian companies in the IT and automobiles sector, having base in UK, may face issues in getting preferential assess to the EU market post Britain's exit.

Europe is the second largest market for Indian IT-BPM industry, constituting almost 30 per cent of the sector's export revenue of about USD 100 billion.

While Mahindra Group said Brexit would have muted impact on it, USD 100 billion Tata group said access to markets and a skilled workforce would remain important considerations for its businesses in Britain.

Tech Mahindra, however, said London-headquarters Indian companies may have to look at Europe from a different standpoint. IT body Nasscom said Indian IT companies may need to establish separate headquarters/operations for EU.

This may lead to some disinvestment from UK, it said, adding that skilled labour mobility across EU and UK could be impacted. "The first priority of the UK will be to first have a new political leadership... They will have to work through what their arrangement with the EU and other trading partners, ofcourse India is one of those.

But that is a long-drawn out process," Sinha said. India, he added, is on a "rock solid" foundation right now. "India is a haven of stability, both our macro economic fundamentals and reform and growth agenda is very very strong. We have a fortress balance sheet in terms of reserves," he added.
It shows that data analysts at the fresher level are drawing an average annual salary of Rs 7 lakh as against Rs 3.2 lakh for software engineers. (Representational image)

Mumbai: Difficult screening and a higher cut-off benchmark explain why data analysts earn more than software engineers at a fresher level, according to a report.

Data analysts are earning more than software engineers, which indicates that demand-supply gap is higher in the case of the former. Compared to roles in IT services, companies evaluate candidates for analytical roles through assessments that have higher difficulty and cut-off benchmarks, says the report put together by CoCubes Technologies.

CoCubes Technologies analysed results of 43,000 assessments conducted for top analytic companies in the country over the last 12 months and collated the report titled Guidebook for Hiring Entry Level Analytics Talent.

It shows that data analysts at the fresher level are drawing an average annual salary of Rs 7 lakh as against Rs 3.2 lakh for software engineers. And this figure can go up to Rs 10 lakh, depending on the job profile and fringe benefits being offered. As per the report, companies are side-stepping tier-1 colleges and approaching tier 2 and 3 institutes to hire data analysts to ensure the new recruits stay with them longer.

According to the report, there are jobs in data analysis which dont require high cognitive abilities and client interaction and have more to do with data management and data warehousing.

This is resulting in a re-look at hiring strategy as such roles see high attrition if candidates are from tier-1 colleges. So many companies have started looking at tier 2 and 3 colleges to map the right talent for jobs, it added.
The Transport Department of Delhi Government has banned the retrofitting of CNG conversion kits in In-Use cars. Delhi Government have to resort to this action due to sharp raise in complaints against unauthorized dealers fitting uncertified kits in cars.

The State Transport Department informed that there are many CNG kits available in the markets which are unapproved or uncertified and are risky to use as CNG is an extremely flammable fuel. As a result, in order to stop the use of such unsafe conversion kits available in the aftermarket, the government has instructed all Motor Licensing Officers (MLOs) to stop registration of vehicles that have been converted to CNG using retrofitted conversion kits.

Sources said Transport Minister Satyendar Jain discussed the roadmap for the inquiry with officials. A government official said, There will be a full-fledged inquiry and there is no fixed time frame. Till then, the transport department will not register any cars retrofitted with CNG kits. Company-fitted CNG cars will be registered, however.

Regarding this, The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) Chairperson Bhure Lal said, The governments move is not connected to us. It is their prerogative and they have the right to put on hold registrations if substandard kits are being used. If these blow up and people are injured, all our efforts to cross over to CNG will take a back seat.

Credits: Vicky.in
Police Use Mobile Cameras to Make Parks Safer This Summer

It is summertime but the livin' is not necessarily easy for police. In fact, the summer months can be particularly tough for cops because more people are out on the streets, kids are out of school, and everyone's just hanging around waiting for something to happen.

This summer, there are some law enforcement agencies who are enlisting the assistance of mobile electronic surveillance units that will allow them to keep an eye on everyone, even when officers are not around. If it sounds a little creepy, that's because it is. But actually the cameras are expected to make cities safer for people, and some residents are pleased, according to KRQE in New Mexico.

Eyes on You

The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico has invested in mobile surveillance units, which will predominantly be used in parks around the city. Last summer, there was a rise in crime and some of what happened might have been preventable.

Police are not looking for a repeat when the heat turns up again this year. Speaking of the mobile camera units police will be installing, Officer Tanner Tixier told reporters, "Their main purpose is to serve as a deterrent. Most people won't engage in criminal behavior if they realize there's a very good opportunity they will be caught on camera."

Officers believe the cameras will help, and some residents do, too. Citing rising summer crime rates generally and last summer's worst events specifically -- a murder at a skate park, the killing of a man in his own driveway while he was confronting teens breaking into his car, and multiple park shootings -- police see a genuine need for extra eyes during the summer months.

Albuquerque, of course, is not the only city using mobile cameras to prevent crime. For example, Ogden, Utah also recently began using mobile cameras as a crime-prevention strategy.

Residents React

Interestingly, the Albuquerque police will be putting cameras wherever they are most needed. This approach may be in part based on citizen concerns. Residents seem to agree with police that there's a need for more surveillance and that the presence of these cameras will make parks in particular safer places to play.

"A lot more people will come out with their kids and everything and spend more time at the parks if there were less drugs and stuff going on. If there's less people there at the parks being watched they're not going to want to come to the parks anymore knowing there being watched," Renee Zamora of Edgewood told local reporters.

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India will soon roll out a liberalised visa policy to boost services trade that may fetch USD 80 billion annually. (Representational image)

New Delhi: India will soon roll out a liberalised visa policy to boost services trade that may fetch USD 80 billion annually by attracting foreigners and foreign exchange.

The Commerce and Industry Ministry has been rooting for comprehensive relaxation of visa norms to boost services trade, a proposal that is also being pushed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

In principle, the Home Ministry has agreed to the proposal and would like to implement it after addressing security concerns.

The ministry is working on the proposal and hopefully, it will be implemented soon, a senior official said. As per the proposal, different visa categories -- tourist, business, medical and conference -- will be clubbed into one and long-term, multi-entry travel documents of up to 10 years will be issued on case-to-case basis.

However, the visitors have to give biometrics and fulfil certain security obligations, the official said. The plan is part of the Commerce Ministry's initiatives to boost India's services trade.

Officials said India is missing out on a huge opportunity worth about USD 80 billion annually in terms of attracting foreigners and foreign exchange.

Small countries like Thailand attract millions of people whereas tourists flow in India is far less. India will not ask for reciprocal visa liberalisation as it is an old concept now. To achieve the objectives of major government programmes like 'Make-in-India' and 'Digital India', the country needs to have an easy visa regime, the official noted.

For sensitive countries, the government may consider extending group visa to tourists and business persons. Several countries like Indonesia have significantly relaxed their visa norms and put in place modern systems to cut time taken for issuing the travel document.

The Commerce Ministry is also identifying key barriers faced by different types of services to undertake specific reforms.

The proposal assumes significance as the services sector constitutes about 60 per cent of India's GDP but its share in world exports of services remains at a low 3.15 per cent.

Services has emerged as a prominent sector in India in terms of its contribution to national and state income, trade flows and FDI inflows.

The sector contributes around 28 per cent to job creation. Its contribution to total trade is 25 per cent, around 35 per cent to exports and 20 per cent to imports.
New Delhi: Indian companies are evaluating buying stakes in Russian state oil firm Rosneft, India's oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Thursday, as Moscow seeks funds to address its state deficit.

Russia has been hurt by Western sanctions over its actions in Ukraine, which effectively froze its companies's access to Western capital market, and a plunge in global oil prices.

"Indian companies are looking into the offer," said Pradhan, who met the Russian leadership last week at a conference in St. Petersburg.

Moscow plans to sell stakes totalling 19.5 per cent in Rosneft, the world's top listed oil producer by volume, as part of a wider privatisation plan for 2016 to raise about 650 billion roubles ($10 billion).

India has signed deals worth billions of dollars with Russia to buy stake in assets in Siberia at a time Moscow is keen to develop and deepen its Soviet-era economic ties with New Delhi.

The Kremlin sees India as a counterbalance of sorts to China's growing dominance on the post Soviet Union's territory.

India's recent deals with Rosneft are eagerly watched by Middle Eastern producers who see India alongside China as one of the key growth markets.

Pradhan said Indian firms' deals to buy about a 50 per cent stake in the Vankor field and about 30 percent in Taas-Yuriakh field would cost about $5-6 billion.

He said Indian companies are also looking at investing in the Yamal liquefied natural gas project in Siberia.

Igor Sechin, the head of Russia's top oil producer Rosneft, told Rossiya-24 TV earlier this week that the company has not held any talks with either Chinese or Indian companies about the state company's privatisation.

Pradhan said India is also talking to Russia for building a gas pipeline through Central Asia as New Delhi wants to increase the share of gas in its energy-mix.

Gas accounts for about 7 per cent of India's overall needs compared to the global average of about 24 per cent, he said.

The two countries have a formed a panel to explore the possibility of laying a gas pipeline, Pradhan said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with Putin during the latter's visit to Delhi last year.

He said India will raise this issue with the Russian leadership during Modi's ongoing visit to Tashekent where the Indian premier is attending a meet of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

"The day is not far when a pipeline from Russia will reach India," Pradhan said. "It will be a very significant step for our energy security."
Hyderabad: Indian IT players catering to clients in the financial services space in London may shift their operations to other parts of Europe in the wake of Britain's exit from the European Union, says tech investor TV Mohandas Pai.

For the Indian IT industry, the biggest immediate impact would be the shift in the movement of Pound Sterling, which has now become cheaper, Pai said.

"That's already impacting them, marginally, depending upon who is exposed to business in the UK," he told PTI noting that over a period of time, lot of work is being done by Indian IT companies in UK financial services space in London.

"Now, many of them may migrate to (other parts of) Europe. In case they migrate to Europe, they have to shift to Europe. What happens there is something that needs to be seen. So, there could be temporary relocation over a period of four to five years", Pai, a prominent angel investor, said.

He also said Indian IT companies may become more competitive in the UK because EU players would not be able to come to the UK very easily as they would now need visa and work permits, unlike the scenario today.

"Competition for India will be slightly less. I think it will be positive. I think overall, let's say neutral (the impact of Brexit on the Indian IT industry) over the next four-years. Right now, it may hurt a bit because of currency but overall it will be neutral over the next four to five years," the Chairman of Aarin Capital Partners said.

On the strategy that needs to be adopted by Indian IT companies post-Brexit, Pai said they are well prepared. "They have understood what it is. Currency has fallen 10 per cent today. That no body can prevent.

You just have to take it in the chin. Quite understandable. They are working in Europe, the UK and America for many long years, and they can understand what's happening (currency movements)".
MUMBAI: A rout in equity markets wiped out nearly Rs 2 lakh crores of investors wealth in a single day as Britains vote to exit the European Union triggered panic selling across the globe pulling down key benchmark equity indices in Europe by 5 to 10 per cent.

The domestic equity markets opened the day deep in the red and within an hour it was down more than 1,000 points as Britains exit from the EU stoked fears about anti-EU forces gaining further strength in other parts of the region. This according to market participants could undermine global growth, threaten the stability of EU and pose a serious risk to Euro.

The Sensex sank over 1,000 points soon after opening wiping out nearly Rs 4 lakh crores of investors wealth before closing the day at 26,397.70, losing 604 points, its biggest fall since February 2016. The Nifty closed the day at 8,088.60, losing 182 points.

This will lead to a period of uncertainty. Risky assets across the world are witnessing selling pressure, which could intensify going forward. While market participants have been discussing about it, the risk wasnt priced in adequately. Brexit is not a one-off event but may have far reaching implications. Anti-EU voices in other parts of Europe will gain strength. Anti-globalisation voices (like Donald Trump) will gain strength, said Navneet Munot, chief investment officer (CIO), SBI Mutual Fund.

While these kinds of events have historically impacted Indian equity markets disproportionately given the excessive dependence on FII flows, Mr Munot said, With steady flows from domestic investors and improved ma-cro fundamentals, our ability to weather these storms are relatively better.

In a post Brexit note, analysts at Morgan Stanley said that India and South Korea continues to be their most preferred countries in Asia and their emerging market universe.

Analysts at HSBC Global Research believe Asia is in a reasonably strong position to withstand the latest tremors from Europe. India, Indonesia, and Philipines, Mexico are more insulated, at least in growth terms (if not in terms of forex volatility)  said Fredric Neumann, co-head of Asian Economic Research, HSBC. On Friday, the broader markets remained extrem-ely weak with 1,868 stocks traded on the BSE ended the day lower as compared to 655 stocks.

Rupee plunges, RBI intervenes

The rupee witnessed heavy selling in line with most other emerging market currencies amidst a strong rally in US dollar as risk averse investors shunned riskier assets like equities.

After touching an intraday low of 68.21, the rupee ended the day at 67.98 per dollar as compared 67.25 per dollar. There were reports of RBIs intervention to stablise the rupee. With the near term outlook towards emerging markets currencies looking weak, forex dealers said the rupee is expected see further weakness in the coming days.

According to Arvind Chari, head of fixed income, Quantum Advisors, the pound is likely to depreciate further as UKs current account deficit is about six per cent of its GDP. Until there is clarity on the terms of exit from EU, the pound is expected to depreciate. The fall out risk of that is other currencies will also depreciate or might follow suit.

Cheap oil only silver lining

A cheap crude oil may be the only silver lining in all turmoil unleashed by Brexit on Friday, said said chief economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian. Lets not see this as unremittingly gloomy. There are a couple of silver linings. Oil prices have come down. Thats good for Indias macro situation, he said.

This could result in cut in petrol and diesel prices, which had started increasing recently, if Indian rupee didnt depreciate much against US dollar. Brexit should be credit positive for the Indian Refining and Marketing (R&M) industry, as crude oil prices are expected to remain subdued in the near term due to heightened uncertainty about demand growth in the EU, said K. Ravichandran, senior vice president, ICRA. He said that overall impact should be positive for PSU upstream companies as well, so long as oil prices are within $40-45 per barrel.
India is focusing on the market dislocations arising from a likely British referendum vote to leave the European Union, junior finance minister Jayant Sinha said on Friday, saying it was too early to assess the trade impact.

"There's going to be market dislocation and we are going to have to focus on that," Sinha told news channel ET Now in the first official comment on the UK plebiscite.
The film which also starred Randeep Hooda and Richa Chadha revolved around an Indian farmer who was convicted of terrorism.

Mumbai: Aishwarya Rai Bachchans Sarbjit failed to rake in moolah at the box-office but the films producer Vashu Bhagnani is not only planning to send it as a nomination for National Awards, but also for the Oscars.

In an interview to SpotboyE, Vashu confirmed that he intends to send the Omung Kumar-directed film as one of the contenders for Indias entry to the Oscars.He said, We will send it as an entry, independently or in the race with other films. We will channelise our energy to make sure Sarbjit is in the race to become Indias entry to the Oscar this year.

The film which also starred Randeep Hooda and Richa Chadha revolved around an Indian farmer who was convicted of terrorism and spying in Pakistan after he inadvertently crossed the border.
Mumbai: It was just recently that Chitrangda Singh walked out of Kushan Nandy's 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz' also starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, claiming that he used crass language while shooting a scene.

According to reports, it all started when Kushan asked her to do an intimate sequence but he was not happy with the first take. He then thundered, Chitrangada, you ought to get literally on top of Nawaz. Tange ragdo and s*x karo. The actress, who was totally taken aback by his behaviour, ended up having a huge showdown with him.

Read: Chitrangada walks out of Kushan Nandy's film over lovemaking scenes with Nawazuddin

Her co-star Nawazuddin who had maintained silence about the entire incident has spoken up about the controversy. In an interview to DNA, Nawazuddin said, We did a normal scene. There was nothing unacceptable about what we shot. The incident being described did not happen. Kushan is a decent softspoken person. Hes a gentleman, incapable of crass behaviour.

Kushan said, Those who know me will know I never use filthy words like she has accused me of using. I dont know people who use language like that. This is character assassination.

The long-in-the-making film had gone on the floors earlier this month in Lucknow. The team had earlier shot portions of the film in December 2014 in Kolkata, Bolpur and Burdwan in West Bengal. The shoot was, however, affected due to alleged trouble with local technicians and non-payment of dues. They soon started a new project and scrapped whatever was shot earlier.

Apparently, Nawazuddin's 'Gangs of Wasseypur' co-star Richa Chadha is likely to step into Chitrangada's shoes.
Dhanshika, who started her career with Peranmai, has been lucky to bag movies with biggies! After garnering accolades for period flicks like Aravaan and Balas Paradesi, her big ticket to stardom is Pa Ranjiths Kabali, where she will be seen in the crucial role of Rajinikanths daughter. After she became a devotee of Sai Baba, she has rechristened herself as Sai Dhanshika.

Now, the dusky actress has been roped in for a female-centric movie named Rani, where she portrays the titular role. Once again like Kabali, the movie directed by Bani, co-director of National Award-winner Samuthirakani, will be shot mostly in Malaysia.

The film, which went on floors recently in Tiruvannamalai, has maestro Ilaiyaraaja scoring the music. Kumaran, who did films like Dhanushs Thanga Magan, will be behind the camera.

Dhanshika says that she is excited to have bagged a heroine-centric flick. I feel I am in the best phase of my career. I am getting fascinating offers with varied shades. She adds, I have fallen in love with doing stunts myself as I have a trained to get a suitable physique. Without doing workouts, my days are incomplete, she quips.
Dulquer Salmaan is going from strenght to strenght as an actor but he is not neglecting his singing skills. He began his career with Srinath Rajendran-directed Second Show and within four years, Dulquer has crooned four songs. His singing career debuted with Anwar Rasheed-directed Ustad Hotel. The latest buzz in Mtown is that Dulquer has lent his voice for a soundtrack composed by Gopi Sunder for Amal Neerads yet-to-be- titled film, which also has Dulquer in the lead role.

It is his fifth film and interestingly all his previous tracks were also composed by Gopi Sunder. Amal has confirmed the news and said that his hero has sung a song which is written by Rafeeq Ahammed. It is for the second time that Rafeeq and Gopi teaming for an Amal Neerad-film after Prithviraj starrer-Anwar Amal, who has completed filming the Kerala schedule last week, is now gearing up to fly to the US for the next schedule.
Rating:

Director: Anurag Kashyap

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddique, Vicky Kaushal, Sobhita Dhulipala, Amruta Subhash, Mukesh Chhabra, Vipin Sharma

It was just a matter of time. The two were destined to meet. Anurag Kashyap, the writer-director who routinely gives vent to his misogyny in so-called indie movies that are really home videos to warm the cockles of his Boys-Only Fan Club  almost all fetishise violence, indulge penile complexes and romance, the patriarchal power structure  just had to meet Raman Raghav, Indias most famously misogynistic serial killer who died in 1995 after committing 23 murders.

And they did. Something good could have come out of it because while a woman-hater, Kashyap is also very talented. It doesnt. Raman Raghav 2.0 has come after Bombay Velvet, so one could argue that its like being in rehab. Sometimes, after a big, traumatic event, you have to learn to walk again before you can attempt the swagger.

Kashyap could have used the assignment of producing Udta Punjab as a palate cleanser  his and ours. Instead he uses RR 2.0. I wish there were no self-censorship in newspapers so that one could honestly call out Kashyaps films like Paanch, Gulaal and now this. But there is and Ill just have to say it politely  these masturbatory exercises are best left to the privacy of ones room or bathroom. There is really no need to project them on large screens and invite the world to watch.

Raman Raghav 2.0, set in contemporary Mumbai, opens with the claim that it is a work of fiction based on the life of a serial killer. But, it says, it does not tell the story of Raman Raghav. Thats a half-truth. Though the films story arch and main character draw more than just inspiration from Raman Raghavs murders and quirks, both the screenplay and other characters are a hodgepodge of things borrowed and old. There are bits from Dexter and the still-unsolved Stoneman murders. There are also Kashyaps pet peeves and obsessions.

The films story cant be told without spoilers. So suffice to say that its about a serial killer and the man he stalks because he believes him to be his soulmate, his second half. Raman (Nawazuddin Siddique) is the serial killer and Raghav (Vicky Kaushal) a cop investigating the murders. Written by Vasan Bala and Anurag Kashyap, the screenplay is episodic and the story unfolds chapter-wise.

A nondescript man surrenders to the police, claiming to be a serial killer. During his interrogation, Raman says he is Yamraj ka doot, no different from the cops who are also Yamraj ke doot  both nishachar, night crawlers, they too are tasked with cleansing the world of evil. He sometimes calls himself Sindhu Dalwai and says, I talk to God. Do you? Raman weeps and narrates his plight to portraits of Gods, fully confident that they understand and approve. The cops think him cuckoo, a wannabe killer.

He escapes and the film, with terribly sappy music, shows us how lonely and desperate a man without a house can be. This supposed social commentary  set to maudlin sitar-santoor vadan  about a sad, scavenging man is aimed at making us feel some sort of understanding if not empathy. But its so pathetic and hokey that all our empathy is directed at Kashyap and his wellbeing. Thankfully, we soon come to the films finest scene.

Raman goes to meet his sister. Though constructed with the standard tricks and tools  trite and tested by Bollywood over the ages  it rises and bristles because of two things: Performances, especially Lakshmis (Amruta Subhash)  she is simply superb. And the fact that the scene reveals a lot. Its here that we meet, for the first time, a psychopath who is a manipulator par excellence. It feels like the film may be upping the tempo bit by bit, one chapter at a time. But it simply drags its feet.

The same things happen again and again. There are scenes of a cocaine-snorting cop who treats women, especially his girlfriend Simmy (Sobhita Dhulipala), like shit. This is followed by Raman walking narrow lanes, dragging along his long wrench  a sight and sound we are familiar with because of the annual bonanza of stalker-slasher movies from Hollywood. This is followed by someones head being bashed, shots of blood, and then some more coke-snorting by the cop. Its as if the films on a loop.

We get that Raghav too is a misogynist and a narcissist. But we dont get why. There is a scene when he, tightly holding an aggressive posture and threatening violence, is rendered completely powerless by Simmy. Its a nice moment, but the film doesnt build on it. We are just meant to follow events without much insight, background into these two characters. That is possible, provided the pace is exciting, the events dramatic, or the acting mesmerising. Raman Raghav 2.0 has none of these.

Its not easy to make a movie about a serial killer boring. Yet Kashyap succeeds to a large extent. Apart from the fact that several murder scenes are illogical, theres a terrible homo hint at the end, the films story is contrived, the screenplay scattered and the incomplete characters lost in an addled mess. This addled mess is Anurag Kashyaps very own limited worldview. All his men are a certain type, all his women fall in the same two categories  sexy and not sexy  and all his daddies are bad.

His films are also, always, conspiring an underground movement to overthrow the patriarchy overground. Only problem is that what dwells in his world beneath is a carbon copy of what it seeks to destroy. Its exhausting to repeatedly watch his angsty, posturing-as-macho films. He is 43. He must grow up and stop indulging his stupid boy fetishes.

To be fair, Raman Raghav 2.0 has a few scenes that are sharp and tense. But most use the same trick that has now become standard practice with Anurag Kashyap and, sadly, the characters that Nawazuddin Siddique plays: The shocking and the mundane in the same breath. Its an old trick meant to highlight how normal the abnormal is at one level. It no longer excites.

The film is shot as most of Kashyaps films are shot  the outside is crowded, dirty, and the inside dingy and suffocating. And the camera is either lurking knee heigh, or, when it looks up it stares hard and long at Nawazuddin and Kaushal. While Kaushal, despite the fact that his character on paper is just too dull, is at times engaging and complex, Nawazuddin mostly hams his way through.

In several aspects Nawazuddins character is true to the real-life Raman Raghav and, perhaps, psychopathic killers. Theres a lot written for him: Zero remorse, complete lack of empathy, manipulative, anti-social, demanding, yet scrupulous about clearing his debts. Nawazuddin Siddique is a very fine actor. But he is already repeating himself. In some scenes he shines, like the one in which hes having a conversation with a cat, or when hes animated and frantic.

Apart from that we must just admire his scary look  dead eyes set in black pools to match his black lips  and pray that the next time around he lives up to his reputation. At times during the film I thought of closing my eyes and just listening to the background score. But Ram Sampats terrible music is so yucky that it would make even the DD guys wince with embarrassment.
Obscure Delaware Law Could Force Small Biz to Open Books

In today's small biz world, many startups, especially Silicon Valley-based tech companies, are asking early employees to forgo high salaries in favor of shares in the company, essentially betting on their own future success. Such equity arrangements can be great for employees and entrepreneurs alike, but they may come with a snag: how can new employee-shareholders find out how much of the company they're getting and how much their shares are worth?

For publicly traded companies, it's easy -- check the share price. But for privately held startups getting that kind of information is more difficult, if not impossible. But an oft-overlooked Delaware incorporation law may be opening the books to shareholders. Here's what you need to know:

Inspect for Any Proper Purpose

Neatly tucked away in Delaware's corporate statutes is Section 220, which states in part:

Any stockholder, in person or by attorney or other agent, shall, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the right during the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose, and to make copies and extracts from:

(1) The corporation's stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records; and

(2) A subsidiary's books and records

The law wouldn't be that important if not for two facts: (1) a whole lot of companies, even Silicon Valley tech startups, are incorporated in Delaware; and (2) a whole lot of companies, especially Silicon Valley tech startups, pay their employees in company shares.

Given those two facts, however, Section 220 can be an important tool for employees and other shareholders to force open a company's books and get a peek inside. Michael Halloran, a securities lawyer with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, told The Wall Street Journal that all shareholders need to say is that the inspection is "For the purpose of valuing my shares," and it's Open Sesame.

Waive Goodbye

Small business owners worried about sharing high-level financial information with employees can always have them sign non-disclosure agreements. And some more creative companies are asking employees to waive their right to inspect the books as a condition of stock awards. But whether such waivers would hold up in court is another matter altogether.

So if secrecy is your thing, you may want to consider sticking to cash compensation for your startup employees. That, and staying out of Delaware. Or you may want to give an experienced corporations attorney a call for advice.

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After delivering the hit film Sarrainodu, it was being reported that Allu Arjun would next work with Tamil director Linguswamy for a bi-lingual film. Tamil director Vikram Kumar, of 24 fame, was also in reckoning. But sources now say that Allu Arjun might go with Gabbar Singh director Harish Shankar for his next venture.

The Lingu-swamy project was almost confirmed, but in the last minute there were some differences, it is not known whether it was a creative problem or something to do with production, says a source from Geetha Arts. Allu Arjun had chosen Linguswamy for a bi-lingual to woo the Tamil audience.

In the meantime, an official announcement of his next film with Harish Shankar may soon be made. Dil Raju might produce this film.
Most female actresses in Telugu cinema currently are from Delhi, Mumbai or Chennai. Breaking the trend is Chandini Chowdhary, a Telugu girl whose Kundanapu Bomma is releasing on Friday.

I dont know why our filmmakers are not looking at local talent. Telugu girls need to be encouraged and I hope that the trend will change soon, says Chandini.

Interestingly, though Chandini shot for this film first, another film of hers, Ketugadu, released first.

Yes, my debut film was delayed due to unknown reasons, but I am happy now, she says, adding, The story revolves around my character Suchi. Initially, I was scared to play this crucial role. But the director gave me the confidence. I hope Ive done a good job.

Born and brought up in Vizag, Chandini completed her Mechanical Engineering from Bengaluru. When I was in college I got many offers, but first I wanted to complete my studies, says Chandini. In college, she acted in nearly 30 short films. Actor Raj Tharun, who is also from Vizag, has acted with Chandini in many short films.

It was after acting in these short films that Chandinis interest was drawn towards films. Director Vara Mullapudi, who was looking for a Telugu girl for Kundanapu Bomma, approached Chandini at that time.

I completed my graduation in 2014 and then got this offer, she says. Asked why she didnt accept offers from big production houses and instead said yes to this small film, she says, I never thought about it. My first priority was studies then. I completed that and this offer came later.

I dont know why Telugu girls are not coming forward to act; I never felt insecure or faced any problem in the industry. Many people had told me that they wanted to see a Telugu girl on the big screen. Lets see how they accept me.

On how she would compete with other actresses, she says, I know the language and I can understand scenes easily. I didnt take much time in front of the camera. Thats how we completed the film in under a month.

I believe in hard work and I really worked with dedication for this film. But above all, I need luck, fate and acceptance from people, she says, adding that she is ready to do glamourous roles too.

Interestingly, the lead actors of the film Sudhakar and Sudheer Varma, too, are from Vizag. Most of the technicians were from Vizag too, it was like a family.

Chandini, meanwhile, wants to prepare for her MBA. She has also signed two films, an untitled one opposite Rahul Ravindran and another one titled Manu.
Joanna Thangiah uses her art to discuss the toxic culture concerning body image issues that victimizes women and girls. (Credit: Instagram/ @joannathangiah)

One of the most popular mediums for tackling patriarchy-based prejudices has been art. Joanna Thangiah, a Sri Lankan artist based in Sydney, uses her drawings to bring awareness about issues such as feminism, body positivity, and mental illness. She started drawing in 2014 as a way to cope after being diagnosed with four mental illnesses.

Thangiah uses her art to discuss the toxic culture concerning body image issues that victimizes women and girls. Problems like fat shaming, consent, and obsessing to fit the Euro-centric beauty ideal are some of the things that she explores through her drawings. She also doesnt shy away from shedding light on the struggles of being part of South Asian diaspora.

Check out some of her drawings below:

A photo posted by joannathangiah (@joannathangiah) on Jun 22, 2016 at 3:32am PDT

A photo posted by joannathangiah (@joannathangiah) on Jun 19, 2016 at 7:46am PDT

A photo posted by joannathangiah (@joannathangiah) on Jun 17, 2016 at 1:37am PDT

A photo posted by joannathangiah (@joannathangiah) on Jun 15, 2016 at 6:02am PDT

A photo posted by joannathangiah (@joannathangiah) on Jun 14, 2016 at 5:34am PDT

A photo posted by joannathangiah (@joannathangiah) on Jun 11, 2016 at 4:50pm PDT

A photo posted by joannathangiah (@joannathangiah) on Jun 9, 2016 at 6:51pm PDT

A photo posted by joannathangiah (@joannathangiah) on Jun 8, 2016 at 12:50am PDT

A photo posted by joannathangiah (@joannathangiah) on Jun 2, 2016 at 11:39pm PDT
Underwent cupping in a small massage parlour from May 22 to June 20 with a hope to cure his frozen shoulder.

Horrifying images of a man with seven holes on his back have gone viral after undergoing cupping therapy.

According to People's Daily Online reports, the therapy went wrong. Lin Lin, 63, from Chengdu, China, was promised that this treatment will make his 'frozen shoulder' feel better.

The man told that he was undergoing this treatment everyday when these large blisters started appearing.

Underwent cupping in a small massage parlour from May 22 to June 20 with a hope to cure his frozen shoulder.

According to webmd, Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is stiffness, pain, and limited range of movement in your shoulder camera.gif. It may happen after an injury or overuse or from a disease such as diabetes or a stroke. The tissues around the joint stiffen, scar tissue forms, and shoulder movements become difficult and painful. The condition usually comes on slowly, then goes away slowly over the course of a year or more.

The clerk advised me to stick to cupping for a month to cure my frozen shoulder, he said.

Cupping is a therapy in which heated glass cups are applied to the skin creating suction and are thought to stimulate the flow of energy inside the body. At the time of the treatment the cups were placed on the body of the man exactly at the same place where the holes have appeared.

He said that the blisters started to form during the last 10 days of the therapy.

However, instead of opting out from the treatment he continued it and asked his wife to pop the blisters before rubbing his back with oil.

On June 20, after the cupping treatment he began to feel uncomfortable and had a high fever. He was rushed to the hospital.

Surgeon Xie Liang said that when Li was sent to the emergency room with a fever of 37.7 degrees and his back was completely swollen. On examination, it was found that he had a bacterial infection.

Doctors said that Li came at the right time or he would have developed sepsis later.

Medical staff also that cupping shouldnt have been done at same places as it leads to infection and skin burns.

However, Lis condition is improving and is not considered life threatening.
The virus causes around 390 million infections a year globally - with 40 percent of the world's population living in areas of risk. (Photo: AFP)

Scientists studying the Zika outbreak in Brazil say previous exposure to another mosquito-borne virus, dengue, may exacerbate the potency of Zika infection.

Early-stage laboratory findings by researchers in Britain France and Thailand suggest Zika uses the body's own defences as a "Trojan horse", allowing it to enter a human cell undetected. Once inside the cell, it replicates rapidly.

The scientists said their results, published in the journal Nature Immunology, suggested that some dengue antibodies can recognise and bind to Zika due to the similarities between the two viruses, but that these antibodies may also amplify Zika infection in a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement.

This effect is already known with dengue, they said, and is thought to explain why, when a person gets dengue fever a second time, the infection is often more serious than the first.

"Although this work is at a very early stage, it suggests previous exposure to dengue virus may enhance Zika infection," said Gavin Screaton, a professor at Britain's Imperial College who led the research.

"This may be why the current outbreak has been so severe, and why it has been in areas where dengue is prevalent."

Dengue infections have increased dramatically over recent decades. The virus causes around 390 million infections a year globally - with 40 percent of the world's population living in areas of risk. Dengue is common in Brazil, and the health ministry there reported a leap in cases this year.

Zika is spread by the same mosquitoes and has been causing alarm throughout the Americas since cases of the birth defect microcephaly were reported in Brazil, the country hardest hit by the current outbreak.

The rare birth defect is marked by unusually small head size and potentially severe developmental problems. Brazilian authorities in Brazil have confirmed more than 1,400 cases of microcephaly in babies whose mothers were exposed to Zika during pregnancy.

People from all over the world are already beginning to converge on Brazil for the Olympics in Rio in August.

INVADERS

Antibodies are large proteins that latch onto invading bacteria or viruses, neutralising them and enabling the immune system to destroy the pathogens. The antibodies are then primed to recognise the same invaders should another attack occur.

The studies found that existing dengue virus antibodies latch onto Zika when it invades. But because the two viruses are not exactly the same, they cannot latch on securely, and instead the antibodies actually help Zika to get into the human immune cells. Here, the Zika virus replicates and causes disease.

Jeremy Farrar, an infectious disease specialist and director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity which part-funded the research, said the results offered potential clues about the current outbreak and about how to make progress on vaccines.

"We know that Zika has been present in Southeast Asia and Africa for many years and yet has not taken off there as it has in South America. This is what the international research effort needs to work out, and quickly," he said.

In a second study by the same team and published in a sister journal, Nature, the scientists found that one of several antibodies that work against dengue can also neutralise Zika - providing a potential target for a vaccine.

"We now need further studies to confirm these findings, and to progress towards a vaccine," Screaton said.
One of the representative of the company told that men would order what they want and then sit at the bar.

How about a cafe that not just serves you coffee but also the customers will receive oral sex?

The idea sounds a bit weird, but a 'Fellatio cafe' is set to open in Switzerland where the customers will receive oral sex while they drink their coffee.

The outlet will open in Geneva by the end of the year. The cafe would allow you to order a coffee and then you can choose a prostitute via iPad.

The customers would have to pay more than 40 for the drink and sex act, according to the firm Facegirl, which is modelling the idea on similar establishments in Thailand, reports The Daily Mail.

One of the representative of the company told that men would order what they want and then sit at the bar.

However, the plan has come under fire and one anti-prostitution group claiming that this thing would only benefit the people setting up this business.

Prostitution is legal in Switzerland with sex workers required to have permits to operate, according to The Local.

It also states that the business must be registered as a massage parlour if two or more prostitutes are working there.
A slew of Hollywood actors have now featured in a new PSA to raise awareness about the cruel torture of dogs carried out in China. (Credit: YouTube)

The Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China has come under severe criticism from different parts of the world after it was discovered that thousands of dogs every year are stolen, imprisoned in tiny cages and brutally slaughtered for the occasion. A slew of Hollywood actors have now featured in a new PSA to raise awareness about the cruel torture of dogs carried out in various regions of East Asia.

The video shows stars like Matt Damon, Joaquin Phoenix and Kate Mara make an emotional plea to stop the mistreatment of canines in the name of tradition and festivities. The celebrities have pledged their support to Marc Ching, the founder of the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation, who is part of rescue efforts for the stricken animals.

Surprisingly, the Yulin Dog Meat Festival only began in 2010 as a strategy to boost the areas dog meat trade.

Click on the link below to view the video:
The 32 children featured in the choir come from underprivileged backgrounds. (Credit: YouTube)

Music is a gift that has the power to bind us no matter how different we are. It is rightly called a universal language. This touching performance by the Chennai Childrens Choir released to celebrate World Music Day will be a lovely treat to your ears.

The 32 children featured in the choir come from underprivileged backgrounds; six of them are visually-impaired while two of them have mental disabilities. The choir sing songs by A R Rahman, Illaiyaraaja and an international pop anthem We Are The World written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.

Do check out the video and listen to these talented children:
On June 22, police Sub-inspector Sarvesh Yadav and constable Pramod Kumar were shot at in Binawar area in Ghatbeti village in Badaun district when they were on a patrol duty. (Photo: Representational Image)

Lucknow: In the second such incident in as many days in Uttar Pradesh, a police Sub-inspector was gunned down by unidentified assailants in Hapur district, a day after a policeman was shot dead in Badaun district.

Sukhbeer Singh (57) was shot dead in Hapur district when he was going to Meerut on Thursday to pursue a case. He died during treatment in a hospital.

On June 22, police Sub-inspector Sarvesh Yadav and constable Pramod Kumar were shot at in Binawar area in Ghatbeti village in Badaun district when they were on a patrol duty. They were referred to Bareilly where Yadav died during treatment. The condition of Kumar was stated to be serious.

The two incidents came close on the heels of the killing of SHO Santosh Kumar Yadav in Mathura early this month and Superintendent of Police (City) Mukul Dwivedi when they were attacked while removing encroachments from a public park.

A police team was also attacked when it had gone to arrest a robbery case accused in Saharanpur district on June 4, leaving two constables injured. In the run up to the 2017 Assembly elections, opposition parties have been targeting Akhilesh Yadav government accusing it of 'goonda raj'.
Mumbai: In a unique punishment, annual increments of a deputy Legal Advisor in Enforcement Directorate have been ordered to be stopped for a period of three years for allegedly sexually harassing a woman employee in the agency.

The order was issued on June 21 by the Competent Disciplinary Authority (CDA) under the Ministry of Finance.

As per the complaint made by the woman in year 2012, the deputy Legal Advisor A C Singh had called her frequently to Delhi under the pretext of meetings and briefing counsels of the Supreme Court and on all such occasions he had sexually harassed her.

"The Competent Disciplinary Authority considered the report of the internal complaint committee and the advice of UPSC, representation of A C Singh and relevant records. It agreed with the UPSC that ends of justice would be met if the penalty of reduction to a lower stage in the time scale of pay by three stages for a period of three years is imposed upon Singh with the direction that he will not earn increments of pay during the period of such reduction", stated the order of CDA signed by Under Secretary V Sreekumar.

However, the order did not specify the exact years of suspension of Singh's increments. The woman had initially made an oral complaint of sexual harassment against Singh with ED in July 2012. Her statement was later recorded in August that year.

Later, she filed a formal complaint in December 2012 after which the matter was referred to the internal Complaint committee of the agency.

The panel concluded in January 2014 that allegations against Singh were proved and recommended to CDA the imposition of appropriate major penalty as well as compensation of Rs 10,000 to be paid to the employee, stated the order.

The complainant had alleged that Singh started harassing her verbally after she joined the ED office in Delhi, and later when she was posted in Mumbai he called her and made lewd remarks.

According to the woman, Singh also pressurised her to withdraw her plaint and also threatened her against reporting anything.

During the inquiry against him, Singh said the concerned employee was incompetent and foisting a false case against him over her fear of losing the job, the order said.

However, the CDA said there is no merit in his representation.
2 separate encounters with security forces in Kashmir left six militants dead on Thursday, the army officer said. (Photo: DC/ H U Naqash)

Srinagar: The militants, who were killed in two separate encounters in Kupwara on Thursday were affiliated to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the army on Friday claimed.

"About 200 to 220 militants are active in Kashmir valley. Among them, about 100 are local militants and rest are foreigners," Commander Eight sector Rashtriya Rifles Brigadier Rajeev Puri said while talking about the successful operations in Kupwara. He said the number of militants in south and north Kashmir varies as they do not have boundaries.

Playing down the use of new app "Calculator" by militants to keep in touch with their handlers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir without being detected by Army's technical surveillance, the Army officer said "such things keep happening between the security forces and the terrorists".

"Earlier, they were using radio sets and we used to intercept it. They come out with a new thing and we counter it," he said.

Giving credit to human intelligence for successful anti-militancy operations, he said "our human intelligence is very strong. If they succeed in level one (infiltrating from across the LoC), we get them at level two and eliminate them."

Talking about the two successful operations which left six militants dead in Kupwara district on Thursday, the army officer said "all the six were affiliated to Pakistan-based LeT outfit".

"The first operation started at Khailia Doban in the north of Lolab valley at around 9 am and resulted in the death of three Pakistani militants of LeT group. The operation ended at 1.30 pm," he said.

"A large quantity of medicines and eatables, carrying Pakistan-made mark, were recovered from the slain militants.

Soon after the first operation was over, a second operation took place in Drugmulla's Waterkhai area and three more LeT militants were killed," the officer said.

A huge cache of arms and explosives were seized from both the operations, he said, adding the seizure included six AK 47 rifles, maps, Under Barrel Grenade Launchers, grenades, radio sets, night vision devices, compass and Ground Positioning System (GPS).
Meerut: A 17-year-old Dalit girl bobbitised a man who allegedly attempted to rape her at knifepoint, police said on Friday.

The incident took place on Thursday evening when the girl had gone to relieve herself at a jungle in Incholi area here, a police spokesperson said.

The girl snatched the knife from the accused Raees when he attempted to force himself on her, and attacked his private parts with it.

Villagers arrived at the spot after hearing his cries and admitted him to a hospital, where his condition is stated to be serious.

Police said they have registered a case against the man after a complaint by the girl.

They said security has been stepped up in the village as a precautionary measure, since the accused and the girl belonged to different communities.
COONOOR: Mystery shrouds the death of a tribesman near Coonoor with his family blaming police. The tribes association is calling for an investigation to unearth the facts.

Veerappan (58), an Irula tribesman and a cattle-grazer, hailing from Mooparkad tribal hamlet near Coonoor, is said to have gone to nearby Kolakambi to apply for some benefits under a government scheme on Wednesday.

However, on Wednesday evening while he was waiting for the bus, he is said to have been involved in a minor scuffle in the bus stand area while drunk and was reportedly assaulted by a policeman there. He returned home later and on Thursday morning, he was found hanging inside a room next to his house in the hamlet.

His wife Rukmani Veerappan, while talking to the media, said that her husband was upset with the policeman assaulting him in public at Kolakambi and was inconsolable. This could have driven him to take the extreme step, she alleged and added that a higher-level inquiry was needed in this issue.

The tribesmans daughter Sudha told media persons that her father showed her an abscess in his body, which he had developed after the blow from the policeman. While Kolakambai police registered a case, Mr K.M. Alwaz, secretary of the Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association, wanted the district administration to intervene in this issue and initiate necessary action.
The accused Raees , 23, tried to force himself on the girl at knife point but the girl managed to snatch the knife and cut off his private parts. (Representational image)

Lucknow: A young girl bobbitised the man who attempted to rape her at knife point in Meerut district.

According to police reports, the incident took place on Thursday evening in Incholi area when the girl had gone out to relieve herself.

The accused Raees , 23, tried to force himself on the girl at knife point but the girl managed to snatch the knife and cut off his private parts.

Villagers collected at the spot after hearing the cries of Raees and took him to a nearby hospital. His condition is said to be critical due to excessive blood loss.

Police said they have registered a case against the man after a complaint by the girl. Meanwhile, security has also been increased in the area since the accused and the girl belong to different communities.
New Delhi: About 1,000 units of indigenously manufactured multi-function display (MFD) for installation in India's frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft has been handed over to state-run HAL.

The displays were manufactured by Samtel HAL Display Systems (SHDS), a joint venture between Samtel Avionics and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Now out of a planned fleet of 272 Sukhoi aircraft with the Indian Air Force, 143 would be flying with India-made MFDs a critical component of an aircraft cockpit. SHDS is the only company to receive CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification) Type Approval for manufacturing MFDs.

The Samtel-HAL joint venture was set up in 2007 to address the avionics requirements, including test benches and systems for all IAF star platforms - both fixed and rotary wing.

The journey began in 2004, when Samtel signed the contract with Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO, earlier called as DARE) for technology development of Su-30 MFDs.

After 5-6 years of efforts, Samtel was able to fully develop the technology and it was envisaged by HAL and the Ministry of Defense to create a centre of excellence in the form of JV to nurture this home grown technology.

Samtel as a parent company would bring in this technology for lateral deployment on all platforms - Su-30, light combat aircraft (LCA), intermediate jet trainer (IJT), light combat helicopter (LCH) among others and HAL as the other partner would bring in the market for using these displays on all HAL star platforms.
Patna: Vice President Hamid Ansari on Friday stressed the need for getting credible and complete data for better policy planning, as he noted that "all is not well" in the Indian social statistics sector.

"Developing nations like India need socio-economic information about their population to design redistributive policies. Concerns have been expressed about efficiency and efficacy of public data collection and the gaps which exist in the Indian social statics," Ansari said delivering a key note address here at an International seminar on Social Statistics.

He said concerns have been raised about the quality of data being generated as also about duplication of the efforts to collect statistics across various government departments, inaccessibility of national data archives and infringement of privacy by government's data collection machinery.

"All is not well in the Indian social statistics sector," the Vice President added.

He said criticism of public statistics sector, especially when it comes to measurement of crosscutting social issues such as gender disparity, inequality, poverty and growth, seems valid.

"Our statistics have also attracted opprobrium on issues related to measurement of parameters related to the service sector, unorganised sector and unemployment figures," Ansari said, adding it was not only undermining the credibility of Indian statistics globally but also hurting the analysis of some of the most important elements of the country's economy.

He said the noted French economist Thomas Piketty has lamented the "huge gap" in statistics in India exemplified by paucity of data on income tax and the reluctance of the government to release the caste census results.

"Even after the government recently released official figures for income tax in 2012-13 which prompted a lively debate about the extent of tax evasion with commentators noting that there were very few returns at the highest end of income spectrum," Piketty had told International media, Ansari said.

"Data was too thin to draw significant conclusions about the level of inequality in India," the Vice President said quoting Piketty.

Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended the seminar organised on the occasion of silver jubilee celebrations of Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI).

UNICEF representative to India Louis Georges Arsenault, Vice Chancellor of Nalanda International University Gopa Sabharwal and Deputy Director of Bihar Programme of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Usha Kiran Tarigopula were also present.
A robust auditing system, citizen participation and transparency are what our civic agencies need most, floundering as they are in debt and inefficiently-managed funds. A report by local NGO Janaagraha rating the financial management of three parastatal agencies, BWSSB, BBMP and BDA, shows that major reforms are needed - and soon!

How do our administrative bodies manage their finances? According to a report by city-based NGO Janaagraha, Bengalurus position is precarious. BMTC, BDA and BWSSB, our three parastatal agencies, all scored in a range of 4-6, less than 50%. This is an indication that our civic agencies are not well governed, financially speaking, which impacts their ability to raise funds and use them efficiently to meet their service obligations, explained Srikanth Viswanathan, Coordinator, Advocacy and Reforms, Janaagraha.

Unveiling the report on Thursday, Viswanathan said that the performance of the BMTC has been satisfactory, with a score of 6 out of 15 parameters. If the BMTC has adhered to timelines under the two unanswered questions on budgetary discipline, it would have scored 8 on 15, he pointed out. On account of the lack of details provided by the agency, Janaagraha was unable to rate them on these benchmarks, he added.

Read: Guest column  Bengalurus civic agencies are badly managed financially

Bengaluru is one of the nations fastest growing cities in terms of economy, job creation and influx of people, which makes the delivery style of our civic agencies very poor in comparison. Pointing out the poor balance sheet and lack of transparency, Viswanathan added that private agencies and corporates score zero negative observations on audit maintenance, which should be the benchmark for our civic bodies too. The organization recommends that the civic agencies call in experts to help them better their financial management and emulate the corporate systems in terms of financial management.

Janaagraha has brought out six key recommendations in order to improve the financial prudence of our civic bodies. They include a mandatory five-year medium term fiscal plan for all civic agencies. The concerned body should be dis-incentivised if there is a difference of more than 15 per cent between budget and actuals. These civic agencies must have empanelled independent chartered accountants to audit annual accounts in civic agencies and as internal auditors. The financial and operational performance indicators must be published every quarterly, this helps maintain transparency on how the money is being spent. Legal provision should be ensured for systematic citizen participation in both annual budgeting and intra-year resource allocation, for neighbourhood level projects, he suggested.

While the BBMPs financial management has been in focus for the several years, other civic agencies have escaped the glare. A little attention might have helped, for being under constant scrutiny from the media, resident welfare associations and elected bodies, has improved the BBMPs situation considerably over the last year. Meanwhile, other civic bodies like the BDA and BMTC, have a lot to answer for, having escaped the glare so far. The state government needs to usher in financial management reforms in other civic bodies, which are falling apart, to meet the twin objectives of financial stability and accountability.

Other civic agencies which have been let off the hook so far will also be brought under the auditing system to be rated and brought to the public domain. The other agencies which will be audited are Bangalore Traffic Police, Bangalore City Police and Bescom.

BMTC: just ahead of the rest

Of the three civic agencies rated, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has performed slightly better in terms of financial accountability. On a scale of fifteen parameters, the BMTC has secured 6, the equipvalent of a just pass, with 40 per cent. The KSRTC Rules, 1961 governing BMTC mandates a monthly operational review report.

The BMTC has suffered losses in 2014-15. The audit report for 2012-13 was not available as the website has only the audited financial statements. The BMTC is not transparent about the revenue and profit. It has also not made public the number of new buses and old buses that have been taken off the road.

BDA: tripped up by its budgets

The BDA has presented unrealistic budgets over successive years. The BDAs budget has recorded a variance of a whopping 49 % to 87 %. As per the Finance Member of BDA, the budget books are yet to be printed for 2016-17. Although the BDA, which was dying a slow death, was revived during SM Krishnas tenure as chief minister of Karnataka, the civic body has failed to maintain financial prudence and audit maintenance.

Transparency in finances, operations emerges as a huge area of concern. None of the agencies are transparent in respect of annual budgets, audited annual accounts and civil works and capital expenditure. The details of annual budget were not available online depicting an absolute lack of transparency.

BWSSB: mired in debt

The BWSSB seems to have stolen the show this year, with an abysmally low performance. The agency, said representatives from Janaagraha, has not provided data on financial accountability. Poor cash management and debt management may well be a drain on the average taxpayer. The outstanding loan balance has resulted in an interest outlay of Rs 300 crore per annum.

The agency owes Rs 3,446 crore, as of March 31, 2014. Their income has grown by 10 percent between 2012 and 2014, whereas costs have increased by 23 percent during the same period. The website has no details on the extent of the bodys water supply and sewerage network across the city. There is an average variance of 43% between the budget and actuals.
The money has been lying in a London bank for almost seven decades. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: Pakistan has no intention of opting for an out-of-court settlement regarding the 35 million Hyderabad Funds case, according to the descendants of Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, Nizam VII.

The money has been lying in a London bank for almost seven decades.

In 2008, when 12 families met the Pakistan High Commissioner and represented the case, the Pakistan government was totally silent on the possibility of any out-of-court settlement.

We met three Pakistan high commissioners and submitted our representation. However, they hosted us with tea and biscuits, but there was no word on resolving the case, said a descendant of Nizam VII.

Nawab Najaf Ali Khan, grandson of Mir Osman Ali Khan told DC: We have been wrongly quoted as saying that India and Pakistan have no right over the Hyderabad Fund case. Instead, I, who, represents the descendants, except for Prince Mukarram Jah and Prince Muffakham Jah, welcome the decision and will accept whatever the courts judgment will be. We are open to dialogue. The summary of the judgment is likely to come in 15-20 days. The trial will start afresh, this case proceed at a very slow pace.

On Tuesday, a UK court had ruled in favour of a full trial in the case. However, Pakistan had claimed that the UK court had rejected Indias plea to dismiss its claim on the nearly Rs 350 crore involved.
Hyderabad: At a time when swanky malls are mushrooming across cities offering an array of international brands, a small shop in Hyderabad allows poor to indulge in a shopping spree for free.

Set up in a garage in Ayodhya Nagar area, the poor can walk into the 'Goodwill Store' and walk out with whatever they like without having to pay a single penny. The store offers an array of items which include clothes, stationery supplies, footwear and utensils among other things, which are received as donations from people.

A first time customer, Saraswathi, said that she was satisfied as she could get clothes for her entire family.

Each person is allowed to pick up three sets of clothes per visit and can return every three months for fresh items.
A kiss goodbye. The votes are in, and Brexit wins. Britain has voted to leave the European Union.

The historic decision will change Britain's place in the world, "rattle the Continent and rock political establishments throughout the West," reports the New York Times.

With 309 of 382 of the country's cities and towns reporting early on Friday, the Leave campaign held a 52 percent to 48 percent lead. The BBC called the race for the Leave campaign shortly before 4:45 a.m., with 13.1 million votes having been counted in favor of leaving and 12.2 million in favor of remaining. The value of the British pound plummeted as financial markets absorbed the news.

"Dare to dream that the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom," U.K. Independence Party leader Nigel Farage told cheering supporters just after 4 a.m. today London time.

The markets are plunging. Follow continuing #Brexit coverage at https://t.co/64SID8sGBA and watch our latest recap https://t.co/dPCd2IYZpC  Bloomberg (@business) June 24, 2016

god save the queen pic.twitter.com/BUZN9OUwvI  Ziwe (@Ziweeee) June 24, 2016

"EUROPEAN RUIN": Some front pages from around the web following #Brexit vote pic.twitter.com/NUZ7gLNtCB  Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) June 24, 2016

It's not just about #Brexit, it's not just about the EU. It's a harbinger of what's to come. Right wing populist nationalism rising.  Iyad El-Baghdadi (@iyad_elbaghdadi) June 24, 2016

#Japan market meltdown triggers Nikkei futures' circuit breaker. Futures trading halted for 10 minutes. #Brexit #VOAalert  Steve Herman (@W7VOA) June 24, 2016
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal gestures as he addresses a press conference in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: As the NSG meeting ended with no decision on India's membership bid, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he has "failed completely" on foreign policy front.

Kejriwal said that the Prime Minister owes an explanation about what he did during his "jaunts" abroad.

"PM Modi has completely failed on foreign policy front. He owes explanation on what did he did on his foreign jaunts?" Kejriwal said on Twitter.

PM Modi has completely failed on foreign policy front. He owes explanation on what did he do on his foreign jaunts? https://t.co/rNHlzWS02Q  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 24, 2016

On some media reports claiming that Switzerland too has opposed India's bid to be a NSG member, the AAP leader suggested the development is indicative of Modi's visit to that country earlier this month not bearing fruit.

Switzerland President Johann Schneider-Ammann had on June 6 announced his country's backing to India's membership to the group after holding talks with Modi during the visit. "Why? Didn't the PM visit Switzerland just a few days ago?" Kejriwal asked.

Why? Didn't the PM visit Switzerland just a few days ago? https://t.co/XWyJAQsSmP  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 24, 2016

The plenary meeting of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) ended in Seoul today with no decision on India's membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.
Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Trust M.T. Krishna Babu hold discussion with the members of Nepal delegation during their visit to VPT in Vizag on Thursday.

Visakhapatnam: A seven-member high level delegation from Nepal government had meeting with chief commissioner of customs, Visakhapatnam and discussed the modalities of clearance of import and export of cargo meant for Nepal through the Port of Visakhapatnam.

Recently, Vizag port has been declared 2nd gateway port of Nepal. The delegation is on a two-day visit to Vizag. The delegation led by chief secretary of Nepal, Dr. Somal Subedi, met the chief commissioner of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax Ms R. Shakuntala and discussed the modalities of clearance of import and export of cargo meant for Nepal through the port of Visakhapatnam.

Based on the understanding reached between the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal as reflected in the Joint Press Statement issued at the end of the official visit of Prime Minister of Nepal to India in August 2009 and subsequent meeting of Inter Governmental Committee in Kathmandu on January 27, 2010 the Government of India has agreed to provide additional transit facilities through the port of Visakhapatnam for movement of containerized cargo.

Currently, the goods imported and exported by Nepal are cleared through Kolkata Port under Treaty of Transit between India and Nepal.

Under the amended provisions of the Treaty, four new road routes connecting Visakhapatnam with Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj have been approved. Besides, operation of Rail Services between Visakhapatnam  Jogbani and Visakhapatnam  Birgunj is also envisaged.

During the meeting with the principal commissioner of customs, C. Rajendiran, additional commissioner of customs, Sudhakar Mishra, VPT chairman, M.T. Krishna Babu, deputy chairman, P.L. Haranath, and other senior officers of customs were also present.
Pansare and his wife were shot by unidentified persons in Kolhapur during their morning walk on February 16, last year. (Photo: PTI)

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Friday extended the stay on framing of charges against Sameer Gaikwad, a right-wing Hindu activist, who has been arrested in connection with the murder of rationalist Govind Pansare as the prosecution is awaiting a forensic report from the UK.

The report has been sought to find out if there was any link between the killings of Pansare, and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and M M Kalburgi. On June 9, the high court had directed a sessions court in Kolhapur which is at present conducting the trial against Gaikwad, to defer framing of charges.

The direction was given on a petition filed by the Maharashtra government's CID, which is probing the Pansare murder case, challenging a May 20 order passed by the Kolhapur sessions court rejecting the prosecution's application seeking to defer framing of charges against Gaikwad, pending the forensic report.

Public Prosecutor Sandeep Shinde told HC that CBI has sent empty cartridges recovered from the crime scene in all the three murders to a forensic lab of Scotland Yard police in the UK.

"CBI is in touch with authorities concerned and has assured that all necessary steps will be taken to procure the report expeditiously," Shinde said.

Justice Sadhana Jadhav then adjourned the petition for further hearing on July 8. "The stay granted shall continue till further orders," the court said.

Gaikwad, an alleged member of Sanatan Sanstha, is the only suspect arrested by Kolhapur Police in connection with this case. He was arrested on September 16, last year from his residence in Sangli.

Pansare and his wife were shot by unidentified persons in Kolhapur during their morning walk on February 16, last year. While his wife survived, the veteran CPI leader died in a Mumbai hospital four days later.

On Thursday, the HC had sought to know from the Maharashtra government if it has decided to seek a CBI probe in the Pansare case as claimed by the lawyer of the family of the slain activist, even as the prosecutor said he has no such instruction so far. It also came down heavily on CID and CBI, probing the Pansare and Dabholkar murder cases respectively, for slow progress.
New Delhi: Experts on Friday emphasised on a strong and well integrated programme in sync with the different governmental arms to deal with bio-terrorism, as diseases like Ebola and Zika could emerge as possible threats.

Lt Gen (retd) JR Bharadwaj, former Director General Armed Forces Medical Service and also a former member of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said although different arms of the government are working to deal with the threat, a lot more needs to be done.

Lt Gen Bharadwaj said guidelines to deal with the problem were issued by NDMA in 2007 and these were even appreciated by other nations, he said.

"There has been progress on the recommendations, but only in piecemeal," he said.

Tracing the history of bio-medical warfare, Lt Gen Bharadwaj said Germans had used anthrax in the First World War while the Japanese had a battery of agents like cholera, plague, chickenpox.

"There has to be a better coordination between the different arms of the government. The agents that can be used for bio-terrorism need to be defined to ensure preparedness. Of over 600 districts in India only 100 districts have Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme(IDSP) laboratories," he said.

Lt Gen Bharadwaj, however, added that the Ministry of Health has been taking steps to deal with the issue.

With newer threats like Ebola, Zika, W Selvamurthy, a former Distinguished Scientist at the DRDO, emphasised on setting up a central epidemiological database.

He said the database, which would include surveys done on epidemics, can help identify if there is something amiss in case of an outbreak.

Selvamuthry also emphasised on making the best use of the bio-diversity, especially in the Western ghats while coming up with medicines to deal with the issue.

Talking about the economic implications of bio-terrorism, Jesper Elsgaard, Vice-President of Bavarian Nordic, a Denmark based company said post 9/11, twelve people were killed due to anthrax.

Elsgaard also noted that over two-third of the population has still not been immunised by diseases like chicken pox.
The couple was taken hostage by the woman's husband Bhanwar Lal and villagers on June 20 near Bhatevar village. (Photo: Representational Image)

Jaipur: A woman and her paramour were stripped and tied to a tree allegedly by her husband and villagers, who also posted disturbing pictures of the incident in Rajasthan's Udaipur district on social media. Police has arrested 13 persons in connection with the incident.

The 26-year-old woman, a resident of Kasotia village in the tribal area, was in a live-in relationship with Lalu Ram, a resident of Khodi Pipli Tekan village.

The couple was taken hostage by the woman's husband Bhanwar Lal and villagers on June 20 near Bhatevar village. They later took the duo to Kasotia village where they stripped them and tied them to a tree for two days besides shooting their pictures which went viral on WhatsApp, police said.

The accused also took hostage six persons, including the mother and two brothers of the woman, who had gone to the villagers to rescue the woman, they said.

"A police team was rushed to the village yesterday after the matter came to light," SP Udaipur Rajendra Prasad Goyal said.

"When the woman and her paramour were caught by the villagers, the woman's mother, brothers and others went to rescue them but they all were also caught and were kept in a room. The family of Lalu Ram gave Rs 80,000 to the villagers to get him freed from them," Ghanshyam Sharma, Circle Officer, Vallabh Nagar, said. There is no information on the woman's whereabouts evenas her mother and relatives have been rescued.

"We have not recovered the woman so far and it is suspected that she is with her husband and other accused who are absconding," he said.

Ten men and three women have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said. Meanwhile, SDM Lasadia Naresh Bunkar has forwarded a recommendation to the district collector for action against the local Patwari Mani Lal Meghwal and two government teachers for not reporting the incident to the district administration.
New Delhi: In a big blow to Indias ambitions of joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), China scuttled its entry bid at the NSG plenary in Seoul on Friday. An upset New Delhi, without making a direct reference to Beijing, lashed out, saying that procedural hurdles were persistently raised by one country at the plenary meet.

The plenary meeting in the South Korean capital ended with no decision on Indias membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) members, with China leading the opposition. News agency reports from Seoul said while 38 out of 48 NSG members backed India, China opposed Indias entry vociferously while some other countries. including Brazil, Switzerland, Turkey, Austria, Ireland and New Zealand, were also opposed to Indias bid because it is not a signatory to the NPT, indicating that Beijing was not alone in its supposed concerns.

The U-turn by Switzerland, which had supported the Indian bid during Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit there, jolted India. New Delhi strongly hinted in its reaction that entry to the NSG was linked to its commitments on climate change in the Paris Agreement which could now be impacted. India is bracing for a long haul and will live to fight another day whenever the grouping meets next. Beijings move is bound to affect bilateral ties between the two Asian giants.

At the end of its two-day plenary, the Nuclear Suppliers Group on Friday declared its firm support for the full, complete and effective implementation of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime, a clear indication that no exception will be made for India.

The scuttling of Indias bid to join the NSG at the Seoul plenary show that Chinese President Xi Jinping ignored Prime Minister Narendra Modis request to him on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tashkent on Thursday to support Indias candidature. In Beijing, China maintained that its stand was not against any specific country and advocated out-of-the-box thinking to arrive at a consensus on non-NPT countries entering the NSG.

In a statement attacking China without naming it, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, We understand that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country, a three-hour long discussion took place last night (Thursday night) on the issue of future participation in the NSG. An overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported Indias membership ... a few other countries raised issues regarding the process for Indias participation in the NSG. It is self-evident that process issues would not arise if these countries were actually opposed to our participation. The MEA added, Our application has acquired an immediacy in view of India ... envisaging 40 per cent non-fossil power generation capacity by 2030. An early positive decision by the NSG would have allowed us to move forward on the Paris Agreement ... India believes that an early decision on its application remains in the larger global interest. Indias participation in the NSG will further strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and make global nuclear commerce more secure. It would advance energy security and make a difference to combating climate change. We are confident that the NSG will recognise these benefits as it deliberates further on the issue.

Confirming that Indias application was discussed during the two-day deliberations, the NSG said it had discussions on the issue of technical, legal and political aspects of the participation of non-NPT states in the NSG and decided to continue its discussion.

Meanwhile, in Beijing, defending its opposition to entry of non-NPT countries like India into the NSG, China said it was guided by the rules of the 48-nation grouping which were not directed against any specific country. China wants two things: we must abide by the rules of NSG because these kind of rules are not directed against any specific country. We must strive for consensus by thinking out of the box, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a briefing.
New Delhi: In a big blow to Indias ambitions of joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), China scuttled its entry bid at the NSG plenary meet in Seoul on Friday following which an upset New Delhi, without making a direct reference to Beijing, lashed out at it, saying that procedural hurdles were persistently raised by one country at the plenary meet.

The plenary meeting ended in the South Korean Capital with no decision on Indias membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.

News agency reports from Seoul said that while 38 out of the 48 NSG members backed India, China opposed Indias entry vociferously while some other countries including Brazil, Switzerland, Turkey, Austria, Ireland and New Zealand were also opposed to Indias entry because it is not a signatory to the Nuclear NPT, indicating that Beijing was not alone in its supposed concerns.

Switzerland  which had supported the Indian bid during PM Modis recent visit there  reportedly made a U-turn of sorts which has jolted India. India strongly hinted in its reaction that entry to the NSG was linked to its commitments on climate change in the Paris agreement which could now get impacted.

India is now bracing for a long haul and will live to fight another day whenever the grouping meets next.
BENGALURU: Taking serious note of dissident activities of the troika of former ministers - M. H. Ambreesh, V. Srinivas Prasad and Qamrul Islam, Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, seems to have blinked first and decided to constitute a three-minister team to tackle the crisis on Friday.

The team comprised of energy minister, D. K. Shivakumar, PWD minister, Dr H. C. Mahadevappa and urban development minister, R. Roshan Baig.

Speaking to DC, a senior leader observed that Mr Siddaramaiah took this step soon after a section of central leaders expressed deep concern over rising dissidence after carrying out the cabinet reshuffle exercise early this week.

Central leaders reportedly directed Mr Siddaramaiah to take steps to defuse the crisis and that it would be in the party interest that he should defuse the crisis and control the damage done after the cabinet reshuffle," this was the instruction reportedly conveyed to Mr Siddaramaiah through party president's political secretary, Ahmed Patel on Thursday night.

Soon after Mr Siddaramaiah got these instructions, on Friday he chose to host a breakfast meeting for senior cabinet colleagues over otherwise a "silly issue" of holding a video-conference with deputy commissioners.

The direct outcome of this meeting was that he constituted three-member ministers' group in order to tackle leaders who are potential enough to cause major upset in their home districts if not across the state.

"As part of this, Mr Baig will be tackling Mr Islam, Dr Mahadevappa will deal with Mr Prasad and lastly, Mr Shivakumar will be bargaining with Mr Ambreesh to buy peace in the days to come," the leader explained.

Apart from this, majority of senior ministers were also of the opinion that the CM must try and talk on one-on-one- basis in order to break the growing strength of rebels, while few were of the opinion that Mr Siddaramaiah personally not hold talks with leaders like M. H. Ambreesh, V. Srinivas Prasad and other seniors who have rebelled, and instead a adopt wait and watch policy against such senior leaders.

"If we talk anything against senior leaders like Mr Prasad or Mr Ambreesh, it will not go down well with their supporters instead, allow them to vent their ire instead of going ballistic against these leaders," the leader told this newspaper on the condition of anonymity.

The leader added that Mr Siddaramaiah had commenced the exercise of contacting few legislators such as former ministers Malikayya Guttedar and Dr A. B. Malakareddy but both have reportedly not only curtly disconnected his calls but also refused meet his emissaries too.

Later, after the meeting, down playing the present crisis, energy minister, D. K. Shivakumar said, "No legislator is indulged in any anti-party activities but some of our senior legislators feel that they been let down.

"Be it former union minister, S. M. Krishna or Mr Prasad have not indulged in anti-party activity. They are our senior leaders and all of them have sacrificed their life long aspirations on many occasions and still they have stood with our party. They will remain so. Let us not talk about Mr Prasad or Mr Krishna here," he said.

In response to a question, Mr Shivakumar said, "there was no injustice for Vokkaliga community in the party. The community had got its representation. If need be, the party will take its corrective steps in the days to come. Hence, it would not be appropriate to drag a particular community or leaders name is this issue."

CM takes the wind out of rebels sails

Chief Minister, Siddaramaiahs strategy to expedite the process of appointing party legislators to various boards and corporations, seems to have hit the plan drawn up by Congress rebels.

Sources in the Congress told Deccan Chronicle that Mr Siddaramaiah was calling up upset party legislators and promising them boards and corporation chairman posts. As a result, many young legislators who were annoyed with Mr Siddaramaiah, seem to be ready to return to the Siddu camp for the sake of power. This has turned out to be a major road block for the rebels, sources said.

The issue was discussed at length at a meeting held between rebels Qamarul Islam, Dr A.B. Maalak Reddy, V. Srinivas Prasad and M.H. Ambareesh here on Friday. The rebel leaders reportedly decided to go slow for some time till the appointments are over. Once the process is completed, the rebels would devise their strategy, sources said.

On Saturday, the rebels are planning to meet party veteran S.M. Krishna who has had an uneasy relationship with Mr Siddaramaiah. Mr Krishna had reportedly expressed sympathy for the rebels cause. One of the members of the Congress rebel group, Dr A.B. Maalak Reddy had met Mr Krishna two days back and discussed the cabinet reshuffle.
Vijayawada: The future of the Dr Kaloji University of Health Sciences, Warangal appears to be uncertain as of now, as it is not even in a position to draw or at least to demand its rightful share of the common fund.

The KUHSs condition came to light during a recent meeting between the two Vice-Chancellors of the KUHS and the NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, when they reportedly discussed the Rs 400 crore common fund, which is almost in a frozen state. Since the NTRUHS comes under Schedules 9 and 10, the KUHS cant demand for a rightful share.

The two V-Cs discussed the issue at Vijayawada, Hyderabad and New Delhi. For all practical reasons, KUHS students, who took admissions before the 2015-16 academic year, will be monitored by the NTRUHS, for another five academic years.

KUHS will have administrative control over its affiliated colleges in TS only after 2022, according to K. Ramesh Reddy, member, Medical Council of India from TS.

NTRUHS should have been vertically divided at the time of enactment itself, Dr Ramesh Reddy said, adding that data of all affiliated colleges and even right to conduct examinations are becoming major issues now. When a university is not in a position to have control over its data, how could it function, the MCI member asked.

In fact, the issue of NTRUHS affiliated colleges in TS is becoming big by the day, as the amount of fee towards affiliation and conducting examinations is so high, around Rs 8 crore per annum.

At present, the amount is credited into the account of NTRUHS and the KUHS is playing the role of silent spectator, a senior NTRUHS officer said. When asked about the present state of affairs, TS former director of medical education Putta Srinivas said that the bifurcation of NTRUHS didnt take place at all.

On the burning issue between the two universities, NTRUHS Vice-Chancellor T. Ravi Raj said that the NTRUHS will have control over the examinations and awarding of degrees of students admitted till 2015-16 academic year in medical, dental, pharmacy and BSc (Nursing) disciplines, in the respective colleges of TS.

Similarly, the affiliated colleges will have to pay affiliation and examination fee to the NTRUHS, he said. The assets distribution and other administrative issues would be resolved, in a phased manner, Dr Ravi Raj felt.

KUHS Vice-Chancellor B. Karunakar Reddy expressed the same opinion. The issue of assets distribution will have to be done at the government level, he said, expressing the hope that both the governments would shortly take a final call on the issue.

However, Dr Karunakar Reddy declined to comment on the rightful share of funds.
The deceased has been identified as Umamaheshwara J, a native of Ballari, who was residing along with his wife and a child in KR Puram.

Bengaluru: A 33-year-old employee of an IT firm who went to celebrate a birthday party along with his friends and went missing since Monday, was found dead in a lake in ITI Layout in KR Puram on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Umamaheshwara J, a native of Ballari, who was residing along with his wife and a child in KR Puram. He was working in Capgemini as PRO, the police said.

According to the police, on Wednesday afternoon, a few passersby noticed a hand popping out of the tank bed and a helmet floating in the lake. They informed the KR Puram police who rushed to the spot and recovered the body with the help of fire and emergency service personnel. The police have also recovered the motorcycle from the lake.

Upon verification, the police found the ID card from the wallet and corroborated the identity of the deceased with the missing complaint filed by his family. Further investigations revealed that Umamaheshwara had gone to celebrate a birthday party with one of his friends in the city outskirt. They returned to Mahadevapura in a car from where Umamaheshwara took his motorcycle which was parked at a public place, the police added.

The police also learnt from Umamaheshwaras friends that he was drunk and despite repeated requests from his friends to take a cab, decided to ride home. That was the last time his friends saw him, the police added.

The police suspect that while Umamaheshwara was crossing the ITI lake, he could have plunged into the lake after losing control over his bike as there was no proper fencing and the road was slippery. KR Puram police have taken up a case of unnatural death and are investigating.
Bengaluru: High drama prevailed at the Legislators House near Vidhana Soudha on Thursday afternoon, when former BJP MLA of Mudigere constituency, M.P. Kumaraswamy, allegedly assaulted his wife, Savita in the presence of policemen.

The drama unfolded when Savita, a Junior Engineer with the Irrigation Department in Mysuru, came in search of her husband, who had not reportedly gone home for the last six months. She along with her mother, Prema Kumari and brother went to the LH around 2 pm and requested her husband to return home. Things took an ugly turn when there was a heated argument between the couple, when Mr Kumaraswamy asked her to leave and not disturb him.

As Mr Kumaraswamy tried to leave in his car, Savita snatched the keys. An irritated Mr Kumaraswamy slapped her. Soon, the police staff deputed at the LH intervened and took the woman to the Vidhana Soudha police station, while Mr Kumaraswamy returned to his room in the LH.

After speaking to the police, Savita came out and told reporters that she would not file any complaint against her husband for assaulting her. Alleging that her husband had not come home for the last six months, Savita said, On January 1, he had come home but never after that. So, I came to speak to him and take him home. But, he was not willing to speak and tried to go away in his car. I reminded him that we loved each other for four years before the marriage. People can imagine how he would behave at home.

She also alleged that her husband had an illicit affair with a woman in Hassan. That's why he is not coming home. I would have divorced him much earlier if I wanted to leave him. My only intention is to live with him, I want my husband back, she added.

Her mother, Prema Kumari, said that the couple had got married in 2008 but had no children. My son-in-law was upset about it. After a few years, he started having an affair with another woman in Hassan. Savita, who learnt about this, verified the matter as she got his call records, she alleged.

From Vidhana Soudha police station, Savita was sent to Mahila Sahayavani (Women Helpline), a counselling centre at the Police Commissioners office. There the counsellors spoke to her for about 30 minutes, before taking her to Police Commissioner N. S. Megharikh. After the meeting with Mr Megharikh, Savita told reporters that she would need some more time to take a decision. No police case was registered in this regard.

Meanwhile, Mr Kumaraswamy said that there is no truth in his wifes allegation that he had an illicit affair. I dont have an extra-marital relationship. Now she is alleging that I have not gone home for the last six months. But in fact, she has not lived with me for the last eight years. However, this is our personal issue, we will sort it out.
According to Google trends, all the top 10 search terms for Mr Rama Rao like KTR, KTR Telangana, KTR minister, KTR Hyderabad have been rising by break out, meaning that they grew by over 5,000 percent.

Hyderabad: Going by the times he has been searched by netizens on the popular search engine Google, K.T. Rama Rao is more popular than his Chief Minister father K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

According to Google trends, all the top 10 search terms for Mr Rama Rao like KTR, KTR Telangana, KTR minister, KTR Hyderabad have been rising by break out, meaning that they grew by over 5,000 percent.

In case of Mr Chandrasekhar Rao, who earlier crossed AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in terms of interest among net users, his position is not growing that much. Only four of his search terms have achieved break out stage.

One of the top search terms for KCR is his speech. The TRS chiefs popularity peaked in December 2009, the time the then Union home minister P. Chidambaram announced the initiation of process of formation of Telangana following his deeksha.

In June 2014, as the appointment day drew near, Mr Chandrasekhar Rao was most searched. Netizens interest in him is gradually coming down, while his son is coming to the forefront.

Regarding AP, searches for Opposition leader Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy have been decreasing after he lost the elections in 2014. Interest in him didnt pick up despite his repeated agitations and deekshas.

Interestingly, most netizens searched for his name and one of the top terms includes his house. Mr Reddys palatial building in Bengaluru has been highlighted by the TD which alleged that it was built with corruption money. However, the number of netizens searching for his house has declined of late.

On the other hand, searches for AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu increased a month before AP elections in 2014 and peaked during his swearing-in ceremony and in June 2015, when Mr Naidu performed bhoomi puja for APs new capital city.

However interest among netizens for Mr Naidu is also gradually waning.

Interestingly, Mr Reddy, a Rayalaseema strongman was most searched by net users from Guntur, Vijayawada and Nellore, followed by Tirupati and other areas.

However, Mr Naidu has been searched mostly from Tirupati (that comes under his home district) followed by Guntur, Kakinada, Vijayawada, Nellore and Visakhapatnam.

People of North Andhra, including Visakhapatnam are least interested in Jagan.

People of Telangana, including Hyderabad, are rapidly losing interest in Mr Naidu. However, Mr Reddy is better than Naidu in case of Telangana search trends.
Bengaluru: BJP state president B.S.Yeddyurappa claimed that he has not invited rebel Congress leaders to join the party.

Speaking to reporters after attending the 63rd martyrdom day programme of Jana Sangh founder Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee here on Thursday, Mr. Yeddyurappa said, An aide of Srinivas Prasad and Ambareesh (the dropped ministers) had made a courtesy call to me, I did not discuss any political development during the conversation.

Mr. Srinivas Prasad is a senior and experienced leader of the Congress. He had functioned as Union Minister in the Atal Behari Vajpayee cabinet. I am too small a leader to advise him. He is capable of taking his own decisions, Mr Yeddyurappa said.

The reshuffle of the Cabinet is purely an internal affair of the Congress party and the prerogative of the Chief Minister. The BJP would not like to comment on that. But we are naturally worried over the uncertainty that has affected the development process. I request the Chief Minister to at least now take up developmental work on a war footing, Mr Yeddyurappa said.

Since the BJP has a strong organizational network in 224 Assembly constituencies, it will not take a hasty decision by inviting leaders of other parties, Mr. Yeddyurappa said.

He also said that any major political developments including the induction of leaders from other parties would take place only six months before the Assembly elections in 2018.

Earlier, he recalled the contributions of erstwhile Jana Sangh founder Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Jagannath Rao Joshi.
New Delhi: The BJP leadership is said to be upset over its MP Subramanian Swamys open attacks on finance minister Arun Jaitley and top bureaucrats and has taken a serious view of the matter.

Party sources said there was concern in the organisation and the leadership over the unbridled criticism aimed at the finance ministry and Fridays threat of a bloodbath over being asked to be disciplined.

Sources indicated the party was not in a hurry to act against Swamy, a Rajya Sabha member, and would adopt a wait-and-watch attitude for some time. A senior BJP leader sought to dispel the impression that Swamy, who is said to enjoy the support of RSS, has the backing of the Sangh Parivar fountainhead claiming RSS would not support such an attack that harms the government and partys image.

People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint dont realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath, he tweeted in an obvious attack on Jaitley. Though he did not name Jaitley, he was obviously referring to the minister who had a couple of days ago urged Swamy for restraint and discipline in the wake of his attacks on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian on Wednesday.

In another apparent swipe at Jaitley, whose photographs of meeting with the Bank of China chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing in a lounge suit appeared in newspapers on Friday, Swamy asked BJP to advise ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian cloths when abroad. BJP should direct our ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters.
New Delhi: Congress on Friday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Indias failed NSG bid, calling it an embarrassment to the country and a huge diplomatic letdown by his government and questioned the desperation to gain membership of the elite nuclear club.

The main opposition party also demanded that the PM explain what went wrong, saying the government had raised huge expectations.

The Prime Minister must explain what went wrong and what is his stand on Pakistan particularly and Pakistans record on nuclear non-proliferation, former Union minister Prithviraj Chavan told reporters at the AICC briefing.

Chavan, who was minister of state in the PMO in the Manmohan Singh government handling various charges including Atomic Energy, also sought to compare the situation in 2008 when the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) gave India a waiver and the present failed NSG bid. It is same NSG, same situation, same countries, and NSG gave India a waiver!

Maintaining that in 2008, nobody raised the issue of Indias NPT status and nobody put precondition about criterion, he claimed it was because of US support and Indias strong diplomacy that the country got the waiver.

We are highly disappointed by the outcome of the NSG plenary at Seoul. Government had raised huge expectations. There was last minute flurry of activity by Prime Minister himself, Foreign Minister & various delegations, Chavan said.

He said the Prime Minister made personal pleas to China and other countries but "what s disappointing is that out of 48 countries....anywhere between 10-16 countries have not supported Indias cause.

Chavan also said that the statement of external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday that India has no objection to entry of Pakistan to NSG is absolutely shocking.

Speaking separately, senior party spokesman Anand Sharma came down hard on the government by terming the developments at the NSG meet as an embarrassment to India. He said the Prime Minister needs to realise that diplomacy needs depth and seriousness and not public tamasha.
Lucknow: Within 24 hours of walking out of the Bahujan Samaj Party, senior leader Swami Prasad Maurya did a turnaround and mounted a blistering attack on the Samajwadi Party and the BJP, claiming that both the parties engineered riots to polarise votes.

It was earlier said that Mr Maurya would join the Samajwadi Party and even chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had welcomed his decision to quit the BSP on Thursday. However, keeping his options open, Mr Maurya left for Delhi on Friday, reportedly to meet some top BJP and BSP leaders.

Sources close to Mr Maurya said that he apparently changed his mind after a number of former BSP leaders and sitting party legislators contacted him.

He has been getting overwhelming support from disgruntled leaders in the BSP and has now convened a meeting of leaders and his supporters on July 1. Chances are that he may announce a new party that will be pro-dalit and pro-OBC. A number of former BSP leaders have been calling him and may also join the new outfit, said a close aide of the former BSP leader.

Swami Prasad Maurya also admitted that a number of leaders and legislators from the BSP were feeling suffocated and had been in touch with him. Before leaving for Delhi, he said there were chances that they would join him, sooner than later.

Mr Maurya, by convening the meeting on July 1, wants to display his strength among OBCs and dalits before negotiating with any party.
The European Union has begun to crumble. The Syrian civil war and the unfortunate consequences of intervening in Libya led to one of the worlds largest forced migrations. This led to an unprecedented xenophobia and a renewal of nationalism, putting strains on the political union. Within western Europe and the UK, the migration of large numbers from new European nations like Romania led to a racial backlash: we see the consequences of this in the UK referendum. While 76 per cent Britons between 18 and 24 voted to remain in Europe, as did 56 per cent of those in the 25-49 group, more conservative older people overwhelmingly voted to exit.

The racist overtones of the political and social discourse in Germany, France, Italy and elsewhere is apparent. Without seamless internal travel, a basic EU building block is taken away. This process has begun. The EUs historical roots go back to the end of World War II when many in the war-ravaged continent yearned for a future free from conflict. But no sooner WWII ended Eu-rope again found itself on the abyss of war. The Cold War divided Europe in a bitter contest bet-ween two adversarial systems. As Winston Chur-chill put it: From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the Continent. Instead of the peace it sought, nuclear Armageddon threatened it.

However, the swift post-war economic revival of three big western European powers  Britain, France and Germany  and the realisation that they faced a new challenge to the democratic order due to the sudden expansion of the Communist universe united Western Europe in action and deed. The dangerous geopolitical faultline only spurred the efforts to unite Europe as one nation so that competing nationalisms and ambitions did not engulf it in war again.

In 1957 the European Economic Community was formed. Britains efforts to join were rebuffed several times by Charles de Gaulle, who saw it as little more than an American Trojan horse. In 1970, his successor Georges Pompidou relented and the UK was allowed in. Britains entry paved the way towards the grand unification envisaged by French economist and diplomat Jean Monnet, and the European Union was formalised by the Single Europe Act of 1987. Its not without irony that it is the UK which has now struck a major blow against the European Union.

The rejection of Communism in eastern Europe followed by German reunification in October 1990, and the Soviet Unions dismemberment in 1991 seemed to herald the reinstatement of Europe as a world leader, which it was in the 1800s till the rise of the United States in the 1900s. The 1999 Amsterdam Treaty meant a common citizenship and charter of individual rights and was an attempt to build a continental and democratic nation with a common Parliament, a common vision of freedom, security and justice, and a foreign and security policy. Europe was to be a seamless union of many great economic and political aspirations. This union of old and new Europe was consummated with the arrival of euro notes and coins on January 1, 2002.

Indians naturally invest more in the UK than elsewhere in Europe, emerging as the UKs third-largest FDI investor. Access to European markets is the key driver for Indian companies investing in the UK. This might now perforce be increasingly diverted to Europe. This apart, the MEA country brief says Britain is also the third-largest investor in India, after Mauritius and Singapore, with a cumulative inward flow of $22.56 billion between April 2000 and September 2015. A good portion is round-tripping money. Thus, it seems Britain is also the gateway to India. This may not change.

There are over 800 Indian companies in the UK, more than the combined number in the rest of Europe. The CIIs India Tracker 2016 said that Indian companies generate 110,000 jobs in the UK, while a major part of their business is in Europe. There is no reason why this business should suffer given the WTO regime in place. But its the free flow of money to Europe that might be impeded? Will the residual EU be as tolerant to whitewashed money flows? The total turnover of the fastest-growing Indian firms in the UK, specially in fast growth-sectors like technology, telecom, pharma and financial services, rose 18 per cent in 2016, from 22 billion in 2015 to 26 billion this year, according to the Tracker.

Telecom and tech companies Bharti Airtel and HCL Technologies top the list of Indian companies seeing a phenomenal growth of 886 per cent and 728 per cent. In turnover, the Tata Group still dominates. Despite the downturn in the auto industry, Jaguar Land Rovers business is still a success. Britain ranks 12th in Indias bilateral trade with individual countries. Its also among seven of 25 top countries with which India has a trade surplus. Commerce ministry data shows Indias bilateral trade with UK was worth $14.02 billion in 2015-16, of which $8.83 billion was in exports and $5.19 in imports. The trade balance was thus a positive $3,64 billion. If Britains economy slows after Brexit, as many expect, this trade surplus may also vanish. Nevertheless, to most Indians, more so the well-heeled, there will always be a Britain.
Its official. Britain has bid au revoir, auf wiedersehen and hasta luego to Europe. Its good riddance to the bloated, meddling Brussels bureaucrats and their failing European superstate project, and hello to a new dawn for the United Kingdom, the Leave campaign crowed on Friday. Yet for a referendum called to resolve Britains most fundamental identity crisis, the surprising and emphatic vote for Brexit has left the country facing a deeply uncertain and divided future. Yes, Britain will exit the European Union, though we dont yet know precisely when. Article 50, the constitutional trigger for a two-year divorce negotiations window, has yet to be pulled, and is unlikely to be for some time.

Nor do we know who will lead the separation negotiations on behalf of the UK government, after David Camerons stunning announcement that he will resign as Prime Minister within three months. Boris Johnson, Londons flamboyant, tousle-haired former mayor, is surely favourite to replace his former Eton College schoolboy rival as leader at the Conservatives October party conference. But other leading Brexiters such as Michael Gove, the fiercely intelligent and ambitious justice secretary, as well as the fence-sitting home secretary Theresa May, will be weighing up bids and should not be discounted.

We do not even know what United Kingdom there will be left to negotiate on behalf of, with pro-Remain Scotland and Northern Ireland  who both voted starkly at odds with pro-Leave England and Wales  threatening to fragment the nation into separate states. Scotlands 2014 referendum was supposed to settle the issue of independence north of the border for at least a generation. But even the most diehard unionists would be hard-pushed to argue against a second referendum far sooner, now that 62 per cent of Scots face being dragged out of the EU against their will.

Northern Ireland also voted to Remain, but will instead find itself glancing enviously across its land border with the neighbouring Republic of Ireland, which stays within the EU. Republican party Sinn Fein has already called for a referendum on a united Ireland. The prospect of an imminent vote in Northern Ireland is less likely than Scotlands. But the status quo within which the two parts of Ireland have peacefully coexisted under Brussels umbrella these past two decades is shattered, raising the spectre of the islands violent past.

More fundamentally still, we simply dont know what the long-term future will look like for a Britain that has wilfully cut itself adrift from the continent. This is the question that the referendum was intended to settle, but which now only time will tell. According to the euphoric Leave campaign, Britain is set to enter a glorious new age of muscular independence, with a rehabilitated judiciary, freedom from Brussels loathed red tape and bespoke trade deals with the rising powers of the world, not least India.

For those left mourning the abject failure of the Remain campaign, an inward-looking Little Britain can expect a future as an increasingly marginal Atlantic island, deprived of the negotiating power that comes from membership of the worlds largest economic bloc and bereft of access to European jobs, education, healthcare and visa-free travel. There are fears that London, the countrys overwhelming economic powerhouse, will lose its global dominance, with banks already seeking to relocate their European headquarters to the continent to retain access to that much larger market.

All this could spell bad news for India, whose Prime Minister Narendra Modi notably called the UK his countrys gateway to Europe during his London visit last November. On Friday morning, Indian companies with large exposure in the UK like Tata saw sharp drops in their sale prices. In the longer run, optimistic Brexiters claim freedom from Brussels will enable Britain to pursue a more productive, bilateral trade deal with India.

It is certainly easier for New Delhi to negotiate with one country than 28, and Britain has shown keen interest in fostering closer economic ties by dispatching countless ministers on business trips to India in recent years. Yet trade deals are complex beasts that are not created overnight, and it is likely Britain will have to wait its turn behind the rest of the EU, which has already begun its own trade talks with India.

The one assured outcome of the vote for Brexit is that the United Kingdom is now a deeply Divided Kingdom. Scotland and Northern Ireland aside, the electoral map exposes dramatic regional differences in voting behaviour. The Leave campaign was always expected to do well in predominantly working class heartlands of the Midlands and North of England. But as early results came in from the industrial cities of Sunderland and Newcastle, it was clear the Brexiters had surpassed even their wildest expectations.

The entire campaign has all-too-often spilled over into a bad-natured row over alleged racism and xenophobia, but there is no doubt that immigration played a pivotal role in Leaves victory here. Boston, a coastal town in the East Midlands, emerged last night as the most Eurosceptic place in the UK, with 75.6 per cent voting to leave. It also has the highest proportion of Eastern European immigrants, and is the least racially integrated place in England and Wales. Talk to a taxi driver in this part of the world  always a journalists reliable barometer of the prevailing mood  and the topic of them migrants who have come from Poland, Romania and Bulgaria to take up low-paid farm jobs from us locals will invariably come up.

Legitimate or not, these concerns were foremost in the Leave voters minds. By comparison, the liberal, middle-class cosmopolitan bastion of London overwhelmingly voted to Remain. But the most toxic legacy of this referendum will be a different sort of division altogether. Look at voting patterns by age, and a staggering split emerges between the young and the old. Voters over 65 were three times more likely to vote Leave than those 24 or younger.

As innumerable angry posts on my Facebook and Twitter feeds pointed out, this poses a serious problem. Younger generations will have to live with the consequences of a Brexit they didnt want for many more years than their parents and grandparents, who have grown affluent under the stability and economic growth Britain has enjoyed within the EU. And unlike a general election, the EU referendum cannot be corrected in five years time if it turns out we got it wrong. Once Britain has left, re-entry on anything remotely resembling favourable terms will be close to impossible.
In the United States, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center said it got reports of more than 4,000 cases of sex trafficking last year.

New York: Smartphone users in the United States can try to help catch sex traffickers with a newly introduced app designed to identify hotel rooms where victims are held.

The app, TraffickCam, asks users to upload photos of hotel rooms where they may be staying and compares those to photos by law enforcement that depict suspected sex trafficking.

In the United States, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center said it got reports of more than 4,000 cases of sex trafficking last year.

There are no reliable estimates of sex trafficking of minors in the United States, according to the US Department of Justice.

TraffickCam uses an algorithm that matches hotel rooms by comparing features such as carpeting, furniture and accessories.

One of its developers, Abby Stylianou, a programming researcher at the University of Washington in St. Louis, said it was initially tested among heavy travelers, such as flight attendants, to amass photos.

The developers have assembled a trove of some 1.5 million photos of hotel rooms, she said.

So far, only the St. Louis County Police Department has been using it.

Law enforcement is always looking for new and innovative ways to recover victims, locate suspects and investigate criminal activity, said Sgt. Adam Kavanagh of the St. Louis County Police.

Stylianou said she hoped TraffickCam could be used as evidence against traffickers but acknowledged its limits.

We're a silver bullet perhaps for a very, very small problem, she said. All of trafficking isn't happening in hotel rooms.

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The messaging apps E2E has posed as a threat to the countrys securityas it gives terrorists a mean of communication that is impossible to intercept.

After WhatsApp turned on end-to-end encryption (E2E) to secure the privacy of their one billion active users, debates over users privacy versus the countrys security immediately sprouted. WhatsApps decision on the 256-bit encryption came after the FBI-Apple battle over seeking messages from the locked iPhone of a claimed terrorist. Though encrypting messages may be a great option where hackers and the government cannot snoop on the users private lives, this causes a huge issue when the police have to crack into messages that are passed on using this channel to protect its citizens.

Following the enabling of WhatsApp encryption, many activists around the world claimed it as a potential threat to National security. In India, an encryption of up to 40-bit is considered legal and services that are implementing this type of encryption have to register with the government. Those who are using higher encryption are presently in the gray area, and so is the case with WhatsApp. Hence, indirectly, WhatsApp is presently illegal in India, but there are no guidelines as yet in the country which can ban them for now.

Also read: WhatsApp preparing for a new awesome mention feature

Earlier last month, an RTI activist from Gurgaon, Sudhir Yadav, had filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a complete ban on the messaging platform WhatsApp. The RTI petition was filed under the registration number DOTEL/R/2016/50413. Sudhir wants a ban on WhatsApp because they have decided to encrypt all messages that get exchanged on the platform. He also said that any terrorist can safely chat on WhatsApp and make plans to harm the country and the Indian intelligence agencies would not be able to tap them to take necessary actions.

The Supreme Court will hear a petition on June 29 seeking a ban on WhatsApp on the ground that the messaging apps E2E encryption could pose as a threat to the countrys securityas it gives terrorists a means of easy communication and that it is impossible to intercept by the government and security agencies.

Also read: 40 WhatsApp secrets everyone should know

Other than WhatsApp, the petition has also asked the court to take a decision on other highly encrypted messaging services such as Hike, Secure Chat, Viber and a few others. The Supreme Court will hear the petition on June 29, which will decide the fate of WhatsApp and a few other messaging platforms in India.

Will WhatsApp be banned? Should WhatsApp be banned? Come June 29, we shall hear what the Supreme Court has to dictate.

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An honest essay has numerous characteristics: original thinking, a good structure, balanced arguments, and plenty more.

But one aspect often overlooked is that an honest essay should be interesting. It should spark the readers curiosity, keep them absorbed, make them want to stay reading and learn more. An uneventful article risks losing the readers attention; whether or not the points you create are excellent, a flat style, or poor handling of a dry subject material can undermine the positive aspects of the essay. The matter is that a lot of students think that essays should be like this: they believe that a flat, dry style is suited to the needs of educational writing and dont even consider that the teacher reading their essay wants to search out the essay interesting. You might want to have online essay editor service to boost your confidence in writing with an error-free output. Academic writing doesnt need to be  and shouldnt be  bland. The excellent news is that there is much stuff you can do to create your essay more attractive, while youll be able only to do such a lot while remaining within the formal confines of educational writing. Lets study what theyre.

Have an interest in what youre writing about

Dont go overboard, but youll be able to let your passion for your subject show.

If theres one thing bound to inject interest into your writing, its being fascinated by what youre writing about. Passion for a subject matter comes across naturally in your essay, typically making it more lively and fascinating and infusing an infectious enthusiasm into your words  within the same way that its easy to talk knowledgeably to someone about something you discover fascinating.

Include fascinating details

Another factor that may make an essay boring maybe a dry material. Some topic areas are naturally dry, and it falls to you to form the article more interesting through your written style and by trying to seek out fascinating snippets of knowledge to incorporate, which will liven it up a small amount and make the data easier to relate to. A way of doing this with a dry subject is to create what youre talking about that seems relevant to the critical world, as this is often easier for the reader to relate to.

Emulate the fashion of writers you discover interesting

When you read lots, you subconsciously start emulating the fashion of the writers you have read. Reading benefits you a lot, as this exposes you to a spread of designs, and youll start to require the characteristics of these you discover interesting to read.

Borrow some creative writing techniques

Theres a limit to the quantity of actual story-telling youll do when youre writing an essay; in the end, essays should be objective, factual and balanced, which doesnt, initially glance, feel considerably like story-telling. However, youll apply a number of the principles of story-telling to create your writing more interesting.

consider your own opinion

Take the time to figure out what its that you think instead of regurgitating the opinions of others.

Cut the waffle

Rambling on and on is dull and almost bound to lose the interest of your reader. Youre in danger of waffling if youre not completely clear about what you wish to mention or havent thought carefully about how youre visiting structure your argument. Doing all your research correctly and writing an essay plan before you begin will help prevent this problem.

Editing is a vital part of the essay-writing process, so edit the waffle once youve done a primary draft. Read through your essay objectively and eliminate the bits that arent relevant to the argument or labor the purpose.

employing a thesaurus isnt always a decent thing

Avoid using unfamiliar words in an essay; theres too great a likelihood that youre misusing them.

You may think that employing a thesaurus to seek out more complicated words will make your writing more exciting or sound more academic, but using overly high-brow language can have the incorrect effect.

Avoid repetitive phrasing

Please avoid using the identical phrase structure again and again: its a recipe for dullness! Instead, use a variety of syntax that demonstrates your writing capabilities and makes your writing more interesting. Mix simple, compound, and complicated sentences to avoid your paper becoming predictable.

Use some figurative language

Using analogies with nature can often make concepts more accessible for readers to know.

As weve already seen, its easy to finish up rambling when youre explaining complex concepts  mainly after you dont know it yourself. One way of forcing yourself to think about a couple of pictures, present it more simply and engagingly is to form figurative language. This implies explaining something by comparing it with something else, as in an analogy.

Employ rhetorical questions

Anticipate the questions your reader might ask.

One of the ways ancient orators held the eye of their audiences and increased the dramatic effect of their speeches was by using the statement. A decent place to use a statement is at the top of a paragraph, to steer into the following one, or at the start of a replacement section to introduce a brand new area for exploration.

Proofread

Finally, you may write the top interesting essay an instructor has ever read. Still, youll undermine your good work if its plagued by errors, which distract the reader from the particular content and can probably annoy them.
Air India has more than 19.5 lakh accounts in its frequent-flyer programme, and it is believed that the programme has been hit by hackers who had intimate knowledge of how the internal systems worked. According to reports, hackers have managed to breach into at least 20 accounts at Air Indias frequent-flyers programme and have managed to redeem miles to the tune of a whopping Rs 16 lakh.

In a statement to a national Indian newspaper, a senior Delhi police official said, Apart from the computer hacker, we suspect the role of a present or a former employee who may be aware of the intricacies and loopholes in the system. We have asked the airline to supply us a list of employees who have quit the company recently.

Meanwhile, the airline has deactivated the said hacked accounts, and has suspended the suspicious IDs.

Praveen Lal, commercial manager of Air India told the newspaper, All the affected membership accounts have been suspended so that no further activity can take place from these accounts. The affected user IDs have been deactivated along with user IDs that have identical user names and passwords. Also, all such user IDs that have not been active for the past three months have been deactivated.

While the probe is ongoing, the cops have identified the IP address of a suspected computer, and now the investigators are working with the ISP from whom the user of the suspects computer obtained the internet connection to obtain more personal data.

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Several pieces of the plane have washed up over the past year on coastlines around the Indian Ocean (Representational photo: AP)

Canberra: An Australian official says aircraft wreckage potentially from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has been found on an island off the east African coast.

Transport Minister Darren Chester oversees the search for the Boeing 777 that vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board. He said Friday that a "piece of aircraft debris" had been found on Pemba Island off the coast of Tanzania.

He said the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which is conducting the search on Malaysia's behalf, is seeking further information to determine whether the debris is from Flight 370.

Several pieces of the plane have washed up over the past year on coastlines around the Indian Ocean, which is consistent with drifting models based on the airplane having crashed in the Indian Ocean southwest of Australia.
Washington: President Barack Obama on Friday said that the US respects the decision of British people to exit from the European Union and hoped that the United Kingdom and EU will remain "indispensable partners" of America.

"The people of the UK have spoken, and we respect their decision," Obama said in a statement in his first reaction to the result of the historic referendum.

Read: British people have taken back their independence, Donald Trump(ets)

"The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdoms membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security, and economic policy," he said.

So too is America's relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond, he said.

Read: David Cameron to step down by October after Britain votes to exit EU

"The UK and the EU will remain indispensable partners of the US even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world," Obama said.

Read: Leave 'as soon as possible': EU chiefs tell Britain

In another statement, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said the US will work closely with both London and Brussels and international partners to ensure continued economic stability, security and prosperity in Europe and beyond.

Read: Leave 'as soon as possible': EU chiefs tell Britain

"We continue to monitor developments in financial markets," he said.

"I have been in regular contact in recent weeks with my counterparts and financial market participants in the UK, EU and globally and we are continuing to consult closely. The UK and other policymakers have the tools necessary to support financial stability, which is key to economic growth," Lew said.

Read: London Mayor Sadiq Khan says Europeans still welcome

Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce said the vote will not change America's special relationship with Great Britain.

"Prime Minister David Camerons decision to step down is understandable. He is a fine leader, and I know he will do all that he can to help everyone on both sides of this debate come together and move forward. UK leadership is critical to global prosperity and security," Royce said.

Read: David Cameron to step down by October after Britain votes to exit EU
The case of Gavin Grimm, a high school student in Virginia's Gloucester County, has been closely watched in the national bathroom wars between transgender rights activists and social conservatives. (Credit: YouTube)

Virginia: A federal court ordered a Virginia school district on Thursday to let a transgender student use the same bathrooms as other boys in a case that may be headed to the US Supreme Court.

The case of Gavin Grimm, a high school student in Virginia's Gloucester County, has been closely watched in the national bathroom wars between transgender rights activists and social conservatives.

A US district court in Norfolk, Virginia, ordered the Gloucester County School Board to allow Grimm to use the boys' restrooms in his high school.

The court had initially dismissed Grimm's claim of sexual discrimination and request for a court order. But a three-judge panel of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals found in Grimm's favor in April and reinstated his suit in the lower court.

"I am elated to hear that I'll be able to attend my senior year of high school with my full rights restored, Grimm said in a statement.

The ruling was the first by an appeals court finding protections for transgender students under the 1972 Title IX Act, which bars sex-based discrimination by schools receiving federal funding.

Grimm filed suit after being barred from using the boys bathrooms. He was born a female but identifies as a male.

The school board said this month that it would ask the Supreme Court to review the appeals court ruling.
Suzanna Simpson first was diagnosed with depression in college, and her mental problems worsened after having children. (Photo: AP)

Pickens, South Carolina: When Suzanna Simpson spent six days in the hospital for severe mental illness, doctors urged her husband to get all of the guns out of their house for safety.

About a year later, Simpson woke up at 4 a.m., put on a headband with a small light, worked the combination on the gun safe and ambushed her husband, and their 7-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son as they slept. She said she tried to kill herself, but loaded the wrong ammunition in the gun. Simpson told a psychiatrist she thought the whole family would be reincarnated in a better world.

Four days of testimony ended on Thursday with Simpson found guilty of murder. The 38-year-old was sentenced to life in prison.

Jurors rejected the defense arguments that she did not know right from wrong and should be found not guilty by reason of insanity or guilty but mentally ill.

Simpson had little reaction, mouthing "bye" to her family as she walked out of court. Psychiatrists said she is on medication to treat bipolar disorder and other conditions.

The case is another example of guns and mental illness intersecting in a country that struggles with both. One month before the killings in this county of 120,000 people, the same prosecutors, defense lawyers and even psychologist were in the same courtroom. Susan Hendricks, a woman with multiple personalities, pleaded guilty but mentally ill and received a life sentence for killing her two adult sons, her ex-husband and her stepmother.

Prosecutors said she killed her family for $700,000 in life insurance. Her lawyer said she was consumed by a mental illness made worse through a childhood of abuse by both parents.

That same lawyer, public defender John Mauldin, represented Simpson.

"We've got to stop turning our back on mental illness," he said during his closing arguments Thursday. "We've got to start somewhere."

Simpson shot her at husband six times in May 2013. He survived but has to use a wheelchair and has no short-term memory and other brain damage. Simpson shot at her daughter five times and her son four times, investigators testified. All were wounded in the head.

A bullet remains in Mike Simpson's skull, and he has only the haziest of memories of his children because of the brain damage, his mother Allison Simpson said.

"His whole family has been taken away from him," she said, as her son cried.

Prosecutors said there are clues that show while Simpson was mentally ill, she knew what she was doing. She wore the headlamp and loaded the gun in the laundry room to not wake anyone up. She shot her husband first so he couldn't save the kids. And after loading the gun right, she managed to put in the wrong ammunition when it was time to kill herself.

"She might not have been able to control herself," prosecutor Betty Strom said. "But she knew what she was doing was wrong."

After less than two hours of deliberations, the jury asked the judge to tell them the difference between guilty and guilty but mentally ill. The judge reread his charge.

Strom pointed out people with mental illness can still hold jobs - Simpson worked at a bank for years - and raise a family. The kids were well taken care of, their school reported.

Simpson first was diagnosed with depression in college, and her mental problems worsened after having children. Psychiatrist Jeff Smith started treating her in 2010, seeing her 34 times in three years. The last time was in February 2013, when he said she appeared in great shape and scheduled a follow up in four months. The killings happened three months later.

"In my 26 years of practice, I have never had anything surprise me as much as this case did," Smith said.

A motive has eluded authorities. Prosecutors pointed out that she told family members her husband has said "it was over" because she couldn't properly take care of her children. Her lawyer said Simpson was hearing voices, so no explanation is going to make sense.
Flor was abducted with two Canadians, John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad by the ransom-seeking militants from a resort on southern Samal island in September last year. Sekkingstad remains in captivity. (Photo: AFP)

Manila, Philippines: Abu Sayyaf extremists on Friday freed a Filipino woman who was with two Canadian hostages beheaded by the militants in the southern Philippines after failing to get a huge ransom, officials said.

Marites Flor was abandoned by the gunmen in front of the house of Sulu provincial Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan before dawn Friday. She was later turned over to the military for medical checkup, said police Superintendent Junpikar Sitin.

Flor was abducted with two Canadians, John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad by the ransom-seeking militants from a resort on southern Samal island in September last year. Sekkingstad remains in captivity.

It was not immediately clear if a ransom was paid to secure the freedom of Flor, who appeared in Abu Sayyaf videos tearfully pleading for her life and those of her companions. In a final video, she called on President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to save their lives before the extremists killed Hall a few days later.

Rebels belonging to the larger Moro National Liberation Front helped negotiate with the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers led by a commander identified as Hatib Sawadjaan for Flor's release, two officials from the military and police, who monitored the talks, told The Associated Press.

They spoke on conditoin of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.

Flor could provide insights into the moments before Ridsdel was beheaded by the militants in April, followed by Hall last week. She was flown to Davao city for a possible meeting with Duterte, Sitin said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the brutal killings and called on other nations not to pay ransom if their citizens are abducted to discourage the brutal militants from carrying more ransom kidnappings.

The beheadings prompted the Philippine military to further intensify a major offensive that is believed to have killed dozens of militants.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting in Tashkent on Thursday on the sidelines of SCO Summit. (Photo: PTI)

Seoul: In a major blow to India, China on Friday said that the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) will not discuss its membership bid into the elite group, adding that New Delhi will first have to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), as it is a must and a major criteria set up by the NSG.

Director-General of the Arms Control Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Qun, asserted that India's membership has 'never ever' been on the agenda of the NSG and that there is no such agenda item for the two-day plenary.

"One thing is clear that India's membership has never ever been taken up as an agenda item. In the two plenary sessions, there was no extraordinary session on this matter. There is no such agenda matter. In the caveat there could be observations and interventions but that's all," he said.

However, Wang added that Beijing attaches 'great importance' to India's sentiments for the membership of NSG.

Talking about India's chances into the elite group, the Chinese official said that one of the five criteria's set by the NSG is that the signing of the NPT is a must, adding that the rule was not set by China but by the group as a whole.

"China doesn't support Pakistan or India to enter NSG until they follow rules established by members. NSG consensus is in favour of Non Proliferation Treaty, hope India will join NPT first. The meeting on Thursday was an effort to find consensus on non-NPT state applications, but differences remain," Wang said.

Asserting that China was not isolated in the matter of not accepting India's bid, he further said that on the question of how to deal with Non-NPT states, the group remains divided.

"There are nations which have appreciated the efforts India has made for the NSG but in the meantime, hoped that its membership could be considered within the framework of the NPT. In fact the NPT is really an issue," Wang added.

Earlier, highly placed sources said that China is not the sole opponent to India's member ship to the NSG, but Brazil, Austria, Ireland, Turkey and New Zealand too have opposed India's entry, citing it's not being a signatory of the NPT for nuclear weapons and weapons technology.

This development comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent and urging China to make a fair and objectives assessment of New Delhi's application to the NSG and to judge it on its own merit.
Tashkent: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and requested him to expedite efforts to secure the release of an Indian woman kidnapped by suspected militants from Kabul two weeks back.

Modi said he had an opportunity to meet and exchange greetings with Ghani on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here during which he raised the issue of kidnapping of Judith D'Souza, who was working for an international NGO.

During the SCO Summit, had an opportunity to meet & exchange greetings with my friend, President @ashrafghani @ARG_AFG: PM @narendramodi  PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 24, 2016

"In my discussion with President Ashraf Ghani, raised the issue of the unfortunate kidnapping of Kolkata-based Judith D'Souza in Afghanistan," the Prime Minister tweeted.

In my discussion with President @ashrafghani, raised issue of the unfortunate kidnapping of Kolkata based Judith D'Souza in Afghanistan: PM  PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 24, 2016

"Requested President Ashraf Ghani to expedite efforts to rescue Judith D'Souza and extend all possible support to her family," he said.

Requested President @ashrafghani to expedite efforts to rescue Judith D'Souza & extend all possible support to her family: PM @narendramodi  PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 24, 2016

40-year-old Judith, working for the Aga Khan Foundation as a senior technical adviser, was scheduled to return home this week but was kidnapped by suspected militants from outside her office in the heart of Kabul on June 9.

Judith's family had also written to Modi, urging him to do his "utmost" in securing her release.

In the letter, the family members had said that the "brave, thoughtful, generous and compassionate" Judith had been working in Afghanistan for the well-being of the Afghan people and "as an ambassador of goodwill from India's people, participating in the developmental programmes of that country".

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had said every effort was being made to secure her safe release.
The statement followed a conference call among officials from the G7 - the United States, Germany, Japan, Britain, Italy, France and Canada - to discuss today's historic vote results. (Photo: AP)

Tokyo: Finance ministers and top central bankers from the Group of Seven warned that Britain's vote to quit the European Union could have "adverse implications", after the pound dived to three-decade lows and equity markets flew into a tailspin.

"We recognise that excessive volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates can have adverse implications for economic and financial stability," the club of rich nations said in a statement.

"G7 central banks have taken steps to ensure adequate liquidity and to support the functioning of markets.

"We stand ready to use the established liquidity instruments to that end."

It added that the United Kingdom's "economy and financial sector remain resilient and (we) are confident that the UK authorities are well-positioned to address the consequences of the referendum outcome".

Earlier today, the Bank of England announced it was ready to pump 250 billion pounds (USD 370 billion, 326 billion euros) to aid the smooth running of markets after today's chaotic trade.

The European Central Bank also said it was on stand-by to open the liquidity floodgates if needed, while the Bank of Japan pledged to work with other major central banks to inject ample liquidity to counter wild volatility in markets.

The statement followed a conference call among officials from the G7 - the United States, Germany, Japan, Britain, Italy, France and Canada - to discuss today's historic vote results.

The group has previously warned that a so-called "Brexit" could have disastrous economic consequences.
MEA said that despite procedural hurdles, a 3-hour long discussion took place last night in which an overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported India's membership. (Representational photo: file)

Tashkent: With the two day plenary meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) remaining inconclusive regarding India's fate in the elite organisation on Friday, New Delhi remained buoyant asserting that an early decision on its application remains in larger global interest and India's participation in the NSG will further strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and make global nuclear commerce more secure.

Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by 'one country', a three hour long discussion took place last night on the issue of future participation in the NSG, in which an overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported India's membership and appraised India's application positively.

"We thank each and every one of them. It is also our understanding that the broad sentiment was to take this matter forward," he said.

Stating that India's membership had been discussed within the NSG at every plenary meeting since 2011, Swarup said that an early positive decision by the NSG would have allowed India to move forward on the Paris Agreement.

Talking about China's claim that India needs to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) first before joining the NSG, he added that there is no contradiction between the NPT and India's closer engagement with the NSG.

"It is also our understanding that most countries want an early decision. A few countries raised issues regarding the process for India's participation in the NSG. It is self-evident that process issues would not arise if these countries were actually opposed to our participation. This is corroborated by our own bilateral engagement with each of these countries," Swarup said.

Read: NSG members declare full support for NPT, no exception in case of India

Asserting that India believes that an early decision on its application remains in larger global interest, the spokesperson said that India's participation in the NSG will further strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and make global nuclear commerce more secure, adding that it would also advance energy security and make a difference to combating climate change.

"We are confident that the NSG will recognize these benefits as it deliberates further on this issue," he added.

Earlier on Friday, China said that the NSG will not discuss its membership bid into the elite group, adding that New Delhi will first have to sign the NPT, as it is a must and a major criteria set up by the NSG.

Director-General of Arms Control Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Qun asserted that India's membership has 'never ever' been on the agenda of the NSG and that there is no such agenda item for the two-day plenary, adding that there is no point of China opposing or supporting India as well as the membership of other countries.

Read: India fails to get NSG membership, criticises China

"One thing is clear that India's membership has never ever been taken up as an agenda item. In the two plenary sessions, there was no extraordinary session on this matter. There is no such agenda matter. In the caveat there could be observations and interventions but that's all," he said.

Earlier, highly placed sources said that China is not the sole opponent to India's member ship to the NSG, but Brazil, Austria, Ireland, Turkey and New Zealand too have opposed India's entry, citing it's not being a signatory of the NPT for nuclear weapons and weapons technology.

Meanwhile, on a day on mixed developments for India, Canada and Brazil have extended their complete support to New Delhi.

According to sources, Brazil on Friday supported India's bid but called for a common criteria for all non-NPT states. Brazil also said that India has by far a better nuclear proliferation record than Pakistan.

However, in a complete shocker, Switzerland, who had earlier extended its complete support, has now opposed New Delhi's bid citing it being a non NPT state.

This comes as a jolt for India as earlier, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Switzerland, the European nation had extended its complete support.
rime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting in Tashkent. (Photo: AP)

Tashkent: As the final process for India's accession as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the partnership will help protect the region from threats of radicalisation, violence and terror and drive its economic growth.

In his address at the SCO summit, Modi said India would significantly benefit from the grouping's strengths in energy and natural resources and in turn India's strong economy and vast market could drive economic growth in the SCO region.

"India's membership of SCO would contribute to region's prosperity. It would also strengthen its security. Our partnership will protect our societies from the threats of radical ideologies of hate, violence and terror.

"India will unite with SCO countries to work towards this goal. And, we will adopt zero tolerance and a comprehensive approach in fighting terrorism at all levels," said Modi.

At the summit, India signed the SCO's Memorandum of Obligations, kick-starting the process of its accession into the group as a full member.

India will have to sign around 30 other documents in the course of the year to complete the process for membership.

Pakistan is also being inducted into SCO as a full member.

"We are indeed grateful to the SCO Member States and its leaders for their overwhelming support for India's membership of the SCO. I also welcome Pakistan as the new member of the SCO," said the Prime Minister.

Seeking deeper economic engagement, Modi said India's capacities in trade, investments, information and communication technology, space, agriculture, health care, small and medium scale industry can bring wide spread economic benefit to the SCO countries - Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

"We would represent 40 per cent of humanity and over a billion youth. To this group, India brings principles that are in tune with the philosophies of the SCO. India has always

enjoyed good relations with the Eurasian land mass," he said.

The Prime Minister said India will be a productive partner in the SCO in promoting trade, energy cooperation and developing transport links in the region besides people-to-people contacts.

"Our decision to join the international North South Transport Corridor, the Chabahar Agreement, and Ashgabat Agreement reflects this desire and intent," Modi said.
Tashkent: India and Russia on Friday discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the civil nuclear energy and hydrocarbon sector as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to take forward the special and privileged bilateral partnership.

Modi and Putin, during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit here, discussed a range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

"The two leaders discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy, partnership in the gas and petrochemicals sector. They also discussed furthering cooperation in the space sector. Matters relating to trade and investment also came up," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

#NewsAlert: Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin for a bilateral meeting in Tashkent. (Photo: ANI) pic.twitter.com/L4Gu7m0Ee8  Deccan Chronicle (@DeccanChronicle) June 24, 2016

He said President Putin welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO that has kick-started the process of India's accession as into the powerful grouping as a "full member".

India will have to sign around 30 other documents in the course of the year to complete the process for membership. Pakistan is also being inducted into the SCO as a full member.

Putin said Russia was looking forward to India's chairmanship of BRICS, adding it has grown in influence.

Read: India's SCO membership will help drive its economic growth: Modi

"President Putin said India is a special and privileged partner. There is long standing friendship between Russia and India. He welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO and looked forward to India's Chairmanship of BRICS, which has grown in influence," said Swarup.

Read: SCO: India signs Memorandum of Obligations, begins process of accession

He said the Prime Minister thanked Russia for its support to India in SCO and said India as BRICS chair would keep up the momentum generated by Russia.

India has assumed chairmanship of the influential bloc BRICS comprising five countries having 42 per cent of the world population and combined GDP of over USD 16 trillion.

India will host the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-China-South Africa) summit later this year. Russia had the chairmanship of BRICS and it was passed onto India.

#WATCH Tashkent (Uzbekistan): PM Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin for a bilateral meetinghttps://t.co/UfWB6KvAn2  ANI (@ANI_news) June 24, 2016

The 7th BRICS summit was held in the Russian city of Ufa on July 8-9 last year.

"Both leaders recalled old cultural connections and agreed to find ways of further invigorating cultural ties," said Swarup.
A mob of around 200 Buddhists rampaged through the area following an argument between neighbours over the building of a Muslim school. (Photo: AFP)

Bago, Myanmar: Scores of Buddhists ransacked a mosque in central Myanmar forcing Muslims to seek refuge overnight in a police station after a dispute between neighbours spilled into religious violence, officials and residents said on Monday.

Bouts of anti-Muslim violence have left scores dead across the country since 2012 and the febrile atmosphere poses serious challenges for Aung San Suu Kyi's new government.

The violence erupted on Thursday afternoon as a mob of around 200 Buddhists rampaged through a Muslim area of Thuye Tha Mein village in Bago province following an argument between neighbours over the building of a Muslim school.

"It started when a Muslim man and a Buddhist women started to argue and then people came to fight him," Hla Tint, the village administrator, said.

"Parts of the mosque were destroyed... they also destroyed the fence of the Muslim cemetery," he added.

Around 70 Muslims, including children, sought shelter in a police station overnight on Thursday, he said, adding there were no serious injuries and peace had been restored.

Police and the secretary of the mosque confirmed the damage, while a Muslim resident said his community of around 150 people is now living in fear.

"We had to hide as some people were threatening to kill Muslims. The situation has never been like this before," Tin Shwe OO, 29, said, adding his family stayed at the small police station overnight.

"I do not dare to stay at my house. For the safety of my family, I want to stay somewhere else for about a week or so."

Outbreaks of deadly violence have roiled the country threatening to unpick democratic gains since the army began loosening its stranglehold on the country in 2011.

The worst violence struck central Myanmar and western Rakhine State which is home to the stateless Rohingya Muslim minority, tens of thousands of whom still languish in displacement camps after rioting.

Buddhist nationalists vigorously oppose moves to recognise the Rohingya as an official minority group, instead labelling them "Bengali" shorthand for illegal migrants from the border with Bangladesh.

Democracy champion Suu Kyi, who is currently visiting Thailand, has come under fire for failing to speak up for the Rohingya -- although she recently caused surprise by using the incendiary term during a visit to Myanmar by America's top diplomat.

Religious tensions pose a unique challenge to the new government and to Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate once garlanded for her fight for rights for all.

Her party is dominated by ethnic Bamar Buddhists and did not field any Muslim MPs in the election last year that drove it to power.

Hardline monks (known as the Ma Ba Tha) are accused of stoking violence and tensions with hate speech.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting in Tashkent on Friday. (Photo: AP)

Seoul: At the end of its two-day plenary in Seoul, the NSG on Friday declared its "firm support" for the "full, complete and effective" implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime, a clear indication that no exception will be made in the case of India.

The statement by the 48-nation grouping, however, said that it will continue to have discussions on participation of countries which have not signed the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Confirming that the India's application was discussed during the two-day deliberations, the statement, under a sub-heading 'Outreach', said it shared information on all aspects of the 2008 Statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India and discussed the NSG relationship with India.

"Participating Governments reiterated their firm support for the full, complete and effective implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime," it said.

The NSG had discussions on the issue of 'Technical, Legal and Political Aspects of the Participation of non-NPT States in the NSG' and decided to continue its discussion, the statement said.

A special meeting last night had discussed India's application where China and a number of other countries opposed its entry into NSG saying it was not a signatory of the NPT.

The members also expressed concerns regarding continued global proliferation activities and reaffirmed its determination to continue to cooperate closely in order to deter, hinder and prevent the transfer of controlled items or technology that could contribute to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.

In the NSG plenary, chaired by Ambassador Song Young-wan of South Korea, the participating governments also called upon all states to exercise vigilance and to ensure effective implementation of all United Nations Security Council Resolutions relevant to the work and purposes of the NSG.

The NSG decided that Switzerland will assume the Chairmanship of the NSG from 2017 to 2018 and will host the next plenary.

The NSG also welcomed the growing number of states that have harmonised their national export control systems with the NSG guidelines and control lists. It also discussed options for enhancing outreach such as dedicated briefings for and meetings with interested non-NSG partners on the work of the group.

It also decided to have a dedicated response to non-NSG partners seeking assistance and practical experience in developing, updating, strengthening and implementing national export control systems.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping before a meeting in Tashkent on Thursday on the sidelines of SCO Summit. (Photo: PTI)

Seoul: The plenary meeting of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) ended here on Friday with no decision on India's membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.

China's stand that India's membership application cannot be considered because it has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was backed by nearly 10 other countries which effectively torpedoed India's bid although it had the strong backing of the US, the UK, France and a majority of countries in the nuclear trading group.

Earlier, the chief Chinese negotiator, Wang Qun continued to vehemently oppose India's membership of NSG.

Read: Adamant China opposes India's NSG bid, says signing NPT a must

Wang, Director General of China's Department of Arms Control, told reporters that there was no consensus on the NSG membership of non-NPT countries like India.

He insisted that for a country to be a member of NSG, signing of the NPT "is a must". This rule has not been set by China but by the international community, he added.

Wang warned "if exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether".

Asked about reports that Beijing was blocking India's membership, he said the NSG has so far not agreed to any agenda item on participation of non-NPT countries. Therefore, there was no point of China supporting or opposing India's membership.

The anti-India stand taken by China again today clearly shows that Chinese President Xi Jinping has not responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's urgings in Tashkent yesterday that Beijing should support India's case.

Seeking China's support for India's membership, Modi had urged Xi to make a "fair and objective" assessment of India's application which is before the Seoul plenary as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
Berlin: A 29-year-old German model was drugged and raped by two men, who filmed the scene on camera and posted it online, according to reports. Despite charges against the accused, a German court has relieved the duo with a meagre fine and levied a penalty of $ 27,000 on the victim.

The model Gina-Lisa Lohfink was drugged and raped. However, when she put forth her complain before the judge, she was slammed by the latter. The judge said that Lohfink didnt want the ordeal to get filmed but she didnt say no to sex. Therefore, on the basis of judges observation the model has been slapped with fine.

They are turning me from a victim into an offender. Do I have to be killed first? Will the legal authorities only get it then?" the model said, as quoted in a report.

This isnt an isolated incident wherein the accused has been let off the hook easily. Recently, light sentence given to a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of rape had sparked off furore across the country. Sexual assault accused are often granted leverage in Germany owing to which crime against women has witnessed a surge. The growing disenchantment over mishandling of rape cases has propelled protests across Germany, demanding stricter rape laws.
Berlin: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday warned EU member states against drawing hasty conclusions about Britain's decision to quit the bloc, as that risked further splitting Europe.

"We take note of the British people's decision with regret. There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process," she said.

But "what the consequences of this would be... would depend on whether we -- the other 27 member states of the EU -- prove to be willing and able to not draw quick and simple conclusions from the referendum in Great Britain, which would only further divide Europe," said Merkel.

Member states should "calmly and prudently analyse and evaluate the situation, before making the right decisions together," said Merkel, who will host talks with French President Francois Hollande, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and European Council president Donald Tusk in Berlin on Monday.

Recalling the founding aim of the EU, Merkel urged Europeans to "never forget that the idea of European unity was an idea of peace."

Britain to continue in EU for two more years

European Union leaders say that Britain will remain a member of the bloc until its exit negotiations are concluded, which probably means at least two years longer.

The leaders of the EU's institutions said Friday that "until this process of negotiations is over, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, with all the rights and obligations that derive from this."

They said in a statement that under the bloc's treaties "EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a member."

The statement was signed by European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency.
Prague: Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka says the British people's decision to leave the EU "is not the end of the world and above all not the end of the European Union."

Sobotka says Britain has decided to take "a different road than European integration. This decision is serious and irreversible."

In a reaction on Facebook, the Czech leader said Friday the EU has to work to minimise the damage to EU and Czech citizens.

"The EU has to change. Not because Britain left, but because the European project needs much stronger support from citizens."

"The EU is for us, the Czech Republic, the best possible guarantee of stability, peace and prosperity."

Sobotka said Britain will become less important and will be struggling to keep Scotland in the UK.
London: Britain voted to break away from the European Union Friday, toppling Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing a thunderous blow to the 60-year-old bloc that sent world markets plunging.

Cameron announced he would step down to make way for a new leader by early October after voters opted to exit the 28-nation alliance in defiance of his predictions of economic disaster and isolation.

Britons decided 52 percent to 48 percent in favour of quitting the bloc, a margin of more than one million votes, according to final results from Thursday's referendum.

Read: 'Sad day for Europe, Britain,' says German foreign minister

"The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected," Cameron said, as the shockwave of their decision sent sterling, global stocks and oil prices plummeting.

The Conservative prime minister promised to try to "steady the ship" over the next few months but said a new leader should be installed by early October.

"I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," he said outside his official Downing Street residence in London.

Read: Brexit vote: Barack Obama expected to speak to David Cameron

The bookmakers' favourite to replace him is former London mayor Boris Johnson, a rival from within his ruling Conservative Party who was the "Leave" camp figurehead.

'Independence day'

Britain will be the first country to leave in the history of the EU, the culmination of decades of suspicion over European aims of creating an ever-closer political union.

The vote also threatens the unity of the United Kingdom, with Scotland unwilling to follow the rest of the country out of the EU.

"Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day," said top anti-EU campaigner Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, who had promised Britons the chance to retake power from Brussels and rein in high immigration.

"We've done it! We've won!" anti-EU campaigners shouted at the festivities in an office block in Westminster, popping open champagne bottles as "Leave" victories flowed in. "Out! Out! Out!", they chanted as dawn broke.

'Madhouse'

The result saw sterling collapse 10 percent to touch a 31-year low of $1.3229. European stock markets dropped around eight percent at the opening bell, while British banking shares collapsed by some 30 percent.

The Bank of England promised to take "all necessary steps" to secure market stability. "It's a madhouse in here. It has been a bloodbath. Carnage," said David Papier, head of sales trading at foreign exchange house ETX Capital in London.

Voters appeared to have to shrugged off warnings that a Brexit would create a budget hole requiring spending cuts and tax increases once they lose unfettered trade access to the EU.

Their decision will reawaken fears of a domino-effect ripple of exit votes in EU-sceptic members that could imperil the integrity of the bloc, already struggling with twin economic and refugee crises.

Dutch far-right MP Geert Wilders and French National Front leader Marine Le Pen immediately called for referendums on EU membership in their own countries. "The eurosceptic genie is out of the bottle and it will now not be put back," Farage said.

Read: How UK could remain in the EU despite a vote to leave

The referendum means the world's fifth-largest economy must now go it alone in the global economy, launching lengthy exit negotiations with the bloc and brokering new deals with all the countries it now trades with under the EU's umbrella.

'Sad day'

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has warned the EU will "not be bending over backwards" to help Britain in those negotiations. Analysts say it could take the island nation a decade to secure new trade accords worldwide.

"It looks like a sad day for Europe and the United Kingdom," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Twitter.

Read: Britain votes to leave EU in historic divorce unleashing global turmoil

In a worst-case scenario, the International Monetary Fund has warned that the British economy could sink into recession next year and overall economic output would be 5.6 percent lower than otherwise forecast by 2019, with unemployment rising back above six percent.

Thousands of jobs in the City could be transferred to Frankfurt or Paris, top companies have warned. The Brexit camp argued that the business world will adapt quickly, however, with Britain's flexible and dynamic economy buoyed by new economic partners and selective immigration.

Split in two

The often vitrolic campaign has left Britain riven in two, marked by the brutal murder of pro-"Remain" British lawmaker Jo Cox, a mother of two who was stabbed, shot and left bleeding to death on the pavement a week ahead of the vote.

Two years after Scotland voted in a referendum to remain in the United Kingdom, its political leader First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said a new independence vote is "definitely on the table" after Britain voted against the majority will expressed by Scots.

"Scotland sees its future as part of the EU," Sturgeon told television news after the vote.

Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, is now faced with the prospect of customs barriers for trade with EU-member the Republic of Ireland. Irish republicans Sinn Fein called for a vote on Irish unity following the referendum.

Read: EU chief Donald Tusk vows bloc will stay united after Britain exit vote

Leaders of the European Union, a bloc born out of a determination to forge lasting peace after two world wars, will open a two-day summit on Tuesday to grapple with the British decision.

Immigration and an erosion of economic security have become rallying cries for populist challenges that remain scattered across in Europe, just as they have for Donald Trump's campaign in the US presidential election.
London: Britain has voted to leave the European Union, results from Thursday's landmark referendum showed, a stunning repudiation of the nation's elites that deals the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.

World financial markets plunged as nearly complete results showed a 51.8/48.2 percent split for leaving. The vote instantly creates the biggest global financial shock since the 2008 economic crisis, this time with interest rates around the world already at or near zero, stripping policymakers of the means to fight it.

The pound suffered its biggest one-day fall in history, plunging more than 10 percent against the dollar to hit levels last seen in 1985.

The vote will initiate at least two years of messy divorce proceedings with the EU and cast doubt on London's future as a global financial capital. The future of Prime Minister David Cameron -- who gambled the fate of the nation on an outcome he predicted would be catastrophic -- was doubtful at best.

Read: Brexit vote: Barack Obama expected to speak to David Cameron

An aide working in Cameron's office told reporters: "We're in uncharted territory ... Everyone's just really tired. They haven't slept."

The euro slumped more than 3 percent against the dollar on concerns a Brexit vote will do wider economic and political damage to the world's biggest trade bloc, stripped of its second largest economy.

A screen shows the exchange rates of British Pound/U.S. dollar, EURO/British Pound and US Dollar/Japanese Yen, at the Korea Exchange in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo: AP)

Investors poured into safe-haven assets including gold, and the yen surged. European shares were on course to open 6 to 7.5 percent lower.

There was no immediate comment from the Bank of England. Global policymakers prepared for action to stabilise markets, with Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso promising to "respond as needed" in the currency market.

Read: EU chief Donald Tusk vows bloc will stay united after Britain exit vote

Yet there was euphoria among Britain's eurosceptic forces, claiming a victory they styled as a protest against British political leaders, big business and foreign leaders including Barack Obama who had urged Britain to stay in the bloc.

"Dare to dream that the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom," said Nigel Farage, leader of the eurosceptic UK Independence Party, calling the EU a "doomed project".

"This will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people ... Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day."

By 5.41 a.m. (0441 GMT), 93 percent of the vote had been counted, making Leave's lead impossible to reverse.

Asked if Cameron, who called the referendum in 2013 and campaigned to stay in the bloc, should resign if Britain voted for Brexit, Farage said: "Immediately."

The United Kingdom itself now faces a threat to its survival, as Scotland voted 62 percent in favour of staying in the EU and is likely to press for a new referendum on whether to become independent after its 2014 vote to stay in the UK.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Thursday's vote "makes clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union."

Northern Ireland's largest Irish nationalist party, Sinn Fein, said the result intensified the case for a vote on whether to quit the United Kingdom.

European politicians reacted with shock. "Please tell me I'm still sleeping and this is all just a bad nightmare!" former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb tweeted.

The decision will embolden populists across the continent to press for their own renegotiations and referendums. Dutch anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders called for a referendum on the Netherlands' EU membership: We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy."

Anti-Establishment

Quitting the EU could cost Britain access to the EU's trade barrier-free single market and mean it must seek new trade accords with countries around the world. President Barack Obama says it would be at the "back of a queue" for a U.S. pact.

The EU for its part will emerge economically and politically weakened, facing the departure not only of its most free-market proponent but also a member country that wields a U.N. Security Council veto and runs a powerful army. In one go, the bloc will lose around a sixth of its total economic output.

Cameron is expected to formally report the result to his European counterparts within days and prepare negotiations for the first exit by a member state from the EU.

The British leader called the referendum in 2013 in a bid to head off pressure from local eurosceptics, including within his own party. Initially billed as an easy ride, the vote will now be his likely political epitaph. Party ally Boris Johnson, the former London mayor who became the most recognisable face of the "leave" camp, is now widely tipped to seek his job.

In the end though, the pro-EU camp was powerless to stop a tide of anti-establishment feeling and disenchantment with a Europe that many Britons see as remote, bureaucratic and mired in permanent crises.

Britain, which joined the then European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, has always been an ambivalent member. A firm supporter of free trade, tearing down internal economic barriers and expanding the EU to take in ex-communist eastern states, it opted out of joining the euro single currency or the Schengen border-free zone.

Camerons ruling Conservatives in particular have risked being torn apart by euroscepticism for generations.

World leaders including Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, NATO and Commonwealth governments had all urged a "Remain" vote, saying Britain would be stronger and more influential in the EU than outside.

The four-month campaign was among the divisive ever waged in Britain, with accusations of lying and scare-mongering on both sides and rows on immigration which critics said at times unleashed overt racism.

A pro-EU member of parliament was stabbed and shot to death in the street a week ago by an attacker who later told a court his name was "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain".

It also revealed deeper splits in British society, with the pro-Brexit side drawing support from millions of voters who felt left behind by globalisation and believed they saw no benefits from Britain's ethnic diversity and free-market economy.

Older voters backed Brexit; the young mainly wanted to stay in.

"People are concerned about how they have been treated with austerity and how their wages have been frozen for about seven years," said John McDonnell, finance spokesman for the opposition Labour Party, which had favoured a Remain vote.

"A lots of people's grievances have come out and we have got to start listening to them."

Reaction

EU affairs ministers and ambassadors from member states gather in Luxembourg by 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) for previously-scheduled talks that will provide the first chance for many to react. A regular EU summit has been pushed back to next Tuesday and Wednesday, when Cameron may trigger Article 50 of the EU's treaty, the legal basis for a country to leave, setting in motion two years of divorce negotiations.

Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall. (Photo: AP)

Even less clear at this stage is what sort of relationship Britain will seek to negotiate with the EU once it has left.

To retain access to the single market, vital for its giant financial services sector, London would have to adopt all EU regulation without having a say in its shaping, and pay a substantial contribution to Brussels coffers for market access, as Norway and Switzerland do.

EU officials have said UK-based banks and financial firms would lose automatic "passport" access to sell services across Europe if Britain ceased to apply the EU principles of free movement of goods, capital, services and people.

Aside from trade, huge questions now face the millions of British expatriates who live freely elsewhere in the bloc and enjoy equal access to health and other benefits, as well as millions of EU citizens who live and work in Britain.
London: Britain's vote to leave the European Union is a triumph for Nigel Farage, the abrasive anti-immigration politician who tapped into a deep well of popular anger that rivals failed to understand.

On a night that seemed to start badly for the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), with the last opinion polls predicting defeat for the Leave camp in Thursday's referendum, Farage said at first it looked like Remain would win. But it ended with victory for him and on Friday morning he declared jubilantly that the vote for a British exit from the EU, or Brexit, heralded a new dawn for the nation.

Read: Now that Britain has voted to leave the EU, what comes next?

"The EU is failing, the EU is dying. I hope we've knocked the first brick out of the wall. I hope this is the first step towards a Europe of sovereign nation states," he said, predicting that the Netherlands and Denmark would go next. Not for the first time causing outrage, he said the result had been achieved "without a single bullet being fired". The comment drew accusations of insensitivity after the killing of pro-EU lawmaker Jo Cox last week, after which a man charged with her murder told a court his name was "death to traitors, freedom for Britain". But with his blunt approach, Farage has finally achieved the goal he has pursued relentlessly in his 25 years in politics.

Read: EU's task No. 1: stop further unravelling in other EU nations

"It's been a hell of a long journey, this," he told reporters, recalling that in the first election he contested, in 1994, he came second-from-last, beating only comedy candidate Screaming Lord Sutch by a handful of votes.

"Now there are 17 million people that voted for Brexit. It's a victory for ordinary people, decent people. It's a victory against the big merchant banks, against the big businesses and against big politics."

Read: David Cameron to step down by October after Britain votes to exit EU

Farage had languished for years on the fringes of British politics. A member of the European Parliament since 1999, he was best known for trying to disrupt it from within, once telling then European Council President Herman Van Rompuy to his face that he had "the charisma of a damp rag".

REVENGE OF THE "LOONIES"

So marginal was he considered that in 2006 David Cameron, then leader of the Conservative opposition, dismissed UKIP supporters as "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists, mostly". But Farage, often pictured holding a pint of beer, always ready to bang the patriotic drum, and above all keen to talk about immigration in blunter terms than others in mainstream politics, reached neglected parts of the electorate.

"People here don't understand," Farage said on Friday morning in Westminster, central London's political district. "They're too wealthy, they don't get what open-door, mass immigration as a result of EU membership has done to people's wages, to people's availability of getting doctors' appointments, or their kids into local schools. This was the issue ultimately that won this election."

Read: Britain, US to remain 'indispensable partners' despite Brexit: Obama

Rob Ford, professor of political science at Manchester University, said Farage had tapped into deep disenchantment with politics among people, particularly those without a university education, who felt left behind by Britain's globalised economy.

"In terms of the impact he's going to have on Britain and its place in the world, he's more significant than most prime ministers have been," Ford told Reuters. Farage, who as a boy went to a prestigious private school and later worked as a commodities trader, has often been called hypocritical for presenting himself as a man of the people.

But Ford said that was missing the point. He said the fact that Farage left school at 16 and didn't go to university set him apart from almost all other significant British politicians.

"There was something about his manner and way of thinking and way of discussing the issues that completely resonated with non-graduates at a time when they feel that their entire lives are being run by the know-it-alls, the elites, " said Ford.

"He waved the flag, he went down to the pub, he didn't like immigration, he was their man. Simple as that," he said, adding non-graduates, a majority of the population, were fed up with being told what to do by people "who think they're cleverer".

"BREAKING POINT"

Farage was a key factor in bringing about Brexit. In 2013, with Cameron now in Downing Street and UKIP increasingly looking like an electoral threat, the prime minister promised an in/out referendum on the EU issue in an attempt to defuse internal party tensions and neuter Farage. Cameron's strategy looked good after his Conservatives won a parliamentary election in May 2015. UKIP won 4 million votes but, because of the electoral system, got only one parliamentary seat, and Farage failed to win the seat he was contesting.

During the EU referendum campaign, he was marginalised by the official Vote Leave campaign who deemed him too divisive, instead touring the country in a double-decker bus painted purple, the colour of UKIP.

He was denounced as inflammatory and misleading, including by senior Vote Leave figures, over a campaign poster that showed a snaking line of Syrian refugees trying to get into southern Europe under the headline "Breaking Point". But the voters sided with him. On Friday morning, shortly after Cameron announced his resignation, an ecstatic Farage had the last laugh.

"It's right that David Cameron has gone. Not a bad man just on the wrong side of the argument," he tweeted.
Dutch voters have twice voiced strong anti-EU sentiment at the polls, most recently in April when a vast majority rejected the Ukraine-EU treaty in a nonbinding referendum. (Photo: AP)

Amsterdam: Following Britains exit from the European Union, anti-immigration parties and far-right political outfits in France and the Netherlands have called for a referendum on whether or not to remain in the EU.

Dutch anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders on Friday called for a referendum on the Netherlands' membership in the European Union after Britain voted to leave the 28-member bloc.

Wilders, who is leading opinion polls, said if he is elected prime minister in March general elections in the Netherlands he too will call a referendum. We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy," he said in a statement.

Read: Czech leader says Brexit won't be end of European Union

"As quickly as possible the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union."

A survey by a television channel Een Vandaag this week found that 54 percent of the people in the Netherlands, a founding EU member, want a referendum.

Dutch voters have twice voiced strong anti-EU sentiment at the polls, most recently in April when a vast majority rejected the Ukraine-EU treaty in a nonbinding referendum. "It is time for a new start, relying on our own strength and sovereignty. Also in the Netherlands," Wilders said.

"If I become prime minister, there will be a referendum in the Netherlands on leaving the European Union as well. Let the Dutch people decide.

Read: Angela Merkel warns EU against kneejerk reaction to Brexit

Meanwhile, France's far right National Front party called for a French referendum on European Union membership, cheering a Brexit vote, hoping it can boost its eurosceptic agenda at home.

The anti-immigrant, anti-euro FN, was the only major French political party to call for Britons to vote to leave the EU.

"Victory for freedom!" said FN chief Marine Le Pen, who displayed the British flag on her Twitter page. "We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries."

Her deputy Florian Philippot said it was now France's turn to vote to leave the EU. "The liberty of peoples always wins in the end! Bravo to the United Kingdom," he wrote on Twitter. "Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit."

Since taking over from her father as FN leader, Jean-Marie, in 2011, Marine Le Pen has reworked the image of the FN to make it more mainstream. The party has done better, election after election - in the first round.

Le Pen, who is a member of the European Parliament, is also positioning herself to run for president of France in elections next year. But it still loses in run-offs, and now controls less than a dozen small and medium-size municipalities.

Read: Britain votes to leave EU in historic divorce unleashing global turmoil

Analysts, but also a few FN top officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy, was partly to blame for this by putting off key older voters.

Britain's "Leave" vote can go a long way to help it overcome this, Ifop pollster's analyst Frederic Dabi said.

"It's good news for Le Pen because the European issue was one of the key drags on FN voting," Dabi said.

"Older voters, executives, feared a leap in the unknown because of its anti-EU stance. But the UK is setting a precedent. If it goes well there, it will make the FN's stance look much more mainstream."

Usually omnipresent in French media, Le Pen had become largely silent over the past few months after suffering a huge disappointment in regional elections in December. The Brexit vote could well throw her back on the front scene.

Le Pen had said last month that if she won next year's French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations with Brussels on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU in a referendum, she said.

If elected next year, Le Pen has declared she would become "Madame Frexit" and call a referendum on France's EU membership within six months.

"France has possibly a thousand more reasons to want to leave the EU than the English," Le Pen told a gathering of far-right parties in Vienna last Friday.

A study by the Pew Research Center in Washington released two weeks ago showed that French voters were the second most eurosceptic in the bloc, behind Greece.

The poll showed 61 percent of French voters had an unfavourable view of the EU, compared to only 48 percent in the UK.

The eurosceptic, anti-immigration FN says the EU is suffering from a "democratic deficit" and has long urged all bloc members to follow Britain's example.

Le Pen has accused the EU of pursuing closer integration "against our will".

She says the union is responsible for high eurozone unemployment and has failed to keep out "smugglers, terrorists (and) economic migrants."

The Brexit vote has fired up eurosceptic populists across the bloc, with Dutch far-right MP Geert Wilders also calling for an EU referendum in his own country.

There are growing fears that the British vote to leave could trigger a domino effect across the continent.

Le Pen is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the 2017 presidential vote. However polls see her losing the run-off.
Police officers stand near a cinema in Viernheim near Mannheim, southern Germany. (Photo: AP)

Frankfurt, Germany: A man opened fire in a cinema complex in the small western German town of Viernheim, near Frankfurt, on Thursday, German media reported.

Police shot the man dead after elite forces stormed the complex, the Mannheimer Morgen newspaper reported, citing the interior minister of Hesse state.

The Darmstaedter Echo said 20 to 50 people had been wounded.

But Bild daily said that according to police, about 25 people were hurt because of exposure to tear gas.

Earlier, Focus Online magazine reported that German police had arrested the man.

Police were not immediately available for comment.

Several media reported that the man had entered the cinema complex at around 3 pm local time (1500 GMT). The Frankfurter Allgemeine said it was unclear if there was a political or ideological motive or whether it was a robbery that went wrong.
London: Britons have voted to leave the European Union, their concerns about immigration and what some saw as the ever-increasing power of the 28-member bloc trumping the attraction of being part of a single market of more than 500 million people and a European project forged from the ashes of World War II.

Here's a look at what happens next:

WHAT HAPPENS FRIDAY?

Prime Minister David Cameron, head of the ruling Conservative Party, announced he would step down by October. Speaking to reporters outside his Downing Street office, he said it wouldn't be right for him "to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination."

Read: EU's task No. 1: stop further unravelling in other EU nations

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson, also a Conservative, was the most prominent supporter of the "leave" campaign and now becomes a leading contender to replace Cameron. Johnson said Friday he was "sad" to see Cameron resign but didn't say whether he plans to replace him.

U.K. Independence Party chief Nigel Farage, who spoke several times late Thursday and early Friday, is also expected to make further statements.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ECONOMY?

The pound suffered one of its biggest one-day falls in history Friday, plummeting more than 10 percent in six hours on concerns that severing ties with the EU will hurt the U.K. economy and undermine London's position as a global financial center.

Authorities including the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of England had warned Britain's exit would send shivers through a world economy that is only slowly recovering from the global crisis that began in 2008. Now economists will wait to see if their predictions come to pass.

WHAT ABOUT THE NEIGHBOURS?

EU leaders will see Britain quitting as a dangerous precedent and a potentially fatal blow to the European project. Some face growing euroskepticism from their own citizens and may feel the need to make a strong case domestically for why the now-27-nation bloc has a future. This could lead to reforms of how the EU works. Future negotiations may be overshadowed by a sense of betrayal and the feeling that an example needs to be made of the U.K. to discourage others from leaving too.

Read: Brexit domino effect? French, Dutch far-right leaders want referendum too

The fallout could also hit Europe's fragile growth. Germany's Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble recently said that "it would be a miracle if a withdrawal of Britain would come without economic disadvantages." On the other hand, a British exit, or Brexit, could spur the European Union into action. Since joining the club in 1973, Britain has shaped the bloc mainly by putting the brakes on the drive toward ever-closer political union, a project that could now be revived with gusto.

COULD LAWMAKERS DECIDE TO IGNORE THE PROCESS?

Britain's referendum doesn't automatically trigger an exit from the European Union, which has led a few commentators to suggest that lawmakers might simply decide to ignore or slow-ball the process. So could they? "In legal theory that is possible. In practice that is absolutely not possible," said Alan Renwick, the deputy director of the Constitution Unit at University College London. "If there is a vote for Brexit then on Friday the PM will indicate how the process of Brexit will begin."

THE WAY FORWARD MAY NOT BE STRAIGHTFORWARD

The result will trigger a new series of negotiations as Britain and the EU search for a way to separate economies that have become intertwined since the U.K. joined the bloc on Jan. 1, 1973. Under Article 50 of the Treaty of European Union, talks would likely last two years, with the possibility for extension if all of the remaining 27 EU nations agree. But the clock starts ticking only when the U.K. notifies the EU that it wants a divorce - and some on the "leave" side have suggested that this won't occur until 2018. However, the EU may not accept a delayed exit.

Read: David Cameron to step down by October after Britain votes to exit EU

"U.K. negotiations with the European Union will prove difficult, given that EU leaders will not want to set a precedent for an easy withdrawal for other countries that could reconsider their status, such as Denmark," said Howard Archer of IHS, a research firm. No matter what, the EU will face issues. Alongside economic woes, troubles with Greece and the inability to agree on how to manage a refugee emergency, a British exit would deepen Europe's existential crisis.
"The early morning news from #GreatBritain are truly sobering. It looks like a sad day for #Europe +the #UnitedKingdom," Steinmeier wrote on Twitter. (Photo: AFP/Representational Image)

Frankfurt: German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said today he regretted Britain's decision to leave the EU, calling it a "sad day for Europe".

"The early morning news from #GreatBritain are truly sobering. It looks like a sad day for #Europe +the #UnitedKingdom," Steinmeier wrote on Twitter.

EU Parliament President Martin Schulz said he would speak with German Chancellor Angela Merkel "on how we can avoid a chain reaction" of other EU states following.

Read: Brexit vote: Barack Obama expected to speak to David Cameron

"The chain reaction that is being celebrated everywhere now by euroskeptics won't happen," he said.

The EU was the biggest single market in the world and "Great Britain has just cut its ties with that market," Schulz said.

Read: EU chief Donald Tusk vows bloc will stay united after Britain exit vote

"That'll have consequences and I don't believe other countries will be encouraged to follow that dangerous path." "I am not shocked," he said of the results of the British referendum, adding: "We were prepared."

Frank-Walter Steinmeier will host talks Saturday with his counterparts from the European Union's founding nations, following Britain's vote to leave the bloc.

Read: Britain votes to leave EU in historic divorce unleashing global turmoil

France's Jean-Marc Ayrault, the Netherlands' Bert Koenders, Italy's Paolo Gentiloni, Belgium's Didier Reynders and Luxemburg's Jean Asselborn will meet in Berlin for the six-way talks on "current European political issues", Germany's foreign ministry said in a statement.
Moscow: The Kremlin on Friday hoped that Britains decision to exit the European Union would not damage ties with Russia, insisting that a strong and predictable European Union is in Moscows best interests.

President Vladimir Putin has yet to comment on the result of the referendum, but his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he hoped the decision to leave the EU would not hurt Britains bilateral ties with Russia.

We have a complicated history... in bilateral relations, we cant always say that our British partners are ready to communicate and cooperate, Peskov said. We hope that in the new reality, the understanding of a necessity to build good relations with our country will prevail.

Britain's relations with Russia have soured in recent years notably by the case of Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko who was murdered by polonium poisoning in London. Many observers have said that Brexit would play into the hands of Putin.

Spain says it wants to govern Gibraltar

Spain said on Friday it was closer to asserting control over Gibraltar after Britain voted to leave the European Union, prompting London to jump to the defence of its overseas territory.

The tiny rocky outcrop on Spains southern tip has long been the subject of an acrimonious sovereignty row between London and Madrid, which wants Gibraltar back after it was ceded to Britain in 1713.

Our formula... is British-Spanish co-sovereignty for a determined period of time, which after that time has elapsed, will head towards the restitution of Gibraltar to Spanish sovereignty, said Spains acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo. The idea of joint-sovereignty is not new, and such a proposal was etched out between Britain and Spain in 2001 and 2002.
Medics fear that his skull bone might have been damaged. (Photo: GreenArea)

Beirut: In a shocking incident, a loggerhead turtle was found in a bruised state on a beach in Lebanon after it was brutally attacked by tourists who visited the place.

According to a report, the turtle was allegedly pulled out by the tourists who wanted to take selfies with it. In the process of clicking photographs with the sea creature, the tourists left it with bruises as they threw the turtle on the sand after pulling it out of water.

As the helpless turtle lay on the sand, more beachgoers surrounded him and started clicking photographs. Witnesses said that the turtle was also beaten with a stick by some tourists.

People surrounding the endangered species of turtle. (Photo: GreenArea)

Unable to save itself from attacking humans, the creature was found in a wounded condition by two passers-by who then carried it to a safe area and contacted GreenArea, an environmental organisation and arranged for a rescue.

The turtle is currently being rehabilitated at an animal charity organisation's headquarters. It is undergoing treatment, including dosage of antibiotics to prevent any kind of infection.

When it was found by its saviours, the turtle had a very evident spot on the top of his head where he was hit by the tourists. Medics fear that his skull bone might have been damaged.

Recently, a baby dolphin was attacked in Argentina when frenzied tourists yanked the dolphin out of the beach water. Because of its inability to live outside water for a prolonged period of time, the dolphin died.

The event forced the Argentinian Wildlife Foundation authorities to issue notice in order to avoid similar mishaps in future.
Residents carry an injured woman rescued from a collapsed house in Funing county in Yancheng city of eastern China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo: AP)

Yancheng, China: Emergency personnel in China mounted rescue efforts amid scenes of carnage Friday as the toll from hurricane-force winds and a tornado rose to at least 98 dead, with hundreds more injured.

Whole villages were levelled and huge trees felled when winds of up to 125 kilometres (77 miles) per hour struck around Yancheng city in the eastern province of Jiangsu, the official Xinhua news agency said.

So far 98 people have been confirmed dead and about 800 injured, the provincial government said on its official website.

President Xi Jinping ordered "all-out rescue efforts" after what Xinhua said was one of the worst disasters ever to hit Jiangsu, including the worst tornado to hit China in half a century.

In Funing County, one of the hardest-hit areas, residents shifted through the fallen bricks and pillars of their destroyed homes, many with their roofs torn off and walls crumbled.

Rubble spilt over into the river that meanders through the town.

Funing resident Sun Yazhou was driving a concrete mixer truck when a tornado passed him, tearing the glass out of his vehicle windows.

"The sky was completely dark. I was scared, but I had nowhere to run. I had to wait it out," he said.

Zhou Xiang, head of the provincial fire corps, said the search for survivors in the debris had been completed, according to Xinhua, and the clean-up was now underway.

More than 1,300 police officers had been mobilised to help, the agency added.

'I have nothing now'

The wards of a hospital in Funing county were all full, with extra beds crowding the hallways.

A factory worker with head and arm injuries and on an intravenous drip told AFP he had been swept out of his workplace by the tornado, despite clinging to a door as he tried to hold it shut against the storm.

"It all happened so fast. I have never seen anything like this before in my life," he said.

"I thought for sure I was going to die," he added. "I can't believe I am still alive."

The Canadian Solar factory -- which employed around 1,000 workers -- and its dormitory were destroyed.

"I have nothing now. My money, my things, all gone. It was so scary," he said.

Workers and People's Liberation Army soldiers were removing fallen high voltage electricity poles around the factory, where buildings had been stripped of their roofs by the storm and their windows blown out.

Reports said more than 360 rescuers were deployed at the factory, where two employees of the firm, which is based in West Guelph, Ontario, were missing.

Sitting on a gurney in the hospital corridor, Chen Shaoxi nursed a head injury and broken leg that he sustained while saving his elderly neighbours from the storm.

"If it weren't for my dad, those two would have been dead," his son Wang Minming said.

In the town of Lixin, cars and houses were destroyed and trees uprooted. Bulldozers dug up rubble while rescue workers dug through debris for survivors.

Flooding is common during the summer monsoon season in the south of China, but rainfall has been particularly heavy this year.

Many parts of China have been lashed by torrential rains this week as summer rainstorms have been heavier than usual, causing damage across the country.
Colombo: Sri Lankan lawmakers have unanimously approved a law giving citizens the right to demand public information, a move many hope will restore transparency and good governance to a nation long plagued by corruption and misrule.

The country's 225-member Parliament approved the Right to Information Act without calling for a vote Friday after two days of debate.

The law gives citizens access to public information except personal data, information relating to national security, financial and commercial policy decisions, intellectual property and medical reports. Information also could be withheld if its release is deemed to violate parliamentary privileges.

Sri Lanka has a long history of official secrecy and the new law was promised by President Maithripala Sirisena in the run up to last year's presidential election.
Brexit won finally by a wafer-thin majority of 51.9 per cent in the referendum held yesterday that also raised questions over the longevity of the Conservative Prime Minister who aggressively campaigned for Remain.





Shortly after the official announcement, Cameron stepped out of 10 Downing Street to make a brief statement in which he announced his intention to resign, saying a new Prime Minister will take charge in October to launch the process to leave EU.





Watched by his wife Samantha, the 49-year-old British leader, who has just completed a little over a year in his second five-year term, assured the world, more specifically the European nations, that there will be no immediate changes in the way people will travel and services will be sold in Britain.





"The country requires a fresh leadership to take this forward. While it is important that I stay on to steady the ship, it is not right to be the captain. I will do everything I can to do to help," Cameron said as his voice choked with emotion.





Describing the referendum as a "giant democratic exercise", the Premier said the "will of the people must be respected" and their "instruction that must be delivered".





"There can be no doubt about the result...I would like to reassure markets and countries around the world that Britain's economy remains fundamentally strong," he said.





"In my view I think we should have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative conference in October," Cameron said.





The Cabinet will meet on Monday and a timetable for him stepping down will be drawn up.





European Union president Donald Tusk said the bloc was determined to stay unified after Britain voted to leave and warned against "hysterical" reactions.





"Today on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27," Tusk told reporters in Brussels.





EU Parliament President Martin Schulz expressed hopes that Britain's decision to leave the EU would not lead to contagion.





"The chain reaction that is being celebrated everywhere now by euroskeptics won't happen," he said.









The final national result, overturning over four decades of the UK's membership of EU, was officially declared as 51.9 per cent in favour of Brexit and 48.1 per cent in favour of Remain by the UK Electoral Commission's chief counting officer Jenny Watson from Manchester Town Hall.



Britain, the second largest economy in Europe after Germany, is the second country after Greenland to quit the bloc.



The referendum turnout was declared as 72.2 per cent with over 30 million people turning out to vote, reflecting the highest turnout in the UK since 1992.



A total of 17,410,742 voters emerged as Brexiters compared to the 16,141,241 that sided with Remain, leading to a victory for Brexit by 1,269,501 votes.



Lauding the referendum exercise, Cameron said, "Over 33 million people from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar have all had their say. We should be proud of the fact that, in these islands, we trust the people with these big decisions."



"We not only have a parliamentary democracy, but on questions about the arrangements for how we're governed, there are times when it is right to ask the people themselves, and that is what we have done. The British people have voted to leave the European Union, and their will must be respected," he said.



While thanking the Remain campaigners, Cameron also congratulated those who took part in the Leave campaign, for the "spirited and passionate case" that they made.



"It was not a decision that was taken lightly, not least because so many things were said by so many different organisations about the significance of this decision. So there can be no doubt about the result," he said.



Cameron reassured Britons living in European countries, and European citizens living here, that there will be no immediate changes in their circumstances.



"There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move, or the way our services can be sold. We must now prepare for a negotiation with the European Union. This will need to involve the full engagement of the Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Ireland governments to ensure that the interests of all parts of our United Kingdom are protected and advanced," he said.



London, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted strongly to stay in the EU but Brexit held strong in the north of England, the Midlands region, Wales and most English counties, sending world markets into a shock with the Pound Sterling in free-fall.







Cameron, concluded his statement on an emotional note, saying, "I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it and I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed."



Bank of England governor Mark Carney moved soon after to also issue a strong statement to try and calm the turmoil unleashed on the world markets.



"We are well prepared for this. The Treasury and the Bank of England have engaged in extensive contingency planning and the Chancellor and I have been in close contact, including through the night and this morning. The Bank will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as those markets adjust and the UK economy moves forward," he said.



"UK banks have raised over 130 billion pounds of capital, and now have more than 600 billion pounds of high quality liquid assets...This substantial capital and huge liquidity gives banks the flexibility they need to continue to lend to UK businesses and households, even during challenging times," Carney said.



Cameron, who has been Prime Minister of the UK for six years, winning a majority second term for his Conservative party in the 2015 General Election, said the country now requires, "strong, determined and committed leadership" to negotiate the UK's future with Europe and the rest of the world.



His most likely successor is believed to be former London mayor Boris Johnson, who was seen to have spearheaded his own campaign to become Prime Minister when he took charge of the Brexit camp earlier this year.



Other senior Conservatives on the bookmaker's list include UK Chancellor George Osborne and home secretary Theresa May.



However, the general view is that the Conservative party leadership will be taken on by a pro-Brexit minister.



There had been much speculation about how the final outcome would impact Cameron's own political future as Prime Minister.



While he repeatedly stressed that the 2015 general election has given him the mandate to continue irrespective of the result, the bitter campaign had exposed a deep divide within his own Conservative party.



It came down to a very personal vote for or against him for Cameron as, in his own words, he had put in his "head, heart and soul" into campaigning for Britain to remain within the EU.



More than 80 Eurosceptic MPs from his party, including leading Vote Leave campaigner Johnson and UK employment minister Priti Patel, had moved quickly to calm the internal party turmoil by urging Cameron to stay on as Prime Minister in a letter delivered to him soon after the polls closed on last night.



"We who are supporters of Vote Leave and members of the Conservative Party thank you for giving the British people a choice of their destiny on 23 June. We believe that whatever the British people decide you have both a mandate and a duty to continue leading the nation implementing our 2015 manifesto," the letter stated. Cameron, while announcing that he will step down, also said, "I'm very proud and very honoured to have been Prime Minister of this country for six years. I believe we have made great steps, with more people in work than ever before in our history, with reforms to welfare and education, increasing people's life chances, building a bigger and stronger society, keeping our promises to the poorest people in the world, and enabling those who love each other to get married, whatever their sexuality." The EU was the biggest single market in the world and "Great Britain has just cut its ties with that market," Schulz said.

Prime Minister David Cameron today announced his resignation in the wake of defeat in the crucial referendum after Britain voted to leave EU in a deadly blow to the 28-nation bloc that triggered a panic reaction in world markets and raised questions over immigration and other issues in the UK after the divorce.
Two minor girls who fled their homes in east Delhis Anand area were gang-raped by two brothers in Bareilly for over a period of 10 days, the police said.





Both the accused have been arrested and the girls, who are cousins, have been re-united with their families.



The incident came to the fore when the parents of the two girls aged 15 and 17 registered a complaint of kidnapping in the Anand Vihar police station on June 10.



The girls had actually run away from their homes as they were not happy with their parents, said sources. They went to Anand Vihar bus terminus in the evening and boarded a bus randomly. The bus was going to Bareilly and the next day they reached the Bareilly bus terminus, said sources.



At the bus stand they were spotted by two brothers in their twenties who offered to help them and took the duo to their house.



The brothers who are into event management asked the girls to stay with them at their house and then raped them daily, said sources.



Meanwhile, the Delhi Police who had been searching for the missing girls traced their location to Bareilly through phone surveillance.



After the location of the girls was ascertained a raid was conducted with the help of

local police in which the two brothers were nabbed and the girls were freed, the sources added.



As the girls were minors, a case of rape was registered against the brothers under POCSO Act in Anand Vihar police station.


A 35-year-old Mother Dairy booth worker was found murdered in the booth with his throat slit in old Delhis Kotwali area on Thursday morning.





Police have started the search for the killers after registering an FIR of murder in the case. The body has been handed over to the family members of the deceased after postmortem.



Police have not ruled out robbery as a motive of killing, however other angles are also being investigated.



The deceased is identified as Roshan Lal, a native of Merrut in Uttar Pradesh. He was working in the booth for the last three years.



The incident came to notice at 8 am when a person informed the police about the presence of a body inside the booth. On reaching the booth, a blood splattered body of the deceased was found, said a police officer.



Later in the day police revealed the presence of injury marks due to a sharp object on the neck of the deceased.



He was murdered by slitting his throat. We are investigating the reason of the murder and questioning his family members and local people, said a police officer.



Lal was a helper in the Mother Dairy booth and was currently handling the entire affair of it as the booth incharge had gone to his native village 20 days back.



The incharge had given the entire responsibilities of the booth to him. He would help unload the milk vessels in the morning and evening and sell the milk packets to the buyers with the help of other helpers, said a local.



As Lal was responsible for all the cash transaction and he was the one who had all the cash which comes in the booth, its possible that he might have been killed because of that reason, said sources.



Police are however looking the case from all the angles as a personal enmity or sudden provocation can also not be ruled out, sources added.



Questioning of street



vendors and scanning of CCTV cameras of the nearby shops are being done to find out the presence of the alleged killers.
The Delhi Medical Council (DMC) has formed a three-member team to investigate the case in which a man was operated on the wrong leg at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.



This comes after the private hospital sacked two doctors and three operation room staffers after the case of medical negligence surfaced on Wednesday.



The team, comprising DMC members, will visit the hospital on Friday. The DMCs fact-finding team will visit Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh and check medical records to investigate the alleged case of medical negligence. The council has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports on the case and will conduct an independent inquiry, said Dr Girish Tyagi, DMC registrar.



Even though the private hospital has sacked the doctors concerned, this does not bar them from practising at other hospitals.



If the team finds medical negligence on the part of the doctors, the disciplinary committee of the council will take action accordingly. The punishment will depend on the nature of the offence found by the team. It may also extend to striking off the names of the doctors sacked from the DMC list, added Tyagi.



Every doctor practising in Delhi needs to be registered with the DMC. If their names are stuck off the list, the doctors will be barred from practising anywhere in the capital.



Ravi Rai, a resident of Ashok Vihar, fell from the staircase at his house on June 19. He was rushed to the emergency at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh where doctors asked him to get immediately admitted for a heel bone fracture.



He was operated upon on Tuesday. But instead of the right leg, doctors operated on the left.

They realised their mistake only when the patient himself pointed out that the wrong leg was in plaster.



Currently, the patient is recuperating at Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh where he was transferred by his family after the mix-up at Fortis.



The doctors conducted further tests. They are yet to decide if my son would need an operation at all or if the injury would heal with a plaster, said Ramkaran Rai, the patients father, on Thursday.


With Britain deciding to exit from the European Union, India will have to rework the proposed free trade agreement with the single-currency bloc, a top government official has said.





"My interest will get changed because number of tariff lines (products) will change (now). I will calibrate and the EU will also calibrate. Now they would reassess and we will also be going to reassess," Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia told PTI.



She was replying to a question about the impact of Brexit on the ongoing negotiations between India and the EU on free trade agreement.



Teaotia said recalibration is required as some items of interest to Britain may have to be removed.

On the FTA issue, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: "I would think, they (EU) would need time now to assimilate this outcome. Once they assimilate the outcome, they will only then respond...I will talk to my counterparts."



Launched in June 2007, the negotiations for the proposed Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) have seen many hurdles with both sides having major differences on crucial issues like intellectual property rights, duty cut in automobile and spirits and liberal visa regime.



Sitharaman and European Union Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom had met in Paris earlier this month and discussed issues including possibility of resuming the long stalled FTA negotiations.



The talks have been held up since May 2013 as both the sides are yet to bridge substantial gaps on crucial issues. Although top officials from both the sides have met, but they have not yet fixed any date to resume the talks.



Talking about the impact on Brexit on trade, the secretary said that it will not have any immediate impact.



"Brexit will not impact our trade with the UK. With EU also, nothing directly affects our trade. In long term, we would be interested to see how UK negotiates its exit from EU," Teaotia said.



Sitharaman also said the first impact would be visible on currency volatility as there is a possibility of devaluation of the pound and euro.



"So the impact of volatility of the currency is something which might have an immediate impact on our exporters," the minister told reporters.



She said India is in a position to face the eventuality of this outcome.



"We will however have to keep watching currency based volatility, both in the short and the medium term and also look at the impact on overall trade itself," Sitharaman said.



The bilateral trade between India and the UK stood at USD 14 billion in 2015-16 as against USD 14.33 billion in 2014-15.



India has received USD 23.10 billion FDI from Britain during April 2000 and March 2016.



Two-way trade between India and the EU dipped to USD 88.4 billion in 2015-16 from USD 98.5 billion in the previous fiscal.



When asked about any impact on investments from the EU or the UK, Sitharaman said investments depend on the strength of an economy and "our economy is sound and clear".



"We are attracting investments and I think that has not come down. However, London being the financial capital of the world and now it is outside the EU, the impact of the decision (will depend) on how pound is going to recover," the commerce minister said.



"Again within EU countries, the UK is the third largest trading partner of India. Now as we move forward, what impact that is going to have is something which we will keep watching. I hope there will be more opportunities for us to expand," she said.



She added that India's economic fundamentals are strong and the country's position will remain sound.



"If there will be any short-term change, it may happen because of currency fluctuation," Sitharaman said adding "I expect, it would not have any major impact on investments and exports".



In the meantime, Tirupur Exporters' Association (TEA) said it appropriate time for India to commence negotiations with the UK for Free Trade Agreement (FTA).



India has been facing a lot of issues like TRIPS, pharmaceutical, automobile, visa including movement of professionals which are actually stunting the negotiations to have FTA with EU, which consists of 28 countries including the UK, TEA president, A Shaktivel said.



"The exporters feel that when we start negotiations with the UK immediately for FTA, we could get the early bird advantage and could increase our trade significantly," he said in a statement.



With regard to garment sector alone, Tirupur's export share to the UK is 10.62 per cent with a value of Rs 11,798 crore out of total garment exports of over Rs 1 lakh crore from our country, he said.



"We are confident that India being a favored nation to UK, India could clinch the deal and have a FTA with UK in the coming months," he added.
With Britain choosing to leave the EU in a historic referendum, it faces the prospect of a Conservative Party leadership contest and a long and hard road of negotiations between the UK and its leading trade partner.



The results of the referendum, which were confirmed as 51.9 per cent in favour of Brexit and 48.1 per cent against today, are not legally binding on the UK government.



However, the ruling Conservative party had promised the referendum as part of its manifesto pledge in the 2015 General Election and British Prime Minister David Cameron had repeatedly confirmed that the will of the people will be respected.



He reiterated that view in his resignation speech outside Downing Street this morning: "The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected."



At a practical level, what this means is he has effectively kick-started a time-line for his own exit from Downing Street, expected by October, when a new Prime Minister will now have to take the Brexit mandate forward.



The most likely candidate is believed to be former London mayor Boris Johnson, who was the star campaigner for Vote Leave and often touted as Cameron's successor.



Cameron will chair a Cabinet meeting on Monday and soon after travel to Brussels to inform the European Council of Britain's referendum next Tuesday and Wednesday.



However, the road ahead is anything but clear-cut, with a number of factors coming into play. The referendum has effectively triggered the process of a massive renegotiation process during which trade issues will be at the heart of talks to thrash out exactly how Britain's relationship with the EU will work in future - negotiations that many expect will last for years.



Quitting the EU could cost Britain access to the EU's trade barrier-free single market and means it must seek new trade accords with countries around the world.



The EU, taken as a whole, is the UK's major trading partner, accounting for 44 per cent of exports and 53 per cent of imports of goods and services in 2015.



Brexit has often been referred to by the British media as a difficult divorce after the break-up of a marriage of convenience.



Officially, the process involves invoking Article 50 of the 2009 Lisbon Treaty, which deals with the process of exit for any member country.



This will be the first time this article will be used, and indeed, tested as the only other country to exit the EU was Greenland back in 1982, when the EU was known as the European Economic Community (EEC).



Article 50 has provision for a two-year timeframe for negotiations, with scope to extend the negotiation period if all parties involved agree.



The year 2020 has been suggested by some experts as a potential timeline, when the next UK General Election is scheduled to take place.



As Cameron stressed, "there will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold". However, his resignation and the need for a new Prime Minister to take charge of the negotiations has added a bigger question mark to the process ahead.



The European Commission has already indicated that it is not willing to wait for Britain to settle its own internal party politics to start the negotiation process.



In the interests of the EU's own future, European leaders are keen to conclude Brexit proceedings as quickly as possible to avert any further divisive referendums among its 27 other member-countries.



France has already expressed some murmurings of its own referendum."The UK should invoke Article 50 as soon as possible, however painful that process may be," said Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, the executive branch of the EU.



He had warned before the vote: "Out is out".On Saturday, the foreign ministers of the founding six member states  France, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy and Belgium  will meet to discuss the implications of the British vote.



The deal the EU had struck with Cameron after months of negotiation earlier this year, has evaporated under a so-called "self-destruct" clause triggered by the referendum.



Now European leaders want to avoid being drawn into months and years of haggling over Britain's status, mounting pressure on invoking Article 50 instantly to set the two-year clock ticking and after that, the Treaties that govern membership no longer apply to Britain.



The terms of exit will be negotiated between EU's 27 counterparts, and each will have a veto over the conditions. It will also be subject to ratification in national parliaments, which means MPs from individual member countries could squash aspects in their own Parliament.



Two vast negotiating teams will be created, with the EU side likely to be headed by one of the current commissioners and the British side most likely by a new Prime Minister.



Disentangling from the union is foreseen as the relatively simpler process, with renegotiating a lucrative trade deal and establishing acceptable tariffs and barriers with the UK's biggest trading partner seen as the toughest and most uncertain aspect.
The Centre has shot down the deputation request of forest service officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi, whom Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wanted to be posted as OSD in his office, saying service rules bar such hiring.



It said that Chaturvedi needs to first complete mandatory cooling-off period of three years before joining the Delhi government. Chaturvedi, a 2002 batch Indian Forest Service officer of Uttarakhand cadre, is working as Deputy Secretary in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He had last year sought inter-cadre deputation to Delhi government.



Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on February 16, last year written to Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar seeking services of Chaturvedi as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in his office.



The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has declined the proposal for inter-cadre deputation of Chaturvedi from Uttarakhand cadre to the Government of National Capital territory of Delhi, an order issued recently by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said.



The decision comes after an order by Central Administrative Tribunal on June 2 directing the ACC to decide within three weeks on the deputation of the officer.



After his induction into the service, Chaturvedi was allocated Haryana cadre. However, he sought change in the cadre citing "extreme personal hardship". The ACC had approved the inter-cadre transfer of Chaturvedi from Haryana to Uttarakhand in August 2015.



However, in February this year, Uttarakhand government rejected a representation of Chaturvedi seeking a No-Objection Certificate for inter-cadre deputation stating "if government of India grants waiver of cooling off condition, Uttarakhand has no-objection for inter-cadre deputation".



As per rules, an officer can get central deputation or inter-cadre deputation only after the concurrence from both the state government concerned (the cadre state of the officer) and the Centre. Further, an officer must serve three years cooling off period between the two central deputation tenure. The central deputation tenure of Chaturvedi comes to end on June 28.



The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had earlier informed the ACC that Chaturvedi was yet to serve in his new parent cadre i.e. Uttarakhand.



The Ministry had further added that on account of the different socio-economic, political, cultural and geographical conditions from state to state, it was imperative for an officer to fully familiarise himself with the demand and constraints of his cadre in the formative stage of his career, in order to effectively meet the challenges of his cadre.



In its recent communication dated June 16, the MoEFCC had said since the government of Uttarakhand has not accorded its consent, and the officer is required to complete the mandatory cooling-off in his cadre prior to consideration of his next deputation, the inter cadre deputation of Chaturvedi from Uttarakhand to Delhi government "cannot be considered".



The ACC-led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in its order issued on Tuesday declined the inter cadre deputation to Chaturvedi.
Congress today targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over India's failed NSG bid, calling it an "embarrassment" to the country and a "huge diplomatic letdown" by his government and questioned the "desperation" to gain membership of the elite nuclear club.





The main opposition party also demanded that the prime minister explain what went wrong, saying the government had raised "huge expectations."



"The Prime Minister must explain what went wrong and what is his stand on Pakistan particularly and Pakistan's record on nuclear non-proliferation," former Union Minister Prithviraj Chavan told reporters at the AICC briefing.



Chavan, who was Minister of State in the PMO in the Manmohan Singh government handling various charges including Atomic Energy, also sought to compare the situation in 2008 when the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group(NSG) gave India a waiver and the present failed NSG bid. "It is same NSG, same situation, same countries, and NSG gave India a waiver!"



Maintaining that in 2008, nobody raised the issue of India's NPT status and nobody put precondition about criterion, he claimed it was because of US' support and India's "strong diplomacy" that the country got the waiver.



"We are highly disappointed by the outcome of the NSG plenary at Seoul. Government had raised huge expectations. There was last minute flurry of activity by Prime Minister himself, Foreign Minister & various delegations," Chavan said.

He said the prime minister made personal pleas to China and other countries but "what is disappointing is that out of 48 countries....anywhere between 10-16 countries have not supported India's cause."



Chavan also said that the statement of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday that India has no objection to entry of Pakistan to NSG is "absolutely shocking".



Speaking separately, senior party spokesman Anand Sharma came down hard on the government by terming the developments at the NSG meet as an "embarrassment" to India.



He said the prime minister needs to realise that diplomacy needs "depth and seriousness and not public tamasha".



"We do not know why India showed its desperation and allowed the country to be equated with Pakistan on the issue of NSG membership," Sharma said

"It's high time that Prime Minister Narendra Modi realises that diplomacy requires gravitas, depth and seriousness. PM Modi needs to realise diplomacy needs depth not public tamasha," he said.



"The world saw the PM make a spectacle of himself and India. Now India faces embarrassment unnecessarily," Sharma added.
Indian corporates, having high exposure to foreign exchange, have taken some good measures including increased hedging in order to avoid shocks like Brexit, according to RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan.





The Indian economy has good fundamentals, low short-term external debt, and sizeable foreign exchange reserves. These should stand the country in good stead in the days to come, Rajan said suggesting that the country was well prepared to absorb the shocks.



Corporates over time, having experienced higher volatility have made two kind of adjustments. The amount of external borrowings has come down in the last few quarters as well as I think we have seen that after our early warnings about hedgings, the amount of hedging had gone up, Rajan said in a conference call with the media on Brexit.



Also, remember that if the loans that they have taken are 5-6 years in duration, the issue of repayment in a stronger currency will not arise for some time by which time hopefully the currency has re-established into a new equilibrium which is not based on just immediate reactions, Rajan added.



Rajan also stated that the central bank is ready with all the necessary ammunitions. RBI is watching the various markets and obviously there will be some volatility as a result of this decision in the UK. But we are looking at the markets and ready to intervene if we see that they become disorderly. But we are not going to prevent any market adjustment but we are ready with ammunition if necessary, Rajan said.



If there is disruption in the markets and liquidity is not available from certain quarters, we are fully ready to provide whatever liquidity is needed, both dollar liquidity as well as rupee liquidity, Rajan added.



As far as Indian banks in UK are concerned, Rajan said that it is not an immediate cause for worry. As far as Indian banks abroad go, presumably the changes in currency values does affect them based on what kinds of net exposure they have to different currencies, Rajan said.



But broadly because there have been movements up and movements down, unless you are overly exposed to one particular currency, I don't think immediately there is a cause for worry, though of course we will monitor their balance sheet situations, Rajan added.






A large number of tourists, who had planned to enjoy the rich traditional beauty of Mysuru Palace, are a disappointed lot as it is closed due to the wedding of scion of the erstwhile royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar with Trishika Kumari Singh of the erstwhile princely state of Dungarpur in Rajasthan on June 27 at the Palace kalyanamantap.





As the erstwhile royal family requested the Palace Board to restrict tourists and people ahead of the marriage, Deputy Commissioner, also Executive Officer of Mysuru Palace Board, C Shikha has ordered closure of the Palace between June 24 and 29, the day when the ceremony will end. However, the notification was not published on the Palace website. The authorities made amends at the eleventh hour, publishing notification on closure on Friday evening.



Tourists, including from foreign nations, were a disappointed lot and expressed their displeasure.



Martina Wesley from Germany, who was on a month-long trip to India, was unhappy as she could not visit the Palace. She was not aware about the closure and thus came down to the city from Bengaluru on Thursday.



I have plans to visit some other places in Karnataka, if I was aware of the function, I would have visited Mysuru only after the marriage, said Wesley.



Thulasi Harish, a tourist from Kerala, expressing her displeasure, said that the authorities could have announced the closure of the Palace at least a month ago.

We came to Mysuru only because of the Palace, said Thulasi. This is her second visit to Mysuru and she is fond of the Palace, she said, adding, this is a great loss to visitors like her.



Only those with pass from the erstwhile royal family are allowed inside the Palace. The security arrangements have been beefed up for the event.


Chennai-headquartered public sector Indian Bank has denied rumours of merger with Punjab National Bank (PNB).





Recently, there was news that Oriental Bank of Commerce, Allahabad Bank, Corporation Bank and Indian Bank merging with PNB, will form a better balance sheet. We have not heard that at all. May be a WhatsApp message is getting circulated. At present, there is nothing as far as our knowledge goes, Indian Bank Executive Director A S Rajeev told Deccan Herald.



Rajeev said, Our capital adequacy ratio (CAR) is the best in the industry for the past four years, which is 13.20% and tier I capital is 12.08%. We are a very well-capitalised bank. We dont require any capital at all. We have enough headroom available for growth. CAR, also known as Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR), is the ratio of a banks capital to its risk.



At present, the government holds 82% stake in Indian Bank. Rajeev was in the city to inaugurate specialised branches for retail and MSMEs. IND Retail will exclusively handle home loans, vehicle loans and mortgage loans and IND MSME will cater to the needs of MSMEs.



We are targeting a growth of 25-30% this financial year through MSME segment. As of now, we have 33 specialised branches dedicated to MSME and we are planning to add 80 branches by March-end.



For next quarter, the bank is purely concentrating on retail and MSME sector as corporate sector is a stressed area.



Karnataka stands fourth



In Karnataka, Indian Bank has 106 branches with 113 ATMS and 950 employees. The total business of the bank in Karnataka is to the tune of Rs 14,000 crore out of which Bengaluru contributes Rs 11,000 crore.



Indian Bank General Manager and Zonal Manager Bengaluru Zone S Chezhian said, We are targeting a growth of 20% this financial year compared with 11% growth in last fiscal. For Indian Bank, Karnataka stands fourth after Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi.



Going North



Indian Bank, which has a massive presence in the South, is planning to open new branches in North India. Overall, we are planning to open 150 branches, mainly in North India. We have already identified 200 most happening cities. Out of those, we have shortlisted 120 cities, and are opening new branches and rest will be set in tier II and III towns, Rajeev said.



According to Rajeev, happening cities are those where industrial activities are picking up. The bank is exploring new states like Punjab, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand among others.



Highest ATM hits



Indian Bank has over 3,000 ATMs across India and gets highest hits. Rajeev claimed that the banks ATMs get highest hits of 175 per ATM, which is number one in the industry. Hits means number of transactions per ATM, including Indian Bank and other bank customers.

On a daily basis, we expect minimum 156 hits per ATM or else it is not a profitable venture. Last year, the number of hits were 164, Rajeev said.



TCS technology



Not lagging behind, the public sector behemoth has TCS technology platform when wooing more tech savvy customers. For retail and MSME, lead generation is happening through mobile application only.



Rajeev claimed that in many states including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Chattisgarh and Bihar, Indian Bank technology is used in the government payment system. For example, in Bihar civil supply corporation, the Indian Bank has tied up with ration shops.



In South, Indian Bank has been selected for epf (electronic provident fund) payments along with SBI. In Tamil Nadu, entire MNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) transactions take place on Indian Bank technology platform.



Notion as pensioners bank



On the notion of public sector banks views as pensioners bank, Rajeev said, Average age of our employees is 38 years. Usually, there is a feeling that PSBs is considered as a pensioners bank. More than 70% of our customers are below 40 years.
The Indian IT-BPM sector which finds Europe as its second largest market, constituting almost 30% of export revenue of about $100 billion, will be affected by the Brexit issue.





Britain is the anchor point of Indian IT companies for their European expansion, and the exit will impact on mobility of labour, currency and cross-border agreements. In a tweet on Friday, IT industry body Nasscom stated the near-term impact of the Brexit is the likely decline in the value of British Pound, which could render many existing contracts losing propositions unless they are renegotiated.



The uncertainity surrounding protracted negotiations on the terms of exit and/or future engagement with the EU cound impact decision-making for large projects, states Nasscom.



Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar urged policymakers in Brussels and London to provide greater clarity and guidance on the next step. It will help our companies have the certainty they needed to continue to invest in the UK and Europe, he said. The initial commentary from the policymakers in the UK indicates their commitment to minimise the possible negative impact of this referendum.



The UK is the gateway for all strong $108-billion Indian IT and BPM sectors investment strategy. Aston Business School, UK, Doctoral Research Scholar (Outsourcing and Third Party Risk) Sanjoy Sen said that Indian IT companies with significant operations or subsidiaries in the UK are likely to be most impacted by the Brexit decision.



This impact is likely to take the shape of enhanced uncertainty over their ability to seamlessly access and deploy teams across European markets, a concern that may result in eroding their share prices together with the related shareholder wealth. At the same time, the decline of the Pound Sterling will bring in some benefit in terms of reducing UK costs relative to the Indian rupee, he said.



Sen added that however, he is optimistic that any negative impact will only last 1-2 years till alternative trade arrangements between the UK and other European countries are put in place.



When contacted, Indias third largest IT services company Wipro stated the company watches with deep interest the unfolding developments in the UK and its potential impact on a host of factors including mobility of labour, changes in the financial system, and the currency.



Wipro has been present in the UK for over two decades and today employs over 4,000 people there. We remain committed to the UK and are optimistic that the close ties between India and the UK will further strengthen in the long run and open up new opportunities for us, the company said.



Some analysts also points that Indian IT companies may need to establish separate headquarters or operations centres for the EU. If companies go for these kind of decisions, they will have to do some disinvestment from the UK. This will impact their business plan in the long run. Skilled labour mobility across the EU and the UK could be impacted, said an analyst.



Alka Dhingra, Assistant General Manager, TeamLease Services, said the Brexit turbulence for Indian IT companies will be for a short term only.



The current business flow from UK and Europe may continue, but new business orders may be delayed and subsequently order expansion will be impacted for some time. As the pound value decreases, the margins will go down and it will affect revenue growth of the companies, she said.



Currently, around 20-30% of the revenue of companies like TCS, Infosys, HCL, Tech M, Mindtree come from Europe impacting their revenues badly. Even from a mobility perspective the spilt may cause some concern. Mobility of IT resources might become difficult as visas will be more specific to the regions now. However, from a long term perspective, Brexit could lead to strengthening of India-UKs economic relationship. Brexit will open up many opportunities for skilled IT resources from India, adds Dhingra.

TCS and Infosys didnt comment on the development.




After several years in Oman, my aunt and her husband decided to return to India and settle down in their newly constructed Goa home.





Everything starts with an Excel spreadsheet, my technology-savvy aunt said, explaining how they pulled off such a complex retirement plan. I need my To-Do lists on a spreadsheet, so I can track our progress against each milestone. Otherwise all and sundry  the architects, the packers and movers, or the relatives back home  will change the plans for us!



So where are you on the plan now? I asked aunt. Were only two weeks away from the final move. Im listing out things that some friends and relatives want me to bring back from Muscat. So, tell me, what we can bring for you?



Can you get me a drilling machine? I asked, almost spontaneously. My wife and I had just moved into a rented apartment and the place had very little provision for shelves and showcases. I was experimenting with a little carpentry.



What kind of drill? she asked incredulously. Anything that can penetrate both walls and wood will be really helpful, I replied. Uncle was duly informed. My Bangalore nephew does not want the popular Omani Halwa or fine Arabian jewellery for his wife. He wants a machine to drill holes in walls!



Anyway, the request was logged in the spreadsheet and the drill was duly procured. Handing it over to me after they reached India, uncle chuckled, Id really like to see some of the art work you deliver with this. He would realise in a few months how prophetic his words were!



In the weeks that followed, holes of haphazard sizes in chaotic positions appeared all over the walls of our apartment. Instead of drilling holes for nails, I seemed to burrow tunnels large enough to crawl into the next-door apartment! Some parts of the walls even crumbled like a biscuit in hot tea. It was a catastrophe. Exasperated, my wife warned me about the landlord visiting, while a neighbour suggested an interesting cover up plan for the damaged walls.



The first step of the cover-up job was to solicit the services of a real carpenter. Step two was to buy or collect affordable paintings or framed family pictures, and place them over the erroneous wall cavities. A week into the cover-up, my walls were devoid of the initially planned shelves, but so full of paintings and pictures, that first-time visitors to the apartment wondered if I was an art connoisseur or a professional photographer!



Several years later when we bought and moved into our own apartment, the same aunt gifted me a nice Mario Miranda drawing. I hope this does not become part of another cover-up job, she joked. She need not have worried. During the house shifting process, the notorious drill had been wrapped up and hidden in an obscure corner by my wife, who called for a professional carpenter to do all the work at our new apartment.



You can bludgeon a rented apartment all you want, she said to me, but this is our own house. And sorry, your drill is no longer part of my spreadsheet planner!
The district police have solved an attempt to murder case at Hebbale in Kushalnagar taluk with the arrest of six persons.





The investigation has revealed that a man had given supari to murder his wife.

Speaking to mediapersons on Friday, SP P Rajendra Prasad said Ashas husband Mahendra had given money to murder her. He later committed suicide scared of pollice.



Based on a complaint by Asha, the police were successful in cracking the case. The arrested are Kirankumar of Sunkadakatte in Bengaluru, Jagadish of Koppa in Periyaptna, Girish from Indira Layout in Kushalnagar, K M Harish of Kamalapura in Periyapatna, N R Yogish of Niluvadi and Jayalakshmi of Ravandoor. Two more accused are at large. The police have recovered 52 gram gold ornaments, Rs 2,500 in cash and vehicle used for committing the crime, he added.



Prasad said the accused had attempted to murder Asha when she was returning to house with her husband and one Mahesh on June 18.



Mahendra committed suicide the next day, the SP added.


Armed with a GO issued in November last, the Andhra Pradesh government has embarked on a mission to evict non-Hindu tenants cultivating land belonging to 21,000 temples big and small in the state.





Residual Andhra Pradesh has more than 2.5 lakh acres of land categorised as endowment lands donated to temples by donors. Rights to cultivate these lands are generally auctioned every three years through a notification issued by the Executive officer or the hereditary trustee of the temple based on its category. Recently, endowments department sent notices to tenants to submit certificates that they are Hindus in order to continue to cultivate the temple lands.



The GO 425 dated 9 November 2015, which was meant to amend certain provisions of the Endowment Act, stipulates that no land belonging to a Hindu temple or Math may be alienated to anyone on a permanent basis. No person professing other than Hinduism as his religion is entitled to obtain lease either through tendercumpublic auction or otherwise. Violation of the rules would attract eviction. The GO further stated: If the lessee fails to comply with the conditions of lease or becomes a defaulter, and fails to hand over possession, the tenant shall compulsorily be evicted by the executive authority with the assistance of Police, invoking the provisions of section 84 and 86 of the Act treating him as an encroacher in the order passed under section 83(4) or 85(1) of the Act, apart from initiating other actions specified in these Rules.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have thought only China stood in the way of Indias admission into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)a cartel of 48 countries that control the development and trade of nuclear material and technology.





But what has come clear is that, despite Modis personalised diplomacy, New Delhi was in for a shock treatment from countries like Switzerland and Brazil who were among the six countries that supported China at the NSG meeting.



The prime minister had raised his stakes in the NSG entry by aggressively pushing for Indias case. He spoke to heads of each of these six countries as their position on new NSG members was well-known.



Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann personally assured him on June 6 that India had his countrys full support. Switzerland went to back Chinas stand at the Seoul meeting of the NSG on Friday.



Officials said Modi was so confident about Switzerlands support that he had openly acknowledged the Swiss presidents support after meeting him in Geneva on June 6 because of that assurance.



I am thankful to the President for Switzerlands understanding and support for Indias membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We have both agreed to support each other for our respective bids for the non-permanent membership of the UNSC, Modi said, while delivering the joint statement with the Swiss president. This was after Schneider-Ammann said before that we have promised India support in its efforts to become a member of NSG.



Similarly, officials pointed out that, Modi had engaged the heads of Brazil, Austria, Turkey, New Zealand and Ireland on a personal level in pursuit of India's bid for the UN Security Council as well as the NSG in the last two years. But they went along with Chinas position against entry of all non-Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) countries till their admission criteria was settled. There was little consolation that of the 48 members of the NSG, 38 countries broadly backed India.




India and Russia on Friday discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the civil nuclear energy and hydrocarbon sector, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to take forward the special and privileged bilateral partnership.





Modi and Putin, during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here, discussed a range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern.



The two leaders discussed cooperation in civil nuclear energy and partnership in the gas and petrochemicals sectors. They also discussed furthering cooperation in the space sector. Matters relating to trade and investment also came up, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.



He said Putin welcomed India signing the Memorandum of Obligations of SCO that has kick-started the process of Indias accession into the powerful grouping as a full member.



India will have to sign around 30 other documents in the course of the year to complete the process for membership. Pakistan is also being inducted into the SCO as a full member.



Putin said Russia was looking forward to Indias chairmanship of BRICS, adding it has grown in influence.



Swarup said Modi thanked Russia for its support to India in SCO and said India as BRICS chair would keep up the momentum generated by Russia.



India has assumed chairmanship of the influential bloc BRICS comprising five countries having 42% of the world population and combined GDP of over USD 16 trillion.



India will host the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-China-South Africa) summit later this year. Russia had the chairmanship of BRICS and it was passed onto India.



The seventh BRICS summit was held in the Russian city of Ufa on July 8-9 last year.


Nupur Rathore, a PhD scholar from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Jodhpur, never knew that her participation in a week long in-residence programme at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, would bring about a new meaning to her life and career.





It (in-residence programme) brought me closer to my nation. While being here and listening to the President, I learnt that the country has invested in us and we need to return that. Being in IIT, we do not lack in exposure, she said in her departing message as the week-long in-residence programme concluded on Thursday.



Rathore, who aspires to join academia, was not alone, who left the Rashtrapati Bhavan with such a deep sense of social responsibility and commitment to serve the nation.



Other 17 students from IITs, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISERs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, who participated in the week-long in-residence programme, also left for their homes with similar feelings and determination.



It was an immense experience for here while being here for one week. We are returning from here with a feeling that we have to give back to our society, Manjot Singh from IIT-Gandhinagar said.



While addressing the students at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, President Pranab Mukherjee exhorted them to contribute to the nation. In his inspiring speech, Mukherjee asked the students to work hard and make India a great nation by addressing the challenges that it faces.



Students said they were deeply inspired by the president when he spoke to them.


The Indian Coast Guard has intercepted an illegal Thuraya satellite phone  often used in terror activities  from a ship with Panama flag off the east coast.





The ship, named Frontier Triumph, sailed from Singapore and used the illegal satellite phone twice in the Indian waters.



The Coast Gurad's regional headquarters in Kolkata picked up the transmissions originating from an unauthorised communication equipment off the shores of Bengal from within Indian waters.



Two vessels, ICGS Amogh and Sarojini Naidu, based at Paradip were diverted to investigate the illegal transmission.



The vessel was found anchored at the location. The investigation team discovered the banned Thuraya satellite communication set on board.



Usage of Thuraya phones is banned in Indian including the territorial waters as per the Indian Wireless Act and Indian Telegraph Act.



The master of the Panama based vessel Alajandro c Dango had not declared the presence of the Thuraya set in the Pre Arrival Notification System of the vessel, a mandatory declaration for all vessels that intend to enter Indian waters.



While the vessel has been detained at Dhamara port in Odisha, Dango and three other members of the crew, out of 23 crew members, were taken into police custody for investigation.


The East Champaran police in Bihar on Friday arrested Samiullah, the main accused in the Motihari gang-rape case in which a minor girl was brutally sexually assaulted.





Samiullah, an influential person of Motihari, had raped the 17-year-old girl and made a video clip of the incident. In his bid to blackmail the girl, the accused again called the victim on June 12 and tried to sexually assault her.



This time, the girl, armed with a blade, attacked the accuseds private part when he tried to rape her. The girl then rushed to her mother and narrated the incident. Her mother lodged a police case but the cops did not take the matter seriously and registered an attempt to rape case.



Enraged over police complaint, Samiullah, along with four other family members  Aliullah, Nurullah, Samarullah, Kalimuallah and Javiullah  forcibly entered the girls house, dragged her out and gang-raped her. After committing the heinous crime, the main accused inserted indigenously-made pistol in her private parts. One of the other accused inserted wooden sticks into her body. The girl fell unconscious. Presuming her to be dead, the five accused left the naked girl on road and fled.



Meanwhile, the cops on patrolling duty recovered the girl and admitted her to the government hospital.


Another militant was killed in an overnight encounter with security forces on Friday in Handwara.





With this, the death toll of ultras reached seven in three different encounters in the past 24 hours in north Kashmirs frontier Kupwara district.



The gunfight was going on in Waderbala, Handwara since Thursday afternoon. A police official said one unidentified militant has been killed in the encounter.



On Thursday, six unidentified militants were killed in two separate encounters in Lolab and Drugmulla areas of the district.



Brigadier Rajeev Puri, Commander 8-sector, Rashtriya Rifles, told reporters in Kupwara that besides huge quantity of ammunition, made in Pakistan food packets, GPS and maps were recovered from the possession of the slain militants.



He revealed that 220 militants including 100 Pakistanis were active in Kashmir Valley at the moment. The Brigadier said that it is not possible to say whether more militants are active in north or south Kashmir.



The militants keep shifting from one area to other. Sometimes they are in north and then they change their bases to south, the Army commander said.




The Tamil Nadu Government on Friday said that it could not take any decision on early release of Rajiv Gandhi case convict Nalini Sriharan since the matter was pending with the Apex Court.





The state governments statement in the Madras High Court came against the backdrop of Nalinis fresh petition for premature release. The state Home Department, in its counter affidavit, also said that the Union government had not replied to its letter with regard to the early release of all the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi's assassination case.



However, the case will be coming up for further hearing before the high court on June 27.



Soon after Supreme Court on December 2, 2015, ruled that the Tamil Nadu government could grant remission and release the convicts only in consultation with the Central government in cases investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.


India on Friday blamed China for scuttling its bid to secure a membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) without actually naming the communist nation.





The consolation prize, however, was support by an overwhelming number of countries who took to the floor supporting Indias case. But the principal opposition was from one country, though a few others raised procedural issues, the Ministry of External Affairs said.



Despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country, a three hour-long discussion took place on Thursday night on the issue of future participation in the NSG. An overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported Indias membership and appraised Indias application positively, the ministry added.



As China persistently opposed Indias membership and also sought a place for its ally Pakistan on the high table, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent to seek his support for India.



It is also our understanding that most countries want an early decision. A few countries raised issues regarding the process for Indias participation in the NSG. It is evident that process issues would not arise if these countries were actually opposed to our participation. This is corroborated by our own bilateral engagement with each of these countries, said Vikas Swarup, MEA spokesperson. As many as 38 nations  out of the 48 member group  reportedly supported India in Seoul.



China, however, raised the issue of signing the (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) NPT as a criterion for NSG membership. India is not a NPT country. The issue was raised when India was granted a special waiver in the NSG in 2008, with Chinese support.



A phone call from the then US president George Bush to his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao ended the deadlock.


BJP leader Jagadish Shettar on Friday said a Rs 400-crore scam is brewing in the Malaprabha canal modernisation work taken up by the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam.





Shettar told reporters in Bengaluru that the Nigam, which functions under the water resources department headed by Minister M B Patil, has switched over from the piece contract system to package system to favour one contractor. The Malaprabha irrigation project is mainly confined to Dharwad district.



The Malaprabha canal work comprises modernisation of left and right canals besides remodeling of distributory and redistributory canals. The piece contract was planned for Rs 40 crore. The same has been cancelled. A special package worth Rs 964.53 crore has been announced for two works - modernisation of main canal and distributory system. Tenders have been invited but this is just to help one contractor named Bhajantri, Shettar said.



The BJP leader said a drone camera was employed to take images of the survey being carried out. This is just to mislead farmers to give an impression that the government is seriously attending to canal modernisation work. Though the tendering process is on, the contractor has already begun work on the ground, Shettar said.



The Nigam transferred two engineers - S A Patil and Bhajantri - for refusing to co-operate with the Nigam for switching over to the package system.



Interestingly, M B Patil has issued a newspaper advertisement stating that the canals would be modernised at a cost of Rs 1,330 crore. In 1960, the Malaprabha related works began at Rs 30 crore. Now it has jumped from Rs 964 crore to Rs 1,330 crore. But the scope of the work has reduced. The scam seems to be not less than Rs 400 crore, he said.



Shettar said the chief minister should look into the irregularities and order an inquiry, he added.






The higher education department is planning to bring in a uniform education act for all state universities, said newly appointed Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy.





Addressing his maiden press conference after assuming the new post, Rayareddy said every state university presently has its own education act. Governor Vaju Bhai Vala has however already given his consent to the uniform act.



Rayareddy said that with some universities dogged by controversies, a two-day meeting will be held in July with vice-chancellors of all the 23 state universities for discussions.



With regard to the VTU, the higher education department is however making efforts to bring back the Rs 430 crore collected from the university funds confiscated by the income tax department as the university did not pay taxes on these funds.



The issue of de-recognition of the Karnataka State Open University will also be taken up anew. Rayareddy said he will visit New Delhi to sort out the matter personally.


A section of the women Congress leaders are not happy with the reported efforts made by the party to nominate actor Ramya to the Legislative Council. But none of the women politicians want to petition the party leaders in this regard.





Certain women party leaders met at a birthday party in the city where the culture of nominating film personalities to the Legislative Council was discussed, it is said. Those who attended the event include MLC Motamma, former legislators Rani Satish and Bimba Raikar.



So far neither the party leadership or Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has not announced that Ramya, a former MP, would be nominated as MLC or she would be made a minister.

However, speculations are rife that she would be brought in as a replacement for Ambareesh. There are three vacant seats in the Council.



Motamma told Deccan Herald, I fail to understand why film personalities should be given so much prominence in politics. How can Ramya be a replacement for Ambareesh?

Asked whether the party had plans to nominate Ramya, Motamma said she was not aware of it.



Jayamala is an MLC



There are many women leaders who have toiled hard for the growth of the party. Why should such people be neglected? Already one film personality Jayamala has been made MLC. In case Ramya is interested in politics, let her be a candidate in the next Lok Sabha elections, Motamma said.



Rani Satish said she is not opposing any individual as such. But she said the high command should take the contribution of leaders into consideration while making nominations.



The madam (Sonia Gandhi) had told me once that she goes by the recommendations made by state leaders. I wonder why the contribution of women leaders is not considered while shortlisting the names. Does age criterion apply only to women? she said.



Energy Minister D K Shivakumar denied reports in a section of media that the party has decided not to nominate former MP Ramya a MLC as demanded by the rebel legislators. Ramya is interested in national politics. She wants to be in parliament. Reports that she wants to become an MLC is not true, he added.


Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar mocked

at the Siddaramaiah government saying that the BJPs charges of corruption against four ministers has led to their removal.





At a press conference in Bengaluru on Friday, Shettar said the party had exposed the scams or maladministration by the then ministers Baburao Chinchansur, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Qamarul Islam and Parameshwar Naik.



All these are now former ministers after the reshuffle, he said.

Replying to a question, he said RDPR Minister H K Patil too will join the list. He also said the BJP had never branded M H Ambareesh as corrupt nor had it spoken about Srinivas Prasad.



Chaos over reshuffle



Finding no merit in the governance by Siddaramaiah, Shettar said the chief minister has proved to be a failure going by the chaos in his party over the ministry reshuffle.



Siddaramaiah has proved to be a Tughlaq and arrogant. His one-upmanship and maladministration are evident. He cannot run the government. All ministers have become dysfunctional because of Siddaramaiah. For the last one month, there is no governance, he said.



To support his argument, Shettar said it has been reported that Nagaraj, an officer with Gescom in Ballari, has not been able to take leave even for a week for his surgery. His seniors are harassing him. This reflects on governance.



BDA files missing



Referring to former BDA commissioner Sham Bhatts statement before the Justice H S Kempanna Commission, the MLA said the officer has said that 40 files of the BDA pertaining to the Arkavathi Layout have gone missing.



Advocates have said these were crucial files, Shettar said. But the BDA had earlier submitted copies of the files to the commission.



The chief minister must file a case against those responsible for the files going missing, he insisted.






The rebellion in the ruling Congress, it appears, has begun to die down. Many of the disgruntled MLAs on Friday dispersed from Bengaluru as they could not muster the support of enough number of like-minded legislators to take on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.



The rebel camp led mainly by senior leader V Srinivas Prasad was supposed to hold a meeting at former minister Qamar-ul-Islams residence in here.



Former minister M H Ambareesh was supposed to participate. But it was abruptly cancelled. Senior MLAs from the rebel camp, including Malikayya Guttedar, Rajashekar Patil and Dr A B Maalakareddy left Bengaluru. The legislators are now planning to come to Bengaluru on July 4 when the state legislature session is scheduled to commence.



Change in leadership



As many as seven MLAs, including three former ministers, had come together and demanded change in Siddaramaiahs leadership. Islam, Guttedar, Maalakareddy, Patil and S T Somashekar were part of the rebel camp. Many of them had announced to resign as MLAs. But none have given up their Assembly membership so far.



Sources in the Congress said Siddaramaiahs strategy to quell the rebellion has by and large yielded results. He has offered the disgruntled MLAs the post of chairman in some of the important state-owned public sector enterprises. Those who accept the offer are likely to get the minister of state rank, the sources added.



Siddaramaiahs move is aimed at ensuring that number of MLAs in the rebel camp does not go up. The Chief Ministers Office (CMO) has prepared a list of about 20 boards and corporations. The offer will be made to senior MLAs, especially those who are unhappy after the recent reshuffle of the council of ministers.



Besides, Siddaramaiah is said to have managed to convince Guttedar to disassociate himself from the rebel group and sought his cooperation in running the government smoothly for the next two years. Siddaramaiah spoke to Guttedar over phone and also offered to give special funds for the development of his constituency. Guttedar, who is a six-time MLA from Afzalpur and a former minister, was one of the key members of the rebel group.



Hands tied



Siddaramaiah reportedly told Guttedar that he was under pressure and lacked freedom while making his new team. Though Guttedar curtly told the Chief Minister that he was hurt for not getting a ministerial berth, he later decided to leave Bengaluru.



Similarly, Energy Minister D K Shivakumar and newly-appointed KPCC working president Dinesh Gundu Rao spoke to other disgruntled MLAs. This apart, Ambareesh, as announced by himself, has not turned into a rebel leader, at least at this juncture.



When contacted, Guttedar said he has gone to Hyderabad as one of his relatives was unwell. Dr Maalakareddy and Patil said the they will next meet during the legislature session. Close aides of Prasad confirmed that the Fridays meeting was cancelled as many of the legislators left Bengaluru without notice. Prasad, however, has stayed put in Bengaluru.



Prasad may meet SMK today



Dissident leader V Srinivas Prasad is planning to meet former chief minister S M Krishna on Saturday at latters Sadashivanagar residence in the city and seek his support. Krishna, who is away in Mumbai, is scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru on Saturday, sources said.


The heavy downpour in the city has left it stinking. Road users are forced to cover their noses, while crossing wet garbage piles.





Deputy Mayor Hemalatha Gopalaiah blamed local residents for the mess.

People are protesting near garbage dumping yards and composting units. They are not allowing trucks to dump garbage, leading to waste mounds, especially in west Bengaluru. In case of other places, garbage should be collected at one point of every ward, for trucks to collect it. People have to co-operate, she said.



But residents are not convinced. They point out that garbage is not stacked in just one area, but everywhere.



Rotting garbage mixed with rainwater is a common sight in most parts of the city, especially in central Bengaluru and newly added wards. The stink is unbearable, said Hemalatha R, a resident.



These sites have become breeding ground for mosquitoes and also feeding spaces for street dogs. Rodents can be seen jumping over the piles. It poses health hazards to people, said Iqbal K, a resident.



Prominent places where garbage piles are a common sight are Seshadripuram, Papareddypalya, Nagarbhavi, Srirampura, Magadi Road, Sunkadakatte, Banaswadi, Gandhinagar, Sarjapura main road, Koramangala, Mall-eswaram, Jalahalli, Vrishbavathi valley on outer ring road, Mysuru Road, Anjanapura, Banashankari, Bannergatta Road, Gottigere, OMBR Layout, Chickpet, Avenue Road and Ejipura.



BBMP special commissioner, solid waste management, Subodh Yadav said, There are no issues with garbage collection across the city. But in some places, the problem can be because of lax local officers or local issues. People can contact the control rooms or me directly.



BBMP commissioner Manjunath Prasad said following High Court directions on Thursday, the Corporation is planning to mandate composting waste at residences, instead of sending them to processing units.



We are in talks with companies to convert waste to energy, in the seven composting sites, he said.


The Electronics City Regional Transport Office (RTO) will physically verify the information given by cab aggregator Uber in its licence application.





Ubers application was originally to be verified by the Bengaluru Central RTO since the firms office is located in Koramangala. But the Bengaluru Central RTO made a written request for giving the task to any other RTO, citing its high workload.



Accordingly, the Transport Department gave the assignment to the Electronics City RTO. An official told Deccan Herald that all the 352 documents submitted by Uber in its licence application had been handed over to the Electronics City RTO.



The official said that deciding on the application would take time as the department had to physically check each cab in the 100-vehicle fleet whether it complied with the new rules.



As per the Karnataka On-Demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rules, 2016, cab aggregators must obtain licence to operate in the state. Uber has challenged the rules in the High Court which is yet to adjudicate the matter.


A Ugandan national has gone to police, accusing the staff of a well-known hospital and 15 others of transplanting his kidney without his consent last year.





John Jogga Katamba, 24, lodged a complaint at the Seshadripuram police station on June 15, claiming that his kidney was removed without his consent and transplanted into another person at the hospital in March 2015. He said that a Ugandan nonprofit Watato Church was involved in the racket.



Katamba said he was promised money for donating the kidney but was cheated instead. He returned to Bengaluru and complained to the police.



I was discharged from the hospital on March 21, 2015, after the transplant and I was kept at a guesthouse without proper food and water. I flew and reached Uganda on April 19, 2015, and nobody travelled with me. I told a representative of Watato that he had cheated me and I did not want to donate my kidney, he stated in the complaint.



Fake documents

Police have sought the documents submitted to the Organ Transplant State Authorisation Committee to verify whether Katambas transplant was legal.

According to police, they cannot act against the hospital or the committee if fake documents had been submitted.


A 37-year-old Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Border Security Force (BSF) died after he rammed his bike into a stationary goods autorickshaw near Sanjeevanagar Cross near Kodigehalli on Thursday night.





According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Jagadeep Vishal, a native of Pune. He was working as ASI in 120th Batallion of BSF near Yelahanka. A couple of days ago, his wife and children had come to visit him. On Thursday night, he was returning to his quarters after dropping his wife and children at a bus stand when the incident took place.



Around 11.30 pm, as he neared Sanjeevanagar, he failed to notice a stationary goods auto rickshaw and rammed into the vehicle from the rear. He suffered serious injuries. The passersby shifted him to a nearby private hospital where Vishal failed to respond to the treatment and succumbed to his injuries, said the police.



The police visited the spot, seized the goods autorickshaw and arrested the driver Mansoor. The vehicle had been parked on the side of the road as it developed a snag.



Mansoor was waiting for a mechanic when the accident took place, added the police.

A case has been registered in Hebbal traffic police station.




An assistant sub-inspector on his way to report at his new posting was killed along with his wife when a Gypsy moving on the other side of the road rammed the median strip and crashed into his motorcycle. The accident occurred near Ramanagaram town, about 50 km west of Bengaluru.





A N Nagaraj, 55, and his wife Padma, 50, had left their home in Kengeri around 6 am on Friday. Nagaraj was promoted to assistant sub-inspector on June 18 and posted at the Ramanagaram Town police station.



His wife asked him to drop her at the Ramanagaram bus station so that she could go to Maddur, their hometown.



As they reached Ghousia College of Engineering, a Gypsy moving on the other side of the road crashed into the median strip. It went on to collide head-on with Nagarajs two-wheeler. The collision proved deadly for the couple. They suffered grievous head injuries and were taken to a hospital where they were declared brought dead. The Gypsy driver, identified as Nandan, also suffered serious injuries and is said to be critical.



A senior police officer is investigating the case suspected that the Gypsy driver dozed off at the wheel and the vehicle went out of control.



Eyewitnesses said he was speeding too.



The deceased couple was living in Kengeri with their two children. Nandan, the Gypsy driver, is a native of Chikkamagaluru.



He is an undergraduate student at a college in Mysuru where he lives with his uncle. He was travelling to Bengaluru to meet friends when the accident occurred. A case has been registered at the Ramanagaram traffic police station.


By David Neiwert

24 June 2016 (Crosscut)  Vancouver photographer Mark Malleson took this photograph of the Southern Resident killer whale known as J-34, or Doublestuf, breaching while he was in the interior waters of the Salish Sea this spring. Its a remarkable and frightening photo for orca lovers, because the male orcas ribs appear to be protruding prominently. Thats abnormal, especially for a resident killer whale at this time of year, when the orcas are typically well fed after a winter of preying on Chinook salmon. And so Mallesons photo set off a number of alarm bells in the Northwest whale-watching community as it circulated on social media. Subsequent photos taken of J-34 and his pod from a scientific drone suggested that, while the whales werent particularly plump, their girth was within their normal range. Nonetheless, veteran whale scientist Ken Balcomb is blunt about what he is seeing for the Southern Residents long-term: These whales are starving, he says. There simply arent enough salmon out there for them to eat. Balcomb and the crew at San Juan Islands Center for Whale Research have been observing the Southern Residents foraging this winter and spring, and the behavior has been disconcerting: The whales are much more spread out, meaning they are having to forage harder for individual fish. Many of them appear underfed, he says. Its an especially alarming development following last years baby boom, in which nine new calves were born into the population, one of whom has apparently already vanished and is presumed dead. Normally, at this time of year, the Southern Residents are being relatively well fed, since they typically hang out along the Continental Shelf between northern California and British Columbia for the winter and spring months, dining on the large runs of returning Chinook. Many of them spend inordinate amounts of time at the mouth of the Columbia River in the winter. There is an established and powerful correlation between salmon abundance and orca populations. The uptick in Chinook runs of the past few years on the Columbia/Lower Snake have been linked to the recent orca baby boom. The spike in salmon numbers is largely attributed to good ocean conditions for the past 12 years, and to some degree to a federal court ruling requiring the Bonneville Power Administration to spill water over Columbia and lower Snake River dams at key times of the year to aid migrating salmon smolt in their downstream journey. But it is the continuing presence of those same four dams  Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite, located on the Snake between the Tri-Cities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland and Lewiston, Idaho  that may ultimately doom the Southern Resident orca population. [more]
AVEZZANO, Italy and SHANGHAI, China, June 24, 2016 -- Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation ("SMIC"; NYSE: SMI; SEHK: 981), one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world and the largest and most advanced foundry in mainland China, jointly announces with LFoundry Europe GmbH ("LFE") and Marsica Innovation S.p.A. ("MI"), the signing of an agreement on June 24, 2016 to purchase a 70% stake of LFoundry for a consideration of 49 million EUR. LFoundry is an integrated circuit wafer foundry headquartered in Italy, which is owned by LFE and MI. At the closing, SMIC, LFE and MI will own 70%, 15% and 15% of the corporate capital of the target respectively. This acquisition benefits both SMIC and LFoundry, through increased combined scale, strengthened overall technology portfolios, and expanded market opportunities for both parties to gain footing in new market sectors. This also represents the Mainland China IC foundry industry's first successful acquisition of an overseas-based manufacturer, which marks a major step forward in internationalizing SMIC; furthermore, through this acquisition, SMIC has formally entered into the global automotive electronics market.

As the leading semiconductor foundry in Mainland China, in the first quarter of 2016, SMIC recorded profit for the 16th consecutive quarter with revenue of US$634.3 million, an increase of over 24% year-on-year. In 2015, SMIC recorded annual revenue of US$2.24 billion. In fiscal year 2015, LFoundry revenue reached 218 million EUR.

This acquisition will bring both companies additional room for business expansion. At present, SMIC's total capacity includes 162,000 8-inch wafers per month and 62,500 12-inch wafers per month, which represents a total 8-inch equivalent capacity of 302,600 wafers per month. LFoundry's capacity amounts to 40,000 8-inch wafers per month. Thus, by consolidating the entities, overall total capacity would increase by 13%; this combined capacity will provide increased flexibility and business opportunities for supporting both SMIC and LFoundry customers.

SMIC has a diversified technology portfolio, including applications such as radio frequency ("RF"), connectivity, power management IC's ("PMIC"), CMOS image sensors ("CIS"), embedded memory, MEMS, and others--mainly for the communications and consumer markets. Complementarily, LFoundry's key focus is primarily in automotive, security, and industrial related applications including CIS, smart power, touch display driver IC's ("TDDI"), embedded memory, and others. Such consolidation of technologies will broaden the overall technology portfolios and enlarge the areas of future development for both SMIC and LFoundry.

The semiconductor industry is one of the most globalized industries; the successful establishment of a multi-country manufacturing base sets a precedent in the Mainland Chinese IC foundry industry. The union of Chinese and Italian enterprises in the semiconductor industry will bring China market opportunities to LFoundry and more potential European customers to SMIC. Both SMIC and LFoundry can further develop the business potential of the Euro-Asia market.

Dr. Tzu-Yin Chiu, the CEO and Executive Director of SMIC said, "The successful completion of the LFoundry srl acquisition agreement is an important step in our global strategy. Both SMIC and LFoundry will mutually benefit from the shared technology, products, human talents and complementary markets. This will additionally expand our production scale and allows us to service the automotive IC market and for LFoundry to enter into China's consumer electronics market, thus bolstering our overall development and growth. Through the acquisition, communication and cooperation in the semiconductor industry between China and Europe has been further enhanced, and contributes to the mutual success of the integrated circuit industry in both regions. In the future SMIC will continue to enhance, strengthen, and further expand leadership in the global semiconductor ecosystem."

Sergio Galbiati, the Managing Director of MI and Chairman of LFoundry srl, said, "This is the beginning of a new era for LFoundry and our Italian fab. We are pleased to become part of a very strong worldwide player, SMIC. Together we can further improve LFoundry's strength on optical sensor related technology, which is well recognized worldwide, and continue to contribute to the growth of technology in Europe, thanks to our partnerships with many relevant players. The agreement with SMIC will enable us to have a stronger level playing field in Europe."

Gunther Ernst, the Managing Director of LFE and CEO of LFoundry srl, said, "We have made significant efforts in achieving technology excellence. The agreement with SMIC will further enable us to better use our own manufacturing capacity and have access to SMIC's extremely diverse technology offerings while taking advantage of SMIC's commercial network and overall capacity. As part of SMIC, LFoundry will continue to pioneer technology to help our customers achieve success and drive value for our partners and employees around the world. We look forward to working closely with the SMIC team to ensure a smooth transition."

For the full details of the related announcement please see the filing: http://www.smics.com/eng/investors/ir_filings.php

You are also invited to join SMIC's management as they highlight the announcement and take questions from analysts.

Conference Call / Webcast Announcement

Date: June 27, 2016

Time: 8:30 a.m. Shanghai time

Dial-in numbers and pass code:

Mainland China +86 400-620-8038 (Pass code: SMIC)

Hong Kong +852 3018-6771 (Pass code: SMIC)

Taiwan +886 2-2650-7825 (Pass code: SMIC)

United States, New York +1 845-675-0437 (Pass code: SMIC)

The call will be webcast live with audio at: http://www.smics.com/eng/investors/ir_presentations.php or http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/2wu5fu9p.

An archived version of the webcast, along with an electronic copy of this news release will be available on the SMIC website for a period of 12 months following the webcast.

About SMIC

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation ("SMIC") (NYSE: SMI; SEHK: 981) is one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world and the largest and most advanced foundry in mainland China. SMIC provides integrated circuit (IC) foundry and technology services at 0.35-micron to 28-nanometer. Headquartered in Shanghai, China, SMIC has a 300mm wafer fabrication facility (fab) and a 200mm mega-fab in Shanghai; a 300mm mega-fab and a majority owned 300mm fab under development for advance nodes in Beijing; and 200mm fabs in Tianjin and Shenzhen. SMIC also has marketing and customer service offices in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Taiwan, and a representative office in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.smics.com.






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An Israeli-led research has found that taking high levels of statin drugs have modest benefits for reducing cardiovascular risks.

The study findings, published in the online Journal JAMA Internal Medicine, revealed that lowering cholesterol beyond a certain point made no difference in protecting patients from heart attacks, angina or strokes.

Researchers from the Clalit Research Institute in Tel Aviv, along with scientists from the US and Canada, examined the association between aggressiveness of treatment and the evolution of cardiovascular risks in more than 31,000 patients with pre-existing heart disease.

They looked specifically at the participants levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)  a surrogate marker for cardiovascular disease  and to what extent different degrees of statin-induced reductions in LDL-C improved their risk profile.

The results showed that there was a substantial decrease in risk between patients with high LDL cholesterol and moderate LDL cholesterol levels.

However, those with the lowest LDL cholesterol levels, below 1.8 mmol/l (70 mg/dL), had the same statistical chances of suffering from serious adverse event of heart disease than the group with moderate LDL cholesterol levels.

Out of 31,619 patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) followed by the research team, 16,782 (53 per cent) had moderate LDL-C levels.

According to this paper, all patients are at greater risk when they have more LDL cholesterol particles, but recent lipidology studies questioned whether the size of LDL particles could in fact represent a greater risk.

Evidence from other large clinical trials show that a smaller LDL particle is more pathologic than a large one, the so-called pattern A versus pattern B. Statin drugs improve outcomes by reducing small dense LDL. But it doesnt eliminate it completely, which could explain the modest improvement in cardiovascular disease risks.

At any rate, the conclusions reached by this population-based study suggest that current treatment guidelines set by the European Society of Cardiology recommending very low target LDL-C levels (below 70 mg/dL) for patients with predispositions to heart disease  such as people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes  are misguided.

Within the UK, however, statins are not prescribed by cholesterol levels alone but by a formula that takes into account a variety of cardiovascular risk factors including age, BMI and blood pressure in addition to cholesterol levels.
Qualcomm say Meizu has been unwilling to negotiate and seeks a ruling relating to patents in wireless communication

Qualcomm, in a statement through its website, announced that it has filed a complaint against Meizu in the Beijing Intellectual Property Court. It has requested a ruling that the terms of a patent offered by Qualcomm to Meizu has been failed to comply with Chinas anti monopoly law. Patents related to 3G(WCDMA and CDMA2000) and 4G/LTE wireless communication standards are the ones that it seeks a ruling on.

Don Rosenberg, Executive VP of Qualcomm stated, Qualcomms technologies are at the heart of all mobile devices. Meizu is choosing to use these technologies without a license, which is not only unlawful, but is unfair to other licensees that are acting in good faith and respectful of patent rights, and ultimately damaging to the mobile ecosystem and consumers.

Qualcomm also said it wouldve preferred to reach a resolution with Meizu without a need for litigation, however Meizu has been unwilling to negotiate in good faith and enter into a license plan to rectify plan terms, it said. Qualcomm added that more than 100 other companies have accepted the rectified plan terms, including various leading Chinese manufacturers. Qualcomm maintained that it looks forward to increasing commitment and investing more in China for both Semiconductor and wireless ecosystems.

Earlier this year, Qualcomm announced hardware based biometric authentication and also incorprated Vulcan API into the Aderno 530 GPU. It also announced a new SOC optimized for wearable devices.
Currently only available at a very limited basis, Samsung look to empower content creators with their VR ecosysten

Samsung Gear 360 was launched in the US today, and its pricing has officially been revealed. The device is priced at $350 (roughly Rs.23,700). Samsung announced that the Gear 360 will be available for purchase in an extremely limited basis, currently only for the attendees of the VidCon Conference, being held at Anaheim, California.

The Gear 360 launched earlier this year at MWC Barcelona, is a compact camera that houses two 180 degree lenses. The camera also has a remote viewfinder application and a host of standard camera features such as HDR, exposure control, white balance, ISO Settings and Live-view. It supports 360 degree videos for mobile viewing as well as VR devices.

Samsung also launched Samsung Creators, partnering with storytellers to generate content for a variety of audiences and channels to show creators the full potential of its VR technology. Marc Mathieu, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung North America said, To help creators learn and perfect the art of VR storytelling, weve built an entire VR ecosystem that pushes beyond the frame and empowers them to develop unforgettable, immersive stories, and inspires us all to do the same. Samsung also added that it wants to bring the power of VR technology directly to the people.
President of the European Council is determined to stay united after Brexit vote

President of the European Council Donald Tusk has said that its 27 member states will meet next week to discuss the future of the institution after Britain voted to leave the bloc on Thursday.

Tusk said he had spoken to EU leaders in the past few days and the union had been prepared for the result and was determined to keep its unity.

There is no hiding the fact that we wanted a different outcome of yesterdays referendum, he said to reporters in Brussels on Friday.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Donald Tusk

There is no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event  especially for the UK. It is a historic moment, but not a moment for hysterical reactions.

Tusk said that informal discussions between the other members would take place next week in order to organise what course of action they will take before official negotiations begin after Britain has officially declared its intention to leave.

Tusk was defiant however, as he said - "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

Priority will be given in the coming weeks to trying to stop the spread of anti-European feeling throughout the rest of the bloc after the UK's dramatic vote.
Long-running dispute between Spain and the UK over territory

Spain's foreign minister said that he laments Britain's decision to leave the European Union, but that it's good news for the country's claim over Gibraltar.

Co-sovereignty in Gibraltar is now closer than ever, Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo told a radio station on Friday, according to reports from Madrid.

The Spanish flag is closer to flying on the Rock, but no-one should think that I am celebrating this situation.

There has long been a disagreement over the small territory's standing and plenty of friction exists between the two governments surrounding the issue.

Spanish government representatives have long argued that Brexit could help shift the debate on this sensitive issue, if only because join EU membership currently provides the legal base for keeping open the border between Spain and Gibraltar  the only land crossing into the territory.

The territory voted overwhelmingly to Remain in the EU in Thursday's referendum, after being the first region top announce its results.

According to the official result, 96 per cent of the Gibraltar electorate voted in favour of Remain  the highest percentage of any voting area in the UK.
German chancellor calls for the EU's remaining sates to respond with level-headedness

Powerful German chancellor Angela Merkel has said that Britain's exit from the European Union will be a difficult pill to swallow - but that the show must go on.

Britons voted on Thursday to leave the European bloc after a tough and close-fought battle that has divided the public in the United Kingdom.

She also called on the other 27 EU states to be "willing and capable" to analyse the situation and come up with practical responses.

"There is no point beating about the bush," Merkel said. "Today represents a break in Europes history, a break in the process of European integration."

"What the consequences of this decision will be, depends on whether the other 27 member states will prove to be willing and capable to draw not hasty and simplified conclusions from the British vote that would only divide Europe further, but willing and capable to analyse the result with calm and level-headedness and make a joint decision on that basis."

"Today represents a break in Europes history" Angela Merkel

The chancellor appealed to other European nations that they should remain part of the bloc, as modern challeneges make it too difficult for individual states to thrive.

"In a world which is growing ever more closely intertwined, challenges are too great for individual states to manage on their own. The European Union is one of the biggest markets in the world. It has to act as an engaged global partner, shaping and wanting to shape globalisation. "

The chancellor appealed to other European nations that they should remain

Merkel has invited the premiers of France and Italy, as well as the president of the European Council Donald Tusk, to meet in Berlin next week in order to salvage the wreckage of Thursday's vote.

"While the negotiations are ongoing, Britain remains a member of the EU. All the rights and commitments that pertain to this membership are to be respected and fulfilled until the actual exit."

"Ladies and gentlemen, the European Union is strong enough to find the right answers to todays events. Myself and the entire government are fully committed to that."
Current and ex-First Ministers Sturgeon and Salmond say that Scotland wants to stay in EU

Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond have both called for a second referendum on Scottish independence after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union on Thursday.

First minister Sturgeon has promised she will push for the second referendum as she said in April that if they were forced out of the bloc against their will there would be serious consequences.

"Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status," she said.

"Scotland has contributed significantly to the Remain vote across the UK." Nicola Sturgeon

"Scotland has contributed significantly to the Remain vote across the UK. That reflects the positive campaign the SNP fought, which highlighted the gains and benefits of our EU membership, and people across Scotland have responded to that positive message."

Sturgeon has consistently threatened to call a second referendum. Speaking in April, she said: The Scottish parliament should have the right to hold another referendum if there is clear and sustained evidence that independence has become the preferred option of a majority of the Scottish people.

Former first minister Alex Salmond, who fought for independence in the first referendum in September 2014, also said that the time has come for a second vote. Two years ago around 55 percent of the public voted to remain within Britain, with one of their greatest fears being that that voting to leave the UK would mean they would no longer be part of the EU.

"Scotland looks like it is going to vote solidly Remain. If there was a Leave vote in England, dragging us out the EU, I'm quite certain Nicola Sturgeon would implement the SNP manifesto.
Shares reeled at the start of trading, as markets reacted to the 'shock' decision by Britons to withdraw from the European Union, with traders anxious to be better able to gauge what the extent of the fall-out for financial markets and the economy might be.

After 43 years, and in a historic referendum, the UK voted to leave the EU.

As was expected, the Bank of England issued a statement before the start of trading in London saying that it was monitoring developments closely.

In another shock development, the Prime Minister announced he would step down.

Among other things, that appeared to imply that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty - starting the two-year countdown to formally finalise the UK's exit - would not be triggered on Friday.

Both Michael Gove and Boris Johnson had asked Cameron not to rush into a decision to trigger Article 50.

As of 0827 BST, the Footsie was 437.16 points or 6.90% lower at 5,900.94, 'outperforming' European stocks by a slight margin.

Holger Schmieding at Berenberg said: "Expect central banks to offer all the liquidity that may be needed to prevent any shortage of liquidity in the financial system, with swap arrangements among each other so that the liquidity can be offered in the currency required. That the European Central Bank is buying sovereign and corporate bonds worth 80bn per month anyway limits the risk of a dramatic blowout in yield spreads as markets ratchet into risk-off mode.

"What we had seen as the most significant risk to the political and economic outlook for the UK and, to a lesser extent, for the European Union as a whole, seems to be materialising."

Over on the Continent, shares were getting walloped, with Germany's Dax down by 8.25% or 809.39 points to 9,447.64 and the Cac-40 off by 9.73% or 434.37 points at 4,034.98.

In parallel, cable was lower by 7.88% at 1.3704 while the US dollar/yen cross was off by 3.31% to 102.65.

Other asset classes were seeing similar moves, with front month Brent crude futures down by 4.5% to $48.74 per barrel on the NYMEX.

Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo Markets, said: Following a one-week rally on hopes that the campaign tide had turned back towards Remain, we expect the hardest hit stocks to be financials (banks, insurance) followed by housebuilders, with commodities related-names (miners, oil) following close behind.

No FTSE 350 companies released any statements at 0700 BST via the regulatory news service (RNS), though the competition regulator reported on the conclusion of its energy market investigation. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) set out what it said were a more than 30 measures "to modernise the market for the benefit of customers" after it found that customers have been paying 1.4bn a year more than they would in a fully competitive market.

In its latest global equity strategy note, Credit Suisse said it would cut its FTSE 100 year-end target by 6% and its Euro Stoxx 50 target by 12% in the event of a Brexit. The Swiss bank said that in a full Brexit scenario  where Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union is invoked almost immediately  its FTSE 100 year-end target would drop to 6,200 from 6,600, while its S&P 500 target would decline to 2,000 from 2,150 and its Euro Stoxx 50 target would slip to 2,950 from 3,350.
Executives at EasyJet wrote on Friday to the UK government and the European Commission asking them to prioritise Britain remaining a part of the European Union's aviation market.

Management also expressed "confidence" that the vote would not have a material impact on its strategy or its ability to deliver long-term sustainable earnings growth and returns to shareholders.

Easyjet said that was necessary to ensure EU airlines would be able to fly freely within the UK and between the UK and EU.

The budget airline carrier further pointed out that it had been preparing for "this eventuality" in the lead up to the referendum vote and had been working on a number of options that would allow it to continue flying in all of its markets.

Carolyn McCall, easyJet Chief Executive said: "We remain confident in the strength of easyJet's business model and our ability to continue to deliver our successful strategy and our leading returns.

"We have today written to the UK Government and the European Commission to ask them to prioritise the UK remaining part of the single EU aviation market, given its importance to trade and consumers."
Despite the post-Brexit bloodbath in equity markets on Friday, there were a few stocks in the black.

Defence and aerospace firm Rolls-Royce racked up the strongest gains, followed closely by beverage can maker Rexam. Pharmaceutical group GlaxoSmithKline was also higher, along with AstraZeneca.

Some of the defensive stocks are outperforming the FTSE this morning given the shock result from referendum, said Jawaid Afsar, senior trader at Securequity.

AstraZeneca and Glaxo are defying the gloom, with the weaker pound helping as these companies are dollar earners. Utilities will be sought for their defensive nature, excluding SSE, which could come under pressure if Scotland was to demand its own referendum.

As far as Rolls-Royce is concerned, Guardian Stockbrokers director of trading Atif Latif said: Bearing in mind that most of the revenue is outside the EU, this news has brought some buying.

RR said on Friday that while Brexit was not the outcome it would have chosen, two thirds of its revenue and three quarters of its order book are generated outside the EU, so there will be no immediate impact on the day-to-day business.

Gold-related shares also got a boost as the yellow metal surged on its safe-haven appeal, with mid-caps Acacia Mining, Centamin and Randgold Resources all sharply higher.

At 1057 BST, the FTSE 100 was down 5% to 6,020.90 and the FTSE 250 was 8.3% weaker at 15,901.37.

The 250 index was expected to underperform the 100 as mid-caps are significantly more domestic than large caps and tend to underperform when sterling weakens.
Digitimes Research: Samsung Display, LG Display to keep expanding AMOLED capacities

Samsung Display and LG Display, in order to put pressure on competitors, has focused on AMOLED panels and will continue expansion of AMOLED production capacities, with combined AMOLED capacity to increase at a CAGR of 33.1% during 2015-2019, according to Digitimes Research.

The two companies' combined annual capacity for AMOLED panels will increase from 6.093 million square meters in 2015 to 19.1 million square meters in 2019, Digitimes Research indicated. If broken down by generation, combined annual AMOLED capacity at 8G and above factories will increase from 1.815 million square meters in 2015 to 7.079 million square meters in 2019, and at 4.5-6G factories from 4.278 million square meters to 12.021 million square meters.

Demand for smartphone-use AMOLED panels from Samsung Electronics and Apple alone in 2019 will exceed 420 million units. In addition to smartphones, AMOLED panels will be used in tablets, automotive displays and TVs.

Content from this article was part of a complete Digitimes Research Chinese-language report that has not yet been translated into English. If you are interested in an English version of the report or wish to receive more information about the report, click here to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Digitimes Research also provides quarterly tracking services for market sectors such as China Smartphone, China Smartphone AP, Taiwan ICT and Taiwan FPD. Click here for more information about Digitimes Research Tracking services.
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Over 40,000 more Ohioans have voted early compared to 2018

135,899 Ohioans have already cast their vote  over 40,000 more than at this point in the 2018 gubernatorial election.
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KODIAK, Alaska (AP)  The Coast Guard base in Kodiak is beefing up its security with a new system that will affect the military installation's civilian visitors.

The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports that all vendors, contractors and anyone seeking a day pass at the base will need to register through the new security system starting Sept. 1. Chief Warrant Officer Dale Stauffer says the new RAPIDGate security system from Sure ID Inc. is being adopted by all Coast Guard bases.





. . .
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By MICHAEL ARMSTRONG

The Homer News

HOMER, Alaska  On a good day when fishermen pull sea-bright king salmon out of the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon faster than the tide runs, the cleaning tables fill up with people cleaning their catch. You'd better watch your back  and the sky  lest a ravenous gull scoops down and snags a fish.

While trying to fillet their catches, anglers were under siege by a squadron of sky rats with the manners of turkey buzzards jazzed after power wolfing a commercial tanker of Red Bull, is how Homer News fishing columnist Nick Varney once described the assault.





. . .
A new detachment here will aim to boost personnel recovery readiness across the military.

Detachment 1 of the 414th Combat Training Squadron, out of Nellis AFB, Nevada, was activated today.

The new detachments mission is to increase readiness by conducting exercises meant to train personnel recovery forces. Using an application of joint service, multinational, interagency combat search and rescue exercises the team will focus on training personnel recovery though a simulated environment and real world scenarios.

We train at the tactical spectrum and the operational level for personnel recovery, said Maj. James M. Humphrey, detachment 1, 414th CTS director of operations. At the tactical level we have the PJs in the helicopters, HC-130s, ground teams and other assets from our partner services. At the operation level its coordinating and planning.

The team at Detachment 1 consists of experienced and diverse exercise management professionals. Their knowledge extends over specialties such as survival, evasion, resistance and escape, aircraft maintenance, and logistics.

They can walk away after being exposed to highly dynamic and challenging scenarios and learning those lessons so they dont have to learn them in combat, Humphrey said. At the end of the day we want people to learn lessons here in an environment we can control while exposing them to things that can hopefully improve the execution of a real-world mission.

They will plan one of the Air Forces significant training events, Angel Thunder, a Joint National Training Capability accredited and certified exercise. Angel Thunder allows the HC-130J Combat King and the HH-60G Pave Hawk to come together with pararescuemen, combat rescue officers and SERE specialists, to practice real world personnel recovery.

The guys out there fighting the fight know that were not going to leave them out there, said Humphrey. It gives them the courage to get out the door, accomplish the mission and know they wont be left behind.

Participants will leave the exercise with a better understanding of finding innovative, unconventional approaches to enhance the Air Forces established PR capabilities.

I think they are going to walk away with an experience they never had, working with assets that arent normally available, said Lt. Col. Christopher Cunningham, Detachment 1, 414th CTS commander. They get the chance to work with international partners who have had different rescue experiences in different environments.
The Air Force Reserve partnered with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration organization to pay tribute to 22 veterans during a Vietnam recognition ceremony here June 21.This Air Force Reserve event is in support of the 50th Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program. Veterans from the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, Washington Veterans Affairs Medical Center and two reserve staff family members attended the event.This congressionally recognized program is dedicated to honoring Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, said Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, chief of Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command.As part of the ceremony, veterans were given a commemorative pin in recognition of their contributions to the war. Retired Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught, president emeritus of the Womens Memorial and fighter ace Col. Chuck DeBellevue, spoke about their Vietnam experiences at the event.It is nice that they are recognizing the service we provided and they are now realizing that the military is an important part of what this country is all about, said DeBellevue.Retired Lt. Col. Ron Schuh was excited to visit the Pentagon for the ceremony. After Saigon fell, I flew fighters in the Reserve, worked as a liaison officer for the Air Force Academy and in the defense industry for many years, said Schuh.Schuh said World War II and Korea veterans have received a great deal of recognition. A huge number of people served in Southeast Asia and the reception when we got back was not very good and I do think it had an impact on a lot of guys, said Schuh.DeBellevue wore the congressional gold medal that was awarded to the American Fighter Association June 15, 2015. He wanted to be part of the event while he was in town visiting family.We left active duty a long time ago and some of the stories we tell help those that follow us understand what we went through, said DeBellevue.For more information on the 50th Vietnam Commemorative Partner Program, visit http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/
Negotiations at the Seoul Nuclear Suppliers Group special session threatened to stretch past midnight on Thursday, as reports said "several" countries remained opposed to the possibility of non-signatories to the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) like India being admitted to the group. Earlier in the evening, India received a major boost to its chances when the NSG agreed to hold the discussion on its candidature. Government sources claim the "key meeting" had seen some clarity, with a "consensus minus one", indicating that China was the only holdout  though other reports said several countries, now including BRICS partner Brazil, continued to oppose India's membership. The meeting that began at 9 pm with all heads of delegations present, stretched far longer than diplomats expected. While concerns from Turkey, Ireland, Austria and New Zealand had been voiced in the past as well, even Brazil is believed to have spoken at the session opposing a change to what are seen as a "core value" of the 48-member NSG. India has maintained that signing the NPT is not a prerequisite for becoming a member of the NSG. Significantly, the Indian team led by foreign secretary S Jaishankar had met with the Brazilian delegation in a series of meeting on the sidelines of the summit earlier in the day. The Hindu cited a source as saying that "deliberations have not moved beyond the NPT question, and we are yet to discuss India's case specifically". The news of the impasse follows a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent, which failed to bring a positive statement of support from China for India's candidature. China continues to argue for all non-NPT applicant countries  in other words, India and Pakistan  to be treated equally. During the meeting Modi urged Xi to make a "fair and objective assessment of India's application and judge it only on its own merit", according to external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup. Although the NSG meeting is a closed-door affair, diplomatic sources from several countries have confirmed their delegation head will attend the session convened by Argentinian chairperson Rafael Grossi. Both Argentina and host South Korea have been supportive of India's case for membership in the past year, and delegates from both countries are understood to have worked on setting up a special formal session on Thursday evening. In a series of statements this week, China has maintained that the issue of non-NPT countries like India applying for membership is not on the agenda in Seoul. But several countries are understood to have raised India's case during the first day of the two-day plenary on Thursday. Japan is understood to have even ''welcomed'' India's application, calling for it to be considered. Besides Jaishankar, an expert in nuclear issues who has served in high profile positions in Indian missions in the US, China, Russia and Japan (key countries in the NSG), the Indian team includes its top official on nuclear issues Amandeep Singh Gill, who has negotiated the details of India's civil nuclear agreements and MoUs with countries including Canada, the US, Australia and Japan in the past few years. Also in Seoul is India's Ambassador to South Korea Vikram Doraiswami, who has served in the PMOs of both Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, and handled the America desk during the crucial phases of the India-US civil nuclear engagement. In the past few days, countries like the US, the UK and France have made public proclamations of support to India's bid, calling on other members to follow suit, while Russian President Putin said that India's case was ''special'' and must be supported within the ambits of international law.








Cameron, Osborne the losers; Johnson, Farage triumphant

Here are the major winners and losers from the UK's EU membership referendum as seen by AFP, after the country voted to leave the 28-member alliance today:

LOSERS

David Cameron: There was widespread agreement among experts before the referendum that the Prime Minister, who put everything on the line for a 'Remain' vote, could not survive losing.

He promised to call the vote in 2013 on the basis of reforms that he ultimately secured in February this year, and used the power of his Conservative government to warn of the economic risks of leaving the EU.

In a letter to the Prime Minister released after polls closed on Thursday, 84 leading Brexit campaigners including former London mayor Boris Johnson, tipped as a likely successor, urged Cameron to stay on.

''We believe whatever the British people decide, you have both a mandate and a duty to continue leading the nation implementing our 2015 manifesto,'' they wrote.

But this was not to be, as Cameron has announced his resignation, and many believe a leadership contest is now inevitable (See: Cameron quits as PM; Scotland, Ireland in turmoil).

George Osborne: A political and personal ally of Cameron, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne stood by his side during the campaign and fronted many of the warnings of the economic risks of a Brexit.

Although long tipped as a future Conservative leader, his fervent support for 'Remain', including calling his rivals ''economically illiterate'' for backing the 'Leave' campaign, has lost him many friends in the party.

The Daily Telegraph dubbed him the ''kamikaze chancellor'' after he warned in the final days that a 'Leave' vote would force him to rip up his current budgetary plans, slash funding to schools and hospitals and raise taxes.

Jeremy Corbyn: The socialist leader of the main opposition Labour Party was criticised for his lukewarm support for the 'Remain' campaign and he is likely to be blamed for the decision by swathes of Labour voters to back a Brexit.

WINNERS

Boris Johnson: The former London mayor was a key figurehead in the official campaign for Britain to leave the EU, urging Britain to ''take back control'' from Brussels.

His charisma and unorthodox approach to politics won over many voters, and ensured he was always in the headlines - not always for the right reasons.

The Conservative lawmaker was widely criticised for claiming that the EU was behaving like Hitler in trying to create a superstate.

But he has long been the bookmakers' favourite to replace Cameron. Critics accused him of having his eye on Downing Street more than getting Britain out of the EU.

Nigel Farage: The vote to leave the European Union is a culmination of 25 years of campaigning for the leader of the far-right UK Independence Party (UKIP).

A surge in support for Farage's anti-immigration, anti-establishment party helped force Cameron into calling the referendum three years ago.

But the Member of European Parliament was widely condemned by fellow members of the Brexit camp for his relentless focus on how leaving the EU would help cut levels of immigration to Britain.

Some commentators linked a UKIP poster of refugees queuing to get into Europe under the headline ''Breaking Point'' to the murder of pro-EU Labour lawmaker Jo Cox last week (British Labour MP shot dead ahead of Brexit referendum).

Michael Gove: The justice minister and hitherto Cameron loyalist was the most high-profile Conservative cabinet minister to break ranks with the prime minister.

He said the Prime Minister made a ''depressing'' case for staying in, although he managed better than many of his colleagues in holding off in personal attacks on Cameron.

Too early to tell

Nicola Sturgeon: Scotland's First Minister and leader of the secessionist Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon had strongly backed a vote to remain in the EU.

She had threatened to call a second referendum on Scottish independence if - as happened on Thursday - the rest of Britain votes out but Scotland votes in.
Independent TD Thomas Pringle told the Democrat today, " if the Brexit vote brings an end to the EU itself, I wouldn't be too sorry about that.

"It's been negative for the county and nationally, over the last 6-7 years, we've seen the EU's economic warfare against Ireland."

With regard to this week's huge fall in the value of sterling, he said that is nothing new.

"Nobody knows exactly what the impacts will be. A lot has been made lately about the fall in sterling but, in Donegal, we've always lived with these currency fluctuations so nothing has really changed in that regard."

In contrast, Fianna Fail's Pat the Cope Gallagher TD, who spent many years as an MEP, warned,"The immediate impact will be seen in Donegal and the border counties first. It will take up to three years for the exit to take effect but we're already seeing the results in the reaction of markets across the world."

Saying he's "extremely disappointed" at the outcome of the vote, he commented, "I see no way around it. We'll have to see border controls again."
Halloween creatures  owls, crows and bats  all live at Crossroads, and that makes us very happy, for these scary animals make a positive contribution to the habitats of the preserve. We don't even mind black cats, IF they are kept indoors. Feral and outdoor cats are exceedingly harmful to wildlife ... and that's not a superstition! But to tamp down superstitions, we at Crossroads will spend the week demystifying Halloween creatures.

On October 28, 2022, at 6 p.m. will be our Evening with Owls. The Open Door Bird Sanctuary will be at Crossroads, offering a one-hour presentation followed by the opportunity to meet and greet live birds. Learn all about owls and the other incredible birds in the care of the Sanctuary!

Down through the centuries, in many cultures throughout the world, owls have been associated with evil and death. Truth is, owls probably are not smart enough to be evil. But researchers agree that owls are about as dim as the nighttime forests in which they hunt.

Owls don't need to be smart. They have everything else going for them. They are muscular. They fly silently. Their huge eyes enable them to see in the dark. Their beaks and talons are strong and wickedly sharp. But their sensitive ears are what make owls extraordinary hunters.

Most people assume that the plumicorns (a.k.a. "horns) of an owl are its ears. Not so.

The actual ears lie under feathers on the sides of the head, and they aren't symmetrical. Because one ear is higher than the other and the ears are unequal in size, sound is different from different directions, helping owls locate prey, which they do almost unfailingly, even in total darkness.

Owls do not smell their prey. As with most birds, the sense of smell is insignificant, if it exists are all. Great Horned Owls frequently prey on skunks. Enough said.

But well-developed intelligence? Researchers have observed owls beating their wings on bushes to try to flush out little birds. Is this learned behavior? Is it problem-solving?

Maybe.

For the most part, owls do not have a lot of problems to solve. They appropriate abandoned nests of other birds, so they don't need building skills. They are stealthy by nature, and they pounce on and usually catch anything they hear, so they don't need hunting techniques.

In spite of ghost stories, legends of American First People, and superstitions from Europe and India, hooting owls do not foretell impending death, although their nocturnal calls are spooky. We hear them now and then this time of year, but we will regularly hear those eerie calls at Crossroads in January or February.

In contrast to owls, crows are noisy all year round and they are amazingly intelligent. They can learn. They can remember. They can solve problems. They can even identify individual humans. And they detest owls, though whether this is innate or learned behavior is not clear.

Those curious about crows will want to attend the Crossroads Book Club on Wednesday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m. This month, the book Crow Planet, Essential Wisdom for the Urban Wilderness by Lyanda Lynn Haupt will explore the fascinating world of these remarkable birds. The program is free and open to all, whether or not they have read the book.

So bring the family to our program on owls, learn about crows at the Crossroads Book Club, or learn about bats at our pre-school Junior Nature Club on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. or our Family Science Saturday program at 2:00 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but not required at Junior Nature Club and Science Saturday, and adult visitors are welcome.
dpa ElectionsData

With dpa ElectionsData you get access to a unique collection of data. Via a programming interface (Rest-API), your developers can access detailed information, candidate profiles and live results for all national elections in the European Union and important international elections, like the US Midterm elections etc.

The data pool also includes all heads of state and government as well as about 20,000 elected members of parliament throughout the EU. In addition to their data (name, party, constituency or list position), we collect social media profiles and official websites of individuals and parties.
The Government's document called 'Bringing Government nearer to the people' which set out the local government reforms brought in two years ago, was 'the greatest fallacy of all time', the outgoing chairman of Louth County Council said on Monday.

Fianna Fail's Cllr Peter Savage said that in most European countries governments concern themselves with national and international policy while the day-to-day running of their cities and towns is left to local government. But that is not the case here.

In Ireland the Government and its collection of divinely inspired bureaucrats remind me of a clucking hen, hell bent on pulling all eggs or indeed chicks under their ever extending wingspan, the father of the house said at the county council's agm.

Town councils were abolished because it was claimed local authorities zoned too much land, but central government had the final say in land zoning.

And nobody in central government has admitted their role in the creation of the health system, Irish Water, the housing crisis and the numerous other failed policies.

These were all public services that local councils had been managing with much greater effect.

Councils no longer have the money to fix the roads.

If you have a problem with water, you can no longer go to a local councillor but have to 'dial a plethora of numbers to a call centre in Cork to have your concerns addressed'.

We travel out of the county to a supermarket in Meath to renew our driving licences, he said.

Local councils are no longer able to build council houses, although that might partially change because the Government realises the centralisation of the housing services has not worked.

But councils still collect money of behalf of central government as a result of policies they had little or no say in.

We are told to be good children and content ourselves with monitoring ourselves against a rigmarole of performance indicators set down by a relatively few civil servants in Dublin.

We pass and send notices of motions to Dublin which are sometimes acknowledged but there is never a carefully considered response.

We look for delegations but are never afforded an opportunity to express a view through such delegations, because they are not entertained.

Cllr Savage expressed frustration at the hinderance councillors experienced as they try to improve the quality of life and service for the people of the county.

My son, who has just spent four years working in South America, he said, has pointed out to me that the internet speeds in my area are slower than Bolivia, not to mention mobile phone coverage where we still have to hang out the window to receive or send a call.

Our monthly meetings are a social gathering to exchange views amongst ourselves, to query our own staff or to be quoted in the local papers.

But they are not something that will significantly change the housing crisis, rearrange the deplorable health situation or improve the quality of life for our citizens.

He said bitter experience had made him cynical and to doubt that the situation will change, but he thanked all the councillors for having him as chairman over the past 12 months, vice chairperson Dolores Minogue, and chief executive Joan Martin and executives Frank Pentony, Joe McGuinness, Bernie Woods, Paddy Donnelly, and Emer O'Gorman, for their cooperation.

He was supported by Cllr Mark Dearey and thanked by the new chairman, Labour's Paul Bell, for 'an inspiring speech'.

Cllr Bell is the first Labour Party councillor to hold the office since Cllr Peter Moore back in 1979.

Cllr Bell said he wanted to work for fairness and to ensure inclusiveness of all the citizens of the county.

Cllr Tomas Sharkey of Sinn Fein was among those who thanked Cllr Savage and wished Cllr Bell well, but he said there is little point in talking about inclusiveness and fairness when parties form a voting coalition to exclude one party from holding office. He reminded all that this very move was excluding one-in-three of those who voted in the local elections.

Cllr Conor Keelan of Fianna Fail was elected vice chairman when he defeated Cllr Tom Cunningham of Sinn Fein.
The murder of British MP Jo Cox was recalled at Monday's meeting of Louth County Council where councillors expressed their sympathy and their condemnation of the murder, a murder that has left a family bereaved and a nation in shock.

The new council chairman said she was carrying out the function she was elected to do.

As well as a brutal murder it was an attack on society itself and democracy.

Cllr Mark Dearey said the killing of Jo Cox comes at a time when public discourse has become angry and that discourse must be brought back to a place where it becomes a democratic expression.

Cllr John McGahon also spoke about the effect and the power of rhetoric and the need for everyone to use it responsibly in a time of mass communication.

Cllr Maria Doyle spoke of the tragic loss of a mother and public servant and Cllr Tomas Sharkey said that as well as serving as a politician Jo Cox had worked for Oxfam and human rights throughout the world.

Cllrs Liam Reilly, Dolores Minogue and Colm Markey were among those who paid sincere tributes to the young MP murdered last Friday.
A few weeks before the Easter Rising a book of short stories by Padraig Pearse was published here in Dundalk, in this very building where The Democrat is published.

In 1916 this building was the home of William Tempest, printers and publishers, and of course it is still known as the Tempest building.

The book, An Mhathair agus scealta eile, by Henry Godfrey Tempest, eldest son of William Tempest.

Earlier this year a copy of the book, signed by Pearse, sold at an auction for 3,750. When this came to the attention of Dundalgan Press, the precursor of the Tempest publishing house, they decided to investigate as there were no existing copies at their premises which is now on Coes Rd Dundalk.

There was one copy, in a very poor condition in the National Library, said Liam Gaynor of Dundalgan Press. So we went to the Folklore Department at UCD. Criostoir Mac Carthaigh managed to find one in the university archive.

Another man who helped tremendously with the publication is Liam Mac Mathuna, emeritus professor of Irish at UCD, who is an authority on Padraig Pearse and has played a major role in the preservation of St Endas, the school founded by Pearse.

Liam Gaynor of Dundalgan Press is supervising the publication of the book. Over the past twelve years Liam has helped produce some magnificent publications at Dundalgan.

These included photographic collections of life in Dundalk during the 20th century.

These have proved to be a great historical record of the town. Many of these photographs came from collections that had been hidden away in boxes that nobody knew existed, but Liam managed to discover their owners, or was approached by them, and the results is a remarkable account of the industrial, social, and day-today living of the people of Dundalk from 1910 to 1980.

This of course carries on the Tempest tradition. Harry Tempest was an artist and an author, as well as a publisher.

He was involved in the Gaelic League, which was very strong in Dundalk at the turn of the 20th century.

He was a friend of the artist Arthur Murnan and it was through him that he became acquainted with Padraig Pearse, said Liam. And I believe thats how An Mhathair got published by Tempests.

Of course all great publishers have a story about the one that got away and Tempests is no exception.

Back in the 1940s an unknown farmer from Inniskeen was down at the Egg Market here in Crowe Street - where my great-grandmother used to sell eggs from her farm - and he decided to call into Harry Tempest with the manuscript of the novel he had written, under his arm.

He gave it to Harry and went off. A few weeks later he called in.

Well, what did you think of that, said the farmer. Did you feel the buzz?

This was of course Paddy Kavanagh from Inniskeen.

But with great courtesy, Harry Tempest, declined the offer, and Kavanagh went off, no doubt to be consoled with the buzz of a Jameson.

He had more luck round the corner in Earl Street, where The Democrat then lived. The paper published his first poems.

The book was The Green Fool and harry Tempests reluctance to publish it is understandable. Too many people in it sounded remarkably like too many people who were still alive.

But that certainly was the one that got away.

Dundalgan Press are now in the process of re-issuing An Mhathair agus Scealta Eile by Padraig Pearse in a special limited edition.

The book consists of six short stories written by Pearse in the Irish language and in the traditional gaelic script.

This limited facsimile numbered edition with subscription list is hand bound and presented in a handmade cloth bound slipcase.

It is priced at 100.

Twenty-six deluxe copies quarter bound in goat skin and alphabetised A-Z will be presented in a handmade cloth bound slipcase. Price 250.

To reserve your copy contact Dundalgan Press (W Tempest) Industrial Estate Coe's Road Dundalk. Tel: (042) 9335376. Email: info@dundalganpress.ie.
The steps prospective startup founders and franchisees must take to hit the ground running, and the common mistakes they should avoid, were revealed to Dynamic Business in a recent Q&A session with Dan Newton, the CEO of Snap Fitness Australia.

Since joining Snap Fitness nine months ago, Newton said he has made it his mission to transform the companys internal processes and expand its offering to ensure it, like its members, remains a healthy business for years to come.

Part one: running a business

What are the biggest mistakes business owners make?

In todays market, new business owners, including franchisees, launch a business operation with the intention of experiencing significant success, but it is only the smart and committed that end up making it. The two most common mistakes I see are:

One: franchisees who are disconnected from their operations

Those who come with the dream that their business is a turnkey solution (i.e. that a new business can be left to perform on its own just with the simple application of a good location, a quality fit out and a competitive price point) are normally met with a firm dose of reality.

In todays market, the most successful franchises have high engagement from their owners. Those owners who have a careful watch on the customer experience/satisfaction and those that always stay on top of presentation and upkeep of the facility are normally the examples that set apart the great performers.

Two: owners who believe what worked last year will work this year

I see it time and time again. Innovation and staying ahead of the competition has to be part of any new business owners strategy.

Our business moves very quickly, and if an owner is not the one adding value to a franchise with evolving opportunities, then it is a given that the competition will be.

Stay ahead or fall way behind is the best advice to any new owner wanting to be successful.

What was the best business advice you were ever given?

Business is a game of people. The best advice I have had to date is to surround myself with people that are smarter and more experienced than myself. It is always proven that a team of engaged experts should be a leaders first and most important focus.

What are your tactics for managing growth?

Growth is not always just about spinning the sales wheel as fast as possible with aggressive promotional campaigns/incentive plans. I find when managing a multisite business, and especially as it reaches maturity, it is crucial to balance a targeted acquisition program where you can be specific enough to attract and appeal to new business in a targeted way while ensuring new interest flows steadily and yields high conversion.

This is coupled with a constant value add strategy to the current asset or business. Whether that is managing the current satisfaction of accounts, finding ways to evolve the core product or always challenging the internal stakeholders to introduce technology that either improves the experience or finds business efficiencies.

How important is it to keep abreast of industry trends?

In our industry, like many others, we work through cycles or macro trends whereby every 6-8 years there are huge changes to products, programs and demand for the service type evolves. Smart businesss ride the acceleration phase in those trending areas, but those who are able to stay ahead with innovation and those who find ways to be first to market (in given areas) are normally the business owners who are able to maximise performance and outlast the competition.

How important is marketing for start-ups?

Marketing for any start up is essential, not just for traditional interest generation to drive sales, but to appropriately position the product or service in the given local market.

Being a part of large chain like Snap Fitness is helpful, as the brand comes with certain credibility and stature, but this does not solve all problems; as the fight will always be at the local level. This is why it is so important to market the core USPs and features / benefits of each facility clearly to the market, to ensure the prospect or member sees the value clearly above the other choices they have in their market.

What are your 5 top tips for running a successful business?

Know your product and what makes it superior, and be able to clearly articulate this to all stakeholders

Choose your staff carefully, develop them often, measure engagement daily and celebrate often.

Create a compelling scorecard for success. Ensure the scorecard looks at multiple areas (not just commercials). Ensure this is quantifiable and regularly communicated.

Know your competition. Always make time to investigate what your customers are inevitably comparing you against.

Always have one eye on the future. Business is about creating value in the form of a transaction for a better future, creating value is a dynamic journey that will never end.

Part two: franchising

What are the benefits of investing in a franchise as opposed to starting your own business?

Franchising is the investment into a proven business solution and an aligned roadmap to direct a franchise to success. A franchise system is set up to ensure an operator can benefit from the brand equity and scale and as part of the investment, pass over proven systems and processes to individual business units to maximise performance and sustainability.

What should you look for when investing in a franchise?

A new franchisee should be extremely clear with the current status of franchise operations, and should also mark this against year on year comparisons. It is important to get a clear understanding into;

the top performers (to understand the upside to a given franchise opportunity)

the average or (median) performance of the entire network.

the bottom end; to clearly see the trend of club drop offs and closures.

It is also very important to understand where the business is going, what the macro business strategy is and how is it planning to get there. Clearly understand the business investment and the direction as it applies to the future development of the brand.

Where do many franchisees go wrong when investing?

Calculated investment into machines and physical assets are important, but without continuous investment into people; which includes strategies around recruitment, incentives and development programs, it will not create the optimum ROI.
Love is encompassing. It knows no age, color, religion, race, or sex. So why limit what love is because of gender discrimination and preference. I believe we support each other, make each other happy, as long as we dont hurt anyone in the process.

#FreeLove is a campaign in support of the LGBT International Pride Month, which is June. It showcases headshots of human beings who choose to love, in spite- and despite of.

FREELOVE is in support of the 2016 Metro Manila Pride Festival happening on the 25th of June 2016 at Luneta, Manila. To see all the gorgeous people in support of the movement and for more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/metromanilapride.

Its that time of the year when members of the LGBT community, family, friends and allies proudly share their love in unity with the rest of the world. Asking nothing but respect  respect for life, respect for dignity, respect for basic human rights.

The LGBT are the recipients of moral judgment, discrimination, and often violence. The endless cycle continues to grow and cultivates oppression. Loving someone of the same sex remains to be forbidden and unacceptable in many parts of the world.

All they want is to be given a chance to be. Love freely because love is freeing.

Project Headshot Clinic and ZALORA Philippines with The Red Whistle, Metro Manila Pride and Pineapple Lab collaborated to echoe the need to freelove. No room for hate. face reality with boldness and screaming passion for the unconditional, immeasurable, boundless and wonderful thing that is love. So regardless of your sexual orientation and gender identity, we embrace, we acknowledge. That is what FREELOVE campaign is all about.

ZALORA Philippines, the countrys online fashion destination, is using its platform to stand up for FREELOVE. Dedicated to supporting LGBT pride, through fashion as a powerful form of self-expression, ZALORA Philippines invites you to embrace love and shop for a cause: www.zalora.com.ph/FREELOVE

Project Headshot Clinic or HSC is a digital platform created by photographer Niccolo Cosme in 2006. It combines stylized and conceptualized profile photos used online and socially relevant advocacies. You may check out www.HeadshotClinic.com for more details.

To see more of the beautiful photographs and people who support the campaign find us on social media #FREELOVEph #lovewins #Pride2016 #LoveIsLove #LetLoveIn #MetroManilaPride @ZaloraPH @HeadshotClinic www.HeadshotClinic.com www.Zalora.com.ph/FREELOVE

Stay in love and gorgeous everyone!
What if the Dilbert guy is right?

Donald Trump gave a bizarre, lie-ridden fantasy of a speech attacking Hillary Clinton on Wednesday. And according to his target audience, it wasnt just good. It was a literal knockout.

Dilbert-creator Scott Adams has become the spokesman of the generally older, white, male-r people who take great erotic pleasure in the rise of Trump. He tweeted that Trumps speech was best persuasion I have ever seen. Game over. Now running unopposed.

Sorry, 4 million people the Supreme Court stopped President Obama from protecting from deportation, were done!

Adams effusion continued on Thursday with a post about The Humiliation of the American Male in 2016. He traces what he sees Trumps ultimate triumph to a dishwasher detergent commercial and v-neck sweaters, which is the uniform of a man who is owned by a woman.

To Adams, Trump is the epitome of the man who would never expose his waddle by wearing a v-neck and Trump would never go back to the store to get the right kind of soap for Melania.

Ergo: I predict you will see the largest male turnout of any presidential election in American history.

Inevitably, American males will avenge their humiliation in the privacy of a voting booth, where their wives arent there to castrate them by trying to make them presentable or cleaning their f*cking dishes.

The stilted lingo and worldview of Mens rights  a movement thats upset that women are allowed to decide whom they have sex with  has been pervading conservative culture long before Trump and Adams took notice. This makes sense because it fits perfectly with the conservative Prime Directive, which is to pretend the powerful are being victimized to justify victimizing actual victims.

But is there something to Adams logic?

Are there enough white men in America to elect Donald Trump  and is wounded masculinity such a powerful issue it could win over men of all ethnic backgrounds?

Its possible. But remember theres a simple formula for this, as Greg Sargent has explained:

This is the demographic trap that analyst Ruy Teixeira and others have identified: The more Trump does to maximize gains among blue collar whites, the more he may anger and alienate nonwhites and socially tolerant college educated whites, potentially offsetting any gains Trump makes among the former. By the way, this trap could be further exacerbated if Trump disgusts white women in yuuuuge numbers.

Trump does seem to be disgusting women, in a historic way.

No Democratic presidential candidate since 1952 has carried most college-educated whites, but two national surveys released this week have showed Hillary Clinton leading Trump among them by at least six percentage points, Ron Brownstein explains.

But the theory that men could revolt when freed from their female overlords seems a little less ridiculous to me now that Ive listened to the first episode of Malcolm Gladwells new podcast Revisionist History, in which he used the waning success of a 19th century British painter Elizabeth Thompson to dissect the concept of tokenism and how difficult it really to break glass ceilings  and keep them broken.

Gladwell goes into the election of Australias first female prime minister Julia Gillard, who you can watch responding to the rampant misogyny she had to deal with from her opponents once she took power

The man she was calling out directly was Tony Abbot, the man who replaced her less than a year later.

So maybe the resistance men to seeing a woman in power is most substantive than we want to discuss. That would make Hillary Clintons primary victory and even her ability to compete for the presidency more impressive.

Adams himself congratulates Clinton, saying she effectively broke the glass ceiling on the most visible and important job in the nation. And says that her loss will be blamed on gender discrimination against women, an amazing tragedy in a country where v-neck sweaters have not been banned. This is a nice example of the tokenism that Gladwell dissects, where men congratulate women for their symbolic accomplishments, while sealing them off from actual power.

Or maybe the men like Adams who feel so humiliated by their wives, Hillary or brown people are just looking for anyone they can to blame for their failures and/or insecurities (which honestly have been exacerbated by conservative policies designed to undermine workers bargaining power and stability.) And their greatest humiliation will be in November, when they see just how few men who feel the same stinging sort of hurt there actually are.

[CC image credit: Gage Skidmore | Flickr]
The Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in Washington, D.C. is Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland. He has been a fierce progressive advocate during his tenure as Ranking Member, standing up to Republican absurdity and malfeasance during the Benghazi Inquisition, the Planned Parenthood Inquisition, and during hearing on the Flint water crisis where Republicans seemed more intent on hanging the responsibility for what happened in the beleaguered city on the federal government and the USEPA than on the true culprits: the Snyder administration.

Following the Flint water crisis hearings, Ranking Member Cummings said publicly that the Committee had not received all of the information they had requested from Gov. Rick Snyder. I reached out to Rep. Cummings to follow up on that and other issues related to Flint.

You were very outspoken about the role played by the Snyder administration in the Flint water crisis. Following the hearings, particularly the one where Michigan Governor Rick Snyder testified, you made statements that Gov. Snyder had not fully cooperated with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in terms of providing information that you had requested.

Where does that stand now? Have you received the information that you requested? If not, do you anticipate getting it?

I am extremely concerned that the Governor has not fully cooperated with the Committees requests, and he now appears to be openly defying Congress.

The Governor reversed his sworn testimony to the Committee and admitted that he deleted some emails. We may never know what those emails said.

The Committees requests are more comprehensive than the litigants requests. We asked for broader topics, search terms, and time frames. But the Governor has only produced to us the same documents he provided to the plaintiffs and the public. The Governors lawyer admitted that he did not even read our document request.

The documents we received have gaps in communications that raise serious questions. The documents show the Governor received only a handful of briefings on the Flint water crisis before October 2015, but none of the briefings after the switch to the Flint River in 2014 say what solutions were presented to the Governor.

The documents are missing many emails and correspondence sent to and from the Governor. By all accounts, Governor Snyder communicated regularly by email, and we now know he used multiple email addresses. Despite our repeated requests, he has refused to provide all of those email addresses.

Now that the Flint water crisis hearings have concluded, what further steps will the Committee be taking to ensure Flint is made whole and that nothing like this ever happens again in Flint or elsewhere?

The Committee needs to finish what we started and get answers and solutions for the people of Flint. Our investigation into how the lead crisis was caused and the inadequacy of the response can provide some of that, but the Governor has to cooperate.

Are there other Flint water crisis issues happening in other parts of the country that you are aware of? If so, is this part of a systemic problem nationally that requires federal policies and laws to address?

There is a national lead hazard. It is critical that Congress act to provide the funding needed to replace aging lead service lines across the country. In many places, lead is caused by the historical presence of lead in house paint. That is a significant problem in older, often low-income housing, and it is a particular problem in my hometown of Baltimore. We must do more to protect our children from lead poisoning risks associated with older housing.

But the failures of the Snyder Administration and his Department of Environmental Quality are unique. The poisoning of Flints water directly resulted from decisions in 2014 and 2015 by individuals appointed by Governor Snyder, including the heads of multiple agencies and members of Governor Snyders inner circle.

Governor Snyders push to reinvent Michigan resulted in dollars being valued more than people. Even today, the snails pace at which lead pipes are being replaced shows that the Governors values have not changed.

I am so concerned about this lack of progress that more than two months ago, on April 7, 2016, I wrote to the Governor to accept his offer to meet in order to discuss a way forward for Flint. I asked that the meeting include Mayor Weaver and Flint City Council President Kerry Nelson; unfortunately, I have yet to hear back from the Governor.

Ranking Member Cummings will be the keynote speaker at the Michigan Democratic Partys Justice Caucus 2016 Millie Jeffrey Awards Dinner this Sunday, June 26th. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, go to Justice4Michigan.org.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear Googles appeal of a lower court ruling in a suit alleging the company used deceptive practices in the sale and placement of advertising through its AdWords program between 2004 and 2008.

Google, a unit of Alphabet, sought to overturn the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals September 2015 ruling that the lawsuit could go forward as a class action case.

The case, originally filed in 2008, alleges that Google placed clients advertising on parked domain and error pages, where few if any advertisers would want to display their products. Google did not disclose that practice to its customers, according to court documents.

The Google AdWords program is an auction-based, online advertising platform that displays advertising on the Google search engine after users look up a particular search term. Google charges advertisers on a pay per click model. Error pages and parked domain generally are considered worthless sites.

Error pages generally appear when a person enters an unregistered URL into the address bar.

California Case

Googles ad placement practice violated California state laws, including the Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law, the suit maintains.

Because the case involves multiple plaintiffs seeking various degrees of individual damages, it should not be certified as class action, Google has argued.

Google declined to comment for this story, as the litigation is pending.

However, a source familiar with the case told the E-Commerce Times that Google disputes the original plaintiffs claims that the company made misleading comments about the possibility that ads would appear on error pages and parked domain sites.

Many of the advertisers benefited from having their ads appear on those pages, Google has said in court filings.

The case is limited to the 2004-2008 period, because Google changed its participation practices, making AdWords for Domains and AdWords for Errors opt-in.

Still, the class action suit could involve hundreds of thousands of advertisers and result in millions of dollars in damages.

Sites Considered Garbage

Google engaged in some pretty egregious conduct, said Robert Schubert, attorney with San Francisco law firm Schubert, Jonckheer & Kolbe, which is representing the plaintiffs in the case.

Google placed the ads on what the plaintiffs considered garbage sites, he told the E-Commerce Times.

The advertisers would have paid less money for the ads had they known they would be placed on those sites, Schubert said, adding that he hopes to get the case back to court within a year.

It is too early to tell what long-term impact the Supreme Courts rejection of the case could have on Google, said Rick Edmonds, media business analyst at the Poynter Institute.

Letting the suit go forward does not necessarily mean it will succeed, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Google generated $67 billion in ad revenue in 2015.

Just last month, it agreed to stop accepting ads for predatory payday loan services on its website. The company has taken steps over the years to reduce nuisance advertising on its search engine, disabling more than 780 million ads in 2015.
Shares of Tesla Motors fell sharply Wednesday after the company, helmed by Elon Musk, made an offer to buy SolarCity for US$2.8 billion.

Musk is the chairman and top shareholder of the struggling alternative energy provider.

Tesla made the offer Monday, in a letter to SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive, noting that Musk and Antonio Gracias, the founder and managing partner of Valor Equity Partners, would recuse themselves from voting on the proposal at the SolarCity board meeting. Both had recused themselves from the Tesla board meeting where the deal was approved.

Rive, a cofounder of SolarCity, is a first cousin to Musk. Gracias is the lead independent director at Tesla and a director at SolarCity.

The proposed deal would value SolarCity shares at $26.50 to $28.50 per share, representing a premium of 21 percent to 30 percent.

Integrating Energy

Blending SolarCity with Tesla, which includes Tesla Energy, maker of the Powerwall and Powerpack, would allow consumers to drive clean cars and use battery packs to consume energy more efficiently, according to Tesla.

During a Wednesday morning conference call, Musk made the case for integrating the manufacturing and sales of the Powerwall and solar panels.

These synergies are really just common sense. Obviously its more efficient to do this as an integrated system at the sale and at the installation, and in terms of just general maintenance and managing the customer relationship, he said.

However, investors balked at the idea, as they feared SolarCity would be an unnecessary weight on Teslas shoulders. Tesla is waging a fierce battle against several major technology firms and automakers to develop autonomous vehicles that would utilize much of the technology currently in use in its alternative-fuel vehicles.

With the proposed acquisition of SCTY, TLSA is contemplating what we believe is a fundamental change to its business model, even as the company argues it is within TSLAs Mission, says an Oppenheimer research note downgrading Tesla shares to perform.

Tesla Motors shares fell $22.95, or 10.45 percent to $196.66 on Wednesday.

Money Better Spent

Oppenheimer analysts, led by Colin Rusch, remained bullish on the solar energy industry but argued that acquiring SolarCity would not be the best use of Teslas capital and human resources, especially given the potential return on investment from the electricity industry compared to Teslas potential return on its new auto platform.

SolarCity could see benefits in terms of its capital position and operational leverage  including better engineering talent, improved brand position, and additional customer outreach, suggested Oppenheimer. However, the firm failed to see any major benefit to Tesla, other than potential leverage for its retail stores.

The deal might make sense from a long-term strategic perspective, suggested Matt DeLorenzo, managing editor at Kelley Blue Book.

Some of the investor concerns could have more to do with timing than anything else, he said.

Tesla is in the midst of ramping up production by a factor of 10 over current levels, DeLorenzo told the E-Commerce Times. To succeed, that effort will take a tremendous amount of cash, and I think investors are a little leery of diverting this much value to SolarCity rather than concentrating on Teslas core business.

More than 325,000 customers have made $1,000 down payments on the Model 3 since reservations opened at the end of March, and the company can ill afford to alienate those customers with long delays in delivery, DeLorenzo noted.

The $35,000 car  the companys most affordable vehicle to date  is expected to begin shipping in late 2017.

Despite the resistance, Teslas proposal has sparked some positive responses.

With this move to take over SolarCity, Tesla will create a future robust ecosystem synonymous with what Alphabet and Google is today, predicted Frost & Sullivan analyst Vishwas Shankar.

Also, having to manage one parent that looks into various aspects of the renewable energy-driven business will be easier than having to wear a different hat every day for Musk, Shankar told the E-Commerce Times.

Its likely that Hyperloop also will be integrated into the combined company, he suggested, at some point in the future.
Google Fiber, the high-speed Internet unit of Alphabet, has agreed to buy Webpass, a San Francisco-based broadband service provider that operates in five major metropolitan areas of the U.S., Webpass announced Wednesday.

The deal will allow the combined companies to accelerate the growth of high-speed Internet across the U.S., said Webpass President Charles Barr.

Webpass will remain focused on expanding Web access to residential and commercial buildings, mainly through point-to-point wireless infrastructure, he said.

Google Fibers resources will enable Webpass to grow faster and reach more customers than we could as a standalone company, Barr noted.

Webpass currently has tens of thousands of customers in Chicago, Boston, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay area, and the Miami area. In the Bay area, it operates in San Francisco, Emeryville, Oakland and Berkeley. In the Miami area, it operates in Miami, Miami Beach and Coral Gables.

The service costs US$60 a month or $550 per year.

Bay Area Battle

The deal comes months after Google engaged in a public battle against some leading U.S. broadband providers over access issues in the Bay Area.

Google was being denied access to various forms of build-out infrastructure, including above-ground telephone poles, Google attorney Austin Schlick wrote in a letter sent earlier this year to the California Public Utilities Commission.

Google already offered high-speed Internet access and video on the Stanford University campus and wanted to expand into other California markets, but it was given the runaround at every turn, Schlick complained.

Some infrastructure providers owners  are resisting their duty of providing non-discriminatory access, he wrote.

Acquiring Access

Google has discovered that placing fiber is actually pretty hard and expensive, said Mike Jude, program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

Solutions that reduce the cost to reach subscribers, especially in downtown built-up areas are attractive, he told the E-Commerce Times.

The issue is access, and Webpass has established access both in apartment buildings and on poles, noted broadband technology analyst Craig Settles.

Google is finding that incumbents, by their anticompetitive nature, do whatever they can to prevent upstart competitors from gaining traction in various markets, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Those delaying tactics can cost a company like Google valuable time. Webpass has done that work, and by acquiring this company, Google now has immediate access without the pain, Settles added.

I would imagine that Webpass has a number of deals in the works as well  and by the acquisition, Google would have access to those markets, he pointed out.

Further, Webpass has people skilled in working the municipal bureaucracies to gain access, as well as people skilled in construction, logistical implementation and several other skills, which Google probably sees as valuable acquisitions as part of the deal, Settles said.

Growing Pains

Google Fiber currently operates in Kansas City; Atlanta; Provo, Utah; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee. It is building out infrastructure in Charlotte, North Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; San Francisco; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; and San Antonio, Texas.

The company has announced plans to enter a number of major cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix and others. Just last week, it announced plans to try and gain approval for expansion into Dallas.

However, Google Fibers expansion has been hampered by intense government regulation and competition from rival broadband firms that have fought to keep out such a strong potential competitor.

Its as simple as this  backhoes dont scale, and neither do city permitting processes, Paul Teich, principal analyst at Tirias Research, told the E-Commerce Times. Teich is a resident of Austin, Texas, Google Fibers second major city.

Red Tape

The Webpass acquisition demonstrates that Google is actually serious about becoming a major player in the ultra high-speed Internet market, said analyst Jeff Kagan.

When this [Google Fiber] started, I think they just wanted to tweak existing providers to speed up their deployment, he told the E-Commerce Times. However, it seems now that Google wants to continue to be a player in this space.

The leader in the fiber space is, by far, AT&T Gigapower, which offers speeds of more than 1 gigabit per second, Kagan noted. The service earlier this year expanded across the U.S., providing connections to homes, apartments and small businesses in or near Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale and San Antonio.

The acquisition is scheduled to close this summer, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
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(Photo: REUTERS / Ben Gurr / Pool)speaks to students at a reception being held at Downing Street, as part of the government's ongoing programme marking the centenary of World War One, in London July 1, 2014.

Pope Francis has commented on Britain's decision to leave the European Union saying it must be followed by "guarantees" for the good of both Britain and the countries on the continent.

He was speaking to journalists aboard the Papal plane on his way to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, and said referendum result must be respected because it was wanted by the people, Vatican Radio reported.

"It was the will expressed by the people and this requires a great responsibility on the part of all of us to guarantee the good of the people of the United Kingdom, as well as the good and co-existence of the European continent" he said.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby and the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, the two most senior clerics in the Church of England also noted that the outcome had been determined by the people of this country.

At the same time the call on Britons to unite in their humanity following the 52 to 48 percent choice by voters on June 23 to leave the European Union, the first country to choose to leave the 28 nation bloc.

Global markets reacted with shock at the result which destabilizes Britain and the EU and British Prime Minister David Cameron who led the stay in Europe campaign announced his resignation on June 24.

"As citizens of the United Kingdom, whatever our views during the referendum campaign, we must now unite in a common task to build a generous and forward looking country, contributing to human flourishing around the world," said Welby and Sentamu in a joint statement.

"As citizens of the United Kingdom, whatever our views during the referendum campaign, we must now unite in a common task to build a generous and forward looking country, contributing to human flourishing around the world.

"We must remain hospitable and compassionate, builders of bridges and not barriers. Many of those living among us and alongside us as neighbors," they said.

Pollsters believe that a key factor in the bitterly contested vote was a surge in anti-migrant sentiment fueled by the out campaign that some in the stay campaign liked to a hate crusade.

A week before the historic vote a pro remain lawmaker Jo Cox, a former human rights worker who toiled for Syrian refugees was stabbed and gunned down outside her office in Batley, northern England.

A 52-year-old man charged with her murder when asked his name in court had said, "My name is death to traitors, freedom for Britain."

Campaigning was suspended for three days after her killing, but it did not have any known impact on how people voted.

2The referendum campaign has been vigorous and at times has caused hurt to those on one side or the other. We must therefore act with humility and courage  being true to the principles that make the very best of our nation," said the two Anglican leaders in their statement.
(Photo: REUTERS / Romeo Ranoco)A member of Migrante International, a Filipino migrant organization, displays a placard demanding legal assistance for her relatives during a protest outside the presidential palace in Manila February 21, 2011. China has postponed the execution of three Filipinos after Vice-President Jejomar Binay flew to Beijing and appealed to stay the execution. Two women and a man are expected to be executed in two southern Chinese cities for drug trafficking.

Pope Francis has issued an impassioned video plea in support of advocates against the death penalty saying it is an "offence to the inviolability of life and to the dignity of the human person."

The head of the Roman Catholic Church issued his video message June 22 as the Sixth World Conference Against the Death Penalty was taking place week in Oslo, Norway.

His pleas comesat a time when the number of those subject to capital punishment is dramatically rising globally.

"Nowadays the death penalty is unacceptable, however grave the crime of the convicted person," the Pope said.

Amnesty International says that 2015 saw a dramatic rise in the number of people executed - at least 1,634 - the highest recorded it has recorded since 1989.

"Countries used various methods to kill: hanging, shooting, lethal injection, beheading. They did this with cold efficiency, driving the number of executions up by more than half, compared to 2014.

"Nearly 90 percent of these happened in just three countries: Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. But these figures exclude China, where numbers remain a state secret," said Amnesty.

Francis said the death penalty "contradicts God's plan for individuals and society, and his merciful justice," not does is it consistent with just punishment.

"It does not render justice to victims, but instead fosters vengeance. The commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' has absolute value and applies both to the innocent and to the guilty."

The pontiff encourage people to work not only for the abolition of the death penalty, but also to improve prison conditions, so that they fully respect the human dignity of those jailed.

"'Rendering justice' does not mean seeking punishment for its own sake, but ensuring that the basic purpose of all punishment is the rehabilitation of the offender.

"The question must be dealt with within the larger framework of a system of penal justice open to the possibility of the guilty party's reinsertion in society," said Francis.

He noted there can be no fitting punishment without hope as such a type of punishment is type of torture.

In its yearly assessment on the death penalty Amnesty saw some signs of hope despite the spike in executions.

"Four countries expunged the death penalty from their law books for good so that today, more than half of all countries in the world have turned their backs on this cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment," said Amnesty International.
Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o...
As part of its 2016-17 Budget, NSW will spend $1bn to improve infrastructure and manage unprecedented enrolments.The funds, which will be spent over the next four years, will also address a long-standing maintenance backlog , which has seen many schools struggle with leaky roofs and a lack of air conditioning.In April, NSW Opposition Leader, Luke Foley, warned that more than 2,000 under-maintenanced public schools were becoming a safety risk to teachers and students.I fear if this maintenance backlog isn't tackled as a government priority in this year's budget, we'll be getting to a stage where there will be dangers for teachers and students, Foley told reporters in Sydney.However, under the NSW Governments plan, funding for backlog maintenance will be doubled from $160m to $330m over two years to address priority maintenance needs in schools.In a statement yesterday, NSW Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli , said the increased expenditure will provide more than 1,100 new state-of-the-art classrooms to support a spike in the states enrolments which are expected to grow by over 45,000 students over the next four years.We want to ensure growing neighbourhoods have the schools that families will need into the future, Piccoli said.That is why the 2016-17 Budget commits almost $1bn of additional funding on infrastructure over the next four years to respond to enrolment growth, including the new $400m Schools Infrastructure Strategy to focus specifically on growth areas.There is also a substantial boost to the NSW Government's maintenance program to keep our public schools in the best possible condition.NSW Treasurer, Gladys Berejiklian, said the strength of the NSW Budget meant that record funding could be dedicated to ensuring students had both quality teaching and quality environments in which to learn.NSW needs world-class schools so students get the support they need to help them reach their full potential, Berejiklian said.Planning will commence immediately to increase capacity as part of the new Schools Infrastructure Strategy.New primary schools will be developed at Smalls Road, Ryde and North Kellyville; a senior campus of Cammeraygal High School will be established at Crows Nest; and planning for additional classrooms will begin at Willoughby Public School, Willoughby Girls High School, Fort Street Public School, Oran Park Public School, Rosehill Public School and Curl Curl North Public School. More schools will be announced in coming months.
When Erin Klein walked into her first classroom as a teacher, she noticed that the most advanced piece of technology in the room was an overhead projector.

She launched a fundraiser to get an interactive whiteboard in her classroom and immediately found that the level of engagement among her students increased dramatically.

Nine years later, Klein, 34, fills her 2nd grade classroom in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., with a wide range of educational technology that she says allows students to be the creators.

Her students do research on projects with iPads, create videos and slideshows, and experiment with augmented reality using apps like Aurasma. She also makes use of her schools portable maker space carts to give students opportunities to tinker on projects. (There is no physical maker space in the school because we dont want maker spaces to be like what computer labs were, Klein said. We dont want you to have to leave the room for the fun learning to happen.)

We never say that were going to integrate technology into the classroomit should happen organically, said Klein, who is a member of her school districts Technology Action Group, which evaluates decisions regarding new and current technology within the schools.

Klein said before incorporating tech into a lesson, she asks herself two questions: Does this tool have a role or purpose in learning? And can we do something different from what we could not do without technology?

For example, Klein recently taught a lesson on persuasive writing. She taught her students the elements of persuasion and then assigned them to read a book and join together to create a persuasive commercial to get a friend to read the book. The students created a video for their commercial and then overlaid their video onto the cover of the book using an augmented-reality app. Other students could then view the commercial by hovering their iPad over the book cover.

Klein shares lesson ideas like this and resources that she uses in her classroom on her website, Kleinspiration. She has more than 65,000 followers on Twitter and has traveled the country doing consultations and speaking engagements.

And at the Cranbrook Educational Communitys Brookside Lower School, where she teaches, Klein hosts workshops for other teachers on tying technology to their curriculum. We can all figure out an app, but understanding how it enhances and fits the learning is a big difference, she said.

Many teachers, she said, are afraid to try new technology out of concern that it might not work or something might go wrong. But taking risks in the classroom can pan out even if they fail, Klein said. Sometimes, she intentionally makes mistakes with the technology as a way of empowering her students.

They see you make mistakes, they know its OK for them to make mistakes, she said, adding that since students today are technologically savvy, it can be motivating for them to be able to correct their teacher.

And if something does go wrong, as Klein points out, Weve never always had technologypick up the paper and carry on.

Overall, she has found that schools across the country are really moving forward with their use of ed tech. The biggest challenge for schools is not having reliable access to the Internet, she said.

Most of all, Klein sees technology as a means to get students to think more creatively and to collaborate beyond their classrooms.

Anything you can do to get your kids to collaborate and problem-solvethose are the biggest components employers are looking for in the real world, she said.

For instance, last year, Kleins students did a book buddy partnership with a 4th grade class at a school in Jackson, Mich. Her students read books to the 4th graders, and the older students in turn read excerpts of books to her 2nd graders. The students discussed the books virtually using a TodaysMeet chat room and had a Google hangout so they could see each other face to face.

Klein has dreams of taking such collaborative projects to an even higher level: She talks of using the classroom-communication service ClassDojo to work with students across the country or even internationally so they could share pictures or facts about their community and be exposed to a different culture.

While technology can be a powerful tool for learning, Klein cautions, teachers must get their students buy-in for projects to be effective. Teachers can find a great technology tool, but if students arent interested, theres no point, she said.

You need to incorporate the student voice because thats the most powerful, she said. Try to involve passions and interests, because thats where youll find the most success.
As a technologically savvy educator of color based in rural eastern Texas, Rafranz Davis has devoted herself to bridging all manner of digital divides.

Davis got her start back in 2005, as a middle school math teacher in the Ennis Independent school district, some 35 miles south of Dallas. Already alert to the possibilities of technology in the classroom, she quickly discovered that having her English-language learners use her interactive whiteboard to produce videos of their work helped deepen their understanding of math concepts and improve their grasp of key terminology.

That led to further classroom experiments with video tools and interactive platforms. When iPads came to our school, it was the greatest day on earth, she recalled.

As she gained experience as a teacher and instructional leader, Davis became a fierce advocateto the apparent befuddlement of some administratorsof giving students greater access to digital devices and programs as a means of creating to learn. She felt technology could spark students intellectual curiosity and give them a window to resources and skills beyond the classroom. To demonstrate that potential, she embarked on her own rogue project of learning to code.

In time, Davis also became a prominent voice in the edu-tech blogosphere and later a sought-after speaker for industry conferences. Blogging made me more reflective about my practice and gave me an authentic audience for my ideas, she saidsomething that has also informed her interest in giving students more opportunities to publish their own work.

Among the major themes of her writing and speaking: addressing inequities in digital access and boosting inclusion of voiceless school community membersincluding teachers, students, and people of color in conversations around education technology. She argues that the ed-tech world is beset by rigid hierarchies that are too dismissive of the viewpoints of the uninitiated, leading to a counterproductive cycle of silencing.

Asked why the progress of digitally driven instructional change has been slow in many schools, for example, Davis says its because teachers, and even curriculum directors, are often left out of school technology plans. If we put tech into classrooms without teachers having some type of input, it wont be used, she said. The same can be true, she said, with respect to low-income and minority students and families.

Davis now has a prime opportunity to put some of her principles into broader practice. Last summer, she took a position as the executive director of professional and digital learning in the Lufkin Independent school district, a low-income rural district that was looking for someone to create momentum around innovation in the classroom and help connect [its] students to the global community, said director of communications Sheila Adams.

Davis quickly ramped up the districts digital profile by introducing new coding and Minecraft initiatives in schools, including targeted professional development for elementary teachers. (With the help of some connections in the tech field, shes also planning a couple of $10 coding camps for students this summer.)

True to her word, meanwhile, she has sought to be aggressively inclusive in working on the districts three-year plan for rethinking its technology infrastructure and learning objectives. She has put together a corps of teacher ambassadors from across the district to give her feedback on instructional-technology ideas, and she has worked closely with students to get a sense of their foundational digital skills and access to technology, both in school and at home.

This is what changes schools, she wrote in a recent blog post . Its about creating a culture of openness that embraces our differences, realities, passion, and curiosities. Its a community of learners with voices, not defined by job titles but by the common desire to help students create the world through their own curiosities.
Ely, Cambridgeshire is best known for its majestic cathedral dubbed the 'Ship of the Fens' because it dominates the flat landscape. The city, which is the second smallest in England, is about 14 miles north-northeast of Cambridge and about 80 miles by road from London.

13:33, 25 OCT 2022
Tim Griffin made his way into the acting industry with early 90's projects, including Who's the Boss? and Against the Grain. Eventually, he snagged parts in popular blockbusters like Star Trek, The Bourne Supremacy and Iron Man.

Right now, moviegoers can see him alongside Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart in the recently released action-comedy Central Intelligence. In the movie (if you haven't seen the trailers), Johnson plays the buffed grown-up version of an overweight high school outcast who meets up with his former big-man-on-campus classmate (Hart) 20 years later, claiming to be a CIA agent and needing his help. Griffin plays a government agent hunting Johnson...and then Hart, with hilarious results.

Enstars got the chance to speak with Griffin about the film as well as his other projects (he appears in both Wayward Pines and Aquarius) and his life outside the camera as well.

Enstars: Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart are both HUGE pop culture presences right now. What was it like being on set with them?

Tim Griffin: I think they secretly wish to be each other. I think Dwayne Johnson wants to be, like, a rock star level comic and Kevin Hart wants to be an action hero to Dwayne's stature. So they perfectly compliment each other...Those guys both are probably the biggest movie stars in the world right now. They are the busiest people I've ever seen. I could not believe their schedules. I don't even know when these guys slept. It was amazing and just tons of fun.

Can you talk a bit about your character?

I'm teamed up with Amy Ryan who's the head lady in charge and I'm her right hand man, and we are from the CIA. But you actually don't know who's the good guy, who's the bad guy. Kevin Hart accepts a friend request on Facebook and meets his old high school buddy who he remembered as like the biggest loser. He shows up and he is now "The Rock"' and it's one of the funniest pairings because Kevin was the alpha in high school and the tough jock, and now he's working in an accountant's office and kind of feeling sorry for himself. And [he thinks], "I'll have a drink with this guy." Then boom, next thing you know, we show up at his door going, "Have you seen this man?" and hilarity ensues.

You have a lot of action and comedy in your credits. What's it like being in a film that blends both of those categories together?

It's a great standalone action movie that just happens to be hilarious. I think that has a lot to do with [Johnson] and Kevin because they're both innately funny. So this was the perfect opportunity for me. You got to really believe this is the real government operative search coming after you. It was amazing what they let us do.

Switching gears. You play Adam Hassler on Wayward Pines, who JUST made his surprise return after we kind of assumed he was dead last season. Can you comment on his role for season two?

This is a great thing for my character, Adam Hassler...when we last saw him just sort of atone for the sort of Judas betrayal...I basically had ulterior motives. You come to see that I too went to Wayward Pines and am now out in the wilderness on a mission. When I reappear it's bringing some earth shattering information and it is about the Abbeys. I've been out there amongst them surviving and it's really cool because it delves in and takes the story to a whole new level.

You're also on Aquarius, but your character was just briefly introduced at the end of last season. How will you be featured this season?

The perfect window opened up and [the producers] wrote my character into the last scene of the last episode of Season 1 where David Duchovny is getting the medal on his chest and he's having this moment in the sun, then I jump on stage and I shake his hand and say, "I'm Ron Kellaher, I'm with internal affairs and we have a witness that says you're full of s-it." They literally just heated up so this whole season. I am the fly in his ointment. I am a man on a mission to bring him down.

You have a successful career in acting and also have a sideline building houses. How do you balance out acting, house building and having a family?

It's funny because right before I came to do this interview, I was at a construction project waiting for the final inspection. And right from here I'm gonna pick up my daughter...it's astonishing to me, but you just find a way. After doing it for so long, I'm working to have a great team behind me to help me with acting, a team to help me with building. I have a great wife who helps me with everything. I'm just very fortunate that I have a lot of help.

You're known as "the actor who's in everything." Do you think you've earned that status?

I feel kind of like Kevin Bacon. You know that game "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon"? Every job I go out on, I don't even say "nice to meet you" because there's a chance I've worked with you before. But I'm just lucky, I don't know what it is.
113 Wicks Road, Macquarie Park, Australia

The property provides 3,114m of office accommodation, 3,164m of warehouse space and 148 parking bays on a site of 6,812m.

The property is situated at 113 Wicks Road, Macquarie Park, 12 kilometres north west of the Sydney CBD in one of Sydneys key metropolitan office markets. The property is well located in close proximity to the M2 motorway and other key infrastructure such as Macquarie Central, one of Sydneys largest regional shopping centres, and the Macquarie University main campus.

The property is approximately 600 metres from both North Ryde and Macquarie Park train stations, which are currently undergoing major upgrades as part of the Sydney Metro Rail Link works (Australias largest public infrastructure project).

Due to progressive rezonings to residential and pure office redevelopments, most of Macquarie Parks warehouse stock has been permanently withdrawn resulting in good quality warehouse space becoming increasingly scarce. This makes the property particularly desirable for tenants who require a mix of good quality office accommodation and functional warehouse space and who wish to remain within a 15 km radius of the Sydney CBD.

The property is 100% occupied and leased to good quality tenants including Telstra Corporation (Australias largest telecommunications provider with a market capitalisation of c. AUD 68 billion), the New South Wales Government (one of the strongest covenants in the Australian market) and Mine Site Technologies (an engineering technology provider with global operations on four continents and annual revenues of c. AUD 70 million). The weighted average lease expiry is 4.2 years and contracted annual rental growth is approximately 3.5%.

The acquisition will be funded through the Funds existing debt facility and gearing post the acquisition will be 31.8%.

IAPF CEO Graeme Katz is pleased to acquire another property in New South Wales, taking the value of the Funds total portfolio to over $517 million.

The acquisition aligns well to the Funds strategy of investing in well-located, high quality assets, Mr Katz said. The property is located in a prime position in one of Sydneys most established office precincts and its unique mix of office and warehouse accommodation has attracted quality tenants. The average office rents at the property are AUD 275/m, which compares favorably to rents in other Sydney metropolitan markets including North Sydney (AUD 600/m), Parramatta (AUD 445/m), Chatswood (AUD 480/m) and Rhodes (AUD 380/m).

The property is adjacent to the North Ryde Station High Density Residential Precinct, which will ultimately provide for 2,700 apartments and accommodate 5,000 residents within the next 5 years. There is a strong possibility that the property will achieve an upzoning to a higher density zoning permitting residential development as part of a mixed use development. We believe that this zoning outcome could significantly increase the value of the property over time.

IAPF, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, provides South African investors with direct access to the Australian commercial property market.
Bremerhaven/Germany, 24 June 2016. The Siberian permafrost regions include those areas of the Earth, which heat up very quickly in the course of climate change. Nevertheless, biologists are currently observing only a minimal response in forest composition. In the places where, when considering the air temperature, pine and spruce forests should be growing, Siberian larch trees are still thriving. The cause of this paradox has been tracked using million-year-old bee pollen by scientists at the Alfred Wegener Institute, the University of Cologne, and international partner institutions. The results suggest that the intensity of the ice ages determined how quick the vegetation adapted to warmer climate periods. In our case, that means: Because the last ice age was very cold, the vegetation of the Taiga lags behind the climate by many thousands of years. A surprisingly long period, as the researchers in the open access journal Nature Communications report.

The Potsdam scientist Ulrike Herzschuh knows the Siberian larch woods almost as well as the park on Telegrafenberg where her institute is located. Almost every summer the permafrost expert from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) spends time in the endless forests of Siberia, collecting plant samples, determining growth boundaries and collecting sediment cores from lakes. "Based on the temperature increase in the last century the larch forests should have displaced in the tundra in the Northern Siberia and should have been invaded by pines and spruces from the south. But studies so far have shown only very small changes in the vegetation - and we were wondering why," the AWI researcher says.

Searching for the cause, Ulrike Herzschuh and her international team travelled back 2.1 to 3.5 million years - to the Pliocene and Pleistocene periods. The scientists examined pollen that were preserved in sediments of Lake El'gygytgyn (region of Chukotka, in the Russian Far East). The scientists compared these traces of vegetation with reconstructed climate values of the warm and cold periods of that time.

The statistical analysis of the pollen data revealed a distinct pattern. Ulrike Herzschuh: "Our data shows that the vegetation in the past took up to several thousand years to adapt to climate change when there was a change from a cold period to a warm period. This is really new. Up until now, us climate researchers considered that there was a lag of decades or few hundreds of years, but not thousands."

A look into the past indicates: The colder the ice age was, the longer the vegetation needed to adapt afterwards to the new climate of the warmer period. "In analogy to these results, this means: Due to the fact that the most recent ice age, about 20,000 years ago, was extremely cold, the permafrost spread over a large area, and forced deep rooted trees such as pines and spruces far to the south. The shallow-rooted Siberian larch trees - which only require a summer thawing of the permafrost soils of 20 to 30 centimetres - were able to survive in protected areas in the region," explained Ulrike Herzschuh.

The larch forest however, with its dense carpet of roots protects the ice underneath from thawing. "We have observed many times in regions where the larch forest was cut down, that the permafrost melted faster than in other forested areas," according to the AWI researcher.

The insulating effect of the larch forest could therefore be one of the reasons why it always took several thousands of years in the past, after a particularly cold ice age that the permafrost vanished and pine and spruce trees displaced the larch.

The scientific community now faces a major challenge due to the new findings about the time-delayed adaptation of vegetation: "In the wake of sustained warming of the Arctic, pines and spruces are now slowly coming to the Siberian Taiga. This means that the forests will become denser and thus also darker so they will save more heat than before. This fact in turn implies that the temperature in Siberia will rise in the distant future. Even if mankind manages to stabilise the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere in the near future," says Ulrike Herzschuh. The implementation of these long-term vegetation processes is therefore urgently needed in climate models.

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Ulrike Herzschuh presents her study at the 11th International Permafrost Conference (ICOP) organised by AWI from the 20 - 24th June 2016 in Potsdam. More information on this permafrost research community conference, which takes place every four years, can be found at http://www.icop2016.org.
New Rochelle, NY, June 24, 2016 - A new study shows that microRNAs, which are small, noncoding RNA molecules that can silence genes, have an important role in inducing asthma. Regulating the function of specific miRNAs identified in the study could represent a new approach to asthma therapy, according to an article in Stem Cells and Development, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Stem Cells and Development website.

In "MicroRNAs Involved in Asthma Following Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment," Guan-Nan Tang and coauthors from Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China, examined the changing levels of miRNAs in a mouse model of asthma following the induction of asthma and after a transplant of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). The BM-MSCs alleviate asthma-related airway inflammation. The researchers identified a series of miRNAs that had different expression levels after asthma induction and BM-MSC treatment.

"This exciting convergent work provides not only a model for revealing novel discoveries in disease pathogenesis, but also proposes the miR21-Acvr2a axis as a critical regulator of the therapeutic effect of MSC in asthma," says Editor-in-Chief Graham C. Parker, PhD, The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.

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About the Journal

Stem Cells and Development is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published 24 times per year in print and online. The Journal is dedicated to communication and objective analysis of developments in the biology, characteristics, and therapeutic utility of stem cells, especially those of the hematopoietic system. A complete table of contents and free sample issue may be viewed on the Stem Cells and Development website.

About the Publisher

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Cellular Reprogramming, Tissue Engineering, and Human Gene Therapy. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.
As more coal-fired power plants are retired, industry workers are left without many options. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though.

In a new study published in Energy Economics, researchers from Michigan Technological University and Oregon State University offer hope for coal workers for high-quality employment in the rapidly expanding solar photovoltaic industry.

Joshua Pearce, who holds a dual appointment in materials science and engineering as well as electrical and computer engineering at Michigan Tech, helped assess what it would take to retrain workers for a different energy field.

"Although coal investors can simply call their brokers to move their money to more profitable industries, coal workers are left with pink slips and mortgages," Pearce says. "Fortunately, the solar energy industry sector is growing at an incredible rate--and they are hiring."

Along with co-author Edward Louie, of the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University, Pearce found that the growth of solar-related employment could absorb the layoffs in the coal industry in the next 15 years. To determine this, Louie and Pearce compared existing coal industry jobs--and the salaries and skill sets of these positions--to ones in the solar industry. Then they estimated the cost of returning to school and re-training time.

Pearce notes that the estimates are simply examples and could vary, although there are numerous low cost options for solar training that people could pursue while still employed. He adds that the appendices from the study will be most useful to current coal workers, where people can look up an existing job and go over the best potential fits in the solar industry and the training necessary.

"Many of these coal miners have transferable skill sets already," says Christopher Turek, the director of Solar Energy International. "These range from mechanical and electrical expertise, all the way to their confidence in working in a highly technical field with a strong focus on safety."

Currently, based on data from The Solar Foundation, the photovoltaic energy industry is bringing on new workers 12 times faster than the overall economy. As of November 2015, the solar industry employs 208,859 solar workers, which is already larger than the roughly 150,000 jobs remaining in the coal industry. And the photovoltaic energy sector is expected to continue expanding.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - For young people entering adulthood, high-quality relationships are associated with better physical and mental health, according to the results of a recently published study by a University at Buffalo-led research team.

"Health benefits begin to accrue relatively quickly with high-quality relationships and supportive contexts," says Ashley Barr, assistant professor in UB's Department of Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences. "And then we see detrimental effects from low-quality relationships - particularly, those low-quality relationships that last a long time."

Over the last few decades, the transition into adulthood has been extended, according to Barr. Younger people today are waiting longer to get married than those in previous generations, and they're waiting longer to finish school. During this period, they're moving in and out of relationships.

"Much of the research literature focuses on relationships and health in the context of marriage," says Barr. "The majority of our respondents were not married, but these relationships are still impactful to health, for better or for worse."

This is Barr's second study to look at how the quality of relationships during the transition into adulthood affects health. The findings were recently published in the Journal of Family Psychology.

She previously conducted research with an all-African-American sample that suggested patterns of instability in relationships mattered when it came to depressive symptoms, alcohol problems and how people reported their general health.

Given those findings, the researchers wanted to see if the same patterns held true in a very different sample.

And they did.

Using the Iowa Youth and Families Project, a sample of all-white youth coming from two-parent, married families in rural Iowa, Barr says about one-third of the sample experienced relatively large changes in their relationships over a two-year period.

"We took into account satisfaction, partner hostility, questions about criticism, support, kindness, affection and commitment," says Barr. "We also asked about how partners behave outside of the relationship. Do they engage in deviant behaviors? Is there general anti-sociality?"

Barr says the longer people are in high-quality relationships, or the faster they get out of low-quality relationships, the better their health.

"It's not being in a relationship that matters; it's being in a long-term, high-quality relationship that's beneficial," she says. "Low-quality relationships are detrimental to health. The findings suggest that it's better for health to be single than to be in a low-quality relationship."

Barr says the attention to changes in these relationships is important, particularly in the context of the extended transition to adulthood.

"It's rare today for young adults to enter a romantic relationship and stay in that relationship without ever changing partners or relationship characteristics," she says. "We now have two studies that found similar patterns and similar implications for those changes."

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Those who go to a masked ball consciously slip into a different role, in order to avoid being recognized so quickly. Insects were already doing something very similar in the Cretaceous: They cloaked themselves in pieces of plants, grains of sand, or the remains of their prey, in order, for example, to be invisible to predators. An international research team, with participation from the University of Bonn, has now investigated such "invisibility cloaks" encased in amber. The custom-tailored "costumes" also permit conclusions about the habitat at the time. The results have now been published in the journal "Science Advances".

The larva of the lacewing attacks a pseudoscorpion and uses its powerful mouthparts to suck it dry. The larva then puts the remains of the dead prey on its back. The outlines of the lacewing are now unrecognizable. It looks more like a dead pseudoscorpion. This camouflage protects the lacewing against being recognized by predators and at the same makes it easier to hunt its own prey. "With this 'disguise', the lacewing larva pretends to be someone completely different", says Prof. Dr. Jes Rust of the Steinmann-Institute of the University of Bonn. "Using the pieces of its prey, it even takes on the smell of the pseudoscorpion".

The scene plays out in the Cretaceous and is recorded as a "snapshot" in amber. A research team under Dr. Bo Wang of the State Key Laboratory of Paleobiology and Stratigraphy in Nanjing (China) worked together with paleontologists from the University of Bonn and other scientists from China, USA, France, and England to examine a total of 35 insects preserved in amber. With the aid of grains of sand, plant residue, wood fibers, dust, or even the lifeless shells of their victims, the larvae achieved camouflage to perfection. The amber samples come from Myanmar, France, and Lebanon.

Evidence of early camouflage by insects is very rare

"These are very rare fossils, which give us unique insights into life more than 100 million years ago", says Dr. Torsten Wappler of the Steinmann-Institute of the University of Bonn, who joined Dr. Wang and Professor Rust to classify these oldest examples of camouflage. The research team was astonished to see the broad range of camouflage already used by insects in the Cretaceous.

Some larvae fashioned a kind of "knight's armor" from grains of sand, perhaps to protect against spider bites. In order to custom-tailor their "camo", they have even adapted their limbs for the purpose. The larvae were able to turn their legs about 180 degrees, in order to transport the grains of sand onto their back. Others cloaked themselves in plant residue, in order to become one with their surroundings, making them almost undetectable to predators. "It is very surprising how early in evolution such complex insect behavior developed: The larvae had to search actively for suitable 'camouflage material', pick it up, and cloak themselves with it", says Dr. Wang, who, with a stipend from the Humboldt-Stiftung foundation, has been a guest at the University of Bonn several times doing research.

Different paths to optimal camouflage

The scientists have analysed the pedigree of these "camouflage insects". Therefore, they know that the animals must have developed such strategies quite independently of one another, because they are not closely related. Professor Rust sums it up: "Apparently, camouflage offers many advantages for the user, for which reason it was 'invented' multiple times during evolution". Today there are still numerous types of insects that make themselves invisible, for instance using grains of sand, such as caddis-fly larvae in rivers and streams.

Based on the camouflage of the various amber insects, the research team reached conclusions about their habitat at the time. Examination of an ancestor of the ant lion under the microscope showed that the camouflage consisted of tiny pieces of fern. "These are fern species, which, for example, were the first types of plants to recolonize after fires", explains Dr. Wappler. Presumably, in the Cretaceous, a bush fire raged, which damaged the trees and stimulated unusually strong resin production. In this way, the "costumed" larvae were trapped in the tree resin and the scene preserved to this today.

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Publication: Bo Wang, Fangyuan Xia, Michael S. Engel, Vincent Perrichot, Gongle Shi, Haichun Zhang, Jun Chen, Edmund A. Jarzembowski, Torsten Wappler, Jes Rust: Debris-carrying camouflage among diverse lineages of Cretaceous insects, Science Advances, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1501918

Contact for the media:

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust

Steinmann-Institute

University of Bonn

Tel. ++49-228-734842

E-mail: jrust@uni-bonn.de

Privatdozent Dr. Torsten Wappler

Steinmann-Institute

University of Bonn

Tel. ++49-228-734682

E-mail: twappler@uni-bonn.de
The elephantnose fish explores objects in its surroundings by using its eyes or its electrical sense - sometimes both together. Zoologists at the University of Bonn and a colleague from Oxford have now found out how complex the processing of these sensory impressions is. With its tiny brain, the fish achieves performance comparable to that of humans or mammals. The advance results have been published online in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America" (PNAS). The print issue will appear soon.

The elephantnose fish (Gnathonemus petersii) is widespread in the flowing waters of West Africa and hunts insect larva at dawn and dusk. It is helped by an electrical organ in its tail, which emits electrical impulses. The skin contains numerous sensor organs that perceive objects in the water by means of the changed electrical field. "This is a case of active electrolocation, in principle the same as the active echolocation of bats, which use ultrasound to perceive a three-dimensional image of their environment", says Professor Dr. Gerhard von der Emde at the Institute of Zoology at the University of Bonn. Furthermore, the elephantnose fish can also orient using its eyes.

Professor von der Emde, along with his doctoral candidate Sarah Schumacher and Dr. Theresa Burt de Perera of Oxford University, have now investigated how the unusual fish processes the information from the various sensory channels. Ms. Schumacher summarizes the results: "The animals normally use both senses. If necessary, for example because one of the two senses provides no information or the information of the two senses differs greatly, however, the fish can switch back and forth between their visual and electrical senses". The scientists were surprised by the manner in which the fish use these two senses to get the best perception of their environment: When the animals became familiar with an object in the aquarium, for example with the visual sense, they were also able to recognize it again using the electrical sense, although they had never perceived it electrically before.

Fish give precedence to the most reliable sensory information

In addition, the fish demonstrated a previously unexpected ability: Their brain gave more weight to the information it thought was more reliable. When the two senses delivered different information in the close range of up to two centimeters, the fish trusted only the electrical information and were then "blind" to the visual stimuli. In contrast, for more distant objects, the animals relied above all on their eyes. They perceived the environment best by using their visual and electrical senses in combination. "A transfer between the different senses was previously known only for certain highly developed mammals, such as monkeys, dolphins, rats, and humans", says Professor von der Emde. An example: In a dark, unfamiliar apartment, people feel their way forward to avoid stumbling. When the light goes on, the obstacles felt are recognized by the eye without any problem. Mammals process such information with their cerebral cortex. The elephantnose fish, however, has just a relatively small brain and no cerebral cortex at all - but nevertheless switches back and forth between the senses.

Clever experimental setup

The scientists came up with a very clever test setup: The elephantnose fish was in an aquarium. Separated from it were two different chambers, between which the animal could choose. Behind openings to the chambers there were differently shaped objects: a sphere or a cuboid. The fish learned to steer toward one of these objects by being rewarded with insect larvae. Subsequently, it searched for this object again, to obtain the reward again.

When does the fish use a particular sense? In order to answer this question, the researchers repeated the experiments in absolute darkness. Now the fish could rely only on its electrical sense. As shown by images taken with an infrared camera, it was able to recognize the object only at short distances. With the light on the fish was most successful, because it was able to use its eyes and the electrical sense for the different distances. In order to find out when the fish used its eyes alone, the researchers made the objects invisible to the electrical sense. Now, the sphere and cuboid to be discriminated had the same electrical characteristics as the water.

Many repetitions of the individual experiments were necessary in order to apply statistical analyses to reach conclusions about the sensory processing of the elephantnose fish. The scientists worked with a total of ten animals, working more or less in shifts. "The behavior of the different individuals was nearly identical", says Professor von der Emde. For that reason the scientists are certain that this enormous sensory performance is achieved not only by a particulary talented specimen but by all elephantnose fish.

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Publication: Sarah Schumacher, Theresa Burt de Perera, Johanna Thenert & Gerhard von der Emde: Cross-modal object recognition and dynamic weighting of sensory inputs in a fish, PNAS, Internet: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1603120113

Contact for the media:

Prof. Dr. Gerhard von der Emde

Institute of Zoology

Department of Neuroethology / Sensory Ecology

University of Bonn

Tel.: ++49-228-735555

E-mail: vonderemde@uni-bonn.de
One of the first clues pathologists look for in tissue from a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient is the estrogen receptor, a nuclear protein that converts hormonal messages in the bloodstream into instructions for the cell about how to behave. They also look for the presence of progesterone receptors, primarily to confirm that the estrogen receptor is active.

In the June 24 issue of Science Advances, however, researchers radically upgrade the significance of the progesterone receptor. They show that when exposed to estrogens and progestins, these receptor proteins interact with different sets of binding sites in the cell's chromosomes, with the progesterone receptor dramatically altering how estrogen receptors interact with the cell's DNA.

"In the last year or two, researchers have tuned into the extensive and previously unrecognized cross talk between the progesterone and estrogen receptors," said study author Geoffrey Greene, PhD, the Virginia and D. K. Ludwig Professor and Chairman of the Ben May Department for Cancer Research at the University of Chicago. "We now know that this relationship can be better understood and potentially exploited."

"This observation is important," he added, "because more than two-thirds of breast cancers contain both estrogen and progesterone receptors."

Previous studies from many labs, including a group at Cambridge University, showed that when exposed to the primary female sex hormone, estradiol, the estrogen receptor activates genes that encourage tumor cells to grow and divide. "In this setting, the cancer cells grow faster," Greene said. "They divide faster and they live longer, which helps the breast cancer progress to a more advanced state."

"Our study, as well as that of the Cambridge group, showed that when progesterone or a progestin is added, it changes the landscape in the nucleus," Greene said. "It opens up a whole new set of binding sites for the estrogen receptor that now work in conjunction with the progesterone receptor." This combination inhibits cellular proliferation, cell survival and pathways involved in metastasis.

"Our data further suggest that, despite the historical bias toward the effects of estrogen on the estrogen receptor, it's the progesterone receptor that dominantly controls estrogen receptor activity when both receptors are present and activated."

In their Science Advances paper, Greene, lead author Hari Singhal, now a postdoctoral scholar at Harvard University, and colleagues took a step further. Building on the well-established use of tamoxifen, an estrogen antagonist, to treat women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers, they decided to inhibit the activities of both receptors with antagonists to see if there would be an added benefit of combining two receptor-selective drugs. Using a well-established ER+/PR+ human breast cancer model (T47D) implanted in immune-compromised mice, they tested their theory in four groups of mice.

One group received a placebo. A second group received tamoxifen. The third group was treated with a progesterone receptor antagonist, an experimental drug known as CDB4124 (Telapristone). The fourth group was treated with tamoxifen plus CDB4124 to simultaneously block both the estrogen and progesterone receptors.

Tumor cells in the placebo-treated mice grew rapidly, to about 200 percent their original size in seven weeks. Tamoxifen, the estrogen antagonist, prevented the tumors from growing but did not cause them to shrink. CDB4124, the progestin antagonist, initially caused the tumors to regress, but after 35 days, the tumors began growing again; by seven weeks they were about 50 percent larger than their original size.

Significantly, the combination of tamoxifen and CDB4124 caused tumors to shrink. "Virtually full regression was observed in a subset of mice," Singhal said. By day 60, the average tumor volume in mice treated with tamoxifen plus CDB4124 was 70 percent lower than the original tumors.

"These findings," the authors note, "emphasize the clinical value of assessing both progesterone receptor and estrogen receptor expression in breast cancer samples." Not only is the progesterone receptor an "essential modulator of estrogen-receptor-regulated genes," but it also significantly contributes to the "prognostic value of estrogen receptors in ER+/PR+ breast cancers." In addition, it might serve as an important combinatorial target in these breast cancers.

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Additional authors of the study were Marianne E. Greene, Allison L. Zarnke, Ryan J. Bourgo, Muriel Laine, Ya-Fang Chang and Anna G. Dembo from the University of Chicago; Gerard Tarulli, Theresa E. Hickey and Wayne D. Tilley from the University of Adelaide; and Shihong Ma and Ganesh V. Raj from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The Virginia and D. K. Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research, the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, and the U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program funded the research. Ron Wiehle at Repros Therapeutics provided CDB4124.
The use of medical marijuana for millions of patients suffering from a wide range of health conditions and the subsequent therapeutic benefits has long been documented. Twenty-three states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam, have determined that Cannabis sativa (a.k.a. marijuana) can benefit patients suffering from a wide range of conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

So given all the health benefits for people experiencing debilitating health issues, why does the federal government continue to stifle externally valid scientific research on Cannabis sativa?

In a recent paper published in Science, researchers at The University of New Mexico including Associate Professor Jacob Vigil in the Department of Psychology and Assistant Professor Sarah Stith in the Department of Economics, concluded that the federal government continues to make it extremely difficult to conduct any meaningful research on the risks and benefits of medicinal use of Cannabis sativa.

"Millions of patients have been granted the authorization to use medical Cannabis and Cannabis-based products by their respective state Health Departments and four states have begun taxing and regulating Cannabis sold for 'recreational' purposes," said Vigil and Stith. "However, the federal government continues to categorize Cannabis sativa as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, a more restrictive categorization than that used for cocaine, methamphetamine and PCP."

The definition of a Schedule I drug includes a "high potential for abuse," and "no currently accepted medical use," implying "a lack of accepted safety use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision, according to Vigil and Stith.

National Institute on Drug Abuse control

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) controls the supply of Cannabis sativa to researchers. The active agent in Cannabis, Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, has potency levels in the products that NIDA supplies that fall far below those of medical Cannabis sativa regularly sold and used in the U.S., significantly limiting the external validity of most clinical research designed to study the effects of Cannabis sativa on health, both positive and negative.

"This has created a truly unique and an unnecessary paradox in modern medicine, in which physicians are authorizing treatments to patients, and patients are regularly using medication without a scientific basis of knowledge on patient outcomes, forced rather to rely only on scientifically invalid or anecdotal information," Vigil and Stith said.

Apart from following internal human subject protection procedures, such as Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, a scientist designing a clinical trial on the effects of Cannabis sativa using human subjects must conduct several independent and lengthy procedures that include filing for an Investigational New Drug (IND) with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), registering the study and obtaining approval from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and purchasing the Cannabis sativa to be used in the study through NIDA.

"An IND requires a level of specificity that may be difficult to achieve with a plant product or even undesirable when one takes into account the variation of natural phenotypes and the range of products used by patients, Vigil and Stith said. "In the case of new drug development with the intent to commercialize, such oversight may be prudent, but it is unclear why a study on, for example, the effects of smoked Cannabis sativa on driving impairment would also require an IND after receiving approval by a qualified Institutional Review Board."

DEA approval

After filing for and receiving IND approval from the FDA, the scientist must also register the study and receive approval from the DEA, an organization tasked with the conflicting interest of "enforcing controlled substances laws and regulations," which currently prohibit possession or distribution of Cannabis sativa, obvious components of any clinical investigation. The only exception is for Cannabis sativa purchased through NIDA. In other words, all Cannabis sativa used for research purposes must be purchased through NIDA, despite the fact that NIDA's stated mission is to bring "the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction." No mention is made of research related to therapeutic benefits or the potential for non-addictive recreational use.

Despite petitions from other universities, the NIDA Cannabis sativa supply is grown exclusively at the University of Mississippi since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970. It is not uncommon for researchers to invest several years navigating this system only to receive a rejection from one of the controlling federal entities, and typically the DEA, which carries a notorious record of stalling, impeding, or otherwise obstructing sound medical Cannabis research, according to the U.S. Drug Policy Alliance (Drug Policy Alliance, accessed January, 2016).

Potency issues

Another issue with what little research the U.S. government has approved is the limited potency of the Cannabis sativa products available through the University of Mississippi. Reliance on this single source completely restricts researchers from conducting clinical trials using products that match the potency levels of products used in vivo, i.e., studies that would enable scientists to assess the therapeutic benefits and negative side effects of the medicinal Cannabis sativa actually used by tens of millions of people in the U.S.

The highest level of THC currently available through NIDA is 12.4 percent (National Institute on Drug Abuse, accessed January 2016). As of December, 2015, out of all the currently funded NIH grants with the term 'Marijuana' (n = 51) or 'Cannabis' (n = 50) in the Project title, nearly every study addressed Cannabis use as a problem behavior, and only two studies measured the (analgesic) effects of Cannabis sativa in real time, each using products with potency levels between 3.5 percent and 7 percent THC. In contrast, a study presented by the owner of a state-certified Cannabis sativa testing laboratory at the 249th National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society found that the Cannabis sativa sold in Colorado averaged 18.7 percent THC levels with some strains registering as high as 35 percent THC.

In addition to dosing directly with the plant product, a variety of concentrates have been developed for vaporizing or ingesting edibles, both arguably healthier options than smoking. In New Mexico, the Department of Health has presently capped the THC potency levels in such products at 70 percent (a level that was widely protested as to low by visibly ill patients that attended a recent public medical advisory board hearing).

"Clearly, results from studies using Cannabis sativa obtained from the University of Mississippi offer little to no insight into the effects actually experienced by medical marijuana patients in terms of both therapeutic benefits and negative side effects, if any," Vigil and Stith said.

What physicians think

A recent poll conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine showed the vast majority of physicians in the U.S. believe that medical Cannabis is a safe and effective pharmacological agent for certain mental and physical health conditions (Adler & Colbert, 2013).

"With increasing morbidity rates associated with prescribed narcotic abuse (particularly among non-Hispanic Whites) there is a legitimate place for Cannabis sativa as an alternative and perhaps primary therapeutic option for patients with a broad range and severity of negative health symptoms," Vigil and Stith said.

The substitutability of Cannabis sativa for alcohol might also reduce the exorbitant number of deaths and costs associated with alcohol abuse and drunk driving.

"Unfortunately, both the costs and benefits of medicinal use of Cannabis sativa remain essentially unknown, and because the federal government effectively bans clinical research on Cannabis sativa, citizens, including many severely ill individuals, may suffer and die unnecessarily from both the unknown risks and the unknown benefits of consuming Cannabis sativa," Vigil and Stith added.

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Researchers have long struggled to explain why some violent crime rates are higher near the equator than other parts of the world. Now, a team of researchers have developed a model that could help explain why. This new model goes beyond the simple fact that hotter temperatures seem to be linked to more aggressive behavior. Paul van Lange, a professor of psychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam along with Maria I. Rinderu (VU Amsterdam) and Brad Bushman, a professor of psychology at The Ohio State University and VU Amsterdam developed a new model - called CLASH (CLimate Aggression, and Self-control in Humans). They describe the CLASH model in an online article in the journal Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

The researchers believe that hot climates and less variation in seasonal temperatures leads to a faster life strategy, less focus on the future, and less self-control - all of which contribute to more aggression and violence. "Climate shapes how people live, it affects the culture in ways that we don't think about in our daily lives," said Paul Van Lange, lead author of the article. "We believe our model can help explain the impact of climate on rates of violence in different parts of the world."

Many studies have shown that levels of violence and aggression are higher in hot climates. "But the two leading explanations of why that is so aren't satisfactory", Bushman said. The General Aggression Model (which Bushman helped develop) suggests hot temperatures make people uncomfortable and irritated, which makes them more aggressive. "But that doesn't explain more extreme acts, such as murder", he said. Another explanation (Routine Activity Theory) is that people are outdoors and interacting more with others when the weather is warm, which leads to more opportunities for conflict. But that doesn't explain why there's more violence when the temperature is 95 degrees F (35 C) than when it is 75 degrees F (24 C) - even though people might be outside under both circumstances.

Not just hotter temperatures lead to violence

The CLASH model states that it is not just hotter temperatures that lead to more violence - it is also climates that have less seasonal variation in temperature. "Less variation in temperature, combined with heat, brings some measure of consistency to daily life", Rinderu said. That means there is less need to plan for large swings between warm and cold weather. The result is a faster life strategy that isn't as concerned about the future and leads to less need for self-control. "Strong seasonal variation in temperature affects culture in powerful ways. Planning in agriculture, hoarding, or simply preparing for cold winters shapes the culture in many ways, often with people not even noticing it. But it does shape how much a culture values time and self-control, " Van Lange said. "If there is less variation, you're freer to do what you want now, because you're not preparing foods or chopping firewood or making winter clothes to get you through the winter. You also may be more concerned with the immediate stress that comes along with parasites and other risks of hot climates, such as venomous animals "

People living in these climates are oriented to the present rather than the future and have a fast life strategy - they do things now. "We see evidence of a faster life strategy in hotter climates with less temperature variation - they are less strict about time, they have less use of birth control, they have children earlier and more often," Bushman said. With a faster life strategy and an orientation toward the present, people have to practice less self-control, he said. That can lead people to react more quickly with aggression and sometimes violence.

The theory is not deterministic and isn't meant to suggest that people in hotter, consistent climates can't help themselves when it comes to violence and aggression. "How people approach life is a part of culture and culture is strongly affected by climate," Van Lange said. "Climate doesn't make a person, but it is one part of what influences each of us. We believe it shapes the culture in important ways," he said. Since CLASH is a new theory, studies have to be done to prove it is correct. But Rinderu said a lot of evidence already suggests that the theory may be on to something. "We believe CLASH can help account for differences in aggression and violence both within and between countries around the world," Van Lange said. "We think it provides a strong framework for understanding the violence differences we see around the world," he said.

###

Note for the editors

Contact: Paul Van Lange, p.a.m.van.lange@vu.nl or Brad Bushman, 614-688-8779; Bushman.20@osu.edu

Or contact our press officers at Ohio State: Jeff Grabmeier, 614-292-8457; Grabmeier.1@osu.edu or Doede van der Hoeven from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam via d.c.vander.hoeven@vu.nl or 0031-205982726
Written by ACM





*Strasbourg/CoE/Angelo Marcopolo/- Speaking, at the Eve of a Crucial for the EU British Referendum, to Strasbourg Journalists, including "Eurofora", just before addressing CoE's PanEuropean Assembly for the 1st Time, the Prime Minister of Greece, Alexis Tsipras, launched a Call for "us, Europeans ...to Regain our Founding Principles, the Foundation-Basics of Europe, in order tp Overcome (a) Deep Political Crisis".



His venue, initialy scheduled for Yesterday, (Tuesday), among a PACE Debate on Refugees/Migrants in Greece, was, modified for Today (Wednesday), in the Middle of "Hot" Debats and Votes on the latest CoE Report on Growing and Tragic Violations of Human Rights and Democracy in Turkey, 1 Day before that Referendum on "BREXIT" : Both at the Focus of some among the Most Popular Debates in the UK nowadays, (in fact, already since 2009, as Nigel Farage's UKIP's unexpected Big Win at EU Parliament's Elections then, after making a Campaign placed under the Heading : - "No to Turkey's Accession into the EU", clearly proved)...

- "Today, it's a Crucial Time for (all) Europe as a whole", Tsipras stressed fom the outset, at his 1st Statement in Strasbourg,

- Also because, "In 1 Day comes the Brittish Referendum, which attracts the Interest of the People there", as well as, "may be also something in the Elections in Spain", he added smiling, Together with the New President of COE's Parliamentary Assembly, Pedro Agramunt, an Experienced ChristianDemocrat MEP from Spain, that he "Thanked for the Invitation".

+ "But the Differences between the Northern and Southern Countries are becoming Larger, with people looking at their own Nations for solutions, despite the Inter-State Competition. That is why there is growing EuroScepticism in the Southern part of Europe", while, "in the Northern part of Europe we are seeing a tendency to call for Derogations from applying the Acquis Communautaire", he Added, Later-on, at his Speech to PACE's Plenary, this Afternoon.

- "Once, European People's Interest was Focused in Greece". But, "Now, it's Not Focused on Greece, may be the "Brexit" is more of a "Happening", he Bitterly Joked, during his 1st Statements to the Press, including "EF", Earlier this Morning...



- "But, I'm Afraid that Europe as a Whole, is in a Difficult Situation", Alexis Tsipras observed.



- "So, I'm Not so Happy that we are Not Talking about "GREXIT" Now, buit we are talking about "BREXIT""..



- Because, "We (Europeans) are Not in an Optimistic Mood" nowadays. "So, we have to Recognize that Europe is in a Deep, Internal Crisis", he claimed



+" Whatever the Choice of the British People" Tomorrow (Thursday), we must all Ask ourselves the crucial question about which Direction Europe should take at this Crossroads. We can take Advantage of the Crisis to engage in Deep-rooted and Far-reaching Reform. We need to take a hard look at Our Model, and How it is Functioning, as well as at ...our (EU's) 3 Simultaneous and Parallel Crises  the Economic crisis, the Refugee crisis and the Security crisis", he Added Later this Afternoon, during his Keynote Address to MEPs.



- Because, "All of this has Pushed Europe into a Political and Social Crisis  a crisis that is Shaking Europe at its very Foundations and Undermining European Unity", the Prime Minister found.



- "The very Fact that Tomorrows (UK) Referendum is taking place, shows how Deep rooted the Crisis is"... Since, "I am convinced that Whatever the Result of tomorrows referendum, the Consequences for our common European Home will be Deleterious:



- F.ex., "Leaving the EU and going back into "splendid Isolation" would be very Harmful to the UK and the EU. But even the negotiation of some Special Status ....would be a very Negative development .... It would set a negative Precedent in Europe", he Warned.



-----------------------------------------



+ "At the same time, I believe that we Need to ReThink our Europe", the Greek Prime Minister stressed, Expressing a quite Ambiant Feeling among EU Circles these days.



- >>> "In Any Case, I think that We (Europeans) have to Regain our Founding Principles, the Foundation-Basics of Europe, in order tp Overcome this Deep Political Crisis", he Urged, already at his 1st Statement to Strasbourg's Press, including "Eurofora", (Comp. Supra).

In Addition to Democracy, Human Rights and Rule of Law, Alexis Tsipras made Special Mentions, among the Values and Principles underpining the "Foundations" of Europe, also on "Social Rights" and particularly to "Social Cohesion", (a crucial, certainly, Issue nowadays, but which is Not Limited only to Social Right, but includes, in Real Practice, also some Basic elements of Moral and/or Cultural Cohesion, etc).



. - "CoE's Role is Crucial in order to Protect these Principles, and in order to Try to Give Correct Advice to the European Leadership, in order to Rectify their Line, and to Try to Give a Correct Answer to a Difficult Question", he suggested.



- Usually, "the Question raised is : - "More Europe, or Less Europe ?" "But, I think that this is a Bad Question". "So, I am Convinced that We (Europeans) have to do the Correct Answer to a Bad Question"...



=> "And the Correct Answer is : - "Better Europe". We Need a Better Europe. This is the Correct Answer to this Difficult Question", he Concluded at his 1st Meeting with Journalists in Strasbourg, including "EF", Together with PACE President Agramunt, Earlier this Morning.



------------------



+ Meanwhile, concerning the Still "Burning" Issue of "the Migration and Refugees' Crisis", Alexis Tsipras reminded that "Greece was in the Frontline" of that "Unprecedented" Massive Asylum Seekers/Irregular Immigrants Influx through Turkey on 2015-2016, "so, we had a very Important Experience", as he said.



- In fact, "the Most Important for us", is no so much to "Manage, after all, to Decrease, to some extend, this Difficult Situation" of 1,5 Million Refugees/Migrants suddenly Transiting by EU (and Shenghen) Member Greece, "But", rather, to "Manage to do that on the Base of Human Valies, base of Europe", he Optimisticaly pointed out.



- "Now, we have to go on, in order to Share the Burden, and to .. Deal with this Crisis at an International level", the Prime Minister pointed out.



+ Speaking, Later on, at Noon, in a 2nd Statement to Strasbourg's Journalists, including "Eurofora", on these Same Topical issues, Together with CoE's Secretary General, Thornbjorn Jagland, (with whom he had a quite Long Exchange of Views, beforehand), Tsipras Added that, After "Big Efforts in order to Calm the Situation", that Greece (and all the EU) Faced "from the Beginning of 2015", Now, "We Need a European Response, and Problem-Solving by All European States".



- "Our (Greek Government's) Aim, in this respect, is to Effectively Respond to this Refugees and Migrants Crisis, while also Respecting our Obligations under the (Pan)European Convention of Human Rights", as he underlined, after "Thanking" Jagland also for his "Appeal for Increased Solidarity", which "is Timely and Welcome", as he noted.



- "Solidarity is a Fundamental Value, and Principle", already "at the Foundations of Europe", (as he had just Stressed Earlier : Comp. Supra), "and I'm very Proud that Greek Citizens served this important Value and Principle", in order to Try "to Handle this Unprecedented Crisis", the Greek Prime Minister Concluded on this point.



Meanwhile, CoE's Secretary General had just Anounced the PanEuropean Organisation's intention "to get Involved in these Issues" and "try to be as Helpful as we (CoE) can", currently "being in the process" to Deal with matters concerning not only the Greek, but, obviously, also the Turkish Government, as he observed.



------------------------------------



+ Meanwhile, concerning also the current "Security Challenges (which) are Increaing", as Tsipras acknowledged, (particularly after several Dedadly ISIL's Terrorists, including of those who Killed more than 100 People back on November 2015 in Paris, were reportedly found to have infliltrated Europe by simply Crossing the Greek -and External EU- Borders, Hidden among that Exceptionaly Huge Mass coming through Turkey).



=> He Promissed "to Strengthen the Monitoring of our (Greece's and EU's External) Borders", and (to) Co-operate with our Partners to Deal with the issues of Terrorism and extremism, while Respecting International Law, European law and Human Rights"j, as he said afterwards, this Afternoon, at his Address to PACE's Plenary. - "We must therefore co-ordinate more to avoid a further Deterioration in the Security crisis in Europe, which is resulting in not only by the Destabilisation of Countries close to Europe, (f.ex. Syria, etc), but also by Setting up of Terrorist Networks within our European societies. Europe is called upon to Find the Solution that will Protect it, and its Values", he Warned, in Conclusion.



----------------------------------------------



It is the 1st Time that the New Prime Minister of Greece made an Official Visit to the CoE in Strasbourg Today, (except from a Previous 7/2015 Visit to EU Parliament only. See f.ex.:http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/tsiprasreactsonhollandesayingstoeurofora.html). Earlier, Back on June 2015, there were various Speculations about a Probable Venue to Speak at CoE's Assembly, in agreement with CoE's Senior Officials, and "Eurofora" had Communicated, then, with Tsipras Offices in Athens, which had asked a Written Memo in PACE, without excluding anything. But, Finally, Urgent Needs to pursue More Negotiations in Brussels, on the Financial Issue, had Obliged, then, to Postpone the visit to the CoE.



However, PM. Tsipras didn't lose an opportunity to have a look in Strasbourg's CoE, not only at its Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law main aspects, but also to some more Practical and Burning Financial Issues, (in fact, closely intewoven with the Latter), such as an Exhibition on CoE's Development Bank's Activities to Help Face various Refugees/Migrants Crisis throughout Europe's History, which was presented to him by Greek Ambasssador/PR to the CoE, Professor Perakis, (Comp., f.ex., INTW of CEB's Governor to "Eurofora", just a few Days ago, at : ....).



At any case, PACE President, Pedro Agramunt, did not lose an opportunity to Enroll the Greek Prime Minister too in his Web Campaign against Terrorism, nicknamed "# No Hate - No Fear" (See relevant Photo).

----------------------------------

(../..)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sonS0qXv3L0









--------------------------------











***











("DraftNews", as already send to "Eurofora"s Subscribers/Donors, earlier. A more accurate, full Final Version might be Published asap).











***


I wanted to second Dr. Michael Egnors recommendation of the Rowe-Grayling debate. As Egnor puts it, Rowe devastated Grayling. If you dont care to take our word for it, read the post by Dr. Graylings fellow atheist Jerry Coyne, Anthony Grayling vs. Rabbi Rowe on Gods existence.

It must come as a disappointment that the young rabbi and former tank driver with the Israel Defense Force got the better of the distinguished philosopher and fifth horseman of atheism. And indeed Coynes remarks, while trying to be kind to Grayling, read like a stifled wince.

Coyne cites a reader, Mark:

I have to admit to finding the prospect of an orthodox rabbi holding his own in a debate with Dr. Grayling on Gods existence rather disheartening, but Im afraid thats exactly what went down the other night in London.

Coyne says he was dubious that this was the case, until he watched the video. Coyne rationalizes:

The reason that Grayling didnt crush Rowe was based on one thing: Anthony wasnt up on the responses of physicists to the fine tuning and first cause arguments for God.

The evolutionary biologists admissions, though, are telling. Grayling should have given a fuller response on this point, his response is weak, its not a great response, on the other. More:

Its useful for everyone who encounters these arguments  and they are now the default argument of the Sophisticated Theologians because they sound so daunting  to know how physicists respond to them.

He means atheist physicists like Lawrence Krauss, who had a hard enough time offering a relevant response (as opposed to hurling insults) in a debate with Stephen Meyer, despite the fact that Meyer was crippled that night by a blinding migraine.

Coyne concludes:

At any rate, its time to bone up on the fine tuning argument, and the argument for God from the constancy of the laws of physics.

When your colleague and comrade evaluates your performance in a debate and says, in public, its time to bone up on a fundamental subject, thats bad. Actually, I feel bad for Grayling.

Coyne thinks he himself has got Rabbi Rowes points wrapped up and he explains how hed answer them. Fine. Let Rowe issue an invitation to Coyne to debate, too. If he does, however, the rabbi should not hold his breath waiting for a willing response.
For years  decades, actually  euthanasia forces have tried to take MD opposition off the table by convincing major medical associations to adopt a position of studied neutrality. Studied neutrality? What does that mean: Were going to pay careful attention to the issue and express no opinion?

Now, the American Medical Association, heretofore an implacable opponent of assisted suicide, is apparently going to restudy the issue. From the Right to Life News Today story:

At its annual meeting in Chicago, the American Medical Association (AMA) rejected a Louisiana State Medical Society proposal to reaffirm the AMAs long-standing policy against physician assisted suicide. Instead it approved a study-resolution to explore AMA adoption of a neutral position on physician assisted suicide, which was often referred to as aid-in-dying in the debate.

If the AMA goes neutral it will be a cowardly abdication of the organizations obligation to be leaders regarding crucial healthcare issues. I mean, how can the AMA be indifferent on the question of whether doctors should be allowed to exterminate their ill patients who want to die?

One hopes that, after having a deep conversation, the rank and file of the AMA will follow its brothers and sisters in the British Medical Association in continuing to oppose assisted suicide. At its convention, members voted (for the third time in recent years) not to go neutral, which is another way of actually saying, not to jump on the assisted suicide bandwagon.

Photo credit:  2016 GraphicStock.com.

Cross-posted at Human Exceptionalism.


Hundreds of thousands of British expats in the European Union are now wondering about their future after the UK voted to leave the political and economic community.Many had been angry that they were not allowed to vote in a referendum that will now prove to be historic as voting rules in the UK meant anyone who had lived abroad for more than 15 year cannot take part in an election.In France many expats have said that they will now seek French nationality as they fear about how their lives and work arrangements could be changed and those wishing to move back to the UK are now worried about being able to sell their homes.The issues that are likely to affect British expats in the UK include pensions, healthcare, home ownership rights, working arrangements, finance and legal status. With Sterling plunging as a result of the vote those who are pensioners and receive their money in British pounds are already facing a considerable drop in income due to the currency drop.There are fears that those seeking to be employed in the EU would have to obtain some form of work permit and those setting up as self-employed would face more restrictions than they do now in terms of qualifications being recognised and red tape.Olivier Campenon, president of the Franco-British chamber of commerce in Paris believes British expats will face a difference future. Many scenarios were outlined during the campaign but the truth is that we do not know what follows, except that we are facing a different Europe, he said.In Spain, which also has a large British expat population, people are facing similar concerns. Many second home owners in both countries are also worried about what it means for their situation.EU member countries are shocked by the decision even although polls suggested in the run up to the vote that the Leave campaign were on track to win. French President Francois Hollande immediately called a ministerial crisis meeting and British Prime Minister announced that he will leave in October which means the UK will get a new leader.And there are millions of EU citizens living and working in the UK who are also worried about the future. In particular they could face some kind of test to continue working and might need to get a visa. The leader of the Leave campaign, Boris Johnson, who could be the next Prime Minister, has said that he wants to introduce and Australian type points system for immigration and that now looks highly likely.Before the vote a Government paper on Brexit warned that there is no guarantee that expats would keep the rights to work, reside, own property and use public services such as healthcare.UK citizens resident abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed. At the very least, any terms which the UK seeks for its own citizens would have to be offered to EU citizens wishing to come to or stay in this country, it said.The UK will now begin what is expected to be a two year negotiation period to leave the EU. However, an EU spokesman said that the Vienna Convention of 1969 states that people keep the rights that they once exercised under a treaty, even if that treaty is later terminated.Therefore expats in Europe would retain their acquired right to stay there, but it would not apply to people who move abroad in the future, he added.
I am retired on a fixed income and would like to relocate to Italy. I do not know anyone there. I am searching for an expat who is already there who can give me guidance.



Please let me know.



Thank you.
Friday, June 24, 2016

As in all professions, document examiners have a range of expertise and experience. As important as it is for your client to make a clear assessment of your abilities to serve them successfully, it is up to you to determine in advance, with a high degree of accuracy, whether the document examiner you plan to hire will perform the most accurate assessments and be ready to back up those assessments with a scientifically-repeatable methodology in court.

You can improve the chances of proving your questioned document case (provided your clients claim is meritorious) by selecting an expert forensic document examiner who follows a generally-accepted practice for forensic document examiners. It is surprisingly common that not all experts do.

In Frye v. U.S., 293 F.2d 1013 (D.C. CA 1923), the D.C. Court of Appeals adopted the test for general acceptance. As relevant in California, the Kelly rule, People v. Kelly (1976) 17 Cal.3d, provides that the expert testimony must be based on a technique that is sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field to which it belongs.

Following are three examples of cases in which the opposing document examiner failed to follow generally-accepted practices for handwriting identification of a questioned signature.

In this case, the opposing document examiner eliminated the decedent as the writer of a holographic will (handwritten and not witnessed) based on observed differences between two known signatures and the questioned signature. The examiner failed to state that there were also differences between the two known signatures, which were stipulated to have been written contemporaneously (in this case during the same sitting) by the decedent.

No one writes their signature exactly the same way each time. Therefore, accepted methodology requires determining both similar and dissimilar traits between the questioned writing and the known writings. The variability in the handwriting of the author of the known writings must be analyzed.

An individual can only be eliminated as the writer of a questioned document when the range of variability of the known writer has been determined. Established authorities state that a sufficient number of samples of a persons writing (exemplars) are required to show this variability.

The exact number of exemplars cannot be determined until the document examiner starts working the case. Exemplars written prior to the date of the questioned writing are best. I prefer to start with at least 15 exemplars.

Examining more exemplars increases the validity of the results. Generally, more exemplars are needed to opine that a person did not execute a writing than to opine that a person did execute a writing.

Only after a careful review of the findings can it be determined with a degree of accuracy the extent to which the questioned writing has the same traits as and falls within the known variability of the known writing.

The opposing examiner in this case made no effort to determine the variability of the decedents known handwriting. She made no attempt to examine the original will that was available in the courts records room.

I examined the original holographic will and displayed the scanned copy as an exhibit.

In another case, the opposing examiner collected 43 exemplars of the decedents signature. This was proper, generally-accepted practice.

However, for the report, the examiner selected seven of the 43 exemplars. These seven exemplars supported the retaining attorneys contention the decedent had not signed the will.

After we exchanged evidence, I discovered that most of the remaining exemplars he had collected supported the hypothesis the decedent did sign the will. Using his evidence at trial, I showed that he had cherry-picked the exemplars for the report. This is called confirmation bias.

In a federal criminal case, the opposing document examiner presented a report that was not in conformance with Rule 26 of Federal Rules of Evidence.

As a result, my retaining attorney said I did not need to drive to Los Angeles to testify at trialthat my report would stand on its own. He was correct. The judge threw out the other examiners report.

It is important for an attorney to ask an expert to describe the methodology he or she will use to research the case. After describing the methodology, the prospective document examiner should be able to cite authorities that support the claim that the methodology is accepted in the practice of forensic document examination.

A proper research methodology removes the experts bias from the analysis. The expert must be able to support their opinion with a scientific basis. The job of the expert is to research the evidence and report what the evidence uncovers. The expert is not an advocate for either side in a dispute.

Ask your prospective expert how he or she plans to follow generally-accepted practices during the examination. Learn whether the document examiner is able to support the methodology used.
From: Randall Craig, Digital Strategy, Digital Transformation, and Social Media Expert For Immediate Release: Dateline: Toronto , Other Friday, June 24, 2016



What do you do if you have a spare 26 billion hanging around? If you are Microsoft, you buy professional social networking site

Firstly, why would Microsoft make the purchase? In many ways, Microsoft is like the Queen Mary: beautiful, but also big, bloated, and slow-to-turn. Its strength has always been on the desktop, with the one-two punch of the Windows operating system and the MS-Office suite. Arguably, it has not been able to capitalize on most of the internet and social media revolution, ceding leadership to the likes of Google, YouTube (eg Google again), Facebook, Twitter, Apple, and many others. Slowly but surely, it has been adding cloud-based services, some built internally (Office 365, Azure cloud platform, and others), and some purchased (such as Skype). So why LinkedIn? Nine reasons

Microsoft can sell premium LinkedIn memberships as add-ons to other SAAS (Software as a service) offerings. It can also tightly integrate it with Bing and its ad sales platform. Access to proprietary underlying data within LinkedIn can improve Microsofts ability to market and to sell. Integration with Outlook, Yammer, Dynamics CRM, Skype, Office 365, and other software-as-a-service offerings. No longer need Microsofts products be differentiated based solely on technology, but possibly also by being powered by LinkedIn relationships. (One example: a re-worked Dynamics CRM and LinkedIn Sales Navigator product/service.) They already own 1.5% of Facebook, but have been unable to parlay this ownership stake into any type of strategic advantage. (It was an astute financial investment though.) The purchase will help transform Microsoft from a pure software company to a social media company, allowing a deeper integration into peoples lives. This might mean using LinkedIn technology on their Xbox platform and their other consumer offerings. The build-vs-buy decision: It is pretty much impossible to build a LinkedIn replacement  it is unique in the marketplace. Their only option was to buy. The purchase represents a defensive move against other potential acquirers, including Google, Apple, Salesforce, Facebook, and others. As part of the acquisition, Microsoft also got their hands on Lynda.com, arguably the worlds foremost training platform, an important potential advertising venue, and just perhaps, another lease on life for Bing. Finally, the very large Microsoft corporate sales organization now has another reason to knock on the corporate Americas doors. Its unlikely Microsoft will rush to immediately monetize their purchase. As some users may be spooked, Microsoft may wish to leave LinkedIn untouched for a period of time  much the same way they have done with Skype.

So what does this all mean? On one hand, significant potential, particularly with the integration of LinkedIn data with Microsofts SAAS offerings. On the other hand, significant business risk: Do you really want to be tenants in another business rental unit? We may think that we own our marketing destiny, but we dont: if the machinery (or social venue) is owned by someone else, whether we pay with our credit cards or pay with our data, we are tenants. And tenants are subject to the whims of the landlord. (For those who follow, here is a very short list of Microsofts technologies that are no longer around: Zune, Silverlight, Windows Live Spaces, KIN, various Windows mobile technologies, Microsoft Money, Windows RT tablets, Windows Media Center, and dozens more.)

This weeks action plan: What would happen if Microsoft fundamentally changed the LinkedIn ground rules? Perhaps by changing the economic model, or by limiting key-for-you functionality, or by using your data for their own purposes? This week, look at these three scenarios, and find a way to limit your exposure. (Hint: one way is to migrate your relationships from LinkedIn into a CRM such as Salesforce.)

Management insight: For a number of LinkedIn employees (and potential employees), the idea of working for the slo-mo Microsoft may be less interesting than working for an exciting new-economy success story. Look for the inevitable exit of veterans, and a somewhat more difficult task of recruiting the best and the brightest. While the acquisition price was $26 billion, much of the companys future value will be derived through what the current employees will be able to do. The importance of employee retention plans cant be overstated.

Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to

What do you do if you have a spare 26 billion hanging around? If you are Microsoft, you buy professional social networking site LinkedIn.com . What do you do if you are an avid LinkedIn user, or if LinkedIn is central to your organizations engagement and marketing plans? Be happy, but just maybe, also be careful.Firstly, why would Microsoft make the purchase? In many ways, Microsoft is like the Queen Mary: beautiful, but also big, bloated, and slow-to-turn. Its strength has always been on the desktop, with the one-two punch of the Windows operating system and the MS-Office suite. Arguably, it has not been able to capitalize on most of the internet and social media revolution, ceding leadership to the likes of Google, YouTube (eg Google again), Facebook, Twitter, Apple, and many others. Slowly but surely, it has been adding cloud-based services, some built internally (Office 365, Azure cloud platform, and others), and some purchased (such as Skype). So why LinkedIn? Nine reasonsIts unlikely Microsoft will rush to immediately monetize their purchase. As some users may be spooked, Microsoft may wish to leave LinkedIn untouched for a period of time  much the same way they have done with Skype.So what does this all mean? On one hand, significant potential, particularly with the integration of LinkedIn data with Microsofts SAAS offerings. On the other hand, significant business risk: Do you really want to be tenants in another business rental unit? We may think that we own our marketing destiny, but we dont: if the machinery (or social venue) is owned by someone else, whether we pay with our credit cards or pay with our data, we are tenants. And tenants are subject to the whims of the landlord. (For those who follow, here is a very short list of Microsofts technologies that are no longer around: Zune, Silverlight, Windows Live Spaces, KIN, various Windows mobile technologies, Microsoft Money, Windows RT tablets, Windows Media Center, and dozens more.)What would happen if Microsoft fundamentally changed the LinkedIn ground rules? Perhaps by changing the economic model, or by limiting key-for-you functionality, or by using your data for their own purposes? This week, look at these three scenarios, and find a way to limit your exposure. (Hint: one way is to migrate your relationships from LinkedIn into a CRM such as Salesforce.)For a number of LinkedIn employees (and potential employees), the idea of working for the slo-mo Microsoft may be less interesting than working for an exciting new-economy success story. Look for the inevitable exit of veterans, and a somewhat more difficult task of recruiting the best and the brightest. While the acquisition price was $26 billion, much of the companys future value will be derived through what the current employees will be able to do. The importance of employee retention plans cant be overstated.Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.RandallCraig.com to register. Randall Craig

@RandallCraig (follow me)

www.RandallCraig.com

www.108ideaspace.com

www.ProfessionallySpeakingTV.com



Media contacts: Jamie Ellerton, Principal, Conaptus Ltd., 416-837-6874, Jamie@ellerton.ca Sarah Kwan, Co-founder, Lean In Toronto Chapter, 416-317-0088, sarah.kwan@gmail.com Note to Media: Event agenda: 6:30-7:00 Networking 7:00-7:45 Karen Stintz Discussion and Q & A? 7:45-8:30 Networking


Calling himself the frack master, Texas businessman Chris Faulkner charmed hundreds of investors and major media companies into believing he had extensive experience in energy markets.

It turns out he had none and that at least $30 million of what he raised was spent on strippers, escorts, lavish vacations and other personal expenses, according to Wall Streets top cop.

Faulkners alleged transgressions include using money from his Brietling Energy Corp. to pay off an American Express card that he referred to as his whore card, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said in a complaint filed Friday. Faulkner and seven others, including Breitling Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Wagers, defrauded investors out of about $80 million over the course of the past five years, the SEC said.

Faulkner, Breitlings founder and chief executive officer, and other executives told investors their money would be used to drill oil wells, but instead spent it on cars, jewelry and gentlemans clubs, according to the SEC. The regulator suspended trading in Breitlings shares.

Breitling investors are happy and got the returns they expected, said Larry Friedman, an attorney who represents Faulkner and the company.

These allegations are not true or accurate, Friedman said. The personal accusations about Faulkner are out of place and uncalled for. Entertaining is part of raising investor capital from high net worth individuals.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Part of his shtick was a carefully managed profile in which he paid a public relations firm to promote him for television interviews. It worked, as he appeared on CNBC, CNN, Fox Business News and hosted a weekly radio show in Dallas, according to the SEC complaint. He has also been interviewed on Bloomberg Television.

Chris Faulkner orchestrated a sophisticated and multilayered scheme using BECC and its affiliated entities as a conduit to access millions of investor dollars, said Shamoil T. Shipchandler, head of SECs Fort Worth office. The financing for Faulkners opulent lifestyle came directly at the expense of unwitting investors across the country.
The vote for the UK to leave the European Union would delight significant numbers of farmers, as polls had consistently shown strong farmer support for the leave campaign, Will Gemmill, head of farming at Strutt & Parker said.

But he warned that there were still a huge number of questions about the likely impact on farm profitability.

"The UKs decision to leave the European Union will have seismic implications for UK agriculture  ending more than 40 years of British farmers inclusion in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

"If the value of sterling drops, then in the short term we could see improvements in our competitive position which will help exports and push up prices.

"However, over the medium term there are crucial questions about the level of support UK farmers will be paid and on the terms of any trade deals struck with the EU and the rest of the world.

"There is also the issue of how to deal with global issues such as climate change, energy security and environmental protection.

"At this stage there are huge numbers of unknowns which means the impact on farm profitability is difficult to predict.

"It is not even clear how long it will take the UK to negotiate its way out of the Europe.

"Under EU rules, a member state seeking to withdraw has two years to negotiate the terms and it needs the unanimous backing of all EU members to extend this.

"But this is also a significant opportunity to simply the payments system so that it is simple, quick and accurate, and deal with other gold-plating of laws and regulations."

'Jargon-free' farming policy

Mr Gemmill added: "Until we have more answers, any farmers signing tenancy or Contract Farming Agreements would be wise to include a clause reserving the right to review the terms in view of any change in levels of support.

"Farmers would also welcome a clear, concise, jargon-free farming, food and environmental policy that makes their role clear.

"They also need fast implementation by the Government of policies that will help farmers manage risk and price volatility better, which is one of the most damaging things affecting UK farmers businesses at present."

Michael Fiddes, head of estate and farm agency, called on the UK government to reveal its intentions to farmers as quickly as it could.

"What markets hate more than anything is uncertainty and a vote to leave will inevitably create a great deal of uncertainty about the future of our agricultural policy as we move outside of the CAP.

"This is likely to have a negative effect on the UK land market at a time when prices are already under pressure because of falls in farming profitability.

"Farmers remain the largest buyer of farmland in the UK, so any changes in income as a result of changes to the subsidy system will have an impact.

"It is essential that the UK government makes very clear, at an early stage, what their replacement farm policy will look like in order to enable farmers to plan with certainty.

"Until we have greater clarity, buyers could be reluctant to invest which will put downward pressure on the land market.

"What is now crucial is for the government to recognise the importance of food security to the country and establish a structure which creates a long term, viable UK agricultural industry which sits at the very heart of our economic policy."
The Tenant Farmers Association has written to the Prime Minister to offer its assistance in working to achieve a successful exit from the European Union in light of the win for the leave camp in the EU referendum.

TFA Chief Executive George Dunn said: "We now need high levels of both wisdom and diplomacy to negotiate our way through the uncharted waters of abandoning our current arrangements with the EU.

"We need to build a new framework for policy development in those areas of previous EU competency.

"Unfortunately, both of these attributes of wisdom and diplomacy have been less than obvious in the referendum debate from both sides and so we have a lot of learning to do.

"Having already set out a potential draft policy for the situation within which we now find ourselves, we will be using that as a basis for beginning our discussions with the English and Welsh Governments.

"We want to gain early traction to ensure that the farming community is not forgotten as we build new, domestic policies from the bottom up," said Mr Dunn.

"The debate leading up to yesterdays referendum has been passionate but divisive and we now need to work on building a new consensus about how we build a post-EU Britain.

"As with the rest of the nation, the farming community has had split views on whether it was right to remain a member or leave the European Union, but we must all now deal with the reality of the situation within which we find ourselves.

"We must press on to ensure a smooth exit and building a secure future for the UK outside of the EU," said Mr Dunn.

"There is much work to be done on the big issues facing the farming industry including living with volatility in world markets, adapting to climate change, applying new technology, dealing with animal diseases, the use and development of pesticides and other farm chemicals and securing food and environmental security.

"We must now find our own solutions to these important issues which will require us quickly to put aside our divisions over the referendum question and press on towards working together to address these important areas of work," said Mr Dunn.
Following the outcome of the UKs referendum in favour of leaving the European Union (EU), the Aldersgate Group argues that it is in the UKs interest to continue to lead on environmental issues and grow the UKs thriving low carbon economy.

The Aldersgate Group said that the government should continue its work to improve the state of the natural environment at home.

The group also said the UK economy should remain competitive at a time where the global market for low-carbon goods and services is rapidly growing.

Nick Molho, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group said: "Environmental and low carbon economy issues were largely overlooked during the EU referendum campaign.

"Yet, both within and outside the EU, the UK has often taken a leading position on tackling environmental issues such as climate change.

"Today, its low carbon and renewable energy economy has a turnover in excess of 46bn, employs over 238,000 full time workers directly and British businesses are leading exporters of clean technologies such as ultra-low emission cars.

"With serious environmental issues facing the world economy and with low carbon investment rapidly growing globally, it is in the UKs economic and environmental interest to engage positively in international negotiations on climate change and other environmental issues and support the growth of its low carbon economy through national policy.

"Showing its commitment to the Climate Change Act by adopting the fifth carbon budget and a robust carbon plan to deliver it and making rapid progress on a 25 year plan to improve the state of the UKs natural environment must now be essential priorities for the government."
Britain has today voted to leave the European Union in a referendum that will send shockwaves across Europe, if not the world.

London and Scotland voted strongly to stay in the EU but the remain vote has been undermined by anti-EU results in the north of England.

It is the greatest disaster to befall the EU in its 59-year history. The road ahead is unclear, no state has left the European Union before.

But what does this mean for the British agricultural industry?

For now, it is simply too early to say, but there is plenty of speculation from past comments made by prominent Leave campaigners.

Below is a collection of thoughts, comments and analysis from segments of prominent pro-Brexit industry leaders, politicians and farmers.

'Farmers would get same amount of money from subsidies after leaving the EU'

Boris Johnson has complained about the burden of EU regulations that protect consumers from sheep disease similar to BSE entering the human food chain.

The former mayor of London has told farmers he questioned the need for rules that mean spinal tissue has to be removed from sheep with more than two big teeth, as he promised Brexit would bring about deregulation of the farming industry.

Speaking at a cattle market in Clitheroe, Lancashire, he said farmers would get the same amount of money from subsidies after leaving the EU while being relieved of red tape.

"We want to lift the burden from UK farming. Ive just been talking to people about the rule that says if your sheep has two teeth or more than two big teeth youve got to slaughter it in a certain way to remove the spinal tissue. What is the point of that? Its way out of date.

"You dont need it. But because it comes from Brussels, we cannot change it and we cannot reform it."

'UK government will give more to farmers than they did in EU'

Defra minister George Eustice has also been a vocal supporter of a Brexit scenario.

He said the UK government will give more to farmers than they do now in the event of Britain leaving the EU.

Eustice has drawn attention to non-EU nations like Switzerland and Norway and how their governments give more to farmers than the UK does.

"Where power has been ceded to the EU, we see inertia, inconsistency and indecision," the Farm minister said.

"The achievements we cherish most of all are those where we have secured opt-outs from EU initiatives."

Eustice said the UK gives money to the EU, which they convert into foreign currency creating unnecessary exchange rate risks.

'Free from EU directives and subsidy policies'

Former Defra minister Owen Paterson has said that British farmers in the UK would benefit leaving the European Union, as they would be free from EU directives and subsidy policies.

Paterson said money could be better used in a targeted and efficient manner.

"I believe that the United Kingdom has a great future beyond the political arrangements of the European Union," Paterson said at the Oxford Farming Conference.

"Agriculture and food production is hampered by our membership of the Common Agricultural Policy.

"CAP negotiations between 28 countries inevitably mean that we have to accept compromises, these are at best deeply unsatisfactory and at worst actively damaging to UK farmers."

'53% of all UK exports go to non-EU nations'

The Chairman of JCB Lord Bamford has written to his company's 6,500 UK employees to explain why he favoured a Brexit scenario.

In the letter he said he was "very confident that we can stand on our own two feet".

He also said that more than 53% of all UK exports go to non-EU nations, warning that the EU has a shrinking share of world trade.

The businessman says he supported joining the Common Market but did not back it turning into a political union.

Lord Bamford told his employees that the referendum's outcome "will determine the future of our country" with a "lasting impact on the lives of our children and grandchildren".

"CAP negotiations between 28 countries inevitably mean that we have to accept compromises, these are at best deeply unsatisfactory and at worst actively damaging to UK farmers."

Leaving the single market 'wouldn't be a disaster'

UKIP MEP Stuart Agnew claimed that EU regulation only added cost to British farming, and insisted that even within the EU there wasn't a level playing field.

"There are still caged hens and sow tethers out there," he said.

"The future within the EU is far from certain, with tremendous concerns over the Euro, EU growth, and middle Eastern migration. This project is failing."

But leaving the single market wouldn't be a disaster, said Agnew. "We export a lot to China and they're not in the single market.

"We also import far more goods from the EU than we export to them  there's a deal to be done here."

'Transformational' for Welsh agriculture

The Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew Davies has claimed a Leave vote would be 'transformational' for Welsh agriculture.

Support packages for farmers would be tailor-made for the industry in Wales, which would benefit from new, fresh thinking, he said.

He added: "The established unions may have taken a position against leaving, but they were very strong advocates of Euro.

"As much as they dont like to be reminded of it, they were wrong then and theyre wrong now."
David Bouch, of Hutchinsons, looks at wheat varieties for autumn 2016 that will help to tackle issues many farmers are facing.

He believes that there are a number of new varieties that will be of interest, as well as some that will continue to be favoured because of their remarkable consistency.

"Growers that may not have considered growing quality wheats in the past might now do so, as some of the new varieties do not present yield penalties. There are two notable milling wheat varieties with very good disease resistance."

"New for this autumn is RGT Illustrious, the highest yielding untreated Group 1 variety in the 2016/17 AHDB Recommended List.

"It also has excellent bread making credentials. Skyfall, also from RAGT, has a proven track record with a very solid disease profile, stiff straw, early maturity and is quick to develop, especially when drilled early.

"Skyfall is the only variety within the group that has orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM) resistance."

'Highest untreated yield'

Of the Group 2 wheat varieties, Mr Bouch believes that KWS Siskin stands out by virtue of having the highest untreated yield compared to any other variety on the Recommended List.

"The varietys septoria tritici resistance is second to none and it offers many end-market opportunities.

"As Siskins yield potential is comparable to the best, some growers may choose to treat it as a barn filler, with any subsequent quality premium being considered a bonus.

"Siskin performs well throughout the UK and in particular the south and south west, making it a variety that must be considered for this coming autumn.

"Of the new Group 3 biscuit wheats varieties, both Barrel and Basset from KWS offer little or no yield disadvantage to the very highest yielding group 4 wheat varieties.

"Both have OWBM resistance and are suitable for export and biscuit making.

"With the yield potential that these new varieties offer, there is a possibility that sales of Group 3 varieties will increase, having lost market share over recent seasons.

"However, there is only enough seed available for 1% of plantings for autumn 2016."

Soft Group 4 feed wheat varieties

The proportion of soft Group 4 feed wheat varieties on the Recommended List have declined in favour of hard varieties.

KWS Silverstone is now the highest yielding variety available, but its standing ability will need careful management, lending itself to later drilling. It is also suitable for lighter soils, says Mr Bouch.

He suggests that another option and new for autumn 2016 is Graham from Syngenta.

"This variety is high yielding with excellent foliar disease resistance and is the only other variety in this group that scores 7 for septoria tritici.

"Graham can be drilled early, where this is a requirement, and benefits from early maturity."

Of the older varieties, Mr Bouch says that JB Diego and Santiago continue to offer remarkable consistency, whilst Evolution offers excellent disease resistance and is notable in particular for its outstanding yellow rust resistance.

"As yellow rust pressure has been high this year, growers might mitigate this particular risk by choosing Evolution, as it also offers exceptional yield potential."

"Costello from Senova is a new variety that was limited in supply last autumn but worth consideration.

"Its strengths are different from competitors in that it has good all-round disease resistance, but with the addition of quite exceptional grain qualities.

"Specific weight is in excess of 80 and the Hagberg falling number is over 300. The specific weight characteristics could help to reduce unwanted claims against price or redirection charges," he says.
CLA President Ross Murray has signalled his confidence in the ability of farmers and other rural businesses to create opportunities in the future outside the EU following the dramatic outcome of the referendum.

He said: "This is a historic decision and we are entering an unprecedented period for our country and economy.

"There will be a significant amount of change in the weeks, months and years ahead. This will bring challenges but also significant opportunities.

"Millions of people have voted for a new and different future for the UK. They have seen the opportunity to exploit new global markets, to reduce the red tape that stifles their ability to run their farm or business and to have a greater say in decisions that affect them and their rural communities.

"The CLA will be working to ensure that existing and future governments deliver on turning these desires into a reality."

'UK Government must not allow a poor trade dynamic'

Ross Murray addressed some of the immediate decisions for politicians that the CLA set out during the campaign: "There are some urgent decisions for Ministers to make. These decisions are necessary to secure the immediate future of the rural economy.

"We need an early guarantee that, whatever happens with regard to the negotiations on the UKs exit, the support that is currently provided to UK farmers and the wider economy through the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will continue unbroken and unchanged until at least the end of December 2020.

"As negotiations begin on trade relationships to succeed our position as a full member of the European Union, Ministers must have the needs of farming and other rural businesses at the front of their minds. The ambition must be a barrier and tariff-free relationship.

"Whatever happens, the UK Government must not allow a poor trade dynamic that leaves UK agriculture at a disadvantage.

"Discussions must begin as soon as practical on what will replace the support provided through the CAP.

"A dedicated UK Agriculture and Land Use Policy must be in place ready for the day we exit the European Union.

"This has to be a widely accepted policy that supports our farmers, helping them to be resilient to unpredictable markets, and providing them with a firm foundation to compete with EU and other farmers from across the world.

"It must also be a policy to support the work of managing our land and wildlife, preserving our landscapes and supporting rural communities."
The Farmers Union of Wales has welcomed the Prime Ministers decision to delay invoking Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon.

The union has called for the UK and EU to agree on a sensible timetable for Brexit after the UK electorate voted to leave the EU  or risk dire consequences for both the UK and the remaining 27 Member States.

"The FUW supported the remain campaign and was a member of Stronger In Europe, so we are naturally disappointed with the outcome," said FUW President Glyn Roberts.

"However, as a democratic organisation we fully respect the outcome of the vote, and work must now start to build a positive future for farming and the rural economy of Wales outside the EU."

Mr Roberts said the timescale of an exit was crucial to such planning, and that exit over too short a period would have dire consequences for both the UK and the EU.

"There is a monumental amount of work to do in terms of changing domestic arrangements and legislation, including in terms of Welsh devolved legislation.

"Not to mention unravelling us from the EU budget to which we were previously committed, negotiating trade deals and dealing with issues such as border controls.

"Such issues will also require a huge amount of work at the EU level, and we do not believe a rapid exit over a couple of years would be in either the UK or the EUs interests.

"It is likely to leave everyone with the worst of all worlds," he added.

Non-EU states like Switzerland and Norway

The Union has called for early meetings with the Welsh Government and is also engaged with UK Government to ensure that the voice of Welsh farming is heard during these challenging times.

"We have also reached out to other non-member states in order to better understand agricultural models in countries such as Norway and Switzerland, and these knowledge exchanges will ensure that the experience of other nations can benefit any plans being developed in Wales," said Mr Roberts.

The FUW will also be using its wide network of county branches to ensure that the voice and views of members throughout Wales are heard during the planning and negotiation phases of any exit. A meeting of County Chairmen is planned for the first week of July.

"Our members voices must be heard, so we will consult with them as widely as we can to ensure that Wales gets what it needs to ensure a sustainable agricultural future and stronger rural economies."
The farming sector needs to encourage more female participation in the industry and promote the significant role of women already working in agriculture.

Those were the key messages at todays Women in Agriculture event hosted by Scotlands Rural College at the Royal Highland Show.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing, kicked off proceedings by launching plans for Scottish Government research into women working in farming industries.

He said: "We have commissioned this research to identify the challenges and come up with policy initiatives to improve womens participation in farming.

"In particular the contribution women make to agriculture in Scotland and the wider rural economy which is not always visible."

Professor Sally Shortall, has been commissioned by the Scottish Government to carry out the research, assisted by colleagues at the James Hutton Institute.

"While we will focus on identifying the issues and producing actual policy recommendations to help improve the situation; the study is not anti-men or about positive discrimination," Sally explained.

"It is about it is about improving the efficiency and economic viability of the farm and farming."

Many of the other speakers echoed that message, that women in the sector were not interested in special treatment, merely for their skills and experience to be recognised and put to good use supporting the industry.

'Building into a positive force'

Gemma Thomson, Legal and Technical Policy Manager at NFU Scotland, said: "Promoting women in agriculture is not a new thing, but it is now building into a positive force.

"What we dont want is positive discrimination however. That would be negative. But agriculture needs to be much better at promoting itself as a real career choice for females."

SRUC Board Member and Vet Kate Richards noted that: "Women often feel they have to be better and give more to be taken seriously. That is an image that needs to change with women accepted as equals."

Fergus Ewing also spoke of need to change perceptions. He said: "What we need to achieve is to change that image of the average Scottish farmer  being older and male."

With over hundred women (and a few men) in the room, and seven inspirational female speakers, it is clear that that image is not necessarily a true representation of the industry.

However, many of those at the event felt more needs to be done to encourage women into the sector, both those from a farming background, and those who might consider themselves outsiders.

One such outsider, SAOSs Emma Patterson Taylor, said: "There are many advantages you can bring as an outsider  you look at things from a different perspective and are not bound by the way it has always been done."

SRUCs Acting CEO and Principal, Janet Swadling, was also new to the sector when she joined SRUC twenty years ago.

She concluded the event by saying: "I did not come from a farming background, but I am absolutely passionate about what I do, and am proud to have led the national college for the land-based sector for two and a half years.

"I think as an industry we all need to do more to promote the great work being done by women and men in the agricultural sector, and try and get more young women in particular studying and working in this field."
The vote to leave the European Union will inevitably lead to a period of uncertainty in a number of areas that are of vital importance to Britains farmers, the NFU have said today in a statement.

The NFU's Meurig Raymond said: "The NFU will engage fully and constructively with the British government to construct new arrangements. This needs to happen as soon as possible.

"Our members will rightly want to know the impact on their businesses as a matter of urgency.

"We understand that the negotiations will take some time to deliver but it is vital that there is early commitment to ensure British farming is not disadvantaged.

"It is vital that British farming is profitable and remains competitive, it is the bedrock of the food industry  Britains largest manufacturing sector.

"The NFU has called an extraordinary meeting of NFU Council, its governing body, next Friday July 1 2016.

The NFUs principles will be:

 To achieve the best possible access Europes markets, which will remain extremely important to Britains farmers.

 To get access to markets in the rest of the world, while ensuring we are protected from imports which are produced to lower standards.

 To ensure our farmers and growers can get the necessary supplies of labour, both seasonal and full-time.

 To build a British agricultural policy which is as simple as possible, adapted to our needs and guarantees parity of treatment with European farmers, who will still be our principal competitors. There must be a common framework of a British policy, while allowing a necessary degree of flexibility to devolved governments.

 Regulations and product approvals must be proportionate and based on risk and science.
Cost of living crisis could trigger 'winter crime epidemic' on farms
Eighty per cent are by men with regional male suicide rates much higher than the national average. Depressive disorders are found to be the most identifiable risk factor associated with suicide and mental illness is the leading cause of disability in Australian with one in five people affected every year.
What was it like to be an Oath Keeper? John Zimmerman can tell you
Our latest BELA Executive Ethics and Compliance forum was co-hosted by Dell. We gathered more than a dozen compliance executives from top-performing companies to talk about why culture, training and risk management should be part of an organizations long-term sustainable business strategies.

Ethispheres Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA) was created to capture, codify and communicate leading practices throughout the community.

Originally brought together by leading compliance executives  Al Rosa of General Electric, Brian Beeghly of Johnson Controls, Alan Yuspeh of Hospital Corporation of America, and Diana Sands of The Boeing Company  Ethispheres latest BELA roundtable met last week for an exclusive two-day event at Dells headquarters in Austin, Texas.

In addition, the event welcomed senior executives from Eli Lily, CH2M, United Parcel Service, Noble Energy, Eaton Corporation, Jones Lang LaSalle, Microsoft, and Vizient, Inc.

The BELA roundtable showcased some of the most advanced ethics and compliance programs and initiatives, John Sardar, Chief Compliance Officer of Noble Energy,said. It was an outstanding forum to listen and learn from some of the creative thought leaders in this space.

The goal of these roundtables is to provide a platform for candid exchanges to help executive leaders and their companies openly address strategic challenges and collaborate together around actionable solutions. This forum, in particular, focused on measuring and improving culture, training and communications effectiveness, third party risk management and a host of other business issues that global companies often encounter.

Part of BELAs mission is to help companies measure, improve and simplify their programs. Through unlimited access to a full-service culture assessment or to the BELA communitys library of questions, companies can gain insights into its most critical asset  employees.

Over the years, many scandals have spiraled out of control in light of the missing link between employees and the enforcement of a companys compliance and ethics program. While these issues are frequently addressed at company meetings and in follow-up communications, they arent enough to move the needle on compliance.

During the event, the participants all agreed that sustainable companies invest in culture, value and performance but getting there does not happen overnight. It is a continuous process that is reinforced by leadership and compliance.

The Good News: More Leaders are Engaged: Most participants said that they are seeing buy-in from leaders  even those in the early stages of their compliance programs. But there are common aspects that most high-functioning governance and compliance programs share.

At Dell for example, leader engagement remains a critical part of the companys enterprise-wide compliance program. Mike McLaughlin, Dells Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, explained that at the technology company, executives are always willing to connect and discuss compliance issues with each other.

Our leaders get it, and thats illustrated by the fact that when we send a note out on an important compliance topic or request time for a meeting to discuss compliance, the vast majority of our senior leaders engage, he said. They make the connection between good compliance and good business and that makes a huge difference at Dell.

Al Rosa, Chief Compliance Director and Senior Executive Counsel at GE, said that investing in an Ombuds program pays dividends. GE has created a global network of approximately 500 ombudspersons, where coverage is provided for every business and country in which the company operates. Employees (remote ones as well) know their local business and regional ombudsperson through frequent communications, articles and various Company intranet sites.

Ombudspersons are introduced at all employee meetings within the businesses and regions, including integrity events and trainings. According to Rosa, the Ombuds program is the secret sauce of GEs culture of integrity.

For more information or to become a BELA member, click here.

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Aarti Maharaj is Executive Editor and Director of Digital Content for Ethisphere. Shell be a speaker at the FCPA Blog NYC Conference 2016.
A former Department of Defense (DoD) senior contracting official pleaded guilty Thursday to taking bribes from Leonard Glenn Francis  also known as Fat Leonard  the owner of Singapore-based Glenn Defense Marine Asia.

Paul Simpkins, 61, of Haymarket, Virginia, supervised contracting officers responsible for awarding and administering U.S. Navy contracts.

Sentencing is set for September 9.

From 2006 until 2012, Fat Leonard gave Simpkins cash, travel expenses, and the services of prostitutes. In return, Simpkins helped steer contracts to Glenn Defense and intervened for the company in contracting disputes with the U.S. Navy.

Glenn Defense provided U.S. Navy ships at ports throughout Asia with food, fuel, cleaning, and other port services.

Francis transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to a bank account in Japan controlled by Simpkinss former wife, the DOJ said. Simpkins then sent the money to a U.S. bank account held in his own name.

Among the favors Simpkins did in return for the bribes:

He extended Glenn Marines contract after a subordinate recommended the contract not be extended due to high costs.

He instructed U.S. Navy officials in Hong Kong to stop using meters that ensured proper accounting of the amount of waste that Glenn Marine removed from U.S. Navy ships to ensure that no overbilling occurred.

And he told a U.S. Navy official not to examine invoices that Glenn Marine submitted after Francis complained that U.S. Navy personnel were asking questions.

Fourteen individuals have been charged in the case. Eleven of them have now pleaded guilty.

Francis, 51, pleaded guilty to bribing scores of U.S. Navy officials with luxury travel, meals, cash, electronics, parties, and prostitutes.

Federal agents arrested the Malaysian citizen after luring him to San Diego to talk about rich new contracts.

Earlier this month, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Robert Gilbeau, 55, of Burke, Virginia, pleaded guilty to destroying evidence and lying to federal investigators about his relationship with Francis.

In May, three senior Navy officers  two of them active and one retired  were also charged.

They were Navy Captain Michael Brooks, 57, of Fairfax Station, Virginia, Commander Bobby Pitts, 47, of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Lieutenant Commander Gentry Debord, 47, whos based in Singapore.

Five individuals including four U.S. Navy officers have been sentenced in the case:

Petty Officer First Class Dan Layug , jailed 27 months

Lieutenant Commander Todd Malaki, sentenced to 40 months in prison

Alex Wisidagama, a former Glenn Defense employee, sentenced to 63 months in prison and ordered to pay $34.8 million in restitution to the Navy

Captain Daniel Dusek, sentenced to 46 months in prison, and

Captain Michael Misiewicz, sentenced to 78 months in prison.

NCIS Special Agent John Beliveau and U.S. Navy Commander Jose Luis Sanchez have pleaded guilty and are waiting to be sentenced.

In February 2015, three rear admirals including the commander of naval forces in Japan retired after the secretary of the Navy censured them for the Fat Leonard scandal.

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Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. Hell be the keynote speaker at the FCPA Blog NYC Conference 2016.
David Hasselhoff has slashed the spousal support he pays to his ex-wife by over $10,000.

David Hasselhoff

The former 'Baywatch' actor had asked to cut his payments to Pamela Bach, 52, who he was married to from 1989 to 2006, after claiming he had just $4,000 in the bank and the pair have now agreed to adjust the figure from $21,000 to $10,000, per month, according to TMZ.

This comes just one month after David, 63, asked a Superior Court judge in Los Angeles to end the payments, claiming he could no longer afford them.

David claims he makes $112,000 a month and spends $66,000 but his ex-wife argued her case, insisting that he is worth millions and has property all over the world.

The former couple have daughters Hayley, 23 and Taylor-Ann, 26, together.

Meanwhile, David proposed to his girlfriend Hayley Roberts recently, five years after they met when she asked for his autograph.

Speaking of his decision to get down on one knee, the former 'Baywatch' star said: "I had a saying, 'You don't get married because you want to live with someone, you get married because you can't live without them.' I felt that way. I knew that I was really unhappy without her."

But the proposal didn't go quite to plan as the 36-year-old blonde beauty thought her beau was pulling her leg at first.

She explained: "I thought he was just joking around at first. He's asked me before, but it was never for real. Then he pulled out the ring. I cried so hard that he didn't get around to actually asking, 'Will you marry me?' until about 10 minutes later."
Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor were turned away from the VIP area at Glastonbury.

Millie Mackintosh

The reality TV stars were left red-faced after showing up at the main hospitality area of the festival on Friday (24.06.16) without the correct wristbands and it took some time to sort out the situation.

A source told MirrorOnline: "It was a bit embarrassing when they tried to get into the area and a member of staff told them they had the wrong wristbands on.

"They were stood at the entrance for a while trying to get in and Millie took her phone out to try and call someone.

"Hugo then went up to the hospitality reception to attempt to sort things out. In the end they managed to get the right bands and headed into the area."

However, the drama did not end there as a fellow festival-goer spotted the pair once they got inside the VIP area and shouted out questions about Millie's former husband Professor Green.

The insider explained: "A reveller shouted 'Are you back together? I hope Pro Green is here!'

"Thankfully the pair didn't hear the outburst and continued to head into the area oblivious while hand-in-hand and went to the bar."

Millie and Pro Green, 32, split in February after less than three years of marriage and received their decree nisi in just 30 seconds at a hearing at the Family Court in London last month.

Announcing their split in a statement, they said: "It is with sadness and regret that we confirm our separation.

"It is a mutual decision, we still care deeply about each other and would like it to be known that it is on amicable terms and we wish each other well."

And it wasn't long before Millie rekindled her romance with her ex-boyfriend and former 'Made In Chelsea' co-star Hugo, 30.

A source previously said: "From what Millie is saying it seems more than just a rebound. She's being quite coy about it but she's really excited and loving being around Hugo again. Everyone knows he was her first love and she seems to be falling for him again."
Taylor Swift has introduced Tom Hiddleston to her parents.

Taylor Swift

Although the pair have only been dating for a few weeks, Taylor, 26, has already brought him home to Nashville to meet her father and mother, Scott and Andrea Swift.

Taylor enjoyed a lunch date with her parents on Thursday (23.06.16) before they returned to her house to meet the 35-year-old 'Thor' actor, according to E! News.

The happy couple later enjoyed a dinner date with friends including Holly Williams, granddaughter of Hank Williams who Tom played in 'I Saw The Light'.

And it was recently claimed that even though they have only been dating for a few weeks, following Taylor's shock split from Calvin Harris, she is hoping the British hunk is "the one".

A source said: "Taylor said she thinks he is the one, as odd and new as it sounds... Taylor was hesitant to get involved so quickly after Calvin. But she felt that Calvin was not giving her what she wanted for some time so she was ready to move on towards the tail end of their relationship anyway."

Taylor shocked fans across the world when she was spotted smooching Tom during a romantic walk on Misquamicut beach near her home in Watch Hill, Rhode Island just weeks ago.

The pair stopped and posed for selfies and enjoyed a kiss whilst sitting on the rocks and the actor even gave his girlfriend his jacket to protect her from the strong winds.

An insider said at the time: "They were all over each other - hugging and kissing - even though there were 20 people coming and going on the beach. They looked like any young couple madly in love without a care in the world ... Tom has been courting Taylor since they met - he sent her flowers. She's been won over."
Eleanor Tomlinson has shot to fame in the last year for her television role in Poldark and now she is set to return to the big screen with Alleycats.

Alleycats

Tomlinson is set to take on the role of Danni as she teams up with director Ian Bonhote. This movie is a feature-length version of the short film of the same name and will mark his feature film of his career.

This movie is set to hit the big screen in August and the brand new trailer for the film has been unveiled. Take a look:

The cast list is a great mix of up and coming stars and established talent as Josh Whitehouse, Sam Keeley, John Hannah, Jordan Stephens, Sonoya Mizuno, Hera Hilmar, Fredrick Schmidt, and John Lynch are all on board.

When bike courier Chris (Whitehouse) witnesses what looks like a murder at the hands of a well-known member of Parliament (Hannah), his first instinct is to cut and run. But when his curiosity draws him back in, Chris is soon embroiled in a world of corruption, political power, and blackmail.

Compelled to uncover the web of bribery that's ensnared her brother, Chris' sister Danni (Tomlinson) soon takes matters into her own hands.

We have already been treated to some terrific British films this year and Alleycats is another that's not to be missed.

Alleycats is released in August.

by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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From Dr. Harold Katz, internationally recognized bad breath expert.

Relationships on Female First

In his bestselling book, "The Art of Kissing", image consultant William Cane explains that the science of kissing, called philematology, is much more than just locking lips. In fact, his blog explores over 30 types of kisses and offers kissing lessons with a surrogate.

According to the Guinness World Records News, a man and woman in London, England locked lips for 31 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds - making it the longest kiss ever recorded.

A French kiss involves all 34 muscles in the face, whereas a quick pucker involves only two. The term, French kiss, came into the English language around 1923 as a slur on French culture, perceived as being overly concerned with sex. In France, a French kiss is called a soul kiss because, if done right, it feels as if two souls are merging. In fact, several ancient cultures believed that mouth-to-mouth kissing mingled two lovers' souls.

Passionate French kissing can burn up to five calories in a few seconds or about 150 calories (calculation compiled by Dr Harold Katz) in a minute. Kiss for 10 minutes... and skip the gym!

According to sexologist Dr. Ava Cadell, passionate French kisses do a wonderful job of getting you in the mood. They elevate your blood pressure, make your heart beat faster and send blood all throughout your body. All this activity makes it easier for you to get excited.

Kissing is good for your teeth. The anticipation of a kiss increases the flow of saliva to your mouth and gives your teeth a plaque-dispersing bath.

Pliny the Elder, a Roman military commander and author, claimed that kissing a donkey's nostril would cure the common cold. We'll stick to chicken soup!

The mouth is full of bacteria... and when two people kiss, they exchange between 10 million and 1 billion bacteria. Yikes! Remember to brush, rinse and floss!

In "Kissing Christians", professor Michael Philip Penn explains that kissing at the conclusion of a wedding ceremony can be traced to an ancient Roman tradition where a kiss was used to sign a contract.

In "The Science of Kissing", science journalist Sheril Kirshenbaum claims that kissing can determine the fate of your relationship. Couples who are good at lovemaking - and enjoy it - tend to have longer lasting, healthier relationships.

So far, the movie with the most kisses, namely 127, is Don Juan (1926). Andy Warhol's Kiss (1963) contains the longest kiss ever filmed. Splendor in the Grass (1963) with Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty made history with Hollywood's first on-screen French kiss.

Kissing makes you feel happy, positive and less stressed because it releases endorphins and oxytocin. According to relationship therapist Dr.Krista A. Bloom, our lips are super- sensitive and have approximately 10,000 nerve endings - and that's why we love kissing so much .

Kissing is healthy and can even make you live longer. A variety of studies have shown that couples who kiss regularly tend to live longer. Even a quick good-bye kiss before leaving home can have huge benefits.

According to a University of Albany study, open-mouth kissing transfers testosterone. Men move toward open-mouth kissing faster than women do because men want to share their testosterone and thereby increase their partner's libido as quickly as possible.

Humans aren't the only creatures who kiss. Cows, puffins, squirrels and even snails indulge in the act, but chimpanzees are the only animals whose kisses resemble ours.

The "X's" that many people write at the bottom of a letter represent the contact of the lips during a kiss. Keep writing!

*The Breath Co. range created by Dr. Harold Katz, world's bad breath expert is available from Boots stores nationwide and www.boots.com
Britain's Prince Charles has played the bagpipes for the first time since he was a schoolboy.

Prince Charles

The 67-year-old royal picked up the instrument and began piping away at a "come and try" workshop put on by the National Piping Centre during his visit to the Dumfries House Estate in Cumnock, East Ayrshire.

The Prince of Wales - who is known as the Duke or Rothesay in Scotland - admitted he was foolish to have given up piping during his younger years.

He said: "I tried to learn when I was at Gordonstoun but I gave up rather stupidly."

But the royal insisted he put down the instrument during his school days because he found it too tough to play.

He added: "It's quite difficult to learn."

Dumfries House has a special part in Charles' heart after he helped to save the building from being broken up in 2007 by leading a number of heritages and charities to purchase the property and its estate.

Following that, he set up a partnership between Dumfries House and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) - of which he has been a patron since 2002 - to help give youngsters employment opportunities, as well as give them more access to the arts.
On 18th June, history was created at the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad as India got its first ever women fighter pilotsFlying Officers Avani Chaturvedi, Mohana Singh and Bhavana Kanth.

After having completed Stage I training on the Pilatus PC 7 basic trainer and stage II training on the Kiran Mark I, they will now undergo fighter flying training on Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT) in Bidar.

Mohana, who hadnt flown in a commercial airplane before she began training at the Academy, describes her first flying experience as simply amazing and thrilling. Nothing can match the feeling up there.

Like their male counterparts, the three women too, underwent the same rigorous physical training to prep up for the job. Avani says, The physical training that we underwent alongside the guys made us mentally strong. It made us feel that if they can then we too can certainly do it.

When asked why they chose fighter flying since transport aircraft and helicopters would have been an easier choice, Bhavna reasons: Everything is new for us. So transport and helicopter training would have been the same too. At the beginning things appear difficult because you arent familiar or you havent practiced enough. When you train on a particular aircraft you tend to get comfortable and fighter flying is no different.

Male fighter pilots undergo up to 9G pull (more than nine times the gravitational pull that the body experiences) during complex combat sorties. The trio has to undergo the same before theyre cleared for combat flying. So how do they plan to prepare for it? We have to focus on core strengthening exercises. A strong upper body will enable us to take on the pressure. Apart from this there are various other training schedules that will prepare us for the role. We have full faith in our instructors and they will ensure we are at par with our male counterparts, says Mohana.

Going by their passion for flying and the desire to succeed, looks like the women will bring greater glory to our skies.
Richa Wahi has a mission: To make creative writing a fun activity for children. About four years ago, Richa quit her full-time job to launch her initiative, Word Munchers, dedicated to teaching children and teenagers, aged between 6 and 19, creative writing. She started with just two students. At present, she runs two centres in Kolkata one in Alipore and the other in Bhowaniporeand the student strength has gone up to 75.



"While I was growing up, I wanted to write, but there was no one to teach how to write and my school didn't do enough to nurture this skill," says Richa, who has a Master's degree in Teaching and Practice of Creative Writing from Cardiff University and received a grant from the Charles Wallace India Trust and British Council's Hammond Trust for her studies.



Richa's motto is to make children understand that writing can be fun and there are no wrong answers. "I also tell my students to share ideas. I make it very clear to them: everyone needs to help each other," explains Richa. During the hour-long classes, students are encouraged to write poems, limericks and even short stories.



In fact, just a few days ago, Richa along with Kolkata-based food entrepreneurs and columnists, Manjri Agarwal and Abhilasha Sethia, launched an anthology called 'These Kids Can Write'. It's a collection of works by the students of Word Munchers. On the anvil is a second anthology. Recently, Word Munchers held a summer workshop called 'The Merchant of Venice camp' where the creative entrepreneur tried to make Shakespeare simple for children. "Everyone laughed and said that children cannot possibly understand Shakespeare, but after the workshop, the little ones said, 'Shakespeare is easy!'" grins the lady who hosts creative writing workshops for moms too.

Next Story : Sussanne Khan booked in cheating case


When Alia Bhatt got the possession of her new Mumbai apartment last year, all she wanted was an expansive tea bar in the living room. We are crazy about tea, and buy all kinds from all over the world. So, I thought why not build a long tea bar that will stock many kind of teas, she told Femina.





Watch Alia Bhatt all candid giving us a piece of her mind in this Interview ;

The beverage counter will also house a cool tea cup tree, bakers racks and tea lights.Sister Shaheen, who will also be moving in with Alia, says, This entire point of doing this house together so that I can spend more time with my sister.
It takes a woman who really knows what she wants to disclose her sexual fetishes unabashedly. And why shouldn't she? A fetish is nothing but a specific sexual fantasy that has the power to turn you on in an instant. And what's more, most of the sexual fetishes you think are weird and thus aren't sharing with the hot guy you are dating, aren't weird at all! Here are some common fetishes that you should get down to discussing with your partner sometime soon:



Foot fetish

Do you like to indulge in a bit of feet flirting a la Phoebe from FRIENDS? A study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research stated that the most lusted after body parts were more likely to be feet and toes. So if your heart beats slightly more quicker for neat, pedicured feet, then you are definitely not alone. A foot massage should add wonders to your foreplay session.



Arm fetish

Yes, cousin to the more popular foot fetish, there are scores of women out there who swear by the fact that a toned, slightly muscular arm turns them on like nothing else does. Add the phrase 'rolled up sleeves' to this imagery and swooning would be a given. At least for those who have this fetish. Why though? "Some may enjoy the feeling of protectiveness the strong arms demonstrate. For others, it has got to do more with being able to tame a man's rogue side," explains Bangalore-based counsellor Ankita Joshi.



Voyeurism

You shouldn't be surprised that voyeurism is a common fetish to have. It is what makes porn so popular, doesn't it? In fact, in a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour, more than 10 per cent of men have admitted to indulging in voyeuristic behaviour. While donning the peeping tom character to satisfy this desire will most likely and deservedly land you into jail, there are other ways of making this happen. Porn being the most accessible way or simply watching your partner masturbate. "It's quite an erotic experience for many," says Ankita.



Lingerie fetish

While the thriving lingerie industry has a lot to thank men for, a fetish for lingerie is seen among women too. And it is a fetish only when it refers to something specific, say leather or lace. This is a fun fetish to indulge in for both parties. A Snapchat photo the kind he likes, or weekend lingerie shopping to please yourselfit's a win-win situation for you either ways.
When Padma Bhamidipati, a knowledge management executive in Infosys, wants to take a holiday with her husband and sons, digital detox is what she looks for. She and her family are "always hooked to gadgets" so she takes holidays that require them to leave all electronics at home. "We leave behind all gadgets, except for one phone because we need Google Maps to navigate," she says. The family recently took road trips to Pune and Hyderabad, making stops to enjoy the scenery and one another's company. "My first experience of this kind of tourism was when we went to Tamara in Coorg a few years ago and learnt yoga and relaxed," she says.



The wellness tourism sector has been seeing healthy growth in the last few years. Travel company Holiday IQ has data to show that wellness tourism in India has grown 15% in 2016 compared to 2015. Another travel company Thomas Cook has done a study that shows that about 65% of women are looking for experiences relating to culture, cuisine, wellness and shopping when they make travel plans. At least 35% show interest in outdoor, adventure and wildlife activities.



Yashnashree, 25, looks for hotels that incorporate health food and outdoor activities as part of her package. "I look for hotels that provide yoga and meditation sessions, specially prepared health food and nature walks," she says. Homestays and hotels in Coorg and Ujire near Dharmasthala, and parts of Kerala offer ayurvedic spa treatments. Even national leaders are looking to wellness cures. Jindal Nature Cure in Bengaluru has drawn politicians from across the country, including former CM Ramakrishna Hegde, J H Patel, BS Yeddyurappa, former deputy CM Chaudhary Devi Lal and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. The hospital treats 15 ailments with naturopathy and has 300 patients at any time of the year.



SDM Institute and hospital in Dharmasthala and Udupi get 16,000 tourists looking for a pick-me-up every year. Dr Prashant Shetty, chief medical officer of the hospital, said, "People come here to detox for 10-15 days. Of the 16,000, 5% are foreigners".

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On the heels of Britain voting to exit the European Union, the Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement with that country because the time is very opportune.It is an appropriate time for India to commence negotiations with UK for Free Trade Agreement and we are confident that India being a favored nation to UK, India could clinch the deal and have a FTA with UK in the coming months, TEA President Dr A Sakthivel said in his letter to the PM.

On the heels of Britain voting to exit the European Union, the Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement with that country because the time is very opportune. It is an appropriate time for India to commence negotiations with UK for Free Trade Agreement and we are confident #

We wish to add that India has been facing a lot of issues like TRIPS, Pharmaceutical, Automobile, Visa including movement of professionals which are actually stunting the negotiations to have FTA with EU, which consists of 28 countries including UK and we feel that when we start negotiations with UK immediately for FTA, we could get the early bird advantage and could increase our trade significantly.Sakthivel pointed out that in the case of garment sector alone, India's export share to UK is 10.62 per cent, with a value of Rs.11,798 crore out of total garment exports of Rs 1,11,178 crore from India. It is also to be noted that the UK occupies the top position among EU countries in India's garment exports.We request the Hon'ble Prime Minister to advise the Commerce Ministry to take necessary steps to commence negotiation with UK to have a Free Trade Agreement which is paramount importance to boost our exports, including garment exports, Dr Sakthivel wrote in his letter. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Pantaloons, a division of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, has added yet another international brand Izabel London to its rich portfolio of exclusive brands, the company said in a press release.Pantaloons which claims it is India's top women's wear retailer, is amongst the leading fashion retailers in the country with a host of leading Indian and international brands as part of its portfolio.

Pantaloons, a division of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, has added yet another international brand Izabel London to its rich portfolio of exclusive brands, the company said in a press release. Pantaloons which claims it is India's top women's wear retailer, is amongst the leading fashion retailers in the country with a host of leading Indian #

Izabel London is a contemporary women's western wear brand from London. The brand is available in most of the major UK high street department stores and leading retail chains such as Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, House of Fraser and many more. It has a growing consumer base with availability in more than 500 points of sale within the UK. It is also rapidly expanding across Europe, Asia and the Pacific region with 1000 plus points of sale globally.Speaking on the launch of Izabel London in Pantaloons , Shital Mehta, CEO  Pantaloons said, Pantaloons is one of the most popular destinations for women's wear. The women's wear segment is growing rapidly and contributes to a very large part of the overall business share. Our intent behind introducing 'Izabel London' to our women consumers is to create exciting moments for them to shop at our Pantaloons stores.Mehta, further added, We are delighted to offer Izabel London to our consumers with international designs at Wow prices. With 200 plus styles as part of the SS16 launch, the brand has already won the hearts of women consumers.Izabel London is a multifaceted brand with a wide range of ensembles ranging from day glamour to easy evening wear. The collection has a superb mix of smart dresses, easy tunics, shrugs, chic palazzos and maxi dresses  a must-have wardrobe for every fashion loving woman. Izabel London's easy flowing dresses and tunics have been infused with 'Liva' fabric that adds softness and fluidity, making the garments more comfortable and fun to flaunt, the release said.The collection from Izabel London showcases eclectic collections such as 'Road to Divinity' and 'Indigo Rush'. 'Road to Divinity' is inspired from Morocco with its rich history of architecture. Furthermore, 'Indigo Rush' takes its inspiration from the Middle East 'Arabic' influences of blues and indigos.Izabel London will be available in 145 Pantaloons stores across the country. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Visual 2000 International, end-to-end omni-channel business solutions provider for the apparel, footwear and accessories (AFA) industry, has announced its sponsorship of the Product Innovation (PI) Apparel Congress, scheduled to take place on June 27-28, 2016, in New York City.

Visual 2000 International, end-to-end omni-channel business solutions provider for the apparel, footwear and accessories (AFA) industry, has announced its sponsorship of the Product Innovation (PI) Apparel Congress, scheduled to take place on June 27-28, 2016, in New York City. PI Congress is a gathering of AFA professionals to discuss and promote #

PI Congress is a gathering of AFA professionals to discuss and promote innovation using modern technologies, such as 3D printing, virtual reality and sustainability

Visual 2000 International, end-to-end omni-channel business solutions provider for the apparel, footwear and accessories (AFA) industry, has announced its sponsorship of the Product Innovation (PI) Apparel Congress, scheduled to take place on June 27-28, 2016, in New York City. PI Congress is a gathering of AFA professionals to discuss and promote #

PI congress is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover and share new industry developments among other fashion-focused companies, said VP of Research & Development Charles Benoualid. As a supplier of apparel specific software, we are excited to showcase the new features in our own software suite and discover how companies are using PLM and other software suites to innovate their business processes.

Visual 2000 International, end-to-end omni-channel business solutions provider for the apparel, footwear and accessories (AFA) industry, has announced its sponsorship of the Product Innovation (PI) Apparel Congress, scheduled to take place on June 27-28, 2016, in New York City. PI Congress is a gathering of AFA professionals to discuss and promote #

The scheduled talks at the event will address a broad range of topics that will touch upon all aspects of the apparel industry. A key area of discussion will be the impact of 3D technology. Specifically, discussions will be centred on how 3D technology may be used for the production and visualisation of new items within PLM. More broadly, the event also aims to explore how users collaborate within PLM, a domain where VisualPLM.net has excelled for years.

Visual 2000 International, end-to-end omni-channel business solutions provider for the apparel, footwear and accessories (AFA) industry, has announced its sponsorship of the Product Innovation (PI) Apparel Congress, scheduled to take place on June 27-28, 2016, in New York City. PI Congress is a gathering of AFA professionals to discuss and promote #

As PLM-related presentations will occupy a large portion of the agenda, Visual 2000 will also be taking special care in providing live demonstrations of their PLM and End2End solutions.

Visual 2000 International, end-to-end omni-channel business solutions provider for the apparel, footwear and accessories (AFA) industry, has announced its sponsorship of the Product Innovation (PI) Apparel Congress, scheduled to take place on June 27-28, 2016, in New York City. PI Congress is a gathering of AFA professionals to discuss and promote #

Visitors are always amazed at how tailored our software is to the apparel and fashion accessory business, Benoualid shared. They immediately see how they can apply it to their own business needs and processes.

Visual 2000 International, end-to-end omni-channel business solutions provider for the apparel, footwear and accessories (AFA) industry, has announced its sponsorship of the Product Innovation (PI) Apparel Congress, scheduled to take place on June 27-28, 2016, in New York City. PI Congress is a gathering of AFA professionals to discuss and promote #

Throughout the duration of the conference, attendees will be able to learn more and tour Visual 2000 software by visiting their booth. (RKS)

Visual 2000 International, end-to-end omni-channel business solutions provider for the apparel, footwear and accessories (AFA) industry, has announced its sponsorship of the Product Innovation (PI) Apparel Congress, scheduled to take place on June 27-28, 2016, in New York City. PI Congress is a gathering of AFA professionals to discuss and promote #

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Deepika Padukone, who has finished shooting for her upcoming Hollywood debut, xXx: The Return of The Xander Cage, has finally announced at the IIFA 2016 press meet in Madrid, that she has already signed a new Bollywood film and would start shooting for it in September, 2016.

Deepika Padukone was quoted as saying, "I am always going to do Hindi films, no matter what. Just because I am doing a film there doesn't mean I will shift base. I have already signed my next Hindi film. I start shooting for it from September. It will release next year."

When asked which particular genre does this film belong to and who she is starring with, Deepika Padukone giggled and said, "Very smart way of asking but I am not telling you."

Well, there you go folks! Deepika Padukone has confirmed that she has signed a Bollywood film and will start the shoot in September. We guess both her Hollywood debut xXx sequel, and her new B-town flick would release at the same time. Exciting right?

Raman Raghav 2.0 Movie Review: Nawazuddin & Vicky Can Scare The Living Hell Out Of You!
Amala Paul, who played a meaty role in Amma Kanakku, which released in cinemas today (June 24), has said that she had to undergo a transformation to fit into the character.

"I had to undergo a transformation of sorts, to become Shanti (her character name in the movie). It was very challenging as well as emotionally draining. I had to show different expressions in each and every scene," Amala told Times of India.

Talking about Yuvalakshmi and Revathy's performances, the Thalaivaa actress has said, "Yuva acted equally well, and so, I was able to do my part well. It was also great working with Revathy ma'am, plus, director Ashwini was very clear about what she wanted out of the artistes, and she outlined the same very clearly."

Since the movie was a remake, Amala had to essay the role, originally portrayed by Swara Bhaskar.

"Swara Bhaskar has done a brilliant job. However, I cannot judge my own performance. All I can say is that I have made every possible effort to do justice to the character of Shanti. Also, though it is a remake, some things have been tweaked in the Tamil version to suit Southern sensibilities," she told the leading daily.

The 29-year-old actress feels the movie is a big responsibility on her shoulders.

"This film is a big responsibility on my shoulders as technically, I am the 'hero' of the film. It is also a responsibility in the sense that every actor has to do a film for the society at one point of time in their career.

This film, for me, is my bit for the society as I am conveying a very valuable message to the audience. When I watched this film, I thought of my mother several times, felt like hugging her. All daughters will feel the same, any girl can relate to this script," she has said.

Also Read: Arya To Shoot With 50 Elephants For His Next!
Malayalam filmdom's heartthrob Nivin Pauly, who is currently shooting for debutant Gautam Ramachandran's yet-untitled thriller, which is the remake of Kannada film Ulidavaru Kandanthe, will next team up with another newcomer for a Tamil project.

"Our third project will be with Nivin Pauly. It will be directed by Prabhu Radhakrishnan, and will go on the floors after we complete our project with director Mohan Raja," producer RD Raja told IANS.

To be produced under 24AM Studios, the film's script has been penned by Raja himself.

24AM Studios, the newly floated banner, currently awaits the release of Sivakarthikeyan-starrer Tamil romantic comedy Remo.

The company will reunite with Sivakarthikeyan for their second project with director Mohan Raja, who recently bagged the Filmfare Award for Best Director for Tamil thriller Thani Oruvan, starring Jayam Ravi and Nayanthara in the lead.

Also Read: From A Wannabe Actor To Selvaraghavan's Hero: SJ Suryah's Inspiring Story!
We had earlier reported about Tanu (Kratika Sengar) calling off her marriage with Pawan after she gets to know about his marriage with Saloni. Now, the question is who will expose Pawan and how? We bring you the answer right away.

It is Rishi who exposes Pawan in front of Tanu and the entire family members. As we all know, Rishi forcefully takes Neha out on a dinner as ordered by his father, to a fancy restaurant. Incidentally, Pawan and Saloni are also celebrating their first wedding anniversary at the same place!

Click on View Photos to see the latest updates with pictures.

By chance, Rishi (Sharad Malhotra) comes across the cake prepared for their anniversary with their names on it! Rishi spots them and he gets to know that Pawan has even booked a suite for both of them.

In the upcoming episodes of Kasam, Rishi will follow Pawan and Saloni to their room. Upon seeing them going inside, he will plan to expose him. He will drive home to bring the rest of the family to expose Pawan and Saloni's relationship!

As per the sources, "Rishi will go home and bring everyone to the hotel. On reaching the restaurant, Rishi will first show the family the hotel register wherein the room is booked for Pawan and Saloni. Raj will be shocked on seeing this, and will want to know the truth."

But, the twist comes here. As all of them will proceed towards the room, Bani (Roma Bali) will spot Neha sitting in the restaurant. She asks her to call Pawan and warn him of the impending danger.

While Rishi is trying his best to expose Pawan, Neha will try to spoil his plan by contacting him through phone. Will Pawan be exposed or will Neha warn him in time?

Well, this nail biting suspense will be revealed shortly. Until then, stay hooked to this space for more updates.
The Telangana Government has a special gift to treat Telugu cinema with. The team headed by the IT minister of the state, KTR says, the state will be the first in India to have a mechanism to crack down on the 1 Billion dollar video piracy market.

The Government is also trying to decentralize the laws, to block the torrent websites or sites which are streaming the pirated movies. This move is indeed laudable and Tollywood celebs are heaping praises on KTR, for coming up with an advanced mechanism.

Telangana Leads Fight Against Piracy. Avast Ye Pirates! Depthi Bathini & Arundhati Ramanan bring us the story here. pic.twitter.com/vBACQ0S60J  CNBC-TV18 News (@CNBCTV18News) June 23, 2016

"First initiative in the country against piracy by our Telangana Govt. Game changer in my opinion", read a tweet from KTR.

"@KTRTRS thank you is not enough. This is the best news ever!!!!!", said Lakshmi Manchu.

"Outstanding Initiative!!", tweeted Rana.

"Incredible !!! Thank you so much ! The whole industry will be indebted", opined thanked KTR.

"This is amaaazingggggg  great initiative ", tweeted Charmi.

Looks like this is going to be huge, if it is implemented as efficiently as it is being promoted. According to the statistics mentioned by CNBC TV18, Tollywood has lost over 320 Cr, in 2015 alone, and one can imagine how much the mechanism is going to save, if it serves its purpose. Good days are ahead, probably!
Megastar Chiranjeevi graced the audio launch of Sunil's next, Jakkanna, which happened at Shilpakala Vedika, Hyderabad. Though the actor was supposed to be busy with the night shoot of his comeback film, he postponed the shoot for a few hours and made his fan boy, Sunil feel special.

Talking at the audio launch, Chiranjeevi said that he will be the proudest person if any of his fans succeeds in their profession. He heaped praises for Sunil's determination for work and reminded us how the comedian-turned-hero became fit from fat.

Also starring Mannara Chopra, the film is helmed by Vamsi Krishna Akella and the music was scored by Dinesh. Chiranjeevi mentioned about everybody's contribution for the movie and wished them the best.

Talking about Jakkana's theatrical trailer unveiled at the event, the legendary actor opined that it was stuffed with right measures of commercial elements.
WOLFSBURG (dpa-AFX) - Volkswagen (VKW.L, VLKAF.PK, VOW.BE) is nearing a $10 billion settlement to compensate U.S. owners of vehicles affected by the German car maker's emissions-cheating scandal, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. As per the proposed deal, Volkswagen would offer to buy back cars and provide additional compensation for owners of almost 500,000 diesel-powered vehicles with two-liter engines that contain software capable of duping government emissions tests, the reports said. Owners could receive between $1,000 and $7,000, depending on their car's age. In addition, Volkswagen is expected to pay more than $4 billion for environmental impacts and to promote so-called zero-emission vehicles, the people said. Volkswagen faces other government penalties in the U.S. and around the globe. The agreement could still change when it is officially announced by a judge on Tuesday, the reports said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
BEIJING, June 24, 2016 - (ACN Newswire) - Poly Group, one of China's leading state-owned trading and real-estate conglomerates, invested a total of 400 mm USD in Didi Chuxing, China's largest rideshare platform through a joint venture fund. The investment translates into a shareholding close to 1.45%, bringing Didi's valuation to above USD 27.6 billion.In an email response to Jiemian (http://www.jiemian.com/article/707661.html), a Chinese online media, a spokesperson of Poly Capital Management confirmed PCM is the manager of the two PE funds dedicated to an investment in Didi. One of the two is an RMB fund of an amount not exceeding 2. 5 billion, the other a USD fund of a size not exceeding 100 mm.Poly Real Estate and Poly Investment Holdings, two other Poly affiliates took part in the RMB fund investment. Poly Group, one of China's largest State-owned trading and industrial conglomerates, is the substantial controller of all three entities.Didi Chuxing offers taxi, private care and other mobile transportation services in over 400 cities in China. It claims over 85% of China's ride-hailing market and completes as many as 14 million rides per day.Copyright 2016 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
SAN DIEGO (dpa-AFX) - Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM) announced Friday that it has filed a complaint against Meizu in the Beijing Intellectual Property Court. The complaint requests rulings that the terms of a patent license offered by Qualcomm to Meizu comply with China's Anti-Monopoly Law, and Qualcomm's fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory licensing obligations. The complaint also seeks a ruling that the offered patent license terms should form the basis for a patent license with Meizu for Qualcomm's fundamental technologies patented in China for use in mobile devices, including those relating to 3G and 4G wireless communications standards. Qualcomm said it has negotiated extensively and in good faith with Meizu to sign a patent license agreement consistent with the terms of the rectification plan submitted by Qualcomm to, and accepted by, China's National Development and Reform Commission in 2015. Qualcomm said it would prefer to reach a resolution with Meizu without the need for litigation, but Meizu has been unwilling to negotiate in good faith and enter into a license agreement on the rectification plan terms. Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm, said, 'Qualcomm's technologies are at the heart of all mobile devices. Meizu is choosing to use these technologies without a license, which is not only unlawful, but is unfair to other licensees that are acting in good faith and respectful of patent rights, and ultimately damaging to the mobile ecosystem and consumers.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA--(Marketwired - June 24, 2016) -The 29th annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards returned to The Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 23, 2016. The invitation-only event celebrated hip-hop alternative group A Tribe Called Quest, who received the ASCAP Golden Note Award, presented by Outkast's Andre 3000 and ASCAP President Paul Williams. Additionally, ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) recognized the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2015 R&B, hip-hop, rap and gospel charts.

The Golden Note Award presentation to Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White of A Tribe Called Quest also paid special tribute to band member Malik "Phife Dawg" Taylor, who recently passed away. The group was recognized in song with a surprise performance by Busta Rhymes. The ASCAP Golden Note Award is among the most prestigious honors that ASCAP gives to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Past recipients include: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre, Alicia Keys, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jeff Lynne, Reba McEntire, LL Cool J, Jermaine Dupri, Jay Z, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Quincy Jones, Elton John, Tom Petty and many more.

Other top winners of the night included Publisher of the Year for Warner/Chappell Music; Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song for "Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)" by Jason "Deheala" Quenneville, Ahmad "Belly" Balshe and The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye); Top Rap Song for "Trap Queen" by Anton "Tony Fadd" Matsulevich and Fetty Wap (Willie Maxwell); and Top Gospel Song for "Worth Fighting For" by Brian Courtney Wilson. Songwriter of the Year went to Jeremih, for his work on the winning songs "Hold You Down," "Planes," "The Body" and "Throw Sum Mo." Special guest presenters included Ne-Yo, Tank, Kid Ink and Erica Campbell.

The elite crowd of music creators, publishers and industry insiders were treated to live performances by winning ASCAP songwriters including "The Body" and "My PYT" by Wale, and "Worth," by Anthony Brown & group therAPy. Bibi Bourelly, who won for co-writing Rihanna's "Bitch Better Have My Money," performed an acoustic version of her song, "Riot." French Montana, who won for "All Day," delivered an energetic take of his current hit "All the Way Up," with Remy Ma and DJ Bedtyme. Many were backed by the house band, 1500 or Nothin'.

The show drew an A-list audience of celebrities including Common, 50 Cent, Tyrese, Bridget Kelly, Kandi Burruss, Kirko Bangz, Stacy Barthe, MC Lyte, Eric Bellinger and Melanie Fiona. The 2016 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards are presented by REVOLT and sponsored by Seagram's Gin.

For a full list of ASCAP 2016 Rhythm & Soul Awards winners, please go to www.ascap.com/rsawards. See ASCAPURBAN for social media coverage.

About ASCAP

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a professional membership organization of songwriters, composers and music publishers of every kind of music. ASCAP's mission is to license and promote the music of its members and foreign affiliates, obtain fair compensation for the public performance of their works and to distribute the royalties that it collects based upon those performances. ASCAP members write the world's best-loved music and ASCAP has pioneered the efficient licensing of that music to hundreds of thousands of enterprises who use it to add value to their business -- from bars, restaurants and retail, to radio, TV and cable, to Internet, mobile services and more. The ASCAP license offers an efficient solution for businesses to legally perform ASCAP music while respecting the right of songwriters and composers to be paid fairly. With 575,000 members representing more than 10 million copyrighted works, ASCAP is the worldwide leader in performance royalties, service and advocacy for songwriters and composers, and the only American performing rights organization (PRO) owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. Learn more and stay in touch at www.ascap.com, on Twitter and Instagram @ASCAP and on Facebook.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/6/23/11G104129/Images/ASCAPphoto-b1fcf1873bf89bedaf7e6a43cbe94fac.jpg
Not for release, publication or distribution in Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States.

These materials are not an offer for sale of securities in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. PJSC Magnit has not registered and does not intend to register any part of the offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering of any securities in the United States.

This document is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

In any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC (such Directive, together with any applicable implementing measures in the relevant home Member State under such Directive, the "Prospectus Directive") this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive.

Securities of PJSC Magnit have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada or Japan and, subject to certain exceptions, may not be offered or sold within Australia, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, citizens or residents of Australia, Canada or Japan except under circumstances which will result in the full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations promulgated by the relevant regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time.

Press-release

Krasnodar

June 24, 2016

PJSC "Magnit" Announces the Procedure of Exchanged-Traded Bonds Placement and the Terms of the Offers' Submission

Krasnodar, June 24, 2016: PJSC "Magnit", Russia's largest food retailer (the "Company", the "Issuer"; MOEX and LSE: MGNT) announces the procedure of exchange-traded bonds placement and the terms of the offers' submission.

On June 24, 2016 the Chief Executive Officer of PJSC "Magnit" determined the placement procedure of the non-convertible interest-bearing certified exchange-traded bonds of PJSC "Magnit" of the BO-001P-04 series to the bearer with the obligatory centralized custody, placed under the Program of the exchange-traded bonds with the identification number of 4-60525-P-001P-02E as of 23.10.2015 (hereinafter - the Bonds), as well as the term and the procedure of the submission of the offers from the potential acquirers to execute the preliminary sale and purchase agreements (hereinafter - the Offers).

The placement of the Bonds shall be exercised via book-building.

The Offers to execute the preliminary agreements shall be submitted from June 24, 2016 at 10 AM Moscow time to June 24, 2016 at 3 PM Moscow time. According to the preliminary agreements, potential acquirers and the Underwriter ("Gazprombank" (Joint Stock Company)) shall execute the principal Bonds sale and purchase agreements on the commencing date of the Bonds placement.

The expiration time of the Offers submission, preliminary determined by the decision of the sole executive body of the Issuer, may be changed by the sole executive body of the Issuer.

The Offers shall be delivered to the Underwriter's address - Bank GPB (JSC): 7 Koroviy Val, Moscow, 119049.

The bank details to transfer the payment for the securities can be found in the relevant Material Fact http://ir.magnit.com/en/information-disclosure/material-facts/

The approved form of the Offer can be found at the official website of the Company https://ir.magnit.com/en/information-disclosure/charter-capital-and-issuing-documents/

For further information. please contact:

Timothy Post Head of Investor Relations

Email: post@magnit.ru

Office: +7-861-277-4554 x 17600

Mobile: +7-961-511-7678

Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562 Investor Relations Office MagnitIR@magnit.ru

Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Website: ir.magnit.com/ Media Inquiries Media Relations Department

press@magnit.ru

Company description:

Magnit is Russia's largest food retailer. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar. As of March 31, 2016, Magnit operated 34 distribution centers and about 12,434 stores (9,715 convenience, 382 hypermarkets, and 2,337 drogerie stores) in 2,385 cities and towns throughout 7 federal regions of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the audited IFRS results for 2015, Magnit had revenues of RUB 951 billion and an EBITDA of RUB 104 billion. Magnit's local shares are traded on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX: MGNT) and its GDRs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: MGNT) and it has a credit rating from Standard & Poor's of BB+. Measured by market capitalization, Magnit is one of the largest retailers in Europe.
DJ EQS-News: FEC Announces Annual Results

EQS-News / 24/06/2016 / 14:09 UTC+8 Immediate Release 24 June 2016 FEC Announces Annual Results Strong Foundation for Future Growth KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS - Completed Privatization of Dorsett Hospitality International Limited ("Dorsett"). - Won Queen's Wharf development project. - Cumulative presales value of properties under development reached a record high of approximately HK$7.5 billion as at 31 March 2016. - Pipeline of development projects at approximately HK$39 billion as at 31 March 2016. - Adjusting for hotel revaluation surplus and reflecting the completion of the privatisation of Dorsett, net assets attributable to shareholders increased by 8.5% to HK$9.79 per share(i). - Net gearing ratio was at 37.7%(i) (ii) and total cash and investment securities balances as at 31 March 2016 was at approximately HK$3.8 billion. - Group achieved better overall gross profit margin of 42.7% (FY2015: 38.1%) driven by better margin on residential development projects. - Net profit attributable to shareholders amounted to approximately HK$734 million, a decrease of 23.3% over the previous financial year ("FY2015"). Adjusted cash profit amounted(iii) to HK$853 million (FY2015: HK$836 million). - Basic Earnings per share amounted to HK$0.37. Final dividend maintained at HK$0.13 per share (2015: HK$0.13 per share). The full year dividend was HK$0.16 per share (2015: HK$0.16 per share), representing an increase in dividend payout ratio to 43.2%, reflecting confidence in financial position of the Group. (24 June 2016, Hong Kong) - Far East Consortium International Limited ("FEC" or the "Group", SEHK: 35) is pleased to announce its audited consolidated results for the financial year ended 31 March 2016 ("FY2016"). The Group recorded revenue of approximately HK$4.0 billion in FY2016. Gross profit for FY2016 was approximately HK$1,706 million. The Group achieved better overall gross profit margin of 42.7% (FY2015: 38.1%) driven by better margin on residential development projects. Net profit attributable to shareholders amounted to approximately HK$734 million. Basic earnings per share amounted to HK$0.37. The Board has recommended the payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2016 of HK$0.13 per share (2015: HK$0.13 per share). Including an interim dividend of HK$0.03 per share, the full year dividend will be HK$0.16 per share in total (2015: HK$0.16 per share), representing an increase in dividend payout ratio to 43.2%, reflecting confidence in financial position of the Group. Adjusted cash profit attributable to shareholders is calculated by adding depreciation and amortisation charges to, and subtracting fair value gain in investment properties from net profit attributable to shareholders of the Company amounted to HK$853 million (FY2015: HK$836 million). The figure is adjusted for minority interests. Adjusting for revaluation surplus on hotel assets of approximately HK$10,732 million as at 31 March 2016 (HK$10,976 million as at 31 March 2015) and following completion of the privatisation of Dorsett, total net asset value of the Group reached approximately HK$20,872 million. Adjusted net asset value per share for the Company as at 31 March 2016 was approximately HK$9.79, representing an increase of 8.5% over the figure as at 31 March 2015. During the year, the Group obtained a HK$1,350 million 3-year syndicated loan to refinance its CNY 1 billion 5.875% bonds due on 4 March 2016 and the general working capital requirements of the Group. The successful refinancing of the bonds reduce the overall finance costs of the Group substantially. The Group has a favorable liquidity position at approximately HK$3.8 billion. Together with the available undrawn credit facility of HK$5.4 billion, of which approximately HK$3.5 billion were for construction and/or development purposes while the remaining balance of approximately HK$1.9 billion was for the Group's general corporate use, there is a significant war chest to support the growth of the Group. The net gearing ratio of 37.7% reflects the strength of the Group's balance sheet. The undrawn credit facility together with the sales proceeds from the Group's upcoming property development projects places the Group in a good financial position to fund not only its existing business and operations but also further expansion of its business. In addition, a total of 8 hotel assets with the Group were unencumbered, the capital value of which amounted to HK$3.0 billion as at 31 March 2016. These assets can be used as collateral for further bank borrowings which can provide further liquidity for the Group, should this be necessary. Property Division The revenue and gross profit from sales of properties amounted to approximately HK$1,979 million and HK$1,002 million respectively in FY2016. Gross profit margin from sales of properties increased to 50.6% in FY2016 compared to 36.7% in FY2015. The increase in gross profit margin was mainly due to the high profit margin in sales of View Pavilion and King's Manor, both in Shanghai. In FY2016, the Group acquired two additional residential development sites, namely Shatin Heights in Hong Kong and Alexandra View in Singapore, both of which are currently under planning stage. As at 31 March 2016, 23 active residential property development projects were under various stages of development with total attributable saleable floor area of approximately 6.4 million sq. ft. across its geographical markets. In addition to its development pipeline, the Group has a land bank of approximately 4.8 million sq. ft. of floor area. With a total property development pipeline of approximately 11.2 million sq. ft., the Group's development is poised for continued growth in the coming years. Total cumulative presales value of HK$7.5 billion and a development pipeline of HK$39 billion indicate a clear visibility of the Group's future potential profitability. Hotel Operations and Management Division The revenue from hotel operations and management amounted to approximately HK$1,321 million in FY2016. Gross profit from hotel operations and management amounted to approximately HK$541 million in FY2016, representing a decrease of 21.7% as compared to FY2015, mainly due to the reduction in revenue per available room in the Hong Kong hotels operation which is a major market for the Group's hotel operations and management. Although the hotel industry is facing a challenging environment, the Group's high responsiveness to fluctuations and changes in the markets and tactical strategy has led to an overall increase in occupancy rate in the United Kingdom and stable performance in Mainland China, Malaysia, and Singapore. As at 31 March 2016, the Group operated 20 owned hotels, with approximately 6,000 rooms. The Group had 12 hotels in the development pipeline, of which two are Ritz Carlton hotels, located in Melbourne and Perth respectively. When all the hotels in the pipeline become operational, the Group will have 32 owned hotels operating more than 9,000 rooms. Car Park Operations and Facilities Management The revenue from car park operations and facilities management amounted to approximately HK$623 million in FY2016, an increase of 1.1% as compared to FY2015. Revenue increase as a result of the contribution of newly added car parks, with approximately 4,600 car park bays added to the Group's car park management portfolio during FY2016. Assuming constant exchange rate, revenue from the Group's car park operations increased by 11.5%. Gross profit contribution from car park operations and facilities management decreased by 5.6% to approximately HK$117 million for FY2016 due to a weaker Australian Dollar and Malaysian Ringgit against Hong Kong Dollar. This business sector has been achieving steady growth over the years, with the Group's portfolio under management growing into 354 car parks with approximately 71,000 car parking bays as at 31 March 2016. During FY2016, we added approximately 4,600 car parking bays, including the acquisition of a car park with 473 car parking bays in New Zealand and another car park with 367 car parking bays in Brisbane, in which the Group has 25% interest. With this division further expanding its operation to include property management services in Australia (mainly in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide) and Johor Bahru, Malaysia, where the Group had 46 contracts in relation to facilities management services as at 31 March 2016, it is expected that the car park operations and facilities management business will continue its steady growth. Completion of Privatisation of Dorsett The scheme of arrangement for the privatisation of Dorsett became effective on 14 October 2015. The Group is expected to benefit from the successful privatization of Dorsett by way of (1) enhancement of the Group's net asset value; (2) better flexibility in financing capability of the Group; (3) increase in the Company's trading liquidity; (4) elimination of the holding company discount; and (5) savings in some of the overlapped corporate functions. Queen's Wharf Brisbane In Australia, the Queen's Wharf Brisbane project is expected to contribute significantly to the recurring income and cash flow stream. The land is expected to be handed over to the Consortium by 2017 with construction anticipated to commence in 2017. The integrated resort component is expected to open by 2022. Mr. Chris Hoong, Managing Director of the Company said: "The Group will continue to adhere to the regional diversification strategy focusing on "Chinese Wallet". We will seek to take advantage of different property cycles in the different markets. The Group's regional knowledge and local expertise enable it to develop and deliver products that target Asia's rapidly-expanding and increasingly affluent middle class. With the foundation that the Group has laid in the past, we are well-positioned for long-term and sustainable growth and we are ready to embrace the harvest season.

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

June 24, 2016 02:09 ET (06:09 GMT)

Looking ahead, the Group will continue to create long term value and returns for its shareholders through enhancing its net asset value and maintaining its dividend payout policy." Notes: (i) Revaluation surplus on hotel assets of approximately HK$10,732 million was based on independent valuation carried out as at 31 March 2016 and was not recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements, but was adjusted for calculation of net asset value per share and net gearing ratio. (ii) Net gearing ratio is calculated by dividing total bank loans and bonds less bank and cash balances, and investment securities by the carrying amount of total equity and the unrecognised revaluation surplus on hotel assets. (iii) Adjusted cash profit is calculated by adding depreciation and amortisation charges to, and subtracting fair value gain in investment properties from net profit attributable to shareholders of the Company. The amount is adjusted for minority interests. END About Far East Consortium International Limited Far East Consortium International Limited was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1972 (HKEx stock code: 35). The Group is mainly engaged in property development and investment, hotel operation and management, as well as car park and facilities management. The Group adopts diversified regional strategy and the "Chinese Wallet" strategy with business covering Hong Kong, Mainland China, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. FEC official website: www.fecil.com.hk FEC WeChat and Weibo: / http://www.weibo.com/u/5703712831 For further information, please contact: Far East Consortium International Limited Ms. Venus Zhao, Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Finance Contact Number: (852)2850 0639 Email: venus.zhao@fecil.com.hk Wonderful Sky Financial Group Ms. Alice Wang Contact Number: (852)3970 2136 Email: fecil@wsfg.hk Document: http://n.eqs.com/c/fncls.ssp?u=FAMYBIMVYM Document title: FEC Announces Annual Results Key word(s): Final Results 24/06/2016 Dissemination of a Press Release, transmitted by EQS TodayIR - a company of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com 474069 24/06/2016

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 24, 2016 02:09 ET (06:09 GMT)
VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - Speaking at press conference on the U.K. referendum result that showed Britons voting 52 percent, European Council President Donald Tusk said it is a serious and even dramatic moment, especially for the U.K. The EU is prepared for this negative scenario and there will be no legal vacuum, he said. The 27 EU leaders are determined to keep the group's unity as 27, Tusk said. He also urged the leaders to start a wider reflection on the future of the EU. An informal meeting of the 27 EU member countries will be held on the sidelines of the European Council summit next week, Tusk added. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Regulatory News:

The lawsuit filed by the Michigan Attorney General yesterday is outrageous. The allegations against Veolia (Paris:VIE) are false, inaccurate, and unwarranted. Sadly for the citizens of Flint and throughout Michigan, the lawsuit represents the latest attempt to deflect responsibility by government officials and representatives who caused and are responsible for this situation.

Incredibly, the Attorney General filed this lawsuit and made these false claims after the Governor's Task Force, acting for the State of Michigan, conducted a thorough investigation including dozens of interviews and exonerated Veolia from any involvement in the Flint water crisis. The Governor's Task Force placed blame precisely where it belongs, with the government officials who made all of the decisions and directed all of the actions that resulted in the crisis.

The facts are important, and we are alarmed and outraged that the State of Michigan is abusing them for the sake of political expedience. We were hired for a limited, one-month, one-time study 160 hours in total - and asked to only assist with an analysis of disinfection byproducts, and taste and odor issues in Flint. Veolia was given rigid parameters around what we were and were not allowed to do and we followed those directions. We made a series of recommendations and they were ignored.

In fact, when Veolia raised potential lead and copper issues, city officials and representatives told us to exclude it from our scope of work because the city and the EPA were just beginning to conduct lead and copper testing.

This lawsuit is baseless, entirely unfounded, and appears to be intended to distract from the troubling and disturbing realities that have emerged as a result of this tragedy. Veolia remains committed to safe, high-quality drinking water and environmental protection and is proud to serve as the world's leading private water company.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005137/en/

Contacts:

Veolia North America

Paul Whitmore

Tel. 317-917-3724 paul.whitmore@veolia.com

or

Karole Colangelo

Tel: 312-552-2820 karole.colangelo@veolia.com

or

Veolia Group

Laurent Obadia Sandrine Guendoul

Stephane Galfre Marie Bouvet

Tel. + 33 1 71 75 12 52 sandrine.guendoul@veolia.com

or

Analysts and Investors

Ronald Wasylec Ariane de Lamaze

Tel. 33 1 71 75 12 23 06 00

or

Terri Anne Powers (USA)

Tel. 1 312 552 2890
PUNE, India, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Global robotic software platforms market analysts say the emergence of self-reconfigurable and transformer robots market is a major trend that will boost market growth in the next few years. Advances in technology have transformed robotics from handheld/static instruments to remote technology-enabled machines and from teaching to self-learning entities. One such innovation is the self-configurable modular robot, which is created by connecting a number of modules with memory units and CPUs. These machines can change shapes depending on the task at hand. Each module of such new generation robots can communicate with the others and take decisions before performing a task.

Complete report on robotic software platforms market spread across 54 pages, analyzing 7 major companies and providing 24 data exhibits now available at http://www.sandlerresearch.org/global-robotic-software-platforms-market-2016-2020.html

The analysts forecast global robotic software platforms market to grow at a CAGR of 4.17% during the period 2016-2020. According to the robotic software platforms market report, a key growth driver is the rising demand for service robots for medical applications. The preference for professional service robots in the healthcare sector is a major factor driving the global robotics software platforms market. Healthcare industries require frequent reprogramming and testing of robots. Some of the medical applications in which professional service robots are used are assistance in surgeries, pill dispensing, and needle placement to name a few.

The demand for robotic software platforms is scaling up as they enable industries to reprogram the machines frequently, modify, and test their robots to suit multiple application demands. In 2015, the APAC region dominated the global robotic software platforms market with a 66% stake in the overall market share. The market is booming in this region as many manufacturers are adopting robots in their plants to increase productivity and meet the demands put forth by industries such as automotive and healthcare. Government orders and offers that encourage local robotics industry to boost exports, loans at low interest and other incentives for robotic factories, and rising labor wages are some of the factors that will contribute to growth in the market in this region in the coming years.

The robotic software platforms market report estimates that this will reach USD 8.15 billion by 2020, should the market sustain a CAGR of 4.57% during the forecast period. A rise in use of industrial robots in the automotive, electrical, food and beverage, and metal industries was observed in the past decade in China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Indonesia. By 2022, the UK plans to invest USD 2.8 billion in the European Commission's robotics research and innovation program, which will distribute funding to robotics sectors, ranging from industrial to domestic and from agriculture to space sectors. Countries such as the US, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada are the major users of robots in their manufacturing, service, and healthcare sectors. Researchers and academics are the major end-users of robotics software platforms in this region.

The following companies are the key players in the global robotic software platforms market: iRobot, ABB, Fanuc, Kuka, Skilligent, Cyberbotics, and the Orocos Project. Other prominent vendors in the market are: Aethon, Energid Technologies, EZ-Robot, Honda, NEURALA, and Siemens. Order a copy of Global Robotic Software Platforms Market 2016-2020 report @ http://www.sandlerresearch.org/purchase?rname=55556

Another related report is Global Cleanroom Robots Market 2016-2020, analysts forecast global cleanroom robots market to grow at a CAGR of 5.39% during the period 2016-2020. One trend which will boost market growth is the integration of IoT in robotics. The development of IoT and technological enhancements has fueled the adoption of automated technologies in industries. The high demand and use of smart devices, wireless, and cloud technology will influence the future of robots in terms of range of utility and mode of operation. Browse complete report @ http://www.sandlerresearch.org/global-cleanroom-robots-market-2016-2020.html

Explore other new reports on Software and Services Market @ http://www.sandlerresearch.org/market-research/information-technology/software-and-services

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Copenhagen, 2016-06-24 09:57 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Board of Directors has decided to expand the Executive Management of Per Aarsleff Holding A/S effective from 1 July 2016 as follows:Divisional Manager Jesper K. Jacobsen and Group Chief Financial Officer Mogens Vedel Hestbk will join the Executive Management.The Executive Management of the company will consist of:-- General Manager Ebbe Malte Iversen -- Deputy General Manager Lars M. Carlsen -- Group Director Jesper K. Jacobsen -- Group Chief Financial Officer Mogens Vedel HestbkThe purpose of the expansion is to strengthen the management of the Group with a view to implementing the visions expressed in the Group strategy.Jesper K. Jacobsen, aged 45, has a BSc in engineering from the Engineering College of Aarhus, and he has been employed in Aarsleff since 1995. He has worked with a number of construction projects and is responsible for the Group's offshore wind farm projects which over time have comprised international multi-billion contracts. Jesper K. Jacobsen is in charge of Construction's activities in the regions Jutland and Funen.Mogens Vedel Hestbk, aged 43, has an MSc in Economics from Aarhus University and has been employed in Aarsleff since 1 June 2015. Previously, he has worked for four years in the US for Veolia Water Technologies as CFO, responsible for the company's international design and build contracts.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsAndreas Lundby Chairman of the BoardFurther information: General Manager Ebbe Malte Iversen, Per Aarsleff A/S, tel. +45 8744 2222.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=576611
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Marijn Dekkers, President of the German chemical industry association VCI, on the outcome of the EU referendum in Great Britain:

"The German chemical industry has always been committed to the political and economic unity of the European Union. For this reason, I very much deplore that the British voters decided yesterday to leave the EU. Especially now, at a time of timid economy recovery in Europe, their leaving the European Union is a negative signal for the further economic development. Less economic growth in the EUMember States and weaker export business will be the consequences. But the political damage weighs just as heavily. After the differences about the refugee policy, the referendum in Great Britain is the second setback this year for the historic project of European unification. We all need a Europe which is politicially unified and economically strong."

The VCI represents the politico-economic interests of over 1,650 German chemical companies and German subsidiaries of foreign businesses. For this purpose, the VCI is in contact with politicians, public authorities, other industries, science and media. The VCI stands for over 90 percent of the chemical industry in Germany. In 2015 the German chemical industry realised sales of around 189billion euros and employed over 446,000 staff.

Contact: VCI Press Dept.

Phone: +49-69-2556-1496

E-Mail: presse@vci.de



Please note:

VCI news about the chemical industry is also available via Twitter (http://twitter.com/chemieverband)
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The British Bankers Association releases mortgage approvals for May at 4:30 am Friday. The number of approvals for house purchase are expected to rise 37,850 versus 40,104 last month. Ahead of the data, the pound held steady after plunging against its major rivals. The pound was worth 1.3748 against the greenback, 141.28 against the yen, 1.3403 against the franc and 0.8084 against the euro as of 4:25 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
MADRID (dpa-AFX) - Spain's producer prices continued to decline in May, though at a slower pace than in the previous month, figures from the statistical office INE showed Friday. The producer price index fell 5.5 percent year-over-year in May, after a 5.9 percent decrease in April, which was revised from a 6.1 percent decline reported earlier. The price index for energy declined the most by 17.8 percent annually in May, followed by intermediate goods with 2.5 percent drop. At the same, durable consumer goods prices registered an increase of 1.2 percent. On a monthly basis, producer prices climbed 0.8 percent in May, in contrast to a 0.1 percent slight fall in the preceding month. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - June 24, 2016) - DigitalTown, Inc. (OTC PINK: DGTW) today announced that it has acquired more than 11,000 .CITY domains for use with an international rollout of the DigitalTown's flagship Smart City Platform and the Global Smart City Network.

The .CITY domain extension is part of the new generation of intuitive "Smart Web" navigation extensions approved by ICANN, the global domain name industry regulator. The .CITY domain extension is the ideal extension for city information. DigitalTown has assembled the world's largest portfolio of .CITY domains that exactly match to many of the largest population centers around the world as well as to the majority of the cities across the United States.

The network of .CITY domains are being made available to cities as part of a global network of public-private partnerships utilizing the DigitalTown SmartCity platform. The announcement occurs on the eve of the US Mayors conference from June 24-27 in Indianapolis, leading up to International City/County Management Association (ICMA) annual meeting September 25-28, 2016 in Kansas City, and the Global Smart City Expo November 15-17 in Barcelona Spain.

Rob Monster, CEO of DigitalTown commented on the initiative saying, "The DigitalTown SmartCity platform is an ideal framework for enabling any city to become a Smart City. At the same time, DigitalTown is leading the dialog with international stakeholders in the architecture of the 'Smart Web'. The highly intuitive .CITY web navigation standard will allow residents and visitors of any city to easily connect to latest information, either through web or mobile devices."

The .CITY domain extension is managed by Donuts, Inc., the leading registry for new domain extensions. Donuts is led by domain name industry titan Paul Stahura, who previously founded and led eNom, the 2 nd largest domain registrar in the world.

"The introduction of new domain extensions was meant to encourage innovations in the Internet namespace like this one," Stahura said. "DigitalTown's use of .CITY for this digital platform is an intuitive way for citizens and visitors to find information that's relevant to them, and for cities to expand their outreach."

DigitalTown empowers cities to become Smart Cities by leveraging existing technology to help cities lower costs, gain efficiencies and improve civic engagement, resulting in thriving local economies, enhanced community interaction, and real-time access to the growing number of Smart City services that are being introduced in local communities around the world.

Chris Maxwell, Chief Technical Officer of DigitalTown added, "By 2020, there will be at least fifty billion things connected to the Internet. These 'things' are sensors, meters, cameras, lights, gauges, and other hardware that will produce and transmit data to create an 'Internet of Things'. DigitalTown aims to make this greatly expanded Internet highly usable for consumers. The .CITY domain, as part of a Smart Web, is an integral part of this exciting phase of Internet innovation."

For more information about the DigitalTown Smart City Network, contact the Company at info@digitaltown.com or visit the DigitalTown.com website at http://digitaltown.com/platform/.

About DigitalTown:

DigitalTown, Inc. (OTC PINK: DGTW) powers vibrant online communities that unite people with shared interests with content, community, and commerce. The company is a leading provider of turn-key site solutions to power "Digital Towns", with a unique, cost-effective, and integrated approach for enabling Smart Cities of the future. For more information about the company, please visit www.digitaltown.com.

About Donuts, Inc:

Donuts securely operates the largest number of the Internet's top-level domain names and provides varied and relevant online identities, in multiple languages and character sets, to businesses, individuals, and organizations worldwide. Donuts is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and London. For more information, please visit www.donuts.domains.

Safe Harbor Language:Any statements contained herein related to future events are forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. DigitalTown, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any such statements to reflect actual events.

Company Contact:

DigitalTown

rob@digitaltown.com

425-295-4564 (office)

(425) 765-0077 (cell)
Accenture (NYSE:ACN) has entered into an agreement to acquire dgroup, a German-based consultancy that delivers end-to-end management consulting services to help companies achieve digital transformation. The acquisition will increase Accenture's digital consulting capabilities in the German market and strengthen the broad range of services Accenture provides to support digital transformation, primarily for retail and consumer goods companies.

dgroup, which was founded in 2001, employs approximately 60 people and has locations in Hamburg and Dusseldorf. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, and completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.

dgroup provides a range of services, primarily for retail and consumer goods companies, which include e-commerce and multi-channel services, online marketing and analytics, application development, IT architecture and project management. It offers consulting advice and methodologies to support digital innovation and it provides clients with transformation and execution services to develop new digital ventures.

"The acquisition of dgroup will help expand Accenture's leading combination of digital transformation capabilities in Germany," said Michael Brueckner, managing director, Accenture, Austria, Switzerland and Germany. "dgroup's local market experience coupled with Accenture's global reach, industry knowledge and technology expertise will enhance Accenture's capabilities and talent in digital and management consulting, bringing together a highly skilled team focused on digital excellence. Not only will Accenture have a greater presence in the digital market, we will be better placed to make our extensive global digital transformation capabilities available to all clients."

"dgroup has established a reputation for agile approaches to digital transformation and execution in Germany," said Mathias Gehrckens, co-founder and managing partner, dgroup. "We are excited to join the global Accenture family and adding our knowledge and expertise to Accenture's global capabilities. Together we will bring new value to a greater range of clients."

"Retail and consumer goods companies are among the most affected by digital disruption. Millennial consumers in particular expect digital interaction and a personalized customer experience. To meet the future needs of these digital consumers, retail and consumer goods clients are rethinking their commercial operating models and require increasing support for digital transformation," said Brueckner. "This acquisition supports Accenture's strategy of building digital capabilities to provide end-to-end digital transformation services."

In 2015, dgroup won the brand eins award for "Best Consultancy 2015" and was among the "Top 10 Management Consultancies for Internet Media".

About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions underpinned by the world's largest delivery network Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 375,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "should," "likely," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "positioned," "outlook" and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: the company and dgroup will not be able to close the transaction in the time period anticipated, or at all, which is dependent on the parties' ability to satisfy certain closing conditions; the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for the company; the company's results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company's clients' businesses and levels of business activity; the company's business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for the company's services and solutions, and a significant reduction in such demand could materially affect the company's results of operations; if the company is unable to keep its supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company's business, the utilization rate of the company's professionals and the company's results of operations may be materially adversely affected; the markets in which the company competes are highly competitive, and the company might not be able to compete effectively; the company could have liability or the company's reputation could be damaged if the company fails to protect client and/or company data or information systems as obligated by law or contract or if the company's information systems are breached; the company's results of operations and ability to grow could be materially negatively affected if the company cannot adapt and expand its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings by new entrants; the company's results of operations could materially suffer if the company is not able to obtain sufficient pricing to enable it to meet its profitability expectations; if the company does not accurately anticipate the cost, risk and complexity of performing its work or if the third parties upon whom it relies do not meet their commitments, then the company's contracts could have delivery inefficiencies and be less profitable than expected or unprofitable; the company's results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the company's profitability could suffer if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful, and the company may not be able to improve its profitability through improvements to cost-management to the degree it has done in the past; the company's business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; the company's work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; the company might not be successful at identifying, acquiring or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; the company's Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose it to operational risks; changes in the company's level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in the company's treatment as an Irish company, could have a material adverse effect on the company's results of operations and financial condition; as a result of the company's geographically diverse operations and its growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; adverse changes to the company's relationships with key alliance partners or in the business of its key alliance partners could adversely affect the company's results of operations; the company's services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company might lose its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others; if the company is unable to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use or infringement by third parties, its business could be adversely affected; the company's ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if the company is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; any changes to the estimates and assumptions that the company makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; many of the company's contracts include payments that link some of its fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require the company to meet specific service levels, which could increase the variability of the company's revenues and impact its margins; if the company is unable to collect its receivables or unbilled services, the company's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected; the company's results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain effective internal controls; the company may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the "Risk Factors" heading in Accenture plc's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture's expectations.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005039/en/

Contacts:

Accenture

Anthony Hatter, 44 7810 756 138

anthony.hatter@accenture.com
VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - European stocks plunged on Friday, with banks coming under heavy selling pressure, as a victory for the Leave campaign in the EU referendum triggered concerns the U.K. could be pushed into a recession. Safe-haven assets like gold, yen and government bonds came back into limelight and a plunge in U.S. stock futures triggered a brief trading curb, after results released early Friday showed the Leave side prevailed 52 percent to 48 percent in Thursday's historic vote. Sterling sank 10 percent to hit a 31-year low as the unexpected outcome buckled global markets and sent investors rushing for safety. U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, who frantically campaigned for a 'stay' in the union, announced his resignation earlier in the day. The Bank of England said it would take all necessary steps to meet its responsibilities for monetary and financial stability. With the debate over Britain's future dominating the headlines, investors shrugged off positive German business confidence and U.K. mortgage approvals data. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index was down 7.4 percent in midday trading, snapping a five-day winning streak. The German DAX was tumbling 6.3 percent, France's CAC index was down 7.8 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was down 5 percent. Banking stocks fell across Europe on worries about what a British exit from the EU would mean for the global economy. Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Credit Agricole, BNP Paribas, Societe Generale Group, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group and The Royal Bank of Scotland Group lost 10-20 percent. U.K. housebuilder Taylor Wimpey retreated 24 percent, Berkeley Group Holdings fell 21 percent and Barratt Developments nosedived 20 percent amid concerns that the Brexit vote would hit the industry the hardest. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
HONG KONG, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Vistra Group today announced the acquisition of Ujwal Management Services Private Limited (USMPL), an international business services provider based in Bangalore, India. This is the Group's second acquisition in India following the announcement of the acquisition of IL&FS Trust Company Limited (ITCL) in April.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150611/748772 )



Incorporated in 1995, Ujwal has been assisting clients across the world in expanding their businesses into India. The majority of Ujwal's clients are Indian subsidiaries of foreign multinationals, predominantly in the information technology sector. As a result, Ujwal enjoys a very strong reputation in the technology space in Bangalore, considered the main hub of this activity in India. The core of its business is to provide assistance with setup of entities in India, along with ongoing administration services including payroll, accounting, finance and statutory compliance.

Ujwal has a staff of over 110 in-house professionals based in Bangalore. The management team, led by Muralikrishan A.G. and Kantharaj S.K., is joining the Vistra Group to further boost the International Expansion capability.

Commenting on this acquisition, Mr Martin Crawford, CEO of Vistra Group, says, "We are delighted to welcome Ujwal into the Group. Acquiring Ujwal expands the Group's presence in India, especially the coverage in South India. Ujwal has the expertise, the experienced staff, and the well-established network to penetrate the IT-enabled services (ITeS) client segment which is a good fit to the Group's strategic focus".

CEO of Ujwal, Mr Muralikrishan A.G., added, "We are excited to join the Vistra Group. With Vistra's global network, we can extend our onshore capability into key business origination markets such as USA and Europe, which broaden our geography significantly. Our clients can benefit from solid on-the-ground support in a number of these countries. We look forward to our collaboration with Vistra".

About Vistra Group

http://www.vistragroup.com/about-us/editor-notes

About Ujwal

Ujwal is a focused full function outsourced services provider in the areas of accounting, finance and statutory compliance. Over the years Ujwal has developed deep expertise in helping foreign companies predominantly in the technology sector to establish and operate in India. Its highly skilled team of 110 professionals are based in Bangalore.

For more information, please visit http://www.ujwal.net
PUNE, India, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The report "Color Masterbatch Marketby Type (Standard Color, Tailor-made Color, and Specialty Color), by Carrier Resin (PE, PP, PS, and Others), by End-use Industry (Packaging, Building & Construction, Consumer Goods, Automotive, Agriculture, and Others) - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, The market size is projected to reach USD 4.75 Billion by 2021, registering a CAGR of 5.6% between 2016 and 2021.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )



Browse 85 market data Tables and 51 Figures spread through 177 Pages and in-depth TOC on"Color Masterbatch Market"



http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/color-masterbatch-market-214784301.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.

The growth of the color masterbatch market is triggered by the rising demand from the packaging segment. It is widely used for industrial and household purposes. Change in lifestyle and globalization have triggered the demand from the packaging industry, which drives the market of color masterbatch.

Color masterbatch for standard color to account for the major share of the market till 2021

The color masterbatch market is segmented by type, namely, standard color, specialty color, and tailor-made color. Standard color accounts for a major share of the color masterbatch market, as it is extensively used to process polymers. They are used in a wide range of applications due to its mechanical, heat resistance, and weather resistance properties. Some of the applications of standard color masterbatch are packaging sheets & films, plastic bottles & containers, and cables & wire.

Polyethylene carrier resin to dominate the color masterbatch market during the forecast period

Polyethylene (PE) is a major carrier resin used to manufacture color masterbatch. It includes high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). They are used to impart specific resin properties to processed polymers. Polyethylene products are mostly used in various end-use applications, such as packaging bags, general plastic films, medical packaging, mulch films, green house & tunnel films, and pipes.

For More Info Make Inquiry @http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=214784301

Asia-Pacific: The Largest Market of Insulation Coatings

Packaging industry to be the largest industry for the color masterbatch market between 2016 and 2021

Packaging is the dominating industry in the Color Masterbatch Market. It is widely used for industrial and household purposes. Improved lifestyle and globalization have triggered the demand from the packaging industry, which drives the market of color masterbatch. Moreover, the increasing use of plastics in consumer goods is also expected to have strong growth for the color masterbatch market.

Asia-Pacific to be the largest market during the forecast period

The color masterbatch market is broadly segmented into five regions, namely, Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and South America. Asia-Pacific is the largest market of color masterbatch, in terms of volume. The growing packaging industry coupled with the increased demand from retail industry drives the market of color masterbatch in the region. End-use industries are witnessing a high growth in developing nations such as India, Indonesia, and Brazil due to their growing economies.

Currently, the global color masterbatch market is dominated by various market players, such as Clariant AG (Switzerland), A. Schulman, Inc. (U.S.), PolyOne Corporation (U.S.), Plastika Kritis S.A. (Greece), and Plastiblends India Ltd. (India). The leading players mainly concentrate on expansions to enhance their market reach and make innovative products available to a large number of customers.

Browse Related Reports:

Masterbatch Market by Type (White, Black, Color, Additive, Filler, and Others) and by Application (Packaging, Building & Construction, Automotive, Consumer Goods, Textile, and Others) - Global Trends & Forecasts to 2020

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/masterbatches-market-168014686.html

Dyes and Pigments Market - Dyes (Reactive, Disperse, Acid, Direct, Basic, VAT), Organic Pigments (Azo, Phthalocyanines, High Performance) & Inorganic Pigments (TiO2, Iron Oxide, Carbon Black & Others) - Global Trends & Forecast to 2018

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/colorants-tinting-systems-paints-coatings-market-875.html

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is the world's No. 2 firm in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors.

M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.

We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.

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LONDON (dpa-AFX) - IHS Global Insight Economist Howard Archer said he believes that the vote to leave the EU is bad news for the UK economy, certainly in the near- and medium-term.



In the referendum held on June 23, 52 percent Britons voted to leave the EU. UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation earlier on Friday.



Archer observed that economic uncertainties relate not only to what will happen after the U.K. leaves the EU, but also to when exactly the divorce will occur.



The more messy and antagonistic the negotiations with the EU prove (particularly over new trade agreements and access to the European single market), the more the UK economy is likely to suffer during 2016-2018, Archer noted.



Elsewhere, Ruth Miller, a UK economist at Capital Economics, said while triggering Article 50 of Lisbon Treaty seems the most likely next step, it is not clear when the starting gun will be fired.



Once the process has begun, though, it will become more difficult for the UK to change its mind, renegotiate its status in the EU, or even to hold another referendum on the withdrawal terms, Miller noted.



According to economists at ING Bank NV, the economic and political implications are likely to be greater for the UK and Europe with years of uncertainty ahead.



The key question will be whether the UK can achieve an amicable divorce from the EU, which will limit the economic pain, or whether it will break down in acrimony, the firm said.



Samuel Tombs, chief U.K. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said the 'Brexit' shock has unleashed a wave of economic and political uncertainty that likely will drive the U.K. into recession. He noted that monetary easing from the Bank of England is not a foregone conclusion.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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DUBLIN, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Military Laser Systems Market 2016-2020" report to their offering.

The global military laser systems market to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% during the period 2016-2020.

Global Military Laser Systems Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.



One trend which will propel market growth is the evolution of HEL. Changing warfare strategies have led to significant developments in non-lethal weapons and lethal weapons. The HEL weapons have stepped up the military capabilities to counter surface and air threats such as small boats and UAVs with high precision. The energy released from HEL delivers to the target at a speed of light and much faster compared to other missiles. Such advantages have generated strong demand for HEL and increased its funding in the market. In the US, lasers receive more funding than other DEWs.



According to the report, a key growth driver is the increasing demand for laser systems. Laser systems play a vital role in military applications, especially in the battlefield where precise systems are required. Due to its high intensity, very low divergence, and high targeting accuracy, it can target hostile vehicles from a long distance. For instance, the mid-body design of APKWS can transform unguided Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ) rockets into precise weapons.

Further, the report states that one challenge that could hamper market growth is budget cuts in military laser spending. Budget cuts have not only delayed the testing of military equipment but also affected many science and technology (S&T) programs and impinged deliveries, causing cancellation or delay of future systems development, technology, and demonstrations.

They are increasingly employed in military operations for:

- Blinding troops

- Electro-optical countermeasures (EOCM)

- Free-space communications

- Guiding munitions

- Marking targets

- Missile defense



Key vendors

- BAE Systems

- Lockheed Martin

- Northrop Grumman

- Raytheon

- Thales Group



Other prominent vendors

- American Laser Enterprises

- BAE Systems Aculight

- Coherent

- Frankfurt Laser

- Quantel



Key Topics Covered:



Part 01: Executive summary



Part 02: Scope of the report



Part 03: Market research methodology



Part 04: Introduction



Part 05: Market landscape



Part 06: Global aerospace and defense supply chain system



Part 07: Global aerospace and defense value chain system



Part 08: Market segmentation by application



Part 09: Market segmentation by technology



Part 10: Geographical segmentation



Part 11: Key leading countries



Part 12: Market drivers



Part 13: Impact of drivers



Part 14: Market challenges



Part 15: Impact of drivers and challenges



Part 16: Market trends



Part 17: Vendor landscape



Part 18: Appendix



For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/cpb9h7/global_military

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- Slate Office REIT (TSX: SOT.UN) (the "REIT") announced today that it has closed its previously announced offering of 6,530,000 trust units of the REIT ("Units") at a price of $7.85 per Unit for gross proceeds of $51.3 million (the "Offering"). The Offering was completed on a bought deal basis through a syndicate of underwriters co-led by TD Securities Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. (the "Underwriters"). The Offering consisted of a treasury offering by the REIT of 4,531,137 Units for gross proceeds of $35.6 million (the "Treasury Offering") and a secondary offering by Subcore Equities Inc., a private corporation managed by Greystone Managed Investments Inc. on behalf of certain pension fund clients, (the "Selling Unitholder") of 1,998,863 Units for gross proceeds of $15.7 million (the "Secondary Offering"). The Secondary Offering includes 160,000 Units which were sold to the Underwriters upon the partial exercise of the over-allotment option that had been granted to the Underwriters by the Selling Unitholder.

The REIT will use the net proceeds of the Treasury Offering to reduce outstanding indebtedness, which may be subsequently redrawn and applied as needed to pay a portion of the purchase price of its previously announced acquisition of Gateway Centre (a suburban office complex in Markham, Ontario, which acquisition is expected to close by the end of the second quarter in 2016), for funding of future acquisitions, and for general trust purposes. The REIT did not receive any proceeds from the Secondary Offering.

In addition to the closing of the Offering, the REIT announced that, effective June 15, 2016, the REIT increased its interest in three office properties located in St. John's, Newfoundland from 30% to 49%, with an additional investment of approximately $27.3 million.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information herein constitutes "forward-looking information" as defined under Canadian securities laws which reflect management's expectations regarding objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities of the REIT. The words "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "scheduled", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "projects", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "could", "would", "might", "occur", "be achieved", or "continue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Some of the specific forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to statements with respect to the following: the use of the net proceeds of the Treasury Offering; and the intention of the REIT to complete the closing of the acquisition of the Gateway Centre on the terms and conditions described herein. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations, including that the transactions contemplated herein are completed.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.

Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the REIT's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2015 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About Slate Office REIT (TSX: SOT.UN)

Slate Office REIT is an open-ended real estate investment trust. The REIT's portfolio currently comprises 34 strategic and well-located real estate assets located primarily across Canada's major population centres. The REIT is focused on maximizing value through internal organic rental and occupancy growth and strategic acquisitions. Visit slateam.com/SOT to learn more.

About Slate Asset Management L.P.

Slate Asset Management L.P. is a leading real estate investment platform with over $3 billion in assets under management. Slate is a value-oriented company and a significant sponsor of all its private and publicly-traded investment vehicles, which are tailored to the unique goals and objectives of its investors. The firm's careful and selective investment approach creates long term value with an emphasis on capital preservation and outsized returns. Slate is supported by exceptional people, flexible capital and a proven ability to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more.

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Slate Office REIT

+1 416 644 4264

ir@slateam.com




Not for release, publication or distribution in Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States.

These materials are not an offer for sale of securities in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. PJSC Magnit has not registered and does not intend to register any part of the offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering of any securities in the United States.

This document is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

In any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC (such Directive, together with any applicable implementing measures in the relevant home Member State under such Directive, the "Prospectus Directive") this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive.

Securities of PJSC Magnit have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada or Japan and, subject to certain exceptions, may not be offered or sold within Australia, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, citizens or residents of Australia, Canada or Japan except under circumstances which will result in the full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations promulgated by the relevant regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time.

Press-release

Krasnodar

June 24, 2016

PJSC "Magnit" Announces the Expiration of the Term for the Offers Submission

Krasnodar, June 24, 2016: PJSC "Magnit", Russia's largest food retailer (the "Company", the "Issuer"; MOEX and LSE: MGNT) announces the expiration of the term for the submission of the offers from the potential acquirers of the exchange-traded bonds to execute the preliminary agreements.

According to the Decision of the Chief Executive Officer of PJSC "Magnit" (Decision w/o No. of June 24, 2016) the term for the submission of the offers from the potential acquirers to execute the preliminary agreements has expired on June 24, 2016 at 3 PM Moscow time. According to the preliminary agreements, a potential acquirer and the Underwriter (Bank GPB (JSC)) shall execute principal sale and purchase agreements on non-convertible interest-bearing certified exchange-traded bonds of PJSC "Magnit" of the BO-001P-04 series to the bearer with the obligatory centralized custody, placed under the Program of the exchange-traded bonds with the identification number of 4-60525-P-001P-02E as of 23.10.2015 (hereinafter - the Bonds) on the commencing date of the Bonds placement.

For further information, please contact:

Timothy Post Head of Investor Relations

Email: post@magnit.ru

Office: +7-861-277-4554 x 17600

Mobile: +7-961-511-7678

Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562 Investor Relations Office MagnitIR@magnit.ru

Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Website: ir.magnit.com/ Media Inquiries Media Relations Department

press@magnit.ru

Company description:

Magnit is Russia's largest food retailer. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar. As of March 31, 2016, Magnit operated 34 distribution centers and about 12,434 stores (9,715 convenience, 382 hypermarkets, and 2,337 drogerie stores) in 2,385 cities and towns throughout 7 federal regions of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the audited IFRS results for 2015, Magnit had revenues of RUB 951 billion and an EBITDA of RUB 104 billion. Magnit's local shares are traded on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX: MGNT) and its GDRs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: MGNT) and it has a credit rating from Standard & Poor's of BB+. Measured by market capitalization, Magnit is one of the largest retailers in Europe.


VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - In a dramatic move, the U.K. decided to leave the European Union after 43 years of membership, in a closely contested referendum, and triggered the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron as well as calls for Scottish Independence and similar EU referendums in Italy, France, and the Netherlands.



In the referendum held on June 23, 51.9 percent voted to leave the EU and 48.1 percent chose to remain, the Chief Counting Office Jenny Watson said in a statement early Friday. The leave camp won with a margin of 1,269,501 votes.



The poll had a high turnout of 72.2 percent and 33,577,342 ballot papers were counted.



Though 'Brexit' have been discussed intensely across the world in the run up to the poll, the actual decision to leave came as a surprise, sending the British pound to a 31-year low. Global markets were caught off guard and plummeted during the day.



The main political casualty of 'Brexit' was Prime Minister Cameron, who announced on Friday that he will step down in October.



Cameron, who strongly called for a 'remain' vote, said the British people voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected.



'The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered,' he said.



Saying that it would not be right for him to 'try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination', Cameron said there must be a new Prime Minister in place by the start of the Conservative party conference in October.



He also said that the negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new Prime Minister, who should take the decision about when to trigger Article 50 of the Treaty of EU that governs the formal and legal process of leaving the EU. The talks should end in two years.



Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is facing opposition within his party after the 'remain' cause he championed lost the referendum.



In the 'leave' camp, UK Independence Party Leader Nigel Farage hailed the historic vote as 'Independence Day' and said Britons got their country back.



'We've left behind a political union,' Farage said. 'We can now rejoin the world as an independent, self-governing nation.'



London voted 60 percent in favor of 'remain'. The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tried to reassure businesses and investors, saying that there was no need to panic. Despite staying out of the EU, it will be crucial that the U.K. remains part of the single market, he said, who sought London's representation at EU negotiation table.



His predecessor, Boris Johnson, a passionate proponent of 'Leave', said there was 'no need for haste' in leaving the EU.



As 'Brexit' pummeled the pound and the stock markets, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said some market and economic volatility can be expected as this process unfolds and the bank is well prepared for it.



'The Bank will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as those markets adjust and the UK economy moves forward,' he added.



While the U.K. fully woke up to the reality of 'Brexit', Scotland, which largely voted to remain in the EU, raised the possibility of holding a fresh referendum of its independence from the U.K.



First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a second independence referendum is 'highly likely'.



Sturgeon also said that it was 'democratically unacceptable' that Scotland should leave the EU. She intends to discuss with each EU member state about the options for retaining Scotland in the EU.



Northern Ireland also voted to remain in the EU and the divergence from the overall U.K. sentiment has raised calls for a vote on Irish reunification.



In Brussels, EU top brass put up a brave face even as far-right parties in France, Italy, and the Netherlands demanded referendums on their countries' membership of the union.



'We regret this decision but respect it,' European Parliament President Martin Schulz, European Council Chief Donald Tusk, EU Council President Mark Rutte, and European Commission Head Jean-Claude Juncker said.



'We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be,' they said.



'Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty,' the EU top officials warned.



The EU stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the U.K. regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal under the Article 50, the leaders added.



Expressing great regret over the 'Brexit' decision, German Chancellor Merkel sought calm and composed analysis and decisions over the situation.



Elsewhere, Spain sought joint sovereignty over Gibraltar, a British overseas territory that voted to 'remain'.



Meanwhile, central banks across the world including the European Central Bank and several others in Europe and the Bank of Japan and the Reserve Bank of India said they were prepared for any contingency and stand ready to add extra liquidity when needed.



Top rating agencies said the 'Brexit' was credit negative for the U.K. Several economists predicted years of uncertainty ahead for the U.K. and Europe. A lot depends on the exact time and nature of the negotiations, they said.



In the currency market, the Swiss franc climbed strongly against the euro on safe-haven demand, marking its biggest gain since January 2015, when the Swiss National Bank scrapped the 1.20 per euro peg. The central bank said it intervened in the foreign exchange market to stabilize the Swiss franc.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
LAKEWOOD, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, announces the company has been named to Food Logistics Top 100 Green Supply Chain Provider Awards for 2016. Food Logistics is the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global food supply chain. UNEX was chosen for helping retailers, manufacturers and distributors invoke green warehouse processes by reducing energy usage and improving energy efficiency.

"UNEX solutions are far more energy efficient than most automated material handling systems, so our customers save a tremendous amount of energy," said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP of Sales and Marketing at UNEX Manufacturing. "We are pleased to be recognized for helping clients implement green practices like reducing energy usage and lowering transport emissions."

"The 2016 Top Green Providers reached a new record high for applicants and recipients, confirming the importance of sustainability in the global food and beverage supply chain," says Lara L. Sowinski, editorial director, supply chain network, at AC Business Media. "Our industry's continued focus on environmental stewardship and the role that growers, manufacturers, logistics companies, retailers and others play is driving heightened awareness and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously boosting cost and energy efficiencies."

UNEX material handling products do not require any energy to use them. The gravity-powered conveyor moves products smoothly and quickly without being motorized. UNEX Span-Track can be used to condense storage in freezer and cooler areas, which means less energy is consumed in these areas, which typically use tons of energy. The UNEX Flow Cell is 100% recyclable and can be used to boost productivity, improve ergonomics, eliminate waste and maximize space in the warehouse.

Food Logistics' annual Top Green Providers list recognizes companies whose products, services, or exemplary leadership is enhancing sustainability within the food and beverage industry. The list offers logistics professionals a guide to the providers, manufacturers, and software and technology companies that have found new ways to promote sustainability throughout their operations and those of their customers.

About Food Logistics

Food Logistics is published by AC Business Media, a business-to-business media company that provides targeted content and comprehensive, integrated advertising and promotion opportunities for some of the world's most recognized B2B brands. Its diverse portfolio serves the construction, logistics, supply chain and other industries with print, digital and custom products, events and social media.

About UNEX Manufacturing, Inc.

Founded in 1964, UNEX is the trusted industry leader in order picking solutions that maximize space usage, increase pick rates and improve ergonomics. UNEX offers a full range of order picking solutions, including their patented carton flow solution Span-Track, a full line of gravity conveyor products tailored to the order picking process and UNEX Flow Cells for durable, modular and portable storage for the manufacturing floor. Using an extensive distribution channel, the company ensures local support is available for every customer, no matter the location, exceeding customer expectations through continuous improvement, customer service and empowered employees. UNEX is an ISO-certified company committed to quality and bringing value to customers in the wine & spirits distribution, food & beverage, retail and manufacturing industries. For more information, visit: www.unex.com.

For More Information, contact:

Becky Boyd

MediaFirst PR Atlanta

(770) 642-2080 x 214

Email Contact




Global intellectual property (IP) attorney firm Murgitroyd has expanded its IP strategy and patent searching capabilities with the addition of industry heavy-hitters Michael Chernoff and John Wootress and a 16-strong patent engineer team to its staff.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005353/en/

Michael B Chernoff (Photo: Business Wire)

Messrs Chernoff, Wootress and colleagues will enhance Murgitroyd's offering in the areas of:

Patent research including searching worldwide patents and non-patent literature to provide search reports that will assist with patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity and IP landscaping projects;

Patent analytics detailed patent reviews, including patent categorization, filing and grant trends, and analysis of key inventors and companies;

IP strategy optimization and management of global IP portfolios for start-up and established companies.

Mr Chernoff was previously the Chief Intellectual Property Officer of MDB Capital Group, LLC and joins Murgitroyd as Director, IP Strategy and Portfolio Management. He brings over 22 years of experience in the field of IP to his role at Murgitroyd.

Prior to heading up IP Strategy at MDB, Mr Chernoff served as Director of Legal Services, Patent Operations at Accenture, as Associate Patent Counsel for Worldcom, and as an Associate at the boutique IP law firm Burns, Doane, Swecker and Mathis LLP. Before that, he was a Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr Chernoff is ranked as one of the "World's Leading IP Strategists" in the 2015 and 2016 editions of Intellectual Asset Magazine's IAM Strategy 300.

Mr Wootress was previously the Director of Intellectual Property at MDB Capital Group, LLC, and joins Murgitroyd as Director, IP Research and Analysis. He brings over 16 years of experience in the IP field to his role at Murgitroyd.

Prior to managing the IP Services Division of MDB, he served as Deputy General Counsel for Belkin International, as an Associate General Counsel for Aristocrat Technologies Inc. and as an Associate at Merchant & Gould.

Mr Chernoff commented: "We are very excited to join Murgitroyd with our team. Our commitment to high quality patent research and outstanding customer service fit perfectly and enhance Murgitroyd's principles of innovation, invention and entrepreneurship".

Murgitroyd's CMO, Jamie LeLiever commented on the appointments: "We are delighted to welcome Michael, John and the team to Murgitroyd. Their reputation precedes them and we look forward to further enhancing the Murgitroyd customer experience with their expertise on board".

ENDS

About Murgitroyd

Murgitroyd ranks among the largest groups of patent and trademark attorneys in Europe, with over 60 patent and trademark professionals and 260 staff. Its 14 European offices in the UK, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Switzerland provide local and European representation. It also has direct representation rights in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, two client liaison offices in the United States, together with the addition, with today's acquisition, of an office carrying out patent searching services in Managua, Nicaragua. The firm works across all industrial sectors.

Visit murgitroyd.com for further information.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005353/en/

Contacts:

Murgitroyd

Jamie LeLiever

Chief Marketing Officer

T. +1 919 474 8300

E. jamie.leliever@murgitroyd.com
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Xerox (XRX) announced that its board appointed Jeff Jacobson to be chief executive officer of Xerox Corporation following the completion of the company's planned separation into two publicly traded companies. Jacobson currently serves as president of Xerox Technology and will continue in his current role until the separation is complete. Jacobson joined Xerox in 2012 as the president of Global Graphic Communications Operations. He became the president of the Xerox Technology business in 2014 with responsibility for worldwide strategy, sales channel operations, marketing, technical services and customer support, product development, manufacturing and distribution. Prior to Xerox, he served as the president, chief executive officer and chairman of Presstek, a supplier of digital offset printing solutions. On January 29, 2016, Xerox announced its plans to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies - Xerox, which will be comprised of the company's Document Technology and Document Outsourcing businesses, and Conduent a business process services company. The company is on track to complete the separation by the end of 2016. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- Alexandria Minerals Corporation (TSX VENTURE: AZX)(FRANKFURT: A9D) ("AZX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will re-commence drilling its Triangle Too targets, located directly south of Integra Gold's Triangle Zone, on its 100% owned Airport property in Val d'Or, Quebec.

The Company has identified 8 targets spread over the Airport property, based on Alexandria drilling, geophysics and historical drill hole data. As part of the first steps of this first 3,000 m program, one of the Company's recently-drilled holes intersected a diorite plug, the main ore host rock on the adjacent Lamaque property, less than 500 m from the Triangle Zone.

Eric Owens, President and CEO of Alexandria, stated, "The proximity of this drill program to Integra's Triangle Zone to the north gives us much optimism about the potential underlying our property. We have identified several targets that appear to be plugs based on geophysics, historic drilling, and our own drilling which have similarities to the Triangle Zone."

Potential targets in this program include testing the inferred extension of shear zones on adjacent ground, targeting where those shear extensions coincide with known or inferred diorite plugs on Alexandria's Triangle Too ground.

In other matters, Alexandria recently announced the closing of a $5.1 million financing (See Press Release June 22, 2016), including Agnico-Eagle Mines maintaining its support of Alexandria through its continued investment. The funds will be used to explore the Company's Val d'Or area projects, where it will focus on the western portion of its large 35 km long Cadillac Break property package, and for general corporate purposes.

Further information about the Company is available on the Company's website, www.azx.ca, or our social media sites listed below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandriaMinerals

Twitter: https://twitter.com/azxmineralscorp

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/AlexandriaMinerals

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/alexandriaminerals/

About Alexandria Minerals Corporation

Alexandria Minerals Corporation is a Toronto-based junior gold exploration and development company with strategic properties located in the world-class mining districts of Val d'Or, Quebec, Red Lake, Ontario and Snow Lake-Flin Flon, Manitoba. Alexandria's focus is on its flagship property, the large Cadillac Break Property package in Val d'Or, which hosts important, near-surface, gold resources along the prolific, gold-producing Cadillac Break, all of which have significant growth potential.

WARNING: This News Release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing of completion of the Private Placement, the use of proceeds of the Private Placement and receipt of regulatory approval of the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Alexandria Minerals Corporation relies upon litigation protection for forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Alexandria Minerals Corporation

Mary Vorvis

Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

(416) 305-4999



Alexandria Minerals Corporation

Eric Owens

President/CEO

416-363-9372

info@azx.ca

www.azx.ca




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Donald Trump has announced that he would forgo the $50-million personal loan he gave for his presidential campaign, saying he has honored the pledge he made last month in this regard. The business tycoon had said on May 13 that he has no intention of paying himself back for the nearly $50 million dollars he loaned to the campaign. This money is a contribution made in order to 'Make America Great Again,' Trump said in a statement Thursday. 'Mr. Trump has fully extinguished (terminated) this loan as per his commitment. Therefore, he has personally invested in excess of $50 million dollars in the future of our country,' the Trump Campaign said. The Campaign claimed that after self-funding his primary election, Trump and the campaign have assembled an exceptional fund-raising operation, which in recent days has been overwhelmed with contributions for the Republican Party. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Consumer attitudes cooled slightly by the end of June compared to where they stood in the middle of the month. This according to the results of a highly influential survey of consumer sentiment released on Friday. The results were below what economists had expected. Results of a survey conducted by the University of Michigan showed that its consumer sentiment index came in at 93.5 for June. A preliminary measure released a couple weeks ago showed a reading of 94.3, holding a large advance posted in May. May's figure stood at 94.7. Economists had expected the figure to back off a bit from the mid-month result. June's final reading was a bit below the 94 that economists had predicted. The index of expectations dipped to 82.4 compared to 84.9 in May, indicating that people's view of the future was a little cloudier. However, the current conditions index edged up to 110.8 from May's reading of 109.9. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- Patented Medicine Prices Review Board

The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) today launched the first phase of a major consultation initiative that will ultimately change the way the federal government determines whether Canadian patented drug prices are excessive. The PMPRB's regulatory framework will be modernized and simplified to better protect Canadian consumers from excessive patented drug prices in today's rapidly evolving pharmaceutical market.

Through the Guidelines Modernization Discussion Paper, the PMPRB is seeking to generate an open, informed dialogue with stakeholders and members of the public on areas of the PMPRB's drug pricing guidelines in need of reform as a result of changes to the pharmaceutical environment in Canada and abroad. Feedback in response to the Guidelines Modernization Discussion Paper and the series of questions it puts forward will shape later phases of the consultation process.

Rethinking the guidelines is an important step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Canadian pharmaceutical system while continuing to improve the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs.

Comments must be submitted to the PMPRB in writing by October 24, 2016. All comments will be considered public and will be published on the PMPRB website. Written comments may be submitted by e-mail, letter mail or fax to:

Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (Rethinking the Guidelines) Box L40, 333 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 1400 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1C1 Fax: 613-952-7626 E-mail: PMPRB.Consultations.CEPMB@pmprb-cepmb.gc.ca

Quick Facts

-- The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board is an independent quasi- judicial body that protects the interests of Canadian consumers by ensuring the prices of patented medicines sold in Canada are not excessive, and provides stakeholders with price, cost, and utilization information to help them make timely and knowledgeable drug pricing, purchasing, and reimbursement decisions. -- Patented drug prices in Canada have gone from third-lowest to third- highest among the seven countries to which Canada compares itself under the Patented Medicines Regulations (France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, the United States, and Italy). -- Canadians pay, on average, 35% more than consumers in other OECD countries for the same medicines, and spend more per person and as a percentage of GDP than the vast majority of OECD countries. -- In 2014, Canadian spending on biologic and cancer drugs grew by double digits, and spending on new medicines alone increased tenfold. -- Investment in pharmaceutical research and development in Canada has fallen by 62% since 1995, and has been less than the industry's commitment of 10% of Canadian sales revenue since 2003, reaching an all- time low of 4.4% in 2014.

Quotes

"This consultation initiative is aligned with the ongoing efforts of the federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers of Health to lower pharmaceutical prices while enhancing the affordability, accessibility, and appropriate use of prescription drugs."

Mary Catherine Lindberg

Chairperson, Patented Medicine Prices Review Board

"Canada, like many countries, is facing escalating health care costs. These consultations are a necessary first step to modernizing and simplifying the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board's regulatory framework in order to better protect Canadians from high patented drug prices."

Douglas Clark

Executive Director, Patented Medicine Prices Review Board

Related Products

-- Consultation: Rethinking the Guidelines

Additional Links

-- PMPRB Guidelines Modernization Discussion Paper (Patented Medicine Prices Review Board) -- Compendium of Policies, Guidelines and Procedures (Patented Medicine Prices Review Board)

Follow us on Twitter: @PMPRB_CEPMB

Contacts:

Sofie McCoy-Astell, Manager, Communications

Patented Medicine Prices Review Board

613-960-9728

Sofie.McCoy-Astell@pmprb-cepmb.gc.ca

TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired) -

613-957-4373




KIRKLAND, WA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- BitTitan, the leader in cloud services enablement, today announced it received top honors in Seattle Business Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work for in 2016 in the large company category. BitTitan was selected based on an independent survey of employees, which measured overall employee satisfaction, incorporating employee benefits, leadership, and company culture. This marks the third consecutive year Seattle Business Magazine has honored BitTitan on its 100 Best Companies to Work For list, and the first year BitTitan has secured the number one spot.

This award comes on the heels of BitTitan closing a $15 million Series A funding round in early June, marking the first time the company raised capital since its 2007 founding. In an already momentous year, this recognition better highlights the strength and commitment of BitTitan's leadership team to fostering a passionate, collaborative, healthy and hardworking environment for its employees.

"At BitTitan, we get sh*t done, and we have fun doing it," said Geeman Yip, founder and CEO at BitTitan. "I founded BitTitan nine years ago to create a great place to work for myself and to surround myself with the smartest, most passionate people I could find. Together we're building a global cloud software company, developing new, innovative IT solutions, and creating a business with lasting value. Being honored by one of the region's top local business organizations validates the collaborative, innovative, and fun workplace culture that defines BitTitan. It is a privilege to be working at the best company in the world alongside a group of people I consider family."

With offices in Kirkland and Singapore, BitTitan is always looking for exceptional individuals in sales, engineering, product development, and marketing to join the team. People who like to get sh*t done and have fun doing it can learn more about career opportunities with BitTitan at https://www.bittitan.com/careers.

The winners of Seattle Business Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For 2016 were announced at a special awards party on June 23, 2016 at the Washington State Convention Center. To learn more about the event and see the complete list of winners, visit the Seattle Business 100 Best Companies homepage or pick up the magazine's July 2016 edition.

About BitTitan

BitTitan revolutionizes cloud services enablement and managed services automation, empowering IT service providers to sell more cloud services, onboard more cloud workloads, and maximize customer lifetime value. Bolstered by MSPComplete, a comprehensive MSP enablement platform featuring BitTitan's globally renowned MigrationWiz technology, the company modernizes cloud services delivery, pioneering a new category of MSPs -- the modern MSP. Founded in 2007, BitTitan has helped over 4 million users from more than 100,000 companies spanning 125 countries adopt the cloud. BitTitan supports many leading cloud ecosystems including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Dropbox. To learn how BitTitan gets sh*t done and has fun doing it, visit www.BitTitan.com.

Media Contact:

Aerin Meyers

pr@bittitan.com

206.428.6030




CAMBRIDGE, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- Zagster, the nation's leading provider of public and public/private bike-share systems, has been named a Best Place to Work by the Boston Business Journal in its 14th Annual ranking. The company placed seventh overall for a company of its size. Boston Business Journal each year recognizes the city's best employers based on actual employee feedback and ratings on work environment, work-life balance, job satisfaction, advancement opportunities, management, compensation and benefits.

This recognition comes on the heels of a year of exponential growth for Zagster across multiple business metrics, including: 300 percent growth in staff; 300 percent growth in unique customers and programs; and 400 percent growth in the number of bikes deployed nationwide. To meet the growing demands of bike sharing, and to accommodate for the surge in hiring, Zagster also in the last year opened a West Coast field office in San Francisco and moved into a new Cambridge headquarters.

"As our growth continues, we strive to make the workplace a dynamic environment that will keep our employees happy, passionate and energized," said Tim Ericson, CEO of Zagster. "We're honored to be recognized by Boston Business Journal for our efforts to create a great and vibrant workplace."

Unlike other programs in which riders must drop off bikes at designated stations for every stop, Zagster's programs give users the freedom to ride as long as they want, wherever they want. And because Zagster manages all aspects of its programs -- from bikes and technology, to maintenance and marketing -- Zagster partners can create and deploy scalable bike-share systems that best suit their needs and work within their budgets.

In the first five months of 2016, Zagster launched or expanded programs in eight cities, on three campuses, and at dozens of commercial and residential properties. All told, Zagster has more than 45,000 active riders utilizing thousands of bikes deployed to more than 130 bike shares nationwide. Zagster users have taken more than 217,000 rides -- and counting.

About Zagster

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Zagster is the largest and fastest-growing bike share provider in the United States. Zagster works directly with over 130 communities across North America to make scalable bike-sharing programs available in areas where traditional bike share providers can't reach. The company's goal: To make the bike the most loved form of transportation. More information about Zagster and its programs can be found at www.zagster.com.

Media contact for Zagster

John Williams

Scoville PR for Zagster

206-625-0075

Email Contact






WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Bitcoin, once dismissed as something reserved for geeks and the cryptography enthusiasts, is back in the limelight, as the price of the cryptocurrency appreciated in recent weeks and the 'blockchain' technology underlying it is attracting attention from players beyond the financial world.



Click here to see BITCOIN EXPLAINED



Raising the intrigue linked to Bitcoin is the fact that the real identity of its creator, who used the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto while proposing the digital currency in 2008, still remains a mystery, despite years of investigation by cryptocurrency enthusiasts, journalists, government authorities and so on. Several theories are prevalent and some contenders have also come forward.



On June 16, Bitcoin crossed a key milestone of $750 for the first time in 28 months. Some main reasons cited behind the surge was the looming halving to take place around July 11, when the 420,000 bitcoin block will be mined. The event, which occurs once in four years, will halve the bitcoin mining reward that are awarded every 10 minutes, from 25 to 12.5 bitcoins.



Other reasons cited for the appreciation include the yuan weakness linked to the economic slowdown in China, where Bitcoin is popular, and the uncertainty linked to 'Brexit'.



As the crypto-world goes gaga over the recent appreciation of Bitcoin and a relatively new fellow digital currency Ether, hackers are busy revealing vulnerabilities in these protocols, challenging developers to come up with more secure solutions to fulfill the decentralized peer-to-peer network dreams.



The perceived anonymity linked to Bitcoin transactions have also retained it as a darling for the darknet.



Beyond the regulatory control, the relatively young decentralized digital currency Bitcoin and its counterparts, still remain a high risk investment for investors. The highly volatile price also adds to the risk factor.



And governments and regulators are yet to figure out how to approach cryptocurrencies, though they have begun to tax transactions involving bitcoins.



That said, Bitcoin has found wider acceptance in the real economy with big companies such as Microsoft and Dell embracing it as a payment option for their digital services. The digital currency is also finding use in physical stores and in crowd-funding initiatives.



The future for the cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin depends on how efficiently its developers can scale the size of the network and add more security to transactions so that they can gain greater acceptance and trust in the real world.



Click here to see BITCOIN EXPLAINED



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - United and the Association of Flight Attendants announced that they have reached an agreement on terms of a joint contract that would bring the airline's more than 25,000 flight attendants together into a single work group. The agreement is subject to approval by the Joint Master Executive Council, including all Local Presidents, after which it will become a tentative agreement and will be put out for ratification by flight attendants. The parties will work this weekend to finalize the contract language. United has joint collective bargaining agreements covering the majority of its represented employees and has reached new agreements with three work groups so far this year. Recently, the company's employees who are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers voted to ratify new contracts. Earlier this year, United's pilots voted to ratify a contract extension more than a year ahead of their contract's amendable date, following an expedited negotiations process with the Air Line Pilots Association. The company's dispatchers also voted recently to ratify a contract extension. Additionally, the airline is engaged in mediated negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- Hard Creek Nickel Corporation (TSX VENTURE: HNC) -

Pursuant to Section 11.3 of National Instrument 51-102, the following matters were put to vote at the Annual General Special Meeting of Hard Creek Nickel Corporation (the "Issuer") held on June 22, 2016:

1. Number of Directors

By vote of proxy (For: 13,836,310 Shares, Against: 5,171 Shares), the number of directors was set at three.

2. Election of Directors

By vote of proxy and in person, the following persons were elected as directors of the Issuer until their term of office expires:

For Withheld Lyle Davis 12,443,495 4,500 Mark Jarvis 12,338,338 109,657 Tom Milner 12,443,995 4,000

3. Appointment and Remuneration of Auditor

By vote of proxy (For: 13,835,710 Shares, Withheld: 5,771 Shares), Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP was appointed as auditor of the Issuer for the ensuing year and the directors are authorized to set the remuneration.

4. Financial Statements

By vote of proxy (For 13,834,510 Shares, Against 6,971 Shares), the financial statements of the Company, together with the auditors' report thereon, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 were received and approved.

5. Approval of Stock Option Plan

By vote of proxy (For 12,202,415 Shares, Against 245,580 Shares); the approval of the resolutions set out in the Information Circular approving the Stock Option Plan.

Hard Creek Nickel Corporation

Mark Jarvis

President and CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Contacts:

Hard Creek Nickel Corporation

Mark Jarvis

President and CEO

T: 604-681-2300

604-681-2310 (FAX)

E: info@hardcreek.com

W: www.hardcreeknickel.com




IRVINE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- Irvine Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tallia Hart has been appointed to the United States Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 (CCC100). Hart, along with 9 other newly appointed Chamber executives, will join an elite group of chamber CEOs during the 2016-2017 term to represent the perspectives and needs of chambers and their members to the U.S. Chamber.

CCC100 members attend two meetings each year on leadership, policy, and best practices. Identifying emerging issues that will impact chambers and their members, CCC100 advises the U.S. Chamber on programs and services for chambers and provides feedback on policy-related issues.

"I'm honored to serve on the U.S. Chamber's Committee of 100. It's not only an opportunity to bring the voice of the Irvine Chamber membership to U.S. Chamber policy makers, but also to help set priorities that will affect chambers of commerce throughout the nation," Hart said.

Hart will take part in two CCC100 meetings held in Washington, D.C. in September 2016 and Coral Gables, Florida in March 2017.

One of the most influential Chambers in Orange County, the Irvine Chamber of Commerce represents more than 800 businesses in the area, and serves as a catalyst for local economic growth by promoting the city as a dynamic business and tourism destination, providing valuable training and networking opportunities, and advocating for the interests of the business community with federal, state and local officials. Our mission is to promote an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of local businesses while offering members a wide range of benefits, services, programs and information.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3026181



Media Contact:

Laura Perdew

Director of Communications

Irvine Chamber of Commerce

lperdew@irvinechamber.com

949-502-4122

IrvineChamber.com




Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation ("SMIC"; NYSE: SMI; SEHK: 981), one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world and the largest and most advanced foundry in mainland China, jointly announces with LFoundry Europe GmbH ("LFE") and Marsica Innovation S.p.A. ("MI"), the signing of an agreement on June 24, 2016 to purchase a 70% stake of LFoundry for a consideration of 49 million EUR. LFoundry is an integrated circuit wafer foundry headquartered in Italy, which is owned by LFE and MI. At the closing, SMIC, LFE and MI will own 70%, 15% and 15% of the corporate capital of the target respectively. This acquisition benefits both SMIC and LFoundry, through increased combined scale, strengthened overall technology portfolios, and expanded market opportunities for both parties to gain footing in new market sectors. This also represents the Mainland China IC foundry industry's first successful acquisition of an overseas-based manufacturer, which marks a major step forward in internationalizing SMIC; furthermore, through this acquisition, SMIC has formally entered into the global automotive electronics market.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005454/en/

As the leading semiconductor foundry in Mainland China, in the first quarter of 2016, SMIC recorded profit for the 16th consecutive quarter with revenue of US$634.3 million, an increase of over 24% year-on-year. In 2015, SMIC recorded annual revenue of US$2.24 billion. In fiscal year 2015, LFoundry revenue reached 218 million EUR.

This acquisition will bring both companies additional room for business expansion. At present, SMIC's total capacity includes 162,000 8-inch wafers per month and 62,500 12-inch wafers per month, which represents a total 8-inch equivalent capacity of 302,600 wafers per month. LFoundry's capacity amounts to 40,000 8-inch wafers per month. Thus, by consolidating the entities, overall total capacity would increase by 13%; this combined capacity will provide increased flexibility and business opportunities for supporting both SMIC and LFoundry customers.

SMIC has a diversified technology portfolio, including applications such as radio frequency ("RF"), connectivity, power management IC's ("PMIC"), CMOS image sensors ("CIS"), embedded memory, MEMS, and others-mainly for the communications and consumer markets. Complementarily, LFoundry's key focus is primarily in automotive, security, and industrial related applications including CIS, smart power, touch display driver IC's ("TDDI"), embedded memory, and others. Such consolidation of technologies will broaden the overall technology portfolios and enlarge the areas of future development for both SMIC and LFoundry.

The semiconductor industry is one of the most globalized industries; the successful establishment of a multi-country manufacturing base sets a precedent in the Mainland Chinese IC foundry industry. The union of Chinese and Italian enterprises in the semiconductor industry will bring China market opportunities to LFoundry and more potential European customers to SMIC. Both SMIC and LFoundry can further develop the business potential of the Euro-Asia market.

Dr. Tzu-Yin Chiu, the CEO and Executive Director of SMIC said, "The successful completion of the LFoundry srl acquisition agreement is an important step in our global strategy. Both SMIC and LFoundry will mutually benefit from the shared technology, products, human talents and complementary markets. This will additionally expand our production scale and allows us to service the automotive IC market and for LFoundry to enter into China's consumer electronics market, thus bolstering our overall development and growth. Through the acquisition, communication and cooperation in the semiconductor industry between China and Europe has been further enhanced, and contributes to the mutual success of the integrated circuit industry in both regions. In the future SMIC will continue to enhance, strengthen, and further expand leadership in the global semiconductor ecosystem."

Sergio Galbiati, the Managing Director of MI and Chairman of LFoundry srl, said, "This is the beginning of a new era for LFoundry and our Italian fab. We are pleased to become part of a very strong worldwide player, SMIC. Together we can further improve LFoundry's strength on optical sensor related technology, which is well recognized worldwide, and continue to contribute to the growth of technology in Europe, thanks to our partnerships with many relevant players. The agreement with SMIC will enable us to have a stronger level playing field in Europe."

Gunther Ernst, the Managing Director of LFE and CEO of LFoundry srl, said, "We have made significant efforts in achieving technology excellence. The agreement with SMIC will further enable us to better use our own manufacturing capacity and have access to SMIC's extremely diverse technology offerings while taking advantage of SMIC's commercial network and overall capacity. As part of SMIC, LFoundry will continue to pioneer technology to help our customers achieve success and drive value for our partners and employees around the world. We look forward to working closely with the SMIC team to ensure a smooth transition."

For the full details of the related announcement please see the filing: http://www.smics.com/eng/investors/ir_filings.php

You are also invited to join SMIC's management as they highlight the announcement and take questions from analysts.

Conference Call Webcast Announcement

Date: June 27, 2016

Time: 8:30 a.m. Shanghai time

Dial-in numbers and pass code:

Mainland China +86 400-620-8038 (Pass code: SMIC)

Hong Kong +852 3018-6771 (Pass code: SMIC)

Taiwan +886 2-2650-7825 (Pass code: SMIC)

United States, New York +1 845-675-0437 (Pass code: SMIC)

The call will be webcast live with audio at: http://www.smics.com/eng/investors/ir_presentations.php or http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/2wu5fu9p.

An archived version of the webcast, along with an electronic copy of this news release will be available on the SMIC website for a period of 12 months following the webcast.

About SMIC

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation ("SMIC") (NYSE: SMI; SEHK: 981) is one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world and the largest and most advanced foundry in mainland China. SMIC provides integrated circuit (IC) foundry and technology services at 0.35-micron to 28-nanometer. Headquartered in Shanghai, China, SMIC has a 300mm wafer fabrication facility (fab) and a 200mm mega-fab in Shanghai; a 300mm mega-fab and a majority owned 300mm fab for advance nodes in Beijing; and 200mm fabs in Tianjin and Shenzhen. SMIC also has marketing and customer service offices in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Taiwan, and a representative office in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.smics.com.

Safe Harbor Statements

(Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995)

This press release contains, in addition to historical information, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including statements under "Second Quarter 2016 Guidance", "CapEx Summary" and the statements contained in the quotes of our CEO regarding our target for sustained profit, our revenue growth, continued demand strength and high utilization and our strategy to capture growth opportunities brought by specific markets and products are based on SMIC's current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. SMIC uses words like "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," "target" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks, both known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors that may cause SMIC's actual performance, financial condition or results of operations to be materially different from those suggested by the forward-looking statements including, among others, risks associated with the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, changes in demand for our products, competition in our markets, our reliance on a small number of customers, orders or judgments from pending litigation, intensive intellectual property lawsuits in semiconductor industry, financial stability in end markets, general economic conditions and fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Investors should consider the information contained in SMIC's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including its annual report on 20-F filed with the SEC on April 25, 2016, especially the consolidated financial statements, and such other documents that SMIC may file with the SEC or The Hong Kong Stock Exchange Limited ("SEHK") from time to time, including current reports on Form 6-K. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on SMIC's future results, performance or achievements. In light of these risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date stated, or if no date is stated, as of the date of this press release. Except as may be required by law, SMIC undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About LFoundry:

LFoundry is a leading specialized foundry. Based in Avezzano, Italy and Landshut, Germany, LFoundry is focused on providing access to most advanced analogue manufacturing service with a capacity of >40,000 wafers/month, innovative technology extensions, including volume 90nm and copper manufacturing, a strong emphasis on flexibility and customer partnership. LFoundry is supporting own technology IP for 150nm and 110nm with a large portfolio of process-proven libraries, IP, design tools and reference flows. (www.lfoundry.com)

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005454/en/

Contacts:

LFoundry Media Contact:

Gianluca Togna, Mobile: +0039 3491931601

Email: gianluca.togna@lfoundry.com

or

SMIC Media Contact:

Terry Ding, Tel: +86-21-3861-0000 x16812

Email: Terry_Ding@smics.com

or

SMIC Investor Contact:

Tel: +86-21-3861-0000 x 12804

Email: ir@smics.com
A community-based open source environment, backed by vendor financial commitment, is designed to provoke a conversation about library innovation and technology

BOSTON, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Libraries and service providers have come together to reshape the future of libraries and develop new technologies. The new initiative, FOLIO, provides a platform for libraries, service providers, and other organizations to team up to redefine library automation via open source projects. The goal is to cultivate interest groups, form partnerships and spark conversations that will lead to the creation of new services and technologies for libraries.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160624/383133LOGO

FOLIO, which stands for the Future of Libraries is Open, is a new community coming together to develop a reimagined library services platform (LSP), one that supports traditional resource management requirements and functionality, yet is engineered for innovation and growth through industry collaboration. At its core, FOLIO will allow for extensibility into new services for libraries and will dramatically change the technology ecosystem available to libraries, service providers and technology developers.

The initial code for the base platform, which offers features for integrating modular services, is planned for release on GitHub in August 2016.This will be a technical preview of the underlying platform for developers to familiarize themselves with the APIs and provide early feedback. Following the August release of the FOLIO platform, code for applications will be released early and often, allowing librarians and developers to see, use and consider the code throughout the months to follow. The FOLIO community will build out the functional apps needed to operate a library, while innovating resource management and shared networked description for release in early 2018. Extended library management functionality will follow thereafter. The community will encourage developers to use the FOLIO platform to build new, integrated and transformative approaches to new service opportunities for serving library patrons.

EBSCO is providing the primary funding for the development of FOLIO with Index Data developing the initial platform and engaging deeply with the library developer community. EBSCO's President and CEO Tim Collins says EBSCO is excited to be a partner in the FOLIO collaboration. "This project gives libraries and vendors impetus to come together for a purpose that can have a truly huge impact on libraries now and for years to come. This is not an EBSCO project. We believe we can provide the stability and support necessary for the project to achieve sustainability. But, the ultimate impact of FOLIO will be determined by the scope of community participation. The very positive response by the community to date has been great to see. The opportunity for significant impact exists."

The Open Library Environment (OLE) Partnership is a collaborative of academic and research libraries that seek to build and operate innovative and open source software for library management services. Member libraries are Cornell University Library, Duke University Library, GBV-Common Library Network, Hbz-Hochschulbibliothekszentrum des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen, Lehigh University, North Carolina State University Libraries, SOAS-University of London, Texas A&M Libraries, University of Chicago Library and University of Maryland University Libraries. Michael Winkler, Managing Director for OLE, says that FOLIO continues and builds on the OLE vision of community approaches to building new library services. He says the key to FOLIO's success and impact is the collaboration. "With FOLIO, we have cause to bring people and libraries together around a single vision. We are excited to marshal our talented, dedicated individuals and our shared resources to develop and contribute to truly sophisticated services emerging in the FOLIO platform and software. Together, in this unique and open collaboration of librarians, technologists, service providers, and vendors, we are in a position to change the course of library technology in an extremely positive way."

Dean of University Libraries at Texas A&M University David Carlson, an OLE Board member, says FOLIO represents an extraordinary development in library systems development and has the power to change not only the system marketplace but to spark a transformation in the relationships between libraries and their vendors. "FOLIO represents a true partnership between libraries and vendors in which we are each making real substantive contributions based on our unique strengths." Carlson says FOLIO's focus on openness is what makes it so extraordinary. "With FOLIO, the future is open: open to new relationships, open to true collaboration and open to capacities that will enable libraries to achieve our mission of service to users. For the first time, libraries will be not only customers but investors with vendor partners in defining the future of library systems."

The collaboration is open, and even in its early stages, other libraries and service providers are joining the community and the conversation to spark innovation including libraries such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Charles University in Prague, National Szechenyi Library (National Library of Hungary) and CALIS (China Academic Library and Information System) as well as organizations such as BibLibre, BiblioLabs, ByWater, Relais International and SirsiDynix.

Founder & Chief Business Officer of BiblioLabs Mitchell Davis says, "FOLIO offers a path to building a library user experience equal to that of other elegant technology platforms we use in our everyday life. Without this happening quickly the relevance of libraries as digital content distributors is uncertain.The leadership of a company like EBSCO and the involvement of a proven technology leader like Index Data create a solid base from which to grow an amazing future for libraries and their patrons. Innovative software companies like BiblioLabs will thrive in an environment where the best products can win in the market, so of course we are in full support of this project and are happy to be part of it."

The open source code produced by the FOLIO community will be made available under an Apache v2 license, allowing any individual, institution, collaboration or vendor to use the code for its purposes -commercial or otherwise. According to Sebastian Hammer, team lead for the FOLIO core developers and co-founder of Index Data, everybody owns the code. "The more permissible the software license, the more libraries and vendors will engage. The more vendors who wish to create apps (open source or for-fee) and work to ensure that their existing applications work well with FOLIO, the greater the options are for libraries, and the more opportunity for those vendors."

EBSCO and other vendors plan to support libraries by providing hosting services that ensure libraries of all sizes can take advantage of the community's projects. Libraries and consortia will also be able to integrate FOLIO software into their strategic infrastructures to diversify or extend their services. Community members might also leverage the Apache license to develop functionality or integrations that support their current needs, or build new service models for their campuses-a true source of community innovation using the FOLIO platform.

SirsiDynix CEO Bill Davison says SirsiDynix is looking at additional ways to support the library industry, including the option of hosting FOLIO-created solutions for libraries that want a hosted environment. "SirsiDynix understands how to host and support libraries.We've been providing hosting services and 24/7 support to a global community of large, midsized and smaller libraries for over 30 years and we can make an open source approach possible with world-class hosting and support. The BLUEcloud Library Services Platform has been designed with openness in mind. When we compared our best-of-breed philosophy with the vision of FOLIO, we found that we were perfectly aligned to bring flexibility and choices to libraries." Davison says, as one of the premier hosted-solutions provider, SirsiDynix is interested in bringing its expertise to the FOLIO project. He says the next logical step is to partner with the FOLIO community and evaluate how it can best assist with the hosting and support components.

How to Join the Community

Since initial public conversations began about the open source LSP project at conferences such as Code4Lib in March, more than 1,000 members from dozens of countries have joined the community. Community members may participate in a variety of ways:

Functionalist- contribute their knowledge of specific workflows and functional areas.

contribute their knowledge of specific workflows and functional areas. Strategist- contribute their vision of how library technology must evolve in the years to come.

contribute their vision of how library technology must evolve in the years to come. Developer-contribute code and help build out the applications for the new extensible platform.

By engaging, members will participate in, and even lead meetings and workshops at conferences, virtual meetings, online forums and discussion boards. Blog and email communications will also help community members follow the project. Interested participants can sign up at www.folio.org and follow FOLIO on Twitter @FOLIO_LSP.

About FOLIO'

FOLIO is a collaborative effort between libraries, vendors, developers and consortia that leverages open source technology and a community-based effort to redefine library services and innovate based on library futures. By building on what libraries need and by leveraging library expertise as well as vendor capacity and velocity, FOLIO is designed to move libraries forward, build on the services they provide and redefine the role libraries play within their institution. FOLIO also levels the playing field and makes open source technology available to all institutions regardless of size or staffing. FOLIO brings vendors together to innovate and host services for customers and introduces open source as a service to libraries. To sign up to participate or receive more information go to www.folio.org.

For more information, please contact:

Kathleen McEvoy, Media Relations, FOLIO

kathleen@folio.org

+1-978 223-0438
The up and coming AW Virtual Mall accepted a $100 Million (USD) investment from ePayWeb Asia, a Hong Kong-based company, in exchange for a 10% stake in the company.

The AW Virtual Mall is a revolutionary online shopping experience that is forecasted to have over 3 million independent stores and over one billion shoppers per day in the next 48 months.

This online shopping mall will create a brand new experience for online shoppers, enabling them to find items they are looking for at the best prices available by simply taking a picture of it.

Founder and CEO Andy Khawaja boldly stated, "E-commerce is projected to reach $3.5 Trillion by 2019 and we're on track to provide the most state-of-the-art shopping experience in the industry like nothing anyone has ever seen."

The AW Virtual Mall will be the first of its kind allowing users to upload a photo of the item they are looking for and the AW Virtual Mall will bring the product to them.

Store owners will be notified instantly if they have the product based on a visual search and they will bid with their best price on the item. AW Virtual Mall users can choose the best price and checkout safely and securely.

Complete with a social media experience for users to personalize their profile, communicate, and share, the website creates a modern shopping mall experience online.

By investing $100 Million, ePayWeb Asia has secured a 10% stake in the AW Virtual Mall to be part of its global success and a truly revolutionary e-commerce experience.

See the future of shopping here: AW Virtual Mall

About AW Virtual Mall:

The AW Virtual Mall connects buyers and sellers from all over the world and offers them a revolutionary shopping experience. Users will shop in a truly unique way in which they can take a picture of any product they want, submit it to the mall, and quickly have bids awaiting them. Users can accept the best bid on the item they want, make their safe purchase, and share within our integrated social media experience. AW Virtual Mall expects over a billion users per day in the next 48 months.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160624005497/en/

Contacts:

AW Virtual Mall

Julio Martinez, 310 424 5495

Julio@alliedwallet.com

or

ePayWeb

George Campbell, +44 203 318 0310

GCAMPBELL@EPAYWEB.NET
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- On Monday, June 27th at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) Ending Homelessness: The Societal Impact, the Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) will report on its progress as the System Planner for Calgary's Homeless Serving System of its 5 year Strategic Blueprint. There will also be a special announcement and presentation by David McIlveen, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Calgary Community Land Trust Society (CCLT). David McIlveen will provide an overview of CCLT's new directions and role as an independent provider of housing expertise that will accelerate the building, ownership and management of specialized housing for vulnerable populations.

WHAT: Calgary Homeless Foundation Annual General Meeting Board Report, Cameron Bailey, Chair, CHF Financial Report President's Report, Diana Krecsy, President and CEO. CHF Introduction of CCLT, David McIlveen, Chair, CCLT WHEN: Monday, June 27, 2016 2:30pm-3:50pm WHERE: Calgary Public Library John Dutton Theatre 616 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary T2G 2M2

Media are invited to attend. Photo and interview opportunities will follow the meeting at 3:50pm.

About CHF

The Calgary Homeless Foundation is a catalyst and enabler for Systems and Service Agencies to optimize client success. CHF focuses on four strategic pillars of work; Research and Development, Community Mobilization, Funder of Outcomes and Impact and Public and Political Will. CHF addresses gaps and identifies best practices to improve the system of care. Through mobilization of collective impact, CHF is committed to moving forward in partnership with the many homeless-serving agencies, the private sector, government partners, the faith community, other foundations and all Calgarians to end homelessness in Calgary. For more information, visit calgaryhomeless.com.

Contacts:

Calgary Homeless Foundation

Louise Gallagher

Director, Marketing and Communications

403 617 7607

louise@calgaryhomeless.com




JSC VTB Bank / Miscellaneous - Medium Priority VTB holds 2016 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders 24-Jun-2016 / 17:45 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement, transmitted by EquityStory.RS, LLC - a company of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Press Release 24 June 2016 VTB holds 2016 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders On 24 June 2016, the Annual General Meeting of VTB Bank shareholders (AGM) was convened at the Oktyabrsky Concert Hall in St. Petersburg. The AGM was chaired by Sergey Dubinin and was attended by over 1140 shareholders and representatives of shareholders, including those who attended the meeting via video conferencing. The event was streamed online on the bank's website www.vtb.ru. Shareholders discussed and voted on 18 issues from their agenda, including: 1. Approval of VTB Bank's Annual Report. 2. Approval of VTB Bank's Annual Financial Statements. 3. Approval of VTB Bank's profit allocation for the year 2015. 4. Approval of the amount, terms and form of the 2015 dividend payment and the dividend cut-off date. 5. Approval of the number of VTB Bank's Supervisory Council members. 6. Election of VTB Bank's Supervisory Council. 7. Approval of the number of VTB Bank Statutory Audit Commission members. 8. Election of the VTB Bank Statutory Audit Commission. 9. Approval of the VTB Bank Auditor. 10. Approval of new wording for the VTB Bank Charter. 11. Approval of new wording for the Regulation on the Procedure for Preparing, Convening and Holding of VTB Bank's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. 12. Approval of new wording for the Regulation on VTB Bank's Supervisory Council. 13. Approval of new wording for the Regulation on VTB Bank's Management Board. 14. Approval of new wording for the Regulation on Remuneration and Compensation to Members of VTB Bank's Supervisory Council. 15. Approval of the Regulation on Remuneration and Compensation to Members of VTB Bank's Statutory Audit Commission. 16. Payment of remuneration to Supervisory Council members who are not state employees, in keeping with VTB Bank's internal documents. 17. Payment of remuneration to the Statutory Audit Commission members who are not state employees, in keeping with VTB Bank's internal documents. 18. Approval of related party transactions that may be entered into by VTB Bank in the future over the course of its ordinary business. The voting results will be published within the timeframe established by law. 24-Jun-2016 The EquityStory.RS, LLC Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de/ukreg Language: English Company: JSC VTB Bank 12, Presnenskaya emb. Moscow Russia Phone: +7 (495) 739-77-99 Fax: +7 (495) 739-77-99 E-mail: info@vtb.ru Internet: www.vtb.com ISIN: US46630Q2021 Listed: Foreign Exchange(s) London Category Code: MSCM TIDM: VTBR Sequence Number: 3224 Time of Receipt: 24-Jun-2016 / 17:45 CET/CEST End of Announcement EquityStory.RS, LLC News Service 474349 24-Jun-2016

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 24, 2016 11:45 ET (15:45 GMT)
PUNE, India, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Global and China Beryllium Market 2015-2020 Research Report initially provides a basic overview of the industry that covers definition, applications and manufacturing technology, post which the report explores into the international players in the market.

Complete report on the Beryllium market spread across 136 pages, profiling 04 companies and supported with 79 tables and figures. This report studies Beryllium in Global and China market, focuses on price, sales, revenue of each type in global China. This report also focuses on the sales (consumption), production, import and export of Beryllium in North America, Japan, Europe, India, Southeast Asia and China, forecast to 2020, from 2015.

Split by product types, with sales, revenue, market share and price of each type, as well as the types and each type price of key manufacturers, through interviewing key manufacturers, in 2015 and 2016, covering Optics grade, Military and Aerospace grade, Nuclear grade. Complete report is now available at

http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/602274-global-and-china-beryllium-research-report-to-2020.html .

Split by regions, this report focuses on the sales (consumption), production, import and export of Beryllium in North America, Japan, Europe, India, Southeast Asia and China, from 2011 to 2020 (forecast), covering North America, Europe, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia.

Split by applications, this report focuses on consumption and growth rate of Beryllium in major applications. Split by applications, covering, Military and aerospace, Nuclear and energy research, Imaging technologies & x-rays applications.

With 136 pages and eight chapters, to display the market present situation and future, clearly and deeply. Few key manufacturers included in this report are Materion Corp(US), Ulba Metallurgical Plant(KZ), Fuyun Hengsheng Beryllium Industry(CN) and Hunan Nonferrous Beryllium(CN). Order a copy of Global and China Beryllium Market Report 2016 research report at http://www.reportsnreports.com/purchase.aspx?name=602274 .

Some of the tables and figures provided in Global and China Beryllium Market Report 2016 research report include:

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Materion Corp(US) 2015 to 2016

Table Ulba Metallurgical Plant(KZ) Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Ulba Metallurgical Plant(KZ) 2015 to 2016

Table Fuyun Hengsheng Beryllium Industry(CN) Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Fuyun Hengsheng Beryllium Industry(CN) 2015 to 2016

Table Hunan Nonferrous Beryllium(CN) Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Hunan Nonferrous Beryllium(CN) 2015 to 2016

Table Company Five Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Five 2015 to 2016

Table Company Six Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Six 2015 to 2016

Table Company Seven Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Seven 2015 to 2016

Table Company Eight Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Eight 2015 to 2016

Table Company Nine Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Nine 2015 to 2016

Table Company Ten Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company Ten 2015 to 2016

Table Company 11 Basic Information List

Table Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Company 11 2015 to 2016

Explore more reports on theChemicals marketat

http://www.reportsnreports.com/market-research/chemicals/ .

Another research titled "Global Beryllium Cobalt Copper Industry 2016 Market Research Report" is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Global Beryllium Cobalt Copper industry with a focus on the Global market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Beryllium manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. With 252 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.

In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market. Key manufacturers listed in this report are IBC Advanced Alloys, Luvata, HOSO Metal, SANYOU METAL MATERIAL FACTORY and Jiasheng Copper Materials. Read more at http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/461839-global-beryllium-cobalt-copper-industry-2016-market-research-report.html .

About Us:

ReportsnReports.com is an online market research reports library of 500,000+ in-depth studies of over 5000 micro markets. Not limited to any one industry, ReportsnReports.com offers research studies on agriculture, energy and power, chemicals, environment, medical devices, healthcare, food and beverages, water, advanced materials and much more.

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) today announced that, further to its news release dated May 11, 2016, the company has filed a National Instrument 43-101 technical report on the updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Platreef platinum-group metals, gold, nickel and copper project in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

The Platreef 2016 Resource Technical Report was prepared for Ivanhoe Mines by OreWin Pty Ltd., Amec Foster Wheeler E&C Services Inc., SRK Consulting Inc., Stantec Consulting International LLC. and DRA Projects (Pty) Ltd. The report has been filed on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and posted on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.

Contacts:

Ivanhoe Mines - Investors

Bill Trenaman

+1.604.331.9834



Ivanhoe Mines - MediaNorth America:Bob Williamson+1.604.512.4856South Africa:Jeremy Michaels+27.82.939.4812www.ivanhoemines.com
DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, today announced a contribution of $2 million, through the Canada 150 Fund, to the Rick Hansen Foundation for its Pan-Canadian Signature Project, Access4All. Minister Qualtrough made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Through this investment, the Rick Hansen Foundation will launch an Access4All initiative to raise awareness and address accessibility barriers that persons with disabilities have to face every day. These activities will be offered in communities and schools across the country. An accessibility challenge for young people will also be launched, and tool kits offered to schools and communities so they can assess their own environment. Finally, through this investment, a fund will be created to help a minimum of 50 communities make their public spaces more accessible.

The 150th anniversary of Confederation is a time to celebrate our common values, our achievements, our majestic environment and our place in the world. It is also an opportunity for Canadians to get involved in their community.

To make 2017 a year that all Canadians will remember, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in Signature projects of national, regional and local scope to raise awareness and invite Canadians to participate in the many activities that will take place throughout the year.

Quick Facts

- The main themes of the Government of Canada's vision for the 150th anniversary of Confederation are diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment and youth.

- The Canada 150 Fund was created in April 2015 and has a total budget of $210 million.

- Through this fund, the Government of Canada will continue to invest strategically in activities that support the vision for the 150th anniversary and encourage the direct participation of Canadians.

- The Rick Hansen Foundation is a non-profit provincially incorporated organization whose vision is to create a world without barriers for people with disabilities.

Quotes

"The 150th anniversary of Confederation will touch and inspire Canadians. Let's make the most of this milestone in our history to encourage communities to bring about important changes in their environment and leave a lasting legacy to the young people who will build the Canada of tomorrow."

-The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"This project from the Rick Hansen Foundation is a great example of inclusion and optimism. Together, we can build a country where every person has a place and where all people can flourish. Let's join together and offer all Canadians a more secure environment, without barriers, for them to reach their full potential."

-The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada for their investment in our Access4All project. With their generous support and the help of the public and our partners, we will engage young people and communities all across our country to remove barriers for people with disabilities. This project will honour Canada's values of inclusion, diversity and accessibility and create a lasting impact for generations to come."

-Rick Hansen, CEO, Rick Hansen Foundation

Associated Links

Canada 150

Canada 150 Logo and Typeface

Rick Hansen Foundation

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Contacts:

Pierre-Olivier Herbert

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage

819-997-7788



Media Relations

Canadian Heritage

819-994-9101

1-866-569-6155

pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca



Sonia Woodward

Public Relations Coordinator

Rick Hansen Foundation

778-995-9515

swoodward@rickhansen.com




HAMILTON, Bermuda, 2016-06-24 20:30 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bermuda's international business groups and stakeholders today made the following statements on the United Kingdom's vote to withdraw from the European Union:Ross Webber, CEO, Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA): "The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union, and the question now becomes how the actual process of that exit will be carried out. There is naturally much speculation and uncertainty over the vote's political implications, as well as its socio-economic impact, and industry around the world will be closely monitoring how this affects the markets and business landscapes of the EU, Britain and their respective trade partners."In a global economy, Bermuda is affected, like other nations, by such major events. We stand ready to deal with myriad eventualities. No matter how the exit unfolds, we remind our business partners in the UK that Bermuda continues to offer the same stable, attractive, effective and proven blue-chip international business domicile as it has for the past 70-plus years."Today, in fact, Bermuda is better placed than ever to cater to the contemporary needs of international business. Attributes such as our stand-alone Solvency II equivalence with the EU and our progressive path towards Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) passport rights in Europe may now appear even more attractive than they were a day ago. These are examples of regulatory votes of confidence given to Bermuda as a robust jurisdiction in its own right, and not contingent on our relationship with Britain."Our island enjoys a strong relationship with Brussels nurtured over decades of collaborative efforts by our government, industry and regulator."At the BDA we remain focused on helping foster job creation and economic growth in this unique, elite jurisdiction, and we are happy to work with anyone seeking more information about how Bermuda can provide solutions for their business requirements amid an ever-evolving international environment."International business bodies in Bermuda also reacted to the referendum vote:Bradley Kading, President and Executive Director, Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers (ABIR): "Bermuda's Solvency 2 equivalence finding by the European Union will serve us well as the UK negotiates its multi-year transition out of the EU. The Bermuda equivalency is unaffected by the UK vote. ABIR has excellent relationships with both UK and EU policymakers and regulators. ABIR members provide vital insurance capacity that makes UK and EU insurance markets more competitive. ABIR members will be reviewing corporate structures to determine what changes in their regulatory footprints may be necessary in order to conform with expected changes in European regulatory governance."Meanwhile, we encourage the Bermuda government and the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) to continue their wise investment in bilateral relationships that lead to important legal agreements on tax cooperation and transparency, and recognition of robust BMA regulation that is in compliance with international standards. These essential actions are necessary to ensure we retain level playing field access to the world's markets."Greg Wojciechowski, CEO of Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) and Chairman of ILS Bermuda: "The result of yesterday's UK referendum in no way diminishes the unique strengths that have for decades anchored Bermuda as a world-class, well-respected, and robustly regulated financial centre. Bermuda's unique geographic position between two of the world's deepest capital markets and largest insurance centres has created commercial opportunity for the island as well as a solid platform to provide services to a global audience-and the Brexit result will not impact this. Bermuda will continue to provide a safe harbour amid uncertainty for the foreseeable future."Whether considering Brexit, the Panama Papers, or other challenges, Bermuda's legal, regulatory and commercial infrastructure has always provided clients and associates comfort that their assets and business interests are being managed with due care and protection. While the world wrestles with the impact of the Brexit vote, Bermuda will continue to offer innovative commercial solutions to clients and industry segments we support, and we welcome future opportunities that may arise."In respect of the BSX, we continue to drive the development of the domestic capital market to the benefit of the country and Bermudians. This includes supporting niche capital market opportunities such the insurance-linked securities (ILS) asset class, for which the BSX is now the global listings leader, with over 70 percent of capacity. In the face of change, Bermuda's ILS platform remains a stable centre of excellence for the creation and listing of these structures. As an industry, we stand ready to provide collaborative support to overseas colleagues to help drive the global ILS market."Grainne Richmond, President, Bermuda Insurance Management Association (BIMA): "As an economic bloc, the European Union is stronger with the United Kingdom in it, yet respect has to be given to the decision of the British people in yesterday's referendum. It will likely take years for a full departure of Britain from the EU, therefore it remains premature to comment on any effects the vote will have on the captive insurance market. BIMA and our members will be monitoring the process closely in the UK."CONNECTING BUSINESSThe BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Our goal? To make doing business here smooth and beneficial.MEDIA CONTACT: Rosemary Jones Communications Manager rosemary@bda.bm 441 278-6558 441 337-4696
DUBLIN, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market - Forecast & Analysis, 2016-2022 Report" report to their offering.

According to the report titled Global Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market, Forecast & Analysis, 2016-2022', the market is expected to generate over $4.80 billion by 2022 at an estimated CAGR of 6.47% from 2016 to 2022, as per the forecasts.

The report focuses primarily on global navigation satellite system (GNSS) anti-jamming devices used in military across different platforms including airborne, naval, ground and unmanned. Some of the key factors driving the global military GNSS anti-jamming system market include rise in threats to GNSS devices in form of jamming or spoofing activities, high expenditure on satellite navigation programs, increase in technological advancement through miniaturization of GNSS based anti-jamming products, among others.

In addition, the report also provides an in depth study of the key industry challenges and the current growth opportunities that are going to shape the market. Further, the report also analyses the ranking of players based on product performance, research and development (R&D) analysis of leading players, future military programs, product mapping across leading players and demand analysis of military GNSS anti-jamming devices for various global navigation satellite systems.

The global military GNSS anti-jamming solution market is on the path of development due to an increasing dependency on GPS and other navigational satellites. The military application of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) /GPS (Global Positioning System) is growing at an unprecedented pace across all the platforms including airborne, naval, ground, and unmanned. Moreover, owing to the advancement in technology, GPS/ GNSS devices are capable of providing high accuracy and precision for varied military applications.

Companies Mentioned:

BAE Systems

Chemring Technological Solutions

Cobham Antenna Systems

Elbit Systems

Exelis Inc.

Harris Corporation.

L-3 Interstate Electronics Corp

Lockheed Martin

Novatel Inc

Raytheon

Raytheon U.K.

Rockwell Collins

Rokar (BAE Systems)

Thales

Report Structure:

1 Executive Summary

2 Report Scope

3 Research Methodology

4 Industry Analysis

5 Market Dynamics

6 Competitive Insights

7 Global Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market, By Platform

8 Global Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market, By Geography

9 Key Players Analysis (Overview, Product Offerings, Financials, Key Developments)

10 Appendix

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/zcgs3f/global_military

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After trending lower over the past few sessions, treasuries showed a substantial move back to the upside during trading on Friday.



Bond prices moved sharply higher in early trading and remained firmly positive throughout the session. As a result, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, plunged by 16 basis points to 1.579 percent.



The rally by treasuries came on the heels of the U.K.'s surprise vote in favor of leaving the European Union on Thursday.



In a referendum, the British people voted 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU amid substantial turnout of more than 72 percent.



While the so-called Brexit had been discussed intensely across the world in the run up to the poll, the actual decision to leave came as a surprise, sending the British pound to a 31-year low. Global markets were caught off guard and plummeted during the day.



Among the casualties of the Brexit was Prime Minister David Cameron, who announced on Friday that he will step down in October.



Cameron, who had strongly called for a 'Remain' vote, said the British people voted to leave the EU and their will must be respected.



The Brexit vote largely overshadowed the day's U.S. economic data, including a report from the Commerce Department showing a bigger than expected drop in durable goods orders in the month of May.



The Commerce Department said durable goods orders fell by 2.2 percent in May after jumping by 3.3 percent in April. Economists had expected orders to drop by 0.7 percent.



Excluding orders for transportation equipment, durable goods orders edged down by just 0.3 percent after rising by 0.5 percent in the previous month.



A separate report from the University of Michigan showed a modest deterioration in consumer sentiment in the month of June.



Reaction to the Brexit vote may continue to impact trading next week, although traders will also be presented with reports on consumer confidence, personal income, and manufacturing activity.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/24/16 -- Gran Tierra Energy Inc. ("Gran Tierra") (NYSE MKT: GTE)(TSX: GTE), today announced the promotion of four key team members to executive officers effective immediately.

Ed Caldwell - Vice President Health, Safety and Environment & Corporate Social Responsibility

Ed Caldwell had a distinguished 27-year career with ExxonMobil and Imperial Oil, and most recently worked with Caracal Energy Inc. in Caracal's efforts and achievement in Chad. Mr. Caldwell has extensive experience in senior Regulatory Approvals and HSE Management roles in Canada, Asia, Russia, and Africa. He has also worked with the Government of Canada and, in that capacity, represented Canada at the OECD Energy/Environment Committee as well as at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Mr. Caldwell will work with Gran Tierra's executive and operations team to lead the implementation of corporate policies and programs related to HSE & CSR. Mr. Caldwell will also assist with government and stakeholder relations in Gran Tierra's countries of operation.

Susan Mawdsley - Vice President Finance and Corporate Controller

Susan Mawdsley is a Chartered Accountant with 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. She has been the Corporate Controller of Gran Tierra Energy since 2012 and has direct responsibility for the finance departments in all business units, as well as treasury and internal audit. Prior to joining Gran Tierra in 2011, she was an independent consultant providing contract controller, CFO, and other finance related services to publicly traded domestic and international oil and gas companies.

Glen Mah - Vice President Business Development

Glen Mah is a Petroleum Geologist with extensive management experience covering the execution of exploration programs, field development and asset management for conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons. He has worked with onshore and offshore projects in international basins in the Americas, Africa, Middle East and Asian. Glen was the Chief Geologist with the highly successful Tanganyika Oil Company Ltd. project in Syria. Mr. Mah will lead and coordinate all of the Company's new business development efforts. He will continue to work closely with the executive leadership team to ensure the Company focuses its valuable manpower resources on opportunities consistent with the corporate strategy, and material to shareholder value creation.

Rodger Trimble - Vice President Investor Relations

Rodger Trimble is a professional oil and gas Engineer with 30+ years of experience in domestic and international basins in various management positions. Prior to joining Gran Tierra, Mr. Trimble was Head of Corporate Planning, Budgeting & Finance with Glencore E&P Canada Inc. and prior thereto Director Corporate Planning, Budget & Business Development with Caracal Energy Inc. (acquired by Glencore E&P). He has held several senior management positions ranging from Country Manager in Argentina with Canadian Hunter Exploration, Vice President, Exploitation with Esprit Energy Trust, Manager, Reservoir Engineering with Apache Canada Inc. and Manager, Upstream Evaluations - Frontiers & International with Husky Energy.

Gary Guidry, President and CEO of Gran Tierra, said "Ed, Susan, Glen and Rodger are all key members of the leadership team at Gran Tierra. Their broad experience and continued leadership will help steer Gran Tierra as we execute our strategy to create value for all stakeholders".

About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. together with its subsidiaries is an independent international energy company focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Colombia. The Company also has business activities in Peru and Brazil.

Gran Tierra's Securities and Exchange Commission filings are available on a web site maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com.

Contacts:

Gary Guidry

Chief Executive Officer

403-767-6500



Ryan Ellson

Chief Financial Officer

403-767-6501



Rodger Trimble

Vice President, Investor Relations

403-698-7941

info@grantierra.com




TORONTO, June 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Jaguar Mining Inc. ("Jaguar" or the "Company") (TSX-V: JAG) is pleased to announce the appointments of John Ellis and Robert Getz to its Board of Directors as independent, non-executive directors, while Jared Hardner has stepped down as Director on the Board, effective today. Additionally, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Hashim Ahmed as Chief Financial Officer, who was previously serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

Richard Falconer, Chairman of Jaguar commented, "On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I would like to welcome John Ellis and Robert Getz to the Jaguar Board. Their leadership and experience, along with successful track records within the mining industry, makes them ideal candidates for our Board. The addition of Mr. Ellis and Mr. Getz will further strengthen and broaden Jaguar's leadership team. I would also like to thank Jared Hardner for his support as he has contributed significantly to Jaguar and its shareholders through his role as a non-executive Director since 2014."

John Ellis is a Professional Engineer with over 50 years of experience in the mining industry. He currently serves as a Director for International Tower Mines and for Sunshine Silver Mines Corporation. He also consults for a number of international mining companies. Mr. Ellis previously served as a Director for Mexivada Mining Corp. and was Chairman and CEO of AngloGold North America and Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company. Prior to that, he held senior positions at Inspiration Resources Corp., and CVRD-Inco. His career has included service as a Director on the Mining Association of Canada and the National Mining Association. Mr. Ellis graduated from the Haileybury School of Mines and the Montana College of Science and Technology.

Robert Getz brings over 25 years of experience as a private equity investor and has strong experience in international mergers and acquisitions and public and private debt and equity financings. Mr. Getz has invested in and served as a Director in numerous companies, including many metals and mining companies. He currently serves as a Director of Haynes International, Inc., a developer and producer of specialty nickel alloys.Mr. Getz previously served as Chairman of the Board of Crocodile Gold Corp., a gold exploration and mining company with operations in Australia, prior to the company's successful merger with Newmarket Gold in July 2015. Mr. Getz subsequently served as a Director of Newmarket Gold Inc. until May 2016. Mr. Getz holds a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Boston University, and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the Stern School at New York University.

Rodney Lamond, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar commented, "We are pleased to announce the appointment of Hashim Ahmed as our Company's Chief Financial Officer. Hashim's substantial contribution as Interim Chief Financial Officer along with his experience and financial knowledge makes him an excellent fit for this role."

Hashim Ahmed, Chief Financial Officer, brings over 19 years of experience, including 10 years of experience in the mining industry, with expertise in financial management, strategic planning, cost control, corporate turnaround, and business process improvement. He obtained his Chartered Accountant designation with PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP and later worked with Ernst & Young LLP in their mining advisory practice. Mr. Ahmed joined Jaguar in August 2014, after working at Barrick Gold Corporation for over seven years in corporate finance. In February 2016, Mr. Ahmed was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer of Jaguar.

About Jaguar Mining Inc.

Jaguar Mining Inc. is a Canadian-listed junior gold mining, development, and exploration company operating in Brazil with three gold mining complexes, and a large land package with significant upside exploration potential from mineral claims covering an area of approximate 191,000 hectares. The Company's principle operating assets are located in a prolific greenstone belt in the state of Minas Gerais and include the Turmalina Gold Mine Complex ("Mineracao Turmalina Ltda" or "MTL") and Caete Gold Mine Complex ("Mineracao Serras do Oeste Ltda" or "MSOL") which combined produce more than 90,000 ounces of gold annually. The Company also owns the Paciencia Gold Mine Complex, which has been on care and maintenance since 2012. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.jaguarmining.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information: Rodney Lamond, President & Chief Executive Officer, rodney.lamond@jaguarmining.com, Tel: +1 416-628-9601; Hashim Ahmed, Chief Financial Officer, hashim.ahmed@jaguarmining.com, Tel: +1 416-628-9601
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/19/16 -- Fancamp Exploration Ltd. ("Fancamp") (TSX VENTURE: FNC) announces that as a result of a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Company is issuing the following news release to clarify recent disclosures.

The Company would like to advise that the mineral resources disclosed on the Lac Lamelee Property in its June 29, 2016 news release are not supported by a compliant technical report and are no longer current. The mineral resources should not be relied upon until they can be supported by a compliant technical report.

In the Company's August 15th 2016 news release, the shorthand reference to the chromite resource should properly read; an inferred NI 43-101 mineral resource of 85.9 Mt. at 34.5% Cr2O3 in a report by Alan Aubut,P.Geo. of Sibley Basin Group,dated December 15th 2015 for KWG Resources Inc. and Fancamp Exploration Ltd., and filed on Sedar.

The qualified person approving this technical information is Peter H. Smith,PhD,P.Eng.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Contacts:

Fancamp Exploration Ltd.

Peter H. Smith

President, CEO and Chairman

+1 514 481 3172

phsmith@outlook.com

www.fancampexplorationltd.ca




(ASX:ASB) Austal Limitedhas announced it has been awarded a contract to build a high speed catamaran for Mols Linien of Denmark.

The contract is worth around $100 million, with construction commencing in Q1 of 2017.

The contract for the commercial ferry is the fourth Austal has booked this month, with the company securing over $400 million in new defence and commercial vessel orders in the past two months.

Austal predicts is will engage more than 350 local design, production and project management employees in the delivery of the Mols contract.

Austal Limited reported a net profit of $16.81 million at 31 December 2015.
Crisis Text Line, a NYC-based not-for-profit tech startup operating a free, 24/7 support line for people in crisis via text, raised $23.8m in Series B funding.

Backers included Reid Hoffman, Melinda Gates, The Ballmer Group, and Omidyar Network, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Craig Newmark (founder of Craigslist and Craigconnects), Mark & Ali Pincus, Anne Devereux-Mills, Joe & Suzy Edelman, Amy & Rob Stavis, and an anonymous donor.

The company intends to use the funds to scale rapidly.

Led by Nancy Lublin, Founder and CEO, Crisis Text Line Crisis provides anyone, in any type of crisis, with access to free, 24/7 support and information via text. People in need can text 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis and receive response by a live, trained Crisis Counselor quickly.

The organization currently has a community of over 1,500 volunteer Crisis Counselors with plans, in the next two years, to grow to more than 4,000 Crisis Counselors.

Via a partnership with YouTube, Crisis Text Line provides support to users searching for self harm, suicide and depression related content through the use of YouTubes Crisis One Box.

The organization has also been working with the teen app After School to provide a direct link in the app to 24/7 crisis support with Crisis Text Line, and has piloted a tailored solution allowing other organizations and locations to benefit from its technology platform.

FinSMEs

24/06/2016
italki, a Shangai, China-based marketplace for online language teachers, raised $3m in Series A funding.

Hujiang*, a Chinese online education company, made the investment.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its marketplace in China, where Hujiang already has over 110 million users.

Led by Kevin Chen and Yongyue Jiang, italki connects learners with online language teachers for 1-on-1 language lessons. On the platform, teachers set their own prices, and italki generates a 15% commission from the lessons transacted. The average price for an hour of personal lessons is $10-15 per hour.

The company has over 3,000 active language teachers and thousands of paid online lessons take place daily from the U.S., Western Europe, Russia and Brazil.

Hujiang, whose latest funding was $157m from China Minsheng Investment and Baidu, has also partnered with McGraw-Hill, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press and HarperCollins.

FinSMEs

24/06/2016
For those of us who dislike the Bharatiya Janata Party and what it stands for, this week has been delightful.

The party is crackling with individual rebellions against the source of its nastiness, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

These rebellions are not related to ideology, true, and all BJP leaders remain vaguely anti-Muslim in their orientation. But it is also true that for the warriors of the BJP, ambition is a more powerful motivator than ideology.

The shambles was revealed at the party's national executive in Mumbai this week. It was supposed to be a focussed attack on Manmohan Singh's government. The opposition and most of India's media sees the government as incompetent and this was the time to analyse and skewer its performance.

Alas, the media saw jucier stories within the BJP, where leader is publicly fighting leader and, more excitingly, the most powerful leaders are fighting the RSS.

This fighting is communicated through ritual sulking, which is how Indian leaders show what is called "unhappiness". In Karnataka, the big leader Yeddyurappa is threatening to break the party. This is because the RSS has imposed a chief minister of the peasant Vokkaliga caste on a party whose voter is mainly from the ecumenical Lingayat caste, which stands solidly behind Yeddyurappa. He's doing everything he can to get thrown out of the BJP and form a regional Lingayat party, but the BJP's too afraid to let him go.

In Rajasthan, the Rajputs have rallied behind Vasundhara Raje, from the princely state of Gwalior and married into the princely state of Dholpur. The RSS wants her to go away because she was chief minister in the last, lost, election. The RSS wants accountability, and doesn't accept that politics in India is not about that. She's held on by threatening to break the party and the RSS has backed off.

In Gujarat, Narendra Modi sulked till the BJP dismissed an RSS man put in place precisely to rile Modi. This man is Sanjay Joshi, who thinks, correctly, that Modi has dismantled the old RSS-BJP structure in Gujarat. Modi has replaced the men who built the BJP in Gujarat with men and women loyal to him personally.

He has made the Patel leader Keshubhai irrelevant, and denied the undefeated, six-term MP from Surat Kashiram Rana a ticket. The RSS was offended by this and empowered Joshi to set Modi right. Battle was joined at the organisational level. Soon after, newspapers were given a video CD of a man resembling Joshi bedding the daughter of a family friend. Joshi, like Modi, is an RSS pracharak (propagator) and supposed to be celibate. The Times of India reported that the CDs were actually handed out by Gujarat police.

Joshi went back to the RSS, but was returned to BJP after RSS man Nitin Gadkari was made the party's national president.

Last week, rediff.com reported that Modi threatened to resign along with the entire Gujarat group in the BJP's national committee unless Joshi was sacked. This was done at the last moment, and Modi came to the Mumbai meet in triumph.

The reason the BJP is so helpless at managing its local leaders is that its central leaders have no power. LK Advani is a refugee from Sindh and contests from Gandhinagar in Gujarat, where he is at Modi's mercy.

BJP leader in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley, has no base and is an MP only because Modi gave him a nomination from Gujarat (Jaitley is not Gujarati). He's also at Modi's mercy.

BJP leader in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj is a Brahmin from Haryana, a small state dominated by Jats, where the BJP has neverheld power. Gadkari is not the BJP's leader even in his home state of Maharashtra. Advani, who gave the party its identity with his awful and bloody Babri masjid movement, considers himself prime minister-in-waiting. He resents the RSS's imposition of Gadkari. He and the ambitious Sushma were absent from the party's rally on Friday, because they were "unhappy".

But these central leaders defer to state leaders like Raje, Yeddyurappa and Modi, who actually send MPs to parliament. This weakens the BJP and will fragment it into regional units in time.

In 2002, the RSS blocked Atal Behari Vajpayee from removing Modi as chief minister after the riots. It is today powerless to discipline him even though it wants to.
In one of the most telling scenes in writer-director Anurag Kashyaps Raman Raghav 2.0, a man assaults his girlfriend in the presence of two policemen. The cops have been assigned as her personal security guards, to protect her from a notorious serial killer, yet they watch wordlessly when her own boyfriend roughs her up.

It is a powerful cinematic moment in a nation that has socially (and in some instances, legally) divided violence against women into categories of acceptable and unacceptable. Gangrape by slum dwellers: unacceptable. Marital rape: acceptable. Domestic abuse: acceptable. Stalking by a senior politician with the help of state machinery: acceptable. Digital rape of a subordinate by a senior editor in a five-star hotel lift: acceptable (even by Kashyaps own yardstick, in a sense, as evidenced by one of his troubling quotes in the media). Rape of an intoxicated woman who fell off to sleep in the back seat of a cab after a late-night party: acceptable. Rape of a hard-partying drug addict who went home with a stranger at a club: acceptable.

There are many such moments in Raman Raghav 2.0, a film that purportedly tells the story of two maniacal individuals but is in fact a distressing portrait of societys attitudes and responses to violence. This is not, as viewers would be expecting, a biopic of the notorious Mumbai serial killer Raman Raghav who was caught after a string of murders in the 1960s. This is the story of two deeply disturbed brutes, one a poor man called Ramanna, the other a policeman called Raghavendra Singh Ubbi, set in the present decade  hence the 2.0 in the title.

Each is kinky in his own way, yet one has a veneer of sophistication that helps him to move around in glamorous circles while the other is obviously crude but blends unnoticed into the streets. As the film progresses, we see how they are no different from each other and how  much as snooty wealthy folk would be repulsed by this mirror  one completes the other.

Many of Kashyaps films so far have been about the pointlessness of violence and the manner in which our actions inevitably catch up with us. But what about the ones who get away? What about people who do not kill with communal, sexual or other motivations, but for the pleasure of it. Is every member of a rioting mob genuinely committed to the religious group they are supposedly fighting for, or truly angry about the harassment of a woman in their community by someone from the other, or paid to be there? What about those who join in for the heck of it?

Murder for the sake of murder. Murder sometimes committed in the moment. Murder committed to make way for another murder. Raman Raghav 2.0 is not, therefore, about pointlessness, but about the mindlessness in so much of the bloodshed around us.

Kashyaps latest film may appear to resort to certain devices popular in the genre: the ominous sound of a metal pipe being dragged over a hard surface, for instance. Yet none of them is used in a cliched, predictable fashion.

Interestingly too, though both protagonists are ferocious creatures, the portrayal of violence here is not in your face, gratuitous or exploitative. Aided in no small part by Jay Ozas discreet camera and Aarti Bajajs seamless editing, we know that blood is routinely drawn and skulls are routinely cracked in this film, yet at no point do we actually see it happening. In fact, only once in the film do we get a shot of a murder victims face after the murder. In that scene alone is a prone body shown in its entirety post a crime.

The pacey narrative  with an eight-chapter structure  is unrelenting. Though the dialogues are smashingly effective, they do not rely on filmic melodrama or earthiness (the most charming part of Gangs of Wasseypur 1 & 2) for their appeal. They are hard-hitting because of the situations in which they are set.

Holding it all along with Kashyaps unswerving directorial intentions is one of the best casts put together for a Hindi film in recent times. Nawazuddin Siddiquis brilliance is now a given. Still, considering the number of gangster and crime flicks in his short filmography, it is amazing that he has managed to reach into himself to serve us something and someone so completely different from Faisal Khan of the Wasseypur films and Liak from Badlapur. His Ramanna is eerie, scary, disgusting and yet almost elicits laughs for the matter-of-fact manner in which he goes about his bloody business.

As chalk is to cheese, so young Vicky Kaushals all-Punjabi, all-Mumbaikar, well-heeled, gruesome cop here is to his turn as an impoverished, emotionally vulnerable low-caste boy from Varanasi in 2015s Masaan. Two superbly written characters, two superb performances.

The leads are all the more striking because they do not get the benefit of repeated extreme close-ups or a repeated focus on their eyes and faces in much of this film. Kaushal, in fact, wears dark glasses almost throughout and many of Siddiquis shenanigans are captured in long shots.

With these two in full flow and the story revolving entirely around them, you would think it would be impossible for any other character to make a mark. It is a measure of Vasan Bala and Kashyaps excellent writing and the wonderful cast that there are others who are memorable too. Amruta Subhash as Ramannas sister is in top form. It would be Hindi cinemas good fortune if it manages to tap more into this consistently lovely Marathi actress who, among other roles, was so moving as the young, widowed mother and struggling professional in Avinash Aruns Killa.

In a film peopled with impressive talents  including little Saksham Sudhijas beautiful, speaking eyes  Sobhita Dhulipala as Raghavendras girlfriend Simmy Naidu and Anuschka Sawhney as Ankita, a sexy guest at a party, merit a mention.

Raman Raghav 2.0 does not slip up tonally at any point. From Sona Mohapatras velvety voice at a nightclub early in the film to that remarkable overhead shot of Mumbai citys beautiful ugliness in the twilight, from the impeccable sound design (crucial, since this is a film in which gore is heard but rarely seen) to Ram Sampaths background score and songs that have been quietly woven into the narrative, it is all a perfect fit.

Anurag Kashyap has been a highly acclaimed writer and director for 13 years now, but I confess I have had issues with quite a few of his films, not just the widely thrashed Bombay Velvet but some that have been showered with reviewer and fan affection. Although he has been a producer of some gems over the years, several of his own directorial ventures have felt stylistically imitative of known international auteurs, rather than being rooted in his own personality and reality. As a result, most have not matched up to the sheer genius of his debut film Paanch (which remains unreleased due to a Censor ban followed by problems with the producer), Black Friday and a darling short called Pramod Bhai 23 that appeared in the omnibus volume Mumbai Cutting. With Raman Raghav 2.0, we once again get to hear and see the son of the soil at work.

Main tujhe kuchh bhi kar sakta hoon aur mujhe kuchh nahin hoga (I can do anything to you and nothing will happen to me), a murderer tells a potential victim at one point in the film. This is not just one man talking because he has the confidence that the system will close ranks to protect him, this is the system, the government and the elite talking.

Raman Raghav 2.0 is layered, gripping from the word go, unnerving and, in a twisted way, hugely entertaining. It is also a stinging commentary on the times we live in.

He is back, people. Anurag Kashyap is back.
NEW DELHI India's Fertiliser and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT) aims to boost output by two thirds to a million tonnes in 2016/17 after a sharp fall in liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, its chairman said on Friday.

Asian LNG prices have declined by 75 percent since 2014 because of falls in global oil prices, reducing the cost of the feedstock to produce ammonia for fertiliser production.

FACT resumed LNG imports in April after a gap of more than a year, buying at $7.79 per million British thermal units (Btu), Chairman Jaiveer Srivastava said.

"We never thought, nor even dreamt, that we would get LNG at this rate" Srivastava told Reuters.

The company issued a tender on Friday seeking to import 10.39 trillion Btu of LNG equivalent in three cargoes over the year to August 2017.

"We may get $5-$6/mBtu (price for LNG import)," Srivastava said.

FACT's LNG purchases will also help India's top gas importer Petronet LNG to reduce losses at its Kochi terminal.

"Last year capacity use at Kochi was about 2 percent. This year it could be 5-6 percent," said Petronet LNG's head of finance, R. K. Garg.

(Reporting by Nidhi Verma; Editing by David Goodman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
MUMBAI India, the world's biggest cotton producer, has contracted to import 20,000 bales from Pakistan for shipment this month after Indian prices jumped because of limited supply, industry officials told Reuters.

The move is a role reversal from earlier this year, when Pakistan was buying cotton from India after its output had been hit by bad weather.

"Around 20,000 bales have been imported from Pakistan. Landed cost of imported cotton is lower than local prices," Dhiren Sheth, president of the Cotton Association of India (CAI), told Reuters.

Indian cotton prices have risen by 28 percent since the start of 2015/16 season on Oct. 1 to 40,800 rupees per 356 kg candy (77.4 cents per lb) as two years of drought took its toll on output.

Pakistani supplies are available at about 70 cents per lb on a free-on-board basis, said one Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm.

"Supplies are dwindling in both countries. The sharp rally in Indian prices is making imports viable from Pakistan, but it has limited quantity for exports," the dealer said.

India has so far imported about 1.2 million bales in 2015/16 and needs another 400,000 bales before the new crop starts arriving from the end of September, Sheth said.

The country has exported about 6.5 million bales of cotton this season, with Pakistan accounting for nearly 2 million bales.

Indian buying has been pushing up prices in Pakistan, said Shahzad Ali Khan, chairman of Pakistan Cotton Ginner's Association.

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association has urged the Pakistan government to restrict cotton exports to India in an attempt to provide raw material for domestic textiles production.

Indian industry officials, including Sheth of the CAI, said that Pakistan should not restrict exports since it imported cotton when it was in need.

Global cotton prices could rally sharply in the coming months as stocks become further depleted in key producing countries, one Karachi-based dealer said.

(1 bale = 170 kg)

(Editing by David Goodman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
MUMBAI India's largest drugmaker Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is banking on the launch of newer and more complex products to offset rising competition in its lucrative U.S. dermatology business, its U.S. chief said.

The world's fifth-largest maker of generic drugs was the first among its Indian peers to enter the roughly $5 billion U.S. dermatology space by acquiring a controlling stake in Israel's Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd in 2010.

That marked a major effort by Sun to scale up its niche and specialty drugs pipeline, as the market for plain-vanilla generics - most large Indian drugmakers' bread and butter until then - started to get increasingly crowded with smaller players.

But as competition has heated up in the last few years, many companies have also sought niche markets, and dermatology has attracted quite a few. India's Lupin bought U.S. firm Gavis to expand in dermatology, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is scaling up its pipeline too.

Mid-sized drugmakers such as Torrent Pharmaceuticals and Alembic Pharmaceuticals are working on skin treatments, and many small U.S. firms are increasingly challenging Sun's share in the market, analysts say.

Kal Sundaram, who heads Sun's operations in the United States, its largest market, said the company would lose some share in dermatology in the short-term, but was confident of its pipeline of new products driving growth.

"While the competitive intensity will increase, it is not going to be like atorvastatin (Lipitor), where you have 10 or 15 manufacturers," Sundaram told Reuters. "(In dermatology), maybe from three (manufacturers) it would go to about five."

Sun has high hopes for tildrakizumab, an experimental psoriasis drug that recently completed late-stage trials, full results of which are due out soon.

Most dermatology drugs require clinical studies for approval, which Kal said cost between $7 million and $10 million, on average, "and there is no guarantee if they will be successful," thus limiting competition.

Nimish Mehta, founder and director of ResearchDelta Advisors, said he expects Taro's sales to rise 18 percent this fiscal year based on approvals for new dermatology products.

Price hikes have largely helped Sun grow its dermatology business over the years, but they are harder to make after a recent wave of consolidation between U.S. drug distributors.

Sundaram said the company expects pressure on prices in the short term, but it is betting on expanding volumes.

(Additional reporting by Caroline Humer in New York; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
New Delhi: On Thursay Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar directed the armed forces to carry out joint exercises with friendly foreign countries specially, in South East Asia, in tune with India's 'Act East Policy'.

He also asked them to optimise resources and enhance cost effectiveness even as he exhorted them to exploit joint capabilities for predominant role in the volatile region around the country.

Parrikar reviewed key security issues facing the nation and important strategic, operational, administrative and logistics aspects pertaining to tri-services were also deliberated upon.

"To keep in tune with the India's Act East Policy, Parrikar urged the Armed Forces for conduct of joint exercises involving more than one Service with our friendly foreign countries specially, in South East Asia," a defence ministry statement said.

He stressed on the need for jointness of the three services to optimise resources and enhance cost effectiveness, so that maximum funds can be made available for modernisation of the armed forces, it said.

Parrikar while addressing the two-day Annual Unified Commanders' Conference here, said by virtue of India's dominant geographical location, the country is poised for a predominant role in the volatile region around us.

The minister said, hence, there is a requirement to exploit this advantage by developing joint capabilities.

In order to achieve self-reliance, he emphasised on 'Make in India' initiative and indigenisation of defence production.

He commended the armed forces for their devotion to duty and the stellar role played by them in safeguarding the country's unity and integrity. The minister also paid homage to all valiant soldiers, sailors and air warriors for their supreme sacrifice in honour of the nation.

Earlier, opening remarks were given by the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha covering tri-services issues.

Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag and Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba addressed the conclave highlighting the major issues pertaining to their respective Services. '

A report covering major achievements on key tri-services issue was presented by Officiating Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee Air Marshal A S Bhonsle.

During the day-long conference, key security issues facing the nation and important strategic, operational, logistical, administrative aspects pertaining to tri-services were deliberated upon.

The function was attended by Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, Deputy National Security Advisor Arvind Gupta, among others.
As we've moved beyond the turmoil at Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), we thought the requisite lessons were learnt and the nation would not have to put up with repeat absurdity. We were obviously wrong  this was followed by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and then National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). In the latest imprudent move that can also be described as aggressive nonsense, the Government of Maharashtra appointed an Ayurveda practitioner as the Registrar of the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). Dilip Wange, a professor at an Ayurveda College and Registrar of Ayurveda Council, took charge as the chief executive officer of a council that deals exclusively with modern allopathic medicine and its practitioners.

Section 14(1) of the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, 1965 states:

The Council shall, with the previous sanction of the State Government, appoint a Registrar.

Appointment of the Registrar, therefore, is a prerogative of the Council. In this case, the State ie the Government of Maharashtra has gone ahead and without even informing the Council appointed its Registrar. The Registrar is the chief executive officer of the Council, who attends all the meetings of the Council and its executive committee. He is an officer who keeps the accounts of the council, supervises over the staff and implements or executes the various provisions of the Act.

There are legitimate reasons why the medical fraternity in Maharashtra is particularly outraged at this decision. Firstly, it has been a long standing demand of the medical fraternity to make the council completely autonomous. And here we have a decision that completely bypasses the council and imposes on it an officer who has a clear cut conflict of interest.

Secondly, the Indian Medical Association is fighting court cases against 'cross-pathy' practice. The practitioners of modern allopathic medicine in Maharashtra strongly maintain that those qualified in alternative forms of medicine should practice only their discipline and not something they are not trained in. In fact, there are court verdicts to that effect, including a Supreme Court judgment that terms 'cross-pathy' practice as quackery. The newly appointed Registrar is an Ayurveda practitioner and also registrar at Ayurveda council. This is where conflict of interest comes into play. One side would like to indulge in 'cross-pathy' practice, whereas the other side would oppose it. And the registrar will occupy a quasi-judicial office in both the councils. Thirdly, the medical fraternity would like to have an MMC registrar who understands the finer points of modern allopathic practice; someone who is familiar with issues like quackery, enquiry procedures of the council, code of medical conduct, issues involved in medical education etc.

There is a strong reason why the political class is not very comfortable with an autonomous Council. Many of the private medical institutions are owned and run by them. They need a pliant council that they can manipulate to suit their needs. It, therefore, should not surprise anyone when they post the officer of their whim and choice to an important position.

The MMC was constituted under the force of the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, 1965. It is meant to be the apex body that governs the medical profession in Maharashtra. It has wide and extensive powers, particularly regarding hearings and enquiries, including power of punishment. It also has power and duty to prescribe a code of ethics for regulating the profession. It can reprimand, suspend or remove a registered medical professional from its register. This quasi-judicial watchdog body is also required to supervise and regulate the medical education. Such functions and duties require that the council commands a high degree of respect and credibility. And that can happen only if it is given the independence it deserves.

The sitting Council has finished its mandated term and elections to constitute a new body are long overdue. In spite of three representations to the state government, both by MMC and IMA, to hold the elections immediately, nothing seems to be moving at all. Tired of it, thus, the Indian Medical Association has moved the Mumbai High Court praying for immediate elections to the Council and to annul the registrars appointment.

The author is a consulting surgeon based in Mumbai.
In a setback to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, the central government on Friday returned as many as 14 pending bills of the state government in the capital. The central government's move could well spark off a fresh confrontation with the Delhi government, close on the heels of the controversy over 21 MLAs being appointed as parliamentary secretaries.

The Jan Lokpal Bill was among the 14 bills returned, as reported by CNN-News18.

The action of the union government drew a sharp response from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP supremo, in a series of tweets, alleged that the union government is creating impediments in every aspect of the state government's functioning.

"Should the Centre have the right to block every law of the Delhi government? Is the Central government the headmaster of the Delhi government?," Kejriwal said.

          -    ,                   Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 24, 2016

Speaking to Times Now, Congress leader Haroon Yusuf said, "It appears that Kejriwal is not serious about getting anything done. When we were in government, we followed the Constitution. We would first send bills to the Lieutenant-General for approval."

Yusuf claimed that Kejriwal did not want the Jan Lokpal bill, an anti-corruption legislation, to be passed.

Reacting to the decision of the centre, AAP leader Somnath Bharti questioned why the central government took a year to return the bills, as reported by CNN-News18.
After the infamous Bofors deal of 1986, which involved the procurement of howitzers, the government is likely procure $750-million ultra-light howitzers and armed drones from the US, reported The Telegraph.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, will offer clarity on the Navy, Air Force and the Army's plans to procure missile boats, special operations vehicles, long-range air defence systems artillery modernisation programme respectively, reported The Hindu. The council is slated to meet on Saturday.

The report in The Hindu added that five S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, that might be worth Rs 40,000 crore, is up for clearance and that the council gave a formal approval to its deal in December 2015.

The Economic Times' report on the DAC mentioned that Manohar Parrikar will discuss projects worth over Rs 1 lakh, which will include defence purchases such as armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), carbines and a range of Navy vessels. It added that India has the option of purchasing US-made Predator drones and a new fleet of armed drones for the Air Force, besides discuss a proposal to gear two Boeing 777 VVIP aircrafts with missile avoidance systems.

On 18 June, Manohar Parrikar said that defence deals are not made overnight and take a lot of time owing to bureaucratic procedures. "Things do take time in defence (deals). Even if I make an order, it does not happen overnight because it requires time to mature. Army items are not procured off the shelf like you buy a TV or a mobile, like you walk into a shop and come out with the product," he said, at a foundation-laying ceremony at Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited.

Apart from the procurement of M777 howitzer for the Army, the DAC, according to The Telegraph report, might also consider acquiring 44,500 battle carbines from Israel, while the government will take a call on ordering Spyder systems (short and medium range mobile air defence system) from Israel or wait till the Akash missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Of importance to the Navy are six Brahmos systems, and Talwar class ships that are estimated to be at Rs 2,700 crore, six next-generation missile vessels at 1,250 tonnes estimated at Rs 13,000 crore and two earlier approved projects, two special ops vessels and associated swimming delivery vehicles for Rs. 2,000 crore, said The Hindu.

With inputs from PTI
After BSP's senior leader Swami Prasad Maurya quit the party on 22 June and accused chief Mayawati of "auctioning" tickets for next year's Assembly polls, Maurya on Friday landed in Delhi to meet with BJP leaders, media reports say.

India Today reported that Swami Prasad Maurya is likely to join the BJP, meet senior leaders and may discuss his position in the party.

Earlier, at a press conference, Mayawati claimed that the party was pleased with Maurya's decision of quitting BSP.

Maurya then said, "Tickets are being openly auctioned by Mayawati on a large scale. She is not making the right choice of candidates. Tickets are not only on sale in the party, they are being auctioned."

On 23 June, Samajwadi Party leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav dropped hints that his party's doors were open for Swami Prasad Maurya, and described him as "the right person in the wrong party".

"The fact that Swami Prasad Maurya was the right person in the wrong party has been amply proved," Yadav said, a day after the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly quit BSP accusing its leader Mayawati of auctioning party tickets for the 2017 Assembly election.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday dismissed speculation that he was unhappy with SP embracing gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's party, saying there is "no displeasure" and it is an internal matter of the Samajwadi Party.

"Merger of Qaumi Ekta Dal (QED) with SP is an internal matter of Samajwadi Party," Yadav told reporters after a meeting of the state cabinet here.

"There is no displeasure. This is all media creation," he said replying to queries on the issue.

He also evaded questions on sacking of cabinet minister Balram Yadav for apparently facilitating the merger.

"It's all internal matter of the party," was his refrain.

"The merger has been decided by the party, and what the party will decide will be acceptable to all," he said when quizzed further.

The merger was announced by SP spokesman and senior Cabinet Minister Shipal Yadav, who is brother of Akhilesh's father and party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Hours later, Akhilesh sacked Balram from the Cabinet. Though no official reason was cited for the removal, SP leaders said the chief minister was "unhappy" with the minister for facilitating the controversial merger.

The Chief Minister's comments came against the backdrop of opposition training their guns at the ruling party following the merger, especially over law and order issue, ahead of next year's Assembly polls.

QED merged with SP on 21 June. The ruling party is hoping that it will help it tap the muslim vote bank in eastern Uttar Pradesh especially in Ghazipur, Mau and Varanasi.

QED was founded in 2010 by Mukhtar, along with his brothers Afzal Ansari and Sigbatullaha Ansari. The mafia don is in jail for his alleged involvement in the murder of former BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai.

The merger of QED with SP has given fresh ammunition to the opposition parties to target Samajwadi Party.

"Samajwadi Party is trying all means to get back to power in the next elections. This shows its sheer desperation," BJP leader Vijay Bahadur Pathak said.

In a similar refrain, Congress spokesman DP Singh said the merger shows "growing frustration" within the ruling party which is trying all "means to retain power by hook or by crook".
New Delhi: British telecom major Vodafone is likely to take a call on the timeline of initial public offer of its Indian arm after conclusion of the impending spectrum auction.

"Timelines (on Vodafone India IPO) will be most probably decided after spectrum auction this fiscal in India is over," a source privy to the Vodafone IPO plan said.

When contacted, a Vodafone spokesperson said, "We have started IPO preparations, which includes conversations with banks, but no final decision has yet been taken as to whether or not we will IPO."

Kotak Investment Banking, Bank of America, HSBC Holdings, Deutsche Bank AG and ICICI Securities for working on the IPO of Vodafone India-- the second largest telecom operator in India.

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved mega-spectrum auction plan in which airwaves worth Rs 5.66 lakh crore for mobile services will be put for auction. However, the timeline for auction was not finalised as Cabinet has asked telecom ministry to seek view of telecom regulator on issue of annual spectrum charges.

As per industry sources, the auction has been planned to start in September but the same has not been confirmed

officially.

While the Cabinet has not lowered spectrum base price as demanded by industry, it has relaxed equity lock-in period

from 3 years to one year.
With Britain having voted to exit the European Union, all eyes are now set on who will succeed Prime Minister David Cameron in October. The frontrunner according to the British media is Boris Johnson, the former London mayor.

Boris Johnson was among those conservative MPs who chose not to back PM Cameron's view and supported Britain's exit from the European Union. With his campaign successful, he now finds himself as the favourite to be the next PM. The race also includes Home Secretary Theresa May, Michael Gove and Chancellor George Osborne, The Telegraph reported.

In his victory speech, Johnson has expressed caution and warned not to pull out of the multi-nation union in haste, The Independent reported.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Johnson joined the "leave campaign" in February this year after disagreements with his one-time political ally and friend David Cameron. There were speculations that he was motivated more by his political ambition than anything else.

Commenting on his decision to back the "leave group", another WSJ report quoted him as saying, I want a better deal for the people of this country: To save them money and to take back control.

He has repeatedly dodged questions on his prime ministerial ambitions. At a press conference just after PM Cameron decided to quit, he again sidetracked questions on the issue of succession.

Boris Johnson was born on 19 June 1964 in New York. He studied at Oxford University and began his career in journalism with The Times before moving to The Daily Telegraph and finally to The Spectator, where he was its editor.

He entered UK's Parliament on a Conservative ticket in 2001. He rose to prominence when he was elected the mayor of London in 2008, and was re-elected in 2012. He returned to the Parliament after winning the 2015 general elections from Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

He is a popular figure in British media but has often been portrayed as a "court jester" and never as a serious politician, a Mint report reported.

The Brexit campaign has brought him into the mainstream of British politics. It has to be seen whether he makes a transition to being a statesman who can rally his countrymen along with him.
The Brexit option is now a reality and quite surprisingly contrary to expectation, the swing has gone in favour of Britain exiting the EU. The ratio of 52% to leave and 48% to remain is just about the reverse of what was expected with one school thinking that it would be a non-event. But now it has become one of the biggest events which will set a precedent for similar thought processes in other areas of economic importance.

While technically the Parliament can still decide not to follow the result of the referendum, it is almost certain that this would happen. Also there will be a transition path over the next 2 years before this happens and during this period, the details would be worked on.

There are two thoughts here. The first is that a Brexit will provide an incentive for other nations to also consider leaving the union in case they feel the odds are against them. Hence, the success of Britain or the imperviousness of the economy post departure will be the driving force behind other countries following suit. This will typically hold for the larger countries than smaller ones which have been net receivers of benefit from such a common market.

Several political parties would be enthused to make this one of the election planks when they contest for power in the EU nations. Again it will hold more for the larger nations where it can be shown that they are giving more than what they are receiving from the union. Therefore, the countries that go in for elections would be the ones to be monitored for such thinking.

The second thought relates to the contra winds bowling now on the concept of decoupling from common economic markets. The focus so far has been on global integration with various countries through various agreements, with the WTO being the biggest integration, albeit only on the trade front. But there are constraints when countries work together on common grounds as it does mean a certain loss of flexibility and independence in pursuing their own policies. This is definitely a negative for globalization.

As one of the driving factors for this exit has been the way in which immigration is tackled, it would be a success for local labour force. European countries in particular which are in the euro zone have been impacted by the austerity measures that had to be pursued following the euro crisis. There has already been such thinking when the Grexit concept came up a couple of years back where the work force was affected. There will be some hard thinking now on immigration in general.

Will Britain be affected perversely? Probably not, as there is already a strong relation between the two parties which cannot be severed as there is a symbiotic relation. But there will be some areas where Britain will end up losing as it will have to bargain on its own with the EU and may not always be successful.

The banking sector in particular will have to redraw the lines as their operations crisscross these countries and play a role in fostering growth in trade. But again, it may be expected that the changes or adjustments required would be minimal as these systems are well set. The worst case scenario is that their operations could be put on par with those of other countries like say USA or Canada and the preferential treatment could be gradually withdrawn. But considering that European banks also have operations in the UK, this possibility may not be very serious.

For Indian companies, this will be a big blow as they have to rework their plans immediately. Of late companies have been moving over the England to set up business or acquire companies. In a situation where there are growth challenges in UK and the domestic business not yet picking up, these companies will have to contend with this challenge of dealing with European markets. The IT, pharma, automobile, metals industries could be the ones that come under the circumference of impact here.

On the markets front, the stock indices are likely to return to normal after a couple of trading sessions. The fact that the results have come out on a Friday will provide the weekend to recover from the shock and get back to business. The impact on say the Indian markets should be nullified over time. However, the specific scrips which have an exposure to the UK markets would be under scrutiny and pressure. Therefore, while the precipitous fall in the Sensex should get corrected the company impact may be more deep lasting.

Currencies too have taken a tumble, including the rupee. This too should get back to normal based on fundamentals. However, the pound would see some permanent correction once the exact impact is digested. The fall out of this could be a stronger dollar which can once again pressurize other currencies. This would need to be monitored by central banks all over to ensure that the 2013 impact does not permeate the epidermis of markets.

The Brexit cannot be ignored by countries outside UK due to the effect of currencies which can get destabilizing, though it is not expected as the transition period of a little over 2 years will provide time for adjustments to be made. What we really need to watch out for are similar demergers in other edifices of globalization built over the years.

The author is chief economist, CARE Ratings. Views are personal
Immigration was always going to be the deciding factor. In 2016, where advancement in technology and competition from lower-wages countries, especially in Asia, are responsible for the job scarcity, the easiest option is passing on the buck. And across Western nations, rich and developed communities that have seen their working and middle classes struggle with the aftermaths of the recession, the immigrant is the primary cause of ones tribulations.

What once were decent and well-paying jobs in the manufacturing industry have disappeared overnight because technology deemed it redundant and competition found a better alternative in Asian manufacturing hubs. The US President Barack Obama, said just this on national television. He explained that jobs that have left America for lower-wages countries are just never going to come back because of the aforementioned reasons. The same thing applies to Britain and the rest of Europe. Immigration is not helping the situation. Especially when a low-information voter sees his or her country accepting refugees from Syria and the Middle-east and Africa in large numbers, he or she looks at that as a slight by a politician who is supposed to be looking out not for the interests of someone from foreign lands, but for the real citizens of that country.

And this referendum was a test of that. The writing was on the wall back in 2013 when much against the advice of his Private Secretary Ivan Rogers, David Cameron decided to call for this referendum when he did not have to.

Would the people of Britain accept unchecked immigration, with the free movement of people in European Union contributing to that? The LEAVE campaign worked hard in hammering the worst scenarios of immigration. If Britain stayed in the EU, jobs would continue to be lost to the undeserving immigrant, European and otherwise. The country would be spending much more on the member states of the EU than it would get from the EU. The NHS would cease to exist because the influx of immigrants would just overwhelm it. Towns and villages would look like those in Romania and Syria. These and the fear and concern they caused in the minds of the average Briton ensured a victory for the LEAVE campaign, a result whose repercussions will be felt heavily in different areas in the next days, weeks, and months.

By a margin of four percentage points, Britain voted to leave the European Union 52% to 48%. It was a monumental victory for the LEAVE campaign. This was a campaign which, for the most part, parlayed on the fears of the threats of immigration, and the havoc that such unchecked immigration would cause, if Britan would remain in the EU. About quarter of an hour before 5 am local British time, the BBC called the referendum vote for the LEAVE camp.

Steven Erlanger, reporting for The New York Times writes that the loss of Britain is a huge and enormous blow to the credibility of a bloc that is already under tremendous pressure from high unemployment, slow economic growth, the migrant crisis, and the debt woes and conflict of Greece and Ukraine respectively.

The other big winner is the leader of the anti-immigrant and anti-European Union  The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP)  led by Nigel Farage. In the last Parliamentary elections, his party, even though it was able to win only one seat, managed to capture 12.6% of the vote. While the United Kingdom, because of its electoral system, was a first choice in a constituency, succeeded in keeping Farage and the UKIP out of parliament, its politics has accomplished something deeper and more alarming.

The fear and hatred of the immigrant.

In 2015, Britain had a net migration into its shores of 3,30,000 people, and the European Union accounted for more than half of those numbers. This referendum was going to be won or lost on the ability of either side to explain immigration the best. While David Cameron and the REMAIN camp countered the exaggerations of the LEAVE campaign, the looming fear of what a Britain overrun with immigrants might look like, tilted the referendum in favour of the latter.

In 1975, the first referendum on Europe was held. Then it was the European Economic Community and had only 9 member states, and the anti-European sentiments had come from the Left and the Labour Party. Britons voted in favour of staying in the EEC by a margin of 2:1.

In 2016, most of the opposition to a Britain in the European Union comes from the right and it follows a theme across Europe and even in the United States with the nomination of Donald Trump by a major American party as its Presidential candidate, of open nationalism. Far-right parties and movements are gaining in prominence and share of the electoral vote. Their main explanation for stagnation in wages, ever-increasing gaps in income, and disappearing manufacturing jobs, is the immigrant. And the sooner the presence and movement of the immigrant is curtailed, the better off everyone will be. How easily history finds a way to repeat itself.
London: British politics was upended on Friday by a shock vote to leave the EU which forced Prime Minister David Cameron to quit, triggered a leadership race and raised doubts the country could survive in its current form.

Announcing his resignation outside Downing Street, Cameron said a new leader should be in place by October.

His successor faces an uphill struggle to heal divisions in both the country and the ruling Conservative party and

could face pressure to call a new general election, even though it is just a year since Cameron won the last one.

There were already signs that pro-EU Scotland could move to hold a fresh independence referendum, as well as fears that stability in Northern Ireland could also be threatened by the move.

The main opposition Labour party was not immune from the turmoil, either.

Its leader, veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn, had campaigned reluctantly to keep Britain in the EU and he is now facing criticism from some in his party after many traditional Labour areas backed Brexit.

Anand Menon, director of the UK In A Changing Europe academic research group, added: "Nationalist politicians, be

they in Scotland, Northern Ireland or England, will be making hay."

John Mann, a pro-Brexit Labour MP, said he was "out of touch" with traditional working-class Labour voters who were

"sick to death" with his policies.

There were also reports of a leadership challenge brewing against Corbyn.

The constitutional consequences of the vote could run deeper.

Scotland's ruling Scottish National Party has long indicated that a Brexit vote could provide momentum for a

second referendum after independence was rejected in a previous vote in 2014.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said early Friday that Scotland sees its future as "part of the EU", fuelling

speculation.

AFP
China held fast on the second day of discussions at the meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in Seoul on Friday. As a result, a decision on Indias bid to join the group of traders in nuclear-related materials was put off.

The big change was that Brazil apparently backed India on Friday, although it had been among the countries that had asked on Thursday for generally applicable norms to be established before Indias admission could be considered. Ireland, Austria, New Zealand and Turkey were other such countries.

Turkeys stand is part of a pattern.

Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that country sees itself as a standard-bearer of Muslim rights, and would have felt duty-bound to insist on at least equal treatment of Pakistan alongside India, if it were not outright negative with regard to Indias bid.

Russias open backing to India, which was reported on Friday morning, was a great reason for celebration in the Indian camp. Russia had been cautious when the issue was still being discussed in the run-up to the meeting. President Vladimir Putin has a powerful position in world affairs.

India can now claim the open and strong support of all four permanent members other than China of the United Nations Security Council  the P-5 who are allowed by the Non-Proliferation Treaty to have nuclear weapons. The US and Britain support India, and France has strongly expressed itself in Indias favour.

Pakistan will see this as a diplomatic victory.

The countrys redoubtable diplomats have worked night and day in the chanceries of the world in recent weeks and months to stop Indias bid to join the NSG from going through.

However, it is not as if the door has been closed.

It appears that India will be able to take forward its bid at future meetings. Its high-profile bid has placed the issue front and centre. It will be perceived by many as an issue that pits the two most powerful powers of the future against each other.

That makes it extraordinarily interesting to watch.
Berlin: A masked man who was shot dead by police after barricading himself in a German multiplex cinema with dozens of people was carrying fake weapons, prosecutors said on Friday.

The man was identified as a 19-year-old German national, who on Thursday took four cinema employees and 14 visitors hostage at the complex in the western town of Viernheim, 75 kilometres south of Frankfurt.

But prosecutors in the state of Hesse said it turned out that the pistol and rifle he was carrying were replicas, and the grenades dummies.

They added that the motive of man's action remained unclear, and that there were no indications of any terrorist or political motive.

No one else was injured in the incident.
HAVANA/BOGOTA Colombia's government and leftist FARC rebels signed a historic ceasefire deal on Thursday that brings them tantalisingly close to ending the longest running conflict in the Americas.

The accord, capping three years of peace talks in Cuba, sparked celebrations and tears of joy among some in the Colombian capital. It sets the stage for a final deal to end a guerrilla war born in the 1960s out of frustration with deep socio-economic inequalities and that outlived all other major uprisings in Latin America.

"May this be the last day of the war," said bearded FARC commander Rodrigo Londono, better known by the nom de guerre Timochenko, his voice choked with tears after shaking hands with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos at a ceremony in Havana.

Santos, 64, is half-way through his second term and has staked his legacy on peace in the face of opposition from sectors of the country who think the FARC should be crushed militarily.

This means nothing more and nothing less than the end of the FARC as an armed group, Santos said, adding that the final peace deal would be signed in Colombia. The children and youth of our country have never known a single day without the violence of the conflict. Neither have the adults.

In Colombia, even before Santos spoke, church bells pealed at noon to mark the start of the signing. Crowds in Bogota, the capital, gathered around giant TV screens set up in the streets, dancing, cheering and clapping as the ceremony unfolded.

One placard read, "we've finished the war, now let's build peace."

About 1,000 people gathered in the Plaza Bolivar, the city's main square, to celebrate despite rain. Some waved flags and balloons, others hugged and wiped away tears.

"Im 76 and have lived this war all my life  I never thought the time would come when these characters would sign peace. Im so happy  I can die in peace," said Graciela Pataquiva, a retired teacher, crying as she spoke.

Santos' government says a peace deal would add one percentage point annually to economic growth in Colombia, which over the past two decades has turned itself around from a failing state to an emerging market darling.

The deal went further than many had hoped, with the FARC committing to putting a final accord to the Colombian people in a plebiscite, a promise made by Santos that had been a key sticking point.

Not everybody supports the peace process, and Santos will have to work hard to convince opponents to back it in a referendum.

Under the agreement read out by mediators Norway and Cuba the rebels will lay down their arms within 180 days of a final agreement and demobilize into 23 temporary zones and eight camps. The ceasefire will only kick in when the final deal is agreed, although have already effectively stopped attacks for almost a year.

During their transition into democratic politics the FARC's weapons will be handed over the United Nations, which will begin a mission to verify the ceasefire.

The government will guarantee the safety of ex-rebels and their political allies, who have historically been targets for right-wing paramilitary groups, the accord said. Special protection units, comprised of both ex-rebels and security forces, will guard FARC politicians and other community leaders.

Under accords already struck in Cuba, perpetrators of the worst crimes in the war will face "transitional justice" aimed more at finding out the historical truth than meting out harsh punishments.

"This is an extraordinary achievement. But there are serious challenges ahead related to security, implementation and guarantees of no repetition," said Roddy Brett, director of peace and conflict studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

"WHAT ABOUT THE OTHERS?"

The FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, was one of many 20th century Latin American guerilla movements inspired by Marxist ideology and the success of the 1959 Cuban revolution. It began as a peasant revolt before exploding into a war that killed at least 220,000 and displaced millions.

Across the region, other rebellions were either crushed by right-wing military governments or convinced to lay down their arms and join conventional politics by the 1990s. But funded by its involvement in the cocaine industry, the FARC grew to a 17,000 strong force operating across vast swaths of territory. Kidnappings for ransom also helped bankroll the rebel group.

That began to change in 2002, when former President Alvaro Uribe launched a U.S.-backed counterinsurgency campaign that killed many FARC leaders and reduced it to an estimated 7,000 fighters.

Even after peace with the FARC, formidable obstacles to will remain. The smaller National Liberation Army (ELN) only recently said it will start talks, while gangs born out of right-wing paramilitary groups have taken over drug trafficking routes, filling the vacuum left by rebels, some say.

"It's great to end the war with the FARC, but we've got to be serious, we finish with the FARC but what about all the others?" said Jhon Duarte, a 26-year old mechanic, echoing the concerns of many Colombians.

Despite the challenges and fierce opposition from some quarters to letting FARC rebels re-enter society after years of kidnapping and attacks across the country, the mood on Thursday was buoyant.

"This is a beacon of hope, our children will be able to enjoy what we could not - a childhood of peace and a life in peace," said Adriana Beltran, a 25-year-old housewife in Bogota.

(Additional reporting by Sarah Marsh and Nelson Acosta in Havana and by Luis Jaime Acosta and Julia Symmes Cobb in Bogota; Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Tom Brown)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
LONDON The campaign to keep Britain in the European Union appears to be ahead in Thursday's EU membership referendum, according to polling firm YouGov which surveyed people about how they voted, Sky News reported.

A YouGov online poll of nearly 4,800 people found 52 percent of respondents said they voted to remain in the EU and 48 percent voted to leave, Joe Twyman, YouGov's head of political and social research for Europe, told Sky News.

"It's still close and it's still too early to know definitely. But based on the figures that we are seeing, based on the trends that have occurred and based on historical precedent we think that 'Remain' are in the strongest position."

The online survey was based on people who were previously polled by YouGov about their voting intentions and who agreed to share their decision with the firm once they had cast their votes, according to YouGov.

British broadcasters are not conducting so-called exit polls -- in which people are asked as they leave polling stations how they voted -- because the EU referendum is a virtually unprecedented event and the margin of error could be too large.

When Scotland held an independence referendum in 2014, a YouGov poll using similar methodology to its poll on Thursday came close to accurately predicting the outcome of the vote.

On Wednesday, the last YouGov poll on the EU referendum had shown the "In" camp moving into a 51-49 percent lead over "Out."

YouGov's 2014 Scottish referendum poll showed the campaign against independence winning with 54 percent of the vote. The official result gave the campaign 55.3 percent of the vote.

However, YouGov and other major pollsters failed to accurately forecast the result of Britain's national election in 2015.

(Reporting by Freya Berry and William Schomberg; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
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It makes sense that Bank of America's (BAC 0.88%) shares are on the move today, but it's interesting that they're up 2.6% so early in the trading day on Thursday. I say that because we don't yet know how two pending catalysts for its stock will turn out.

The first major catalyst is the unfolding referendum in the United Kingdom over whether to secede from the European Union. It's a shortsighted, irrational measure fueled by anti-immigration sentiment. Known as Brexit, the move could have a big impact on not only the U.K. and EU, but also on the global economy. This is because the euro is one of three major reserve currencies in the world, along with the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen. Britain's departure alone wouldn't signal the euro's demise. But that's the logical endpoint if other countries follow suit.

For Bank of America, a vote in favor of Brexit would mean that it would have to relocate some of its London-based bankers to the continent, according to Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, an investment bank specializing in the financial services sector. It would also likely spur heightened volatility in credit markets, which could weigh on Bank of America's sales and trading revenue.

The latest polls show that U.K. voters are split evenly on the issue. This is despite the fact that a nationalist Brexit sympathizer last week assassinated a politician who was urging people to vote in favor of remaining in the union. Thus, given that stocks are up ahead of the results, one would be excused for concluding that investors believe U.K. voters will read between the lines and reject the spurious rationale offered in favor of leaving. We'll find out for sure this evening or tomorrow morning.

How the other catalyst unfolds is also unknown at this point. It relates to Bank of America's performance on the 2016 stress test -- or, more specifically, on the first of two portions of the test, the results of which will be announced by the Federal Reserve at 4:30 p.m. EDT today.

The purpose of the stress test is to determine whether the nation's biggest banks, those with more than $50 billion in assets on their balance sheets, have enough capital to survive an economic downturn akin to the financial crisis. Additionally, the second part of the stress test, the comprehensive capital analysis and review, dictates whether a bank can raise its dividend or increase its share repurchase program. The results from this part are due next Wednesday, June 29.

While there are thus plenty of reasons for Bank of America's shares to be on the move right now, it's premature to know if they're headed in the right direction. That said, given that the S&P 500 is currently up by almost 1%, and that Bank of America has a beta of 1.73 (according to YCharts.com), which implies that its stock is 73% more volatile than the broader market on a typical day, the most likely explanation for the rise in the bank's shares is that investors overall are feeling optimistic about how one or both of these events will play out.

We'll know soon enough either way.
The Canadian wildfires that ravaged the Alberta countryside last month and cut the province's oil production by nearly 1.4 million barrels per day continue to wreak havoc on oil producers. Even now that the fires have largely subsided, Suncor Energy (SU 2.00%) has struggled to restart its MacKay River oil sands facility because of a clogged Enbridge (ENB 1.31%) pipeline. Additionally, Suncor informed its employees that it expects the company to lose $778 million from lowered production.

Will this latest spate of bad news slow down Suncor's long-term momentum and growth?

How bad is the damage?

The Enbridge pipeline, which connects to Suncor's facility but is not owned by Suncor, got clogged when heavy oil, or bitumen, cooled inside of it. The bitumen, once extracted from the Alberta oil sands, has to be heated to enable it to flow through a pipeline. When the companies shut down operations, they were forced to shut down steam injections that heat the bitumen inside the pipeline, allowing it to solidify into an asphalt-like consistency. It is expected to take roughly 20 days to clear the pipe.

Besides the pipeline, though, Suncor sustained no damage to its facilities. This means that other facilities remain on target to ramp up production, and Suncor should return to normalized operations sometime in July.

Perhaps more importantly, the company will take an exorbitant hit on production revenues because of the shutdown, to the tune of $778 million. This will severely impact its second-quarter earnings.

This is where savvy investors need to take a deep breath and understand that this is a fluke occurrence. Suncor expects to return to a slightly lower, but still profitable, rate of production for the remainder of 2016, of between 585,000 barrels per day and 620,000 barrels per day. Furthermore, it continues to improve its financials and can retain strong growth into 2017. Here's how.

Steps to improve its outlook

Even as the fires were raging, Suncor was taking steps to improve its balance sheet and strengthen its long-term positions. Now that the fires have moved on, Suncor has continued to make bold moves.

The company is reportedly looking to find a buyer for its Petro-Canada lubricants division, seeking around $800 million. This deal seems to make perfect sense, as it falls in line with its 2016 expectations of divesting approximately $1 billion to $1.5 billion worth of assets. Additionally, it would remove a business that is not a core division, allowing Suncor to focus more exclusively on oil production.

The planned auction of Petro-Canada comes shortly after the announcement that Suncor is offering to repurchase about $1.2 billion worth of notes with maturities between 2019 and 2042 . The company is apparently willing to take advantage of its $3 billion in cash to reduce its long-term debt. In fact, lowering its debt load seems to be the prime focus for the company, after it went on a $7 billion shopping spree over the past nine months to improve its positions and bolster future production in the oil sands. Its decision to sell 71 million shares earlier this month was intended to both increase its stake in the Syncrude oil sands venture and pay down its debt.

When it comes to Suncor's balance sheet, debt is the only real red flag, as it currently sits at around $15 billion. However, at the end of the first quarter, Suncor's debt-to-capital ratio was 29%, which is high but manageable and falls within its 20% to 30% target range. For comparison, other large oil companies with both upstream and downstream production, such as Total S.A. (TTE 1.88%) and BP (BP 0.72%) have current debt-to-capital ratios of nearly 36%. With these aggressive moves to bring the debt-to-capital ratio further down to Suncor's target range, as well as its significant cash on hand, Suncor's leadership is signaling that it is serious about its long-term financial health.

The bottom line

The wildfires continue to give Suncor a headache, but unless additional issues are identified, all production should shortly return to normal. The loss of revenue is higher than expected and will adversely impact its second-quarter bottom line, but with the recent purchases and moves to lower its debt, the company should be able to improve its long-term outlook. The second quarter will hurt, but Suncor continues to put itself in a position to remain profitable.
As the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union sends a tsunami across financial markets on Friday, bank stocks are among the most beaten and bruised. JPMorgan Chase (JPM 1.15%) has lost more than 5 at midday%. Bank of America (BAC 0.88%) is down nearly 8%. Of all the large U.S. commercial banks, though, Citigroup (C 0.20%) has been hit the hardest, down over 8% as of this writing.

But the market is getting Citigroup wrong. The bank is certainly exposed to the problems roiling the markets, but certainly not more so than JPMorgan or Bank of America. For those looking for opportunity amid the carnage, Citigroup could be a great place to start.

Citigroup has Brexit troubles, too -- but not this much

It isn't fully clear why Citigroup is falling more than the other U.S. megabanks. It's certainly an international bank: It has offices on six continents and competes for business in over 160 different countries. However, the bank's global footprint is much more concentrated in Asia, Latin America, and North America than it is in Europe.

British exposure is reported on Citigroup's income statement through its EMEA group, a subsection of the bank's Institutional Clients Group. That EMEA group, which includes all of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, contributed just 15% to Citigroup's enterprise-wide net revenue. More granular data is not currently reported on the bank's quarterly filings.

The actual exposure to EMEA is slightly larger than that, though, because the bank's EMEA consumer banking business is reported with its much larger Asian business. In other words, the consumer banking exposure is so small on a relative basis that Citigroup and the SEC have no problem just lumping it together with Asia.

For contrast, Citigroup's North American net revenues from both the Institutional Clients Group and Global Consumer Bank were over 45% of total net revenue in the first quarter. Citigroup does do business in the U.K. and Europe, but its businesses in North America, Asia, and Latin America are far more significant.

Other banks have more exposure but haven't fallen as far as Citigroup

In Bank of America's first-quarter filings with the SEC, the bank reported over $208 billion in credit and trading exposure to its 20 largest non-U.S. markets. The largest exposure was to the U.K. at $51.5 billion. That's 3.1 times more than its next-largest international market: Canada, at $16.7 billion.

Using the same credit and trading risk exposure metric, JPMorgan Chase reports $50.4 billion in exposure to the U.K. The bank also has large exposures to the two most important tangential European countries on the front line of this economic crisis, with $28.7 billion in exposure to Germany and $28.1 billion to France.

Citigroup does not disclose these numbers in the same manner as JPMorgan or Bank of America, instead presenting the same metric as it relates to the bank's much more significant exposures in the Asian and Latin American emerging markets. Citigroup, for example, has more exposure in Mexico than JPMorgan and Bank of America have in the U.K.

Bank of America is not a true international bank, at least not in the same sense as JPMorgan or Citigroup. However, its exposure to Britain specifically and the eurozone more generally is, based on these filings, at least as great as Citi's, if not more so. JPMorgan has considerably more exposure to the region; the bank-focused investment bank Keefe, Bruyette & Woods circulated a report prior to the Brexit vote that pegged JPMorgan as the U.S. bank with the most exposure if the country elected to exit.

Will the Brexit result create headwinds for Citigroup? Absolutely. No global bank will come out of this unscathed. However, the market has overreacted to Citigroup's risks, pushing it down further than banks with equal or greater exposure, which could be creating an opportunity to buy.
What: Crude prices tumbled on Friday after Britain's stunning decision to leave the European Union. By mid-afternoon, oil was down 4.5% and back below $50 a barrel. The sell-off washed over into oil stocks, with British giants BP (BP 0.72%) and Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) (RDS.B) both following crude downward by more than 5% as of 12:30 p.m. EDT.

Those moves, however, were tame compared to the sell-offs of other European oil stocks, with Statoil (EQNR 3.51%) and Total (TTE 1.88%) down nearly 6% and 9%, respectively. Even large independent U.S. oil companies were taking it on the chin, with ConocoPhillips (COP 2.12%) just one among the many oil stocks sliding in parallel with the price of crude.

So what: Aside from being spooked by the unexpected outcome of the U.K.'s referendum on the EU, the most significant weight on crude prices today is uncertainty. The market is not sure how Britain's decision to leave the EU will impact oil consumption both in the U.K. and globally. Britain is not a major consumer of oil, with its 1.6 million barrels per day representing just 1.6% of global consumption. The EU, on the other hand, is a major oil consumer at around 11.1 million barrels per day, which is just behind China's demand. The concern here is the possibility of contagion, with other EU countries possibly looking to join Britain and exit the group, which could cause economic disruptions that send energy demand lower.

In addition to those concerns, companies operating in Britain and Europe are now facing the question of what to do now that Britain will soon be out of the EU. This change could make it harder for multinationals to find employees, which could cause some producers to relocate operations out of Britain. That said, BP has already pledged that it will maintain its headquarters in London despite the vote. Notwithstanding this promise, BP and its rivals could now have much more trouble shuffling employees among international locations. For example, European-based Total and Statoil could potentially be unable to relocate staff efficiently from their U.K. operations to their other sites across the globe once the U.K. is officially no longer part of the EU.

Also adding to the uncertainty is how this change will impact oil and gas production in the U.K.'s North Sea. ConocoPhillips, BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Total, and Statoil are among the many producers that operate offshore rigs in the region. One concern is that the U.K. could pass new laws that have a negative impact on the oil sector. Legislative changes could, for example, force ConocoPhillips to part with its North Sea assets, though it only recently rejected a bid for them. Nor would it be a surprise if the Brexit decision caused energy companies to hold off on new investments in the region until there is more clarity about what the change will mean for the sector.

Friday's slump in both crude oil and the global markets boils down to uncertainty. Not only were world markets not expecting this outcome, but it is a result that opens up a whole new world of change. Fear about what comes next could weigh on crude prices for a while.

Now what: The outcome of the Brexit vote was a shock to the system. As such, it will take the markets some time to adjust to the new normal. That said, as long as there isn't any fundamental erosion in oil demand, this decision is not likely to have any real, long-term impact on the oil market.
In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. And while the UK won't officially leave the EU until 2019, the decision has had a negative effect on UK stock prices.

That's because most analysts expected Brexit to cripple the UK economy. But the fears proved unfounded as the UK economy grew nearly 2% annually since the vote. But, UK stock prices have barely moved -- giving investors an opportunity to buy UK businesses on the cheap. One such company is Lloyds Banking Group (LYG -1.02%) (LLOY -1.00%), an American Depository Receipt, or ADR, that trades in US markets in US dollars.

Strong Growth in 2017

Lloyds showed strength in 2017, growing its net interest income by 8% to $16.7 billion. The company added another $8.4 billion from its insurance and wealth management divisions. The company's net interest margin for 2017 was 286 basis points.

The company's before tax profit grew 24% to nearly $7.2 billion. On an after-tax basis, the company's $4.8 billion profit was a 41% increase over the prior year. Perhaps the most important metric for Lloyds is the bank's efficiency ratio, which measures the company's expenses against its revenues. Incredibly, Lloyds shines with a 46.8% efficiency ratio. This compares to average ratios of US Banks of roughly 60%.



And lest you think these results were a one-off, Lloyds continues to outperform. In 1Q2018, the bank posted a 23% increase in operating profits to $2.2 billion. On an after-tax basis, profits rose 29% to $1.36 billion. The statutory return on tangible equity, or RoTE, was 12.3%. This metric measures the return on tangible common shareholder equity and analysts look for numbers greater than 10%.

Lloyds reported its net interest margin expanded to 293 basis points in the first quarter of the year. But the Bank of England is following the Federal Reserve in raising interest rates, so this number will continue to widen going forward. And given the company operates a low-risk business model of generating most of its income from interest, instead of riskier investment banking and trading desk activities, the bank should see its margins increase steadily.

Lloyds' assets remain solid, too. Asset quality increased by 3 basis points in 2017 -- indicating declining delinquencies for the bank. The company also reported that the number of loans with a loan-to-value index of greater than 80% fell to $41.6 billion. This means the bank is less susceptible to large asset write-downs should another serious recession hit the country.

Of course, the company's best in class efficiency ratio in the mid-40s will drive profitability in the future. The company should see its annual earnings growth rate climb by nearly 8% annually for the next three years.

Valuation

Lloyds stock trades at an attractive valuation. The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 9.4. But keep in mind, P/E ratios aren't the best metric to use in identifying undervalued financial companies. This is because banks experience cyclical earnings due to fluctuations in interest rates. This distorts P/E values and makes them less reliable indicators of value..

On the other hand, the price-to-book metric compares a bank's market value to its book value -- or the value of the bank's assets on its balance sheet. A P/B ratio less than 1 indicates the stock trades at a price less than value of its assets. And it's a good indication that a stock is undervalued.

So where does Lloyds stand on this measure? Lloyds P/B ratio is 0.95, a significant discount to the 1.3 average for UK banks. But get this, Lloyds P/B ratio handily beats US banks that trade with an average multiple of 1.5. That's a 37% discount to the US average.

Given the quality of Lloyd's earnings and assets, there is no reason for the stock to be trading at a discount to other UK banks. Using the UK average P/B ratio of 1.3, Lloyd's is valued at $4.73 per share -- or 30% higher than today's price.

Interestingly, a Graham number confirms the discount calculated above. This metric measures fundamental value by examining a company's earnings and book value on a per share basis. According to Ben Graham, any stock trading below the Graham number is undervalued. And that's exactly what we find with Lloyds. A fair market value of $4.70 is calculated for LYG -- a 34% premium to its current price.

Lloyds is by far the cheapest major economy bank sporting their level of return on tangible equity. And with no reason to assume the company is unable to sustain this level of performance, LYG is an attractive buy in this market. Furthermore, given the stock trades at a discount to its book value, the stock has a built-in margin of safety in the unlikely event that Brexit fears come to fruition.
Like any specialist sport, Formula 1 racing has its own unique lingo. But if youre an F1 newcomer, dont panic. Its very easy to learn - especially when you have the help of our extensive F1 glossary. From DRS to G-force, from oversteer to slipstreaming, and from tyre warmers to turbulence, it provides you with an easy-to-understand explanation of all the most commonly-used F1 terms and terminology. So get reading, and youll soon be talking the F1 talk like a seasoned TV commentator

107% rule

During the first phase of qualifying, any driver who fails to set a lap within 107 percent of the fastest Q1 time will not be allowed to start the race. However, in exceptional circumstances, which could include a driver setting a suitable time during practice, the stewards may permit the car to start.

Aerodynamics

The study of airflow over and around an object and an intrinsic part of Formula One car design.

Airbox

The engine air intake above the driver's head, which also serves as the car's roll hoop.

Apex

The middle point of the inside line around a corner at which drivers aim their cars.

Appeal

An action that a team takes on its drivers' behalf if it feels that they have been unfairly penalised by the race officials.

Autoclave

A device that uses heat and pressure to 'cure' carbon fibre, the primary material Formula One cars are made of.

Backmarker

A term used to describe a driver at the rear end of the field, often when he is encountered by the race leaders. Blue flags are used to inform the backmarker when he should let a faster car past.

Ballast

Weights fixed around the car to maximise its balance and bring it up to the minimum weight limit.

Bargeboard

The piece of bodywork mounted vertically between the front wheels and the start of the sidepods to help smooth the airflow around the sides of the car.

Blistering

The consequence of a tyre, or part of a tyre, overheating. Excess heat can cause rubber to soften and break away in chunks from the body of the tyre. Blistering can be caused by the selection of an inappropriate tyre compound (for example, one that is too soft for circuit conditions), too high tyre pressure, or an improperly set up car.

Bodywork

The carbon fibre sections fitted onto the monocoque before the cars leave the pits, such as the engine cover, the cockpit top and the nosecone.

Bottoming

When a car's chassis hits the track surface as it runs through a sharp compression and reaches the bottom of its suspension travel.

Brake balance

A switch in the cockpit to alter the split of the car's braking power between the front and the rear wheels according to a driver's wishes.

CAD

Short for Computer-aided design, the method used to design Formula One cars.

Camber

The angle at which a tyre leans into or away from the car relative to the vertical axis. Engineers will vary camber to improve a car's handling characteristics.

CFD

Short for Computational fluid dynamics, a tool used by F1 designers that uses complex mathematics and simulation to predict aerodynamic airflow. Normally used in conjunction with traditional wind tunnel research.

Chassis

The main part of a racing car to which the engine and suspension are attached is called the chassis.

Chicane

A tight sequence of corners in alternate directions. Usually inserted into a circuit to slow the cars, often just before what had been a high-speed corner.

Clean air

Air that isn't turbulent, and thus offers optimum aerodynamic conditions, as experienced by a car at the head of the field.

Coanda effect

The tendency of a fluid jet, such as airflow, to be attracted to a nearby surface. F1 aerodynamicists use the effect to help divert airflow to specific areas of the car, for example from the exhaust exit to the rear diffuser.

Cockpit

The section of the chassis in which the driver sits.

Compound

Tread compound is the part of any tyre in contact with the road and therefore one of the major factors in deciding tyre performance. The ideal compound is one with maximum grip but which still maintains durability and heat resistance. A typical Formula One race compound will have more than ten ingredients such as rubbers, polymers, sulphur, carbon black, oil and other curatives. Each of these includes a vast number of derivatives any of which can be used to a greater or lesser degree. Very small changes to the mix can change compound performance.

Debrief

The meeting between a team's drivers and engineers after an on-track session in which car set-up, performance and strategy are discussed.

Degradation

A term used to describe the process by which a tyre loses performance or grip. Different from tyre wear which concerns the process by which the tread is worn away.

Delta time

A term used to describe the time difference between two different laps or two different cars. For example, there is usually a negative delta between a driver's best practice lap time and his best qualifying lap time because he uses a low fuel load and new tyres.

Diffuser

The rear section of the car's floor or undertray where the air flowing under the car exits. The design of the diffuser is crucial as it controls the speed at which the air exits. The faster its exit, the lower the air pressure beneath the car, and hence the more downforce the car generates.

Downforce

The aerodynamic force that is applied in a downwards direction as a car travels forwards. This is harnessed to improve a car's traction and its handling through corners.

Drag

The aerodynamic resistance experienced as a car travels forwards.

Drive-through penalty

One of two penalties that can be handed out at the discretion of the Stewards whilst the race is still running. Drivers must enter the pit lane, drive through it complying with the speed limit, and re-join the race without stopping.

Drivers' briefing

A meeting of all the drivers and the FIA race director to discuss issues relating to that particular Grand Prix and circuit. Other subjects, such as driving standards and safety, may also be discussed.

DRS

Also known as adjustable rear wings, DRS (Drag Reduction System) rear wings allow the driver to adjust the wing between two pre-determined settings from the cockpit. The system's availability is electronically governed - it can be used at any time in practice and qualifying (unless a driver is on wet-weather tyres), but during the race can only be activated when a driver is less than one second behind another car at pre-determined points on the track. The system is then deactivated once the driver brakes. In combination with KERS, it is designed to boost overtaking. Also like KERS, it isn't compulsory.

ECU

Short for Electronic Control Unit, a standard unit that controls the electrical systems on all F1 cars including the engine and gearbox.

Endplate

The vertical panels that form the outer edges of a car's front and rear wings and to which the main wing elements are attached.

Energy Store

The Energy Store (sometimes abbreviated to ES) is an integral part of an F1 car's powertrain and ERS. Located in the fuel cell and weighing between 20-25kg, the Energy Store usually consists of lithium ion batteries. The Energy Store can store (or return to the drivetrain) 4MJ of energy per lap, although MGU-K (see ERS) may only charge the Energy Store with 2MJ per lap.

ERS

Energy Recovery Systems, or ERS for short, consist of Motor Generator Units that harness waste heat energy (from the turbocharger) and waste kinetic energy (from the braking system). This energy is then stored and subsequently used to propel the car. An F1 car has two ERS: MGU-K (which stands for Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic) and MGU-H (which stands for Motor Generator Unit - Heat). These systems are complemented by an Energy Store (ES) and control electronics. ERS is capable of providing 120kw of power (approximately 160bhp) for approximately 33 seconds per lap.

Flat spot

The term given to the area of a tyre that is worn heavily on one spot after a moment of extreme braking or in the course of a spin. This ruins its handling, often causing severe vibration, and may force a driver to pit for a replacement set of tyres.

Formation lap

The lap before the start of the race when the cars are driven round from the grid to form up on the grid again for the start of the race. Sometimes referred to as the warm-up lap or parade lap.

G-force

A physical force equivalent to one unit of gravity that is multiplied during rapid changes of direction or velocity. Drivers experience severe G-forces as they corner, accelerate and brake.

Graining

When a car slides, it can cause little bits or rubber ('grains') to break away from the tyre's grooves. These then stick to the tread of the tyre, effectively separating the tyre from the track surface very slightly. For the driver, the effect is like driving on ball bearings. Careful driving can clear the graining within a few laps, but will obviously have an effect on the driver's pace. Driving style, track conditions, car set-up, fuel load and the tyre itself all play a role in graining. In essence, the more the tyre moves about on the track surface (ie slides), the more likely graining is.

Gravel trap

A bed of gravel on the outside of corners designed with the aim of bringing cars that fall off the circuit to a halt.

Grip

The amount of traction a car has at any given point, affecting how easy it is for the driver to keep control through corners.

Handling

A term used to describe a car's responsiveness to driver input and its ability to negotiate corners effectively. A car that handles well will typically be well-balanced and not understeer or oversteer to any great degree.

HANS Device

Short for Head and Neck Support Device, a mandatory safety device that fits over the driver's shoulders and connects to the back of the helmet to prevent excessive head and neck movement in the event of an accident.

Headrest

The removable energy-absorbing foam that surrounds the driver's helmet in the cockpit. Three different grades of foam are used, depending on the ambient temperature.

Heat cycle

A term used to describe the process by which a tyre is heated through use and then cooled down. This has the effect of slightly changing the properties of the compound and can improve durability.

Installation lap

A lap done on arrival at a circuit, testing functions such as throttle, brakes and steering before heading back to the pits without crossing the finish line.

Jump start

When a driver moves off his grid position before the five red lights have been switched off to signal the start. Sensors detect premature movement and a jump start earns a driver a penalty.

Kevlar

A synthetic fibre that is combined with epoxy resin to create a strong, lightweight composite used in F1 car construction.

Left-foot braking

A style of braking made popular in the 1990s following the arrival of hand clutches so that drivers could keep their right foot on the throttle and dedicate their left to braking.

Lock-up

The term used to describe a driver braking sharply and 'locking' one or more tyres whilst the others continue rotating. Tyre smoke and flat spots are common side effects.

Lollipop

The sign on a stick held in front of the car during a pit stop to inform the driver to apply the brakes and then to engage first gear prior to the car being lowered from its jacks.

Marbles

The small pieces of tyre rubber that accumulate at the side of the track off the racing line. Typically these are very slippery when driven on.

Marshal

A course official who oversees the safe running of the race. Marshals have several roles to fill, including observing the spectators to ensure they do not endanger themselves or the competitors, acting as fire wardens, helping to remove stranded cars/drivers from the track and using waving flags to signal the condition of the track to drivers.

Monocoque

The single-piece tub in which the cockpit is located, with the engine fixed behind it and the front suspension on either side at the front.

Nomex

An artificial, fire-resistant fibre used to make drivers' race overalls, underwear, gloves and boots.

Option tyre

The second - and usually softer - of the two tyre compounds nominated by the official tyre supplier for use at each Grand Prix. Not expected in theory to be as well suited as the prime tyre to that particular circuit's characteristics, but may provide certain advantages in terms of pace or durability.

Out brake

A term used to describe a driver braking either too late or too softly and subsequently overrunning a corner. A common mistake made during overtaking moves.

Oversteer

When a car's rear end doesn't want to go around a corner and tries to overtake the front end as the driver turns in towards the apex. This often requires opposite-lock to correct, whereby the driver turns the front wheels into the skid.

Paddles

Levers on either side of the back of a steering wheel with which a driver changes up and down the gearbox.

Paddock

An enclosed area behind the pits in which the teams keep their transporters and motor homes. There is no admission to the public.

Parc ferme

A fenced-off area into which cars are driven after qualifying and the race, where no team members are allowed to touch them except under the strict supervision of race stewards.

Pit board

A board held out on the pit wall to inform a driver of his race position, the time interval to the car ahead or the one behind, plus the number of laps of the race remaining.

Pit wall

Where the team owner, managers and engineers spend the race, usually under an awning to keep sun and rain off their monitors.

Pits

An area of track separated from the start/finish straight by a wall, where the cars are brought for new tyres and fuel during the race, or for set-up changes in practice, each stopping at their respective pit garages.

Plank

A hard wooden strip (also known as a skid block) that is fitted front-to-back down the middle of the underside of all cars to check that they are not being run too close to the track surface, something that is apparent if the wood is excessively worn.

Pole position

The first place on the starting grid, as awarded to the driver who recorded the fastest lap time in qualifying.

Powertrain

The term used to describe the entire system providing an F1 car's power. The powertrain (or power unit as it is sometimes known) comprises of the engine, two Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) and an Energy Store.

Practice

The periods on Friday and on Saturday morning at a Grand Prix meeting when the drivers are out on the track working on the set-up of their cars in preparation for qualifying and the race.

Prime tyre

Of the two tyre compounds nominated by the official tyre supplier for use at each Grand Prix, the prime is the compound that is in theory best suited to that particular circuit's characteristics. Normally harder than the option tyre.

Protest

An action lodged by a team when it considers that another team or competitor has transgressed the rules.

Qualifying

The knock-out session on Saturday in which the drivers compete to set the best time they can in order to determine the starting grid for the race.

R&D

Short for Research and Development, the term describes activities undertaken by a team to develop or improve a system or component.

Reconnaissance lap

A lap completed when drivers leave the pits to assemble on the grid for the start. If a driver decides to do several, they must divert through the pit lane as the grid will be crowded with team personnel.

Retirement

When a car has to drop out of the race because of an accident or mechanical failure.

Ride height

The height between the track's surface and the floor of the car.

Rumblestrip

A bumpy, often saw-toothed strip of kerbing usually found on the exit of a corner to warn the driver of the edge of the track.

Safety Car

The course vehicle that is called from the pits to run in front of the leading car in the race in the event of a problem that requires the cars to be slowed.

Scrutineering

The technical checking of cars by the officials to ensure that none are outside the regulations.

Sectors

For timing purposes the lap is split into three sections, each of which is roughly a third of the lap. These sections are officially known as Sector 1, Sector 2 and Sector 3.

Shakedown

A brief test when a team is trying a different car part for the first time before going back out to drive at 100 percent to set a fast time.

Sidepod

The part of the car that flanks the sides of the monocoque alongside the driver and runs back to the rear wing, housing the radiators.

Slipstreaming

A driving tactic when a driver is able to catch the car ahead and duck in behind its rear wing to benefit from a reduction in drag over its body and hopefully be able to achieve a superior maximum speed to slingshot past before the next corner.

Steward

One of three high-ranking officials at each Grand Prix appointed to make decisions.

Stop-go penalty

A penalty given that involves the driver calling at his pit and stopping for 10 seconds - with no refuelling or tyre-changing allowed.

Tear-off strips

See-through plastic strips that drivers fit to their helmet's visor before the start of the race and then remove as they become dirty.

Telemetry

A system that beams data related to the engine and chassis to computers in the pit garage so that engineers can monitor that car's behaviour.

Torque

Literally, the turning or twisting force of an engine, torque is generally used as a measure of an engine's flexibility. An engine may be very powerful, but if it has little torque then that power may only be available over a limited rev range, making it of limited use to the driver. An engine with more torque - even if it has less power - may actually prove quicker on many tracks, as the power is available over a far wider rev range and hence more accessible. Good torque is particularly vital on circuits with a number of mid- to slow-speed turns, where acceleration out of the corners is essential to a good lap time.

Traction

The degree to which a car is able to transfer its power onto the track surface for forward progress.

Traction control

A computerised system that detects if either of a car's driven (rear) wheels is losing traction - ie spinning - and transfers more drive to the wheel with more traction, thus using its more power efficiently. Outlawed from the 2008 season onwards.

Tub

Another name for the chassis or monocoque, so called because of its shape.

Turbulence

The result of the disruption of airflow caused by an interruption to its passage, such as when it hits a rear wing and its horizontal flow is spoiled.

Turbocharger

Attached to the engine, a turbocharger uses an exhaust driven turbine to drive a compressor to increase the density of the intake air consumed by the engine. Denser air helps an engine create more power for its size. The residual heat energy contained in the exhaust gases after expansion in the cylinders of the engine is converted to mechanical shaft power by the exhaust turbine. The mechanical power from the turbine is used to drive not only the compressor, but also the MGU-H (see ERS).

Tyre compound

The type of rubber mix used in the construction of a tyre, ranging from soft through medium to hard, with each offering a different performance and wear characteristic.

Tyre warmer

An electric blanket that is wrapped around the tyres before they are fitted to the car so that they will start closer to their optimum operating temperature.

Understeer

Where the front end of the car doesn't want to turn into a corner and slides wide as the driver tries to turn in towards the apex.

Undertray

A separate floor to the car that is bolted onto the underside of the monocoque.

Visor strip

The strip of carbon fibre-reinforced Zylon that is fitted to the top edge of a driver's helmet for added protection.

Wheelbase

The distance between the centre points of the front and rear wheels. An F1 car's wheelbase influences the way it handles.

Yaw

A term used to describe the movement of an F1 car around an imaginary vertical axis through the centre of the car. Often talked about in conjunction with pitch (movement around an imaginary horizontal axis across the centre of the car) and roll (movement through an imaginary longitudinal axis along the car's centreline).

Zylon

A synthetic material often found in bulletproof vests which has strong anti-penetration properties and is used to strengthen drivers' helmets and the sides of the cockpit.




Perez makes amends with lightning lap one



Had he not spun his Force India into the wall in final practice, necessitating a new gearbox, Sergio Perez would have started alongside Nico Rosberg on the front row of the grid - and may even have been a victory contender. As it was, his five-place penalty meant he started seventh - but the Mexicans fightback began on the very first lap. When the lights go out he makes a clean, if unspectacular getaway, and maintains a watching brief as the Williams of Felipe Massa immediately ahead locks up and runs wide into Turn 1. The recovering Massa moves to inside line coming into Turn 2 as the Brazilian looks to fend off the attacking Toro Rosso of Daniil Kvyat. Seeing his opportunity, Perez doesnt need asking twice and he is cleanly around the outside of both cars - and up to fifth place - as he exits the corner.

Kimi crosses the line



Kimi Raikkonen effectively dropped out of podium contention when this move led to a five-second time penalty. Heading onto Bakus gargantuan main straight at the end of lap 6, the Ferrari driver is pursuing the third-placed Red Bull of Daniel Ricciardo - and understandably he looks to pick up a tow. What Raikkonen doesnt realise is that Ricciardo is heading for the pits for an early tyre change - and by the time he jinks right to pass the slowing Australian, its too late. All four wheels are inside the pit-entry line, which he then crosses, infringing the regulations in the process.

Gutierrez goes for the gap - and regrets it



Starting 14th on the grid, its not the best of getaways for Haass Esteban Gutierrez, who immediately sees the blue and yellow Sauber of Felipe Nasr moving ahead to his right. In his bid to recover Gutierrez carries too much speed into Turn 1 and locks up. The Mexican goes for only space available down the inside into Turn 1, but that space rapidly disappears as Force Indias Nico Hulkenberg justifiably keeps his line. There is contact and we can see front wing elements departing Gutierrezs car - as well as a superb save from Hulkenberg. The damage would ultimately force the Haas driver to pit for repairs on lap 8. Note also on the right the fast-starting McLaren of Fernando Alonso, who in typical style finds his way around the outside of several cars in the opening corner.

Ricciardo in reverse



He may have started from the front row, but it quickly became clear that Daniel Ricciardo would not be a contender in Baku. Red Bull had dialled out downforce from the RB12 in a bid to keep up on the straights, but the consequence was a struggle to switch on the tyres, forcing the team to move from a one- to a two-stop strategy. By lap 21 - seen here - Ricciardo was rapidly approaching the end of his second stint. His tired rubber, combined with the superior grunt of Mercedes-powered machinery, sees the Australian passed by not one but two cars in a matter of yards. First Force Indias Sergio Perez slipstreams down the outside for P4. And seconds later the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton dives to the inside into Turn 1 to relieve Ricciardo of fifth.

Round the outside



Few drivers made passes stick around the outside of Turn 1 in Baku, but this was one them. In what was - by recent standards - a pretty good race for Sauber, here we see Felipe Nasr staying to the right of Kevin Magnussen as he passes the Renault down the main straight. Magnussen has the inside line, but such is Nasrs momentum that the Brazilian is able to brake later and pull smoothly ahead of the Dane for P12, despite missing the apex by some margin.

Alonso versus Grosjean



Battling over 14th place as he heads into lap 42, there is nothing Fernando Alonso can do to prevent the Haas of Romain Grosjean overtaking on the inside into Turn 1. However, Grosjean gets momentarily out of shape as he exits the corner - a small mistake but one costly enough to allow the McLaren pull alongside and to retake the position into Turn 2. Good, clean racing from both men.

Three into one will go
Google this week announced a new Pride for Everyone initiative, which invites the world to experience Pride in 360 degrees.

For the past several weeks, Googlers around the worldincluding Tel Aviv, Brussels, Sao Paulo, Sydney, and Singaporehave been marching in local parades and documenting the experience.

The final VR video montage is available now to watch via YouTube 360 and Google Cardboard.

"Everyone has the fundamental right to express who they are, yet all too often we bear witness to hatred and violence directed at people who peacefully and lovingly pursue happiness," Arjan Dijk, vice president of growth marketing and executive sponsor of Gayglers, wrote in a blog post.

This effort comes less than two weeks after a lone gunman killed 49 people and injured 53 more at a gay club in Orlando, in one of the deadliest mass shootings in US history.

"Google's mission has always been to make information universally accessible," Dijk said. "And within that mission lies the belief that the more knowledge we have, the more tolerant, inclusive, and respectful the world ultimately will be.

"Pride is a time when those who have access to vibrant LGBTQ communities take to the streets to celebrate the freedom to live and love," he added, noting that only 52 percent of the LGBTQ population has ever participated in a parade.

Apple has taken a similar stance in the past: For the last two years, the company has released a video of the San Francisco Pride event, reminding the world that "inclusion inspires innovation."

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
Qualcomm is going after Chinese smartphone maker Meizu for an alleged intellectual property violation.

The US chip giant on Thursday announced it has filed a complaint in Beijing Intellectual Property Court against Meizu, a popular Chinese smartphone marker that's largely unknown here in the US, after failing to reach a patent license agreement with the company.

"Meizu is choosing to use [Qualcomm's] technologies without a license, which is not only unlawful, but is unfair to other licensees that are acting in good faith and respectful of patent rights, and ultimately damaging to the mobile ecosystem and consumers," Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm Incorporated, said in a statement.

The suit comes after Chinese regulators last year fined Qualcomm 6.088 billion yuan ($975 million) and issued new terms for the chip maker to license its technology in China following a lengthy antitrust investigation. Since that settlement, Qualcomm has signed patent-licensing agreements with several Chinese clients, including Huawei and Xiaomi, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Qualcomm said it "negotiated extensively" with Meizu to sign a licensing agreement, but the Chinese company has been unwilling to do so, all the while "expanding its business through the use of Qualcomm's innovations" without compensating the chip maker.

"We are, and have been, a good partner in China, and we are pleased to see how China's mobile ecosystem is thriving," Rosenberg added. "Chinese smartphone suppliers are succeeding both domestically and globally, and we are pleased to help drive that growth. Qualcomm looks forward to continuing to increase its level of commitment to, and investment in, China across both the wireless and semiconductor ecosystems."

Fledgling provider US Mobile in February took it upon itself to introduce Americans to Meizu and Xiaomi, but that idea quickly crashed and burned.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
The United Kingdoms decision to leave the European Union is expected to have an impact on global investments.

In an interview with FOX Business Networks Mornings With Maria, WL Ross & Co. chairman and Strategy Officer Wilbur Ross disagreed with the notion that the U.K.s decision to leave the EU will threaten his investment strategy.

The financials, which is our main exposure in the U.K., are mostly down about 20% or more and they have already been fairly weak for quite a while. So I think, adding on another 20% decline to what had happened before, over discounts the problem, Ross said to host Maria Bartiromo.

Ross says the markets large decline is probably an overreaction while stock volatility remains as confusion within the markets continues.

Stocks around the world plummeted in overnight trading as the global financial market struggled to identify what the Brexit result means for the slow-growing world economy. According to Ross, the U.K. should have remained as part of the EU as uncertainty surrounds the new leaderships strategy moving forward.

I think this will go down as the most expensive divorce in history between the U.K. and Europe. Its going to be very complicated for them [U.K.] to negotiate with the same bureaucrats in Brussels whom they just thumb their nose.

The U.K.-EU trading arrangement is a central economic battleground of the referendum campaign and any imbalance may cause a recession, according to Ross.

In every single year, in the last five, the EU has been the largest single find direct investment source for England. Whether that will continue, its somewhat questionable, he said.

From an investment viewpoint, the Brexit "No" vote is an opportunity for investors who believe growth opportunities are greater overseas than domestically. Ross believes the financial banks wont be hurt as severely as the markets seem to be thinking.

In a strange way, to the degree the pound stays low, that will make it a more attractive place for people to operate because it will stage their international competitiveness, Ross said.

Ross said the U.K. economy is a vibrant economy and its strength is demonstrated in the financial and service sectors.
Japan's financial regulator is monitoring foreign currency liquidity among the country's banks and brokerages ahead of Britain's closely-run referendum on European Union membership, sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

The Financial Services Agency has checked whether financial institutions have raised necessary amounts of sterling and the euro for their daily operations, the sources said, who declined to be named because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The regulator is wary of potential difficulties in raising sterling and euro should market volatility increase after Thursday's referendum, but does not have strong concerns about possible depletion of U.S. dollar supplies, the sources said.

The official result is due some time after 0600 GMT on Friday, but partial results and turnout figures will be announced much earlier. (Reporting by Takahiko Wada; Writing by Thomas Wilson; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
Opinion polls suggest that Britons have voted in a referendum to stay in the European Union, but the first few official results on Friday put the 'Brexit' campaign ahead, prompting wild swings in the value of the pound.

With results in from the first five of 382 voting districts, those in favor of ending Britain's 43-year membership had a small lead of 3,207 votes, though it was far too early to discern a reliable trend.

Opinion surveys pointed to a vote to Remain, and two prominent anti-EU campaigners acknowledged they looked likely to lose.

Nigel Farage, head of the UK Independence Party and a leading voice in favor of leaving the EU, told Sky News: "It's been an extraordinary referendum campaign, turnout looks to be exceptionally high and looks like Remain will edge it."

Farage said his prediction was based on "what I know from some of my friends in the financial markets who have done some big polling." Government minister Theresa Villiers, who also campaigned for Britain to leave, told Sky News her instinct was that the Remain side had won.

Farage's comments and pro-Remain opinion polls pushed the pound to his highest level this year, above $1.50. But it then plunged after the vote count in the northeastern city of Sunderland showed a stronger-than-expected vote in favor of taking Britain out of the EU.

Sterling fell more than six cents, diving as low as $1.4351 before recovering to around $1.4540 in extremely volatile and illiquid trading.

A vote to stay would come as a massive relief to Britain's 27 EU partners, who had feared the departure of the bloc's second biggest economy would weaken Europe's global clout and fuel the rise of eurosceptic movements in other countries.

Prime Minister David Cameron had urged Britons to vote Remain, warning that the alternative was a leap in the dark that would hurt trade and investment, bring about a self-inflicted recession, undermine the pound and push up shopping bills and the cost of holidays.

Advocates of going it alone said a 'Brexit' would invigorate the economy by freeing business from suffocating EU bureaucracy, and allow the country to recover its sovereignty and regain control of immigration.

Before a single result had emerged, a survey by pollster YouGov showed Remain ahead by a margin of 52 to 48 percent. Unlike a classic exit poll, it was based on online responses by a pre-selected sample of people rather than a survey of voters as they left polling stations.

Pollster Ipsos-MORI also put Remain in the lead, saying that surveys it had carried out on Wednesday and Thursday gave it a 54-46 margin of victory. An Ipsos-MORI poll published earlier had just a 52-48 split for Remain.

"It's early days and there will be twists and turns through the early hours of this morning but, for now, the markets have taken that YouGov poll as a strong indication that the Remain camp has won," said Jeremy Cook, chief economist at international payments company World First in London.

IMMIGRATION ANGST

A vote to stay would would leave the EU intact, with its most free-market proponent still a member. However, what began as a domestic political gambit by Cameron has polarized the country and exposed wider challenges facing Europe: public angst over immigration and the falling living standards of many in the world's richest region.

Marred by the murder of a pro-EU UK politician, Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed in the street a week ago, the campaign and its divisive rhetoric highlighted the populist wave also seeping into the U.S. election race.

A defiant Farage said he was not conceding defeat, even though he feared the result would go against him.

"I hope I am wrong, I hope I am made a fool of, believing that to be the case. Either way, whether I am right or wrong, if we do stay part of this union it is doomed, it is finished anyway. If we fail tonight it will not be us that knocks out the first brick from the wall, it will be someone else," he said.

Ralph Brinkhaus, a senior ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and deputy parliamentary floor leader for her conservatives in the Bundestag, told Reuters: "The released polls show the expected neck-and-neck race. It will remain exciting until the early morning hours. I hope that the British have decided against a Brexit."

If it votes to stay, Britain has been promised a special status exempting it from any further political integration, but European leaders will still have to address a sharp rise in euroscepticism across the continent.

A Brexit vote, however, would deal a potentially fatal blow to the career of Cameron, who called the referendum and campaigned for the country to stay in, against a Leave camp led by rivals from within his own Conservative Party.

"Thank you everyone who voted to keep Britain stronger, safer and better off in Europe - and to the thousands of Remain campaigners around the UK," Cameron said on Facebook.

In a letter, 84 eurosceptic Conservative lawmakers called on Cameron to remain prime minister regardless of the result. It marked the first attempt to heal the deep rifts that have opened up in the ruling party since the start of the campaign.

The signatories included prominent Leave campaigners Boris Johnson, the former mayor of London, and Michael Gove, a cabinet minister and personal friend of Cameron.

But despite the statement of loyalty, Cameron would face huge pressure from the country at large to step down as prime minister if Britons have defied him and voted to leave.

WEATHER DISRUPTION

Results are due to be announced throughout the night.

The vote came on a day when London and parts of southeast England were hit by torrential rain, causing floods and widespread transport chaos.

Five London polling stations opened late as staff struggled to get there, and two closed briefly because of flooding but were re-opened in back-up locations. Local media reported some voters had to wade through water to reach a polling station.

"In London/southeast and want to vote in the #EURef? Make sure you plan now to get back to your local polling station by 10pm!" the Electoral Commission said during the evening on Twitter as commuters struggled with train cancellations.

Among those affected was Johnson, who cast his vote with just 25 minutes to spare after returning to the capital from his daughter's graduation in Scotland.

"Let's see, let's see. It's in the hands of the people now," he said when asked how he felt about the vote.

(Additional reporting by Estelle Shirbon, Sarah Young, Ana Nicolaci da Costa, Michael Holden, Freya Berry, Ian Chua and Michael Nienaber; writing by Mark Trevelyan; editing by Mark John)
Image source: Getty Images.

China's largest ride-hailing and private transportation company, Didi Chuxing, just closed its largest round of funding to date, bringing in about $7.3 billion. That puts Didi's valuation at about $28 billion, with $10.5 billion in disposable funds.

Didi offers everything fromtaxi-hailing services, bus passes, ride-sharing, and private car-hailing services (similar to Uber) across 400 cities in China, with about 11 million private rides arranged every day.

With Didi's impressive rise in China, and its expanding presence through its own investments in other countries, it's worth taking a look at some of the company's top investors and why they're getting on board with Didi.

The iPhone maker is a fan

The most notable investor from Didi's latest round wasApple . The company contributed an amazing $1 billion back in May, which is Didi's largest private investment to date.

Apple is increasingly looking toward the automotive market as an area for future growth and Reuters reported that Apple CEO Tim Cook said the investment in Didi Chuxing would help Apple better understand the Chinese market. Aside from this investment, Apple is rumored to be working on its own vehicle that will debut in 2019.

Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty believes Apple's investment in Didi Chuxing is just one small step for Apple in the larger shared mobility market, in which Huberty thinks Apple could grab $400 billion annually by 2030.

Didi is benefiting from Apple's investment right now, but Apple could clearly benefit from the relationship down the road if rumors about its shared mobility focus turn out to be true.

Chinese companies are big backers of Didi

Didi Chuxing is actually the result of a merger between two Chinese ride-hailing companies, Didi Dache and Kuaidi Dache, in 2015. Those two companies were backed byTencent HoldingsandAlibaba, respectively, two of the biggest tech companies in China.

It's a bit unclear how much the two have invested in Didi Chuxing overall, but sources toldWSJrecently that both added more money in Didi's latest round of funding.

China Life Insurance -- the largest state-owned commercial insurer in the country -- recently handed Didi a little over $600 million in funding, which includes $300 million in equity and $305 million in long-term debt.

China Life and Didi Chuxing share a common thread of bringing Chinese companies together to further progress in the country. China Life Investment Holding president, Wang Junhui, told the Financial Times that,"We believe our two companies will achieve strong network synergies and complementarities toward creating more vibrant growth of the emerging 'Internet Plus' financial sector." FT noted that the Chinese government is keen on Internet companies and traditional companies working together to further the country's economy, which makes China Life's investment in Didi a perfect fit.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention China Merchants Bank in this list. The bank had previously invested $200 million in Didi in early 2016, and went the extra mile in the latest round by giving the company a syndicated loan up to $2.5 billion.

Big and getting bigger

The latest round of funding should help Didi expand its reach in China even further and shore up its position against Uber in the country. It's not clear how the two split the market. Third-party research puts Did at over 85% of the ride-sharing market in China, according to The Wall Street Journal, but UberChina says it has more than one-third of the market. That math, of course, doesn't add up.

There's been speculation that UberChina and Didi may have to eventually merge in order to grow, but Didi's latest round of funding will likely be used to hold that off -- at least for now.

The article Who Owns Didi Chuxing? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 calls on Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Small companies are riskier; big companies are safer. At least, that's the conventional wisdom. But size isn't always enough. It certainly hasn't helped the largest publicly traded U.S. oil company, ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), or the largest independent U.S. oil and gas exploration and production company, ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP), over the last few years.

The shares of both of these domestic giants were hammered by the stock market when oil prices collapsed in 2014, and three years later, their prices still haven't fully recovered. But that could be a buying opportunity. Let's look at these titans of American oil and gas and see which one looks like the better buy.

Returns on capital

An excellent gauge of how well an oil company is managed is its Return on Capital Employed, a metric that measures how effectively management has been using investors' money. So, to begin with, let's look at how ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips compare.

XOM Return on Capital Employed (TTM) data by YCharts

ExxonMobil has consistently outperformed its rival by this metric, despite both companies' returns having fallen -- and in ConocoPhillips' case, fallen into negative territory -- since the oil price slump began in 2014.

Now, it's worth noting that ExxonMobil, as an integrated oil major with both exploration/production and refining/marketing arms, has some advantages over the smaller ConocoPhillips, which is exclusively an exploration and production company. First of all, Exxon is a lot larger and better-capitalized than Conoco, and second, its refining and marketing operations have helped to prop up the business during the downturn, which means it has more capital to employ.

But these advantages don't change the fact that ExxonMobil has consistently earned better returns on its capital than has ConocoPhillips, so it takes the category.

Winner: ExxonMobil

Dividend

Oil prices seem to be mired at or near their current levels. And with oil stocks seeming unlikely to take off until oil prices increase, looking for dividend-paying stocks is almost essential for an oil investor at this point. A robust dividend will ensure that shareholders are earning at least some income while waiting for the industry's fortunes to improve. In fact, I would almost go so far as to counsel investors to avoid any oil and gas stock that isn't paying a dividend right now.

Luckily for us, both Exxon and Conoco pay dividends. But as with the rest of the companies' operations, the dividends are very different.

First of all, Exxon's is a lot larger. Exxon is currently paying a quarterly dividend of $0.77 per share, while Conoco only pays $0.265 per share each quarter. True, Exxon's share price is a lot higher than Conoco's, but Exxon's current yield of 3.8% is much better than Conoco's current yield of 2.3%.

Exxon's dividend is also more secure than Conoco's. ConocoPhillips was forced to slash its dividend by almost two-thirds in 2015, from $0.74 per share to just $0.25 per share. Exxon, on the other hand, is a "dividend aristocrat" that has been increasing its annual dividend payout for more than 25 consecutive years (and, in ExxonMobil's case, for more than 60 consecutive years). ExxonMobil isn't about to give up its coveted Dividend Aristocrat status now, so the yield, stability, and longevity of its dividend combine to give it the category.

Winner: ExxonMobil

Production

With oil prices mired around $50 a barrel, oil drillers have two options if they want to increase their profits:

Cut costs. Both ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips have already been aggressively cutting costs in recent years, and their free cash flows have improved as a result. The companies have also sold off underperforming assets to focus on profitable oil plays. ConocoPhillips has been particularly focused on asset sales in recent quarters, but ExxonMobil has made billions of dollars' worth of divestitures of its own. Produce more oil.

For all of its success, ExxonMobil has seen stagnant production numbers lately. However, the company has just greenlit a new offshore oil play in Guyana, which may help boost its production in the future. ConocoPhillips, too, is looking at lowered production as a result of its recent asset sales. Production dropped from 1.5 million barrel-of-oil equivalents per day in the first half of 2017 to an anticipated 1.2 million boe/d in Q3. Unlike its larger rival, though, ConocoPhillips isn't greenlighting big new projects and is instead using its resources to shore up its balance sheet.

So even though ExxonMobil's production has slowed, it's still in a better position moving forward than ConocoPhillips.

Winner: ExxonMobil

Investor takeaway

Sporting better returns, a better dividend, and a better production outlook, ExxonMobil wins this head-to-head matchup. For investors looking to invest in an oil company, in this particular case, bigger actually is better.

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John Bromels has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Image source: Getty Images.

Investors got a nasty shock Friday morning when they found out that the long-awaited Brexit vote in the U.K. had gone against them. Stocks had soared Thursday in hopes that voters would choose to remain in the European Union, but in the ending tally, 52% of U.K. voters chose to leave the EU. As a result, stock market around the world plunged. Based on current futures trading, the U.S. stock market will follow suit with a substantial drop of around 3% when it opens this morning. Already, several sensitive stocks are getting hammered in premarket trading, and Goldman Sachs , Freeport-McMoRan , and PPL are among those taking the hardest hit.

Financial stocks getting pummeled -- particularly Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs traded down between 5% and 6% as investors are focusing closely on financial stocks that have international exposure. Among investment banks, Goldman has a lot of exposure to international markets, with a sizable London office. The Brexit vote not only threatens to destabilize financial markets generally but also could lead financial companies in Europe to reconsider their presence in London, and that could be particularly disruptive to the financial infrastructure that Goldman has set up there. The investment bank has managed to find ways to profit from adversity in the past, and that might be a long-term saving grace for the company. In the near-term, though, Goldman will be among the more volatile stocks in the financial sector in the wake of the Brexit vote.

Freeport-McMoran swoons as commodities get hit

Freeport-McMoRan traded down almost 6% as the copper and energy producer took a double hit in its business. Crude oil prices fell sharply after the vote, falling around 4% to hit the $48 per barrel level, and some fear that the recent gains in crude prices could reverse themselves if macroeconomic uncertainty leads to weaker demand for energy products. At the same time, copper prices fell more than 3% in the wake of the vote, and as one of the world's largest copper producers, Freeport-McMoRan also has substantial exposure to the mined commodities sector. Freeport's gold mining business might get a bit of a lift from soaring gold prices today, but it wasn't enough to prevent a big downdraft in the shares in pre-market trading.

PPL hit by UK exposure

Finally, PPL was down more than 5%. The utility company that was once known as Philadelphia Power & Light seems like an unlikely candidate for a big down move stemming from an event across the Atlantic, but PPL also has extensive operations in the U.K., and investors worry that the company's Central Networks utility unit in Great Britain could suffer as a result of the vote. Big 5% moves are almost unheard of for utilities, so the drop could come as a big surprise to dividend investors who hold the stock primarily for the company's dividend yield of nearly 4%.

Many of the stocks falling in Friday morning trade could easily bounce back if the fears about Brexit turn out to be overblown. For now, though, shareholders need to be prepared for volatility and uncertainty to have a major short-term impact on their holdings.

The article Brexit Is Pummeling These 3 Stocks in Pre-Market originally appeared on Fool.com.

Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Image source: Getty images.

Investing in the best growth stocks can be spectacularly profitable over the long term. However, it's easy to make expensive mistakes when you're hunting for companies with superior potential for expansion. Investing is an art as much as a science, and there are no infallible formulas for picking the best growth stocks. Nevertheless, relative size, industry dynamics, and competitive strength are three crucial aspects to keep in mind.

Remember that good things come in small packages

Smaller companies are generally riskier than their bigger counterparts. All else being the same, the smaller the business, the more volatile the stock price. But risk and reward go hand in hand as far as the market's concerned, and investing in smaller companies usually means superior potential for growth over the years.

With that in mind, let's look at Shake Shack , a leading growth player in the fast-casual restaurant industry. There were only 88 Shake Shack stores at the end of the first quarter, 47 of them in the United States. Management is planning to open 16 new units this year, and the company still has enormous room for expansion in the coming years, both at home and overseas.

Customers love Shake Shack, as reflected in booming sales growth. Total revenue during the first quarter of 2016 grew 43.5%, to $54.2 million. Same-store sales, meanwhile, jumped 9.9% during the quarter, and average weekly sales increased 1.1%. While Shake Shack is delivering growing revenue at the store level, new store openings are clearly the main growth driver for the company.

On the other side of the size spectrum, fast-food juggernaut McDonald's has nearly 36,500 restaurants around the globe. This massive scale provides cost advantages and global diversification, but finding growth opportunities can be quite challenging for such a gargantuan business operating in a mature industry.

McDonald's announced a 3% increase in constant currency sales last quarter, while global comparable sales grew by a healthy 6.2% on the back of menu innovations. But while McDonald's is a sound alternative for investors looking for a reliable dividend stock generating predictable cash flows in the restaurant industry, the company is simply no match to Shake Shack when it comes to growth potential.

Search in the right places

You can find top-quality growth stocks across many economic sectors, but growth companies at their core are those with the right culture and drive, not necessarily the ones operating in a particular industry. That said, some industries are particularly fertile ground for sustained growth.

Back in 1995, Amazon.com was just an online bookstore, making only $511,000 in annual sales. Fast-forward two decades, and Amazon is an online retail juggernaut with a leading presence in various product categories, and the company is expected to make $134 billion in revenue this year.

Even more impressive, there's no sign of a slowdown in growth. Amazon registered $29.1 billion in sales during the first quarter of 2016, a staggering 29% increase in constant currency terms. Considering the size of the business, this kind of performance is nothing short of phenomenal.

Amazon is both the world's leading online retailer and the top player in cloud computing infrastructure, two especially dynamic sectors offering tremendous room for expansion. The market opportunity is getting bigger over time, so Amazon can sustain explosive growth rates in spite of its colossal scale.

Focus on competitive strength

Industry growth is a key factor to keep in mind, but competitive strength can make an even bigger difference for investors. Amazon is doing so well because it has a rock-solid competitive position in rapidly growing markets. However, even if the industry is growing at full speed, investing in companies with insufficient competitive strengths can turn out to be a spectacularly expensive mistake.

Not too long ago, BlackBerry was the top player in smartphones, an industry that's enjoyed considerable expansion over the past several years. Today, more than 80% of all smartphones around the world are currently powered by Android, and BlackBerry is just a niche player in the business. The company failed to capitalize on industry growth opportunities, with steep declines in market share over the years.

Overall revenue peaked at $19.9 billion in fiscal 2011, and sales have steadily declined since then, to $2.16 billion in the trailing-12-month period. This trend has been devastating for investors in BlackBerry, as the stock is down by more than 93% from its highs in 2008.

BBRY Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts.

BlackBerry should be an enlightening case study for investors in growth stocks. A company with a weakening competitive position should be avoided at all costs, no matter how rapidly the industry is expanding.

The article How to Pick the Best Growth Stocks originally appeared on Fool.com.

Andrs Cardenal owns shares of Amazon.com. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon.com. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
In the wake of the United Kingdoms shocking vote to exit the European Union, fears that the country could enter a recession spread around the globe.

David Malpass, an economist and senior economic advisor for Donald Trump, said he doesnt think the U.K. will see a major economic downturn, and believes the vote is an indication people are tired of globalism.

This is a big sign that globalism has exceeded its bounds, Malpass told the FOX Business Networks Stuart Varney. Remember Obama and Christine Lagarde, the head of the IMF, had both basically campaigned. Theyd gone to the U.K., said dont leave. That was the voice of globalism and that was rejected in the vote.

Malpass said he is worried that the EU is in decline, doesnt believe it is bad for the United States.

What we want is a faster growing world and the EU bureaucracy has stood in the way of that, he said. Its in the U.S.s interest to have Europe growing a lot faster.

He added he believes the outcome paves the way for better trade, and even more trade in Europe.

Many who supported the U.K.s vote to exit the EU cited migration and regulation as major deciding factors. Across the pond in the U.S., Donald Trump, who supported the U.K.s exit, also is focusing part of his financial plan on curbing government regulation to stimulate economic development.

You have to have more effective regulation, Malpass said. We have this giant government overreach that has a chance to be rolled back. Thats what creates growth. You get lots more jobs, meaning millions and millions of more jobs, if youve got the federal government more within its own boundaries.
Image source: Getty Images.

Social Security tax is one part of the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax, and it is assessed at a rate of 12.4%. This is split evenly between the employee and employer, and it applies to earned income up to $118,500 for 2016 -- resulting in a maximum Social Security tax of $14,694.

The remainder of FICA tax goes to Medicare. Here's how the tax breaks down:

Tax Overall Rate Employer Pays Employee Pays Income Cap FICA (both parts)

15.3% 7.65% 7.65% Social Security (OASDI) 12.4% 6.2% 6.2% $118,500 (2016) Medicare 2.9% 1.45% 1.45% None

Note: There is an additional 0.9% Medicare tax for high-income individuals, but this is not part of FICA. Rather, the additional tax is part of the Affordable Care Act.

Social Security tax

Social Security tax applies to all earned income (wages, salaries, bonuses, and self-employment income) up to an annual limit, known as the Social Security "wage base." For 2016, the wage base is $118,500, and this number can rise annually along with national wage growth.

Half of the 12.4% Social Security tax rate is assessed on the employer and the other half is paid by the employee. So if you earn total compensation of $50,000 from your job in 2016, you'll pay 6.2% of that amount in Social Security tax, which translates to $3,100. Your employer will also pay an equal amount, so a total of $6,200 in Social Security tax will be paid on your behalf.

On the other hand, let's say you have a salary of $150,000. Although 6.2% of this amount is $9,300, you'll only have to pay Social Security tax on the first $118,500 of your earned income, so your Social Security tax will be limited to $7,347, and your employer will pay that same amount.

Social Security tax is considered to be a "regressive" tax, meaning that it affects lower-income taxpayers more than those in higher income brackets. We've already mentioned that individuals who earn $118,500 or less pay 6.2% of their salary in Social Security tax. On the other hand, since only the first $118,500 is taxable for Social Security purposes, an individual with a $500,000 salary has an effective Social Security tax rate of just 1.5%.

In addition, unlike federal income tax, no deductions or credits are applied when determining Social Security tax. While many lower-income households end up paying no federal income tax whatsoever, they'll pay Social Security tax as long as they earn income. In fact, it is estimated that about three-fourths of taxpayers actually pay more in payroll taxes (including Medicare) than they do in income taxes.

When it comes to the Medicare portion of the FICA tax, no income limit applies; all earnings are subject to Medicare tax. Because it is only assessed on earned income, the FICA tax is also often referred to as the "payroll tax."

Self-employed individuals pay both parts of the tax

Because self-employed people are technically employees andemployers, they are required to pay bothhalves of the FICA taxes. This is known as the self-employment tax, and it's applied to all business profits, up to the annual wage cap.

It's important to note that the self-employment tax rate of 15.3% is only applied to 92.35% of net business income. This is because the employer's half, or 7.65%, is deducted first in order to make the calculation equivalent to how a regularly employed individual's FICA taxes are calculated.

For example, let's say I operate a consulting business and my total 2016 revenue is $150,000. After deducting my business expenses and other allowable adjustments, my net business income is $100,000. To find my basis for self-employment tax, I need to calculate 92.35% of this amount, which is $92,350. Since this is well under the Social Security income limit, the 15.3% multiplier is applied to the entire amount, which translates to a self-employment tax of $14,130.

The Social Security wage cap may go away, or taxes could go up

No discussion of Social Security taxes would be complete without mentioning that the entire structure of Social Security is likely to change in the not-too-distant future. It's no secret that Social Security is unsustainable in its current form, and something will have to change to prevent major benefit cuts.

Essentially, there are two broad categories of changes that could happen: benefit cuts or tax increases. However, the majority of Americans from all income levels, all age groups, and both ends of the political spectrum are strongly opposed to any form of reduction, including raising the retirement age.

Tax increases, however, are strongly supported. In fact, 83% of Americans are in favor of gradually increasing the payroll tax rate to 7.2% for employers and employees, and 80% are in favor of eliminating the annual wage cap. Therefore, there's a solid chance that any future Social Security reform package will include an increase in the wage base, the tax rate, or both.

The article What Is the Social Security Tax Rate? originally appeared on Fool.com.

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Image source: Getty Images.

Nearly every adult American either receives Social Security benefits or is hoping that they'll be available at retirement. But for many, the benefits that Social Security pays aren't enough. That's where the Supplemental Security Income program comes in.

The basics of SSI

The Social Security Administration runs the Supplemental Security Income program, which is designed to meet the financial needs of certain people with limited income and resources. SSI pays monthly benefits to those who are age 65 or older, or who are disabled or blind. In many cases, there is overlap between Supplemental Security Income benefits and the regular Social Security retirement or disability benefits that many people get from the SSA, but those recipients who meet the eligibility requirements can potentially get money from both programs.

There are several differences between the two programs. To get regular Social Security benefits, you or your spouse need to have worked for a certain period of time to gain coverage under the program. For SSI, however, no prior work is necessary. In addition, the funding for SSI comes from a different source than Social Security, with a separate federal authorization from general taxation providing the money that goes toward Supplemental Security Income payments.

SSI eligibility is often connected with other federal and state benefits. For instance, in most states, beneficiaries under Supplemental Security Income can also get medical assistance through state Medicaid programs to cover the costs of hospital stays, doctor bills, prescription drugs, and other health costs. States can tack on additional amounts to SSI payments, using the same income and financial criteria to determine eligibility. In nearly every state, food assistance is available to SSI recipients.

Qualifying for SSI

In order to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, you need to meet income and financial resources tests. The limit for financial assets is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples, but there are many exemptions in making the calculation. The most important are that you don't have to count the home you live in, one vehicle you use for transportation, and household goods and personal effects. Limited assets related to burial funds and life insurance are permitted, as are grants and scholarships for educational expenses and retroactive Social Security or SSI benefit payments.

Certain other assets also don't count for SSI purposes. Property essential for self-support is exempt, as is money saved in a special Individual Development Account. Proceeds of earned income tax credit payments, federal tax refunds, relocation assistance payments, and crime victim's assistance payments aren't included for a period of time from nine to 12 months after receipt. Certain trusts are also exempt. The SSA provides more information on financial resources at its SSI website here.

In addition, countable income above certain limits reduces the baseline federal SSI benefit that you'll receive. The first $20 of monthly income isn't counted, and the first $65 of earnings and half of all earnings above $65 for the month are also excluded. Tax refunds, home energy assistance, food stamp proceeds, and other need-based assistance are just a few of the many examples of special types of incoming cash flow that isn't countable as income for SSI purposes. However, Social Security benefits generally are included as countable income, whether they're for retirement or disability.

For any income that is countable, your SSI benefit will be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis. For 2016, the basic monthly SSI payment is $733 for an individual or $1,100 for a couple, which serves as the maximum payment and the starting point from which any reductions are taken.

Take advantage of your SSI benefits

Social Security is designed to help you make ends meet when you're retired or disabled, but for many, it's not enough. Supplemental Security Income can help those in need even further, so if you qualify, be sure to take the steps necessary to get the benefits you deserve.

The article What Is Supplemental Security Income? originally appeared on Fool.com.

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During the historic referendum where the United Kingdom voted on whether or not it should leave the European Union, many in the U.K. took to Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) seeking answers to their Brexit-related questions.

But a read of the most popular Google searches shows that many were confused about what Brexit was, where to vote or even when the referendum was. At the time of publication, the top questions were:

? How do I vote?

? What is Brexit?

? Who can vote?

? When is the referendum?

? Where can I vote?

On leaving versus staying, U.K. residents were mainly asking questions about the effects of a Brexit. At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night in the U.K., searches for the leave campaign spiked, dramatically outweighing the stay searches.

Within England, Google found that more of the northern regions were searching for stay terms, while regions in central and southern England ranged widely from stay to leave.

Google Trends has shown a 100% spike in searches related to getting an Irish passport after the Brexit vote. Trends also reported that searches for the British Pound have reached their highest point ever.

Globally, there is a fair amount of Google search-related interest in Brexit. In the U.S., the coastal regions exhibit more interest than central. Ireland ranks as the number one non-EU country with the most interest in Brexit. Outside of the U.K., multiple countries including Spain, Poland, Germany and France are searching for what is Brexit?, a sign that the lack of knowledge surrounding Brexit extends to outside of the U.K.
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John Ratzenberger played one of America's most beloved sitcom characters, Cliff the Mailman, on "Cheers" for 11 years. Since then, he has become one of the most-employed voices in Pixar movies, with a role in the latest, "Finding Dory."

But he's also a longtime Republican activist who will be appearing in four panels at Politicon starting Saturday and running through the weekend in Pasadena, California.

LifeZette talked to the actor, 69, about his opinions on the issues involved in two of his four panels at the weekend gathering -- his passion for the Second Amendment ("Tons of Guns") and his support for Donald Trump ("The Trump Panel").

Question: Does the Orlando massacre have any impact on making you think that there might be some reasonable restrictions on guns?

Answer: It's interesting to me that every mass killing so far has taken place in a gun-free zone -- and I don't think that's a mistake because these guys want to do the maximum amount of damage with the minimum risk to themselves. Florida's a gun-carry state, where you can carry a concealed weapon. And if you're allowed to do it [in the Pulse nightclub], all it takes is one person and the tragedy would stop before it could even start.

Question: But what are the odds that people will take guns while they're out dancing, or that kids won't touch guns if they're present at schools?

ABC gambles on game shows

Answer: I have a friend who went to school in one of the Western states and he said half the teachers in his high school carried a gun and everybody felt safer because of it. All the students knew it. They didn't wave the guns around, but he told me once when the teachers went to write on the chalkboard, you could see the jacket move and see the gun on the teachers' hip and nobody cared. It's a matter of what you're used to.

In the cities now, yeah, we've become afraid of such things, but a gun is like a hammer. It's a tool, and it's the person who uses the tool. I was a carpenter before I was an actor, so I always use tools as an analogy. A gun is a hunk of metal and it doesn't commit the crime.

Question: The family of the AR-15 inventor has said their father never intended for it to be used beyond the military.

Answer: These discussions certainly carry on without us, but how can you disagree? I don't own an AR-15, but I can certainly defend myself with what I do have. It's a good point, a great point.

Host of reality show 'Gun Stories' says firearms are misunderstood

Question: You're an avid Trump supporter. But his comments in the last couple of weeks have reignited concerns among the GOP and some supporters that he is heading for trouble. Are you still OK with him?

Answer: Everything's not fine. We're at war. It goes to the same point. We're in a war. The world of Islam has been trying to conquer Western civilization for the last 1,400 years. Look up the Battle of Vienna in 1863. This is nothing new. Don't forget it was a Muslim who shot Bobby Kennedy -- so this has been going on a long, long time. The people on the left -- I swear, they must go to work on a unicorn every day, acting like we're not at war.

The thing about Trump -- when someone jumped on stage to attack him, did you see what he did? As a man, you either freeze through fear, curl up and run away, or you turn and face the threat and go for it. He didn't have time to think, he acted instantly and he charged back. He met the threat. The Secret Service stopped him from getting at the guy and the guy getting at him. He didn't run away, he wasn't squeamish and that's the man I want to see in charge of us. Hillary brought us here into the war and that's why I gotta go with Trump.

5 great campaign comedies

The way you measure another man -- and this is Shakespearean, for God's sake -- is look at how they raise their kids. He's raised five great kids, and they could have gone in any direction with all they have access to. If you want someone to babysit your kids for the weekend, do you drop them off at Trump's house or the Clintons'? Who do you want watching your kids? The president is responsible for the well-being of your children.
More than 30 people who attended an event with motivational speaker Tony Robbins have been treated for burns after Robbins encouraged them to walk on hot coals as a way of conquering their fears, Dallas fire officials said.

Five people were taken to a hospital Thursday night, while the rest were treated at the scene for burns to their feet and lower extremities, Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesman Jason Evans said.

The hot coals were spread outside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center as part of a four-day Robbins seminar called "Unleash the Power Within." It's a regular part of some of Robbins' seminars; more than 20 people were treated for foot burns after an event in 2012 in San Jose, California.

Paul Gold of West Palm Beach, Florida, suffered second-degree burns on both feet that will take about two weeks to heal, he told The Associated Press on Friday from a burn unit. It was the second time he's walked on hot coals; the first he described as a "very good experience" at a Robbins seminar a few months ago in Florida.

He said the difference Thursday was that it appeared staff members didn't allow the coals to cool enough before adding more to the pile, which was about 3 to 4 feet wide and about 20 feet long. He realized halfway through his walk over the coals that he'd suffered burns.

"In hindsight, jumping off would have been a fantastic idea," he said. "But when you're in the spirit of the moment, you're kinda focused on one task."

After his walk, Gold, 44, said it felt like someone had "taken a hot iron and pressed it against my feet." He also said he saw a girl who was crying and others complaining of burns; his fiancee had minor burns.

"I'm not even sure I could do it again, because now I have this massive fear of fire," he said, adding later that he still believes Robbins helps a lot of people and that it was staff members who "weren't following directions properly."

In a statement to the AP, representatives for Robbins said about 7,000 people walked across the coals and only five "requested any examination beyond what was readily available on site."

"Someone not familiar with the fire walk observed the event and called 911 erroneously reporting hundreds of people requiring medical attention for severe burns," according to the statement.

One participant, Jacqueline Luxemberg, told WFAA that some people were not concentrating on walking across the coals because they were taking selfies and asking others to take video of them.

The fire walk is a voluntary experience and trained medical staff is on hand, according to Susan Thompson, a spokeswoman for Robbins Research International. In the decades that the fire walk has been part of events, very few have suffered any extensive injuries, she said.

Thompson did not know whether participants had to sign a waiver or what instruction was given by staff; Gold said he signed something at registration, but did not know what it said.

The 6-foot-7 Robbins conducts a variety of seminars  which can range from about $1,000 to up to $3,000  and "Unleash the Power Within" is described on his website as "designed to help you unlock and unleash the forces inside that can help you break through any limit," and those who do the fire walk are instructed to wear pants that can roll up and avoid loose-fitting or long-flowing clothes.

Robbins says on his website that he believes people who perform tasks they once thought unthinkable, such as walking across hot coals, will help them "conquer the other fires of your life with ease."

Robbins' celebrity has resulted in crossover appeal. For instance, he played himself in the 2001 comedy "Shallow Hal" starring Jack Black.
Bernie Worrell, the ingenious "Wizard of Woo" whose amazing array of keyboard sounds and textures helped define the Parliament-Funkadelic musical empire and influenced performers of funk, rock, hip-hop and other genres, has died.



Worrell, who announced in early 2016 that he had stage-four lung cancer, died Friday at age 72. He died at his home in Everson, Wash., according to his wife, Judie Worrell.



Throughout the 1970s and into the `80s, George Clinton's dual projects of Parliament and Funkadelic and their various spinoffs built upon the sounds of James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone among others and turned out some of the most complex, spaced out, political, cartoonish and, of course, danceable music of the era, elevating the funk groove to a world view.



With a core group featuring Worrell, guitarist Eddie Hazel and bassist Bootsy Collins, P-Funk maintained an exhausting and dazzling pace of recordings, from the hit singles "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)" and "Flash Light" to such albums as "One Nation Under a Groove" and "Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome." And the studio music was just a starting point for the live shows, costumed spectaculars of wide-brimmed hats, war paint, dashikis, military gear or perhaps a white sheet with only a fig leaf underneath.



Worrell was among the first musicians to use a Moog synthesizer, and his mastery brought comparisons to Jimi Hendrix's innovations on guitar. Anything seemed possible when he was on keyboards, conjuring squiggles, squirts, stutters and hiccups on Parliament's "Flash Light" that sounded like funk as if conceived by Martians. On Funkadelic's "Atmosphere," his chatty organ prelude, like a mash-up of Bach and "The Munsters," set up some of Clinton's more unprintable lyrics.



Worrell's contributions as a keyboardist, writer and arranger didn't bring him a lot of money, the source of much legal action and fierce criticism of Clinton, but fellow musicians paid attention. He played with Talking Heads for much of the 1980s and was featured in their acclaimed concert documentary "Stop Making Sense." Worrell also contributed to albums by Keith Richards, Yoko Ono, Nona Hendryx, Manu Dibango and the Pretenders. In 2015, he was a member of Meryl Streep's backing group in the movie "Ricki and the Flash."



"Kindness comes off that man like stardust," Streep said during a 2016 benefit concert for Worrell at Manhattan's Webster Hall.



Meanwhile, he toured frequently on his own and released such solo records as "Funk of Ages," and "Blacktronic Science" and most recently "Retrospectives." His other credits ranged from co-writing the soundtrack for the 1994 film "Car 54, Where are You?", based on the old TV sitcom, to his brief membership in Paul Shaffer's band on "Late Show with David Letterman."



In 1997, Worrell, Clinton and more than a dozen other P-Funk members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.



A native of Long Branch, New Jersey, he was a musician virtually from the time he could speak, trained to play piano at age 3 and giving public performances by age 10 with the Washington Symphony Orchestra. While at the New England Conservatory, in Boston, he became interested in synthesizers through listening to a group not otherwise known for its contributions to funk, the British progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer.



"I loved the `Tarkus album," he told www.musicradar.com in 2013. "Keith (Emerson) was the first guy I heard using the Moog. I liked the sound of that album and the things he was doing with the instrument."



Worrell met Clinton in the early 1970s and performed with him off and on through the following decades even as P-Funk had imploded by 1980 amid reports of drug abuse and unpaid royalties. He would remember P-Funk's prime as stressful, "circuslike," but worth it once the music began.



"When the band wasn't getting into arguments and fooling around, it was OK," he told musicradar.com. "There were family things that came up. A group that size, and everybody's living together, it's just like family. After they'd go through their antics and settle down with whatever was going on, I'd come in and crack the whip. `All right, let's do `Flash Light."'
Kelly McGillis said she plans to apply for a concealed carry gun permit after she was assaulted by an intruder in her North Carolina home Friday, June 17.

The actress, who is best known for playing Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood in "Top Gun," recalled the scary incident in a recent Facebook post.

"Upon entering the house I notice a pair of girls pink sandals and a black larger pair," McGillis wrote. At first, she thought it her daughter might be home and she called out several times for her.

"[But then] a stranger, a woman, came barreling down the hallway and began yelling at me. I asked her who she is and why she was in my house and she said 'you know why you've been stalking me in Twitter.' Not true."

The 58-year-old wrote that she keeps guns and ammunition in her home and was concerned one of the intruders had gotten a hold of them.

"That's when I started to panic" and "ran out the front door and called 911."

McGillis wrote that the intruder ran after her and "began punching and scratching [me] trying to grab the phone out of my hand. I began screaming as loud as I could hoping someone somewhere might hear me."

It was a Friday night so not many people were around, McGillis explained. She managed to set off her car alarm since she had her car keys in hand. "More fighting ensued."

McGillis ran to her truck and drove off. She eventually flagged down another driver who called 911 for her.

The intruder, 38-year-old Laurence Marie Dorn, was arrested by the Henderson County police and charged with second-degree burglary, misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor stalking, assault and battery and interfering with emergency communication. She is being held on $60,000 bond, according to her arrest report.

McGillis wrote that she was left "scratched and bruised" but is "very thankful it turned out well."

She added, "But who I feel heartache for is the little girl that was with her. Mental illness takes many hostages. I don't know her name... but I would like to asked that you pray for her and her mother."

In a separate post, McGillis shared her plans to protect herself from future invaders.

"I have decided to get a conceal and carry permit. And you can be sure I will be setting the alarm from here on out."

This isn't the first time McGillis has been the victim of assault; she and her girlfriend at the time were raped in 1982. She has said the experience led her to play the role of attorney Kathryn Murphy in the 1988 film "The Accused," based on the gang rape of Cheryl Araujo.
A team of doctors and scientists used a 3-D printed kidney to help save a patients organ during a complicated tumor-removal operation. The 3-D model proved vital for doctors at the Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City as it allowed them to carefully plan and practice the procedure, Science Daily reported.

Patient Linda Greens tumor was near an artery, veins and the ureter, meaning that doctors would have to take extra precautions during extraction. Dr. Jay Bishoff, director of Intermountain Medical Center Urological Institute and Dr. Talmadge Shill, a radiologist, used CT scans to produce a 3-D model of Greens kidney.

The organ was presented in two halves so Bishoff could determine how the tumor was attached to the kidney, Science Daily reported. During analysis, Bishoff detected a small nub that wasnt detected on previous scans.

"Without the 3-D model, the visual images of the CT scans would not have allowed us to identify this rub prior to surgery," Bishoff told Science Daily. "The 3-D printing technology allowed us to prepare a more complete plan for the patients surgery, show the patient the complexities of the procedure and what would be done during the surgery to remove the tumor and save the kidney."



Bishoff told Science Daily that while 3-D printing is in its early stages, it will help improve patient care.
In early May, a report was published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) declaring that medical errors are the third leading cause of death among Americans. Specifically, a retrospective analysis of four studies concluded that 9.5 percent of Americans who die each year are killed by a medical error. While I agree that medical error is a significant area of importance in health care, I find it hard to believe that this report holds weight.

To start, we must explore what actually constitutes a medical error -- is it a miscommunication between staff? Is it a failure to follow-up with the patient? Is it a wrong prescription or a surgical mistake? Or is it a combination of a few of these errors? A true definition of the term must be established before we declare that medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in America.

However, while I may disagree with the premature declaration, confirming that medical mistakes put our patients in danger is not a ground-breaking development. But, I also take issue with the study being retrospective, as youre not looking prospectively down the road, but rather, what has happened in the past. One of the reports analyzed dates back to 1999, which could seriously compromise the accuracy of the studys data.

Medicine today is extremely sophisticated and technical, and while humans and the technology we have come to heavily rely on will sometimes fail, there is also an increase in the amount of care we can offer. But despite this, any credible medical center still believes in the old adage of puting patient safety first. This has long-been the mantra of many hospitals leadership, and every member of hospital staff, from the head surgeons to the cafeteria workers and janitors, we must all be actively involved in making sure patient safety remains number one.

In order to do so, it is important that everyone act as a vigilante and speak up when a possible mistake can be avoided. In addition, the health record of the patient plays a vital role in preventing any medical errors. Knowing ahead of time the patients history of medicine, allergies or any underlying medical conditions will help prevent a prescription or surgical error that could be fatal.

Patients should also be aware of the steps they can take to help lower the risk of exposure to medical errors. Bringing someone along with you to the hospital who can act as a navigator or advocate to help sort information can be helpful, as well as asking questions and having health care providers explain any procedure, medication or treatment plan they are preparing to institute.

Patients should become familiar with the health care measures of every hospital and their policies including patient consent information and patient rights. Patients should also be aware of infection control procedures at the hospital they are receiving care in, such as hand-washing protocols, and deserve the right to expect only the best practices from their hospital.

To accurately gauge patient safety at our nations hospitals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health agencies should collaborate to collect data to issue a report. This would require the agencies to work in the same system as a hospital as far as transparency and communication go. It would be more beneficial to patients and hospitals if the CDC could gather specific information on what medical errors are, and categorize them accordingly so that we all could learn from it.

Accurate reporting on this topic could also benefit the public in the sense that we could better address the health problems we face. For example, the drug epidemic in this country could largely be attributed to medical error. If a doctor prescribes a patient a narcotic without first checking to see the patients history of addiction or other medications, a medical error may have caused the patient to become an addict. If a hospital received a report from the CDC highlighting this error, it may help prescribing doctors slow down before automatically doling out a prescription for another narcotic.

Another step must be taken to encourage transparency across state lines. If a hospital in Connecticut receives a report on prescribing opioids and painkillers that results in the development of a new solutions to prevent overprescribing, we doctors in New Jersey will have no way of knowing this.

I have been critical of the CDC in the past, but I truly could not find a greater meaning for the agency than to act as a facilitator between our nations institutions, offering a comparative report on medical errors to show hospitals and their staff how they are doing in relation to hospitals in other states. No such system exists, and without it how can we improve our health care as a nation? We must develop direct lines of communication between our health care centers.

I believe in our nations health care, and I know that we could be performing better. This report did help to slow many of us down who may have been on autopilot and forgotten the importance of small details, but the report also helped to highlight the bigger need for more transparency between our nations health care centers.

FOX NEWS REPORTING - BEWARE! DANGER AT THE DOCTOR airs Saturday June 25th 8PM ET - repeating at 3am. It airs again Sunday June 26th 9PM ET - repeating at midnight.
The British people have spoken resoundingly, and against the fear-mongering of many of their leaders and the not-so-veiled threats from ours. They have voted to throw off the bonds of their European Union overlords. Their vote confounded pollsters and has rendered the Establishment politicians, media and pundits on both sides of the Atlantic jaw-droppingly speechless.

Most will now scramble around in a tizzy. Some will issue dire warnings about the end of civilization. Others will try to elbow themselves to the front of a parade that has left without them. Let them.

A few weeks ago President Obama made a mistake in the lead-up to the vote. He traveled to London and threatened to punish Britain if it voted for Brexit. He said an independent Britain would be pushed to the back of the queue in trade negotiations, behind the EU and the Asian Pacific countries. It backfired.

The British people have spoken, and theyve chosen independence and self-governance. Its given Americas rising leaders, especially Donald Trump, the opportunity to offer a vision different from President Obamas and Hillary Clintons. Welcome, Britain, to the front of the queue.

Prime Minister David Cameron staked his political fortunes on Britain remaining in the EU, and he will not remain in office for long. This provides the opening for a new prime minister and the next American president to work together and resurrect the Anglo-American alliance. Clinton spoke out against Brexit before the vote, but she could still come around and accept the inevitable. Whether the president is Trump or Clinton, the promise is the same: Have us work together for our own sakes, and for the worlds.

Come next Jan. 20, Inauguration Day, the U.S. and U.K. can do what Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan did in the 1980s: reverse the course their predecessors set for Britain and America. They brought in pro-growth economic plans, cut taxes and halted expansion of the welfare state. They rebuilt Britains and Americas defenses, and they stood up to the Soviet Union and communism. The steps they took led to a generation of peace and prosperity for our countries. They won the Cold War without firing a shot.

But over the years our countries have strayed from that path, and from each other. Big government has seeped back in. Weve cut back on our defenses, weve made bad deals with others and our special relationship has gradually eroded.

We are both about to have new leaders who can work together again  economically, politically, diplomatically and militarily. They can bring back pro-growth economic plans. We can have an Anglo-American trade alliance. Our high tech communities, the best in the world, can work together on the next generation of computer-driven technologies.

We share a common heritage, language, work ethic and culture. We tend to overlook that sometimes in this era of nonjudgmental multiculturalism, but it is actually a really big deal. Shared values are the bonds that bind. We can reinforce each other.

We can rebuild our defenses and stand up to Russian saber-rattling and Chinese expansionism. We can work together to rid our countries and the world of the scourge of radical Islam.

We are the worlds best and most powerful examples of democracy. The British people just voted to take back self-rule from the faceless, unaccountable, arrogant, power-grabbing bureaucrats in Brussels. And if the last year of American politics has taught us anything, its that Americans are also in open revolt against what they see as the corrupt, incompetent, power-grabbing and unaccountable Washington Establishment.

The British people have taken back their independence. The American people will do the same in November. Fox Business anchor Lou Dobbs was one of the first to recognize the new wind blowing in our two nations, the once-silent majority speaking up against our political overlords. He was the first to notice that things had changed, and that the people of the U.K. and the U.S. were ready for a change. Its not a surprise that he called both Brexit and the rise of Donald Trump.

Trump didnt get deeply involved with the British vote, but he very graciously said when the results were in:

A Trump administration pledges to strengthen our ties with a free and independent Britain, deepening our bonds in commerce, culture and mutual defense. The whole world is more peaceful and stable when our two countries  and our two peoples  are united together, as they will be under a Trump administration.

There will be much uncertainty in the days ahead. Were in uncharted waters. The British economy may suffer a jolt, albeit temporary. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward. But the British people will now be free to chart their own course. And the U.S. will soon be, too. We should do it in tandem.

Every time weve done it in the past it has been an alliance that changes the world for the better. When FDR and Churchill worked together, they ended the Depression and defeated the fascists and won World War II. When Reagan and Thatcher teamed up, they ushered in unprecedented prosperity and won the Cold War without firing a shot.

Its time to get the band back together for one more glorious, prosperous, successful tour. Make America Great Again. Make Britain Great Again. Make us Great Again, together.
Its pitchforks and prison time in the UK.

Thursday's vote was another shot heard around the world. Except this time the British people sided with the American Revolution. They voted for a very Trump-like shocker -- to leave the EU behind and think Britain first.

Britains elites and political establishment just got Trumped.

The UK Brexit vote is the canary in the coal mine. Does the Washington, D.C. establishment understand what just happened in the UK? Do they understand the implications for our U.S. presidential election in November?

Brexit was a perfect model for our U.S. political divide. On one side was our very own Barack Obama, who campaigned in UK for REMAIN. On the other side was our very own Donald Trump, who was rooting for a LEAVE vote.

None of the so-called experts thought a LEAVE vote had a snowballs chance in hell. The big money was bet at London bookmakers on REMAIN. The UK media universally predicted "REMAIN" would be the winner.

But this time "the peasants with pitchforks werent buying the establishment lies (like they always had in the past). Just like Trumps voters, the working and middle class voters of UK were in a foul mood and ready to throw the tea overboard.

Just like in America, the cities and urban centers of UK, filled with the very rich and eliteand the very poor, minority and foreign-born immigrants (UKs version of liberal Democrats) voted overwhelmingly for the status quo (REMAIN in the EU).

Just like in America, the suburbs, small rural towns and citizens of the all-white countryside (UKs version of conservative Republicans) voted overwhelmingly for LEAVE. These were Britains version of Trump voters: working and middle class, native-born, white voters.

Just like a preview of Novembers presidential election, the white and suburban/rural crowd was angry, outraged and sick and tired of years of big government, big taxes, big spending, big entitlements, big debt, an insolvent government-run national health care system, a loss of sovereignty, and the disastrous importation of Muslim immigrants into the UK.

Just like the Trump army, they voted against political correctness and globalization. They voted for Britain First.

And something amazing happened. The peasants with pitchforks won. It all bodes disaster for Hillary Clinton and the Democrats in November.

The peasants are rising up. Just like in the UK on Thursday night, the lies, distractions and threats no longer work. The liberal media can no longer cover up the truth about what the left is doing -- it should be called the premeditated murder of the middle class.

Donald Trump has awakened the sleeping masses. But our version is called "America First."

The Washington elites, GOP establishment and big government liberals better get ready for pitchforks and prison too. Because that light at the end of the tunnel is the Trump Express aimed straight at them.

Britains Brexit vote just proved its the year of the angry white male.
Nohemi Gonzalez, an ambitious 23-year-old student of fashion and design at California State University, Long Beach, was eating at a restaurant on the Rue de Charrone during her fall semester in Paris when gunmen attacked and murdered her. She was the only known American among the 129 people who were killed in the Nov. 13, 2015, Paris terror attacks.

Last week Nohemis father, Reynaldo Gonzalez, filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California against Twitter, Facebook and Google, alleging that they are liable for his daughters death because they knowingly permitted the terrorist group ISIS to use their social networks as a tool for spreading extremist propaganda. The suit calls this material support for terrorism, saying that without social media, the growth of ISIS would not have been possible.

Gonzalez makes a powerful emotional argument. The world, and America in particular, is exhausted from the increasing number of terror attacks that have left us with far more questions than answers, and many of us are ready to stop asking questions and start assigning accountability.

But the basis for Gonzalez lawsuit has some major challenges, and he is unlikely to find relief from these social media companies.

Do Twitter, Facebook and Google have a duty to protect society?

The first issue here is whether Twitter, Facebook and Google have a duty to protect society, and whether they breached that duty. The answer (in the broadest application of that question) is yes. But the next element is causation: Did the breach by these companies cause Nohemi Gonzalez murder by ISIS terrorists? This is where Gonzalez runs into a real problem. Its almost impossible to prove the causal link between the tacit actions of these companies and the intentional, gruesome acts of these terrorists.

Gonzalez argument rests on the notion that by allowing their videos to continue to live on the World Wide Web, these companies were implicit enablers. But that argument runs smack dab into a direct collision with our Constitutions First Amendment right of free speech. That right includes hate speech, and thats why these companies don't immediately take down every propaganda video.

Once that speech crosses into inciting violence or terrorism, or in the most extreme cases actually shows horrific acts like the beheading of American journalist James Foley, then and only then can the authorities act.

Essentially, the immediacy that Gonzalez and so many others seek is delayed by a frustrating but necessary constitutional analysis of whether the propaganda being put up by terror hate groups is simply protected hate speech, or if it crosses the line to unprotected speech, which can be acted upon.

But that analysis takes time. Evaluating the content of the speech is likely what's responsible for the delay in taking the videos down.

So now what? While reconciling First Amendment protections with basic public safety seems daunting, its not hopeless.

In the wake of the Foley murder last August and the San Bernardino attack in December, the social media companies took noticeably faster action.

Twitter has accelerated efforts to quash terrorist dialogue, suspending 125,000 accounts since the middle of last year. In a statement, Twitter said it has worked to strike a balance between supporting freedom of speech and opposing terrorism.

Its a solid start, but it will bring little comfort or satisfaction to Gonzalez and the countless other victims of terrorism.

What we all can do is continue to call out instances of terror propaganda so these companies will not drag their feet or struggle to distinguish between protected free speech and the abhorrent, dangerous and deadly rhetoric and imagery that continue to take too many of our sons and daughters away from us.
Everyone knows that religion and politics are two topics one should avoid to facilitate civil discussion among friends and family. Yet both were the raison detre for A Conversation About the Future of America with Donald Trump and Ben Carson, organized by United in Purpose, which attracted more than 1,000 conservative faith leaders in midtown Manhattan this week.

I envisioned such an event more than a month ago, recognizing the critical moment in our nations history, the difference of opinion and response among conservative Christian leaders in this election cycle and the crucial difference that people of faith can make by casting an informed vote based on a biblical worldview.

The purpose of this gathering was to facilitate a meaningful discussion seeking mutual understanding between Mr. Trump and diverse evangelical and Catholic leaders, enabling them to be more informed about each other while also providing Mr. Trump the opportunity to better appreciate matters of importance to the influential and substantial faith community. United in Purpose plans to extend an invitation for similar dialogue to presumed Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton.

As Woody Allen said famously, Showing up is 80 percent of life. But for the candidate, it went beyond just keeping his commitment. We heard a certain amount of humility from the heart of the real Donald Trump, not his media persona or what the press says about him.

Noting that meeting with our group was the most important thing he could do, Mr. Trump spoke boldly, showing his identification with issues important to the Christian community. Those included selection of Supreme Court justices who support a culture of life; belief in traditional marriage as the foundation for society; religious liberty, including increasing attacks on believers standing for their faith; support for Israel as critical for Americas survival and protection; national defense; and immigration.

Mr. Trump repeatedly acknowledged that people of faith have lost many rights, which he plans to change. It will be my greatest contribution to Christianity and all religions to allow you to speak openly; you have a right to do that, he said. People walking down the street have more power than you, because they can say whatever they want.

It was both obvious and significant that Mr. Trump sat down to connect with our group in such a meaningful way. But perhaps the greatest import of this unprecedented event was that so many leaders came together from across the country to worship and pray together; to strengthen relationships; and to demonstrate unity in seeking Gods direction for the future of our nation.

Yes, we heard from Mr. Trump, and hopefully we will have a chance to have the same type of discussion with Mrs. Clinton. But that was not the overall point of the gathering.

At the end of the day, I dont want to tell people for whom they should vote, but I do want to tell them to vote. According to researcher George Barna[AR3] , over the past four election cycles, an average of more than 26 million evangelicals registered to vote but did not show up at the polls. Another 13 million are not even registered to exercise that privilege and responsibility.

I believe culture can be changed to represent Judeo-Christian principles on which our nation was founded, because Christians represent a sleeping giant. If we get activated and motivated and wake up, not in an angry way but standing strong on our beliefs and values, conservative Christians in America can make a difference.

But we must maintain a unity of spirit, even as each individual makes his or her own decisions as to who will be the future leaders in our government. May God help us to lay aside our logos and our egos to facilitate such a transformation across our nation.
Bernie Sanders began the work Thursday of passing the mantle of his movement over to the supporters who fueled his insurgent presidential campaign, urging them to wage the political revolution for real change long after this election  even without him at the helm.

Slowly but surely lowering expectations that he has any design to mount a last-ditch drive for the Democratic nomination at this stage, Sanders used an address in New York City to explain what comes next for the millions who backed him.

Its not about me. It is about people at the grassroots level, Sanders told cheering supporters.

Once again, the Vermont senator did not use the venue to suspend his Democratic presidential bid or endorse Hillary Clinton, who earned enough delegates to clinch the nomination more than two weeks ago.

But, with his hopes of somehow staging an upset on the convention floor all but faded, Sanders urged supporters to instead keep fighting for the issues theyve been pushing the entire campaign, including by backing candidates in other races -- and by running for office themselves.

What the political revolution means is that you are the revolutioners, Sanders said.

The Vermont senator cited a range of issues he hopes his supporters will take up going forward, including the fight to pass a $15 federal minimum wage, overhaul what he calls a corrupt campaign finance system and tackle income inequality on several fronts.

Our goal from day one has been to transform this country, and that is the fight we are going to continue, he said.  What our campaign has been about and is about is saying sorry, were thinking big, we want real change.

Sanders also said hell be fighting at the Democratic National Convention for major changes, including ending closed primaries in which only registered Democrats can vote and ending the absurd situation where superdelegates can ignore the will of their constituents by backing any candidate they want.

The Sanders campaign earlier Thursday also began soliciting ideas from supporters for changes to the party platform.

The rally in New York had all the energy of a standard Sanders campaign stump speech, even though Clinton essentially sidelined him from the primary race earlier this month.

But what has been clear for weeks now is that the Sanders campaign is shifting gears  more toward a fight for a progressive party platform and long-term changes than the nomination itself.

No longer taking on Clinton, Sanders is now talking strictly about issues and plans to start campaigning for congressional and local candidates. In an online address last week, he indicated he was getting ready to start working with the presumptive Democratic nominee in the campaign against Donald Trump.

Sanders openly acknowledged in an interview Wednesday he probably would not be the nominee himself.

Clinton, meanwhile, has wasted no time pivoting to a general election fight against Trump.

The two have delivered a string of dueling  and scathing  addresses, while sparring on a daily basis over the airwaves and social media. Clinton also is narrowing her vice presidential short-list in the run-up to the Democratic convention next month.
On Thursday the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. The British people have rejected the globalist project of the European elites. Prime Minister David Cameron, that project's chief British representative, has resigned.

"The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected," Cameron said.

"I hope America is watching, it will soon be time to believe in America again"

The historic vote can be seen in the context of a European-wide resurgence of nationalism and populism, a reaction to increasingly aggressive globalization of which the E.U. is a driving force.

Anti-EU feeling has been growing in Europe for years, manifested by widespread "anti-austerity" protests, resistance to mass immigration, and the rise of nationalist/populist conservative parties across the continent.

The vote will no doubt encourage and embolden Eurosceptic political parties in France, Hungary, Sweden, Austria, Germany, Holland and elsewhere. Indeed it already has.

"We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy," Dutch politician Geert Wilders said in a statement on Friday. The day before the vote Marine Le Pen of the Front National in France called for a French referendum, while the Italian anti-Establishment Five Star movement called for an Italian vote on the E.U..

Likewise it is and will surely continue to discourage pro-EU forces across Europe. Former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb called the result a "bad nightmare," while France's President Hollande and Germany's Chancellor Merkel held an emergency phone call Friday morning.

The E.U. has long been seen in Britain to be dominated by France and Germany. The Establishments of both countries were vocal in their opposition to Brexit in the days and weeks leading up to the vote. Merkel claimed in early June that "one nation alone will never be able to achieve such good results."

What those results are exactly, aside from loss of national sovereignty and mass migration, is hard to say -- the E.U.'s share of global GDP has been declining for some time.

Ironically, the flood of Muslim migrants into Europe for which many argue Merkel is directly responsible likely played some role in influencing the majority of British voters to vote in favor of Brexit.

"I compare Brussels to the Berlin Wall. If Great Britain knocks down part of the wall, it's finished, it's over"

The Telegraph is reporting that senior E.U. officials have also warned of a domino effect of states following Britain out of the bloc. Many predict an exodus of member states would signal the end of the European project, and the Brexit vote would be recorded in history as its death knell.

"Brexit would be marvelous - extraordinary - for all European peoples who long for freedom... Objectively, it will be the beginning of the end of the European Union," Le Pen said last December.

"I compare Brussels to the Berlin Wall. If Great Britain knocks down part of the wall, it's finished, it's over," she added. Symbolically, in the weeks preceding the Brexit vote Switzerland officially withdrew its application for membership.

The vote also has potential implications for U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump. The E.U. embodies the very same things which Trump rails against daily. It forces upon the British people mass immigration, unfair trade deals, and serves only the small, global financial elite.

"I see similar themes on both sides of the Atlantic - a strong sense of threatened national identity, anti-globalization, nostalgia, and a sense that elites aren't accountable," Wendy Rahn, a political science professor at the University of Minnesota, told Reuters on Tuesday.

PoliZette

On major issues, the man the Establishment loves to hate has changed America's dialogue

"The people of the United Kingdom have exercised the sacred right of all free peoples. They have declared their independence from the European Union and have voted to reassert control over their own politics, borders and economy," Trump said in a statement early Friday morning."

"Come November, the American people will have the chance to re-declare their independence. Americans will have a chance to vote for trade, immigration and foreign policies that put our citizens first," Trump's statement continued, "They will have the chance to reject today's rule by the global elite, and to embrace real change that delivers a government of, by and for the people. I hope America is watching, it will soon be time to believe in America again."

The Brexit vote gives Trump the opportunity to present himself in a broader context -- it proves that he's not tapping into some nasty, bigoted vein of American society, as asserted by elites in the media, but rather the desire, widespread across the globe, for national sovereignty, secure borders, and government accountable to the people.

"It's an amazing vote because the voters are angry," Trump said while in Scotland Friday. "They took back their country and that's a great thing."
Cuba is refusing to approve visa applications for members of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, according to the committee's chairman.

Members were hoping to leave on Friday afternoon to examine lagging security in the country's airports, which are set to begin making flights to the U.S. this year. The lawmakers were forced to cancel when their applications were denied that morning.

"We wanted to look at their airport security ... because TSA has been backchanneling to us that it's not adequate," said Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas. "So I attempted to go down there to just look at them, there were five of us, and they denied our visas."

Officials say Cuba is set to begin making 110 daily flights into the U.S. from 10 airports in the country this fall, but lack security measures that include scanners and bomb-sniffing dogs.

Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com
An Arizona Democratic lawmaker who once voted against welfare fraud protections in her state has been indicted on felony charges of defrauding the food stamp program.

According to the indictment unsealed earlier this week, state Rep. Cecilia Velasquez was charged with three felony counts: unlawful use of food stamps, fraudulent schemes and practices, and theft.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security began investigating Velasquez in 2014. According to the Arizona DES, Velasquez fraudulently used $1,726 worth of food stamps between 2013 and 2015.

This past February, Velasquez had voted against a bill aimed at giving the same state agency stronger anti-fraud tools  a program that could have quickly detected her alleged fraudulent activity.

Arizona state Rep. Anthony Kern, who sponsored the House bill, called the indictment sad.

It is appalling that an elected official representing the people of Arizona would steal from the poor, while consistently saying she is trying to help the poor, Kern told Fox News.

Josh Archambault, senior fellow with the Foundation for Government Accountability, pointed to the failed legislation as the kind of measures the country needs to tackle fraud.

There is so much low-hanging fruit to catch in this country when it comes to welfare fraud, and sadly, every day that goes by without reform allows for abuse and steals resources from the truly needy, Archambault told Fox News.

Velasquezs indictment was announced this week after an investigation by several state agencies.

According to Arizona Inspector General Juan J. Arcellana, the investigation began with a tip in November 2014.

The indictment of State Representative Velasquez is the culmination of an extensive multi-year investigation, Arcellana said in a statement. The forthcoming judicial proceedings will ensure due process for the involved parties.

Velasquezs office has not responded to Fox News request for comment.

The initial hearing is set for July 5 in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Hawaii signed a bill Thursday to become the first state to enter gun owners into an FBI database that will automatically notify police if an island resident is arrested anywhere else in the country.

Gov. David Ige said in a statement that the legislation is about community safety and responsible gun ownership. He said it will help law enforcement agencies protect Hawaii residents and visitors.

State Sen. Will Espero, who introduced the bill, and the Honolulu Police Department said the measure could serve as a model for other states. However, critics believe gun owners shouldnt have to be entered in a database to practice a constitutional right.

Most people entered in the program, known as the Rap Back database, are in positions of trust, such as school teachers and bus drivers Stephen Fischer of the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division said in May. Hawaii is the first to add gun owners.

Supporters say the law would make Hawaii a leader in safe gun laws. Allison Anderman, a staff attorney at the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, said the bill was "groundbreaking," and that she hadn't heard of other states introducing similar measures.

Yet others say gun owners shouldn't have to be entered in a database to practice a constitutional right.

"I don't like the idea of us being entered into a database. It basically tells us that they know where the guns are, they can go grab them" Jerry Ilo, a firearm and hunting instructor for the state, told the Associated Press last month. "We get the feeling that Big Brother is watching us."

The National Rifle Association and the Hawaii Rifle Association had called on their members to oppose the registration bill and the measure barring those convicted of stalking or sex assault from owning or possessing a gun.

"This is an extremely dangerous bill. Exercising a constitutional right is not inherently suspicious," Amy Hunter for the National Rifle Association, said in May. "Hawaii will now be treating firearms as suspect and subject to constant monitoring."

Despite pressure from the gun lobby, Ige signed the measure barring gun ownership from those convicted of stalking or sex assault and a third piece of legislation Thursday.

He also signed a third measure that gives police the power to seize firearms and ammunition if the homeowner has been disqualified because of mental problems, according to Hawaii News Now.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
At the same time then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was storing emails on a personal server in violation of the rules, her department twice received a "prestigious" award for its record-keeping practices -- an honor that, in retrospect, has watchdogs scratching their heads.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) gave the so-called Archivist Award to the State Department in 2010 and again in September 2012, toward the end of Clinton's tenure.

During the 2012 ceremony, NARA Chief Records Officer Paul Wester described the honor, also bestowed upon the Treasury Department, as prestigious.

How did State merit such recognition?

According to NARA spokesman John Valceanu, the award was specifically focused on its work related to the management of inactive paper records stored in the State Department records center.

But at the time both awards were given, Clinton was skirting records rules with her email practices, according to a recent and highly critical inspector general report.

It is ironic, to say the least, that the National Archives and Records Administration presented awards to the State Department for their record-keeping practices while Secretary Clinton was violating the law by using a private email server, said Alfred J. Lechner, Jr., president of Cause of Action Institute, a public interest law firm suing over department record-keeping.

At the beginning of Clinton's tenure, the department started using State Messaging and Archive Retrieval Toolset (SMART), a system that let employees preserve emails through their department accounts without having to print and file them the old-fashioned way for record-keeping purposes.

Clinton chose not to use it. While the Democratic presidential candidate claimed all along that her emails were being captured on the government accounts with which she corresponded, the IG report said that was not an appropriate method of preserving any such emails that would constitute a Federal record.

Further, the IG indicated Clinton potentially violated federal law when she left State without handing over her emails.

At a minimum, Secretary Clinton should have surrendered all emails dealing with Department business before leaving government service and, because she did not do so, she did not comply with the Departments policies that were implemented in accordance with the Federal Records Act, said the IG report.

The report also cited officials affirming that her private email set-up would not have been approved had she sought permission.

At the time, Clinton campaign spokesman Brian Fallon said the report still showed how consistent her email practices were with those of other Secretaries and senior officials, while urging steps to improve record-keeping. Though no official had a known set-up quite like Clinton's, the IG report did cite former Secretary of State Colin Powell as well for not turning over records when he left.

Lechner, a former judge, has joined with conservative watchdog Judicial Watch to file a lawsuit against U.S. Archivist David S. Ferriero and Secretary of State John Kerry for the alleged failure to carry out statutory obligations to ensure records were preserved.

They filed a joint brief on Monday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia arguing that some email records from Clintons private server have yet to be recovered by the department in accordance with the Federal Records Act (FRA).

NARAs Valceanu says they were in the dark about Clintons email practices at the time of the award.

At that time, NARA was not aware of the use of non-governmental email accounts by Secretaries of State, which we only found out about in March 2015, when the New York Times article was published, he said in a statement to FoxNews.com.

NARA was not completely unaware of potential record-keeping problems, however, according to an email released by the Archives chief counsel.

In a Dec. 11, 2012 email to colleagues, Wester asked for a meeting to talk about concerns that an effort was afoot to take her records to the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Ark.

Tom heard (or thought he heard) from the Clinton Library Director that there are or may be plans for taking her records from State to Little Rock, Wester wrote. Tom then got to asking questions about what we are doing to make sure everyone leaving the Administration does not leave with Federal records. I told him we are aware of the issue and are working on it.
Solar Impulse 2 lands in Spain, completes historic trans-Atlantic flight

By James Rogers, ,

Solar Impulse 2 became the first solar-powered plane to cross the Atlantic when it landed in Spain early Thursday.

Piloted by Solar Impulse Chairman Bertrand Piccard, the single-seater landed in Seville at 1:38 a.m. ET, 71 hours and 8 minutes after taking off from New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport. The trans-Atlantic flight was the 15th leg of the planes historic round-the-world journey.

The solar-powered plane flew at a maximum altitude of 28,000 feet and an average speed of 59 mph during the three-day flight.

Good morning #Seville! Do you have a lot of direct flights from #NYC?, tweeted Piccard early on Tuesday.

The 4,203-mile journey marked the first-ever solar-powered, electric and fuel-free flight across the Atlantic Ocean. In a press release, Solar Impulse said the plane broke several world records, pending approval by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), which oversees air sports. These include the altitude record for an electric airplane.

A larger version of a single-seat prototype that first flew six years ago, Solar Impulse 2 is made of carbon fiber and has 17,248 solar cells built into the wing that supply the plane with renewable energy, via four motors. The solar cells recharge four lithium polymer batteries, which provide power for night flying.

The plane is the brainchild of explorer Piccard, who is taking it in turns with his fellow Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg to fly the aircraft on its journey across the globe.

Designed to prove the potential of renewable energy, Solar Impulse 2 had already earned a place in the history books prior to the trans-Atlantic flight. Borschberg broke a number of records on the eighth leg of Solar Impulses 2 journey, landing in Hawaii on July 3 2015 after an incredible 4,480-mile, 118-hour flight from Japan. The journey shattered the record for longest solar-powered flight in terms of distance and duration. Borschberg also broke the record for longest non-stop solo flight without refueling, which previously stood at 76 hours and 45 minutes.

The message about clean technology is very important for our world, said Piccard, during a mid-flight interview with FoxNews.com earlier this week. Its not only about clean technology and renewable energy, its also about human adventure, its about trying to fulfill dreams, trying to do things that nobody has done before.

On Wednesday Piccard and Borschberg announced their intention to create the International Committee of Clean Technologies (ICCT), which aims to provide independent energy policy guidance to governments and corporations.

The plane has travelled 22,743 miles since setting off on the first leg of the trip from Abu Dhabi to Oman in March 2015, and has racked up 460 hours of flight time.

Prior to its flight from New York to Seville, Solar Impulse 2 made stops in India, Myanmar, China, Japan, Hawaii, California, Phoenix, Tulsa, Dayton, Lehigh Valley. The final leg of the odyssey is from Europe to Abu Dhabi.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/science/solar-impulse-2-lands-in-spain-completes-historic-trans-atlantic-flight
Politics frequently tops the list of trending topics as measured by Google, and today was no exception. Following Britain's vote to leave the European Union, the top two stories searched for on Google in the US were about the membership referendum.

Search terms related to the EU, the UK, and the economy were surging yesterday even before the final votes had been tallied. Gibraltar was the first area of the UK to declare its results, and following the victory of the "remain" campaign there, Londoners' searches for "Move to Gibraltar" spiked 680 percent. London also voted overwhelmingly to stay in the EU.

Ireland was also a popular potential escape plan for those disheartened by the vote, with a 100 percent spike in UK searches for "getting an Irish passport." After Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would resign today, "Who will replace David Cameron?" also spiked.

In the US, Google search interest in the referendum was highest in the Northeast and along the West Coast. In the San Francisco Bay Area, referendum searches were at an all-time high today, mirroring similar trends in New York City and Washington, D.C. Most of the South and the Midwest, meanwhile, saw little movement in Brexit search terms. (Google has been tracking referendum searches since February and normalizes them on a 0-100 scale).

Worldwide, Google searchers were worried about the economic impacts of the decision. Search interest in "pound sterling," the UK's currency, reached its highest level globally since 2004, according to Google trends. There was also a 500 percent spike in searches for "buy gold."

On Twitter, meanwhile, people expressed their elation and apprehension about the decision to leave. US presidential candidate Donald Trump was in Scotland during the vote, and tweeted, "They took their country back, just like we will take America back. No games!" Scotland, though, was one of the areas of the UK where the "stay" vote had a significant majority.

It remains to be seen how the vote will affect the tech industry. In a statement, UK-based ARM said "Brexit will not have a significant impact on our business as almost all of our earnings come from outside the EU zone, but we will watch the negotiations closely, particularly on the subject of visas, as we employ approximately 200 non-UK EU citizens at our Cambridge headquarters. We may lose some EU research grants but these have represented less than one percent of our R&D spend in the last three years and we hope to see this picked up by the UK Government."

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
The latest Top500 list of the most powerful supercomputers on the planet saw China snatch the top spot away from the United States. Now, there's word that an IBM is working to put the U.S. back on top.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory will apparently receive an IBM system known as Summit in early 2018, according to a report from Computerworld. While that would mean China could retain its title three more times in the interim, the computer far outclasses the reigning champion.

Top500 named the Sunway TaihuLight as the most powerful computer in the world as a result of its Linpack benchmark score of 73 petaflops. However, the system could theoretically reach a speed of up to 124.5 petaflops. Compare that to the horsepower expected of Summit: the rig will utilize IBM Power9 CPUs and Nvidia Volta GPUs to reach a theoretical peak of 200 petaflops.

This would suggest that Summit could outpace TaihuLight in future tests by Top500, although of course the benchmark wouldn't be implemented if its results always followed theoretical speeds. The Linpack system puts supercomputers through their paces in situations that mimic real-world usage, in an attempt to verify their practical application.

A computer from the U.S. did manage to clinch third place in the most recent edition of Top500's ranking. The bronze medal went to Titan, a system that achieved a speed of 17 petaflops and is currently situated at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the same lab that will receive Summit around eighteen months from now.

However, the most powerful supercomputer in the world isn't the only title that the U.S. hopes to contest in coming years. China also edged ahead in terms of the number of computers on the list, but projects currently in development could contribute to the balance shifting in the near future; an IBM system capable of 150 petaflops is being prepped for the Lawrence Livermore National Lab, and the Argonne National Laboratory is set to receive a system built around components from Cray and Intel.
Hundreds of thousands of British expatriates living in Spain awoke to the news of a Brexit victory with a mixture of shock and joy.

About a million Britons live all, or part of the time, in Spain and most were expected to support the Leave campaign, though Brexit has proved a divisive issue; many who live and work there were dismayed today.

Johnnie Langton, who is originally from Newcastle and owner of Johnnies Bar, a tourist bar in Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol, said: This is really bad news, I cant believe they have really done it. It is going to have an immediate effect on British people like me who have a UK pension but live in Spain after the pound fell.

For anyone coming here as a tourist the price of a beer has gone up, renting a holiday apartment has suddenly become more dear. Longer term, I dont know how it is going to affect peoples ability to work here and their access to health care.

Click here for more from The Times of London.
FUBU founder Daymond John has a captive audience while acting as a judge on ABC's Shark Tank. Today, his reach extended beyond that when he took over the White House's official weekly email.

John participated, alongside President Barack Obama, in the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit that took place today in San Francisco. His appointment as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) will also be renewed, according to a spokesperson.

Related: 3 Free Things Shark Tank's Daymond John Says You Must Do to Help Your Startup Survive

Here's the full letter:

When I was 20, living in my mom's house, the new sound of hip hop was breaking out from the streets to the stores. Records were flying off the shelves, and although my community was underserved in resource, we were rich with hustle. I knew it was time for a brand that represented this rise and movement -- a brand that was "For Us By Us."

But I was broke, with no guidance on how to make my dream a reality. So I started sewing and stitching at night. I made 40 hats -- and my brand FUBU was born. At the time, I didn't know how to access capital or source material. I didn't know how to build a business.

So I got my neighbor, L.L. Cool J, to take a photo wearing a FUBU hat. I spent my last dollars mailing that photo to trade buyers. It was my big break. Suddenly, every major music artist was begging to wear my swag and I amassed over $300,000 in orders. To meet demand, my three partners and I transformed my childhood home into a full-on clothing factory. I learned to exercise what I call "The Power of Broke." By harnessing that power and that drive, I managed to turn FUBU into a multi-billion dollar iconic brand.

The challenges I faced and the journey I took mirror the potential of millions of young entrepreneurs here and around the world. They have the drive and spirit to imagine, innovate, and create -- but we must all come together in order to keep lifting them up.

That's why, in 2015, I became a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE), working with the White House to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs across the globe, providing opportunities and pathways to capital and skills, and helping to inspire success in others.

This year I am proud to travel with President Obama to the seventh annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) at Stanford University. With over 700 entrepreneurs from 170 countries and 350 investors in attendance, we're bringing the world to Silicon Valley and Silicon Valley to the world.

I'm excited to meet people like Sumana Shrestha, who started Medication for Nepal, an organization that uses technology to tackle inefficiencies and high health care costs, ensuring medical access for the most vulnerable populations in her country. And Evans Wadongo from Kenya, the co-founder of GreenWize Energy, which is advancing cutting edge African-designed renewable energy products and solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Whats dangerous is not to evolve, not invent, not improve the customer experience, Jeff Bezos once said in an interview. This declaration pretty much sums up why the CEO and founder of Amazon is a powerhouse of a leader and innovator.

But, lets not gloss over the fact that alongside his phenomenal rise, Bezos, who also owns a private rocket ship company Blue Origins and The Washington Post, has acquired a reputation for being ruthless, competitive and having ice water in his veins, according to a less-than-flattering article describing a punishing work culture that ran in The New York Times last August,

In response to the story, the tech boss, worth upwards of $60 billion, wrote a company memo, reports Geekwire, part of which read:

The article doesnt describe the Amazon I know or the caring Amazonians I work with every day. But if you know of any stories like those reported, I want you to escalate to HR, he states, adding, I strongly believe that anyone working in a company that really is like the one described in the NYT would be crazy to stay. I know I would leave such a company.

Face it, theres likely some degree of truth to whats been written. Bezos is notoriously intense and during his days as a hedge fund wunderkind, he kept a sleeping bag in his office. But you cant deny that while the 52-year-old Princeton graduate may have some tough qualities to swallow, he undeniably embodies courage, innovation and big-picture thinking -- all of which forged Amazon into the massive global online one-stop-shop it is today, reportedly worth $250 billion as of 2015.

Related: Data-Driven: What Amazons Jeff Bezos Taught Me About Running a Company

And evolve with courage he does.

First, in his business model: The computer science and electrical engineering graduate has been relentless in his obsession with improving the customer experience and transforming Amazon from its early days when he launched it in 1995 as an online books marketplace. According to Biography, the startup sold $20,000 worth of books a week across 45 countries in two months and without marketing.

The company went public in 1997. Along with raising the Amazon customer experience, so that they could access customer service representatives at any time of the day, Bezos was also instrumental in adding an extremely profitable web hosting arm of Amazon, which brought in $7.8 billion in sales in 2015. He lead the push to establish ebooks as the market norm. Amazon has added producing original film and television content to its instant streaming options -- watch your back, Netflix -- and rolled out a monthly subscription model in April, according to CNN Money.

To boot, hes been funding Blue Origins at a reported $500 million annually, which recently had a successful launch of a reusable rocket booster this June.

However, its with his ownership of the flailing Washington Post, which he purchased for $250 million in 2013, which has contributed to another evolution: His image.

With the purchase, the somewhat private Bezos begun to show another side. Its not exactly warm and fuzzy but definitely more human. When one of the newspapers reporters Jason Rezaian was released after being imprisoned in Iran for 18 months on charges of espionage, Bezos flew in his private jet to greet him. He then flew both Rezaian and his family to the Florida Keys at the freed reporters behest.

Bezos hasnt been afraid of employing his consistent business model of new ideas and expansion with the Post. Since his acquisition of the publication, it surpassed The New York Times in unique traffic last year for the first time and traffic has tripled since his takeover -- a fact largely attributed to his aggressive approach using technology and social media along with Bezoss mandate to experiment, says The Wall Street Journal.

One of those experiments is a plan to publish all articles using Facebooks Instant Articles, part of Bezoss focus on improvements on the distribution strategies, tech upgrades and new digital products.

Even the newspapers executive editor, Marty Baron, an old-school curmudgeon, said to Fortune that Bezos has breathed new life into the publication and his chief editorial contribution has been to push us into the recognition that living in the world of the Internet is different from living in a print world.

Entrepreneurs can learn so much about how to lead a business -- without forsaking humanity -- from Bezos.

Here are four more great lessons in courage we can take away from this tech titan.

Related: 5 Things Jeff Bezos Does Other Than Work

1. Dont be afraid to hard pivot.

Brent Lewis | Getty Images

Bezos is a data-driven guy and a risk taker -- a powerful combination for decision making.

He did a hard pivot when he left his cushy job in 1994 as senior vice president of D.E. Shaw & Co., a successful hedge fund, to take a gamble and get into the space of e-commerce and books.

He first got the idea to start an internet enterprise in 1994, after surfing the internet in search of new ventures for D.E. Shaw & Co. to invest in, he came across the statistic that World Wide Web usage was growing by 2,300 percent a month, according to Entrepreneur,

Not one to shy away from opportunity, he recognized the opportunities of online sales and compiled a list of 20 possible products that might sell well on the internet -- books was on the list, along with CDs and software.

Suffice it to say, he ran with books. It was so successful that at one point the growth of sales was outpacing his book supplies. Bezos had to purchase books from Barnes & Noble to keep up with orders.

Another hard pivot?

Hed thought of naming Amazon Relentless.com or Cadabra.com. Were ever so pleased he didnt.

2. Invest in the long term -- not quarter to quarter.

Win McNamee | Getty Images

Bezos is a big picture guy. You have to be to invest in private space exploration -- a high-risk sector.

Hes been an investor in Blue Origins for 16 years -- before space-exploration rival Elon Musk got into the mix -- and he funds it out of his own pocket to the cool tune of $500 million a year.

In June, Blue Origins successfully sent a reusable rocket booster to space and according to the companys president, there are plans to begin taking reservations for passengers to travel into the earths orbit (something Elon Musks SpaceX had already done).

We think well start flying passengers in 2017, says Rob Meyerson, the president of his space exploration company Blue Origins. These will be test engineers. Then well sell tickets. I imagine Jeff and I will fly in the 2018-ish time frame.

Related: Jeff Bezos

3. Dont paint-by-numbers.

The India Today Group | Getty Images

Bezos does not do PowerPoint. Instead, he has a more unconventional approach of how to pitch ideas at meetings and present them.

He requests that his employees write a four-to-six-page narrative before the meeting and distribute it to everyone who is attending for them to read for the first 20 minutes of the meeting, according to Business Insider. Afterwards, whoever is presenting fields questions. While its definitely a unique method of presenting ideas, Bezos believes it forces careful consideration of an idea before bringing it to his attention -- something a PowerPoint presentation just doesnt accomplish.

PowerPoint-style presentations somehow give permission to gloss over ideas, flatten out any sense of relative importance, and ignore the interconnectedness of ideas, he wrote in a 2004 memo explaining his decision to purge PowerPoint from Amazon.

At his company Blue Origins, its president Meyerson was reluctant to engage in this practice. However, he relented. And now he admits to being a  complete convert.

4. Evolve, evolve, evolve.

Emmanuel Dunand | Getty Images

Bezos took his mantra, Whats dangerous is not to evolve and applied it to his leadership when he bought The Washington Post in 2013. The publication, while old-school and respected, had long been failing in terms of readership and expansion.

Two points of evolution for this endeavor? Hes already increased web traffic growth and brought new ideas.

The first is in part due to him integrating aggregation content into the site. Bezos did so after seeing that aggregator sites were getting more traffic by summing up articles from the Post than the publication got writing them.

As for ideas, Bezos gave funding to PostEverything, a millennial-focused site for experts to publish their opinions. He is also trying an experiment where in lieu of running costly global news bureaus, hes instituted an automated web hub that connects The Post to hundreds of freelancers in the U.S. who can be assigned articles.

Will it work? Who knows. Lets be like Bezos and see.
New technologies are remaking the workplace just as the Millennial Generation overtakes the workforce from Generation X and the Baby Boomers before them. This transformation of the business world is reshaping the nature of work and ushering in a need for updated management strategies.

The Millennials -- born from 1980 to 1999 -- surpassed Generation X in 2015 to become the largest share of the American workforce for the first time, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census bureau data. In fact, one-in-three employees last year were Millennials aged 18 to 34.

Millennials are the first generation to grow up exclusively on computers and smartphones, so they enjoy a special relationship with technology. Some studies indicate that this generation may even be rewiring their brains through extensive multi-tasking, such as by text messaging while listening to music and also performing their work duties, according to The Millennial Generation Research Review by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Millennials tend to combine self-interest and ambition with a desire to make the world a better place. Nearly half of Millennials (44 percent) would leave their current employers in the next two years if given the choice, according to the Deloitte Millennial Survey 2016. Fully two-thirds of Millennials would leave their current employers by 2020 if given the choice.

Related: 5 Ways Millennials Are Like No Generation Before Them

Given such high potential for turnover, businesses have a strong incentive to provide an inviting work environment that attracts talented young employees to stay on staff and thrive. That doesnt mean every company must allow pets in the office or put a ping-pong table in the dining area. But it does mean that managers should actively engage their employees to understand what policies and procedures are not working for the Millennial mindset.

Whats new and different about Millennials?

For Millennials, the lines between the personal and the professional have been permanently blurred. The days are over for separating ones work life from home life, or even maintaining some basic level of work/life balance.

In large part, these changes are due to the ubiquity of mobile smartphones and digital communications. Millennials have become accustomed to getting their personal messages in the workplace. Companies that hope to retain their best talent can no longer enforce bans on personal messages at work. At the same time, Millennials feel comfortable taking business messages on mobile devices at home or on the go. The boundaries between work and home are not so much porous as they are nonexistent anymore.

Millennials are also easily frustrated by bosses who equate employee performance with the number of hours spent at an office desk. This dynamic is causing many workers to request new metrics that better gauge their effectiveness.

Managers are also finding it harder to enforce a strict nine to five work schedule. More employers are adopting flexible schedules to accommodate working from home, or theyre giving employees flex-time to attend family events and personal activities outside the office.

Of course it is important to provide clear instructions for project goals and deadlines. But once those guidelines are in place, managers should give employees some leeway -- for instance, to work at the local hipster coffee shop, if that makes them feel more productive. Of course such allowances require that people consistently meet or exceed their performance targets.

Millennials also arent satisfied with standard annual reviews. They prefer more frequent informal feedback from their managers, just as they expect rapid replies to their text messages. They also believe that their merit deserves to be rewarded with timely career advancements.

Managers can benefit by encouraging Millennials to leverage their innate grasp of technology at work, and not just by troubleshooting computer problems for colleagues. Workers should have an ability to test out new apps, or to suggest new ways of organizing shared information through cloud-based services. Leaders need to consider the adoption of new technologies that will enable the business to become more efficient and competitive.

Related: How to Motivate Millennials, By Millennials

Rethinking ways to motivate Millennials.

To create a strategic people plan, it is critical to grasp both the personal and professional aspirations of Millennials. Such a plan can be customized with metrics and perks that recognize and compensate for generational differences. At the same time, it can be productive to team Millennials with older Gen Xers and Baby Boomers to cross-pollinate their different backgrounds and abilities.

The hiring process provides an excellent opportunity to highlight attractive benefits while detailing the specific goals expected of each new employee. At the same time, job interviews give employers a format to root out specific concerns for younger workers, such as the need to streamline bureaucracies or reevaluate the merit review process.

Related: 4 Strategies to Connect With Millennials

Salesforce.com founder and CEO Marc Benioff famously created the 1-1-1 integrated philanthropy model that pledges one percent of founders equity for philanthropic donations, one percent of employee time for community volunteering, and one percent of company products and services for nonprofit donations. Many Millennials have been drawn to work at Salesforce.com because of Benioffs visionary program.

Companies should also consider adapting their reward strategies. Some cash bonuses might be shifted into opportunities for skills training, employee certifications or other advancement programs. Rotational assignments or cross-training trips to other offices can create exciting new challenges that broaden the experiences of younger workers.
Amidst international upheaval in the wake of the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, President Barack Obama spent the day at Stanford University praising the entrepreneurial community at the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit alongside Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

"The world needs your creativity and your energy and your vision," he said in his opening remarks. "You're going to be what helps this process of global integration work in a way that works for everyone and not just some. I believe we are better off in a world where we are trading and networking and communicating and sharing ideas. That also means that cultures are colliding and sometimes that's disruptive and people get worried. You're the bridge. You're the glue."

Related: From Under the Hoodie: 5 Entrepreneurial Lessons From Mark Zuckerberg

Zuckerberg was joined on the panel by Mai Medhat, the Egyptian co-founder of Eventtus, a mobile platform to help organize events; Jean Bosco Nzeyimana, the Rwandan co-founder and CEO of Habona Limited, a startup that takes biological waste and turns it into environmentally friendly fuel products; and Mariana Costa Checa, the Peruvian founder of Laboratoria, a company dedicated to training young women to code and connecting them with career opportunities.

Obama asked Zuckerberg if he views Facebook's role as one that creates a platform for entrepreneurs around the world, to which the 32-year-old CEO replied "to me, entrepreneurship is about creating change, not just creating companies."

Related: Surprise! Mark Zuckerberg Isn't a Workaholic. Well, Not Exactly.

Zuckerberg said that when he started Facebook, his mission was to give every person a voice and bring communities together -- and he said that has been a consistent throughline of the company's work, especially in its initiative to equip countries and regions that do not have access to the internet with stronger connectivity.

"Its not something that we'll make money from for a very long period of time, if it works out. But it's this deep belief that you're trying to make a change, you're trying to connect people in the world, and I really do believe if you do something good and you help people out, then eventually some portion of that good will come back to you," he said. "I hope that the work that we do can play a role in empowering so many entrepreneurs to build great companies."

For more from Obama and Zuckerberg, check out the video above.
The commodore in charge of the two U.S. Navy boats that strayed into Iranian waters leading to the capture of his 10 sailors for 16 hours in January will be relieved of command likely putting an end to his career, Fox News has learned.

Capt. Kyle Moses, commodore of Commander Task Force (CTF) 56 was responsible for the two riverine boats and Kuwait-based crew. The Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson, is set to release a long-awaited report on June 30th about the events surrounding the January incident now that the investigation is complete.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces captured the two high-speed patrol boats near Farsi Island, a well-known Iranian base, hours after the boats left Kuwait on January 12 with the intended purpose of sailing to Bahrain. Five sailors were aboard each boat.

The Navy crew was inexperienced and running late to make a rendezvous at a refueling point in the Persian Gulf when the capture took place, according to officials.

The detention of the American crew came the same day as President Obamas State of the Union address and came at a sensitive time for the administration days before formally implementing the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers led by the United States.

Days after the incident, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the Navy patrol boats had misnavigated into Iranian territorial waters. The second in command of the riverine squadron, Cmdr. Eric Rasch, was fired from his job last month.

Multiple defense officials tell Fox News a multitude of errors led to the capture of the U.S. Navy crew.

First, there was no navigation brief, a major violation of Navy protocol. When any Navy ship gets underway, even for something as minor as shirting berths from one pier to another, it is standard for a Navy crew to conduct a navigation brief discussing issues such as hazards to navigation or, in this case, an Iranian base near the planned course.

Second, the chain of command was not well defined on the two boats. While a young lieutenant was the highest-ranking individual on either of the two 50-foot boats, when the order was given to evade the Iranian forces, the helmsman refused the order.

Third, defense officials tell Fox News the Navy had become too complacent with the its treatment by Iranian forces in the months leading up to the January capture.

The story here is these guys had gotten so used to Iranians doing stupid s---, having weapons pointed at them all the time, they didnt know they were being captured until the Iranians boarded their boats, one defense official said describing the lack of situational awareness by the Navy crew. They messed up pretty bad.

It was not immediately clear whether Richardson would announce punishments during the release of his report or a short time later. Other sailors aboard the two ships likely face disciplinary action as well, but Navy officials have refused to disclose the number.

The detention of the U.S. sailors created an uproar on Capitol Hill as Iran released a videotaped apology from the Navy lieutenant. Many in the military questioned whether the Code of Conduct, which forbids any captured American troops from making such statements, was violated. Under terms of the Code, American service members are required to give only a name, rank, service number and date of birth to captors.

Other video clips showing some of the 10 sailors crying sparked additional international outrage. Secretary of State John Kerry had thanked the Iranians for their treatment of the Navy sailors before the video showing the apology and crying was released.

Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei awarded medals to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard crew who detained the American sailors. In February, a reenactment of the sailors' capture was displayed during parades around Iran celebrating the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

On the same day the Navy sailors were taken captive, Iran flew a drone over the USS Harry S Truman in the Persian Gulf. And, when the aircraft carrier sailed past the Strait of Hormuz in late December, a group of Iranian missile boats fired unguided rockets only 1,500 yards away, in a move the Navy called highly provocative.
Sometimes it feels like youll never fit in, Robert Herjavec says of being an immigrant entrepreneur.

The Shark Tank star investor, a self-described  guy off the boat immigrant himself, knows the feeling intimately. When he was 8 years old, he moved with his family to Toronto, Canada, from Zbjeg, Croatia, (formerly Yugoslavia) on the heels of his outspoken fathers escape from jail in the communist country. The Herjavecs only belongings when they moved into an acquaintance's basement were the clothes on their backs, the shoes on their feet, $20 and a suitcase.

They may have fled to a free country, but as impoverished refugees, assimilating to the culture in a strange, new world came at a steep emotional cost. Herjavec was bullied and beat up at school for his uncool clothes and heavy Serbo-Croat accent. When I told my mom, she would say, Robbie, nobody in this world is better than you and you are no better than anyone else, he told Entrepreneur. Complaining wasnt tolerated.

Related: 2 Immigrant Entrepreneurs Who Prove the American Dream Endures

Growing up, Herjavec often felt like an outsider, seeing his father walk two miles to and from his factory floor-sweeping job and watching his mother lose all of the familys savings (only $500) to a swindler vacuum salesman. I realized that compared to everybody else, we were really poor," he told Business News Daily.

By the time he was 14, the ambitious future multi-millionaire decided he wanted to give his family a better life, beyond anything they "could have imagined back in Croatia." The path to that better life, he told his parents, was to be his own boss -- someone who could  never be fired or laid off, like the factory workers his father toiled alongside. He wanted to be someone who could have  the freedom to control your schedule and to do with it what you want. He wanted to be an entrepreneur.

After a string of menial jobs, including waiting tables and delivering newspapers, Herjavec worked his way up and eventually did become that someone he wanted to be. With the launch of his first venture -- a tech company called BRAK Systems that he later sold to AT&T for an undisclosed but surely tidy sum -- he made his dreams come true. He was an independent immigrant entrepreneur in charge of his own financial fate, and it wasnt a stroke of luck. It was the result of working hard to live better.

He "believed" he could succeed and succeed he did, beyond his wildest dreams.

Related: 'Shark Tank' Star Robert Herjavec's Top 5 Small-Business Marketing Tips

There are those who have been blessed by the gods of destiny and are preordained to be successful, and I wasnt one of those, he told Entrepreneur earlier this week from the Culver City, Calif., set of Shark Tank. Im one of the ones who became successful because of incredible pain in their life, who knew they just couldnt take it anymore and wanted to change.

Just as the transition from Eastern European immigrant to naturalized Canadian citizen didnt come easy to him, neither did segueing from employee to entrepreneur, as it often doesnt for many immigrant business owners who struggle to adapt to their adopted countrys language, customs and social norms while trying to make a living.

I think its really hard when youre an immigrant entrepreneur, Herjavec says. You never feel like youre blending in. But feeling out of place doesnt have to stop you from finding your place as a successful entrepreneur, no matter who you are or where youre from.

Related: Shark Tank Star Robert Herjavec on the 5 Worst Sales Sins
At least one suspect is in custody after a Pennsylvania police officer was shot multiple times Friday, authorities said.

Folcroft police officer Christopher Dorman, 25, was shot numerous times Friday morning near railroad tracks in Folcroft in Delaware County, about 13 miles south of Philadelphia, according to police.

Dorman, who was airlifted to Penn Presbyterian Hospital, is in critical but stable condition. Dorman sustained three gunshot wounds to the face, leg and chest.

Officials say Dorman's police vest deflected several more shots that could have been life-threatening.

The shooting occurred at around 9:30 a.m. Friday after Dorman confronted a group smoking narcotics in the backyard of a property. When Dorman confronted the suspects, shots rang out, according to witnesses.

Folcroft Police Chief Robert Ruskowski says suspect Donte Island is in custody and being charged with two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated assault.

Court records show a parole officer for Island requested in September that an arrest warrant be issued and a recovation hearing held.

But there's no sign either occurred.

Island had been in prison from about 2003 to 2013 for being a felon in possession of a gun. The three years of probation that followed was set to end Saturday.

A probation officer reported that he tested positive for marijuana repeatedly last year. The report says that Island said he used the drug to deal with stress. But the officer says he couldn't locate Island at his Folcroft address after July.

Folcroft Chief of Police Robert Ruskowski said Dorman has been with the force for a little over a year and is also a volunteer firefighter.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
I majored in biology in college and thought Id become a doctor. But I also wanted to travel. So as a way to do both, I spent years with international humanitarian organizations. The work was satisfying, but the social life was challenging: My colleagues would go back to their hotel at night -- in part because they were almost all older than me, but also because they were fearful of the potentially unsafe, unfamiliar cities we were in. I didnt want to be this far from home and not experience a place fully, so I often went out. And I discovered amazing things.

From a rooftop party at an advertising agency to road-tripping across the country for a DJ set, I was exposed to a side of Africa Id never seen before. These were cosmopolitan movers and shakers, but distinctly African. In 2011, I met up with a photographer in Johannesburg; through her lens, I met entertainers, artists and other influencers. A year later, I connected with a sorority sister in Nairobi, Kenya, who was working on MTVs African youth culture series Shuga. The shows producer, fashion designer and filmmaker took me out to restaurants and nightclubs, and I had the time of my life.

Thats when the lightbulb went off. People werent exposed to this Africa, and I wanted to connect visitors to it -- not just by talking about these amazing things, but by directing people to them.

I spent the next year or so developing Tastemakers Africa, a company to book epic experiences, with epic people, in every African city. In February 2014, I went to Lagos for Social Media Week to show off my early-stage mockup. My session was packed, which confirmed that I was really onto something. I was working for another NGO at the time but quit and joined MediKidz, a VC-backed healthcare startup, to learn more about building a company. The cofounder, Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair, was a sales genius. She was super-transparent with me about her funding process, and I saw a lot of her documents and pitch decks, and heard about the screwups. But the biggest thing I learned from Kim was to work harder than hard. Things need to get done in the NGO world, but there isnt a sense of urgency; Kim always had a sense of urgency.

By that summer, I had fleshed out a prototype. As a proof of concept, we promoted a Tastemakers Tour of Ghana on my Facebook page, and it sold out in weeks. I still wasnt ready to make it my full-time job, but then MediKidz was bought and I was laid off -- so I slammed the gas on the startup. My boyfriend and I closed out our 401(k)s, and I entered an accelerator that gave us $20,000 and then raised another $100,000 from angel investors. I also won first place in a Lagos competition called She Leads Africa, which got me $10,000 and a mentoring network.

We launched our website in December 2014 and ended 2015 with more than $200,000 in experience and concierge bookings. Our app, Tstmkrs, launched in beta in December of last year, and we did $100,000 in Q1 bookings for 2016. Were still figuring out who and where our audience is and what theyre willing to pay, but were learning and growing fast. In five years, we expect to be in at least 40 countries on the continent. We will be the brand, and our connections, support and infrastructure will make us important to many others who come here as well. Weve already built partnerships with Uber, South African Airways and Radisson Blu (that ones for a pan-African travel contest in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa), and have gotten interest in an acquisition from a large hospitality company. But no matter what happens, I know well have played a huge role in not just how people think about traveling in Africa, but what people think of Africa itself.
Army Capt. Paul Buddy Bucha faked out the enemy while leading a motley crew in Vietnam.

The Medal of Honor recipient was hailed as a hero after he made North Vietnamese fighters believe his 187th Infantry Regiment was much bigger than it really was. The combination of bravery and cunning helped him earn the nation's highest military honor, an award bestowed upon him by the president.

In 1967, Bucha  who graduated from West Point and earned an MBA at Stanford  arrived in Vietnam and was given a squad filled with the rejects of all the other units, including writers, intellectuals and men who had served time in military prison, he said.

We were called the 'clerks and the jerks,'" he recalled. "We were a few smart guys and a lot of badasses  considered the losers of all losers.

But as a company commander new to Vietnam, "I, too, was a loser, Bucha recalled fondly years later. So we were sort of meant for each other.

"They ended up being a very disciplined, proud, and frightening force," he said.

On March 16, 1968, soon after the Tet Offensive, Bucha's 89-man company took part in a counterattack designed to push the North Vietnamese away from Saigon.

A helicopter dropped his team into an enemy stronghold, and for two days they destroyed camps and fortifications.

On March 18, after they found a clearing and resupplied, Bucha directed his troops to push into the jungle, where it was getting dark.

A soldier spotted a group of Vietnamese water carriers and women, which usually indicated an established enemy location. Bucha gave him permission to fire a few rounds to test what was out there.

"The entire mountain returned fire. I said, 'Oh, my God,'" Bucha recalled.

An entire North Vietnamese Army battalion hit Bucha's unit with heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and claymore mines, pinning down the lead group of 12 Americans.

The Viet Cong had a machine gunner at ground level and a fighter with an automatic weapon up in a tree, and "I figured the easiest thing to do was to just blow the tree up, Bucha said.

"I just  started throwing hand grenades," he said. "When the weapons stopped, I looked around and no one was firing at me. There was a calm, and Im not sure if the calm was in my mind or if it was actual calm."

Bucha ordered his troops to withdraw to a more defensible position, and for the next several hours they were in a fierce firefight. He feared his group would be overrun, and a dark thought crept into his mind: "What a hellhole to die in."

He decided to give every soldier a number, and when he called out a number over the radio, the soldier whod been assigned that number would throw grenades from his position, giving the illusion of a much bigger force.

An Australian pilot came over the radio and offered to drop two 750-pound bombs, and Bucha asked him to level a couple of nearby hills. He did, and the bombs rocked the soldiers.

"We bounced  and when I turned around, my men were all laughing, and I started laughing, and we realized we're not in this alone," he said. "[I thought] we might make it."

A U.S. helicopter finally arrived, and Bucha directed the evacuation of the wounded. When the enemy withdrew the next morning, he learned that his team had killed more than 150 North Vietnamese.

But 10 Americans in his platoon had also died.

When he learned he would receive the Medal of Honor, Bucha told a sergeant, "I don't deserve it."

But the sergeant convinced him he would wear the medal on behalf of his men, and on May 14, 1970, Bucha accepted the award from President Richard Nixon.

Still, Bucha said, "Every day of my life, I think back to what I could have done better that night  to bring those 10 [Americans] home."

Today, Bucha makes speeches to military groups, including at his alma mater, West Point.

"I try to go somewhere one day a week, 52 times a year, to where troops are. When I see them and listen to them, I come away grateful  for the privilege to be among them," he said.

American Legends  Stories of soldiers who responded to a difficult conflict situation, and did everything they could to defeat the enemy and get their brothers home.
While innovation is increasingly recognized as a collective effort rather than a product of one genius, it is still driven by passionate and visionary leadership. Inspired by iconic leaders like Thomas Edison, YPO -- the global peer network of more than 24,000 business leaders in more than 130 countries across the world -- recently embarked on an unprecedented initiative: the inaugural YPO Innovation Week.

YPO Innovation Week included more than 50 discussions designed to explore what drives innovators to create a lasting, positive impact in their communities and organizations. Throughout the week-long interactive conference, YPO members learned via live-streaming global conferences, in-person events and virtual conversations with leaders in different continents (including a tour of the Samsung Strategy and Innovation Center led by YPO member Young Sohn, President of Samsung Electronics) that while ingenuity comes in many forms across the world, it invariably starts with understanding the changing business climate and questioning boundaries at home and abroad.

Related: 6 Industries That Desperately Need Innovation in 2016

1. Collaborate to innovate.

Innovation thrives most in an atmosphere where academic and business leaders consider each other partners in finding ways to translate new technologies, products and services and then commercializing them into the worlds markets, said CHAMP Private Equity Executive Chairman Bill Ferris (who is considered the founding father of private equity and venture capital in Australia) during YPO Innovation Weeks kick-off event in Sydney, Australia, which was broadcast globally.



During the same panel discussion, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stressed the importance of government involvement in supporting business growth and creating a culture that embraces risk.

Creating a more innovative, agile and unrelentingly entrepreneurial culture is a key focus of my government, he said. Were boosting investment in innovative, high-growth businesses. Were making it easier for startups to access early-stage capital by providing generous tax incentives for investors.



The prime minister underscored two needs: to tackle the fear of failure, and to reform Australian insolvency and bankruptcy laws that focus too heavily on penalizing failed businesses. Were committed to encouraging entrepreneurship, he said. Experimentation is a critically important part of leadership in the 21st century.

2. Innovation is not a business process.

At YPO Innovation Week panel discussions in the U.S., entrepreneurs confirmed that ingenuity can come from almost any source, including what you eat. For Bulletproof Coffee Founder and CEO Dave Asprey, food as brain fuel is always top of mind. Its not about health; its about business performance, he explained during the YPO Innovation Week event in Santa Monica, which was also broadcast worldwide.

Related: Dave Asprey Wants to Make You Bulletproof Through Biohacking

Asprey, a Silicon Valley investor and technology entrepreneur who spent two decades and more than $300,000 to hack his own biology and lose 100 pounds, developed the Bulletproof philosophy using systematic thinking, science and self-experimentation to take control of and upgrade his mind, body and life -- and help others do the same. Innovation itself is absolutely not a business process, said Asprey. It only happens when you create an environment for it.

He explained that most people (and companies) have a default mental and cultural firewall that prevents them from executing new ideas. This, he said, is the companys immune system, a mode of preservation (i.e. protect the bottom line) that does not leave room for any new (i.e. risky) ideas. Learning how to consciously overcome this reflexive obstacle is key to embracing original ideas.

Additionally, Asprey shared that one way to begin building a better company is to change employees from the inside out. Adjusting the biology inside of employees heads by providing them with healthier foods will lead to them becoming stronger innovators. You will always win if you have higher-quality food for your employees, he said. They will be more productive and your healthcare costs will go down. When you have things for your employees that supercharge their brains, everyone wins.

3. Move from faith-based to evidenced-based innovation.

In a global conference call from San Francisco, YPO member Jim Hornthal, chairman of LaunchPad Central, noted that successful innovation requires flexibility and the capability to adapt quickly, as well as a shared desire to get to Plan B (or Plan C or Plan D) as fast as possible.

Traditionally, many companies and entrepreneurs have embraced a faith-based approach to origination, which Hornthal described as a gateway to the past, often relying on blind faith in an idea, a technology or a market and assuming that very little will go wrong on the way to success.

However, faith-based innovation is a major reason that the vast majority of startups fail.

If, on the other hand, we consider an evidence-based approach, we would focus on deploying new tools, metrics and techniques to transparently and actively manage the innovation process, said Hornthal. Evidence-based innovation means realizing that Plan A is most likely not going to work, and getting as quickly and inexpensively as possible to Plan B, C or D, that might work, becomes the imperative. Getting there is where the magic happens.

Related: Has Innovation Reached Its Breaking Point?

4. The upshot

An extensive study by the Product Development Management Association revealed that the top 25 percent of product innovators outperform the bottom 25 percent by 12 times. Therefore, the mindset of the risk-takers and thought leaders who participated in YPO Innovation Week is a crucial component of business success. As Brett Wilson, YPO member and Chairman of Prairie Merchant Corp., put it, We arent rolling the dice and getting a thrill or jumping off a cliff blindly. We are not taking risks for the sake of risks; we just have a higher threshold for pain.

Kevin Fallon is CEO of Pivotal Innovation Inc. and Chair of YPO Innovation Week.
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After 27 years in power, Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore stepped down in the wake of violent anti-government demonstrations demanding his ouster.

Army General Honore Traore, the West African nations joint chief of staff assumed power Friday, state radio announced.

Opposition protesters had gathered in the countrys capital Friday morning, a day after their violent demonstrations pushed the country's longtime president to agree to relinquish power next year. Protesters stormed the parliament Thursday to prevent lawmakers from voting to allow Compaore to seek another term in office. They sacked and burned the parliament, attacked Cabinet ministers' houses and looted around the country.

For months, an opposition coalition had been urging Compaore not to seek re-election for what would have been his fifth term in power. But Compaore and his ruling party looked set to push a bill through parliament Thursday that would have allowed him to run again.

In response to the chaos Thursday, a brief period of martial law was imposed during which the military announced the dissolution of parliament and promised an interim government that would include all parties.

Compaore later said he would lead that transitional government until elections next year and then relinquish power but that proved not enough for the opposition.

A crowd of demonstrators in the capital burst into cheers Friday when they heard the announcement of Compaore's resignation.

"I declare that I'm leaving power in order to have a free and transparent election in 90 days," said Compaore in a statement read out on television and radio stations. "For my part, I think I have fulfilled my duty."

Compaore, 63, said he decided to leave power "in light of the severely deteriorated sociopolitical situation and the threat of division in our national army and out of a desire to preserve the peace."

With the parliament and the government dissolved a day earlier, the military, which has had a visible role in this crisis, stepped into the vacuum.

The eruption of violence and images of cars on fire and plumes of black smoke in the capital of Ouagadougou Thursday alarmed many in the international community. The United States welcomed Compaore's announcement that there would be a democratic transition.

The U.N. special representative for West Africa is expected to arrive in the country Friday.

Compaore first came to power following an October 1987 coup against then-President Thomas Sankara, Compaore's longtime friend and political ally who was killed in the power grab. For many, his legacy begins and ends with the death of Sankara, a well-regarded statesman whose death was widely viewed as a setback for the entire continent.

After he took power in his own coup, Compaore developed a reputation as a meddler and a supporter of regional conflicts. He kept a tight leash on any opposition, never grooming a viable political heir as he fought off threats to his power.

He openly supported Charles Taylor, the Liberian warlord turned president, though he denied active involvement in the Liberian conflict. Compaore also was accused of supporting rebel groups in Ivory Coast and Angola.

But more recently, he had refashioned himself as an elder statesman who brokered electoral disputes and hostage releases throughout West Africa.

Compaore was headed south to the city of Po, near the border with Ghana, a French diplomatic official said on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the situation. He is still in Burkina Faso, and it was not clear if he was trying to cross, the official said. He had not asked the French, who were once the country's colonial rulers, for any help.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An activist group in Mexico says a member of a civilian search group looking for disappeared relatives has been killed by gunmen and his wife severely wounded.

The National Search Brigade for Disappeared Persons says Jose Jesus Jimenez Gaona was slain in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz. The state prosecutor's office said Thursday that three gunmen pulled up to the victims' vehicle and opened fire with high-powered weapons.

The couple's daughter Jenny disappeared in 2011 in the Veracruz city of Poza Rica.

Rival cartels are engaged in turf battles, kidnappings and disappearances in Veracruz. As in other parts of Mexico, inadequate police investigation in the state has led relatives to start search groups that in some cases have uncovered clandestine burial grounds.
Islamic State (ISIS) militants abducted about 900 Kurdish civilians in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo over the past three weeks, forcing the captives to build fortifications for the extremists in retaliation for a Kurdish-led assault on a nearby ISIS stronghold, activists said Friday.



Reports also emerged Friday that at least 26 of those abducted have been killed for refusing to follow ISIS orders.



The abductions come amid fierce fighting for control of Manbij -- a key ISIS stronghold in this Syrian province -- where the extremists are being routed from the town center by the predominantly Kurdish and U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces.



Some of the abducted Kurds have been pressganged into digging trenches and shelters for the IS, according to Kurdish media activist Rezan Hiddo, while others have been forced to wear IS uniforms and ordered to fight at the fronts.



On Friday, the mostly Kurdish SDF battled IS militants inside Manbij after having encircling the stronghold in a weeks-long offensive that has been backed by U.S.-coalition air strikes.



The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported that coalition jets struck targets around the town. The SDF has lost 89 fighters since launching its campaign for Manbij on May 31, according to the Observatory. Also, 463 IS militants have been killed.



The push by the SDF into Manbij has been slow as the U.S.-backed fighters first focused on capturing dozens of villages and farms near the town in the past weeks.



The town lies along the only ISIS supply line between the Syrian-Turkish border to the north and the ISIS extremist group's self-styled capital of Raqqa, which lies to the southeast, in the ISIS-held neighboring province of Raqqa.



If Manbij is captured, it will be the biggest strategic defeat for ISIS in Syria since July 2015, when the extremist group lost the border town of Tal Abyad.



The U.S. has embedded 300 special forces operators with the SDF. The White House says they are advisers. French special forces operators are also embedded with the group.



SDF spokesman Sherfan Darwish told The Associated Press that the ISIS militants began abducting Kurdish civilians in retaliation the offensive on Manbij.



"Whenever Daesh is defeated, they retaliate against civilians," Darwish said, using an Arabic acronym for ISIS, adding that there are whole families among those taken.



The abductions have been taking place mostly in areas under ISIS control, from the western Manbij countryside to the towns of al-Bab and al-Rai, according to Hiddo. He said the ongoing campaign has prompted families to flee the towns in fear.



The Observatory and Darwish said some of those taken captive have been forced to dig trenches in ISIS-held areas while others are imprisoned in ISIS-run detention centers. Darwish said all captured males above the age of 12 were sent against their will to the front lines to help fortify ISIS positions.



The militants have killed 26 of the captives for resisting detention or refusing orders, according to Hiddo. His report could not be independently confirmed and the Islamic State group made no immediate claim over the abductions or the killings.



Many of the civilians are being held in an ISIS prison in Qabasin, Hiddo said. Those forced into labor are digging fortifications underneath homes in al-Bab.



"They (ISIIS) are digging a city underneath the town to protect themselves from air strikes," Hiddo added.

ISIS has not engaged in any negotiations for the release of the Kurdish civilians, nor asked for any ransom, Hiddo said, speaking from the nearby Kurdish stronghold of Afrin.

The extremist group has a history of mass kidnappings in areas they control in Syria and Iraq and has mostly targeted Christians and Kurds in the past.



The Observatory also said that said ISIS fighters stormed homes in several villages they control near al-Bab, including Arab, Qabaseen and Nairabiyeh, and took with them mostly men.



In 2014, ISIS abducted nearly 200 Kurdish students near Manbij as they were en route from the Kurdish town of Kobani near the Syrian-Turkish border to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, the provincial capital, to take their exams. Most were later released.



In February 2015, ISIS kidnapped more than 200 Christians from northeastern Syria. The Christians were released over a period of a year, after ISIS collected millions of dollars in ransom.


Jamaican authorities have charged one man with murder and are seeking a second man for questioning in connection with the April killing of two American missionaires on the Caribbean island.

The bodies of Randy Hentzel, 48, and Harold Nichols, 53, were found shot and hacked to death on April 30 in a remote rural area where they had gone to ride motorcycles.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force said Thursday that 25-year-old Andre Thomas was charged with murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. A court date had not yet been set.

The police also announced they were seeking a man identified as 25-year-old Dwight Henry for questioning in the case.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ealan Powell told the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper that robbery was the motive for the killings.

Hentzel, of Donnellson, Iowa and Nichols, of Randolph, N.Y. lived and worked as missionaries in Jamaica for a Pennsylvania-based religious organization called Teams for Medical Missions. Both did evangelism and Bible ministry and built homes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Pope Francis hailed Armenia's steadfast Christian heritage on Friday as he arrived in the former Soviet republic for a three-day visit to commemorate the centenary of the Ottoman-era slaughter of Armenians that the pope himself has called a "genocide."

In a largely Orthodox land where Catholics are a minority, Armenians seemed genuinely honored to welcome a pope who has long championed the Armenian cause from his time as an archbishop in Argentina and now as leader of the 1.2-billion strong Catholic Church.

Small groups of residents lined his motorcade route, and a gaggle of schoolchildren wearing white T-shirts and yellow neckerchiefs -- the colors of the Vatican flag -- greeted him at the airport with a big banner written in Italian: "Armenia Welcomes Pope Francis."

"I shook the pope's hand but didn't have the time to kiss it," 42-year-old Yerevan resident Nazik Sargsyan said. "I'm sure God's blessing has come down on me with that handshake."

In his initial remarks in the ornate Armenian Apostolic Church in Etchmiadzin, Francis didn't use the politically charged term "genocide" but instead spoke of the "holy sign of martyrdom" of Armenians who died at the hands of Ottoman Turks starting in 1915.

With the Apostolic patriarch Karekin II by his side, Francis praised Armenia for becoming the first nation to declare Christianity the state religion in 301 and for keeping alive the "light of faith" even in its darkest times. He urged all Christians to unite to prevent religion from being exploited and manipulated today, an apparent reference to the current-day Islamic extremist attacks on Christians in the Middle East.

"For Armenia, faith in Christ has not been like a garment to be donned or doffed as circumstances or convenience dictate, but an essential part of its identity, a gift of immense significance, to be accepted with joy, preserved with great effort and strength, even at the cost of life itself," he said.

The Vatican has long cheered the Armenian cause, holding up the poor nation of 3 million mostly Orthodox Christians as a bastion of faith and martyrdom in a largely Muslim region.

President Serzh Sargsyan, Karekin and a handful of other officials greeted Francis on the tarmac of the Yerevan airport in a low-scale welcome ceremony. As a girls' choir serenaded, pope, patriarch and president then walked behind a goose-stepping military official along a red carpet into the airport's VIP lounge before heading to Echmiadzin, the seat of the Oriental Orthodox church where Francis will stay as a guest of Karekin.

Later Friday, Francis will deliver his first major speech to Armenia's president, political leaders and diplomatic corps.
Many of those people were in attendance, including Hutch colleagues and members of Maloneys laboratory and clinical research teams. They joined the Klorfines, Maloneys wife, Sue, his mother, Ruth Maloney, and his two sisters, Patty Grandy and Linda Patterson, as well as other friends for a celebration in the Hutchs Mundie Courtyard.

Maloney is an internationally renowned immunotherapy researcher and physician who specializes in caring for patients with blood cancers. He began his research career at Stanford University in the early 1980s. Working with Dr. Ronald Levy, he was part of the team that discovered that antibodies (immune system proteins) that target lymphoma cells could be generated and delivered to patients as a cancer-specific therapy. Maloney led the initial development of the molecule known as rituximab, which became the first monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It has revolutionized therapy for patients with these diseases, and it opened the door to other antibody-based cancer treatments.

'Incredible impact'

Fred Hutch President and Director Dr. Gary Gilliland, who presented Maloney with a commemorative glass plaque, described Maloneys work on rituximab as having an incredible impact on patient care and patient outcomes.

After joining the Hutch in 1994, Maloney continued making waves. He joined Drs. Rainer Storb and Brenda Sandmaier and their team in pioneering non-myeloablative transplants. Also called reduced-intensity or mini-transplants because these regimens involve lower doses of radiation and chemotherapy, the landmark advance extended the therapeutic power of transplantation to many more patients, including those who are older or who have additional medical complications.

Maloney explained how the teams work taught us the immune system is able to eradicate a lot of tumor, a lesson that helped cement a path to new immunotherapies like the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy he is now developing. Maloney said what he and his colleagues have achieved so far with this approach  not least the promising early trial results they recently reported for patients with certain blood cancers  is better than all the rest of them put together.

In a message Gilliland read aloud, Levy, Maloneys mentor at Stanford, said, David has played a key role in two of the biggest and most exciting developments in our field  monoclonal antibodies and CAR T cells.  He knows what it means to be part of a disruptive technology.  Let him know that I am very proud of him.

The Klorfines shared the sentiment. Norma Klorfine said Maloneys quiet, assured personality impressed her from the moment they met, and she thanked him and all the Hutch scientists and staff for their work. Asked to add a few words, Leonard Klorfine nodded to Maloneys family members and said, Davids mom must be very proud of her son, and we are proud of him too.

An inspiring gift

The Klorfines are known for both collecting art and for making philanthropic contributions that encourage others to join them in giving. The former is a shared passion as old as their own relationship: They first met on a blind date at an artists community. The latter was exemplified by this latest donation, one of several they made to favorite nonprofits to celebrate their own 50th wedding anniversary. As the challenge at the 2015 Hutch Holiday Gala, their gift not only established the chair that Maloney now holds, it inspired other donors to contribute, creating a pair of Fred Hutch 40thAnniversary Endowed Chairs. Those chairs were recently awarded to two other titans of cancer research: Drs. Garnet Anderson and Denise Galloway. Its so wonderful we can recognize their contributions, and thats thanks to you, Gilliland told the Klorfines.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver Treats Homeless Drug Addiction

( June 22, 2016 ) Denver, CO -- Alight with the homeless crisis across America, Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver is pushing for access for the best drug and alcohol treatment for all people of every economic status. According to The Week, homelessness in central Florida has diminished considerably in Osceola County by providing permanent housing without strings attached. Many of the homeless population suffer from untreated substance use disorders and substance abuse. Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver asserts communities housing the homeless must be vigilant in educating the population on the importance of addiction treatment and rehab. Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver provides drug rehab in Denver and is expanding its services to the entire nation to better serve those who have suffered for years with untreated substance use disorders.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver specializes in heroin rehab in denver. The treatment facility urges community leaders to implement prevention education and community outreach programs for both, the general populace and newly housed community members. Because residency has no strings attached, the rehabilitation center is concerned some may slip through the cracks, neglecting to get treatment and overdose.

A spokesperson for the drug rehab in Denver comments: "We fully support permanent housing for the homeless, in light of the evidence in Central Florida, Canada, Utah, Seattle, and Denver. Our secondary concern must be then to provide aid and relief for psychological conditions and physical illnesses- both of which addiction use disorders fall into."

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver guides those without insurance through getting insured while providing additional resources for addiction care. The facility accepts most major forms of insurance. The treatment center provides drug rehab in Denver and outpatient rehabilitation, partial hospitalization and residency into a sober living community.

For more information about Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver call (720) 726-1681 or visit http://drugandalcoholrehabdenver.com/ for more information.

About Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver 80126:

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver offers drug and alcohol rehab inclusive of inpatient detoxification.

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Thomas R. Greer Named President of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association

Thomas Greer was recently elected as the President of the newly-renamed Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

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Attorney Thomas R. Greer, partner at Bailey & Greer, PLLC, has been named the President of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Greer has been a member of the TTLA since 2005, serving on the Board of Governors since 2011, and as its Vice President since 2012.

"I am very honored to have been named President of this incredible organization," Thomas Greer said. "The members are some of the most dedicated, innovative and ethical attorneys I have ever had the privilege to work beside, and I am excited to continue the good work we do in my tenure as the Association's president. The right of Tennesseans, of Americans, to seek justice through the courts is one of the most important rights we have. I will do whatever I can to help our organization continue to advance that right."

Thomas Greer has extensive experience in federal and state courts, having secured impressive verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. He joined Bailey & Greer in 2005, and is well recognized in both the local and legal communities for his work.

About the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association

The Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association was founded in 1964 by a group of trial attorneys as a non-profit organization. It "works to protect the civil justice system and advocates for the accountability and rights of all systems" by upholding the laws of the Tennessee and U.S. Constitutions. It offers members myriad resources and educational opportunities to better support attorneys in their practice of the law.

The Association also offers specific support for members who practice in the following areas:

o Civil Rights & Governmental Tort Liability

o Consumer Protection & Insurance

o Family Law

o Medical Malpractice

o Nursing Home Law

o Worker's Compensation

Bailey & Greer, PLLC was founded in 1986. Based in Memphis, there are additional locations in Jackson and Nashville. The firm's attorneys primarily focus their practice in the areas of:

o Auto accidents

o Truck accidents

o Medical malpractice

o Birth injuries

For more information, please visit http://www.baileygreer.com

Contact Info:

Name: Thomas Greer

Organization: Bailey & Greer, PLLC

Address: 6256 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119

Phone: (901) 680-9777

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/thomas-r-greer-named-president-of-the-tennessee-trial-lawyers-association/120517

Release ID: 120517

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Strapping Machine Industry- Detailed And A Specialized Study Report By Radiant Insights

Radiant Insights has published a new report titled "Global and Chinese Strapping machine Industry, 2015 Market Research Report"

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The global and Chinese strapping machine industry research report is a detailed and a specialized study of the present status of the global market for strapping machines with a focus on the Chinese market. This industry report offers important statistical information about the statuses of the major participants in the global and Chinese industry.

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First of all, the research report gives a general idea about the market including its definition, technologies used for production, and product applications. Then, the report thoroughly analyzes the major global, as well as Chinese, companies operating in this market for strapping machines. This analysis of the market players includes company profiles, capacity, product specifications, 2010-2015 market shares for each company, production value, and contact details. This market research report also covers the statistical analysis of the strapping machine industry that includes production & production value, capacity, demand & supply, Chinese import & export, and cost & profit.

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For the competitive landscape analysis purposes, the global industry is further categorized by applications / types, by companies, and by regions. The report then analyzes the market development trends & plans. In addition to this, the analysis of current industry dynamics, downstream demands, and upstream raw materials is also provided.

Request a Free Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-and-chinese-strapping-machine-industry-2015-market-research-report/request-sample

At last, this report study makes some imperative proposals for new investment plans before evaluating their feasibility. Overall, this report offers a detailed overview of the global & Chinese market for strapping machines covering all the major parameters.

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Radiant Insights is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. It assist and facilitate organizations and individuals procure market research reports, helping them in the decision making process. The Organization has a comprehensive collection of reports, covering over 40 key industries and a host of micro markets.

For more information, please visit https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-and-chinese-strapping-machine-industry-2015-market-research-report

Contact Info:

Name: Michelle Thoras

Email: sales@radiantinsights.com

Organization: Radiant Insights, Inc

Address: 28 2nd Street, Suite 3036

Phone: (415) 349-0054

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/strapping-machine-industry-detailed-and-a-specialized-study-report-by-radiant-insights/120755

Release ID: 120755

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Tissue Engineering Market Will Grow Owing To Enhanced Focus On Immunotherapies Till 2022: Grand View Research, Inc.

Global tissue engineering market revenue will reach $11.53 billion by 2022, growing demand of orthopedic implants is expected to play pivotal role in development of this market in near future.

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Global tissue engineering market is expected to reach USD 11.53 billion by 2022, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The demand for tissue engineering is expected to upsurge owing to the shift of focus from stem cell therapies to immunocelluar therapies. Moreover, companies such as Caladrius and Celyad changed their names from Cardio3 Bio NeoStem respectively to reflect their focus on immunotherapies.

The market is also experiencing industry-academia collaboration to make the commercialization of viable cell therapies possible. In July 2015, Fate Therapeutics, Inc. collaborated with theUniversity of Minnesota to research on Natural Killer (NK) therapeutics, which can detectand kill the malignant cells. The research is expected to accelerate with the use of programmed therapeutics by Fate Therapeutics.

With the technological advancements, researchers are working upon custom-made body parts with the aid of biomaterials and bio 3D printing. The demand for orthopedic implants is continuously growing; however, there is a gap between the demand and supply. To address such issues, researchers are experimenting with ways to find out alternatives, which use in-vitro testing and humane substitutes.

Investigators are working on ways to develop 3D printed organs, which can offer low-cost implantation. This step can revolutionize the 3D printing industry, but many hurdles such as donor availability, technologically-advanced 3D printers, and financial barriers have to be overcome. For instance, the cost of 3D printing ranges from USD 100 for tracheal split to USD 40,000 for nose bio-printing. Thus, there is a need for scientists and researchers to work on this multidisciplinary aspect of bio-printing.

Access full research report: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/tissue-engineering-and-regeneration-industry

Key findings:

o Orthopedics dominated the application segment in 2014 owing to the continuous launch of new products and research funding. In February 2016, Geistlich Pharma launched a range of bone harvesting instrument for the efficient collection of autogenous bone. Implant of only autogenous bone causes resorption and volume depletion. With the use of Geistlich Bio-Oss-pioneered technology, the volume as well as properties of bone is restored.

o North America was the largest regional market with a revenue share estimated at over 50% owing to the various mergers and acquisitions along with huge funds available for research. In March 2016, Zimmer Bimet acquired Ortho Transmission for its pioneered technology, which could restore limb amputee patients.

o By acquiring the skeletal implant technology, Zimmer can efficiently work on its current project received by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop external prosthetic limbs. Moreover, in February 2016, Canadian scientists from the University of Toronto's dentistry pioneered a 3D printed method for absorbable bone-implant.

o Europe was the second largest market in 2014, due to the amount of research and the funding received by the research universities. For instance, in June 2014, the European Union funded the VascuBone project to offer an alternative to bone grafts. The University Hospital of Wurzburg developed a toolbox to bring together the solutions required to offer ideal therapy to patients.

o Countries in Europe are also expanding their research knowledge by partnering with other countries' research firms. For instance, in March 2013, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Chinese Academy of Sciences formed the Chinese-German Joint Center for Bio-Inspired Materials. The scientists will work on using marine animals for osteoporosis medication.

o Asia Pacific is the fastest growing regional segment on the account of increasing interest of foreign players to establish their facilities in economically developed countries such as India and Japan. In August 2013, the Japan Health Ministry approved the clinical trial of the developing induced pluriponent stem (iPS) cells for blindness. The cells are morphed into retinal cells and then given to six patients with macular degeneration (AMD).

Request for sample of this research report: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/tissue-engineering-and-regeneration-industry/request

Market segmentation on the basis of application and regions:

Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022)

o Cord Blood & Cell Banking

o Cancer

o GI & Gynecology

o Dental

o Skin/Integumentary

o Urology

o Orthopedics, musculoskeletal and spine

o Neurology

o Cardiology & Vascular

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022)

o North America

o U.S.

o Canada

o Europe

o UK

o France

o Germany

o Asia Pacific

o India

o China

o Japan

o Latin America

o Brazil

o Mexico

o MEA

o South Africa

Access press release of this research report: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-tissue-engineering-market

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services.

For more information, please visit http://www.grandviewresearch.com

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The share prices of large listed wealth management companies suffered today after news of Britains vote to leave the European Union.

St Jamess Place and Hargreaves Lansdown - both listed on the FTSE 100 - saw their share prices fall by more than 13 per cent and 11 per cent respectively as of 1.30pm.

Both share prices had fallen further - St Jamess Places share price closed at 924p on Thursday evening but today it sunk as low as 521p while Hargreaves Lansdowns closed at 1,389p and sunk to 1,166.

Old Mutual, which is also listed among Britains blue chip companies and owns Intrinsic, fared better and saw its share price fall by only 4.9 per cent - though it too had a much more severe drop early in the day which it recovered from.

Meanwhile the share price of Standard Life, which owns financial advice arm 1825, fell nearly 17 per cent.

Despite this Jeremy Leach, chief executive at Managing Partners Group, said Brexit would have little long term impact on the UK financial services industry.

He said: Financial services will continue to be the UKs biggest export for the same reasons it has been for the last 100 years, which is its pragmatism, innovation and desire to trade.

Nor will the UK necessarily be excluded from the European Unions pass-porting regime for financial products. Most of the EUs regulatory processes were adapted from those of the UKs FCA anyway so negotiating a workable agreement will be more straightforward than for other EEC members that are still evolving on their regulatory framework.

Tavistock Investments, which is listed on the Aim, also lost 13 per cent of its share price sinking from 7p to 6p while Lighthouse Groups share price fell 12 per cent.

The biggest loser in the FTSE 350 today so far has been Aldermore Bank, which lost more than 27 per cent of its share price, while Virgin Money also did badly, losing 25 per cent.

Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: Banks and housebuilders have been hit particularly hard this morning as markets try to factor in the Brexit effect on the UK economy.

Sterling has fallen to its lowest level for over 30 years , which will mean holidaymakers heading abroad in the coming weeks will have to dig extra deep to buy foreign currency.

Investors should carefully consider their plans and avoid a knee-jerk reaction. The coming days are likely to be choppy on the stock market as it digests the ramifications of Brexit, and further falls are possible.
Royal London was named company of the year at last nights tenth FTAdviser Online Innovation and Service Awards.

More than 1,000 of FTAdvisers intermediary readers rated Royal London as the company of the year and a five star investment, life and pensions provider when it comes to service.

The provider picked up the top award of the night, which was held at the Oxo Tower in London last night (23 June), as well as winning highly commended in the new life and pensions innovation category.

Prudential, which was named company of the year at last years FTAdviser Online Innovation and Service Awards, scooped the outstanding achievement award as well as a five star service award for investment, life and pensions.

The consistent service excellence award went to AJ Bell,

Providers were rated for the overall functionality and design of their technology, plus how well they process business.

The overall winner in the online mortgage service provider category was Bank of Ireland, with More2life, RBS Intermediary, TSB, Skipton Intermediaries, Precise, BM Solutions, Nottingham Building Society, Virgin Money, Halifax, Aldermore and Santander for Intermediaries also being awarded five-stars.

More2Life was named the most improved mortgages company.

In the investment online service awards category, the overall winner was Royal London Asset Management, with Transact, Old Mutual Wealth, Nucleus, Prudential, Seven Investment Management, Novia, Columbia Threadneedle, Aviva Investors, Octopus, Virgin Money, Vanguard and Fidelity also picking up five stars.

Virgin Money was named the most improved investment company.

Life and pensions companies that were praised for their online service by advisers were Royal London Pensions, Royal London Protection, Payment Shield, Exeter Family Friendly, Prudential, Partnership, James Hay, Unum, Aviva and Canada Life and the top ranked in this category was AJ Bell.

Unum was named the most improved life and pensions company.

FTAdviser chose its tenth awards to mark innovation in the financial services industry.

Innovation has become a buzzword with the regulator and the government in the last 12 months. We have seen the Financial Conduct Authority launch Project Innovate, a sandbox to test new technology, and the Financial Advice Market Review push that robo-advice could be the way to ensure those who cant afford a human adviser still get some help sorting out their retirement income.

This year FTAdviser asked advisers to praise those who are leading the way with their apps, online tools and systems.

Innovation awards were handed out last night to Rowanmoor, Zurich, Aviva in the life and pensions provider category.

Seven Investment Management was singled out for the launch of its App plus Aviva Investors and Old Mutual Wealth scooped the title of top innovators in the investment category.

Halifax, Santander for Intermediaries and Skipton Intermediaries in the mortgages innovation category.

emma.hughes@ft.com
AXA has continued to shed more business after agreeing to sell its Wealth and SunLife pensions and protection businesses to Phoenix Group. This comes just one month after the group sold its Elevate platform to Standard Life.

Phoenix will pay consideration of 375m in cash payable on completion and will acquire 12.3bn of assets under management with more than 910,000 policies. This will generate anticipated cashflows of approximately 300m pa between 2016 and 2020 and 200m thereafter, which will boost anticipated cash revenues to 2.3bn per annum.

In June, AXA sold its Elevate platform to enable concentration on its specialist investment house, Architas, which will be deployed across its European life and savings businesses. AXA has more than trebled funds under management from 15bn to more than 46bn over the past five years.

Scott Gallacher, chartered financial planner at Leicester advisers Rowley Turton, explained responsibility for this high activity may lie with advisers.

This seems to be a long-running theme within the UK insurance industry. Perhaps partly the fault of IFAs who have driven down costs to such an extent that business might not be as profitable it was previously, meaning firms that do not develop strong niches might struggle.

Phoenix Group is no stranger to acquiring polices from other firms, particularly in its retirement business. Since 2006 it has transferred policies from providers such as Alba Life, Britannic, London Life and National Provident. Before this proposed acquisition, the group looked after an estimated 4.5m policies and administered more than 47bn assets under management.

Phoenix Groups chief executive, Clive Bannister, said the acquisition represents another important step forward in its growth strategy. He also anticipates there will be further consolidation in the industry, which Phoenix will continue to be active in.

craig.rickman@ft.com
Following the result of the European Union referendum this morning in which Britain voted to leave, there will be a mixed impact on pensions as investors move into safe assets.

Investors began moving into bonds as a result of the vote, believing them to be a safer alternative.

Yields have begun falling with those taking income receiving less than they would have otherwise. Gilt values have risen with those in the de-risking segment of the investment cycle likely to benefit.

However, riskier investors with a higher equity exposure will have suffered significant falls.

Ashurst pensions partner Marcus Fink said in the short term, recent turmoil witnessed in the markets is likely to worsen. This would be not good news for those defined contribution savers. As many of the current requirements are designed to protect members, large-scale repeal or reform may be unlikely Matthew Swynnerton

DC members bear the totality of investment risk so the hardest hit will be DC members who are approaching retirement or who have invested in income drawdown schemes in retirement because they will have little time to make up for lost ground if portfolio values continue to plummet.

Defined benefit employers also have the headache of poor returns on equities, depleted fund values and higher contribution demands from pension scheme trustees. Also, spare a thought for the trustees planning long-term investment strategy amidst widespread economic uncertainty.

Matthew Swynnerton, pensions partner at DLA Piper, said the key message in relation to existing pensions law is the vote to leave the EU does not have any immediate impact.

He said: While significant areas of UK pensions legislation originate from the EU - such as, scheme specific funding requirements for defined benefit schemes and non-discrimination - because these provisions have been implemented into national law they remain intact despite the outcome of the referendum.

Depending on what exit terms are agreed, it may be possible for this legislation to be changed. However, as many of the current requirements are designed to protect members, large-scale repeal or reform may be unlikely.

He added in terms of future legislation, Brexit may mean that any changes under an updated draft Directive currently under consideration will not need to be complied with.

In addition, the requirement for equalisation for guaranteed minimum pensions comes from EU law but there has been uncertainty as to how this should be implemented.

A consultation on regulations on equalisation for GMPs is expected in this Parliament and it will therefore be interesting to see how the referendum result will impact on the Governments approach to this issue and whether it will decide schemes do not need to take action to equalise GMPs.

Tom McPhail, head of pensions research for Bristol-based Hargreaves Lansdown said the key message for long term pension investors who may see the value of their retirement savings falling today was to do nothing unless you have to.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has rejected an invitation to help design the trial reintroduction of the lynx to the UK  branding the suggestion inappropriate.

In a letter to the Lynx UK Trust, the NSA this week turned down an invitation  extended to it at a recent stakeholder meeting in Cumbria  to join the project advisory group tasked with overseeing an initial reintroduction of the wild cat.

Lynx UK Trust plans to apply for a license this year to trial to reintroduction of the Eurasian lynx in England and/or Scotland for five years.

What is the Eurasian lynx? Wild cat approximately 90-110cm in length and 60-70cm in height

Third-largest predator in Europe after the brown bear and the wolf

Thought to have been extinct in the UK and Ireland for 1,300 years

It is currently in consultation with stakeholders, including the NSA, about its proposal.

Failed to address concerns

At the meeting in Cumbria, the Lynx UK Trust failed to adequately respond to its concerns, says NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker, and it remains opposed to the pilot reintroduction of the Eurasian lynx.

Furthermore, the NSA does not agree it should assist in the design of the proposed trial, he says.

See also: Lynx reintroduction would be final straw for sheep farmers

Our understanding is the project advisory group will design the trial that will only go ahead if Lynx UK is successful in gaining a license from Natural England and/or Scottish Natural Heritage, says Mr Stocker.

We feel it is inappropriate for NSA to provide guidance to Lynx UK ahead of that licence application, as we remain opposed to any pilot taking place. In addition, we are not prepared for someone from the NSA to be part of the group when the terms of the reference state members would not be there to represent the views of any particular organisation.

However, if an application is submitted by the Lynx UK Trust, the NSA expects  alongside other stakeholders  to play a part in talks with licensing authorities.

Lynx UK has suggested involvement in its project advisory group would be the only way to air these views, but the NSA will continue to use any mechanism we choose to make our concerns as widely heard as possible, Mr Stocker adds.

The Lynx UK Trust was approached for comment but failed to respond prior to publication.
Industry leaders have called on the government to provide a clear direction for British agriculture after the UK voted to leave the European Union.

For more than 40 years, UK farmers have relied on subsidies from the EUs common agricultural policy (CAP) and significant export markets in Europe with free access to 500 million consumers.

But the dramatic outcome of the referendum has created huge uncertainty about the future of farm support, regulation and access to the single market and migrant labour, which UK agriculture heavily depends on.

See also: Farmers will vote to leave EU, AgriChat poll reveals

Throughout the referendum debate, Defra has consistently said it has No plan B for agriculture in the event of a Brexit.

But prime minister David Cameron has said that under his government an agricultural support system for British farmers would be properly maintained.

Farmers will be expecting Mr Cameron to keep to his promise and ensure the Treasury supports British agriculture to the same extent  or even more than  it does now.

Following a vote for Brexit, however, it is uncertain that access to a tariff-free European single market of 500 million consumers will be maintained.

Farmers Weekly poll backed Brexit

Polls carried out by Farmers Weekly have consistently shown strong farmer support for the leave campaign. In April, an exclusive Farmers Weekly poll of 577 farmers found 58% said they wanted to leave, while just 31% said they wanted the UK to remain in the trade bloc.

Delighted Derbyshire farmer Michael Seals of the Farmers for Britain campaign, which lobbied for the UK to leave the EU, said: The country has voted for change  and the farming industry has clearly indicated it wants change.

We must now all work together, government and industry representatives, to start with a blank sheet of paper to find a new and better way of supporting this industry to enable it to go forward.

The Country Land & Business Association (CLA), which represents 33,000 landowners in England and Wales, said a Brexit would bring challenges, but also significant opportunities.

CLA president Ross Murray said the organisation would work with politicians to address urgent decisions to secure the future of the rural economy.

Mr Murray called on government to offer an early guarantee that CAP support to UK farmers would continue unbroken and unchanged until at least the end of December 2020.

And he said UK government must lobby for a barrier and tariff-free trading relationship with the EU. Whatever happens, the UK government must not allow a poor trade dynamic that leaves UK agriculture at a disadvantage.

Seismic implications

Will Gemmill, head of farming at Strutt & Parker, said the vote to leave would have seismic implications for UK agriculture and questions remained about the impact on farm profitability.

If the value of sterling drops, then in the short term we could see improvements in our competitive position which will help exports and push up prices.

However, over the medium term there are crucial questions about the level of support UK farmers will be paid and on the terms of any trade deals struck with the EU and the rest of the world.

But former NFU president Peter Kendall, a leading farming voice in the Remain camp, said the result was hugely disappointing for the future of the UK.

He added: We live in a democratic country. The task now is to knuckle down as an industry and work hard to persuade the government of the importance of the farming industry in order to renegotiate agricultural policy to create as many opportunities as possible.

Brexit seriously bad news

Former NFU chief economist Sean Rickard warned that a Brexit was seriously bad news for British farmers.

If theres one group that has really gained from Europe, its farmers, said Dr Rickard, an independent economist to the farming and food industries.

I dont think much will change over the next two years, but there will be a great deal of change after that, negotiating the terms of leaving the EU.

You might be looking at 10 years of uncertainty for UK agriculture and its food producers. The big danger is that some food producers will relocate a lot of their activities to countries like Ireland or Denmark to stay in the single market.

Uncertainty is the enemy of all investment. All this might make us less competitive.
As news that the UK electorate has voted to leave the EU came in just before 5am, farmers and their representatives took to social media to express their joy, anguish and to offer further analysis.

It was unbridled joy for some  especially at Farmers For Britain, which has led the campaign to leave within agriculture.

@Farmers4Britain Well done. Now you can get back to supplying food instead of trying to figure out how to get the most subsidy.  Paul Kingsley (@PaulKingsley16) June 24, 2016

And despair for others.

Can't believe this! This will be a total disaster for UK agriculture. How long will you survive without any friends?  Richard Phillips (@richardnyo) June 24, 2016

A more dramatic interpretation came from Scottish farmer S J Drummond.

The BBC saying this is history in action.so was Hitler visiting Munich Beer Halls and that ended well for Europe.  SJ Drummond (@S_JDrummond) June 24, 2016

Others were just plain shocked.

Cannot quite fathom what has just happened. Buy back all grain positions in the short-term?  Thomas Bradshaw (@ProagriLtd) June 24, 2016

On BBC Radio 4s Farming Today, UKIP spokesman and MEP Stuart Agnew highlighted the short-term benefits of Brexit to the farming economy. With sterling on the way down, wheat prices for this harvest would increase and, if in September it is still weak, then the rate for setting the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme would be advantageous.

NFU vice president Guy Smith said the job was now to sit down with governent and  for the first time in over 40 years  devise a British Agricultural Policy.

It would be morally and politically irresponsible if our government walks away from supporting farming, he said. We must not be left to compete against other farmers who have additional support, or lower costs because of a lighter regulatory regime.

Back on Twitter, South Downs farmer Tom Gribble had other concerns about the exchange rate.

https://twitter.com/farmergribz/status/746202034974580736

A more sanguine view was expressed by dairy farmer Rob Harrison.

Collapse in the pound will help in the short term, as a dairy farmer it can't get any worse, others will join us in poverty #teamdairy  Rob Harrison (@robharrison37) June 24, 2016

Questions were also asked about who would leads the UK in future negotiations with Brussels.

@HertsFarmer Reality Stuart that we aren't at the table  it is not a negotiation!  Thomas Bradshaw (@ProagriLtd) June 24, 2016

Other questioned the more immediate political future of the current government.

I think Cameron's days are numbered. Gone by the weekend?  Andrew Booton (@AndrewBooton) June 24, 2016

With noises coming from Scotland about another independence referendum, Notts arable farmer John Charles-Jones questioned what it might all mean for the future of the UK and its devolved regions

When you see this, what will be left of the Union? https://t.co/VBsCIhvtvL  John Charles-Jones (@woodboroughpark) June 24, 2016

The NFU also pointed to the political map emerging from Fridays voting patterns.
Story Highlights 69% say doctors should be allowed to end a patient's life by painless means

51% say they would consider ending their lives if faced with terminal illness

About half of Americans say doctor-assisted suicide is morally acceptable

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A large majority of Americans continue to say euthanasia should be legal, a reversal from the 1940s and 1950s when most thought the practice should be illegal. Sixty-nine percent say that a doctor should be allowed to end a patient's life by painless means if the patient requests it, up from 36% in 1950. Americans' continued support for making euthanasia legal comes as California recently passed its own right-to-die law.

The new law in the nation's most populous state, passed last fall, will allow terminally ill patients who meet certain criteria to ask their doctor for life-ending medication. The legislation came as a result of the case of Brittany Maynard, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in California, where physicians previously were barred from prescribing medication to allow terminally ill people to end their lives. Maynard ended her life in Oregon, where the practice was legal.

In 1973, Gallup for the first time found a majority in favor of doctors being legally permitted to end a patient's life if requested. That percentage grew to 65% in 1990. In the last 25 years, Americans have solidly been in favor of doctors having the ability to end patients' lives, with between 64% and 75% favoring the practice.

Americans More Reluctant to End Own Lives by Painless Means

While 69% in the U.S. say physicians should be allowed to end patients' lives by painless means, fewer Americans (51%) say they would consider ending their own lives if they personally had a disease that could not be cured and they were living in severe pain.

This is down from the last time Gallup asked this question in 2005 (59%), around the time of the Terri Schiavo controversy. Schiavo's husband advocated that Schiavo would not have wanted prolonged artificial life support without the ability to recover, and he chose to have hospice staff remove her feeding tube. The first time Gallup asked this question in 2001, 54% said they would consider ending their own lives if they had a terminal disease.

Americans Say Doctor-Assisted Suicide Morally Acceptable

In the same Values and Beliefs poll in May, Gallup asked Americans if they believe doctor-assisted suicide is morally acceptable or morally wrong. A slight majority (53%) say the practice is morally acceptable.

Over the past 15 years, the highest percentage of Americans saying doctor-assisted suicide is morally acceptable occurred in 2015, at 56%. This trend has fluctuated between 45% and 56% since 2001.

This question uses the word "suicide," which may affect Americans' responses. It is possible that some may not understand the distinction between patients dying with a self-administered medication and a doctor taking action to end a patient's life.

Bottom Line

California recently joined Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Montana and New Mexico as the only states to allow physician-assisted suicide. California, often a bellwether for change throughout the U.S., may persuade other states to consider passing legislation permitting physicians to allow terminally ill people to end their lives. While Americans appear to be solidly comfortable with the practice, the nation is more divided on the moral acceptability of doctor-assisted suicide.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.

Survey Methods

Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted May 4-8, 2016, with a random sample of 1,025 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. For results based on the half-sample of 521 national adults, the margin of sampling error is 5 percentage points. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting.

Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.

View complete question responses and trends.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
CSULB alum wins gold at the 38th Long Beach Marathon  which was his first
Linn County Sheriffs Office deputies evacuated homes and intermittently closed off a portion of Riverside Drive and Orleans Road east of Corvallis for approximately five hours Thursday afternoon after receiving a report that someone had found numerous dynamite blasting caps.

According to deputies the call, at 11:11 a.m., came from a caller who said he was the new owner of a house in the 34000 block of Riverside. While cleaning up the property he said that he found a tub full of blasting caps. Also reportedly found was blasting powder
May 9, 1921  June 21, 2016

Anna Mae Ann Gibbs died Tuesday at Mennonite Village where she had lived for 24 years.

A celebration of her life is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, June 26, in the Mennonite Home chapel, 5353 Columbus St. S.E., Albany.

Ann was the first child of Lola Thompson Goebel and J. Julius Goebel. She was born in Independence, Missouri, in the old farm home that her paternal grandparents had purchased in 1888.

In 1939 she graduated from William Chrisman High School, where she was a prize essayist and a member of the National Honor Society. After attending business college in Chillicothe, Mo., she worked for government wartime agencies in Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri.

She met Charles DeWitt Gibbs, a sergeant in the Army, on a blind date. They married on Sept. 27, 1944, at the St. Louis Cathedral. She continued government-agency work until 1946, when the couple moved to Stamford, Connecticut, for Charles first post-war position.

Subsequent moves took the family to New Jersey in 1952, central Florida in 1960, and back to New Jersey in 1964. Ann did secretarial and editorial work there for a trade magazine. Charles formed a company to manufacture and market his patented device for the wire and cable industry, and Ann became its vice president. Decades later she took pride in telling others that she had been the vice president of a small corporation.

In 1976 the couple moved their business, Gibbs & Stone Inc., to Hendersonville, North Carolina. They retired there in 1982.

They moved to Mennonite Village in Albany in January 1992. Charles died on Nov. 25, 2003.

Ann served five years as a Girl Scout leader in New Jersey. She volunteered at the hospital in Eustis, Florida. In North Carolina, she was a state board member of Questers, a national organization for study of antiques and historic sites. In Albany, she was active in the Mennonite Home Auxiliary and in Friends of the Library. She enjoyed bridge and reading, subscribing to two daily papers until the day she died.

As Anns needs increased, she moved to other parts of Mennonite Village, including Quail Run Assisted Living. Her final home there was Marys Place Adult Foster Care, where loving staff made it possible for her to die in her own room.

Ann is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara Curtin Miles and Denny Miles, and Deborah Gibbs and Tom Smith; granddaughters Marjorie Curtin Murphy (Michael Murphy), Abby Curtin Dacey (Tim Dacey) and Madeline Smith-Gibbs; great-grandchildren Caroline and Elena Murphy and Emmett and Declan Dacey; brother-in-law Enoch Davis; and many nieces and nephews.

Anns younger sister, Mary Alice Goebel Davis, died last year.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Mennonite Village Foundation or Samaritan Evergreen Hospice.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.demossdurdan.com.
She was the beloved wife of Thomas, loving mother of Brittany, Alexandra, Michael, Christopher and Erica, cherished grandmother of Rowan, daughter of J. Lowell and RuthAnn Young of Corvallis and loving sisters to Gordon Young of Sacramento, California, LoAnn Baker of Philomath and Kathy Arnold of Parker, Colorado.

Dr. Young was a highly respected ophthalmologist and founding partner of Eye Surgeons and Physicians in Commack, New York. Each March, Dr. Young would participate in Doctors Without Borders traveling to the Dominican Republic to perform eye surgery on many of the local folks. One woman told her, Before I came to see you, I was blind and now that you have performed surgery, now I can see. Such was the gift and kindness of Dr. Colene Young.
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.

Corvallis Police Department

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22

DUII: 12:01 a.m., 850 N.W. Sunnybrook Ave. An officer responded to a report that an intoxicated driver was yelling and driving erratically and that the driver had possibly had crashed into her own house. Officers arriving on scene stopped Debra Faulkner, 60, no address listed. Faulkner was charged with DUII, reckless driving and second-degree disorderly conduct. Her blood alcohol content was not reported. She was booked into the Benton County Jail.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21

TRASHCAN FIRE: 10:39 p.m., 650 N.E. Conifer Blvd. Police and fire officials responded to the report of a trashcan on fire in Village Green City Park. Firefighters extinguished the small fire and extinguished it. Officers reported that it appeared someone dumped charcoal in a plastic garbage can, causing it to burn to the ground.

Benton County Sheriff's Office

MONDAY, JUNE 20

DUII: 1:11 a.m., Southwest Second Street and Jefferson Avenue. A deputy arrested Anthony Michael Chambers, 27, of Corvallis following a traffic stop. Chambers was charged with DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangering. His blood alcohol content was not reported. Chambers was later released to a sober friend.
Benton County voters rejected a $25 million bond measure last November to construct a new jail, but some county officials are pointing to two recent inspection reports as further evidence that the current lockup is in dire need of replacement.

Both reports  one issued in March by the Oregon State Sheriffs Association and the other issued in May by the Benton County grand jury  give the jail passing grades. But both also cite serious deficiencies with the facility, mostly focused on its general lack of space.

My take is its saying what we knew all along: We have a great staff, they do a great job with the resources we have, but were reaching the point where were ineffective because of the (limited) resources available in our jail, Sheriff Scott Jackson said.

Located next to the courthouse in downtown Corvallis, the Benton County Jail was built in 1976 and has just 40 beds, making it the smallest county lockup in the state on a per capita basis. Since 2000, Benton County has rented jail beds from other counties for up to 40 additional inmates per night at a cost that now amounts to more than $1 million a year.

In some cases, the jail is forced to either release inmates early or not book them at all because there is no room to house or process them. Last year, according to statistics kept by the Benton County Sheriffs Office, 96 inmates were let out early and the jail was closed to new intakes on 64 occasions for a total of 310 hours, or almost 13 days.

In addition, deputies covered 12,476 miles transporting 1,737 inmates back and forth between the Corvallis jail and facilities in Linn, Lincoln, Polk and Yamhill counties.

Both the grand jury and the Oregon State Sheriffs Association report cited early release as a potential public safety hazard, and the OSSA report expresses serious concern about the frequent closures for lack of space. A closure of a jail is unheard of in Oregon, the report states, and this closure has a direct impact on the safety of the community.

Other problems cited in the inspection reports include:

 Inadequate exercise space for inmates. The jails already-small exercise yard was shrunk by half in 2005 to make room for food storage after the county started buying frozen meals for inmates in bulk to save money. The remaining space is dominated by a single weight machine, with roughly enough room for two inmates to walk abreast around the perimeter.

 Inadequate space to house mentally ill inmates separately from the general population. According to the OSSA, this can aggravate the individuals mental problem which causes a further strain on the staff and their ability to manage this population.

 Woefully inadequate space for medical facilities. The jail has a single room, roughly 10 by 12 feet, to screen, test and treat inmates. In addition to the lone examination table, the room holds several large cabinets for storing medical records, inmate medications and medical suppplies.

 Lack of space for educational or rehabilitation programs. The jail provides some services, such as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and religious services, in the day room, where the entrance to the exercise yard is located, but that means inmates have no access to exercise or recreation areas during those times.

Those points were all raised during the run-up to the November election but failed to sway the voters, who defeated the jail bond measure by a tally of 11,764 to 10,655. The $25 million bond would have gone to build a new jail in Philomath with 112 beds, a work-release center and ample space for medical services and rehabilitation programs.

All three county commissioners said at the time they intended to bring the issue back to voters at some point, but so far no concrete plans to do so have been announced.

Commissioner Jay Dixon, one of the most outspoken advocates of the jail bond, said hes not surprised by the concerns raised by the jail inspectors.

Some of us have known about all of those deficiencies for years, he said.

While he acknowledged that the county may not have done enough to make the case for a new jail last fall, Dixon said he still believes a new jail is needed and hopes that the next bond measure will be successful  even if someone else is leading the charge. Dixon lost his re-election bid in the May primary to fellow Democrat Xan Augerot, so his current term will expire at the end of the year.

Im kind of an optimist, he said. I still think that, over time  and maybe with some different methods of showing why a jail is needed  maybe we could succeed.

David Grappo, who led the opposition to the jail bond as chairman of Citizens Against a New Jail, said he hadn't read the inspection reports. But he pointed out that neither the grand jury nor the OSSA is suggesting that the Benton County Jail falls short of legal requirements.

"One of the things the jail has to do is meet state standards, which it does," he said. "The jail has served its purpose." If county officials do go back to the voters for another jail bond, he predicted, they'll probably get the same result. "They will be up against the same arguments they ran into last time," he said.
David vs. Goliath

To the Editor: The St. Pauls debate has been heavily dominated -- in the media and public meetings -- by sermons from save the building advocates. The latter group is...

POAs start primary process open to all residents

As previously announced, the four Property Owners Associations (Western, Estates, Central and Eastern) have made changes to their processes to nominate residents to serve as trustees for the Village Board of Trustees (BOT) and the Board...

Now the time has come

To the Editor: The Governance Committee should be appreciated for their work which generated several meritorious recommendations relating to the Village government. I was present when two members of Governance...

School tax bill fiasco

To the Editor: The county assessments are now in a 5-year phase-in program thanks to our past county executive's changes to the assessment process. Also, the Star program which once...
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
Britain votes to leave EU : Brexit: Shock and dismay in the international community

Bonn The vote is in and members of Bonns international community express shock and disappointment at the outcome of the British referendum.

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This is going to be a very difficult time. The pound has gone down already and it will automatically make things more expensive. Salaries wont keep up. It is going to cause a lot of uncertainty for the next few years, comments Michael Gray (67), a former DHL Deutsche Post employee. Gray lived with his family in Bonn for nearly ten years and returned to England just over two years ago. He and his wife live in the County of Kent where voters were in favor of the Brexit.

From a political standpoint, Gray feels people were mislead. He believes people were fed up with inequality and divisions, but those who were supposed to lead them out of that quandary, leaders such as Boris Johnson, were representing the right wing and not the average worker. Personally, he is worried that his son, who is studying engineering in the Netherlands will not have the same benefits he had as an EU citizen while living outside of England. Will this make it more difficult for him to find a job since he will now be considered a foreigner?

Agnieszka Iwanowska-Kedzierska(38) is from Warsaw and has been living in Bonn since 2011. She, too is sad about the outcome of the referendum and feels that people didnt do their fact-finding before voting. All together, its bad for Britain, and bad for the EU. There are no winners in this situation. Its a huge shift in the European power balance, all previous times we had a shift like that, it ended with a war, and thats my biggest fear, she laments.

British national Mandy Cryer woke up shocked and disappointed this morning. Living in Germany, with a German husband, she is now uncertain of their future. She writes on Facebook,  It is a worrying time, having just been offered a job at a German company I wonder if my employment will continue for a long time or will they not like a non-European employee. Owen Elias (44) is also from England but he has lived outside of the country for more than 15 years so he was not allowed to vote in the referendum. He said when he awoke to the news this morning, he was shocked by the reality of what had happened and still trying to process it. Of course, he had considered that a leave vote was a possibility but never expected it would really happen. He said he was devastated.

For some, a sense of belonging isnt defined by national boundaries. Michael Borgers (18), a graduate of Bonn International School and student of Politics, Law and Economics at the University of Amsterdam is a case in point. He feels much more like an EU citizen than a German, More than my home country Germany, the EU has shaped who I am and was, he explains. He writes this is a dark day for our union (I say our because I still very much feel connected to it). He sees a tough road ahead for Britain, and says his fellow students are worried about university admission in the UK and the future of the EU. Robyn Carrack (20), who is English and has been living in Bonn for 18 months, comments on Facebook, The majority of young people didnt want this and now we have to live with someone elses decision.

Americans living in Bonn are quick to draw a parallel between what is happening in the U.S. presidential election with Donald Trump and the vote for the Brexit. Lori Kent Rothman (51) is from northern Virginia, and came to Bonn a year ago, her husband working at the United Nations (UN). She comments, Between Brexit in the UK and Donald Trump in the US, its apparent a good chunk of the English-speaking world has lost its mind. Jocelyn Brannon (44) of South Carolina, holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration and came to Bonn as the wife of a UN employee in 2015. She finds it interesting to be living in Europe at this time, but to her, the Brexit vote is just one of a series of events, including Donald Trump being a presidential front-runner, that leaves her feeling, The world is turning upside down.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
Here's How to Activate the OnePlus 3's Free Accidental Protection Plan in India News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu

The OnePlus 3 flagship killer smartphone went on sale in India in just a few hours following its official launch as the market is one of the significant ones for the manufacturer. Being a key market, the Chinese maker has come up with some exciting launch offers as well for the device for the early bird customers.

Well, if you buy the OnePlus 3, you will get a year of free Saavn Pro subscription, Idea subscribers will get double data offer, and Rs 500 worth Kindle credit. That's not all! The most important and useful freebie is the 12-month accidental damage protection.

Also Read: 10 Simple Tips and Tricks to Make the Best of Instagram!

With this useful freebie, you can get the OnePlus 3 that has been accidentally damaged repaired at free of cost or very nominal charges for a year from the date of purchasing it. Notably, OnePlus is not the very first manufacturer to provide the free accidental damage protection with its handset. Samsung and LG have done the same and the protection is enabled and valid automatically.

Also Read: Moto G4 Plus vs LeEco Le 2: The Clash Between Mid-Rangers Becomes Fiercer

However, with the Servify Accidental Damage Protection for OnePlus 3, you need to enable the complementary protection to be eligible for the same. Unfortunately, the buyers of OnePlus 3 are not informed properly about the service. So, we detail the steps involved in enabling the free accidental damage protection for your new OnePlus 3.

Also Read: Grab Big Deals! Get Upto Rs 10,000 CashBack On Smartphones and Accessories

Follow the steps that are given below to make your OnePlus 3 eligible for the complimentary accidental damage protection.

Step 1: First, you need to head on to the Google Play Store and download the OnePlus Care app. Then, from the navigation drawer, go to My Devices.

Step 2: Now, register your OnePlus 3 with the application and go to My Devices again. Click on the device and select the option Add bill/document at is listed at the bottom. Scan the purchase invoice or point the app towards the jpeg format of the invoice. You can get the invoice from Amazon's My Orders page.

After the image is uploaded, the team at Servify will verify the details and the warranty will be within just three days. You can contact them through the Contact Us option in the app.

Keep in mind that this process should be done in 7 days of receiving your OnePlus 3 from the online retailer or within 10 days from the date of purchase whichever is actually earlier.

Source, Download OnePlus Care App

Best Mobiles in India

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'Feels Like Home Season 2' offers something real and tangible to think about; takes home a pertinent point - if your intentions are good, there is nothing in life that isn't achievable.
Maduro meets with US diplomat amid tension in ties

Iran Press TV

Wed Jun 22, 2016 9:7PM

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has met with an American envoy in Caracas amid tension between the two countries.

On Wednesday, Maduro accepted to meet veteran diplomat Tom Shannon after lunch in the Miraflores presidential palace in the capital Caracas.

The US had already expressed hope that Shannon can get to meet the president during his visit to hold talks with a number Venezuelan officials.

The 57-year-old's visit came at a time that food riots and violent looting have become a daily occurrence across scarcity-struck Venezuela.

Protests and melees at shops have been spreading around the recession-hit oil-producing nation in recent weeks, fueled by shortages of basic foods.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's right-wing opposition coalition, the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), is racing to call a referendum by the end of the year to oust Maduro.

The US has said that it will support a "fair and timely" referendum, which could topple Maduro, who once served under late President Hugo Chavez.

Since 2014, Venezuela has been grappling with protests against Maduro who is under fire by his critics, most notably the opposition, amid shortages of food, water, medicine and electricity.

Last year, Shannon had tried to put an end to diplomatic fighting between the two states, but negotiations failed to get through.

Under the administration of President Barack Obama, the US has managed to relatively normalize ties with Cuba, another old-timer US foe in the region.

It was not immediately clear what went down during the Wednesday meeting in Miraflores.

Shannon also met with some opposition leaders, including Henrique Capriles, who is at the vanguard of calls for a referendum due to previous losses against Chavez and Maduro in presidential elections.

The meeting was held ahead of discussions over a proposal in the Organization of American States that could ultimately suspend Venezuela from the bloc.

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Ceremony caps off Baltic region exercise Saber Strike

By Senior Airman Nicole Keim, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published June 23, 2016

TAPA TRAINING BASE, Estonia (AFNS) -- More than 200 NATO service members gathered June 21 at Tapa Training Base to close out Saber Strike 16, a multinational theater security cooperation exercise.

The exercise, which began June 12, was held in multiple locations throughout Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It facilitated cooperation among NATO allies and improved joint operational capability across a range of missions to prepare the 13 participating nations to support multinational contingency operations around the world.

Participating nations included Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the U.S.

During the ceremony, leaders spoke about the efforts put forth by all who participated and thanked one another for the unified partnership that made the exercise a success.

"It is great to see all of you service members from so many different nations," said Taavi Roivas, the Estonian prime minister. "It is also great to see that all of our nations are working together as one and that Saber Strike 16 was a great success."

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Blake Ortner, the 29th Infantry Division commander and the exercise's co-director, shared his thoughts on the events.

The most important things that are built during these exercises are the trusted relationships, Ortner said. "You can't schedule, plan or order that. Those trusted relationships are what make us truly strong as an alliance and also as a bilateral team with whatever nation we are working with."

Saber Strike also featured testing of U.S. air and naval deployment of forces and equipment and the integration of U.S. close air support with allied and partner nation ground forces.

"The most impressive part of the exercise was the integration of the B-52 (Stratofortress) strategic bomber in a close air support role as well as the A-10 (Thunderbolt IIs) that were used in (field training exercises and) live fires," Ortner said. "For the first time in 32 years, the A-10s did an austere landing along a highway here in Estonia."

The exercise was considered successful because of the hard work of partnered nations that sometimes endured obstacles to accomplish the mission.

"Shared sacrifice has a benefit all of its own," Ortner said. "When you have (service members) out there living together, sweating, stressed out, getting rained on and living through those conditions, real unity and trust are built."

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Minnesota guardsmen help secure skies above South Korea

By Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo, 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published June 23, 2016

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- The Air National Guard is frequently called upon when U.S. Pacific Command needs additional assets to deliver rapid air capabilities in the Pacific region, and Airmen from the 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth, Minnesota, are currently stepping up to that call.

The Airmen arrived at Osan Air Base in June to fulfill a theater security package requested by PACOM and Pacific Air Forces.

"We're here to back up active-duty forces and help deter regional threats," said Lt. Col. Curt Grayson, the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 148th Aircraft Maintenance Unit commander.

6,000 miles from home

Moving the personnel and equipment needed to run the 148th FW's aviation package wasn't as simple as rolling out of Minnesota and flying 6,000 miles straight to South Korea. Months of careful planning went on to ensure the guardsmen had all of the gear they needed, were properly trained and accomplished the tasks necessary for a successful operation.

The seeds of the operation were planted during a Red Flag-Alaska exercise in 2015, where 179th Fighter Squadron personnel worked alongside the 51st FW's 25th and 36th Fighter Squadrons.

Relationships born from that exercise set the guardsmen on a steady path, letting them quickly utilize the contacts they had made and not waste any time preparing to deploy, Grayson said.

"For our unit, it helped us figure out what we needed to do to fit into the Osan 'fight tonight' mentality," he said.

Guard vs. active duty

One of the primary goals of 148th FW personnel is to work side by side with active-duty personnel around base, including full integration of 148th AMU back shops with their 51st FW counterparts.

"We all have different levels of experience," said Maj. Mike Ketola, the 148th Operations Support Squadron senior intelligence officer. "People get (to Osan AB) and just when they're getting comfortable after a year, they have to leave. We don't really see that (in the 148th FW); we really get to practice and hone in on our experience, but we also get to make that experience available to other people and give opportunities to learn."

An example of the experience from the 148th FW is a machinist with over 20 years of experience, which is virtually unheard of on the active-duty side. Coupled with the standard one-year turnaround rate at Osan AB, those 20-plus years of experience could be invaluable to the 51st FW's machinist shop.

Best of both worlds

A unique aspect of a traditional guardsman is that he or she lives and works full time as a civilian outside of their required duty time, which requires them to step away from their normal lives during deployments.

Ketola works full time as a middle school history and geography teacher. He said he sees his time in South Korea as an opportunity to learn valuable lessons to bring back to his students.

He said, "You learn something every day, and to be here practicing what we're doing, it gives you  experience and ideas that you can bring back home.

"I can bring some of these things back to my civilian world and give a real-world example: I witnessed this, I've been there, this is what I've seen and that's how I can apply it now," Ketola continued. "I like doing this because I can come back and share this knowledge not just with the military section, but on the civilian side with my kiddos."

Once the Minnesota guardsmen return home, they'll be replaced by another ANG unit here. So far during the deployment, the Airmen of the 148th EFS and AMU accomplished dozens of training sorties, participated in a major exercise alongside the 51st FW and integrated into the active-duty inspection system.

"It's been a success so far; the pilots are getting the training they need, the maintenance is providing them good aircraft, and we were able to participate in (exercise Beverly Herd 16-01)," said Capt. William Carr, the 148th AMU officer in charge. "We've also learned quite a bit from the active-duty Airmen, since their pace is quite a bit higher than ours."

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B-52s conclude Europe mission after supporting exercises, airshows

By Senior Airman Sahara L. Fales, 5th Expeditionary Operations Group Public Affairs / Published June 23, 2016

ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, England (AFNS) -- After flying numerous sorties, multiple airshows and missions with NATO allies, two B-52H Stratofortresses headed home June 23 to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

The bombers were deployed to Royal Air Force Fairford, along with about 250 personnel, from Air Force Global Strike Command in June to support multinational exercises Baltic Operations 16 and Saber Strike 16.

"We had several goals for Baltops and Saber Strike; I'd most definitely say we achieved all of them," said Col. Kieran Denehan, the 5th Expeditionary Operations Groups commander. "Training was the first goal for all of us here. We were able to successfully integrate with our allies over here in the Baltic region. The chance to train, fly and integrate with them has been an extremely valuable experience."

During their time at RAF Fairford, the aircrew flew 25 sorties in Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, France, Germany and Italy. Five of those sorties included participation in airshows around Europe, such as in Paris and Berlin.

"When you think of the full contingence of missions that we had to do during Baltops and Saber Strike, the B-52 is one of the perfect platforms because of the variety of different exercises it can do," Denehan said. "We can fulfill so many different roles that we fit into multiple aspects of these exercises."

In addition to the aircraft, Airmen also demonstrated the same versatility in their work. To fly a single sortie it takes hundreds of people. Denehan attributed the teamwork from each unit for the seamless execution of every mission.

"The overall performance of the 5th Expeditionary Operations Group has been nothing short of outstanding," Denehan said. "The operations tempo was high, the airfield was constantly adapting, yet every Airman executed their role exceptionally and professionally. This is my last deployment as a commander, and I can just drop the mic and walk away because it was so fantastic."

With the exercises over, Airmen packed their bags and headed back to their home stations, grateful for the opportunity to showcase the strategic bomber to NATO partners for a third year in a row.

"The B-52 is a great sign of America's presence for assuring allies and deterring potential enemies," the commander said. "It was an honor to be invited to participate in this exercise, and we thank our allies for having us."

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Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 23, 2016  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

Attack, fighter, ground attack and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 12 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Raqqah, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL-used bridge and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.

-- Near Manbij, nine strikes struck eight separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL vehicles.

-- Near Mara, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted 22 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government:

-- Near Baghdadi, a strike destroyed an ISIL tunnel system.

-- Near Huwayjah, a strike destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun position.

-- Near Bashir, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL command-and control-nodes.

-- Near Beiji, a strike struck a large ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL mortar system, an ISIL tunnel entrance and an ISIL vehicle bomb.

-- Near Fallujah, four strikes struck four separate ISIL tactical units; destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle, five ISIL light machine guns, an ISIL rocket-propelled grenade system and an ISIL boat; damaged two separate ISIL fighting positions; and denied ISIL access to terrain.

-- Near Mosul, eight strikes struck six separate ISIL tactical units, an ISIL oil ministry headquarters and an ISIL vehicle bomb factory and destroyed three ISIL vehicles, two ISIL weapons caches, 10 ISIL assembly areas, two ISIL command-and-control nodes and an ISIL tunnel entrance.

-- Near Qayyarah, four strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL assembly area and eight ISIL boats and denied ISIL access to terrain.

-- Near Ramadi, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 14 ISIL boats and two ISIL weapons caches.

Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.

Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

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Deputy Secretary General addresses NATO's Warsaw Summit objectives in Lisbon

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

23 Jun. 2016

In a keynote speech at the Portuguese Parliament on Thursday (23 June 2016), NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow addressed key objectives for the Warsaw Summit, NATO's response to current security challenges and the significance the Alliance attaches to maritime security.

Ambassador Vershbow underlined Portugal's unique and long-standing contribution to the Alliance and the transatlantic bond. He noted that Portuguese soldiers have served under the NATO flag in Afghanistan, Portuguese sailors have led NATO's Standing Maritime Group, and Portuguese F-16 pilots contribute to NATO's Baltic Air Policing, helping to keep Allied borders secure.

Addressing NATO's adaptation to current security challenges, Ambassador Vershbow stressed that the Alliance's maritime capabilities are essential. Mr. Vershbow stressed that Portugal has played an important role in NATO's anti-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia, helping preserve and protect freedom of navigation. He added that the Alliance will refine its presence in the Baltic and Black Sea and explore a greater maritime role in the Mediterranean Sea, including in support of the European Union's Operation Sophia.

Ambassador Vershbow also outlined three key objectives of the Warsaw Summit in July: enhancing NATO's collective defence and deterrence, projecting stability beyond the Alliance's borders and expanding cooperation with the European Union. He noted that there is an opportunity for the Alliance to support partners' maritime capabilities. "Our support can enhance partners' maritime interdiction operations, their counter-terrorism efforts and their ability to provide humanitarian assistance," he said. Mr. Vershbow added that the Warsaw Summit will guide the Alliance's future direction, ensuring that NATO remains "an essential source of stability in an uncertain and unpredictable world."

During his visit to Lisbon, Ambassador Vershbow met with senior defence officials and with parliamentarians, including the Chairman of the National Defence Committee of Portugal's Parliament, Marco Antonio Costa.

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Naval War College, CJTF-HOA Collaborate to Strengthen Maritime Security

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS160623-11

Release Date: 6/23/2016 12:29:00 PM

By U.S. Army Capt. Matt Baldwin, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, and Daniel S. Marciniak, U.S. Naval War College Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (NNS) -- U.S. Naval War College (NWC) professors Larry McCabe and James Cook visited Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), June 14-15, to facilitate a two-day seminar on issues important to the African continent.

The gathering marks the first time CJTF-HOA has hosted an event in collaboration with NWC since June 2008. More than 80 staff members were present for the training.

"Coming here, engaging and talking with the staff provides a much more accurate and contemporary picture of what's happening here," said McCabe. "And we take it back and share it with our colleagues and then present to our students what's happening on the ground."

McCabe and Cook are active participants of the college's international engagement program, where they lecture on strategy and international security matters.

"What we bring to the group here is a strategic view on what they do," said McCabe. "They are so busy working at the operations and tactical level. They are so busy doing, that they don't have time to ask, 'Why am I doing this? Is what we are doing the most effective?'"

The faculty duo, both members of the college's National Security Affairs department, received the invitation from Army Maj. Gen. Kurt L. Sonntag, commander, CJTF-HOA.

Sonntag, a NWC alumnus and former student of McCabe's, considers the NWC experience as the "best available anywhere" and viewed the engagement as a "tremendous opportunity" for his staff.

"I highly recommend the U.S. Naval War College," said Sonntag. "[It was] by far the best year in my 30-year career, professionally and personally."

Those in attendance gained a better understanding of the history of Africa, its traditions and legal processes, its economy, and the contemporary challenges unique to the Horn of Africa. They also received an overview of the tools being used in building strategic partnerships. In the final sessions there was a sharing of lessons learned, and a roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities for cooperation.

"The material presented was relevant, valuable and insightful, and will be of particular use in the execution of my duties as the CJTF-HOA commander's liaison officer to the U.S. mission to Somalia," said Lt. Cmdr. Tim Tuck.

The event coordinator, Lt. Cmdr. Matt Ahlers agreed, and hopes to continue this type of dialogue in the future.

"It provided a valuable educational opportunity for the staff to gain insight into the bilateral agreements made with other countries," said Ahlers. "We look forward to future events."

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Indonesia president sails near waters claimed by China

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 10:3AM

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has sailed on a warship near remote islands in the South China Sea that are claimed by regional powerhouse China.

On Thursday, Widodo held a cabinet meeting with the Indonesian foreign minister and the chief of the armed forces on board a warship off the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea.

His visit came after the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Beijing and Jakarta had no territorial disputes but that they had some overlapping claims on "maritime rights and interests."

Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsud countered by saying that, "Our position is clear, that claims can only be made on the basis of international law. For Indonesia, we don't have overlapping claims in any form in Indonesian waters with China."

Luhut Panjaitan, Indonesia's security minister, said the cabinet meeting off Natuna was aimed at sending a "clear message" that the Southeast Asian country was "very serious in its effort to protect its sovereignty."

"In the course of our history, we've never been this stern," Panjaitan said, adding that, "Natuna is Indonesian territory, that is final."

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, which is also claimed in part by several Southeast Asian countries, including Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. The earth beneath the contested waters is believed to be rich in oil and gas.

Indonesia has objected to Beijing's separation of waters around Natuna Islands with a "nine-dash line" on Chinese maps to show its claim on the waters.

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Nearly 200 IDPs die of starvation, dehydration in NE Nigeria camp: MSF

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:50AM

Medical aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says nearly 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs), including children, who had fled attacks by the Boko Haram terrorist group in northeast Nigeria, have lost their lives at a camp in the past month, citing the lack of food and dehydration.

The MSF made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, saying, "a catastrophic humanitarian emergency" is unfolding at a makeshift camp for refugees in the northeastern Nigerian city of Bama, where 24,000 people have taken refuge.

The refugees "speak of children dying of hunger and digging new graves every day," the statement said, adding that, one in five of the 15,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition.

The MSF referred 16 emaciated children at risk of dying to their special feeding center in the northern city of Maiduguri, according to the statement.

Reports said ongoing clashes between Boko Haram terrorists and Nigerian troops in the country's northeast have made travel unsafe and farmers have not planted crops for 18 months, resulting in the aggravation of the food and health crisis in the region.

"We see the trauma on the faces of our patients who have witnessed and survived many horrors," said Ghada Hatim, the head of the MSF mission in the West African country.

According to the United Nations, the refugees in Bama are among the 1.8 million Nigerians forced from their homes and living inside the country, with another 155,000 in neighboring countries.

The Takfiri Boko Haram militant group has intensified its campaign of terror since President Muhammadu Buhari came to power in Nigeria in May 2015.

An estimated 20,000 people have been killed and more than 2.6 million others made homeless since the beginning of the Boko Haram militancy in 2009.

The terror group has pledged allegiance to the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group, which is mainly operating in Syria and Iraq.

Boko Haram has spread its attacks from northeastern Nigeria, its traditional stronghold, to the neighboring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon. Regional countries have created a joint military force in helping Nigeria fight the terrorist group.

EU agrees on new border force

In a separate development, the European Union (EU) has reached an agreement on a proposal to deploy new border and coastguard forces in an attempt to curb the influx of refugees and asylum seekers along its external borders in Greece and Italy.

"The agreement on the creation of a European Border and Coast Guard shows that Europe is able to act swiftly and resolutely to deal with common challenges," said Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commission (EC).

Under the deal, members of the 28-nation bloc will manage their borders on a daily basis but can call for emergency support from a pool of at least 1,500 border guards.

The European Parliament is expected to vote on the issue in a key committee next week.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees are still fleeing conflict-ridden zones in Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria.

In an attempt to stop the influx, the EU has struck a deal with Turkey to have the irregular refugees arriving on European borders returned to Turkish soil in return for a number of concessions.

A sub-deal with Turkey on one of the concessions, namely visa-free travel to Europe for Turkish citizens, has hit a snag, and is likely to undermine the overall deal on refugees.

Europe is now concerned that the continent would face another refugee influx as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that his country would allow the refugees to enter Europe if the EU failed to meet its commitments under refugee deal.

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Car bomb kills over a dozen Hadi loyalists in Yemen

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:16AM

At least 13 forces loyal to Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, Yemen's resigned president, have been killed after al-Qaeda militants blew up explosive-laden vehicles outside the southeastern port city of Mukalla.

Several soldiers were also injured in the Thursday attack on the eastern outskirts of the Hadhramaut provincial capital, which the army recaptured from al-Qaeda last month, a military official said.

One bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the gate of a base in the Khalf district, followed immediately by a second who blew up a car in the center of the camp.

Immediately after the bombings, al-Qaeda militants clashed with soldiers outside the base.

According to the official, a third bomber targeted the nearby residence of the commander of Hadhramaut's second military region, General Faraj Salmeen, who escaped unharmed.

Takfiri Daesh militants have reportedly claimed responsibility for the car bomb attack in Mukalla.

The militant group said in an online statement that one of its members had blown himself up in a car near government troops.

Mukalla, the provincial capital of Hadhramaut, fell into al-Qaeda when fighting began two years ago between Hadi loyalists and Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah fighters.

Saudi Arabia has been accused of supporting al-Qaeda through numerous airdrops of ammunition in areas under the control of the militants, especially in areas where it could launch attacks against Houthis.

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Colombia government, FARC rebels reach peace deal after four years of talks

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:15AM

The Colombian government and the FARC rebels in the country say they have reached a deal on a comprehensive ceasefire after four years of peace talks, marking an end to a half-century of bloodshed and guerrilla war.

"We have successfully reached an agreement for a definitive bilateral ceasefire and end to hostilities," the two sides said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the leader of the leftist guerrilla group, Rodrigo Londono, will travel to the Cuban capital, Havana, on Thursday to officially unveil and sign the peace deal in a ceremony, with other Latin American leaders due in attendance.

The United Nations (UN)'s Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said he will also travel to Havana for the signing ceremony.

President Santos said in a statement on Wednesday, "Tomorrow will be a great day. We worked for peace in Colombia, a dream which is now becoming reality."

The FARC, also known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, is the largest rebel group in Colombia and has an estimated 7,000 fighters. It has been at war with the government in Bogota since the guerrilla movement rose to prominence in 1964.

So far, more than 220,000 people have been killed in clashes between the two sides and 6.6 million others have been displaced. Moreover, a further 45,000 people are said to be missing.

In addition to the ceasefire deal, the FARC rebels have also agreed to lay down arms.

Back in late January, Londono, the FARC leader, had said that the group would end its armed struggle once an accord was signed and would take up the "political struggle." He also said that the FARC's political party could participate in Colombia's 2018 legislative and presidential elections.

"We will be in politics without arms. We will enter a political scenario where it will be fundamental to unite the largest number of forces possible to guarantee the deal is fulfilled," Londono said.

The two sides had missed a self-imposed deadline of March 23 to sign a final accord for a ceasefire. However, they made several key advances in recent months in the bumpy road to peace.

Earlier, several main areas of disagreement had been discussed, namely transitional justice, land reform, political participation for former rebels, putting an end to drug trafficking, removing the land mines, efforts to find missing persons, disarmament, and the mechanism by which the final accord will be ratified.

With the announcement of the deal, all issues are presumed to have been resolved.

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Washington warns Beijing over South China Sea 'provocations'

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 3:37AM

The United States has once more warned China against taking "additional provocative actions" in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

Colin Willett, deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asia, told Reuters in a Wednesday interview that Washington had "a lot of options" to respond to any move by China in the disputed region.

The warning comes ahead of an international court ruling on the South China Sea that is expected to largely reject Beijing's broad territorial claims there, according to Reuters.

The State Department official voiced skepticism over China's position that many countries backed its territorial claims in the sea.

The court case was brought against Beijing by the Philippines, a US ally in the region, which along with a number of other nations, claims sovereignty to some territory there.

The US official also said that a court ruling was expected possibly within weeks.

"We, the United States, do have very clear national interests in the area," Willett said. "We have an interest in upholding our defense commitments and our security partnerships."

The US has for long accused Beijing of militarizing the region.

China, on the other hand, has repeatedly slammed the US military build-up in the South China Sea, saying it is Washington, and not Beijing, which is in fact militarizing the disputed waters by conducting patrols there.

The South China Sea and patches of islands there have become a source of tension between China, the US, and some regional countries who are seeking control of trade routes and mineral deposits.

The disputed islands are claimed by countries such as Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, which all have overlapping claims with China over the territories in the South China Sea, including the Paracels, Spratly Islands, Pratas Islands and Scarborough Shoal.

Washington and China's rivals have been accusing Beijing of attempting to take advantage of the situation and gradually assert control in the South China Sea.

Beijing, however, rejects the allegations and accuses Washington of meddling in the regional issues and deliberately stirring up tensions in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea serves as a crossing for more than $5 trillion worth of annual maritime trade.

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Former U.S. Defense Officials Warn Of Russian Response To NATO Summit

June 23, 2016

by Mike Eckel

WASHINGTON -- A former top U.S. Defense Department official has warned that the buildup of NATO troops in Eastern Europe, and Russia's own troop movements along its western borders, are deepening the risk of an accidental outbreak of war.

The comments on June 23 by Ian Brzezinski, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Europe and NATO under former President George W. Bush, came as another former defense official, Derek Chollot, said Russia might feel compelled to ratchet up tensions further if NATO leaders at next month's Warsaw summit make a show of unity.

The two spoke at a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing that previewed some of what's at stake when leaders from the 28-nation alliance meet in the Polish capital on July 8-9.

At the summit, NATO officials are expected to endorse ongoing plans to deploy up to four multinational battalions to Poland and the Baltic states. That coincides with U.S. plans announced earlier this year to begin rotating three armored brigades into Eastern Europe, along with stationing some heavy weaponry and other equipment there.

Those plans have been met with stern warnings from Russia, which has shifted several divisions toward its western border, and with more aggressive maneuvers by Russian fighter jets and bombers.

But the NATO movements have also been met with skepticism within the alliance, most notably in Germany, where the foreign minister said in an interview last week that NATO was engaging in "warmongering."

Chollot, who served as assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs under President Barack Obama, said parliamentary elections scheduled for September in Russia were without a doubt influencing Kremlin policy toward the West.

"I'm worried, and it's not just the election. It's actually how Russia responds to the Warsaw summit. Because if we succeed in having the Warsaw summit be a show of unity, a demonstration that NATO has resolve, and augmentation of the deterrent, Putin may feel the need to respond in some way, to show that he's still willing to do what it takes," he said.

"It's already a pretty perilous period, but I think given the summit, given their election, given perhaps an EU that is mired in an existential crisis...I think it is an opportunity for Russia's adventurism to come back," he said.

NATO recently wrapped up its largest war games since the end of the Cold War, with more than 30,000 troops conducting exercises in parts of Eastern Europe. U.S. naval destroyers patrolling in the Baltic and Black seas, not far from Russia's maritime borders, have been buzzed by Russian jets and shadowed by Russian subs and surface ships.

Those moves, along with the increased presence of regular NATO forces in Eastern Europe and the growing frequency of large-scale snap exercises in Russia, raises the risk of one side misinterpreting the other's intentions, Brzezinski said.

"I'm not worried about intentional attack against NATO. I don't think that's in Putin's plans. But I am worried that his activities do raise, or increase the risk of inadvertent conflict, with all the escalatory dynamics that come with it," he said.

As much as anything, both Challot and Brzezinski said, what NATO lacks right now is a viable form of deterrence to persuade the Kremlin that a credible military response would occur if Russian forces were to stage some sort of intervention in the territory of an alliance member.

The Kremlin will be looking to undermine or discredit any NATO posturing at the Warsaw summit, Brzezinski said, and will be emboldened if there is the perception of a weakening of support for Ukraine.

He said he feared that Putin "will interpret a reinforcement of NATO's eastern frontier with no change in the NATO-Ukraine relationship as a green light to push further into Ukraine."

Challot said sending ground troops into Poland and the Baltic states was significant, but that the force they present needs to be credible to the Russians.

"It's very important that those forces are war-fighting forces, they are forces that can get into the fight in hours and days, not weeks," Challot said. "They are forces that have both the lethal capability, but also the ISR [intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance] and resupply, to be in that fight. They need air defense as well."

"It's not present now, and hopefully at Warsaw we will have good news," he added.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/us-russia-defense- officials-warn-response-nato-summit/27816313.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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NATO 'Refining' Baltic, Black Sea Presence, Seeks Bigger Mediterranean Role

Sputnik News

16:13 23.06.2016(updated 16:39 23.06.2016)

NATO is "refining" its maritime presence in both the Black and the Baltic seas and is looking into ways of enhancing its role in the Mediterranean, NATO's Deputy Secretary-General Alexander Vershbow said Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  He added that the Alliance must maintain its maritime ability to protect freedom of navigation in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

"NATO's maritime capabilities are essential There is still work to be done But we are refining our presence in the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea, and exploring a greater maritime role for NATO in the Mediterranean Sea  including in support of the European Union's Operation Sophia," Vershbow said, while addressing the Portuguese parliament.

NATO has been increasing its military presence in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea since the outbreak of the conflict in southeastern Ukraine in April 2014, in response to what it considers to be Russia's aggressive foreign policy. Moscow has repeatedly dismissed the Ukraine-related accusations leveled at it, warning that increased NATO activities near the country's borders could undermine regional and global stability.

The Operation Sophia was launched in June 2015 in response to the migration crisis in Europe as hundreds of thousands of refugees fled from the Middle East and Northern Africa to EU member states.

 Sputnik

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South Ossetia's Military to Be on Par With Russian Army Which Defended It

Sputnik News

10:29 23.06.2016(updated 10:39 23.06.2016)

The modernization of South Ossetia's Armed Forces military equipment will be brought to the level of the Russian 58th Army, which played an important role in the 2008 Georgia-South Ossetia conflict, the president of the breakaway republic, Leonid Tibilov, told Sputnik.

TSKHINVALI (Sputnik)  The 58th Army was once part of Soviet Union's Red Army and subsequently became a component of the Russian Ground Forces. During the 2008 conflict between Georgia and South Ossetia, the 58th Army crossed the border with Georgia and engaged in combat against Georgian forces, most notably in Tskhinvali.

"Since the beginning of the full implementation of the Treaty on Alliance and Integration of March 18, 2015, the process of arms and equipment modernization of the Republic of South Ossetia will be launched to reach the level of the Russian Defense Ministry's 58th Army," Tibilov said in an interview.

The agreement, of which Tibilov was speaking, is the cooperation treaty, under which South Osetia is due to receive some $145 million from Russia in the first three years. Under the treaty, Russia is responsible for formally managing border control of South Ossetia, as well as for its economy and military areas.

Expansion of Russian Military Contingent in Republic Off Agenda

The expansion of the Russian military contingent in South Ossetia is currently not being considered, President Leonid Tibilov told Sputnik.

"The issue of the presence of a military base in the country is of current interest. Regarding an increase in the number of [Russian] military, I can say that the current contingent is capable of solving the tasks, therefore the issue of an expansion is not on the agenda," Tibilov said.

In early 2009, Russia set up its 4th Military Base in South Ossetia, with two main compounds  one on the northwestern outskirts of the capital of Tskhinvali and another in Java, or Dzau, the second largest urban settlement in South Ossetia. The base was deployed to protect South Ossetia as well as the southern border of Russia.

In August 2008, Georgia launched a military offensive against the breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, ending in a five-day war with Russia.

Both regions declared their independence from Georgia in early 1990s and were recognized by Russia following the conflict. Georgia does not recognize the existence of South Ossetia as a distinct geographical and political entity.

 Sputnik

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Senior Officials on Colombia Peace Accord

Special Briefing

Senior Officials

Via Teleconference

June 23, 2016



MODERATOR: Good morning. Thank you for joining us today. As you know, we have a group of senior State Department officials who will talk to us about the Colombia peace accord. I want to remind you that today's call is on background and that it is also embargoed until 12 o'clock this afternoon.

Just to introduce our speakers, we have with us today [name and title withheld]. From here out, [Senior Official One] will be referred to as senior State Department official  Senior Official Number One. We have [name and title withheld]. [Senior Official Two] will be referred to as Senior Official Two. And we also have joining us [name and title withheld]. [Senior Official Three] will be referred to as senior State  Senior Official Number Three.

With that, I'll turn it over to our first speaker, [Senior Official One].

SENIOR OFFICIAL ONE: Great. Thanks, [Moderator], and thanks everyone for joining us. I'm just going to give a very brief rundown of the Secretary's personal involvement in the peace process and how it helped get us to where we are today, and then turn it over to [Senior Official Two] and [Senior Official Three], who can talk about the substance of what's being announced today.

As many of you know, this is an issue where the Secretary has been personally involved for decades, going back to his time in the Senate when he was chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee and was actively engaged in passing Plan Colombia. And since he became Secretary, it's been one of his highest priorities in the Western Hemisphere. I think within 10 days of his taking office, he had a conversation with President Santos, where they discussed how they could move the peace process forward. And over the past three and a half years, they've remained in regular contact as issues arose and obstacles arose and opportunities arose for where the Secretary could step in and help drive this process.

In December of 2014, the Secretary met with President Santos in Colombia, where Santos suggested that the U.S. may take a more direct role in support of the peace process. And it was shortly after that that the Secretary appointed Bernie Aronson as his special envoy for the Colombian peace process. Since then, Bernie's taken, I think, about 20 trips to Havana to meet with the negotiating teams on both sides. After each one of these, he updates the Secretary. And over the past few years, the Secretary's also been in regular contact with President Santos, Foreign Minister Holguin, and with Cuban, Vatican, and other regional counterparts.

In the last few months, I think we sensed that there was a real opportunity to bring this  to make major strides forward, and so our efforts have intensified. President Santos's visit to Washington in February was a good opportunity for the Administration to demonstrate our full support for the peace process. And then in March, while accompanying President Obama down to Cuba, the Secretary held lengthy meetings with the negotiating teams on both sides  first with the government, and then with the FARC. And these meetings focused specifically on how to reach agreement on the key issues that are being announced today. And our understanding is that those meetings had a very positive effect in pushing the two sides forward.

In addition to his personal engagement, the Secretary also directed the department to redouble our efforts to demonstrate support for the process, including directing our embassy in Bogota to help Colombia address the security threats that had hindered the peace talks and which have helped pave the way for the security guarantee in the agreement. We've also mobilized additional resources to help create the conditions for successful implementation if we get to a final agreement. In our FY17 budget request, as part of Paz Colombia, we increased our request by about 25  almost 25 percent. And these funds will help Colombia secure post-conflict areas, address the needs of conflict victims, and promote economic development.

And finally, the Secretary also assumed leadership of the Global Demining Initiative for Colombia, which is a multinational effort to rid Colombia of landmines in five years, and we are actively recruiting other nations to join that.

So that's a sort of brief overview of the Secretary's involvement in this, and let me turn it over to [Senior Official Two].

SENIOR OFFICIAL TWO: Thanks, [Senior Official One]. Thanks everyone for joining. Today, obviously, is a very significant day with the announcement that the negotiators have reached agreement on the fifth of the five issues that they set out to negotiate, and [Senior Official Three] will address the specifics of that, I think, in greater detail.

I'd like to take a minute just to sort of look back and also to look forward. Looking back, the Secretary traveled to Colombia in August 2013 at a time when few people gave this peace process better than a 50-50 chance of succeeding. But the Secretary understood that investing his personal energy and political capital in this peace process was worthwhile and was a strategic imperative. I think he saw that the prospect of peace in Colombia would not just end the grim reality of war for millions of Colombians but also help shift paradigms in Latin America by allowing our partner, Colombia, to embrace a more secure, prosperous, and outward-looking future. And since then, as [Senior Official One] mentioned, he's invested significant time in calls and visits, and obviously, the deployment of our Special Envoy Bernie Aronson to move this process forward.

Looking forward, the President and the Secretary also understood that making peace was just part of the challenge, that Colombia would also have to win the peace. And so almost a year ago, the Administration began developing a plan to provide unique U.S. capabilities and assistance to Colombia, building on over a decade of support under Plan Colombia, to help Colombia transition into this critical post-conflict  or peace  post-peace-accord period, and make peace real for its citizens, whether clearing landmines or building roads to rural markets, providing law enforcement and courts in rural areas, locating missing and disappeared victims.

And the result of that was Paz Colombia, or Peace Colombia, which the President announced with President Santos here in Washington in February. And that really creates a framework for us to help the Colombians seize this moment, win the peace, provide a peace divided to its citizens and provide the sustainable, just, and lasting peace that all Colombians deserve. That's this plan, and I'm sure [Senior Official Three] will get into this in greater detail, but it's based on three pillars  providing security, including taking the FARC off the battlefield and building on our counternarcotics gains and confronting any remnant or emerging security threats; expanding the presence of the government and its institutions into rural areas, especially post-conflict areas; and finally, supporting victims. So I'll stop there and turn it over to [Senior Official Three].

SENIOR OFFICIAL THREE: Thank you. So after four years of talks, this is a really momentous breakthrough, and the government's been able to get through these most challenging final issues in this peace process.

We expect this afternoon the Colombian Government and the FARC delegations will issue a joint communique in Havana, where they will announced they've reached agreements on a definitive bilateral ceasefire, the timetable for a full cessation of hostilities, the disarmament process, and the essential security guarantees for demobilized combatants and members of civil society in those conflicted zones. We understand that the announcement today will be led by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Timochenko.

The United States welcomes these developments. We are very hopeful that they will conclude successfully and they will lay the foundation for a just and lasting peace after more than 50 years of armed conflict. We congratulate President Santos and his team for their unwavering commitment to peace in Colombia and this major step toward a final peace accord. We look forward to partnering with Colombia on this important work, as both Official One and Official Two outlined, in terms of the additional support that we will be making to the implementation of the peace process.

And then my final note here is that Special Envoy Aronson will be representing the United States today in Havana. I'll stop there, and I believe we are now available to take questions.

OPERATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, if you'd like to ask a question, please press * then 1 on your touchtone phone. You'll hear a tone indicating you've been placed in queue, and you may remove yourself from queue at any time by pressing the # key. If you're using a speaker phone, please pick up the handset before pressing the numbers.

And our first question will come from the line of Pam Dockins of Voice of America.

QUESTION: Good morning. Thank you so much for doing this. A couple of questions, first of all, for Senior Official Number One. In your opening remarks, you mentioned an increase in funding requests by 25 percent. So do you  can you give me the full number on what the request is and then also a sense of how much the U.S. has invested overall?

And for Senior Official Number Three, looking forward to the July 20th date for the final signing, how  are there any significant roadblocks that the U.S. anticipates at this point? Or I guess another way to put it is  how optimistic are you that both sides will meet this deadline?

SENIOR OFFICIAL ONE: Sure. Thanks. I will take the first question. So the FY17 request was about 391 million. That's a 23 percent increase from the  over the '15 level, which was 307.8 million. And since 2000, U.S. invested about 10.3 billion in Colombia. But the '17 request is really geared towards implementation of a final agreement, particularly getting in, delivering services, development, and investment in these post-conflict areas.

SENIOR OFFICIAL THREE: With regard to the July 20 date that you referenced, I think we're all waiting to see what is actually contained in the announcement and the timetable that President Santos and Timochenko lay out. We  we're not certain at this time that the signing will actually take place on the 20th. It  there may be a time period there where they are organizing the ceremony, and we'll look to see what they say today on the actual timetable. But we think they are moving forward on this, and today's announcement is a clear sign that both sides are ready to move to the signing phase.

OPERATOR: Thank you. And next we'll go to the line of Nora Gamez of El Nuevo Herald.

QUESTION: Hi. Hello. I'm a little late on the call. So I wonder if you can comment to what extent was this engagement with Cuba important to reach this point for the talks.

SENIOR OFFICIAL ONE: Sure. Well, we certainly appreciate the Cuban Government's role in hosting these talks in Havana. And it has been an issue that the Secretary has engaged Foreign Minister Rodriguez on regularly as a sort of discussing how to encourage both sides to bring this to conclusion. I'll let the two parties themselves speak to how they view the Cuban Government's role, but sort of as the host and facilitator of these talks, we believe that Cuba played an important role.

SENIOR OFFICIAL THREE: Yeah. And I think we also want to acknowledge the very important role that Norway played and the UN as well in this process.

QUESTION: Okay. Thank you.

OPERATOR: Thank you. And our next question will come from the line of Howard LaFranchi of Christian Science.

QUESTION: Hi. Yes, thanks for doing this. I'm  I wanted to ask again about the Secretary's role in this. It occurred to me that if you think to his efforts on the Iran nuclear deal, they are very public, very sustained, and his meetings with Zarif were known and very heavily covered, and obviously, a very public show was made of that. And it seems that  it seems to me anyway that this effort by the Secretary was a little more under the radar, a little bit quieter. Correct me if I'm wrong, but  and I'm wondering if there was some reason for that  historic American role in the region, the fact there was  that the talks were in Havana  I don't know what it might be, but just, again, what looked to be like a more behind-the-scenes role by the Secretary.

SENIOR OFFICIAL ONE: Sure, thanks for the question. I mean, I think the biggest difference between this and sort of the Iran talks or even other negotiations that the Secretary has participated in directly is that the United States is not a party to these negotiations. This really was between the government and the FARC, and our role was to support the parties as they move forward. And so that necessitated in and of itself a lower-key approach.

But I think you saw at various times where we felt it was appropriate for the Secretary to get directly involved and raise the profile of it. He did that certainly in President Santos' visit here, certainly his meetings down in Havana. And it was a deliberate strategy to play a more low-key role, (a) because of sort of the dynamics of the talks themselves, but (b) because I think both parties sort of appreciated that we were there to help them and not necessarily to help dictate or pressure one side versus the other. That really was a facilitating role.

QUESTION: Great, thanks.

OPERATOR: And next we'll go to the line of Bill Faries of Bloomberg News.

QUESTION: Hey, thanks, everyone for doing this again. Just real quickly, what kind of concerns do you have about  there have been some reports that as this process has progressed that there have been defections of FARC rebels to the smaller ELN group. Do you see any signs that ELN has been gaining strength or that this is a trend that you're worried about?

SENIOR OFFICIAL THREE: I think it's really important to understand that the Colombian Government is engaged with the ENL  I'm sorry, the ELN  in a commencement of formal peace negotiations. I don't think we're particularly concerned about movement of low-level fighters from one side to the other. But I think what's really important is that the  that those efforts have been stalled because the ELN has refused to take some of the basic steps that the FARC did at the beginning of their negotiations, like renouncing kidnapping and releasing hostages that they've held. If they can move forward on that  on that front, we think these other lower-level defections should not play a role.

QUESTION: Okay. And can we clarify which senior official is speaking  one, two, or three?

SENIOR OFFICIAL THREE: That was three; excuse me.

QUESTION: Okay, thanks. (Laughter.)

OPERATOR: Thank you. And next we'll go to the line of Lucia Neal of ESE.

QUESTION: Hi. Good morning and thank you for doing this. I have three questions. I  first, if you could clarify if Bernie Aronson is going to have any meetings today in Havana, either with the parties or with some of the presidents who are going to be there, such as the president of Venezuela.

Second, do you expect that once there's a formal signing of the peace accord, that the Secretary would be present there?

And third, do you expect the  President Santos has said that there should be a referendum in Colombia to approve the peace deal. Is it your understanding that this referendum process is going to start right away after the signing, or do you have any information on that? Thank you.

SENIOR OFFICIAL ONE: Sure. This is Senior Official One; I can take the first two. So Bernie will certainly be in contact with the parties down there, as he's there for the signing. I  we can't speak to any specific meetings that he's going to have. I don't think we envisioned him having any sort of meetings on Venezuela, since that's not really his role.

On the Secretary's participation in any sort of signing, I think we would certainly  if we get to that point, certainly will have high-level USG participation. I can't speak to this moment which official it will be, whether it would be the Secretary or somebody else. But it certainly  I think we are confident that the USG will be well represented there.

SENIOR OFFICIAL THREE: Yeah. With regard to the plebiscite, President Santos has consistently and repeatedly made it clear that there will be a plebiscite that he intends to consult with the Colombian people on the agreement. I think we will be looking to today's announcement and other announcements the Colombians may make, the Colombian Government may make, as to the specific timing. At this point, I don't think that's pinned down. Thank you.

OPERATOR: And next we'll go to the line of Juan Vasquez of Miami Herald.

QUESTION: Hi, thank you for doing this. Two quick things: One, there was mention of a paradigm shift in the region as a result of this, and I wondered if someone could expand on that. And secondly, on the role of Bernie Aronson  I mean, what exactly did he  was facilitated by his role? Could you give us some examples of what specifically he might have done or what role he might have played? Thank you.

SENIOR OFFICIAL TWO: Yeah, look, on the paradigm shift, I think it's no secret that Colombia has been a very close partner of the United States, perhaps our closest partner in South America now for many years. But the country's been held back by this 50-year conflict with the FARC, and so the prospect of a Colombia that can move past that internal situation and be in a position to  for greater peace, prosperity, and security to its own people and play a more expansive role in the region and around the world is something that we look upon extremely positively.

I think you're already seeing some of the  some of that occur: the Colombian contributions, for example, to security in Central America; Colombian announcements on contributions to UN peacekeeping. We would expect in the future to see a post-peace accord Colombia to be in a better position to support and work with the United States on not just our objectives in Colombia itself but throughout the region and the world.

SENIOR OFFICIAL THREE: Yeah. With respect to Special Envoy Aronson's role, I think what we would point to is he regularly met with the negotiators. He was there on 23 separate, different visits. He regularly heard different offers the sides would be making, would make helpful suggestions to bridge gaps. I think issues around, for example, some of the timeline for disarmament and the cessation of hostilities were areas where he helped make contributions. I think he also helped the UN and the other guarantors of the process hold together as a supportive unit to the two sides, and in general I think his role was very catalytic to keeping the process moving forward when it hit certain impasses.

OPERATOR: Thank you. And next we'll go to the line of Rosiland Jordan of Al Jazeera English.

QUESTION: Thanks for doing the call. Is there any vision down the road of removing FARC from the terrorism list, the FTO list? Thank you.

SENIOR OFFICIAL THREE: I think at this point we want to see the announcement today; we want to see the peace process moving forward. We're going to have to analyze the FARC's behavior as this peace process moves forward, and we will take that decision as a U.S. Government decision irrespective of the process and consistent with any FTO review process.

MODERATOR: Okay, ladies and gentlemen, I think we have time for one more question.

OPERATOR: Our next question will come from the line of Jim Wyss of Miami Herald.

QUESTION: Hi, good morning; thank you for this. Piggybacking a little bit on the last question, I was wondering if the State Department has had any talks with the Justice Department a little bit about arrest warrants out for FARC leadership and particularly the fate of Simon Trinidad, who is in U.S. jail. Wondering if you could tell us anything about conversations Aronson might have had with FARC on those issues or anything that State is doing.

SENIOR OFFICIAL THREE: No, the United States has not been involved in any discussions related to pardoning or releasing Simon Trinidad. The conviction of  and sentencing of Mr. Trinidad was completed in accordance with the U.S. criminal justice system. His incarceration is a judicial matter and, from the point of the view of the United States, is not part of the peace process.

MODERATOR: Great. Many thanks to our speakers for joining us today and thank you for calling in. This will conclude today's call.

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In Havana, Ban hails Colombia ceasefire pact as example of peace with dignity

23 June 2016  In Havana, Cuba, today to witness the signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement and laying down of weapons between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underscored the importance of the historic event as an exemplary implementation of peace.

"On this day, in a world beset by seemingly intractable wars, the peace process in Colombia delivers on a key commitment: an agreement on a ceasefire and the laying down of weapons," the Secretary-General said.

"Today the Colombian peace process validates the perseverance of all those around the world who work to end violent conflict not through the destruction of the adversary, but through the patient search for compromise," he added.

Mr. Ban expressed admiration for the negotiating teams, which he said have demonstrated that it is possible to "achieve peace with dignity for all concerned."

"They have overcome tense moments and challenging issues to arrive at an historic achievement," he stressed.

Congratulating the Governments of Cuba and Norway for devoting "considerable diplomatic skills" to the peace process, the Secretary-General said that they, together with the accompanying countries, Chile and Venezuela, have shown how national peace efforts can be supported faithfully, discreetly and effectively.

He also recalled that six months ago, the UN Security Council and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) had responded to the call of the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP, and made a commitment to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the laying down of weapons.

"The signing of this essential component of the peace agreement will strengthen this commitment. It will now be crucial to mobilize the people and resources required for monitoring and verification," Mr. Ban said.

Acknowledging that the peace talks continue and that "significant issues" are still outstanding, the Secretary-General said he trusted that today's achievement will provide renewed momentum towards the last phase of the negotiations.

"Expectations are now high that the vision articulated in the agreements reached over the past three years will soon become a reality. I strongly encourage you to fulfil these hopes," the UN chief said.

"We at the United Nations are determined to do everything we can, alongside the Government and the FARC-EP, to translate a remarkable negotiating process into exemplary implementation of the peace commitments made," he added.

In conclusion, Mr. Ban noted that it was a privilege to participate in the event in his last year as Secretary-General.

"It is an honour to be by your side in laying the groundwork for lasting peace and a better future for all the country's people. Let us now work together so that the promise of peace made today in Havana is fulfilled in Colombia," he said.

The Secretary-General also met today with the President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Calderon, during which Mr. Ban congratulated the Government of Colombia on the important agreement reached, noting that it was a clear demonstration of the parties' commitment to reach a final peace agreement in the near future. They also discussed ongoing preparations for the deployment of the UN Mission in Colombia.

In a separate meeting, the Secretary-General talked with the commander of the FARC-EP, Timoleon Jimenez, discussing progress made so far in the peace talks and pending matters, including the transition of FARC-EP combatants into civilian life.

In addition, Mr. Ban met with President Nicolas Maduro Moros of Venezuela and commended Venezuela for its role in the Colombian peace process. He called for an inclusive political dialogue in Venezuela. This afternoon, the Secretary-General will leave Havana to start his official visit to France on Friday.

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Nigeria Fighting Cuts Food, Aid Access

by Chris Stein June 23, 2016

As many as six people are dying daily from disease and malnutrition at a northeastern Nigeria camp for people displaced by Boko Haram violence, Doctors Without Borders said.

The aid group called the situation at a hospital where 24,000 people are sheltering in the town of Bama a "catastrophic humanitarian emergency."

Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the dire conditions in Bama are a result of recent fighting between the military and the Boko Haram insurgency.

NEMA spokesman Abdul Ibrahim said most of the people who are ill at the camp have recently arrived in Bama from isolated areas that have become battlefields between the military and the insurgents.

"Because they've been in communities that were cut off without access, they couldn't get food and medical supplies in those locations," Ibrahim said.

Operation Crackdown

Nigeria's army last month announced Operation Crackdown, an offensive to push the Islamist Boko Haram militants out of their stronghold in the Sambisa Forest near Bama.

Boko Haram's fight against the Nigerian state has killed upwards of 20,000 people and forced 2.7 million more to flee across the region.

In 2014 and 2015, the group was able to overpower Nigeria's military and occupy towns across the northeast, including Bama.

Those gains were reversed by an offensive with troops from Nigeria and neighboring states, but several of the reclaimed towns were heavily damaged.

Many of the Nigerians displaced by the fighting have ended up at camps like the one in Bama.

NEMA said it has provided food and medicine to the camp, while the U.N. Children's Fund is also working in the town.

Deteriorating situation

But Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, said conditions have deteriorated.

In a release, the group said of 800 children surveyed in the camp, 19 percent suffered from malnutrition. MSF moved 16 children who were in imminent danger of dying from malnutrition out of the camp and to the Borno State capital Maiduguri.

At least 188 people have died in Bama in the last month, MSF said. The group also counted over 1,200 graves at the camp, 480 of which contained the remains of children.

Ibrahim said NEMA was working with the military to gain access to areas that the military had recently cleared of Boko Haram in order to aid trapped civilians.

"We hope to provide medicine and food, which is the major problem, what they are lacking now," he said.

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Colombia, FARC Rebels Sign Cease-fire Agreement

by VOA News June 23, 2016

The Colombian government and the leftist FARC rebels signed a cease-fire and disarmament deal Thursday, bringing Colombia a major step closer to ending more than 50 years of guerrilla warfare and terrorism

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Rodrigo Londono Echeverri signed the agreement in Havana, which has hosted four years of frequently difficult peace talks.

Cuban President Raul Castro and Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende -- whose countries mediated the talks -- watched the events with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, U.S. envoy Bernard Aronson and several other Latin American presidents.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement, calling the cease-fire "welcome news" for the people of Colombia and everyone who desires peace.

"The United States has supported Colombia in its efforts to strengthen its democracy and safeguard the security of its people. That friendship will continue as Colombia's leaders strive to complete the peace process and take steps to recover from the many years of division and conflict," Kerry said in the statement.

The cease-fire is the last major step before both sides sign a final peace agreement. Santos said he expects that to take place July 20, the day Colombia won independence from Spain in 1810.

Final issues to work out

A few final minor issues need to be worked out before the peace deal is put to the Colombian people in a referendum.

Along with a cease-fire and rebel disarmament, the deal includes land reform and will give former rebels some political power. Ex-FARC fighters can also avoid jail time in exchange for community service and travel restrictions.

Both sides had expected to sign the final agreement in March. But questions remain on exactly how the conditions in the peace deal will be implemented and who will preside over a special war crimes tribunal to consider charges against fighters on both sides.

The most important question is how the deal will be implemented legally and whether it would fall apart if a more conservative government succeeds Santos in 2018.

The Marxist FARC rebels launched their uprising as a poor people's rebellion in 1964 and grew into a dangerous fighting force. It turned to drug trafficking and kidnapping to fund its guerilla war.

But the rebels failed to overthrow a succession of Colombian governments, including some which had U.S. military aid.

The fighting in Colombia has left more than 220,000 people dead.

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Pope Francis Denounces Armenian 'Genocide' In Yerevan

June 24, 2016

by RFE/RL

Pope Francis has denounced the "genocide" of Armenians by Ottoman-era Turkish forces a century ago.

"Sadly that tragedy, that genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples," he said as he arrived in Armenia on June 24.

"It's so sad how, in this case and in the other two, the great international powers looked the other way," Francis added, in apparent reference to the subsequent mass killings under Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union under dictator Josef Stalin.

Francis made the remarks on the first day of his three-day visit to the former Soviet nation, a trip aimed at further strengthening the Vatican's relations with Yerevan and the state-backed Armenian Apostolic Church.

In the run-up to the visit, the Vatican had refrained from using the term "genocide," mindful of Turkish opposition to the political and financial implications of the word given Armenian claims for reparations.

But on June 24, Francis declared unequivocally used the word to describe the mass killings

In April 2015, Francis held a mass at the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica dedicated to the centenary of killings, calling them "the first genocide of the 20th century."

Turkey, which rejects the term genocide, had accused the pontiff of distorting history and recalled its ambassador to the Vatican in protest.

Francis was greeted at Yerevan's Zvartnots airport by President Serzh Sarkisian and Catholicos Garegin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Francis and Garegin then headed to the nearby town of Echmiadzin, which for centuries has been home to the Armenian church's headquarters. Armenia was the first nation to establish Christianity as a state religion, having done so in 301.

The two attended a religious ceremony in the town's cathedral.

Over the following days, Francis is set to pray at Armenia's main memorial to the 1915 killings, release two doves of peace near Armenia's closed border with Turkey, and pray for peace during an ecumenical prayer service with Garegin.

John Paul II became the first pope to visit Armenia with his 2001 trip and was the first pontiff to refer to the 1915 slaughter of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide, although he did so only in writing.

With reporting by AP and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/pope-francis-armenia-genocide/27819125.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Pope Denounces World War I Mass Killings During Armenia Visit

by Isabela Cocoli June 24, 2016

Pope Francis denounced again Friday the World War I-era mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as "genocide" as he met with Armenia's President Serzh Sargsyan, a statement that enraged Ankara a year ago.

Francis, who is on a three-day visit in the country, used the Armenian term 'Metz Yeghern' (the great evil), but added to his prepared text the word "genocide" to refer to what he also called "the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century."

Frances delivered a major speech at the presidential palace in Yerevan with other Armenian high officials and the diplomatic corps in audience, after visiting the Cathedral of Armenian Church in Etchmiadzin, where he urged all Christians to unite to prevent religion from being exploited and manipulated.

There was no immediate reaction from Turkey, which promptly recalled its ambassador to the Vatican after Francis used the term genocide last year.

Oriental Orthodox patriarch of the Apostolic Church Karekin, alongside Sargsyan greeted Francis when he arrived in the capital, Yerevan, Friday afternoon.

Francis has frequently denounced the slaughter of Christians by Islamic extremists in the Middle East, saying that the indiscriminate attacks against religious minorities is an "ecumenism of blood," a martyrdom shared by all Christians.

Recently, however, he said he preferred to use the term "martyrdom" over "genocide" when describing the persecution of Christians.

In coming days, Francis will pray at Armenia's genocide memorial, release a dove of peace near Armenia's closed border with Turkey and pray for peace during an ecumenical service with Karekin.

Historians estimate that up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks between 1915 and 1917 and many scholars have viewed the event as the 20th century's first genocide.

Armenia has long sought international recognition of the event as genocide, while Turkey acknowledges that hundreds of thousands of Armenians died, but has denied that their killings constituted a campaign of genocide.

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This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle,

This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,

This other Eden, demi-paradise,

This fortress built by Nature for her self

Against infection and the hand of war,

This happy breed of men, this little world,

This precious stone set in a silver sea

Which serves it in the office of a wall

Or as a moat defensive to a house,

Against the envy of less happier lands,

This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England,



Richard II

by William Shakespeare, William (1564 - 1616)

Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies

(London: Printed by Isaac Jaggard and Ed. Blount, 1623):

sig. C2v. STC (2nd ed.) 22273



The UK and the European Union

The European Union is a partnership of 27 countries. Britain has been a member of the EU since 1973. The importance of the Commonwealth and Britain's relationship with the US meant it approached supranational European cooperation with caution. In April 1951 Britain boycotted the Treaty of Paris that created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). France, Germany, Italy and the three Benelux countries: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (known as the 'Inner Six') signed. France issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Britain to attend ECSC talks but Britain opted out.

Britain sent a representative to the Messina Conference in June 1955, but withdrew. The British proposed a Free Trade Area around the customs union of the European Economic Community (EEC), but this was rejected. The 'Inner Six' (France, West Germany, Italy and the three Benelux countries: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) signed the Treaty of Rome in March 1957, establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The EEC was inaugurated in 1958.

Britain joined the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) in 1961 and worked towards the reduction of trade restrictions between members. Britain was suspicious of the French Schumann plan to establish a supranational body regulating the production and sale of coal and steel. In 1959 Britain signed the Stockholm Convention with other non-EEC European states (Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland) and created the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). However, EFTA was no competitor for the EEC and was ineffective in establishing a useful free trade area.

The Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, was alarmed at the rapid economic advances made by France and Germany and sought to join the EEC. Britain's commonwealth ties, domestic agricultural policy, and close links to the US were obstacles in joining and the French President, Charles de Gaulle, vetoed Britain's application in 1963. The Wilson government again failed to take Britain into the EEC in 1967.

Lord Gladwyn said 01 November 1972 in the Lords that "it makes no sense to contemplate a monetary union unless you have the firm intention here and now to begin to construct a political union of a democratic nature  at the same time, of course, implying that this is quite impossiblewe Liberals would think that such construction is not only now inevitable, if there is to be any kind of monetary union, but that it is both possible and desirable also. It is indeed quite obvious, as I think everybody will be forced to admit, that one cannot have a monetary and economic union without a central authority of some kind which will take the necessary decisions, and that the only conceivable way in which such an authority can be democratic is to have some kind of European Parliament which, even if it does not itself constitute the authority, will at least be able to accept or reject its decisions in a general way."

Georges Pompidou, who succeeded de Gaulle, finally relented and Britain joined in January 1973 under the premiership of Edward Heath. The 1974 Wilson government was unhappy with the terms of EEC membership and held a referendum in June 1975. A substantial majority voted in favor of continued membership although Britain consistently resisted supranational industrial, scientific and social policies.

The British Government sought to be a positive participant in the European Union. Foreign Secretary William Hague summed this up saying that the British government would be active and activist, positive and energetic from the beginning. It meant that Briain would play a strong and positive role with EU partners, with the goal of ensuring that all the nations of Europe are equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century, in particular, global competitiveness, global warming and global poverty.

It also meant that the British Government wanted to be accountable to British people for what it does on their behalf in the EU. As William Hague mentioned when summing up his remarks during the European affairs debate, "We will play our role [in Europe] with enthusiasm while vigorously advancing our countrys interests." This means Britain would be firm in the defence of British interests. However, Britain doesn't believe there is a contradiction between championing the interests of the UK in the EU, and seeking to play a constructive role in making the EU work better.

Britan would be working together with the EU on trade, on the single market, on economic growth, delivering real benefits for Britain and British people. The top priority would be to boost economic growth. Working with European partners we want to equip the EU to compete globally in the 21st century keeping people in employment and creating new employment. First and foremost, that meant promoting the single market and developing trade links.

Her Majesty The Queen announced in the Queens speech on 25 May 2010 that her Government would introduce legislation to ensure that in future, Parliament and the British people would have their say on any proposed transfer of powers from the UK to the European Union. The European Union Act 2011 received Royal Assent on Tuesday 19 July 2011.

There was no question of this country ever agreeing to be part of a European army. There was absolutely no question of that. From time to time, various coun tries took part in successful EU military ventures  mostly small-scale in which, for one reason or another, NATO chose not to operate. There is no question of a European army, navy or air force.

The British Government did not share the view that a European army would be helpful or necessary. The UK believed that NATO was and should remain the centrepiece of British collective defence and security arrangements. Were there to be any move towards establishing greater European military integration, it would first require consensus among member states, because such matters cannot be determined by a qualified majority vote under the treaty. Moreover, in passing the European Union Act 2011, the UK required that there would have to be both an Act of Parliament and a referendum of the British people before any British Prime Minister could give consent to a proposal for the establishment of an EU army or armed forces in some hypothetical future.

On January 23, 2013 Prime Minister David Cameron announced plans to renegotiate Britains relationship with the rest of Europe, and to hold a referendum on it within five years.

Cameron suffered an embarrassing blow in parliament on May 15, 2013 when a third of his Conservative lawmakers voted against his stance on Britain's EU membership. Dozens of his own party's lawmakers took the highly unusual step of voting against the government's legislative plans. The rebels were angered that the government's proposals did not include Cameron's promise to make the referendum on Britain's EU membership legally binding. The turmoil fuelled talk of Britain's EU exit and stirred memories of the Conservative Party infighting that contributed to the downfall of the Conservatie governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major.

On November 10, 2015 Cameron called for the European Union to make a number of reforms ahead of his country's referendum on whether to leave the 28-nation bloc. Among the demands were protections for the one-third of EU nations that did not use the euro currency. Cameron said if the EU became a "single currency club" then it would not be one for Britain. The prime minister said he supported the free movement of labor among EU members, but that he wanted a more fair system and for governments to have more power in controlling immigration.

The prime minister made his plan under pressure from anti-Europe members of his ruling Conservative Party, and from the growing UK Indepdence Party, a new party that wanted Britain out of the EU. To placate them, he was expected to seek to exempt Britain from some European Union rules on such things as workers rights, law enforcement and possibly some safety rules.

Continental leaders were reluctant to provide the kinds of changes he wanted. The continents other major powers were reluctant to let Britain opt out of any more aspects of EU membership. Frances minister for European Affairs Bernard Cazeneuve said in January 2013 that the European Union needed to be strong, coherent and cohesive, and that Britain cannot treat it like an a la carte menu.

The debate centered on one of the EUs founding principles - the freedom of movement within the EU  particularly, the freedom of foreign workers to look for work in wealthier member states. Germany was far more committed to the stronger political dimension of the EU and the migration of EU workers and it wasnt in the business of making concessions for one country. Germany remained committed to this principle but in Britain, public concern had been mounting  especially over immigration.

While much of Europe was moving toward closer integration, Britain has always been skeptical of that approach. Years ago, the UK opted out of the common euro currency and the open borders treaty. Many Britons resented regulations that came from EU headquarters in Brussels, and were concerned about giving the European Parliament and bureaucracy more power.











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"Here are Scotland's terms. Lower your flags, and march straight back to England, stopping at every home you pass by to beg forgiveness for a hundred years of theft, rape, and murder. Do that and your men shall live. Do it not, and every one of you will die today."

Scotland - Move to Independence

William Wallace (c. 12701305) 11 September 1297, Battle of Stirling

Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced plans for a second referendum to be held on Scottish independence in October 2022, promising to take legal action to ensure a vote if the British government tried to block it. Sturgeon said on Tuesday that the Scottish government, which is led by her pro-independence Scottish National Party, would publish a referendum bill later, outlining plans for the secession vote to take place on October 19, 2023. What I am not willing to do, what I will never do, is allow Scottish democracy to be a prisoner of Boris Johnson or any prime minister, Sturgeon told lawmakers in the devolved Scottish Parliament.

On 14 June 2022 Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched a campaign for a second independence referendum, unveiling what she said was a refreshed case for the country to break away from the rest of the United Kingdom. Sturgeon is a scathing critic of Johnson and the UKs departure from the European Union  a move opposed by a majority of voters in Scotland  and has said she wants a new referendum to be held before the end of 2023.

Sturgeon, who heads the devolved government and leads the Scottish National Party (SNP), said that it is the right time to revisit the question, eight years after a majority of Scots voted in favor of remaining aligned with England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The paper  titled Independence in the Modern World  Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland?  argues that Scotland is similarly sized to several other European countries that are outpacing the UK both economically and in terms of societal wellbeing.

Scotland under Westminster control is being held back, Sturgeon said, citing a moniker for the UKs centralised government in London. With independence, we too would have the levers and the autonomy that these countries take for granted to help fulfil their potential, she said.

The SNP had previously ruled out an unsanctioned ballot on separation, which would effectively end hopes of EU membership. Instead, the Scottish government had petitioned ministers in London to permit a second referendum. Those efforts were currently fruitless  but that could change after the Scottish Parliament elections in May 2021. Pro-independence parties won a majority in the Scottish Parliament, which Sturgeon said gave her an indisputable democratic mandate to push ahead with plans for a rerun of the vote. The SNP victory evoked the precedent of the 2014 referendum, because that was conceded by the British government after the SNP won a majority in Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament, with a clear manifesto commitment to seek an independence referendum.

Scotland has already come a long way since 2014. A great deal of nation building has been done in the years since the last referendum. For example, in Revenue Scotland, Scotlan now had a tax agency, and in Social Security Scotland, a social security agency. Scotland also had the independent Scottish Fiscal Commission and the Scottish National Investment Bank. In other words, substantial parts of the institutional infrastructure that an independent country would need, and which did not exist in 2014, are now in place.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on 13 January 2020 refusing her request to be given the powers to hold another Scottish independence referendum. Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, had stepped up the battle for an independence referendum, writing to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to request a second vote on the issue and seeking a transfer of powers to hold another vote from London to Edinburgh.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon stated 14 October 2019 that the time is ripe for an independence referendum in Scotland. "Our job is to deliver independence. My call is that the referendum must happen next year. And we are getting ready", Sturgeon told reporters at the conference in Aberdeen. "Before the end of this year, I will demand the transfer of power that puts the legality of a referendum beyond any doubt", she added. She further elaborated that Westminster denial on the independence referendum is "unsustainable". Sturgeon also noted that a vote for her party is a vote for an independence referendum, adding that any party that the SNP supports in Westminster would have to respect Scotland's right to hold a vote on the matter.

The statement came after the SNP chairwoman earlier said that she was going to ask for British Parliaments approval to carry out another independence referendum, as the Brexit outcome remains unknown. Meanwhile, support for Scottish independence has risen to a record 50%, showing a five-point increase from a poll last-year, according to a recent Panelbase survey for The Sunday Times Scotland.

An opinion poll published 18 June 2019 of ordinary Conservative members suggested they were ready to see the break up of the United Kingdom with Scotland and Northern Ireland peeling off as a result of a no-deal BREXIT departure. According to the survey conducted by the YouGov pollster, 63 percent want Brexit to go ahead even if it means Scotland decides to break away to restore its independence, and 61 percent favor leaving even if it means significant economic damage. A slim majority are ready to endorse Brexit even if it ends up destroying the Conservative party itself.

While the Eurosceptic Brexit Party emerged as the clear winner in the United Kingdom's branch of the European elections in May 2019, voters in Scotland sent a clear message of their own. As the Brexit Party, established only weeks earlier by the ardent anti-European Union Nigel Farage, the former head of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), swept the board in England and Wales, the pro-EU Scottish National Party (SNP) topped the poll in nearly every constituency in Scotland. Amid a slump in support for Scottish Labour - once the party of dominance in Scotland - the SNP secured three of the six allocated Scottish seats in the EU-wide European vote. First minister and SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, celebrated her pro-independence party's "historic" victory in the poll, and maintained that Scotland had "rejected Brexit again" as it increased its seat representation by one.

Across the UK, 73 European seats were up for grabs. While the SNP won half of Scotland's designated half-dozen seats with 38 percent of the vote, the Brexit Party, which mustered less than half that, at 14.8 percent, also took a seat. The third-placed Liberal Democrats (13.8 percent), and Conservatives (11.6 percent) likewise took one seat each. The Scottish Labour party, which was forced into fifth with 9.3 percent, lost both of its representatives, including David Martin, who was Britain's longest-serving elected EU parliamentarian.

On 27 May 2019, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon added flesh to the bones of the IndyRef2 commitment: "There will be another Scottish independence referendum and I will make a prediction today that Scotland will vote for independence and we will become an independent country just like Ireland, and the strong relationship between our two countries now will become even stronger soon. I want to see Scotland having the choice of independence within this term of the Scottish Parliament, which ends in May 2021, so towards the latter half of next year would be when I think is the right time for that choice". So September or October 2020 will see Scotland presented with the chance to claim her freedom and status as a normal independent nation.

Scottish independence appeared off the agenda after the SNP suffered losses in Scotland in the 08 June 2017 general election. The Tories and Labour both took seats from the independence-supporting SNP. The nationalists had swept the board in 2015, winning 56 of the 59 seats up for grabs, but in 2017 gained only 35 seats. Former leader Alex Salmond was among a number of big names to lose seats to Labour and the Conservatives. The prospect for a second independence referendum in Scotland appears more unlikely than at any point since the June 2016 EU referendum thanks to the SNPs poor showing at the polls.

Scotland's Parliament voted 28 March 2017 to seek a new referendum on independence from Britain, clearing the way for the country's first minister, its top lawmaker, to ask the British government to approve such a vote. The legislature in Edinburgh voted 69-59 to seek Britain's parliamentary endorsement, which is required, for a referendum that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wanted to hold within two years  before Britain had completed its departure from the 28-nation European Union.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said 12 March 2017 she will seek authority for a new independence referendum once the terms of Britain's departure from the European Union are clear. The vote could take place in 2018. "If Scotland is to have a real choice - when the terms of Brexit are known but before it is too late to choose our own course - then that choice must be offered between the autumn of next year, 2018, and the spring of 2019," Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

The results of the 23 June 2016 referendum divided the UK with Scotland voting to remain in the EU by 62 percent. A majority in Scotlands devolved parliament at Holyrood backs breaking up the United Kingdom. Scotlands government on July 11, 2016 demanded a second referendum on independence following Britains vote to leave the European Union. Recent polls showed a majority of Scots support breaking away from the rest of Britain so that Scotland can remain in the EU, an indication that many of those who voted against independence in the referendum two years earlier had switched sides since the 'Brexit' vote.

With 62 per cent of Scottish people voting to Remain in the 23 June 2016 Breixt referendum, Scotland was taken out of the European Union despite its vote to remain. Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister, had previously stated that demand for a second independence referendum could be "unstoppable" if taken out of the EU against its will. A second Scottish independence referendum is should take place before Britain leaves the European Union, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said. Scots rejected independence from the rest of the United Kingdom by 55 to 45 percent in a 2014 referendum, but since then Sturgeon's pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) surged, winning several elections.

Scotland voted 18 September 2014 against breaking away from the United Kingdom and becoming independent. Tallies from all 32 Scottish councils show that 55.3 percent of voters were in favor of remaining part of Britain compared with 44.7 percent for independence, a wider margin than anticipated after a record 97 percent turnout. The result of the referendum was welcomed by other governments around the world battling secessionist movements. But in London, it heralded a complex road ahead as other regions of Britain demand greater autonomy. For the pro-independence camp it was a narrow but crushing defeat. For the UK government in London, a moment of relief.

The parliaments of England and Scotland voted for the Act of Union in 1707 under which they were united into a single kingdom called Great Britain. But the Scots are Presbyterians, and the strong egalitarianism and independence of the highlander reflected in the prevailing forms of religious belief and practice. The English are Church of England, a strongly hierarchical church. As of 2014 Labour held 41 of Scotlands 59 constituencies, yet the Prime Minister at Westminster is a Tory.

On October 15, 2012 British and Scottish leaders signed a deal on a referendum that could lead to Scotland's independence. British Prime Minister David Cameron and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond signed an agreement Monday in Edinburgh that finalizes details for a vote on whether Scotland should become an independent country or stay within the United Kingdom. The vote would come in September of 2014, ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for 2016. Cameron's meeting with Salmond in the Scottish capital followed months of negotiations. The British prime minister opposed a breakaway, but agreed it was up to the Scottish people to decide their future in a vote.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said February 16th, 2012 he was strongly opposed to the idea of Scotland's separation from the United Kingdom during a visit to Edinburgh. Cameron told the Scottish parliament Thursday that he will fight to keep the United Kingdom together. My argument is simple. Of course Scotland could govern itself. So could England. My point is that we do it so much better together.

The 2007 Scottish Parliament and local government elections represented the breakthrough for the SNP. After the Scottish National Party (SNP) was elected to power, there was a concerted push for increasing independence from the UK, as well as for asserting its powers under the Scotland Act. For instance, the SNP repeatedly called for referendums on Scottish independence. In May 2011, Salmond and the SNP unexpectedly won an historic landslide victory giving the nationalists majority control of the Scottish parliament, enabling the first minister to demand an independence referendum. Salmond has said that after 300 years of English rule, Scotland's full independence could bring the country more prosperity through renewable energy, such as harnessing the power of wind. A 2014 vote would coincide with the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, a Scottish victory over the English. Salmond said the date is purely coincidental. Salmond wanted to delay the vote for several years so the independence movement in Scotland can gain momentum.

The 18 years of Tory government shifted Scottish attitudes towards devolution between 1979 (when just over 50 per cent of voters backed a Scottish legislative assembly) and 1997 (when nearly 75 per cent did). The prospect of another extended period of Tory rule bolstered the nationalist argument that independence is a necessary bulwark against the English right. Scottish political culture is defined by its anti-Conservatism, with Labour as the most reliable safeguard against the Tories at Westminster and the SNP as the most effective advocates of Scottish interests from an Edinburgh base. But Tony Blair was a natural heir to Thatcher, and the New Labour are pro-trident, pro-market and privatisation, pro-war, pro-student fees etc, etc. Most Scots oppose the renewal of Trident. In 2007 Tony Blairs unpopularity in Scotland helped propel the SNP to power at Holyrood for the first time.

In 1999 a Scottish parliament was established at Holyrood, sited next to the Queen's Scottish residence in Edinburgh. Following approval of referenda by Scottish and Welsh voters in 1997, the British Government established a Scottish Parliament and a Welsh Assembly, both of which were launched in 1999. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland now each have legislative and executive bodies that legislate on and administer many matters, though there is significant variation in the extent of powers enjoyed by each of the devolved governments.

The devolved governments have taken over many of the functions previously performed by the Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Ireland offices, whose primary purpose now is to coordinate between Westminster and the devolved administrations and to represent their interests in non-devolved matters. Scotland has always maintained different systems of law (Scots Law), education, local government, judiciary, and national church (the Church of Scotland instead of the Church of England).

The Scottish government budget is currently funded by the UK Treasury and many financial powers are reserved. Scottish MPs can vote on English policies at Westminster but English MPs cannot vote on devolved Scottish policy at Holyrood [ the West Lothian Question]. In 1977, in a House of Commons debate on devolution, Tam Dalyell  MP for West Lothian  first asked how long English MPs and their constituencies would tolerate MPs from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland voting on purely English matters at Westminster. Fellow MP Enoch Powell later called it the West Lothian Question after Dalyell refused to let the issue drop.

According to public opinion polls most Scots want neither independence nor the status quo, but devo max, Home Rule or full internal self-government under which Scotland would be self-financing but remain within the UK, sharing services like defence and foreign affairs. It can also be known as "indy lite". A survey released in October 2012 reported that only 28 percent of Scots support independence. But under the deal between Salmond and David Cameron to stage the independence referendum, known as the Edinburgh agreement, there will be only two options on the referendum: the status quo or independence. British Prime Minister David Cameron is betting the Scots will choose the status quo as the nearest thing to Home Rule. Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond bets on Scots regarding independence as the nearest option to Home Rule.

On 01 November 2012 the British Government issued a statement that "This government has confirmed it does hold legal advice on this issue. Based on the overwhelming weight of international precedent, it is the government's view that the remainder of the UK would continue to exercise the UK's existing international rights and obligations and Scotland would form a new state. The most likely scenario is that the rest of the UK would be recognised as the continuing state and an independent Scotland would have to apply to join the EU as a new state, involving negotiation with the rest of the UK and other member states, the outcome of which cannot be predicted."

An independent Scotland would find it difficult, if not impossible to gain EU membership and obtain the acceptance of other EU member states, according to European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. In case there is a new country, a new state, coming out of a current member state, it will have to apply and... the application and the accession to the European Union will have to be approved by all the other member states of the European Union, Barroso said in an interview with the BBCs Andrew Marr Show on 16 February 2016. Barroso was skeptical that other states will want to offer support for their desired EU membership bid. We have seen that Spain has been opposing even the recognition of Kosovo, for instance, so it's to some extent a similar case because it's a new country and so I believe it's going to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, a new member state coming out of one of our countries [getting the agreement of other existing EU member states].

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond hit back on 17 February 2016 at claims that an independent Scotland may find it extremely difficult to gain European Union (EU) membership. Salmond rebuffed Barroso's argument by saying that failing to recognize the democratic will of Scotland would "pose a challenge to the integrity of the European Union even greater and more fundamental than the threat of British withdrawal.... "A European Union which has admitted so many countries from all points of the European compass will find a pragmatic way to accommodate the expression of democratic will from Scotland,"" Salmond quoted Graham Avery, Honorary Director General of the European Commission, as saying.

The debate over whether Scotland should become independent could cause unforeseen consequences for those Britons who live south and west of the Scottish border. People intending to vote yes in the referendum in Scotland in September hoped to see the Saltire as the sole ensign across the country. Given that the background color of the Union flag is blue, and its blue because of Scotland, it doesnt make a lot of sense to have a blue background when the national flags of the remaining parts of the United Kingdom, if Scotland becomes independent have no blue in them  then they probably would want a new flag. Thats not to say that the Union flag itself would actually disappear because the Union Flag came into existence before we had a United Kingdom. It came into existence in 1606 and we didnt have any form of a United Kingdom until 1707; so, the flag itself might actually still exist, maybe for use on royal warships, which is what it originally came into doing.

People are looking at all the different symbols of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and working out which bits arent represented. So, for instance, Wales isnt represented in the Union flag at all because its considered to be part of England. If Scotland leaves, maybe its time for Wales to get a representation; maybe change the background colour to green; some people suggested putting red dragons on it; other people have gone for the Welsh Christian flag which is St Davids flag, which is a gold cross on a black background  others suggested maybe a black background with gold around one of the crosses.

A new survey published 20 April 2014 showed Scotland could be on the brink of winning independence from the UK ahead of a historic referendum to be held on September 18. According to the independent ICM poll for the Scotland on Sunday newspaper, support for independence stands at 39 percent with the No vote on 42 percent. The results confirmed a growing trend showing the gap between yes and no voters has narrowed considerably since the referendum campaign began last year. The survey also revealed for the first time that English-born voters living in Scotland could play a critical role in the outcome, with only 28 percent of them prepared to back Scottish independence. If only the votes of those born in Scotland were considered, the results would show a lead for the pro-independence Yes-campaign.

A poll conducted by YouGov just one week ahead of the vote put the pro-UK campaigners on 52 percent, compared to 48 percent for the pro-Scottish independence campaign. Recent polls showed a lead for the No campaign has melted away and the two sides were neck-and-neck. If the majority of Scots vote for independence, then on March 24, 2016 Scotland will secede from the United Kingdom.

England and Scotland shared the same monarch since 1603  the Union of the Crowns in one person. The 1707 Acts of Union formed one new United Kingdom. The Scottish governments prospectus for independence states that On independence, Scotland will be a constitutional monarchy, continuing the Union of the Crowns. Members of First Minister Alex Salmonds separatist Scottish National Party (SNP) government said that if independence won it would be up to the people to decide whether to keep the queen. The independence campaigns chairman Dennis Canavan called for an early referendum on dumping the matter, calling hereditary monarchy an affront to democracy and a complete anachronism. The queens 15 realms outside Britain  Australia, Canada and New Zealand included  have a governor-general and some suggest Scotland would likewise need a governor-general.

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End of Islamic State Could Be Start of Larger Anti-Terror Fight

by Jeff Seldin June 22, 2016

Slow, steady progress by U.S. and coalition backed forces against the Islamic State terror group in Iraq and Syria could mean little in the wider war against jihadist organizations bent on striking at the West.

This grim outlook, according to military and intelligence officials, stems from several factors, from poor governance and pervasive instability to the alienation of certain segments of populations. Combined, they say, these factors have undone long-standing cultural bonds and allegiances, turning parts of the Middle East and Africa into terrorist incubators.

"More and more individuals, because of their feeling of being disenfranchised from their governments, are now identifying with subnational groups, whether it be with an ISIL, a Nusra, a Boko Haram or others," CIA Director John Brennan warned lawmakers last week. "They're not identifying themselves as Somalis, Nigerians or Yemenis."

Complicating matters further is the feeling that military power alone, no matter how overwhelming, is not enough to deliver a decisive blow against IS or any other deep-rooted terror organization.

"It's not as though we're looking at a happy ending in Iraq and Syria," said Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "Defeating ISIL does not defeat jihadism."

"Momentum is in favor of the global jihadist movement," he said.

Al-Qaida retrenches

In some ways, the rapid ascension of IS and its bid to become the preeminent global jihadist organization have actually strengthened its competitors, most notably, al-Qaida.

"Al-Qaida has prioritized [Jabhat al] Nusra as an affiliate," a U.S. intelligence official told VOA on condition of anonymity. The official noted that the group has used the last two years to "retrench and rebrand," emerging with greater strength on the battlefield in Syria and with more credibility, as well.

Intelligence officials estimate Jabhat al Nusra currently has several thousand fighters at its disposal, rating the group's capabilities as "formidable."

And even though Jabhat al Nusra's parent organization has suffered setbacks in Afghanistan, a one-time safe haven, analysts like Daveed Gartenstein-Ross warn it is a mistake to underestimate al-Qaida's resources or reach.

"People overstate the way al-Qaida is kind of a virtual entity  it's not. They control territory, and people aren't complaining about it," Gartenstein-Ross said. "They've embedded with local populations in Yemen and in Syria and Libya and in Mali."

Thanks to its rebranding efforts, al-Qaida's appeal even seems to be expanding.

"Al-Qaida has managed to capture the echelon of Salafi jihadis who were repulsed by ISIS' brutality but still have the ideology and want something that is just a half-step down," said Jessica McFate, a former U.S. Army intelligence officer now with the Institute for the Study of War.

IS Demise boost for al Qaida

McFate, like other analysts, also worries the demise of IS and its self-declared caliphate could give al-Qaida an even bigger boost.

"I'd call it about a 50 percent chance that ISIS tries to regenerate that capability all over again and a 50 percent chance that al-Qaida just absorbs what's left," she said. "We have to be very careful that we don't end up with a bigger and badder al-Qaida."

Equally worrisome, intelligence officials say, is the way groups like IS and al-Qaida are expanding their influence beyond the Middle East and Africa.

The CIA, in particular, has warned of an upsurge of activity across the southern rim of Asia, where terror groups from Bangladesh to the Philippines have been increasingly connecting and interacting with "brand name" jihadist groups in the Middle East.

And there are continuing fears about the global flow of foreign jihadists, many of whom have fought in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan and elsewhere returning to their home countries with the intent of joining existing terror networks or forming their own cells.

Combating the threat

Intelligence agencies, especially in Europe, have accelerated their efforts to crack the networks and combat the threat.

As for the ongoing military effort, U.S. defense officials say they are well aware of the concerns but point out the current counterterror mission restricts their focus to IS and al-Qaida.

Some also argue that many of the underlying conditions helping jihadism to flourish cannot be fully addressed until IS is defeated in Iraq and Syria.

Either way, it may be a losing battle.

"ISIS and al-Qaida are growing, and there will be other groups that join them," Hassan Hassan, a resident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, warned members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Tuesday.

"They are on a trajectory of expanding for the next decade or even two," he said, adding, "It's very easy to become one of them."

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What if the Liaoning aircraft carrier is the target of U.S. and Japanese submarines?

People's Daily Online

(People's Daily Online) 15:44, June 23, 2016

On June 18, an article on the website of the National Interest "The Ultimate Way to Sink an Aircraft Carrier" said that "American and Japanese subs that will undoubtedly hound the Liaoning every time she leaves port, practicing to sink the carrier in the event of war."

Regarding this, Cao Weidong, a military expert, said at a TV program that if the Liaoning aircraft carrier conducts blue water training, it will also be escorted by destroyers and frigates, practicing antisubmarine, air defense and anti-ship strikes.

The article on National Interest said: "Stealthy and heavily-armed, subs are by far the most powerful naval vessels in the world for full-scale warfareand arguably the best way to sink those more obvious icons of naval power, aircraft carriers." "In 2012 Liaoning was finally ready to set sail from the Dalian shipyard. As Beijing's only carrier facing a fleet of 10 American flattops, Liaoning was widely expected to stage from China's most modern naval base on Hainan Island in the south, near Taiwan and Vietnam. Instead Beijing announced the 70,000-ton carrier would be heading north to Qingdao. The apparent reason was that the area around Qingdao was already home to a squadron of Song-class submarines plus Type 091 nuclear subs. Those vessels are the best defense China possesses against the American and Japanese subs that will undoubtedly hound Liaoning every time she leaves port, practicing to sink the carrier in the event of war."

According to Cao, currently, the main task of Liaoning is training and conducting scientific experiments. Although it has been through a long term voyage, it has never sailed out of the island chain. If Liaoning trains in open seas, it will strengthen its defensive force and further guarantee its safety.

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Korean People Vow to Take Revenge upon U.S. Imperialist Aggressors

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS)

Pyongyang, June 23 (KCNA) -- Meetings were held by working people's organizations on Thursday to vow to take revenge upon the U.S. aggressors with the approach of June 25, the day of struggle against U.S. imperialism.

Present at the meetings held at the plazas of the Sinchon Museum and the Susan-ri House of Class Education were officials of the youth league, the union of agricultural workers and the women's union and officials concerned, youth and students and members of the unions.

The speakers recalled that the U.S. aggressors massacred more than 35 380 innocent persons in Sinchon County or a quarter of its population in the most barbarous manner during the period of the temporary strategic retreat of the Korean People's Army (KPA) during the Korean war, adding that the U.S. imperialists are cruel man-killers and brutes.

The Korean people can never pardon those aggressors who killed innocent people and patriots in such a cruel manner which made even brutes blush, they noted.

If the U.S. imperialists, being oblivious of the lesson taught by history, impose another war upon the Korean people, they will turn out in the battle for defending the country alongside the KPA and sweep the enemies off the surface of the earth and give vent to the pent-up grudge of the nation, they declared.

Oath-taking poems were recited.

The participants chanted the slogans reflecting the firm will to devotedly defend the party and the leader and force the enemies to pay a thousand-fold price for the blood shed by the Korean people. -0-

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Demonstration of Invincible Might, Successful Rocket Test-fire

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS)

Pyongyang, June 23 (KCNA) -- People of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are seized with great joy at the successful test-fire of new strategic weapon.

Kim Chol Ho, a workshop head of the Kim Jong Thae Electric Locomotive Complex, told KCNA:

I feel stirring upon receiving the news about the successful test-fire of surface-to-surface medium long-range strategic ballistic rocket Hwasong-10. It makes me feel high pride as a citizen of Songun Korea with powerful military muscle.

Though the U.S. and other hostile forces dare provoke the DPRK, we feel encouraging for having such powerful military strength.

I extend heartfelt congratulations to defence scientists and technicians for the successful test-fire. We, workers, will strive to make greater achievements in the on-going 200-day campaign.

Ri Hyok Chol, a work-team leader of the Migok Cooperative Farm in Sariwon City, said:

Thanks to the self-defensive nuclear deterrent, we feel happy and optimistic.

We, farmers, will surely bring a bumper harvest this year in the spirit displayed by defence scientists and technicians.

Choe Song Ryong, a brigade commander of the High-Speed Youth Shock Brigade, said:

I feel extremely exciting upon receiving the news about the successful test-fire.

With the successful launch as an occasion, the U.S. and the other hostile forces should keenly be aware of that it is impossible for them to hinder Songun Korea in advancing towards a socialist thriving nation.

Regarding the construction site of Ryomyong Street as a battlefield against the U.S. and other hostile forces, all members of the shock brigade will demonstrate the might of the DPRK all over the world by completing Ryomyong Street at an early date. -0-

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Successful Test-fire of Hwasong-10 Pleases DPRK Citizens

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS)

Pyongyang, June 23 (KCNA) -- All the people in the DPRK are delighted at the news of its successful test-fire of surface-to-surface medium long-range strategic ballistic rocket Hwasong-10.

The happy news has given the conviction in sure victory and optimism to the servicepersons and civilians throughout the country.

Dr. Ri Jong Chol, section chief of the Socio-politics Institute under the Academy of Social Sciences, told KCNA:

I'd love to offer my warm congratulations to the defence scientists and technicians for having provided a sure sci-tech guarantee for developing the system of strategic weapons through the test-fire.

The test-fire displayed once again the strength of Juche Korea and this shows part of Songun Korea's steadily-growing preemptive nuclear attack capability.

The whole world may feel the DPRK's tremendous might through the flight track of ballistic rocket Hwasong-10.

The U.S. should reconsider its futile policy of hostility toward the DPRK with this historic event as an occasion.

Jo Hong Gun, a general officer of the Korean People's Army, said:

The test-fire confirmed the DPRK's actual capability to attack in an all-round way the Americans in the Pacific operation theatre with strategic ballistic rockets from self-propelled launching pads.

It is perhaps a deadly blow to the U.S. and its followers posing constant threats to the DPRK.

The successful launch goes to clearly prove that the heroic KPA is the most powerful armed forces defending with deterrent the country and the people from the U.S. nuclear threats as well as safeguarding the regional and global peace. -0-

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DPRK announces successful test-launch of medium- and long-range strategic ballistic missile

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:09, June 23, 2016

PYONGYANG, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday announced that it has successfully test-launched a surface-to-surface medium- and long-range strategic ballistic missile Hwasong-10 and the top leader Kim Jong Un watched the launch on the site, according to state media KCNA.

The ballistic missile "took off a self-propelled launching ramp and accurately landed in the targeted waters forward 400 km after flying to the maximum height of 1413.6 km along the planned flight orbit," the KCNA said.

The test-fire confirmed the flying kinetic feature of the DPRK ballistic missile with an updated system and its safety and control and the technical specifications of newly-designed rocket structure and its dynamic system, according to the state media. The test also verified heat-resistance of a warhead in its re-entry section and its flight stability.

Kim gave the order to start the missile launch after hearing a report on the plan.

Kim said that the DPRK surely has the capability to attack the Americans in the Pacific region and that the country should have the powerful offensive means to pose a threat to the enemy and to defend its people from the U.S. threats and other hostile forces.

He also stressed the need for the DPRK to increase its "preemptive nuclear attack capability in a sustained way" and to continue to develop strategic attack weapons, adding that the nuclear attack capability should be steadily bolstered to protect the country and the people from U.S. nuclear threat.

On Tuesday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the DPRK launched two ballistic missiles which were suspected to be intermediate-range Musudan missiles near the Wonsan area on the eastern coast.

The first was launched at about 5:58 a.m. Seoul time (2058 GMT Tuesday), but it appeared to have failed as the missile flew in an abnormal trajectory in a distance short of what a normal ballistic missile can fly.

The DPRK test-fired a second missile at about 8:05 a.m. Seoul time (2305 GMT Tuesday), which flew about 400 km. It is believed that a ballistic missile is required to fly at least 300 km to be considered successful in test-firing.

The latest intermediate-range missile launch was the sixth test-firing of its kind by Pyongyang after the five earlier launches were all believed to have failed.

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UN convenes emergency meeting on North Korea missile launches

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 5:15AM

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has held an emergency meeting on North Korea's latest missile launches, with the council's president suggesting that there has been unanimity among members in opposition to the tests.

The closed-door meeting was held on late Wednesday at the request of the United States and Japan after both countries expressed alarm following back-to-back medium-range missile tests by North Korea.

Earlier in the day, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had hailed the successful tests of two powerful new mid-range Musudan missiles, calling it a "great event" that he said significantly bolsters the North's preemptive nuclear attack capability.

Musudans are reported to have a theoretical range of between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometers, making them capable of reaching South Korea, Japan and US military bases on Guam.

Alexis Lamek, the president of the UNSC, said following the emergency consultations of the 15-member body, "I take away from these discussions a very large convergence of views in the Security Council."

China, an ally of North Korea, is a permanent member of the UNSC. It is not clear, however, what kind of outcome the council meeting has produced, or whether China was on board with a potential expression of opposition to the North Korean launches.

Lamek said, however, that, "All members also considered that these launches were in violation of all Security Council resolutions and insisted on the crucial importance of working for their implementation." He did not elaborate.

Meanwhile, Samantha Power, the United States' ambassador to the UN, said the council meeting was called because of the "pattern of defiance to the international community shown by the DPRK," the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which is the official name of North Korea.

"Since March, we have seen 10 tests of ballistic missiles in rapid succession in defiance of five UN resolutions," Power said.

"It is unacceptable and worthy of a prompt condemnation... as the DPRK continues to test these delivery systems, they make progress," she added.

South Korea claims that the North attempted four test launches of the missile back in April and May, all of which failed.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula saw an uptick in January, when North Korea said it had successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb, its fourth nuclear test, and vowed to build up its nuclear program as "deterrence" against potential aggression from the US and its regional allies.

A month later, Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket that it said placed an earth observation satellite into orbit. However, Washington and Seoul denounced it as an intercontinental ballistic missile test in disguise.

North Korea has been under numerous UN sanctions over its nuclear tests and missile activities. Pyongyang was recently placed under the toughest UN sanctions in two decades.

The country, however, has pledged not to relinquish its nuclear power unless the US ends its hostile policy and dissolves the US-led military command in South Korea.

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North Korea test necessitates stronger US defense: Carter

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 4:37AM

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter says North Korea's latest launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile raises the need for a strong missile program for all the allies of Washington in the region.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Carter said Pyongyang's launch of two Musudan mid-range ballistic missiles earlier in the day, indicated "the need for us to continue to do what we're doing, which is build these missile defenses of various ranges to protect both our South Korean allies, US forces on the Korean Peninsula, Japan and US territory."

According to South Korean and American officials, the test was Pyongyang's sixth launch of that weapon system and appeared to have traveled 250 miles before crashing into the sea between North Korea and Japan.

The first missile flew 150 kilometers, and is considered a failed launch, said South Korea's Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon Hee.

The second missile, however, traveled 400 kilometers but the outcome of it is still being analyzed by the South Korean military, the official added.

North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency said the test was successfully carried out with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance.

The Pentagon chief expressed concern that "his one flew for a longer period," while in previous tests by Pyongyang, the missiles "flew for such a short period of time ... It's hard to believe that was the objective of the test. "

South Korea claimed the North had attempted four test launches of the missile back in April and May, all of which failed.

"No matter what this or that test went to do, in terms of time of flight, it doesn't change the plans that we have ... We need to stay ahead of the threat," Carter added.

The Musudan has a range to reach any part of Japan and the US territory of Guam in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.

The United States and South Korea have begun official talks on the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system to the Korean peninsula after Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and carried out the launch of a long-range rocket in February, which it said was aimed at placing an earth observation satellite into orbit.

North Korea has vowed to develop a nuclear arsenal in an effort to protect itself from the US military, which occasionally deploys nuclear-powered warships and aircraft capable of carrying atomic weapons in the region.

Washington and Seoul described the practice as a cover for an intercontinental ballistic missile test.

North Korea, which is under harsh UN sanctions over its nuclear tests and missiles launches, says it will not give up on its nuclear deterrence unless Washington ends its hostile policy toward Pyongyang and dissolves the US-led UN command in South Korea.

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North Korea missiles can hit US Pacific bases: Kim Jong-un

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 1:18AM

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says Pyongyang's recently-tested medium-range missiles can target US military bases in the Pacific.

"We have the sure capability to attack in an overall and practical way the Americans in the Pacific operation theater," said Kim on Wednesday, after claiming that the testing of two Musudan missiles had been successful.

He further hailed the tests as a "great event" which significantly boosted the North's pre-emptive nuclear attack capabilities.

Earlier, US and South Korean military sources confirmed that the test launches had been carried out but cast doubt on their success.

Musudans are reported to have a theoretical range of 2,500 and 4,000 kilometers, making them capable of reaching South Korea, Japan and US military bases on Guam.

The launches have been slammed by the international community, with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon referring to them as "brazen and irresponsible act."

"The continued pursuit by the DPRK of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles will only undermine its security and fail to improve the lives of its citizens," said Ban's spokesman Farhan Haq.

French UN Ambassador Francois Delattre, June's president of the 15-member UN Security Council, stated that the missile tests were an "unacceptable violation" of UN regulations.

"We want a quick and firm reaction of the Security Council on this," said Delattre. "We hope that... we'll have a press statement on this," he said ahead of a Security Council meeting.

Seoul claims that the North attempted four test launches of the missile back in April and May, all of which failed.

Tensions have been flaring in the region since January, when North Korea said it had successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb, its fourth nuclear test, and vowed to ratchet up its nuclear program as deterrence against potential aggression from the US and its regional allies.

A month later, Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket which it said placed an earth observation satellite into orbit. However, Washington and Seoul denounced it as a cover for an intercontinental ballistic missile test.

Pyongyang was recently placed under the toughest UN sanctions in two decades. The country, however, has pledged not to relinquish its nuclear power unless the US ends its hostile policy and dissolves the US-led military command in South Korea.

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Security Council strongly condemns DPRK's ballistic missile launches

23 June 2016  The Security Council today strongly condemned the ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 21 June, noting that these repeated acts are in grave violation of obligations under the relevant resolutions adopted by the 15-nation body.

In a statement issued to the press, the Council, speaking out on the issue for the fifth time since January, deplored that these activities contribute to the development of the country's nuclear weapons delivery systems and increase tension, and regretted that DPRK is diverting resources to the pursuit of ballistic missiles while its citizens have great unmet needs.

Expressing serious concern that DPRK flagrantly disregarded the body's repeated calls, the Council urged the country to refrain from further actions, including nuclear tests, that violate the relevant Council resolutions.

The Council called upon all Member States to redouble their efforts to implement fully the sanctions imposed on the DPRK by the Council, especially the measures set out in its most recent resolution.

Reiterating the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in North-East Asia at large, the Council agreed to continue monitoring the situation closely and take further significant measures in line with its previously expressed determination.

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India Wants More Frequent Military Drills in Southeast Asia

Sputnik News

20:57 23.06.2016

India's steadily growing engagement with South East Asian nations is not indicative of India's confrontational mood with China.

India's Defense Minister, Manohar Parrikar, today urged the country's armed forces to establish stronger military partnerships with friendly foreign countries, especially, in South East Asia by conducting more joint military exercises involving more than one wing of the armed forces.

Parrikar said, "by virtue of our dominant, geographical location, India is poised for a predominant role in the volatile region around us. Hence, there is a requirement to exploit this advantage by developing joint capabilities."

Sources in the Defense Ministry say that this new found ambition to forge stronger military partnerships with South East Asian countries should not be seen as a confrontational move with China's claim on the South China Ssea but as a covert tactic to export defense equipment to friendly nations of the region.

Last Friday, the Defense Minister had indicated that the Indian government was exploring the possibility of exporting different defense platforms including missile systems to friendly nations. He had said, "After my recent visit to Vietnam, the government has formed a group to look into all aspects of possible export. We are positive."

Of late, India has fast tracked its engagement with South East Asian nations. After a gap of many years, the Indian Defense Minister took part in the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore in the beginning of this month. Last week, India hosted Thailand's Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha in New Delhi and promised to boost military and defense ties. Sources say that the Indonesian Defense Minister will also visit India very soon while Indian President Pranab Mukhejee will visit the Philippines later this year.

 Sputnik

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India to Fast Track Critical Defense Deals Including S-400 Defense System

Sputnik News

13:36 23.06.2016(updated 13:37 23.06.2016)

The Indian Defense Acquisition Council's upcoming meeting is expected to take a final review of a number of critical defense deals that have been in limbo due to a number of reasons.

The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) under the chairmanship of Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar will have a decisive discussion on projects greater than 15 billion dollars on Saturday. High on the agenda is the procurement of Russia made S-400 air defense systems and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including some indigenously made guns.

Sources from the Ministry of Defense have said that India wants to fast track these critical purchases as some of the projects have been long pending. Russia formally offered its S-400 surface to air defense missile system to India in April this year. The DAC has not met in the last three months but, in May, Parrikar hinted in Parliament that the procurement would be completed soon.

"The five firing units of S-400 LRSAM system are planned for induction in the Indian Air Force between 2017-2022."

In a DAC meeting held on 17th December, 2015, approval was given for purchase of S-400 LRSAM systems (Triumf missile system) along with associated equipment and missiles from Russia.

The deal value was estimated to be USD 6 billion. In the upcoming meeting, critical details such as the letter of acceptance are to be discussed. India plans to secure its strategic establishment by inducting the S-400. The S-400 is capable of hitting a target from a distance of 250 miles and also can destroy tactical ballistic and cruise missiles as well. It is said to be far more efficient in comparison to the S-300, another Russian built air defense system currently owned by China.

Israeli made armed Heron TP UAVs will be another critical acquisition yet to be signed after months of clearance by the DAC. Removing the hurdles in inducting the naval version of the Barak 8 long range surface to air missile system is also high on agenda of the DAC meeting. The Indian Navy has faced delays in finalizing the 1.1 billion dollar Barak 8 deal due to some differences with the Israeli partner firm over the technology transfer and modification required by India.

DAC will also discuss the issue of buying Boeing 777-300's for exclusive use by the Indian president and prime minister.

For the Indian Army, DAC is likely to give its nod for bulk production of indigenously developed Dhanush guns after several successful trials. The fate of US made M777 ultra-light howitzers are also to be decided by the Council. The proposed purchase of M777 howitzer is in limbo since 2012. However, sources claim that Parrikar discussed this issue with US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter recently, but details of the discussion have not been released to the public.

Nevertheless, during the DAC meet, Parrikar is likely to keep in mind the fact that Indian firm Bharat Forge produces ultra-light howitzer which are much cheaper than the M777. India is reportedly not happy with the cost quoted by US firm BAE for the M777 howitzer. The US administration has finalized the proposal for sale but India's DAC has yet to make the final call.

 Sputnik

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Govt. forces make fresh gains against Daesh in northern Iraq

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 9:7AM

Iraqi government forces have made new advances in the northern province of Nineveh in their latest push against the Takfiri Daesh terrorists, who are wreaking havoc in the Arab country.

Troops pressed ahead in the town of Qayyarah where its strategic location and an airfield there make it ideal for a final push to liberate Mosul, which serves as Daesh's de facto capital in Iraq.

Mosul fell into the hands of the Takfiri terrorists in June 2014 when they began their offensive in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has promised that the liberation of Mosul is very close as it is the "next destination" of the army in its campaign to flush the militants out of the country.

Elsewhere in the western Anbar province, Iraqi aircraft bombarded four Daesh hideouts in the city of al-Khaldiyah, located about 83 kilometers (50 miles) west of the capital, Baghdad.

An unknown number of Daesh militants were reportedly killed or injured in the aerial attacks, and three vehicles destroyed.

Additionally, Iraq's security forces purged al-Ajarebiyah and al-Hassi districts south of Fallujah, located roughly 69 kilometers (43 miles) west of Baghdad, of Daesh militants.

Last week, Iraqi forces raised the national flag on the main government complex in Fallujah after a weeks-long offensive.

Iraqi security forces also liberated Hajj Ali village, which lies south of the al-Shirqat town in the northern Salahuddin province, on Wednesday.

The northern and western parts of Iraq have been plagued by gruesome violence ever since Daesh terrorists mounted an offensive in the country in June 2014.

Iraqi forces, backed by volunteer forces, have been pushing the militants out of the country.

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Fallujah Refugees Face Dire Straits in Camps

by Sharon Behn June 23, 2016

One lonely latrine stands on the dusty edge of an open pit  the only facility for 3,000 people recently escaped from Fallujah.

The women use the latrine. The men and children just use the dusty alleys behind the rows of white tents where they live.

The Norwegian Refugee Council, one of a group of aid agencies trying to help the displaced, is struggling. "Safe drinking water, latrines and medical care remain an immediate priority and extremely urgent," NRC Iraq Country Director Nasr Muflahi said.

An estimated 85,000 people are now living in camps like this one set up outside Fallujah. Some have better conditions. Others do not.

"There is an urgent need of registration of the displaced, coordination and camp management," NRC said in a statement. "New camps [are] opening overnight without any facilities, while others are left without tents and protection."

Inadequate shelter

With the summer heat reaching a searing 45 degrees Celsius, the most vulnerable are collapsing of exhaustion. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is building new camps to house almost 19,000 people, and installing generators to provide electricity to 3,000 families. But that is not even a quarter of the people who now find themselves homeless.

"The speed and size of the population displacement from Fallujah has been overwhelming," said UNHCR official Bruno Geddo.

The U.N. last week released $15 million from its emergency response fund to provide urgent life-saving help the displaced. Those still trapped in Fallujah face dire shortages of food, medicine, electricity and safe drinking water. A New York Times reporter in Fallujah described a city of horrors, with decaying decapitated bodies and dog-sized cages for prisoners.

Battle for Fallujah goes on

Although Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over Islamic State extremists in the city last week, the fighting is still raging on. Iraqi commanders claim that most of the city is under their control. A loose alliance of Iraqi security forces, federal police, Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias and Sunni fighters have been fighting for a month to retake the city.

According to the U.S. coalition, by Tuesday only a third of Fallujah had been cleared, and IS militants were still holed up in the city's northwest quadrant.

Fallujah, a Sunni city just west of the capital Baghdad, has been under IS control for more than two years. Many Sunnis at first believed that IS would protect them from sectarian Shi'ite killings and discrimination that plagued Iraq under successive Shi'ite governments. But many also came to suffer under IS' brutal rule, which has been marked by beheadings, hangings, amputations, whippings and drownings.

Once Fallujah has been cleared, Iraqi forces are expected to intensify their advance on Mosul in the north of Iraq. Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga fighters in recent weeks have managed to push the front line to some 20 kilometers outside of the city.

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Myanmar Migrants in Thailand Rush Police, Greet Suu Kyi

by Steve Herman June 23, 2016

Thousands of Myanmar migrants, eager to get a glimpse of Aung San Suu Kyi, overwhelmed police in a Thai coastal fishing center Thursday afternoon.

The Myanmar state counselor and foreign minister, on her first official visit to Thailand since her government was inaugurated, went to Mahachai in Samut Sakhon province to address 500 Myanmar nationals working there.

But the overflow crowd of thousands more, barred from entering the venue, lost patience.

"Long live mother," they chanted and waved Myanmar flags as security forces tried to regroup and ponder how to get the crowd under control.

Rain out

A downpour thwarted Aung San Suu Kyi's last-minute plan to also address the thousands of supporters who could not get inside.

"Tell my people I am disappointed I cannot give a speech to them outside today, but I know their problems well," she told migrant activist Andy Hall, according to his tweet.

Hundreds of thousands of migrants work in Thailand's fishery-related industries, about half estimated to be illegally employed.The exploitation of some of them has been well-documented.

Overall, there are as many as three million Myanmar nationals working legally in Thailand and perhaps as many as two million more are undocumented.

New employment agreement

Myanmar and Thailand, during Aung San Suu Kyi's three-day visit, are expected to announce a new cross-border employment agreement.

The mandatory work-break period would be cut from three years to 30 days.

"That's a concession to reality," said Phil Robertson, the Asia deputy director of Human Rights Watch, noting that many from Myanmar prefer to stay in Thailand illegally after their maximum four-year work period than return home for the extended timeout.

"The record for migrant workers is to wait around long enough and the policy will change," Robertson told VOA.

Win Win Zaw, who has worked for four years legally at the Bangkok Seafood Factory in Mahachai and was employed illegally four years prior to that, is among those who would benefit from the expected agreement.

"It will be much more convenient because most of us don't want to overstay," he said.

Those who remain illegally face exploitation in Thailand, explained Robertson as the "military and police see the workers as hordes that are a security threat," and are not sympathetic to their critical role in the kingdom's economy.

Still in border camps

Another major bilateral issue for Myanmar and Thailand is the fate of more than 100,000 refugees from Myanmar languishing in nine border camps. Many of them have been there for decades during an era when their country was under military rule.

Aung San Suu Kyi, on Friday, is to discuss their future return with the Thai prime minister, who as army chief two years ago seized control of the government in a bloodless coup.

"Any sort of repatriation has to be fully voluntary and rights respecting," said Robertson of Human Rights Watch. "We have to be cautious about unilaterally rushing a timetable that would be involuntary and put them in harm's way."

Some of the areas to which the refugees might be sent to inside Myanmar remain unstable or littered with land mines, according to human rights agencies.

Limited media coverage

News coverage of Aung San Suu Kyi is being restricted by Thai authorities to an unusual degree.

A joint news conference with Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is scheduled for Friday during a signing ceremony, but journalists have been told that no questions will be taken.

The Myanmar leader is also to give an address earlier in the day at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok but media agencies have been told they will be allowed only to photograph or videotape her opening remarks and a ministry spokesperson will "summarize" her speech for reporters after it concludes.

The sensitive issue of the treatment of Rohingya refugees in Thailand overshadowed the start of the visit of Myanmar's de facto leader.

As her jet was en route to Suvarnabhumi Airport activists in Bangkok were quickly muzzled by Thailand's military government.

Free speech crackdown

A small group of police and soldiers, out of uniform, prevented a group from holding a full news conference at a space it had rented in the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand.

Non-government organizations have called for Thailand to end what they regard as the arbitrary and indefinite detention of the Muslim Rohingya and others who have come ashore in Thailand.

Most Rohingya sailed from Rakhine state in Myanmar. But the Myanmar government does not recognize them, saying they are actually illegal migrants from Bangladesh, and disavows the term "Rohingya," instead calling them "Bengalis."

Focus on Myanmar laborers in Thailand

Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday was focusing instead on the millions of migrants from her country who are laborers in Thailand.

On her first official visit to Thailand since her government was inaugurated Aung San Suu Kyi is to address several thousand of the Myanmar nationals working in the Thai coastal fishery center of Mahachai (from 09:30 UTC).

"The concern is about 'national security.' This event doesn't rise to that level," Amy Smith, executive director of Fortify Rights, told VOA at the event venue. "This is a violation of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly."

Two activists advocating better treatment of the minority Rohingya in Myanmar read a brief open letter to Aung San Suu Kyi and explained they were prohibited by the junta from answering reporters' questions.

Leaving the stage the secretary general of the Rohingya Thailand Group, Hajee Ismail, added "I cannot speak now," as he put his hands over his lips. "This is a big problem."

The president of the Burmese Rohingya Association in Thailand, Maung Kyaw Nu, who said he was a former political prisoner in Myanmar, briefly taped a napkin over his mouth as he waded through a crowd of Thai and international journalists. He paused for a few minutes to speak to VOA and expressed little hope the plight of the Rohingya would be addressed by Aung San Suu Kyi during her visit.

"We cannot get anything from her because she is also violating the human rights [of the Rohingya]," he said.

Prayuth, who leads the junta governing Thailand, told reporters Tuesday he had agreed not to discuss any aspect of the Rohingya with Aung San Suu Kyi during her visit.

"It's a sad day when it's easier to have a discussion about the Rohingya in Yangon than in Bangkok," Sam Zarifi, the regional director of the International Commission of Jurists, told VOA.

Non-government organizations have called for the kingdom to end what they regard as the arbitrary and indefinite detention of the Muslim Rohingya and others who have come ashore in Thailand.

Most Rohingya sailed from Rakhine state in Myanmar. But the Myanmar government does not recognize them, saying they are actually illegal migrants from Bangladesh, and disavows the term "Rohingya," instead calling them "Bengalis."

Zinlat Aung in Mahachai contributed reporting.

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South Korean Military Commanders to Meet After North Ballistic Missile Test

Sputnik News

06:09 23.06.2016

South Korea is planning to hold a top military commanders' meeting to access the country's readiness to deal with North Korea's provocations, South Korean media report.

TOKYO (Sputnik)  South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo and over 100 military commanders will attend the meeting, which follows North Korea's test firing of two intermediate-range ballistic missiles, the South Korean Yonhap news agency said on Thursday.

The US, Japanese and South Korean military detected two launches of presumably medium-range ballistic missiles from North Korea's eastern coast on Wednesday.

Early on Thursday, North Korea reported that the test-firing, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was successful.

According to the South Korean military, one of the missiles flew over 400 kilometers (almost 250 miles).

In early January, North Korea successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test, putting a satellite into orbit a month later, in violation UN Security Council resolutions.

In March, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution that imposes additional sanctions on North Korea, aiming to affect multiple sectors of the country's economy. That same month North Korea conducted multiple short and medium-range rocket launches.

Last month, Pyongyang urged Seoul to accept its offer to hold military talks and called for joint steps to carry out measures for national unity, citing the need to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula. South Korea rejected the proposal, demanding "a real turn" toward denuclearization.

 Sputnik

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Italy's Demand Delays Extension Of EU Sanctions Against Russia

June 23, 2016

by Rikard Jozwiak

BRUSSELS -- Italy has once again delayed an attempt to extend the European Union's economic sanctions against Russia, despite an accord reached by EU diplomats earlier in the week for sanctions to be prolonged by another six months.

EU sources tell RFE/RL that Rome wants language included in the conclusions of the EU's June 28-29 summit before it signs off on the deal to extend the sanctions.

Italy wants the summit conclusions to acknowledge a commitment for Brussels to review Russian policy later in 2016.

On June 21, ambassadors from all 28 EU countries agreed to extend the sanctions, which were imposed over Russia's occupation and illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and Moscow's support for pro-Russia separatist fighters in eastern Ukraine.

Both the United Kingdom and France agreed to the extension, but only with a so-called parliamentary reserve. That means the ambassadors must first consult their national parliaments on the issue before signing off on the extension of sanctions.

Italy did not indicate any conditions during the June 21 meeting of EU ambassadors.

But Italy is now insisting on the inclusion of special language in the text of the EU summit conclusions.

That move is similar to what happened in December 2015 when Rome agreed to extend the current sanctions through the end of July.

EU diplomats told RFE/RL they have no doubt about the eventual extension of the sanctions, which target Russia's banking and energy sectors as well as individuals in Russia.

But Italy's latest demand means a final decision on extending the sanctions against Russia is likely to be postponed until after the gathering of EU leaders in late June.

"The review of the EU's Russia policy is likely to be held in the autumn anyway, so it is a bit strange that they want this in writing," one EU source told RFE/RL.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/italy-demands- eu-sanctions-russia/27815291.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Moscow Warns U.S. Against Imposing Cold War-Style Restrictions On Russian Diplomats' Travel

June 23, 2016

by Mike Eckel

Russia's Foreign Ministry has warned Washington against imposing new rules on the movements of Russian diplomats in the United States, threatening that Moscow might institute similar restrictions.

The warning relayed by ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on June 23 followed news that legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate would impose Cold War-era monitoring requirements on Russian Embassy and consular employees in the United States.

The legislation, first reported by BuzzFeed News, calls for limiting Russian diplomats' travel to 80 kilometers from their post for a period of three months unless the FBI has certified in writing that all Russian diplomats followed existing reporting requirements within the prior three-month period.

BuzzFeed, citing an unnamed U.S. intelligence official, said Russian diplomats were bending existing rules, frequently notifying the State Department of travel outside a 80-kilometer radius late on Friday afternoon, impeding the ability of FBI counterintelligence units to monitor their movements.

The legislation also calls for reviving a presidentially appointed interagency group that would be tasked with tracking Russian spies, Russian-sponsored propaganda, covert operations, and other actions.

The group would be called the "Committee to Counter Active Measures by the Russian Federation to Exert Covert Influence over Peoples and Governments." A similar sounding interagency group existed during the Cold War to counter Soviet spying.

Speaking at a briefing in Moscow, Zakharova said there had been a "noticeable uptick in pressure" on employees of the Russian Embassy and consulates in the United States.

"Employees of Russian foreign agencies are regularly targets of provocation by special services, encountering obstacles and other restrictions in meeting official contacts," she said.

"If Washington indeed decides to breach existing agreements, we, of course, will respond in kind, and will impose analogous restrictions on American diplomats in Russia," she said.

The legislation, which is included in a larger bill governing U.S. intelligence policy for 2017, must be passed by the Senate Intelligence Committee before it can be voted on by the full Senate.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/us-russia-warns-againct- cold-war-style-restrictions-on-diplomats/27816113.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Putin's War On Europe

June 23, 2016

by Brian Whitmore

The times, they seem to be a-changin'

The vibe at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum was distinctively different this year, with European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy making high-profile appearances.

The noises coming out of European capitals are also taking on a different tone, with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier calling for a phasing out of sanctions and decrying what he called NATO "warmongering"; Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz suggesting a rapprochement with Moscow; and Italy insisting on a formal review of the European Union's policy toward Russia before agreeing to extend sanctions.

Additionally, on the 75th anniversary of Adolf Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, more than 100 German intellectuals penned an open letter to Chancellor Angela Merkel, calling on her to "learn the lesson from this most terrible war" and "pursue a policy of mutual understanding with Russia."

And a recent poll by the Pew Research Center showed that a plurality of 48 percent of Europeans believe "having a strong economic relationship with Russia" is more important that "being tough" with Moscow in foreign-policy disputes.

Spooked by Brexit and the migrant crisis, many European politicians are increasingly concluding that a conflict on their eastern flank is the last thing they need. And lured by Kremlin cash, entrepreneurs and industrialists are chomping at the bit to get back to business as usual with Russia.

But here's the thing. Seeking to undermine European unity is business as usual for the Kremlin. It predated the Ukraine crisis and Moscow's current standoff with the West -- and it is not going to stop no matter what Brussels does now.

"The struggle against the European Union cannot end," Yale University historian Timothy Snyder, author of the books Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler And Stalin and Black Earth: The Holocaust As History And Warning, said in a recent talk.

"If sanctions are ended tomorrow," Snyder added, Russia will not stop supporting and encouraging far-right leaders like France's Marine Le Pen and Britain's Nigel Farage.

"They won't stop inviting the Nazis of Europe to St. Petersburg for annual conferences. If sanctions stop tomorrow, all that stuff continues because the problem with Europe is fundamentally a domestic problem for Russia. The existence of Europe is a domestic problem for Russia."

Put another way, Vladimir Putin regime's problem isn't with what Europe is doing -- but with what Europe is.

Europe presents a transparent and democratic model of governance close to Russia's borders that directly challenges the authoritarian kleptocracy in the Kremlin.

The European Union provides a model of integration based on consensus that is far more appealing than Moscow's, which is based on coercion.

And the EU has a magnetic pull on Russia's neighbors, undermining Putin's dream of a sphere of influence in the former Soviet space.

And as long as that remains the case, as long as Europe remains Europe, Putin's war on Europe will continue.

Indeed, in a recent column for Bloomberg, political commentator Leonid Breshidsky noted that despite Putin's efforts to charm the Europeans at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, "the Russian regime is not thawing, and there's no retreat from its geopolitical assertiveness or its dogged economic statism."

Nor is there any retreat from the active measures designed to sow division and discord in Europe.

These include efforts to manipulate the Brexit campaign in the United Kingdom, providing covert -- and sometimes overt -- support to the far right and extreme left, and financing "alternative" online media outlets across the continent that aim to undermine faith in European institutions.

"As long as Putin is in power, they are not going to stop trying to undo the European Union," Snyder said.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/putins- war-on-europe/27815878.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Duma Drops Citizenship-Stripping Clause Ahead Of Antiterror Bill Vote

June 23, 2016

by Tom Balmforth

MOSCOW -- Russian lawmakers, who are expected on June 24 to pass controversial antiterrorism legislation, have reportedly dropped the proposed bill's most contentious elements: a mechanism to strip certain Russians of their citizenship.

As it stands, however, the bill going before the State Duma still contains a raft of provisions that human rights watchdogs say are unconstitutional and land a major blow to privacy rights and freedom of conscience. If passed, they warn, it could still amount to the most egregious legislation passed by the outgoing legislature.

The legislation has been championed by United Russia lawmaker Irina Yarovaya and has won support from members of the ruling party. They argue that the measures are needed to combat the potent terrorism threat illustrated by the downing of a Russian passenger plane over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in November by Islamic State militants.

The bill proposes beefing up punishments for extremism and terrorism, considerably ramps up state surveillance capabilities, criminalizes the act of not informing on other citizens with regard to certain crimes, restricts the activity of religious preachers, and increases the number of crimes 14-year-olds can be criminally prosecuted for.

Most controversially, the legislation had proposed stripping Russians holding dual citizenship of their Russian passports if they broke terrorism or extremism laws, or served in foreign armies, police forces, or even international organizations in which Russia is not represented.

This measure, however, was dropped on June 23, the day before the Duma was set to consider the legislation, according to TASS. The Russian news agency also reported that lawmakers removed a proposal that would have banned those condemned under terrorism or vaguely worded extremism legislation from leaving the country for a period of five years.

The State Duma was due to vote on the second and third readings of the bill on June 22, but those readings were delayed until June 24, the last day before the Duma's term ends ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for September.

The legislation is somewhat of a swan song for this Duma, which was elected amid election-fraud allegations in December 2011 and whose activities have often been vilified by the liberal opposition.

"This is possibly, from a human rights viewpoint, the worst law passed by this chamber of the Russian parliament," said Tatyana Lokshina, the Russia program director for Human Rights Watch. "It is a final coup, in a sense."

"In the name of countering terrorism and extremism and of ensuring public safety, the law severely undermines the very fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression and freedom of conscience," she said. "It lacks the right to privacy. Even without the provision on removing citizenship, this is a disastrous law."

The legislation, if passed in its current form, would require telecoms operators to store all communications they handle -- including recordings of phone conversations and text messages -- for a period of six months and make them available to the authorities. All metadata must be stored for three years.

Encrypted messaging services such as Skype, Whatsapp, and Telegram would be required to turn over an encryption key to the authorities. Some Internet companies and unions, such as the 200-strong Association of Electronic Communications, have protested the sheer costs that such measures could entail, the lack of existing encryption keys in certain cases, and incursions on privacy.

The legislation also proposes to expand the number of crimes youths aged 14 or older can be criminally prosecuted for. These crimes range from international terrorism to participation in mass unrest, from hijacking a plane to receiving terrorist training.

Missionary activities -- such as preaching or circulating religious literature -- outside of registered prayer houses or places would be banned for those who represent churches and faiths not registered with the authorities.

The legislation would criminalize failing to inform the authorities about fellow citizens who have committed a crime or are planning a future crime if that crime is, for instance, international terrorism or armed rebellion. The stipulation is seen as a throwback to Soviet legislation, according to Lokshina, who said the measure would be highly problematic to implement, particularly in areas of the troubled North Caucasus.

The proposals have stirred passions among liberal opposition activists. On June 23, some Russian activists picketed the State Duma in protest against the bill with signs like: "Yarovaya and co., your laws contradict human rights and the main law of the country. Get your bills and backside out of my Duma."

Writing on Facebook, Dmitry Gudkov, an opposition lawmaker who has a reputation for publicly criticizing the Kremlin, said he would propose several amendments during readings of the antiterror legislation on June 24.

"This is the most important document that the State Duma has handled in recent months and even years," he wrote. "Of course, over this time there have many harmful, perhaps even criminal, legislative bills. But this one will become the cornerstone of parliament's work to destroy the country."

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-duma-drops- citizen-stripping-from-terror-bill/27816171.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Syrian Arab Coalition Prepares to Seize Manbij in Syria

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 23, 2016  Syrian Arab Coalition elements have consolidated their position around Manbij in Syria in anticipation of the next phase of operations to secure the city, according to a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve news release today.

For the last seven days, the release said, SAC forces have been refining their plans as to how to gain a foothold in Manbij and maintain the safety of the civilian population trapped by members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Keeping Pressure on ISIL

The pressure on ISIL is unrelenting, the release said. Last week, 73 strikes were conducted bringing the total to 233 since the assault on Manbij began, it said.

Also, SAC forces are seeing firsthand the large foreign fighter influence in Manbij, the release said. This information will be vital in continuing to protect Turkey, wider Europe, and the United States from this threat, it said.

Displaced persons are returning to several villages to the east of Manbij, the release said, noting the villagers have welcomed the freedom and security provided by the SAC forces.

The task force is working closely with nongovernmental organizations to assist the villagers, the release said.

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Kurdish, Arab fighters engage Daesh inside Syria's Manbij

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 1:21PM

An alliance of Kurdish and Arab forces has reportedly managed to enter Manbij in Syria's Aleppo Province weeks after encircling the Daesh-held city.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) pushed into Manbij, located some 30 kilometers west of the Euphrates, hours after they seized control of a village southwest of the city, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Thursday.

According to the Observatory, fierce street battles were still going on in the streets of Manbij.

It said at least two SDF fighters were killed when a bomb was detonated inside a building. There were no immediate reports about causalities among the ranks of Daesh.

Sources said Thursday that Daesh had planted many booby-traps to stop the advance of the SDF.

This is the second time in less than a month that SDF attempts to capture Manbij, a town of 120,000 people before the conflict started in Syria more than five years ago. The area fell to Daesh in 2014.

The Kurdish-Arab fighters encircled the city earlier in this month but faced heavy resistance by Daesh.

Manbij is situated some 40 kilometers from the Turkish border. The SDF forces have so far liberated dozens of villages and farms in the area since the start of their anti-Daesh assault on May 31. However, the SDF has been slow in its advances as many civilians are still trapped inside the city.

The recapture of Manbij could cut Daesh militants' main access route to the outside world, paving the way for an offensive to flush the terrorists out of their main stronghold in Syria's Raqqah Province.

The Takfiri group has used the town as a key station on its supply route from Turkey into Raqqah.

Daesh has lost a significant portion of the territories it used to control in Iraq and Syria as government forces in both countries have pushed forward to retake towns and villages from the group.

Syrian military and allies have been planning a major offensive into Raqqah to dismantle the most significant bastion of Daesh in the Arab country.

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Turkey, US kill 8 militants in northern Syria

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:26AM

At least eight Daesh terrorists have reportedly been killed by Turkish artillery fire and US airstrikes in northern Syria.

Military sources said Thursday that Turkish army howitzers and multiple rocket launchers fired on the militants on Wednesday, destroying one defensive position belonging to the terrorists.

They said the attackers were preparing to strike Turkey with rockets and mortars.

In a similar joint operation on Monday, Turkey and the US killed at least 23 Daesh militants in northern Syria.

The Turkish military has repeatedly targeted northern Syria with artillery shells, guided missiles and mortars. There have also been reports of operations by Turkey's special forces inside the Syrian territory.

Turkey has also hinted at establishing a safe zone in the 98-kilometer (60-mile) stretch between Manbij in Aleppo Province and the Turkish border, prompting objections from Iran and Russia.

The US has supported the plan, describing it as part of a deepening campaign by the Turkish army to push Daesh away from a vital 60-mile stretch of the Turkey-Syria border that serves as the group's main lifeline.

Turkey and the US, however, do not see eye to eye on Washington's support for Kurdish militants in northern Syria.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said last week that Turkey would not allow cooperation with terrorist organizations in Syria, referring to Kurdish groups which the US supports.

Turkey says the fighters are a terrorist organization affiliated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), but the US sees them as a partner in Syria operations.

In a speech to his ruling AK Party in parliament last Tuesday, Yildirim said Turkey won't allow formation of new states in Syria, echoing suspicion that the Kurdish campaign was aimed at establishing a separate state.

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'Medieval' sieges, barrel bombs are 'disgusting reality' in Syria - senior UN officials

23 June 2016  The recent "stuttering momentum" in delivering humanitarian aid to Syria's besieged and hard-to-reach populations must be significantly expanded in the second half of 2016, the United Nations humanitarian chief told the Security Council today, warning that progress made to date was only "a trickle" of the country's overwhelming needs.

"There is something fundamentally wrong in a world where attacks on hospitals and schools [] have become so commonplace that they cease to incite any reaction," said Stephen O'Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, in a briefing to the 15-member body.

Violence continues unbridled in many parts of the country, he stressed. Indeed, according to the latest report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian an Arab Republic, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) is committing genocide and multiple crimes against humanity and war crimes against the Yazidis in the east.

In Aleppo Governorate, an ISIL offensive on Azaz and the surrounding area has led to numerous civilian casualties, threatening up to 200,000 of the population, and in Menbij, 45,000 people had been displaced and some 65,000 others were now encircled by the Syrian Democratic Forces.

The cruel conflict continued to tear families apart and inflicted brutal suffering on the innocent, he said, recalling that, last week, at least six children had been killed and tens of others injured in heinous attacks near the Sayidda Zeinab shrine.

Millions more are in the line of fire, facing crushing poverty and alarming physical danger. Children have been forcibly detained, tortured, subjected to sexual violence and in some cases executed. Some had been recruited by ISIL and other armed groups.

Since January, some 844,325 people have been reached by the UN and its partners through inter-agency cross-line convoys, Mr. O'Brien reported, including reaching 334,150 of the 590,200 people living in besieged areas as designated by the UN. Nevertheless, major protection concerns, needs and suffering remain. There are now an estimated five million people living in hard-to-reach areas, an increase of over 900,000 people from the previous estimate.

It is vital that the stuttering momentum sustained on humanitarian access over the past few months continued and improved, he said, expressing hope that by the end of the month all besieged locations will have been reached.

"Organizing the delivery of aid must remain the responsibility of the United Nations and its partners based on need, and not subject to political or other considerations," he stressed.

The United Nations has submitted its July access plan to the Syrian authorities, requesting access to reach some 1,220,750 beneficiaries in 35 besieged, hard-to-reach and cross-line priority locations. That request had to be approved without any preconditions, stressed Mr. O'Brien, who is also the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator.

"As I have said numerous times before, we remain committed and ready to deliver aid  through any possible modality including air drops  for civilians in desperate need, whoever and wherever they are," he said, but stressed that the bottom line, however, is that the real extent of the progress cannot only be measured by ad hoc deliveries to besieged communities.

That dozens of barrel bombs were reportedly dropped on 10 June in Darayya  the day after the UN and the Syrian Arab Red Cross (SARC) delivered the first food aid to the town since November 2012  shows that the situation for people in besieged and hard-to-reach areas will not be solved by humanitarian aid delivery alone.

"The real measure will be when the sieges, these medieval sieges, are no more, when boys don't risk sniper fire when bringing medicine to their mothers, when doctors can administer lifesaving treatments without the fear of imminent attacks, when Yazidi girls don't have to scratch their faces out of fear of being bought and sexually enslaved. That is the disgusting reality in Syria today," he concluded.

'Besiegement belongs in the Middle Ages'

Meanwhile in Geneva, Staffan de Mistura, UN Special Envoy for Syria, Jan Egeland, his Senior Special Advisor, and Yacoub El Hillo, UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, briefed the press on a meeting of the humanitarian task force set up by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG)  consisting of the UN, the Arab League, the European Union and 18 countries that have been working on a way forward since late last year.

Mr. de Mistura said that the timing of resumption of the intra-Syrian talks would depend on the discussions he will have in New York and Washington in the coming days, and in particular the debate on Syria at the Security Council next week. He said he still hopes that the talks will resume in July.

Mr. Egeland said that altogether, 16 out of the 18 besieged areas have been reached since the Task Force started work in February. The two remaining areas are Arbeen and Zamalka, both in rural Damascus, where humanitarian aid is expected to reach next week. But the Government has cleared aid for only a fraction of an estimated 40,000 people in those places.

He said ISSG members are aware that humanitarian assistance is only alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people. "Besiegement is continuing, it should never be there in the first place [] it belongs in the Middle Ages, not in our time," he said.

Medical relief has not gotten much better. The main reason for people dying within besieged areas is because there is no medical service for easily preventable diseases, he said.

For his part, Mr. El Hillo said that 13.5 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance today, not all of them in besieged or hard-to-reach areas. The United Nations is very much on the ground, operating in different parts of Syria with a powerful network of both international and national partners who are also working from inside Syria but also from across the borders.

But the international donor community must remember that "the cost of doing humanitarian business in Syria is very high because of all the complications and all the impediments," he said, stressing that humanitarian appeal for 2016 is funded at 20 per cent.

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US-backed Forces Clash With IS inside Syria's Manbij

by Sirwan Kajjo June 23, 2016

U.S.-backed Syrian forces entered a Syrian town near the Turkish border that has been held by Islamic State (IS) militants for more than two years, after a three-week-long battle with the terror group around the town.

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition of Kurdish and Arab forces, advanced towards Manbij on Thursday with aerial support from the U.S.-led coalition, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

"Clashes are taking place on the southern side of the city," Rami Abdulrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory told VOA via phone from Britain.

"Two things are preventing the SDF to take full control of the city  civilians who are being used by Daesh (IS) and booby traps that the group has planted all over the city," he said.

IS fighters suspected inside city

Abulrahman, whose group has reporters on the ground, told VOA that at least 1,000 IS fighters are still inside the city, fighting Kurdish-led forces with light and mid-range weapons.

The U.S.-led coalition expected IS militants to fight back in Manbij until the last minute, given its strategic importance to them.

Manbij is a key waypoint on an IS supply line between the Turkish border and the extremist group's self-proclaimed capital, Raqqa, which is also under intense pressure from a Syrian government offensive. If Manbij is captured, it will be the biggest strategic defeat for IS in Syria since July 2015, when it lost the border town of Tal Abyad.

"We're around the city and we're coming in, and we've cut the lines of communication into it and the noose is getting tighter around the city," U.S. Army Colonel Chris Garver told reporters Wednesday from Baghdad.

Earlier this week the SDF opened a corridor and some residents were able to escape the town toward safer areas.

"Daesh was trying hard to keep us in Manbij," one fleeing resident told VOA.

"We had been waiting for the [SDF] forces for two months to come to our aid," he said.

Liberating Manbij

At least 20,000 people are still held by IS militants inside the town, local sources said.

The campaign to liberate Manbij began three weeks ago and at least 520 IS fighters were killed, according to Kurdish military officials.

Manbij had been one of the major supply lines for IS militants in areas they control in northern Syria. Local activists say pushing back IS from the town would be a significant setback for the terror group in Syria.

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Daesh abducts 900 in Syria's Aleppo: Group

Iran Press TV

Fri Jun 24, 2016 8:43AM

The Takfiri terrorist group of Daesh has reportedly kidnapped as many as 900 people from a Kurdish city in the northeast of the Syrian border province of Aleppo.

The abductees were spirited away from 15 villages and a township in the city, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Friday.

Some of the abductees, the UK-based monitor said, have been transferred to the Kurdish town of Qabaseen in the province's east.

Others have been taken to the cities of al-Rai and Manbij near the Turkish border, where the terrorists have come under attack from several fronts, to either be forced to dig trenches or be used as human shields, it added.

It has also been reported that the terrorists have executed 18 civilians who had tried to flee Daesh captivity in the area.

Aleppo's provincial capital is under continued shelling by al-Nusra Front, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda.

The province forms an important front for the Syrian government's soldiers, who recently slew nearly 170 Takfiri terrorists there.

Backed by Russian airpower, the troops have entered the neighboring Raqqah Province and are advancing toward the provincial capital, which is considered Daesh's so-called headquarters.

The potential recapture of Raqqah in Syria and the Iraqi city of Mosul  which Daesh has declared as its "headquarters" in Iraq and which likewise awaits liberation operations  would mark the ultimate blow to Daesh.

In a separate development, the United Nations (UN) estimates that there are five million Syrians in need of humanitarian aid who are living in hard-to-reach areas.

On Thursday, Stephen O'Brien, the world body's emergency relief coordinator, told the UN Security Council that the figure marked an increase of 900,000 compared to the previous estimate.

"This large increase is based on several factors, but primarily the inclusion of areas in parts of Aleppo, Raqqah, and al-Hasakah governorates as a result of insecurity, as well as constrained access for humanitarian actors," he said. Haakah neighbors Raqqah to the east.

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Britain Votes in EU Referendum

by Luis Ramirez June 23, 2016

Immigration, sovereignty, security and Britain's economic future were on the minds of voters casting the first ballots Thursday in Britain's historic referendum that by the end of the day will decide whether the country remains in the European Union.

For some braving the London rain early in the day, the decision boiled down to the ideal of peace on which the EU was founded.

"We have for the first time in hundreds years, we've had peace in Europe for over 50 years. I'm a man of a generation who hasn't had to go to fight a war in western Europe and I think that's a wonderful thing that is worth celebrating," said Chris Kenyon, 41, one of the first to vote at polling station in the north London borough of Islington.

"For me, this is peace, prosperity and power and I find it extraordinary that we're at this point of even discussing exiting the European Union," he told VOA.

As voters went to polling stations, public opinion polls showed the two sides in a dead heat.

High turnout expected

Turnout was expected to be high, culminating a bitter, two-month campaign that centered largely on immigration, a highly sensitive and divisive issue in a nation whose immigration rate has doubled since 2000.

With no exit polls planned, anyone looking for an early peek into results will have to rely on the last surveys conducted ahead of the voting. Based on the average of the last six polls, Britain's Telegraph reports that 51 percent of respondents supported remaining in the EU, while 49 percent wanted to leave the bloc.

What these numbers will translate to remains to be seen when polling stations close at 10:00 pm local time. Final results are not expected until early Friday morning.

Prime Minister David Cameron has led the call to remain. On Thursday, he made a final pitch to convince undecided voters. "We are stronger, we are better off in a reformed European Union," he said.

Cameron and other opponents of a Brexit say Britain's economy will be badly damaged if it breaks away from the 28-nation bloc.

Analysts say Cameron's political future hangs in the balance depending on the outcome of the poll. The referendum is being held after Cameron in February failed to secure a deal with the EU that did more to restrict benefits on immigrants and curb business and other regulations.

If the voters' decision Thursday is to leave the EU, pundits say Cameron will lose his mandate and have little choice but to resign, something the British leader has until now said he will not do.

Last-minute appeals

Proponents of a Brexit also made last-minute calls to undecided voters Thursday. Anti-immigration crusader Nigel Farage said "we can vote to get our borders back."

Polls showed the leave campaign lost some support following the murder on June 16th of anti-Brexit lawmaker Jo Cox. The killing, allegedly by a right-wing extremist with a history of mental health problems, prompted the temporary suspension of campaigns on both sides and caused many British voters to pause and reflect on the bitterness surrounding the vote.

"This referendum has been very divisive and I think that's completely unnecessary. We ought to be able to work forward on issues of the economy and migration and security, those issues, without being so divisive," said Kimberly Griffin, a Remain supporter attending a memorial for Cox Thursday at Trafalgar Square. "We never should have had this referendum and I think this is a tragic consequence," she said.

As the memorial was beginning and a friend of Cox was delivering a eulogy, an airplane, apparently hired by Leave supporters, passed over the square pulling a banner that read "Take Control @voteleave."

It will not be entirely clear how much of an impact Cox's murder will have until votes are counted early Friday.

London voter Maggie Hopkinson, attending the memorial, said she was still undecided. Asked what bearing Cox's murder would have on her decision, she replied, "None whatsoever. She was a beautiful person killed by a madman," she said.

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British Voters Opt To Leave European Union

June 24, 2016

by RFE/RL

The United Kingdom's Electoral Commission has officially declared that British voters have opted to leave the European Union.

Results from Britain's nationwide referendum show that Britons voted to leave the European Union by 52 percent to 48 -- a margin of more than 1 million votes.

U.K. Independence Party leader Nigel Farage, who had campaigned for the "leave" vote, said that "the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom!"

Farage also called for British Prime Minister David Cameron to step down. Cameron had sought strenuously to persuade voters to remain in the EU.

An aide to Cameron told Reuters that the results have sent Britain into "uncharted territory."

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said Britain now needs continuity and stability.

Hammond said the results will also reopen the question for some about whether Scotland should seek independence from the United Kingdom.

Scotland and Northern Ireland voted overwhelmingly to remain within the EU.

Most cities in northeastern England returned large majorities for the "leave" side, while London voted strongly to remain.

The vote has raised fears that a "Brexit" could spur calls for similar referendums across the EU, where independence movements are on the rise.

'Major Damage To Both Sides'

European Council President Donald Tusk said on June 24 that Europe should "start a wider reflection of the future of our union."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Europe will continue in the wake of Britain's decision but it was "urgent" for Europe to "react and regain the trust of the people."

Ayrault also expressed "sadness for the United Kingdom."

In Berlin, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier responded to the news on June 24 by saying Britain's vote to leave the EU was "a sad day for Europe and Britain."

A German Foreign Ministry statement quoted Steinmeier as saying that the news from Britain was "really sobering."

The White House said early on June 24 that President Barack Obama was informed about the incoming returns, and that he expected to have a chance to speak with Cameron over the course of the next day.

EU lawmaker Manfred Weber of the European People's Party, the largest in the European Parliament, said Britain's decision to leave the EU "causes major damage to both sides."

Weber called for the decision to be quickly implemented.

The referendum was set up as an advisory vote that was legally nonbinding.

There was no mandatory trigger mechanism that would automatically invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the legal device that formally sets the exit process into motion.

But political analysts say that with such a wide margin of support for the "leave" campaign, and with voter turnout of 72 percent, there is now significant pressure on British politicians to formally begin the two-year process of negotiations for leaving the 28-member bloc.

Pound, World Markets Crash

News of the referendum results also had immediate and far-reaching effects on financial markets.

Britain's pound sterling currency fell to a level of $1.35 against the U.S. dollar -- a 31-year low just one day after it hit a 2016 high of $1.50.

The Bank of England said it was monitoring developments closely, suggesting it would take necessary steps to support the currency.

Asian stocks plummeted on the news, falling by as much as 7 percent in Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Sydney and elsewhere.

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said he was "extremely concerned about risks" that would be caused "to the world economy and global financial markets."

Futures markets pointed to steep falls of up to 7.5 percent on European exchanges and 5 percent on U.S. exchanges at the open of trading on June 24.

The Financial Times of London quoted the chief ratings officers for Standard and Poor's as saying on June 24 that Britain's "AAA" credit rating was "untenable under the circumstances."

Standard and Poor's previously said its top-notch rating for Britain was based on the assumption that the referendum would have delivered a vote to remain in the EU.

Rival ratings agencies Fitch and Moody's had downgraded their AAA ratings for Britain before the referendum campaign began.

With reporting by BBC, AP, Reuters, AFP, and dpa

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/first-results-british- vote-newcastle-show-narrow-lead-remain- in-european-union/27816830.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Brussels Demands Immediate 'Brexit' Negotiations to Limit Fallout

by Henry Ridgwell June 24, 2016

After the global shock caused by Britain's vote to leave the European Union, EU officials in Brussels are scrambling to contain the economic and political damage.

Some analysts have questioned the future of the EU itself now that it is set to lose one of its biggest political and economic powers. The leaders of the EU's institutions issued a robust joint response Friday, however, promising to stand strong and protect the well-being of Europe's people.

In pointed remarks to the news media, EU Council President Donald Tusk said the remaining 27 nations must come together.

"Today, on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27. For all of us, the union is the framework for our common future," said Tusk.

His counterpart at the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, demanded an immediate start to negotiations on Britain's withdrawal.

Protecting the eurozone

"The member states who remain in the EU must discuss how to improve the EU and how to protect, especially the eurozone countries, how to protect the eurozone in the next coming months," said Schulz.

The European Central Bank and the Bank of England have said they will do everything in their power to restore stability. Economist Gregory Claeys of the Bruegel Institute doesn't expect the market volatility to be long-term.

"Together in fact they should be able to take care of the situation. The situation is not as bad as for example the one we had in 2008 and 2009, because the financial sector is in a much better situation," said Claeys.

It is the longer term political damage to the European Union that some fear could prove fatal. Anti-EU parties in the Netherlands and Italy already have demanded their own referendums.

For now, the British flag flies alongside those of its EU allies, but after 43 years, the countdown has begun to Britain's exit  a seismic shift in the geopolitical order of Europe.

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Global Leaders Lament Britain's Choice to Leave EU

by Jonas Bernstein, Joshua Fatzick June 24, 2016

The British people on Thursday voted by a narrow margin to break away from the European Union, a move that some European leaders labeled a grave mistake.

"We take note of the British people's decision with regret," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday. "There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process."

Merkel added that she would host talks with the leaders of France and Italy and European Council President Donald Tusk in Berlin on Monday.

Also next week, Tusk will host the first EU summit without Britain to discuss the British decision to leave the union. David Cameron, who announced Friday morning that he would step down as British prime minister later this year, will attend only the first day of the two-day summit, which starts Tuesday.

Earlier Friday, Tusk said Britain had made a mistake in leaving the EU, the world's largest single market. "That'll have consequences," he said. "And I don't believe other countries will be encouraged to follow that dangerous path."

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he knew Britain "will remain a strong and committed NATO ally, and will continue to play its leading role" in the alliance, which he said in a statement "remains committed to closer cooperation with the European Union."

'Bad day' for Europe

In a message posted on his official Twitter account, German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel described the vote as a "bad day for Europe."

French President Francois Hollande said he deeply regretted the decision for Britain "and for Europe, but the choice is theirs and we must respect it."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault took to Twitter to air his displeasure with the vote, saying he was "sad for the United Kingdom."

"Europe will continue but it must react and rediscover the confidence of its peoples. It's urgent," Ayrault said.

A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he expected that the EU would continue to be "a solid partner" for the United Nations, and that the United Kingdom would "continue to exercise its leadership in many areas."

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde called on U.K. and European authorities to work "collaboratively" to ensure a "smooth transition" to a new economic relationship, and to clarify the procedures that will guide the process.

High voter turnout

More than 70 percent of registered voters participated in the referendum, in which the campaign for the U.K. to leave the union was approved by a margin of nearly 4 percentage points. The referendum was seen by many "Leave" supporters as reflecting British sentiment on immigration, sovereignty, security and national economic future.

Several European leaders saw the successful British EU exit as an opportunity to push for similar referendums in their countries, including France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who hailed the Brexit decision as a "victory for freedom."

"As I have been asking for years, we must now have the same referendum in France and EU countries," the National Front leader said on Twitter.

Netherlands wants referendum

Dutch Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders called for the Netherlands to hold a referendum on its EU membership shortly after news broke of the results. Wilders, who is currently leading in opinion polls, said that if elected prime minister in the country's March general election, he would call for a referendum.

"We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders and our own immigration policy," he said in a statement. "If I become prime minister, there will be a referendum in the Netherlands on leaving the European Union as well. Let the Dutch people decide."

A survey conducted this week in the Netherlands by the Een Vandaag television channel showed the 54 percent of Dutch people in favor of a referendum.

Following the vote in Britain, leaders in and around Europe sought to soothe the fears of their own people after initial indications showed economic markets around the world tanking. Euro stocks and markets in Britain, France and Germany dropped by 7 to 10 percent shortly after opening, while U.S. stocks were down sharply at midday.

Acting Prime Minister of Spain Mariano Rajoy sent a message of "serenity and tranquility" to the Spanish people, and encouraged them not to promote uncertainty in the face of Britain's exit.

Putin welcomes pro-Brexit vote

Following a meeting Friday of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters that he thought British voters chose to leave the EU because "no one wants to feed and subsidize weaker economies, support other countries, entire peoples." He also said British voters were unhappy about a deterioration of the security situation against the backdrop of "powerful migration processes."

The Russian president also responded to comments made last week by Cameron, who said Putin would welcome a pro-Brexit vote, and then added he suspected that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi would also welcome it.

"The statement by the British prime minister, Mr. Cameron, before the plebiscite, the referendum, in which he voiced the Russian position, has no basis in fact," Putin told reporters in Tashkent, adding that he thought the statement was "an improper attempt to influence public opinion."

Putin said, "No one has the right to assert something about Russia's position," adding, "This is nothing other than a manifestation of a low level of political culture."

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Fraudsters steal up to $40 billion from the industry a year, says Judit Albers of A1 Telekom Austria. She tells Alan Burkitt-Gray about A1s work with the GLF to reduce the cost of crime
CHARLESTON, W.Va.  As a deluge swamped southeast West Virginia  a disaster that killed at least 20 people  Ronnie Scott's wife called him and told him their house was filling up with water. She fled to the attic with two dogs and a cat and waited. She smelled natural gas.

Then, the house blew up.

Belinda Scott was able to break a vent and get out onto a porch, then make it onto a tree, which she clung to for hours before being rescued by state police, Ronnie Scott told The Associated Press on Friday. His wife was in the hospital with burns on 67 percent of her body. The pets did not make it out alive.

"My wife was out there four and a half hours hanging in a tree with a house burning right beside her, flood waters running all around her," said Scott, who was not at the White Sulphur Springs home when the waters rose.

Early reports indicate about 9 inches of rain damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes and knocked out power to tens of thousands of others, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said.

About 500 people were stranded overnight in a shopping center when a bridge washed out, and dozens of other people had to be plucked off rooftops or rescued from their cars.

"Our focus remains on search and rescue," the governor said. He added: "It's been a long 24 hours and the next 24 hours may not be much easier."

Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill described "complete chaos" in his county, one of the hardest hit.

"Roads destroyed, bridges out, homes burned down, washed off foundations," he said. "Multiple sections of highway just missing. Pavement just peeled off like a banana. I've never seen anything like that."

In the towns of Rainelle and White Sulphur Springs, rescue crews went door to door to check on residents, a painstaking task that could stretch into the weekend. Once a residence was checked, a red or orange "X'' was marked on the home.

The state Division of Homeland Security reported 15 people killed in Greenbrier County and rescue efforts continue.

Currently 200 National Guardsmen were assisting in eight counties, helping local crews with swift water rescues, search and extraction efforts and health and welfare checks. The governor declared a state of emergency in 44 of 54 counties and authorized up to 500 soldiers to assist.

The governor said he had planned to fly around the hard-hit areas, but wasn't able to because all state aircraft were being used for rescues.

Eric Blackshire was one of the stranded at Crossings Mall, a mix of restaurants, stores and a hotel in Elkview, which is about 15 miles northeast of Charleston. Some had to sleep in their cars or at businesses overnight. Blackshire opted for a hotel room.

"It was kind of like a hurricane party. I guess you could call it a flood party. There were lots of beers being drank last night," he told The Associated Press.

He was able to get to safety Friday when Pinch Volunteer Fire Department firefighters used a rope to guide people down a hillside. Crews were working to build a gravel road on the backside of the shopping plaza.

An area near the West Virginia-Virginia border received at least 9 inches of rain while other parts of the state had 3 to 5 inches, National Weather Service hydrologist John Sikora said. While most of the rain had tapered off Friday, there were still scattered showers, thunderstorms and river flood warnings.

Some of the heaviest rainfall was in Greenbrier County, where The Greenbrier luxury resort and golf course is nestled in the mountains. The course, overrun by floodwaters, is scheduled to host a PGA tour event from July 4-10.

"It's like nothing I've seen," owner Jim Justice, a Democratic candidate for governor, said in a statement. "But our focus right now isn't on the property, golf course or anything else. We're praying for the people and doing everything we can to get them the help they need."

Professional golfer Bubba Watson was apparently visiting the resort and tweeted photos of entire holes underwater: "Prayers for @The_Greenbrier & surrounding areas. We are without power & it's still raining. Never seen this much rain! #WestVirginiaBeSafe."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it was sending teams to help with damage assessments.

The governor's office said 14 deaths were confirmed by the state medical examiner. Local sheriffs and rescue workers across the state confirmed the others not yet included in the state's official tally.

One of the dead included a 4-year-old boy who was found about a quarter mile from where he fell into a creek, which usually runs about ankle deep but rose to about 6 feet deep when Jackson County was pounded with 9 inches of rain in 16 hours.

Bob Bibbee with the Ravenswood Fire Department said the boy was outside with his grandfather, who jumped in after him. Neighbors, alerted by the sound of the family's screams, tried to help save the boy but were also unable to reach him.

Local officials in Ohio County said the death of an 8-year-old boy, Emanual "Manny" Williams, who fell into Big Wheeling Creek on Thursday, was not due to flooding but was an accidental drowning. The area around Wheeling had no flooding and no severe weather, said Wheeling Police Sgt. William Nolan. The death was among those counted by the state medical examiner, the governor's office said.

In White Sulphur Springs, Scott said out of 10 houses on his dead end street, only three were left standing, and they were badly damaged. His son, daughter in law, two grandkids and a nephew were two houses down and trapped in the attic during the storm, but they were also rescued.

"Everything that I've lost can be replaced," he said. "I've got my kids and that's the main thing."
TRADING SYMBOL: TSXV:EPO

VANCOUVER, June 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Encanto Potash Corp. ("Encanto" or the "Company") (TSXV: EPO) is pleased to announce that it has settled liabilities in the aggregate amount of $294,654 which arose from the failure to incur qualifying expenses in connection with a previous issuance of flow-through shares by the issuance of an aggregate of 2,806,230 common shares at a price of $0.105 per share. The shares are subject to a hold period expiring October 25, 2016.

About Encanto:

Encanto Potash Corp. is a TSX Venture Exchange listed and traded Canadian resource company engaged in the development of potash properties in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada, the largest producing potash region in the world. Through a joint venture agreement with Muskowekwan Resources Ltd. on our flagship property, Encanto has a project land package which totals approximately 61,000 largely contiguous acres. A Pre-Feasibility Study dated February 28 2013 titled "Encanto Potash Corp. Technical Report Summarizing the Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Muskowekwan First Nations Home Reserve Project in South Eastern Saskatchewan, Canada" confirms the Proven & Probable KCI Reserves totaling 162 MMt grading 28% which supports primary and secondary mining for over 50 years at an assumed annual rate extraction rate of 2.8 million tonnes.

The Company has a 5% interest in the 55,000 acre Ochapowace/Chacachas property also located in Saskatchewan.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by James Walchuck, a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101.

For additional information about Encanto Potash Corp., please visit the Company's website at www.encantopotash.com or review the Company's documents filed on www.sedar.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"James Walchuck"

Per:

James Walchuck

CEO

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

THE FOREGOING INFORMATION MAY CONTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION RELATING TO THE FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH RISKS AND OTHER FACTORS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, THE ACTUAL RESULTS OF EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES, CHANGES IN WORLD COMMODITY MARKETS OR EQUITY MARKETS, THE RISKS OF THE MINING INDUSTRY INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ENVIRONMENT, DELAYS IN OBTAINING GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS, PERMITS OR FINANCING OR IN THE COMPLETION OF DEVELOPMENT OR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, TITLE DISPUTES, CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT AND CHANGES TO REGULATIONS AFFECTING THE MINING INDUSTRY, AND OTHER RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES DETAILED FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE COMPANY'S FILINGS WITH THE CANADIAN SECURITIES ADMINISTRATORS (AVAILABLE AT WWW.SEDAR.COM). FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE MADE BASED ON VARIOUS ASSUMPTIONS AND ON MANAGEMENT'S BELIEFS, ESTIMATES AND OPINIONS ON THE DATE THE STATEMENTS ARE MADE. SHOULD ONE OR MORE OF THESE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES MATERIALIZE, OR SHOULD UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS PROVE INCORRECT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY VARY MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IF THESE ASSUMPTIONS, BELIEFS, ESTIMATES AND OPINIONS OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD CHANGE, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

SOURCE Encanto Potash Corp.
SHARE Mixed media art by Dianalee Jones is displayed at the Kendall Art Gallery for the San Angelo Art Clubas annual Membersa Miniature Show and Sale. The show, featuring 25 local artists, will be on exhibit through July 31.

Artisans exhibit their mini creations

By Ami Mizell-Flint

What: Members' Miniature Show and Sale.

Where: Kendall Art Gallery, 119 West 1st St.

When: 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through July 31. The art gallery will be closed for the month of August.

Information: 325-653-4405

At the Kendall Art Gallery's opening of the Members' Miniature Show and Sale on Friday, the artwork was small but the talent was immense.

To be considered miniature pieces, works had to be 11 inches by 14 inches or smaller, said Maggie Ault, publicity chairwoman for the Kendall Art Gallery and San Angelo Art Club. The mat and frame, however, could be any size.

This is the third year for the show, but Mary Kollmyer, the museum's exhibit chairwoman, said organizers are considering having the show every other year.

"A miniature can take the same amount of time as a large painting," Ault said. "It puts too much pressure on the artists to turn out (enough to exhibit) every year."

Ault said what draws people to the miniatures is the ability to purchase original artwork by local artists at reasonable prices. Plus, "people are curious," she said.

The show, featuring 25 local artists, will be on exhibit through July 31.

"It's one of our largest fundraisers," said Randi Buche, member of the art club and last year's artist of the year for the Kendall Art Gallery. She said 10 percent of the sale from each painting goes back to the gallery, and 10 percent is offered as a scholarship to an ASU art student.

Crystal Goodman, a local artist known for her murals throughout downtown San Angelo, said painting miniatures offers her a challenge.

"I'm always up for a good challenge," she said. "That's what keeps me fresh and constantly learning."

Many of the attendees at Friday night's opening came to see a favorite artist's work. Charles Weinmann wanted to see the paintings Jean McFerrin had on display.

McFerrin, who has painted since 1973, said she is inspired mostly by old buildings and scenes ? particularly from New Mexico, where she said the lighting is different.

McFerrin is part of the art club's Wednesday group, many of whom have been painting together for 20 years. The group provides "lots of inspiration, companionship, friendship and fun," she said. "And a lot of help, too."

"The more creativeness people are around, the more creative they get," Ault said.

"New" art club member Tom Orsak joined two years ago, so he could be associated with more artists in town. Orsak, who lives near Miles, was a billboard artist. He painted billboards that were 14 feet by 48 feet, he said.

The difference between painting on such a large surface and painting miniatures is "the world," he said.

"I had to re-discipline myself," he said. "I had to reteach myself how to draw."

But Orsak said he was able to use his knowledge of design and composition and his ability to draw to make the transition from large scale to miniature easier. Orsak's works for this exhibit are nature scenes, but he said he paints "all kinds of things."

Ault said the art club, which is the second-oldest continuous art organization in the state of Texas, is looking for members.

"We can mentor," she said. Ault said that retirees come in often and say, "I've always wanted to paint."

The member artists "have so much knowledge," Ault said.

"It's not about being a great artist," Ault said. "It's about feeling good about yourself and having fun expressing yourself."
Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Kevin Hart (left) and Dwayne Johnson star in a scene from, "Central Intelligence."

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'Central Intelligence'

Bob (Dwayne Johnson), bullied and humiliated in high school, blossoms into a strapping man with Jason Bourne-style combat skills. On the eve of their high school reunion, Bob Facebooks the one kid who was nice to him in those days, Calvin (Kevin Hart), now a straight-laced accountant who welcomes Bob's presence. What's not so welcome is the CIA at his door, claiming Bob is a murderous rogue agent. The film doesn't have much going for it beyond its leading men, but their sheer charisma breathes life into a flimsy and forgettable action comedy.

Rated: PG-13 for crude and suggestive humor, some nudity, action violence and brief strong language

Grade: C+

'The Conjuring 2'

Entering the canon of sequels that are better than the original, "The Conjuring 2" again stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. It focuses on the Enfield Poltergeist in England, where a vicious inhuman spirit has possessed young Janet Hodgson. The film is a perfectly executed retro haunting flick.

Rated: R for terror and horror violence

Grade: A

'Finding Dory'

"Finding Dory," which picks up six months after "Finding Nemo," focuses on Dory, the blue tang with short-term memory loss. A flashback of Dory's childhood reveals her origins: a challenged fish whose parents are helpless when a current sucks her away. Energized by clues of remembrance, Dory, Nemo and a reluctant Marlin travel from Australia to California, where her search leads to the Marine Life Institute. "Finding Dory," bright and clever like most all Pixar releases, has the studio's familiar blend of wit, heart and visual detail, but it's missing its own magic.

Rated: PG for mild thematic elements

Grade: B

'Now You See Me 2'

Just as the Four Horsemen  whose elaborate magic routines expose and bilk corporate scoundrels  come out of hiding to hijack a high-tech company's product launch and expose the CEO's privacy-threatening schemes, the quartet is, in turn, hijacked in flamboyant fashion. All aspects of the movie click when the Horsemen are doing their magic, but the plot rides a surging tide of ridiculousness and culminates in a pileup of unconvincing explanations.

Rated: PG-13 for violence and some language

Grade: B-

'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows'

The plot itself is pretty straightforward  the brothers TMNT must stop the evil Shredder (Brian Tee) and Krang (Brad Garrett) from opening up a space portal for world domination  but the film is filled with unnecessarily complicated tangents. The dynamic between the brothers and their struggle over their desire to be "normal" are the most heartfelt and resonant elements of the film, but mostly it's a befuddling and loud jumble of computer graphics.

Rated: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence

Grade: D+

'X-Men: Apocalypse'

Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), a superpowered mutant who was revered as a god millennia ago, is resurrected in 1983 after centuries of lying dormant. Disgusted at the state of the world, he wants to wipe out humans and restore mutants to their deified status. Magneto (Michael Fassbender) and other disillusioned mutants join forces with Apocalypse while Professor X (James McAvoy) and his proteges try to stop them. It is ultimately a satisfying conclusion to the rebooted trilogy.

Rated: PG for some sequences of scary action and peril

Grade: B-

'Warcraft'

In this epic fantasy adaptation of a massive multiplayer online role playing game, hordes of hulking orcs pour through a magical portal into a new realm. There's dissent among the ranks as Durotan (Toby Kebbell) strives for peaceful coexistence and Gul'dan (Daniel Wu) seeks total domination. "Warcraft" isn't going to win any awards, but it's bold, unapologetic, hard-core fantasy.

Rated: PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy violence

Grade: C+

Wire services
T. Gozney Thornton has been making music since the 1960s. Contributed photo

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Thornton, 65, busier than ever

By Federico Martinez

When he was 16, T. Gozney Thornton was in a rock band opening for a little-known group called the Doors, whose 1967 self-titled debut album was a year away from being released.

The venue that day was a dinky roller-skating rink in Arlington, Virginia. It was a moment that would change Thornton's life forever.

"I was enamored with Jim Morrison as soon as I saw him," said Thornton, now 65. "I saw him in those tights and all the girls screaming at him. I knew right then I wanted to be a rock 'n' roll star."

Since that day, Thornton has rubbed shoulders and collaborated with the likes of Leon Russell, Willie Nelson, Augie Meyers and Flaco Jimenez and earned a Grammy Award nomination, among other accolades.

At an age when many artists are slowing down, Thornton, a longtime San Angelo resident, is busier than ever. Now in his fifth decade as a performer, Thornton is leading two bands and collaborating on a music project with Meyers, best known for his work with Texas legend Doug Sahm and The Texas Tornados. He's also performing regularly with Joe "King" Carrasco, the self-proclaimed "King of Tex-Mex rock 'n' roll." Three years ago the versatile musician formed a temporary blues group that competed and made it to the finals of the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, Tennessee.

In his spare time, Thornton continues to build giant cellular towers, even though he sold his profitable cellular tower company in 2015 and vowed to retire. To make sure boredom doesn't set in, Thornton also operates a large farm that he recently inherited from a relative.

Music lovers will have two opportunities to see Thornton perform this weekend when the Old Hat Band brings its classic country sound to Rio Concho Manor on Friday and again at San Angelo's VFW on Saturday.

Thornton recently formed a new band, Young Guns and Outlaws, which features younger musicians and performs more contemporary country and rock songs from the likes of ZZ Top and Chris Stapleton.

PAYING DUES

Nobody knows more about paying their dues than Thornton.

The aspiring artist thought his moment had arrived in 1972 when he signed a record deal with Leon Russell. But the dream fizzled quickly when Russell, whose career has been beset by self-destructive behavior and bad business decisions, was forced to shut down his company before Thornton, then 21, could release an album.

For the next five years Thornton made ends meet by playing the coffeehouse circuit until he moved to Austin and met Willie Nelson, who owned his own record label in the early 1980s.

"Willie offered me a five-year record deal," Thornton said. "But his people thought that Willie had already signed recording contracts with too many unknowns."

Although the album he was recording was nearly complete, it was shelved indefinitely.

"I decided to get a real job," Thornton said. "I moved back to San Angelo in 1988 and was struggling to find out what I could do besides play guitar."

At first he hocked all of his instruments to pay rent and put food on the table for his wife, Pam, and their newborn daughter. An old high school friend and fellow musician Richard Ramirez helped Thornton find work as a plumbing assistant. Another old friend hired Thornton to work at a communications company, where he learned about building cellphone towers. He used that experience to eventually launch his own company constructing cell towers, a successful venture that he sold in 2015 so that he could "retire."

"Let me tell you, digging a 60-foot trench with a pick and shovel seemed a long, long way from playing before 40,000 screaming fans at Willie's picnic' ," Thornton said.

ES TU VIDA (It's Your Life)

Despite the setbacks and challenges, music always has a way of calling Thornton back.

In 1989 Thornton and Rodriguez formed a duo, which would soon expand into The Old Hat Band. The group, which plays traditional honky-tonk country music, vintage rock 'n' roll and Tejano, has a tremendous fan base throughout Texas and is always in demand.

About 2005 Thornton became curious about that old, unfinished record he'd recorded for Willie. He tracked the master reels back to the Arlyn Studio in the old Austin Opry House, where they had been stored but were in pretty bad shape  covered in a quarter-century of dust with the emulsion coming off the back side. Thanks to modern technology the recordings were saved and Thornton called on a couple old friends, including Meyers and Jimenez, to add a couple new songs and complete the long-dormant album. It was finally released in 2007 as "Legends Before the Fall." A single from the album, "Es Tu Vida" earned a Grammy Award nomination.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Thornton and his wife for several years operated a popular and lucrative cruise ship enterprise called the Tex-Mex Fandango. The ship, which holds 120 passengers, has been mothballed for the past two years, but Thornton is thinking about relaunching the venture  if he can find the time.

"It's a lot of work" said Thornton, referring to lining up artists to perform on the ship and trying to promote and sign up customers.

During his 50-year music career Thornton has released only one album. But he has appeared on various compilation albums over the years. He would like to record a second album, but with so many projects going on simultaneously, he's hard-pressed to narrow down what it would sound like.

"We're working on an album of folk songs," said Thornton, setting up the punch line to his own punch line. "I'm thinking of calling it 'Just Folking Around.' "

Standard-Times multimedia journalist Federico Martinez is a longtime music writer and Texas music fan. Follow Tejas Jukebox on Twitter @Tejasjukebox and Facebook every day for breaking news, concert updates, videos and more.

If you go

Old Hat Band

6-8 p.m. Friday

Rio Concho Manor, McGowens Buffet Dinner and Show, 401 Rio Concho Drive

$10

All ages welcome

325-939-2313

---

Old Hat Band

7-11 p.m. Saturday

VFW Post 1815, 125 S. Browning St.

$10

BYOB welcome

325-655-6550
In Reims, France, visiting one of Europe's greatest cathedrals is an illuminating experience on summer nights.

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By Rick Steves

As a guidebook author and TV host, I do most of my work in Europe during the day. But after hours, I love to get out and see what's happening, especially after dark. And I'm always impressed by how much travelers who hide away in their hotel rooms miss.

For example, each summer night when darkness falls in the Champagne-making town of Reims, France, a crowd gathers at the foot of the towering cathedral to enjoy a free sound-and-light show.

The cathedral, one of the greatest in Europe, is remarkable for its harmony and unity of style. And the lights, colors and sounds are all formidable (say it in French: for-mee-DAH-bluh).

I struggle with the idea that Europe's wonderful Gothic church facades were boldly painted in the 13th and 14th centuries. In Reims, the sound-and-light show did a good job of helping me envision how they might have looked to a (perhaps intoxicated) medieval peasant.

The French are enthusiastic and expert about floodlighting their great monuments. Another fun illumination spectacle takes place all summer long at the perfectly preserved Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, a blockbuster sight in France's Provence region. During summer months it stays open until midnight so people can hike, enjoy a picnic or the riverside restaurant and watch the music-and-light show projected on the monument. Though most of the 30-mile-long aqueduct is on or below the ground, at Pont du Gard it spans a river canyon on a massive bridge over the river. It's one of the most remarkable surviving Roman ruins anywhere, second in height only to the Colosseum. Seeing this amazing structure lit up in the evening is dramatic (and less than $20 for five people).

It's no surprise that France's capital is also brilliant after dark. Experiencing the City of Light lit is a great finale to any day in Paris. For less than the cost of two seats on a big bus tour, you can hire your own cab or Uber and have a glorious hour of floodlit Paris on your terms and schedule. Sunday is the best night to go, as there's less traffic  you'll get a better value for the time spent. Make sure to join the party on Place du Trocadero for a magnificent view of the glowing Eiffel Tower.

Berlin is another city that lends itself well to sightseeing by night. Its many memorials mark a tragic history, and some of them make a more profound impact after dark. One such place is the "burning of the books memorial" on Bebelplatz, a transparent pane in the cobbles with a room of shelves under the square. This is the spot where, in 1933, people threw 20,000 newly forbidden books into a huge bonfire on Nazi orders. During the day, the area is full of glare and commotion, so the experience never quite works. But after dark, it's quiet, and the shelves are hauntingly bare and beautifully lit. I've stood over this memorial many times in broad daylight and had never really been moved. Finally, at night, it grabbed me.

I also pondered Berlin's Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe at night with only the streetlights at the monument's edges for illumination and only the security guard sharing the moment with me. At this Holocaust memorial, 2,711 gravestone-like pillars made of hollow concrete stand in a gently sunken area, which can be entered from any side. During the day, you see people appear and disappear between columns, and no matter where you are the exit always seems to be up. Is it a symbolic cemetery, or an intentionally disorienting labyrinth? I thought its architect may have wanted it to be experienced just the way I had chosen  in the dark and alone.

While after-dark sights and spectacles can be particularly memorable, enjoying Europe on a summer's night doesn't require seeking out somber monuments, light shows, and floodlit buildings. When in doubt, just get out in the evening and be in a great city.

The streets of Rome and Madrid in summer are most engaging after dark, when the fountains are lit and the cool evening air brings locals out to stroll. In towns all along the Mediterranean harbor front, promenades are lively with romantics  locals and tourists alike. In London, there's a cauldron of activity where gay, theater and tourist districts come together at Piccadilly Circus. In Florence, warm nights bring musical performers to the piazzas, bridges and courtyards to serenade the city's residents and guests. Wherever your travels take you, admire glittering promenades and floodlit fountains, and enjoy another kind of light show  the sun going down over the historic and natural wonders of Europe.

Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.
Richardson

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By Rashda Khan, Rashda.Khan@gosanangelo.com / @Rashda_SAST

City Councilman Bill Richardson, who won the Single Member District 1 seat in May, caused some consternation with a recent Facebook post about the Craig Partusch Memorial Drag Boat Races Showdown in San Angelo.

Richardson posted: "I would like to see this as the last time the Lucas Corp. comes into our community to bleed our community of capital with one sensational event ... I strongly doubt we are making millions of dollars off these boat races. They are using our water. A precious commodity in west Texas. The lake is maintained year round by our tax dollars. We pay to have the trash picked up."

Some people took issue with his statements, including several local media outlets.

The three-day showdown  celebrating 10 years  is part of the national Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series and brings in 12,000-15,000 people and about 130 boats from all over. According to the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, the showdown had an economic impact of $4.1 million in 2015. More than 6 million people view highlights of the race via the nationally televised coverage on MavTV and CVB Sports, helping get the word out about San Angelo, chamber officials have said.

The San Angelo Police Department provides security and traffic control for the event. Last year, the SAPD billed the chamber $8,800 for services provided.

"We have very little trouble with the drag boat races," Police Chief Tim Vasquez said. "The chamber and (its) volunteers do a phenomenal job cleaning up after themselves. We have more trouble with the July Fourth crowd out there."

In a phone interview with Standard-Times, Richardson said his post was based on public feedback. He said he received numerous phone calls and emails from concerned constituents, people who live in the Nasworthy area, about the boat races, short-term rentals and proposed development in the area.

"I shared some of my thoughts based on what people were saying to me. No way I'd mention anybody's name, so I made it my post on my Facebook page," Richardson said. "I wanted to get more public input on the issue.

"I volunteered to represent them, so I decided to take the heat."

The Lake Nasworthy Homeowners Association is "100 percent behind the boat races," said Trinidad Aguirre, board president. "We want them to go on forever."

He said the city and the chamber have a partnership, and a portion of the money generated by the races goes back into the Lake Nasworthy area for maintenance. "It takes a lot of money to maintain the lake area," Aguirre said, adding that recent expenses included replacing dilapidated buoys, fixing docks and constructing a $120,000 SAPD boathouse.

"Is there some inconvenience? Yes, but it's not so bad that we can't live with it," Aguirre said of the boat races. He likened the event to the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo held every year, which increases traffic in the Coliseum area. "We know it's coming and we prepare for it."

He said many homeowners throw boat race parties to watch the event. "It's a fun way to get together," Aguirre said. "We look forward to the excitement."

After his initial post, Richardson said he has been in contact with the City Manager's office and has received a lot of additional information about the races that he is reviewing.
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By Jane Jeschke, Special to the Standard-Times

About 40 McCulloch County landowners gathered Wednesday at the Heart of Texas Events Center in Brady to hear a plan that could help keep the San Saba River flowing through the Hill Country.

Disputes have arisen for more than a decade among those who have water rights for irrigation purposes a majority of them upstream in Menard County  and the riparian landowners who draw from the river for domestic and livestock uses  many of whom reside downstream in McCulloch County.

The springs of the San Saba River begin near the Schleicher-Menard county lines. The river then flows about 100 miles east into Menard, Mason, McCulloch and San Saba counties before joining the Colorado River.

But it's the segment that runs through Menard County and into McCulloch County that is at the heart of the matter.

Past complaints filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said not enough water flow is reaching those downstream, which has sometimes led to the temporary suspension of water rights for dozens of landowners. The TCEQ has been called in several times to investigate alleged over-pumping.

The proposed Upper San Saba River Management Plan would allow local control and local solutions instead of bringing in state officials.

"We're here for information and dialogue," said Menard County Judge Richard Cordes, who wrote the proposed plan with guidance from Caroline Runge, of the Menard County Underground Water District. "Our common goal is, we want to see water in the San Saba River. This plan is just a proposal. It won't take away anyone's water rights at all."

The proposed plan would include a management board with paid staff who would monitor water usage along the river. The board also would handle complaints and have enforcement authority. There would be guidelines for voluntary curtailment on water usage, and annual fees on water users would be assessed. The TCEQ would still be the ultimate authority.

"We have to figure out a program that could possibly let water get downstream to more people than it has in the past," Cordes said. "We can't guarantee it, because you've got Mother Nature ... and it's not going to be 12 months out of the year. But the system right now isn't working."

Cordes faced an audience who uses the San Saba River for domestic and livestock water, and many questioned why the river couldn't just have a watermaster instead of this proposed plan and management board. A watermaster is an officer appointed by the TCEQ to monitor water levels and pumping volumes in a basin to prevent the wasting of water or its being used in quantities beyond a user's right.

Cordes explained that the plan is similar to one that would use a watermaster, but it would allow local control instead of regulation from the state. Also, the proposed plan allows curtailment of water usage a lot earlier than a watermaster could, he said.

"Right now we have no curtailment until we almost don't have any water," Runge said. "We need a program that anticipates when the flows will decrease. We have to have some kind of appropriate trigger."

Audience members also questioned why riparian landowners were even involved in the plan, because, in their opinion, the problem that needed to be addressed was irrigation in Menard County. If irrigation were cut back and curtailed, more water would come into McCulloch County.

Cordes said he had approached Menard County irrigators about being metered, which they aren't now, and he was unsure how many would go along with the plan.

"They'll be giving up some of their crop, their livelihood," he said. "They'll lose more under this plan than now."

Under the guidelines for voluntary curtailment, high temperatures and below-normal rainfall over a certain time frame would cause water users to cut irrigation anywhere from 25 percent to a complete cessation. Domestic and livestock users also would be metered and subject to curtailment.

Jan Hughes owns land along 1.4 miles of the San Saba River and is concerned about the health of the river and conserving it. Her solution would be to appoint a watermaster.

"McCulloch County is known for its hunting, fishing and recreation," she said. "A dry river does not promote that. All of McCulloch County is affected."

Cordes said he was pleased with the meeting and welcomed the comments and other suggestions, which would be studied and possibly incorporated into the proposed plan.

The town hall meeting in Brady is one of many Cordes will hold in the affected counties, with the next one planned in Menard.
Thomas Metthe/Reporter-NewsA cadaver dog from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice returns to a truck after searching the Abilene Environmental Landfill on Friday afternoon as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Colorado City teen Hailey Dunn.

SHARE Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News A hydraulic excavator scoops up trash as authorities wearing hazmat suits sift through piles of trash Friday at the Abilene Environmental Landfill as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Colorado City teen Hailey Dunn. A cadaver dog from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice returns to a truck after searching the landfill north of Abilene on Friday for Hailey. Abilene police Sgt. Craig Jordan confirmed law enforcement's involvement in the search but declined to comment further about it. Photos by Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News Authorities wearing hazardous materials suits sift through piles of trash Friday at the Abilene Environmental Landfill as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Colorado City teen Hailey Dunn.

Cadaver dogs brought in; mother's boyfriend now a suspect

By Hannah Boen Scripps Texas Newspapers

ABILENE ? Law enforcement officials in hazardous materials suits and cadaver dogs sifted through piles of trash at a landfill north of Abilene on Friday in the search for missing Colorado City teenager Hailey Dunn.

Allied Waste, a local division of Republic Services, was contacted last week by the FBI and the Abilene Police Department regarding officials' intent to search the landfill for a missing person, according to Peg Mulloy, Republic Services' media relations manager.

"This is a police matter," Mulloy said in an e-mail Friday afternoon, "and we have no information about the details of the search itself."

Mulloy said authorities had been searching the site since Thursday.

Later, Pete Kampfer, city manager of Colorado City who also has served as spokesman for his city's police department, told the Reporter-News that the search at the landfill had been completed.

At least a dozen people in protective suits were seen Friday afternoon looking through garbage at the landfill.

A track loader scooped debris into smaller piles to be examined.

Kampfer confirmed that cadaver dogs from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice also were searching the landfill.

Cadaver dogs are trained specifically to detect the scent of decomposing bodies.

Abilene police Sgt. Craig Jordan confirmed local law enforcement's involvement in the search but declined to comment further about the nature of the search, which ended Friday as darkness fell on the landfill.

News of the search came shortly after Kampfer declared Shawn Adkins a suspect and the primary person of interest in Hailey's disappearance.

Adkins, the former boyfriend of Hailey's mother, Billie Jean Dunn, reportedly was the last person to see the girl.

He has since left the household and is believed to be staying in Dunn, a community about 15 miles north of Colorado City, under law enforcement surveillance.

The 13-year-old was reported missing by her mother Dec. 28.

The landfill search comes as part of almost three weeks of investigation into the Dunn case. More than a dozen law enforcement agencies have been involved in searching more than 30 square miles ? both by foot and from the air ? for the missing girl, according to Kampfer.

The Allied Waste site is where trash collected in Colorado City is brought, Mulloy said, and the landfill staff was cooperating with the FBI and local law enforcement to ensure that no members of the news media are allowed within the area being searched.

Those bringing items to the landfill, however, were allowed to do business but in another part of the landfill.

Law enforcement officials consistently have said all aspects of Hailey's disappearance would be investigated, including the possibility that she had run away, or that criminal activity may be involved.
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"There's an old adage about a vat of wine standing next to a vat of sewage. Add a cup of wine to the sewage, and it is still sewage. But add a cup of sewage to the wine, and it is no longer wine but sewage. Is this what Donald Trump has done to our politics?"

 Martha Bayles, in the Claremont Review of Books

Yes, as Republicans should remember when their convention opens in less than a month, on the anniversary of Donald Trump's disparagement of John McCain as unheroic because he was "captured."

McCain was captured (with a broken leg and two broken arms) when North Vietnamese shot down his plane. He chose extra years of torture, refusing to leave when his torturers wanted to release him because he was an admiral's son.

Trump says, however, that he, too, has been "very brave" by ignoring the danger of venereal disease during his sexual adventures: "It is a dangerous world out there  it's scary, like Vietnam. Sort of like the Vietnam era. It is my personal Vietnam, I feel like a great and very brave soldier."

He was serious; irony is not in this narcissist's repertoire. And there is a reason why Britain's staid Economist magazine refers to Trump's "look of a roue gone to seed."

"Every republic," writes Charles Kesler, professor of government at Claremont McKenna College, "eventually faces what might be called the Weimar problem." It arrives when a nation's civic culture has become so debased that the nation no longer has "the virtues necessary to sustain republican government."

Do not dwell on what came after the Weimar Republic. But do consider the sufficiency of virtue that the Constitution's Framers presupposed.

Kesler recalls that James Madison's notes on the Constitutional Convention contain this from the July 17, 1787, debate on the proposal to have presidents chosen by Congress: Rather than making the president a "creature of the legislature," Gouverneur Morris favored election by the people. Rejecting the criticism that the people will be "uninformed," he said: "They will never fail to prefer some man of distinguished character or services; some man ... of continental reputation."

In Trump, Republicans have someone whose reputation is continental only in being broadly known. He illustrates Daniel Boorstin's definition of a celebrity as someone well-known for his well-knownness.

It will be wonderful if Trump tries to translate notoriety into fulfillment of his vow  as carefully considered as anything else about his candidacy  to carry New York and California. He should be taunted into putting his meager campaign funds where his ample mouth is. Every dime or day he squanders on those states will contribute to a redemptive outcome, a defeat so humiliating  so continental  that even Republicans will be edified by it.

Trump's campaign has less cash ($1.3 million) than some congressional candidates have, so Republican donors have never been more important than they are at this moment. They can save their party by not aiding its nominee.

Events already have called his bluff about funding himself and thereby being uniquely his own man. His wealth is insufficient. Only he knows what he is hiding by being the first presidential nominee in two generations not to release his tax returns. It is reasonable to assume that the returns would refute many of his assertions about his net worth, his charitableness and his supposed business wizardry. They might also reveal some awkwardly small tax payments.

If his fear of speculation about his secrecy becomes greater than his fear of embarrassment from what he is being secretive about, he will release the returns. He should attach to them a copy of his University of Pennsylvania transcript, to confirm his claim that he got the "highest grades possible." There are skeptics.

Various Republican moral contortionists continue their semantic somersaults about "supporting" but not "endorsing" Trump. In Cleveland, they will point him toward the highest elective office in a country they profess to love but that he calls "a hellhole." When asked in a 1990 Playboy interview about his historical role models, he mentioned Winston Churchill but enthused about others who led "the ultimate life":

"I've always thought that Louis B. Mayer led the ultimate life, that Flo Ziegfeld led the ultimate life, that men like Darryl Zanuck and Harry Cohn did some creative and beautiful things. The ultimate job for me would have been running MGM in the '30s and ' pre-television." Yes, that job, not the one he seeks.

George Will is a Washington Post columnist. Contact him at georgewill@washpost.com.
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The following editorial appeared in Monday's Dallas Morning News:

The new vendor in charge of STAAR exams has failed repeatedly in its first year on the job.

Standardized testing is difficult enough when everything goes right; way too much has gone wrong since Educational Testing Service took on this state contract in May 2015 for a cool $280 million over four years.

What's gone wrong so far? Computer breakdowns. Incorrect scoring. Two few graders. Questionable security protocols.

State Education Commissioner Mike Morath must already be weary of the times he's had to use the word "unacceptable" in describing ETS breakdowns.

Worse, this month he was forced to cancel the school year's third and final administration of STAAR tests for fifth- and eighth-graders, after ETS was unable to meet its deadline to provide previous results to campuses.

Nothing like giving students, parents and educators more needless heartburn.

ETS absolutely must pay a monetary penalty for repeatedly coming up short, and we have no doubt Morath is already considering appropriate consequences.

But before the public clamor grows to try to kick ETS out of Texas, let's think this through a bit more. Consider:

The state insisted on making a wholesale testing-vendor change-out with relatively little time between the awarding of the contract and the start of testing. It would have been far smarter to have a gradual transition over two years.

The Texas Education Agency was attempting to placate those who felt the longtime monopoly by testing vendor Pearson couldn't end soon enough; instead, it put into motion a rollout bound to be rocky in year one.

ETS' track record shows similar first-year problems in other states; just as consistently, the vendor has been able to right the ship in subsequent years.

For instance, it was late in year one delivering scores in California; the state penalized the test firm $3.1 million, about 4 percent of the contract. The next academic year, 2015-16, ETS mostly beat its deadlines.

And while saying "you're fired" might feel good, keep in mind that this is not a contract that can be quickly undone. State education folks would need to rebid the contract, and it would take years before a new vendor could be in place. By that time, ETS might be doing a swell job  and almost certainly would be in the last year of its contract.

What's most important right now is that the vendor meets reporting deadlines that, in turn, allow the state education department to get initial campus and district accountability ratings to superintendents by Aug. 12.

Those reports are critical because they single out failing campuses and systems; the students and parents at those schools deserve to know ASAP about their options.

If ETS fails that August test, a hefty fine will hardly be sufficient.
Presidential Politics Hits Statehouses

Theres no avoiding the presidential race any longer, even for governors and gubernatorial candidates.Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recently met with six GOP governors to shore up support in states where Republican U.S. senators have criticized him. The closed-door meetings included the governors of Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee. They were organized by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who will lead Trump's transition team if he wins.

Hillary Clinton also has to worry about Republican governors, especially as she mulls a vice presidential candidate.Her camp disclosed that the Clinton team was currently scrutinizing three potential running mates: Julian Castro, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development and former San Antonio mayor; U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a former Virginia governor; and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

If Clinton were to pick Warren (or another Democratic senator in a state with a Republican governor), she would have to allow for the possibility of losing a seat in the upper chamber of Congress. In Warrens case, that means Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker would pick a replacement until a special election could be held.Certainly, U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, who leads the Democrats Senate caucus, is already thinking of those scenarios.If we have a Republican governor in any of those states, the answer is not only no but hell no, said Reid last month. I would yell and scream to stop that.

Comics Aren't Always Funny

Meanwhile, disclosures by the Trump campaign of its meager fundraising and paltry staff could have a limited effect on statewide races. An undermanned Trump campaign would most likely move the needle for gubernatorial contests only in states that have both tight governors races this year and are traditionally presidential swing states.Jared Leopold, a spokesman for the Democratic Governors Association, said that essentially narrows it down to two states: North Carolina and New Hampshire.Utah Gov. Gary Herbert seems to be in a good position going into next weeks Republican primary. He leads his challenger in fundraising and in the polls, and he just picked up a major endorsement from former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a Mormon who salvaged the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.But that doesnt mean Herbert's third campaign for the post has been easy. Fundraising has been a source of controversy for both candidates.In an audio recording of Herbert talking to potential campaign donors, the governor said he was Available Jones for any donor who wanted to talk with him. Available Jones was a character from the Li'l Abner comic strip, known as an entrepreneur who was always available for a price.After the published the recording, the governor told The Associated Press he was disappointed in how he handled the situation.That being said, the governor added, when youre an average guy like me that has average means, you have to go out and ask people for money.

Odds and Ends

Herbert's opponent, Overstock chairman Jonathan Johnson, took this as an opportunity to question the governor's ethics.It is clear Available Jones has been making himself available -- for a price -- for quite some time and at an alarming rate. What results has he promised to each of these donors? said Johnsons campaign manager.The governor, meanwhile, criticized Johnson for taking $850,000 from a single donor, Overstock president CEO Patrick Byrne, whom Herbert has called a sugar daddy rich guy.Herbert has raised $4.4 million for his campaign and his PAC since the beginning of his term in 2013, while Johnson brought in $1.5 million since 2015. Johnson has less than $93,000 left in his accounts, compared to $600,000 for Herbert, according to theAt least two independent polls show Herbert leading Johnson by 45 points, but the Johnson campaign claims that according to their polling, the election is much closer.Now that former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard is leaving office, a special election to replace him will be held later this year. Hubbard was convicted of a dozen criminal counts of ethics violations earlier this month. The primary is Sept. 23, and the general election is scheduled for Nov. 29. Whoever wins will take his seat in the state House of Representatives, but his replacement for speaker will still be up in the air. Victor Gaston, a Mobile-area Republican, took Hubbards place as speaker on a temporary basis and has reportedly said he may run to keep the position when the House reconvenes next year.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican in a stalemate with the Democrats who control the legislature, let it slip that he plans to run for a second term in 2018. Thats bad news for Democrats. Rauner, a wealthy venture capitalist, not only bankrolled his own election but is also providing a major funding boost for GOP legislative candidates. Former Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, who lost to Rauner in 2014, is rumored to be interested in another run. Chris Kennedy, a son of the late U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy, is also pondering a 2018 bid for the Democratic nomination.
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GIS - 24 June, 2016: Information and Communication Technology and Innovation are the backbone of the next phase of development for the Mauritian economy which will be mostly driven by technology. It is an undeniable fact that these elements constitute today the key drivers of economic growth and social development for any country. Information and Communication Technology and Innovation are the backbone of the next phase of development for the Mauritian economy which will be mostly driven by technology. It is an undeniable fact that these elements constitute today the key drivers of economic growth and social development for any country.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, made this statement yesterday by videoconference in Port Louis during a business forum on investment opportunities in the Mauritian ICT sector: Mauritius: the ideal platform for ICT/BPO activities organised at the initiative of the Board of Investment of Mauritius in collaboration with Syntec Numerique at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand, in France.

The objective was to promote and enhance the visibility of Mauritius unique offerings in the ICT-BPO industry and position the country as a high return investment destination. It also aimed at showcasing the various business opportunities that Mauritius can offer through its business platform with a view to attract new investors.

In his address, the Finance Minister expressed his ambition of transforming the country into an innovative and competitive digital economy that can serve efficiently the population at large as well as the business community with the support of potential investors who through their skills, expertise and experience can help Mauritius achieve its set goals.

He recalled the strong relationship between Mauritius and France which is based on old bonds of friendship and kinship consolidated by history and common culture. According to the Minister, France has always been a privileged partner for Mauritius and over the years both countries have further strengthened bilateral relations as well as economic and cultural ties. He also expressed his gratitude regarding French assistance which has been crucial for both the economic development of Mauritius as well as in modernising the economy.

Minister Pravind Jugnauth invited the French investors to tap the various business opportunities in the ICT sector in Mauritius which is poised to become very dynamic and grow as the next pillar of development. He further pointed out that Mauritius already offers the right platform for potential investors owing to its strategic position as gateway to the African continent adding that 30% French companies are already operating in the ICT field in Mauritius.

He elaborated on the government's strategy of transforming Mauritius into an intelligent island which revolves around five strategic and priority areas namely: Innovation; Infrastructure; Human Capital; Entrepreneurship; and Business Environment.

He concluded by stating that Mauritius has already set the appropriate modern infrastructure to help the ICT sector prosper with the Open Access Data and the improved performance of the telecommunication networks through the deployment of a third fibre optical network cable for a FibreNet Project to be implemented by the Central Electricity Board.

Statistics show that he ICT-BPO industry has grown rapidly during the past decade. The sector now comprises some 700 companies and employs over 20,000 professionals and contributes up to 6.4% of the countrys Gross Domestic Product.
Description

GIS  24 June 2016: The Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) launched its platform of E-services and a hazard reporting hotline 154, yesterday at Flacq Fire Station. This ceremony coincides with the celebration of the United Nations Public Service Day and Africa Public Service Day. The Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) launched its platform of E-services and a hazard reporting hotline 154, yesterday at Flacq Fire Station. This ceremony coincides with the celebration of the United Nations Public Service Day and Africa Public Service Day.

The Minister of Local Government, Dr. Anwar Husnoo, and the Minister of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms, and Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Disaster and Beach Management, Mr Alain Wong, as well as other eminent personalities were present at the launching ceremony. On the same occasion the customer service charter of MFRS was released.

In his address Minister Husnoo said that MFRS has embarked on a mission to strengthen its manpower by recruiting young people. To that effect, a Passing out ceremony is scheduled in the coming weeks during which a total of 156 new recruits will join as able firefighters. Since September last the new recruits have undergone intensive training to become firefighters.

We believe that such an endeavour will no doubt help the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service to ensure an improvement in the delivery of services and thus help to make Mauritius a better and safer place to live and to work, he said.

He further recalled that the E-service of MFRS which is operational since 2013 has unfortunately experienced a very low usage from members of the public. In spite of the availability of the E-services facility, out of a total of 7,088 manual applications received for the year 2013-2015, only 49 were online applications, that is, less than 1%.

Thus to align to Government policy, the relaunching of the E-application project became necessary, said the Minister while outlining that the concept is to provide a better service to the public through online application for the issue of either a Fire Certificate or a Fire Clearance, amongst others.

The Minister also made an appeal to the community to make use of MFRS E-services platform and improve the service delivery. This will enable to create an IT-based system, entertaining request within short delays, enhancing record and control among others, he said.

Dr Husnoo announced the construction of two new fire stations namely at Rose Belle and Goodlands.

For his part, Minister Wong said that United Nations Public Service Day and Africa Public Service Day provide an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of all officers to service delivery. He underlined that the theme of United Nations Public Service Day for this year is Leaving No One Behind: Innovative Institutional Approaches and Public Service Delivery.

The purpose of the event is also to acknowledge public servants contribution to sustainable development, he said. It also aims at providing a platform to share ideas, knowledge and innovative practices on how public institutions can best support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, he added.

Moreover, he recalled that it is mandatory for all Ministries and Departments to have their customer charter. A smart Civil service must be characterized by innovative ways and prompt services as well as interventions, he said in his concluding remarks.
(TNS) -- A new digital trove of data showing who is paying to influence elections on Texas airwaves is set to become available ahead of this years big-money congressional and presidential races.Starting today, more than 175 Texas radio stations could be required to begin publishing documents online in a searchable database detailing political ad buys, the latest attempt by the Obama administration to boost transparency around election spending.It is part of an expansion earlier this year of a Federal Communications Commission requirement put in place in 2012 for some broadcast television stations to upload political ad buy data online. The ad buy filings contain key information about who paid for the spot and which candidate is supported or opposed, helping academics, watchdogs, journalists and the public shine a light on outside groups and operatives bankrolling political attack ads.For now, the online requirement only extends to commercial radio stations with five or more employees in the top 50 markets across the country, which includes San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin.The Texas Association of Broadcasters estimates that more than 175 stations in the Lone Star States four largest markets are preparing in the meantime..Large satellite and cable operators will also have to start putting ad buy documents into the FCCs searchable database starting today. Comcast, in particular, has remained stubborn about making such data available electronically, even while a major rival, Time Warner Cable, voluntarily started doing that several years ago.A Comcast spokesman did not return a request for comment, but watchdog groups applauded the new guidelines.Expanding access to information about who is buying political ads is a win for the voters and the public at large, said Jenn Topper of the Sunlight Foundation, a group based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for government transparency.For decades, anyone interested in seeing political ad buy data would have to go in person to an individual station or cable operator in each city to gain access to the files. TV and radio broadcasters, which use public airwaves to disseminate programming, were required to keep a physical folder of political ad buys open for public inspection.The FCC has said its goal is to modernize public access to important election spending data.By including these services in our transition to an online public file, we continue our effort to harness the efficiencies made possible by digital technology to make public file information more readily available to the public, while at the same time minimizing the burden on covered entities of maintaining the file, the FCC said in a January report ordering the expanded guidelines.The FCC in 2012 originally required only the top four national networks in the countrys 50 largest television markets to upload ad buy documents. The agency expanded the requirement for the rest of the TV markets across the country two years later.Michael Schneider, vice president of legislative and regulatory affairs for the Texas Association of Broadcasters, said the similar rollout for radio stations should make the digital transition easier for smaller markets. However, Schneider said hes heard concerns from small stations in big markets that are required to make documents available starting today.Its a learning curve, but I think TV demonstrated that stations can rise to the occasion, he said. The TV stations have seemed to adapted OK.Most election dollars for ads are spent on TV spots, and an increasing segment of that outlay is being used to target partisan viewers on cable television.However, radio is a cheaper alternative that remains largely popular among state and local candidates in Texas. Take, for example, the run-up to the 2014 Texas Republican primary, when almost $200,000 in political ads were sold on the station owned by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, KSEV in Houston. KSEV is among the stations that will have to start reporting ad buy data online.Schneider said Texas politicians, including many running in Texas House races, have come to realize that radio can be a good political ad buy.Its an efficient and economical way to make political dollars stretch, he said.
Noelle Knell has been the editor of Government Technology magazine for e.Republic since 2015. She has more than two decades of writing and editing experience, covering public projects, transportation, business and technology. A California native, she has worked in both state and local government, and is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, with majors in political science and American history. She can be reached via email and on Twitter.
Thanks to the broad community support it received to use technology to solve some of the city's most pressing problems, Columbus, Ohio, has been named the winner of the U.S. Department of Transportations Smart City Challenge.The city beat out 77 other applicants, and the designation is expected to bring in as much as $140 million to Columbus for transportation improvements. Columbus, the Midwests fastest growing city and the nations 15th largest city by population, beat out better-known tech centers such as Austin, Texas, and San Francisco. Its win is also noteworthy because Columbus, unlike most cities its size, doesn't offer commuter rail or other high-capacity transit beyond buses.The thing that distinguished Columbus was that they were able to connect the problems they identified with specific technology solutions that are measureable, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, who had the final say in picking the winner. We feel they have a very good chance of success.The competition challenged cities to propose ideas that integrate innovative technologies like self-driving cars, connected vehicles and smart sensors into their transportation networks. A major part of Columbus' winning pitch was increasing poor people's access to new transportation options, which is one of Foxx's major goals.The city will use autonomous vehicles to link its Linden neighborhood, where unemployment is three times the city average, to a nearby jobs center. Officials hope the new service will also help poor families get better access to health care and other essential services.Columbus also hopes to serve its low-income population by creating transit cards for them to use ride-hailing or car-sharing services, even if they don't have a smartphone or a bank account. Passengers may also be able to use those cards to schedule doctor's appointments. Columbus focused on health access because of high infant mortality rates in its poor neighborhoods.The city will receive $40 million from the federal government; another $10 million from Vulcan, a Seattle company owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen; and an additional $90 million matching funds from local companies, governments and non-profits.The goal of the contest is to spur innovation among all the cities vying for the grant. The Obama administration has relied heavily on competitive grants and demonstration projects, like the Smart City Challenge, to encourage states and localities to adopt policies it advocates. In the case of this competition, it might just work.Private companies and nonprofits have signed up to help not only Columbus but also the cities that didn't win. The participating companies specialize in fields such as urban innovation, cloud computing, telecommunications, solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles, engineering design software, wireless transmitters for vehicles and infrastructure, and pedestrian- and cyclist-detection for buses. All told, according to the Department of Transportation, 150 companies and nonprofit groups have pledged as much as $500 million worth of support.The seven finalists -- Austin; Columbus; Denver; Kansas City, Mo.; Pittsburgh; Portland, Ore.; and San Francisco -- have also promised to continue working together to support the use of technology to address issues that all cities face and to share best practices, said the federal agency.Mayors from the runner-up cities, meanwhile, said they would move forward with their ideas, even though they werent selected.Austin is an innovative, creative city," Mayor Steven Adler told local TV station KVUE. "Were going to keep pushing.We have been transformed through this process, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock told . Win or lose, Denver is better off because of it.In addition to helping lower-income people access transit, Columbus also plans to build smart corridors, starting with a bus rapid transit route scheduled to open next year. The corridors would use wireless technology among and between vehicles and infrastructure to improve safety, efficiency and usability.Another component of Columbus plan is to increase the number of electric vehicle powering stations throughout the city. In its application, the city said it would work with its electric utility to expand its smart grid and then incentivize the charging of electric vehicles during optimal times of the day.At the official announcement of Columbus' victory, Vulcan president Barbara Bennett noted that 50 of the city's CEOs personally committed to buying and driving electric vehicles and installing charging stations for their employees.That's called walking the talk, she said.
Legislators in North Carolina are considering a bill that would clear up the states position and licensing requirements around so-called virtual currencies and blockchain technology.The North Carolina Money Transmitter Act would clarify the states language and requirements relating to the currencies like bitcoin, blockchains and distributed ledger businesses.For the Chamber of Digital Commerce, who made a presentation before the states Senate Finance Committee June 14 with other industry advocates, the bill would give some much needed definition to the states existing rules, according to president and founder Perianne Boring.She said varied rules for money transmission from state to state make it difficult for some businesses to operate without the risk of breaking state and federal law.Obtaining and maintaining state licenses is an incredibly costly and burdensome process for any company to undergo, but its particularly difficult for virtual currency businesses. Most state money transmitter laws dont clarify what types of virtual-currency-related businesses are required to obtain licenses, she toldvia email.In total, the bill would effectively modernize the existing definitions of businesses that transmit funds on behalf of other parties, as well as outline exemptions for businesses that did not fit the standard definition of a financial institution.The last iteration of the legislation was passed in 2001 and centered on a number of issues including the prevention of money laundering and financing of terror activity.For example, while current North Carolina law can clearly be read to cover certain virtual-currency-related business models, its language remains ambiguous  particularly for companies using the underlying technology for applications other than payments," Boring said. "The proposed Money Transmitter Act would not only clarify the licensure requirement as to a variety of virtual-currency-related business models, but it would also make important distinctions between companies using virtual currency (like bitcoin), and ones that use the underlying software technology (like blockchains or distributed ledgers).Similar money transmitting legislation is on the books in 48 other states, according to Boring. While some might say the legislation is ultimately bad for blockchain and the businesses built around it, she argues the bill helps to add clarity around the exclusions for businesses and the non-financial applications of blockchain technology.Some might worry that this bill is bad for the blockchain industry. After meeting extensively with the Legislature, and reviewing the text of the bill, and most importantly, the [frequently asked questions] that accompany it, we are satisfied that North Carolinas Legislature has taken a bigger step forward than most other states in embracing this new technology head-on, she said.
F1 legend Alain Prost has weighed into Ferrari's deliberations about the future of Kimi Raikkonen.

Amid rumours linking Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz with the Maranello team, Prost said Ferrari is right to be weighing up the pros and cons.

"The advantages and disadvantages are obvious," the Frenchman, who drove for Ferrari in 1990 and 1991, is quoted by Speed Week as saying in Turin this week.

"There are some drivers on the market who are potentially faster than Kimi, but there is no way to know that for sure.

"On the positive side for Kimi is the good relationship between the (current) Ferrari drivers," Prost added, also referring to Sebastian Vettel.

"I see now a clear number 1 and number 2, not on paper but on the track. I see nothing to criticise Ferrari about -- I am sure they will make the correct decision," he said.

(GMM)
Jean Todt has paved the road for more high-profile date clashes between key races like F1 grands prix and the iconic Le Mans.

This year, the clash of the inaugural Baku round with Le Mans was highly controversial but FIA president Todt has this week played it down.

From the FIA sport conference in Turin, Italy's Autosprint quoted the Frenchman as saying that preventing calendar clashes is "a kind of mission impossible".

"I talk about how many important categories of motor sport there are and the fact there are only 52 weekends," he said.

Indeed, just last weekend, 70-year-old Todt attended the start of the Le Mans 24 hours and then by Sunday was on the Baku grid.

"Even on TV it was possible to follow the start of the grand prix and the end of the 24 hours if you really wanted to," he insisted.

Many people pointed the finger at Bernie Ecclestone for the 2016 Baku-Le Mans clash, and Todt admitted that he would like the FIA to have a bigger say when it comes to governance.

As for the future, Todt indicated that when Ecclestone is eventually replaced, the Paris federation will have a say on who his successor is.

"The current promoter has done a remarkable job to develop formula one," he said.

"That does not mean we are always in agreement, but I respect all that has been done.

"Bernie has his own style, as anyone does. If the majority shareholder decides to change the management, they will make a proposal and it should be adequate for the FIA, so I have no real concerns.

"But without going into details, yes, there needs to be a final agreement with the FIA," Todt added.

(GMM)
Officials say the police chief in Virginias capital city has resigned. A statement released by the city of Richmond said Gerald Smith resigned Tuesday afternoon and will be on administrative leave through Dec. 31. Acting police Major Richard Edwards has been temporarily appointed as police chief while officials conduct a nationwide search for Smiths replacement. Smith has been police chief since July 2020. He has been under scrutiny over recent months for comments he made in July about authorities thwarting a mass shooting. Smith said at a July 6 news conference that two men had planned the shooting at a July 4 fireworks show at the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater. Two suspects were arrested, but neither has been charged with planning a mass shooting.
Maria De La Croix has a fine arts degree and an advertising background, and she lives in Stockholm, Sweden -- unlikely characteristics for a Silicon Valley-backed founder. But she does embody the region's status-quo-disrupting ethos.

Two years ago, the 27 year old applied for a barista job at a Starbucks in Stockholm. She didnt get the job, she says, because her hair was too blue. The rejection inspired her to set out to sell her own coffee, so she founded Wheelys, a solar-powered bike cafe franchise. Shes managed to participate in the Y Combinator accelerator and start a global company in a matter of two years.

Related: 10 People Who Became Wildly Successful After Facing Rejection

To get started, Wheelys launched a series of IndieGogo campaigns. One was titled, Wheelys. A cafe in a bike. Deal with it. As of March 2015, that campaign alone had raised $153,196 -- 253 percent of its fundraising goal. This support helped Wheelys supply bikes to more than 250 franchisees, called Wheelers, in nearly 50 countries worldwide. Meanwhile, De La Croix and her two co-founders applied to Y Combinator and got in.

In April 2016, Wheelys announced its seed round had closed at $2.5 million. Its investors include Paul Buchheit (creator of Gmail), Othman Laraki (co-founder of Color Genomics), Jared Friedman (founder of Scribd) and Justin Waldron (co-founder of Zynga).

Wheelys aims to simplify the experience of those who may have trouble, say, coming up with half a million dollars to open a Starbucks franchise. Startup costs have ranged from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the Wheelys bike model, and the monthly franchise fee (which includes access to the Wheelys branding materials and other support) is $200 per month.

Image credit: Wheelys Cafe

Each Wheelys cart is compact, leaves a minimal carbon footprint and allows owners to specify their own schedules. All Wheelers have to sell Wheelys house coffee, but they are free to offer secondary varieties of their own choosing along with various pastries, snacks, fruit, magazines -- its up to the each individual seller and local regulations. Wheelys also has an app that allows customers to order ahead and pay digitally, though Wheelers can opt for cash transactions.

Today, De La Croix says that Wheelys is expanding most quickly in the U.S. She and her team have worked to improve the bikes to better accommodate health standards, as well as be more efficient -- environmentally and for the Wheelers preparing customers orders.

Everyone working on our cafes, they own their cafe, their heart is in the cafe, De La Croix says. They decided that this is what they wanted to do. They invested in it. They put a lot of time and effort into it. Its not like they applied for a job.

Wheelys built its first 20 to 30 bikes in a basement, selling them to Wheelers for a few thousand dollars and operating at a loss on each. De La Croix and her co-founders tested the bikes themselves, changing outfits and parking in various locations to find out which strategies attracted the most customers. Once, De La Croix parked in front of a Starbucks and out-performed her corporate competitor, she says. She had a permit to sell on the streets, to the coffee houses dismay. She still does her own testing, as well as gets feedback from the global network of Wheelers.

One of the things that impressed me is the strength of community of the Wheelys operators, writes Jared Friedman, Wheelys investor and Y Combinator partner, in an email to Entrepreneur. For the Wheelys members, Wheelys is not just a job, it is a social movement. Which fits, because the Wheelys founders are the natural leaders of that kind of movement. They are gutsy, high-spirited and entertaining.

De La Croixs artistic skills and advertising experience gave her a foundation in branding, which was essential to Wheelyss expansion. Still, she notes the distinction between branding and big brands. On the Wheelys website, the company proudly declares Fuck Brands but censors the word Starbucks as ****bucks. At first, De La Croix and her team tested unbranded bikes, but when they added the name and logo, they saw more repeat customers.

Related: Why This CEO Wants Employees to Tell Him 'F--- You!'

People like the Wheelys brand because we stand for something organic and we stand for entrepreneurial people, De La Croix says. Having a brand also made it possible for us to connect people more.

De La Croixs personal brand is nothing if not consistent. She explains parking in front of the Starbucks in Stockholm kind of pissed them off and was fun. (You can watch a video of the stunt below.) Her LinkedIn page features a photo of her with blue-green hair, scowling at the camera. The Summary section of her LinkedIn profile contains a single sentence: Unlearn what youve learned.

Image credit: Wheelys Cafe

Shes posted minimally produced YouTube videos to the Wheelys Cafe channel such as Yc hates money, in which she and Wheelys co-founder Tomas Mazetti explain their belief that Y Combinator values ideas that people want over detailed business plans. In the clip, the founders acknowledge that the accelerator largely responsible for their current bank account balance would likely refute that characterization.

Ultimately, Wheelyss defiance is meant to call others to action: You can start a business with minimal funds and materials, and you can sell high-quality goods. You dont have to be limited by corporate constraints.

Go ahead and do things, De La Croix says. The biggest problem is, people have a lot of ideas, but then they make things too complicated.

Related: How This Man Made the Leap From Artist to Entrepreneur

De La Croix says she has noticed that the common trait shared by artists and entrepreneurs is that they are creators who focus on building out their visions. As someone who can claim both titles, she perceives that in todays world, startups as a means of self-expression are more publicly influential than art is.

I think that art, when its good, it affects people, and it can change things, De La Croix says. I dont see art doing that so very much today, unfortunately, while startups actually are doing that and they are changing a lot of things in todays society.

Related:



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NORWALK  While efforts to clean up Long Island Sound have proven successful, theres still plenty more work to be done according to area fishermen, shellfish commissions and scientists.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn, met with Fairfield County stakeholders in the Connecticut shellfish industry Tuesday following weeks of tours and site visits throughout the state to learn about issues facing the industry. In April, Murphy proposed legislation asking for $860 million in funding for Long Island Sound restoration.

Im particularly focused on this industry because as a member of the appropriations committee and further, as a member of the subcommittee that oversees most of the accounts that matter to fishing and aquaculture, the shellfish industry, Im in a position to try to help, Murphy said. Were talking about an industry in Connecticut that officially employs about 1,400 people, but in the runoff of that industry, it doubles and triples that amount (of people) so this is particularly important to the state.

Among those in attendance was Copps Island Oysters owner Norm Bloom, whose facility Murphy toured last month. Bloom reiterated that one of the biggest issues facing the fishermen is consistent testing of the waters where shellfish beds are located. Every time a storm pushes more water into the Long Island Sound, the waters must be tested to ensure they are safe. Oysters, which filter roughly 100 gallons of water per day, need about two weeks to filter out water that may be impacted by storm runoff, and consistent testing to ensure Blooms oyster beds are in safe waters is imperative, he said.

The biggest thing is testing, Bloom said. We need to make sure the state keeps funded where theyre able to get out and do all the testing. Right now were spread out all over the state so theyve got a huge area to cover now. Thats one of the biggest things to keep us open is to keep the state and the testing and funding  and the lab. Thats really key to keeping us open and running.

David Carey, aquaculture bureau director for the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, said it is unclear how the state budget will impact testing this year, but that it will have an effect and the department is already looking at ways to reduce expenditures that wont impact testing.

Were not in the worst position, as long as the weather cooperates, Carey said. If we get a lot of wet weather and we have to keep retesting that could put us in a tight spot.

In addition to stormwater runoff, area fishermen said theyre tasked daily with cleaning garbage out of the Sound. Even so, that garbage has created an uninhabitable environment in many areas.

Ed Stillwagon, of Atlantic Clam Farms in Easton, farms off the coast of Greenwich, an area that hasnt always been open for farming.

Over the millennia people have dumped a lot of garbage in the Sound and they continue to do so every day, Stillwagon said. Since I started there, Ive collected probably 5,000 to 6,000 tons of garbage through my dumpster.

Stillwagon said he collects roughly 300 to 400 pounds of garbage per day on each of this two boats, just in Greenwich. Stillwagon said the layer of garbage is then covered by a layer of anaerobic silt that washes out from the rivers and creates what the fishermen refer to as black mayonnaise, a sticky, disgusting mush that makes the seafloor uninhabitable for any lifeform.

And thats just on my particular lots, Stillwagon said. My clam production is increasing as I go because Im cleaning it up and its producing a more viable habitat not just for shellfish but for everything.

Though Murphys original proposal was aggressive  asking for roughly 15 percent more funding for Long Island Sound restoration over current funding levels  Murphy said people in the Congress are taking note, and some additional funding has been added to the appropriations bill that recently moved out of committee and will be presented to the Senate. That, he said, is important progress toward what he calls the second generation of cleanup following improvements to the wastewater treatment plants.

As aggressive as that sounded, some of the numbers that are embedded in the budget that is coming through the appropriations process suggest that folks are starting to listen and the fact is that we have a lot of overdue investments, we have some expensive projects coming up when it comes to the next generation of cleanup, Murphy said. Frankly, as expensive as the wastewater treatment cleanup was, the next generation of cleanup, which comes from nonpoint sources, is more expensive in many ways. Theres some people that are starting to listen.
Looks pretty frightening. Photo: J.S. Burgers Cafe

People in Japan finally know who to call for a Ghostbusters burger. J.S. Burgers Cafe, part of a chain of eateries run by Japanese retailer Journal Standard, has unveiled a themed menu tied to the new movies release that is predictably better than Americas only Ghostbuster-themed foodstuff (Hi-C Ecto Cooler, of course). The limited-time offering has four tie-ins, starting with the G.B. Burger, a specimen that might be the first logical use of black-bun technology. Its got a layer of purple cabbage, and according to Fashionsnap, the patty gets a ghastly black-olive-and-anchovy-paste treatment.

As for the sides, theres something called Black Chili Chips, whose namesake topping involves a much poorer use of the trick of dyeing ingredients a jet-black hue:

Photo: J.S. Burgers Cafe

Or slake that thirst with a Slimer smoothie that goes full ectoplasm. Ingredients include something vaguely dairylike and perhaps a blended hearty green of some kind, plus kiwi chunks and, for no good reason at all, burger-shaped snacks and candies on top.

Photo: J.S. Burgers Cafe

Dessert is this so-called Marshmallow Mad Burger, a mountain of a food product swimming in Oreos. Also, it oozes a sickly red goo:

Photo: J.S. Burgers Cafe

Itd no doubt bring tears of joy to the Stay Puft mascots eyes, assuming the new Ghostbusters team actually re-conjures that homicidal marshmallow maniac.

[Fashionsnap]
The wine no one asked for. Photo: Gik Live S.L.

If you ever scanned your local bistros wine list and thought, Huh, why didnt blue booze ever catch on in a bigger way?, your prayers have been answered. For the last two years, six mad scientists from Spain have been holed up in their laboratories experimenting with grape varietals and organic pigments in an effort to, at long last, end the tyranny of rose and bring the world blue wine. With the help of the University of the Basque Country and the Basque governments food-research arm, they emerged last year as Gik with blue teeth, stained shirts, and a sweet, chilled wine thats made with grapes from, seemingly, wherever they could get some (Castilla-La Mancha, La Rioja, Leon, Zaragoza, and so on).

After selling 70,000 bottles of their 11.5 percent ABV game-changer in Spain, Giks product is now available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Portugal, and Switzerland, and there are plans to sneak-attack an unsuspecting United States. The producers dont actually claim to know much about making wine, per se, or actually even like regular old wine that much, but, hey, thats neither here nor there. What matters is that theyre all about a good time, want everyone to stop being so uptight about their vino, and promise they will change the world by introducing a novelty beverage.

[Fine Dining Lovers]
This one feels good. Photo: Doug Meszler/Corbis

This morning, the Obama administration designated the site of the Stonewall riots the countrys first national monument to LGBT rights. As was expected, the president signed a proclamation protecting the 7.7 acres of Manhattan where LGBT people fought back against a police raid on the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. While the monuments boundaries will include the Inn, Christopher Park, and surrounding streets and sidewalks, only the park will become federal land managed by the National Park Service. In a video announcement, Obama explained, I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country.

Its one more recognition for the historic site that was integral to the gay-rights movement. Last year, New Yorks Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to make the Stonewall Inn a New York landmark, and the nearly eight acres made a national monument today were designated a National Historic Landmark in February 2000. The proclamation comes less than two weeks after the massacre at the Pulse night club in Orlando, where a lone gunman killed 49 and injured 53 mostly Hispanic LGBT people in the single deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Later in the announcement, Obama recognized hard-won progress for the LGBT community, like Supreme Court victories that wouldve been unthinkable to the Stonewall protesters, while acknowledging that there is important distance yet to travel.

[BuzzFeed]
Gorgeous ceramics from Philadephias Felt + Fat will be available. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

When most chefs depart from their usual service for the sake of a collaborative event, it involves another chef  possibly from out of town  helping them cook a meal. But Take Root, Elise Kornack and Anna Hieronimuss tiny Brooklyn tasting room, isnt like other restaurants. Tomorrow, Kornack and Hieronimus will debut a series of events featuring independent makers  artists, farmers, musicians  who will sell their wares in the restaurant, which will be transformed (temporarily) into a gallery-like space. The first installment of Take Root MRKT spotlights Felt + Fat, a Philadelphia-based design studio that makes the plateware used by Kornack and Hieronimus (as well as Eli Kulp, among others).

All creative projects, particularly restaurants, are constantly an evolution, Kornack explains of the idea. We kind of wanted to bring the vibration back, especially because Cobble Hill has a nice vibe in the late afternoon on a Saturday. We then realize no ones really featuring their purveyors. Weve worked with Felt + Fat since we opened the restaurant, and we were one of each others first big collaborations.

From 2 to 10 p.m. this Saturday, you can shop Felt + Fats biggest hits, plus one-off items and a brand-new line of ceramics that the designers created in collaboration with Kornack. I had actually asked them to create a certain plate for what wouldve been a potential restaurant concept for us, but we decided to put [that] off for right now, she says. Now theyre going to sell the whole line that we created together.

Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase at the bar, so you drink and nosh while browsing: Two Philadelphia breweries, Tired Hands and Crime and Punishment, will be there, and Kornack is making a porchetta sandwich with broccoli rabe (plus a vegetarian version).

The next event, which will be sometime in August, is going to center on one of Take Roots farmers. Were going to empty out the restaurant and make it like a market, and hes going to fill it with produce and wild flowers, Kornack explains. Well have live music too. We like to break up the space, energetically, and itll be nice to have the door open and not have it be as finite as it is now, with the tasting menu and the reservations. Anna and I both love drunk shopping, so this is kind of perfect.

The pop-up happens this Saturday. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

Some of the pieces that will be available. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

Some of the pieces were made in collaboration with the Take Root team. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

Would basically go well in any apartment. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

Pretty. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

There will be wine, like this Vinyes Singulars pet-nat rose. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

Beer, too: This is the Tired Hands Hoi Polloi IPA. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

Raspberry Berlinerweisse from Crime and Punishment. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

Porchetta! Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

The beautiful pork will be turned into sandwiches. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz

Veggie sandwiches will be available, too. Photo: Paul Wagtouicz
Dothan, Alabama-based rock band Hollis Creek Revival is set to release the first single from its upcoming CD, "In The River." "Wildfire," an uptempo banjo-tinged song that pays tribute to missionaries, went for adds this week at Christian INSPO/Soft AC and Christian AC-formatted ratio stations. "In The River," due out July 1, currently is available for pre-order at the band's website.

"The song 'Wildfire' was written from the perspective of our friends who are or who have been missionaries overseas," said Brandon Kelley, the band's frontman and multi-instrumentalist. "Leaving home and everything you know, to do what you have been called to do is very difficult. You find yourself in a place that is unfamiliar and scary. But you carry with you hope, or this spark, and when you light this fire it will spread. The gospel will spread throughout the world."

"Wildfire" is one of ten songs on "In The River." A video for the debut single, available on YouTube, features the names of the band members' friends who are missionaries.

Hollis Creek Revival was formed in November 2014 by Kelley and Brad Jerkins. The trio currently consists of Kelley, Clint Singleton (bass guitar, acoustic and electric guitar) and Jacob Patillo (banjo, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar), though Jerkins often plays live shows and in the studio. Kelley named the band for his grandfather, Hollis Kelley.

"I wanted to honor my grandfather when starting this project," Kelley said. "In a way, it was about recognizing my heritage and the legacy of my grandfather and my father."

For more information about Hollis Creek Revival, visit HollisCreekRevival.com, like on Facebook and Twitter, follow on Instagram and subscribe to the Hollis Creek Revival YouTube channel.

Tags : hollis creek revival wildfire hollis creek revival news hollis creek revival latest hollis creek revival new single
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Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby.

11:52, 25 OCT 2022
On Sept. 23, 2015, the Boone Police Department began an investigation into the death of a 20-year-old male named, Noah Tucker Overbey.

This investigation began when Boone Police were called to respond to investigate the report of a medical emergency at 1469 W. King Street. During an investigation, all evidence gathered indicated that Mr.Overbeys death was likely caused by an accidental drug overdose. The case was turned over to the North Carolina Medical Examiners Office.

The Medicolegal Autopsy Report was released on June 17, 2016. This report confirmed Boone Police Investigators suspicions. Mr. Overbeys cause of death was listed as, mixed drug (heroin, cocaine) toxicity.

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By Jesse Wood

After a week off from racing due to a previously planned music festival at the High Country Fairgrounds, racing will continue this Saturday, June 25, at the Mountain View Speedway.

Half of the proceeds generated from this weekends race will go to help pay medical bills of John Rich, who is heading to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center to figure out what is causing his seizures. Last year, Rich raced in the UCAR division, and this year he is a track crewmember at the Mountain View Speedway. His mom works in concessions for the Mountain View Speedway as well.

This Saturdays running order is as follows:

Outlaw 4

Young Guns

CNB Sprints

Stock 4

UCAR

Stock 8

Semi Mod 4

The Mountain View Speedway is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Ticket prices are as follows: General Admission Adults: $10; Kids 7-10: $2; Under 6: Free; and Skybox Seats: $12. The grandstands generally open at 4 p.m. and racing starts at 6 p.m. sharp.

For more information about the Mountain View Speedway, click to:

https://www.facebook.com/mountainviewspeedway/

http://mountainviewspeedway.webs.com/

The Town v. Raceway

Currently, the legality of the raceway operations is in question.

In 2015, the Mountain View Speedway opened after a 17-year hiatus  after Boone Planning Director Bill Bailey told a raceway promoter that racing was a grandfathered use in the High Country Fairgrounds off of Roby Greene Road in the towns ETJ.

Soon after racing started up again, a Locust Hill resident, Annette Reeves, complained about the noise of the racetrack to both Watauga County Board of Commissioners and the Boone Town Council. Last summer, the Boone Town Council meetings were regularly attended by raceway supporters, who feel that racing is just harmless, family-friendly fun on a Saturday evening, and residents who feel their quality of life is negatively affected by the action at the nearby raceway.

Two groups  the Watauga Citizens for Local Control (WCLC) and Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL) then filed an appeal to the Boone Board of Adjustment regarding the legality of the raceway under town code. At a Boone Board of Adjustment hearing earlier this spring, Bailey reversed his interpretation and stated that racing was not allowed under the towns ordinances.

The town subsequently issued a cease-and-desist order to the raceway operators, Mike and Cyndi Budka, in April, and the appeal by WCLC and BREDL was dismissed.

In May, the Town of Boone filed a complaint regarding the enforcement of the cease-and-desist order in Watauga County Superior Court. (Attorney Nathan Miller, who is representing the raceway, said that motions on this complaint will likely be heard in July.)

The Budkas and the Keller Brothers Inc., which own the property, responded by appealing the cease-and-desist order with the Boone Board of Adjustment, which is expected to meet again for this matter on June 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 1500 Blowing Rock Road.

Racing continues during the Boone Board of Adjustment appeal process.

Read more about the conflict between neighbors and the speedway here.

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The District Court of Helsinki has sentenced Esa Laiho to four years and six months' imprisonment for practising medicine without a licence for more than a decade.

Laiho was yesterday found guilty of a slew of offences including one count of aggravated forgery, numerous counts of aggravated fraud, unlicensed practice of a health care profession and two counts of assault. He was also handed a ban on engaging in commercial activities and ordered to compensate the plaintiffs for the costs incurred during the legal proceedings.
Haglund, who stepped down from the helm of the party on 11 June, explains in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat that he made his decision in order not to stand in the way of the new party leadership.

Carl Haglund, a former chairperson of the Swedish People's Party, has stirred up controversy on social media by requesting that he be relieved of his duties as a Member of the Parliament at the end of July in order to transition to the private sector.

The Speakers of the Parliament voiced their support for the request on Wednesday.

Haglund won 21,468 votes in the previous parliamentary elections after raising nearly 29,000 euros in private donations to his campaign war chest. His campaign finance report also indicates that the Swedish People's Party donated 44,000 euros and businesses 22,000 euros for his campaign. Haglund also committed 1,000 euros of his own savings to the campaign.

His overall campaign budget was 130,000 euros.

Haglund tells in an interview with Hufvudstadsbladet that he understands that some of his supporters are likely to be disappointed with his decision to step down as a Member of the Parliament.

Haglund, who served as a Member of the European Parliament in 20092012 and as the Minister of Defence in 20122015, will be appointed as a director responsible for investment strategy at Sunshine Kaidi Energy Group, one of the leading renewable energy companies in China, on 1 August. His new responsibilities will entail the promotion of investment activities in Europe, such as the planned investment of roughly one billion euros in the construction of a bio-refinery in Kemi, Northern Finland.

It is great to get an opportunity to promote the creation of growth and new jobs in Finland, comments Haglund.

Kaidi's innovative technological solutions on their part will encourage Europe to meet its common climate objectives while creating new business opportunities and jobs in Europe and Finland, he adds.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Vesa Moilanen  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
A special Garda Armed Response Unit for Dublin must be urgently brought into service by the end of next month, said Fianna Fail Justice spokesman Jim O'Callaghan.

The Dublin TD said there appeared to be "a significant delay" in establishing the heavily-armed unit to combat gangland gun crime.

The Government committed to setting up the unit earlier this year, but Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald told the Dail on Wednesday that "the recruitment process has not yet been completed" and that it was "hoped" the unit will be in place "later this year".

Deputy O'Callaghan said: "Some two months ago, we were assured by Government that the new Armed Regional Support Unit would be in place and operational by this month and would contribute to the armed policing response which is urgently required to tackle the challenges faced by gardai in the capital and surrounding area.

"While the work of the gardai is ongoing, the residents of Dublin must see the battle against these criminal gangs intensified, to prevent further attacks and put a halt to the cycle of revenge and retaliation.

"This unit, which was also sought by some members of the Garda Representative Association, if adequately resourced, could spearhead the fight against these crime gangs," he said.

"It is simply unacceptable that we have been forced to experience a delay of this length.

"The Government must consider the creation of this unit as a matter of urgency.

"As gun-related crime continues to escalate, there has never been a more critical need for this Government to ensure that this unit is fully operational in order to protect the people of Dublin," he said. He told the Herald last night he understood that a lot of gardai had applied to join the unit and there needs to be more urgency in establishing the unit.

"This has to be fast-tracked to give confidence to the people living in communities that the Government and Garda have action planned.

"It is important that there is a visible presence of gardai in these communities. Most communities hoped the unit would be up and running by now," he said.

A spokesman for the Department of Justice and Equality said last night: "An Garda Siochana is currently in the process of establishing the Armed Support Unit (ASU) for the Dublin Metropolitan Region and a selection process to fill the positions has commenced and remains ongoing.

Training

"The Tanaiste is advised that the selection process will be completed in the next month or so with a view to the successful candidates commencing training in early September 2016.

"Pending the full establishment of the new unit, arrangements have been put in place so that the necessary armed support is being provided on an overtime basis."

Minister Fitzgerald said in the Dail this week that, at the request of the Garda Commissioner, the Government "moved decisively to strengthen Garda resources to deal with gang- related crime in the Dublin area".

The new unit will "enhance armed support capability in Dublin and to free up the resources of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU). The Dublin ASU will have a strength of 55 - five sergeants and 50 gardai.

"I am informed by the Commissioner that it is in the process of being set up and trained as a matter of priority," she said.
Irish Rail is set to hire temporary summer staff for the first time in a decade to cope with growing passenger numbers.

Some 17.15 million journeys were made on the Dart service last year, an increase of 7.5pc, while just over 12 million trips were made on its commuter services.

A spokesman said that the busy summer period would see high numbers of "occasional" rail travellers using its services including tourists, concert and match-goers and families.

"To ensure our stations are resourced to assist customers, we are hiring 24 temporary customer service personnel for the Greater Dublin area, for stations in the city centre and busy tourism destinations," he said.

"It's the first time in almost a decade that we've been in a position to supplement resourcing in this way, and it's a great opportunity for those with a passion for customer service to work in a busy environment full of variety, and get excellent experience working with the public."

Applicants should send CVs to recruitment@irishrail.ie by June 30.

Figures from the National Transport Authority (NTA) showed that passenger numbers had increased across Luas and Irish Rail services nationally by more than 5pc year-on-year.

Some 74.26 million journeys were made across the entire rail network in 2015, compared with 70.41 million in 2014.

Growth

"While Dart passenger journeys grew by an impressive 7.5pc in 2015, commuter passenger journeys have grown by about 3.5pc each year for the last two years," the NTA's Rail Statistics for Ireland report stated.

But it said that growth in passenger journeys on Irish Rail services was lower than that on Luas.

"Growth in passenger journeys on Luas recovered in 2013 and is leading all the economic indicators in terms of growth," it said.

"Growth in Irish Rail passenger journeys stabilised in 2013 and is growing since 2014 but at a slower rate than Luas.

"Although the economy is the dominant factor behind people's propensity to travel, there are other factors that influence demand, particularly for public transport and these include fares, service quality and competition."

The report showed:

l Some 39.66 million trips were made on Luas, up 4.9pc.

l Luas trams travelled a total of 3.664 million kms last year. Irish Rail operated 15.96 million kms.

l Fare revenue from Irish Rail passengers totalled 184m, up 5.5pc.

l Dart revenue stood at 38.54m, up 7pc.

l Luas fare income rose 7.3pc to 54.37m.

The report also noted that Irish Rail received 14.63m, and Luas 3.91m, from the Department of Social Protection to fund the free-travel scheme .

It also showed that subsidies paid to Irish Rail continued to fall, down to 98m in 2015.

This compared with 189m in 2007, although it did receive additional funding for its infrastructure business.
Hancock-area couple sentenced in huge animal cruelty case

A Hancock-area couple was sentenced Wednesday in an animal cruelty case that led to massive animal rescue operation in Western Maryland in June 2021.
From left to right, comedian Brad Stine, producer Laurie Cardoza-Moore, and director Stan Moore at the June 8 Jerusalem premiere of the film 'Hating Israel: In Search of the Truth Behind BDS.'

"When it comes to apartheid, Israel sucks."

It's a key quote delivered by American comedian Brad Stine, a devout Christian and a featured personality in a new documentary film called "Hating Israel: In Search of the Truth Behind BDS."

The premiere of the 90-minute film produced by Laurie Cardoza-Moore, founder and president of the Christian Zionist organization Proclaiming Justice to the Nations (PJTN), was held in Jerusalem on June 8, in front of an audience of Knesset members, Israel advocates, business leaders, journalists, and other VIP guests.

Cardoza-Moore describes the film's style as "docutainment"-an entertaining documentary-and says it is aimed primarily at millennials (those born from the early 1980s until around 2000). Stine shapes his opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while traveling throughout Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA)-controlled territories. He carries out a series of interviews with Jews, Christians, and Muslims to get their thoughts about what life is really like. Through his journey, he comes to the conclusion that labeling Israel as an "apartheid state" is preposterous.

Stine also speaks to experts on Israel including retired Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz; author and educator Rabbi Ken Spiro; radio talk show host Dennis Prager, Palestinian human rights activist Bassem Eid; and others to try to understand why Israel is singled out for international condemnation and boycotts when countries with seemingly far worse human rights records are given a pass.

During the "Seinfeld"-like film-which includes commentary, interviews, and visuals from headline news-Stine's interviews are interspersed with footage of the comedian revealing his findings during a stand-up comedy routine in the U.S.

One of the highlights features Stine speaking to Palestinian workers in factories and other businesses in Judea and Samaria. The Palestinians, who work side-by-side with Jews, express their gratitude for being able to make a living thanks to their Israeli bosses.

An Israeli Arab interviewed by Stine praises his Israeli doctors and the medical staff at a local hospital, where he was bedridden for more than a year while being treated for an illness.

Scenes from Ariel University in Samaria show Muslims and Jews going to school together, highlighting diverse university personnel working in campus laboratories and carrying out leading medical research.

After debunking the "apartheid" myth, the film then focuses on the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, as Stine conducts interviews with experts outside of the United Nations in New York and with college students in California. Hollywood personalities, academics, and others are then seen throwing away their computers, cell phones, and other technologically advanced devices-a plea to BDS supporters to stop being hypocrites, since most of the devices were made with Israeli technology.

After clips highlighting how as a result of the BDS movement, American-Jewish college students fear for their safety if they publicly support Israel, the film showcases images of swastikas painted on Jewish students' mailboxes on a U.S. campus intertwined with images from Kristallnacht in 1938 Nazi Germany, during which 1,000 synagogues and 7,000 Jewish-owned businesses were destroyed in a precursor to the Holocaust.

Cardoza-Moore says the Kristallnacht images were chosen for the film because she believes the BDS movement is without a doubt the latest form of anti-Semitism. She says her organization, PJTN, is committed to "educating Christians against the rise of this anti-Semitism ... .We decided to produce the movie to combat BDS because the movement is growing and we must reach the next generation."

Most disconcerting to Cardoza-Moore is a recent Ipsos survey showing that 33 percent of Americans believe that supporting a boycott of Israel is justified.

"This must be combated," she says.

In addition to producing the film, Cardoza-Moore notes that PJTN is fighting BDS on other fronts, such as the organization's drafting of the state of Tennessee's anti-BDS resolution. In April 2015, Tennessee's General Assembly was the first state in the U.S. to pass such a measure, and state-level legislation against BDS have now become a nationwide trend.

Toward the end of the film, Stine speaks about the new phenomenon of some historically pro-Israel evangelical Christian groups showing their support for BDS. Cardoza-Moore calls it "a dangerous trend that even evangelicals are preaching this heresy, which is not based in scripture." She adds that in the film, Stine's journey "exposes these evangelical and world leaders pushing this unbiblical narrative."

Speaking with JNS.org at the premiere, the film's director Stan Moore, Laurie Cardoza-Moore's husband and a two-time Emmy winning director, says he believes a key point in the picture is when Stine is given a tour of the PA-controlled Balata refugee camp by Ari Briggs, director of the Israeli legal advocacy organization Regavim. Briggs shows Stine how the PA leadership deliberately keeps its people in squalor as political pawns to fight against Israel, instead of allowing them to improve their living conditions.

Stine believes the film will resonate with viewers because of its use of comedy.

"Humor helps people 'take the medicine' of a documentary," he says, adding that he feels comedy "is a package which can deliver important messages, especially on difficult issues."

Stine says he has always witnessed the power of the arts in sharing and shaping messages, but felt that mainly a left-leaning perspective was promoted using this platform. Therefore, he decided that "as a conservative, I knew I could access the arts...and I could give equal dignity to the other side." He adds that his target audience is viewers who are "in the middle-the uneducated or for whom [Israel] doesn't matter."

Following the Jerusalem premiere, Cardoza-Moore says the film will have its global release in the fall and will ultimately reach 950 million viewers through PJTN's media partnerships. The film will be screened on college campuses, before civic groups, and for churches and synagogues.

"The trend showing that 33 percent of Americans support BDS against Israel shows how important it is that we confront this head on and crush it," says Cardoza-Moore. "We have to crush it."
(JTA)-"Septembers of Shiraz" is a film about a prosperous Jewish family in Iran caught up in the aftermath of the 1979 revolution that overthrew the shah.

It's based on Dalia Sofer's well-received 2007 novel of the same name, which used her own family's experiences as source material.

When the film debuted last year at the Toronto International Film Festival, the reviews were uniformly negative. One critic called it "a disappointing misfire." (The movie officially opens a commercial run in New York and Los Angeles on June 24.)

Still, I wanted to see it. I'd spent a month in Iran before the revolution and found the country to be if not exactly Jew-friendly, at least Jew-tolerant. I was curious how the repercussions of the regime change, in which Jews and the Zionist entity became the enemy, would be portrayed.

Besides, I'd just sat through a screening of "Neighbors 2," and as far as I was concerned, anything was a step up by comparison.

Frankly, I found "Septembers of Shiraz" far better than the early reviews, in part because it struck a familiar chord. The trajectory of its main characters reminded me of the few stories my survivor parents told me about their experiences in post-Anschluss Vienna. In fact, it's sadly a similar story for any Jew who has lived in a land with an anti-Semitic government.

First, though, back to Iran in the early 1970s. I was an editor for a travel industry magazine, and an international aviation association was holding its convention in Tehran. We were going to put out a daily newsletter for the attendees, and I was sent on an advance trip to set things up.

I had no idea what to expect. I knew that Iranians were Persians, not Arabs. I knew that the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was the main supplier of oil to Israel and had abolished restrictions on minority religions. Iran was a Muslim country and I was a Jew. But I actually wasn't worried about that-after all, I was a guest of the government. So what concerned me? Iran was a totalitarian regime and not everyone gets my sense of humor. I could see the headline: "Travel Writer Jailed; Causes Cancellation of Convention."

Thankfully, perhaps because the government was eager to make a positive impression on the international community, everything went much smoother than I had anticipated. The ministry I dealt with helped (i.e. allowed) me to set up a telex to communicate with New York during the meeting-I did say this was the early 1970s-and accepted my promise that the newsletter would have no political content.

Through my business dealings, I met Jews in unexpected places. A printer I worked with was Israeli. My taxi driver was Jewish; I discovered this when he exclaimed "oy vey" upon accidentally backing up into the fountain in my hotel's courtyard.

But things had changed dramatically by the time "Septembers of Shiraz" takes place. It's 1979 and Isaac Amin, played by Academy Award winner Adrien Brody, runs a successful jewelry business with his wife, Farnez (Salma Hayak-Pinault); their work is favored by the shah's wife and her circle. The couple has a son, Parviz (Jamie Ward), and daughter, Shirin (Ariana Molkara).

When the film opens, family and friends are gathered for a bon voyage party for Parviz, who is attending a prestigious New York boarding school. The only sign anyone at the party is Jewish is that Isaac ends his toast with "L'chaim!"

But some time later, members of the Revolutionary Guard blindfold Isaac and take him to a prison, where he is subject to interrogation from Mohsen (Israeli actor Alon Aboutboul). Isaac is accused of working with the Mossad and his wife is under suspicion for spreading propaganda.

"Our records show you visited Israel," Mohsen tells him.

Yes, but only because he has relatives there. And, yes, his wife occasionally wrote articles, but they weren't political in nature. Still, Isaac is tortured-first emotionally and then physically-but he has nothing to confess.

Despite occasional cliched dialogue-"I can smell your fear"-tension escalates as Mohsen ratchets up the pressure. Adding to the drama, Farnez does not know what happened to her husband; she is foiled at all attempts to find out. Revolutionary Guards invade her home, steal everything of value and destroy what is left, further increasing her sense of jeopardy.

The guards aren't the only ones stealing from the Amins. Years earlier, the family had taken in poor street people: Habibeh (cinema's go-to Muslim, Tehran-born Shohreh Aghdashloo, from "24," "House of Sand and Fog"), who works as their maid, and her son, Morteza (Anthony Azizi). Despite the family's generosity Morteza, using revolutionary fervor as an excuse, loots his employer's office.

Ultimately, Isaac buys his freedom by emptying his bank account. He uses hidden gems to finance the family's escape to Turkey.

Much in this film is praiseworthy-Brody, for one, who has done well playing Jews. He won the Oscar for his portrayal of Wladislaw Szpilman in Roman Polanski's "The Pianist," and was later nominated for an Emmy for the title role in the History channel's "Houdini."

Still, I think I understand the early critics' negative reactions. Director Wayne Blair chose to focus his camera on the Amins-making us, like Farnez, oblivious to the larger picture.

One question seems to loom over the audience: Why didn't the Amins leave Iran? After all, they had the resources; they must have known their future was bleak. I suspect that obvious question-and the film's lack of an answer -is what turned off reviewers.

But I'm pretty sure I know the answer: I think the Amins-like so many others-stayed put due to an ingrained sense of optimism, a belief that if you don't mention a problem it will likely go away.

Adrien Brody stars in 'Septembers of Shiraz' as Isaac Amin, the patriarch of a wealthy Jewish family in Iran who is arrested by the Revolutionary Guard and interrogated by Mohsen (Alon Aboutboul).

My parents, like many survivors, didn't speak much about their experiences in the war. I foolishly never asked them about it. I did learn how torn they were about leaving their beloved Vienna because it meant leaving behind their parents-my grandparents.

Like the Amins, my parents sneaked over the border, to Switzerland. And, like the Amins, my father was stopped on his first try and returned to the authorities-but a sympathetic official let him go.

Eventually my parents settled in Basel and raised enough money to smuggle out their parents. But my grandparents didn't want to go, saying they were old and the Nazis wouldn't bother them. But of course they were wrong-my parents never saw them again.

Did my memories of Iran combined with my family's history impact my appreciation of the film? Of course it did. In the closing credits, "Septembers of Shiraz" is dedicated to victims of persecution all over the world.

Do you have to be a victim-or be related to a victim-to enjoy the film, to appreciate its intensity? Probably not.

But it helps.
NEW YORK (JTA)-First there was "Tinder for bras." Now there's a Yelp for sheitels, the wigs worn by many married Orthodox Jewish women.

ShayTell may be the first-ever online customer review site for wigs. It's certainly the most cleverly named.

And if you've never considered the demand for such a site, consider this: When was the last time you bought, say, a computer, without knowing a thing about its quality, components and warranty?

That's a predicament facing many observant Jewish women, says ShayTell's founder, Myriam Schottenstein. After all, some wear sheitels every day, and the wigs typically cost from $1,000 to $4,500, she says (that's not a typo).

"There are so few resources available on this huge purchase," she says. "It's really discouraging."

So Schottenstein, a self-described "review junkie" who purchased her first sheitel when she married two years ago, set about to change that. Backed by her brother, "serial entrepreneur" David Schottenstein, ShayTell launched in the spring.

"My aim is to provide more transparency, accountability and really bring more clarity to this," she says.

Traditionally, sheitels are a word-of-mouth purchase: Women rely on the advice and experiences of their friends and family before seeking the services of a local vendor.

"There's no centralized information," says the 28-year-old Brooklyn resident, noting that most manufacturers don't have functional websites. "I think people mean well, but there's a lot of secrecy in the industry."

Some of these mysteries include: Where does the hair come from? Was it processed? Was it dyed, or can it be dyed in the future? What kind of warranty does the sheitel have, and what services are included?

This lack of reliable information about quality wigs comes at a stressful time: Engagements in many traditional communities tend to be short, and suddenly, amid all the planning and upheaval, women go from knowing nothing about sheitels to finding themselves "thinking about baby hairs," Schottenstein quips-small, wispy bits sewn around the forehead and temples to make the wig appear more natural.

"The process is unnecessarily difficult," she says of sheitel shopping. "I want to make it as easy as possible."

On the ShayTell site, users can specify a price range and see an array of wigs by various manufacturers, and read reviews by other users. "I Love my Barbara" wig, according to one review. "Color is gorgeous... hair feels great and looks natural."

Another reviewer was less enthusiastic.

"Within a few months I had split ends everywhere and the wig just feels dry and straw like," she writes.

The practice of women covering their hair varies widely from Orthodox community to community, ranging from full wigs to headscarves to hats and fascinators. In general, however, observant Jewish women cover their hair for modesty reasons, creating a zone of privacy that can only be shared by married partners.

That doesn't mean the intent is to make married women unattractive. As one Chabad website for women explains, "even if her wig looks so real as to be mistaken for natural hair, she knows that no one is looking at the real her. She has created a private space, and only she decides who to let into that space."

A woman's hair can be "protected" with a beautiful, natural-looking wig-and hence the serious shekels many Jewish women spend to purchase a wig that looks just so.

"You want to get the best quality hair-that's not a commodity that's so available," Schottenstein says, explaining the high prices. "What other product do you get that comes from a human body part?"

Since ShayTell's soft launch at the end of March, the site has drawn more than 5,000 visitors over the past two months, and more than 65 companies are reviewed.

And Schottenstein plans to expand. She hopes to make ShayTell "a central place for all your sheitel needs" by creating a comprehensive directory for those in the sheitel business-everyone from vendors to stylists-as well as photo galleries for manufacturers. In addition, there will be a resale section for women to sell sheitels that didn't work for them.

Ultimately, ShayTell's goal isn't making money-it's about creating community.

"Women should help other women with this leap in their life," Schottenstein says.
"Writing is a messy process," says author Elizabeth Poliner. "People who don't write fiction would be surprised to see what early drafts could look like."

But readers wouldn't know "what a mess it was for the longest time," as the Jewish author puts it, when reading Poliner's critically acclaimed latest book, "As Close to Us as Breathing." The volume garnered Amazon's "Best Book" designation in March 2016 as well as rave reviews from the New York Times, W Magazine, NPR, People, Good Housekeeping, and Washingtonian.

Poliner, who thought of her book idea more than 10 years before she started writing it and then took six years to pen the novel, says that she held the idea at bay because of the number of characters involved.

"It was a difficult writing process because there were so many characters to develop and they had to wind their way through the story," Poliner tells JNS.org.

"As Close to Us as Breathing" begins in 1948 and centers on three sisters-Ada, Vivie, and Bec-who come together each summer at "Bagel Beach," a small stretch of the Woodmont, Conn., shoreline where at the time Jews flocked for their summer vacations. They stay at a beach house that was purchased by their parents and was left to the sisters as part of their inheritance. There, they experience a freedom they cannot enjoy in their daily lives back home.

Ada is the beautiful but somehow sinister sister, who stole Vivie's boyfriend years prior, married him, bore three children, and is now trapped in a loveless marriage. Vivie, now the family diplomat, has essentially married herself-a man who is sickly but smart and loving. They have one daughter. And Bec is unmarried, battling between the life and values with which she was raised and her passionate, adulteress love affair with her boss.

The summers are full of hope and happiness for the sisters-until tragedy strikes. When Vivie's youngest son is hit by an ice cream truck and dies, this alters the family dynamics forever, the summer of love and self-discovery transforms into a lifetime of repentance and regret for the members of this close-knit, intertwined family.

The book is told through the eyes of Ada's 12-year-old daughter, Molly, at the time of the tragic accident. Molly serves as both the narrator and her own, complicated character that is battling the balance between "them and I" as she emerges from adolescence to adulthood.

"When I conceived of Molly, I didn't know the role she would play in narrating everything," Poliner says. "But as I was thinking about the story and was beginning to understand what happened that summer, I saw Molly as witness to everything. She is witness-at-large."

But Poliner explains that while she is witness, she is also going through her own process of self-discovery, wondering who is she is and how she, as an individual, is connected to her web of family and extended family.

"This is a tension captured in the whole story," says Poliner. "As she is narrating, she is herself and all of them at the same time."

Poliner argues that this tension makes "As Close to Us as Breathing" a very Jewish story with a universal Jewish message that continues to resonate in 2016. Another theme of the book is the importance of passing on and adopting Jewish traditions, even as the world evolves around you.

Vivie's son Howard is the first in the family to date outside the faith. He hides his relationship with Megan O'Donnell from his parents for a long time. But when it is discovered-the day of his younger brother's accident-Howard holds with him guilt that perhaps, if he had not broken the Jewish tradition and laws so important to his parents, the accident never would have happened. He breaks from Megan immediately, but is changed for life.

"He dropped her as soon as Davy died," Poliner writes in the book. "Howard's connection to Megan was drawing forth qualities from within him he didn't know he had: a will of his own, greater sensitivity."

But when they saw each other one last time after the accident, he could no longer face her.

"If he could have he would have said to her, 'That was self-indulgent, wasn't it?' speaking of their time together, the walks, the talking, the many kisses.' I was a stupid jerk,' he would have said, not meaning to hurt her, but rather to inform her of what had become of him," writes Poliner.

Vivie's husband, Mort, also struggles in the context of Jewish tradition-with whether or not he is effectively fulfilling the role his father bequeathed him to keep the faith and pass it onto his children.

"Standing there, hand clenched on the metal handle [of the synagogue door], one foot on the sidewalk outside the building, the other foot a step inside, he could almost taste it, the sweetness of entering the shul, the satisfaction he'd feel just a moment later, after closing the doors behind him to that whirlwind of American society, that melting pot of everyone from everywhere," Poliner writes. "For a few minutes each day, behind the synagogue's shut door, my father could pretend it was just them: the Jews. They were in a little shtetl somewhere in Eastern Europe, doing what Jews always did; they weren't getting blown to pieces. Or, he sometimes imagined of late, they were in Israel, the Israel that could be once the current truce matured into a lasting peace."

Elizabeth Poliner

"I go to a Reform synagogue in Washington, DC now," Poliner tells JNS.org. "The rabbi is concerned about whether people will find meaning in their Judaism. There is a sense of loss that kids today don't even know some of the basic things we knew-just even cultural things, traditional foods. They are not even as familiar as we would have been."

Yet the characters are not "just Jewish," says the author. They are multi-dimensional-so much so that they feel alive. They have good and bad sides, strengths and weakness, hopes and fear. Poliner says they don't represent anyone particular in her life, but that they are simply themselves.

"We are all living in a culture of one kind or another and in cultures there are expectations, there are rules, there are things that we push up against," Poliner says. "The characters' central struggle is to be their full selves in a culture that may or may not support that. I think this is a story, then, that a lot of people can identify with-whether they are Jewish or not."
When our synagogue heard about the horrific tragedy that took place at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, it was at the same time that we were celebrating the festival of Shavuot, which celebrates God's giving of the Torah.

As Orthodox Jews, we don't travel or use the Internet on the Sabbath or on holidays, such as Shavuot. But on Sunday night, as we heard the news, I announced from the pulpit that as soon as the holiday ended at 9:17 p.m. Monday, we would travel from our synagogue in Northwest Washington, D.C., to a gay bar as an act of solidarity.

We just wanted to share the message that we were all in tremendous pain and that our lives were not going on as normal. Even though the holiday is a joyous occasion, I felt tears in my eyes as I recited our sacred prayers.

I had not been to a bar in more than 20 years. And I had never been to a gay bar. Someone in the congregation told me about a bar called the Fireplace, so I announced that as our destination. Afterward, I found out it was predominantly frequented by gay African Americans.

Approximately a dozen of us, wearing our kippot, or yarmulkes, went down as soon as the holiday ended. Some of the members of our group are gay, but most are not. We did not know what to expect. As we gathered outside, we saw one large, drunk man talking loudly and wildly. I wondered whether we were in the right place. Then my mother, who was with me, went up to a man who was standing on the side of the building. She told him why we were there. He broke down in tears and told us his cousin was killed at Pulse. He embraced us and invited us into the Fireplace.

We didn't know what to expect, but it turned out that we had so much in common. We met everyone in the bar. One of the patrons told me that his stepchildren were actually bar-mitzvahed in our congregation. Another one asked for my card so that his church could come and visit. The bartender shut off all of the music in the room, and the crowd became silent as we offered words of prayer and healing. My co-clergy Maharat Ruth Friedman, shared a blessing related to the holiday of Shavuot, and she lit memorial candles on the bar ledge. Then everyone in the bar put their hands around each other's shoulders, and we sang soulful tunes. After that, one of our congregants bought a round of beer for the whole bar.

Everyone in the bar embraced each other. It was powerful and moving and real and raw.

After that we moved to the outdoor makeshift memorial service at Dupont Circle. There, too, we did not know what to expect. But as we gathered around the circle, people kept coming up to us and embracing us. One man we met there told us that his daughter sometimes prays with us. Others were visiting from Los Angeles but joined in full voice clearly knowing the Hebrew words to the song we were singing.

As we were singing, I looked over at some gay members of our congregation and saw tears endlessly flowing down their faces. I felt the reality that we are living in a time of enormous pain. But I also felt that the night was a tremendous learning experience for me. I learned that when a rabbi and members of an Orthodox synagogue walk into a gay African American bar, it is not the opening line of a joke but an opportunity to connect; it is an opportunity to break down barriers and come together as one; it is an opportunity to learn that if we are going to survive, we all need each other.

Shmuel Herzfeld has been the rabbi of Ohev Sholom: The National Synagogue since 2004. Ohev Sholom is the oldest Orthodox synagogue in Washington, DC.

This article was reprinted from The Washington Post with permission by the author.
When Susan Silverman landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she was on a mission. When she left, it was with a new member of her family, a little boy she and her husband, Yossi Abramowitz, named Adar.

"We were matched with our son Adar on the holiday of Purim, which means lots," says Silverman, a Reform rabbi. "We were taking a chance, throwing lots, in building a family-because having kids means you take risks in terrifying ways, because the world is a dangerous place and, with kids, you put your open, vulnerable heart into the world with every child you have. Being from a theater-oriented family, one could say we were, in a sense, 'casting' our family through birth and adoption. And we had cast Adar's lot with our family and the Jewish people. We had cast all our lots with each other."

She and Abramowitz, who live in Jerusalem, soon adopted another orphan from Ethiopia. Both boys integrated into her family, which includes three biological daughters. And that was the beginning of what would become Silverman's new mission: becoming an advocate for international adoption.

"To me, mitzvot, commandments, such as keeping kosher or the Sabbath, are not ends in themselves but tools in building a just and compassionate world," Silverman says. "And that means all children having permanent, loving families."

Silverman went on to found JustAdopt.net, a nonprofit dedicated to finding a forever home for the many parentless children around the world. She also wrote a new book, "Casting Lots: Creating a Family in a Beautiful, Broken World," in which Silverman chronicles her journey and addresses the many facets of adoption, including transracial adoption.

"Every child's most fundamental human right is to have a loving parent," she says. "I very much want my family's story to put the orphan crisis in a personal light as part of the fight against the prevailing anti-international-adoption forces. There is no replacement for a family of one's own. I'm not at all talking about 'family values' in the sense that conservatives in the U.S. have hijacked that term. I'm talking about the human right-the desperate, deep need-of every child to be raised as someone's son or daughter."

The stats are significant: 153 million children in the world are without parents. About 250,000 are adopted worldwide each year.

"I actually don't think most people would be hesitant to adopt if they knew the extent of the need and there were reasonable, accessible paths to adoption," says Silverman. At any given time, she says, there are about a million people in the U.S. who want to adopt-and 2 million internationally.

It's just... hard to do! What resistance there is to adoption itself may be found in residual tribalism and the sense that nonbiological children present a risk," Silverman says. "All my kids are amazing and pains in the ass. That's parenting: a combination of joy and angst."

"Casting Lots" also sheds light on the "adoption cliff"-the steep drop-off in international adoptions by U.S.-based parents in the past decade. In 2004, there were 22,991 adoptions in America. In 2013, there were about 2,200.

"If that were due to the world solving the international orphan crisis, that would be wonderful. But it's due to a shutdown of adoption programs internationally," Silverman says. "So, despite the 8 to 12 million children in institutions and the estimated 153 million unparented children in the world, we are closing down the most compassionate and effective option: permanent, loving families."

Together with Abramowitz, Silverman is co-author of another book, "Jewish Family and Life: Traditions, Holidays, and Values for Today's Parents and Children." She also partners with her sister, comedian and actress Sarah Silverman, on lectures and panels to address issues of shared interest. Like her sister, she writes with wit-and the occasional pitch-perfect swear word. Silverman worked as a rabbi in Maryland and in Jewish education in Boston before moving to Israel in 2006.

Her nonprofit, JustAdopt, proposes an innovative model for increasing the number of "loving, healthy, permanent families for the orphans of the world by leveraging existing communities." The core concept, Silverman says, is that multiple families from the same community-such as synagogues, schools and community centers-adopt children from the same orphanage.

Yossi Abramowitz and Rabbi Susan Silverman flank their five children: (from left) Adar, Aliza, Ashira, Zamir and Hallel.

The goal is for adoptees to be raised among families who look like theirs; in her case, of mixed races and ethnic backgrounds. Among a community of such families, adoption becomes a natural part of the collective conversation, Silverman says. The children's birth culture would be reflected in communal activities, strengthening the social fabric of the community. The community also would support an organization in the birth country that works toward an end to the orphan crisis through health, educational, technological or other community efforts.

Adopting, Silverman is quick to point out, benefits not only orphans. "What would we want good people to do if, God forbid, our kids were alone and vulnerable, no longer-for whatever reasons-under our care? We would want them to adopt our kids, to provide a loving, devoted, forever family," Silverman says.

"So let's be those people! And this is not just for those considering adoption. This is what I hope everyone will consider. It's a way to give a child a permanent, loving family while enriching your own life."

This article was reprinted with permission from JWeekly.com.
Who carries a gun?...

(If you do, please don't tell... and don't shoot!)

What kind of introduction to a column is this, you ask?

Well, my answer is, knowing that I write this column well in advance of publication, the worst massacre in U.S. history happened just yesterday in Orlando.

What a nightmare this year has been for me. First, many months ago, losing Irv, my spouse of 55 years. Then a few days ago, hearing from my cousin that his dearest friend committed suicide and now this disaster.

Unfortunately, I knew one of the young victims.

Edward Sotomayor, Jr. was a terrific guy, always upbeat and fun to be with. He lived in Sarasota but came up to Orlando to help his friend who owned Pulse nightclub and bar, with the stage and some packing.

Why was his killer able to purchase an assault weapon? Why does anyone not in a war zone need an assault weapon? (Nuff said)

My deepest sympathy goes to his family in Sarasota.

Righteous among us...

I read this in the World Jewish Congress (WJC) digest and pass it along to you in part:

"The late Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, of the 422nd infantry regiment in the US Army, has been recognized for rescuing Jewish servicemen at the Stalag IXA POW Camp in Germany during World War II. Edmonds participated in the landing of the American forces in Europe, was taken prisoner by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge and was interned at a POW camp in Germany. In January 1945, the Germans called for all Jewish POWs in Stalag IXA to report the following morning. Edmonds, the highest ranking soldier in the American section of the camp, ordered ALL his men, Jewa and non-Jews alike, to fallout. Seeing all the camp's inmates gathered, the German said, "They cannot all be Jews." Edmonds replied "We are all Jews." Even after his life was threatened, Edmonds did not waver and the German retreated.

He became the first WWII-era American soldier named 'Righteous Among The Nations.' He died in 1985."

A Jewish Pavilion mensch...

I received this email from the Jewish Pavilion recently:

"Corinne Brail has been an active member of the Friends of the Jewish Pavilion Board for more than 10 years.

She is involved in the planning of most of their fundraising events, and she volunteers with seniors making ice cream socials and holiday parties extra special.

When GLORIA NEWBERGER stepped down as the weekly chair of Sing- A- Long at Savannah Court, Lois Silverberg and Corinne Brail stepped up to the plate. Corinne is the essence of warmth and the resident's so value her friendship. She evens sings on key and knows all the songs."

(As a singer myself, I really appreciate that!)

Shout-Out...

MIKE HARRIS, grocery manager for Publix Market #1285 in Casselberry Commons on SR 436, is one terrific guy!

As busy as he was when I came into the store the other day, he didn't hesitate to help me find a Bar Mitzvah card.

The instant I asked him, he stopped what he was doing and came to my rescue!

One for the road...

Maurice came home from the Reform synagogue one Saturday with a black eye.

"Maurice, what ever happened?" asked his wife Becky.

Resident and Corrine Brail (r).

"Well," said Maurice, "it was like this. During the service, we had to stand several times and on one occasion I noticed that Mrs. Levy, who was sitting in front of me, had her dress stuck in the crease of her bottom, so I leaned forward and pulled it out. But Mrs. Levy didn't like this at all - she turned around and hit me full in the face with her prayer book."

The following week, Maurice comes back from synagogue with the other eye blackened.

"And what happened this time, Maurice?" asked Becky.

"Well," says Maurice, "it was like this. Once again Mrs. Levy had her dress trapped, but this time my friend Izzy saw it. He leaned over and carefully pulled out the dress. But I know that Mrs. Levy doesn't like this - so I tucked it back in again!"
Adam Shepherd (center) accepts his award from the Bnai Zion Foundation at Bnai Zion's Texas Region Spring Reception last month in Dallas.

Dr. Tim Shepherd raised his son Adam, a pre-law student at the University of North Texas, to become a devoted supporter of Israel. The Shepherds not only support Israel from their vantage point as Christian Zionists, but they also prioritize connecting fellow Christians to the Jewish community in order to foster deep, lasting friendships.

"We need to be best friends," Tim Shepherd told JNS.org, detailing how he and his Jewish friends attend each other's birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals.

Tim and Adam Shepherd are both supporters of the Bnai Zion Foundation, a century-old Jewish organization that funds Israeli humanitarian projects. Last month, Adam was among the Christian honorees at Bnai Zion's Texas Region Spring Reception in Dallas. The event-a night to honor Jewish and Christian donors who have helped raise money to support the Ahava Village for Children and Youth in northern Israel, a Bnai Zion beneficiary-embodied an interfaith community of generosity and special kinship.

The Ahava Village, a residential center in Kiryat Bialik within Israel's Haifa District, treats abused and at-risk children ages 6-18 who have been removed from their homes because of murder, sexual abuse, drug addiction, and neglect, and cannot be adequately supported through Israel's foster care system. The village was founded more than 80 years ago.

At Ahava (which means love in Hebrew), the center tries to create a loving family environment for more than 250 child residents, with 15 married couples who each oversee 13 children in their own apartment on premises. The children also have access to therapeutic assistance from social workers, psychotherapists, and psychologists; education; and leisure activities. The goal is to provide a holistic approach to healing for the at-risk youths.

"It's a wonderful working model. It's very successful taking these kids and making great citizens-to educate them, clothe them, feed them, make them [feel] loved...and move [them] forward through life," David Eisenberg, national president of Bnai Zion, told JNS.org at the Texas event.

Beyond treating the at-risk children, Ahava seeks to provide a functioning family environment within the context of specialized, one-on-one treatment, in addition to pet therapy, movement therapy, drama therapy, bibliotherapy, and writing therapy.

Yoav Apelboim, Ahava's executive director for the past 20 years, said the village's main goal "is to take those children that had a very hard experience in their life and their family background in the community...[and] support them, so we can empower them and they can empower themselves."

Ahava is located less than two miles from an oil refinery, and the honorees of Bnai Zion's Texas reception were central in ensuring that the village's residents are protected through the creation of "safe rooms."

"Our enemy is looking to bomb the refinery. We have bomb shelters underground, but today the missiles are going so quickly that you need a safe room to protect the children," Apelboim told JNS.org.

"They have 28 seconds from the time the alarm goes off to get into the safe room," Eisenberg said.

According to Cheryl Bier, executive vice president of Bnai Zion, evangelical Christian donors have been significant supporters of the endeavor to complete Ahava's safe rooms. The village now has 18 such rooms. In addition to Adam Shepherd, Bnai Zion also honored Pastor Stephen Hayes of the Covenant Church in Carrollton, Texas, for his support of Ahava.

Bnai Zion is also supporting the creation of a forthcoming therapy center at Ahava, so that the children can receive treatment without disturbance and interruption.

"Right now, actually, they sit in bomb shelters that have walls that are paper thin, so when you're trying to help one child, another child might be having a crying session...and it's very disruptive," said Eisenberg.

Danielle Levy, a social work intern at Ahava, manages a therapy group of siblings and needs to work outside because there are not enough rooms at the center. If she can't find a "creative" place to work, she told JNS.org, the children lose their scheduled hour of therapy.

Prior to recognizing the contributions of five leaders in both the Jewish and Christian communities, Bnai Zion presented a video that captured the essence of the Ahava village, followed by a live auction to raise funds for the $2.2 million cost of constructing the therapy center.

Larry Strauss, board chairman of the Bnai Zion Texas Region, started the auction with a seemingly random question for the audience.

"Is there anybody here who met their girlfriend or spouse through JDate?" he asked.

Audience members smiled nervously, looking around and likely wondering where he was going with the question.

"The reason I say that-one of the people that went to Ahava as a youth is the founder and creator of JDate," said Strauss, ending the suspense and earning a round of applause.

Strauss's humor brought extra donations for Ahava, on top of each symbolic item auctioned such as "keys" for the special secure doors at the center and "hangers" for the closets.

The camaraderie was evident at Congregation Shaare Tefilla, the event's venue, as many of the attendees gestured across the tables to friends they hadn't seen in some time. Even those who met for the first time shared a passion that quickly broke down any perceived walls.

Within the synagogue, it was common to meet Christians who expressed their admiration for Ahava's work and their support of other Israeli causes-against the backdrop of the friendships they have built with the Jewish community over the years.

Indeed, the Christian and Jewish communities of Dallas have significantly deepened their relationship during the last 30 years, attendees said. While a steady stream of Christian support of Israel in that city has always been evident through volunteerism, philanthropy, and advocacy, the Bnai Zion event provided an inside look at the behind-the-scenes teamwork between Christians and Jews to provide humanitarian assistance for a country that must constantly defend its own existence.

Several Christian ministries, such as Hayes's Covenant Church, have made significant contributions to Ahava and Bnai Zion over the years.

"Covenant [Church] has always supported Jewish causes simply because we recognize as Christians that there would be no Christianity without the revelation of God that comes from the Jews," said Ricky Texada, the pastor of Covenant Church's Colleyville campus, told JNS.org.

Texada said local Jewish leaders introduced Covenant Church to Bnai Zion in 2010. That connection led to an invitation to Covenant leaders' first Bnai Zion fundraiser, at which Covenant founder Pastor Mike Hayes stood up and introduced himself, expressing the church's love for Israel and the Jewish people. The item up for auction that night was a thermal imaging X-ray machine worth $30,000, and Covenant Church purchased it-the first of its many donations to Bnai Zion-supported Israeli causes.

"After about a 15- or 20-minute standing ovation, tears, handshakes, something happened that was just absolutely spectacular," Texada recalled. "From that moment on, we felt like that was a divine appointment from the Lord, and we really began to knit our hearts with the Jewish community... Since that time, we've supported not only Bnai Zion, but several Jewish organizations."

Bnai Zion's 2016 Texas Region event also honored Jewish leaders-Rivka Linksman Altman, Kim Hochschuler Kaliser, and Staci Shapiro Rubin-for their support of Israel and the Ahava Village. At the conclusion of the reception, honoree Adam Shepherd, who has written songs about Israel, was asked to sing the Shema prayer. He did so in nearly impeccable Hebrew, humming only one word that he forgot. Not surprisingly, the audience loved it.
(JNS.org) Israel is reportedly set to build a massive underground and aboveground concrete wall around the Gaza Strip in order to prevent infiltration by Hamas terrorists using cross-border attack tunnels.

The wall, which will cost around NIS 2.2 billion ($567 million), will stretch along Israels entire 60-mile border with Gaza and will be built tens of meters under and above ground, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.

We have no desire to rule over Gaza, and as long as there is no alternative government there, we have no business being there, said a senior defense official said.

But on the other hand, we cannot conduct a constant war of attrition, the official added. Therefore, the next conflict has to be the last conflict in terms of Hamas ruling the Strip. We are not looking for an adventure, but a confrontation with Hamas is inevitable. It is an ongoing and growing threat and we need to be prepared for it.

There have been several efforts to build a barrier around Gaza. The first barrier was erected in 1994 in the aftermath of the Oslo Accords, while the second barrier was built following Israels disengagement from Gaza in 2005. But neither barrier addressed the threat of underground attack tunnels, which became a major concern during 2014s summer war with Hamas. Since 2014, Hamas has continued efforts to rebuild its tunnel network, which was destroyed in that conflict.

Israel is also currently erecting a wall around sections of its border with Lebanon, after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah threatened to invade the countrys northern region and seize Israeli towns along the border during any future conflicts.
Eliezer Sepulveda is a senior student at Hebrew College, in Newton Massachusetts. He is also the leader of Shoresh Education Center in Orlando, which, until four months ago had been Congregation Shomer Ysrael, the first Hispanic Jewish synagogue in Orange County.

In April 2015, Heritage reported about the small synagogue of about 30 very committed members. Sepulveda and about 20 members attended the Discover Judaism course, taught by Rabbi Kay at Congregation Ohev Shalom. There were so many students that Rabbi Kay set up a special conversion class for Sepulveda and his congregants.

Now Sepulveda is near completion of a dual master program in education and Judaism at Hebrew College. And he is reaching out to the Jewish community for financial help.

I have to be in Newton for a summer seminar in residence but I do not have enough funds to cover the cost, he said.

Sepulveda is asking for assistance to cover housing, tuition and airfare since he has to travel to Boston. His predicament is that if he does not complete the semester, he will not be able to graduate.

My desire is to continue serving the community. I teach Judaism every Wednesday night through Periscope and educate everyone about Judaism through YouTube as well. I am already serving the Jewish Community teaching at Shoresh Educational Center, a free education service in the process of becoming a nonprofit organization to help adults and children complete their education.

Sepulveda has set up an account on GoFundMe at http://www.gofundme.com/27zenjqv

On the site, Sepulveda offers a one-of-a-kind T-Shirt to everyone who helps him reach him goal, which is a total of $5,000. As of June 13, $601 had been raised.

Any contribution is well received! said Sepulveda.
Donald Trump praises Israels racial profiling, calls for same in U.S.

(JTA)Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump suggested that the United States use racial profiling like Israel to prevent mass attacks like the one in Orlando.

Well I think profiling is something that were going to have to start thinking about as a country, Trump told the CBS news show Face the Nation on Sunday in a telephone interview. Other countries do it, you look at Israel and you look at others, they do it and they do it successfully. And I hate the concept of profiling, but we have to start using common sense and we have to use our heads.

Its not the worst thing to do, he added.

In the interview, Trump reiterated his call for observing mosques in the United States.

If you go to France right now, theyre doing it in France, he said. In fact, in some instances theyre closing down mosques.

Police in France closed some mosques shortly after gunmen aligned with Islamic State terrorists killed 130 people in Paris in a series of attacks on Nov. 13, 2015.

Trump also called for Muslims in America to report other Muslims who are acting suspiciously.

Rhode Island approves anti-boycott legislation

(JTA)Rhode Islands General Assembly approved legislation that would prohibit the state from contracting with companies that engage in boycotts of allies of the United States, including Israel.

The Anti-Discrimination in State Contracts Act was passed June 16 by the Rhode Island House in a 63-4 vote and in concurrence two days later by the state Senate.

Gov. Gina Raimondo is expected to sign the legislation making it law.

Several states have passed anti-BDS legislation, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and South Carolina. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently signed an executive order opposing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. In total, 21 states have taken up anti-BDS legislation.

The Rhode Island legislation states: A public entity shall not enter into a contract with a business to acquire or dispose of supplies, services, information technology, or construction unless the contract includes a representation that the business is not currently engaged in, and an agreement that the business will not during the duration of in the boycott of any person, firm or entity based in or doing business with a jurisdiction with whom the state can enjoy open trade, and/or the boycott of any public agencies, entities or instrumentalities of the jurisdiction with whom the state can enjoy open trade.

Rep. Mia Ackerman, a Democrat, introduced the bill in May.

Todays interdependent global economy requires that trade policy be developed both at the national and state level, she said at the time. One of our greatest trading allies is the State of Israel, the only democratic, non-discriminatory country in the Middle East.

NY man charged with sexually abusing woman on flight home from Israel

(JTA)A New York man was charged with sexually abusing a woman on a flight from Israel to Newark, New Jersey.

Yoel Oberlander, 35, was charged last Friday in federal court in Newark. U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Dickson ordered Oberlander, a registered sex offender, detained after the indictment.

If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to the indictment, Oberlander touched the woman sitting next to him inappropriately during the course of the flight and without her consent several times. The womans mother was seated next to her daughter.

The alleged incident took place May 29 on an El Al flight from Ben Gurion International Airport in the Tel Aviv area to Newark Liberty International Airport.

Oberlander reportedly was convicted in 2002 in New York for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. In 2012, he was charged with trespassing at an upstate New York Jewish camp. Prosecutors determined there was no allegation of sexual abuse at the camp near South Fallsburg, in the Catskill Mountains.

Ex-London mayor Ken Livingstone says he may have Jewish roots

(JTA)Former London mayor Ken Livingstone, who was recently suspended from the Labour Party for saying that Adolf Hitler supported Zionism, said he may have Jewish roots.

Livingstone told the London-based Jewish Chronicle newspaper that his maternal grandmother had what he was told was a Jewish last name.

He also said the late Jewish Labour lawmaker Geville Janner used to drive him home from Parliament at night.

We would chat away about the Middle East. He would speculate about whether or not I was Jewish because my grandmothers name was Zona, Livingstone told the Jewish Chronicle.

Zona is the Hebrew word for prostitute.

I have lots of Jewish friends and I always have. I have had members of the Board of Deputies round for parties, he told the Jewish Chronicle last week, adding: When I went to Israel and stopped by a kibbutz, I felt completely at home there. Everyone was a leftie like me.

Livingstone spoke to the newspaper after testifying before the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee hearing on anti-Semitism. During last weeks hearing he ignored repeated offers from committee members to retract the claim he made in an April radio interview, the Jewish Chronicle reported. Instead he doubled down on the remarks.

In a radio interview with the BBC, Livingstone had said, Lets remember when Hitler won his election in 1932, his policy then was that Jews should be moved to Israel. He was supporting Zionism.

He made the remarks in defense of Labour lawmaker Naz Shah, who was suspended a day earlier over a Facebook post in 2014 suggesting that Israelis should be moved en masse to the United States. Days later, Livingstone was suspended from the party for the remark

Livingstone served as mayor twice, from 1981 to 1986 and from 2000 to 2008.

He told the Jewish Chronicle his suspension from Labour is because he supports party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who critics say has not enough to curb anti-Semitism in the party.

Its not really about anti-Semitism; its just about undermining Jeremy because I am one of Jeremys key supporters. All I want to focus on is Jeremys economic policies. Jeremy and I have been campaigning side by side for 45 years, he said.

Corbyn, a harsh critic of Israel who in 2009 called Hezbollah and Hamas activists friends after inviting representatives from both terrorist groups to visit the British Parliament as his guests, is also accused of encouraging vitriol against Israel and Jews by not distancing himself from groups such as Hamas.

Chelsea Clinton and Jewish husband welcome son

(JTA)Chelsea Clinton gave birth to her second child with Jewish husband Marc Mezvinsky.

She announced the birth of their son on Saturday in a post on Twitter.

Marc and I are overwhelmed with gratitude and love as we celebrate the birth of our son, Aidan Clinton Mezvinsky, the post said.

Chelsea Clinton is the daughter of presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton. The grandparents also issued a statement, saying We are all over the moon as Chelsea and Marc welcome Charlottes little brother to the world and grateful for our many blessings. Chelsea and Aidan are both doing well and enjoying this very special time together.

The couples older child, Charlotte, was born in September 2014.

Chelsea Clinton announced that she was pregnant in December in a Twitter post that showed a photo of Charlotte looking at a book titled Big Sisters are the Best.

Mezvinsky is the banker son of two ex-Congress members. Clinton serves as the vice chairwoman of the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation.

Clinton and Mezvinsky were married in late July 2010 under a traditional huppah, or wedding canopy, and recited the traditional sheva brachot, or seven wedding blessings. A rabbi and a Methodist minister officiated at the wedding. The couple signed a ketubah, or Jewish marriage contract.

Ivanka Trump, the daughter of presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, gave birth to a son in Marchher third child with husband Jared Kushner, who is Jewish. Ivanka Trump converted to Orthodox Judaism in 2009 before the couple married.

Man identified as Jewish held in sexual assault of teen gifted to him

(JTA)A Pennsylvania man identified as Jewish in a federal lawsuit against the Amish church has been charged with the sexual assault of a teen who was gifted to him by her parents, who were suing their former church.

Police found 12 girls aged 18 years to 6 months in the Lower Southampton home of Lee Kaplan, 51, when it was raided June 16 based on a tip from a neighbor, according to philly.com.

The 18-year-old had been given to Kaplan by her parents, Daniel and Savilla Stoltzfus, when she was 14 and reportedly is the mother with Kaplan of two of the girls: the 6-month-old and a 3-year-old. The other girls living with Kaplan in the home some 20 miles from Philadelphia are believed to be the oldest girls sisters, the website reported.

Last Friday, Bucks County officials still were trying to determine how the other nine children came to be living with Kaplan.

Kaplan is being held on $1 million bail and is charged with sexually assaulting the teen. It is not known if he had sexual relations with any of the other girls.

The girls father told police he gave his daughter to Kaplan in gratitude after Kaplan helped the family financially. He said he thought it was legal, The Associated Press reported.

The Stoltzfuses also are being held on $1 million bail. He is charged with conspiracy of statutory sexual assault and children endangerment; she is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

The couple were Amish, but renounced it amid a years-long fight with community elders, according to a federal lawsuit they filed in 2009 against the church. They said they were shunned after Kaplan helped them keep their metalworking business and the property on which their home was located because he was Jewish. The lawsuit was dismissed several months later.

The children found in Kaplans home reportedly are together in protective custody.

Guatemalan ex-mayor charged in expulsion of Jewish sect

RIO DE JANEIRO (JTA)A court in Guatemala indicted the ex-mayor of a small town in the Central American nation for participating in the expulsion of a religious community.

Antonio Adolfo Perez y Perez of San Juan La Laguna was charged with abuse of authority and discrimination and sentenced to house arrest, the local newspaper Prensa Libre reported last week. He had lost his political immunity on Jan. 14 after he was not re-elected.

In 2014, some 230 members of the controversial haredi Orthodox sect Lev Tahor were forced out of the village following religiously tainted disputes with its Mayan residents, who are Roman Catholic. The local elders council voted against the Jewish group, which practices an austere form of Judaism. For example, members of the sect refused to greet or have physical contact with anyone outside their community.

We felt intimidated by them in the streets. We thought they wanted to change our religion and customs, a member of the elders council, Miguel Vasquez Cholotio, told Agence France Presse. We need to conserve and preserve our culture.

Rabbi Shalom Pelman, a leader of Guatemalas small Chabad community, condemned the expulsion.

This is not typical in the world I live in. Even in Iran, Jews are not expelled, he told the media.

Lev Tahor had maintained a small presence in San Juan La Laguna, a village about 90 miles west of Guatemala City, for about six years, but it expanded considerably after a contingent arrived complaining of persecution by Canadian authorities. Tensions appear to have flared after the newcomers sought to impose its practices on the indigenous people.

Lev Tahor shuns technology and its female members wear black robes from head to toe, leaving only their faces exposed. The group was founded by an Israeli, Shlomo Helbrans, in the 1980s and rejects the State of Israel, saying the Jewish Promised Land can only be established by God, not men.

Guatemala is home to some 1,200 Jews in a population of 15 million.

NY lawmakers approve more oversight, funding for Orthodox-controlled school district

NEW YORK (JTA)New Yorks state legislature approved a bill that would provide greater oversight of an Orthodox-controlled school district along with $3 million in aid.

The bill concerning the embattled and financially troubled East Ramapo School District in New Yorks Rockland County, passed both houses of the legislature on June 16 and will now go to Gov. Andrew Cuomos desk for signature, the Journal News reported.

Introduced earlier this week, the bill represents a compromise between lawmakers and activists who wanted stricter oversight, including state veto power over the districts operations, and those who opposed the oversight. The bill does not give veto power, but it empowers the state education commissioner to keep a team of state monitors in the district and requires the school board to submit its entire budget to the commissioner, who has the authority to demand changes.

Two state reports in recent years have called for greater state intervention in the district, whose Orthodox-majority board has been accused of financial mismanagement and of diverting funds from public schools to area yeshivas.

According to the Journal News, only 25 percent of the districts 32,000 students attend public schools; the majority of children are enrolled in Orthodox yeshivas. The public school students are predominantly black and Hispanic.

This is a very positive outcome indeed. We will now be able to make a series of investments in academic programs and services. Our students will benefit greatly, Yehuda Weissmandl, the school board president, said in a statement, according to the Journal News.

Assault rifles and Nazi paraphernalia found in New York home

(JTA)A man with a stash of assault rifles, bomb-making instructions and Nazi paraphernalia in his suburban New York home was arrested on weapons charges.

Edward Perkowski, 29, was arrested June 16 at the house in the Long Island hamlet of Mount Sinai. His brother, Sean Perkowski, 25, who also lives in the house, was arrested on an unrelated outstanding bench warrant.

Police found multiple rifles and magazines of ammunition, photographs of Adolf Hitler, flags with swastikas and a binder full of instructions on how to construct a bomb, along with marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms.

Todays search warrant might have prevented a deadly, violent incident, like the one we recently saw in Orlando, said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy Sini.

A friend of the brothers told CBS New York that they are not neo-Nazis.

They are not Nazis. They are not neo-Nazis, said the man, who was identified only as Bob. His brother sells merchandise, Army surplus stuff.

Others expressed relief that the brothers were arrested.

Cops must have been called here at least 15, 20 times, neighbor Larry Bilello said. We never had any problem until those people moved in.

House passes funding boost for Israeli missile defense despite Obamas opposition

WASHINGTON (JTA)Despite President Barack Obamas veto threat, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $576 billion defense appropriations bill, including an allocation of $635 million for Israels missile defense program.

The June 16vote on the bill in the Republican-controlled house passed 282-138, according to Defense News.

Congress routinely adds more funds to Israels missile defense programs than Republican and Democratic presidents request, but this is the first time an administration has objected.

The massive $576 billion defense appropriations bill for the upcoming fiscal year included $268.7 million in research and development funding for U.S.-Israel cooperative missile and rocket defense programs; $25 million in research and development funding for U.S.-Israel energy activities to combat missiles and rockets, including toward producing lasers; $72 million for procurement of the Iron Dome rocket defense system; $150 million for procurement of the Davids Sling missile defense system, and $120 million for procurement of the Arrow-3 missile defense system.

Also included is $42.7 million for U.S.-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee praised passage of the bill. As Israel faces dramatically rising security challenges, AIPAC urges inclusion of these vital funds in the final versions of the Fiscal Year 2017 defense authorization and appropriations bills, the Israel lobby group said in a statement.

On June 14, the White House released a six-page statement detailing over a dozen points of opposition to the appropriations measure, including the expanded funding for Israels missile defense system, to the tune of $455 million more than requested by the White House.

The Obama administration complained in the statement that the legislation fails to provide our troops with the resources needed to keep our nation safe. The statement threatened a veto if the bill survives the reconciliation process with the Senate unaltered, but administration officials would not say if that would apply should some of its objections be resolved, or if it was a blanket veto threat applying to every objection.

The administration opposes the addition of $455 million for Israeli missile defense procurement and cooperative development programs, the statement said, while noting that the bill cuts $324 million from non-Israel related defense systems.

On June 15, State Department spokesman John Kirby said the administration opposed the funding increase because it would consume a growing share of a shrinking U.S. Missile Defense Agencys budget.

Additional support for Israel means fewer resources that are available for critical U.S. programs at a time when the missile threat from North Korea, in particular, is increasing, Kirby said.

AIPAC was first to protest the administrations statement of opposition. The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations called the White Houses opposition to the increased funding for Israel a disturbing departure from the prior practice of this and previous administrations.

In a time of escalating threats to Israel from the arsenal of more 150,000 missiles and rockets supplied by Iran and stockpiled by Hezbollah, Conference of Presidents Chairman Stephen Greenberg and CEO Malcolm Hoenlein wrote in a statement June 15, the decision by the Obama Administration to oppose the overwhelming bipartisan Congressional support for increasing Israels ability to defend its people is very troubling.

Another reason the Obama administration is objecting to the additional funds is that the United States and Israel are considering including missile defense funding in the annual defense assistance package to Israel. Missile defense has until now been funded separately.

The current defense assistance package is $3 billion per year. It stands to reach between $4 and $5 billion, depending on whether missile defense assistance is incorporated.

Swastika posters left in London playground 4 consecutive days

(JTA)Police are stepping up their presence in a haredi Orthodox Jewish neighborhood of London after swastika posters were placed in a playground there four days in a row.

Londons Jewish Chronicle reported last Friday that local police have increased patrols in Stamford Hill and are investigating the matter.

The local branch of Shomrim, the Jewish volunteer security group, first reported the posters to police on June 13, and since then they have appeared every day. The playground is next to a Jewish senior home, many of whose residents are Holocaust survivors.

Stamford Hill Shomrims Shulem Stern told the Chronicle the posters have sparked a sense of anxiety and fear amongst local parents.

The daubing of Nazi symbols in a place where Jewish children study and play is an act of racism intended to spread fear and alarm, Marie van der Zyl, vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told the Chronicle.

The northeast London neighborhood is home the largest haredi Orthodox community in Europe, according to the Chronicle.

Suspected killer of British lawmaker had history with US neo-Nazi group

(JTA)The man whom authorities believe killed British lawmaker Jo Cox is said to have a history of involvement with an American neo-Nazi organization.

The New York Times reported last Friday that the Southern Poverty Law Center, a hate watchdog group, said Thomas Mair purchased $620 worth of materials in 1999 from a publishing imprint of the then-leading neo-Nazi group the National Alliance.

Mair, 52, has been identified by neighbors and family members as the person who shot and stabbed Cox several times on the street in the northern English town of Birstall on June 16.

Cox, 41, was a vocal advocate for Britain remaining in the European Union and openly criticized her Labour Partys leadership for not doing enough to fight anti-Semitism within the party.

She was the first sitting member of Parliament to be killed since 1990, according to the Times.

What would have motivated her suspected murderer is still unclear.

In addition to his ties to the National Alliance, Mair also was on a 10-year-old list of subscribers to a South African magazine published by a pro-apartheid group, according to the UKs Telegraph.

Mair also is believed to have a history of mental illness. He was quoted in a 2010 article in The Huddersfield Daily Examiner that identified him as a client at a program for adults with mental health problems.

Body of missing Jewish paddleboarder found 30 miles off Long Island

NEW YORK (JTA)The body of a Long Island Jewish man who went missing while paddleboarding off the coast of Long Island was found.

A tugboat crew found the body of Gary Turkel last Friday morning in the Atlantic Ocean about 30 miles off the shore, the Long Island Herald reported. He had gone missing five days earlier.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol, a volunteer group that led the search after the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its extensive search on June 14, said, It is with profound sadness that we confirm Mr. Turkel has passed away.

We are pleased that his grieving family is at least able to find some sense of closure now that his body has been recovered, the statement, signed by the groups coordinators and search-and-rescue supervisors, continued. We implore the public to treat this with an appropriate level of respect. We wish our deepest condolences to his grieving family.

Turkel, 41, was a father of three and global manager of the market specialist team at Bloomberg, the financial data provider. He was a member of the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, an Orthodox congregation in Atlantic Beach, New York.

Turkel was last seen alive on June 12 paddleboarding without a life jacket. He was reported missing that evening.

In a Facebook post, Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of Ohev Sholom-The National Synagogue recalled how Turkel walked down the aisle at my wedding and was with him when he met his wife at Yeshiva Universitys Stern College.

Gary is the one who played foosball with me all through High School and college, Herzfeld said. Gary is still the one who made me laugh more than anyone else I know. He was always a great friend to me and I know that I owe so much to the friendship and support he always gave me. I will always be eternally grateful for all the love he gave me. My heart breaks for his family. Baruch Dayan Emes.
Once controlling an empire spanning every continent, the United Kingdom has been undergoing an identity crisis in recent years. In 2014, Scotland, which has been part of the United Kingdom for over 300 years, held a referendum on whether to remain part of the country. Now in 2016, after years of discontent with the European Union (EU), the British people will decide on whether or not to leave the 28-country bloc in a June 23 referendum.

For the British-Jewish community, which has faced growing anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism both within the U.K. and the EU, the decision holds a wide range of implications. Standing at roughly a quarter million people, the British-Jewish community is the second largest in Europe behind France. Despite its relatively small size, only comprising about 0.5 percent of the U.K.'s population, the Jewish community has had outsized influence on the country with many leading business and political figures of Jewish descent.

"Like the rest of the population, the Jewish community is really divided. You got some people who support [the] Labour [party] and they want to stay in and some people who want to go out. There really isn't a clear picture of it," James Sorene, CEO of the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM), told JNS.org.

The referendum on European Union membership, which is commonly referred to as the "Brexit," was a campaign promise by Prime Minister David Cameron during the country's 2015 national election. Due to their geography and history, the British people have always had a separate identity from the rest of Europe. As such, there has been a growing resentment within the country towards the EU in recent years. Much of this resentment has been channeled by far-right political parties such as the U.K. Independence Party, which calls for the country's exit from the EU, and even a large share of Cameron's Conservative party.

Many who favor leaving the EU argue that it has cost the country billions of British pounds per year in membership fees without any substantial return, and imposes unnecessary rules and regulations on businesses. Furthermore, they argue that EU membership has diminished the country's national sovereignty as well as its right to control its borders and immigration.

Yet advocates of remaining in the EU argue that leaving would have profound and unforeseen consequences for the U.K. in areas such as trade, finance, and national defense, serving to further diminish its status as a world power.

Polling on the upcoming referendum has shown that the British population has been largely split on the issue. According to a recent poll conducted by the Economist, 43 percent favor leaving the EU, 42 percent favor remaining, and 12 percent are undecided.

In an attempt to assuage fears in the U.K. over the EU's growing threat to its sovereignty, Cameron, who favors remaining, has already renegotiated the U.K.'s treaty with the EU to allow for further national sovereignty if the country votes to stay.

The Israeli government-unlike those of the United States or other EU members states, who all support the U.K. remaining-has largely been silent on the referendum issue. But if the U.K. voted to leave the EU, it would likely have profound consequences for the Jewish state in a number of areas ranging from economic and political relationships to the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

"It is important to have the U.K. around the table with other EU leaders," BICOM's Sorene told JNS.org. "The U.K. is a thriving liberal democracy and an important country in Europe. The U.K. has been supportive of Israel, so if it was no longer in the EU, you wouldn't have those pro-Israel voices at the table."

In recent years, the EU has taken a hard stance on Israel's involvement in the disputed territories. Last year, the EU issued labeling guidelines on products coming from Israeli settlements, straining relations with Israel.

"While it is true that Britain often adopts the wider EU position [on Israel], I think it is still important to have the U.K. around the table to discuss those issues. If it was no longer there then it wouldn't be part of those discussions," Sorene said.

At the same time, the EU is Israel's largest trading partner and a major source for foreign investment as well as cooperation on areas of research and scientific development, such as Israel's role in the EU's Horizon 2020 research program.

Given these factors, Israel would not want to lose the U.K. in economic and political discussions inside of the EU, Sorene believes.

"I think that Israel will miss out on having the U.K. there at the table in EU discussions. The U.K. is often more aligned with the U.S. on its stance on Israel and its conflict with the Palestinians... Not having the U.K. in the EU would be a major disadvantage for Israel," he said.

Aside from Israel's relationship with the EU, the Jewish state also has close economic ties with the U.K., as several Israeli companies are listed on the London Stock Exchange.

"It is rather difficult to create a vision of what the U.K. would be like outside of the EU," Sorene said. "But I think in many ways the other item for Israel is that they have a very large trading relationship with the U.K. All those Israeli companies floating on the U.K. stock exchange and have a presence there. I don't know how that is going to change if the U.K. leaves the EU."

Another concern for Israel-and for Europe's beleaguered Jewish community-is the potential effect the U.K.'s exit could have on European politics and attitudes. Over the last few years, Europe has faced unprecedented challenges from the influx of Middle East refugees and the threat of radical Islam.

Robert Halfon, a Jewish Member of Parliament from the U.K.'s Conservative party and a government minister without portfolio, believes that the U.K.'s role in Europe is pivotal in confronting these challenges.

"If the free world is walking towards a major clash of civilizations-between medieval Islamism and enlightenment on the one side and between free nations and greater nationalism from [Vladimir] Putin's Russia-it is vital that Britain is part of the alliances of democracies, whether it be NATO or the EU," Halfon wrote in an op-ed for The Telegraph.

"Not only is the EU alliance of democracies made stronger by Britain's presence, but it also means that we have at least a chance of ensuring that our democratic friends in Europe go in the right direction," Halfon added.

Similarly, Sorene expressed concern over the growing populism across Europe, and what that might mean for the continent's Jewish community and for Israel.

"The people who want Britain to leave and want the EU to break up are also mostly right-wing populists who are also anti-immigration," he told JNS.org. "That's an issue of deep concern because they are going to feel stronger and more emboldened. There has been a lot of scaremongering in the U.K. over these issues... I think the main thing for me is the debate about immigration and it is quite xenophobic and very dangerous for the U.K., the Jewish community, and Israel."
NEW YORK (JTA)It happened all at once and not to me alone.

There was Hillary Clinton, in her June 7 victory speech, honoring her mothers memory; saluting her daughter, Chelsea; paying tribute to herself for raising such a child, and claiming her partys nomination as the milestone it is.

I really wish my mother could be here tonight, Clinton said. I wish she could see what a wonderful mother Chelsea has become and could meet our beautiful granddaughter, Charlotte. And of course, I wish she could see her daughter become the Democratic Partys nominee for president of the United States.

I suddenly understood why I identify with Hillary Clinton, and why thats important to me and to other older Jewish womenher contemporaries.

It has little to do with the details of our careers; even less with politics or party affiliation. It has nothing to do, in my case, with our shared Wellesley alumna status, and wont necessarily translate into likeability (how I hate that word) or votes.

It has everything to do, I believe, with several tenets of Jewish tradition and culture that became the warp and weft of our lives and, it now seems to me, that of Hillary Clinton.

Vindicated, valued, affirmed. Ive spoken with an admittedly unscientific sampling of women in the past few daysbaby boomers from across the Jewish and political spectrums, plus the most spiritually Jewish non-Jew I know. They include married and un-; with kids and none; only children and those with siblings. They all heard that moment in Clintons speech as mutual appreciationa kindred spirit giving herself and us our due, as one woman saidfor a job well done in the pivotal family role weve played.

By that we mean not simply assuming the matriarch mantle without question and devoting ourselves to in-law, parent, sibling, spouse or childeven those with whom we have shaky relationships. We mean doing so without a sense of sacrifice or regret; without allowing our debtors to know that theyre in our debt.

We didnt feel as if we were sacrificing anything, said another woman. Rather, we were playing an important role that Judaism has traditionally valued. She was recalling when her kids needed to be the center of one parents life and knowing that she would be that parent.

Yet another noted that as with Clinton, the former secretary of state, U.S. senator and first lady, its usually been outsiders who have declared us silent sufferers. Younger women, in particular, often seem troubled reconciling our sense of fulfillment as partners and spouses, daughters and mothers with our passionate pursuit of a feminist agenda.

We lack resentment, except toward family members who assume that we want to shoulder these responsibilities alone. Why we dont routinely disabuse them is a curious question. Perhaps were afraid theyll say no.

Otherwise parading pride in our handiwork or suggesting to the care-given that we have martyred ourselves on their account would undo all that we accomplished. Which is one of several reasons I think we, like Clinton, have stayed mum on this subject. (The other being we think its nobody elses business.)

What words can we use that wont translate into lifelong guilt and you owe me or the debilitating message that I made you what you are for people weve nurtured to stand on their own? None, as Clinton clearly knows.

Dominique Browning, author of Slow Love: How I Lost My Job, Put on My Pajamas, and Found Happiness, wrote in a recent New York Times essay: At the end of the Brooklyn rally, she and Bill clasped each other tightly, and I choked up at the durability of that bond.

So did many of my contemporaries who believe that Hillary Clintons silence on that subject, while she loudly advocated for childrens health care, gun control and other social justice issues, was a sign of strength, not weakness. It signaled the value she accords her roleand thus oursin these kinds of family relationships.

Clintons Brooklyn speech also testified to her kinship with an ancient Jewish moral imperative that Hillel the Elder declared and our mothers taught by example: If I am not for me, who will be for me? And when I am for myself, what am I? And if not now, when? (Pirkei Avot 1:14)

Hillel was exhorting us to advocate for ourselves (no one, after all, will fashion our lives for us), but to be ever mindful of the kind of selves for whom were advocating: those whose actions isolate them from others, or whose actions embrace others to benefit family, community and society at large.

Channeling Hillel, Clinton told the Brooklyn crowd: My mother believed that life is about serving others. And she taught me never to back down from a bully, which, it turns out, was pretty good advice.

It was the prompt I needed, another spark of mutual recognition that Hillary Clinton has tried to live that life and follow her mothers adviceas have we all.

Margot Slade is the founding senior editor of Lawdragon Campus, the law student division, website and online service for Lawdragon, Inc., a leading legal media company.
(JNS.org)World Jewish groups and Israeli leaders condemned the terror attack on Sunday, June 12, inside the LGBT nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Fla., in which a terrorist shot and killed at least 49 people and wounded 53 others.

In what was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, 29-year-old terrorist Omar Mateen dialed 911 during the attack to express support for the Islamic State terror group as he used an assault rifle to gun down the victims.

On behalf of world Jewry, I condemn this horrific act of terror and wish to express the Jewish peoples solidarity with the victims and with the LGBT community, said World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder in a statement.

We are simply speechless in the face of such an act of pure evil and hatred, said American Jewish Committee Executive Director David Harris, who mourned the loss of innocent lives and expressed hope for the full recovery of those rushed to area hospitals and in need of urgent medical attention.

Jewish Council for Public Affairs Director David Bernstein called the attack an act of terrorism and a mass hate crime, while Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said the attack had all the markers of both an unconscionable hate crime and an act of terrorism on a scale we have not before witnessed in America, and is yet another reminder of the serious threat posed by the Islamic State terrorist group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin also issued condemnations of the attack in Orlando.

To @POTUS: The attack against the LGBT community in #Orlando is cowardly & abhorrent. #Israel stands w/America in the fight against hatred, Rivlin tweeted.

On behalf of the people and government of Israel, I extend our deepest condolences to the American people following last nights horrific attack on the LGBT community in Orlando, Netanyahu said in a statement. Israel stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States at this moment of tragic loss.

The city of Tel Aviv also lit its municipal building in the colors of the LGBT and American flags in solidarity with Orlando.
Egyptian Muslim President Gen. Abdul Fateh al-Sisis address to Egypts religious leaders at Al-Azhar University on Jan. 1, 2015, called for Muslim religious officials to lead a religious revolution to stop Muslims throughout the world from killing and causing destruction. This starkly contrasts with President Obamas angry tirade on June 14, 2016, condemning those who criticize the president and his administration for refusing to use the term radical Islam.

Pres. al-Sisi courageously and properly urged Muslim religious leaders that they need to advance an enlightened religious revolution to end the violence based on entrenched Islamic thinking that has antagonized and endangered the entire world. President Sisi stated that wrong thinking (fikr) about Islams sacred texts, that has remained unchanged for 800 years has cause[d] the entire umma (Islamic nation) to be a source of anxiety, danger, killing and destruction for the rest of the world.

I say and repeat again that we are in need of a religious revolution, al-Sisi stated. You imams are responsible before Allah. The entire world, I say it again, the entire world is waiting for your next move...because this umma is being torn, it is being destroyed, it is being lostand it is being lost by our own hands.

Yet, while Egypts President al-Sisi demanded that radical Islam must change and that Muslim Imams are responsible and must lead the way in reforming Islam, President Obama refuses to demand the same. For our wonderful country, President Obama promoted hope and change, why doesnt he promote hope and change for the problematic issues within Islam? Surprisingly, President Obama wont even meet with al-Sisi.

Instead of acknowledging the real root of the problem and insisting that it change (as President al-Sisi did), President Obama complained Tuesday that the term radical Islam is loose talk and sloppiness about who exactly were fighting and stated our mission is to destroy ISIL. Throughout his administration, President Obama initially limited the enemy to al Qaeda and its affiliates, and finally added ISIL (after dismissing these radical Muslims as the JV team). For instance, the Obama administrations 2015 National Security Strategy only speaks of ISIL, al Qaeda and their affiliatesand avoids mentioning the Muslim Brotherhood and other radical Islamist groups.

President Obamas refusal to even use terms such as radical Islam, radical Islamist terrorism and Islamist ignores the common thread that marks and propels an array of enemies of our nation, our allies and Western civilization. Avoiding the proper terms helps enable Pres. Obama to ignore or even side with, enrich and/or arm other radical Islamist enemiesincluding the Islamic Republic of Iran (the worlds major state sponsor of terrorism, that the Obama administration enriched by $150 billion via the Iran deal); the former Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt led by Mohammed Morsi (to which the Obama administration gave $1 billion in loan forgiveness and advanced tanks and fighter jets).

Avoiding the proper terms also takes the focus off anti-Israel, anti-American radical Islamist countries like Iran, and Islamist murderous groups such as Hamas (whose charter quotes the Korans call to murder of every Jew); Hezbollah (which Iran has armed with 200,000 missiles); Palestinian Islamic Jihad (another Iran-financed terrorist group); the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP); Fatah and the PLO. Avoiding the proper terms makes it appear that these radical Islamists are somehow different from the otherswhen in fact radical Islamist terrorists are murdering Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, gays, and other Muslimsas well as Jews. The world needs to understand that radical Islamists are coming after all of us... not just Jews and Israel. The radical Muslims murdering people in San Bernardino, Orlando, Paris, Brussels, Spain, England, Africa, Phillipines, and areas of the Arab Mideast are the same radical Muslims murdering Jews in Israel.

Obama also stated yesterday There has not been a moment in my seven and a half years as president where we have not been able to pursue a strategy because we didnt use the label radical Islam. In fact, the absence of the radical Islam label reflects the Obama administrations pursuit of a lopsided strategya strategy that limited the fight to making limited efforts against specific organizations, while rewarding other radical Islamist enemies such as Irans mullahs and the Muslim Brotherhood. If we adopted the label radical Islamist terrorism, it would be more difficult for the Obama administration to act as if regimes such as Iran and Hamas are somehow better or different or less deserving of opposition than the Islamic State and al Qaeda.

If our president would use the term radical Islamic terrorism, it would also put much-needed pressure on imams, mosques, Muslim Arab groups and other Muslim leaders here and abroad to speak out against radical Islamic terrorism, and to begin to work to reform Islam.

Its time for our President to speak out against radical Islamist terrorism.

Morton Klein is the president of the Zionist Organization of America.
There is an old Jewish joke (are there any new Jewish jokes?) about a young man rushing in to his grandmothers kitchen in 1969 and exclaiming Bubbe! We just landed a man on the moon! The grandmother stopped chopping liver and looked up. She asked Is that good for the Jews or bad for the Jews?

There was a time for us as a people where everything was measured against that standard. Supposedly, less than a century after the Holocaust, a little less than 70 years after the founding of the Third Jewish Commonwealth in Israel, that should no longer be necessary. Dont you believe it.

We are at a time in our history where supposedly we live anywhere we desire, pursue any dream we have and never have to look over our shoulder. Dont you believe it. There are forces in the world today every bit as dangerous in their own way as the Stalin government, the Klan and yes, even Adolf Hitler.

Hitler was more organized and determined than todays enemies. The Nazis were overt and made clear their intentions. Today, so do Hamas and Hezbollah. For that matter, as long as Iran sends up ballistic missile tests with death to Israel written on them, count them in.

Iran, who funds any Shite group with deadly ideas, has the secretary of state of the United States currently touting them to international bankers as a good place to do business. Ah, if only the old canard of the International Jewish Bankers were true!

Unfortunately there are more subtle threats right under our noses. BDS? It is a threat to every Jew. Never forget the first thing Hitler did was to tell his people to boycott Jewish businesses, get rid of their Jewish investments and then sanction them by banning Jews from playing in the Berlin Philharmonic or attending schools and universities.

Bernie Sanders has selected a BDS representative for his nominating committee at the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia this year. If you want, you can forgive him the J Street representative he also selected (I wont). The most aggravating of all? James Zogby, former head of CAIR and totally anti-Jew. The Progressive wing of the Democratic Party used to be the standard bearer for Jewish causes. Not any more.

The Republicans? Donald Trump, like Bernie, wants the U.S. to display a more even hand vis a vis the Palestinians and the Jewish State. The recognized government of the Palestinian people includes Hamas. Need we say more?

There was a time when the Jewish Community in the U.S. was for the most part quiet when it came to problems for the Jews. The generation when the Nazis came to power was known as the Sha Still generation. You know what that got us.

The next generationthe generation in which I participated was different. We spoke out, we used the power of the press and the ballot. We demonstrated, we knew that if one Jew was in trouble anywhere in the world, every Jew everywhere was in trouble. Not so much anymore.

Can you identify The Jewish Community today? Is it in the synagogues? In the shrinking Jewish neighborhoods? Yes, there is Birthright and the March of the Living. But overall, guys, we have pretty well lost our clout. There was a time that no way was anybody from an outfit like J Street or BDS going to get a voice at a national political convention.

There was a time when Jewish voices in political parties had meaning. Now? Weve got Sheldon Adelson. Yes, Jewish money was always part of the equationbut we meant something more.

Jewish money in politics is supposed to mean Jewish values. To help each other, to take care of each other. To make sure there is justice in our nation. Not just for Jews but for everyone. Jews have been at the forefront of almost every struggle for human rights since the founding of the Republic. If the Jewish Community, whatever its makeup, does not stand strongly for Jewish Values, it is not needed.

A Proud Jew. A Standup Jew. These are expressions that cannot die. We must have strong organizations around which to rally. We must support them. BUTthey cannot be totally politically correct. A division among Jews about Israel? Unthinkable! Unbelievable!

Not happy with the present political party in charge in the Jewish State? That I get. BUT we do not vote there, we do not pay the taxes, we are not subject to being stabbed or shot simply because we are Jews.

We Jews in America support America. We complain, we vote because we do pay the taxes and we vote our principles (hopefully). Israel? As you would for any member of your family, you make suggestions, you help, you support.

Any attempt to harm Israel, to weaken its economy or its people - that is not good for the Jews.
Weve known for some time that American society looks as much like a Third World country as a First. Sure, it has a GDP that is still larger than Chinas, and it is viewed, especially by Americans, as a world leader in just about everything good. However, its social gap is the largest among western democracies.

The U.S. has what sociologists call the underclass, with gangs, drugs, 14-year-old mothers and 30-year-old grandmothers, not too far from nice bubbles of the well-to -do. The country is either enviable or deeply troubled, depending on where.

Now what is said to be the greatest of the mass shootings reveals that American governments are somewhere in la la land.

It took the police a while to arrive and put an end to the carnage, more than a day to count the bodies, and another day to bring them to a morgue.

The president made a statement keyed to lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals and transgenders, without a mention of Islam.

The killer had been interviewed at least twice by the FBI on account of statements he had made. Yet the FBI wasnt certain. And he had no trouble acquiring an arsenal with an assault rifle and lots of ammunition.

Its not hard finding columnists ridiculing the White House. So far no record of Arab politicians clucking their tongues, but we know enough about the attitudes of Saudi and Egyptian leaders to fill in the blanks. Even Iranians, despite the agreement on nuclear activities that caused the Saudis to pout, havent stopped marching against the American devils.

Im sure to hear from Americans who dont like what I write about the U.S. They can insist that they are not living in a bubble, but admit that there is no reason to go to places that are unattractive, i.e., outside their bubble. Theyve been lucky that a grandchild hasnt been caught in a school or college massacre.

The U.S. ambassador to Israel has said that itll take a while to be certain about the motives of the killer. Hes in line with his boss that authorities are investigating, and until they are sure, no one should jump to conclusions.

Therell be other mass killings before all the facts are in about this one, and the president may never have to couple the words terror, hate crime, violence, and Islam.

No surprise that commentators from all over are competing with their assessments of Orlando.

Some of their Israeli colleagues are claiming superiority for our security personnel. Some are moaning that we are all suffering from Islam, while others warn of Islamophobia. Those concerned about what are now called LGBTs are noting the similarities between the American-Afghan and the ultra-Orthodox Jew who murdered a young woman in Jerusalems gay parade.

Hillary is doing well by those who see this as an attack against gays and lesbians, while Donald gains among those who see Islam at its core. The president used the occasion to make another pitch for his flaccid posture about guns.

He does well as Soother in Chief.

As we go together, we will draw inspiration from heroic and selfless actsfriends who helped friends, took care of each other and saved lives. In the face of hate and violence, we will love one another. We will not give in to fear or turn against each other. Instead, we will stand united, as Americans, to protect our people, and defend our nation, and to take action against those who threaten us.

May God bless the Americans we lost this morning. May He comfort their families. May God continue to watch over this country that we love.

Its his roles as chief executive and commander-in-chief that could use some work.

He can start by seeing who in the FBI gave the killer a pass, and sending them to a place where there are no Muslims, guns, or LGBTs.

If anyone can find such a place in la la land.

Comments welcome.
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What seemed improbable is now a fact. The United Kingdom has voted to move out of the European Union (EU) in a divorce that is bound to have far reaching consequences  within the EU, within the nation that was once called Great Britain and in the emerging economies and powers of Asia, including India and China.

Read | LIVE: Britain votes to leave European Union, stocks in free fall

There are ifs and buts ahead, just as they were in the run-up to the vote. But the first clear symptoms of what some call a political earthquake are evident in the plunge in the value of the British pound and stock markets across the world. Markets hate uncertainty and businesses do not like drastic changes in law that hurt their current or future investment plans. In many ways, everybody has to go back to the drawing board in some sense or the other. Indications from Scotland suggest that though it voted to stay with Britain in a referendum, it now is inclined to stay with the EU. This is a time of painful change.

It is clear that concerns over bureaucratic laws made in Brussels did not go well with the average Briton, particularly immigration rules that seemed to make the ordinary citizen uncomfortable even as it provided opportunities to businesses and immigrants. Some amount of xenophobia seems to have grown amid a deep economic crisis across the world. We can call Brexit  the British exit from EU  as the deepest scar left by the Great Recession that began with the collapse of Wall Street banks in 2008.

For India, much is at stake. India is one of the largest investors in the UK, thanks to its former colonial association. India was once a jewel in Great Britains imperial crown. Now it is a significant economic opportunity as the fastest growing major economy in the world. Britain is bound to try and make the British Commonwealth work in order to make up for the bruises it would suffer in EU, where it may face retaliatory action of one kind or other. At the same time, EU and India have separately congenial relations of a strategic nature. The Modi government has to see opportunities on both sides of the divide and engage carefully. The first priority would be for all nations to calm the markets and make the adverse consequences of the political divorce less messy and as painless as possible. The close vote makes it clear that negotiations are more important than the simple detail of the verdict.
On Friday morning the ground beneath the European Union (EU) shook and how did it!

The financial implications of Britains exit from the EU will be manifold, and if market reactions are anything to go by its going to be a tough ride.

But Brussels, the EU headquarters, will have to brace itself for the political aftershocks. And suddenly, almost as though they were waiting for Britains decision, leaders of some EU-member nations are voicing similar intentions. The probability of a smaller EU, which seemed almost outlandish until this morning, is now real and amplified.

Marine Le Pen of Frances National Front is on record saying that France has 1,000 more reasons to leave EU than Britain. Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom, has promised that if he was elected the next prime minister a referendum will be held in Netherlands. Both countries go to polls within a years time. Sweden and Denmark also have their eurosceptics. Unsurprisingly it is nationalist, Right-of-the-centre politicians who are fanning xenophobic emotions.

READ: Britain votes to leave European Union, Cameron quits, markets plunge

The economic prudence of Britains decision aside, Brexit should force Brussels to introspect. The EU was set up almost 60 years back to bring prosperity and security to Europe--while it has brought prosperity in varying degrees, on security the jury is still out.

There are many positives that the EU has brought about, especially when it comes to easing trade bureaucracy, but as is with any alliance, when the going gets tough the faultiness magnify. Two recent developments expose these wide gaps: The EUs approach to tackling terrorism and the unions policy towards refugees and displaced people.

The Charlie Hebdo shootings, the November 2015 Paris attacks and the Brussels bombings in March exposed the flaws in the EUs preparedness to tackle terror attacks. If the Charlie Hebdo shootings caught EU unawares about home-grown terror, the latter two attacks exposed the chinks in the EUs efforts to monitor and check the movement of suspects.

READ: How the UK could remain in the EU despite a vote to leave

The refugee crisis, amplified by the current unrest in Syria and Iraq, saw thousands, if not millions, crossing borders into Europe. But not only did the EU lack a policy, but when it came to formulating one, countries were at odds with each other. Finally, all it could do was strike a deal with Turkey to accommodate the refugees and, in many ways, ask it to act as a vetting agency for displaced people wanting to enter the EU.

For the moment it looks unlikely that the EU will disintegrate with Britains exit--but it wont be the same anymore. The EU will have a tough fight to keep its relevance at world forums.

It is to be seen how, or whether, Britains exit will affect countries queuing up to enter the union, and how many members will consider following Britain. The EU is changing; it will rest on Brussels on whether that change is for the better.

(The views expressed are personal. The writer tweets @vijucherian.)

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For all the hyperbole of the final communique issued by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tashkent, it is more than clear that the organisation remains a far from effective body capable of making significant decisions. In India, the discussion about the SCO was shaped by the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit to discuss Indias candidacy for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). In any case, Indias accession to the SCO has only just begun and it will be a while before India, along with Pakistan, becomes a full-fledged member.

India was admitted into the SCO as an observer at the 2005 Astana Summit along with Iran and Pakistan. Though the 2010 Tashkent Summit lifted the moratorium on new membership, Indias role in the grouping still remains a marginal one. And in the recent summit, the SCO has also opened the doors for Irans entry as a full member.

Read | China says it will support Pakistans case on NSG entry

The SCO region covers almost 60% of the Eurasian landmass, with over 1.5 billion in population, including some of the worlds leading energy-rich nations. So its importance is likely to grow in the coming years. Indias growing stakes in Central Asia too are well-recognised. For India, therefore, a membership in the SCO is primarily its gateway to Central Asia. India would also like to a member of an organisation that is now becoming dominated by Chinas growing clout.

India views itself as a stabiliser and security provider in Central Asia and with its growing economic clout, an attractive economic power. Indias interest in securing reliable energy supplies and trade through Central Asia remains substantial. There is a seamless logical web from the objective of ensuring Central Asian stability and New Delhis voice there to the conclusion that India must also ensure reliable energy access to oil and gas sources in Central Asia.

Read | Chinese state media omits details of Xi and Modis NSG talks in Uzbekistan

Major powers have competed for power and influence in Central Asia since the 19th century and that Great Game seems to be back with a bang. However, the importance of the SCO that has evolved into a forum for discussion on regional security and economic issues has often been overstated. The SCO emerged as a significant factor in the post9/11 environment as growing ethnic nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism emerged as major causes of concern for Russia, China and Central Asian states. The SCO has served for them as a means to keep control of Central Asia and limit American influence in the region.

It is the Russia-China dynamic that is shaping the trajectory of the SCO today with Russia focused on making the organisation as a challenger to the West and China more interested in making it a vehicle for the realisation of its geo-economic strategic aims. As India makes an effort to become part of the SCO, it will have to be cognizant of the underlying geopolitical realities that have shaped the evolution of the SCO and their impact on its foreign policy priorities.

Harsh V Pant is professor of international relations, department of defence studies, Kings College London

The views expressed are personal
Gautam Bhatias Offend, Shock, or Disturb is notable for two things: it comprehensively compiles the jurisprudence on free speech  both Indian and international, and it is steeped in unwavering idealism that may well be the need of the hour. The premise of the book is simple: the right to freedom of expression lies in the right to equality. So, according to Bhatia  who has borrowed the idea from philosophers like Immanuel Kant  if we are all equal, what we have to say is equally important and therefore no one group should stifle the expression of anothers beliefs. This idea is, of course, older than Kant. The Athenians too placed freedom of speech together with the right to equality. The lack of the right to speak freely was the clear mark of a slave in the Athenian world. And that is the crux of the book: if one may not speak freely, one cannot really ever speak the truth.

Still, Bhatia takes his reader through the various limitations on freedom of expression in India, and also their international roots. The chapters on obscenity, defamation and sedition are engrossing. Particularly amusing is the chapter on obscenity, which is heavily underlined by Bhatias own liberal view on the subject. It is a view many young urban Indians will share, if one can get them to read about it. In fact, this book has been published at just the right time: there really are no Indians alive who are not, in one way or the other, affected by free speech laws. Contempt of court is stifling journalism, and if the IndiaSpend study is correct, our politicians are being elected based on their hate speeches. Which is why this reviewer was slightly surprised that Bhatia didnt look more at net neutrality and the protection of journalistic sources. These are the need of the hour and should have been discussed more.

Offend Shock or Disturb

Gautam Bhatia

OUP India

Rs 750; PP365

There is some confusion at the heart of Bhatias analysis of hate-speech and public order laws. Or perhaps it is simply that his dislike for them overpowers his analysis. The book seems to presume that hecklers veto  the idea that there must be constriction on any speech that could cause a violent reaction in the public  will only deal with cases where a persons capacity for rational thought is limited. It effectively presumes that the crowd is not as smart as the individual. In some cases, this may be true. In others, it may not. For example, Donald Trumps supporters may well be rationally thinking human beings and still call for a ban on Muslims voting in the US. It may be silly, but it is possible, but Bhatia discounts such thinking that is not in line with his.

The authors analysis of free speech cases relies heavily on the idea of morality as defined by the law to mean constitutional morality. The concept is not new, but has not yet found favour with the Supreme Court. The Delhi High Court relied upon constitutional morality in the Naz Foundation case in striking down Section 377 IPC, which criminalises consensual gay sex. A few years later, the top court threw out former DHC Judge AP Shahs passionate analysis of the idea. Perhaps every judge on every Indian bench should be given a copy of this book in the hope that they are swayed by Bhatias beliefs even though they remained indifferent to AP Shahs fantastic analysis of the same in Delhi High Courts Naz Foundation judgment.

My biggest complaint with the book is that it analyses Indian Supreme Court jurisprudence in a vacuum. This is a lovely thought, but ultimately an idealistic fantasy. Law does not operate in a vacuum; it is affected by the culture of the time, and most importantly, by the political and economic landscape of that moment. So when Bhatia discusses hate speech without bringing up parliamentary debates on the issue or a beloved politicians contribution to enacting the law he finds so vile  yes, we are referring to Nehrus introduction of the reasonable restrictions clause of our FOE -- he does a disservice to history and to his readers. Historians have noted that the clause was brought in to muzzle the Hindu Mahasabha. The amendments were later used by the Supreme Court to uphold the law of sedition, which Bhatia extensively discusses in the book without looking into the realpolitik of the situation. In the interests of impartiality, the author should have discussed the politics behind the limitations on our free speech.

The author discusses the Patna High Court judgment that quashed a government petition to restrict a violent political pamphlet. But there is no discussion of the times and the government action. The ruling government of any time, whether we like to admit it or not, has a big influence on the orders that roll out from the judiciary. It is not a coincidence that the RSS in 1950 found itself censored by a Congress government and protected by a court of law. Today, the orders may well be different. Judges are, after all, products of their environment. It is fair to examine jurisprudence from across the globe when it comes to the subject of freedom of expression. However, it is a disservice to discuss an issue so closely linked to politics without ever bringing up that aspect. It delivers a stilted picture of the law: a picture of how the author wants things to be, rather than how things are and why they are so.

This book will be invaluable to many advocates as a source of research. However, few non-lawyers will pick it up. This is a small tragedy, because Bhatia could have written a book that appealed to more people. Offend, Shock and Disturb could have done much more than educate the already educated, even though the author does do that rather well.
She has worked with Irrfan Khan, Madhuri Dixit Nene and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the past. Huma Qureshi will now share screen space with Malayalam star Mammootty in her upcoming film. She also has an international film with director Gurinder Chadha in the works. The actor reveals that she bagged the international project after several rounds of auditions. But she says that she isnt someone who will chase a role.

You see me do lesser work compared to my contemporaries. Its because I never chase a role. There are roles that I can pull off, but I feel what is meant for you, will come to you. The process of auditioning is good. That helps deserving people make the cut. You will get a role on the basis of your talent and not simply because you are famous, says Huma.

Read: Huma Qureshi to spend Ramzan in Mumbai with family

Working with Mammootty, Huma says, has been a challenging experience, but she is not one to complain. I remember the scene we shot in London, UK. I had to explain Shakespeare to him in Malayalam. In my head, I wanted someone to kill me. But I like challenging situations like these, she says.



Huma jokes that she would love to be part of a Titanic (1997) remake. She says, I am going to Hollywood only to bump into James Cameron (film-maker) and tell him, Sir ek aur Titanic banaiye na. Hindi mein bhi chalegi (Sir, please make Titanic, even if it is in Hindi).

Read: Huma Qureshi to judge a comedy show on TV?
Be it Aamir Khans remarks on intolerance in the country, or Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoors jokes during the AIB roast last year  there have been instances when Bollywood celebrities have come under the scanner for their words or actions.

Claiming that she is not afraid of having an opinion, Priyanka Chopra asserts that she isnt necessarily being brash just because shes a feminist. I dont say things just because Im a feminist and I believe in woman power. That word (feminist) has been bastardized; theres no respect to it anymore. Im not berating men, she says.

Priyanka with her Baywatch co-star Dwayne Johnson. (Instagram)

Recently, in an interview, she stated that she would beat the shit out of her man if he ever cheats on her. While several people criticised her for being violent, some even called her sexist on social media. Reacting to the comments, Priyanka says, It was a joke. Obviously, Im not going to be violent. But the way it was written, it made it seem like I was serious and that Ill actually whip the person. It was an analogy of the passion that I would feel [if a man cheats on me], not physical violence.

Read: Priyanka Chopra has the smoothest response to the armpit controversy

In one of her past interviews, the actor had said that celebrities often become soft targets for the public and the media. Yet, she doesnt refrain from speaking her mind whenever required. I know I should be diplomatic, but Im a girl with an opinion. Im not afraid of having one, says Priyanka, adding, Im told all the time by my team and my family to shut up and not always say whats on the tip of my tongue.

Read: Pics of Priyanka Chopras London vacation with mom will make you jealous

The actor has been spending most of her time in the US, where she is shooting for her ongoing television series. Ask her if she feels scared at times, especially post the gruesome Orlando shootings, and the actor says, No, Im not scared because things can happen anywhere you go. Its not just in India, America, Lebanon; its happening everywhere we go. Violence has become the face of terror today, and thats a global problem. The value of life is becoming less important.

Follow @htshowbiz for more.
The Indian information technology exports that rides on a $30 billion (Rs 2 lakh crore) export to the European Union, half of which is in the United Kingdom, is bracing itself for short term increases in costs and a decline in value of British Pound even as it remains optimistic about the long term gains after Britons voted to leave the union after a national referendum was held on Thursday.

Industry body Nasscom (National Association of Software and Services Companies) said that decline in the value of the British Pound, which could render many existing deals losing propositions unless they are renegotiated.

Nasscom said that the protracted negotiations between Britain and EU on the terms of the exit could impact decision making for large projects. It also expects an increase in the cost of doing business in Europe as Indian IT companies may need to establish separate headquarters and operations for EU which may also see some disinvestment by Indian companies in the UK.

English as a language of doing business, linked to the historic ties between India and UK has until now served well in making London the gateway for Indian IT sector to the larger European market.

Nasscom urges policy makers in Brussels and London to provide greater clarity and guidance on the next steps as soon as possible, so that our businesses have the certainty they need to continue to invest in UK and Europe, said Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar. He said initial feedback from policy makers in UK indicates their commitment to minimize the possible negative impact of this referendum.

Nasscom believes that movement of skilled labour across EU and UK could be impacted and changes in the financial system, banks and impact on currency could ensue. Today over 110,000 Indian IT professional from around 800 companies work in the UK.

In the long term, however, Brexit could lead to strengthening of India-UK economic relationship as UK seeks to compensate for loss of preferential access to EU markets, said a Nasscom statement.

Ahead of the referendum, Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka at the company annual general meeting told shareholders that it could have short term, small time effects on the currency and also potentially on business. The company did not provide any fresh views after Britain exit from EU was confirmed on Friday morning.

A Wipro spokesperson said that the watching the developments in the UK closely its potential impact on a host of factors including mobility of labor, changes in the financial system, and the currency.

All 10 stocks in the Nifty IT index fell on Friday trading. While the IT stocks index fell by 2.47 per cent at close, Tech Mahindra suffered the biggest lost with a drop of 4.39% and Mindtree suffered the least with a 0.02% drop in price.
The finance ministry has asked banks not to consider any settlement offer from Vijay Mallya, a top source told HT.

Mallya had told the Supreme Court in April that he was prepared to deposit an additional Rs 2,468 crore over and above his earlier offer of Rs 4,400 crore. A consortium of 17 banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) had lent around Rs 7,000 crore (Rs 9,000 crore with interests and penalties) to Mallya and the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

There was a feeling in some quarters that banks should accept whatever Mallya is agreeing to give. But we are certain we can recover the full amount once we extradite him, said a top finance ministry official, who did not wish to be named.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said last Sunday that an official request to the UK government for extraditing Mallya is yet to be made, as the Enforcement Directorate is yet to provide the requisite documents. Sources in the government, however, told HT on the condition of anonymity that talks for extradition has already begun at the diplomatic level, though a formal request is yet to be made.

The process for extradition has started and the government is confident that Vijay Mallya will be brought back, said the source quoted earlier. Banks have been directed to pursue the case in Supreme Court, while the country tries to extradite Mallya, he added.

Vijay Mallya left India on March 2 and has been seen in the UK. His exit from the country stirred a huge storm over recovery of bank loans and accusations of money-laundering.

Banks have approached the Supreme Court for recovering their dues, and a non-bailable warrant has been issued against Mallya.

Lenders had approached the finance ministry to seek the governments advice on the settlement. However, according to finance ministry sources, accepting the settlement would mean absolving Mallya of all his dues. Accepting Mallyas settlement will set a wrong precedent for loan defaulters.

It is not just bank loans that Mallya has defaulted on, there are also tax dues, non-payment of provident fund and other issues said the finance ministry official quoted earlier.

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India is focusing on the market dislocations arising from a likely British referendum vote to leave the European Union, minister of state for finance Jayant Sinha said on Friday, saying it was too early to assess the trade impact.

Theres going to be market dislocation and we are going to have to focus on that, Sinha told news channel ET Now in the first official comment on the UK plebiscite.

Indias benchmark stock indexes opened down three per cent. Listed companies with exposure to Britain suffered the heaviest losses with Tata Motors tanking nearly 10%.

Full impact of Brexit will be seen in 2018 says commerce secretary

We do not have any bilateral trade agreement with EU, but since we trade bilaterally with various countries we do not see any immediate impact on trade. However, what we now need to watch is how EU and UK negotiate the exit conditions Rita Teaotia commerce secretary told HT.

The commerce secretary added that, Since under the terms and conditions EU has a two year window for any country to negotiate and make a complete exit. So the exact impact of Brexit will be seen in 2018. In short term currency volatility may be there but that the government will tackle.
Tata Sons, the holding company for the Tata Group, has been ordered to pay Japans largest mobile phone firm a compensation of $1.2 billion for breaching an agreement on a joint venture in India.

The International Court of Arbitration ruled in favour of Japans NTT DoCoMo over the price it was entitled for exiting the Indian joint venture, the Japanese firm said in a statement.

The court has asked the Tatas to honour a 2008 agreement that stipulated that Tata Sons will pay Docomo 50% of the Japanese companys investment of $2.2 billion in a joint venture with Tata Teleservices, if Docomo exits within five years.

Docomo went to the International Court of Arbitration after Reserve Bank of India rejected a Tata application to buy out the Japanese companys stake at an agreed valuation of Rs 58 a share. Post RBI rejection, the Tatas had scaled down the offer to buy, to Rs 23.34 a share.

The Japanese firm had filed for arbitration on January 5, 2015.

Reacting to the court order, Tata Sons said on Friday that it is examining Thursdays order.

Tata Sons has received the arbitration award and we are currently studying it. We will not be able to comment further at this stage, beyond maintaining our consistent position that Tata Sons has always been and continues to be committed to discharge its contractual obligations in a manner consistent with the law.

Incidentally, Tata Steel which is an investor in Tata Teleservices along with other Tata group companies, had stated in its annual report for 2014-15 that the liability on Tata Teleservices would depend on an order from the arbitration court.

According to the arbitration award, Tata Sons will receive or designate a recipient for DoCoMos entire stake in TTSL.

DoCoMo said it is uncertain whether Tata Sons will pay the awarded damages.

As of the date of this press release, some matters remain uncertain, including whether Tata Sons will pay the awarded damages and when the delivery of TTSLs shares will be made. Accordingly, DoCoMo is not able to predict how events will unfold, it added.

(With inputs from PTI)
NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday demanded the arrest of Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Maheish Girri and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) vice chairperson Karan Singh Tanwar in the case of NDMC official MM Khan.

The A AP also demanded the resignation of the L-G for a fair probe as the Delhi Police reported to him.

L-G Jung on Thursday conceded that Bharatiya Janata Party MP, Maheish Girri, had submitted a letter on behalf of Prominent Hotels Limited, owners of The Connaught Hotel that asked the L-G to arbitrate in the conflict between NDMC and the hotel.

The party, while saying that its stand has been vindicated, also demanded that the role of Jung, NDMC vice chairperson Karan Singh Tanwar and Girri be investigated.

The Aam Aadmi Party has been bringing to the fore incriminating evidence in the form of letters and other documents that point to a clear murder conspiracy. The role of leaders of the BJP, MP Maheish Girri and MCD vice chairman Karan Singh Tanwar has also been exposed by the AAP. The fact that the perpetrator of this crime has received political patronage from the Bhartiya Janata Party and its leaders is both shocking and disturbing, a statement issued by the party said.

Girri has repeatedly claimed that he had nothing to do with the hotel owner, Ramesh Kakkar, and that he did not write any letter to the L-G at all.

The AAP, however, has maintained that Girri had a clear role to play in the murder.

How can Mr Girri claim that he had nothing to do with Mr Kakkars case in the NDMC? How can he deny his direct involvement in seeking action against MM Khan, who conveniently ended up as a victim of a murder conspiracy? The party asked.

The party also pointed out that the L-G letter asking the NDMC to take action on the matter as per law was sent on May 17, a day after Khans death.

What is even more shocking is the timeline of events on and after the day of the murder. Even as Khan was murdered on May 16, and the police had arrested the accused hotelier Ramesh Kakkar, the L-G deemed it fit to write another to the NDMC on behalf of a murder accused and his MP friend Maheish Girri, AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha, said.

AAP also condemned the L-Gs repeated letters to NDMC in the matter.

What is the L-Gs interest in repeatedly trying to seek an action that illegally provides the accused a gain of Rs 140 crore? a statement issued by the party said.
NEW DELHI: The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) on Thursday sent a notice to Delhi water minister Kapil Mishra in connection with the alleged Rs 400-crore water tanker scam.

We have sent notice to Kapil Mishra asking him to join the probe and inquiring why there was delay in action being taken in the matter, ACB chief M K Meena said.

Earlier this week, a case was registered by the ACB in connection with the alleged water tanker scam linking former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit.

Mishra had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and lieutenant- governor ( L- G) Najeeb Jung recommending either a probe by Central Bureau of Investigation or ACB against Dikshit in connection with the alleged scam.

Meena said two complaints were received with regard to the scam and those named in the complaints include Dikshit and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. He said both Dikshit and Kejriwal will be quizzed.

Last week, the Delhi government had sent a report of a factfinding committee on the scam to L-G Najeeb Jung.

Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta had also filed a complaint to Jung accusing Kejriwal of suppressing the committees report for 11 months.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court has declined to grant bail to an accused facing murder trial in a 2012 shoot-out here that claimed the lives of liquor baron Ponty Chadha and his younger brother Hardeep.

Noting that there were serious allegations against Chaddhas manager Narender Ahlawat, Justice PS Teji turned down his plea for relief on medical grounds.

The court said, Ahlawat can get the medical treatment in judicial custody as opined by the medical board of AIIMS and there is no requirement to release him on bail to get medical treatment outside.

There are serious allegations against him and there is apprehension of influencing prosecution witnesses, the court observed.

Ahlawat, who was on interim bail since April 2013 which was extended from time to time, has sought release from jail on the ground that he was not required for the purpose of investigation as the charge sheet has been filed and charges have been framed against him. This was opposed by the police, which said, he was one of the managers of Ponty Chadha and was part of the conspiracy.

Ponty and Hardeep, who were allegedly involved in a property dispute, were killed in a shoot-out at a Chhattarpur farmhouse here on November 17, 2012. Subsequently, Namdhari was arrested on November 23, 2012. Later, the remaining accused were apprehended.
NEW DELHI: Scooter owners in the national Capital will now be able to convert their petrol and diesel run vehicles to CNG.

Central governments ministry of petroleum and natural gas with Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) and GAIL (India) Ltd launched a pilot project by installing CNG retrofit in 10 scooters on Thursday. The first batch of scooters was launched at the CNG filling station at CGO Complex.

The project has been in the pipeline for around five to six years now. I had gone to Bangkok and saw how they had taken a step towards improving their environment. They had converted both cars and two-wheelers to CNG. This project in India will change the face of the transport sector, said BC Tripathi, CMD, Gail (India).

He also said the next batch of scooters would be flagged off in the next two months.

Delhi has been battling high pollution for several years now. The Delhi governments odd-even rule had environment and transport experts divided over the exemption of two-wheelers.

At present, there are 5.6 million two-wheelers registered in the city, and 2.7 million registered cars.

Are search released by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) this year, also shows that out of the citys total vehicular emissions, two-wheelers contribute to approximately 30% of particulate matter (PM), while cars 23%.

ES Ranganathan, managing director, IGL, said the first batch of CNG retrofits was installed in Honda Activa model, but this is adaptable to all the scooters complying with BS-IV emission standards.

Two CNG cylinders of 4.8 litre capacity will be installed in the storage space in front, and the re gulator will be installed on top of the engine. This will not only bring down emission levels by almost 70%, it will also be an economical option, Ranganathan said.

He said that on 1kg of CNG, the user can travel up to 120km. The price of 1kg CNG is 37.02. The mileage of a petrol-run scooter is 40km with a litre of petrol costing 65. The cost of the retrofit is 14,500.

We are committed to making the city pollution free. Most of Delhis commuters drive two-wheelers. They will welcome this environment friendly and economical fuel alternative, said Dharmendra Pradhan, minister of petroleum and natural gas.

The users, however, will have to battle a few glitches after converting their two wheelers to CNG.

At present, there are only 280 CNG filling stations in the city, and these stations witness serpentine queues. Though IGL is prepared to set up 50 more in the coming months, the problem of soaring demand, after the odd-even road rationing scheme, will persist.

The new retrofit is only compatible with scooters. Experts said in comparison to the newer scooters, there were more motorcycles, which were also more polluting. The project would have benefited if the retrofit was made available for motorcycles also.

There is one more problem, there is just one distributor in the market. Ranganathan said they would bring more distributors in the market, but it will take at least three months.

Delhi desperately needs to reduce emissions from two-wheelers. We will have to assess the benefits of the project on road now. But this looks like a promising initiative, said Bhure Lal, chairperson of Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA).

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Hours after Britain voted to leave the European Union, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal called for a referendum on statehood for Delhi.

Echoing similar view, AAP leader Ashish Khetan said after UKs referendum on EU exit, its time to have a referendum on full statehood for Delhi.

After UK referendum, delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 24, 2016

After the UK referendum on EU exit, it's time to have a referendum on full statehood of Delhi. In a democracy the will of the ppl is supreme  Ashish Khetan (@AashishKhetan) June 24, 2016

A Union Territory with a legislative assembly that limits the power of the Delhi government, the city-state has a unique status.

Law and order, including police, land and civic bodies are controlled by the Union government, which has led to a raging turf war with the Kejriwal government.

While statehood for Delhi was part of the Aam Aadmi Party manifesto, the BJP that had been raising the issue for years kept mum on it ahead of the February state elections.

Referendum, though not in its strictest form, has been a vital part of the AAPs politics. When the party made its poll debut in Delhi in 2014 and subsequently formed the government with the Congress support, it said the decisions were taken after getting peoples go-ahead.

The opposition and critics, however, say the vote is not broad-based as the participants are either party members or supporters and results do not reflect the larger opinion.

In July last year, Kejriwal government had asked the urban development department to come up with a feasibility report specifying a timeline, sources said.

The CM had also asked the urban and legal departments to speed up work on a Delhi statehood bill that will be sent to the Centre for its consent.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged on Friday that the Centre was blocking a clutch of key bills passed by the city assembly to stall development work, the latest episode in bitter tussle for the reigns of the Capital.

The Aam Aadmi Party chief accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking revenge for the BJPs landslide loss in the assembly elections last year after media reports said the Centre had returned 14 bills citing lack of procedure.

Modis slogan--Na kaam karoonga, na karne doonga (Neither will I work, nor will I let others work), Kejriwal tweeted.

The CM said the central government had no intention of clearing the bills. They are interfering in everything.

Three key education bills, the much-touted Janlokpal bill, a bill to amend Indias criminal code and minimum wages are among those pieces of legislation reportedly stuck.

The Centre has repeatedly denied that it is sitting on the bills and said several ministries have to respond to the Delhi government legislation to resolve any potential conflict.

Experts say many of these bills have a wide-ranging ambit--for example, the proposed ombudsman set up under the Janlokpal bill will also have powers to investigate corruption charges against central government employees--and may clash with central law.

Home ministry officials said unlike previous city governments, the AAP administration introduced bills without prior home ministry scrutiny and hence the process of clearing legislation was taking more time.

But Kejriwal rejected the defence, asking if the elected city government had the right to pass legislation.

Should the central government have the right to block every work done by the Delhi government? Is the Centre the headmaster of the Delhi government?

The row over possible stalling of the bills is the latest in a string of battles between the AAP and Centre.

Kejriwals party crushed the BJP as it rode to power last year in Delhi on a promise of good governance and no corruption but has since repeatedly clashed with the Centre and the lieutenant governor, who reports to the home ministry.

The AAP alleges L-G Najeeb Jung is a proxy for the BJP, which doesnt want the city administration to succeed, and has hence stalled passage of the bills.

Both sides have been locked in showdowns over officer placement, files and control of the police  the disputes arising from Delhis unique position as a union territory where the Centre and state governments share administrative responsibility.

One of these bills  that allowed Delhi MLAs to be appointed as parliamentary secretaries without attracting office-of-profit guideline violation  was rejected by the President earlier this month.

This triggered a row over possible disqualification of 21 AAP legislators with the party accusing the Centre of not respecting democracy and trying to destablise the city government.

(with agency inputs)

.
The Delhi government officials said on Friday that they are working on the modalities to conduct a referendum on full statehood for Delhi.

Playing down criticism over the constitutional validity of the process, officials said the aim of the exercise is to get a sense from the people on the issue.

We have sought public opinion on the issue but even people from outside Delhi can send their views on it. But in a referendum, only the eligible voters in the city will be allowed to participate, an official said, adding that the government is thinking over how to conduct the exercise.

Officials said the government could even use the recently notified mohalla sabhas to conduct the exercise. The Delhi government earlier this month notified 2,972 mohalla sabhas  an institutional framework to decentralise governance and ensure direct participation of citizens in choosing development projects through voting.

The referendum, the government is talking about, could not be technically the same as people understand it. The result may not be binding on the authorities. The larger objective of the government is to get a sense of people on statehood, an official said.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday the Capital will soon have a referendum on the full statehood issue. In July last year, the Kejriwal government had also asked its various departments to prepare a draft law and create machinery for holding referendum on the issue.

Read more: After Brexit, CM Kejriwal calls for referendum on Delhi statehood

The chief minister had asked the urban development department to come up with a feasibility report and specify a timeline. The department was asked to give various options available to the government for conducting such a referendum. However, the plan was dropped then after a controversy erupted over the issue.

Last month, the Aam Aadmi Party government released a draft bill on full statehood for Delhi and invited suggestions from the public till June 30.

The draft bill proposes to bring all areas barring those under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Delhi Cantonment Board under the Delhi government including control over police, land, municipal corporations and the bureaucracy.
BJP MP Maheish Girri on Thursday wrote to the Delhi Police chief Alok Kumar, demanding Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal be asked to join the probe in the murder of NDMC official MM Khan.

In his letter, Girri wrote, Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused him of being involved in Khans murder despite having been given a clean chit by the police.

The Delhi CM has been making accusations against me that they have a copy of a letter written by me. Hence I request you to call Kejriwal for questioning, so that the evidence can be made available to Delhi Police and guilty can be arrested in the case, the letter, written in Hindi, states.

Read More: Found no evidence against Girri, Tanwar: Police

The police on Thursday gave a clean chit to east Delhi MP Girri and NDMCs vice-chairman Karan Singh Tanwar in the case, saying no evidence was found against them.

The AAP on Thursday demanded the role of lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung, Karan Singh Tanwar and Girri be probed. The party also pointed out that the L-Gs letter asking the NDMC to take action on the matter as per law was sent on May 17, a day after Khans death.

Read More: AAP demands arrest of L-G, Girri and Tanwar over MM Khans murder

...Even as Khan was murdered on May 16, and the police had arrested the accused hotelier Ramesh Kakkar, the L-G deemed it fit to write another to the NDMC on behalf of a murder accused and his MP friend Maheish Girri, AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha had said.

Khan, a legal adviser with NDMC, was shot dead in Jamia Nagar on May 16 by two motorcycle-borne assailants.

Khan was killed a day before he was slated to pass orders on the terms of a hotels operation, sealed on the ground that licence fees to the tune of `140 crore had not been paid to NDMC.
The police neutralised a security threat at the Delhi Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) on Friday and arrested two men who allegedly sold identity cards and parking stickers to the public.

The arrested persons are a 40-year-old man, who claimed to be a journalist and former editor-in-chief of a weekly newspaper, and the private driver of former deputy secretary of Delhi Vidhan Sabha, said police.

Several ID cards for MLAs, Vidhan Sabha parking stickers, a forged stamp marked DVS (Delhi Vidhan Sabha) and two WagonR cars were recovered. One of the cars was stolen from east Delhis Bhajanpura area.

The arrested persons have been identified as Vinod Bansal, who was posing as a news channel reporter, and Jitender, 32. They were allegedly charging between `10,000 and `15,000 for each parking sticker, said police. Bansal used the sticker to enter the Assembly premises.

The police are now looking for a Delhi Vidhan Sabha employee, a man from Nepal, who was allegedly providing such parking passes/stickers and ID cards to Jitender for a hefty commission.

Read More: Delhi assembly on JeM radar?

Investigators are also questioning the former deputy secretary to ascertain his role in the illegal business.

Ravindra Yadav, joint commissioner of police (crime), said the arrests were made after sub-inspector Vipin Yadav received a tip-off.

A decoy was sent to strike a deal with the racketeers and a trap was laid at a restaurant where the deal was to be finalised.

Our decoy and a head constable met Vinod Bansal at the restaurant. The decoy paid Bansal `10,000, who handed them a forged ID card and parking pass/sticker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The raiding team then caught Bansal, said Yadav.

Police recovered the forged stamp from Bansals residence. A car with a forged parking sticker affixed to it was also recovered, said the joint CP.

During interrogation, Bansal revealed he procured the stickers and ID cards from Jitender. We then arrested Jitender and recovered similar forged stickers from him, Yadav said.

Yadav said Bansal would stamp and sign the ID cards and stickers himself. He said he procured these from former deputy secretary Lalmani. And after his transfer, Bansal began purchasing these from Lalmanis driver, Jitender.

Jitender procured them from Delhi legislative assembly employee Khatri, who is absconding, said Yadav.


Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay on Friday sought the arrest of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over water tanker scam, in an increasingly bitter fight with the Aam Aadmi Party, with two sides accusing each other of various scams and crimes.

Earlier, I had demanded his (Kejriwals) resignation and now I demand that the Delhi Police arrest him, Upadhyay said.

He alleged that Kejriwal suppressed for 11 months the report of a fact-finding team that probed the alleged irregularities in hiring 385 stainless steel water tankers by the Delhi Jal Board in 2012 during the tenure of the Congress government headed by Sheila Dikshit.

He also said that the AAP leader is always busy making false allegations on social media platforms.

Why payments to the private company were carried on for 17 months instead of cancelling it? Why Keshav Chandra, who was earlier private secretary to Dikshit, was made Chief Executive Officer of the Jal Board? the BJP leader asked.

During the Congress tenure in the national capital, Kejriwal had accused the city government of being involved in the water tanker scam.

Upadhyay also dared the chief minister to explain his motive behind pressurising R S Tyagi to submit his papers from the Delhi Jal Board. Tyagi was a Joint Engineer with the DJB.

Water Minister Kapil Mishra gave report of the fact-finding committee to Kejriwal, but why was there a delay in sending the report to the Lt Governor, Upadhyay asked.Why the fact finding team sent the report first to the chief minister and the private vendor? Were they negotiating for money with the private water tanker company? Upadhyay questioned.

He also asked Kejriwal, Transaction of how much amount did you carry out with the tanker company?

BJPs Lok Sabha member from south Delhi Ramesh Bhiduri also attacked the Delhi government and alleged that Kejriwal took Rs 92 crore from the private tanker company.

Kejriwal took Rs 92 crore from the tanker company, Bidhuri said, adding, We will run a signature campaign in every district of Delhi against him.

The AAP government in June 2015 had set up a five-member fact-finding committee to probe the alleged irregularities in hiring 385 stainless steel water tankers by the Delhi Jal Board in 2012 during Dikshits tenure.

The report was submitted to Kejriwal in August 2015 highlighting an alleged corruption of Rs 400 crore in the process of awarding tenders for hiring water tankers, and recommended FIR against Dikshit, and a further probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ACB.

In an escalating confrontation between the BJP and Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party, the AAP has already sought the arrest of Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung and BJPs Lok Sabha member Maheish Girri in connection with the murder of M.M. Khan, an estate officer of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

The AAP has also written to Jung demanding that he should make himself and Delhi Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) chief M.K. Meena co-accused in four cases pertaining to alleged scams during the Dikshit government.
Superlatives such as seismic, terrible and Britains independence day have been used to describe the referendum vote to leave the European Union (EU). It has come as a shock and disappointment to many, including in the world of finance and business. But to anyone following the insular impulses of the David Cameron government since 2010, it cannot be seen as anything but a logical conclusion. The Leave option was always there on the binary ballot paper. The reaction betrays how many had taken for granted that the referendum would merely rubber-stamp the Remain vote. The outcome takes Britain into uncharted territory where, despite the many promises of a land of milk and honey outside the EU made during the long campaign, no one quite knows how a post-Brexit Britain will look like. Besides the uncertainty at the national level  will pro-EU Scotland leave Britain in another referendum? Will there be an international border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and between Scotland and England?  there is also serious doubt about the future of the European Union project itself. The political-economic union is not exactly loved in member-states such as Greece and Portugal facing harsh Brussels-directed economic curbs, while there is already talk of holding UK-style referendum in some EU countries.

Read | Life without Britain: European Union will struggle to survive

There are two big-picture imponderables of the referendum outcome: Given the context of Britains long outward-facing history, empire and internationalism, what role does Britain see for itself in future; and the outcomes implications in the globalised world of finance and industry. Londons pre-eminent position as the capital of global finance is under challenge, as well as the many knock-on effects on 45% of its exports to the EU. When Britain extricates itself after a two-year process, it will no longer benefit from tariff-free movement of goods and capital, with all its adverse effects on its economy. The many claims of Brexit benefits made by the Leave camp will be put to severe test.

Read | How the UK could remain in the EU despite a vote to leave

From New Delhis point of view, India will lose a close ally in the EU. Over 800 companies use their base in Britain to access the European market; there are already indications that some of them may relocate to other European capitals. The Leave camp claimed that Britain outside the EU would provide a massive boost to relations with India, mainly in the area of trade and business. The Brexiteers have also held out the promise to put in place a fairer and better visa system for people in India and the Commonwealth. That is all in the future, but for the moment, Britain has turned its back on John Donnes famous 16th century conception that No man is an island, and for many, far from putting the Great back into Britain, the referendum has turned it into Little England in this age of globalisation.
With no benches or desks, students at a school in Barkhedi near Bhopal, are forced to sit on the floor with umbrellas over their heads to protect themselves from seeping water during the monsoon.

This is the condition of Rasheedia School, which has been chosen as a model school and the state government has sanctioned Rs 12.59 crore for the redevelopment of the school.

The walls of the classroom have developed cracks and water seeps through leaking ceiling, forcing student to hold umbrellas over their heads to protect themselves and their books from getting drenched.

A HT team that visited the school, found that 365 students are forced to sit on sacks  used as mats  in the eight classrooms of the dilapidated building that can fall down anytime.

No one bothers to check the condition of schools existing structure, says teacher

We are told that the school will get a new modern building with proper chairs, tables, a staff room, an auditorium, a computer lab and a playground by 2017, Ashutosh Pandey, a teacher at the school, told HT.

Though the construction of the new building has started but no one bothers to check the condition of the existing structure, he said.

A pool of stagnant water in front of the school has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and parents are scared to send their children to school regularly fearing that they may contact diseases.

The school is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and children are vulnerable to malaria and dengue and as a parent I fear sending my child to school as he might fall prey to the mosquito-borne diseases, said Asif Khan, a parent.

More than the day scholars, its the children who live in the schools hostel, who at are at a greater risk. More than 100 students who live in the school hostel, have no drinking water facility as the water pipelines are damaged.

District education officer Dharmendra Sharma said, We will go and find out the condition of the school and also ask the municipal corporation to get premises cleaned so that children can study without fear.
Dont we all love denims, after all, its our comfort clothing! What if you got an alternative to denim thats equally chic and apt for the summer as well as the rains? Known as chambray, we have seen many a stylists flaunt it in various shapes and styles.

Read: Cant live without your jeans? Heres how to up your denim game

Talking about the fabric, designer Rina Dhaka says, Chambray may be new for this generation but people from the 90s know that it existed even then and its a fashion recycle which is happening because in early 90s India was one of the biggest exporters of the fabric abroad,

Actor Sonakshi Sinha poses for a picture wearing a Chambray oversized shirt inteligently paired up with washed denims and plain white tee. Actor Sonam Kapoor looks elegant in a chambray skirt that she paired up with a glossy shirt and a long coat.

Designer Nida Mehmood explains the construction of the fabric. She says, Chambray and denim are very different in the way its woven. It is a great choice for summers and monsoons because it breathes beautifully. It is light and summery and doesnt stick to the body. Has a gentle fall and soft hand feel, she adds.

Read: Shirt dresses set the trend this summer

Stylist Nidhi Sharma thinks chambray is best for monsoon and suggests, Throw up your chambray shirt over your short dress, tie it at the bottom and give it a new twist. It is the most lightweight fabric, this season. Since its a versatile fabric, dont be afraid to pair it up with denims for a perfect casual look and dont bother about the same wash, adding: Also one can team up their oversized chambray shirt with their resort wear attire.
The Haryana government on Friday imposed the Haryana Essential Services Maintenance Act in the state for six months, keeping in mind the call for a two-day strike on June 29 and 30 by the employees of all four power utilities.

Electricity supply in the city is likely to be affected with the power utility employees going on mass leave in protest of the proposed privatisation of maintenance in 23 sub-divisions of both power utilities and sacking of outsourced staff. In May, several areas in the city had suffered outages because the staff remained on mass leave for two days.

Haryana chief secretary DS Dhesi issued orders on Friday evening that the governor of Haryana enforced ESMA, 1974 that prohibits strike by employees of four power utilities  Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited, Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited, Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN), and Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN).

While enforcing ESMA the order said that the strike would have gravely affected generation and distribution of electricity.

Esma gives police the right to arrest, without a warrant, anybody violating the Acts provisions.

Senior government officials also held a video conference to discuss the situation. The CS directed all district deputy commissioners and district police heads to prepare a working plan to handle law and order situation during the two days.

The power department and the home department will be issued timely directions, a letter from the CS office said. The government also directed superintendents of police and superintending engineers in the electricity department to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the strike.

Employees are protesting under the banner of Haryana Joint Action Committee comprising of all Haryana power corporation workers union and Haryana state electricity board workers union.

The utilities were doing well and there were no losses. We do not understand the need to privatise maintenance when the existing staff work well. The decision is also an attack on the rights of the employees of the corporations, said Mukesh Bhayana, circle secretary of the Haryana state electricity board workers union.

He said around 3.5 lakh employees from the post of a peon to the junior engineers would not turn up for work. Bhayana said the employees would protest the decision outside the circle offices.

Haryana joint action committee has also sought regularisation of contractual staff, removal of pay anomalies, re-organisation of discoms and filling of vacant posts on annual basis and timely promotions. There is also a demand for cashless mediclaim for the employees.

Sanjeev Chopra, superintending engineer (operations) of DHBVN said that since the ESMA has been imposed the strike would not have impact on the routine power supply.

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As Britains exit from the European Union  dubbed Brexit  became a reality, Indian political parties were a divided lot.

Read | LIVE: Its official. Britain votes to leave European Union

While some leaders were not too thrilled at another division within Europe, some blamed structural problems. The ruling BJP however remained silent, preferring to wait till the final results were officially declared. We will wait till we see the final results, said BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli.

Congress Jairam Ramesh was sad that Europes tendency to commit spectacular suicides continue even now. It committed two suicides in 20th century. In this century, this is the first spectacular suicide by Europe. They seem to have a morbid propensity for suicide, he said.

The communists, typically, blamed the neo-liberal economic order for this fall of Europe.

Coming together of European countries was a product that came after the great collapse of the Soviet Union. It was important against the threat of uni-polarity that the US, the only surviving superpower, posed. But EU got waded into the principles of neo-liberalism, it became subordinate to the overall domination of global finance, said CPI(M) Central Committee member Nilotpal Basu.

Read | Oil slumps after early returns show close Brexit vote

Biju Janata Dal (BJD)s Lok Sabha floor leader, Bhartruhari Mahtab, is worried about the future on Indian companies and the Brexits possible impact on the economy. Our fear is about the economy. The majority of our trade, foreign investments will have an adverse impact.

How Britain voted. (Data: BBC)

Mahtab, however, added that despite this loss, European Union (EU) will continue to be very important for India. We have already developed our trade relations with France and Germany and Italy. After economic liberalisation, our relations with Europe only became stronger with passing time. So, our relations with EU minus England will remain a very important area.

Ramesh however regards EU as not a political or financial project.

It was a unifier for countries that fought with each other for hundreds of years. Britains exit clearly weakens Europe. It is sad as we need a strong Europe to counter-balance the US.

Mahtab quipped, It might be a prejudice but I wanted the Europe to stay together.

Basu, however, blamed the structural imbalances of the EU for its troubles. Austerity became the war cry. Therefore the emerging electoral outcome in Brexit referendum appears to be a major backlash against the strangulating reality that the financial and political institutions of EU and European bank represented. We need to wait and watch.

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Defending its opposition to entry of non-NPT countries like India into NSG, China on Friday said it was guided by the rules of the 48-nation grouping which were not directed against any specific country.

It also advocated an out of the box thinking to arrive at a consensus over the issue of entry of non-NPT countries into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

China wants two things; we must abide by the rules of NSG because these kind of rules are not directed against any specific country. We must strive for consensus by thinking out of the box, foreign mnistry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a briefing.

Read: Procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country: India on its NSG bid

Hua claimed that during the NSGs plenary session in Seoul, China worked together with a couple of other countries to press ahead with the entry of non-NPT states through creative means.

This is also major progress achieved at the plenary session. China has been working positively and constructively to that end, she said.

Hua also insisted that the entry of India and other non-NPT states was not on the agenda of the plenary session.

So it does not make sense to say that China objects their entry. We have seen some media reports in this report. Hope relevant media when making such kinds of reports clear all the facts to avoid misleading the public, Hua said.

Read: China says world nuke system will collapse if non-NPT India gets NSG berth

Huas remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought Chinas support for Indias NSG membership.

Modi had urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to make a fair and objective assessment of Indias application which was before the Seoul plenary as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The plenary meeting of the nuclear trading club ended today with no decision on Indias membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.
The world non-proliferation regime would collapse if non-NPT countries such as India were allowed in the nuclear suppliers group, a top Chinese official said in Seoul on Friday, restating Beijings opposition to New Delhis bid to enter the 48-member bloc.

China understood Indias need for clean energy  an argument that Indian diplomats have put forward to join the nuclear suppliers group  but it was not a challenge unique to the country, Wang Qun, director general of the department of arms control of the foreign ministry, said in an emailed statement.

The remarks come on the day when member countries are expected to take a decision on Indias application after an intense first session on Wednesday left China isolated with other member countries speaking in favour of New Delhi. The two-day NSG plenary ends Friday.

Read: India bags all but Chinas vote, decision on NSG bid likely on Friday

India has not signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT), which it says is biased. The NPT recognises only five countries as nuclear weapon states  the US, Russia, the UK, France and China.

This is also the common challenges confronting the developing countries. We believe that NPT as the only international non-proliferation legal instrument is not at odds with the Paris agreement on climate change. On the contrary, they are mutually reinforcing and supportive, Wang said.

China, for its part, understands Indias sentiment on developing nuclear energy to meet climate changes. There are three pillars in the NPT, one of which is to ensure the legitimate rights of country in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

India had bilateral cooperation with many member countries and China would help India address its energy needs, he said.

Energy-starved India has set for itself an ambitious goal of sourcing 40% of its power from non-fossil sources and is relying heavily on nuclear energy to meet the target.

Read: Why NSG membership matters to India: All you need to know

Wang counted NPT as a must to enter the elite 48-member nuclear trading club. A new member would have to fulfil five criteria  ranging from technical to legal -- to join the NSG.

NPT is a must. In other words, the applicant state shall be party to the NPT. This is a rule not set by China, but reaffirmed by the international community. NPT represents the cornerstone of the entire non-proliferation regime, Wang said.

If exceptions were to be allowed, the international non-proliferation regime would collapse, he said, calling for innovative ideas to discuss inclusion of non-NPT countries.

As for how to address the issue of non-NPT states participation, this is a formidable task. Parties are far apart within the group, he said. The rules of the group, not targeted against any specific countries, should be respected.

China, he said, pushed the group to discuss the issue of non-NPT states participation in an innovative format.
All eyes were on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tashkent where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping as Indias bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is likely to be decided on Friday. However, reports by the official Chinese news agency remain tight lipped about any conversation between the leaders on the matter.

Read | India bags all but Chinas vote, decision on NSG bid likely on Friday

Common interests far outweigh specific differences between India and China, President Jinping apparently told PM Modi during a 45-minute meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit on Thursday, Xinhua reported.

Both sides should deepen practical cooperation, the agency quoted Xi as saying.

There was however no mention of what Xi told Modi about Chinas position on Indias application to join the NSG in the details released in the official statement early on Friday.

The state media report also did not mention the fact that Modi had brought up the topic during the meeting and had urged Xi to support Indias candidature. Modi is learnt to have told Xi that Indias joining the NSG will strengthen the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.

China has blocked Indias candidature to the NSG on the grounds that member nations should be limited to those which have signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). India has not signed the treaty, and neither has Pakistan, Chinas all weather ally which has also applied for a NSG membership.

The group, which controls access to nuclear technology, works on consensus and thus requires all 48 of its members to agree on a new country joining the ranks.

Indias candidature has come up at the ongoing annual meeting of the group in Seoul.

Reports say China is increasingly being isolated on the opposition side as other member countries have come out in Indias support. The resistance possibly stems from it wariness that if India is allowed to join the NSG, it will not agree to Pakistan also entering the group.

Read | China says it will support Pakistans case on NSG entry

Though Xinhua parried on the NSG talks, it did report that Xi talked of further developing and strengthening the Sino-India relations.

Referring to President Pranab Mukherjees visit to China in May, the Chinese president said important consensus had been reached on developing bilateral relations.

China is ready to work with India to jointly develop a good grasp of the general direction of Sino-Indian relations, Xinhua quoted Xi as saying.

Both sides should deepen practical cooperation, strengthen trade, railways, industrial parks, power energy, information technology, environmental protection and other areas of cooperation, he further said .

As for the SCO summit, Modi apparently thanked China for its help in joining the organisation.

In recent years, bilateral relations have maintained good momentum... The Indian side is willing to strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields and is in close communication and coordination on international and regional issues, and properly handle relevant issues between the two countries, Modi said.
In the run-up to the high-voltage European Union (EU) vote, India maintained it was an internal affair of the British but not without saying that Britain is the gateway to Europe.

After the referendum pushed Britain out of the EU on Friday, India said it values its relationships with both the UK and the EU and will work to further strengthen these ties.

Between these two statements lies the impact of Brexit on India  a lot will now depend on how the separation plan between Britain and the EU is arrived at. A host of short-term impacts will be felt by India but the long-term picture appears to be rosier.

I would say there will be some impact in the short term. But I dont see long-term implications for India arising from UKs decision to walk out of the EU, said former foreign secretary Lalit Mansingh, who also served as Indias envoy to London.

Making light of the personalised, first-name basis diplomacy this government is known for, he said irrespective of what happens to Prime Minister David Cameron, India-UK ties will continue to be on a strong wicket.

Personal chemistry is something that great leaders can manufacture. Despite having nothing much in common between them, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had excellent personal chemistry with Bill Clinton and his successor George Bush, Mansingh said.

However, there are some immediate concerns for India. Brexit could be the single biggest challenge to global economic recovery.

Britain accounts for 18% of the EUs GDP and the bloc stands to lose around a sixth of its economic output after Thursdays vote.

The EU and UK are crucial to the Indian growth story. A fifth of Indias foreign exchange reserves come from export earnings and other inflows from the EU and Britain.

With the UK out of the EU, Indian firms will have to re-think their strategy. Nearly a third of Indian investment in the UK is in IT and telecom. If some of this has to migrate to the continent with manufacturing firms, Indian investment into the UK will be diverted to the EU.

IT sector lobby NASSCOM said as much as 30% of the industrys $100 billion revenue comes from the European market. UK would be under no obligation to adopt restrictive EU data localisation norms which it does not subscribe to in their entirety. All these factors could benefit India-UK bilateral economic relations, it said.

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The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) kept on hold Indias request for membership on Friday after several countries led by China refused to adjust rules that require New Delhi to first sign a global arms control pact.

A disappointed India said, in an unusually sharp but veiled reference to China, that one country persistently created procedural hurdles, a byword for Beijings insistence New Delhi sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

New Delhi had gone to Seoul without any certainty of victory. It had hoped intense lobbying, which included cross-continent diplomatic campaigns by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a last-minute meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, would help deal with the procedural necessities for a non-NPT members entry into the NSG.

But it was clear on Friday that the Chinese opposition had encouraged six others to also raise procedural points about Indias entry into the grouping that controls access to nuclear materials and technology.

Read: Kejriwal slams Modi for NSG setback, says his foreign policy failed

We understand that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country, a three-hour-long discussion took place last night on the issue of future participation in the NSG, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

The NSG plenary in Seoul earlier in the day decided against granting India membership of the grouping immediately and said it will continue to have discussions on participation of countries which have not signed the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty.

China is leading opposition to a push by the United States to bring India into the NSG. Beijings all-weather ally, Pakistan, which hasnt signed the NPT either, is also seeking membership.

A statement from the NSG also reinforced the centrality of NPT to the NSG membership, though the bloc didnt shut the door at the future participation of countries which have not signed the pact.

Participating governments reiterated their firm support for the full, complete and effective implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime, it said.

The word implementation was put in as part of last ditch attempt by the Western nations to leave a slight door for India in future. This implies India need only abide by the NPT rather than sign it.

Read: Why NSG membership matters to India: All you need to know

The statement also said the NSG had discussions on the issue of technical, legal and political aspects of the participation of non-NPT states in the NSG and decided to continue its discussion.

Indias membership was overwhelmingly backed by the US, Japan, Russia, Britain and France. Procedural questions were raised by Iceland, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Brazil and Turkey, besides China.

In New Delhi, the setback handed the opposition Congress an opportunity to attack Modis foreign policy as a spectacle that had unnecessarily embarrassed the country.

We do not know why India showed its desperation and allowed the country to be equated with Pakistan on the issue of NSG membership, party spokesman Anand Sharma said.

Its high time that Prime Minister Narendra Modi realises that diplomacy requires gravitas, depth and seriousness. PM Modi needs to realise diplomacy needs depth not public tamasha.

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Monsoon rains are likely to end in India later than usual this year, with plentiful showers towards the latter stages of the season helping farmers recover from two straight droughts, the chief of the countrys weather office told Reuters on Friday.

Monsoon rains are the lifeblood of Indias agriculture-dependent economy and a weeks delay in their onset this year has caused the planting of summer-sown crops such as cotton, rice, soybean and sugar cane to drop by nearly 24%.

The monsoon has remained 15% lower than average in June, but the deficit is expected to narrow in the days to come, Laxman Singh Rathore of the Indian Meteorological Department said in an interview.

The weather office forecasts monsoon rains to be above average this year after the droughts ravaged crops and worsened rural distress.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley on Friday singled out good rains as one of the factors helping India when Britains vote to leave the European Union is roiling world markets.

Monsoon rains typically arrive at the southern coast of Kerala state by June 1 and start retreating by September from the western state of Rajasthan. But a late start is no guarantee of a delayed end.

There is a strong possibility that the terminal phase will be wetter and the withdrawal will be later than normal, Rathore said.

Farmers will need to adjust their sowing period to reap a good crop, Rathore added.

An extended monsoon leaves the soil moist for the sowing of winter crops such as rapeseed, wheat and lentils.
As the final process for Indias accession as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday the partnership will help protect the region from threats of radicalisation, violence and terror and drive its economic growth.

In his address at the SCO summit, Modi said India would significantly benefit from the groupings strengths in energy and natural resources and in turn Indias strong economy and vast market could drive economic growth in the SCO region.

Indias membership of SCO would contribute to regions prosperity. It would also strengthen its security. Our partnership will protect our societies from the threats of radical ideologies of hate, violence and terror.

India will unite with SCO countries to work towards this goal. And, we will adopt zero tolerance and a comprehensive approach in fighting terrorism at all levels, said Modi.

At the summit, India signed the SCOs Memorandum of Obligations, kick-starting the process of its accession into the group as a full member.

India will have to sign around 30 other documents in the course of the year to complete the process for membership. Pakistan is also being inducted into SCO as a full member.

We are indeed grateful to the SCO Member States and its leaders for their overwhelming support for Indias membership of the SCO. I also welcome Pakistan as the new member of the SCO, said the Prime Minister.

Seeking deeper economic engagement, Modi said Indias capacities in trade, investments, information and communication technology, space, agriculture, health care, small and medium scale industry can bring wide spread economic benefit to the SCO countries - Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

We would represent 40 per cent of humanity and over a billion youth. To this group, India brings principles that are in tune with the philosophies of the SCO. India has always enjoyed good relations with the Eurasian land mass, he said.

The Prime Minister said India will be a productive partner in the SCO in promoting trade, energy cooperation and developing transport links in the region besides people-to-people contacts.

Our decision to join the international North South Transport Corridor, the Chabahar Agreement, and Ashgabat Agreement reflects this desire and intent, Modi said.

Talking about Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said, a stable, independent and peaceful Afghanistan is not just a sincere desire of each Afghan but it is also necessary for greater security and stability in the SCO region.

He exuded confidence that Indias engagement with all SCO members will help in build a region which is an engine of economic growth for the world and is more stable and secure internally and strongly connected with other geographies.

The Prime Minister had said at the Ufa Summit of the SCO last year, the SCO leaders had accepted India as its full member. It was a landmark in Indias engagement with SCO, adding as a logical extension Indias age old ties with the region, one-sixth of humanity will join the family of SCO.

Observing that India has historic linkages with SCO countries, he said the connection was not just geographic as our societies have been enriched by links of culture, cusine and commerce. They form the bed rock of our modern day relationships with Russia, China and the countries of Central Asia.

He said with India as full member of the SCO, the groups boundaries would stretch from the Pacific to Europe and from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean.

We can partner to develop human resources and institutional capacities in the region. Since our priorities match, our development experiences would be relevant to your national needs.

The interdependent world of 21st century is full of economic opportunities. It also faces geo-political complexities and security challenges. And, connectivity among the countries of the region is crucial to our economic prosperity.

And, not just physical connectivity. What we need is seamless flow of goods, services, capital and people among ourselves. But, that alone is not enough. Our region also needs to nurture strong rail, road and air links with the rest of the world, he said.

He said, next year, India would look forward to attending SCO meeting in Astana, as equal partners.
A 24-year-old woman working for software giant Infosys was hacked to death on Friday on a railway platform in Chennai, allegedly by a man who had stalked her for months.

Police said the incident happened around 6.30 am at the Nungambakkam railway station and was witnessed by other people on the platform.

In 2013, India made stalking a crime with punishment up to three years in jail but harassment of women leading to tragic incidents continue to take place across the country.

The victim, identified as S Swathi, was employed with Infosys branch at Mahindra World City at Singaperumalkoil, around 60 km from Chennai.

Reports quoting eyewitnesses said a man in green shirt and black trousers attacked Swathi with a sickle after a heated argument. She received deep cuts in her face and neck before collapsing in a pool of blood.

Reports said the man had been stalking her for several months from the station to her workplace.

There are no CCTV cameras in the railway station though police said they have zeroed in on the assailant.

Swathi, a resident of Choolaimedu near the station, was waiting to board a suburban train to reach her office as per her routine, police added.

Infosys described the incident as unfortunate and said it was cooperating with investigating officials.

We are saddened by the unfortunate incident that has led to the demise of our employee in Chennai. We are working with the local authorities as they investigate the matter and will continue to provide our co-operation and support, the company said in a statement.
A 14-year-old girl taking care of her elder sister who is an alleged rape survivor at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College Hospital here was raped by the son of a hospital safai staff.

The alleged rape, which happened in a village outside the premier government hospital, came to light on Thursday when the teenaged girl managed to escape from the clutches of the accused.

Police arrested the rape accused, 23-year-old Abhishek Thakur alias Pappu, and booked him for kidnapping and rape under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

The college administration also terminated services of the Pappus mother, who is a contractual safai staff at the hospital, medical college Dean Dr Ruplekha Chauhan told HT on Friday.

According to Garha police station in charge RK Gautam, the girl alleged that Pappu lured her to his house on Tuesday and raped her in the village. The girl had come from village Patan to take care of her elder sister who had recently been admitted to the medical college hospital.

The older sister, also unmarried, was allegedly raped a month ago while she was pregnant. She is admitted to the hospital for observation.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis foreign policy has completely failed and he needs to explain what he does on his foreign jaunts.

PM Modi has completely failed on foreign policy front. He owes explanation on what did he do on his foreign jaunts? Kejriwal tweeted.

Kejriwals remarks come as Indias attempts to get membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group being stalled, with China leading a group of countries that are insisting on New Delhi being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said the prime ministers office must be questioned for NSG defeat. For its defeat on the NSG issue, shouldnt the PMO be questioned which is only focused on weakening state governments? Is there anyone to question or is everyone busy? he tweeted.

Indias application for NSG membership was taken up at the 48-nation blocs special session in Seoul on Thursday, and is also being discussed on Friday.
The Congress asserted on Friday that the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showed unnecessary desperation for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership that embarrassed the country in the end.

Diplomacy is always done by wisdom and silence. We have never seen diplomacy being conducted in this manner, making it very clear whom are you are lobbying with and whom you are petitioning with, senior Congress leader and Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma told reporters at the party headquarters.

Read: China says world nuke system will collapse if non-NPT India gets NSG berth

It is an embarrassment for India to do what was not required. This kind of intense lobbying by Prime Minister Modi and his government, we can understand, should have been done for UN Security Council membership, Sharma said insisting there was no need to show desperation that led India to be equated with Pakistan in NSG case.

Why did the Prime Minister and this government make so much of noise about it and kind of hectic campaigning and lobbying for it? In 2008, NSG had given India specific waiver which allowed Indias integration with the Nuclear mainstream after decades of isolation, he added.

That agreement Sharma said paved the way for India to enter into agreement with United States of America. He added that India specific IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) agreement allowed India to also trade with NSG Countries.

Read: Seoul plenary ends: No decision on Indias NSG entry as China remains adamant

NSG countries can sell reactors to India and India can do the same. So there was no need of this desperation on NSG issue, Sharma said.

He added NSG membership would not have brought any drastic change to Indias nuclear trade.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said Modis foreign policy has completely failed and he needs to explain what he does on his foreign jaunts.

Slamming Modi, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia tweeted: For its defeat on the NSG issue, shouldnt the PMO be questioned which is only focused on weakening state governments? Is there anyone to question or is everyone busy?
Karnal district Jail has adopted Prime Minister Narendra Modis skill India initiative in which prisoners are getting special training for manufacturing Khaki socks for about 55,000 cops of Haryana police.

Though the target is big, the jail authorities are confident of achieving it with the help of its prisoners. Also two hosiery machines have been imported from Ludhiana and the work will start within a week.

Officials feel the initiative taken by director general of prisons Yashpal Singhal will make the inmates self-reliant once they walk out of prison.

Jail superintendent Sher Singh said, Training of the first batch of 10 prisoners is about to complete, and socks will be available from next week.

The decision was taken following the demand of socks for policemen, for which the government and state police department had to depend on private manufacturers. Also we need not spend money on marketing of the product as we already have huge demand of socks in our department, he added.

He said, Besides ensuring income to prisoners, the move will make them skilled. They can continue the same work to earn their living after completion of their sentence.

Apart from this, Karnal jail will ink a pact with a private joss stick (agarbatti) manufacturer. Prisoners of Karnal jail will make joss sticks, while the private firm will provide raw material to us and will also sell the produce in the market.

Of the 2,355 inmates in the jail, only 100 are involved in different works like carpentry, welding, cloth making and blanket making for government and other jails. Besides, they make footmats for a private manufacturer.

As the number of working inmates is low, we are going to start new initiatives under skill India to make more inmates, including women, as skilled workers, Singh added.

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At the end of its two-day plenary in Seoul, the NSG on Friday declared its firm support for the full, complete and effective implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime, a clear indication that no exception will be made in the case of India.

The statement by the 48-nation grouping, however, said that it will continue to have discussions on participation of countries which have not signed the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Confirming that the Indias application was discussed during the two-day deliberations, the statement, under a sub-heading Outreach, said it shared information on all aspects of the 2008 Statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India and discussed the NSG relationship with India.

Participating governments reiterated their firm support for the full, complete and effective implementation of the NPT as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime, it said.

The NSG had discussions on the issue of Technical, Legal and Political Aspects of the Participation of non-NPT States in the NSG and decided to continue its discussion, the statement said.

Read| China says world nuke system will collapse if non-NPT India gets NSG berth

The NSG had discussions on the issue of Technical, Legal and Political Aspects of the Participation of non-NPT States in the NSG and decided to continue its discussion, the statement said.

A special meeting on Thursday night had discussed Indias application where China and a number of other countries opposed its entry into NSG saying it was not a signatory of the NPT.

The members also expressed concerns regarding continued global proliferation activities and reaffirmed its determination to continue to cooperate closely in order to deter, hinder and prevent the transfer of controlled items or technology that could contribute to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.

In the NSG plenary, chaired by Ambassador Song Young-wan of South Korea, the participating governments also called upon all states to exercise vigilance and to ensure effective implementation of all United Nations Security Council Resolutions relevant to the work and purposes of the NSG.

The NSG decided that Switzerland will assume the Chairmanship of the NSG from 2017 to 2018 and will host the next plenary.

The NSG also welcomed the growing number of states that have harmonised their national export control systems with the NSG guidelines and control lists. It also discussed options for enhancing outreach such as dedicated briefings for and meetings with interested non-NSG partners on the work of the group.

It also decided to have a dedicated response to non-NSG partners seeking assistance and practical experience in developing, updating, strengthening and implementing national export control systems.

Read| Why NSG membership matters to India: All you need to know
India said on Friday that an early decision on its application for the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group is in larger global interest after its bid was blocked as member countries failed to arrive at a consensus.

China led the opposition on the grounds that Indias application could not be considered as it has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). India says the NPT that recognises only the US, Russia, the UK, France and China as nuclear weapon states is biased.

Backed by nearly 10 other countries, the argument effectively torpedoed Indias bid although it had the strong backing of the US, the UK, France and a majority of countries in the nuclear trading group.

A top Chinese official said in Seoul that the world non-proliferation regime would collapse if non-NPT countries such as India were allowed in the nuclear suppliers group. The stand clearly showed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had not responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modis urgings in Tashkent on Thursday.

Indias participation in the NSG will further strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and make global nuclear commerce more secure. It would advance energy security and make a difference to combating climate change. We are confident that the NSG will recognize these benefits as it deliberates further on this issue, Vikas Swarup, spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs, said.

Our application has acquired an immediacy in view of Indias INDC envisaging 40% non-fossil power generation capacity by 2030. An early positive decision by the NSG would have allowed us to move forward on the Paris Agreement, he said.

Swarup, without naming China, said that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country, there was a three-hour long discussion on the issue of Indias participation in the NSG.

An overwhelming number of those who took the floor supported Indias membership and appraised Indias application positively. We thank each and every one of them. It is also our understanding that the broad sentiment was to take this matter forward, he said.

He said Indias take on the NPT is well-known and pointed to the stand NSG took in 2008 while addressing the issue.

Paragraph 1 (a) of the September 2008 decision states that the decision on India contributes to the widest possible implementation of the provisions and objectives of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. There is thus no contradiction between the NPT and Indias closer engagement with the NSG, the spokesperson said.

Swarup also pointed out that most countries want an early decision on the matter and those that raised issues regarding the process for Indias participation in the NSG were not actually against New Delhis bid.

It is self-evident that process issues would not arise if these countries were actually opposed to our participation. This is corroborated by our own bilateral engagement with each of these countries.

At the end of its two-day plenary in Seoul, the NSG said it discussed the issue of technical, legal and political aspects of participation of non-NPT states.

The 48-nation grouping said given the focus on the NPT, participating governments reiterated their firm support for effective implementation of the treaty as a cornerstone of international non-proliferation regime.

The bloc, however, said that it will continue to have discussions on the participation of countries that have not signed the NPT.
The plenary meeting of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) ended in Seoul on Friday with no decision on Indias membership bid.

China led the opposition on the grounds that Indias application could not be considered given that it has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Backed by nearly 10 other countries, the argument effectively torpedoed Indias bid although it had the strong backing of the US, the UK, France and a majority of countries in the nuclear trading group.

Read | China says world nuke system will collapse if non-NPT India gets NSG berth

Chief Chinese negotiator and director general of Chinas department of arms control, Wang Qun, told reporters that there was no consensus among the 48-member countries, a requisite to allowing a new member. He insisted that for a country to be a member of NSG, signing of the NPT is a must, a rule set by the international community.

Wang further warned if exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether.

Asked about reports that Beijing was blocking Indias membership, he said the NSG had so far not agreed to any agenda item on participation of non-NPT countries. Therefore, there was no point of China supporting or opposing Indias membership.

The stand clearly showed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had not responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modis urgings in Tashkent on Thursday.

Seeking Chinas support for Indias membership, Modi had urged Xi to make a fair and objective assessment of Indias application which came up before the Seoul plenary as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

Read | We desire to see Indias NSG application be seriously considered: US

Among the countries that backed India were Canada and Brazil. The South American country held that India had a better nuclear proliferation record than Pakistan, the other non-NPT country seeking NSG membership. However, it did call for a common criteria of such non-NPT states.

For its part, the NSG said it discussed the issue of technical, legal and political aspects of participation of non-NPT states. Since no conclusive decision had been arrived at, discussions are set to continue, the group added.

Given the focus on the NPT, participating governments reiterated their firm support for effective implementation of the treaty as a cornerstone of international non-proliferation regime, the NSG said.

Switzerland was announced as the next chair country that would steer the group in 2017-2018, and will host the next plenary session.

During PM Modis visit to the Alpine country early this month, Swiss president Johann Schneider-Ammann pledged the countrys support to Indias bid.

(With inputs from ANI)
US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Friday reiterated his countrys full support for Indias bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

He said the US remained committed to nuclear cooperation with India and the latters accession to NSG. His comments came even as a plenary of the 48-member bloc in Seoul failed to take a decision on Indias membership, mainly due to Chinas objections over India not signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

He, however, refused to comment on China opposing Indias bid for NSG membership.

Verma declined to comment on the stand taken by China at the NSG meeting in Seoul saying its an ongoing discussion.

Because its an ongoing discussion, I dont want to get in the middle of that. Let us see how they evolve, he said while answering a query at a media conference here.

Read: Most nations back India, China last hurdle in NSG

Verma said they would wait for the outcome of the Seoul NSG meet.

We have been supportive (of Indias bid for NSG membership) at the highest possible level and we will continue to do so, he added.

I dont want to answer hypothetical questions, he quipped when asked if India fails to get NSG membership will it affect the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

We are committed to nuclear cooperation. We are committed to this arrangement and we are also committed to Indias accession to NSG, he said.

The ambassador recalled that it was six years ago that President Barack Obama affirmed strong support for Indias entry into the NSG. We reaffirmed that many times over the years. We worked with India on its membership. We think they present a strong case and have been strongly supportive of its accession (to NSG), he said.
The US wants to see Indias application for NSG membership be considered seriously even as its bid to enter the 48-nation grouping has hit a roadblock reportedly due to Chinese opposition.

We have made clear our desire to see Indias application be seriously considered, state department spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference on Thursday.

Nuclear Suppliers Group members are scheduled to continue their meeting in Seoul on Friday wherein countries supporting Indias application are expected to raise it again.

The US, Kirby said, has consistently supported and raised Indias membership to the NSG before its other 47 member countries.

We have made very clear our support of their application, and I have no reason to suspect that it was not discussed at this meeting. But what was discussed in the room and where they came down, I just do not know.

I will see what we can do to find out for you, but I do not know how complete an answer I am going to be able to give you, Kirby added.

China belligerently led opposition to Indias membership of NSG at a three-hour post-dinner meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in Seoul on Thursday night which ended in a deadlock.

Preceding the two-day plenary of the 48-member NSG, which began on Thursday, China had repeatedly said that Indias membership was not on the agenda and is said to have made every effort to prevent any discussion on Indias bid.

Indian official sources said that China was joined by Austria, Ireland and Brazil among other countries which questioned as to how a country like India which had not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) can be admitted to the grouping.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off through video conferencing the ambitious Smart City project in 20 cities, including Jaipur, on Saturday, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation will launch a slew of services toeing the Smart City guidelines.

The NDA governments plan is to build 100 smart cities by 2022 complete with Internet connectivity, quality infrastructure such as waste management and efficient public transport. Most cities in the country are bursting at the seams because of influx from the countryside and lack basic infrastructure.

To mark the occasion, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) has produced a three-minute video that will be showed at a ceremony to be held at the Birla Auditorium here.

Solid waste management and cleanliness are our primary concern in the smart city project and we are also planning to improve transportation facilities in the walled city, said V Saravana Kumar, the CEO of Jaipur Smart City Ltd.

A public bicycle sharing system will be unveiled on Saturday and the civic body has signed a MoU with a private company for the purpose. It is expected to cost `80 lakh. Fifteen bike centres will be opened across the city from where residents will be able to rent them through the help of smart card facility.

A LED display system of real time movements of buses will also be launched. Also, digital timetable will be installed in 10 bus stops around the city.

Jaipur Municipal Corporation commissioner Hemant Gera said: The smart city project is being run as a company, separate from workings of the civic body. Once the work in smart city project starts, existing problems that the civic body faces such as cleanliness and sanitation will also be solved automatically. Our approach is to take one problem at a time.
Theres no better way to beat the monsoon blues than by having a satiable broth. Whether you are at home and enjoy the rains by a windowsill or returning drenched from work, a warm soup is an ideal quick fix. Soups are particularly helpful if you are down with a cold or a flu, says Sandeep Sonawane, head chef, Jamjar Diner, Andheri (W).

From the Tibetan noodle soup Thukpa to the wholesome Japanese Ramen, here are recipes for soups you can enjoy this monsoon.

Ramen with grilled chicken

Ingredients

400ml chicken stock

1-inch stub of ginger, sliced

1tbsp soy sauce n 1tsp fish sauce

1/2tsp sugar

1 lemon wedge

30gm celery

100gm Ramen noodles

200gm chicken breast

25gm pak choi

25gm spinach

3-4 shiitake mushrooms

50gm tofu

3-5gm wakame

1 nori sheet

2tsp spring onions

Method

Slice the ginger and celery. Add it to the stock. Simmer for 25-30 minutes on low heat. Add soy sauce, sugar and lemon to it

Boil the Ramen noodles in hot water for four to five minutes

Add the vegetables to the broth for a minute, and remove it

Place the boiled noodles and vegetables in a bowl. Add the stock and roasted chicken.

Garnish with shredded nori, sprouts and spring onions.

- Mitesh Rangras, owner and chef, Lemon Leaf, Bandra (W) and Andheri (W

Read: A pinch of happiness from the spice rack: 5 natural mood-lifters for you

Firehouse Chilli Soup

Ingredients

35gm tomato puree

15gm Chipotle sauce

10gm tomato concasse

5gm red capsicum

5gm yellow capsicum n

3gm onions

3gm zucchini

5gm refried beans

5gm black beans

6gm Cheddar cheese

4gm sour cream

5gm garlic

200ml water

1 clove

10ml olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Tortilla chips

Spring onions for garnish

Method

Saute the garlic, clove and onions in olive oil. Add red capsicum, yellow capsicum and zucchini. Saute

Add the tomato puree, water, Chipotle sauce and tomato concasse. Cook for two minutes

Lastly, add refried beans, black beans, salt and pepper to taste. Cook for five minutes

Garnish with Cheddar cheese, sour cream and spring onions. Serve with tortilla chips.

- Sandeep Sonawane, head chef, Jamjar Diner, Andheri (W)

Read: Museum recreates signature dishes from top eateries through exhibition

Tibetan Thukpa

Ingredients (for the paste)

60gm onions, chopped

15gm garlic, chopped

20gm ginger, chopped

3gm cumin powder

1gm turmeric powder

1gm green chilli

100gm tomatoes

Ingredients (for the soup)

8gm vegetable oil

40gm onions, sliced

80gm noodles

30gm mushrooms, sliced

20gm carrots, cut into long strips

20gm red pepper

3gm lime juice

1gm black pepper, crushed

1gm coriander leaves

5gm spring onions, sliced

800ml vegetable stock

Method

To prepare the paste, mix all the ingredients in a food processor. Process until they are finely chopped

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the paste and cook it till it loses its raw smell

Pour in the vegetable stock and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes

Meanwhile, boil water in a large saucepan. Add noodles and cook for two minutes

Drain the water, and spread it in a flat tray. Add oil. Mix it and set aside

Add mushrooms, carrots and capsicum to the simmering stock. Cook until the vegetables become tender

Add lime juice to taste

Put the noodles in a bowl. Pour the stock and vegetables on the noodles. Garnish with coriander and spring onion.

- Swasti Aggarwal, food strategist, Foodhall, Lower Parel

Seafood Bouillabaisse Soup

Ingredients

30ml olive oil

60gm onion

20gm garlic

90gm bell peppers

5gm basil

5gm fresh oregano

50gm tomato paste

120gm tomatoes

2 pieces of prawns

100gm squids

4 pieces of clams

100gm Basa fish

15ml saffron water

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Bake the shrimps along with the shell at 180 degree Celsius. The prawns will turn brown on the edges

In an eight-quarter pot, combine water, carrots, onions, celery, bay leaves, garlic, pepper, thyme and shrimps

Cook for about 20 minutes. Strain the stock once cooked

In a saucepan, saute olive oil with chopped onions, chopped garlic, bell pepper, tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, seafood, the stock, saffron water, cream sauce, fresh basil leaves and oregano

Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve hot.

- Chef Subhash Shirke, Woodside Inn, Colaba

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Independence Day: Resurgence

Director - Roland Emmerich

Cast - Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Maika Monroe, Judd Hirsch, Jesse Usher, William Fichtner, Charlotte Gainsbourg

Rating - 2/5

Independence Day: Resurgence ends on a terrifying thought. No, it has nothing to do with angry aliens or inept humans like the movies 2 hours will have you believe. But in its final moments, it gives the impression that director Roland Emmerich, sensing the inevitable global apocalypse that will be brought on by a Donald Trump presidency, got the narcissistic walking wig on the hotline, bent over in complete submission and swore his allegiance.

The film takes a turn from which there is no coming back  it makes us, or at least ponders the possibility of making us, the perennial victims of alien invasions, the invaders.

Read other movie reviews here

Now this is by no means a novel notion. Avatar did it a few years ago, and even Emmerichs 1994 film Stargate flirted with a similar plot. But Resurgence does it with such fist-pumping jingoism, such blind machismo, that its difficult to ignore the parallels with whats happening around us. Even in our escapist fantasies, weve become the aggressors.

Films, more specifically Hollywood blockbusters, have always been a reactionary medium. Depending on the times they arrive in  the emptiness after WW2, the paranoia of the Cold War, or the disillusionment after Vietnam  they can make poignant statements. Its safe to say that right now, were in a post 9/11 state of terror.

90s cheese, with modern excess.

Resurgence is a devastatingly dumb film. It makes the similarly 9/11-themed politics of Man of Steel seem profoundly progressive. Where that film tried to humanise an alien, Emmerich and his team of six writers (a recipe for a disaster if there ever was one) clearly took the satire of Team America: World Police as obvious fact.

So lets take a moment and talk about those tragically incompetent aliens. We always knew they were coming back. We had 20 years to prepare. But as the tagline helpfully reminds us, so did they. Now, I know: An Independence Day sequel that missed the boat by 20 years is hardly a movie to find logic in - it is, after all a movie in which the Burj Khalifa spears London in the Thames. But when both sides strategies consist exclusively of shooting at each other, with the exact same weapons (weve utilised the stray alien tech they left behind from 96) and varying degrees of enthusiasm, it can all get a little tedious.

Think about all the things you liked about the first film and its worse in this one: Jeff Goldblum is at his least Jeff Goldblumiest, a reprise of Bill Pullmans speech never arrives, Will Smith is missing because he refused to return  which is admirable for an actor who said yes to Wild Wild West and After Earth  and Randy Quaid is dead. But at least they retained some of that classic mothership imagery and destroyed landmarks because thats what everyone really wants, isnt it?

Just like Quentin Tarantino with feet and Nicolas Winding Refn with hands, Roland Emmerich too has a fetish. He likes to blow stuff up. Here he gives the impression that he spent the entire two hours of the atrocious 2012 movie Battleship going I couldve done that. And thats what he does.

Read: Why Independence Day Resurgence destroyed the world but left India alone

To be fair, Emmerich is one of the better blockbuster filmmakers working right now. Say what you will, but the original Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012 and even White House Down were all enjoyable. In fact, his best film is the quiet Shakespearean thriller Anonymous. But save for a few moments of awe, Resurgence has nothing worthwhile to offer. The humans, led by Liam Hemsworth, barely register.

The dialogue in this film is terrible. The standard quips and friendly banter is delivered with the emotion of a stationary rock.

This is the kind of film everyone watches, which should ideally be an indication for them to try harder. These films are guilty pleasures and cheat days after youve seen all your Revenants and Fellinis. But like that pizza you devour after displaying months of agonising restraint, its going to make you really, really sick.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

The author tweets @NaaharRohan

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NEW DELHI: Chinas great wall appeared to be crumbling before Indian diplomacy on Thursday. Beijing was left isolated as every other government of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) spoke at the opening of the Seoul plenary in favour of accepting India into the elite international nuclear technology club.

At the end of the first tense session of the two-day meeting, China found itself isolated over its call for a criteria-based membership that would allow Pakistan to also join the NSG, official sources told Hindustan Times.

China has been trying to block Indias membership by saying entry into the NSG should be limited to countries that have signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a global nuclear arms control pact.

India and Chinas al l - weather ally, Pakistan, which too is seeking membership of the NSG, have not signed the NPT.

As the NSG works by consensus, China has the ability to veto Indias entry.

Even as the Seoul meeting was taking place, on the other side of Asia in Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was making a direct appeal to Chinese President Xi Jinping to support Indias entry to the NSG, saying China should make a fair and objective assessment of Indias candidature.

Modis message was described as very direct.
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) mulls converting its two-year Master of Technology (MTech) programme, which consists of course work and research, into a one-year course with no research option.

According to a source, the move was necessitated as the quality of research by many MTech students was found to be poor, despite spending crores in fellowships and providing other resources to them. A few months ago, the institute appointed a committee to draft a proposal to restructure the course. Such a proposal will need the approval of senate, the apex decision-making body at the IIT-B.

IIT-B runs a two-year MTech programme for around 2,000 students and a three-year course for almost 500 students. The curriculum and structure of the two programmes are similar.

MTech students are paid a monthly stipend between Rs12,000 and Rs16,000 for their research and teaching services at the premier institute.

However, a professor said that many of these students, especially the ones enrolled in the two-year programme, are not sincere towards their research. While students do their course work, they are not contributing much towards research. The mandatory research work produced by students is sub-standard. In such a scenario, whats the point of wasting taxpayers money on them? he said.

Although the institute could ask a student to improve her research thesis by extending the course duration, the teachers generally accept the poor quality research, as neither students nor IITB can afford additional expenses, sources said.

A PhD student at IIT-B said that MTech students tend to neglect research work after they are recruited by a company.

Even if IITB introduces one-year MTech, it may not completely do away with the current two-year programme. Those who wish to do research in the post-graduate course will be allowed to do so, said Narayan Rangaraj, dean (academic programmes).

According to Subhasis Choudhary, deputy director (academic and infrastructural affairs), poor research quality isnt the only reason for revising MTech.

The committee has been appointed to find out the market requirements. They will consult many people to find out which MTech structure is best suited for the market, he said.

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TASHKENT: Any exception in granting membership to the NSG will disturb strategic stability in South Asia, Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Making a strong case for Pakistans bid to join the 48-member NSG, Hussain said t his country had made notable efforts over the years to strengthen its export controls, command and control and nuclear safety and security.

Hussain met Xi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan and discussed Pakistans entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The President also said any exception given for NSG membership could disturb strategic stability in South Asia, the statement, apparently referring to India, said.

Both sides reiterated support to each others core interests and expressed their intention to maintain close coordination, it said.

President Hussain said the friendship between the two countries is time tested and based on complete mutual trust, understanding and respect. The two countries enjoyed excellent cooperation and convergence of views on regional and global issues.

He also thanked China for its support to Pakistan for becoming full member of the SCO.

Hussain said Pakistan was committed to the timely realisation of all the projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and emphasised that it would not only benefit Pakistan and China but would be a game changer for the entire region.

President Xi said Pakistan and China are iron brothers and both nations enjoy an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

He expressed Chinas complete support to Pakistans national security and territorial integrity. President Xi stated that CPEC was a flagship project of the One Belt One Road Initiative and China was committed to its successful completion.
A day after the arrest of Shiv Sena Punjab (Ghanauli group) youth wing leader Amit Arora for faking attack on himself to get security cover, the police on Friday nabbed another Sena leader for orchestrating attack on himself.

The police arrested national president of the Shiv Sena Yuva Morcha RD Puri and his two accomplices Mani Seera and Anurag Pandit. Allegedly confessing to the crime, Puri told the police that he faked attack on himself to get security cover and public attention. The police also booked his aide Samar DSouza and an unidentified man, and hunt has been launched to arrest them.

Also read I Ludhiana Shiv Sena leader held for faking attack on himself

Additional deputy commissioner of police (ADCP, crime) Balkar Singh said the police registered a first information report (FIR) on June 4, 2013, following Puris statement that unidentified an assailant opened fire at his office in Kashmir Nagar with an intention to kill him. A case under Sections 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 25 of the Arms Act was registered against the unidentified accused, the ADCP said.

RD Puri allegedly told the police that he faked the attack on himself to get security cover and publicity. (Photo: Facebook)

HT Spotlight | The Shiv Senas of Punjab: Right wing takes a wrong turn

The ADCP said following a tip-off, the police nabbed Puris close aide Anurag Pandit who spilled the beans and admitted that the attack on Puri was orchestrated. Anurag said he, along with Puri, Mani Seera, DSouza and his unidentified friend planned the conspiracy. Puri promised DSouzas friend Rs 3 lakh, an LIG flat on Chandigarh Road, besides Rs 10,000 per month if he attacked him.

According to their plan, DSouzas friend opened fire at Puris office and fled after which the government provided security to Puri.

Also read I Udta Punjab: Protests erupt near Ludhiana theatres, Shiv Sena members detained

Sources said the assailant informed the police about the fake attack around a year ago, but the cops failed to act. The assailant approached the police as Puri had failed to keep his promise. Puri also threatened him with dire consequences, said sources.

This is third such incident involving a Sena leader. Earlier this year, Jalandhar-based Shiv Sena (Hindustan) leader Deepak Kamboj was arrested for orchestrating an attack on himself. Kamboj allegedly made his two aides shoot him in the leg on February 16.

Also read I Sikh hardliners challenge Shiv Sainiks in absentia
As Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU), Punjabi expatriates are in a shock and are worried because they feel it will affect trade, employment, business and the immigration policies. Even if all goes well, its being apprehended that there would be initial hiccups in dealing with the immigration issues.

Its a phase of uncertainty for those seeking permanent citizenship in the country. Its not in favour of immigrants, said Varinder Sharma, 68, MP from Southall, a Punjabi-dominated area. (Photo: UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

Terming the move unfortunate, Varinder (also spelt Virendra) Sharma, 68, MP from Southall, a Punjabi-dominated area, said: Earlier, there was no quota for immigrants coming from Asia or India, but now it is being said that our country will follow Australia. Also, there will be restrictions on free entry into Britain from 28 countries of the European Union. Its a phase of uncertainty for those seeking permanent citizenship in the country. Its not in favour of immigrants. Lets see what happens now as the criterion for immigrants has to be worked out afresh, he added.

Also read I Brexit vote leaves Punjabi NRIs disappointed

Its unfortunate, according to a former mayor of Ealing, Gurcharan Singh. (Photo: His website)

Its like breaking a 40-year marriage. The future is unpredictable. The EU saved us from wars, financial instability and we became influential being its part. It helped the UK in having a strong economy, but now everything has to be worked out again, Sharma said, adding its like going back to the 18th century and moving away from the global approach to individualistic approach.

Former mayor of Ealing, a suburban district of west London, Gurcharan Singh also termed the exit unfortunate. We are sailing into unchartered waters as immigrating to the UK is likely to be more difficult now, he told HT over phone.

CHALLENGING TIMES

We campaigned to remain with Europe, but we must accept the democratic decision, said London assembly member Onkar Sahota. (Photo: london.gov.uk)

Onkar Sahota, 55, a member of the London assembly, said: The move is like taking new challenges. We campaigned to remain with Europe, but we must accept the democratic decision. Now, the challenge is how to build a stronger country, especially when Scotland has decided to stay with the EU, added Sahota.

Expatriates apprehend that the UK will stand alienated. In such a situation, we will not like the country to be divided. Nevertheless, we must try to regain political and economic power, added Sahota.

Though immigration politics was never on Britains agenda before the referendum, all those planning to immigrate to the UK are worried. Its turning out to be a big issue now as the fate of immigrants, who are not given all rights, seems uncertain, he said.

PUNJABIS ARE DIVIDED

The first-generation Punjabi-origin UK citizens opposed Britains exit from the EU but those of the second and third generations supported it as they feel breaking ties with the EU would help check immigration. The first generation Punjabi expatriates who still have contacts back home want their relatives and friends to settle in Britain. Punjabis are divided. Old settlers dont want more people to come from Punjab, Sahota said.

INDIA MAY BENEFIT

Things may become difficult for Punjabis who plan to immigrate to the UK, but India may benefit as after parting ways with the EU, the UK will look up to India, Australia and Canada for better trade ties, said Sharma.

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Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Friday said state Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh was trying to replicate his sangat darshan programmes to realise his dream of becoming the next chief minister. He was pointing to Amarinders recently-launched Halke Vich Captain, a public-contact campaign.

Also read | Halke Vich Captain: As Amarinder sweats it out, Congress rank and file smiles

But his dream will never be fulfilled. He was promising the moon though knowing well that he wont be able to form the next government, Badal said during his interaction with the media at Kang Sabu village, on the sidelines of a sangat darshan programme in Nakodar segment.

The inaccessible Captain is now sweating out in scorching heat in the hope of becoming the chief minister of the state, said Badal, adding it was a futile exercise as Captain neither had the intention nor the willpower to ensure welfare of the people.

Saving states water interests priority: CM

Replying to a question on the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) issue, Badal, when asked if his government would scrap the Clause 5 of the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, the CM said it had already been done. The Clause 5 of the Act legitimates the continuity of flow of waters to non-riparian states.

The demand to scrap the said clause was being made by his party and it was also a part of the SAD manifesto for the 2007 assembly polls.

Biba ji thuanu ni patta ...assi eh clause pehlan hi khattam kar ditti hai (Madam, you may not know but we have already scrapped the clause), said the CM when a woman reporter asked the question.

On his governments intention to terminate water-sharing with Rajasthan, the CM said his first priority was to save the Punjabs interests in the SYL.
Convinced by a Sikh, a Muslim family came forward to donate organs to give a new lease of life to four people, including two Hindus, at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).

This is a rare instance when a Muslim family has agreed to donate organs to save lives of people of other religion, say PGI officials.

The donor, Hussain (name changed), 50, from a village in SAS Nagar, was a labourer, who had worked in the fields of a Sikh landlord throughout his life.

On June-21 night, Hussain was on his way back home on his motorcycle when he met with an accident, severely injuring his head. After he was rushed to the Advanced Trauma Centre, PGI, he was declared brain dead the next day.

The transplant coordinator concerned was not confident before talking to the family, as the brain dead patient was a Muslim, and this community usually does not donate organs, said an official from PGI.

But when tried, the family got convinced in less than two hours.

When asked if they want to help people who needed organs, his son agreed and later Hussains wife also gave her consent, the official said.

She added, Playing a major role in organ donation, Sardaar ji (the Sikh landlord) convinced them about the importance of the organ donation.

The Sikh landlord, seeking anonymity, said, The family is living with us for decades. Though they work for us, they are more of a family. When doctors told me about the organ donation concept, I talked to Hussains son, who agreed to save lives.

The Muslim family did not wish to reveal their identity due to various social reasons.

I did what my father wouldve wanted me to do. I just felt he was telling me to donate organs. My father was a hero. He lived for these humanitarian values, and in his death too, he did the same, said Hussains elder son.

Read: Giving life in death through organ donation

ALLAH CAME TO RESCUE US IN FORM OF DONOR

For long, Ashok Kumar (name changed on request), 47, knew, without a kidney transplant, his chance of surviving debilitating kidney ailment was zero. Ever since he was hospitalised, frequent dialysis, daily ordeal of managing even smallest things had become a sheer torture, says Kumar.

However, a gentle gesture shown by the Husains family literally saved Kumar as he underwent through a kidney transplant at the PGI.

In the month Ramzan, it seems, Allah came to our rescue in the form of the donor. We have no words to convey our gratitude to his family for giving my father a second chance to live, said teary-eyed daughter of Ashok Kumar.

Similar sentiment was echoed by the second kidney recipient after she underwent a surgery on Thursday. I cant thank the donors family enough. Though strangers, their altruism gave me a new lease of life, said the recipient.

Not only this, Hussain will be a reason to bring happiness in the lives of two more recipients, who will undergo cornea transplants in a few days.

Dr Vipin Koushal, nodal officer, Regional Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organisation (ROTTO), PGI, who oversees the entire process, said, I think you develop a different level of respect for a donors family for their spirit of unconditional love amidst braving their own pain. There cant be a better teaching in humanity and secularism than organ donation. The way public is supporting the cause is very magnanimous indeed. We salute the donor families.
Would you want your wedding guests to be all policemen and a court to oversee the proceedings? For right or for wrong, a couple from Fazilka solemnised inter-caste marriage under police escort and protection at the Mansa Devi temple on Wednesday.

The only relative of the couple that attended the ceremony was the brother-in-law of the groom.

The police said the Punjab and Haryana high court had directed the cops to get the marriage solemnised under security and to produce the couple before the high court.

The couple  Pooja (20), a graduate, and Kuldeep Singh(21)  had sought refuge at the Sector-19 police protection after filing a case in the high court, stating that their parents were against their marriage due to their different castes.

PRIEST ALSO ARRANGED BY COPS

Inspector Rakesh Kumar escorted the couple in a police Gypsy with 10 cops to the Mansa Devi temple at about 3pm, where a priest had been arranged. Police and the staff members of protection centre attended the wedding.

After the rituals and the ceremonies, the police produced the couple in the Punjab and Haryana high court with a marriage certificate from the temple.

From there, the police bid adieu to them.

Department officials claimed that in her petition before the high court, the to-be-bride had claimed she did not want to go home as her parents would not let her marry her lover.

The court referred them to the protection centre in Sector 19 and their wedding was solemnised.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) arrested gangster Sukha Barewal and his three accomplices from Atam Nagar here on Thursday. The accused were allegedly hatching a conspiracy to loot.

Police have recovered a country-made pistol, narcotic powder and sharp-edged weapons from the possession of the accused.

Commissioner of police Jatinder Singh Aulakh said Sukha was facing trail in 30 cases, including murder, loot and abduction.

On May 22, four people, including son of a police subinspector, opened fire at Sukha at his rented accommodation at Star Colony on the Barewal road in Ludhiana, following a verbal spat.

Sukha was admitted to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH). According to police after being discharged from the hospital, Sukha was planning another crime.

The other accused who were arrested were identified as Harpreet Singh alias Chintu, Simranjit Singh alias Simmu and Vikas Aggarwal.

A case has been registered against at Model Town police station under Sections 399 (making preparation to commit dacoity), 402 (assembling for purpose of committing dacoity) of Indian Penal Code (IPC), arms act and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh often dismisses the sangat darshan as a pet pastime of ageing chief minister Parkash Singh Badal. In a tectonic shift in his poll strategy, however, the former chief minister is giving a much-needed fillip to the Congress campaign ahead of the assembly elections through his newly launched Halke Vich Captain, which is modelled on Badals programme.

The outreach campaign that was kicked off from Jalalabad, the assembly constituency of deputy chief minister and Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, on June 19 has started dominating the political discourse in Punjab.

CM Badal, who was in Jalandhar on Thursday to hold another sangat darshan, did not miss a chance to take a dig at Amarinders outreach programme, saying there is no match between darbars of maharajas and pro-people sangat darshan.

Around the same time, Captain Amarinder, who belongs to the royal family of the erstwhile Patiala state, freely mingled with rural folks of Derabassi and patiently heard their grievances before opting for a quick lunch in a lowly roadside vegetarian dhaba at Zirakpur.

The Congress strategy is that people must see Amarinder as Captain of Punjab and not an erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala. All his programmes have been prepared to project him as Punjab-da-Captain, a poll strategist of Prashant Kishor team, which is organising the state Congress chiefs programme, said.

Capt having sweets at a roadside dhaba in Zirakpur on Thursday. (Sanjeev Sharma/HT Photo)

Captain, meanwhile, finds many advantages in his new poll strategy. (Parkash Singh) Badal has destroyed the state. I get to know what people are thinking and what they want and how their problems should be addressed, Amarinder told Hindustan Times at a dhaba in Zirakpur, where he stopped for lunch with party workers after a three-hour productive session with the Dera Bassi public.

JAIL FOR THOSE WHO LOOTED PUNJAB DURING AKALI REGIME: CAPT

A large number of people, including women, on Thursday attended the third edition of Halke Vich Captain, held inside an air-conditioned countryside marriage palace. While Captain sat on a podium, the sangat was on chairs. Huge screens were in place inside and outside the banquet hall for people to watch the proceedings. During this interactive session, called Lokan Da Darbar, the state Congress president fielded questions, triggering thunderous applause every time he promised: All those who have looted Punjab during the Akali rule will be sent to jails.

Poor health services, lack of teachers in schools, administrative as well police corruption, unemployment and drug menace were among the issues that dominated the session. Over 100 people got the opportunity to pose questions to Captain, who announced that if his party forms the government, a special task force will be set up to redress public grievances. The task force, he said, will work under direct control of the chief minister.

In next 24 weeks, Captain is to cover rest of the 114 assembly seats. All grievances submitted by the public during these sessions will be documented. The special task force will follow each individual case and take it to logical conclusion, said Amarinder.

Many people slammed Akali Dal treasurer and MLA NK Sharma during the session. The Punjab Congress chief, too, didnt miss the opportunity to take potshots at him. This Sharma will also be sent to jail. NK Sharma is the biggest problem of Derabassi and he is associated with every mafia, Captain Amarinder told the gathering while wrapping up the interaction.

CAMPAIGN DIFFERENT FROM SANGAT DARSHAN

Asked how his public contact initiative is different from Badals sangat darshan, he said: Badal goes to distributes cheques... We dont do that. I am interacting with people to know their problems. There has been a total misuse of power by all the Akali Dal-BJP MLAs and ministers. My promise to people is that we will investigate into the role of every minister.

After the grievance-hearing session, next on agenda was Congress workers meet, which was followed by a meeting with local influencers, such as sarpanches, professors, doctors, businessmen and farmers.

The new back-breaking regimen of Amarinder is in sharp contrast to his 2011 poll planning. Then he used to hold only one rally a day and reach the venue in a chopper. Now, he travels in a modest looking car and the entire day is packed with back-to-back sessions. As Captain is sweating, the Congress rank and file is smiling.

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Shiv Sena Punjab (Ghanauli group) youth wing leader Amit Arora has been arrested for misleading the police by claiming that he was shot in the neck here on February 3 this year.

Arora had claimed that he was shot at by two motorcycle-borne youths at the Basti Jodhewal Chowk in Ludhiana when he was sitting in the car. Forensic and medical reports, however, blew the lid off Aroras lie. Police said Arora has confessed to his crime.

This is the second such incident involving a Sena leader. Earlier this year, Jalandhar-based Shiv Sena (Hindustan) leader Deepak Kamboj was arrested for orchestrating an attack on himself. Kamboj allegedly made his two aides shoot him in the leg on February 16 this year.

Read: Hindu group leader got self attacked for larger security cover

Arora has been booked under Sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 417 (punishment for cheating), 177 (furnishing false information), 193 (punishment for false information), 120-B (conspiracy), 34 (criminal act done by several persons) and Section 25 of the Arms Act.

The gunman provided by the government to Arora, head constable Om Parkash, and cook Mani have also been arrested for helping him in the crime.

Police said Arora had promised Om Parkash to get him promotion and promised `1 lakh to Mani.

The commissioner of police Jatinder Singh Aulakh said Arora orchestrated the attack to get an escort vehicle and more gunmen, besides grabbing the sympathy of Hindus.

Aulakh said Arora was provided four security guards after the attack and the accused had requested for an escort vehicle from director general of police (DGP).

Arora had claimed that he was fired at, but the medical reports termed the injuries as ordinary.

Police are also investigating to know the source of the 9mm bullet shell recovered from Aroras car.

Deputy commissioner of police Dhruman Nimbale said forensic experts negated the theory that Arora was fired at from a close range as there was no skin burns.

Police said Arora picked an iron rod from a construction site nearby and inflicted injuries to give the impression that a bullet rubbed past his neck. Arora had even claimed that bullet came into his hand when he touched the injury, police said.

After the so-called attack, the police had announced a reward of `5 lakh for anybody giving information about Aroras attackers.

State BJP president Kamal Sharma visited Arora in the hospital. Shiv Senas Punjab chairman Rajiv Tandon and other Hindu bodies held protests and activists forced traders to shut their shops in Chaura Bazaar of Ludhiana on February 4 as a mark of protest against the attack.

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The Nurses and Ancillary Staff Union opened the Chandigarh-Sangrur nation highway after getting the assurance of regularisation of jobs by principal secretary to CM, SK, Sandhu, during a meeting in Chandigarh on Thursday.

Sadhu gave assurance to the protesting paramedical staff that the one-time policy of their regularisation would be passed in the next cabinet meeting, which was scheduled in the end of this month.

On Thursday late evening paramedics opened the NH-64 after a brief meeting with union members in Patiala. The meeting with principal secretary was meaningful and we were assured that our regularisation will be cleared in the next state cabinet meeting in the next week, Karamjit Kaur, president, Nurses and Ancillary Staff Union, said.

We were told that we will get all facilities like other regular staff, including allowances, holidays, phone expenses and salary. Now we have decided we would not close the OPD or the OT building, she added.

Medical education secretary Viksh Partap told HT that in the government meeting chaired by principal secretary to CM, SK Sadhu, they were given full assurance that the government was committed to regularise their jobs. The cabinet meeting will convene soon that it will clear the one-time regularisation policy for them, Partap said.

Meanwhile, earlier today, the paramedical staff blocked the Chandigarh-Sangrur national highway for the second day and the police had to divert the traffic from Patiala-Sangrur highway towards Nabha road from Dhablan T-point, 10-km from the protest spot, while the Samana-Patiala route was diverted towards Sular village.

Gurdeep Singh, station house officer (SHO), Passiana, said they had registered the case against the protesters for the blockage of the traffic on the national highway under Sections 283 and 341 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on Wednesday. No arrest has been made so far as the administrative officials were trying to negotiate with the protesters to resolve the issue and now they have called off the blockage, added the SHO. Meanwhile, Rajindra Hospital authorities opened all locks of the OPD building and the OTs on Thursday. All health services, including OPD and OT, have been started in the hospital and patients are being checked as routine, said, medical superintendent, BS Brar.
A day after Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, announced the Punjab Pre-Medical Entrance Test (PMET) results, parents want the varsity to release actual scores of candidates and upload its findings on ambiguities in the exam.

Even as the university is reported to have declared 11 questions wrong in papers in both the shifts, it has not officially disclosed the findings of its experts committees constituted after 379 objections were submitted against 110 questions (49 in paper 1 and 61 in paper 2).

Sunita Madan, a Chandigarh-based parent, said for the sake of transparency and to clear confusion among students, in addition to the percentile score, the university should have uploaded subject-wise score and information about paper-wise questions that were finally cancelled along with adjustments made in the final score. Also, final changes in answer keys should have been made public, she said, while adding: When other institutes, such as the All India Institute of Medical Science, can release actual score along with percentile, the Faridkot university should also follow the same practice.

What was the use of inviting objections, if the varsity had to withhold its findings? questioned another parent, Kamaljeet Singh. The Patiala-based parents said by concealing information on dubious questions, the university has shirked its moral and professional responsibility, while leading to confusion among candidates.

Parents will be forced to move court like last year if these details are not provided, he said.

Several parents also want the university to release the optical mark recognition (OMR) answer sheets, as done by the Central Bureau of Secondary Education (CBSE), to ensure transparency.

MAKE FORMAL REPRESENTATION, SAYS VARSITY REGISTRAR

While vice-chancellor Raj Bahadur could not be reached for comment, university registrar DS Sidhu said those raising these demands should make a written representation before the varsity. He said more than 14,000 students appeared for the exam and everyone has been expressing individual demands.

We have already disclosed their rank and overall merit. If someone has any resentment, courts are open for them, he said.

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Residents of Ludhiana would get an opportunity to win cash prize in Make your city smart competition by suggesting ideas to design the streets, junctions and parks of Ghumar Mandi which has been selected as pilot project. The competition is organised by Ludhiana smart city limited.

The contest has been uploaded on the website, mygov.in. Interested candidates have to register themselves at the website and then enter the competition page where they can give their ideas to re-design the selected area of Ghumar Mandi road and Ghumar Mandi MCL park.

The first prize for the competition would be Rs 50,000; second prize Rs 20,000 and third prize Rs 10,000. The design entries have been invited from the residents of Ludhiana for streetscape enhancement for a safe environment, facade improvement and under grounding of power cables.

In Pics | Art attack in Ludhiana

The streetscape toolkit includes landscape, hardscape with walkways and plazas, street furniture, lighting, parking rearrangement, garbage bins, public toilets, bicycle stands, signage and way finding elements.

Rahul Gagneja, executive engineer, municipal corporation said that the participants of the competition can be from any walk of life including students, technical experts, teachers and others.

Meanwhile the MCL commissioner Ghanshyam Thori said that the basic idea of smart city mission is to develop the city according to needs of the residents.

Thus, such competitions are being organised. He said that Ghumar Mandi area was selected on the basis of public votes and now its development would also be done with public ideas.
Yet another assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of the Batala police was allegedly beaten up by three employees of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) after he objected to their triple ridding here on the Aliwal road on Friday night.

According to information available, ASI Jaspal Singh was going home after duty when three inebriated Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) employees riding a motorcycle suddenly brushed the side of the police officers car.

Jaspal Singh parked his car on the side of the road near the Aliwal road bypass and objected to their triple-riding on a two-wheeler. In a sudden burst of anger, the three pounced upon him and started manhandling him in full public view. In the ensuing altercation, the officers uniform was torn.

After the scuffle, the powermen tried to escape, but they were caught by passersby. They tried to thrash the assaulters, but the partially injured ASI intervened and stopped them from doing so. Getting information, a team of the police, led by SHO, Civil Lines police station, rushed to the spot and took the ASI to the civil hospital.

Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Daljinder Singh Dhillon convened a meeting of senior officers following which a case was registered.

The accused have been taken into custody. A preliminary inquiry conducted by me clearly proved that the employees were at fault, he said.

I have already held a probe, but I have also deputed an SP rank officer to conduct a thorough inquiry to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the attack on Jaspal Singh, added the SSP.

This is third incident in less than a month when police officers have been attacked by miscreants.

A few weeks ago, irate residents of Gokuwal village manhandled an ASI, Nirjit Singh, on duty before tying him to an electricity pole for nearly half-an-hour after he was accused of facilitating the escape of a tractor-trolley driver after an accident in which a 17-year-old boy was crushed under the wheels of the vehicle.

After a few days, some residents of Jorian Khurd village allegedly manhandled a police team when they tried to arrest them.

Also read: Car-borne snatchers mow down ASI in Kapurthala, 3 held
A day after the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) ordered a probe into the multi-crore land acquisition scam in Hoshiarpur, which was exposed by Hindustan Times, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal also ordered an inquiry by the vigilance department.

A spokesperson for the chief ministers office said Badal had asked the chief vigilance director to conduct the probe and categorically stated that the guilty would not be spared.

Speaking on the sidelines of a sangat darshan in Nakodar, the CM said land purchased by some influential people at lower rates, which was acquired by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to undertake four-laning project in Hoshiarpur district on exorbitant rates to pocket heavy compensation was a serious issue.

The scam involves three leaders from Badals Shiromani Akali Dal, their relatives and property dealers besides government officials who earned more than `100 crore by buying land already notified for the four-laning project.

Read: HT Impact: PMO orders probe into Hoshiarpur land scam

The Akali leaders, Avtar Singh Johal, Harpinder Gill and Satwinder Pal Singh Dhatt, bought the land notified for the road and the property rights transferred to the National Highways Authority of India in 2015. The three leaders then built illegal colonies on these sites and pocketed crores in compensation.

On Thursday, when HT quizzed Badal about the scam, he seemed in no mood to order a vigilance probe and ordered the Hoshiarpur deputy commissioner to prove the allegations against Akali leaders and officials.

A FACE-SAVING EXERCISE: CONG

Meanwhile, the Congress has termed the vigilance inquiry ordered by the CM an attempt to obstruct the probe ordered by the PMO.

The CM landed in an embarrassing situation when he came to know that the PMO has ordered a probe. The vigilance probe ordered on Friday is a face-saving attempt by the CM. Moreover, everybody knows the tactics of the vigilance department in probing the cases, said Congress chief spokesperson Sunil Jakhar.
Chiranjeevi, who ruled the Telugu film industry before 2008 when he entered politics with the creation of his own regional party Praja Rajyam, is all set to return to the silver screen after a long gap of eight years. The former union minister and Congress MP began shooting his 150th film Kathilantodu on Thursday in Hyderabad.

The first scene was shot at a prison set. The shooting has formally commenced from today. We all hope it will be yet another block buster in Chiranjeevis career, film director VV Vinayak said.

Produced by Chiranjeevis son Ramcharan Teja under his family banner Konidela Productions, the film is a remake of Tamil film Katthi which was a super hit. The film essentially deals with the issues plaguing farmers. Popular music director Devi Sri Prasad is composing music for the film.

Read: Chiranjeevi, the megastar who beat Big B as Indias highest paid actor

Chiranjeevi was last seen in Shankar Dada Zindabad (2007), a remake of super hit Hindi film Lage Raho Munna Bhai starring Sanjay Dutt as hero.

After faring badly in the 2009 elections, Chiranjeevi merged his party with the Congress in February 2011. He became a Rajya Sabha member in March 2012. In October 2012, former prime minister Manmohan Singh got the actor into his cabinet as the union tourism minister.

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The Venice Film Festival will open with Damien Chazelles La La Land on August 31 as part of the 20-odd titles competing for the Golden Lion.

Last year, Venice opened with Baltasar Kormakurs mountain adventure, Everest -- where a number of climbers get caught in a severe snow storm.

In contrast, La La Land is a musical drama that reunites Chazelle with JK Simmons, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as a punishing music instructor in the coming-of-age movie Whiplash. Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling and John Legend feature in lead roles in La La Land.

The festival director Alberto Barbera, called La La Land a surprising tribute to the golden age of American musicals: It is a film that does not merely reinvent the musical genre, it gives it a brand new start. If Whiplash was the revelation of a new moviemaker, La La Land is his definitive, albeit precocious, consecration among the great directors of Hollywoods new firmament.

Read: Spectre director to head Venice Film Festival jury

The Hollywood romance traces the life of a couple -- Mia (Stone), an aspiring actress who serves lattes to film stars in between her disappointing auditions, and Sebastian (Gosling), a jazz musician who survives by playing cocktail gigs in seedy bars. As success begins to knock on their lives, Mia and Sebastian will have to confront decisions that affect their love affair.

Meanwhile, Barbera will remain head of the Festival for another four-year term, till 2020. His predecessor, Marco Mueller, also served the Festival as Director for eight years, and he is recognised as having been a driving force behind Venices revival after its longish bad patch. Muller now heads the Macau International Film Festival, whose first edition is slated for December. He briefly headed the Beijing International Film Festival.

The Venice Film Festival, the oldest in the world having started in 1932 primarily as a platform for films propagating the message of Fascist leaders like Hitler and Mussolini, will run till September 10.

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Abu Sayyaf extremists rejoiced as they watched two Canadians being beheaded in the jungles of the southern Philippines, said a still-shocked Filipino hostage who was freed on Friday.

Marites Flor tearfully recalled to reporters the harrowing moment when Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall were handcuffed and led away to a nearby jungle clearing to be separately decapitated in April and early this month by the ransom-seeking militants.

She said Hall, who was killed early last week, was her fiancee. Ridsdel was beheaded by the militants in April.

Its so painful because I saw them moments before they got beheaded, Flor told reporters in southern Davao city, where she was flown to meet President-elect Rodrigo Duterte after her release in nearby Sulu province.

They were watching it and they were happy, she said of the militants, adding that she did not witness the killings.

Flor was abducted with Hall, Ridsdel and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad from a yacht resort on southern Samal island in September last year and taken to the jungles of the predominantly Muslim island province of Sulu. The militants killed the two Canadians after ransom deadlines lapsed.

The captives were among some two dozen people held by the Abu Sayyaf this year.

On Friday, Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi said that seven Indonesians were abducted by armed men who raided their tugboat and taken to Sulu, in a third such attack. Six others were released with the vessel, she said.

Duterte said he was told that Sekkingstad may already be on the way out of captivity, but did not provide details and appeared unsure of his statement. He later went into a meeting with the Norwegian ambassador.

Duterte cut short his speech in a nationally televised police ceremony when officials arrived and brought the 38-year-old Flor, who appeared still distraught, to the stage where he spoke. Duterte tried to console her and quietly asked a few questions.

Philippine soldiers patrol a highway during a search operation for the body of beheaded Canadian hostage Robert Hall in Indanan town, Sulu province, in the southern island of Mindanao on June 14, 2016. (AFP)

Shortly before facing Flor, Duterte asked the Abu Sayyaf militants to stop ransom kidnappings, which he said have given the country a very bad image. He warned people against joining the Abu Sayyaf, suggesting a major offensive was forthcoming.

There will be, I said, a reckoning one of these days, he said.

It was not immediately clear if a ransom was paid to secure the freedom of Flor, who appeared in Abu Sayyaf videos tearfully pleading for her life and those of her companions. In a final video, she called on Duterte to save their lives before the extremists killed Hall a few days later.

Rebels belonging to the larger Moro National Liberation Front and a Sulu official, Abdusakur Tan, helped negotiate Flors release with an Abu Sayyaf commander identified as Hatib Sawadjaan, two officials from the military and police, who monitored the talks, told The Associated Press.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the killings and called on other nations not to pay ransom if their citizens are abducted to discourage the brutal militants from carrying more ransom kidnappings.
Nepal has banned its citizens from working in Afghanistan after 13 of its citizens were killed and six more injured in a suicide attack in Kabul this week.

The dead men, who were employed as security guards in the Canadian embassy in Kabul, were killed in an early morning attack by the Taliban on June 20 when they were on their way to work.

The government also decided to continue an earlier ban on Nepalis working in three other conflict-hit countries - Iraq, Libya and Syria.

Till the government decides otherwise, Nepalis will not be provided work permits for these four countries, information minister Sherdhan Rai told journalists after a cabinet meeting on Thursday evening.

The government decided to hold talks with its Afghanistan counterpart regarding the security of Nepalis working in that country and to initiate steps to bring back those who want to return.

Nearly 9,000 Nepalis have been issued permits to work as security guards in Afghanistan, but some estimate the total figure could be more than 20,000 as many go to the war-torn country illegally.

The cabinet also decided to ask the Canadian government to provide compensation to the families of the dead.

The Nepali security guards were not directly employed by the embassy but were hired by a British agency. A total of 147 Nepalis were working as security guards in the Canadian embassy in Kabul.

Twenty-four of them returned to Kathmandu on Wednesday in a special plane sent by the Nepal government to bring back bodies of victims.

Some reports said there was prior intelligence that the Taliban might carry out such an attack.

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British citizens voted out of the European Union (EU) early on Friday morning, reducing the 28-nation bloc by one, and triggering a domino effect of several nations calling for a referendum.

Key Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, head of the anti-EU UK Independence Party, was triumphant as he declared the EU dead.

The eurosceptic genie is out of the bottle and it will now not be put back EUs finished, he said.

Read: Britain votes to leave EU, Cameron quits, markets plunge

Copy cat calls

Far-right leaders in France and the Netherlands were quick to call for a similar vote to leave.

Victory for Freedom! As I have been asking for years, we must now have the same referendum in France and EU countries, tweeted French National Front leader, Marine Le Pen.

The British people have given to Europeans and to all the people of the world a shining lesson in democracy, she added.

Read: How the UK could remain in the EU despite a vote to leave

Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders also reacted, posting: The Dutch people deserve a referendum as well. The Party for Freedom consequently demands a referendum on NExit, a Dutch EU exit, on Twitter.

Beginning of end

Turkey, which has been trying for decades to join the bloc, said it was the beginning of the end for the EU.

The period of the disintegration of the European Union has begun. And the first vessel to have departed is Britain, deputy prime minister, Nurettin Canikli said.

Read: Eye on trade, economy: What Brexit means for India

Only Bulgaria, Romania and Greece will remain when the domino effect is set off, added Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.

Need for different Europe

Germanys chancellor Angela Merkel however said her country has special interest and special responsibility in European unity succeeding, and cautioned against quick and simple conclusions that could cause further divisions.

The vote, which led to David Cameron announcing his resignation as Prime Minister with effect from October, also crashed global markets, bringing the pound to its lowest value in 31 years. However, amid worries over the economic repercussions, several remaining EU nations called to keep the union strong.

Read: After Brexit, CM Kejriwal calls for referendum on Delhi statehood

Today on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27, said EU president Donald Tusk.

Germanys vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said the Brexit vote is a chance for a new beginning but cautioned that Europe must not return to business as usual.

Gabriel, also Germanys Economy Minister, told Bild newspaper that the exit of the United Kingdom is a shrill wakeup call for European politics. Whoever doesnt listen or takes refuge in the usual rituals drives Europe into a wall.

We dont need more Europe, but a different Europe.

Read: Second Scottish independence vote on the table: Scotland leader

No fear of domino effect

Several other leaders responded with sadness, including Polands foreign minister who called the decision bad news for Europe and for the many Poles  estimated at about 850,000  who now live in Britain.

Spains acting prime minister Mariano Rajoy said the Brexit ought to make all member nations rethink their position, a sentiment that Belgiums prime minister Charles Michel echoed, stating it was an opportunity to fundamentally rethink the European project.

Reiterating their commitment to the EU, Austrian chancellor Christian Kern said his country will not hold a similar vote of its own.

I do not fear a domino effect, Kern said responding to reports of some nations calling for a referendum.

Europe will lose status and significance in the world because of Britains step. The long-term economic effects will also be felt for some time, he however acknowledged.

US presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who was in Scotland as the vote was announced, called Britains decision a fantastic thing.

For Britain, Scotlands vote to remain with the EU could signal another fight. First minister Nicola Sturgeon said that a second independence vote was on the table following the one held in 2014.

Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status, Sturgeon said.
Priti Patel, Britains minister of state for employment, believes that exiting the European Union will prove a massive boost to relations with India, and help develop stronger trade links that were allegedly hampered by EU laws.

Patel, 43, born in London to an Indian family that migrated from Uganda, was one of six high-profile ministers in the David Cameron government in the Brexit camp. She is likely to have higher responsibilities in the new government after Prime Minister David Cameron steps down in October.

Patel told Hindustan Times during the campaign: Voting to leave the European Union would be a massive boost to UK-India relations. New opportunities for the UK and India to cooperate more closely and develop stronger trading links would emerge as the UK re-aligns its foreign policy and trade priorities.

Over the last 40 years the UKs membership of the EU has acted as a barrier to developing trade and investment partnerships with the rest of the world, including India. Remaining within the EU will mean the UK will be in a weaker position to forge the closer trading ties that would benefit the Indian and UK economies, she said.

Importantly, an independent Britain free from the EU can ensure that we realise the full potential of our special relationship with India, Patel added.

Her comments on relationship with India were criticised by her ministerial colleagues, but will now be expected to deliver after Britain voted to leave the EU in Thursdays referendum.

British business, including those businesses set-up and established by members of the diaspora living in the UK, were eager to access the Indian market and build mutually beneficial trade deals with businesses in India, she said.

Although the focus of the Conservative Government on enhancing our relationship with India has led to an increase in trade since 2010, we could go further if we were not held back by the vested self-interests of the EU.

Indeed, one of the reasons why our trading links with India were inadequate when we came to Government in 2010 was because of the focus that Britain had given to trade within Europe as a result of membership of the EU, she said.

According to her, in contrast to what was happening in India on the economic front, the European Union was on a downward spiral with high unemployment, little or no growth, and economies in crisis.

While the EU is losing influence globally and becoming increasingly inward-looking, India is taking a leadership role on the world stage. The UK shares Indias outward-looking worldview and is keen to work more closely with India to support its ascent. In closer partnership together we can support more free trade and cooperate on other issues such as international security.

I know that many members of the Indian diaspora find it deeply unfair that other EU nationals effectively get special treatment. This can and will change if Britain leaves the EU. A vote to leave the EU is a vote to bring back control over immigration policy to the UK, she said.

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Britain has voted to leave the European Union to take greater control of its economy and its borders, shattering the stability of the continental unity forged after World War II.

The decision launches what will be years of negotiations over trade, business and political links with the EU, which will shrink to a 27-nation bloc.

Official results released early Friday show the leave side prevailed 52 percent to 48 percent in Thursdays vote, which had a turnout of 72 percent.

As Britons voted to leave the EU, Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he will resign.

Cameron promised to try to steady the ship over the next months but said a new leader should be installed by early October.

I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination, the British leader said outside his official Downing Street residence in London.

The UK is the first major country to decide to leave the bloc, which evolved from the ashes of the war as the regions leaders sought to build links and avert future hostility.

Read our latest wrap on #Brexit here.

If you want to know how the results day panned out, check our minute by minute posts below.

As it happened.

4:13pm

We must not forget why the EU exists. Only together will the EU be able to assert its interests in the world, says Merkel

4:12pm

Period of calm is now essential: Merkel

4:10pm

German Chancellor Angela Merkel makes a statement

3:49pm

EU leaders vow no renegotiation on different terms to keep Britain in bloc.

3:44pm

We cannot turn our backs on Europe. UK will continue to be a European power: Johnson

EU was noble idea but no longer right for Britain: Johnson

3:42pm

Electorate have searched in their hearts and answered honestly, says Boris Johnson

3:40pm

Boris Johnson addresses the media, says very sad that David Cameron is going.

Former London Mayor, and "Vote Leave" campaigner Boris Johnson speaks during a press conference in central London on June 24, 2016. (AFP Photo)

3:25pm

Polands foreign minister says that if the model of a political form of the European Union keeps being pushed, the common European project may end in catastrophe.

3:15pm

The European Central Bank says it is closely monitoring financial markets in the wake of the British vote to leave the European Union.

3:10pm

NATOs chief says the British vote to leave the European Union shouldnt affect its status as a reliable and key member of the US-led military alliance.

European Council President Donald Tusk gestures as he briefs the media after Britain voted to leave the bloc, in Brussels, Belgium, June 24, 2016. (Reuters Photo)

2:45am

Germanys vice chancellor says the Brexit vote is a chance for a new beginning but that Europe must not return to business as usual.

2:40pm

Spains acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy says his country has received Britains decision to leave the European Union with sadness, adding that it ought to make all member nations rethink.

2:25pm

Boos - and a few cheers - greeted former London Mayor Boris Johnson as he left his London home the morning after a historic vote to leave the European Union.

Johnson is one of the primary candidates to become prime minister after being the most prominent figure in the campaign to have the UK leave the single market.

Police form a protective cordon around a car carrying leave campaign leader Boris Johnson as he leaves his home after Britain voted to leave the European Union in London, June 24, 2016. (Reuters Photo)

2:10pm

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that Britains place in the US-led alliance will remain unchanged despite Britons decision to leave the European Union.

1:45pm

Polands foreign minister says Britains deciding to leave the European Union is bad news for Europe and for the many Poles - estimated at about 850,000 - who now live in Britain.

He says I can only give a sigh: so its done. This is bad news for Europe, bad news for Poland. ... The status of Poles living there will not change for now, but we dont really know how much Britains status will be changed.

1:40pm

Martin Schulz says the EU assembly will hold an emergency session next week following the U.K.s decision to leave the bloc.

1:38pm

The Hang Seng Index dives 2.92 percent, or 609.21 points, to close at 20,259.13.

1:20pm

European Parliament President Martin Schulz says Britains exit from the EU must be done quickly.

For 40 yrs #UK relation with #EU was ambiguous. Now it's clear. Will of voters must be respected. Now need speedy & clear exit negotiation  EP President (@EP_President) June 24, 2016

1:18pm

Will not hesitate to take any measures required, says Bank of England governor Mark Carney

1:15pm

Bank of England governor speaks after Brexit vote

12:53pm

I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it and I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed.

Now the decision has been made to leave, we should find the best way. Will step down by October, says Cameron

12:52pm

Think the country requires fresh leadership. Should not be the captain of this ship: Cameron

12:51pm

I am very proud and honoured to be the PM of this country: Cameron

Want to reassure markets and investors that Britains economy is strong

12:50pm

Will of the people of Britain must be respected, says Cameron.

12:49m

British PM David Cameron is addressing the media.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street, London as his wife Samantha looks on Friday, June 24, 2016. (AP Photo)

12:40pm

London stock market plunges 7.5% at opening, Paris stock market drops 8% & German stocks plunge 9.94%

12:25pm

European Union president Donald Tusk says the bloc was determined to stay unified after Britain voted to leave and warned against hysterical reactions.

Today on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27, Tusk said.

12:20pm

French President Francois Hollande has convened an emergency government meeting in the wake of the British vote to leave the European Union.

12:10pm

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn says British Prime Minister David Cameron must move urgently to stabilize the pound.

12:05pm

Nigel Farage says Britain should now have a Brexit government after it voted to leave the European Union. We now need a Brexit government, he told reporters outside parliament. Weve left behind a failing political union.

Vote leave supporters wave Union flags, following the result of the EU referendum, outside Downing Street in London, Britain June 24, 2016. REUTERS/Neil Hall (REUTERS)

11:55am

All votes are in. Leave campaign wins by 12,69,501 votes.

11:40am:



David Cameron to remain British PM after Brexit vote, says UK foreign minister.

11:30:

Bank of England says will take all necessary steps after Brexit vote



11:20am

Ratings agency Standard and Poors said Britains top-notch AAA credit rating is no longer tenable after voters opted to leave the European Union, the Financial Times reported.



11:10am

European Parliament President Martin Schulz expects negotiations over Britains departure from the European Union to begin quickly. The United Kingdom has decided to go its own way. I think the economic data show this morning that it will be a very difficult way, Schulz told German television station ZDF. I expect that the negotiations on the exit will now begin quickly, said Schulz.

10:42am

With 374 out of 382 regional results declared, there are 16.8 million votes for Leave and 15.7 million for Remain, making it mathematically impossible for Remain to win.

10:31am

Leave needs 37,665 more votes to win.

10:30am

Now, Dutch anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders calls for the Netherlands to hold a referendum on whether to leave in the EU. The Dutch people deserve a referendum as well. The Party for Freedom consequently demands a referendum on NExit, a Dutch EU exit, Wilders said in a statement.

10:25am

Leave needs 249,404 votes to win; 12 results left to declare

10:23am

Sensex crashes over 1,000 points, Nifty plunges 318 points.

Read| Britain is no longer Great, and Brexit hides opportunities for India

10:20am

Remain on 48 pct, Leave on 52 pct after 369 of 382 results declared

10:15am

S&P 500 and Nasdaq E-mini futures slump 5 percent. Futures on the Dow Jones industrial average drop 3.8 percent.

10:10m

Chinas yuan slumps to over 5-year low. The offshore yuan was trading 0.36 percent softer than the onshore spot at 6.6299 per dollar.

10:05am

Former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb calls Britains vote to leave the European Union a bad nightmare.

German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel on Friday describes it as a bad day for Europe.

9:55am

Scotland sees its future as part of the EU, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says.

9:49am

Remain on 48 pct, Leave on 52 pct after 350 of 382 results declared

Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party, celebrates and poses for photographers as he leaves a "Leave.EU" organization party for the British European Union membership referendum in London, Friday, June 24, 2016. (AP Photo)

9:39am

With 329 of 382 counting centers reporting results, the leave side is ahead by over 900,000 votes.

9:35am

Reserve Bnak of India (RBI) intervenes in forex market with liquidity support

9:30am

Trading was briefly halted for Japans Nikkei futures on Friday as global equity markets plunged on fears that Britain would leave the European Union. Trading will resume at 0358 GMT following a 10-minute break. The Nikkei futures were down 8.1 percent.

9:25am

Counting from 304 of 382 areas showed a 51.5/48.5 split for leaving.

Paul Nuttall (R), United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), MEP for the north west of England and Nigel Evans Conservative MP for Ribble Valley celebrate the likely victory of 'Leave' in the EU referendum, at the Manchester Town Hall in Manchester, north west England on June 24, 2016. (AFP Photo)

9:20am

Sensex opens 940 points down as leads show Leave camp ahead in Brexit referendum vote; Nifty tanks 281.50 points

9:15 am

Oil falls more than 5.0 percent as Brexit looms

9:13am

BBC forecasts that Britain has voted to leave the EU

8:55am

Remain on 48.46 pct, leave on 51.54 pct after results declared for 270 of 382 counting areas.

8:40am

British pound tumbles to a 31-year low as EU vote results show the leave side in lead by over 400,000 votes after 244 of 382 counting centers report results.

A man walks past a poster showing different countries bank notes in Hong Kong, Friday, June 24, 2016. The British pound is experiencing volatile trading as results from Britains vote on European Union membership is tallied. (AP Photo)

8:35am

200 of 382 results declared, Brexit camp leads. The number of votes cast stood at 7.8 million for Leave, 51.69 percent, compared to 7.3 million for Remain, or 48.31 percent.

8:30am

As Leave leads, Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage tweets- I now dare to dream that the dawn is coming up on an independent United Kingdom

I now dare to dream that the dawn is coming up on an independent United Kingdom.  Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) June 24, 2016

8:25am

Machester votes to Remain

8:10am

Remain on 48.45 pct, Leave on 51.55 pct after 189 of 382 voting areas results reported

8:05am

Sterling reverses sharp early gains , yen stages a rebound . Meanwhile, gold rises more than 1 percent and oil futures drop below $50 a barrel.

7:55am

Remain on 48.6 pct, Leave on 51.4 pct after 158 of 382 counting areas results

7:37am

Remain on 49.82 pct, Leave on 50.18 pct after 109 of 382 counting areas results

7:36am

Westminster Votes To Stay In The EU With 69% Vote

7:27am

Remain on 50.5 pct, leave on 49.6 pct after 90 of 382 counting areas

7:24am

Liverpool votes to stay in the EU

7:15am

Hong Kong stocks swung wildly at their opening. The Hang Seng Index plunged around two percent at one point, but minutes later had clawed back lost ground to sit at 20,862.59, down 0.22 percent, or 45.06 points.

7:06am

Official results have Remain (50.8%) ahead of Leave (49.2%), Sterling rising in response

Large numbers for Remain in the London boroughs may just give them the edge. Whether it's too late is yet to be seen.  Britain Elects (@britainelects) June 24, 2016

7:00am

The first big London borough to declare, Lambeth, votes to #Remain by 79% to 21%

6:58am

The leave side has become the betting favorite for the first time in the British referendum campaign .

The Betfair market predicts a 51 percent chance of Britain leaving the EU, after stronger-than-expected results for the out campaign in several areas of England and Wales.

6:45am

Euro/Yen falls to as low as 115.465, lowest level since January 2013 as Leave leads.

Tokyos Nikkei drops nearly 3%. The Nikkei 225 slumped 2.96 percent, or 480.98 points, to 15,757.37.

6:25am

The results from the British referendum on European Union membership are still far too incomplete to draw any solid conclusions.

Still, a series of better-than-expected results for the leave camp appears to have convinced some people that the drive to pull Britain out of Europe has a real chance of winning.

Google Trends, an arm of the search engine giant, says there has been a 250 percent spike in searches for the phrase what happens if we leave the EU in the past hour.

6:22am

Remain on 49.3%, leave on 50.7%, after 19 counting areas out of 382 declared

5:20am

The British pound is getting whipsawed by volatile trading as initial results from the vote on whether the U.K. should remain in the European Union showed the race is too close to call.

The currency surged shortly after the polls closed Thursday, climbing to a 2016 peak of $1.50 after a leading proponent of the leave vote indicated he thought his side was heading for a loss. But the pound sold off - falling 4 cents in 5 minutes - after counts from cities including Newcastle and Sunderland showed the result was far from certain.

The pound was trading at about $1.453.

5.00am:

- Scottish Conservative leader Davidson says turnout in Scotland of around or above 70%.

- Sunderland voted more strongly than expected to leave the European Union as around 61.3% of voters backed leaving the bloc, above the 56.5% predicted by JP Morgan in analysis published before the vote.

4.30am:

- Sterling hits a fresh 2016 high of $1.5004 from $1.4975 before polling stations across the country closed at 2100 GMT. The euro fell to a one-month low of 76.01 pence.

Leave.eu supporters celebrate the result in Sunderland after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London, Britain, June 23, 2016. (Reuters)

4.15am:

- Early trends plunge Leave camp into pessimism. While most polls show Remain camp ahead of Leave, prominent Brexit campaigners acknowledged they looked likely to lose.

- Conservative MP David Davis blasts the dozens of Leave-supporting Conservative MPs who had put their name to the letter endorsing a continued term for PM David Cameron.

I dont sign grovelling letters and I dont sign threatening letters, Davis said, however, adding that Cameron should stay on in either circumstance, whether its a Brexit or not, in an Express report.

4.00am:

- Early reports suggest a very high turnout in Britains EU referendum.

- According to first official figures coming from Gibraltar, almost 84% of eligible voters turned out to cast ballots. The territory bordering Spain voted overwhelmingly in favour of Remain, as widely expected.

3.41am:

- Gauging the poll opinion pointer towards Remain camp, Conservative lawmakers urge UK Prime Minister David Cameron to stay.

- After scathing attacks over the alleged failure to curb migration problem of UK, Cameron had agreed to go out of office if the referendum weighed the Leave camp more.

There are good ways of controlling immigration ... but pulling out of the single market, wrecking our economy, that is a bad way, Cameron had earlier told ITVs Lorraine programme.

3.17am:

Most final polls and surveys including YouGov, Ipsos-Mori put Remain ahead of Leave as polls close.

Ispos-Mori poll shows 54% Remain, 46% Leave, says chief executive Ben Page

3.15am:

Reports that the remain side could be headed to victory in Britains referendum on European Union membership have sent the British pound surging more than 1% to $1.50.

3.10am:

British Electoral Commission chair Jenny Watson says the first stages of the vote counting process are now underway in Britains referendum on membership in the European Union.

Jenny Watson, the chief counting officer for the EU Referendum, officially announces at Manchester Town Hall, that polling has closed and the national count has commenced. (AP Photo)

A record 46.5 million people registered to vote, many of them braving torrential rain and floods to take a momentous decision after a highly charged battle over immigration, the economy and Britains very identity.

EU leaders have warned Britain -- the worlds fifth-largest economy -- that there would be no turning back from a vote to quit.

Out is out, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said Wednesday, dismissing any talk of a post-vote renegotiation of Britains membership terms.

EU leaders will begin a two-day summit Tuesday to deal with the outcome and decide how to cope with the risk of similar referendums on the continent.

Full Coverage: Britains EU Referendum
Brussels awoke to a grim dawn after Britain voted to leave the EU, with people in the heart of Europe left stunned and sometimes emotional by a decision which will affect many personally.

I can only say that today I am profoundly sad, one of thousands of British nationals who work in the European Union district told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Like all European civil servants he was subjected to strict rules on speaking to journalists, especially on a topic as sensitive as Brexit.

One of his colleagues was in tears. Though German, she spent all her university years in Britain and cannot help pointing the blame -- anonymously -- at the pro-Brexit campaigners.

Tears were not in short supply on a damp, grey Brussels day after one of the biggest electrical storms to hit the city in years -- which came just as the polls were closing in the British vote.

I was really in tears for British colleagues who face being out of a job, said Rebecca Harms, leader of the Greens group in the European Parliament.

This is not going to be pretty, but no reason to panic, another European diplomat added hopefully.

Even the eurosceptics were in a state of shock as they gathered for a hastily organised breakfast at a hotel near European Parliament.

Leader of the European Conservatives and Reformists Syed Kamall of Britain speaks in Brussels on Friday. (AP)

I was surprised. I was not expecting that result, said Syed Kamall, head of the European Conservatives and Reformists group and an MEP from London.

Its a strong signal for Europe, said Kamall, who supported the Leave side in the referendum.

But he added: I hope we maintain good relations with Europe.

Great day!

At the colossal European Parliament building, the hallways early Friday remained almost empty.

Now its Denmarks turn, shouted out a smartly dressed Dane as he walked briskly through the hallways.

A group of Germans gathered further down the corridor.

Therell be a referendum in Scotland of course. And Northern Ireland. Maybe even Wales. Thats how I see things, one said.

A Frenchman added: Its a great day for French-speakers!

German speakers more like, snapped back another.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker is pictured during a meeting with the EU Parliament leader, the President of the European Council, and the Dutch Prime Minister at the EU Headquarters in Brussels. (AFP)

On everyones lips is a possible resignation by Jean-Claude Juncker, the grizzled veteran of European politics who heads the EU Commission.

Despite the historic day, few MEPs in the end trickled into the parliament, perhaps because of the general strike that has blocked public transport in Brussels.

Huddled in their offices were senior MEP figures such as parliament president Martin Schulz and liberal leader Guy Verhofstadt.

The influential German MEP, Manfred Weber pointed the finger at the Brits as he brainstormed the best way forward.

The biggest problem for the moment is for Great Britain. The pound has lost a lot, and not the euro, said Weber who leads the right-centre EPP group, the party of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The Bavarian then launched into a series of what ifs and to-do lists for Europe.

But even in the heart of the European capital, no one is really sure what comes next.
A piece of aircraft debris found off the coast of Tanzania will be examined to see whether it could be from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Australian officials said Friday.

Australias transport minister Darren Chester gave no description of the fragment found on Pemba Island, the latest in a string of pieces being examined for links to the aircraft lost more than two years ago with 239 people onboard.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is seeking further information on the debris to ascertain whether it was from the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, MH370, Chester said in a statement.

The bureau said Malaysian officials were in contact with Tanzanian authorities to arrange for the piece to be examined.

The final location of MH370, which was on a routine flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it vanished in March 2014, has never been found despite an extensive search.

But pieces of debris thought almost certainly to have come from the plane have washed up on the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion and Mauritius as well as in South Africa and Mozambique.

In May, Chester said three more pieces were to be tested -- two from Mauritius and another from Mozambique, but gave no further details.

Australia is coordinating the underwater search for the plane in the southern Indian Ocean far off its western coast and so far some 105,000 square kilometres (40,540 square miles) have been searched.

Australia, Malaysia and China -- which had significant numbers of citizens on the plane -- have said the hunt will be abandoned once the agreed search area is thoroughly combed.

Officials from the three countries met earlier this week to discuss the search and Chester said discussions were productive but gave no further details ahead of a ministerial meeting planned for late July.
Britains vote to become the first country to leave the EU, as projected by national media, is a shattering blow that threatens the survival of the post-war European project, officials and analysts said.

The loss of one of its biggest members will at the very least force major changes on an embattled bloc already struggling to deal with growing populism, a migration crisis and economic woes.

In the long-run, Brexit may lead to other countries holding referendums, a far looser union, and possibly even the disintegration of a grouping set up 60 years ago to bring security and prosperity after World War II.

EU president Donald Tusk warned in the run-up to the vote that Brexit could lead to the destruction of not only the EU but also of Western political civilization.

With Europe facing a resurgent Russia and the threat of terrorism, Tusk said our enemies... will open a bottle of champagne if the result of referendum is negative for us.

In a less doom-laden assessment, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said last week that the EU was not in danger of death from a Brexit but that it would have to learn lessons.

How Britain voted. ((Data: BBC) )

Follow the live updates here

Very serious blow

Chris Bickerton, a lecturer at Britains Cambridge University and author of The European Union: A Citizens Guide, said it was a very serious blow but not terminal, given the core role of the EU in much of European political life.

But he added that it would probably drift towards a looser, ad hoc union.

I dont think it would suddenly disappear but over the longer term, we might see it slowly decline and become something different, he told AFP.

The next steps for the EU would be difficult, he added.

We are very much in uncharted territory, he said. I dont think anyone really thought Brexit was really likely, certainly not when they were negotiating with (David) Cameron, otherwise they would have done a very different deal.

In the immediate aftermath of the British vote, seven years of potentially bitter divorce negotiations between Brussels and London loom.

The remaining EU countries will likely be keen to move ahead. France and Germany, the main EU heavyweights, have already been working on a joint plan for the future.

But with Berlin and Paris at loggerheads over future integration of the eurozone, any plan is likely to be a modest affair that deals only with issues such as security and defence.

Even without Britain in the club, the drift away from ever closer union and federalism is likely to increase, with growing talk of a two-speed Europe that allows states opt-outs from key rules.

One major step could be making membership of the euro non-compulsory, which would help Poland, which appears to have no intention of joining the single currency but is officially meant to.

Read: Yes, its a divorce: BBC says Britain has voted to leave European Union

Domino effect?

The main fear in many European capitals is that either way, the result could trigger a domino effect of referendums in other countries.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Tuesday urged all EU states to follow Britains example, and eurosceptics in the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden have made similar calls for referendums.

Vivien Pertusot, Brussels-based analyst with the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), said the EU was likely to survive but be weakened.

Institutions rarely die, he told AFP. Maybe there will not be disintegration, but a loss of relevance. The EU will lose, bit by bit, its centrality for all the most political projects.

The danger for the EU is that even after it makes changes following the British referendum, it will still not be able to quell the forces of history tearing it apart.

The EU is in a negative spiral, Janis Emmanouilidis, director of studies at Brussels-based think tank European Policy Centre, said.

The question of what could replace the EU if it does collapse is even more vexed.

It might sound as if yes, this story has ended, a new one has begun, but thats not easy. Especially after the experience of failure, said Emmanouilidis.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Friday hailed Britains decision to leave the European Union and called for a similar referendum in France.

Victory for Freedom! As I have been asking for years we must now have the same referendum in France and EU countries, the National Front (FN) leader tweeted.

The eurosceptic, anti-immigration FN has accused the EU of suffering a democratic deficit and has long urged all members of the bloc to follow Britains example.

The Brexit vote is likely to fire up eurosceptic populists across the bloc, with Dutch far-right MP Geert Wilders also calling for an EU referendum in his own country following the result.

Fears are high that a domino effect could see other countries following in Britains footsteps, threatening the core of the European project.

France has possibly a thousand more reasons to want to leave the EU than the English, Le Pen said at a gathering of far-right parties in Vienna last Friday.

Le Pen has accused the EU of pursuing closer integration against our will.

She says the union is responsible for high eurozone unemployment and has failed to keep out smugglers, terrorists (and) economic migrants.
A woman who claimed that witchcraft caused her to leave her baby to drown on a beach in northern France was on Friday sentenced to 20 years in jail.

Fabienne Kabou, 39, had faced life imprisonment for the November 19, 2013, murder, but the court deemed that she suffered from impaired judgement.

The court in the town of Saint-Omer, near Calais, also ordered Kabou to undergo psychological treatment as it wrapped up her headline-grabbing trial.

Her lawyer, Fabienne Roy-Nansion, expressed dismay over an extremely heavy verdict reached after the five-day trial and said Kabou planned to appeal.

The woman of Senegalese origin confessed to travelling from her home near Paris to the town of Berck on the English Channel with the aim of drowning Adelaide, who was 13 months old.

Kabou said she checked the local tide chart before abandoning the baby on the beach as the tide was coming in.

Prawn fishermen found Adelaides lifeless body the next morning.

Kabou, who grew up in a well-off Catholic family, left Senegal to study philosophy and architecture in Paris, where she fell in love with Michel Lafon, a sculptor 30 years her senior.

Described by her lawyer as highly intelligent, she told the court she had no other explanation for her acts but witchcraft.

Nothing makes sense in this story. What interest could I have in tormenting myself, lying, killing my daughter? she asked. I spoke of sorcery and I am not joking. Even a stupid person would not do what I did.

Witchcraft claim rejected

Kabou said she carried out the murder perfectly mechanically, as if a part of me was anaesthetised and returned home the next day with the attitude of someone who has just gone shopping.

She said she had spent some 40,000 euros ($45,000) consulting various witchdoctors and healers before carrying out the murder and that she had suffered hallucinations.

However, a lawyer for a childrens group that was a civil party to the case has accused Kabou of citing witchcraft and her native culture as a defence strategy.

An IT expert testified that he found no references to witchcraft on her computer.

A court psychiatrist, Paul Bensussan, said her act was possibly triggered by a deep depression related to having the child.

Infanticide committed by the mother is often underpinned by a psychiatric pathology, he said. In most cases the mother is deeply depressed and sees her act as a kind of altruistic suicide, saving her child from suffering.

Kabou has said Lafon never wanted the child and questioned whether he was even the father.

Her lawyer said the child was born in the couples home and was never registered. No one close to the couple, not even Kabous mother, knew of her existence.

A DNA test carried out after Kabous arrest confirmed Lafons paternity.
Britains break-up with Europe was the culmination of decades of half-hearted and often hostile relations with neighbouring countries.

The nations rocky ties with the European Union are rooted in its island history and defiant sense of independence. Some Britons still recall with pride that they were last successfully invaded in 1066.

The nations resistance to the Nazis in World War II is also central to British identity, particularly for older voters.

Britain has never really internalised the European project because of its very different history during the 20th century -- it is less frightened of the consequences of leaving, Robert Tombs, a history professor at Cambridge University, said.

Politicians at Westminster have also pursued an often two-faced approach to the EU, complicating the relationship even further.

One face is a hostile, sceptical and largely domestic one that has helped drive euroscepticism in Britain, said Tim Oliver of the London School of Economics.

The other face, largely seen in Brussels, is a constructive, engaging one that has seen the UK shape the EU in a large number of ways.

Read: Britain votes to leave EU, Cameron quits, markets plunge

Pragmatic decision to join

Britain initially stood back from post-war efforts to foster European unity, with senior figures believing that its foreign policy goals were best pursued through its empire.

But as the empire declined and Britain watched trade flourish on the continent, it applied to join the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1961, four years after its creation.

French president Charles de Gaulle twice vetoed its efforts, but Britain eventually joined in 1973.

Labour prime minister Harold Wilson called a referendum on membership in 1975 to try to appease the eurosceptic, protectionist wing of his fractured party. He secured 67 percent support for staying in.

Conservative leader Margaret Thatcher was a cheerleader for EEC membership, seeing it as a pragmatic decision to join a tariff-free trading bloc.

But as prime minister from 1979 she was soon riling her European colleagues, demanding a rebate on Britains EEC contributions she eventually secured in 1984.

She was also fiercely opposed to the blocs growing political integration, fearing the creation of a European super-state.

Her visceral No! No! No! approach triggered her downfall in 1990.

It also exposed deep fractures in the Conservative party on Europe, which completely handicapped the pro-European John Majors 1990-1997 premiership and remain unhealed to this day.

Black Wednesday in 1992 saw the pound tumble out of the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) which had pegged it to the German deutsche mark.

Then a Conservative rebellion through 1992 and 1993 nearly brought down Majors government over the Maastricht Treaty which turned the EEC into the European Union.

Read: Eye on trade, economy: What Brexit means for India

Frustrations of membership

In 1997, new Labour prime minister Tony Blair came into office wanting Britain to join the euro but met a wall of domestic opposition born of the scarring ERM experience.

Since then, a standoffish, one-foot-in, one-foot-out approach has become the default position for successive governments.

Britain remained outside the single currency and the border-free Schengen zone, two of the EUs defining pillars.

Against a backdrop of restive Conservative backbenchers and core eurosceptic voters leaking away, Prime Minister David Cameron promised a referendum in 2013, aiming to resolve the issue once and for all.

During the referendum campaign, Cameron sold Britains place in the EU as a pragmatic marriage of convenience rather than a place where Britains heart lies.

In TV debates, he repeatedly insisted that he was frustrated by the EU and wanted to reform it but stressed that membership was good for Britains economy.

Now, Britains vote to become the first country to leave the EU is a shattering blow that threatens the survival of the post-war European project, officials and analysts said.
German authorities say a masked man who was shot dead after taking hostages in movie theatre was armed only with a harmless replica rifle, a pistol and dummy grenades.

Darmstadt prosecutors on Friday said it was still not clear what motives were behind the incident, but they had found no evidence the man had a political or terrorist background. They identified the suspect as a 19-year-old German born in Mannheim  about 10 km from the town where the incident occurred. They said the suspect lived in northern Germany but gave no other details.

An outside view of a cinema, where the armed man barricaded himself in Viernheim, southern Germany (AFP)

He was killed by police after taking 18 people hostage in the theatre in Viernheim and firing blank rounds into the air.

None of the mans captives were injured.
Former secretary Hillary Clinton failed to turn over a copy of a key message involving problems caused by her use of a private homebrew email server, the State Department confirmed Thursday. The disclosure makes it unclear what other work-related emails may have been deleted by the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

The email was included within messages exchanged Nov. 13, 2010, between Clinton and one of her closest aides, deputy chief of staff Huma Abedin. At the time, emails sent from Clintons BlackBerry device and routed through her private clintonemail.com server in the basement of her New York home were being blocked by the State Departments spam filter. A suggested remedy was for Clinton to obtain a state.gov email account.

Lets get separate address or device but I dont want any risk of the personal being accessible, Clinton responded to Abedin.

Clinton never used a government account that was set up for her, instead continuing to rely on her private server until leaving office.

The email was not among the tens of thousands of emails Clinton turned over to the agency in response to public records lawsuits seeking copies of her official correspondence. Abedin, who also used a private account on Clintons server, provided a copy from her own inbox after the State Department asked her to return any work-related emails. That copy of the email was publicly cited last month in a blistering audit by the State Departments inspector general that concluded Clinton and her team ignored clear internal guidance that her email setup violated federal standards and could have left sensitive material vulnerable to hackers.

While this exchange was not part of the approximately 55,000 pages provided to the State Department by former Secretary Clinton, the exchange was included within the set of documents Ms. Abedin provided the department in response to our March 2015 request, State Department spokesman John Kirby told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Clinton campaign spokesman Brian Fallon said she provided all potentially work-related emails that were still in her possession when she received the 2014 request from the State Department.

Secretary Clinton had some emails with Huma that Huma did not have, and Huma had some emails with Secretary Clinton that Secretary Clinton did not have, Fallon said.

Fallon declined to say whether Clinton deleted any work-related emails before they were reviewed by her legal team. Clintons lead lawyer, David Kendall, did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The November 2010 email was among documents released under court order Wednesday to the conservative legal advocacy group Judicial Watch, which has sued the State Department over access to public records related to the presumptive Democratic presidential nominees service as the nations top diplomat between 2009 and 2013. The case is one of about three dozen lawsuits over access to records related to Clinton, including one filed by the AP.

Before turning over her emails to the department for review and potential public release, Clinton and her lawyers withheld thousands of additional emails she said were clearly personal, such as those involving what she described as planning Chelseas wedding or my mothers funeral arrangements, condolence notes to friends as well as yoga routines, family vacations.

Clinton has never outlined in detail what criteria she and her lawyers used to determine which emails to release and which to delete, but her 2010 email with Abedin appears clearly work-related under the State Departments own criteria for agency records under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

Dozens of the emails sent or received by Clinton through her private server were later determined to contain classified material. The FBI has been investigating for months whether Clintons use of the private email server imperiled government secrets. Agents recently interviewed several of Clintons top aides, including Abedin.

As part of the probe, Clinton turned over the hard drive from her email server to the FBI. It had been wiped clean, and Clinton has said she did not keep copies of the emails she choose to withhold.

On Wednesday, lawyers from Judicial Watch, a conservative legal organization, questioned under oath Bryan Pagliano, the computer technician who set up Clintons private server. A transcript released Thursday shows Pagliano repeatedly responded to detailed questions by invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, as he did last year before a congressional committee.

Dozens of questions Pagiliano declined to answer included who paid for the system, whether there was technical help to support its users and who else at the State Department used email accounts on it. Pagliano also would not answer whether he discussed setting up a home server with Clinton prior to her tenure as secretary of state, according to the transcript.

Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton said the November 2010 email cited in the inspector general audit was one of more than a dozen work-related emails that his group identified that Clinton sent or received but later failed to turn over the State Department.

Contrary to her statement under oath suggesting otherwise, Mrs. Clinton did not return all her government emails to the State Department, Fitton said. Our goal is to find out what other emails Mrs. Clinton and the State Department are hiding.


Britains vote to leave the European Union fired up populist eurosceptic parties across the continent on Friday, giving fresh voice to their calls to leave the bloc or its euro currency.

Right-wing and anti-immigrant parties in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France demanded referendums on membership of the union, while Italys 5-Star movement said it would to pursue its own proposal for a vote on the euro.

Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch anti-immigrant PVV party, said he would make a Dutch referendum on EU membership a central theme of his campaign to become prime minister in next years parliamentary election.

I congratulate the British people for beating the political elite in both London and Brussels and I think we can do the same, Wilders told Reuters. We should have a referendum about a Nexit as soon as possible.

Read | Beginning of end, different Europe: How the EU reacted to Brexit

On Thursday, Britons voted to leave the 28-nation EU, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.

There is no future any more (for the EU), Wilders said.

Frances far right National Front party also called for a French referendum on European Union membership, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda.

Party leader Marine Le Pen celebrated the result by displaying the British flag on her Twitter page.

Victory for freedom! she said. We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries. Her deputy, Florian Philippot said: Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit.

Read | 5 questions for Britain and Europe after Brexit vote

Le Pen said last month that if she won next years French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU.

She is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the vote, although polls see her losing the run-off.

Analysts and a few FN officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy was partly to blame for holding the party back in the past. But the Brexit vote could help it overcome this, Ifop pollsters analyst Frederic Dabi said.

OUR TURN

The populist anti-immigration Danish Peoples Party (DF), an ally of Denmarks right-leaning government, also called for a referendum on membership of the European Union.

I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have it now, DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl said.

The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance.

Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a slimmer EU.

Read | Life without Britain: European Union will struggle to survive

In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats, which has the support of around 17 percent of voters according to a poll last month, said it would step up pressure for change.

We demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum, party leader Jimme Akesson said.

Italys second most popular party, the opposition 5-Star Movement described the Brexit vote as a lesson in democracy and promised to pursue its own proposal for an Italian referendum on the euro.

The party, considered a genuine contender for government at the next general election, wants Italy to hold a consultative or non-binding referendum on whether to remain in the euro zone.

Read | How the UK could remain in the EU despite a vote to leave

Whether you like it or not the British people have chosen, said lower house deputy Alessandro Di Battista, a member of 5-Stars leadership committee.

The right-wing Northern League, a member of Italys opposition centre-right, was more outspoken. Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn, party leader Matteo Salvini said.
Even as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used the 31st anniversary of the Air India 182 terrorist bombing to express his governments solidarity with victims of terror in Canada and around the world, memorial services were held in several major cities across the country.

Recalling the death of 329 passengers and crew members aboard that flight on June 23, 1985, Trudeau said in a statement released by his office: Canadians were directly impacted by this senseless and brutal act of violence that left them grieving parents, children, relatives, friends, and colleagues.

Many of those who lost their loved ones gathered at memorials in the cities of Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa, and also in Ireland, where the aircraft had crashed off its coast.

The first ceremony was at Torontos Queens Park at noon on Thursday, which was the site for the first memorial in Canada for the victims. Among those paying their respects were Indias consul general in Toronto, Dinesh Bhatia, and the opposition leader in Ontario, Patrick Brown.

Trudeaus statement linked the tragedy to more recent events, including the killing of 14 Canadian embassy security guards from Nepal and India in Kabul last week. He said that Canada will continue to work closely with our allies  and the international community  to help fight extremism and terrorism, both at home and abroad. We remain committed and vigilant in the Global Coalitions fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This date is also the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.

As the day was marked at several places in Canada, those who lost their loved ones in the Kanishka bombing continued to lament the lack of any remembrance in India. Bal Gupta, who heads the Air India Victims' Families Association, said, There is still no memorial in India. This was the largest terrorist tragedy which affected the Indian diaspora anywhere in the world and the Indian government finds it convenient to ignore it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Air India memorial in Toronto last year as he met members of the families of victims of the tragedy. (HT Photo)

Gupta said the matter had been raised with then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when he visited Toronto and the Kanishka memorial in the city in 2010, while attending the G-20 summit.

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the newer memorial at Humber Bay Park, which features a sundial and has a foundation made from stones from all provinces and territories of Canada and from every country from which the victims came. Its incumbent upon the Indian government to at least observe a moment of silence, if nothing else, Gupta said.

Trudeau extended his and the Canadian governments deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones to terrorism. He added, We mourn with you and vow to never forget those who have been lost.

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Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed on Friday to set up a high-level mechanism to coordinate on security issues and border-related matters, days after violent clashes between security personnel caused casualties on both sides.

The decision to constitute the mechanism was made during a meeting of Pakistans foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz and Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tashkent. Afghan National Security Adviser Haneef Atmar also attended the meet.

The mechanism will handle consultation and coordination on bilateral relations and cooperation on security, movement of people and vehicles between the two countries and other relevant issues, according to a statement from Pakistans Foreign Office.

The mechanism will be co-chaired by Aziz and Rabbani and the NSAs of both countries will be its members. It will have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of both sides.

The main purpose of this mechanism would be not only to address and resolve issues of concern to both sides through amicable means but also to prevent the recurrence of violent incidents like the ones witnessed recently in Torkham, the statement said, referring to the recent clashes at the Torkham border crossing.

Clashes erupted at Torkham after Pakistan refused to stop building a security gate on its side of the Durand Line, which is not recognized by Afghanistan as the border. The border crossing was closed for several days because of the clashes in which a Pakistan Army officer and an Afghan border guard were killed.

Torkham is one of the busiest of the eight established crossing points on the 2,500-km porous border between the two sides. It is used by some 25,000 travellers a day.

The two sides also reaffirmed respect for each others territorial integrity and adherence to the principle of non-interference in each others internal affairs, the statement said.

President Mamnoon Hussain, who led the Pakistani delegation to the SCO meet, said in his speech that peace in Afghanistan is indispensable.

During their meeting, Aziz and Rabbani said the two sides will work to strengthen relations to promote peace, stability, counter-terrorism and economic progress. The two sides expressed their commitment to serious efforts towards eliminating the scourge of terrorism and stressed the need for joint efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through timely and concrete actions, including within the framework of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US.
Survivors scrabbled through the rubble of their homes Friday after hurricane-force winds and a tornado left at least 98 dead in China, with hundreds more injured.

Whole villages were levelled and huge trees felled when winds of up to 125 kilometres (77 miles) per hour struck around Yancheng city in the eastern province of Jiangsu on Thursday, the official Xinhua news agency said.

In Shizhuang, scores gathered beside a large fishing pond where a male corpse floated in the water, as workers cleared up fallen electricity poles nearby.

A distraught woman who thought he was her missing husband was held up by relatives, as another bystander asked: How come no one is pulling him out yet?

So far 98 people have been confirmed dead in the storm and 846 hospitalised with injuries, Yanchengs deputy mayor Wu Xiaodan told a briefing, according to the citys verified microblog.

President Xi Jinping ordered all-out rescue efforts after what Xinhua said was one of the worst disasters ever to hit Jiangsu, including the worst tornado to hit China in half a century.

In Funing County, one of the hardest-hit areas, residents shifted through the fallen bricks and pillars of their destroyed homes, many with their roofs torn off, and rubble spilled into a river.

Wu, the official, said that 28,104 houses in the county had been affected.

Funing resident Sun Yazhou was driving a concrete mixer truck when a tornado passed him, tearing the glass out of his vehicle windows.

The sky was completely dark. I was scared, but I had nowhere to run. I had to wait it out, he told AFP.

Zhou Xiang, head of the provincial fire corps, said the search for survivors in the debris had been completed, according to Xinhua, and the clean-up was now underway.

More than 1,300 police officers had been mobilised to help, the agency added.

I cant believe Im still alive

The wards of a hospital in Funing county were all full, with extra beds crowding the hallways.

Sitting on a gurney in the hospital corridor, Chen Shaoxi nursed a head injury and broken leg that he sustained while saving his elderly neighbours from the storm.

If it werent for my dad, those two would have been dead, his son Wang Minming said.

A factory worker with head and arm injuries and on an intravenous drip told AFP he had been swept out of his workplace by the tornado, despite clinging to a door as he tried to hold it shut against the storm.

It all happened so fast. I have never seen anything like this before in my life, he said.

I thought for sure I was going to die, he added. I cant believe I am still alive.

The Canadian Solar solar panel factory -- which employed around 1,000 workers -- and its dormitory were destroyed.

Workers and Peoples Liberation Army soldiers were removing fallen high voltage electricity poles around the factory, where buildings had been stripped of their roofs by the storm and their windows blown out.

Reports said more than 360 rescuers were deployed at the factory, where two employees of the firm, which is based in West Guelph, Ontario, were missing.

A warehouse used by the company to store hazardous chemicals was damaged by the tornado, reports said.

There are still hazardous chemicals, including ammonium gas and silane, at the factory, provincial fire chief Zhou Xiang told Xinhua, adding that they had been contained, without clarifying whether there had been a leak.

Flooding is common during the summer monsoon season in southern China, but rainfall has been particularly heavy this year.

Many parts of China have been lashed by torrential rains this week as summer rainstorms have been heavier than usual, causing damage across the country.
After Britain voted to leave the European Union, according to national media, the next hours, days and weeks will be crucial for the future of the bloc.

Here are the next steps after Brexit:

Save the markets

With the stability of the global economy at risk, early Friday the European Central Bank is widely expected to make a statement to reassure markets.

Top EU officials react

The EUs top officials meet in Brussels Friday morning. EU president Donald Tusk, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, European parliament head Martin Schulz and Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country holds the six-month EU presidency, are expected to make a statement and address the press later in the day.

Read | Yes, its a divorce: BBC says Britain has voted to leave European Union

Ministers tackle Brexit

The EUs 28 European affairs ministers meet in Luxembourg to lay the groundwork for Brexit talks at the EU summit on June 28-29. Talks start Friday afternoon.

German solutions

Foreign ministers from the EUs six founding countries -- France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg -- are expected to meet on Saturday in Berlin, according to European sources.

French President Francois Hollande will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel next week to discuss European initiatives, expected on Monday.

Franco-German initiative

The Merkel-Hollande meet could be the occasion to announce plans for a long-rumoured Franco-German initiative on a better integrated defence and security strategy for Europe. The leaders intend to use the plan to shore-up doubts on the EU project unleashed by the British vote campaign.

Read | UK pound plunges as referendum results point to EU exit

Brussels acts

On Monday the European Commissions top officials, who are nominated by the EUs 28 member states, begin mapping out the long road to an official Brexit at an extraordinary meeting in Brussels. MEPs had called for an extraordinary session of European parliament on Monday in the case of a Brexit vote.

The Brexit summit

The 28 EU leaders -- still including British Prime Minister David Cameron -- meet on June 28 and 29 in Brussels to digest and debate the results of the Thursday Leave vote. It was originally schedule for June 23 but was postponed after the British referendum date was announced.

Enter Slovakia

On July 1, the Netherlands hands over the EUs six-month rotating presidency to the relatively inexperienced Slovakia, which now must lead the negotiations towards Brexit. Britain had been due to take the helm at the end of 2017 but will now give that up.

Cruel summer

EU civil servants delay summer holidays to begin the painstaking legal work to bring about Brexit. If confirmed, the process to break the UK away from Europe will take at least two years.

How Britain voted. (Data: BBC)

Read | Carnage in markets: Asian stocks, Sensex plunge as UK on brink of Brexit
The US Supreme Court has blocked a crucial Obama administration order preventing the deportation of nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants, and permitted them to work.

The court, currently down to eight justices split down the middle ideologically, said in a tied verdict on Thursday: The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided court.

A lower courts decision striking down the 2014 order, which covered undocumented immigrants whose children were American citizens or were legal residents, stands now.

Most of those affected are of Hispanic origin, but they are also said to include undocumented immigrants from India, with their numbers estimated to be in hundreds of thousands.

President Barack Obama reacted strongly to the verdict, calling it frustrating and heartbreaking for the millions of immigrants who have made their lives here.

Launched in 2014 under a programme called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), the measures ran into trouble with states.

Obama has said he resorted to this action in a executive order (invoking his presidential authority) after continued inaction in Congress to deal with the issue of immigration.

Lawmakers remain bitterly divided, mostly along party lines, on the question of legalising the status of DAPA immigrants and an estimated 6 million others.

Twenty-six states, led by Texas, challenged the order in district and federal courts. The administration went to the Supreme Court in appeal in November 2015 and lost.

Todays decision keeps in place what we have maintained from the very start: One person, even a president, cannot unilaterally change the law, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton said.
WASHINGTON: Asians, including Indian-Americans, remain the fastest growing racial group in the United States, according to new census figures for 2015 released on Thursday.

There are 21 million Asians now, growing by 3.4% over 2014. The number of Indian-Americans among them was not available for 2015  there were 3.1 million in 2014.

Asians have been the fastest-growing race group since about 2000, and the main driving force is international migration, Sam Garrow, a Census Department demographer, told Associated Press. China has been the top sender of immigrants to the US since displacing Mexico in 2013.

California has the largest population of Asians with 6.5 million. The population of whites, the largest racial group who clocked in at 255 million, grew at the slowest rate of 0.5%.

Hispanics, the second largest group at 56.6 million, grew by 1.2%. California also has the largest concentration of Hispanics. There are an additional 11 million people of Hispanic origin who are in the US illegally and whose future in this country is the focus of a contentious political fight over immigration.

Democrats are largely in favour of legalising their status if they fulfil certain conditions. Republicans, by and large are opposed to it, and Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has vowed to construct a wall along the border with Mexico to prevent illegal immigration.

African Americans, who comprise the third largest portion of the US population at 46.3 million, grew by 1.3%. New York state has the largest population of blacks, at 3.8 million.

The white population in the US is showing the slowest growth. The census found that the white population, including those who chose white along with another race, grew only 0.5% between 2014 and 2015.

(With inputs from agencies)
LONDON : India is offering Commonwealth citizens fully funded training courses across a range of areas, including rural development, information technology, telecommunications and renewable energy, in association with the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The courses are sponsored by the Indian government and delivered by Indian institutions through the Indian Technical and Economic (ITEC) programme, the Commonwealth Secretariat here said.

ITEC is part of the Commonwealth Secretariats Third Country Training Programme, which aims to build capacity in member countries by providing specialist training in key areas of development work.

I would like to thank the government of India for providing this excellent opportunity for Commonwealth citizens to develop and hone their skills and expertise in areas which are crucial for sustainable development, said Pauline Campbell, head of technical assistance at the Commonwealth Secretariat.

She added: This is a fantastic opportunity for those in the public and private sectors, as well those who work with NGOs.

I encourage you to check the eligibility criteria and send your application early, in order to meet the deadlines.

India has allocated 30 places for participants from Commonwealth member states for the 2016-2017 programme, a statement issued by the Commonwealth Secretariat said.
WASHINGTON: Led by John Lewis, a lawmaker who counts Mahatma Gandhi among his inspirations, Democratic lawmakers started a sit-in in support of gun control in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday.

They were there till late on Thursday morning, despite the House being adjourned till July 5 for a long-scheduled recess. It was unclear how long they planned to continue.

The Democrats are demanding a vote on two bills preventing terrorists such as the Orlando shooter, Omar Mateen, from buying guns, similar to the measure rejected by the Senate.

The House of Representatives hasnt had a vote on gun control measures since 2011, when Republicans took control of the chamber. .

My colleagues and I have had enough, Lewis said, starting the protest on Wednesday morning. We are sitting-in on the House Floor until we get a vote to address gun violence.

Lewis, who represents Georgia, was a member of Martin Luther Kings team that led the civil rights movement, and describes himself as a student of King, Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. When the House cameras were switched off, they reached out through live streams on Periscope and Facebook, making speeches and shouting slogans such as No Bill, no break.

The break meant the prescheduled recess, which went into effect on Thursday. But the sit-in was still on.

Speaker Paul Ryan resumed proceedings briefly late on Wednesday to pass scheduled legislations and adjourned the House, seeing it into the recess.
KABUL: On a bright day in downtown Kabul, Jagtar Singh Laghmani was in his traditional herb shop when a man turned up, drew a knife and told him to convert to Islam or he would cut his throat. Only bystanders and other shopkeepers saved his life.

The incident was the latest attack on a dwindling community of Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan, which is struggling with growing insecurity caused by an Islamist insurgency and economic woes.

Once a thriving minority, only a handful of Sikh and Hindu families remain. Many have chosen to flee the country of their birth, blaming growing discrimination and intolerance. This is how we begin our day - with fear and isolation. If you are not a Muslim, you are not a human in their eyes, said Jagtar Singh, speaking in his tiny shop in the bustling centre of Kabul. I dont know what to do or where to go.

For centuries the two communities played a prominent role in merchant trade and money lending in Afghanistan, although today they are known more for medicinal herb shops.

According to Avtar Singh, chairman of the national council of Hindus and Sikhs, the community now numbers fewer than 220 families, compared with around 220,000 members before the collapse of the Kabul government in 1992.

Once spread across Afghanistan, the community is now concentrated in eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Ghazni, and capital Kabul. Although Afghanistan is almost entirely Muslim, its constitution, in theory, guarantees the right of minority religions to worship freely. But as the conflict drags on, conditions were worse than under the Taliban, which imposed Islamic laws, held public executions and banned girls from schools.
BERLIN: A gunman took hostages at a cinema in western Germany on Thursday before police shot him dead, a police spokesman said, adding that no other people were injured. The man, who appeared to have been a disturbed person, had a rifle or long gun and special forces intervened and shot him, interior minister Peter Beuth said. There was no evidence anyone besides the gunman was injured or killed, he added. German television showed pictures of heavily armed police storming the Kinopolis complex in Viernheim. It does not look like the attacker had any link to terrorism, news agency DPA quoted security sources as saying.

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LONDON: Thursdays referendum on Britains membership of the EU is considered more important than many general elections, but politics in Westminster village will begin soon after the result is known, with much talk about the future of PM David Cameron.

For the record, he has insisted he will continue in his post to implement the decision of the British public, whichever way the vote goes. But it is fair to say he will lose much shine and authority if the vote is to leave the European Union.

Camerons plans will be clear from his brief televised address to the nation outside No 10, Downing Street, on Friday morning. He has been the most prominent leader of the Remain camp, travelling across the country and featuring often on television and in other news media. He has already made it known he will not contest the 2020 general elections.

After the campaign created deep divisions in the Conservative Party, there is much talk of Cameron carrying out a revenge reshuffle if the vote is to Remain. This could involve the six ministers in the Leave camp. Justice secretary Michael Gove of the Leave camp wants to reflect on his cabinet position if Remain wins. However, on Wednesday, leading Conservative lights in both camps claimed the party will reunite after the referendum. According to former London mayor Boris Johnson (Leave), the Conservative Party will be able to pull together. The Conservative Party will be a nest of singing birds by the time this whole thing is out of the way, he told BBC.

Gove tried to play down personal attacks during the campaign. It will be easier than many people imagine because there is a fund of goodwill, and a reservoir of civility, and a sense of common purpose, that unites Conservatives, he said.
In a tragic postscript to the Civil War, as many as 1,700 Union soldiers, recently released from Confederate prisons, may have died while en route home aboard the steamer Sultana.

By Jerry O. Potter

On Christmas day, 1864, John Clark Ely shivered against the cold wind that blew through the small prison near Meridian, Mississippi. A sergeant with the 115th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Ely had been captured by forces under Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest twenty days earlier near LaVergne, Tennessee. The weeks following his capture had been difficult for the former school teacher and his fellow prisoners. By Christmas, several had already died of exposure. Ely must have wondered what the future held for him when he wrote in his diary: [C]hristmas Day and such a day for us prisoners. Hungry, dirty, sleepy and lousy. Will another Christmas find us again among friends and loved ones?

Ely was transferred to the infamous Andersonville, Georgia, prison camp where he was housed until March 24, 1865. On that date, their Confederate captors finally released Ely and the other half-starved, sickly survivors of his company for exchange. One prisoner later wrote of their exodus: Coming like cattle across an open field were scores of men who were nothing but skin and bones; some hobbling along as best they could, and others being helped by stronger comrades. Every gaunt face with its staring eyes told the story of the suffering and privation they had gone through, and protruding bones showed through their scanty tattered garments. One might have thought that the grave and sea had given up their dead.

Sergeant Ely joined approximately 5,500 other prisoners released from Andersonville and Cahaba prisons at Camp Fisk, a parole camp located on the Big Black River four miles east of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Arriving at the camp on March 31, Ely expressed relief at his impending release when he wrote in his diary that he and his fellow prisoners had come to the place we have looked for.Oh this is the brightest day of my life long to be remembered.

When news that the war was over reached the prisoners at Camp Fisk, they knew that at long last they were out of harms way and would shortly be released. On April 14, Sergeant Ely recorded in his diary: Today Major Anderson again raises the same old flag over Sumter and today the North rejoice over their victories and today came an order from General [Napoleon] Dana for us to be paroled and sent North. Bully, may we soon see our sweethearts.

While the men were still at the parole camp, word reached them that President Abraham Lincoln was dead. Since all telegraphic communications between the North and South had been cut off by the order of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, the sad news was brought to Vicksburg by way of the steamboat Sultana.

Built in Cincinnati, Ohio, in early 1863 for Captain Preston Lodwick, the 260-foot-long Sultana was reported to be one of the largest and best steamers ever constructed. With a legal carrying capacity of 376, the Sultana, which had a crew of eighty to eighty-five, was permitted to take on only about 290 passengers. Lodwick owned the Sultana until March 1864, when he sold her to three investors, one of whom was J. Cass Mason, the steamers captain and master. However, to off-set his financial problems, Mason had, by mid-April of 1865, sold most of his interest in the Sultana to his first clerk, William J. Gambrel and others.

After the Sultana docked at Vicksburg, Mason went into town on a quest for passengers for his boats return trip. General Dana, the Union Commander for the Department of the Mississippi, had ordered that the soon-to-be paroled prisoners at Camp Fisk be sent northward from Vicksburg on privately owned steamboats, with the vessels owners receiving five dollars per enlisted man carried and ten dollars for each officer.

Mason, in an effort to get as many of these soldiers as possible for his upriver trip, met with two army officersBrigadier General Morgan L. Smith and Lieutenant Colonel Reuben B. Hatchwhile the Sultana was stopped at Vicksburg. Because Smith, commander of the post and the District of Vicksburg, was, like Mason, from St. Louis and had been a riverboat captain for several years prior to the war, the two may have been acquainted. In any event, Smith promised Mason a full load of soldiers for his upriver journey.

Mason got a similar promise from Hatch, the chief quartermaster for the Department of the Mississippi and a man whose military record was tarnished by evidence of corruption. Early in the war, while serving as an assistant quartermaster at Cairo, Illinois, Hatch had been arrested for taking bribes in the purchase of military supplies. The evidence of his guilt was overwhelming, but thanks to his brother, O. M. Hatch the secretary of state for Illinois and a friend and financial supporter of President LincolnReuben Hatch never appeared before the court-martial tribunal that had been ordered to try him. O. M. Hatch, along with Illinois Governor Richard Yates and Jesse K. Dubois, the state auditor, wrote to Lincoln proclaiming Reuben Hatchs innocence and seeking the presidents aid.

President Lincoln endorsed their letter and forwarded it to the judge advocate in Cairo who was handling the prosecution, requesting that if the Judge Advocate has the means of doing so I will thank him to give me his opinion of the case. Lincoln also appointed a civilian commission to investigate the charges leveled against Reuben Hatch. Two of the three men on the commission were from Hatchs home state of Illinois, so it was not surprising that the accused was cleared of all charges.

Following his exoneration at Cairo, Hatch continued his military career, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. In early 1865, a military commission at New Orleans tested Hatch on his knowledge of the duties of an assistant quartermaster generala position he had held for the previous four yearsand found him totally unfit to discharge the duties of that post. Nonetheless, just ten days after the board released its findings, Hatch was inexplicably made the chief quartermaster for the Department of the Mississippi, stationed at Vicksburg.

After receiving assurances from General Smith and Colonel Hatch that he would have a full load of soldiers aboard the Sultana when it headed north from Vicksburg, Mason reboarded his steamer and embarked for New Orleans. The Sultana arrived at the Crescent City on April 19 and remained there for two days before heading back to Vicksburg with approximately 250 passengers and crewmen on board.

Despite the conclusion of government inspectors, following an April 12 inspection in St. Louis, that the Sultana may be employed as a steamer upon the waters herein specified, without peril to life from imperfection of form, materials, workmanship, or arrangement of the several parts or from age or use, crew members aboard the vessel soon became concerned about the condition of the steamers massive boilers. One crewman, who disembarked only two hours before the Sultana left New Orleans, later reported that the boilers had been patched or repaired at Natchez, Mississippi, and at Vicksburg on the two previous trips.

The crews concerns proved justified when steam was discovered escaping from a crack in one of her four boilers as the Sultana reached a point about ten miles south of Vicksburg, forcing her to continue up the Mississippi at a greatly reduced speed. Fearing that the crack posed a significant threat to the safety of the steamboat, her chief engineer declared that he would not proceed beyond Vicksburg until necessary repairs were made.

Meanwhile, Confederate authorities had finally agreed to parole the prisoners waiting at Camp Fisk. General Dana ordered that muster rolls listing the names of the men be prepared as quickly as possible, so that the soldiers could be immediately transported by train to Vicksburg to board steamers tied up at the docks.

The officer in nominal command of the prisoner exchange was Captain George Augustus Williams. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Williams was a veteran of more than 13 years of service in the regular army but had never risen above the rank of captain. While serving as the provost-marshal at Memphis, Tennessee, in 1864, he had been dismissed from service because of excessive cruelty to prisoners and gross neglect of duty. He was saved from disgrace by the intervention of Union General Ulysses S. Grant, whose written testimonial helped persuade the army to reverse his dismissal.

When military business took Captain Williams away from Vicksburg in mid-April, Captain Frederic Speed, assistant adjutant general for the Department of the Mississippi, volunteered to be his interim replacement. Since Williams was still absent when the Union troops were paroled, Speed began to assemble the rolls and arrange transportation for the war-weary soldiers. The first contingent of 1,300 anxious troops was shipped upriver on the Henry Ames, followed soon after by 700 soldiers aboard the Olive Branch.

The Sultana finally docked at Vicksburg early on the evening of April 23. Arriving so soon after the departure of the Olive Branch, the Sultana almost did not get any prisoners to carry north. Captain Speed, aware that the rolls of only three hundred of the remaining soldiers had been prepared, reported to General Dana that no prisoners would be shipped on the Sultana; he could not, he said, complete the remaining paperwork before the steamers scheduled departure on the following day.

Furious when he learned that his steamer was to get none of the prisoners promised him, Mason went immediately into Vicksburg and met with Colonel Hatch, General Smith, and Captain Speed. At first, Speed refused to place any of the soldiers on the Sultana until the necessary rolls were completed. During the meeting, however, Captain Williams, who had returned to Vicksburg that afternoon, convinced Speed that there was no need to prepare the rolls before the soldiers boarded the steamer. According to Williams, the men could merely be checked off as they went aboard, and the rolls completed after the departure of the boat.

Later that same evening, Speed reported to General Dana that all the prisoners remaining at the parole camp and in the hospital at Vicksburg would be shipped as planned on the Sultana. Dana was also informed that the total number of prisoners to be shipped would be between 1,300 and 1,400, the number of men Speed estimated still awaited transport.

Captain Speeds decision to place all of the remaining prisoners on one vessel was expedient rather than prudent. Since the Sultana had a legal carrying capacity of 376 passengers, even his estimate would have been far too many for the steamer to hold. In reality, however, Speed had grossly underestimated. Instead of 1,300 to 1,400 prisoners awaiting transport, there were in excess of two thousand.1

Mason knew that time was critical; if the Sultana did not leave on April 24, some other steamboat would carry the remaining troops from Vicksburg. Thus, the leaking boiler that had slowed her return from New Orleans had to be repaired quickly. R. G. Taylor, a local boilermaker who had been summoned to examine the problem, told Mason that extensive repairs were needed. Mason implored Taylor to settle for patching the leaking boiler so that the steamer could leave Vicksburg on schedule. Although he initially refused, Taylor finally agreed to place a small patch over the area leaking steam. After completing the job, he warned that the repairs were only temporary and was assured by Mason that the work would be completed when the Sultana reached St. Louis.

The next morning, Williams and Speed traveled to Camp Fisk. The two officers agreed that Speed would remain at the parole camp to supervise the loading of the men onto the trains, while Williams would ride on the first train back to Vicksburg, where he would keep count as they boarded the Sultana. The tired but excited former prisoners, grouped according to their native states, quickly climbed onto the first train.

The confidence that Williams and Speed had in the ability of the Sultana to carry all the remaining prisoners was not shared by Captain William F. Kerns, the quartermaster in charge of river transportation. Kerns had tried in vain to convince Speed to place some of the men on the Lady Gay, a steamboat then docked at Vicksburg that was larger than the Sultana. Speed, refusing to divide the prisoners, continued to maintain that they all could travel on the one vessel. The Lady Gay, therefore, headed north from Vicksburg without a single paroled prisoner on board.

A few minutes after the departure of the Lady Gay, Captain Williams and the first trainload of former prisonersan estimated 570pulled into Vicksburg. These men joined 398 soldiers already on board the Sultana, who probably came from the military hospital. Thus, the Sultana then exceeded her carrying capacity by more than six hundred. Among this first contingent was Sergeant Ely. He noted in his diary that the Sultana [was] a large but not very fine boat.

As the day wore on, two more trainloads of men boarded the Sultana. Captain Williams, whose responsibility was to count the soldiers as they went aboard the steamer, was not at the dock when the second group of men walked across the Sultanas gangplank. Consequently, four hundred soldiers were not added to his tally.

After this second load of soldiers boarded the Sultana, Captain Kerns warned Colonel Hatch that too many prisoners were being placed on the one steamer and tried to have some men sent north on the recently arrived Pauline Carroll. Hatch sent a telegram to Speed at the parole camp asking if there were more prisoners than could go aboard the Sultana. Speed, still convinced that there were no more than a total of 1,400 to be shipped that day, replied: [No,] they can all go on one boat. With that assurance, Hatch refused to divide the men between the two vessels.

Equally certain that his assessment was correct, Captain Kerns approached General Smith, pleading with him to interpose his influence and have part of the prisoners go on the Pauline Carroll. Smith, like Hatch, did nothing.

The third and final train arrived at the riverfront late on the afternoon of April 24, carrying approximately eight hundred paroled prisoners. As the long column of soldiers from the train snaked toward the Sultana, Captain Kerns once again implored Speed, who had ridden into Vicksburg on the train, and Williams to reconsider and place some of the men on the Pauline Carroll, which was still docked beside the Sultana. Both officers refused Kernss request. Williams, who had been aboard the Sultana, declared that there was plenty of room on her decks for the men to be comfortable. A little while later, Kerns watched in dismay as the Pauline Carroll steamed away from Vicksburg with a total of 17 passengers.

Dr. George S. Kemble, the medical director of the Department of the Mississippi, who visited the Sultana after the second trainload of men had boarded, shared Kernss view. Concluding that the steamboat was too crowded for the comfort and safety of the sick men, Kemble sought and received permission from General Dana to remove 23 men who were confined to cots from the Sultana. He also redirected a column of 278 soldiers who came from the hospital.

Major William Fidler of the 6th Kentucky Cavalry, the highest ranking Union prisoner of war, also disagreed with Williamss assessment. As the last detachment of men boarded the steamer, Fidler complained to Mason that there were too many passengers aboard the Sultana. By now, the vessels captain, having received many more troops than even he desired, was growing concerned about the stability of his boat. Although he thought he could carry them through, Mason nevertheless protested any further loading. He too was ignored.

While the exact number of people loaded onto the Sultana on April 24 remains unknown, there can be no question that the steamer was grossly overcrowded. The human load was so great that it was necessary for the crew to install extra supports for the upper decks, for fear that the sagging floors might collapse. Captain Speed was shocked when informed by George Williams that he had counted 1,996 men boarding the ship, several hundred more than his estimate.

What Speed did not realize was that Williamss figure only included the prisoners from the first and third trains, since the soldiers from the second train boarded the Sultana without being counted. In reality, the steamboat carried as many as 2,100 soldiers, approximately 100 civilian passengers, and 85 crewmen for a possible total of more than 2,300 people, more than six times the vessels legal limit.2 William J. Gambrel, the first clerk and part owner of the Sultana, told one soldier that if we arrived safe at Cairo it would be the greatest trip ever made on the western waters, as there were more people on board than were ever carried on one boat on the Mississippi River.

At 9:00 p.m. on April 24, the Sultana slowly backed away from the wharf at Vicksburg and headed north on the flood-swollen Mississippi River. The enormous weight of the passengers and cargo on the decks of the steamer worried her crew. Gambrel warned Major Fidler that any sudden movement by the prisoners could cause the decks to collapse. He also expressed concern that too many men crowding to one side of the deck could result in the boat capsizing.

That horrifying scenario almost played out when the Sultana docked briefly at Helena, Arkansas. Word quickly spread among the passengers that a photographer was setting up his camera on the west bank of the river. The excited soldiers, hoping to be caught on film, quickly moved to the port side of the boat, causing the Sultana to list dangerously. The resulting photograph, however, is the last picture taken of the steamer, as well as of many of those on board.

The Sultana continued upriver on the morning of April 26. John Clark Elys diary entry for that dayhis last read: [V]ery fine day, still upward we go.

After a four-hour stop at Memphis that evening, the steamer headed across the wide river to Hopefield, Arkansas, where she took on a thousand bushels of coal. At about this time, Captain Mason, who had grown increasingly concerned over the safety of the Sultana and her passengers, told one prisoner that he would give all the interest he had in the boat if it was safely landed in Cairo.

By 2:00 a.m. on April 27, the top-heavy Sultana had reached a point seven miles north of Memphis, where the river was nearly four miles wide. Most of the passengers slept on the crowded decks, as stokers shoveled coal to feed the four massive boilers that were located on the main deck between the waterwheels. Rising above the boilers were the upper decks, constructed of light, flimsy wood that was coated with highly combustible paints.

Suddenly, three of the huge boilers exploded with a volcanic fury that a witness on the shore described as the thundering noise of a hundred earthquakes. The blast tore instantly through the decks directly above the boilers, flinging live coals and splintered timber into the night sky like fireworks. Scalding water and clouds of steam covered the prisoners who lay sleeping near the boilers. Hundreds were killed in the first moments of the tragedy. The upper decks of the Sultana, already sagging under the weight of her passengers, collapsed when the blast ripped through the steamers superstructure. Many unfortunate souls, trapped in the resulting wreckage, could only wait for certain death as fire quickly spread throughout the hull. Within twenty minutes of the explosion, the entire superstructure of the Sultana was in flames.

The burning wreckage began to drift slowly downriver, as those on board fought to survive. With only 76 life preservers and two small lifeboats available, most of those who survived the blast jumped for their lives into the river. In the hours before dawn, hundreds of soldiers and civilians struggled in the river as they awaited rescue. But help did not come until 3:00 a.m., an hour after the explosion. The Bostonia II, plowing downriver, came upon the Sultana engulfed in flames, and immediately began to haul the survivors from the water around the wreckage.

In Memphis, sailors stood on the decks of United States Navy gunboats watching the red glow from the dying steamer that lit the northern horizon, yet no rescue effort was launched until approximately 3:20 a.m., by which time cries could be heard from out across the river. As cutters from the gunboats began sweeping the river in front of Memphis for survivors, their crews were directed in the darkness by the victims screams for help. A sailor aboard the USS Tyler wrote in the ships log that of all the sounds and noises I ever heard that was the most sorrowful; some cursing, calling for help; and shrieking. I will never forget those awful sounds.

When the sun rose in the eastern sky, more than 1,700 were dead or dying. Among the fatalities were Captain Mason, William Gambrel, Major Fidler, and Sergeant Ely.

At daybreak, the survivors commenced the grim and often futile task of searching for comrades. Samuel Pickens of the Third Tennessee Cavalry tried to locate his brother William. The following day Pickens wrote to his mother to give her the grim news of the disaster. [I] must confess, he told her, that to the best of my knowledge William is among the lost. I have not heard of him since the explosion took place and I have no hope of ever hearing from him anymore.

More than 500 of those who made it to shore were placed in hospitals; the Soldiers Home at Memphis took another 241. Many of these injured did not live to enjoy the freedom they had so recently won. Sergeant William Fies of the 64th Ohio Infantry, in describing the grim sights in one of the hospital wards, wrote that he was placed in a ward with quite a number who were severely scalded, or otherwise badly injured, and such misery and intense suffering as I witnessed while there is beyond my power to describe. The agonizing cries and groans of the burned and scalded were heartrending and almost unendurable, but in most cases the suffering was of short duration as most of them were relieved by death in a few hours.

Because no accurate assessment of the number of passengers had been made, it was impossible to calculate the exact number of dead. Both the militarys estimate of 1,238 and the Customs Departments figure of 1,547 were based strictly on Captain Williamss tally of prisoners placed on the Sultana at Vicksburg and were, therefore, too low. In reality, the death toll stood at more than 1,700.

Within hours of the disaster, General C. C. Washburn, the commanding officer at Memphis, appointed a military commission to investigate the tragedy. After weeks of testimony, the commission discounted the crowded conditions aboard the Sultana, concluding that the evidence fully shows that the government has transferred as many or more troops on boats of no greater capacity than the Sultana frequently and with safety.

General Dana and Brigadier General William Hoffman, the U.S. Army Commissary General of Prisoners, each conducted investigations. Hoffmans findings were the most critical of the militarys involvement in the Sultana tragedy. He concluded that the shipment of so large a number of troops (1,866) on one boat was, under the circumstances, unnecessary, unjustifiable, and a great outrage on the troops. His report also pointed a finger of guilt at General Smith, noting that although he had nothing officially to do with the shipment of the troops; yet as it was officially reported to him by Captain Kerns that too many men were being put on the Sultana, it was proper that he should have satisfied himself from good authority whether there was sufficient grounds for the report, and if he found it so he should have interfered to have the evil remedied. Had [Smith] done so, the lives of many men would have been saved.

The cause of the destruction of the Sultana has always been in dispute. Many Northern newspapers immediately blamed the tragedy on sabotage, a possibility discounted by all of the various military investigations. The Washburn Commission concluded that insufficient water in the boilers precipitated the explosion, despite testimony to the contrary by the Sultanas second engineer, who was on watch at the time of the explosion and who died soon after from the injuries he had received.

It was the investigation and report of J. J. Witzig, the supervising inspector of steamboats, that shed the most light on the cause of the tragedy. Witzig contended that the shoddy repair to the middle larboard boiler at Vicksburg had caused the explosion. The small patch, he reasoned, was too thin to stand the excessive pressure in the boiler on the upriver trip.

At the conclusion of all the military investigations, Hatch and Speed were ordered to appear before court-martial tribunals. The charges against Hatch stemmed from the fact that he had selected the Sultana to transport the prisoners. Speed, because of his temporary replacement of Williams, was deemed to be the officer in direct command of the prisoner transfer.

On November 1, 1865, a court was appointed to try Captain Speed at Vicksburg. Although the government called several witnesses to testify, the prosecution failed to compel the appearance of one key witness, Lieutenant Colonel Hatch. A request by the prosecutor to the Secretary of War to have Hatch arrested and brought to Vicksburg to testify went unanswered. In June 1866, the military court found Speed guilty on all charges and sentenced him to be dismissed from the army. The verdict, however, was later reversed by the judge advocate general, and Captain Speed was honorably mustered out of service.

Hatch never stood before a court-martial tribunal. On June 3, 1865, he was relieved of his duties as chief quartermaster of the Department of the Mississippi. A few weeks later, he boarded the northbound steamer Atlantic, carrying $14,490 in government money. During the voyage, the safe of the Atlantic was robbed. The thief was caught before the boat reached St. Louis, and all the money was recovered, except for more than $8,500 in government funds Hatch claimed he had placed in the safe. He was found to have violated military regulations by removing the funds from the Department and was held personally liable for the loss of the money. Thus, Hatchs career ended as it beganin controversy.

With Speeds exoneration, the military closed the books on the Sultana tragedy. In the end, no one was held responsible for the worst maritime disaster in American waters. Speed stayed in Vicksburg, becoming a criminal court judge and a powerful voice in Mississippi politics. George Williams retired from the military in 1870 as a major; he later served several terms on the school board in Newburgh, New York. General Smith, after resigning from the army, served as second assistant postmaster general during the Grant administration. On December 29, 1874, Smith was thought to have committed suicide after an article appeared in The New York Times accusing him of taking a $50,000 bribe.

The horror of the Sultana tragedy was multiplied by its futility. Headlines in the Memphis Daily Appeal screamed: IT WAS MURDER! And the newspaper was correct. There was no military reason requiring or justifying the placement of so many soldiers aboard the Sultana. The real cause of the disaster was not the failure of the patch on the boiler, but the conspiracy of greed at Vicksburg that put the quest for profits above the safety of the weary soldiers who thought the horrors of war were behind them forever.

As the years passed, several survivors attempted to persuade the government to erect a monument in memory of their fallen comrades, but to no avail. Shortly before his death, Sultana passenger James H. Kimberlin expressed resentment toward his country when he wrote: The men who had endured the torments of a hell on Earth, starved, famished from thirst, eaten with vermin, having endured all the indignities, insults and abuses possible for an armed bully to bestow upon them, to be so soon forgotten does not speak well for our government or the American people.

Memphis attorney Jerry O. Potter is the author of The Sultana Tragedy: Americas Greatest Maritime Disaster (Pelican Publishing Co., 1992).

1Recent estimates range from almost 2,100 to more than 2,317.

2In addition to the passengers, the Sultana held a great deal of cargo, including almost two hundred head of horses, mules, and hogs, and the crews mascot, an alligator housed in a wooden crate.

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While working as an agricultural expert for the Bureau of Indian Affairs after WW II, the author co-wrote a report that revealed the desperate plight of the Navajo people who lived on the brink of starvation in the American Southwest.

Inanition, a word unfamiliar to most people, was listed as the cause of death on many of the death certificates completed in 1947 by Navajo Service doctors who tended the residents of the Navajo Indian reservation in the Southwest United States. The word sounded better than its more descriptive meaningslow death by starvationto the federal agencies that since the Treaty of 1868 had been responsible for the care of the Navajo Nation. The euphemisms use helped to mask the sorry state of affairs that existed on the reservation at the end of World War II, a conflict in which many Navajos gallantly served the Allied cause [See Code Talkers in the January/February 1997 issue of American History].

As a United States naval officer in World War II, I had been in charge of the Joint Chiefs of Staffs agricultural planning for the post-war occupation of Japan. In the fall of 1946, I was hired by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and sent to Window Rock, Arizonacapital of the Navajo Nationto direct the soil conservation program on the Navajo reservation, where living conditions were well below the national poverty level. I reported to Reservation Superintendent James Stewart and soon became his confidential advisor on a number of problems that he encountered. It shocked me to learn that no members of the Navajo Nation were being asked to participate in any of the decisions being made for their good by the BIA officials at Window Rock or in Washington, D.C.

In the late spring of 1947, when the BIA sent Elizabeth Chief to Window Rock to conduct a study and prepare a report on the welfare needs of the Navajo people, Stewart saw an opportunity to convince Washington that we really have a lot of starving Indians out here. He told me to work closely with Elizabeth, a wonderful person who put her heart and soul into gathering detailed information for the report. Unfortunately, it soon became apparent to her that all of her training had failed to prepare her emotionally for what she experienced on the reservation. Although it was an undertaking far beyond the requirements of official duty, Elizabeth and I dedicated ourselves to the task of writing the Navajo Welfare Report of 1947; we wanted the government to know what was really happening to these people.

Certainly, other means of getting the message back to the nations capital had so far proved fruitless. When Secretary of the Interior Julius Krug toured the reservation in the fall of 1946the first high ranking government official to do so since the land was allocated to the Navajos in 1868Superintendent Stewart and tribal leaders impressed upon him the necessity of immediate funds to stave off widespread starvation on the reservation. They also pleaded for job-creation projects, such as the building of schools, hospitals, and housing, to provide much needed income to the Indians. By May 1947, however, the $50,000 in relief money allotted annually to the Navajo Welfare Agency had been spent, and no additional funds were forthcoming. It seemed that Secretary Krug had not reported to President Harry Truman on what he had seen the previous fall. Elizabeth and I hoped that our report would serve as a reminder.

Between the signing of the 1868 treaty and the turn of the century, members of the tribe had been very happy to be left alone by the BIA, choosing to overlook repeated treaty violations. To subsist during those years, they cultivated small plots of land and made good use of native plants and herds of wild game; in addition, they earned income through sheep raising and the sale of wool, rugs, and jewelry. But by 1920, the population of both the Navajo people and their sheep herds had increased dramatically, making it apparent that the reservations resources could not support the growing numbers.

In response to the situation, the BIA increased government welfare, health, and medical services for Navajos during the 1920s, and in the 30s, the agency participated in New Deal projects on the reservation that generated a significant amount of income for its residents. Access to this income temporarily prevented a crisis on the reservation in 1933, when a BIA initiative threatened the food supply of many Navajos by cutting them off from a traditional source of meat. For at least fifty years, Navajos with large flocks of sheep had been sharing with the poorest members of the tribe. But now, in order to halt soil erosion on the watershed of Lake Meadea result of overgrazing of the reservation landthe number of Navajo-owned sheep was sharply cut from 1.5 million to 350,000. No longer would there be a surplus with which to feed the less fortunate residents of the reservation. This Stock Reduction Program destroyed the Navajos way of life, making them more dependent on the federal government.

During World War II, more than 3,600 Navajos served in the U.S. military; approximately 10,000 Navajos left the reservation to work in war plants, and another 2,000 were employed by the railroads. The most obvious source of money flowing into the reservation during the war years was the allotments for families of military personnel. As I recall, our studies indicated that each Navajo serviceman was sending home nearly $2,000 per year, far more than the average World War II soldier. The final discharge of servicemen in 1947, however, brought an end to this source of income. At the same time, the various New Deal economic and social programs that had been established years before were being discontinued, with no new work opportunities taking their places. And, a prolonged drought, coupled with a ruling in both New Mexico and Arizona that Navajos were not eligible for social security benefits, made reservation life almost unendurable for Navajo families.

Elizabeth Chief had been trained to examine medical records in order to assess welfare needs, and she soon noticed a disturbing trend. We had been told that many children had died on the reservation in the spring of 1947. Subsequent examination of death certificates confirmed that there had been an increasing number of deaths due to inanition, or starvation. The majority of the victims were among the elderly or very young; most of the children had died at the Indian Bureau hospitals.

When our report was finished, Jim Stewart read it carefully and agreed to my suggestion that we make copies for the entire staff. We were certain that every Division Chief in Window Rock would send a copy to his boss in the Washington office. Their doing so, we felt, would make a greater impression than a single report. Elizabeth then returned to Washington, very much concerned, I am sure, about how the report would be received and what would be done to help the Navajos.

When the Gallup, New Mexico, Independent somehow obtained a copy of our report in August 1947, it published a wire service story about the starving Navajos that almost immediately attracted more than two hundred reporters to the reservation. I took the noted radio personality Will Rogers, Jr., himself part Native-American, on a two-day, picture-taking tour of the area, while two Chicago Tribune reporters made a trip across the reservation with George Bowra, editor of the Aztec, New Mexico, Independent Review. The scribes told George that they had toured South America, Mexico, India, and China, and nowhere had they witnessed people trying to live in such squalor. The Denver Post subsequently published 89 articles and 4 editorials about the starving Navajos, while other prominent papers, including The Los Angeles Examiner and the Arizona Republic, featured the Navajos story in juxtaposition to President Trumans plan to aid post-war Europe.

Politicians began to condemn the Indian Bureau for neglecting the Navajos, and the Bureau of the Budget for reducing the amount of money Congress had appropriated for Native Americans. Wisconsin Representative William H. Stevenson pointed out that 50 percent of Navajo children die before they reach the age of five years . . . , adding that After 80 years of BIA management, ninety percent of the Navajo Nation cannot speak or understand English; and schools are available for only 25% of the Navajo children.

North Dakota Senator William Langer assailed the president and his colleagues in The Congressional Record. The Indian veteran returns home, he stated, to find deplorable conditions among his people. Because of the lack of resources, there is no opportunity to establish his home. He cannot get a GI loan for his home, because the United States holds title to his land, and therefore the bank will not give him a loan. He cannot go into the sheep or cattle business, because he cannot get a permit from the government to run more livestock on an already depleted range. There is no farm land or capital available to him . . . .

So, Mr. President, Langer asked scornfully, can we say that a group of American citizens in which the tuberculosis rate is five times that of the entire United States, is getting a square deal? Are Indian mothers, who went down into the shadow of death to bear the very sons who have gone out and made this marvelous record I have cited, getting a square deal when infant mortality among the Indians is five times greater than the rest of the country? Are the people who have been dispossessed of nearly 90,000,000 acres of land within the last 50 years getting a square deal? Do senators know that Indian tribes in many states are now expressly prohibited by an act of Congress from purchasing additional land? Even with their own money, they cannot buy it; it is prohibited.

In October 1947, large quantities of relief supplies started to arrive on the reservation, initially from many private donors and later from various government agencies. The War Assets Administration furnished the Navajos with 40,000 pounds of rice, several hundred dozen cases of canned food, and 17.5 tons of flour, sugar, spices, and other commodities. Two carloads of fresh fruit were brought in by the Friendship Train, a charity drive organized by the Mormons, while twenty tons of clothing was shipped to Gallup and distributed to Navajos by volunteers and the Navajo Service.

On December 17, as Congress debated the authorization of more relief funding for the Navajos, Arizona Representative Richard Harless castigated the U.S. government: It is my purpose to tell why these people are starving to death. We put them on the most worthless land that could be found in the United States. At that time there were some 8,000 of them. We captured them and gave them a treaty at the point of a gun, to educate their children and furnish one teacher for every thirty students. We agreed to furnish housing for them. We agreed to provide for their welfare. We have never fulfilled that treaty. We stand here today and talk about relief for foreign nations when we have a national disgrace in our own country.

The 1947 debate in Congress over Navajo welfare left many congressmen with a guilt complex, as indicated by Republican John Jennings, Jr., of Tennessee, who said: [A]s to whether we should extend belated relief to these people, the spirit of Christmas and the dictates of our common humanity demand that we right the wrongs that this country inflicted upon these Indians. We should do it while they are alive and while the opportunity is ours. He added, I want to say that I feel like my Christmas turkey would choke me if I voted against this proposition.

It was gratifying and indeed surprising to find such compassionate congressional support for Navajo relief, and that this compassion was, within a few years, extended to the establishment of the Navajo Long Range Program and the Navajo Irrigation Project. Many of the congressmen who came forward and participated in the debates had never taken part in congressional discussions of Indian affairs. In an article published in Nation magazine, author Carey McWilliams tried to explain the politicians sudden interest in Indian welfare and noted that the Navajos plight had become a topic of world discussion. The government of the Soviet Union, Americas Cold War nemesis, expressed great sympathy for the Navajos as an oppressed minority in the United States. When an article from the Soviet newspaper Pravda was placed in The Congressional Record, starvation deaths on the reservation could no longer be ignored by the Truman administration, or by any member of Congress, despite efforts to dismiss the piece as Russian propaganda.

An article with the worrisome headline NAVAJOS WILL USE VIOLENCE TO GET FOOD appeared in the November 29, 1947 issue of the Albuquerque Tribune. This warning, spoken by a Bishop James Moss Stoney of Southwest Texas, was widely publicized, but the rebellion he predicted did not occur. Navajos were loyal Americans, and they could see that concerned citizens, private charities, and the federal government were responding to their needs.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs maintained a very low profile in 1947, making no effort to ward off or deny massive media and congressional criticism it received after the release of the Navajo Welfare Report. However, rumors did circulate that Navajo Reservation Superintendent Stewart would be fired immediately for allowing the starving Navajo propaganda to get out of hand. In 1948, Congress sent ample relief supplies to the reservation and greatly increased the Navajo Service budget. And when Allan Harper replaced Stewart, Bureau officials explained to the Navajos that they had sent their best administrator to the reservation in order to make sure that the allocated funds resulted in the greatest possible benefit for their people. Furthermore, the BIA told the Navajos that Harper was the man for the job because he would discuss his administrative decisions with tribal leaders.

The Navajos did not protest the removal of Jim Stewart even though he had earned their respect by not flaunting his authority. He had shown great patience in working with individual tribal leaders, securing their Councils approval of policies and decisions that, in reality, had already been made by the BIA offices in Washington.

When Harper arrived in Window Rock, he was truly a man with a mission. Stating that it was necessary to get agency files cleared and ready for expanded programs, he ordered that all records and correspondence that did not apply to an ongoing program should be removed from the files and destroyed. Special attention was given to the Stock Reduction Program and to interagency correspondence that had taken up so much filing space in the 1930s and early 40s. Medical records, Navajo death records, and doctors reports that were cluttering the files also were removed. By the time this search and destroy operation was completed, it was apparent that the BIA in Washington did not want to retain any archival material at the agency level. In 1968, I had an opportunity to study the 1947 reports retained in the Bureaus archives. The welfare report written by Elizabeth Chief and myself had been carefully edited; it was not the same report that we had submitted.

From 1848, when the Indian Bureau was transferred from the War Department to the Department of the Interior, until 1947, the Bureau of Indian Affairs managed the personal, political, and financial affairs of Indians in almost total secrecy. Congressional respect for Navajos, generated by the outstandingly loyal service of both military and civilian members of the tribe during World War II, resulted in appropriations that improved the life of every Navajo. The year 1947 thus became the low point and a turning point in Navajo history. Today, Navajos who lived through the post-World War II era are reluctant to describe their suffering. All they say is Things got better.

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[PRESS RELEASE] Baldwin City, KS  Four events organized by the Black Jack Battlefield Trust will commemorate the 155th Anniversary of the Battle of Black Jack. On Thursday, June 2nd at 5:00am the actual date and time of the battle, a free guided tour will be given. Also on Thursday, June 2nd Shared Stories of the Civil War: John Brown Martyr or Madman, a program of the Kansas Humanities Council & sponsored by Freedoms Frontier National Heritage Area, will be presented at 7:00pm at the Lumberyard Arts Center, 718 High Street, Baldwin City, KS. Admission is FREE. On Friday, June 3rd, an 1856 Lamplight Camp Tour will be held at the battlefield site three miles east of Baldwin City, Kansas (1/4 mile south of Hwy 56 on E 2000 Road). Reservations are required for this event scheduled for 8:00-9:00pm at a cost of $15 per person and can be made online at www.blackjackbattlefield.org.

On Saturday, June 4, begin the day by hearing from John Brown at 10am on the Black Jack Stage. Brown is portrayed by Kerry Altenbernd, a third generation native of Douglas County, Kansas performing first-person interpretations of John Brown since 2006. Reenactors from around the nation will participate in three reenactments of the Battle at Black Jack at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.  on the actual site of the battle. Gates open at 9 a.m. Admission is $8 for adults & $1 for children ages 3-12 and can be purchased in advance at www.blackjackbattlefield.org or at the gate which gains admission for the entire day.

Shane Seley, a principle in Wide Awake Films, Kansas City, MO, www.wideawakefilms.com coordinates the reenactment of the battle. Seley, a filmmaker specializing in stories of the Civil War, is a reenactor and he is assisted by Thom Weik, a reenactor from Lawrence, KS. The battle will be introduced by Kerry Altenbernd, Lawrence, KS, portraying John Brown as he appeared just before his hanging at Harpers Ferry.

See a Wide Awake Films production about the event at http://www.blackjackbattlefield.org. Video footage can be obtained by contacting Shane Seley, Wide Awake Films at (816) 872-3456 or shane@wideawakefilms.com.

Diane Eickhoff, an independent scholar from Kansas City, Missouri, will portray Clarina Nichols. She is the author of Kansas Notable Book, Revolutionary Heart: The Life of Clarina Nichols and the Pioneering Crusade for Womens Rights. Fred Krebs will portray Stephen A. Douglas, who wrote and introduced the Kansas-Nebraska Act which opened the territory to organized migrations of pro-slave and anti-slave groups. Krebs has been a professor in the social sciences and humanities division at the Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas, for 39 years. He is a prolific public speaker on subjects ranging from Dead Sea Scrolls, women in American history, African-American history, leadership and community, foreign policy, arts and literature, and film studies.

For the 21st century visitor, plenty of good food and drink will be available. Additional attractions at the event include sutler demonstrators such as a basket maker, spinner and blacksmith in addition to the James Country Mercantile from Liberty, Mo. as well as activities for children. Visitors can walk through the encampment of reenactors to see historic weapons demonstrations and hear Civil War music.

The Black Jack Trust is a non-profit membership organization with a goal to preserve, interpret and maintain this important piece of history and natural Kansas landscape.

BACKGROUND

Early in the pre-dawn hours of June 2, l856 a group of about twenty-five Kansas free-staters, led by the controversial abolitionist John Brown, moved quietly across the prairie a few miles east of present-day Baldwin City, Kansas. Within a few hours they would be engaged in a pitched battle with seventy Missouri pro-slavery men led by Captain Henry Clay Pate.

This confrontation had its roots in recent events which had raised tensions in the area to the breaking point. Sheriff Jones and his pro-slavery forces had sacked the town of Lawrence less than two weeks earlier, destroying the Free State Hotel and dumping the newspapers presses into the river. Just three days later five people in Franklin County were dragged from their homes and brutally murdered in the Pottawatomie Massacre. John Brown and his sons were implicated in the killing, and Henry Clay Pate set out to find him.

Pate, travelling west, camped at Black Jack Springs, a popular campground along the Santa Fe trail, and it was here that he was surprised by the attack of Browns men in the early morning light of June 2. Each side sought cover behind the banks of a creek, and the firing went on for several hours before Pate, thinking he was outnumbered, sought a truce. Brown, however, took Pate as a prisoner and the battle was over. The Battle of Black Jack was the first armed action in which forces of comparable strength fought over the issue of slavery, and a growing number of historians agree that it was here that the Civil War began.
The winter of 1864-65 was one of the harshest on record in Virginias war-torn Shenandoah Valley. Heavy snows and frigid temperatures conspired to freeze into place two opposing armies that had just spent the previous fall contending for control of the vital Southern breadbasket. In Winchester, at the northern end of the valley, the Union Army of the Shenandoah, commanded by feisty Major General Philip H. Sheridan, rested in comparative comfort, well-supplied by the efficient Federal Quartermaster Corps  notwithstanding the veteran soldiers seemingly unbreakable habit of eating up five days rations in four days time. Meanwhile, 90 miles to the south at Staunton, Lieutenant General Jubal A. Earlys Confederate Army of the Valley shivered and starved in stark contrast to their victorious enemy. Earlys thrice-beaten soldiers huddled in their run-down huts and ragged tents, their morale as low as the arctic temperatures outside. Mens spirits dull, gloomy and all are evidently hopeless, waiting for we know not what end, one private wrote.

The two armies contrasting moods mirrored their commanders divergent fortunes. Little Phil Sheridan, all 5 feet 5 inches of him, stood high in the ranks of public opinion. His three successive victories in the Shenandoah Valley, at Winchester, Fishers Hill and  most prominently  Cedar Creek, had effectively ended two years of Union frustrations in the Confederacys most important granary. Tough, unsentimental and confident to the point of cockiness, Sheridan had more than justified Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grants controversial decision the previous summer to give him command of the Army of the Shenandoah. Told by more than one person that the diminutive Sheridan was rather a little fellow, the taciturn Grant had responded, You will find him big enough for the purpose before we get through with him.

Sheridans Confederate counterpart, Jubal Early, was not so sanguine. Old Jubilee could more than match Sheridans rough, salty language and personal bravery, but he could not match the Federals overwhelming advantage in sheer numbers. While Sheridan counted nearly 10,000 battle-tested cavalry troopers in his winter camp, Early could scarcely scrounge together one-eighth that number of Rebel soldiers. To make matters worse, the enemys destruction of farms and livestock in the valley had depleted the Confederates food and forage supplies. To keep his men and horses from withering away completely, Early had been forced to disperse his already dwindling command. He returned two cavalry brigades to General Robert E. Lees equally hard-pressed army at Petersburg and sent another brigade to winter in southwestern Virginia, along with an infantry brigade and an artillery battalion. The situation was so dire that artillerymen who accepted responsibility for feeding their horses were allowed to take them home.

Two months earlier, on the morning of October 19, 1864, neither commander could have guessed what their comparative conditions would soon be. That morning, while Sheridan was still sleeping in Winchester after returning from a whirlwind visit to Washington, Early had sent his army crashing into the Union lines outside Middletown at Cedar Creek. The pre-dawn surprise attack, spearheaded by three divisions under Maj. Gen. John B. Gordons command, had nearly destroyed Sheridans army. A prematurely jubilant Early, consciously echoing Napoleons words at the Battle of Austerlitz half a century earlier, had greeted the rising sun with the satisfied exclamation, The sun of Middletown!

An unaccountable delay in pressing the attack  Gordon accused Early of shrugging off his calls for another charge with the airy reasoning, This is glory enough for one day  had allowed Sheridan to ride back to his army in a stirring 10-mile dash known ever afterward as Sheridans Ride. Once on the field, the Union commander had managed to rearrange his lines and inspire his troops, telling them flatly, Well sleep in our own beds tonight, or well sleep in hell. A subsequent counterattack, ably supported by Union cavalry, had completely reversed the Confederates gains that morning and sent Early and his army stumbling southward in ignominious defeat.

Sheridans victory at Cedar Creek, together with Maj. Gen. William T. Shermans capture of Atlanta earlier that fall, had gone a long way toward enabling President Abraham Lincoln to win re-election. Lincolns victory at the ballot box, in turn, ensured that the North would continue pressing its hard war against the South, and nowhere was that concept more harshly carried out than in the Shenandoah Valley. Throughout the fall of 1864, Sheridans troopers fanned out across the lower valley, burning barns, poisoning wells, killing livestock and doing all they could to follow their commanders orders to consume and destroy all forage and subsistence, burn all barns and mills and drive off all stock in the region. Valley residents who complained about the wholesale destruction were told, per Sheridans instructions, that they have furnished too many meals to guerrillas to expect much sympathy.

One subordinate who followed Sheridans instructions to the letter was Brevet Maj. Gen. George Armstrong Custer. The flamboyant 25-year-old commanded Sheridans 3rd Cavalry Division, and that fall he led his troopers on a series of raids and reprisals against the deadly Confederate guerrillas who patrolled the region. Custer directly owed his new rank to Sheridan, who had requested following the Battle of Cedar Creek that Custer and 30-year-old Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt, whom Sheridan proudly styled his brave boys, be promoted. The impetuous Custer, brave to the point of recklessness, was Sheridans particular protege. Perhaps Sheridan saw something of himself in Custer: Both men had struggled mightily to complete their courses at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Indeed, Custer was the class goat in 1861, finishing dead last academically. More likely, however, the unsentimental Sheridan simply appreciated the young Michiganders unhesitating obedience to orders and his utter lack of remorse in carrying them out.

Repeatedly that fall, Custer crossed swords with Lt. Col. John Singleton Mosby and his 43rd Virginia Cavalry Battalion. Mosbys men were legally sworn Confederate soldiers, but their irregular raiding habits caused them to be considered guerrillas, and Custer, for one, was not much troubled by military formalities. In early October, near Dayton, Custer had a Southern bushwhacker summarily shot. Two days later, two more captured Confederates were tried as spies and executed. On October 12, one of Mosbys horsemen was hanged from a tree alongside a roadway, bearing a placard that read, In retaliation. And when a favorite trooper in the 6th Michigan was killed by a sniper shot from one of two adjacent houses, the owners of both houses were dragged outside and shot, without reference to which  if either  was the guilty party. Custer was also blamed erroneously for the execution of six Mosbys Rangers at Front Royal on September 23. In fact, Merritt had commanded the force that captured the Rangers, but Custer was present when four of the men were shot down in a field behind the Methodist Church  one in front of his screaming mother  and two others were hanged from a nearby walnut tree. The flamboyant Custer was easily the most recognizable Yankee on hand for the killings, and residents of the town mistakenly labeled him the chief perpetrator of the outrage. Mosby, who had not been present for the initial attack, began stockpiling any Custer troopers he managed to capture, and on November 6, at Rectorville, he had 27 Federal prisoners draw numbered slips of paper to determine which seven would be executed in reprisal for the murders at Front Royal and the slaying of a seventh Confederate prisoner on October 13. The unlucky seven were led away (two managed to escape) and executed, with a note left dangling from one of the bodies, reading: These men have been hung in retaliation for an equal number of Colonel Mosbys men hung by order of General Custer, at Front Royal. Measure for measure.

The reprisals at Rectorville put an end to the most blatant violations of military code, but they left behind a festering bitterness in Custer and his men. That bitterness was compounded by a surprise attack on Custers camp at Lacey Springs in mid-December by members of Brig. Gen. Thomas Rossers skeleton cavalry force. With the two opposing armies largely locked into place for the winter, only the cavalry could negotiate the ice-wracked countryside, and Custer and his troopers had set out on a raid toward Staunton. Instead, nine miles above Harrisonburg, Custers camp was overrun by Rossers hard-charging riders. Little real damage was done, but the blow embarrassed the Union cavalry commander, not least because Rosser had been his best friend at West Point, and Custer was forced to explain to Sheridan  somewhat sheepishly  how he had managed to get himself attacked in his camp in the first place.

Fortunately for Custer, Sheridan was in a forgiving mood, and the incident at Lacey Springs was quickly dismissed, if not forgotten. Custer spent the rest of the winter with his wife, Elizabeth, who had come south to join her husband during his triumphant visit to Washington following the Battle of Cedar Creek. The popular cavalry commander had been selected by Sheridan to lead an honor guard to present a number of captured Confederate battle flags to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. It was the sort of extravagant ceremony that Custer always excelled at, and even the hard-to-please Stanton was impressed by the young generals gleaming demeanor. A gallant officer always makes gallant soldiers, the secretary told him. Following the ceremony, the Custers made their way back to the Shenandoah Valley  carefully escorted by 150 handpicked men  and set up housekeeping at the home of Robert and Sarah Glass, four miles outside Winchester. The Glasses were Quakers and, in the words of Libbie Custer,such nice people.

With winter campaigning at a standstill, the Custers took a 20-day furlough in late January, visiting family and friends in their hometown of Monroe, Mich. A fellow traveler on the train to Michigan jotted down a hasty, hero-worshiping account of the general in his diary. Genl Custar [sic] reminded me of Tennysons description of King Arthur, wrote Lewis T. Ives. He is tall straight with light complexion, clear blue eyes, golden hair which hangs in curls on his shoulders[,] has a fine nose. Kingly or not, Custer took advantage of his furlough to put himself right with God. At a Sunday evening service at the Monroe Presbyterian Church, he experienced a religious conversion, one that left him feeling, Custer said:somewhat like the pilot of a vessel who has been steering his ship upon familiar and safe waters but has been called upon to make a voyage fraught with danger. Having in safety and with success completed one voyage, he is imbued with confidence and renewed courage, and the second voyage is robbed of half its terror. So it is with me.

When Custer returned to Winchester in mid-February, he quickly learned from Sheridan what that second voyage would be. For the past four months, since the great Union victory at Cedar Creek, Grant had been urging Sheridan to cut the Virginia Central Railroad at or around Charlottesville and then move eastward toward Richmond and the rear of Robert E. Lees lines at Petersburg. For various reasons  inclement weather, Mosbys guerrillas, the threat of Confederate reinforcements in the valley and just plain stubbornness  Sheridan had resisted. But Grant was impossible to dissuade, and he sent Sheridan a new set of discretionary orders: Sheridan was to destroy the Virginia Central Railroad and the James River canal, capture Lynchburg and then either return to Winchester or link up with Shermans army in North Carolina. Sheridan decided to obey Grants orders  but only up to a point.

At dawn on February 27, 1865, Sheridan and his cavalry broke camp at Winchester and headed south. Along with two full cavalry divisions and a section of artillery, the blue-clad force included a long train of supply wagons, a pontoon train, 12 ambulances and two medical wagons. Each trooper rode out with five days worth of rations for himself, 30 pounds of forage for his horse and 75 rounds of ammunition. Winchester resident Emma Reily observed the departure of the Union invaders. I witnessed one of the grandest spectacles that can ever be imagined as they were leaving, she wrote, 10,000 cavalry passing our house four abreast, thoroughly equipped in every detail. Their horses, having been in winter quarters so long, had been fed high and curried and rubbed until their coats shone like satin. Each man had a new saddle, bridle and red blanket, and all their accouterments such as swords, belts, etc., shone like gold. It was a grand sight, requiring hours in passing.

The departure of the Federals was not such a grand event for Jubal Early and his winter-shriveled command in Staunton. Spies in Winchester and soldiers manning the armys observation and signal station on Massanutten Mountain had already detected signs of the impending Union movement. Nine days earlier, Confederate Private Henry Berkeley confided to his diary: We hear that the Yanks are collecting a very large cavalry force at Winchester and are expected to move up the Valley as soon as the weather permits. I dont see how it is possible for our little force to make any headway against them. We are only 1,500; they are reported to be 15,000. They will run over us by sheer weight of numbers. Who will be left to tell the tale?

Berkeleys estimation of the Federals strength was off by one-third, but his apprehension was shared by his army commander. All winter Early had brooded about his three stinging defeats, particularly the lost opportunity at Cedar Creek. Ungenerously, he had blamed that defeat on his own men, complaining to Lee, We had within our grasp a glorious victory, and lost it by the uncontrollable propensity of our men for plunder. He failed to mention his own delay at the time of the initial breakthrough, and he flatly declared that the subsequent Confederate retreat had been without sufficient cause, a panic created by an insane dread of being flanked and a terror of the enemys cavalry. That the army had already been outflanked twice before, at Winchester and Fishers Hill, and that the Confederate cavalry had been sent reeling at Toms Brook were factors Early neglected to mention.

Robert E. Lee, however, could understand clearly enough what had happened, and in the intervening weeks and months he had proceeded to strip Early of much of his command. The skeleton force that still remained in Staunton, Lee advised Early, was simply there to produce the impression that the force was much larger than it really was. Gently, Lee advised Early to do the best he could. Faced with a flurry of alarming reports announcing the enemys advance up the valley, Early minded Lees advice. He directed Rosser to regather his horsemen, who had temporarily disbanded to winter at their homes, and attempt to delay the Union advance at Mount Crawford, where a covered bridge crossed the North River. At the same time, Early telegraphed Maj. Gen. Lunsford Lomax at Millboro, 40 miles west of Staunton, and ordered him to bring his understrength cavalry division back east. Similar orders went to Brig. Gen. John Echols to dispatch his infantry brigade by rail to Lynchburg, which Early assumed was Sheridans ultimate target. Finally, Early had all military stores removed from Lynchburg, in case the town fell to the Federals.

The blue column moved up the macadamized Valley Pike on the 27th, stopping to camp for the night at Woodstock. The next morning, with Custers 3rd Division in the lead, the march resumed. Despite a steady rain, spirits were high, with Sheridan informing Grant that the cavalry officers say the cavalry was never in such good condition. The mood darkened, at least temporarily, when eight troopers drowned while attempting to swim their horses across the rain-swollen North Fork of the Shenandoah River. [M]any others would have been drowned had it not been for the superhuman efforts of a number of officers and menwho rushed into the stream, and at great personal risk brought them to the shore, reported the commander of Custers 1st Brigade, Colonel Alexander Pennington. The rest of the army waited for the engineers to put out a pre-constructed pontoon bridge.

As early as February 28, Sheridan made it plain to his officers  if not to Grant  that he had no intention of returning to Winchester following the raid. (Whether he intended to head south and join Sherman, as Grant wanted, Sheridan did not say.) At officers call that morning, Sheridan gathered his subordinates together and told them that we were on a big march of not less than 350 or 400 miles, Sergeant Roger Hannaford of the 2nd Ohio reported  certainly much longer than an advance and return from Winchester to Staunton would require.

Rain continued to fall on the third day of the Union march. Again, Custers division took the lead, and at Mount Crawford they ran into a familiar foe, Tom Rosser, who had scraped together a couple hundred cavalrymen and was busy setting fire to the covered wooden bridge across the North River. Custer called for Colonel Henry Capehart, commander of the 3rd Brigade, and ordered him to secure the bridge at all costs. Capehart had just joined Custers division after a transfer from the 2nd Division, and he was understandably eager to make a good impression. He quickly had two regiments swim across the river above the bridge, while he personally led the rest of the brigade in a high-throated charge across the burning timbers. Rossers men fired a last volley at the oncoming Federals and melted back into the woods, but not quickly enough to prevent the capture of 37 Southerners.

That night the Federals bedded down in an icy shower at Clines Mill, seven miles north of Staunton. Sheridan ordered Colonel Peter Staggs Michigan brigade to skirt Staunton in the dark and burn the railroad bridge to the east at Christian Creek to prevent the Rebels from evacuating the town. Staggs troopers successfully burned the bridge after piling fence rails on top of the span, but they were too late to stop the evacuation. Early and his staff had ridden out of Staunton at 3:45 that afternoon, headed for a fateful rendezvous with Brig. Gen. Gabriel C. Whartons ragtag infantry division at Waynesboro, a small village midway between Staunton and Charlottesville on the banks of the South River near Rockfish Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The next morning Sheridan entered Staunton. The streets were deserted, the warehouses empty, but somehow Early had left word for his old adversary that he intended to fight at Waynesboro  or at least that is what Sheridan reported later. It seems doubtful that Early, leaving in haste with an army eight times the size of his snapping at his heels, would have been so bold as to invite further pursuit. Probably, Early expected Sheridan to continue south to Lynchburg, where Jube had already dispatched his largest infantry force. Sheridan later explained that he was reluctant to leave Earlys troops  all 1,200 of them  in his rear, although what possible harm they could have done in their present worn-down state was anyones guess. Still, if Early wanted to fight at Waynesboro, Sheridan would be more than happy to accommodate him. Besides, each step Sheridan took to the east carried him that much closer to Grant  and that much farther away from Sherman. All in all, it seemed like a good trade-off.

Sheridan summoned Custer and told him, Custer reported, to ascertain something definite in regard to the position, movements, and strength of the enemy, and, if possible, destroy the railroad bridge over the South River at that point. Since Sheridan already knew how many men Early had and where he had gone, the order did not make much sense, but it was all Custer needed to mount up and head east.

In the meantime, Early had reached Waynesboro and set about preparing a makeshift defensive line on a low ridge west of town. General Wharton, a veteran of every major valley fight since the Battle of New Market, was given the unenviable task of holding down a three-quarter-mile-long line of rifle pits with a skeleton force of 1,000 infantry, 100 cavalry and six artillery pieces. The thin-stretched line was a mere 200 yards from the rain-swollen South River, and the sleet-soaked Confederates were uncomfortably aware of the raging watercourse to their rear. To make matters worse, the line did not stretch far enough south to touch the westward bend of the river  a gap of about an eighth of a mile that left the Rebel flank hanging in the air. Captain Jedediah Hotchkiss, Earlys New Yorkborn topographical engineer, charged later that Early had committed an unpardonable error in posting his troops in such an exposed position. Early explained, rather lamely, that he had placed the men there in order to secure the removal of five pieces of artillery for which there were no horses, and some stores still in Waynesboro, as well as to present a bold front to the enemy, and ascertain the object of his movement, which I could not do very well if I took refuge at once in the mountain. I did not intend making my final stand on this ground, yet I was satisfied that if my men would fight, which I had no reason to doubt, I could hold the enemy in check until night, and then cross the river and take position in Rockfish Gap.

Perhaps that was so, but Early was gambling on being able to out-bluff the Federals, and the ever-aggressive Custer was a hard man to bluff. Arriving outside Waynesboro at about 2 p.m. on March 2, Custer sent Colonel William Wells 2nd Brigade forward to probe the Confederate line. A brisk rattle of rifle fire convinced Custer that a frontal assault would involve a large loss of life. Hastily, he looked for another approach, and soon discovered the dangerous gap between the Rebel left and the river. While Wells kept the enemy occupied in the front, Custer sent Lt. Col. Edward Whitaker, his chief of staff, to relay his orders to Colonel Penningtons brigade. Custer directed Pennington to dismount three of his regiments and attack the enemys flank through a stand of woods that would obscure the troopers approach. The three attacking regiments  the 2nd Ohio, 3rd New Jersey and 1st Connecticut  were armed with seven-shot Spencer repeating rifles. The brigades fourth regiment, the 2nd New York, was held in reserve.

At a signal from bugler Joseph Fought, the Union forces began the attack. It did not last long. While Lieutenant C.A. Woodruffs section of horse artillery blasted away at the Rebel breastworks, compelling the defenders to lie flat, Penningtons men lifted a yell and attacked at a dead run, firing their Spencers as quickly as they could. Meanwhile, Colonel Capeharts 3rd Brigade stormed into the works from the front. The overwhelmed Confederates broke for the rear in what a disgusted Jedediah Hotchkiss termed one of the most terrible panics and stampedes I have ever seen. There was perfect rout along the road up the mountain.

Early, who was watching the fight from a hill between the rifle pits and the river, saw at once that everything was lost. Cutting through a nearby stand of trees, he and his staff raced for the bridge leading to Rockfish Gap. Early and Wharton made it, but Dr. Hunter McGuire, the armys gifted medical director, was not so lucky. Attempting to jump his horse over a rail fence, McGuire and his mount went sprawling face first in the mud. When he looked up, a Union cavalryman was pointing a carbine at his head. Thinking quickly, McGuire made the arcane distress sign used by members of the Masonic Order. A Federal officer and fellow Mason immediately rode up and took charge of the shaken physician, telling the other soldier: This man is my prisoner. Let him alone.

McGuire was one of more than 1,200 Confederates captured at Waynesboro, along with all 11 artillery pieces, 17 battle flags and 150 wagons, including Earlys own headquarters wagon. Union losses were nine men killed or wounded. After a brief pursuit of the handful of Rebel stragglers who made it safely to Rockfish Gap, Custer broke off the attack and reported to Sheridan, who had arrived on the scene.

As Sheridan staffer Captain George B. Sanford remembered: Up came Custer himself with his following, and in the hands of his orderlies, one to each, were the seventeen battle flags streaming in the wind. It was a great spectacle and the sort of thing which Custer thoroughly enjoyed.

Sheridan, too, enjoyed the scene, praising Custer for the brilliant fight and reporting to Washington with pardonable pride that the battle at Waynesboro had closed hostilities in the Shenandoah Valley. It had also closed Earlys military career. Never again would Old Jubilee command troops in battle.

While Sheridan went on to complete a brilliant Civil War career and advanced to eventual command of the entire U.S. Army, Early retired to an embittered postwar career as one of the most unreconstructed of all unreconstructed Rebels. The fulcrum of fate that had held both mens careers in the balance one October morning at Cedar Creek had tipped irreversibly in favor of Phil Sheridan, with a slight assist from his golden-haired protege, George Armstrong Custer.

This article was written by Roy Morris, Jr. and originally appeared in the March 2001 issue of Americas Civil War. For more great articles be sure to pick up your copy of Americas Civil War.
Cold-blooded Custer

After reading in your magazine about the battles led by Lieutenant Colonel George Custer, I found him arrogant and bloodthirsty, ever eager to take more and more innocent lives. I found him only as noble or heroic as his historic equalsthe slave traders, Adolph Hitler or more recently Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dalmer. Custers larger than life image was built on the slaughter of villages of native American women and children. His misguided soldiers followed him loyally, believing him legend. It would be the lifeless bodies of these soldiers and Custer himself that made the Battle of the Little Bighorn legend.

Laurie Elliott

Monoca, Pa.

The editor responds: The deadly fiasco at the Battle of the Little Bighorn certainly helped secure Custers legend, but even most of his critics will say he was closer to the American soldier ideal of his time than being akin to a slave trader or serial killer, let alone the nasty Nazi dictator of the Third Reich. The Plains Indians were excellent fighting men, and they were more than a match for him and the 7th Cavalry on June 25, 1876. Please see historian Gregory Michnos Ten Myths About the Little Bighorn, in this issue for a better understanding of that battle and maybe Custer himself.

Cover Lover

Your colorized picture of three of Geronimos warriors on the cover of your February 2008 issue was an excellent image. I plan on framing it and putting it on my wall beside my Old West library. Your October 2007 cover and story on Oklahomas land rush was the best I have ever seen on the subject. Your competition should look at the way your fine magazine is doing. Keep up the good work.

Paul Gordon

St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

Worley World

In the Gunfighters and Lawmen article in the February issue, there is a 1902 picture of Charles Worley as a member of the Pauls Valley City Council in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). The picture appears to have been taken when Charles was in his 30s. He is a twin in appearance of my youngest brother, Paul Edgar Worley, in his last photo before his death from brain cancer in 1995 at age 32. Charles Worley made his living for a time as a constable, and my brother also served a distinguished career in law enforcement (He held the rank of corporal with the Lake Saint Louis Police Department in St. Charles County, Mo.). I would be interested to learn if any of Constable Charles Worleys kin became law enforcement people, since my other brother, Mike Worley, served more than 20 years in another police department in St. Charles.

The Rev. Steven Robinson-Worley

Via email

Fort Tejon Camels

As a longtime docent at Fort Tejon State Park, I read with great interest Dr. Paul Huttons article on the camel experiment. One of the great myths of Fort Tejon is the relationship between the 1st Dragoons and the government-owned camels. The article implies that when Ned Beale reached southern California in late 1857, he turned the camels over to the dragoons stationed at For Tejon. Not so. Beale delivered the camels to Samuel A. Bishop, his business partner. Bishop rapidly put the camels to use on his ranch and used them to deliver supplies to Beales road-building crew working in northern Arizona. In April 1859, Bishops civilian packers launched a successful camel charge against 100 Mojaves who were protesting the construction of Beales road across their land. In November 1859, the Army ordered the Fort Tejon army quartermaster to take possession of the camels. The camels spent four months in the army corrals at the fort, during which time they were not used by the dragoons, but ate prodigious amounts of hay and barley. The quartermaster soon sent the camels back to the Bishop ranch.

Will Gorenfeld

Novato, Calif.

Madame Moustache

I noticed Richard Selcer listed Madame Moustache in his inventory of the Wests top ten madams (December 2007 Wild West, P. 10). Period sources say Eleanor or Eleonore (not Eleanora) Dumont arrived at Nevada City, Calif., in 1854. Twenty-five years later, in September 1879, she committed suicide at Bodie, Calif. Her whereabouts between those dates are largely undocumented, but newspapers that reported her death said she had followed mining booms to British Columbia, the Black Hills, eastern Nevada, Idaho and Montana (but not Tombstone). Period accounts Ive seen say Dumont worked as a professional gambler who ran gaming rooms and dealt cards. Although Victorian language is often veiled, nobody said she was a prostitute or madam, suggesting that her title probably resulted from French ancestry. Madame did not necessarily mean she was a madam. Interested readers will enjoy visiting www.BodieHistory.com where I posted information about the Madame.

Michael H. Piatt

Holland, Mass.

Its a Gass

I enjoyed reading about Christmas in the Old West in the December 2007 issue. Just a small correction about the name of Patrick Gass, one of the three sergeants in the Corps of Discovery mentioned in the article. It is either a typo, or the author got confused with another popular figure of the timeHugh Glass, who fought with a grizzly and lived to talk about it. Hugh Glass got killed by the Arikara Indians on the Yellowstone River near the old Fort Cass in 1833, while Patrick Gass lived up to the ripe age of 99 and died April 2, 1870, in Wellsburg, W.Va.

Jiri Cernik

Via email

The editor responds. Yes, it was a typo. Thanks for the correction. We like Patrick Gass so much that we quote him again in this issue in a story about the Fourth of July on the frontier. As for Hugh Glass, he had more reason than most to celebrate Christmas in 1823 after being left for dead in the wilderness and crawling to safety earlier that year. But there is no truth to the rumor that on Christmas morning, he growled, Im as hungry as a bear! His incredible true tale is told in Hugh Glass: Legendary Trapper on Americas Western Frontier, which can be found on our Web site.
By John W. Lamb

While Robert E. Lees entire army massed behind Clarks Mountain to attack the Union Army of Virginia, a daring Yankee spy swam the Rapidan River to warn Maj. Gen. John Pope of the imminent danger. It was, said one military historian, the timeliest single product of espionage in the entire war.

Early morning on August 18, 1862, found Major General J.E.B. Stuart and his staff resting fitfully on the front porch and lawn of a house in the tiny community of Verdiersville, Virginia. They had spent the night there waiting for Brigadier General Fitzhugh Lees cavalry to arrive so that an attack on nearby Union forces could begin. Stuart was no doubt irritated by Lees tardinessperhaps he was planning how he would greet Lee when he finally arrived.

When Stuart and his party made camp the night before, they could find no trace of Lee, who had been directed to have his troops in the area by that time. Residents had seen no cavalry, and Stuart and his men had settled in to wait. During the night, Stuart had sent his adjutant general, Major Norman Fitzhugh, to find Lees cavalry and hurry them on.

As Stuart lay on the porch in the early morning light, a group of cavalrymen approached. Thinking it was Lees force, he sent out two officers to greet them. In short order shots were fired, and the officers dashed back with the 5th New York and 1st Michigan Cavalry regiments close on their heels.

Leaving his coat, haversack and hat behind, Stuart ran to his horse and, along with his staff, scattered into nearby woods. The Union troopers broke off the pursuit, stopped to gather what they could at the house, including Stuarts famous hat, and then rode back to the Union lines. Accompanying the Federals was Norman Fitzhugh, whom they had captured the night before. After reaching Union lines, they dispatched Fitzhugh and Stuarts bag to Maj. Gen. John Pope, who, upon seeing a letter Fitzhugh was carrying that detailed Robert E. Lees plan of battle, decided to pull back his forces in time to save them from a crushing defeat. Anyway, thats the oft-repeated story.

In truth, the captured letter had nothing to do with Popes decision to withdraw. At the earliest, the letter arrived in midafternoon on the 18th, long after the

decision had been made. Rather than luck, it was systematic intelligence gathering that saved Popes army and allowed it to escape the trap that Lee had set at Clarks Mountain.

In the wake of the disastrous Battle of Cedar Mountain on August 9, 1862, Pope had taken up what he thought was a strong position in the triangle formed on the left by the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, on the right by the Rappahannock River and at the bottom by the Rapidan River. While awaiting reinforcements and pondering a move on Richmond, Pope separated his forces, positioning Maj. Gen. Franz Sigels division at the foot of Cedar Mountain, Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowells division north of Rapidan Station, Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks division near Culpeper and Brig. Gen. Jesse Renos division near Raccoon Ford.

In doing so, Pope unwittingly presented Robert E. Lee with an unparalleled opportunity to crush his army. On August 15, Lee met with his corps commanders, Maj. Gens. James Longstreet and Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson, at Gordonsville and developed a plan to take full advantage of Popes bad planning. Using Clarks Mountain as a screen, Lee would bring his infantry into place on the southern side of the mountain by August 17. In addition to blocking Popes view of his approach, Clarks Mountain provided a perfect location for Jacksons signal corps to observe Union positions north of the Rapidan. Once the infantry was in place, Fitzhugh Lees cavalry would cross the river at Raccoon Ford early on August 18 and burn the key railroad bridge over the Rappahannock River at Rappahannock Station, cutting Popes only supply line. After the bridge was destroyed, the infantry would ford the Rapidan, smash into the exposed left flank of the Union line, trap the Federals between the two rivers without supplies and dispose of them at will.

Jackson was enthusiastic and wanted to attack as soon as possible. Longstreet, somewhat more cautious, suggested delaying the attack until the 18th. He also wanted to strike the Union right, where his forces would be able to use the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to their advantage. Lee accepted the one-day delay but remained firm in his desire to attack the Union left.

The orders were cut on August 16, and initial preparations and troop movements began. While Robert E. Lees forces began to move into position, Stuart ordered Fitzhugh Lee to have his cavalry in place near Raccoon Ford by Sunday night, August 17. The elder Lee knew that surprise would be the key to success in the attack, but unbeknown to him the secrecy of his movement had been compromised by a Union spy, Sergeant Thomas O. Harter of the 1st Indiana Cavalry, who had infiltrated the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and marched with it toward Clarks Mountain. Harter, dressed as a civilian, had been sent out in the direction of Staunton, Va., in late July but was arrested and sent to Richmond, where he gained his release by claiming that he had been looking for railroad work. Harter reached Gordonsville and fell in with the Confederate force on August 16, putting himself in a key position to learn the enemys plans.

On the morning of August 17, Stuart left Fitzhugh Lees cavalry, returned to Robert E. Lees headquarters near Orange Court House and then traveled to Verdiersville to await the cavalry, which would pass by on its way to Raccoon Ford. Meanwhile, Pope, hearing numerous reports that Confederate troops were moving up from Richmond, began worrying about an attack on his exposed left flank and took measures to determine what was occurring there. He temporarily placed Brig. Gen. John Bufords cavalry brigade under the command of Jesse Reno and ordered him to push his cavalry forward on the other side of the Rapidan and to use spies and scouts, without regard to expense, to keep yourself constantly advised of everything in your front as far as possible.

In response, Reno dispatched the 1st Michigan and 5th New York Cavalry regiments on a scouting mission in the direction of Raccoon Ford and Louisa Court House. Leaving their camp south of Stevensburg at midday on the 17th, the Union horsemen crossed the Rapidan at Raccoon Ford, which had been left unpicketed, and headed toward Verdiersville.

While awaiting the cavalrys return (and no doubt spurred on by the skirmishing that had taken place earlier with Confederate cavalrymen along the Rapidan), Reno summoned Lt. Col. Jacob Eugene Duryee of the 2nd Maryland Infantry to his headquarters tent late in the afternoon of the 17th. He ordered Duryee to take 250 of his men and raid a Confederate signal operation atop Clarks Mountain early the next morning.

A topographical engineer will accompany you and if possible find out the enemys position and strength, said Reno. As Duryee was leaving, Reno stepped from his tent, pointed to Clarks Mountain and said: Young man, when you reach the top you will be a damned sight nearer the rebel army than your own, so look out. The rebel pickets have been exchanging shots with our troops along the Rapidan this afternoon. Little did Reno realize the full truth of his words, for those Rebel pickets were in fact the cavalry screen for the Confederate army hidden just behind the mountain. Leaving camp at 1 a.m., the detachment from the 2nd Maryland slipped out of camp, crossed the Rapidan at Raccoon Ford and began making its way to the summit of the mountain.

The morning of August 18 dawned with the Union troops at rest in their camps, unaware that almost the entire Confederate army was less than five miles away. In the Confederate camps near Clarks Mountain, the soldiers anticipated orders at any moment to cross the Rapidan and attack. At Verdiersville, Stuart and his staff waited for Fitzhugh Lees cavalry to arrive so that the attack could begin. On Clarks Mountain, the 2nd Maryland detachment was about to attack the mounted troops manning the Confederate signal station.

The days events unfolded in a way that was vastly different from what has generally been portrayed by historians over the years. The first player to take the stage was Union spy Thomas Harter.

Realizing the importance of his knowledge of the Confederates plan, Harter left their camp on the morning of August 18, swam the Rapidan and found his way to Renos headquarters. Generals Pope, McDowell, Reno and others were present when he arrived. According to McDowell, Harter reported that the enemy had

accumulated all his force, including several divisions just up from Richmond, behind the ridge [Clarks Mountain] immediately beyond the river and opposite our extreme left. In addition, the spy reported that the Confederates artillery horses were harnessed and that the troops were ready to cross the Rapidan at Raccoon Ford to get in the rear of Popes army. Their movement into this position, according to McDowell, had been completely hidden from our sight by the ridge, and even from that of our lookouts on the top of Thoroughfare Mountain, was one made in the direction which had been expected from the first, and had for its object the interposing of the whole of the enemys forces between our army and its re-enforcements. That information was timely and would be of use, said McDowell, provided the enemy gave us the night and day the start. This was more than an understatement; Harters report to Pope may well have been the timeliest single product of espionage received by any Union commander during the entire war.

At sunrise on August 18, Colonel Duryee and 250 men of the 2nd Maryland Infantry reached the summit of Clarks Mountain on their raid to disrupt the operations of the Confederate signal corpsmen, which was using the summit of the mountain as a signaling station. A short skirmish with the small Rebel force manning the post ensued, and two members of the 2nd Maryland were wounded. Two Confederates were taken prisoner. Also captured were several signal flags, code books and other papers. After securing the area, the Union detachment lingered long enough to allow a topographical engineer to make observations. The view from the mountain that morning presented an unpleasant surpriseConfederate troops so close that the raiders could hear drums in the camp below pounding out the Long Roll.

Observations completed, the detachment hurried back to their camp, spurred on by the knowledge that the Confederates would not be far behind. They stumbled on a shorter route via Somerville Ford that cut several miles off their march.

Recognizing the importance of the topographical engineers detailed observations, Duryee sent him ahead with an escort. According to Duryee, the following report was written and sent to Pope at about 7:30 a.m., after the engineer had reached Reno and before the remainder of the detachment, with prisoners in tow, had returned: I sent, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Duryea [sic], Second Regiment Maryland Volunteers, a force of 250 men to break up the rebel signal station on Clarks Mountain. The expedition left at 1 p.m. [a.m.] and arrived at the summit at day light next morning. A small mounted force was found there, and a slight skirmish took place in which several of the enemy were wounded and 2 captured. As soon as Colonel Duryea [sic] arrives I will send the prisoners to headquarters. They captured a signal flag and a memorandum book, from which it appears that Jacksons Army is back of Clarks Mountain, probably in the vicinity of Orange Court House. I send herewith the book and other papers. The cavalry has not yet returned.

In addition to Harter, another Union spy, Richard Montgomery, had infiltrated the Confederate army. Leaving McDowells headquarters on the 17th, he spent the evening of the 17th and most of the 18th with the enemy force. He returned to the Union lines on the evening of the 18th. During his stay he learned that the Confederates had been reinforced and were about to make an attempt to cross the Rapidan upstream from the Union position.

Pope now found himself in a grave situation. What he and his superiors in Washington most feared had occurred. Freed from the necessity of engaging Maj. Gen. George McClellan on the peninsula, the Confederates had moved swiftly to reinforce Lees army. Worse than that, Lees force was at that moment less than five miles from Renos headquarters, and the attack was set to begin that very day. Pope needed no prodding. Harters information was clear. There was no alternative; he must pull back his troops immediately or face destruction. The decision to fall back was probably a hard one for Pope, particularly given his public comments about not turning his back to his enemies. But that was the choice he took, and it was the correct one, as was made abundantly clear by reports from the 2nd Maryland Infantry and Montgomery and by Lees captured order.

At about 10 a.m. on August 18, Pope ordered a full-scale retreat in the face of the enemy. He directed Reno to send his wagon trains toward Stevensburg by way of Kellys or Barnetts fords. His whole corps would follow, and by night only cavalry would be left behind to screen the rear of the army.

At the same time that Popes orders for the withdrawal were sent out, Reno, drawing on Harters report as well as that of the 2nd Maryland, sent a dispatch to John Buford ordering him to make a cavalry scout: The enemy are in strong force about 2 miles back of Clarks Mountain, extending thence towards Raccoon Ford. I wish you to send a squadron of Cavalry near Raccoon Ford, and to scout from thence on the north side of the Rapidan as far as Germanna Ford. Let me hear as soon as your cavalry returns.

The movement, ordered at 10 a.m., was underway by 1:30 p.m. After the withdrawal had begun, Pope informed his superior, General-in-Chief Henry Halleck, of his moves: The enemy, heavily reinforced, is advancing on Raccoon Ford from Gordonsville, Louisa Court House and Hanover Junction. All the Richmond force has been thrown in this direction to turn my left.I have accordingly, in compliance with your instructions, started back all my trains to pass the Rappahannock tonight. My whole command will commence to fall back to that line.

Meanwhile, Lee had been forced to postpone the attack from the 18th to the 20th because several of his units had not arrived at their assigned position. As Lee and his staff watched from atop Clarks Mountain at midday on August 18, 1862, the Union camps looked quiet. But appearances were deceivingthe Union forces were preparing to withdraw. By midday on August 19 that truth was all too apparent.

Observing again from Clarks Mountain as the last men and wagons of Popes Army of Virginia disappeared in ever shrinking clouds of dust into the Virginia countryside, Lee turned to Longstreet and said disappointedly, General, we little thought that the enemy would turn his back upon us this early in the campaign.

As the Union troops faded into the distance, the Confederate command had firm knowledge of only one reason for the withdrawalthe raid on Stuarts signal station by the 2nd Maryland. J.K. Boswell, Jacksons chief engineer, said of the raid, On the morning of the 18th a body of the enemy drove our pickets from Clark Mountain, and found out the position of our troops, and on the 19th they commenced their retreat toward the Rappahannock.

The race to Second Manassas was on. Clarks Mountain would soon be forgotten, and the intelligence gathering that had served Pope so well would fail miserably. Nevertheless, the events surrounding Clarks Mountain are instructive because they bring to light the enormous value of Union intelligence operations when conducted effectively, as well as providing a perfect example of why the writings of Civil War generals are not always to be trusted.

Taking Popes report at face value, it is easy to see how a misconception could arise. The report says that the cavalry expeditions sent out on the 16th in the direction of Louisa Court House captured the adjutant-general of General Stuart, and was very near capturing that officer himself. Among the papers was an autograph letter of General Robert E. Lee to General Stuart, dated Gordonsville, August 13, which made manifest to me the position and force of the enemy and their determination to overwhelm the army under my command.

It is this paragraph that historian Edwin C. Fishel, in his work The Secret War for the Union, describes as the clearest example Civil War history ever produces of a generals use of a cover story to protect a piece of espionage. According to Fishel, Pope himself admitted the deception in a postwar letter to Harter in which Pope said the former spy had been the first person to give him the vital information concerning Lees plan.

While Popes report was printed in the Official Records, both the records of Harters service and Popes letter to him remained unpublished and unexamined, as did the accounts of the 2nd Marylands raid. The absence of those accounts made the prominence of the captured order understandable. However, relying on the story of the captured order is troublesome, since it gives a false picture of Popes conduct in the Second Manassas campaign. It makes it seem as if he was blissfully going along when a sudden stroke of luck provided him with the information he needed to save his army. That could not be farther from the truth. While Pope may not have been aware of the precise location of the Confederate army until the morning of August 18, the fact that they were nearby probably did not surprise him too much. He had long suspected that the Confederates would seek to attack him on the left of his line, and he had been receiving reports, as he himself stated, since August 12 that Lee was being reinforced and was moving to confront him from that direction. Both Pope and his superiors in Washington rightly felt that with McClellans withdrawal from the Virginia peninsula, Lee would be reinforced and move against Popes left.

Popes order to Reno of August 17, which sparked the mission of the 2nd Maryland and the scout of the 1st Michigan and 5th New York, mentioned that exact scenario and was designed to try to avoid it if at all possible. Far from being ignorant of potential danger, Pope used every means at his disposal to keep watch on his vulnerable left flank: a cavalry scout, an infantry scout, spies and lookouts on Thoroughfare Mountain. While the lookouts failed to see the advancing Confederate army, the other three produced valuable intelligence.

A quick survey of current titles on the campaign and Battle of Second Manassas reveals how widespread the story of the captured order is, but this has not always been the case. Several historians came close to blowing Popes cover story before Fishel. One was Douglas Southall Freeman in his Pulitzer Prizewinning biography of Lee. He mentioned all three possible sources of intelligence, giving prominence to the captured order, then mentioning the 2nd Marylands raid: To his [Lees] disappointment over his inability to strike Pope in his exposed positionthere was added on the 18th a fear that the enemy had discovered his presence despite his efforts to conceal the army. He learned that at daylight the Federals had raided a signal station that Jackson had established onClarks Mountain.There was no way of telling what the enemy had seen before he had been driven back, or what records he had found. Freeman also mentioned in passing the report of Thomas Harter, citing McDowells official report as his source.

Another historian, Charles F. Walcott, mentioned the 2nd Marylands report in his History of the 21st Massachusetts: A strong cavalry expeditionwhich captured an important dispatch from General Lee to General Stuart, and a gallant reconnaissance by our 2nd Maryland regiment on the night of the 17th, disclosed not only General Lees determination to make short and decisive work with General Pope and his army, but also that a rebel force amply sufficient to crush us, masked by the hills across the river, was rapidly moving into position for an advance.

Those two mentions of the 2nd Marylands raid are among the few accounts by historians that differ from the story of the captured order. Two additional accounts by members of the 2nd Maryland Infantry provide essential information about the timing of the arrival of the captured order and help establish approximate times for the report of the 2nd Maryland.

Benjamin F. Taylor, last commanding officer of the 2nd Maryland, wrote his own account of events, which makes a case for his regiment providing the information that saved Popes army. After telling the story of the raid, Taylor noted that our Colonel [Duryee] reported to General Reno between seven and eight oclock a.m. by courier and in person before 10 a.m. Drawing on Renos report of the units action and Popes official report of the campaign, Taylor made a case for the importance of the raid. He presented first Renos report, then a lengthy portion of Popes report, the gist of which is that by the morning of August 18 Pope had become convinced that the newly reinforced Confederate army was assembling nearby.

Taylor continued with the rest of Popes rationale for the withdrawal: On the 18th of August it became apparentthat this advanced positionwas no longer tenable in the face of the overwhelming forces of the enemy. I determined, accordingly, to withdraw behind the Rappahannock.I directed Major General Reno to send back his trains on the morning of the 18th, by the way of Stevensburg, to Kellys or Barnettes [sic] Ford, andthen follow with his whole corps.

That passage makes it clear that Popes decision was made on the morning of the 18th, which is a key point, as it is unlikely that a large cavalry force traveling 13 or more miles deep into Confederate territory would have been able to return to Union lines before 10 a.m. According to Taylor, the captured order did not reach Pope until sometime after 3 p.m. on August 18.

As additional evidence, Taylor included a letter from A.N. Wood, a sergeant in the 6th New York Cavalry. Wood was present when the report of the 2nd Marylands expedition was dictated and written, about ten a.m., said Taylor. Wood says the last sentence The cavalry [Bufords] has not yet returned will ring in his ears through life. The clerk became a little mixed and the general had to repeat it. He also says the cavalry returned in the afternoon.

This statement [Woods] taken with the reports of Reno and Popeindicate clearly the information obtained by the Second decided the retrograde movements of the army, the wisdom of which was later confirmed by the cavalry when they returned with J.E.B. Stuarts adjutant general and General Lees order for attack.

In light of the available information on Harter and his report, Taylor was mistaken in his conclusion, but his account establishes the timing of the decision and the fact that the captured order did not arrive in time.

Another account, written by Jacob Eugene Duryee, provides additional details of the raid. According to Duryee, the detachment left camp at 1 a.m. on the morning of the 18th. The night was cloudy and very dark, he wrote. You could not see objects ten inches from you. After crossing the Rappahannock at Raccoon Ford, the men climbed over a fence and, avoiding a road near the river, headed up the side of Clarks Mountain. By avoiding the road we met with many obstacles, mostly consisting of fences, and it was with difficulty that we made the march up the side of the mountain, he wrote. The raiders had been ordered to attack the signal post at daylight, but it was sunrise when they captured it. By Duryees estimate, the time was 5:23 a.m. They spent about 20 minutes on the summit, and between 5:45 and 6 a.m. they began the march back to camp.

According to Duryee, their return journey went much more quickly than their march to the summit, since it was daylight and they found a ford that cut a mile off their march. I am positive that the report of the engineer reached General Reno sometime before the detachment returned, wrote Duryee. For shortly after leaving the signal station the great importance of the information he had obtained, I knew was being anxiously awaited for by Genl. Reno. I therefore sent him ahead with an escort to make all possible haste to the headquarters of the General.I feel sure that the engineer was present when Gen. Reno dictated this report and the time was about 7:30 a.m. He mentioned Taylors account and said that Taylor was incorrect in saying that he had reported to Reno by 10 a.m. This should read 8 a.m. for about 10 a.m. the order from Gen. Pope had been issued for the retreat, wrote Duryee. In another letter he stated that he was sure that the reports of Topographical Engineer and myself of the skirmish were in Gen. Popes hands before 8 a.m.

When Taylors and Duryees accounts are merged with the reports and dispatches in the Official Records and with the facts of Harter and Montgomerys reports, a completely different picture of Popes actions arises. The only workable chronology for the days events is that Harter provided the first intelligence of Lees army at an unknown time on the morning of August 18. Concurrently or soon after, news of the 2nd Marylands raid reached Renos headquarters at about 8 a.m., followed by Montgomerys report on the evening of the 18th and the arrival of the captured order sometime between the afternoon of the 18th and August 22, which is when Pope reported to General Halleck that he had the captured letter.

For too long Thomas Harters and Richard Montgomerys bravery in infiltrating the Confederate army and the story of the 2nd Marylands raid on Clarks Mountain have been lost in the mists of history. Rather than a triumph of luck or the fortunes of war, it was instead a systematic use of intelligence-gathering through spies, signal corps operatives, cavalry and infantry reconnaissance that saved Pope at Clarks Mountain. It was not blind luck, but skillful professionalisman overriding factor in the entire outcome of the war.

John Lamb of Collegedale, Tenn., is a first-time contributor to Americas Civil War. For further reading, he recommends: The Secret War for the Union, by Edwin C. Fishel; or Return to Bull Run, by John J. Hennessy.[ Top | Cover Page ]
Half Moon Bay, CA (94019)

Today

A few clouds. Low near 45F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low near 45F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
For the first time, China has finally earned the right to boast its technological prowess to the world by building the world's fastest supercomputer that runs on Chinese-made semiconductors. The breakthrough is an indication of the Chinese steady rise to challenge US technological dominance worldwide.

According to Top500, a research organization that publishes biannual rankings of the world's fastest supercomputers, the Sunway TaihuLight supercomputer is reportedly twice as powerful as the previous record holder. Currently housed at the government-backed Chinese Supercomputing Center in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, the machine runs on SW26010 processor made by Shanghai High Performance IC Design Center. In addition, China also has the most number of supercomputers on the list other than the United States.

"It's not based on an existing architecture. They built it themselves. This is a system that has Chinese processors," said University of Tennessee professor Jack Dongarra, the creator behind the measurement method used by TOP500, Bloomberg reported.

For those in scientific circles, supercomputers are largely considered as a manifestation of technology leadership as they play an important role in various areas of research like in weapons development, aeronautics and space science, car design, and more.

US-based experts on computer science as well as a number of American business leaders have long warned of the China's rise in supercomputing capability which allowed the country to make extensive gains in science and technology in recent years.

"Today even consumer detergent bottles are designed with supercomputers," said Eric D. Isaacs, a physicist and provost of the University of Chicago as quoted by New York Times. "The Chinese are getting good at building these computers, and it's a competitive issue now for U.S. industry and national security."

Meanwhile, the US government has already banned an export of all advanced and high-performance processors to China, citing the need to protect American national interests. Previously, the world's fastest supercomputer was China's Tianhe-2 but was created with the use of Intel-made computing chips. Following earlier allegations that China used its Tianhe-1A supercomputer (with US-made processors) for "nuclear explosive activities," US started imposing the ban on April 2015, The Verge reported.

China, on the other hand, responded by heavily funding a national research and development program called "863", a government-led project aimed at cutting China's dependence on foreign technology. Fifteen years ago, no Chinese-designed supercomputers made it to the top 500 list. As of now, however, China's share has significantly increased with 167 supercomputers compared to America's 165.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Samsung's highly anticipated phablet flagship is making a lot of noise following the successful release of its Galaxy S7 cousin early this year. As the purported August 2 release date approaches, the South Korean tech giant is giving fans and tech buffs a teaser of the much-talked-about Galaxy Note 6 or Note 7 on its website.

As reported by Slash Gear, Samsung has a strange way of introducing the next Galaxy Note device on its website. The website shows a User Agent Profile being set up for the said device plus a link in the source revealing a basic XML info which contains model number SM-N930F. Galaxy Note 5's model number was N920 which means that N930 could be next handset model in the Galaxy Note lineup.

If naming convention is of any indication, the forthcoming device would most likely be Galaxy Note 6 unless Samsung decides to skip the entire 6th generation and go with Note 7 instead to make it at par with 7th generation Galaxy S handsets.

In another related update, Samsung may launch a single design variant of the phablet instead of two. While curved edge and flat screen handset options were offered on S6 and S7 families, recent reports suggest that the company is quite reluctant to release two options in the Note series. As per Forbes report, the sales figures of its Galaxy S-lineup cousins show that consumers generally prefer edge over flat variants. In addition, curved screen is a rarity on other devices.

Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy Note 6/7 will reportedly arrive with these specs and features (via Tech Times): 5.8-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED curved display, Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow (with Android 7.0 N software update shortly), Snapdragon 823 chip, 6 GB of RAM, 12MP rear camera, and 5MP selfie snapper. Also, the company will enter mass production of handset units starting July with 5 million devices to be rolled out for August launching.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
O n Friday we got the decision Londoners very clearly didn't want. London is an open, cosmopolitan city that embraces diversity. I am proud to live here. This national turn inwards the vote represents has left many Londoners reeling and how we proceed from here will have deep implications for the city's property market.

But importantly, this is not 2008 and the turmoil in markets could be good news for young buyers desperate to get on the property ladder; the possibility of cheaper house prices combined with continuing historically low financing may be just the tonic they need following last night's shock.

The crash of 2008 was a cash-buyers dream. For everyone else it was a nightmare. Londons property prices fell by half and there were bargains galore. Unfortunately, the majority of Londoners had to watch from the sidelines. Banks were in trouble and mortgages were hard to get. For those who could access lending, the prospect of sweeping redundancies stalled many buying ambitions. In the end it was investors from the UK and abroad who helped drive a steady recovery in the capitals property market while much of the rest of the countrys property scene stagnated.

This time will be different. Last nights decision is not a global crisis, but a home-grown shock. There will be fall out, but how much and for how long depends on how well we negotiate our exit. If the Treasurys Brexit forecast is correct, house prices could tumble by up to 18 per cent as a result of the exit vote.

This will not be welcome news for home owners, but neither is it a catastrophe. Londons house prices have seen double digit growth for years. Even a 20 per cent fall is likely to leave many Londoners only setting their price expectations back a year or so.

What does seem likely is that there will be no quick fix. Exit negotiations will take years. After that we need to see how we fare in our brave new world. No market likes uncertainty. Just the lack of clarity generated by the referendum vote itself caused the biggest fall in the number of people seeking to buy a property since the financial crash.

For Londons desperate buyers, a protracted cooling of prices could be the opportunity theyve been waiting for. Mortgage rates are low, and unlike 2008 financing looks set to remain available. Should trouble arise, Governor Mark Carney has already said that the Bank of England is standing ready to provide 250bn in additional funding to keep the system moving.

Further liquidity measures can also not be ruled out. All this should mean that if prices do moderate as the Treasury expects, all Londoners (not just cash buyers) will be in a much better position to pounce.

In contrast, our international friends may not be as keen or able to jump in. Immigration concerns were at the forefront of the exit campaign.

If this leads to a dampening of foreign demand for London living, it is likely to be another downward pressure on house prices  particularly in the prime districts. But this could also mean that Londoners' concerns about apartment blocks being snapped up by foreign investors and being left empty, will begin to dissipate. This would be good news for buyers and renters alike.

Last night's momentous decision will impact Londons property market for some time. For property owners it is likely to mean a lengthy period of uncertainty and challenge. And as we progress down what will be an unfamiliar road, things may get much worse before they get better.

However, for those plucky Londoners who are willing to take the plunge, potentially more affordable housing alongside accessible and cheap financing may provide some welcome opportunities and relief.
News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits.

Tuesday, October 25, 4:30  7 p.m.

Orr Area EMS Open House

Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798.

Orr Fire Hall

4540 Lake St., Orr

Tuesday, October 25, 12  6 p.m.

Essentia Health Job Fair

Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org.

901 9th St. N., Virginia
Let's face facts. We love to chat. And, believe it or not, there is little difference between men and women when it comes to the number of words we speak a day  16,000 on average, according to a University of Arizona study a few years back.

Sadly, technology is often blamed for stifling human interaction and, in particular, the art of meaningful conversation.

So it's no surprise, then, that some of the technology industry's best-loved platforms have historically centered around chatting.

At its peak, MSN Messenger had 330 million users  three times greater than LinkedIn's current database.

Another great example is AOL, which in 2006 had a 52% share of the instant messaging market in the US alone before a steady demise took hold, as users began taking more notice of the likes of Facebook.

And now it seems they're making a comeback  well, kind of.

Chatbots: The new norm for travel

Chatbots, conversational robot agents designed to stimulate intelligent conversation with its human users, are fast-becoming the norm in the hotel industry.

They might not mean anything to you right now, but Viv, Lola, and M are rewriting the rulebook when it comes to instant service and all part of a new breed of chat-based concierge-style applications to help people manage their lives.

While Lola is specific to travel, and launched by a former Kayak executive, M has been developed by Facebook, and Viv by the creators of Apple's Siri.

There are others  Pana, for example  which is also specific to travel. Then, most recently Google announced its 'Assistant' service. Given Google's existing presence in travel, as well as its recent launch of the Trips app, its assistant could arguably be the one to watch in this resurgence of messenger services.

If it all seems a bit far-fetched for the hospitality industry, then think again. There's already a bit more to this trend than the figment of our techie imaginations.

Dutch airline KLM is using the Facebook Messenger chat service to send passengers booking confirmations, flight notifications, and even their boarding passes.

Translate this to the hotel industry and any property could keep up a dialogue with guests throughout the booking process, the stay, and post-stay.

Meet: Edward

Last month, Booking.com launched a chatbot to connect hotels and travelers with its service working in two ways. Guests can ask their host a question on any device from within their Booking.com account. The conversation is free from templates or automated scripted text making the service less robotic and more naturally conversational. Hosts can also start conversations with their guests. A notification is sent to users bringing them into a conversation via the Booking.com messenger.

And, Edwardian Hotels London has created the aptly-named virtual host, Edward. He's available at 12 properties across London and enables guests to request amenities such as fresh towels or room service via text message.

Edward can give guests information about local bars and restaurants and has been designed to respond within a few seconds. He can even facilitate complaints, and guests can ask for an immediate callback to engage with hotel staff the 'old-fashioned' way.

Again, natural conversational language is built-in to the app and backed up with 'live assistance' when needed. Significantly for hoteliers, this is a ready-made engagement channel that millions of people are already very comfortable using.

Edward is powered by Aspect Software and Joe Gagnon, SVP and chief customer strategy officer, says Edwardian Hotels London is simply tapping into the familiarity of everyday activities.

"Texting and messaging will very soon become the simple and central entry point for the entire customer service ecosystem since it's quick, private and easy to use," explains Gagnon. "It's already a part of most smartphone owners' everyday lives; it is much more convenient for us to order room service, or get recommendations from Edward on the local tourist hotspots  all with a simple text. Aspect's self-service technology can be designed for one channel and then used across others, which will enable Edwardian Hotels London to provide consistency of service across interactions."

WhatsApp and WeChat are also likely to make their presence felt in this space, with the latter being especially strong in Asia where it has some 700 million monthly active users.

What it all comes down to: Enhancing the guest experience

A number of travel brands, airlines and hotels, are now experimenting with the above channels. WeChat already offers the ability to make flight reservations.

Starwood Hotels has, meanwhile, been using WhatsApp and other chat services to enable guests to make requests during their stay. Hyatt has been using Facebook Messenger and has said about 10% of customer service messages that come via social channels are now from Messenger.

With big names such as Facebook, Google and possibly soon Microsoft, with its own virtual assistant in development, travel-specific equivalents will have a hard job making themselves stand out.

The benefits of this new breed of services are clear, however. The customer engages with the hotel or other business in a live and contextual way.

The hotel knows who the customer is, what they have purchased before, and what their preferences are.

Google has said it will be using its knowledge graph to help its Assistant provide the best answers for travelers.

These apps can also remove some of the pain-points. They connect everything in a more seamless way enabling businesses to finally begin to bridge the gap between online and offline services.

This is an interesting development at a time when many independent hotels are still struggling with having an engaging website and responsive mobile presence. Technology such as SiteMinder's website creator, Canvas, exists to give independent hoteliers the platform they need to compete. And Internet booking engines, such as TheBookingButton, also by SiteMinder, provides the mechanisms for hoteliers to engage with their guests at all stages of their customer journey.

If independent hoteliers are savvy enough to get on board with this technology and get ahead, then chat assistants can quickly become another way to engage with customers in a place where consumers are already present and comfortable.

About SiteMinder

SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the world's leading open hotel commerce platform, ranked among technology pioneers for opening up every hotel's access to online commerce. It's this central role that has earned SiteMinder the trust of tens of thousands of hotels, across 150 countries, to sell, market, manage and grow their business. The global company, headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangkok, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila, generated more than 100 million reservations worth over US$35 billion in revenue for hotels in the last year prior to the start of the pandemic. For more information, visit siteminder.com.

Maria Cricchiola

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Prior to joining the SHA faculty, Anderson was on faculty at the Ivey School of Business in London, Ontario, Canada, where he earned his PhD. His main research focus is on revenue management and service pricing.

Christopher K. Anderson has been named the new director of the Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration (SHA). The appointment, which is effective July 1, 2016, was announced by Dean Michael Johnson.

"With the development of the Cornell College of Business, the Center for Hospitality Research is entering an exciting new phase," said Anderson, who is an associate professor at SHA. "I look forward to working with Interim Dean Kate Walsh, of the School of Hotel Administration, and developing our new connection with the Cornell College of Business."

Prior to joining the SHA faculty, Anderson was on faculty at the Ivey School of Business in London, Ontario, Canada, where he earned his PhD. His main research focus is on revenue management and service pricing. He actively works with a variety of industries in the application and development of RM, having worked with a variety of hotels, airlines, rental car, and tour companies, as well as numerous consumer packaged goods and financial services firms. He teaches SHA courses in revenue management and service operations management.

Founded in 1992, the CHR's operating model is unmatched by any other university center, as it provides the industry, researchers, and students with a stream of research at no charge, thanks to the support of a group of forward thinking industry partners.

The purpose of the Center for Hospitality Research is to enable and conduct research of significance to the global hospitality and related service industries. CHR also works to improve the connections between academe and industry, continuing the School of Hotel Administration's long-standing tradition of service to the hospitality industry. Founded in 1992, CHR remains the industry's foremost creator and distributor of timely research, all of which is posted at no charge for all to use. In addition to its industry advisory board, CHR convenes several industry roundtables each year for the purpose of identifying new issues affecting the hospitality industry.
Drake is a member of Kentuckys Big Blue Nation (BBN) so its only fitting that he got laced with special edition Kentucky x OVO Air Jordan 8 PEs.

We first saw Drake debut the kicks way back in February but apparently theres more in existence as evidenced by the pairs showcased by sneaker collector, @BigKTheBoss.

As youd expect both Home and Away Kentucky x OVO Air Jordan 8s are decked out with Kentucky blue accents and the iconic ovo owl stamped on the pull tab.

Theres a slim to none chance these Air Jordan 8s ever release but we do know that Drakes OVO Air Jordan 12s will be dropping this Summer so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Item #1
It was complete madness earlier today in Paris, where group of noted hip-hop fashionistas had gathered to support Virgil Abloh, a crucial member of Kanye Wests creative team, at the launch of his new book, which celebrates his fashion brand Off-White. Ian Connor, whos also a member of Kanyes inner-circle, was in attendance at todays book signing, and also present were two rappers who have now proven to be enemies of the 19-year-old model.

It all started when a video surfaced of a heated confrontation between Connor and London, the latter whom proceeded to go after the former on Twitter, calling Connor a dirty fucking rapist. Then, two much more violent videos surfaced. One showed Connor walking up to London and, despite the resistance efforts of A$AP Rocky, punching him in the face. The shocking punch caused a hostile commotion to spread throughout the whole room, and much of the crowd was soon escorted out of the premises by security.

Once outside, Connor quickly found himself as the target of A$AP Bari. Video shows Bari running up to Connor and connecting a on a punch to the side of his pace  perhaps an even more violent one than the jab Connor gave to London. The warring parties seemingly separated soon thereafter, and London went back on Twitter to trash Connor, telling him that Kanye doesnt want him around anymore and alleging that he knows a woman whos intent on pinning yet another damning accusation against him. As you may know, Connor has been accused of rape by several different women.

Connor, whos known to share his most honest opinions on Twitter, has finally responded to both London and Bari. He explains that he had devoted his whole life to Bari before the A$AP Mob co-founder began to get jealous. Even When He Hated I Still Fed That N*gga, wrote Connor. He also shared a screenshot of a text conversation between him and Bari that supposedly provides proof that the two of them had planned to run train on a certain porn bitch.

As for London, Connor has hit him back with some serious allegations of his own, revealing that he has physical proof that the Chicago rapper has done heroin and that hes a whole child molester. Imma Kill You Off With Facts As Opposed To Allegations, he wrote after making the horrific accusations. See the full series of tweets below.

Ian Connor
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From a little over 1 cent to a high of more than 18 cents in just a couple of weeks - that was the chart performance of BioNovelus, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ONOV, ONOV message board)'s stock. The impressive uptrend didn't have a lot supporting it but the enthusiasm displayed by investors proved to be enough.

Hype can only last for so long, though, and with ONOV reaching some truly unsustainable prices a reversal was more and more likely. Indeed, after climbing to its current highs during the June 20 session the stock lost its footing and has been wiping huge chunks of its value for the past three sessions. Yesterday it crashed by 15.4% closing the trading day at $0.11.

On Wednesday ONOV did try to reinvigorate investors by publishing a new PR. Apparently 4,000 bottles of the company's biodegradable fungicide, CR-10, which the company describes as the answer to the coffee rust fungus, have been manufactured and are going to be shipped to Costa Rica. The produced bottles of CR-10 are going to be used in the ongoing tests conducted by the company's partners. The PR also reminded investors that there potentially are more than 2.5 million hectares of coffee plantations spread across Central America as well as Mexico and Colombia that are suited to be treated with CR-10. The press release failed to prevent ONOV from dropping further down the chart but at least on that day the stock avoided logging in a double digit loss finishing the session 9.7% in the red.

If the company is making progress with its plans what could be the reason for the stock's rapid decline? Well, you don't have to look for long in order to find an answer - just open the latest quarterly report filed by ONOV. It covers the first three months of the year and shows that as of March 31, 2016, the company had:

 $4 cash and total current assets!!!

 $681 thousand total current liabilities

 ZERO revenues

 $25 thousand net loss

On June 17 ONOV announced their intentions to become a fully reporting company but for now we are left to rely on their reports filed under the alternative reporting standards. What we do know is that at the end of March ONOV had approximately $154 thousand worth of outstanding convertible notes with "various due dates in 2016". Last year a total of 13.2 million shares were issued as a conversion of notes.

If the hype around ONOV continues to wane the company could find itself falling closer to its previous price ranges. That is why before jumping into any of the various pennystocks out there you should always do extensive due diligence.
If there could only be one senator on gun-control groups' target list, it'd probably be Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H. Gun-control advocates think she's particularly vulnerable to the changing gun politics after Orlando, in part because of her tough reelection campaign and her votes on the issues this past week.

On Monday, Ayotte was one of two Republicans who voted for Democrats' proposal to prevent suspected terrorists on watch lists from buying guns. It drew the attention of advocates on both sides, because when very similar proposal came up in December, she voted against it. When Democrats' proposal failed, Ayotte signed on to Sen. Susan Collins's, R-Maine, compromise, which scored a hollow win in a vote Thursday.

Put another way, Ayotte is practically smack in the center of the heated debate on gun policy happening in Congress right now. We spoke to her about it minutes after a majority of senators voted for the compromise she supported (though it was just a test vote to see how much support it had).

Our conversation has been lightly edited for length.

Q: First, House Democrats' sit-in ended after 26 hours Thursday. What did you think of it?

AYOTTE: I think people have a right to certainly express their viewpoints, but at the same time, these are deliberative bodies and they have to be run by federal rules. So while I appreciate they get to share their viewpoint, in the end the body still has to operate on legislative business.

Q: You just had a test vote on Collins's gun-control proposal, and it got a slim majority, but not enough to guarantee Senate Republicans bring it up for a real vote. Talk to me about that.

AYOTTE: Our proposal was not tabled. So that means if it's not tabled, it can still be brought up for consideration, which means I'm hoping that we can come to a result. And I'm willing to continue to work toward that end.

Q: But you only got 52 votes, and Senate Republican leaders were looking for 60 before they considered advancing it.

AYOTTE: I anticipate there will be discussion going forward, and I'm very willing to be part of those discussions. I think we came up with a very common-sense proposal that addresses ensuring that terrorists can't purchase guns, while ensuring that people's constitutional rights are protected. So that's the balance that needs to be addressed. But if people have other proposals that do both those things, I'm certainly open to talking about it with them.

I think the group I've been working with would say the same thing. That's why we came together in the first place.

Q: Talk to me about your vote Monday for both the Democratic and Republican terror watch list proposals. In December, you only voted for the Republican version. Did you switch your vote?

AYOTTE: One of the reasons I opposed [Sen. Dianne] Feinstein's [D-Calif] amendment [to prevent people on the FBI's terrorist watch lists from buying guns] the last time it came up in December is it gutted the underlying repeal of the parts of Obamacare that I disagreed with.

When the president made this speech after San Bernardino and he talked about people on the no-fly list, I was also one of the people that tweeted that I supported the measure and I hoped we could work together on it.

Q: Harry Reid and others say you voted with them to get reelected. What do you make of that?

AYOTTE: Well, Harry Reid hand-picked my opponent [Gov. Maggie Hassan]. So I don't think much of it.

Q: Gun-control groups think they can make your support (or, in their view, lack of support) for gun control an issue in your reelection campaign. What do you make of that?

AYOTTE: I think New Hampshire voters are going to be focused on who can be an independent voice and get results. This is about the economy, national security -- who do we feel is best to make sure the country remains safe and the military remains strong.

Q: What's different about the conversation in Congress on gun policy from a few months ago, the last time there was a mass shooting?

AYOTTE: With all due respect, I don't think anything surprised me about the conversation. As I look at the Orlando situation, first and foremost, this is about terrorism. I'm glad I was able to work on this compromise proposal this week. But that alone isn't going to solve terrorism, and I think we can't lose sight of the fact that we have to get answers to, like, 'Why did the FBI close the investigation [into the Orlando shooter]?' 'What are the gaps in the intelligence system, and what are we going to do to take this fight to ISIS?' I think we have to deal with all of it.

Q: In the days after the Orlando attack, Democrats in Congress seem to be dominating the narrative, and it's all about gun control.

AYOTTE: The fact they've taken this and made it a gun-control debate; that's not an accurate view of all the things we need to address. You're making a huge mistake if you think what happens in Orlando is just a discussion about gun control. You're missing the bigger point, which is: How do we defeat ISIS and radical Islamic terrorists?

One of the reasons they are able to inspire these kinds of attacks is because they have this ability from the territory they have in Iraq and Syria. And we have to continue to diminish their capabilities.
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With summer unfolding, it's time to up your picnic game. Whether it's finding tufted floor cushions to lounge on, stylish unbreakable dishes or a game to keep the kids occupied while you savor the moment, we're on it.

"Picnics take a bit of planning and preparation, but once you lay out the blanket and everyone climbs on board, you know you will create memories," says Christen Bensten, an Arlington, Virginia design blogger and furniture painter. We asked four tastemakers to come up with accessories for an Instagram-worthy meal alfresco. There's something for everyone: a chic post-work gathering in a city park, a hunt-country repast, a laid-back beach picnic and a kid-centric Fourth of July party. Check out our delicious buffet of unexpected picnic gear, including boho cotton sari rugs, festive glasses with silicone sleeves and tops, jute totes with waterproof linings and more. Add a vase of fresh flowers, lanterns, mosquito repellent and some straw fans, and you'll be ready to picnic until the stars come out.

Urban

On a warm summer evening, you might find Amanda McClements spreading out a colorful Indian kantha quilt and picnicking on Logan Circle in Washington.

The owner of the District's Salt & Sundry stores, two stylish home boutiques, says cities are among the best places to toss out a blanket. "With all these large expanses of grassy spots and parks, they are wonderful for enjoying the outdoors," says McClements, who lives a few blocks away from the circle.

We asked her to imagine an after-work gathering for a group of friends at Yards Park, the riverfront expanse in Southeast Washington with cooling fountains and green terraces.

McClements chose a black-and-white palette, taking a cue from a round Australian-designed terry-cloth blanket. She added black-and-white vintage-inspired enamelware and melamine plates. Her favorite tip: Enlist friends to carry a lot of things to make you more comfortable at your picnic. "The more pillows, the better," she says. "Imagine you are creating a living room outside."

Instead of a traditional basket, she used a jute "District of Columbia"-inscribed market bag by Apolis she picked up at Redeem on 14th Street NW. Apolis also makes totes celebrating other locations, including Detroit, Austin and the Fort Greene neighborhood in Brooklyn.

McClements says, "You can show off your city pride."

Country

Dana Gibson, a product designer and artist based in Richmond, grew up in the 1970s enjoying rural picnics by the James River on wool tartan blankets. "We would catch the fish, and my parents, who looked like preppy hippies around the Volkswagen van, would grill them up," she says.

Gibson, whose line of boldly patterned ginger jar lamps and tole trays tends toward the traditional, still likes a little boho style in her country picnics. "I like to think of country today as more modern, not campy. I lean toward mixing a little preppy with a little bohemian."

We asked Gibson to style a picnic with a hunt-country polo match in mind - Great Meadow's summer Saturday Twilight Polo matches in The Plains, Virginia, perhaps. She said she'd start with some vibrant rugs made of upcycled saris that she'd spread out Moroccan-style. A rustic wood tray would hold a vase of flowers and a plate of deviled eggs.

She'd make fried chicken to enjoy on Kate Spade candy-colored striped plates. And to give the whole thing a true hunt-country vibe, she'd top it off with a silver-plated candelabra.

Beach

Designer Erin Paige Pitts, whose specialty is coastal homes, likes to host beach picnics in the late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and the light is more gentle. We asked her to imagine a gathering by the ocean.

Pitts, who has offices on Gibson Island, Md., and Delray Beach, Fla., always provides lots of soft Turkish beach blankets, plus floor cushions for lounging. She likes to create ambiance by lighting a path to the picnic location with lanterns and then having candles around the spread as evening descends.

She says picnics are meant to be relaxed gatherings that are easy and laid-back, not too contrived. "We keep the menu simple: cheese and crackers, some nuts and wine and other drinks. Maybe some pre-sliced salami." She says melamine is better than paper plates in a beach setting. (Think wind and dampness.) And because picnic baskets can let in sand, a roomy tote is a better option for a picnic by the shore.

"There is something about the light at this time of day that gives everything a warm glow," Pitts says. "It's a great time to take photos of family, kids and the dog."

Family

"When my husband and I were first dating, we went on picnics all the time," says Christen Bensten, who writes the design blog Blue Egg Brown Nest. "It's a simple gesture but so meaningful when you sit under a big blue sky and unpack the goodies in the picnic basket with someone you care about." Now that she has three kids, she still loves picnics, but they are a little different.

"When it comes to picnics, kids care about food and fun," she says. "Don't forget either."

We asked her to consider a picnic on the National Mall for the Fourth of July. She recommends using paper takeout containers so there is no "smelly Tupperware to bring home in a hot car." And she always brings along fans for when kids complain it's too hot. She also suggests packing a bag of fun stuff, including a Twister picnic blanket that's also a game, a portable radio and a joke book. And don't forget the red, white and blue pinwheels to festively mark the perimeter of your blanket.
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After years of operating within a regimented chain of command, many veterans are ready to become their own bosses. Many would-be business owners are finding that the skills and experiences honed in the military are directly translating into startup ideas.

"Veterans are comfortable operating in high-pressure environments that are changing rapidly, where they're constantly forced to make decisions with incomplete information," said Zachary Scheel, a former civil engineer for the Navy and a co-founder of a construction technology startup, Rhumbix.

These veterans are adapting tools and strategies they learned during their service for civilian applications, and some have been inspired to start companies to address problems they witnessed on the battlefield.

Veterans have a long tradition of starting businesses. Nearly 50 percent of World War II veterans owned and operated businesses after leaving military service, according to research from the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.

In the decades since then, however, that number has dropped sharply. In 2014, veterans represented only 5.6 percent of the new entrepreneurs in the United States, according to a report from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Some of that could be a result of the emphasis that transition programs have made. In Scheel's experience, headhunters tried to place junior officers like himself in finance, consulting or manufacturing jobs, even though he had no interest in these sectors.

Use of GPS

In 2011, during the Arab Spring, Scheel was stationed in Djibouti, where he used a military tool called Blue Force Tracking. The system uses GPS to track soldiers' locations in real time.

Two years later, Scheel had finished his service and was working for a large construction company in a copper mine in northern Chile when he realized he could adapt the concept behind Blue Force Tracking to improve efficiency on construction sites.

Construction had fascinated Scheel since his boyhood days in Cincinnati, when his father sold construction equipment in four states. Traditionally, foremen log hours in notebooks that are then transcribed to timecards, which are entered manually into a computer and finally audited at a later stage.

The mobile application developed by Rhumbix allows workers to submit time sheets through their smartphones, and foremen can approve them instantly. This information, often combined with workers' phone GPS data, helps foremen analyze how much work was done where. They can also pinpoint the locations of delays, letting them improve efficiency.

For instance, during the construction of prefabricated bathrooms as part of a recent expansion of Riverside Community Hospital in Southern California, foremen used Rhumbix to reorganize how and where they set out materials. This decreased the number of trips needed for workers to fetch materials and cut the overall construction time for each bathroom by 75 percent.

Rhumbix has tested its mobile tools on 20 construction projects in California, Colorado, Texas and South Carolina and will introduce its first commercial product in July. The company, which is based in San Francisco, now has 24 employees and has raised $7 million in financing.

Other veterans have developed business ideas to help the military directly. For Doug Moorehead, a former Navy SEAL from Cambridge, Ohio, the number of soldiers killed while escorting fuel convoys in Iraq motivated him to start a business.

Fuel was a precious resource, which also made those transporting it prime targets for insurgents. In Iraq, one soldier was injured or killed for every 39 fuel convoys, according to the Army Environmental Policy Institute, which is part of the military.

"I needed to find a way to reduce the number of soldiers, sailors and Marines in harm's way on the battlefield," Moorehead said.

His experiences led him to develop a hybrid generator that runs more efficiently. His new generators use 50 to 70 percent less fuel than previous models.

Now, various military divisions use the hybrid generators made by his company, Earl Energy. In 2013, Moorehead created a sister brand, FlexGen, now a separate company, to sell his hybrid generators to commercial clients. He now has 32 employees and has raised nearly $40 million in financing.

Several oil and gas companies have already purchased FlexGen generators, and the company is currently in discussions with various hospitals and mining companies around the world.

While he and others have started growing businesses, many veterans have found few contacts and role models to help them get started.

'Boots to Business'

In the last two years, however, many more resources have become available to aspiring veteran entrepreneurs. In 2013, the federal Small Business Administration introduced a national program called "Boots to Business," a two-day introduction to entrepreneurship followed by an eight-week online course.

About 42,000 people have taken the two-day introductory class, and 3,300 have taken the longer course.

The top-down nature of the military has helped some veterans develop businesses that require creating order from chaos.

During 13 years in the Air Force, two of those as a major, Angela Cody-Rouget developed a special interest in how the military organizes people and objects.

"In foreign operating bases, there is always a central command post where all data and papers are processed and handled," said Cody-Rouget.

In 2006, Cody-Rouget started a business called Major Mom, where she helps busy parents organize their homes.

Major Mom now has a team of 23 organizers called "liberators." Their most frequent task: helping busy parents create a "central command post," whether an office or guest bedroom or simply a desk where all the household's mail and paperwork is sorted and stored rather than having documents scattered throughout the house.

Major Mom has organized 1,100 homes; the company's most popular package costs $2,888 for up to 46 hours of organizing.

Like many who start businesses, Cody-Rouget said that branching out on her own could have been smoother if she had used role models.

"My biggest mistake was not plugging into other veteran resources," Cody-Rouget said. "It would have saved me so much time."
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Houston economists predicted another temporary dip in oil prices. Financial managers advised customers to buy long-term investments. And local students voyaging abroad celebrated newfound wealth.

Local analysts, business executives and civic leaders wrestled on Friday with the impact of "Brexit," which stunned global officials, roiled financial markets and sent the British pound plunging following the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union.

The Dow Jones industrial dove more than 600 points after similar routs in European markets, and oil suffered one of its biggest losses in weeks, falling 5 percent to settle in New York at $47.64. The pound lost an astounding 10 percent against the dollar, sliding to $1.35. The euro lost 3 percent, to $1.11.

In Texas, analysts and advisers counseled calm. Tim Powers, an international finance lawyer with Haynes and Boone, said the firm started fielding calls from nervous customers who do business in Europe early Friday morning.

More Information By the numbers How the British vote to leave the European Union affected financial markets: 611 The U.S. stock market plunged 611 points, a 3.4 % drop that wiped out the gains for the year. 31 The British pound fell to its lowest level in 31 years, losing more than 10 percent of its value. 12% The German stock market lost 12 percent, while Japan and England both fell 8 percent. 43 The number of years that Britain had been a member of the European Union, joining on Jan. 1, 1973. See More Collapse

"We're telling our clients don't panic," said Powers, the managing partner of the firm, which has a large office in Houston. "It will be a two-year process at a minimum" to negotiate and complete Britain's departure from the EU.

'We've been through this'

Perhaps the greatest concern for Houston is the impact on oil prices. The crash in oil prices and the two-year industry downturn is still taking its toll on the local economy and stalling job growth.

Some analysts worry that impact of the vote would unsettle already testy financial markets and weaken the global economy, lowering demand for oil, and stalling crude's recent climb from historic lows. S&P Global Market Intelligence, the research arm of the credit ratings agency, warned investors that economic growth in Europe next year was likely to take a hit of a half percentage point - undermining energy demand there.

Others, however, expect the hit to oil prices to be temporary. Patrick Jankowski, senior vice president of research for the Greater Houston Partnership, said the impact will be "short-lived." Falling production has brought oil supply and demand into balance, and market is beginning to work through record inventories, Jankowski said.

Drew Kanaly, president of the wealth management firm Kanaly Trust, said Brexit doesn't change the "fundamentals of the oil patch," and won't hurt the local economy much.

"Forget about Houston," he said. "We've been through this. We know what to do here."

Manufacturing and investing

Last year, the U.K. was Houston's 10th largest trading partner, said Jankowski, of the Houston partnership. As the dollar strengthens against the pound, consumers and businesses in Britain may buy fewer U.S. goods as they become more expensive.

That's going to hurt the big-dollar American exporters such as Boeing and Caterpillar, as well as Houston manufacturers who sell oil and gas equipment and other products to overseas customers, analysts said.

Europe accounts for about 20 percent of exports through the Port of Houston, about $16 billion in 2015. That includes about $1.7 billion to the United Kingdom.

Smaller manufactures may have to focus on domestic markets and accept lower profits in Europe - if they want to hold onto those markets - said Gil Baumgarten, president of Houston's Segment Wealth Management.

Guy Streatfeild, a native of southeastern England, is on the other side of the Trans Atlantic trade. He imports British merchandise for his store in Rice Village. He's worried how his business, British Isles, will hold up as the currency and financial markets react to Britain's breakup with Europe.

"I don't think anybody knows," he said. "It's a complete uncertainty and goes against the tide of history."

Some upsides

The flip side of the jump in the dollar is a dip in interest rates, said Jim Huntzinger, chief investment officer at BOK Financial, the parent company of Bank of Texas. Central banks likely will hold interest rates at rock-bottom levels as a hedge against an economic slowdown.

"Its' very doubtful for me to think that this year the Federal Reserve could raise rates even one time," Huntzinger said.

The low rates will hurt banks, he said, which make money on the interest spreads. But they'll help borrowers and encourage mortgage lending, he said.

"You will see a pretty big boost in home-buying," Huntzinger said. The low rates, he predicted, will - "unfortunately" for banks - last a while.

A stronger dollar will also mean greater buying power and bargains for those traveling to Europe and the U.K. Jaime Ortiz, the vice provost for global strategies and studies at the University of Houston, expects to see an uptick in the number of students applying to study in England as a weaker pound allows their dollars to stretch.

The school already sends 60 to 80 students a year to the U.K., he said, plus 20 or 30 faculty members. "This will be an enticement for them to go to the U.K., of course," Ortiz said.

Karen Bell, the British consul general in Houston, said she doesn't expect long-term damage from her country's departure from the EU, despite the market reaction's Friday. She insisted the British government had "robust contingency plans" to ensure the return of stability.

"For the next three months, it's a question of steady-as-she-goes," Bell said.

Becci Himes, executive director of the British-American Business Council of Houston said, with so many unknowns, she wasn't guessing at the future. "The UK is still open for business," she said, "and so are we."

James Osborne, Andrea Rumbaugh, L.M. Sixel and Mike D. Smith contributed to this report.
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Crude prices have climbed high enough that drillers could soon tap into the big backlog of dormant wells left behind in the darkest days of the energy bust, energy experts say.

The shale industry could bring some 800 dormant wells into production by year-end, producing enough crude to stabilize the nation's falling production, according to Norwegian consultancy Rystad Energy.

"We're seeing some companies are becoming more confident now that this is the real recovery," Artem Abramov, a senior analyst at Rystad Energy, said in an interview. "If they see prices at these levels for a few more weeks, they'll really accelerate."

Prices have hovered between $45 and $50 a barrel for several weeks. Crude climbed 98 cents on Thursday to settle at $50.11 in New York.

Twenty drilling rigs have already been hoisted back on U.S. oil fields, and the fleet will probably keep growing. But over the next six months, so-called completion activity could outpace drilling by 30 percent. Completion is industry shorthand for processes that get a well ready to pump oil, like pouring cement down a well's gullet.

Tapping into those 800 wells could boost U.S. crude production by as much as 350,000 barrels a day by year's end. Rystad said more than 90 percent of the backlog of 4,000 untapped wells would be profitable with crude prices around $50 a barrel.

Industry officials are increasingly optimistic that worst is over for the oil and gas industry. This week, both Khalid Al-Falih, the Saudi energy minister, and Bob Dudley, the chief executive of BP, said that after a long oil glut, supply and demand have come back into balance, aided by supply disruptions in Canada and Nigeria, and falling production in Venezuela, in the grip of an economic crisis.

The industry still has huge stockpiles to work through before it sees significant price increases. Inventories in the United States, about 530 million barrels, remain near record levels.
Last night, Britons shocked the world by voting to extricate themselves from the European Union -- a decision that could further destabilize the already weak and volatile EU bloc. Accordingly, markets woke up in a monstrous mood: The Dow is down 500 points, U.K. bank stocks off by double digit percentages, and European currencies are all swooning.

Make no mistake: This is a big deal over the long term, as my colleague Chris Tomlinson has written.

But nothing is functionally happening today. There is no company that cannot continue to trade smoothly across borders as it has since the EU was forged in 1993. If you're investing in the real economy, there's no reason to liquidate all your holdings just because at some point in the future there might be more friction in international trading relationships than there is right now. At the moment, markets seem to be reacting more out of fear and group-think than an actual determination that business fundamentals have changed. (Which, of course, is not an unusual way for markets to behave.)

The scary thing about this decision for investors is that there is absolutely no telling what kind of relationship Britain will work out with the rest of the EU in lieu of being a full member. Some leaders of European countries emphasized in the leadup to the vote that Britain can't expect just to negotiate a new trade deal that captures all the benefits of being part of the Union without any of the costs. But it may be that standing on principle could hurt Europe more than it hurts Britain, so they may cave and extend trading privileges that look similar to the ones that existed before.

And yes, businesses hate uncertainty. They like to know that the rules are going to be the same for the foreseeable future -- even if the rules aren't perfect, the cost of change is a scarier prospect. That's a big reason why every major business trade association strongly opposed the Brexit.

But the degree to which businesses actually hold back on investment when the policy environment is uncertain tends to be overblown. There's sometimes more risk in not making moves than there is in sitting around waiting for governments to pass long-term reforms. So for the time being, if they're smart, they'll go about their business as usual while the future policy landscape takes shape.

I'm not in the business of giving investment advice. But if I were, I'd say today is a great day to buy stocks.
James Nielsen/Staff

A 30-year-old New Jersey man has been sent to prison for more than five years after he tried to smuggle cocaine through George Bush Intercontinental Airport last year, officials said.

Christopher Curi was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Thursday.
Jim Newkirk/Chronicle

A fire broke out Friday morning at a restaurant near downtown where local firefighters and law enforcement officers often eat.

The fire started about 7:40 a.m. at the Avenue Grill at 1017 Houston Avenue near Washington Avenue, according to the Houston Fire Department.
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Erin Cummings floats on the water as she calls out instructions in her calm but enthusiastic voice.

"Maybe find a sound that you don't normally hear in your normal yoga class," she says to a half-dozen women curled into child's pose out in the middle of a lake in Sugar Land. "The sound of the water on your board. The sounds of the fountain. Of the cars rushing by. Maybe even a distant sound of a kid laughing at the pool."

As she speaks, the sounds begin to pull themselves apart from one another, until it's easy to focus on just one, like the lapping of the water against a paddleboard in a steady rhythm. Much like traditional yoga music, with its strings and wind instruments, the repetitive sound is calming. Andcoupled with a breeze and the warmth of a midday sun, it's easier to breathe a little deeper than it is in a yoga studio.

"Play with where you want to look," Cummings says, as her students rise into their first downward-facing-dog of the day. "Set your gaze on the back end of your board or the water. Or maybe even the treeline and clouds behind you."

It's like crawling inside a postcard, a chance to practice yoga in an environment that coos, "Wish you were here."

More Information If you go Awakened Yoga SUP, 4350 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land awakenedyogastudio.com; 281-491-0221 Drop-in class: $40 Five-class pass: $160 Unlimited summer pass: $395 See More Collapse

From the shore, SUP Yoga, which stands for stand-up paddleboard yoga, looks intimidating. Many of the women during the early-afternoon class are advanced in their practice. They can try handstands and headstands while mostly staying upright on their boards.

But they also fall. A lot. And that's half the fun.

"In the studio, on the hard floor, you're scared to fall," Tiffany Geach says. "But here, once you fall, it's like, 'Oh, I'll fall again.' You're not afraid. It's just water."

That realization propels her to try new positions during the two-hour class, which allows time for students to become acquainted with the paddleboards without feeling rushed and enjoy a 60-minute flow, plus about 20 minutes of partner poses.

"For me, I'm trying to work on camel into wheel. And I'll try that here," says Geach, 35. "Because if I fall, I'll just fall into the water. It's not like I hit the floor. In a studio, you can twist an ankle or break something. But here it's just tipping over and  ."

She mimes a wipeout with her hands, laughing.

Geach, who met Cummings through a "mommy group," discovered SUP Yoga when Cummings began talking about it a few years ago. Though paddleboard-yoga has been around for several years, it was largely known as a resort amenity rather than part of a traditional yoga practice.

"But Erin tried it, and she loved it. And for a mom's day out, a whole group of us went out and did it," Geach says.

Cummings was hooked. In 2014, she went through teacher training, and in May 2015, she launched Awakened Yoga SUP, an extension of Sugar Land's Awakened Yoga Studio, where she is a manager. During the summer, the paddleboard program hosts classes on Saturdays and Sundays on the water at First Colony Lake.

Awakened isn't the only studio in Houston catching the SUP wave. BIG Power Yoga hosts classes at 288 Lake, and Galveston studios are in on the trend as well.

"Every year, Awakened does a free yoga class out on the lawn for Memorial Day, and this year they also did a mini class to try SUP," says Cassie Noble, 29, a stay-at-home mom in Sugar Land. "So I tried it, and it was just so fun. It was a blast. And I decided I'll sign up and do a real class."

On a Saturday afternoon in early June, Noble tried her first full class, nailing a series of poses she says she's often reluctant to try in the studio.

"I like this," she says. "It's like you have nothing to lose."

Except, of course, the drugstore sunglasses she sacrificed to the bottom of the lake during an ill-fated partner pose.

"I'm trying to get everyone I know to come out and do it," says Noble, who is urging her husband to try the Saturday morning beginners' flow. "It's like, 'Trust me. If you've never tried yoga, this is probably the best way to try it because you can fall and be goofy.' "
The Supreme Court's split decision today in U.S. v. Texas effectively blocks President Obama's executive orders that provided temporary work permits to immigrants in the country without documents, and providing them temporary relief from deportation.

Reactions to the decision are sharply divided.



Texas Governor Greg Abbott: "The action taken by the president was an unauthorized abuse of presidential power that trampled the Constitution, and the Supreme Court rightly denied the President the ability to grant amnesty contrary to immigration laws. As the president himself said, he is not a king who can unilaterally change and write immigration laws. Today's ruling is also a victory for all law-abiding Americansincluding the millions of immigrants who came to America following the rule of law."

Activist Cristina Jimenez, director of United We Dream: "Attacks on our community are nothing new. We need to rise up not only to protect DAPA [Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents] and DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals], but to end deportations. We are outraged that conservative Justices on the Supreme Court would allow a continued delay initiated by hateful Republican politicians and judges who have played with the lives of 5 million undocumented people who qualify for relief....We're calling on registered voters to take to the polls in November and vote for candidates who will support DAPA and DACA while this case is ongoing, because a new president could either protect and build on these programs, or take them away completely."

Michael Olivas, interim president of the University of HoustonDowntown: "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has been a transformative and crucial lifeline for nearly three-quarters of a million students. It is now time for Congress to act, and to pass comprehensive immigration reform. The states who brought this mean-spirited and nativist challenge to authority held by all presidents since the INA was passed in 1952 can now run out the clock and thwart these programs and drag their heels. While DACA is largely intact, it is very disappointing that DAPA's injunction will push parents deeper into the shadows, and stall their own incorporation into our society. In our system, immigration is a federal responsibility, not one left to the states. Similar constitutional authority also exists for efforts to relate refugees, whom these states would also fence out, without legal or moral authority. The Supreme Court missed an opportunity to clarify and uphold prosecutorial authority, and we are all worse for this failure. Now everyone must focus attention on the real malefactors here: the House and Senate, who have failed to enact genuine immigration reform. Until this occurs, all else is makeshift and patchwork."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton: "Today's decision keeps in place what we have maintained from the very start: one person, even a president, cannot unilaterally change the law. This is a major setback to President Obama's attempts to expand executive power, and a victory for those who believe in the separation of powers and the rule of law."

Maria Teresa Kumar, president and CEO of Voto Latino: "Time and time again, Latinos and immigrants have showed resilience as a community, and now more than ever, it is important that we continue to show our resilience and power at the ballot box. These executive actions were deeply rooted in the same values that all Americans hold true  family and unity. Though today's outcome does not mirror these values, we know that the future of immigration reform will no longer be decided by politics or by the courts. Instead, it will be decided by the more than 1.6 million Latino voters directly impacted by today's decision."

Elsa Caballero, president of Service Employees International Union Texas: "This is an injustice for Texas families, but the end is far from over. We have shown over and over again that the immigrant community and its allies will not back down. We will continue to fight for all immigrants and their families. Despite the Supreme Court's split decision, we vow to fight tooth and nail for a resolution to our broken immigration system. We will take our fight to the polls on Election Day and beyond 2016. This all about politics for our opponents, but for the millions of immigrant families in Texas, it's personal. From Trump to extremist Republicans who continue to spout anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies, we will deliver our response at the ballot box come November."

Michelle Tremillo, executive director of the Texas Organizing Project: "Today, we are heartbroken for the families who have fought for legal status for so many years, and who are waking up still in the shadows, still marginalized. While we are grieving, our drive to win immigration reform remains intact. Even before the decision was handed down, our members had resolved that no matter what the Supreme Court decided, we were going to continue fighting. And that is what we will do.... And make no mistake about it, we will hold Republican leaders who supported this meritless lawsuit to account in November. We will never forget what they did to tear immigrant families apart and demean our communities."

Latino Victory Fund and Priorities USA announced a campaign to hold "Republican politicians accountable for bringing on this politically motivated lawsuit, and refusing to do their constitutional duty and consider the President's nomination to replace Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia." The campaign includes the following video:
Texans could be forgiven for thinking terrorists are streaming over the border and into the state. It's been said enough times.

For example, Gov. Greg Abbott in May told an audience of thousands at the state's Republican convention that the Islamic State group had breached the gates.

He said, "Our country better wake up. We're facing an existential threat. ISIS is running through the border made porous by Barack Obama's policies."

ISIS is a militant group that has wreaked havoc in the Middle East, killed thousands and launched deadly attacks abroad. They make no secret of their intent to hurt America as revenge for recent wars.

But if they've been traversing the southwestern border, Abbott's the only one who knows about it. And he couldn't provide record of when the incident occurred.

RELATED: Greg Abbott makes unfounded claim about ISIS 'running through' U.S.-Mexico border

Yet the governor's comment was probably not the first time that many Texans heard allegations of the Islamic State crossing the border into the Lone Star State. Absent any evidence, the claim has been repeated by obscure websites and elected lawmakers alike in recent years, until in certain circles it became a falsehood of common knowledge.

So how did this get started?

It was summer 2014. Texans were unsettled when a massive surge of children and families showed up at the state's southern border, seeking shelter and overwhelming border enforcement efforts.

At the same time, far across the ocean, a freshly-formed militant group made its debut in international news, calling itself the Islamic State and streaming over the Syrian border in a convoy of white Toyota trucks to capture Iraq's second city from American-backed forces.

Texans quickly conflated the two, and the narrative slowly emerged.

It started with a reasonable warning from then-Gov. Rick Perry, who during an August 2014 border security conference in Washington D.C. warned that ISIS and other groups "could be" crossing the border into Texas, though he acknowledged he had "no clear evidence."

Then some alleged evidence emerged. In September 2014, then-Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst told a crowd in Washington D.C. that "prayer rugs have recently been found on the Texas side of the border in the brush," suggesting an ISIS presence.

But Dewhurst was never able to name someone who saw those prayer rugs. The only available image of a supposed prayer rug from the border was posted on the conservative website Breitbart, has since been removed, and was unanimously identified by experts as definitely not a prayer rug.

Then the ISIS members themselves were allegedly caught. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Ariz.) told Fox News, "At least 10 ISIS fighters have been caught coming across the Mexican border in Texas."

Absolutely false. Hunter declined to share his sources, and both the Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security disavowed his claim.

In April 2015, the conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch published a report headlined, "ISIS camp a few miles from Texas, Mexican authorities confirm."

Citing unnamed sources, it said that ISIS has established a "base" in Ciudad Juarez and was smuggling members into the U.S. both east and west of El Paso.

U.S. Rep. David Brat (R-Va.) cited that reported, telling a talk radio host, "In our country it looks like we have an ISIS center in Texas now," apparently flipping the ISIS camp over the border into Texas.

But state and federal authorities unanimously denied the Judicial Watch report, and no signs of an ISIS camp have turned up since.

RELATED: Were Syrians "caught" at Texas border, as guv said?

When the governor announced in May that ISIS was "running through" the border, he cited a news story which said a Minneapolis man charged with conspiracy to join ISIS had told the militant group about the route to the U.S. through Mexico.

That speaks to an oft-voiced concern: that ISIS could be one step away from opening a "pipeline" into Texas through the porous southern border.

One problem: that pipeline already exists. Not for ISIS, for anyone. Impoverished migrants from Bangladesh to Eretria pay smugglers to take them to the U.S. via Mexico. Syrian families have done the same.

RELATED: Syrian family travels five months and thousands of miles to seek asylum in Texas

"There does not seem to be any evidence that ISIS is developing new routes to enter the US," said Jessica Brown, director of the Center for Immigration Research at the University of Houston. "Insofar as the US has been heavily economically dependent on undocumented labor for decades those routes are already well established."

If ISIS wanted to cross the 1,254-mile Texas-Mexico border they could do it, just like the hundreds of thousands of people who do it each year. That does not mean, as public officials repeatedly allege, that they have done it already.

Crossing the border doesn't even make much sense for ISIS, said Colin Clarke, a political scientist and terrorism researcher at the RAND Corporation. If members were to sneak over the border, they would need guns, vehicles, forged documents and places to stay, which would require a broad network already in place. They have different, cheaper tactics for attacking the U.S.

"Their approach in America is to try to radicalize people through their propaganda online. That strategy can be more devastating," Clarke said. "There are Americans that would like to hurt Americans, and it's really easy for them to get guns."

RELATED: American guns in ISIS hands

All ISIS-related incidents in the U.S. have come from peopleeither Americans or legal immigrantswho pledged their allegiance to the terrorist group after exploring online propaganda. None took orders from the group itself.

That applies for the "three ISIS related incidents" that Abbott in December told Fox News had happened in Texas. They were:

--An Austin man planned to fly to Syria and fight with ISIS after a months-long relationship with FBI informants who helped organize the trip.

--An Iraqi immigrant and former U.S. military translator in North Texas tweeted a pledge of support for ISIS, though a judge ruled there was no evidence he planned a terrorist attack.

--Two American men tweeted support for ISIS then drove from Phoenix, Arizona to Garland, Texas, to open fire on a contest to draw Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, organized by an anti-Islam group.

Then in January 2016, an Iraqi immigrant in Houston was arrested for pledging allegiance to ISIS and telling government informants about his desire to attack a local shopping mall, but he never had contact with the militant group.

Still, Clarke stressed that the lack of evidence of ISIS border crossings doesn't conclusively prove it hasn't happened.

"Could they have snuck in? Could there be sleeper cells? Sure," he said. "Then one would ask: so what are they waiting for?"
Immediately after Britain voted to leave the European Union on Thursday night, #Texit started trending on Twitter.

A mix of jokesters and secessionists weighed in to say Texas should follow Britian's lead and withdraw from its parent union, the United States.

That comes after the Lone State independence movement earned a brief stint in the national spotlight when it pushed successfully for a short secession debate on the floor of the Texas GOP convention in May. Withdrawal from the U.S. would restore local sovereignty, advocates say.

On Friday, the news explainer website Vox heralded Texas as an local parallel for Britain's breakaway. The website wrote, "Imagining a hypothetical Texit could be helpful for Americans confused by Brexit."

RELATED: Texas secessionists hope for boost from Brexit vote

But actually, the United States and the European Union aren't similar at all. Texas is much more deeply entwined in the U.S. than was Britain in the E.U.

Then again, Texas was also briefly a nation before it was a state.

So how do these cases compare? What could a Texit actually look like?

The first question, as always, is money. Who reaps the most financial gains from this relationship: Texas or Uncle Sam?

It's a very complicated answer.

According to data from the Internal Revenue Service, Texas paid $245 billion in 2015 federal taxes. That includes individual and business income taxes, employment taxes, estate taxes and others.

According to the Texas' Legislative Budget Board's most recent report, federal appropriations to Texas in the 2014-2015 biennium totaled $68.7 billion, or about 34 percent of the state's budget. That is money given to the state government, mostly for health and education services.

RELATED: Cash-strapped charter schools vie for federal development funds

But the report notes, "Not all federal funding streams directed to Texas are included in these totals."

There are a plethora of other funding streams that Texas would reject by leaving the union.

That includes farm subsidies and crop insurance, disaster relief and federal flood insurance, Social Security payments, Medicare, Medicaid, and wages and salaries for about 193,000 federal employees in the state, plus 125,000 military personnel at 20 Texas bases.

RELATED: How the feds fund disaster relief in Texas

Texas, quick to herald border security, would have to replace the U.S. Border Patrol, and come up with an alternative to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to man the ports of entry and international airports, which would need a new version of the Transportation Security Administration.

All in all, the balance of spending comes out to favor the state.

A 2013 report from the state Legislative Budget Board found that, in 2010, "for every $1.00 in federal tax collections from Texas, $1.19 in federal spending came back to the state."

"It's a lot of stuff that the state would have to cut or would have to make up the money for," said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political scientist at the University of Houston and author of an upcoming book on Texas politics. "We're talking tens of billions of dollars."

OK. So some belt-tightening may be in order for Texit to work. But Texas as some assets too.

It has the second, fourth, seventh and thirteenth highest volume sea ports in the country--a respectable revenue source. It also has five metro areas with over a million people, if you count Dallas and Fort Worth separately, plus 12 globally ranked universities.

There's abundant fertile land, a handful of rivers that start and end in the state and substantial high quality oil and gas reserves under the ground and the ocean.

And Texas hosts the headquarters of 54 Fortune 500 companies. But would that last if Texas goes it alone?

"We're part of a very large country that dominates economically, that still has some form of military dominance," said Sam Rines, a senior economist at Avalon Advisors. "And we would be giving that up. We would be leaving the most powerful country there is."

Texas' federal taxes also helped fund the country's nearly $600 billion military spending in 2015. The reborn republic would need to form its own defense force, and the existing Texas Military probably wouldn't suffice.

Rines noted that Texas would no longer be privy to the trade agreements the U.S. has with almost every other country in the world. That would include the state's privileged access through NAFTA to Mexico, and to the U.S. itself.

There's also CAFTA for the Caribbean countries, TTIP for European countries and the TPP for Pacific Rim countries. All of that would have to be renegotiated from scratch, and Texas wouldn't have the leverage of the U.S.

Texas would probably start paying duties on its exports abroad, just like Britain will eventually resume paying export duties that were negotiated away within the E.U.

"It would no longer make sense to be based out of Texas if you want to work with the U.S.," Rines said. "Business owners don't like uncertainty."

So maybe Texit would mean belt-tightening amid a shrinking tax base and weakened economy. But Texans are tough and could probably stick it out. So how could this go down anyway?

Different groups have different takes. The Republic of Texas, a secessionist group that believes Texas was never rightfully annexed by the U.S., wants to file action with the world court.

The Texas Nationalist Movement, the group that got secession debated at the state GOP convention, wants to put the question to a vote.

In order for that to happen, Rottinghaus said, the legislature would have to call for a special convention to consider secession, with delegates from around the state, as was done in 1861.

RELATED: Ever hopeful and determined, Texas secessionists face long, long odds

The convention may or may not call for a statewide vote. Either way, a resolution of secession would have to pass from the legislature to the governor's desk. If he signs it, then what?

"The spirit of the republic hints at the ability to be able to leave if the implied contact is broken, but the legal arrangements don't allow for that option," Rottinghaus said. "Except through revolution or consent of the states. It would have to be a unanimous effort on behalf of the states to dissolve the union."
Karen Warren/Staff

The Texas Supreme Court may have ruled the state's extremely low public education funding meets its constitutional obligation to education children, but that hardly solves what Dave Mann in the Texas Monthly argues is the biggest public policy issue in the state:

...[T]here's little doubt that educationand how to pay for itremains the most critical issue facing Texas. And right now, it's not looking good. For one, the business of educating Texas's more than 5 million public school students is growing ever more expensive. The system is adding about 80,000 kids each year, many of them classified as economically disadvantaged, meaning they qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches. Kids from such poor families now compose about 60 percent of Texas public school students, a substantial increase in the past decade. Students from poor families are, in general, much more expensive to educate. One study found that three-year-olds from economically disadvantaged families knew on average six hundred fewer words than wealthier kids. At the same time, the number of students for whom English is a second languagewho are also more expensive to educateis growing as well.
To help Americans understand the meaning of Brexit, Vox.com offers the hypothetical case of Texit, or Texas deciding to leave the United States:

In the wake of the UK's "Brexit" vote to leave the European Union, thousands of people on social media began discussing "Texit": the idea that Texas might leave the United States. Obviously, this is not a serious movement  most of those tweets were jokes. But imagining a hypothetical Texit could be helpful for Americans confused by Brexit. Translating things into American terms might help make a decision that seems totally foreign more comprehensible.
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Local Islamic groups are seeking to educate local residents on what it means to be Muslim.

Local Muslims see the efforts as critical, coming at a time when debate on their role in American society has become part of the presidential race, with Republican candidate Donald Trump calling for a temporary moratorium on Muslims entering the country.

Adding to the urgency are incidents in which people claiming ties to Islam conduct terrorist acts, such as a lone gunman's June 12 attack on an Orlando, Florida, nightclub that killed 49 people and injured 52.

"It has become more important to reach out to the public and define ourselves before others define us," said Mohamed Shalaby, a cardiologist with a medical practice in Webster who is a member of the Clear Lake Islamic Center, 17511 El Camino Real, and of the Houston chapter of the Muslim American Society.

"What we (in the society) have found is that those who have the opportunity to know a Muslim neighbor or a Muslim co-worker or colleague, they have very positive views of Muslims based on their personal experiences," he said. "But the overwhelming majority, statistics say at least 70 percent of Americans, have never met a Muslim or anyone that identifies as a Muslim."

That means the only information many people may receive about Muslims is from news media reports of terrorism, Shalaby said. Islamophobia, he said, is due to a mix of misinformation, confusion and fear about the security of the United States because of threats from radical Islamic groups.

More Information Learning about Islam Clear Lake Islamic Center: 17511 El Camino Real, themasjid.org contains a list of community outreach events. Houston chapter of the Muslim American Society: mashouston.org. The chapter has four centers in Houston, including MAS Youth Center-Clear Lake, 16302 Sealark Road, Suite C, Houston. See More Collapse

Nearly 320 people filed into a conference room of the Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake hotel June 11 for a free meal hosted as part of an outreach effort by the Houston chapter of the society and sponsored by the Clear Lake Islamic Center. The center has held the dinner for three years.

Library hosts 'Know Your Muslim Neighbor'

"The purpose is to get communities from different backgrounds all together and create an environment of friendship and build relations," said Shalaby, who heads the committee that plans the annual dinner.

The event is held during Ramadan, a monthlong observance of fasting and prayer intended to help Muslims grow closer to God. Shalaby said Ramadan, a time of reflection and gratitude, is the perfect time to strengthen community bonds.

"The spirit of (Ramadan) is to be charitable and spiritual in all of our relations and family ties," he said, adding that most people may have heard of the observance but know only "pieces and bits" of what it means to Muslims.

Invited to the meal were area municipal and county officials, law enforcement officers, firefighters, business owners and other community leaders. All 250 available spots for the dinner quickly filled up, Shalaby said, and the guest list swelled to 320 names.

Earlier that day, an MAS-sponsored event called "Know Your Muslim Neighbor" was held at Harris County Public Library system's Freeman branch. The public was invited to learn about Muslim-Americans and their U.S. roots that trace to the 1700s.

"We have events throughout the year," Shalaby said.

Center joins in interfaith activities

Among its community outreach initiatives, the Islamic center regularly hosts an open house so the public can learn about the religion, tour a mosque and ask questions they may have in an "open, welcoming environment," said Sonia Qureshi, an outreach coordinator at the center.

The center also takes part in community service projects, often in collaboration with its neighbor, the Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church. The two organizations have participated in an annual trash cleanup initiative, the annual Bay Area Turning Point Fill-the-Truck event that raises money for a women's and children's shelter and other projects.

The church's minister, the Rev. Bruce Beisner, said he enjoys getting to know his Muslim neighbors and that doing so fits his congregation's interfaith mission. Shalaby is a member of the church's Speakers and Events Committee. And the Islamic center's imam, Waleed Basyouni, speaks at one of the church's Sunday services, which members of the Islamic Center also have attended. And after the Nov. 13 terror attacks in Paris, the church held a rally in support of its Muslim neighbors.

Between the Islamic Center and the local chapter of the Muslim American Society, other outreach programs include interfaith activities held with congregations of other faiths around the area. The society operates MAS Give, a program held in conjunction with the Houston Food Bank that distributes food to needy families. And the society offers Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs, Shalaby said, as a means to instill their Muslim youth with strong American identities.

"That becomes a protection to them from the radical ideas (of terrorist organizations attempting to recruit Muslim youths) and strengthens their self-confidence so that they are not intimidated by negative messages they may face outside," Shalaby said.

The Islamic Center is hosting its annual social picnic, "Meet, Greet and Eat," Sept. 25. Time and location are to be determined.

"I would say that what we are doing really stems from our belief that being good a Muslim mandates that you become a good citizen, a good neighbor, a good member of your community regardless of what others are thinking of you," Shalaby said.

Discrimination incidents vary

Nationwide, there has been a backlash against Muslims. The Council on American-Islamic Relations maintains a list of incidents on its website.

Shalaby said he hasn't experienced serious discrimination.

"In my personal experience, and it might be different from others, I think it depends on where you are and who you are," he said. "I am in Houston, and I think this is a very diverse community, and people have an appreciation of diversity."

He and his wife are from Egypt. The two went to medical school together and moved to the Houston area 22 years ago. They have six children.

He said he does have friends, especially women who cover their heads with scarfs called hijabs, and children who have experienced discrimination.

He said two years ago, a 14-year-old girl he knows was competing in a regional science fair in Houston. While presenting in front of judges, she was asked questions to explain her experiment. A male judge came up to her when she was finished and asked if she was Indian because of the head scarf she was wearing.

After the girl said she was not Indian and that she is Muslim, the judge then asked the middle school student if Muslims were the ones who kill everyone who does not belong to their religion. Shalaby said the student reported the judge to school officials, and the incident was addressed.

Islamic State threatens imam at Clear Lake

Shalaby pointed out that many of those killed by terrorists purporting to represent Islam are Muslims.

According to a 2011 report by the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, in incidents in which religious affiliation of terrorism casualties could be determined, Muslims suffered between 82 percent and 97 percent of terrorism-related deaths during the preceding five years.

In April, the terrorist group Islamic State named the Clear Lake center's imam, Basyouni, a Houston-born scholar, to its hit list because he denounces violence.

"Those who commit acts of violence against other human beings are definitely not coming from a Muslim perspective of how we see things," Shalaby said. "Actually, we think they are anti-Muslim in their way of thinking and behaving. Terrorists kill much more Muslims than they kill anyone else. If they really cared about Islam, they wouldn't do that."
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Urging sympathizers to utilize any means available - guns, knives or explosives - the Islamic State group has called for the assassinations of a Clear Lake Islamic leader and a Houston-born Muslim scholar now living in Tennessee.

Waleed Basyouni, imam of the Clear Lake Islamic Center, and Yasir Qadhi, resident scholar at the Memphis Islamic Center, were among 21 individuals named on a death list published Wednesday in Dabiq, the online propaganda magazine of the militant group also known as ISIS.

Both men have denounced violence committed in the name of Islam.

"I view it as my religious duty to fight against these types of radicals," Qadhi said in a telephone interview Friday. "I believe it's my religious obligation. I can't remain quiet.  The fact that they have to resort to threats reflects their weakness. If they feel I'm wrong, let's have a debate. Let's see what the truth is. The fact that they can't debate shows their views don't have any academic or intellectual merit to them."

Basyouni was traveling Friday and unavailable for comment. Ibrahim Ezghair, the Clear Lake mosque's associate imam, said Basyouni is "known for his support of peace, justice and co-existence."

"We've worked in this community - to live together and help one another," he said. Recently, mosque members joined with a Unitarian church for a community cleanup.

"We are not going to be scared," he said.

Basyouni, who has been imam at the Clear Lake mosque about seven years, also serves as vice president of the AlMaghrib Institute, an international, Islamic studies institute.

A profile on the institute's website describes Basyouni as one of the "most important leaders of the dawah in the West."

"Dawah" can be defined as a Muslim invitation to faith, prayer and the Islamic way of life.

He holds degrees from Al-Imam Muhammad University in Saudi Arabia and Indiana's Graduate Theological Foundation, and is known for his efforts to make Islam more approachable for modern students.

'It's nonsense'

An avid scuba diver and mountain climber, prone to frequently mouthing the American colloquialism "Ya, know," Basyouni frequently has been featured on international broadcasts addressing the complexities of Islam and the challenges facing his faith.

Basyouni's mosque, located in a low-slung modern building a short distance off El Camino Real, resonates a message of brotherhood.

"You can disagree without being disagreeable," admonishes a notice on the mosque bulletin board. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor like thyself," encourages another.

Before prayers Friday, mosque worshipers expressed dismay at the ISIS threats.

"I'm not surprised," said Naser ElKhalili. "Every innocent person is a target."

ISIS, said member Muhammad Aqib, is comprised of "thugs, terrorists."

"It's crazy," he said. "It's nonsense. All of these scholars (on the hit list) are trying to promote the real Islam."

Osama Helmy, the Clear Lake mosque's spokesman, said Basyouni isn't taking the threat seriously. "It's not handicapping him," Helmy said. The Muslim community, however, is taking it "very seriously."

"We have a friendly atmosphere and very welcoming neighbors, but it's hard to predict," he said. "We're always seeing faces. We don't know who's a threat.  These kinds of threats, they never select a specific person. They hurt the innocent - women and children."

M.J. Khan, president of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, said the threats should "really give a wake-up call" to Muslims regarding the nature of ISIS. "Nobody is safe from them," he said. "They are doing all these horrible things to people, regardless of who they are and what they are."

If there's a silver lining, he said, it's that the threats demonstrate to "people who think all Muslims are responsible for extremism that these horrible groups don't discriminate. When it comes to hurting and killing, Muslims are not safe from them - just like anybody else."

Second-time target

In its call for violence, ISIS urged sympathizers to "kill the crusaders and other disbelievers and apostates, including the imams of kufr to make an example of them."

"Kufr" refers to an individual who rejects God and Islamic teaching.

All of those on the death list, ISIS said, are "valid - rather, obligatory - targets" of Islamic law.

Qadhi said his inclusion on the assassination list marks the second time in just over a year ISIS targeted him for death. The first time came in March 2015 after he rebuked the terrorist attack on the French satirical publication Charlie Hebdo. Twelve people were killed inside and outside the magazine's Paris office by gunmen who identified themselves as members of an al-Qaida branch in Yemen.

Qadhi said he also has received death threats from American extremists.

"It's not really impacted my life too much," he said of the ISIS vows of violence. "These threats are not credible. They need to shore up their publicity. Our message is damaging to them. I wouldn't go to those regions, but, here in America, I just take reasonable precautions."

The threats, though, did prompt Qadhi to rethink his intense opposition to firearms.

"I had an American conversion," he said. "I'm very patriotic about the Second Amendment. When my family's involved, I will protect them. I am licensed. If you can't beat them, join them."
The leader of a Houston area clique of MS-13 - the notorious street gang imported from El Salvador - was convicted Thursday of murder and sentenced to 99 years for the brutal machete slaying of a 14-year-old boy.

Jose Granados-Guevara, 23, was found guilty by visiting state District Judge Terry Flenniken after a three-day bench trial in the Harris County courthouse.

Flenniken then meted out the maximum punishment. Granados-Guevara will be eligible for parole in 30 years.

Prosecutors convinced the judge that Granados-Guevara led a group of gang members who took 14-year-old Jose Meraz to a wooded area west of Addicks Dam Road in 2014. Four of the gang members, including Granados-Guevara, passed around a single machete as they hacked him to death.

"Jose Meraz did not realize that every step he took into the woods was another step toward certain death," prosecutor Greg Houlton said in closing arguments. "The evidence shows that (Granados-Guevara) not only ordered the death, he participated in it."

Houlton said Granados-Guevara - whose gang name was "Cruel" - gave the order that Meraz had to die after he refused to kill his own cousin in a gang ritual.

Meraz, who was an eighth-grader at Thomas J. Stovall Middle School in the Aldine Independent School District, was allegedly a fledgling member of the gang.

Ricardo Gonzalez, a lawyer for Granados-Guevara, argued that the gang members who testified against the 23-year-old could not be trusted to tell the truth.

"There's an issue of credibility," Gonzalez said. "Because of all the lies that have been told, it is not believable testimony."

Gonzalez said Granados-Guevara denied being in a gang and was not part of the slaying.

Two other men have admitted their roles and blamed Granados-Guevara.

William Valladares, 19, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Sergio Ramirez, a 16-year-old juvenile who was certified to stand trial as an adult, cooperated in exchange for his sentence to be capped at 30 years.

Police are continuing to pursue a fourth man for his role in the death.
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While arguments on what to do with the nation's 11 million immigrants here illegally rage loudly at presidential rallies and on cable television, the lives of the Sosa family move on quietly, at a steady pace.

Amid fiery calls from Donald Trump for deportation roundups of people like their father and mother who have been here illegally for many years, the five Sosa girls focused their attention on the solidly American lives they have stitched together: band practice, ROTC, high school graduation.

The family is accustomed to the ebb and flow of immigration politics: one step forward, three steps back. So they had half-resigned themselves Thursday to yet another disappointment, but could not anticipate just how much it would sting. A plan by President Barack Obama that would have protected their parents from deportation and given them temporary work permits is dead - for now.

"It really sucks," said Maria, at 21 the eldest and only child not born in the United States, having come here illegally with her mother two decades ago from Mexico. "I'm just really disappointed and really angry, because now, who knows how long we are going to have to wait again?"

A shorthanded U.S. Supreme Court split 4-4 on the program Thursday, upholding a lower court's ruling to temporarily block it. The decision, coming months before the presidential election, certainly will escalate tensions around the divisive issue of immigration. And it leaves about 4 million immigrants like the Sosas, mostly the parents of American citizens, with an uncertain future.

Texas sued to stop Obama's plan in 2014, arguing the president had overstepped his powers by giving immigrants a semi-legal status that Congress hadn't approved. Texas said it would suffer financially by being forced to provide subsidized driver's licenses to about 600,000 immigrants who would have been eligible for the program in the state.

'This is really unfair'

As the news sunk in Thursday, the Sosas sat around the kitchen table in their three-bedroom trailer in Alvin, drinking hot chocolate. Leticia, the mother, had already gathered all the documents she and her husband, Jose, would need to apply.

"I can't believe it, not again," Leticia said.

"This is really unfair," yelled Lupita, who just turned 9.

Jose, a lean, wiry man with the hands of someone who has spent a lifetime working outside, isn't one to say much.

"They don't know what life is like being undocumented," he said finally.

Then he gathered his things.

"I guess I'll just go to work," he said.

Had the high court allowed the plan to proceed, it would have filled this trailer with the relief that comes from not fearing a police car on the main road, not worrying that one faulty tail light could lead to thousands of dollars in lawyers' fees, a father deported back to Mexico, and years of trying to live invisibly.

It would have given Jose, 40, the ability to grow his small but successful business painting houses, building fences and installing decks. And it would have allowed Leticia, 38, to swap her job cleaning houses for something better paid, maybe nursing.

It would have alleviated big worries but also small, like how to get Erika a driver's license when the Department of Public Safety demands the American citizen's guardians present proof of their legal residency. At CVS, Leticia encounters the same dilemma when picking up prescription medication for Lupita, the youngest girl.

Like the Sosas, at least four-fifths of parents eligible for the Obama plan have lived in the United States for a decade or more, according to a study by the Center for Migration Studies, a research center in New York. Most are steadily employed, and half say they speak English well.

The Sosas, at least, can rely on Maria and the temporary work permit she received under Obama's 2012 program for certain youth who came here illegally as children. Otherwise, Leticia said, she wouldn't know how to maneuver the hurdles that have sprung up in the past decade as the state government made it more difficult for immigrants here illegally.

The high court's deadlock now sends the case back to a Brownsville federal judge to consider the legality of the full matter. But the uncertain timing means the program is likely dead until and if a new president tries to revive it.

"I guess we'll just keep doing what we've been doing, working hard, staying positive," Maria said. "Honestly I feel like not a lot will change  if anything, it would have made a big impact had (the program) passed."

Ready to vote

Life patters on. Last month, Leticia had her sixth and final baby, a tiny boy named Martin who sleeps through the night and barely cries.

Erika, a senior with long, wavy brown hair who played saxophone in the band at Alvin High School, attended prom in Galveston in an emerald green dress. She graduated and is taking her nursing assistant certification exam. She dreams of becoming a forensic scientist, but meanwhile helps Maria clean houses.

Dulce, a junior who plays trombone, once struggled with anger after her father was deported in 2010. Pearland police arrested Jose for driving with an invalid license after an officer saw the expired registration sticker on his truck and discovered he hadn't paid a long-ago ticket for a malfunctioning light.

He returned to Houston two months after he was deported, just like he had often before as a migrant worker crisscrossing the porous border, but the father this time was overwhelmed with paranoia and depression. He feared going out in public or driving in his truck.

All the stress made Dulce rebel, once even breaking a window with her bare fists. But now the 16-year-old is more calm. She is active in ROTC.

Rocio, 13, is the most musically gifted of the family and an animal lover. Last month she convinced Jose to let them take in another puppy, which the curly-haired girl named Cupid.

Lupita is focused on her summer vacation and going to Galveston, "every single day."

The family has moved from a rundown trailer park where gunshots often rung out to their own plot of land on a peaceful country road.

Maria, meanwhile, plans to marry soon, to a Mexican immigrant who awaits his citizenship ceremony this September. It's just in time, he said, to cast a ballot against Trump. At the polling station, he'll be joined by Erika, who having just turned 18 will be the only one in her family to vote.
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Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman on Thursday renewed his office's participation in a controversial federal immigration program that trains deputies to screen for immigrants living in the country without legal permission for possible deportation.

Under the program, nine sheriff's deputies at the county jail screen incoming inmates on certain factors, including the type of offense they're being charged with, immigration violation history or prior convictions. The purpose is to determine whether they should be referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to be returned to their country of origin.

Of roughly 120,000 people booked into the county jail in 2015, about 1,800 were referred to ICE for possible deportation, according to the sheriff's office. About 10 percent of those were deported, according to the sheriff's office.

"It is because of my respect for that culture that we must do everything that we can to build trust within the Hispanic community, while doing everything we can to protect the lives, property and personal safety of everyone in Harris County," Hickman said a press conference Thursday afternoon.

Patrick Contreras of ICE's Houston regional office said he "firmly believes" the so-called 287(g) program, named for a part of the 1996 immigration law, "enhances public safety here in Houston."

Hickman's renewal comes amid intense criticism from activists and local politicians. They question what kinds of crimes the deputies and ICE might be screening for and say the program spreads distrust and fear in the immigrant community.

ICE officials were not able to immediately provide a breakdown of crimes of those referred to the agency Thursday afternoon.

"Just with the existence of 287(g), a lot of our community feels afraid," said Alondra Chavez, who protested outside the sheriff's office Thursday, along with dozens of others.

Chavez, 18, is one of dozens of people who in recent weeks have pressured the Harris County Commissioners Court to disavow the program.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Gene Locke, the lone Democrat on the court, is the only member who has publicly opposed the program.

"As I have stated publicly on many occasions, I am adamantly opposed to 287(g) because it is a bad policy that separates families and puts sheriff's deputies in an unfortunate position of acting as immigration officers," Locke said in a statement Thursday.

'Illegal racial profiling'

Hickman, a Republican, is a former constable who was appointed by commissioners in May 2015 to replace Democrat Adrian Garcia, who resigned to run for Congress. In the fall, Hickman faces Democrat Ed Gonzalez, who said in a statement Thursday he would end the partnership if elected.

"287(g) is dangerous for our families and neighborhoods," Gonzalez said. "It diverts millions of dollars in scarce resources away from protecting our county from violent criminals, encourages illegal racial profiling and undermines effective community policing strategies."

County commissioners have largely chosen not to formally get involved and to let Hickman decide whether or not he wants to participate in the program. While commissioners have voted on the program in past, a memo from Harris County attorney Vince Ryan's office Thursday said commissioners did not have to authorize the agreement.

Opponents like state Sen. Sylvia Garcia, a former commissioner who previously voted against the program, also have questioned 287(g)'s cost to the county.

Declining in popularity

Hickman said at the press conference that the 287(g) program was "revenue neutral," citing more than $850,000 in reimbursements to the county from the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program to help cover the costs, but he was unable to provide a detailed estimate of how much the program costs.

Salaries and benefits for the nine 287(g) deputies cost the sheriff's office roughly $700,000, Hickman said, though he noted that the deputies may sometimes be screening for mental health or other factors and not just 287(g) factors.

The federal reimbursement funds are supposed to cover in general the costs of jailing immigrants living in the country illegally, not just the costs of 287(g). Hickman and other sheriffs have criticized declining federal reimbursement money in the past and said it does not come close to covering the real cost of incarcerating undocumented inmates.

President Barack Obama's proposed 2017 budget scraps SCAAP funding entirely.

Nationally, the 287(g) program has been becoming less popular, said Muzaffar Chishti, director of the Migration Policy Institute's office at New York University School of Law.

After peaking at more than 70 participating jurisdictions in the mid- to late 2000s, the number has trended steadily downward, Chishti said.

One factor, he said: a series of documented abuses by local law enforcement and cases of racial profiling when 287(g) was performed not just in jails but also on the streets.

Just 32 remaining

Chishti said the popularity of another federal immigration program, Secure Communities, which evolved into the federal Priority Enforcement Program, has also contributed to 287(g)'s continuing decline.

"It was a conscious decision by the Obama administration to scale down the program," Chishti said.

Some counties, including Los Angeles County in 2015, have severed their contracts under political pressure from the program's opponents.

Now Harris County is one of only 32 jurisdictions participating in the program, and one of two in Texas, the other being a suburban police department northwest of Dallas.

Jackson County Sheriff A.J. Louderback, who is legislative director for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas, said more counties had not participated in the program because the federal government had not made it available.

He said there is renewed interest in the 287(g) program from several counties, and that Jackson County is currently applying to be part of the program.

"It's about reducing criminality," Louderback said.
The University of Texas at Austin's consideration of race in admissions is constitutional, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday, meaning affirmative action policies at colleges across the nation - which many feared the court would upend - are safe for now.

The ruling is the latest in a string of decisions from the Supreme Court going back decades that have upheld affirmative action in college admissions. It ends a years-long legal battle between the state's flagship university and Abigail Fisher, a white woman from Sugar Land who sued UT after she was denied admission in 2008. Shortly after the ruling, Fisher said, "I hope that the nation will one day move beyond affirmative action."

The court's pivotal decision is a "green light" for universities to use race-based admissions policies of their own, attorneys for various civil rights groups, including the NAACP and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, said. But the ruling affirms only UT's unique admissions policy, which considers race as a factor for just 25 percent of the spots in its incoming freshman classes. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who wrote for the majority in the 4-3 ruling, said even UT needs to be careful and "engage in constant deliberation and continued reflection" to ensure race remains just "a factor of a factor" of its admissions requirements.

"Considerable deference is owed to a university in defining those intangible characteristics, like student body diversity, that are central to its identity and educational mission," Kennedy wrote. "But still, it remains an enduring challenge to our Nation's education system to reconcile the pursuit of diversity with the constitutional promise of equal treatment and dignity."

With that, university admissions officials can continue to consider race in order to have a diverse student body. Affirmative action, however, remains a divisive issue.

"Moral order has been restored in the universe, but there will be more aggrieved whites, every time they do not prevail on the merits," said Michael Olivas, the interim president of the University of Houston Downtown and a UH law professor.

Olivas helped draft the state's Top 10 percent law, which grants automatic admission to state universities to students who graduate at the top of their high school class. Fisher's grades did not put her at the top of her class, so she wasn't automatically admitted to UT. Fisher claimed the university admitted minority students with lower grades than hers, violating the 14th Amendment in denying her admission.

More challenges, like Fisher's, could be forthcoming.

"Racial classifications and preferences are one of the most polarizing policies in America today," said Edward Blum, president of the Project on Fair Representation, a nonprofit that opposes affirmative action and funded Fisher's protracted court case. "Today's decision is a sad step backward for the original, colorblind principles to our civil rights laws."

In a lengthy and blistering dissent, Justice Samuel Alito said UT had discriminated on the basis of race, but had "never provided any coherent explanation for its asserted need" to do so.

"What is at stake is whether university administrators may justify systematic racial discrimination simply by asserting that such discrimination is necessary to achieve 'the educational benefits of diversity,' without explaining - much less proving - why the discrimination is needed or how the discriminatory plan is well crafted to serve its objectives," Alito wrote.

Various state and federal lawmakers, politicians and advocacy groups disagreed, cheering the ruling as a major civil rights victory. Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, called it "a win for all Americans." State Sen. Rodney Ellis, a Houston Democrat, said he was "extremely pleased" the court did not "roll back the clock on a half century of progress."

"The court has affirmed UT's efforts to develop a diverse student body that brings with it educational benefits for all students," UT President Greg Fenves said. "Our pursuit of excellence is grounded in the university's public mission to provide the highest quality education for every student. Diversity is essential to carry out that mission."

UT wasn't alone in breathing a sigh of relief Thursday. Universities across the country had anxiously awaited the ruling, which could have dismantled affirmative action policies. The court's decision provides another example of how race can be used in admissions, but also once again shows a majority of the court thinks that diversity is important on college campuses, said Peter McPherson, president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.

"Today's decision is more than a narrow ruling on the role of race in college admissions," McPherson said. "It is a reaffirmation of the principle that the United States is a tapestry of diversity that flourishes when its people engage in the joint pursuit of new knowledge and the collective act of civic engagement."

The Supreme Court has now repeatedly said that universities can consider race as long as it is just one factor in the admissions process. College leaders, however, must first consider other ways to boost diversity and constantly evaluate how race is used. UT has done all of that, the court ruled Thursday.

In the ruling, the court agreed with UT's mantra through the lengthy legal fight that race is just "a factor of a factor of a factor" in the admissions process - and is therefore limited and constitutional. The court suggested Fisher, 26, who graduated from Louisiana State University, may have had a better shot at getting into UT if the Top 10 percent law wasn't in place and UT used race as a factor for picking its entire student body.

With the decision, the Supreme Court "powerfully reaffirmed" a 2003 landmark ruling, in which the court upheld the University of Michigan Law School's use of race in admissions, as long as it is just one factor, said Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

"I think that this is just another step in a long line of steps where the Supreme Court has very firmly stated that diversity is a compelling interest on college campuses," said Marisa Bono, a staff attorney with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

"Does it settle the question of affirmative action for universities? Not necessarily...Certainly, in this instance, it's safe for now."
LONDON - It may be pure coincidence that Donald Trump flew to Scotland on the day that British voters decided to leave the European Union. But in striking ways, the forces fueling Thursday's historic referendum here were similar to those that have shaken U.S. politics to its core in the past year.

On both sides of the Atlantic, political establishments and the elites have found themselves on the defensive. Rising resentment over the fallout from globalization and the effects of the financial collapse of 2008, which has widened the gap between the rich and everyone else, has divided voters in Britain and the United States.

Added to that are emotional issues of national and cultural identity at a time of growing demographic diversity, highlighted in both countries by often-angry debates over immigration. Both Trump and those pushing for Britain to leave the European Union have found the immigration issue to be their most potent political weapon.

Trump's slogan, "Make America Great Again," could easily have been adapted to the messaging of those in the "leave" campaign across the pond. Here, that desire for a return to an earlier time - to make Britain great again - is expressed through the issue of control.

Those who have pushed for Britain to leave the EU want to reclaim a measure of sovereignty by wresting power from the bureaucrats in Brussels, the headquarters of the 28-member bloc. They feel about the EU bureaucracy as tea party Republicans do about the federal government.

Even among people leaning toward a vote to remain in the EU, sending a message to those in power has strong appeal.

Early Thursday, Steve Devereux, an economist and teacher, was passing by the polling place at London's Methodist Central Hall, a short distance from Parliament. If there is any place where sentiment tips heavily in favor of remaining in the EU, it is here, near the seat of government, and Devereux said he was inclined to vote that way.

But he called the choice "really, really complex," in no small part because of dissatisfaction with the status quo. Asked why he would consider a vote to leave, he said, "Giving the government a kick in the backside and really telling them - actually, they can't take people for granted."

On balance, Devereux said he feared that rattling the establishment's doors by voting to leave the EU would pose a great risk. But it is clear that the sense of disgust and disenfranchisement is deep and widespread.

Distrust with political establishments cannot be overstated, on either side of the Atlantic. During the debate here, Michael Gove, a Conservative Party lawmaker and a leading voice in the "leave" campaign, sought to discredit studies warning of the economic consequences of leaving. "People in this country have had enough of experts," he said.

This has not been a year in which the voices of political leaders have carried much sway. In the United States, Republican leaders stood powerless as Trump rolled through the GOP primaries. Hillary Clinton enjoyed the overwhelming support of the Democratic establishment, yet Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont ignited a progressive uprising that forced her to battle to the end of the primaries.

In Britain, the leaders of the major parties, led by Prime Minister David Cameron, have banded together to push for a rejection of a British exit from the EU, a move popularly shorthanded to Brexit. Leaders from around the world, including President Barack Obama, have warned of the consequences - for Britain, Europe and the West - of a vote to separate from the bloc.

Still, polls here had shown sentiment to be remarkably split. The latest surveys of voter opinion indicated a movement toward the "remain" side, but political leaders and others favoring an "in" vote approached Thursday's balloting with trepidation, fearful that a populist uprising could carry the "out" campaign to victory.

That same sense of unease has gripped U.S. politicians all year. The choices in the two countries may be different, but what animates the sentiment behind the votes springs largely from the same set of grievances. Even the contours of the electorates are similar. Here, as in the United States, voters are polarized along recognizable lines: young vs. old; college-educated vs. non-college-educated; urban vs. small town and rural.

A SurveyMonkey online poll showed that voters younger than 45 favored the "remain" campaign, with the very youngest overwhelmingly in favor. Those 45 or older supported the "leave" campaign. Similarly, those with a college degree supported the "remain" campaign by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. Those without a degree favored the "leave" campaign, though by a narrower margin.

Chris Hanretty, a specialist in politics at East Anglia University, wrote in the Observer recently, "Older men and women without educational qualifications are very likely to vote for Britain to leave the EU - not because they're stupid or uninformed but because over the past 40 years their relative position within society has worsened."

The poll also showed the significance of the immigration issue among those favoring a Brexit, just as immigration issues were the most powerful force behind Trump's rise.

By better than 2 to 1, those here who cited immigration as their most important issue said they would back Britain's exit. Those worried about the economy, poverty and inequality, or defense and foreign affairs, all backed remaining.

Beyond the issues that have shaped the campaign here and in the United States, there are other parallels. As in the United States, the campaign here has been marked by a coarsening dialogue, befitting perhaps of the age of social media and the culture of cable television.

In this new arena, Trump proved more skillful than his Republican opponents at mastering communication. In Britain, there are complaints that Cameron and others leading the "remain" campaign have been outdone in this category by the likes of Boris Johnson, the flamboyant former mayor of London and a Conservative member of Parliament, whose ambition to take Cameron's job is well known.

Trump is not a beloved figure in Britain, but the choice before Americans in November also appears to be a fault line in the campaign here. Trump has said he would be inclined to vote to leave the EU if he were casting a ballot here.

The SurveyMonkey poll found that people here who said they would support Trump for president if they could vote in the United States backed the "leave" campaign by a significant margin. Those for Clinton said they were voting to remain in the bloc.

Paul Cloutman, 78, a freelance writer outside a polling station in Southwest London, said Thursday morning that the vote was a "head versus heart" decision. He thought that being in the EU meant Britain had "a lack of control over its own destiny," but in the end, "the economic argument won out."

Plus, he said, he did not want to disappoint his son. "My son lives in California, and he said, 'If Trump gets in here and Boris [Johnson] there' after a 'leave' vote, he will have nowhere to live. So he wants me to vote 'in.' "

That's one way voters here are making their decisions, but it will hardly resolve the more fundamental issues - both here and in the United States.
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LONDON - Shortly after the British capital woke up to the historic results of the European Union referendum on Friday, there was a feeling of uncertainty and anger among many commuters on the streets of London.

"I think we made a very rash decision," one woman living in north London said Friday morning when asked about the referendum.

"My parents voted 'Leave' and I love them. But it's my future, and I'm scared now," said another young commuter who was on her way to work.

Most Londoners have predominantly been against a Brexit and wanted to remain in the European Union. With approximately 11 million inhabitants, the capital has a significant electoral impact on British elections. More than 40 percent of all Londoners were not born in the city.

According to a survey conducted by YouGov on Thursday evening and published after polling stations had closed, 75 percent of those aged between 18 and 24 voted to remain in the European Union.

Researchers had expected such an outcome among younger Brits: A recent Pew Research Center survey had shown that only 38 percent of the British older than 50 view the EU favorably - compared to 57 percent of younger voters.

The split between younger and older voters has become particularly defining in London. One London-based voter, who identified himself only as James, said on Friday that he had yet to find a party to celebrate the referendum outcome. "It's not that easy to celebrate this here in London," he said. "Many colleagues at work were rather depressed today."

The mood among younger British or migrants who moved to the U.K. from continental Europe was clearly visible on Friday: The atmosphere at Camden Market in northern London - where many younger EU migrants works - appeared to be depressed.

Recent polls had suggested that many U.K. voters have lost trust in their politicians over the course of the last months. The anger of many younger voters now targets those politicians who are believed to be responsible for leading the country out of the European Union.

When one of the leading pro-Brexit campaigners, Boris Johnson, left his house Friday, some protesters shouted at and booed the former London mayor.

Johnson can expect to play a major role in the next British government, after Prime Minister David Cameron announced his plans to step down.

Cameron - a staunch supporter of Britain remaining a member of the EU - had repeatedly said he would not resign in the case of a Brexit. However, his resignation had been widely expected following the "remain" campaign's loss.

One of his potential successors could be Johnson. His opponents, however, have argued that Johnson embraced the "leave" campaign mainly for his own career advantage.

That sentiment turned into aggression on Friday, as angry cyclists blocked Johnson's car.

Tensions had already risen on the streets of London ahead of the vote. Following the slaying of Labour Party politician Jo Cox last week, some Brexit-supporters in London said they had been asked to be more careful about their campaigning. Some canceled events, even after campaigning resumed last weekend.

Cox's killing forced the nation to reflect on the last months that were driven by a strong divide between Brexit supporters and opponents.

Those ideological clashes were reflected Friday morning, about six hours after polls had closed, when a group of about eight people were assembled around a TV screen at Leicester Square.

"I'm going to need a visa to visit my family in Spain," said an English-accented man in his 20s. He then turned to the others and demanded to know if they had voted "in" or "out," saying that he was going to punch the "outers."
WASHINGTON - An internal investigation by the Marine Corps has concluded that, for more than 70 years, it wrongly identified one of the men in the iconic photograph of the flag being raised over Iwo Jima during one of the bloodiest battles of World War II.

The inquiry found that a private 1st class named Harold Schultz was one of the six men in the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph. And it determined that a Navy hospital corpsman, John Bradley, whose son wrote a best-selling book about his father's role in the flag-raising that was made into a movie directed by Clint Eastwood, was not actually in the image.

'No, I was a Marine'

Schultz, a mail sorter who died in 1995 at the age of 70, never publicly acknowledged that he was in the photograph. According to his stepdaughter, he discussed it only once with his family, mentioning it briefly one night during dinner in the early 1990s as they talked about the Iwo Jima battle.

"My mom was distracted and not listening, and Harold said, 'I was one of the flag raisers,'" his stepdaughter, Dezreen MacDowell, said in a telephone interview on Wednesday. "I said, 'My gosh, Harold, you're a hero.' He said, 'No, I was a Marine.'"

"After he said that, it was clear he didn't want to talk about it," she said. "He was a very self-effacing Midwestern person. He was already sick, and died two or three years later."

The investigation was opened in response to questions raised last year by producers working on a documentary, "The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima," which will air July 3 on the Smithsonian Channel, in what was only the latest controversy about the photograph. It was taken on Feb. 23, 1945, by Joseph Rosenthal of the Associated Press as the Marines battled the Japanese on the strategically important island in the Pacific.

Just days later, the image appeared on the front pages of major national newspapers, quickly becoming a symbol of the sacrifices U.S. service members at war were willing to make. Ultimately, 6,800 U.S. service members were killed on the island, and the image became the inspiration for the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., which depicts six 32-foot-tall figures in the same positions as the men in the photograph.

But in 1946, the Marines conducted a similar investigation in response to claims that the service had misidentified one of the flag raisers, concluding that the man in the far right of the photograph was actually Harlon Block, not Henry Hansen. (Both men had died on Iwo Jima.)

Discovering the mistake

Matthew Morgan, a retired Marine who worked as a producer for the show's production company, Lucky 8 TV, said it first approached the Marines last year, citing evidence that the men in the photograph were misidentified.

Morgan said the Marines were initially not interested in looking into the claim. But in January, the production company provided the chief historian of the Marines, Charles Neimeyer, with detailed evidence that laid out the case for mistaken identity.

Other photographs of the men on Iwo Jima that day, along with forensic analysis of them, showed that the gear Bradley was wearing was different from that worn by the man who was identified as Bradley in the photograph. Facial recognition technology used on the photographs also showed that the man was not Bradley.

The Marines will now alter any places where they refer to the flag raisers, substituting Schultz's name for Bradley.
AUSTIN  A new digital trove of data showing who is paying to influence elections on Texas airwaves is set to become available ahead of this year's big-money congressional and presidential races.

Starting Friday, more than 175 Texas radio stations could be required to begin publishing documents online in a searchable database detailing political ad buys, the latest attempt by the Obama administration to boost transparency around election spending.

That's because of the expansion this year of a Federal Communications Commission requirement put in place in 2012 for some broadcast television stations to upload political ad buy data online.

The ad buy filings contain key information about who paid for the spot and which candidate is supported or opposed, helping academics, watchdogs, journalists and the public shine a light on outside groups and operatives bankrolling political attack ads.

For now, the online requirement only extends to commercial radio stations with five or more employees in the top 50 markets across the country, which includes San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin.

The Texas Association of Broadcasters estimates that more than 175 stations in the Lone Star State's four largest markets are preparing in the meantime.

Large satellite and cable operators, including Comcast in Houston, will also have to start putting ad buy documents into the FCC's searchable database starting today. Comcast, in particular, has remained stubborn about making such data available electronically, even while a major rival, Time Warner Cable, voluntarily started doing that several years ago. A Comcast spokesman did not return a request for comment, but watchdog groups applauded the new guidelines.

"Expanding access to information about who is buying political ads is a win for the voters and the public at large," said Jenn Topper of the Sunlight Foundation, a group based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for government transparency.

For decades, anyone interested in seeing political ad buy data would have to go in person to an individual station or cable operator in each city to gain access to the files. TV and radio broadcasters, which use public airwaves to disseminate programming, were required to keep a physical folder of political ad buys open for public inspection.

The FCC has said its goal is to modernize public access to important election spending data.

"By including these services in our transition to an online public file, we continue our effort to harness the efficiencies made possible by digital technology to make public file information more readily available to the public, while at the same time minimizing the burden on covered entities of maintaining the file," the FCC said in a January report ordering the expanded guidelines.

The FCC in 2012 originally required only the top four national networks in the country's 50 largest television markets to upload ad buy documents. The agency expanded the requirement for the rest of the TV markets across the country two years later.

Michael Schneider, vice president of legislative and regulatory affairs for the Texas Association of Broadcasters, said the similar roll-out for radio stations should make the digital transition easier for smaller markets. However, Schneider said he's heard concerns from small stations in big markets that are required to make documents available starting today.

"It's a learning curve, but I think TV demonstrated that stations can rise to the occasion," he said. "The TV stations have seemed to adapted OK."

Most election dollars for ads are spent on TV spots, and an increasing segment of that outlay is being used to target partisan viewers on cable television.

However, radio is a cheaper alternative that remains largely popular among state and local candidates in Texas. Take, for example, the run-up to the 2014 Texas Republican primary, when almost $200,000 in political ads were sold on the station owned by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, KSEV in Houston. KSEV is among the stations that will have to start reporting ad buy data online.

Schneider said Texas politicians, including many running in Texas House races, "have come to realize that radio can be a good political ad buy."

"It's an efficient and economical way to make political dollars stretch," he said.
What's next?

Regarding "'God's Country' roadside signs are meant to raise spirits, not ire" (Page A3, Wednesday), what a waste of time. What's next, when a church or mosque or temple puts up signs to their bazaars, they'll have to remove their name from the signs or they won't be allowed to post a "This Way" sign by the road? There is no such thing as a religion-free environment, because people are allowed to chose their religion and there will always be signs of those religions. So guys, relax and just enjoy he-who-shall-not-be-named's country.

P.J. Ruger, via HoustonChronicle.com

No conflict

Famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright once said, "I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." To me, that's what is meant by "This is God's Country," and I don't think it conflicts with the Freedom from Religion Foundation's point of view.

Z.A. Weiss, via HoustonChronicle.com

Priorities?

There are people living under bridges, starving for lack of food, dying from lack of insurance, murdered by unnecessary gun violence, and this is what some organization wishes to focus on?

I'm not even religious and there is nothing in these signs that is offensive to me

Kathy M. Starr, via HoustonChronicle.com

Good humor

While normally I sympathize with what religious and nonreligious minorities have to put up with in rural Texas, this is silly. Humorous signs are not violating the separation of church and state.

Lisa Falkenberg expressed it well.

Gary Denton, via HoustonChronicle.com
Words have meaning and actions have consequences, those are two sayings or quips that many of us have heard before. However, I can tell you when it comes to the U.S. Constitution and the expected conduct of elected Representatives. I believe these two phrases are absolutely essential to characterizing our form of democracy. Unfortunately, I am ashamed of the events in our nations capital this week, when liberal Democrats orchestrated a sit-in on the House floor meant as a publicity stunt to promote their anti-gun agenda and raise money for their party.

With the pain of a massacre by a radical Islamic terrorist in Orlando still fresh, these elected officials took to the floor to blame guns, not a terrorist for the horrible events. Their actions are shameful because they disrespect the law-abiding citizens of this country, those who follow the rules, trust in the protections of due process under our constitution, and believe we are one nation under God. They believe it is the law-abiding citizens that need to be monitored and fail to acknowledge it is terrorists and specifically, radical Islamic terrorists, that we should focus on stopping.

While Democrats orchestrate their political theater on the Floor of the House of Representatives, they are failing to work on any constructive solutions, but I can tell you firsthand their actions have only increased my resolve and utter confidence that the federal bureaucracy under this administrations leadership is absolutely out of control. So, while liberal Democrats spent the week seeking out cameras and reporters I was working on legislation that would continue to strip spending authority from rogue government agencies.

I introduced two bills this week that take power away from the EPA by restricting their ability to impose fines and penalties on hard working farmers, small businesses and families, something we owe to the American taxpayer and something which takes the power of the purse out of the hands of un-elected bureaucrats. Big federal agencies like the IRS and EPA have proven time and time again that they cannot be trusted to spend taxpayer dollars in a way that actually benefits Americans, which is why I have made it a top priority of mine to reestablish the U.S. Constitutions Article I legislative powers that are clearly granted to Congress, not federal agencies.

In fact, my top focus has been to rein-in big government. It started this year with U.S. House passage of my SCRUB Act, a bill that came out of an idea when I learned the Code of Federal Regulations contained an astonishing 175,000 pages and was holding back investment and job creation in this country. My SCRUB Act fights ineffective and intrusive federal regulations that are holding back private sector job creation, hurting farmers and putting the brakes on economic growth in this country.

Next, my IRS Owes act passed with bipartisan support in April and would hold the IRS more accountable to taxpayers. I introduced this legislation after I uncovered that the IRS has been abusing their power by secretly increasing fines and penalties on American taxpayers and then using upwards of $500 million in taxpayer generated funds to secretly implement portions of Obamacare against the will of the American public. It is clear that out of control federal government agencies like the IRS cannot be trusted to do what is best for the country, but I only found these atrocities by rolling up my sleeves and digging in, not sitting around.

Article I clearly states that all legislative powers are vested in Congress. The founders of our country clearly printed those words because words have meaning and they wanted to prevent the very actions and consequences the Obama Administration is continuing to implement. Luckily, President Obamas days in office are numbered, 215 to be exact. I will continue to fight against the Obama administration to ensure that the Article I authority is adhered to. The Constitution is not merely a suggestion on how our government is to be operated, rather it is full of words that have meaning and hopefully after the next 215 days we can repair the consequences of the abusive actions of this Administration towards law-abiding Americans.

Jason Smith represents Missouris 8th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Contact him at 573-335-0101 or visit https://jasonsmith.house.gov
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based firm, AFN Logistics, has a unique yet lucrative way of inspiring its employees: a $5k payout for the person with the most innovative idea for the company.Through a virtual suggestion box, individual staff can submit ideas on how to make the workplace better. Other employees can up vote ideas and make comments on submitted proposals.For the past few months, the dashboard has been open with 57 suggestions being submitted so far. These include ideas such as break room improvements and transportation management software.The employee who submits the best idea will receive $5k and a guarantee it will be implemented.Were in the process of building a fantastic business with an orientation around our people, and an orientation around the fact that I dont have all the answers, Ryan Daube, founder and CEO, told Streetwise Media in Chicago.Since establishing the company 13 years ago, Daube has tried numerous methods of engaging with his staff from traditional suggestion boxes to a committee which could be emailed with feedback. However, it was difficult to build that exchange as the company grew, he said.Sometimes when you communicate from a leadership position, I think people tend to  rather than challenge  nod their head and go along with it.The virtual suggestion box was a way to raise challenging ideas in a non-threatening way, he said.For the more technical ideas put forward, AFN also held a Product Day where employees could pitch their ideas to team members and an outside consultant. The initiative was a great way to identify employee skills and potential leadership candidates, said Nick Fryer, director of marketing.Ive seen that empowerment start to happen. There are people who stepped up and taking on tasks that are not in their official roles and responsibilities.While the platform will close at the end of June, Daube said theyll open the platform to take in more ideas sometime in the future. As for whether another $5k prize will be offered, he said he will ask employees what they need to remain creative.We have to recognise that our competition is innovating really quickly. And if we want to remain relevant, we have to innovate with them. Im here to build the best team I possibly can and orient ourselves to win, but I cant do it by myself... We have to continue to engage [employees] any way we can.
National Aboriginal Day was on Tuesday, and Canadians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spent the day celebrating the heritage of Canada's First Nations, Metis and Inuit people.

In honour of the special occasion, we put together a list of children's books that you can read with your kids to teach them more about Canada's Aboriginal heritage anytime of the year.
Ever scrolled through your feed, judging people for their style? Us too . Lets join @susiebubble, @hntaj, @camillecharriere, @freddieharrel, @mashasedgwick, @galagonzalez, @bonjourclem and @ulap and pledge to turn our judgements into compliments. Tap the link in our bio to watch the full film. #SaySomethingNice

A video posted by Amazon Fashion Europe (@amazonfashioneu) on Jun 23, 2016 at 6:07am PDT
Glowing Earth Photography via Getty Images Late summer afternoon at Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. Emerald Lake is a major tourism destination in the Canadian Rockies.

You're not just camping among the mountains in beautiful British Columbia  at many sites, you're as close to the ocean as you can get in Canada.

The province has several types of parks (including award-winning Stanley Park), according to tourism site Hello BC; national ones include the likes of Yoho National Park, Pacific Rim National Park and Kootenay National Park  which are all included in our list below.

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(Pacific Rim National Park, Photo: Getty).

One of our favourite things about camping in B.C. is the activities. Some sites we've included below have access to surfing in Tofino, tough trails along mountains and even whale watching  things you really can't do in most provinces.

Before you pick a site, we highly suggest checking out BC Parks to get more information on each site including safety concerns. Details about fees, reservations and road closures are also available on the site.

Oh and one more thing: there's nothing like stargazing at high altitudes, something you should definitely consider when exploring B.C.

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Take a look at 17 of our favourite picks below  here are some other ideas from The Huffington Post British Columbia in 2015  and let us know, where are you favourite camping sites in the west coast?

Best Camping Sites In B.C. See Gallery
Former Sen. Hugh Segal has been a vocal proponent of basic income for decades, and now he will have the opportunity to help make the idea a reality.

Ontarios provincial government has appointed Segal  former chief of staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney  as an advisor on the design and implementation of its basic income pilot project.

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It will be designed to test the growing view that a basic income could help deliver income support more efficiently, while improving health, employment and housing outcomes for Ontarians, the provinces Ministry of Community and Social Services said in a statement on Friday.

A basic income would deliver a certain amount of money regularly to every legal resident, regardless of employment status or any other factor.

Ontario announced its intention to experiment with the idea in its budget released earlier this year.

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The potential for a basic income to transform income security in Ontario and across the country is tremendous, Segal said in a statement announcing his appointment.

Segal, a Red Tory who served in the cabinets of Ontario Premier Bill Davis and federally under Mulroney, will help decide where the pilot project will take place, how to deliver the service, and how to evaluate it afterwards.

Segal resigned from the Senate in 2014 to serve as Master of Massey College in Toronto. He will not be paid for his work on the pilot project.

Canada already has a basic income

In an interview with HuffPost Canada several years ago, Segal pointed out that a basic income already exists in Canada  in the form of Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, which act as a minimum income for seniors.

If we trusted seniors to manage that money, I dont know why we wouldnt trust people in their forties and fifties, Segal said.

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Hugh Segal during his run for the Progressive Conservative party leadership in 1998. (Canadian Press file photo)

For Segal, part of the appeal of a basic income is that it would replace an entire patchwork of social services  potentially including welfare, unemployment insurance or seniors pensions  that can be costly to deliver.

It would end micromanagement by provincial civil servants and would raise the dignity of low-income citizens, he argues. The advantage is that it will eliminate the judgmental aspect of social services  government bureaucrats deciding if you qualify for a particular benefit.

One of the worlds first experiments with basic income took place over several years in Dauphin, Man., in the 1970s.

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Though government officials evidently buried the results, a recent research paper found it virtually eliminated poverty and led to improved health and lower health care costs.
Perhaps the most-watched Conservative in Canada says the British people have chosen "hope over fear" by voting to leave the European Union.

Veteran MP Jason Kenney  a possible top-tier candidate for the federal Tory leadership who is also reportedly mulling a bid for the Alberta Progressive Conservatives  has taken to Twitter to celebrate results of the referendum that have already sent shockwaves around the world.

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Conservative MP Jason Kenney arrives at a news conference to discuss the NDP's spending plans, in Ottawa, Sunday, August 30, 2015. (Photo: Fred Chartrand/CP)

His tweets also blasted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for publicly arguing Britain would be better off in the EU. Kenney said the prime minister interfered in another country's decision and made a "terrible, short-sighted gaffe."

Congratulations to the British people on choosing hope over fear by embracing a confident, sovereign future, open to the world! #Brexit  Jason Kenney (@jkenney) June 24, 2016

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Justin Trudeau was wrong to interfere in the British people's internal democratic decision on EU membership. A terrible, short-sighted gaffe  Jason Kenney (@jkenney) June 24, 2016

Canada should immediately demonstrate respect for the choice made by the British people, & prioritize negotiation of Canada-UK free trade.  Jason Kenney (@jkenney) June 24, 2016

Kenney urged the federal government to get to work on a "Canada-UK free trade deal" now that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiated by Tories is in jeopardy.

National Post columnist John Ivison challenged Kenney on how he can reject the divisive politics of presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump while applauding the same "dog-whistle racism" of UK Independence Party Leader Nigel Farage. The "leave" side argued exiting the EU was necessary to give Britain more power to control immigration.

@jkenney You reject Trump but applaud the same dog-whistle racism propounded by Farage and his fellow anti-establishment travellers.  John Ivison (@IvisonJ) June 24, 2016

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Kenney responded that he respects the right of Brits to pursue more global free trade. "This had nothing to do with freedom and everything to do with bigotry," Ivison shot back.

@ivisonj No, I respect the decision of the British people who will be unencumbered to pursue more global free trade & non-EU migration.  Jason Kenney (@jkenney) June 24, 2016

@jkenney Right. So in 10 years, we might see a Canada-UK deal? This had nothing to do with freedom and everything to do with bigotry.  John Ivison (@IvisonJ) June 24, 2016

@ivisonj 52% of the British people are not bigots. A desire to be able to manage borders & migration is not bigotry.  Jason Kenney (@jkenney) June 24, 2016

Unlike other possible candidates for the Conservative crown, veteran MPs Andrew Scheer and Deepak Obhrai, Kenney did not publicly weigh in on the so-called Brexit before Thursday's vote.

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'Magnificent exercise in democracy'

Tory foreign affairs critic Tony Clement, also mulling a run for leader, tweeted that the referendum was a "magnificent exercise in democracy." Canada, he said, should respect the choice that has been made.

What a magnificent exercise in democracy as Britons vote #Leave. Canada should respect this choice & engage with both UK & EU. #BREXIT  Tony Clement (@TonyclementCPC) June 24, 2016

On Thursday, Clement released a video on Facebook saying he would not take a position on the Brexit while also lauding that Brits got to have their say. Clement used the occasion to push for a referendum on electoral reform in Canada, something federal Liberals have so far ruled out.

"If the U.K. can vote on whether they're in or out of the EU, we should have the ability to vote on  how we elect our MPs in the future," he said. "One referendum for the U.K. and of course, a referendum here in Canada is what we need."

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Obhrai, who earlier this week told The Huffington Post Canada that he blames the EU for Canada's humiliating failure to win a United Nations Security Council seat, took to Twitter to repeat his claim that the organization acts like a "sovereign nation."

Wow uk leaving the EU. EU nations can work to ensure EU doesn't Act As a sovereign nation but a voice of sovereign nations #yyc#cdnpoli  Hon Deepak Obhrai pc (@deepakobhrai) June 24, 2016

But Scheer  who had more than 700 words published in the National Post on this issue four days ago  has yet to share his thoughts.

Scheer's piece calling for an "independent Britain" argued the U.K. would be more "economically dynamic" outside of the EU, but did not address the heated and often toxic immigration debate across the pond.

Former Progressive Conservative prime minister Kim Campbell was left unimpressed by the article. She took to Twitter to call Scheer an "ass."

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Interim Tory Leader Rona Ambrose's statement on the EU referendum:

Regardless of the outcome of yesterdays referendum, Canadians will continue to support the United Kingdom as a steadfast ally, trading partner and friend. There is no substitute for the direct democratic voice of a country's citizens in determining the answers to critical questions about their own future. I recognize that the UK government, but more importantly the people of the UK, have engaged in a vigorous debate and have made their voices heard. While there are worldwide implications that will flow from the new path forward that the UK has chosen, for Canada it will be important for our government to maintain strong ties with the UK. At the same time, the Liberal government must also continue to fight for the ratification of the Canada-EU free trade agreement the previous government reached. This significant trade agreement can generate new jobs and new customers for Canadian goods and services, and the Liberal government must show leadership to ensure it does not become a casualty of a period of uncertainty in Europe. Lastly, I would like to thank Prime Minister David Cameron for his service and dedication to his country after his announcement of his intention to step down. He has been a courageous and principled leader, unafraid to fight for what he believed in, while strong enough to accept with grace the democratic will of those he leads.

ALSO ON HUFFPOST:
On Wednesdays, Lindsay Lohan wears pink.

Attending the Caudwell Children's Butterfly Ball in London on Wednesday evening with rumored fiance Egor Tarabasov, Lohan shined for the couple's first public appearance in a pink gown that would definitely make Regina George and the Plastics proud.

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Lindsay Lohan arrives for the 2016 Butterfly Ball at The Grosvenor House Hotel on in London, England.

"#onwednesdayswewearpink #butterflyball2016 @clairelcaudwell and @johncaudwell thank you for including us to support all of the work you do for children bless you," the 29-year-old wrote on Instagram.

#onwednesdayswewearpink #butterflyball2016 @clairelcaudwell and @johncaudwell thank you for including us to support all of the work you do for children bless you  A photo posted by Lindsay Lohan (@lindsaylohan) on Jun 22, 2016 at 12:50pm PDT

Flaunting an emerald ring on her wedding finger (!!), the "Mean Girls" star and her Russian heir beau  who have maintained a relatively private relationship  both looked fantastic in their gala ensembles. Lohan's gown featured a plunging neckline with embellished details and Tarabasov, 23, added a bow tie to his classic black suit.

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The duo first sparked engagement rumours when Lindsay was spotted with a ring on her left hand at a Duran Duran concert in April.

My love #SevenWonders #t A photo posted by Lindsay Lohan (@lindsaylohan) on Jun 14, 2016 at 6:29pm PDT

And Lindsay isn't the only fan of Egor, her mom Dina is too.

"He is cute. Hes a sweetheart. No, hes just a really good person," Dina told Us Weekly. "The tabloids are like, 'Oh, hes so much younger.' But hes very mature, very worldly. They love each other."

Speaking of worldly, Lindsay made headlines late Thursday evening when she weighed in on the U.K. referendum results in a series of now-deleted tweets.

All that remains of the Brexit rant is an Instagram video in which Lindsay pleaded her British followers to "#besmart" and "#remain," all while showing off her Chanel bag before panning the camera to show the BBC's referendum coverage.

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#besmart pay attention and work hard to buy @chanelofficial #remain where's Sunderland? Does Sarah Palin live there? Lol A video posted by Lindsay Lohan (@lindsaylohan) on Jun 23, 2016 at 4:18pm PDT

"#besmart pay attention and work hard to buy @chanelofficial #remain where's Sunderland? Does Sarah Palin live there? Lol," Lohan wrote on the video which has over 62,000 views.

We all know Lindsay's character in "Mean Girls" Cady Heron was a talented mathlete, but we had no idea that Lohan herself was so invested in the state of the global economy.

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U.S. citizens living outside of the country may have additional filing obligations thanks to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

For U.S. citizens and green card holders living outside of the United States, the deadline for filing their U.S. taxes or requesting an extension was June 15. But like most things related to U.S. taxes, it is not that simple. There are additional filing requirements related to foreign assets and financial accounts that also need to be considered.

As one of the ways to fight money laundering, U.S. citizens and green card holders are required to report all non-U.S. financial accounts that they have a financial interest in or signing authority on. This includes things like bank accounts, brokerage accounts, mutual funds, trusts, life insurance policies and retirement plans.

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If a U.S. citizen has an aggregate $10,000 USD or more located in accounts outside of the country, they are required to report all of their holdings on FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). Even if your accounts only totalled $10,000 USD for a day during the year or if only one account met the $10,000 USD threshold, you are still required to report the highest value of all of your financial accounts on an FBAR.

When valuing and reporting your accounts for FBAR, you must use the U.S. Treasury's year end exchange rate to convert to US dollars regardless of the date on which the highest value was attained.

The FBAR forms are due on June 30 and must be filed electronically. For 2015, there are no extensions granted for FBAR filing but the due date will move to April 15 next year and you will be able to file an extension.

The penalties for a late FBAR can be substantial. If you fail to file, fines can be up to $10,000 USD per year, with a six year statute of limitations. If the IRS decides that you have willfully failed to file or report your accounts, the penalties are the greater of $100,000 USD or 50 per cent of the account balances. And this is before they look at potential criminal penalties.

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Now with FATCA in full effect, there is Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets to report foreign held assets. FATCA is meant to target taxpayers with assets held inside and outside of financial accounts. It has a broader scope and higher threshold than FBAR. And even though you may have reported all of your accounts on your FBAR, Form 8938 must include those accounts again as well as a few more types of assets.

For U.S. citizens living abroad, you need to file Form 8938 if your foreign held assets totalled $200,000 USD or more on the last day of the tax year or if your assets totalled more than $300,000 USD at any point during the tax year. Married individuals filing jointly have higher thresholds of $400,000 USD and $600,000 USD.

You need to determine the highest value in U.S. dollars for each account and asset reported using the end of year exchange rate posted by the U.S. Treasury with some exceptions. Form 8938 is filed with your tax return and due the same day.

The penalties for failure to file Form 8938 are also quite substantial. You can be fined up to $10,000 USD for failure to disclose accounts and assets that should be reported. You could also be hit with an additional $10,000 USD for each 30 days of non-filing after the IRS notifies you that you need to file, up to a maximum of $60,000 USD. The statute of limitations begins only when the form is filed so the IRS can assess tax and penalties for up to three years after you finally file it. Criminal, accuracy and fraud penalties may also be part of the equation.

Neither the FBAR nor Form 8938 results in a taxpayer owing more money. The forms are meant to track foreign assets to ensure taxpayers are not hiding money they should be paying tax on. And while they may seem somewhat redundant, there are important differences in the reporting requirements and they do go to different branches in the government.

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Both forms include accounts that are tax-deferred in Canada such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs). However, Form 8938 exempts certain assets such as mutual funds if you filed Form 8621 or Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) if you have been filing Form 3520. Investments not held in an account such as paper stock certificates must be reported on Form 8938 but not on the FBAR.
Canada's federal Liberals are stuck between a rock and a hard place, and they know it.

With home affordability rapidly deteriorating in Ontario and British Columbia, the public wants action on soaring house prices. On the other hand, outside those two hot provinces, house prices in Canada are falling, on average.

This is a serious policy conundrum, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has himself noted: How do you cool off two Canadian housing markets without tanking the ones that are already struggling?

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Fortunately, there are options to cool off only the problematic parts of the housing market -- options that, hopefully, Finance Minister Bill Morneau's newly announced working group on housing will consider.

But meaningful action will require political courage, and the first act of courage is to admit that house prices in Toronto and Vancouver don't just need to slow down -- they need to come down.

Affordability in Toronto is the worst it's been since the 1990 housing bubble. Vancouver just became the most unaffordable housing market ever recorded in Canada. Short of everyone getting a huge raise, the only way to bring affordability back in line in a reasonable amount of time is for prices to come down.

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So how much would a correction have to be? Large. Moody's Investor Service recently entertained a scenario in which Ontario and B.C. house prices fall by 35 per cent, calling it a "severe stress scenario."

But would that really be so "severe"? A 35-per-cent decline would bring Vancouver prices back to last year's levels, and Toronto prices to 2014 levels. It's hard to believe that financial apocalypse will follow if we have last year's house prices next year.

Simply put, a planned, policy-driven house price correction is what's needed. Here are some things government could do to address housing affordability. But first, one thing Trudeau and other policymakers should not do.

No more punishing new homebuyers

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After so many rounds of mortgage-rule tightening, under the previous Conservatives and the current Liberals, house-price growth isn't cooling; it's been accelerating in the hottest markets.

The conclusion is inevitable at this point: tightening mortgage rules doesn't work in these circumstances. In fact, we may simply be punishing new homebuyers by making it harder for them to buy a home.

It's time to leave mortgage payers alone, and focus on the other elements that have been driving up prices.

A punishing tax on house-flippers

Evidence is growing that house-flipping -- investors buying houses and quickly selling them at a much higher price -- has become a major problem in Toronto and Vancouver. House-flipping drives up prices. It's artificial "demand" for housing that disappears not when prices fall, but when prices don't grow fast enough, thus setting up the market for a crash.

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The solution? Stop flipping before it gets any worse. Implement a sales tax on homes sold within one or two years of the last time they changed hands, an idea CIBC recently floated. That should remove the flippers before they distort the market any further.

'Freeze' the foreign homebuyer market in place

Vancouver is moving towards a vacant home tax to discourage foreigners from parking their cash in the city's real estate and then leaving the properties untended.

It's unlikely to be enough. China's millionaire population is doubling every few years, and will be larger than the entire population of Greater Vancouver within four years. The foreign influx could get much more intense.

So let's institute a freeze on the existing foreign-owned housing market. Houses owned by foreigners could continue to be owned by foreigners, and those houses would be "grandfathered" so that they could be sold on to other foreigners as well. But for all homes in Canadian hands, and all future homes, there would be a requirement that the buyer is a Canadian citizen.

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In essence, this would create a separate housing market for the world's rich. Canadian cities could still continue to attract wealthy investors from around the world. Realtors would still make big commissions from sales to the jet-set crowd, and governments would still collect big land transfer taxes.

But the rest of us could buy homes in a saner housing market that hasn't been turned into a casino for the world's rich, or a place to hide wealth from the Chinese government.

A property tax surcharge for foreign buyers

Let's milk those rich Chinese nationals who are hiding income from their government by sinking it into Canadian real estate. They can obviously afford it, are unlikely to be deterred by a property tax hike, and could take the pressure off other taxpayers.

This is what Sydney, Australia, is planning to do. The city is facing a similar influx of foreign property buyers to what Vancouver is experiencing, and is planning to cool things off by raising property taxes for foreigners to four percentage points higher than what locals pay.

Loosen unreasonable limits on where you can build

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The Greenbelt surrounding Toronto is a worthwhile idea: It limits the loss of valuable farmland to suburban sprawl and encourages sustainable, high-density development.

But because of the Greenbelt and other restrictive land-use policies, construction of detached homes has collapsed to nearly nothing. Desperate homebuyers are driving up the prices of the existing supply, pushing up prices for all housing types.

As some academics are starting to say, it's time to get real about the Greenbelt. Greater Toronto is one of North America's fastest-growing cities, and it needs room to grow. The region's population is forecast to hit 9.1 million people in the next 20 years, from around 6.8 million today. You are not going to fit that into condos along the lakeshore.

Toronto needs a better balance between environmental priorities and growth priorities, if it's going to have affordable housing in the generations to come.

New trains, new roads

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Trudeau's Liberals have already embarked on a massive program of infrastructure building, so why not orient some of that towards building things that could help make housing more affordable?

Put billions towards expanding Greater Toronto's GO train and bus network, allowing people to travel from farther away to access jobs in the city. Then do the same with Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain network and the West Coast Express.

And, though urban planners seem to hate the idea these days, build roads. Cars aren't going away, even if they do go electric and driverless, and reducing gridlock is one obvious way to make more distant areas accessible from the city.

The solutions to Canada's home-affordability crisis are all there. It's just a question of whether our political leaders are willing to take the initiative.

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David Dodge, GreenEnergyFutures.ca

By David Dodge & Dylan Thompson

The call to action on the Iron and Earth website says it all:

"As oil sands workers, or friends and family of somebody in the energy industry, we acknowledge the contribution of fossil fuel extraction projects to our lives and livelihoods. As global citizens, we also acknowledge the need to reach climate change targets. Let's seize this opportunity and create jobs in the renewable energy sector."

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Lliam Hildebrand is first and foremost a boilermaker. On his last oilsands project in northern Alberta, a colleague said to him over lunch, "Man, oil prices are still dropping. They're going to go below $30 soon, and if we don't start diversifying our jobs into renewables, our union is screwed."

It was many conversations like this that inspired Hildebrand to join forces with other like-minded oilsands workers to start Iron and Earth, a campaign calling for training and retraining in renewable energy.

New energy jobs for energy workers

"Our primary goals are number one, to build up the workforce capacity to build renewable energy projects in Canada and in Alberta," says Hildebrand, now the executive director of Iron and Earth. "Secondly, we want to help build up the manufacturing sector required to build renewable energy. And third, we want to ensure that our contractors and unions can position themselves within this emerging sector."

The campaign has really taken off. "It's been absolutely incredible, the amount of attention and support we've received so far," says Hildebrand. "We only launched a month and a half ago, and we already have 4,000 people who have signed our pledge and over 450 of those are actually workers interested in the program and excited about our initiative."

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Hildebrand says that diversification is already built into how various trades operate.

"These tradespeople actually work in all of these industries, whether it'd be coal or natural gas or the oilsands," says Hildebrand. "So the work force is capable of diversifying, just as we're capable of diversifying our energy grid."

"We're going to need these oil-sector jobs for a very long time," says Hildebrand. "But new construction opportunities are largely going be in renewable energy. Renewable energy investments were more than double that of fossil fuels in 2015, and that trend is going to continue."

"We have an incredible opportunity in our society today to really own this pivotal moment. We have recently signed the Paris accord, there are all kinds of national climate commitments being made. A number of provinces have made very ambitious climate commitments -- Alberta to transition to 30 percent renewable energy by 2030, and we have Saskatchewan making a 50 per cent commitment by that same date."

And for Hildebrand all of this renewable energy development means jobs. "It's going be an explosive industry. I think a lot of people underestimate how much this is going to really change Canada."

The Iron and Earth Solar Skills Campaign

The Iron and Earth idea is rapidly evolving. Hildebrand says his new organization is looking at four projects or campaigns. "Our primary focus right now is our solar skills campaign, where we are going to retrain 1,000 electricians and other tradespeople with solar PV, solar heat, energy efficiency, and EV charging station skills."

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"Our priority goes to out-of-work electricians. So imagine you're an out-of-work electrician, and if you sign up to this program, we start our first project this fall. So show up on-site, do a couple days of class time learning about the entrepreneurial opportunities in the solar PV world and industry. And then you go on to the roof and install the system," says Hildebrand.

The training program they envision will run for four weeks, with other solar skills training following the solar PV module.

Iron and Earth has partnered with Randal Benson of Grid Works Energy who already runs training programs. "He's already retrained approximately a thousand electricians with solar PV skills," says Hildebrand.

Iron and Earth already has a list of 450 workers interested in training programs and this has certainly helped Hildebrand get audiences with politicians like the federal environment minister.

"We got an opportunity to meet with Catherine McKenna already," says Hildebrand. "It's pretty exciting that we're able to have meetings at that level already, and it really showcases the need for these practical solutions-based projects and initiatives."

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First we take Alberta, then Newfoundland

A second initiative of Iron and Earth is to start a Newfoundland chapter. "One of our directors is from Newfoundland and when he arrived home there were a ton of people contacting him, just really overwhelming amount of support from workers in the province," says Hildebrand.

Adam Cormier organized a meeting in Newfoundland and, within 48 hours, had 35 workers signed up. Soon after the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers pledged $5,000 for the effort.

The third initiative Iron and Earth is working on is an interactive website for workers that will include a directory of renewable energy stakeholders and "a space for workers to meet each other."

"We're also running a worker's climate plan campaign ... that will be focused on engaging workers around the federal climate consultation," says Hildebrand.

What about renewable energy and jobs?

"From the numbers we've been looking at, it seems that solar industry employs approximately 10 times the number of workers in comparison to wind energy. Now, wind energy is also a cheaper source of energy and is going to make up the majority of the larger renewable procurement in Alberta and in Saskatchewan, but it's going to be really important that we make sure that we're also exploring these other renewable energy technology types such as solar, geothermal, biomass and biofuels," says Hildebrand.

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In the U.S., solar jobs grew by 20.2 per cent in 2015 with the industry employing 208,859 workers as of November 2015.

No one has run the numbers for the ambitious pledges made by Alberta and Saskatchewan, but building somewhere between five and 10 gigawatts of renewable energy will most certainly produce jobs here.

With the tragic fires in Fort McMurray, it's been a difficult few weeks for Hildebrand's colleagues in the oilsands. "It's pretty rough. I actually received a call from one of my friends who was almost in tears when that was all going down. She wasn't sure if her husband was going to actually escape in time, and it's crazy. There's a lot of families like hers, whose houses didn't escape those fires. And considering the amount of economic downturn that's happening in that community right now, it's just unreal," says Hildebrand.

For Hildebrand it's not solar versus oilsands, but he sees this as a pivotal point in history where new opportunities can be created for all energy workers.
Robert Daly via Getty Images Businesswoman in office using PDA near a clock

Office life has clearly evolved in the decades since Dolly Parton's gun-toting character in the 1980 dark comedy 9-to-5 took a stand against her sexist pig of a boss played by Dabney Coleman, announcing: "Up until now I've been forgivin' and forgettin' because of the way I was brought up, but I'll tell you one thing. If you ever say another word about me or make another indecent proposal, I'm gonna get that gun of mine, and I'm gonna change you from a rooster to a hen with one shot! And don't think I can't do it."

But significant workplace issues still exist -- and we are not just talking about abuses of authority. In fact, according to Stephan Aarstol, CEO and founder of beach-lifestyle company Tower, the traditional eight-hour workday itself is now as oppressive as Coleman's 9-to-5 character.

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Aarstol first gained the business world's attention when a weak appearance on Shark Tank in early 2012 didn't stop him from walking away with funding for San Diego-based Tower, which sells stand-up paddleboards and other products. "Stephan froze pretty epically during his pitch and was mercilessly ridiculed by the Sharks," a spokeswoman toldEntrepreneur Magazine. "But then he made a Rocky-like comeback and got competing offers from both Mark Cuban and Kevin O'Leary."

After striking a US$150,000 deal with Cuban for a 30 per cent ownership stake, Aarstol set out to expand his business globally. Back then, Tower's gross annual revenue was well under US$500,000. Last year, when Tower was featured in Forbes, the company was named the fastest-growing private company in San Diego.

This year, the venture is on track to generate US$9 million in sales. And now, Aarstol isn't just making products designed to ride waves. He is making waves in business circles by promoting afternoon-free employment in his new bookThe Five-Hour Workday: Live Differently, Unlock Productivity, and Find Happiness.

"The nine-to-five grind is great if the goal is to create a cult of workaholics," he says in an Ivey Business Journal commentary on how to increase productivity by reducing work hours. "But the idea that workers can be productive being forced to endure 70 per cent of their week at work so they can enjoy the other 30 per cent seems to me to be a clear case of collective insanity."

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At Tower, Aarstol has reduced the workday for employees to five hours -- with no reduction in pay. And as noted above, the reported results are impressive enough to warrant attention from other employers. "When I tell people my team only works five hours a day, the response is always, 'That's nice, but it won't work for me,'" Aarstol says. "The nine-to-five mindset is so ingrained that most employers can't imagine anything else. But you don't have to run a paddleboard company to reduce hours by 30 per cent and still maintain productivity."

Keep in mind that by eliminating lunch hour, Tower actually only reduced work time by 120 minutes while creating much more employee freedom to enjoy life during the week. "The five-hour day is about managing human energy more efficiently by working in bursts over a shorter period," Aarstol says, adding that "humans are not machines. So just because you see employees at their desk for eight hours doesn't mean they are being productive. Even some of your best employees probably only accomplish two to three hours of actual work over the standard work day."

According to Aarstol, having more time to pursue passions, nurture relationships and stay active improves worker productivity by making employees happier while giving them more energy emotionally and physically. Furthermore, he says, a five-hour workday bakes in time management by forcing employees to prioritize high-value activities.

The entrepreneur admits a five-hour day won't work for every organization. But he insists clocking fewer hours to generate higher productivity is very manageable for most employers of knowledge workers. "People who dismiss the five-hour workday outright usually think it's impossible because they measure work in hours rather than output," Aarstol says. "However, most knowledge workers aren't paid by the hour. They're paid a flat salary. To help my team shift to a production mindset, I rolled out a profit-sharing plan where five per cent of company profits are doled out to employees who demonstrate exemplary productivity."

Henry Ford revolutionized the workday a century ago by reducing it to eight hours while doubling wages when it was still common for most workers of the world to put in 10- to 16-hour days. Not everyone will agree with Aarstol that another cut to the workday can be done while increasing productivity. But it is at least something to think about, especially if you are an unenlightened employer. After all, it is always better to give employees more freedom than have them tie you up like Coleman's character in 9-to-5.

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Thomas Watson is the editor of Ivey Business Journal published by the Ivey Business School at Western University in London, Ont.

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Is it too much to ask in the 21st century to self-identify based on the beliefs you hold so dearly? After all, who has the right to tell me who I am and who I'm not? Apparently the Pakistani government does, who have declared the Ahmadiyya community "infidel" and non-Muslim since the infamous ruling in 1974.

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The repercussions of this excommunication continues to gravely damage a nation and put the lives of millions of Ahmadis in Pakistan in danger as they live in fear under the constant threat of violence at any time in the only country in the world, where state sanctioned persecution exists.

Just this past week, extremists murdered an Ahmadi Muslim, Dr. Chaudhry Khaliq Ahmad, while he was attending to patients. The attack was carried out solely on the basis of Dr. Khalid's faith - the Mullahs have made Ahmadi Muslims enemy number one in Pakistan and continue to incite violence against them. The attack was completely unprovoked and resulted in multiple bullets striking Dr. Chaudhry as he passed away on his way to the hospital.

Prior to this heinous murder, a few weeks ago, Hamza Ali Abbasi, a renowned Pakistani actor who was conducting a TV series called "Ramazan Transmission" raised the topic of Ahmadis. What he said has triggered a storm of controversy throughout Pakistan, which many are calling crazy, insane, and downright blasphemous. He questioned, "Does a state have the right to judge an individual or community's status as a Muslim?" And, "Should Ahmadi Muslims be subject to blasphemy laws?"

If you are an Ahmadi Muslim and profess the Islamic creed in Pakistan you can go to jail for up to three years. One of the most frustrating aspect of this is that there is nothing in the religion of Islam which allows any Muslim to declare any Muslim a non-Muslim. In fact, both the Qur'an and the Prophet have taught that if someone holds themselves to be a Muslim, they are a Muslim.

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In other words: I think I am Muslim, therefore I am.

The Prophet answered the controversial question of whether or not anyone has the right to infringe on one's beliefs and dismiss them as "Kaafir" (infidel), or non-Muslim, over 1400 years ago.

Throughout the history of Islam, we find that when people asked to convert to Islam, they were required to pledge allegiance to two beliefs -the Oneness of God, and that Prophet Muhammad is His messenger. According to the Prophet, the only requirement of being a Muslim was simply calling yourself as such.

In one of his many recorded narrations, Prophet Muhammad said:

"Whoever says, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah', faces our Qibla (Mecca), the direction of prayer, during the prayers, prays like us and eats meat slaughtered in our manner, then he is a Muslim, and has got the same rights and obligations as other Muslims have." (Bukhari)

Furthermore, there is an incident of a Muslim who had killed a non-Muslim that professed the Islamic creed during battle prior to getting killed, after which Prophet Muhammad was extremely angry. The companion said, "O Prophet, that man recited the Islamic creed merely to protect himself from death!"

The Prophet then famously replied, "Did you open his heart and look inside?"

This shows how dearly Prophet Muhammad protected the right for anyone to call themselves Muslim, leaving the right to judge their true intentions and beliefs only to God.

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On another occasion, a companion asked the Prophet:

"If I confront an enemy in the battlefield and he cuts off my hand, and then seeks shelter behind a tree and professes the Islamic creed to save himself, would I be entitled to kill him?" Prophet Muhammad responded by saying, "No you must not kill him." Again the companion emphasized, "He only professes to be a Muslim after he has cut off my hand!" Prophet Muhammad again stated, "You must not kill him. If you do so, he will be counted as a Muslim and you as an infidel." (Bukhari Kitabul Maghazi)

There is not a single incident in Islamic history during the life of the Prophet in which he denounced anyone that claimed to be a Muslim, regardless of what anyone may think of their intentions or their differences in particular.

Highlighting the fact that no one can excommunicate anyone else from Islam, the Prophet stated,

"Whoever calls a reciter of `There is no god but Allah' as a Kaafir [Non-Muslim], is nearer to being a Kaafir [Non-Muslim] himself.'' (Tabarani, reported from Ibn Umar)

And if all of this is not enough, the Prophet was so much against excommunication that he stated,

"Whoever attributes Kufr [disbelief] to a believer, he is like his murderer.'' (Tirmizi, ch. Iman)

As an Ahmadi Muslim, no one has the right to tell me that I am not a Muslim.

I believe in the oneness of God, the truth of Prophet Muhammad, five pillars of Islam, the six articles of faith, and follow the teachings of Islam to my utmost ability.

So what does all of this mean? Well, according to the Prophet Muhammad: I think I am Muslim, therefore I am.

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Carlos Barria / Reuters U.S. President Barack Obama attends a town hall meeting with members of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) at the GEM Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam May 25, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

An analysis of Canadian mainstream media's reporting of U.S. President Obama's visit to Vietnam recently was so biased that stories may as well have been written by the White House.

Just about all traditional media provided Washington's pre-packaged message to the Canadian public:

The good guy Obama was in Hanoi to lift the U.S. arms embargo on Vietnam so it could defend itself against the aggressive Chinese, and do what the U.S. could to help the country modernize. In return, the U.S., one of the worst violators of rights in the world, expects communist Vietnam to improve its human rights record.

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Obama's visit to Vietnam wasn't an important story for Canadians but, nevertheless, it is a good example of how American interests dominate coverage that appears in our mainstream media.

The Toronto Star apparently was the only major Canadian news outlet to carry a substantial story clearly outlining China's concerns over the implications of U.S. expanded relations with Vietnam.

The Winnipeg Free Press ran a story that briefly mentioned China's concerns.

Major news companies covered only one point of view

However, the following news organizations reported the story the way Washington would like to have it: At CTV News Channel and CBC News Network hosts read just about the same story ad nauseam for hours. The stories likely came from The Associated Press, which is strongly biased in favour of the United States.

In addition, CTV News Channel carried an interview with Donald Baker of the UBC Asia Studies Centre in which Baker presented only U.S. objectives.

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A Global News reporter in Toronto voiced over a full report that laid out the U.S. point of view. From what I could see, CTV National News did a 30-second voice over, while CBC's The National apparently didn't cover the story.

The Globe and Mail reported the basic pro-U.S. story only on its website.

It would have been best if all stories could have been better balanced and covered the views of the U.S. and other players from the region.

The Ottawa Citizen and The Calgary Herald posted a clip of Obama's speech on their websites, while The Edmonton Journal did not appear to cover the story.

As frequently happens at old media, three papers covered the lighter side of Obama's visit. The Vancouver Sun, The Montreal Gazette, the and the Halifax Chronicle-Heraldreported on Obama's pre-arranged $6 lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant with celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

Important views left out of stories

There was a lot more that could have been reported on the real self-interest objectives of Obama's visit and the implications for countries in the Pacific region.

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It would have been best if all stories could have been better balanced and covered the views of the U.S. and other players from the region.

Just as Obama was announcing the lifting of the arms embargo against Vietnam in Hanoi, China warned the U.S. President not to spark a fire in Asia. The China Daily bluntly stated that Obama's move was meant to "curb the rise of China."

The Chinese nationalist Global Times called Obama's claim that the Vietnam move was not aimed at China "a very poor lie," adding that it would exacerbate the "strategic antagonism between Washington and Beijing." It said the U.S. is trying to knit three nets around China -- in ideology, in security and in economy and trade -- in an attempt to secure its dominance of the region.

Meanwhile, the Russian news service Sputnik quoted U.S. analyst and author Dan Lazare: "Just as the United States has sought to cordon Russia off in the West by ringing it with nearly a dozen hostile states extending from Georgia to the Baltics, "it is plainly intent on doing the same in the east by orchestrating an anti-Chinese alliance from Vietnam to Japan."

China and Russia are also concerned that the U.S. may be willing to sell deadly, sophisticated arms systems to Vietnam that the Russians have been refusing to sell them, at the request of China. Such sales would escalate militarization in the region. Vietnam may also spend millions to purchase U.S.-made drones.

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Corporate media's failure to cover these stories in a more balanced way can be blamed only slightly on media cutbacks. Any and all of the Chinese and Russian stories referred to here were available to all Canadian media.

The way Canadian mainstream media covered the Vietnam visit is typical of how they report on practically all U.S. international adventures, whether it's the While House effort to demonize Russia, U.S. interventions in the Middle East, or U.S. denying it is involved in helping overturn elected democracies in Latin America.

The international news coverage of publicly-owned CBC News is only slightly better. For the most part, it uses the same news sources used by corporate media.

Not surprising corporate media likes U.S. message

Considering who owns mainstream media in Canada, it's not surprising there's strong support for U.S. policies. Big private media outlets are owned by corporations that also benefit greatly from doing business with the United States. Corporate owners are also ideologically aligned with the right-wing U.S. government. They wouldn't want their newspapers, TV and radio stations to report stories that contradict U.S. foreign policy.

In addition, most editors know what's expected of them. Many of them still have their minds set in the years of the Cold War. The thinking is that communists are out to destroy democracy, so what they say does not deserve to be covered.

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The victim in all this is the Canadian public, which is denied learning about the views and positions taken by governments in much of the world. The biased coverage also encouraged people to support U.S. policies and think that there are no worthwhile alternative views.

Can old media be changed to provide a better balance of international news? No. This would require a total revolution occurring in mainstream media, and this isn't going to happen. Canadians who want better and more balanced news should support the growth of independent media. The future of media exists on the Internet, and several news sites are working hard to provide a strong alternative to old, biased corporate media.

Nick's blog is entitled -- A Different Point of View. He welcomes your thoughts.
Assembly via Getty Images Senior baby boomer woman resting on edge of swimming pool, enjoying a quite moment

I like Michael Kinsley. I read him occasionally in Vanity Fair, the NY Times and Slate. And I might pick up his latest book: "Old Age: A Beginner's Guide" because fellow Canadian Michael J. Fox said "...this book is a must-read for newcomers to the world of old age."

'Age' is what I have in common with Kinsley. Well, not 'old' age, but certainly 'middle age'. You see, both of us turned 65 this year. I think my brain is 21, but apparently the rest of me continues to move on.

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Where I take umbrage with Mr. Kinsley is with his rather dark views of what we Boomers are leaving, or can leave, behind once we've done our time on terra firma. The question is: what is, or could be, a Boomer's legacy? In his article: "Michael Kinsley has some advice for baby boomers" (Vanity Fair Magazine, April, 2016) he offers advice to Baby Boomers 'Who'd like to be remembered.'

He said this advice is for "those worried about their Legacy (or if they'll even have one)."

Oh dear. Of course every one of us will have a Legacy. Every breath, every footprint in the sand builds your Legacy. But I think conscious 'Legacy building' should begin early. Like at 40. Heck... 30'd be a good start. But, if you didn't happen to start then, Boomers can begin building life-affirming, connective, fun legacies now!

Mr. Kinsley said "OK Boomers, the race is over."

WRONG. The 'race' is, yes, a little slower... but we're running waaaaay smarter. Boomers are in their prime Legacy-creating years. It's not a 'race'. It's more a 'power walk'.

Now Kinsley gets dark. "In all probability you're going to be forgotten."

Oh Michael, you're being so glass-half-full. There's a big movement in families to collect 'your' story, and grandma's... and grandpa's.... and weird Uncle Charley's. And digital technology will ensure they get to be heard & seen by our families ten generations into the future. "Oh, look at him! That's Great Great Grandpa Michael! Kinda cute isn't he?".

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"The ultimate baby boomer competition" says Kinsley, "is how will you be remembered after you die?"

Oh dear. It's not a competition. It's not how big the building is that your name is on. Today it's about how we Boomers are going to use our wisdom, values, skills, talents and resources to create a variety of Legacies. And Michael, the real change in thinking is that we are creating those Legacies NOW so they connect us to others and we enjoy them too. Those Legacies will give our lives more purpose long before the Grim Reaper visits. Boomers actively creating new Legacies = Happier Boomers. And we'll feel that way because we know our Legacies are going to positively affect lives long into the future.

"There is little you can do to affect your final score in the Boomer Olympics" says Kinsley.

Michael, if my only Legacy was to find a cure for Parkinson's disease, I'd do it in a second for you and Michael J. Failing that, my counsel for all Boomers is don't give up on your Legacy. Every Boomer has the values, skills, talents and resources to create unique Legacies, tiny to large, that enrich other lives Now, and will continue to enhance lives long after we've breathed our last smile. Give me a call. Maybe we can have some fun creating one together, eh?

Robb Lucy is author of "Legacies aren't just for dead people!"

"A convincing, step-by-step guide for self-discovery. An uplifting motivational guide for the Boomer generation." Foreword/Clarion Reviews
The five things you need to know on Friday June 24, 2016

1) A NEW DAWN

Nearly 20 years after a triumphant Tony Blair overlooked the Thames to declare a new dawn has broken, has it not?, Britain has woken up to an entirely different sunrise. Using the EU referendum like a deafening alarm clock, the voters have startled their rulers with a nerve-shredding jolt. The markets are threatening freefall, the pound has plunged and all our party leaders - apart from one - are in shock.

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For the Leave vote, as narrow as it was, is a genuinely generational shift in British politics and the UKs role in the world. Bigger than any general election, even bigger than that famous Blair landslide that ushered in 13 years of Labour rule, or Thatchers own era-defining election successes, the referendum has pivoted us away from the European Union and into an uncertain direction. Even those who wanted Brexit are struggling to work out just what it will look like.

The very existence of the United Kingdom of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is now in question. Scots may well use their own Remain result to inevitably prepare their own independence referendum. Sinn Fein has come out to call for a referendum on Irish reunification, as it seems Ulsters two communities voted differently.

There are many reasons for the Leave victory and it would be folly to presume which was foremost. Was this a howl of pain from those neglected for years by Westminster? Was it a cry for help from those left behind by globalisation? Was it a rebel yell for freedom from Brussels? Was it a protest at the Tory Government's austerity? It was probably all four.

But I suspect that another key driver was English (and Welsh) national pride. Having seen the Scots come close to a breakaway, and the new politics they won as a result, voters seemed to be telling London that EU migrants have had all the rights and it was time for some of their own. From Sunderland to Sheffield, from Swansea to Southampton, they voted in unprecedented numbers.

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And ultimately, all the experts in the City, the polling firms, the betting markets - and yes the media - had missed the rumble in the tectonic plates of our political system. In the end it may have come down to this: force the British working classes (and Middle Britain) to make a straight, binary choice between their country and the EU and they will pick their home turf every time. David Cameron may argue that wasnt the choice on the ballot paper, but many voters may well have felt that was the choice on offer. And they finally had a reason to vote for something for the first time in decades.

Nigel Farage, who along with Boris Johnson should take most credit for the result, famously said I want my country back. And after an extraordinary night, it seems 17 million Britons agreed with him. For the other 16 million who didnt agree, it may be a long, long time before they get their own country back, if ever.

A new dawn has indeed broken. We wait to see whether our nation has too.

2) D-EXIT

The drama in Downing Street was extraordinary and D-exit is now a reality. Cameron bowed to the inevitable and announced his resignation outside the famous big, black front door. "I think the country requires fresh leadership," he said.

After listing his achievements of six years in office, not least stabilising the economy and gay marriage, he said he would step down in three months. A Tory leadership contest will now start, with the winner unveiled at the party conference in October. His voice cracking, tears in his eyes, he said "I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it". It was hard not to be moved by that.

Within minutes of the polls closing on Thursday night, Tory MPs backing Leave published their letter insisting they wanted the PM to stay whatever happened. But having rolled the dice (his own phrase), and seen his luck run out, Cameron knew he looked instantly like a caretaker premier. So do ministers like George Osborne and Philip Hammond.

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The City and the Bank of England wanted him to not to carry out his threat to straight away trigger the Article 50, the legal move that would formally start our exit from the EU. Soon after Cameron's statement, Bank Governor Mark Carney was 'Project Fear' made flesh as he announced 250bn in liquidity loans for British banks hit by market turbulence.

The risk of political as well as financial contagion is also real. Today, the far right in France and Holland have both called for similar exit referendums of their own.

But maybe history's verdict will be that this: the essay crisis Prime Minister, the man who somehow got his work done just in time and scraped the right results, finally flunked the test. Cramming his flop of a renegotiation into a few months failed to give him the support he needed from his own MPs, let alone the voters. Having nearly lost Scotland in a referendum, hes lost the UK in another sense, almost by accident, today.

For many of those who voted to Remain in the EU, this was a test that should never have been set in the first place. The referendum was an act of political panic forced on the nation by a Tory leader scared of Farages rise in the polls in 2013, and spooked by his own backbench diehard Eurosceptics.

Yet Cameron always felt he would win the referendum. He didnt really see it as a risk. That argument looked ridiculous during the campaign, when he tried to scare voters by setting out the risks of an Out vote - from ISIS to Putin, from recession to rows of headstones in European battlefield cemeteries. He suggested time and again that a Leave vote would be like playing Russian roulette with peoples jobs and futures.

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But in calling the referendum in the first place, it was Cameron himself who loaded the bullets into the revolver. Self-harm is what he warned of and political self-harm is what he got.

Boris Johnson is now the overwhelming favourite to succeed Cameron. When Johnson announced in February that he was backing Brexit, Johnson took as much of a gamble as Cameron had in calling the referendum in the first place. And given his popularity among the Tory grass roots, he will now surely get his reward.

Having won over Labour voters as Mayor of a Labour city like London, his reach among 'white van man' and his X-factor celebrity status may make him unstoppable as the choice of Tory MPs and then party members. George Osborne is dead man walking. Stephen Crabb could carry the moderniser torch, Theresa May may want to have a shot, but still lacks the Parliamentary numbers for a serious challenge at present.

3) BLAME THROWERS

The hangover from last night is felt almost as keenly among Labour MPs as Tories who stayed loyal to Cameron. And Jeremy Corbyn is firmly in the firing line for many in the PLP.

The Labour leader appeared on the BBC early, complete with his lines to take. And some around him arent actually that depressed by Brexit. Diane Abbott called it a roar of defiance against Westminster. John McDonnell claimed he had listened to the people as much as he could but needed to do more.

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Of course, Corbyn himself is a beneficiary of direct democracy and a campaign against the elites in his own party. His landslide last year and the tension with his own MPs will have to be resolved one way or another. The Shadow Cabinet meets at 10am and it could be bloody. But given the partys membership make-up, its difficult to see how he can be ousted against his will.

Ive quoted MPs who felt Corbyn is to blame for the Brexit vote because of his failure to understand Labour voters fears on migration. The great irony is Corbyn has historically been anti-EU and is in tune with Labour voters in a way that moderates have not been, at least on the issue of Brexit.

And even once he became leader it was obvious he wasnt keen. Yet while Corbyn objected in the abstract to the EUs lack of democracy, Labour voters had more concrete fears about migrants taking their jobs through free movement, something their leader failed repeatedly to take seriously, critics say.

Corbyn says that he is now the only party leader in touch with the voters. As a 'reluctant Remainer' he certainly didn't have a typical approach to Labour's pro-EU policy stance. He may argue that Blair and Brown brought this all on themselves by neglecting Mrs Duffys for years. That isn't how many of his MPs see it.

The blame game has begun. And it will continue for months, maybe years. Unless, as one Labour MP told me last night, theres a snap election that wipes out 60 more Labour seats. If that happens, they will be rid of Corbyn, but could also see their party reduced to a rump that may not get back into power until 2025 at the earliest.

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Watch my video of the way the downpour in London turned Westminster Tube station into a water feature.

4) KIP, KIP FORAY

Farage was the one with the morning glory today, jubilantly telling his supporters he was off for a drink. Yet the darker side of the UKIP leader was laid bare even in his moment of victory, as he said that the UKs Independence Day was achieved without a single bullet being fired. Just days after the shooting dead of Jo Cox, Labour MP, refugee advocate and passionate Remain campaigner, that seemed crass at best.

Farage has been outside Parliament, the place where he has just one MP (and Douglas Carswell last night attacked UKIPs infamous migrant poster). But Farage knows that while a majority of Parliamentarians didnt want Brexit, a majority of the people did. He garnered millions of votes in the general election and last night he can claim rights to a big chunk of those 17 million Leavers, in both Labour and Tory areas.

The former City financier and public schoolboy successfully projected himself as the ally of the working man, just as billionaire Donald Trump has in the US, Farage knows the referendum would never have taken place without him.

The official Vote Leave campaign felt that Farage was as much a hindrance as a help, deterring floating voters worried about being tagged as racists over migration. The question now is how much more damage he can to both big parties. For the Tory party, an historic Corn Laws-style split is less likely. Some Conservatives think that UKIP has lost its raison detre now Brexit has moved from fantasy to reality.

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But given that UKIP has made gains in Scotland, in Wales, and now radically built on all those second places it got against Labour, dont write them off. Migration may still be a huge issue for Labour voters, even as we cut our links to the EU. And if Farage can say only his party will deliver on the promise of Brexit, who knows how many Parliamentary seats it can take, either in a snap election or in 2020.

Green party MP Caroline Lucas this morning looked physically sick as the Leave result came in. She said the voters had been sold snake oil by the Leave camp. I fear people already hurting mostthey are going to find that leaving the EU is going to make that even worse. Will the poorest suffer most if we endure a recession? And will they revolt again if the promises to curb migration fail to materialise.

5) THE STATE OF THE UNION

One of Labours most controversial press statements last night was a claim that the SNP was to blame, not Labour, for the Brexit direction of travel.

The SNP, the dominant party which ran huge campaigns for the independence referendum, UK election and Scottish elections, has run a lacklustre campaign with minimal ground activity, one Labour source said. Sturgeon had more to say about criticising the Remain camp than making the positive case for Europe and she was nowhere to be seen until the dying days of the campaign.

That verdict prompted a hollow laugh among SNP supporters on Twitter and Facebook, many of whom said it neatly summed up Corbyns own campaign. Nicola Sturgeon has been cautious about saying the Leave vote in Scotland will automatically trigger a new independence referendum, though Alex Salmond is not so reticent.

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But the suspicion among Labour and the Tories alike remains that the SNP ran a just good enough campaign in Scotland, designed to get enough votes to prove Scots were Remainers but not enough to defeat a Leave vote in the UK overall. A conspiracy theory gone mad? Maybe, but then there was the #usepens meme started north of the border, dont forget.

And its not just Scotland. Soon after dawn, Northern Irelands Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness called for a referendum on Irish reunification. Ulster will have the only UK land border with the EU after Brexit and it is divided among those who wanted to stay and wanted to go. The Irish government says the vote has very significant implications. Thats perhaps the understatement of a very long night.

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Britain woke up less great and more little this morning. Having fallen asleep just minutes before the leave campaign's victory was announced, I was woken up by my housemate Himesh thundering down the stairs to share the news. I went into horror/panic mode and placed myself infront of the TV which I watched wide-eyed, until I saw Cameron announce his resignation. I then rang my boyfriend, and parents, posted an obligatory inflammatory status on Facebook, and cried for quite a while.

Britain making the decision to leave the European Union is the singlemost important event that I have ever witnessed at such an offensively close range. As the daughter of a trade unionist mother, and a very decent father to boot, I've marched my socks off in just about every major protest that this country has seen in recent years, opposing the Iraq war back in 2002/3, and the unjust hiking of student fees in 2010. I've done plenty of stomping and shouting, but sadly to little avail. As I sobbed with my friend Sophie outside Parliament that rainy November evening in 2010, the only solace that we were able to cling to was that there was a disconnect between the views of the 'normal' people, and the politicians. Tony Blair and the likes chose to destroy Iraq, not me, and not my fellow countrymen. David Cameron and his Etonian cronies decided to raise the fees and make education a privilege and not a right, not me, not in my name. But on this occasion, I can't say that.

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This time the final choice was put into the hands of the British public, no-one else, and somehow that makes processing the outcome all the more agonising.

I'm conscious of oversimplifying here, but I saw this as a referendum in which Britain was presented with two options; progression or regression. I believe that the result was that the leave campaign frightened people into voting with their hearts and not with reason. 52% of the voting electorate bought into the largely baseless propaganda that in my eyes would seem laughable if it did not genuinely sow seeds of racism and hate. The European Union certainly had its flaws, and needed reform, but I strongly believe that in being a part of that union Britain saw many benefits which could simply not have come from within.

I'm British, but I'll be honest and say that whilst I'm the first to whip out the Pimms with lemonade, I've always felt a bit awkward being a Brit. Take me out and shoot me but I'm going to say that I reckon inside many Brits is a scared little racist, itching to have its say. Say what you will, a large percentage of the population is simply not very welcoming of economic migrants/refugees/people with different skills/colours/orientations/facial hair, and I don't think this is a new phenomenon. We masquerade around as people of the world, but really, we mostly accept 'difference' on our own terms, if at all. We all love a British cuppa, but do we know the history behind it? Most people probably don't even know that the tea leaves are from India.

How does this relate to the EU? Speaking from the position of a British national, I feel that accepting gay men and women showing affection in public is a 'European thing'. As is being served by a Trans cashier. Equal pay, and the ability to question gender inequality feels like a 'European thing' too. Much of the social progress that this country has experienced since I have been around has felt like it stemmed from the continent, and not from this tiddly island. By detaching ourselves from this unity we have severed a chord that bound us to be forced into 'progressing', whether we liked it or not.

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I strongly agree that every person should have the right to vote, but whilst I am a strong advocate of democratic principles, I believe that this EU referendum was unfair. By definition it was a democratic custom, but in reality it didn't cut the mustard. Many voters were subject to the displacement of their reason by fear. Politics has become a playground game, consumed with bickering, with no side fairly representing the truth. Throughout the build up to the referendum the remain campaign's performance was lacklustre and uninspiring, offering the humdrum 'everything will stay the same' line, to a discontented public. By contrast the leave campaign, although full of bullshit, was dynamic and punchy, and very, very loud. To Joe Blogs, unhappy with so much in this country, disenfranchised politically, and peed off at the EU, the leave campaign promising any sort of positive change, must have seemed glamourous.

I was always far more proud to be called a European than British. I wish I could keep the title. I can only hope that the standards that the European Union has held us to, don't start slipping. As for further 'progress' for this country, socially and economically, I am disheartened. However I do cling to hope of some sort. In the aftermath of an outcome that has left me and so many others distraught and humiliated, I'm reminding myself that it is important to have a measured response.

I personally believe that fear and lack of information led millions of hands to pick up a pen and cross that 'leave' box on the ballot paper yesterday. Let's try not to breed more negative sentiment than already exists. Right now we may not be proud to be British, but let's take a deep breath and stay strong, in the knowledge that we share our disappointment with 14 million others across Britain today.

At times like this when failure is tough to handle, I remind myself of the following words:

'If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster,

And treat those two impostors just the same;

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it.'- Rudyard Kipling.
Today is International Widows Day. Worldwide, millions of bereaved women are facing the hardship of financial destitution and the injustice of gender inequality, without their husbands by their side. In Iraq alone, attacks by the monstrous Daesh/ISIS in the summer of 2014 have left over one million Iraqi widows. Many of the women are Yazidi. Their husbands have been murdered in the cruelest ways imaginable and the women have been personally subjected to terrible violence, including rape and torture.

The poverty and discrimination endured by widowed women is often ignored and forgotten by both the international and local media and politicians. Their terrible suffering is very rarely acknowledged. The 2015 Global Widows Report highlights the invisibility of widows' issues: "there is no group more affected by the sin of omission than widows. They are painfully absent from the statistics of many developing countries, and they are rarely mentioned in the multitude of reports on women's poverty, development, health or human rights published in the last twenty-five years".

My charity, The AMAR Foundation, is working to support Iraq's most vulnerable communities, including widows and their children, supplying them with emergency aid, healthcare and education. We run a Widows Empowerment Programme helping women to acquire the skills necessary to support their families and this Ramadan we are carrying out an appeal that aims to raise enough funds to give Iraqis in need, including widows and their children, vital food boxes.

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I see first-hand on my frequent visits to Dohuk, Baghdad and Basra how widows in war are doubly afflicted. Not only do they have to battle extreme poverty and loss, but they also have to deal with restrictions on their freedom of movement and the possibility of sexual abuse. Women in camps have faced physical assault, exploitation and harassment, and are at risk of sex trafficking and modern-day slavery.

Dr Ali Muthanna, AMAR's Iraq Regional Manager, together with his local staff and volunteers work with widows and their children on an almost daily basis. He has spoken with me about the plight of Iraq's widows at length. He tells me that widows in Iraq face huge challenges. "The stress they are under is detrimental to their physical and mental health," explains Dr Ali.

Iraq's patriarchal society means widowed women rarely remarry and they lose the financial and physical security afforded to them by matrimony. They have to overcome these challenges whilst continuing to provide for their children and families, supplying them with food, security and shelter.

The risks to women in Iraq's Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps are incredibly high. Without husbands, they become the breadwinners and their desperation for necessities, including food and medicine for their children, makes them susceptible targets for sexual exploitation.

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Our Iraq team recently met one young woman, Samila, a 26-year-old, whose husband died in sectarian violence in the marshlands of Basra. She has three daughters and a son, all under eleven. She said that after her husband was murdered she was obviously devastated and was terribly worried about what the future held for her four children. She did not know how to provide for them. She was desperate to look after them and teach them to be hard-working, useful members of society, to ensure they went to school and to keep them away from the violence.

Once AMAR learned about Samila's story, we immediately went into action, helping her to develop the skills needed to provide for her family. We were able to help her buy a sewing machine, and she now has clients of her own with a steady income giving her peace of mind and a new confidence.

Women like Samila are incredibly brave but they need help. They have suffered insurmountable tragedies and yet they continue to fight for their families.
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I wake up after two hours sleep this morning to a world of fear, division and blame. As an Englishman in Northern Ireland, my timeline is full of people blaming my homeland for dragging us all head first out of the EU. Northern Ireland, Scotland and London blame England and Wales (but mainly England). Leftie Remainers loathe Lexiters. Corbyn is facing a fresh wave of internal strife and a possible coup, Tory leadership contenders sharpen their knives as Cameron resigns and everyone else is resisting the urge to sock their jubilant Brexit friends. We stand this morning as a country divided.

Generally, Britain does not do this sort of thing. We do not do radicalism or revolution. We do not ignore economic self-interest. We do not opt for sudden change that upsets the status quo. But then, this change was not so sudden- it was a long time coming. There has been a healthy dose of Euroscepticism in all flavours of political thought in Britain since the Union's conception, and fears around immigration are as old as society itself, deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Modern political history, however, has proven a fertile breeding ground for such underlying sentiments.

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As trade unions and our industrial powerhouses declined and left many without secure work, at the same time as rapid cultural changes and a more marketised and careerist electoral system took root, dragging both parties to a sort of catch-all, please-none centre ground, certain sections of society began to feel isolated and neglected by our political elites. Sustained failure to invest in housing and services exacerbated this feeling, and later austerity compounded the pressure on certain communities, as well as reviving a demonization of these communities and their lifestyles, further pushing them to the margins of modern Britain.

For these individuals an overbearing EU and a booming immigrant population came to represent the changing world they seemed to have little say in, and there was no shortage of demagogues ready to exploit legitimate grievances for their own political agendas. Changing cultures and community compositions left some in already fragile communities to feel resentment and distrust. It didn't help that notions of 'hordes' of immigrants were summoned to cloak the failures of an economic system that sent inequality into the stratosphere whilst leaving wages tied to the ground, promoting sluggish growth and leading to the instability and recklessness that toppled financial markets 8 years ago. Crucially, Labour failed to challenge the narrative that over-spending crashed the economy and the rest of us paid the price for their failure with more austerity, deregulation and division.

Now we stand on a grey Friday morning having left the European Union. Remainers have to listen to this result- not admonish it, not patronise it, not explain it away- but listen to it. People are angry. People feel alienated. People feel betrayed. Immigration is not the cause of this, but it does play a role in further changing communities that have already lost much of the glue that held them together, and the EU was perceived to be another roadblock to these communities retaining the England they used to know. Whilst we must highlight the far greater role a morally and economically bankrupt ideology has played in shattering these communities and the positives immigration and the EU have brought to our country, we have just seen the result of completely dismissing the concerns they conjure too.

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Murder was brought to our streets during this referendum when the brave and committed Labour MP Jo Cox was brutally gunned down outside her constituency office 8 days ago. This act, along with the increasingly divisive rhetoric around the referendum highlights the dangers of a highly polarised political landscape that contains extremes simply unable to understand and communicate with one another, that leaves certain sections of society feeling neglected and betrayed. Whilst such an analysis in no way excuses xenophobia, let alone cold-blooded murder, it does highlight the need to find a way of engaging with the concerns of those we can often be quick to dismiss.

Instead of seeing selfish, racist Little Englanders, I'd compel my Northern Irish and Scottish brothers and sisters to see working-class communities betrayed and disenfranchised, communities we have all failed. We need to understand the emotions and values that drive some to reject immigration and the EU, as well as the impacts these issues are having on their communities, to see where we can balance the need to have a humane and welcoming immigration policy whilst still respecting and valuing the communities we often dismiss. This is our only hope of salvaging a workable society from the abyss of Brexit.

Leaving the EU is a huge blow but bitterness and bewilderment cannot be allowed to let this be the catalyst that morphs Britain even more into an isolated, right-wing dominated political landscape. If we are honest, most of us were moved to some degree by the rally calls of democracy and sovereignty of the Leave campaign- we just weren't convinced they would stand up to political reality in the post-Brexit world we now nightmarishly find ourselves in, or were worth abandoning the good that the EU has brought us. Now we have no choice: we must make the best of this we can, and Remain voices will be key to this. Those that still believe in a progressive, outward-looking, egalitarian and welcoming Britain that aims to heal rifts in our communities and play a positive role in world affairs need to make sure our voices are loud and clear over the coming months- we're the only ones that will be protecting migrant and worker's rights and thinking about our place in wider global affairs. We need to foster unity, unity between nations, between classes, between parties, to make the difficult but necessary political arguments. We need to make sure this referendum is the start of a political conversation, not the end of one.
Last week, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women, Peace and Security (APPG-WPS) hosted the Free Yezidi Foundation at the Houses of Parliament and I had the honour of sharing a panel with the incredibly inspiring Pari Ibrahim, Director of the Free Yezidi Foundation. She told the audience that she has 19 Yezidi girls and women in her family alone who have been abducted by ISIS and she does not know where they are. Pari inspired me with her passion and her determination. She said, "Once I stopped thinking about myself I just knew what I had to do.' She set up her organisation to help Yezidi women in Khanke camp in the KRI. 20th June was World Refugee Day and an important moment to articulate really clearly what we all need to do.

Displaced Syrian and Yezidi women in northern Iraq are facing deepening crises and lack of critical support that threaten their basic security, economic well-being, and survival. Working with at-risk women in the region, we urge immediate investment in services that target women and families to help them stabilise and begin to rebuild their lives.

Globally, more than 80 percent of refugees are women and children, and 80 percent of refugees live in developing countries like Iraq that have limited resources to assist them. In Iraq, the scale of the challenges is growing. With the third largest internally displaced population in the world, Iraq expects the total number of refugee and displaced people to soar to 4.1 million by the end of the year. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where we work, the region's population has increased nearly 28 percent in 5 years, placing unsustainable strains on the resources of a host community that has extended its hand to those seeking refuge.

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Women, who are among the most disadvantaged, have become responsible for protecting and providing for themselves and their children with next to nothing in hand yet they bring enormous resilience to the task of survival and step courageously outside traditional roles to keep families afloat. That's why we must continue to invest in these solutions.

The sudden and prolonged influx of refugee and displaced populations to the KRI has strained the local economy and left many women living in extreme fear and highly precarious situations. Rising unemployment and soaring living costs are particularly affecting Syrian refugees and Iraqi IDPs in host communities. More than 50,000 people - or one-third of households - cannot afford food, water, fuel and clothing. Worryingly, 60 percent of Syrian refugees living outside of camps are entirely dependent on savings, and may resort to unsustainable coping strategies such as arranging the marriages of their daughters for a bride price.

Syrian and Yezidi women and girls also face daily threats of sexual harassment, assault, and violence within their families, camps, and host communities. UN Women found that over 80 percent of refugees live in daily fear of abuse, and over two-thirds know someone who has been abused. Women and girls report feeling unsafe in their own homes, with a significant increase in domestic violence, early and forced marriage, and temporary marriages, particularly in households where male relatives are unemployed and suffering from displacement-related stress. Fear and insecurity restrict women's and girls' ability to attend school, or even leave their homes. Women for Women International has also heard reports of women who have turned to extreme methods of self-harm.
Rob Stothard via Getty Images

Last May, I remember staying up all night and watching the General Election results come through, right until the end. I never wanted to feel that way again - to feel that sense of foreboding, knowing that people were going to experience real pain as the consequence of a popular vote.

I suppose given what happened in the last two General Elections, this Leave result shouldn't have come as a surprise. Unfortunately, I do have the exact same feeling I had last May. I made the same mistake of placing my faith and optimism in the ability of people en masse to make decisions that would not run contrary to their material interests.

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I don't like the EU - it is undemocratic, it is bloated. I have a natural and instinctive suspicion of supranational institutions that sit above the nation state and take power further away from ordinary people. But this also exists alongside an acceptance that these types of organisations are here to stay. and are probably necessary. It's just a question of scale.

From an anthropological view, as our social groups have evolved in size so to have the ways we organise - from kinship to pack, to tribe, to village, to city, to country, to nation state, to continent, to world. So given we can't reverse evolution, surely it is best to be part of these organisations to improve and enhance them?

The narrative being constructed to understand and rationalise this Leave victory is depicting an angry and alienated population rebelling against the political class and elites. As a matter of principle that is something I would endorse, because people do have reason to be angry and frustrated with their immediate circumstances - stagnant wages, living costs rising, and public services being starved. But none of these problems are going to be solved by leaving the EU. There is no promised land waiting for us at the end of the rainbow, outside of the EU a NeverNever Land where these problems will evaporate into thin air.

Immigration is not the cause of low wages, the failure to legislate and enforce a genuine Living Wage is the cause. Immigration is not the cause of anemic public services, it is the election by the people of this country, two times in a row, to elect a government that is ideologically opposed to funding public services as a matter of principle. It is not immigration or the EU that has forced our government to adopt a non-interventionist approach and let British industries go to the wall. All of these problems and their solutions are within the control of a national government if it was willing to do what was necessary to help people and put pragmatism above ideology.

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The economic consequences of this are going to be very real, far removed from the abstract visions of a Leave campaign which has promised voters a purer, more democratic and freer Britain. The hard reality is that people are going to lose their jobs and their livelihoods. Our bargaining position in the world is going to be severely weakened - we aren't an imperial power anymore. We haven't been for decades. China and India are tow huge economies that operate on very different principles morally and ideologically and will hold very little influence in those relationships.

The only positive I can draw from this is that Jeremy Corbyn cannot possibly survive as leader of the Labour Party. It was Labour voters that lost this referendum. Corbyn's leadership and ability, even willingness, to convey his message were non-existent. He woefully failed to connect with voters in the traditional Labour heartlands who rejected his leadership emphatically, opting for Leave perhaps in their millions.
Last weekend saw some of the leading figures in the world of transgender healthcare come together in Amsterdam for the 2016 WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) symposium.

The event was well attended - double the expectations of the organisers - and the venue was amazing, it was lovely to be in the 'partially sunny' Amsterdam, a vibrant and accepting city.

The array of specialists in attendance was highly impressive. Some of the symposia in which I had the privilege to participate really inspired me and from the hoots and cheers of the audience it was clear that this was a sentiment shared by my colleagues.

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As experts from around the world shared their experiences it was clear just how much support there is out there for the trans community.

The wide array of posters on display demonstrated the passion, determination and efforts being made to challenge and address many of the issues currently being faced. There were some surgical pictures that could make your toes curl, but it was amazing to see the clever techniques being used to correct the 'birth defects' experienced by some trans people.

A highlight of the symposium was talking and listening to some colleagues specialising in the social transitioning of children. The short film entitled 'How to be a Girl' certainly gave me food for thought and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to better understand how it feels to be a child suffering with gender identity disorder.

One argument stayed with me: 'Mummy, I don't want to be a boy who is allowed to wear pink, I don't want to be a girl, I don't want to change into a girl - I AM a girl.'

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http://www.howtobeagirlpodcast.com/videos/

I was designated the Tolhuis neighbour room for my presentation, and it was

pouring with rain. I felt sure nobody would brave the walk to hear me describe how I had set up an online gender clinic to reach out to those people who needed help. I was wrong. The seats were filled and I thank all of you who listened so intently and clapped so loudly.

Not everyone has welcomed me into this field, and some have tried very hard to get me out as quickly as possible. But with the support of my patients, the wonderful people working extremely hard to educate and research and improve care for young and old, and with some grim determination for what is right, I will continue my work and be proud to be part of such an evolving and improving specialty. I very much look forward to the next phase of demystifying trans care.
My son's observation on the referendum was acute: "So, who are they going to blame now?" Politicians have moved from blaming immigrants, disabled people, the poor and now even Europe, for the results of a financial crisis that was created by the greed and stupidity of our elite ruling class.

The bitter irony will be that by making Europe the scapegoat for our woes we have unwound the cords tying the United Kingdom together. Scotland will seek independence in order to remain part of Europe. In Ireland the case for integration will become stronger as people face the prospect of border controls running through the heart of Republican areas.

There will certainly be a vicious fight for power in the Conservative Party, but it seems likely that some Labour MPs will also use this as a chance to unseat Jeremy Corbyn. Their apparent logic is that Labour should have done better at 'getting its vote out' or that it have should done better at persuading its voters of the benefits of the European Union. Extraordinarily some in the Labour Party even seem to believe that Labour would have 'done better' if they had behaved more like the Conservative Party and taken an anti-immigrant stance.

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Putting aside the extraordinary paternalism that assumes Labour voters are puppets of the party machine, there are some very obvious problems with these claims:

The turnout was very high - so we did come out to vote

The areas that voted to leave are the areas where the social and economic interests of Labour voters have been ignored for decades

The strongest vote for Remain was in Scotland where the government is pro-immigration and anti-Austerity

The conclusion that the Labour Party should draw from the referendum is that they need to rethink their approach to the economy and to social justice - quickly. Further timid acquiescence to the dim-witted assumptions of our elites will leave them increasingly weak. They need to reconnect with the hearts and minds of ordinary people who have been ignored by an increasingly divisive political regime. They need to develop policies that promote hope and are based on a commitment to justice.

But we seem blinded by our ignorance of some basic realities. The United Kingdom is the most unequal country in Europe. What is more this inequality has been very bad for us. We are now one of the poorest and least productive countries in Europe, yet one that works very hard indeed. We've pulled off the unfortunate trick of being both hard-working and poor by being very inefficient. We are inefficient because we've made labour cheap by a mixture of low benefit levels and low wages. It is not Europe that did this - we did it to ourselves.

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If we can take any comfort from the difficult times ahead it is that now is a good time for more radical thinking about social justice. Europe did provide institutional arrangements to support social justice, although our own leaders have typically tried to opt out of these provisions in order to worsen terms and conditions for workers. So now we must begin to ask fundamental questions about the kind of society we want to create and the kind of constitutional arrangements we need to defend our basic rights.

The welfare state was developed after World War II as the guarantee that we could end the profound economic insecurities that created fear, war and terror. However, as I describe in Citizenship & the Welfare State, the welfare state was designed at a time when we had enormous faith in the quality of our politicians and when the interests of the poorest were well defend by political and trade union groups. Today the elite has demonstrated that it cannot be trusted, and the organisations that once protected the interests of people in places like Bolsover (who voted 70.8% to leave) are now weak or non-existent. Poverty has been privatised and politicians have washed their hands of it.

So we must redesign the welfare state. It must become better protected and more focused on income equality and universal securities. We must reform the tax and benefit system to create a basic income system. We need to return power and democratic control, not to the mythical Northern Powerhouse, but to Bolsover, Barnsley, Bolton and all of the towns and villages of the country. We will need to reform Parliament and put economic and social rights at the heart of a new constitution.
For many of us, this is the ideal time to celebrate our LGBT+ identities with our allies both politically and socially. I'm particularly partial to a Pride march; the feeling of complete liberation and solidarity is empowering, adrenalin fuelled and addictive.

The hostile reception towards LGBT+ people at the formative Pride marches from 1970 is well documented. Thankfully now in the UK, Pride is a joyful event where we have reached a level of equality that allows us to be ourselves. It is those years of struggle to reach this point that makes the events of Orlando, Florida, all the harder to comprehend.

There isn't a way to come to terms with the senseless violence and killing of over 100 people, who were simply exercising their right to be themselves. However heartbreaking, we must not let this senseless event taint our commitment to equality and fairness. We need education and information to help us unravel the motives behind these tragic events.

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Schools can take many proactive measures to ensure support systems are in place for students, teachers and parents alike through training, updating policies, increasing visibility in the environment, engaging with community and to usualise LGBT+ people, books, events and history through the curriculum. We have a duty to do this to counteract the continuingly troubling statistics for our LGBT+ youth.

For example, compared to heterosexual cisgender youth, LGBT+ youth are more at risk of suicide, depression and addiction. The current financial climate means that support services are becoming few and far between. To help our LGBT+ youth, Educate & Celebrate launched a poster campaign with our friends at Switchboard - The LGBT+ helpline, to ensure that those most in need of support have instant access to a listening ear both in and out of school.

Studying the history of Pride is an excellent starting place with which to fill your curriculum, either through a human rights lesson in humanities, finding countries where Pride marches are held in Geography, plotting scatter diagrams with populations and attendees of Pride e.g. in Brighton and San Francisco, and let's not forget that the film Pride can be used as a powerful politics or media lesson, demonstrating how two communities can join in solidarity for the greater good regardless of their differences.

From the legalisation of homosexuality in 1967 to the Stonewall riots in June 1969, Section 28 in 1988, to name but a few, there is no question that our schools in 2016 have the best legislation they've ever had. However, the events of June 11th remind us that we have nowhere reached our goal of social justice.

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Therefore, going forward - Yes, we will promote LGBT+ identities, we will publish LGBT+ books and we are certainly not pretending.

WE ARE PRIDE.

To get involved with Educate & Celebrate and Switchboard campaign, then follow us on twitter @educatecelebrat and please consider donating https://chuffed.org/project/momentsofchange.
'Creative', 'inspiring', 'exciting' and 'fantastic' - just some of responses from Year 7 girls when they were asked to sum up what engineering means to them. So with such passion for STEM subjects at an early age, why do women still make up just 14% of the UK's STEM workforce and just 8% of the engineering workforce? And what more can be done to encourage girls to consider STEM careers?

Having originally trained as a structural engineer before moving into teaching, I know there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to new and as yet unimagined careers in STEM.

These new roles will come with opportunities and challenges. They will call for resilience and creativity to solve problems currently beyond our comprehension, a strong ability to communicate new concepts, the flexibility to adapt to new innovations and a sophisticated understanding of scientific theory.

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To meet our global challenges for the future, it is vital that women are able to play an equal role in all sectors of the world economy.

Teaching STEM subjects at an early age is crucial. At Cheltenham Ladies' College we have recently launched an Engineering, Enterprise and Technology (EET) Department, so that girls as young as 11 can develop and channel their creativity and ingenuity, not only through subjects such as art, music or drama, but also through engineering.

It is the regular hands-on experience of designing and tinkering with the mechanics of a project that ultimately fires the girls' passion and enthusiasm at this early age. From designing robots and testing prototype bridges to destruction, to launching rockets over the school building, I see girls every day who are truly inspired by the real world applications of their projects.

As they learn about business awareness, design and problem-solving, these practical projects will fuel their imaginations and help them to develop the skills, confidence and desire to pursue a career in STEM, often against the odds.

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Alongside the long-awaited EU Referendum, Thursday 23rd June also marks National Women in Engineering Day in the UK and it is a joy to celebrate the significant progress made by girls and women in STEM, with 104,000 more women in STEM in 2015 compared to the previous year.
This morning, Britain has voted to Leave the European Union. What does this mean for the UK workplace in terms of workplace rights? In short, Britain will soon be able to set its own immigration and employment laws. This does mark a fundamental change in the legal and constitutional changes for the UK. We will no longer need to give effect to UK Directives in the UK: everything will be up for grabs. For business, some mandatory overheads (imposed by EU Directives) will go. Equally, some important employment rights may be scaled back. What is likely to happen, in practice?

Immigration: in the long run, this will be the big change. When the UK formally leaves the European Union (in two years, or less) the UK will no longer be bound by the EU right to freedom of movement. The following rule (set out in the Treaty of Rome and ratified by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009) will no longer apply "Every worker in the European Union shall have the right to freedom of movement throughout the territory of the Community, subject to restrictions justified on grounds of public order, public safety or public health." Britain will introduce an Australian-style points system. This will apply to all non-UK workers - not just all non-EU workers (as is effectively the case at present). It will be an end to the pro-EU bias in the UK workplace. In the UK, that it has been effectively "cost-free" to recruit workers from the other 27 EU countries. This will no longer be the case. The "right to control our borders" will see new border controls. EU workers in the UK may remain. In the short-term, there may a surge in inward migration while the current rules still apply. In future, their compatriots will find it more difficult to work in the UK.

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Britain could scrap the Working Time Directive. This means the right to the statutory paid holiday leave could go. The maximum 48 hour week would go. It will mean a return to freedom of contract for employers to agree the holiday (and rest breaks) they want. It will be a return to the pre-1998 position.

The Agency Workers Directive is likely to go. The UK Government has always opposed this EU Directive. We do not now need to have it. This will mean no parity of pay for agency workers with substantive employees after 12 weeks. The UK could repeal "TUPE" the Transfer of Undertakings Regulations 2006 which guarantee employment rights when businesses are bought and sold.

The Equality Agenda. The Equality Act 2010 is highly unlikely to be repealed and most anti-discrimination law will stay. It has never been the position of any of the Brexiteers to make it lawful to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age disability etc. Two rights that could change are: a cap on damages for discrimination claims and the right to continue to accrue holiday pay during maternity leave. There are unlikely to be whole-scale changes but there will be some important changes.

Overall: There will be fewer top-down regulations and the primacy of freedom of contract will be re-established. In a post industrialised, post EU world, it will be the biggest shake-up of employment rights for over 50 years.

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Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

The Prime Minister has triggered a Conservative Party leadership process, to establish who will lead the UK government through the challenges ahead. In the short term, this means we effectively have a caretaker government. The PM will remain in place and for uncontroversial issues, the cabinet nature of our government will come to the fore, with some progress being possible by consensus.

But any controversial decisions will be put off for the new Prime Minister, and his or her new Cabinet. This will cause difficulties, as a large backlog has built up in Whitehall over the referendum campaign. There is certainly no chance of a decision on issues like the expansion of airport capacity in the southeast (a decision that has been put off repeatedly for decades). However, the financial and performance pressures in services like the NHS may be more difficult to ignore.

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The circumstances in which the Prime Minister announced his resignation are also important. The consensus from the Conservative Party that he could stay in office (even though many must have suspected he would resign) means the PM has enough authority to deal with any crisis that may come up. The UK still has a functioning government, even if it's not going to be a proactive one.

The big issue that the PM pushed to his successor was the timing and nature of the negotiations with Europe. When, and if, we trigger Article 50 (the formal process for leaving the European Union) as part of those negotiations, is a matter for another day. Indeed, the nature of the negotiations will itself be a matter of negotiation. The EU will, of course, have a huge say in how it negotiates with us, and will have its own political considerations that will determine its position.

And there are questions for Whitehall itself. The Civil Service is based on the notion that it is there to serve any government - you don't rise to senior positions within it unless you are prepared to do that. There is no doubt that the Civil Service will support the new Prime Minister and their Cabinet as fully as they have supported the incumbents.

But that does not mean things will be easy. Many of those on the Leave side have expressed suspicions about the role that the Civil Service has played. The Civil Service needs to start now in building up the skills it needs for the negotiations ahead. It will, quietly, make sure it has people in place who will have the trust of the Government as it moves forward. And it will think carefully about the structures it needs to put in place to allow the negotiations to work.

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Finally, as David Cameron noted in his resignation statement, it is crucial that the UK government involves the devolved administrations in the negotiation process. Failure to reach consensus between the four governments could create serious constitutional problems, and would raise the likelihood of the Scottish Government pushing for a second independence referendum.

The process of choosing David Cameron's successor will take time and will undoubtedly cause further issues within government. The negotiations about how to negotiate will take time, and may themselves be difficult. And the negotiations themselves will take even more time. While the referendum result has brought some sudden clarity, interestingly there is quite a lot of time for people to prepare for the challenges ahead. Now we have to use that time wisely.

Julian McCrae is the deputy director of the Institute for Government
So it would appear that the 'Leave' campaign has been victorious. Four long months of propaganda, mistruths, and barely veiled xenophobia have managed to get up enough momentum to shoulder charge the UK through the EU fire exit. I have to be honest in that I am bitterly disappointed. To leave the EU was, for me a massive risk in an age where politicians have aready used fear of the unknown, and financial upheaval against the poorest and the most vulnerable to force their ideological will, and the whims of their donors upon the electorate, and here we are now, with the same electorate handing them those politicians the chance of a lifetime when it comes to dismantling the few rights that workers were guaranteed, thanks to the EU being able to blunt the Tory cutlass.

Of course, not every vote for Brexit was a vote for UKIP xenophobia. For many, it was a vote for change, or a vote to embarrass the political establishment, to send them a message that they are out of touch. Quite why they didn't do this when they had the chance of keeping the odious Tory party from office, I will never know. Either way, the message has been sent, and Britain has no option now but to try and make the post-EU wild blue yonder work.

My home city, Hull voted decisively in favour of leave. It is a place where people have battled to stay afloat in the face of industrial decline, creeping poverty, and decades in the political and cultural wilderness. The fishing industry, factories, and Caravan manufacturing have come and gone, largely thanks to the decisions of slanted DOMESTIC governance, not the EU. Many here have voted to go, because they see alot of refugees and immigrants making their homes here. They see Eastern Europeans filling unskilled jobs, and wages falling gradually as a result. They have flipped the political coin, but only seen one side of it. Siemens, the German multi-national, has signed an historic multimillion pound deal to open a huge compex within Hull's docks, producing wind turbines, green technologies, and conducting research into renewable energies. This brought the promise of an economic and industrial renaissance, with thousands of jobs created within the complex, the local supply chain, and the surrounding economy.

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Will Siemens be as keen to base such a massive complex outwith the borders of the EU? I sincerely hope so. Hull, East Yorkshire, and the Humber region needs it.

Overall, yesterday showed us three things. It showed us just how easy it is to win any debate if you have the means to skew the media message, soething that Farage and co were ably assisted in by the Murdoch press et al. I find it hugely ironic that a man such as Murdoch, more powerful thanks to the cowardice of his political bedfellows than any elected official, gets away with making his fortune by printing lies and distortions about a supposedly 'unaccountable' government!

It showed us that politicians of all hues have failed spectacularly to take ownership of the real debate that is needed when it comes to immigration. We need cold, dispassionate analysis of the statistical truth, not flag waving jingoism, and extrapolated guesswork. If the performance of both campaigns in the EU referendum leaves a single legacy, it should be that it finally convinced us all that politics is well and truly broken.

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It also showed us just how histrionic and unstable the financial markets are. In the early hours, Remain were apparently ahead in the polls, and the markets rallied. As it became clear that Leave had won, the pound collapsed, falling to it's lowest level since the Thatcherite heyday of 1985. Why do we invest so heavily in this inherently emotional and unpredictable discipline? I overheard some work colleagues yesterday lamenting the fall of Britain's industrial base. Why we ever allowed Thatcher to strip this nation of it's tools, of it's skills, and of it's industry, will forever be a source of mystery and anger for me. Europe didn't take that away, and leaving Europe will not bring it back.

The only thing that leaving Europe will bring, is the unknown.
Later this summer, General Nick Carter, Head of the British Army, is expected to announce the results of his investigation into whether women should be allowed to serve in front line infantry units. The General will I know carefully consider not just their physical but also mental aptitude for the role.

This is naturally a controversial issue, but for those of us who are familiar with the incredible stories of the women agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in World War Two, there is little doubt about what the evidence should reveal. These women undertook missions behind German lines fearlessly and with extraordinary utility to the Allies, aware that one mistake could result in both torture and execution. Their creativity determined the course of the war of a number of occasions, and their courage saved thousands of individual lives.

Krystyna Skarbek, nom de guerre Christine Granville, was perhaps the most accomplished of these women. The longest serving female member of the SOE, born 108 years ago today, was also Sir Winston Churchill's favourite. Described by her MI6 Handlers as ''a flaming Polish patriot...expert skier and great adventuress'', she was considered to be a law unto herself, a force of nature.

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Krystyna was in Africa when war broke out but could not wait to get into the fight. In those days there was no place for women in the Army, but when she made her way to London she soon came to the attention of the Secret Intelligence Service, which recognised the value in recruiting Polish agents. Fluent in several languages, she was exceptionally good at reading personalities and was blessed with nerves of steel, a quality that would rescue very many lives, including her own.

In one of her first deployments, Krystyna established an escape line across the Tatra mountains through which she facilitated the escape of Allied prisoners and several hundred Polish pilots, who would later go on to play a decisive role in the Battle of Britain. She made six winter crossings as part of that operation, simultaneously exploiting her abilities as a skier and exceptional physical condition.

Later in the war she was sent to occupied France ahead of the D-Day invasion. When two male SOE colleagues were arrested and detained by the Gestapo, London resigned itself to their imminent execution. Krystyna, meanwhile, identified a rescue strategy that would involve gambling her life on her bluffing facilities. Assessing the brutal local head of the Gestapo to be a coward, she confessed to him that she was connected to the resistance and threatened a full Allied retaliation in the event the pair were harmed. Both were released.

In early August 1944, she made contact with Polish conscripts in the German garrison at Col de Larche, a high-altitude pass. After a two-day hike through the mountains she persuaded the Polish men to desert and then managed to convince the resident German troops to surrender.

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Krystyna loved life and the freedom to enjoy it to the full. When it was threatened by invasion, occupation and terror she fought back with determination and courage matched only by the very best of the SOE's special agents in the Second World War.
The British people have spoken and chosen to leave the European Union. The Prime Minister has quit and British financial markets and society is in chaos, but what does it all mean?

I'm sad that it has come to this. I was wondering which way to vote until a week ago. I feel European. I was born in the UK to an English father and Irish mother. I'm a citizen of both those nations, although I have only ever bothered carrying a UK passport (that will change now).

But I also know how inefficient the EU is. The inability to reform and adapt to the twenty-first century. The Common Agricultural Policy that just rewards rich land-owners with cash. The ridiculous expense of locating the European Parliament in more than one location just because the French insisted on it decades ago.

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My support for remaining in the EU was qualified by all this. I believe the EU is flawed and needs to be updated to suit a world where work can fly across the Internet and service automation is increasing - jobs are no longer local. However, when the EU tried addressing the network society it was a pathetic failure (Lisbon Agenda). The EU is struggling to deal with the 21st century.

However, it's not possible to change and improve any of this from the outside. By choosing to leave, the UK has now created an existential crisis. The SNP has already declared that they want a new referendum on Scotland leaving the UK so they can remain in Europe. Sinn Fein has demanded a referendum in Northern Ireland on a united Ireland. The island of Great Britain could be all that remains of the UK as Wales and England cling together outside of the EU.

The vote to leave is really a rejection of modern politics and society. It's a cry from the people who feel ignored. Globalisation, abusive capitalism, automation, and the increased migration of people have created such intense competition that people don't want to engage in society as it is today. But this vote will not change that.

Migration will continue. If the UK wants to continue trading with the EU without serious tariff barriers then it will need to join the European Free Trade Association, which demands that EU citizens have freedom of movement to member states. The idea of "taking back control of our nation" because the UK has left the EU is a pathetic battle-cry.

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Globalisation will continue. Automation will continue. Capitalism will be increasingly rampant as the UK will have less of a say internationally. When automated cars arrive across the world, will the UK be the only nation that does not accept them? Can the post-Brexit UK insist that no work is sent to other countries using the Internet? When major companies move their European headquarters to Ireland, what can the UK do to keep them?

Just because people don't like the way that the world works does not mean that a rejection of reality is the answer. The UK should have stayed inside the EU, but fought harder to create a modern EU that can fight global trade battles together. A market of half a billion people can take on the might of China, but England alone now has no chance to define the future.

George Orwell wrote "England Your England" as German bombers were attempting to kill him. Now the Germans will be leading a European Union that may start to disintegrate and the English will watch their own United Kingdom become disunited. It's a sad day and doesn't look much like "taking back control" to me.

Perhaps the only silver lining is that a crisis this large inside the EU may be the only way to create a modern EU? If a modernisation road map that offered genuine change is created then could this actually be the burning deck that forces the EU to change and allows the UK to hold a new referendum before the nation has left?
This morning I arose to a new nation, treading an uncertain path towards an unsure future. I am saddened, heartbroken and disappointed by the news that the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union. This is the most consequential decision our nation has made in modern times, sending the financial markets into turmoil and the future of the British union into doubt. This referendum result has exposed deep-seated division across our nation. However, regardless of my own opinion, the British public have spoken and the Government must now carry out the will of the people.

The message sent by the electorate is loud and clear: the UK's future is no longer within the EU. The message came loudest from Labour's heartlands; from Salford to Swindon, the Remain campaign's slogans fell on deaf ears. This was a revolt like no other. Experts, the perceived elite - be they economists, statisticians, elder statesmen or leaders of other nations - were all rejected. Communities who felt that their political voices were diminished, rejected Westminster's call to Europe.

Our nation is now deeply divided into one of two halves, separated by an ocean of difference. Metropolitan communities comfortable with multiculturalism are set against post-industrial towns and cities scarred by the impact of globalisation and the decline of heavy industries.

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The Labour Party's future is now in doubt: 44% of Labour supporters voted to leave, while conversely 94% of Labour MP's supported remain. As Labour supporters, we must accept that we did not state the progressive, internationalist case convincingly enough to fellow members of the Labour family. Nor did we make the case, that a vote for out wasn't an objection to austerity and the destruction of public services they rely on. The responsibility for this rests with the Leadership.

A schism is developing between political parties on the left and their core vote; the centre-left across Europe is in decline. Labour now needs to rediscover its fundamental values in order to re-connect with the party's base. This is no time for self-righteousness, as Andrew Harrop, General-Secretary of the Fabian Society, stated this morning: "the Labour Party does not have a God Given right to exist" and we must adapt to change if our movement is to survive.

The referendum result was borne from discontent with the Conservative Party, long-term disenfranchisement at our society's economic settlement and the lacklustre arguments for why the EU was good for workers. From Labour's side: It is clear that our Leader lacked decisiveness and was not visible enough during the campaign. Jeremy's past history of Euroscepticism gave a mixed message, causing Labour to lack a uniform voice. Furthermore, his silence allowed the narrative to build amongst our supporters that voting for Brexit was a kick in the teeth to the Tories. As a result, many in the Labour Party feel that Jeremy Corbyn should also be considering his position today.
It's National Women in Engineering Day, a day dedicated to engineers joining forces and raising the profile of women in engineering. It's also a crucial time to inspire the engineers of the future, especially girls, to think about engineering as a modern, creative and exciting career choice.

Since last year's National Women in Engineering Day and during my time as President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), although there has been an increase in the proportion of women within the sector - from six per cent to nine per cent - it is still a relentlessly low number. I looked at the data of the IET's 167,000 members and found that there are actually more engineers in the IET's membership called David and John than there are female members in total. This lack of diversity can't be good for the profession as we strive to make a difference in the world.

To help entice more girls into engineering, I have been working with the IET on the Engineer a Better World campaign for well over a year now. The campaign is aimed at parents and young people, especially girls, to encourage them to think about engineering as an exciting and relevant career choice. I wanted to use this year's National Women in Engineering Day as an opportunity to speak about an integral part of the campaign - Engineering Open House Day, now in its second year.

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Similar to National Women in Engineering Day, Engineering Open House day is all about industry professionals joining forces to showcase the inspiring and interesting jobs available within the sector. It is designed to be a fun day out to provide families and children with a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at some of the UK's most celebrated innovative organisations such as ITN Productions, Sky, BT, Tower Bridge and the National Theatre. We want to encourage parents to support children with an interest in engineering and technology and allow parents to support their kids if they show an interest in pursuing a career in this industry.

The nationwide events are taking place on Friday 29 July and will be a fantastic chance for parents and young people to fully immerse themselves in an engineering experience. Most importantly, attendees will have the chance to speak directly to engineering experts to find out more about their career backgrounds and why the industry appealed to them.

There is no easy solution to bridge the skills gap the industry faces. But I hope that National Women in Engineering Day and Engineering Open House Day continue to spark interest and inspiration in many young minds for years to come, helping to generate the talent and skills the industry needs for the future.
Co-written by Dominic Smith, Senior Practitioner & Military Lead at Winston's Wish, the charity for bereaved children.

On Saturday the 25th of June, the UK will celebrate Armed Forces Day. The day is a chance to celebrate and honour those who serve our country in our forces.

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For some, though, the day is emotional as they remember those they have lost through service in our military. It can be extremely difficult for some families, friends and professionals to take part in Armed Forces Day and to discuss loss with a child.

With the focus placed on Armed Forces Day by the media, it can be particularly difficult for families who have suffered bereavement through active military service. For some, they may not want to mark the day as it can resurface their grief. For others, they honour their loved ones every day and Armed Forces Day is just another day to do so.

Winston's Wish, the charity for bereaved children, have listened to children, young people and their families on what helps to remember a loved one on Armed Forces Day. Here are some key tips from the family service practitioners at the charity on how to remember a loved one bereaved through active military service on the 25th of June.

Visit their grave

Whilst many families visit the grave of their loved one regularly, doing so on Armed Forces Day can be important in remembering them. It can be a chance to celebrate and remember them as a family.

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If you or the children are not comfortable visiting their grave, you may feel more comfortable visiting a memorable place such as their favourite restaurant, an old spot where you used to have a picnic or their favourite outdoor space.

Let off a balloon

Gather your family and each tie a special message to your loved one to the balloon and let it soar into the sky.

Arrange a fundraiser or event

To celebrate their lives, why not arrange a fundraiser or an event for friends and family? You can raise money for a cause close to their hearts or have fun in their memory.

Create a memory box

A memory box can be a great way to help build and treasure memories. For children, it can be useful to keep things connected with the person who has died in a safe place. All sorts of things can be added to a memory box, including letters, cards, tickets, handwritten notes and more.

Speak to friends and family

Join the people who loved the person who has died and talk about each other's favourite memories, special moments and funny stories. For children, this can be useful when they may not have too many memories of their own of the person who has died.

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On special occasions, children can become confused and may ask questions about the person who has died. Here are some tips on how to deal with children in these situations.

Expect children to ask questions

It is completely natural for children to ask questions on special occasions like this. They will be attempting to remember the deceased and may ask questions when trying to do so. It is important to be honest with them with age appropriate answers.

Use simple, direct language that a child will understand

Children may become confused by over-complicated language, so keep any conversations to language that is simple and appropriate to their age.

Have an open conversation

For a child, grief may resurface as their cognitive ability changes and on special occasions, like Armed Forces Day. Unlike adults, who stay with their grief, children often jump in and out of their grief. This means that they may initially be upset about their loss but may then appear to be fine for a period of time and then may become upset again, and so on. On a special occasion, like Armed Forces Day, children can re-enter their grief.

The importance of conversation is integral for children following bereavement and on special occasions. By talking about death - even the most difficult aspects - children are able to understand that this is something they are able to cope with and to celebrate the life of the person who has died.

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Involve children

It is important to involve children in conversations and decisions about what they would like to do on the day and how they might like to remember the person who has died. A child may not want to visit a grave or do something that may be upsetting for them, but instead may want to do something fun and interesting that reminds them of their loved one instead. Some suggestions from young people are; listen to music they would have liked, watch their favourite film, play a game they would have liked, look at photos or special objects that remind you of them, draw a picture or make a card for them, do something new that you think they would like to do if they were still alive.
At 11.35am on Wednesday the 22nd June, Democrats in the House of Representatives began a sit in that has lasted over a day. Their issue? Gun control in America. The United States have lost so many people to gun crime in the space of this week alone, and the very act of this protest in the face of an age old constitution seeks to undermine history itself.

The Democrats are using the hashtag #NoBillNoBreak as the headline of this sit-in, demonstrating that until something is done regarding stricter gun laws in the United States, they will remain exactly where they are sat. This is a momentous occasion with regards to American Constitutionalism and will no doubt open up for discussion many significant issues and arguments regarding how guns should be bought and used.

There have been many speakers, and many arguments made about gun violence for the duration of this ongoing sit-in, but as I watch - streaming live from my laptop in the U.K - there is one that is particularly poignant. Representative James Clyburn presents images of those massacred at the Charleston church, by a man who believed he 'had to do this'; and explains gun violence in very simple, very haunting terms. He argued that these victims were 'exactly where they should've been' at this time, worshipping in a place that should have been their sanctuary; but instead was the place they lost their lives.

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Clyburn points out each of the victims in a desperate plea for people to recognise the real problem at hand, while explaining that 'for people to tell us we should focus on terrorists, when there's so much hate being carried out at the point of a gun, is to avoid the real issue'. He explains that the Charleston killer was not ISIS, he was motivated by hate; and in doing so demonstrates that hate is the connecting factor in every crime committed out of the barrel of a gun.

There will be more speakers during this, no doubt. There will be many arguments concerning gun violence, and they will all be worth hearing. But Clyburn's case can be seen as one of the most important, because what it does is summarise the most prevalent issue in any case of violence, in anywhere in the world. It is not religion, race, nor even terrorism that leads people to purchase guns and senselessly fire them at innocent people; it is hate. And as long as this is the issue, there should be a longer and harder look taken at the impact of gun crime; and a law passed against it. That is what the Democrats are spending so many hours working for, and that is a cause that ought to unite us all.
I haven't blogged in a while and this seemed an appropriate topic with which to get back into it.

The result was a close call which says to me that the views of the Remain voters and their reasons for voting Remain are important and need to be listened to, at the same time as respecting that the majority vote, however small, is for Leave and therefore the Leave process should be started now. A democracy should listen to all sides and not simply go with the largest single group, ignoring the wishes of everyone else.

From what I've read, it seems to me that the key issues for Remain voters include protecting worker's rights, protecting the environment, and collaborating with other countries on national and international security.

Security

The latter I would hope and expect will continue with Interpol, NATO, G8, and the UN (NATO appears to be largely European countries with the addition of Canada and the USA). Interpol "aim to facilitate international police cooperation even where diplomatic relations do not exist between particular countries" and they describe their vision and mission as "preventing and fighting crime through enhanced cooperation and innovation on police and security matters." NATO says that its "essential purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means" and that it is "committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes." Then there's the G8, which includes the EU as well as France, Germany, Italy and the UK having their own representatives, and which also includes Japan, Canada, the USA and Russia (suspended since the annexation of Crimea). The UN says that it can "take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more."

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We won't lose any of these by leaving the EU, and it seems to me that these are all good organisations and collaborations to tackle the issues of national and international security.

Regulation and protection for workers and the environment

By leaving the EU, we also leave any negotiations for TTIP. TTIP reportedly is about "regulatory barriers to trade for big business, things like food safety law, environmental legislation, banking regulations and the sovereign powers of individual nations" and is "an assault on European and US societies by transnational corporations." TTIP therefore challenges both key Remain issues (appropriate regulation of big business) and Leave issues (sovereignty). If Obama was correct to say that the UK will be at the back of the queue for trade deals with the US, this can only be a good thing if the trade deal would look like TTIP.

Both Remain and Leave voters should be pleased by a withdrawal from TTIP.

Environmental protection and worker's rights may still be a concern for Remain voters. On the other hand, many of the policy changes of the past six years (social security, NHS, education etc.) were not constrained by being a member of the EU. Leaving may not give that much more freedom to a UK government.

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There is also an opportunity here to engage with the political process - Trade Unions continue to lobby on behalf of workers; the Green Party continues to push for environmental protection. By bringing these issues fully under the control of the national government, we can more effectively vote and campaign for protection of workers' rights and the environment. If we don't like what the government is saying, we can elect a new one. In the meantime - the Conservatives have a small minority, may now be in crisis, and don't need many of their backbenchers abstaining or rebelling to prevent de-regulation bills going through parliament.

On the Leave side, key issues have been control over immigration and sovereignty. By leaving the EU, we don't have to accept low-skilled workers from EU countries. These low-skilled workers, it has been argued, depress wages and working conditions by taking jobs that UK citizens may be reluctant to take. If this is correct, then Remain voters concerned about workers' rights should be pleased with a Leave vote that allows the UK to restrict the entry of low-skilled workers, as this may force companies to increase the pay, security and working conditions of low-skilled jobs.

Economy

I have only recently read the first of Stieg Larsson's Millennium books. I feel there is a pertinent response to market volatility in this situation, as Larsson wrote through the mouth of his character Mikael Blomkvist (just replace Swedish with UK):

"You have to distinguish between two things - the Swedish economy and the Swedish stock market. The Swedish economy is the sum of all the goods and services that are produced in this country every day. There are telephones from Ericsson, cars from Volvo, chickens from Scan, and shipments from Kiruna to Skovde. That's the Swedish economy, and it's just as strong or weak today as it was a week ago...

"The Stock Exchange is something very different. There is no economy and no production of goods and services. There are only fantasies in which people from one hour to the next decide that this or that company is worth so many billions, more or less. It doesn't have a thing to do with the Swedish economy...

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"[The drop in the Stock Exchange] only means that a bunch of heavy speculators are now moving their shareholdings from Swedish companies to German ones. So it's the financial gnomes that some tough reporter should identify and expose as traitors. They're the ones who are systematically and perhaps deliberately damaging the Swedish economy in order to satisfy the profit interests of their clients."

Conclusion

It is at this point the responsibility of politicians, big business and the financial industry to behave well. It is not necessary, as far as I can see, for the market to respond wildly - at this moment in time, nothing has changed compared to yesterday. We have two years to negotiate a successful departure from the EU. That also means two years to respond to what voters were saying when they made their decisions - in particular issues of workers' rights, control over immigration and environmental protection.
I have never marched at Pride. Does that make me a bad gay? I think it might. Being gay is just part of who I am, I don't go on marches for having brown eyes or being dyslexic. In recent years London's Gay Pride it has become much less of a political rally and more a party parade with very buff men in very small shorts dancing to Kylie. Now, don't get me wrong, I can get down in gold hot pants with the best of them - I just have never felt the need to do it whilst waving a rainbow flag through Central London. I grew up in Portsmouth, which is pretty homophobic. I was the only lesbian I knew for years (goes without saying that I couldn't have been further in the closet). I was 20, living in dizzy heights of London when I came out. I remember making the decision that I had to do it, one morning whilst crying in the shower (sexy/tragic!). It's probably the bravest thing I have ever done, people think being a Stand Up Comic is brave but thats nothing compared to the fear of being disowned by your family and friends. I was lucky, that didn't happen. My Mum was concerned for me, I remember her saying she was 'worried that I would have a harder life' but this seemed madness to me. I was out, I was excited and I knew there were enough Gays campaigning and marching that I could just go out and enjoy the Soho night life in all its glory. I didn't need to march at Pride.

One thing I do love is a gay bar, its a wonderful thing (please note I mean for gays and their pals not for your Hen do, oh and if for some reason your Hen do does end up in a gay bar, be nice to the lesbians, I appreciate you are there to dance with the pretty boys but its our place too, thanks.). I remember the first time I walked into the now deceased Popstarz at The Scala in Kings Cross- it was an indie night with an RnB room which is Heaven to me- don't get confused, Heaven is another London gay bar but they only really play cheesy pop. Anyway, I am 20, I am in Popstarz, I am gay and everyone knows- except Nan, she'd be told a few years later and not give a crap. I was overwhelmed, there were literally hundreds of gays, emotions washed over me joy, excitement, relief... I think relief was the biggest emotion, that I wasn't a freak, that were loads of people just like me. That I had found my people. My tribe. And I danced, I danced until my legs ached and I could take no more vodka.

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When the news of the Orlando shootings at 'Pulse' flooded in, my Facebook became a wave of sadness - although I must say only really from my gay mates. Sure, the straighties 'liked' the status' or did that little tear emoji but very few of them wrote their piece. I wondered why? Do they not care as much as I do? Is it not filling their every thought as they get on with their day?

Because it was about homophobia? The thing my Mum feared would make my life harder. I knew my mates cared but maybe to them it was just another horrific terror attack that was happening to other people overseas. To me, it was personal. The people in Pulse were my people. My tribe. The location of the attack, it happened on our turf, a gay bar, the one place we go where we can dance, grind, flirt, snog and not worry about someone shouting 'dyke' or faggot'. Now I know some of you lovely straight lefty allies reading this might assume that people shouting homophobic slurs are a thing of the past on our little island but it's not. In fact since the Equal Marriage Bill passed the number of reported homophobic attacks have gone up. Which is terrifying. It can be a lot worse for LGBT people overseas, in Russia Gay Pride marches are banned, in Uganda can get you up to 14 years in prison for engaging in a sexual act with someone of the same sex and in some parts South Africa Corrective rape (the belief that raping a gay woman will cure them of their homosexuality) is basically ignored by police.

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Matt Cardy via Getty Images

I voted remain yesterday. It was not a gleeful, uncritical remain. It was an angry remain. As the results came in, it became clear that the electorate was angry too, but they didn't add the 'remain' part to that anger. And so we face uncharted waters and a country divided.

There will be the temptation in the coming days to re-run the arguments of the referendum. But that won't change the result. The people have spoken.

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Over the last few months, I've debated the issue of the EU up and down the country, in supermarkets, care homes, power stations, in the pub and on Facebook and Twitter - the frustration was palpable.

People are frustrated with business as usual. They're frustrated with politics. They don't feel like they've been listened to for far too long and they don't feel like they're in control of their lives. The Leave campaign message honed in on that insecurity with precision.

GMB advocated an 'angry remain' vote. It was a pragmatic vote that said, on balance, we'd be better off in. It was based on the defence of the workplace rights we've fought for via the EU for decades. It recognised the problems with the EU and pledged to fight to fix them.

But the country did not agree - too many couldn't bring themselves to vote for what they saw as a failing status quo.

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For example, many of the construction workers we represent - frustrated by years of their pay, terms and conditions being undercut by employers who want to make a few extra quid on the backs of low-paid migrant workers - often said they saw no choice but to opt out to preserve their own jobs and to get a better deal. We know the government could take action, we know those migrant workers are being exploited too, we know that it's the unscrupulous employers driving this race to the bottom; a race that results in social tension and risks community cohesion. But anyone trying to convince people that immigration isn't an issue when their day to day experience says it is (rightly or wrongly) is on a hiding to nothing.

And that's just one example, there are more. Warehouse jobs that are advertised abroad before here. Manufacturing jobs shipped overseas by employers who want cheaper labour than we would accept for British workers.

Simply put, too many people could not see and feel the benefits of remaining because they don't feel they have those benefits in their daily lives right now. The irony being that so many of those issues - like the current strain on public services and lack of housing - were sometimes blamed on the EU for convenience when they really laid at the doorstep of Number 10 Downing Street, the consequence of political choices made in Westminster.

In the coming hours, days and weeks we will see and feel the economic impact of the nation's decision. As I write, the pound is plummeting. There will be an economic shock.

What happens next cannot be the preserve of a government elected with 37% of the vote and a Prime Minister who has lost the referendum he personally committed to, or one who was never actually elected by the people at all. Many of the votes to leave cast yesterday were cast because people rejected the impacts of the flexible labour market and the pursuit of free trade above all else.

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Our place in the world cannot be one based on a Tory Party free for all, free market philosophy.

A race to the bottom which prioritises the removal of so-called trade barriers and a flexible labour market above all else will fail working people and the very voters who made their decision to leave. With the prospect of having to accept free movement of labour in order to preserve free trade, there has to be a concerted effort to defend and improve people's protections at work, their pay and general lot in life - that's what GMB will be fighting for, as we always have.

In the immediate term, the Prime Minister must act now, on a cross party basis, to heal and represent the whole county. Not just the rifts in his Party. That means an urgent plan to protect jobs and a guarantee that no workplace rights will face the axe. The next steps should be negotiated with all parties in Parliament rather than simply between the Prime Minister and his own backbenchers or internal rivals.

For the sake of politics, I hope the promises that have been made will be kept. We can all look forward to a new local hospital, and world class public services if so. But frankly we remain skeptical. In the times that lay ahead, the best protection at work will be to join a trade union.
By Lorenzo Wood, Global Chief Innovation Officer, DigitasLBi

The big Innovation winners at Cannes this year send a strong message: this festival of creativity rewards innovation that solves real problems sustainably, at serious scale.

The problem: Sea birds and turtles fatally ingest the plastic rings that hold six-packs of cans together. The (practical) solution: Boutique beer brand Salt Water Brewery developed a robust six-pack ring that feeds the creatures instead of killing them. Another example is Toyota. The brand exploited the popularity of its Land Cruiser in Australia, developing a retrofit device to create a radio network for emergency message transmission across the swathes of the outback a region bigger than all the countries in todays European Union combined  where there is no mobile phone coverage.

These initiatives are more than campaigns. The edible six-pack ring could become ubiquitous: if big brands adopt it too, the cost will become competitive with existing plastic rings. Having demonstrated its emergency radio network, Toyota is looking at making it a standard feature of its Land Cruiser, leading ultimately to widespread coverage of the country through natural replacement of its fleet.

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Look at how many of the other Lions were awarded to work not done by brands as part of their marketing, but by ambitious, entrepreneurial companies on their own accounts. Erik Kims Dot Braille smartwatch is one of the best cases for wearables yet. And PrePexs brilliant device stands a great chance of achieving its companys mission to reduce the spread of HIV by enabling 27 million circumcisions in Africa by 2020.

Dot - the first braille smartwatch

What should brands look for? Certainly, problems that are real, not contrived. Problems where a solution can have large and lasting impact. And problems where the brand has something credible, beyond money, to bring to the solution. How should they respond? By thinking of business models, not campaigns.

The creative elephant in the room

But wait: did INGs The Next Rembdrandt and Google Deepminds AlphaGo deserve their Grands Prix? Werent they one-off solutions to contrived problems?

INGs The Next Rembrandt: inspired by Rembrandt; painted by a machine

They were. They deserved their wins because they demonstrate fundamental advances in mechanical creativity. A session presenter in Lions Innovation opened by defining an algorithm (wrongly) as a set of instructions that lead to a predictable result, and went on to show examples of work that allegedly couldnt have been created by an algorithm. This was complacent at best.

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The ladies of Litchfield are back with Orange is the New Black Season 4, and Netflix binge-watchers are still recovering from their weekend fix. The acclaimed show has brought complex criminal justice issues to the mainstream, with viewers in more than 190 countries. But one critical area that remains untouched by OITNB is how wrongful convictions affect women.

Wrongly convicted women who have been exonerated and freed are few -- only 172 known U.S. female exonerations since 1989 -- but many more women continue to languish behind bars, fighting to appeal their cases. Often victims of situational prosecutions, wrongly convicted women can find themselves accused of serious crimes in their role as caregivers. According to the Women's Project at the Center on Wrongful Convictions, 43 percent of women exonerees were wrongly convicted of harming or killing a child or loved one in their care. In about two-thirds of female exonerations, there was no real crime, but rather an accident, medical problem or false accusation was at fault.

While women exonerees are few, there is no dearth of dramatic stories that could inspire a new OITNB character and help highlight flaws in the criminal justice system. Here are five fascinating women exonerees:

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Kristine Bunch

Convicted 1996

Exonerated 2012

A single mother, Bunch spent almost 17 years in prison, accused of murdering her 3-year-old son Tony, who died in an accidental home trailer fire in Indiana. While fighting for her innocence, she earned a college degree and became a paralegal behind bars, helping other women with their cases. Bunch earned her freedom after it came to light that false forensic evidence had contributed to her arson murder conviction -- placing her among the third of women exonerees whose cases involved false or misleading forensic evidence. (Read more about Bunch in the new book "Exoneree Diaries: The Fight for Innocence, Independence, and Identity".)



Sabrina Butler

Convicted 1990

Exonerated 1995

Wrongly convicted of murdering her 9-month-old son, Butler was sentenced to death, becoming the only woman on Mississippi's death row. Even though she had tried to resuscitate her son after finding him not breathing, Butler later falsely confessed to causing her son's death. False confessions have contributed to about 12 percent of wrongful convictions where the person was later exonerated, affecting hundreds of innocent people, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. Butler now works with Witness to Innocence, an advocacy organization of exonerees who are trying to end the death penalty.

Gloria Killian

Convicted 1986

Exonerated 2002

Killian was a law school student in California and had no criminal record when she was accused of being the mastermind behind a robbery and murder in 1981. While in prison, she met Joyce Ride, the mother of America's first woman astronaut, Sally Ride. Joyce Ride became convinced of Killian's innocence and helped her win her freedom. Killian now advocates for the humane treatment and release of the women that she left behind in prison through her organization, Action Committee for Women in Prison.

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Audrey Edmunds

Convicted 1996

Exonerated 2008

A neighborhood babysitter in Wisconsin, Edmunds was wrongly accused of killing a 7-month-old under her care. A forensic pathologist determined the cause of death to be Shaken Baby Syndrome, a controversial diagnosis with symptoms that can mimic other medical conditions. Edmunds' conviction was eventually overturned in light of the new scientific evidence about SBS.
I didn't go to Japan looking to test out its safety or to see if it was or wasn't a good place for solo female travel. I'm so used to traveling on my own these days that it seems normal to me, however I have to say, I was especially blown away by my solo experience in Japan.

Not only did I feel safer in Japan than I usually do back home in LA, but I also felt more respected, welcomed, and able to freely and easily explore than I have in most countries. The people in Japan are some of the nicest I've ever met, and there was not one single millisecond when I thought I was in a dangerous area or situation. Japan was also fairly easy to travel around in, and even had specific transportation and accommodation options for females only!

So as a an experienced solo female traveler, here's what I noticed about Japan that made it one of my top choices for solo female travel:

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1. The People in Japan Are More than Willing to Help



Never in my life have I been approached by not just one, but multiple people (and nonetheless, mostly elderly people), who although didn't speak English, still recognized my look of confusion when trying to figure out where to go, and helped me. But wait, not only did they help me without me even asking, but they literally took the time out of their day to help me buy a train ticket or walk me in the right direction!

In no other country has someone came up to me and said, "You look lost, let me help you." I also asked for help with directions or train routes a couple times, and what impressed me was that each person didn't speak English, however instead of just saying "Sorry" and turning away, they took out their phones and translated Japanese to English to give me the directions or information.

2. Everyone is Classy, Respectful, and Nice

Not going to lie, I absolutely loved bowing to people and getting bowed at in Japan. I also loved how anytime I walked into a store or restaurant, every person working there would welcome me and then bid farewell.

I also loved and was extremely impressed by how classy everyone acted and dressed! The majority of the men wore suits or business attire, and the women wore either pants or calf-length skirts and dresses. No one looked sloppy or disheveled, and I didn't see one person wearing flip-flops, tank tops, or short shorts.

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Japan is of course a bit crowded in most places, but everyone is orderly and considerate of others when crossing the street, purchasing rail tickets, and getting on and off of transportation. People say "excuse me" and "sorry", and no one ever pushes or shoves if they can help it.

3. You Won't Feel Judged, Outcasted, or Unsafe



For some reason everyone thought I was going to stick out like a sore thumb in Japan because of my blonde hair and blue eyes. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, and as always, my only concerns were feeling judged for traveling alone, or being a "tourist".

To be honest, I probably was the only blonde haired, blue-eyed person almost everywhere I went, especially since I took the local transportation the entire time. But there was not one single time when I felt like someone was staring at me or judging me; in fact, if anything I felt like I was doing a pretty good job at blending in! What was impressive was that I knew I didn't blend in, and I knew it was noticeable (the kids gave that away when they stared at me like an Anime character doll), but I was still treated just they same as everyone else.

Japan is also an extremely safe place. Not once was I bothered by anyone, or put in a situation or area where I felt even the slightest bit unsafe. In fact, when I asked a waiter in my hotel lobby bar if I could leave my bags while I went to the restroom he laughed and said, "Of course! This is Japan, everyone is friends here!"

4. It's Normal for a Woman to be Alone

During my first stroll down the streets of Tokyo in the evening, I noticed quite a few women walking alone, and also, eating alone in the many food-bar type restaurants along the streets. On the trains and subways I also saw a lot of women traveling alone, many seemingly coming from work or school. That means it felt quite normal for me to be alone too!

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5. There's Female-Only Accommodation Options



This section is getting its own entire blog post because I was so impressed and amused by the female-only transportation and accommodation options they have in Japan, but I'll give you a brief overview without going on forever about it.

So first of all, I decided to take an overnight bus to Kyoto because it was the cheapest way to get there, and also because it would save me two nights of hotel costs. I've taken an overnight bus before, was able to sleep on it, whatever, but when I went to go book my bus ticket for Kyoto, I was not expecting to see the option for the private, pink, "Beaute Delux" seats on a female-only bus! Not only was my pink seat cute and comfy, but it was a part of a row of only three, each separated by an aisle and a curtain for privacy, and the added comfort that no weird creepy men would be on it while I slept.

My next experience with a female-only accommodation was the "cabin" hotel by Centurion(a fancier version of a capsule hotel) that I stayed at in Kyoto. In a nutshell I would describe it as a luxury sorority house, except without the drama or craziness. There are other floors for male-only and mixed cabins, however your key card will only get you to the floor you're supposed to be on!

6. Their Code of Conduct is on Point

I noticed that in Japan there are rules and regulations, just like anywhere else in the world, except it seemed like theirs were so much more well-organized, enforced, and followed than anywhere I've ever seen. For example; there aren't many trashcans, yet you won't see a single piece of trash, which I assume is because the rules are that you must take your trash with you instead of disposing of it in public.

Another rule I noticed was that on the subways you aren't allowed to have your phone ringer on, talk on the phone, or talk in general. It may seem a little strict, but it's so much nicer to ride on a packed subway or train when everyone is keeping to themselves rather than yapping loudly to their friends or on the phone. It made me feel a lot less overwhelmed and intimidated as a solo female traveler, and also a lot less isolated.

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7. It's Easy, Safe and Affordable to Get Around



Here I go again about the train system in Japan. But it's seriously only because I was so impressed with how efficient, cheap, and safe it was. Sure it might take a hot minute to master understanding the different rail lines, but once you do, you're golden. Everyone uses the rail, and it's seriously a difference of hundreds of dollars compared to taking a taxi or car.

The rail system is also heavily secured, with guards at each station terminal, and cameras on board. There also wasn't anyone on board who ever seemed like a threat, in fact most people seemed like they were professionals or students. The only person I saw that slightly creeped me out was a guy in leopard shorts, a non-matching leopard jacket, and a t-shirt of a cartoon character of a girl spreading her legs...but I assumed his aspirations in life were to be an obnoxious pussy cat.

8. They're Courteous to Tourists

When I say "they" in this topic, I'm mostly referring to the tourism board's efforts to ensure that tourists are safe, well-informed, and happy. The first thing I noticed when I got off the plane at the Haneda Tokyo airport, was that there were booths offering free Wifi for tourists. There's actually a lot of these options although most didn't work very well, but another option that did work well was renting a portable wifi hot-spot from the airport as well.

Also, like most places you visit for the first time, you don't immediately know where anything is, which is why another effort I noticed was that outside of every train or bus stop, was a map with a red "You Are Here" square in order to help you find your way. And that's in addition to the many helpful locals and officials who are more than willing to point you in the right direction as well!

9. It's Perfectly Normal to Eat Alone



Not only is it normal to eat alone in Japan, but it's actually quite routine. There are even places that are solely meant for people to order, scarf down their food, then leave and be on with their day or night. There are some that are literally just a curtain booth where you wait in line to order and get your food, and others that are more of a traditional sushi bar looking thing.

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I didn't try the curtain-booth places, but I did eat at the sushi bars a lot, and can say that I felt like it was perfectly normal to be eating alone, even if I was the only non-local. I actually enjoyed it so much that I dedicated an entire day to riding the train around and testing out the sushi bars in all the areas of Tokyo.

10. People Want to Chat With You

Although English isn't spoken fluently in Japan, many people, especially the younger ones, know some English and want to improve it. To do that, they talk to native English speakers, AKA probably you if you're reading this. Aside from that, I found that many of the people I spoke to wanted to know about where I was from, and also to give me tips and advice on what were must-sees in the area. I definitely noticed that the people in Japan were extremely proud of their country, and more than happy to share it with me!

Also on HuffPost:
About Through Their Voices serial stories:Moaddamiyeh has been an early hotspot for anti-Assad demonstrations and the following government oppression. The town has endured the siege of the Assad regime since the end of 2012, and it is one of towns hit by chemical weapons in August 2013. Despite all the violence these activists believe in the principle of peaceful. And after five years of Syrian revolution their stories and experiences must be heard, their words reflect their struggles and hopes. 10 stories will be told through their voices.

A class room targeted by Assad's forces in one of Moaddamiyeh's ruined schools. Moaddamiyeh 2015. Photo: Mahmoud Dawn

Rasheeda Dawood is an elementary school teacher in Moaddamiyeh. Rasheeda was grown up in a well-educated family. Her father and uncles had always been aware of the real face of the Assad family, making them prime targets for intelligence operations. Some of her family members were arrested several times for unknown reasons.

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During weekly family dinners Rasheeda's family gave the appearance of an ordinary family, but their meetings were all about discussing politics in Syria and the Middle East.

"These meetings allowed for a safe space to discuss what we had in mind, but we believed it to be very hard to bring about change in Syria. The Assad family reigned for decades, controlling the central entities in Syria, the army and the intelligence branches. I think in Syria we might have more intelligence prisons than we have schools."

Since Bashar Al-Assad has ruled in Syria nothing has changed for Rasheeda and her family. All the stereotypes about him being a young educated doctor didn't change anything for them. But, it was worse for them when the constitution needed to be edited in 2000 when Assad the father died and Assad the son was only 34 years old. Until then, the constitution stated the elected president needed to be at least 40 years old. It was then changed to enable the rule of Bashar Al-Assad. He arranged elections, in which he was the only candidate. The Syrians could chose between Bashar Al-Assad and Bashar Al-Assad!

Since 1981 Rasheeda has worked as a teacher and during her long term of working in a governmental school, she had been called to the intelligence branches several times in order to be questioned about her manner and points of views.

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And since the revolution started Rasheeda and her sister have never missed a single demonstration in Moaddamiyeh. They also tried to encourage other women in the city to speak up and be part of the peaceful movement.

"It's been five years and whenever I see a demonstration I still have the same feeling that I had the first time I was able to shout out 'Freedom, freedom.'It's been five years and we still want to go out and shout out the same slogans we proclaimed five years ago, and this is will never change."

In the following years they held meetings for women and young girls to discuss the situation and their role in the demonstrations and other anti-Assad activities.

During that time Rasheeda did not quit teaching, she believes that is one of her ways of fighting. Even the secondary and high school students were organizing their own demonstrations in Moaddamiyeh, which were held every day after school. Rasheeda kept worrying about those young students. She thought that she might not be able to stop them, but at least she could keep an eye on them. Several times Rasheeda was able to protect students from being arrested by the regime's militias.

"Once I grabbed a boy by his clothes and refused to let them take him because they are monsters! I shouted and never let go of the kid's jacket. 'Leave my son! Leave him now!' And that intelligence officer angrily replied that he had seen me many times claiming that I am the mother of some kid they were trying to take. And then he said in a sarcastic way: 'Are you the mother of all of them?', and I replied, 'Yes, I am! All the students here are my children!'."

Even though Rasheeda had the chance to leave before the siege became heavily enforced at the end of 2012, she refused to do so. She believes that she has a message to deliver and she gave an oath to herself to teach these kids and take care of them no matter how bad the situation might get.

"Those kids are the future of Syria. They are the most important element in the Syrian community and it is their future for which we have demonstrated. We don't want them to endure a third generation of the Assad family! "

After their destruction Rasheeda and her colleagues re-opened the schools in Moadamiyeh, and she is now voluntarily teaching the kids.

"The regime ruined most of the schools here because they are the real threat for them, but we reformed some of them with the minor resources that we had, and now we are working again! These people are unstoppable."

Rasheeda is currently teaching forty first-graders. Almost fifteen of her students have either lost one of their parents or have seen them being detained by the Assad regime. Each day Rasheeda tries to help these traumatized kids.

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"It's no longer only about teaching; they need a lot of psychological care. They need love and a safe space. However, at times they are not able to get the amount of love and care they need because their parents are traumatized themselves. So, the kids are starving, they suffer from trauma and violence and they have missed a lot of education. There is a lot of work to do."

One of Rasheeda's students saw his father being killed by Assad's forces during one of the massacres in 2012. The child was spending a lot of time with Rasheeda, and he was never playing with his fellows. The child is always constantly imagining revenge scenarios, which he mistakenly believes to be utterly true. The boy always tells Rasheeda things like "Yesterday, I got a gun and then I went on the frontlines and I saw a soldier and I shot him dead for the sake of my father," or he presents alternate scenarios for the day his father was killed: "You know they killed dad that day, but then I stopped them and I got a knife from the kitchen and I killed them all." Rasheeda is convinced that she needs to fight the violence with love.

"For the last six months I was taking care of this child and I guess the improvement of his situation is quite slow, but I'm so proud of the level that we've reached. He is now less violent with his imaginary stories and he has made some attempts to improve his socializing with other children in school. We are not there yet! But I hope that we getting closer to recovery."

Yet, teaching traumatized and starving students takes its toll on Rasheeda and her fellows, but they have accommodated the curriculum, trying to use a lot of review in order to build a strong base of knowledge for the students.

A class room in Moaddamiyeh, Damascus Suburbs. Moaddamiyeh 2015. Photo: Mohamad Noor

One day humanitarian aid workers entered Moaddamiyeh and they brought biscuits for the kids. During break time some children refused to go outside playing because they were afraid their teachers would eat all their biscuits. Rasheeda heard them and advanced with a big smile on her face, assuring to them that she will not eat their biscuits.

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"It was really sad and I tried not to cry, it is heartbreaking that our children are so afraid to lose their food. They are constantly thinking about food, coming to school with pale faces due to the malnutrition and the lack of vitamins."

A lot of children visit Rasheeda at her home, wondering whether she had some food to fill their empty stomachs.

"Once a student of mine came to my place and she was very hungry. She did not even have to ask before I gave her my daily share of bulgur. But the amount was not enough for her and she held the plate and started to lick it with her tongue to get the small escarps. I felt very bad because I didn't have anything else to give for her. I hugged her and she looked at me and said 'I love you! You are the best teacher in the world!' After 56 years on this earth I would have never imagined to go through this. To see a starving child, but to have nothing that could help is just torture. After all that happened I'm trying to hang on and being able to give love and to be a good listener for forty children who are the love of my life. I just wish I could help them more and under better circumstances. I always tell them no matter what happens and no matter what will happen you can be anything you want! Deep inside of me I wish that the world would not have supported Assad! Nothing of this had happened if it didn't. But no matter what happened I can see the future of these children brightly shining in their eyes. They are smart, intelligent, creative and powerful despite everything that happened to them. And what is more, they are the future, and we need to take care of them."

Through Their Voices is published biweekly. Next time in The Voice of the Paramedic Ameenah A. Sawwan talks to Odai Mohammad, a law student who becomes a paramedic.

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KNUTSFORD, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 24: A European Union flag, with a hole cut in the middle, flies at half-mast outside a home in Knutsford Cheshire after today's historic referendum on June 24, 2016 in Knutsford, United Kingdom. The results from the historic EU referendum has now been declared and the United Kingdom has voted to LEAVE the European Union. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

PARIS -- Is this the end of the known world?

Nobody really believed the Brexit would happen, but it did. We've been together for 43 years, which means many of us have never known a Europe without Great Britain in it. So let's try to process our emotional reaction, not to the fate of the EU's economy, which we will soon analyze in abundance, but to this farewell. Let us not kid ourselves, this is a real farewell.

This is the defeat of youth!

-- First, let us think of our British friends. Because they are our friends, to whom our fathers and grandfathers owed much in the darkest hours of the 20th century. We can forget Chamberlain, but Winston Churchill -- a distant predecessor of David Cameron! -- is a European hero whose courage, foresight, and determination saved us all from the nightmare.

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-- We should also think of the young Britons, who, like all the world's youth, dream of space, freedom of movement, a world without visas. An overwhelming 75 percent of them voted to stay in Europe. This is the defeat of youth, the defeat of those who refused to withdraw into the identity of small little England, cut off from Ireland and Scotland, who would prefer to stay in Europe. It's the defeat of the open sea, of those who are not afraid. And it is the victory of populist lies about foreign invasions, the fantasy of Turkey joining the EU, and the "independence" the UK would have lost. What a delusion!

How weak will we be if we replace a multipolar world, built on blocks of approximate equality, with the fragmentation of nations made all the more vulnerable to those who wish to tear Europe apart?

-- Then let us think of those who bought those lies. As MEP Pervenche Beres rightly said in a column this morning, "It is the European Union that allows its member states to make their voices heard in today's world." The Union resists the Chinese and American empires, deals with defense issues, terrorism, relocations. How weak will we be if we replace a multipolar world, built on blocks of approximate equality, with the fragmentation of nations made all the more vulnerable to those who wish to tear Europe apart?

-- And so finally, a thought for a dream that has flown away. Europe was built without the English and can continue without them. But the poison has entered our minds. Since we can leave, let's leave, it's as simple as a vote! And many fear that the contagion will spread. Nexit, Frexit ... we're already seeing demolishers rejoice, calling for countries to split off. Who would have thought Marine Le Pen was such an Anglophile that she'd post a Union Jack on her Twitter account. The ancestors of the National Front, her predecessors in the French extreme right, definitely never supported any British decision like this.

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Tomorrow's leaders will be those who can offer a real vision for Europe.

-- Faced with all those who will say it's not so dramatic, we must say that yes, it is. And we must act quickly. Francois Hollande and Angela Merkel are set to meet on Monday. But why not today, why not this weekend? When a French President is elected, he flies to Berlin the very next day to reassure his German counterpart that nothing will change in the country's policy. This is not the time for speech, it's the time for decisions to be made. Set up a Eurozone parliament and an economic government. Harmonize tax and social protections. Democratic Europe, as it stands, is too far from the people. We need signs that show Europe is actually awake. This is not a time for reassuring or soothing words before we all turn back to our domestic concerns. Germany and France both have elections coming up in 2017. This is not the time to make small calculations. Tomorrow's leaders will be those who can offer a real vision for Europe. Otherwise, English gentlemen, you really fired first.
By Antonio Busiello with Paula Silbey

Siena's Palio is one of the most difficult and ancient bareback horse races in the world with origins dating back centuries. Held annually in July and August, it attracts thousands of Italians and foreign visitors.

A few years ago I was asked to photograph the world famous Palio horse race but turned it down initially due to my concern that the animals might not be treated well.

I had read news accounts about the mistreatment of Palio horses which made me wary of covering the event since I am very sensitive to issues involving animals and their well-being. However, the idea of shooting the Palio stuck in mind. Why? Perhaps it was because of my academic studies in anthropology and my longterm interest in the relationship between humans and animals.

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So I decided to visit Siena to learn more about this renowned historical and cultural annual tradition. Rather than finding mistreatment, I discovered that the horses in Siena are worshipped. For the people of Siena, the Palio horses are sacred. They are treated very well, even after they no longer run the race.

The city's government pays for horse clinics and provides for their retirement in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. The Palio horses, along with rescued horses, spend their final years taken care of, complete with veterinarian care. .

Additionally, in the last few years strict laws have been enacted to protect horses before, during and after the race.



The Palio is the most important event for the people of Siena. Although the race lasts less than 90 seconds, the citizens spend an entire year organizing it. Every detail has to come together precisely. The tension mounts day by day, culminating on race day in July and again in August. After a year of planning and working on every aspect of the race, it begins and ends in under two minutes.

I had the privilege of "living the Palio" with the Tartuca, one of the 17 contradas or districts competing each year. I worked side by side with the men of Tartuca for Palios in July and August. Siena is divided into 17 districts but only ten participate annually. Each one has its own flag, government and constitution and sees itself as a small city-state.

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The Benediction:

Early in the afternoon, just before the Palio, each contrada takes its horse and jockey to its own church. There the hopeful and enthusiastic contrade watch as a priest blesses the special horse and its jockey.

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The most important and exciting moments occur when the "Mossiere" tries to line up the horses correctly between front and rear hemp ropes for the actual start. During this crucial process, the jockeys make their agreements and alliances with other jockeys and develop the running strategies.

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Lining up the horses can take anywhere from a few minutes to hours. On some occasions it takes so long that the race occurs at dusk or even gets suspended because it becomes too dark. Nine horses are aligned between the ropes while the tenth horse takes up the rear. This tenth jockey and horse decide when to start running at which point the Mossiere drops the front rope. The race finally begins as the riders take off in a flash.

The contrada is also a social organization with its own church, museum, hymn, insignia and patron saint, a perfect example of a community coming together for the benefit of all. Beside activities relating to the Palio, contradas have social activities several times a weekly throughout the year.

The older men mentor the younger members and all work together for the good of the city. The contradas also spend a lot of time and money organizing the Palio.

During the three days of trials, the alignment of horses is known by all. However, for the actual Palio, only the Mossiere knows the horses' order until the last minute. As the horses and their jockeys parade to the starting line, tension mounts as all await this crucial announcement.

As the suspense builds, the Mossiere shows the white envelope to thousands of onlookers. Complete silence overtakes in Piazza del Campo, creating a surreal atmosphere. It seems as if everyone is holding his or her breath. Finally, the Mossiere reads out the order of the race and a storm of shouts and cheers breaks out.

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Siena's Palio is without any doubt an extraordinary event that has deep social, anthropological, religious and cultural meanings. Only by visiting Siena during the last four days of the Palio and experiencing the atmosphere of this amazing event, is it possible to understand its genuine meaning.

See the complete Siena's Palio photo gallery on www.antoniobusiello.com
Thank you for contacting me to express your honest feelings about this 2016 Democratic primary election. I appreciate your passion and concern about the future of not only the Democratic Party, but of America, our country.

I like Bernie. I like his style and his framing, blunt and to the point. Most Democrats trying to be precise use too many syllables sound wonky. Republicans have mastered the art of keep it simple, making words and phrases that are easy to remember and catch on with the public to whether or not they are based on fact or have real meaning. Now Democrats have a major player who is beating the Republicans at framing! Bernie is from Brooklyn, NY. I come from Jersey City. We grew up in the same era (I'm only a year younger than Bernie) and in a working class neighborhoods, I can relate personally to his style ... I like it and I get it!

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I agree with some of Bernie's signature issues, for example, single payer, i.e. Medicare for all , as opposed to Obamacare which we have now. Yes, Obamacare is light years ahead of what we had under Bush and the Republicans then and is superior to what they would drag us back to if they could. Obama care is based on Romneycare and is the child of the reactionary Heritage Foundation, a "parent" that began trying to kill that "child" as soon as it was adopted by Obama and the Democrats!

The idea of a political revolution is seriously attractive! Seeing the intransigence in Washington and certainly here in New Jersey where we are saddled with a Governor who from the very beginning has allowed considerations for what is best for his own political future take precedence over best-practice governance with that principle solely guiding his actions and enforced by his seeming bi-polar style of being likable when he wants and a bullying despot when he felt that was advantageous. Nationally, we have the tea party funded by the Kochs and there are other billionaires who do not believe in government and want government to fail! No wonder we must have change.

I grew up with the Beatles, and although my favorite song was , Hey Jude!, it was the other side of that single, "Revolution" that is most appropriate here.

"You say you want a revolution

Well, you know

We all want to change the world

You tell me that it's evolution

Well, you know

We all want to change the world

But when you talk about destruction

Don't you know that you can count me out

Don't you know it's gonna be all right

All right, all right

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You say you got a real solution

Well, you know

We'd all love to see the plan

You ask me for a contribution

Well, you know

We're doing what we can

But when you want money

For people with minds that hate

All I can tell is brother you have to wait"

Songwriters: JOHN LENNON, JOHN WINSTON LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY, PAUL JAMES MCCARTNEY

 Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Yes, we need "CHANGE", that is simple and clear. To directly address income inequality, we must devolve from our current trajectory that is shrinking the middle class, making the rich richer and more powerful and leaving the poor and near poor with an ever smaller piece of the pie.

Greed is not good. In the sense that Glass-Steagall must come back, banks should be broken up and de-levered. But it is not that simple. Banks are not casinos should not be gambling as if they were in competition with the Casino industry. Our tax policy should not be rigged in favor of those most able to pay ... I think we are all in agreement!

We need a balance of rights and responsibility on all levels. Corporations that have limited liability and privacy through their corporate veil must not have more rights than human citizens, that is nuts! Right wing ideologues must not control the Supreme Court.

We all must be part of the solution to make that change and we cannot wait every 4 years to act, nor even every 2 years. Its more than just voting, it is working to get and keep a seat at the table and it is our responsibility to step up. Look what happened and continues to happen to the Republican party! How did it become a party of people who do not want government to work, who do not want women to have control over their own bodies, who are more concerned about what people do in their bedrooms, or what people have between their legs, rather than supporting people being honest and open about who they actually are or who they love.

When I first got involved politically it was out of fear for myself and my own survival. There was this societal stigma attached to LGBT people (and especially to transgender people) that shook me to my very core and drove me to fight to get a seat at the table to make positive change. It was more unnerving than my father's WWII story of a young soldier in his squad walking around his bunk and staring at him looking for his horns and tail because he had heard that my Dad was Jewish

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This was about educated progressive lawmakers and attorneys who honestly wanted to help transgender people but believed that the societal stigma attached to the trans community was too much of a burden and as a result they would not give us the opportunity to take a giant step forward to help ourselves fearing that we would fail. We learned the rules, we worked the system and we won! We went back for more and more and kept winning until a Republican Chris Christie became Governor and progress essentially came to a halt.

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In 2004 transgender people were not included in the Democratic Party's Convention (DNCC) platform and an organized attempt to include basic recognition for us was rebuffed. Gay and lesbian leaders would not even say the word, "transgender". It was very disappointing. By early 2005 after Kerry's loss, allies within the DNC gave us the opportunity to engage, to stick a foot in the door and we did. We engaged boldly, constructively and in a timely manner and because we "showed up" and engaged, we earned respect.



In 2007 Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign reached out to transgender leaders for support. We asked for a positive statement of support for transgender rights, not just gay and lesbian rights, we wanted it on her web site for all to see and when she did that we signed on to her LGBT Steering Committee. Within a week both the Obama and Edwards campaigns put up comparable statements on their respective websites. The 2008 DNCC platform had fully inclusive LGBT nondiscrimination language and the Convention rules called for a fully inclusive equal opportunity clause for delegates.

In 2008 I was elected to the DNCC as a Hillary Delegate and although she lost a very close and bitter primary to Senator Obama, I recognized a couple of things... 1) Obama was aggressive in working the rules to win the most delegates and 2) As Obama and his people reached out to us it was obvious that we shared so many values it was clear that sooner or later it was in our best interest to come together. Besides the thought of Sarah Palin being a heartbeat away from the Presidency was a huuuge wakeup call!

Working together for victory brought us the fruits of victory. A great many changes happened relatively quickly. As sitting President, Obama became leader of the Democratic Party and named Governor Tim Kaine as DNC Chair. In late August of 2009 Chairman Kaine appointed me as the first openly transgender member of the DNC. Literally 5 minutes before that the DNC added "Gender Identity" to its Charter and By-Laws as a category of nondiscrimination and inclusion. When Hillary Clinton became Obama's Secretary of State she proactively reformed America's passport policy so that trans people were no longer forced to have sex-affirming surgery in order to change their gender marker! Proactively! Embassies and Consulates throughout the world began recognizing LGBT hate crimes and observing Transgender Day of Remembrance.

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The culture within the Obama Administration, the culture within the Clinton State Dept and the Clinton campaign and within the DNC is trans inclusive and I think that it is reasonable to assume that because of the more overt trans inclusive rules of the 2016 Convention, the Sanders Campaign should reflect those rules. As of this writing Sanders had at least 9 trans identified delegates elected and Clinton 12 ... and counting

When I look back when I was a delegate in 2004 and reflect on my frustration with the Kerry campaign, and follow the opportunities that were given and sometimes aggressively yet respectfully and responsibly taken with the DNC under Howard Dean, Tim Kaine and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, I realize how much progress has been made for transgender rights. In 2004 the Chair of the DNC Gay and Lesbian Caucus (and most everyone else) would not say the word "transgender". In 2011 I jumped at an opportunity to run for the DNC Executive Committee and won! Really inclusive and now in 2016 the DNC is actively fighting for our rights. When Hillary Clinton's Primary Victory video features a trans activist woman of color and uses the voice of a second trans woman ... When she boldly and confidently talks about having our back ... with her proactive record of not only talking the talk, but actually "walking the walk", how could I not support Hillary Clinton to be our next President?

Hillary will be the DNC nominee, she learned from Obama and followed the rules and won convincingly the most votes and the most delegates.

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Bernie was welcomed into the DNC, he was made a superdelegate, and received a proportional percentage of people on the Platform Drafting Committee. His delegates will be welcomed, and will have an opportunity to unite and become a constructive part of the campaign and Party infrastructure if they choose to make the effort.
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On a windy night in San Francisco, I dropped my ticket while waiting for the last train home. I panicked. Without the ticket, I was stuck at the station for the night. I reached for my phone to call for help, but there was no reception in the tunnel. Then, I felt Madge rub her head against my knee. I reached down to touch her face and realized she had the ticket in her mouth. I had always discouraged my guide dog from picking things up off the ground. Fortunately for me, when she saw my distress, she abandoned her training.

It's absolutely amazing to have a partner who is always watching out for danger. Sometimes, it's almost as if my guide dog could talk to me. Looking back, though, I was hesitant to get a dog.

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I was 26 when I lost my sight and had to learn to walk all over again. Each step I took in the dark was drenched in uncertainty. After I started using a cane, and as I learned how to maneuver through mobility classes, my fear slowly dissipated. My instructor said I'd be a good candidate for a guide dog, but, at the time, the thought of caring for one was overwhelming.

A few months later, I was struggling to cross a busy street with my cane when I heard a woman and her guide dog speed confidently past me. I continued to waver in traffic until a stranger who could see helped me across. He suggested I get a dog. That was the moment I began to seriously explore the idea of a guide dog.

Passing the Test



People began using guide dogs in Germany to help soldiers who had been disabled in World War I. The first guide dog training school in the U.S. -- The Seeing Eye -- was founded in 1929. Many people erroneously refer to guide dogs as "seeing eye dogs" due to the name of this inaugural school. There are now about a dozen training schools in the U.S., and the service dog world is expanding to include dogs for deaf people, diabetics, and even those with autism and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

After researching online, I applied to three different schools and then watched anxiously as about half my friends who had applied were rejected.

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Getting a guide dog requires a thorough application process, because training the dogs is expensive. Although each school's requirements were slightly different, all three required medical verification of blindness, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement about how having a guide dog would affect my life.

Each school visited my home to verify my skills with the cane and to see how I would handle a dog. They simulated having a guide dog by making me hold a harness and then letting an instructor guide me through crowded Mission Street in San Francisco.

Ultimately, all three schools accepted me, but I chose Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael. This is where I eventually met Madge.

Madge and Oslo

Even though I grew up with pets that I loved, receiving Madge brought a whole new level of connection to my life. And when she began to slow down -- being overwhelmed at airports and in busy streets -- I knew from our connection that it was time for her to retire.

Dogs age faster than people and the average retirement age for guide dogs is 8. The blind person is able to keep the retired dog as a pet and get a second one. But, with my busy travel schedule, Madge would have spent a lot of time alone. Thus, I had my sister adopt her instead.

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I think it's important for people to realize that, in many ways, guide dogs are just a regular dog: they get plenty of time for fun, and their reward for their work is affection, food, and play, which they get daily.

On a balmy August afternoon, an instructor at Guide Dogs for the Blind walked into my San Rafael dormitory and presented Oslo to me. It was love at first touch.

After I lost my sight, it became really hard to meet people in public places. I can't make eye contact, smile at someone from across the room, or know if someone is available to talk, so I struggle to strike up conversations and make new friends. Oslo, however, is the perfect icebreaker. Men, women, kids, and other dogs are drawn to him. He makes me more approachable to people who can see, and he loves the attention. (Remember that guide dogs are working, and it's important to ask for permission before petting one.)

It's my love life that has been most affected by Oslo. I can't date anyone with dog allergies, phobias, or a general aversion to dog hair. Once upon a time, I dated guys with flashy clothes and cars. But having Oslo now means most of my romantic relationships are with outdoorsy guys who have dogs of their own and plastic bags constantly on hand.

Working Together

Guide dogs are trained to alert their owners about any changes in elevation, like steps, bumps, or tree roots. They can find doors, seats, stairs, or elevators, and they warn us of things at eye level, like tree branches. Dogs can also read facial expressions.

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Once a dog and his owner form a connection, the dog can learn things specific to the person. A friend of mine taught her dog to hit the elevator button in the building where she works. Oslo knows I love pizza, so he always stops when we pass pizza parlors to see if I want to go in.

My constant canine friend comes with me on work trips, vacations, and social outings. When I could see, I used to admire guide dogs that led people across busy intersections and protected them from traffic. Now that I know firsthand what it's like to have this kind of friend, I love telling people about it. It's incredible to have someone who is constantly watching over you. For some, a friend or a mate does this. For me, it's my guide dog.
The Kansas Supreme Court is threatening to shutter schools across the state - unless the legislature shells out another $38 million in K-12 funds. If the legislature fails to appropriate these additional funds, the state high court will put a hold on $4 billion in school funding as of July 1, invariably triggering widespread school closures.

From where does the Kansas Supreme Court derive the power of the purse? It is simply not in the Kansas Constitution. In fact, the Constitution makes clear that spending authority resides with the people's elected representatives - not the state high court.

The court simply has no constitutional power to dictate educational funding levels. Article 6 of the Kansas Constitution plainly states: "The legislature shall provide for intellectual, educational, vocational and scientific improvement by establishing and maintaining public schools, educational institutions and related activities which may be organized and changed in such manner as may be provided by law."

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Notice how changes are to be made "by law" - not court actions. Further, Article 1, Section 26 of the Kansas Constitution states: "No money shall be drawn from the treasury except in pursuance of a specific appropriation made by law."

Nowhere in its recent decision did the Kansas Supreme Court provide any justification for why $38 million more funding would provide equity between the rich and poor school districts. For decades, numerous studies have found little to no link between educational funding and student achievement.

Legislators should clearly define "suitable provision for finance of educational interests," as stated in Article 6 of the Kansas Constitution. Lawmakers would also do well to set up a committee for the development of K-12 outcome performance measures. Success could then be evaluated in terms of how much students learn, as opposed to how many taxpayer dollars are spent in their name.

If the Kansas Supreme Court justices disagree with current funding levels for K-12 education, they should run for the state legislature. In the meantime, they need to follow the constitution.



Bob Williams is a senior fellow at State Budget Solutions, a project of the ALEC Center for State Fiscal Reform.
Like many people in Europe, I went to bed on Thursday evening thinking that the Brits had voted to remain in the European Union only to wake up on Friday morning to find that the United Kingdom instead chose to leave the EU. To be completely honest, I had not expected a Brexit. Not at the beginning of the campaign and not even at the end - despite some of the polls. Then again, if one country could find a majority to exit the EU, it was the UK, and the so-called "immigration crisis" provided the perfect storm for a Brexit.

So, what happened and what's next? In short, the EU referendum campaign and result have thrown the UK into a deeper crisis than the EU. While both will be fundamentally transformed as a consequence of Brexit, only the existence of the UK is really threatened. Here are the some of the key points.

Cameron failed at everything

The most clear and comprehensive failure of the EU referendum is the now ex-Prime Minister David Cameron. He had three reasons to call for the EU referendum: (1) to strengthen his position within the Conservative Party; (2) to overcome the internal division over the EU within his party; and (3) to strengthen British support for the EU. He failed at all three. First, he has already resigned as Prime Minister and will be replaced as party leader in October. Second, the Conservative Party is more divided than ever and the toxic referendum campaign will cast a long shadow. Third, while Brexit might lead to a re-appreciation of the EU, it will happen outside of the EU.

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The EU referendum was "hijacked" by the immigration issue

The referendum could have addressed all kind of different issues, as the EU is relevant to almost every policy field and issue. Instead, the two campaigns mainly focused on fear-mongering, both claiming that a vote for the other camp would mean "war" (Cameron) or "a European superstate" like Hitler wanted (Boris Johnson). In the last weeks the campaign was dominated by the immigration issue, and not so much the intra-EU immigration (from Eastern Europe to the UK), but the "refugee crisis", which has a less clear relationship to the EU in the UK, which is not part of the Schengen Treaty.

Still, after decades of nativist media coverage, not just in the tabloids, and a year of broad political consensus that Europe is confronted with a "migration crisis" that the EU cannot fix, the Remain campaign was destined to loose on the immigration issue. It didn't even matter how bizarre and racist the anti-immigration claims of the Leave camp became - for example, UKIP leader Nigel Farage claiming that British women were threatened by a "nuclear bomb" of migrant sex attacks. Even the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, by a man with strong anti-immigrant and anti-EU positions, didn't swing the public.

Brexit showed the irrelevance of the left

For all purposes the EU referendum was a campaign between two wings of the Conservative Party. The Leave wing of Boris Johnson received enthusiastic and highly visible support from the far right UKIP and its mediagenic leader Nigel Farage, the Remain wing of David Cameron was left with open support from discredited former New Labour leaders like Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. The more radical left had supported a "Lexit," i.e. a British exit under left-wing conditions, during the Greek crisis of 2015, but had shifted to the Remain camp when the Brexit debate became dominated by the (far) right. While some like Guardian columnist Owen Jones campaigned passionately, although not necessarily convincingly, for the Remain camp, others like Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn kept a low profile, hoping to sit out the referendum without too much personal damage. In different ways, both surrendered their cause to the right.

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Brexit has re-ignited the inner divisions of the 'United' Kingdom

As so often after a high-profile referendum, the UK comes out of the EU referendum more divided than before. A slight majority of all Brits supported Brexit (52%), but a clear majority of Catholic Northern Irish, Londoners, and Scots voted for Remain. Consequently, the referendum re-ignited long-standing regional divisions in the less and less United Kingdom, between Catholic and Protestants in Northern Ireland, between urban and rural parts of England, and between Scotland and England. Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has already said that a second referendum on Scottish independence is "very likely".

At the same time, almost all major British political parties are in disarray. The Conservatives are without a leader and ready to take the divisive EU campaign to their own party. Within the Labour Party Brexit will lead to a new leadership challenge, in which opponents will argue that Corbyn is too weak to challenge the increasingly radical right dominance in the country. UKIP has made itself superfluous by achieving the key point of its existence: Brexit. Given that organizations rarely dissolve themselves, however, they will undoubtedly try to re-invent themselves by finding a new goal. The last years indicate that the new key issue is immigration, which means that UKIP will finally fully transform into a populist radical right party like Marine Le Pen's National Front (FN) in France and the Party for Freedom (PVV) in the Netherlands. Finally, the only really pro-EU party in the UK, the Liberal Democrats, are now not just left without voters but also without their main attraction point.

Brexit has made "exit" a legitimate position within the European debate

Brexit also has profound effects on the EU, of course. First and foremost, exit from the EU has become a legitimate position within the European debate. Until now options like a "Frexit" (France) or "Nexit" (Netherlands) were dismissed as dangerous and ridiculed as unrealistic. No more. While the Pound is currently in free-fall, and the British economy might take a hit, these shocks are probably going to ease off soon and Britain will stabilize outside of the EU. It might not do better, however defined, but it will also not descend into chaos. Consequently, the call for an exit in other countries can no longer be dismissed as a dangerous leap into the unknown. This might actually have a positive effect on the European debate, which so far has been dominated by fear-mongering rather than factual debates about different scenarios.Brexit will lead to more referendums but not necessarily more exits

Geert Wilders, leader and only member of the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV), has already called for a referendum on Nexit. No doubt parties on the radical right, and some on the radical left, in other countries will do the same. The EU referendum has made it more difficult for pro-EU parties to oppose a referendum, particularly when they are sympathetic towards the democratic instrument of referendums in general. Even if support for an exit in the national parliament is limited, Brexit - just like the "European Constitution" referendums in France and the Netherlands in 2005 - have shown the big gap between the European preferences of the representatives and the represented.

Still, it is doubtful that other countries will follow the British example. The UK has a long tradition of Euroscepticism at the level of both the media and the public - the two are, of course, not unrelated. Moreover, the country was neither in the Eurozone nor in Schengen and is physically isolated. If the UK can muster only 52 percent for an exit under perfect conditions, i.e. divided main parties and a "refugee crisis," it is not very likely that any other country can do the same under much less favorable conditions.

Brexit will further strengthen authoritarian and nativist politics

Just like after every election and referendum, the political elites claim to have "heard the message" and to respond accordingly. The dominant message of Brexit, according to the media and politicians, is that the EU has failed to provide (a sense of) safety in a world of mass migration and permanent terrorist threats. Hence, they will call for even more draconian measures toward immigrants and refugees and continue to link them to issues of security and terrorism. Obviously, this will make people feel neither safer nor more confident in the established parties. Rather, it will make them more susceptible to far right parties, who have a much more coherent and consistent track record on these issues.Brexit will rather lead to the end of the UK than of the EU

But while the short-term response of the political elites will be an opportunistic embrace of authoritarian and nativist policies and, mostly, rhetoric, they will soon revert back to the old motto that the real solutions require more and not less European integration. Particularly among the still Europhile elites of Western Europe, most notably in Germany, Brexit will be seen as an opportunity to finally push for deeper and faster integration, if necessary within a smaller group of "core Europe". While several governments oppose such a step, such as Denmark and Hungary, they will no longer have the powerful voice of the UK to make their case.

And as the EU will pick up the pieces and move on, with 27 rather than 28, the UK will have to overcome its internal demons without its convenient external scapegoat. Tension in Northern Ireland, and between Ireland and the UK, could rise as the British-Irish border will become an external EU border. More importantly, however, is the situation in Scotland, which is solidly controlled by the Scottish National Party (SNP), which has always campaigned for an independent Scotland within the EU. When the party lost the first Scottish independence referendum in 2014, the choice was between both a Scotland and a UK within the EU. In the inevitable new referendum pro-EU inhabitants of Scotland will have only one choice left: an independent Scotland. Whether that is enough to swing the majority will remain to be seen, but at this point it is more likely that a majority of Scots vote for Scottish independence than that a majority of French votes for a Frexit or a majority of Dutch vote for a Nexit.

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Imagine just for a brief moment that you are a Muslim Afghan-American. Most probably you work hard. You pay your taxes. You try to raise your children to be happy, well-behaved and productive members of society. But, still, you often feel under siege. Your religion is maligned by everyone from Donald Trump to Bill Maher. Sometimes just walking down the street attracts looks of suspicion.

Then, suddenly, you hear that a deranged man on a rampage has killed 49 people at a gay dance club in Orlando. Imagine your horror when you learn that he was a Muslim American of Afghan descent. Trump brags about "being right on radical Islamic terrorism" and renews his racist call for restrictions on Muslim immigration. Overnight, your position in this country--and that of all Muslim Americans--is even worse than it was before.

This terrible situation prompted an organization called Women for Afghan Women (WAW), which for 15 years has worked to promote women's rights in Afghanistan, to stage an extraordinary public forum, which I was privileged to attend, at New York City's Judson Memorial Church on June 23. Called a "Town Hall Meeting in Response to the Orlando Massacre," the event brought together various Muslim and LGBT groups and speakers, some of whom were both Muslim and LGBT, to confront the tragedy and its implications. "When the news came in, our hearts sank," declared Manizha Naderi, WAW's executive director. "Another mass shooting....But this time it was a man of Afghan descent born right here in New York...Then came the fear--of backlash, of bigotry--and in that moment we knew we had to act....The hate crime committed by Omar Mateen has no justification." Said Imam Mohammed Sherzad of the Dar al-Taqwa Islamic Center in Queens: "We condemn this heinous crime against humanity in the strongest terms." Wazhmah Osman, a filmmaker, Temple University assistant professor and member of the Afghan-American Artists and Writers Association, warned, "These are dangerous times to be Muslim....Don't make one person a representative of all of us."

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It's impossible in a short blog post to do justice to the complex issues discussed at the forum, but before I offer a few highlights, let's try to agree on some basic facts. Yes, there is such a thing as terrorism committed in the name of Islam, and many Muslims are extremists. In other parts of the world there are entire sects, societies and governments that are extreme by American standards. But not every Muslim is an extremist, not by a long shot, and not every extremist is a Muslim. It wasn't a Muslim who slaughtered nine African-Americans in a Charleston church. Hate and violence are not Muslim traits. They are human traits.

Although Omar Mateen invoked ISIS in justifying his massacre, it doesn't seem to have been a simple political act. Evidence indicates that this was a homophobic outburst by a very disturbed man (possibly gay himself) who allegedly abused an ex-wife. WAW's Naderi suggested that Mateen grew up in "an environment that translates authority into exerting power instead of love, and rejection instead of tolerance. We, as women, long ago made the connection between emasculation and domestic abuse, and between a twisted view of religion and intolerance, and between patriarchy and violence." Several speakers readily acknowledged that there are strong strains of homophobia and sexist patriarchy in the Islamic world, just as there are in many Christian congregations. Said Faisal Alam, founding member of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity: "This is a historic opportunity to join forces and look deeply within ourselves and our communities.....to reject violence against women, the patriarchy, the homophobia, the intolerance and the religious extremism."

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Virtually every society on earth needs to do the same. Kristen Rouse, a lesbian U.S. Army veteran who served three tours in Afghanistan, said that "this tragedy strikes me deeply" because she came of age in the Orlando gay club scene. She underscored the fact that Muslims have no monopoly on religious intolerance by citing the extremist leaders from the evangelical Christian community in which she was raised. "What happened in Orlando highlights a simple fact for me," said Rouse. "Some of my fellow citizens simply want me dead. Just a few months ago, my girlfriend and I were approaching the subway on our way home one evening, and a man yelled at us: 'Die and go to hell, faggots'." It could have been a man of any number of religions.

The speakers agreed that Islam is not a monolithic faith. Its sacred texts can be and are interpreted in many different ways. It is not inherently, inevitably violent, sexist and homophobic. "We can be both Muslim and queer," proclaimed Lakshman Kalasapudi, representing LGBTQ South Asians. Sitting nearby was Iman Boukadoum, an Algerian-American attorney with the Interfaith Center of New York, who said that as a straight Muslim, she wanted to stand with her LGBT brothers and sisters: "I accept you as you are, and I want you to be as you are." Perhaps the most poignant moment came with the words of Veronica Bayetti Flores from the Latin LGBT community, which lost so many in Orlando. She doesn't want all Muslims stigmatized by what happened: "We do not want our pain to be used to put any more people on lists."
Unlike most individuals, I picked up Plato's famous work The Republic willingly. With a two-and-a-half millennia pedigree and a reputation as the "cornerstone of western philosophy", I felt it was high time to broaden my mind and get a glimpse into the origins of European thought. Having now put it back down however, I can firmly say this: advocates for the diversification of the philosophical canon need look no further than The Republic to make a case that not all Western philosophy lives up to its hype. In fact, this particular this work falls very, very far from the hype - moreover it's hiding some nasty little secrets. Go in with any sort of contemporary sensibility, and reading The Republic will be like slowly realizing the handsome, Ivy-league doctor you've been set up on a date with is actually an unhinged, Trump-esque loon shuttled through society via patriarchal privilege.

Plato's purpose in The Republic is to define justice and construct an ideal political state. It's a noble enough premise, but very soon things fall apart. The first alarm bells to go off are when Plato unmasks a strange obsession with religion and censorship. He delineates a perfect society in which any "erroneous representation" that "is made of the nature of gods and heroes" is not to be permitted. This is bad luck for poets, mostly Homer, who has the gall "of telling a lie, and, what is more, a bad lie" in portraying the gods as emotional and capricious beings. "The first thing will be to establish a censorship of the writers of fiction... " Plato writes, with the intention of sparing children bad influences. But who is to have final say on what is and isn't an acceptable representation of religion is never clarified; mostly it just falls in line with what Plato does and doesn't personally agree with.

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The signs grow more ominous as the censorship gets worse. All "lamentations and strains of sorrow", i.e. sad songs, are to be abolished, along with "flutes" and "many-stringed instruments". Many sorts of distinct rhythms and melodies get the axe next; only harmonies of "triumph" and "courage" and "temperance" are allowed to remain. In regards to nutrition, "Syracusan dinners" and "Sicilian cookery" are banished, though their crimes are left vaguely unspecified. This sort of thing goes on and on for sections - apparently the secret to political justice is extreme nitpicking.

Then a startling dystopian vision emerges with the description of how the ruling class, dubbed 'the guardians' are to live. In a prototyping of communism, these guardians are to cohabit with one another in a society where private property is abolished, and each person is assigned an occupation best according to his abilities. Plato takes it one step further than the average Marxist however by insisting that the guardians share not only their homes and belongings, but their wives and children as well. "I do not think," Plato writes, "that there can be any dispute about the very great utility of having wives and children in common." Children aren't allowed to know who their parents are, and vice versa, and everyone refers to one another through a vague, cultish amalgam of "mother/father/brother/sister" titles.

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But wait for it - here comes the creme de la creme: "And God proclaims as a first principle to the rulers, that there is nothing which they should so anxiously guard... as [that] of the purity of the race." Okay... er, what? Read on, and you'll discover Plato writes, without the least degree of apprehension, that "the best of either sex should be united with the best as often, and the inferior with the inferior as seldom, as possible." This is just one of many passages highlighting the necessity for a governmentally-overseen breeding program, which acts like a sort of forced OKCupid pairing, making matches based on compatibility of age, physique, health and race. Of course, Plato insists that all such practices be "a secret which the rulers only know". Presumably this precaution is to keep the laypeople from revolting should they ever, you know, discover that eugenics is being practiced upon them.

You probably get the picture - and I've cut out half the nuttiness for brevity's sake. This brings us to Plato on the "dead-white-man" chopping block. It is not as though The Republic is without value - for every loony passage to grimace over, there is a corresponding one of passable philosophical or moral insight - but the troubling aspect is that The Republic is routinely quoted as a source of authority, not just in academia but in popular media articles such as this one, where the author cites Plato to justify his assault on the inherent stability of democracy, going as far as to say that our founding fathers disliked democracy because they had "read their Plato". I'm pretty sure they didn't; otherwise we all would be going around right now calling one another "brother/sister". Moreover, I wonder how that author would feel if he realized that the authority he is quoting also stands as history's first proponent of a eugenics program.

The context of The Republic seems also misconstrued, because with its quasi-mystical anecdotes, its imperatives from God, and its constrictive regulations on lifestyle, it more resembles biblical reading than philosophical work. The Republic ends not with a final lecture or dialectic, but with a lengthy story of the soul's journey into the afterlife and the "pilgrimage of a thousands years". When one is forced to read descriptions of hell and hear about the fate of "incurable sinners", one has to wonder whether its possibly time to reclassify The Republic from a philosophical work to a mystical one, or at least no longer insist on treating it as a work comparable to more modern philosophy.

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Imagine what it would be like to be told that in a few short months, your world would be turned upside down. You would be turned out of the only home you'd ever known and expected, without resources, to keep body and soul together not only for yourself, but for your children and extended family. Now imagine that you are a torture survivor, very much in the middle of regaining control of your life, when this news comes. This is what the residents of Dadaab are contending with right now.

As I think about this year's UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture--which we join the world in honoring on Sunday, June 26--my mind keeps returning to the situation our clients and staff are facing in the Dadaab refugee complex in Kenya, the world's largest yet often-forgotten refugee camp. While the Kenyan government declares that Dadaab will be shut down later this year and its residents forced to relocate, a building feeling of suspense in the camp is palpable. Of the 611 clients we saw in Dadaab in 2015, a full 562 of them reported they had endured torture. CVT's mission is to heal the wounds of torture on individuals, their families and their communities, but the healing journey for many of our clients--and the sense of stability for many of our staff--has been hijacked by a deep sense of uncertainty.

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Many CVT clients, as well as a number of my colleagues--some of whom are also refugees--have lived in Dadaab their whole lives. And many have never set foot outside of the camp.

Some of our clients feel that their burden has been increased and their healing process is affected, according to Sarah Farah, field coordinator for CVT Dadaab. The thought of "returning home" elicits feelings of hopelessness for some, because they fear that they have no home to return to, since the militia occupied their original homes. "Some clients fear that the government might use force to assure repatriation, and so they are panicking," said Sarah. "Our clients are being asked by other refugees for information about repatriation, and many are purchasing radios so they can listen to the latest news reports and stay informed," she added.

CVT staff describe general anxiety, worry and uncertainty about the future when asked how they feel about the possibility of a shutdown. "Some of our staff know Kenya far better than they know Somalia, and so are not sure where they belong--they do not consider themselves either Somali or Kenyan," Sarah explained. "Most of our staff came from Jubaland, some areas of Jubaland are still occupied and under the control of Al-Shabaab, and so they do not know where to go." Some staff members describe a fear of job loss and subsequent loss of livelihood, and feeling overwhelmed by the need for information.

We know from decades of working with torture survivors how resilient the human spirit can be. I've witnessed what healing can do, and seeing these transformations is a humbling experience. The situation in Kenya is complex and important. As we commemorate this special day in honor of victims of torture, I urge those involved in these decisions to remember the individuals whose lives are affected by the outcome, but also affected so deeply during this process.

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Demonstrators march through the streets of Winston-Salem, N.C., Monday, July 13, 2015, after the beginning of a federal voting rights trial challenging a 2013 state law. Election law experts say the case could determine how far Southern states can change voting rules after the nation's highest court struck down a portion of the federal Voting Rights Act just weeks before the North Carolina law was passed. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

This year, we will hold the first presidential election in 50 years without the full protection of the Voting Rights Act. Not coincidentally, 17 states will have new restrictions on voting in effect that were not in place during the last presidential election. Collectively, these states contain over 114 million people and have 189 votes in the Electoral College - about 70 percent of the votes needed to be elected president. Congress can take action now to strengthen voter protections that have been weakened by the Supreme Court to ensure that every American vote counts this November.

Restrictions in these 17 states range from cutbacks on early voting (in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Georgia); documentation requirements for voter registration (in Kansas); and strict voter identification laws, under which one cannot vote without having one of a specific set of forms of government-issued ID (in Alabama, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin).

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Preventing even a single eligible citizen from casting a ballot is antithetical to our democratic ideals. But the new restrictions threaten to have a wide-ranging impact. In North Carolina, seven days of early voting were eliminated, a week on which almost 900,000 people cast their ballots in 2012. In Wisconsin, a federal court found that more than 300,000 registered voters lack the requisite ID for voting in that state. And in Kansas, more than 30,000 people have been blocked from registering to vote thanks to the state's bureaucratic and unnecessary documentation requirements.

The timing is hardly a coincidence. In 2008 and 2012 we saw surging turnout from historically underrepresented groups. In 2008, people under the age of 30 turned out to vote at a higher rate than they had since 1992. And people of color constituted a quarter of the eligible electorate for the first time in our nation's history. Hispanic participation increased in 2008 by more than 25 percent when compared to 2004. For Asian Americans, the figure was more than 20 percent, and for African Americans, it was more than 15 percent. By contrast, for non-Hispanic whites, the number of ballots cast increased in 2008 by only about 0.2 percent.

As if by coincidence, many of the new restrictions seem surgically targeted at these newly-emergent segments of the electorate. In state after state, courts have found that minorities are less likely to have government-issued IDs. For years, early voters as a group were disproportionately white but that changed dramatically in 2008. That year, more than 50 percent of African Americans voted early in Florida, and more than 70 percent voted early in North Carolina. Suddenly, states began cutting back on early voting.

Whether these changes have been wrought with the intent to suppress minority voters specifically or voters who tend to vote for the opposition party in these states (who just happen to be disproportionately minorities) is really beside the point. The point is that the tools that facilitate the participation of historically underrepresented groups are being eliminated at the moment that these voters are emerging as a decisive force in American politics.

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These voter restrictions are the result of the Supreme Court's 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder. The 5-4 decision immobilized a critical provision of the Voting Rights Act, which required states and counties with the worst histories of voting-related discrimination to obtain federal approval before making changes to their voting laws and practices. In the Supreme Court's view, the Act's method of selecting states for federal oversight was based on old data.

But of the 17 states with new voting restrictions in place, about half (eight) were subject to the VRA's preclearance process. Prior to the decision, these states would have needed federal approval before making changes to their voting laws - and that federal approval would most likely have been denied. In fact, Texas's voter ID law was blocked before the 2012 election under the VRA, only to be reinstated after the Court's decision in Shelby County. Had the federal preclearance system remained in effect, there can be little doubt that most if not all of the restrictive laws in these states would have been blocked.

Congress can take action now to remedy this embarrassing state of affairs. Two bills have been introduced to address the Shelby County decision and renew the Voting Rights Act based on more recent data. It has been three years since Shelby County, and while both of these bills have some support from both sides of the aisle, neither has yet received a hearing during this Congress.

This has to change. In an election year that has been marred by racial tensions, with the Speaker of House criticizing his own party's presumptive nominee for president for making "textbook definition of a racist comment," members of Congress must make clear where they stand on discrimination. They should make a clear commitment to the equal dignity all Americans to participate in the political process by revitalizing the Voting Rights Act.

Dale Ho is the Director of the ACLU's Voting Rights Project. His work includes litigation to combat voter suppression and legislative advocacy to open new opportunities for participation for the historically disenfranchised. Ho was part of the team that litigated Shelby County v. Holder, defending the constitutionality of Sections 4(b) and 5 of the Voting Rights Act before the U.S. Supreme Court.
One of the most important reminders of the slaughter in Orlando and San Bernadino is that terrorists often prefer to attack "soft" targets because they usually lack strict security, and there are many more soft targets than hard targets. This is hardly a new phenomenon, with hotels (in Jakarta and Mombassa), restaurants/night clubs (Bali and Tel Aviv), museums (Tunis), places of worship (Istanbul), trains (Madrid) and buses (France, Israel and Turkey) all having been prime targets in the past. This being the case, greater effort should be made to implement at least minimal security for soft targets that have proven to be particularly appealing to terrorists. If this can be done in developing countries with meager financial resources, it is certainly achievable in the developed world.

In many parts of the world, the entrances to metro rail systems are checked, as are entrances to department stores, office buildings, and shopping centers. Security personnel check everyone's bag or purse as individuals enter. Is this a guarantee that a gun or bomb will not be smuggled onto a train? Of course not, but apart from providing at least some peace of mind, it is a sufficient deterrent to prevent would-be terrorists from attacking with impunity. Had such a system been implemented in many of the above-mentioned examples, most, if not all, of the attacks may have been thwarted, or their severity at least significantly reduced.

This implies a greater effort on the part of businesses and government working in tandem to adequately address the problem, for neither have sufficient resources to do so on their own. Since businesses' and governments' approaches to addressing the issue of security are generally not in sync, all parties need to have incentives and guidelines in place so that they may act in a consistent and effective fashion. Increasing safeguards and enhancing general awareness is a precursor to meaningfully addressing the persistent nature of the threat, but this can have unintended consequences.

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For example, for many years following the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. was on 'orange' alert, meaning that an attack could happen at any time, and that the threat was ever present. However, after the passage of time, average citizens began to pay little attention to the threat, particularly given that no attacks had occurred. Similarly, though we are collectively appalled and sensitized to the risks of terrorism each time an incident occurs, most of us believe that the law of averages is on our side, and that the risk of actually becoming a statistic of terrorism is extremely low - and it is. We therefore go about our lives with terrorism perhaps being in the back of our minds, as an unfortunate reality of the 21st century, but usually thinking it will end up being someone else's problem, or not thinking about it at all until the next attack occurs.

That is now changing. Attacks on soft targets are becoming more commonplace, and will become even more so with the passage of time. Just as climate change and cyber risk are no longer someone else's problem, half a world away, the era of global terrorism is upon all of us, and impacts us on a daily basis in ways we could not even have imagined 15 years ago. Security protocols have indeed come a long way since then, but we have a very long way to go before we can say that we really are doing a reasonable job of making ourselves not just feel more secure, but be more secure.

Reducing the possibility that an attack can occur, will be successful, or will cause significant damage by enhancing security protocols goes hand-in-hand with changing perceptions that an attack may occur at all. There is also a risk that constantly increasing security spending may both enhance the cost of an attack and reverse any gains made in changing risk perceptions if an attack occurs and is successful.

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Spending the money necessary to reduce vulnerability to attack is perhaps the greatest challenge facing developed country governments and businesses. This is because most developed countries did not construct infrastructure and buildings with the type of security safeguards necessary to thwart terrorist attacks. When power transmission sub-stations, railroad tracks or office buildings were constructed, security was not a foremost consideration. The truth is, most developed countries remain highly vulnerable to attacks on soft targets. One of the ironies in the terrorism landscape is that this same type of concern is not as pronounced in many developing countries, where security was always a primary concern.

Will countries in the developed world that currently do not have security systems and personnel in place in shopping malls, movie theaters, office buildings, and other public places ultimately need to as many developing countries have done? The answer is '"yes." And businesses should be prepared to share the cost of implementing these measures. If governments and businesses are to win the battle against terrorism, they must adopt a completely proactive stance--anticipating likely targets, substantially beefing up security, and establishing countermeasures to prevent future attacks from occurring.

While Western government have, by and large, done a credible job of enhancing their ability to identify terrorists and prevent them from entering countries through airports and ports, they have not done as good a job at creating and implementing effective countermeasures among soft targets. It really is surprising that more attacks among soft targets have not happened in the West and the U.S. since 9/11. Undoubtedly, part of that is due to the intelligence agencies being very good at what they do, but part of it also is that the terrorist have fumbled more than once (the Shoe Bomber and the Underwear Bomber being prime examples). Now that lone wolves have permeated the landscape, the urgency of the issue is growing by the day.

What needs to be done? Border controls and identity checks must become even greater, intelligence sharing across borders must become easier and more comprehensive, and background checks on gun owners needs to become routine. Countries that are unaccustomed to implementing strict security precautions on their citizenry will need to begin doing so. Since it appears likely that the days of being able to casually walk into a shopping center without undergoing a security check are numbered, it would be sensible for business leaders to engage in a discussion with governments about how this is going to be accomplished - now. The sooner this is done, the sooner the general public will be conditioned to accept the inevitable--we face a future when security will saturate many aspects of our daily routines, whether dining in a restaurant, boarding a bus, or entering an office building.

Terrorism has and will continue to affect how business operates, and how much it costs to operate. It has become necessary for businesses to begin to bear the cost of installing security systems and personnel to safeguard their customers and employees on a widespread basis. Businesses and governments must reach an understanding about how the problem of providing meaningful security is going to be addressed in the future. A coordinated, purposeful, definitive approach to creating a more secure environment must be achieved if the West is to stay a step ahead of the terrorists.

It is surely in the mutual interest of business and government that this occurs sooner rather than later. Businesses may as well embrace the reality that providing funding to achieve meaningful security to protect their physical operations, employees, and customers is not only necessary, but also a smart investment. All one needs do is consider the enormous costs implied in enduring political violence, terrorism, or business interruption losses--and the heightened insurance premiums that result from them--to realize that preventive action is prudent, sensible and cost-effective in the long term. More importantly, businesses have a moral obligation to help ensure the safety of their employees and patrons, and businesses are already being held accountable for not enhancing their security protocols. It is time to get out ahead of this issue, for the costs of waiting can only rise.
British voters not only rebuffed European Union membership in the monumental Brexit referendum, they also rejected President Barack Obama's threats to punish Britain if it left the EU.

Back in April, Obama told the Brits that if they bolted the EU, they could expect the U.S. to put the UK at "the back of the queue" of any new trade arrangements with the United States. He made this veiled threat at the behest of the now-humbled Prime Minister David Cameron, the head of the country's Remain campaign.

It's evident that Obama's threat had little impact in increasing the pro-Remain vote but it certainly offended the highly nationalistic pro-Brexit constituency.

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After the Brexit results came in, Obama dusted off the "special relationship" that has characterized ties between the two countries. "The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy," he said.

In any event, Obama's April warnings do not bind his possible successors, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Trump, curiously enough on a visit to pro-Remain Scotland, praised the UK for having "taken their country back." He promised to "strengthen our ties with a free and independent Britain, deepening our bonds in commerce, culture and mutual defense. The whole world is more peaceful and stable when our two countries -- and our two peoples -- are united together, as they will be under a Trump administration."

Indirectly, the vote is a Trumpian-style victory, based on concern over economic decline and increased immigration. He is undoubtedly hoping the British vote will somehow translate to the election on American shores.

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Clinton, who also backed Remain, tried to fold the results into her argument that Trump is a danger because Brexit, "Underscores the need for us to pull together to solve our challenges as a country, not tear each other down.".
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - JUNE 24: (Editors Note: This picture is taken with the in-camera multiexposure mode.) Trader sit at his desk under the day's performance board that shows a dive in the value of the DAX index of companies at the Frankfurt Stock exchange the day after a majority of the British public voted for leaving the European Union on June 24, 2016 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Many prominent corporate CEOs and leading economists have warned that a Brexit would have strongly negative consequences for the British economy and repercussions across Europe as well. (Photo by Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

Congratulations, Brexit voters. You got what you wanted and opened the proverbial Pandora's Box. Now you get to own the consequences of your actions.

The immediate consequences include - but aren't limited to - David Cameron's resignation, the British stock exchange started the day with an eight percent drop, and the British pound is at its lowest rate in more than three decades.

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Scotland, which barely opted to remain in the United Kingdom after its last ballot referendum for independence, voted decisively to remain in the EU. Now, a second Scottish independence referendum is likely within the next two years.

Northern Ireland, whose voters also opted to remain within the EU, isn't far behind. In the aftermath of Brexit, Sinn Fein is calling for a referendum in Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom and reunite with the Republic of Ireland - something the IRA was unable to accomplish with bombs and bullets for decades. Politicians in other EU member nations are calling for similar referendums in their home countries.

We could potentially witness the disintegration of the United Kingdom as we know it within five years. For what? UK Independence Party's Nigel Farage sheepishly admitted on national television that one of the Leave campaign's promises of reallocating the 350 million a week from the EU to the National Health Service was a "mistake." Brexit voters fell for this bait and switch, and now that they voted for it, it doesn't look like they're going to get it.

There are some initial signs of buyer's remorse among voters, including one man who voted to Leave thinking his vote wouldn't count. British voters are Googling the European Union less than 12 hours after having voted to leave it. If the United Kingdom goes into a recession, in whole or in part due to the fallout of the Brexit vote, expect to hear from more voters regretting their decision to back the Leave campaign. As Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten famously quipped, "Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?"

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London-- It's been four years since the skeleton discovered in a Leicester parking lot was confirmed to be what's left of Richard III. That would be in addition to accounts of him and William Shakespeare's treatment of the briefly ruling monarch (1483-85) and how he murdered his way to the throne.

So give Almeida artistic director Rupert Goold a hand for working the event into his revival as prologue and epilogue. Workers exhume the bones and, after removing various bones, hold up a severely curved spine. Only then arrives Richard, Duke of Gloucester, played by Ralph Fiennes in black modern dress concealing a back disfigured in accordance with the Leicester finding.

This Richard III is a stunning production with a simple Hildegard Bechtler set design featuring a large bowl-shaped object hung above the players--Vanessa Redgrave, prominent among them, as an unusually understanding Margaret--that looks like, and could be, metal. But somehow Goold's treatment impresses as being done by the numbers, the high numbers, to be sure, but by the numbers, nevertheless. (The production will be screened worldwide on July 21 and subsequent dates. Check local listings.)

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There is, of course, the small problem of making the handsome Fiennes convincing as physically ugly from stem to stern, but he's an endlessly resourceful actor and has no trouble illustrating how ugly the relentless Richard is at his core. Fiennes does have difficulty expressing the errant king's eventual attacks of guilt, but that's not his problem. It's Shakespeare's.

That this is a modern-dress take isn't disturbing, although watching the Bard's well-played characters manipulate iPhones, which they do here, is no longer amusing. The conceit has now descended to cliche levels. It seems particularly silly when Fiennes and other cast members suit up in armor for the Bosworth battle. Do they communicate by electronic devices then? No, they don't.

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At first you might think that in Wild, at the Hampstead, Mike (Charles III, Cock, Bull) Bartlett has something very specific to say about Edward Snowden's heroic (traitorous?) whistle-blowing action. You might think as much because Snowden-like Andrew (Jack Farthing) is holed up in a Moscow hotel while being quizzed about a recent international episode. The interrogator is a Woman (Caoilfhionn Dunne) in black, who's introduced herself as Miss Prism but later confides that her name is George.

After bidding for Andrew's agreement to speak publicly on behalf of the Russian government but not succeeding, she leaves and is quickly replaced by a tall, slim Man (John Mackay), who also calls himself George. He claims to know nothing about the previous George and goes about pressing Andrew to represent the Russians. When he fails, the first George returns, claiming she has no knowledge of the other George. She eventually receives Andrew's acquiescence.

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So far there's nothing in Wild along the lines of insight into the real Edward Snowden, which isn't, of course what playwright Bartlett is after. Commissioned by artistic director Edward Hall for a piece, Bartlett has taken advantage of the Hampstead's multi-faceted technical abilities for a play making a broader statement about someone who's abandoned a recognized life for an unknown existence.

This means that the abundant glib George talk is really in preparation for a coup de theatre that'll illustrate how Andrew has chosen to turn his world upside down--or at least sideways. It's something to see, when it suddenly occurs under James MacDonald's direction, Miriam Buether's ingenious set design, Peter Mumford's lighting design and Christopher Shutt's sound design. Whether the profusely slick banter that precedes it is equally worth the intermissionless 90-minute time is in more doubt.

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When Michael (Phantom of the Opera) Crawford in the dark enters Michael Pavelka's gaudily somber set for The Go-Between, he pulls a string to turn on a single light bulb. When he does, the stage becomes only slightly less dark for a good reason.

The beloved 1953 L. P. Hartley novel--that famously begins "The past in a foreign country; they do things differently there"--is a seriously dark piece, and the creators want to keep it that way. As a result, composer-lyricist Richard Taylor and bookwriter-lyricist David Wood have produced an elegant chamber musical, directed with enormous style by Roger Haines.

Crawford plays disillusioned 63-year-old Colston, who opens a trunk and removes a diary that begins to shed more than sufficient light on the past. It illuminates the foreign country where Leo (Luka Green), Colston's 13-year-old self, visits privileged friend Marcus (Samuel Menhinick, at the performance I saw) at Brandham Hall.

There and before understanding what he's agreed to do, Leo becomes an eager "postman" delivering letters between upper-class Marian (Gemma Sutton) and rugged lower-class farmer Ted Burgess (Stuart Ward)--theirs developing into as doomed a romance as the class difference destines it to be.

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The Go-Between, often described as concerning the loss of innocence, is more accurately described as innocence not lost but carelessly stolen by adults who should have known better. Moreover, Hartley wants to show the life-long devastation the theft sets in motion.
Two people hold an European Union and United Kingdom at the castle of Hardelot, the cultural center of the Entente Cordiale (the colonial-era promise of cross-channel friendship between Britain and France) in Neufchatel-Hardelot, northern France. Britain has voted to break out of the European Union, striking a thunderous blow against the bloc and spreading panic through world markets on June 24, 2016 as sterling collapsed to a 31-year low. / AFP / PHILIPPE HUGUEN (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Regretfully, the Brexit results are already proving to be devastating for British businesses and families. What will be the consequences for farmers, traders, industries, and immigrants in the United Kingdom?

The Eurozone should take Brexit as a chance to address the madness within its own financial systems. London will will have the same opportunity to be proactive. We've already seen how this morning, the European stock markets had a slow start while the London market suffered a huge blow.

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Uncertainty is the dominating feeling right now. But just as we should respect the decision of the British citizens, it is now time for the European Union to defend its own citizens. To leave is to leave, period.

This is not a funeral for the EU, but rather a departure that will demand a shift in direction towards greater integration.

A number of EU leaders, including President of the European Commission, Jean- Claude Juncker and President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, issued a statement this morning asking the British government to invoke Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon "as soon as possible."

Respecting the will of the people does not necessarily mean feeding the flames of this uncertainty. This is not a funeral for the EU, but rather a departure that will demand a shift in direction towards greater integration.

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It is generally understood that the European front is divided into pro-European forces and Eurosceptics. Well, we must be up to the challenge. The initial remarks from European governments and political parties have been encouraging.

What is happening in the United Kingdom will therefore be useful in silencing the voices of those who believe that they would be able to survive better on their own.

The immediate wound to one of the most important financial centers of the world -- and the potentially grave repercussions on the economy -- shows what could happen to countries much more fragile than Britain if they give in to populist temptations. Poland and the Netherlands are countries fraught with anti-European sentiment, but if they choose to leave the EU, their economies would crumble -- like the Greek economy -- in the blink of an eyes.

The proper response to Brexit is to acknowledge that the EU must reform: More integration, not less, is needed, to prevent internal conflict among its member states from spreading to Europe, and to provide a more democratic form of governance. There must be change, without surrender.
Last month, the UN held the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul. A huge array of commitments, totaling over 1,500 in number, were made by governments, the UN, and NGOs. Among the most important are the 51 commitments in the "Grand Bargain," a package of reforms tackling a variety of issues ranging from standardized reporting to supporting local and national NGOs. Many of these commitments lack hard targets and timelines to achieve them, instead providing general goals for the development community to achieve. But given the diverse interests and organizations present, the fact that all stakeholders could agree on these broad goals was a positive step forward.

I've written before about the importance of a recipient-centered approach to humanitarian responses, and putting beneficiaries first is at the heart of all of Global Communities' work. We've seen firsthand in Syria how implementing feedback mechanisms and improving accountability to recipients can help strengthen communities, and help them set the stage for assistance that will have a lasting impact. Though I had hoped for more robust commitments on putting beneficiaries at the center of humanitarian response, the summit instead opted for a reference to the "participation revolution" in the Grand Bargain. While this is an important first step, as a community we have to do more. Continuing to cling to old models of simply showing up at a community, providing short term assistance, and moving on, could undermine the positive steps the Summit has taken. It doesn't matter how efficient aid financing is if the program itself doesn't actually meet the community's needs.

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Still, there is reason to be optimistic about many of the agreed-upon commitments. Among them is an agreement that the use of cash "helps deliver greater choice and empowerment to affected people and strengthens local markets, but remains underutilized," and that further studies should be done to best understand how to implement cash programs. Global Communities has undertaken research on the effectiveness of cash in Syria and found valuable insights into distributing cash-based assistance in a humanitarian context. There was no final decision made at the Summit as to how much aid should be cash vs. in-kind, instead describing cash as "the preferred and default method of support." This flexibility is important. There are many circumstances where in-kind aid is preferable to cash, but cash is a powerful tool. It is heartening that so many in the humanitarian community are realizing its potential.

Another important outcome of the summit was the official launch of The Global Alliance for Urban Crises, which seeks to dramatically revamp urban humanitarian responses. Global Communities signed on to this alliance, knowing firsthand from responses to Ebola and the Haitian earthquake just how different and important urban responses can be. Historically, disaster assistance has tended to overlook urban issues, placing refugees in isolated camps, or overlooking local institutions when working in an urban environment. At the same time, rapid urbanization has stretched cities' infrastructure to the breaking point, making them especially vulnerable to disasters. The alliance's first goal is to improve sustainability of urban centers by leveraging thousands of experts to help improve disaster prevention, as well as provide an on-call pool of experts to be activated during a disaster.

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This focus on prevention was not just limited urban areas however, and is another promising result to come out of the summit. The development world can and must help lessen the shocks of natural disasters, human conflict and other calamities by helping communities strengthen their infrastructures. This means building up education, health, economic systems and more, in an effort to make them less vulnerable to the ills visited upon them. This is particularly important in the fragile states where humanitarian need is most prevalent, where development efforts are most active. For example, following West Africa's Ebola crisis, Global Communities has been leading efforts in Liberia and Ghana to improve hygiene and sanitation practices. These efforts are already reaping major benefits by helping communities protect themselves from another health crisis, and they are helping individuals keep themselves and their families healthier by fending off other routine health problems that can quickly become life-threatening in underserved communities.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the long overdue recognition that humanitarian response can no longer be siloed from longer-term development efforts. Today's humanitarian crises are more protracted, and require a longer-term approach and multi-year funding to better integrate building more resilient communities even while they receive assistance to meet short-term needs.
In a world of mass shootings, Brexit, and a looming dramatic presidential election, the deliberations of the U.S. Department of Education's National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI), in a nondescript meeting room at the DoubleTree Crystal City in Arlington, VA, would hardly seem to matter.

But, yesterday, it did matter. By the scheduled 8:30 am start time, the room was hot and packed, with seemingly more people, at least, than at any 2016 Jeb Bush event. At stake were billions of dollars that for-profit colleges want to keep getting, the integrity of federal aid programs, and the futures of countless Americans seeking to build better lives through higher education.

And at least for one day, after almost eleven grueling hours of debate, the underemployed, deep-in-debt former students who were deceived and abused by predatory for-profit colleges won a victory over the entitled, cynical operators of bad schools.

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The issue on the table was whether NACIQI should recommend to the Department of Education that it continue to recognize as a college accrediting agency an organization called the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Such recognition is required in order for schools accredited by ACICS to continue receiving federal student grants and loans.

ACICS currently accredits 243 institutions exclusively or primarily, and most of those are for-profit colleges. $4.76 billion in taxpayer dollars went from the Department of Education to ACICS schools last year.

But ACICS has been the accreditor of some of the most notorious bad actors in the for-profit college sector, including Corinthian Colleges, ITT Tech, Kaplan, EDMC (the Art Institutes), Career Education Corporation (Sanford-Brown), Alta Colleges (Westwood), Globe, FastTrain, and Daymar. All these companies have been under investigation by law enforcement for deceptive practices. Some of those companies have, like Corinthian, shut down under the weight of abusive and reckless business practices. FastTrain's CEO has been convicted of federal crimes and sentenced to eight years in prison. Others, like ITT, Kaplan, EDMC, and CEC, continue to receive billions in taxpayer dollars.

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Finally, last week, the staff of the Education Department issued its report and recommendation that ACICS be terminated. A Department official told reporters that ACICS failures to police for-profit college abuses "were not just narrow misses, these were quite severe, quite egregious, irreparable." He said that "some schools provide extremely poor outcomes for students or even commit fraud but nevertheless still maintain accreditation."

NACIQI was the next stop in the process. The panel's recommendation would be attached to the Department staff's negative recommendation and then submitted to a designated senior official, in this case Secretary of Education John King's chief of staff, Emma Vadehra.

The 18-member NACIQI panel includes six appointees of the Education Department, six appointees of congressional Democrats, and six appointees of congressional Republicans (with one of the GOP seats currently vacant).

The day seemed to begin badly for the Department of Education staff members who were urging termination, with GOP-appointed NACIQI panelists suggesting that ACICS was being made a scapegoat.

The Perry Mason leading this charge was GOP-appointed member Arthur Keiser. Keiser argued that the blame for the Corinthian debacle belonged to the Department of Education for limiting the troubled company's access to taxpayer dollars, rather than ACICS for failing to detect abuses. He also asserted that it was inappropriate to infer that an ACICS-accredited school was a bad actor simply because it had paid cash to settle a law enforcement investigation. This was an interesting perspective, given that Keiser is the owner of a Florida-based chain of colleges that last year paid $335,000 cash to settle a law enforcement investigation, specifically fraud claims brought by a whistleblower and joined by the U.S. Justice Department.

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Responding to an analogy about the accreditation system, Keiser seemed to open a window into his wealth, if not his oversight skills. "I had termites once," he said, "in one of my houses."

Keiser's chain was for-profit, but he converted it to a non-profit in a troubling transaction that enriched him so much that it was the subject of a front-page New York Times story. Keiser is also the long-dominant figure in the for-profit colleges' trade association, APSCU, which has harbored as members many of the same predatory schools that ACICS has accredited.

In light of that record, one had to wonder why the government had empowered Keiser to judge this issue in the first place.

Another of the GOP-appointed NACIQI members, Arthur J. Rothkopf, suggested that the Education staff report might have been dictated or ghost-written by Secretary King's office. A third GOP appointee, Anne Neal, the long-time head of the Lynne Cheney-founded group the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, expressed concerned that ACICS wasn't being given "a fair shake."

When the Education staff members at first appeared defensive and struggled to quell these suggestions of conspiracy, the many for-profit college lobbyists in the room offered loud oohs and aahs of outrage. They also hissed when NACIQI's student member, Simon Boehme, compared the now notorious ACICS-approved scam school Northwest Polytechnic University to Trump University.

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Eventually, however, Herman Bounds, director of the Accreditation Group, silenced the lobbyists with a strong retort: We acted on the evidence, and there was tons of it. The Department's student aid program manager, Gail McLarnon, added, "To not terminate their agency would be to sanction egregious behavior."

In the days and hours leading up the hearing, a desperate ACICS announced a series of reforms, a temporary halt to new accreditations, and a "Blue Ribbon" outside panel to oversee its changes. ACICS also told the panel yesterday that it had recently issued show cause orders to ITT Tech, Education Management Corporation, Delta Career Education Corporation, and Zenith, the non-profit that took over many of the former Corinthian-owned Everest College campuses.

Anthony Bieda, the new head of ACICS, barely attempted to appear contrite, but he kept stressing that his organization was ready to reform, and to right itself within a year. He offered that ACICS's tolerance for college abuses "has gotten very, very low." There were vague efforts by the ACICS delegation to throw Bieda's predecessor, Albert Gray, under the bus. (After I broke the story in April that Gray was getting pushed out, Bieda sent me a kind note: "Thanks David. As always I appreciate your respectful objectivity. Please stay in touch!")

But Bieda has been at ACICS for eight and a half years, as the agency built the record that has now been exposed as deplorable, and there appeared to be little reason to believe his team could or would promptly implement the kind of changes they were promising. It was, plainly, too little, too late.

Bieda had an ally in the room urging that the accreditor be spared: GOP former congressman Steve Gunderson, the head of APSCU, whose membership has included many of the worst ACICS-accredited schools. But Gunderson did not make much of a case.

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Gunderson, whose disastrous confrontational strategy has hastened the decline of his industry and his organization, has as his mantra the claim that efforts to hold bad for-profit colleges accountable are rooted in "ideological" opposition to his sector. It's still not clear to me what ideology he has in mind, other than a common sense aversion to waste, fraud, and abuse with taxpayer dollars (many of his members of have been receiving around 90 percent of their revenue from the federal government) -- an approach should be appealing to many, including conservatives.

In the wake of the public meltdown of his industry, Gunderson last year offered a suggestion of reform, but a disturbing one. In admitting that his schools had enrolled too many students who were unlikely to succeed in their programs, Gunderson said, "We're the first ones to say we should've been more careful. We were thinking with our hearts, not our heads..." Although I can tell you that there are kind-hearted sincere school operators who have admitted students because they wanted to give them a chance, most of these for-profit college owners have been thinking with their wallets. The risk of student failure did not fall on the school but on the taxpayers and, especially, the student. And many for-profit college programs are just not designed, are just not strong enough, to help many of the students whom these schools aggressively recruit. Gunderson told the NACIQI panel that things had changed, "I see very few career schools, if any, that still have open enrollment." But my sources in the for-profit college boiler rooms say that big companies, desperate to stay alive amid declining revenues, continue to recruit and enroll anyone with a pulse.

Gunderson also offered that some of the APSCU member schools (including, of course, Arthur Keiser's) have converted to nonprofit status. He added, I guess intending to reassure, that "their academics haven't changed one bit."

In sharp contrast, advocates for students presented a strong case to the NACIQI panel. CAP's Ben Miller delivered the findings of his blockbuster report on the failings of ACICS schools. He noted that when he attended the ACICS annual meeting last month, he hardly saw a new spirit; industry lawyers made a presentation about how to beat state attorney general investigations, telling school operators they could take advantage, for example, of the fact that state prosecutors often leave the office at 5 pm.

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Tariq Habash of the Century Foundation presented the invaluable work that he and his colleague Robert Shireman did to unearth and analyze ACICS reports documenting their reviews of schools -- just bare-bones checklists, with no narratives and no indication of real evaluations.

Sara Nolan Collins and Carrie Wofford of Veterans Education Success presented the cases of numerous vets abused by ACICS-approved schools like ITT Tech. Wofford argued that it was immoral that vets who pay for their G.I. Bill eligibility with their service often have it stolen by deceptive, low-quality schools. She brought to the session veteran Matthew Mitchell of Louisiana, a former recruiter for ITT who discussed predatory practices there. He also told of being a student who was deceived by ACICS-accredited, EDMC-owned Brown Mackie College regarding the accreditation of its nursing degree. Wofford also read a statement from a former ITT student and veteran, Howard Toller, who had to drive home to Raleigh, NC, when the NACIQI session on ACICS went well beyond its scheduled noon adjournment. Toller wrote that he received a totally subpar education at ITT, with teachers who didn't know the material and couldn't answer his questions. Later he learned, as many students do, that ITT credits would not transfer to a community college.

A number of other ITT Tech students, flown in by the industry, expressed satisfaction with the quality of their educations and their careers. I have no doubt that some students have benefitted from programs at ITT Tech and at other troubled schools. But the mountain of evidence of predatory and deceptive practices at ITT, and the many student complaints on file, tell the story of an institution that does more harm than good.

Meanwhile, from a distant office, Trace Urdan, a long-time for-profit college market analyst now at Credit Suisse, was playing embittered wise man via Twitter. He asked whether many of the people attending the meeting were there "to gloat." But there was nothing to gloat about. The advocates for students in the room have all met numerous people, like Matthew Mitchell, who were lied to and had their finances ruined by for-profit schools -- single mothers and veterans and immigrants who owe tens of thousands, sometimes more than $140,000 in debt, whose degrees did nothing for their careers and earnings, who are depressed and ashamed. This is a mess. No one is happy about any aspect of it.

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Urdan also insisted that no one had ever demonstrated that for-profit schools offered poor-quality instruction. "Classroom instruction never credibly impugned," he tweeted, "only sneered at by those that never saw a campus." But many advocates, journalists, and government investigators have been to campuses, and many of us have spoken with countless students and instructors who have testified to low-quality programs and to instructional budgets cut as classrooms were literally converted into additional call-center space for relentless recruiters seeking to sign up new students.

Urdan even tweeted that he was "sure" that one NACIQI member's comments about Northwest Polytechnic were "thanks" to me. But Urdan, whose intel has not always panned out, was wrong on this one, too. (I've never communicated with any of the NACIQI members.)

At last, as the clock moved past 7 pm and the crowd had thinned substantially, NACIQI was ready to vote on a motion to end recognition of ACICS. Before the vote, Arthur Keiser, the school owner, warned that terminating ACICS would create "havoc" in high education, causing schools to close. In other words, that ACICS was too big to fail.

Keiser lost. The motion passed by a vote of 10-3. GOP appointees Keiser, Anne Neil, and Hank Brown (a former U.S. Senator from Colorado and a lawyer whose firm, Brownstein Hyatt, lobbies for the biggest for-profit college, the University of Phoenix), voted to protect ACICS. A fourth GOP appointee, Rothkopf, apparently had gone home. The fifth, Rick O'Donnell, a long-time education executive from Colorado, voted against ACICS.

Even if Ms. Vadehra of the Education Department, who must act within 90 days, accepts the NACIQI and Education staff recommendations and decides to drop ACICS, the accreditor can appeal to Secretary King and then to the federal courts. This battle could take years, and it does nothing to make whole the many students already abused by predatory colleges while ACICS turned a blind eye. If ACICS loses its recognition, there will be a hard road ahead to transfer to better programs for students at ACICS-approved schools that cannot find a new accreditor within 18 months and thus would lose access to student aid dollars. And there are many other fronts in the battle to reform the career college sector so that taxpayer money and student time goes only to those honest, skilled operators who are truly training students for careers.

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But this was a step, spurred especially by the inspiring efforts of students to stand up for themselves, to push the Department of Education to act, at last, as if their paramount obligation is to students, not college operators. In this random hotel conference room across the river from the Lincoln Memorial and Dr. King's statue, the moral arc of the universe just bent slightly toward justice.

UPDATE 06/24/16 6:30 pm:

BLUMENTHAL, MURRAY, DURBIN, BROWN & WARREN: NEGLIGENT FOR-PROFIT COLLEGE ACCREDITOR SHOULD LOSE FEDERAL RECOGNITION Senators call on the Department of Education to ensure that students and institutions are aware of ACICS's pending loss of recognition [WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) welcomed news that the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) voted overwhelmingly to recommend withdrawing federal recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), one of the country's largest accreditors of for-profit colleges. The Senators called on NACIQI to take this action in a letter last week. "For years, ACICS has been a negligent watchdog, giving its stamp of approval to colleges and universities that have engaged in widespread fraud and abuse of students and taxpayers. Its failure to detect or even investigate this fraud and abuse when it came to light makes ACICS unfit to be a gatekeeper of taxpayer funds as a federally recognized accreditor. Its inadequate attempts at reform were too little, too late and were to be carried out by the same individuals who oversaw its previous failures--giving us no confidence that such reforms would be adequately implemented," the Members said. "NACIQI, after hearing 10 hours of testimony, made the right call to recommend that the Department revoke ACICS's federal recognition. We call on the Department to heed this recommendation to help restore the integrity of accreditation and ask it to ensure that students and institutions are well-informed that this process is underway." Last week, following a U.S. Department of Education staff recommendation to terminate the federal recognition of ACICS, the Senators wrote to NACIQI:"there is overwhelming evidence that ACICS represents a threat to the integrity of accreditation and higher education in America and that its inadequate review process has put students at risk." The Center for American Progress found that one in five students at ACICS-accredited schools default on their loans, and more than half of the $5.7 billion in federal student aid awarded to ACICS-approved schools in the past three years went to institutions facing some sort of state or federal investigation, including the former Corinthian Colleges. Text of the lawmakers' letter is available here.


Photo Caption: Mount Holyoke College student Woyneab Habte '17 won second place in the Draper competition for her entry "On Her Own," an organization that provides economic opportunities for female Ethiopian college students.

For the past several years, Barbara Hou has gained valuable insights into entrepreneurship, and she shares them (along with other founders) in her soon-to-be-published book Startups Demystified: Founders Share Strategies, Secrets, and Lessons Learned.

In addition to being a doctoral candidate at Harvard University, Hou continues her research into the dynamics of startups and teaches entrepreneurship courses. Previously, she was executive co-director of Harvard Innovation and Ventures in Education.

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Recent articles What is "Generation F?" and Tracing the Causes and Consequences of Generation F by Barbara Hou and Jocelyn Mosman piqued my interest because I too have noticed an increased interest in entrepreneurship among female college students and college-bound high school girls. To learn more, I scheduled a phone conversation with Barbara Hou.

In today's blog post, I'm sharing our conversation via a series of questions and answers.



1.What experience do you have as an entrepreneur and how has this experience affected your current research on startups?

"When I was 28, I founded an educational startup that was trying to establish a global leadership university for women from Asia and the Middle East. We raised more than US$6 million dollars and identified 100 acres of land for the campus site. Although we ultimately couldn't secure the university license from the Malaysian Ministry of Education, the whole experience was transformative. I learned about what it takes to found and lead an organization.

In that process, I became curious about how other young founders were learning about how to start a startup and what were the most effective strategies they were using to navigate their startups. It turned out that most young founders that we interviewed were not reading books to glean wisdom but were talking to others and getting piecemeal bits of advice from a collection of individuals. They also weren't using unique strategies but were applying a predictable set of processes and mindsets to address the challenges that their startups were facing, strategies that the existing startup literature seems to take for granted.

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All of this led to our current research on "Generation F" - the generation of young founders such as college and graduate students and young professionals who are trying their hand at entrepreneurship. Who are they? What's motivating them? How are their entrepreneurial ambitions being supported? It's an exciting area of research. "

2.Why do you think there is a rise in entrepreneurship among college or graduate students and young professionals?

"There are number of reasons for the rise in young people founding companies. First, more women are founding startup companies. More people outside of the tech fields also are trying to develop new innovations. More international students in the US also are seeing opportunities in their home countries and are applying their entrepreneurial efforts to addressing needs in their home contexts. So, we see an expansion of the types of people who are becoming "founders."

Second, our definition of what is a "startup" has expanded. We no longer consider those starting only for-profit companies to be the only legitimate startup folks. More social entrepreneurs and social activists consider themselves part of the "startup world" whereas in the past I think that that term was limited to the for-profit and tech sectors.

Third, undoubtedly, the explosion of smartphones and tablets and other mobile platforms has created more opportunities to create. Lots of young people have ideas for apps, and they aren't just sitting around daydreaming about them. They are out creating them. And they don't need an office to do so - just a laptop and Wi-Fi connection.

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Finally, the financial crisis in 2008 caused people to distrust more traditional career avenues such as the finance industry. It's not as appealing as it once was to work for someone else when job security is a lot weaker. Millennials also want more than a paycheck; they want meaningful work. If you talk to young startup founders, many aren't just looking to cash in, they are looking to make an impact and to solve problems. It's an optimistic outlook."

3.What advice do you have for "Gen F" individuals who are thinking about starting a company?

"In my view, college is one of the best times to be a risk taker. You don't have the full responsibilities of an adult, but you do have social and information networks that are readily available on a college campus. Faculty is there to support you and your student status allows you to ask for help and gain a level of access and help that might be unavailable to others. School is supposed to prepare you for a future and a career. Well, starting a startup is a way to try to build your own vision of what a career might look like. And even if your startup doesn't pan out, the experience will be like no other and one that you can take with you, whatever you do next."

4.At the undergraduate level, what are colleges and universities doing to position traditional and non-traditional students for success as entrepreneurs?

"Universities are playing a large part in the uptick of entrepreneurship of young people. In our research, we are finding that they are offering more classes, extra-curricular programming, and campus-wide events to support students' entrepreneurial efforts. You can take a class on how to write a business plan or how to think innovatively or how to proceed with design thinking. There's a whole ecosystem related to startups on campuses these days, from pitch competitions, incubator programs, and campus talks about startups to seed funding opportunities, and so on.

For example, in 2013, Smith College, my alma mater, established the Draper Undergraduate College Women Entrepreneur's Competition. Smith also fosters entrepreneurship in other activities and programs, including E*Teas, an elevator pitch contest, house competitions, a "Start Up Weekend," a program for University Innovation Fellows, and lots of workshops and mentoring. At Harvard, the Innovation Lab was created in 2011. These are all pretty recent developments.

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We have one research project that is looking specifically at how universities support student entrepreneurial activity. We have seen a cognitive shift in which professors and university administrators don't think only of computer science students as appropriate future founders. They are viewing anyone who wants to solve a problem as a potential founder. For colleges and universities, startup experience is seen as the 2.0 version of "experiential learning" programs that campuses are already pushing."

Other women's colleges also are engaging students interested in entrepreneurship. For example, Mount Holyoke College, Jocelyn Mosman's soon-to-be alma mater, supports and encourages entrepreneurship. The college has an Entrepreneurship Club, Entrepreneurship Programming initiative, Pitch5 Competition, Student Ventures, and, starting in the 2016 fall semester, a new interdisciplinary minor: Organizations, Entrepreneurship, and Society.

Part of Mount Holyoke College's strategy is to have actual entrepreneurship practitioners such as Dr. Tamara Stenn, develop their programing. Stenn is an economist and also the owner of social enterprise, KUSIKUY, a Fair Trade knitting company (www.kusikuy.com). "Entrepreneurship enables students to build on insights gained in the classroom to drive real social change and realize their own passion," explained Stenn. In the 9 months Stenn has been on campus the number of student enterprises rose from 3 to 26 with over $12,000 secured in funding and grants from programs such as Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U), Draper Competition, Valley Venture Mentors, and Mount Holyoke College Pitch5.

My conversation with Barbara highlights how exciting it is for my generation to watch millennials come up with innovative ideas and new ways of doing things. No longer constrained by traditional employment, entrepreneurship provides this forward-thinking generation with a realistic career option.
Jerusalem - Mosque Dome of the Rock and Cross Franciscan Dome, Islamic in front of Christianity.

America's relationship with Islam is fraught with tension. Donald Trump doesn't want to let any more Muslims into the U.S. He's not alone. But no one wins if Americans end up fighting an endless war with 1.6 billion people worldwide.

Rather, Washington should encourage responsible Islamic voices. One is the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. According the group diplomatic status would give Americans greater opportunity to influence an important forum for Islamic activism.

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The OIC was founded in 1969 and is made up of 57 states, most with majority Islamic populations. It calls itself "the collective voice of the Muslim world" working to "safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world" while promoting "international peace and harmony." The group is active in the United Nations and European Union. Only America has its own mission, but Washington does not officially recognize the organization.

Past relations have been difficult. In 1990 the group adopted the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam which emphasized the role of Sharia Law. At the UN the OIC routinely attacked Israel; in 1979 the organization temporarily suspended Egypt for making peace with Israel. The group also reflexively defended its members from criticism over human rights abuses. For years the OIC sought UN support to target the so-called "defamation" of religion, which would have effectively given global application to domestic blasphemy laws, widely abused in such nations as Egypt and Pakistan.

The group also struggled with the issue of terrorism. Its definition could justify criminalizing peaceful dissent. Moreover, the OIC excluded as terrorism acts related "to the struggle of the Palestinian people" while denouncing Israel for committing "state terrorism." Further, the group called Islamophobia "the worst form of terrorism."

However, the OIC has filled a more responsible international role of late. Criticism of Israel continues, and, in fact, is inevitable as long as Israeli mistreatment of Palestinians remains an unfortunate reality. Nevertheless, the group has become more willing to challenge its own members. The OIC suspended Syria over human rights abuses in the ongoing civil war and criticized Iran for the attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran earlier this year.

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Moreover, in 2008 the OIC amended its charter with an emphasis on human rights and liberty. It dropped the Cairo Declaration and endorsed the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Law. The organization also established the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, an advisory body tasked with monitoring human rights within member states.

In addition, the OIC developed action plans for religious minorities within majority Muslim nations. Obviously, the group's reach is limited and the behavior of many member states remains awful. However, its work helps highlight the failings of the most repressive Islamic states.

Perhaps most dramatic, in 2011 the OIC abandoned its campaign on religious defamation and backed a resolution more friendly to religious liberty. The organization's previous secretary-general, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, admitted that opposition from America and Europe was too strong. The OIC shifted to Human Rights Council Resolution 16/18, which encourages "universal respect for" freedom of "religion or belief." Groups such as Human Rights First endorsed the measure as focusing "on the protection of individuals, rather than the protection of abstract ideas and religions."

Admittedly, not everyone is satisfied. George Washington Law School Professor Jonathan Turley pointed to the resolution's call for countries to approve "measures to criminalize incitement to imminent violence based on religion or belief." While U.S. law does not protect an appeal to lawless violence, it does safeguard peaceful discourse even if others might be angered by it. Yet Ihsanoglu, among others, considered an anti-Islamic video to be "incitement to hatred, incitement to violence."

Despite this difference, the OIC appears to have moved significantly toward Western standards. For instance, the group promoted the 2012 Rabat Plan of Action to combat incitement. The document acknowledged disagreements over free speech and called for countering hate speech, while applying a "high threshold" before enacting limited speech restrictions. Last year the Fez declaration, adopted at a UN forum backed by the OIC, emphasized the role of religious leaders in countering religious hatred, not government in imposing legislative solutions.

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Finally, while continuing to try to separate Islam from terrorism, the group acknowledged that some terrorists claim their faith as a justification for murder and mayhem. At its April summit in Istanbul, reported Diplomatic Opinion, the OIC condemned "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations regardless of motives." Moreover, the OIC-backed Marrakesh Declaration concluded that "It is unconscionable to employ religion for the purpose of aggressing upon the rights of religious minorities in Muslim countries."

Last year the group's executive committee developed a program to confront violent extremism and partner with organizations involved in counterterrorism. The group is in the process of setting up a Center on Violent Extremism in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Admittedly that's an ironic location, given Saudi Arabia's support for fundamentalist Wahhabism around the globe, but Joseph Grieboski, head of Grieboski Global Strategies, was hopeful about the OIC's plans to review language and messaging, as well as develop programs to reach groups susceptible to radicalization.

The organization also is developing education projects. Grieboski explained that it was promoting school reform to reduce support for violent extremism and encourage interfaith dialogue, desperately needed steps in many Islamic countries. Moreover, the OIC is promoting the role of women, including their participation in STEM fields. The effectiveness of these initiatives remains to be seen.

The OIC is not the only international organization concerned with Islamic affairs. There are the Agadir Agreement, Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union, Council of Arab Economic Unity, Gulf Cooperation Council, Turkic Council, and more. However, most are geographically limited and confined to the Middle East. Yet the most populous Islamic nations are Indonesia and Pakistan.

In 2007 the Bush administration sent an envoy to the OIC. But the Obama administration effectively downgraded America's representation, withholding ambassador status from the U.S. delegate. Moreover, the group's U.S. office continues to lack diplomatic status, unlike that of the Organization of American States and even the Vatican. The diminished status hinders OIC operations.

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The Senate Relations Committee currently is moving legislation to grant diplomatic status to the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, but not the OIC or Arab League, as recommended by the administration. The first has an army, and therefore can help fight terrorism, Chairman Bob Corker reportedly said in explaining the different treatment.

However, if the U.S. wants to talk to the Gulf nations, all it needs do is ring the Saudi embassy, which dominates what is a very small international club. Addressing the OIC allows Washington to reach 57 countries around the globe with substantial Muslim populations. Bush's OIC envoy Sada Cumber complained that "The United States has ignored one of its most capable and effective partners in countering the rise of violence extremism around the world."

Obviously, engaging the organization offers no panacea for the West's problems with Islam. The OIC's role is hampered both by a small budget and limited influence over member states. Nevertheless, the organization offers a useful venue for communicating with scores of Muslim nations. It certainly has more credibility than Washington in addressing members on issues with religious implications. And the OIC provides engagement opportunities for more than government officials. For instance, four years ago the PIHRC held meetings in America with journalists and NGOs as well as legislators on human rights.

No doubt, the OIC will continue to frustrate the U.S. on many issues. The organization must operate with an eye to its members. Which means different perspectives on terrorism, religious liberty, Israel, and more. However, the organization also appears open to debate. One American who worked with the OIC argued that in many areas the group is at odds with its members.

Thus, ongoing engagement with OIC staff and representatives of member states--involving them in discussions with American advocates of human rights and religious liberty--could prove useful over time. Such involvement might alert Washington to controversial initiatives before they are launched and moderate proposals before they are offered.

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Cumber no doubt overstated the case when he wrote that the OIC "possesses the potential and capability necessary to delegitimize the narrative of extremist organizations, shift the balance of power, and safeguard international cooperation and security." Nevertheless, the group could take on a larger and more positive role.

While all this is possible today, diplomatic status would ease OIC administration, encourage enhanced operations, and smooth U.S. relations. Washington would lose little--other than a bit of tax revenue from tax exempt status--in granting recognition. Among the benefits, argued Grieboski, is that "you get official oversight" with diplomatic status.
"I am a transgender man who had to leave my rehab early because of bullying. I have now been in two sober living houses and have struggled so much because of my trans identity. ... Sometimes I don't know how much more I can take of the personal attacks. ... I am trying to educate people that I am just another human needing help with my addiction. Not everyone understands or even agrees with that, and it's made recovery that much harder!" - Comments posted by a man from Portland, Maine, in response to an online article on addiction.

While the open discussion of identity and being LGBT has become more customary, those who identify as LGBT often exist silently - in the closet, in fear, ashamed, and sometimes suffering with addiction. Members of the LGBT community face a two-edged sword when it comes to addiction. The emotional stress that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals often feel - including rejection, isolation and low self-esteem - as well as the threats of physical violence, prejudice and discrimination, make them vulnerable to addiction. At the same time, these factors decrease the likelihood that they will receive effective treatment. Too often, members of the LGBT community face internalized stigma and homophobia. These internal struggles with themselves can make it more difficult to seek out or achieve long-term recovery.

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Studies have demonstrated that members of the LGBT community suffer a significantly higher incidence of drug addiction. According to the Center for American Progress, an independent, nonpartisan policy institute, an estimated 20 to 30 percent of gay and transgender people abuse substances, compared to about nine percent of the general population.

We know that providing specialty groups can offer people the safety of a treatment community that addresses their specific lifestyles and needs. The LBGT client can benefit from groups. When compared with their heterosexuals peers, LGBT individuals have been found to suffer significantly higher incidences of stressful childhood experiences, school victimization, neighborhood-level hate crimes and family conflict - stressors that correlate with increased substance abuse. Recently, we have all seen the trauma experienced by the LGBT community with the recent shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. The tragedy reminds LGBT individuals of the homophobia and hate that continues to shadow their progress. This kind of trauma and other factors play a role in this higher rate of addiction, including peer pressure in a social culture dominated by bars and clubs - where doing drugs and drinking is par for the course.

The nature of addiction is different, too. Gay and bisexual men have a higher propensity to abuse methamphetamines than heterosexual men, while lesbians and bisexual women are more likely to engage in hazardous drinking than heterosexual women. Members of the LGBT community are also more likely to suffer from mental illness. A 2014 study at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation found that 92 percent of LGBT patients had co-occurring mental disorders, compared to 78 percent of non-LGBT patients. Other studies have found that LGBT patients are two to three times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts.

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The good news is that members of the LGBT community seek treatment at a significantly higher rate than their heterosexual counterparts. The fact that they are more willing to seek treatment opens the door to improved outcomes through the development of addiction treatment plans that address the unique challenges they face. This is true even though LGBT individuals are likely to encounter the same prejudices in treatment that they do in the wider world and often end up at treatment centers that fail to address their needs and lifestyle. Treatment programs can do a better job by accepting their client's "family of choice," not one determined by blood or law, effectively restricting the patient's support system to the biological family who may have refused to accept their lifestyle - a key stress factor and potential driver of addiction. This can adversely affect their chances of success in recovery.

As we come to the end of LGBT Pride Month this June, it's important to turn our attention to the problem of addiction in the LGBT community and in particular to the demand for specialized treatment programs. There is a great need for safe and supportive treatment, with counselors who are affirming of LGBT individuals, and for treatment therapies that integrate mental health treatment, HIV and other medical conditions.

It's clear - both from the stories seen on the news and the stories of the people we treat - that addiction does not discriminate. Addiction can truly happen to anyone. We treat people of all lifestyles, demographics and socioeconomic statuses, all of whom have learned how similar their struggles are to each other's, and that they have more in common than they may have originally thought.

In his online post, the writer from Maine said: "I want to do what I can to make it so other trans people have a safe place to go in recovery." The LGBT community has been very effective at fighting for equality. Now it's time for us in the medical community to treat each person with the best chance for recovery, by providing better outcomes to the high rate of addiction by offering recovery programs that are sensitive to each individual's needs and lifestyle.

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For more information on an addiction treatment program for those in the LGBT community, visit sunspirehealth.com.

___________________
"You can not own a child of God," proclaims a slave named Moses (Mahershala Ali, HBO's Treme). "We don't got no country on either side. We're our own Country," says Confederate Army deserter Newton "Newt" Knight (Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyer's Club). Those poignant bits of dialogue sum up the rebellious spirit in this rousing and sometimes powerful historical drama. The film is based on fact and centers on a group of runaway slaves and poor white farmers in Mississippi who rebelled against the Civil War.



(Photo courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox)

Matthew McConaughey and Mahershala Ali co-star in Free State of Jones.

Writer/director Gary Ross (The Hunger Games) has brought his ten-year project to life and his efforts have culminated in a history lesson that is surprising and confounding on many levels. His thoughtful script, with its well-formed characters, memorable dialogue and evocative settings, doesn't paint a rosy Utopian picture of blacks and whites living together in perfect harmony. It depicts two unlikely contingents working together as they fight a common enemy. Their target is the corrupt Confederacy which enslaves, steals provisions and possessions, caters to the rich and exploits the poor. The themes are old yet oddly modern in nature and will make viewers contemplate the film's messages.

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In the 1860s, Newton "Newt" Knight, a farmer who is not a slave owner, becomes a medic in the Ambulance Corps of the Confederate Army. His social/political bent is more Union than Confederate. He is disillusioned with the war and despises rules like the Twenty Negro Law: Sons of wealthy owners of 20 or more slaves are exempted from the military. When his 14-year-old nephew Daniel is killed in combat, Newt takes his body home, back to the Jones County region of Mississippi. He is further dismayed to find that Confederate tax-in-kind agents (plunderers) have been taking landowners' animals, food and provisions in lieu of taxes. Folks are being left penniless and without food.

Newt helps his neighbors rebel and is hunted. Leaving his wife Serena (Keri Russel) and a young son behind, he escapes into the swampland, joining a group of runaway slaves led by Moses. In the swamps he is protected, and along with Moses forms a more organized group of rebels that include Rachel (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Beyond The Lights), a house slave who is being abused by her master. Their group becomes more organized every day and more bold. They form "The Free State of Jones," a mixed-race, anti-war community--a safe haven.

For two hours and 19 minutes, Gary Ross' script, with a story by Leonard Hartman, and Ross's steady, perceptive direction are fairly engrossing. What's presented is a side of the Civil War (theft, taxation and privilege) that most audience members will not have known. They also don't sugar coat the frail union between slaves and poor Southern whites, another curious part of the puzzle.

A parallel subplot set in 1948, involves Knight's great grandson facing off against the State of Mississippi in a groundbreaking miscegenation trial. He has married a white woman. Because he has one-eighth black blood, therefore making him black in the eyes of the state, their union is illegal and must be annulled or he faces prison. This storyline seems superfluous.

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The film's pacing (editors Pamela Martin and Juliette Welfling) is deliberate. The cinematography is graphic (Benoit Delhomme) and unlike many war dramas the costumes (Louise Frogley) look lived in.

That said, the film's strength comes not only from its surprising premise but superb performances. Mahershala Ali as Moses is stoic. Keri Russell as Newt's wife gives a seamless backwoods country performance. Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Rachel, who becomes Newt's common-law wife, balances vulnerability and courage gracefully. Every actor who plays a heartless Confederate soldier (Bill Tangradi, Thomas Francis Murphy, Wayne Pere) brings a cold demonic presence to his role. You know they are the bad guys, the antagonists.

Matthew McConaughey was born to play this part. His Texas drawl, laconic ways, and local boy feel suit him well as the understated leader of a ragtag group of rebels who defy the odds. Regardless of the success of this movie, this may be his best performance ever.

Most of the time, movies are more fascinating than history because they get to use creative license. In this case, fact may be more shocking than fiction as the real Newt, Rachel and Serena led very uncommon lives that are quite fascinating. (For details go to: http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/free-state-of-jones/

A surprisingly enlightening and powerful film.
In the mist of New Hampshire's opioid epidemic, Governor Hassan has made the decision to sign Senate Bill 464 into law, establishing a statewide drug court program in each and every New Hampshire county. In her statement she thanked Judge Nadeu, all members of the judicial branch, dedicated law enforcement, drug court advocates and legislators.

In signing this legislation, Gov. Hassan will provide more than $2 million in matching state grants for counties to establish new drug courts and expand existing ones. In establishing these drug courts, the legislation further states that members of an advisory commission will review funding; a commission that has no physicians or psychiatrists trained in substance use or opioid disorder. Along with this money comes another $5 million over two years in federal aid to expand access to treatment for heroin and opioid disorders.

Drug court advocates led by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) are applauding; their advertisements, lobbying and celebrity endorsements worked yet again. Furthermore, in order to receive funds, the drug treatment courts in New Hampshire will need to be in compliance with the NADCP Best Practice Guidelines, a powerful hold over policy by an advocacy group.

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The NADCP has a long time agenda to expand their hold on the criminal justice system and expand their mission. Through their All Rise public relations campaign, the NADCP is looking to expand specialty courts across the nation as well as overseas. This push to expand drug courts is supported by the White House and many others as a compassionate approach to illegal drug and alcohol use. These lobbying efforts proved effective in New Hampshire again this June.

Legislators were at a loss with the rising tide of overdose in New Hampshire and needed quick solutions. Deciding to increase criminal justice innovations to force individuals into treatment was a ready-made solution that received little resistance from legislators. The bi-partisan supported bill will now increase the number of drug treatment courts to well over 3,000 in the United States alone.

With this recent announcement, now comes the struggle and competition for dollars. According to the Concord Monitor New Hampshire has the third highest rate of overdose and is 49th in available treatment facilities and substance use disorder clinics. It has been at a tipping point for years.

Knowing that this legislation was under consideration, the rehab industry was ready and waiting to cash in on peoples' troubles and come to the rescue. Phoenix House is just one of many treatment facilities that will be standing in line for patients, insurance and Medicaid reimbursement. These facilities will partner with the drug court system with the understanding that they will have plenty of clients and may be able to expand facilities into yet another state or reopen facilities that could not fill beds.

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While this may seem noble, these facilities as well as the rehab industry could not expand across the state unless they have a steady stream of patients and dollars. Now facilities not only will have patients, they will have patients that have "voluntarily" signed away many questionable rights with drug court waivers, marked as a criminal first to follow drug court participation agreements and handbooks with the understanding that a prison sentence awaits if they do not succeed under the drug court demands; all with ready money from taxpayers.

Needless to say, the public health issue in New Hampshire has been on the back burner for quite some time and families were understandably desperate; they are watching family members struggle and are trying to do what is best. Much like other states New Hampshire is in need of expanded child-care programs, public health programs, additional social service support programs as well as substance use programs. Finding care for loved ones is overwhelming; state medical insurance only goes so far and medication assisted treatment may be unavailable. As reported in NPR news, individuals are dying waiting for care.

Substance use treatment and support may be too far away, too expensive, too difficult to understand. Complicating this health issue is that drug use, addiction as well as the choice of treatment method is stigmatizing in and of itself. The medical community has differing viewpoints and patients keep their drug or alcohol use to themselves. The shame families experience continues to prevail but overdose deaths have increased at such a rate that legislators needed to address the outcry from the growing number of grieving families.

The legislators have spoken; they will add to the shame that families feel that continue to struggle with opioid and other drugs by expanding drug courts. Their loved ones may now be under the supervision of the criminal justice system, forced into mandated treatment that they have no control over all the while in fear of prison if they do not succeed. Viewed as "voluntary" and "compassionate" by advocates, other states that have drug courts have not reduced the overdose rate nor reduced the number of individuals that are under the watchful eye of the criminal justice system.

Statements that "drug courts work" needs to be explained. What does that really mean? They work to do what? NADCP continues to proclaim that drug treatment courts work to reduce recidivism but proof of this statement cannot be verified. According to the Congressional Research Service:

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Regardless of what definition is used,recidivism is a difficult subject to study. Tracking recidivism involves following the cases of individuals for a number of years and relying on state or national-level data sets that contain inherent inaccuracies.



By expanding drug courts New Hampshire now has access to federal dollars and can set up programs to expand care. But it is at the expense of those that are arrested for drug and alcohol violations; a population that the public views with distaste. It is unfortunate that New Hampshire has bought into the public relation teams and expanded the reach of the criminal justice system into the lives of those that are in need of care. Those that could access treatment easily or who somehow do not get arrested stay on the sidelines and thank god that they did not end up in the criminal justice system. They will not be marked with a criminal record.

New Hampshire needs the grants and dollars to expand treatment, care and social programs to help those across the state to improve their health as well as their lives. They need drug education, prevention and family support. But do individuals and families need to be marked criminals in order to receive care and programs that should have been available to them in the first place?
It's not easy guarding the purity of the Russian state. In addition to the existential threats posed by rainbows, LGBT parades, Ukrainian libraries, and imported cheddar, Russia faces a new enemy: Netflix.

In the West, we've long been familiar with the clear and present danger of Netflix. Who knows how much labor productivity has suffered due to the latest season of Orange Is the New Black? Russia is no stranger to television-related impediments to work efficiency: when the whole country was obsessed with a Mexican soap opera in the early 1990s, state television added a second daily screening in order to save the grain harvest. In the wake of falling oil prices, the Russian Federation cannot risk even a Jessica Jones-sized calamity.

It turns out, however, that labor is not the issue. And given the price of a Netflix subscription in rubles (649-949 rubles per month), it's safe to say that no one who is responsible for the actual work of bringing in the crops or keeping the trains running is at any risk of distraction. No, the issue is, once again, protecting Russian minds from insidious foreign influence.

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Master of None

The attack on Netflix is the brainchild of Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky. If you're not familiar with his work, just imagine the National Endowment for the Humanities or the Modern Language Association as run by Glenn Beck. In scholarly circles, he is perhaps most famous for complaining that government money was being wasted on such trivialities as a study of the "philosophy of the hare." No one could find evidence of such a paper, but in 2014, academics across the world took part in a three-day "Bunny Philosophy" conference in Medinsky's (dis)honor.

The "bunny philosophy" meme may well be Medinsky's most original contribution to academia (he is one of many Russian public officials who allegedly plagiarized their dissertations). Far more disturbing is the fact that Medinsky is notoriously suspicious of variety and open-ended inquiry. He has publicly marveled at the absurdity of there being more than one Russian history textbook for the country's children, lamented the production of films that call into question a patriotic master narrative of history, and called for "an end to the endless series of schizophrenic reflections about ourselves."

Above all, Medinsky lives in a state of constant anxiety over the contents of people's heads. In his lobbying for a single history textbook, he declared, "We must not breed pluralism in fifth-graders' heads." Which brings us to his complaint about Netflix:

"It turns out that our ideological friends [the US government] are well aware what constitutes the most important of all art forms [cinema, according to Vladimir Lenin], and they understand how to enter everyone's homes by getting into every television with the help of Netflix. And through this television, [they get into] the heads of everyone on Earth. But we [in Russia] don't grasp this," Medinsky said.

Arrested Development

Yes, the State Department is so powerful, and so evil, that it has hatched a plan to alter the minds of the world's population via television. In the current Russian mediascape, such an assertion is not at all surprising. One of the country's television stations has three regular programs devoted entirely to conspiracy theories: "Chapman's Mysteries," hosted by third-rate ex-suburban spy Anna Chapman, and two shows by Igor Prokopenko whose titles are a remarkably rare example of truth in advertising ("Fallacy Territory" and "Conspiracy Theory"). Chapman has recently alleged that allergies are part of an American biological warfare program (overlapping with a billionaire cabal's plan to reduce global population), while Prokopenko keeps repeating scare stories about Europeans requiring that all orphans be adopted by same-sex couples.

There is something wonderfully Freudian about Russian television's constant stories of televised "brainwashing" in Western countries. Either the producers' limited imaginations oblige them to project their understanding of their own work habits onto the outside world, or we are dealing with the return of the repressed: the shameless, nightly televised fabrications can only be admitted when projected onto the evil Other.

House of Cards

Equally telling is Medinsky's dismissal of the very idea of technical innovation without government sponsorship: "And, what, you thought these gigantic startups emerge by themselves? One little college student sits down, has himself an idea, and billions of dollars just rain down from above?!" Of course, there is a much more nuanced case to be made about the crucial role played by state infrastructure (the Obama argument much maligned on Fox News), but something different is at work here.

Recall the dismissal of Russian protesters as State Department puppets, the insistence that most of Ukraine's Euromaidan movement wouldn't have happened if it weren't for America's evil influence, and blaming the West for the very existence of LGBT people. Critics focus on the specific messages pushed by state television and politicians, but the metamessage is always clear: nothing can ever happen without the State.

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I am thankful to Medinsky for one thing, though. Netflix has provide me with constant linguistic challenges (I would never have guessed how you say "Orange is the New Black" in Russian). But if the Medinskys of this world have there way, I finally understand that the Russian equivalent of "Netflix and chill" should be "Watch Channel One and reproduce."
Like most public interest lawyers, we remember our own "aha!" moments. They happened when we were using our fledgling legal skills to make a difference on an issue we cared deeply about and realized, "this is what I want to do with my legal career!"

Today, more than ever, students are going to law school with a passionate commitment to serve others by practicing public interest law. Unfortunately, far too many of them are being derailed by the crushing burden of their student loans. A key part of the solution is fully funding public interest legal internships.

Internships are an opportunity to put theory into practice, to serve clients, to learn from experienced lawyers, and to develop connections that will lead to future job opportunities. Unfortunately, student loans cause some public service-minded law students to pass up a public interest internship for one at a private firm - where they can earn enough to cover some of their debts. While work at private law firms is often rewarding and valuable, law students should not be driven to private firms solely because of outlandish and burdensome debts. Nonprofit legal internships therefore are vital to enable students to explore multiple career options. Without public interest internships, young law students may miss an opportunity to learn about the joys and challenges of long-term public interest careers from experienced attorneys. They also miss out on the connections and resources needed to compete for scarce job positions at nonprofits. In making a practical choice to lower their loans, students may miss out on an "aha!" moment that could turn them toward public interest work.

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Many law schools do their part to make summer non-profit experiences possible, by offering stipends of several thousand dollars to students who spend their summers working with non-profit organizations. Georgetown University Law Center guarantees summer funding for any student who works unpaid in a public interest organization. But, for many students, these stipends are not enough to make a summer non-profit internship possible.

The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) has tackled this problem by creating its own internship program. NHeLP is a public interest organization, founded in 1969, protecting and advancing the rights of low-income individuals to access quality health care. The Emily Spitzer Internship Program, founded in honor of NHeLP's previous executive director, offers up to $10,000 each to three law students placed in NHeLP's offices in D.C., California and North Carolina. The vision behind the internship is to develop the next generation of lawyers who will work to advance health rights for low-income people, by giving law students a chance to experience public interest work before they make their career choices. Georgetown is committed to a partner fellowship with NHeLP. To encourage the connection between Georgetown and the Spitzer Internship, Georgetown will contribute the summer stipend Georgetown makes available to students who intern at non-profits toward the total award, up to $10,000, a Spitzer intern receives.

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Equal Justice Works provides a $1,212 Segal Education Award to 755 students every year who accept public interest internships and externships that provide less than $4,300 in funding as part of its AmeriCorps JD program. Thanks to generous funding from the Legal Services Corporation, in 2016 the organization will introduce a new Rural Summer Legal Corps that will provide 30 law students with $4,000. Those students can add on additional funds from their law school or somewhere else, or opt for an additional $1,212 stipend in the form of a Segal Education Award.


Eva Encinias-Sandoval is the mother of three children and she has been described as a Living Legacy and the creator of what is now the largest International Flamenco Festival in the North America. Eva was trained by her mother Clara Garcia de Aranda, in her dance academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The festival is a celebration of family traditions, and it has preserved the culture of the decedents of the Spanish Immigrant families that immigrated to America after the Spanish Civil War in 1936-1939.



Eva describes her mother as a dancer, performer and entertainer who was taught by her brother who had travelled too many countries as a musician and a dancer to study different forms of dance. Eva describes how she was bitten by flamenco dance and how she knew at a very early age that she was going to continue to be a dancer. Eva's son, Marisol Encinias and daughter, Joaquin Encinias and several of her grandchildren are also professional dancers.



She went on to continue her mother's work at the Academy and in 1992 she established the Instituto Nacional de Flamenco (National Flamenco Institute) which has its own Conservatory of Flamenco Art and she was responsible for introducing Flamenco dance classes to the University of New Mexico.

"When I was a student at the University of New Mexico studying dance and they offered me the opportunity to teach a class in the dance program and I think that opened the door of opportunity that afforded me access to hundreds of students and then through teaching it allowed me to share Flamenco with the community in a much greater way. And with collaborators like Heritage Hotels, University of New Mexico, New Mexico True, The Hispanic Cultural Center and the Alburqurque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, this event would not be possible" Eva said.

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The University of New Mexico now has the only undergraduate Flamenco concentration in a university program anywhere in the world, and that has done a tremendous amount of work to help proliferate Flamenco into the community. And through that process and experience Eva was encouraged to start the festival in 1987. After teaching at University of New Mexico for ten years she realised that not all students would get the opportunity to study and work with Flamenco artists in Spain and the festival was formed as a way to bring well world class Spanish Flamenco artists to Albuquerque. The festival which runs for a week not only includes daily performances by artists from the Spanish world including countries like Brazil and Mexico but also offers six energy-filed days of workshops structured for all levels from beginners to professionals.



This year's festival featured artists like:

Mayte Martin, described as the best female flamenco voice of her generation.

Danzaora y Vinatica, described as passion personified, whose dance form is filled with energy, rage and beauty.

Flamenco performances from Dance groups like Del 2mil y Pico, whose impossible footwork and power in rhythm mesmerises audiences from beginning to end.

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Anonio Molina "EL CHORO" whose performances fuse the past, present and future to exhibit music and flamenco dance from the 17th century to the present day.

Juana Amaya who has been described by the New York Times as "Amaya is refined, a genteel dancer whose purity is nonetheless channelled into amazingly fast footwork. Her complex rhythms are honed into filigreed quiver".

And Manuel Linan, who New York Times described as "An eccentric, following his own version of a path opened by several contemporary flamenco dancers who flaunt their inhibition."

Other artists featured were Pedro Pedro Cordoba, Rocio Molina, Gema Moneo, Daniel Navarro and Yjastros - The American Flamenco Repertory company.

Eva Encinias-Sandoval said, "I feel that dance like any language is a form of communication and through this International Flamenco Festival we not only celebrate where we are from but we have managed to preserve a very unique part of our colonial history and are able to bring Spain to not only her descendants in New Mexico but to the world. And through our Charter school, the Conservatory and the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque is now the city to bring Flamenco to the community and the world"

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To find out more about Flamenco in Albuquerque visit:-

Photography by Monique Martinez Photography
You know the tide has turned against gun violence when even the American Medical Association calls it a public health menace at the finish of its annual convention.

"CHICAGO - In the wake of the worst mass shooting in American history and with more than 6,000 deaths already in 2016 from gun violence, the American Medical Association (AMA) today adopted policy calling gun violence in the United States "a public health crisis" requiring a comprehensive public health response and solution," said its press release.

Additionally, at the Annual Meeting of its House of Delegates, the AMA resolved to actively lobby Congress to overturn legislation that for 20 years has prohibited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from researching gun violence.

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This is after the US Senate could not even agree on banning gun purchases for anyone on the terrorism watch list in the wake of the Pulse nightclub massacre. You know it's a public health menace when such mass killings are the work of both domestic and foreign terrorists, whether at Aurora, Sandy Hook, San Bernardino, and Orlando.

You know more effective gun control measures are coming, including the banning of military assault weapons like the AR-15, when Nicholas Kristof wrote an op-ed stating that more Americans had died from gunfire since 1968 than in all the wars ever fought by the United States -- a claim PolitiFact twice pronounced to be true.

'When 50 people were shot and killed early Sunday morning at a gay nightclub in Orlando,' wrote Kristof, 'the toll from gun murders this year rose to somewhere around 6,000 deaths, which means if the trend continues, this year may end up with the highest gun homicide count since Barack Obama took office in 2009. Add to the homicide number the 550 or so victims of police shootings, roughly the same number of accidental gun deaths and the 21,000+ Americans who use a gun to end their own lives, and the total gun mortality number this year may go above 35,000.'

And now the women are getting together, as did those MADD women that enabled stricter drunk driving laws. (You would think the insurance companies would be behind this initiative as well, for all the money in lawsuits they would save.)

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Recently, a powerful new gun control group has emerged, called Everytown for Gun Safety, a combining of several smaller gun control groups, including Women Against Gun Violence and Mom's Demand Action. This is while former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was getting ready to launch Everytown for Gun Safety with a pledge of $50 million, but it lacked foot soldiers. So today Bloomberg and the women's groups have merged together with 3.5 million supporters.

And the nail in the coffin of unregulated gun violence may have been supplied by the now 8-member Supreme Court which allowed a lower court ruling banning assault weapons to stand, which in effect means that the Second Amendment right to own guns does have limits. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday left in place gun control laws in New York and Connecticut that ban military-style assault weapons like the one used in last week's massacre at an Orlando nightclub, rejecting a legal challenge by gun rights advocates.

The New York and Connecticut laws, among the strictest in the nation, were enacted after a gunman with a semiautomatic rifle killed 20 young children and six educators in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. In total, seven states and the District of Columbia ban semiautomatic rifles.

'With approximately 30,000 men, women and children dying each year at the barrel of a gun in elementary schools, movie theaters, workplaces, houses of worship and on live television, the United States faces a public health crisis of gun violence,' said AMA President Steven J. Stack, M.D. 'Even as America faces a crisis unrivaled in any other developed country, the Congress prohibits the CDC from conducting the very research that would help us understand the problems associated with gun violence and determine how to reduce the high rate of firearm-related deaths and injuries.'

So we can now have a discussion about the latest public safety menace, the epidemic of gun violence. It requires similar treatment as did the Ebola and Zika epidemics--eradication of the carriers of that violence; which means stricter licensing requirements for starters, and maybe the banning of military-style assault weapons.

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Harlan Green  2016
The idea of morality plays a major role in public health from "sin taxes" on vices such as alcohol to sexually transmitted diseases.

We've seen the effects these moral stands can have, most notably in the stigma attached to people with HIV, which prevented many from getting adequate treatment.

How restrictions on women's reproductive rights will play out in the face of the Zika virus has yet to be determined.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 423 pregnant women in the United States and its territories have tested positive for the Zika virus as of June 9.

As the United States enters its annual mosquito season, experts are concerned about the potential range of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes capable of spreading diseases like Zika.

The areas most impacted by these flying pests are those along the southern border of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, and the east coast as far north as Connecticut. States in the Bible Belt may be affected the most.

The CDC is quick to point out the projections about how far the mosquitoes could spread are not meant to represent the risk for spread of disease. But the range does include states with some of the harshest restrictions on access to contraceptives and abortion services.

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Elizabeth Nash, senior state issues associate with the Guttmacher Institute, says these types of restrictions have created unintended consequences, as highlighted by the threat of Zika.

"This is a really tough issue," she told Healthline. "It crosses a lot of topics."

The latest battleground

The virus, spread through mosquitoes and sexual contact, causes fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes, although many infected people may not show symptoms.

Most importantly, it can cause birth defects such as microcephaly and other abnormalities that are collectively referred to Congenital Zika Syndrome. A child can be born with a smaller head and smaller brain, preventing proper development.

These types of birth defects can be diagnosed via ultrasound around 28 weeks.

One major problem is that many states that will be impacted more by the mosquitoes than others outlaw abortion after 20 weeks. Twelve states have already banned abortions at about 20 weeks after fertilization, and others are considering similar bans.

Some states, including Indiana and North Dakota, ban abortion in cases of potential inherited genetic defects. While Zika isn't inherited, these laws may have a chilling factor, the Guttmacher Institute review found.

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"For someone who may seek to terminate their pregnancy because of Zika may have difficulty doing so," Nash said.

One of the earliest noted cases of Zika involved a pregnant woman in Slovenia, who had worked in Brazil the year prior.

While ultrasound showed normal growth at 20 weeks, doctors first noticed fetal abnormalities at 29 weeks. The woman chose to terminate her pregnancy at 32 weeks.

Southern factors

According to a recent report in the Guttmacher Policy Review, many of the states that may be initially impacted by Zika aren't well equipped to deal with the problems of the disease.

These troubles include insurance rates, access to reproductive care, and rates of accidental pregnancies.

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States in the potential mosquito danger zone also have the highest rate of uninsured women of reproductive age as well as high unintended pregnancy rates. These include Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

The most potentially unprepared state, the Guttmacher paper found, is Texas. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this month on an abortion case stemming from Texas regarding access to abortion services in the state.

"Texas is emblematic of what's occurring across the South," Nash said.

Texas state legislators didn't meet this year, so they couldn't even consider the issue. But other states legislatures that meet every year still weren't discussing the potential impact of Zika, which Nash found fascinating.

"Zika wasn't on their radars," she said. "Given the high profile of Zika, to see those connections aren't being made is alarming."

By Brian Krans
Hello from Germany!

For the past six weeks, I have been living in Reutlingen in Southern Germany, travelling through verdant country sides and rolling hills swept with umber-roofed houses and ruins of stoic towers and castles. If you're planning a vacation through the dazzling south of Germany, make sure to add these locations to your list!

1. Visit the Historic Capital of Heidelberg

A shelled castle of centuries past, meandering streets both modern and old world charm: Heidelberg has survived centuries, morphing and evolving, yet retaining a definitive identity. While there, be sure to see the famous pedestrian bridge with its ornate gates, the student prison for the university (where Heidelberg's naughtiest students longed to stay for a night as a badge of honor for partying hard), and the local markets selling artisan crafts for reasonable prices.

2. Hike to the Schloss Lichtenstein

Nestled atop a cliff outside the very small town of Honau, the Schloss Lichtenstein is a castle that has survived centuries: layers of time and building material slowly merging to create the castle of today. Hike to the castle on a thin, winding path through emerald green forests dotted with spectacular wildflowers and expanses of rock. Expect a thirty to forty-five minute hike with steep inclines and inimitable views. Once on top, wander the grounds and walls and take pictures of the panoramic vistas of Bavarian countryside; it costs several Euros to enter and a few more if you would like to tour the inside of the castle itself. Before taking the meandering paths back down to the base, step into the restaurant next to the castle for a fresh meal or ice cream.

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3. Tour the Beautiful City of Aachen

Aachen, named from the Latin word "aqua" for its miraculous underground mineral waters, is a marvel of modern day and history. Aachen is a city of fountains dotting squares and bronzed statues around every corner, a city in which houses from three consecutive centuries sit contently beside one another - with a courtyard featuring Roman pillars and arches at their front. The vendors flood the market square early with fresh Spagel (asparagus), Erdbeeren (strawberries), honey, and lavender. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts across the square. Spend a leisurely afternoon in the Carolus Thermen mineral water baths and leave with baby-soft skin and relaxed muscles. Tour the magnificent cathedral with indescribably beautiful mosaics lining the soaring ceilings and the Town Hall whose origins date back to Charlemagne - Aachen was his favorite city and he is buried in the cathedral.

4. Ride a Punting Boat in Tubingen

Tubingen sits on the Neckar river, its banks lined with vibrant parks and even brighter pastel houses. Take a tour via punting boat, rowed by gondolier-like men and women wielding long poles of bamboo. Tubingen's famous university sits on the hill, stately and beautiful and centuries old. For the best views of the city and the river, climb the bell tower of the Lutheran cathedral for a fifty-cent piece. Tubingen is everything you could imagine for a quaint Germanic riverside city, built over centuries, with a completely unique character.

5. Take a Ride Up the Rhine

Home to dazzling green hills dotted with castles and fortresses, the Rhine River streams through western Germany, flooded with a combination of barges and passenger boats. For the best views of the stunning countryside, board a passenger boat from one of the many cities speckling the banks of the river and find a seat on the top deck. Enjoy a leisurely glass of wine or beer and revel in the refreshing nip of a German breeze from your perch.

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What are your favorite places to visit in Southern Germany? Let me know in the comments!
By Nazareen Heazle, InternationalLiving.com



Cosmopolitan cities, glorious sunshine, delicious cuisine, and low costs -- as a retirement or second-home destination, Spain is hard to beat.



Cobbled Street, Torrox, Spain

The southern province of Andalucia, particularly the area around the Costa del Sol, is the epitome of good-value, romantic Spanish living.

It has everything: long sandy beaches perfect for strolling on ... romantic, white-washed hill towns cling to the Andalusian hillsides ... a sunny climate where snow and even rain are a rarity ... and a cost of living so affordable you'll find it hard to believe you're in a European country.

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You'll share a three-course meal with a friend for as little as $22, rent from $540 a month ... All told a couple can live comfortably on $2,000 a month -- and that includes the costs of exploring all the country has to offer.

Southern Spain is most famous for its beaches and resort towns. If you're a beach lover, you'll find plenty of options for beachside living. Marbella is the glitzy heart of this stretch of coastline, attracting tourists and the wealthy jet set from around the world.



Marbella's Old Town, Marbella, Spain

It has restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, lots of boutique clothing stores, and a pretty Old Town that's a pleasure to ramble through. Despite its glamorous reputation, Marbella is still affordable. You can buy two-bedroom apartments, about a 10-minute walk from the town's popular beach, from $157,000. If you'd prefer to be closer to the sea, you'll pay around $225,000.

Although I love the beaches of the Costa del Sol, it's the area's mountain towns that really charm me.

Just a short drive from the coast, hidden among the green hills, are some of Spain's most enchanting and affordable towns. My favorite was Mijas. This "white town" (pueblo blanco) sits on a hilltop 20 minutes from Malaga. Founded in the second century, it's held onto its traditional Andalusian atmosphere: narrow cobblestone streets, crammed on either side by whitewashed stone buildings. Many are boutiques, local artisan jewelry stores, and expat-owned chocolate shops.

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The cherry on top of this cake is the cost of real estate. I found a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a terrace, a short walk from the town center for just $92,400. Rentals are equally good value. A two-bedroom apartment in the heart of the village can be yours for $565 a month.



Pueblo of Torrox, Spain

Another of this area's mountain towns that stole my heart is the peaceful pueblo of Torrox. It's the kind of place where time stands still. The quaint village square, Plaza de la Constitucion, is lined with orange trees, their faint scent filling the air. Here locals sit in cafes or on one of the many wooden benches to watch the world go by. The town hall stands proudly at the end of the square, its green shutters a colorful contrast to its brilliant white walls. Life in Torrox is easy and serene.

The price of a new home in Torrox will also be easy on your pocketbook. Currently a three-bedroom apartment, right near the main square, with its own terrace is on offer for just $107,700. A townhouse with three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 1,400 square feet of living space can be rented on a long-term basis for $540 a month.



Paseo Maritimo, Marbella, Spain

As I've mentioned, real estate isn't the only thing in southern Spain that's good value. The food, in particular, is great value. My favorite dining experience was a three-course meal of crispy deep-fried Camembert, a Mediterranean fish bisque, followed by warm chocolate cake smothered in cream for just $16.

The perfect end to a serene day in southern Spain.

This article comes to us courtesy of InternationalLiving.com, the world's leading authority on how to live, work, invest, travel, and retire better overseas.

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Earlier on Huff/Post50:
donation

I was 26 when we decided we were ready to start a family. I had been dreaming of this moment since the day we got married and my heart was so full thinking of the life that lay ahead of us. We were going to be great parents.

Four long, heartbreaking years later, I find myself still waiting for that dream to come true.

When we first found out we would need to rely on fertility treatments to get pregnant, of course, we were devastated. I never imagined this is what it would take to start a family. I had the same hopes and dreams as many other women (you know, finding out I was pregnant the first month of trying and surprising my husband with a "World's Best Daddy" onsie).

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What turned out to be equally as painful was the realization that in our state, insurance does not cover any of the costs related to fertility treatments. After two rounds of IUI, we knew the right choice for us was to move into In Vitro Fertilization. This decision also came with a $12,000 price tag and an ever-present worry about how we were going to pay for it all out of pocket.

"We'll take a year off and save," we said. And we did. We saved enough to pay for our first treatment cycle and we thought our worries were over. We have never been more wrong.

In the last year, we have been through more as a couple than I ever thought we would encounter throughout our entire lives together. The unceasing anguish of four failed IVF cycles took its toll on our marriage as we tried to navigate our own emotions while supporting one another, too. "Everything will be alright as long as we have each other," we would say, but things are never that easy. We worked hard to be there for one another, and we were. We are. But there is this lingering worry about how we will continue on when what lies ahead of us carries a $17,000 price tag.

When we first began our IVF journey and would tell people it's not covered by insurance in Maine, they would say, "You guys should start one of those crowd- funding things!" I would cringe at the thought. I hated seeing those myself, and a crowdfunding plea for IVF, I did not want to appear that desperate. The things people would think about me!

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I've changed a lot since then. When we first sought help for our struggle with infertility, I made it my mission to make sure no one knew. "When are you guys going to have kids?" everyone would ask. "Oh, gosh, not for at least a few more years!" I would say, and it felt like a little piece of me died every time I said it. Looking back, my reasons for keeping our struggle a secret were the exact same reasons I refused to ask for any sort of financial help--even $30,000 later. I was too worried about what other people would think.

I have spent my whole life creating an image for other people. I did all the 'right' things, in the 'right' order for everyone else just as much as I did them for myself. How sad is that? It has only been in the last year that I have learned that people are always going to judge you and point fingers but that their opinion of you is just that...their opinion. I have let others be my biggest limitation my whole life and for once, I am going to do exactly what my heart tells me I need to do instead of letting my fear decide for me.

IVF is controversial. There are undoubtedly those people who loathe the idea of it (believe me, I have already encountered my fair share of them) and there are those who just don't understand it. Both are okay. I don't expect everyone to support our journey, or even agree with it. Our decision to use crowdfunding to help us build a family is not something we take lightly. In fact, this has been one of the hardest things that we have ever done and has only come after months and months of deliberation.
While you are busy exchanging your British pounds for dollars and euros, take a break and test your news skills with our latest Week to Week News Quiz.

Here are some random but real hints: He probably also asked about his pension; dream delayed; it's the Andy Warhol theory of law enforcement; and a mother scorned. Answers are below the quiz.

1. Following the UK's vote to leave the European Union, what did Prime Minister David Cameron reportedly tell Queen Elizabeth?

a. Oops, shouldn't have done that

b. I'm quitting

c. Frankly, your majesty, this is all your fault

d. It's time we got rid of the royal family, too

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2. What Obama administration initiative was dealt a setback by the U.S. Supreme Court this week?

a. The Iran nuclear agreement

b. Loan guarantees for sustainable energy companies

c. Rapprochement with Cuba

d. Protecting certain immigrants from the threat of deportation

3. What did the FBI remove from the transcripts of the 911 call with the Orlando nightclub killer?

a. References to Islamic State and its leader

b. References to Israel

c. All mention of his hatred of LGBT people

d. His repeated insistence that he be buried in Arlington National Cemetery

4. If you're looking for a job, where might you find an open position?

a. The Clinton campaign, which laid off 250 "unproductive" senior staffers this week

b. Disneyland Paris, which is looking for 50 American English speakers to staff a new "Americaland" attraction

c. Oakland, California, which is getting its fourth police chief in less than two weeks

d. Huffington Post, which is launching its newest overseas edition, Huffington Post Tehran

5. Whom did Donald Trump fire on Monday?

a. His campaign chairman, Paul Manafort

b. His campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski

c. His media advisor and grandson, Trip Trump

d. His marketing firm, Draper Sterling

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6. Viernheim is a small industrial town in western Germany. What happened there this week that had echoes of American events?

a. A gunman attacked moviegoers in a cinema

b. Reality TV star Axel Feldheim launched his populist campaign to replace Angela Merkel as chancellor in the next federal election

c. Lawmakers in the regional legislature staged a sit-in to demand votes on immigration policy

d. A handsome man arrested for armed robbery was offered a three-year modeling contract by a major German clothing label

7. Who's the latest Republican to publicly endorse Democrat Hillary Clinton for president?

a. George H.W. Bush

b. Brent Scowcroft

c. Newt Gingrich

d. John McCain

8. What's the next likely referendum that could shock the United Kingdom?

a. Following the Brexit vote, Scotland is considering holding another referendum on leaving the UK

b. David Cameron promised to let Welsh voters decide whether to remain in the UK

c. Voters will decide in early August whether to disband the monarchy

d. British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is pushing a referendum on leaving NATO

9. Senator Bernie Sanders, who has refused to endorse Hillary Clinton, said he will vote for whom in November?

a. Donald Trump

b. Bernie Sanders

c. Hillary Clinton

d. Nigel Farage

10. Why is Fiat Chrysler facing a lawsuit from Jeep owners?

a. Five Jeep Grand Cherokees have been involved in explosions during acceleration

b. A class action lawsuit claims the Jeeps are overpriced compared to Korean rivals

c. A law firm filed suit saying the cars were unsafe following the death of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin, who was killed when his Jeep rolled into him

d. Consumer Reports discovered that the all-electric version of the Jeep Mammoth actually has a gas back-up engine

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BONUS. Who told CBS "I don't know how women can vote" for Donald Trump?

a. Donald Trump

b. Ivanka Trump

c. Barbara Bush

d. Paul Ryan

ANSWERS

1. b.

2. d.

3. a.

4. c.

5. b.

6. a.

7. b.

8. a.

9. c (but it's not an endorsement, and he hasn't ended his campaign).

10. c.

BONUS. c.

Want the live news quiz experience? Join us Monday, July 11 in downtown San Francisco for our next live (and lively) Week to Week political roundtable with a news quiz and a social hour at The Commonwealth Club of California. Panelists include Carson Bruno, Melissa Caen, and Dr. James Taylor.
Map of the middle-east region of Syria - outer edges blurred to increase focus on the center of the image.

The recent call by 51 dissenting State Department officials for U.S. military escalation in Syria is merely one of dozens of similar demands by neoconservatives and anguished liberals who accuse President Obama of moral failure for not dictating peace in Syria at the end of a gun.

At almost the same time as the State Department dissent, in fact, the hawkish Center for New American Security issued similar recommendations under the auspices of Michele Flournoy, Hillary Clinton's likely pick for secretary of defense. Its report called for more "arming and training" of anti-government rebels, launching of "limited military strikes" against the Assad regime, and eliminating "artificial manpower limitations" on military missions in the country.

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Critics warn that such policies would violate international law, in the absence of any United Nations authorization for intervention, and risk a dangerous confrontation with Russia. But the slew of reports, speeches and columns calling for "limited" and "judicious" military escalation have an even bigger flaw: they never make even the slightest case for thinking such interventions could work.

Their claims reflect magical thinking. Champions of intervention cling to the wishful belief that if the world's one superpower wants something badly enough, we must be able to attain it. But as our disastrous experiences in Iraq and Libya--not to mention Vietnam--should have made abundantly clear to any sentient being, America simply lacks the capability to find and empower suitable local partners and then dictate political outcomes.

Our experience in Syria itself should have made the same lesson clear. President Obama ordered the Pentagon to spend $500 million to "train-and-equip" anti-regime moderates. The program graduated all of 54 recruits, most of whom were promptly kidnaped by the local al-Qaeda affiliate, Jabhat al-Nusra (possibly at the instigation of Turkey). Similarly, U.S. arms for "moderate" rebels have consistently fallen into the hands of al-Nusra.

But don't take my word for it. Consider a new report by the "progressive" Century Foundation, called "The Case for a More Robust U.S. Intervention in Syria." Despite its conventional recommendations, author Thanassis Cambanis offers reason after reason to question how U.S. escalation could possibly make things better.

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As Cambanis admits, the Obama administration has been "funding, training, and arming parts of the opposition" for several years now. And he acknowledges that "Most of the armed opposition has survived only because of foreign intervention -- the exceptions being the most distressing elements: Islamic State and Nusra."

Unfortunately, he adds, Washington's favored allies are "disconnected from the most important groups doing the fighting and delivering services in rebel-controlled territory."

Some Kurdish groups--bitterly opposed by Turkey--have shown great prowess in the field. But America's favored local force, the Free Syrian Army, is a mish-mash of "citizens' militias, local mafia and gangster groupings, and semi-professional forces" whose promise "never materialized. . . . Free Syrian Army brigades remain as bitterly fragmented today as they were in 2011-12--perhaps even more so. No amount of cajoling by the United States . . . has persuaded even the most minute brigades to submit to an umbrella command."

Worse yet, "Many Free Syrian Army groups have been guilty of corruption, brutality, torture, and other crimes," Cambanis writes.

Moderates, it seems, make bad fighters.

In contrast, our allies like Saudi Arabia and Turkey have funded "other more Islamist fighting forces, including the Army of Islam around Damascus and Ahrar al-Sham, a group with both jihadist and nationalist pedigrees that is probably the single most powerful militant rebel force in northern Syria, outside of Al Qaeda's Nusra Front and the Islamic State group. Few of these groups . . . can be described as 'moderate.' . . . The only unitary actors with discernible chains of command are the Islamist-jihadist hardline groups: Islamic State, Nusra, and Ahrar el Sham."

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In fact, Islamists are so dominant that "In most of rebel-held northern Syria, the Free Syrian Army groups exist largely at the pleasure of Ahrar or Nusra, and in some areas face the specter of destruction by Islamic State."

Bottom line, "There is no sizable 'moderate,' nationalist, or secular faction that could lead a military offensive, much less claim to represent the opposition in a negotiating setting. Any anti-Assad intervention will, in the short-term, benefit the most powerful factions on the ground--the extremists and the jihadists."

The typical proponent of more intervention is as oblivious to the realities of the regime as to those of its opposition. Unlike them, Cambanis concedes that Assad does not simply rule through terror. His government "possesses significant wells of legitimacy. . . his rule has maintained some degree of buy-in from millions of Sunni Arabs, as well as thousands of Kurds. . . . Conversations suggest there are plenty more, perhaps numbering in the millions, who do not like the way Assad runs Syria but prefer his secular, pluralistic dictatorship to the alternative they believe the rebellion offers: violence, anarchy, or a Sunni theocracy. . . .

"The alternative, in their view, is the kind of unchecked sectarianism they have heard about in areas controlled by Islamic State, Nusra, Ahrar, . . . even supposedly moderate Free Syrian Army-branded groups."

So there you have it: Millions of Syrian support Assad, or prefer him to the alternative. His armed opponents are mainly radical Islamists, varying only in their willingness to make tactical compromises. All previous U.S. efforts to rally an effective force of "moderates" have failed utterly.

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Hasan Minhaj is a comedian, actor, writer, performer and all-around news junkie. He's now using his politically-infused wit to entertain on The Daily Show as the Senior Correspondent. I caught up with Hasan about comedy, news, working for a different boss, and more.

Before you were "Hasan Minhaj, Comedian," who were you, back in Davis, California?

I was actually a really, sort of nervous shy kid. In high school, it was one of those things where I wasn't popular or a loser, I just don't think many people really knew who I was.

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How did you get your comedy start? Was there any point where you thought, okay, this is what I want to do when I'm older? Or did it occur more organically?

Well, really, I did speech and debate in high school, and then when I was a Freshman in college I had never seen stand-up before and I saw Chris Rock's Never Scared at a friend's apartment and I thought, wow this is funny speech and debate -- I should give this a try and see what happens.

Who are some comedians who inspired you?

Chris Rock, probably of all-time. Bill Burr, Louis [CK], and Jon Stewart.

Who is the one comedian to keep an eye on right now?

I would say, hmm, I can't give you one, but I'd say a bunch of people are doing really really interesting things. John Mulaney, Ron Funches, Vicky Manwar.

You joined The Daily Show as a correspondent back in 2014, do you have a favorite moment since your debut?

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The Jon Stewart finale was unreal, and my Justin Trudeau interview.

What happens behind the scenes? I imagine there's a lot of laughing going on when the cameras are off. Is it in any way like your 'typical' office job?

Yeah, it's really great. We're all friends, we hang out, and what's awesome is that from the top-down there's sort of this "no asshole" attitude. Everybody is really great and contributing, and it's a really safe place to talk about ideas and what's happening in the world. I'm very lucky to have this job.

The show is revolutionary in the way it combines journalism with hilarity, we see a similar approach with other shows such as SNL. Why is humor so effective when discussing more serious topics?



As satirists we get to stand on the sidelines of life and comment on what's happening. And because we're not telling any political, corporate, or religious lines, we're able to honestly say things how they really are.

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What's it like spending time around Jon Stewart?

He's as amazing as advertised. Honest, thoughtful, sincere. And a comedy Jedi.

Any distinct differences between Jon and Trevor Noah?

The biggest difference between Jon and Trevor: Jon is like the Jewish Yoda and Trevor is like a comedy contemporary, where we are collaborating and going back and forth and creating, and building a new thing together.

Where do you go to get your news? Do you believe that mainstream news sources are trustworthy?



Now that I'm on the show we get our news from so many difference places. But look, I think there's a lot of people doing really really amazing, interesting things. I think The Atlantic does great work, especially Ta-Nehis's articles. Vox, they're doing interesting, sort of field and digital pieces, which I think are really great. So there are people out there fighting the good fight.

I've heard a lot of people say that they turn to comedy shows such as The Daily Show as their main source of news. Your thoughts on that?

I think that's awesome. I just hope that people get a variety of news sources to keep themselves informed.

Not surprisingly, your one man show, "Homecoming King," has left an impact on a lot of people. NPR called you an "absorbing storyteller." How did the show start?

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The "Homecoming King" show started off as a storytelling show that I had done, I worked with Greg Walloch to develop it and build it into something bigger.

You talk about living the American Dream. Do you think, or worry, that for many the opportunity to climb the socioeconomic ladder is getting more difficult?

I think that we live in a time where, for certain marginalized groups, life itself is already really hard. With taxes and relationships and work and life and death and disease, and horrible things that happen in life, race is just one of those things that is just an added nuisance on top of the difficulties of everyday life in existence.

I would hope that things are getting better, I'm an angry optimist in the sense that I think that there's a lot more room to grow, but we live in an amazing time and a lot of good is happening in the world. We have a long way to go, but the needle is moving forward.

I love how you have a spot on the "Homecoming King" website specifically devoted to giving others a voice -- encouraging them to send in similar stories. What kind of response have you received?

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I've received some of the most amazing, heartfelt responses. And to me the reason why I asked people to share their stories is because if it's just a show about me, that's not interesting to me. But if other people can share their stories, that's what art is really about -- our collective and shared experiences.

Let's talk about being in the public eye in today's world. Is it tough doing comedy in the age of social media? Has social media helped you?

It's a double-edged sword. It's really helped me. It's really helped me get in touch with people. You know, it's how you and I actually got in touch. It's also one of those things where everybody has a voice, and it can be used negatively, and that's a problem, too.

What's your biggest piece of advice to comedians out there trying to break into the industry?



My biggest piece of advice is the same piece of advice that I heard from Conan O'Brien. Not to me personally, but I've heard him give this advice to other people: One, move to the city where they're doing what you want to do. Two, immerse yourself in a community that is doing said activity and rise within that community, and three, just be nice.

What's on your Netflix queue right now?

Right now I'm watching Luther, and I gotta say, Idris Elba is a beast.

If Donald Trump were a cereal, which one would he be?



He'd be whatever cereal cuts up your mouth and makes you say, I should never do this ever again.

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Brexit Door Illustration isolated on white background. 3D render

So a sizable majority of British voted to leave the European Union. Does this mean the end of the Union? No. It means only that the U.K. is isolating itself, becoming a lonely pitiful old lady on a wheelchair in a street corner somewhere.

The British ignored passionate appeals from the U.K.'s closest ally, the U.S., and other allies like Germany and France to stay in the Union. U.S. interests and the interests of all of Europe in their relations with Russia, Asia, Africa and Latin America are best served with a stronger, united Europe, not with a few large economies and a multitude of mini-States which in their own are mere economic and diplomatic dots.

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Those opposing U.K. membership in the EU have now paved the way for Scotland's independence and the very possible end of the Northern Ireland peace agreement and renewed violence there.

From afar, my best advice to European leaders is...there is no reason to panic; the EU still has Germany, France, Italy, Italy, Poland and Spain whose combined GDP dwarf that of little UK.

European leaders must display serenity and begin to reimagine a Union that is more peoples-based, reconnecting with the real people, less focused on the stifling Brussels-based bureaucrats, real culprits and cause of disdain and repudiation; instead of overspending on a wasteful Brussels bureaucracy the new EU (without the cranky old English Lady) should double investments on youth and employment for all, education and innovation.

As the U.K. exits the EU it should graciously and voluntarily surrender its privileges as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The vacant position should be occupied by Germany alternating with Italy, Poland and Spain or any other arrangement negotiated and agreed by the EU member States.

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When I first met Nela Hasic - Regional Director of the Women's Health Empowerment Program (WHEP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina - it was immediately clear that I'd met someone special.

In 1992, in the aftermath of the collapse of Yugoslavia, Bosnia's capital of Sarajevo - Nela's home - came under siege. She received a call from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). "JDC is airlifting members of the Bosnian community to safety," she was told. "You have to be at the airport in half an hour."

Nela recounted that she was reluctant to leave, believing that war would soon pass over the city, but her father (a Holocaust survivor) told her, "Once in my life, I lived through a similar situation. We thought everything would be okay, that nothing would happen - and then I ended up alone in the world."

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So she grabbed her two young children (then 5 and 3), two sets of pajamas, a coat and her purse, and left. After six months in Belgrade and Budapest, living as a refugee with her kids, Nela reconnected with her husband (who was rescued by JDC's other convoys), and shortly thereafter, they left for Israel and "made Aliyah." After a decade building a new life in Israel, Nela and her family decided to return to her home of Bosnia. But in the wake of so much tragedy, it was hardly the home she remembered.

Their future in their "new" home was uncertain... until Nela was asked by the JDC to lead the WHEP - a program that encourages the early detection of breast cancer, creates support groups and hotlines, and facilitates partnerships in the community. The WHEP was originally established by the JDC in 1995, and Susan G. Komen became a partner of this groundbreaking work in 2005.

Nela's personal journey of pain, promise and hope has made her an effective leader for women's health throughout the country. Her passion and determination were clear when I had the opportunity to see this work firsthand during my very first visit to Bosnia last month.

I was familiar with the country's heartbreaking history, which still leaves portions of the population divided - some by chance, others by choice.

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But more familiar were the obstacles they had to overcome as they worked to combat breast cancer. JDC leaders I met with recounted that when the WHEP was created in 1995, there was no awareness of breast cancer in Bosnia. In fact, the way people perceived this disease was similar to the reality we faced in the United States when our organization was founded in 1982 - a shroud of shame, stigma and misinformation.

And just as we had to change the conversation in the U.S., change was needed in Bosnia. Fortunately, we have a courageous, persuasive and determined woman at the helm.

Nela and our partners through the WHEP and JDC worked from the ground up to build a country-wide organization that served all women and overcame barriers. She started with one other advocate, and is now joined by women from 23 organizations from across the region. "We don't give the floor to religion or other differences," she told the Times of Israel. "Women's health is our agenda."

Viewing footage from the first Bosnia Race for the Cure in 2008, and comparing it to last year's Race demonstrates the transformation Nela and the JDC have driven better than words can (trust me, you don't need to speak Bosnian, Serbian or Croatian to witness the power of this work). In the course of just 7 years, our Race participants more than doubled, growing from 2,400 to more than 7,000 participants.

Throughout my visit, I often found myself in awe of the friendship and harmony that Nela and the WHEP were able to foster among women of all faiths and backgrounds. I was only there for (a hectic) 40 hours, but I felt as though I'd made friends for life.

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I had the opportunity to visit a local village where a group of women gathered at the mosque to hear from a female physician about what a mammogram is. We later gathered at a health clinic, where the WHEP brought OB/GYNs and a mobile mammography unit to offer health services to the women. The technicians planned to screen 50 women, but was able to screen 60 (for 90 percent of these women, it was their very first mammogram)!

I visited with a group of survivors, who regularly meet in Sarajevo to create heart pillows for women currently in breast cancer treatment - a gift truly from the heart of women who sought only to support one another.

Thanks to the way this partnership has transformed women's health through Bosnia, others are seeking to learn from Nela and WHEP. During my time in Bosnia, we were accompanied by the most unlikely of partners - Israeli and Palestinian women - who jointly approached the WHEP for guidance on how to support women facing breast cancer in their own communities.

That is the power of partnership - of goals and determination.

Nela would be the first to tell you, though, that it's no easy task. There is no shortcut from A to Z. Instead it is a journey... from A to B to C and so on.
Anton, an engineering student, speaking to delegates in Yalta

June 23, 2016

In the historic port city of Yalta, located on the Crimean Peninsula, we visited the site where Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin, in February of 1945, concluded negotiations ending World War II.

These leaders and their top advisors were also present at the creation of the United Nations and other instruments of international negotiation and non-military cooperation. Tragically, the creation of the "Cold War" was underway soon after. Reviving tensions between the United States and Russia make it seem as though the Cold War might not have ended.

We also met with groups of young adults, teachers, and veterans of foreign wars. At each meeting, participants readily agreed that new peace agreements are needed.

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Olga, a tour guide, told me that she was fairly sure most young people here in Yalta would know what NATO is, what the acronym stands for, and they would know about recent NATO developments. Our delegation has been wondering how to cope with a quite different reality in the U.S., where many people may be poorly informed about NATO and would know even less about the Anti -Ballistic Missile treaty that the U.S. more or less tore up in 2001.

The Federation of American Scientists, in its 2016 inventory of nuclear forces, states that approximately 93 percent of all nuclear warheads are owned by Russia and the United States who each have roughly 4,500-4,700 warheads in their military stockpiles.

Konstatin, a veteran from the USSR war in Afghanistan, now a grandfather, spoke to us about Yalta's history during World War II. "Many people perished here," he said. "More than a million perished during WWII. This tourist resort was founded from the bones of people killed in the war." Some 22 million Russians overall died during World War II, most of them civilians. Konstatin urged all of us to find ways for avoiding further war, and he spoke about how funds spent on weapons are crucially needed to help heal children afflicted by disease or hunger.

Julia, a University student who wants to become an interpreter working with diplomats, said that she is glad and grateful never to have lived through a war." I always want to choose words instead of weapons," Julia said.

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We asked university students what they thought of prospects for abolition of nuclear weapons. Anton, who studies engineering, told us that he believes "the youth of different countries would like to bridge the gap and work out ways to unite people." His words are extremely important now, as Russia and the U.S., possessing such huge stockpiles of nuclear weapons, engage in intensifying conflict. "All of us should soften the geopolitical relations between our countries," Anton continued, "and try to get together on the same level, on the same ground. The idea of this future should be attractive to everyone and enable us to solve ecological problems. And if we all put efforts into reaching this idea of development and creativity, in the future, then the nuclear abolition will be something we can accomplish"

In 1954 the Soviet government transferred this largely Russian-speaking area from Russia to the Ukraine. In 2014, after Ukraine's elected president was ousted and its new government formed in part by avowed neo-Nazis, Russia occupied the Crimea and after overwhelmingly winning an uncomfortably hasty vote, annexed it or "reunited" the Crimean peninsula with Russia, depending on who describes the history. The Ukraine ouster, it is widely believed here and in much of the world outside the United States, is considered to have been engineered by the United States and NATO. What plays in the U.S. as Russian aggression is seen by many here as a response to antidemocratic NATO interference along the Russian border.

It can be credibly argued that at its creation NATO's mission was essentially defensive. Stalin was a terrifying dictator, suffering from increasing psychosis, with a long history of betraying even those who seemed to be his closest allies. Yet, as one Russian World War II veteran noted, the Russians had not tried to take over other countries far from their borders. They actually had been very cautious and conservative about extending the boundaries or reach of the Soviet empire by military force, and after World War II Russia needed to focus on rebuilding the internal Soviet economy and society.

The continuously assertive military posturing of NATO undermines and conflicts with the mission and development of instruments for international negotiation and constructive cooperation. Among the most striking examples in recent years are:

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i) the decision to expand NATO into eastern and southern Europe by accepting the membership or candidacy of countries as far south as Georgia;

ii) the 2001 decision by George Bush to abrogate the U.S. - Russian Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems treaty and to build a so-called ballistic missile shield system in East European countries, allegedly intended to protect against prospective Iranian missile launches directed toward Europe;

iii) the 2001 to the present decisions by the U.S. and NATO to invade Afghanistan and to establish long term military bases there, anchoring a military presence in the center of Central Asia.

New conflicts around the Ukraine are still brewing.

Milan Rai, writing for Peace News, helps put this conflict in context:

"Since Vladimir Putin's first ascendancy to the Russian presidency in 2000, the Russian state has used its armed forces against other countries twice: against Georgia, in 2008; and now against Ukraine... In the same time period, the US has used its armed forces in a criminal fashion against a number of countries, including: Afghanistan (2001-present); https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/category/projects/drones/drones-yemen/Yemen (drone attacks, 2002-present); Iraq (2003-present); Pakistan (drone attacks, 2004-present); Libya (2011); Somalia (2011-present).... The western powers are in no position to lecture Putin, whose actions in Crimea look like a Gandhian direct action when compared to the normal US-UK mode of operation. From 28 February to 18 March, Russian forces captured over a dozen Ukrainian bases or military posts without the loss of a single life. Compare this to the US use of tank-mounted ploughs to bury alive perhaps thousands of Iraqi conscripts in desert trenches during the opening moves of the 1991 invasion of Iraq. (US colonel Lon Maggart, in charge of one of the brigades involved, estimated that between 80 and 250 Iraqis had been buried alive.) When one thinks of the number of deaths caused by US-UK aggression since 2000, including the grim ongoing tragedy of the Iraqi civil war, it is difficult to listen to the wave of western outrage."

"This is not to deny that Putin has presided over a repressive administration," Mil continues, noting that Putin has also carried out atrocities, particularly the indiscriminate bombing of civilians in the southern Russian republic of Chechnya, which followed massacres and the enforced disappearance of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Chechens."

I believe that the greatest threat to the long range peace and security of Europe and the United States is the reality that the military sectors of western governments and the military spending sectors of western economies are so huge and bloated, like incurable cancers, that they cannot give up on inventing military threats and advocating military solutions which powerfully undermine diplomatic efforts to secure peace.

I hope Anton's ideas will echo in the U.S. and help steer his generation toward pursuit of new acutely needed agreements.

Kathy Kelly (Kathy@vcnv.org) co-coordinates Voices for Creative Nonviolence (www.vcnv.org)
This week we asked a federal appeals court to reconsider a case we have been fighting for 17 years. It is our clients' last chance for justice, as this case has been thrown out six times already since 1999- but we have not given up, and we are not giving up now. In an emotional plea, we petitioned the court to reconsider.

This is a case of villagers in Bhopal, India who every day are exposed to toxic chemicals and pollution left behind by Union Carbide, a major chemical company.

If you are ever going to read a legal brief, let it be this one:

Over one night in December 1984, the people of Bhopal became the victims of the worst industrial disaster in history. Over the following decades, they became the victims of corporate neglect, as the pesticide plant made infamous by the gas disaster leached toxins into their drinking water, while Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) abandoned the country without cleaning up the contaminated site.

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Over the last few years, they have become the victims of something even less visible. The people of Bhopal have become victims of judicial inertia. Six times, the district court has dismissed suits seeking remedies for the pollution. A prior opinion by this Court found that UCC was not liable for pollution from the plant. While this panel may be reluctant to rule differently, inertia is not a legal rule: the records are vastly different. The judicial process is a search for the truth. Courts should defer to the law and the facts presented here, not to the result in a prior decision.

The Court's latest Summary Order is one more example of how this case has not been treated like other cases - in which courts wait for motions to dismiss, consider only arguments raised by the parties, apply settled legal standards, and consider the evidence before them. In any other pollution case against a company, the fact that the company's own employee led the construction of the polluting plant would establish its responsibility. In any other case, if qualified experts testified that the company's strategy of storing toxins in ponds above an aquifer - a "high risk"

strategy - caused the resulting pollution, courts would allow a jury to consider that evidence. In any other case, the victims of contamination would not need to prove that the company knew pollution would result, only that it was reasonably foreseeable.

This case has not been treated like other cases. It is time for that to change.

The court that never wanted this case.



For thirty years, Judge John F. Keenan has been dismissing Bhopal lawsuits. When lawsuits arising out of the gas disaster were filed in the U.S. in the mid- 1980s, even the Indian government argued that its own courts could not handle the complex litigation. But Judge Keenan ruled that it would be an "example of imperialism" for a U.S. court to hear the case."1 So the case was heard in India - but then Union Carbide fled India, refusing to subject itself to jurisdiction there.

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A poster featuring a Brexit vote ballot with 'out' tagged is on display at a book shop window in Berlin on June 24, 2016.Britain has voted to break out of the European Union, striking a thunderous blow against the bloc and spreading panic through world markets on June 24 as sterling collapsed to a 31-year low. / AFP / John MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)

Brexit supporters have won, and their desired outcome is more than just a warning shot for the EU. By now, every government leader should clearly understand that it is high time to approach serious reforms. "Keep it up!" is not the phrase any remaining member state need to hear right now. Instead, the EU should implement the following steps.

1. Short Term: Focus On Free TradeMany Brits have regarded the European Union first and foremost as an economic union. However, in recent years, the EU has evolved into a political union. The truth is: In the long run, increasing free trade will also lead to a consolidation of peoples on a political level. In order to strengthen this development, the EU should react to its skeptics with a free trade and economic growth initiative.

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To this end, the EU cabinet should block certain intended amendments to the legislation, which would only lead to more bureaucracy and tutelage (e.g. in the area of consumer protection). And: The European Union should not only negotiate a free trade agreement with Great Britain and Northern Ireland right away, but also remove the obstacles that stand in the way of the TTIP negotiations (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership).

2. Short Term: Increase Added Value For EU-member States In Terms Of SecurityIt should be made clear to all EU member states that EU membership has added value beyond the benefits of free trade. This, for example, is partly due to the fact that certain member states can coordinate their security concerns with each other.

The opportunity to integrate additional national troops should be used. Today, the EU is already taking military responsibilities on its own in 15 joint missions in 12 countries. Creating additional joint forces could result in decreased individual costs for member states and increased collective effectiveness in overall security efforts.

3. Medium Term: More Influence For Voters

Elections for a new European Parliament are due in three years. Until then, heads of state and government in the European Union should stall their plans to clandestinely determine the next president of the EU Commission. Voters should be able to choose between top candidates of the European parties.

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Moreover, the next European election has to happen in accordance with uniform voting rights on one day across the entire European Union. This is the only way that the perennial grand coalition in the European Parliament can be broken and replaced by a constructive majority with a real political mandate.

4. Long Term: Renew Attempts At A European ConstitutionThe European Union needs a fresh political impulse. The Lisbon Treaty goes back to a time before the Euro and refugee crises. A new attempt at a European constitution could include an insolvency code for Eurozone member states as well as a new and binding asylum system.

A new European constitution could also develop the EU's next step towards a real European federal state. This needs to be a counter-model to centralism and needs to respect the member states' sovereignty in certain political areas. In return, there'd be a strong parliament that legitimizes decisions made by the EU more strongly than it is the case today.

5. Reassurance: Europe Is The Future

In Thursday's referendum, mostly older generations voted in favor of leaving. The younger the voters, the more likely they voted in favor of the United Kingdom remaining in the EU. Despite all the warranted criticism -- Europe is still fascinating, especially for younger people. It can be the basis for true reforms.

The remaining member states mustn't stick their heads in the sand. Instead they must live up to their responsibility -- one that must consider the young generation in the United Kingdom, the majority of whom wish to remain part of the EU.

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Inequality is not a new injustice. It is a painful, daily reality for so many people across the globe in all its forms. For generations the powerful few have rigged political and economic systems to seize yet more power, whilst actively oppressing and dis-empowering the many. And this generation is no different.

Over the last 30 years rich elites and corporations have corrupted democracy in countries across the world, and pushed a faith in markets so far that they have caused an inequality explosion. They have pedaled the lie that the wealth will trickle down, but in fact the evidence shows that more and more is trickling upwards, lining the burgeoning pockets of the ultra-wealthy and leaving the poor and marginalized far behind and the planet in a mess. They have justified skyrocketing CEO pay alongside poverty wages, and tax breaks for the wealthy. As documented by ActionAid in their recent report, The Price of Privilege, there are a number of lies that have been perpetuated to try and paint this outrageous situation as natural or necessary, like inequality being necessary to generate economic growth, and climate change having nothing to do with economics.

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But we have reached a tipping point. Last year the richest 1% had more wealth than the rest of the world. And the publication of today's World Wealth Report has again underlined that business is booming for rich elites, with the number of millionaires and ultra millionaires rocketing up since 2009, in a world where more than 700 million people live in extreme poverty.

The story is the same in Africa, home to seven of the most unequal countries in the world. Since 2010 the number of African billionaires has doubled, and the ten richest have a combined wealth that matches the GDP of Kenya. Yet on the same continent, millions of people have been pushed into extreme poverty in the last decades, forcing them to live without dignity or opportunity, and robbing them of their human rights.

Today, the wealthiest can not only buy access to politicians, and influence that allows them to rig the economic rules in their favor, they can also literally buy longer lives and a better future for their children. The poorest children are four times more likely to miss out on school than the richest, and too many of those being left out of the classroom are girls, who are hit by a double inequality. And the assault on fairness and equality is far from winding down.

Rich elites continue to enforce an ideological regime of budget cuts, privatization, tax breaks, and veils of tax secrecy for the richest. They are decimating the State's ability to meet everyone's rights, and squandering the opportunity and the potential of the next generation. Yet there can be no doubt that this ideological agenda is one which fails the vast majority of people. In Latin America, Asia, Africa and the former Soviet bloc these same market fundamentalist policies were imposed by creditors after the debt crises of the 80s and 90s, causing inequality and poverty to soar across the board.

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But history has also taught us that oppression and injustice will not ride roughshod over people's rights unchallenged forever. The fight back will be equally strong, and it has started. Around the world, movements and citizens are demanding a fairer deal that puts people and planet before profit, and rights before riches. Political parties and candidates have won public support for platforms challenging economic inequality in Spain, Portugal and the USA. People have taken to the streets in protest at broken and bent economic rules from Brazil to Iceland, from Chile to South Africa. The Fight Inequality Alliance who reacted to today's World Wealth Report, is a growing group of campaigners, unions, peoples movements and charities that has come together to fight extreme inequality. They have signaled that the gap in power and wealth between the richest and the rest has gone too far, and the systemic transformation we need must be built from the grassroots up.
This blog originally appeared on Afro.com.

You learn a lot about the character of an organization when things go wrong. For the team at Airbnb, hearing the outcry from African American travelers who were denied lodging because of discrimination was one of these moments. I know, because I met with them in San Francisco in early June to discuss this challenge. Everyone I spoke with, including CEO Brian Chesky, Airbnb's legal, engineering and policy team, and the leadership of the Black employees group, made clear that they are willing to do all they can to tackle this problem. What they said to me in private matches what they've said in public: Airbnb has zero tolerance for bias or racial discrimination.

After spending more than four decades fighting for equality at the ACLU and in other organizations, I've seen companies pay lip service to these issues before. But Airbnb leaders have shown a willingness to be transparent and have expressed to me a sincere desire to ensure that its policies, technology and platform are not facilitating discrimination. Towards that end, Airbnb has hired me to help them lead a 90-day review process to address discrimination issues. In working with them, I plan to hold them accountable.

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I will begin that process by spending the summer meeting with technology experts, civil rights leaders, housing advocates and members of the Airbnb community to solicit their ideas. Those conversations will be guided by three principles and objectives.

The first is identifying and fixing structural problems with the platform. Airbnb should be less focused on fixing one-off examples of individual discrimination than on understanding how the platform and underlying technology itself may contribute to possible systemic problems. Airbnb has already tapped its best engineers and product team members to lead this effort, and I'm excited to work with them to make real improvements.

The second step is to improve its processes so it can rapidly identify racial discrimination and deal with these matters quickly and decisively. That includes putting in policies and processes that will set the model for the industry and which will reflect the company's commitment to fighting discrimination and acting quickly if something goes wrong. It will be important for Airbnb, like any company committed to taking on this issue, to continually educate staff and community so that the entire community understand these rules and processes so that responses are quick and appropriate.

Finally, Airbnb must build broader and enduring relationships with diverse travel, civil rights, grass roots, small business, social science and educational institutions. The brilliant staff at Airbnb cannot make its way in this increasingly diverse world, unless they are a more diverse company and are active in communities that will support them in this effort. One meeting in the middle of a crisis won't do it. They need relationships with experts that last. Discrimination in the sharing economy is not going away anytime soon, and if Airbnb wants to be in the forefront of tackling this problem it will be mutually beneficial to be a part of a sustained dialogue with individuals and organizations.

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These steps are just beginning. Airbnb understands that there's no single solution to the problem of deeply entrenched biases and discrimination in the travel industry or in our society as a whole. It will need to engage in an enduring effort to ensure that every single member of its community is treated equally. At its core, Airbnb is about helping people feel like they can belong anywhere, no matter who they are, what they look like, or where they're from. They take that mission very seriously, and I will do whatever I can to help them to get it right.
Recently I was telling friends about having taken a Facebook vacation for a month, partly because of the sniping between Sanders and Clinton camps, and partly because of all the junk that shows up nonstop.

I'm not just talking about the soppy quotes attributed to Mark Twain or Oscar Wilde which anyone who thought a moment would realize couldn't possibly be by those authors. Here's a prime example that reads like a greeting card:

Or the super-clickable and bogus assertions that never have any support, like this one:

I'm also talking about quotes that speak to our deepest fears. Like the one supposedly from a German woman writing in 1929 which has been circulating with a photo of Donald Trump:

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The rise of this blusterous man bewilders the educated among us, conjoins opposing politicians, agonizes our international allies,threatens minorities, spits on the disabled, touches the hearts of those who just don't know any better. Let us stop propounding how mad this all is, but instead let us do something.

You can make a serious argument that Trump is a neo-fascist--Robert Kagan of the Brookings Institute did that in an eloquent, alarming piece for the Washington Post.

But the quote above? It started to show up early in 2016, and Snopes demonstrates that it's almost certainly 100% bogus. That doesn't matter on Facebook--junk gets spread without a second thought, without people bothering to check the source.

Like the story I read recently that Senator Tom Cotton admitted to being "ex-gay." It's linked to stories about people in Arkansas suspecting that he is. Yawn.

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Nobody posting this story took a minute to peruse the web site originating the "news." It's running stories that are obvious spoofs, like one that Target won't be selling American flags anymore or other patriotic merchandise to people who don't "self-identify as Americans."

Or bothered to look elsewhere for confirmation. A story like the one about Cotton, if it were true, would have been on every major news site in minutes.

Then there's one in the last day or so from a site that mixes news and satire, claiming that Marco Rubio will run again for Senate because God killed gays in Orlando--and that was a message to him.

The common excuse for posting bogus news is that reality and satire are hard to distinguish anymore. But that's not good enough. The real reason is carelessness, the willingness to believe anything outrageous, and people being too lazy to take a closer look at what they're about to post and stop and reflect.
As the race for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations heats up one candidate in particular should alarm senior officials in the British Government: Argentina's foreign minister Susana Malcorra.

The selection for the next Secretary-General comes at a crucial time for an organization rocked by scandal, hypocrisy and Byzantine bureaucracy. The UN needs serious reform and the next Secretary- General must be able to lead the organization into a new era of transparency, trust building, and relevancy. There are three reasons why, from a British point of view, Ms. Malcorra is completely unfit to serve as the UN's next Secretary-General.

First, she serves as foreign minister of a country that has made a national pastime of using the UN to employ dubious politics, hidden agendas, and a very outdated view of the world to undermine the right of self-determination of the Falkland Islanders and British sovereignty over the Islands. Make no mistake, the Falklands issue is a matter very dear to the Argentines. In a recent survey by YouGov/ Ibarometro 86 percent of Argentines asked said that the status of the Falkland Islands was either "very" or "fairly" important as a national issue. It was just 34 years ago that Argentina invaded and occupied the Islands and today Argentina continues its campaign of bullying and intimidation of the almost 3,000 British citizens living on the Islands. Can Ms. Malcorra reasonably be expected to remain impartial on this matter as a Secretary-General should be?

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Secondly, while serving a chief of staff to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon prior to becoming her country's foreign minister Ms. Malcorra exercised very poor judgement over the UN's suspension of Swedish diplomat Anders Kompass, a whistleblower who took steps to alert the French government of evidence of UN peacekeepers from France, Chad and Equatorial Guinea molesting children in the Central African Republic. In the end, an independent UN panel found that Mr. Kompass did nothing wrong. After resigning his position in protest Mr. Kompass said about the affair:

The complete impunity for those who have been found to have, in various degrees, abused their authority, together with the unwillingness of the hierarchy to express any regrets for the way they acted towards me sadly confirms that lack of accountability is entrenched in the United Nations. This makes it impossible for me to continue working there.

The resignation of Mr. Kompass and the retaliation against him for trying to bring to light a very dark chapter in the history of UN peacekeeping is a damning indictment of the senior leadership at the United Nations--in which Ms. Malcorra played a central role. The UN is in serious need of reform. It desperately needs a Secretary-General that can bring accountability, transparency and ethical leadership. Ms. Malcorra's handling of Mr. Kompass' situation makes clear that she is not the right person to lead the UN.

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Finally, custom says that the next Secretary-General should come from Eastern Europe. While this is an unwritten rule, and many disagree with this notion, there is some merit to this argument. The Eastern European region has been all but neglected for international top jobs since the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990's.

Even so, the region shares many of the problems that much of the of the world faces in the 21st century such as economic growth, transition to democracy, and building stable civil societies. Having an Eastern European point of view serving at the very top of the UN can only be a good thing--not only for the organization but for the World.

It has been reported that Ms. Malcorra is the Obama Administration's top choice and that she is close friends with Susan Rice, the White House National Security Advisor and former U.S. Ambassador to the UN.

Too bad.

For too long Downing Street and the British Embassy in Washington, DC, have kowtowed to the Administration on the Falklands issue because they do not want to rock the boat with the White House.

It is time for the UK to stand up for what is in Britain's national interest and make it crystal clear that it will veto Ms. Malcorra candidacy. Not only over concerns over the Falkland Islands, but also because her track record serving at the very top of the UN during a scandal revealed her poor character.

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Put simply, if it truly is interested in protecting the national self-interest of the United Kingdom, the British government should not seriously consider Ms. Malcorra's candidacy.
Days before the California Senate Judiciary Committee votes on AB2844 (anti-Boycott, Divestment Sanctions/BDS against Israel), its authors, Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) and Senator Hannah Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), are amending their bill to threaten funding to the University of California, Cal State University, and non-profit programs that help the homeless, disabled, and hungry -- should they engage in what these lawmakers term a discriminatory protest or boycott against the state of Israel. AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) must be smiling at the new version of the bill.

The latest iteration of AB2844 creates a new crime of perjury for businesses, non-profits, and private incorporated individuals (receiving $100,000 or more in state funding) who swear in writing that they're not discriminating on the basis of race, nationality, etc., yet boycott or even protest Israel "under the pretext of the First Amendment." Student bodies and church committees that vote to divest of companies profiting off home demolitions and settlements in the West Bank must think twice, lest the entire university system or church network be defunded or denied state assistance. In fact, the newly amended AB2844 (previously almost gutted) encourages witch hunts on California university campuses as it states "The Attorney General may receive and investigate complaints regarding violations of, and may bring suit to enforce the provisions ..."

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Read the amended bill here.

Almost all of the 10 University of California campuses have voted to divest from companies -- as has the World Council of Churches -- profiting off the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. With universities and churches not kindly disposed toward Israeli military checkpoints and walls, authors of this bill are sending a warning shot across the bow of any student government considering hosting an "Anti-Israeli Apartheid" week, dramatizing Israeli checkpoints (see photo) or making good on the divestment promise.

Sound hard to believe -- this level of censorship?

It is, but look east and you'll see the state of NY threatening to cut half a billion in funding to the CUNY college system because of Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) activities calling for equal rights for Palestinians and Israelis, and PENN is considering defunding state colleges where students vote to divest. Anti-BDS bill have been introduced in over 20 states, and when the New York legislature balked, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued his own executive order: "If you boycott Israel, New York will boycott you."

If you find this level of state censorship unsettling, if it strikes you as unconstitutional, then

take action.

Contact the CA Senate Judiciary Committee members to urge a NO vote on AB2844.

Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee & Co-Author of AB2844 (phone calls are best)

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916-651-4019 or 805-965-0862 senator.jackson@senate.ca.gov

Senate Judiciary Committee Emails:

senator.anderson@senate.ca.gov, senator.hertzberg@senate.ca.gov, senator.leno@senate.ca.gov, senator.monning@senate.a.gov, senator.wieckowski@senate.ca.gov

james.joyce@sen.ca.gov

Also contact Appropriations Chair Senator Ricardo Lara: (916) 651-4033

senator.lara@senate.ca.gov

Also Senate President Kevin de Leon: (916) 651-4024

senator.deleon@senate.ca.gov
Home is not where you were born -- home is where the heart is. As someone who has lived abroad since I was 19 and fought several visa battles, I'm sure of it. And in the wake of Brexit I predict a wave of love across Europe. Why? There's nothing like people determined to get visas to set the scene for international romance. If you weren't certain whether to marry your girlfriend or boyfriend before, the idea of being separated by borders will soon get you in the spirit. It might even make you fall in love with someone new if you're single, because suddenly your time in a place could be limited. And a lack of time always leads to an opening of the heart, for some peculiar reason.

Today I see tumult in my Facebook feed. I see anger and disappointment. I see panic. And I see a great deal of humor and people fighting to keep the international love going. What possibly cracked me up the most (as serious as the matter is) was people wanting London to become an independent state so they could stay in the EU -- having lived in London on and off for 14 years I recognize the international spirit that binds Londoners together. And as sad as I am with the outcome, I am certain that Brexit isn't going to break the spirit of London. The Londoners won't let it.

There are serious issues within Britain that made people vote for Brexit. Those issues have to be addressed. There are also serious issues within the EU that need to be resolved. And there will be serious consequences because of the vote. I'm Swedish and have a business in Britain. Today wasn't a good day for me. But tomorrow might be, because no one knows what something will lead to. Besides, I always did say that the best thing about London is its proximity to Paris, so today I told the director for my business we might just have to pack up the company (together with our brollies and wellies) and catch the Eurostar. He remains British though and I Swedish. It's still an international affair. And there are so many more such affairs that won't be broken because of this vote. If anything, some people will fight even harder to remain in international waters.

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Currently I'm fighting to get a permanent residency visa in South Africa to be able to adopt the kids who call me mom (it's a long story) and I can't begin to describe how I feel about certain man made borders. I woke up feeling like I walked into a wall this morning, but I don't think today should be a day for mourning. I think today should be a day to step into the spirit of working across borders even better than before and address the problems that make people want to close their borders. I think it should be a day where, no matter what the government says, people decide to keep the borders in their hearts open. Because it's never a matter of closing borders: it's about keeping problems away and solving the problems at hand. Sadly, many confuse the two.

So yes, my prediction is a wave of love spreading across Europe. All the Brits who have fallen in love with French cuisine will soon end up falling in love with the French too. Not to mention the Brits who have got caught up in linguine and rolling Tuscan hills -- there will be Italian weddings! And all those EU citizens in Britain and the Brits swarming around them...in this summer heat there will be more romances than there are brollies in Britain.

Keep calm and love on.
Dominique Hernandez holds up her fist painted in the colors of a rainbow, with a heart on her pulse, attends a vigil in memory of victims one day after a mass shooting at the Pulse gay night club in Orlando, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 13, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

...When senseless acts of tragedy remind us That nothing here is promised, not one day This show is proof that history remembers We lived through times when hate and fear seemed stronger We rise and fall and light from dying embers Remembrances that hope and love last longer And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love Cannot be killed or swept aside... - From a sonnet by Lin-Manuel Miranda, writer of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Hamilton, June 2016

Sunday, June 12, America woke up to news of the worst mass shooting in our gun-soaked history. A celebration of Latin Night at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando turned into a killing field fueled by intolerance, hate and weapons of war. Now is the time to remember those who stand up and stand together in love.

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I am writing to you concerning a problem we have. 5 yrs. ago my husband and I were married here in the District. We then returned to Va. to live. My husband is White, I am part negro, and part Indian. At the time we did not know there was a law in Va. against mixed marriages. Therefore we were jailed and tried in a little town of Bowling Green. We were to leave the state to make our home. The problem is we are not allowed to visit our families. The judge said that if we enter the state in the next [25] yrs., that we will have to spend 1 yr. in jail. We know we can't live there, but we would like to go back once and awhile to visit our families and friends. We have 3 children and cannot afford an attorney. We wrote to the Attorney General, he suggested that we get in touch with you for advice. Please help us if you can. Hope to hear from you real soon. Yours truly, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Loving -Letter by Mrs. Mildred Loving, June 1963

In 1963, young wife and mother Mrs. Mildred Loving decided to write a letter to U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy about a "problem" her family was facing. Four years later Mrs. Loving, who was Black, and her husband Richard, who was White, made history when their struggle to have their marriage recognized in their native Virginia led to the landmark 1967 Supreme Court ruling in Loving v. Virginiaoverturning the remaining laws in Virginia and other states that banned interracial marriage. The couple, who shunned the spotlight, made it clear they never set out to be social revolutionaries. It was simple: they loved each other, wanted to marry, and beyond that, as Mrs. Loving said, "It was God's work."

The two first met in the early 1950s when she was 11 and he was 17 in Central Point, Virginia, the small community where they both grew up. They became young sweethearts, and in 1958, when Mildred became pregnant, they decided to get married. They drove to Washington, D.C., for their marriage license, and Mrs. Loving later said she initially thought they were doing that because less paperwork was required there. But Richard already understood something she didn't: Getting a marriage license as a mixed-race couple would have been illegal and impossible in Virginia.

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Mr. Loving may not have known how the state would treat legal interracial marriages that had been performed elsewhere, but five weeks after their wedding the newlyweds received a very literal rude awakening: Acting on a "tip," sheriff's deputies surrounded their bed with flashlights at two in the morning demanding to know why they were there together. Their reply that they were husband and wife made no difference. The Lovings were arrested, and Mr. Loving was held in jail overnight while the pregnant Mrs. Loving was forced to stay for several days. Both were charged with cohabitation and violating Virginia's Racial Integrity Act. Under a plea bargain, in order to avoid a year-long jail sentence they were forced to leave the state and were prohibited from returning together for 25 years.

The Lovings settled in Washington, D.C., and began raising a family there but quickly missed the small town where they had spent their entire lives. Five years later, inspired by the March on Washington and the wave of new civil rights laws, Mrs. Loving decided to write to U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy to ask if any of the new legislation would allow them to return to Virginia, even just to visit. He responded and suggested the Lovings contact the ACLU, where over the next few years dedicated lawyers helped take it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. On June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court justices ruled 9-0 that Virginia's law and all others like it were unconstitutional, and that the freedom to marry was "a basic civil right."

Mr. and Mrs. Loving soon returned to their hometown with their three children. Sadly their own happiness ended in tragedy in 1975 when Mr. Loving was killed and Mrs. Loving lost the sight in one eye in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. But the Lovings had paved the way for thousands of other couples like themselves who were marrying the people they loved. Thanks to God's work and the Lovings' love, my husband Peter and I were the very first interracial couple to be married in Virginia after the U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Mrs. Loving never remarried and lived quietly at her home in rural Caroline County, Virginia until she passed away in 2008. But a year before her death, the widow, grandmother, and great-grandmother sent another groundbreaking letter. This time, it was a public statement submitted just before the Massachusetts Legislature's historic vote reaffirming marriage equality, and read aloud at a 40th anniversary celebration of the Loving v. Virginia decision:

When my late husband, Richard, and I got married in Washington, DC in 1958, it wasn't to make a political statement or start a fight. We were in love, and we wanted to be married . . . My generation was bitterly divided over something that should have been so clear and right. The majority believed that what the judge said, that it was God's plan to keep people apart, and that government should discriminate against people in love. But I have lived long enough now to see big changes. The older generation's fears and prejudices have given way, and today's young people realize that if someone loves someone they have a right to marry. Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don't think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the 'wrong kind of person' for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people's religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people's civil rights. I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That's what Loving, and loving, are all about.
The UK was key to the worst elements of TTIP. Now the British people must ensure we never see its like again.

In the space of two years, trade - via the secretly negotiated EU-US deal TTIP - has gone from esoteric policy interest, to the heart of the biggest social movement in Europe for a generation, to an often misunderstood feature of a vitriolic referendum campaign.

TTIP and its parallel EU-Canada deal CETA have caused outrage across Europe. TTIP in particular often grabbed headlines during EU referendum campaigning.

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And in a post-Brexit UK soon to be shorn of trade deals including its World Trade Organisation country commitments, trade will be front and centre of new policy-making for the foreseeable future.

Many will now rejoice that for the UK TTIP is dead in the water. Indeed, Brexit may be the killer blow to the deal across Europe. But while the UK has escaped TTIP's corporate clutches as an EU member state, if the deal does survive the big picture will be a little more complex.

Key to understanding why TTIP may still have an impact on the UK is appreciating the extent to which the deal is intended to enable the EU and USA's neoliberal agenda to be the template for world trade.

Defeated in previous attempts to secure a pro-business but anti-people and planet deal, the EU and USA simply decided to sidestep multilateralism to impose their will on the rest of the world.

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As a secret meeting between the European Commission and Exxon Mobil revealed, the Commission has been shamelessly colluding with the world's biggest corporations to assure them that through TTIP they can force countries outside the deal ("third countries") to accept its terms: the eradication of social, health and environmental protections, the locked-in privatisation of public services, and a private justice system so corporations can sue governments for any policies hitting their profits.

As the head of policy at the organisation which wrote the official report into TTIP told a House of Lords committee on TTIP: "They [third countries] obey those rules or they do not export [into Europe], just like Switzerland." And now, the UK.

As for CETA, the danger is still very much clear and present: the European Commission intends for the deal to be sealed and implemented ahead of a formalised Brexit and without any national parliament votes. Crucially, elements of the deal could apply to the UK even after Brexit.

In the EU, the UK was the most neoliberal country in an avowedly neoliberal bloc.

The UK government opposed any reforms being made to the toxic ISDS 'corporate court' mechanism in TTIP and CETA and buried research it commissioned showing negative impacts of ISDS on the UK. It ensured UK MPs could not read the secret texts of the deal when it could have granted them access. It has led the charge - against the wishes of the Obama administration - for financial deregulation to be included in TTIP.

It doesn't stop there. The UK chose to include the NHS in TTIP when it could have excluded it, and the government then refused to release legal advice it received on threats to the NHS from the deal. And in spite of David Cameron's "greenest ever government" claims, the UK teamed up with Canada, the US Trade Representative, BP and Shell to demolish rules that prevent high-polluting forms of oil from entering Europe - with profound implications for climate change and consequently the lives of millions in the global South.

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It is this neoliberal elevation of corporate profit above democracy, human rights and protection of the environment which the UK is now free to follow unilaterally in trade deals - unless the British people come together to stop.

EU trade policy has been nothing short of devastating for Southern countries. In this regard, TTIP was little more than the same policies that have destroyed lives and livelihoods in the global South being turned onto Europe by its own leaders, with scant regard for any semblance of democratic process.
If Long Island is to be saved, and by "saved" I mean preserved as a desirable place to live for future generations, then everybody in Nassau and Suffolk needs to understand why our drinking water and all our rivers, ponds and bays are imperiled. Lets begin with the premise that if people really understand the problems, and what is at stake, they will do the sensible thing and do what is necessary to protect and restore Long Island's estuarine and marine environments.

But how does one in fact reach the 3 million people of Long Island? How many today know that the main issue facing both our drinking water and the health of our bays, rivers, and ponds, is nitrogen leeching from the 500,000 cesspools and septic tanks that currently sit in our sandy soil? How many know that this excess nitrogen has been feeding algal blooms in our waters that have gotten both larger and more diverse with every passing year? How many know that our waters are dying as a result?

How will every Long Islander come to appreciate how our love affair with our lawns is contributing to the nitrogen problem? How will they know that the fertilizers and pesticides that they are putting on their lawns also ends up in our bays and our drinking water? How can they come to know that our fetish for perfect, artificial lawns is depleting our aquifer, our drinking water supply, that this water, left by ancient glaciers, is being wasted on our lawns at the expense of future generations? How can all Long Islanders come to understand that as we pump water out of the aquifer at irresponsible, unsustainable rates, we are exacerbating the process of saltwater intrusion, that wells are being shut down as the salt water seeps in?

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The average Long Islander uses 50 gallons more per day than the American average of 100, all for our lawns. If people knew this, would they stop watering their lawns? Would they choose to save that water for future generations, their children and grandchildren? I think we can assume and must hope that indeed most would.

Given the scale of this environmental crisis, one would think that it would be much more broadly reported. Long Island, which constitutes much of suburban New York, needs many billions in waste water infrastructure if it is to save its bays, rivers, and ponds and preserve a way of life that centers around the beach, fishing, sailing, swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, and the beauty of being on the water. IBM Smarter Cities estimates that it will take $8 billion to address the issue in Suffolk County alone, where there are 360,000 outdated cesspools and septic tanks? This IBM produced video, almost two years old now, has only received around 1400 views so far.

Shouldn't more people be viewing this, given that the future of Long Island is very much at stake given the level of nitrogen pollution? The video, while very informative, is unfortunately not nearly compelling enough, given the gravity and scope of the issue.

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Newsday, Long Island's major daily paper, has been covering this environmental crisis, but given the severity of it, and the continued public ignorance about it, needs to double down on its efforts. Water quality is the single most important issue facing Long Island. Yet too many Long Islanders remain unaware of what is causing the problem, and what we need to do to secure Long Island's future.

A major consortium called The Long Island Clean Water Partnership, consisting of The Nature Conservancy, The Group For The East End, The Pine Barrens Society, and The Citizens Campaign For The Environment, formed several years back, similarly, has its work cut out for itself. They have worked very hard to raise awareness among Long Islanders as to the enormous environmental challenge presented by nitrogen pollution, yet too few people know about the nitrogen problem and what kind of investments and changes in behaviors it would take to address it. There are a hundred or so smaller organizations that constitute Long Island's environmental community, and all been trying to get the word out about how we must face this water quality disaster head on, and make the investments necessary to preserve Long Island's future, yet so long as the vast majority of Long Islanders remain uninformed, we have not done our job.

Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone has named nitrogen "Public Enemy #1" and had proposed a referendum that would have leveed a $1.00 fee per 1000 gallons of water used. Currently, people in Suffolk County pay $1.67 per 1000 gallons, a rate far below Nassau County (up to twice that) and New York City (over $5.00), again, even as Suffolk is depleting its aquifer while simultaneously poisoning it.

That was to have produced an annual revenue stream of $75 mil, which would have helped to finance what again is about a $8 bil investment in waste water infrastructure, from sewering to onsite denitrification systems, to addressing the 200 or so small scale sewage treatment systems that dot Long Island for malls, schools, apartment complexes, restaurants, many of which are sorely out of compliance. That referendum never made it to the ballot for this November, unfortunately. It seems the county has had a history of raiding environmental funds to balance its budget, so that there just wasn't the trust that this new fund wouldn't be raided as well, even with the effort to safeguard against this in the drafting of the referendum.

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Which is a shame. We just lost a year, and we can't afford that. Again, the public really needs to understand what's at stake and what the cost of doing nothing is. Right now, the need could not be more urgent; we must find a way to finance this waste water infrastructure rollout, and in a way that secures the funds solely for their intended use.

Suffolk County understands the degree of the crisis and the speed with which we must act; further, so does New York State. Governor Cuomo and The New York Department of Environmental Conservation, were presented with the science and the scale of the problem in February 2014 with The Long Island Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan and has since been working to develop a grand approach to Long Island's water and waste water challenges. The Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP) is now in the process of being drafted. It will serve as a roadmap to revitalizing Long Island's waters. The DEC has been holding meetings with the Long Island environmental community, local businesses, local, state and federal officials, and scientists so that we can begin to remediate what is in reality 500,000+ problems that add up to the big problem -- poor water quality.

In addition, New York State has allocated $388 million for sewerage along four major rivers flowing into The Great South Bay, an effort that would remove 15,000 cesspools and septic tanks, and decrease the nitrogen level of the bay by 15%, ideally improving water quality in the bay so that shell fishing would improve and with that, the local economy.

Much of this may be news to you, but that is in fact the point: There are thousands of people on Long Island working on how we can address this problem every day. There are many more thousands, people who see what is happening to our waters who are in mourning for that, and who are ready to take action. Yet if you asked people on Long Island where we got our water from what percent would know? Would they know why there are beach closures all over Long Island after a good rain ( It's all the low lying cesspools that need replacing ). If you asked people to pay a water use fee so that we could finance much needed infrastructure, how likely is it that they would support that if this was the first time they'd been made aware of the problem?

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The chief challenge for Long Island environmentalists, then, is to reach enough of the general public so that when funding options come up again for this necessary infrastructure spend, there will be the political support necessary to pass the referendum. That happens when we understand, broadly speaking, what the plan is, why it needs to be done, and when there's -- crucially -- trust in the competence and integrity of those seeking to carry it out.

This is why video and social media are crucial to the overall effort to inform, persuade, and galvanize Long Islanders. In lecture halls and conference rooms across Long Island, people are meeting to discuss the water challenges we face. People from dozens of agencies and non-profits, all the major policymakers at every level of government are all convening to formulate the grand plan. Without an informed public that is ready to commit to the plan, however, we could end up with a 'study' that doesn't lead to action, but merely chronicles a continued decline. That is where digital media -- well scripted, produced, and well shared -- has an essential role to play.

By far the most efficient way to reach people today is via their mobile device and via video. 88% of Facebook's traffic is from mobile devices, and increasingly that traffic is video. By 2020, 75% of mobile traffic will be video according to Cisco. What could possibly be more efficient in creating public awareness then than a viral video? Facebook itself is betting that its future is in video. Inasmuch as that is true, the future of environmentalism, of engagement in local environmental issues, is also in video, and specifically in videos that move people.

People find video compelling because that is the medium for storytelling. Words may move people, a picture yet more so, but a video can introduce you to another mind, another world. If enough of us encounter, if only virtually, the nature we would seek to preserve, experiencing a place or person or creature through the power of video, we can build the social support necessary to fuel environmental movements, especially local ones. We all care about where we are from; being able to see video of our local environment -- a lake, stream, or bay in distress, a way of life threatened, moves people to action.

Recently, the Nature Conservancy of Long Island unveiled a series of 11 short videos and 3 animated clips, local vignettes addressing local concerns. All the videos addressed, generally, the issue of water quality on Long Island, but each had its own vantage point.

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Here's the trailer:

The eleven videos they produced -- and Red Vault Productions did a great job -- present a variety of stories that are each compelling in their own way.

There's Jim's Solution, the story of an auto parts dealer in Freeport who 'went green,' as improbable as that sounds.

There's the achingly beautiful and inspiring story "We Are Oyster Farmers," which takes place in Montauk.

There's "Answers and Solutions," a paean to our fishing heritage and its preservation.

For those that know and love the jewel that is Shelter Island, there is Generations, which emphasizes the importance of land preservation, and of involving our children in nature.

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On Display is the story of someone who grew up on the bay in Bellport, and who through his photography post Sandy became a major environmental advocate. Michael Busch's photography can be found at Great South Bay Images. You will see the bay and its wildlife with new eyes, which is the goal.

It's Imperative relays the plight of Mastic Beach, a low lying and densely populated community on the eastern side of The Great South Bay that was built on wetlands and which is now threatened by coastal erosion, sea rise, and lack of sewage infrastructure.

Something Lost harkens back to a time when the marshes were alive with turtles, frogs, and snakes, when the fish were abundant along The South Shore around Oakdale.

The Collapse of a Legacy brings us face to face with the tragedy, repeated in virtually every bay on Long Island, of the loss of shellfishing as a livelihood due to poor water quality.

A New Perspective captures the passion of paddle boarding, and how that sport makes one necessarily an environmentalist. Its about as close to the water as you can get.

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On Georgica Pond introduces us to an otherwise idyllic community in Wainscott, in The Hamptons, where the pond is very much under threat from toxic algae blooms.





A Chef's Connection brings us to Greenport, on The North Fork. Wine country. A family restaurant sources local, organic foods and sells local sea salt for cooking. In the face of overdevelopment and the consequent degradation in water quality, will The North Fork remain a desired destination and will a way of life survive?

Overall, this series of videos is a powerful diverse assembly of voices that bring home to us the beauty of Long Island's waters, what was, what is, and what may yet still be if only we choose to protect and preserve them. In this regard, the show I host, Water Matters, adopts the same approach, offering the public a diverse set of issues and points of view on Long Island and its waters that both informs and moves people.

Video is not new to environmentalism, as someone old enough to remember Marlin Perkins and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, or The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau can attest to. Going back further, how much did the advent of photography have to do with the establishment of our national park system? We will only seek to protect and preserve what we see and will move us.

Now that video has become pervasive, now that everyone is carrying a camera and a video player in their pockets, now that professional video production itself is becoming much more affordable as the cameras and the editing tools improve, we have it within our means to create the level of awareness we need to preserve the places we love, to keep us engaged with the natural world.


Image is screenshot from film "Melancholia"



When listening to Brian Wilson's "God Only Knows," reading a Virginia Woolf novel or learning Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, you might think of individuals who have stretched the boundaries of what humans are capable of in this life.

For such works, it's easy to put their creators on a very distant shelf, far away from the every day. These people were geniuses, after all. They had higher IQs, unworldly talents and fate lined up in their pockets. Didn't they?

But while these highly creative individuals have mothered lasting discoveries and creations, what is less noted may be their struggle behind closed doors.

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The supposed link between creativity and mental illness has been studied and discussed and studied more -- I am not treading on untouched ground here. But the "how" remains less clear as well as the strengths that exist with having to emotionally tread through water when others seem to glide. But can there possibly be an upside to such a real and crippling struggle?

The Weakness of Strength theory, as explained by the School of Life, suggests that people's weaknesses are the inevitable downside of their strengths.

"What we're seeing are not their faults, pure and simple, rather, the shadow side of things that are genuinely good about them," the video briefs. "We're picking up on weaknesses that derive from strengths."

Can this theory be applied to mental illness? Let's use the earlier example of Darwin, author of "On the Origin of Species," who suffered from depression.

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"I shall probably do little more but be content to admire the strides others made in Science," quoted the mind behind the theory of evolution. Darwin's depression at times disabled his mind. But the need to fight harder to move forward even by an inch may have been the spark that got him to act beyond his depression.

A New York Times article titled "Depression's Upside" honed in on Darwin's depression and on his fear of never being able to come up with a noteworthy discovery.

"Darwin, of course, was wrong; his recurring fits didn't prevent him from succeeding in science. Instead, the pain may actually have accelerated the pace of his research, allowing him to withdraw from the world and concentrate entirely on his work," the article read. "For Darwin, depression was a clarifying force, focusing the mind on its most essential problems."

A common theme with anxiety, depression or any mental illness is an ever-present void -- a thirst for more than what's presently at hand. Often times, to the depressed or to those who struggle with mental illness, the most menial of tasks can trigger existential episodes seemingly bigger than the actual issue.

This is seen in Lars von Trier's "Melancholia," a movie that offers a fresh cinematic depiction of depression.

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"Melancholia" begins with a montage of slow motion clips, including a bride and a massive planet approaching Earth, giving away the film's ending. For a more thorough look at "Melancholia," watch Evan Puschak's "Depression on Film."

Von Trier himself suffers from depression, which may explain the purpose of the slow motion clips at the start of the film, as a warped sense of time is often a shared experienced for those who are depressed. On top of being very ascetically beautiful, in relation to the plot, the clips metaphorically show the bride Justine's -- and von Trier's -- depression, juxtaposed against the end of the world.

The storyline of the movie is worth more than the explanation I'm about to give, but in essence, the movie continues with Justine and her new husband arriving late to their own reception.

Throughout the party, Justine begins to fall deeper and deeper into a bout of depression. Closer to the end of the party and then moving on after, Justine struggles with small tasks -- at one point, even needing assistance with bathing.

Going back to the massive planet, as life continues after the failed reception (Justine had left her just-married husband), the characters learn that the rogue planet Melancholia will eventually collide with Earth. Justine's sister -- who seemingly had her life together and who chastised Justine as she fell apart at the reception -- begins to lose her cool at this realization, as many would. Justine, however, does not.

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In the face of the every day and the menial, Justine panicked. But in the face of the existential threat of Earth being destroyed, Justine was calm and at peace. Perhaps to the depressive, the day to day, the ordinary or the routine is scattered with existential crises, while those not struggling mentally or emotionally rarely go down that route.

This, to me, is where the strongest connection stands with the link between creativity and mental illness: comfortability and familiarity with the most trying existential questions. Why are we here? Do I exist? Do I matter? Does life even matter? It can be argued that art and discovery are the closest means we have to answering these questions. Where would the most long-lasting art be without those who have questioned what the meaning of all of this is?

"In my view, depression is what happens when your identity, that sense of the relationship you have with the world around you, becomes untethered -- unfocused. In this process, everything starts to screw. Time slows to a standstill. Your body, once so easy to move feels like it weighs a ton," Puschak said, who runs the YouTube channel Nerdwriter. "As it stands, science and medicine have come up short in their apprehension of mental illness. So maybe we ought to look to art for insights and solidarity about what it's like living a life out of proportion."



Image is screenshot from film "Melancholia"

Granted, each person's experience with mental illness is subjective. Although, as a society, we tend to most often discuss mental illness in catastrophic circumstances. But while we are very familiar with the downsides of mental illness, especially as of late, we do need our artists and we do need the minds who see what is missing or wrong with the world. This, of course, does not mean that you can't be an artist or struggle with life's existential problems if you are mentally well. I'm just trying to shine light on the positive sides of a very real problem in a world that most often discusses mental illness in relation to serial killers and suicides.

But at the end of this thought, it's important to note that this is, merely, a thought. I'm just a blogger scribbling down my ideas somewhere in the world, making generalizations as we all do, as I try to pin my mind back down to Earth, thinking to myself: Why are we here? Do I exist? Does this post even matter?

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US Currency: Wads of US bills fastened with rubber bands, close-up

This week, Representative Steve King (R. Iowa) introduced an amendment that would bar the Treasury Department from spending any funds to redesign and issue any new currency--on coins or bills. King's amendment would keep the heroic crusader against slavery-Harriet Tubman-off of the $20 bill. His amendment also bans Sojourner Truth off of the $10, and prohibits the Treasury Department from placing Dr. King and Eleanor Roosevelt on the $5.

Representative King has a place for women--and it's not on U.S. currency. The amendment is clever: it doesn't say much, but its effect is telling. It paralyzes officials in the Treasury Department from basically doing anything to fulfill its mission to redesign currency for greater security--a mission that had a side feature to rethink who could be included on our nation's currency. The effort became more inclusive due to the bold efforts of a group known as "Women on 20s." Unlike King, the organization believes, "a woman's place is on the money." Women on 20s launched a campaign and names began rolling in.

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In the end, Americans wanted Harriet Tubman on the $20 and the Treasury Department listened. Yes, it meant sending Andrew Jackson to the back or altogether off the bill. Some have defended keeping Mr. Jackson's image on the most used U.S. currency, despite his well-known history as a slave-monger and utter brutality and savage treatment of Native Americans. They embrace him, because he was the seventh president and disregard the fact that he notoriously violated treaties, illegally acquired land, was a bit of a crony "setting up his own friends as land agents, traders, and surveyors while encouraging white squatters to take over the land." He burnt down the homes of peoples he didn't like, forcing the residents out, claiming that it was all done "in the name of the "immutable laws of self-defense."

President Jackson was responsible for the infamous and bloody "Trail of Tears," which forced Cherokee peoples out of their homes and land in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama, where their lands ultimately fell into the hands of powerful slave holders. Thousands of Cherokee were forced to walk thousands of miles to the new place Jackson had for them. Many died along that unconscionable trek. This part of Jackson's philosophy and legacy is lost among the feverish efforts to remake and re-situate him in history.

If Jackson had been the tyrant king of England who marched peoples out of their homes, killing men, women, and children along the way, and placing them on boats toward what became America and Australia--in 2016 would that legacy be embraced as brave and nuanced for its time? Would British leadership justify such a tyrant on their currency? It turns out they would not. In the UK, Elizabeth Fry--a Quaker prison reformer is on the five pound note along with the likes of Charles Darwin, Adam Smith, and Matthew Boulton on other currency.

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In the end, we continue to struggle for our vision of what the United States is and what it should be. Our noble constitution was always aspirational until slavery ended, all citizens could vote--regardless of sex and race, and equality truly applied to all peoples. Andrew Jackson did not contribute to any of that.

However, the expansive vision for currency that features women has clearly unsettled some people. Mr. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, told reporters that the Treasury Department should "come up with another denomination, maybe the $2.00 bill." Representative King said, that "as much as [Harriet Tubman] did, she didn't change the course of history." Like it or not, Tubman was a key player in defeating slavery and aiding the Union in winning the Civil War (being the first woman to lead an armed group in the war and raid Combahee Ferry, which freed 700 slaves). All at five feet tall.

Tubman was 007 before there was such a thing, serving as a crucial spy for the Union's army. She also fought for women's equality before it was vogue or legal. This would be remarkable on its own for a free, White man, but Tubman accomplished this at a time when she was wanted dead or alive; there was a $40,000 bounty out for her capture. That mark would be over $1,200,000.00 today.

Ms.Tubman believed that the U.S. Constitution could live up to its ideals, but to do so, it had to end the shameful, degrading enterprise of forced human chattel. She had a vision for women's full enfranchisement and equality even when courts and legislatures deemed it impossible and claimed that women lacked the mental capacity to govern themselves and be educated. The truth is, Ms. Tubman helped to make America great--and risked her life to do so. Women who appreciate the right to vote can thank her and other women who will go on U.S. currency. For Americans who are proud of a nation that abolished slavery and in the wake of it erected the Fourteenth Amendment, which establishes equality for all--tip a hat to Tubman's legacy.

In the end, Representative King is consistent. Preemptively striking women like Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sojourner Truth, and Alice Paul from new currency fits a pattern of uninformed leadership regarding women's lives, their contributions to our nation, and a woman's place in our society.
Co-authored by Anne Balay PhD, visiting assistant professor, Haverford College.

Following the Orlando massacre's call for blood donations, there's a re-evaluation of restrictions on blood donations by gay men who, in shock from the loss of friends, loved ones, and LGBTQ community members, were unable to share their most personal and meaningful resource -- their blood.

Blood donation is one of many disproportionate governmental restrictions on poor and queer folks.

Government oversight is uneven -- poor people, blue-collar workers, and queers are subject to much more surveillance and regulation than more privileged humans. We see the current attempt to modify the donation rules for gay men as an attempt to shift them from a stigmatized group to a valued one.

We study truck drivers and other working-class queers, and though it feels good to see gay men upgraded, we hope the Orlando massacre fuels a broader revolution. This massacre targeted young Latinx queers -- it would be cruelly ironic if its main beneficiaries are relatively privileged white gay men.

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Blue collar and queer people are subject to disproportionate, inhumane amounts of government oversight. We have written about how truck drivers are managed by a complex web of regulations. It seems like every week, the Department of Transportation considers adding more surveillance, such as driver-facing cameras, medical monitoring, and sleep scheduling technologies. Queer people (who as a group are disproportionately poor) also face excessive legal oversight over such categories as sex work, HIV/AIDS, and now marriage.

Because they already feel the strong hand of the government exerting itself in all aspects of daily life, these people often reject social movements -- gun control, welfare, free college, and restrictions on business and trade -- that increase government oversight. Trump speaks to these blue collar and queer people by invoking the neoliberal legacy of Reagan: personal responsibility replacing government regulation.



Perhaps the Democratic party and progressive liberals would understand why Trump appeals to 13.8 million individuals if they understood that not only are blue collar and queer people disproportionately affected by government oversight, but also that they are passed over by government policies that are protectionist. Policies like affirmative action and gay marriage feel like "special rights" extended to "special snowflakes." Trump appeals to this resentment by mocking demands for "political correctness."

Bathroom bills are the perfect example -- trans people and their allies hope to protect gender variant people who seek to use the bathroom of their choice. Others see this as an attempt to protect a few spoiled people who think their right to "expression" outweighs the comfort and safety of everyone else.

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Even dogs have more social capital than truckers. You cannot leave a dog in a closed vehicle but you can truckers. Legislation forbids truckers from idling their engines, so to be safe they have to sleep with closed windows and no air conditioning. Some die.

Trump speaks both to people who feel that the government increasingly protects minorities and freaks, and to people who experience exaggerated amounts of government oversight and therefore resist any more.



To be clear, we agree with the policies that we've discussed and support Affirmative Action, gay marriage, etc. but seek a new way to protect and not interfere with the lives of blue collar and queer people.



This is where Trump gets it wrong. Trump makes working people and others who are disenfranchised feel like "special snowflakes" too. They have felt invisible and devalued, and he assures them that others will no longer corrode their rights, their jobs, and their way of life.

But that "rights discourse" only goes so far. What if the Orlando massacre opens up blood donation to gay men? This so-called progress would fail to change underlying structures: other groups unable to donate blood would have to mount their own rights battles. And attacks like the Orlando massacre may still occur because we haven't addressed the underlying anger that fuels them.

Extending rights to a disenfranchised group is not wrong . . . but it is not and will never be enough. The experiences of blue-collar queers suggest that we need instead to examine both who the government protects and who it regulates, and radically redistribute both. If we don't rise to the occasion, Trump will.

Anne Balay, a visiting assistant professor at Haverford College, is the author of "Steel Closets: Voices of Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Steelworkers" and a former long-haul trucker.

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Something has got my attention since I've been in Ibiza. There's been a recurring and overwhelming response to the daily blogs I've been publishing and my live Instagram and Snapchat feeds from the island. People are surprised! In this digital media age of viral videos and explicit memes, it takes a lot to surprise people.

What's the big deal then? My readers cannot believe what Ibiza is really like.

They've seen It's All Gone Pete Tong, watched Ibiza Uncovered and maybe even visited the White Isle themselves, but never made it out of San Antonio or Playa d'en Bossa. They've been to Irish bars in the West End and water parties in Es Paradis. Admittedly, more than one of my past encounters with Ibiza followed a similar theme, so this time I was determined to do things a little differently.

I turned to Essential Ibiza who are the number one go-to guide for insider knowledge and what's going on all over the island, both on and off the party scene. They drew from their extensive archives on essentialibiza.com to recommend some of the best alternative activities and lesser known gems.

My list is unintentionally predominantly day time stuff, proving there's a lot more to do on the island than just party!

Where to eat, drink, sleep and play; here are my top ten favourites from Ibiza

Walk Ibiza

I joined the donation based 'Short and Sweet' (there's tea and homemade cake at the end) two hour long walk from Isla Blanca in the north of the island on an overcast Wednesday morning. Leader Sheila from Walking Ibiza is founder Toby's mother. He started organising tours after walking the entire coast of the island in 11 days with just 1 relying on generous donations of food and drink from locals. We got to experience some incredible unobstructed views as the clouds dispersed and walked along while learning about Ibiza's history in the process. The perfect antidote to a heavy night on the party scene and really interesting to talk to people who've moved to Ibiza and hear their stories about life on the island. Warning - this may make you want to shut up shop and move out here!

Walking Ibiza also run kayaking trips and are about to launch their food tours which will bring you to 8-10 stops around the city of Ibiza sampling typical Ibizan and Spanish local delicacies.

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A post shared by Nadia daily s'elf travels (@nadia_dailyself) on Jun 10, 2016 at 2:19pm PDT

2. Watch Ibiza's infamous sunset at one of the best spots on the island

Most people flock to Cafe del Mar or Mambo for sundowners or sit out on the stretch of rocks in front of the bars, but if you want somewhere with a slightly less rowdy crowd I suggest going to Hostal la Torre for dinner and drinks on the terrace, Sunset Ashram for chilled out vibes or on Sundays go to Benirras Beach. Grab a pizza from one of the beach front restaurants (I was underwhelmed by Elements cafe) and pick a spot on the sand watching the sun dip into the sea beyond the iconic Cap Bernat rock. After dark, enjoy the drumming and fire throwing and feel like you're in Thailand for the night.

A post shared by Nadia daily s'elf travels (@nadia_dailyself) on May 31, 2016 at 5:02am PDT

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3. Go on a boat trip

For me, there's nothing like getting out on the water to get a unique feel for a place and see it from another perspective and literally a different angle. There are tonnes of group boat excursions from San An, but for a completely luxe experience, you've got to go for a private charter. I've wanted to visit Formentera for years so I was excited when Smart Charter Ibiza organised a day trip that brought us to Juan y Andrea, an exclusive seafood restaurant on the island of Formentera by super fast speed boat. They had paddleboards and a seabob on board, if you fancy braving the waters, or kick back and sip chilled champagne in the sun. Read about the full experience here.

A post shared by Michael Vanarey (@michaelvanarey) on May 18, 2016 at 6:12am PDT

4. Spend time in Dalt Vila

I was lucky enough to be in town when IMS held their outdoor concert right at the top of the castle at Dalt Vila (literally 'upper town') in Ibiza's old town, but it's a spectacular sight on any night of the year. The walk up the steep slope, across the drawbridge and under the archway to the UNESCO heritage site is Game of Thrones-y AF and the lighting and views make you seriously snap happy, but stand back and take it all in.

Some of the best restaurants on the island are along the tiny cobbled streets of Dalt Vila. Two of my favourite meals were from La Mezcaleria a 'Mexiterranea' and Mezcal restaurant and bar (the pork tacos and cocktails with ginger and lime to enhance the smokey mexcal flavours were to die for) and La Dispensa whose interiors will blow your mind!

5. Long and lazy beach bar lunches

Some of my favourite afternoons in Ibiza were spent having long and lazy lunches in beach bars, but there are so many to choose from it can be difficult to know where to go. I was most impressed with Babylon Beach for the small and intimate surroundings, bean bags lined up along the rocky coastline and comfortable and casual dining tables and chairs both shaded and in the sunshine. The difference with the food here is that it's all sourced locally and organically and you can really taste the difference. The flavours are so fresh and their cocktails are a bit different, like the smoked chilli and basil, gin-based one I tried. Delish.

Tropicana Beach Club does some of the best tapas including melt in the mouth jamon carved on site and I was sold by the stairway-to-the-sea!

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A post shared by Nadia daily s'elf travels (@nadia_dailyself) on May 23, 2016 at 3:44am PDT

6. Ride the waves at Surf Lounge

There's no better way to shake off a hangover than donning a wetsuit, making a fool of yourself in the waves and then recovering with a cold beer and sharing a feast with friends for lunch, which is exactly what I did at Surf Lounge in San Antonio. It'd be easy to miss this place, set on the seafront by the inflatable water park, but it's well worth a visit. For only 30 for an hour you can try out the only automated wave machine on the island, surfing or body boarding or just generally flirting with the friendly instructors. Read more about Surf Lounge here.

7. Stay at Pikes

The Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes Hotel has to be my favourite place to stay in Ibiza, or at least to hang out at. I managed to squeeze three visits into my trip which included an overnight stay, an outdoor movie screening and an epic Sunday roast. Each time very different and I've got the feeling that's always the case. There's a genuine sense of mischief in the air, permeating the rock ('n' roll) walls from its colourful past - Wham!'s Club Tropicana video was filmed at the pool here!

Jump in the ball pit for bathtub karaoke, race giant inflatable flamingos and unicorns across the pool or lounge on the massive round day beds with goblets of gin & tonic soaking up the sun. Whatever you get up to at Pikes, its bound to make a good story.

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A post shared by Nadia daily s'elf travels (@nadia_dailyself) on May 30, 2016 at 1:43am PDT

8. Browse the stalls at Las Dalias Hippy Market

Saturdays are for shopping and eating too much. Well, that's what I did anyway and I highly recommend it. Every Saturday from 10am the stalls are set up at Las Dalias Hippy Market selling clothes, jewellery, leather accessories, you name it. Go hungry and share food with a friend so you can try something from each spot. Our favourites were the fresh juices and pizza.

Browse Essential Ibiza's event calendar for listings.

9. Hire a day bed

The ultimate in beach side luxury, make what is already a blissful experience of lounging in the sand by the sea for the day even more paradise-like. Lots of beach bars in Ibiza have big sumptuous beds to sink into, but my favourites are the Harbour Club where the price includes chilled water and fresh fruit and the waiters carry over the chalkboard menu and come to set up little tables with proper linen for lunch. Or, head to Nassau Tanit on Sundays if you want to stick a magnum of blush wine on ice, try some Thai influenced food and listen to DJ Jo Mills on the decks while getting your tan on.

A post shared by Nadia daily s'elf travels (@nadia_dailyself) on Jun 2, 2016 at 4:39am PDT

10. Refuel at Wild Beets

Based in Santa Gertrudis slap bang in the centre of the island and close by lots of countryside walking trails, Wild Beets is a raw, vegan and plant based cafe. Organic and locally sourced breakfast, lunch and dinner in an airy stylish new restaurant in the village provided a refreshing balance to the heavy tapas and wine I've been eating all week out here. I'm not about to go vegan or even vegetarian, but there's nothing wrong with a meat free Monday every once in a while.

Naturopath Chloe Silverman has teamed up with Wild Beets to design juice cleanses in partnership with iPurify.

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So there you have it, my top ten alternative things to do in Ibiza. There's so much more I still need to tick off; like visiting Es Vedra at sunset, eating at Aubergine cafe and Bambuddha restaurant, that inflatable water park in San An I mentioned earlier, the workout club at Hostal la Torre, beachside voga retreat with House of Voga, the list goes on! That's the thing with Ibiza, it somehow manages to remain consistent yet change with the times, I know I'll be coming back for years to come!

Images by Michael Vanarey, check out his aerial footage to see Ibiza from the sky!
Coauthored by Alex Sheldon, Research Analyst at the Movement Advancement Project

There are more than 200 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community centers in the United States. As LGBT communities in Orlando and across the country struggle to come to terms with the horror of the attack on Latinx Night at Pulse, the LGBT nightclub that was the scene of the largest mass shooting in our country's modern history, LGBT community centers have been there, as they have for more than 47 years when the first LGBT center, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, opened its doors.

Most notably, the report finds that centers serve over 43,500 people per week, and many centers (33%) serve hundreds of people on a weekly basis without any paid staff. They are the places that people turn to for meals and for health care, and other vital services that LGBT people rely on, particularly seniors or low-income LGBT people. But LGBT community centers are more than services and staff. From Charlotte to Cincinnati, from Sioux Falls to San Diego, LGBT community centers are, in many ways, the heart of LGBT communities.

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For the past two weeks, LGBT community centers have offered a place for LGBT people and their allies to cry, to mourn, to receive counseling services, to be together in silence and in rage. The LGBT community continues to honor and mourn the 49 people, primarily LGBT Latinx people, who were murdered in Orlando. In response, Community Centers have united us in action and hope and encouraged our communities to resist animosity and fear. At the LGBT Center in San Diego, a local rabbi joined hands with a local imam as they led the auditorium in prayer. A staffer at The Center in New York City went to work last Monday, heart heavy, because she knew that, for many of the teens she works with, The Center was their only safe space. They needed to know that it was still a safe space.

In smaller or more rural communities, LGBT centers are the only resource within hundreds of miles and they often operate on small budgets with few staff members. Take the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center, which is the only LGBT community center in a 200 mile radius. The center serves nearly 10,000 people a year and is truly a lifeline for LGBT people, especially the most vulnerable members of the community. Without the center, LGBT people in West Tennessee, North Mississippi, and East Arkansas would be isolated and without crucial services and support.

In times of crisis and trauma--and joy--for the LGBT community, community centers are here to organize vigils and provide a safe space for our grief. And, they are open, safe spaces every other day, too. Centers offer a large number of programs and services, ranging from social gatherings to health services like HIV testing and individual counseling. In the last year, these centers provided physical health services to more than 272,000 people, and mental health services to more than 22,600 people, services of particular importance now for the LGBT community. LGBT centers are uniquely equipped to handle to needs of grieving LGBT communities.

And these LGBT community centers provide these services to those who need it most. Centers' clientele is diverse, and most community centers offer tailored programming: 82% of LGBT community centers offer targeted programs and services for LGBT youth, 88% for transgender people, and 51% for LGBT people of color. Importantly, the staff that offer these services reflect the diversity of the clientele; over half (53%) of paid staff at LGBT centers across the county identify as people of color, frequently reflecting the diversity of the LGBT communities they serve.

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By Dr. Nehginpao Kipgen



The Indian central government and the Kuki armed groups - the United Peoples' Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organization (KNO) - began their first round of political dialogue at Ashoka hotel in New Delhi on June 15.



Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, who led the central delegation, chaired the meeting, which was attended by representatives from the armed groups and the Manipur state government.



The issue of holding political dialogue has dragged on for years. The Indian Army and the Kuki armed groups have observed Suspension of Operation (SoO) since August 1, 2005. A tripartite agreement, involving the UPF and KNO, the central government and the Manipur state government, was formally signed on August 22, 2008.



The SoO was possible after the Kuki armed groups responded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's call for resolving armed conflicts through dialogue. The Congress government agreed, in principle, to initiate political dialogue within the framework of the Indian constitution.



In 2013, the Indian government made the assurance that political talk would begin immediately following the winter session of the national parliament but it did not materialize.



How is the situation of the armed groups and the political atmosphere in New Delhi different from the previous years? Is there any sight of solution to the Kukis political demand under Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration?



One significant development among the armed groups is its ability to present a collective political demand under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, that is, statehood for the Kuki people, comprising lands in the hills of Manipur for which the chieftains possess legal land titles.



The demand for a Kuki state comprising all the Kuki inhabited areas of Manipur was first submitted to the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on March 24, 1960 by the Kuki National Assembly, a political body formed in 1946.



Now that the Kuki armed groups have reached a consensus agreement amongst themselves, the dialogue process can move forward quicker provided that there is seriousness on both sides.



Since the demand for a separate state will affect the integrity of the Manipur state, the central government will need to tread judiciously. One immediate challenge will be on the question of competing demands.



The Nagas, who form another major ethnic group in Manipur, also claim overlapping areas in the four hill districts. The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) claims a large chunk of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts as their territory in their quest for greater or southern Nagaland.



New Delhi has had several rounds of political dialogue with the Nagas, particularly the NSCN-IM. These competing demands of overlapping areas have given rise to insurgency problems for the past many years.



Another major challenge will come from the Manipur government and the Meiteis, the single-largest populace of the state. Knowing the potential consequences of political dialogue between the Kuki armed groups and the central government, the Manipur state government inserted a clause in the initial tripartite agreement, that is, the territorial integrity of Manipur cannot be violated.



Given the increasing distrust between the Kukis and the Meiteis over the three bills passed last year by the Manipur State Assembly, the political dialogue is even more significant. The Manipur government and the Meiteis are likely to oppose any attempt to disintegrate the state.



Since this is the first concrete political dialogue, the process is expected to take months, if not years, before reaching any possible solution.



Given the competing demands of the three major communities (Kukis for separate state; Nagas for greater Nagaland; and Meities for unhindered or greater access to the hill areas), any amicable solution is easier said than done.



Though the Kukis would want to have a state of their own at the earliest possible, it is unlikely that the central government will give a serious consideration without examining the interests of the two other major communities of the state.



Given the ground realities, there are certain measures the Kuki armed groups and the Modi government should take into account during the political dialogue process.



First, given the deep apprehension among the hill people, particularly the Kukis, the government should consider implementing the Sixth Schedule provisions in the hill areas that would protect and safeguard the history, culture, land and identity of the tribal people.



Second, given the disparity across the state, the state and central governments should take concrete steps to ensure the proper utilization of development funds and schemes. The status quo is that the valley districts are much more developed and advanced than the hill districts.



Third, the government should review the existing political arrangement. Out of the 60-member legislative assembly, 40 are represented by the valley people and 20 by the hill people. This proportion needs to be revised. There must be political accommodation in such a way that the post of the chief minister is also rotationally or periodically given to representatives from the hill areas.



Fourth, in light of the creation of Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh despite a strong opposition from the state government in 2014, it is possible for the central government to carve out a Kuki state from Manipur.



Creation of states along ethno-lingual lines is not unprecedented in the history of the Indian Union, given the examples of Tamil Nadu for the Tamils, Nagaland for the Nagas, and Mizoram for the Mizos.
My two beloved homes - the United States and United Kingdom - are enflamed with pain and rage, resulting in shocking murders in Orlando, US and Yorkshire, UK that betray a deep lack of unity in our nations. Perhaps more worrying, at a systemic level, is equally shocking rhetoric from our 'leaders' - whether Trump in the US or Farage in the Uk - peddling the memes of separation, lack and survival of the fittest that our egos, when under threat, like to lap up.

Jo Cox, the British MP who was murdered last week, was a contemporary of mine at Cambridge University. This leader made a point of turning compassion from something we talk about privately - perhaps in embarrassment; perhaps in fear that we will expose our intrinsic human vulnerability - to something that can, and must, find its way to the heart of politics and the center of leadership. If you are called to, you can donate to the Jo Cox Memorial Fund.

All of us are leaders and all of us are in politics, whether we think it or not.

As people go to the polls today in the UK to decide whether to stay or leave the European Union, I hope Brits find a way into their heart and choose whatever they believe will bring most compassion and connection into the world.

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With politics locked in ever-decreasing circles, I believe that whether we are capitalist or Maoist, if our worldview emanates from a philosophy of separation not connection, we can never lead lasting, transformative change. The time has come to break through the stalemate and unlock a politics that is enflamed by our shared heart not stale ideologies and habitual fear and loathing.

Politics is always about change. Yet systems are a concretization of the beliefs, habits and moods of people. So if we want to change the world, we have to change people. Here is where most leaders go wrong.

People only change, for good, when both hearts and minds shift, causing behaviors to change permanently.

The belief that most materialists have that society can be changed simply through either laws, regulation and force (stick); or financial incentives like tax or welfare (carrot) reveals a startling lack of insights into how people's hearts and minds work and are transformed. By skipping over our messy, complex and unpredictable human emotions and spiritual yearnings - usually driven to sabotage both self and system by hidden trauma and stress - conservative stalwarts and progressive activists alike doom themselves to failure.

We are utterly emotional beings, who learn, communicate, and engage because of the stories and experiences that touch our hearts and give us meaning. To build on Einstein, we can only solve problems by having breakthroughs in consciousness in the domain in which the problem occurs. To try and solve an emotional problem with behavioral tools can never, ever work - no matter how much money we pour into the programs. It is a category error.

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All the rationalist and technocrats can offer us is a clinical Cartesianism that leads them to focus on (the means of) production, performance, efficiency and consumption rather than on healing the trauma that drives selfishness, avarice and violence. The materialists, from Marx to the non-profits leaders of today, have a theory of change driven by metaphors from the world of machines. Yet we are organisms; not algorithms. Little wonder depression, anxiety, anguish, fear-driven greed, and aggression is so rampant, and costing us the Earth. Quite literally.

The Communist dream was born to destroy an inherently selfish Capitalist system; but was in fact rooted in the same mistaken, mechanistic belief about human beings. Both, like the scientific project they arose from, removed the subjective, conscious, emotional self.

The irrational faith in rationality - even though science itself has shown us to be eminently emotional creatures - holds back all those leaders who want to make the world a better place. Little wonder we seem to have more social and environmental problems - in the global North as much as the South - after decades of extremely high spending on programs designed to disappear them.

How can a welfare program break through addiction if we don't work at the level of pain and suffering that drives most serious addiction? How can we solve homelessness or long-term unemployment if we don't engage with the emotional (as well as structural) root causes: A lack of self-esteem, confidence and life skills. How can we make a dent on poverty if we don't work on the greed and graft that diverts so much money and so many resources away from those who are starving?

Western reformers - rooted in the individualist, scientist, atheist paradigm - have been wedded to a promise of rational progress since the Enlightenment. Whilst we definitely live longer lives, the jury is out on whether we are any happier. Decade after decade sees new social welfare, criminal justice and international aid programs designed and implemented by such rationalists. They are clearly failing to deliver the impacts desired. The emotionally-traumatized still abuse, hurt and reoffend, despite billions spent on retributive punishment. The disempowered remain unemployed and underemployed, no matter how many initiatives are launched to get them back to work. The war on drugs keeps failing because it too has failed to treat the root cause of all these ills: emotional and spiritual despair.

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We need a politics that is responsive to the actual emotional, spiritual and physical needs of the people it deigns to serve; creative enough to engage fruitfully in the fast-paced modern world that demands constant innovation and collaborative ingenuity; and grounded enough in something bigger than egos to avoid the interminable, internecine and insanely dull conflicts that ham-string the progressive movements on both sides of the Atlantic.

We need a politics rooted in, driven by, and aiming for love.
The current doctors shortage in the United States is so dire a recent report from the Association of American Medical Colleges suggests that within ten years there will be a nationwide shortfall of 90,000 doctors. Even though New York has more medical schools than any other state, it is not immune to the shortage.

Most affected are areas outside of New York City. Last year, the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) reported there was an immediate need across the state of 942 additional doctors, particularly primary care physicians. According to HANYS, Western New York was hard hit. On a national basis, there are 80 doctors per 100,000 patients, but in Buffalo only 60 doctors were practicing per 100,000 patients.

Upstate New York had a shortage of 615 doctors, meaning that cities like Syracuse were already citing an inability to deal with patient demand. The situation in Rochester was so bad Governor Andrew Cuomo asked the federal government to declare the city a Health Professional Shortage Area. "The City of Rochester leads the nation in infant mortality and hospitalizations per capita," Senator Chuck Schumer said, "but with one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios in any major city many residents are not getting the access to proper care they need."

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In this time of crisis, a debate has erupted at the New York State Education Department over hospital clerkships. During medical school, a student spends his first two years in coursework, but his final two years are made up of clerkships that normally occur in a clinical setting. Several years back, international medical schools, many of them located in the Caribbean, started paying hospitals in New York as much as $400 per week per student for clerkship positions. Since 2007, for instance, St. George University School of Medicine in Grenada has paid New York City Health + Hospitals $100 million for clerkships for its students.

Because hospitals are constantly in need of increased revenue to remain open, it was not long before half of the clerkships in New York were held by foreign medical students whose schools were paying for them. Officials at some of the state's 16 medical schools began to complain about the paid clerkships so bitterly that, two years ago, the Education Department's Board of Regents formed a committee to evaluate them, effectively establishing a moratorium on paid clerkships. Now the domestic medical schools want the moratorium turned into an outright ban, while international medical schools hope the moratorium will be lifted.

Ironically, though domestic medical schools "do not provide a per-student-per-week reimbursement to the hospitals," to quote one medical school representative, they do pay hospitals. Besides supplying funds "to upgrade their medical libraries," they have affiliation agreements whereby "attending [physicians] at the hospitals are faculty at the medical schools."

Over the last decade, enrollment in New York's medical schools has grown by more than 20 percent, making the clerkships even more valuable. Administrators at international medical schools argue many of their students who come to New York to hold these clerkships remain in the state to practice. These students are more likely to enter primary care, an area many domestic medical students avoid in order to pursue more lucrative specialty fields.

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In addition, foreign-educated doctors often end up practicing in underserved areas, in particular poor urban neighborhoods, because the student bodies at international medical schools tend to be more diverse. Lack of diversity is a problem at a number of domestic medical schools. For while 13 percent of the population in the U.S. is African-American, African-Americans make up only 5 percent of the number of doctors in the country. Conversely, the American University of Antigua College of Medicine boasts a student population in which 20 percent are African-American.

New York's doctors shortage is not helped by the fact that 55 percent of doctors trained in the state leave to practice elsewhere once their training is complete, leading one industry leader to declare, "New York exports physicians." Indeed, so many doctors depart the state after training that New York accounts for 11 percent of the nation's doctors.
A man takes a copy of the London Evening Standard newspaper with the front page reporting the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron and the vote to leave the EU in a referendum, showing a pictured of Cameron holding hands with his wife Samantha as they come out from 10 Downing Street, in London on June 24, 2016. Britain voted to break away from the European Union on June 24, toppling Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing a thunderous blow to the 60-year-old bloc that sent world markets plunging. / AFP / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

After the EU referendum, the United Kingdom is less united than ever, the idea of a united Europe is more wounded than ever, and the global economy faces disaster, once more. Is this an exaggerated assessment? Let's take a closer look.

The referendum divided Great Britain. The young population voted differently than the older population. The Welsh and the English voted differently than the Scots and the Irish. The results that came out of London and the big metropolitan cities were vastly different from those coming out of rural England.

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The two major parties have proven that they have shallow influence. Perhaps there was a patriotic-nostalgic-xenophobic motivation to Brexit. It could have also been a plebeian uprising by those who suffered in the shadows of globalization, as the city's elite continued to profit. In all cases, it is definitely a result that divides Britain and calls its cohesion into question.

There is no doubt that Europe was defeated in the British referendum. In fact, this is its worst defeat since March of 1975, when the six states founded the EEC. But which Europe was defeated? Was it the Europe of Brussels, which -- led by the well-fed and affluent -- issues regulations on the length of cod's fins or the thickness of toilet paper? Or was it the sullen, Protestant Europe, which seeks to punish the sinners with austerity? I fear that the Europe that has been defeated is actually the Europe that was a safe haven for freedoms, rights, tolerance and solidarity.

Athens can not afford to remain inactive or rest. It must react as vigorously as it can, and speak out in favor of those who champion democracy.

As for the economic turmoil, it remains to be seen if it will last as long as the current shock, or if it will prove to be a fatal blow to an already-fragile environment. Western economies are still struggling to recover, and the progress by the emerging economies of the BRICS has halted.

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For Athens, this situation is troubling. On one hand, there is the fear that the referendum results would open a can of worms, and that Nigel Farage's friends would come to the fore, and that we would soon find ourselves in a world that is ruled by the likes of Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, Le Pen, Orban, Grillo, Putin and Erdogan. On the other hand, there is the fear that, in order to recover from Brexit, Europe will need to shrink and return to the borders of Charlemagne's Europe -- a rigorous holy empire of economic orthodoxy.

With either of these two scenarios -- which are clearly intertwined -- the future is predicted to be dry and anhydrous. Athens can not afford to remain inactive or rest. It must react as vigorously as it can, and speak out in favor of those who champion democracy -- those who would like the British referendum to be a clarion call and not the sound of mournful cemetery bells.
Survivors of ISIL at a refugee camp in Iraqi Kurdistan

On June 14th, the House of Commons was the scene of a remarkable debate. The opposition had tabled a motion declaring atrocities by the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) against Iraqi Christians, Yazidis, Shia, and other minorities as "genocide". The Government countered that such legal determinations "need to be made in an objective, responsible way" by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The motion was defeated 166 votes to 139. What followed were recriminations on both sides; yet another day of political theatre in Parliament, while the traumatized survivors of these unspeakable crimes languish in refugee camps, waiting for justice.

Just two days after the debate in Ottawa, a UN human rights inquiry on ISIL crimes in both Syria and Iraq called for international recognition of genocide against the Yazidi. An earlier 2015 UN report had made a similar finding. The United States and European Parliament have also made similar declarations. But the real question is what difference will it make to label these horrors one way or the other? Will these semantic spectacles change anything other than poll ratings? If we are serious about doing something for the victims, we can start by listening to their voices, rather than politicizing their suffering.

In 1994, when I was a UN prosecutor at The Hague, close to one million Rwandans were exterminated as the world stood by and watched. At first, world leaders refused to call it "genocide". President Clinton later apologized for this failure. His successor President Bush indignantly declared that such things wouldn't happen on his watch. So when the Darfur atrocities were committed a decade after Rwanda, he labeled them as "genocide", but still did nothing. It is safe to assume that these legal abstractions didn't mean much to those that were slaughtered. The victims need meaningful action, not pious platitudes.

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In a commendable initiative, Foreign Minister Dion had written to the UN Security Council on May 30th, proposing referral of the ISIL atrocities to the ICC. But even if the Council votes in favour of this proposal, the ICC will issue arrest warrants but will be unable to execute them. This is demonstrated by the case of President Omar Bashir, accused of the Darfur genocide, but still Sudan's Head of State. It should also be considered that ISIL leaders such as Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi are more likely to be killed than captured. This context may require thinking outside the box.

The International Criminal Court at The Hague

In an effort to give the survivors a greater voice, I am presently involved in a survey of 1,000 refugees in Iraqi Kurdish camps to directly ask what kind of justice they want. Most of their needs are immediate: exhumation of mass-graves, proper burial of their loved ones, liberation of enslaved girls, and therapy to heal their psychological wounds. In the longer term, there has to be a realistic grassroots mechanism for accountability that is not dependent on capturing ISIL leaders. In collaboration with the Canadian Centre for International Justice, I have been assisting the Kurdistan Regional Government to establish an international forum for victims. The June 16th report of the UN Commission endorsed this call for "an internationally-advised Truth Commission which would simultaneously seek to establish a historical record, provide survivors with a catharsis and opportunity for healing by telling their stories, and which would expose and delegitimize ISIS crimes in the region through broadcast and dissemination of the testimony". It is some justice, rather than no justice at all. Surely, this is a low-cost high-impact initiative that Canada could support?

Children at refugee camp in Iraqi Kurdistan

We should also bear in mind that in neighbouring Syria, the Assad Government has killed up to four hundred thousand civilians; ten times more than the notorious jihadists on whom we are fixated. A French proposal for a UN referral of Syria to the ICC was defeated by a Russian veto. But even if prosecutions are not possible, it is still possible to hold the Syrian Government accountable before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its failure to punish those most responsible for these atrocities. Prominent Syrian activists have told me that this would go far in stigmatizing the culprits so they can be isolated and removed from power in a post-conflict transition. Again, this is some justice, rather than no justice at all. But it requires a Government to step forward and pursue public interest litigation on behalf of the victims. This is yet another low-cost high-impact initiative that Canada could support.

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Instead of politicizing genocide, let us focus on doing something meaningful for the millions of victims in Iraq and Syria. Moral leadership is not about rhetorical posturing; it is about genuine empathy and concrete action.
[1] Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union

1. Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.

2. A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention. In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union. That agreement shall be negotiated in accordance with Article 218(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It shall be concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.

3. The Treaties shall cease to apply to the State in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after the notification referred to in paragraph 2, unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.

4. For the purposes of paragraphs 2 and 3, the member of the European Council or of the Council representing the withdrawing Member State shall not participate in the discussions of the European Council or Council or in decisions concerning it.

A qualified majority shall be defined in accordance with Article 238(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

5. If a State which has withdrawn from the Union asks to rejoin, its request shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 49.
The U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC

Those who have studied the role of the Supreme Court in American life understand above all this November's election is about who will nominate and confirm the next Justices. The nine men and women on the Court have a more lasting impact on our lives than any one President or Congress. The next President will probably have the opportunity to nominate at least three Justices. In addition to the current vacancy, due to Antonin Scalia's passing, which may remain vacant till the next President is sworn in, three other Justices are either near or above eighty years of age. Anthony Kennedy will be 80 on July 23; Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 83; and Steven Breyer turns 78 in August.

Many crucial issues facing the nation, issues at the center of the current presidential campaign, will eventually end up in front of the court. They include gun control and the scope of the 2nd Amendment; the effort to overturn Citizens United and getting big money out of politics; the Affordable Care Act and how it relates to women's health issues and the separation of church and state; Voting rights; and the continuing fight over the rights of LGBT Americans, among others.

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The fight will continue in the political realm with Congress and state governments fighting over and passing legislation on these issues. However the deep divisions in the country will lead to law suits over any legislation passed which will make their way through the judicial system and end up at the door of the Supreme Court. Then these all powerful nine men and women will decide what rights Americans have under our constitution impacting us for decades. While Presidents, members of Congress, Governors and state legislators come and go Supreme Court Justices with their lifetime appointments will still be there.

Many debate whether our founding fathers were right in giving nine individuals such power. President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937 tried unsuccessfully to add six members to the Court. He failed but by 1942 with his ability to nominate, seven of the nine were his appointments.

The coming election will determine whether control of the Court rests with conservatives or liberals. Their interpretation of the Constitution will determine how we live our lives often more than most decisions made by Congress or the President on any particular issue or bill.

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Voters should always keep in mind their vote determines who will be nominating and confirming the next Supreme Court Justices. We know the candidates Donald Trump will choose from if he gets the chance to nominate a Justice. For a liberal they are all frightening. Trump committed to nominating pro-life Justices who in addition to considering overturning Roe v. Wade will want to overturn marriage-equality, and the Affordable Care Act.

Clinton has committed to nominating Justices who would vote to overturn Citizens United, protect Roe v. Wade, Marriage-equality and represent the diversity of the nation.

While conservatives are more focused on the issue of the Court liberals and progressives too often seem less concerned to the detriment of all they believe in. There appears to be a lack of understanding about the repercussions of a Republican winning the White House. A recent People's Summit in Chicago, organized by the left-wing National Nurses United union, drew over 3000 activists. Many supporters of Bernie Sanders trying to decide what their next step was going to be. Many seem to not grasp the importance of keeping the White House in Democratic hands if they have any hope of moving their agenda forward. Senator Sanders recently indicated he does understand this when he committed to voting for Hillary Clinton and doing everything he can to defeat Trump.
Krishna Dharabasi's "Great Falls"

As a result of releasing "JHOLA", a movie based on the literature of Krishna Dharabasi, the author of Great Falls visited 18 states in America; but his main objective was to understand American society. Great Falls is a travel novel which explores the journey of memoir in America.

As a Nepali, Dharabasi spent a long time in Nepal. Today, he resides in America, where he wants to practice and experiment new literature. Prior to beginning his novel, Dharabasi traveled through 18 states, looking to comprehend society in America. He successfully showed the reality of America for a Nepali in Great Falls. He depicted the Nepalis lifestyle, and the emotions one feels throughout his journey.

The United States of America is known for "The American Dream," and as a land of opportunity. Staying true to this, the author does not marginalize anyone. He writes about people who came through diversity and student visas, people attending public meetings and seminars, and cultural programs. Dharabasi offers a micro-analysis of the people who had been living in America illegally for years, including the daily routine of Bhutanese refuse.

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Great Falls has a life of its own. In short, this novel offers organic feelings about America through the lens of a Nepalese writer. He wrote whatever he saw in the United States, as is. It all came from first hand experience. The novel appeals to ethos and logos, as it touches on Nepalese politics in America. I would recommend this book to people who are looking to understand Nepalese society in America.

Dharabasi depicts how he met his childhood friends as well as Nepalise celebrity in America. He notes that even though some of them are struggling in the USA as they did in Nepal, some of them well established. The author shows great affection to the nation as well as the Nepali brotherhood, and to all Nepalise. Although some descriptions were lengthy and unnecessary, it was overall well written and executed.

Dharabasi spent a year studying Nepalese and linguistic Bhutanese. After extensive research, including their life struggle, happiness and sorrow, he prepared new book named Grate Falls. We can say life is like a Great Falls. We all have dreams to be a great, but many obstacles come into our lives. Those who can overcome their struggles become successful, and those who give in to them fall into the pit of failure. Great falls can be looked at as the turning point of life. All of life's ups and downs are up to you. It is all about decision. Dharabasi is trying to educate his readers on life and struggle.

In the book, the author explained the United States of America clearly. You do not have to have traveled to each of the 18 states he talks about in order to comprehend them, and feel as if you have been there yourself. From the book you can easily learn about the lifestyle of Nepalise people. You can understand about Nepalese organizations, educators, social workers, Nepali politics, etc. You are able to feel every character in the novel. They come to life. There is a conversational style that has a familiar feel to it. Simultaneously, Dharabasi experimented. Many of his characters have their own self-definitions of life.

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By most accounts, the search for God is an ancient, oil-slicked highway rutted with potholes, interrupted by long tunnels that lead mostly to more long tunnels. It's dark and stormy, often foggy, directed by ambiguous signage spelled out in dead languages. Except for the occasional downpour of refreshing manna, the road appears to be a steep incline of harsh laws, stringent warnings, and mind-numbing repetition of ritual.

Can we really blame anyone for getting off?

Raised Catholic, I took the first available exit ramp in the late-70's when I was in my twenties. This detour marked a brief period of quasi-atheism, when I was searching for anything but God. I say 'quasi' because I wasn't committed to atheism the way I was committed to say--yoga, vegetarianism, or the neighborhood happy hour. For me, calling off the search for God was more like a peaceful release from the dogmatic heel on the head. I just quietly stopped believing, if not in God, than in the image of God that had been impressed on me since birth.

Being a quasi-atheist didn't change things for me, or really even rearrange them. It wasn't an existential crisis. I wasn't angst-ridden or depressed. Neither did it alter my organic, ingrained compassion for others. I didn't need religion for that. In fact, in a way, the absence of religion made my compassionate action seem more meaningful. I wasn't motivated by the promise of a future eternal reward. No guilt or threat of damnation dragged me by the hair into compulsory charity. I loved those I loved, and helped those I helped without attaching my actions to any 'ism'. If I performed works of charity it was because I wanted to. With the boss out of the picture, I became a spiritual freelancer, exploring philosophies and experiences that were discouraged, if not forbidden, by the corporate faith.

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Philosophies like myth and archetype.

I devoured Plato and Jung and Campbell. Through them, I understood that atheists and theists are two sides of the same archetypal coin, claiming more in common than either side realizes. For one thing, both sides are seekers, seeking the source and nature of life. One seeks it in God; the other in a natural order, often one observed through science. In some ways, (stay with me now), this opposition creates balance--believers challenging nonbelievers to consider that more forces may be at work than can be measured, at least currently. Higher forces. Flip the coin and watch nonbelievers challenge believers to question their complacency in beliefs rooted in an ancient cultural past. A past where huge communities of people were rejected, tortured, and enslaved.

These arguments have merit too. After all, creation by its very nature cannot be shackled to the past. Creation exists only in the present. It is a constant, irrepressible force. A force that speaks to us continually through visionaries as diverse as Leonardo Da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, and Stephen Spielberg. It speaks to us collectively through technological advancements and seismic human social movements like democracy, ecology, race and gender equality, and more recently, LGBT rights.

Evolution is the voice of consciousness proclaiming new paths of being and becoming. It lifts humanity up from the depths of competitive exclusivity to the heights of compassionate inclusivity. It challenges us to grow, innovate, and honor our differences. To stop victimizing each other in the name of God. It is the creative power unleashed in humankind, driving it ineluctably forward. When we instead shackle every action and consequence to an ancient past, we deny progress, obscuring--even denying--the presence of an active God in the cultural present.

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In my thirties, I too, moved on. This time, instead of abandoning God, I abandoned atheism for its lack of ability to measure things like instinct, intuition, and imagination. Applying myself to new intellectual paths, I soon figured out that the search for God is anything but intellectual. You can't get there from here, as they say. And although I appreciate a good intellect as much as anyone, for me at least, as a singular path it was just too confining.

As Einstein said, "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."

Ironically, it was in calling off the search for God that I found my guiding force. By sitting in my own silence I was able to experience the gentle, illuminating glow of the Godhead. The Godhead redefined, I might add, not as the perceived giant superhuman of my childhood catechism, but as the original incorruptible force of our planet, our cosmos, and our humanity. An Intelligence of a holographic order, beyond intellect, complete and unconfined, supporting our personal efforts to learn and grow. An Intelligence that empowers us to channel its forces through works of literature, art and music; scientific discovery; the formation of responsible, nurturing societies; and in the actual co-creation of humanity via conception and birth.

So, how to find that essential force for yourself?

Stop looking. Silence the mind with all its fears, biases and justifications. All its lateral, sequential thinking. Its presumptions and premature conclusions. Its rigid, inherited belief systems. Its lack of vision. If you want to find God, find the center of your heart first, and just, well...ask. Any mystic will tell you that a sincere inquiry always produces results, especially for beginners. (God can't resist a lost sheep.) Out of that silence, answers will fall like manna, everywhere you look--in nature, conversations, relationships, coincidences, and events of all kinds. And in the process, every aspect of your life will gain dimension.
There are fine food festivals the world over these days. There's only one in Aspen. The Food & Wine Classic is inextricably linked to this glorious town, to the betterment of both. This is synergy at work.

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder. but it's impossible to argue with the splendid scenery here. Those who have been, know. For those who haven't, let me put it this way: if there is a god, (s)he had a hand in designing Aspen. The symphony of colors that are Aspen in summertime - verdant, pine tree greens set against vivid, cerulean blue skies and red mountains still dappled with snow - coalesce to create atmospheric magic. A nature photographer's dream at 8,000 feet above sea level, the alpine terrain is literally breathtaking. You'll need to acclimate and properly hydrate to avoid altitude sickness.

Action, adventure and activity abound. Mid-June temps in the low 80's, without humidity, are ideal to sample more than just food and drink. An outdoorsman's paradise, Aspen offers outstanding hiking trails, bike routes aplenty, fishing streams and exhilarating whitewater rafting. If you're in reasonable shape, I'd recommend the Crater Lake Trail hike up to Maroon Bells in the Aspen Highlands, which culminates in a view that would make Switzerland jealous. For a wet and wild whitewater rafting adventure, call the team at ELK MOUNTAIN EXPEDITIONS. They run a terrific operation in which safety is paramount, equipment is top notch, and the guides are highly experienced. Most of all, it's a serious blast of fun.

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It would be understandable if the locals didn't want the whole world to know what they have going here. Yet Aspen still manages to maintain its small town charm in the face of commercial tourism, in part due to prices that match the elevation. Small also means you can walk from one side of town to the other in five minutes. Not only don't you need a car to get around, here's a pro-tip: Aspen will actually pick up the cost of your taxi to your hotel after some late night partying. If you enjoy adventurous driving, however, consider the 180-mile car trip from the Denver airport (rather than flying directly into Aspen) for the intense adrenaline rush and spectacular scenery along Independence Pass. Reaching 12,000 feet of elevation, this historic byway is the highest paved roadway in Colorado. Whereas the Corniche of the French Riviera features dramatic views of the Mediterranean coastline, this narrow, winding road carved out of the mountains presents majestic vistas and awe-inspiring landscapes as far as the eye can see.

Food. Duh. Although it's a challenge to execute the same level of cuisine at a festival setting as in a restaurant space, you will enjoy the tastes. What you might sacrifice by eating from paper plates while standing, you will certainly make up for in the variety and quantity of offerings. The Grand Tasting Tent takes up at least two full blocks and holds 250 tables filled with savories, samplings, and very few tchotchkes. Among many, some of the standouts included award-winning cheeses, Texas barbecue brisket, lobster rolls from the Chatham Bars Inn, pizza topped with Urbani truffles, pistachio crusted lamb chops, suckling pig, seared pork belly with blue corn grits and apple chutney (from local restaurant bb's), meatballs, and all manner of sliders and tacos.

Wine. A lot of wine. So much wine. 150 wineries to be precise. Sip whichever you'd like while chatting up the winemakers. Of the many quality ones, I particularly enjoyed a full bodied 2013 Charles Krug Peter Mondavi 'Family' Reserve ($60) - a blend that would partner perfectly with a charcoal grilled steak - and the fruit-forward, aptly named Cherry Pie Stanly Ranch Napa Pinot Noir 2013 ($47).

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Spirits. It ain't just wine, either. I'm a gin guy and I adore the extraordinary Martin Miller's Gin, whether neat, on the rocks, with a splash of tonic and chunk of lime, or highlighted by a drop of French dry vermouth for a proper martini. I often joke that gin is the original flavored vodka. This version, infused with the essence of citrus peels and juniper berries, is no joke; it is the best gin I've ever tasted. Also on hand was Tequila Clase Azul, one of my favorite reposados. I wouldn't adulterate tequila this good in a margarita, but instead sip it straight up. Licor43 is a super sweet, yet delightfully fruity, vanilla tinged liqueur that I dropped into Kings Row Coffee and topped with heavy cream for one killer post meal beverage. (And for beer drinkers, THIS SEASON'S BLONDE from the local Aspen Brewing Company is excellent.)

Live and learn. It's not all eating and drinking all of the time. With everything from live food porn to serious instruction, the Classic offers up 79 different programs from which to choose over three days of the event. For example, you might check out America's preeminent chef of offal, the ebullient Chris Cosentino, preparing "New Style Surf and Turf." Or watch wine expert Joshua Wesson deliver a masterful presentation entitled, "Super Salumi Tips." You are seated in front of your very own overflowing plate of mortadella, prosciutto, coppa and bresaola, as well as six - that's right, six- glasses of wines from around the globe. Wesson, an erudite and hilarious 30-year veteran of this event, proffered a thoroughly engaging lesson in pairing various varietals with these luscious meats. Referring to the barrels in which a delectable Vouvray was aged, Wesson observed, "Neutral wood is good for making wine, but not for making love."

Eat and meet. It's about the people, people. Say hey to Top Chef's Gail Simmons or Bizarre Foods Andrew Zimmern; grab a selfie with the legendary Jacques Pepin; or perhaps enjoy a chat with NBC Correspondent Tamron Hall, as whip smart and charming as she is gorgeous. It's not just the celebrity quotient either. There are a grand total of 5,000 pleasant attendees. How can they not be? The vast amount of time here is spent pursuing two of life's three great pleasures: eating and drinking. In fact, by midday, most everyone is already plenty happy and full.

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This festival is done right. "Mise en place" is the French cooking term meaning to put in place, i.e., to have your ingredients ready to go when it's time to cook. This Classic is a masterwork of organizational discipline. Which is to say, seamless. No lines too long. No wait too annoying. No cash changing hands. No overcrowding. Comfortable seating. Every venue clearly mapped out and in close proximity. Volunteers at the ready keeping the place clean and organized. Extremely well done.

Try it, you'll like it. The Classic also affords the opportunity to sample tools, experiences and tidbits. I was very impressed with the high carbon steel knives from Hammer Stahl. (Note to self: perhaps best not to practice slicing technique AFTER an hour of wine sampling.) Virtual reality has come to destination marketing, meaning that you can simulate a vacation experience through a funky ocular headset. As for taste sensations, there are no better peanuts in the world than the fat and crunchy Virginia Cocktail Peanuts. I'm also a fan of Manuka Honey, and the Iberico ham wrapped in caramel and covered with chocolate from Cacao Chemistry brought me a renewed appreciation for chemistry.

Speaking of chemicals, or at least medicinal biology, there was nary a sign, sniff or mention of cannabis all weekend long. Actually, the closest it came was a sign that read: No Smoking/No Vaping. So your intrepid reporter had to take it upon himself to explore the neighborhood on your behalf in search of a cannabis dispensary. It turns out there are seven in Aspen, remarkable for a town with a population of less than 7,000 people. (By contrast, there are two such facilities in NYC to serve a neurotic population of 8.4 million.) Do the math, there's only one possible conclusion: Rocky Mountain (is) High. The Silverpeak apothecary is an upscale emporium selling cannabis in myriad forms, from edibles to lotions to a dozen different strains of pot. Totally legal to buy and to use, and yet it still feels slightly sinister to indulge, I'm told. That said, the Purple Trainwreck is recommended...by a friend. I'm not advocating, I'm just sayin'.

Oh, and if you do make it to next year's 35th Classic, you will notice a full box of perfectly ripe grapes situated on a table in the middle of the giant tasting tent. They will remain untouched. The only grapes being consumed at this event must first be converted into alcohol. The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen is truly classic.

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For 1000 years, British men, women and even children, have fought and died to move power from elites to people, to increase their liberty, and to ensure that those to whom they delegate political power can be booted out when they do something wrong or stupid. It started in 1014, with the Anglo-Saxon charter, went through Magna Carta in 1215, the Petition of Right, the Bill of Rights (1689), the Reform Acts and so on - each step protecting the basic rights of the people to run their own lives. Most gloriously, the British gave themselves and the world Common Law that comes up from the people - not down from the State.

The EU reverses all of that. It is a tyranny. European Laws are written by unelected officials. The EU is not just non-democratic. It is ANTI-democratic: its institutions are actually built to resist change by the will of the people. There is no way that the British can prevent a law from being imposed on them from the EU even if every single last one of them voted against European politicians that supported it.

Indeed, when the European Constitution was written, it was put to referendums in multiple countries. It was VOTED DOWN by every one... and then it was imposed anyway through the Lisbon Treaty. This is Tyranny in Black and White.

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The EU President, Jean-Claude Junker, said it himself: "There can be no democratic choice against the European treaties." That's the thing with tyrants. In their utter self-righteousness, they tell you exactly what they are going to do to you.

If we vote to Remain, the British will be consenting -- even choosing -- to eliminate democratic representation and Common Law. In other words, we will be reversing the most important achievements of our culture. That is suicide, because it is giving up on the most fundamental shared values that have brought us all our freedoms and prosperity. It is also literally the suicide of the nation per se because it says that we no longer wish to be self-determined people.

It turns out Star Wars is wrong: liberty does not die with thunderous applause. It dies with forty million marks on forty million bits of paper. But die it does.

Today, people are dying in Europe because of a dogmatic commitment to a political project that exists primarily because of the egos of the politicians that benefit from it - and their banker friends (used advisedly: they really are friends) who fund them.

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If we vote to leave, and say "No more. This is simply wrong and we will simply play no more part in it", then we draw a line, just as we did in 1939, that would give all of Europe the impetus to demand their most basic democratic and liberal rights too. The British could again save Europe from itself. How great a day would that be... How could the British nation show its love for Europe and its greatest values more perfectly than that?

All the arguments for Remaining in the EU are reminiscent of the argument made for slavery in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries: "If we end slavery, then who will pick the cotton?" The answer is, of course, that it doesn't matter who will pick the bloody cotton. We will sort that out later. Today, we must fix the fundamental evil and choose freedom and self-determination.

As I mentioned, I am about to find out something fundamental about my native land. If this vote goes the wrong way, it will be sadly, awfully, and for all time, my "former country" . It will not even be anyone's country in any meaningful sense of the word...
The process for the disintegration of the European Union has started. The Brexit has set in motion the chain of events that could ultimately spell doom for the once exemplary union of European states. Marine La Pen of the National Front in France has been elated at the exit of the UK. She, and her counterparts in other European states, have been emboldened by the results to advance their own agenda. The emboldening of centrifugal, ultra-nationalist -- and quasi-fascist -- factions will not augur well for global peace. Apart from domestic factors, the trend can be attributed to the intransigent policies of President Barack Obama. In a nutshell, it is his indifference to the Syrian crisis that tore apart the very fabric of the EU.

Obama cannot skirt the blame for accelerating the process of European disintegration. The shocking 'yes' vote in the British referendum was an outcome of the years of feet-dragging by the Obama administration. Centrifugal forces in Europe largely remained on the periphery until the start of the Syrian crisis. Obama drew a red line and then forgot to observe it, giving the Assad regime and his Iranian proxies a free hand to kill and maim as many as they wanted. The relentless pounding ultimately resulted in the rise of the Islamic State. While Obama did focus his energies on tackling the IS, he forgot to address the root cause. Rather, he chose to sleep with the enemy in this case.

Thus the millions of refugees, who were seeking shelter in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey started pouring into Europe. The refugee crisis became the turning point in European history. United States was uneager to help its long-term ally, accepting but only a few thousand of the millions of displaced persons. The EU buckled under the seemingly relentless wave of refugees. This, in turn, emboldened the centrifugal forces who gained enough momentum to influence policy decisions.

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The rest, as they say, is history. The terror attacks in Paris and Belgium and the continued US reticence in tackling the Syrian crisis in a meaningful manner has brought Europe to an existential crisis. The EU can still survive but it will be an uphill task for Germany and France -- two of its key pivots -- to absorb the loss of Britain and provide enough economic impetus for others to continue cooperating. The resignation of David Cameron can foretell similar fates for other leaders in Europe, especially if they were to face electoral challenges from the so-called nationalists.

The biggest beneficiary of the Brexit will be Russia. Putin is already exploiting the caveats in the EU to advance his expansionist agenda. Obama has provided him enough leeway to enforce his will in not only Europe but also in the Middle East. Brexit will inadvertently affect the NATO, which is under pressure due to internal rifts and growing Russian provocations.

Amid this mayhem, the US is largely a silent spectator. More importantly, it has significantly contributed to the crisis. Among the many failures of Obama's foreign policy, Brexit and Syria will stand out. Hillary Clinton will most likely continue with the policies of the Obama administration, thus further complicating the situation. Donald Trump has already hailed the Brexit and will be least interested in keeping any facade of cordial ties with Europe.
Map of Middle East

This month marks the 100th anniversary of the self-proclaimed "Great" Arab Revolt of 1916, launched against Ottoman rule from the Arabian Desert by Sharif Hussein, emir of Mecca. Thanks to a systematic decade-long campaign orchestrated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the event will pass almost unnoticed in most Arab cities and media outlets.

The revolt, once a cornerstone of Arab nationalism, lasted from the summer of 1916 until autumn 1918 and, with Britain's military support, ended 400 years of Ottoman rule in the Arab world. Generations grew up eulogising Hussein's Arab rebels. Movies were made in their honour. Books and poems showered them with praise. The subject was mandatory in state-run schools from Cairo and Baghdad to Damascus, Amman and Beirut.

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That began to change when Erdogan became Turkey's prime minister in 2003, positioning himself as a friend of the Arabs and a "Muslim hero." People were encouraged to remember Ottoman influence on the Arabic language, heritage, music and cuisine.

From 2003-11, works celebrating the Great Arab Revolt were shunned on Arab television, just as critics of the Turkish leader were muzzled.

Erdogan was proud of Turkey's Ottoman past and insisted on rebranding and reinventing Ottoman rule in the Arab world, politically, culturally, intellectually and economically.

He knew that for decades after the collapse of the empire, especially when Arab republics were in their infancy, the Ottomans were blamed for most of the difficulties that crippled Arab provinces of the empire, especially Ottoman Syria.

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He insisted on telling the world that Ottoman-Arab relations were never as bad or as autocratic as Arab history books depicted them to be after the first world war.

Pro-Erdogan intellectuals cheered this public relations strategy and contributed abundantly to it in Turkey and the Arab world. Syria's state-run television went so far as to cut an interview with a Syrian historian who noted that the Ottomans had executed 21 Arab nationalists in Beirut and Damascus in 1916.The reference to the executions -- a well-documented fact celebrated officially as "Martyrs' Day" in Syria and Lebanon -- was too much for the show's host to tolerate. He cut that part of the programme, saying: "We don't want to upset Erdogan. Let's just say they were killed, without mentioning who killed them."

A systematic effort was launched to shed light on Sultan Abdul Hamid II's refusal to sell land to the Zionists in Palestine and his refusal to meet Mizray Qrasow, the Jewish banker who had offered to pay off the empire's debts and build a navy in exchange for the right to buy land in Palestine. Once seen as the source of all things evil, the Ottoman sultans were suddenly revamped as far-sighted rulers who invested time, money and education in the Arab world.

Shortly before the outbreak of the "Arab spring", Syria, Iraq and Egypt produced a TV mega-drama about the life of Abdul Hamid II, one of Erdogan's Ottoman icons -- a far cry from an Arab show of the 1990s that focused on the hardships, famine, torture and executions blamed on the Ottoman Turks.Abdul Hamid was now seen by millions of Arabs as a warm, firm, charming and dedicated Muslim nationalist who cared tremendously for his subjects, be they Turks or Arabs. Turkish soap operas, all dubbed into Arabic, started invading Arabic television networks, shattering decades-old Arab stereotypes of their Turkish neighbors.

Turkey championed the Palestinian cause, so dear to the heart of the Arabs, and severed ties with Israel in 2010. Erdogan invested heavily in economic cooperation and trade, lifting visa requirements with six Arab countries: Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

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If history tells us anything, it is that powerful empires are usually unhappy about being unceremoniously ejected from their far-flung provinces, which is what the Great Arab Revolt did to the Ottomans in 1916.It seems that when an opportunity arises, empires almost always try to return -- one way or another. Witness Russian President Vladimir Putin, who still feeds off Soviet ambitions that crystallized in Ukraine, especially Crimea, two years ago.

The same applies to Erdogan, who, despite stirring huge controversy in the Arab world, still has some support among Arabs because of his embrace of the Syrian opposition and for the Islamic character he has revealed since 2011.

He has marketed himself as patron of the Muslim Brotherhood and as a "Sunni leader" for the Arabs and Muslims. For lack of a better alternative, many have turned to him since 2011. With the exception of Damascus and Baghdad, which have an ax to grind with him, and Amman, whose king is the great-grandson of Sharif Hussein, all major Arab cities have been mute about the Great Arab Revolt on its 100th anniversary -- testimony to the fact that, like it or not, Erdogan has succeeded in changing Turkey's image in the Arab world.
Voter Registration Application for presidential election 2016

Like many of you, I am worried about the state of our country in light of this insufferable political season. I know, politics is such a taboo topic for many, because it can bring out our deepest fears and greatest passions. We must create a safe zone where we are allowed to openly share our personal thoughts and beliefs. If you are on social media, you have seen that it generally is NOT the safest place to discuss this topic. There is too much backlash and hate coming from those that believe differently. It's a shame. Our country was founded on freedom - supported by our First Amendment right to express ideas and opinions without fear of retaliation.

For the most part I have chosen to stay off that topic on social media. On occasion I find it necessary to share a news report I believe shares my personal opinions. So far my posts haven't created any hate. But I have seen a lot of ugliness in response to other's posts. I think we need to talk about it. We need to share our opinions and facts that we've verified, to help educate others. In the same respect, we must allow others to share their own opinions and gathered facts.

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Let's face it, we have two very different candidates that are most likely our options. And if we believe everything we hear about these two candidates it is not pretty. It is shocking that of all the intelligent, American-loving men and women in this country, that these are the best we have to chose from. Yikes! I don't know about you, but this doesn't sit easy with me. But if this is it, what do we do?

What we need to do is get educated and pray about the future of our country and for whoever is elected into the highest position in the land, if not the world. Here are some ways to educate yourself:
We have heard more talk about immigrants and immigration policy this election season than any in memory, and the conversation has been highly charged. Since the issue is so prominent just now, it might be helpful to have a sketch of biblical attitudes toward immigrants.

For the sake of full disclosure, I should say where I come down on the issue of U.S. immigration. I think we should endeavor to have both the most compassionate immigration policy and the most secure border in the world. But I am not here advocating a particular view on immigration, which is a discussion for another time. I'm advocating a particular attitude toward immigrants.

My views have been shaped by experience. One of my closest friends is a naturalized citizen who was born in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Another was born in Ecuador. The U.S. is a better place because it counts them as its own.

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But my views are also shaped by the Bible, which says a great deal about immigrants. There are many direct statements regarding their treatment. A few will suffice to represent the tenor of Scripture.

Following Israel's escape from political oppression, God gave these instructions: "Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt."

Likewise, Scripture teaches, "The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born." Further, "...you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt."

In matters of law, God's people were warned: "Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice." Judges were to make sure that immigrants, who were vulnerable because of their lack of political power and representation, were treated justly. This meant that "You are to have the same law for the alien and the native-born."

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Immigrants were granted equal access to services as the native-born. This included special food distributions and work opportunities. At the national celebration known as "First-fruits," immigrants were specifically listed among the aid recipients.

Beyond the many specific instructions regarding aliens, there are numerous examples of interactions between the chosen people and the immigrants within their borders. Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, constantly interacted with such people. They considered him a "prince among us" and scripture calls him "the father of many nations" - that is, of many ethnic peoples (the Greek word is ethnos) - and his wife "the mother of many nations."

The people of Israel were fierce in war, but for their day they were unusually considerate of immigrants. King David employed skilled foreign-born labor in the construction of the great temple and accepted immigrants into military service. The prophets continually urged that foreigners be treated with justice, as when Malachi writes that the Lord Almighty will be against "those who...deprive aliens of justice."

The idea that immigration is evil and that immigrants are enemies is not sanctioned by the Bible. Disdain for immigrants is repeatedly condemned by the biblical writers and prophets. They insist that justice be done for the vulnerable, and include in that number those who do not have citizenship.

Now immigration in ancient times and immigration today are two different things. The Bible does not provide any kind of blueprint for immigration policy. Rather it urges us to adopt a compassionate attitude toward immigrants. Were this biblical model to inform our policies, it's not clear how immigration in America would change. There would still be trials and deportations, but our attitude would be different. We would be a light to the world.

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In this May 20, 2016 photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at the National Rifle Association convention, in Louisville, Ky. Hillary Clinton has a message for Donald Trump: Bring it on. As Clinton's path to the Democratic nomination seems all-but-assured, friends, aides and supporters describe a candidate who is not only prepared to tune out Trump's increasingly direct attacks on her husband's personal indiscretions but believes they will eventually benefit her presidential aspirations. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

The decision by Britain's electorate to leave the European Union will have monumental consequences for the future world order. Ian Bremmer, the respected geopolitical analyst and head of the Eurasia Group consultancy, tweeted thus, "Brexit is the most significant political risk the world has experienced since the Cuban Missile Crisis." Stock markets are withering, the British currency is plummeting and Prime Minster David Cameron has announced his resignation, as the economic and political aftershocks are only beginning to be comprehended. However, it is the geopolitical tremors that will have the most far-reaching impact globally. That includes the United States, which is in the midst of an increasingly vitriolic and divisive presidential campaign.

What has stunned observers about the outcome of the Brexit campaign is that the referendum's result ran counter to what the analysts, supposed expert prognosticators and well-compensated pundits had so confidently predicted. The established experts had even convinced supporters of Brexit that they would likely lose the referendum, in the hours before actual voting occurred. That is why bourses across the globe soared, and the British pound reached record highs, until reality radically reversed those trends. The odds-makers clearly were convinced that British voters would choose to remain in the European Union. The actual, unpredicted outcome was an unmitigated defeat for the UK's political establishment across the political spectrum, and that aspect has the greatest resonance with the battle between Clinton and Trump to succeed Barack Obama as America's 45th President.

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Just as with the Brexit referendum, America's own class of political consultants and expert commentators for months assessed Donald Trump's presidential campaign to be a megalomaniacal joke, with no chance of prevailing in the Republican Party's presidential Primary. When Trump emerged victorious in the GOP presidential selection process before Hillary Clinton had secured the Democratic Party's nomination, the same experts, rather than being reflective and self-critical, have largely double-downed on failure, and remain steadfast in their prediction that Trump has no realistic possibility of winning November's presidential election.

Setting aside the occasional diatribes of Trump that tend to obfuscate a cogent analysis of his campaign's actual strength, it is clear that the political dynamics that led to the stunning vote in the United Kingdom to exit the European Union are also at play in the United States, to the benefit of the real estate mogul. The British electorate revealed itself as being alienated from their nation's political establishment, with public policy on immigration a crucial driving force in shaping attitudes prior to the Brexit vote. In the U.S. primary campaign, similar forms of disenchantment underpinned Trump's ability to vanquish his GOP competitors.

In November 2016 American voters will choose between one candidate being the quintessential representative of the discredited and abhorred political establishment, and the other candidate powerfully branded as the ultimate anti-establishment figure. The legion of America's political experts who, despite evidence that the domestic electorate seeks change in 2016, remain fixed in their view that Trump cannot win, may prove, as with their British counterparts, to have been unduly confident in the validity of their political estimates on the mood of the voters.


Photo Credit: Eagle Creek, reprinted with permission

Growing up in Key West, I found the myth and mystery of Cuba exotic and alluring. Most of my friends were of Cuban descent, and some were immigrants. They loved living in the U.S., and at the same time celebrated their roots. Everything about Key West had a distinctive Cuban flair, from the indisputable best restaurant in town (El Siboney) to the exuberant celebrations that punctuated our lives.

When I learned President Obama would be easing travel and trade restrictions, I was excited. I was surprised to learn that the agreement angered some of my Cuban friends. They wanted concessions from Castro that would improve the lives of Cuban people. After more than fifty years, they wanted to continue an antiquated vestige of an action that should have ended long ago, in the hope it would suddenly work.

While I applaud the sentiment, President Eisenhower's noble idea to weaken Castro's control over the people failed, and the Cuban people continue to suffer. It's time for a new approach.

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What to expect in Cuba

A poll of my friends garnered a wealth of information. I was looking for authentic experiences; things you probably wouldn't learn unless you visited. Here's what I learned:

Ernest Romo

I went 8 years ago with on a humanitarian mission with the Tampa Bay Rough Riders, to deliver medical supplies.

Once you get off the plane in Havana, you think you are in a movie set in Hollywood back in the 50's. Muscle cars are taxi cabs. The dirt is red, like clay, perfect for growing tobacco. People stand in line at stores that look like 7-11, waiting for their rations of food and household goods. An armed soldier is on every street block. Blocks of ice are still delivered by old trucks, and sometimes by horse and wagon. The people are very family oriented and everyone is in shape. Rarely do you see someone overweight. Almost everyone I met was formally educated.

Sherri Cathey

I was in Cuba last summer on an Jazz( Educational) Tour; the music was awesome and highly valued by the Cuban people. I also visited a local school where young students (6 yr olds) are first tested for their natural talents, then educated according to those talents; all the while housed in school dorms away from their families until holidays.

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The "restaurants" where I ate were in private homes. It was government-sanctioned, not black market; they were part of my tour package. I went to the Tropicana, and was surprised to find all the seating and stages were outside, since we entered through a building.

Also there was a lot of African history, Santaria religion,and I was very surprised to hear about the Chinese culture in Cuba.

Frank Padron

I went in October of last year. Sherri is right. The best food is in private restaurants. They call them 'Paladars." I went to the neighborhood where I lived as a child and couldn't even drive in the streets. They were full of potholes.

The one thing that I was most disappointed in is how the majority of the people look at you as $$. I dealt with people constantly trying to scam me or push something on me. I guess they are a product of a poverty-stricken society. Do what you have to, to survive .

Bren Dollard (UK)

I visited Cuba a few years ago because it was the least expensive vacation option for a Caribbean vacation. I went in early November and it was about 30c (in the mid 80s) the entire fortnight (2 weeks), with little rain to worry about. I went home to snow and ice!

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Havana was stunning. As much culture/history/gorgeous architecture arches you could want from a city. And the cars! People should absolutely go to Cuba for the weather, the beaches, to experience Havana and enjoy the local hospitality. They shouldn't go for the food!

Wait...what?? I needed more detail. Bren explained that the embargo had made variety pretty scarce on the island. The food was tasty, but there wasn't much to choose from.

It is the perfect destination for a beach holiday/lounging by the pool and doing touristy stuff like swimming with dolphins. And if you like rum and cigars, Havana is definitely the place to visit.

Karima-Catherine Goudiam (Red Dot Digital)

We went in 2004. Despite the poverty, the people of Cuba are very educated and knowledgeable. They're also interested in people from outside in a genuine way. When they saw us come in, the only blacks in a group of white Canadians, they were curious about how we got there and where we were from. They knew a lot about Africa and African culture. I was impressed.

The music is very dear to my heart. Cuba is inhabited by former slaves, mixed with Indians and Spaniards. Their music and dancing is very similar to African beats, and I felt an instant connection. It is as if they are both very proud of their roots, and yet ashamed of it. The food is interesting. The embargo has not provided room to grow, again, very reminiscent of Africa. Plantains and rice are close to dishes you would find in some countries of West/central Africa.

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Talking to locals was outstanding. Their journeys were rich and diverse and their curiosity was amazing. Their culture is rich. They are proud and despite having not much (in western terms), they are content of life.

John Lochnicht (owner, Buffalo Body Works)

What struck me most was how happy the people were. When I asked how they could be so happy in the face of such overwhelming poverty, they answered, "Happiness is something no one could take away from us."

Key takeaways:

Lodging is expensive. In 2008, Ernest Romo's group rented a mansion. With 5 people, they paid $250 each for a 5-day stay that included 4 meals a day. $1250 total, or $250 per night, inclusive. My friend Carina Borders, owner of Diva Designs Jewelry in Key West, turned down a group trip last month. Her friends rented a house for $600 per night.

It's HOT. There is no air-conditioning anywhere, and no matter what time of year you go, it will be quite warm. The coldest days in the dead of winter might reach the 60s.

Pack carefully. In addition to the heat, most of my friends mentioned that the roads and sidewalks are crumbling and difficult to walk on. The best advice on Eagle Creek's travel blog is pack comfy shoes...and visit Coppelia Ice Cream.

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Photo Credit: Coppelia Ice Cream by BitBoy

Getting there is complicated, but improving quickly. The options are boat, private airplane, and newly-reinstated, but still limited commercial flights. By law, people born in Cuba are not allowed to arrive in Cuba via water. Recently, though, cruise ship lines have successfully been negotiating change.

Take Cash. American credit cards won't work in Cuba. Another blog post I read and can't find again advised that the locals don't want American currency. Exchange rates are high, and locals have to go to the bank and make a formal report. You'll avoid issues by exchanging your currency before you go.

Be spontaneous. In an essay posted on Quartz, Carly Schwartz advises booking only the first night's stay. "Once you're situated, opt for staying at a family-owned casa particular rather than a hotel. The accommodations are usually clean and lovely, breakfast is often included, and it's a wonderful opportunity to connect with Cubans."
Forget Plastics. The Future is Now Baby Boomer Home Retrofitting

Anyone who has seen "The Graduate" invariably remembers this line of dialogue from a family friend named Mr. McGuire counseling college graduate Benjamin Braddock on a hot business opportunity.

"I just want to say one word to you. Just one word...Plastics." It was a reference to the petro-plastic industry, which began blossoming in the 1960s when the movie was filmed.

College graduates looking for a great business opportunity today would be wise to consider retrofitting the homes owned by baby boomers. Consider these statistics from this superb June 22 article by Jenni Bergal for Stateline, an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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This year, the oldest boomers started turning 70. The youngest will be 52. By 2035, there will be 77 million Americans aged 65 and over, up from about 48 million in 2015.

Nearly two-thirds of boomers in metropolitan areas lived in the suburbs in 2014, and most want to age there, according to national surveys.

Demographers agree that as people age, they tend to stay where they are. "Older people don't move that much," said William Frey, demographer and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program.

Suburban sub-division tracts built post WW2 tended to be multistory homes, with the master bedroom and bath upstairs. And therein lies the business opportunity. Notes Bergal:

Retirees who want to stay in the suburbs will have to cover the rising costs of property taxes and utilities, and they may have to shell out big sums to retrofit their homes if they become frail or disabled. One study found that it can cost $800 to $1,200 to widen a doorway to accommodate a wheelchair, $1,600 to $3,200 for a ramp, and up to $12,000 for a stair lift. Major remodeling, such as adding first-floor bedrooms or bathrooms, can cost much more.



Bergal, in an accompanying story, documents another critical issue that's looming: intergenerational warfare.

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Intergenerational political warfare could erupt more frequently in coming decades, as vast numbers of baby boomers grow old in their suburban homes, changing the demographics of their communities. Their decision to stay put may result in fewer suburban homes occupied by young families. That, in turn, could mean schools will be less full. And it could pit families with children against retired boomers in a fight for limited tax dollars.
Muslim Woman Reading Holy Islamic Book Koran

As we ponder the crises and conflicts raging around the Muslim world, with their toxic mix of religion and politics and rising waves of a terrorism that looks to Islam for legitimisation, we cannot help asking: should Islam have any role in politics and public life? Can it come to play a constructive role on the local and international stage?

Just like other major monotheistic religions, Islam does not assume one form but many. Through its history it has been subject to multiple interpretations: open and closed, literal and rational, spiritual/ascetic or militant/politicised, to name a few.

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Islam has a long historical record of tolerance and diversity, something evident in the myriad religious sects and ethnicities that coexisted in its midst, as well as in the great plurality of schools of theology, jurisprudence and philosophy it has fostered. Lively intellectual and scientific debates were regularly hosted in the palaces of caliphs, sultans and emirs between linguists, philosophers, jurists and theologians of all tendencies in a spirit of tolerance and mutual acceptance.

The contrast with the explosive violent character of many contemporary expressions of Islam couldn't be more pronounced.

There is no Islam in itself outside historical practice. There are many forms of Islam which are crucially shaped by the wider political and social environment where they are made to operate.

For instance, in Malaysia, Brunei, or Indonesia, which enjoy significant levels of political stability, Islam appears to assume a calm peaceful character, serving as a stimulus for political and economic development. In Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria, plagued with brutal political conflicts, schisms and military interventions as they are, Islam manifests itself in tense, divisive and explosive forms.

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Theological positions and intellectual tendencies are largely defined by their socio- political contexts. Of course, this is not a necessary law of physics, but it does help us navigate the map of the Muslim hemisphere and make sense of its complexities.

What political role should an Islam functioning in normal healthy conditions occupy? What does it mean for one to have Islamic references in politics? And is secularisation unavoidable or desirable in the Muslim region?

The dominant view among sociologists is that religion inevitably gives way to a secularised worldview with the advent of modernisation. But this hasn't been the case in the Muslim world. Islam still commands a powerful presence in Muslims' private and public lives, and more so among urbanised educated sectors of society.

Urbanised university-educated Muslim women appear to be more religiously minded than their rural, illiterate sisters who have never ventured outside their remote villages. There is no necessary linear correlation between secularism, advancing modernisation and mass education.

The question, then, is not whether Islam should or should not be strongly present in Muslims private and public lives. It already is. The question is how it should manifest itself?

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Islam is a source of general moral and religious values. In this sense, it may foster the ideals of social justice, equality, cooperation and mutual exchange between humans. This is the case whether these values are directly referred to their religious origins, or transformed into civic norms conducive to social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. A politician who appeals to an Islamic reference frame is one who is inspired by these great ideals and views them as guidelines for her discourse and political conduct.

True, politics is about the pursuit of interests within a changing power balance. But drawing inspiration from these general Islamic ideals can infuse political behaviour with ethics and help direct and regulate it in accordance with moral norms and spiritual meanings.

Recognising that religion can have a role in politics does not mean that politicians should turn into preachers, or that the state should police people's consciences. In fact, two models have failed in the Muslim world. One is based on top-down secularisation, the other on top-down Islamisation.

Turkey and Tunisia were the embodiment of the first, Iran and Saudi Arabia are examples of the second. Both models dictate their ideologies to their citizens, interfering even in the most personal aspects of their lives, such as dress choice.

Secular interventionism would force a woman to bear her hair in the first; its religious sibling to cover it in the second. Both are repressive in different ways, both have generated tensions within sectors of their societies opposed to official state ideology.

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What we should seek to attain in the Muslim world is a neutral, non-interventionist state that manages differences within society, guarantees individual freedoms and protects public order. This neutrality can go hand in hand with respect for collective culture, without coercion or interference in individuals' preferences.

In many ways, Tunisia's new constitution exemplifies this state model, which protects freedoms and rights, while also recognising Islam as the official state religion. The state may respect the majority's values, without becoming sectarian or dogmatic, or laying its hand over religion and exploiting it to its own ends.

Islam has an undeniable social and political character. This may be due to its worldly nature and the circumstances of its birth and evolution, which had coincided with state emergence, unlike Christianity which began as a creed persecuted by Roman authorities.

Seeking to restrict Islam's role to the private sphere and within the mosque's confines is a very difficult endeavour. A majority of respondents to the recent Pew survey in Muslim countries have declared their support for democracy, while at the same time demanding a large role for Islam in public lifehttp://www.pewglobal.org/2012/07/10/most-muslims-want-democracy-personal-freedoms-and-islam-in-political-life/.

Islam evidently continues to have an active and influential presence in Muslims' lives. The challenge is how it can play a positive role in a space open to different religious expressions, free of all forms of violence and fanaticism.

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By James Chau, television broadcaster and Co-Chairman of the 46th St. Gallen Symposium

I smile quietly whenever I hear Shakespeare or Churchill being freely quoted. We in China are sometimes guilty of the same thing: we use local proverbs to support whatever point we are making - even if it bears no relevance.

One such proverb says that each family generation should improve on the fortunes of the one before it. Certainly, my father, a designer of navigational instruments who in the 1950s emigrated from Hong Kong to London, dreamt that his sons would build on his achievements (though whether my brother and I succeeded is not for us to determine).

What concerns me are the prospects for today's teenagers. Blessed by a quality of education richer than that accessible to their fathers and grandfathers (and mothers and grandmothers), logic follows that they, too, will benefit from better jobs and better lives. But they contend with a world which Ban Ki-moon admits to being less safe than at any time since the end of the Second World War.

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I'm under no illusions. When I was growing up in 1980s London, the secondary school I attended had a central, windowless room to which we could escape in the event of an IRA bombing. Today, it is worse. The explosions in Paris, then Brussels, followed by the EgyptAir crash signals the emergence of a new and disturbing geopolitical order. Add to that Syria, Zika, ISIS, Ebola and some would also say Brexit - and what you have is a collection of words synonymous with acute fear.

This year, I was asked by the St. Gallen Symposium to chair its Leaders of Tomorrow - the first time that the first day of this global gathering of global leaders was dedicated to its youngest participants. It is a reminder of the Symposium's roots that spring from the student protests of the 1960s. To honour that, we provided a unique space for our young people - activists, scientists, inventors, academics and parliamentarians - by putting them on a space-age vessel that sailed past Austria, Germany and Switzerland. It was a journey as scenic as it was symbolic.

As we debated the future of innovation and human capital, I couldn't help but think of the half-generation who follows them. Today's teens are brilliant - I love their 'can do' attitude and the way they come together to reject the extremist values undeserving of a place in our society. But raised in a parallel era of social media, hashtags, 140-character word limits and an obsession with the word 'change', we have taught them that speed without content is not only acceptable, but also celebrated. We have created a culture of cynics - are we now breeding teens to drive that?

There is evidence that the fallout of this phenomena has already spilt into real-life politics. Whoever becomes 45th President of the United States and, thus arguably the most powerful person on the planet, will have social media to thank for their mass, speed-of-light exposure. But equally the spite, hate and unkindness evident in some of the campaigns indicates the level to which we have skewed the Internet - the very tool that marks this generation for greatness.

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Teens need to learn how to collate and harness meaningful opinion and share it in a way that social media inventors intended the word 'share'. You don't win battles by shouting from the sidelines. You don't ostracize policy makers with the experience to help. You don't reject offers of dialogue with political leadership. You don't shut-off those who express values different to your own.

Sure, it's uncomfortable, sometimes infuriating, but social progress is absolutely achievable. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa offer contemporary hope. But my nagging worry is this: do our teens possess the focus to outlast the anger, the patience to compromise and the foresight to craft mature solutions?

If we want to achieve a world that is safe we should stop talking about 'change' and instead work towards an authentic transformation. After all, that's what the generation before us would have done.
Moments, those times in our lives when we wish they could go on forever and ever. I just had a day like that. My youngest son got married and I watched as his life begins in a whole new way.

That same day I sat with my other son and as we played with his daughter, my first grandbaby during the reception.

I look at this little sweet bundle of joy and know that one day, if she chooses to, she will be walking down the aisle with her dad.

I look at Harmony, my first grandbaby and know that the world in which she lives is very different than the world that I was raised in.

She will have the opportunity to do many more things than I would have had at my disposal in my lifetime, just simply because times are changing.

There is a very good possibility that my granddaughter will see the first woman president just after her first birthday.

When I was one we were busy fighting the Viet Nam War and women were expected to be either a nurse, a teacher or a secretary.

Today women all over the world are reaching higher than ever before. Women today are speaking their truths and standing tall.

I am glad that my granddaughter won't have to fight to be heard, those rights were fought for by the women who have come before her.

I will continue to raise my voice to be heard, not just for my granddaughter but for all the other girls and women coming of age. I want the world in which she grows up in to be one where there are equal rights for all. A world where we are not judged by our color or sex.

I think of that circle of life, a circle that looks a lot wider than it did 100 years ago, or even 50 years ago...see how much wider it has become with women leading and not being afraid to fight for our fair share.

I want my granddaughter to know that we as women are united, not fighting against each other but helping each other. Giving each other a hand to raise each other up, together we can be more and do more. Much in thanks to those women who fought for our voices to be heard. May we never forget those who have sacrificed so we could have the freedom to vote, the freedom to have the choice over our bodies and the freedom to strive for even the highest office of the land.

So, to you Harmony, and all the little girls in the world, go strong, we are all behind you!


LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 13: A defiant fist is raised near an American flag at a vigil for the worst mass shooing in United States history on June 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, United States. A gunman killed 49 people and wounded 53 others at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida early yesterday morning before suspect Omar Mateen also died on-scene. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

This month, I had the privilege to help organize and attend The White House Summit to Support African American LGBTQ Youth. The summit was the first of its kind to bring visibility to students at the intersection of black, queer and transgender identities. Having the federal administration affirm this youth demographic holds the promise that our nation might be better poised to ensure educational equity for all students. It was a highlight of my career as an educator to help organize a summit that would have been unthinkable to my 16-year-old self; terrified of anyone knowing I was queer to the point of an attempt to end my own life rather than live with my truth.

The relative invisibility and marginalization of issues impacting LGBTQ youth of color is shameful when you consider negative educational indicators such as truancy, dropout rates and the disproportionate representation of LGBTQ youth of color in the school-to-prison pipeline. It was exciting to attend an education conference that provided an LGBTQ youth development space for queer youth of color, where outcomes for LGBTQ students were discussed and topics and issues of marginalization were at the forefront of our sessions.

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And true to one of the ways this community of people celebrate, there was dancing at The White House. There were Beyonce songs, twirls and "yaasssss" by some amazing student leaders who embraced the moment of belonging -- all while just feet from the Oval Office. For me, it was an emotional high to bear witness to the reality that black LGBTQ lives mattered. So when I awakened some hours after this summit to the news of one of the deadliest shootings in modern U.S. history -- a pointed attack on the LGBTQ community, particularly Latinx and black people, that claimed 49 lives -- my spirit was shaken to its core. Safe classrooms mean very little in an unsafe world.

That night at Pulse, LGBTQ people of color were dancing and celebrating PRIDE month in one of the few spaces assumed to be safe in a world where same sex affection, or presenting contrary to gender at birth, can incite violence or death. Gay night clubs for so many of us represent first dances, first loves, first friendship circles and people who knew exactly who you were and celebrated and held a mirror to that self-acceptance.

Though many schools in 2016 have gay straight alliances, few predominantly black and Latinx schools do, and few are truly safe for LGBTQ people of color. As a result, once of age, clubs like Pulse in Orlando become our safe spaces. The chilling reality was, the faces of the victims of the Orlando shooting looked much like the faces of the LGBTQ youth dancing at the White House during the summit.

I've long advocated for this notion of #BraveEducation as a push, beyond just safety, to encourage learning environments where notions of diversity and inclusiveness for ALL students is viewed as central to achievement outcomes. Just days after being in the White House, I drove to Orlando, encouraged by the determination and commitment of Lauren Chianese, Executive Director of Teach For America-Orlando, to be a resource to teachers as they work to cultivate safe and brave classrooms in Orlando. On the six-hour drive, I finally had time to sit with the sadness and anger the Orlando shooting brought up for me. Yet, upon arrival to Orlando's city's limits, I was immediately inspired as I saw firsthand Orlando's response and commitment to cultivating a safe and affirming city for all. Rainbow colored #OrlandoStrong billboards colored the city, and there seemed to be a feeling in the air of a city re-defined by its compassion and solidarity.

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I spoke with teachers passionately about the dangers of tokenizing the tragedy -- of not seeing a connection between this brutal and senseless killing of LGBTQ people in mass and the disproportionate violence and death LGBTQ people of color face daily. I spoke about the relationship between "casual homophobia" that we hear in our schools that goes unchallenged and unchecked, and the shooting. Our advocacy for educational equity must ensure all students feel safe to learn in their classrooms, whatever their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or ability.

We have an opportunity to create the kinds of environments where the call for safe classrooms goes beyond progressive rhetoric and is measured by social-emotional outcomes and academic achievement. Educators play a huge role in creating and fostering these safe and inclusive environments for all students. In the wake of the Orlando tragedy, many organizations shared helpful resources for educators navigating the tragedy, including these from GLSEN and the NYC Department of Education.
David Skorton became secretary of the Smithsonian Institution last July, overseeing 19 museums and galleries, 20 libraries, the National Zoo and numerous research centers. Educated as a cardiologist, Skorton previously served as president of the University of Iowa and Cornell University, and his interests seem as varied as the Smithsonian's offerings. He has had a longstanding interest in both science and the humanities, and in his spare time he plays the jazz flute and is an amateur beekeeper.

Skorton talked about his efforts to learn all he can about the Smithsonian, as well as his management and decision-making style, during an interview with Tom Fox. Fox is a guest writer for On Leadership and the vice president for leadership and innovation at the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Q. You have been on the job for less than a year. What have you learned about the Smithsonian? And was there anything in particular that came as a surprise?

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A. The biggest surprise was how much scholarly activity and research goes on here--from art history and conservation to astrophysics. Some of this research is done quite independently. In other cases, it is done in partnership with very strong institutions elsewhere.


As global equities markets tumble and gold soars, the world outside the United Kingdom tries to make sense of just what our British cousins did last night. There are many narratives. UKIP Leader Nigel Farage is calling it "our independence day." U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump is calling it a precursor to his own election in November. Many opponents are dismissing it as a racist backlash against immigrants and refugees.

Maybe it is a little bit of all those things. Maybe it is something else completely. Whatever else it may represent, one thing is undeniable for opponents of central economic planning, giant international bureaucracies and global crony capitalism: Brexit is hated by all the right people.

One doesn't have to be an expert on European politics to instinctively understand that if the governments, the central banks and all their connected crony capitalists are howling there will be Armageddon if you do X, it is virtually always in your best interest to do X.

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And howl is just what they have been doing, with a nonstop campaign to scare the daylights out of British voters should they consider withdrawing their consent to Brussels. As MEP Daniel Hannan pointed out, they haven't been unwilling to just make things up in their desperation to intimidate the people into a Remain vote.

As an American, I can't help thinking about George W. Bush's scare-tactic speech to convince Americans to support TARP back in 2008. Public outrage had sufficiently worried Congress to vote against the bill the first time around. Bush's speech, littered with many of the same pseudo-economic canards thrown at British voters today, convinced enough Americans to relent that Congress eventually felt safe ramming it through.

This time, it didn't work.

For those dismissing the vote as the kind of "nativist" bigotry they say inspires the Trump movement in America, there is that inconvenient other little fact that the UK is the second largest net payer in the EU, next to Germany. Critics of the EU predicted, long before the rise of Nigel Farage, Donald Trump or Marine Le Pen, that the EU would fail when the net payers grew tired of subsidizing the net payees. British citizens just confirmed their prescience.

Ironically, the "nationalist" movements sweeping across the West are the precise opposites of nationalist movements in the 20th century. Then, nationalism was a centralizing force, antagonistic towards local government. Now, it's a decentralizing force, taking economic and political power away from larger political units and returning it to relatively more local ones.

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What it is not is necessarily a conservative, liberal or libertarian movement. Individual nations and even the local cultures within them have myriad visions for what they believe society should look like. The Trump movement longs for traditional conservatism, with its protectionist tariffs, government-funded infrastructure and restrictive borders. The secessionists movements in Vermont and Quebec, Canada sought to create socialist societies. And the "Texit" movement, well, they just want to be Texans.

Neither will Brexit be a panacea for all British ills. It is likely they will make mistakes in the short term, like most secessionist movements have in the past, including the Americans in 1783. But it will be Britons making their own mistakes and living with the consequences, something they have now demanded their right to do.

Whatever Brexit ends up looking like in the short and long terms, one can't help remembering a night 27 years ago, when the people in a city in Germany decided they'd obey their masters no longer and knocked over a wall. Oh brave new world, that has such people in't!
Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it ... and, sadly, the same might be said about state-sponsored terrorism.

Far from making light of problem, I am looking for solutions that might actually trigger positive change, which is especially urgent for me because I currently work in Afghanistan.

Just hours before I wrote these words, three terrorist slaughters occurred in different locations here in Afghanistan, and the Taliban took credit for two of them. All are likely cases of state-sponsored terror, as Pakistan is known to be supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

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In the first six months of this year, 1,095 Islamic attacks in 48 countries have been documented by the non-partisan Religion of Peace organization, in which 10,235 persons were killed and 12,168 injured. That's an average of about six terrorist attacks and 57 deaths per day.

I should point out that I am a Muslim. And I have a suggestion for one small way to help stem the tide of state-sponsored terrorism: allow the prosecution of states that sponsor terror, and punish the guilty with sanctions and reparations for survivors of the victims.

The U.S. Senate passed a bill in May that would allow families of the victims in the 9/11 terrorist attacks to sue the government of Saudi Arabia if it were found to have supported that conspiracy. The bill is called the "Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act," and President Barack Obama has already declared that he will veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

Many speculate that Obama's opposition is based on his desire not to alienate Saudi Arabia, an ally with deep financial ties to the U.S. Officially, the Obama administration claims he will veto the bill only because it would expose the U.S. itself to such lawsuits, but that would require the U.S. to be guilty of sponsoring terrorist acts, which seems absurd.

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President Obama already supports compensation for victims of terror, but he pays for it with U.S. taxpayer dollars, instead of demanding that the guilty pay. In December, he signed an omnibus bill that created a new "United States Victims of State Sponsors of Terrorism Fund."

Articles in the New York Times and Washington Post reported that the Fund provides over $1 billion from the U.S. Treasury to compensate victims of international terrorism and their families who have received final court judgments against Iran, Cuba, Sudan, Syria, North Korea and other state sponsors of terrorism.

As an alternative, I suggest the World Court preside over lawsuits seeking justice from states that sponsor terror. Also called the International Court of Justice, the World Court was created to settle disputes between nation-states.

It might not be difficult to prove state-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan has admitted some level of support for the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the Taliban regularly claims responsibility for its acts of terror. And, as previously stated, courts have rendered terrorism judgements against at least five other countries.

Why couldn't the World Court place economic sanctions on state sponsors of terror? Sanctions have been used in the past to put pressure on bad world actors like North Korea, Iran and Russia. Sanctions work. If it weren't for sanctions, South Africa would still live under apartheid, Iran would be brandishing nuclear weapons, and Russia would have annexed Ukraine.

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For decades, countries like Afghanistan have been victimized by bombings and suicide attacks. Citizens struggle to live a normal life, raise their families and send their children to school. But their cries for help have not been heard.

The West has been relatively safe from state-sponsored terrorism until recent years. Of those 1,095 Islamic terrorist attacks worldwide in the last six months, all but 17 occurred in the Middle East or Africa, out of sight and out of mind for most westerners. They only seem to make headlines if they occur in London, Paris or Florida.

Get the World Court and/or the United Nations involved. Put pressure on states that sponsor terrorism.
by Kaira Mediratta

I bake all three layers of the cake and stack them. All that's left is the frosting. I quickly dump the butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar into the bowl and turn the mixer on high. I take one look, and it's clear I've made a mistake: I forgot to sift the powdered sugar.

It's 12:26. Starting over on the frosting would mean racing to the store. Mrs. Low, who has requested this cake for her daughter's birthday, is coming to pick it up at 1:00.

With its golden hues, the cake's layers perfectly complement the rich, lemon curd filling. But who wants a birthday cake with lumpy frosting?

In sixth grade, I recognized my passion for baking: an art form that requires creativity and flexibility. Soon after, I began an informal baking business, producing countless cakes ever since.

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I trace my love of art back to one afternoon, on a special trip with my Dadu--the Bengali word for maternal grandfather--looking out over a sea of Venetian rooftops. My Dadu starts sketching; the setting sun reflecting off the rhubarb tiles. He then pulls another sketchbook out of his bag and hands it to me: "Draw as much as you can, whenever you can."

Although I lost that sketchbook years ago, his advice has influenced my development as an artist. A few months ago, I realized a lifelong dream--having a piece hang in the Metropolitan Museum of Art--after winning a gold medal through the Scholastic Art & Writing contest.

Despite a bitter, cold snowstorm, my Dadu managed to get to the opening reception. We pushed through crowds of people to look for my painting. I could tell that he was surprised when he caught sight of it, because I hadn't told him-- it was a painting of him. I'd finally found a way to thank him for fostering my creativity.

I always thought of myself primarily as an artistic person. However, as I matured, the dichotomy between art and science in my life faded. My interest in science bloomed when I started taking classes at the American Museum of Natural History in middle school.

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I remember standing in the doorway of the ichthyology department, staring at rows of shelves, containing thousands of tiny glass jars. At first I'm stunned by the sheer numbers, but looking closer, I realize that each jar holds a different specimen, preserved in formaldehyde.

Surrounded by species from every corner of the earth, I'm amazed by the vast collection around me. This sense of scientific curiosity would lead me to apply for, and ultimately work at, the museum in high school.

At the intersection of art and science, baking is a metaphor for my life. It demands exact proportions and procedures, but requires creative solutions. And through experience in the kitchen, I've learned math, chemistry, and patience. Most importantly, I've learned not to fear starting over. As I approached high school, after being at the same private school since kindergarten, I became hungry to engage the world outside of this bubble. After auditioning for art at LaGuardia on a whim, I was happily surprised to be offered a spot. Next stop - open house.

The elevator doors open, and a marching band blocks my path through the hallway. To my left two girls paint an elaborate mural, while to my right another student belts out a dulcet aria. The whole place is crazy, but in the best sense of the word.

After open house night, I make my decision to enter a school five times the size of my old one. I wouldn't know a single person. As terrifying as that sounds, I embraced the change.

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In the end, the choice was as simple as fixing the frosting of that birthday cake. I threw on my shoes, grabbed my wallet, and bolted out the door--and, somehow, the cake was ready at 1:00.
By David Wemer

The United Kingdom's dramatic decision to leave the European Union has sent shockwaves throughout Europe and across the Atlantic. For American observers, the result, which a year ago appeared unthinkable, should give pause to those who think that Hillary Clinton's election is a near certainty. The likely devastating economic impact of the Brexit vote, for Europe and the United States alike, will certainly affect the 2016 election, as Democrats could be hurt by a slowing economy. Perhaps more worryingly, the movement of white working-class voters from the left-leaning Labour Party towards the Leave campaign, in many cases in order to register their disapproval of the status quo, provides a potential foreshadowing of a November defeat for Democrats. Secretary Clinton and the Democratic Party should take three lessons away from the Brexit result if they hope to avoid a dramatic defeat at the hands of Donald Trump.

It's not all about the economy

In Secretary Clinton's primary and early general election campaign statements, the economy has taken center stage. Indeed, before Brexit, Clinton had every reason to play up the improving economy under the Obama Administration and push relatively popular economic policies such as infrastructure spending and financial regulation. Setting aside the immediate effect of Brexit's economic shocks, the British vote has demonstrated that a singular focus on economics can be ineffective. Opinion polls found that the economy was only of secondary importance for Leave voters, who were primarily concerned with immigration and skeptical that the gains of limited immigration would outweigh the economic costs of membership in the European Union. Leave voters, who were primarily concentrated in the formerly industrial areas of Northern England and Wales, rejected the economic arguments of the political establishment, which were primarily concerned with the City of London's financial industry, and whose prosperity has never extended to places such as Sheffield or Sunderland. Secretary Clinton should be wary of touting the success of a U.S. economy that similarly struggles to spread prosperity to formerly industrial areas. Immigration issues trumped economic interests in Northern England, and could very well do so again in the American Rust Belt this November.

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Don't take turnout for granted

Despite early indications of a Remain victory, pundits quickly backtracked as the votes from Scotland came in. Leave was not winning in Scotland (indeed Remain won every counting area), but turnout in Scotland was far below what Remain needed to gain a majority. A combination of voter fatigue after Scottish elections in May, the intricate issue of Scottish independence, and a cool relationship between Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister David Cameron all could have contributed to depressed turnout. The last point is critical for Secretary Clinton, who herself is struggling to excite Democratic supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders. It does not appear that passive Remain support by the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) was enough to boost Scottish turnout, and the Remain campaign suffered for it. If Cameron had put more resources and effort into repairing the relationship with the SNP, or had Sturgeon more forcefully campaigned, the result could have been quite different. Similarly, the youth vote, which went almost 75% for Remain, was not large enough to offset the votes of older Britons, who generally backed Leave. Although turnout will be less important in the United States' Electoral College election, Clinton should be wary of taking the participation of traditionally Democratic voters for granted.

Project Fear doesn't work

The campaign themes for the Remain campaign and Secretary Clinton are remarkably similar. The British political establishment tried to warn voters that the decision to leave the European Union would bring disastrous consequences that would tank the British economy and weaken British power. Hilary Clinton, for her part, has worked to paint a dangerous image of a Trump presidency filled with debt defaults and global war. The Brexit vote demonstrated that threats of future hardship may not be effective. In deciding between the possible dangers of Brexit versus the very real grievances caused by immigration, voters in rural England and Wales were overwhelmingly motivated by the latter. Secretary Clinton can spend as much time as she likes highlighting the dangers of a Trump presidency, but if voters are deeply dissatisfied with the country's current state and unhappy with the establishment (spoiler: they are), there is a risk that they will choose to support Trump. Another scenario that could be even more challenging for Clinton is if Brexit's negative economic consequences prove short-lived. Western elites in both countries could be seen as "crying wolf," which in turn could embolden those on the fence about Trump to support the Republican candidate. The Remain campaign's biggest mistake was focusing too narrowly on the costs of leaving the European Union, rather than making a coherent argument about the benefits of remaining. Secretary Clinton would do well to adopt a more positive argument about why she would be the best candidate for the country, and not just why Trump would be the worst.

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It is true that the two biggest votes of 2016 are very different. While the Remain camp faced a nationwide campaign in which every vote counted, Secretary Clinton needs only to target a handful of swing states. But the elections' similarities should be enough to give Democrats pause. A short time ago, Brexit appeared as improbable as a Trump Administration. If Democrats are to avoid that future, they should be taking notes.
jjdc23 via Getty Images Hands grasp a summit in front of the Himalayas

A 33-year-old climber from Pune had a narrow escape after she fell down a 100-foot-deep crevice in the HImalayas last week. Jaishri Dumbre was part of a 35-member team that was on an expedition in Uttarakhand to scale an 18,600-foot mountain. She was pulled out of the crevice after a two-hour-long rescue operation.

Dumbre told Hindustan Times that she was "reborn" that day.

My birthday falls on June 12, though. From now onwards, I will celebrate it on June 16, the day when I was reborn, she said.

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According to the report, Dumbre fell into a 100-foot-deep and one-foot-wide crevice while she was climbing the mountain with two other people at around 1.30 am on 16 June. Dumbre, who is a mechanical engineer by profession, is an experienced climber.

When Dumbre fell into the crevice, she was stuck in the middle due to the ice, Digambar Singh Panwar, a senior instructor of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), which organised the expedition told HT. Even as other members of the team tried to enter the crevice to pull her out, they were unable to do so. Meanwhile, Dumbre lost consciousness.

It was only after the team poured hot water around the ice and melted it that they were able to pull Dumbre out. Even though she returned to Pune following the incident, she has said she will continue climbing mountains, which she described as her "passion".
Raam Leela YouTube Screengrab

So, I decided to investigate the beard's new-found stardom.

Okay, let me rephrase that: the beard's hero-worship on the interweb. I'm talking about the kind of devotion that has made headlines like 'these men will make you pregnant without touching you' seem completely believable and scientific.

It is in common knowledge that since the beginning of time, also known as the advent of Instagram, internet's hormones just listen to two things - one is the beard. The other is Benedict Cumberbatch, duh!

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But unlike Benedict Cumberbatch, who attacked many ovaries and testes so inclined as recently as 2010, the beard didn't exactly make a lunge for us one muggy evening from our laptop screens. It was always there, staring right back at us, kind of like death and calories.

Now how, suddenly, it has ascended the ranks of virtual orgasm-initiators baffled me. But first a clarification: you won't usually hear me make alien sounds at the mere utterance of the word 'beard'. (Don't deny you haven't heard the sounds I am talking about. They range from shrill 'eeeee-s' to a strange mix of a groan and a sigh.) Unless of course, you specify that the beard comes with Ranveer Singh attached to it.

Happy Birthday to the bearded @welovekaani  From your bro @dksixtysix  A photo posted by Appreciation of beards & tats (@beardsandtats) on May 23, 2016 at 7:32pm PDT

So, I set myself up for hours of gruelling research. My first subject was my friend and colleague A. A, who has found several soulmates in the past couple of days - in toddlers weeping hysterically on videos when their daddies shaved their beards off. At any given point of time, A's Facebook timeline will have a bearded man staring back at you. It's a bit of a ritual among friends and colleagues to pass on bubble wraps and freshly unearthed pictures of bearded men to her first.

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So what exactly do beards of the internet mean to her? After a long, somewhat difficult deliberation, she says, "It's like staring at a piece of art." Guess it helps that this sort of art is available on demand and travels with you along with your smartphone.

While A struggled to put a finger on why internet is a better place with beards, I suddenly discover a great new use for it - as the peacemaker. Next time A and I fight over the importance of Bobby Deol's curls, I know a fix. It's just a 'hot beards' google search away.

I then move on to a friend I have known for over a decade. I can't seem to remember without help from Facebook, what his face looked like without a beard. And I am thinking, his beard probably dates back to the birth of Grindr, and therefore, isn't set to go away anytime soon. And now he has publicly vowed to never clean his face up - not when Frida Kahlo has endangered her politics to be seen with Cinderella to protest the brutality of shaving a beard.

Internet notwithstanding, imagine the perpetual anxiety beard lovers live in. That one day you wake up and someone near you has shaved his beard off. It's like how New York lives in Hollywood - always in fear of aliens swooping down on it.

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The piece of propaganda displayed above and shared generously on Facebook, therefore, helps such victims of anxiety stave off the beginning of an apocalypse.

"What's the big deal about a beard?" I ask this friend. "Right. What you going to ask next? What's the big deal about Nutella? About Wifi? OXYGEN?" he snaps. This beard is equal to oxygen vibe, I have been getting for a while. So I decide to check for myself.

First on my list of understanding the stardom of the beard is Tinder, apparently. I have been asked analyse my chequered history of matches. Apart from a common dislike for Vodka and the new dialect represented by 'bae', I have been, umm, slightly partial to facial hair. The only man I have swiped right, despite his ultra-gelled hair sitting like McDonald's soft serve on his head, is one with a fairly pleasing variety of beard.

Next up, is a Monday mood test. I am supposed to go through the usual chores of the day, beginning with waking up. Then pointing out the essential difference between chicken swimming in gravy and chicken swimming in oil, to my cook. Then telling the Uber driver some 500 times which left turn to take from the main road. Then swallowing curses as Delhi drivers, well, drive like Delhi drivers in peak hour traffic. Only, I have been asked to check out an Instagram handle very functionally titled beardsandtats in between. Oh my, did I just make it through the morning and my hour-long commute without wishing a power-cut upon any fellow human?

Beards on men cooking, beards on men swimming, beards on men staring at nothing, beards on men cuddling kittens, beards on men washing cars, beards on men ordering coffee, beards on men doing dishes, beards on men taking pictures of their beards, beards on men looking intently at their own shoes, beards on men looking very upset, beards on men looking doped, beards on men making Angry Bird faces, beards on men making that 'life sucks' face for supposedly intense photos - I could totally trade kittens of internet for beards. I have been told, a good beard can make you forgive bad spellings. I can see where that comes from.

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Here's how I think beard pictures work: by expertly consuming your attention. So that very little is left to worry about cranky landlords or be pissed at serial GoT spoiler providers.
... via Getty Images Knife with blood.

Chennai -- A 35-year-old man allegedly killed a woman, with whom he had been living, and her three teenaged daughters over a domestic quarrel and went about his routine, keeping the bodies in their house for three days before the crime came to light, police said today.

Chinnaraj was arrested today after his landlord yesterday alerted the police following stench from the house in Royapettah locality here.

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The man bludgeoned to death Pandiammal, separated from her husband some years ago, and two of her daughters with an iron rod besides strangulating another, a minor, using iron box cable in the wee hours of June 21 following an overnight quarrel with his partner, police said in a statement.

After remaining in the house keeping the bodies, Chinnaraj, a worker in a sweet stall, left for work the next day, police said.

As foul smell emanated from the house, the landlord questioned him about it yesterday but Chinnaraj told him that it was due to a dead rat and left the home locking the doors and never returned, they said.

The landlord later filed a complaint with the police unable to bear the severe stench. Police broke open the door later yesterday and found the bodies of the four in a highly decomposed state, the statement said.

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The woman and Chinnaraj used to have quarrels often.

Chinnaraj 'confessed' to the murders, police claimed, adding he was arrested from Marina Beach while retrieving his parked two-wheeler early this morning.

A vehicle check showed that his scooter was parked there following which a waiting special team nabbed him, police said.

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FuhSePhantom/YouTube

Consider the series of emotions you would feel if you were to witness a roller-coaster going off the rails in front of your very eyes.

The first would be shock. You'd be horrified at the idea of people being hurt or worse. Your body would tense up, 'fight or flight' syndrome would kick in, and depending upon a variety of factors, you'd either rush to help, or make sure you stay at a safe distance and protect yourself and your loved ones (society would call you a coward, but evolutionary biology would reward you).

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You'd then feel concern for the victims. Perhaps you can help in other ways. Perhaps you could call for an ambulance, or help get them first-aid. Perhaps you could simply write, tweet or speak to a journalist about it, and help spread awareness of what just happened, empowering people with knowledge so that they know this ride at this theme park is dangerous.

Then, concern would give way to anger. You'd outrage on behalf of the people who got on this ride, whether they escaped with minor scratches or got grievously injured or lost their lives. These people got on with the assumption that the amusement park owners have ensured that every safety precaution had been followed. They were betrayed and they paid a heavy price for it. They didn't sign up for that. All they wanted was a fun, thrilling ride  which is what they were promised.

Okay, so this analogy ended up being more heavy-handed than I intended it to be. This is more self-awareness, however, than what the makers of Raman Raghav 2.0, a new psychological crime thriller directed by Hindi cinema's resident l'enfant terrible Anurag Kashyap, have displayed. By the time I left the theatre, I had run through the same gamut of emotions as described above, eventually infuriated that a film with so much potential to be a thrilling, memorable ride can be treated with such callousness.

Raman Raghav 2.0, as an opening slate helpfully informs us, is not based on the life of the real-life serial killer, who murdered 41 people on the streets of Mumbai in the '60s. Its protagonist is Ramanna (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), an unhinged copycat killer who believes he can communicate with God directly. He faces off against a cop  an assistant commissioner of police, no less  named Raghav (Vicky Kaushal), a self-centered, drug-addled man who is well on the path to self-destruction.

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Vicky Kaushal in a still from 'Raman Raghav 2.0'

Do you see where this is going? The Batman-Joker 'you complete me' dynamic is established fairly early on, after Raghav investigates a crime scene in which a drug dealer and an unidentified man have been found murdered. He's clean-shaven and in uniform (indeed, the only time in the whole film) and pretending to be perplexed by the situation, but we already know, from the previous scene, that he was the one who killed the second guy, when he arrived at the very same den to pick up his stash, found the dealer murdered, and then was walked in on by a stranger who asked him for his identity.

Why, though? Why would a high-ranking police officer commit a random, gruesome act of murder? Did he think the man would question why he, an ACP, was at a drug den? Could he not have simply said, "There has been a murder and I'm investigating it"? Screenwriters Vasan Bala and Kashyap want us to believe that the same darkness that engulfs Rammana lies within Raghav, but they commit two blunders  one, they don't give us any truly logical reason as to why Raghav would so swiftly choose to murder (it can't just be 'he was high as a kite' nor 'daddy issues', both of which are suggested by the film) nor do they show us his reaction right after, so we can't even gauge it for ourselves; two, even if we are to buy this, why would you show this scene right at the beginning and rob it of its suspense value, when a flashback later reveals it to be a turning point for his character?

Then there's the pretentious Tarantino-esque device of dividing the film into chapters, giving the film a forced structure that it didn't really need. The second of them, titled 'The Sister', encapsulates nearly everything that's wrong with Raman Raghav 2.0.

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It starts off fantastically, with Ramanna standing outside the doorstep of his estranged sister Lakshmi (Amruta Subhash), who is horrified to see him. This develops into a slow-burn scene, featuring some great acting and witty dialogue, wherein the family (which includes Lakshmi's husband, played by Ashok Lokhande) sits in their modest apartment, terrified of this dangerous looking man with a prominent scar on his forehead.

Then, after displaying a fair amount of restraint, the scene hurtles towards its inevitable conclusion, during which Kashyap uses slow-motion and a cringe-inducing song ('Behooda') in an attempt to stylise the scene. It's a disastrous and irresponsible decision, one that unironically glamourises the film's anti-hero and comes across as the director almost begging the audience to find coolth in depravity.

His vision is almost devoid of humanism; he wants us not only to examine the muck, but literally drown in it (as Ramanna literally does at one point). The problem is that there's no way to do that without feeling utterly disgusted with yourself.

This desperation is evident in many places in a film that, otherwise, has a lot going for it. Its usage of real locations, shot with true grit by Jay Oza, draws the viewer into the ugly, decaying world Ramanna inhabits (a shot of two rats fighting amidst garbage is a fitting visual metaphor).

But the writing and direction is wildly inconsistent. Kashyap's usual tropes  cops who are almost comically inept, for example  fight for attention amidst the odd well-written scene.

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Meanwhile, Ram Sampath's background score, which isn't bad in itself, is used adequately in certain places and horribly in others (worst offender: a 15-second staring match between Raghav and his authoritarian father  played by Vipin Sharma  that uses a raag-based riff to distract the audience from the hollowness of the scene).

Also distressing is the complete lack of female characters with depth or spine  Raghav's casual 'girlfriend' Smritika (Sobhita Dhulipala) seems to exist merely to be ill-treated, and a scene in which she fights to watch a TV debate on women's rights is a sadly tokenistic attempt at balance in a film that wears its adolescent hypermasculinity with pride, even glee.

Siddiqui's performance is riveting and terrifying, striking the right balance between Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins from The Silence Of The Lambs) and Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem from No Country For Old Men). However, it must be said that at no point did he, one of the best actors working in Hindi cinema currently, truly surprise me (perhaps all the best bits were wasted in the trailer?). Kaushal, in only his third outing, is given a badly written character and spends much of his time scowling behind sunglasses, chain-smoking, and acting unconvincingly erratic (to be fair, there's only so much an actor can do in a film that wants us to believe a guy can pull out a gun in a nightclub while dancing with a girl, which will lead to said girl going home with him).

I watched Sriram Raghavan's never-released early '90s docu-drama Raman Raghav, in which Raghubir Yadav portrays the actual serial killer, at a screening in Mumbai just a few months ago and remember being struck by the film's maturity. Despite depicting the same things  murder, ugliness, decay  it, commendably, remains humanistic throughout. In the Q&A following the screening, Raghavan mentioned how his approach to the film was guided by one statement made by the psychiatrist who treated the real Raman Raghav: "Don't treat him as a criminal; he was a sick man."

Kashyap's approach is the polar opposite of this. His vision is almost devoid of humanism; he wants us not only to examine the muck, but actually drown in it (as Ramanna literally does at one point). The problem is that there's no way to do that without feeling utterly disgusted with yourself.

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Mint via Getty Images NEW DELHI, INDIA - AUGUST 24: Shaktikanta Das, Revenue Secretary at All India Conference of Chief Commissioners and Director General of Customs and Central Excise and Service Tax, on August 24, 2015 in New Delhi, India. (Photo by Ramesh Pathania/Mint via Getty Images)

NEW DELHI -- BJP MP Subramanian Swamy today appeared to target Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, which prompted Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to call it an "unfair and false" attack on a disciplined civil servant.

"I think there a property deal case pending against him (Das) for assisting PC swallow Mahabalipuram prime locations," Swamy said.

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It was in reply to his Twitter handle followers who had sought blacklisting of RBI Deputy Governor Urjit Patel and Das from RBI Governorship as well as sending Das back to his parent cadre Tamil Nadu.

Shortly thereafter, Jaitley, who is in China, tweeted:

An unfair and false attack on a disciplined civil servant in the Finance Ministry  Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) June 23, 2016

Jaitley had yesterday led a strong defence of Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian after Swamy had attacked him, and rued how far politicians can go to attack those in government whose discipline and constraints of office restrain them from responding.

The Minister is in China to attend the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Board of Governor's meeting.

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My name is Aneel Neupane and Im a filmmaker.

My team at Jazz Productions and I worked super hard to make our latest release BOB. We gave our blood and sweat to this project. We had a super hard time finding anyone to fund this project, so we pleaded our friend Tejaswee Rajthala (Jazz Productions Australia) to invest and he did. But We were constrained by the budget limitation of NRS. 50,000 (32,000 Indian Rupees). It was not a lot to go on with, but Im personally super grateful to the whole cast and crew for believing in the story, volunteering and making it possible to create this film in that limited budget.

We had the film ready in October 2015. I had uploaded it on Vimeo as a private video to share it with close friends. You can see here (https://vimeo.com/145062291) that the video is 7 months old. We finally released it on youtube on May 12, 2016. As of right now, there are 3033 views. Although thats not a lot of views, I have been getting a lot of messages and amazing feedback from so many people! Thank you all for appreciating BOB. Your response made me feel like all the effort and sleepless nights were worth it.

However! (Plot twist here)

Yesterday (June 23, 2016), I woke up to find Kriti (http://bit.ly/28RiRXB) on youtube. Initially, I thought maybe the first few frames, the setting and characters resembled BOB. I thought it was just a co-incidence. I was actually excited to watch a short film starring Mr. Manoj Bajpayee (A great actor whom I admire a lot!) and Neha sharma (whom Ive had a HUGE crush on ever since I saw her in the movie Crook). As the movie progressed, I was shocked to find so much similarities.

Now, I have no idea how to go about on this. Im angry not because Mr. Shirish Kunder practically stole the plot and made it into his film. Im angry because We didnt even have lunch money while shooting BOB, and a spot boy for Kriti probably made more money than BOBs entire budget. My team and I didnt work our asses off just so some rich dude from India could turn it into this and get away with it. Thats just not fair.

On the plus side: In todays Movie Industry, so many Nepali films are being made that are inspired from Bollywood. It feels like most Nepali Filmmakers just sit and watch of a couple Bollywood movies and mix the plot together to make one crappy Nepali film. And my film was able to inspire A-Class Bollywood actors and filmmakers. I think thats a win for Nepal. Its nice to know that a smalltime rookie filmmaker from Nepal was able to inspire Big Time director and actors in Bollywood.

Now, honestly, Im clueless as to what I have to do next. If I take the fight to them, I dont think Im equipped financially or otherwise. It would just be a tiny voice screaming from far away for them. And a lot of people told me that they will just get away with it as they have by ripping off of numerous other films from all over the world.

It would be nice if you guys would help report the video on youtube. :)

Thanks!
Remember that bolt icon while booking an Uber taxi which indicates surge pricing? The taxi aggregator seems to be doing away with surge pricing altogether. That however doesn't mean that you will not have to pay more when the demand is high. Uber is replacing the surge pricing model with one that provides users information about how much they have to pay upfront.

To give a bit of background, surge pricing is when consumers pay more than the base fare to taxi aggregators. The companies say that the surge kicks in when the demand is higher. The surge rate usually starts at 1.1 times the normal or base fare but has been known to go as high as nine times the base fare.

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Total Fare = Base fare + Fare per minute + Fare per km after the base distance

The surge price is calculated based on the above formula, but Uber says now it will show riders a fixed cost instead of any complex calculation. The company is already using this concept in UberPool, where you share a ride with another rider. It has also been testing the fixed fare feature in UberX category in the US and India for some time.

"We moved to upfront, per trip faresjust like airlines and hotelstwo years ago when we launched uberPOOL. This allowed us to calculate the actual fare in advance and show it to riders before they booked their ride. Knowing how much a ride will cost in advance is clearly something riders appreciate: today uberPOOL accounts for over 20 percent of all rides globally. And we now want more riders globally to benefit from this feature," the company said in a blog post.

One of the benefits for the rider in the new model is that even if a ride takes longer than expected because of traffic conditions, the fare does not change.

Uber also said that the route taken by the driver will not matter anymore as the fare is fixed upfront. Also, if you change your destination in the middle of a ride, you will get a notification for the changed price.

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Uber has been in the news in India over its pricing and licensing practices. Couple of months ago, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, had expressed his strong opinion against the surge pricing and even warned taxi aggregators. Karnataka has also been trying to get taxi aggregators to come under the purview of the Vehicles Act. While Ola has received a licence to ply 100 taxis in Bengaluru, Uber is yet to get any official nod from the state government.

There have been changes in the drivers' incentive scheme as well. Some Uber drivers said that they had to complete a certain number of rides each in two shifts to receive any incentives. Recently leaked documents also indicated that on an average, an Uber driver in the US earns $13.25 an hour after expenses.

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Martinez's status up in the air for Oklahoma State

It's too early to tell if Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez will be available against Oklahoma State. If not, Will Howard should be good to go.
Time To Hit Reset On The Streaming Business Model? [Cortney Harding]

As music streaming services around the world continue to struggle, Cortney Harding looks at the possibility of hitting reset on the whole streaming business model and instead exploring a more direct artist-to-fan experience.

____________________________________

By Cortney Harding

To say last week wasnt particularly good for Guvera might be an understatement. The Australian streaming service announced it would seek an $80 million (AUD) IPO, and the response from other Aussie tech bigwigs was swift. That response, unfortunately, came in the form of comments generally associated with horror films or mass catastrophes  one venture capitalist dubbed it horrifying, while another claimed it left him terrified. The only response Guveras CEO could muster was to basically call them haters, which works if youre a rapper or Taylor Swift but isnt so great if youre the head of a major company.

In all fairness to Guvera, theyre not the only streaming service thats struggling right now. Deezer called off an IPO last year, and Spotify has yet to pull the trigger despite multiple rumors of an offering. Spotify also came under fire during a panel at music business conference MIDEM, where a prominent VC pointed out the despite being the biggest player in the space, they still lost a couple hundred million dollars last year. She went on to explain that this was why VCs tend to avoid the music space.

And while more users have been adopting streaming technology, the numbers dont suggest the massive uptick that these services might need to survive. Theres a decent possibility we could be left with streaming services that are all part of much larger companies that essentially subsidize them as loss-leaders for other products or services. Add to this a growing backlash from many artists who feel theyre not being paid enough, and it looks like dark days for streaming up ahead.

So what if we ripped up the streaming model and just started over from scratch? Im not saying we will, or even that we should  but its worth pondering. What would the music world look like if we all just hit a giant reset button and began again?

It might look like the solution posed by Matthew Inman, who writes the Oatmeal cartoon. He did a quick three-panel take on the music business, and the solution is basically to get rid of the middleman and let artists and fans deal directly with one another. There are already a number of services that allow this and plenty of artists who sell direct-to-fan, but theyve never quite reached a critical mass, in part because many of them are still focused on downloads and physical sales and havent quite figured out a way to embrace streaming.

One of the biggest issues that many artists have with streaming is that every song essentially costs the same, regardless of the songs value to the artist or to fans. When analyzed through the lens of other industries, this is truly odd  a meal at Burger King costs less than a meal at Per Se, even though the end of the day they provide calories to fill up whoever is eating them. A jacket at Prada costs more than a jacket at the Gap, but they both keep you warm. What matters is the quality, the externalizations, and the perception of value. But in the music world, a song by an artist you love that he or she recorded with an orchestra costs the same, essentially, as one an artist you may or may not like recorded on a basement four-track in ten minutes.

What if artists were able to set costs for their songs based on their perceived value, and what they know about their fans? Beyonce could charge more for a song than an unknown artist, and its also easy to conclude that fans would probably pay more for a beautifully produced track than a demo of her goofing off and trying stuff out (or maybe vice versa, as all those Dylan demos demonstrated).

In terms of pricing, fans could set a ceiling and then decide to spend more when they hit the limit, or maybe prices could increase and decrease depending on how often the song is streamed, or how popular it is. Amie Street tried something similar seven years ago, and while it was purchased by Amazon before streaming started to take off, maybe its an interesting model to consider.

Artists, especially developing artists, can and should still give music away for free to build fanbases. But this would give them the opportunity to create a premium tier of music for fans who wanted to invest more, and still allow for discovery and casual fan interaction.

This idea also allows artists to connect directly with their fans, and it gives them the freedom and autonomy to charge what they think their creative labor is worth. Whether people will pay it is another question, but by building some sort of decentralized hub, maybe one that is artist/worker owned, it would cut out the middleman and let artists keep more of the money they make.

Labels still exist in this scenario, and perhaps make even more money, if they take a cut of each track an artist releases. If an artist is so popular, or offers something so groundbreaking that fans want to pay a premium, they could clean up  something they cant do when every song is the same price.

Look, streaming services as we know them probably arent going anywhere, although there will absolutely be consolidation in the next few years. Maybe theyll figure out a way to solve issues with artists and negotiate better terms with labels so they wont continue to lose money. But its always worth exploring the alternatives, and how they could better serve artists and fans. A more robust direct-to-fan experience can only serve to benefit creators and consumers alike.

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In a result that has sent shockwaves throughout the insurance industry worldwide, the UK has officially voted to leave the European Union.The outcome has been watched globally with many predicting that the decision to leave will have a huge impact on the financial markets and the insurance industry in particular. The UK Treasury, the International Monetary Fund and others all warned that a vote to leave would damage the UK economy as well as threatening global markets; while both the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) were outspoken in their support of a remain vote. Meanwhile, managing director of British multi-national insurer Aviva went on record with Insurance Business UK stating that: Our corporate view is that we should remain.Its not just the insurance industry in the UK that is likely to be affected either. While the US economy is much better insulated from the fallout of the vote, banking and financial sectors definitely have something to lose.Many US companies have moved not just parts of their operations, but whole headquarters, from the US to the UK. Aon , for example, made news in 2012 when it relocated from Chicago to London in order to give the company greater access to the world's insurance hub.The company has been particularly vocal in its feelings against the Brexit referendum."If Britain votes to leave the European Union, the innovative center of excellence that has set London apart in the insurance space will be deeply challenged," the company told CNBC."Talent is a true differentiator for the city of London, and to create a barrier between the industry that addresses the world's most complex risks and the global talent needed to do this will have real implications."Elsewhere, insurance association leaders from across Europe  including in Germany, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands  all had their say, pleading with insurers across the UK to vote to stay in and issuing a collective statement which read: While the Referendum is clearly a matter for the British public to decide, there will be implications for all EU markets. We believe it is in everyones interest  the UK and the EU  for the UK to remain. And we will be watching and hoping that the result means that the constructive relationship will continue with the UK playing a full role as a full EU member.Ultimately however, their efforts have proven to be to no avail.Some insurers have already taken steps in anticipation of todays outcome.ASX-listed CBL Insurance, which operates European Insurance Services from Tunbridge Wells in the UK, will continue operations in the UK but will change its legal domicile with managing director Peter Harris stating: We have already confirmed to our employees at European Insurance Services Ltd (EISL) in Tunbridge Wells UK, who write business in France, that EISL will remain operating in Tunbridge Wells, and shift its legal domicile, probably to Ireland.Meanwhile, Pierre Vaquier, Axa Investments Managers-Real Assets CEO, has stated that the company will revisit its options following the EU withdrawal with the company having previously planned to build Londons tallest skyscraper.The referendum vote came at the conclusion of what was a divisive campaign. On one side of the contest was British Prime Minister David Cameron ushering stark warnings about the financial and economic risks of a departure; while the leave campaign was headed up by former London Mayor Boris Johnson who used immigration as a key ploy in whipping up support suggesting that an exit would allow Britain to regain control of its borders.Now questions are swirling as to the future of the British Prime Minister  he had publicly vowed to stay on regardless of the result, but many have questioned whether his position will remain tenable after such a significant defeat.The vote has widely been considered a shock result with Paddy Power, Irelands largest bookmaker having placed the odds on a remain vote at a 1/12 chance  effectively a 92 per cent probability. This represented a swing from 77 per cent just one day earlier, making the result all the more surprising.
The surprise decision by UK voters Thursday to leave the European Union sets the stage for short-term economic strain on the US insurance industry, but could benefit the market in the future, analysts say.Long the global hub of the insurance market  as well as one of Americas largest trading partners  the UK stands to lose its dominance following the historic referendum. Despite early indications that voters would choose to remain in the EU, 51.9% of those who cast ballots chose the Leave option against 48.1% for Remain.The vote quickly sent shockwaves through global markets, with the pound plunging to $1.35  its lowest level since 1985.Yet the US economy is better insulated than most from the risk associated with this market turmoil. Major banks are better capitalized than they were a decade ago, when the Lehman Bros. bankruptcy triggered the global financial crisis in 2008.And according to David Snyder, vice president of policy development and research for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), severing ties with some restrictive EU regulations may prime US insurers to prosper more fully overseas than they have in the past.Theres value in a European common market, in the ability to be admitted once and operate all throughout the EU, Snyder said. On the other hand, Solvency II is creating problems for US insurers [operating] in Europe.Solvency II is an EU regulatory regime that imposes a restriction deeming the US as a non-equivalent regulatory environment. With increased governmental regulation and a higher operating cost for US insurers in the EU, Solvency II is disadvantaging US-based companies, Snyder said.Solvency II is starting to close markets that have been open to the US, he said.Because of that, the benefits associated with the uniformity of EU rules are actually being undermined by the new regulation.Not all industry analysts are buying Snyders take on Brexit, however.Economist and Insurance Information Institute President Robert Hartwig has said the removal of Britain from the EU could set up a domino effect in which other countries break off from the group.Theres nothing good in that, said Hartwig. The uncertainty [of the Brexit] would certainly decrease capacity.US insurers operating in the UK tend to agree. Many of these companies rely on EU reinsurers, including Lloyds of London, Munich Re , Hannover Re and Swiss Re Group, and a financial hit to these groups could limit the amount of risk carriers are willing to take on.In addition, a rising number of companies have opened branches and moved major parts of their operations  even whole headquarters  from the US to the UK. With the expected hit to the UK market, these companies positions are precarious as they lose the ability to passport services into Europe, which could send operational costs skyrocketing.The most prominent of these companies is Aon , the worlds largest insurance broker, which moved headquarters from Chicago to London in 2012. Aon has warned that Brexit will mean a potential move from London into the EU, as it will not be able to provide the same coverage options in the face of new trade barriers. A brain drain, as financial professionals leave the city, would also be detrimental to the company as it seek to bring on new talent, said Chief Executive Greg Case.In our world, risk is inevitable and we manage it accordingly, Case wrote in a letter posted to Aons website. But leaving the EU is an unnecessary gamble.Another US-based insurance giant, American International Group, has said it will consider establishing an operations center beyond the UK as a result of the vote.Speaking at a seminar in London earlier this month, AIG Chief Executive Peter Hancock told listeners that the UK remaining in the EU was the best outcome for the industry. AIG, which received a widely publicized government bailout when faced with similar financial pressures in 2008, may also explore a new European hub for its operations.All told, the benefits do not outweigh the regulatory challenges and financial uncertainty of Brexit, Hartwig said.Its hard to predict, except that it would be worse, he told Bloomberg.
Preparations are under way for the major renovation work at Mount Greylock Regional School.

Subcommittee Appointment Latest Point of Contention at Mount Greylock



Chris Dodig took Sheila Hebert's place on the Tri-District's Administrative Review Subcommittee in January. The timing of that switch was challenged this week. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Despite assailing his committee chair on a number of fronts, Richard Cohen was quick to support her for a lifetime achievement award on Monday evening.

It was that kind of night for the Mount Greylock Regional School Committee.

The committee held its final formal meeting before taking its usual summer hiatus, and it had several items to wrap up, including its annual evaluation of the district's superintendent, a process which drew sharp criticism from Cohen

But moments before that discussion got under way, committee member Wendy Penner moved that the panel nominate Carolyn Greene for the Massachusetts Association of School Committee's Lifetime Achievement award.

Cohen immediately seconded the motion, noting Greene's leadership on the formation of the Williamstown-Lanesborough Tri-District and Mount Greylock's building project  both, he said, "solidifying that the relationship between Williamstown and Lanesborough is something that will last for 50 or 100 years."

It was a moment that acknowledged how much the committee has accomplished under Greene's leadership at a time when Cohen continues to raise concerns about recent moves.

Last month, he filed an Open Meeting Law violation complaint against Greene, the chairs of the Williamstown and Lanesborough elementary school committees and Superintendent Douglas Dias. And on Monday, in addition to criticizing Greene's handling of the superintendent review process, he raised issues about a subcommittee appointment from five months ago and the relocation of the Tri-District central offices during the coming renovation/addition project at the junior-senior high school.

The first issue involved the Administrative Review Subcommittee, a four-person body that includes members of all three school committees in the Tri-District. Traditionally, that has included the chairs of the two elementary school committees and the chair and vice chair of the Mount Greylock School Committee.

However, the vice chairwoman at Mount Greylock, Sheila Hebert, currently serves on the three-person Lanesborough Elementary School Committee. Therefore, her service on the ARS would create a "quorum problem" for the Lanesborough committee. With that in mind, Greene named Chris Dodig, another Lanesborough resident on the Mount Greylock committee, to serve on ARS.

The committee discussed Dodig's appointment at its Jan. 19 meeting and nearly voted to make the switch. It ultimately decided not to hold such a vote because no vote was listed on the posted agenda, but Greene told her colleagues she would simply make the appointment in her capacity as chair.

Cohen said he recently found that Dodig served in his capacity as ARS member at the subcommittee's Jan. 8 meeting.

"The issue is he was appointed on the 19th, and we were given the impression he was newly appointed, and he was already serving on the 8th," Cohen said.

Greene said there was no ill intent in the move, but from a timing standpoint, ARS needed to meet, and since the body requires all four members for a quorum, the second Mount Greylock seat needed to be filled.

"Let me clarify that the chair appoints members of the subcommittee," Greene said. "I brought it to the full committee because I would have liked to have the support of the whole committee to appoint Chris to serve in Sheila's stead."

Penner said it was a "no harm, no foul" situation.

"I'm sorry people find it difficult, but I'm not bothered by it," she said. "I'm having trouble understanding what harm was done."

"It wasn't that harm was done," Cohen replied. "It's clear from the tape [of the Jan. 19 meeting] that his appointment was a new thing. If this was a retroactive appointment, I wouldn't have a problem with that. We need to be more candid in our communication."

"It has nothing to do with being candid, Rich," Greene responded.

The committee took no action on the issue, other than to ask that the district's website be kept up-to-date to reflect subcommittee appointments. As of Thursday morning, it continued to list Hebert as a member of the Administrative Review Subcommittee.

The committee did need to take action on the question of where to locate the superintendent and his staff during the upcoming building project. The Tri-District offices have been located in an area of Mount Greylock that will be gutted in Phase 1 of the project.

Ultimately, the Tri-District offices will need a new home. The Massachusetts School Building Authority does not compensate space built for central administration as part of its building projects, and no office space for Tri-District staff is planned in the new Mount Greylock.

For months, Cohen has questioned the decision-making process that has Dias and his staff temporarily moving to vacant space in the existing junior-senior high school.

This spring, the Lanesborough Board of Selectmen wrote the district offering to rent it space at Lanesborough Elementary School. And the School Committee considered that letter on Monday night.

Cohen noted that the idea of repurposing what some in the community have characterized as "empty classrooms" at Lanesborough has been discussed for a year in the town.

"This is why I've been trying for three months to bring up this discussion in the Building Committee and in here," Cohen said. "I think it may have been worth considering whether for a year or two we could have used some space in Lanesborough as a gesture. It's too late now."

Greene pointed out that it's not too late to have a discussion about the new permanent home for the Tri-District offices, and Dias agreed that it is worth continuing the conversation with Lanesborough to see what might be arranged.

In other business on Monday, the School Committee gave district Business Manager Nancy Rauscher authorization to make line item transfers to balance out the fiscal year 2016 books over the summer, approved Mount Greylock's 2016-17 School Improvement Plan as presented by Principal Mary MacDonald, discussed plans for a planned Aug. 13 summer retreat for all three Tri-District school committees and took two steps to keep the school building project on track.

In a 5-0-1 vote (with Greene abstaining), the School Committee voted to authorize Greene and Dias to sign a contract with Turner Construction, the construction manager selected by the district late last year.

Turner already has been doing pre-construction work for the district on a smaller work order while the parties worked out the details of a voluminous contract that will control the $64.8 million project. Greene had hoped to have a final contract ready for the committee's review on Monday, but the district's counsel was still ironing out the final details.

The School Committee also voted to give Greene and Dias the authority to sign a builder's risk insurance policy for the district.

Rauscher explained that the district had a quote of just under $89,000 for a policy from Worcester's Hanover Insurance Group. Rauscher said the district received three quotes through its broker; two, including Hanover's, were under the $120,000 line item in the school building project budget.

Committee members arriving for Monday's meeting saw the first obvious signs of the coming construction project: the removal of ceiling tiles in the corridors of areas included in Phase 1 and ribbons tied around trees on the school grounds indicating which will be kept, moved or cut down as part of the process.
Main Street Hospitality Adds Business Development Director

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. Main Street Hospitality Group has created a new strategic management role to help guide growth and engagement in the communities in which the hotel owner and manager operates.



MSHG owns and/or manages renowned properties throughout the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, including the Red Lion Inn, Hotel on North, Porches Inn at MASS MoCA and The Williams Inn.



Brian Butterworth, who has led the sales efforts for the company for nearly 14 years, will step into the newly created role of senior director of Business Development, Community and Industry Affairs, effective immediately.



"As Main Street Hospitality grows it is critical that we nurture and leverage our commitment to being invested in our communities and leaders in the travel and tourism industry," said CEO Sarah Eustis. "These two key aspects of our identity set us apart and continue a long tradition of engagement in the communities in which we live and work."



Eustis cited these key factors as the reason for the creation of the new position. With nearly 14 years leading the sales team for MSHG, Butterworth has developed a broad network in the tourism and hospitality industries at the local, state, national and international level, as well as with government and non-profit organizations.


Old Peppersass arrived in the city on Friday. It will be on display this weekend at Western Gateway Heritage State Park. When the engine's chimney is placed on the boiler, it apparently looked like a pepper sauce bottle. PreviousNext

North Adams Museum Hosts 'Old Peppersass' This Weekend



The cogs, or pinions, keep the engine on the rail rack.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The North Adams Museum of History and Science is hosting a pioneering steam engine this weekend.



The "Old Peppersass" cog steam engine that once chugged up New Hampshire's Mount Washington will be on display at Western Gateway Heritage State Park on Saturday and Sunday.



It's presence is part of a three-year celebration marking the 150th anniversary of Mount Washington Cog Railway, said Pam Sullivan, organizer for the tour and events.



Sullivan reached out to the city to host the 1866 steam engine after learning about the city's railroading history, said Charles Cahoon, president of the North Adams Historical Society. The cog railroad and the Hoosac Tunnel are both considered rail engineering marvels.



The brainchild of New Hampshire native Sylvester Marsh, who'd first made his money practically inventing the Chicago meat-packing industry, the cog railroad offered an easier, if lengthy, ride up the highest mountain in the Northeast.



When Marsh had approached the New Hampshire Legislature about his idea, Sullivan said one senator described him as "That crazy man man, he wants to build a railway to the moon."



It took three years to build the cog railway up the 6,288-foot mountain; Old Peppersass, built three years earlier and used in the railway's construction, would be the first engine to make it the three miles to the summit. Gears, or cogs, on engine keep it on the track.



The little wood-fired steam engine pushed an open car with about 20 to 24 passengers, said the Cog's general manager Gareth Slattery, who hauled Old Peppersass over the Mohawk Trail to the city yard for safekeeping on Friday.



"There would be three engines, and they would go a third of the way," said Slattery. "At each stop, there would be a platform and water and wood."
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MONTREAL, 23 JUNE 2016  Effective aviation security requires strong political commitment at the State level to decide policies, allocate appropriate resources , set targets, and achieve results, ICAOs Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu told the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee (UN CTC) at UN Headquarters in New York today.

She called for deeper ICAO/UN cooperation. UN CTC country visits are very useful opportunities to underscore the need for strong political commitments, and I welcome the dialogue we have initiated to take better advantage of them, Dr. Liu highlighted. This will be an especially important priority as ICAO continues to lead the development of a new Global Aviation Security Plan, and on seeking States commitments to implement it.

The ICAO Secretary Generals wide-ranging address to the CTC covered ICAOs comprehensive programmes and priorities under its Strategic Objective for Security and Facilitation, its coordination and contributions supporting the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the impact of unlawful interference activities on international civil aviation.

While stressing the importance of regulatory frameworks at national and international levels, she also underlined the need to achieve their full and consistent effective implementation while balancing security and efficiency of air transport both for passenger and cargo. Technical assistance and capacity building are essential to achieve these objectives, she added.

Dr. Liu also raised issues relating to the recent airport attacks in Belgium, which took the lives of 32 victims and three perpetrators, while injuring over 300.

The attacks at Brussels Airport on 22 March of this year, and the events which followed, were a tragic reminder of the enormous challenges faced in securing public areas, the inseparability of aviation security and national security, the economic and social consequences of terrorism, and the historic resilience of civil aviation, she declared.

ICAOs contributions supporting the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy "and the various Security Council resolutions with references to border control and security" include its work on the strengthening and modernization of passport issuance and related identity management frameworks in States. ICAO Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, to which 191 States adhere, addresses various aspects of travel document issuance and border integrity at international airports.

An important contribution we make to restricting the international mobility of terrorist groups has been our Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) strategy, which covers our passport and identity management priorities, and we have long recognized the facilitation benefits of Advance Passenger Information (API) as a tool for effective and efficient border control, she said.

This latest address by ICAO to the UN CTC was at the invitation of its Chair, H.E. Ambassador Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta.

Resources for editors

ICAO Security and Facilitation programmes and policies

Contact:

Anthony Philbin

Chief, Communications

aphilbin@icao.int

+1 (514) 954-8220

+1 (438) 402-8886 (mobile)

@icao



William Raillant-Clark

Communications Officer

wraillantclark@icao.int

+1 514-954-6705

+1 514 409-0705

@wraillantclark
Todays bloggers need more than sharp wit, writing flair, and multi-tasking capabilities. They need great gadgets that complement their fast-paced, ultra-mobile lifestyle to achieve their tasks. And Filipino social media maven Kally Araneta author of the popular blogsite From a Distance knows this all too well. She counts on the Lenovo PHAB Plus, which blends the portability of a smartphone with the functionality of a tablet, to ramp up her productivity as a blogger.

A true leader in innovation, Lenovo has redefined tablet and phone mash-ups with the Lenovo PHAB Plus, a phablet that merges the best tablet and smartphone features in a nifty form factor. Armed with exceptional battery life and LTE connectivity, the Lenovo PHAB Plus gives millennial bloggers the functionality to blog, make calls, take photos, and update their social media accounts in real-time sans the pain point of bringing along extra bulk, said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines.

A smart, double-duty gadget

Having struggled with carrying different devices simultaneously, Kally Araneta considers the Lenovo PHAB Plus to be a breath of fresh air because of its multi-functionality and ideal size. She no longer relies on both a smartphone and a tablet for her writing needs and communication requirements. The Lenovo PHAB Plus makes it easy for her to write and edit her blog posts in real-time with its 8-core Qualcomm processor and big screen, while putting her old tablet to shame with a build that is as svelte as a smartphone.. Aside from its tablet features, it offers a standby time of up to 20 days and a talk time of up to 24 hours, so Araneta doesnt even worry about her gadget dying on her whenever she needs to post an important social media update, watch movies while in transit, or answer emails.

A movie aficionado, Araneta enjoys watching her movies with the Lenovo PHAB Plus brilliant 6.8 full HD screen and Dolby Atmos speakers, which make her feel like she is inside a movie theatre. She also uses the Lenovo PHAB Pluss 13MP rear camera along with its 5 MP front camera, which features a Panorama Selfie function and a dual-LED flash, to make her blog images strikingly natural. Thanks to the Lenovo PHAB Pluss 2 GB LPDDR3 RAM and 32 GB ROM memory, Araneta wont have to think twice about inadequate storage space whenever she loads movies into her phablet.

Light and convenient for pragmatic bloggers

At 0.49-lbs., the svelte Lenovo PHAB Plus can easily fit into Aranetas purse, sparing her from the hassle of carrying extra bulk when she scuttles between gym, events, and meetings. She can easily work on her blog over lunch, play with her phablet after work, or even watch shows while working out because of its compact build. The feature-packed Lenovo PHAB Plus even doubles as one of Aranetas accessories. Encased in an acclaimed uni-body design with round edges and polished buttons, the phablet adds a touch of glamor to Aranetas OOTDs.

As a blogger, I rely on practical and dual-purpose gadgets that combine connectivity, convenience and productivity. The Lenovo PHAB Plus offers all these in a lightweight form factor that addresses the portability challenges in tablets and the functionality issues in smartphones. Whether Im blogging, watching a movie, or updating my social media accounts, I can bank on the Lenovo PHAB Plus to enhance my fast-paced, multi-dimensional lifestyle with exceptional battery life, speed, and memory features, said Araneta.

Lenovo PHAB Plus comes in Gunmetal Gray and Champagne Gold, and is available at a starting price of PHP14,999, in all Lenovo retail stores nationwide.

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Ireland: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2016 Article IV Consultation and Fifth Post-Program Monitoring

A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or mission), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments. The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMFs Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

Key messages

Irelands economy has seen a remarkable turnaround, thanks to the hard work of the people and government. Broad-based economic growth is solidifying and unemployment is receding. Public finances are strengthening and the governments debt-to-GDP ratio is on a downward trend. Private sector financial health is improving. Looking ahead, the main policy challenges are to complete the recovery, ensure that its fruits are broadly shared across the population, and strengthen the resilience of the economy to shocks. This will require (1) achieving sound public finances and further debt reduction to rebuild policy buffers; (2) tackling the remaining crisis legacies and further improving private sector balance sheets; (3) mitigating the scope for boom-bust cycles to prevent a repeat of the last crisis; and (4) addressing structural weaknesses to support robust, sustainable, and inclusive medium-term growth and job creation.

Strong outlook and downside external risks

1. Irelands economic outlook remains strong but vulnerable to external shocks. Growth is set to reach 5 percent in 2016 and expected to converge to its medium-term potential of about 3 percent thereafter. Domestic demand is projected to remain the main driver with robust private consumption on the back of continuously improving labor market conditions and vibrant investment activity. However, riskslargely externalare tilted to the downside. In particular, the vote in the UK to leave the EU, if accompanied by a marked slowdown in the UK and in the rest of Europe and a surge in financial market volatility, would have a significant adverse effect on Ireland in light of the strong trade and financial linkages with the British economy.

Attaining sustainable public finances

2. The governments plan to address social needs while ensuring sound public finances and a durable debt reduction is commendable. Ireland has established a remarkable track record of fiscal rectitude and exited the Excessive Deficit Procedure in 2015. Despite some health spending overruns, the budget deficit is projected to narrow to less than one percent of GDP in 2016 due to strong revenue performance. Windfall revenues should be saved to reduce the public debt further, thereby helping rebuild room for fiscal policy maneuver. The newly released Summer Economic Statement allocates the fiscal space available under the EUs Stability and Growth Pact rules to further expenditure increases and tax cuts from 2017 onwards, and also to a rainy-day fund from 2019. Under these policies, the medium-term objective (MTO) of a structural budget deficit of 0.5 percent of GDP in 2018 appears broadly achievable. Going forward, the governments intent to outperform the MTO is appropriate in light of the need to build adequate fiscal buffers to deal with potential negative shocks. This would also prevent additional fiscal stimulus when economic activity is projected to remain above potential and allow general government debt to decline significantly.

3. Fiscal policy can be more supportive of job-rich growth. Priority should be given to rebalance the tax mix and broaden the tax base, while improving spending efficiency and addressing infrastructure needs.

Rebalancing the tax mix would boost sustainable revenues and support job creation. Less reliance on distortionary direct taxes, including by merging the universal social charge into a broader income tax with lower rates for below-median wage earners, would help reduce the tax burden on middle-income households, foster female labor force participation, and avoid welfare-traps for low-skilled workers. Implementation of a uniform VAT rate and faster scaling up of the property tax would compensate for lower revenues from direct taxes. Regressivity arising from these changes could be assuaged by means-tested transfers to low-income households

Enhancing spending efficiency would improve delivery of public services . In this regard, persevering with the ongoing health sector reformstrengthening of primary care, reform of hospital budgeting, more extensive use of generic drugsis thus important. This would also help generate resources needed to mitigate ageing-related spending pressures. Better targeting of social transfers would contribute to improved inter-generational fairness for the young.

Increasing capital expenditure would buttress Irelands competitiveness and support the populations well-being. The prolonged retrenchment in public investment has taken a toll on the quality and adequacy of infrastructure. Public capital expenditure should thus be scaled up and prioritized to improve core infrastructure and technology, thereby strengthening Irelands leading edge in the global market for high-value added products.

Achieving sustainable growth and increasing inclusiveness

4. Making Irish-owned firms more dynamic and productive would foster robust and sustainable growth over the long term. Total factor productivity growth has been lackluster in recent years, with differences between domestic firms and Irish affiliates of multinationals. Domestic small and medium-sized enterprises lag behind, reflecting limited access to finance, low innovation activity, and weak financial soundness. Policies should therefore focus on broadening financing options for firms, and increasing direct public sector support of their innovation activities, including through closer partnerships with education institutions. A more proactive approach to debt restructuring for distressed but viable firms would also support higher productivity.

5. Addressing structural impediments would strengthen job creation and make growth more inclusive. While the labor force is well educated, skill mismatches are relatively high in some segments. In addition, youth and long-term unemployment rates remain elevated, the latter particularly among adults with lower educational attainment. Enhancing labor activation policies and expanding technical and vocational programs would help retool skills and increase the likelihood of finding employment. Furthermore, female labor force participation is among the lowest in the EU. Policies to address the high cost of child care and its variable quality, and reduce high marginal income tax rates on second earners would strengthen incentives for women to enter the labor market.

Macro-financial policies: Tackling crisis legacies and mitigating boom-bust cycles

6. This years consultation coincided with an in-depth assessment of the Irish financial sector under the IMFs Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP). Key findings include:

Irelands financial regulatory framework has been much strengthened since the crisis. The Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) in which the ECB is responsible for direct supervision of the significant institutions that make up the bulk of the Irish banking system, is working well. As experience is gained with the SSM, further streamlining and harmonization of certain processes will further increase its effectiveness.

The financial soundness of banks, households, and corporates has improved in recent years. However, sensitivity analyses under the FSAPs adverse macroeconomic scenario point to vulnerabilities amplified by crisis legacies, which need to be addressed.

Irish insurers have prepared for the introduction of Solvency II regulations which are now in force, but vigilance is needed against emerging risks. In securities market oversight, the Central Bank of Ireland is a leader in the analysis of collective investment vehicles activities. The funds management industry in Ireland is now of global scale, with significant cross-border connections but only limited links to domestic banks. While the funds hold comfortable liquid buffers, enhanced monitoring and closing data gaps remain important. The Central Bank has also taken initiatives to address cyber risks.

The credit union sector is undergoing an intense restructuring process with the Central Bank monitoring and intervening to support this as an important step to putting the sector on a sounder footing.

7. Recovery in the banking system is forging ahead, yet challenges persist. Banks pre-provision profitability, albeit increasing, remains modest and prospects for further improvement are clouded by several factors, including continued deleveraging, prevalence of low-yield tracker mortgages, and unresolved distressed loans. In the current low-interest environment, supervisors need to be even more vigilant to ensure that profit seeking is supported by appropriate risk management. Mortgage lending rates should adequately reflect market conditions, legacy burden, and credit risk, including difficulties in realizing collateral. Disposal of the governments stakes in the banking system should continue. This would further reduce public debt.

8. The resilience of the non-financial private sector to shocks needs to be bolstered further. Household indebtedness is still high by international standards. The share of distressed loansalthough decliningremains elevated, particularly mortgages in prolonged arrears. Intensified efforts should continue to resolve these loans, supported by the legal process, to incentivize cooperation between borrowers and lenders. Further restructuring of distressed loans to the most vulnerable, but viable, firms would support a durable expansion of economic activity and reduce corporate sectors vulnerabilities. Continued care is needed to ensure that provisions remain adequate.

9. A potential buildup of new imbalances in the property market needs to be prevented. The introduction of macroprudential measures on mortgage lending appears to have mitigated pressures in the residential property market by curbing expectations of further price appreciation. These measures should be maintained as a permanent feature of the mortgage market to safeguard the resilience of banks and households against shocks. The Central Banks intent to periodically assess the impact and effectiveness of these measures is welcome. Once the Central Credit Register becomes operational, the loan-to-income limit should be replaced with a debt-to-income limit, which better captures borrowers repayment capacity. As housing supply remains constrained, additional policy actions should help expedite new construction. Demand pressures in the commercial real estate market need to be closely monitored and policy tools activated if risks to financial stability emerge.

* * *

The mission thanks the authorities for the open and productive discussions and warm hospitality.
Imperial Valley News Center

President Obama Announces New Actions to Reduce Recidivism and Promote Reintegration of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Washington, DC - Since the President took office, this Administration has been committed to reforming America's criminal justice system and highlighting the importance of reducing barriers facing justice-involved individuals who are trying to put their lives back on track. Over 2.2 million individuals are in American prisons and jails, and the vast majority of them will return to their communities. Improving education and job opportunities has a recognized effect of reducing crime, making our communities safer and reducing barriers to success.

Today, the Administration announced a series of education and jobs programs along with other supportive measures designed to ensure that people who are returning from prison to the community are equipped with the skills and resources necessary to obtain employment, support their families, and contribute to society.

Todays Administration announcements include:

Second Chance Pell Pilot Program. The Department of Education selected 67 colleges and universities who will partner with 141 Federal and state correctional institutions to enroll roughly 12,000 incarcerated students in educational and training programs. Selected schools will offer classroom-based instruction, online education, or a hybrid of both at corrections facilities; the vast majority of selected schools are public two- and four-year institutions. Recent studies show that incarcerated individuals who participate in correctional education are 43 percent less likely to return to prison within three years than prisoners who did not participate in any correctional education programs, resulting in estimates that for every dollar invested in correctional education programs, four to five dollars are saved on re-incarceration costs. Through the Second Chance Pell pilot program, institutions may provide Federal Pell Grants to qualified students who are incarcerated and eligible for release, particularly those who are likely to be released within five years of enrolling in coursework. The Second Chance Pell program responds to recommendations put forth by the Presidents My Brothers Keeper Task Force to promote successful alternatives to incarceration and eliminate unnecessary barriers to reentry.

Reentry Demonstration Project for Young Adults. The Department of Labor announced over $31 million in grants to seven organizations to design programs for adults ages 18 to 24 to provide job training and a path to meaningful employment. The organizations apply evidence-based interventions in fields including mentoring, career pathways, and registered apprenticeship, with a focus on providing occupational training and credentials.

Training to Work. The Department of Labor awarded grants totaling over $21 million to 16 organizations to serve individuals in high-poverty and high-crime areas. These grants offer returning citizens in a state or local work release program an opportunity to participate in a career pathway program that defines and maps out a sequence of educational and workforce training resulting in skilled workers who meet the needs of local employers. These programs will also provide services such as case management, mentoring, and follow-up services.

Linking to Employment Activities Pre-Release. The Department of Labor announced 11 grants totaling over $5 million to organizations operating specialized American Job Centers inside correctional facilities. The organizations assist soon-to-be-released inmates with the transition to life in their communities by providing services to prepare for employment and increase opportunity for successful reentry. These awards build on an award of $10 million to 20 organizations providing similar services in 2015.

Pathways to Justice. The Department of Labor awarded grants totaling $6.5 million to five non-profit organizations and two local governments to provide mentorship and career training to youth ages 16 to 21 who are at risk of dropping out of high school, becoming involved in the juvenile or criminal justice systems, or have juvenile records. Students will be mentored by justice and emergency services personnel to explore career paths as police officers, firefighters, lawyers, and paramedics and other related professions.

Permanent Supportive Housing through Pay for Success. Research consistently demonstrates a correlation between homelessness and incarceration. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Justice awarded $8.7 million to seven organizations to address individuals cycling between the criminal justice system and homeless services. The grants will fund Permanent Supportive Housing, an evidence-based intervention shown to lead to decreases in homelessness, arrests, hospitalization, and emergency room visits. The Pay for Success modelwhich enables government to pay only when positive outcomes are achievedpresents a promising way for communities to scale innovative solutions, paying once value of reduced remedial services are realized.

Toolkit for Housing Reentry Programs. The Department of Housing and Urban Development is releasing a toolkit entitled It Starts with Housing: Public Housing Agencies Are Making Second Chances Real. This publication highlights best practices and case studies that can be replicated by communities looking to build their own reentry housing programs to improve housing opportunities for returning citizens across the country.

Protecting the Children of Incarcerated Parents. The Department of Justice will support the development of model family strengthening policies that can be adopted by and implemented in prisons and jails. The policies will address referral and case management for incarcerated parents; visiting policies and procedures; visiting room and waiting room environments; parenting and other programming offered in correctional facilities; family reunification and reentry planning; and identifying and incorporating local services.

These announcements build on the Administrations longstanding commitment to improving reentry outcomes and removing unnecessary obstacles facing the formerly incarcerated individuals, including:
Colombia Peace Process

Washington, DC - Todays announcement regarding the end of conflict in Colombia is welcome news to the people of that country and to all who desire peace. I congratulate President Santos and his negotiating partners for this milestone in their ongoing effort to conclude a conflict with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) that has plagued their nation for 52 years, the longest running war in our hemisphere.

I am pleased that, after more than four years of intensive talks, the Colombian government and the FARC have achieved breakthroughs on some of the most challenging issues before them. Although hard work remains to be done, the finish line is approaching and nearer now than it has ever been.



President Santos deserves credit for his courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to peace. I also want to recognize the hard work of the negotiating teams and the constructive role played by the governments of Norway and Cuba, who have served as guarantors of the peace process. Thanks are due, as well, to U.S. Special Envoy, Bernie Aronson, for his tireless efforts in support of a settlement.



For many years and on a bipartisan basis, the United States has supported Colombia in its efforts to strengthen its democracy and safeguard the security of its people. That friendship will continue as Colombias leaders strive to complete the peace process and take steps to recover from the many years of division and conflict.



To this end, the United States will work closely with Colombia to ensure that commitments made during the negotiations yield tangible benefits for the countrys citizens. In February, President Obama announced Paz Colombia, a new strategic framework for our bilateral engagement. As part of that plan, the President asked me to lead a Global Demining Initiative for Colombia, together with our partner Norway. I look forward to fulfilling that important and life-saving commitment.



Today, I congratulate all Colombians and ask the U.S. Congress and the international community to join in supporting the people of that nation as they continue to make progress towards a just and lasting peace.
On the Occasion of Croatia's National Day

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Croatia as you celebrate the anniversary of your declaration of independence on June 25.

"The United States is proud to count Croatia as a close friend and ally. The values that underpin our democracies are a source of enduring strength, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in support of prosperity, security, and other shared priorities in the months and years to come.

"I wish all the people of Croatia the very best on this special occasion."
President Obamas Phone Call with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya

Washington, DC - President Obama spoke by phone today with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya to accept President Kenyattas condolences for the terrorist attack in Orlando, Florida.

The President reiterated his appreciation for the strong partnership between Kenya and the United States on a host of issues, including combatting global terrorism and noted the progress Kenya has made on security. The two leaders also discussed the challenges Kenya faces in hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees for more than two decades and the need for strong international support. President Kenyatta reiterated that Kenya will continue to respect the dignity and safety of refugees in Kenya and comply with its international legal obligations. The President and President Kenyatta agreed that the United States and Kenya would work closely together on this issue, to better ensure that the needs of refugees and host communities are met.
Under Secretary Thomas Shannon to Travel to Kuwait City, New Delhi and Kolkata

Washington, DC - Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon will travel to Kuwait City, Kuwait on June 26. While there, he will meet with Kuwaiti government officials to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues. He will also meet with UN officials and others involved in the ongoing Yemeni peace talks to underscore U.S. support for those talks.

Under Secretary Shannon will then travel to New Delhi and Kolkata, India, June 28July 1, where he will meet with Indian government officials and U.S. Mission India staff. He will also meet with members of civil society, including representatives of various religious communities.

While in New Delhi, the Under Secretary will meet with government leaders to discuss a range of bilateral and global issues in support of joint U.S.-India efforts to sustain the rules-based global order. He will visit the Indian Foreign Service Institute to deliver remarks and meet with Indian diplomats.

In Kolkata, Under Secretary Shannon will meet with government officials and members of the U.S. Consulate General. He will also chair a roundtable discussion with journalists at the American Center and visit several local cultural sites.
Watch: Snake Attacks Owner As She Tries To Release It From Cage
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The effects of the UK leaving the EU will be felt in pretty much every industry in one way or another, and TV and film arent expected to emerge unscathed either.

It is important not to catastrophise the situation, especially when it is such early stages and such uncharted waters, but the initial reactions from key players in TV and film are not good (via Deadline):

Michael Ryan, Chairman of the Independent Film & Television Alliance and partner in GFM Films:

The decision to exit the European Union is a major blow to the UK film and TV industry. Producing films and television programs is a very expensive and very risky business and certainty about the rules affecting the business is a must. This decision has just blown up our foundation  as of today, we no longer know how our relationships with co-producers, financiers and distributors will work, whether new taxes will be dropped on our activities in the rest of Europe or how production financing is going to be raised without any input from European funding agencies. The UK creative sector has been a strong and vibrant contributor to the economy  this is likely to be devastating for us.

Harvey Weinstein, major film producer and co-chairman of The Weinstein Company:

Recommended Read more Second EU referendum will be considered for parliament debate

Im shocked and the thing that surprised me the most is a great Prime Minister like David Cameron resigning. From his point of view  history is important to these guys in a big way  he didnt want to preside over a disaster and wanted to save his reputation as a great Prime Minister. Hell be proven right. This is not about economics, this is about immigration. They dont want Muslims in the country. These guys who voted, voted out of fear. Its a huge mistake.

I think there will be discrimination now against some of the product and what it means to be European product. A lot of TV stations in Europe are under quotas. When you do War And Peace, that was accepted as European. It could be very costly in the movie and TV industry in terms of content branding. European branding is very important. Its a big deal for these young British filmmakers.

Which recent movies will become classics? Show all 21 1 /21 Which recent movies will become classics? Which recent movies will become classics? Birdman - Undoubtedly Alejandro G. Inarritus masterpiece will surely be remembered for years to come - fiercely original in its concept, brave in its single take(esque) format and the perfect satire of a very specific and bizarre era of cinema we find ourselves in. What perhaps was so astonishing about this Best Picture Oscar winner was that in spite of its experimental format and lofty intentions, it still also managed to be hugely entertaining, and is eminently rewatchable. - Christopher Hooton Fox Searchlight Pictures Which recent movies will become classics? There Will Be Blood - Potentially Inherent Vice feels like its been forgotten already, The Master was great but too weighty for some, but There Will Be Blood is the Paul Thomas Anderson film that comes up time and time again in pub film conversations, whether theyre between cinephiles or more casual fans. A blank yet brutal indictment of lucre, Daniel Day Lewis gave one of his best ever performances as oil man Daniel Plainview, and Jonny Greenwoods fearsome score is still being performed live several years after its release. But mainly, I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE! I DRINK IT UP! - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Avatar - Probably not Its undeniable that James Camerons gargantuan blockbuster Avatar will find its place in the cinematic history books. With a worldwide gross of over 2.7 billion, its currently the highest earning film of all time - even Star Wars' The Force Awakens return couldn't topple it. But will it actually be remembered fondly? Its ground-breaking special effects already betray the first signs of aging, and though its use of 3D was revolutionary at the time, its now so pedestrian as to be found in a Glee concert movie. What is there to revere then? The patronising narrative re-hash of the plot to Dances With Wolves? Or the bit where two cat-aliens had sex by plugging their hair braids into each other? - Clarisse Loughrey Which recent movies will become classics? Whiplash - Within its own genre at least Whiplash was perhaps the most buzzy, "have you seen it yet?" film of 2014, and winning major Oscars off a budget of $3.3 million was no mean feat. Damien Chazelle managed to make a film about drumming absolutely edge-of-your-seat stuff, and succeeded by not patronising his audience - trusting that even if they didnt understand the music theory detail, they would still be able to revel in it. Unfortunately, it might just be too small a film to be remembered as a classic, but will certainly be circling the top of best movies about music lists for some years to come. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Skyfall  Depends whos Bond next Best Bond of all time? Skyfalls slick, true, but its status as an icon seems heavily premature. Were still clinging onto the Craig era, and its hard to argue that Skyfall doesnt do the same; trading its entire dramatic tension on the premise that weve long been deeply attached to this grizzled Bond and equally grizzled M. In Silvas personal vendetta, or in the neat metaphors of Skyfall Lodges crumbling exteriors and Bonds crumbling interiors of a post-Vesper Lynd world; its only once the franchise has moved on to new pastures that well truly start to see whether Skyfall can go the distance. Doesnt help that Spectre was a bit of a disappointment, though. -CL Which recent movies will become classics? Mad Max: Fury Road - A gutsy yes Yes, its a madly confident move to already claim Fury Roads going to a bonafide classic within its first year of release, but Fury Road is a mad movie. 36 years after its original incarnation, George Miller returned to the wasteland to conjure the greatest adrenaline hit of the cinematic decade. Breathlessly edited, hued with the colours of dust and dirt and rage; packed to the brim with practical stunt work unseen in the digital age. Plus, its a film that actively dismantles the patriarchy through a gun-slinging, metal-armed Charlize Theron. If its not remembered as one of the greatest blockbusters of its time, itll certainly be remembered as one of the gutsiest. - CL Which recent movies will become classics? The Great Beauty - No, but it damn well should be It won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2014, but this Paolo Sorrentino masterpiece is still unknown to most. It centres on a group of aging intellectuals partying on rooftops across Rome to Eurodance, and within this frame of superficiality it manages staggering profundity. The dialogue is rich, the cinematography sumptuous, and if Fellini is considered classic, this fellow Italians work certainly should be too. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Little Miss Sunshine - Within its own genre, yes The Sundance Effect has unfortunately developed a near plague of insufferable, self-conscious mawkishness over the years. Misfit boys finding new meaning to their existence in the arms of pink-haired manic pixie dream girls; sun-dappled bike rides as the latest band to feature a ukulele solo play softly in the distance. Some have indeed come off this false and cloying (Zach Braffs Garden State), others smarter and keener (last years Me and Earl and the Dying Girl); but as the fires of kook devour all in sight, there will always remain one film left standing in the ashes: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris Little Miss Sunshine. One scene that guarantees its elevation above the rabble sees teenager Dwayne (Paul Dano) realise hes colour-blind, and thus will never be able to achieve his dream of becoming a jet fighter. Danos meltdown here is so raw, and so positively tragic, that itll be a hard job to ever forget that epic f-bomb as the years pass. - CL Which recent movies will become classics? Lost in Translation - I'll still be watching it in my 80s at least Really a perfect movie. The casting couldn't have been better and Sofia Coppola conveys the choking feeling of an overly air-conditioned hotel room like no-one else. So many of the shots were beautiful in their simplicity. Bill Murray making a nice crisp, clean golf shot before walking off down the course. The flower arranging scene. Bill lightly grabbing Scarlett Johansson's foot and this subtly serving as the film's 'kiss'. It's the unconventional romance at the heart of the film that makes it so great, though, which is as much about companionship as physical and emotional love. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Crash - Hahahahahahahahaha Seriously, how did it win that Oscar? Even the director doesn't know. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Pans Labyrinth - Absolutely Guillermo del Toro dreams on celluloid; hes a weaver of fairy tales in an age where innocence is presumed dead. Its through innocence, through innocent eyes, that we witness the darkest excesses of human nature in a way that so exposes the incomprehensibility of evil committed in the pursuit of power. Through young Ophelias perspective we watch the horrors of Francos Spanish regime play out, the barbaric cruelty of her stepfather Captain Vidal; she fears not the horned faun who lives in the labyrinth when its so clear her own patriarchal figurehead is the true monster. And though its finale may be heart-breaking, del Toro still allows innocence a certain victory. Victory through Ophelias eyes, those pure and hungry enough to see beyond the borders of her bleak reality to find an escape from the seemingly unstoppable monstrosities of adulthood. - CL Warner Bros. Which recent movies will become classics? Im Still Here - When everyone realises its genius Initially admonished for being exploitative of Joaquin Phoenixs condition, it was astonishing that, when this Casey Affleck-directed mockumentary was revealed to be a hoax, most critics didnt give it a second review, and those who did still disliked it. In hindsight this was so much more than a prank. Phoenix stayed in character as a failed actor turned hip-hop artist for months on end. This dedication wasnt for nothing either (unlikely say, DiCaprio in The Revenant), Im Still Here is actually a very funny, moving and subtly satirical film, and definitely original. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Boyhood - I doubt it While it too was an unprecedented piece of cinema, Boyhood for me faded from the memory very quickly. Dismissing this film as essentially a puberty timelapse might be a little harsh, but the set-up did ultimately come off gimmicky and as a coming of age story it failed to resonate. Admirable, but not a classic - CH Universal Pictures Which recent movies will become classics? The Social Network - Yes I was less than thrilled at the prospect of a movie about Facebook, but then pleasantly surprised upon watching it. A holy production trinity of David Fincher (director), Aaron Sorkin (screenwriter) and Trent Reznor (score) told a story that changed all of our lives with such panache. Texting, the internet, social media etc are so prosaic that many authors and filmmakers disingenuously leave them out of their stories, but here they were central and yet still the film was engrossing, stylish and human. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Django Unchained - Hell yeah/hell maybe Swiping its titular characters name from a 1966 Spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Corbucci, Tarantino utilised his trademark flair for ultra-violence and nihilistic humour to create the perfect meeting point between revisionism and classicism. Django channeled brutality in the name of righteous fury, allowing the freedom fighting slaves of a pre-Civil War Deep South their own legendary cowboy of the John Wayne or Clint Eastwood type. - CL Which recent movies will become classics? The Tree of Life - A few people will kid themselves its classic Terrence Malicks experimental drama couldnt really have been more ambitious or tried to chip away at a bigger chunk of existence. As such, it was automatically lauded by many who didnt really know what to make of it, but looking back, was it worthy of the praise? The Brad-Pitt-is-a-family-man-in-the-50s plot strand was actually pretty unremarkable, and were it not for the brazenness of the extended shots of the universe being formed I doubt it would have made top ten lists the way it did. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Her - Yes, as a historical document Films depicting the future remain fascinating decades later because they show, in retrospect, how we wanted the world to progress and what developments we simply couldnt have conceived. As such Her will definitely still be getting talked about in years to come, whether or not we do indeed end up falling in love with our computers. (Also see: Ex Machina) - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Any of the space movies? Maybe Interstellar We seem to get a big budget space movie annually these days, and while none of them really have the creativity of Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey, Interstellar stands a chance of staying atop VOD libraries. Gravity and The Martian, while technically brilliant, were pretty forgettable, and dont get me started on Sunshine. Interstellar was very impressive though, and if a Christopher Nolan films going to stand out Id rather it be this one than - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Inception - Please no Yes, its insanely watchable and the plot zips along nicely, but seriously, can we stop pretending people falling backwards off chairs and out of camp, alpine sub-dream worlds amounts to anything more than an overly convoluted, albeit pretty, action movie? - CH Which recent movies will become classics? The Wolf of Wall Street - Not compared to Scorseses earlier work If theres a burden of the artistic revolutionary, its that revolution is only ever momentary in its form; Martin Scorsese made his mark back in 1973 with Mean Streets, and its one thats been difficult to paint over in the 43 years which have since passed. The Wolf of Wall Street faults itself only in being pure Scorsese; its a film which trades purely in the breathless, macho style already so entrenched in cinematic culture. Essentially, Scorseses own genre-defining genius has doomed to obscurity any latter work which dares to fold into the directors own natural form of expression; its made derivative any work which doesnt actively rebel against what hes been most celebrated for. A tough reality, but a reality nonetheless. - CL Paramount Pictures Which recent movies will become classics? Nymphomaniac - Maybe if Part II hadnt happened Even the truest of arthouse directors are culpable for the whims of Hollywood franchises. Yes, with his dual Nymphomaniac films, Lars von Trier managed to ruin the potential classic of his career by needlessly stretching his narrative across two films; churning out the NC-17 answer to Peter Jacksons Hobbit trilogy in the process. Strip Nymphomaniac of the controversy and media hysteria surrounding its use of pornographic actors in its sex scenes; and theres a torn, throbbing soul at its centre. For all its salaciousness, von Triers exploration of the crippling effects of shame society burdens those, especially its women, who dare seek sexual pleasure is genuinely haunting. Thats in Part I, however; by the time Joes life story sees her grow from Stacy Martin into Charlotte Gainsbourg, von Triers epic dissolves into the bang of a drum in continuous, endless cycles. Shes horny and sad; we got it, Lars. - CL

Danny Perkins, Studiocanal UK chief:

"Short term its bad news for the currency and terrible news for film acquisitions, which are normally done in dollars or euros. UK companies will suffer in the short term.

What is significant is that Swiss films qualify as European. My concern had been that if UK films were not going to be European qualifying, that would have a big bearing on our business. In terms of operations, it will be tougher for the smaller guys and not to be involved in the Digital Single Market conversation will be tough.

"In terms of Studiocanal and Vivendi, though, were a global company, we have international reach and will continue to operate that way on the ground. Movement within the company will be tougher, which is a real shame. I still believe though that London is such a vibrant city. The results of the referendum show its outward facing and inclusive and still a good base for an international business. It just means things will get tougher so well have to work harder to manage them. Well still make films we want to travel.

Earlier in the week, it emerged that the Brexit could make life more difficult for the worlds biggest show right now, Game of Thrones.
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Harry Styles has reportedly signed a solo record deal, sparking fears among One Direction fans that the future of the boyband could be at risk.

The 22-year-old is believed to have signed with the groups label Columbia Records, according to an exclusive Billboard report, but confirmation is yet to come from Styles himself.

Rumours that Styles would soon be going it alone first began last year, when he was credited as the writer and performer of four songs registered with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

1D: Crazy things Directioners say Show all 20 1 /20 1D: Crazy things Directioners say 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'I'm so jealous of everyone that meets One Direction. Then again if I met Harry I would hyperventilate, suffocate and die so...' - @m_a_g_z_i_e 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'If I ever received a tweet from anyone in One Direction I'd literally die on the spot and I want my obituary and tombstone to blame them.' - @aurosan 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'When I die, I want the One Direction 'Talk Dirty to Me' video displayed at my funeral, on a screen projected over my casket, playing non stop, thank you.' - @zaynlikespayne 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'I cannot speak I want to write the word 'love' everywhere and tell everyone I love One Direction more than anything ever.' - @sneezeharrys 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'I'm in the 'I'm gonna die alone with 8 cats and my posters of One Direction don't breath near me or I'll punch you' mood.' - @nouisteenagers 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'HARRY. YOU ARE NOT A GOD DAMN MAN WHORE. YOU ARE A CUPCAKE. JESUS.' - @daddyslittlelou 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction When 1D were on the cover of GQ magazine: 'The GQ pictures make me want to stab myself in the uterus!' - @ziallsafari 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'I hope that I die before any of the boys in One Direction does cause I will not be able to even move if they go before I do.' - @pokeniall 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction Another GQ response read: 'Holy. C**p. The boys on the cover of GQ magazine. Someone shoot me. Push me off a cliff. Stab me!' - @wafaastalks 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'Person: Why do you love One Direction? Me: Why do you breathe? Person: If I didn't I'd die. Me: Exactly.' - @idrugsharry 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'Don't hate on Louis you f**king a******s or I will shove bleach into your a******s and pull out your eyes with a spork.' - @fxkinlouis 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'When are you in public and a One Direction song comes on and your kidneys rupture and then you die.' - @harryhasbooty 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'If One Direction were falling off a cliff and I could only save one then I'd shoot myself so we could all die and meet in heaven' - @austinrahone 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction ''One Direction is goin' to be the next to break up'. If you don't shut up I will break your neck and pray for you to die.' - @bubblegumniall 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'My friend doesn't like One Direction and I told her that if she said something rude on Twitter she would die.' - @flashing1D 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'Do you ever feel like you want to scream and cry and laugh and smile and die because of One Direction. Because same.' - @chenloves1d 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'When Niall cuddles someone or something and his cheeks do the thing I die.' - @daintyiero 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'My parents always say 'They're gonna die down' and 'You'll grow out of them'. No f**k you I'm getting One Direction tattooed across my face.' - @calumshoran 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'Dear One Direction, you stole my heart but that's okay. I like my boys like I like my tea - hot and British with some Irish creme.' - @torii_rakusx 1D: Crazy things Directioners say One Direction 'Imagine Niall barging into the church and saying 'I OBJECT' to your marriage because he loves you.' - @niamhabitat



Styles seems to be exploring options beyond the horizons of One Direction, who formed on The X Factor in 2010. The band made US history in after their first four albums all debuted at number one and are currently on hiatus following latest album Made in the A.M.



The extended break has worried fans, whose concerns worsened when Styles left 1Ds management company in February and appointed a new manager, Jeff Azoff. It was revealed in May that he has been writing songs with Snow Patrols Johnny McDaid, while One Republic frontman Ryan Tedder has plans to join forces with the brilliant writer for his solo album. Styles is also set to make his film debut in Christopher Nolans World War II drama Dunkirk.

If the speculation proves true, Styles will be the second member of One Direction to go solo. Zayn Malik quit the band last year before becoming the first British male artist to score number one debuts in both the UK and US with his first single and album.

Representatives for Styles said they will not be commenting at this stage.
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From knitted mid-century polos to patterned shirts so intricately decorated youll want to hang them on your wall, the range of quality summer shirt options out there is a veritable minefield, albeit one that presents itself with many an opportunity to stay stylish through the impending heat.

First considerations must go towards occasion, and the fit is important here  slimmer fits and longer sleeves are naturally smarter than the more casual boxy fits that have been a catwalk staple in recent seasons.

Print is another defining characteristic of this modern summer shirting era, but it needs to be styled with care and balanced out by keeping the shirt a focal point, matched with dark, neutral-colour bottoms. Smaller prints also tend to ring more formal, which is something to bear in mind if youre looking to pair your patterned shirt with a suit  an A-list style move if ever there was one.

Finally, theres fabric, which is often the difference between keeping calm and cool and, well, sweat patches. Linen has long been the summer fabric champion, but it is being caught up by more recent inventions, tencel and viscose.

So, ready to take on the minefield? Start here with our tried-and-tested guide to the best shirts for summer.

Read more:

How we tested

Versatility, quality and price were just some of the things we looked at when judging where these summer shirts sat on this list. How comfortable they are to wear in warmer weather was, of course, essential.

We also tried to cover all bases when it came to both style and occasion, checking off the main summer shirt styles, while also building a rotation that would see you through the majority of the social engagements summer holds.

The best summer shirts for men for 2022 are:

Best overall  Scotch & Soda short sleeved shirt: 125, Scotch-soda.com

 Scotch & Soda short sleeved shirt: 125, Scotch-soda.com Best for evenings  Mango striped shirt: 49.99, Mango.com

 Mango striped shirt: 49.99, Mango.com Best patterned shirt  Sirplus japanese minka cuban shirt: 125, Sirplus.co.uk

 Sirplus japanese minka cuban shirt: 125, Sirplus.co.uk Best knit  King & Tuckfield long sleeve knitted shirt: 265, Kingandtuckfield.com

 King & Tuckfield long sleeve knitted shirt: 265, Kingandtuckfield.com Best for post-pool lounging  Weekday austin terry shirt: 35, Weekday.com

 Weekday austin terry shirt: 35, Weekday.com Best on the high street  M&S geometric print shirt: 35, Marksandspencer.com

 M&S geometric print shirt: 35, Marksandspencer.com Best for a slimmer fit  Reiss caspa jersey cuban collar shirt: 68, Reiss.com

 Reiss caspa jersey cuban collar shirt: 68, Reiss.com Best for skatewear style  Dickies kelso short sleeve shirt: 55, Dickieslife.com

Scotch & Soda short sleeved shirt Best: Overall Rating: 10/10 Amsterdam-based Scotch & Soda is known for its playful take on classic, wearable fashion. This organic cotton shirt from the brand is a great example of this with a subtly eye-catching pattern that carries universal appeal paired with a fit and feel thats precisely what you would want from a summer shirt  flattering yet roomy and comfy to avoid the risk of overheating. The flashes of neon green and pink in the inner stitching are a tad jarring but are Scotch & Soda trademarks and a customary part of the brands off-kilter style. Theyre also unseen when wearing, so dont let them put you off what is a stylish, high-quality summer shirt. Buy now 125 Scotch-soda.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Mango striped shirt Best: For evenings Rating: 10/10 The menswear side of Spanish high street giant Mango often gets left in the shade of its womenswear offering, but for those in the know, its a real treasure trove and a dab hand when it comes to linen. This is a perfect summer fabric, thanks to its extremely breathable and moisture-absorbing properties. This shirt is just as cool on a hot summers day as its short-sleeved competitors on the list, and the versatility of longer sleeves will stand you well when the sun goes down. The hazy colour palette is also prime summer holiday vibes  were getting sangrias on the beach with this one. Buy now 49.99 Mango.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Sirplus japanese minka cuban shirt Best: Patterned shirt Rating: 9.5/10 The patterned shirt has become a menswear staple in recent years and a must-have in your summer wardrobe. As such, there are plenty of fantastic options out there, but arguably some of the best are coming off the factory floor at London menswear spot Sirplus. The intricate Japanese-inspired pattern on this summer shirt is hypnotic, while the feel of the viscose material is smooth and luxurious. The fit is noticeably roomy on the sides, so those looking for a neater, sharper silhouette may need to tuck, but theres a versatility here thatll mean itll look just as good paired with an all-black suit as it would with some thigh-skimming shorts. Buy now 125 Sirplus.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

King & Tuckfield long sleeve knitted shirt Best: Knit Rating: 9/10 Made by King & Tuckfield, another brilliant independent British menswear brand, this summer shirt is a mid-century beauty. Knitted from moisture-wicking merino wool, it is remarkably light and airy, while the look is part Talented Mr Ripley, part Edwardian cricketer. The long sleeves might distract some, but they look great when pushed up, and the fit and feel tread the line between relaxed and dapper exceedingly well. The price tag might raise eyebrows, but youre paying for timeless style here and the sort of shirt thatll never not look sophisticated and stylish. Buy now 265 Kingandtuckfield.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Weekday Austin terry shirt Best: For post-pool lounging Rating: 9/10 Made from the absorbent cotton used in towels and robes, a terry cloth shirt is a stylish, practical solution to a common summer problem and offers poolside salvation when needed most. This shirt from Weekday allows you to dip your toes in the style without breaking the bank. It is offered in an attractive off-white that evokes images of sandy beaches, and the oversized fit is nicely proportioned, especially if you have big shoulders. This is a summer shirt primed and ready to help you dry off after a cooling dip, and it still slots in nicely to an evening look. Buy now 35 Weekday.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

M&S geometric print shirt Best: On the high street Rating: 9/10 The bastion of the great British high street that is Marks & Spencer is always a failsafe source of summer wear, and this seasons summer shirt roster is notably stylish and easy to wear. The knitted polo selection is eye-catching, but you cant go wrong with this geometric patterned effort for a stand-out summer shirt that will cover several social occasions. It is made from breezy Tencel in a flattering slim fit that is especially well-cut around the sleeves, showing off just the right amount of bicep without threatening to cut off circulation. Buy now 35 Marksandspencer.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Reiss caspa jersey cuban collar shirt Best: For a slimmer fit Rating: 9/10 The summer shirt style certainly seems to be boxy and casual this season, leaving those looking for a slimmer, sharper fit at a bit of a loss. Luckily, theres Reiss to the rescue, and this tidy Cuban collar shirt, crafted from a slightly stretchy mercerised jersey. While rather slim and nicely tapered, the fit isnt constricting, even if the sleeves might sit a little too high for some, and the extensive choice of colours makes this a real summer outfit foundation  the sort of piece that can be worn easily again and again. Buy now 68 Reiss.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Dickies kelso short sleeve shirt Best: For skatewear style Rating: 8/10 Like fellow workwear-meets-skatewear brands Carhartt, WIP and Stan Ray, Dickies is known for making comfortable and hard-wearing pieces, and this short-sleeve shirt from the American brand is no exception. Made from extremely crisp cotton that is noticeably more substantial than other patterned shirts on this list, the fit is boxy and casual. And the subtle use of the Dickies name within the sun pattern is a nice touch, even if the lime green colourway might not be to everyones taste. Buy now 38.50 Dickieslife.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}
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Hours after it became clear that Britain was headed for Brexit, searches surged for what happens if we leave the EU  suggesting that nobody really knows what just happened.

Early in the morning, Google reported that searches for the phrase had surged by 250 per cent. The trend has continued throughout the morning, with people looking for information about what is going to happen to them now Britain backed leave.

The report came at about 2am local time. That was four hours after polls closed  and around the time that it became clear that Britain would be leaving the EU.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

It remains unclear what exactly will happen to Britain when it leaves the EU, or how or when it will happen. Politicians in the UK and Europe have moved to assure people that while nobody really knows what will happen if Britain leaves the EU, that nothing will happen immediately.

David Cameron assured that nothing will happen immediately when we leave the EU, in his speech announcing that he would step down. He assured people that they would continue to be able to live where they are if they have come from the UK to the rest of Europe or vice-versa.

 David Cameron tears up during resignation speech

In a joint statement in Brussels, European Council president Donald Tusk, European Parliament president Martin Schulz, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said they were ready to launch negotiations swiftly on withdrawal.

Mr Tusk said there was "no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, especially for the UK", and called for calm.

Away from politics, it is already emerging that people will see their lives change in numerous small and significant ways.

Google searches have tracked the UKs concerns since Brexit was announced. Another search  Pound sterling  also surged and saw its highest ever interest as the value of the UKs currency plummeted.
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Dominic Chappell, the serial bankrupt who bought BHS from Sir Philip Green, attempted to pay for his family holiday flights to the Bahamas out of the struggling retailers travel budget, according to evidence submitted to MPs by Darren Topp, former BHS chief executive.

Chappell saw no distinction between the companys money and his own personal money; he saw them as one and the same. The level of financial governance shown by Chappell was very poor, Topp said in a letter submitted to MPs investigating the chains demise.

He alleges that Chappell attempted to buy a set of family holiday flights in December 2015 on the company travel budget, which was spotted by Darren Topp and stopped immediately, much to the annoyance of Chappell.

Recommended Read more BHS former boss says Dominic Chappell threatened to kill him

Chappell, who led BHS-owner Retail Acquisitions, has denied the claims.

There was no intent whatsoever to have the company pay for my private travel, it was purely an issue of logistics, Chappell said.

 BHS CEO on Chappell threats

At no stage have I ever used the company bank account as a private account for myself and all every payment except two went through the normal BHS process and system, he added.

The collapse of BHS, which has put 11,000 jobs at risk, has seen Chappell accused of receiving millions of pounds in payments before the department store collapsed.

Biggest business scandals in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Biggest business scandals in pictures Biggest business scandals in pictures Volkswagen emissions scandal VW admitted to rigging its US emission tests so that diesel-powered cars would looks like they were emitting less nitrous oxide, which can damage the ozone layer and contribute to respiratory diseases. Around 11 million cars worldwide were affected. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Martin Shkreli and Turing Pharmaceuticals Martin Shkreli became known as the most hated man in the world after his drug company, Turing, increased the price of a 62-year-old drug that treated HIV patients by 5,000% to $750 a pill. He was charged with illegally taking stock from Retrophin, a biotechnology firm he started in 2011, and using it pay off debts from unrelated business dealings. Shkreli, who maintains he is innocent, and says there is little evidence of fraud because his investors didn't lose money. Biggest business scandals in pictures Panama Papers: Millions of leaked documents expose how worlds rich and powerful hid money - April 2016 Millions of confidential documents have been leaked from one of the worlds most secretive law firms, exposing how the rich and powerful have hidden their money. Dictators and other heads of state have been accused of laundering money, avoiding sanctions and evading tax, according to the unprecedented cache of papers that show the inner workings of the law firm Mossack Fonseca, which is based in Panama. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Google's tax avoidance Google reached a deal with the HM Revenue and Customs to pay back 130 million in so-called back-taxes that have been due since 2005. George Osborne championed the deal as a major success. But European MEPs have since called for the Chancellor to appear in front of the committee on tax rulings to explain the tax deal. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Rogue trader A French court cut the damages owed by rogue trader Jerome Kerviel from 4.9bn (4.2bn) to just 1m (860,000). The court ruled on that Kerviel was partly responsible for massive losses suffered in 2008 by his former employer Societe Generale through his reckless trades. Kerviel has consistently maintained that bosses at the French bank knew what he was doing all along. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Barclays CEO under investigation for trying to identify whistleblower - Monday Paril 10 Authorities have launched an investigation into Barclays chief executive officer Jes Staley for trying to identify a whistleblower, the bank said on Monday. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) are both investigating Mr Staley after the bank notified them that Mr Staley had tried to identify the author of two anonymous letters, which were sent to the board and a senior executive in June 2016. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures UK to crack down on bank money laundering after reports of 65bn Russian scam, City minister says - March 2017 The Economic Secretary to the Treasury has vowed that the Government will crack down on money laundering practices, after several of the UK's biggest banks were accused of processing money from a Russian scam, believed to involve up to $80bn (65bn). Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former HBOS bankers convicted of bribery and fraud over 245m loan scam - February 2017 Two former HBOS bankers were among six people found guilty of bribery and fraud that cost customers and shareholders hundreds of millions of pounds, the BBC reports. Lynden Scourfield, 54, a manager at HBOS, forced struggling clients to use the services of his friends David Mills, 60, and Michael Bancroft, 73. In return, the two businessmen arranged sex parties, cash and lavish gifts. On Monday, the three were convicted at Southwark Crown Court on accounts including bribery, fraud and money laundering. Mark Dobson, another manager at HBOS, Alison Mills, and John Cartwright were also convicted. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Lloyds chief apologises for damage caused by affair allegations - August 2016 Antonio Horta-Osorio, the chief executive of Lloyds Bank, has broken his silence over allegations about his private life admitting he regrets any "damage done to the group's reputation". In a message sent to the bank's 75,000 employees, the banker said that anyone can make mistakes while insisting that staff had to maintain the highest professional standards. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Christine Lagarde faces court over 340m Bernard Tapie payment - July 2016 The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, must stand trial in France over a payment of 403 million (now 340m, then 290m) to tycoon Bernard Tapie, a France's highest appeals court has ruled. The court rejected Ms Lagarde's appeal against a judge's order in December for her to stand trial over allegations of negligence in her handling of the affair. Ms Lagarde could risk a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros if convicted. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures HSBC senior manager arrested in FX rigging investigation at JFK airport in New York - July 2016 A senior executive at HSBC has been arrested at New York's JFK airport for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to rig currency benchmarks, according to reports. Mark Johnson, global head of foreign exchange cash trading in London, was reportedly arrested on Tuesday. He will appear before a federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Bloomberg said. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Former PwC employees found guilty in 'Luxleaks' tax scandal - June 2016 Two ex- PricewaterhouseCoopers staffers were found guilty in Luxembourg of stealing confidential tax files that helped unleash a global scandal over generous fiscal deals for hundreds of international companies. Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet face suspended sentences of 12 months and 9 months and were ordered to pay fines of 1,500 (1,230) and 1,000 (822) for their role in the so-called LuxLeaks scandal. Despite the minimal sentences, the ruling was described by Deltours lawyer as shocking and a terrible anomaly. The ruling puts on guard future whistle-blowers, Deltour told reporters.The LuxLeaks revelations sped beyond Luxembourg, causing European Union regulators to expand a tax-subsidy probe and propose new laws to fight corporate tax dodging, while EU lawmakers created a special committee to probe fiscal deals across the 28-nation bloc. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Goldman Sachs dealmakers lavished Libyan officials with prostitutes to win contract - June 2016 A former Goldman Sachs dealmaker trying to persuade Gadaffi-era Libya to invest $1 billion with the investment bank procured prostitutes and invited Libyan officials to lavish parties in the hope of winning the business, the High Court heard on Monday June 13.The Libyan Investment Authority sovereign wealth fund is suing Goldman Sachs for inappropriately coercing its naive staff into giving its sovereign wealth fund cash to the bank to invest in products they did not understand. The products were designed to generate big profits for Goldman, the LIA claims.Goldman denies wrongdoing and says the LIA was treated as an arms-length customer Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former boss of BHS said his life was threatened - June 2016 Darren Topp, the former boss of BHS, has said former owner Dominic Chappell threatened to kill him when he challenged him over a 1.5 million transfer out of the business. MPs on the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee asked Mr Topp about a 1.5 million transfer Mr Chappell made from BHS to a company called BHS Sweden. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley admits paying workers below the minimum wage - June 2016 Mike Ashley admitted paying Sports Direct employees below the minimum wage at a hearing in front of MPs. The company founder said that workers were paid less than the statutory minimum because of bottlenecks at security in an admission that could result in sanctions from HMRC. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Mitsubishi admits improper fuel tests - April 2016 Mitsubishi has admitted to using false fuel methods dating back to 1991. The scale of the scandal is only just coming to light after it was revealed in April that data was falsified in the testing of four types of cars, including two Nissan cars. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Quindell, the scandal-ridden insurance firm Quindell was once a darling of AIM but its share price fell in April 2014 when its accounting practices were attacked in a stinging research note by US short seller Gotham City. In August the group was forced to disclose that the 107 million pre-tax profit it had reported for 2013 was incorrect, and it had in fact suffered a 64million loss. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Toshiba Accounting Scandal The boss of Toshiba, the Japanese technology giant, resigned in disgrace in the wake of one of the countrys biggest ever accounting scandals. His exit came two months after the company revealed that it was investigating accounting irregularities. An independent investigatory panel said that Toshibas management had inflated its reported profits by up to 152 billion yen (780m) between 2008 and 2014. Biggest business scandals in pictures FIFA Corruption Scandal Fifa, football's world governing body, has been engulfed by claims of widespread corruption since the summer of 2015, when the US Department of Justice indicted several top executives. It has now claimed the careers of two of the most powerful men in football, Fifa President Sepp Blatter and Uefa President Michel Platini, after they were banned for eight years from all football-related activities by Fifa's ethics committee. A Swiss criminal investigation into the pair is ongoing. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Libor fraudster City trader Tom Hayes, 35, has become the first person to be convicted of rigging Libor rates following a trial at London's Southwark Crown Court. Hayes worked as a trader in yen derivatives at UBS before joining the American bank Citigroup in Tokyo. He was fired from Citigroup following an investigation into his trading methods. He returned to the UK in December 2012 and was arrested following a two-and-a-half year criminal investigation by the SFO. Getty

Topp also said Dominic Chappell threatened to kill him after he challenged a transfer of 1.5 million out of the company.

BHS failed just 13 months after it was sold by Sir Philip Green for 1. All remaining BHS stores will close by the end of July.


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HSBC and Goldman Sachs  two major global banks that had publicly threatened to move some operations out of the UK in the event of a Brexit vote  have this morning declined to reiterate such plans.

The omission could be seized upon by the Leave camp as a sign that the firms  and other corporations  were bluffing about jobs losses in order to support the Remain vote in the run-up to the poll. Stuart Gulliver, HSBCs chief executive, told Sky News in February that Brexit could see 20 per cent of its 5,000 London investment bankers moved out of London to Paris.

Goldman Sachs also issued several warnings that it would be likely to move some staff out of the City if the UK voted to quit the 28-member bloc. But this morning Douglas Flint, HSBCs chair, emphasised the banks commitment to British businesses, customers and staff, adding that it remains undiminished despite the vote.

Asked about the February comments from Mr Gulliver, a source at HSBC said there was no clarity on the UKs future trade relations with Europe. We dont know whats happening, the source said.

 Mark Carney addresses EU referendum result

Goldman Sachs also struck an emollient tone. We respect the decision of the British electorate and have been focused on planning for either referendum outcome for many months, said the Wall Street banks US-based chair and chief executive Lloyd Blankfein.

Goldman Sachs has a long history of adapting to change, and we will work with relevant authorities as the terms of the exit become clear. Our primary focus, as always, remains serving our clients needs. A source at the bank said that there would be no immediate change in its staffing and that any future moves would depend on the terms of [the UKs] exit.

A central benefit for overseas banks that have subsidiaries in the City of London is that these firms have access to the EU market through a passport. There have been warnings that this passport would be scrapped if the UK left the EU, giving foreign banks an incentive to move their European headquarters from London to mainland Europe.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

Another US bank that said UK-based jobs could go in the event of a Brexit vote was JP Morgan, which has more than 16,000 UK employees. It is my opinion that it is a terrible deal for the British economy and jobs, said JP Morgans boss Jamie Dimon earlier this month. I dont know if that means a thousand jobs, 2,000 jobs [could go], it could be as many as 4,000, and it would be both jobs all around the UK. JP Morgan could not immediately be reached for comment on the UK referendum result and the banks likely response.

The Japanese carmaker Nissan, which has 8,000 staff across the UK and a large plant in Sunderland, had cautioned that Brexit could imperil future investment. Each future investment opportunity will be taken on a case by case basis, just as it is now, said its chief executive Carlos Ghosn in February. Nissan did not comment today when contacted by The Independent.

Rolls-Royce, which said Brexit would pose a risk to investment earlier this month, said today the medium- and long-term effect of Britain's departure from the European Union would depend on the relationships established between the UK, the EU and the rest of the world in the coming years.
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Mark Carney said the Bank of England is ready to inject billions of pounds into to Britains financial system after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, declared that the central bank is ready to provide an extra 250 billion through its existing facilities. He sought to reassure investors saying the UK is well prepared for the event.

Some market and economic volatility can be expected as this process unfolds. But we are well prepared for this.

Recommended Read more Banks stocks pounded by EU referendum result

The Treasury and the Bank of England have engaged in extensive contingency planning and the chancellor and I have been in close contact, including through the night and this morning, Carney said.

His comments came following Prime Minister David Camerons announcement that he will step down later this year.

Members of the British public took it to Twitter to mock Carneys calm words.

Mark Carney, Bank of England governor  he who predicted recession  now trying to calm nerves and project stability, user Chris Ship tweeted.

Another user said Mark Carney was in full reassurance mode.

George Monbiot, a British writer known for his environmental and political activism, tweeted: Mark Carney is putting on a good show of confidence. But there's a shrill note of panic in the background.

The Bank of England previously said it will take all steps necessary to ensure financial stability in the UK in the wake of the Brexit referendum vote.

Confirmation that the UK has voted to end its 43-year membership of the EU sent sterling down to a three-decade low on Friday morning.

The FTSE 100 plunged more than 8 per cent on opening in its biggest slump since the 2008 financial crisis, wiping 120 billion off the value of the 100 biggest UK companies.

Shares in Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds and Barclays fell as much as 30 per cent on opening, before rebounding slightly to trade at 16.7 per cent, 18 per cent and 17 per cent in mid-morning trading.

Statement from Bank of England governor Mark Carney

The people of the United Kingdom have voted to leave the European Union.

Inevitably, there will be a period of uncertainty and adjustment following this result.

There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold.

And it will take some time for the United Kingdom to establish new relationships with Europe and the rest of the world.

Some market and economic volatility can be expected as this process unfolds.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

But we are well prepared for this. The Treasury and the Bank of England have engaged in extensive contingency planning and the chancellor and I have been in close contact, including through the night and this morning.

The Bank will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as those markets adjust and the UK economy moves forward.

These adjustments will be supported by a resilient UK financial system - one that the Bank of England has consistently strengthened over the last seven years.

The capital requirements of our largest banks are now ten times higher than before the crisis.

The Bank of England has stress tested them against scenarios more severe than the country currently faces.

As a result of these actions, UK banks have raised over 130bn of capital, and now have more than 600bn of high quality liquid assets.

Why does this matter?

This substantial capital and huge liquidity gives banks the flexibility they need to continue to lend to UK businesses and households, even during challenging times.

Moreover, as a backstop, and to support the functioning of markets, the Bank of England stands ready to provide more than 250bn of additional funds through its normal facilities.

The Bank of England is also able to provide substantial liquidity in foreign currency, if required.

We expect institutions to draw on this funding if and when appropriate, just as we expect them to draw on their own resources as needed in order to provide credit, to support markets and to supply other financial services to the real economy.

In the coming weeks, the Bank will assess economic conditions and will consider any additional policy responses.

Conclusion

A few months ago, the Bank judged that the risks around the referendum were the most significant, near-term domestic risks to financial stability.

To mitigate them, the Bank of England has put in place extensive contingency plans.

These begin with ensuring that the core of our financial system is well-capitalised, liquid and strong.

This resilience is backed up by the Bank of England's liquidity facilities in sterling and foreign currencies.

All these resources will support orderly market functioning in the face of any short-term volatility.

The Bank will continue to consult and co-operate with all relevant domestic and international authorities to ensure that the UK financial system can absorb any stresses and can concentrate on serving the real economy.

That economy will adjust to new trading relationships that will be put in place over time.

It is these public and private decisions that will determine the UK's long-term economic prospects.

The best contribution of the Bank of England to this process is to continue to pursue relentlessly our responsibilities for monetary and financial stability.

These are unchanged.

We have taken all the necessary steps to prepare for today's events.

In the future we will not hesitate to take any additional measures required to meet our responsibilities as the United Kingdom moves forward.
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Morgan Stanley has denied that it is moving 2,000 jobs to Dublin and Frankfurt following the vote for the UK to leave the EU.

Sources told the BBC on Friday that the process was already underway.

The American investment bank was reported to be moving jobs in euro clearing as well as other investment banking functions and senior management.

A spokesman for Morgan Stanley told the Independent that the reports were untrue and that the bank has no immediate plans to make changes.

The UKs vote to leave the European Union is a very significant decision which will have a considerable impact, the extent of which will not be known for some time," the spokesman said.

"There will be at least a period of two years before an actual exit takes place, so there will be time to implement any changes required to adjust our business to the new environment. Morgan Stanley will continue to monitor developments very closely and will adapt accordingly while prioritising the interests of our clients, our shareholders and our employees," he added.



Initial reports suggested Morgan Stanley needed to move staff because of the passporting system, which allows it to offer financial services across all EU nations without having a permanent base in that country.

 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you

Businesses are expected to start restructuring, which may include redundancies, as they take stock of the implications of Brexit.

HSBC and Goldman Sachs have said they have no immediate plans to move operations out of the UK, despite statements made before the referendum.

Recommended Read more Big banks fail to repeat threat to move jobs out of UK due to Brexit

Stuart Gulliver, HSBCs chief executive, told Sky News in February that Brexit could see 20 per cent of its 5,000 London investment bankers moved out of London to Paris.

Goldman Sachs also issued several warnings it would be likely to move some staff out of the City if the UK voted to quit the 28 member bloc.

But this morning Douglas Flint, HSBCs chair, emphasised the banks commitment to British businesses, customers and staff adding that it remains undiminished despite the vote.

Aneil Balgobin, partner and employment law solicitor at Simpson Millar, said he expected to see investment in foreign offices.

"Employees in the sectors that will be affected immediately might want to dig out their employment contracts this weekend and update themselves with the most relevant paragraphs such as restrictive covenants and redundancy terms," he added.

Many City institutions had warned prior to the vote that leaving the EU could mean job losses and movement of operation to the continent.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

"The UKs decision to leave the EU brings with it huge uncertainty for jobs within the financial services industry," Paul Cook, founder a cultural diagnostics firm Alderbrooke, said.

Cook doubted whether jobs would be moved immediately.

"Decisions on job cuts and banks moving their headquarters outside of London will not be effective immediately  but the last thing the sector needs is months of uncertainty as to what happens next? weighing on the existing cost pressures," he added.
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After Friday mornings revelation that Britains exit from the European Union is to go ahead, following a 52 per cent victory for the Leave campaign, the Independent has gathered the expert opinion of five academics - from the schools of politics, philosophy, language and communication studies, and economics at the University of East Anglia (UEA) - for their take on the result.

Although from different schools, the academics all have one thing in common: they are united in disappointment at the result. Dr Marina Prentoulis, prominent member of Syriza and spokesperson for radical Remain group, Another Europe is Possible, condemned the conduct of the campaigns.

Speaking to the Independent, she described the Leave campaign as provoking a wave of xenophobia through its focus on immigration and failure to address the issues surrounding neoliberalism and austerity. Quizzed on the implications of the decision for higher education, Dr Prentoulis stated that a Brexit will lead to fewer European students in British university classes, and a reduction in highly valuable research collaborations, meaning Britain will now experience difficulty in retaining its spot in Europes innovative research centre in the midst of the uncertainty opened up by the vote.

 How the UK felt about Brexit

Knowledge doesnt understand borders, she said. Its not a good day. Despite this, however, Dr Prentoulis and her colleagues at Another Europe have said they will not stop working towards a better Europe, creating movements on the ground until progressive forces are at the forefront of both European and British politics.

In a post on UEAs political blog, political communications expert, Dr Sally Broughton Micova, criticised media behaviour in the lead up to the referendum: The media failed miserably at providing accurate information, continuously repeating misinformation, and outright lies. Even the broadcasters obliged by impartiality rules and did little to investigate claims or provide explainers, instead simply giving equal time to each sides claims and unfounded predictions.

She also analysed the implications of the decision for countries outside the UK. She wrote that the win, based on a populist campaign that was anti-elite and anti-immigrant would only give fuel to similar campaigns across Europe, adding: It is a sad day for the UK, for Europe, and for democracy.

I knew a long time ago that Leave was going to win, said political and social theory expert, Professor Alan Finlayson. In part because those who are ordinarily disinterested in politics were suddenly motivated to vote. The evidence was in the unusually high turnout, 72.2 per cent compared to last years general election 15-year high turnout of 66.1 per cent.

Brexit reactions  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions  in pictures Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA

Professor Finlayson has warned the situation created by Fridays result is significantly bigger and a lot more uncertain than is being acknowledged, with the gravitas necessary to cause a profound realignment of political sentiment that will likely affect the political system. Criticising the campaigns rhetoricians for oversimplifying a complex issue and expanding grievance rather than improving understanding, he expressed concern for the future of higher education on issues such as debt and fees which are eclipsed by further EU debate. He also expressed certainty the result would slow the development of the British economy.

Recommended Read more How the Brexit result will affect universities and students

International relations lecturer Dr Alexandria Innes highlighted how, despite any sensationalist reporting, it is still too early to evaluate the referendums outcome from an immigration-oriented view. She told the Independent that we must see how negotiations play out over the next few weeks before being able to evaluate the situation with any sense of certainty, after having written on the erroneous equation of the EEA and Council of Europe with the EU in immigration debates and referendum campaigning.

Dr Innes has, however, speculated that European immigration might slump regardless of legal negotiations due to the contraction of the job market after the fall of the pound, but that more asylum seekers will have to stay in the UK if the Dublin Regulation is lifted.

Earlier this week, Dr Fabio Arico, of the school of economics, wrote a compelling post about the state of higher education should a Brexit occur. Describing the widely accepted economic risks of fee revenue and research funding decline as only the tip of the iceberg, Dr Arico declared the real Brexit threat to higher education to be a reduction in competition in the academic market, worsening the quality of teaching and research, as well as the loss of diversity in the student population.

Cultural exchange is essential for a holistic educational experience, but Fridays result will have serious repercussions for that.
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Selma Blair has thanked fans for their forgiveness following her outburst on a plane after she mixed medication with alcohol.

The 44-year-old Cruel Intentions actress was on a flight from Cancun in Mexico to Los Angeles with her four-year-old son and his father, her ex-partner Jason Bleick, on Monday when she reportedly had to be subdued by flight crew and nurses. According to reports, she was taken to hospital after the plane landed.

A number of reports claimed Blair mixed prescription medication with alcohol while on the flight which allegedly led to her becoming visibly distressed and agitated.

Blair who is celebrating her 44th birthday today has expressed gratitude to those who reached out to her after the public ordeal. She posted a photo of her son on Instagram and welcomed in a fresh new year of her life.

A sincere thank you to all those who sent me the spirit of loving and forgiveness, Blair wrote. It is a new birth year. Thank you.

People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015.

The actress apologised for her actions in a statement on Wednesday. She said mixing alcohol and medication meant she had passed out and say and do things that I deeply regret.

Recommended Read more Selma Blair apologises for plane incident

I made a big mistake yesterday, Blair told Vanity Fair. After a lovely trip with my son and his Dad, I mixed alcohol with medication, and that caused me to black out and led me to say and do things that I deeply regret.

My son was with his Dad asleep with his headphones on, so there is that saving grace.

I take this very seriously and I apologise to all of the passengers and crew that I disturbed and am thankful to all of the people who helped me in the aftermath. I am a flawed human being who makes mistakes and am filled with shame over this incident. I am truly very sorry.

A representative for Blair did not immediately respond to request for comment.
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Friday marked a monumental day in British history as the Leave campaign emerged victorious in the EU referendum, narrowly winning with 52 per cent of the vote.

While the other 48 per cent reeled at learning the UK would now leave the European Union, the Prime Minister who orchestrated the contentious referendum on its future emerged from 10 Downing Street and resigned.

The vote for a Brexit sparked mixed reactions globally and exposed how polarised Britain is on its place within the EU. Many of the most aghast voices are millennials feeling a referendum that will directly affect their lives and future work has been decided by a generation who will be less affected.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

YouTubers and social media influencers sit largely within the Generation Z or millennial category and are therefore one of the demographics most affected by this vote. This was highlighted by Alfie Deyes, who warned a decision with such far-reaching consequences for the young had been decided by the oldest. His girlfriend and vlogging superstar Zoella, 26, agreed.

Tanya Burr, 27, reacted simply with a broken heart emoji and the #Euref hashtag.

A parliamentary petition for a second referendum on Britains place in the EU has already proved so popular the website briefly crashed this morning. Petitions need 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in Parliament and the petition has already amassed over 109,000 signatures within just hours.

A host of other famous voices also chimed into the debate, with the actor Rob Schneider suggesting David Cameron take his political career to the states.

Mr Camerons voiced wavered as he closed his resignation speech with a declaration of his love for the UK. Speaking from outside Number 10, he told reporters: I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it. And I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed.

JK Rowling warned his overarching legacy would be for separating two unions, something that will be unavoidable now that he has resigned. Mr Cameron will spend the next three months assisting the transition before leaving his post.

Boris Johnson is now widely tipped to be his successor.
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A move to market meat as "antibiotic free" could mislead consumers and compromise animal welfare, a leading agriculture campaign group has said.

It follows the move of the British Karro Food Group to register a trademark for antibiotic free meat  which some industry observers believe could lead to it being "the new organic".

Using antibiotics in agriculture for growth and medicinal reasons has long been a contentious issue, as unrestricted use can lead to the antimicrobials ending up in the food chain and contribute towards drug resistant germs.

Around 45 per cent of all antibiotics in the UK are used in animals and many pigs are kept in cramped conditions in which infections can spread.

However, Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) - a body made up of 25 farming, welfare and medical organisations whose remit includes combating antibiotic resistance in farming - have expressed concern over the marketing of meat in a way that implies "other products, by default, contain antibiotics, when all use of antibiotics in farm animals in the UK is strictly regulated and withdrawal periods observed to avoid presence in meat and milk".

The use of antibiotics for growth promotion in livestock was banned in the European Union in 2006 but the drugs are still sometimes used to prevent and treat infections.

Gwyn Jones, chair of RUMA, told The Independent: It would be irresponsible and wrong to imply a consumer would ingest antibiotics from any farm produce when residue levels have been very tightly controlled for decades, or that UK farmers use such products for growth promotion when this practice has been banned in Europe for more than 10 years.

But despite expressing reservations, Mr Jones said RUMA welcomed any advancements in hygiene and herd health that might support the development of an antibiotic free label. He also hoped any useful findings would be shared with the wider industry, due to the "global, pre-competitive importance" of fighting antibiotic resistance.

This international concern was highlighted by the government-appointed Review on Anti-Microbial Resistance, established to assess the threat of worldwide drug resistance. "We must reduce the extensive and unnecessary use of antibiotics in agriculture," wrote Jim ONeill, chairman of the groups report.

Antibiotic-resistant infections spread through Europe Show all 4 1 /4 Antibiotic-resistant infections spread through Europe Antibiotic-resistant infections spread through Europe K. pneumoniaeis one of the toughest super-infections Alamy Antibiotic-resistant infections spread through Europe Amoxicillin, the commonest antibiotic prescribed by GPs Antibiotic-resistant infections spread through Europe Antibiotic resistance cycle Antibiotic-resistant infections spread through Europe Antibiotic-resistant infections in Europe

He also called for improved surveillance of the use of antibiotics in agriculture across the world and for setting targets for reduction. He added: "Alongside this we need to make much faster progress on banning or restricting the use in animals of antibiotics that are vital for human health."

But Mr Jones also highlighted the need for animal welfare in food production. He said: "Any work to reduce, refine and replace use of antibiotics must be done without compromising health and welfare. This means reassurance is needed that such a label will not lead to treatment being delayed or avoided for sick animals, or that livestock in need of nothing more than a short course of medicine to recuperate will not be destroyed rather than treated.

"So while we recognise this is an opportunity for adding value, we want to reinforce to brand owners that they have an obligation to uphold welfare and avoid creating misunderstanding and concern amongst consumers by not acknowledging the strict rules already in place."

This point was echoed by John Blackwell, Senior Vice President of the British Veterinary Association.

He told The Independent: "Responsible use of antibiotics is paramount to prevent antimicrobial resistance and moves by the livestock industry to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics should be recognised. This antibiotic-free herd is an interesting development in reducing inappropriate antibiotic use.

"However, antibiotics are vital drugs in treating disease and therefore preventing animal suffering and it is essential that their health and welfare are not compromised by withholding necessary treatment.

"Antibiotic medication should not be used as an alternative to good management, vaccination, or site hygiene - and veterinary advice is essential in deciding whether or not antibiotics should be used to control and prevent disease in animals."

Karro has already sold antibiotic free pork to various markets, including the US and China, for a year. It does not currently sell any in the UK but "is in discussions with a number of leading customers", according to a company spokesperson.

The spokesperson added: "Karro Food Group welcomes industry-wide action to help reduce the levels of antibiotics within the food chain. Karro is well-known for championing welfare standards within UK farming and for its high quality pork products."

 Antibiotics crisis is global

The company says it has full supply chain traceability for all its products and requires all of its British pig farmers to adhere to strict requirements.

"These requirements include the production of detailed medicine use records upon request, quarterly reviews of veterinary health plans, and that the total annual antibiotic use on each farm is recorded."

"Our producers are required to obtain and, where appropriate, apply advice stipulated by bodies including the Health and Safety Executive, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance.

"Producers also formally declare to Karro the use of a number of listed antibiotics in the 90 days prior to slaughter of the animal, while other antibiotics can only be used as prescription-only medicine or under the control of a veterinarian.

"To enable further reduction in antibiotic use, Karro continues to investigate measures to decrease the likelihood of disease while ongoing learnings from our supply chain are being applied throughout our operation to further reduce antibiotic use."
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Cartoonists around the world have put pen to paper to express their reactions to Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

In a result which has shocked financial markets and pollsters, the 52 per cent of the public who voted for Brexit has been largely depicted as having opted for a rupture in European unity.

One of the 12 stars of the EU flag is shown dropping out, never to be replaced, in one of the more poignant drawings.

The 12 stars of the European Union flag stand for its principles of solidarity, harmony and peace, while the circle symbolises unity.

 5 things we learned from a night that shook Europe

The European project, which began in the 1950s, is shown crucified against the backdrop of the Union Jack in another.

In the run-up to the referendum vote in Britain, most of the rest of Europe collectively pleaded with the British public not to end their 43-year relationship with the economic and political bloc.

European newspapers also made final appeals to the British public, with Der Spiegel in Germany in particular speaking of its "admiration" for, and wish to remain united with, its overseas neighbour.

Cartoons appearing just before the 23 June vote showed Europe desperately trying to prevent the British ship from sailing off.

Yet sail it did, ignoring warnings from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, United Nations, environment agencies, universities, scientists, NATO, world leaders from East to West and many of the younger generation in Britain.

Commentators have said the decision shows a division in Britain, with most of areas outside of London, Scotland and Northern Ireland voting for what those in the Remain camps said was pure "isolationism".

Some cartoonists have taken a more light-hearted view.

In one drawing, Chancellor Angela Merkel and her finance minister Wolfgang Schauble peer at Britain as it breaks off, and wipe their brows in relief that the entire mania is over.

In another drawing, Britain plunges into the void.

And without Ms Merkel and the 500 million other EU nationals to be united with, others have questioned who Britain's scapegoat will be now.

As the French president, Charles de Gaulle, said when Britain repeatedly tried to enter the EEC in 1963: its membership was rejected because of a British "deep-seated hostility" to Europe.
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David Cameron has announced his intention to resign as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, following the countrys historic decision to leave the European Union.

Mr Cameron led the Conservatives to their first parliamentary majority since 1992. He portrayed himself as a "compassionate conservative" and was lauded for rebranding the Tories as a "one nation" conservative party and away from the divisive rule of Margaret Thatcher.

However, he will now be remembered as the leader who enabled his countrys fateful departure from the EU.

 David Cameron tears up during resignation speech

The following is a timeline of his career in politics:

1988  2000: Mr Cameron began his political career in the Conservative research department in the eighties and took up a succession of special adviser posts. He left politics for communications in 1994, working on the board of management at Carlton.

2000: Mr Cameron was selected as a potential Conservative parliamentary candidate for the Witney constituency in Oxfordshire.

2001: Mr Cameron won the Witney seat for the Conservative party, where he served on the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee until 2003.

2005: Following another Labour general election victory in May, Mr Cameron was elected as leader of the Conservative party in December, replacing Michael Howard. He won with a mandate to modernise the Conservative party, which many perceived as tired and out of touch.

David Cameron is mocked by Ryan Florence, as the leader toured the Benchill Estate, Manchester, 2007 (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

At the time, he said he was "fed up with the Punch and Judy politics of Westminster" and wanted to make people "feel good about being Conservatives again".

2010: The general election of this year saw the Conservative party form a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats, led by Nick Clegg. David Cameron, aged just 43, became the youngest Prime Minister since 1812. A coalition had not governed the UK since the end of the Second World War.

In his first speech, he said: I came into politics because I love this country, I think its best days still lie ahead and I believe deeply in public service, and I think the service our country needs right now is to face up to our really big challenges, to confront our problems, to take difficult decisions, to lead people through those difficult decisions so that together we can reach better times ahead.

The government embarked on a programme of economic austerity, blaming overspending by the previous Labour government for the economic deficit the UK suffered. Around 100 billion of cuts were made to government spending between 2010 and 2014.

2010: The government announced higher tuition fees for higher education in England and Wales. Student protests organised in response descended in to violence.

2011: Riots erupted across the UK after the police shooting of Mark Duggan in Tottenham. Mr Cameron vowed to fix a broken society and described elements of it as frankly sick.

2011: Mr Cameron strongly backed a British intervention in Libya, despite advice to the contrary by many military chiefs. He said of their criticism: I tell you what, you do the fighting and I'll do the talking.

Brexit reactions  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions  in pictures Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA

2013: Legislation to allow same-sex marriage is marriage in the UK is passed. Mr Cameron has often looked back at this as a career highlight.

2014: People in Scotland voted in a referendum to stay in the United Kingdom. Mr Cameron had campaigned for this outcome and welcomed the decision. It would have broken my heart to see our United Kingdom come to an end, he said after the result.

2015: David Camerons Conservatives win the general election with a majority. One of the partys manifesto promises was a referendum on Britains EU membership.

David and Samantha Cameron outside 10 Downing Street (Getty Images)

2015: The British parliament voted in favour of bombing extremist group Isis in Syria. Mr Cameron was strongly in favour of the move and had also repeatedly called for Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad to step down.

2015: An anecdote from an unauthorised biography of Mr Cameron, Call Me Dave, alleges that Mr Cameron inserted a "private part of his anatomy" into a pigs head, leading to widespread ridicule.

2016: Documents leaked from Panama based law firm Mossack Fonseca, known as the Panama Papers, show Mr Cameron profited from an offshore trust belonging to his father. The incident was highly embarrassing for him, as he had spoken on numerous occasions against tax evasion and avoidance.

2016: Following a bitter campaign, the UK voted to leave the European Union. Mr Cameron announced his intention to resign outside 10 Downing Street.
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Young people gathered outside Parliament to protest the outcome of the UK referendum.

The vast majority of 18 to 25-year-olds voted to remain in the European Union, but older voters pushed the result through for Leave.

Prior to the referendum, there were calls for the voting age to be lowered to 16, but this did not happen and only those aged over 18 had the vote.

Teenagers headed to Parliament Square in central London to express their disgust over the outcome.

Some held banners saying: Where was my vote? and Our future, our choice.

I am not British I am European, said another banner.

In the UK it is legal to marry and join the army at the age of 16, but a vote from the House of Lords to lower the voting age for the referendum was rejected by parliament, who said at the time it would cost 6 million.

Alex Rawlings, 24, decided to join one of the small protests, which he said was organised by a group of art students and young designers, when he came across the group outside the Houses of Parliament.

 Brexit: How Londoners feel about their vote

"It's such an important decision, and we're the people who are going to have to live with these consequences," he told The Independent.

"As a generation that is digitally connected to other young people across the world, we're possibly the generation which understands what the European Union is about more than any other, because we've grown up as European citizens.

"That's why so many people are so angry and disappointed about last night's result."

On social media, young people also made their revulsion at the vote clear.

Various hashtags opposing the result, such as #notinourname, #notmyvote and #whathavewedone, began trending early on Friday.

Brexit reactions  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions  in pictures Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA

Older voters also expressed dismay at the result.

So distressed that people of my generation can betray our children and grandchildren in this way, said one Twitter user, adding he was ashamed to be a British 72-year-old male today.

Seventy-five per cent of 18 to 25-year-olds voted to remain within the European Union, according to YouGov.

In comparison, just 44 per cent of voters aged between 50 to 64 and 39 per cent per cent of people aged over 65 opted to stay.
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The editor of one of the most popular Polish news sites in Britain knows her readers well. And judging by their reaction to the referendum result throughout the morning, Adriana Chodakowska says the 900,000-strong Polish community in Britain is lost, scared and uncertain.

Her Londynek website has been seeing record traffic and it has been been inundated with comments from readers desperately worried about their future in the UK. She says they have all been asking one main question: Should I go home?

Theyre lost, theyre shocked. she told The Independent. Theyre wondering what is ahead for them, whats next.

Personally, I didnt expect this. Ive lived here 12 years and I never thought this could happen. I always thought the UK was a multicultural country that welcomes immigrants from all over the world, but Im not sure it feels like this now.

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Her news website is based at the Polish Cultural Association near Hammersmith in west London. It houses a library, small community organisations, an advice centre and a cafe  and is on a 500-metre stretch of road that also includes Polish delis and building companies.

Adriana Chodakowska, editor of Londynek news website (Ted Jeory)

It is a little corner of Poland in London, and one of many that are now dotted around the UK. The Polish builder and Polish plumber were the original Brexit bogeymen when they swarmed to the UK on Poland's accession to the EU in 2003

They were accused of undercutting British workers but over time their work ethic won many around. Many even started their own businesses.

Builder and businessman Wojciech Kotarba is proud of his work for UK (Ted Jeory)

One was Wojciech Kotarba, 36. Early this morning he was sitting in a white van just around the corner from the cultural centre as east European labourers from Poland, Romania and Bulgaria stood waiting to see if their work would be needed for the day.

Wearing a T-shirt showing a bowler hat and the UKs Union flag, he said he had lived in London for 12 years. He said the labourers were worried but that they worked hard and were invaluable to the UK economy.

Weve made profits for this country, he said. I havent taken benefits once. What the British have decided is up to them, but I think theyve made a mistake. Im proud of our contribution and I know some people will definitely return to Poland because theyre concerned about visas.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

But the immigrants will still come, thats for sure. Just look at Calais.

You know what, I never thought the British really felt European. They always talk about going on holiday to Europe. I think Britain is perhaps just a suburb of Europe.

Back at the cultural centres Cafe Mayo, Iwona Masacz sips her coffee. Shes lived here 27 years and decided to vote Leave. Whats happening in Europe is dangerous with all this immigration. Mrs Merkel is playing a dangerous game.

Even to some Poles, the message of Nigel Farage struck a chord.
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Hundreds of people have said that they will march on parliament in protest at the decision to leave the EU.

The organisers of an event due to take place at the Houses of Parliament on Saturday hope that the event can serve as a way of registering peoples anger about a campaign and a result that has divided the country.

This referendum's campaign descended into an absolute pantomime, and the result is terrifying, the organisers write on Facebook, encouraging people to arrive at Parliament Square at noon.

They point out that many people didn't understand the full implications of the vote and that the campaign wasn't run to give them all the information that they need.

Brexit reactions  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions  in pictures Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA

The organisers of one of the events  known as F*** BREXIT RALLY  said that they were hoping that it would serve more as a forum for people to air their views than a traditional protest.

Tomorrow lets take to the streets at the Houses of Parliament to peacefully come together and show strength in the face of a decision none of us can truly predict the outcome of.

Britain voted to leave the European Union in a historic referendum on Thursday. But it was only by the slimmest of margins and many regions, including most of London, voted convincingly to remain in the EU.

Anger has already boiled up in the wake of a campaign that many have criticised as overly aggressive and violent, in particular in the wake of the killing of Jo Cox. As Boris Johnson left his house on the morning of the results, his house and then car was surrounded by people on bikes who attempted to block his vehicle from moving and shouted slurs.

The organisers of the Parliament Square event have stressed that people should avoid violence because it could further exacerbate tensions throughout Britain.

Our country is now split into two, so we MUST keep this peaceful and friendly, and not allow it to further drive a wedge between all of us, they write on Facebook. Many of us will be in town tomorrow for Pride, so please take a couple of hours to show support for this cause whilst nearby!
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Britain is not out of the EU yet. We will leave, but how soon and under what conditions, no one knows.

What is the procedure?

The founding fathers of the EU did not envisage that any member state would ever leave  and so far, with the minor exception of Greenland, none has.

However, in the Treaty of Lisbon, which Gordon Brown signed on behalf of the UK in 2007, there is an Article 50 which sets out the rules should a country decide to quit the club.

When does it start?

The actual process of getting out will begin when the British government formally notifies Brussels that it is invoking Article 50. An argument is already starting over how soon that should be done, with the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn saying it should happen immediately, and others urging caution and delay.

One cause of delay will be a Conservative leadership election. Negotiations cannot realistically begin until we know who is doing the negotiating on the British side.

How complex is it?

Nigel Farage has suggested that a negotiated exit is not as complicated as all that. However, under Article 50, the British government will now have to negotiate with the other 27 EU states to see whether they can agree a trade deal that protects British interests. Different states will have different interests. Germany will be concerned about minimising the damage to the whole EU project, France will want to look after its farmers, Poland will be concerned about the three quarters of a million Poles living in the UK, and so on.

The negotiators on the EU side may choose to play hard ball, to discourage others from following the UKs example. Fabian Zuleeg, an analyst at the European Policy Centre told the Observer that it is not in their political interest to concede a lot to the UK,"

How long will it all take?

The time scale most often quoted is two years, though some say it may take a lot longer. And while it drags on, the UK continues to be a UK member, subject to EU law.

This summary of what Article 50 is and how it works from a European Parliament briefing paper:

The right of a Member State to withdraw from the European Union was introduced for the first time with the Lisbon Treaty; the possibility of withdrawal was highly controversial before that. Article 50 TEU does not set down any substantive conditions for a Member State to be able to exercise its right to withdraw, rather it includes only procedural requirements. It provides for the negotiation of a withdrawal agreement between the EU and the withdrawing state, defining in particular the latter's future relationship with the Union. If no agreement is concluded within two years, that state's membership ends automatically, unless the European Council and the Member State concerned decide jointly to extend this period.

The legal consequence of a withdrawal from the EU is the end of the application of the EU Treaties (and the Protocols thereto) in the state concerned from that point on. EU law ceases to apply in the withdrawing state, although any national acts adopted in implementation or transposition of EU law would remain valid until the national authorities decide to amend or repeal them. A withdrawal agreement would need to address the phasing-out of EU financial programmes and other EU norms.

What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence.

Experts agree that in order to replace EU law, specifically in any field of exclusive EU competence, the withdrawing state would need to enact substantial new legislation and that, in any case, complete isolation of the withdrawing state from the effects of the EU acquis would be impossible if there is to be a future relationship between former Member State and the EU. Furthermore, a withdrawal agreement could contain provisions on the transitional application of EU rules, in particular with regard to rights deriving from EU citizenship and to other rights deriving from EU law, which would otherwise extinguish with the withdrawal.

The document can be seen in full here.
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Why did we even have a referendum? It's a question David Cameron may be wondering now more than ever.

When Mr Cameron entered Downing Street in 2010 he was determined to be a Conservative Prime Minister whose tenure was not marred by internal party warfare over Europe  or as he put it he didnt want the Tories to bang on about Europe.

He hoped that the presence  and necessity  of Lib Dem support for the Coalition would reduce the power of the anti-Europeans on his own backbenches and allow him to concentrate on his domestic reform agenda.

So what went wrong? In a word: Events.

Mr Cameron - and the political class in general - underestimated the groundswell of public resentment caused by the influx of European migrants to the country since accession of Eastern European countries in the early 2000s.

 David Cameron tears up during resignation speech

To begin with Polish plumbers, builders, waitresses and bar staff were generally welcomed. But the financial crash of 2008 and the fall in living standards it resulted in stoked resentments which politicians from all three major parties were too slow to recognise and respond to.

Into this vacuum stepped Nigel Farage and Ukip. In the 2010 general election the party polled around three per cent  just one per cent more than they had done five years before. But by 2012 Ukip fortunes had been transformed and some surveys suggested the party was being supported by up to 15 per cent of the electorate.

For Tory MPs facing re-election this looked ominous. They were worried, not that Ukip would take their seats but they would take enough of their votes to hand victory to Labour.

In private, and sometimes in public, they demanded that the Prime Minister give them something in their armoury to fight off the challenge  and that something was an EU referendum.

This would allow Tory candidates to go into 2015 able to assure their own anti-European supporters that only a vote for the Conservatives would give them a chance to have a definitive say over Britains future in Europe.

And so, in January 2013, in what is known as the Bloomberg speech, Mr Cameron made his fateful pledge of an in/out referendum if the Conservatives won the 2015 election.

So was he in favour of a referendum himself?

We dont know for sure but the answer is probably not. That being said, Cameron certainly felt he had little choice over the issue. His attempt to make the Europe question go away by promising a referendum if a UK Government ceded more powers to Brussels did not go far enough for Tory Eurosceptics. Meanwhile, there was a necessity to shoot the Ukip fox. Some of those around Mr Cameron  including the Chancellor George Osborne - are understood to have urged him not to go ahead with the pledge warning that it could have disastrous unintended consequences but he thought it was a gamble worth taking.

Why is that? The main reason is that Mr Cameron thought it would never happen. He calculated that Labour under Ed Miliband would not back the plan and the Lib Dems were passionately opposed. Back in 2013 no senior Tory  including Mr Cameron  realistically thought they had a chance of winning an overall majority in 2015 and that another Coalition was likely. That being the case, most people believed that the referendum pledge would be the first thing to go in Coalition talks. It didn't. And now Britain is poised to leave the EU. And Cameron's premiership is over.

Read the Bloomberg speech in full:

"This morning I want to talk about the future of Europe.

"But first, let us remember the past.

"70 years ago, Europe was being torn apart by its second catastrophic conflict in a generation. A war which saw the streets of European cities strewn with rubble. The skies of London lit by flames night after night. And millions dead across the world in the battle for peace and liberty.

"As we remember their sacrifice, so we should also remember how the shift in Europe from war to sustained peace came about. It did not happen like a change in the weather. It happened because of determined work over generations. A commitment to friendship and a resolve never to re-visit that dark past - a commitment epitomised by the Elysee Treaty signed 50 years ago this week.

Brexit reactions  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions  in pictures Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA

"After the Berlin Wall came down I visited that city and I will never forget it.

"The abandoned checkpoints. The sense of excitement about the future. The knowledge that a great continent was coming together. Healing those wounds of our history is the central story of the European Union.

"What Churchill described as the twin marauders of war and tyranny have been almost entirely banished from our continent. Today, hundreds of millions dwell in freedom, from the Baltic to the Adriatic, from the Western Approaches to the Aegean.

"And while we must never take this for granted, the first purpose of the European Union - to secure peace - has been achieved and we should pay tribute to all those in the EU, alongside NATO, who made that happen.

"But today the main, over-riding purpose of the European Union is different: not to win peace, but to secure prosperity.

"The challenges come not from within this continent but outside it. From the surging economies in the East and South. Of course a growing world economy benefits us all, but we should be in no doubt that a new global race of nations is underway today.

"A race for the wealth and jobs of the future.

"The map of global influence is changing before our eyes. And these changes are already being felt by the entrepreneur in the Netherlands, the worker in Germany, the family in Britain.

Deliver prosperity, retain support

"So I want to speak to you today with urgency and frankness about the European Union and how it must change - both to deliver prosperity and to retain the support of its peoples.

"But first, I want to set out the spirit in which I approach these issues.

Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Show all 11 1 /11 Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Brexit XI: Who would miss out? David de Gea (Spain) Selected for the PFA Team of the Year and standout keeper of the year, De Gea has been one of Manchester Uniteds most consistent players throughout the past season and helped his side avoid embarrassment on multiple occasions. After an excellent season between the sticks, he was finally given the recognition he deserves and picked ahead of Iker Casillas for Spains Euro 2016 campaign. United would have struggled even more this season were it not for him. Getty Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Hector Bellerin (Spain) Another player to have made it into the PFA Team of the Year, Bellerin has impressed for Arsenal throughout the entirety of the season with his electric speed and positional intelligence. His form subsequently caught the attention of Barcelona who are keen to re-sign the 21-year-old having recently lost veteran Dani Alves. Arsenals best defender this season and a player they could not have done without. Getty Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Kurt Zouma (France) Zouma had already earned a name for himself as one of the Premier Leagues up and coming defenders before his season was cut disappointingly short after rupturing his ACL. The fact the 20-year-old was picked ahead of Cahill and Terry on a number of occasions bares testament to his ability. Having only played for France one, Zouma is another player who would not have been allowed an automatic work visa were it not for the EU. Getty Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Laurent Koscielny (France) After struggling with injury  he missed the first 14 games of the season  Koscielny returned to establish himself as one of Arsenals most important players. A quiet authority at the back and a master interceptor, his pace and alertness has proved essential in mopping up trouble behind the less mobile Mertesacker. His absence at the start of the season just showed how central he is to the Arsenal team. Getty Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Gael Clichy (France) Yet another player to have been hindered by injury but Clichy eventually reclaimed his starting position above Aleksandar Kolarov. Despite lacking the consistency, Clichy has showed what hes capable of up and down the left flank. Like other Frenchmen in this time, Clichys transfer to the Premier League was facilitated by Britains membership in the EU. Getty Brexit XI: Who would miss out? NGolo Kante (France) Kante has been an absolute sensation for Leicester City this year and was an essential part of their Premier League campaign. An engine in midfield and one of the leagues most disruptive central midfielders, he deservedly earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year. Having been compared to Premier League greats such as Claude Makelele, Kante is a play Leicester could not have done without. Getty Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Francis Coquelin (France) Coquelin's move to Arsenal and the Premier League could have been hindered were it not for the EU. Coquelin has impressed for the Gunners and formed a promising partnership with Mohamed Elneny towards the end of the season. Hes developed as a disruptive central player and compliments Elneny well, providing him with the cover to drift and drive forward. Getty Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Morgan Schneiderlin (France) Southampton fans will certainly be grateful that they were able to sign the Frenchman back in 2008 after he helped lead the club to Premier League football. Although his debut season for Manchester United has left many fans questioning his 25m fee, the 28-year-old more than proved what hes capable of during his time at St Marys. If given the chance to shine under Mourinho, its only a matter of time before he re-finds his previous form. Getty Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Dimitri Payet (France) Payet has taken the Premier League by storm. One of the most technically gifted players in the League, his performances have revitalised West Ham who enjoyed one of their best seasons to date. Hes recreated his class at Euro 2016 and proved his worth with the potential goal of the tournament in Frances game against Romania. A Premier League without Dimitri Payet just isnt worth thinking about. Getty Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) Evertons main man, Romelu Lukaku has enjoyed an impressive season having scored 18 goals for the Toffees. His strength and pace has caused no end of trouble for defenders across the past year and his performances look to have earned him a potential return to Stamford Bridge following the disappointment of Evertons own season. A power spearhead to the Brexit XI. Brexit XI: Who would miss out? Anthony Martial (France) One of Manchester Uniteds few redeeming players in a team that has woefully underperformed this season. Hes proved a handful for defenders with his penetrative running and has been Uniteds most reliable attacking threat having bagged himself 11 goals this year. The last player in our team whose move to Britain was made possible thanks to the EU. Getty

"I know that the United Kingdom is sometimes seen as an argumentative and rather strong-minded member of the family of European nations.

"And its true that our geography has shaped our psychology.

"We have the character of an island nation - independent, forthright, passionate in defence of our sovereignty.

"We can no more change this British sensibility than we can drain the English Channel.

"And because of this sensibility, we come to the European Union with a frame of mind that is more practical than emotional.

"For us, the European Union is a means to an end - prosperity, stability, the anchor of freedom and democracy both within Europe and beyond her shores - not an end in itself.

"We insistently ask: How? Why? To what end?

"But all this doesnt make us somehow un-European.

"The fact is that ours is not just an island story - it is also a continental story.

"For all our connections to the rest of the world - of which we are rightly proud - we have always been a European power - and we always will be.

"From Caesars legions to the Napoleonic Wars. From the Reformation, the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution to the defeat of Nazism. We have helped to write European history, and Europe has helped write ours.

"Over the years, Britain has made her own, unique contribution to Europe. We have provided a haven to those fleeing tyranny and persecution. And in Europes darkest hour, we helped keep the flame of liberty alight. Across the continent, in silent cemeteries, lie the hundreds of thousands of British servicemen who gave their lives for Europes freedom.

"In more recent decades, we have played our part in tearing down the Iron Curtain and championing the entry into the EU of those countries that lost so many years to Communism. And contained in this history is the crucial point about Britain, our national character, our attitude to Europe.

"Britain is characterised not just by its independence but, above all, by its openness.

"We have always been a country that reaches out. That turns its face to the world

"That leads the charge in the fight for global trade and against protectionism.

"This is Britain today, as its always been:Independent, yes - but open, too.

"I never want us to pull up the drawbridge and retreat from the world.

"I am not a British isolationist.

"I dont just want a better deal for Britain. I want a better deal for Europe too.

Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Show all 30 1 /30 Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? David Beckham (REMAIN) The former captain for the England international football team announced on Instagram that he was voting to Remain. He said: We live in a vibrant and connected world where together as a people we are strong. For our children and their children we should be facing the problems of the world together and not alone. Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Victoria Beckham (REMAIN) 'I believe in my country, I believe in a future for my children where we are stronger together and I support the remain campaign.' Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Daniel Craig (REMAIN) Actor He was pictured wearing a white T-shirt with the slogan: 'No man is an island. No country by itself. Vote Remain on 23rd June.' Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Bob Geldof (REMAIN) Irish singer expresses his support for the Remain vote as he waves from a boat carrying supporters for the 'Remain' campaign in London AFP/Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? John Cleese (LEAVE) The Monty Python star signalled he will vote to leave the EU when he tweeted: "If I thought there was any chance of major reform in the EU, I'd vote to stay in. But there isn't. Sad." Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Daniel Portman (REMAIN) Game of Thrones actor supports Reamin vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Elton John (REMAIN) The singer also announced his intention to vote Remain on Instagram, sharing an image which said Build bridges not walls, along with the caption I'm voting to remain. #StrongerInEurope Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Roger Daltrey (LEAVE) Former frontman of iconic rock band The Who. I am not anti European, but I an anti the present way we are being governed in Europe, he wrote in The Mirror. The whole system has been corrupted by political ego and massive government overreach. The Euro being a perfect example I do not want to be dragged into the kind of Federal State that this present EU is pushing for - with the UK's voice getting smaller and smaller. AFP/Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? JK Rowling (REMAIN) The author of the Harry Potter books has expressed concern that "racists and bigots" are directing parts of the Leave campaign. She added: How can a retreat into selfish and insecure individualism be the right response when Europe faces genuine threats, when the bonds that tie us are so powerful, when we have come so far together? How can we hope to conquer the enormous challenges of terrorism and climate change without cooperation and collaboration? Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Vivienne Westwood (REMAIN) British fashion designer expressed her support for Remain vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Michael Caine (LEAVE) The actor has said he is a reluctant Leaver. He said: "I don't know what to vote for. Both are scary. To me, you've now got in Europe a sort of government-by-proxy of everybody, who has now got carried away. Unless there is some extremely significant changes, we should get out." Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Benedict Cumberbatch (REMAIN) Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Patrick Stewart led more than 280 figures from the arts world who backed a vote to stay. An open letter pledging support for Remain was also signed by music stars Hot Chip, alt-J and Paloma Faith, authors Dame Hilary Mantel and John le Carre, and fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood. Daniel Craig was pictured wearing a vote Remain t-shirt with the words "No man is an island. No country by itself" emblazoned across it in a picture tweeted on the Stronger IN account. Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Patrick Stewart (REMAIN) Actor is a leading supporter of the Remain campaign Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Elizabeth Hurley (LEAVE) The actress said If it means we can go back to using decent lightbulbs and choose high-powered hairdryers and vacuum cleaners if we so wish, I'm joining Brexit for sure. Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Stephen Hawking (REMAIN) The physicist was in favour staying, and said "progress comes from co-operation". He said: "By working together in Europe we make our economy stronger and we give ourselves more influence in the world and we provide future opportunities for young people." Numerous scientists have also voiced their support for Remain, claiming an out vote would badly damage the field. Getty Images for Breakthrough Pr Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Sol Campbell (LEAVE)  The former England international football star said he is backing Brexit so that young British sporting talent would be nurtured and given greater opportunities at British clubs. He said: "I'm looking at the sporting side - how youngsters aren't getting the opportunities at some of the big clubs and some of the big clubs are bringing in youngsters from 14, 15, 16 and becoming homegrown, which is pushing some of our youngsters out." Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Hilary Mantel (REMAIN) Author Hilary Mantel announced her support for Remain vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Bear Grylls (REMAIN) The adventurer and TV presenter said he spoke "from the heart" in backing the EU. "At such a time for the UK to retreat, run and cut ourselves loose from Europe, when there are so many challenges on our doorstep, to me just doesn't feel either courageous or kind, he said. Europe has many flaws, but I also believe the way to help resolve many of those tough issues is from within... I have never been a good quitter and I am so proud of the UK and our values: tolerance, kindness, respect, courage and resilience. This is why I want us to stay together and Remain in Europe." Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Billy Bragg (REMAIN) British singer decided to support Remain campaign AFP/Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Ian Botham (LEAVE) The former England Test cricketer and Test team captain supports Brexit Getty/Laureus Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Simon Cowell (REMAIN) Music mogul Simon Cowell announced his support of staying in EU Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? David James (LEAVE) The former England goalkeeper supports Brexit Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Idris Elba (REMAIN) The actor voiced his support for Remain vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? John Le Carre (REMAIN) British writer supports Remain campaign Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Paloma Faith (REMAIN) English singer supports Remain campaign Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Perry McCarthy (LEAVE) The racing driver supports Leave campaign Rex Features Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Keira Knightley (REMAIN) The actress intends to vote for Remain campaign Getty Images for Lincoln Center Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? James Cracknell (LEAVE) British athlete and rowing champion decided to vote for Brexit Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Florence Welch (REMAIN) British singer supports Remain campaign Getty Images for Gucci Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Helena Bonham-Carter (REMAIN) The actress expressed her support for Remain vote AFP/Getty Images

"So I speak as British Prime Minister with a positive vision for the future of the European Union. A future in which Britain wants, and should want, to play a committed and active part.

"Some might then ask: why raise fundamental questions about the future of Europe when Europe is already in the midst of a deep crisis?

"Why raise questions about Britains role when support in Britain is already so thin.

"There are always voices saying dont ask the difficult questions.

Three major challenges

"But its essential for Europe - and for Britain - that we do because there are 3 major challenges confronting us today.

"First, the problems in the Eurozone are driving fundamental change in Europe.

"Second, there is a crisis of European competitiveness, as other nations across the world soar ahead. And third, there is a gap between the EU and its citizens which has grown dramatically in recent years. And which represents a lack of democratic accountability and consent that is - yes - felt particularly acutely in Britain.

"If we dont address these challenges, the danger is that Europe will fail and the British people will drift towards the exit.

"I do not want that to happen. I want the European Union to be a success. And I want a relationship between Britain and the EU that keeps us in it.

"That is why I am here today: To acknowledge the nature of the challenges we face. To set out how I believe the European Union should respond to them. And to explain what I want to achieve for Britain and its place within the European Union.

"Let me start with the nature of the challenges we face.

"First, the Eurozone.

"The future shape of Europe is being forged. There are some serious questions that will define the future of the European Union - and the future of every country within it.

"The Union is changing to help fix the currency - and that has profound implications for all of us, whether we are in the single currency or not.

"Britain is not in the single currency, and were not going to be. But we all need the Eurozone to have the right governance and structures to secure a successful currency for the long term.

"And those of us outside the Eurozone also need certain safeguards to ensure, for example, that our access to the Single Market is not in any way compromised.

"And its right we begin to address these issues now.

"Second, while there are some countries within the EU which are doing pretty well. Taken as a whole, Europes share of world output is projected to fall by almost a third in the next 2 decades. This is the competitiveness challenge - and much of our weakness in meeting it is self-inflicted.

"Complex rules restricting our labour markets are not some naturally occurring phenomenon. Just as excessive regulation is not some external plague thats been visited on our businesses.

"These problems have been around too long. And the progress in dealing with them, far too slow.

"As Chancellor Merkel has said - if Europe today accounts for just over 7 per cent of the worlds population, produces around 25 per cent of global GDP and has to finance 50 per cent of global social spending, then its obvious that it will have to work very hard to maintain its prosperity and way of life.

"Third, there is a growing frustration that the EU is seen as something that is done to people rather than acting on their behalf. And this is being intensified by the very solutions required to resolve the economic problems.

"People are increasingly frustrated that decisions taken further and further away from them mean their living standards are slashed through enforced austerity or their taxes are used to bail out governments on the other side of the continent.

"We are starting to see this in the demonstrations on the streets of Athens, Madrid and Rome. We are seeing it in the parliaments of Berlin, Helsinki and the Hague.

The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit Show all 7 1 /7 The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 22 May 2015 In his regular column in The Express Nigel Farage utilised the concerns over Putin and the EU to deliver a tongue in cheek conclusion. With friends like these, who needs enemies? PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 13 November 2015 UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Mike Hookem, was one of several political figures who took no time to harness the toxic atmosphere just moments after Paris attacks to push an agenda. Cameron says were safer in the EU. Well Im in the centre of the EU and it doesnt feel very safe. Getty Images The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 19 April 2016 In an article written for The Guardian, Michael Gove attempts to bolster his argument with a highly charged metaphor in which he likens UK remaining in the EU to a hostage situation. Were voting to be hostages locked in the back of the car and driven headlong towards deeper EU integration. Rex The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 26 April 2016 In a move that is hard to decipher, let alone understand, Mike Hookem stuck it to Obama re-tweeting a UKIP advertisement that utilises a quote from the film: Love Actually to dishonour the US stance on the EU. A friend who bullies us is no longer a friend The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 10 May 2016 During a speech in London former work and pensions secretary Ian Duncan Smith said that EU migration would cause an increasing divide between people who benefit from immigration and people who couldnt not find work because of uncontrolled migration. The European Union is a force for social injustice which backs the haves rather than the have-nots. EPA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 15 May 2016 Cartoon character Boris Johnson made the news again over controversial comments that the EU had the same goal as Hitler in trying to create a political super state. Napoleon, Hitler, various people tried this out, and it ends tragically. The EU is an attempt to do this by different methods. PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 16 May 2016 During a tour of the womens clothing manufacturer David Nieper, Boris had ample time to cook up a new metaphor, arguably eclipsing Goves in which he compares the EU to badly designed undergarments. So I just say to all those who prophecy doom and gloom for the British Business, I say their pants are on fire. Lets say knickers to the pessimists, knickers to all those who talk Britain down. Getty Images

"And yes, of course, we are seeing this frustration with the EU very dramatically in Britain.

"Europes leaders have a duty to hear these concerns. Indeed, we have a duty to act on them. And not just to fix the problems in the Eurozone.

"For just as in any emergency you should plan for the aftermath as well as dealing with the present crisis so too in the midst of the present challenges we should plan for the future, and what the world will look like when the difficulties in the Eurozone have been overcome.

"The biggest danger to the European Union comes not from those who advocate change, but from those who denounce new thinking as heresy. In its long history Europe has experience of heretics who turned out to have a point.

"And my point is this. More of the same will not secure a long-term future for the Eurozone. More of the same will not see the European Union keeping pace with the new powerhouse economies. More of the same will not bring the European Union any closer to its citizens. More of the same will just produce more of the same - less competitiveness, less growth, fewer jobs.

"And that will make our countries weaker not stronger.

"That is why we need fundamental, far-reaching change.

21st century European Union

"So let me set out my vision for a new European Union, fit for the 21st Century.

"It is built on 5 principles.

"The first: competitiveness. At the core of the European Union must be, as it is now, the single market. Britain is at the heart of that Single Market, and must remain so.

"But when the Single Market remains incomplete in services, energy and digital - the very sectors that are the engines of a modern economy - it is only half the success it could be.

"It is nonsense that people shopping online in some parts of Europe are unable to access the best deals because of where they live. I want completing the single market to be our driving mission.

"I want us to be at the forefront of transformative trade deals with the US, Japan and India as part of the drive towards global free trade. And I want us to be pushing to exempt Europes smallest entrepreneurial companies from more EU Directives.

"These should be the tasks that get European officials up in the morning - and keep them working late into the night. And so we urgently need to address the sclerotic, ineffective decision making that is holding us back.

"That means creating a leaner, less bureaucratic Union, relentlessly focused on helping its member countries to compete.

"In a global race, can we really justify the huge number of expensive peripheral European institutions?

"Can we justify a Commission that gets ever larger?

"Can we carry on with an organisation that has a multi-billion pound budget but not enough focus on controlling spending and shutting down programmes that havent worked?

"And I would ask: when the competitiveness of the Single Market is so important, why is there an environment council, a transport council, an education council but not a single market council?

"The second principle should be flexibility.

"We need a structure that can accommodate the diversity of its members - North, South, East, West, large, small, old and new. Some of whom are contemplating much closer economic and political integration. And many others, including Britain, who would never embrace that goal.

"I accept, of course, that for the single market to function we need a common set of rules and a way of enforcing them. But we also need to be able to respond quickly to the latest developments and trends.

"Competitiveness demands flexibility, choice and openness - or Europe will fetch up in a no-mans land between the rising economies of Asia and market-driven North America.

What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Show all 5 1 /5 What's the European Parliament ever done for us? What's the European Parliament ever done for us? A cap on the amount of hours an employer can make you work The Working Time directive provides legal standards to ensure the health and safety of employees in Europe. Among the many rules are a working week of a maximum 48 hours, including overtime, a daily rest period of 11 hours in every 24, a break if a person works for six hours or more, and one day off in every seven. It also includes provisions for paid annual leave of at least four weeks every year Getty Images What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping the people of Britain to avoid smoking In 2014 MEPs passed the Tobacco Products Directive strengthening existing rules on the manufacture, production and presentation of tobacco products. This includes things like reduced branding, restrictions on products containing flavoured tobacco, health warnings on cigarette packets and provisions for e-cigarettes to ensure they are safe What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping you to make the right choices with your food Thanks to the European Parliament, UK consumers have access to more information than ever about their food and drink. This includes amount of fat, and how much of it is saturated, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and so on. It also includes portion sizes and guideline daily amount information so people can make informed choices about their diet. All facts must be clear and easy to understand What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Two year guarantees and 14-day returns policy for all products Consumers across the EU have access to a number of rights, from things which are potentially very useful, to things which used to be annoying. For example, shoppers in the UK receive a two-year guarantee on all products, and a 14-day period to change their minds and return a purchase, these things are useful www.PeopleImages.com-licence restrictions apply What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Keeping your air nice and fresh (and safe) Believe it or not, although the situation is improving, some areas of the UK have appalling air quality. A report by the Royal College of Physicians released on 23 February says 40,000 deaths are caused by outdoor air pollution in the UK every year. Air pollution is linked to a number of illnesses and conditions, from Asthma to diabetes and dementia. The report estimates the costs to British business and the health service add up to 20 billion every year

"The EU must be able to act with the speed and flexibility of a network, not the cumbersome rigidity of a bloc.

"We must not be weighed down by an insistence on a one size fits all approach which implies that all countries want the same level of integration. The fact is that they dont and we shouldnt assert that they do.

"Some will claim that this offends a central tenet of the EUs founding philosophy. I say it merely reflects the reality of the European Union today. 17 members are part of the Eurozone. 10 are not.

"26 European countries are members of Schengen - including 4 outside the European Union - Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. 2 EU countries - Britain and Ireland - have retained their border controls.

"Some members, like Britain and France, are ready, willing and able to take action in Libya or Mali. Others are uncomfortable with the use of military force.

"Lets welcome that diversity, instead of trying to snuff it out.

"Lets stop all this talk of 2-speed Europe, of fast lanes and slow lanes, of countries missing trains and buses, and consign the whole weary caravan of metaphors to a permanent siding.

"Instead, lets start from this proposition: we are a family of democratic nations, all members of 1 European Union, whose essential foundation is the single market rather than the single currency. Those of us outside the euro recognise that those in it are likely to need to make some big institutional changes.

"By the same token, the members of the Eurozone should accept that we, and indeed all Member States, will have changes that we need to safeguard our interests and strengthen democratic legitimacy. And we should be able to make these changes too.

"Some say this will unravel the principle of the EU - and that you cant pick and choose on the basis of what your nation needs.

"But far from unravelling the EU, this will in fact bind its Members more closely because such flexible, willing cooperation is a much stronger glue than compulsion from the centre.

"Let me make a further heretical proposition.

"The European Treaty commits the Member States to lay the foundations of an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe.

"This has been consistently interpreted as applying not to the peoples but rather to the states and institutions compounded by a European Court of Justice that has consistently supported greater centralisation.

"We understand and respect the right of others to maintain their commitment to this goal. But for Britain - and perhaps for others - it is not the objective.

"And we would be much more comfortable if the Treaty specifically said so freeing those who want to go further, faster, to do so, without being held back by the others.

"So to those who say we have no vision for Europe - I say we have.

Flexible union

"We believe in a flexible union of free member states who share treaties and institutions and pursue together the ideal of co-operation. To represent and promote the values of European civilisation in the world. To advance our shared interests by using our collective power to open markets. And to build a strong economic base across the whole of Europe.

"And we believe in our nations working together to protect the security and diversity of our energy supplies. To tackle climate change and global poverty. To work together against terrorism and organised crime. And to continue to welcome new countries into the EU.

"This vision of flexibility and co-operation is not the same as those who want to build an ever closer political union - but it is just as valid.

"My third principle is that power must be able to flow back to Member States, not just away from them. This was promised by European Leaders at Laeken a decade ago.

The 10 happiest countries in Europe Show all 10 1 /10 The 10 happiest countries in Europe The 10 happiest countries in Europe Denmark Coulourful houses and boats seen in the Nyhavn district in Copenhagen The 10 happiest countries in Europe Switzerland The 10 happiest countries in Europe Iceland Iceland, Northern Lights The 10 happiest countries in Europe Norway Wheel deal: cycling in Norway Visit Norway The 10 happiest countries in Europe Finland Getty The 10 happiest countries in Europe The Netherlands The 10 happiest countries in Europe Sweden AFP The 10 happiest countries in Europe Austria Sean Gallup/Getty Images The 10 happiest countries in Europe Germany Getty Images The 10 happiest countries in Europe Belgium The city hall on Brussels' Grand Place is illuminated during a light show, December 30, 2015 Reuters

"It was put in the Treaty. But the promise has never really been fulfilled. We need to implement this principle properly.

"So let us use this moment, as the Dutch Prime Minister has recently suggested, to examine thoroughly what the EU as a whole should do and should stop doing.

"In Britain we have already launched our balance of competences review - to give us an informed and objective analysis of where the EU helps and where it hampers.

"Let us not be misled by the fallacy that a deep and workable single market requires everything to be harmonised, to hanker after some unattainable and infinitely level playing field.

"Countries are different. They make different choices. We cannot harmonise everything. For example, it is neither right nor necessary to claim that the integrity of the single market, or full membership of the European Union requires the working hours of British hospital doctors to be set in Brussels irrespective of the views of British parliamentarians and practitioners.

"In the same way we need to examine whether the balance is right in so many areas where the European Union has legislated including on the environment, social affairs and crime.

"Nothing should be off the table.

"My fourth principle is democratic accountability: we need to have a bigger and more significant role for national parliaments.

"There is not, in my view, a single European demos.

"It is national parliaments, which are, and will remain, the true source of real democratic legitimacy and accountability in the EU.

"It is to the Bundestag that Angela Merkel has to answer. It is through the Greek Parliament that Antonis Samaras has to pass his governments austerity measures.

"It is to the British Parliament that I must account on the EU budget negotiations, or on the safeguarding of our place in the single market.

"Those are the Parliaments which instil proper respect - even fear - into national leaders.

"We need to recognise that in the way the EU does business.

"My fifth principle is fairness: whatever new arrangements are enacted for the Eurozone, they must work fairly for those inside it and out.

"That will be of particular importance to Britain. As I have said, we will not join the single currency. But there is no overwhelming economic reason why the single currency and the single market should share the same boundary, any more than the single market and Schengen.

"Our participation in the single market, and our ability to help set its rules is the principal reason for our membership of the EU.

"So it is a vital interest for us to protect the integrity and fairness of the single market for all its members.

"And that is why Britain has been so concerned to promote and defend the single market as the Eurozone crisis rewrites the rules on fiscal coordination and banking union.

"These 5 principles provide what, I believe, is the right approach for the European Union.

"So now let me turn to what this means for Britain.

"Today, public disillusionment with the EU is at an all-time high. There are several reasons for this.

"People feel that the EU is heading in a direction that they never signed up to. They resent the interference in our national life by what they see as unnecessary rules and regulation. And they wonder what the point of it all is.

"Put simply, many ask why cant we just have what we voted to join - a common market?

"They are angered by some legal judgements made in Europe that impact on life in Britain. Some of this antipathy about Europe in general really relates of course to the European Court of Human Rights, rather than the EU. And Britain is leading European efforts to address this.

"There is, indeed, much more that needs to be done on this front. But people also feel that the EU is now heading for a level of political integration that is far outside Britains comfort zone.

"They see Treaty after Treaty changing the balance between Member States and the EU. And note they were never given a say.

"Theyve had referendums promised - but not delivered. They see what has happened to the Euro. And they note that many of our political and business leaders urged Britain to join at the time.

"And they havent noticed many expressions of contrition.

"And they look at the steps the Eurozone is taking and wonder what deeper integration for the Eurozone will mean for a country which is not going to join the Euro.

"The result is that democratic consent for the EU in Britain is now wafer thin.

"Some people say that to point this out is irresponsible, creates uncertainty for business and puts a question mark over Britains place in the European Union.

"But the question mark is already there and ignoring it wont make it go away.

"In fact, quite the reverse. Those who refuse to contemplate consulting the British people, would in my view make more likely our eventual exit.

"Simply asking the British people to carry on accepting a European settlement over which they have had little choice is a path to ensuring that when the question is finally put - and at some stage it will have to be - it is much more likely that the British people will reject the EU.

"That is why I am in favour of a referendum. I believe in confronting this issue - shaping it, leading the debate. Not simply hoping a difficult situation will go away.

"Some argue that the solution is therefore to hold a straight in-out referendum now.

"I understand the impatience of wanting to make that choice immediately.

"But I dont believe that to make a decision at this moment is the right way forward, either for Britain or for Europe as a whole.

"A vote today between the status quo and leaving would be an entirely false choice.

"Now - while the EU is in flux, and when we dont know what the future holds and what sort of EU will emerge from this crisis is not the right time to make such a momentous decision about the future of our country.

"It is wrong to ask people whether to stay or go before we have had a chance to put the relationship right.

"How can we sensibly answer the question in or out without being able to answer the most basic question: what is it exactly that we are choosing to be in or out of?

"The European Union that emerges from the Eurozone crisis is going to be a very different body. It will be transformed perhaps beyond recognition by the measures needed to save the Eurozone.

"We need to allow some time for that to happen - and help to shape the future of the European Union, so that when the choice comes it will be a real one.

Real choice

"A real choice between leaving or being part of a new settlement in which Britain shapes and respects the rules of the single market but is protected by fair safeguards, and free of the spurious regulation which damages Europes competitiveness.

"A choice between leaving or being part of a new settlement in which Britain is at the forefront of collective action on issues like foreign policy and trade and where we leave the door firmly open to new members.

"A new settlement subject to the democratic legitimacy and accountability of national parliaments where Member States combine in flexible cooperation, respecting national differences not always trying to eliminate them and in which we have proved that some powers can in fact be returned to Member States.

"In other words, a settlement which would be entirely in keeping with the mission for an updated European Union I have described today. More flexible, more adaptable, more open - fit for the challenges of the modern age.

"And to those who say a new settlement cant be negotiated, I would say listen to the views of other parties in other European countries arguing for powers to flow back to European states.

21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Show all 21 1 /21 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Portugal drinks more wine than France Tindo - Fotolia 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Young Italians, by some distance, are the most likely to live at home with their parents 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Britain is on course to overtake Germany as Europes most populated country 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Greek workers work the longest hours in the EU 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Estonia has, per capita, more drug-related deaths than anyone else 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe The fastest download speeds are to be found in Romania 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Slovenia, Malta and Poland have the smallest gender pay gaps 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe France hates its leader more than other European countries 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Eastern and Western Europe are very divided on the issue of gay marriage 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Germany has the most millionaires 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Everyone likes Christmas, apart from France 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Germany accepts by far the most asylum applications 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe The UK and France have some of the most positive views of Muslim people 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Europe's largest Muslim population is in Germany 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Danes are the most trusting Europeans, and Cypriots the least 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Finland has the worst economy in the EU 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Italy has cut back its military spending more than any other major European Nato member 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Everyone is sad about the refugee crisis 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe People in Spain are also the most likely to live in flats (Brits are most likely to live in houses) 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Spain is the most likely to feel neighbourly 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Luxembourg is home to the highest proportion of foreign nationals

"And look too at what we have achieved already. Ending Britains obligation to bail-out Eurozone members. Keeping Britain out of the fiscal compact. Launching a process to return some existing justice and home affairs powers. Securing protections on Banking Union. And reforming fisheries policy.

"So we are starting to shape the reforms we need now. Some will not require Treaty change.

"But I agree too with what President Barroso and others have said. At some stage in the next few years the EU will need to agree on Treaty change to make the changes needed for the long term future of the Euro and to entrench the diverse, competitive, democratically accountable Europe that we seek.

"I believe the best way to do this will be in a new Treaty so I add my voice to those who are already calling for this.

"My strong preference is to enact these changes for the entire EU, not just for Britain.

"But if there is no appetite for a new Treaty for us all then of course Britain should be ready to address the changes we need in a negotiation with our European partners.

"It will be a relationship with the Single Market at its heart.

"It is time for the British people to have their say. It is time to settle this European question in British politics.

"I say to the British people: this will be your decision.

"And when that choice comes, you will have an important choice to make about our countrys destiny.

"I understand the appeal of going it alone, of charting our own course. But it will be a decision we will have to take with cool heads. Proponents of both sides of the argument will need to avoid exaggerating their claims.

"Of course Britain could make her own way in the world, outside the EU, if we chose to do so. So could any other Member State.

"But the question we will have to ask ourselves is this: is that the very best future for our country?

"We will have to weigh carefully where our true national interest lies.

"Alone, we would be free to take our own decisions, just as we would be freed of our solemn obligation to defend our allies if we left NATO. But we dont leave NATO because it is in our national interest to stay and benefit from its collective defence guarantee.

"We have more power and influence - whether implementing sanctions against Iran or Syria, or promoting democracy in Burma - if we can act together.

"If we leave the EU, we cannot of course leave Europe. It will remain for many years our biggest market, and forever our geographical neighbourhood. We are tied by a complex web of legal commitments.

Who's next? Conservative MPs who could defect to Ukip Show all 8 1 /8 Who's next? Conservative MPs who could defect to Ukip Who's next? Conservative MPs who could defect to Ukip Chris Kelly Won Dudley South with majority of 3,856 in 2010 but is standing down next May. Has been wooed by Ukip, which is targeting his seat, but insists he will not join Nigel Farages party. Has declined to say why he is leaving Parliament Facebook Who's next? Conservative MPs who could defect to Ukip Mark Pritchard Former secretary of the influential Tory 1992 Committee. MP for The Wrekin. Majority 9,450. Photographed with Nigel Farage at an event recently but said it was just a friendly photo" Who's next? Conservative MPs who could defect to Ukip Philip Hollobone MP for Kettering. Majority 9, 904. He said in 2013: So many constituencies are now marginal because Ukip is now providing a fourth dynamic into what has previously been a three-party dynamic. I think we could end up with a situation where in selected seats, where the Conservative candidate or member of Parliament is in favour of leaving the EU, they would endorse him in those seats" Rex Who's next? Conservative MPs who could defect to Ukip David Nuttall MP for Bury North. Majority 2,243. Outspoken right-winger. Has said it would be beneficial if the Tories and Ukip could agree a common programme in order to unite the right in British politics Twitter Who's next? Conservative MPs who could defect to Ukip Nadine Dorries MP for Mid Bedfordshire. Majority 15,152. Lost Tory whip after appearing on ITVs Im a CelebrityGet Me Out of Here, but later reinstated. Has said her constituents some constituents feel a "huge amount of empathy with Ukip". Hinted at standing on a joint ticket but denied she will defect PA Who's next? Conservative MPs who could defect to Ukip Jacob Rees-Mogg MP for Somerset North East. Majority 4,914. Independent-minded like Douglas Carswell. Has called for an electoral pact between Tories and Ukip. There are many members of Ukip who are very close to the Conservative Party and there are many Conservatives to whom Ukip looks favourably, he said in May David Hedges Who's next? Conservative MPs who could defect to Ukip Gordon Henderson MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey. Majority 12,383. Wants Britain to leave the EU and admits he has been sounded out by Ukip. But insists the party has no principles, saying: Id sooner lose than be a turncoat Who's next? Conservative MPs who could defect to Ukip Peter Bone MP for Wellingborough. Majority 11,787. Independent-minded backbencher who hates the Coalition. Has said: Somehow the Conservatives and Ukip have got to work together and have some sort of [electoral] pact or accord UPPA/Photoshot

"Hundreds of thousands of British people now take for granted their right to work, live or retire in any other EU country.

"Even if we pulled out completely, decisions made in the EU would continue to have a profound effect on our country. But we would have lost all our remaining vetoes and our voice in those decisions.

"We would need to weigh up very carefully the consequences of no longer being inside the EU and its single market, as a full member.

"Continued access to the Single Market is vital for British businesses and British jobs.

"Since 2004, Britain has been the destination for 1 in 5 of all inward investments into Europe.

"And being part of the Single Market has been key to that success.

"There will be plenty of time to test all the arguments thoroughly, in favour and against the arrangement we negotiate. But let me just deal with 1 point we hear a lot about.

"There are some who suggest we could turn ourselves into Norway or Switzerland - with access to the single market but outside the EU. But would that really be in our best interests?

"I admire those countries and they are friends of ours - but they are very different from us. Norway sits on the biggest energy reserves in Europe, and has a sovereign wealth fund of over 500 billion euros. And while Norway is part of the single market - and pays for the principle - it has no say at all in setting its rules: it just has to implement its directives.

"The Swiss have to negotiate access to the Single Market sector by sector. Accepting EU rules - over which they have no say - or else not getting full access to the Single Market, including in key sectors like financial services.

"The fact is that if you join an organisation like the European Union, there are rules.

"You will not always get what you want. But that does not mean we should leave - not if the benefits of staying and working together are greater.

"We would have to think carefully too about the impact on our influence at the top table of international affairs. There is no doubt that we are more powerful in Washington, in Beijing, in Delhi because we are a powerful player in the European Union.

"That matters for British jobs and British security.

"It matters to our ability to get things done in the world. It matters to the United States and other friends around the world, which is why many tell us very clearly that they want Britain to remain in the EU.

"We should think very carefully before giving that position up.

"If we left the European Union, it would be a 1-way ticket, not a return.

"So we will have time for a proper, reasoned debate.

"At the end of that debate you, the British people, will decide.

"And I say to our European partners, frustrated as some of them no doubt are by Britains attitude: work with us on this.

"Consider the extraordinary steps which the Eurozone members are taking to keep the Euro together, steps which a year ago would have seemed impossible.

Major donors to the Conservative Party Show all 10 1 /10 Major donors to the Conservative Party Major donors to the Conservative Party Michael Farmer Hedge fund: RK Capital Management Worth: 150m Total donation: 6,556,092 Rex Features Major donors to the Conservative Party Sir Michael Hintze Hedge fund: CQS Worth: 1,055m Total donation: 3,221,027 Major donors to the Conservative Party Lord Fink Hedge fund: ISAM Worth: 130m Total donation: 3,172,007 EPA Major donors to the Conservative Party Chris Rokos Hedge fund: Brevan Howard (pictured) Worth: 230m Total donation: 1,344,850 Google Street View Major donors to the Conservative Party Andrew Law Hedge fund: Caxton Associates Worth: 350m Total donation: 1,226,411 Rex Major donors to the Conservative Party Sir Paul Ruddock Hedge fund: Lansdowne Partners Worth: 300m Total donation: 818,783 Rex Major donors to the Conservative Party David Harding Hedge fund: Winton Capital Worth: 750m Total donation: 593,765 Major donors to the Conservative Party Hugh Sloane Hedge fund: Sloane Robinson Worth: 185 Total donation: 533,500 Major donors to the Conservative Party Sir John and Peter Beckwith (L) Hedge fund: RiverCrest Capital Worth: 350m Total donation: 520,996 Rex Major donors to the Conservative Party Alexander Knaster Hedge fund: Pamplona Capital Management Worth: 1,266m Total donation: 400,000

"It does not seem to me that the steps which would be needed to make Britain - and others - more comfortable in their relationship in the European Union are inherently so outlandish or unreasonable.

"And just as I believe that Britain should want to remain in the EU so the EU should want us to stay.

"For an EU without Britain, without 1 of Europes strongest powers, a country which in many ways invented the single market, and which brings real heft to Europes influence on the world stage which plays by the rules and which is a force for liberal economic reform would be a very different kind of European Union.

"And it is hard to argue that the EU would not be greatly diminished by Britains departure.

"Let me finish today by saying this.

"I have no illusions about the scale of the task ahead.

"I know there will be those who say the vision I have outlined will be impossible to achieve. That there is no way our partners will co-operate. That the British people have set themselves on a path to inevitable exit. And that if we arent comfortable being in the EU after 40 years, we never will be.

"But I refuse to take such a defeatist attitude - either for Britain or for Europe.

"Because with courage and conviction I believe we can deliver a more flexible, adaptable and open European Union in which the interests and ambitions of all its members can be met.

"With courage and conviction I believe we can achieve a new settlement in which Britain can be comfortable and all our countries can thrive.

"Because I believe something very deeply. That Britains national interest is best served in a flexible, adaptable and open European Union and that such a European Union is best with Britain in it.

"Over the coming weeks, months and years, I will not rest until this debate is won. For the future of my country. For the success of the European Union. And for the prosperity of our peoples for generations to come."
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When the European Union member states drafted and then approved the Treaty of Lisbon in 2007, they did not think anyone would ever want to leave  it was a few years before the Eurozone crisis, and the bloc was still glowing from its watershed expansion eastwards.

So when, for the first time in its history, the EU included an article  the now-infamous Article 50  for a potential exit, they left it deliberately vague.

The Treaty of Lisbon was drafted with the idea that [Article 50] would not be used, and to make it pretty hard to exit in a smooth way, says Chris Bickerton, a lecturer at Cambridge University and author of The European Union: A Citizens Guide.

What this means in practice now is days, weeks and even months of political uncertainly as all sides try to work out how to interpret the treaty.

Here is what is spelled out explicitly in Article 50:

A government must trigger the article by officially notifying the EU of its intention to leave. Then there is a two-year period in which the terms of the leavers exit are negotiated. During this time Britain would no longer be able to take part in any EU decision-making, and any exit agreements must be approved by all 27 remaining EU nations and the European Parliament. Then after Britains formal exit, fresh negotiations can begin on any new trade deals.

But crucially, there is no timescale or mention of when to trigger Article 50 after a referendum, leaving many politicians worried about a long period of uncertainty.

The negotiations must immediately start, said Manfred Weber, chairman of the centre-right European Peoples Party.

The most important thing is that we do this very quickly  we need to avoid a long period of uncertainty. The European continent cannot be occupied by an internal Tory Party battle over who will be the next leader of the Tory Party and the next Prime Minister of Great Britain.

David Cameron however has hinted that it may be the job of whoever succeeds him to trigger Article 50, and Jan Techau, the director of the Carnegie Europe think tank, says there would be little the other EU nations could do to prevent that.

The ball is in the British court  they need to decide how procedurally they want to run this, he told The Independent.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

Even after the issue of the triggering of Article 50 is resolved, the British government must then decide its negotiating position, and decide what sort of relationship they want with the EU in the future. Would they still want access to the single market? What status would they want for the EU citizens currently employed in Britain, and Britons working elsewhere in Europe? What sort of trade deals would they wish to pursue? These proposals would then be put to the other 27 EU member states.

It is a process which European Council President Donald Tusk has warned could take up to seven years, and it is likely to be a bitter fight.

There has to be some sort of deterrent that the other 27 member states now need to build into this so that there is a clear message that this is not an attractive model, says Mr Techau.
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Britain voted to leave the European Union on Thursday by 52 per cent to 48 per cent.

Election night brought many surprises and confirmed many suspicions. Here are the five things that we learned the night Europe awoke one country smaller.

Britain is polarised between young and old

A vote LEAVE supporter Christine Forrester celebrates with others outside Vote Leave HQ, Westminster Tower in London (Getty Images)

Todays referendum was a victory for the grey vote. Just 39 per cent of people over 65 backed Remain, according to YouGovs recontact survey.

Young people are being taken out of the EU against their will. A huge 75 per cent of people under 25 want to remain in the EU, but its popular with people in their middle age as well  56 per cent of under 50s voted to Remain.

With just four points between Leave and Remain, and more young people entering the voting age population all the time, Britain could have a Remain majority before secession negotiations are even done.

Its London, Scotland, and Britains educated cities against the rest

Natural growth - more births than deaths - of 171,800 and net international migration of 335,600 helped push the number up (PA)

Every single electoral region of Scotland voted to Remain, most by large margins. London voted to remain with extreme levels. Some metropolitan cities like Liverpool and Manchester also wanted to stay.

But across swathes of England and Wales, voters went for Leave by large margins.

Exceptions include places like Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol and Brighton - mainly university towns.

The split cleaves to a wider emerging divide in British politics between forward-looking cosmopolitans and those left behind by globalisation, terrified of immigration and seeing their communities change.

 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you

Well have a new Prime Minister by October

(Getty Images)

David Cameron resigned this morning. He said he wanted his replacement to be in post by Conservative party conference n October.

Runners and riders include Boris Johnson, George Osborne, Nicky Morgan, and Theresa May. Others could make a surprise appearance  Conservative leadership contests are rarely a predictable affair.

The United Kingdom could be gone soon

The Scottish accent has proven to be the most resilient in the UK (Getty)

The Scottish National Party has said Brexit would trigger a second Scottish independence referendum. Previous polls suggest the Scottish public would vote out if staying in meant leaving the EU.

The settlement in Northern Ireland, too, looks under threat. Northern Ireland voted to Remain solidly and Sinn Fein has called for a referendum on continued membership of the EU. The entire Good Friday agreement is based on aspects of UK and Irish law already being harmonised through the EU.

The NHS wont be getting 350 million

The Vote Leave campaign has also come under fire for using the NHS logo without permission (Getty)

The Leave campaign was rapped by the UK Statistics Authority during the campaign for claiming the UK sent the NHS 350 million a week.

Nigel Farage has already distanced himself from the pledge, which Vote Leave emblazoned on a bus. No I cant [guarantee it], and I would never have made that claim. That was one of the mistakes that I think the Leave campaign made, he told ITVs Good Morning Britain.

The Chancellor George Osborne has said cuts to the NHS will have to be made.
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The Mayor of Calais has said she wants the French government to consider renegotiating the Le Touquet treaty between the UK and France.

Speaking after Britain voted to leave the European Union, Mayor Natacha Bouchart said France should consider changing the agreement, which allows British border guards to check for illegal immigrants stowing away on lorries, cars and trains before they head through the Channel Tunnel and onto ferries.

During the referendum campaign, which saw the Leave side narrowly triumph with 52 per cent of the vote, Eurosceptics said the presence of immigration checks on the French side of the border would not be affected as Le Touquet treaty was separate to the EU-wide rules on the free movement of people.

In February, Prime Minister David Cameron warned that the Calais Jungle could be moved to Kent if British officers were forced back over the border.

Officially the Le Touquet treaty, which was signed in 2003, is a bilateral agreement between London and Paris which remains valid even if Britain leaves the EU.

But unofficially, government sources in Paris told The Independent it was "unlikely" to be able to continue its present treaty arrangements with a "non-EU state".

A senior source said in February: "The treaty is bilateral but was concluded by two EU states.

Refugees in Calais attempting to get on board lorries ending to the UK (file photo) (Getty Images)

"If Britain was to leave, it might be called into question legally and would become difficult to defend politically. I think that it would be unlikely to survive in its present form."

Since last summer, thousands of refugees fleeing war and Isis in Syria and Iraq have made the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and over land borders to get to Europe.

At its height there were around 6,000 people living in the makeshift camps - or "jungle" - outside Calais and Dunkirk as they desperately tried to stow away in trucks and climb onto trains to reach Britain.

Earlier this week a Sudanese man was jailed for nine months after being prosecuted under a Victorian law for walking the 31 miles through the Channel tunnel.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

Abdul Rahman Haroun was granted refugee status after becoming the first migrant believed to have completed the walk in August last year.

It is currently unclear what will happen to the UK's borders as Prime Minister David Cameron has not yet invoked Article 50 of The Treaty on European Union - which begins the two years of negotiations to allow Britain to leave.

Britain is currently not a part of the Schengen area, which has no border controls.

The unofficial Leave campaign, Leave.EU, campaigned heavily on the prospect of dramatically cutting immigration and claimed the UK would be able to negotiate a free trade deal without granting freedom of movement.

The campaign was heavily criticised last week for unveiling a poster showing a long queue of refugees with the slogan "Breaking Point" - but leader Nigel Farage refused to apologise for it.
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The former minister for Europe has called the EU referendum result a terrible day for Britain and a terrible day for Europe that will have consequences felt around the world.

Keith Vaz, the Labour MP for Leicester East, appeared bereft as he appeared on television minutes after the announcement that there was no way for the Remain campaign to win the historic vote.

"Frankly, in a thousand years I would never have believed that the British people would have voted this way, he told the BBC.

 Salmond on Brexit

"And they have done so and I think that they voted emotionally rather than looking at the facts.

"It'll be catastrophic for our country, for the rest of Europe and indeed the world.

Mr Vaz predicted an emergency summit in Europe, warning of huge implications for counter-terrorism, co-operation on migration and other key policy issues.

He added: The issues of immigration are extremely important, if you look at the campaign I think that there needed to be a much stronger campaign to stay in.

"The Leave campaigners were prepared to indulge in hand-to-hand combat, in local constituencies.

"They (voters) rejected the advice of all the experts, they rejected the arguments that had been put forward by almost everyone in Parliament.

"I mean those who are going to vote against this were in the minority, and the country has accepted it - they have rejected everything that's been put before them, it's very upsetting and very crushing.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

Some of those who voted for a Brexit reacted angrily to his comments, saying he had insulted the British people by inferring they were ill-informed.

One person dismissed his comments as pathetic doomsday talk, while Peter Jackson, the Conservative MP for Peterborough, called them patronising garbage.

But others said Mr Vaz had summed up their own feelings and deep sadness as the nation reeled following months of polls predicting a narrow Remain victory.

Keith Vaz on TV just showed the emotion, sadness, disbelief, near-tears and worry for the future that many people (me included) may feel this morning, a commenter wrote on Twitter.

Labour MP Chukka Umunna echoed his comments, calling the referendum result a seismic moment for the UK and the whole of Europe.

There's a lot of talk that this is an overwhelming win but it's not - based on the provisional result there are 48% of people who didn't vote for this...how do we bring a splintered and fragmented society to face these complex challenges? he asked.

There was growing speculation about the immediate impact of the vote on David Camerons position as Prime Minister, despite a letter from leading Eurosceptic Tories including Boris Johnson asking him to stay on.

Early indications also showed a dramatic impact on the economy, with the pound falling to a 35-year low.
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David Camerons decision to stand down by October fires the starting gun on a Conservative leadership contest.

MPs must whittle down the contenders to a shortlist of two, who will then be elected as leader by party members, and will become Prime Minister. It will be up to the victorious candidate to decide whether to ask Parliament to back a fresh election.

 Gove: Cameron was great PM

Here are the contenders:

 Boris Johnson

The obvious favourite. He gambled his career on backing Brexit, knowing that a vote to leave the EU would all but guarantee that only a figure from the Out camp could become the next Tory leader. That gamble has paid off today. Popular among the party membership, and one of the most well-known political figures in the country, he is the candidate to beat.

His decision to back Brexit was viewed in many quarters as opportunistic and his willingness to head a campaign which at times appeared to be trashing the Conservative governments record will mean he has bridges to build with many senior Conservative figures. He will have to be emollient, and non-triumphalist, and perhaps above all, distance himself from Nigel Farage.

David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 David Cameron's premiership - in pictures David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Britain's Queen Elizabeth II greeting David Cameron at Buckingham Palace for an audience to invite him to be the next Prime Minister on 11 May 2010 PA David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha wave from the steps of Number 10 Downing Street on 11 May 2010 Getty Images David Cameron's premiership - in pictures On 12 May 2010 Prime Minister David Cameron said in a press conference with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, who was then deputy PM, they plan to "take Britain in a historic new direction" and Conservative-led coalition government would be united and provide "strong and stable" leadership Rex David Cameron's premiership - in pictures A decade ago, David Cameron visited the Arctic to witness the effects of climate change. However since coming to power in 2010, his government has gradually dropped down a succession of green policies David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Prime Minister David cameron told the then New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Queen had purred down the line after he told her Scotland had voted against independence in September 2014. He was forced to apologise for breaking constitutional convention Getty Images David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron greeted soldiers working on flood relief in York city centre after the river Ouse burst its banks, in northern England in December 2015 REUTERS David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Claims that David Cameron performed an obscene act with a dead pig and smoked cannabis during his studies at Oxford University spread around the world in September 2015. The extraordinary allegations were made in an unauthorised biography of the Prime Minister written by Lord Ashcroft David Hartley/REX Shutterstock David Cameron's premiership - in pictures In 2016, Mr Cameron was caught up in a worldwide scandal dubbed the Panama papers Reuters David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Prime minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha with seven week old Regan as they meet her parents, first time home buyers Robert Arron and Kelly Jeffers at the Heritage Brook housing development in Chorley, Lancashire. David Cameron has joked that he wants "another baby" and said that he feels a "bit broody" every time he sees a newborn on the campaign trail David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Prime Minister David Cameron was criticised for branding refugees in the Calais jungle camp as a bunch of migrants in January 2016 after thousands of refugees died in their attempt to cross the Mediterranean in 2015 Sky News David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker during an EU summit meeting on 17 March 2016 at the European Union council in Brussels. Cameron was in Brussels to renegotiate deal of UK membership with other European leaders. The deal, sealed after hours of haggling at a marathon summit, paved the way for a referendum on whether Britain will stay in the EU AFP/Getty Images David Cameron's premiership - in pictures President Barack Obama shakes hands with British Prime Minister David Cameron at a meeting at 10 Downing Street in London on 22 April 2016. The President and his wife visited 10 Downing Street where he joined press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron and made his case for the UK to remain inside the European Union Getty Images David Cameron's premiership - in pictures After David returned from Brussels claiming victory in his renegotiation with European leaders, Boris Johnson announced that he will not support the Remain campaign. The prime minister said publicly he was "disappointed but Boris remains a friend" PA David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Prime Minister David Cameron makes a joint appearance with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan as they launch the Britain Stronger in Europe guarantee card at Roehampton University on 20 May 2016 in London. The 'guarantee card' lists five pledges should Britain remain in the EU, including the protection of workers' rights, full access to the single market and stability for Britain David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street on 24 June 2016. Cameron announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign AP

 Theresa May

The longest-serving Home Secretary in 100 years took a back seat in the referendum campaign. While backing Remain, she did not hit the campaign trail and delivered only a handful of speeches and interviews, and was critical of many aspects of the EU, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights. Hedging her bets allows her to now emerge as a unity candidate, and she is said to have been building up her back-room staff in preparation for a leadership bid.

She has the significant advantage of having served in one of the great offices of state, in a steady and competent manner that has won her many admirers within party and the civil service. At a time of great instability, it may be that she is viewed as steady hand on the tiller. Mrs May does however, lack the star quality of a Boris Johnson and party members may doubt her ability to connect with ordinary voters.

 Michael Gove

The Justice Secretary may be able to set himself up as the thinking Torys Brexit candidate. Made an enormous political and personal decision to back Leave, taking on his old friend David Cameron. He performed well during the TV debates, and will be an admired figure among Eurosceptic Conservatives. Along with Johnson, he will be hindered by the fact that he led a very divisive campaign, characterised by blue-on-blue action. MPs may also judge that he lacks Boris Johnsons wider appeal with the electorate. Possibly more likely that he will settle for being his new bosom buddy Boriss Chancellor.

 Ruth Davidson

The Scottish Conservative leader is a hugely-admired figure, and would offer the Tory party appeal among voters few other candidates could reach. Leading the Conservatives to a second place finish in Mays Scottish parliament elections was an extraordinary achievement for a party that was close to vanishing off the electoral map in Scotland not very many years ago. However, would have to become an MP first, and will be tarnished in the eyes of many Tory MPs and members by her outspoken support for Remain. It may well be too soon for her, but she will have a very influential voice in the debate.

 George Osborne

As Chancellor of the Exchequer, for years considered David Camerons natural heir, George Osborne would in ordinary circumstances be top of the list of runners and riders. In todays circumstances, he only just scrapes in as a contender. His stock among Conservative MPs and members was already falling as a result of a succession of bungles, culminating in a Budget that was overshadowed by the resignation of Iain Duncan Smith and a U-turn over swingeing disability cuts.

He was David Camerons right-hand man arguing for Britain to remain an EU member, and attracted furious anger from Eurosceptic Tories after he spearheaded warnings about the economic consequences of Brexit, which were branded Project Fear, and then proposed a 'Brexit Budget' that was viewed as nothing short of blackmail by many Tory MPs. If he survives the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote with his job intact, he could be a contender, but his stock is now so low in the Tory party hell struggle to make it over the first hurdle.

Outside bets:

 Stephen Crabb

Highly-rated Work and Pensions Secretary, raised on a council estate, so could reach out to non-traditional working class Tory voters.

 Andrea Leadsom

One of the most prominent figures in the Leave campaign, seen to have performed well in TV debates.
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Ukip's only MP Douglas Carswell has launched a furious attack on Nigel Farage's conduct during the EU referendum campaign saying "angry nativism does not win elections in this country".

Speaking to the BBC, the MP for Clacton-on-Sea used the opportunity to talk about the "Breaking Point" posters launched by the unofficial Leave.EU campaign last week which depicted large queues of refugees attempting to get to Europe.

Mr Carswell, who is a member of the official Vote Leave campaign, said he though it was a "fundamentally wrong thing to do".

He said: "I think it was morally the wrong thing to do. Using a picture of people who had fled from the war in Syria going to Slovakia, first of all it had nothing to do with the United Kingdom.

"Secondly I think it was wrong because it gave ammunition to the other side who wanted to cast asperions on our motives and our values.

"But thirdly, angry nativism does not win elections in this country".

He said he knew this because while campaigning in his Clacton constituency during the general election he had ordered that all "nativist posters were taken down" and "it's the one seat we won in that general election".

When asked about the future of his party he said: "We need change but the way to appeal to decent minded people who want change is not by whipping up some sense of the other".

But he ruled himself out as a successor to Mr Farage as leader saying: "I could not be a constituency MP. I could not be a dad and lead a political party. It would be bad for me and it would be disastrous for the party".

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

He also critcised Mr Farage's comments following polls released at 10pm suggesting a narrow win for Remain.

Mr Farage claimed Remain had in effect rigged the polls by extending the voter registration deadline which allowed more "young people" to register to vote.

He said the party had to "respect democracy" and said there were things the Leave campaign could campaign on such as the government sponsored leaflet campaign and Treasury forecasts predicting a recession but not more people being engaged in the debate.
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Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has called for a border poll on a united Ireland, after the UK has voted to leave the EU.

Support for the EU is considerably higher in Northern Ireland than the rest of the UK.

As the region shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland, it is unknown how the relationship between the two countries will be affected by Brexit.

Some politicians have speculated a physical border and passport control checks could be errected between the two, while others have questioned whether an effective border will have to be drawn around mainland Great Britain, thereby shutting off Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

 The moment Britain officially voted to leave the EU

Northern Ireland also receives considerable financial support from the EU in the form of so-called 'peace money' to fund projects aimed at supporting the region's peace process following the Troubles conflict.

Northern Irish parties have largely campaigned for a Remain vote including Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance- with the exception of the Democratic Unionist Party who have backed Brexit.

McGuinness' comments add to calls for a further referendum on Scottish independence, as the majority of Scottish voters have also backed the Remain campaign.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

Nigel Farage has declared a decisive victory for the Leave campaign, saying "a dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom."

Follow the latest live updates on the EU referendum
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David Cameron has run an EU campaign of bullying and intimidation and cannot stay on as Prime Minister if the UK votes to leave, Alex Salmond has said.

The former SNP leader called for Mr Cameron to resign in the event of a Brexit, following the Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell who said the Prime Minister would have to consider his position.

Recommended Read more Early results suggest support for Leave is stronger than expected

Mr Salmond told BBC News: If Cameron loses this I don't see how he can survive as Prime Minister.

Talk about lame ducks, he said. This would be a duck with no legs and no stability whatsoever.

Their statements came after early results suggested leave had over-performed in some areas, including victories by big margins in the North East.

And as a vote to leave looked more and more likely, the former coalition Cabinet minister Vince Cable said the Prime Ministers day has now gone if Brexit is confirmed.

He said: Mr Camerons authority is completely gone, adding: Id have thought any sense of self-respect [would see him resign].

The rhetoric represented a marked turnaround from the on-the-day polls, released at 10pm, which suggested a narrow victory for remain.

At that point, a letter signed by 84 key pro-Brexit Tory MPs appeared to strike a conciliatory note with the Prime Minister, telling Mr Cameron: We believe that whatever the British people decide you have both a mandate and a duty to continue leading the nation implementing our 2015 manifesto.
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Nicola Sturgeon has put Scotland on course for a new independence vote by autumn 2018 to prevent the country following the rest of the UK out of the EU, as the shockwaves from the Brexit vote threatened to bring an end to the United Kingdom.

Scottish voters backed Remain by 62 per cent to 38 per cent, and the First Minister said it would be democratically unacceptable if the country was taken out of the EU against its will.

While not calling for a referendum outright, the Ms Sturgeon said that the Scottish Parliament would begin preparing legislation for a second vote and indicated that it was highly likely that Parliament would back plans for a fresh plebiscite.

Following the timetable set out by David Cameron on Friday morning, which could see his successor activating Article 50 to take Britain out of the EU by October, Ms Sturgeon said that the UK would then be on a two-year path to the EU exit door.

If Parliament judges that a second referendum is the best or only way to protect our place in Europe it must have the option to hold one within that timescale, she said in a statement in Edinburgh on Friday morning.

That means we must act now to protect that position.

In advance of any vote, Ms Sturgeon called for Scotland to be fully involved in the renegotiation of Britains relationship with the EU, and said she had spoken to London mayor Sadiq Khan who will also be seeking a seat at the negotiating table.

Recommended Read more Nicola Sturgeon announces second Scottish independence referendum

London, like Scotland, voted firmly for Remain and a powerful Holyrood-London axis may now push in renegotiations with the EU for Britain to remain within the Single Market.

"Although we will be outside the EU, it is crucial that we remain part of the single market, Mr Khan said in a statement yesterday. Leaving the single market of 500 million people - with its free-trade benefits - would be a mistake. I will be pushing the Government to ensure this is the cornerstone of the negotiations with the EU. It is crucial that London has a voice at the table during those renegotiations, alongside Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Ruth Davidson, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said she shared Ms Sturgeons disappointment at the result but said that a second referendum would further destabilise Scotland.

The 1. 6 million votes cast in this referendum in favour of remain, do not wipe away the 2 million votes that we cast less than two years ago, she said. And we do not address the challenges of leaving the European Union by leaving our own Union of nations, our biggest market and our closest friends.

Scotland rejected independence in its September 2014 referendum, by a margin of 55 per cent to 45 per cent.

Brexit reactions  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions  in pictures Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA

Concerns over the future integrity of the UK were also felt in Northern Ireland, where Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness called for a referendum on a united Ireland as it became clear Britain had voted for Brexit in the early hours of Friday.

Sinn Feins Mr McGuiness said that a vote to leave would run counter to the democratic wishes of the Irish people after Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU by a margin of 56 per cent to 44 per cent.

However, a border poll was ruled out by First Minister Arlene Foster and Northern Ireland Minister Theresa Villiers.

Meanwhile, the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that parliament would be re-called on Monday to discuss the implications of Brexit. Mr Kenny reassured Irish and British citizens that there would be no immediate changes to the free flow of people, goods and services between our islands.

Remain campaigners warned in the run up to the vote that Brexit would require the re-establishment of border controls between Northern Ireland and the Republic, as the 310-mile boundary between the two countries would become an external EU border.
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David Camerons immediate future as Prime Minister has been cast into doubt as Britain awoke on Friday morning to a historic vote for Brexit.

A jubilant Nigel Farage said Mr Cameron should resign immediately, while Labour also said that he should consider his position.

Having called the referendum and backed a Remain vote, the likely Leave vote represents an enormous blow to Mr Camerons authority. With 28 areas still to declare, Leave held 51.9 per cent of the vote in the early hours of Friday, with the BBC, ITV and Sky all calling the result for Leave.

 Nigel Farage: 'Let today be our independence day'

More than 80 Conservative MPs have signed a letter, sent to Mr Cameron last night, calling on him to stay on regardless of the result. However, the shock of Leaves victory, which sent the pound plummeting to lows not seen since 1985, has renewed calls for the Prime Ministers resignation.

Mr Farage was among the first to call for him to go, while Labours Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn, said he could not see how Mr Cameron stayed Downing Street for very long at all.

If you are the Prime Minister, youve called this referendum, youve laid your reputation on the line and your arguments, I think its going to be very hard.

Former Downing Street aide Andy Coulson, meanwhile, told ITV that he suspected Mr Cameron would be pondering his position.

There are a large number of people urging him to stay, pointing out that what we need now is leadership and, to coin a phrase, it is no time for a novice...But I suspect David Cameron is now pondering the possibility of stepping down.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

UKIP MP Douglas Carswell criticised his party leaders call for Mr Cameron to resign, saying that the less we hear from Nigel in the next few weeks and months the better.

This is really serious stuff herewe need to grow up a little bit and make sure were talking about the national interest. David Cameron is Prime Minister, David Cameron will remain Prime Minister, David Cameron won a mandate a year ago, he has a duty to remain in Downing Street and oversee this and make it happen.

Brexit-supporting Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen also said it would not be in the interest of the country for Mr Cameron to resign on Friday morning.

Given all the volatility at the moment I think we can give the Prime Minister a little breathing space, he told BBC Radio 4.

Short term he is going to need to get a grip, reshuffle his cabinet and address the pressing issues of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the financial markets, where there is going to be some short-term volatility.

That will depend on how long it takes to stabilise the situation and move forward. He has politically exposed himself immensely in this campaign. I think he has been badly advised, I think he has underestimated the level of support for leave within the parliamentary party, within the wider party and ultimately within the country.

I wish the Prime Minister had stayed above this and been a little more impartial.
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Tributes to David Cameron have begun pouring in after his resignation following the referendum result  even from those who would be ranked among his staunchest political enemies.

Speaking to the BBC in the immediate aftermath of the Prime Ministers shock announcement, Lord Peter Mandelson said Mr Cameron had worked to make the Conservatives a less nasty, more socially tolerant and liberal party.

Mr Cameron made his announcement with his usual grace, elegance and composure, he said. He looks and sounds like a Prime Minister but Im afraid thats no longer enough.

Im afraid those who chose this referendum as their instrument of revenge against him have won the day. The right wing has gained the upper hand and that is the direction the conservative party is now going to go, he said.

Recommended Read more Cameron announces his resignation after EU referendum result

Mr Camerons Cabinet colleagues were, as might be expected, more effusive in their praise for the outgoing Prime Minister.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said: "It's truly shocking news, I think it's deeply saddening.

"As I was just saying only a few minutes ago, I would very much have preferred David Cameron to be steering this country through the next few years.

"I entirely respect his decision but I think it is a sad day for the country that he has decided to stand down."

Her sentiments were echoed by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who said the PM believed he was doing the "honourable thing" after the referendum vote.

He told the Today programme: "Well of course it is extremely sad news. I would have preferred him to have stayed on and to have helped make this decision work, but it's his decision.

"I think he feels it is the honourable thing to do, the decent thing to do - he lost the argument in the referendum campaign."

Asked who he thought might replace the PM and lead the renegotiations, he said: "That is matter now for the party to elect a new prime minister to be in place for the autumn and to take that forward.

"I think it is a bit too early to start speculating about that, and there is plenty to do now to help make this decision work, to stabilise our economy, to reassure our allies and to continue the programme we were all elected on last year."

And the news was met with a huge response on social media, with many echoing a similar sentiment  they may not have liked Mr Cameron while he was in power, but they preferred him to the daunting prospect of what might follow.
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Boris Johnson was already at loggerheads with Brussels within hours of Britains historic vote to leave the EU as he claimed there need not be any haste in withdrawing from the bloc, even as European leaders told the UK it must move swiftly to avoid prolonged and damaging uncertainty.

The former Mayor of London, now the favourite to succeed David Cameron as Prime Minister, made the call in a victory speech in central London after Britain voted by 52 per cent to 48 per cent to leave the bloc.

"In voting to leave the EU, its vital to stress that theres no need for haste and, as the Prime Minister has just said, nothing will change in the short term except that work will begin on how to extricate this country from the supranational system. As the Prime Minister has said, there is no need to invoke Article 50," Mr Johnson said.

But following crisis talks, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Parliament President Martin Schulz, European Council President Donald Tusk and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte issued a statement saying they expect the UK to initiate its exit as soon as possible, however painful that process may be.

Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty, they said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, meanwhile, expressed great regret at Britains decision, but insisted the bloc was strong enough to find the right answers to the challenges it faces.

Speaking in Berlin, she said the EU had contributed to peace on the continent, but that stability could not be taken for granted.

The idea of European unification was the idea of peace after centuries of horrendous bloodshed, she said.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

The founding fathers found a way to come together and it was manifested in the Treaty of Rome almost 60 years ago. For the future, we should not take this for granted.

We can all see that we are living in a world of turmoil.

David Cameron said this morning that Article 50  a procedure that governs how countries leave the EU  would not be invoked before his successor was in place. He said a replacement should be chosen by the Conservative party conference in October.

Estimates for the time it will take to leave the European Union range between two years and seven years.

Meanwhile, group leaders in the EU Parliament have demanded that the UK formally announce its departure and invoke Article 50 immediately.

Guy Verhofstadt, who chairs the liberals, said: The EU cannot be taken hostage by a Tory leadership wrangle. We need an Article 50 notification now.

Marcus Weber and Joseph Daul, who head up the European People's Party  the parliament's largest group  said: "There cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom. The British people have expressed their wish to leave the EU. Leave means leave. The times of cherry-picking are over.
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Whatever happens, hes going down drinking.

Theres champagne and lager behind the bar, therell be (three of the original members of) Bucks Fizz on the stage, Union Flag party hats and a whole cavalcade of hostile European news crews looking on with fingers crossed for the final crash of the Ukip fun bus. If the polls, the bookies and the mask of conciliation thats been hung uneasily on Nigel Farages face all day is to believed, there wil have to be the greatest of great escapes to do it from here.

Preparations are made for Leave.EU's party (Tom Peck)

And what if he does? The votes have been cast. The ballots are closed. Not quite like Schrodingers Cat, so the thinking goes, Mr Farage now exists in two simultaneous states: dead and dead. If weve Voted Leave, Ukip are over. If weve voted Remain, Ukip are over.

In the final moments before the polls closed, men in jeans and bomber jackets were trying to get their heads round Why the Remainiacs have done it.

Well, they all live in big houses dont they. They love the EU. Theyre doing great out of it, they pondered, as they sipped on champagne laid on by Leave.EUs main backer, Arron Banks, a self made multimillionaire who now lives mainly in South Africa.

First thing this morning, at his polling station in Biggin Hill in Kent, Farage said the result would hinge on soft remainers. Could they be arsed to save their nation in its hour of gravest need? In this weather? The anecdotal evidence, not least a desperate press release from the Leave camp showing Londoners in a leafy London suburb queuing round the block, and calling on their so-called heartlands to come to the rescue.

Three of the original members of Bucks Fizz are due on stage at Leve.EU's referendum party (Tom Peck)

This was the missive that has prompted many to suggest this referendum has either created or revealed a divide in the nation, and a class based one too, though how whole swathes of Remain backing half-impoverished Scotland cut across that is one for the sociologists.

How can Remainiacs so loathe their opponents for hating Johnny Foreigner when they hate half their own with the same passionate intensity, so the argument goes. Well it appears to go both ways.

But that evidence is only as anecdotal as all the rest. Theres no exit polls, no statistically relevant historical data. And at the general election last year, in the moment before that exit poll came out, the price on a Conservative majority was 11 to 1 - far longer than Remain currently is at even the most generous bookmaker.

Leave.EU has its own private poll coming out at 10pm. Mr Farage will be addressing the assembled masses at eleven or later. We wont know the result by then, of course, that wont come formally until 7am, but Mr Farages tone will tell all.

Already, people have been brave enough to dare to say that the perceived swing that followed the killing of an MP by a man with mental health issues is enough to invalidate the result. That, and the MI5 plot to tamper with votes cast in pencil.

If the expected happens, will these things add up to a raison detre for Mr Farage and for Ukip? Maybe, but one extra thing is certain.

In the last few weeks, the Leave side has narrowed to little more than an anti-immigration protest group. But even the Leave side have failed to say that net migration will go down, only that they will take back control.

Whatever the result, there will still be immigration, there will still be anger, and wherever those two things meet, there you will find Mr Farage.

Breaking point? Dont bet on it, whatever the odds.
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The Stronger In referendum night party was at Londons South Bank Centre  built, like the EU, in a spirit of optimism after the Second World War. From its balconies you can see the Palace of Westminster, the Millennium wheel, and Remains London heartland stretching away into the streetlit night.

Most activists arrived having seen two good polls showing their side ahead. Nigel Farage had all but conceded defeat to the press and everyone felt good. There were smiles on young activists faces and the bright hum of chatter in the air.

At the start of the night phone bank workers and pavement-pounders enjoyed the wine and buffet curry while suited Westminster types gathered around the TVs or thumbed their mobile phones. Meanwhile, Two Conservative cabinet ministers, Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, were seen quietly enjoying the nibbles.

Recommended Read more Britain has voted to leave the European Union

Arriving around midnight former Labour leader Ed Miliband said it was that time of the night where it was too early to tell the result. He spoke like a veteran of election night upsets that didnt go his way.

As the first news of huge Leave gains in Sunderland broke, most people at the party were not paying attention to the TV. There was no instant or palpable change in mood. Neither did a watershed come as hometown after hometown showed a 60 to 40 split to Leave.

 The moment Britain officially voted to leave the EU

But gradually, as the clock approached 2am more people on the fringes of the room started to gather around the televisions and big screen. The faces of people wearing suits became more ashen and arms started to fold. Most of the crowd was still unconcerned, though, and t-shirted activists continued to sound positive.

As the results and night darkened together, increasing numbers of activists found refuge on the centres concrete balconies overlooking the Thames. Increasingly tipsy, they ran through the possibilities of victory as bad result after bad result trickled in.

Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Show all 30 1 /30 Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? David Beckham (REMAIN) The former captain for the England international football team announced on Instagram that he was voting to Remain. He said: We live in a vibrant and connected world where together as a people we are strong. For our children and their children we should be facing the problems of the world together and not alone. Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Victoria Beckham (REMAIN) 'I believe in my country, I believe in a future for my children where we are stronger together and I support the remain campaign.' Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Daniel Craig (REMAIN) Actor He was pictured wearing a white T-shirt with the slogan: 'No man is an island. No country by itself. Vote Remain on 23rd June.' Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Bob Geldof (REMAIN) Irish singer expresses his support for the Remain vote as he waves from a boat carrying supporters for the 'Remain' campaign in London AFP/Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? John Cleese (LEAVE) The Monty Python star signalled he will vote to leave the EU when he tweeted: "If I thought there was any chance of major reform in the EU, I'd vote to stay in. But there isn't. Sad." Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Daniel Portman (REMAIN) Game of Thrones actor supports Reamin vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Elton John (REMAIN) The singer also announced his intention to vote Remain on Instagram, sharing an image which said Build bridges not walls, along with the caption I'm voting to remain. #StrongerInEurope Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Roger Daltrey (LEAVE) Former frontman of iconic rock band The Who. I am not anti European, but I an anti the present way we are being governed in Europe, he wrote in The Mirror. The whole system has been corrupted by political ego and massive government overreach. The Euro being a perfect example I do not want to be dragged into the kind of Federal State that this present EU is pushing for - with the UK's voice getting smaller and smaller. AFP/Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? JK Rowling (REMAIN) The author of the Harry Potter books has expressed concern that "racists and bigots" are directing parts of the Leave campaign. She added: How can a retreat into selfish and insecure individualism be the right response when Europe faces genuine threats, when the bonds that tie us are so powerful, when we have come so far together? How can we hope to conquer the enormous challenges of terrorism and climate change without cooperation and collaboration? Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Vivienne Westwood (REMAIN) British fashion designer expressed her support for Remain vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Michael Caine (LEAVE) The actor has said he is a reluctant Leaver. He said: "I don't know what to vote for. Both are scary. To me, you've now got in Europe a sort of government-by-proxy of everybody, who has now got carried away. Unless there is some extremely significant changes, we should get out." Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Benedict Cumberbatch (REMAIN) Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Patrick Stewart led more than 280 figures from the arts world who backed a vote to stay. An open letter pledging support for Remain was also signed by music stars Hot Chip, alt-J and Paloma Faith, authors Dame Hilary Mantel and John le Carre, and fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood. Daniel Craig was pictured wearing a vote Remain t-shirt with the words "No man is an island. No country by itself" emblazoned across it in a picture tweeted on the Stronger IN account. Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Patrick Stewart (REMAIN) Actor is a leading supporter of the Remain campaign Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Elizabeth Hurley (LEAVE) The actress said If it means we can go back to using decent lightbulbs and choose high-powered hairdryers and vacuum cleaners if we so wish, I'm joining Brexit for sure. Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Stephen Hawking (REMAIN) The physicist was in favour staying, and said "progress comes from co-operation". He said: "By working together in Europe we make our economy stronger and we give ourselves more influence in the world and we provide future opportunities for young people." Numerous scientists have also voiced their support for Remain, claiming an out vote would badly damage the field. Getty Images for Breakthrough Pr Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Sol Campbell (LEAVE)  The former England international football star said he is backing Brexit so that young British sporting talent would be nurtured and given greater opportunities at British clubs. He said: "I'm looking at the sporting side - how youngsters aren't getting the opportunities at some of the big clubs and some of the big clubs are bringing in youngsters from 14, 15, 16 and becoming homegrown, which is pushing some of our youngsters out." Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Hilary Mantel (REMAIN) Author Hilary Mantel announced her support for Remain vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Bear Grylls (REMAIN) The adventurer and TV presenter said he spoke "from the heart" in backing the EU. "At such a time for the UK to retreat, run and cut ourselves loose from Europe, when there are so many challenges on our doorstep, to me just doesn't feel either courageous or kind, he said. Europe has many flaws, but I also believe the way to help resolve many of those tough issues is from within... I have never been a good quitter and I am so proud of the UK and our values: tolerance, kindness, respect, courage and resilience. This is why I want us to stay together and Remain in Europe." Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Billy Bragg (REMAIN) British singer decided to support Remain campaign AFP/Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Ian Botham (LEAVE) The former England Test cricketer and Test team captain supports Brexit Getty/Laureus Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Simon Cowell (REMAIN) Music mogul Simon Cowell announced his support of staying in EU Getty Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? David James (LEAVE) The former England goalkeeper supports Brexit Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Idris Elba (REMAIN) The actor voiced his support for Remain vote Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? John Le Carre (REMAIN) British writer supports Remain campaign Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Paloma Faith (REMAIN) English singer supports Remain campaign Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Perry McCarthy (LEAVE) The racing driver supports Leave campaign Rex Features Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Keira Knightley (REMAIN) The actress intends to vote for Remain campaign Getty Images for Lincoln Center Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? James Cracknell (LEAVE) British athlete and rowing champion decided to vote for Brexit Getty Images Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Florence Welch (REMAIN) British singer supports Remain campaign Getty Images for Gucci Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Helena Bonham-Carter (REMAIN) The actress expressed her support for Remain vote AFP/Getty Images

Surely theres more Scotland, more cities, more Northern Ireland? Liverpool? one asked. Most had already been declared. Slowly, they seem to be running out of places.

By 3am, fingernails are being visibly bitten. More eyes are fixed on the television. A few young activists head to the lifts to get a cab. One of their number appears to resist. Not much is going to change, comes the reply. They all shuffle out.

A slightly sozzled core were left at 4am when Nigel Farage came on television. The room turns absolutely silent until his speech gets going. Its content doesnt go down well at all. There are laughs of disbelief when he says honesty has won the day. This is a victory for real people, he pronounces. Youre a fucking prick a woman slurs in response.

In the background a pundit is on television saying Mr Farages speech is premature  that there are still lots of results left to come. He shouldnt be declaring victory at this early stage. At the Stronger In party it doesnt feel that way at all.
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More than 80 Eurosceptic Conservative MPs, including every Cabinet minister who backed Brexit have called on David Cameron to remain as Prime Minister regardless of the EU referendum result.

Follow the latest live updates on the EU referendum

Brexit or Remain? Follow the results on our live tracker

A letter to addressed to Mr Cameron, which was signed by Vote Leave figureheads Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, said that the Prime Minister had a duty and a mandate to carry on in the job.

With the final polls suggesting a Remain lead, the letter will further calm nerves in Downing Street, after bruising campaign battles between senior Conservative figures on opposite sides of the EU debate left the party in its most divided state in recent memory.

However, many Tory MPs are reported to have refused to support the call for Mr Cameron to stay on.

Follow the latest updates on the EU referendum

The letter, seen by the Daily Telegraph, states: We who are supporters of Vote Leave and members of the Conservative Party thank you for giving the British people a choice of their destiny on 23 June.

We believe that whatever the British people decide you have both a mandate and a duty to continue leading the nation implementing our 2015 manifesto.

House of Commons leader Chris Grayling, former Defence Secretary Liam Fox, Culture Secretary John Whittingdale and employment minister Priti Patel have also signed the letter.

There had been speculation that Mr Cameron would face a vote of no confidence in the event of a vote to Leave, or even if Remain wins by a narrow margin, amid widespread discontent within the Conservative Party over the Governments handling if the referendum campaign.
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The Ukip leader Nigel Farage addressed his supporters at 4am on Friday morning and all but declared the result as a victory for "Leave".

His speech has caused controversy among his opponents, after he declared Brexit as a revolution "without having to fight, without a single bullet being fired".

Here's his speech at the Leave.EU rally in full: "Dare to dream that the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom.

"This, if the predictions now are right, this will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people.

"We have fought against the multinationals, we have fought against the big merchant banks, we have fought against big politics, we have fought against lies, corruption and deceit.

"And today honesty, decency and belief in nation, I think now is going to win.

"And we will have done it without having to fight, without a single bullet being fired, we'd have done it by damned hard work on the ground."

Mr Farage praised Ukip donor Arron Banks along with Labour and Tory MPs and those of "no party" who have taken part in the Leave campaign.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

He went on: "And we'll have done it not just for ourselves, we'll have done it for the whole of Europe.

"I hope this victory brings down this failed project and leads us to a Europe of sovereign nation states, trading together, being friends together, cooperating together, and let's get rid of the flag, the anthem, Brussels, and all that has gone wrong.

"Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day."
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Remain has taken 96 per cent of the vote in the EU referendum in Gibraltar, the first area to declare.

More than 19,300 people there voted for Remain compared to just over 800 for Leave.

Gibraltar, which was always expected to be strongly for staying in the EU, was also the first seat to declare its turnout. It was particularly high  at 83.7 per cent.

A record number of voters are eligible to take part in the referendum across the country as a whole, with the Electoral Commission putting the number at 46,499,537.

The turnout at the last general election in Gibraltar was just over 70%.

The government of the territory is strongly in favour of the UK remaining in the EU.

The next result is expected to come from the counters in Newcastle or Sunderland, traditionally among the first to report in general elections. Gibraltar, not normally a seat in those, is an hour ahead and relatively small  with just 20,174 voters in total.
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Newcastle upon Tyne has declared the first mainland result in the EU referendum, with Remain taking a narrower lead than expected on 51 per cent compared to Leave's 49 per cent.

The area was expected by experts to be a strong win for Remain.

Voter turnout in Newcastle has been confirmed as 67.7 per cent, with 65,404 (50.7 per cent) votes for the UK to remain a member of the European Union against 63,598 (49.3 per cent) votes to leave.

 How the EU referendum result unfolded

The Newcastle result is one of the first to be announced, along with Orkney with 63 per cent of the vote for Remain and Gibraltar at 95.9 per cent for Remain.

"Newcastle result massively unsettled Remain party. They expected bigger margin of victory, tweeted ITV political editor Robert Peston.

The result from Newcastle was followed by a win for Leave in Sunderland, with more of the vote than expected at 61 per cent.

The value of Sterling dropped sharply by around 3 per cent on the markets in an instant reaction to the Sunderland result, as traders took on board the possibility of a strong result for Leave.

Nigel Farage described the Sunderland result as fantastic'' and Newcastle as amazing'' for Leave, telling Sky News: It's clearly very tight [but] I think Remain might just nick it.''

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham, speaking at Manchester Town Hall, appealed to Labour voters who had voted to leave in Sunderland and Newcastle.

My direct message to them and indeed other Labour voters across the country who have voted to leave is we hear you, he said.

We understand what you are saying. This referendum can't mark the end of the process.
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More than 85,000 people have signed a vote of confidence in Jeremy Corbyn within hours of the form appearing online as he faces a leadership revolt from Labour MPs.

Supporters of the Labour leader rallied to his defence on the petitions site 38Degrees after members of the parliamentary Labour party (PLP) moved to oust him following what they saw as a lacklustre performance during the EU referendum campaign.

Britain voted to leave the EU on the narrowest of margins with 52 per cent of the vote.

Many of the regions opting for Brexit were in the heavily Labour dominated areas in the north of England and the West Midlands.

Former minister Dame Margaret Hodge tabled a motion of no confidence in the Leader of the Opposition, backed by Stockport MP Ann Coffey, ahead of the PLP meeting next week.

Dame Margaret told Sky News: "The European referendum was a test of leadership and I think Jeremy failed that test.

"He came out too slowly, he was very half-hearted about his attempts to campaign and Labour voters simply didn't get the message.

 Corbyn says he won't resign

"I hope, in the context of a secret ballot, that there will be overwhelming support for this motion I am putting and Jeremy will do the decent thing and resign."

Other MPs, including former frontbenchers such as Rhondda MP Chris Byrant and Exeters Ben Bradshaw, have also called for him to stand down after the result which saw the resignation of David Cameron as Prime Minister.

Former Labour EU Commissioner, Lord Peter Mandelson, told the BBC on Friday morning that Mr Corbyn should question whether he really has what it takes to lead the Labour party.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

But the petition started by Dakota Rose, which has attracted 86,054 votes at the time of writing, said: Make your voice heard against the Blarities and keep Jeremy as rightful leader of the Labour party.

One user, Michelle W, said The people chose Jeremy Corbyn, it should be their choice. Jeremy is our only hope for the future.

Another petitioner said: Dont let the Blairities use the Brexit to oust Jeremy when it was the centre right and the far right that has caused this problem.

Speaking to the BBC about the plot against Mr Corbyn, his right-hand man and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said the motion of no confidence was just an expression of a point of view and he would win any new leadership contest.

He added that he believed there would be a new general election before the end of the year and Labour will be preparing for it.

A spokesman for Mr Corbyn acknowledged that the motion of no confidence had been discussed at the Shadow Cabinet in the morning but said he had no intention of stepping down.

He said: "It is a time when our party should be uniting to deal with the real issues that face Britain and the real issues that face the people of Britain, and so to create divisions in the party is a bit of a self-indulgent act".
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Jeremy Corbyn will face calls for his resignation when Labour MPs meet again on Monday.

The Labour leader  who has never commanded majority support among Labour MPs  is under fire for failing to persuade traditional Labour voters to back the Remain campaign.

Angela Smith, the maverick Labour MP for Penistone, was the first to break cover and call for Corbyn to go.

 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you

She said: Jeremy Corbyn has got to take responsibility. He should consider his position. Hes shown insufficient leadership.

One prominent backbench MP who believes that Corbyn should resign has told The Independent: Im going to say so at the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party). No doubt it will leak after the meeting.

I dont think that Jeremy Corbyn is the one most to blame for this. Im absolutely furious with the Boris Johnsons who lied, and lied and lied  and people believed that eight million Turks were going to come here, they believed there would be 350 million for the NHS.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

But there was also a failure of Labour leadership. If we had campaigned better, we could have got another half a million votes for Remain.

Recommended Read more David and Samantha Cameron visibly emotional during resignation speech

Tony Blair described Labours contribution to the Remain campaign as pretty lukewarm. Lord Mandelson, a former Labour Deputy Prime Minister and ally of Tony Blair, said that Mr Corbyns voice had been curiously muted during the campaign. He added: But when he did say anything there were mixed messages.

Mr Corbyn spent most of his political life arguing for Britain to leave the EU. He voted against signing major treaties with the EU in 1992 and 2007, but during the referendum he campaigned on a promise that if the country voted Remain, he would lead a campaign to reform it from within.

But unlike other Labour figures such as Labours Mayor, Sadiq Khan, Mr Corbyn refused to share a platform with David Cameron, a decision which cost him opportunities to reach a mass audience during the campaign. One survey suggested that half of Labour natural supporters did not know the party was in favour of Remain.

News that Labour MPs hope to use the post-referendum crisis as an opportunity to oust him will come as no surprise to the Labour leaders office. The Spectator magazine has obtained a leaked copy of a briefing paper drawn up by Mr Corbyns staff setting our arguments to answers to those who say Mr Corbyn shares some of the blame the defeat of the Remain side.

 Brexit: David Cameron resigns

The document argues that Labour voters used the referendum to kick a Conservative government, and claims: "Jeremy Corbyn has showed that he is far closer to the centre of gravity of the British public than other politicians. He is now the only politician who can unite a divided country, as he can speak to both sides."
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The Eurosceptic genie is out of the bottle.

They were the words of Nigel Farage, as he challenged the legitimacy of the EU referendum, hours before the result formally arrives that is expected to confirm a very close victory for Remain.

But the immigration question that has been so inflamed in the last few weeks, is not going away.

We will win this war, he said. We will get our country back, we will get our independence back and we will get our borders back.

Follow the latest updates on the EU referendum

David Cameron called this referendum in the hope it would settle once and for all the Europe question that had divided his party for so long.

Whatever happens, it is very clear now that it will do the opposite. This referendum has come to be defined by immigration. It is an issue Nigel Farage and whatever will remain of Ukip - a party that had no other purpose than to secure this referendum - will not let go.

I dont know what will happen, he said, but it could be that the reopening of the registration deadline, and the extra two million voters, will be what cost us. I hope Im wrong, I hope Im made a fool of.

Three weeks ago, when the voting registration deadline closed, the Electoral Commissions computers crashed an hour before the midnight deadline. The deadline was reopened for a further 48 hours. It is hard to measure with exactness, but it is thought more than a million, probably pro-Remain voters registered.

Mr Farage is of the view that that is what has tipped the balance. I invite the Prime Minister to come with me to Bolton, he said. To speak to the people who say, Look what he has done to our lives, to the lives of our children.

He was speaking at Leave.EUs party at the top of the Millbank Tower near Westminster.

The numbers had looked bad for Leave, but at 10pm Arron Banks, the multimillionaire bankroller of the unofficial LEave campaign, Leave.EU, received the results of his own private polling, that put Leave ahead.

Turnout is an estimated 84 per cent, the highest in seventy years. It has been said that when turnout goes above 82 per cent, it swings back in Remains favour. But the only truth that can be relied upon in this whole referendum is that no one knows.

In a very strange thirty minutes before and after eleven pm, Mr Farage had conceded that Remain had probably done it, then said it was very close, before finally arriving at Westminster and all but conceding.

First thing Thursday morning, at his polling station in Biggin Hill in Kent, Mr Farage had said the result would hinge on soft remainers. Could they be arsed to save their nation in its hour of gravest need? In this weather? The anecdotal evidence, not least a desperate press release from the Leave camp showing Londoners in a leafy London suburb queuing round the block, and calling on their so-called heartlands to come to the rescue.

This was the missive that has prompted many to suggest this referendum has either created or revealed a divide in the nation, and a class based one too, though how whole swathes of Remain backing half-impoverished Scotland cut across that is one for the sociologists.

How can Remainiacs so loathe their opponents for hating Johnny Foreigner when they hate half their own with the same passionate intensity, so the argument goes. Well it appears to go both ways.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

In the last few weeks, the Leave side has narrowed to little more than an anti-immigration protest group. But even the Leave side have failed to say that net migration will go down, only that they will take back control.

Whatever the result, there will still be immigration, there will still be anger, and wherever those two things meet, there you will find Nigel Farage.

Breaking point for Ukip? No chance.
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Campaigners against the controversial TTIP trade deal with the US fear the UK will negotiate an even more disastrous agreement after it leaves the European Union.

TTIP has provoked opposition across Europe with concerns it will open up public sector organisations  such as the NHS  to privatisation, force food safety and environmental regulations to be watered down or scraped, and cause unemployment as jobs move to the US where labour standards and trade union rights are lower.

European politicians, including French President Francois Hollande and Germanys agriculture minister, Christian Schmidt, have signalled their opposition to the USs current proposals with Mr Hollande saying France was opposed to unregulated free trade.

But given the smaller size of the UK market, it would have less negotiating power in talks with the US than the EU.

And Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now, said the right-wing lurch of Brexit could result in Britain signing up to TTIP on steroids.

Alongside US lobbyists, the British government has done everything possible to push the most extreme and toxic version of TTIP, he said.

So theres every reason to suspect that the UK will look to develop a bilateral deal with the USA that could end up being even more disastrous for labour protections, consumer standards and public services than TTIP was going to be.

He said TTIP was on the verge of defeat because of the level of opposition across Europe.

Working alongside civil society, social movements and progressive MEPs from across Europe, we were in a really strong position to derail TTIP, Mr Dearden said.

Brexit means that we need to redouble our efforts to stop the UKs free market fundamentalists from enabling massive corporate power grabs through bilateral trade deals.

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Progressives on both sides of debate need to work towards a trade framework built on equality, fairness for workers and the redistribution of wealth towards those communities who have rebelled so vehemently against the political establishment this morning.

It is unclear if TTIP will apply to countries that are not in the EU but which are members of the common market, such as Norway. The Norwegian model has been suggested as a possible option for a post-Brexit Britain.

John Hilary, executive director of War on Want, said anti-TTIP activists would now have to refocus their campaign.

The UK is going to have to renegotiate all of its trade deals. Its up to us as activists to press for the positive trade agenda we never got in the EU, he said.

The 6 reasons why we should be scared of TTIP Show all 6 1 /6 The 6 reasons why we should be scared of TTIP The 6 reasons why we should be scared of TTIP The NHS Public services, especially the NHS, are in the firing line. One of the main aims of TTIP is to open up Europes public health, education and water services to US companies. This could essentially mean the privatisation of the NHS. The European Commission has claimed that public services will be kept out of TTIP. However, according to the Huffington Post, the UK Trade Minister Lord Livingston has admitted that talks about the NHS were still on the table Getty The 6 reasons why we should be scared of TTIP Food and environmental safety TTIPs regulatory convergence agenda will seek to bring EU standards on food safety and the environment closer to those of the US. But US regulations are much less strict, with 70 per cent of all processed foods sold in US supermarkets now containing genetically modified ingredients. By contrast, the EU allows virtually no GM foods. The US also has far laxer restrictions on the use of pesticides. It also uses growth hormones in its beef which are restricted in Europe due to links to cancer. US farmers have tried to have these restrictions lifted repeatedly in the past through the World Trade Organisation and it is likely that they will use TTIP to do so again Getty The 6 reasons why we should be scared of TTIP Banking regulations TTIP cuts both ways. The UK, under the influence of the all-powerful City of London, is thought to be seeking a loosening of US banking regulations. Americas financial rules are tougher than ours. They were put into place after the financial crisis to directly curb the powers of bankers and avoid a similar crisis happening again. TTIP, it is feared, will remove those restrictions, effectively handing all those powers back to the bankers Getty/Bloomberg The 6 reasons why we should be scared of TTIP Privacy Remember ACTA (the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement)? It was thrown out by a massive majority in the European Parliament in 2012 after a huge public backlash against what was rightly seen as an attack on individual privacy where internet service providers would be required to monitor peoples online activity. Well, its feared that TTIP could be bringing back ACTAs central elements, proving that if the democratic approach doesnt work, theres always the back door. An easing of data privacy laws and a restriction of public access to pharmaceutical companies clinical trials are also thought to be on the cards AFP/Getty Images The 6 reasons why we should be scared of TTIP Jobs The EU has admitted that TTIP will probably cause unemployment as jobs switch to the US, where labour standards and trade union rights are lower. It has even advised EU members to draw on European support funds to compensate for the expected unemployment. Examples from other similar bi-lateral trade agreements around the world support the case for job losses. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the US, Canada and Mexico caused the loss of one million US jobs over 12 years, instead of the hundreds of thousands of extra that were promised Dave Thompson/Getty Images The 6 reasons why we should be scared of TTIP Democracy TTIPs biggest threat to society is its inherent assault on democracy. One of the main aims of TTIP is the introduction of Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS), which allow companies to sue governments if those governments policies cause a loss of profits. In effect it means unelected transnational corporations can dictate the policies of democratically elected governments AFP/Getty

But Mr Hilary sounded a positive note, saying the UK government was democratically accountable to the people where the European Commission was not.

For us, the situation is now a different one. The powers are going to be brought back to Britain, he said.

The future is ours to claim. Its an uphill struggle because we know that in this country traditionally we have had the most neoliberal governments in Europe, whether they be Tory or New Labour.

He said the future was unclear as the UK would now have to negotiate a new relationship with the EU.

But he insisted: Brexit means TTIP will not apply to the UK, thats absolutely clear.
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The death of 27-year-old actor Anton Yelchin has sparked a class-action lawsuit from Jeep owners who claim a defective gearshift has caused more than 300 deaths.

Yelchin died Sunday after his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled backward down the steep driveway of his Studio City, California, home, pinning him against a security fence and brick pillar. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances of the accident.

In the complaint filed against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles - Jeeps manufacturer - three plaintiffs claim that the company deliberately covering up the defective gearshift that they say is to blame for more than 300 deaths including Yelchins.

Notable deaths in 2016 Show all 42 1 /42 Notable deaths in 2016 Notable deaths in 2016 Debbie Reynolds was an American actress, singer, businesswoman, film historian, and humanitarian. She died on December 28 in Los Angeles Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Actress Carrie Fisher died on December 27 aged 60 Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Comedian and Actor Ricky Harris died on December 26 aged 54 Rex Notable deaths in 2016 British singer George Michael died on 25 December aged 53 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Rick Parfitt OBE was an English musician, best known for being a singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist in the rock band Status Quo. He died on December 24 in Marbella, Spain Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Lord Jenkin of Roding died at the age of 90 on the 21 December PA wire Notable deaths in 2016 Rabbi Lionel Blue died on the 19 December Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Zsa Zsa Gabor died on December 18 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Leonard Cohen died on 7 November Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Grand secretary of the Orange Order Drew Nelson died on 10 October aged 60 after a short illness PA Notable deaths in 2016 Aaron Pryor, the relentless junior welterweight died Sunday, Oct. 9, at the age of 60 at his home in Cincinnati after a long battle with heart disease AP Notable deaths in 2016 Polish Director Andrzej Wajda died on October 9, aged 90 Reuters Notable deaths in 2016 Stylianos Pattakos has died following a stroke on 8th October. He was 103 years old. AP Notable deaths in 2016 Dickie Jeeps, was an English rugby union player who played for Northampton. He represented and captained both the England national rugby union team and the British Lions in the 1950s and 1960s. He died on 8th October. He was 84 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Duke of Westminster Billionaire landowner the Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor has died on 9 August, aged 64 Rex Features Notable deaths in 2016 Christina Knudsen Sir Roger Moores stepdaughter Christina Knudsen has died from cancer on 25 July at teh age of 47 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Caroline Aherne The actress Caroline Aherne has died from cancer on 2 July at the age of 52 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Christina Grimmie Christina Grimmie, 22, who was an American singer and songwriter, known for her participation in the NBC singing competition The Voice, was signing autographs at a concert venue in Orlando on 10 June when an assailant shot her. Grimmie was transported to a local hospital where she died from her wounds on 11 June Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Kimbo Slice Former UFC and Bellator MMA fighter Kimbo Slice died after being admitted to hospital in Florida on 6 June, aged 42 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Muhammad Ali The three-time former heavyweight world champion died after being admitted to hospital with a respiratory illness on 3 June, aged 74 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Sally Brampton Brampton who was the launch editor of the UK edition of Elle magazine has died on 10 May, aged 60 Grant Triplow/REX/Shutterstock Notable deaths in 2016 Billy Paul The soul singer Billy Paul, who was best known for his single Me and Mrs Jones, has died on 24 April, aged 81 Noel Vasquez/Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Prince Prince, the legendary musician, has been found dead at his Paisley Park recording studio on 21 April. He was 57 Notable deaths in 2016 Chyna WWE icon Joan Laurer dies aged 45 after being found at California home on 20 April Notable deaths in 2016 Victoria Wood The five-time Bafta-winning actress and comedian Victoria Wood has died on 20 April at her London home after a short illness with cancer. She was 62 Notable deaths in 2016 David Gest The entertainer and former husband of Liza Minnelli, David Gest has been found dead on 12 April in the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Warf, London. He was 62-years-old PA Notable deaths in 2016 Denise Robertson Denise Robertson, an agony aunt on This Morning for over 30 years, has died on 1 April, aged 83 Notable deaths in 2016 Zaha Hadid Dame Zaha Hadid, the prominent architect best known for designs such as the London Olympic Aquatic Centre and the Guangzhou Opera House, has died of a heart attack on 31 March, aged 65 2010 AFP Notable deaths in 2016 Ronnie Corbett British entertainer Ronnie Corbett has passed away on 31 March at the age of 85 2014 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Imre Kertesz Hungarian writer and Holocaust survivor Imre Kertesz, who won the 2002 Nobel Literature Prize, has died on 31 March, at the age of 86 REUTERS Notable deaths in 2016 Rob Ford Rob Ford, the former controversial mayor of Toronto, has died following a battle with a rare form of cancer. The 46-year-old passed away at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto on 22 March Notable deaths in 2016 Joey Feek Joey (left) passed away in March after a two-year cancer illness. She was part of country music duo, Joey + Rory, with her husband Rory (right) Jason Merritt/Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Umberto Eco Italian writer and philosopher Umberto Eco died 19 February 2016 aged 84 EPA Notable deaths in 2016 Harper Lee Harper Lee, the American novelist known for writing 'To Kill a Mockingbird', died February 19, 2016 aged 89 2005 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Vanity Vanity, pictured performing in 1983, died aged 57 REX Features Notable deaths in 2016 Dave Mirra The BMX legend's body found inside truck with gunshot wound after apparent suicide aged 41 Notable deaths in 2016 Harry Harpham The former miner became Sheffield Labour MP in May after many years as a local councillor. He died after succumbing to cancer, at the age of 61. Notable deaths in 2016 Dale Griffin The Mott the Hoople drummer died on January 17, aged 67 REX Notable deaths in 2016 Rene Angelil Celine Dion's husband and manager Rene Angelil has lost his battle with cancer on 14 January, aged 73 2011 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Alan Rickman Legendary actor Alan Rickman has died on 14 January at the age of 69 after battle with pancreatic cancer. He is largely regarded as one of the most beloved British actors of our generation with roles in Love Actually, Die Hard, Michael Collins, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and an illustrious stage career 2015 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Maurice White The Earth, Wind & Fire founder died aged 74. The nine-piece band sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and won six Grammy awards Notable deaths in 2016 Lawrence Phillips Former NFL star found dead in prison cell on 13 January in suspected suicide, aged 40 AFP/Getty Images

One of the most basic safety features in every car is the gear shifter that causes a stationary car to remain stationary, unless and until an operator wants the car to move, states the complaint, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, reads. FCA US LLC broke this basic rule.

Yelchins Jeep was one of 1.1 million vehicles listed in a massive recall by FCA. According to the complaint, the defective gearshift, called a ZF shifter, rested in a central position giving no indication to the driver that the vehicle was securely parked.

FCAs unreasonable delay in fixing the defect and its warning letter was obviously too little, too late for Mr Yelchin, the complaint adds, and nearly a million Defective Shifter Vehicles remain in unsuspecting owners driveways and garages.

The suit was filed by the firm Hagens Berman Sobel Shapiro LLP for Deryl Wall, Justine Andollo, and Danielle and Joby Hackett. They are demanding that FCA replace shifters or install a safety override system.

They estimate damages will amount to at least $5m (3.7m).

A spokesperson for FCA declined to comment given they have not yet been served the lawsuit. The manufacturer previously said they would like to evaluate the vehicle involved in the accidental death, according to the Detroit Free Press.

First, from my perspective and FCA's perspective, we are obviously extending our deep sympathies to the family and friends [of Yelchin]," Mike Manley, head of Ram and Jeep brands for FCA, said at a media event in Chelsea, Michigan. Obviously we would like our own people to go over the vehicle. However that may or may not happen.

Yelchin died a month before the scheduled release of his latest film, Star Trek Beyond, directed by Justin Lin.
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US President Barack Obama has sought to quell fears about the global fall-out from the EU referendum, telling an audience in California that, despite British voters deciding to leave the EU, One thing that will not change is the special relationship between our two nations. That will endure.

Appearing at Silicon Valleys annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit, Mr Obama said he had already spoken by phone to David Cameron and to Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor. Our economic and financial teams will remain in close contact as we stay focused on ensuring economic growth and financial security, he said.

The President, who had argued for Britain to remain in Europe during a recent visit to the UK, said the EU was an indispensable partner to the US, and that the Nato alliance would continue to be a cornerstone of global security.

Yesterdays vote speaks to the ongoing changes and challenges raised by globalisation, Mr Obama went on. Our shared values, including our commitment to democracy, pluralism and opportunity for all people in a globalised world, will continue to unite all of us.

Praising Mr Cameron, who announced his resignation earlier today, Mr Obama said the Prime Minister had been an outstanding friend and partner on the global stage.

Joe Biden, the US Vice President, also responded to the Brexit result during an official trip to Ireland. In a speech at Dublin Castle, he warned that war, terrorism [and] economic unease had provided fertile terrain for reactionary politicians and demagogues peddling xenophobia, nationalism and isolationism.

In an address aimed at much as Donald Trump as at the British Leave campaign, Mr Biden went on: We see it in Europe, we see it in other parts of the world, and we see it in my home country, where some politicians find it convenient to scapegoat immigrants instead of welcoming them; to play to our fears rather than, as Abraham Lincoln said, to appeal to our better angels; divide us based on religion or ethnicity rather than unite us in our common humanity; build walls instead of bridges."
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Colombia's government and leftist FARC rebels signed a historic ceasefire deal on Thursday that brought them tantalizingly close to ending the longest running conflict in the world.

The accord, capping three years of peace talks in Cuba, sparked celebrations and tears of happiness among some in the Colombian capital. It sets the stage for a final deal to end a guerrilla war born in the 1960s out of frustration with deep socio-economic inequalities that outlived all other major uprisings in Latin America.

"May this be the last day of the war," said bearded FARC commander Rodrigo Londono, better known by the nom de guerre Timochenko, his voice choked, after shaking hands with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos at a ceremony in Havana.

FARC's weapons will be handed over to the United Nation (Reuters)

Santos, 64, is half-way through his second term and has staked his legacy on peace in the face of opposition from sectors of the country who think the FARC should be crushed militarily.

Recommended Read more Historic deal between Colombia government and FARC rebels signed

"This means nothing more and nothing less than the end of the FARC as an armed group," Santos said, adding that the final peace deal would be signed in Colombia. "The children and youth of our country have never known a single day without the violence of the conflict. Neither have the adults."

In Colombia, even before Santos spoke, church bells pealed at noon to mark the start of the signing. Crowds in Bogota, the capital, gathered around giant TV screens set up in the streets, dancing, cheering and clapping as the ceremony unfolded.

One placard read, "we've finished the war, now let's build peace."

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. 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About 1,000 people gathered in the Plaza Bolivar, the city's main square, to celebrate despite rain. Some waved flags and balloons, others hugged and wiped their eyes.

"I'm 76 and have lived this war all my life - I never thought the time would come when these characters would sign peace. I'm so happy - I can die in peace," said Graciela Pataquiva, a retired teacher, crying as she spoke.

Santos' government says a final deal, which he said will be ready by July 20, would add one percentage point annually to economic growth in Colombia, which over the past two decades has turned itself around from a failing state to an emerging market darling.

Thursday's agreement went further than many had hoped, with the FARC committing to putting a final accord to the Colombian people in a plebiscite, a promise made by Santos that had been a key sticking point.

Not everybody supports the peace process, and Santos will have to work hard to convince opponents to back it in a referendum.

Former President Alvaro Uribe, the leading critic of the talks, said the agreement was "a surrender to terrorism" by Santos.

Thursday's agreement went further than many had hoped (EPA)

Under the agreement read out by mediators Norway and Cuba, the rebels will lay down their arms within 180 days of a final accord and demobilize into 23 temporary zones and eight camps. The ceasefire will only kick in when the final deal is agreed, although the two sides effectively stopped attacks almost a year ago and violence is already at historic lows.

During their transition to democratic politics, the FARC's weapons will be handed over to the United Nations, which will begin a mission to verify the ceasefire.

The government will guarantee the safety of ex-rebels and their political allies, who have historically been targets for right-wing paramilitary groups, the accord said. Special protection units, comprised of both ex-rebels and security forces, will guard FARC politicians and other community leaders.

Under accords already struck in Cuba, perpetrators of the worst crimes in the war will face "transitional justice" aimed more at finding out the historical truth than meting out harsh punishments.

"This is an extraordinary achievement. But there are serious challenges ahead related to security, implementation and guarantees of no repetition," said Roddy Brett, director of peace and conflict studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

"What about the others?"

The FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, was one of many 20th century Latin American guerilla movements inspired by Marxist ideology and the success of the 1959 Cuban revolution. Its conflict began an as a peasant revolt before exploding into a war that killed at least 220,000 and displaced millions.

Across the region, other rebellions were either crushed by right-wing military governments or convinced to lay down their arms and join conventional politics by the 1990s. But funded by its involvement in the cocaine industry, the FARC grew to a 17,000 strong force operating across vast swaths of territory. Kidnappings for ransom also helped bankroll the rebel group.

That began to change in 2002, when Uribe launched a U.S.-backed counterinsurgency campaign that killed many FARC leaders and reduced it to an estimated 7,000 fighters.

The accord capped three years of peace talks in Cuba (Reuters)

Even after peace with the FARC, formidable obstacles will remain. The smaller National Liberation Army (ELN) only recently said it would start talks, while gangs born out of right-wing paramilitary groups have taken over drug trafficking routes, filling the vacuum left by rebels, some say.

"It's great to end the war with the FARC, but we've got to be serious, we finish with the FARC but what about all the others?" said Jhon Duarte, a 26-year old mechanic, echoing the concerns of manyColombians.

Despite the challenges and the opposition from some quarters to letting FARC rebels re-enter society after years of kidnapping and attacks across the country, the mood on Thursday was buoyant.

"This is a beacon of hope, our children will be able to enjoy what we could not - a childhood of peace and a life in peace," said Adriana BeltrAn, a 25-year-old housewife in Bogota.

Reuters
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Five attendees at a motivational seminar were taken to hospital in Dallas after sustaining burn injuries as they walked barefoot across hot coals at the urging of self-help guru Tony Robbins. Several dozen more were evaluated for burns by fire and rescue teams, who arrived at the Texas citys Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Centre shortly after 11pm on Thursday night.

A lot of the attendees were asked to walk across hot coals, and as a result, a lot of the people sustained burn injuries, said a spokesman for Dallas emergency services.

The fire walk comes at the climax of the first day of Mr Robbinss three-day Unleash the Power Within seminar. According to Mr Robbinss website, the exercise is designed to help people overcome fears and perform feats that they previously believed impossible. The fire walk, it says, will embolden people to conquer the other fires of [their] life with ease.

Mr Robbins, the bestselling author of books such as Awaken the Giant Within and Unlimited Power, charges up to $3,000 (2,200) for seminars attended by thousands, where participants are reportedly inspired to achieve their peak state before strolling calmly across a 15ft bed of hot coals.

Robbins Research International played down the incident, saying that in fact the exercise had gone as planned, but one attendee had overreacted. In Dallas tonight, someone not familiar with the fire walk observed the event and called 911 erroneously reporting hundreds of people requiring medical attention for severe burns, Mr Robbinss firm said in a statement.

While we are grateful to the quick and robust response from Dallas emergency services, only five of 7,000 participants requested any examination beyond what was readily available on site. We are pleased to have completed another successful fire walk for 7,000 guests and look forward to the remainder of an outstanding weekend with them.

Tad Schinke, a crew member at Mr Robbinss events, told the Dallas Morning News that those who suffered burns and blisters from the fire walk may have been moving too slowly because they were preoccupied posting the experience on social media. Ive seen people halfway through the fire walk pulling their phones out to video themselves, he said. Its frustrating. My job is to prepare them for the walk, but once theyre out on the coals, theyre on their own.

The fire walk reportedly led to similar scenes in 2012, when more than 20 attendees at a Robbins seminar in San Jose, California were treated for burns.
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A Texan woman who has never left the US aside from a mission trip to Mexico has woken up with a British accent after an operation on her jaw.

Lisa Alamia, from Rosenberg, Texas, had surgery to correct an overbite six months ago, and found her speech was drastically changed after the operation. Despite virtually never having left the US, she now speaks with an accent similar to someone from the south of England, who perhaps has spent time in Australia.

She was diagnosed with foreign accent syndrome, an extremely rare disorder thought to be neurological, in which a persons accent suddenly changes without explanation.

Ms Alamias neurologist Dr Toby Yaltho told local news station KHou that only about 100 people have been diagnosed with the syndrome in the past 100 years, but he thinks there may be patients out there who are not yet known about.

He said: I think as we raise awareness we might identify more patients or more people who have this condition.

Usually, the syndrome is diagnosed after a head injury, and is treated as indicative of brain damage or neurological upset, but all tests on Ms Alamia came back normal, with no evidence that anything had gone wrong with her neurological functions.

Ms Alamia told KHou, in an accent that did not sound at all Texan, that she had stayed quiet for the months following the surgery, worried that people would think she was faking it.

Her husband said that she had cried for days about her new accent, and was afraid to go to church.

I didnt know the reaction I was going to get from people, she said. So I didnt know if theyre going to judge me. Are they going to think Im lying? Or even understand how Im speaking?

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Ms Alamia said she noticed herself saying mum rather than mom straight away, and that certain words such as just kidding sound different, and people dont always understand what she means. Her new accent is also making it harder to connect with her Hispanic roots.

My daughter laughs at the way I say tamales. I used to say it like a real Hispanic girl. Now, I cannot.

She added: People who dont know me, theyre like Hey, where are you from. [I say] Im from Rosenberg. Therere like wheres that? Im like Right here in Rosenberg. Oh, youre from here? How do you talk like that? So thats how the whole story comes up.

Ms Alamia is receiving speech therapy, and hopes to one day reclaim her original accent. Until then, she has agreed to help doctors conduct more research into what causes the condition, and raise awareness.
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A Tennessee man running for a seat in the US House of Representatives ran on a simple platform, reminiscent of the so-far successful campaign of GOP presumptive nominee Donald Trump: Make America White Again.

Billboards along the highway in Benton, a town almost 50 miles east of Chattanooga, donned Rick Tylers slogan. Mr Tyler - an Independent who is hoping to unseat Republican incumbent Chuck Fleischmann - immediately sparked criticism for his overtly white supremacist spin on Mr Trumps pledge.

When I designed the billboard, it was specifically to engender in peoples minds a thought process that would take them back to the 1960s, Mr Tyler told NBC affiliate WRCB. It was an America where you didnt have to lock your doors. You didnt have to worry about carjacking and home invasions. You didnt have to worry about Muslim sleeper cells down the street. You didnt have to worry about Islamic mosques radicalising people.

It was an America that was far superior to the America that we live in today, and - not coincidentally - it was an America whose demographic was 85 per cent plus Caucasian.

(Rick Tyler for Congress)

The sign - along with another that featured a picture of the White House surrounded by Confederate flags that read, I have a dream - was removed after residents complained.

Rep Fleischmann condemned Mr Tylers ads.

There's no room for this type of hateful display in our political discourse, he said in a statement. Racism should be rejected in all its heinous forms in the Third Congressional District and around the country.

The Trump campaign has not responded to Mr Tylers campaign at the time of this writing.

On Trump, however, Mr Tyler has said he believes the New York tycoon is addressing the proverbial elephant in the room when it comes to immigration to the US.

His advocacy of a temporary ban on Muslim immigration and the construction of a wall on the Southern border, Mr Tyler wrote on his website, have created a climate conducive to conversation relative to the elephant in the living room no one wants to talk about ... namely, the urgent and vital subject of race.
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During the years Joseph Hirt visited his local schools, he would talk to the pupils about the horrors endured by those sent to the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz.

So many people died, so many suffered. Those who survived - such as himself - were lucky.

His stories were powerful, moving. The only problem is that they were not based on first hand experience, as he had claimed. This week, the 91-year-old admitted in a 15-page letter sent to the local media, that he was never a prisoner at the camp, where an estimated 1.1million people died.

The gates, circa 1965, of the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz in occupied Poland (Getty Images ) (Getty)

I am writing today to apologise publicly for harm caused to anyone because of my inserting myself into the descriptions of life in Auschwitz, wrote Mr Hirt from Adamstown, Pennsylvania.

I was not a prisoner there. I did not intend to lessen or overshadow the events which truly happened there by falsely claiming to have been personally involved.

Mr Hirts admission came weeks after his story of escaping from Auschwitz in Nazi-occupied Poland was questioned by Andrew Reid, a history teacher in Turin, New York. Mr Reid and several students attended an April presentation by Mr Hirt and the teacher concluded that many of the speakers claims did not add up, the Associated Press said.

He launched his own investigation, which culminated in a 25-page letter he sent to media outlets and organisations that had written about or hosted Mr Hirt. Those organsations unknowingly perpetuated his false claims to an even greater audience, said Mr Reid.

 Last Holocaust-Related Case? 94-Year-Old Former Auschwitz Guard Stands Trial

Among other findings, his research indicated that the identification number tattooed on Mr Hirts arm was actually that of another prisoner.

Mr Hirt apologised to Mr Reid in a phone call earlier this month, according to Mr Reid, who said he pushed him to make his apology public.

In his letter, Mr Hirt recounted a visit he made to Auschwitz several years after World War II and said he was determined at that moment to prevent the loss of the truth about life and death at the concentration camp.

He said he was wrong to lie to discuss the the important truth of the suffering and death of so many at the hands of the Nazis. Mr Hirt said he was wrong and asked for forgiveness.

Joseph Hirt talked about his 'experiences' for many years (YouTube)

In his letter of apology, Mr Hirt explained that he had the number of author Primo Levi, 174517, tattooed on his arm in his memory after reading Levi's accounts of surviving Auschwitz. Hirt said he got the tattoo after Levi committed suicide in 1987.

To commemorate his life and as a constant reminder to myself of his influence on my thinking, I had his camp number tattooed on my left forearm  in no way an attempt to take on his identity, but in an effort to incorporate his symbol as a way of remembering him and mourning his loss, he said.

The Lebanon Daily News said that while Mr Hirts claim was untrue, his story of survival during World War II was in its own way remarkable.

He and his family moved about Yugoslavia and eventually sought refuge in Italy but were captured and placed into an interment camp there. When allied troops invaded the country they were freed and placed in a refugee camp before being selected to come to the US, to where they were eventually allowed to emigrate.

In his letter, Mr Hirt said he was seeking help from his pastor and consulting with a mental professional to try to understand how I swerved off in my presentations in a direction should not have been taken.

I ask that you forgive me if you feel you can, forget me if you feel you must, he wrote. But keep the truth and the memory of the Holocaust always in your hear and mind.
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New York Citys Stonewall Inn has been a critical site of LGBTQ political and cultural memory for five decades, and it is now the United States first national monument to commemorate gay rights.

Recommended Read more New Yorkers gather outside Stonewall Inn to mourn Orlando

President Barack Obama made the announcement of the designation on Friday.

Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights, Mr Obama said in a video announcement. I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country: the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us. That we are stronger together; that out of many, we are one.

 Barack Obama announces the Stonewall National Monument

The Stonewall Monument will include the Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park, and the surrounding 7.7 acre area in Manhattans Greenwich Village that became the site of the 1969 riots - and resistance to constant raids and attacks by NYPD on the LGBT community - that sparked the Gay Rights movement.

Before the 1960s almost everything about living openly as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender person was illegal, the National Park Service says on its website for the Stonewall National Monument. New York City laws against homosexual activities were particularly harsh. The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969 is a milestone in the quest for LGBT civil rights and provided momentum for a movement.

LGBT+ rights around the globe Show all 9 1 /9 LGBT+ rights around the globe LGBT+ rights around the globe Russia Russias antipathy towards homosexuality has been well established following the efforts of human rights campaigners. However, while it is legal to be homosexual, LGBT couples are offered no protections from discrimination. They are also actively discriminated against by a 2013 law criminalising LGBT propaganda allowing the arrest of numerous Russian LGBT activists. AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Brunei Brunei recently introduced a law to make sodomy punishable by stoning to death. It was already illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Mauritania Men who are found having sex with other men face stoning, while lesbians can be imprisoned, under Sharia law. However, the state has reportedly not executed anyone for this crime since 1987 Alamy LGBT+ rights around the globe Sudan Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sudanese law. Men can be executed on their third offence, women on their fourth Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Saudi Arabia Homosexuality and gender realignment is illegal and punishable by death, imprisonment, whipping and chemical castration Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Yemen The official position within the country is that there are no gays. LGBT inviduals, if discovered by the government, are likely to face intense pressure. Punishments range from flogging to the death penalty Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Nigeria Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal and in some northern states punishable with death by stoning. This is not a policy enacted across the entire country, although there is a prevalent anti-LGBT agenda pushed by the government. In 2007 a Pew survey established that 97% of the population felt that homosexuality should not be accepted. It is punishable by 14 years in prison Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Somalia Homosexuality was established as a crime in 1888 and under new Somali Penal Code established in 1973 homosexual sex can be punishable by three years in prison. A person can be put to death for being a homosexual Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Iraq Although same-sex relationships have been decriminalised, much of the population still suffer from intense discrimination. Additionally, in some of the country over-run by the extremist organisation Isis, LGBT individuals can face death by stoning Getty

In a press conference announcing security measures being taken by the NYPD, Commissioner Bill Bratton said that he did not feel the police had to apologise for their brutal treatment of LGBTQ people in recent history.

There is no denying that out of that terrible experience came so much good, Mr Bratton told reporters. It was the tipping point, if you will. So I think we should all celebrate that out of that terrible experience, a lot of good came.

An apology? I dont think so. I don't think that's necessary, he added. The apology is all that's occurred since then.

New York City has stepped up its police presence in the area surrounding the Stonewall Inn in the wake of the Orlando shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub, that took the lives of 49 people.

In his announcement, Mr Obama said that the tragedy in Orlando is evidence that LGBTQ people still face acts of violence, discrimination, and hate, noting that LGBT people of colour are especially at risk.

The Administration is committed to continuing the fight for dignity, acceptance and equal rights for all Americans - no matter who they are or who they love.
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I hear the Supreme Court issued a ruling on immigration policy.

Well, sort of. The US Supreme Court, known to its friends as SCOTUS, was asked to rule on President Obamas plan to lift the threat of deportation from more than 4 million undocumented immigrants living in the US. But the eight justices on the court announced on Thursday that were deadlocked in a 4-4 tie and could not reach a majority decision.

Mr Obama unveiled his executive action plan, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), in November 2014. But last year Texas and 25 other states sued to prevent the programme being implemented, claiming that the President had overstepped his executive authority.

A US District Court judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction that stopped the plan taking effect nationwide. His decision was upheld by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals before reaching the Supreme Court. The 4-4 SCOTUS tie leaves the injunction in place, and effectively scuppers the Obama administrations most ambitious attempt to reform immigration policy.

Recommended Read more Texas valedictorians reveal their undocumented status at graduation

What exactly is the DAPA programme, anyway?

DAPA would have allowed the undocumented parents of US-born children (or children who are official US residents) to stay in the country for three years and apply for work authorisation, provided they had already been here for five years or more and had no criminal record. They could then pay taxes and receive some government benefits.

The plan would have helped around 4 million of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the US to emerge from the shadows. Mr Obama chose to take executive action after Congress failed dismally to enact anything resembling the comprehensive immigration reform that both major political parties agree is long overdue.

Sounds like bad news for the White House.

And even worse news for the undocumented. Mr Obamas biggest success on immigration was his 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, which shielded from deportation some 700,000 undocumented immigrants who had arrived in the US as children. But for many immigration activists, the President will be remembered as the Deporter-in-Chief, who has deported more than 2 million immigrants since taking office in 2009.

Speaking to reporters after the Supreme Court (non-)ruling was announced, Mr Obama said the decision "takes us further from the country we aspire to be." He went on: We're going to have to decide whether we're a people who accept the cruelty of ripping children from their parents' arms, or whether we actually value families and keep them together for the sake of all of our communities.

Wouldnt SCOTUS find it easier to reach decisions if there were, say, one more justice to break a deadlock?

Yup, they sure would. The court normally has nine members, thus avoiding situations just like this one. But when Justice Antonin Scalia died in February, he left SCOTUS evenly split between four conservative justices and four liberal or moderate justices. There have been three other tie rulings already this year for that very reason.

Mr Obama has nominated a replacement for Justice Scalia: Judge Merrick Garland, who sits on the US Court of Appeals for the influential District of Columbia Circuit and is thought to be a political moderate. However, the Republicans who control the Senate  and thus the Supreme Court confirmation process  have refused to hold hearings on any nominee until after Mr Obama leaves the Oval Office.

So what happens next?

The case will be bumped back to Texas, where the federal courts that blocked DAPA will undoubtedly ratify their own decision. That probably delays any prospect for immigration reform until after the presidential election.

Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, said the SCOTUS decision was heartbreaking. She has vowed, if she wins in November, to broaden protections for the undocumented even further than Mr Obama. And if Mr Trump wins Well, we all know how he feels about immigrants.

One reason why senior Republicans are falling into line behind the property mogul, in spite of his xenophobic rhetoric, is their fear of conservatives losing control of the Supreme Court for years to come.

Three of the eight remaining justices will be 80 or over by the time the next President takes office. If any of them retires under a Clinton administration, their replacements could create a liberal-leaning SCOTUS for the foreseeable future. For all his faults, Mr Trump would be the warm body Republicans need in the White House to nominate conservative justices.
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The menace of a Brexit domino-effect will lead EU governments to take a hostile and uncompromising line with David Cameron when he flies to a shell-shocked summit in Brussels next Tuesday.

Populist right-wing leaders in France and the Netherlands lost no time yesterday in demanding in-out votes in two of the European Unions founding member states. Similar demands are likely in Denmark and, maybe, Sweden. Although nothing obliges existing governments to give way to this pressure, the British vote seems certain to make exit referendums a central issue in French and Dutch elections next year.

As a result, Germany, France, Italy and several other governments are determined to make Britains secession from the EU as painful as possible. Unwinding British membership is bound to be a miserable business anyway. It is not in the EUs interests to make it seem simple, one Brussels official said.

German Finance Ministry papers seen by Die Welt newspaper last night expressed concern that Brexit would set off a domino effect, listing Austria, Finland, the Netherlands and Hungary as countries that could follow the UKs lead. The papers recommend making the UK an associated partner country of the remaining 27 EU nations, according to reports.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

Mr Cameron, the departing prime minister of a departing country, may be symbolically ejected from parts of the summit in Brussels next week. Several governments believe that he should be asked to leave the room while the 27 discuss their options.

EU governments will warn that Britain must decide rapidly whether it wants to leave completely or whether it wants to remain part of the European single market.

In his resignation speech yesterday, Mr Cameron suggested that true negotiations should not begin before his successor in Downing Street is chosen in September. This leisurely timetable will be rejected by other governments.

The presidents of the EU's main institutions called on London yesterday to act on the Brexit decision as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. President Francois Hollande of France said that the European Union now faced dissolutionand the immense danger of extremism and populism. He called on Britain to trigger Article 50 of the EU treaty  the exit clause  as soon as possible.

Britain wants to leave the EU. The EU does not want to leave Britain. London will have to follow the timetable we lay down, one French official explained.

The European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and the French economy minister, Emmanuel Macron gave similar warnings before Thursdays vote. Mr Macron said: To protect the interests of the EU, we cannot leave any margin of ambiguity or let too much time go byOut is out.

Recommended Read more How Europe is responding to the EU referendum result

The EU governments fear that a new British government would try to delay and muddle the exit issue in the hope of winning favourable trade access to the single market without paying into the Brussels budget or allowing free movement of European citizens. In a pre-summit meeting in Berlin on Monday, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Mr Hollande and the Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi will issue a joint statement insisting that that London must make a rapid and clear choice.

EU government are especially worried by the prospect of further, destabilising, in-out referendums in founding member states such as France and the Netherlands.

The departure of Britain  12 per cent of the EUs population and 20 per cent of its GDP  will be a crippling injury. The departure of founding members such as France or the Netherlands would be a death blow.

Both the Front National leader in France, Marine Le Pen, and the populist leader in the Netherlands, Geert Wilders, are riding high in domestic opinion polls. Both employ the same kind of rhetoric  anti-elite, anti-expert, anti-immigrant and pro-sovereignty  as Nigel Farage and leading members of the Brexit campaign.

The divisive electoral map drawn by Thursdays Brexit voting  old versus young, poor versus rich, small towns versus big cities, the educated versus the less educated  is not exclusive to the UK. It closely resembles the electoral territory staked out by Ms Le Pens National Front in France in recent years. It also resembles the constituency of Donald Trump in the United States.

 'Londependence' petition calls for London to join the EU on its own

Early yesterday, Ms Le Pen took the unusual step of displaying the union jack on her Twitter page with the message Victory for freedom!

We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries, she said.

As things stand, Ms Le Pen seems certain to reach the two-candidate second round run-off in the French presidential elections next April and May. Conventional wisdom is that she is extremely unlikely to be elected president but an EU referendum call might extend her popularity with the kind of alienated, white, blue-collar voters who supported Brexit in northern England and Wales.

In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders anti-EU PVV party threatens to emerges as the dominant force in parliamentary elections next year. Hurrah for the Brits!, Mr Wilders tweeted yesterday. Now its our turn. Time for a Dutch referendum!

Recent polls have put Dutch percentage support for leaving the EU in the mid-40s and French support in the high 30s.

Danish and Swedish euro-sceptic parties are also likely to press for in-out referenda but they are not likely to be in a position to implement their demands.

French officials have been in the forefront of calls for punishment of Britain  partly out of pique but also in self-defence. There must be no question, they say, of London setting the agenda.

The French have been especially alarmed by suggestions by some leading Brexiteers that the UK could unilaterally suspend EU payments and free movement while negotiations continue. If that happened, they say, Brussels should retaliate by withdrawing some UK rights  such as the commercial passport which allows British banks and other financial institutions to trade and raise money throughout the EU.

Chancellor Merkel originally suggested a softer approach to avoid an ugly confrontatioin with Britain. She is now said to have come around to the French viewpoint.

Officials have also been drawing up contingency plans for some kind of grand, forward-looking statement at the summit which would prove that the EU is alive and well. |One of the possibilities under discussion is a move towards an EU defence and security policy  something long opposed by Britain.

There may also be calls for a leap forward in EU political integration or the formal creation of a two-tier Europe, which would relegate poorer eastern and southern countries to the periphery. No clear consensus exists for any of these policies.

The biggest headache facing the 27 remains how to untangle thousands of ties binding Britain to the EU  and how to replace them with new arrangements or none.

The European Council (summit) president, Donald Tusk, has warned that this process could take at least seven years.

Removing Britain from EU laws would take the official two year secession period, he said. If the UK decides to leave both the EU and the single market, it would be much more difficult to negotiate what happens next, the former Polish Prime Minister said. That would take at least a further five years without any guarantee of a success.

In any case, several European governments believe that their own and the EUs interests may lie in ensuring a failure.
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This morning the world has woken to the news that the UK has voted to leave the European Union.

A decisive victory for the Leave campaign has been declared, with Nigel Farage announcing that "dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom."

At home, politicians and pundits are reacting to the historic vote, with David Cameron's premiership now in question, as well as the practicalities of how a Brexit will actually take place.

 Nigel Farage: 'Let today be our independence day'

Across Europe, politicians and press have been responding to the news with mixed reactions, including some leaders now calling for a similar referendum to be held in their own country.

Far-right French politician Marion Le Pen has celebrated the result, exuberantly tweeting "Victory!"

She then followed with a further message calling for France to have a similar vote, dubbing it 'Frexit'.

She wrote: "From Brexit to Frexit: It is now time to bring democracy to our own country. The French must have the right to choose."

Similarly, leader of the Dutch Freedom Party Geert Wilders has called for a referendum for his own country. He wrote: "Hurrah for the British! Now it's our turn, time for a Dutch referendum."

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

Germany's Economic Minister Sigmar Gabriel tweeted his shock, writing: "Damn, a bad day for Europe."

Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg conceded the result represents "political challenges" for the EU.

Gerard Araud, French ambassador to the US, called the result a crucial one which shows the EU must "reform or die."

President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz has said that the UK's ambiguous relationship towards Europe is now clear:

The President of Lithuania had a more reflective message, simply tweeting: "Respect, regret, re-engage."

Acting Prime Minister of Spain Marino Rajoy, tweeted: "Next steps- serenity, greater integration" / "Proximos pasos- serenity, greater integration".

In Ireland, the Prime Minister is due to make a statement shortly. He has previously warned against Brexit, citing concerns it could destablise the Northern Irish peace process.

In the UK, Northern Irish Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has called for a border poll on Irish reunification, over concerns about how the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could now be affected.

In Scotland, calls are growing for a second referendum on Scottish independence after every single result in the region was in favour of remaining in the EU.

Follow the latest live updates on the EU referendum
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Leaders of far-right and outsider parties across Europe have been celebrating Britains decision to leave the EU, with some demanding their own votes on whether to leave the bloc.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Front in France, said British people had given Europe and the world a dazzling lesson in democracy.

I've been calling for a referendum of the same kind [in France] since 2013, she said, speaking in front of a backdrop saying: Brexit  and now France

Ms Le Pens far-right party took around 29 per cent of the vote in the first round of last years regional elections.

Out of 33 million votes in Britains referendum on whether to continue its EU membership, 51.9 per cent went to the Leave campaign.

That which no-one dared to dream about a few months back is now a reality which is clear to everyone: yes, it's possible to leave the EU, said Ms Le Pen.

She added the European question would be at the heart of the next French presidential elections which are due to take place in April and May next year.

 Leave voter didn't want Brexit

In Germany, Beatrix von Storch, a member of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, told national broadcasters she cried for joy at the news of the result.

Support for AfD, which takes an anti-Eurozone and anti-immigration stance, has recently surged to new levels amid concern over refugees entering the country.

Party leader Frauke Petry wrote on Twitter: The time is ripe for a new Europe.

However, a recent poll found that while the majority of AfD members wanted Germany to leave the EU, 79 per cent of all the Germans polled said they wanted to remain part of the Union.

Dutch anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders called for a Nexit vote as soon as possible, as the Dutch population deserves a referendum as well.

The United Kingdom is leading the way to the future and liberation, said Mr Wilders, leader of the populist Party for Freedom (PVV).

The time is now for a new start, trusting in its own strength and sovereignty. Also in the Netherlands," he said.

Recommended Read more How Europe is responding to the EU referendum result

The Party for Freedom (PVV) demands therefore a referendum on Nexit, a Dutch EU exit. Dutch people should have the opportunity as soon as possible to decide on the Dutch membership of the European Union.

Italy's anti-establishment Five-Star Movement, which was founded by a popular comedian, is pushing for a referendum on whether to keep the euro following a boost in support at the polls.

Five-Star Movement politician Virginia Raggi recently won an election to become the first female mayor of Rome.

Denmark and Sweden have also showed interest in quitting the European Eunion, with one of the country's Democrat politicians, Paula Bieler, tweeting Sweden is next.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

Meanwhile, French president Francois Hollande described the result as painful and added that the EU needed profound change to address its issues.

He said: This was their choice and we must respect it.

The decision from Britain requires Europe to become aware of shortcomings in the way it works as well as the loss of confidence in the project.

A jolt is needed. The people are expecting the EU to reaffirm its values, values of liberty, tolerance and peace.

I will do everything to secure profound change rather than decline.

The French president said he would meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Monday for urgent talks ahead of a scheduled European Council summit in Brussels where leaders will discuss the fallout from the vote.
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Countries around the world are reacting to the news that the UK has voted to leave the EU.

Following a decisive victory for Brexit, David Cameron has announced his resignation, markets are in free fall and Nigel Farage has proclaimed "dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom."

Now, politicians in other EU countries are calling for referendums of their own. French right-wing leader Marion Le Pen is leading calls for a "Frexit" or French-exit.

Not only will today's result represent seismic change in British politics, but its effects will be felt in countries around the world.

Here's how some of the main international newspapers are covering Brexit and what it means for both the UK and wider world.

France

Leading French broadsheet Le Monde says: "Panic ripples through European finances after Brexit"

The paper also predicts a 'crise constitutionnelle' or constitutional crisis for Scotland.

Every region in Scotland voted to support Remain, prompting concerns a second independence referendum could now be on the cards.

United States

With Wall Street directly affected by the result of the EU referendum, the country's leading news outlets discussed the global financial implications of Brexit and the possible reasons for the radical decision.

The New York Times ran with headline 'Populist anger upends politics on both sides of the Atlantic'. The paper linked the success of the Leave campaign and Trump's charge for the White House.

Boston Globe's editorial said analysed Brexit as "Britain plays with fire, gets burned".

The Massachusetts paper said the EU referendum campaigns "wallowed in economics and emotion" instead of concentrating on the greatest achievement of a united Europe - peace.

Brexit reactions  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions  in pictures Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA

India

Times of India's leading article on Brexit discussed the fallout on Dalal Street in Mumbai, the location of the Bombay Stock Exchange.

While detailing the dips in all global markets, the article stated the rupee, too, plunged 96 paise against the US dollar.

In addition to the standard coverage, the Indian Express expressed the real issues facing India are not the ripple effects of Brexit but domestic problems such as "a choked credit system and banks laden with bad debt".

Russia

In Russia, broadcasters have announced the result is a sign of British independence.

Pravda entitled its response as "Brexit: The Collapse of Europe", describing the European Union as "Brussel's evil empire" and the UK's decision to leave the first salvo in its destruction.

TASS news agency observed the resolve of many leaders of EU member states who have vowed to "maintain the bloc's unity".

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 9 September 2022 King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort wave after viewing floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace Getty UK news in pictures 8 September 2022 A screen commemorating Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in Piccadilly Circus, London Britain EPA UK news in pictures 7 September 2022 Police officers stand guard after Animal Rebellion activists threw paint on the walls and road outside the Houses of Parliament in protest, in London, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 6 September 2022 Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience at Balmoral, Scotland, where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA

Germany

In Germany, Bild editor refers to the paper's cover yesterday which went viral after jokingly pledging to concede Wembley to the British in exchange for staying in the EU.

He tweeted: "No comfort in not having to concede Wembley to the Brits. Just sadness."

Meanwhile, in a sharp change from yesterday's jovial front page, Bild dubs the result "Europe's darkest day" or "Europas schwarzer Tag."

Spain

In Spain, a column leader wrote: "look at the result this way, it was not the most logical, rational or desirable, but it was the most obvious" / "consideremos que la decision de los votantes igual no era la mas racional, logica ni conveniente, pero quiza si la mas obvia."

El Pais observed how the mainstream party leaders are using Brexit to warn against the campaign for Catalan region's independence.

The piece stated how Socialist Party leader Pedro Sanchez said the UK leave campaign's victory highlighted what happens when populist sentiment is stirred up by an "irresponsible right".

Ireland

In Ireland, a leader writer calls Brexit a "nightmare". The result is expected to impact heavily on Ireland which conducts most of its trade with the UK. There are also security concerns amid fears Brexit could destablise the Northern Irish peace process.

Both the Irish Times and the Irish Independent have looked at the Irish government's reaction to Brexit such as the contingency plan Taoiseach Enda Kenny had set up in case the Leave campaign won.

The Irish Independent reinforced the logical conclusion that the country outside the United Kingdom most affected by Brexit will be Ireland and its economy.

In an Irish Times column, Fintan O'Toole described Brexit simply as an "English nationalist revolution" as "stiff upper lips part and release wild and inarticulate cry of rage and triumph".

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A sense of doom and disbelief enveloped Brussels this morning as the EU capital awoke to news that Britain had voted to leave the bloc, dealing a huge blow which threatens to unravel the union.

Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, called it a historic moment, but not a moment for hysterical reactions and proposed that the 27 other EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union.

Follow the latest live updates

I am fully away of how serious or even dramatic this moment is politically -- there is no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, he said, stressing that the 27 other members are determined to keep our unity.

It is true that the past years have been the most difficult ones in the history of our union, he went on, but I always remember what my father used to tell me: What does not kill you make you stronger.

Recommended Read more Cameron announces his resignation after EU referendum result

Across Europe, politicians and analysts urged the European Union and its institutions to listen to the voices of its citizens and warned of tumultuous times ahead, after predictions that a Brexit could spark a continent-wide revolt.

Now to the other member states to save the EU from unraveling which excludes business as usual, especially in Brussels. Reform or die! Gerard Araud, the French ambassador to Washington, tweeted.

The Latvian foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics, highlighted that Britain was now entering a difficulty negotiating period on the terms of its exit, which could drag on for years.

 Farage Makes Brexit Address

Difficult divorce process expected, [this is] a wake call for Europeans in Europe, he tweeted.

It is uncharted waters for the EU, with no country ever leaving the union. Senior officials from the European Commission, Parliament and Council headed back behind closed doors in their Brussels headquarters to formulate a more detailed response, aware that their words will not only impact financial markets, but public sentiment across the EU.

Populist parties in other nations were the first to react to the news, with Geert Wilders of the Dutch anti-Islam and eurosceptic Party for Freedom calling for their own referendum.

We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy, he said. If I become prime minister, there will be a referendum in the Netherlands on leaving the European Union as well. Let the Dutch people decide.

In France, Marine LePen of the Front National  the populist anti-immigration party expected to perform well in elections next year, called it a victory for freedom, and she too said that France and other nations should hold their own votes.

Trust in the EU has fallen to record lows, as the economic crisis sent unemployment soaring and quality of life plummeting. Then the handling of the refugee crisis further dented trust, and led to the partial suspension of the Schengen agreement, considered a pillar of European solidarity.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

Historically morale is as low in Brussels as it has been for a long time, certainly since the mid-seventies, said Chris Bickerton, a lecturer at Cambridge University and author of The European Union: A Citizens Guide. The potential for it to come apart is there.

But he added that he thinks it will limp on despite the massive blow: "The European Union is quite tough in many ways, it will continue in some form, I dont think it will suddenly fall like a house of cards.

But whatever happens, it will not the same EU which its citizens know today.
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Spain is to press for joint sovereignty of Gibraltar with the UK following the Brexit vote in the referendum.

Acting foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo expressed his hope that the Spanish flag on the Rock was now much closer to reality.

Gibraltars cabinet was holding a crisis meeting to discuss the implications of the vote with Fabien Picardo, the Chief Minister, due to address its parliament at 2pm UK time today.

Madrid has threatened to close its border with the tiny enclave once the UK leaves the European Union, something it has been prevented from doing by EU rules in the past.

Acting foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo made clear in a radio interview that he believed the Brexit vote could prove decisive for his countrys claim to Gibraltar, which was ceded to Britain in 1713.

Its a complete change of outlook that opens up new possibilities on Gibraltar not seen for a very long time, he said.

I hope the formula of co-sovereignty  to be clear, the Spanish flag on the Rock  is much closer than before.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

Nearly 99 per cent of Gibraltarians rejected the idea of co-sovereignty with Spain in a referendum on the idea in 2002.

A well-placed Gibraltar source said he had no doubt at all that the peninsulas government would continue to oppose co-sovereignty.

In a statement, David Lidington, the UK Minister for Europe, said: I want to be absolutely clear. The United Kingdom will continue to stand beside Gibraltar.

We will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another State against your wishes.

Furthermore, the UK will not enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content.
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Pope Francis denounced what he called the ideologically twisted and planned "genocide" of Armenians by Ottoman-era Turks a century ago as he arrived in Armenia on Friday for a deeply symbolic visit to mark the centenary of the massacre and pay homage to the country's steadfast Christian faith.

In the most carefully watched speech of his three-day trip, Francis ad-libbed the politically charged word "genocide" to his prepared text that had conspicuously left it out, listing the Armenian genocide alongside the Holocaust and Stalinism.

And rather than merely repeat what had said last year  that the slaughter was "considered the first genocide of the 20th century"  Francis declared it a genocide flat out, setting the stage for another Turkish protest after it withdrew its ambassador last year and accused Francis of spreading lies.

"Sadly that tragedy, that genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples," he said.

"It's so sad how, in this case and in the other two, the great international powers looked the other way," he added, referring to the subsequent horrors of Nazism and Stalinism.

In the run-up to the visit, the Vatican had refrained from using the term "genocide," mindful of Turkish opposition to the political and financial implications of the word given Armenian claims for reparations.

But Francis, never one to shy from speaking his mind, added the word at the last minute in a speech at the presidential palace to President Serzh Sargsyan, Armenian political and religious leaders and the diplomatic corps.

They gave him a standing ovation.

"One cannot but believe in the triumph of justice when in 100 years ... the message of justice is being conveyed to mankind from the heart of the Catholic world," marveled President Sargsyn in his speech to the pope.

Pope Francis greeted by Armenia's President Serzh Sargsyan. Armenia has pushed for international recognition of the genocide (REUTERS)

Many historians consider the massacres of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians genocide. Turkey rejects the term, says the death figure is inflated and that people died on both sides as the Ottoman Empire collapsed amid World War I.

The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said Francis always speaks of the need for reconciliation and that his declaration of a genocide must be taken in the context of recognizing a past horror to then move on in friendship and reconciliation. Lombardi denied that the Vatican's diplomatic speechwriters had intentionally left the word out, saying they had intentionally left it up to the pope to decide what to say.

In a largely Orthodox land where Catholics are a minority, Armenians have been genuinely honored to welcome a pope who has long championed the Armenian cause from his time as an archbishop in Argentina and now as leader of the 1.2-billion strong Catholic Church. His 2015 declaration that the massacres were considered a "genocide" sealed their affection for him.

"I shook the pope's hand but didn't have the time to kiss it," 42-year-old Yerevan resident Nazik Sargsyan said Friday as Francis arrived. "I'm sure God's blessing has come down on me with that handshake."

Small groups of residents lined his motorcade route, and a gaggle of schoolchildren wearing white T-shirts and yellow neckerchiefs  the colors of the Vatican flag  greeted him at the airport with a big banner written in Italian: "Armenia Welcomes Pope Francis."

In his initial remarks upon arrival in the ornate Armenian Apostolic Church in Etchmiadzin, Francis praised Armenia for becoming the first nation to declare Christianity the state religion in 301 and for keeping alive the "light of faith" even in its darkest times.

With the Apostolic patriarch Karekin II by his side, Francis urged all Christians to unite to prevent religion from being exploited and manipulated today, a reference to the current-day Islamic extremist attacks on Christians in the Middle East.

"It is vitally important that all those who declare their faith in God join forces to isolate those who use religion to promote war, oppression and violent persecution, exploiting and manipulating the holy name of God," he said.

Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis' guide to happiness Pope Francis: 'Live and let live.' GETTY IMAGES Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis' guide to happiness Pope Francis: 'Proceed calmly" in life' AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis' guide to happiness Pope Francis: 'Be giving of yourself to others' AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis' guide to happiness Pope Francis: 'Even though many parents work long hours, they must set aside time to play with their children' AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis' guide to happiness Pope Francis: 'Sunday is for family' AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis' guide to happiness Pope Francis: 'Respect and take care of nature' OSSERVATORE ROMANO/AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis' guide to happiness Pope Francis: 'Stop being negative' AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis' guide to happiness Pope Francis: Respect others' beliefs' AFP/Getty Images Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis' guide to happiness Pope Francis: 'Peace sometimes gives the impression of being quiet, but it is never quiet, peace is always proactive' FP/Getty Images Pope Francis gives life advice: in pictures Pope Francis' guide to happiness AFP/Getty Images

The Vatican has long cheered the Armenian cause, holding up the poor nation of three million mostly Orthodox Christians as a bastion of faith and martyrdom in a largely Muslim region.

President Sargsyan, Karekin and a few other officials greeted Francis at the Yerevan airport in a low-key welcome ceremony. A girls' choir serenaded and the pope, patriarch and president then walked behind a goose-stepping military official along a red carpet into the airport's VIP lounge before heading to Echmiadzin, the seat of the Oriental Orthodox church where Francis will stay as a guest of Karekin.

"Blessed is the hour when the feet of Pope Francis touched our soil!" exclaimed local resident Simon Samsonya as Francis arrived. "He won the love of the Armenian people with his message at the St. Peter's Cathedral on the eve of the 100 years anniversary of the genocide."

Francis will have another opportunity to pay respects to the victims of the slaughter when he visits Armenia's genocide memorial on Saturday. He caps his visit Sunday with a visit to a monastery on the border with Turkey. There, he will free a dove of peace in the direction of Mt. Ararat, the mythological landing place of Noah's Ark and a place of sacred importance to Armenians.

AP
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Kurdish and Arab fighters backed by the US have entered Manbij, an Isis stronghold in north Syria, according to the forces and a monitoring group.

Fierce fighting between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) soldiers and Isis fighters reportedly erupted at ground level as the rebel alliance penetrated the city on Wednesday.

The offensive operation, supported by US-led air strikes, is part of an attempt to take back the so-called Islamic States centres of gravity in the region.

Rami Abdel Rahman, the chief of the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told Reuters progress into the city would be slow as SDF forces face booby traps planted by the jihadists to try to prevent the loss of the city.

Around 8,000 civilians have escaped since the start of the SDF offensive on Manbij on 31 May, although tens of thousands remain trapped inside the city, according to Mr Rahman.

And there were fears Isis would use civilians as human shields inside the city, which had a population of about 120,000 before the start of Syria's civil war in 2011.

 Jordanian soldiers killed in Syria border bomb attack

Recent strikes in the vicinity of Manbij have targeted headquarters, training bases and ammunition stores held by Isis.

The US-led coalition has been accused of killing at least 15 civilians  including three children  in air strikes on the Isis-controlled territory in Syrias Aleppo province, near to the Turkish border.

There is still a civilian population, there are [Isis fighters] in defensive areas and the Syrian Democratic Forces are moving closer to them, British Army Major General Doug Chalmers, deputy commander for strategy and sustainment with the US-led coalition, told reporters in Washington via video link.

The forces encountered improvised explosive devices and rocket positions, the official said, as they tried to cut off an area that provides the militants with their main access route to the outside world.

Recommended Read more 51 State Department officials push Obama for strikes against Syria

Major-General Chalmers said the SDF fighters were in conflict in western districts of the city.

The reporting I've had puts them on the edge and the outskirts for some areas which I describe as the outer of the city rather than city proper, he said.

If successful, the SDF offensive could pave the way for an assault on their Syrian capital Raqqa.

The SDF managed to encircle the city on June 10 but its advance slowed as Isis fought back with almost daily suicide bombings among other attacks.

Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Show all 11 1 /11 Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkey's two million Syrian refugees There are already over 2.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, but their current camps can only hold 200,000 people ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkish citizens protest a new deal, also criticised by human rights activists, which will see refugees who arrived in Greece after March 20 be sent back to Turkey AP Photo/Emre Tazegu Turkey's two million Syrian refugees An estimated 80% of Syrian refugee children already in Turkey are unable to attend school BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Refugee children beg for water near the Turkey-Syria border. Turkey has been accused of illegally deporting asylum-seekers back to Syria BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees In Turkey, no-one from outside Europe is legally recognised as a refugee, meaning the 2016 deportations may not meet international legal standards for protecting vulnerable people BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees A refugee child cries as she is searched by police at the Syria-Turkey border, where 16 refugees (including three children) have been shot dead in the last four months BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Many refugees are living rough on the streets of cities such as Istanbul or Ankara (pictured) ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkish soldiers use water cannon on Syrian refugees BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Syrian refugees shelter from rain in the streets of Istanbul BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees A derelict building housing Syrian refugees in Istanbul Carl Court/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkey houses around half of all the refugees who have currently fled Syria Carl Court/Getty Images

Isis has held the city of Manbij since 2014, the year the militant group seized control of large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq and declared its caliphate.

Formed in October 2015, the 25,000-strong SDF is dominated by the powerful Kurdish People's Protection Units and includes an Arab contingent that has been steadily growing to around 5,000 fighters.

As well as air support, coalition countries have provided ground advisors to the SDF, including about 200 US special forces.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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Figures within the higher education sector will have awoken with a bitter taste on Friday with the news the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union.

On Monday, the heads of 103 universities had issued an impassioned open letter expressing how they were gravely concerned about the impact of a Leave vote on their universities and students, cautioning voters that the power of their universities on local communities and economy should not be underestimated.

The signatories added: Every year, universities generate over 73 billion for the UK economy - 3.7bn of which is generated by students from EU countries, while supporting nearly 380,000 jobs. Strong universities benefit the British people - creating employable graduates and cutting-edge research discoveries that improve lives.

Students, too, it seemed were on the side of Remain, and referendum results have shown some 75 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds voted Remain, compared to around 40 per cent of over 65s.

But how are reactions faring now that the arguably surprising results have been announced?

Universities UK

Universities UK (UUK), the higher education action group which is the voice of universities, expressed its disappointment considering the group had vigorously campaigned for the union to remain.

 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you

UUK president, Julia Goodfellow, said on Friday morning that, although this is not an outcome we wished or campaigned for, UUK respects the decision of the UK electorate. Urging those within the sector to bear in mind that a Brexit will not happen overnight, she said: There will be a gradual exit process with significant opportunities to seek assurances and influence future policy.

But what does the result mean now for the countrys 100-plus institutions? Goodfellow has ensured that, throughout the transition period, UUKs focus will be on securing support that allows the nations universities to continue to be global in their outlook, internationally-networked, and an attractive destination for talented people from across Europe. These features are central to ensuring British universities continue to be the best in the world, she said.

Goodfellow added: Our first priority will be to convince the UK Government to take steps to ensure staff and students from EU countries can continue to work and study at British universities and to promote the UK as a welcoming destination for the brightest and best minds.

They make a powerful contribution to university research and teaching and have a positive impact on the British economy and society. We will also prioritise securing opportunities for our researchers and students to access vital pan-European programmes and build new global networks.

Recommended Read more An open letter to UK voters from 170 student groups and leaders

National Union of Students

Overall, NUS said it is disappointed by the results, particularly given the high proportion of young voters who are reported to have voted Remain.

NUS president Megan Dunn has also written a letter to David Cameron, seeking his assurance that students and young people will be not only thoroughly consulted, but that a proactive effort is made to include their voices in any decisions that are made, not just older generations.

Dunn added: Higher education receives considerable funding through EU institutions, and this result will place significant pressures onto our universities. Students will be concerned that any removal of this funding could have implications for the support they receive, and this concern will of course be greatest for the most vulnerable students.

Additionally, a vast number of projects on adult skills education are delivered for communities by colleges who will be rightly concerned about what will happen to this vital funding.

And more generally, this result will have vast, wide-ranging implications for students and their futures. The voice of students and young people must be heard and represented as critical decisions are now made as to how we move forward. We know that this decision will affect young people more than any other, and it would be wrong that older generations dominate discussions and decisions.

Vonnie Sandlan, NUS Scotland president, even though the vote was UK-wide, the voices of the positive majority in Scotland cannot be ignored. She added: In the coming weeks and months, it is vital the UK Government works closely with the devolved governments, and with all of us who stood up proudly for our EU membership, ensuring we do all we can to stem the damaging consequences we know this result could have.

European University Association

The EUA, which represents and supports some 850 universities in 47 countries, has attempted to bring some harmony to the divise and surprising result with a uniting statement.

Although expressing disappointment and concern, the EUA said: Regardless of the result, British universities are - and remain - an essential part of the European family of universities, which extends beyond EU borders. This community of knowledge and learning is strong and longstanding, and it will surely overcome this crisis, although the questions and consequences of the British exit are certainly formidable. EUA will continue to work with and for British universities. The Europe of universities will not be divided!

Russell Group

Leaving the EU creates significant uncertainty for Britains 24 leading universities, said Wendy Piatt, director general of the Russell Group. However, she said the group would be working with the Government to minimise any disruption caused by this decision.

Platt added in a statement: We will be seeking assurances from the Government that staff and students currently working and studying at our universities can continue to do so after the UK negotiates leaving the EU.

The free movement of talent, the networks, collaborations, critical mass of research activity and funding from EU membership have played a crucial part in the success of Russell Group universities. We will be working closely with the Government to secure the best deal for universities from the negotiations to come so that we can continue to form productive collaborations across Europe.

Ucas

Ben Jordan, Ucas senior policy executive, warned prior to the vote that, in the event of Brexit, it would not difficult to imagine the process for recruiting EU learners becoming more complex and closer to that used to recruit international students, signalling a potential visa requirement, which could lead to increased costs to recruit these students.

Ucas said on Friday his comments still stand. Jordan wrote: The fee status and number control arrangements relating to EU domiciled learners may also change. This provides both challenges and opportunities for the sector. For example, EU students in Scotland are currently entitled to free tuition and recruitment is covered by student number controls. If they were to no longer be classified as home students, EU students would have to pay tuition fees, and Scottish institutions could recruit freely. Similar situations could arise in Wales and Northern Ireland, where student support is also available to EU learners.

University of Cambridge

A very short statement from the world-renowned institution which, according to one of its professors is now set to lose around 100 million a year, noted the result with disappointment. Vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, said: My position on this issue is well-known, but 52 per cent of voters disagreed. We will work with our partners in business, research and academia, as well as our European partners and the Government, to understand the implications of this outcome.

University of Oxford

The other leading British institution reminded voters the formal process for leaving the union will take at least two years, adding: Our staff and students can be assured that in the short term, we anticipate no disruption to employment or study.

A democratic decision has been made, and Oxford will continue as one of the worlds outstanding universities, playing a leading role in shaping the UKs future.

Brexit reactions  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions  in pictures Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA

University College London

The university said in a statement: UCL can confirm it has no plans to change the tuition fees for EU students that have already been published for 2016/17. EU students who are registered at the university in 2016/17 (either as a new or continuing student) will continue to be charged the home rate for tuition fees for all subsequent years of their programme.

University and College Union

A spokesperson for the vocal union said the result shows the sector and the country is entering an uncharted and complicated period, emphasising the need to remain outward-looking and demonstrate we are open to the brightest and the best from around the world.

The spokesperson added: During the campaign, universities rightly highlighted the important role the EU plays in funding higher education and skills minister, Nick Boles, expressed concerns the apprenticeship levy may have to be postponed in the event of a leave vote.

The Government needs to clearly set out how it plans to ensure sustainable funding for further and higher education now and in the future.

Recommended Read more An open letter to UK voters from leaders of 103 British universities

Academy of Social Sciences

Professor Roger Goodman, chair of the academy, has said the result will cause uncertainty for the social science community, added: With implications for research funding, international collaboration, freedom of movement, and capacity building.

In a collective statement, the academy and its Campaign for Social Science said the Government will need to consider the implications for UK research in its post-referendum negotiations if UK research excellence is to be protected.

The academy said: Specifically, the UK Government will need to consider the nature and structure of access to European research funding, consider making good any shortfall in funding, and mitigate the impact on the freedom of movement.

The UK social science community will itself need to continue and develop fruitful research collaborations with European peers, and consider how to foster freedom of movement in an increasingly international research community.
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As the United Kingdom files for divorce from the European Union after more than 40 years together, all eyes have fallen on Scotland where all 32 council areas overwhelmingly backed Remain, a staggering 62 per cent to just 38 per cent for Leave.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the people of Scotland see their future as part of the EU, adding that a second Scottish independence referendum is highly likely with those loyal to Remain expressing concern that the north of the UK is being separated from the EU against its will.

Recommended Read more How the Brexit result will affect universities and students

One of the main focuses throughout campaigning was the effect a Brexit would have on students and the higher education sector, with over 100 academics issuing a last-minute plea to voters on Monday, reminding them EU students generate 3.7 billion to the UKs economy.

Its an uncertain day for both a continent and a nation, but how are leading educational figures in Scotland responding to the result, and what are their hopes for the future of higher education in Scotland - and the EU?

Brexit reactions  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions  in pictures Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA

The head of the National Union of Students in Scotland, Vonnie Sandlan, echoed many young voters sentiments on Friday morning by saying the result was incredibly disappointing, one Scotland clearly took a different stand against.

Sandlan said: We saw a really positive and diverse campaign in Scotland for our continued membership of the EU - and students were at the heart of that, recognising the immense benefits membership brings for students and young people, and our universities and colleges. This was a UK-wide vote, but the voices of the positive majority in Scotland cannot be ignored

Sandlan said NUS Scotlands priority is to now seek assurance on the safety of the countrys higher and further education systems, and the staff and students within them. Reflecting on NUS president Megan Dunns letter to Downing Street, she said the national student campaigner will be seeking clarity on the future of the EU funding that educational institutions benefit from, and the knock-on impact this may have on students studying in the UK and across the EU.

She added: Being part of the EU offers so much for our education system through funding and opportunities for students to travel and study abroad, now we need to unite and ensure we protect these benefits for generations to come.

A spokesperson from Universities Scotland, the representative body of the countrys 19 higher education institutions, remained somewhat neutral on the issue, reminding voters nothing changes overnight.

 5 things we learned from a night that shook Europe

The spokesperson said: The electorate has made its choice and we respect its decision. This outcome has a number of significant and direct implications for Scotlands universities, but the most important thing right now is to advise EU staff and students working and studying in our Scottish institutions nothing changes overnight as a result of this referendum result.

Higher education is truly global; it transcends borders. Our relationships with Europe, European universities, and other institutions remain very important to us and we will work with all governments and stakeholders to ensure those relationships are preserved under the new arrangements.

Our priorities are to influence the negotiations for the terms of Scotland, and the UKs, future relationship with the EU. We want to retain the right for staff and students from EU countries to continue working and studying in Scotland and to negotiate access to European programmes for students, staff, and research. We believe this is compatible with the electorates decision and would be to the benefit of Scotland and the UK.

The Russell Groups Glasgow University - one of the oldest institutions in the English-speaking world - said it will do all it can to ensure its voice is heard in all discussions post-results.

Principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Anton Muscatelli, said it was not the result I had personally hoped for, reminding voters - like Universities Scotland - that nothing will change overnight.

The principal assured those EU students who have been made an offer for 2016 (or 2017 deferred entry) at the elite university will be unaffected. He added: Given the complexity of exit negotiations, it is unlikely the current process and funding arrangements will change significantly in the short term. We are, therefore, encouraging those who are considering applying for 2017 entry to do so in the usual way.

I want to emphasise to my colleagues and to our students from the EU just how much this university values your contribution to our community. You are a vital and essential part of our university. The University of Glasgow was founded in the European tradition, and nothing will change our international outlook which will continue to look to Europe for our academic collaborations.

The Russell Groups other elite Scottish institution, Edinburgh University, echoed Professor Muscatellis comments, with principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Timothy OShea, reminding all that these are very early days. He said Edinburgh is and always will be a global university, stressing the stability and strength of the institution, both financially and also in terms of its reputation.

He said: Our priority will be to maintain our research and exchange partnerships across Europe. As far as our EU students are concerned, it is particularly important to note that, as things currently stand, there will be no change for existing and future EU students arriving in 2016/17 and 2017/18 for the duration of their studies.

It is now our responsibility to work with Government and other bodies, to ensure a smooth and successful transition to a productive future for the university.
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The National Union of Students (NUS) has as little concern for human rights as Maoist Chinese fanatics The Red Guards, leading campaigner Peter Tatchell has said.

Speaking at the Festival of Education at Wellington College, Berkshire, Mr Tatchell spoke out against the student community's attitude toward free speech and accused the union of playing the politics of victimhood.

His comments come as part of an ongoing disagreement with student union leaders, who have made headlines over the past few months for allowing student bodies to ban atheists and human rights campaigners from speaking on campus, as well as those whose views might be seen as offensive to sensitive students.

Speaking on stage at the festival, Mr Tatchell said: Some university authorities and student unions are banning or restricting speakers on the grounds that their opinion may cause offence. But there is no right to not be offended.

The divisive, sectarian, zealous witch-hunting of students with dissenting views has echoes of the Red Guards during the 1960s Cultural Revolution in China. Some students seem more intent on political purity than building the broad alliances that are necessary for successful social change.

The parliamentary student movement, The Red Guards were known for their aggressive behaviour burning books, destroying artwork and museums, and even torturing and killing indivuduals whose ideas they did not agree with.

Mr Tatchell went on to point out that some of the most important ideas in history caused great offence at the time, citing the ideas of Galileo, Charles Darwin, Sigmund Freud and Emmeline Pankhurst.

There have been repeated attempts to ban atheists, secularist and humanist events on campuses because they might cause offence to Muslim students The NUS no-platform and safe space policies dont refute offensive ideas. They simply exclude them and that doesnt solve anything.

Recommended Read more NUS president suggests education cuts cause young people to join Isis

Responding to the comments, an NUS spokesperson said: NUS is proud to have a no-platform policy that has been in place since 1974 and was voted for, overwhelmingly, by all our members. No Platform Policy means that organisations who hold racist and/or fascist views are never allowed to stand for election within NUS or attend or speak at any of our events."

"Our elected officers, committee members and trustees will also never share a platform with these kinds of organisations. We do not want to give those kind of views a platform and actively encourage debate without harassment. There is no place for racists or fascists at NUS.
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On the morning of Saturday 1 July 1916, 100,000 "Tommies" went over the top and into the bloodiest day in British military history - over half of them becoming casualties by nightfall. The First World War Battle of the Somme eventually left over one million dead on all sides, and forever associating the name of this northern French river with slaughter and the futility of war.

I've done the war graves tourist route  the restored trenches, Thiepval and the Menin Gate  and truly sobering it is too. And yet there is another Somme, a bucolic, slightly wistful and mysterious region of Picardy, watery and yet dominated by the sky.

I drove the 45 minutes up from the channel port of Dieppe earlier this month, the unseasonal June gloom adding to the other-worldliness of the place. Sunshine might have been nice, but with such big skies the thunder clouds provided their own dramatic atmosphere.

The Somme itself derives from the Celtic word for tranquillity, but British tourists tend to ignore the region, except for refuelling at the excellent motorway service station on the A16, which comes with its own birdwatching tower.

Summer cottages in the Somme

And it is so accessible, being only 70 miles south of Calais. Even on a school half-term week I only overheard one other British family, which is quite extraordinary in somewhere so picturesque and visitor-friendly. Perhaps it was the nationwide strikes in France and the supposed shortage of fuel that had just started to make headlines in Britain  although every service station I passed looked pretty well stocked.

The French have long appreciated the watery stillness here, the wide horizons and opaque light, with painters such as Degas and Seurat setting up their easels, writers Jules Verne and Colette making it their home, not to mention countless weekenders from Amiens and Paris.

The bay itself is bookended by two pretty towns  St-Valery-sur-Somme and Le Crotoy  both with cobbled streets, yachts bobbing aside the quayside and a turbulent history that belies the current calm. William the Conqueror assembled his invasion fleet in the bay, the shipwrecked future English King Harold having been (as legend has it) imprisoned in St-Valery-sur-Somme, while Le Crotoy's most illustrious prisoner was Joan of Arc, held in by the Burgundians here on her way to trial and execution in Rouen.

Like the far better known Baie de Mont St Michel, the Bay of Somme is a potential deathtrap to the unwary, with patches of quicksand and the tide sweeping in faster than a hiker can walk in the boggy silt. In summer months guided walks are available, but if you do want to do unassisted, buy a tide map from the local tourist office and perhaps let people know where you're going. The long established No Shoes Club in Le Crotoy (noshoes.fr) organises group rambles  wellies included.

I didn't fancy it this time given the frequent thunderstorms. A sheltered alternative is to take the train - a genuine 1900s narrow-gauge steam railway that runs from Le Crotoy to Cayeux by way of Noyelles and St-Valery (cfbs.eu/en)  great for enthusiasts, although I found the views disappointing. Better perhaps to hire (or bring your own) a bicycle, with generous cycle lanes criss-crossing the fringes of the bay.

Beach huts at Cayeux (Shutterstock)

Those preferring proper old-fashioned seaside resorts should head to Cayeux, which claims to have the world's greatest number of beach huts in one place  all of them white  and retains a cheerful and lively air despite, once again like so places around here, feeling cut off from the rest of the world. This stretch of coast between, say, Boulogne in the north and Dieppe in the south, does harbour some extraordinarily quaint resorts  places straight out of a Jacques Tati film (my favourite is Mers-les-Bains, on the border of Picardy and Normandy) but the strangest must be Brighton-les-Pins.

Speculatively named to attract the sort of well-heeled Brits who frequented Le Touquet further north, but now an isolated and largely forgotten collection of holiday homes spread out among the sand-dunes, Brighton might appeal to an independent film-maker looking for an unusual location, or a mystery writer in the Patricia Highsmith mould.

To the north of the bay is the Marquenterre bird reserve (parcdumarquenterre.com), 2,300 hectares that plays host to more than 300 species of migratory bird; only the Camargue can boast more avian transients. The shortest walk takes about an hour, although well-marked longer routes are available. My June visit coincided with the park's busiest visitor season (avian breeders, that is, not people)  and the various hides dotted around about can make you feel as if you're in your very own episode of Springwatch - Chris Packham not included.

A crane at the Parc du Marquenterre (Shutterstock)

Inland, some of the villages have an almost Fens-like feel, especially when the frequent mists have descended. Favieres is typical and is home to the famous old-school Michelin-approved restaurant La Cle des Champs (lacledeschamps-restaurant.fr), where chef Bruno Flasque still presides and where the waiters remove the silver cloches with a flourish when your dish is served. I couldn't see the local and very succulent salt-marsh lamb on the current menu, but look out for "agneau de pre-sale" on the menu boards of other establishments.

The large town of Abbeville marks the end of this particular stretch of the Somme. Badly knocked during the German invasion of France in May 1940, its defence orchestrated by Charles de Gaulle before his appointment with greatness, the generic postwar reconstruction doesn't leave a great deal to see here  its historic medieval heart burnt to a cinder. That is the case with so many towns on the route of the Blitzkreig  from here to the source of the Somme, the 20th century's two great conflagrations have left their sorry mark. But then that's a different story.

Travel essentials

Getting there

The region can be accessed by ferry or Eurotunnel from Calais, by ferry from Dieppe, or by train or plane from Paris.

More information

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Europe. Thinking of going there? Good idea. Of all the continents, it is surely the richest in culture, cuisine, scenery and all the other virtues of importance to travellers.

If you cant find what you want in Europe, youre probably better off without it. Oh, hang on...

We all remember where we were on Friday morning when we heard of the vote to leave the European Union. A good few hundred thousand people were at airports, ports and railway stations trying to leave for the European Union.

Assuming their views reflect the UK as a whole, many of them will have voted in favour of Brexit  and presumably saw no conflict in demanding to leave the EU while simultaneously wanting holidays in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy or Greece. And why should they? The Leavers menu of promises was so wide-ranging that it could provide whatever message you wanted to hear  in particular, that we could cherry-pick the attributes of Europe that appeal, and hang on to them.

No impact on the choice and price of flights we enjoy; the freedom to roam, telephonically speaking, for next to nothing; health care on the same basis as now under the EHIC scheme. Lets see how many of those assurances are delivered.

Meanwhile, may I prescribe a holiday in the company of two avowed Europhiles? Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries are the editors of Hidden Europe, a magazine dedicated to exploring European life and landscapes. And they have chosen this week to publish Europe by Rail (15.99; europebyrail.eu).

The book is an alluring combination of evocative writing (Speed soaks up detail as poppies in the fields of Flanders become a red haze) and practical advice on topics such as luggage: We judge a small torch, a corkscrew and appropriate plug adaptors to be essentials.

Subtitled The Definitive Guide for Independent Travellers, it is also a history of Europe in 50 train routes.

The first is Eurostar from London to Paris. We learn that a young architect named Thomas Hardy worked on the Midland Railways approaches to St Pancras station, before changing career to become a writer; and that on the approach to the Gare du Nord in the French capital, the train crosses the Oise at the spot where Aethelwulf, King of Wessex, demonstrated an early sense of European unity by marrying Judith Flanders in the year 856.

The last is a challenging trans-Carpathian adventure, far from the madding crowd. It takes you from Belgrade to Lviv, embracing Serbia, Romania and Ukraine, and delivers you to Belle Epoque charms of Chernivtsi - "a crucible of so much European history". Over the past century the city has been variously part of Austria-Hungary, the Kingdom of Romania and the Soviet Union, until that geo-political experiment fell apart in 1991.

Susanne's and Nicky's prediction of the journey time for the final 90km stretch across the Romania-Serbia border to the city of Chernivtsi is about five hours. That may just give you enough time to explain the UKs decision to leave the European Union to curious fellow passengers.

Ahead of the trip, prepare answers to questions such as Why would the country that single-handedly freed Europe from Hitlers domination want to turn its back on a union that has kept the peace?

At least responding to a request to List all the benefits to British travellers of leaving the EU wont keep you long.

Bon voyage.
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Q Each year we take my 94-year-old father-in-law to South Africa to visit my sister-in-law. Although he is incredibly fit for his age (and can still get travel insurance!) we are very aware that disability could strike him at any time. Were this to happen after we have booked the tickets, would we be able to claim from our travel insurance, or would we be told that disability at his age was a foreseeable occurrence and we would not be covered? I am reluctant to ask the insurance company these questions in case they misinterpret them as the precursor to a claim.

Name withheld

A It's a very interesting question  and increasingly relevant in a society in which the average age is rising.

I am delighted to hear your father-in-law is in such fine fettle. I believe the test that applies is simply this: at the time you book and pay for a trip, are he and his doctor confident that he has no known health issues that could jeopardise your plans?

If so, then I cannot envisage an insurer would turn down a claim in the unfortunate event that you needed to cancel.

Having said that, I propose a simpler option: booking at the last minute, providing you visit your sister-in-law at a time when air fares are low (outside Christmas, New Year and the UK school holidays).

For a flight tonight from Heathrow to Johannesburg, returning in a week, I have been quoted 424 return. That is on the excellent services of Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Non-stops cost significantly more, but looking just three days ahead, South African Airways has a price of 938.

While you may be able to find cheaper deals with a longer booking horizon, you need to balance that against the costs and time that would be involved in any claim for cancellation. Booking late also means that if he simply doesn't feel like another long trip (and who could blame him?), there's no problem. "Disinclination to travel" is not an insurable risk.

Every day, our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles a readers question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder
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Remember the European passport? The one that Nigel Farage took out of his breast pocket every day and waved about in front of the TV cameras, calling it a disgrace? The one that meant you were part of something big?

Well you havent got it anymore. And you are part of something small. Stop talking Britain down! Thats what theyll say. You can hear them now. The fifth biggest economy in the world! We can do it on our own!

Well we did do it on our own. We brokered relationships with our neighbours for our mutual benefit and we have walked away from them in an angry paroxysm of Spitfire nationalism. This is the end of our liberal Britain.

 Farage Makes Brexit Address

Of course, it is more complicated than that. There is an enlightened case for leaving the European Union. There is a possibility, perhaps of a more prosperous future.

But the chances of finding it out in these panicked days as the markets go crazy, the civil service cannot find even a tenth of the manpower for all the negotiating that must be done, all framed by the bomb that has already gone off under our political leadership? The likelihood of Britains future place in the world  half-loathed by its neighbours and virtually ignored by everyone else  arriving at an arrangement less imperfect than the one we have walked away from? It seems slim indeed.

There is a divide in the nation; that much is clear. And the urbanites that have rushed to dismiss their fellow countrymen as xenophobes and racists, and all the rest, will no doubt now be the ones who will speak in pious tones about the wounds that must be healed. But can they be healed?

 Boris Johnson being booed

Outside the Queen Victoria Pub in Marseille, England fans threw chairs across the square and chanted, F*** off Europe / Were all voting leave. At the Basildon count last night, the returning officer could scarcely be heard returning his near 70 per cent result over chants of, F*** off Brussels! F*** off Brussels!

Where is the common ground on which these people will unite? This is not a caricature. How does Britain heal itself across fault lines such as these?

On top of the hate that has been deliberately stoked, now, the detested experts warn (and theyve got it right so far), will come significant financial problems. What will be the consequences, for all those millions of people who have voted to leave the European Union when, in a few months, their mortgage repayments go up more than 100 a month? It is anything but off the cards.

Recommended Read more Lights out over Europe as Brexit marks the end of the EU

Already the lies are unravelling. The 350m a week for the NHS was a mistake to promise, says Nigel Farage. Net migration wont come down, says Dan Hannan, the MEP who, by his own admission, made it his lifes mission to remove Britain from the EU when he 19 years old, 26 years ago. (That tells you all you need to know about the mans arguments by the way  slower growth than Antarctica, and so on. They are bespoke for the cause. Meaningless.)

The folk who want their country back have got it back. The ones who never thought for a second that it had gone are reconciling themselves to the fact they have lost it.
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The consequences of Brexit, so far, have been exactly as predicted. The pound has collapsed at record pace. The FTSE has followed suit. David Cameron has resigned. And Manfred Weber, leader of the biggest political grouping in the European Parliament and a close ally of Angela Merkel, has said that Northern Ireland and Scotland would be welcome to stay in the EU.

This is something which Nicola Sturgeon has said she is keen to secure: We said clearly we do not want to leave the EU. I will do all it takes to ensure these aspirations are realised.

There are two ways that this could happen. Either, the two countries could secede from the UK  respectively by forming a United Ireland, and holding a second independence referendum. Or, perhaps, they could do what I call a reverse Greenland.

Greenland, you see, along with the Faroe Islands, has a strange constitutional position. Both are part of the Danish Realm. Both have seats in the Folketing, Denmarks parliament. But neither is in the EU. In other words, Denmark is a union of three countries, only one of which - the place you think of as Denmark - is a member of the European Union.

 Scots want to stay in EU

Could Scotland and Northern Ireland, in effect, be a reverse Greenland, staying in the EU even as the biggest part of the UK leaves? Itd be complex, sure. And it depends on the exact border and trade deals which the rest of the UK ends up signing up to. But EU expert professor Sionaidh Douglas-Scott of Queen Mary University has argued it might be doable.

As she says: It is possible for only part of a state to secede from the EU. Further, it would be ill-considered to dismiss Greenland as a precedent on the basis that Greenland is too small and unimportant to be significant.

The alternative, in Scotlands case at least, is a second independence referendum: something which Sturgeon has said is on the table. Some in the SNP, though, consider this a risky strategy. While Scots pragmatically voted Remain, there isnt a huge fondness for the EU, and framing such a vote as a choice between the EU and the more familiar UK could be difficult terrain on which to campaign. But there are others who argue that walking away from the UK after this EU referendum result would be popular.

The former Labour first minister Henry Macleish has heavily hinted that he is now in favour of independence. I hear that numerous Liberal Democrat activists, who worked hard to stop a Yes vote 19 months ago, are now keen to secure independence as a way to stay in the EU. Scottish Labour, who formed the bulwark against the Yes vote last time, have been crushed. And it seems likely that much of Scottish civil society would push for independence if it meant remaining in the EU.

This referendum was always really an English thing: a toxic product of the alienation inherent to globalisation and post-imperial sentimentalism entrapped by a parliamentary system to which democracy is only partially retrofitted. Scotland voted reluctantly, and opted firmly to Remain. That choice should be respected, one way or another.
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There will be a deal with Europe because there has to be a deal. It is the job of the politicians to sort that out. It is far too early to sketch what that deal might be, but you can sketch the framework  the range of issues that have to be settled  and see some possible institutional arrangements that will enable this to happen.

The first thing to do is to forget the pre-vote rhetoric. Forget George Osborne saying that there would have to be an emergency budget. Forget Emmanuel Macron, the French economy minister, warning that Britain would become as unimportant as Guernsey. Forget the anonymous Brussels bureaucrats warning that the EU would punish Britain if it voted to leave so that other countries would not want to do so. That was then. Now is now. The new reality is that it is profoundly in the self-interests of Europe to do a deal as fast as possible. That was acknowledged yesterday by the joint statement of EU leaders, calling for negotiations to be launched swiftly. The EU, which has a huge trade surplus with the UK, has to preserve its export market. (The UK has a current account surplus with the rest of the world.)

 Who will replace David Cameron?

So there will have to be some kind of associate status for Britain. This may be easier to negotiate than it seems at first sight. We cannot be a full member, but though we technically are at the moment, in practice we arent really a full member now. We are not in the euro and not in the Schengen borderless travel agreement, the two most important elements of European integration. That makes divorce easier. We dont, so to speak, have to worry about those two problem children.

There are two ready-made solutions, neither of which is perfect. One is the European Free Trade Area, the other the European Economic Association. EFTA was founded in 1960 by the UK and other European countries that were not members of what was then called the Common Market. Most members  ourselves, Ireland, the Scandinavian countries and so on  subsequently joined what became the EU. But four remain: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The deal there is they have negotiated access to the EU markets but without being members. The EEA was deal signed in 1994, which includes three of the EFTA countries (not Switzerland) and all the EU members, giving everyone mutual access to the European single market.

So the UK could in theory join an enlarged ETFA, or it could negotiate access via the EEA. The trouble is that this would mean accepting European market legislation, including movement of labour. The most acceptable solution from a UK perspective would be, like Switzerland, to be a member of EFTA but not the EEA. But it would not give sufficient protection for our labour market.

While these ready-made solutions dont really work, what they do is show something else. What they show is that Europe, taken as a whole, has been ingenious at finding ways to enable it to function as a single trading bloc, despite the political barriers. The one-size-fits-all common currency has, by contrast, been a disaster and its future is by no means assured.

Brexit reactions  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit reactions  in pictures Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign look at their phones after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall AP Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave supporters cheer results at a Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Mr Cameron announces his resignation to supporters Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Donald Tusk proposes that the 27 remaining EU member states start a wider reflection on the future of our union Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage greets his supporters on College Green in Westminster, after Britain voted to leave the European Union PA Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as referendum results are announced today Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Boris Johnson leaves his home today to discover a crowd of waiting journalists and police officers Getty Brexit reactions  in pictures Leave EU supporters celebrate as they watch the British EU Referendum results being televised at Millbank Tower in London Rex Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react as results of the EU referendum are announced at the Royal Festival Hall Reuters Brexit reactions  in pictures Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall PA

Whatever happens, the UK economy will remain closely integrated with Europe, just as Switzerlands is at the moment. The deal will on the one hand see the UK trying to retain as much access as possible for its exports of services to Europe, for we do much better on trade in services than we do on trade in goods. And on the other hand, Europe will seek to retain full movement of goods and as much movement of labour as the UK is prepared to accept.

Will the deal, whatever it turns out to be, be seen as a disaster for Europe? That depends on your vision for the EU. For people who want to see a totally integrated continent, with the same currency, same laws, complete freedom of movement, and so on, it might indeed appear a disaster. But that was a vision of 60 years ago  though the people who had that vision did not tell the voters who joined the Common Market. However, for people who see Europe as a diverse continent, with many similarities but also very different national histories and culture, the idea of a collection of countries that cooperate in economic matters but have quite different political objectives is not a bad one.

Indeed if this looser arrangement of countries, with a core in the middle and an outer ring, could find a way of including Russia in that outer ring, that would be a prize indeed. That is many miles from where we are now, but would be a nobler objective than the bureaucratic, fractious muddle that the EU has become. Put that way, the UK leaving is more of an opportunity for Europe than a threat.
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"We would have preferred a different outcome, said vice-President Joe Biden, in what must be a candidate for understatement of the year. For the United States, Britains vote to leave the European Union is a disaster that can only damage relations between the two great Anglo-Saxon allies.

Whether or not adorned by the epithet special, Britains most important bilateral relationship is with the US. After the Brexit vote, the ties that eternally bind  a shared language, the common law, a deep belief in open markets and free enterprise  will still be there. But as a middling power on its own, no longer anchored to Europe, the UK will be a less attractive partner.

Within the European Union, Britain brought an instinctively American viewpoint to the counsels of the worlds largest trading bloc. Half a century ago, General de Gaulle vetoed British membership of the then EEC in large part on the grounds that Britain would be a stalking horse for the US. He was to a large extent right.

<em>AP</em>

That advantage may now be lost to Washington. Whether or not Germany replaces Britain as its prime European interlocutor, America will have lost a foothold. Even more alarming is the risk that Britains departure will dislodge a crucial brick from what is an already shaky edifice.

Geostrategically, the US has always seen a united Europe as a bulwark and its natural partner. This bulwark has now been weakened. Compounding the danger is the strong possibility that the referendum outcome will pull Britain apart, assuming Scotland, strongly Remain, seeks again to quit leave the United Kingdom.

Conceivably the vote will also have repercussions for Irish stability. If Britain leaves the EU, the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland will again become a hard border. Pressures will surely grow again for union of the 32 counties. That in turn could provoke a return of instability, undoing a peace process in the North in which the US, under Bill Clinton and his successors in the White House, has invested so much.

The vote is also an unmistakeable rebuff to President Obama himself. On Friday, he was necessarily soothing: the US respects the decision of the British people, and both Britain and the European Union would be indispensable partners of the US, even as they renegotiated their relationship. But those words coat a bitter pill.

Two months ago, Mr Obama directly involved himself in the campaign, personally urging a Remain vote. He warned that Britain, the largest foreign investor in the US and a major market for American goods, would be at the back of the queue in terms of a bilateral trade deal with the US to replace the one with the EU that Britain is now about to quit.

The British electorate has now shown him  and the rest of the great and good of the international community  the proverbial two fingers.

For the US an exercise in damage limitation is underway. Mr Obama was at pains to point out that the Britain remained a member of Nato. The Wests security structures, above all the trans-Atlantic alliance, would not be damaged, he insisted, at a moment when Russia and China are ominously flexing their muscles.

But will that necessarily be so? Britain is Americas closest military partner and one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. But the Brexit shockwaves ensure it will be inward-looking and of uncertain leadership for months, probably years, distracted by the vastly complicated process of withdrawal from the EU, and efforts to keep its own Union together. Just one more reason why, in Mr Bidens words, the US would have preferred a different outcome.
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As the first world war approached, the British foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey remarked to a friend: The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime. Watching the British referendum results from Paris early this morning, after 35 years covering European politics, I felt that the lamps were going out all over Britain.

One after one, the solid and familiar English towns that I have known all my life voted to turn their backs on the rest of Europe. Bolton votes leave Stafford votes leave Lancaster votes leave.

 The moment Britain officially voted to leave the EU

It is clear that the European project  muddled, frustrating but indispensable  has suffered the most humiliating and destructive defeat in its 60 year history. No member country has ever left the EU before let alone a country with the global reach of Britain, representing over 10 per cent of the population of the EU and one fifth of its GDP.

Leave aside for a moment the rights and wrongs of the arguments on both sides. We have heard enough of those.

Britain and its European neighbours are about to enter a long period of bitter quarrels and recrimination at a time when the western world already faces dark and threatening economic and security challenges. The quarrels will last for at least two years and maybe as many as five.

Both Britain and the rest of Europe will be weakened. So will the entire western world.

After recovering from the shock of Britains Out vote, other European capitals will insist in the coming days that the European Union can survive, even thrive, without Britain. Maybe, they can. Maybe they cannot.

The Brexit vote will encourage copycat challenges in countries such as Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands  and even France. The Dutch populist Geert Wilders called for a referendum in the Netherlands as soon as the UK result was known. The French far right leader Marine Le Pen tweeted the one word victory.

The pattern of yesterdays vote  dividing the UK into rich and poor, young and old, the educated and less educated, struggling towns and thriving cities  may appear bizarrely British. It mirrors uncannily the electoral targets and successes of the far right Front National in France.

Our jilted partners will now seek to make Brexit as painful for Britain as possible, partly out of pique, partly to try to stamp out the possible brush fire of pressure for a a Frexit or a Nexit or a Scanexit.

At the Brussels summit on Tuesday, David Cameron will be treated as a miscreant. He will be asked to leave the room while the 27 talk among themselves. The anti-European Briitsh newspaper and anti-European British politicians will accuse the others of trying to humiliate Cameron and humiliate the British people.

That will just be the start. There is no jurisprudence for divorce in the EU. We can look forward to years of make-it-up-as-you-go-along quarrels.

This is going to be a miserable business. Accession negotiations are painful enough but at least they have a constructive aim, said a Brussels official, speaking before the results became clear. No one can say what a secession negotiation might be like.

Confusion will be piled in top of uncertainty. Will Britain seek to remain in the single market? If David Cameron  or his successor  tries to spin out the negotiations endlessly on this critical point, the French and Germans will insist on pressing the ejector button themselves. Our means out, they will say.

 EU referendum: Scotland votes

There is more. The EU, whatever the Brexiters, say is no monolith. Britains defection will inevitably touch off violent arguments between the 27. Some voices will call for a Great Leap Forward, towards a more federal EU. Others will want to create a two tier EU, circling the wagons around the founder states or Eurozone members and pushing the Esatern Europeans into a second division.

Nigel Farage is right about one thing: Brexit could be a prelude to a gradual  or maybe not so gradual  disintegration of the whole European project. He is not right to cheer.

You dont like the European Union? Wait until you see what an EU-less Europe might look like.
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I would say that we awoke in a different country from the one in which we fell asleep. But that would be too facetiously obvious and imprecise, not to mention an insult to those of us who never went to sleep.

That said, it felt like sleep in this one narrow way. As the results came in  first in the Japanese water-torture drip-drip-drip style, then as a tsunami of doom  it was like one of those fevery nightmares from which you know you can rouse yourself by act of will. Only this time, of course, you couldnt.

So we find ourselves today in something other and scarier than just another country  a country already different metaphorically, and soon literally, when Scotland secedes and applies for EU membership as a sovereign state. We are in a country riven by civil war on various fronts.

On the voting figures, London is now in effect an enclave of its own  a city-state wholly divorced culturally, politically, financially and by its inclusive outlook from England. By those same figures, the young are in potentially irreconcilable conflict with their grandparents; the university educated with those bereft of higher education; and, if to a less blatant degree, the urban with the rural.

 David Cameron tears up during resignation speech

With the Welsh and English pitched against the Scots and Northern Irish, those who wanted their country back may wonder, when whatever remains of it is returned to them from Brusselss phantasmal clutches, if its worth having. Never in modern history might millions have stronger cause to reflect on the old caution about being careful what you wish for.

The language from politicians and pundits on the BBC as dawn approached  the talk of emergency measures and possible suspension of the stock market  was language youd more normally imagine hearing on the outbreak of war. Which seemed apt.

But what of the genius military strategist who led us into the most suicidal manoeuvre since the Light Brigade charged on and on with heroic futility, and into the Valley of Death? With the future of us all suddenly in peril, speculating about one mans immediate future seems almost too banal to be worth deploying as a diversionary activity from the horror.

But David Camerons longer-term future must be a starring role in history as the Prime Minister who killed his country.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

Finally, after all the narrow squeaks in general elections and the decades first (if not last) Scottish referendum, his luck ran out. Theres a poker saying about the tactic of going all-in: it works every time except for the last.

This would prove to be the last time Cameron pushed all his chips into the middle. His bluff was called, and his flushed face busted to smithereens. The leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party, who this week said he is not by nature reckless, almost certainly terminated our United Kingdom, as he likes to call it, with an act of indescribably selfish recklessness.

You will remember how, when the Scottish vote looked too close to call, he raced to Scotland to came over all lachrymose as he spoke of his overwhelming love for the union. He may or may not have been sincere then. But if you caught him weeping in the early hours of this morning, you would not mistaken those for crocodile tears. As Nora Ephron advised her fellow women, beware the man who cries easily for he cries only for himself.

While Cameron is the master butcher of this national self-mutilation, he is not the only party leader who deserves to be fed into the mincer. Jeremy Corbyns surreal performance in a campaign plainly dependent on Labours ability to turn out whatever survives of its core vote beggared belief.

A man elected nine months ago with the overwhelming support of young and idealistic voters betrayed those supporters with his detachment. His appearance on a comedy chat show, when he arrived in a flowing white fur coat and pensively rated his out-of-10 enthusiasm for EU membership at seven  seven and a half  well, sorry for the pompous harrumphing, but if a senior politician ever treated a moment of unmistakably historic gravity with insanely misjudged flippancy, I dont think I want to know about it.

God alone knows where we go from here. But you need not be an omniscient deity to know it wont be pretty. Watching on telly with my 19-year-old son (one of those idealistic former Corbyn fans who voted passionately for a European future), I pathetically strove for consolation for the second time in barely more than a year. Last May, when the general election results ridiculed the pollsters (and hats off to them once again), I could find no words. During this incomparably more traumatic all-nighter, the words I found were less than useless.

Life, I said in a blatantly fake foray into puritanism, is not supposed to be easy. It isnt about plateauing gently along. This is a gigantic historic moment  the biggest domestic story of my 52 years  and its a thrill and a privilege to be living through it. He had the filial decency to humour me with an indulgent nod, but I was no more kidding him than myself. Those werent the words of a wise father. They were the words of a journalist.

We all enjoy melodrama, hacks or not, and so many of us have a wicked anarchic imp perched on the shoulder whispering relish the mayhem, relish the mayhem...

There will be no shortage of either for a good while.

Whether Cameron leaves office in October with just the one broken Union to his name, or whether his folly triggers the referendum domino effect that knocks down the entire EU itself, time will tell. For now he must content himself with a starring role in tomorrows history books as the assassin of the United Kingdom he loved so much that the tears welled when he spoke of it.

Each man kills the thing he loves, as Oscar Wilde wrote in The Ballad of Reading Gaol. But even if Camerons feelings for the UK were genuine, patently he loved something else more. He placed our United Kingdom on death row by calling this referendum for one reason, and one alone. In an irony that speaks for itself today, he did it to lance the noxious Ukip boil that threatened his general election chances. He called it to save his job. And no greater love hath no man, to adapt Jeremy Thorpe, than that he lay down his country for his political life.
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When Elon Musk says, as he did this week, that his new priority is using artificial intelligence to build domestic robots, we should not only take note, but look forward to the day we can put our legs up in admiration.

Mr Musk is a guy who gets things done. The founder of two moonshot tech companies, Tesla Motors and SpaceX, is bringing electric vehicles to mass market and enabling humans to live on other planets. Lest this strike the amateur techie  not that readers of The Independent would ever count among them  as so much hot air, you can be reassured that the near $13bn (8.8bn) fortune this entrepreneur has amassed comes from practical achievements rather than hypothetical ones.

A lot of clever people are terrified about artificial intelligence, fearing that robots will one day become so smart theyll murder all of us. These fears are mostly overblown: as with hysteria about genetic modification, we humans are generally wise enough to manage these problems with alacrity and care.

And just think of how wonderful it would be if you had a live-in robot. It could  eventually  be like having a babysitter and masseuse rolled into one  or, if that required emotional intelligence beyond the ken of Mr Musks imagined machine, at least some one to chop the carrots, wash the car and mow the lawn. Once purchased and trained, this would allow the casual user to save money and time, freeing up precious space in our busy lives to, for instance, read The Independent.

That is why we welcome Mr Musks latest venture, and wish him well. As long as robots add to the sum of human happiness, reduce suffering or cumbersome activity, and create time to read world-class journalism, The Independent will be their fans. Especially since journalism is one job robots will never do.
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This is the biggest disruption of British politics since the Labour Party eclipsed the Liberals after the First World War. It is the end of David Cameron's career, which has ended as political careers so often do in failure. He gambled and lost. He is expected to address the country later this morning and, although he is likely to stay as a caretaker while a successor is elected, I expect him to announce that he will stand down later this year.

The letter from Conservative MPs urging him to stay on, even in the event of a Leave vote, is for show. The party will unite behind its leader  on condition that he is off in short order.

There are immediate practical questions. The House of Commons will meet on Monday. One of the early decisions is when to activate the two-year period for negotiating the terms of the UK's departure from the EU. That is surely a decision that Cameron has to leave to his successor, so there will be time to come to terms with the nation's decision.

That successor is almost certain to be Boris Johnson. There has been some talk in Westminster this week of Theresa May, the Home Secretary, as a "unity" candidate, but it must be remembered that the final choice of Conservative leader is made by party members as a whole. About 60 per cent of them will have voted to Leave, and they think she let them down by staying on the Remain side.

The important practical consequence of the Leave vote will be the shock to the economy. The pound has already fallen steeply overnight. The first simple implication is that foreign holidays will cost more, with a wider economic slowdown to come.

 Nigel Farage: 'Let today be our independence day'

But politically the significance is that the leaderships of the four largest parties in the House of Commons has been overturned, and politics has changed utterly.

One of the people who is entitled to feel vindicated by this turn of events is Ivan Rogers, the Prime Ministers private secretary who took the unusual step of warning him in writing against promising the referendum in 2013. I dont know what his arguments were, but if he suggested that Cameron was unlikely to get much in his renegotiation, he would have been right. And if he suggested that such a referendum would put Britains EU membership at risk, he would have been right again.
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It has been more than a generation since the majority of the current UK electorate took part in a referendum. Since then, I'm pretty sure a huge amount of the eligible electorate has felt totally disenfranchised by our anachronistic first-past-the-post system, where in some areas even a cactus could be elected to Parliament if it was decked out with the right coloured rosette.

This weeks vote is different from all the sub-democratic elections we hold for Parliament. We are not counting up the constituencies that vote "remain" and comparing against the constituencies that vote "leave" to determine the winner. We are counting every single vote for "remain" and comparing it with every single vote for "leave" (wherever it was cast in the UK) to determine the winner. For once, every vote counts.

Phil Rolandi

Address supplied

Now that the referendum campaign, with its abysmally poor level of debate, is over, I fear we may be in for a period of I told you so politics. Whichever of the sides loses the vote there will be a gleeful response to any bad news relating to the outcome. If the Remain side wins, any negative publicity for the EU will be greeted by cries of I told you so, and if the Leave side wins the same will be said when any adverse consequences of the vote become apparent.

Gordon Cropper

Barnet

As a lapsed member of the Labour party I naturally relish the blue-on-blue discord likely to be a feature of government whatever the outcome of the referendum (I write as the result is unknown). But for Labour-leaning folks the outlook is equally unedifying.

Do we proudly support a party that seems to think social justice is best left delegated to the European project, rather than fighting for electoral credibility at home? Alternatively, are we happier with a wing of the party standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Cameron and Osborne with their phoney renegotiations and economic forecasts? Can someone create a new social democratic party please?

Glyn Jones

Ottershaw, Surrey

If the UK still wants to continue to trade within the EU, whether we leave or remain, it will have to abide by its rules. So, for example, if the EU decides all milk should be coloured pink and all member states agree on this, then all EU countries will have to produce pink milk if they want to sell milk to EU member countries, though they may have their own rule for their own countries.

If the UK leaves, we have no say and have no veto over having to produce pink milk. If our farmers want to sell milk in Europe, it will have to be pink. But if we remain, at least we have a say and can veto this (rather strange) trading deal. As it stands at least the UK won't have to produce pink milk, or we could give our opinion on the matter  that to sell white milk is more sensible  and hopefully win over the other states to the disadvantages of pink milk. A simplistic view, maybe, but is the crux of the EU trading agreements

Look at Norway and Switzerland: they are not members of the EU, but to trade with member countries they have to pay into the EU and abide by the vast majority of its conditions. Yet they have no say or veto over what those conditions are. If they want to sell milk in the EU, it will have to be pink. If the UK leave (as I write, I do not know the result) this is what will happen to the UK. That is why the Norwegian Prime Minister urged the UK to stay.

Simon Hill

Lenault, France

From my 35 years in business, when one party tears up solemn agreements, the reaction of the other party is: Good riddance and goodbye."

William Haines

Shrewsbury

As we consider the future of the European project and put our crosses onto paper today, perhaps we should bear in mind the 279 Commonwealth soldiers who died on June 23rd 1916  and the others on all sides who died with them.

Emma Jones

Oxfordshire

Surely David Cameron should never have allowed this referendum. Given the extreme views within his own party he should have had an inkling of the divisive effect it would have on the country. It is yet another example of poor judgement. Win or lose, he should go.

Mark Sawle Thomas

Address supplied

The founding fathers of the United States could never be called quitters. They were splitters  which was, and is, worse.

Richard Walker

Malvern

Water supplies to the West Bank

Jewish and Arab residents of Judea and Samaria must deal with the summer demand for increased water flowing through a system already functioning at capacity. Nevertheless, Israel has scheduled increased water for Arab communities during the evening when individuals are no longer fasting and hence desiring water. Areas of religious significance drawing crowds of worshipers during daylight hours, such as Hebron and Bethlehem, also received extra water. It would be befitting of a news outlet to better research facts before seizing a biased opportunity to pounce on Israel.

Benjamin S. Yasgur

Address supplied

Observant Muslims dont drink water during the days of Ramadan. At night, when they break the fast, Israel increased the water supply. So why does a news organization only tell less than half the story?

Gerry Moskowitz

Address supplied

Go vegan if you object to Yulin

Eating chickens, cows, pigs, lambs, and fish is no different to eating dogs in China. Dairy cows and egg-laying hens are also treated just as badly as the meat animals we eat. The only way to stop inflicting suffering and death on animals is to go vegan.

Mark Richards

Brighton
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The Daily Mail published a story this week about a World War Two navy veteran who cast a postal vote in favour of Brexit the day before he died. His family were reported as saying that he had fought for his country until the end.

Yesterday I spoke to a friend whose father also took part in the Second World War, much of it in a special forces unit behind enemy lines. My friend told me his father said he would vote Remain because he had fought for a free and peaceful Europe.

Let us consider the thought processes of these two old warriors. The first seems to have got it into his mind, possibly encouraged by Boris Winston Johnson, that the European Union represents an existential threat to the British way of life. We fought them in the beaches; now we shall fight them in the polling booths.

The second old timer, still possessed of sufficient memory to visualise Europe as it was between 1939 and 1945, takes the view that 70 years of peace on the continent was a dream which he would have struggled to imagine back then, which nevertheless came true and which is worth a vote at the end of his life to preserve. He understands that not only do Europeans resolve their differences today with arguments and not armaments, as Gordon Brown reminds us, but that between them they have achieved levels of prosperity which, again, he would have found impossible to imagine when the Second World War came to an end.

My friends dad, a widower, recently moved from England to Madrid, where he will live out his remaining days at his sons home with free access, while he remains a citizen of the EU, to Spains fine public health service. He may have cause to reflect while there that the fundamental democratic values for which he once risked his life are shared with equal enthusiasm and pride by the Spanish, the French, the Germans and the other EU nations. There may be differences over the size and shape of cucumbers and interpretations of the finer points of labour law but on the essentials of free speech, free elections, the free market and equal justice for all the unanimity is absolute.

The old special forces soldier sees a united and stable Europe as a good result. The late Navy man chose to see a united and stable Europe in a light not dissimilar to the monstrous tyranny Churchill described in his blood, toil, tears and sweat speech in 1940. It is on the contrasting visions of these two ancient Brits that the result of the referendum will turn.
Enda Kenny said he was "very sorry" the UK had voted to leave the EU

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said keeping Ireland's borders with Britain open is a key priority on the back of the Brexit vote.

After briefing his cabinet on the fallout from the poll, Mr Kenny said he was very sorry to see the UK leave the European Union but committed the Republic's future to the bloc.

The Taoiseach said his Government had contingency plans in place to limit impact on trade, the economy, relations with Northern Ireland and the common travel area between Ireland and Britain.

"The implications of this vote for Northern Ireland and for relations between North and South on this island will require careful consideration. These will be a particular priority for the Irish Government," Mr Kenny said.

"We will approach these issues in the same spirit of partnership that has underpinned the peace process and has transformed relationships on this island since the Good Friday Agreement."

The Taoiseach paid a glowing tribute to David Cameron saying: "We have worked closely together at a time of unprecedented warmth in relations between our two countries."

And he added: "I'd like to reiterate that while Ireland's future lies within the European Union, Ireland's strong and close relationship with the UK will remain."

Mr Kenny recalled the Dail parliament to sit in Dublin on Monday and said the country's finance chiefs had been in close contact with regulators and European finance chiefs to ensure that any short-term market volatility was carefully managed.

A summary of Ireland's contingency plans to deal with the fallout from Brexit were expected to be published after the Taoiseach briefed Opposition leaders.

"I want to assure the Irish public that we have prepared to the greatest extent possible for this eventuality," he said.

"There will be no immediate change to the free flow of people, goods and services between our islands."

Mr Kenny said it was profoundly in Ireland's interests to stay in the EU and he also welcomed Mr Cameron's commitment to maintain Northern Ireland's interests during Brexit negotiations.

Talks are planned for July 4 between the Taoiseach and Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness when the North/South Ministerial Council meets.

"For our part, the Irish Government will do our utmost in upcoming discussions to maintain the Common Travel Area and minimise any possible disruptions to the flow of people, goods and services between these islands," Mr Kenny said.

The Taoiseach also attempted to ease concerns among the Irish community in Britain.

"I want to assure them that the Irish Government will also have their interests in our thinking as we approach the forthcoming negotiations," he said.

"It is important to remember that the position of Irish citizens within the EU will be unaffected."

The Central Bank of Ireland said it was closely monitoring the impact on financial markets and banks but that it was confident appropriate contingency plans were in place.

"The ECB has made clear that it stands ready to provide additional liquidity, if needed, in euro and foreign currencies; and that it considers that the euro area banking system is resilient in terms of capital and liquidity," it said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said one of his key priorities is to support stability, reconciliation and prosperity in Northern Ireland.

"Ireland is - and will remain - closely aligned to both the EU and the UK," he said.

"Ireland will of course remain in the EU and in the Eurozone, while we will also do everything to protect our political, economic and people-to-people links to the UK."

Mr Flanagan added: "The UK's exit from the EU will bring changes, but the Irish Government has emphasised all along - in its contacts with EU partners, the UK government and the parties in Northern Ireland - that the Northern Ireland and all-island dimensions will be an area for priority attention in all post-referendum negotiations processes, including in relation to the status of the border."
The presidents of the European Commission, Council and Parliament are to hold a joint press conference in Brussels to set out their initial response to the demand for Brexit

Britain's decision to quit the European Union has sent shockwaves around the world, with the UK's allies and rivals scrambling to assess the implications of the surprise referendum vote.

The presidents of the European Commission, Council and Parliament are to hold a joint press conference in Brussels to set out their initial response to the demand for Brexit.

And ministers in the Irish government were called to a special meeting to reflect on the result ahead of a statement by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Ireland was one of the most vocal international advocates of a Remain vote in the UK, its most important trading partner.

A spokesman for the Dublin government said that the outcome "clearly has very significant implications for Ireland, as well as for Britain and for the European Union. The government will meet later this morning to reflect on the result. Following that meeting, the Taoiseach will make a public statement".
So Britain will leave the EU... what happens next?

Under Article 50 of the EU's Treaty , the UK will have to officially notify the European Council that it wishes to leave the EU.

This will kick off a two-year negotiation period, where the remaining 27 EU member states will negotiate, through Brussels, with the UK on the terms of its exit.

Many believe the talks could take longer than two years, but an extension would have to be agreed between all remaining EU states for this to happen.

Its not clear how quickly David Cameron (if he remains in office) will give formal notification to the EU Council. The two-year period begins only when formal notification to leave has been received.

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An EU Summit of leaders takes place in Luxembourg next week, so he may do it there. But he could also take longer, thereby delaying the start of the formal two-year period.

That formal period will essentially decide the status of post-Brexit Britain, and its relationship - politically and economically - with the rest of the EU.

What will a Brexit mean for Ireland?

1: Lets start with a positive

Many believe Dublin could win investment from companies that need to be based in an EU country in the event of a British vote to withdraw. The IDA is working to try and capitalise on a possible Brexit, by attracting multinationals with operations in London to Dublin. But the expectation is that the negatives will far outweigh the positives brought about by the possibility of increased investment

2: The initial impact will be around the currency

We've already seen a night of record movements on sterling.

The pound has been weakening which means it is more expensive for Irish exporters to sell into Britain. A Brexit vote will mean sterling will weaken even further, making Irish exporters even less competitive in the UK market.

3: Trade could be hit

With one country still in the EU, and the other not, that could pose problems. With 1.2bn worth of trade every week between the two countries, any new trade barriers would be unwelcome.

4: Northern Ireland

The border between Northern Ireland and the Republic would become an EU frontier. Could border controls be reimposed? Customs checks? Or could, as has been speculated, a border be introduced between the island of Ireland and Britain? For example, could travellers flying from Belfast to Britain need to go through passport control? These issues will be thrashed out in the two-year negotiation period. The Revenue Commissioners is already examining what it would need to do if a customs border is put in place.

Sinn Fein is already calling for a border poll.

5: Energy market

Questions have been raised about security of supply and the all-island Single Electricity Market.
Supporters of the Stronger In Campaign react after heading the result from Orkney in the EU referendum at the Royal Festival Hall, in London, Britain June 24, 2016. REUTERS/Rob Stothard/Pool

Wales will vote to quit the European Union, Leave campaigners have claimed.

The first 10 results in Wales all swung in favour of Brexit - including a comprehensive 62% "out" result in Blaenau Gwent.

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Whatsapp Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall. Rob Stothard/PA Wire

Welsh Leave campaigners at the counting centre in Deeside are saying they are "very optimistic" that Wales will vote to leave Europe.

A source said: "The results are better than we anticipated. We thought it may be closer in Wales, but it's now looking that out of 22 local authorities in Wales only four will choose to Remain."

Among the early victories chalked up for Leave included Wales's second city Swansea as well as several Labour areas including Newport, Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil.

Turnouts in Wales have also been a lot higher than in the UK and Welsh Assembly elections too - with Monmouthshire topping with 76.2%.

Expand Close Supporters of the Stronger In campaign react after hearing results in the EU referendum at London's Royal Festival Hall. Rob Stothard/PA Wire / Facebook

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Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, who wants the UK to stay in the EU, blamed Prime Minister David Cameron for the bad timing of the referendum.

She said the vote was too close to the Welsh Assembly elections in May and had made the Remain campaign less effective.

Speaking at the Cardiff count early on Friday morning, she said: "We warned the Prime Minister very early on that the date was too close to the Welsh and Scottish elections and that it would cause problems.

"If the result ends up being leave for Wales, it exonerates our position on the issue of timing."

Ms Wood said she was not surprised that so many parts of Wales had voted to leave the EU - despite the country benefiting from billions of EU funding over the years.

She added: "It looks as if the areas where there are greater levels of deprivation and received the most of European Union funding are the areas most likely to have the greatest numbers of those wanting to leave.

"That tells me that people are not satisfied with the status quo and that that the status quo cannot prevail.

"In the Rhondda where I stood and won in the Assembly election, there was very strong feeling from people that they want change.

"The EU referendum is an opportunity to do that - to land a blow on the political establishment."

That sentiment was also echoed by former Neath MP Lord Hain.

He said: "The strong Leave vote demonstrates the serious extent of left-behind alienation in Labour areas."

Read more here:
INVESTMENT banking giant Morgan Stanley has denied it is eyeing Dublin or Frankfurt as a location for 2,000 of its investment bankers following the Brexit vote.

The bank told the BBC that reports that it was moving 2,000 investment banking staff from London to Dublin or Frankfurt were "completely false."

However, it is understood that the bank is still considering a new location for up to 1,000 investment bankers and Dublin is still in the running as is Frankfurt.

A timeframe has not yet been established, it is believed.

Earlier the top Irish executive at Morgan Stanley said a UK vote to leave the European Union would be the most significant geopolitical event for the Continent since the end of World War II.

Morgan Stanley president Colm Kelleher said a Brexit vote could prompt the bank to move its European headquarters to Dublin or Frankfurt from London.

"This will be the most consequential thing postwar that we've ever seen," Mr Kelleher said yesterday in an interview on Bloomberg Television with Erik Schatzker. "Initially, the fallout can be controlled, but the political ramifications are actually quite profound."

"We're hoping that the British voter will show sense and listen to the economic arguments and stay," Mr Kelleher said. "But we clearly are looking at our plans," he said, adding that the New York-based firm would consider moving its European headquarters from London.

Mr Kelleher (59) joined the US bank in 1980, and has run its investment bank and trading division since 2013. He gained oversight of the brokerage in January, when he was promoted to president.
TelleSr count ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, after polls closed in the EU referendum. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Teller count ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Teller count ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Foyle was the first constituency to declare in the count towards the overall result in Northern Ireland, with a strong majority for Remain.

A total of 32,064 voted for the UK to stay in the EU with 8,905 backing Brexit.

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Whatsapp Teller count ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, after polls closed in the EU referendum. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Northern Ireland is treated as one electoral area in the overall UK result, but the count is being broken down across its 18 constituencies, with those separate outcomes added together for the regional result.

The Northern Ireland result is expected around 4am.

Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson said she was not surprised by the result in her constituency.

She said: "It is what I expected of a border constituency that realised that if it was not to vote in the way that it did, we could be facing the prospect of customs and border obstacles literally as we look at them in our constituency.

Expand Close A teller counts ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, after polls closed in the EU referendum. Liam McBurney/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp A teller counts ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, after polls closed in the EU referendum. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

"You are talking about 310 miles of the border in Ireland is partitioned and I think it is a rejection of partition; it is a rejection of this referendum that has been foisted on the people of Ireland and really it has been a blue on blue debate; an internal fight among the Tory administration and Ukip and it was to placate that".

She said people in Foyle had been "well informed" about the benefits of staying in the EU.

"This wasn't project fear," Ms Anderson added. "People looked at the fact that we as a constituency in Derry have benefited from EU funding. People looked at the Peace Bridge, the Science Park, the Bloody Sunday museum, they could see big bold statements of what Europe has brought to the constituency."

While the result was confirmed in Foyle, other constituencies were still at the stage of declaring turnout figures.

In Lagan Valley the total number of votes polled was 48,425 with a turnout of 66.25%.

In Upper Bann voters cast 51,845 votes with a turnout of 63.64%.

Among the politicians to arrive at Belfast count centre during the early hours of the morning was high profile MP Nigel Dodds, accompanied by his MEP wife Diane Dodds.

The North Belfast MP said it was too early to predict an outcome but said people had been engaged by the debate.

He said: "There wasn't a single person wasn't aware there was a referendum question. This is a momentous decision and it is going to be very, very close one way or the other."

There was also a note of caution to the winning side.

Mr Dodds added: "Whatever happens it is going to be a challenge, to government, to Parliament, to politicians generally to make sure the country remains united on moving forward because what we don't want to have is one massive side of the community across the UK feeling they are basically forgotten about and everybody else is ploughing on - the victors.

"Whether Remain wins or whether Leave wins there will be a job of work to be done by those who win to make sure that everybody else feels that they are still involved and have a big say in the country."

In Lagan Valley the vote was for Brexit. A total of 22,710 voted for Remain and 25,704 voted for Leave.
Teller count ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

A UK exit from the EU in the context of Northern Ireland voting to Remain must prompt a poll on Irish unity, Sinn Fein has demanded.

While the republican party claimed the referendum will have "massive ramifications on the nature of the British state", given Scotland also voted Remain, the Democratic Unionists hailed the vote as set to deliver a bright future for Northern Ireland as part of an unshackled UK.

In Northern Ireland 440,707 (56%) people voted to Remain and 349,442 (44%) voted to Leave.

Of the region's 18 constituencies, 11 voted Remain and seven voted Leave.

A border poll can only be called by the region's Secretary of State in circumstances where there is clear evidence of a public opinion swing towards Irish unity.

Sinn Fein's national chairman Declan Kearney said the question of Northern Ireland remaining as part of the UK had now been brought into sharp focus.

"We have a situation where the north is going to be dragged out on the tails of a vote in England," he said.

"That is a huge democratic deficit for our society, building on the existing democratic deficit of partition.

"The British Government have now forfeited its mandate to represent the north of Ireland in relation to the European Union."

He added: "We now have a situation where Brexit has become a further cost of partition, a further cost of the Union and Sinn Fein will now press our demand, our long standing demand, for a border poll."

Expand Close Supporters of the Stronger In campaign cheer as the EU referendum result from Gibraltar is announced at London's Royal Festival Hall. Rob Stothard/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Supporters of the Stronger In campaign cheer as the EU referendum result from Gibraltar is announced at London's Royal Festival Hall. Rob Stothard/PA Wire

The DUP's Sammy Wilson warmly welcomed the likely Brexit.

The East Antrim MP said the percentage of Brexit votes in Northern Ireland far exceeded polling predictions and insisted voters had not been taken in by Remain claims on the potential impact on free movement across the border.

"I am glad the people in Northern Ireland were not intimidated by the kind of nonsense that the Prime Minister and ex-prime ministers came off with - that the peace process was going to collapse, and World War Three was going to happen, and the economy was going to melt down, and the border was going to have gun towers and mine fields and barbed wire and machine gun posts and Lord knows what else along it," he said.

"People rose above that and many of them changed their minds and I am pleased about that."

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Whatsapp Teller count ballot papers at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, as counting gets underway in the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

He added: "The future for Northern Ireland will be as bright as the future of the United Kingdom is going to be."

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Britain's decision to quit the European Union could send damaging shockwaves through the bedrock Anglo-American "special relationship," raising questions about London's willingness and ability to back U.S.-led efforts in global crises ranging from the Middle East to Ukraine.

The loss of the strongest pro-U.S. voice within the 28-nation bloc, as a result of the "Brexit" referendum, threatens to weaken Washington's influence in European policymaking and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to further challenge the West, analysts and former diplomats say.

The British referendum on Thursday, widely seen as reflecting an increasingly nationalistic and inward-looking public, also risks the splintering of the United Kingdom itself, which could further reduce its role and stature in world affairs.

Britain's departure -- which is not immediate and must be negotiated with the EU -- could present the next U.S. president with a decision on whether to turn to other key European partners like Germany and France, essentially downgrading a special U.S. bond with London forged in World War Two.

Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and the president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, said Britain's ability to press its views and policy preferences with its European allies and within NATO, where it provided strong political backing to the United States, will be diminished.

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"You clearly have a much weaker Britain whose sway in European capitals is lessened by the vote," Daalder said. As a result, he said, the United States likely will have to work harder to maintain trans-Atlantic and European unity.

Anything that divides Europe, he added, "is a win for Russia because that has been a policy of Putin and of Russia."

A U.S. intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "This is certain to encourage the Russians to continue and probably intensify their campaign of supporting far-right nationalist movements in Western and Eastern Europe as part of their effort to neuter NATO."

Phil Gordon, a former senior foreign policy adviser to Obama, expressed concern that Europe will become inwardly focused on Britain's departure and independence movements on the continent, leaving the United States to shoulder more of the international burden.

"The more time it spends on doing that, the more resources it spends on coping with the consequences of that, the less time and money and political capital it is going to have to help us with global challenges," he said.

The administration of President Barack Obama was rattled by the stunning turn of events, including turmoil in world financial markets and British Prime Minister David Cameron's subsequent resignation announcement.

British officials sought to reassure their U.S. counterparts that Brexit would not portend a withdrawal from world affairs, a U.S. official said. Some of those officials may not survive the change of leadership or further British political upheavals that could be spurred by the vote.

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While Obama insisted on Friday that Britain would remain an "indispensable partner," the outcome of the referendum delivered a clear rebuke to the U.S. president, who made an unusually strong intervention into British politics against "Brexit" during a visit to London in April.

Britain's vote to leave the EU threatens not only Obama's security efforts across the globe but the U.S. economic recovery and the international trade agenda he is pursuing in his final seven months in office.

A similar mix of U.S. populist anger and anti-establishment sentiment has fueled the rise of Donald Trump as presumptive Republican nominee in the November U.S. presidential election.

"The drivers of Brexit are the same as the drivers of nationalist movements in western Europe and the U.S.," Clifford Young, President of Ipsos Public Affairs in the United States, told Reuters.

Cameron has cooperated closely with Obama in the security sphere. Britain has been a major military player in U.S.-led campaigns against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, an active ally on the ground in Afghanistan and a strong supporter of sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine's separatist conflict.

Heather Conley, director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Britain's divorce from the EU, which could take up to two years, would now be "an all-consuming process" that could distract it from such efforts.

"There's just not going to be an enormous amount of attention of policy bandwidth given to the migration crisis, fighting ISIS, or focusing on continued ceasefire violations in Ukraine and maintaining sanctions against Russia," she said.

"It comes down to when we need the UK and its leadership, whether in the Security Council or NATO, its attentions will be focused domestically," she said.

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Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, called Brexit -- which dealt the biggest blow to the European project of unity since World War Two -- "a cloud without a silver lining."

"I'm not suggesting that we're about to return to a situation of conflict in Europe," he said. "But I'm wary that it will tear from the fabric of prosperity and stability."

While U.S.-British intelligence sharing - one of the closest relationships of its kind in the world - is expected to withstand the political turmoil, some experts said counterterrorism cooperation with European partners could suffer at a time when Islamic State has targeted European capitals.

"It will make cooperation in Europe on counter terrorism harder as most of the former British intelligence chiefs predicted before the vote," said Bruce Riedel, a former CIA official now at the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington.

But Michael Morell, a former acting CIA director, rejected that view, saying counterterrorism cooperation "is too important to let politics of any kind affect it."

Adding to U.S. concerns is the threat by Scottish nationalists to mount a new referendum on independence for Scotland, where nearly two-thirds of voters voted to stay in the EU. In addition, Northern Ireland's deputy leader Martin McGuinness called for a vote to unite the two sides of the Irish border.

The break-up of the United Kingdom would raise questions whether it should retain its veto in the United Nations Security Council, where it has been a mostly reliable supporter of U.S. initiatives.
Nigel Farage, the leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), addresses supporters at a A Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London, Britain, June 23, 2016. REUTERS/Toby Melville

Ukip leader Nigel Farage has declared victory for the Leave Campaign during a speech in Central London.

He also told Press Association that Prime Minister David Cameron "immediately" if he loses the EU referendum.

Surrounded by cheering supporters, Farage said: "Dawn is breaking for an independent United Kingdom".

"This will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people.

Expand Close Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote. Photo: PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote. Photo: PA

"We have fought, we fought against the big merchant banks, fought against big politics, we fought against lies," he said.

He declared his belief the Leave campaign will win.

"We have done it without having to fight, without a single bullet being fired.

"We have done it not just for ourselves, we have done it for the whole of Europe.

"I hope this victory brings down this failed project," he added.

He ended his speech by saying: "Let this day go down in our history as our independence day."

Expand Close Nigel Farage, the leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), has a coffee in The Old Jail pub, after voting in the EU referendum, at a polling station in Biggin Hill, Britain June 23, 2016. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez / Facebook

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Whatsapp Nigel Farage, the leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), has a coffee in The Old Jail pub, after voting in the EU referendum, at a polling station in Biggin Hill, Britain June 23, 2016. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Former London mayor Boris Johnson and Justice Secretary Michael Gove - both high profile Leave campaigners - have not issued any statement at the time of publishing.

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FINE Gael MEP Brian Hayes has described the outcome of the UK referendum on the European Union as a bridge to the unknown.

Mr Hayes warned that the Euro/Sterling exchange rate is an immediate danger to Ireland.

Britains decision to leave the EU is a massive political earthquake. The shock waves of this decision will unfold in the days and months ahead, he said this morning.

Ireland is right to be worried and apprehensive. As our single most important trading partner, Britains decision leaves us vulnerable to negative currency fluctuations.

He said a fall in the value of sterling will have extremely negative consequences for Irish exports to Britain, while tourism will also be hit.

A bridge into the unknown has been crossed. Britains decision to leave is a real threat to the future of the EU. There are also risks to the stability and cohesion of the UK itself. Britain and Europe must now begin the long and complex process of establishing a new political and economic relationship, he said.

The MEP for Dublin added that Ireland must now defend its own interests.

Ireland will also need to be extremely mindful of British/Irish relationships and the rapidly changing dynamics of internal UK politics. Above all this is a time for clear thinking and calm heads.
The US would have preferred a Remain vote in the EU referendum, US Vice President Joe Biden has said.

In a wide-ranging speech at Dublin Castle, Mr Biden launched a scathing attack on "reactionary politicians and demagogues peddling xenophobia, nationalism and isolationism".

And he said the US wanted to keep growing economic ties with the European Union, which he described as "already the largest economic relationship in the world".

"Of course, yesterday a majority of the British people voted to leave the European Union, and as long-standing friends of the United Kingdom, the United States respects their decision," he said.

"[It is] not how we would have preferred it to be. But we respect their position."

Before a crowd in the Irish capital, where Mr Biden is on a six-day official visit, he said relations with the UK and European allies are indispensible to US economic and national security.

"So as the leadership in London and Brussels determines what this new relationship will look like, we will continue to work with our partners to navigate a new road ahead while continuing to promote stability, security and prosperity around the world," he said.

But he attacked a lurch to extremes by politicians in Europe and the US.

Quoting from Irish poet WB Yeats, he said "all has changed, changed utterly - a terrible beauty has been born" around the globe.

"In the past 15 years, all has changed in the world," he said.

"We've seen more change and challenges and opportunities than any time since World War Two and maybe before."

Mr Biden said mass migration, war, terrorism, infectious diseases, climate change, economic unease and anxiety had given rise to an inevitable human reaction - frustration and anger.

"All this provides fertile terrain for reactionary politicians and demagogues peddling xenophobia, nationalism and isolationism," he said.

"We see it in Europe, we see in other parts of the world and we see it in my home country, where some politicians find it convenient to scapegoat immigrants instead of welcoming them, to play to our fears rather than, as Abraham Lincoln said, appeal to our better angels."

Mr Biden criticised those who were intent to "divide us based on religion or ethnicity, rather than unite us in our common humanity, build walls instead of bridges."

"It is un-American what we have been seeing," he added.

"It is not who we have become. It is not who we are."

Referring to Dublin Castle as a once "symbolic centre of British occupation and oppression of Ireland", he said it served as a reminder that people everywhere share the same basic desire to "breathe free, to be able to express themselves, to follow their own North Star."

Mr Biden also touched on his Irish American heritage, close relations between the two countries and Ireland's leading role in LGBT rights, with its historic marriage referendum last year.

Traditional Irish band The Chieftains, singer-songwriter Mundy and Irish language band Seo Linn played at the event, which saw a major security operation in the Irish capital.

In a separate engagement at Trinity College Dublin, Mr Biden receive an honorary doctorate as well as a gold medal from the university's philosophical society.

His return to Dublin follows two days in Mayo, in the west of Ireland, where he kept his promise to play a round of golf in Ireland.

Mr Biden's ancestral connections with Co Mayo have been traced back as far as the late 1700s.

His great-great-great-grandfather Edward Blewitt lived in Ballina and great-great-grandfather Owen Finnegan, the Cooley peninsula in Co Louth, and both left Ireland during the Great Famine of the 1840s.

A trip to Co Louth on Saturday will also take in sites with ancestral links, while Newgrange is also on the agenda.
FROM trade to travel, here are five ways we'll be poorer from today following the historic British decision to exit the EU:

1. Trade

Britain is our biggest trading partner in Europe (and we theirs), by a long mile. Its worth 1.2bn a week, or over 60bn a year. Brexit wont do away with that, but any agreements under EU tenders or rules, for example, will have to be re-examined. New trade negotiations may have to take place with UK companies wanting to conduct business in Ireland. This all takes time, and while the UK very much wants to do business with us, it will now be less smooth. The ESRI has warned trade will slump by up to 20pc while Michael Noonan has said it could cost us 3bn between now and 2018  the same 3bn he had earmarked for our rainy day fund.

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2. Travel

The UK and Ireland have enjoyed a common travel agreement since the 1920s, strengthened by EU membership. Brexit may mean that some sanctions are re-imposed, especially since migration was the recurring issue for Leave voters. They dont mean us specifically, but its harder to introduce one law for some travellers and another for different ones. The 2011 Short Stay Visa Waiver programme allowed visitors to the UK to travel here, and vice versa, so we benefited from crossover tourism to the British Isles. This is sure to be re-examined. Brits account for 42pc of all tourism to Ireland, and we will be suddenly less attractive as a destination due to a drop in Sterling.

3. Money

Sterling will take a hit immediately. Although traditionally a strong currency, it will probably rebound in time, but until then Irish exporters will feel the pain as it will be harder to sell products into the UK. Likewise importers of British products will need to impose higher prices to cover the costs of any renewed trade barriers. Well all feel that in our pockets.

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4. Pensions

108bn is invested in pension funds here, much of it in equities and UK pension companies which operate here. With uncertainty surrounding stock markets pension funds will take a hit, which will particularly be felt by those who are due to retire over the next few years.

5.Northern Ireland

Brexit voters are sick and tired of bailing out other peoples problems. Some voters may include Scotland and Northern Ireland in this. There will certainly be increased pressure on the former to have another referendum on leaving the UK and with an annual spend of 7bn of British taxpayers money propping up Northern Ireland, others may call for this to be cut. That, along with border issues, might increase job losses there and put a strain on cross border trade and activity.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has had a 12-minute phone call with outgoing British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mr Cameron phoned the Taoiseach this afternoon to thank him for supporting the Remain campaign and to discuss the fallout from the decision by UK voters to leave the European Union.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach said they touched on the closeness of the result and Mr Kenny said he understood the rationale for the PMs stated preference for initiating negotiations with the EU after a new leader of the Conservative party has been selected.

The two leaders agreed there should be no interruption to the close bilateral work at political and official level on Northern Ireland.

Moreover, it was agreed that there would be immediate bilateral contact between senior officials on the issues of mutual interest arising from the referendum, including the common travel area and the border, the spokesperson said.

The exchange was described as warm with both men recalling the strong personal relationships that they had built over the last number of years.

The Taoiseach wished PM Cameron and his family the very best for the future and they both looked forward to meeting in person next week, the spokesman concluded.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD speaking to media at Government Buildings, Dublin following the outcome of the UK EU referendum, Dublin. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins

Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD speaking to media at Government Buildings, Dublin following the outcome of the UK EU referendum, Dublin. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins

Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD speaking to media at Government Buildings, Dublin following the outcome of the UK EU referendum, Dublin. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins

There is no need for Britain to begin the process of leaving the European Union until at least October, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said.

In his first statement since the referendum result, Mr Kenny went against senior EU officials who said Britain must act immediately to initiate the two year process of exiting.

Speaking after an emergency Cabinet meeting, the Taoiseach said it was Britains prerogative to decide when to activate the so-called Article 50.

He backed David Camerons approach, saying: These negotiations may not commence for some months yet, and will take a considerable amount of time to complete. In that regard, it is important to stress that Britain remains a member of the European Union until negotiations have been concluded.

We must take this breathing space...and use it wisely.

The Taoiseach went on to say Ireland staying in the European Union despite a Brexit is profoundly in our national interest.

Expand Close Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD speaking to media at Government Buildings, Dublin following the outcome of the UK EU referendum, Dublin. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins / Facebook

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Whatsapp Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD speaking to media at Government Buildings, Dublin following the outcome of the UK EU referendum, Dublin. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins

The Government will publish key details of their contingency plan later today, adding: Our primary objective remains to protect and advance this countrys interests.

He said the short term market volatility will be carefully managed and the Finance Minister is in close contact with the Central Bank, NTMA and other international partners.

I want to assure the Irish public that we have prepared to the greatest extent possible for this eventuality.

There will be no immediate change to the free flow of people, goods and services between our islands, Mr Kenny said.

We have previously set out our main concerns in the event of Brexit. These relate to the potential impacts for trade and the economy, for Northern Ireland, for the common travel area and for the European Union itself.

On Northern Ireland, the Taoiseach said the implications will require careful consideration.

We will approach these issues in the same spirit of partnership that has underpinned the peace process and has transformed relationships on this island since the Good Friday Agreement.

I welcome the Prime Ministers clear statement that Northern Irelands interests will be fully reflected in the British Governments negotiating position, he said.

Mr Kenny will meet with members of the Northern Executive on Monday week and hold detailed discussions.

In the medium term a related concern is that of the Common Travel Area between Britain and Ireland.

For our part, the Irish Government will do our utmost in upcoming discussions to maintain the Common Travel Area and minimise any possible disruptions to the flow of people, goods and services between these islands, Mr Kenny said.

Ireland will, of course, remain a member of the European Union.

That is profoundly in our national interest.

After more than 40 years of membership, we have built up strong bonds of partnership with all the other member states, and with the European institutions, that will continue to serve us well. We must now begin a period of reflection and debate on how we can renew the Union of 27 and equip it for the challenges ahead, Mr Kenny said
A woman reads a newspaper on the underground in London with a 'vote remain' advert for the BREXIT referendum, Britain June 22, 2016. REUTERS/Russell Boyce

The UK has opted to leave the EU. The Brexit referendum outcome triggers the Irish Governments worst nightmare as both islands fortunes in Europe are totally interlinked.

All 28 EU member states are in seriously uncharted waters with many questions and few ready answers. John Downing looks at eight key issues.

1. Are the UK definitely out of the EU?

Yes. Technically this referendum is consultative and non-binding. Political reality and the history of this most explosive topic means the result cannot be ignored. But how and when the United Kingdom exit happens will take quite some time to unfold. The Brexit terms and any new relationship with the EU will involve complex negotiations and require the agreement of the remaining 27 member states.

2. What rules guide the UKs Brexit process?

The idea of any nation leaving the EU was only recognised in 2009 in Article 50 of the EU Lisbon Treaty. Once Article 50 is invoked a two-year negotiating timeframe is allowed.

Extension of the two-year talks term requires unanimous agreement of the remaining 27 member states. Failure to get unanimous agreement means the exit happens automatically.

3. So that puts the UK out of the EU by summer 2018?

No. Most people involved agree it will take more than two years to untangle 43 years of shared EU laws and regulations. There is also doubt about when exactly Britain will trigger the Article 50 process.

Some in the Leave campaign urged a delay on triggering until after big elections are pending in both France and Germany later next year.

4. What does the exit Article 50 say?

It gives big power to the remaining 27 member states who must agree UK Brexit terms by a so-called super qualified majority  that is 72pc of the member countries, representing 65pc of the EU population. The European Parliament must also approve any deal.

In practice there will a complex web of talks deciding Brexit terms and framing a new EU-UK relationship.

5. Can Ireland frame new trade and other relationships with the UK?

Not without full agreement of the rest of the EU. Ireland is fully committed to staying in the EU. Brussels and the other member governments will handle all negotiations. This is a huge challenge for Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan and his diplomatic team. Taoiseach Enda Kenny must make a very forceful case on Irelands key interests.

6. What about the Border and Northern Ireland generally?

Both London and Dublin will work hard to avoid any return of the Border. But the 300 mile stretch from Derry to Dundalk becomes an EU external frontier.

There are immigration control issues raising questions about identity checks. And if there are tariffs in new trade arrangement the question of customs controls arise.

The outcome, in which the Norths voters, opted for Remain has fuelled tensions. Sinn Fein want a poll on ending partition. The DUP say the North will be more prosperous in a UK free of the EU. Renewed calls in Scotland for a new Independence Referendum there complicates things given close links between Scotland and the North.

7. What about British politics? Is David Cameron finished as Prime Minister?

Received wisdom in the run in to Thursdays vote was that Camerons days were numbered irrespective of the outcome. This has been all about internal Conservative Party wars over Europe which date back to the late 1960s. Leave campaigners in the Conservatives, including Boris Johnson, have written to Cameron urging him to stay on.

British politics is entering a very volatile period. The outcome shows a very divided Britain with a huge fault-line inside Labour also.

8. Is this the beginning of the end for the European Union?

It very well could be. Anti-EU sentiment is very high in many mainstream countries including France. There are elections in Spain on Sunday and the anti-EU parties on the right and left will be emboldened.

But the European Union was the continents post-1945 settlement after two horrific world wars. If the EU is to survive it must restore economic growth and prosperity and address other problems like the refugee crisis. That will not be easy and this result finds the EU already at a low ebb.
UKIP has rounded on Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Irish musician Bob Geldof for their roles in the Brexit campaign.

As the dust settles on a dramatic referendum result, the far right party hit out at Mr Kenny over his claim a hard border will be formed with the North as a result of Britain leaving the EU.

Thats part of Project Fear, I see absolutely no chance of that happening, UKIP deputy leader and MEP Paul Nuttall told independent.ie at the referendum HQ in Manchester.

Mr Nuttalls European parliament colleague Steven Woolfe, whose grandmother is from Kildare, also rejected the prospect of border controls.

I dont believe a border will be re-erected...A relationship would occur very quickly between our two countries to make sure trade can continue in the same way now, he said.

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Meanwhile, UKIP also reignited tensions with Mr Geldof in relation to his rowdy encounter with Nigel Farage during the campaign.

Mr Geldof, a Remain campaigner, was pictured sticking his two fingers up at UKIP leader Nigel Farage while leading a flotilla on the Thames.

He also became engaged in heated exchanges with the controversial politician, who himself was on a boat carrying fisherman.

Mr Nuttall joked that Mr Geldof helped the Leave side win the campaign.

I wouldnt be critical of Bob Geldof, I would congratulate him for helping us massively, he said.

Him on the Thames on a million pound boat giving two fingers to poor fishermen I think sums up what this campaign was about, it was the people versus the establishment.
The leaders of some of Irelands biggest companies have expressed their shock over the UKs decision to quit the European Union.

The Irish Independent spoke to chief executives this morning whove insisted that business will carry on as normal  at least for the time being.

Its a surprise, said Patrick Coveney, the chief executive of Irish food giant Greencore, which is the worlds largest sandwich maker and supplies all the UK grocery chains with products. But were doing the same thing this morning that we were yesterday.

Greencore generates most of its 1.3bn (1.6bn) annual turnover in the UK. But it also has a growing and important business in the United States, where clients include the likes of Starbucks.

I dont think people should be too surprised that markets are reacting the way they are, he said. Its going to take a little bit of time for everyone to figure out what it means, and what the need for a business and economic response is.

We had a preference for Britain to stay in, said Mr Coveney. But we dont have the same degree of exposure as many other businesses in the sense that we manufacture in the UK for sale in the UK. So, our costs and our revenue broadly match. I think the exposure well have will principally be on what happens to the overall UK economy. We have to work through over time what it means.

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The Greencore boss said that the demographic trends the company has identified in the UK around food-to-go, for instance, are completely un-impacted by this vote.

Were significant investors with a very good business in the UK, and were significant and growing investors in America. Well continue to do both of those things. We just have to be calm and see what unfolds over the next few months and years, he added.

With Sterling having slumped, tourism from the UK to Ireland is likely to take a hit.

But Pat McCann, the chief executive of Irelands largest hotel group, Dalata, said that the company  as with others  will just have to adapt to the UK being outside the EU.

In business, there are certain things you can control and certain things you cant. This is one of those things you cant, he said. What you do is adapt. Were going to run our business and will look at where we can take advantage of whatever happens and thats the reality of life.

Dalata generates most of its revenue in Ireland, but owns or operates nine hotels in the UK from Belfast to Derry, and London to Leeds.

The key question is what effect is this going to have on the UK economy, said Mr McCann, who added that opportunities could also emerge from the UKs exit from the EU.

This notion that the UK will be frozen out from a trade perspective isnt going to happen.

The chief executive of global packaging giant Smurfit Kappa, Tony Smurfit, said this morning that the result creates uncertainty. Smurfit Kappa generated revenue of 8.1bn last year and much of its cardboard packaging is used for food and drink.

In the longer term its really bad for Europe, he said. In the shorter term, were going to see a shock and uncertainty in business. In the shorter term, obviously the exchange rate movement is going to alter trade flows and that has implications. People are still going to consume but a lack of confidence is not good for business.

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Smurfit Kappa has operations all over the world, and the UK is its fourth biggest market in Europe.

Its an important market for us. Were close to the largest producer of our product in the UK. Its a market in which weve invested strongly over the past number of years, said Mr Smurfit. For me, the biggest worry is in the longer term than in the short term. The uncertainty aspect of things we will have to take into account when we decide investment.

Kenny Jacobs, the chief marketing officer of Ryanair, told the Irish Independent that the first real manifestation of the airlines reaction to Brexit is likely to be reflected in its summer schedules in and out of the UK in summer 2017.

About one-third of Ryanairs 116 million annual passengers fly in and out of the UK. Chief executive Michael OLeary campaigned vigorously for a Remain vote and previously warned that Ryanairs future investment in the UK would be impacted if the UK leaves the EU.

Were surprised and disappointed, said Mr Jacobs. In the short-term it doesnt mean anything., What were going to be looking at now is a couple of years where theres a huge amount to be figured out. Germany will have to take a leadership role.

We dont have a contingency plan. We dont need to have one until we know what theyre going to do with the single market, he added.

Mr Jacobs said that Ryanair had seen a more than 33pc rise in bookings this morning from the UK, compared to the Friday last week.

Theres been an unprecedented number of bookings from people in the UK, he said. He said that while that coincided with a seat sale, it also probably reflected people wanting to take breaks after weeks of pent up anxiety.

Mr Jacobs said there will now be a question mark over Ryanairs future capacity plans in the UK due to the uncertainty.

That can first be manifested in the summer 2017 schedule. If the uncertainty means were less comfortable about investing in growth here (in the UK), there are plenty of other places where we can add traffic.

IAG, the airline group that owns Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling, insisted this morning that Brexit will not have a long-term impact on its business. But it also said that profits this year will not now be as strong as expected.
John Lewis had been linked to the Sprucefield site outside Lisburn for many years

JOHN Lewis is planning to open in Dublin, taking a section within two floors at department store Arnotts - but creating new uncertainty over its plans in Northern Ireland.

In October Arnotts will open a John Lewis section spanning two floors of its Henry Street shop. It has struck a deal to sell 700 products from the UK chain's own-brand home and lifestyle range, including furniture, lighting and kitchenware.

The chain had been linked to the Sprucefield site outside Lisburn for many years, where planning authorities recently relaxed restrictions.

The retailer has also been linked to the Royal Exchange proposed development in Belfast city centre.
A group of south Dublin residents is opposing plans by developer Johnny Ronan to establish an embassy on Burlington Rd.

The Upper Leeson Street Area Residents' Association is appealing a decision by Dublin City Council giving Mr Ronan's RGRE Embassy Ltd from changing the use of the main building at 32 Burlington Rd from residential to embassy.

The residents argue that the proposed development permitting office use "sets an undesirable precedent and is profoundly retrograde in nature".

In a split decision, the City Council refused Mr Ronan's firm permission to change the use of an existing mews building at the site from residential to live/work use and his firm has appealed that aspect of the decision only to An Bord Pleanala.

The buildings are close to the junction of Burlington Rd and Leeson Street.

The City Council gave permission for the change of use from residential to embassy after concluding it complied with the zoning for the site.

The building is currently vacant and Mr Ronan's firm has identified a demand for embassy use of the building.

However, in its appeal, the residents' association expressed frustration with the growth of embassies in the general area, claiming that the area's status as a residential conservation area "is now under serious threat".

In their appeal, residents state: "It is an unfortunate reality that many diplomatic missions/embassies have in our experience carried out development contrary to planning conditions or without planning permission where it seems the Council is thwarted in taking enforcement action where diplomatic immunity or such is pleaded."

The residents also argue that the likely installation of defining characteristics of embassy office use - floodlighting, security spotlights, cameras and excessively high and visually obtrusive perimeter railings "will result in serious injury to existing residential amenity by reason of light overspill and invasion of privacy".

They state: "We are particularly opposed to embassy office development per se, which we believe no longer constitutes an acceptable form of development in a residential conservation area, or in any residents' area."

The residents claim that the proposed development by its nature will attract a level of activity, such as office visits and functions, which further erodes the existing general residential character of that area of Burlington Rd.

The residents also raise concern over additional traffic movements and parking concerns and state that such concerns are "already an issue for example at the Romanian embassy on Waterloo Rd - especially around election times, when citizens resident in Ireland are entitled to vote, which also results in long queues of people lining the public pavement for many hours".

A decision is due on the appeal next October.
Irish leasing company AWAS has been disclosed as the purchaser of 15 current-generation A320-family jets from Airbus.

The European planemaker said yesterday that the Dublin-based lessor had placed an order for 12 A320ceo and three A321ceo aircraft, with a combined catalogue value of $1.5bn (1.3bn).

Two industry sources said the deal had already appeared in the planemaker's monthly order data in May, when the name of the buyer remained undisclosed.

Airbus declined to comment.

The purchase, under new AWAS chief executive David Siegel, appears to mark a change of emphasis at the leasing firm, which has generally been cautious in recent years about buying directly from manufacturers, citing long waiting times for jets.

It has tended instead to buy from other lessors or through sale-and-leaseback deals with airlines.

Last month, however, AWAS cancelled a direct order for two A350-900 aircraft, according to Airbus data. AWAS was not immediately available for comment.

Earlier this year private equity firm Terra Firma rejected two approaches worth up to $2.2bn from a Chinese company for AWAS, which it moved to Ireland in 2006.

The offers were from Bohai Leasing, a unit of China's State-owned HNA Group, and already owner of rival Dublin-based aircraft leasing firm Avolon.

AWAS has expanded considerably since its early days as the leasing arm of now defunct Australian airline Ansett. It has a fleet of 257 airplanes.

Terra Firma bought 75pc of AWAS from Morgan Stanley in 2006 in a deal worth $2.5bn and later merged it with rival Pegasus. (Reuters)
Irish life sciences investment company Malin has secured a 70m debt facility from the European Investment Bank.

The seven-year facility will be used by Malin, a stock market-listed company headed by former Elan chief executive Kelly Martin, to make additional investments.

The Irish Independent first revealed in March that Malin was seeking to raise the 70m in debt from the European Investment Bank (EIB), as it puts together a 300m fund to invest in other life sciences targets.

The EIB debt will be disbursed to Malin in up to five tranches. The company said it would draw down the first tranche "in the near term".

Malin is just over a year old and has so far raised 380m in equity. It has invested about 300m of capital.

Over 60pc of its investments have been made in the UK and Ireland.

One of the company's biggest shareholders is the State-owned Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, which at the end of March had a 12.7pc stake in Malin. Other high-profile investors in Malin include UK-based financial guru Neil Woodford, who's also a previous investor in Elan.

Securing the additional debt from the European Investment Bank adds significantly to Malin's war chest.

Mr Martin said the EIB facility is "further external validation" of Malin's business model.

"The alignment of long duration capital with substantial and demonstrated operating expertise around a broad array of life science assets provides a unique opportunity to create and unlock value," he said.

He added that the EIB debt provides Malin with "non-dilutive capital" that can be deployed to accelerate the progression of current and prospective investee companies.

EIB vice president Jonathan Taylor said that the deal with Malin is the bank's first support of life science investment in Ireland.

Malin has invested in 16 companies so far. Of those, the majority are in the United States, where it has invested in seven firms.

It has invested in five companies in Ireland, two of which are sister firms, and two in the UK.

In Ireland, it has invested in companies including 3D4Medical, a company that has developed award-winning medical apps that are used to train doctors in the close study of human anatomy, for instance. It also develops apps that are used for health and fitness, as well as others that can be used by patients who are undergoing rehabilitation. Earlier this month, 3D4Medical won a coveted Apple Design Award for its flagship application.

The single biggest investment made by Malin to date was the 73m it injected into UK-based Immunocore last year, in what was Europe's largest ever series A fundraising of a life sciences firm. Immunocore develops cancer treatments.

Malin has previously committed to investing 150m in Irish companies, and said that 10 of those firms will employ at least a total of 200 people over the next five years.
Sixteen thousand additional firms paid corporation tax last year, adding 470m to the total raised.

More firms paid the tax because profits rose across the economy, according to new figures from the Revenue Commisioners.

The figures providing fresh insight into the surge in corporation tax that helped lift the Exchequer last year, including a falling reliance on multinationals. The chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, Niall Cody, said an analysis by Revenue shows that the main factor driving the increase in tax receipts in 2015 "is likely to be increased profitability".

Last year's corporation tax net receipts of 6.87bn were 49pc ahead of the previous year's tally and 50pc ahead of budget forecasts.

In a letter to Finance Minister Michael Noonan dated April 26, and released following a Freedom of Information request, Mr Cody said the increase in the tax take is explained by a number of factors.

These include balances associated with earlier accounting periods in 2015, more tax paid by companies that already paid the tax and a new cohort of tax payers.

"Approximately 470m in payments are received from roughly 16,000 companies that did not pay corporation tax in 2014." Companies only have to pay corporation tax if they make a profit.

In the letter, Mr Cody told Minister Noonan: "Companies that paid corporation tax in 2014 paid more than 1.8bn additional corporation tax in 2015 - over 400m of which is in respect of balances associated with earlier accounting periods.

Almost 80pc of that take was from foreign-owned multinational corporations, but that share is falling, he said. He added: "While there are factors specific to companies or sectors, the growth in receipts in 2015 reflect approved trading conditions, in particular of foreign owned multi-national companies.

"While corporation tax is concentrated among payments by large multi-national companies, the analysis shows that the growth in receipts in 2015 is broad based in nature and not solely arising from foreign-owned multinationals. Mr Cody stated: "Payments from indigenous companies, while lower in monetary terms, are growing at similar rates. Overall, more companies paid tax in 2015 and their average payments were higher."

Improved performance at banks helped tax receipts with AIB paying 534m in corporation tax and Bank of Ireland paying 285m.

CRH paid 304m, Ryanair 115m and Microsoft 113m.
technology firm Pilz Ireland is hiring new staff after it acquired a site adjacent to its current location in Cork city.

The new site will see office space and lab facilities developed with the company looking to attract highly-skilled workers.

The firm, which has been operating here since 1998, is hiring in the areas of software and automation engineering, project management, and support services.

Pilz intends to house its software product research and a new development centre at the campus. The company also intends to redevelop its existing building, giving extra space to the company's services arm, which provides technical support for its subsidiaries around the world.

Pilz Ireland managing director John McAuliffe described the construction of the new building as a "milestone" in the company's development.

"We look forward to creating a campus which not only provides increased capacity to grow our business but offers a modern work space for our employees," he said. Pilz bought the new site from the IDA, however the company did not outline the cost of the investment into the new building or how many extra staff it intends to take on.

IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan said he was pleased to be in a position to facilitate Pilz's Irish expansion.

"The evolution of the software product research and development centre will allow this progressive company to develop next generation configurations and programmes for intelligent automation systems," Mr Shanahan said.

Pilz said its Irish operation will help hold its position at the front of the "fourth industrial revolution", referring to technologies based on the Internet of things, collaborative robots, and cloud-based automation services.

Jobs minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor welcomed the news.

"We have developed extensive expertise in software development and the Cork area is rapidly becoming a very attractive location with a cluster of over 50 cutting edge technology companies employing close to 12,000 people," the minister said.
Cartoonists around the world have put pen to paper to express their reactions to Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

In a result which has shocked financial markets and pollsters, the 52 per cent of the public who voted for Brexit has been largely depicted as having opted for a rupture in European unity.

One of the 12 stars of the EU flag is shown dropping out, never to be replaced, in one of the more poignant drawings.

The 12 stars of the European Union flag stand for its principles of solidarity, harmony and peace, while the circle symbolises unity.

Sums it up. pic.twitter.com/Ro4nV0gu0N  Media Diversified (@WritersofColour) 24 June 2016

The European project, which began in the 1950s, is shown crucified against the backdrop of the Union Jack in another.

In the run-up to the referendum vote in Britain, most of the rest of Europe collectively pleaded with the British public not to end their 43-year relationship with the economic and political bloc.

European newspapers also made final appeals to the British public, with Der Spiegel in Germany in particular speaking of its "admiration" for, and wish to remain united with, its overseas neighbour.

Cartoons appearing just before the 23 June vote showed Europe desperately trying to prevent the British ship from sailing off.

Yet sail it did, ignoring warnings from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, United Nations, environment agencies, universities, scientists, NATO, world leaders from East to West and many of the younger generation in Britain.

Commentators have said the decision shows a division in Britain, with most of areas outside of London, Scotland and Northern Ireland voting for what those in the Remain camps said was pure "isolationism".

Some cartoonists have taken a more light-hearted view.

In one drawing, Chancellor Angela Merkel and her finance minister Wolfgang Schauble peer at Britain as it breaks off, and wipe their brows in relief that the entire mania is over.

Outstanding cartoon on Brexit & calls for more EU Membership Referenda pic.twitter.com/GM70SHRPHm  Kulgan of Crydee (@KulganofCrydee) 24 June 2016

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In another drawing, Britain plunges into the void.

And without Ms Merkel and the 500 million other EU nationals to be united with, others have questioned who Britain's scapegoat will be now.

As the French president, Charles de Gaulle, said when Britain repeatedly tried to enter the EEC in 1963: its membership was rejected because of a British "deep-seated hostility" to Europe.
Lindsay Lohan has a lot to say about Brexit.

Lindsay Lohan has been blessing Twitter with her opinions on the Brexit vote.

The former child star made Britain her home when she moved to London with her wealthy Russian boyfriend and has seemingly woken up a passionate supporter for Remain.

She was closely following the BBC's reporting on Brexit and shared her thoughts on the EU referendum with her millions of followers on social media... The Parent Trap star was there to educate and inform.

Lohan first posted an Instagram video which seemed to encourage Brits to vote remain so that they could be smart, pay attention and... buy Chanel"? The accompanying caption read: "#besmart pay attention and work hard to buy @chanelofficial #remain where's Sunderland? Does Sarah Palin live there? Lol."

#besmart pay attention and work hard to buy @chanelofficial #remain where's Sunderland? Does Sarah Palin live there? Lol A video posted by Lindsay Lohan (@lindsaylohan) on Jun 23, 2016 at 4:18pm PDT

The 29-year-old also demanded to know what was wrong" with areas voting to withdraw from the European Union, whilst thanking the Shetlands for their pure hearted people after a vote to Remain.

After her several tweets on the impending threat of Brexit caused confusion among her 9.29m followers, Lohan felt the need to let people know that she not been hacked, adding somewhat ominously, unlike OBAMAs recent setback.

It's not known what she was referring to.
A scene from Game of Thrones 'Battle of the Bastards'

Britain's decision to leave the European Union could impact on the production of Game of Thrones, which is filmed in Northern Ireland.

That's because when the UK leaves the EU, it will take Northern Ireland - one of the show's principal filming locations - with it.

The European Regional Fund provides significant funding to the cost of filming the smash HBO series on location in Europe.

Those locations include Spain, Croatia and Malta, in addition to Northern Ireland, where scenes from the Wall, Winterfell and other parts of the North are shot - including last week's epic Battle of the Bastards.

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As a result of Brexit, filmmakers might not be eligible to draw from that fund and some of the cash used to bring big-budget productions to Northern Ireland could disappear.

It could prove difficult to bring epic battle scenes to the screen on a smaller budget, while filming scenes from the North (of Westeros) outside of Northern Ireland would give rise to continuity issues.

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Titanic Studios in Belfast is the main production base for Game of Thrones. Last year, the North's film board, Northern Ireland Screen, said that Game of Thrones had contributed over 140m to the local economy since 2010.
RTE star Kathryn Thomas has spoken about the issue of gender bias on Irish radio, insisting she has never found it to be a problem.

This week, Today FM's Louise Duffy said you "can't deny" that the station's daytime schedule was now an all-male zone. She was speaking after news broke that she is to be switched to an evening slot in August.

Kathryn, who has been covering for Ray D'Arcy on RTE Radio 1 this week, weighed in on the issue.

"I've had great opportunities. I'd done morning radio, I've done afternoon radio, I've done weekend stuff, and I love it. I can't comment about Today FM, but certainly in RTE that's never an issue," she said.

Expand Close Kathryn Thomas at an IFTA screening of WHERE TO INVADE NEXT at The IFI, Dublin / Facebook

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The well-known presenter, who's just back from holidaying in Greece with her other half, is busy working on a new TV project with RTE.

It's due out in September.

She also added that she would be "surprised" if the Voice of Ireland didn't come back for another instalment.

Kathryn said that she was in the dark about the future of the syndicated singing contest, but she expects RTE to make a decision shortly.

"I have no idea. They usually tell us at the end of June and I'm going through my own contract negotiations as well," she said.

"That would make it the sixth series. There's obviously a bit of life in the old dog yet."

One of the busiest presenters in RTE, Kathryn is also passionate about fitness, having fronted Operation Transformation since 2011 and is a big advocate of a healthy lifestyle.

Now in her second year running Pure Results boot camp, Kathryn is also lending her support to WellFest, which runs in Dublin's Herbert Park on September 17 and 18.
BUSINESSMAN Harry Crosbie has lost an appeal over NAMA's efforts to recover a 77m debt under which his personal assets, including his family home, are at risk.

Mr Crosbie claimed a gross injustice has been done to him because NAMA failed to honour an agreement that certain personal assets would not be part of the enforcement of a judgment against him for the 77m commercial debt.

NAMA said there was no concluded agreement.

He appealed a High Court decision granting the judgment to NAMA company, National Asset Loan Management Lt (NALM) claiming he had a full defence to the claim. He also counterclaimed against NALM.

In two separate judgments Friday (June 24), a three-judge Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal.

His case centred on an August 2014 letter from Mr Crosbie's solicitor to NAMA's solicitors in which the businessman agreed to the disposal of certain assets.

These included the proceeds of the sale of a site in Dublin Port by a company called Storecom and the sale of Mr Crosbie's property in the port.

The letter stated Mr Crosbie agreed to have no further engagment with Dunnes Stores or with Dunnes' chief executive, Margaret Heffernan, concerning ongoing litigation over the Point Village in Dublin.

He also agreed to endeavour to sell a 50 per cent interest in a property in Eze, France, notwithstanding his wife Rita Crosbie's claim to full ownership of it. NAMA would not object to the proceeds of the Eze sale being used to discharge debts over Mrs Crosbie's house in Wexford.

Mr Crosbie also agreed to appoint a sales agent to dispose of three interlinked apartments at Villefranche Sur Mer in France and transfer 45 per cent of the sale proceeds to NAMA.

Crucially, the letter stated NAMA would, on on before March 1, 2014, release its charge and any claim to Mr Crosbie's home at Hanover Quay, Dublin, and over his son Simon's home at Booterstown Avenue, Blackrock, Dublin.

Mr Crosbie argued this letter was a comprehensive agreement with NAMA which was understood to preclude NAMA/NALM from taking enforcement proceedings against him, suing for judgment or having him declared bankrupt.

NAMA said nowhere in that letter was there any reference to any forbearance to sue on its part. It did not constitute debt forgiveness or an acknowledgement that the agreement was in full and final settlement.

The High Court found the letter was not a binding agreement and, even if it was, it was no longer in force because Mr Crosbie had not fully performed it. It could not give rise to any real defence against NAMA's claim.

In his judgment on the appeal, Mr Justice Michael Peart agreed with the High Court decision.

It was fair to say Mr Crosbie's appeal was focused not so much upon denial of liability for the debt - because he conceded the money was owing - but that the August 2012 letter from his solicitor must be construed as an agreement, Mr Justice Peart said.

Mr Crosbie argued this meant he was entitled to pursue a counterclaim whereby he might obtain certain declarations as to the scope and effect of the 77m judgment against him.

Mr Justice Peart said the gravamen of the appeal, by way of his counterclaim, was that NAMA should be precluded from enforcing the judgment against his personal assets.

The judge was firmly of the view Mr Crosbie should not be allowed to use the counterclaim to determine whether enforcement steps can be brought. The decision of the High Court in refusing to permit this by way of counterclaim was correct, he said.

It was open to him to make those arguments when NAMA seeks to take enforcement steps including taking bankruptcy proceedings, he added.

In her separate judgment, Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan said Mr Crosbie's claim there was a failure by the High Court to consider his counterclaim was not a sustainable ground for allowing an appeal against the judgment.
A judge has dismissed the case against a man accused of stealing money from a cash machine because he said the State had failed to prove the bank existed.

Judge Patrick McCartan also said the prosecution had failed to prove that Ulster Bank did not consent to multiple withdrawals of 13,600.

Sheshi Kota (40) withdrew the cash on June 12, 2012 when the bank was experiencing a computer systems fault.

The fault allowed customers of the bank to withdraw an unlimited amount of money without restriction without any reduction in their account balance.

In the space of 30 minutes Mr Kota, formerly of Batchelor's Walk, Dublin made the 23 withdrawals of cash using his Ulster bank card.

He later told gardai that he knew he didn't have the money but that he kept taking the cash. He said he considered it an overdraft and denied stealing it.

Mr Kota had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 23 counts of stealing cash, the property of Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd. on June 22, 2012 at an Ulster Bank ATM at College Green, Dublin.

Rory Staines BL, defending, told the court that all his client had done was put his bank card in and withdrew cash. He said the systems fault was not a result of something Mr Kota did.

The bank wrote to Mr Kota in October 2012 to say his balance was unauthorised and asked him to make contact regarding repayment.

Mr Kota did not reply to this letter and in 2014 the bank made a formal complaint of theft to gardai. Mr Staines said that the bank initially treated the matter as a civil debt and were later using gardai as a debt enforcement agency. The money was repaid by Mr Kota after the garda became involved.

Judge McCartan directed the jury to find the accused not guilty on all counts. He told the jury that proving an offence of theft must include a technical proof of the existence of an entity capable of ownership.

There was evidence of various entities associated with Ulster Bank, but there was no documentary proof of a properly incorporated legal entity called Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd. put before the jury, he said.

The trial heard that the bank investigated 100s of cases around the systems fault and that around 30 customers were reported to gardai.
A DUBLIN man has lost a claim for victimisation against a nightclub that refused him entry after he had, on a previous occasion, "danced erratically" while preparing for TV3s X-Factor auditions.

Barrister Dorothy Collins said that in February 2015 staff members at Buck Whaleys, of Lower Leeson Street, Dublin, had asked Vytautas Jurksa to calm down after customers had complained about his dancing.

Ms Collins, counsel for the club, told the Circuit Court that Mr Jurksa, a Polish national, of St Martins House, Waterloo Road, Dublin, had left the club in a huff before returning with two gardai as he alleged he had been discriminated.

Ms Collins said Mr Jurksa, who the court heard had been dancing like Mick Jagger or Elvis, flashing his legs and arms, had also claimed the clubs action had interfered with his preparation to the X-factor auditions.

Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groake heard that Jurksa last year lost a discrimination claim in the District Court against Stonehead Ltd, which trades as Buck Whaleys and legal costs had been awarded against him. He had not appealed that decision.

Judge Groarke was told that Jurksa later brought another District Court claim against the club after being refused entry last January, because of his previous behaviour. He had claimed he not been allowed in the club because of his first court case and therefore had been victimised.

The District Court had refused to hear his application because he had not paid the legal costs from his previous claim. The court had adjourned the case generally with liberty to re-enter, on the condition that he discharged the owed sum of 750 plus VAT.

Jurksa had then appealed that decision to the Circuit Court. Following an application by Jurksa, who represented himself, to hear the claim in its entirety, Judge Groarke found he had not been victimised.

Judge Groarke told Ms Collins, who appeared with Thomas Loomes solicitors, that he was satisfied after hearing the evidence of the club staff that Mr Jurksa had been refused entry because of his previous behaviour.

Giving his judgment, which was interrupted several times by Jurksa, Judge Groarke said the fact that the club had not responded to correspondence or that a security officer had refused to give his licence number could not constitute victimisation. The judge struck out Jurksas claim.
A man convicted for his role in smuggling 440m worth of cocaine off the coast of Cork claims he should not have been convicted for sale and supply because the drugs were not destined for this country.

In 2008, Perry Wharrie (56) received a 30-year prison sentence - the longest ever handed down in the State for a drugs conviction - for his part in the bungled smuggling attempt at Dunlough Bay, Mizen Head, on July 2, 2007. Wharrie, from Loughton in Essex, England, was unanimously found guilty by a Cork Circuit Criminal Court jury after a trial that lasted 42 days.

He appealed his conviction and in April 2013 the appeal was dismissed.

He is now asking the Court of Appeal to consider certifying a new appeal to the Supreme Court on the basis that he has an important point of law of exceptional public importance to raise.

Yesterday Mr Justice John MacMenamin, dealing with the application in the appeal court, directed the parties to prepare submissions for a hearing date later.

He declined to make an order for the production of Wharrie before the court for the hearing because, he said, of previous difficulties of getting him from prison to court on time for the hearing.

He said Wharrie could give evidence from prison by video link.

The appeal will centre on the net point of whether he should have been charged with the offence of having the drug for sale and supply because it was not destined for this country and could only be an offence in this country on that basis.

The DPP is opposing the application for certification of a new appeal.

Wharrie and his co-accused were arrested by gardai after their rigid inflatable boat carrying 1.5 tonnes of cocaine got into difficulties off the Cork coast, when one of its petrol engines was filled with diesel. This caused the craft to sink in rough seas.

The cocaine had been transferred to their boat from a catamaran after a rendezvous 30 miles out to sea.

Lifeboat crews who came to the aid of the sinking boat found 65 bales of cocaine.

Customs officials who went to Dunlough Bay came across Wharrie and another man making their way up from the cliffs.
Movement III from Mozarts Piano Concerto in A major came up as the main question in the listening paper

For Leaving Certificate candidates who finished their exams yesterday with music, it all ended on a good note.

Teacher Siofra Cox of Convent of Mercy secondary school, Roscommon town, and the ASTI said the higher and ordinary-level papers were "very straightforward".

Movement III from Mozart's Piano Concerto in A major came up as the main question in the listening paper, and students should have found it a manageable question, she said.

However, Ms Cox thought they would have been reasonably challenged by some sections of questions 3 and 4 in the listening exam, which required them to compare excerpts of music with music which was not played in the exam, testing their familiarity and aural memory of the overall works.

The composition paper featured a choice of questions in major and minor keys which Ms Cox described as "quite manageable and students should have had no problem in attempting these skills-based questions".

Susan McCormick, a teacher at the Institute of Education, Dublin, described the higher-level listening paper as "nice".

She commented that dictation, which appeared in question 1 and is an area that students usually struggle with, was nice and straightforward.

Earlier in the day it was agricultural science and, according to the Irish Association of Agricultural Science Teachers (IASTA), the consensus was that while the higher-level paper was very challenging in parts, well-prepared students should have found it manageable.

IASTA spokesperson Willie White said a lot of students and teachers were confused by the first question asking for the phylum of clover and most presumed it was meant to be the family of clover .

"It did throw a number of students off," he said.

Mr White said the genetics question, part (c), on the sub indices of the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) system and the factors that determine them, was very technical and many students would have struggled with it. But he said overall "there was a good mix of all the main areas on the course and most should have been able to answer six questions as required".

The IASTA view was that the ordinary-level paper was quite difficult and many students would have struggled.

"As with previous years, teachers felt the language used and the general standard of the paper is more difficult than it should be for students that choose ordinary level," said Mr White.

Donal Power of the Institute of Education, Dublin, thought well-prepared, higher-level students should have been "very happy". He noted a full question on beef in question 3/option 2, which is rare.

He said the paper was "completely in sync with previous years".
The board the the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), which met yesterday to discuss the issue, recommended the ban should end. Stock photo

The lifetime ban on gay men from giving blood looks set to be lifted by the end of the year.

The board the the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), which met yesterday to discuss the issue, recommended the ban should end.

It should be replaced by a rule which would accept a blood donation from a gay man who has not had sex for a year.

The recommendation will now go to Health Minister

Simon Harris who will make the ultimate decision on whether the current regulations will be changed.

The lifetime ban was introduced in the mid-1980s when the risk of potential transmission of HIV through blood transfusions was high.

However, testing now means the risks of transmissions are infinitely small.

The lifetime ban had already ended in countries like England and Scotland, which have all introduced the one year without sex rule instead.

GLEN, the gay and lesbian equality network, has previously called for the lifetime ban to be lifted.

It pointed out that it was 30 years since the introduction of the lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men.
US Vice President Joe Biden hugs Seamus Heaneys wife, Marie as they have their photo taken with Taoiseach Enda Kenny during the Ireland Funds 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Trinity College Credit: Barbara Lindberg.

US Vice President Joe Biden has called on Irish people to keep the faith in the aftermath of the Brexit vote.

He said he recognised that the result of the UKs referendum introduces some economic uncertainty but stressed the importance of keeping the Peace Process in the North alive.

I believe the people of Northern Ireland will not allow this to prevent them going forward, he said, adding: Theyve come so far.

He warned that the 18 years since the peace process was just a heartbeat, adding: Old habits of mistrust and sectarianism die hard. Weve a lot more work to do. We cant rest on the laurels of past breakthroughs.

Speaking at a gala dinner for the Ireland Funds at Trinity College last night, Mr Biden said we must ensure that the children of both sides in Northern Ireland grow up side by side, never knowing the nightmare of the Troubles.

Earlier, as he received an honorary doctorate at Trinity, Mr Biden spoke of the turbulent times the world is facing and admitted that a different outcome from the UK referendum would have been preferred by the US.

But he moved to reassure the Irish people that the United States relationship with Ireland and the European Union will remain the cornerstone of its global engagement.

I must say we had looked for a different outcome. We would have preferred a different outcome and I imagine many of you here felt the same way, he said.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close US Vice President Joe Biden and Taoiseach Enda Kenny raise a toast as they attend the Ireland Funds 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland Credit: Barbara Lindberg. Trinity College, Dublin: Pictured tonight at the Ireland Funds Gala Dinner to celebrate its 40th anniversary are An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, John Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the American Ireland Fund and US Vice-President Joe Biden. Credit: Aengus McMahon Trinity College, Dublin: Pictured tonight at the Ireland Funds Gala Dinner are US VP Joe Biden and Taoiseach Enda Kenny to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Credit: Aengus McMahon Seamus Heaneys wife, Marie has her photo taken with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and US Vice President Joe Biden as she attends the Ireland Funds 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland on Friday 24 June 2016. Photo credit: Barbara Lindberg. US Vice President Joe Biden addresses attendees during the Ireland Funds 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland Credit: Barbara Lindberg US Vice President Joe Biden meets other guests as he attends the Ireland Funds 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland Credit: Barbara Lindberg. US Vice President Joe Biden hugs Seamus Heaneys wife, Marie as they have their photo taken with Taoiseach Enda Kenny during the Ireland Funds 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Trinity College Credit: Barbara Lindberg. / Facebook

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On the fourth day of Mr Bidens trip to Ireland, he was soaking up the atmosphere at Trinity College, Dublin and quipped that if anyone found Harry Potter in the famous Long Room library, please let my grandson know.

And he unveiled, with a flourish, yet another well-connected Irish cousin.

The conferring of his doctorate was overseen by provost Patrick Prendergast and the universitys chancellor, former president Mary Robinson, who the US vice-president surprised by telling him that they were distant cousins by marriage.

He spoke of the turbulent times the world is facing, saying: What bothers you most in this period is the sense of helplessness thats often expressed when theres so much reason to be optimistic.

Youve never had the potential to do so much good, Mr Biden told those graduating yesterday.

Quoting WB Yeats, he said: All has changed and changed utterly. A terrible beauty has been born.

Those words are more applicable to the world you are graduating into than they even were in 1916, Mr Biden said.

Later, the newly discovered cousins crossed paths again at a gala dinner to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ireland Funds at Trinity College, when Mrs Robinson addressed guests including Elizabeth Frawley, chairperson of the American Ireland Fund, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, US Ambassador to Ireland Kevin OMalley, Australian Ambassador to Ireland Ruth Adler, John Fitzpatrick and Loretta Brennan Glucksman.

Before Mr Bidens arrival, Mrs Robinson conceded that the day had been quite negative for political and other issues, but that it was positive in its celebration of the diaspora.

The flautist James Galway made a special appearance at the event.

Mr Biden spent his afternoon at Dublin Castle, with a concert by The Chieftains (his second time hearing them perform on this visit), Mundy and the group Seo Linn.

He told rain-drenched guests there that the entire world faced enormous challenges, which, he added, provide fertile terrain for reactionary politicians and demagogues.
A driver has caused chaos driving the wrong direction down a one-way street in search of a parking spot.

The woman in a black car drove down the one-way Blackhall Street in Dublin 7 blocking two lanes of traffic going in the right direction.

The incident happened yesterday.

A witness told Independent.ie: "She just kept trying to drive the wrong way down the street.

"Builders were shouting at her trying to tell her she was going the wrong way but she ignored them. It looked like she was trying to get a parking space".
The Government has urged TDs to reject a bid by Independent TD Maureen O'Sullivan to ban hare coursing.

The Dublin Central TD introduced her bill to the Dail last night, arguing that the sport that sees muzzled greyhounds chasing hares is cruel.

Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys called for the Dail to reject it, arguing that hare coursing is strictly regulated, and banning it would drive the sport underground.

Ms O'Sullivan told the Irish Independent she's "horrified" at the attitude of parties opposing her bill, saying TDs should have a free vote on the matter.

Fine Gael, Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail are all opposed to backing her attempt to abolish hare coursing.

"We're supposed to be doing new politics and we were told we were going to be getting more free votes and here's an opportunity on this issue and it's not (happening)," Ms O'Sullivan said.

However, at least one Independent Alliance minister, John Halligan, has said he will back Ms O'Sullivan's bill.

It's understood that both Ministers Shane Ross and Finian McGrath are considering doing the same.

Mr Halligan said: "It's not in the Programme for Government. It didn't say anything about hare coursing. That's what we signed up for."

He said the only occasions where he must back the Government in the Dail are votes of confidence and those relating to the Budget.

Ms O'Sullivan argues that hare coursing "is cruelty because the hare doesn't know that the greyhound is muzzled and it's not going to kill it."

She added: "The hares are mauled. They're tossed in the air. Their bones are broken. We have the documents of them having to be put down after coursing meetings."

She also said: "There's an alternative, which is the rag coursing which is very successful in the United States and Australia." Ms O'Sullivan said she still hopes that those TDs opposing her bill will change their mind when it comes to the vote next Thursday.

Ms Humphreys said her department issues licences for hare coursing, vets attend meetings, and the competitions are monitored to ensure "strict" licence conditions are adhered to.

Under the rules, hares must be subjected to coursing only once a day and there must be adequate escape routes for them.

"I would remind the deputies who are calling for an outright ban of the potential dangers of such action. It could drive coursing underground and the very real danger is that would result in unregulated coursing meetings, which would represent far greater dangers for the safety of hares," she said.

She also pointed out that hare coursing is mainly a rural activity, giving the example of the National Hare Coursing meeting in Clonmel that is worth around 6m to the economy. Banning hare coursing would have "a serious economic impact" on rural towns where it takes place, she said.
FIANNA FAIL leader Michael Martin has described the decision by the UK government to hold a referendum on the EU as reckless.

Mr Martin said he believes it was a somewhat irresponsible decision by David Cameron and expressed fears the result will retard the ambition of Europe into the future.

I understand he had his domestic pressures and so on. But I think there was very little preparation put into it. We know from our own referendums that one has to prepare over the long-term for such an event.

I just got the sense that they almost stumbled into the referendum in the aftermath of the General Election. I was very worried for the get-go that this result could happen because the preparation wasnt there, Mr Martin said.

He also warned that our government will now have to be more cautious when preparing Octobers budget.

Earlier this week Finance Minister Michael Noonan indicated that he would have a 1bn to spare to tax cuts and spending increases.

Mr Martin, whose party needs to give its approval to the Budget, said: I do think caution will have to be applied. But weve just had the result and I dont think we have to rush into this.

He said money markets were very volatile but they might settle and Budget and spending decisions could be made in the coming weeks.

I think we need to study that one carefully, he said.

Fianna Fail finance spokesman Michael McGrath said the economic fallout from a Brexit will take time to become clear.

While the reaction on the financial markets has been swift and severe, a fuller assessment of the impact on our economy will take some time to emerge.

It has to be recognised that the drop in the value of sterling has caused an immediate problem for Irish firms exporting to the UK and in the wider conduct of cross border commerce, he said.

Mr McGrath called on the Government to begin the process of preparing a new economic statement to replace the one issued by Mr Noonan earlier this week.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny speaks during a press conference in Dublin, after Britain voted to leave the European Union: Niall Carson/PA Wire

IRISH officials are to embark on a series of trade missions to Northern Europe, USA, China and India in an effort to combat any financial impact of the Brexit.

Details of Ireland Plan B show that the Government intends to carry out a series of reviews in relation to trading markets, foreign direct investment opportunities and diplomatic relationships.

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It states that preserving the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK will be a key priority during the negotiations that will lead to Britains formal exit from the EU.

Enterprise Ireland will also host an International Markets week in October in Dublin, to provide Irish exporters with access to its overseas market advisors.

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The State body will also run an information campaign and regional seminars to help business understand the implications of the referendum result.

These will provide guidance on issues including: the implications of trading with the UK, improving competitiveness, reducing supply chain costs, accessing funding, finance, foreign exchange, employment regulations and legal issues.

It will also provide information for clients on key areas of opportunity such as Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Hull and Sheffield where the UK Government has prioritised investment in infrastructure development and urban renewal.

And assistance will be provided to Irish companies exporting to the UK to improve their competitiveness in the markets.

Among the key points in the Brexit Contingency Plan are:

* The Department of Finance will review its Summer Economic Statement which promised 1bn for tax cuts and spending increases.

* A dedicated unit has been established in the Department of Agriculture to work on relevant sectoral issues and the Minister will convene a consultative committee of stakeholders to ensure a full exchange of information as the negotiations proceed.

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* An assessment will be prepared for Government identifying the potential for new foreign direct investment arising from the UK leaving the EU and identifying actions to address any capacity limitations.

* While ultimately dependent on the outcome of EU-UK trade negotiations, analysis will be deepened on options for possible customs and excise controls, including the role of modern technology, with a view to minimising impediments to trade.

* Irish Embassy London will maintain extensive political contacts in the coming days and weeks. Taoiseach Enda Kenny is to seek a meeting with David Cameron.

* The Embassy and Consulates in North America, and the rest of our diplomatic network, are being tasked with extensive communications and outreach to ensure that there is no ambiguity in relation to Irelands status and ongoing commitment as a Member of the EU.

* In the lead-in to the UKs withdrawal from the EU, security and policing issues will be addressed in future meetings between law enforcement agencies on the island of Ireland and the UK.

* Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland will be tasked with delivering consistent marketing communications that while the UK are still members of the European Union, travel between the UK and on the island of Ireland remains free of any additional barriers.

* Diversification and new market strategies will be considered by Government for development of alternative export markets where possible. Positions will be developed for EU-UK negotiations highlighting the unique trade inter-dependence of the UK and Ireland.

* Border counties that may be affected by a prolonged sterling devaluation will receive special consideration and relevant regional Action Plans for Jobs will be revised accordingly.

* Preserving the benefits of the Common Travel Area will be a key priority in the context of UK-EU negotiations. A detailed assessment of options and bilateral discussions with the UK will inform Irelands position in advance of formal EU-UK negotiations.

* A detailed assessment of migration impacts on Ireland will be undertaken on a cross-Departmental basis.

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Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: It is important to be clear: the UK has not actually left the EU. Until it formally withdraws from the Union, the UK remains a full Member, with all of its existing rights and obligations.

Todays result marks the beginning of a new phase of negotiated withdrawal  one that is expected to take place over at least two years and possibly longer.

Mr Kenny said businesses can continue to trade with the UK and people can travel between the two islands as normal.

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The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) realsied a statement this evening welcoming the Government's initial response to todays decision.

"It is too early to predict the full effect that todays decision will have on Irish tourism given the uncertainty around the future relationship between the UK and the EU," read the statement.

"While Irelands competitive tourism offering will help mitigate any negative impact, there is a risk that economic uncertainty and a weaker Sterling could impact on visitor numbers from the UK, which accounts for approximately 40% of overseas visitors and is our largest source of inbound tourists.

"The decision also creates uncertainty for Irish businesses that trade between the two countries, which poses risks for the domestic economy in Ireland and, in turn, Irish consumer confidence and domestic tourism."
Leo Varadkar has reopened the controversy over the future of Irish Water, warning that "sooner or later" householders will have to pay charges.

The Social Protection Minister criticised Fianna Fail for its focus on getting rid of charges in the talks leading to the minority government deal, saying he believed issues such as health were more important.

"I just think that they got themselves off the hook during the election campaign," Mr Varadkar said. "I've no doubt that sooner or later in Ireland people will pay domestic water charges. It might not be in a year's time or two years' time or nine months' time. I don't know when, but that's the direction of travel in the world and that's European law," he added.

Mr Varadkar said there is a compelling case for paying charges.

"It's the best way to ring-fence money and invest in infrastructure and the best way to encourage people to conserve," he told Newstalk Radio's Pat Kenny.

Mr Varadkar denied the minority government is a hostage to Fianna Fail deciding when to pull the plug. But he conceded that government numbers make up only around a third of the Dail and "that does require us to do things differently... It does mean we'll probably be able to do less than we would like to do or less than previous governments have been able to do."

In relation to his own brief, Mr Varadkar said one of his priorities is examining ways to get more people to get private pensions. He said many countries are introducing compulsory schemes or automatically enrolling people who must consciously choose to opt out.

He said the age at which pensions are paid out is rising.

"It's 66 now. It'll be going up towards 68 over the next couple of years and that is the right thing to do... People are living 20 or 30 years after they retire, which is a great thing on one level but is not sustainable from a pensions point of view, so we will over time have to increase the pension age," Mr Varadkar said.

The Dublin West TD - viewed as one of the main contenders to take over from Taoiseach Enda Kenny when he steps down as Fine Gael leader - said it's up to Mr Kenny when he decides to go.

"I certainly don't think he should set a date or anything like that because once a politician does that you're a lame duck. That happened to Tony Blair and that happened to Bertie Ahern. And I also don't think it should necessarily be any time soon," he added.

He insisted his party is more concerned with providing "good government" than planning when Mr Kenny should step down. On the row over the location of the new Children's Hospital at St James's, the former health minister said there is no perfect site.

"But when people actually set foot in that place and when they see it in 2020 or 2021, people are going to wonder why we didn't build it 10 years ago."
Online offences concerning cyber-bullying and sexual exploitation of children must be countered by governments working in partnership with internet service providers, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said yesterday.

"This partnership will be crucial to our efforts to create a safer online environment," said the minister.

"It is our young people and the most vulnerable in societies that are most susceptible to those preaching hatred and violent radicalisation," she said.

The minister spoke about the problem of hatred and extreme views on social media in an address to a Dublin City University conference on violent online political extremism.

The university is a member of a the VOX-Pol network of nine colleges worldwide involved in a five-year partnership to research and examine online extremism.

The conference was organised by VOX-Pol co-ordinator Dr Maura Conway.

The minister said later the Law Reform Commission was examining ways of tackling cyber-crime, which will result in new laws.

Asked about threats made against people on social media, she said while free speech must be defended, "threats to people's lives have to be taken seriously, threats to rape have to be taken seriously".

"We need robust laws in relation to online abuse, which will be developed in Ireland. Our laws have to be updated continually to deal with crime online. We've a lot more to do with voluntary co-operation with internet companies," said the minister.

Those companies have been willing to respond "where there are real dangers and where there is a real threat".

"But there are obviously grey areas and that's where we run into difficulties," she said.

"But in terms of harassment of children online and child exploitation, the new Sexual Offences Bill deals with that very thoroughly... That provides protection for children being groomed online because we have a lot of children being groomed online," she said.

In terms of violent Islamic extremism, she said Irish residents were "not immune" from radicalisation and some end up becoming fighters abroad.

"Clearly, we have less numbers than many countries. The gardai and security forces...work to ensure that any further crimes can be prevented.

"I believe integration policy is important (as well as) reaching out to minority communities," Ms Fitzgerald said.

In her address to the VOX-Pol conference, the minister said it was "undeniable" the internet had a role in "radicalising individuals to violence".

"Extremism is no longer an abstract problem that happens somewhere else. It's here," she said.

She also referred to "extreme xenophobia or nationalistic tendency" violent individuals, citing killings that included the murder of British MP Jo Cox last week.

Greater sharing of intelligence was needed, while not necessarily impinging on privacy and free expression, the minister said.
Miriam OCallaghan with Fergal Keane and Paul Williams at the Veronica Guerin Anniversary in The Chester Beatty Library .

INM Chairman Lesley Buckley, Miriam OCallaghan and Jimmy Guerin with Taniste Frances Fitzgerald and INM Editor in Chief Stephen Rae at the Veronica Guerin Anniversary in The Chester Beatty Library

INM CEO Robert Pitt ,Miriam OCallaghan, Jimmy Guerin, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald and INM Editor in Chief Stephen Rae at the Veronica Guerin Anniversary in The Chester Beatty Library

Miriam OCallaghan,Jimmy Guerin, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald and INM Editor-in-Chief Stephen Rae at the Veronica Guerin Anniversary in The Chester Beatty Library

Amid the solemn remembrance and gratitude of guests weighed the sombre, over-riding knowledge that 20 years later, not enough has changed.

The nation owes Veronica Guerin an "enormous debt" for her sacrifice, President Michael D Higgins said in a special message.

"She worked tirelessly, and with extreme courage, to expose a drugs trade that wrought so much misery on families and communities around the country," he said, adding: "Veronica sacrificed her life in order that some of this country's most powerful criminals would eventually be brought to justice, and as a society, we owe her an enormous debt of gratitude."

On the 20th anniversary of the assassination of the Sunday Independent journalist, a new bursary for young investigative journalists was announced at a special Press Freedom commemorative event at Dublin Castle, hosted by Independent News & Media (INM).

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Read more: Veronica's exceptional career was no surprise

At the bronze bust remembering her in the grounds of Dublin Castle, a perfect pink peony rose had been laid - a traditional symbol of riches and honour.

Amongst guests attending the event hosted by Stephen Rae, editor-in-chief of INM and Cormac Bourke, editor of the Sunday Independent, with RTE's Miriam O'Callaghan as MC, were members of Veronica's family.

President Higgins was represented by his aide-de-camp, Commandant Louise Conlon, while Papal Nuncio, His Excellency The Most Rev Charles John Brown, and Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald were present together with Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan.

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Read more: Veronica may now be a saint, but she was no angel

Leader of Fianna Fail, Micheal Martin, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin and former Justice Minister Nora Owen - who handled the crisis following Veronica's death - were among those in attendance.

The chairman of INM Leslie Buckley, members of the board, and chief executive Robert Pitt were present to honour the murdered journalist.

Sean Potts played the uilleann pipes, while a song written for Veronica by Christy Moore was sung by Brian Kennedy.

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Whatsapp INM Chairman Lesley Buckley, Miriam OCallaghan and Jimmy Guerin with Taniste Frances Fitzgerald and INM Editor in Chief Stephen Rae at the Veronica Guerin Anniversary in The Chester Beatty Library

Journalist Fergal Keane of the BBC told guests that 20 years on, the drug lords are "still killing" and threats against journalists continuing, with the influence of social media increasing the threat of harm.

In nine of out ten cases where a journalist is murdered, "the killer goes scot free" he warned, claiming there was a lack of political will to solve this.

Mr Buckley said while Veronica had wanted to pursue crime lords profiting from the misery of others, "she has left us with a lasting legacy at INM, which is the encouragement to be brave in the pursuit of the truth".

"We will make sure that legacy continues," he added.

INM group editor-in-chief Stephen Rae said Veronica Guerin did not want to be a hero, but was an ordinary person who achieved the extraordinary through remarkable courage and determination.

Earlier this year, two INM journalists received threats to their safety, Mr Rae said: "We cannot be put off by threats."
An Irish professional has credited the LGBT network set up within her company for giving her the courage to open up about her sexuality with her colleagues.

Angelina Costello, Head of Procurement for Networks in Eir, came out to the companys 3400 employees in a blog post, which launched the organisations LGBT support network Spectrum in November.

Angelina, who lives in Dublin, has been in a civil partnership with her partner Ricki since 2010, but said just a select few of her colleagues knew about her personal life outside of work.

Ive worked for Eir for eight years. In 2015, the company launched an LGBT network internally and was one of the first organisations in the country to do so.

Spectrum was launched last November, and its a great thing to have the support of your employers in that way.

To launch Spectrum, I was asked if I would write a blog. Ive worked for Eir for over eight years, but only a few of my colleagues would have known that I was gay. In the blog, I essentially came out to an entire company.

I probably wouldnt have done something like that before but I thought it was time. The email went out to everyone in the company so it was quite nerve-racking.

With Spectrum, were trying to push this message to come as you are and to be comfortable with yourself and Eir is definitely helping develop that culture, she said.

Although nerve-racking, Angelina said it was liberating to open up about her life with her colleagues, who she said were nothing but supportive.

I received nothing but positive comments and supportive messages, so there was really no need to be scared about it.

With Spectrum, Eir is striving to be the best in class and we are looking for areas to evolve, particularly when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Carolan Lennon and Orla Coughlan were a huge support in establishing this network for the LGBT community within Eir, she said.

The capital celebrates Pride this weekend and Angelina said the companys collaboration with the LGBT helpline for the festival is hugely forward in supporting the mental health of the community. The campaign, 'It's Good to Talk', aims to support the community during Pride, as the helpline experiences a huge spike in the number of callers during the annual festival.

Paula Fagan, National Coordinator of the LGBT Helpline, said: Our helpline receives a significant spike in contacts every year during Pride season. For most people, Pride is a time of celebration and fun, but it can also be a reminder for those who cant be open about their LGBT identity of what they are missing out on, and can often be when people need support."

Angelina, who entered a civil partnership with Ricki in Belfast in 2010, is looking forward to tying the knot officially this year.
The entrance to the Grainne is from the side.

A number of detached houses are on the market in this Mungret suburb of Limerick. Located between the Raheen/Dooradoyle areas, Sli Na Manach is already home to three-bed townhouses from Barry O'Connor's Genesis Homes (he was formerly with McInerney which originally owned the site before ground was broken on it).

In its new incarnation, Genesis is due to build 100 units in Dublin with houses in Bray and student accommodation for Grangegorman in Stoneybatter later this year.

In Limerick, these larger family houses will be detached four and five beds, allowing for trading up in a setting which is already mature and landscaped.

The entire development will involve 105 units in total, of which 50 are built and 46 occupied. A new phase of three and four-beds will come on stream next Spring.

The properties themselves are contemporary in look with grey clad set into a cream render with black window trims. Each house is separated with hedging and there are cobble-lock driveways.

There are three styles: the four-bed (Aoife), which is over two storeys, features the kitchen/dining room to the rear, with a utility, WC and living room completing the accommodation on ground level.

Upstairs are the four bedrooms, one ensuite and a family bathroom. It measures 1,580 sq ft.

The five-beds differ from each other. The Blathnaid has a similar traditional layout, but is over three floors, with four-beds on the first floor (one ensuite) and the master up top, which is also ensuite and has a walk-in wardrobe. There is also under eaves space for storage here.

There is an interesting atrium type projecting window to the master bedroom which adds lots of light.

The Grainne, while also over three floors, has three bedrooms on the first floor, and two on the second.

As the entrance is from the side, the ground floor has the kitchen/living/family room to the left and the living room to the right of the staircase, with a utility and WC in the centre. These builds are around 2,167 sq ft in size.

Prices will range from 360,000 for the four-beds to 440,000 for the five-beds.

Mungret has plenty of sporting and educational amenities for families and this year will see the opening of new cycle paths, along with a 30ac public park and playground on the grounds of Mungret College.

There was an upgrade of footpaths and greens in the village in 2013. The Crescent Shopping Centre and Limerick Regional Hospital are within 2.5km, while the Limerick ring road and tunnel toward the West are the same distance. Limerick city itself is 7km.

Viewing is by appointment.
Three journalists working with Independent News & Media (INM) received accolades at the Law Society Justice Media Awards.

INM Group Business Editor Dearbhail McDonald won the Justice Media Award in the Sunday Newspapers category for her 'Sunday Independent' article 'Medical negligence - a suitable case for treatment'.

Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor of the Irish Independent, picked up a Certificate of Merit for his report: 'Our disturbed children are being sent abroad because we can't cope'. The article explored the complex issue of young people with mental health difficulties.

Maeve Sheehan, correspondent with the 'Sunday Independent', also received a Certificate of Merit for her piece, 'Murder and suspicion linger in West Cork', which drew together details of the Sophie Toscan du Plantier case. Now in its 25th year, the awards were marked with the highest ever number of entrants.
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John Downing Opinion New British prime minister Rishi Sunaks succession proves an important milestone in British political inclusivity

There is an old saying in British politics that goes: The right looks for converts while the left seeks out traitors. It comes to mind when one reflects upon the election of Rishi Sunak as the UKs first non-white prime minister in a party traditionally seen as most opposed to mass immigration and the dilution of national identity via multiculturalism.
Suddenly, the chorus of the Remain supporters was shattered. "Yes! Yes!" gasped the Ukip MEP Steven Woolfe as the result from the Sunderland constituency was fed into Manchester town hall.

The early narrative in the referendum campaign - that Britain was on course to vote to 'Remain' - was now turned on its head.

And as more and more constituencies followed Sunderland's lead and voted in favour of a Brexit, a heavy atmosphere hung in the main hall of the referendum headquarters.

Was the unthinkable really going to be realised?

Was Britain actually going to make a decision to leave the EU, take a step into the dark unknown - a move that would shake the foundations of Europe?

As the counting continued and the polls were neck and neck, the eyes of the world became fixed on Manchester town hall, where this morning chief counting officer Jenny Watson will declare whether Leave or Remain has prevailed.

Senior members of the Remain camp, such as Labour's shadow health secretary Andy Burnham, consulted their colleagues about what was quickly materialising into the doomsday scenario.

This was Britain's day of reckoning and the moment that the continent of Europe came face to face with its greatest political test in decades.

But the sense of disbelief grew in Manchester as it became apparent that the people of Britain were indeed on the cusp of taking a decision to leave the EU.

There was a heavy police presence outside the venue, providing a stark reminder that this city - like many others across the United Kingdom - is on constant guard against the possibility of a terrorist attack.

The building's 280-metre clock tower rose above the city's rooftops, lighting up the Manchester sky.

Ironically, the clock carries the inscription 'Teach us to number our Days.'

On the streets surrounding the count centre, one couldn't help but detect a clear sense of emotion and trepidation - but also excitement from early on in the day.

Young professionals expressed fears of waking up to a country no longer part of the union.

These twenty- and thirty-somethings are concerned about their jobs, friends, finances and futures.

However, inside one of the city's busy Wetherspoons pubs, retired tradesmen dismiss the worries expressed by their younger generation.

Britain has been through worse before and still managed to survive, they say, adding that Brexit is the "most effective" way to deal with the immigration issue.

The absence of an official exit poll means that the majority of the people in Manchester and elsewhere won't discover whether their country has a future in the EU until they wake up this morning.

But regardless of whether Britain leaves or goes, Mancunians insist that one thing will remain the same: their close ties with us Irish.

On Wednesday, they had gathered to watch Ireland's stunning victory over Italy.

The close bond was evident, they said, from the way Manchester drinkers in the city's pubs raised a glass to the 'Boys in Green'.

This is a city that has opened its doors and shared its dreams with thousands of Irish who decided to call Manchester their home away from home.
Veronica Guerin changed Ireland. Before those shots rang out in Newlands Cross on a summer day in 1996, we knew we had gangs trading in drugs and destroying lives. But quite honestly, nobody was clear on how ruthless they would be when they felt under threat of being exposed.

I suspect Veronica saw more than most how dangerous they had become. But she persisted in searching for the truth.

She told it. She died in service to the truth and in service to freedom of speech and belief.

In Ireland, we regard an attack on journalists as an attack on the State itself, and any attack will be met with the full wrath of the State, as happened in the aftermath of Veronica's death. The Government and members of An Garda Siochana recognised a line had been crossed and they didn't rest until justice had been done.

It is a simple fact that democracies cannot function, let alone flourish, without a free press.

Veronica's death hammered home to all of us that Ireland was part of a global pattern of gang crime.

The gardai acted at the time. They continue to act, as demonstrated by the number of arrests made in recent weeks related to the current gangland feud. Government will provide all the resources, legislative or financial, to allow them to do so.

Veronica's death led to the establishment of the Criminal Assets Bureau and I am now in the course of strengthening its powers so it can go after the profits of gangs at all levels more effectively. It was the widespread revulsion at Veronica's death that led to the introduction of a regime for the seizure of profits from crime.

When she was alive, her keyboard hurt criminals and gangs. Her death hurt them too because it led to tens of millions of euro being taken out of their pockets and bank accounts.

Veronica did not see any glamour in gangs. She saw them for what they were - people destroying local communities.

She saw that when a gang member kills another, that's a headline and a horror.

But we must never forget the hidden body count, the far greater numbers who die every week of the year from drug abuse.

These deaths don't make headlines. They're harrowing and often brutally lonely. They're a devastating end to a chapter of great misery for families.

Those who die from the products peddled by these gangs don't have large numbers of limousines lined up for their final farewell. Their deaths don't carry the trappings of wealth. The price of the high-flying lives of gang members is death. Veronica knew that and it made her all the more determined to search for the truth and tell it.

On a number of occasions recently, I have met the communities in areas of Dublin that have suffered most because of the activities of gangs. The people there have seen many lives ruined because of the activities of drug gangs. They have responded with decency, dignity and courage, often in the face of great odds stacked against them.

The supply of drugs is a challenge to all western nations. We must and will unite across borders to fight this evil. Drug misuse is a public health issue. No one, except the gangs who profit from it, wants to see more lives ruined by drug abuse.

We must also fight the people within our own communities who buy drugs and who commit what they wrongly see as a victimless crime. They contribute to the destruction of their own towns, their own villages, their own communities, while believing they do no wrong.

Jineth Bedoya is a Colombian journalist who, when she was 26, was abducted, drugged and raped because of her work. I mention her, not just as an example of a courageous journalist who suffered in her quest for truth, but because of something she said:

"Courage is something that is very subjective. We can be courageous in certain circumstances and become real cowards in others. This is my life. I love what I do... There are millions who read my work. This is my contribution to society'.

It is hard to read those words without thinking of Veronica Guerin. She loved her work. She loved searching for the truth and telling it. If courage is grace under pressure, she had courage in spades.

Frances Fitzgerald is the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice
Fact and outlandish fiction are repeatedly smudged in James Wan's stylish sequel to his 2013 supernatural horror, which dramatised one of the real-life cases of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Like its predecessor, The Conjuring two juxtaposes archive photographs and the Warrens' taped interviews over the end credits to convince us that the spooky shenanigans orchestrated on screen are anchored in unsettling reality.

Only the gullible would submit wholeheartedly to the film's gargantuan suspensions of belief.

Subtlety often eludes Wan, like a blast on the soundtrack of London Calling by the Clash when the storyline moves to the capital, and he's rather fond of shooting impending doom from the point of view of an evil spirit creeping up on its victim.

Artistic flourishes aside, the sequel draws inspiration from the notorious case of the Enfield poltergeist, which sent shivers down the spines of north Londoners in the late 1970s.

To this day, the veracity of the haunting is shrouded in mystery.

However, the four screenwriters of the Conjuring two are content to use one family's terror as a foundation for the usual array of horror tropes: creaking floorboards, a child speaking in tongues, inverted crosses, and ghostly figures emerging from the darkness.

In 1976, Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga) visit the Amityville house where Ronald DeFeo Jr was convicted of killing six members of his family.

'This is as close to Hell as I ever want to get,' sobs Lorraine after she enters a trance to relive the tragic night.

The Warrens go into self-imposed exile to devote more time to their teenage daughter, Judy (Sterling Jerins).

The church compels the Warrens to return to active service to investigate claims from a terrified single mother, Peggy Hodgson (Frances O'Connor), that her house in Enfield is in the grip of a dark force.

Ed and Lorraine travel to rain-swept England to interview Peggy and her four children, Margaret (Lauren Esposito), Janet (Madison Wolfe), Billy (Benjamin Haigh) and Johnny (Patrick McAuley).

When youngest daughter Janet exhibits signs of demonic possession, Ed and Lorraine battle with the lingering phantom of an old man (Bob Adrian) for the Hodgsons' souls.

The Conjuring 2 feels overlong and lacks the tight emotional bond of the first film's besieged family.

Wilson and Farmiga ease back into familiar roles while youngster Wolfe is impressive, including one unsettling scene of her character shuddering with fear beneath bedsheets as a spirit hovers above her.

The script dissipates tension with occasional flecks of deadpan humour, like when two police constables witness a chair moving on its own around the Hodgson home and a WPC remarks, 'This is a bit beyond us.'

It's certainly not beyond audiences, who enjoy gentle jump-out-of-their-seat scares as they nervously bite nails in the dark of a cinema.
A man appeared before the courts last Friday in connection with the discovery of a 1,000-plant cannabis farm in Shankill.

Gardai seized a large quantity of cannabis plants and arrested a man following a search at a house at Heronford Lane, Shankill, last Tuesday.

As part of an on-going operation targeting the cultivation of cannabis in the south Dublin area, Gardai carried out the search of the house on the evening of Tuesday, June 14.

They found more than 1,000 cannabis plants on the property.

They discovered 400 cannabis plants growing on the ground floor and a further 700 in the basement of the house.

The seizure may have a street value, subject to analysis, of in excess of 500,000.

A man in his 30s was detained for a period at Shankill Garda Station before appearing in court on Friday.

The man in question was held under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

The house was sealed off last Tuesday evening and during Wednesday. A technical examination was carried out at the premises on Wednesday.
Annascaul put on a walking, talking, singing and dancing celebration of the life and achievements of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean at the weekend with a festival that, founder Eileen Percival believes, can only continue to grow.

The festival got underway on Friday night with a relaxed gathering in what was Crean's bedroom but the following morning was an entirely more challenging affair as 200 people set out in less than kind weather on the 19-mile Tom Crean Endurance Walk through the mountains of West Kerry.

The walk, organised by Annascaul Walking Club, started at 8am and Dingle Adventure Race organiser Noel O'Leary was the first home, arriving into Annascaul at noon. Other walkers straggled behind by a long distance and some even got stranded in the heavy mist, but they were soon found and led safely back to base where walkers were presented with memorial medals by Eileen Percival and Crean's grandson, Enda O'Brien.

On Saturday evening Crean's story was interpreted through dance in an eclectic piece of theatre co-written by Eileen Percival's son, Martin, and Maire Clerkin with Michael Sherin and Dingle dance supremo David Geaney providing the fancy footwork. On Sunday, Crean was remembered in a more poignant way with a memorial walk around his local haunts, followed by a wreath-laying at his grave in Ballinacourty Cemetery.

Tom Crean's daughter, Mary Crean-O'Brien attended the ceremony and it was the highlight of the weekend for Eileen, who founded the festival four years ago with the dual aim of honouring her childhood hero and promoting tourism in Annascaul.

Eileen, who took over Crean's pub, The South Pole Inn, when she returned to Ireland in 1999 after spending 39 years in England, was delighted with the weekend which fulfilled the dual role of raising Crean's profile and filling the local B&Bs. "It was absolutely fantastic everybody in the community was there and enjoyed it and it's only going to get bigger," she said.

Eileen said the festival gets great community support and she was very grateful to the local business that provided prizes for a fundraising raffle, and especially the O'Brien family who offered a weeklong stay in Tom Crean's house as top prize in the raffle.

'Crean should be a national hero'

Ireland has failed miserably to honour Tom Crean whose achievements as an Antarctic explorer are recognised around the world, according to Tim Foley who is behind a social media campaign to win for Crean the recognition he deserves.

Tim's 'Irelandshouldhonourtomcrean' Facebook page has over 18,000 followers, many of whom share his view that "Annascaul has done great in honouring Tom Crean", but the Irish state has been found wanting.

"People feel it's a travesty that Crean isn't honoured by his country," said Tim who is pressing on with the campaign and aims to have 20,000 followers by Crean's 78th anniversary on July 27.
Members of Tralee Musical Society who were in fine spirits in Tralee this week following their success at the AIMS awards, where they picked up the Best Actor and Best Stage Management accolades, as well as being runners up in the Best Overall Show for their production of The Beautiful Game. Photo by Eve Mazurek

Spirits are high in Tralee this week as several of the town's musical stalwarts returned from the AIMS awards in Killarney with sparkling accolades to add to Tralee Musical Society's already impressive collection.

Some 1,200 musical devotees from the Association of Irish Musical Societies attended the sell out awards ceremony in the INEC on Friday, where Today FM producer, Fergal d'Arcy kick-started the events with a dazzling opening number.

Des Hurley, awarded Best Stage Manager and Gary Murphy who claimed Best Actor were just two of the six TMS nominations at the black tie event in Killarney.

Delighted with the weekend's success, Des Hurley told The Kerryman that the society is composed of an array of risk-takers and the production of The Beautiful Game was evidence of their willingness and talent.

"We took a huge chance with The Beautiful Game. It has a superb and very strong story that isn't known to everyone so all of the awards we received were just the icing on the cake," he said.

The renowned musical hub also received runners up in the Best Programme for their acclaimed production of The Beautiful Game and Best Actress, Laura Lee Curtin while Oliver Hurley was also recognised for his outstanding contribution to the society with a nomination in the Best Director category.

Killarney Musical Society was also represented at the gala with Phil Spillane receiving a nomination for the Mark Kelly Unsung Hero Award for her dedication to the successful society down through the years.
On June 10 the people of Lidice, which is in the northwest of the Czech Republic, commemorated a terrible event. On that June day in 1942 the Germans razed the little village to the ground, killed all 172 men, and sent the women and many of the children to the concentration camp at Ravensbruck.

Any Aryan-looking children were sent as orphans to Germany. When they had destroyed the village they sowed grass-seed to make sure the place had been obliterated. German authorities removed the name of Lidice from maps.

They did it in revenge for the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, who had been killed the previous month. It was a 'lesson' they wanted to teach the people. Not that anyone in Lidice had anything to do with the killing of Heydrich, who was deputy Protector of Bohemia and Moravia.

Instructions for the butchery came directly from Hitler. It is often mentioned as one of the most evil acts of World War II, but the Germans replicated evil deeds right across Europe from Hitler's coming to power by means of election until Germany surrendered in 1945.

How and why did it all happen? Many historians will say that the humiliation of Germany after World War I, the vile poverty and alienation experienced by millions of Germans in the 1920s and 1930s was the perfect setting for a demagogue to arrive on the scene and promise to make Germany 'strong' again.

Every day they read in the papers that the French, the Russians, the English were to blame for their pain, but above, all the Jews. So, according to government policy, bash the enemy and Germany would be back in its rightful place. Tens of millions of people lost their lives as a result. And from those ashes came the dream of a Europe working in tandem.

The European Union is far from perfect. It is in need of reform and change but the idea is inspirational. Think of how Ireland's accession to the Union has changed the country for the better. Surely we are far less insular in our thinking. Our students can avail of such programmes as Erasmus where they can study in other European cities.

The toing and froing between the peoples of the EU States gives us all a great opportunity to see and experience other cultures and systems. The rights of workers have been improved as a result of our membership of the EU.

While the economic benefits of EU membership are important, it was peaceful coexistence between nations that was the driving force to create a new Europe. War is insane. The EU has brought peace to nations that have been so often embroiled in war.

The European Union is all about subsidiarity and if the Germans have got too powerful then don't just blame the Germans, as the blame can be spread out among all the participants who sit around the table.

For the EU to disintegrate is a shocking scenario. When politicians, wherever in the world, shout and scream about the importance of making their country 'strong' again it really is a scary thought.

I can't help thinking that our world has far too many similarities with the Weimar Republic. I'm scared. Demagogues, slick merchants never solve our problems and yet far too often we think they are our 'saviours'.
The shocking murder of British MP Jo Cox last week is an appalling attack on democracy that deserves the strongest possible condemnation.

It is also a symptom of the culture of spite and vicious hatred that has become a pathetic and grotesque part of our political culture.

Last week was the 25th anniversary of the day the Internet arrived in Ireland, a development that was supposed to foster a new era of education and understanding in a globally connected world.

To a large extent it has but thanks mainly to the growth of anonymous social media, it has also provided peddlers of uneducated hatred with a platform through which nameless/faceless keyboard warriors can freely stalk and harass everyone from pop stars and politicians to the victims of rape and terror.

It has brought a new and extremely unpleasant side to politics the world over.

This can be seen from the vitriol and thuggery of a small minority of anti-water charge protestors in Ireland, to the persecution of gays in Russia; the demonization of Muslims and the disgusting treatment of refugees fleeing the horrors of Syria and Afghanistan.

Ask yourself this. Without our new political culture of hate and mistrust would we have seen the rise of Donald Trump in the United States or the likes of Nigel Farage in the UK?

The brutal slaying of Jo Cox, an act that has rightly horrified the world last week, is the latest and one of the most awful examples of our nasty new culture.

Yes, the man suspected of killing the talented and respected young MP - robbing her children and husband of a mother and partner - has a history of mental illness but it seems clear he was motivated in his awful actions by fascist, lunatic ramblings he found online.

What does it say about the dark depths of our new political culture when a man whose family claim he had no history of violence or even any real interest in politics, can be motivated to brutally slaughter a politician by the trash he finds online?

Thankfully, Irish politics has not descended to this appalling level but there has been an unpleasant sea change in how we deal with our politicians in recent years.

Joan Burton's treatment in Jobstown during the water charge protests is in no way comparable to the utterly appalling fate that befell the tragic Jo Cox.

However, it is a symptom of this new, nasty aspect of political life and discourse in this country.

Many of our politicians have also been the targets of horrendous and unjustified abuse - even rape and death threats - in recent years. It is a disgusting trend that badly needs to be stopped.

MP Jo Cox - by all accounts a most dedicated servant of democracy and the downtrodden - was horrifically cut down as she went about her most important job, looking after the needs of her constituents.

The fundamental principal of democracy is to respect the opinions and rights of all. Sadly that is something many people - most who would profess to be democrats - seem to have forgotten.

It is a shameful indictment of the world we live in that it has taken a young mother's murder to remind them.
In 1986 she was making headlines as the miracle baby against whom all the odds were stacked.

Today, Ballymacelligott native Tomasina Lyons is celebrating the big three-o on a deeply thankful note - for the healthy life she snatched from circumstances mom Eileen and dad Tom then feared she would not surmount.

"Tomasina was born at 25 weeks, when the normal gestation period is 40, as the first baby in Munster to have been born that prematurely," mom Eileen recalled this week.

Before Tomasina came along, Eileen had all but given up on her dream of a child. "I had given up on it. Three doctors told me I would never have a child. But three people at that time prayed and fasted for five days for me and they told me that on the fifth day the Lord told them I would have a child."

Less than a year later Tomasina came into the world - albeit dangerously early in a dramatic birth that made headlines in The Kerryman.

"My dad jokes that I must have been in a rush for something!" Tomasina told The Kerryman. She came into the world in Kerry General on May 20 of 1986, but with no registrar available in the brand-new maternity ward of the time had to be rushed to the Rotunda in Dublin.

That's where the army came to the rescue, providing an emergency helicopter to whisk little Tomasina up country under one aptly named pilot - Capt David Sparrow.

"Unfortunately my oxygen ran out and we had to land in a field in Kildare to get a fresh supply. By the time the oxygen came all the cows in the field had apparently gathered around the helicopter and we had trouble taking off again with them!" Tomasina - who was reliably informed of the drama years later - said.

"We were told a number of times that day that it wasn't looking good," Eileen recalled. But the plucky young lady, all 11 inches of her, was not for giving up having come through so much to arrive in the world.

"I think at the time I wasn't able to think about everything that was happening. It just seemed so surreal and it wasn't really until Tomasina came home in September, weighing 6 lb 8 that it began to sink in I had a child," Eileen told The Kerryman. "How I got through it I have no idea, but looking back now I think it must have been by the grace of God that I managed to," she added.

Fast-forward 30 years and Tomasina is now embarking on a career in childcare herself, as one of very few who might not have been able to do so but for the level of care she received as a child. That, and her own fierce determination to make a go of life.

"I do pinch myself that I'm here at all thinking about it from time to time!" Tomasina said.
Edward Crowley and daughter Clem OKeeffe receiving a special presentation from Jimmy Deenihan marking the huge contribution to Irish public life of Edwards War-of-Independence hero father James on Saturday

Memories of legendary War of Independence leader James Crowley were to the fore in town at the weekend when his son Edward found himself the focus of a very special celebration - marking his 92nd birthday.

The day was very much the son's of course, on reaching such an august milestone. But Edward's father James - one of the architects of Irish Independence and from Listowel to boot - was prominent in the minds of all Crowley family members.

They gathered in big numbers at Edward's side in his place of residence, the Arus Mhuire Nursing Home on Saturday to celebrate both his life and that of his father.

With interest in the birth of the nation at an all-time high on the Centenary of the Rising, it was probably no surprise that so many were mindful of the key part Edward's father played in the story of the nation's birth.

The 92-year-old was delighted to receive a special presentation from family commemorating the contribution of his father, of which Edward is rightfully so proud.

His father James was born in Listowel in 1880, qualifying as a veterinary surgeon from Trinity College Dublin at a time when few from this county were enrolled there.

Ever before the Rising broke out he was steeped in nationalism, however. A member of the Irish Volunteers from 1914, when he was also listed as a Sinn Fein committee member, James became very active in this part of the country.

His practice allowed him to gather vital intelligence for the Irish Volunteers, and promote the cause, in Kerry and west Limerick without raising the suspicions of the authorities.

After the Rising, James became one of the key leaders of Independence in the county, and was arrested by British forces when he read the Proclamation on August 15 1918 at a public meeting in Listowel.

He ended up in Belfast prison, where he took part in the famous prison siege in December of 1918 alongside Austin Stack, Piaras Beaslai, Fionan Lynch, Harry Boland and Ernest Blythe.

It was during this time that he also achieved the distinction as being of the first group of TDs ever elected for the county.

At the first meeting of Dail Eireann in the Mansion House in January 1919, 'fe ghlas ag Gallaibh' (imprisoned by the foreigners) was the cry when his name was marked in the first official roll call of the assembly which still governs the country to this day.

James got out of prison due to ill-health later that year and made his way home to Kerry where he got right back into the dangerous fray of nationalist politics.

The famous Listowel Mutiny, when the RIC refused orders to shoot IRA prisoners on sight, might not, indeed, have happened but for his return - James was the key instigator of the affair.

As such a sharp mind and operative the British were only too happy to arrest him again and James saw out the War of Independence from inside Dublin Castle, Arbour Hill and the Curragh.

With the eventual truce, James was liberated to take part in the talks with the English, eventually supporting the Anglo-Irish Treaty. He was re-elected at the 1922 election as a Pro-Treaty Sinn Fein TD and retained his seat in the 1923 election - but this time as a Cumann na nGaedhael TD. James eventually lost his seat at the 1932 election and then retired from politics, due to health issues believed to have been caused by the conditions and circumstances of his incarceration for the cause those years earlier.

James died aged 66 in 1946 and is survived today by his son Edward and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

All his descendants thorougly enjoyed the occasion of Edward's birthday on Saturday in a moving family event full of pride on the life and times of two Crowley patriarchs - Edward and, before him, father James.

For many in Listowel the event will have come as a timely reminder of the prominent role a local man played in the story of Ireland.

Famous nationally at the time, James' role has slipped since from the national memory, so for that reason the commemorations of the weekend were extremely welcome.
Three Kerry projects have come under scrutiny from the 2016 Pride of Place judges this week as they vie for the prestigious national title, which will be announced in November.

Glencar Community, The Rural Men's Project and Imagining Iveragh were being examined on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the competition that aims to recognise improvements by local communities to create civic pride in their area. Judges will meet community representatives and visit locations to show Pride of Place.
The Institute of Technology in Tralee has announced that they had successfully tendered for six new courses under the Government's Springboard+ initiative.

The courses, which will run from September 2016, are in the areas of Environmental Science, Culinary Skills, Biopharmaceutical Processes and Industrial Instrumentation.

In addition, the Institute will also offer the Higher Diploma in Applied Computing as part of the ICT Skills Initiative, which aims to provide a career route into the IT sector for graduates whose primary degree is in a discipline other than computing.

New at ITT for 2016 Tralee is the Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Processes, which is a Minor Award which ITT Vice President for Development Research and External Engagement said would provide an excellent opportunity for graduates.

"Nine of the world top ten pharmaceutical companies have substantial operations in Ireland. The sector employs 25,000 plus directly and as many more indirectly. Graduates with this Minor Award will be well positioned to apply for roles with Biopharmaceutical Processing Companies," she said.

For the first time under Springboard+, the ITT will also offer the Higher Diploma in Applied Computing part-time over two years as well as one year full time offering. Aspen Grove Solutions has supported the IT Tralee Springboard+ funded Higher Diploma in Applied Computing for the past four years.

According to HR Manager Charlene Doody the company has been very happy with the students who have interned with the company as part of their programme

"All of the students who have completed an internship with us have been offered full-time positions within the company. Given the current shortage of skilled IT personnel this is a great opportunity for companies to participate in the training of possible future employees," said Charlene Doody.
Well known hotelier and businessman, Tom Moran, remains in a critical condition in hospital in Spain after being placed in an induced coma following a fall in Marbella.

The Athea native, who owns the Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin - and formerly the Bewley's hotel chain and the famous Crown Moran Hotel in Cricklewood, London - is believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries when his chair slipped from a ledge.

The former Limerick Person of the Year is believed to have been in Spain to attend the wedding of publican Charlie Chawke's daughter.

While news of the businessman's serious condition have only come to light, it is understood the accident happened over a week ago.

Mr Moran was initially admitted to hospital in Marbella, but was later transferred to Malaga, where his family continue to maintain a bedside vigil.

In 2012, Mr Moran spearheaded a charity walk from Athea to Dublin, raising 118,000 for Pieta House.
Enda Kenny may be a regular visitor to our fair county but it turns out the Taoiseach likes to know that he can escape from Kerry quickly should the going get tough in The Kingdom.

The Taoiseach made the unusual admission during a light hearted exchange with Independent Kerry TD Danny Healy Rae in the Dail last week.

During the Dail debate on the Order of Business on the afternoon of Tuesday June 14 Enda Kenny was responding to questions from TDs when Deputy Healy Rae raised the issue of the long awaited Macroom bypass.

Deputy Healy Rae said that the lack of quality road infrastructure leading into Kerry - and in particular the traffic bottlenecks around Macroom and Adare - were severely hampering job creation in the county.

The Kilgarvan Deputy acknowledged that the Macroom Bypass had been included in the Government's six year capital plan - announced last year - but he asked Enda Kenny to clarify in which of the six years is the project due to get underway.

"County Kerry is greatly hampered in the creation of jobs and we cannot attract indigenous or foreign investment because of the lack of infrastructure, especially for access," said Deputy Healy Rae who also took issue with the lack of proper broadband and mobile phone coverage in Kerry.

"The broadband service is practically non-existent. If one gets off an aeroplane at Farranfore Airport and travels one mile either way on the three roads out of Farranfore, there is no mobile phone coverage," he said.

To ensure fair play for the people of County Kerry, when will the Government provide the necessary funding for the Macroom bypass project?" Deputy Healy Rae asked.

After Fianna Fail leader and Corkman Micheal Martin interjected to point out that Macroom is in the Rebel county Enda Kenny attempted to answer Deputy Healy Rae's query.

The Taoiseach said he was aware if the traffic issues around Macroom and that planning permission had been granted for the Macroom bypass project.

However, he said he could not give any indication as to the time-frame for the project but he hoped it and the Adare bypass scheme can be completed as quickly as possible.

It was then that the discussion veered into stranger territory, with Mr Kenny addressing his desire to be able to get out of Kerry just as quick as he gets into it.

"Planning permission has been granted for the Ballyvourney to Macroom project which is important and essential, while work is proceeding on the design and planning issues in respect of the Adare bypass project. They are both included in the capital programme and we hope they can be expedited as quickly as possible," Mr Kenny said.

Then came The Taoiseach's claim that visitors to Kerry tend to want a quick escape route.

"We do not like to see any county, particularly the Kingdom, being, as the Deputy might say, "discriminated against" in the context of job creation. One wants to be able to get into the place quickly, but one also wants to be able to get out of it quickly," Enda Kenny said.

That unusual remark - which one assumes was made entirely in jest - brought an end to the discussion as the Dail then turned its attention to a far more serious matter.

This was the expression of condolences to the many victims of the horrifying homophobic, terrorist gun massacre that took place in Florida the previous Sunday morning.
Mike McElligott by the land under dispute outside Ross Court

A Tarbert builder is being victimised by faceless bullies in a hate campaign that's seen him receiving vicious letters telling him to 'f*** off back to the USA'.

Contractor Michael McElligott thinks the background to the behaviour is an ongoing dispute he's embroiled in with the Tarbert GAA and that is currently before the courts.

He is disputing the GAA's claim to land that is adjacent to residential property he built in the centre of the village.

Tarbert GAA declined to comment on the matter when contacted by The Kerryman this week.

There is nothing to suggest that the club is playing any part in the campaign of hateful letters and anonymous complaints against the builder.

But Mr McElligott thinks that those responsible for targeting him are doing so in light of the ongoing dispute for whatever reasons they might have.

The Tarbert man employs over 20 people in the locality and provides accommodation for 26 tenants who support the life of the community in the course of their daily business.

This clearly counts for nothing to those mounting the vile campaign. In one particularly nasty letter he was recently told to 'F*** off back to the USA' .

"We don't need a bo***x like you around...you will be hounded out...we do not want c***s like you around' the shocking letter - seen by The Kerryman - reads.

It is 'signed' 'from all the people of Tarbert parish'.

At his wit's end over the vicious slurs, he feels he has no choice but to bring the matter to public attention now in the hope of bringing an end to it.

"I consider the writer of this letter a sick person," Mr McElligott told The Kerryman.

"I've had Kerry and Irish flags at my office taken on a number of occasions. And we've had signs relating to our work torn down as well at other points."

"I'm afraid to go down by my property now as I feel threatened and intimidated by the whole thing.

"We don't go to the pubs in Tarbert anymore. I fear it will lead to an altercation with someone," Mr Elligott told The Kerryman.
While it has over 20 plants and a workforce of thousands in Northern Ireland and the UK, Kerry Group is not particularly worried about the possible impact of a Brexit on its overall operations in this part of the world.

Cushioned from localised economic upsets by its massive global reach, the company nonetheless has a major stake in the UK food market which underpins the success of its largest market - the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) region, accounting for 53 per cent of the Group.

"We do have significant business in the UK of course, but the vast majority of it is domiciled in the UK and would not be unduly affected by Britain leaving the EU," Director of Corporate Affairs for Kerry Group Frank Hayes told The Kerryman.

"So the UK market is quite self-sufficient and while some of what we produce there is exported from the UK and while some produce is imported in from other markets, including Ireland, and while the outcome of a Brexit would affect the currency it would broadly balance out."

Much of Kerry Group's UK market is based on the production of foods in the UK for supermarkets' own brand labels as well as Kerry Group-owned brands like Richmonds sausages and Wall's meat - the vast majority of which is consumed by UK customers.

As of early this week polls were pointing to a swing towards the Remain camp among the UK electorate, in the aftermath of the horrific killing of MP Jo Cox. But even if a Brexit becomes a reality the timeline involved would give the UK and its European neighbours plenty of opportunity to work out mutually-beneficial trade agreements.

"Nothing will happen in the short-term in any event, giving the UK and the EU plenty of time to ensure harmonious trading conditions," Mr Hayes added.

Kerry Group's confidence of riding out any implications of a Brexit virtually unscathed are not shared by the agri-food industry in Ireland in general, with Teagasc and the IBEC among the notable bodies warning of a big hit on the back of a Brexit this week.

Access to the EEC common market was crucial to Kerry Co-Op's rise in the early 70s, at the end of a period in which Irish agriculture had long struggled to carve out a foothold in the UK, in the face of policies protecting indigenous agriculture.

"Ireland's access to the EC in 1973 was a great impetus to the fledgling Kerry Co-Op of the time and today we benefit from the great interdependency between markets globally, in the interests of meeting consumers' needs," Mr Hayes added.
Cllr Damien Quigg (third from left) with Paddy OSullivan, Jerry Buckley and Grace OSullivan at the main road to Waterville where road conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Photo Michelle Cooper Galvin

Sinn Fein councillor, Damian Quigg, has accused Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly the National Roads Authority) of ignoring the unacceptable condition of south Kerry's primary roads, which he now says are the 'worst main roads in Ireland.

Cllr Quigg has criticised the State body which, despite being set up to operate, maintain and improve the national primary and secondary road network in Ireland, has - in his view- failed in its duty.

Last year, a number of councillors met with TII management to discuss the appalling state of south Kerry's road network, particularly along the Ring of Kerry.

Cllr Quigg claims that during that meeting assurances were given that should there be any serious deterioration of the Ring of Kerry route, it would be 'prioritised'. However, he now feels that the meeting was completely fruitless, as the road network has been allowed to deteriorate significantly and Kerry County Council simply cannot fund its repair.

"We were told at that meeting that a plan would be put in place whereby if something cropped up along the Ring of Kerry they would prioritise it," Cllr Quigg said this week.

"From a tourism point of view this has to be taken seriously. For a national route, it is just totally unbelievable and unacceptable. It is now the worst main road in Ireland."

Cllr Quigg highlighted a number of areas where urgent work is needed, including most of the Iveragh Peninsula, from Killorglin to Cahersiveen, where the town's main street is in extremely poor condition and the approach route to Waterville from Ballinskelligs.

The Iveragh peninsula from the Talee side is a total disaster, down as far as Cahersiveen, where at Caragh Bridge two cars cant even pass," Cllr Quigg explained.

"Just last weekend I ran from Ballinskelligs to Waterville (for the Star of the Laune event) and realised just how bad it really is. Even Cahersiveen town itself - the whole street through the town is starting to slope at one side."

Cllr Quigg said that given how much emphasis is being placed on promoting the Wild Atlantic Way, more emphasis needs to be put on the Ring of Kerry and Iveragh Peninsula.

"I completely understand that cuts have to be made, but my gripe is that south Kerry being ignored and when we're talking about a national route, it is totally unacceptable," he said.

In response to Cllr Quigg's claims, the TII told The Kerryman that it continues to work with the local authority on an ongoing basis.

"TII will be working with Kerry County Council on existing priorities and, as always, dealing with on-going assessments as issues arise - that is the assurance TII can provide," a statement read.
Gerry Scollan and Claire Byrne at the 3rd Annual Bloomsday Ball in aid of National Maternity Hospital Holles Street

Pictured is Claire Byrne & Harriott Andrews at the official opening of a major exhibition of Ethiopian art at Dublin's Smock Alley Theatre

RTE star Claire Byrne has said that next year in the hot seat of her current affairs show will be easier because she will not be returning from just having given birth.

The broadcaster returns to the airwaves on Monday night for the second season of Claire Byrne Live.

She returned to work only 10 weeks after the birth of her second child this year, and has described 2015 as the "busiest year of her life".

Now, despite a general election looming and the fallout from the Fennelly Commission report continuing, she is expecting a more straightforward 2016.

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"I think next year - because we're on the treadmill of the show, in that we have done it for half-a- season, and I don't have a brand new baby - I think it will be easier."

Byrne feels it's "going to be a really exciting year for news" and said she hoped to see fewer items on the hour-long show this year so that they are given "more time to breathe".

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"I would also really like to see more audience involvement and see more people coming to us to tell their stories," she said.

"That's what people did last year, but I want to see more of it."

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She was speaking at a new Ethiopian art exhibition in the Smock Alley theatre. Proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go towards the Hamlin Fistula hospital which is run by an Irish couple and where over 43,000 women have been treated.
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We got a sneak preview of the brand new Denim Addict service being launched at Gap in Arnotts this week. Shoppers can customise their purchases in-store - including hemming, stylist, distressing and studding - all free of charge. The turnover takes about an hour and speaking from personal experience, we give it two thumbs up. Tailors, take note.

2. Your New Vice

Expand Close Ruby Rose for Vice Lipstick Collection by Urban Decay / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ruby Rose for Vice Lipstick Collection by Urban Decay

Kween Ruby Rose is the face of Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick Collection, which launched in Irish stores earlier this month. Bright, bold and not to mention durable; their latest voeted collection comes in 100 different shades. That's right - 100. Available at House of Fraser and Debenhams.

3. The Finer Things

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Cult brand Finery London has launched its debut swim and beachwear collection to much acclaim. The British brand's pieces start at 30 for a plain pair of bikini bottoms, so it's not cheap - but that's par for the course in swimwear these days. And they're not afraif of the personal touch. "Each of us at Finery brought our all-time favourite swimwear into the studio, and expressed why these particular pieces worked so well for us," Head of Design Emma Farrow said of their inspiration. Available at FineryLondon.com.

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4. Every little helps

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We sent Style reporter Amy Mulvaney to Body & Soul in all F&F at Tesco clothing and after her rave review, we're a little obsessed with finding the best bargain basement buy. For the best selection of 'You won't believe it's Tesco' fashion, check out TescoClothing.com

5. Fashionable Find

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If you've been eyeing up a pair of Chanel espadrilles, but can't part with the 450 price tag, try a pair of Tory Burch's equally chic shoes at half the price - 195. Available at Brown Thomas

6. Wake Up Your Makeup

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Your winter makeup belongs on the shelf in June...July, August and even September. Thanks to sunnier climes, humidity and clogged pores, it's always best to give a seasonal makeover and try new products that suit your skin better in the summer. Thanks to the longer days, your day-to-day life is like an HD studio - try No7's Illuminated Makeup Mirror (34.99) at Boots for a bright, magnifying look while doing your makeup before you leave the house.

7. Click On It

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We love to support Irish and Dublin boutique Costume has just gone digitial. After 19 years, Costume has become a hub of independent designers - both homegrown and international, and now its making its starting the next chapter with a super sleek new website. Your favourite high end pieces at the click of a button. See costumedublin.ie
Bernie Sanders has said he will vote for Hillary Clinton to be US president.

But the Vermont senator has not yet given the Democratic presumptive presidential nominee his full endorsement.

Mr Sanders said he understands Mrs Clinton has more pledged delegates than he does.

He said: "I will do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump", because he said Mr Trump's campaign is built on bigotry and denying climate change.

Mr Sanders said his job now is to "fight for the strongest possible platform" at the convention. He said that that includes a higher minimum wage.

Mr Sanders has said repeatedly since the final primary on June 14 that he will not end his presidential campaign until the Democratic convention in Philadelphia.

His latest comments seemed aimed at accepting the inevitable while retaining leverage heading into July's convention.

Mr Sanders believes the Democratic Party is not doing enough to address poverty and to protect the interests of lower-income voters.

He was making campaign stops on Friday in Albany and Syracuse, New York, to promote his campaign movement and rally supporters on behalf of like-minded congressional candidates.

In St Louis, meanwhile, Mr Sanders' allies were working to incorporate many of his ideas on trade, climate change and universal health care into the platform that will be adopted at the July convention.

Mr Sanders said in the interview that his focus was on representing at the convention the millions of people who voted for him and encouraging them to become part of the democratic process.

"My job right now is to fight for the strongest possible platform in the Democrat election," he said. That would include an agenda to create jobs and raise the minimum wage, he said.

In New York City on Thursday night, Mr Sanders told supporters that his campaign is "just getting started" fighting economic inequality, changing the Democratic Party and bolstering Democrats running for Congress.

Speaking to a packed hall in Manhattan, Mr Sanders took something of a victory lap as he reviewed the states he won and the fact that many young people flocked to his campaign over Mrs Clinton's. But he did not mention her name, let alone endorse her as leading Democrats have urged.

Mrs Clinton earlier this month clinched the delegates required to carry the Democrats' banner against Mr Trump. While Mr Sanders has acknowledged that he would not be the nominee he has yet to enthusiastically endorse Clinton, pointing to the need for the former New York senator and first lady to voice support for the issues that he staked his campaign on.

He has been signalling the transition of his movement from a presidential run to one aimed at bolstering liberal Democratic candidates for Congress and offices up and down the ballot.

In Syracuse, Mr Sanders was holding a rally with congressional candidate Eric Kingson, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in next Tuesday's primary to challenge Republican John Katko. Mr Sanders was also delivering a speech on Friday in Albany.

Mr Sanders has raised about 2.5 million US dollars (1.82 million) for congressional and legislative candidates in recent weeks, sending out fundraising emails on behalf of liberals who could further Mr Sanders's message.

AP
David Cameron has been hailed as a "brave and principled man" by Boris Johnson, after he announced he will quit as Prime Minister in the wake of his defeat in the referendum on British membership of the European Union.

Mr Johnson said the Brexit vote gave the UK a "glorious opportunity" for a brighter future, and insisted that Britain would remain "a greater European power" outside the future Union of 27 nations.

He was speaking shortly after Mr Cameron visited Buckingham Palace to formally inform the Queen of his decision to hand over the premiership to a new Conservative leader by October.

The British Prime Minister announced his decision outside 10 Downing Street hours after Leave secured a shock victory in the historic referendum and minutes after the markets opened with carnage in the City of London.

More than 100 billion was wiped off the FTSE 100 as the index fell more than 7%, while the pound also crashed 8% against the US dollar.

But the markets regained some of the lost value after Bank of England governor Mark Carney pledged to intervene to shore up the markets.

Flanked by wife Samantha as he delivered an emotional statement outside Number 10, Mr Cameron said he accepted the decision of the electorate, which voted by 52% to 48% to quit the EU.

"The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected," he said. "The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered."

He said that while he would do everything he could to "steady the ship" over the coming weeks and months, he was not the right person to be "the captain that steers our country to its next destination" and would hand over to a new leader by the time of the Conservative Party conference.

His announcement will trigger a battle for the Conservative leadership - and the keys to Number 10 - likely to feature Brexit standard-bearer Mr Johnson taking on figures such as Home Secretary Theresa May, who kept a low profile in the referendum campaign.

Mr Cameron said he would leave it to his successor to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which kicks off the two-year process of negotiating a new trade relationship with the UK's former partners.

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In a press conference at Vote Leave headquarters in London, Mr Johnson said there was no need for "haste" or for invoking the Article, but said work should begin to "extricate this country from the supernational system".

The former London mayor said: "I believe the British people have spoken up for democracy in Britain and across Europe and I think we can be very proud of the result."

He insisted that the Brexit vote "doesn't mean that the UK will be in any way less united, nor indeed does it mean we will be any less European".

But in Edinburgh, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed she will draw up legislation to allow a second independence referendum in the face of the "democratically unacceptable" prospect of Scotland being taken out of the EU against its will.

Senior EU representatives said the UK should implement Brexit "as soon as possible, however painful that process may be", warning that "any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty".

In a joint statement in Brussels, European Council president Donald Tusk, European Parliament president Martin Schulz, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said they were ready to launch negotiations swiftly on withdrawal.

Mr Tusk said there was "no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, especially for the UK", and called for calm.

"It is a historic moment but for sure not a moment for hysterical reactions," he said.

Mr Cameron has summoned the Cabinet to meet on Monday, the day before he goes to Brussels for a summit where he will "explain the decision the British people have taken and my own decision" to leaders of the remaining 27 member states.

French president Francois Hollande said he was "sad" to see Britain sever relations with the EU, but warned the remaining states that action was needed from them to reconnect with citizens.

German chancellor Angela Merkel, who will meet Mr Hollande on Monday in Berlin to discuss the crisis, expressed "great regret" at the UK's decision to leave, but said the EU was "strong enough" to "find the right answers".

Announcing his resignation after six years as PM - and just 13 months after securing an absolute majority for the first time - was "not a decision I have taken lightly", said Mr Cameron.

But he said it was "in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required".

A clearly emotional Mr Cameron said he stood by his assertion that the UK could "find a way" to survive outside the EU.

"Now the decision has been made to leave we need to find the best way and I will do everything I can to help," he said.

Minutes after the PM's statement, Mr Carney announced he was making 250 billion available to support markets as he pledged that the Bank of England "will not hesitate to take additional measures as required as markets adjust and the UK economy moves forward".

Mr Cameron's defeat was a humiliating turnaround which he can never have imagined when he first announced plans for a referendum to see off the electoral threat of Ukip in 2013 or when he named the date following a renegotiation of Britain's membership earlier this year.

Even as polling stations closed on Thursday night, most observers, pollsters and bookmakers were expecting victory for Remain, albeit by the narrowest of margins.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage even came close to conceding defeat, admitting he believed that Remain had "nicked it" and vowing to fight on for withdrawal from the EU, while senior pro-Brexit Tories including Mr Johnson and Michael Gove signed a letter calling on the PM to stay on regardless of the result.

But emphatic early victories in cities such as Sunderland and Swindon made clear the momentum was all on the Brexit side. As dawn arrived, there was no doubt that Leave had secured enough support in the English shires and former Labour strongholds in the North, Wales and Midlands to sweep aside strong Remain performances in London, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

With ballots counted in all 382 polling areas - including Gibraltar, which voted overwhelmingly to stay in the EU - Leave received 17,410,742 votes (51.9%) against 16,141,241 (48.1%) for Remain.

A jubilant Mr Farage called for June 23 to be declared a bank holiday as "our independence day" to cheers from ecstatic supporters as the sun rose.

But there were recriminations among Labour supporters, with influential backbench MP John Mann - one of a handful to back a Brexit vote - calling for a change in the party's direction, particularly on immigration policy. Senior Labour figures including Ed Miliband sought to cast the result as a protest against the effects of austerity as much as an expression of desire to leave the EU.

Some 72.2% of the 46,500,001 eligible voters turned out at polling stations, said the Electoral Commission. The total turnout of 33,568,184 was just short of the highest ever participation in a UK general election, in 1992.
Police cars in front of the cinema in Viernheim near Mannheim, southern Germany (Simon Ribnitzky/dpa via AP)

An unidentified man has opened fire in a German cinema complex before being shot dead by police.

The incident took place at the Kinoplex cinema in the town of Viernheim, near Frankfurt.

No one other than the gunman was injured, German authorities said, and they confirmed that the attacker was killed during the police operation.

It remained unclear whether the armed man used a genuine firearm, as local media reports said a "gas or stun gun" had been used.

And police could not immediately confirm whether the weapon was genuine.

Earlier reports said up to 50 people had suffered minor injuries during the hostage situation, but this was due to tear gas used by police, not the gunman.

"We have no information that anyone was injured," Hesse state interior minister Peter Beuth said.

Hostages "The assailant moved through the cinema complex, according to the information we have now, and appeared confused.

"There were hostages inside and there was a struggle (with police) until in the end he was dead."

Lars Henneman, editor-in-chief of the 'Darmstadter Echo', who had a reporter on the ground, said that the gunman was in a "state of confusion".

Security sources said the man did not appear to have links to terrorism.

Mr Beuth, the Hesse state interior minister, has responded to reports that the weapon was a "gas or stun gun".

He said police could not confirm whether the weapon was a genuine firearm.
Members of the US House of Representatives staged a sit-in at the US Capitol yesterday to protest the lack of action on gun control in the wake of the shooting in Orlando that left 49 people dead.

The protest was led by Congressman John Lewis, a civil rights icon who led non-violent protests against segregation in the 1960s, including sit-ins at segregated restaurants.

"We have lost hundreds of thousands of innocent people to gun violence. Tiny little children. Babies, students, and teachers. Mothers and fathers. Sisters and brothers. Daughters and sons. Friends and neighbours," Mr Lewis said, before taking a seat on the floor of the House chamber. "And what has this body done?"

He was joined by dozens of his Democratic colleagues including Nancy Pelosi, the highest-ranking House Democrat, and Joseph Kennedy III, the grandson of Robert F Kennedy.

US President Barack Obama sent Mr Lewis a note from his personal Twitter account: "Thank you John Lewis for leading on gun violence where we need it most," he said.

Democratic senators began to join the protest, including Chris Murphy, who held a 15-hour filibuster on Wednesday to demand a vote on gun legislation in the upper chamber.

They demanded a vote on legislation that would expand background checks on gun purchasers and ban those on the government's no-fly list and terror watch list from buying guns, chanting "no bill, no break".

The sit-in was a violation of House rules, and Speaker Paul Ryan responded by calling a recess and cutting out the live camera feed to the House floor.

The White House signalled its approval of the sit-in, though a spokesman acknowledged that it was an "extraordinary step". "They are showing the kind of frustration and even anger that people around the country have about the inability of the Republican-led Congress to take common-sense steps that would protect the American people," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.

Some Republicans in the senate have been working with Democrats to craft a compromise bill on gun control, though a series of measures have failed to pass in recent days. The Republican majority in the House is larger, making the odds of passing such legislation there slimmer still.

But Democrats are demanding that they be brought before the House for a roll-call vote.

Mr Lewis said he was "moved" by Mr Obama's praise for him, and said he and his colleagues would continue the sit-in for as long as it took. "By sitting down we were standing up," he said.( Daily Telegraph, London)
The US Supreme Court has announced it is split on President Barack Obamas plan to shield millions of undocumented immigrants living illegally in the US.

The divide comes as a severe blow to Mr Obamas 2014 executive action, in which he bypassed Congress to protect immigrants from deportation.

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan applauded the news, saying only Congress should write laws.

But the president (inset) said the deadlock was heartbreaking for millions of people.

They are Americans in every way but on paper, he said at the White House, adding that reform will happen, sooner or later. Congress is not going to be able to ignore America forever, he said.

Its legality will now be assessed in a lower district court.

The deadlock between the eight judges was only possible because of the death of the ninth, Justice Antonin Scalia, leaving a vacancy that is still unfilled.

This is the first tied decision produced by the court, as the Senate continues to block Mr Obamas nominee, Judge Merrick Garland.

The courts inability to find a majority either supporting Mr Obamas unilateral executive action on immigration or striking it down, means the whole controversy heads back into the lap of a lower-level conservative judge in Texas.

The outcome suggests that the direction of US immigration policy will be determined in large part by this autumns presidential election, a campaign in which immigration has already played a significant role.

People who would have benefited from Mr Obamas plan face no imminent threat of deportation, because Congress has provided money to deal with only a small percentage of people who live in the country illegally, and the president retains discretion to decide who to deport.

But Mr Obamas effort to expand that protection to many others has been stifled.

He said yesterdays impasse takes us further from the country we aspire to be. A nine-justice court agreed to hear the case in January, but by the time of the arguments in late April, Justice Antonin Scalia had died. That left eight justices to decide the case, and the court is assumed to have split along liberal and conservative lines, although it did not confirm how each justice voted.

The Obama administration announced the programmes  protections for parents of children who are in the country legally and an expansion of the programme that benefits people who were brought to this country as children  in November 2014.

Mr Obama decided to move forward after Republicans won control of the Senate in the 2014 mid-term elections, and the chances for an immigration overhaul, already remote, were further diminished.

The Senate had passed a broad immigration bill with Democratic and Republican support in 2013, but the measure went nowhere in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

The states quickly went to court to block the Obama initiatives. Their lawsuit was heard by US District Judge Andrew Hanen in Brownsville, Texas. Judge Hanen had previously criticised the administration for poor immigration enforcement.
The Russian parliament has adopted a set of controversial counter-terrorism amendments which have sparked alarm among rights activists.

The amendments that the Duma voted for on Friday include introducing prison sentences for failure to report a grave crime and doubling the number of offences that Russians as young as 14 years old can be prosecuted for.

Another forces telecommunications companies to store logs and data for months, a measure which threatens to eat almost all of the companies' profits.

A brainchild of the hawkish pro-Kremlin politician Irina Yarovaya, the bill was rammed through the parliament by the ruling United Russia party and voted on in the Duma's final session before the summer recess and the September election. Widespread rigging at the December 2011 vote which elected the current Duma led to large-scale opposition protests.

In a throwback to the Soviet time, the amendments introduced prison sentences for failing to report a crime.

"How successful we are in fighting terrorism depends not only on authorities and how law enforcement works but also on the public," the bill's co-author Ernest Valeyev said in defense of the amendment. "That's why we think this amendment will encourage the public to counter terrorism."

The bill which rattled Russian business most will make it obligatory for telecommunications companies to store call logs for 12 months and call and message data for six months. Businesses have said this is 100,000 times as much data as they store already and will take more than 33 billion dollars (24 billion) in investment to organise and run, eating up all of their profits. The original bill, however, would have the companies store data for several years.

Communist deputy Yuri Sinelshchikov was among the bill's critics, worrying that storing data and call logs would open the door to official abuse. He said law enforcement can petition the court and then phone companies to trace calls if they need to investigate the crime, and giving them six months to do so is too much.

Opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov said the amendment will be a heavy burden for the businesses. "Instead of competing and entering new markets and improve connection quality, our telecommunications companies will have to deal with this stupidity," he said.

The most draconian amendments, including the right to strip Russians of their citizenship, were hastily taken out of the bill before the debate. Some politicians complained that they never got the final draft before the vote.

Human Rights Watch said in an opinion piece published on Thursday that even without the most alarming amendments, the bill is cause for concern.

"It is hard to avoid the impression that the alleged removal of the bill's most scandalous provisions may have been specially designed to have the public breathe a sigh of relief and skim over the fact that even with some improvements the Yarovaya Law will still severely curb people's right to exercise free expression and other fundamental freedoms in Russia," Human Rights Watch's Tanya Lokshina said.

AP
A home and garage on Galloping Ghost Road in Anderson County was destroyed by a fire on Friday, June 24, 2016.

SHARE KEN RUINARD/Independent Mail The remains of a six-car garage that was destroyed by a fire on Friday, June 24, 2016, on Galloping Ghost Road in Anderson County. KEN RUINARD/Independent Mail Residents of a home destroyed by a fire on Friday, June 24, 2016, rummage through their belongings. Officials said the fire started in a garage and then spread to the home on Galloping Ghost Road.

By Reports From The Independent Mail And From Coverage Partner Wspa

Firefighters battled a house fire in Anderson County on Friday that also destroyed a six-car garage.

The blaze started in the garage and then spread to the home at 608 Galloping Ghost Road, said Center Rock Fire Dept. Lt. Randy Beebe. Both structures suffered severe damage.

No one was injured, Beebe said.

Reports noted that the blaze started at about 1:40 p.m. on the property near Lake Hartwell. Three stations  Center Rock, Williford and Centerville  were called to the scene, Anderson County Fire Department communications supervisor Anthony Andy said.

An all-call was issued to the county's other fire stations for added manpower to combat the blaze, said Beebe.
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Anderson County Republicans turned against one another this week during a candidate forum on Monday.

Forum attendee George Haynie walked in and confronted Anderson County Republican Party Chairman Dan Harvell, asking if the organization had bothered to pay rent for space at Concord Community Church in Anderson. The party holds its meetings at a fellowship hall there and Haynie yelled that the rent hadn't been paid in 15 months.

Harvell asked Denny Floyd, the party treasurer, to respond.

Floyd, a former Anderson County Council candidate, said when he became party treasurer, he did not realize that the organization paid rent to the church. He said when the rent issue was brought to his attention weeks ago, he wrote a check to the church. He then pulled out another check to show that the party planned to pay for the space that night.

Harvell said the rent was a "nonissue" and it was unfortunate it was brought up during a candidate forum.

'Loaded shotgun'

Jennifer West read a prepared statement from her husband, Jay West, at Monday's Republican candidate forum.

Jay West, who is competing in next Tuesday's runoff for the South Carolina House of Representatives District 7 seat, missed the event because he was with a Belton City Council member whose mother died.

After she finished reading the statement, Jennifer West was asked if she wanted to field any questions on her husband's behalf.

Opting for caution, she declined the offer. She explained that her husband views her as a "loaded shotgun with the safety off."

Wagner gets endorsement

David Wagner, a candidate for 10th Judicial Circuit solicitor, has received endorsements from more than 30 current and former law enforcement officials, according to a news release from his campaign.

The release refers to the officers as Wagner's "law enforcement coalition."

The coalition is made up of active and retired officers from Oconee and Anderson counties.

Written by Independent Mail reporters Nikie Mayo and Kirk Brown. Follow them on Twitter @NikieMayo and @KirkBrown_AIM.

Email them with tips at mayon@independentmail.com or kirk.brown@independentmail.com.
The romantic hero of Kollywood, Arya has gone for a complete makeover for his new film Kadamban` beefing up his body to get the perfect look for the role of a tribal. The film directed by Raghavan of Manja Pai` fame shot many sequences in deep interior forests for many days.

Now the Kadamban` team are heading to Thailand to shoot the climax sequence from the 1st of July and the amazing thing is Arya will appear alongside 50 elephants for which he will undergo training from Thai experts. It may be recalled that popular Thai action superstar Tony Jaa has played a similar role in Tom Yum Goong` (English title The Protector` dubbed in Tamil as Kumki Veeran`) and its sequel. The film has Catherine Tresa as the love interest for Arya and is produced by Jiiva`s home production house Super Good Films.
Piramal Pharma to invest Rs1,200 in UK over the next 12 to 18 months Through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions in the sectors of contract development & manufacturing services (CDMO) and complicated generics, Piramal Pharma stated that it would... October 25, 2022 | 25-10-2022 3:02 pm

Markets trade lower amid volatility; Nifty below 17,700 Domestic benchmark indices trading in the red after a gap-up opening on Tuesday. Both the Sensex and Nifty benchmarks are marginally lower in the afternoon market session. Moreover, with strong... October 25, 2022 | 25-10-2022 2:00 pm

SBI hits new 52-week high ahead of earnings release for Q2FY23 In Tuesday's intra-day trade, shares of State Bank of India (SBI) climbed nearly 2% to a record high of Rs580 a piece on the BSE in anticipation of excellent earnings in the September... October 25, 2022 | 25-10-2022 1:43 pm

Insolation Energy receives order worth Rs1.38 crore; Stock dives 10% Insolation Energy Limited stock plunges 10% on Tuesday's trading session despite receiving major construction order. As per the filing, the company has received a Letter of Award (LO... October 25, 2022 | 25-10-2022 1:35 pm

Embassy REIT to invest Rs 3,200 crore over the next 4 years According to Vikaash Khdloya, CEO of Embassy REIT, who talked to ET, about Rs 3,200 crore will be invested in the development of 7.1 million square feet over the next three to four years. ... October 25, 2022 | 25-10-2022 12:57 pm
There was a time many moons back when money didn't exist. People would just ask for the things they desired, and in return, would pay the owner by giving away something of their own or provide a service equivalent to the value of the desired product. Barter, a system more than 6000 years old, is still prevalent in some parts of the world today. But where did it all start, why did it stop, where did money come into the scene and could it possibly replace money in today's time?

fxcompared

The origin story

The earliest account recorded for barter takes us all the way back to 6000 BC. It was never the only method of exchange of goods and services, mostly because it wasn't able to sustain itself. Barter would always be used to compliment another economic system. At first, people used to barter livestock. Later, as agriculture became a more prevalent source of livelihood, people started bartering produce. Goods were exchanged for food, weapons, tea and spices among other things. Salt used to be traded in the barter system a lot in Mesopotamia and neighbouring areas. In fact, salt was so valuable at one point of time that Roman soldiers' salaries were paid with it.

nationalgeographic.com

During the Middle Ages, Europeans would travel the world to barter their crafts and animal fur for silk and perfume. Americans did it for wheat and deer skin. The Great Depression in the 1930s gave rise to the barter system again, mainly because nobody had any money to pay for goods and services.

The invention of money didn't end the barter system, it just made it more streamlined. What many don't know is that the barter system is still very much around. No, not as a bribe, barter nowadays isn't just restricted to individuals. From SMBs (small and medium businesses) to large businesses to multi-national organisations, even national governments, are involved in the barter system quite regularly. According to the US Department of Commerce and the GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), barter accounts for about 25-30% of all transactions world-wide. A huge percentage especially now when money pretty much governs everything and everybody.

3.bp.blogspot.com

Why did it go out of vogue?

Even though it was one of the major modes of transactions, it had some major drawbacks.

For starters, there was no way to officially assign a specific value to the goods and services being traded, so people could really get something very expensive in return for a couple of lemons, just an example. It also depended heavily on whether people were actually willing to give away what the other person wanted. Let's say you want to trade a pair of shoes for a t-shirt, but the other person might not be willing to give away the t-shirt. This would very often create conflict. Lastly, there was the lack of divisibility. Let's say you have a car which you're willing to trade in return for a TV, a fridge and a washing machine. It was not always possible that you will be able to find one person who has all the three things you're looking for. But you can only give away one thing, your car, which definitely can't be cut into three pieces.

All these issues made people think of alternatives and money was born.

lwnski.com

Money, Money, Money

It didn't take long for people to realise that just barter won't be enough to sustain the economy. So civilisations started forming their own currencies. Sometime around 1100 B. C, the Chinese, instead of bartering actual tools and weapons, started making miniature versions of the same tools in bronze. But that didn't work, simply because it was a physical hazard more than anything. You wouldn't want to roam around with mini daggers in your pocket, would you? So they ditched that and started making small circular discs made from bronze. Somewhat like coins, China was the first country to use recognisable coins. However, the first minted coins were made in Lydia, now western Turkey.

When the Chinese realised that Lydia had started making their own currency in 600 B.C they shifted focus from coins to paper money. By the time Marco Polo visited in 1200 A.D they already had various denominations of the paper money being used. Funnily enough, all the bills during that time went out with a warning - "All counterfeiters will be decapitated."

wiglaf.org

Can it work today?

Yes and no. No, because the economy can't be sustained like that. Our ancestors had already figured out it wasn't a viable solution. Barter works, but not as an alternative to money. It can be used along with money.

thefuntimesguide.com

Yes, because it is already happening. Of course, in a modernised fashion. A company known as The Barter Network have found a way around the aforementioned disadvantages. These are organisations that use technology to make barter transactions. Very similar to how money works, the added bonus of barter networks are that even when you're short on money, you can still buy and sell what you require. It's like a marketplace with proper records of all the barter deals. They offer multilateral deals which help with the issue of direct trading with someone. They also use barter dollars as a measure to resolve the other hindrances. Since it's beyond direct trading, one can expect to do business with more than one individual or business. It's much like using cash, but the barter exchange helps us find both customers and suppliers at a much cheaper cost of course. It's a modern day concept that has only been around since 2006, where their trade volume has jumped from $786,000 in 2006 to $4.2 million in 2010. Not an exponential growth, but a steady rise nonetheless. However, with the whole world slowly moving towards cashless payments, one cannot tell for sure if this will truly survive the test of time.
movies.dosthana

KRK has become a synonym for derogatory comments and nasty Twitter posts against leading Bollywood actors. And blame it on his audacity, but he is least bothered with any repercussions. So much so that his name resonates a type of proverbial thorn in the minds of the industry. But finally there is someone who has shown courage to stand up to the self-proclaimed film critic and actor (or maybe!)

pluzcinema

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt is ready to move the court of law against KRK. It all began a month back when KRK did a distasteful review of Bhatt's film 1920 London, which was more like a personal attack on him. Bhatt took charge and slapped a defamation case against KRK. The Deshdrohi actor in retaliation posted a snap of the legal notice on his Twitter page, levying rather unpleasant accusations, dragging in the name of Bhatt's 1920 London actress Meera Chopra as well. And it definitely didn't go down well, neither with Bhatt nor with people alike.

Great director Vikram Bhatt has filed defamation case against me. Lol! Sir I will meet you in the court with proof. pic.twitter.com/X8mcx8PxgR  KRK (@kamaalrkhan) June 23, 2016

I just want to inform Mr. Vikram Bhatt that Meera Chopra herself told me the whole story. I didn't say anything from my side in that review.  KRK (@kamaalrkhan) June 23, 2016

Bhatt's lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee pointed out that while KRK failed to respond to the legal notice by Wednesday, he completely disregarded the laws too.

"It is obvious he doesn't have any reply or justification for his criminal acts. Instead, he has chosen to blatantly continue his criminal acts showing complete disregard to laws, and even had the audacity to outrage the modesty of my other client, Meera Chopra. He ought to realise that by such willful criminal acts, he has rendered himself liable to be tried under various provisions of IPC. My clients have given me peremptory instructions to proceed with the matter and duly protect their name, image and reputation, and secure punishment for Mr. Kamaal Rashid Khan."

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KRK has, in the past, been on the hit list of several celebrities after he made similar disgusting comments about Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra, Sonam Kapoor, and Rishi Kapoor, among others. So we understand how KRK's rant against Bhatt for making bad films didn't go down well with the filmmaker, who has made hit movies like Ghulam, Raaz and 1920. Blame it on him, because his review talked more about how Bhatt has been spoiling the career of several actresses, including Sushmita Sen and Ameesha Patel, than the film.

Check out KRK's infamous review of 1920 London, right here!
Brexit will go down as one of the defining events in the history of international relations. It is one of the rarest occasions when a government sought public opinion on a decision that could leave a long-term impact on their future.

Even though UK Independence Party chief Nigel Farage called the Brexit UK's independence, the vote has hardly anything to do with actual independence of the country. However across the world, a number of big and small groups fighting for independence have raised their own demands for a referendum. While some have reached their goal, others are still continuing their demand.

Here is a list of independence referendums across the world in the recent times.

1. Scotland

On 18 September 2014, the Scottish people, in a referendum voted for whether Scotland should be an independent country or not. The referendum also meant that Scotland would no longer be a part of United Kingdom and will have an identity as an independent nation.

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The move fell as the idea of Scotland to remain a part of UK got 2,001,926 (55.3%) votes against the idea of independence which got 1,617,989 (44.7%) votes. The voter turnout in this referendum was 84.6% which was highest ever recorded for an election or referendum since the introduction of universal suffrage.

2. Northern Ireland

This referendum was historic in many ways because probably for the first time in history almost 100 percent people voted in favour of status quo. The 1973 referendum in Northern Ireland asking whether it should remain a part of United Kingdom or join the Republic of Ireland.

Irish Times

The people of Northern Ireland resoundingly voted in favour of remaining a part of UK. The move saw a whopping 98.9% people voting in favour of being a part of UK.

3. Quebec

Quebec, the predominantly French speaking province of Canada had a long standing independence movement. A referendum was held in 1995 asking people whether Quebec should proclaim national sovereignty and become an independent country. The "no" got 50.58% vote and "yes" got 49.42% votes.

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4. Tibet

One of the most high profile referendum demands across the world is the demand for independence by the Tibetans. The Tibetan community exiled in India which has been fighting for autonomy for their homeland from China announced its "Middle-way approach for seeking autonomy, this policy was conceived by the Dalai Lama in 1974.

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He announced it as the official policy of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) at a session of the European Parliament in 1988. After thorough discussions held over a few decades, an opinion poll was conducted in 1997 in which 65% of the Tibetans living in exile expressed support for the Middle-Way Policy.

5. Catalonia

Catalans, the residents of Spain's richest region, Catalonia have been demanding independence from Spain for a long time. An unofficial referendum was held by Catalan nationalists in November 2014 seeking public opinion on independence. 80% of those voted in the poll backed independence. Since the constitutional court in Spain ruled the referendum illegal, it remained non-binding on Madrid.

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They held a second unofficial referendum in September 2015 along with the vote to elect the 135-seat regional government. Unofficial because the government in Spain refused permission for it. However Catalan nationalists swept the polls with over 74 percent votes in their favour. With the overwhelming support they received, Catalan nationalists are vigorously pushing for independence.

6. South Sudan

One of the successful referendums in the recent years was held in South Sudan in 2011. It was to determine on whether the region should remain as a part of Sudan or seek independence. 98.83% of the participants voted in favour of independence.

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The new country of South Sudan gained independence on July 11, 2011.
1. Britain Votes To Leave EU

In a historic move, Britain has voted to leave the European Union. According to the BBC, the leave campaign has secured a lead in the referendum held on Thursday. This means that UK, the second largest economy in EU and the fifth largest globally is almost certain to leave the 28 member European bloc - European Union.

UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage already declared victory in a speech held in London.

2. India Seventh Most Wealthiest Country In The World In Terms Of Individual Wealth Held

US, China and Japan have been ranked as the top three wealthiest countries in the world, in terms of total individual wealth held. According to a study by New World Wealth, India has been ranked 7th in the list, bettering one position from the previous year.

Despite the country registering a total wealth of $5,200 billion, the study notes that "India only makes the top 10 list due to its large population. On a per capita basis, the average Indian is quite poor.

3. Tiger Population In Assam's Manas National Park Went Up 50 Percent In The Last Three Years

Tigers have made a roaring comeback in the Manas landscape which straddles both Assam's Bodoland Territorial Areas District (BTAD) and Bhutan.The second survey to monitor big cats across the Transboundary Manas Conservation Area (TraMCA), which covers Manas National Park (MNP) on the Indian side and the Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) in Bhutan, has thrown up 21 tigers  a heartwarming increase of 50 per cent over the first survey in 2011-12 that had counted just 14 big cats in the Manas landscape.

4. Despite Campus Placement Row, Flipkart Hasn't Been Blacklisted Says IIM-Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad's Indian Institute of Management (IIM-A) on Thursday called Flipkart "a valued partner'' while ruling out the possibility of blacklisting the e-commerce firm, a month after it deferred the joining dates of 18 students from the B-school. "...no such thing has even been contemplated or discussed at any point of time," IIMA's communication advisory committee chairperson Vijaya Sherry Chand said.

5. Kochi To Become The First Indian City With Metro Rail Feeder Service Through Water

Kochi will be the first Indian city where water connectivity will be developed as a feeder service to the Metro rail. New boats which will be procured for this project will provide the same transportation experience as the Metro, and will be called 'Water Metros'.
Ahmedabad's Indian Institute of Management (IIM-A) on Thursday called Flipkart "a valued partner'' while ruling out the possibility of blacklisting the e-commerce firm, a month after it deferred the joining dates of 18 students from the B-school. "...no such thing has even been contemplated or discussed at any point of time," IIMA's communication advisory committee chairperson Vijaya Sherry Chand said.

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She said the students have offers from other companies and were in advanced stages of negotiations. "It is up to them to decide and firm up their decisions. The details of which companies they will be joining will be available soon."

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IIM-A director Ashish Nanda separately said the issue was closed. The students were hired and promised a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh for postponement of their joining. The postponement had prompted IIM-A to write a strongly-worded letter to the company demanding an increase in the compensation. The B-school had said it would set new guidelines for its placements to ensure that no corporate house repeated what Flipkart had done.

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"Right now, we want to send out a strong message to corporate houses that they should define their recruitment policy appropriately before going to campuses," IIM-A placement committee chairperson Asha Kaul had told TOI earlier this month.

Also Read: IIM Tells Flipkart - You Made Our Students Feel Cheated With Recruitment Promises
With Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) plenary meeting in Seoul ending today without India's membership being discussed, the China-Pakistan joint blockade of India's bid seems to have worked. At least till the plenary meets next year. But India's successful effort to convince the US, Russia, Mexico, Switzerland and other countries is seen as a diplomatic masterstroke the world over.

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But what exactly is NSG? Why India is throwing its weight to get an entry in this august gathering? And what benefits would India reap once included in NSG are the few questions that most Indians would like to know. So here are 8 things about NSG and India's inclusion in it.

1. What are the benefits India would get if it becomes a member?

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India's energy needs are immense and to fuel this, India ought to have access to NSG membership which would results in India getting low cost, clean nuclear energy to meet the demand. Today India's energy needs are met by conventional fuels like petrol, diesel, and coal which emit green house gases, making India one of the major emitters of green house gases. NSG membership would allow India to buy nuclear energy from other countries which is a clean clean source of energy. NSG membership would also put India on a firmer footing to propose the idea of plutonium trade for its thorium programme that has been waiting in the wings. An early adoption of thorium technology would give India enormous energy independence and security.

2. But what is NSG?

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NSG is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of two sets of guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports.

3. Who can become NSG member?

The main condition to become an NSG member is that the country which seeks to become a member has to be signatory of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The NSG guidelines for member states also says that any transfer of nuclear technology will be authorised only on the condition that such a deal will not lead to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

4. Is India signatory to NPT?

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No. India hasn't and that's the argument on which China has halted India's bid in NSG. Although other countries like US, Russia, Britain, France, Mexico and several other western countries have supported India's bid owing to India clean track record to nuclear energy and its trade.

5. So, how can India become a member?

India's argument rests on the clean track record it has when it comes to proliferation of nuclear technology. Unlike Pakistan which has allegedly sold nuclear technology to countries like North Korea, India has never shared its nuclear technology with any country or other non-state actors. Therefore, despite not being the signatory to the NPT, most of the member states in NSG are supporting India's bid to be a member.

6. Who supports India?

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India has garnered a lot of support for its inclusion in NSG. "We believe, and this has been US policy for some time, that India is ready for membership and the United States calls on participating governments to support India's application at the plenary session of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)," said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest while backing India's bid. US has also requested other countries to back India. Among those who have publicly backed Indias bid are Mexico, France, Switzerland, Russia, Japan, UK and Canada.

7. Who oppose India's bid?

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Anticipating who's in opposition to India's bid doesn't require much effort. Our arch foe Pakistan and its all-weather friends China are key nations opposing India bid. China's argument rests on India not being the signatory to NPT. China also hails Pakistan's bid owing to the argument that if India despite not being signatory to NPT qualifies to be member, Pakistan should also be treated on similar lines. Other countries opposing India's bid are New Zealand, Turkey, Ireland and South Africa.

8. Why China can't be avoided?

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China's nod is crucial. In fact to be member, India will have to have a unanimous support from all 48 members. Another reason to this is that NSG was set up in 1975 in response to India's own clandestine nuclear test in 1974, which made New Delhi something of a pariah in the West.
US, China and Japan have been ranked as the top three wealthiest countries in the world, in terms of total individual wealth held.

According to a study by New World Wealth, India has been ranked 7th in the list, bettering one position from the previous year.

Despite the country registering a total wealth of $5,200 billion, the study notes that "India only makes the top 10 list due to its large population. On a per capita basis, the average Indian is quite poor."

New World Wealth

'Total individual wealth' refers to the private wealth held by all the individuals in each country.

The report defines 'wealth' as the net assets of a person. It includes all their assets (property, cash, equity, business interests) less any liabilities. The report excludes government funds from its figures.

India has however failed to make it to the list of Wealthiest people in the world. The list is dominated by small tax havens such as Monaco and Liechtenstein.

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The study was conducted on the basis of Income distribution stats, Stock exchange statistics, Residential property market statistics and Interviews with financial intermediaries: real estate agencies, wealth managers, banks.

The study also points out some common problems the top-10 countries face, they are over-population, high pension obligations and public health care costs, slowing per capita wealth growth, rising levels of racial and religious violence, woman safety and rising inequality levels.
Kochi will be the first Indian city where water connectivity will be developed as a feeder service to the Metro rail. New boats which will be procured for this project will provide the same transportation experience as the Metro, and will be called 'Water Metros'.

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Kochi Metro Rail, the Kerala government and German funding agency KfW will sign an agreement for this project on Saturday involving a Rs 747-crore investment. This is also the first time such a huge investment is being brought in for improving urban water-borne passenger traffic.

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Financing for this project is being done by the Indo-German Bilateral Cooperation, under the 'climate-friendly urban mobility' plan. KfW will provide financial assistance of 85 million (approximately Rs 597 crore) and the Kerala government will give Rs102 crore.

The major part of the project is procurement of modernised boats. Two variants of air-conditioned and Wi-Fi-enabled catamaran passenger ferries, with passenger capacity of 50 and 100 respectively, will be introduced. The boats will operate at an optimal speed of eight knots, with the potential to increase up to 12 knots, once the dedicated water transit corridor is established.

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Apart from the development of the ferry service, the project proposes development of the existing and new access roads providing increased accessibility to the jetties and enhanced mobility within the islands, infrastructure for ensuring safety and security to all its users by way of active and well-lit streets and CCTV cameras.

A KMRL spokesman said promoting use of small-occupancy feeder modes such as mini midi feeder buses and electric rickshaws to access the jetties and other nonmotorised transport infrastructure besides public bicycle sharing schemes will be part of the project.

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The major jetties or main boat hubs will be developed with Wi-Fi-enabled social recreational opportunities around the jetty locations.
In a heart-rending episode, a poor couple from chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu's native Chitoor district on Thursday approached a local court seeking permission for mercy-killing of their ailing eight-month-old daughter. The unusual petition moved the court, which however, maintained that the plea does not come under its purview.

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It directed the couple to approach either the Chittoor district court or the high court in Hyderabad. Moved by the plight of the couple and the child, the advocates present in the court donated about Rs 5000.

Ramanappa, a worker in a grocery store, and his wife Saraswati filed the petition in the court of junior civil judge at Tamballapalle urging it to grant permission for passive euthanasia of their daughter Gnana Sai, who has been suffering from a congenital liver problem.

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The parents, who live in a small house near Bathalapuram railway gate in Nuthalacheruvu mandal, pleaded that the court should direct the state government to bear the medical expenses of Gnana Sai or allow her mercy-killing as they are not in a position to foot the medical bill.

The little girl has been diagnosed as suffering from a rare congenital condition. She requires liver transplant, which doctors said will cost about Rs 50 lakh. Doctors said the girl needed immediate medical treatment as any delay will complicate her health condition.

"A local doctor diagnosed it as a liver complication and treated the baby. But there was no improvement in her health. We have spent all the money we have. We borrowed money from friends and relatives. We are left with no money now," Ramanappa told local media outside the court.

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He said he took the baby to a corporate hospital in Bangalore where doctors said she needed liver transplant to rectify the congenital defect.

"The entire procedure costs more than Rs 50 lakh. Moreover, the child has to be on medication for at least six years. The monthly medical bill alone comes to about Rs 50,000," Ramanappa said even as Gnana Sai kept on crying apparently due to pain.

Ramanappa said he will approach the district court. "If needed I seek help from high court," he pointed out.
In 2012, German model and reality TV star Gina Lisa Lohfink was drugged and raped after a night out at a German nightclub. To add insult to her injury, the video of the assault was posted online (which was later removed) in which she was heard saying 'stop it, stop it', 'no' repeatedly.

Image Credit: Getty

What came as more shocking was the judge's decision of levying a fine of 24,000 euros on Lohfink for providing false testimony as there was no evidence of rape found by the court. The accused, two men, said that the sex was consensual and therefore they went ahead.

Lohfink's case is one of the most debated cases in Europe, as a section of media is calling the case a publicity stunt, whereas feminists are making Lohfink the face of the anti-rape campaign. The case is a lot similar to that of Stanford swimmer Brock Turner in the US.

Image Credit: oliverwillis

The German law rape states that a woman saying 'no' is not enough and that physical evidence acts as a strong evidence. Women's rights groups are now criticising the rape law and calling it unsafe for rape victims.

Image Credit: EPA

Lohfink has now appealed the court's decision, and the hearing will be heard on June 27.

Also see: A Teenager In Rio Was Gang-Raped By 33 Men For 36 Hours. Here's Why Brazil Is Keeping It A Secret

After Gang Rape And Murder Of 14-Year-Old Girl, Indonesia Begin Chemically Castrating Child Rapists
According to a number of reports, dozens of American-trained K-9s were killed by Eastern Securities, a Kuwaiti-based American company. However, no one seems to know the actual reason behind the deaths with conflicting explanations coming in from various sources.

It was an Instagram post by Kuwait Animal Rescue Unit that sparked off a conversation about the sad and gruesome deaths of the dogs on social media. The graphic post showed bodies of the dogs piled on top of each other in a narrow hallway. Although the number of animal casualties can't be said for certain, it is known to be anywhere between 24 and 40, making it one of the most horrifying forms of animal abuse in recent times.

According to their post, the company had their contract recently revoked, which is why they slaughtered 24 of their US K9 dogs trained by the USK9 dog training facility located in Louisiana, USA. The security company was working with the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) which paid them 3000KWD (6.7 lakhs approx.) to the security company for each dog.

Eastern Securities has a different story to tell.

In response to the accusations made by the Kuwait Animal Rescue Unit, Eastern Securities said that the animals were euthanised because of ongoing health issues, and not because of termination of the contract. An anonymous employee also went on record telling the Arab Times that the dogs were suffering in the conditions they were living in. In my opinion, this should have been done a year ago, he said.

Facebook/ Eastern Securities of Kuwait and Bill Baisey - The Truth

Why kill them all in such a brutal fashion?

The employee also said that all the dogs had to be put down because of their medical conditions which included cataracts, tumours, chronic diarrhoea and hip dysplasia, which added to their aggressive behaviour towards others. The plan initially was to euthanise the dogs in smaller groups but the kennel staff apparently "jumped the gun". The kennel staff has since been fired.

The Kuwait National Petroleum Company claimed that they were in no way responsible for the killing of these innocent animals and regrets their deaths. When asked why they cancelled the contract, a spokesperson for the company said that the dogs were tested if they could detect hidden explosives at oil rigs by a third party. A test that the dogs failed.

Social media uprising

Since the horrific incident, a Facebook page has been created by a former employee of Eastern Securities that stands against the company for the mass murders of the K9s. According to the post, up to 40 dogs have been killed. The animal rescue unit confirms that there were still a number of more dogs dumped at the facility.

The owner of Eastern Securities is yet to respond to the media.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN), has advised the embattled Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, to defend themselves before the court rather than blame the executive for their woes.

Messrs. Saraki, Ekweremadu and two others are accused of forging the Senate Standing Order 2015 that was used during the June 9, 2015 election for principal officers of the National Assembly.

They are billed to appear before a federal capital territory high court, Abuja on Monday on two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and forgery.

To stand trial alongside the two Senate leaders are former Clerk of the National Assembly Salisu Maikasuwa and Clerk of the Senate Bernard Efeturi.

The Senate, which summoned the AGF to appear before its Committee on Judiciary on Thursday over the criminal charges filed against its leadership, claimed that the planned trial was an abuse of the principle of separation of powers.

Rather than appear before the committee yesterday, Malami, in a statement on Thursday night by his media aide, Salihu Isah, said it was within his constitutional powers to initiate criminal proceedings against anybody where any of the investigating agencies has established a prima facie case against such suspect.

He also described the defense by the Senate that whether the Standing Rules are forged or not, is an internal affair of the upper legislative chamber as a misnomer, urging the defendants to go before the court and explain their role.

He also assured Saraki and others billed to stand trial next week of fair hearing.

The statement said: It is not in doubt that each arm of government is constitutionally-vested with distinct powers. Looking critically at the doctrine of the separation of powers, it is a practice that exists on a tripod viz, the executive, legislature and judiciary with clearly distinctive functions and responsibilities as captured under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

So, by virtue of this, we are committed to the rule of law and will thus keep to the tenets of the rule of law as enshrined in a constitutional democracy like ours.

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation is empowered under Section 174 (1) of the Constitution and vested with the power to undertake and initiate criminal proceedings in any court of law in Nigeria.

By virtue of this power as the Chief Law Officer of the nation, he has simply initiated criminal proceedings for forgery against the affected principal officers in the Senate for altering the Senate Standing Rules in the Federal High Court.

It is worthy to note here that the action of the Attorney General of the Federation can stand the test of any law since he did not act on a vacuum.

He acted based on a recommendation by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) who having fully satisfied investigative procedure arising from the petition, sent to the Nigerian Police by some aggrieved members of the Red Chambers of the National Assembly, alleging that the affected officers altered the rules of the Senate for Dr. Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu to emerge leaders of the Eighth Senate of the National Assembly.

Under the 1999 Constitution, only the Attorney General of the Federation has the powers to institute criminal proceedings.

For the benefit of doubt, as stated above, there was a petition bordering on allegations of forgery against the defendants, the petition was investigated by the police and the police recommended the case for prosecution.

At this point, the question is how initiation of criminal proceedings against Dr Bukola Saraki, Ike Ekweremadu, Salisu Maikasuwa and Bernard Efeturi violated the principle of separation of powers as contained in the Constitution?

The action of the Attorney General of the Federation cannot obviously be said to be a coup against the National Assembly as the Senate has claimed.

By preferring the charge, the accused persons are entitled to fair hearing under the law while the prosecution is obligated to prove its case against them beyond reasonable doubts.

Therefore, the Attorney General of the Federation has not violated any known law in the land. Or is the Senate suggesting that its principal officers, members and staff of the National Assembly are above the law or enjoy same immunity as do the nations President and Governors?

It is common knowledge over the years since the nation embraced democratic system of governance and backed by the current Constitution those elected officers of government who are exempted from legal encumbrances whether it is civil or criminal are known to all.

It is pertinent to be reminded too, that forgery of the Senate Standing Rules cannot be described as the internal business of the National Assembly that is exclusively only in its purview.

The Attorney General of the Federation cannot therefore be faulted for his decision to initiate legal actions against the accused for alleged forgery after a thorough police investigation of the issue whether there was an amendment of the Senate Standing Rules in 2015 or not.

The case of Adesanya vs Senate which has been seriously touted in its press statement does not support them and they should rather take their plea and defend the action accordingly.

We assure Nigerians that the Attorney General of the Federation will continue to be committed to the rule of law at all times.

On this particular forgery case, we believe he should rather be commended for his foresight and political will to carry out his constitutional role to the letter and not to be vilified under any guise.
President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his governments commitment to ensuring the rehabilitation and safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities.

The president renewed the administrations commitment on Thursday while speaking at the State House, Abuja during a farewell audience with the outgoing Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Rolf Ree.

Mr. Buhari welcomed the humanitarian aid provided by Norway and some European Union member countries in support of IDPs in Nigeria.

SEE ALSO: IDPs From Gwoza Reluctant To Return Home

He said Nigeria and Norway would partner to deepen their agricultural cooperation, especially in fish farming and fisheries development.

The president also assured the outgoing Norwegian envoy that his administration would continue to promote agriculture as an alternative revenue earner for the country.

Earlier, Mr. Ree had lauded Buharis administration for the recent clean-up of Ogoniland and other oil producing communities in the Niger-Delta region.

In a related development, the president also received the outgoing Mexican envoy, Anthonio Blanco, on Thursday in Abuja.

During the farewell audience, Buhari commended the cordial relations between Nigeria and Mexico in the 40 years of their diplomatic relations.

Mr. Blanco, in his remarks, stressed the need for deeper and more productive relations between his country and Nigeria.
The Principal, Mabest Academy, Akure, Ondo State, Mr. John Ajanaku, has called on school administrators and parents to shelve corporal punishment and explore other means of instilling discipline in their pupils.

Ajanaku, who said the school environment should offer opportunities to teach values rather than inflict injury on the pupils, added that teachers should be well motivated in order to add value to the society.

The academic, in a recent interview with our correspondent, said,

There are 10 ways to instil discipline in pupils and they include scolding, isolation, communal service and others. Discipline should not be about inflicting injuries. When pupils are instructed to wash dishes, it makes them to understand their responsibility to the society. It is dangerous and barbaric to engage in corporal punishment. We do not allow that in our school. Sometimes, teachers respond to misconduct in anger and that is why we outlawed it here. But, we have been lucky to have well-behaved pupils.

Ajanaku also urged proprietors to invest in their teachers, adding that they contribute greatly to the quality of their pupils.

He said, Teachers are the backbone of the school community and the importance of quality teaching cannot be overemphasised. That was why we have been very particular about our teachers. More than 80 per cent of our teachers have Masters degrees. Our teachers are on the civil service scale. We motivate them via promotion just as they have contributory pension scheme.

Source: Punch
The only member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Isreal Sunny-Goli, on Friday warned the Federal Government against any negotiation with the Niger Delta Avengers.

Sunny-Goli, who represents Brass Constituency 1, said the militant group does not represent the views or aspirations of majority of Niger Delta people and deserves no dialogue with the government.

The lawmaker, however, urged government to continue with its consultations with genuine stakeholders to find permanent solutions to problems bedeviling the oil-rich region.

Sunny-Igoli, who made this position known in a statement in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, warned that any attempt to negotiate with a violent group like the NDA would further plunge the region into trouble.

Negotiating with such group is a terrible misnomer capable of plunging the region in the rat race for destructive influence, he said.

While lamenting the resurgence of militancy in the region, he said: As a representative of the people and community leader, I wish to express my worry over some of the approaches being pursued by officials of the federal government in the search for solution to the problem.

I am particularly worried about the reported attempt to fix a negotiation between the federal government and the Niger Delta Avengers  or its allied groups.

Niger Delta Avengers does not represent the people of the Niger Delta, and their demands and procedure does not embody the popular aspirations and sentiments in the region.

The group is, to all intents and purposes, a gang of foot soldiers assembled by some politicians and persons on the wrong side of the law as a bargaining chip to try to escape punishment or get a soft-landing.

Any negotiation with Niger Delta Avengers would encourage more fringe groups to arise with similarly warped demands that the government would never be able to meet.

Mr. Sunny-Igoli also hailed the current efforts of President Muhammad Buhari to resolve issues in the Niger Delta through peaceful means.
The governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, who lost the June 18 primary election, have queued up behind the winner, Godwin Obaseki.

Mr. Obaseki defeated 11 other aspirants to emerge the APC candidate for the September 10 governorship election of Edo.

There was disquiet over his emergence last Saturday but all that appears to be resolved as some of the aggrieved aspirants set aside their personal ambitions to support Obaseki, who goes to the polls against Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Speaking at the end of a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal and other APC leaders on Thursday night in Abuja, the aspirants said they decided to close ranks in order not to lose the only South South state controlled by the APC to the PDP.

Speaking with journalists at the end of the meeting, one of the candidates, Blessing Agbomhere, who garnered five votes out of a total valid votes cast of 2,525 during the primary, said: I was very critical of the process before the elections and anybody will attest to the fact that I was a very vibrant aspirant during the contest. But you see, I am a man who is loyal to the party and this administration run by the APC.

I agree that Obaseki has won and as a member of the party, I will do everything possible to support him to ensure APC wins Edo State and why I must make that sacrifice is the peculiar nature of Edo State.

It is the only APC state in the Niger Delta and I believe we cannot afford to let PDP take over Edo State looking at the threat this administration is getting from the Niger Delta. Thus as one of the supporters of President Buhari, I dont have any option but to work with my party and Obaseki to emerge as governor of Edo come September 10.

I am fully in support of him, I will work for him and promote him. He is our candidate and I dont want to talk about the past. I am a man of few words and I want to talk about the reality, the reality is that Obaseki is our candidate.

Another aspirant and a former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, who polled eight votes during the primary, said: Its a family meeting, the process is ongoing.

APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Segun Oni, said: Its a family meeting, you can see the smile on everybodys face. Dont call anybody aggrieved. We can have disagreement as members of the same family and we will resolve our disagreement and work together.

Engr. Oni, a former Ekiti State Governor, said they were still in the process of resolving all disagreement arising from the primary election.
Factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ali Modu Sheriff has described the public conduct of Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose as shameful.

Sheriff made the comment in reaction to a claim by Governor Fayose that PDP Governors, who were initially backing the former Borno Governor to remain in office, removed him due to his devious schemes to clinch the 2019 presidential ticket of the PDP.

The Ekiti governor also accused the embattled national chairman of enticing some party chieftains, especially governors, to buy into his plot by dangling the vice presidential ticket at them.

Denying the claim at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, Sheriff said: I am ashamed at the way and manner Fayose is conducting himself in the country. I was once a governor; so, I know that the position of governor is a very serious one that demands responsible behaviour.

He rubbished allegations that he was scheming for the partys presidential ticket in 2019, saying: I never told anybody I wanted to run for president and I did not promise anybody the vice presidential ticket. I have decided not to join issues with Fayose.

Speaking on the leadership crisis between him and the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the former Borno State governor said the National Working Committee (NWC) under him is in charge of the bank accounts of the PDP.

Myself (sic) and the Treasurer, who is also a member of the NWC are signatories to the bank accounts of the PDP. Makarfi may also open another account in the name of his caretaker committee if he wished, Sheriff said.

He also said he had forgiven Makarfi and his committee members for what he called their failed attempt to take over the party and invited them to rejoin the PDP under his leadership.

There is only one PDP, which is the one under my leadership. Anyone who thinks that the Makarfi, contraption can work is deceiving himself. I am the only chairman of the PDP recognised by the courts, the constitution and the Electoral Act.

I became chairman because the PDP chose me to lead the party. So, I wont sit by and watch some people mess up the party. I am here to correct what had gone wrong with state congresses conducted by the party.
With fast declining revenue, the Federal Government said yesterday it is now faced with the prospect of borrowing to meet the monthly civil service wage bill of N165 billion.

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who had met with protesting workers of her ministry on Wednesday, said in a statement in Abuja yesterday that she does not have any power to pay N1.2 billion, which was not in the budget of the Ministry.

The minister said she had put all government departments to real squeeze in finances as the country grapples with the financial crisis inherited from previous administrations.

Pointing out that many people across the country are now struggling to find work, with some losing theirs, while civil servants in many states are not getting their salaries, the minister urged her ministry workers to be grateful for getting their salaries on consistent basis and work together to get the whole economy back on its feet.

At the meeting to reconcile all parties involved in the workers protest, it was agreed that the ministrys management would meet with unions to consider the issues raised and map out ways to reach resolutions on of before today.

The minister had met with staff unions at the ministry on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing dispute over additional payments, where she urged them to present their grievances in a structured and articulated manner so that each issue would be formally presented and addressed on its merit.

While she expressed understanding for their demand for additional bonuses, based on their past dealings with the previous administration, she explained that she does not have any power to pay N1.2 billion, especially the one that is not in the budget.

The minister added that while government is determined to end the ongoing impasse over bonus and allowance with the workers, the labour unions should propose modalities that would increase revenue generation and structure to pay the bonuses.

Furthermore, Adeosun revealed that the Director of Administration has been ordered to review all the claims and present solutions for all legitimate claims relating to working materials and ensure that such claims are resolved immediately through the ministrys processes.

According to Adeosun, the most important thing at the moment is for management and staff to get a common understanding of what the government needed to do to regain financial stability.

A reliable source from the ministry told our source that the minister warned of a grave impact on all Nigerians and consequent delay of the payment of June 2016 salary should there be a further lockout.

Source: BreakingTimes
One Kingsley Chukwu, was Thursday shot to death in the Apapa area of Lagos state by a four-man robbery gang who dispossessed him of his cash.

Chukwu, who was a private guard attached to a residential apartment at Creek Road, was on his way to deposit an unspecified amount in one of the new generation banks on Commercial Road when he was attacked, Vanguard is reporting.

The gunmen who rode on two motorbikes were said to have accosted the 26-year-old man when they fired shots.

In his attempt to escape, gun bullets hit Chukwu and he fell, afterwards, one of the robbers approached where he was lying helplessly on the floor and forcefully collected the bag containing the money.

One Kareem Maju, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said Chukwu was rushed to a private hospital in the area, but was rejected on the grounds that a police report was required before he can be treated.

According to the eyewitness, Kingsley Chukwu worked with a woman at Creek Road. He was sent by his madam to deposit some money. He kept it in a bag and boarded a motorcycle to Commercial Road.

On reaching the bank, he alighted, paid the motorcyclist. Then all of a sudden, two motorbikes appeared from nowhere with two persons on each.

One of them ordered him to bring the bag and without giving him any opportunity to refuse or comply, another fired a bullet which hit him in the hand. He tried to run into a building, only to be shot in the back and the bullet came out front through his stomach. The man that fired the first shot walked up to him and took the bag containing money.

The operation was so fast, it was over even before policemen from some of the banks arrived the scene, Maju added.

The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Dolapo Badmus, who confirmed the incident, appealed to members of the public to avail the command with information that could lead to their arrest.

The spokesperson said, I confirmed a case of attempted robbery on a bank customer in one of the banks in Apapa.

But as policemen posted to the bank were closing in on the fleeing robbers, in their bid to escape, they (robbers) shot a customer whom they presumed was delaying their movement.

The command is on the trail of these fleeing robbers. It will not give up in ensuring that it gets them off the road, Badmus added.

Source: Dailypost
OLUNLOYO FAMILY STATEMENT ON TOKUNBO ABODERINS ALLEGATION OF Inbreeding, PEDOPHILIA AND MURDER:

Dear Pressmen and women, Recently the internet went viral with a yoruba video of one Tokunbo Aboderin based in Dublin, Ireland raining curses on Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo for questioning and reporting investigative news about Nigerian celebrities. In the video, Ms Aboderin made reference to some horrific, slanderous and defamatory content accusing Kemi of being raped by her father His Excellency former Governor Victor Omololu Olunloyo. At the beginning of the video, she stated that he fathered her first son and by the end of the video she stated he fathered all her children. Ms Aboderin even mentioned a name presumed to be her first sons name Eniola. Kemi has no child by that name. Ms Aboderin also went on to say that Governor Olunloyo impregnated a housemaid as well and the baby was drowned in a well by former First Lady Funlayo Olunloyo, something fixated in her imagination and did not happen in this lifetime. Ms Aboderin told her video audience that Kemis children were taken away from her in America for sexually abusing them and she has never seen them since.

It is a shame that epic vicious lies that this woman spewed in her video gave her the publicity she desperately needed. She opened a Whatsapp account today asking everyone to add her. A woman with a history of multiple personality disorder and rejected by so many even in her Dublin Ireland base. Ms Aboderin is NOT a relative of the Olunloyos as she stated in her video. She simply had an inappropriate relationship with Dr Victor Olunloyo in the early 80s, something Aboderin tweeted and boasted about being his girlfriend. She now feels rejected and posts his phone number online as well as posted in 2015 that he was dead setting the internet on fire that day. The elite Aboderin family who founded the Punch newspapers are close family friends to the Olunloyos via their family church St Davids in Kudeti Ibadan. Aboderin boasts that the Aboderins and the Olunloyos are related. Meanwhile, the sons and daughters of late Olu Aboderin of the Punch do not know Tokunbo Aboderin or who she really is? Kemi has never laid eyes on her or knows her as she claimed Kemi was expelled from secondary school for drug use. Kemi graduated St Teresas college Ibadan with honors and left for the United Kingdom at 14 right after. A staff at the New World psychiatric center in Ibadan said they have plead with her to come home and seek help but she refuses. They are bombarded with what she writes online about people. Ms Aboderin was kicked off Ms Olunloyos Facebook page in 2009 after Kemi defended her fathers political record and Ms Aboderin has been stalking her since with 36 Facebook pages. Several people reported those pages which she makes up with real peoples names including Akeem Kaka, Tope Victoria Mark and Naomi Oduntan all Nigerian Irish citizens who are suing her for defamation. Ms Aboderin has set up fake Go fund me accounts to pay for her legal fees and is living in public housing and receives government welfare money. Her two children from two men have tragic lives indirectly attributed to her. Her son died a destitute on the streets of Ibadan as she abandoned him and her son in law committed suicide after her daughter accused her of bullying him to death. Her mother also died in Ireland when she abandoned her in a nursing home according to authorities.

Ms Aboderin has a personality disorder that needs treatment right away. A multiple affective disorder which controls her psyche. She started the rumours online that Kemi has 4 children for 4 men, then changed it to 3 children for 3 men and now her father is the father of all the children accusing the elderly revered statesman of pedophilia and Inbreeding as well as his daughter. Kemi lived with her children in Canada so we dont know how she wouldnt have seen them again. Her children are adults who have been greatly offended by this vicious woman with no respect for this honorable family and no morals. Ms Aboderin also stated in her video that she wished someone could dismember Kemi and cut off her limbs and body, an occult and sadistic violent comment. Aboderin is known as a spiritual herbalist and blogger who many call a fetish individual with Ifa shrines in her dumpy Dublin apartment. We advise her to seek urgent help for her problems. The Olunloyo family have had their share of problems but this is one that needs to be addressed by an insane woman looking for attention. We pray for her to get well.

Source: Naij
The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, yesterday said Nigeria for many years, had been what she termed extremely wasteful in financial expenditure.

Speaking at the 10th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Business Law in Abuja, the minister said the wastefulness in Nigeria was so much that even bigger oil producing nations were not as wasteful.

She, however, stressed that only financial discipline and diversification as currently being practiced by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, could pull the country out of the present economic situation.

On the governments economic strategy, Mrs. Adeosun said the way forward was the diversification of revenue sources to insulate the country against the unstable oil market.

We are not an oil economy that can afford to be wasteful. Even those that have lots of oil are not wasteful. Weve been extremely wasteful. So we have got to be disciplined and invest in the things that will drive the wider economy, she said.

We have had GDP growth without development. That is extremely dangerous. Because you look at the GDP numbers that say eight per cent, nine per cent and everybody will feel very excited. But poverty and inequality has been growing, she stressed.

The minister further commended President Buharis unwavering commitment to fight corruption, improve transparency and the business climate, which she says will attract more investments in the country.
Punch

The police in Ogun State have arrested an ex-policeman, identified only as Tunde, and two security guards of Flour Mills Nigeria Limited, over alleged burglary.

Vanguard

Eleven suspects have been arrested over impersonation and certificate forgery in the ongoing recruitment exercise of Nigeria Police Force in Bauchi State.

The Sun

Last Monday, 713 delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State gathered at the Samuel Ogbemudiua Stadium to select the partys candidate for the September 10 governorship election in the state.

Daily Times

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested 156 drug traffickers in various communities raided by the agency in Anambra State.

Thisday

The Nigerian Army has said that it will launch an investigation into those behind the report that the military was planning to overthrow the civilian administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Guardian

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has bemoaned the state of the nations economy especially the frequent reduction in the Federal Allocations to the states, promising however a robust system in Kwara that would enable his government pay workers salaries as at when due.

Daily Trust

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has fingered the leadership of the opposition Accord Party (AP) for inciting members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against the state government in view of the ongoing strike in the state.

The Nation

Rivers State Commissioner of Police (CP) Foluso Adebanjo has urged criminals to relocate from the state.

Tribune

A policeman with the Borno State command has been shot by a soldier in a fracas over rice between his colleagues and some men of the 7 Division of the Nigerian army.
The recently appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has said that all officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to the Inspector-General of Police will henceforth declare their assets.

The Police Force will be the latest in a string of Nigerian agencies to make asset declaration compulsory for its senior officers following a similar mandate at the Immigration service and the Nigerian customs.

The acting IG said the directive in in line with Section 13 cap 15 Code of Conduct Act. Every police officer from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to Inspector-General, who are commissioned officers, must declare their assets, Idris said.

He also gave assurances on ensuring the integrity of the police force, I assure you sir that we will raise the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force to be more accountable to the people, he said.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has declared war on rapists in the state, warning that his administration will henceforth follow to a logical conclusion, any reported case irrespective of who is involved.

Kaduna has recently witnessed a spike in cases of rape of minors with the perpetrators usually left off the hook following threats to the lives of victims and their families.

The most recent case, which was reported on Friday, involved a 24-year-old man identified as Haruna Tukur, who was remanded in prison custody for defiling a six-year old girl in Kaduna.

The accused was said to have lured the little girl to an uncompleted building in Malali area of the state and had carnal knowledge of her.

Angered by the ugly development, the governor, who spoke through his Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, vowed that his administration will employ all legal means to arrest the trend.

Lamenting the activities of rapists in the state, Gov. El-Rufai disclosed that a bill is currently being worked upon by the State Assembly to address the issue.

He, however, noted that the 19 northern states governments are currently reviewing the penal code to replace the obsolete punitive measures attached to cases of rape in the region while he urged distressed persons to reach security operatives in the state on the following numbers: 08064810576, 08050366625 for prompt intervention.

The issue of rape has gone beyond adults alone as it used to be, as minors are now falling victim by the day. The state government is giving a lot of priority to security through multi-dimensional approach to nip the menace in the bud. One of the measures is to ensure that all laws related to issues of crime in the state including rape are strengthened by a way of improving the capacity of the judiciary, he said.

El-Rufai, therefore, called on the media to join in its massive public enlightenment on rape to sensitize both victims and mothers who find themselves in such situation.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Foluso Adebanjo, on Thursday advised criminals to relocate because the state will become too hot for them to carry out their nefarious activities.

He said rampaging cultists have gone mad and must be wiped out from the state.

Mr. Adebanjo, who resumed in the Rivers Police Command four days ago, also charged officers and men of the command to take intelligence gathering very seriously.

He spoke at his maiden briefing of officers and reporters in Port Harcourt, the state capital yesterday.

He said: I was CP Edo State for two years. When I took over in the state, there was high rate of crime. Cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and what have you were the order of the day there, just like what is happening now in Rivers State. But as at the time I left the state after two years of service, the story changed. The state became calm and the name of the state was removed from American list of states with high crime wave.

The new Rivers police boss tasked officers under his command to be proactive in their job and ensure that they know the homes of suspected hoodlums and monitor them closely to ensure that their evil plans are pre-empted.

Adebanjo also urged Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to ensure they secure their territories well and recover illegal arms in the possession of civilians.

He said the command would fish out criminals and their sponsors, irrespective of who they are and the position they occupy in the society.

There is no doubt there is daunting security challenges in the country, particularly in Rivers State. But, it is not insurmountable. Rivers State is great; therefore, it must be peaceful. We must fortify the state, especially Port Harcourt.

DPOs must secure their areas. I dont want to hear stories; you must work for 24 hours. You must arrest people; you must hold your area. Cultists in Rivers State have gone mad. We are declaring war on them.

You must sit up because we cannot allow criminals to run down the State. I believe in intelligence-led policing. These evil people are not people you play with. That is what I was directed to do by the Inspector-General of Police.
Nigerian international player, Uche Kalu and his beautiful wife, Dr. Ada will be getting married this July in Antalya, Turkey.

To begin the countdown, the Adanaspor As of Turkey player released this stunning pre-wedding photos on his Instagram page.

Congrats to them!
On this day in 2015; For engaging in a street protest over the abduction of over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, by members of Boko Haram, the police in Abuja invited Otunba Dino Melaye for questioning.



Also on this day in 2015;Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi and governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose met in the Governors Office in Ado Ekiti and promised to forge unity among themselves and the people of the state.

Fayemi, at the meeting attended by associates of both men said his decision to congratulate Fayose should not be taken as strange given his determination to protect democracy.

Fayose in commending the maturity of the outgoing governor said his concession was a strange concept in Nigeria even as he charged his supporters not to taunt the outgoing governor who he commended for making his marks in the development of the state. They said my congratulatory message to the Governor-elect is un-african or unNigerian. I dont think it was so because that was what I was expected to do as a democrat. he said

Equally on this day in 2014;The Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta code-named Operation Pulo Shield, Suqe, arrested eight persons in connection with the fire outbreak at a Shell Petroleum Development Company, SDPC, pipeline in Bodo West, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State.

And on this day in 2014;The Joint Military Task Force (JTF), killed four suspected militants during a shoot out at a hideout at Janbulo Quarters of Rijiyar Zaki area of Kano metropolis ands also recovered 3 vehicles loaded with explosives.
Activists, students and other protesters joined Malawis ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Bon Kalindo in the streets of the capital, Lilongwe on Thursday, June 23 to demonstrate against albino killings.

The legislator, human rights activists and other concerned citizens were protesting against continued abductions and killings of people with people with albinism.



The protests came after at least 19 albinos had been killed in Malawi since 2014.

The legislator, who was a popular stage and TV comedian accused some unnamed politicians of being part of the albino hunters syndicate, hence their failure to act decisively. Kalindo, announced that he would parade naked but during the march, he simply wore a small red short, a red vest, a red scarf and red cap.

Contrary to the guidance by Amnesty International that life imprisonments were enough punishments for albino killers, Kalindo said those convicted should face the death penalty.

The heinous acts of these criminals need to be stopped immediately. If we want to prevent further murders, we should use the strongest punishment available to deter murder, and that is the death penalty, Kalindo told News24 in a telephone interview before the march.

He said if murderers were sentenced to death and executed, prospective ones would think twice before killing for fear of losing their own lives.

The bottom line is simple. Vicious murderers should be killed to prevent them from murdering again. Lets accept the fact. The death penalty as a deterrent and as a form of permanent incapacitation helps to prevent future crime, he observed.

Malawis information minister Patricia Kaliati recently ruled out the implementation of the death penalty against killers of people with albinism. She said it was possible to mete out stiff punishment while respecting human rights.

Life imprisonment is also a strong deterrent punishment, she said.

Malawi leader Peter Mutharika has also rebuffed calls for the implementation of death penalty.

More photos

Source: News 24/Capital FM Malawi
About 24 hours after Solomon Arase retired as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, President Muhammadu Buhari has explained why he decided to retain the outgone number one cop when he assumed office on May 29, 2015.

Arase was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan on April 21, 2015 following the sack of Suleiman Abba over alleged misconduct.

Some few months after he assumed office, President Buhari on July 13, 2015 sacked all the military service chiefs and National Security Adviser he inherited from his predecessor but left Arase to continue in office until Tuesday, when he attained the mandatory retirement age of 60.

Opening up for the first time on what informed his decision to retain the former IGP in office against all odds, the president said Arases dossier and his intellectual capacity in the field of operations was enough to convince him to allow the Edo-born graduate of political science to finish his tenure and retire gracefully from the Nigeria Police Force.

President Buhari spoke at the public presentation of a publication Cascade of Change: A Decade Of Liberal Thoughts authored by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the president quoted Arase as saying that it was very strange for him to have been invited for a farewell dinner in his honour at the State House, Abuja on Monday, June 20.

Arase said the surprise stemmed from the fact that recent practice has been to be sacked on the pages of Newspapers.

But quoting President Buhari on why he stuck with Arase till the end of his tenure, Adesina said: When it was the turn of the president to speak, he explained why he kept Arase as IGP.

He (Buhari) said he saw the quality of his mind and he saw the quality of things he had written. You know Arase has many publications to his credit and he also saw his capacity as an operation person and he decided to keep him till his tenure expired.

The presidential spokesman stressed that Buhari appreciates sound mind and intellect, noting that the president said Arase expressed fears that he expected that he would be sacked before the end of his tenure.

While he (Arase) was speaking at the dinner, he told the president that it was very strange for him to have been invited for a farewell dinner, because, what we know in Nigeria is that, you are sacked on pages of newspapers.

Arase, also had the fear that, since, he was inherited by Buharis administration, he was not sure that he would be retained; so every day, he had the trepidation that he would hear that he had been removed, Mr. Adesina added.

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said his administration has succeeded in laying a strong foundation that would propel the State to emerge as a globally competitive City-State, adding that the next line of action was to consolidate on the gains made so far to deliver on first class infrastructure and economic growth.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, said in the last one year, Governor Ambode has silently embarked on massive transformation of the State.

Osoba, widely acknowledged as a doyen of the journalism profession in Nigeria, also commended the swiftness in which the Lagos governor attends to issue of infrastructural renewal, saying many testimonies abound that Governor Ambode is a silent achiever, adding that such was what governance should be all about.

Other speakers at the event including public commentator and development expert, Professor Pat Utomi and former Managing Director of the now rested Concord Newspapers, Dr. Doyin Abiola, hailed the visionary leadership of Governor Ambode.

The public presentation of the book was also witnessed by dignitaries including the Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu 1, former deputy governors of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro who represented Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Princess Sarah Sosan, representatives of Oyo and Osun State Governors, as well as the creme-de-la creme of various national dailies, including Chairman Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr. Sam Omatseye, Editor, The Nation, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, among others.
Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike has advised labour unions to only resolve tor strike as the last option in trade disputes, so as to stem the tide of development challenges witnessed as a result of the frequency of strikes in the country.

I believe that strikes should serve as a last option for unions during trade disputes. The strikes in Nigeria are getting too many and efforts should be targeted at reducing them, Wike said, yesterday, while addressing the National Administrative Council of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, led by its President, Igwe Aches at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

He appreciated the leaders of NUPENG for calling off their strike following his intervention, noting that the state government has already called on oil companies to reciprocate by recalling the sacked workers. The governor urged unions to always work towards the development of money spinning ventures, to reduce their dependence on check off dues for survival.

Governor Wike also said that the state government will collaborate with NUPENG as it develops a Tankers Village at Eleme with a view to taking tankers off the highways and generating revenue.

Earlier, President of NUPENG, Igwe Aches commended the governor for his development strides in the areas of infrastructure and welfare of workers.
This summer, one year after the initial launch of Windows 10, Microsoft will release its first major update: the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. It will be delivered in the usual way -- via Windows Update -- and will install automatically on its own.

However, if you're curious (or apprehensive) about the upcoming update, you don't have to wait until the final release date to check it out. Microsoft has been releasing public preview builds, each one a little bit closer to the final version. Anyone can get and install those builds by first becoming part of Microsoft's Windows Insider Program, then joining what's called the Fast Ring.

Want to keep track of what builds are available when? What follows is a list of every preview build of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, starting with the most recent and going back to the beginning of the year. For each build, we've included the date of its release and a link to Microsoft's announcement about it. Also included are links to Computerworld's reviews of the major builds.

(Note: This covers only previews for the PC version of Windows 10, not the phone version.)

We'll update this page as new builds are rolled out so you'll always be up to date.

Release date: June 22

This minor build fixed the Windows 10 activation issues some people encountered when using "genuine" -- in other words, properly licensed -- Windows devices. When some users made hardware changes on their devices, such as replacing a hard drive or motherboard, Windows 10 wouldn't activate because after the hardware change the device was no longer recognized as the one that Windows was licensed for. If that happened, you'd still be able to run Windows, but you'd get frequent reminders that it's not genuine, your desktop background would be constantly changed to black, and you wouldn't be able to get non-security upgrades.

To prevent that situation, this build introduced an Activation Troubleshooter, which is designed to fix those issues. You get to the troubleshooter by going to Settings > Update & security > Activation, and selecting Troubleshoot.

The build also fixed a variety of bugs.

Release date: June 16

This build, which showed up only two days after the last one, focused primarily on bug fixes. But it also included a feature that long-time Windows users will welcome: The ability to easily perform a clean install of Windows on your PC.

To use it, go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery, and choose "Learn how to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows." Youll then be directed to a Microsoft Community page that has instructions about how to do a clean install, as well as a link to download the necessary tool.

The bonus here is that the process deletes any applications that don't come standard with Windows. That means it will delete not only apps you've installed, but also pre-installed apps that came on the system. So if you wish, you can run this as soon as you get a new PC and remove all that irritating bloatware.

Release date: June 14

This minor build focused primarily on bug fixes. It also added a new extension to Microsoft Edge that lets people view, edit, and create Office files inside Microsoft Edge without having to install Microsoft Office. In addition, it has temporarily halted adding any new features to Windows 10 in previews during Microsoft's Windows 10 Anniversary Update June Bug Bash, during which beta testers help the company find and squash bugs.

Release date: June 8

This minor build included the LastPass password extension for Microsoft Edge, the ability to user Docker natively in Windows 10 using Hyper-V Containers, and improvements to Windows Ink. It also brought small changes to the Settings app and a variety of bug fixes.

Release date: May 26

This minor build included two new Cortana features: One that lets you use Cortana to play music from Microsoft's Groove Music Catalog, and another that lets you use Cortana as a timer. Also launched were changes to Microsoft Ink, including an updated Sticky Notes feature, among others.

Release date: May 10

This relatively major build made Microsoft Edge extensions easier to obtain by letting them be installed from the Windows Store rather than via a rather complicated download-and-install process. The build also included four new Edge extensions: two ad blockers; a developer-focused tool for improving a website's compatibility and performance; and Save to Pocket, which saves articles, videos, and other web-based media so they can then be viewed either online or in the Pocket app for iOS and Android.

Edge extensions are downloaded and installed from the Windows Store.

The preview also killed the controversial Wi-Fi Sense feature, which was designed to automatically connect guests to Wi-Fi networks without their having to type in passwords. However, people feared that Sense might invade their privacy by sharing all their Wi-Fi passwords with their Outlook and Skype contacts, and with their Facebook friends -- and all of their friends' friends as well.

Here's the full review.

Release date: April 26

This minor build made improvements to the command line and the Linux Bash on Ubuntu feature. It also gave Cortana the ability to search Office 365, offered improvements in battery life, and fixed a variety of bugs.

Release date: April 22

This build was a major update -- the most significant update in the entire series, and one that clearly laid out Microsoft's vision for the final Windows 10 Anniversary update.

Cortana took center stage with a host of improvements, including understanding natural-language requests such as "Email Bill the Excel spreadsheet I worked on yesterday." Cortana also works better with the calendar, doing things such as automatically adding information to the calendar based on received emails, like adding airline flight info if you receive a flight confirmation via email.

The Windows 10 Anniversary Edition will include a black background theme.

Windows Ink was introduced in the upgrade, a feature which lets you use a stylus to write on touch devices and do tasks such as create sticky notes or drawings. The Start menu was revamped so that the All Apps list is permanently visible. Links to Power, File Explorer, and Settings were moved to a narrow list on the left side of the Start Menu.

Other changes included having more control over battery settings and the addition of a new dark theme.

Here's the full review.

Release date: April 6

This was the first build released after Microsoft's Build 2016 developers' conference, when Microsoft announced the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. In this build, Windows for the first time got a built-in Linux command line -- a GNU Bash shell. Most users probably don't care about this, but for developers it's a big deal because it's the real thing -- a full-blown Ubuntu command line that is being created in partnership with Canonical.

Cortana was also integrated better across multiple devices, including Android and Windows phones (although not iPhones). Ask for directions on your computer and the directions are sent to your phones as well.

Action Center was tweaked with features such as setting priorities for which apps are more important than others, and the ability to have those apps' notifications show up at the top of your notification lists.

Release date: March 25

This build fixed a variety of minor bugs.

Release date: March 17

This build was the first in which Microsoft Edge finally got support for extensions, something that Microsoft had been promising ever since the release of Windows 10 in the summer of 2015. It was far from perfect -- installation was confusing and flaky, and not all of the extensions worked. Still, it was a start. It also let you pin tabs in Microsoft Edge. Several built-on apps, including Maps and the Alarms & Clock app, were updated.

Release date: March 4

This minor build made Cortana available in more languages in different countries, including Spanish (Mexico), Portuguese (Brazil), and French (Canada). Other minor changes included bug fixes.

Release date: February 24

This build fixed a variety of minor bugs.

Release date: February 18

This minor build made it easier to search for music in Cortana and included a number of minor changes to Microsoft Edge, such as clearing browsing data when you exit.

Release date: February 3

This build fixed a variety of minor bugs.

Release date: January 27

This minor build, which fixed a variety of bugs, was notable primarily because it was a big jump in numbers from the previous build (11102). That jump was more of a housekeeping issue than anything else. Microsoft had united the Windows and Windows Mobile teams, and wanted to sync the build numbers of Windows and Windows Mobile.

Release date: January 21

In this minor build, Microsoft Edge got a new history menu.

Release date: January 13

This minor build focused on making under-the-hood changes to the code shared among all Windows devices.

This story, "Windows 10 Anniversary Update: A guide to the builds" was originally published by Computerworld .
Historian Will Durant once said, "The trouble with most people is that they think with their hopes or fears or wishes rather than with their minds." When it comes to discussions about security and encryption, it seems many government officials are counting on people thinking that way.

In the wake of terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, Brussels, and Paris, the level of misinformation and outright lies about the use of encryption reached shameful levels on Capitol Hill. After last week's attack in Orlando, things were no different.

Just days after the attack, in a rare open session of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Sen. Mark Warner worried that passing legislation mandating encryption backdoors would simply push the bad guys onto foreign-based hardware and software." But CIA director John Brennan dismissed this argument. They shouldn't worry, Brennan said, because non-American solutions are simply "theoretical."

Subsequent to the hearing, Sen. Ron Wyden disputed Brennan's statement, noting, "Strong encryption technologies are available from foreign sources today -- half of them of them are inexpensive and the other half are free."

Security expert Bruce Schneier blogged that strong foreign cryptography hasn't been "theoretical" for decades. His survey of foreign cryptography products released earlier this year found "there are at least 865 hardware or software products incorporating encryption from 55 countries. This includes 546 encryption products from outside the U.S., representing two-thirds of the total."

And TechDirt cited a recent paper by the Open Technology Institute that looked at the nine top encryption products recommended as "safe" to use by ISIS, and found only one would be impacted by U.S. regulations on backdoors.

So, was Brennan lying, simply ignorant -- or rushing to capitalize on strong emotionalism after the attack?

A U.S. official once explained to the Washington Post that the government had not yet succeeded in persuading the public that encryption is a problem because "we do not have the perfect example where you have the dead child or a terrorist act to point to, and that's what people seem to claim you have to have."

Before the San Bernardino attack, Robert S. Litt, general counsel in the federal Office of the Director of National Intelligence, predicted in an email obtained by the Post that although "the legislative environment [for passing a law that forces decryption and backdoors] is very hostile today, it could turn in the event of a terrorist attack or criminal event where strong encryption can be shown to have hindered law enforcement."

Except no such firm evidence laying the blame at encryption's door has been found. Instead, "over and over again, analysis of terrorist attacks after the fact has shown that the problem in tracking the perpetrators in advance was usually not that authorities didn't have the technical means to identify suspects and monitor their communications," says Wired. "Often the problem was that they had failed to focus on the right individuals or share information in a timely manner with the proper intelligence partners."

FBI Director James Comey ignited the current encryption debate with a speech in 2014 in which he warned that criminals are increasingly "going dark" from government surveillance. But if Edward Snowden's leaks have taught us anything, it's that intelligence agencies are actually drowning in data.

"They have this 'collect it all' mentality and that has led to a ridiculous amount of data in their possession," said Nate Cardozo, senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "It's not about having enough data; it's a matter of not knowing what to do with the data they already have."

Lauren Weinstein, founder of People for Internet Responsibility, believes government leaders like Comey and Brennan are being disingenuous, at best. "They know that the smart, major terrorist groups will never use systems with government-mandated backdoors for their important communications," he wrote in a blog post. "Terrorist groups wouldn't go near backdoored encryption systems with a ten-foot pole, yet are the very groups governments are loudly claiming backdoor systems are required to fight."

So why do they keep insisting that backdoors are critical to protect us from terrorist attacks when they know that isn't true? Weinstein believes they are really going after the low-hanging fruit: "Drug dealers. Prostitution rings. Free-speech advocates and other political dissidents. You know the types."

Indeed, state and local law enforcement have been doing their part to sling misinformation about the evils of encryption. In April, TechDirt detailed a hearing before the House Energy & Commerce Committee in which law enforcement panelists, including the intelligence chiefs for the New York Police Department and Indiana State Police, "were free to say whatever the hell they wanted with no one pointing out that they were spewing pure bulls*#t."

The jaw-droppers started with the idea that the way to deal with non-U.S. encryption was just to have Google and Apple ban it from their app stores (ignoring that there are tons of alternative app stores). Then the panel moved on to the belief that if Apple and law enforcement had a shared key it would be "just like a safety deposit box" (ignoring that if there's a key, the bad guys will find it). Next they doubled down on the myth that law enforcement is "going dark," claiming no information is available from secured mobile phones (location info and metadata, anyone?) And it ended with the wild accusation that Apple gave China its source code when it wouldn't give it to U.S. law enforcement (Apple General Counsel Bruce Sewell pronounced that one just flat out wrong).

There's near universal unanimity among computer scientists and security experts that encryption is necessary to protect our financial and personal information. And while we could debate whether "massively weakening crypto with backdoors is a reasonable tradeoff to try catch some of the various much lower-level categories of offenders," Weinstein says that "given the enormous damage [that could be] done to so many people by attacks on their personal information ... that seems like an immensely difficult argument to rationally make."

Particularly when, as The Intercept and others have written about in detail, government already has the ability to hack into most any system it wants. The FBI is known to have its own brand of malware. It has also turned to popular hacker apps like Metasploit, and consults with outside contractors -- as it did to gain access to the San Bernardino attacker's iPhone.

"The FBI is extremely close-mouthed" about how often they hack, Steven Bellovin, a computer science professor at Columbia, told The Intercept. A paper he co-wrote, "Lawful Hacking: Using Existing Vulnerabilities for Wiretapping on the Internet," acknowledges that hacking is difficult, and therefore harder to conduct "against all members of a large population." But that's a good thing -- and much better than weakening encryption with backdoors.

"Encryption backdoors are a gleeful win-win for terrorists and a horrific lose-lose for you, me, our families, our friends, and for other law-abiding persons everywhere," Weinstein writes. "Backdoors would result in the worst of the bad guys having strong protections for their data, and the rest of us being hung out to dry. It's time to permanently close and lock the door on encryption backdoors, and throw away the key. No pun intended, of course."
Red Wednesday for Cotton Market Barchart - 42 minutes ago The cotton weakness continued through the midweek session, as futures ended the day another 35 to 65 points lower. The @USD fell again on Wednesday and is now 5,193 points (5 handles) below the 9/28 high... CTZ22 : 77.82s (-0.83%) CTH23 : 77.38s (-0.72%) CTK23 : 76.75s (-0.53%)

Hogs Close Off their Highs but Still In Black Barchart - 42 minutes ago Lean hog prices went home a nickel to 45 cents higher in the front month futures. For the Dec contract, that was a $1.05 drop from the days high. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price for Wednesday... HEZ22 : 88.500s (+0.06%) HEJ23 : 94.175s (+0.24%) KMZ22 : 96.725s (-0.82%)

Cattle Futures Firm Up on Wednesday Barchart - 42 minutes ago Live cattle resumed their upward momentum following the turnaround Tuesday. Futures went home 17 to 32 cents higher at the close. October was the outlier with another 22 cent drop by the bell. Feeder cattle... LEV22 : 151.450s (-0.15%) LEZ22 : 153.575s (+0.18%) LEG23 : 157.025s (+0.21%) GFV22 : 176.425s (-0.10%) GFX22 : 178.825s (+0.51%)

Midweek Loss for Corn Market Barchart - 42 minutes ago Corn futures ended the midweek session with 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 cent givebacks. December stayed in a tighter 6 1/2 cent range on the day. EIA reported ethanol production averaged 1.033 million barrels per... ZCZ22 : 685-0s (-0.18%) ZCPAUS.CM : 6.7615 (-0.03%) ZCH23 : 690-4s (-0.25%) ZCK23 : 690-0s (-0.29%)

Soy Futures Close Mixed with Beans Fractionally Mixed Barchart - 42 minutes ago Soybean meal prices dropped 0.95% to 1.66% and soybean oil prices strengthened by 0.97% to 1.58% on the day leaving little room for beans through product values. That left soybean futures fractionally... ZSX22 : 1381-6s (unch) ZSPAUS.CM : 13.3751 (+0.12%) ZSF23 : 1393-0s (unch) ZSH23 : 1401-6s (unch)

Livestock Report Walsh Trading - 1 hour ago Cattle markets bounce back
Physicist Mani Bhaumik has spent a lifetime breaking through barriers, rising from poverty and hunger as a boy in India to international respect as a scientist, writer, children's television show creator and a philanthropist. Recently, he gave an $11 million gift to UCLA aimed at advancing knowledge of the basic laws of nature by establishing a world-leading center for theoretical physics.

Bhaumik is known for pursuing the laser technology in the 1970s that led to Lasik surgery, and is also the best-selling author of Code Name God. Bhaumik said of his gift to UCLA: Its very difficult to raise funds for this area, because people dont understand what theoretical physicists do." And what is it that, exactly? Bhaumik sees these scientists as cosmic sleuths, uncovering underlying explanations about the physical world using mathematical models and powerful computers.

The Bhaumik Institute at UCLA will welcome scholars and hold seminars and conferences for academics. Faculty, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students will address "unanswered questions in all areas of theoretical physics." The institute will also engage in public outreach to teach the community about scientific advances made by UCLA physicists. The donation is the largest ever made to UCLAs physics and astronomy department.

Related:

Bhaumik's philanthropy takes place in Southern California and in India. Among other things, he's created an annual International Award through the UCLA Neuropsychiatry Institute that spotlights scientific evidence demonstrating the mind's effect on healing. He's also been involved with the Los Angeles Bombay Sister City Association, the Los Angeles St. Petersburg Sister City Association, and the Calcutta Sister City Association. He created the Bhaumik Educational Foundation, based in Kolkata, India, that provides full scholarships to "needy but brilliant" students studying science and technology.

With previous donations to UCLA, he established the Mani L. Bhaumik Presidential Chair in Theoretical Physics and supported the work of a research group led by physics professor Zvi Bern.

Bhaumik has a remarkable life story. He was born in a village in West Bengal, India, and as a child, slept on rags in a mud hut he shared with his parents and six siblings. He walked four miles to school in bare feet because he didn't own a pair of shoes. My family didnt always know where our next meal would come from, yet he decided to pursue a good education. He overcame his family's poverty using intellect and a fierce sense of intellectual curiosity, an essential quality in a scientists. He earned a master's degree at the University of Calcutta and became the first doctoral graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.

Bhaumik arrived at UCLA in 1959 on a postdoctoral fellowship in physics, his airfare paid by people in his village. He began his career in applied physics two years later at Xerox Electro-Optical Systems as a laser scientist. He rose to director of the laser technology laboratory at Northrops corporate research laboratory, where, in the early 1970s, his lab harnessed a laser technology that is used for vision-correction surgery, commonly known as Lasik. The technology is also used for high-precision machining.

Bhaumik is a fellow of the American Physical Society and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and, in 2011, the Indian government awarded him the prestigious Padma Shri for distinguished service in science and engineering.

Bhaumik has followed a strong passion for popularizing advanced science. "Every moment of the day, we are touched by science and technology," he has said. "I believe that we physicists can do a better job of showing how technology spawned by physics has affected all our lives." Bhaumik wrote the Code Name God, published in 2005, which explains why the discoveries of modern physics can be reconciled with the great truths of the world religions. He also wrote a follow-up book, The Cosmic Detective, which introduces the study of the universecalled modern cosmologyfor the scientifically inclined general reader.

Bhaumik also co-created an animated television show called Cosmic Quantum Ray about an intergalactic team of heroes, including a brainiac kid from Earth, who save the universe from destructive forces using their scientific smarts.
Reba Dominski, President, U.S. Bank FoundationIs the 5th-largest bank in the U.S. gearing up for an unprecedented focus on gender equity and diversity in both its corporate responsibility and foundation strategies?

The answer to this questionposed to Reba Dominski, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility and president of the U.S. Bank Foundationseems to be maybe.

We dont yet have a gender-specific lens to our grantmaking, and I say 'yet' intentionally, because its absolutely on the radar. Issues of gender equity and other issues of diversity and inclusion are under careful consideration as we continue to evolve our strategy.

For a regional bank, U.S. Bank is pretty big. In fact, its the 5th-largest bank in the country. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the bank has 3,133 locations in 25 states, and an estimated $428 billion in assets. It currently employs more than 67,000 people.

Despite being so large, this is still an organization that thinks of itself as locally based. What our employees do day in and day out is share their expertise and give back to the local community, says Dominski. Grounded in the work of bankinggiving people the financial tools to explore possibilities in lifethe bank also uses its grantmaking to fuel economic development.

Reba Dominski joined U.S. Bank about a year ago, and during that short span, has rolled out big changes. Six months ago, the bank introduced a new corporate giving and engagement platform called Community Possible, which focuses on three pillar areas: work, home, and play. The overarching goal, here, is to foster possibility and achievement, particularly in underserved communities, by making grants in these three areas.

On work, the foundation wants to create stable jobs and invests in financial literacy training, grant funding to small businesses for technical assistance, and establish job training programs that move people into the workforce. A recent example of a grant under this pillar is a 2015 investment in Self Enhancement, a Portland-based nonprofit we written about in the past that supports at-risk kids graduate high school and attend college.

Related: Why This Oregon Nonprofit is a Magnet for Money

For its home pillar, the foundation provides grants to organizations and programs that support access to safe and affordable homes, home buyer education, and homeowner retention. In 2015, U.S. Bank provided a $25,000 grant to Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago to support neighborhood revitalization through affordable housing and homeownership programs for low- to moderate-income families. In addition, U.S. Bank Foundation has a multi-year partnership with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, helping build and repair homes for families with limited income.

The play pillar of the foundations grantmaking supports a wide range of activities for artistic and cultural enrichment, arts education, and the Places to Play initiatives for underserved communities. This has included a $30,000 grant to the New Childrens Museum in San Diego that will provide year-round free access to the museum for families and support artist-led workshops in local community centers in the area. The arts, recreation, and play are really at the heart of possibility for all of us, says Dominski.

Related:

All of this grantmaking is solidly grounded in community development, but this focus may be shifting more toward gender equity and diversity in the near future, as Dominski gets her sea legs at this massive financial institution. We believe that supporting women helps build strong, resilient communities and business. Its good for business, its good for community, says Dominski.

This could be big news for the financial services industry, which needs more leaders promoting gender equity. But Dominski had more to say about how the bank is already prioritizing gender equity. While U.S. Bank Foundation does not yet have a gender-specific lens to its grantmaking, Dominski made a compelling case for how the bank supports womens economic advancement in many parts of its business strategy.

Related: "The Case Has Been Made." A Philanthropist Pushes Business on Gender Equity

One way U.S. Bank does this is by having wealth management professionals on hand who are skilled in guiding clients toward socially responsible investments. We work with our wealth management clients to help them understand the merit of investing in businesses that support and advance women, says Dominski, who noted that more clients today want to make sure their investments are being managed in a socially responsible way. If a client cares about womens issues, we can help direct their investments to companies that have women in leadership roles and are really thoughtful about women in their programs and policies.

Another important way that U.S. Bank supports womens economic development is through its supplier diversity program. From a business perspective, powerful change can arise by conducting business with women. Were a corporate member of the Womens Business Enterprise National Council, so through our procurement and other policies, we spent over $116 million with certified women-owned enterprises in 2015. We do business with over 240 women-owned businesses and 58 percent of our diverse vendor base is women-owned.

The increasing investments that U.S. Bank is making in supplier diversity are worth noting. The companys spending with diverse suppliers increased 19 percent from $309 million in 2014 to $368 million in 2015. Part of this jump is due to the company including veteran and LGBT-owned businesses categories in its 2015 numbers.

But perhaps most importantly, U.S. Bank has been working internally to cultivate womens employment and advancement for years. This is one of the reasons I was drawn to U.S. Bank and came to work here, says Dominski. U.S. Bank is beating many of the benchmarks in the financial services industry for both employing and advancing women. Over 60 percent of the companys workforce is women. The benchmark, provided by Diversity Inc., for best-in-class financial services companies in employing women is 46 percent.

But even more surprising: Nearly 50 percent of all of U.S. Banks management positions are held by women. The benchmark for best-in-class in this category is 42 percent.

How does U.S. Bank do such a good job of attracting, employing and advancing women? Dominski credits the companys strong business resource groups for women, as well as a corporate culture that genuinely values community service and work/life balance.

One recent example of how the company values community service is its partnership with the Minnesota Vikings to invest $1 million over three years to revitalize play places throughout the state of Minnesota, particularly in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. It all comes back to those pillars of communitya stable job, a home to call your own, and a community thats connected through play, says Dominski.

To build on those pillars, the foundation has an innovative event going on right nowthe Community Possible Relay. The event was born from a desire to engage the employee volunteer base in new ways and across multiple locations. To do this, the company chartered a giant bus wrapped in U.S. Bank blue that is travelling 12,000 miles to visit 38 communities over 3 months.

Weve been to Vegas, Denver, San Francisco, Eugene, Portland, Seattle, Spokane, says Dominski. In each community, U.S. Bank volunteers and others have served with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Junior Achievement to address issues like building affordable housing and quality play spaces.

This is no ordinary relay. With the hand-off, the local leaders issue a challenge to the next community, pushing for more impact as the event travels on. She suggests using hashtag #communitypossible on social media to check out where the relay has been and where it is going next.
Self-storage property-management firm Absolute Storage Management (ASM) has promoted Jasmin Allen-Jones to vice president of business development and Jennifer Barnett to vice president of operations. Both employees joined the company in 2007 and have assisted in its growth, according to a press release.

Allen-Jones, from Jasper, Fla., graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in business finance. She attributes ASMs success to its core values: leadership, integrity, communication, teamwork, excellence and dedication, according to the release.

Not only do the owners of ASM abide by these core values, they work to develop these traits with those around them, she said, adding that shes thankful and extremely honored to expand her role with the company. She looks forward to partnering with self-storage owners to maximize profitability, she said.

Barnett earned a bachelors of science in communication from Emmanuel College in Boston and a Masters of Business Administration in management from Brenau University in Gainesville, Ga., where she was named the 2016 Outstanding Management Graduate Student.

I am incredibly honored to serve as the vice president of operations for ASM, Barnett stated in the release. For nearly 10 years, I've had the opportunity to learn from the three amazing owners of this company, and my desire is to contribute to the upward trajectory they have worked so diligently to create. I'm looking forward to this new opportunity and continued growth.

Founded in 2002, ASM owns and manages self-storage facilities throughout the Southeast, operating more than 89 properties in 12 states. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., it has regional offices in Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; Jackson, Miss.; and Nashville, Tenn.
Update 7/14/16  The first reading for the rezoning of the plot of land east of the Sgt. Floyd Monument was unanimously approved July 11 by the Sioux City Council. Councilman Dan Moore abstained from the vote. A second and third reading will take place at future council meetings, according to the source.

The new design was called encouraging by Groetken, who said in June that he wouldnt support the rezoning based on feedback from historical groups. If that changed, he would support the project as well, the source reported.

Bob Coacher, chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission, called the development good for the area, but said he still had concerns that the property would be maintained in the future. "If we can put some of that assurance in place, we can definitely support this, he said.

The areas drainage issues are still a concern for Mayor Bob Scott, who said he wouldnt vote to approve the rezoning at future readings unless the issue could be resolved. Efforts to improve drainage on the property are currently underway, Fenton said. 6/30/16  The Sioux City Council on Monday voted to delay its vote on property owner Casey Fentons rezoning request. The deferral will give officials two weeks to assess drainage on the property and how it might affect the proposed development, according to the source.

Fenton said during the hearing that he wants to work with local historical societies on an agreeable facility design and will honor the city requirement to plant trees on the property to exceed the height of the storage units. "I'm not trying to change the integrity of the area," he told the council. "What we intend to do is to make it look nicer than what it did when I first purchased the property."

Council member Pete Groetken and three residents spoke in opposition to the project during the hearing, arguing the area surrounding the monument needs to be preserved for visitors.

The council is scheduled to discuss the issue again during its next meeting on July 11.

 A zoning change in Sioux City, Iowa, could allow a self-storage facility to be built near the Sergeant Floyd Monument, which honors Sgt. Charles Floyd Jr., a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition who died on the journey. The proposed development is for a 136,481-square-foot parcel of land at 2627  S. Rustin St. and 2819 Lincoln Way, which is currently zoned residential, according to the source.

The owner had requested that the land, which is east of the monument and across South Lewis Boulevard, be zoned industrial. Last week, the citys planning and zoning commission instead voted to change the propertys zoning to general commercial to prevent it from being used for industrial purposes.

The Sioux City Council will hold a public hearing on June 27 to discuss the zoning change and is expected to vote on the request.

Representatives from the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office and National Parks Service expressed concern about the proposed rezoning prior to the planning meeting. They argued an industrial zoning use would leave the area open to future projects that could adversely affect the monument's atmosphere and viewing area, the source reported.

"If the adjacent area is rezoned to general industrial, subsequent development would negatively affect the historic integrity of the Sergeant Floyd Monument," Donald Stevens Jr., chief of the National Register of Historic Places, said in a letter requesting retention of the current zoning status.

The city also received letters from the Lewis and Clark Historical Trail Office and the State Historic Preservation Office expressing similar viewpoints. Their comments boil down to the full breadth of uses that could be allowed within a general industrial zone, like smokestacks, said Chris Madsen, senior planner for the city. Maybe that 20 years down the road, this development goes away and a new one comes in that could have an impact.

Jim Jung, who chairs the Sioux City Historic Preservation Commission, suggested oversight of the project would be important if the area is zoned commercial. "Proper screening is the key. I don't think [my position] is so much 'no' to the storage units, but it's for sure not for industrial. Commercial would need to have oversight, he said.

Erected in 1901, the Sergeant Floyd Monument is a 100-foot obelisk structure within a 23-acre park that offers views of the Missouri River Valley. The monument was named the nation's first National Historic Landmark.
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The year is shaping up to be one of the best ever for the master of macro mayhem.
While final results arent due for another several hours, early indications from a respected poll strongly suggest that Britain has voted to stay in the European Union.No official exit polls were conducted for Brexit, but a YouGov poll showed Remain beating Leave 52%-48%. While the poll has a much smaller sample size than a typical exit poll, YouGov did call the Scottish Independence vote within one percentage point in 2014. And Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party and a prominent booster of the Leave campaign, has told Sky News that he thinks Remain will edge it.British Prime Minister David Cameron had long lobbied for Britain to remain in the EU, saying an exit would cost British jobs and deal a blow to the nations economy. Those who wanted to leave the union, however, said Brexit would allow the U.K. to better control immigration and save the money it contributes to the EUs budget.It has boiled down to jobs versus foreigners, Justin Fisher, a politics professor at Brunel University in London, told Bloomberg.So if early signs are correct, what does that mean for Australian businesses?Mostly, it means they can breathe a giant sigh of relief. Many analysts believe a UK exit from the EU would have had a profound effect on global markets  perhaps even sending them into a nosedive. There were fears that Britains severing of ties with the EU would negatively impact trade, economic growth, investment and jobs in Europe.Either way it will be business as usual, Peter Harris, managing director of CBL Insurance, which has operations based in the UK, said.CBL Insurance DAC, CBLs European insurer is domiciled in Ireland, which is not affected by Britains decision.And we have already confirmed to our employees at European Insurance Services Ltd (EISL) in Tunbridge Wells UK, who write business in France, that if Britain decides to leave the EU then EISL will remain operating in Tunbridge Wells, and shift its legal domicile, probably to Ireland.Australian British Chamber of Commerce chief executive David McCredie told the ABC, that businesses will benefit from a decisive result."There's a great deal of uncertainty and in the business environment," McCredie said."Businesses love certainty, markets love certainty, and that sort of instability [from a Brexit] would be damaging and possibly crippling to the UK economy."Insurance leaders had warned that Brexit could destabilse the London insurance market and make business more difficult to conduct at the historical centre of the insurance industry. Aon Plc chief executive officer, Greg Case, told Bloomberg that the risk of Brexit far outweighed the reward.The U.K. has been at the centre of insurance and risk management since maritime trade and shipping was insured at Lloyds in the City of London more than 325 years ago, Case said in a letter posted Monday on the companys website.Leaving the EU jeopardises the U.K.s leading position in the epicentre of our global service economy.In our world, risk is inevitable and we manage it accordingly, Case wrote. But leaving the EU is an unnecessary gamble.
Paul LucasIn a result that has sent shockwaves throughout the insurance industry worldwide, the UK has officially voted to leave the European Union.The outcome has been watched globally with many predicting that the decision to leave will have a huge impact on the financial markets and the insurance industry in particular.In Australia, the Aussie dollar and share market are plummeting as media outlets call on the result of the UK referendum.According to a report by the ABC, investors fled in droves after the BBC forecast the UK will leave the EU. The ASX 200 has extended losses to drop 3.5 per cent. The All Ords has slumped 3.3 per cent to 5,184.Every sector on the local market was in the red with the exception of gold companies, gold miners Newcrest Mining and Regis Resources gained 3.7 per cent and 4.6 per cent respectively.The market started to sell-off when the Leave campaign overtook Remain, indicating high volatility as investors face uncertainty.In the UK, the pound has hit its lowest level since 1985 tumbling more than 10%, the BBC has reported, in its biggest ever one-day fall as the strength of the leave vote emerged.The UK Treasury, the International Monetary Fund and others all warned that a vote to leave would damage the UK economy as well as threatening global markets; while both the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) were outspoken in their support of a remain vote.Meanwhile, managing director of British multi-national insurer Aviva went on record with Insurance Business UK stating that: Our corporate view is that we should remain.Its not just the insurance industry in the UK that is likely to be affected either. While the US economy is much better insulated from the fallout of the vote, banking and financial sectors definitely have something to lose.Many US companies have moved not just parts of their operations, but whole headquarters, from the US to the UK. Aon , for example, made news in 2012 when it relocated from Chicago to London in order to give the company greater access to the world's insurance hub.The company has been particularly vocal in its feelings against the Brexit referendum."If Britain votes to leave the European Union, the innovative center of excellence that has set London apart in the insurance space will be deeply challenged," the company told CNBC."Talent is a true differentiator for the city of London, and to create a barrier between the industry that addresses the world's most complex risks and the global talent needed to do this will have real implications."Elsewhere, insurance association leaders from across Europe  including in Germany, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands  all had their say, pleading with insurers across the UK to vote to stay in and issuing a collective statement which read: While the Referendum is clearly a matter for the British public to decide, there will be implications for all EU markets. We believe it is in everyones interest  the UK and the EU  for the UK to remain. And we will be watching and hoping that the result means that the constructive relationship will continue with the UK playing a full role as a full EU member.Ultimately however, their efforts have proven to be to no avail.Some insurers have already taken steps in anticipation of todays outcome. New Zealands CBL Insurance, which operates European Insurance Services from Tunbridge Wells in the UK, will continue operations in the UK but will change its legal domicile with managing director Peter Harris stating: We have already confirmed to our employees at European Insurance Services Ltd (EISL) in Tunbridge Wells UK, who write business in France, that EISL will remain operating in Tunbridge Wells, and shift its legal domicile, probably to Ireland.Meanwhile, Pierre Vaquier, Axa Investments Managers-Real Assets CEO, has stated that the company will revisit its options following the EU withdrawal with the company having previously planned to build Londons tallest skyscraper.The referendum vote came at the conclusion of what was a divisive campaign. On one side of the contest was British Prime Minister David Cameron ushering stark warnings about the financial and economic risks of a departure; while the leave campaign was headed up by former London Mayor Boris Johnson who used immigration as a key ploy in whipping up support suggesting that an exit would allow Britain to regain control of its borders.Now questions are swirling as to the future of the British Prime Minister  he had publicly vowed to stay on regardless of the result, but many have questioned whether his position will remain tenable after such a significant defeat.The vote has widely been considered a shock result with Paddy Power, Irelands largest bookmaker having placed the odds on a remain vote at a 1/12 chance  effectively a 92 per cent probability. This represented a swing from 77 per cent just one day earlier, making the result all the more surprising.
CBL Corporation Ltd is planning to acquire its largest single client, Securities and Financial Solutions Europe SA (SFS), also Frances largest specialist producer of construction-sector insurance.The company said it estimated the price would be $143 million, in a statement released to the market.The deal would also include IMS Expert Europe SA (IMS), SFS claims management operation, with approximately 11.4 million euros of the purchase price being paid over the two years following completion, subject to financial performance adjustment.SFS and IMS together had net revenue of 41 million euros in 2015 and operating earnings of 8.2 million euros on a normalised basis.CBL said it had been granted exclusivity to progress the deal to completion, and would fund it by a combination of cash, bank and vendor funding.The company said it was subject to the usual regulatory processes and consents, including change in control from the Luxembourg Insurance Commission, and was expected to complete before the end of October 2016.CBL managing director Peter Harris said the strategic acquisition would help to remove the risk of distribution concentration that SFS represented to CBL being such a large client, and would further vertically integrate and consolidate CBLs market position in Europe, particularly in France.Harris said the purchase could also bring additional strategic opportunities.SFS is complementary to our existing managing general agent (MGA) based in the UK, European Insurance Services Ltd (EISL), which also distributes construction-sector insurance products in France.SFS and IMS would add significant specialist skills and resources that would enable CBL to grow both businesses, Harris said.CBLs recent AM Best ratings upgrade to A- (Excellent) would also make SFS and EISL an even more significant player in the French construction insurance market, he added.While the deal comes at a turbulent time in Europe, with the UKs referendum on whether or not to leave the EU taking place at the same time, Harris already announced to the market earlier this week that he was confident that the outcome of the vote would have little effect on CBLs operations, regardless of the result.He said EISL would probably shift its legal domicile to Ireland if Britain left the EU, but remain operating in Tunbridge Wells.Either way, it will be business as usual, he said.The company also revealed how the executive structure of SFS and IMS would be affected by the acquisition, saying it would maintain continuity in both companies with the executive management expected to be retained on existing terms.Antoine Guiguet, the executive chairman of SFS and current shareholder of SFS and IMS, would retain his position and reinvest a portion of the purchase price in a significant minority shareholding of approximately 26% in the CBL subsidiary that would acquire SFS and IMS.Gerard Marichy would remain managing director of IMS upon acquisition, and would also reinvest a portion of the purchase price into the CBL acquiring subsidiary of approximately 3%.Principal owner Patrice Gilles, would be paid out, and would not retain a shareholding, but would be appointed as an advisory chairman for SFS.Guiguet and Marichy would be given an option to convert their shareholding after three years.Gilles said he had great expectations for the outcome of the deal.I am delighted that the long-established partnership between SFS and CBL would continue on into the future under this planned transaction, and I expect that it would continue to new levels under CBLs ownership, he said.
Eighteen immigrant car wash employees in New York and New Jersey received more than $91,000 each as part of a federal court settlement for unpaid wages, making it the biggest per-worker recovery in the car wash industry, lawyers said on Tuesday.

The agreement awarded the final part of a $1.65 million settlement to 18 workers who were earning less than $20,000 a year at four car washes owned by J.V. Car Wash Ltd., said one of the lawyers who brought the suit in 2011.

Steven Arenson of the employment litigation firm Arenson Dittmar & Karban said each worker on average will receive over $91,000, with the highest being close to $200,000 for two people who were employed the longest. With $750,000 already paid last year, the remaining $900,000 was disbursed on Tuesday.

Lawyers for the defendant declined to comment.

For all immigrants, all workers, who toil under hardship, this case stands as a resounding message that the American law does protect the worker, Arenson told a news conference.

The employees at the New York car washes were paid $50 to $70 for 12-hour shifts without a break, according to the lawsuit, well below the minimum wage, currently $9 per hour in New York. In New Jersey, where the minimum wage is $8.38 per hour, workers were paid $35 a day for a 10-hour shift.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the Car Wash Accountability Act into law in 2015 to protect workers. Car wash owners have sued the city over the act, claiming it gives preferential treatment to unions.

Low-wage workers nationwide have been demanding higher pay, including fast-food workers who staged protests and strikes last year support of a $15 minimum wage. Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders championed a $15 minimum wage in his campaign.

In 2015, the New York attorney generals office sued Dominos Pizza Inc. for wage theft by franchisees.

One of the car wash plaintiffs, Michel Rodriguez, said he began working at a J.V. Car Wash location about a week after emigrating from the Dominican Republic.

It was crazy, Rodriguez, 29, told the news conference. For you to start working 7 in the morning though 7 p.m. for 12 hours straight with no lunch break in a very, very cold winter.

(Reporting by Gina Cherelus; Editing by Daniel Trotta and Dan Grebler)

Topics Auto New York
Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo this week hosted official swearing-in ceremonies for a new chief judge and an associate judge of the state Workers Compensation Court.

Judge Robert Ferrieri is the new chief judge of the court. He will replace the outgoing Chief Judge George E. Healy, who retired last July after 25 years of service.

Judge Ferrieri has served on the Workers Compensation Court since 2008. During his tenure, he has taken time to educate high school students about working safely and to speak to other attorneys about workers compensation issues. Previously he was a partner at Lombardi & Ferrieri, P.C. He is also an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University and the Community College of Rhode Island.

Michael J. Feeney is the new associate justice. Feeney has been a practicing attorney since 1988, most recently as a partner at Jeffrey & Feeney Attorneys at Law in Warwick. He also previously served as the assistant town solicitor in East Greenwich and participates in the Superior Court Pilot Program, which provides legal services to indigent defendants in criminal cases.

Feeney will replace former Judge Bruce Q. Morin.

Raimondo noted that Healy joined the court when it was first created in 1991, when the workers compensation system was near collapse. Over the years, he helped to lead reforms that reduced average claim costs without cutting benefits. Thanks to his service, the court can more effectively and more efficiently serve Rhode Island workers who are injured on the job. I wish him all the best in retirement, she said.

Workers Compensation Court has jurisdiction over employers and employees relative to work-related injuries and resolves disputes regarding workers compensation. It is comprised of one chief judge and nine associate judges.

Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation Talent
XL Group plc announced that its ordinary shareholders have approved a scheme of arrangement that will change the place of incorporation of the ultimate parent holding company to Bermuda from Ireland, which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year.

We are pleased that our shareholders are supportive of our plan to set up our corporate home in Bermuda, said XLs Chief Executive Officer Michael S. McGavick.

Given, in particular, our long-standing and substantial operations in Bermuda that have been bolstered by the Catlin Group Ltd. acquisition, and Bermudas position within the international re/insurance market, including Bermudas recent achievement of Solvency II equivalency, we believe a change in the country of domicile of our parent company to Bermuda will be advantageous to the company and its shareholders, he said.

The redomestication remains subject to receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, satisfaction of other conditions and sanctioning by the High Court of Ireland, said the company, noting that a hearing before the court is currently scheduled for July 20, 2016.

XL does not expect the redomestication to have any material impact on its financial results, including the companys global effective tax rate.

To effect the redomestication, a new Bermuda exempted company, XL Group Ltd., will replace XL Group plc as the ultimate holding company of the XL Group of companies, and the companys ordinary shareholders will receive one common share of the new Bermuda company in exchange for each ordinary share of the company held by them.

Related:

Topics AXA XL
Chubb announced the leadership of its property & casualty (P/C) risk engineering team in Europe, all effective immediately.

Paul Brooke, formerly head of property risk engineering, UK and Ireland for legacy ACE, will serve as head of P/C risk engineering services for Chubb in Europe.

In his new role, Brooke will lead a team of 64 risk engineers, located in 10 European countries. Based in Manchester, he will report to Raimund Navakas, senior vice president and risk engineering services manager for Chubbs international operations, with matrix reporting lines into Steve Walker, UK and Ireland property manager; Mark Roberts, UK and Ireland casualty manager; and Steve Reiss, chief operating officer, Continental Europe.

Reporting to Brooke will be:

Tom Newark , formerly International and UKI loss control manager for legacy Chubb will serve as P/C risk engineering services manager for Chubb in the UK and Ireland, based in London. He will also serve as quality assurance manager P/C risk engineering services for Chubbs international operations, and in this capacity, Newark will report to Raimund Navakas.

, formerly International and UKI loss control manager for legacy Chubb will serve as P/C risk engineering services manager for Chubb in the UK and Ireland, based in London. He will also serve as quality assurance manager P/C risk engineering services for Chubbs international operations, and in this capacity, Newark will report to Raimund Navakas. Heiner Eckhardt , formerly Continental Europe loss control services manager for legacy Chubb will serve as P/C risk engineering services manager, Northern Continental Europe, based in Hamburg. Eckhardt will lead a team of 23 risk engineers across five countries.

, formerly Continental Europe loss control services manager for legacy Chubb will serve as P/C risk engineering services manager, Northern Continental Europe, based in Hamburg. Eckhardt will lead a team of 23 risk engineers across five countries. Rafael Andres, formerly assistant vice president and loss control manager, France and Spain, for legacy Chubb, will serve as P/C risk engineering services manager, Southern Continental Europe, based in Madrid. Andres will lead a team of 15 risk engineers across three countries.

Andrew Kendrick, regional president for Chubb in Europe, said:

With companies across Europe facing a challenging, and increasingly unpredictable, risk environment, our team will ensure we align our risk engineering capabilities to meet our clients changing needs. I wish them all the very best of luck in their new roles.

Raimund Navakas, senior vice president and risk engineering services manager for Chubbs international operations, said:

Chubb is committed to further strengthening its risk engineering proposition in Europe and globally. With our solutions-oriented leadership team and consistent risk engineering offering in place, we are very well placed to provide our clients with the added-value services they need to effectively manage the risks they are facing.

Chubb said its European P&C risk engineering team forms part of a global team of 400 P/C risk engineers, located in 34 countries. It offers a series of risk engineering and loss control services including first and third-party risk evaluation reviews, best practices consulting, infrared thermographic scanning and a range of customized programs to help clients with their risk management needs.

Source: Chubb

Topics Europe Property Casualty Leadership Chubb
Greenbay, Wis.-based Associated Bank announced that it will rebrand its Associated Financial Group (AFG) subsidiary to Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting (ABRC).

The move follows the February 2015 acquisition and subsequent integration of Ahmann & Martin Co., a risk and benefits consulting firm operating in the Midwest, into AFG.

AFG will officially adopt the Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting name upon completion of state licensure filings in all states. That process is expected to be completed in 2016.

In financial statements earlier this year, Associated shared that the acquisition had contributed to record insurance commissions of $21 million in the first quarter of 2016. In addition, its expanded property/casualty capabilities increased insurance revenues 70 percent year-over-year from both the integration and organic growth.

In the risk management and business insurance area, ABRC offers total cost of risk consulting, specialty coverage expertise, industry specialization and more. The companys employee benefits and human resources expertise includes HR solutions, technology consulting, health management and wellness, actuarial analysis and retirement plan services.

ABRC will consolidate operations in Minnetonka, Minn., in early 2017. This move brings employees from three locations  Minnetonka, Edina and Eden Prairie  into one headquarters. The organization employs a total of more than 370 individuals serving approximately 14,000 clients throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.

Source: Associated Banc-Corp

Related:
Hanover Stone Partners, a risk management services firm, and USA Risk Group, an independent captive management firm, have collaborated to offer captive management, governance and related services to businesses and other commercial entities. The two firms will provide a full range of alternative risk financing activities, including using captives to self-fund U.S. employee benefits.

Captive formations and utilization continue to expand as businesses find new uses for captives  especially given the current drive to self-fund employee benefits under the U.S. Affordable Care Act, as well as their ongoing involvement in property-casualty programs to increase retentions, fill gaps in insurance programs, and address complex and emerging risks, said John J. Kelly, managing partner, Hanover Stone Partners.

Kelly added the partnership allows the companys to help clients widen their use of captives to fund employee benefits along with all aspects of their captive insurance planning, management, program development, and governance.

Gary Osborne, president of USA Risk Group, said working with Hannover Stone Partners will deepen its capabilities and complement its existing captive and alternative risk services.

Hanover Stone Partners has nearly 50 senior risk advisors and 30 partner firms, including USA Risk Group, located throughout the U.S. Together with members of the firms specialty practice, Hanover Stone CaptiveGuard, they offer a suite of advisory services to help commercial clients with the development and implementation of alternative risk funding strategies, including captive insurance feasibility, domicile evaluation, actuarial and underwriting management, performance reviews, governance, and insurance regulatory compliance.

Established in 1981, USA Risk Group manages captives in 20 domiciles. The firm provides a full range of products and services encompassing every aspect of alternative risk management  from initial consulting, to program structuring and formation, to ongoing administration and regulatory compliance.

USA Risk Group has captive management operations in Arizona, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Grand Cayman, Malta, South Carolina, Tennessee and Vermont, managing companies in 20 domiciles.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions USA
Karen Mondshine has joined the national insurance broker USI Insurance Services as as the national director of personal risk operations. She will be responsible for partnering with USIs regional and national teams to serve USI personal risk clients from onboarding through renewal.

Mondshine will be based out of USIs Houston office.

Prior to joining USI, Mondshine was vice president, marketing director, for the national broker Alliant. She has also served as operations manager at PLI Brokerage, a division of Chubb Insurance, and as national personal lines marketing manager for Firemans Fund Insurance Co.

USI is headquartered in Valhalla, New York.

Topics Alliant
A federal courts striking down of the governments designation of insurer MetLife Inc as too-big-to-fail could undermine efforts to head off another financial crisis, authors of the landmark Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law said.

In a brief filed on Thursday with a federal appeals court, former Senator Chris Dodd, former Representative Barney Frank and 18 other heavyweight Democrats including Representative Nancy Pelosi said the decision could make it difficult to prevent another calamitous financial meltdown.

At the same time, Ben Bernanke, who chaired the Federal Reserve during the 2007-2009 crisis, and Paul Volcker, another former Fed chairman who helped craft Dodd-Frank, filed a brief.

A major consequence of the decision is that one of the worlds largest, most highly interconnected financial institutions is left with inadequate oversight, they wrote.

In March U.S. District Court Judge Rosemary Collyer rescinded the governments 2014 designation of MetLife as a systematically important financial institution.

Dodd-Frank had created the Financial Stability Oversight Council, consisting of the heads of regulatory agencies, in part to identify firms that could wreck the U.S. financial system if they experience distress. The councils designations trigger stricter regulatory oversight and requirements to hold more capital.

Collyer called the MetLife designation arbitrary and capricious, saying the council never adequately assessed the risk of Metlifes failure and neglected to perform a cost-benefit analysis of applying the designation.

The council laid out its arguments for its appeal of the decision in a brief filed last week.

The broad array of legislators, policy officials, economists, insurance experts and other scholars who filed in support of FSOC makes clear that FSOCs designation of MetLife fully complied with the law and applied the lessons of the financial crisis, said a Treasury spokesman.

In a press conference about the lawmakers brief, Frank said the decision is an invitation to engage in riskier behavior and that it imposes some obstacles to us trying to protect society.

In the brief the lawmakers also said FSOC does not have to find a company is financially vulnerable before it makes a designation.

Seemingly healthy institutions can defy widely held expert forecasts, collapse quickly and then threaten economic damage on a catastrophic scale, they wrote, adding Dodd-Frank does not require cost-benefit analyzes.

American International Group, Prudential Financial Inc. and General Electric Co. are also labeled systemically important.

MetLife will respond to the court in its own brief in August.

(Reporting by Dena Aubin in New York, additional reporting by Lisa Lambert in Washington; editing by Dan Grebler and Cynthia Osterman)

Topics Legislation
People might not know it from the lush fields and full lakes in most of South Carolina, but drought is creeping into the northwest corner of the state.

A June heat wave combined with weeks of dry weather has a moderate drought now covering nearly all of four counties, according to data from the National Drought Mitigation Center.

The biggest worry is agriculture, where farmers who grow corn and other row crops need rain to help their plants thrive. Stream flows and groundwater levels are still high from abundant rains in the winter and fall, but a true long, hot, dry summer could begin to deplete those reserves, officials said.

Dennis Chastain lives at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Pickens County. The pond on his cattle farm where the animals drink has dropped 18 inches in the past four weeks, an early indicator of a slowly building drought.

Its really getting pretty seriously dry. Its not a problem yet, but I want people to be aware, said Chastain, who is a member of the states Drought Response Committee.

The dry weather is currently the worst in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties, with the building drought spreading back westward through the mountains of North Carolina and northern Georgia and Alabama. While Chastain is worried, he said the situation isnt dire.

Where we are right now, one of two good rainfall events and we will be right back where we need to be, he said.

The rest of South Carolina has fared much better. The spring was dry enough to let standing water from Octobers catastrophic floods drain away, but there has been enough rain to keep crops growing. The remnants of Tropical Storm Bonnie brought beneficial rains to the state outside the drought at a critical time in late May, farmers said.

The majority of corn, peach and peanut farmers report their crops in good to excellent condition. Corn and cotton farmers are also faring well, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures farm report.

But a glance at rainfall maps show a sudden drop off in rainfall moving north and west in the state. Chastain in northern Pickens County has only got less than a half-inch of rain so far in June. Other areas of the state father west and east have gotten up to 8 inches of rain.

The dry areas have seen less than half their normal rainfall in the past month, while areas south and east of Interstate 20 and Interstate 77 have seen two to three times their normal precipitation in the past month, according to the Southeast Regional Climate Centers maps.

One of the things that has characterized this year is it is either boom or bust, Chastain said about the rainstorms.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Agribusiness South Carolina
An Oregon teenager who was disfigured during a school trip in Costa Rica has filed a $20.8 million lawsuit against his former high school.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that Joseph Christopher Johnson filed the suit earlier this week against Salem Academy, a private Christian school with around 700 students.

A school representative declined to comment.

According to the lawsuit, Johnsons head and face were severely injured by a motor boats propeller while out swimming on the seventh day of the Costa Rica trip in 2014. The trip organized by a tour company the school had hired. The suit claims that students should not have been allowed to swim in the multi-use area known for having motors boats pass through.

The suit claims that Johnson has been in continuous pain for the past two years, has permanent scars because of the incident and has soaring medical bills.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Oregon
The oil industry is driven by booms and busts. Prices typically rise during periods of global economic strength during which demand outpaces supply. Prices fall when the reverse is true, and supply exceeds demand. Meanwhile, oil supply and demand are driven by a number of key factors:

Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar

Changes in the policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Changes in the levels of oil production and inventory

The health of the global economy

The implementation (or collapse) of international agreements

Notably, 2015 offers an interesting example of how all five factors can conspire to send prices to historic lows. At that time, the price of crude oil fell by more than half in under a year, reaching lows that had not been seen since the last global recession.

At the time, many oil executives believed it would be years before oil returned to $100 per barrel. They were right, at least as of July 30, 2021, when the price of a barrel of crude oil was $73.95.

Five main factors can be identified as having driven crude oil prices down and kept them down.

Key Takeaways The year 2015 was a perfect storm for oil prices.

The dollar was strong. Inventories were huge. The economy was weak. And production was growing.

All of these factors drove the price of crude oil to less than $40 per barrel.

1. The Dollar Strengthens

In 2015, the dollar was at a 12-year high against the euro.

That put pressure on market prices because commodity prices are usually quoted in dollars, and they will fall when the U.S. dollar is strong.

For example, the surge in the dollar in the second half of 2014 caused a rare sharp decline in all of the leading commodity indexes.

2. OPEC Retains Production Levels

OPEC, the cartel of oil producers that sets production levels, was unwilling to prop up the oil markets by cutting its production levels.

The oil ministers said in a statement that they had "concurred that stable oil prices  at a level which did not affect global economic growth but which, at the same time, allowed producers to receive a decent income and to invest to meet future demand  were vital for world economic wellbeing."

Prices of OPECs benchmark crude oil fell by a whopping 50% after the organization decided against cutting production at that 2014 meeting in Vienna.

3. Global Inventory Grows

The prices of crude futures declined in late September 2015 when it became clear that oil stockpiles were growing amid increased production.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that global oil inventories increased in every quarter of 2015, with a net inventory build of 1.72 million barrels per day. That was the highest rate since at least 1996. By the end of 2015, oil prices were below $40 per barrel, the lowest level since 2009.

Total oil production by the end of 2015 was expected to increase to more than 9.35 million barrels per dayhigher than previous forecasts of 9.3 million barrels per day.

4. The Economy Weakens

While the supply of oil became increasingly abundant in 2015, global demand for oil was decreasing. The economies of Europe and developing countries were weakening. Vehicles were becoming more fuel-efficient.

Meanwhile, China's devaluation of its own currency suggested that its economy might be weakening as well. Since China is the world's largest oil importer, that was a huge hit to global demand and caused a negative reaction in crude oil prices.

5. Iran Makes a Deal

In July 2015, the U.S. and several other world powers signed a deal that lifted economic sanctions against Iran.

The Iran nuclear deal, as it became known, freed Iran to start exporting oil again. Investors feared it would add to the world's oversupply of oil, dragging down prices even more.

(Iran withdrew from the agreement in 2019 after then-President Donald Trump ordered the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. President Joe Biden has indicated a willingness to see it reinstated.)
The annual impact of leaving the EU on the UK after 15 years (difference from being in the EU) EEA Negotiated bilateral agreement WTO GDP level  central -3.8% -6.2% -7.5% GDP level -3.4% to -4.3% -4.6% to -7.8% -5.4% to -9.5% GDP per capita  central* -1,100 -1,800 -2,100 GDP per capita* -1,000 to -1,200 -1,300 to -2,200 -1,500 to -2,700 GPD per household  central* -2,600 -4,300 -5,200 GDP per household* -2,400 to -2,900 -3,200 to -5,400 -3,700 to -6,600 Net impact on receipts -20 billion -36 billion -45 billion

*Expressed in terms of 2015 GDP in 2015 prices, rounded to the nearest 100

Adapted from HM Treasury analysis: the long-term economic impact of EU membership and the alternatives, April 2016.

Leave supporters discounted such economic projections under the label "Project Fear." A pro-Brexit outfit associated with the U.K. Independence Party, which was founded to oppose EU membership, responded by saying that the Treasury's "worst-case scenario of 4,300 per household is a bargain-basement price for the restoration of national independence and safe, secure borders."

Although Leavers stressed issues of national pride, safety, and sovereignty, they also mustered economic arguments. For example, Boris Johnson said on the eve of the vote, "EU politicians would be banging down the door for a trade deal" the day after the vote, in light of their "commercial interests." Labor Leave, the pro-Brexit Labour group, co-authored a report with a group of economists in September 2017 that forecasted a 7% boost to annual GDP, with the largest gains going to the lowest earners.

Vote Leave, the official pro-Brexit campaign, topped the "Why Vote Leave" page on its website with the claim that the U.K. could save 350 million per week: "We can spend our money on our priorities like the NHS [National Health Service], schools, and housing."

In May 2016, the U.K. Statistics Authority, an independent public body, said the figure was gross rather than net, which was "misleading and undermines trust in official statistics." A mid-June poll by Ipsos MORI, however, found that 47% of the country believed the claim. The day after the referendum, Nigel Farage, who co-founded UKIP and led it until that November, disavowed the figure and said that he was not closely associated with Vote Leave. May also declined to confirm Vote Leave's NHS promises since taking office.

Brexit Economic Response

Though Britain officially left the EU, 2020 was a transition and implementation period. Trade and customs continued during that time, so there wasn't much on a day-to-day basis that seemed different to U.K. residents. Even so, the decision to leave the EU had an effect on Britain's economy.

The country's GDP growth slowed down to around 1.4% in 2018 from 1.9% in both 2017 and 2016 as business investment slumped. The IMF predicted that the country's economy would grow at 1.3% in 2019 and 1.4% in 2020. The Bank of England cut its growth forecast for 2019 to 1.2%, the lowest since the financial crisis.

The U.K. unemployment rate hit a 44-year low at 3.9% in the three months to January 2019. Experts attribute this to employers preferring to retain workers instead of investing in new major projects.

In 2018, the pound clawed back the losses it suffered after the Brexit vote but reacted negatively as the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit increased. The currency could rally if a soft Brexit deal is passed or Brexit is delayed.

While the fall in the value of the pound helped exporters, the higher price of imports was passed onto consumers and had a significant impact on the annual inflation rate. CPI inflation hit 3.1% in the 12 months leading up to November 2017, a near six-year high that well exceeded the Bank of England's 2% target. Inflation eventually began to fall in 2018 with the decline in oil and gas prices and was at 1.8% in January 2019.

A July 2017 report by the House of Lords cited evidence that U.K. businesses would have to raise wages to attract native-born workers following Brexit, which is "likely to lead to higher prices for consumers."

International trade was expected to fall due to Brexit, even with the possibility of a raft of free trade deals. Dr. Monique Ebell, former associate research director at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, forecasted a -22% reduction in total U.K. goods and services trade if EU membership was replaced by a free trade agreement.

Other free trade agreements were not predicted to pick up the slack. In fact, Ebell saw a pact with the BRIICS (Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China, and South Africa) boosting total trade by 2.2% while a pact with the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand was expected to do slightly better, at 2.6%.

"The single market is a very deep and comprehensive trade agreement aimed at reducing non-tariff barriers," Ebell wrote in January 2017, "while most non-EU [free trade agreements] seem to be quite ineffective at reducing the non-tariff barriers that are important for services trade."

June 2017 General Election

On April 18, May called for a snap election to be held on June 8, despite previous promises not to hold one until 2020. Polling at the time suggested May would expand on her slim Parliamentary majority of 330 seats (there are 650 seats in the Commons). Labor gained rapidly in the polls, however, aided by an embarrassing Tory flip-flop on a proposal for estates to fund end-of-life care.

The Conservatives lost their majority, winning 318 seats to Labor's 262. The Scottish National Party won 35, with other parties taking 35. The resulting hung Parliament cast doubts on May's mandate to negotiate Brexit and led the leaders of Labor and the Liberal Democrats to call on May to resign.

Speaking in front of the prime minister's residence at 10 Downing Street, May batted away calls for her to leave her post, saying, "It is clear that only the Conservative and Unionist Party"the Tories' official name"has the legitimacy and ability to provide that certainty by commanding a majority in the House of Commons." The Conservatives struck a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland, which won 10 seats, to form a coalition. The party is little known outside of Northern Ireland, judging by a wave of curious Google searches that caused the DUP's site to crash.

May presented the election as a chance for the Conservatives to solidify their mandate and strengthen their negotiating position with Brussels. But this backfired.

"The election served to diffuse, not concentrate political power, especially with regards to Brexit," wrote Sky News political correspondent Lewis Goodall. "Ever since election night, Brussels hasn't just been dealing with Number 10 but in effect, the House of Commons too."

In the wake of the election, many expected the government's Brexit position to soften, and they were right. May released a Brexit white paper in July 2018 that mentioned an "association agreement" and a free-trade area for goods with the EU. David Davis resigned as Brexit secretary and Boris Johnson resigned as Foreign Secretary in protest.

But the election also increased the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. The Financial Times predicted that the result made May more vulnerable to pressure from Euroskeptics and her coalition partners. We saw this play out with the Irish backstop tussle.

With her position weakened, May struggled to unite her party behind her deal and keep control of Brexit.

Scotland's Independence Referendum

Politicians in Scotland pushed for a second independence referendum in the wake of the Brexit vote, but the results of the June 8, 2017 election cast a pall over their efforts. The Scottish National Party lost 21 seats in the Westminster Parliament, and on June 27, 2017, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her government at Holyrood would "reset" its timetable on independence to focus on delivering a "soft Brexit."

Not one Scottish local area voted to leave the EU, according to the U.K.'s Electoral Commission, though Moray came close at 49.9%. The country as a whole rejected the referendum by 62.0% to 38.0%. But because Scotland only contains 8.4% of the U.K.'s population, its vote to Remain (along with that of Northern Ireland, which accounts for just 2.9% of the U.K.'s population) was vastly outweighed by support for Brexit in England and Wales.

Scotland joined England and Wales to form Great Britain in 1707, and the relationship has been tumultuous at times. The SNP, which was founded in the 1930s, had just six of 650 seats in Westminster in 2010. The following year, however, it formed a majority government in the devolved Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, partly owing to its promise to hold a referendum on Scottish independence.

2014 Scottish Independence Referendum

That referendum, held in 2014, saw the pro-independence side lose with 44.7% of the vote; turnout was 84.6%. Far from putting the independence issue to rest, though, the vote fired up nationalist support. The SNP won 56 of 59 Scottish seats at Westminster the following year, overtaking the Lib Dems to become the third-largest party in the U.K. overall. Britain's electoral map suddenly showed a glaring divide between England and Wales, which was dominated by Tory blue with the occasional patch of Labour red, and all-yellow Scotland.

When Britain voted to leave the EU, Scotland fulminated. A combination of rising nationalism and strong support for Europe led almost immediately to calls for a new independence referendum. When the Supreme Court ruled on Nov. 3, 2017, that devolved national assemblies such as Scotland's parliament cannot veto Brexit, the demands grew louder.

On March 13 that year, Sturgeon called for a second referendum to be held in the autumn of 2018 or spring of 2019. Holyrood backed her by a vote of 69 to 59 on March 28, the day before May's government triggered Article 50.

Sturgeon's preferred timing was significant since the two-year countdown initiated by Article 50 ended in the spring of 2019 when the politics surrounding Brexit could be particularly volatile.

What Would Independence Look Like?

Scotland's economic situation also raised questions about its hypothetical future as an independent country. The crash in the oil price has dealt a blow to government finances. In May 2014, it forecast 20152016 tax receipts from North Sea drilling of 3.4 billion to 9 billion but collected 60 million, less than 1% of the forecasts' midpoint.

In reality, these figures were hypothetical, since Scotland's finances are not fully devolved, but the estimates were based on the country's geographical share of North Sea drilling, so they illustrate what it might expect as an independent nation.

The debate over what currency an independent Scotland would use was revived. Former SNP leader Alex Salmond, who was Scotland's First Minister until Nov. 2014, told The Financial Times that the country could abandon the pound and introduce its own currency, allowing it to float freely or pegging it to sterling. He ruled out joining the euro, but others contended that it would be required for Scotland to join the EU. Another possibility would be to use the pound, which would mean forfeiting control over monetary policy.

Upsides for Some

On the other hand, a weak currency that floats on global markets can be a boon to U.K. producers who export goods. Industries that rely heavily on exports could actually see some benefit.

In 2015, the top 10 exports from the U.K. were (in USD):

Machines, engines, pumps: US$63.9 billion (13.9% of total exports) Gems, precious metals: $53 billion (11.5%) Vehicles: $50.7 billion (11%) Pharmaceuticals: $36 billion (7.8%) Oil: $33.2 billion (7.2%) Electronic equipment: $29 billion (6.3%) Aircraft, spacecraft: $18.9 billion (4.1%) Medical and technical equipment: $18.4 billion (4%) Organic chemicals: $14 billion (3%) Plastics: $11.8 billion (2.6%)

Some sectors were prepared to benefit from the exit. Multinationals listed on the FTSE 100 saw earnings rise as a result of a soft pound. A weak currency was also a boon to the tourism, energy, and service industries.

In May 2016, the State Bank of India (SBIN.NS), India's largest commercial bank, suggested that Brexit would benefit India economically. While leaving the Eurozone meant that the U.K. no longer had unfettered access to Europe's single market, it would allow for more focus on trade with India. India would also have more wiggle room if the U.K. was no longer under European trade rules and regulations.

UK-EU Trade After Brexit

May advocated a "hard" Brexit. By that, she meant that Britain should leave the EU's single market and customs union, then negotiate a trade deal to govern their future relationship. These negotiations would have been conducted during a transition period once a divorce deal was ratified.

The Conservatives' poor showing in the June 2017 snap election called popular support for a hard Brexit into question. Many in the press speculated that the government could take a softer line. The Brexit White Paper released in July 2018 revealed plans for a softer Brexit. It was too soft for many MPs belonging to her party and too audacious for the EU.

The White Paper said the government planned to leave the EU single market and customs union. However, it proposed the creation of a free trade area for goods which would "avoid the need for customs and regulatory checks at the border and mean that businesses would not need to complete costly customs declarations. And it would enable products to only undergo one set of approvals and authorizations in either market, before being sold in both." This meant the U.K. would follow EU single market rules when it comes to goods.

The White Paper acknowledged that a borderless customs arrangement with the EUone that allowed the U.K. to negotiate free trade agreements with third countrieswas "broader in scope than any other that exists between the EU and a third country."

The government was correct that there was no example of this kind of relationship in Europe today. The four broad precedents that existed were the EU's relationship with Norway, Switzerland, Canada, and WTO members.

The Norway Model: Join the EEA

The first option was for the U.K. to join Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein in the European Economic Area (EEA), which provides access to the EU's single market for most goods and services (agriculture and fisheries are excluded). At the same time, the EEA is outside the customs union, so Britain could have entered into trade deals with non-EU countries.

But the arrangement was hardly a win-win. The U.K. would be bound by some EU laws while losing its ability to influence those laws through the country's European Council and European Parliament voting rights. In September 2017, May called this arrangement an unacceptable "loss of democratic control."

David Davis expressed interest in the Norway model in response to a question he received at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington. "It's something we've thought about but it's not at the top of our list." He was referring specifically to the European Free Trade Association, which like the EEA offers access to the single market, but not the customs union.

EFTA was once a large organization, but most of its members left to join the EU. Today, it comprises Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland; all but Switzerland are also members of the EEA.

The Switzerland Model

Switzerland's relationship with the EU, which is governed by around 20 major bilateral pacts with the bloc, is broadly similar to the EEA arrangement. Along with these three, Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association. Switzerland helped set up the EEA, but its people rejected membership in a 1992 referendum.

The country allows the free movement of people and is a member of the passport-free Schengen Area. It is subject to many single market rules, without having much say in making them. It is outside the customs union, allowing it to negotiate free trade agreements with third countries; usually, but not always, it has negotiated alongside the EEA countries. Switzerland has access to the single market for goods (with the exception of agriculture), but not services (with the exception of insurance). It pays a modest amount into the EU's budget.

Brexit supporters who wanted to "take back control" wouldn't have embraced the concessions the Swiss made on immigration, budget payments, and single market rules. The EU would probably not have wanted a relationship modeled on the Swiss example, either: Switzerland's membership in EFTA but not the EEA, Schengen but not the EU, is a messy product of the complex history of European integration andwhat elsea referendum.

The Canada Model: A Free Trade Agreement

A third option was to negotiate a free trade agreement with the EU along the lines of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, a pact the EU finalized but didn't fully ratify with Canada. The most obvious problem with this approach is that the U.K. had only two years from the triggering of Article 50 to negotiate such a deal. The EU refused to discuss a future trading relationship until December of that year at the earliest.

To give a sense of how tight that timetable is, CETA negotiations began in 2009 and concluded in 2014. But just over half of the EU's 28 national parliaments actually ratified the deal. Persuading the rest could take years. Even subnational legislatures can stand in the way of a deal: the Walloon regional parliament, which represents fewer than four million mainly French-speaking Belgians, single-handedly blocked CETA for a few days in 2016.

In order to extend the two-year deadline for leaving the EU, Britain needed unanimous approval from the EU. Several U.K. politicians, including Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, stressed the need for a transitional deal of a few years so that (among other reasons) Britain could negotiate EU and third-country trade deals. But this notion was met with resistance from hard-line Brexiteers.

Problems with a CETA-Style Agreement

In some ways, comparing Britain's situation to Canada's is misleading. Canada already enjoys free trade with the U.S. through the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was built on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This means that a trade deal with the EU was not as crucial as it is for the U.K. Canada's and Britain's economies are also very different: CETA does not include financial services, one of Britain's biggest exports to the EU.

Speaking in Florence in Sept. 2017, May said the U.K. and EU "can do so much better" than a CETA-style trade agreement, since they were beginning from the "unprecedented position" of sharing a body of rules and regulations. She did not elaborate on what "much better" looked like, besides calling on both parties to be "creative as well as practical."

Monique Ebell, formerly of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research stressed that even with an agreement in place, non-tariff barriers were likely to be a significant drag on Britain's trade with the EU. She expected total U.K. foreign tradenot just flows to and from the EUunder an EU-U.K. trade pact. She reasoned that free-trade deals do not generally handle services trade well. Services are a major component of Britain's international trade; the country enjoys a trade surplus in that segment, which is not the case for goods.

Free trade deals also struggle to rein in non-tariff barriers. Admittedly Britain and the EU started from a unified regulatory scheme, but divergences would only multiply post-Brexit.

WTO: Go It Alone

You want out? You're out. If Britain and the EU weren't able to come to an agreement about their relationship, they would have had to revert to WTO terms. But this default solution wouldn't have been straightforward either. Since Britain is currently a WTO member through the EU, it will have to split tariff schedules with the bloc and divvy out liabilities arising from ongoing trade disputes. This work has already begun.

Trading with the EU on WTO terms was the "no-deal" scenario the Conservative government presented as an acceptable fallback, though most observers see this as a negotiating tactic. In July 2017, U.K. Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox said, "People talk about the WTO as if it would be the end of the world. But they forget that is how they currently trade with the United States, with China, with Japan, with India, with the Gulf, and our trading relationship is strong and healthy."

But for certain industries, the EU's external tariff would have hit hard: Britain exports 77% of the cars it manufactures, and 58% of these go to Europe. The EU levies 10% tariffs on imported cars. Monique Ebell of the NIESR estimated that leaving the EU single market would reduce overall U.K. goods and services tradenot just that with the EUby 2230%.

Nor would the U.K. only be giving up its trade arrangements with the EU: under any of the scenarios above, it would probably have lost the trade agreements the bloc struck with 63 third countries, as well as progress in negotiating other deals. Replacing these and adding new ones would have been an uncertain prospect. In a September 2017 interview with Politico, Trade Secretary Liam Fox said his office, which was formed in July 2016, turned away some third countries looking to negotiate free trade deals because it lacked the capacity to negotiate.

Fox wanted to roll the terms of existing EU trade deals over into new agreements, but some countries were unwilling to give Britain (66 million people, $2.6 trillion GDP) the same terms as the EU (excluding Britain, around 440 million people, $13.9 trillion GDP).

Negotiations with third countries are technically not allowed while Britain remains an EU member, but even so informal talks have begun, particularly with the U.S.

Impact on the U.S.

Companies in the U.S. across a wide variety of sectors have made large investments in the U.K. over many years. In fact, American corporations have derived 9% of global foreign affiliate profit from the United Kingdom since 2000. In 2014 alone, U.S. companies invested a total of $588 billion into Britain. The U.S. also hires a lot of Brits, making U.S. companies one of the U.K.'s largest job markets. The output of U.S. affiliates in the United Kingdom was $153 billion in 2013. The United Kingdom plays a vital role in corporate America's global infrastructure from assets under management (AUM), international sales, and research and development (R&D) advancements.

American companies have viewed Britain as a strategic gateway to other countries in the European Union. Brexit will jeopardize the affiliate earnings and stock prices of many companies strategically aligned with the United Kingdom, which may see them reconsider their operations with U.K. and European Union members.

American companies and investors that have exposure to European banks and credit markets may be affected by credit risk. European banks may have to replace $123 billion in securities depending on how the exit unfolds. Furthermore, U.K. debt may not be included in European banks' emergency cash reserves, creating liquidity problems. European asset-backed securities have been in decline since 2007. This decline is likely to intensify now that Britain has chosen to leave.

Who's Next to Leave the EU?

Political wrangling over Europe is not limited to Britain. Most EU members have strong euroskeptic movements that, while they have so far struggled to win power at the national level, heavily influence the tenor of national politics. In a few countries, there is a chance that such movements could secure referendums on EU membership.

In May 2016, global research firm IPSOS released a report showing that a majority of respondents in Italy and France believe their countries should hold a referendum on EU membership.

Italy

The fragile Italian banking sector has driven a wedge between the EU and the Italian government, which provided bailout funds to save mom-and-pop bondholders from being "bailed-in," as EU rules stipulate. The government abandoned its 2019 budget when the EU threatened it with sanctions. It lowered its planned budget deficit from 2.5% of GDP to 2.04%.

Matteo Salvini, the far-right head of Italy's Northern League and the country's deputy prime minister, called for a referendum on EU membership hours after the Brexit vote, saying, "This vote was a slap in the face for all those who say that Europe is their own business and Italians don't have to meddle with that."

The Northern League has an ally in the populist Five Star Movement, whose founder, former comedian Beppe Grillo, called for a referendum on Italy's membership in the eurothough not the EU. The two parties formed a coalition government in 2018 and made Giuseppe Conte prime minister. Conte ruled out the possibility of "Italexit" in 2018 during the budget standoff.

France

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's euroskeptic National Front, hailed the Brexit vote as a win for nationalism and sovereignty across Europe: "Like a lot of French people, I'm very happy that the U.K. people held on and made the right choice. What we thought was impossible yesterday has now become possible." She lost the French presidential election to Emmanuel Macron in May 2017, gaining just 33.9% of votes.

Macron has warned that the demand for "Frexit" will grow if the EU does not see reforms. According to a February 2019 IFOP poll, 40% of French citizens want the country to leave the EU. Frexit is also one of the demands of the yellow vest protesters.

When Did Britain Officially Leave the European Union? Britain officially left the EU on Jan. 31, 2020, at 11 p.m. GMT. The move came after a referendum voted in favor of Brexit on June 23, 2016.

What Were the Reasons Behind Brexit? There were many reasons why Britain voted to leave the European Union. But some of the main issues behind Brexit included a rise in nationalism, immigration, political autonomy, and the economy. The Leave side garnered almost 52% of the votes while the Remain side received about 48% of the vote.

How Many Countries Are Part of the EU Post-Brexit? Britain's departure from the European Union left 27 member states. They are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden,

The Bottom Line

The European Union was established in November 1993 with the Maastricht Treaty. The original members included Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Fifteen other countries would gain membership in the union. Rising nationalist sentiment, coupled with concerns over the economy and British sovereignty led the majority of voters in the U.K. to leave the EU. Britain left the union at the end of January 2020 in what is commonly called Brexit. But the move didn't come without challenges. It required two years of negotiating a deal and a year-long transition period before everything became final.
What Was Europe's Sovereign Debt Crisis?

The European sovereign debt crisis was a period when several European countries experienced the collapse of financial institutions, high government debt, and rapidly rising bond yield spreads in government securities.

Key Takeaways The European sovereign debt crisis began in 2008 with the collapse of Iceland's banking system.

Some of the contributing causes included the financial crisis of 2007 to 2008, and the Great Recession of 2008 through 2012.

The crisis peaked between 2010 and 2012.

2:05 Sovereign Debt Overview

History of the Crisis

The debt crisis began in 2008 with the collapse of Iceland's banking system, then spread primarily to Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Spain in 2009, leading to the popularization of a somewhat offensive moniker (PIIGS). It has led to a loss of confidence in European businesses and economies.

The crisis was eventually controlled by the financial guarantees of European countries, who feared the collapse of the euro and financial contagion, and by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Rating agencies downgraded several Eurozone countries' debts.

Greece's debt was, at one point, moved to junk status. Countries receiving bailout funds were required to meet austerity measures designed to slow down the growth of public-sector debt as part of the loan agreements.

Debt Crisis Contributing Causes

Some of the contributing causes included the financial crisis of 2007 to 2008, the Great Recession of 2008 to 2012, the real estate market crisis, and property bubbles in several countries. The peripheral states fiscal policies regarding government expenses and revenues also contributed.

By the end of 2009, the peripheral Eurozone member states of Greece, Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and Cyprus were unable to repay or refinance their government debt or bail out their beleaguered banks without the assistance of third-party financial institutions. These included the European Central Bank (ECB), the IMF, and, eventually, the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF).

Also in 2009, Greece revealed that its previous government had grossly underreported its budget deficit, signifying a violation of EU policy and spurring fears of a euro collapse via political and financial contagion.

Seventeen Eurozone countries voted to create the EFSF in 2010, specifically to address and assist with the crisis. The European sovereign debt crisis peaked between 2010 and 2012.

With increasing fear of excessive sovereign debt, lenders demanded higher interest rates from Eurozone states in 2010, with high debt and deficit levels making it harder for these countries to finance their budget deficits when they were faced with overall low economic growth. Some affected countries raised taxes and slashed expenditures to combat the crisis, which contributed to social upset within their borders and a crisis of confidence in leadership, particularly in Greece.

Several of these countries, including Greece, Portugal, and Ireland had their sovereign debt downgraded to junk status by international credit rating agencies during this crisis, worsening investor fears.

A 2012 report for the United States Congress stated the following:

The Eurozone debt crisis began in late 2009 when a new Greek government revealed that previous governments had been misreporting government budget data. Higher than expected deficit levels eroded investor confidence causing bond spreads to rise to unsustainable levels. Fears quickly spread that the fiscal positions and debt levels of a number of Eurozone countries were unsustainable.

Greek Example of European Crisis

In early 2010, the developments were reflected in rising spreads on sovereign bond yields between the affected peripheral member states of Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and most notably, Germany.

The Greek yield diverged with Greece needing Eurozone assistance by May 2010. Greece received several bailouts from the EU and IMF over the following years in exchange for the adoption of EU-mandated austerity measures to cut public spending and a significant increase in taxes. The country's economic recession continued. These measures, along with the economic situation, caused social unrest. With divided political and fiscal leadership, Greece faced sovereign default in June 2015.

The Greek citizens voted against a bailout and further EU austerity measures the following month. This decision raised the possibility that Greece might leave the European Monetary Union (EMU) entirely.

The withdrawal of a nation from the EMU would have been unprecedented, and if Greece had returned to using the Drachma, the speculated effects on its economy ranged from total economic collapse to a surprise recovery.

In the end, Greece remained part of the EMU and began to slowly show signs of recovery in subsequent years. Unemployment dropped from its high of over 27% to 16% in five years, while annual GDP when from negative numbers to a projected rate of over two percent in that same time.

"Brexit" and the European Crisis

In June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in a referendum. This vote fueled Eurosceptics across the continent, and speculation soared that other countries would leave the EU. After a drawn-out negotiation process, Brexit took place at 11pm Greenwich Mean Time, Jan. 31, 2020, and did not precipitate any groundswell of sentiment in other countries to depart the EMU.

It's a common perception that this movement grew during the debt crisis, and campaigns have described the EU as a "sinking ship." The UK referendum sent shock waves through the economy. Investors fled to safety, pushing several government yields to a negative value, and the British pound was at its lowest against the dollar since 1985. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones plunged, then recovered in the following weeks until they hit all-time highs as investors ran out of investment options because of the negative yields.

Italy and the European Debt Crisis

A combination of market volatility triggered by Brexit, questionable performance of politicians, and a poorly managed financial system worsened the situation for Italian banks in mid-2016. A staggering 17% of Italian loans, approximately $400 billion worth, were junk, and the banks needed a significant bailout.

A full collapse of the Italian banks is arguably a bigger risk to the European economy than a Greek, Spanish, or Portuguese collapse because Italy's economy is much larger. Italy has repeatedly asked for help from the EU, but the EU recently introduced "bail-in" rules that prohibit countries from bailing out financial institutions with taxpayer money without investors taking the first loss. Germany has been clear that the EU will not bend these rules for Italy.

Further Effects

Ireland followed Greece in requiring a bailout in November 2010, with Portugal following in May 2011. Italy and Spain were also vulnerable. Spain and Cyprus required official assistance in June 2012.

The situation in Ireland, Portugal, and Spain had improved by 2014, due to various fiscal reforms, domestic austerity measures, and other unique economic factors. However, the road to full economic recovery is anticipated to be a long one with an emerging banking crisis in Italy, instabilities that Brexit may trigger, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak as possible difficulties to overcome.
More than two years after the finalization of Brexit, the impact of Britain's decision to separate itself from the European Union (EU) continues to be felt in the currency markets.

On June 23, 2016, British voters decided unexpectedly that the U.K. would no longer be part of the European Union. Then, on Jan. 31, 2020, Brexit became a reality as the country left the EU. In the interval between the two historic dates, the country descended into political and economic chaos. Nowhere was the confusion more evident than in the foreign exchange markets, where foreign exchange (forex) traders took the euro, the pound, and the U.S. dollar on a roller-coaster ride before a new equilibrium was reached.

Key Takeaways More than two years after Brexit, the British pound continues to trade below its pre-Brexit level.

The euro strengthened a bit when the U.K. signed a provisional free-trade deal with its largest trading partner, the European Union, at the end of 2020.

A negative reaction to tax-cut plans by new Prime Minister Liz Truss helped sink the pound to an all-time low against the dollar in late September 2022.

How Brexit Affected the Euro

Soon after Brexit occurred, the British pound rose in February 2020 before hitting a low of 1.06 against the euro on March 18, 2020. Two years later, the British pound climbed as high as 1.21 on March 4, 2022, and is trading at around 1.13 as of Oct. 3, 2022.

The period has been marked by uncertainty and volatility for the currency, as Britain also dealt with other issues related to the pandemic and Brexit trade deals with the European Union.

A New Virus Strain and Uncertain Trade Deal

In December 2020, a new virus strain that spread more quickly resulted in a travel ban for flights from the U.K. as Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Bulgaria, Ireland, and the Netherlands announced new restrictions.

The U.K.-EU trade deal that was signed on Dec. 30, 2020, also changed certain things post-Brexit as businesses and individuals now had to comply with two different sets of policies rather than a single uniform set that applied across Europe and the U.K. In particular, fishing access and control over its waters by the U.K. became a highly negotiated area, with talks between the EU and the U.K. on fisheries scheduled to start in 2026.



How Brexit Affected the Pound

Uncertainty surrounding trade deals between Britain and other leading economies, notably the European Union after Brexit, affected the British pound as well.

As soon as the Brexit referendum results were declared, indicating that Britain would leave the European Union, the pound fell to a 30-year low.

Although it rallied after the announcement, the currency continued to show weakness after Brexit became official.

How Brexit Affected the U.S. Dollar

The pound also struggled to get back to pre-Brexit levels against the U.S. dollar in 2021 and afterward. While a weaker dollar due to the pandemic and the U.K.'s quick vaccine rollout helped the British currency for a short while, larger concerns about trade deals after Brexit continued to affect it. The downward trend also has been reinforced by the recent tensions over Russian attacks in Ukraine and the resulting perception of the U.S. dollar as a safe haven.

Although repeated rate hikes since December 2021 by the Bank of England have bolstered the pound at times, uncertainty over the Northern Ireland border protocol after Brexitan agreement between the U.K. and the European Union determining the trade rules for Northern Ireland, as it shares a land border with Ireland, an EU membercontinued to weigh down the currency.

The struggles of the pound continued after Liz Truss took the reins as U.K. prime minister on Sept. 6, 2022. Truss took over after Boris Johnsonwho had been at the helm of the government through the tumultuous Brexit periodresigned amid multiple scandals.

In the early days of her government, Truss announced economic plans that included broad-reaching tax cuts. Although the policies aim to increase economic productivity, investors and forex traders were concerned that the move would add to the U.K.'s debt and worsen inflation, which was already at an elevated level.

These uncertainties coincided with strength in the dollar driven by aggressive interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve. As a result, the GBP/USD rate tumbled to an all-time low of around 1.03 on Sept. 26, 2022, before posting a slight recovery, reaching around 1.08 as of Sept. 28.

What Is Brexit? Brexit is a portmanteau of the words "British" and "exit" coined to refer to the U.K.'s decision in a June 23, 2016, referendum to leave the EU. On Dec. 24, 2020, the U.K. and the EU struck a provisional free-trade agreement that ensures the two sides can trade goods without tariffs or quotas. However, key details of the future relationship remain uncertain, such as trade in services, which make up 80% of the U.K. economy. This prevented a "no-deal" Brexit, which would have been damaging to the U.K. economy.



What Is Foreign Exchange? Foreign exchange, sometimes called forex or FX, refers to the process of changing one currency into another for a variety of reasons, usually for commerce, trading, or tourism. Trading currencies can be risky and complex. Because there are such large trade flows worldwide, it is difficult for individual traders to affect a currency's price fluctuations and exchange rates. This system helps create transparency in the forex market.

How Do Foreign Exchange Rates Work? An exchange rate is the value of a country's currency versus that of another country or economic zone. Most exchange rates are free-floating, rising or falling based on supply and demand. Exchange rates can have what is called a spot rate, or cash value, which is the current market value. Alternatively, an exchange rate may have a forward value, which is based on expectations for the currency to rise or fall against its spot price. Forward values may fluctuate due to changes in expectations for future interest rates in one country versus another. Some exchange rates are not free-floating and, as such, are pegged to the value of other currencies.

The Bottom Line

Brexit, or the decision of the U.K. to separate itself from the European Union (EU), sent shockwaves throughout the currency markets. Major currenciesincluding the pound, euro, and dollarcontinue to feel the impact today. While the U.K.-EU trade deal signed at the end of 2020 removed some uncertainties, a negative market reaction to economic policy announcements by new Prime Minister Liz Truss in late September 2022 sank the U.K. currency to historic lows against the dollar.


Budgets are really important for financial security. Keeping a budget allows you to track the amount of money that you earn and compare it to what you're expected to spend. It gives you a picture of your financial fitness. If you spend or owe more money than you actually make, you may have a problem. It's not that hard to get back on track, as long as you're able to control your spending. But can you imagine trying to balance a whole country's budget?

Many countries are running with a deficit, which means they have more money going out than they do coming in. And you may be surprised to learn about which nations are running in the red. Below is our analysis of the countries that have the biggest budget deficits, according to figures from the Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook, which are calculated as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP).

Key Takeaways A budget deficit occurs when government spending exceeds its revenues.

Although a deficit may indicate that a country isn't financially stable, it isn't always a bad thing because spending may spur economic growth.

Timor-Leste had the highest budget deficit as a percentage of gross domestic product.

Kiribati, Venezuela, Brunei, and Libya rounded out the top five.

The United States had the highest deficit among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.

What Is a Budget Deficit?

A budget deficit occurs when government spending exceeds its revenues. This figure is determined on an annual basis. A deficit is the opposite of a surplus, which means that a government's revenue exceeds its expenses.

A deficit may paint a picture of a nation's financial strength and the state of its economy. It may indicate that the federal government is spending far too much or its policies aren't benefiting the economy. It isn't uncommon to hear politicians lament over the rising federal deficit or read stories in the press about how much the government is adding to its national debt. Tax cuts, for instance, may be a boon to citizens but that loss of revenue may increase a nation's deficit.

But on the flip side, a deficit may lead to economic growth, especially if the government is spending for improvements, such as its infrastructure.

While a deficit may seem like a problem, it may indicate that a country is spending on necessities to spur economic growth.

In order to make up the difference, governments may decide to dip into their savings or they may issue bonds. Interest rates on a country's bonds are determined by the market's evaluation of the country's ability to pay back its debt. Rising deficits lead to higher rates, especially if a country lacks sufficient savings.

Deficits eventually comprise a country's national debt. Each year's deficit or surplus determines the trajectory of the debt. These deficits are strongly correlated to a nation's broader economy and, with the community so intertwined, the global economy as a whole.

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, or East Timor, lies on Timor Island, roughly 375 miles from Australia. The tiny nation was occupied by Indonesia and became the first independent nation of the 21st century in 2002 after it gained control in 1999.

This Southeast Asian nation has the highest deficit when calculated as a percentage of its GDP. The deficit, according to the 2017 estimate, was -75.7% of the country's GDP.

The country's revenue is primarily driven by its offshore oil and gas industry. But there is a problem boosting the side of the economy that isn't driven by energy. Spending increased by the federal government between 2009 and 2012 but did fall after 2018. The government focused its money on infrastructure, such as electricity and roadways.

Kiribati

The 2017 estimate of Kiribati's federal deficit comes in at -64.1% of its GDP. Government revenue came in at $151.2 million while expenses surpassed that amount, reaching $277.5 million.

The island nation in Oceania was once a British colony, gaining independence as a sovereign nation in 1979. It joined the United Nations (UN) in 1999.

According to the World Factbook, the country has very few skilled workers and its infrastructure is weak. Its remote location keeps it away from international markets, making the country dependent on foreign aid. The government is focused on developing its economy by spending on infrastructure and sanitation projects.

Venezuela

Venezuela's economy is highly dependent on its oil industry, which accounts for more than half of its revenue.

A drop in oil prices that started in 2014 has impacted the South American nation's bottom line leading to an economic crisis. The federal government defaulted on some of its debt, inflation increased sharply, and the central bank saw a drop in its reserves.

Venezuela's revenues were estimated to be $92.8 billion compared to the estimate for its expenses of $189.7 billion in 2017. This means its had a budget deficit of 46.1% of its GDP.

Brunei

Brunei is another Southeast Asian nation found on the northern coast of Borneo. The country was a British protected state before being occupied by the Japanese between 1941 and 1945. It became a sovereign nation when it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1984.

Brunei's economy is driven by its energy resources and heavy foreign investment. The government is keen on diversifying its economy beyond energy to include manufacturing of halal goods as well as information and communications technology.

The country recorded a budget deficit of -17.3% of its GDP in 2017. Revenues were estimated to be $2.245 billion and expenses were estimated at $4.345 billion.

Libya

This North African nation's budget deficit is -25.1% of its GDP, according to 2017 estimates. Revenue came in at $15.78 billion while estimates for the government's expenses totaled $23.46 billion.

Like most countries in the region, Libya's economy depends heavily on revenues from its oil and gas industry. But it has experienced a series of economic setbacks, largely due to falling oil prices, political instability, and a drop in oil production.

The majority of the deficit comes from the payment of government salaries and subsidies for food and energy costs.

Special Considerations

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States had the highest deficit when compared to other member nations.

The U.S. deficit was -3.4% of GDP as per the 2017 estimate. Revenues were estimated at $3.315 trillion in 2017 while expenditures were estimated at $3.981 trillion. The country's current account balance was estimated at -$480.225 billion in 2019.

The United States was followed by Israel, Japan, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom.

The Bottom Line

Deficits occur when a nation's government's expenses exceed its revenue while a surplus means it spends less than it earns. Running a deficit often indicates a country's financial fitness and/or poor economic policies. But that's not always true. Excessive spending may indicate that a country's government wants to spur economic growth, especially if expenses are paying for things like infrastructure and job growth.
Workplace defined-contribution plans and IRAs are vital for growing your money tax-deferred until you withdraw your savings at a later date. Hopefully, this is when all of your hard work pays off, while youre laying on a beach somewhere, reaping the benefits of your tax-deferred savings plans and the strategic advice from your wealth managers.

Unfortunate Events

Getting sued is just one of those life events that no one plans for. However, like divorce or the loss of a loved one, unfortunate events do happen, often with huge financial implications. The best way to deal with the prospect of a negative situation is to protect yourself from the potential pitfalls in advance.

Nothing makes a situation worse than a blindsided hit, where your assets can be taken from you along with the emotional burden of the circumstance at hand. For those late in their careers, a lawsuit could potentially wipe out their retirement savings. A survey by ICI Research Perspective showed that 63% of all U.S. households had retirement plans through work or IRAs, and 36% of U.S. households owned traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs in 2019. Much of the growth in IRA accounts results from employer-sponsored retirement plan rollovers. 

Additional Benefits of Retirement Accounts

Retirement accounts have many additional benefits, apart from their well-known tax advantages. This is excellent news for the majority of Americans, as it turns out that one of the most effective ways to protect assets is to shield them in retirement accounts. Individual retirement accounts, 401(k)s, and other types of tax-efficient plans can help you prevent the loss of your assets in case of a lawsuit.

At the federal level, the rules are clear for 401(k) and employer-sponsored retirement accounts. State laws are more complicated when it comes to whether or not IRAs are fair game in case of a lawsuit.

The Retirement Plan Shield

First and foremost, make sure you do not owe any child support or taxes to the IRS since this will open up your accounts to lawsuits. Domestic relations lawsuits will lift IRA protections anywhere you reside within the country.

If you owe taxes to the IRS, your retirement assets may be fair game, just like any other asset that can be seized from you to settle the unpaid debt. The federal government will not change any rules associated with minimum withdrawal rules in case of a lawsuit and will charge a 10% early withdrawal rate if you are extracting money in reaction to your lawsuit.

In the event of a private creditor suing for unpaid debt, retirement accounts are usually protected, despite some exceptions to the rule. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) relates to federal protection of 401(k) and other employer-sponsored retirement accounts from creditors. The federal government ensures the safety of these accounts to protect retirement even in case of a lawsuit. Up to $1 million of a defendants IRA will be protected under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Act of 2005.

However, in June of 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that inherited IRAs will no longer be sheltered if the inheritor files for bankruptcyexcept for any IRAs being inherited from a spouse.

Profession-Specific

Business owners, entrepreneurs, and other self-employed individuals should be aware of the issues that can arise in case of a lawsuit, which can damage not only the company but also their assets. To hedge against the risk of personal injury, business owners need to register as a limited liability company (LLC) or an S corporation.

If your field of work has a history of frequent lawsuits, it might be best to create an asset protection trust. Fields where this may be particularly beneficial are real estate, health, and the law itself.

According to Galfand Berger LLP, the average annual number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed each year was 85,000. Professional malpractice insurance can be relatively inexpensive and should be used to save professionals around the U.S. the stress of a wishy-washy consensus on IRAs.

Local Nuances

Laws regarding retirement protection in the event of lawsuits vary state by state. Many states will not stop angry creditors from seizing your retirement and IRA accounts.

For example, California is a precarious state in which to own a retirement account if you are being sued or filing for bankruptcy. In California, IRAs are not as well protected as 401(k)s. What this means in practice is that if you are being sued for personal injury in California, your 401(k) will be protected from the prosecutor; however, your IRA will only be protected up to the point that the court deems necessary. The judgment will be based on a certain threshold that the court says will be sufficient to support you and your dependents in retirement. This should alarm those planning for retirement, as there is no specific threshold in place, and future events are far from predictable.

It is important to note that some states have limited or no laws protecting IRA savings in case of lawsuits. On the other hand, the best states for IRA protection in a lawsuit are Texas, Washington, and Arizona. In Arizona, only IRA contributions made within 120 days of the lawsuit are exposed to risk by the claimant.

Although there are established distinctions between states, it is crucial to understand that the law is never clear-cut. There may not be a straight answer for the outcome of your lawsuit, subject to the type of account (Roth IRA, traditional IRA, etc.) and local jurisdiction. For example, you may have greater protection of funds inside of your IRA account as opposed to those outside, even if they consist of distributions from the account.

Moran Knobel, a certified retirement plan consulting and administration firm, offers a comprehensive state-by-state list of laws protecting IRAs and provides an analysis of individual retirement accounts as exempt property.

Remember Your Umbrella

To those with assets tied to retirement plans and IRAs, acquiring an umbrella insurance policy (also known as a personal umbrella policy or personal liability umbrella policy) may help shield against the possibility of a creditor dipping into retirement accounts. Personal umbrella insurance can be added on top of your pre-existing homeowners insurance and auto insurance and will cover the excess cost in case of a catastrophe.

An attractive feature of an umbrella insurance policy during a lawsuit is that the insurance company is required to provide you legal defense on top of the coverage you already receive. It is important to note that umbrella policies do not cover business activities, intentional acts (such as sexual harassment), or punitive damages. In the case of a lawsuit, if you are required to pay out a claim, the umbrella insurance will come into play when your standard liability insurance has run out.

Umbrella insurance policies and professional malpractice insurance are two great ways to safeguard your IRAs. In this case, you can still receive the benefits of IRAs, which are more attractive due to the lower associated fees and investment flexibility in comparison to other employer-sponsored plans and 401(k)s.

The Bottom Line

Its important to put in place basic safeguards to protect your retirement against lawsuits and bankruptcy. The federal government has laws in place to protect many retirement accounts, including 401(k) and employer-sponsored plans. When it comes to IRAs, states have a greater jurisdiction in deciding what is up for grabs in the case of a lawsuit.

If you are planning to retire or have many assets in retirement and IRA accounts, you may want to look into moving to a state with heavy protection of these accounts. To avoid kicking yourself later, make sure to be proactive in safeguarding your retirementwhether it be through malpractice insurance, umbrella insurance policies, or simply understanding the laws. As the laws are complex and often contain possible loopholes, it may be in your best interest to consult a legal professional.
News / Africa

by Staff Reporter

Two Zimbabwean illegal immigrants, Wilbert Muzamido (47) and Nkululeko Sibanda (32) were yesterday denied bail by chief magistrate, Mareledi Dipate.Mmegi reported that the two men were arrested in Mmathethe village, near Lobatse on June 1 for allegedly driving a car with false registration numbers, B 465 AKA.The two accused persons asked for bail but their plea was turned down as Dipate said they have been staying in Botswana illegally for the past 11 years."You have both stayed in Botswana illegally for the past 11 years. You told the court in your last mention that you don't have residence permits hence I will not consider granting you bail," Dipate said.The state prosecutor in the case, Sub Inspector Shadrack Naganeng of Goodhope police station said investigations into the matter have been handed to Serious Crime Squad and Interpol for "intense" investigations."The investigations into this case have been handed to Serious Crime Squad for intense investigations to try to establish the whereabouts of the vehicle hence we ask for further remand of the accused persons in custody," he said. When pleading for bail, Muzamido said he was only a passenger in the vehicle."I deny the charges levelled againstme because the person who gave the police the keys of the car and his driver's licence disappeared after asking to use the bathroom when we were arrested.I was only a passenger in that vehicle because I was going to attend to a breakdown in Goodhope. I ask for bail whilst the police are still looking for the other suspect," he pleaded.His co-accused, Sibanda said he was only involved in the case because his younger brother had asked him to help him with his car."My younger brother asked me to help him with his car on the day, that's why I was involved. I don't have parents and my property is unsafe in Phase 3. I therefore plead for bail," Sibanda said.In another matter before magistrate Tshepo Thedi, a 32-year-old man of Mmathethe village, Obakeng Ramathukgele pleaded not guilty to a single count of unlawful wounding.Ramathukgele is alleged to have stabbed his girlfriend Lebogang Motswakae on both hands and in the stomach. The incident allegedly took place in Mathethe village.
Top News - Investor Idea

REE Stock News - Defense Metals (TSX-V: DEFN.V) (OTCQB: DFMTF) Drills 113 metres of 2.50% Total Rare Earth Oxide at Wicheeda

Vancouver, British Columbia - October 26, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mining / Metals / Green Energy Stock News - Defense Metals Corp. (TSX-V: DEFN / OTCQB: DFMTF/ FSE:35D) is pleased to announce high-grade Rare Earth Element ("REE") assay results from one additional core hole, totalling 383 metres (m), collared within the northern area of Defense Metals' 100% owned Wicheeda REE Deposit.

Top EV Stock News - Investor Idea

Breaking EV Stock News: Mullen (NASDAQ: MULN) FIVE 'Strikingly Different' EV Crossover Tour Starts Tomorrow, Oct. 27, in Pasadena, California; New Los Angeles Area Stop Added

BREA, Calif. - October 26, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) ("Mullen" or the "Company"), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces today the beginning of the Mullen FIVE Strikingly Different EV Crossover Tour, which will commence on Oct. 27 in Pasadena, California. Due to overwhelming interest, new dates have been added for Nov. 1 and 2 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.

Top AI Stock News - Investor Idea

Breaking AI Stock News: FatBrain (OTCQB: LZGI) Acquires Confidential Computing Platform ZeroTrust to Protect Data Privacy and Accelerate Innovation for Millions of Growth Businesses

NEW YORK, NY - October 19, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, has acquired the confidential computing and privacy intellectual property (IP) plus software assets of Zero2A PTE LTD ("ZeroTrust Platform"), a software company based in Singapore.

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Press Release

IPU report reveals how ICT is changing parliaments

Geneva, 24 June 2016

The report brings sharply into focus the need for parliaments to embrace the ICT revolution. IPU

A new study by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has found major steps forward in how the worlds parliaments are using information and communications technologies (ICT) to engage with citizens.

The World e-Parliament Report 2016 says ICT can have a transformative effect in making parliaments more transparent and accessible, but warns that much more remains to be done and highlights that low-income countries are struggling to devote sufficient resources to the task.

The report is being launched at the World e-Parliament Conference taking place in Chile from 28-30 June. The conference, held every other year, links MPs and parliamentary staff with experts from civil society, academia, the private sector and international organizations, to explore how ICT can help improve representation, law-making and oversight, and increase parliaments openness, accessibility, accountability and effectiveness.

The study finds that since the first report of its kind in 2008, parliaments have become more open and outward-facing, have stronger internal systems, and are using social networks to connect with citizens. It identifies parliamentary websites and email systems as core assets and parliamentary libraries as a primary source of innovation.

It highlights the critical trend of making information more easily available via web-based technologies or as open data  allowing parliamentary information to be freely reused. The report concludes that open data heralds a potentially seismic shift in the relationship between parliament and the public, turning citizens from recipients to participants.

The study calls for strong input by both MPs and technical staff to ensure that political and practical commitments are met, concluding there is a need for more political and institutional engagement at the highest levels.

Key challenges outlined in the study include a lack of funding and knowledge, a need for greater understanding of how to best use social media, a lack of innovation in finding ways to engage citizens directly in the legislative process  despite experiments with public participation in some countries  and a lack of inter-parliamentary support in areas such as open data, application development, social media and general outreach.

The report urges parliaments to embrace the emergence of civil society groups, including parliamentary monitoring organizations (PMOs), which can help to make sense of data and support citizens. It concludes that PMOs can be active and effective partners, reaching audiences that parliament cannot and adding value to the democratic process in unique ways.

The study, written by Dr Andy Williamson with contributions from parliaments in 88 countries and the 33 civil society organizations, features a detailed breakdown of the improvements delivered by ICT, as well information on the use of websites, social tools and open data, outreach efforts, and library, research and document services.

IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong said: This valuable report highlights how many parliaments are embracing ICT as a means to engage more with the people they represent. IPU strongly supports this trend. It is not acceptable to see low-income countries struggling to keep pace with this vital part of the work to keep parliaments strong, accessible and accountable. The time has come for the international community to invest more in parliaments, so they can play their full role in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ensure that no-one is left behind.

The World e-Parliament Conference in Valparaiso, Chile, is being organized by IPU and the Chamber of Deputies of Chile, in partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). A dedicated conference website contains interactive features as well as information about the conference.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. It works to safeguard peace and drives positive democratic change through political dialogue and concrete action.
Shouldn't we all just consider ourselves accessories to murder by now? I mean, what else does our unforgivable disinterest each time an important guns bill comes before the House or Senate make us?

Oh, we didn't pull the trigger on the latest life destroying American mass shooting ourselves, but it's time we recognized  and I mean really understood -- that our cold indifference did nothing to stop it either.

Inaction is a kind of action, after all. Choosing not to get involved is actually making a choice.

Looking the other way when history is demanding you make a hard choice might feel like you're staying out of it, but all you're really doing is helping the legislation to pass that poll after poll proves most of you actually oppose.

By contrast, those who support the NRA and what we now idiotically call our gun culture -- as if owning a Glock 17 was the intellectual equivalent of attending a play or reading a novel -- are passionately committed to ensuring we never see another sensible gun bill reach or pass the House or Senate.

Forty nine young people were barely a week dead in Orlando in the largest mass shooting in modern American history, and yet this week our divided Senate blocked all plans to curb guns -- even plans to restrict the sale of high powered firearms to suspected ISIS terrorists.

If you want to know how completely the corporations now influence or control our national politics, just look at the way they influence or control the decisions that can literally result in our life and death.

On Monday, eight days after Orlando, almost every Republican Senator voted to keep letting terror suspects buy guns. Almost every one of them.

Gun rights activists talk about the need for access to high powered assault weapons as their god given right. As if Jesus himself had preached a sermon on the need to own a semi-automatic rifle. As if an AR-15 was all that was standing between you and the zombie apocalypse.

But national polls prove that it is not at all clear to most Americans why a citizen would ever need to own a military grade semiautomatic, capable of creating multiple fatalities in the space of a minute.

Gun enthusiasts scoff at our apparent naivete, however. If only the Pulse nightclub in Orlando had had a guard with a gun to retaliate against the shooter said multiple conservative commentators (Donald Trump is still saying it). Then perhaps the outcome could have been better for the terrorized.

Well, Pulse did have an armed guard on site as a matter of fact. His name was Officer Gruler, he was an off-duty cop working security at the club and he exchanged fire with the shooter but was completely overpowered by his AR-15 semi-automatic. Because real life is not a spaghetti western.

Politicians in pay or in thrall of the gun lobby often lie to us. Trump lies to us when he says that perhaps a gun other than the shooters on the scene would have changed the whole situation, because he already knows there was another gun on the scene and it changed nothing, and saved no one.

Still, you would think that an uncontroversial request like expanding background checks and acting to prevent terrorists from making gun purchases would sail through the House and Senate. Until you understand the vice-like grip the NRA has on our lawmakers.

It's undeniable now that for too long our Congress has been completely out of step with voters sentiments, but they won't change unless we change them. It's our votes that really scare them.

In Bertolt Brecht's extraordinary war play, Mother Courage and Her Children, his main character weeps over the dead on the battle field; then she pulls the gold teeth out of their heads.

Our own House and Senate are doing likewise to us now, crafting bills that put guns into the hands of our enemies, then pausing to offer their thoughts and prayers over our broken bodies, then quietly taking another big personal contribution and endorsement from the arms industry that the NRA represents.

Our streets are flooded with guns because they make billions for our homegrown gun manufacturers. Our Republican politicians support unfettered access to weapons of mass destruction like the AR-15 semiautomatic because influential and cash rich lobbies like the NRA pay them to, and their supporters demand it.

People are making millions from the mayhem. Murder is financially incentivized.

We are living in the increasingly off the rails society they have created for us, and while we look the other way we are always going to be. Vote them out this November
The United Kingdom may well be no more after the vote of the English and Welsh to leave the European Union; the direct opposite of what Scotland and Northern Ireland voted for.

The Leave vote won by 52 percent to 48 percent, with a massive 72 percent of people voting. The result ends the career of British Prime Minister David Cameron, who had staked his reputation on getting a Remain vote. Cameron announced his resignation in a statement delivered outside 10 Downing Street.

I think the country requires fresh leadership it would not be right for me to steer our country, he stated . I expect a new prime minister in place by the Conservative party conference in October.

Cameron stated he would remain as a caretaker for three more months. His likely successor is former London mayor Boris Johnson who led the anti-EU faction. Johnson, actually born in New York, will likely face opposition from Home Secretary Theresa May.

Working class British and older British fearful of expanded immigration and lack of British sovereignty were the core of the Leave vote.

Nigel Farage, the right wing leader who led the Leave vote, stated, The European Union is dead and added that countries such as Holland, Austria, Italy and Denmark were now likely to vote to leave in future years. Let this go down as our Independence Day, said Farage.

Ireland now becomes the only English-speaking member of the EU, but the Irish government will be deeply worried about the impact on trade and travel between the two countries.

With Scotland voting strongly for staying it seems certain that the Scottish Nationalists will plan a new vote on their membership of the United Kingdom. Scottish Nationalist Nicola Sturgeon stated after the result Scotland voted 62 percent to 38 percent to remain in the EU.

Sturgeon stated, the vote here makes clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union... Scotland has spoken  and spoken decisively.

Sturgeon is now likely to launch a new campaign to establish an independent Scotland. She said a new referendum was very much on the table on Scottish independence.

Northern Ireland First Deputy Minister Martin McGuinness has immediately called for a vote on Irish unification, stating that the island of Ireland was clearly in favor of staying in the EU and that must be reflected in a vote on Irish unity. Northern Ireland voted 56 percent to 44 percent to stay in the EU.

Sinn Fein party chairman Declan Kearney stated, We have a situation where the north is going to be dragged out on the tails of a vote in England Sinn Fein will now press our demand, our long-standing demand, for a border poll.

The immediate impact on the North will be questions about a new physical border, which could greatly deter trade between North and South.

The reality of once again erecting border posts between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is a deep blow for the peace process, which has made the issue of unfettered access between North and South a very important aspect of the peace.

Sinead McLoughlin, head of the Derry Chamber of Commerce, told the Irish Times that the impact on border areas of a leave vote would be massive.

Martin McGuinness said the referendum result in Northern Ireland strengthened the case for a border poll #Brexit pic.twitter.com/bkrei2J8uM  BBC Radio Foyle (@BBCRadioFoyle) June 24, 2016

Businesses are not investing. There is no confidence about the future, only increasing worry about what might happen, she stated before the vote.

Currently we have an invisible border with Donegal, but if Brexit were to happen, there is the very real possibility of border controls being introduced and the impact of that on both Derry and Donegal would be devastating: we may be two jurisdictions and two currencies but we function economically as one.

McLaughlin believes that a Brexit vote threatens current cross-Border co-operation on health, the economy and education in the region.

People in Donegal and Derry can easily cross the Border two or more times every day  whether they are shoppers, business owners, workers or in education. Whats at stake here is the economy of the whole north west of Ireland; it is not simply about Donegal or Derry as separate entities.

What do you think? Should the British have voted to leave the EU? Let us know in the comment section.
Nobel Prizes are awarded annually to individuals and organizations who make outstanding contributions in the fields of chemistry, physics, economics, literature, peace, and physiology or medicine.

The island of Ireland, as ever punching above its weight, has ten distinguished parties named among the laureates.

Here are the Irish Nobel laureates, from south and north of the border:

Originally from Foxrock, Dublin, the avant-garde novelist, playwright, director, and poet, lived in Paris for most of his adult life. His works, in both English and French, offer a bleak, tragicomic outlook on human nature, often coupled with black comedy and gallows humor. Beckett is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century and one of the last modernists.

He was awarded the 1969 Nobel Prize in Literature "for his writing, whichin new forms for the novel and dramain the destitution of modern man acquires its elevation."

Seamus Heaney, born in Castledawson, County Derry, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995.

A poet, playwright, translator and lecturer, Heaney, who passed away in 2013, was a literary rock star. His nickname was Famous Seamus.

In the 1960s Heaney became a lecturer in Belfast, where he had been a student at Queens University. He was a professor at Harvard from 1981 to 1997and the Poet in Residence from 1988 to 2006. From 1989 to 1994 he was also the Professor of Poetry at Oxford and in 1996 he was made a Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres.

John Hume

John Hume and David Trimble were co-recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998 due to their efforts in the 1998 Belfast Agreement (Good Friday Agreement).

A former politician from Derry, Hume was a founding member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party. He led the party from 1979 to 2001 and served as a Member of the European Parliament and a Member of Parliament for Foyle, as well as a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Hume is regarded as one of the most important figures in Irelands recent political history and one of the architects of the Northern Ireland peace process.

He is the only person to have received the Gandhi Peace Prize, the Martin Luther King Award and the Nobel Prize all for his work in bringing about peace. He was also voted the greatest person in Irish history by a recently RTE poll of the public.

Sean MacBride

Once an Irish government minister, a prominent international politician and a former Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army, McBride founded or participated in many international organizations of the 20th century. These included the United Nations, the Council of Europe and Amnesty International.

He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1974, the Lenin Peace Prize for 1975 to 1976, and the UNESCO Silver Medal for Service in 1980.

Mairead Maguire

Maguire and Betty Williams were co-recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976.

Mairead Maguire, from Belfast, is a peace activist and co-founder with Betty Williams and Ciaran McKeown of the Community for Peace People, an organization dedicated to encouraging a peaceful resolution of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw, the playwright, was also the co-founder of the London School of Economics.

He was the only person to have been awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature, in 1925, and an Academy Award, in 1938, for his contributions to literature and for his work on the film Pygmalion (an adaptation of his play of the same name), respectively. He turned down all other awards and honors, including a knighthood.

Shaw made his money writing music and literary criticism but his main talent was drama. He wrote more than 60 plays as well as essays, novels, and short stories.

David Trimble

Born in Bangor, County Down, David Trimble was the First Minister of Northern Ireland from 1998 to 2002 and the Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party from 1995 to 2005.

He was instrumental in the negotiations that led to the Belfast Agreement in 1998 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that year for his efforts, alongside John Hume.

Ernest Walton

Ernest Walton was an Irish physicist and Nobel laureate for his work with John Cockcroft and their "atom-smashing" experiments done at Cambridge University in the early 1930s. He became the first person in history to artificially split the atom, thus ushering in the nuclear age.

Betty Williams

Betty Williams shared a Nobel Peace Prize with her fellow Belfast woman Mairead Maguire, as co-founder of the Community for Peace People, an organization dedicated to promoting a peaceful resolution to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

She heads up the Global Children's Foundation and is the President of the World Centre of Compassion for Children International. She is also the Chair of the Institute for Asian Democracy in Washington D.C. and a distinguished visiting professor at Nova Southeastern University.

In 2006 Williams was one of the founders of the Nobel Women's Initiative along with sister Nobel Peace Laureates  Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Shirin Ebadi, Wangari Maathai, Jody Williams, and Rigoberta Menchu Tum. The group aims to bring together their experiences in a united effort for peace with justice and equality.

William Butler Yeats

William Butler Yeats, born in Dublin, was an Irish poet and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature.

In 1923 he became the first Irishman to be honored with the Nobel Prize. The committee described his work as "inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation."

He was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival and was a co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, Irelands national theater.

* Originally published in 2012.
News / International

by BBC

The UK's vote to leave the EU has sparked demands from far-right parties for referendums in other member states.France's National Front leader Marine Le Pen said the French must now also have the right to choose.Dutch anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders said the Netherlands deserved a "Nexit" vote while Italy's Northern League said: "Now it's our turn".The UK voted by 52% to 48% to leave the EU after 43 years. David Cameron has announced he will step down as PM.Global stock markets fell heavily on the news and the value of the pound has also fallen dramatically.The European parliament has called a special session for next Tuesday.Analysts say EU politicians will fear a domino effect from Brexit that could threaten the whole organisation.Ms Le Pen hailed the UK vote, placing a union jack flag on her Twitter page and tweeting: "Victory for freedom. As I've been saying for years, we must now have the same referendum in France and other EU countries."She is the front-runner among candidates for the presidential election in 2017 but opinion polls suggest she would lose a run-off vote.Last Friday, Ms Le Pen had told a gathering of far-right parties in Vienna: "France has possibly 1,000 more reasons to want to leave the EU than the English."She said the EU was responsible for high unemployment and failing to keep out "smugglers, terrorists and economic migrants".Mr Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, said in a statement: "We want to be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy."As quickly as possible the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union."The Netherlands faces a general election in March and some opinion polls suggest Mr Wilders is leading. A recent Dutch survey suggested 54% of the people wanted a referendum.Mateo Salvini, the leader of Italy's anti-immigration Northern League, tweeted: "Hurrah for the courage of free citizens! Heart, brain and pride defeated lies, threats and blackmail."THANK YOU UK, now it's our turn."The anti-immigration Sweden Democrats wrote on Twitter that "now we wait for swexit!"Kristian Thulesen Dahl, leader of the populist Danish People's Party, said a referendum would be "a good democratic custom".European Parliament President Martin Schulz denied Brexit would trigger a domino effect, saying the EU was "well-prepared".But Beatrix von Storch, of Germany's Eurosceptic AfD party, praising "Independence Day for Great Britain", demanded that Mr Schulz and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker resign."The European Union has failed as a political union," she said.
The Upper Leeson Street Area Residents Association (ULSARA) is appealing a recent decision by Dublin City Council to approve the plan.

However, the council did refuse Mr Ronans RGRE Embassy Ltd permission to change the use of an existing mews building, at the site, from residential to live/work status (which the firm has appealed to An Bord Pleanala).

The building is currently vacant and Mr Ronans firm has identified a demand for embassy use.

ULSARA has argued that the proposed development permitting embassy office use sets an undesirable precedent and is profoundly retrograde in nature.

In its appeal, the residents association expresses frustration with the growth of embassies in the general area, stating that the areas status as a residential conservation area is now under serious threat.

It is an unfortunate reality that many diplomatic missions/embassies have in our experience, carried out development contrary to planning conditions or without planning permission where it seems the council is thwarted in taking enforcement action where diplomatic immunity or such is pleaded, the association said.

The residents also argue that the likely installation of floodlighting, security spotlights, cameras and excessively high and visually obtrusive perimeter railings will result in serious injury to existing residential amenity.
The campaign was nasty and characterised by an incredible level of misinformation and xenophobia, on the leave side in particular.

Issues around the impact of migration took centre stage on the leave side and it basically treated economic issues in a manner that suggested a very high level of economic illiteracy.

The leave side clearly operated on the basis that the facts should never be left get in the way of a good story.

How anybody could possibly argue that the UK economy would benefit in the near-term at any rate is beyond me.

In the longer-term, the economy would obviously have to adjust and build new markets and focus on ensuring that a very pro-business environment might just offset the more limited trade access to the EU market.

How much more limited would remain to be seen and would be determined by the protracted negotiations that would follow a vote to leave the EU.

If the UK were to leave, then UK policy makers would have to adopt a very novel and aggressive approach to economic development. Easier said than done, but possible.

Writing about the result of a referendum before the result is known, but which will be known by the time it goes to print, is obviously a very dangerous/stupid thing to do and could leave one with lots of egg on ones face.

Nevertheless, I assume the remain side will prevail because since the savage murder of Jo Cox I suspect that many sensible thinking people would have associated the level of xenophobia that dominated the campaign with that horrendous event and would have moved quickly to disassociate themselves from any possible link.

If the UK does vote to remain, it is far from certain that the issue will have been put to bed for once and for all.

Depending on the margin of defeat for the leave side, it is unlikely that the referendum will actually resolve the European question to the satisfaction of anybody.

The Brexit campaign has clearly demonstrated that there is a large cohort of the UK population that is deeply sceptical of anything to do with the EU.

That will not disappear in the event of a narrow vote to remain in the EU.

For David Cameron, a victory would obviously be good from a personal political perspective.

However, he will still have to deal with the large number in his party who are opposed to the EU.

One way of approaching this problem would be to use a pro-EU vote to leverage greater UK influence over the manner in which the EU goes about its business.

Anybody with half a brain would recognise that the EU is a deeply flawed structure that needs fundamental reform if it is to deliver what it is intended to.

One would hope that David Cameron would use that leverage and much more importantly that the EU elites might wake up to the reality that fundamental changes and reforms are needed if the EU is to avoid going the way of the dodo.

If I am wrong and if Brexit is a reality by the time this appears, then all bets are off and the UK and the EU will face a fundamental crisis of confidence unlike anything it has seen in decades.

Ireland, of course, will also have its problems in that eventuality.

This week the Government published the summer economic statement which amongst other things laid out the projected economic environment over the period out to 2021, and more importantly, it sets out the projected fiscal parameters over that period.

GDP growth is forecast to average 3.7% per annum between 2016 and 2021.

This looks realistic based on what we know at the moment. That old chestnut, the fiscal space, has also reappeared.

The fiscal space is the amount of money the Government will have at its disposal after providing for precommitted policies such as demographic developments, the reversal of FEMPI (Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) in the Lansdowne Road Agreement, and capital expenditure plans.

This, of course, is all predicated on satisfying our EU budgetary commitments. The good news is that it is estimated at 11.3bn between 2017 and 2021, with 1bn available in 2017.

From 2019 onwards, 1bn per year of this fiscal space will be put into a rainy day fund to deal with unforeseen shocks. If the 11.3bn does materialise, 51% will be allocated to expenditure increases; 23% to tax reductions; and 27% to the rainy day fund.

Obviously, the scope for action will be determined by the macro-economic performance and as this veers off track, the fiscal space will adjust accordingly. Obviously, Brexit could have a very significant and very negative impact on the space.
The money will enable the company to increase its stake in companies in which it has already invested and to meet further acquisition opportunities.

Malin, headed up by former Elan chief executive Kelly Martin, already counts the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (formerly the National Pensions Reserve Fund) and the UK-based Woodford Investment Management as cornerstone backers.

It listed on the Irish Stock Exchanges junior market, the ESM, last year, before carrying out a number of investments in drug development and biotechnology firms in Ireland, Britain and the US.

This loan provides Malin with additive non-dilutive capital that can then be judiciously deployed to accelerate the progression of current and prospective Malin investee companies, said Mr. Martin.

The new EIB facility, which has a seven-year term, will mainly see Malin increase its investments in the European life sciences sector, particularly in Ireland and the UK, where 60% of Malins investments are based.

The loan will be disbursed to the company in up to five tranches and Malin said it intends to draw down the first tranche in the near-term, although it didnt give details on the amount or exact timeframe. It marks the first time the EIB has supported the life sciences sector in Ireland.

Malin said the extensive review and rigorous due diligence process the EIB carried out before providing the debt facility affirms the quality of Malins assets, shareholders, investment strategy and financial controls.

Along with the EIB, Malin embraces and enthusiastically supports the philosophy of long-term investment and lending in order to enable tangible innovation throughout the EU, said Mr. Martin.

The EIB debt facility is further external validation of Malins unique business model. The alignment of long duration capital with substantial and demonstrated operating expertise around a broad array of life science assets, provides an unique opportunity to create and unlock value, he added.

Malins share price was unchanged at 14.75 in Dublin trading yesterday.
New analysis shows the main factor driving the increased tax receipts during 2015 is likely to have been increased profitability, according to Revenue Commissioners chairman Niall Cody.

Last year, net corporation tax receipts of 6.87bn were 49% ahead of receipts received in 2014 and 50% ahead of forecast.

Last November, Revenue provided an initial analysis of the increase in corporation tax to Finance Minister Michael Noonan.

In a subsequent letter dated April 26, 2016, Mr Cody explained: Corporation tax receipts of 6.87bn in tax year 2015 are 2.2bn above 2014 receipts.

"The increase is explained by a number of factors: balances associated with earlier accounting periods in 2015 are more than 400m higher than balances for earlier periods for 2014.

Approximately 470m in payments are received from roughly 16,000 companies that did not pay corporation tax in 2014.

In the letter released under the Freedom of Information Act, Mr Cody told Minister Noonan: Companies that paid corporation tax in 2014 paid more than 1.8bn additional corporation tax in 2015  over 400m of which is in respect of balances associated with earlier accounting periods.

Of this 1.8bn  approximately 78% or 1.4bn is received from payments made by foreign-owned multi-national corporations, with the remaining 400m being paid by indigenous firms. The level of repayments made in 2015 is proportionally lower than in 2014.

While corporation tax is concentrated among payments by large multi-national companies, the analysis shows that the growth in receipts in 2015 is broad based in nature and not solely arising from foreign owned multi-nationals.

Payments from indigenous companies, while lower in monetary terms, are growing at similar rates. Overall, more companies paid tax in 2015 and their average payments were higher.

Mr Cody went on to point out that while the recovery in tax receipts is broad-based in nature, some payments made in 2015 were once-off and not expected to re-occur.

Mr Cody explained that while effective rates have remained steady over the past number of years at 10.1%, this had dropped to 9.7% in 2014 as a result of increased R&D creditors and film relief.

Last year, the improved performance of the some of the countrys banks helped tax receipts with AIB paying 534m in corporation tax and Bank of Ireland paying 285m.

Other companies to feature in the top 10 include CRH which paid 304m, Ryanair which paid 115m and Microsoft which paid 113m.

Fianna Fail finance spokesman, Michael McGrath said yesterday: The correspondence between Revenue and the Department of Finance indicate that while international companies based in Ireland have enjoyed very benign trading conditions, Ireland is undoubtedly vulnerable to a change in external factors.

It is vital that we do not build up permanent spending or tax commitments based on potentially temporary revenues.

The establishment of a Rainy Day fund should be a priority in terms of cushioning the effect of the economic cycle.
According to the groups latest first-quarter trading update, sales in Ireland jumped by 8.7%, on an actual basis, following on from four consecutive quarters of decline.

In the corresponding quarter last year, Tesco Irelands sales were down by nearly 15%.

In like-for-like terms, the first quarter saw 0.3% growth in Ireland, down slightly from 1% like-for-like growth in the final quarter of Tescos last financial year.

Like-for-like sales performance in the Republic of Ireland remained positive as we have continued to make improvements across the offer, including further investment in price reductions across core food lines, the retailer said in its statement.

Most recent Irish grocery sector figures, from market research group Kantar Worldpanel, showed Tesco closing the gap on SuperValu  in market share terms  to just 0.3%. Tesco currently controls 22.4% of the Irish grocery market.

On a group-wide basis, Tesco yesterday reported a 0.9% sales rise for the quarter; marking the first time in five years the retailer has seen back-to-back quarterly growth.

We have delivered a second quarter of positive like-for-like sales growth across all parts of the group in what remains a challenging market with sustained deflation.

"In both the UK and internationally, we are putting customers at the centre of everything we do and re-configuring our business to serve them a little better every day, said group chief executive Dave Lewis, who said management is encouraged by the progress being made.

By growing volumes, transforming the way we work together with our suppliers, and further optimising our store operating model we are rebuilding profitability in a sustainable way, he said.

Management also said it was comfortable with analyst forecasts for a jump from 944m to nearly 1.2bn in full-year group profit for this year.

Tesco also said yesterday it has agreed the sale of its Harris & Hoole coffee shop business in the UK to Caffe Nero for an undisclosed sum.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Mthwakazi Liberation Front has said it is taboo for the children in Mthwakazi area to be compulsorily taught Shona at schools saying the government must not seek to force children in the region to learn the language.The party spokesperson Ndabezinhle Fuyane said while children in the region may need to learn anything as the Primary and Secondary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora has said, it is unfair Mthwakzai for children top be forced to learn Shona."Shona will not be taught in Mthwakazi even in 100 years to come,if thus how as a minister you want to demonise our innocent children, then that would be the end of your career as a minister in that sector," he said.Fuyane said the education standards were flowing smoothly in the region before Dokora was appointed minister as he want to change everything for the sake of changing with no objective at all.Dokora recently said Shona and Ndebele could be taught at schools through out the country."In whose expense will our children taught Shona in Mthwakazi? Those Shona teachers in those particular schools should be ready to leave the region as we will not tolerate this to happen anymore," he said."Enough is enough,Mthwakazians we mustn't allow this to take place,we are fighting for our rights as a state. In fact,the Zanu' s grand plan of 1979 must come to an end. Mthwakazians, civic organisations and all stakeholders let us rally behind each other and stop the injustices."
US telecommunications giant BlackBerry has posted sales that have fallen short of analysts estimates as shrinking smartphone sales and an inventory writedown overshadowed a boost in software revenue.

First-quarter earnings per share, excluding some items, broke even, compared with analysts average estimate of a loss of 7c.

Revenue in the quarter was $424m (373m), including software and services revenue of $166m that was 21% higher than the same period last year. Analysts had estimated total revenue of $471m.

A net loss in the quarter of $670m reflected a $501m impairment charge, a $57m goodwill impairment charge, and a $41m writedown of inventory and other charges.

BlackBerry changed its reporting structure to include revenue from both smartphone sales and licensing deals.

The new unit  mobility solutions  accounted for 36% of revenue. The company sold 500,000 devices in the quarter, compared with 600,000 in the previous quarter.

Chief executive John Chen is pushing to increase software sales while finding a way to wring profitability from the companys shrinking smartphone division.

Mr Chen has said BlackBerrys first Android phone, the keyboard-equipped Priv, didnt sell as well as he had hoped because it was too expensive.

The company is working on two more Android phones, including a cheaper option, but Mr Chen has said he may cut the unit altogether in September if he cant make it profitable.

If he cant restore profitability to the handset unit, its got to go, said John Butler, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence.
The British people have

But whats going to happen next? We take a look at the possibilities.

The pound

Sterling has already had a rough ride as the polling results came in, and more turmoil could follow.

The pound dropped to its lowest level in more than 30 years at 1.3305 dollars, wiping around 10% off the value of the currency, and one analyst said it's definitely tin hats time.

David Cameron's position

David Cameron has announced he will step down as Prime Minister by October after a humiliating defeat in the referendum which ended with a vote for Britain to leave the European Union.

David Cameron to resign as Prime Minister following Brexit loss #iestaff via @McConnellDaniel  Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) June 24, 2016

The UK prime minister announced his decision outside 10 Downing Street minutes after the markets opened with carnage in the City of London.

The UK Cabinet

A major overhaul of the UK cabinet is likely as the Tories try to heal the deep wounds created by an intensely bitter and personalised blue on blue campaign.

Boris Johnson is almost certain to enter the UK cabinet, while Michael Gove has been spoken of as a deputy prime minister.

The position of George Osborne looks uncertain as many pro-Brexit MPs privately insist he cannot stay Chancellor after the way he has used Treasury figures to attack their cause.

The UK Labour Party

There could be major backlash against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn from MPs who feel he led a lacklustre effort to keep Britain in the EU.

Labour infighting resurfaced as the polls were counted, with many of the party's heartlands overwhelmingly backing Brexit.

The EU

The Leave vote will formally trigger withdrawal from the EU by invoking article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which would then lead to a two-year negotiation period on the terms of the divorce. However there is disagreement over whether the trigger is pulled right away.

Some in the Brexit camp have said Britain may continue as an EU member for up to four years, so could hold informal talks with Brussels first.

Negotiations will determine whether the UK remains part of the single market without being in the Union, as Norway currently does. However, this would mean the UK would still have to accept free movement of labour.

Other options include a Canadian-style free trade deal, a Swiss-style bilateral agreement, or reverting to the basic terms of commerce offered by membership of the World Trade Organisation.

Immigration

The pro-Leave side signalled before the vote that they intend to bring in emergency legislation to try to halt an influx of migrants if Britain votes to quit the EU.

They said an Asylum and Immigration Control Bill would end the automatic right of all EU citizens to enter the UK by the next election.

The Courts

Emergency legislation will be brought to ban European judges giving rulings on UK laws, the Leave side have said.

A European Union Law (Emergency Provisions) Bill would be fast-tracked through parliament to immediately end the rogue European Court of Justice's control over national security, allow the Government to remove EU citizens whose presence is not conducive to the public good, including terrorists and serious criminals, the Leave side said.

A European Communities Act 1972 (Repeal) Bill would mean that by 2020 the legal basis for the supremacy of EU law in the UK will be gone as parliament decides which parts of EU law to keep.

The United Kingdom

With Scotland more firmly pro-EU than their English neighbours, there will be fear that the Scottish National Party will use the Leave vote to push for a second independence referendum.

If that wasn't enough to break up the union, the Good Friday agreement was based in EU law, which means the Brexit vote could undermine the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Finance

Further legislation would see a Finance Bill that would abolish the 5% rate of VAT on household energy bills by the date of the next general election by amending the Value Added Tax Act 1994, and will be a major benefit for low income households. This will be paid for by savings from the UK's contributions to the EU budget.

A National Health Service (Funding Target) Bill would require that by the next general election, the NHS receives a 100 million per week real-terms cash transfusion over and above current plans, the Leave side have said.
Winne Cash, aged 46, targeted the 73-year-old woman after she got off a bus and watched as she made her way home before rushing her to steal her handbag as the victim tried to get into her house.

Cash, of Blessington Rd, Tallaght, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing the bag and trespassing on the curtilage of a house at Main St, Baldoyle, on November 23, 2015.

She has 234 previous convictions, 165 of which are for road traffic offences.

Judge Melanie Greally noted that a three-year sentence for burglary had been imposed on Cash in 2013 and surmised she would not have been out of prison for long at the time of this offence.

Judge Greally imposed a four-year sentence and suspended the final year.

Garda Cian Daly told Martina Baxter, prosecuting, that the elderly woman was returning home that evening from visiting her brother in hospital and she noticed a car with two women in it stopped at lights. She thought she noticed one of the women laughing at her.

Gda Daly said CCTV from the area revealed the car, which Cash was driving, drove in a loop of the area and repeatedly pulled in and drove on as the woman made her way slowly to her home.

As the woman started to open her front door she heard her gate opening and was rushed by two women.

Her bag, containing a small amount of cash, was taken from her walking frame.

Gardai linked the car with Cash and she was arrested. She told gardai she did not get out of the car and that her accomplice had taken the bag although the womans account described Cash taking the bag.

John Griffin, defending, said Cash wanted to convey her apologies to the victim.
Currently, Defence Force regulations only provide for enlisted members to carry over 19 days leave, regardless of circumstances.

PDforra, the organisation which represents 7,500 enlisted men in the army, air corps and naval service, said the regulations are very unfair because the nature of military service is distinctly different from the majority of other jobs in the public service.

If a soldier is posted on overseas service with the United Nations in the Golan Heights, on the Syrian border, or in Lebanon, they will typically be away from home for a six-month tour of duty.

This tour of duty can come with little notice, so they may have a little or no annual leave used up by the time they return.

Some personnel may also be sick, through no fault of their own, and may be unable to access annual leave until the following year.

The PDforra deputy general secretary, Ger Guinan, said that, in his organisations opinion, this is contrary to the provisions of the Working Time Directive.

He said he has been informed that the claims were lodged with the High Court earlier this week.

PDforra has sought the amendment of Defence Forces Regulation A.11 for the past number of years, and entirely regrets the necessity for legal action to be undertaken to secure entitlements under European law, he said.

Military service, by its very nature, gives rise to requirements to put the service before ones self; however, this selflessness should not be taken advantage of.

He maintained that members of the Defence Forces should be permitted, during periods of downtime, to take their full statutory leave entitlements, and not be punished through arbitrary reduction through regulation.

The value of periods of time spent with family cannot be underestimated as a morale-booster for our sailors, soldiers and airmen, who face long deployments to the Mediterranean Sea on Operation Pontus, or six-month tours to Syria and Lebanon, he said.

Mr Guinan said PDforra understands that, amongst the reliefs being sought in the High Court, is a declaration that the Government has failed to correctly transpose the provisions of Directive 2003/88/EC into Irish law.
The Irish Prison Service is responsible for the health and wellbeing of prisoners, but the IPRT wants the Department of Health to be involved as well.

The IPRT said the monitoring of infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis C, and TB should be urgently addressed as part of a comprehensive review of prison healthcare.

A European project, Improving Prison Conditions by Strengthening Infectious Disease Monitoring  Mapping Report on Ireland, published yesterday, addresses the gap in prison monitoring practices.

The EU-funded report, led by Harm Reduction International, argues for transparent procedures around monitoring infectious diseases in prison, including the publication of prevalence data.

The report also highlights the need for the expansion of harm reduction approaches in jail, including needle exchange programmes to reduce the spread of blood-borne infections.

It recommends the provision of naloxone to individuals at high risk of opioid overdose when they are released from prison.

Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and may be combined within the same pill as an opioid to decrease the risk of misuse.

The inextricable links between social exclusion, drug usage, crime, and prison are among the central findings of the report.

It finds that the transient nature of the prison population, both with the prison system and upon release back into the community, meant that every attempt must be made to ensure continuity of care for those diagnosed with an infectious disease in prison.

The IPRT that campaigns for the protection of human rights in places of detention said it was crucial that there was continuity of care for prisoners when they were released to protect themselves and the wider community.

IPRT executive director, Deirdre Malone, said currently the Department of Health has no responsibility for prison health care, and that was contrary to best practice.

If you want to ensure that prisons have a decent healthcare system and there is a continuity of care the Department of Health must be involved. We can also ensure that the fundamental right to health is protected for everyone, including prisoners, said Ms Malone.

As well as ensuring that effective monitoring of infectious diseases is included in regular inspection mechanisms, a whole-system review of the prison healthcare service is urgently required to ensure that the service is capable of meeting the wide range of complex physical and mental health needs in prison.

Ms Malone said the urgency of a comprehensive review had previously been identified by the Inspector of Prisoners and also by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture that found in November 2015 that the healthcare service in some Irish prisons was in a state of crisis.

Imprisonment by its nature exacerbates mental and physical health issues, while substandard or overcrowded conditions can contribute to the transmission of diseases, she said.

It is crucial that failings in prison health monitoring and healthcare provision do not cultivate more serious problems for the community in future.
Linda Murphy, aged 55, of Ferndale, 51 Friars Walk, Cork, denied the charge of assaulting Ann McConnon at Cork University Hospital (CUH) on June 3, 2014.

When the case was heard at Cork District Court last year, Judge Olann Kelleher found the facts proved against Ms Murphy, but gave her a dismissal under the Probation of Offenders Act.

It went to a full re-hearing at Cork Circuit Appeals Court yesterday and Judge David Riordan said such a case could not be determined on probability and had to be decided beyond a reasonable doubt.

In that regard, the judge said the independent evidence of nurse Colette Beresford, who was present in the room at CUH at the time of the disputed incident, was of particular value.

He referred to a particular inconsistency between the complainant and evidence of Nurse Beresford and added: That goes to credibility. He then dismissed the case against Ms Murphy.

Ms McConnon said she brought Ms Murphys mother, who has since died, by taxi from Mowlams in Ballincollig, to CUH for a procedure. She said when the residents daughter, Ms Murphy, arrived at CUH, she was fuming because they had travelled by taxi. She said at one stage she was on the phone when Ms Murphy grabbed her by the throat. Ms McConnon said Ms Murphy later pucked her on the arm three times.

Ms Murphy said she did not assault Ms McConnon. She

testified she put her hand up to take the phone and Ms McConnon gave it to her. The phone was a landline belonging to the hospital and both parties had been talking to someone at the nursing home.

Ms Murphy said she did have an issue with her mother being carried by taxi rather than ambulance and commented on the day: My mother is broke from taxis. She told Paula McCarthy, defending, of her attitude to the complainant, I have no malice against the girl.
Judge Patrick McCartan also said the prosecution had failed to prove Ulster Bank did not consent to multiple withdrawals of 13,600.

Sheshi Kota, aged 40, withdrew the cash on June 12, 2012, when the bank was experiencing a computer systems fault that allowed customers of the bank to withdraw an unlimited amount of money without restriction without any reduction in their account balance.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

A Political analyst Vince Musewe has said it was a surprise that Zimbabwe with its vast natural resources its bankrupt to a point of failing to pay its workers.In his Facebook post Musewe said despite the country's prodigious resource base, it is bankrupt and has since 2013, been unable to invest anything in the economy because the government has accumulated a budget deficit of $2.5 billion which has mainly been spent on consumption and not investment or capital formation."A government that spends $35 million on telephone calls as reported recently, is highly irresponsible and not fit to govern us,": he said."The country also has no savings and is not generating adequate export revenues to meet its needs while imports are ballooning because we no longer produce much here, thanks to Mr Robert Mugabe (President) who believes that land without secure tenure and minerals in the ground are assets."He said Dear Mr President, these assets are dead assets until the country can have the capital and technology to unlock them."In other words, Zimbabweans will continue to be food insecure and beg for food from the West while our mineral resources will lie redundant as we insult those with the very technology and capital we need," Musewe said.
There is free speech and there are robust exchanges but threats to peoples lives have to be taken seriously, threats to rape have to be taken seriously, but as weve heard from discussions here, we need robust law in relation to online abuse and there is no question of that and it is developing and will develop in Ireland, the Tanaiste said.

She was speaking at a Dublin City University (DCU) conference on violent online political extremism yesterday.

She said any legislation to deal with online abuse will be informed by a report currently being prepared by the Law Reform Commission (LRC).

In relation to cyber crime, the Law Reform Commission is examining it at present and I would expect further laws arising as a result of their recommendations and we should have that report this year on cyber crime, she told the Irish Examiner.

Ms Fitzgerald added that crime is crime, regardless of whether it happened in a virtual world or not.

If there is crime, whether its on the internet, or whether its in ordinary daily life we do have to deal with crime and our laws have to be updated continually to deal with crime online, she said.

However, Ms Fitzgerald pointed out that how people debate with one another has changed for the worse and that this needs to be addressed culturally, not necessarily through law.

We saw it with the tragic death of Jo Cox, that awful situation. I do think there is a question of civility and appropriate standards and reasonableness that needs to come back into the kind of debates that we are having in political life.

Legislation in relation to certain kinds of abuse is highly problematic, its more a question of tone and culture very often, but where theres criminal activity you need law, she stated.

A spokesperson from the Department of Justice told the Irish Examiner that the LRCs report into cybercrime will inform any legislation in the area.

The Law Reform Commission is currently carrying out a project on cyber crime affecting personal safety; privacy and reputation, including cyberbullying. It is hoped that the LRC report will be published in the coming months and its recommendations, including any proposals in relation to legislation, will then be considered, said the spokesperson.

In relation to terrorist recruitment online, the minister said Irish people are not immune to it.

We have a small number whove travelled, weve some people who died as foreign fighters. The reality is Irish people are not immune from being part of this challenge that the world faces of terrorist fighters, said Ms Fitzgerald.

Clearly, we have less numbers than other countries, its at a very low number but we are certainly not immune from the issue of radicalisation, she added.
Speaking in the Dail, Fianna Fail finance spokesman Michael McGrath said the Government response was not satisfactory. It is inadequate and it is woefully inept and he called for immediate action: The bottom line is that motorists have had enough of these unacceptable and unsustainable premium hikes.

Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said the Government was concerned about costs, adding that motor insurance was a very important part of the household budget and the kind of increases we have seen have a serious impact. She said Finance Minister Michael Noonan had asked his officials to examine the causes of the increasing cost of insurance.

Mr McGrath said concern from Government is no longer enough. Motorists want action on the issue. He called for an independent task force, which would be at arms length from the department. He said this should identify the causes of the increases and make recommendations to tackle the issue.

Mr McGrath said a protest had been organised for Dublin on July 1. Thousands of cars will be in Dublin to make the point that people want action on the issue.

He said there was no silver bullet to combat motor insurance costs, which have increased by 60% since the beginning of 2014 and have jumped by 35% in the past 12 months. But he added: While the Government does not control the cost of premiums, it can influence many of the factors behind the level of increases we are witnessing.

The homelessness crisis was also raised in the Dail yesterday. It was claimed the problem had become so acute that local authorities were now being forced to make impossible choices and were turning away homeless families seeking emergency accommodation.

Sinn Feins Mary-Lou McDonald called on the Government to act immediately and raised the case of Aine, an 18-year-old mother who found herself without a place to sleep this week, but who was refused emergency accommodation by her local authority.

Ms McDonald said that, at 12.30am on Wednesday, shivering and holding her infant child, she was collected by the rough-sleepers team and brought to a hostel.

Yesterday, Aine returned to her local council, only to be turned away, she added.

However, Ms McDonald said families were being turned away by their local authorities because there was not enough accommodation.

Ms Fitzgerald said: It is not tolerable that, in Ireland today, we have families and children, such as Aine, living in emergency accommodation or having difficulty accessing such accommodation.

She said the Government had allocated extra funding to local authorities, this year, to provide emergency housing and that many of the problems stem from the chronic lack of supply of housing.

Every possible action is being taken, in the most speedy manner, to ensure that families get the housing that they need, said Ms Fitzgerald.

The Tanaiste said 500 rapid-built homes were being constructed in Dublin to take families out of hotels and other emergency accommodation.
The Irish hare was not under threat and 99% of hares used in coursing were released back into the wild she said, during a debate on a possible ban last night.

Independent TD Maureen OSullivan moved the motion for a ban and detailed cases of cruelty and hare deaths at meetings. She said lasers and smoke bombs were being used, and furthermore, there was undercover footage of hares being mauled.
He said measures to help borrowers in debt were being progressed, including insolvency options and a special court, but that banning repossessions could be quite risky for the mortgage market.

Speaking in the Dail, Social Democrats TD Stephen Donnelly asked when new measures for troubled borrowers would be in place and whether the Government would, in the meantime, introduce a moratorium so homeowners could remain in their properties.

Work was ongoing on a new court for mortgage arrears issues, insolvency changes, and amendments for rules on mortgages cases, Mr Noonan said.

However, Mr Donnelly said that families were contacting him with pressing concerns about upcoming cases. He asked would it be reasonable, as the new measures are finalised, for a moratorium on repossessions to be implemented.

Mr Noonan said he could not give deadlines as to when the new measures would be ready. He said that most repossession cases were now before the circuit court and that in many cases, borrowers were not actively being pursued. Cases were being adjourned, he said.

Repossessions being granted were in cases where the action was not contested or where a house was vacant, the Dail heard.

To announce a formal moratorium would be quite risky for the mortgage market, Mr Noonan said.

If collateral or homes were removed from the system, he said, there would be no new lending and lending would dry up. He added: If one was to formalise the position, there are risks.

There were also almost 2,000 properties in the banks possession at the end of last year.

Elsewhere, the minister again rejected claims by Independent TD Mick Wallace that Nama was facing allegations of wrongdoing.

Mr Wallace claimed the Government had outsourced investigations into the sale of properties in the North to British authorities as well as those in the US. Mr Wallace said there were plenty of allegations of wrongdoing against Nama.

But the minister again denied this and told the TD to contact authorities or explain the claims in the Dail.
That was the message from Finance Minister Michael Noonan last night as pollsters said the outcome was too tight to call, with preliminary details emerging from the vote.

Government ministers here were hopeful the Remain campaign had won and were encouraged after sterling rose to a record level for 2016.

Britain will wake up today and finally know, after a long and bitter campaign, whether the country will start the slow march to exit the union. Turnout yesterday evening was high in places, which could be an indication that the Remain supporters were turning out to vote.

Mr Noonan said: Ireland will have a clear plan in place to deal with the implications, including the economic implications, of a UK vote to leave, if that is the outcome.

The priority would be to protect and promote Irelands interests to the greatest extent possible, he told Fianna Fail finance spokesman Michael McGrath.

Mr McGrath had queried how, if there is a vote to leave, trade barriers or tariffs might operate between Ireland and Britain as well as how free movement between the countries might change.

Mr Noonan said the immediate effect would be on the movements of money in the markets; the governor of the Central Bank had assured him that contingency plans were in place for this.

Outlining the two-year buffer period if there is a withdrawal, Mr Noonan said this would be when any potential trade barriers or border posts would be decided upon.

Mr Noonan and Mr McGrath agreed there would be very significant consequences for Ireland if Britain votes to exit the EU.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the Government will be ready to respond immediately today no matter which vote wins out.

We are ready to respond either way. I do note that sterling has gone up in value which is an interesting marker already today, she said.

More than 46m people were eligible to vote in the referendum, including 1.2m in the North. Two of the biggest concerns with an exit would be over whether border posts would be reinstated with the North as well as the fact that Irish exports could be hit immediately if the pound is devalued.
Ireland will now roll out contingency plans, added Mr Kenny, without revealing exactly any detail on what they would be.

Speaking at Government buildings following an emergency Cabinet meeting this morning, Mr Kenny also said there was no evidence of a majority of people now wanting a border poll in the North and here.

Sinn Fein and others are pushing for such a vote in the wake of the Brexit referendum, especially given the fact that the North actually voted to remain.

Mr Kenny also seemed to signal that Ireland will allow Britain to organise a slow and measured exit from the union-despite strong words from Brussels that a quick exit is needed.

The Taoiseach said that it was up to British prime minister David Cameron when he and the British government implemented Article 50 in the Treaty of Lisbon-essentially the rules for an exit.

Mr Kenny said he was shortly due to speak to Mr Cameron by phone this afternoon and he wished him well after his announcement to resign and said the two had worked closely together.

The Dail will now be reconvened on Monday and Mr Kenny said he had a series of calls to make with political leaders.

A summary of the actions the Government will take is expected to be published, possibly later today.

The Taoiseach also defended his decision to campaign in Britain where efforts were made to persuade Irish people there to vote to remain.
A report on RTEs Prime Time programme last night made a number of allegations in relation to the charity. Ahead of the broadcast, its chief executive Paul Kelly had resigned as his wife Patricia Kelly and sister Joan McKenna had resigned as directors.

The allegations included that Console altered accounts on several occasions to omit the reference to directors pay and other benefits, and that it claimed as board members people who did not hold those positions in documents submitted to funders. One of those was former senator Jillian Van Turnhout, who told RTE Investigates that she was stunned her name had been used.

Yesterday, the gardai said they had recently received correspondence in relation to a particular charity regarding a number of issues, and were assessing these.

The Charities Regulator John Farrelly said he did not comment on individual concerns against a registered charity as this may prejudice any future investigation or legal proceedings.

The HSE, which gave the charity 1.7m between 2012 and 2014, declined to say if it had raised concerns with gardai on the grounds that as this forms part of the internal audit process, the HSE is not in a position to comment. The HSE said a decision has not yet been made whether to continue funding Console.

The Department of Health denied claims made on Liveline yesterday that it had been made aware of concerns around Console in 2013.

The department said following a search within the department this afternoon we have not found any record of a meeting, request or correspondence relating to the issue raised on the RTE Liveline Programme.

Health Minister Simon Harris said he had not yet received a report from the HSE in relation to Console but that his priority was to make sure there was absolutely no disruption to the provision of Consoles counselling services.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said Consoles support services would not be affected but there is the question of gardai being involved, with further investigation to be done by the charities regulator and bringing information together relating to the issue.

In his statement to RTE, Paul Kelly said accounts supplied to funders were draft accounts that any assertion of intentional wrongdoing on the part of Console, the CEO and/or directors... is fully denied.
His comments come as the Cabinet looks set to decide whether or not to allow a group of Independent Alliance Ministers a free vote on the Dail motion next week.

Alliance member and junior minister Finian McGrath last night told the Irish Examiner that the group may in fact back down and not support the Dail motion, if they as a majority decide to heed legal advice on it.

Mr McGrath and fellow alliance ministers Shane Ross, and John Halligan will meet today and decide whether to support Independent TD Mick Wallaces bill.

Mr Harris declared that he would not accept Deputy Wallaces legislation and that the advice from the attorney general is that the proposals are very clearly unconstitutional.

Ive been very clear on a personal level that I find the current situation in relation to fatal foetal abnormality utterly unacceptable. I would like to see it changed. However, as a minister in Government and specifically as a minister for health, Im duty bound to only support legislation that will actually make an impact in relation to the lives of people that Deputy Wallace is trying to benefit.

The Government have set in a motion a citizens assembly which it says will recommend what amendments should or should not be made to Irelands abortion laws.

Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald yesterday signalled that ministers are expected to toe the line on government matters, but she left the door open on alliance ministers supporting the bill: The programme for government is the baseline document on which we obviously seek agreement around the Cabinet table. Obviously, well be having discussions as various issues arise which perhaps havent been contemplated in the programme for government.

Mr Wallaces proposals are that a perinatologist and obstetrician can certify if a foetus is incompatible with life and that a termination is then allowed. Fianna Fail are set to get a free vote on the bill next Thursday while Sinn Fein, Labour, the Social Democrats, Anti-Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit, and the Green Party are expected to support the bill.

The Cabinet will meet on Tuesday and discuss the attorney generals advice.

Finian McGrath said that if the majority of the five alliance ministers heed the attorney generals advice, that would be their position overall. The alliance will meet today. The disabilities minister also said there is a need to speed up the process around deciding on Irelands abortion laws, to repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution protecting the life of the unborn and have a referendum on the issues.

My first choice is a free vote and to also support families affected by fatal foetal abnormalities. But I want to hear the other members [of the alliance]. If the majority decide to listen to the advice of the attorney general, that will be our position. My personal view is I have to take on board the attorney general advice but we need to speed up the process and repeal the Eighth [amendment] and have a referendum.
As a result of the material breach finding, Kilvinane Wind Farm Ltd has been ordered by the Court of Appeal to dismantle the turbines and also restrict their operation. Those orders were stayed to facilitate a possible Supreme Court appeal and a pending decision of An Bord Pleanala on the developers bid for substituted consent.

In a written determination permitting an appeal by Kilvinane Wind Farm, a three-judge Supreme Court yesterday said it considered the case raised issues of general public importance and would certify two issues for decision in the appeal.
Political editor, Daniel McConnell, and political reporter, Fiachra O Cionnaith, won the Justice Media Award in the daily newspapers category yesterday, for their investigation called Saving Grace.

Their series of reports exposed the story of a woman with severe intellectual disabilities who suffered sexual abuse in an Irish foster home between the late 1980s and 2009.

The impact of this reporting was tremendous  leading directly to the direct interventions of An Taoiseach, the Garda Commissioner, an emergency Dail debate and the establishment of a state commission of inquiry. The investigation also led to a long-awaited and hard-won apology from the HSE for its handling of the case. The authors richly deserve this award, said a spokesperson from the Law Society of Ireland, which co-ordinates the awards.

Irish Examiner editor, Tim Vaughan, said: This award is welcome recognition for those who worked on the lengthy and challenging investigation. It also emphasises our continued commitment to highlighting issues  no matter how difficult  which matter to our society as a whole.

The Justice Media Awards, now in their 25th year, are open to print, radio, online, and TV journalists.

The Justice Media Overall Award went to Frank Shouldice and Liam OBrien of RTE Radio One, for their documentary The Case That Never Was. It covers a district court case, taken by a Polish man against his employer, which ended up going all the way to the European Court of Justice. However, the Polish man, Bogdan Chain, says he never took the case.

Ann Murphy of the Evening Echo receives her regional award

The Evening Echos Ann Murphy was the winner of the Justice Media Award in the regional newspapers category for her series on The Drugs Question  What Next?

Arising out of interviews with those recovering from drug addiction, this journalist closely examines the current system of criminalisation of drug possession and asks if there are better ways to tackle the drug problem, said a spokesperson from the Law Society of Ireland.

The value system of her employer was also commended. An important body of work from one of the best journalists in the country  last years overall winner  this piece displays an outstanding commitment to balanced, well-researched, thought-provoking reporting on real issues of concern, which prompts real debate. The judges also noted that the work reflects the admirable value system of this journalists employer and once again, the judges commend this paper for its contribution to legal journalism of the highest standard, said the spokesperson.

Law Society president, Simon Murphy, said the media plays an important role in terms of increasing the publics understanding of the legal system: The investment of time, energy and resources in producing articles, programmes, investigations and research that help to inform and educate Irish citizens on justice and law is a very valuable investment.
News / National

by Pamela Shumba

AT least 32 passengers who were injured in the Greyhound bus accident in South Africa in the early hours of Wednesday have been discharged, while three are still in hospital, an official said yesterday.A representative of the Greyhound bus company, Mr Thomas Rumhaka, told The Chronicle yesterday that the bus was travelling from Johannesburg to Harare not to Bulawayo as earlier reported.He said 35 of the 55 passengers on board were injured and taken to different hospitals in Limpopo province in the neighbouring country after the accident."The bus was carrying 55 passengers when the accident occurred. Of the 55 passengers, 35 were injured and were taken to different hospitals after sustaining bruises and injuries. A total of 32 have since been treated and discharged while three remained in hospital.The driver of the Greyhound bus reportedly lost control and it overturned near Louis Trichardt town in Limpopo province.Sources in that country said the accident occurred at around 2AM, a few kilometres from the town's Central Business District along the N1 highway.The accident comes a few months after four family members were killed while two others were critically injured when a Land Rover they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision with a haulage truck along the N1 highway between Makado and Musina towns in South Africa.At least 40 Zimbabweans have been killed in road accidents between Johannesburg and Musina in the last six months.
The babys mother is a heroin addict and at the Family Law Court in Ennis, a social worker for Tusla revealed the agency appointed her while the baby was still in her mothers womb. She said that she was appointed as the babys social worker after the maternity hospital made the referral, as the mother was homeless and had a history of drug abuse.

The Tusla representative said that a case conference was held by the agency for the girl two days after she was born following a hospital blood test finding opiates in her blood.

The girls mother has absconded twice to the UK and remains there with her boyfriend, who is an active heroin user and took heroin while living with the baby. The boyfriend is not the babys father.

The baby girl has been in care since last September and her second social worker told the court on recently meeting the one-year-old: I met a lovely, little, bubbly child who has made tremendous progress and met all her milestones and developed a close bond with her foster parent. There was lovely interaction between her and the placement is going very well.

Recalling the aftermath of the babys birth, the babys first social worker said that on discharge from hospital, mother and baby went to live with a relative. The social worker said: The mother was bonding well her baby girl. She was keeping all her appointments and everything was positive.

Mother and baby commenced a 12-week residential assessment programme, where parenting and therapeutical supports are provided, last August.

On commencing the course, the mother tested positive for opiates and after only 10 days she left the course and fled to the UK with her baby and boyfriend.

Social services came into contact with the three in the UK and the baby was placed into foster care there. The baby was returned to Ireland last November on foot of a court order and was placed in foster care here.

The social worker told the court the mother told her she has been in touch with addiction services but she has never really addressed her addiction issues.

The mother left Ireland again in February and has not seen her child since. She has told the social worker she has no desire to return from the UK.

The babys current social worker told the court that the mother told her that she was on a methadone programme and she is not coming back to Ireland because of threats against her and her boyfriend.

Tusla was seeking a care order for the girl until she is 18. In her ruling, Judge Grainne ONeill said that the threshold for a care order had been met. However, she said the court had to be mindful of the statutory obligation to work towards re-unification, and that the mother had in the past gone through periods of engaging well and behaving appropriately at access visits.

She said: In all of the circumstances, I am not satisfied that it would be proportionate for me to grant the full order as sought but will grant an order for two years from todays date.
Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) say this is made apparent by files released to it by the EC. FIE made the comment following a recent government suggestion that the cost of the clean-up on Haulbowline Island might not be warranted.

FIE lodged its original complaint about the toxic dump with the EC in 2009.

Following the ECs intervention, an agreement was made with the Government the following year to make safe the nine-hectare site on the islands East Tip.

However, FIE objected to the failure to include the remainder of the 21 hectares on the island at a meeting with EC, the Department of the Environment, and Cork County Council at the site in November, 2011.

At the time, FIE argued that tests from the old Irish Steel/Irish Ispat site show levels of contamination that are actually higher for some dangerous substances than found on the East Tip.

On July 15 last year the Department of Agriculture wrote to the EC stating that the Government had changed its position. The original 40m was increased to 61m and remediation was to be based on a whole-island approach.

As reported recently in the Irish Examiner, briefing documents for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, however, show his officials have questioned proposals to spend 40m on the Haulbowline site next year.

A possible row-back on making the whole island safe has caused considerable anger amongst local public representatives and PDforra, which represents the majority of the 1,000-strong naval service force based at its headquarters on Haulbowline Island.

The PDforra deputy president, Mark Keane, said the Government has a duty to protect the health of the service personnel based on the island and has to ensure everything is done as speedily as possible to make the area safe. Earlier this week, members of the county councils Cobh/Glanmire municipal district also expressed concern about a possible downgrading of the clean-up plan.

At the request of Cllr Cathal Rasmussen, they are writing to the government seeking clarification on its stance.

We must look for guarantees for the site to be cleaned as promised by the last Government and with the specific timelines agreed, said Cllr Rasmussen.
Intensive efforts were under way in West Cork last night to secure flights to Ireland for Linda Taule, and her family of five, from Nausdal in western Norway, so they enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime holiday in Dunmanway, the birthplace of Sam Maguire, and collect a host of prizes, later this summer.

The remarkable story of how a little balloon with a big list of prizes made it all the way from Dunmanway to the mountains of western Norway was the talk of the town yesterday.

Former carpenter turned potter, Finn Kearney, who runs The Hummingbird craft and gift shop in the town, said locals will move heaven and earth to get the Taule family to West Cork.

A town is only about bricks, mortar and fresh air. Its the people that make a town at the end of the day, and theres some great people in this town and well be focusing on making this happen, he said.

The balloon message, the brainchild of Dunmanway Chamber of Commerce, was released from alongside the towns live crib at the Green on December 19 last, with a note attached listing a set of prizes sponsored by local businesses.

The lucky finder was in line to win a stay for two in Galvins on the Green B&B, a box of chocolates from Deirdre Kelly, a gift hamper from For Goodness Sake health shop, a bottle of wine from Connollys shoe shop, lunch for two in Marnies Restaurant, and a wash, cut and shave, and a bottle of champagne, from Catherine Crowleys Boyz to Men barbers. Ms Crowleys phone number was at the bottom.

Finn Kearney of The Hummingbird Gift Shop. Well make it happen.

Chamber member Deirdre Kelly said they would have been happy if the balloons made it as far as Skibbereen.

Weve been working hard over the years to promote Dunmanway, she said.

Because its inland, and were competing against the coastal towns, weve always had to work that extra bit hard, and this was one of those things we thought wed try. And to be honest, I had forgotten about them.

But then came the phone call that would change everything.

Catherine answered the phone while cutting hair in her salon last Wednesday to hear a woman claim shed found their balloon note while hiking with her son  in Norway  2,500km away.

Catherine Crowley of Boyz To Men Barber Shop. Free cut and shave is on offer. Picture: David Keane

Deirdre said its remarkable the balloons made it so far.

Its unprecedented, we would never have expected that at all. But this is like a bright light at the end of the tunnel, she said.

Linda Taule told them it was like finding treasure.

She checked flight prices to Cork for her, her husband, Vinggo, and their children, Magnus, seven, Nora, five, and Pernilla, nine.

But they were a bit above our budget for this year, she said.

The chamber members have been inundated with offers of sponsorship, dinners, prizes, vouchers and help to ensure the family gets to Ireland, and are treated royally when they get here.

Valerie Hurley, of Hurley and White Builders, have pledged 100.

Mary Galvin, who had originally offered two nights bed and breakfast in Galvins on the Green, said she will look after the family for as long as theyre in West Cork; Helen OReilly, from the For Goodness Sake health shop, is arranging a bigger hamper; and Finn Kearney said he will arrange a few special pottery pieces for them.

James Duggan, of Funmanway adventure centre, which is home to Irelands only corkscrew zorbing course, has also offered the family a full day of adrenaline-filled activity at his 21-acre site.

James Duggan of Funmanway Adventure Land. Offered the family a full day of adrenaline-filled activity.

Well put them in a hydro-zorb, fill it with 70 litres of water, and send them rolling a quarter of a mile downhill. Well treat them to harness zorbing, strapping two of them into our harness zorb, and send them off down the hill, and then well give them a go at mountain boarding on our all-weather astro-turf track, he said.

Drimoleague Pod Park has offered accommodation, Waterfall Alpaca Farms has also offered free guided walks, and the family is in line for a session of stand-up paddle boarding at the Lagoon Adventure centre in Rosscarbery.

Third generation Dunmanway retailer, Josephine McSweeney, whose grandfather founded Connollys Shoe Shop in 1892, and who took over the store from her father after she retired from teaching, said its a great opportunity for the town. Im very proud of keeping that name over the door of our shop, and of keeping that shoe shop open in this town, because its an integral part of the town, she said.

Every business that we can keep open in the Square is good for our town. Every person passing through, that can stop and shop, is a bonus for us.

It is hoped that Linda and her family can time their visit to coincide with the towns Ballabuidhe Festival in about six weeks.
AN honorary Cork woman, author Lisa McInerney is looking forward to taking part in Crosstown Drift at the Cork Midsummer Festival. It will see the author of City of Bohane and Beatlebone, Kevin Barry, introducing some of the finest writers based in Ireland today in some of Corks most intimate and unusual locations. Cork is where McInerney found her voice. And what a distinctive, edgy and streetwise voice that is. She has just won the Baileys Womens Prize for Fiction for her debut novel, The Glorious Heresies, set in Cork where she spent many years. The prize is worth 30,000.

The Galway-born writer, who now lives in Gort with her husband and daughter, says that winning the prestigious prize is very much a validating thing. In a literary context, its one of the bigger prizes and is open to books written by women in English all over the world. So its a great boost. It is giving me the profile that I would have liked to have built by maybe book four. To have it happen already is a massive step. I was up against people like Anne Enright, Elizabeth Strauss and Kate Atkinson.

McInerney feels that literary prizes specifically aimed at women writers are necessary. When you think about literary fiction written by men, its automatically assumed that theyre writing about universal themes and the human condition. Women writers are almost straight away battling against the assumption that their writing is personal and domestic. I found that a lot with The Glorious Heresies. Its a novel in which all sorts of people get up to terrible things. People were expressing amazement at it, saying its such a male novel. What does that mean? They actually thought they were complimenting me. Theres an assumption that women dont have a diversity of voices, that the things women write about are limited. Thats ridiculous. If you look at the Bailey prize long list, its beyond diverse with science fiction in there.

McInerney, who describes herself as working class, was brought up by her grandparents as her mother was only 19 when she became pregnant with her and her father wasnt around. The youngest of eight siblings who were in fact her aunts and uncles, McInerney was a voracious reader as a child, often left to her own devices as the family was much older than her. She knew about her real mother from an early age and she has always been an important part of McInerneys life.

With cousins in Carrigaline, McInerney has a second family there. Because I spent a lot of time growing up in Carrigaline, I got to know Cork and to this day, I always say I know Cork better than Galway.

McInerney dropped out of her studies in English and geography at UCC. She wasnt even 17 when she started college and didnt know what she wanted to do. I went back home and met my husband  whos from Cork  in Galway. We moved back down to Cork and my daughter went to primary school there. I worked for years in a construction company in Carrigaline answering the phone. I prefer Cork to Galway. I was there at an age where I got to know myself. I feel its the place where I learned who I was. And Cork gave me that first taste of freedom and adulthood.

For financial reasons, McInerney and her family moved to Gort. Rent in Cork is expensive. I knew that if I stayed in Cork, Id always have to work full-time. In Gort, I can afford to work freelance and write. It was a practical move. The plan is definitely to go back to Cork.

The Glorious Heresies is about a bunch of interconnected people, some of whom are drug dealers, petty criminals and prostitutes. Asked if the characters are based on real people, McInerney says: Not necessarily. But theres a lot of things the characters get up to that echo people I know and love who have made bad decisions. I think lives like that are not seen as often as they should be seen in literary fiction. Im not really interested in doing those big middle-class literary themes. Im interested in lives that arent seen as literary subjects. At this point, I cant see myself writing about anything else. Its the writers duty to put humanity into their characters and if you cant put yourself in someone elses shoes, then youre not much of a writer.

There is plenty of humour in McInerneys novel. I write in the Irish vernacular. Irish people are funny and how we speak is funny. We also have a massive capacity for black humour which I think has to do with our turbulent history.

McInerney has already written her second novel, also set in Cork. Its not a direct sequel to The Glorious Heresies but it takes place in the same universe. It should be out in the spring of 2017.

Astonishingly, McInerney completed the first draft of her debut novel in four months. It was a ridiculously short length of time. I think you can kind of see that in the pacing of the novel. Its very fast, moving at a breakneck speed. The characters existed in my head for a very long time so they were fully formed by the time I put pen to paper. After that, there was some tweaking, says McInerney, a keen observer of life and a born writer.

Crosstown Drift takes place in various locations around Cork city on June 25. www.corkmidsummer.com.

CATCHING THE CROSSTOWN DRIFT

Tomorrow, Lisa McInterney and various other authors will give free readings across the city of Cork as part an event organised by Curlew Editions and the Good Room. In the evening, many of these authors will gather at Live at St Lukes for a finale of further readings, discussion and music (20). Were trying to get away from the idea that such readings belong only in bookshops or libraries, says Joe Kelly, who developed the event with author Kevin Barry.

11am: Alchemy Coffee and Book Shop, Barrack Street: The Penny Dreadful presents...!

12am: Elizabeth Fort, Barracks Street: Kevin Barry; Sara Baume; Conal Creedon

1pm: The Counting House at Beamish & Crawford, South Main Street: Theo Dorgan; Gerry Murphy; Paula Meehan; and Tony Curtis

2pm: Sample Studios, Sullivans Quay: Sinead Gleeson and Danielle McLaughlin

3pm: CIT School of Music, Union Quay: Lisa McInerney and Rob Doyle

4pm: Mother Joness Flea Market, York Hill off MacCurtain Street: Mike McCormack and Madeleine DArcy

5pm: The Grocers Club (meet by The Rob Roy, Cook Street): William Wall and Claire-Louise Bennett

5pm: Callanans Bar, 24 Georges Quay: Readers announced on arrival.

*Limited capacity at venues; admission is first-come, first-served.

Crosstown Drift at The Farmgate Cafe: 6pm7.30pm: 35

The Crosstown Drift trail takes a pitstop at the Farmgate for food and drink, poetry and prose, and music too. Ticket price includes a cocktail, a main course and coffee. Hosted by Cork writer Conal Creedon, there will be readings from William Wall, Madeleine Darcy, Gerry Murphy and Tony Curtis plus music offerings from Morning Veils and Kevin Jansson.

Live at St Lukes: 8pm10.30pm (hosted by Kevin Barry); 20. Join host Kevin Barry for the final event of Crosstown Drift for a finale of music, readings, conversation and more from Sara Baume, Rob Doyle, Lisa McInerney, Conal Creedon, Danielle McLaughlin, Mike McCormack, Claire-Louise Bennett, Theo Dorgan, Sinead Gleeson, Paula Meehan. Musical interludes and oddities by Damsel.
In August 1914, a small band of adventurers departed London docks to confront a largely uncharted Antarctic fraught with danger. They had replied to an ad seeking men for a hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful, honour and recognition in case of success. It was to prove one of the greatest adventures in maritime survival as a series of miscalculations and bad luck morphed into epic success.

Led by Kildare-born Ernest Shackleton, it included Tom Crean from Annascaul, and Timothy (Tim) McCarthy from Kinsale who both played a key roles in averting catastrophy. As with fellow Corkonian Patrick (Patsy) Keohane from Courtmacsherry, on the earlier Scott expedition, their determination to confront overwhelming odds is quoted in military training the world over as the epitome of leadership and teamwork.

Shackleton was an experienced Antarctic explorer whose earlier expedition had failed to reach the South Pole by a mere 97 miles. Captain Scott reached that elusive destination, the Holy Grail of exploration, 90 South, two years later in December 1911 but discovered to his utter chagrin that Norwegian Amundsen (using sledge dogs while Scott and Shackleton opted for manhauling) had beaten him to the post by one month.

To add to the despondency of the British geographic community Scott and his assault party perished at the final stage of their return journey eight miles short of their last supply depot.

Scott selected his final party (only one from the ranks) on the basis of social standing, sending tough, fit men such as Crean and Patsy Keohane (of the first support group) back to base. Later, when Scott failed to return, Keohane found his remains and those of his polar party, excepting the self-sacrificing Captain Oates who, with supplies exhausted, left the tent into a blizzard with one of the most plaintiff goodbyes ever, Im just going out and may be away some time...

Since the dashing Amundsen had won the great race finance for an expedition would not come from official quarters. To attract sponsors Shackleton devised a novel odyssey, a 1,800 mile trip across the frigid continent. This would entail two ships; one to drop the explorers and their supplies off on the Weddell Sea side, another to pick them up on the Ross Sea side. Eventually a Scots financier, James Caird, made a generous contribution. But not enough for Shackleton to build ships specially designed for deep Antarctic conditions.

Ernest Shackleton

Shackleton then heard that an earlier Antarctic explorer, the Belgian Baron de Gerlache, who explored the Antarctic peninsula in 1897-99 (he had the young Norwegian Amundsen among his crew), was selling what seemed to be the perfect ship, the Polaris, built in Norway so rich Europeans could go hunting polar bears in the Arctic summer. Made of layers of hardened oak it had a steel-reinforced bow it was designed to navigate ice-strewn waters. It was the toughest ship ever built, with one exception, the Fram, Amundsens Pole expedition ship of 1911.

Polaris, renamed Endurance by Shackleton, was traditionally U-shaped and not designed for overwintering in thick pack-ice fields. The Fram had a nutshell hull and retractable rudder. Its semi-circular, bowl-bottom enabled it to slide upwards above the ice when seized in the winter of 1912-13. Amundsen managed to anchor it near the coast of the Weddell Sea thus protected from major pressure ridges in the pack-ice moving under the force of the underlying ocean current.

It must have been an absolute stinker to sail across the violent waters of the Southern Ocean  but comfortably reassuring when the ice squeezed in the stygian darkness of the polar winter.

Another misfortune was that Antarctic weather of 1914 was exceptionally cold. Whalers on South Georgia, where Shackleton stopped en route, warned Shackleton of the exceptional ice and that his boat was only designed for making its way through broken ice to deposit his team and depart post haste.

In order to shorten the overland route he decided to moor injudiciously deep into the treacherous Weddell at Vahsel Bay. But fierce katabatic winds roared down off the frigid polar plateau and froze the late summer ocean; then northerly winds packed the ice up towards the coast entrapping Endurance. Despite desperate efforts by the crew to cut a passageway through the pack-ice to open water a long sunless winter sojourn beckoned.

Worse still, being 80 miles off coastal shelter, currents underlying the entrapped boat carried it around the expansive basin of the Weddell for months, while surges in current and drifting icebergs caused the hull to be slowly crushed. Though not before photographer Frank Hurley took an iconic shot of the spectral, beset ship.

It eventually yielded in November 1915; during its protracted death-throes the crew managed to unload supplies, salvage three life boats and took to living on ice floes.

Tom Crean

They attempted a dash over the ice hauling the boats to open water but were thwarted by an icescape contorted by pressure ridges and deep crevasses (an experience McCarthy had already endured when on Scotts expedition he fell into six crevasses in quick succession). 165 days later with the onset of austral summer and break-up of the sea-ice they braved a desperate 7-day, 200 mile trip in heavy seas to a rocky outcrop called Elephant Island.

Shackleton then cannibalised two lifeboats to restructure the third as an improvised ketch with a makeshift deck and mast, dubbed the James Caird, with the hope of reaching South Georgia and help.

Unlike Scott, Shackleton selected four of the physically and psychologically toughest (the fifth the trouble-making ships-carpenter) to attempt the horrendous route across the Southern Ocean, including McCarthy, Crean and Worsley (New Zealand) a brilliant navigator. Worsley later heaped praise on McCarthy, stating that his skill in keeping the boat afloat ensured their successful arrival and survival.

Thus a catalogue of mishaps was transformed, like the Apollo 13 space mission, into epic success by inspired leadership and teamwork into an epic adventure which far outshone the original endeavour.

Unlike Royal Navy officer Scott, Merchant Navy Shackleton chose his team on the basis of merit  tough guys with cool heads and inured to hardship. He was fortunate that during this period of Antarctic exploration Cork was fertile territory for recruitment into the British Navy.

Though Shackletons leadership has been rightly recognised the invaluable contributions of the junior members of his and Scotts teams are often overlooked. Inspirational leadership and a bonding of team members, the backbone of expeditions, proved decisive. (Prior to the Heroic Age - Gerlasche to Shackleton - other Corkmen, such as Edward Bransfield from Midleton who charted the South Shetland Islands in 1820, explored the polar oceans. These are all catalogued by adventurer Frank Nugent in his absorbing chronicle Seek the Frozen Land, and include Robert Forde of Cobh who sailed on Scotts Terra Nova.)

Crean has received deserved acclaim with biographies and a statue at the famed South Pole Inn at Annascaul. It took one hundred years before a statue of Patsy Keohane was unveiled by Dr Clare OLeary, the first Irishwoman to reach the South Pole, in Courtmacsherry. A memorial to Timothy McCarthy and his intrepid brother Mortimer (who also navigated Antarctic waters on Terra Nova) has been erected in Kinsale.

Thus Cork/Kerry provide their sons of the Heroic Age a small measure of the honour and recognition in case of success they so eminently earned. Their gallant endeavours, overshadowed by tumultuous world events, have enriched their county and the wider national heritage.
DONALD Trump prides himself on not backing down from any fight or controversial position. Hours after the Orlando nightclub mass shooting on June 12, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee doubled down on his plan to ban Muslim immigrants from entering the US.

He also renewed his call for US law enforcement agencies to use greater racial profiling, especially of Muslim Americans.

I think profiling is something that were going to have to start thinking about as a country, Trump said in a June 19 interview on the CBS news programme Face the Nation. He later added, I hate the concept of profiling, but we have to start using common sense Its not the worst thing to do.

In December, Trump shocked the world when he called for the ban on all Muslim travellers entering the US  until American leaders can figure out what the hell is going on.

Throughout the campaign, Trump has advocated increased surveillance of Muslim-American communities and mosques. He also said he would consider registering Muslim Americans in a database, or requiring Muslims to carry special identification cards.

Trump is persisting with his attack on Muslims because it has proven be his strongest issue, according to exit polls in many Republican primaries. In the pivotal March 15 contests, exit polls of voters in the five states that held elections revealed a remarkable fact: two thirds of Republican voters support Trumps proposal to ban Muslim immigrants and tourists. In some states that held early primary elections  South Carolina and Missouri  nearly 75% of Republican voters support the ban.

Since he became the Republican nominee last month, theres been much discussion of how Trump would adjust his views to appeal to a broader American public in the general election.

But even if other Republican leaders denounce his views, dont expect Trump to curtail his attacks on Islam or his overt Islamophobia  he has little incentive to do so, as long as it wins him votes.

The polling shows that while Trump is fanning the flames of anti-Muslim sentiment in the US, he did not create this phenomenon. Hes a demagogue who is taking advantage of deep-seated fears of Muslims among Americans, especially Republican voters. Trump is winning votes because he is willing to go further than any other candidate in tarnishing all Muslims.

In an interview with CNNs Anderson Cooper in March, Trump declared flatly: I think Islam hates us.

When Cooper asked him whether the religion is at war with the West, Trump added, Theres a tremendous hatred. We have to get to the bottom of it. Theres an unbelievable hatred of us.

One day after his CNN interview, the moderator of a Republican presidential debate asked Trump to clarify his comments: Did you mean all 1.6bn Muslims?

I mean a lot of them, Trump responded, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

And I will stick with exactly what I said to Anderson Cooper.

Given several chances by his interviewers to distinguish between Islamic militants and the majority of the worlds Muslims, Trump refused to make that distinction and instead continued to tarnish an entire religion.

Similarly, Trump has not wavered from his proposal to ban Muslims from entering the US, saying it would not apply to American citizens, and would be a temporary measure in response to the threat of attacks from jihadist groups like Islamic State.

He invoked one of Americas darkest periods: President Franklin D Roosevelts decision during the Second World War to classify more than 100,000 Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants as enemy aliens.

That decision paved the way for the internment of tens of thousands of noncitizens and US citizens of Japanese descent.

Trumps proposal and rhetoric are part of a growing undercurrent of Islamophobia that is making life difficult for the estimated 3m Muslims in the US.

Hate crimes against Muslim Americans have surged since the November terrorist attacks in Paris and the December massacre in San Bernardino, California, which were both claimed by Islamic State.

In 2015, civil rights groups recorded nearly 80 bias incidents at mosques throughout the US. It was the highest number logged since two organisations, including the Council on American- Islamic Relations, began tracking such cases in 2009.

In a report released this week, the groups noted a four-fold increase in bias incidents  which include vandalism, harassment, property damage and intimidation  from 2014, when 20 cases were recorded nationwide. By contrast, the groups tracked 17 incidents at US mosques in both November and December 2015  the highest single-month totals ever recorded.

The stereotypes and xenophobia perpetuated by Trump and other demagogues have more subtle effects than outright violence. They shape a social climate in which many Muslims and Arabs are treated as potential terrorists. Four days after the Paris attacks in November, a community meeting over plans for a new mosque in the state of Virginia turned into a frightening example of the anti-Muslim sentiment sweeping parts of America. Samer Shalaby, an engineer and mosque trustee who was trying to explain the building plans, was heckled and shouted down by audience members.

Nobody, nobody, nobody wants your evil cult in this county, one man shouted while pointing his finger at Shalaby, as others in the audience cheered.

I will do everything in my power to make sure that this does not happen, the heckler, who identified himself as a former US marine, continued. Because you are terrorists. Every one of you are terrorists. I dont care what you say. I dont care what you think.

One US poll released in September found that more than half of Americans, and 83% of Republicans, believe that Muslims should be barred from seeking the presidency. Another poll in November found that 56% of Americans view Islam as at odds with American values and way of life.

One irony is that many Muslims around the world want to foster a better relationship with the US and the West. In a long-term Gallup poll, conducted from 2006 to 2010, residents of 39 majority-Muslim countries were asked whether they supported greater interaction with the West. A majority of people in 38 of the countries surveyed (all except Afghanistan) viewed closer relationships as a benefit, rather than a harm.

But this research carries little weight with many Republicans in the US, especially Trumps supporters. In January, a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 65% of Republicans want politicians to express blunt talk about Islam, even if such discussion includes blanket criticism of the faith.

While the rest of the world is shocked by Trumps declaration that Islam hates us, his blunt talk resonates with many Republican voters. And it is a major reason that Trump secured the Republican presidential nomination  a victory partly built on the demonisation of Islam.

Mohamad Bazzi is a journalism professor at New York University and former Middle East bureau chief at Newsday. He is writing a book on the proxy wars between Saudi Arabia and Iran. He tweets @BazziNYU
ISOBEL* remembers being ecstatic when she discovered she was pregnant with her second child.

She remembers travelling to the Cork University Maternity Hospital for the 12-week scan and just wanting to hear that little flicker of a heartbeat.

The hospital was mental that day it was so busy. In the scanning room the nurse said she had difficulty seeing the babys head. She wanted to get the consultant to have a look. After re-entering the room Isobel remembers seeing the doctors face and realising something was very wrong.

I remember looking out the window and praying it was a mistake. The consultant had such a look of sorrow on his face I knew it was going to be bad. I was lying on the bed, my whole body shaking.

The doctor told them he was very sorry but their baby had severe spina bifida. Isobel said she had never even heard of anencephaly  absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp. He was so kind and compassionate, so considerate. It took time for it to sink in.

They were told the baby might pass away in the womb, or might survive an hour after being born, but was ultimately incompatible with life. The doctor told them it was not their fault or that of the baby, just something that happens. The devastated couple were advised to go home and think about what they wanted to do. However it was made clear the hospital, where they had received such excellent care on her first pregnancy, could not help if they chose a termination. He said its out of our hands if you choose to terminate the pregnancy.

Isobel remembers leaving the room and going out into the corridor with all the other pregnant women and wanting to hide herself.

She and her partner already have a toddler, a little boy. All she knew of abortion in the UK, she said, was of the raw, bad way with suction. I said Im not doing that with my baby.

In her mind a huge fear built up of her carrying the pregnancy to term and the baby passing away in her arms. It was a very long five weeks between then and when we decided what to do.

She was petrified, she said, of travelling to the UK and being away from family and friends and had no idea where to turn for help. But I wanted there to be care and compassion. This was a much-wanted pregnancy.

A friend suggested a clinic in Cork which gave crisis pregnancy advice. In hindsight she thinks the clinic may not have been used to dealing with women who had received a diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality. There were a number of leaflets, she remembers, but she felt she was encouraged towards British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), rather than a hospital in Liverpool which was also mentioned. That is where most women who receive a diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality and opt for termination, attend. BPAS, which is a charity, describes itself as the UKs leading abortion care service.

She said it was outstanding for a woman in my situation and I would get the care and compassion I was looking for, recalls Isobel.

Deirdre Seery, chief executive of the Sexual Health Centre in Cork, said all the councilors there are fully qualified and accredited and would never recommend one clinic over another to a woman. That would be against the law and we dont do it, she said yesterday.

The clinic is funded by the HSEs crisis pregnancy programme.

Isobel said that after the appointment she rang BPAS and was given a choice of three clinics, choosing Doncaster in south Yorkshire. The couple decided to travel by ferry because they felt it would be more private.

She remembers speaking to a senior staff member at the Doncaster clinic. I explained that my main concern was that I would be looked after in a compassionate way. I said it was a wanted pregnancy and would they look after me and she said yes.

Isobel explained how she wanted to hold her baby after he was born and to give him a proper burial at home.

She was going on 17 weeks pregnant when they set sail on a Sunday in May. On the Monday morning, they went to the clinic where she was given tablets to take and told to come back the next day. She was petrified as they sat in the waiting room. They were brought to a room after noon and she felt some contractions starting. She met the midwife who asked if she wanted to insert the required tablets herself. I said no because I was afraid I wouldnt do it right She didnt ask me about the baby or what we wanted to do after he was born She left and said she would be back in three hours time and that the contractions would be starting then.

At that time more tablets were inserted and the contractions came on quickly then and she felt immense pressure. During her first delivery her waters had been broken first, and she had no idea why she was feeling so much pressure. There was nobody at her bedside to advise on what was happening, although she remembered the BPAS booklet advised a support person would be with you at all times.

I had so much pressure in me. I was so scared. I rang a friend in Ireland and asked her what is this. Isobels friend told her it sounded like her waters were about to break. They did, and she remembers the fluid splashing all over the floor, which was a great shock. The midwife did come in and clean it up and give her a gown.

I thought she was going to stay and discuss what would happen next. I asked if things would progress faster now the waters were gone and she said possibly and she left.

By 4pm the pain was intense and Isobel said despite being told she would be given gas and air for pain relief, nothing was available. She explained how desolate she and her partner felt alone in the room. As a person I feel that if someone does not want to help me then I wont ask We went through the contractions on our own.

At 6.15pm they pressed the buzzer but nobody came. She asked her partner to look and see if the babys head was visible. She asked her partner to go and find the midwife but then was too scared for him to leave the room. Then a different midwife arrived and went to try and find the original midwife who eventually, she said, arrived and sat at the end of the bed.

She said if you need to push, push... I might as well have been in a forest on my own. I didnt know what to do, says Isobel.

Isobel holding a framed photograph of her sons hand touching her finger

She remembers trying to grasp the hand of the midwife when she felt a particularly strong pain but recalls the woman grabbed her hand back and folded her arms. Isobel remembers even pushing between the contractions because she wanted it all to be over as soon as possible. It was all such a stark contrast to her first labour at Cork University Maternity Hospital where she was given so much help and treated with kindness.

When Luke was finally delivered, what Isobel remembers is the sound of silence, the relief and sadness. The midwife asked if they wanted the babys body and Isobel asked that she would take him and clean him up. There was no offer to take the babys footprints as a memento for the family.

I held him and told him how much he was loved and how sorry we were.

She then told the midwife that her placenta had still not delivered, and, after giving Isobel an injection, she sent her to the toilet, again on her own, to pass it there. Luckily everything came away.

Isobel remembers being handed a BPAS questionnaire on her experience in the clinic. The midwife gave Luke to them after wrapping him in a gauzy-type material and putting him in a cardboard box, remarkably similar to a shoebox.

As she and her partner left, carrying Luke in the box, she remembers three nurses standing there as if they were waiting for the room to become vacant. As she left she asked the midwife if indeed the baby was a boy, as they had been told before travelling. She said that he was. They have no idea of his weight at birth because he was not weighed.

They returned afraid and exhausted to the hotel room, worried about preserving Lukes body and wondering about using ice packs. They were sailing at 2pm the following day. On the boat Isobel felt immense sadness at the thought of her little baby alone below deck where the cars were kept.

By the time they reached home in Cork, Lukes body had gone stiff and they were unable to do his footprints. They buried him with Isobels grandmother and had a lovely service with songs and poems and let off balloons.

That was beautiful, she recalls.

The trip cost 1,500 (1,900), and the BPAS clinic cost 700.

Telling her sad story, Isobel was surrounded by other women involved with the Terminations for Medical Reasons (TFMR) group. They recalled how awful it is to have to travel after receiving a diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality but none had as awful an experience as Isobel. They spoke of the contrast in the care received at the Liverpool hospital, where they got all the support they needed, remembering being surrounded by doctors and midwives and even getting hugs.

* Not their real names
CHILD poverty is not inevitable.

We can offer each child in Ireland an adequate standard of living that we would want for our own children.

Children are going to bed hungry; families are living in small hotel rooms or sleeping on mattresses, because they dont have a roof over their heads.

One in 10 children lives in consistent poverty, which means they lack the necessities of a normal childhood, such as adequate clothing, heating, or food.

Through accident of birth alone, these children are hampered by an uneven playing field, which limits their future prospects.

None of this is inevitable. It all boils down to political choices  choices that not only our Government makes, but that we make, as a society.

Certainly, in times of austerity, we are told, time and again, that difficult choices have to be made. But they remain choices, and we should not be letting children live in poverty.

We are turning a blind eye and choosing to allow groups more vulnerable to poverty to take the brunt of the economic recession  groups such as Travellers, homeless children, children in direct provision, and one-parent families.

Child poverty is a blight on this country that is preventing children from meeting their full potential, draining families of spirit and hope and, ultimately, holding the country back. We know, from other countries, that the answer to child poverty is better services for children and families.

Thats why we are, today, collaborating with Eurochild  a network of organisations and individuals working across Europe to promote the rights and wellbeing of children and young people.

Together, we are holding a major conference to put an end to child poverty in Ireland.

We have a road map. The Government has a target, in its Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures national childrens strategy, to eliminate consistent poverty by 2020.

Similar EU targets can be found in Europe 2020 and the European Commission Recommendation on Investing in Children.

We are not interested in going over old ground.

The purpose of todays conference is about breathing life into important national and EU commitments on child poverty in Ireland, and to explore how they should be translated into practice to improve childrens lives. We need actors from the NGO and the public and private sectors to join forces to support the Government in this endeavour.

And I believe that our Government is committed to delivering this change.

Both Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone are working hard to address child poverty, but we need a government-wide approach.

A practical action plan is being developed to eliminate child poverty.

This will help the Government meet its international obligations, as identified within the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to support the right of each child to an adequate standard of living.

We need to move swiftly to finalise this plan, so all actors can play their part.

We need to act now and make a range of practical policy choices that will make a difference to families immediately.

To tackle homelessness, we need to continue to invest in providing families with affordable and secure social housing. For those homeless families living in emergency hotel accommodation, we need to make sure that it is appropriate for their needs and not just for an indefinite time period.

Food poverty has been exacerbated by the recession and this is negatively impacting children. Consequently, we need to act urgently.

Practical interventions are needed  such as remodelling funding for the school meals system.

Extending the access to the scheme to all schools, not merely those participating in the DEIS scheme (a scheme that is operating in areas of high disadvantage), would make the world of difference.

Extending this further, to early-years and youth clubs, would be better yet.

At least 20% of one-parent family households live in consistent poverty  the highest rate of any family type.

Lone parents struggle to access the labour market, because there are no affordable, high-quality childcare and after-school supports available to them. Coupled with the lack of well-paid, family-friendly employment opportunities, these families will remain living below the poverty line unless we act.

Lets choose to invest in future generations.

Tackling child poverty is the surest safeguard of brighter futures for all our children.

We have a duty, as a nation, to put an end to this inequality and to provide each and every child with an equal chance at life.

Tanya Ward is chief executive of the Childrens Rights Alliance
We are being governed by our own bad temper. If each political era has its mood music, the current one is discordant notes and crankiness. The result is that our politicians are afraid of their own shadows.

In the long term, indeed, in any term, this is not a good idea. Politicians who are reluctant to take decisions (even basic decisions, necessary for the good of the country) for fear of displeasing an increasingly unreasonable public are a recipe for disaster.

As it is, Housing Minister Simon Coveney will have to get himself a cape, a pair of tights, and a portable public phonebox. For it is he who has now assumed the role of Superminister, ready to immediately fly anywhere there is trouble, and reassure the restless and cantankerous natives that he will work night and day to sort out their complaints.

If necessary, hell come and collect those damn bins himself, if that is what it takes to placate the anger. For him, it seems to be a choice between that and watching tens of thousands of angry people march down OConnell St, banging bin lids together in protest.

Apart from the fact that the poor man must be nearing exhaustion, appeasement politics (as any parents of a toddler will tell you), simply results in more tears and higher expectations. Doling out sweeties may be easier, but carrots and parsnips are what are needed. We now have a minority government and a new way of doing business, which is making the situation difficult enough. However, throw a scaredy cat Fine Gael into that mix and we can all see where this is going.

They might be back around the Cabinet table with an extraordinary number of deputies in position of power and prestige, but FG are still suffering post-general election trauma.

The aftershocks from the party leaderships misreading of the public mood remain strong. Add to that the independent members of the Cabinet and Fine Gaels need to keep them on board. The party is in terror of rattling any further cages, for fear of a collapse of the Government, and another ballot box outing at the mercy of the vengeful voters.

The party is also in flux in terms of leadership, with no certainty over when Taoiseach Enda Kenny will stand down, and the suspicion that he will have to be pushed, rather than go willingly. The phrase kicking the can down the road has been the one most used in the political discussion of recent weeks.

No one is handing out prizes for the handling of the bin charges and the pay-by-weight system. But no more than with water being a finite resource in need of conserving, the principle of the polluter paying for the waste we generate in our homes is a perfectly sound one.

But the suggestion by some  tapping shamelessly into the public anger, which seems to take a perverse delight in being slighted  that our waste-collection system should be nationalised is beyond reason.

In an interview earlier this week, the new Ceann Comhairle, Sean OFearghail, said that public trust and confidence in Irish politics were broken and that everything must be done to fix them.

We have a problem. We need to rehabilitate ourselves, and the system, in the eyes of the public and thats something Id be very committed to doing, he said.

He has a simple amibition, he said, and that is where Joe citizen, sitting in his or her living room, looking at Oireachtas TV or reading a Dail report, would say, Oh gosh, you know what, they are actually doing a good job. I dont think thats an awful lot to expect. It is, indeed, a modest and admirable aim, but in the current climate it is difficult to see how achievable it might be.

Even before the general election, many of those who said they were voting for Fine Gael appeared to be doing so reluctantly and certainly with no sense of affection or gratitude towards the party.

The huge delay in forming a government, and the sense that the new government is not capable of delivering anything much, have simply added to the notion of politicians (of all parties) being good for nothing.

Its not all on their side, though. The bad temper and bloody mindedness of the voters, and the base desire to think the absolute worst of politicians, also play a large part. The simplistic, caricatural belief that practically all politicians are buffoons and only in politics for self-serving reasons has taken strong root.

This is unfair and inaccurate. We only had to witness what happened with the killing of British MP, Jo Cox, last week to see where extreme language, the politics of fear, and an utter disdain for politicians can end up.

The opportunism displayed by those advocating that the UK leave the European Union, from Boris Johnson down, has been breathtaking.

Luckily, we have not had anything approaching the worst excesses of the Brexit debate here, but weve have enough of the populist, me fein type of rhetoric for it to be seriously corrosive.

The Ceann Comhairle acknowledged that the politicians need to restore public confidence that the system is working in the public interest and that it is focused on the issues that are important to people. He spoke about the political reform that he is hoping to lead in Leinster House.

Given time and opportunity, this could be seismic, but its hard to see it happening in the current mood.

How long are we going to sustain this anger? It was entirely merited following the economic crash, and given what we endured during the austerity years.

But we do need to be honest with ourselves, here. If we keep being irrationally angry with our politicians and they keep being afraid to tackle the important issues, while all the time taking a please-the-crowd approach, we end up with the worst kind of checkmate.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 92 year old granny Rosina Dube in Bulawayo has been subjected to physiological torture by her grandson who randomly storm her bed room undressed.Makhosini Ngwenya's plan was allegedly to evict his grandmother from their family house in Pumula North.Dube has since dragged Ngwenya to court seeking a protection order.Dube says Ngwenya's actions were emotionally disturbing."I am seeking protection against my grandson Makhosini Ngwenya."He is in the habit of threatening me despite my advanced age. He is always storming into my bedroom sometimes in the middle of the night undressed while instructing me saying I should move out of the house".Dube said her grandson once threatened to burn down the house if she resisted.She added that her late sister left the house under her care.In response, Ngwenya said her grandmother was lying and taken advantage of by his uncle.He said trouble started three months ago when his uncle Hezekiah who owns two houses on Luveve came to leave with them.He said he suspects that Hezekiah influenced Dube to fabricate issues.Presiding magistrate Sheunesu Matova ordered Ngwenya not to verbally and emotionally abuse his grandmother.
Thomas Mair, 52, is accused of shooting and stabbing Ms Cox, 41, outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, near Leeds.

He is charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, and possession of an offensive weapon. He appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from top-security Belmarsh jail, amid a list of terror-related cases to be heard by Mr Justice Saunders.

The senior judge set a provisional timetable, with a trial to start on November 14.

Another hearing will take place on September 19, at the Old Bailey, with a plea hearing pencilled in on October 4. The trial will be heard before a High Court judge and is likely to be at the Old Bailey.

Grey-bearded Mair, from Birstall, whose case is being handled under the terrorism protocol, spoke only to confirm his name.

At a magistrates hearing last week, he gave it as Death to traitors, freedom for Britain.

Throughout, he sat with his head bowed, taking notes, and made no reaction as his lawyer, Cairns Nelson, QC, discussed his case with prosecutor, Mark Dawson, and the judge.

The preliminary hearing coincides with referendum day and comes the day after Mrs Coxs widower, Brendan, and their two young children marked what would have been her 42nd birthday.

At the Commons event, they heard British Prime Minister, David Cameron, praise, Mrs Cox as a voice of compassion, whose irrepressible spirit and boundless energy lit up the lives of all who knew her.

Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, said that British society had lost one of our very best.
The dramatic sit-in in the US Congress demanding action on gun control could yet deal the firearms industry the kind of body blow that crushed the countrys once all-powerful tobacco giants.

The sit-in, led by 76-year-old Democratic congressman and civil rights-era icon John Lewis, will not end gun massacres in America but it will almost certainly become a turning point in the battle.

A growing number of politicians from both parties who once cowered before the might of the gun-supporting National Rifle Association, lest it use its considerable war chest to end their careers, seem finally so sickened by gun massacres that their revulsion is becoming greater than their fear.

It would be wrong to think there is widespread cross-party Democratic and Republican support for action or that it could lead to major gun-control measures. But a Republican senator, Susan Collins of Maine, has already bucked the party trend.

After the Senate voted down four gun-control bills inspired by the Orlando massacre, Collins unveiled compromise legislation on Tuesday to ban some individuals suspected of terrorist ties from being able to purchase guns.

Democrats in the House of Representatives sit-in are seeking votes on a pair of similar but broader measures that would bar potential terrorists from buying guns and would close background-check loopholes for firearm sales at gun shows and over the internet.

Democrats also want tighter controls on the sale of military grade AR-15-style semi-automatic rifles like those used in Sandy Hook in 2012 when 20 children were killed, and in Orlando, when 49 people were killed.

Its not certain how Collins measure will fare when the Senate returns from recess next month. Some suggested the Democrats sit-in in the House would fizzle out when the cameras moved on, while others agree with Republican House speaker Paul Ryan who sees it all as just an election-year stunt.

But that view may underestimate the power of Congress when it finally decides to flex its muscle and its moral authority on an issue.

There was a time, for example, when the tobacco companies, too, reigned supreme and blamed weak-minded smokers rather than addictive cigarettes for contributing to cancer deaths.

In 1994, the heads of the major US tobacco companies raised their hands in Congress and give sworn testimony that they did not believe nicotine was addictive.

The image of the seven chief executives testifying before Congress left an indelible impression on a sceptical American public and became an issue in the presidential election two years later.

Gun-control advocates suggest the same could happen in the 2016 election. In America, however, the success of any campaign often depends on it having a personal face with a powerful back-story.

This time, the gun-control advocates may have found their tobacco moment in John Lewis, the revered African-American civil rights icon who survived brutal attacks in the bloody protest marches of the 1960s.

Lewis says the fight for gun restrictions will go on. Today weve come a distance. Weve made some progress, he said.

Weve crossed one bridge but we have other bridges to cross. And when we come back in July, well start all over again. The American people, they want us to act, they want us to do something.

Democrats end house sit-in

House Democrats yesterday ended their more than 25-hour sit-in on the chambers floor that they had been staging to demand votes on gun control.

With just a few interruptions, Democrats commanded the House floor since 11.30am on Wednesday. The protest was broadcast live to the world over social media.

There are no indications last night that Republicans  who control the House  had met the Democrats demands.

Democrats wanted votes on bills strengthening background checks and barring firearms sales to people on the governments no-fly list.

Still, Democrats are declaring victory anyway.

One of the protest leaders, civil rights veteran and Georgia lawmaker John Lewis, said: We are going to win this struggle.
The armed man entered the Kinopolis movie theatre in the town of Viernheim in the early afternoon and apparently fired a gun. The man held several hostages, police spokeswoman Christiane Kobus said, but she didnt have a precise number.

Officers successively entered the cinema and were able to locate the man and the people he was holding, Ms Kobus told The Associated Press. There was a threat situation and the man was then shot dead by a colleague.

Police said that the deployment lasted about three hours. There were no other injuries, Ms Kobus said. Earlier it was thought that up to 50 people may have been hurt.

She added that she had no information on the assailants identity and motives.

Another police spokesman, Bernd Hochstaedter, said that there are no indications at present of an Islamist background.

Hesse states interior minister, Peter Beuth, said it wasnt clear whether the weapon was functional, and police said they were still checking that. Mr Beuth told the regional legislature in Wiesbaden that the man was masked and that apparently four shots were fired.

Mr Beuth said the man had given a confused impression, news agency dpa reported.

Nina Reininger, a prosecutor in nearby Darmstadt, said her office was investigating but she had no information so far on the attackers identity.

The Kinopolis multiplex is located in a shopping mall in Viernheim, which is near the city of Mannheim. The incident happened on a hot summer afternoon and the cinema appears to have been relatively empty at the time.
The accord, capping three years of talks in Havana, paves the way for a final peace deal to end a conflict that was born in the 1960s out of frustration with deep socio-economic inequalities and that outlived other major uprisings in the Americas.

May this be the last day of the war, said FARC commander Rodrigo Londono, better known by his nom de guerre Timochenko, his voice choked with tears.
Lisa Alamia had the surgery to correct an overbite, but it caused foreign-accent syndrome. The rare condition has affected fewer than 100 people in the last century. Her neurologist has been unable to determine what has caused the condition. Lisas family originally thought she was joking. Its been six months since the surgery.

Colour blind

Scotland: Optical Express asked people in Scotland whether a swatch of a teal-type color was blue or green.

Sixty-four percent of the 1,000 respondents said it was green. Thirty-two percent thought it was blue.

But when the same people were shown the same colour between a pair of distinctly blue swatches, many changed their minds. Ninety percent said it was green.

The results show how our visual interpretations of the world around us can differ quite sharply, Optical Express said.

Scotland also was the epicenter for a colour debate last year. A photo of #TheDress, taken ahead of a wedding in February, 2015, became the subject of a heated discussion on social media about whether it was black and blue, or white and gold.

Working it

North Korea: The bright red slogans hang from buses, government buildings, and restaurants and gas stations, urging North Koreans to work harder to make the countrys 200-day speed campaign a success. Have you carried out the plan for today? one poster asks.

Its the second such drive this year, and while outside economists doubt their effectiveness, they reflect leader Kim Jong Uns desire to energise the countrys sputtering economy. That goal is fettered by international sanctions against Kims nuclear programme.

In a collectivist society, slacking off isnt taken lightly. If you look out the window, you wont see anyone just walking around, said Chang Sun Ho, the manager of a small shoe factory in Wonsan, a port city on he east coast. Everyone is working.

Bear cheek

US: A New Jersey black bear that walks upright on its two hind legs has re-emerged and been captured on video months after its last sighting.

The bipedal bear, nicknamed Pedals, was spotted in the town of Oak Ridge, NJ.com reported on Wednesday. Pedals apparently has an injured leg or paw that doesnt allow it to walk comfortably on all fours. Prior to the latest video, there had been no reported recent sightings and officials had asked the public for help in locating the bear.

Lawrence Hajna, spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said officials expect the bear to make it through next winter. The bear has an indomitable spirit, Hajna said.

The bear first gained fame after it was spotted ambling around neighbourhoods and was caught on videos that were posted on social media and shown on national television.

Later, alligator

US: The trapper who captured an alligator that was swimming in the Atlantic Ocean a few yards off a Georgia beach says the reptile has been killed and its head will be mounted.

Authorities temporarily closed beaches on Tybee Island, as they watched the seven-foot gator just offshore on Friday. They said it was highly unusual for an alligator to cause alarm at the beach, since theyre typically found in fresh water.

The gator was eventually reeled onto the beach by the trapper, Jack Douglas.

It was too dangerous to release it elsewhere.
Burma After Rioters Destroy Mosque, Muslims Are Wracked With Fear

In a village in Pegu Division, an altercation between a Muslim and a Buddhist triggers a riot that destroys a Muslims house, a mosque and a warehouse.

THUYE THAMAIN, Pegu Division  At first, Ohn Lwin, police chief of Thuye Thamain village in Pegu Division, said the situation was stable. But when he saw nearly 20 Muslims running inside his police station at 4 p.m. on Friday, he realized he had been wrong.

They had sought refuge in the police station the night before after Buddhist rioters destroyed a mosque and a house belonging to a Muslim family. But by Friday afternoon, they had rushed back to the police station, a sign that the Muslim villagers were still afraid of the rioters.

Rumors are circulating that a mob is coming again. So we dont dare stay at home. Thats why we are heading back to the police station, a local man told The Irrawaddy. Some women were crying when they reached the police station, fear written on their faces.

Win Shwe, a Muslim community leader, said: You see the situation now. Its not stable.

The police said there had been no violence on Friday, just rumors. Some Muslims who had run into the station admitted that they did not see anyone trying to attack them; they fled because they had heard rumors of attacks.

One police officer recalled that he told some locals: I will shoot you guys. Dont make problems!

Situated in Waw Township of Pegu Divison, Thuye Thamain is a small village with a Buddhist majority comprised of 1,500 households while the Muslim population is around 250. The tensions between the communities reached a flashpoint on Thursday when a fight broke out between a Buddhist and a Muslim.

The altercation drew a mob, leading some local Buddhists to destroy the Muslim individuals house, which also served as a storefront for construction equipment and hardware. The violence then snowballed into a riot, with Buddhists targeting other Muslim households in the village, as well as a mosque and a warehouse.

The police said no one was injured, and that they were conducting an investigation into the two families who had the initial dispute. The police chief Ohn Lwin said No one has been detained yet, adding that his police force has been able to maintain stability.

Win Shwe, the Muslim leader, was upset with the police inaction.

While talking to an Irrawaddy reporter, he exclaimed, Those two guys! I recognize them, pointing at two men he claimed participated in destroying the mosque. You see, they are still driving around on motorbikes!
Burma Cinemas Built to Resurrect Stagnating Film Industry

A private cinema developer will build 100 cinemas in Burma within the next two years to encourage the countrys stagnating film industry.

RANGOON  A private cinema developer will build 100 cinemas in Burma within the next two years to encourage the countrys stagnating film industry, the Information Ministry said.

Representatives from local cinema developer Maze Co. Ltd., chaired by former actor Lwin Moe, met with information minister Pe Myint on Thursday. They outlined the companys business plan to build cinemas throughout the country, the ministrys permanent secretary Tint Swewho was also present at the meetingtold The Irrawaddy.

Tint Swe said that in Burma, the disappearance of theater venues has contributed to the film industrys downfalla sentiment with which many industry insiders agree.

Despite the industrys golden era from the 1950s until the 1970s, Burmas once-grand cinema halls were sold off to the private sector and torn down for other purposes or were privatized in the 1990s as part of the governments economic policy.

Establishing more cinemas is a critical factor in redeveloping the countrys film industry, Tint Swe said.

The number of theaters nationwide has declined to just 49 from its peak of more than 200, according to the information ministrys Motion Picture Development Branch (MPDB). Tint Swe said that only 27 cinema halls throughout the country are ministry-owned theaters.

To revitalize the cinema culture in Myanmar, there must be enough platforms to showcase films, he said.

The company sought assistance from the Ministry of Information to act as a negotiator between the development company and other ministries if the land where the company wants to build a theater is government-owned, he explained. But he clarified that the ministry will not be involved in other business aspects.

The Irrawaddy could not reach cinema development company chairman Lwin Moe at the time of reporting, and the projected timeline and start date for the venture are yet to be announced by the company.

Tint Swe also said that the information ministry is preparing to hand over ministry-owned cinemas to respective regional governments for further management and that there is no plan to privatize in the future.
Burma NLD Lawmakers House Burglarized, Mother-in-Law Stabbed

A National League for Democracy lawmakers house in Rangoon was broken into early Friday morning and his mother-in-law was stabbed.

RANGOON  A National League for Democracy (NLD) lawmakers house in Rangoons Sanchaung Township was broken into early Friday morning and his mother-in-law was stabbed.

Bo Bo Oo, a Lower House representative from Sanchaung Township, said his house was burglarized and his mother-in-law, 73-year-old Khin Than Nwe, was stabbed three times in the back and hand after she saw the offender entering the house through a window.

Sanchaung Township Police told The Irrawaddy that Friday at 2:45 am, the offender attempted to break into the house on Aung Chan Tha (6) Street in Aung Chan Tha ward, and Khin Than Nwe was stabbed although nothing was stolen.

We are now trying to catch the offender, said a policeman, adding that the case was now open under the Penal Codes section 459 which punishes anyone who whilst house-breaking causes grievous hurt to any person or attempts to cause death with up to ten years imprisonment.

The break-in comes soon after the Rangoon government has widened its crackdown on crime under its 100-day plan.

Rangoon chief minister Phyo Min Thein said during a regional government meeting last month that the government is set to bring the full strength of the police force in order to ensure public safety.
Burma Spat Breaks Out Between Arakanese Armed Groups

After accusing the Arakan Liberation Army (ALA) of stealing military supplies and disrupting their shipments, the Arakan Army detains an ALA soldier.

RANGOON  Arakan Army spokesman Lt-Col Kyaw Han claims his forces have detained an Arakan Liberation Army (ALA) Column 9 soldier who stole their military armor, weapons and other supplies in Chin State near the borders with India and Bangladesh on Tuesday.

The Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), the political wing of the ALA, released a statement on Thursday saying that the Arakan Army had ambushed their forces and one soldier had been arrested while another is missing in action.

The ALA is one of the signatories of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with the previous government, but the Arakan Army was excluded from the peace process.

The ALA stated that armed clashes between the two armed groups, both of which are ethnic Arakanese forces, were a shameful matter within the Arakan community; the ALP believes they will be able to solve the problem without further casualties.

ALP Joint Secretary Khaing Aung Soe Than said the incident occurred near Phone Nyat Wa and Mike Wa villages in Paletwa Township, where ethnic Chin and Khamee live.

The Arakan Armys Kyaw Han rejected the ALA assertions and argued that ALA troops had been stealing from local residents. Moreover, he claimed ALA soldiers had disturbed villagers who had worked for the Arakan Army carrying supplies, adding that several villagers and Arakan Army soldiers had collaborated to hunt down the ALA soldiers.

Of the ALA, Kyaw Han said, We are not foes, but this incident could harm reconciliation efforts.

Rumors are spreading on social media that two ALA soldiers were killed in Wednesdays fighting.

But Kyaw Han said there was no fighting between the Arakan Army and ALA, and there were no injuries on either side. Now the Arakan Army is calling on ALA leaders to return the reportedly stolen goods, although details on such items were not forthcoming.

We didnt kill anyone. Our comrades didnt pull the trigger, Kyaw Han said. Trying to disrupt our logistics is like cooperating with the enemy [the Burma Army].

The ALPs Khaing Aung Soe Than defended his soldiers, arguing that they had not stolen anything.

[This is] an untrue accusation. How could we rob the Arakan Army? he said. Thats funny. Impossible.
News / Press Release

by MISA Zambia

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia is concerned with the closure of The Post Newspaper by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) as the action is an assault to democracy and against media freedom.The Zambia Revenue Authority on Tuesday 21st June, 2016 closed The Post Newspaper Limited, demanding that the company pays a total of K68 million (US$6.1 million) disputed tax arrears immediately.Closing the Post will not punish the owners but its readers as the paper has immensely contributed to the maintenance of a pluralistic society in which different views, even those considered to be critical and dissenting have been accorded space.It must be stated that freedom of the media and freedom of expression are core principles of democracy where free, diverse and independent media constitute the cornerstone of a democratic society by facilitating free flow of information and principles of transparency and accountability.While media institutions, like other entities, need to be up to date with their statutory obligations, it is expected that they are treated in a fair manner and accorded a chance to be heard where disputes are raised following due process.It is also important to uphold the principle of non-discrimination in tax issues and it is expected that the same treatment given by the ZRA to The Post should be extended to other media outlets that are owing the authority.There is evidence to suggest that The Post is not the only media house that has tax problems in Zambia which clearly shows that the closure of the Post is political move that is beyond tax issues as alleged.MISA Zambia therefore appeals to government to stop harassing the Newspaper so that it continues with production as the move to close the Post will have an effect on the employees who have now been sent out of employment.Helen MwaleChairperson: MISA Zambia
Burma Thai PM Supports Delayed Burmese Refugee Return

Ahead of Suu Kyis visit to the country, the Thai prime minister said Thailand was willing to give Burma more time before a planned return of refugees.

Burma should be given more time to prepare to take back refugees, said Thailands Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army.

Speaking ahead of Burmas State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyis three-day visit to Thailand, which began on Thursday, Gen Prayut said talks between Thailand and Burma over refugee matters began during the previous administration and the government believes that, when Burma is ready, it will take the refugees back.

[Burma] is willing to take back the refugees but we have to give them more time to prepare for such considerations as securing land to accommodate those who return. We understand each other, the Thai prime minister said.

There are currently about 100,000 Burmese refugees in nine camps and shelters in Thailand, he said.

In the meantime, Gen Prayut said Thailand would continue to take care of the refugees on humanitarian grounds although this will inevitably result in an increased burden on the country.

To handle these refugees, Thailand is considering adopting the same approach as it did with the return of Hmong refugees from Tham Krabok to Laos several years ago, said the prime minister.

At this time, as a representative of the [Burmese] government, Ms Suu Kyi will be received on a government-to-government basis, he said.

Suu Kyi previously visited Thailand as a pro-democracy activist in 2012, he said.

Burmas de facto leader will meet Gen Prayut at Government House on Friday.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said Suu Kyi, who is also Burmas foreign minister, has cancelled a visit to a Burmese refugee camp at Ban Tham Hin in Ratchaburi province on Saturday after a potential for bad weather raised safety concerns.

Maj Gen Piyaphan Pingmuang, deputy spokesman of the National Police Office, said yesterday the Thai police were ready to ensure Suu Kyis safety throughout her visit.

Ahead of the meeting between Gen Prayut and Suu Kyi, the Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN) issued a statement expressing concerns regarding the Thai governments poorly planned, short-term migration policy.

The Thai government has been accused of being too focused on the seafood industry and fishing boats despite the fact that systematic migrant exploitation exists across the country and in most industrial sectors. The European Union has threatened the government with a potential seafood ban to Europe if it does not mend its ways in the fishing industry.

The migrant group recommended a national development plan with a long-term migration policy to be developed in line with economic and human security principles. In addition, a migration authority should be established under the Prime Ministers Office to develop Thailands migration policy and issues relating to migrant workers.

Thailand should ensure proper enforcement to prevent corruption and ensure compliance with human rights, labor rights and social protection laws in labor matters, the group said.
Burma UN Rapporteur Meets Muslim and Buddhist Communities in Sittwe

Yanghee Lee meets with Arakan State residents who expressed unhappiness with a recent name designation for the Muslim community floated by the government.

RANGOON  Yanghee Lee, the United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on human rights in Burma, met on Thursday with Muslim community leaders of Aung Mingalar quarter in Sittwe, the Arakan State capital.

Aung Mingalar is the last Muslim enclave in Sittwe, after most of the towns sizeable Muslim population fled sectarian violence in 2012. However, it functions effectively as an internment camp, with access in and out restricted by heavily armed police, and the total segregation of the Muslim community from the towns Buddhist majority.

The meeting took place at the Ma Dar Hsa Arabic School at 10 a.m. and lasted around 10 minutes. A dozen community leaders attended.

Yanghee Lee asked the Muslim residents, many of whom identity strongly as Rohingya, for their views on the new, purportedly neutral term for the RohingyaMuslim community in Arakan Statefloated by the government at a recent session of the UN Human Rights Council. She also sought their thoughts on the governments recently resumed citizenship verification drive targeted at stateless Muslims in Arakan State.

The Muslim community leaders responded that they did not accept the governments new term for them, and said they still hoped to gain official recognition from the government as Rohingya, according to Zaw Zaw, a Rohingya resident who was present at the meeting.

Muslim residents also expressed distrust towards the governments citizenship verification drive. This has involved the handing out of national verification cards to those who will later be assessed for citizenship eligibility under the 1982 Citizenship Law, which discriminates heavily against the Rohingya as a non-recognized ethnic group in Burma.

Yanghee Lee then asked which they considered to be a greater priority: gaining citizenship under the 1982 Citizenship Law, by whatever means, or continuing to fight for the official recognition of their identity as Rohingya.

We told her that if the Rohingya are designated as one of the [officially recognized] ethnic minorities of Burma, we will automatically become citizens, said Zaw Zaw.

He said that Yanghee Lee also enquired about their current situation and their experiences over the last four years. The Muslim community leaders stressed that material conditions had improved for them, but the high level of police surveillance had not changed.

[Beforehand] we were not allowed to go to markets but now we can go everyday with police guards. Thats a small change, said Zaw Zaw.

The Muslim residents of Aung Mingalar were not entirely satisfied with the meeting, however, because the UN rapporteur did not make any commitments towards them on behalf of the UN and merely took notes, according to Zaw Zaw.

According to state government sources, Yanghee Lee visited only one other place in Sittwe, Ming Gan quarter, where Buddhist Arakanese displaced by the 2012 violence have been settled.

Arakan State government spokesman Min Aung confirmed that Yanghee Lee did not visit any further displaced communities or camps around Sittwe. He said she would return to Rangoon on Thursday evening.

Yesterday, according to state government sources, she visited Pa Nyar Wa camp in Kyauktaw Township, which is sheltering members of non-Muslim ethnic minority groupsincluding the Mro and Daingnetdisplaced by fighting in recent months between the Burma Army and the Arakan Army.

State government spokesman Min Aung expressed his thanks towards the local Arakanese community for not staging any protest rallies, as they had done in previous years.

Thar Pwint, a local Arakanese resident, said, This is not the time to protest against Yanghee Lee. This is the time to protest against the government. Yanghee Lee is not our guest. She is the guest of the Union government.

He expressed suspicion over the timing of the deployment of the governments new termMuslim community in Arakan Stateto coincide with the UN rapporteurs visit, suggesting it was a move to placate the international community. He objected to the term strongly, because it suggested that Bengali Muslims originated in Arakan State.

This reflects a widely held view among Arakanese Buddhists, and the Burmese public more generally, that the Rohingya are illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

Yanghee Lee intended to consult with civil society groups and political parties drawn from the Arakanese Buddhist majority, but they refused to meet with her. The Arakan National Party, which holds the largest number of seats in the Arakan State parliament, released a statement to that effect on Wednesday.

According to local sources, Arakanese nationalist groups in the state are planning to stage demonstrations against the governments recent use of Muslim community in Arakan State.
Burma Wa Military Leader Arrested For Drug Trafficking

A high-ranking leader in the Wa National Organization is arrested in Chiang Mai, Thailand with a large stash of illegal drugs and cash.

CHIANG MAI, Thailand  Ma Ma, a leader of the Wa National Organization (WNO), the political wing of an ethnic Wa armed group, was arrested by Thai narcotics police in Chiang Mai, Thailand this week.

Thai police officials from the Office of Narcotics Control Board held a press conference at their Chiang Mai branch office on Thursday, saying they arrested the Wa leader with 10 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, 7.5 kilograms of raw opium and 26,400 methamphetamine pills.

The police also seized 6.8 million baht (Nearly US$200,000) in cash during the arrest, which took place on Tuesday this week in Tambon Pa Daet in Chiang Mai. Thai police identified the Wa leader as Ma Ma.

The Wa leader, who is known in Burmese media as Tat Ma Har, serves as vice-chairman of the WNO, a member organization of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), an alliance of nine ethnic armed groups who are engaging in peace talks with the Burmese government, but have not signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

The NCA is a peace pact that was signed last year under the former government of President Thein Sein and includes eight ethnic armed groups as signatories.

The arrest resulted from an insider report that Ma Ma and his cohorts were part of a major drug trafficking ring. The drugs were smuggled from Burma to Thailand for distribution to customers, according to a Thai media outlet, Manager Online.

The WNO has long been involved in the illicit drug trade, and one of its past leaders, Mahasang, was also arrested in Chiang Mai and died in prison.

The WNOs military wing, the Wa National Army (WNA), operates in northern Shan State and near the Thai-Burma border.

When contacted by The Irrawaddy on Friday, two UNFC leaders declined to give comments.

Observers, however, said the UNFC may have no connection with the drug trade run by members of the WNO. The UNFCs relationship with the WNO is simply for political purposes, said observers, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue.

In early June, the UNFC leaders met with a Burmese government peace delegation, led by Dr. Tin Myo Win, in Chiang Mai where they were invited to participate in both a political framework development meeting and the Union peace conferencebranded by the new government as the 21st Century Panglong Conferencewhich is scheduled to take place in late July.

The first Panglong Conference, convened by Gen Aung San in 1947, resulted in an agreement between the leaders of some of Burmas major ethnic groups, guaranteeing autonomy for frontier areas in exchange for joining the soon-to-be independent Union of Burma.

The UNFC leaders have expressed willingness to participate in the 21st Century Panglong Conference but have not made a final decision
Business Govt Allows 14 Items for Re-Export

In a government-led effort to boost exports three-fold this year, Burmas Ministry of Commerce has allowed the re-export of 14 previously restricted items.

RANGOON  The Ministry of Commerce has allowed re-export items that were previously restricted in a government effort to boost export volume three-fold this year.

Exporters will be permitted to re-export 14 previously restricted commodities including car tires, edible oil, cosmetics, foodstuff and clothes to China, through the Muse border trade post in Shan State, as well as by sea. The list excludes arms and drugs, and will be dependent on domestic supply and demand, according to the ministry.

In the past, the government restricted certain re-export items due to low demand in the market, but we have reconsidered as were expanding our export market, said Myint Cho, director of the Ministry of Commerce.

Agricultural products and fuels are especially high in demand, he added.

Re-exportation will help reduce the trade deficit, increase taxation and help small and medium enterprises expand their businesses, said Myint Cho, adding that Burma currently exports fewer items than other counties, and is able to increase both market and export volume in line with the governments wishes.

Maung Aung, senior economist at the Ministry of Commerce, said the main reason for allowing re-export items is to increase trade volume and promote exports while the trade deficit continues to grow.

The government has an export oriented policy now. By doing so, they will be able to reach their export volume goals. But we also have to consider engaging in value-added processes, said Maung Aung.

Burmas main exports are commodities like rice, timber, jade and gems, oil and gas, and beans and pulses.

According to the ministry, the total trade volume reached US$25.7 billion between April 2015 and March of this year. Import volume hovered around $15.5 billion, while export volume reached only $10.2 billion. The fiscal year ended on March 31.
Commentary Despite Criticism, Suu Kyi Offers Hope to Rohingya

After traveling to Rohingya IDP camps for years, veteran reporter Lawi Weng reflects on the causes of discord.

If we see each other as humans and show mutual respect, then it is easy to solve problems. But when one side looks at the other as if they are sub-human, it is almost impossible to come up with a solution. This is what is happening in Arakan State, where the UN has accused Burma of human rights violations.

The Rohingya are Muslims and are also perceived as having darker skin than the local ethnic Arakanese Buddhists, who believe that the Rohingya are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. They call them Bengali, despite their own wish to be identified as Rohingya. This has left the government and the UN powerless to bring the two communities together.

Their ancestors may have come from Bangladesh a long time ago, but most of the Rohingya were born in the region, and somealthough by no means a majorityeven have ID cards. They want to return to their homes after staying more than four years in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, but that is still impossible.

If we see them as human beings, we should give them citizenship, and let them return to their homes with dignity. Then, not only would this problem be addressed, it would improve the image of our country and that of the government.

Zaw Htay, deputy spokesman for the Presidents Office, admitted that the previous government violated the human rights of the Rohingya who are living in IDP camps, but because the new government is undergoing reforms, he asked that the UN and the international community be less rigid when addressing this issue.

Suu Kyi revealed her new stance when she said her government would only use the term Muslim community in Arakan State, and avoid both Rohingya or Bengali when referring to the group. This was intended to improve the image of the government, and could be seen as an attempt to address the conflict within the community. But both Arakanese and Rohingya have voiced their anger over this new term, showing how difficult it is to deal with the issue.

Over the last few years, nearly every time conflict broke out on the ground, I went to Arakan State. My last trip was in 2014. While I was in Ohn Daw Gyi IDP camp, a middle-aged man brought me inside a small hut because he wanted me to help his father, who was in such poor health that he could not walk and had to lie on the ground. The old man thought I was a doctor, and he wanted me to give him an examination to see what was wrong. I told him I was a journalist, not a doctor.

This experience showed me how bad the healthcare situation is in the camps.

I could not sleep well whenever I returned home from the camps in the region, and I sometimes felt that I did not want to go back there. They are all human beings. Why do they have to live in such poverty as if they are sub-human? If everyone could see them as humans, we could solve this problem.

Suu Kyi may understand this; she may provide some human rights protection for the Rohingya. But her new stance did not get support from the Arakanese people. And many on the Rohingya side do not like the new term her government has introduced either.

In the meantime, the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights Yanghee Lee visited Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State, on Wednesday. The Rohingya have high expectations whenever she visits because they view her as a person who will stand up for their human rights; in this regard, the Rohingya trust her more than Suu Kyi.

Burma has experienced political reform, and we finally have a civilian-led government. But the military still has influence and power, so the situation is not yet ideal. The Rohingya should have a little more faith in Suu Kyi and see that she, like Yanghee Lee, is someone who could help them.

Lawi Weng is a senior reporter for The Irrawaddy.
Interview Tourism Industry Observer: The Governments Tourism Statistics Are Misleading

The Irrawaddy interviews Sabei Aung, chairwoman of Nature Dream Travel and Tours about her take on the current state of the travel industry.

RANGOON  In 2015, Burmas former quasi-civilian government announced that the country had received more than 4 million visitors; however, industry observer Sabei Aung, chairwoman of Nature Dream Travel and Tours, criticized the statistics as misleading. The Irrawaddy spoke with Sabei Aung about her take on the current state of the travel industry.

The government said Burma received more than 4.5 million foreign travelers last year, but you say those figures are impossible. Why?

Im referring to figures collected by the Pacific Asia Travel Association. They stated the number of foreign travelers who came into the country was slightly more than 1.3 million. There is a huge gap between the two figures. Of the governments stated 4.5 million visitors, 3.4 million crossed the border by land. There is a gap because the association does not count visitors who came across land borders as real tourists. The association assumes those figures are wrong.

The government expects to receive 7 million foreign visitors in 2020, but the association estimates that the number may only reach 2 million. We are suffering from misinformation released by ministries from the previous era.

Can those huge gaps between the actual figures and government-released figures affect the entire tourism industry?

Investors will be affected. After 2010, international investors came to learn about the market but they found that the data was wrong. Singaporean investors came in, but European investors backed out.

Also, hotels have mushroomed domestically but hoteliers have built hotels with their own money and loans. Those hotels do not receive enough guests and suffer huge losses. The incorrect data mislead local businessmen as well.

How many foreign visitors do you estimate Myanmar may receive this year?

The number will be less than 1.4 million. But I only count those who come on a tourist visas, visit tourist destinations, stay at least 24 hours and stay overnight in the country.

Everyone knows that 3.4 million visitors crossing the borders is totally impossible. There is not sufficient infrastructure, like airlines or hotels, at the border. Even the major cities with large numbers of hotels only received 1.3 million visitors. So the figure of 3.4 million cross-border travelers is not realistic. We went to border areas but did not see many tourists.

So you mean the supply for flights and hotel rooms exceeds the demand?

Yes, it does. The supply is high and demand is low now. This is proven by the continuous promotions run by hotel and tour operators. Some operators and tour guides have had to close their businesses for the time being.

Do you think the new government can handle the legacy left by the previous government?

The new government has been in office less than 100 days. We want to wait and see because the new hotels and tourism minister has been in this industry for 30-40 years and his hotel business has a good reputation. I think he is a good man but Im worried that he might easily believe what other people say. He is the only person who has changed in the tourism ministry; the rest of the team remains the same.

The ministry is now talking about disbanding tourism associations. I am afraid that doing so would impact the industry. I am against disbanding the associations and in favor of collaboration. Tourism associations still have cronies who look out for their self-interests and we will still have to work with them. The minister needs to handle this shrewdly and ensure unity.

Do you believe the current government can be implement the previous governments tourism master plan?

The entire industry is working together to implement the tourism master plan. Supporting groups have hired experts to analyze the industry on ground; the problem is whether these experts are qualified to do so. I doubt it. Are they really qualified to survey anything on the ground? Here, some experts dont even know industry terminology. How can we believe them? There are many people working solely for self-interests.

What advice do you have for the new government as a first priority?

The new government needs to change policies and people at the same time. The new minister should see who works hard and keep them, and he should approach working with tourism associations carefully.
Opinion / Columnist

The world has truly become a global village, where almost everything that happens in one country has an effect all over the world. The physical borders that separated the states and supposedly provided "security" from possible invasions from other nations have been "removed" so to speak. The physical borders no longer suffice as bulwarks from outside influence or invasions, rendering them useless. This phenomenon called social media has opened wide the issues of all nations and laid them bare for all nations to participate in the affairs of other nations like vultures feasting and de-fleshing the carcases of a dead animal leaving only the bare bones. As issues are thrown into the social media space, different nations and their nationals receive these messages and react differently to the messages depending on the culture imbedded in them. Zimbabweans are a peaceful people, who even as they are bombarded by different social media messages instigated for purposes of causing civil discord; they choose peace, hard work and progress.National cultures are different and they react differently to information as evidenced by the latest spate of events, where the people of Tswane in South Africa have revolted to a point of burning buses over a mayoral candidate that has been chosen by the ruling party for their local elections due in August. Zimbabwe has had different Mayors at Town House with the current Mayor Manyenyeni on suspension even as we speak, but our culture is not one to go and throw stones at buses that have come with business people from foreign lands. For us foreigners are a source of foreign currency income and we handle them like kings. The burning of buses in protest is not Zimbabwean. Our culture is of progress and of a sound mind, where issues are solved amicably at the table by way of negotiation. Thank God, Zimbabwe is a peaceful nation that is neither moved nor perturbed by the reactions of other nations on how to deal with issues.True we have a cash crisis in Zimbabwe and so far the issue has been handled admirably, thanks to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Mangudya and other stakeholders, people have been educated on how to go around their normal bill payments. Use of plastic money has made everything so much easier, carrying large amounts of money risking being robbed is a thing of the past. People are adapting and all is working well. However, by mid-day Monday the phones where beeping off the hook, with notifications of a burning POSB Masvingo bank apparently having been burnt by clients disappointed for not accessing their cash. As usual, it was a malicious falsehood and Zimbabweans treated it like a joke it was, copied, pasted and forwarded to the next person/group and the day progressed without anyone thinking about it twice. If it was South Africa on the other hand, buildings and cars would have been burnt and people killed or maimed. This here is Zimbabwe and it has a different culture altogether.The past weeks have seen us being asked to like the #Occupy Africa Unity Square, there will always be that one bean that refuses to cook with others, it will always remain hard and smelly. That same bean will try and influence others to follow suit, adopting cultures from others is not a Zimbabwean thing, that's why the whole exercise suffered a still birth. This is not Egypt and Africa Unity Square is not Tahir Square and the people of Zimbabwe have a totally different culture from those from Egypt. One does not come with something that is not Zimbabwean and force it down the throats of the Zimbabwean citizens; they will go back with egg on their faces. Zimbabweans have better things to do with their time.The interconnectedness of the globe has promoted the prying eyes of the bully nations and hyped their interests and their eyes are prying more on the resources of the different nations. They are drooling on the richness of what they see and want everything and will do anything to have access to the resources of the different nations, greed controls them and they feel they can start a brawl with any nation by using the "hard beans" to blow issues out of proportion and in making a mountain out of a molehill. These antagonists should go back to the drawing board, because Zimbabweans cannot be moved by issues that are peddled through the social media. Zimbabweans are just not a violent people and they will not be used like puppets in a show to destroy their inheritance while some bully from the west syphons their natural resources and treasures that are still being discovered even up to this day.As messages go back and forth on the social media networks, it has enabled not just a sneak peek into the affairs of other nations, but has also been used as conduit of lobbying peoples of the different nations to rise against their own governments causing unrest thereby destabilising the smooth flow of the nations' affairs. Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Syria are all casualties of social media, as they embraced and put their faith in the new warfare weapon. If these countries were to be given another chance of doing it all over again, they will definitely have a different perspective about the use of social media in their respective nations, as Libya, today lies in ruins as they are failing to keep things together since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.It is however, amazing to note that culture though it might be changed by globalisation, not all of it is eroded. There are just some traits that can't be traded. Zimbabweans have a lot to lose if they join the social media frenzy, they are empowered individuals and they co-own this country with all the other citizens in it, they are owners of mines, farms, fisheries, businesses small-scale, medium scale and multi-million dollar businesses. The people of Zimbabwe own the resources of this country; they have been empowered as such by the policies that President R.G. Mugabe and his government have put in place. It is therefore quite difficult for a person to strike against his own farm, his own business to destroy his own house, burn their combis and taxis. Social media might come and try but Zimbabwean people are grounded, in the love of their country, their resources, their businesses and families. Zimbabweans are proud of their inheritance and have much respect of Ubuntu.
Friday, June 24th, 2016 (11:24 am) - Score 2,540

Its impossible to escape todays big news, which is that the United Kingdom has voted by a tiny margin to leave the European Union. The immediate impact upon UK Internet and broadband policy will be mild, but some areas may be hit harder than others and the future beyond 2018/9 is particularly uncertain.

Firstly, its important to highlight that the process required for leaving the EU will run for 2 years, during which time new trade or other arrangements will need to be negotiated and existing EU linked policy or funding commitments should continue to apply. Political leaders in Brussels have promised that everything will be business as usual for that period (they dont have much choice because the UK will also continue with its contributions to the budget), but a lot of future factors will depend upon the outcome of those negotiations.

Mercifully most of the existing broadband roll-out contracts are only designed to run up to 2018/19 and very few involve a substantial amount of EU sourced funding. Weve had a huge amount from the EU in the past (e.g. Cornwalls contract with BT), but todays allocations are much smaller due to budget cuts and obviously we wont now get anything more from that side after 2018/19.

Similarly any new contracts being signed over the next few months arent expected to involve much EU funding, although the Brexit vote will create funding challenges for any contracts that envisage the use of EU sourced investment past 2018/19 (poorly served rural areas may notice this more than most). The UK economy also seems set to take a hit and that in turn means less money to go around.

Otherwise, here are a few key areas that people should keep an eye on.

Key Broadband and Internet Policy Implications * We dont anticipate UK policy towards support for broadband or mobile network upgrades / infrastructure roll-out being hit too sharply in the near term because most of our domestic legislation is either already ahead of or in-line with the EU. As such the policy proposals for a 10Mbps USO, improvements to civil works, protection of net neutrality, ensuring support for high-speed broadband in new builds and existing BDUK contracts should all broadly continue as planned. But there is the potential for a greater policy divide to open up in the future. * The EU State Aid rules will in theory no longer apply past 2018/19, which could speed up the administrative process for contract approvals (less red tape) and leave the UK free to adopt a more flexible or possibly restrictive model of public funding. At this stage not even the Governments Broadband Delivery UK programme knows quite what approach will be taken. However the UK will probably have to accept some degree of EU State Aid ruling as part of its new post-Brexit agreement(s). * If the EU sets a future target for the roll-out of ultrafast (100Mbps+) broadband services past 2020, which is widely expected to happen, then the UK can choose to ignore that and be less ambitious. However wed like to think that the Government will not rest on its laurels and instead strive to keep us competitive. * The controversial Internet spying centric Investigatory Powers Bill (IPB) will be able to pass into law without needing to worry about future legal challenges from a possible conflict with the EU Charter and related legislation, which is designed to protect your personal privacy and freedom (example). * Mobile operators in the UK wont be held to the EUs new roaming regulations after 2018/19, which means that we might all end up paying more when using our mobiles to call, text or surf the Internet while roaming abroad. * After 2018/19 Ofcom will no longer have to wait for feedback, opinions or approvals from the European Commission before finalising new industry rules, although its approach will continue to follow the direction of domestic Government policy. The regulator will no doubt also remain attuned to the direction of EU telecoms regulation (necessary for some aspects, such as the harmonisation of radio / wireless spectrum bands). * Maybe that whole silly EU cookie law, which requires you to click on a pointless website announcement or pop-up that most people pay no attention to, will finally be sent to the scrap heap.

Elsewhere some have speculated that the UK could use part of the money that it would have previously paid into the EU and flush that back into the UK, but it would be wishful thinking to assume that broadband is going to be a significant recipient. If anything, the predicted economic downturn may have a more negative counter impact, at least over the short term.

Nicholas Lansman, ISPA Secretary General, said: The UK has entered into a new chapter in its history following the result of the EU membership referendum. There are clearly a number of significant questions and issues that will need to be addresses in the weeks, months and years ahead. ISPA will work with its members and Government to fully understand what Brexit will mean for the sector. The EU is responsible for a considerable amount of regulations affecting the Internet and technology sectors and it remains to be seen what the full ramifications of this. To name a few, this could have an impact on the future regulation of data privacy, public funding for broadband, surveillance powers and the future of the Investigatory Powers Bill, consumer regulation and the future of the Digital Single Market. The UK has a world-leading digital economy, ensuring this is maintained should be a priority as industry and government respond to the new UK landscape.

Assuming the worst were to happen and we end up in another recession, then consumers and business behaviour would also become more protectionist. This means spending less on superfast broadband and putting a greater focus on switching to cheaper services in order to cut costs. But that in turn would make it harder for new networks to get built or attract investment, at least for a little while.

Suffice to say that todays Brexit vote is a mixed bag for broadband and Internet services, but little of any real outcome will be seen until after the UK completes its exit. Going forwards our future will depend much more upon the competitive direction of UK domestic policy and quite how that will pan out after 2018/19 is open for speculation.

UPDATE 3:32pm

Added a comment from the ISPA above.

UPDATE 5:02pm

Welsh ISP Spectrum Internet reported a surge of UK Internet traffic this morning due to the results of the EU referendum. The traffic was double what it would normally be during the night, when usually businesses back up their data. Last night saw additional traffic due to customers being awake and online.

Apparently the highest spike of users was at 9am following David Camerons resignation as Prime Minister.
On Wednesday, June 22, Google Fiber announced that it will acquire Webpass, a high-speed internet service provider, for an undisclosed sum.

According to ZDNet, Webpass provides internet access to business and residential customers at speeds between 100Mbps and 1Gbps. The small internet service provider (ISP) was founded in 2003 and at present has only around 80 employees.

Webpass is focusing on providing Ethernet-based fiber connections to business and gigabit internet in select residential markets. Up to date, the San Francisco-based ISP has 20,000 subscribers and has connected over 800 buildings nationwide.

Webpass provides a combined rooftop wireless and fiber network in five major markets, including San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Miami and Boston. Among the ISP's business customers are included Wordpress, HBO Films, Forsquare, Mozilla, Zappos, Lyft and Oracle Racing.

Google announced its plans to acquire Webpass on a post published on its Twitter account. The news is confirmed by Webpass' press release. The acquisition will support Google's continued expansion of its own fiber service by integrating a well-established commercial provider of gigabit internet.

Webpass founder and president Charles Barr wrote that the two companies will accelerate the deployment of super-fast internet by joining their forces. Webpass will remain primarily focused point-to-point wireless connections for residential and commercial buildings.

The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals in the industry, but it is expected to close later this summer. According to the Verge, the deal could give Google Fiber an edge against cable companies in large apartment building as well as help the company with its Bay Area rollout.

After Google's restructuring last year, Google Fiber operates as a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. Back in February, the company announced the San Francisco Bay Area as its next target city. At the time, Michael Slinger, the group's business operations director, explained that Google Fiber would rely on existing fiber networks instead of building out its own network..
Xiaomi has launched an electric bicycle called QiCycle that will cost only 2,999 yuan or about $460.

According to the Verge, Xiaomi strives pushing the message that it is a technology company rather than just being a phone company. The company has launched various internet connected devices over the past year, including wearables, air purifiers, kettles and rice cookers. Its latest product is an electric folding bicycle, released under Xiaomi's Mi QiCycle brand.

Engadget reports that Mi QiCycle is the second product from iRiding, a Xiaomi-backed startup. iRiding has released the premium QiCycle R1 just back in March. The bike costs 19,999 yuan or about $3,000.

In order to target the mass market, this time round iRiding is using Xiaomi's "Mi" brand on its latest bicycle. At a total weight of 14.5 kg, the Mi QiCycle weighs almost twice comparing with the carbon fiber-made R1.

For easier storage, the Mi QiCycle can be folded into half its size. The bike comes with a 250W motor which offers pedal assist and a 3-speed hub. On a single charge it can run for up to 28 miles or 45km.

The Mi Qicycle is a smart bike that comes with a Bluetooth connection. The smartphone's companion app can be used to check on the ride stats, bike's status and GPS navigation.

The bike comes also with its own display on the handlebar that shows users useful info such as the speed, distance, time, battery charge and dynamic power. The display allows users to switch between modes such as "Power-saving," "Extra power," "Balanced" and "Fitness."

At the moment, Xiaomi is organizing a crowdfunding campaing for the bike on company's Mijia app. However, for those interested in Xiaomi's Mi QiCycle foldable electric bike, the bad news is that chances are they won't be able to purchase it outside China.
LOS ANGELESNorth Americans woke up Friday to the news that a majority of British voters decided the United Kingdom should leave the European Union, and immediately started asking what Brexitas the referendum has come to be knownmeans for the U.K., the EU and themselves.

The aftermath of the vote has seen many voters express regret for their leave votes, as well as the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron, the fall of the British pound to a 31-year low and the reality of stock exchanges around the world suffering major losses. Right now, its unclear if the U.K.comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Irelandwill remain intact.

The unprecedented vote puts global economies into uncertainty, but analysts are already making predictions on how the decision will affect other countries. According to TheStar.com, Brexit could mean a number of changes to Canadian companies, including forcing those who invested in the U.K. to access the EU market to find alternatives.

Lovehoney co-owner Richard Longhurst said it was business as usual at Lovehoney, Britain's biggest online sex toy retailer, following the historic vote to leave the European Union, though he noted it was still too early to assess the full impact of the decision on the sex toy industry.

Lovehoney is based in Bath, England, but also has a thriving U.S. website Lovehoney.com.

There has been a very low signal-to-noise ratio since the U.K. voted to leave the European Union, Longhurst said. "Long term, nobody knows what will happen. Short term, all we know is that sterling has depreciated against the dollarbut sensible companies were hedged against that risk ... weren't they?

"For Lovehoney, it's business as usualthe Internet still works and sex has not gone out of fashion, he continued. We're growing fast, pleasing our customers around the world, developing awesome new products and unique brands, and, of course, looking forward to the release of Fifty Shades Darker next Valentine's Day."

Britain has yet to invoke the Article 50 motion which would take it out of the European Unionand end Britain's place in the European single market. It has two years to decide whether to action Article 50.

Any decision is unlikely to happen until a new Prime Minister is chosen to replace David Cameron by the ruling Conservative Party following Cameron's resignation the day after the vote to Leave the EU. Cameron led the unsuccessful campaign for Britain to remain in the EU.

PinkCherry.com is a Toronto-based e-commerce site for buying and selling adult novelties. Reps there said its unclear what, if any, effect the Brexit will have on their company.

As we just focus on North America there is no immediate impact on us; however this is all new and how things play out on so many levels will be interesting, Nancy Freedman, marketing manager for PickCherry.com, told AVN. The economic impact locally and globally will certainly be something to watch.

The decline of the British pound against the U.S. dollar means that U.S. exports of physical goodsincluding adult DVDscould become more expensive for buyers with weaker currencies. Simply put, American-made porn DVDs and sex toys might be considered extravagances not worth buying if Britons now have to dip into their savings to cover for their everyday living expenses.

While there is definitely some sense of panic associated with the Brexit, there are no concrete ideas on long-term effects.

Though there's a bit of chaos in the financial world the day after the U.K. vote, it's unclear what kind of lasting impact this decision will have on the global economy, said Rainey Stricklin of Juicy Ads, a leading adult advertising network. We once believed that porn was recession-proof. We learned during the last economic downturn that we're not immune.

We should always be concerned when it comes to potential changes in the economy and be prepared for fluctuations, Rainey told AVN. Whether it is this issue or not, we should all be ready for an eventual rainy day.

Mitch Farber, CEO of Netbillingwhich provides merchant accounts, multi-currency transaction processing, and call center services to thousands of e-commerce and retail companies of all sizestold AVN he doesnt believe there is much to worry about.

"Aside from an initial weakening of the British pound, which could affect spending from British consumers for porn and other sex-related goods and services, I don't foresee any long-term effect to the adult industry, he said. There will be a short-term economic impact felt worldwide that will stabilize relatively quickly."

Others in the industry said they are prepared to take a "wait and see" attitude, but will work hard to keep an eye on markets worldwide to see what impact the decision will ultimately have.

Given that most in the financial industry expected a different outcome, it is hard to say the impact as yet, explained Gary Jackson, managing vice president for CCBill. But for our industry in general, anytime there is global instability in financial markets, we tend to see lower spending, and consumers step back from purchasesessentially spending less when they feel insecure. So we need to keep an eye on sales trends with purchases, especially in EU and U.K. markets. Our obvious concern is how this will affect the future of the EU and the Euroand the U.S.

Until the now-defunct trade agreements have a pricing impact, currencies are obviously in flux right now with this, and currency exchange is likely to have a roller-coaster impact on margins for prices for products sold in GBP and EUR, Jackson told AVN. Most processing platforms like CCBill offer real-time currency conversion processesand this is a time in which using something like Regional Pricing (regional localized pricing) will be of value in currency flux and can help protect margins.

As we offer several European payment options, there are going to be some questions on what this means to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) integration initiative for the EU and how this pull-out will affect that network, at least in payment services in which the U.K. had been included, he added. The SEPA bank transfer system serves in Euros.

Although so much is still up in the air with this historic change, CCBill will be watching and analyzing as it happens, but we do not at this point anticipate any significant impact on payment services like CCBill for our merchants, Jackson said. For merchants in the business who leverage a third-party provider, their trust is correctly placed in the processing experts to work across multiple banking regions, monitor changes in the financial and regulatory worlds, and adapt on their behalf, rather than forcing the merchant to bear the weight of managing these crazy changes themselves.

Webmaster Access will certainly be interesting this year!
The tit for tat argument arose after NextDC announced on Tuesday this week that its Melbourne data centre was the first data centre in Australia to actually operate at a NABERS 4.5 star level, and as reported by iTWire.



Metronode subsequently disputed that NextDCs Melbourne facility was the first to actually operate with the Nabers 4.5 rating, and requested iTWire to publish a correction to that effect with our story, which we did.



Nabers energy rating certifications are only granted to data centre operators after a lengthy assessment in which it determines if the data centre being assessed warrants certification of its 4.5 star energy rating.





But, today NextDC stood by its statement, reconfirming that it was, in fact, the first operator with a data centre actually operating with the Nabers certification in place  because its Nabers assessment had been completed prior to that of other 4.5 star-rated data centres.Heres NextDCs statement in full:M1 is the first data centre in Australia to operate at a NABERS 4.5 star level because its NABERS measurement period began before that of the other 4.5 star-rated data centres.NEXTDC M1 rating period 01/10/2014 to 30/09/2015, Metronode Silverwater rating period 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015, Metronode Derrimut rating period: 01/02/2015 to 31/01/2016.So, at issue is which of the two - NextDC or Metronode - started actual operation of their data centres first, with the much-sought after Nabers 4.5 energy rating certification already in place, rather than the dates on which assessment only (not final certification) was taking place.Metronode doesnt accept NextDCs claim to be the first in Australia to actually operate a data centre with the Nabers 4.5 rating certification in place.Metronode managing director Josh Griggs, in a statement to iTWire on Friday  three days after we published the story  said:Metronodes Silverwater facility was the first data centre in Australia granted a NABERS 4.5 rating in February, therefore, NextDC is the second, not the first.Prior to receiving the official certification, Metronodes data centres underwent the mandatory 12-month NABERS assessment period during which we operated both data centres to the standards required to receive the certification.It is our understanding that, until NABERS confirms the official certification of a NABERS data centre rating as 4.5, a company is not entitled to claim this certification.We are currently seeking clarification on this issue from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.At the time of publication of this story, a spokeswoman for Metronode told iTWire she was still awaiting clarification on the issue from the Office of Environment and Heritage.The spokeswoman suggested that the issue of when a data centre operator can actually claim to be operating with the Nabers certification already in place may, in fact, be an industry-wide issue for all operators, not just Metronode and rival NextDC - and that it needs clarification by Nabers.iTWire, too, looks forward to that clarification.
Microsofts SQL (pronounced sequel) Server 2016 has no "equal" if you want a product that runs equally well on-premise, hybrid, and cloud  well, that's according to Microsoft.

At the Australian launch of the product, Microsoft Australia managing director Pip Marlow spoke about how the data-driven culture was changing the world  democratising data  and how it had changed Microsoft too. Microsoft is now more data-driven  it has changed our DNA. It has allowed us to move from a hierarchy of people to a flat network. It has allowed us to move from input-driven to output-driven. And it has allowed us to compete in a world filled with uncertainty, she said.

Data is the key enabler of the fourth industrial revolution  the digital revolution  that will alter the way we live, think, work and more. Microsoft has undergone that transformation under chief executive Satya Nadella  it is not complete yet, but it is a very different, more open company. His mission statement is to 'empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more," she said.

The audience heard from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) on how it was using big data and analytics and had a deep dive into what the new product is about.

Microsofts Steven Worrall, enterprise and partner group director, hosted a panel with Dr Nick Brown, deputy director, performance science and innovation, AIS, and Joe Winter, head of innovation, research, and development, at AIS.

The AIS partnered with Microsoft and BizData to address a critical challenge faced by elite athletes  how to train effectively without becoming ill or sustaining avoidable injuries. Athletes can lose up to 20% of their training time due to injuries and illness  and when they dont train, theyre often unable to meet their performance targets. Using an Azure [cloud] SQL Database powered by Azure machine learning and predictive analytics, the AIS is looking at true positive signs on athletes who may be injured over the next three days. This has the potential to increase athletes safety and their chances of success in the future.

Up to 60,000 data points are captured from every athlete each week. As important as injury prevention is, the data helps to identify future athletes.

Winter was pretty pragmatic about data. He quoted Albert Einstein, If I had an hour to solve a problem, I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about solutions.

The key issue was knowing what data to collect and what was useful  not just collecting everything in the hope it could produce insights. We have built a data warehouse in the cloud that can keep athletes in the zone (80-100% of training) to avoid accidents and stress."

Brown spoke about the data privacy issues. It's central to us that the data is managed ethically. Trust is the foundation  otherwise, athletes would soon stop collecting that data. He said a data ethics committee had been formed and the Azure cloud met strict security and sovereignty criteria for storage in Australia.

It has been a three-year journey, and the future will be to marry up more disparate data like GPS, weather and more to the data lake, he said.

When asked whether Microsoft Azure had a part to play at the Olympics, he said that most sporting countries use analytics. When pressed he said that it indicated Australia could well be in the top five medal count.

The deep dive into features was a little above my pay grade, so forgive the general nature of the comments. Conor Cunningham, partner software architect, SQL Server Engine and 18-year Microsoft veteran, said the aim with all recent releases of SQL was to allow "regular people to crunch data". The 2016 version was the only one that would run in the cloud, hybrid or on-premise and works with a huge number of database types, including Hadoop.

He pointed to a few key features:

Mission-critical, intelligent applications delivering real-time operational intelligence by combining built-in advanced analytics and in-memory technology without having to move the data or impact end-user performance.

Enterprise scale data warehousing with enhanced in-memory columnstore that increases query performance by over 100x vs disk-based solutions. With SQL Server 2016, one can also access optimised MPP scale-out software that can be combined with scale-out appliance architecture with the Analytics Platform System (APS).

Applications requiring the highest levels of security with new Always Encrypted technology that protects data at rest and in motion without affecting database performance.

Comprehensive business intelligence solutions on mobile devices with an end-to-end mobile BI solution built-in that can deliver insights on any device. One can also manage all KPIs, mobile reports and traditional reports from a modern web portal.

New big data solutions that require combining relational data with non-relational data with PolyBase technology built in to allow the querying of structured and unstructured data with the simplicity of T-SQL.

Hybrid cloud solutions that can reduce storage costs, improve high availability and simplify IT operations with new Stretch Database technology. This keeps more historical data at one's fingertips by transparently and securely stretching warm and cold OLTP data to Microsoft Azure on demand without application changes. Also, faster replicas can be placed in Azure to provide cost-effective disaster recovery and backups.

I won't dive any deeper  if you want to know more visit Microsofts SQL 2016 site here.
Ransomware infections are reaching pandemic rates, and it is only going to get worse. While most are aimed at Windows there are a growing number of iOS, macOS and Android versions as well.

Kaspersky Labs has revealed statistics gathered by its security network and says, We are not trying to scare you  well, we are, but not for kicks.

It has chronicled the evolution of ransomware and says after two waves  the original locker and then the cryptors  the third wave is coming, and there may not be anything you can do to minimise its effects. It will be more prevalent in enterprise this time around.

By the end of 2015, the number of ransomware attacks was increasing like an avalanche. In 20152016, four racketeering Trojans were the most active: TeslaCrypt (almost half of all attacks, but fortunately, it has decryptor for it), CTB-Locker, Scatter, and Cryakl (it also decrypta Cryakl). Those four families share almost 80% of the "market.

Kaspersky's statistics for 2015-2016 are frightening

The total number of [Kaspersky] users who encountered ransomware between April 2015 and March 2016 rose by 17.7% compared to the previous 12 months (April 2014 to March 2015)  from 1,967,784 to 2,315,931 globally

The proportion of users who encountered ransomware at least once, out of the total number of users who encountered malware, rose to 4.34%

Among those who encountered ransomware, the proportion who encountered cryptors rose dramatically  31.6% in 2015-2016;

The number of users attacked with cryptors rose 5.5 times to 718,536 in 2015-2016;

The number of users attacked with Win-lockers decreased 13.03%, to 1,597,395 in 2015-2016;

Australia is a target is not in the top 10 countries which faced such attacks:

Country 2014-2015 2015-2016 Year-to-Year Change (times) Russian Federation 34226 177249 +5.18 India 4803 22572 +4.70 United States 15380 22155 +1.44 Germany 4744 96566 +20.36 Vietnam 2230 20409 +9.15 Ukraine 925 11257 +12.17 Kazakhstan 716 10025 +14.00 Algeria 728 5195 +7.14 Italy 4412 53039 +12.02 Brazil 1116 22307 +19.99 Others 61853 277962 +4.49

Kaspersky can only recommend you use a flagship level of paid security end-point protection and corporates have to look at DNS filtering to stop communication with command and control servers. In the end its the user who is the weak link  they must allow ransomware into the system.
Spirit Telecom is a telecommunications carriage service provider (TCSP) that uses other key carriers infrastructure to market ultra-fast Internet access and telephony services. It is focused on supplying fibre-based broadband services to multi-dwelling user locations.

The company will relist on the Australian Stock Exchange as ST1 on 27 June after it exceeded minimum subscription of $2 million ($2.62M raised) through an RTO of Arunta Resources. When added to the existing shares, and the new shares issued under the vendor offer, the capital raising will give Spirit a market cap of $16.7 million.

Chairman of Spirit Telecom, James Joughin, said, We are pleased to be in the process of transition into a listed company and will continue to work with enthusiasm and dedication to reach this key company milestone. Spirit is focused on continuing to provide Australian homes and offices, student accommodation and business parks with the fastest ISP and thanks the continued support of its enthusiastic and dedicated customers.

With more than 30 years of combined telecommunications experience, the founding managers of Spirit, Geoff Neate, and Joe Tigel, are joined by a management team that has skills and experience in sales and marketing, network management and supply chain management and experience from a range of non-telecommunications businesses.

It is this intensive management and telecommunications experience that helped Spirit to be named Australias Fastest Overall ISP in 2015 by PCMag, with a top speed index of 40.0  faster that the NBN.

Explaining what makes fast Internet, Neate, said, There are two key elements to superfast Internet  ping speed and bandwidth. Better known as latency, ping speed is how fast a packet travels from point A to point B. Its by far the biggest factor that gives users the sensation of Internet 'speed'. For example, you type in a URL and boom, the page instantly appears. If we were to liken it to a car, it would be something akin to how fast a car can travel on the freeway.

Bandwidth is the volume of data that can be carried at any given time. Damn this download is taking forever! is a function of not enough bandwidth. Again, using a car analogy, its how many cars can fit on the freeway at the same time, he added.
Seeking to reduce its dependence on Google, Samsung may resort to using its own Linux-based mobile operating system Tizen on all its devices, according to a report in the Korea Times.

An unnamed Samsung official told the newspaper that if a company did not have its own ecosystem, then it would have no future, adding that Tizen had not been developed solely for use with mobile devices.

Samsung is not alone in entertaining the idea of moving on from Android, with another report claiming that Huawei, the world's third-largest smartphone maker, is building an alternative operating system to the EMUI Android skin that it uses.

For quite a while now, there has been informed speculation that Google may decide to create its own proprietary version of Android to fix the fragmentation that dogs the mobile operating system.

Over the last few years, Google has slowly moved away from using features of the Android open source project for its own version of Android which runs on all the devices it sells. The focus is on proprietary services.

In 2015, Samsung sold three million Tizen phones, in markets like Bangladesh, India and Nepal, making it the fourth most popular mobile operating system, a step behind Windows Phone but ahead of Blackberry.

The unnamed Samsung executive said though the company was a latecomer to creating content and an ecosystem, it had improved greatly.

He claimed that Tizen would increase its marketshare as a result of the tech shift towards the business-to-business market from the more unstable business-to-consumer market.

Android dominates the mobile phone business, with estimates that more than 80% of smartphones run it. Apple has most of the remaining marketshare.

The Samsung executive said the company was using India as a test bed, with a steady flow of cheaper models.

The report about Huawei said the company reportedly has a team working on an alternative mobile operating system in Scandinavia. Some former Nokia engineers are part of the development team, the report added.

One of the problems that any company looking to switch from Android faces is a lack of apps. However, Android apps can run on Tizen using a compatibility layer.
Internet of Things platform supplier C3 IoT this week announced two sweeping contracts, one with ENGIE, a huge energy company in Europe, the other with the U.S. Department of State, adding to the eight-year-old companys roster of big IoT wins.

The Department of State is said to have signed a multi-year deal valued up to $25 million to use C3 IoTs enterprise application development platform for a global energy management initiative. C3 IoT will enable the Department of State to gain dynamic, real-time operational insights and efficiencies by analyzing  data from enterprise and extra-prise systems and sensors across 22,000+ Department facilities in 190+ countries, C3 IoT says.

ENGIE, which is a 70 billion euro, French-based, multinational energy company, plans to use the C3 IoT platform as one of the main planks in a digital transformation initiative, says Yves Le Gelard, who is CIO of the company but was also recently made Chief Digital Officer (I take my tie off for that role, he laughs).

These two large contracts add to the impressive IoT accounts C3 IoT has won to date. We already have 20 large scale deployments worldwide, says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Siebel, formerly CEO of $2B Siebel Systems, which merged with Oracle in 2006. The largest is a utility grid operator in Europe called Enel that has 61 million meters in 40 countries.

C3 IoT describes itself as a software company that delivers an enterprise IoT development platform and applications. It is a development environment that allows organizations to develop applications that aggregate data from enterprise information systems (ERP, CRM, factory floor automation systems, all that stuff), extra-prise information systems (weather forecasts, temperature, social media, etc.), and sensor networks, Siebel says. We pull all that together and build a unified federated image which can be petabytes in scale and growing at 100s of gigabytes or terabytes per day.

Thats hard enough, but then the trick is making sense of all of that. You have to apply machine learning to engage in a practice called predictive analytics, Siebel says. Predictive analytics, in the case of electrical grid operator, will use machine learning to discern what device is likely to fail next, why is it going to fail, and what is the probability of failure, he says.

For Le Gelard, knowing in advance that a component in one of the companys 400 massive wind turbines is about to fail would be just unbelievable. We manage very large power plants, pipelines, energy terminals, huge billion dollar assets, so saving even 1% in uptime is huge.

Asked what IoT means to an industry that already uses so many networked sensors, Le Gelard says, What is new is the ability to correlate and cross analyze the industrial stuff coming from SCADA networks, from machines, with unstructured data from other systems and sources, and through machine learning techniques, improve and predict things. You couldnt do that before because of the sheer size of the data.

Consider C3 IoT customer Enel. Siebel says we had to aggregate 7 trillion rows of data into a 750 terabyte cloud image that grows at about 300 gigabtyes a day, and then process this data, and perform correlation and apply machine learning at the rate of 1m transactions per second.

Thats the new world of smart, interconnected devices, Siebel says. When we were kids they used to read the electric meter once per month. Now, if you read a smart meter every 15 minutes, thats 32,000 times per year. And there are things called phasor measurement units on the transmission lines that are putting out power quality signals at 60 times per second, so the amount of data these things are generating is absolutely breathtaking.

Although C3 IoT started off in the energy sector, Siebel says IoT has implications for everything from transportation to manufacturing, healthcare and insurance. Common early use cases, he says, are predictive maintenance and fraud detection, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. I think this is a complete replacement market for the enterprise software market, he says. In 10 years all applications will be IoT applications.
The Brexit vote puts a drag on global IT spending, but the U.K. will see the worst impact, Gartner said in a new spending forecast.

Gartner had predicted a rise in U.K. tech spending by 1.7% this year, for a total spend of $179.6 billion in U.S. dollars. But this forecast was before Thursday's decision by U.K. voters to leave the European Union.

The Brexit vote lowers the 2016 U.K. spending estimate between 2% and 5%, moving it into negative territory, said Gartner Friday. It expects U.K. IT spending to remain negative into next year.

The leading reason for the decline is summed up in one word by Gartner analyst John Lovelock: "Uncertainty."

"It's going to be persistent problem over the next six months," said Lovelock, regarding the Brexit vote. The U.K. not only faces the loss of Prime Minister David Cameron, who plans to resign by October, but two years of negotiation with the EU over the terms of the exit.

Global IT spending is not spared. Gartner had forecast $3.4 trillion this year, a gain of 1.5% in constant dollars. It has revised that to say that global IT spending this year "will remain" above a 1.2% increase this year.

The IT spending most affected in both consumer and business markets is discretionary spending, said Lovelock.

The political turmoil in the U.K. hurts tech spending in Europe overall. The U.K. accounts for 26% of the tech spending in Western Europe, surpassing Germany at 18%, which is the largest economy. Lovelock credited heavy use of business services for U.K.'s large IT spending.

The IT spending forecast this year for Western Europe was flat to begin with -- just 0.2% growth at $688.7 billion, a figure which includes the U.K.
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June, 24 - 26, 2016

Author: Pope Francis | Source: Catholic.net

Follow the live trasmission of the Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to Armenia from 24 to 26 June 2016.

Below is the content of his speeches, homilies, statistics and articles of interest on the journey.

MOTTO: "Visit the first Christian country".

The conversion of Armenia dates back to 301, thanks to the work of St. Gregory the Illuminator and hence, as Pope Francis said - "the first among nations in the course of the centuries have embraced the gospel of Christ" (message to the Armenians, April 12, 2015).

LOGO

Logo Apostolic Trip

Pope Francis to Armenia



The logo, circular in shape, represents the biblical Mount Ararat, symbol of Armenia and Khor Virap of Artashad ( "deep well"), in which St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for almost 14 years and where now the monastery emerges same name. San Gregorio, once freed, was named first Primate of Armenia and declared, with King Tiridates III, Christianity the state religion of Armenia. In the logo, they are represented emblems and colors, violet and yellow, Armenian Apostolic Church and the Holy See.

A brief history of the Church in Armenia

Statistics of the Catholic Church in Armenia

Interview With Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs on Pope's Visit

Vatican Spokesman Gives Overview of Popes Trip This Weekend

Nun Who Will Host the Pope in Armenia Tells of Preparation, Ministry

Here are the trip program. On the program we will be placing links in messages, speeches as it progresses.

Friday, 24 June 2016

09:00 Departure from Rome Fiumicino International Airport for Yerevan.

15:00 Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan Welcome ceremony at the Airport.

15:35 Visit and prayer at the Apostolic Cathedral in Etchmiadzin.

18:00 Courtesy visit to the President of the Republic at the Presidential Palace.

18:30 Meeting with the Civil Authorities and Diplomatic Corps at the Presidential Palace.

19:30 Private meeting with the Catholicos at the Apostolic Palace in Etchmiadzin.



Saturday, 25 June 2016

08:45 Visit to the Tzitzernakaberd Memorial Complex

10:00 Transfer by plane to Gyumri

11:00 Holy Mass in Vartanants Square in Gyumri

16:45 Visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of the Seven Wounds in Gyumri

17:15 Visit to the Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs in Gyumri

18:00 Transfer by plane to Yerevan

19:00 Ecumenical Meeting and Prayer for Peace in Republic Square in Yerevan



Sunday, 26 June 2016

09:15 Meeting with the Armenian Catholic Bishops at the Apostolic Palace in Etchmiadzin

10:00 Participation in the Divine Liturgy in the Armenian-Apostolic Cathedral in Etchmiadzin.

Ecumenical Lunch hosted by H.H. the Catholicos, with the Archbishops and the Bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Catholic Bishops and the Cardinals and Bishops of the Papal Entourage at the Apostolic Palace

15:50 Meeting with delegates and benefactors of the Armenian Apostolic Church at the Apostolic Palace

17:00 Prayer at the Monastery of Khor Virap

18:15 Farewell ceremony at the Airport in Yerevan

18:30 Departure by plane for Rome

20:40 Arrival at Ciampino Airport in Rome.


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All Politics Blog From Milwaukee, Madison and beyond, a daily dose of political news and glimpses behind the scenes SHARE

By of the

A new super PAC to turn out voters and elect Democrats in the fall election and beyond has hit the ground in Wisconsin.

For Our Future, a super PAC, and For Our Future Action Fund, an allied 501(c)(4) that doesn't have to disclose its donors, announced Friday they were launching operations in the state.

The joint effort brings together billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer and his NextGen Climate organization and four labor groups.

The unions are the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association.

The group has now launched in Wisconsin and Florida, and is expected to ramp up in three other states, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Nevada.

The organization will focus on races up and down the ballot, from the presidential contest to targeted state Senate and Assembly contests.

John Grabel, a long-time labor and political activist, will serve as state director. Anne Sayers, who for a decade was program director at the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, will be the deputy director.

The group's spokesman is Joe Zepecki, who handled press operations for Democrat Mary Burke's 2014 unsuccessful campaign for governor.

With Wisconsin once again emerging as a battleground state, the liberal group plans to be heavily involved in the presidential contest between presumptive Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Another targeted race is the contest between Democrat Russ Feingold and Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson.

Keeping the nuclear launch codes out of Donald Trumps hands could not be more important," Zepecki said. "Ensuring that Trump never gets anywhere near the Oval Office and holding Senator Ron Johnson accountable for his failure to repudiate Mr. Trumps dangerous ideas requires all hands on deck."

Pat Garrett, a spokesman for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, said: Wisconsin Democrats will attempt to use special-interest dollars to rewrite history, but the fact is Hillary Clinton and Senator Feingold represent the status quo in Washington, and Wisconsin voters cannot trust them to improve our country or keep us safe.
By

Chase Tower, one of downtown Milwaukee's largest office buildings, has been sold for $30.5 million to an investment group that operates commercial properties throughout the Midwest.

New York-based Breof Bank Midwest LLC sold the property, 111 E. Wisconsin Ave., to 111 W. Wisconsin Property Owner LLC, according to state Department of Revenue property records posted Friday.

Breof, which stands for Brookfield Real Estate Opportunity Fund, is an affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management. The property's buyer is an affiliate of Farbman Group, based in Southfield, Mich., a Detroit suburb.

Farbman Group operates a commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm, and also owns office buildings and other properties totaling 12.5 million square feet mainly in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois, said Andrew Farbman, chief executive officer.

The 22-story, 472,500-square-foot Chase Tower is the group's first Wisconsin property. However, Farbman said he has been considering Milwaukee properties for around nine years.

Milwaukee's commercial real estate market has outperformed the markets of Cincinnati, Detroit and Cleveland, Farbman said.

Farbman said he likes downtown Milwaukee's walkable nature, with its connections to the Historic Third Ward and lakefront. Farbman also mentioned such downtown developments as the future Milwaukee Bucks arena and Northwestern Mutual's office tower that is under construction.

"We're just really bullish on where we thought Milwaukee was," he said, "and where it's going."

Chase Tower is at the southwest corner of E. Wisconsin Ave. and N. Water St., overlooking the Milwaukee River. Farbman's purchase includes the tower's connected parking structure, at 543 N. Water St.

"We absolutely love the building," Farbman said. "We love the location."

His short-term plans include upgrading Chase Tower's lobby and adding amenities to it. Farbman declined to provide details, saying he is seeking feedback from the building's tenants before proceeding with those plans.

Chase Tower and its five-level, 746-space parking structure have a combined $36.6 million assessed value, according to city records.

The $30.5 million sale price, at around 17% below the assessed value, seems somewhat low until the ages of the building and its parking structure are considered, said William Bonifas, executive vice president of CBRE Inc.'s Milwaukee office. CBRE, a commercial real estate brokerage, was not involved in the transaction.

Chase Tower was built in 1961.

Chase Bank serves as its anchor tenant. Other larger tenants include Empower Retirement, which moved there last year from Glendale, and Infinity HealthCare, said Bob Flood, of RFP Commercial Inc., Chase Tower's leasing agent.

The building's occupancy rate is 86%, Flood said.

Brookfield bought the office tower and parking structure in 2006 at the peak of the commercial real estate market for $45.8 million.

Farbman's entry into the Milwaukee market is a welcome sign, Bonifas said. And the relatively low purchase price gives the firm the ability to continue making improvements to the building and its parking structure, he said.

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By of the

The new Mexican Consulate in Milwaukee will open its doors to the public on July 1 after having a soft opening that started on June 15.

The consulate will be run by Julian Adem, who previously ran the Mexican Consulate in Las Vegas. The Milwaukee location will be the 50th consulate in the United States and is located at 1433 N. Prospect Ave.

The consulate's website is not yet running, but it does have a working Facebook page. The consulate has to wait for the Mexican government to approve the website before it posts.

In 2013, Gov. Scott Walker sent a letter to the president of Mexico explaining the need for a consulate in Milwaukee. Statewide efforts to bring the consulate to the area were led by U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy and Sen. Ron Johnson.

Adem said local government's high level of interest in assisting the growing population of Mexican residents was one of the main reasons the consulate is being established in Milwaukee.

Prior to the opening of the Milwaukee consulate, the Chicago office served Mexican residents in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, a population of more than 3 million.

The consulate will serve 53 counties in Wisconsin as well as 12 counties from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

One of the main services that the consulate will offer is documentation, including passports, consular IDs and voter registration cards as well as offering advice in legal rights. A consular ID will cost $27.

Consular IDs will be available as proper identification for medical needs, banks and to be properly identified, Adem said. The IDs can be verified through chip technology.

Legal advice will be offered to those who might not have enough money to hire an attorney, Adem said.

"We can help with confronting immigration or charges that are criminal or civil," Adem said. "We're not lawyers, but we are trained to contact the right people. We know how to go about seeking a solution."

The consulate also hopes to be able to provide community outreach, health care advice, community affairs, education, financial advice and more.

Adem said the consulate hopes to present a scholarship program in the future.

The consulate hopes to promote stronger ties with Wisconsin and help integrate Mexican residents into society as a whole, Adem said.

According to 2010 census data, there are 224,248 Mexican residents in Wisconsin, about 4.3% of the total population.
Brooks trial: DA, victims' families hail verdict, seek 'much healing ahead'

Jurors around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday reported they had reached a verdict. Court will reconvene at 10:45 for the reading of the verdict.
Jeanne McCue (right) and her niece, Peg Masterson Edquist, with McCues memoir. Credit: Courtesy of Jeanne McCue

SHARE Jeanne McCue connects with a Bosnian goat farmer on a recent trip to the country. Courtesy of Jeanne McCue

By of the

It took some persuasion for Jeanne McCue to travel to the Balkans the first time, but it was on that visit that she fell in love.

Grieving over the death of her 27-year-old son, McCue was encouraged by a friend to visit the religious site in Medjugorje in the former Yugoslavia with a group led by her parish priest. That visit turned into a decadeslong connection to a country that ensnared the Whitefish Bay nurse's heart.

This summer, McCue, now 80, will make her 41st trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina to deliver aid and supplies and help people still suffering from a war that no longer merits daily headlines.

McCue recently published a memoir, "The Transport of Hope: How One Humanitarian Made a Difference in the Balkan Conflict," with her niece Peg Masterson Edquist, a former Milwaukee Sentinel reporter.

"We have to become ambassadors for our country. People might not have a good impression of America, but if you go over there and work with them and help them, they'll have a different impression of people in the United States," McCue said.

McCue and Edquist will sign copies of "The Transport of Hope" from 1 to 3 p.m. July 24 at Old St. Mary Parish Center, 835 N. Milwaukee St.

The year after McCue's first visit in 1990, the region exploded in violence. McCue heard about an Alabama organization that needed a nurse to accompany a cargo plane filled with medical supplies to Croatia and Medjugorje in 1992, and she volunteered.

She saw bombed-out buildings and children injured by booby traps as she helped deliver supplies to clinics, hospitals and refugee camps. McCue noticed that few people showed up for bread and water lines because of fears of shelling and sniper fire.

Returning home from her first humanitarian mission, she was exhausted and energized and vowed to go back.

"It just grew. At first, I had a van full of things, then two vans. Then a truck, and then two trucks," said McCue, who set up Bosnia Relief Charitable Trust to fund the humanitarian trips.

"I thought I was just going to go once and help the people," she said. "After I got back, I thought, 'I can do this myself. I'm an organizer.' People, once they knew I was going, they started leaving things at my doorstep."

Meanwhile, she worked full time as a nurse, eventually spending 55 years in nursing at St. Mary's Hospital, the old Milwaukee County Hospital and Froedtert Hospital, where she retired a few years ago.

Edquist had listened to her aunt's stories for years, and encouraged her to write them down. Eventually, McCue did, and emailed the stories to Edquist, who turned them into book chapters. Former Milwaukee Sentinel and Journal Sentinel columnist Bill Janz, who accompanied McCue to the Balkans in the early 1990s and wrote a series of stories for the Sentinel, wrote the book's foreword.

Edquist traveled with McCue in 2011 to the region for research and to finally see her aunt in action.

"It was shocking at what a poor condition Sarajevo was in even so many years after the war," Edquist said. "There are still abandoned houses and tremendous poverty, so the need continues even today. ... That's why Jeanne has continued to do it for so long."

McCue sponsors a goat program that allows refugees to return to their village farms and feed themselves. So far, her program has provided funds to buy more than 2,500 goats. She also helps a soup kitchen in Sarajevo that serves 900 elderly people a hot meal each day. She plans to return in August to deliver more supplies.

McCue has had some close calls but was never injured despite spending time in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics, at the height of the war. She said she has never worried about her safety.

"The first time I went I had a little bit of, 'Oh, I'm going into a war.' That only lasted half an hour. I just thought about the people who really needed the help," she said. "Once you're in the country, you forget about that. Fear can prevent you from doing a lot of things."

THE BOOK, AND THE CAUSE

"The Transport of Hope," with a list price of $14.95, is available at amazon.com,barnesandnoble.com and henschelhausbooks.com.

To donate to the Bosnia Relief Charitable Trust, go to bosniarelief.org.

ABOUT THIS FEATURE

This Is Us is a recurring feature in the Journal Sentinel Green Sheet, with stories on the people, places and things reflecting the spirit and heart of our community.
More than 2,000 items police say were stolen from occupants of Willowbrook Place Assisted Living facility are being cataloged at the Thiensville Police Department. Donald Derosier, a former maintenance worker at Willowbrook, has been charged with stealing valuable jewelry, antiques and keepsakes from residents. Credit: Sam Caravana

By

When the Thiensville Police Department arrived at Donald Derosier's doorstep, they weren't expecting much.

Derosier, they had been told, had stolen some antiques from a former resident at the Willowbrook Place Assisted Living facility, where Derosier worked as a maintenance man.

The police found some of the man's antiques. They also found boxes of items stacked ceiling high that, among other things, included earrings, antique clocks, battleship figurines, rings, dolls, playing cards, a $9,000 bracelet and antique swords, including one valued at $17,000.

All of those items, among the 2,000 police estimate they'll have by the time they finish taking an inventory, are now laid out in the garage of the Thiensville Police Department, strewn across tables and waiting to be numbered with a circular, neon sticker.

"I'm in the 1,100 numbers," a worker said Thursday as she placed jewelry into small baggies and lined them up next to each other in the pattern of filleted fish in a showcase.

One of the items in front of her, waiting to be bagged, was a plain, gold ring. It looked like a wedding ring.

Derosier, 55, waived a preliminary hearing Thursday and pleaded not guilty.

He has told police that all of the items were either given to him or found in the trash or Goodwill basket.

Throwing your wedding ring in the trash seems unlikely, Thiensville police Lt. Chad Wucherer said as he surveyed the items.

He had been there since morning, when a couple came in to claim some items.

It all started in early June, when the longtime collector friend of Tracy Atkinson, the man whose items the police initially set out to find, flew from Connecticut to take stock of and appraise the antique items Atkinson left behind when he died.

Some of Atkinson's most prized items were missing, he said. The two miniature queen's carriages. The 17 Bahamas marching band figures. The valuable antique sword. Gone.

Atkinson hadn't sold any of the items when he moved from Connecticut to Wisconsin. His kids had tried to persuade him to  it would cost a fortune to ship  but Atkinson refused. He had spent a lifetime as an art museum director  including at the Milwaukee Art Center, now the Milwaukee Art Museum  and traveled the world collecting items.

Atkinson's friend took to eBay, where he found two miniature queen's carriages and 17 Bahamas marching band figures. There also were other items.

Karen Mihopulos, Atkinson's daughter, said she totaled up the price of all the items Derosier had sold on eBay. It amounted to $12,571, a fraction of the items' worth, which she said appraisers put at hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Police have managed to get back some of the items sold on eBay, in addition to the ones they found in Derosier's house.

Police are in the process of subpoenaing information from eBay. That will give them more details on all of the items Derosier sold and whom he sold them to.

The police are serving warrants to everyone they know bought some of the items, Wucherer said.

But by this point, he said, they could be anywhere in the world.

Most of the items that aren't claimed will be auctioned, Wucherer said. Some of them will be donated.

Mihopulos said the case made her question the facility's hiring practices and security precautions.

Glen Choban, director of operations at Willowbrook Place, said the facility runs background checks on all prospective employees. Derosier's background check didn't turn up any criminal behavior, he said.

But according to Wucherer, Derosier had multiple criminal charges in other states when he was hired by Willowbrook Place.

Any outside background check agency should have been able to turn up those charges, said Wucherer.

Willowbrook spokesman Evan Zeppos said the firm the facility hired had indicated it did national background checks.

At a testy meeting with Willowbrook Place residents Wednesday night, Thiensville Police Chief Scott Nicholson and Willowbrook Place manager Katherine Taylor fielded questions from residents.

One resident stood up to tell Taylor that Willowbrook had a lawsuit on its hands.
By of the

A Wauwatosa man has agreed to plead guilty in federal court to dealing firearms without a license and in the process will get rid of nearly 400 guns he had in his home, court records show.

Daniel Pelate, 61, is set to formally enter his plea July 7 before U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman.

Both the prosecutor and defense attorney will recommend two years of probation. Pelate faced up to five years in prison. As a felon, he will not able to legally possess a gun.

Pelate also agreed to pay a $50,000 fine. The 391 guns he has in his home will be sold through a federal firearms license holder. The fine will be paid out of the proceeds and Pelate will get to keep the rest, according to his attorney, Thomas Halloran.

Halloran said Pelate broke the law but labeled it a "technical violation." He said the case may have been hard to defend given the volume of guns involved. He said Pelate was a collector who was selling the guns on the side. His full-time job was as a salesman.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives warned Pelate that records showed he was breaking the law. Halloran said Pelate then backed off, but not enough in the government's view.

"This was not his job or his profession," Halloran said. "This was a hobby for him."

According to a search warrant, Pelate bought more than 500 firearms from an outdoors store and then sold them through a website or at gun shows.

The firearms, which were primarily used, were purchased from 13 Gander Mountain stores across Wisconsin and sold through the website Gunbroker, according to a search warrant.

Pelate recruited Gander Mountain employees to watch for used firearms and call him when they came into the store, according to the affidavit. He paid the employees a kickback for the referrals, the warrant says.

Dealing guns without a license is a federal crime, but such cases are rare and time-consuming for federal agents to prove. Agents have to show that selling guns is a "principal objective of livelihood and profit" for a person. If someone is engaged in the business, he or she must obtain a federal firearms license, which requires the seller to perform background checks on gun sales.

The law does not require that background checks be done by individuals who privately sell guns to other people. Individuals have used this private sale exception to sell firearms at gun shows.

In an effort to crack down on rogue gun sales, President Barack Obama in January directed the ATF to step up scrutiny of people selling guns without a license along with other efforts intended to address gun violence. Those efforts are being challenged by the gun rights lobby and its supporters in Congress.

According to the search warrant, Pelate obtained a collector of curio and relics license in 2014 from the ATF. The license allows the sale of guns that are at least 50 years old but does not allow the holder to be a general firearms dealer.

Records obtained by the ATF show Pelate bought 531 guns from Gander Mountain from 2003 to 2015, spending nearly $170,000 on the guns; 513 of the guns were used. Some 428 of the guns were purchased from 2010 to early 2015, records show.

The ATF agents found he had 487 transactions for guns and accessories through Gunbroker.
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A federal appeals court has reversed the conviction of a Milwaukee man serving 25 years for robbery because Wisconsin judges denied him his right to represent himself at his trial.

In its opinion, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals noted that the Wisconsin Supreme Court got the law totally wrong when it upheld a Waukesha County trial judge's order that Rashaad Imani proceed with an attorney he didn't want, after he explicitly asked to act as his own attorney, four weeks before trial.

"That decision was an error. Further, it was contrary to and an unreasonable application of clearly established federal law," Judge David Hamilton wrote for a three-judge panel. The court ordered Imani be released or granted a new trial.

Waukesha County District Attorney Sue Opper said she was exploring a retrial. "If it is possible to still prove the case, we will definitely proceed," she said Friday.

In 2007, Imani, now 38, was found guilty of armed robbery and being a felon with a firearm in the holdup of a Menomonee Falls bank and was sentenced by Circuit Judge Mac Davis to 25 years in prison. Imani's cousin, Raziga Imani, was sentenced to 15 years for his role in the robbery after he agreed to be a prosecution witness in his cousin's trial.

The state Court of Appeals reversed the conviction on the same grounds as the 7th Circuit, but the Supreme Court in 2010 upheld Davis' decision to not let Imani act as his own attorney. Imani then went to federal court.

To obtain relief, a prisoner "must show that the state court decision was not just wrong, but wrong to the extent that no 'fair minded jurists could disagree on the correctness of the state court's decision.'"

It was an easy call for the 7th Circuit.

"Here, the Wisconsin Supreme Court transformed the requirement of knowing and voluntary waiver from a duty of the trial judge into a burden on the accused," Hamilton wrote.

He noted, though, that in his dissent for the Supreme Court, the late Justice Patrick Crooks "correctly explained that the majority erred by shifting 'the responsibility to the defendant' to demonstrate his knowing and voluntary waiver."

Crooks was joined by Justices Shirley Abrahamson and Ann Walsh Bradley in dissent.

On his federal appeal, Imani was represented by Andrew LeGrand, a Dallas lawyer with Gibson Dunn, a major national law firm. LeGrand, who clerked for Judge Ann Claire Williams at the 7th Circuit, took the case pro bono.

"A trial judge simply cannot force an attorney on an unwilling defendant, even if the judge sincerely believes that the defendant would be better served by appointed counsel," LeGrand said Friday.

"The decision is a vindication of the self-representation right and of the principles of individual liberty, dignity, and self-determination enshrined in our Constitution," he said.

LeGrand said he informed his client of the news by phone Friday.

"Although he recognizes that the judicial process might not have yet run its complete course, Mr. Imani is extraordinarily grateful for the Seventh Circuit's ruling," he said.

Imani is currently being held at the Waupun Correctional Institution.
Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. on Friday called on the City of Milwaukee to hire 400 additional police officers and the county to hire 200 new deputies. Credit: Calvin Mattheis

By of the

Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is calling on the city to hire 400 new police officers.

Clarke, while speaking Friday before the city's Public Safety Committee, also urged Milwaukee County to hire an additional 200 sheriff's deputies.

"I still maintain we don't have enough boots on the ground in this city and county to effectively deal  to effectively initiate strategies," Clarke said. "I know that cops matter."

The sheriff said the 600 new law enforcement hires should be made in addition to replacing those who are retiring, calling hiring only to cover attrition a "shell game."

During the two-hour meeting at City Hall, Clarke said there needs to be a comprehensive "action plan" to combat violence in Milwaukee. He also demanded an end to what he called "social engineering experiments" like electronic monitoring programs and deferred prosecution and warned that "hot-spot policing" works only on a limited basis because police need to have a constant visual presence in the community.

He urged for "stop, question and frisk" policing, 100 searches per night of homes where those on parole are living and aggressive traffic stops targeting repeat offenders.

"We need to rain holy hell on these individuals  lawfully," Clarke said. "We don't need to violate anybody's rights to do this."

During Friday's meeting, Ald. Terry Witkowski asked Clarke how the city would pay for 400 new officers, estimating it would cost Milwaukee about $40 million annually. Witkowski also noted that state officials have limited the city's ability to increase taxes.

"I would love to see an addition of officers," Witkowski said. "I just don't know where we get the funding to do that."

The sheriff said it was the job of city leaders to prioritize spending and come up with funding for public safety.

"Right now, I could drive around this city for two hours and never see a cop," Clarke said. "That is not an indictment on the men and women on the front lines of this agency. They are understaffed and under siege, just keeping up with calls for service."

Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn called Clarke "irrelevant to my work."

"I'd love to have 400 more cops, if somebody could come up with a way to pay for them without breaking the backs of Milwaukee taxpayers," Flynn said. "There's no there there."

He suggested Clarke talk to "his good friend" Gov. Scott Walker about restoring money that's been cut from Milwaukee's shared revenue payments.

"Just restore state aid and we'll have a discussion," Flynn said.

Christopher Ahmuty, executive director of the ACLU of Wisconsin, said Clarke's presentation promoted "largely discredited theories" and shows he is "out of step with the best ideas in current debates over improving public safety."

"Predictably, his principal recommendation is 'more boots on the ground,'" Ahmuty said. "Hopefully, the majority of the Public Safety Committee will take his views for what they are worth, antiquated and unhelpful."

Clarke makes regular appearances on Fox News and other television and radio news shows often wearing one of his signature cowboy hats  where he sounds off on a variety of issues, including Beyonce, the Black Lives Matter movement, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama.

Friday's meeting was the fourth in a series of special discussions Ald. Bob Donovan scheduled this summer to address violence in the city. The first featured a discussion with Flynn, the second was with Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm and his office, and the third featured a representative from the state Department of Justice.

Milwaukee County judges are scheduled to meet with the committee on Monday.
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Hours after news broke on Thursday of the Supreme Court decision that blocks President Barack Obama's immigration plan, Wisconsin Latino groups and allies joined in voicing their frustrations.

At a news conference in Milwaukee, speakers highlighted the 34,000 people in Wisconsin that this decision could affect.

"The biggest effect is security for our families...the security of our kids knowing that their dad is going to come home," said Milwaukee resident Julio Basurto.

Basurto and his two daughters would have benefitted from deferred deportation for parents under Obama's plan.

Given the mental and physical toll that this decision will take on Wisconsin residents, there were calls on state politicians to confront the issue.

"We call on Speaker (Paul) Ryan, who is from right here in Wisconsin, to act and give us a legislative solution," said Darryl Morin, vice president of the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Speakers urged people to call their representatives in Congress and to vote this fall.

"(The GOP) continues to hurt Latino immigrant families and they are going to see the consequences of that in November," said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of the group Voces de la Frontera. "They're doing it to themselves."
Demond Means is commissioner of the Opportunity Schools and Partnership program enacted by the legislature. Credit: Michael Sears

In Tom Wolfe's 1970 classic "Radical Chic & Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers," Wolfe offers readers a glimpse into a dinner party in honor of the Black Panthers thrown by wealthy New York conductor Leonard Bernstein. The scene describes wealthy Manhattan socialites paying tribute to the urban revolutionaries while dining on Roquefort cheese morsels in crushed nuts.

Naturally, the "radical chic," as Wolfe coins them, see their support as somewhat revolutionary itself. But the author notes that backing the oft-violent Panthers carried a more pervasive motivation for the party's socialites: preservation of their own social standing. "Radical Chic, after all, is only radical in style," Wolfe writes. "In its heart it is part of Society and its traditions."

Last Monday, dozens of Milwaukee Public Schools teachers and union supporters took to the streets to denounce a plan put forward last year by State Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and Rep. Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) that sought to improve the city's poorest performing schools.

Currently, Milwaukee is home to 53 schools that failed the state's grading system, forcing 28,000 children  or 37% of all kids in MPS  to attend a substandard school. The Opportunity Schools and Partnership Program (OSPP) mandated that the Milwaukee County executive pick a commissioner to oversee the takeover of the city's five worst-performing schools. Control of those schools would be transferred to current operators of either high-performing private schools or certain types of charter schools.

But like Wolfe's Radical Chic, these vocal opponents of the Darling-Kooyenga plan are happy to confuse motion with progress, revolution with stasis. They bleat into microphones that the Opportunity Plan is a "racist attack on black, brown and undocumented children," when their ultimate goal is to trap those children in the very schools in which they now sit.

Members of the Milwaukee education establishment pretend that they are the ones fighting for justice when in fact they are merely standing up for the union-centric framework that had led so many city schools to disrepair. They think it's revolutionary to stand up against the "attacks" by the state Legislature, while merely protecting the status quo.

Abele responded to the state plan by appointing superintendent of Mequon-Thiensville schools Demond Means as OSPP commissioner. Means acted as if Abele was a total stranger who walked up to him and asked him to watch his dog while he went for a foot massage; Means acted as if he had little interest in baby-sitting the program as envisioned by the Legislature. Instead, he and Abele crafted a watered-down plan that only affected one school, and which kept all the current teachers and retained ultimate MPS oversight.

Last week, MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver and MPS board president Mark Sain rejected even the milquetoast Abele-Means proposal, saying it lacks "detail and clarity." Yet evidently Driver's perfect vision doesn't allow her to see the MPS schools where literally not a single child tests as proficient in reading. (Driver and Sain promoted their own laughable counterproposal which is just a Mad Lib puzzle of bureaucrat-speak and calorie-free buzz words.)

Further, it is not up to MPS to accept or reject the program, as if it is deciding whether to attend its burnout cousin's wedding. The OSPP isn't an invitation  it is state law. And right now, Driver and Sain are prioritizing obstructing the law over educating children. It is clear MPS is now more of a jobs program than it is an educational one.

Greek philosopher Heraticlus counseled that "The people should fight for their law as for a wall." Yet in this case, the people should fight for a law that brings down a wall separating Milwaukee's poorest-performing children from the education they deserve.

Christian Schneider is a Journal Sentinel columnist and blogger. Email cschneider@jrn.com. Twitter: @Schneider_CM
Milwaukee police patrol the neighborhood near the scene where a stolen car chase ended on June 18. A state Supreme Court ruling on Thursday affirmed a state law barring municipalities from imposing residency rules on their employees. Credit: Calvin Mattheis

Could the state Legislature require every municipality in Wisconsin to have a police department no larger than 250 employees? Or have a minimum of 1,000? Apparently it could, as long as the requirement applied to all municipalities, according to a state Supreme Court ruling last week.

Such an imposition on local control would never happen; it's at the least an extreme example. But theoretically, maybe it could, given what Justice Michael Gableman wrote for the majority in a 5-2 ruling upholding the Legislature's ban on municipal residency requirements.

"The Legislature has the power to legislate on matters of local affairs when its enactment uniformly affects every city or every village, notwithstanding the home rule amendment," Justice Michael Gableman wrote for the majority. "Because (the 2013 law) uniformly affects every city or village, it trumps section 5-02 of the city's charter. Milwaukee may no longer enforce its residency requirement."

The opinion fell along ideological lines. Gableman was joined by the court's four other conservatives  Chief Justice Patience Roggensack and Justices Rebecca Bradley, David Prosser and Annette Ziegler. Liberals Ann Walsh Bradley and Shirley Abrahamson dissented.

Those justices said that such legislation does not have to have statewide interest. It can have statewide interest or it can just apply equally to all. Which could mean that home rule  the ability of municipalities to govern themselves  was just gutted in Wisconsin. As was the once-Republican belief that the best government is that which is closest to the people in the form of city councils, village boards and other local governments.

"Instead of freeing municipalities from interference by the Legislature when dealing with local affairs, the majority limits the power and restrains the ability of municipalities to self-govern," Ann Walsh Bradley wrote for the dissenters.

And Justice Rebecca Bradley, who voted with the majority, was closer to the mark than her other conservative colleagues when she noted in a separate opinion that the Legislature could get involved in local matters only if they were both of statewide concern and affected all cities and villages uniformly. Not or.

We're not fans of residency rules. But we firmly believe that such laws should be left in the hands of municipalities. We think the Legislature overstepped its bounds in 2013 when it prohibited local governments from maintaining residency rules other than those requiring police and firefighters to live within 15 miles of their borders.

Milwaukee's residency policy, enacted in 1938, required employees to live within the city, and city officials argued they could continue to enforce the policy under the "home rule" provision of the state constitution. The Milwaukee Police Association, later joined by the Milwaukee Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 215, brought a lawsuit against the city. On Thursday, the unions prevailed in the state's highest court.

But Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett got it right in his reaction to the ruling: "It is a sad day for Wisconsin. Because this Supreme Court has just ripped away local control in the state of Wisconsin." It has indeed.
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Madison Department of Corrections officials are force-feeding three prisoners participating in a hunger strike to protest solitary confinement, according to court documents.

Laron McKinley, 61, Norman Green, 44, and Cesar DeLeon, 34, are among a half-dozen inmates who began refusing food nearly two weeks ago. The three inmates have reported being force-fed water and the nutrition drink Ensure through a nasal tube two to three times a day for the past week.

In Wisconsin  as in most states across the country  inmates can be force-fed if a physical evaluation determines that the prisoner is likely to die or suffer severe bodily harm without intervention.

The protest is part of an ongoing campaign, "Dying to Live," to end the practice of holding inmates in solitary confinement for lengthy periods of time.

DOC spokesman Tristan Cook did not respond to a request for comment on the situation, but confirmed last week that several inmates had begun participating in the protest and said that the agency would continue to "evaluate and monitor the situation to ensure the health and safety of the inmates."

In a physician's report to the Columbia County Circuit Court, Jeffrey Manlove diagnosed DeLeon with moderate to severe malnutrition and stated that DeLeon "is in imminent danger of suffering serious harm or death unless he is given medical treatment, including, if necessary, involuntary feeding or hydration." Manlove later wrote that DeLeon appeared gaunt, weak and exhibited an unsteady gait, but was alert and lucid during his examination.

"The procedure consists of placing us in leg irons and cuffing us to be escorted to a 'restraint chair' where we are strapped into," McKinley, who said he has been in solitary confinement for 25 years, wrote in a letter dated June 19.

McKinley has been convicted of attempted homicide and other crimes; Green has been convicted of first-degree homicide; DeLeon has been convicted of armed robbery, kidnapping and other crimes.

The practice of force-feeding prisoners has come under fire from the United Nations, the American Medical Association and the American Civil Liberties Union. In 2014, ahead of the Israeli parliament's vote to authorize the force-feeding of prisoners, UN official Juan Mendez condemned the practice.

"The desire of the inmates not to eat must be respected for as long as it is clear that they are making that choice voluntarily. Even if it is intended for the benefit of the detainees, feeding induced by threats, coercion, force or use of physical restraints are tantamount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment," Mendez said in a news release.

McKinley and DeLeon have stated that they will continue to refuse food until their demands are met.

"I believe this retaliatory treatment will continue until they break us," DeLeon wrote. "But it's going to take a lot more (than) putting tubes down my nose ... to break me."
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The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union  for "Brexit."

"It's a leap into the unknown," according to a report by the London School of Economics, "Life After Brexit."

Here's what is likely to happen next.

They'll talk about it

European Union leaders will hold a summit in Brussels next week "to start a wider reflection on the future of our Union," EU Council President Donald Tusk told reporters on Friday. "We are determined to keep our unity at 27." Tusk said that EU leaders will meet without British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Two years of negotiations

Once the U.K. formally notifies the EU that it wants to get out of the bloc it will have two years to officially negotiate its departure. To do so, it needs to invoke Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty. The U.K. could be granted an extension to that time, but only if all 27 EU member states agree. Cameron said he wants his successor to lead these negotiations. If he sticks around until October, which he has said he might, then nothing much happens to the fall.

Who wants to be the leader?

Cameron has already resigned. However, he has said he will stick around to "steady the ship" as the government sets about the process of figuring out who will replace him. One named consistently floated as a contender is former London mayor Boris Johnson. Johnson made no mention of the possibility of replacing Cameron at a news conference with other "leave" campaign leaders Friday.

Market mayhem  then, possibly, recession

Global markets fell off a cliff, oil prices tumbled and the pound fell to a 31-year low after the vote. Dozens of leading economic think tanks and heavyweight financial institutions including the International Monetary Fund and British finance ministry warned ahead of the referendum that the U.K. would probably fall into recession in the event of Brexit.

Independence! For Scotland

"We believe that the Scottish parliament should have the right to hold another referendum if there is clear and sustained evidence that independence has become the preferred option of a majority of the Scottish people  or if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will," the Scottish National Party said in May. Scotland as a whole voted stay in the bloc by 62% to 38%.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said Friday that she was preparing legislation for a second referendum "if and when parliament decides."

Non-EU me too

The vote could embolden other nationalist and populist movements across the bloc to call for referendums. Right-wing euro-skeptic parties in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy may all seize upon the British result as a reason to talk a lot more forcibly about loosening their own ties to Brussels. Many people might listen to them.

Re-Troubles

Peace in Northern Ireland has been supported in part by the lack of a border, because of the EU, between the Republic Ireland and Northern Ireland (part of the U.K.).

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness called Friday for a vote on a united Ireland.

'No mass deportations'

Around 3 million people from other EU nations reside in the U.K., and around 1.2 million Brits live elsewhere in the alliance. One of the fundamental principles of the bloc is allowing the free movement of people and workers. Cameron said there would be no immediate move to alter, but look for changes over time.

"It's not hard to imagine that EU countries will impose more onerous bureaucratic requirements for maintaining residency, but that will likely be the extent of the impact," said David Bartram, an international immigration expert at the University of Leicester. "We're not going to see mass deportations."
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By Tekendra Parmar | ( Waging Nonviolence ) |  

On June 5, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order to create a blacklist of entities that support the boycott, divestment and sanctions, or BDS, movement for Palestinian rights and remove New York State funds from any institution or company determined to advocate for or participate in the BDS movement.

In response, protesters picketed outside Cuomos New York City office on June 9. The crowd was a mix of old and young  teachers, musicians, lawyers and journalists. They sang, He blacklists. We protest. Boycott, sanctions and divest, as a drummer marched them along. Boycott worked in Montgomery and South Africa and it will work in Occupied Palestine, read a sign carried by one protester.

He [Cuomo] was telling us we cant boycott  that hit my heart, said Robert Hubbard, a 29-year-old veteran. They were taking away our freedom of expression. Right is right. Wrong is wrong. Hubbard said his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan drew him to social movements and activism. I know real Muslims arent bad, he said. The people in Palestine are the real victims.

After the order was signed, an emergency meeting was convened between members of Jewish Voice for Peace, Adalah-NY, and Jews Say No, to organize a concerted effort against the executive order. Mindy Gershon of Adalah-NY said more protests were to come, until the executive action against the BDS movement is rescinded. Another protest is scheduled to take place in Albany on Wednesday.

Adalah-NY, among many other civil liberties groups, have called the executive order blatantly unconstitutional and shamelessly designed to attack the movement for Palestinian rights. However, in doing so, the governor may inadvertently be making the movement stronger by drawing supporters of not only Palestinian rights, but also free speech advocates who see the action as an afront to a constitutionally-protected right to free expression  which political boycotts fall under.

Thankfully, we have a constitution in the United States that protects our rights to dissent from the views of political elites like Cuomo, who believe they are scoring political points by trampling on our First Amendment rights, said Dima Khalidi, director of Palestine Legal. The order is unconstitutional and Cuomo will find himself on the wrong side of history.

If anything, this latest maneuver by the governor only emphasizes the growing strength of the BDS movement and serves as a recognition of its threat to Israels political status quo. In signing the order, Gov. Cuomo only made BDS stronger, said Beth Miller, an organizer for Jewish Voice for Peace.

Cuomo seems to be an attempting to co-opt the language of BDS in order to de-legitimize the movement. After signing the executive order, Cuomo told members of the Harvard Club in midtown Manhattan that, Its very simple. If you boycott Israel, New York will boycott you. However, if the action outside the governors office is any indication, New Yorkers will continue to boycott and protest for Palestinian rights despite his political calculus.

This article was originally published on Waging Nonviolence and appears here courtesy of a Creative Commons license.

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Related video added by Juan Cole:

Ruptly TV: USA: Protesters slam McCarthyism after Cuomo outlaws Israeli boycott in NY
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By Kamal al-Ayash | Ramadi | (Niqash.org) |  

As the clean up in Ramadi continues, locals and officials are applying for reconstruction aid. But there are problems already, with calls of foul and favouritism and a lack of billions in funding.

After the extremist group known as the Islamic State was pushed out of the central Iraqi city of Ramadi, the city was a disaster zone. Estimates suggest that almost 80 percent of the buildings here  including the majority of around 32,000 residential housing units, infrastructure, government departments and schools  have been damaged or destroyed.

Special engineering committees have been created in order to assess the damages, to award compensation and schedule re-building. Forms are being given out to members of the public that they can fill in, applying for a case number and detailing the damages to their property and even their furnishings. According to local administrators they will need around US$19.5 billion to rebuild the city.

It sounds well organised. But already problems are starting. Nasser Abed Mohammed, 52, lives in Ramadis eastern Bakr neighbourhood and says he has been waiting for days for members of one of the committees to come and assess the damage to his home. Members of the committee know very well that this area has been almost completely destroyed, Mohammed complains. But the way they are dealing with these issues is not neutral. They are really slow  they dont have enough vehicles to take the assessors around town  and there is favouritism and nepotism at work. Some people are even driving the assessors around town themselves so they can inspect the sites, he adds. But this further undermines the committees integrity because that means other people who are also waiting, must wait even longer.

Since the committees started work in May, they have received around 17,000 applications for compensation, says the mayor of the Ramadi district, Ibrahim al-Awsaj. By the time all of the people of Ramadi return we expect to receive up to 50,000 applications, he noted.

The committees are made up of around 60 specialists, including engineers and staff from various ministries, the mayor explains. They have managed to check around 3,000 applications so far and they are all working full time, making between 30 and 50 visits every day.

In fact, al-Awsaj notes, work is proceeding faster than expected. The committees had thought they would only be able to check on around a thousand sites a month and theyve already been to three times that many.

One of the problems the local authorities currently face is a lack of funding, al-Awsaj said. While the local authorities were working hard to deal with the problems, the federal government had not sent them enough funds  only around a million US dollars  to do anything other than get the most important government departments running again. Yet conservative estimates meant that the owners of apartment buildings in Ramadi would be getting anywhere between US$2 billion and US$4 billion in compensation.

The Anbar provincial council is serious about removing all obstacles to the return of local people, says Taha Abdul Ghani, a member of Anbars provincial council. We are working hard to assess as many applications as possible by increasing overtime and staff numbers. The council and the local people are really cooperating well on this, he added. Although even when everything has been paid out, the reconstruction of the city will still require at least five years of non-stop work.

While the local authorities seem to have high hopes, albeit with some reservations, not everyone is as optimistic. The destruction in this province, and in Ramadi in particular, is huge, argues Bilal Ibrahim, a local economist. It requires a correspondingly huge amount of money for reconstruction  some estimates put the figure as high as US$15 billion. That figure may well be correct. However the funding just isnt there  Iraq is suffering from an economic crisis and finding the cash is going to be a major challenge for the local authorities, the federal government and donor countries.

Via Niqash.org

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Related video added by Juan Cole:

Retired Army Colonel Talks Lessons From The Ground In Ramadi, Iraq | Morning Joe | MSNBC
ROAD TOWN, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS--(Marketwired - June 24, 2016) - Talon Metals Corp. ("Talon" or the "Company") (TSX: TLO) is pleased to announce the results of its annual and special meeting of shareholders ("AGM") held today in St. Michael, Barbados.

All of the nominee directors listed in Talon's management information circular dated May 26, 2016 were elected as directors. The results of the shares voted in respect of the election of each director were as follows:

Name of Nominee Votes For Votes Withheld Luis Mauricio F. de Azevedo 40,018,926 (99.86%) 57,500 (0.14%) John D. Kaplan 40,076,426 (100%) 0 (0%) Gregory S. Kinross 40,076,426 (100%) 0 (0%) Anthony J. Naldrett 40,068,726 (99.98%) 7,700 (0.02%) Warren E. Newfield 40,068,926 (99.98%) 7,500 (0.02%) David L. Deisley 40,076,426 (100%) 0 (0%) Henri van Rooyen 40,076,226 (99.99%) 200 (0.01%) David E. Singer 40,076,226 (99.99%) 200 (0.01%)

At the AGM, shareholders also voted in favour of appointing MNP LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the directors to fix their remuneration. Furthermore, until June 24, 2016, all unallocated options issuable, from time to time, under the Company's stock option plan were approved by a majority of votes cast, excluding the votes attaching to the common shares of the Company held by insiders and their associates.

About Talon

Talon is a TSX-listed company focused on the exploration and development of the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-PGE Project in Minnesota, USA (which comprises the Tamarack North Project and the Tamarack South Project). The Company has a well-qualified exploration and mine management team with extensive experience in project management.

For additional information on Talon, please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com.
Baltimore Police [official website] Officer Caesar Goodson, Jr. was acquitted [transcript, PDF] Thursday of all charges in relation to the 2015 death of Freddie Gray. The case was presided over by Baltimore Circuit Associate Judge Barry Williams, who stated that in order for there to be a conviction, the state must show, not that the defendant failed to do an act required by the duties of his office, but that the defendant corruptly failed to do an act required by the duties of his office. Williams went on to conclude that the evidence presented against Goodson did not indicate inherently criminal conduct. Goodson, the police van driver who was accused of having given MGray a rough ride, had been charged with second-degree depraved heart murder, three counts of manslaughter, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. Goodson is one of six officers indicted [JURIST report] last year. The trial of police officer William Porter ended in a hung jury and mistrial in December, and Edward Nero was acquitted [JURIST report] last month.

Grays arrest and death in April of last year led to widespread protests and civil disorder in the city of Baltimore. In September Baltimore reached a tentative agreement with Grays family to pay $6.4 million in settlement [JURIST report]. In April of last year Amnesty International urged Baltimore police to exercise restraint [JURIST report] during protests, prioritize non-violent means and limit the use of force.
[JURIST] China continues to harvest organs from prisoners and those opposed to the Chinese Communist Party, according to a report [report, PDF] released on Wednesday. The report, by David Kilgour, David Matas and Ethan Gutman, relies upon statements and publicly available records in coming to its conclusion, including interviews with doctors claiming to have performed thousands of transplants throughout their careers. While the Chinese government contends that around 10,000 legal transplants occur per year, the report estimates that anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 organ transplants occur in Chinese hospitals. The authors claim that more than 10,000 organ transplants are attributable to Chinas several largest hospitals alone. According to the report, the discrepancy in the numbers is the result of Chinas attempts to cover up the execution and organ harvesting of prisoners, many of which are imprisoned based upon their religious or political beliefs. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that such stories about forced organ harvesting in China are imaginary and baselessthey dont have any factual foundation. If true, the report would implicate severe human rights violations by the Chinese government, which claims to rely almost entirely on a voluntary donation system since it faced heightened scrutiny [JURIST report] in recent years for the practice of harvesting organs from political dissidents.

In 2009, it was reported that 65 percent of Chinas organ donations [JURIST report] came from executed prisoners. China pledged in 2007 at a World Medical Association [profession website] meeting to end the practice [JURIST report] of harvesting prisoners organs, except for donations to relatives. This decision came after criticism by the British Transplantation Society [advocacy website], which accused China [JURIST report] of selling organs harvested from executed prisoners. China denied these and other allegations [JURIST report], saying that all donors must give consent before their organs are used.
[JURIST] The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a ceasefire [materials, in Spanish], marking an end to more than 50 years of armed conflict between the two groups. Among its terms are a demobilization plan and a security guarantee for all members of FARC as it becomes a peaceful political party. This agreement [Al Jazeera report] is the final step in the peace negotiations between the two, begun in 2012, and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said that he hopes to have the ceasefire signed and completed in July. Despite the positive movements towards the end to violence, questions remain in regards to implementation of a peace agreement. Implementing effective disarmament and demobilization plans, and providing justice for those affected by the violence are all issues which will need to be faced in achieving lasting peace. Santos hopes to hold a public referendum signifying popular approval for the agreement, but he fears that too many voters may stay home, leaving the referendum below the required participation threshold. These issues are only furthered complicated by political opposition, including former President Alvaro Uribe, who believe that the peace agreement damages the word peace,' and that members of FARC should be imprisoned for their war crimes.



Criminal activity by illegal armed groups has been an ongoing issue within Colombia, with progress made during peace talks last year. Last year Colombian Santos pardoned 30 former guerrilla soldiers in jail for non-violent crimes. In June 2014 the countrys government and the FARC rebels agreed to create [JURIST reports] a truth commission to investigate the deaths of thousands of people in the last five decades of the countrys conflict. In March 2014 Human Rights Watch issued a report [JURIST report] stating that illegal armed groups have caused hundreds of people [official report, PDF] to flee Colombias main Pacific port of Buenaventura in the previous two years. And in August 2013 Colombias Constitutional Court ruled [JURIST report] that a law providing reduced penalties for rebels who confess crimes related to their membership in illegal armed groups is constitutional. FARC has been fighting the Colombian government since 1964, seeking to establish a communist government in the Republic of Colombia.
[JURIST] A judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio [official website], ruled [transcript, PDF] Thursday that Clevelands time and place restrictions governing protests and marches during next months Republic National Convention [official website] infringe upon the right to free expression. After listening to arguments, Judge James Gwin ruled the restrictions were not sufficiently narrowly drawn  to serve a significant governmental interest. The citys regulations [AP report] had initially placed a large portion of the protest route on a bridge, where there is lack of visibility, and set the hours for protest and marching at a time when the convention delegates would not be present at Quicken Loans Arena, where the convention is being held. The judge also suggested that the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio [advocacy website], which had brought the suit on behalf of two groups planning events, and the city of Cleveland meet and negotiate new terms for protests and marches. The parties did meet and have come to terms, and the court issued an order to dismiss [order, PDF] the case.

Many activists have also had concerns with the actions of local law enforcement agents in the Cleveland area. Local police officers and FBI agents have begun door-knock [Cleveland.com report] visits to political activists houses, with the claimed intention of ensuring a safe GOP convention. Human rights activists have stated they view the visits as an attempt to intimidate potential protesters.
[JURIST] Pursuant an order [order, PDF] issued Thursday by a judge for the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia [official website], a Virginia school board must allow a transgender student to use the restroom that corresponds with his gender identity. Gavin Grimm, a high school student at a Gloucester County school who identifies as male, will be allowed to use the boys restroom while the court considers the legal issues of the case. This order comes after a decision [official website] by the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit [official website] in April, which reversed a lower court decision in holding Grimms rights under Title IX [official website], which prohibits discrimination in schools, were violated by the school board refusing his use of the mens restroom. The Gloucester County School Board has stated its intention to ask the US Supreme Court [official website] to review the Fourth Circuit decision.

Transgender access to public restrooms has been a controversial topic and has created a wave of legislative and judicial actions. Last month the Obama administration issued guidance to schools on ensuring transgender students enjoy a supportive and nondiscriminatory school environment, prompting a lawsuit [JURIST report] by eleven states. Also last month, the Florida American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] against the Marion County school district, challenging their bathroom policy as anti-transgender. The US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] in May challenging North Carolinas controversial House Bill 2.
[JURIST] Former UN General Assembly [official website] president John Ashe, who was under corruption investigation by US authorities, died on Thursday after suffering neck trauma. Ashes death [Guardian report], traumatic asphyxia, was the result of a weightlifting accident in which he dropped a barbell on his neck. While Ashe had only been charged with tax fraud to this point, prosecutors were planning to bring a new charge against him, despite possible diplomatic immunity to bribery accusations. Cases still remain against Ng and Jeff Yin, his assistant, who are claimed to have helped bribe Ashe. Ashe had served as president from 2013 to 2014.

Ashe was charged [JURIST report] for allegedly taking part in a scheme to receive $1.3 million in bribes to conduct official actions supporting Chinese business interests. Deputy UN Ambassador for the Dominican Republic Francis Lorenzo and three other defendants were also charged [press release]. The Attorneys Office believes Ashe has been accepting bribes since 2011 facilitated by Lorenzo. According to the complaint, Lorenzo approached Ashe in 2010 to take part in the scheme. Lorenzo invited Ashe to Macau, China, to meet one of the other defendants, Ng Lap Seng, who was seeking support for a UN Macau Conference Center. In exchange for submitting reports to the UN in support conference center, Ashe allegedly began soliciting money from Ng. Lorenzo also hired Ashes wife to be a climate change consultant in his non-governmental organization. According to the US Attorney, Ashe also solicited other businessmen who wanted to invest with Antiguan government officials. He allegedly failed to report this income in his 2013 and 2014 income tax returns.
[JURIST] Hawaii Governor David Ige [official website] signed a bill [press release] Thursday requiring gun owners to be listed on an FBI database, notifying police if a Hawaii citizen is arrested in another state. The legislation, SB 2954 [materials], serves to provide a continuous criminal record check on those individuals seeking to possess a firearm. According to Ige, the purpose of the bill is to evaluate whether the firearm owner may continue to legally possess firearms, and he hopes that the so-called Rap Back system will better enable [Hawaiis] law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of all Hawaii residents and visitors, to Hawaii. The governor also signed two other bills, one that lists harassment by stalking and sexual assault as offenses that disqualify one from purchasing and keeping a firearm, and another that requires owners deemed unqualified due to behavioral, emotional, or mental disorder, or emergency or involuntary hospitalization to a psychiatric facility to surrender their firearms and ammunition to the Chief of Police. Hawaii is the first state to sign such a system into a centralized information system into law.

Gun control [JURIST backgrounder] and the Second Amendment continue to be controversial national topics, and gun awareness has risen in the wake of recent shootings across the nation. Last month the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that the Second Amendment protects the right to buy and sell guns [JURIST report]. In February the US Supreme Court heard arguments [JURIST report] in a case addressing firearm possession for people convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors. In January US President Barack Obama announced executive actions on gun control [JURIST report]. In November an appellate court in Wisconsin ruled that a state law that prohibits possession of certain knives [JURIST report] violates the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
[JURIST] A South African court on Friday denied [decision, PDF] President Jacob Zumas appeal of a prior court ruling [JURIST report] that he should face nearly 800 corruption charges. Judge Aubrey Ledwaba stated [w]e seriously considered whether the appeal would have reasonable prospects of success and came to the conclusion that there are not merits in the arguments. Consequently, the court further stated prosecution against President Jacob must proceed and he must have his day in court. Zuma had initiated his appeal [JURIST report] of the lower court decision two weeks ago. Though Zuma is not eligible for office again, the charges against Zuma could have harmful implications on his party, the African National Congress (ANC), as the Democratic Alliance (DA) [official website] and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) [party websites] hope to steal votes in the upcoming municipal elections.

The South African president has been embroiled in legal trouble for the past several months. Zuma evaded impeachment [JURIST report] in April after the ANC reaffirmed its support for the president. The move to impeach Zuma came from opposition leaders after the Constitutional Court [official website] ruled [JURIST report] in March that he had ignored the order of the Public Protector to personally repay the amounts determined by the National Treasury, as they relate to the non-security upgrades to his private residence. Zuma has been at the center of political controversy for years. Zuma was ousted as the countrys deputy president in 2005 after an aide was convicted of corruption. He was also charged with rape, but he was ultimately acquitted and reinstated [JURIST reports] as ANC deputy vice president. In July 2008 the South African Constitutional Court rejected a motion [JURIST report] by Zuma to exclude evidence from the corruption trial. Zuma had argued [JURIST report] that evidence seized in 2005 raids by the Directorate of Special Investigations should be thrown out because the raids violated his rights to privacy and a fair trial. The court upheld the warrants used in the raids, confirming a November 2007 decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal. He was first charged with corruption in 2005, but those charges were later dismissed [JURIST reports] because prosecutors failed to follow proper procedures.
[JURIST] Karim Wade, son of former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade [BBC backgrounder], was released from prison on Friday following a presidential pardon by President Macky Sall [BBC backgrounder]. Wade, who served three years of his six-year sentence, was convicted of illegally enriching himself with at least $200 million while serving as Minister of State under his father in 2012. The conviction came after Sall took office and promised to crackdown on corruption. The court ruling had provided that Wade hid the funds in offshore accounts in both Panama and the British Virgin Islands. While in prison, Wade, who continues to deny the charges, was chosen to be the presidential candidate for the major opposition party, the Senagalese Democratic Party, in 2019. Wade was immediately flown to Qatar [Al Jazeera report] after his release.

Abdoulaye Wade served as president of Senegal from 2000-2012. Since Abdoulaye Wade exited office in 2012, a number of government officials in Senegal have been investigated for charges of illegal enrichment. Karim Wades imprisonment has received international attention. He refused to attend court sessions [AFP report] after one of his lawyers was expelled from a hearing, and his entire legal staff began boycotting proceedings. Karim Wade referred to himself as a political prisoner [BBC report] during his first appearance in court for the corruption charges.
The Parliament of Sri Lanka [official website] passed [press release] the Right to Information Bill [bill, PDF] Friday. The bill, introduced in March, was passed to encourage the public to combat corruption and hold its government accountable. The Act contains provisions on the right to access information, when that right may be denied, the establishment of a commission on the matter, and the appointment of leaders to oversee it. Citizens will have the right to access public information from government, public and local entities. Citizens will even be able to access data from organizations substantially funded by the government and institutions of higher education. Exceptions to the law include: medical records, trade secrets, defense interests, and information that may be in contempt of court, etc.

The global commnity has been calling on the Sri Lankan government to create more accountability, most recently since the end of the Sri Lankan civil war.The UN released a report in September finding that war crimes may have been committed [JURIST report] during the war. Later that month the President of Sri Lanka rejected [JURIST report] a UN recommendation for international involvement in its domestic investigation of the war crimes. The UN report came amid mounting pressure on the Sri Lankan government from human rights groups and the international community to investigate and prosecute abuses during the conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) [CFR backgrounder]. In 2014 then-US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Stephen Rapp called on Sri Lanka to investigate rights abuses [JURIST report] by security forces during the civil war. In 2013 UK Prime Minister David Cameron demanded [JURIST report] that the Sri Lankan government conduct its own investigation into war crime allegations. Earlier that year, then-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called on [JURIST report] Sri Lanka to improve its human rights record
A clear trend in the shock absorber sector is integrating more and more electronics. Electronic dampers adjust instantly to ensure ride comfort and firm vehicle control. Tenneco Inc is among those leading players in the electronic suspension market. At a recent company event, the supplier updated us on its product portfolio and scope.

Given that a conventional passive suspension system features a fixed damper setting, there has always been a compromise between comfort and handling performance. Yet electronically controlled suspension systems that continuously adjust the damper settings to suit the road conditions eliminate that trade-off, providing the driver with greater levels of comfort and control.

Hence it is not surprising to see how such intelligent suspension systems are expected to grow from 2 percent to more than 15 percent of the light vehicle market by 2025, with adoption led by global automakers. The key drivers include increasing consumer expectations around vehicle comfort, safety, stability and control. Demand for fuel economy and associated vehicle weight reduction strategies is also fuelling the market.

Monroe Intelligent Suspension

Tenneco markets its ride control products under the Monroe brand name. Monroe ride control products include shock absorbers, struts, springs and advanced suspension systems. Its Monroe Intelligent Suspension (MIS) portfolio includes a base product, known as Dual Mode followed by four continuously variable semi-active and fully active suspension solutions designed for every driver, road and car.

The suppliers Dual Mode adaptive suspension technology offers subcompact and compact car drivers a default comfort drive or a sportier ride by pressing a button. This technology is fitted to the new Ford Focus RS and there are others in the pipeline at the entry level, said Rudi Schurmans, executive director global engineering, Tenneco Ride Performance.

Launched way back in 2002, the suppliers CVSAe solution  designed for premium compact and mid-size cars  continuously senses the road and driving conditions to adjust the four dampers in real time for a more comfortable and controlled ride. Since then, Tenneco has sold some six million units to ten automakers, the most recent fitment being on the Renault Talisman and Infiniti Q50. Take rates for its CVSAe are said to be increasing as the technology becomes packaged with other systems like air suspension.

Also forming part of the MIS portfolio is the CVSA2 for luxury cars. This semi-active damper comes equipped with two independent externally mounted electro-hydraulic valves, unlike the single active valve per damper found in the CVSAe. The net result is a more refined ride with enhanced control of comfort and vehicle handling.

Next up is the CVSA2/Kinetic semi-active damping solution that adds a novel roll-control system to the CVSA architecture. This system consists of hydraulic lines between the CVSA2 dampers, replacing the mechanical anti-roll bars. The driver can adjust and set the roll stiffness to suit.

For the next generation of premium cars in the E and F segment, Tennecos solution comes in the form of its so-called ACOCAR. This fully-active suspension system provides the ultimate in comfort for premium luxury cars. We have been preaching about ACOCAR for the past ten years but it will appear soon, said Schurmans.

Scalable suspension architecture

Tenneco says its CVSA2, CVSA2/Kinetic and ACOCAR are scalable. By using Tennecos scalable architecture concept, platforms already equipped with CVSA2 can be upgraded to CVSA2/Kinteic or ACOCAR as an option. These three solutions share the same damper design, main components, vehicle interfaces, electronics, control strategies and production processes.

Scalable suspension responds to the increasing need for differentiation as car manufacturers seek to offer a wide variety of different driving experiences on multiple car types within a single vehicle platform, said Schurmans.

Raising awareness of advanced suspension systems

Although ride control products are not as visible as certain other auto technologies, awareness by the end-consumer is growing thanks to a number of Tenneco initiatives, including social media and advertising.

We are trying to connect with the end user by using different media to explain what the suspension can actually do, said Ian Ellaby, manager, research and development, Tenneco Automotive Europe. [The suspension] is a black box for many consumers who are not always aware of what it can deliver. So while end-consumers are not asking directly asking for [advanced suspension technologies], they are asking car manufacturers for qualities that we can deliver.

Autonomous cars and suspension systems

There is of course a lot of noise nowadays about autonomous driving. We all know that the driverless car is coming but what does this mean for the suspension system? Ellaby believes that cameras will play a greater role in active suspension systems. The technology is there but [involves] different technologies for different systems, depending on whether you want to set the car up from a distance or identify an object that your wheel is about to go over. There are some systems on the market that can already control the suspension with vision but they have some limitations. Ellaby adds that Tenneco is working with some vision system companies to see which systems are suitable. It is not that we want to apply the vision systems but we want to be able to integrate with them. So we are developing algorithms of control of our active systems that will then bolt into information coming from, lets say, a supervision vision ECU. These are really on the edge of becoming a reality. There is a lot of research going on now.

Shock facts

Our visit included a tour of the Monroe Engineering & Technology Centre (METC) in Sint-Truiden, 45 miles east of Brussels. Built in 1995, METC is home to 165 engineers and technicians busy carrying out suspension system research, development and testing.

A few minutes drive from the METC is Tennecos largest shock absorber factory in Europe. This sprawling facility produces some 32,000 shock absorbers per day. Approximately 95 percent of its output is shipped to the likes of VW, Audi, Ford, Daimler, Chrysler, Renault Trucks, Volvo Trucks, Scania and DAF. The rest is distributed through the replacement market.

The Sint-Truiden shock plant is one of seven Tenneco Ride Performance factories in the European region. The others are located in Czech Republic (Hodkovice), UK (Birmingham), Germany (Hanover), Poland (Gliwice), Spain (Ermua) and South Africa (Port Elizabeth) which is also managed by the European region. These factories collectively produced 27.5 million shock absorbers last year.
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Australia has been one of the countries at the forefront of the rise of the gluten-free sector and, as the market has expanded, so more companies have entered the category. However, as the market has developed, so its rate of growth has started to slow. just-food looks at Australias gluten-free breakfast cereal cccategory and analyses the prospects of a still-growing but more mature segment.

The development of the gluten-free sector worldwide has not been uniform, with certain markets leading the way and seeing the category take root faster than others.

According to data from Euromonitor that measured the proportion of global gluten-free sales taken up by individual countries in 2014, Australia ranked joint third with the UK, both accounting for 9% of sales, behind only Italy in second (at 13%) and the US in first (at 24%).

However, gluten-free is now becoming a more mainstream category in Australia and, with the maturing of the market, comes a new set of strategic imperatives to consider. The sector is still growing but at a slower rate. How can gluten-free manufacturers capture some of that growth?

Australias market for gluten-free breakfast cereals illustrates the trend. Figures from Euromonitor provided to just-food demonstrate the decleration in the rate of growth from the segment. In 2011, AUD19.4m of gluten-free breakfast cereal was sold in Australia, up 10.9% on a year earlier. Twelve months on, that figure had climbed to AUD26.7m, or growth of 37.6%.

The rate of growth year-on-year peaked when looking at Euromonitors numbers in 2012 and 2013. Some AUD38.8m of gluten-free breakfast cereal was sold in Australia in 2013, a jump of 45.6% on 2012. Last year, the rate of annual growth had slowed to 5.3%, with sales hitting AUD55.5m.

Euromonitor forecasts sales growth will accelerate this year to 6.8%, with the analysts estimating sales will reach AUD59.3m. Sales will stand at AUD73.5m in 2010, Euromonitor estimate  representing a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% versus the level of sales in 2015. That is, of course, just one estimate but it suggests Australias gluten-free breakfast cereal market is set to hit a rate of growth of 5-6% a year, not to be sniffed at when compared to more conventional sectors but short of the growth seen in the early days of the segment, presenting different challenges to those doing business in the market.

In February, Kellogg launched its first gluten-free cereals in Australia. Janine Brooker, portfolio marketing manager for Kelloggs Australian arm, said the cereal giant was responding to demand from consumers for gluten-free versions of its Corn Flakes and Special K cereals. Research conducted with current consumers of gluten-free cereals also showed there was a gap in the market for products that can deliver a great taste experience thats consistent with products containing gluten, Brooker insisted.

David Jago, director of innovation and insight at Mintel, says there is still an opportunity for Kellogg to carve out a foothold in the category and argues the US groups move could help drive the markets growth further. The market for gluten-free is certainly still in growth, and the key driver remains the healthy lifestyle factor  consumers avoiding gluten as part of a generally healthy lifestyle choice, rather than for reasons of allergy or intolerance, and buying gluten-free foods from a very broad repertoire of better-for-you options. On that basis, the entry of a major player like Kelloggs can only drive gluten-free further mainstream, in a market which, to date, has tended to be dominated by specialist suppliers  the latter built their sales from the base of allergic and intolerant consumers and later expanded to the wider market, rather than the reverse, Jago says.

However, Jago concedes Kelloggs sales in other gluten-free breakfast cereal markets have been mixed. He tells just-food: The puffed corn cereal launched in the UK in March 2015 has average weekly sales of just GBP4,000. In the US, Kelloggs Special K Gluten-Free sold US$3m in its first year; while Rice Krispies Gluten Free, launched back in 2011 when the gluten-free market was much less developed, achieved US$5m in its first year.

Kelloggs entry into gluten-free breakfast cereal in Australia was not its first foray into the countrys gluten free market; it had already launched gluten-free lines under sweet and savoury snack brand Be Natural. The move, however, was Kelloggs first in its core sector and it saw the company enter a category already home to domestic businesses that have built significant gluten-free businesses, including Freedom Foods Group and Monster Health Food Co.

Existing players like Freedom Foods and Monster Health Food Co. have a strong reputation in the local market and are likely to maintain their appeal and trust among allergic and intolerant consumers, Jago says.

However, Trevor Lauman, one of the founders of Monster Health Food Co., is aware competition in the category could rise. He says Australias gluten-free breakfast cereal market has matured a lot more from when Monster Health Food Co. started doing business but he expects more companies to try to enter the sector to try to tap into rising interest from more mainstream consumers. Whats happened in Australia with gluten-free is that there are people who needed to eat gluten-free products  in other words people severely affected by gluten intolerances  and now [other] people think they need it. They see it as a healthy alternative. It may well be, it may not be  but thats how they see it, Lauman says.

With competition increasing and growth easing, companies are looking for ways to gain an edge. Lauman believes Monster Health Food Co. could use two recent labelling developments to its advantage. In 2014, a voluntary system was introduced that saw products qualify for health stars if they met certain criteria. In two weeks time, regulations on country-of-origin labelling come into force. I think the combination of the health star rating and the country-of-origin will provide a pathway for people like us to improve and develop products. You can have a product thats competitively-priced and good-tasting but if its a higher health star rating and a higher percentage Australian content, its not a bad selling point.

Hamish Renton, managing director at UK-based industry consultants HRA Food and Drink, says consumers in a number of markets are becoming more aware of the often poor nutritional profile of free-from foods and suggests companies have a challenge on their hands to be genuinely healthy. Manufacturers, Renton believes, can reduce fat, sugar and salt, or include superfood ingredients and ancient grains.

Lauman says Australian consumers are becoming more aware of the elevated levels of salt, sugar and fat in some gluten-free products, although he insists Monster Health Food Co.s products stack up well, pointing to the fact the company was the first to use the health star rating system. However, Monster Health Food Co. has undertaken some reformulation work, with all its products now qualifying for at least four out of five stars. Weve tried to reduce the sugar levels a bit and put in things like lupin and chia to boost those things. The only one that was 3.5 stars was our Free n Fruity and weve just changed that formulation to make it four stars.

Looking ahead, Mintels Jago suggests developing more complex cereal products could be a strategy for Kellogg to follow in Australia. For longer-term future growth, and to make more than incremental category sales, Kellogg may have to consider expanding its gluten-free portfolio beyond basic cereal brands. Special K has other consumer-desirable attributes already, but do healthy lifestyle consumers buy into basic cornflakes, even if theyre gluten-free? The Ancient Legends range sold in Europe, using ancient grains and superfoods, or Kelloggs Origins in the US, are not gluten-free but may provide inspiration for development, Jago says. Kelloggs Kashi brand also has healthy-lifestyle positioned products that are gluten-free.

Australias retailers, meanwhile, could also become more interested in developing own-label gluten-free breakfast cereal if Kelloggs enjoys success. If the Kellogg products perform well, were likely to see the development of more gluten-free private label foods, Jago says. In the UK, for example, private-label activity has been growing in the gluten-free cereals segment and private-label accounts for a quarter of all new products coming to market in the last few years.

Should retailers further crowd the market with own-label lines, it will be imperative for brand owners to continue to innovate, especially in what is a category that, while enjoying solid growth, is not growing at the pace it once was.

Additional reporting from Hannah Abdulla.
Argentine flour and baked goods producer Molino Canuelas SACIFIA has confirmed the acquisition of Cargills wheat flour division, its main competitor in the market.

The sale takes in the whole process from wheat growing to processing and distribution, including the mills Cargill owned in the provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Santa Fe and Chaco.

Molino Canuelas is one of the leading flour producers in the country, through its brand Pureza, one of the main competitors for Cargill brands Favorita and Blanca Flo. Sources said the Cargill brands were not included in the sale agreement.

If the operation is approved by regulatory authorities in Argentina, Molino Canuelas will account for 24% of Argentinas wheat flour market, sources said.

Molino Canuelas has absorbed the whole staff involved exclusively in the Cargill division, except for some key workers the US group aims to retain, the sources said. The companies were not able to divulge the amount of personnel involved or the investment.

Cargills decision to sell the wheat flour business followed a comprehensive review of the companys overall product portfolio. That review concluded that the best prospects for growth for such wheat flour business would be under the ownership of Molino Canuelas, one of the Argentine leading agribusinesses companies, Cargill said.

Aldo Navilli, president of Molino Canuelas, said the deal would help the company open new markets, including in the Mercosur trading bloc and the Andean coast, as well as Central America and Africa.
In the days following the horrifying massacre of 50 people at an Orlando nightclub, several of the crazies in the media have dashed about trying to prove how easy it is to obtain an assault weapon. Some guy in Philadelphia claims he bought one in seven minutes when, in fact, we would all have been better served if he had written how long it took him to get a psychiatric exam and bared its results.

In the first place, no one really knows how many non-military/law enforcement guns are in America but the universal logic is that there are about 350 million  thats right; one for every four people. Our liberal friends insist firearms should be outlawed and that is after they know better than the rest of us that is never going to happen. More claim assault pistols and rifles should be banned, which quite candidly means only that sales will increase.

As a matter of fact, gun sales have never been as good but thats just because the general public has never been as scared. Eliminate the fear and youve mastered the equation. The most glaring truth the zealots refuse to accept is that guns dont kill people. So help me, you can take any weapon you want, leave it cocked-and-loaded next to your front-porch rocker for a long weekend and, when you get back, I can guarantee that it alone will have harmed no one.

The raw truth is that people kill people. If we spent half the time worrying about the catastrophic state of mental health in our country as we do arguing so very senselessly about guns, the number of shootings in America would drop dramatically. Congress should outlaw any more gun conversation and get to the jugular  this nation is desperate for mental health in any direction you care to point.

Want to solve our raging opioid addiction? Find the real pain instead of temporarily numbing it. Want to improve classroom scores? Heal a scared six-year-olds anxiety, then stand back and watch. Show me a bully and Ill show you a kid hiding his own hurt. Want to stop mass shootings? Lets identify and seek out the mass shooters ahead of time. Ah, but I digress  Ive got a funny story.

A week or so ago Neil Steinberg, a writer for the Chicago Sun-Times, drove about 20 miles to Maxon Shooters Supplies is Des Plaines, Ill., to prove how easy it is to buy an assault weapon. He wrote that with the horror of the Orlando massacre still echoing in my mind, he admitted he had never bought a gun before and, as he went to do so, even the pleasant summer day  took on a grim aspect, the sweetness of fragile life flashing by as I headed into the Valley of Death.

Please! The Valley of Death? Oh, mother of pearl! Remember this wizard is from Chicago, where everybody in the rest of America knows somebody has gotten shot on an average of every two hours and 17 seconds this year. Last Sunday alone  Fathers Day  54 people were shot, 12 fatally. Police believe this year (now with 1,780 shootings) will be the worst year in the past two decades, with a 75 percent increase over this time last year. So, pray tell, where is the logic behind some Sun-Times editor sending this stumbler out for an assault rifle?

Our boy Neil played his story to the nines, charging $842.50 on his credit card for a 30-round semi-automatic weapon. In Illinois there is a 24-hour waiting period between the time you purchase a gun until you can actually take possession so Steinberg was quite surprised when a clerk at the store called him late that same afternoon to tell him the sale was being cancelled and his card was being refunded.

That really sent the writer on a tear. He wrote:

* * *

At 5:13 Sarah from Maxon called. They were canceling my sale and refunding my money. No gun for you. I called back. Why? I dont have to tell you, she said. I knew that, but was curious. I wasnt rejected by the government? No. So what is it? Im not at liberty, she said.

Gun dealers do have the right to refuse sales to anyone, usually exercised for people who seem to be straw purchasers. I told her I assume they wouldnt sell me a gun because Im a reporter. She denied it. But hating the media is right behind hating the government as a pastime for many gun owners. They damn you for being ignorant then hide when you try to find out.

* * *

Oh boy, by now the Sun-Times, its journalistic integrity suddenly as high as the arched back of some angry cat, was also in for the kill and demanded under the Freedom of Information Act or something equally insane that the store give the reason. Okee-dookie, replied the folks in Des Plaines and provided a lengthy statement to the newspaper, the gist of it revealing, It was uncovered that Mr. Steinberg has an admitted history of alcohol abuse, and a charge for domestic battery involving his wife.

Steinberg fired back, Ill state what I believe the real reason is: Gun manufacturers and the stores that sell them make their money in the dark, he furiously wrote. Except for the week or two after massacres, the public covers its eyes. Would-be terrorists can buy guns. Insane people can buy guns. But reporters  thats a different story.

Oh, really  then lets  instead -- have the real story? This is priceless. About seven years ago a newspaper reporter named Neil Steinberg wrote a book entitled, Drunkard: A Hard-Drinking Life. In Amazons description of the book, we read, As Steinberg claws his way through recovery, grieves the loss of the drink, and tries to shore up his faltering marriage, he is confronted by the greatest test he has ever faced, and finds himself in the process.

It doesnt say how long it took Neil to find himself but Maxons Shooters Supplies in Des Plaines, Ill., found him in less than 12 hours. And that was when Steinberg wrote easy and away his best line, Well, didnt see that coming.

royexum@aol.com
A car crashed into a home on Cove Ridge Drive, causing significant damage on Thursday.

At approximately 6 p.m., Hamilton County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to 7625 Cove Ridge Drive for the report of a traffic crash involving a car vs. house.

The preliminary investigation showed that a gold 1996 Chevrolet Silverado operated by Michael Anthony was traveling eastbound on Ridge Bay Drive when he said he lost his brakes and lost control of his vehicle. Mr. Anthony is a resident of Cove Ridge Subdivision and is familiar with the area in question.

While attempting to make a left turn onto Cove Ridge Drive, the vehicle crossed the roadway striking the landscaping at 7627 Cove Ridge Drive, then proceeded through the yard of 7625 Cove Ridge Drive hitting a parked car in the driveway. The vehicle then struck a house at 7625 Cove Ridge Road where the vehicle entered the house, striking another car in the garage and pushing it through the side wall of the residence.

At the time of the incident, the owner of the residence, Christopher Burke, his wife, and three-year-old child were not home.

Due to the extensive damage, the family was relocated to a hotel until the house can be structurally analyzed and repaired.

The Hamilton County Sheriffs Office would like to extend its appreciation to the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department and SERVPRO of Chattanooga for their quick response and assistance with securing the residence and structure. No serious injuries occurred.

This incident is under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.
The Chattanooga FC men's and women's teams will travel to Memphis on Saturday for an NPSL doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.

The Chattanooga FC women are riding high with a hard-fought victory at home against the Knoxville Force, and come into the match 3-4 in league play with a chance to balance the books.

Chattanooga FC men will take their 7-0 NPSL record to the Southwestern corner of the state in a must win battle against 2nd place Memphis City FC this Saturday, June 25th.



Staying undefeated in league play is crucial to Chattanooga FC if they are to host the upcoming playoff run, which makes Saturday's match all the more important.



"A win in Memphis all but assures us the opportunity to host the conference playoffs." Said Sean McDaniel, GM of Chattanooga FC. "The team has taken care of business early to at least share the regular season conference title so now we have our sights on hosting."



For anyone who can't make the trip to Memphis, there will be a watch party Saturday, June 25th at Chattanooga Brewing Company, who will be showing the live stream.

SATURDAY, June 25

MEMPHIS CITY FC VS CHATTANOOGA FC WOMEN

KICK OFF 1:00 PM CST



MEMPHIS CITY FC VS CHATTANOOGA FC

KICK OFF 7:00 PM CST
Darrel Eric Chapman, 49, died in a house fire in Red Bank early Friday morning after the homeowner said he was awakened by popping sounds.

Red Bank Police Chief Tim Christol said the case is being considered an arson/suicide.

He said, "At approximately 12:30 a.m., the Red Bank Fire and Police departments responded to a residential fire at 604 Bitsy Lane where they discovered a body inside the downstairs apartment. After a thorough examination of all available evidence and review of the preliminary autopsy results from the Hamilton County Medical Examiners Office, we have determined that this is being investigated as a suicide, arson.

"While the damage to the structure appears to be totaled, there does not appear to have been any other injuries associated with this event."

Authorities initially said that the homeowner, Larry Bullington, called 911 to report a fire at his residence. The Red Bank Fire Department responded within minutes reporting heavy fire coming from the attic and the back of the house.

The Red Bank Fire Department immediately called for a mutual aid response for additional manpower. Walden's Ridge Emergency Services, the Soddy Daisy Fire Department and the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene.

Firefighters conducted a "defensive attack" due to a structural collapse on the back side of the home.

The homeowner said, after he was awakened by the noise, he went to investigate and found heavy smoke and fire coming from the basement. He was able to escape with no injuries.

The house is a total loss. Fire officials reported damages at $175,000.

Mr. Bullington had taught art classes at the residence.


Senator Bo Watson (R-Chattanooga) said he has launched a leadership political action committee, BoWPAC, to lead in efforts to support the Republican majority in the upper Tennessee legislative chamber.

Senator Watson, who is Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate said, "As an elected body, the Tennessee Senate has proven its leadership in effective policy for our state that has honored the trust of Tennesseans. Elections require the fuel of funding and BoWPAC will be part of our successes ahead.

"The 33 seat Tennessee Senate is currently comprised of 28 Republican Senators and five Democrats. The super majority of GOP legislators has led the legislative efforts in eliminating the Hall Income Tax, increasing teacher pay and classroom funding, cultivated a climate of business and worker friendliness with tax policy and reasonable costs of living all while balancing the state budget with no tax increases.





Electing leaders who remain focused and committed to our overall goal of effectively serving Tennesseans through a limited, accountable government framework is our task at hand." "Good policy can make good politics. The Tennessee Senate has made that its priority.Electing leaders who remain focused and committed to our overall goal of effectively serving Tennesseans through a limited, accountable government framework is our task at hand."





Bo Watson was first elected to the Tennessee Senate in 2007 and he became Speaker Pro Tempore of the upper chamber in 2011. He is currently first vice chairman of both the Senate Finance and Health and Welfare Committees.

For more information about BoWPAC, email Team@BoWPAC.com.

Amy Walden is treasurer of BoWPAC.


Rep. John Lewis was 20 when he took his first stand. On a Tuesday in May 1960, Lewis walked into a Woolworths and sat down at a lunch counter for whites only. Police arrested him. Lewis served jail time for attempting to order lunch. A year to the day, Lewis took his second stand. This time, he got firebombed.

Lewis boarded a chartered bus on May 10, 1961, filled with Freedom Riders, white and black volunteers sitting together when Southern laws forbade doing that. Their driver had pulled into a small Trailways bus station in Anniston, Ala., when they were met by local citizens who torched the bus. Lewis, along with everyone else, escaped through buss windows because the white mob held the doors shut as the interior filled with acrid smoke.

Lewis came back on the next Freedom Ride. Thats when he had his head cracked open.

Fifty-five years later, Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts emailed Lewis, now 76, and suggested they organize a sit-in of Congress. She wanted to protest Speaker Paul Ryans commandment that no gun control legislation reach the House floor for a vote.

She organized; he would lead.

Previously, the Republicans found time  more than 60 times, actually  to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare. On the night that Lewis and Clark (couldnt resist) marshaled 125 Democrats for their historic sit-in, Republicans found time to vote to override Obamas veto of a bill that would enrich financial advisers. (They failed).

No bill, no break, they shouted, meaning until Ryan allowed a vote on a bill to stop a terrorist from buying a gun, they would not break their sit-in. Reuters reported that Ryan said he would not let the House vote on the anti-terrorist bill that would take away Constitutional rights. Such as the right to live?

While sitting representatives filled the well of the House, Ryan both recessed Congress and shut down C-SPANs access. He pulled the plug so that Lewis, Clark and 125 members of Congress couldnt be seen on home television screens.

Banning cameras was a mistake. It was a telling move, wrote the Boston Globe. Censorship is not something that politicians who are confident of the righteousness of their beliefs bother with.

Rep. Scott Peters of San Diego came to the rescue. He downloaded Periscope, an app that allowed him to broadcast from his smartphone. Someone contacted C-SPAN, and a free press being what it is, fed Peters cellphone broadcast to its viewers.

Theres nothing like suppressing something to make a person determined to read or see it. So when Ryan brought the House back from recess, the nation, Twitter, Facebook, and overseas news agencies were glued to Peters and C-SPANs bootleg coverage of the sit-in.

Sometimes you have to do something out of the ordinary. Lewis dryly told The Associated Press. Ryan told CNNs Wolf Blitzer the sit-in was a publicity stunt.

Lewis said to the House, We have lost hundreds of thousands of innocent people to gun violence. Tiny little children. Babies, students and teachers. Mothers and fathers. Sisters and brothers. Daughters and sons. Friends and neighbors. And what has this body done?

Ryan adjourned the House. At that moment, Rep. Ted Deutch tweeted, From a Republican colleague of mine as he walked off the floor: Were going to have a drink and a cigar. Enjoy your protest.

Lewis quoted an old saying to CBS, Sometimes you gotta turn things upside down in order to turn them right side up. To the House, Lewis said, It is always right to do right.

I agree.

Donna Brazile is a senior Democratic strategist, a political commentator and contributor to CNN and ABC News.
A second Independent candidate may be on the ballot for sole commissioner of Walker County in the election on Nov. 8.

Perry D. Lamb, Jr. has been working toward collecting the necessary 1,640 signatures of registered voters on a petition. His campaign said he is close to the goal.

Incumbent Bebe Heiskell is running an an Independent. Election officials said since she was already in office she did not have to go through the process of getting the names on a petition.

Shannon Whitfield earlier won the Republican primary.

The Perry campaign said he and his supporters are going door-to-door and attending county events to collect the signatures before the July 12 noon deadline.

Mr. Lamb said, "I want Walker County voters to have a real choice in the upcoming election. My wife and I have chosen to make Walker County our 'forever home, and I can no longer sit idly by and watch the current administration ignore the needs and the voices of the people that live here and work hard to support this county.

This county can be put on the path to prosperity by having someone who understands that the commissioners job is to run Walker County in a more efficient manner and not expect the people who support the county through their taxes to continue to pay more and more out of their budget and in return have less and less for their families.

His campaign said, "Perry has a background that lends itself well to county administration and solving problems. Before moving back to his home state of Georgia, Perry learned the realities of city government as a young man by working for the city of Tampa Water Department. He was soon promoted into management and learned how to successfully stay within a budget and cut waste while providing necessary utility services to the people of Tampa. He would like to bring the same successful attitude and streamlined government budget for Walker County."

He said going door to door for signatures has given him "an opportunity to learn what is important to the people of Walker County. As an independent I have a great opportunity to work with both Republican and Democratic parties and give a voice to the people who so clearly feel ignored.

Mr. Lamb returned to college, and for the past 20 years he has worked at Erlanger Hospital as a certified surgical first assistant. When deciding to set down roots in the Chattanooga area, he and his wife, Heidi, fell in love with the beauty of Walker County, he said. They built their house in LaFayette and have also bought land to build and develop a farm elsewhere in the county.

His campaign said, "Perrys job requires precision and a cool head, and Perry has applied those same attributes to create an efficient nine point first year agenda that will pull Walker County out of its economic slump caused by excessive and unnecessary debt and skyrocketing taxes. His agenda includes a forensic audit of County financial records, decreasing the Commissioners salary, and publishing an itemized budget for public review."

Registered Walker County voters can sign his petitions at Talespinners Outdoors on Highway 27, Stus Barbershop on Main Street LaFayette, and Quarter Ton Military on LaFayette Road at the entrance to Chickamauga Battlefield or call him at 423 356-2787.
Chattanooga Police are seeking information on a man missing since Wednesday.

Jerald Shelton, 47, checked himself out of a local hospital in Chattanooga and walked off.

Family members last saw him at the intersection of McCallie Avenue and Central Avenue at a convenience store. Family members are concerned about him due to some health problems he has been having lately that cause him to black out that he refuses to have checked out.

Mr. Shelton was last seen wearing black pants, black and grey button shirt and wearing work boots.

Anyone with information on Mr. Shelton should call the Chattanooga Police at 698-2525.
No matter where I reside, I am always happy to get news from back home. However, the recent news was not good. An online site listed my hometown area as number one on its list of top 10 cities for opioid overdoses. And, it listed my current city as #8.

A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 44 percent of Americans know someone who is addicted to opioid painkillers. To bring more awareness to what is being called a nationwide opioid epidemic, CBS News started a series entitled, In The Shadow of Death: Jasons Journey. Its about a 30-year-old Boston man who started experimenting with the expensive painkiller OxyContin when he was in college, and soon after became addicted to heroin. The series is following him through rehab as he tries to find freedom from addiction.

Jasons story--of many attempts at recovery--is all too familiar. Sadly, most people suffering from addiction only find treatments that act as coping mechanisms, helping them sometimes temporarily to avoid relapse but never really curing the addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 40-60 percent of addicts relapse from their treatment plans and recovery back into former habits of addiction.

When I hear statistics like that, I have to wonder what the statistics would be if every addict sought freedom through spiritual means. Interestingly, some people have found that, through prayer, addiction can be cured, not just coped with, and they are sharing their inspirational stories.



For example, Brian Welch, co-founder of the platinum-selling band, Korn, was addicted to drugs and credits God with his rehabilitation. He has been clean since 2005. He says that after hitting rock-bottom, he sought solitude alone in his hotel room for days to cleanse himself of the drug addiction, felt lifted up by Christ, and experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Welch emphasized that he wants those who hear of his healing of drug addiction to know that God is real and that God loves them, even going so far as to say he wants Christians to know God even more.

In the Bible, Matthew 6:6 reads: When thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Jesus words encourage us to pray privately, shutting the door of our thinking on everything except what the Divine is telling us. And they assure us that we can be confident He is available wherever we are and that He answers our prayers, as Welch found.

Having experienced first-hand Gods ability to heal, through prayer, an apparently hopeless situation, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, dedicated the first chapter of her book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, to prayer. In it, she describes The Lords Prayer--the prayer that Jesus gave to his disciples (and to us)--as that prayer which covers all human needs.

Furthermore, Eddy explains, The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God,--a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love. That prayer of faith is not a blind trust in God or wishful thinking, but a steadfast conviction born of understanding God as infinite, all-powerful good, and man as the beloved child of God, receiving all of Gods love and goodness according to His law of infinite good.

This spiritual understanding establishes unwavering faith in divine Love, whereby one can apply Gods spiritual laws to human conditions, like drug addiction, and expect to heal them.

The need for pure, unselfed love, able to heal acts of self-love and self-destruction, is great. Unselfed love, originating in God, divine Love, can heal the addicted, restoring harmony, peace, and unselfish affection to them and to those close to them.

* * *

Debra Chew writes about the connection between thought, spirituality and wellness from a Christian Science perspective. She has been published in USA Today, chattanoogan.com, Knoxville News Sentinel, Memphis Commercial Appeal, UK Health Triangle Magazine, and the Jackson Sun & JS Health Magazine.


CHI Memorial Medical Education Committee and CHI Memorial Medical Group will present the 2016 Southeast Regional Urology Symposium on Saturday, August 27, at The Chattanoogan from 8:15 a.m.  12:15 p.m. Attendees can earn 3.5 continuing medical education (CME) credits at the symposium. C. Lee Jackson, M.D., Jeffrey K. Mullins, M.D. and P. Edward Henson, M.D. are the program directors.

This symposium is for internal and family medicine physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, nurses, interns and residents in primary care specialties, and medical students.

Symposium topics include the value of PSA screening; evolving role of MRI in prostate cancer management; testosterone replacement therapy; management of female voiding dysfunction and recurrent female UTI; management of male voiding dysfunction; management of erectile dysfunction; and medical management of urolithiasis, including evaluation of microhematuria.

The cost to attend the 2016 Southeast Regional Urology Symposium is $110 for physicians and $60 for nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, nurses and students. Symposium agenda and brochure are available here. To register, or for more information, email vera_tank@memorial.org or call (423) 495-4759.

The Chattanoogan is located at 1201 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37402.
Hamilton County Commissioners Geno Shipley and Chip Baker, thank you so much. I am so grateful to yall for restoring Mowbray Mountain back to the city of Soddy Daisy and Sale Creek District 1. The recent redistricting stripped Mowbray Mountain from District 1, and moved us to District 2. I never thought in a million years it would be possible to restore Mowbray Mountain and ... (click for more)

My gas and diesel are up, it's going up again. Saudi Arabia cut 2 million barrels a day after Biden asked them to produce more. They said they did it for economic reasons. They did. The dollars they receive are worth less because of Biden and his lockstep Dems in congress printing trillions of extra dollars chasing the same amount of goods. The Saudis understand inflation and ... (click for more)
If you don't have any plans on Saturday, several families will be attending the 19th annual Fishing Derby.

The event is hosted by the City of Laredo, and will take place at Lake Casa Blanca.

Registration for the tournament starts at 7:00 am, with the competition starting at 8:00 am and lasting until 11:30 am.

Admission is free, and this includes waiving the park entrance fee.
The location for a public hearing regarding the proposed Pescadito Environmental Resource Center Landfill has not been decided.

A request to hold the hearing over the proposed landfill at UISD's Student Activity Complex has been rejected by the school district, prompting developer C.Y. Benavides, III to file a permit to hold the meeting in Mirando City.

"The state require[s] us to have a public hearing in Webb County," Benavides said. "We tried to put this project or this public hearing on August 11 at the SAC Facility. Unfortunately, we were informed by Roberto Santos that we will not be able to use that location."

Benavides has filed a permit to state authorities to hold the meeting at the Ernesto J. Salinas Community Center in Mirando City.

He says this is due to the fact it is the closest venue that can properly accommodate 150 people or more.

As of yet, there is no word on where the meeting will take place.
The Supreme Court has ruled that a man convicted in Memphis of aggravated assault is entitled to a new trial because the prosecution did not properly elect an offense for the jury to consider.

The case of Michael Smith involves an alleged violation of an order of protection by Mr. Smith, who was formally charged with aggravated assault, evading arrest, and resisting official detention for his actions in 2010 involving his one-time girlfriend.

At trial, the jury heard testimony about events during which Mr. Smith was alleged to have threatened the victim at two different residences over a period of several hours. When the police located Mr. Smith after being called by the victim, Mr. Smith attempted to flee but was apprehended and arrested. A jury found Mr. Smith guilty of aggravated assault and evading arrest for his actions but acquitted him of resisting official detention.

Mr. Smith sought appellate review of his case, and the Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the convictions. Mr. Smith then appealed to the Supreme Court, citing the prosecutions failure to stipulate a specific incident of assault for the jury to consider. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.

Mr. Smith was only charged with one instance of aggravated assault. The Supreme Court determined that the jury heard evidence of more than one instance that could establish guilt for aggravated assault, so the law requires the prosecution to elect only one such instance upon which the jury would deliberate. Failure to elect one specific instance, the Court held, infringes upon the defendants right to a unanimous verdict. Therefore, Mr. Smith was granted a new trial on the aggravated assault charge.

The Court affirmed Mr. Smiths conviction on the charge of evading arrest.
With an acquired funding amount of almost EUR 46 million, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is currently the most successful German university under Horizon 2020, the EU framework program for research and innovation. This is the result of the first Monitoring Report on this program issued by the EU Commission. KIT is ranked no. 8 among the 50 best higher and secondary education (HES) institutions. Featuring among the universities in this report, KIT would also have scored well in comparison with the 50 best research (REC) organizations. Here, KIT would have been no. 7, again being the top German institution.

The deadline for the report was December 1, 2015. Until then, KIT had already taken part in 58 Horizon 2020 projects, a number which has risen to over 80 in the meantime. A current example is the recently approved LiRichFCC project, coordinated by KIT, that finally made it in the FET Open funding line after an intense competition. From a total number of 800 more than projects that had applied for funding, LiRichFCC was selected as one of only 13  and is the only one coordinated in Germany. The FET Open line was conceived to promote particularly risky and visionary research projects that are intended to lay the foundation for the development of radically new future technologies. LiRichFCC aims at developing a new material class for electrochemical energy storage (the full title of this project is LiRichFCC  A new class of powerful materials for electrochemical energy storage: Lithium-rich oxyfluorides with cubic dense packing).

The Monitoring Report is based on information taken from the official EU Commission grant agreements database E-CORDA that holds the data of all signed grants, and its current version includes all grants agreed until December 1, 2015. Horizon 2020 was launched in 2014 and will be in force until 2020, with a total budget of approx. EUR 75 billion. It is planned to update the Monitoring Report periodically once a year.

The results achieved so far under Horizon 2020 tie in with the success KIT achieved in the 7th EU research framework program (FP7) that was in force between 2007 and 2013. KIT benefited with approx. EUR 128 million of EU funds.

In total, third-party funds accounted for 42 percent of the overall KIT budget in 2015. So, fundraising amounted to EUR 358 million of third-party funds in 2015 (total budget in 2015: EUR 860.8 million). This included, besides the EU third-party funds, funding schemes issued by the German Federal Government, the German Research Foundation, and the industry.

Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,800 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
By Ed Friedrich of the Kitsap Sun

SOUTHWORTH  A Bainbridge Island couple have developed a website that enables ferry riders who can't exhaust multi-ride cards before their 90-day expiration to sell them online and pass along the savings.

Washington State Ferries officials, who offer the passes at a 20 percent discount as an incentive to frequent users, are not endorsing the venture.

Ferry Tail began a test launch last week on the Southworth-Vashon Island-Fauntleroy route because it has the greatest percentage of pass users, said Robin Kallas, who created the site with husband Alex. They'll introduce it in the San Juans for a few weeks beginning July 8 before going systemwide.

The idea emerged 16 months ago when the couple had five trips left and ran out of time.

"Like all pass owners, we were tired of throwing our money away after 90 days," Kallas said. "We realized in this digital age where there's a secondary market for everything, there really should be a secondary market for ferry tickets."

A software development company spent more than 1,000 hours coding and perfecting the program. It applies only to Wave2Go passes for passengers and regular-sized vehicles, not trucks, motorcycles or monthly passes.

To list a pass, which is good for 20 one-way trips or 10 round trips, sellers type its 22-digit code into the website. If the pass sells, they'll get back about two-thirds of the price they paid.

Buyers enter their search criteria, such as route and number of uses needed, and are shown a list of available passes. To purchase, the buyer enters credit card or PayPal information. Ferry Tail displays the barcode of the pass, which will remain in the buyer's account. The buyer can print it and also will receive it by email.

Sellers save by not getting stuck with unused trips and buyers get a deal by not having to pay full fare.

Kallas hopes ferry customers will check the website when they arrive at the dock before buying a full-price ticket. She also would like them to use a "reminder" function to alert them when their pass is close to expiring.

Ferries officials believe the site's premise is unfair and possibly illegal. State code says the passes were created for frequent users.

"These things are designed for commuters to give breaks to regular users," WSF spokesman Ian Sterling said. "If everyone is given that break, it negates the advantage for commuters. Then you have to look at whether those (pass) books are even relevant anymore.

"I know it's frustrating that those tickets expire, but they expire for a purpose. If they're available to everyone, now everybody is getting the lower rate so the ferry system has to raise the rate or get rid of those tickets."

Kallas countered that WSF isn't losing money on the passes but on unused trips.

"The state Department of Transportation should be willing to provide the services for which they've been paid," she said. "Ferry Tail will not be taking money from the ferries service. They simply will no longer profit from the unused rides."

It's the same as department stores selling gift cards and counting on customers forgetting to use them, she said. Those cards can be purchased online at a discount.

"I expected their concern," Kallas said. "I really hope that they don't try to end it."

WSF's Sterling also cautioned ferry customers about the risk of ID theft and fraud when purchasing items from third parties.

Ferry Tail doesn't collect financial information when a person buys or sells ferry passes. The transaction is redirected to a website operated by PayPal and Braintree, which are responsible for protecting the information.

Sellers can pull off their pass from the site at any time. Once it's sold, however, they can no longer use it, though they'll still have the barcode. If they do, they won't get paid, and their money will be donated to charity.
SHARE Sherman Alexie presents his newest work "Thunder Boy Jr." this Saturday.

By Katrina Dahlke, katrina.dahlke@kitsapsun.com

Weather: Friday will see showers and temperatures in the mid-60s. Saturday, the clouds should disappear by midafternoon, and highs are forecast to reach 70 degrees. The rain is expected to be gone by Sunday, with temperatures in the mid-70s.

South Kitsap's Fathoms O'Fun Festival: This annual festival by the bay opens its vendor and craft show on Friday at the waterfront in Port Orchard. Saturday, the festivities continue with a pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m. for $10 a plate. The South Kitsap Firemen's Association Annual Hot Foot 5K Races start on Saturday at 9 a.m. at South Kitsap Regional Park. Day-of-race registration is available and starts at 7:30 a.m. The famous Frog Jump and Snake Races start in the Kitsap Bank parking lot at noon. Children are invited to bring their animals to race; the event is free. The Grand Parade is also Saturday, starting at 6 p.m. And the festival wraps up on Sunday with crafts, kids activities and more.

Kingston Lavender Festival and Crafts in the Country Summer Fair: Saturday head to the Kingston House Weddings and Events Venue for the Kingston Lavender Festival running from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The event features local musicians, food trucks, workshops and U-cut lavender. RSVP is required, but admission is free. The Crafts in the Country Summer Fair takes place in Poulsbo on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy free admission, cookies and juice, and local artists and crafters. The event will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Sherman Alexie and Jeanette Franks author events: Sherman Alexie returns to Kitsap County to read and present his newest book "Thunder Boy Jr." He will have two events, one at 10:30 a.m. at the Longhouse in Kingston and a second at 3 p.m. at the House of Awakened Culture in Suquamish. The events are free, but the autograph lines will be ticketed. Tickets will be received with the purchase of a book. Jeannette Franks, Ph.D. will give a talk on "7 Actions to Take to Stay Out of a Nursing Home" and sign her book "To Move or To Stay Put" at Barnes and Noble on Saturday. She has taught and given talks on ethics, grief and loss and gerontology for over 20 years. The talk begins at 2 p.m.

At the movies | Aliens, wars and sharks: Independence Day comes early this year. Jessie Usher and Liam Hemsworth join Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman for the return of unfriendly aliens in "Independence Day: Resurgence." Matthew McConaughey stars in the Civil War drama "Free State of Jones." This tells the story of a Southern farmer leading a rebellion against the Confederacy. And Blake Lively stars in thriller "The Shallows," where she takes on a great white shark on a secluded beach in a battle of wills.

And more: Saturday enjoy the Pirate's Plunder Flea Market at First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo. This is a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also Saturday the Bicycle Collection Drive will be at Bay Hay and Feed on Bainbridge Island from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bicycles collected will go to Africa to support those in need, so bicycles donated must be in good condition. In Seattle Capitol Hill Pride is on Saturday. And the Sunday Pride Parade begins at 11 a.m. in downtown Seattle.
Luke Anderson, 10, cooks his signature dish, Salish Sea Kedgeree, in the kitchen of his family's Bainbridge Island home. He has been selected as the Washington winner for the national Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. He will attend a kids' state dinner at the White House in July. (LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN)

SHARE The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge is a joint effort between first lady Michelle Obama, PBS and the U.S. Departments of Education and Agriculture. (LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN) Luke Anderson gets help with asparagus from his mom, Melissa McCulloch. (LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN) Luke Anderson and his family recently moved to the Island from Richmond, Virginia. He learned to cook as part of the curriculum at his school in Virginia. (LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN) Luke Anderson, 10, cooks meals at home two to three times a week. (LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN)

By Christian Vosler, christian.vosler@kitsapsun.com

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND  The contest application arrived unexpectedly, in a box of frozen food. Participants were asked to submit an original recipe for a nationwide contest. Luke Anderson and his mother had just under a week to submit an entry.

Now the 10-year-old from Bainbridge will represent Washington State at the White House.

Luke's recipe is one of 56 winners of the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, a joint effort between first lady Michelle Obama, PBS and the U.S. Departments of Education and Agriculture that aims to promote healthy eating among young people. He and his mother, Melissa McCulloch, will attend a state dinner for winners July 14 at the White House.

Luke's dish is "Salish Sea Kedgeree." A Kedgeree is an English and Indian dish that combines haddock, rice, peas, curry powder and hard-boiled eggs. Luke first tasted the dish while living in Richmond, Virginia. When he heard about the contest, he knew he wanted to do something cross-cultural.

Luke and his mom added a "Northwest" twist to the dish. They swapped out the haddock for flaked salmon, asparagus for the peas, added a healthy dose of mushrooms and kale and served the dish with a side of blackberries.

"Interesting things happen when cultures mix, especially food," Melissa said.

For Luke and his family, the trip to D.C. is a homecoming. The Andersons moved to Bainbridge a year and a half ago from Richmond to be closer to family. Melissa said it has been an adjustment.

"Moving was tricky for us, especially the kids," she said.

Luke left behind most of his friends in Virginia. He said that cooking reminds him of home and fills an emotional gap left by the move. He first started cooking at his school in Richmond.

Melissa's stepfather, who lives in Tacoma, took Luke under his wing after the move. Luke's grandpa was the first to come up with the idea for a recipe book, Melissa said. The pair devise a recipe, Luke writes it down and then they cook it together. Soon Luke was cooking meals two to three times a week at home. His home-school schedule  three days at home and two days at school  allows him to visit Tacoma more often, she said.

When he heard that he had been chosen as a winner, Luke said he almost cried.

"It's really cool to have that become a reality," he said. He said the trip is important to him, since the family doesn't make it to Virginia often.

The family started using Blue Apron, a subscription-based meal program, in the fall. Melissa said it helps offset the relatively few food options on the island. They heard about the competition through a flier that arrived with one of the meals and scrambled to come up with a recipe, eventually settling on the Kedgeree.

While part of the pull to the competition was fun, Melissa added that she thought it would make a good assignment for Luke's home schooling curriculum. The family is also a big fan of the Obamas, and Luke said he is excited to meet the First Lady.

Cooking has changed Luke's perceptions and tastes, and his mother isn't arguing.

"I used to be a picky eater," he said. "Cooking has encouraged me to try new things."

"It really was awesome to see [Luke] expand and try new things," Melissa said. "I think he got a little more adventurous."

A full list of winning recipes can found at: www.pbs.org/parents/lunchtimechallenge/winners/
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The wise man knows what he doesn't know.  Lao Tzu.

The Presidents Club, a loose association of living American Presidents past and present, will take in a new member on November 8, either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump.

The present club was formed in 1945 when Harry Truman suddenly became President on the death of Franklin Roosevelt. Herbert Hoover had been languishing in the political wilderness for 12 years since his defeat by Roosevelt in 1932, but he had valuable experience in disaster relief. He called Truman and offered to help.

Despite their allegiance to opposing political parties, Truman accepted the offer. At the war's end, Europe was in chaos and citizens were starving, but Hoover had the know-how to deliver food supplies on a massive scale. His work on disaster relief was invaluable to Truman, to all of Europe, and less directly to the U.S., when its recent enemies eventually became allies.

Hoover and Truman had one another's phone numbers; they talked frequently; their wives became acquainted; and Truman sent a government plane for Hoover to get wherever he needed to be. An unusual friendship evolved. This is the model for how the club can work.

The history of the club from then to now is told in a book called "The Presidents Club  Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity" by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy. Admission to the club is automatic upon election to the presidency. There is no formal structure, just the recognition that previous Presidents are the only ones who can possibly understand the complexity and the burdens of the job and can be called on for advice when needed.

In the history of the club, not all relationships between past and present members have been as productive as Hoover's and Truman's. Truman and Eisenhower worked well together while Eisenhower was commander of all the allied forces in Europe, but bitterness developed when Eisenhower decided to run for President as a Republican in 1952. Once elected, Eisenhower accused Truman's administration of wastefulness, arrogance, and corruption. He called Truman a "congenital liar." Just before Eisenhower's inaugural parade, Truman said he wasn't sure if he could bring himself to sit next to him.

But they were members of the same club, and when both were out of politics they formed a cordial relationship. Like others in the club, they faithfully attended other members' funerals and even achieved closeness in old age.

Eisenhower had no respect for the next member of the club, his successor Jack Kennedy. Kennedy overestimated his own abilities and didn't ask for Ike's help. He dismantled much of his predecessor's administrative structure in the White House, as well as the planning that had gone into the Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba. The only thing Kennedy did that earned Eisenhower's respect was to take public responsibility for the fiasco that followed.

When Johnson succeeded Kennedy and was struggling to manage the Vietnam War, within hours of being sworn in aboard Air Force One he called Truman and Eisenhower for help, and both came to the White House the next day. Despite his political differences with Johnson, Eisenhower, with his great popularity and his military savvy, served Johnson well.

Relations among Johnson's successors weren't as friendly or constructive. After being shamed out of office, Nixon continued trying to manage U.S. foreign policy on his own and sometimes behind his successors' back. So did Carter. While President George H.W. Bush was organizing the multinational coalition to drive Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, Carter wrote to national leaders trying to undermine his President's plan, an act that flatly defied the unwritten rules of the Presidents Club and could have been considered treason.

The Presidents Club has great potential, but because its members can be vain, petty, mean, spiteful, malicious and vindictive in defense of their policies and legacies, they don't always take advantage of their membership.

Which of the two prospective new members is more likely to acknowledge that former presidents have advice worth listening to and to take advantage of what the club can offer in terms of wisdom and advice?

Hillary Clinton is the spouse of a present member and will live under the same roof with him. She'll get his advice whether she wants it or not.

Is Donald Trump willing to take advice at all, even from those who know far more and are available for the asking? There is no sign that Donald Trump knows what he doesn't know.
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By Tom Philpott

The nation's leading veteran services organizations are rallying behind the Department of Veterans Affairs and its beleaguered health care system, touting the experience of staff, the breadth of services and its holistic approach to care delivery that they argue the private sector cannot match.

The VSOs are warning of politicians and groups with agendas that constantly criticize VA health care, refuse to acknowledge reforms and thus advance a camouflaged campaign to dismantle VA health care. They also say it is time to better educate their own members on actions being taken to improve the health care system that millions of veterans rely upon.

The rally of vet groups is taking shape informally for now. It's no coincidence that it occurs amid a presidential campaign, and with the congressionally chartered Commission on Care days away from releasing its report on modernizing veterans' health services over the next 20 years.

Last March, seven of the 15 health advisers appointed to the commission backed a "straw man" proposal that would shut down all VA medical centers and outpatient services, and have their six million patients a year get medical care in the private sector.

Journalist Bryant Jordan of military.com first reported that the idea of shifting more veterans' care into the private sector is now a draft bill of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., the Caring for Our Heroes in the 21st Century Act. It would turn the Veterans Health Administration into a federally chartered organization run by a board of directors, which would coordinate with for-profit insurance companies to offer veterans full access to private sector care as an alternative to their VA-provided care.

McMorris Rodgers' "discussion draft" is defended by and likely was drafted by Concerned Veterans of America (CVA), a lobby group funded by the billionaire Koch brothers who seek to reduce VA costs and bureaucracy. CVA has influential backers among Republicans, including Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, who has invited CVA representatives to testify alongside veteran service organizations.

Miller's committee turned a national spotlight on the 2014 patient wait-list scandal uncovered at scores of VA hospitals and medical centers. Since then, it has demanded that VA officials be held accountable and that executives be jailed or at least fired for their wrongdoing. Meanwhile, VA leaders fumbled with a maze of employee protections and legal challenges.

Combined with some highly critical inspector general reports on VA health administration, the committee effectively branded the VA medical system as wasteful, poorly led and a danger to veterans. All of the hearings, investigations and negative news articles lent credibility to CVA's narrative that the system can't be repaired and so must be replaced.

CVA says the McMorris Rodgers bill is the "real reform" VA needs. It would curb costs for taxpayers, in part, because veterans who choose to use outside care would get only "premium support to help cover" their insurance.

The draft bill prompted Veterans of Foreign Wars to warn its members that "Politicians, pundits and politically-motivated organizations are using the national crisis in access to care" at VA to justify dismantling the health care system, privatizing care and "even proposing that veterans be charged for their service-connected care."

When Paralyzed Veterans of America weighed in, CVA accused it of mischaracterizing the bill and said its "D.C. insider-leadership  is willing to lie and mislead veterans about the solutions being proposed to deliver more timely care."

That attack on PVA put more veteran groups on a war footing. The American Legion wrote a letter to every member of Congress tearing into CVA, though without mentioning the Koch-funded group by name. Legion National Commander Dale Barnett complained of "egregious and politically-driven comments" from those claiming to represent veterans' needs and yet showing "little concern for the millions of veterans who rely on VA care and support that they receive at their local facilities."

The Legion becomes alarmed, Barnett wrote, "when politically-motivated groups masquerade as veteran-centric organizations, exploiting the public's generosity and patriotism by broadcasting fallacies and spouting half-truths." Groups like this exists "to influence policy decisions in favor of self-serving agendas to defund government programs, starting with VA."

VA Secretary Bob McDonald, in a speech Monday, described progress in cutting wait times for health appointments as it relies more heavily on coordinated care in the private sector. In March, he said, VA approved 370,000 authorizations for private sector care, doubling the number from a year ago. Just the March authorizations, many to cover entire episodes of care, will result in a total of two million private sector appointments.

"So the idea that VA can't be fixed, or that we're not fixing it, is just nonsense. We are fixing it. We're just not finished yet," McDonald said.

Tuesday, at a summit on VA health care co-hosted by the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council, more VSO executives touted the strength of their partnership with VA and its commitment to improving access and quality of care. Again, they were sharply critical of politicians and groups seeking to dismantle VA health care. Citing surveys showing that most veterans are satisfied with VA care and its holistic approach to overall health, the groups agreed they must challenge a false portrait of VA care as painted by recent scandals, partisan politicians and the drumbeat of negative news reports.

Garry Augustine, executive director of Disabled American Veterans, said he talked to an adviser to a presidential candidate "who told me I'm the first veteran he's heard from that had anything good to say about the VA. That made me realize  the perception war is being lost."

Augustine said he urged that adviser to be open to "a different perspective than what they are hearing in the news or from certain organizations that may have a political agenda. I've got to tell you, I don't think I won that discussion," he said.

Lauren Augustine, legislative associate with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (no relation to Garry), said her advice to presidential candidates would start with a plea to understand "veterans are more than political chew toys. They are more than the two dominating narratives we hear in the media, of heroic (figure) or PTSD injured veteran. We are more than that and we need you  to seek our voice on the nation's stage."
The Telegraph reports:

David Cameron has resigned as Prime Minister after Britain voted to leave the European Union. It followed a turbulent night with Remain campaigners quietly confident until the early hours when results from Newcastle and Sunderland showed better than expected returns for the Brexit camp.  With the Leave campaign securing 52 per cent of the vote, Mr Cameron addressed the nation in an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street to announce that he would be stepping down. Statements are expected to be made by Sinn Fein and the SNP later today calling for a breakaway from the Union.

The end of David Camerons political career barely a year after he had the huge triumph of winning a majority between all expectations.

It may also be the end of the United Kingdom as Scotland is quite likely to secede and Northern Ireland less likely.

And possibly the beginning of the end of the European Union in its current form.

Less significantly Jeremy Corbyn may be toast also.

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Stuff reports:

The Government has rejected parts of a damning report into its handling of an inquiry into leaks from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Ombudsman Ron Paterson has told the Government it should compensate a former top diplomat whose career ended in tatters after he was targeted by the inquiry, which was instigated by the State Services Commission.

He has also recommended a formal apology.

The 2013 inquiry has already cost taxpayers as much as $1 million, including lawyers costs and fees paid to the woman who headed it, Paula Rebstock.

State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie said on Thursday he did not agree with some of Patersons findings and Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully stood by comments made at the time the inquiry was released.

McCully said the Ombudsmans review criticised the steps taken in assessing the responsibility of particular individuals for some very unprofessional behaviour  but did not dispute that those behaviours occurred.

My statement, made at the time of the release of the Rebstock report, referred to unprofessional and disreputable conduct but did not name any individuals. My statement was undoubtedly correct.

The 2013 inquiry headed resulted in senior diplomats Derek Leask and Nigel Fyfe being singled out , despite evidence the leaks that sparked it originated from within the State Services Commission itself. The person responsible cannot be identified because of suppression orders.

While they were not named in the State Services Commission-ordered inquiry, Leask and Fyfe were easily identifiable and their conduct was publicly criticised by the State Services Commissioner and Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully after personal emails were published revealing their opposition to restructuring of the ministry.
The public is invited to attend a meeting on Monday, 6 p.m. at the South Chattanooga Youth & Family Development Center, 1151 W. 40th St., to review designs and give feedback to the consulting group that will transform the site of the former Charles A. Bell Elementary School into a public park and gathering place for the Alton Park neighborhood.



City of Chattanooga officials, park planners, and design consultants will be on hand at the meeting.



"In support of strengthening neighborhoods, the City of Chattanooga allocated $1 million to complete the new park in the Alton Park Neighborhood.

Through a Request for Proposals process a consultant was selected to develop the neighborhood park at the site of the former Charles A. Bell Elementary School (3501 Central Ave.). The consulting group will present possible designs and gather feedback from members of the Alton Park community at the meeting on Monday. The public is invited to attend and review the proposals for the new green space that will enhance the vibrancy of the neighborhood and connect residents with options for recreation and gathering," officials said.The former Charles A. Bell Elementary School at 3501 Central Avenue closed as a school in the year of 1989. The deteriorating structure was demolished in 2011 to make way for plans to develop the site into a neighborhood park.
Bradley County Commissioner Dan Rawls said he has turned over to authorities what he said are multiple instances of alleged illegal conduct by Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson.

He said the gave the evidence to District Attorney Steve Crump, the TBI and the FBI.

Commissioner Rawls said, "And there is still more there. The more you uncover the more you become appalled."

He said some of the allegations include the disposition of a sheriff's van, the activity of his wife, Tenille, as a bonding agent, the sheriff's alleged involvement with a woman who has had several arrests, and alleged threats toward him made by the sheriff.

Commissioner Rawls said he began to become suspicious after examining some transactions in the sheriff's department that came before the commission finance committee.

He said the van that was sold was purchased in excess of $130,000. He said various high-tech equipment was added to it. He said it was sold for $20,000 to a bounty hunter in Nashville identified as a friend of the sheriff's.

Commissioner Rawls said, "At first there was no bill of sale. Then one was produced that did not have a date on it."

He said local bonding officials were told that Ms. Watson would not be operating in Bradley County, but in adjacent counties. He said, "That did not turn out to be the case."

The commissioner said he checked the records and found that for three recent months Ms. Watson wrote more bonds than several agents did for the next highest firm. He said, "People at the jail have to be steering cases her way."



Commissioner Rawls said, "For the sheriff's wife to be in the bonding business is a flagrant conflict of interest."

Regarding the one who he said was closely tied to the sheriff, he said she was placed in jail on no bond. Then, he said, she got out on a low bond after a call from the sheriff's office saying she was working as a confidential informant.

Commissioner Rawls said, "I was told by someone on the command staff that she never was a confidential informant and never will be."

The commissioner said he was able to obtain over 100 messages between Sheriff Watson and the woman. He said the communication included a number of suggestive remarks.

He said the woman sent the sheriff a photo of herself without a shirt and wearing a red bra.

He said one discussed them taking an out-of-town trip together. He said, "They did go on a trip," which he said was documented in county financial records.

Commissioner Rawls said Sheriff Watson made a threat against him. He said it was recorded by an individual and made available to him.

He said he has turned the tape over to authorities.



Commissioner Rawls said, "I have never seen morale in the Bradley County Sheriff's Office as low as it is now."

He said he believes Sheriff Watson, a former state legislator who has launched several faith-based programs since being elected sheriff, should be removed from office and face criminal charges.

Sheriff Watson said, "Since my election, I have done everything in my power to make Bradley County safer and to improve our sheriff's office. When I ran, I said I wanted to return fiscal responsibility to the department and I have done so.

I have done nothing wrong. I have not betrayed my oath or the public trust in any way. I will cooperate fully with any investigation and will look forward to being cleared of any wrongdoing. My only agenda will be keeping the citizens of Bradley County safe.
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By Connie Ogle Miami Herald (Tns)

Cathleen Schine's new novel is a seamless blend of humor and heartbreak, shot through with so many funny, painful truths that absorbing them all is an experience to be savored. With a bright yellow cover with Dick-and-Jane style drawings, "They May Not Mean To, But They Do" looks a bit jaunty, but its humor is steeped in familiar (and unsparing) reality.

Exploring family life with comic insight has long been one of Schine's strengths, in such novels as "Fin & Lady" (in which a young orphan comes to live with his older sister in 1960s Greenwich Village) and "The Three Weissmans of Westport" (an updated "Sense and Sensibility" set in Connecticut). Now Schine returns to a subject she touched on briefly in Westport  the relationships between adult children and their aging parents and the frictions and frustrations that develop as a family grows old together.

In "They May Not Mean To, But They Do"  the title is inspired by a Philip Larkin poem  Schine introduces the Bergmans, who "were New Yorkers  had always been New Yorkers." Only now adult daughter Molly has moved to California with her wife. This leaves her elderly mother Joy bereft ("'California'  even the name had become ugly to Joy, like 'Lee Harvey Oswald' or 'Sirhan Sirhan'").

Joy is still working at a small museum that specializes in Jewish artifacts but also caring for her husband Aaron, who is slipping into dementia. Molly's brother Daniel and his family live nearby, but as anyone with a sick parent knows, close isn't enough. Aaron's health deteriorates, and the Bergmans are faced the wrenching dilemmas we all eventually contend with: If Joy can't care for Aaron, who will? And how will they pay for outside care when Aaron's bad investments have left Joy with dwindling savings?

Schine shows great compassion for all her characters; she understands that these waters are uncharted for everyone. Molly, who's flying back and forth across the country but mostly trying to manage her mother from afar, cringes at hearing about the daily gruesome details about her father's colostomy bag ("Please spare me those particular details, Molly thought guiltily, knowing her mother could not spare herself those details").

When Aaron dies, Joy doesn't expect her children to move in with her but does "expect something from them, though, something they were not providing, she couldn't put her finger on it." Meanwhile, she grows simultaneously more fragile and more stubborn, especially after she befriends an old flame.

Schine gets everything right here: The hopeful conversations between Daniel and Molly, during which you can feel their unspoken need for their mother to be all right. Joy's frustration with herself as an increasingly frail being, her insistence on independence, even her eventual inability to converse with her daughter. "Her mother wanted to talk, not to listen," Molly realizes after hearing yet another monologue over the phone. "It was an exhalation of words, no intake of breath, no pauses, a stream of consciousness into which no one else could dip a toe, an incompleteness so complete there could be no natural end to a conversation.  there was little chance for Molly to interrupt, and she stopped trying."

Life holds loneliness and sorrow, yes, but also random joys and delights. Schine never loses sight of life's quirks and ironies, and she writes with an empathetic, breezy confidence about the most difficult of subjects. Don't shy away from "They May Not Mean To, But They Do." Warm, lively and generous, it's one of the must-reads of the summer.
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SUNDAY AT IJAMS

Head to Ijams Nature Center at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 26, to make a birdhouse from a gourd. Participants age 10 and up will start with a clean hard-shell gourd with a pre-cut hole, perfect for wrens, finches and other small songbirds. The class will cover how to grow, dry and clean gourds. Personalize the gourd by choosing paint or stain, color and decoration. The fee, including all materials, is $20. Call 865-577-4717, ext. 110 to register. Note: old clothing recommended.

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, drop in for Turtle-ology 101. Ijams naturalist Stephen Lyn Bales will share a lighthearted look at some of the common turtles that live in East Tennessee. Meet a couple of the reptile residents of Ijams. The fee is $5 for Ijams members and $8 for non-members $8 (Children under 3 are free). Space is limited; to register, call 865-577-4717, ext. 110.

HOPS IN THE HILLS

Craft beer lovers, local and regional breweries and local bands will unite for the second annual Hops in the Hills festival today and Saturday, June 25, in downtown Maryville. The festivities begin with a craft brew crawl from 6 to 11 p.m. today provided by Knox Brew Tours. Saturday's events include a 2:30 p.m. beer seminar at Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria led by local brewers and professors, followed by the brew festival from 4 to 8 p.m. Passes to the brew crawl cost $10. General admission tickets for Saturday are $40.

East Tennessee participants include Blackberry Farm and Yee-Haw Breweries, which each won medals at the 2016 World Beer Cup, and other local staples such as Bluetick, Fanatic and Last Days of Autumn Breweries.

View a complete list of participating breweries and buy tickets at www.hopsinthehills.com.

JAZZ ON THE HILL

The Green McAdoo Cultural Organization, 101 School St. in Clinton, will host a "Jazz on the Hill" concert series the first Saturday of each month, beginning July 2. The event is open to the public, bring your families, blankets, lawn chairs, etc. Performance times will be 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Groups set to perform: July 2 - Lee Willis of Soulful Sounds Revue; Aug. 6 - Grove Therapy (Keith Brown); Sep. 3 - Soulfinger; and Oct. 1 - Knoxville Jazz Orchestra. Free event but vendors will be available for food purchase.

Info: Eugene Gallaher, 865-394-1149.

POTTER MAGIC

Barnes & Noble customers may relive the magic of Harry Potter at 7 p.m. today with special events and activities. Enter the Harry Potter Limited Edition Cover Prints Sweepstakes for a chance to win a set of seven Harry Potter Limited Edition Cover Prints.

A coloring station will offer various Harry Potter-themed materials, plus there'll be giveaways, trivia and activities for Potter fans to enjoy.

The store also will invite fans to participate in the assembly of a 3D Hogwarts Astronomy Tower, an 875-piece 3D puzzle.
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My first job in the wine industry was as a 19-year-old college student working retail so that I could have enough cash to afford an apartment and have a little beer money on the side. It was a small liquor store that just happened to carry a pretty good selection of wines from around the world.

Now we are talking about the early to mid '80s when first-growth Bordeaux was south of $100 a bottle (today well over $3,000-4,000) and Premier and Grand Cru Burgundies in the $30 - $90 range ($100 - $2000 today). As American and Asian markets became more interested in small-production, hard-to-get Bordeaux and Burgundy, prices began to soar. And thanks to wine critic Robert Parker and wine magazine Wine Spectator, reviews and ratings of these wines just accelerated the prices to levels that only the world's richest wine collectors can afford to buy today.

Local retailers during this time went in other directions and focused mainly on California, Oregon and Washington state along with affordable emerging markets like Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Spain and Italy.

I am involved in a lot of wine tastings and dinners for obvious reasons, but my latest wine dinner was a little different. It was a dinner that focused on the wines of Burgundy. I had to think when the last time was that I was involved in a Burgundy dinner in Knoxville. I would say at least 10 years ago. Why? Because good-quality Burgundy, let alone estate-produced bottles, is very hard to find under $30 a bottle. That is, until now.

The Domaines of Albert Bichot has been making wines for over six generations and includes four estate monopoles (which means they actually own the entire vineyard). The dinner was held in the backroom of Naple's Italian Restaurant, and chef Gary Nicely prepared an incredible dinner to pair with the wines. We started with three distinctly different white Burgundies. From the cooler climate of Chablis, we started with the 2013 Albert Bichot Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis ($20). It offers a pure texture of Chardonnay with no oak treatment. Crisp and clean with balanced acidity. A great value entry-level Chablis.

Next came the 2014 Albert Bichot Pouilly-Fuisse ($25) with a richer body than the Chablis combined with nice pear and citrus flavors. My favorite was the 2013 Albert Bichot Vire-Clesse ($19). It is another southern Maconnais white Burgundy with more acidity and a bit brighter than the Pouilly-Fuisse. I may be splitting hairs between the two wines but for me the Vire-Clesse showed a little better on this night.

As we transitioned into the reds, we started with a very nice 2013 Albert Bichot Domaine Long-Depaquit Vielles Vignes Bourgogne Rouge ($18). Older parcels of Pinot Noir are used in this bottling, and it stood up very well to the roasted elk that was served with it. An excellent value in red Burgundy.

We stepped it up a notch or two with our last two wines of the night. Up next was the 2013 Albert Bichot Savigny-Les-Beaune ($25), and the complexity of Burgundian wines began to show. More red and black cherry flavors emerge with old-world spices balanced with a medium-bodied finish. A perfect match with the Lamb Loin AuPoivre. But the real story line here is the price. It is extremely hard to find Savigny below $30-$35 a bottle, so this is a truly great value.

And finally, a special treat for the attendees as the producer pulled out a couple bottles of the 2009 Albert Bichot Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge 1er Cru Morgeot ($80). The majority of Chassagne-Montrachet that you see in the U.S. markets is white so this was quite a treat to taste a Premier Cru red version. Richer in body and flavor, the Chassagne-Montrachet could easily stand up to rich meat and cheese courses.

Thad Cox Jr. is owner of Ashe's Wine & Spirits and a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel. He may be reached at thad @asheswines.com.
Brian De Palma discusses a shot with Al Pacino on the set of "Scarface" in the documentary "De Palma."

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By Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Love him or loathe him  and people have regularly done both  there's never been doubt that director Brian De Palma is a filmmaker down to his fingertips. "De Palma," the documentary with his name on it, expertly explores just what that means.

The picture's co-directors, Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow, both have personal relationships with the controversial filmmaker behind everything from "Sisters" and "Obsession" to "Scarface," "The Untouchables" and "Mission: Impossible."

So, though Baumbach and Paltrow aren't heard and don't appear on screen, their doc very much has the form of a conversation between friends and colleagues, with De Palma, and De Palma alone, talking to the camera about the work he's done and why and how he's done it.

More than talk, there is footage from each of De Palma's more than 30 works, including the unlikely Bruce Springsteen "Dancing in the Dark" video he directed that features Courteney Cox.

Even more than his own work, De Palma, an omnivorous cinephile, introduces clips from 25 films that have influenced him in one way or another, from Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" ("I will never forget it") to Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon," which he admires for the way its camera work slows down time to allow viewers to get into the rhythms of a bygone century.

"De Palma's" biggest asset, not surprisingly, is the man himself. A formidable talker who is invariably smart, candid and acerbic, De Palma is a person of considerable self-confidence, and listening to him hold forth gives us an always-involving glimpse inside a singular cinematic mind.

A bravura director with a virtuosic visual style, De Palma does not directly address the debate that has grown up around his films for their violence, especially toward women, but you do get a sense of a man with strong creative drives determined to keep making movies no matter what. "Anyone who has a career," he says, "it's a miracle."

And, aware that the way he and colleagues such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Martin Scorsese took over the Hollywood system in the 1970s was unprecedented ("What we did in our generation will never be duplicated"), De Palma tends to take all criticism with a grain of salt. "You're judged," he says, "by the fashions of the day."

What De Palma does best is tell war stories about his movie experience, which has been extensive. He worked regularly with singular talents such as composer Bernard Herrmann and cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, he made sure a reluctant Orson Welles learned his lines on "Get to Know Your Rabbit," and his memorable stories cut across all his films. For instance:

"Obsession." Cliff Robertson, noticing that co-star Genevieve Bujold was stealing the picture, attempted to sabotage her performance.

"Dressed to Kill." The movie's plot of a young photographer following and photographing a criminal was inspired by De Palma's own youthful experience doing the same with his philandering father.

"Body Double." Porn star Annette Havens was tested for the role that eventually went to Melanie Griffith, freaking out the studio.

"Scarface." One reason for all the varieties of violence is that De Palma had two weeks to kill, so to speak, while star Al Pacino recovered from an on-set accident.

"The Untouchables." Robert De Niro took the role of Al Capone after weeks of wavering and insisted on wearing the same kind of silk underwear the mob boss had worn.

"Casualties of War." Sean Penn was always in co-star Michael J. Fox's face, taunting him on camera by whispering "television actor" in his ear.

It's also fascinating to hear De Palma's uncompromising verdicts on his films, whether they be unhappiness with "The Bonfire of the Vanities" ("I made a lot of compromises; it was a disaster") or his satisfaction with "Carlito's Way" ("I can't make a better picture than this").

What is not in question about De Palma is his unquenchable passion for film. He knows that if he had told the truth to the women in his life, he would have said to them, "My true wife is my movies, not you."
Erica Witt reacts, alongside her attorney Virginia Schwamm, as she is denied same-sex parenting rights during a Knox County Circuit Court hearing Friday June 24, 2016. Judge Greg McMillan opined that because she is a woman who legally married a woman, state law does not confer to her any parenting rights. (AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL)

SHARE Judge Greg McMillan hears the arguments for Erica Witt to have same-sex parenting rights during a Knox County Circuit Court hearing Friday June 24, 2016. McMillan opined that because she is a woman who legally married a woman, state law does not confer to her any parenting rights. (AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL)

By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel

If Erica Witt were a man, she would have just as much right to a daughter conceived via artificial insemination as her spouse.

But in the first ruling of its kind in Tennessee, a Knox County judge on Friday opined that because she is a woman who legally married a woman, state law does not confer to her the power of decision-making over the child or the obligation to provide financial support for the girl now that the same-sex couple is divorcing.

"I believe this is a situation where (Erica Witt) has no biological relationship with this child, has no contractual relationship with this child," 4th Circuit Court Judge Greg McMillan ruled.

Erica Witt and Sabrina Witt legally wed in Washington, D.C., in April 2014, bought a home in Knoxville and decided to have a child via artificial insemination from an anonymous donor. Sabrina Witt bore a baby girl as a result in January 2015. Because Tennessee did not then recognize same-sex marriage as legal, Erica Witt's name was not placed on the baby's birth certificate.

In February, Sabrina Witt filed for divorce. Her attorney, John Harber, contended the only law on Tennessee's books addressing parenting rights in the case of artificial insemination  enacted in 1977  makes clear the law applies only to husbands.

"That terminology is not interchangeable," Harber argued at a hearing Friday.

Tennessee still doesn't have a law on the books officially recognizing same-sex marriage but is essentially under a mandate to do so due to a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year recognizing the rights of same-sex couples to marry. That ruling did not address divorce or parental rights in a divorce in which neither same-sex partner legally adopted the child they call their own.

Erica Witt's attorney, Virginia Schwamm, contends the same reasoning used by the nation's high court in marriage applies in divorce and custody matters.

"The argument that marriage may only consist of a 'husband' and a 'wife' has been held to be unconstitutional," Schwamm said. "(Tennessee marriage certificates) still (indicate) male and female, but surely that no longer applies. Just because the statute reads man and woman, this court can interpret the statute in a manner that makes it constitutional."

Harber disagreed.

"That terminology is not interchangeable," he said. "What we're asking the court to do today is interpret (the artificial insemination) statute as it is. Under this statute, we do not believe (Erica Witt) would qualify as a parent."

Schwamm called the language of husband and wife outdated and urged McMillan to simply update it via his ruling, just as court clerks' offices across the state are now revamping all manner of domestic forms, from marriage certificates to divorce petitions, to accommodate same-sex couples.

"There has been a commitment on the part of (Erica Witt) to raise this child, to be there for this child," Schwamm said. "The paramount consideration for the courts is the best interest of the child."

But McMillan said it was not up to the courts to enact "social policy" via legal rulings and a strict reading of the artificial insemination law tied his hands in this case.

"I believe as a trial court I am not to plow new ground, but to apply precedent and the law," McMillan said.

He is allowing Schwamm to appeal, putting the divorce action on hold pending a decision by the Tennessee Court of Appeals on whether to hear the issue.

"Given the novelty of this issue, the court thinks it appropriate to see if the appellate courts want to address this," he said.

McMillan also opined his ruling does not bar Erica Witt from seeking visitation with the child, likening her to a stepparent.

Erica Witt left the courtroom in tears. Sabrina Witt did not attend.

Schwamm said Erica Witt has been "extremely involved" with raising the girl and is heartbroken at Friday's ruling.

Even if McMillan eventually awards Erica Witt visitation rights, his refusal to recognize her as a parent means she will have no say in issues including the child's education and medical needs. The decision means she is under no obligation to pay child support either.
SHARE District Attorney General Russell Johnson talks to the media during Thursday's press conference about an officer-involved shooting in Harriman. In background are Harriman Lt. Dan Schneider, left, and Assistant Police Chief Kenneth Humphrey. (BOB FOWLER/NEWS SENTINEL)

By Bob Fowler of the Knoxville News Sentinel

KINGSTON  The suspect shot through the abdomen in a nighttime gunbattle with two Harriman police officers on March 8 was trying to commit "suicide by cop," 9th Judicial District Attorney General Russell Johnson said in a news conference Thursday.

Nathan Robert Manis, 28, of Harriman, a state prison guard at the time, had started firing at officers as he was standing on the stairway off his third-floor apartment at the back of an older building that fronts North Roane Street, Johnson said.

All of Manis' gunshots went well went over the heads of police Sgt. Sarah Moore and Officer Steve Hart, and they responded with a hail of gunfire from their service Glock handguns, Johnson said. About 25 gunshots were exchanged.

Manis had emptied his eight-shot handgun, walked back up the steps, then walked down to the stairway landing and started waving the weapon again, the prosecutor said. That's when Moore shot again, striking Manis in the stomach.

Manis, who resisted arrest despite repeated yelled demands to get on the ground, was subdued with an electric stun gun deployed by another Harriman officer, Lt. Kent Warren, who arrived soon after the gunfire erupted, Johnson said.

The shooting was the fourth one involving officers since Christmas Eve in his judicial district, Johnson said. The district includes Roane, Loudon, Morgan and Meigs counties.

Johnson called the number of such shootings in such a short time "highly unusual." Each time, the officers have been cleared of wrongdoing after grand juries reviewed the cases.

Each time, Johnson said he's called news conferences and furnished the media with detailed information about the incidents  including police videos from either in-cruiser or police body cameras  in a bid to help counteract what he called a "built-in mistrust" that's arisen in the country over such incidents.

Manis, who had been a corrections officer at the Morgan County Correctional Complex since 2001, was hospitalized for several weeks. He was first placed on paid administrative leave but was fired April 3.

He was indicted Tuesday in the shootout by a Roane County grand jury on two counts of aggravated assault with a weapon and two counts of felony reckless endangerment.

Johnson said he cleared Moore of any wrongdoing several weeks after the shooting. Hart, who at one point was seen on an in-cruiser video going back to his cruiser during the gunbattle, has retired.
There are more advantages to living in the country than not, but some of the not can catch you off guard and show you what youre made of. I love the open space of the country, but it sure makes it harder for people to hear you when you yell for help.



Being a new rancher I know that I still have years of learning as I go, but I am up for the challenges because I am living my dream. I have always loved nature and horses.



One of the challenges that I took on is raising baby horses when I have only been around adult horses already broke.



When the opportunity came to buy our ranch we considered raising a baby horse because they are so cute and, now is the time if we want to do it - we arent getting any younger. And it certainly has been an experience. Jason bought Suede, a buckskin Filly and I bought Legend, a Tobiano Colt  both Tennessee Walking Horses.



At first, it was sweet. They were small and they were learning things I could teach them. But not being an avid trainer there was so much I didnt know.



Lesson one: small horses are still big and wearing boots is a must. Lesson two: do not play hide and seek by the big oak tree in the pasture no matter how cute your colt is he will believe you are his playmate and as he grows bigger he will challenge you.



The first year I learned a lot. After Legend grew taller than me and knew his strength, he would paw at me or push me around and I became afraid to handle him. We also had an electric fence in which tightening it would no longer help and, the wood posts were rotten in the ground. Legend learned how to get through the fence in the back of the pasture by the creek and he would go down into the creek but find his way back into the pasture after he had his fun.



We didnt know this until I saw a gash on him and we saw hoof prints passed the fence leading to the creek. We immediately began a costly new fence project but one pasture at a time.



When we had the opportunity to have four new horses that were grown, broke and great trail horses, I had thought of selling Legend.



I hated to, but I really thought this horse had something wrong with him mentally and even though I was as green as he, I felt it was too late to change his mind about me and he would disrupt the behavior of my husbands and sons horses and the new horses.



I was wrong. As the new horses have gotten to know their new home, Legend and Suede have matured into a new season and I think watching the other horses has helped them learn to behave better.



Suede was never much of a problem, but I can tell she listens better. However, Suede can be a stubborn girl at times and today was no exception.



I have been able to handle Legend again and gain back my confidence. This took time, the swish of a crop, and leadership over fear.



While Legend had his nightly creek excursions before we got the new fence, he had gotten his mane tangled in tree limbs and brush and he was sporting dread locks.



I tried to comb out the messy strands, but I knew it was likely that I would have to cut his pretty white mane. I was able to bathe him and we had a breakthrough  he lifted all four feet for me! That was something new for us. He lifted his front feet last year but was shaky about it. Now he was lifting on command and trusted me, but I still take one thing at a time and try not to do too much at once with him.



So, today I wanted to attempt to get that gnarled hairdo of his under control and I went out in the pasture to catch him. Catching a horse can be tricky depending who it is, but Legend always comes when I call him and allows me to halter him every time.



He did so well with letting me give him a bath last time that I decided I would use the cross ties at the wash rack beside the barn, to hold him so I could groom his mane.



As I led him out of the gate Suede decided to come too! Normally, I put his body in the way of another horse getting through, but Suede is a lanky, thin teenager right now and can slide through with all her stubbornness!



When she got out, I had Legend on a lead rope in one hand while holding the gate with the other hand and trying to block the way to pass me and get loose, but the barn door was open on both sides!



Thankfully Legend followed as I pulled him close to the barn door so I could close it, but my reach was not long enough to hold the gate too, so Cleo (our big draft horse) decided to come out and that was when I began to panic a little inside.



Standing maybe fifty feet from the ranch house where my son lives, I hollered as loud as I could for him to help. My good little (and big) horsies were just grazing the grass in the area I allowed them, but if I moved to do anything other than block them, they would be able to go around the barn towards the road.



The big barn fan was not helping my voice to carry across the yard to the house, nor was the air conditioning unit at the house.



I found that I could yell louder  but it hurt to yell that loud and Queen Cleo did not like my voice like that. She moved her big 1,350 pound body over between the barn and the wash rack. Hoo-boy, it would be fun trying to get her out of that spot, but at least now I could maybe coax Suede back into the pasture.



Andrew was not coming to my rescue. Thoughts of bombs going off during my sons time in Iraq made me realize he may never hear me (nor would anyone else in the house because he probably keeps the television pretty loud in order to hear it).



Just then, Rocky Top and Liberty came through the opened gate and I was now blocking five horses and had only two hands to hold the gate and my colt. Getting the horses back in the pasture at this point was not a one person job.



So I screamed at the top of my lungs and the bottom of my diaphragm with reverberating vocal chords. I was sure even neighbors would hear me  if it werent for the construction guys with their loud bulldozers fixing the culvert nearby.



I was literally screaming for ten minutes for my son or anyone to hear me and come to my rescue. I felt like Marie Osmonds character of the damsel in distress in her 70s variety show in which she lay across train tracks yelling ha-a-a-lp!



And then I began laughing with God.



I knew as well as He did that I am not a damsel in distress. After all that He has brought me through in life I knew my strength, my wit, and my courage was much more than for me to cry HALP.



And so, I used my noggin. I unattached Legends lead rope and let him graze with the other horses in that one spot by the wash rack. Then I took the lead rope whirring it in the air to coax Rocky Top and Liberty back into the pasture. It worked!



Now, I only had a stubborn filly (who caused all this trouble to begin with) big Cleo (who was still stuck in between the wash rack and the side of the barn) and Legend to get back into the pasture. Rocky Top and Liberty wanted to come back out, so I had to keep swishing the rope toward them to keep them behind the open gate that I was using to block the way towards the road.



I let go of the gate and thought by slapping Suede on the rump I would get her inside and then Id deal with Cleo and Legend.



It didnt work.



When Cleo saw there was hiney-smacking going on, she decided to miraculously turn her hiney around as I watched the wash rack move slightly but stay intact and she tried to get passed me. She is such a good horse, she listened when I motioned her backward and she moved inside the wash rack where Suede was grazing.



New plan. I would just put Legend back in the pasture and maybe Suede would follow.



Suede didnt, but Cleo did! After all the horses were in the pasture except for the one who caused all the chaos, I closed the gate and quickly grabbed a bucket of treats from right inside the barn door to entice Suede back into the pasture and I locked the gate with all the horses back inside.

Whew! Just then Andrew opened the barn door to see if I needed anything.



Now when I panic inside as I handle a problem, the minute it is over all the adrenaline comes spilling out and I could hear my shaky voice and hot tears coming to my eyes as I told him what happened.



Ellie Cheyenne was with him and that sweet little thing tried to come up with all the reasons why they must not have heard me. Realizing my emotions caused her to feel guilty, I assured her that I did not blame anyone for not coming to my rescue and that God and I handled it fine.



While I had Andrew there, I took Legend back out while he held Suede back and to hold Legend as I clipped his dreads. I wasnt going to go through the pandemonium of five horses great escape without accomplishing what I had first set out to do!



Legend wanted to know what the scissors were, but as I conditioned him to the sound of the scissors and rubbed them against his body, he then let me clip away at the mangled mess.

Instead of looking like my free spirit horse of color with platinum mane flowing in the wind, he looks more like a precision cut show horse (well, maybe not precision on my first try) but at least now it is manageable until it grows back out.



And, I learned that just because I have my son living at the ranch and it may be easier to have his help  I am capable of using the wit, strength and courage that God gave me to handle any adventure of life He thinks I should handle on my own.



And He knows I love adventure!



jen@jenjeffrey.com










SHARE Terry Frank, Anderson County mayor.

By Bob Fowler of the Knoxville News Sentinel

CLINTON  A plan to keep the Anderson County property tax rate unchanged was approved by a 13-0 vote of county commissioners during their special session Thursday night.

The county's budget committee had recommended a 1-cent tax cut, but that proposal didn't include raises for county general employees.

Each penny in property taxes generates $161,357. The commission's decision restores sufficient funding to give workers the equivalent of a 1.25 percent raise for the new fiscal year that starts next Friday.

With Thursday's decision, the tax rate will stay at $2.79 for county residents and those living in Oliver Springs, Norris and Rocky Top, while Clinton property owners' tax rate will be $2.75 per $100 assessed value, and Oak Ridgers' tax levy will be $2.58. Tax rates differ because of varying school debt levels.

The county general fund budget totals $26.1 million, while the school system fiscal plan is $55.7 million. Two percent raises for all employees are included in the school budget.

A proposal to boost the county's rainy-day fund  money set aside for emergencies  from $4.5 million to $4.75 million  is included in the county general budget.

Still unresolved is a plan to fund computer tablets for county school students. Mayor Terry Frank's proposal to temporarily halt the 2-cent annual appropriation for future industrial land purchases and funnel that money into computer purchases is under consideration. Frank noted there's little potential industrial land now available for purchase.

Commissioners want to have a joint meeting with members of the Board of Education to work out a funding solution.

For the second year in a row, a bid to strip funding for Mayor Terry Frank's chief of staff, Richard Burroughs, was narrowly defeated, this time in a 6-7 vote.

Frank said Burroughs overheard commissioners Chuck Fritts and Steve Mead planning a motion to remove funding for his job during a break in Thursday's meeting.

The mayor contended that action constituted a violation of the state's Sunshine Law.

Frank also said part of Burroughs' duties include serving as the county's stormwater coordinator, and if funding for his job were removed, the county would have to appropriate money to fill that position.
St. Joseph School first-grader Sophie Cuccia receives the FluMist vaccine Dec. 9, 2015. (AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL)

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By Kristi L. Nelson of the Knoxville News Sentinel

Over a decade, Knox County Health Department's in-school flu vaccination program grew into a national model for public health.

The partnership between the Health Department and Knox County Schools resulted in about 65 percent of elementary school-age children getting the intranasal FluMist vaccine  above the national average.

But on Wednesday, an immunization advisory panel of federal health officials voted to withdraw its endorsement of the vaccine, recommending providers not give FluMist during the upcoming flu season, because for the past three years it hasn't performed as well as injectable "flu shots," and studies indicate last year it offered no protection against the strain of flu that made most people sick last year. Recommendations from the committee are usually adopted by the government, which sends the guidance out to doctors.

"We could find no evidence (the spray) was effective," said Dr. Joseph Bresee, a flu expert at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That hasn't always been the case. AstraZeneca's FluMist was once regarded as the best vaccine for protecting children against flu, and some studies showed it more effective than the shot in certain age groups. Only two years ago, officials advised doctors that whenever possible they should use FluMist, which is made from a live but weakened flu virus, on young kids instead of flu shots.

Approved for healthy people ages 2-49, FluMist accounts for 8 percent of total flu doses produced each year  but about a third of American children vaccinated for flu get FluMist, health officials said.

The convenience made FluMist ideal for the in-school vaccination program. Parents had to sign consent forms for their children to get the nasal spray, but they didn't have to be present. Giving the vaccine during school hours meant no trips to clinics or the health department for families, and Knox County Health Department Director Dr. Martha Buchanan said the high number of children vaccinated resulted in less flu in the community overall.

The Health Department was an early adopter of FluMist, first giving it in 2005, two years after it was licensed. Then-manufacturer MedImmune provided grants to get the in-school program up and running. It's now a line item in Knox County's budget and also gets funding through the federal Vaccinations for Children program as well as TennCare and commercial insurance reimbursement, when parents who have policies provide that information, Buchanan said.

The first studies, which included randomized trials coordinated by the manufacturer, showed FluMist was highly effective, and in children performed better than traditional flu shots. In 2014, the committee advised doctors that FluMist was better at preventing flu in healthy kids ages 2 through 8. The past two years have seen a national FluMist shortage.

But since then, studies have shown the vaccine didn't work well against the most common flu strains in any of the past three flu seasons. All flu vaccines performed poorly two winters ago, but data show FluMist performed poorly the two other seasons as well.

During the winter that just ended, flu shots were nearly 50 percent effective against the flu strain that made most people sick. But FluMist didn't work at all, CDC researchers said, citing preliminary results from a study of about 2,300 U.S. children.

It's not clear why the vaccine isn't working.

Some have argued that FluMist's former reputation hinged on studies that were done before flu vaccine was encouraged for most children and when vaccination rates were much lower.

Experts said it is possible that kids who have received the spray many times no longer respond as well to it.

Bresee said some suspect that it is has to do with the decision a few years ago to incorporate four strains of flu in FluMist instead of the traditional three. It could be that the added strain reduced the body's response to another strain, he said.

Experts were particularly worried that FluMist hasn't protected against H1N1, a type of flu that often causes more deaths and hospitalizations among children and young adults. Yet there's no evidence of a jump in flu deaths among kids who were thought to have been protected by FluMist, Bresee said.

Buchanan said she was surprised by the committee's finding, "but we'll adjust and do what we can to continue to provide good vaccination coverage for the community, and especially for our kids."

She said the health department and the school system will meet Friday to determine whether an in-school injectable flu vaccination program is feasible, should the Tennessee Department of Health instruct regional health departments to forgo FluMist this coming season. There will be an opportunity for parent input, she said.

"Right now, we really don't know" the future of the program, she said.

AstraZeneca presented its own U.S. study that found the FluMist vaccine was somewhat effective this past season, but still not did not work as well as flu shots. A spokeswoman said the company is evaluating the committee's decision.
University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro (CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL)

By MJ Slaby of the Knoxville News Sentinel

As the University of Tennessee launched a search for the next chancellor of the flagship campus, efforts to plan for future leadership hires were already in the works.

About 40 percent of the roughly 100 members of senior leadership roles across the system will be eligible to retire in the next five years, according to the university. That group includes chancellors and system vice presidents, said UT President Joe DiPietro.

"In order to keep the momentum of the university moving forward, I think it's imperative that we start doing some succession planning," DiPietro said in his report to the UT Board of Trustees on Thursday.

The university is either searching for or will soon start searches for four leadership positions: chancellors at the Knoxville and Martin campuses, a system chief financial officer and a system executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Planning for that succession will help find leaders internally and outside UT for future openings, DiPietro said, noting he thinks internal candidates are often overlooked.

He said the system has started working with consultant Oliver Group, a Louisville, Ky.-based company that focuses on hiring as well as workforce development and growth.

The Oliver Group will help UT identify upcoming vacancies and internal candidates who could fill the positions as well as create programs to train, attract and recruit leaders, DiPietro said.

The company will meet with UT soon to start the plan and work with UT Human Resources, he aid.

"You have to think about succession planning in advance if we want to keep and grow our people as well as look at who's outside of the institution who might be a possibility," DiPietro said.
Director Andrew Wakefield, left, and producer Del Bigtree, right, shown here with editor Brian Burrows, also appear on camera throughout the film "Vaxxed."

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By Kristi L. Nelson, kristi.nelson@knoxnews.com

After Robin Alley watched the movie "Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe," one of her first thoughts was how to get it to play in her hometown.

The movie had been abruptly pulled from the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival lineup, and she was worried it might not make it to Knoxville.

So Alley and another friend began a Facebook group for like-minded individuals who wanted to make sure the film was shown locally. They called small, independent theaters, hoping for two screenings over a weekend.

By the time Knoxville-based Regal Cinemas scheduled the movie for a one-week run in two Florida cities, the "Bring Vaxxed to Knoxville" group had more than 900 members, several of whom devoted themselves to promoting their effort through tweets, posters, T-shirts and phone calls to local health practitioners. Many group members who live outside Knoxville said they will travel to see the movie when it opens Friday at Downtown West Cinema 8, where it will play through June 30. Regal, which is screening the film in at least two other cities, did not return multiple calls for comments on its decision to show the movie in Knoxville.

"I think everyone thinks of this as an anti-vaccination film," Alley said. "It's not. It's basically advocating for informed consent, parental rights and more research for safer vaccines."

The film, released April 1, deals primarily with one vaccine: the combination measles-mumps-rubella immunization that federal health officials recommend children receive at ages 12-15 months and 4-6 years. At its crux is a claim that a senior scientist with the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  William Thompson, who doesn't appear in the film except through short excerpts from telephone conversations he said in 2014 were recorded without his knowledge  provided environmental scientist Dr. Brian Hooker with 2004 data that showed a possibility black male babies who received the MMR within a certain age range were at higher risk for autism.

"Vaxxed" carries the tag line "The Most Controversial Film in America," not only for the topic but because it's directed by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a British gastroenterologist whose 1998 research among a small sample of autistic children purported a link between the MMR and autism and bowel disease. Wakefield, who was stripped of his credentials after a 2014 study deemed his research fraudulent, appears throughout the film, as does producer Del Bigtree, who also produced the television show "The Doctors" (two of whom appear in the film).

Though several studies since have refuted Wakefield's position, it was enough to make Alley and other parents think twice about childhood immunizations. In the movie, Wakefield said children should be given three separate vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella. But Alley said she's troubled by the contents of all vaccines and possible side effects as well as what she fears are relationships between the CDC and the pharmaceutical industry  another theme of the film, which also features multiple families with autistic children.

"It's such a polarizing topic," said Ruth Shelton, a local mother who chooses not to vaccinate and will see "Vaxxed" on its opening night here. "Why is this so controversial? It piques my curiosity. It doesn't mean I am going to agree with everything in it, but I want to know why people are so passionate about it."

The CDC said in 2014 that further study found the 2004 data was skewed because the group of children studied included many who were in early intervention programs specifically because they had been diagnosed with autism. But the movie alleges a cover-up and calls on the public to demand a Congressional hearing.

Regardless, "the CDC is not the only source of information," said Dr. Martha Buchanan, Knox County Health Department director. "Hundreds of other reputable medical journals have done studies and not been able to demonstrate a connection between vaccinations and autism."

Buchanan said that although up to 10 deaths have been linked to measles over the last decade in the United States, which has seen several recent outbreaks, the disease can also cause deafness, blindness or permanent disability. Mumps can cause sterility in males; rubella is particularly dangerous to pregnant women because of the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. And many diseases can be death sentences for those with compromised immune systems who cannot be vaccinated, she said.

"Vaccinations are one of our best success stories," all but eliminating harmful diseases in developed countries, she said. "I want parents to make informed decisions for their kids.  Obviously, we think vaccination is the right decision."

Buchanan hopes the film will provide an opening for physicians to ask parents about their vaccine concerns.

"What we hear from people is that they want to talk about it, they want to get answers, but they don't feel like their provider really takes the time to answer their questions," she said.

Alley, whose children see a doctor only when seriously ill, said the film "solidified her decision" not to vaccinate. But she thinks MMR research should be ongoing.

"Science is never settled," she said, "or else we never improve."
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who was on a tour of the South to recruit volunteers for his "Poor People's Campaign," speaks to an overflow crowd at Mason Temple on March 18, 1968, in Memphis. A grassroots movement is under way to have the temple where King spoke the night before his assassination declared a national monument. (Vernon Matthews / The Commercial Appeal)

SHARE The Mason Temple in Memphis is pictured Nov. 8. A grassroots movement is underway to have the temple where King spoke the night before his assassination declared a national monument. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) The Rev. Martin Luther King, right, with aide Jesse Jackson, is pictured April 3, 1968, at the Mason Temple in Memphis. A grassroots movement is under way to have the temple where King spoke the night before his assassination declared a national monument. (Ken Ross/University of Memphis Libraries)

By Michael Collins of the Knoxville News Sentinel

WASHINGTON  The temple in Memphis where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke the night before his assassination could be designated a national monument under a proposal that has drawn the interest of tourism officials and historic preservationists.

The Mason Temple at 930 Mason St. is the international sanctuary and central headquarters of the Church of God in Christ, the largest black Pentecostal group in the world.

Outside Memphis, the temple is probably best known as the site where King delivered his prophetic "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, his last one before he was gunned down at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968.

A grassroots movement led by the widow of the church's first elected presiding bishop is exploring the possibility of asking the federal government to declare the temple a national monument under the auspices of the National Park Service.

"This is long overdue," said Mary Patterson, who lives in Memphis and is the widow of Presiding Bishop J.O. Patterson Sr.

Patterson has worked for a decade, along with Darrin Rodgers of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center, to bring attention to the temple's historical significance. Recently, the National Park Service approached her and others about the possibility of having the temple become a part of the park system.

On Monday, Patterson and Calvin Taylor of the Memphis Convention and Visitors' Bureau met with a National Park Service representative to learn more about what would be involved.

Although the discussions are in the preliminary stages, one proposal under consideration would involve a partnership between the park service and the church.

The park service would provide tours of the temple, prepare brochures and other promotional materials and put up some funding for maintenance. The church or another private entity also would be responsible for additional funding.

Congress would have to pass legislation declaring the site a national monument or President Obama could order the declaration himself under the Antiquities Act, a 110-year-old law that offers general protection to cultural or natural resources.

A park service spokesman in Washington declined comment on Friday.

Taylor, a special assistant to the president of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, said getting the temple declared a national monument would be a good way to help preserve the facility and provide national recognition of its role in the civil rights movement.

"This is a very good suggestion, and we're trying to see what we have to do to get it accomplished," he said.

Bishop David Allen Hall, of the church's Tennessee Headquarters Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, said he was aware of the movement to make the temple part of the park service but did not know details.

Still, Hall said he would "totally embrace" designating the temple as a national monument as long as it would not prevent the church from holding worship services there or making it available for other purposes, such as community events.

"The Mason Temple is our national shrine, and it is a world venue in the sense that the Church of God in Christ is in all 50 states and 70 countries around the world," Hall said.

The temple is the centerpiece of a group of six buildings that form the church's world headquarters. Capable of seating 7,500 people on two levels, it was constructed for regular services as well as to house the annual national convention of church representatives. Upon its completion in 1945, it was the largest church building owned by a predominantly black Christian denomination in the U.S.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the temple served as a focal point of civil rights activities in Memphis. King spoke at a fundraiser there for black candidates for various offices in 1959. On the night of April 3, 1968, he gave his final speech at the temple in support of 1,300 striking sanitation workers who met regularly at the church.

While the temple already is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its significance often is overlooked in the national narrative on civil rights, said Lauren Beaupre, a member of the Shelby County Historical Commission.

"To me, the Mason Temple is the physical embodiment of the past 75 years of the civil rights movement and deserves to be honored as such," said Beaupre, who wrote an academic article about the temple as a graduate student at the University of Notre Dame.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, also said the temple deserves to be honored.

"Mason Temple will always be known as the site of Dr. King's last speech and should forever be preserved," Cohen said. "It being the founding home of the Church of God in Christ adds to its rich heritage."
A billboard for congressional candidate Rick Tyler on Highway 411 near Benton, Tenn. The sign has since been removed. (Photo: WRCB)

SHARE A campaign sign for congressional candidate Rick Tyler that features Confederate flags surrounding the White House is seen on Highway 64 on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Polk County, Tenn. Tyler also posted a billboard sign that read "Make America White Again" on Highway 411 near Benton, Tenn. Both have since been removed. (Photo: Doug Strickland/Chattanooga Times Free Press) Related Coverage Candidate for Congress posts 'Make America White Again' sign

By Andy Sher, Chattanooga Times Free Press

NASHVILLE  Tennessee politicians continued Thursday to lambaste congressional candidate Rick Tyler, whose billboard bearing the words "Make America White Again" made national headlines Wednesday.

State Rep. JoAnne Favors, D-Chattanooga, said Thursday that Tyler simply "does not have a good grasp of American history.

"You can't make America 'white again,' " said Favors, who is black. "It was never 'white.' The Native Americans were already here when the Europeans came. Mexicans were already here in the Southwest. Eskimos were already here."

And blacks were soon here, too, she noted, adding, "so it appears to me that he may be intellectually challenged and needs to go back and study history. And the district, you know, the United States of America is a diverse nation, and we made a lot of progress and we certainly do not need to have someone who has those thought processes."

Despite such responses, the 58-year-old Ocoee, Tenn., restaurateur reveled in the controversy his two billboards elicited.

While both signs  the second featuring a picture of the White House festooned with Confederate flags  were taken down by the billboards' owners Wednesday, Tyler said on his campaign website that "be assured, the response that has been engendered by the billboard is precisely what was expected and hoped for."

Continue reading at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, a News Sentinel partner.
What is the biggest problem facing our country? Terrorism, climate change, stagnant economic mobility, Middle East wars and nuclear weapons proliferation all are respectable answers. According to Republican presidential presumptive nominee Donald Trump, the big threat is "political correctness."

Now that you've recovered from your spit taking and sopped up the coffee, let's trace how this rhetorical contrivance became confused with serious public policy. The term saw only sporadic use until a trio of conservatives started griping about university coursework, policies and diversity efforts.

Allan Bloom in 1987's "The Closing of the American Mind" longed for a traditionalist curriculum and mocked modern authors and their doctrines.

Three years later Roger Kimball in "Tenured Radicals" drew upon anecdotes and stereotypes to lambaste contemporary humanities instruction.

In 1991's "Illiberal Education," Dinesh D'Souza cobbled together some real incidents of silly speech codes and exaggerated to the point we seemed to be on the verge of Stalinist thought crimes. D'Souza in 2014 may have learned to distinguish PC from genuine crimes when he received five years' probation and a $30,000 fine after pleading guilty to using straw donors to make an illegal campaign contribution.

"Politically correct" became not only a convenient and vacuous grab bag, but also a shield to deflect any complaint. Author Calvin Trillin in 1993 was dismayed to hear a tobacco industry representative dismiss as politically correct the Environmental Protection Agency declaring second-hand smoke a proven human carcinogen. The bogus term has spread so far that a Russian journalist critiqued the 2012 London Olympics as the most politically correct ever. A Russian patriarch in the Orthodox Church even slammed the political correctness of western Christianity.

During the current campaign, "political correctness" blurts have reached a fever pitch. Rick Santorum whined political correctness prevented Republicans from saying the word Muslim. Chris Christie built a straw man that the politically correct no longer believe in national borders. Marco Rubio asserted radical leftists have "found a politically correct way to advocate Israel's destruction."

Carly Fiorina said "our government is becoming inept, sometimes because it is politically correct." Mike Huckabee labeled France a "politically correct country." Ben Carson opined that political correctness, not morality or treaties, was blunting our use of torture.

Trump, of course, has used "politically correct" to dismiss criticisms of his callous comments about women, his fondness for Vladimir Putin, his plans to deport millions of people, his insults toward the United Kingdom and Prime Minister David Cameron, and many of his other comic lines.

Trump's use of the term may explain much of his appeal to an angry portion of the electorate. Reactionaries can play the victim. Then they can feel comfortable, even joyous, blurting any conspiracy theory, stereotype, slur, false claim or crude and nasty comment that comes to mind. As Vancouver Sun columnist John Gray has written, the term "politically correct permits reactionary middle-aged men, like weekend motorcyclists, to thump their chests and play the rebel."

The anti-political-correctness gambit thus has crafted a new and easily offended orthodoxy that has the effect of cutting off debate  the very thing the original term authors were complaining about.
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The imminent closure of Scott County's only hospital reinforces the importance of the work of House Speaker Beth Harwell's health care task force.

The closure of the Oneida facility affects one of the state's most economically challenged counties. Nearly three in 10 households live under the federal poverty line, which is $20,160 for a family of three. Once Pioneer Community Hospital is shuttered, the closest hospital will be in LaFollette  a 45-minute ambulance ride from Oneida.

Pioneer Community Hospital notified state officials last week it would close its doors  the second time in recent years Scott County has lost its hospital. While the company did not overtly blame the closure on the state's failure to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, the fingerprints are there.

In a May 27 letter to state officials that was first reported by the Tennessean, hospital CEO Tony Taylor cited low reimbursements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, insurance companies and the cost of contracting with emergency room physicians as reasons the financial obstacles were "insurmountable."

Low CMS reimbursement rates have been cited by the Tennessee Hospital Association as a grave danger to the financial solvency of hospitals across the state. The Scott County facility will be the second rural hospital to close in the state in recent months. McNairy Regional Hospital in Selmer, Tenn., shut down in May.

Under the Affordable Care Act, the reimbursements for indigent care were reduced in anticipation that an expanded Medicaid program  funded almost entirely by the federal government would pick up the slack. Nearly 300,000 Tennesseans, mostly the working poor, would have been covered under the expansion.

Tennessee, however, chose not to expand Medicaid after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the ACA could not mandate expansion. Gov. Bill Haslam proposed an alternative that was acceptable to the CMS, but Senate Republicans killed it in 2015.

Since then, hospitals in Tennessee have continued to treat poor, uninsured patients without adequate compensation. Polls have shown Tennesseans overwhelmingly support Haslam's proposal, which would not cost the state a dime thanks to the Tennessee Hospital Association, but Republicans in the Legislature have shown little interest in reviving it.

In April, Harwell created a task force to come up with an alternative to Insure Tennessee embodying "conservative Tennessee principles." She named four House members, all Republicans, to the "3-Star Healthy Project." After a six-city listening tour, the task force, which includes Knoxville Rep. Roger Kane, is poised to present its plan to CMS officials for consideration.

So far, the task force has been vague about its proposal in public, but Rep. Cameron Sexton of Crossville, who is the panel's chairman, has said it would differ from Haslam's Insure Tennessee and would take a "more comprehensive approach."

With so much at stake for the state's poorest residents, the task force has an obligation to offer a serious proposal that can provide access to health coverage to those Tennesseans who so desperately need it.
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The Tennessee Legislature is trying to increase Tennessee's standing in the list of states with high gun violence rates. For the year 2010, Tennessee ranked 11th from the top of the list of most likely places to be a victim of gun violence. By legalizing carrying guns in public facilities like the University of Tennessee, they are expanding the universe of possible gun violence. In 2010, there were 39 states where a person was in less danger of being a victim of gun violence than in Tennessee.

The politically correct explanation is that our Second Amendment rights are being protected or that increasing the number of guns in the hands of good guys is the best way to stop a bad guy with a gun. Note that there was an armed guard at the nightclub in Orlando where 49 people were killed and that gun did not save those 49 people.

The truth is that our political representatives are operating with a really bad conflict of interest. They receive money from the National Rifle Association. Every time there is a mass shooting, sales of guns and ammunition increase significantly. Since President Barack Obama has been in office, the sale of ammunition has gone up by more than 50 percent. There has been a constant stream of propaganda about how guns are going to be confiscated, which leads to more guns and ammunition being bought.

Gun laws in the United States are designed to increase the profits of the arms manufactures, not reduce gun violence.

In 2005, President George W. Bush signed into law a get-out-of-jail-free provision that immunizes the gun manufacturers from being taken to court because of harm done to individuals by guns. For more information, visit smartgunlaws.org/gun-industry-immunity-policy-summary.

William H. Cox, Knoxville
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From the time Donald Trump decided to enter the race for the presidency, the mainstream establishment media have conducted a relentless campaign of vilification against him. Every day there are negative articles about him.

At the same time, Hillary Cinton is treated with kid gloves, in spite of her major problems.

Frank Munger should ask anyone in Oak Ridge with a security clearance what would happen to them if they had placed highly classified information on an unsecured server. If even one instance of that was discovered, the FBI would have arrested that person and they would be tried and convicted. But the media say nothing about this huge mistake by Clinton while nitpicking every politically incorrect thing Trump says. A recent letter writer wrote about how the Republican Party is in meltdown mode. He has read too many negative articles.

The truth is that Trump has received the most votes of any Republican presidential candidate in the history of primary elections. There are some disgruntled sourpuss establishment Republicans who are getting a lot of media coverage, but millions of U.S. voters, including millions in Tennessee, love Trump and what he has to say in spite of the unfair media campaign against him.

Martha Dise Patrick, Luttrell
A Chattanooga attorney who was charged for the second time with sexually harassing a waitress has pleaded guilty in General Sessions Court to a reduced charge.

In the latest case, Charles D. Lawson had been charged with aggravated sexual battery after an incident at a local restaurant involving a waitress.

Prosecutor Jason Demastus said Lawson pleaded guilty to the B misdemeanor of offensive touching.

He will be on probation for six months and undergo alcohol monitoring and evaluation. He will have to undergo counseling if so determined by the evaluator.

Prosecutor Demastus said Lawson also will have to serve 25 days of community service at eight hours per day at a local registered charity.

He is to have no contact with the waitress in the latest incident.

Lawson, of Alta Vista Drive, was in the news in 2009 when he was sued by another waitress who said he sexually harassed her.

In the new case, police said they were notified last July 31 to see a waitress at Il Primo about a sexual battery incident.

She said the incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on July 24 at the restaurant on Hixson Pike. She said she was finishing her shift and was standing near the bar to cash out her totals, and Lawson made advances on her while sitting at the bar. She said he made comments about how pretty she was and how pretty her eyes were.

She said she told him, she was "not a girl, but a woman, and was married." She said he continued his comments and she told him to pay attention to his two friends.

She said the comments continued and he began speaking about her buttocks and breasts. She said she tried to leave the area, but he grabbed her left breast with his left hand and placed his right hand between her legs and touched her private area through her jeans. She said she pulled away immediately and told the manager on duty. The manager went to remove the suspect, but found him leaving the restaurant.

The waitress said Lawson had been drinking that night.



She said the next day she had bruising on her left breast from the incident and took a photo of the discoloration.

The complaint says the bartender knew Lawson from previous encounters and that is how they were able to find his name.

The waitress said she was in fear of retaliation from Lawson "due to his profession and having a history of doing such acts to waitresses."

In the 2009 lawsuit, Ashley Burgess, an employee at Big River Grille said Lawson told her how "beautiful" she was, then he slammed her against a brick wall, grabbed her by the hair and proceeded to fondle her and rub against her private area. He denied the charges.
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I have no connection with Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, but I am compelled to share my opinion of the New Sentinel's June 5 article regarding its return to the University of Tennessee. The chapter was closed for four years because of the infamous 2012 "butt-chugging" incident involving some of its members.

The article and its sensational title were positioned on the front page, thereby once again linking the fraternity with the horrible behavior of the past. There is no argument to justify the egregious events that led to the chapter's closing. The incident was a black eye on the fraternity, the entire Greek system and UT. As the article stated, Pi Kappa Alpha has been on the UT campus for more than 140 years. Suffice it to say that the disgusting incident was certainly not typical. So what is my point?

The national organization, the local alumni and the university's professional staff are committed to selecting the right students and rebuilding a values-centered fraternity chapter. To continue focusing on the 2012 incident unfairly brands the future group and its new members. Ongoing narratives that connect the "butt chugging" moniker to the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity could undermine student recruitment and the development of a values-centered fraternal experience.

It is time for everyone, including the News Sentinel, to support the upcoming efforts of the alumni mentors and advisors, the national organization, the UT professionals and the new student members as they begin their work to create a new Pi Kappa Alpha chapter. Let us hope in the future the News Sentinel will report the return of the fraternity and detail the successes in this effort, absent the reference to "butt chugging."

Jim Lawson, Knoxville
Before Brexit Corker criticizes lack of commitment to defense among NATO members

JUNE 24, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.





Never has there been a more critical or opportune moment to discuss and recommit tocollective defense, crisis management and cooperative security [within NATO]. - Senator Bob Corker





U.S. Senator Bob Corker.

WASHINGTON  Before the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Thursday criticized the lack of commitment among NATO members to collective defense while citing mounting pressures facing Europe from Russian aggression, the flow of asylum seekers, and terrorism. Only five of NATOs 28 member states spend the required two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense. The senators comments came during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the agenda for the upcoming NATO Summit (July 8  9) in Warsaw, Poland.



Never has there been a more critical or opportune moment to discuss and recommit tocollective defense, crisis management and cooperative security [within NATO], said Corker. I think one of the greatest threats to NATO is[that] most of the countries are not pulling their load, and they depend so heavily upon [the United States] for their security.



He also reiterated his request of President Obama to announce a decision before the summit postponing the drawdown of U.S. security forces in Afghanistan.



Just last week, I called on President Obama to clearly articulate his intentions for U.S. troop strength for this mission prior to the summit, in order to deliver a clear message about U.S. leadership in the efforts to secure a stable and democratic Afghanistan and generate the essential support of our NATO allies in this endeavor, he added.



The committee heard testimony yesterday from Derek Chollet, a counselor and senior advisor for security and defense policy at the German Marshall Fund, and Ian Brzezinski, a resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council. Full testimony and archived footage from the hearing is available here.



Today Corker responded to the outcome of the UKs vote to exit the EU by reiterating the strength of the special relationship between the U.S. and Britain.



A free people should choose their own way, and we respect the British decision to leave the European Union, said Corker. Todays referendum will not change our special relationship with the United Kingdom. That close partnership will endure, and we will continue to work together to strengthen a robust trade relationship and to address our common security interests. Published June 24, 2016
Home Federal Bank dedicates its 26th Habitat House

JUNE 23, 2016 at 5:42 p.m.





Hometown bank builds home for busy caregiver and mother of four.





Home Federal Bank employees with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity representatives and new Knoxville Habitat for Humanity homeowner Nikecia White. Image courtesy of Home Federal Bank.

Home Federal Bank employees on Thursday, June 23, gathered with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity representatives and new homeowner Nikecia White for a dedication ceremony celebrating the completion of her new home in North Knoxville.



The dedication of this home marks Home Federal Banks 26th consecutive year as a covenant partner with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. Covenant partners provide a substantial amount of the funding to build a house, currently $40,000, plus significant manpower to aid in construction. Home Federal Bank is Knoxville Habitat for Humanitys longest-standing covenant partner.



Home Federal Bank has long been committed to the principle of service  service to our customers and service to our community, said Chairman and CEO Dale Keasling. Habitat for Humanity is just another way our bank can help our neighbors achieve dreams of homeownership, which has been the cornerstone of our business since 1924.



White has a six-year career as a caregiver for adults with intellectual disabilities at Sertoma Center. She works very long hours but takes great pride in her work of helping others in need. She also is the mother of three daughters and a son and grandmother to a two-year-old girl.



The new home means more space and more safety for the close-knit family that previously shared a very small three-bedroom rental home. White said she is grateful to provide more safety and security for her entire family and to have a home where she can sit outside and catch up with her girls, her son can train and practice for sports, and her granddaughter can play in the yard.



Because of our covenant partners like Home Federal Bank, we are able to make the dream of homeownership a reality for deserving low income families in our community, said Knoxville Habitat for Humanity President and CEO Kelle Shultz. We are grateful for Home Federal Banks longstanding position as a covenant partner and are fortunate to have such a generous corporate citizen in our city.



For more than 20 years, Home Federal Bank has partnered with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity to facilitate more than $2 million in grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank in Cincinnati to make Habitat homes possible. Published June 23, 2016










By Choi Sung-jin



If the government introduces competition in the power-supply market, it will push up electricity prices and pull down the quality of service for general consumers, over time.



That was the conclusion of the Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), contained in an internal report on the government's policy to open the retail electricity market to the private sector. Rep. Yun Han-hong of the ruling Saenuri Party disclosed it in a National Assembly committee meeting Thursday.



The report is expected to cause controversy, indicating the state utility sees the government's policy lacking economic feasibility and practical benefits.



If the retail power market is privatized, according to the report, electricity prices may drop in the initial phase but will rise continually, general consumer fatigue will accumulate because of aggravating service quality and a complicated rate system, and power companies' sales and shareholder dividends will grow but investment and employment decline.



Citing examples of major countries, the report said it is hard to find a clear correlation between competition and prices.



Rep. Yun said he had asked the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to provide data on the economic and industrial effects of the power supply market opening up but the ministry refused because "it is difficult to make a correct estimation on its effects."



"Unless the government makes clear about this difference of views between policymakers and state enterprises, taxpayers will think the public sector reforms will not lead to cost savings and benefit increases but result in cost increases and popular distrust," the governing party lawmaker said.



The KEPCO report predicted the introduction of competition in the retail electricity market would increase prices in the long run. In the initial stage, fuel price drops and a price-ceiling system may combine to cut power rates, but electricity prices are highly likely to rebound eventually.



Major industrial countries, including the United States, Germany and France, have experienced this phenomenon, according to another report, released last September by the KEPCO Economy and Management Research Institute.



In the case of the U.S., power prices fell immediately after the introduction of competition, thanks to a price ceiling and rate discounts to consumers of existing suppliers. But these were short-lived. Particularly, since the "California power crisis" in 2001, 35 of the 50 U.S. states have suspended retail competition or repealed related laws, it said.



In Germany and France, which liberalized the power sales business in 1998 and 2007, respectively, electricity prices fell in the short term but rates for residential and industrial use rebounded after several years.



"Major countries' experiences indicate there are no clear correlations between the introduction of competition and power prices," the report said. "Electricity prices are more influenced by other factors, such as technological innovation and fuel prices, rather than the introduction of competition."



Also worrisome is the possible drop in the quality of power supply, it said. "Most of the new market entrants shape their sales strategy targeting large, wholesale consumers in relative neglect of small, general consumers," the report said.



The government expects competition will lead to multiple suppliers offering diverse prices and services. But the KEPCO report was skeptical, saying: "Consumers will find it difficult to enjoy benefits of a diverse rate system as they have insufficient information about an individual rate system. Rather, consumer fatigue may increase because of the retail market being dominated by a handful of suppliers and a complicated rate system."



The state utility also thinks the government's expectations of new jobs and increases in related production will end up as wishful thinking.



According to an analysis by Seoul National University's R&D Foundation in November 2014, competition in the electricity market increases assets and sales of global power companies and expands dividends for their shareholders. But new investment and replacement of old equipment will decline to reduce overall investment, and new employment will fall amid manpower restructuring, it said.



"It is desirable for the government to try to raise efficiency of the power industry through introducing competition," Rep. Yun said. "If the officials fail to provide clear answers to dissolve the public's doubts about price rises, lower service quality and safety issues, however, the policy will go nowhere despite their good intentions."




By Lee Hyo-sik



GM Korea has been overwhelmed by allegations of bribery and corruption involving some of its employees, forcing its CEO to issue a warning to all staff.



It is feared the prosecution's widening investigation of corruption charges against GM workers will tarnish the company's image and dampen sales, which have jumped sharply in recent months on the all-new Malibu sedan and other popular models.



According to the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office, Friday, investigators are looking into allegations that some company executives and labor union leaders took kickbacks amounting to tens of millions of won from contract workers in exchange for giving them permanent jobs.



Early this month, the prosecution began an investigation into the automaker to check allegations that company employees received bribes from small businesses dealing with gift items for having chosen them as suppliers. Every year, the automaker buys gifts worth billions of won for its employees for traditional holidays or other special occasions.



While probing the alleged gift supply corruption, investigators discovered evidence of a widespread cash-for-jobs scheme at the Korean unit of the U.S. auto giant General Motors.



"For now, we are focusing on the alleged collusive ties between GM employees and gift suppliers," a prosecution official said. "If we find concrete evidence related to the cash-for-jobs allegation, we will mobilize more resources to look into it."



GM Korea has been hiring a certain number of contract workers as regulars every year. To reap personal gains, several human resources managers and labor union officials abused this recruitment practice, according to the prosecution. They allegedly took money from non-permanent workers in return for hiring them as regular employees.



Investigators are looking into the bank accounts of those implicated in the cash-for-jobs scheme and plan to summon them for questioning.



On June 1, prosecutors raided GM Korea's human resources department in Bupyeong, Incheon, confiscating financial records and other documents. Investigators arrested a former GM vice president and investor relation executive, as well as four former and current labor union officials on bribery charges.



The six individuals are suspected of exerting influence to have those offering kickbacks selected as suppliers.



In response to GM Korea's alleged employee wrongdoings, company CEO James Kim sent an email message to employees Thursday warning them to abide by internal ethics and compliance rules. Kim vowed to take stern action against those involved in illicit activities.



"Since I took the company helm early this year, I have been stressing the importance of conforming to compliance and ethical codes," Kim said. "GM Korea will not tolerate any workers' wrongdoings and unethical behavior. Now is the time for all of us to join hands together and work hard to bolster the sales of our vehicles."




By Lee Hyo-sik

Chinese food companies are rushing to set up a presence at the Korea National Food Cluster, named Foodpolis, to produce a wide range of items and ship them to China with the made-in-Korea label.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Friday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Laxifu. Under the agreement, the poultry processor, which operates six plants and 30 retail stores in China, will build a processing plant inside the cluster. The company is the 12th Chinese food firm expressing its intention to establish operations in Foodpolis.

Laxifu plans to produce a variety of processed poultry goods in accordance with Korea's rigorous food safety standards, and export them to the mainland, Hong Kong and other Asian countries.

"Chinese food companies are seeking to construct plants in the food cluster, located in Korea's southwestern region, to produce high-quality processed food items," a ministry official said. "They will then ship the products to China where consumers prefer made-in-Korea labels over local brands because of their more premium and safer image. We expect more mainland food producers will come to set up operations at Foodpolis."

According to the ministry, 128 Korean and non-Korean companies have either signed MOUs or begun building plants and other facilities in the food cluster.

Of the 128, 55 are foreign entities that were attracted to Foodpolis because of its proximity to key markets, advanced research and development (R&D) and information technology infrastructure, skilled manpower, attractive business incentives and other advantages.
KOTRA Vice President Lee Tae-sik, fourth from right, cuts the tape with Ivory Coast government officials during an opening ceremony for KOTRA's office in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. / Courtesy of KOTRA



By Lee Hyo-sik

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) has opened its 126th overseas office in Abidjan, the largest city of Ivory Coast, to support the increase in Korean companies looking to make inroads into rapidly growing West Africa.

KOTRA Vice President Lee Tae-sik was among those who attended the opening ceremony in Abidjan, Thursday (local time).

"Our Abidjan office will help builders and other local companies enter Ivory Coast and other nearby West African nations," Kim told more than 150 participants, including Ivory Coast government officials and business leaders, at the ceremony. "We think Korean businesses can find lucrative business opportunities in the areas of pharmaceuticals, construction equipment, machinery and consumer goods. We will play a vital role in providing necessary support to domestic firms in West Africa."

Ivory Coast has been growing more than 8 percent annually since 2012, one of the most vibrant economies in West Africa, according to KOTRA.

The world's largest producer of coffee and cocoa has been implementing a wide range of construction projects to develop its residential and business infrastructure.

Hyundai Engineering, Korea Electric Power Corp., Halla and other infrastructure-related Korean companies have established a presence in the African nation, with more looking to enter the largely unexplored market.

KOTRA's Abidjan office will cover Senegal and six nearby countries, offering market and regulatory information to Korean businesses.
By Nam Hyun-woo



With the government pushing to sell off its controlling stake in Woori Bank, Anbang Insurance Group is reportedly showing interest, according to sources, Friday.



After the $3 million acquisition of Allianz Life Insurance Korea, the Chinese insurance titan has emerged as a player in the domestic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market.



Reuters earlier this week reported that Anbang is interested in buying about 10 percent of Woori, quoting a source familiar with the issue. It said several other parties have shown interest in smaller stakes.



The Korea Deposit Insurance Corp (KDIC) has a 51.06 percent stake in Woori Bank and the Financial Services Commission (FSC), which oversees the KDIC, has been trying to sell it since 2010.



Anbang refused to comment, saying "it's company policy not to comment on unfounded market rumors."



The FSC said it is looking for a potential buyer through sales supervisor JPMorgan, but it has yet not finalized the sales schedule.



"The government has not announced the official schedule of the sales, but there are rumors that the Chinese company has already provided an intention letter," an FSC official said. "Nothing is confirmed so far."



As the Woori speculation swirls, Anbang has been on an overseas acquisitions frenzy, including the $2 billion purchase of New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel and several other world-renowned resorts. In Korea, Anbang acquired Tongyang Life Insurance last September and inked the deal to buy Allianz Korea in April.



This is not the first time Anbang has been linked to Woori. In 2014, Anbang extended its bid to buy a controlling stake in the bank but was frustrated when Kyobo Life Insurance withdrew from the race. At least two bidders were required for the sales process to proceed.



The FSC has been trying to sell the stake to "withdraw public funds," but has failed four times. Success is deemed higher this time, with FSC Chairman Yim Jong-yong saying "conditions are changing favorably."



"It is not the time to announce a selling schedule," said Yim on Monday. "But the situation is changing optimistically and the government has a strong will to push forward the sales."



The government is seeking to sell the 51 percent stake by splitting it into 4 to 10 percent parcels.



Woori Bank is paying keen attention to this "privatization," saying "the bank's top priority right now is garnering investors' interest."



Woori Bank CEO Lee Kwang-goo has toured Singapore, the U.S. and Japan this year and held investor relations (IR) events. Lee met 31 investors in Singapore in February, 10 U.S. investors in May and six Japanese investors this month. After the two IR events in February and May, foreigners' shares in the bank have increased from 20 percent to some 25 percent, the bank said.



But should Anbang make a bid for Woori, concerns linger that it is against the public interest. After the $3 million Allianz deal, concerns have been growing that Chinese money is gradually enhancing its control in the Korean financial sector.



"While Korean financial companies face difficulties in making entrances to China, Chinese firms are easily making it into Korea," an industry insider said. "If the government sells the homegrown bank's controlling stake to the Chinese insurer, questions over the two countries reciprocity will likely grow."




Vice Strategy and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, second from right, participates in an emergency macroeconomic and financial meeting held in downtown Seoul, Friday, to discuss measures for lessening the shock of the Brexit on Korea's economy and financial market. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



By Nam Hyun-woo

The Korean government said it will mobilize all possible means to limit the possible negative impact on the domestic financial market caused by the U.K. decision to leave the EU.

The Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the Financial Services Commission (FSC), the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) and the Bank of Korea (BOK) came to the decision in emergency meetings to discuss the impact of Brexit.

"The government will focus on monitoring the movements of major currencies, foreign exchange markets and foreign capital," said Vice Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok. "As the foreign exchange market's volatility increases, the government will activate measures including smoothing operations in a timely manner."

At the meeting, however, officials were optimistic about the uncharted impact of the Brexit, saying "limited impact will be poised on the real economy, given Korea has relatively few economic ties with the U.K."












Kwang Hyun 803, a Korean fishing vessel whose Korean captain and chief engineer were allegedly killed by two Vietnamese crewmen, arrives at Port of Victoria, Seychelles, Thursday. The Korea Coast Guard officers took the suspects into custody and are transporting them to Korea. / Yonhap



By Kim Rahn

Korea Coast Guard officers have taken into custody two Vietnamese crewmen who allegedly killed the Korean captain and chief engineer of a fishing boat.

The detention was made at Port of Victoria in Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean, Thursday night, as the Korean vessel arrived there four days after the alleged killings.

The coast guard officers are now bringing the suspects to Korea.

According to the coast guard, seven of its officers boarded the vessel, Kwang Hyun 803, with local police when a pilot was boarding around 10:10 p.m. local time. The coast guard gained control of the ship and had the vessel steered to the pier.

The surprise boarding was aimed at preventing the suspects from attempting to escape, the coast guard said, adding that all other crew members were safe.

The two Vietnamese sailors did not resist when officers detained them, the coast guard said.

Four of the officers left the island country with the suspects, taking them to Korea on planes via United Arab Emirates. They are expected to arrive at Incheon International Airport on Saturday afternoon and be taken to the coast guard's investigation base in Busan.

"We concluded it would be better to bring them to Korea as soon as possible and investigate them here than to confine them in a cabin and question them there," a coast guard official said.

The other three officers checked the health of the crew and have been questioning them about the circumstances of the incident.

A Korean navigator, surnamed Lee, earlier told the coast guard that the Vietnamese sailors stabbed the captain and the chief engineer after the crew had shared two bottles of liquor provided by the captain as a present for their hard work. The officers are examining how the drinking session took place and whether the alleged murderers had an accomplice.

Lee was sent to a local hospital because he sustained a minor injury while disarming the assailants.

The coast guard officers also conducted postmortem examinations on the victims and examined the crime scene on the vessel. The vessel operator, Kwangdong Shipping, will bring the bodies back to Korea soon.

The incident happened early Monday when the two Vietnamese crewmen, both 32, allegedly stabbed the captain, Yang, 43, and the engineer, Kang, 42.

Lee said the alleged assailants were usually hardworking and obedient, and the coast guard suspects the killings were impulsive.

Since the incident, Lee, the only remaining Korean of the 18-member crew, has been the acting captain and led the vessel to the Port of Victoria, 640 miles from where the incident occurred. Eight Indonesians and seven Vietnamese made up the rest of the crew.
By Jun Ji-hye



North Korea's purported successful test of an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) is expected to accelerate ongoing talks between South Korea and the United States on deploying an advanced U.S. missile defense system here.

Following the missile launch on Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the North's latest IRBM test underscored the need for Washington and its allies to build strong missile defenses.

"For whatever reason, and with whatever level of success, this shows the need for us to continue to do what we're doing, which is build these missile defenses of various ranges to protect both our South Korean allies, U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula, Japan and U.S. territory," Carter said during a visit to the U.S. Army post at Fort Knox, Kentucky, according to the Pentagon.

South Korean defense officials also said it has become even more important to establish better missile defense system to respond to growing threats from Pyongyang's ballistic missiles mounted with miniaturized nuclear warheads.

The comments come as the North appears to have made considerable progress in developing its IRBMs, as well as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), especially in developing missile engines.

"The North is believed to have verified the engine of the missile and its flight distance through the latest test," South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo told reporters, Friday. "We assess that the North's technology has made progress in those two areas."
By Kim Hyo-jin



The long-stalled six-party talks are expected to continue losing momentum as a platform for discussing North Korea's denuclearization, with Pyongyang remaining skeptical of the multilateral forum, analysts said Friday.



Their view is the North will remain adamant in calling for direct talks with the United States and seek recognition as a nuclear state, which could lead the other five participants to hold dialogues without the North.



The talks, also involving South Korea, China, the United States, Japan and Russia, began in 2003, but have been suspended since 2008 when North Korea walked out of the negotiations.



"Pyongyang is indifferent to any type of multilateral talks now," said Chang Yong-seok, a senior researcher at the Institute for Peace and Unification Studies at Seoul National University. "It appears to be focusing more on bolstering its nuclear capability, dismissing the option of reaching out to neighboring countries. With no hopes of resuming the six-party talks, other forms of dialogue may crop up."



Chon Hyun-joon, head of the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Institute, noted that the North has locked itself into seeking recognition from the international community on its nuclear status, which goes against the premise of the six-party talks.



"North Korea is channeling its efforts into seeking fair treatment corresponding to its improved nuclear capability: it made it impossible for itself to return to the negotiating table in the six-party framework, which aims at eliminating its nuclear program," he said.



"It hopes that the security platform in Northeast Asia will be altered from the six-party talks to bilateral talks with the U.S. or dialogue aiming at signing a peace treaty."



North Korea reiterated Thursday that it has no intention of returning to the stalled talks, despite repeated calls by China, its most important ally.



"We built nuclear weapons because of threats from the U.S," said Choe Son-hui, deputy director general of the Department of U.S. Affairs of North Korea's Foreign Ministry, while attending a security forum in Beijing. "Now, I think that we have a delivery vehicle. So, we have no notion of returning to the talks to discuss the denuclearization of North Korea.



"Under these circumstances, where the hostile U.S. policy is still there, the North is not in a position to talk about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."



Noting this as a "game of chicken," Koh Yoo-hwan, a North Korean studies professor at Dongguk University, said the North's hardline stance will further diminish the chance of finding a compromise with South Korea and the U.S., sticking to their denuclearization-first stance.



"The North is responding to their call only by upgrading its nuclear capability," Koh said. "It's hard to find an exit here. Thawing the icy relations depends on the will of the U.S. but Washington doesn't appear to act on resolving the nuclear issue while being distracted by its presidential race."



The analysts urged the South Korean government to seek direct communication with the North while maintaining the sanctions against the repressive country.



"South Korea should step up seeking leverage in dialogue with the North," Koh said. "Inter-Korean talks could lead to the U.S.-North Korea dialogue following the inter-Korean summit in June 2000."




By Yi Whan-woo



China may boycott a summit with neighbors South Korea and Japan if it finds the two are getting too involved in the United States' strategy to contain Beijing, according to analysts, Thursday.



South Korean and U.S. experts said they have not yet found any sign that China might back out of this year's agreed meeting in Tokyo. But they warned that the summit could still be delayed or canceled, depending on changes in security relations among the three East Asian countries over territorial disputes in the South China Sea and other controversial issues.



According to Japan's Asahi Shimbun, last week, China has told South Korea that it has "no intention of becoming involved in coordinating a trilateral meeting" until after the G20 summit, which is scheduled for Hangzhou, China, from Sept. 4 to 5.



The newspaper predicted that the three-way summit will not take place until November, noting that foreign ministerial talks need to be held beforehand.



"It is possible that China may block the convening of the trilateral summit," said Daniel Sneider, associate director at Stanford University's Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center. But he stressed that he has not seen any indications. "They may still see the summit as a venue to put pressure on Japan and for that reason will want to go ahead with it."



Sneider also said China views the summit "more as a means of driving wedges between Japan and Korea than as an opportunity to build an important new regional institution."



The three countries held a joint summit every year from 2008 to 2012 but stopped because of soured relations between Beijing and Tokyo over the disputed uninhabited islands known in China as the Diaoyu Islands and as the Senkaku Islands in Japan.



The historical dispute between South Korea and Japan over former Korean sex slaves during World War II also disrupted the three-way meetings.



There was a meeting in Seoul in November 2015, during which President Park Geun-hye, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promised to bolster cooperation for peace in East Asia. Li represented China on behalf of President Xi Jinping.



But China is concerned that "Japan has fallen in line with the positions voiced by the U.S. and other nations over territorial disputes centered on the South China Sea," sources were quoted as saying in the English-language edition of Asahi Shimbun.



It said the Japanese Self-Defense Forces recently mobilized ships to the Philippines and Vietnam while bolstering a security alliance with Australia and India in what was seen as a bid to help the U.S. encircle China.



In this tense climate, Beijing may decide not to participate in a trilateral meeting if it finds that Seoul is reinforcing military ties with Washington to counter a rising China, according to Park Won-gon, an international relations professor at Handong University.



"The Chinese foreign ministry has not commented on the Asahi Shimbun report, so we should be prudent," he said. "But we can't rule out the possibility that a joint summit will be scrapped once again."



Scott Snyder, a senior fellow for Korean studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said China might use the cooperation between Washington and Seoul on the possible deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on the Korean Peninsula "as a pretext for delaying the talks."



Seoul's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called for "sustainable progress" in holding the summit this year.



Park urged the South Korean government to put pressure on at the three-way meeting for North Korea's denuclearization, saying: "All three neighbors share an interest in ending Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions."



Snyder also said "China-Japan-South Korea solidarity on the issue is important."




South Korea's financial market was roiled Friday by Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), with the local stock market plunging over 3 percent and the local currency nosediving.

The country's benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) shed 66.62 points, or 3.35 percent, to 1,918.58 as of 2:00 p.m. From a session earlier, the Korean won fell 29.00 won, or 2.5 percent, against the U.S. dollar to trade at 1,170.05 won.

The main index turned lower on Friday morning as early vote results on Britain's EU membership withdrawal showed a tight race. The British broadcaster BBC's projections that Britons voted to leave the 28-nation bloc sent it lower.












By Christoph Benn

In Seoul, a woman boards a plane for Kuala Lumpur. In Nairobi, Kenya, a woman accesses treatment that will prevent her from passing HIV to her unborn baby.

These two women, worlds apart, have never met. But through Korea's innovative air levy and Global Fund programs to fight HIV and AIDS, their lives are bound together.

Korea was one of the first countries to introduce an air ticket solidarity levy in 2007 to support disease eradication projects in Africa to help reach the Millennium Development Goals. Funding from the levy, combined with support from the Korean government, has helped the Global Fund partnership save 17 million lives in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Every time a passenger takes an international flight in Korea, funding goes to the Global Fund and our important partner UNITAID to help save more lives.

To date, Korea has contributed $29 million to the Global Fund, and the effect has been profound. Almost half of the lives saved have been in countries Korea counts as neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region. As the burden of the disease lifts in countries such as Viet Nam, Laos, and Indonesia, the region becomes more prosperous and stable, and resources can be redirected to countries where AIDS, TB and malaria continue to ravage the poorest and most marginalized communities.

Thanks to Korea and other donors, Global Fund-supported programs have distributed 600 million mosquito nets, provided 15 million tuberculosis treatments and ensured 8.6 million people have access to anti-retroviral therapy for HIV. Beyond the numbers, it's the impact on people that really counts  the girls in Myanmar who can go to school because they received treatment for malaria, the factory workers in Indonesia who can provide for their families without fear of tuberculosis, or the HIV-positive mother in Nairobi who knows that thanks to treatment, her baby will be born HIV-free.

Korean President Park Geun-hye recently visited Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda to announce a new partnership with Africa, including support for health care. Through Korea's support to the Global Fund, we are already seeing health improvements in these countries and beyond.

In Ethiopia, the impact has been impressive. The Ethiopian government has trained more than 38,000 women as health extension workers to provide basic health services to people in rural areas. Thanks to this program and improvements to health infrastructure and services, deaths due to AIDS, TB and malaria fell by approximately three-quarters between 2000 and 2014.

In Kenya, treatment for pregnant women to prevent them from passing HIV to their babies is now available to 70 percent of the women who need it. A new grant aims to increase this to 90 percent by 2018. Worldwide, the Global Fund has supported treatment for 3.1 million women to ensure babies are born HIV-free. Last year, a mass distribution campaign of mosquito nets, supported by the Global Fund, resulted in universal coverage, protecting families across the country from malaria.

Korea should be proud of the huge impact we have made against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. But there is still work to be done.

Threats to progress are emerging. Around the world, and particularly in Asia, the rise of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is increasing the cost and complexity of treatment. The Global Fund provides three-quarters of all international financing for TB programs, and we are increasing our efforts to fight drug-resistant forms of the disease. In Indonesia, a pilot project is using a new drug for treating multidrug-resistant TB that has shown fewer side effects than existing treatments  which makes success more likely.

If we are to reach the Sustainable Development Goals of eliminating the three diseases as epidemics by 2030, we need to keep improving affordability and access to medicine and health care, striving to reach those who may be denied access due to stigma, discrimination, or ability to pay. Technology and innovation need to be in the front of our minds as we search for more effective diagnostics and treatments and more efficient ways of purchasing and distributing lifesaving products. Successful partnerships between the Global Fund and innovative Korean bio-tech companies are helping expand access to innovative drugs and diagnostics and accelerate progress.

We also need to build diverse funding sources to ensure that the programs are sustainable; Korea's air levy sets a powerful example for other countries. The levy is due to be renewed by a vote in the National Assembly, which would extend the levy's benefits and save more lives. Korea's commitment to the new Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015 and to increasing its official development assistance to low-income countries shows global leadership and solidarity in a time of competing global priorities.

Every three years, the Global Fund works with donors like Korea to raise funds to enable us to continue our work around the world to fight AIDS, TB and malaria, and to build resilient and sustainable systems for health. This year, the Global Fund is seeking US$13 billion for the three-year period starting in 2017. This will save eight million lives, bringing total lives saved by the Global Fund partnership to 30-32 million by 2020.

Korea's longstanding and increased support is essential to this task. During the last fundraising period, Korea doubled its commitment to the Global Fund partnership, contributing US$4 million a year. We have the knowledge and tools to end HIV, TB and malaria as epidemics by 2030. Together, we can be the generation that ends these diseases as epidemics. For good.

Benn is the director of external relations at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.
The advanced U.S. missile defense system THAAD is believed to be capable of intercepting North Korea's intermediate-range ballistic missiles if it is deployed in South Korea, Seoul's defense chief said Friday.



North Korea claimed Thursday that it has succeeded in test-firing its mid-range missile, boasting of its capacity to hit U.S. forces in the Pacific region.



"The deployment of THAAD will help South Korea's move to counter (the North's missile threats)," Defense Minister Han Min-koo told reporters.



The minister said that more information is needed to check THAAD's capability to intercept the North's mid-range missiles, but generally, the system is believed to be up to the task.



Seoul and Washington have been discussing the potential deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in South Korea, where about 28,500 American troops are stationed.



The allies' move is aimed at countering the North's evolving missile threats amid concerns about the technical progress of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.



On Wednesday, the North fired off what is believed to be two Musudan mid-range missiles, marking its fifth and sixth launches since April.



The Musudan missile, with an estimated range of some 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers, could theoretically reach any target in Japan and fly as far as the U.S. territory of Guam.



The North's first five attempts to test-fire the missile failed, but the sixth one flew about 400 kilometers after being launched at a higher angle Wednesday.



The North's latest move raises concerns about advances made in the country's nuclear and missile capabilities. Pyongyang is seeking to develop a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting targets on the U.S. mainland.



South Korea's military said that it is too early to conclude the North's test was a total success, but experts said that if the North did not launch the missile at a higher angle, it could have traversed on a normal trajectory.



Han said that North Korea could test-fire an ICBM or a submarine-launched missile in a bid to show off its military prowess.



"We do not rule out the possibility of an additional nuclear test by North Korea," he said.



The minister said that Seoul is gearing up for a possible North Korean provocation, while at the same time seeking to develop the defense system with its own technology.



South Korea is speeding up the development of the indigenous Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system. A pre-emptive missile destruction system, the so-called Kill Chain, is also under development to detect and strike North Korea's missile and nuclear facilities.



The North conducted its fourth nuke test in January and launched a long-range rocket in the following month, drawing international condemnation. The country is banned from using ballistic missile technology under relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. (Yonhap)




/Courtesy of Twitter



By Lee Han-soo

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is reportedly furious over recent mass defections and has ordered retaliation against South Koreans.

"Major targets include South Korean regulars at North Korean restaurants," said an unidentified North Korean source, according to Yonhap News Agency, Friday.

The source said the plan was to lure South Koreans into back rooms, drug them and smuggle them into North Korea.

"North Korean restaurants are expanding rooms inside restaurants for such a purpose," the source said.

The South Korean government held discussions with major domestic travel agencies last month and told them of the threat of North Korea targeting South Koreans abroad.
By Oh Young-jin





The British decision to exit the European Union is not a matter of right or wrong.

Although the contest of "Remain" against "Leave" in the Brexit referendum started from the British people's parochial standpoint, the decision was rational because anybody in their situation would not have missed the opportunity to have an impact on a global scale, without regret.

Of course, the turbulence it caused throughout the world in the form of stock prices falling, gyrations in exchange rates and emergency meetings has made the descendants of the empire where the sun once never set the butt of the curse.

But the period of shock will pass. Then, with cooler heads, the world will appreciate the decision for these three reasons.

First, it was a vote for change.

True, to Brits, it was about the preservation of sovereignty  the Queen, pound, etc.

They wanted to keep immigrants out, maintain their level of living and end their case of an inferiority complex living as second citizens to the Germans in the EU village.

To the outsiders, only the message  the rejection of a failed system and search for an alternative  took the attention. It could mean an end or a serious scaling down of the EU, the old European dream of a united state. It was tied down by the Greek crisis, rendered ineffective by Russian President Vladimir Putin and flooded by refugees from the Middle East.

Hopefully, this reorganization of Europe as we know it could trigger a wholesale change to the current global architecture that has outlived its usefulness. Its economy has been stuck in the doldrums, showing no sign of recovery. From Paris to Seoul to Washington, sighs of despair can be heard  growing numbers of young and jobless. The situation could get only worse by inaction, being swept by the fourth industrial revolution that would make humans even more redundant. Brits only looked at their immediate problems but their action Friday would have repercussions of this scale.

Secondly, the Brexit vote is a rebellion against the establishment.

For months, the "Remain" backers passionately beseeched readers to vote in but their message didn't go far, not knowing of the depth of frustration about the status quo, pitting the 99 percent poor against the 1 percent rich.

It is happening in the United States as, only on the basis of his populist message without substance, Donald Trump has defied the odds to become the presumptive Republican nominee for the November election. Even the fact that he belongs to the 1 percent, he has become a victim in the popular fervor against the growing inequality amid the collective loss of a dream to get better.

Last but not least, the world is reckoning with it.

Change is contagious. The change the Britons started will travel throughout the world, sometimes in the form of an anti-establishment fight and other times through the cooperation of different forces.

Whatever results this journey of change may bring, it is not about good or bad.

As we know, it may be only educational to ponder what would have happened if Britons decided to stay because nothing can reverse the stamp of the people's will.

Rather, however naive it may sound, the hope is that it would be remembered as the start of the brave new world that will come as the result of the constructive destruction triggered by the Brits and backed up by the rest of the world.

At least for the day, let's dream what better a world would come before giving a hand to a lot of work ahead.

Oh Young-jin is The Korea Times' chief editorial writer. Contact him at foolsdie5@ktimes.com or foolsdie@gmail.com.
By Lee Hyon-chol

After the Korean War, during the late 1950s to the early 1970s, Koreans still had a difficult time getting food for their families. Parents were eager to give children at least some food at every meal.

By late May to June every year when our barley fields were covered with their amber color, we were running out of food everywhere. This period just before the barley or wheat harvests was called "barley height." It was a metaphor for the hardship of life as if we climbed the high hill without any food all day long.

Our parents, especially mothers, however, equipped with some traditional wisdom, tried their best to provide food for their children. They changed our food from a bowl of rice to a bowl of barley, or a bowl of a stew type meal mixed with rice, barley, beans and some edible herbs. Moms collected several kinds of herbs, which we were able to fill our stomachs with. These were wild herbs like mugwort, shepherd's purse and sowthistle among others.

I wonder if our younger generation have any idea which plants are edible and which are deadly if they should ever be forced to live without any food except what they could find in the wilderness or forest for even a couple of days.

It is said that when an African country had experienced civil war, the people were driven from their city homes into the thick jungle. They were starving, because they didn't have any knowledge about what could be eaten or what couldn't. Their ancestors had carried this knowledge with them, but the city dwellers had stopped passing it on to their offspring.

The former urbanites, now living in the bush, cooked various plants and fed them to their chickens to see if the chickens would survive or not. Gradually they found their way to the traditional knowledge base and could then tell one another what was edible. The revived tradition has become survival knowledge.

In the early spring this year when my wife cooked hot mugwort soup several times, we were wondering if our daughters-in-law had the knowledge or recipes instructing them how to cook mugwort soup for their families. We even wondered if they know which plants are edible or harmful.

We should pass the traditional knowledge to the children before the knowledge completely dies so that they can overcome on their own the Barley Height if and when it should happen.

The writer is a former professor of Changshin University in Changwon. Write him at eleichc@ hanmail.net.
Young dictator out to get even on defections



North Korea's alleged success in its recent missile test should be taken as less an immediate threat than its acts of terrorism against South Koreans.



Kim Jong-un, a 33-year-old dictator, is said to have gotten upset by defections by employees of state-run restaurants overseas and personally gave an order to abduct South Koreans.



The fear of the North's terror was confirmed by President Park Geun-hye, who recently called for preparations against North Korean terror, revealing a growing body of intelligence about the North's planned abductions and raising the possibility that it is trying to link up with global terror organizations. The North openly threatened to blow up Cheong Wa Dae and other government complexes.



The North Korean defectors could not bear the pressure from back home to remit more foreign currency after the toughest-ever United Nations sanctions following the North's nuclear and missile tests this year. More defections are expected, although the North is tightening its monitoring of its workers overseas.



The defections are seen as another sign of the North's systemic failure that Pyongyang under its new leader can ill afford to acknowledge to the outside world and especially not to its own populace.



Therefore, it is no wonder that the North claims that these defectors, now under the government's protection here, were kidnapped by South Koreans, demanding that they be repatriated immediately. The claim itself doesn't make sense because they were allowed to come to the South through proper channels in China.



It is believed that the North will try to swap the abducted southerners for the northern defectors. Some North Korean sources reportedly said that there were secret rooms being installed in North Korean restaurants where targeted people were to be lured, sedated and taken to the North.



Assassinations, acts of sabotage and other terrorism targeting people other than Koreans should not be ruled out, either. It was observed in a recent international seminar that although 90 percent of the terror that takes place in the South is attributable to the North, it is quite possible that the North has ties with rogue states in the Middle East and Africa and might as well cooperate for an international act of terrorism.



Reports have it that the North devotes a great deal of resources to fostering abilities to stage terrorism against the South with no less than 200,000 soldiers and experts allocated for just such missions.



The North is built on a personal cult, meaning that even a smudge on the prestige of its leaders cannot be tolerated without a dent to its system. The recent defections constitute such a smudge, explaining why the North is acting so strongly. This behavioral pattern was manifested in what it claimed a success in its intermediate-range missile test, which came after a string of failures, portraying it as the result of young Kim's leadership.



History also speaks volumes. Under his father Kim Jong-il and his grandfather Kim Il-sung, the North was no less brutal than Islamic State or al-Qaida, blowing up airplanes, kidnapping and assassinating VIPs, and killing innocent people. Recently, it is believed that, among others, an ethnic Korean pastor was killed by a North Korean agent and a string of kidnappings were the work of the North.



No effort should be spared at the personal and state level to prevent our citizens from falling victim to the North's acts of terror. Also, a plan should be drawn up against contingencies.




Prof. Baek Rong-min, fourth from left in the front row, a plastic surgeon at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, smiles with his team of doctors and nurses after receiving an honor from the Vietnamese government at Melia Hanoi Hotel in Hanoi, June 17, for his decades of providing treatment for Vietnamese children with birth defects.

/ Courtesy of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital

By Kim Se-jeong

The Vietnamese government recently honored Prof. Baek Rong-min, 58, a plastic surgeon at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, for his decades-long humanitarian work treating Vietnamese children who suffer cleft lips and palates.

Cleft lips and palates are birth defects, in which the tissue of the upper jaw and roof of the mouth fail to fuse during gestation.

The surgeon received the Friendship Medal of Vietnam on June 17 when he was visiting Hanoi with a team of 21 doctors and nurses for their latest humanitarian mission.

"I just do what I enjoy doing," Baek said. "Still, I am happy to receive the honor. I am grateful to my medical staff, volunteers and the Vietnamese government."

Since 1996, Baek has treated 3,707 Vietnamese children through Smile for Children, a nonprofit organization founded by his older brother, Baek Se-min, dedicated to treating children with the birth defects across Asia.

In 2003, the hospital joined in the mission and since then Baek has been inviting Vietnamese doctors to Korea for surgical training. The doctor also has treated children in Mongolia, Myanmar, Indonesia and Uzbekistan.

Baek goes to Vietnam every year. During his latest mission from June 12 to 18, his team treated 135 children and donated surgical equipment to a local hospital.

In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Baek said that although the operation is relatively short and simple, every surgery makes him nervous because the children will live with the results of the surgery for the rest of their lives. But he said seeing the children's smiles after surgery is worth all the doubt and pressure.

His humanitarian work has been recognized before.

In 2013, Baek was honored by Seoul National University and also by President Park Geun-hye. In 2014, the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund, a charitable organization, gave him its humanitarian award for his work.

"There are many children out there who are in need of help, but they don't have access to medicine because they are too poor," he said. "I hope more of these children will receive treatment."
KT Chairman Hwang Chang-gyu speaks during the United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit 2016 at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in New York on Thursday (local time). / Courtesy of KT



By Yoon Sung-won

KT Chairman Hwang Chang-gyu pledged to contribute to the global drive to stop the spread of epidemics, tapping into the company's big data technologies, Friday.

In a speech at the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Leaders Summit 2016 in New York, Hwang also urged that telecom companies around the globe should help the world reach sustainable development goals.

"The Big Data Initiative on Disease Diffusion Mapping, which I have suggested at this UNGC meeting, is only a start," the KT chairman said. "In the era of the Internet of Things, telecom companies should work toward a convenient, safe and happy quality of life based on massive big data and converged ICT."

Asserting the need for collaboration between global telecom businesses and the U.N., Hwang said KT will provide developing countries with its big data algorithms and systems designed to prevent the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and foot and mouth disease (FMD).

Citing a case in which KT provided its big data technologies to analyze the disease vectors of HPAI in Korea, helping the country save an estimated $1.8 billion on an annual basis, he said telecom companies can tap into location information and roaming data collectable from more than 7.3 billion smartphones around the world to monitor the movement of epidemics.

As part of his suggested big data initiative, the KT chief called for government cooperation in sharing roaming data, which is considered to be private, for the global drive.

KT said it has cooperated with Korea's Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop a system for stopping epidemics by using telecom big data, aiming at minimizing the inflow of foreign viruses to Korea.

Compared to existing quarantine procedures, the new system can thoroughly monitor which countries travelers have visited.

The telecom company said it is also teaming up with the quarantine authority of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to secure a system algorithm to stop the spread of FMD, adding to the existing algorithm for HPAI.

"We will share the big data analysis algorithm to fight against FMD with the United Nations as an open source," KT said. "Based on telecom networks, we will help developing countries build systems to collect information for stopping the spread of diseases."

KT said successful collaboration of global telecom companies on the big data initiative will generate considerable economic benefits. Citing a report by the Global Health Research Foundation, the global economy is suffering more than $60 billion in financial losses every year due to outbreaks of diseases.

Hwang has met with global business leaders, U.N. officials and experts including Forest Reinhardt, professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, to discuss sustainable growth. The KT chairman introduced the company's gigabit-class long-term evolution (LTE) network technologies and the 2pairs technology in the local area network (LAN) internet, KT said.
GOT7 held a press conference, together with a meet and greet session with fans at City Square Mall's Fountain Square on 23 June 2016. This is the fourth time that GOT7 is in Singapore and it is their first time holding a full-length concert there.

Clearly showing their excitement for their concert, BamBam exclaimed, "We can't wait to meet our fans tomorrow!" Leader JB said confidently, "We prepared well and tomorrow we will have surprises." Enthusiastic Jackson added, "A lot of special stages, you're not gonna know if you don't come! Who's going to the concert?" He stood up and asked fans directly, getting loud screams of "YES!" from the large crowd who filled up the entire Fountain Square of the mall.

When asked what they do during their rest time, JB answered, "I ride bicycle", a short and sweet answer. Yugyeom replied earnestly "I practice", where the emcee commented "Wow so hardworking!" Jackson took the opportunity to invite Yugyeom to sing the R&B song that he had been practicing. Yugyeom serenaded the fans with a small part of the R&B song, leaving fans craving to hear more.

BamBam and Jackson participated in the new season of reality show 'Real Man' recently, which provided a unique opportunity for them to experience military life. Jackson mentioned, "I want all 7 of us to be in the show 'Real Man'. The most difficult thing in 'Real Man' is to take care of BamBam." However, BamBam refuted his claims immediately, "actually it's me, who is taking care of Jackson all the time!" Jackson faked a serious tone and said to BamBam "you did not help me!"

Not forgetting to express their love for Singapore, BamBam said, "My next vacation, I want to come here with my family." Then there comes Jackson who gained more attention by declaring, "I want to live in Singapore!" These BamBam and Jackson's interactions are so entertaining! We look forward to seeing more of their friendly camaraderie in GOT7's concert on 24 June 2016.

Here are some details for the Singapore concert:

GOT7 1st Concert Fly in Singapore

Date: June 24, 2016, 8pm

Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 601-604

Ticket price: $288 (VIP), $248, $208, $168, $128 (excludes booking charge)

Booking website: www.apactix.com | Booking Hotline: (+65) 3158 8588

Special thanks to ONE PRODUCTION for inviting KpopStarz.com to cover GOT7 1st Concert Fly in Singapore.

Writer: Ashley Ngo | Photo Credits: Ong Melin
Acclaimed West Loop Pan-Asian Spot Embeya Is Closed

By Stephen Gossett in Food on Jun 23, 2016 9:50PM



Embeya

Acclaimed pan-Asian restaurant Embeya quietly shuttered its doors this past weekend, according to reports by Eater and the Tribune. Co-owner Attila Gyulai blamed the closure on costs incurred from a highly publicized lawsuit filed by original chef Thai Dang, who was fired by the restaurant last year. Dang was awarded $102,500 for his partners' breach of verbal contract.

Gyulai told the Tribune that the last dinner was Saturday, and he is now looking for work.

Embeya (which means "little one" in Vietnamese) made Esquire's Best New Restaurants List in 2013, back when Dang was still on board. Chicagoist's Anthony Todd wrote approvingly of then-incoming chef Mike Sheerin, calling his style "bold, brash and iconoclastic."

Dang's next venture, called HaiSous, is slated to open in Pilsen this fall.
David Cameron Decided On Brexit Referendum Over Pizza At O'Hare

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 24, 2016 5:01PM



O'Hare International Airport's walkway (photo via Joe Goldberg on Flickr)

One of the greatest follies in modern political history has roots in the perhaps the most banally familiar Chicago activity: eating pizza at O'Hare International Airport.

It was at a pizza place in that airport, back in April 2012, that now-resigning British Prime Minister David Cameron agreed to grant a referendum on whether Britain would leave the European Union, according to the Financial Times. The decision would ultimately cost him his job and set off a wave of financial instability.

Cameron was in town for for the NATO summitwhich you'll remember had its own dramatic repercussionsalong with his foreign secretary, William Hague, and his chief of staff, Ed Llewellyn. The three were just having some airport slices when Cameron made "the fateful decision."

Writes the Financial Times:

"It was a "kick the can down the road" party management exercise that has been used repeatedly by Mr. Cameron, a pragmatic prime minister who had sought to delay the ultimate confrontation with his party over Europe."

We all caught up to that can Thursday night, when Britain narrowly voted to leave the EU. Since then, the value of the British pound has fallen, European stock prices have plummeted and populist (and nativist) appetites have been sated.

We were tempted to crack jokes about Chicago-style pizza and instant regret and regrettable airport-dining decisions, but we're honestly still too shellshocked from all the turmoil. Our thoughts are with you, Britain.

[H/T Tribune]
Chicago Isn't Getting The Lucas Museum

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 24, 2016 5:36PM



Latest design (Lucas Museum of Narrative Art)

Chicago will no longer be considered a potential site for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Star Wars creator George Lucas announced Friday. The seemingly never-ending saga of the museum maybe-coming to Chicago, marked by many proposed changes and at least one false deadline, is over.

Initial plans for the projectslated for a 17-acre stretch of lakefront near Soldier Fieldwas announced two years ago, only to be followed by more than a year of fractious negotiations between Lucas and the Friends of the Parks. Construction on the museum was stalled by a lawsuit by FOTP, which argued that the parking lot Lucas planned to build on should be protected because it could, hypothetically, become a lakefront park one day.

No one benefits from continuing their seemingly unending litigation to protect a parking lot, Lucas said in his statement. "The actions initiated by Friends of Parks and their recent attempts to extract concessions from the city have effectively overridden approvals received from numerous democratically elected bodies of government.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who (along with a bevy of local museum directors) backed the Lucas Museum project, released a statement saying "the moment weve consistently warned about has arrived - Chicagos loss will be another city's gain."

Emanuel continued:

"This missed opportunity has not only cost us what will be a world-class cultural institution, it has cost thousands of jobs for Chicago workers, millions of dollars in economic investment and countless educational opportunities for Chicagos youth. Despite widespread support of the project from Chicagos cultural, business, labor, faith and community leaders and the public, a legal challenge filed by Friends of the Parks threatened to derail this once-in-a-generation opportunity. We tried to find common ground to resolve the lawsuit - the sole barrier preventing the start of the museums construction. But despite our best efforts to negotiate a common solution that would keep this tremendous cultural and economic asset in Chicago, Friends of the Parks chose to instead negotiate with themselves while Lucas negotiated with cities on the West Coast.

Lucas is now expected to take the project back to California. Lucas initially wanted to build the museum in San Francisco, where it was blocked by legal issues similar to the ones it faced in Chicago.

Update, 1:50 p.m.: Friends of the Parks Executive Director Juanita Irizarry and Board Chair Lauren Moltz have issued the following statement:

It is unfortunate that the Lucas Museum has made the decision to leave Chicago rather than locate the museum on one of several alternative sites that is not on Chicago's lakefront. That would have been the true win-win.


Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has been an honour and indeed a privilege to welcome to Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Honourable Mevlut Cavusoglu. The visit is significant as this is the very first visit by a Foreign Minister of Turkey to Sri Lanka. I am confident that over the course of this visit we will build a solid foundation for this new chapter in our bilateral relations.

We have just concluded a very productive discussion and signed the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka on Diplomatic Training, Exchange of Information and Documentation. Greater interaction between our foreign offices would certainly pave the way for stronger ties in all spheres of cooperation between our two states.

Your visit, Minister Cavusoglu comes at a very significant time. The present Government is rebalancing Sri Lankas relations with the international community based on the spirit on openness and also you have come at a time when Sri Lanka is moving forward on a new future based on democratization, reconciliation and development.

Turkey has in the recent past renewed its ties and cooperation with Sri Lanka in the spheres of trade, commerce and investment. Let me say that our Government is committed to further strengthening our long standing partnership.

The Turkish side was briefed on the steps being taken by the Government of President Maithripala Sirisena to promote human rights, reconciliation and to strengthen accountability processes as part of our Governments overall objective of ensuring good governance.

Discussions were also held on development cooperation. I extended Sri Lankas appreciation for generous assistance given by Turkey for priority projects in collaboration with Turkey International Cooperation Agency (TIKA), the President of which is also here in Sri Lanka, with the Foreign Minister. Turkey has undertaken a housing project in Mannar and has built 100 houses as a first stage at an estimated cost of USD 300,000 being implemented by the Organisation for Habitation and Resources Development (OHRD).

The Turkey International Cooperation Agency has expressed willingness to finance priority projects and capacity building programmes under their grant assistance in accordance with the Sri Lanka Development Framework.

We have also discussed the possibilities of closer economic cooperation. We are keen that our trade turnover should increase in the coming years. We also want to encourage more Turkish investors to take advantage of the economic opportunities here in Sri Lanka.

Economic and technical cooperation between the two countries have been strengthened by the signing of the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, which came into effect in 2007 (27 November 2007). We will soon hold the second meeting of the Sri Lanka-Turkey Joint Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation.

With a view to further enhancing and intensifying relations through financial cooperation, a MoU between Sri Lanka and Turkey will be signed in the near future. Under this MoU, Turk Exim Bank will allocate a credit line to the amount of USD 350 million to the Sri Lankan Government.

I am confident that regular high level interactions at all levels will certainly pave the way for a stronger relationship between Turkey and Sri Lanka, which will in turn benefit our countries and our peoples.

Earlier today, Minister Cavusoglu called on President Maithripala Sirisena and immediately after this will hold discussions with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and other Ministers. I am confident that these discussions will pave the way for our two countries to understand our priorities and to find ways of taking our close and friendly relations to greater heights.

I wish Minister Cavusoglu and his delegation, a very pleasant stay in Sri Lanka.

Thank you.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo.
The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary

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PRESS RELEASE

Cohen: U.S. an Existential Threat to the World

June 23, 2016 (EIRNS)New York University professor emeritus Stephen Cohen, during his most recent appearance on the John Batchelor Show on June 21, put on the table the hypothesis that the US is an existential threat to the world.

"I think an argument could be made given how American policy is driving towards Russia, from Suwalki [Poland] to Syria, the way American policy seems to be to deliberately provoke Russia into war, and how it refuses to cooperate with Russia,at least hypothetically we could raise the question the way the US, run by this bipartisan elite, has become the number one existential threat in the world." Referring to the State Department dissent letter on Syria, Cohen warned that "if Obama acted on that, almost certainly it would lead us into air war with Russia; it would distract Russia from its successful offensive against ISIS, such a distraction would be the end of Assad, and ISIS would be in Damascus."

He continued (concerning the dissent letter): the 51 "so-called" diplomats

"tell the President you should attack Syrian forces even though it may lead to war with Russia. What rational people would consider a war with Russia an acceptable price to pay for getting rid of Assad, because thats whats behind this, this obsession with Assad."

Later in the interview, Cohen said that because of the sanctions policy, Russia is leaving the West economically. Russia has, since the sanctions were imposed in 2014, gone from being a net importer of food to the worlds number one exporter of wheat. "This is a formidable country. ... They can fight, and if theyre pushed they will fight," he said.

"Putin says if they continue there will be war. Thats clear. Its not reported in this country. Theres a kind of sound of silence as this warmongering by Washington leads us towards war."

In a similar vein, columnist Pat Buchanan, in a column posted on antiwar.com on June 20, warns that if the State Department dissenters were to get their way, the result would be war with Russia. "In brief, to strengthen the hand of our diplomats and show we mean business, we should start bombing and killing Syrian soldiers," Buchanan describes the letter.

"Yet Syria has not attacked us. And Congress has not declared war on Syria, or authorized an attack. Where do these State hawks think President Obama gets the authority to launch a war on Syria?"

What do they think the Constitution is, purely advisory? Do they not remember that waging aggressive war was the principal charge against the Nazis at Nuremberg, Buchanan asks?
Rahm, Prolific Swearer, Is Indignant About Swearing In City Council

By Mae Rice in News on Jun 24, 2016 4:27PM



Photo credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is the Mariah Carey of swearing. He's iconic. But at this week's City Council meeting, Rahm got snippy with Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1st) for using the acronym "BFD," the Sun-Times reports.

(BFD stands for "big fucking deal," in case you missed the BFD day of school.)

Moreno termed the paid sick-leave ordinance just passed by City Council a "BFD," after quoting Vice President Joe Biden saying the same about Obamacare when that passed.

Emanuel admonished Moreno that while Biden was talking directly to President Barack Obama, Moreno had the floor at Chicago's City Council, and needed to consider "decorum."

I understand you abbreviated [big fucking deal]," Rahm said, according to the Sun-Times. "But, I do hope all of us respect this institution when speaking. Thats my one request.

Moreno picked up on the irony of Rahm, of all people, chastising him for swearing. (Or really just like, using swearing-adjacent language). So did we.

In 1998, when British prime minister Tony Blair appeared with President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal, Emanuel famously told Blair, "Don't fuck it up."

Here's a video that allegedly shows him saying various conjugations of "fuck" on TV:

That's not to mention the beloved (now defunct) parody Twitter account @MayorEmanuel, which was not tweeting stuff like this for no reason:

I would rather lick the balls of the entire Chicago city counsel than have to deal with the fuck-nuggets in the House for another 10 minutes  Rahm Emanuel (@MayorEmanuel) September 29, 2010

Rahm, "decorum" might not be a good hill for you to die on. But props where props are due: this was kinda funny! Way to be funny.
Neil Gaiman is as big a rock star as youll find in the literary world, and not just because hes close friends with actual rock star Tori Amos or married to Amanda Palmer, one half of rock duo the Dresden Dolls. Hes a rock star because he succeeds at just about everything he does. In the 90s, he was known mostly as the guy who made one of the greatest comics of all time: The Sandman. That would be enough for most people, a career-defining feat, but as Dylan had to go electric, Gaiman had to cross over into the literary world.

Soon his novels were garnering as much praise and fandom as his comics: Stardust, Coraline, The Graveyard Book. His Hugo- and Nebula Award-winning novel American Gods, which is being adapted for the small screen for Starz, has been celebrated as a modern masterpiece.

But fans of Gaiman know that theres another vocation for which the writer should be known. His nonfiction is as compelling as his fiction, comics and screenplays. In his three-decade career, he has written reviews, interviews, introductions, speeches, articles, and essays on just about every foreseeable topic (and plenty of topics unforeseen as well). Published by William Morrow, The View From the Cheap Seats is the first collection of Gaimans nonfiction; it includes his widely circulated speech Make Good Art, a conversation with Stephen King, and his explorations of the Syrian refugee crisis, the Academy Awards and Edgar Allan Poe. We spoke by phone while he was in England; our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

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The book is big, 544 pages and more than 100 pieces, but is noticeably subtitled Selected Nonfiction  there is a lot you havent included. What was that selection process like?

Yes, there are something like 300 articles that Ive done. What I wound up doing is giving pretty much everything Id ever written to a friend of mine, the writer Kat Howard. I asked her to pick what she thought was worth saving. What was interesting was that the things that she picked were not necessarily the things that I wouldve picked. Of course, there were a few times where I overruled her and snuck something in. On at least one of those, I read a review saying, Why did he put this piece in? So now I know she was probably right.

If youre going to make good art, its likely that youre going to go to the place where things are dark, and use that to shine light into your life -  Neil Gaiman

Youve said this audio book was by far the hardest youve ever recorded. What made it so difficult?

On the one hand, it wasnt characters, it was me. On the other hand, it was me deploying different nonfictional voices, which is a bit weird. So youre having to go: This is a very formal nonfiction voice. This is a very informal nonfiction voice. This is reportage. This is opinion. And then there was the worst thing in the world: the interviews. I didnt think about recording them when we selected them or else I probably wouldnt have put them in. We only included two of them: Lou Reed and Stephen King. We picked them because we felt they were about bigger things. Then, suddenly Im in a recording studio in Santa Fe realizing that now I have to do my best Stephen King impression and my best Lou Reed impression. With Stephen, I could kind of approximate and go back and forth between our voices, but Lou was so hard for me that eventually what I wound up doing was recording all of Lous bits in one giant take and then going back and recording my questions separately.

The View From the Cheap Seats was your original title for a piece you wrote for the Guardian, a title they then changed. Could you tell me the story of how that happened and how you ended up not only reverting back to your original title for the piece in this book, but also letting that title stand for the entire collection?

Coraline was up for an Oscar in 2010. I dont know if there are many years where you know you will not get your Academy Award when youre nominated, but certainly not in the year that Up was nominated not only for best animated feature but also best picture. When that happens, you know two things: First, that Up will not get best picture, and second, that nothing else will get best animated feature or else it would make nonsense of the entire thing. So I was going to the Oscars knowing we had lost. What I had known intellectually but didnt realize in my gut was how affected I would be by the fact that it was a year to the day since my dad had died of a sudden heart attack. When the day rolled around, I was out there in Los Angeles in fancy clothes. I wanted to be in the Midwest, walking my dog, having the kind of day where you dont really talk to anybody.

Instead, I was at the Oscars, which is like being in the circus. But it was a weird place to be in the circus because I wasnt in the audience exactly, I was part of this thing, yet not of it. I was also very aware that I was getting to tell the story of what happens when youre up in the mezzanine at the Oscars to people who didnt even realize there was a mezzanine at the Oscars. So I wrote this piece for the Guardian that was about what it felt like to be there in that moment, and basically what the view from the cheap seats was. Its a very funny, very melancholic piece of writing. Its also the only piece in the book that is illustrated because it ends with the photo from the L.A. Times, which acts almost as a punchline.

I had been walking invisibly through the Oscars, feeling like an outsider, like I wasnt a part of the thing, but a few days later the L.A. Times Oscars special comes out and the back cover is a panorama shot of the Oscars and front and center is me, looking down. I am looking at the back of Rachel McAdams dress, inspecting it for footprints, because it would be true to say that somebody had rather clumsily trodden on her beautiful dress and that person might possibly have been me. So the Guardian ran the piece but changed my title to A Nobodys Guide to the Oscars, and I thought, No, thats not really what it is.

What I like about The View From the Cheap Seats as the title for the collection is that most of the things that Im talking about are not exactly pop culture nor exactly low culture, but they are the areas of culture that dont often get commented on. Theyre mostly not fancy, and that is because I think the fancy stuff can take care of itself.

In Credo, which opens the first section of the book, you write, I believe I have the right to think and say the wrong things. Do you find that in todays society  especially because of social media and the 24-hour news cycle  that we dont let people be wrong enough?

What I tend to see happening more and more is people retreating into their own corners. People seem scared to get things wrong or be shouted at so they form villages in which they agree with every other member, and maybe they go out and shout at the people in the next village for fun, but theres no interchange of ideas going on. I think we have to encourage the idea that youre allowed to think things. I have thought a great many stupid things over the years, and I can tell you that theres not one stupid thing that I ever thought where I changed my mind because someone shouted at me or threatened to kill me. On the other hand, having great discussions with good friends, possibly over a drink, has definitely changed my mind and made me try to do better. Youre allowed to do better, but we have to let people do better.

In your introduction to Rudyard Kiplings Tales of Horror and Fantasy, you wrote, Kiplings politics are not mine. But then, it would be a poor sort of world if one were only able to read authors who expressed points of view that one agreed with entirely. Would you say reading is similar to that conversation over drinks, in that books are the other great things that challenge us to think outside of ourselves?

Fiction helps build empathy. You are making in your head another person who isnt you and you are looking out through their eyes. In attempting to change peoples minds, thats incredibly important. Human beings are built to be xenophobic and tribal. We like people like us; people who arent like us are dangerous. It made an awful lot of sense back in the caves and back on the plains. It makes less sense now. When we need to find the things we have in common, when we need to see that people who are not like us in some way are still people too, reading is a great tool for that. There is a direct line through the book from Credo to the piece on libraries and building empathy through reading and even, I think, to that piece toward the end on the refugee camp.

One of the other pieces in that direct line is the speech Make Good Art. In a way, it feels like everything in the preceding 450 pages leads toward. Do you see it as a lodestone for the book?

I think it is, but whats interesting is that Make Good Art wasnt there originally. The penultimate iteration of the book didnt have it in. I felt like it was missing. You can watch my train of thought going there; you can watch me stopping off along the way; you can watch me figuring some of this stuff out; but that is where I decided to say everything that Id learned in the last 30 years that I wish I had known when I started.

The other piece that the book drives toward, not just in the literal sense of it being last, is the piece on Terry Pratchett. Its focus, beyond just memorializing your friend who died, or appreciating an artist you admired, is the idea that anger can fuel artistic expression. Can you talk a bit about that?

That piece was written before Terry died [of Alzheimers disease] so that he could read it. There was the knowledge when I wrote it that I had to write it then. I couldnt write it after he died; it would have been seen as in some way attacking the memory of a dead person, even though he was my friend. When his publisher asked, How can we publish this as the intro, it says youre grumpy and angry? Terry said to them, No, I want that. I asked Neil to write a real piece and he wrote a real piece. But then I wound up doing the audio book on that and crying. We had to retake it three or four times because I was just sobbing.

In the piece, I mention that his handler described him to me as a jolly old elf of a man. Terry was many things, but he was not a jolly old elf. I think each of us tends to take something and use that as the place where you begin making your art. If youre going to make good art, its likely that youre going to go to the place where things are dark, and use that to shine light into your life and, if youre doing it right, into other peoples lives as well. For Terry, it was always anger. There was a deep rage in him that allowed him to create. For me, it tends to be sorrow or loneliness or confusion.

Tyler Malone is a writer and professor of English. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of the Scofield and a contributing editor for Literary Hub.
At the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books some years ago, I heard a writer claim that he gets up at 6 a.m. every day, does 50 push-ups, drinks a pot of coffee, and then sits down to write. He seemed very proud of this fact, as I suppose he ought to be, but I confess I looked at him the way one looks at a rare specimen of butterfly encased in glass. I do not get up at an ungodly hour, I do not exercise or drink a pot of coffee, and I do not write. Which is a problem, since Im a writer.

What do I do instead? I procrastinate.

Take this column. It was commissioned two weeks ago, but did I sit down to write it two weeks ago? Ha! Of course not. I looked at my calendar every day, took note of the approaching deadline, worried about what I would write, and then went off to do something else. My browser history tells me that Ive researched herbal cures to jet lag; scrolled through a Flickr set of pictures from a literary festival I attended recently (hence the jet lag); read the Economist; looked up Dalai Lama and CIA Tibetan program for reasons I cannot recall anymore; and checked the gym schedule, but did not in fact stir myself enough to go to the gym.

Not so bad, I guess, except that this doesnt include the precious hours I frittered away on Facebook and Twitter. I found myself engaged in a heated debate about Bernie Sanders, read tributes to the late Muhammad Ali, shared a friends post about the victims of the homophobic attack in Orlando, Fla., and liked more pictures of kitties, puppies and babies than I can count.

Imagine how much you could get done, I tell myself, if only youd quit social media. Imagine all the things you could write!  Laila Lalami

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After this, I usually set about the task of re-organizing my workspace. The novel Im writing involves a lot of research, which means that over the last few months Ive collected books, maps, photographs and newspaper clippings, and stuffed them on my bookshelves or in boxes. At the sound of rustling paper, my cat wanders into my office and, of course, I have to play with him for a bit. He needs the exercise at least as much as I do. Then its time for second breakfast. I forage for leftovers in the fridge and make another cup of coffee. Oh, and look! Now I have a whole bunch of new notifications on Twitter.

It doesnt matter how many times I admonish myself about the foolishness of engaging in political debates online or the futility of scrolling through dozens of curated snapshots of other peoples lives, I can only start writing once I have exhausted all possibilities of distraction.

I berate myself regularly about this waste of time. Imagine how much you could get done, I tell myself, if only youd quit social media. Imagine all the things you could write!

But I cant help my procrastination. And for me, at least, it is intimately connected to self-doubt. The novel Im envisioning at any moment and the novel Im actually writing are never the same. One is perfect; the other is imperfect. One is intricate and surprising and beautiful; the other is straightforward and conventional and ugly. So ugly that I cant bear to look at it just yet. When I try to put the fictional world into real words, the result is often frustrating. Before Ive even started writing the story in my head, I know it will disappoint me on the page.

So I log into Facebook instead.

I cannot seem to find a cure for my procrastination. To prevent myself from getting on social media, I use Freedom software, which blocks access to the Internet. That worked for a while, until I realized that my smartphone could do whatever my computer could do. (I still use Freedom, but now I have to put my phone in a different room.) Ive even tried working out. My friends know what depths of despair such a measure must have entailed. But aside from slightly more toned arms, all Ive succeeded in doing is delaying the procrastination until after my return from the gym. Ive tried maintaining a log book, in which I dutifully record my word count every day. It was depressing.

So you see, I do not lack for discipline. But I still need to waste a lot of time.

Im genuinely surprised that I get anything done at all. In the last 10 years, I have somehow managed to publish three novels, in addition to dozens of stories, columns, reviews and essays. I have no explanation for this, except that perhaps the procrastination is not an impediment to my writing process, but an intimate part of it.

Writing a novel is like living in a house full of ghosts  even when you ignore them, theyre still there, waiting to talk to you.  Laila Lalami

Just because Im scrolling through a feed or reading the newspaper or idly jumping from website to website doesnt mean that my brain shuts off. Its still trying to flesh out characters, create scenes, work out plot points, or think of a better way to structure a paragraph.

Writing a novel is like living in a house full of ghosts  even when you ignore them, theyre still there, waiting to talk to you. They have all the time in the world. No matter how much you avoid them, the time comes when you have to confront them. Hear them out. See what they have to say. Over time, their features become clearer, their voices stronger, their histories richer, their lives fuller.

And so, once I have exhausted myself with avoidance, I must face the inevitable. Get it down on the page, I tell myself. You can always revise it later.

Its only when Im facing the blank screen that all my procrastination doesnt seem like such a waste of time. I already have a rough idea what the widowed mother will say to her son-in-law when he asks about the will, what the necklace she will wear to the funeral means to her, and what it will take for her to finally lose her temper. When Im revising, the time Ive wasted away from the novel might help me figure out that the argument at the gravesite must be cut and moved to the kitchen instead. Little details that I might not have noticed if I had dutifully sat at my desk all day long suddenly stick out, begging to be explored.

So Ive come to accept that there is no cure for me. Ill do anything to avoid working on my novel. Even writing a column on procrastination.

Lalami, one of our 10 critics at large, is the author, most recently, of The Moors Account, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
What you heard the other day, when Pacific Gas & Electric and a group of environmental organizations and labor unions announced a plan to permanently shutter the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant, was the sound of the door shutting on nuclear power in the United States.

Or was it?

The landmark deal, which must be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, sets the terms for shutting down Diablo Canyons two reactors in 2024 and 2025, the original expiration dates of their federal licenses. Since Diablo is the last operating nuclear plant in California, that will close the book on the states checkered relationship with nuclear power.

The agreement calls for PG&E to withdraw its pending application to extend the licenses for another 20 years, and to replace the plants 2,240-megawatt capacity with a combination of efficiency improvements and renewable sources. Among the deals unique features are provisions for $350 million in retention, severance and retraining payments to existing workers and $49.5 million in payments to San Luis Obispo County as compensation for the loss of a major source of employment and taxes.

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[The Diablo Canyon agreement] should be a yardstick for transitioning every nuclear power plant and every coal-fired and gas-fired plant in the country.  S. David Freeman, negotiator for Friends of the Earth

The idea is to take advantage of a decade in lead time to smooth the transition for workers and the community to life without Diablo Canyon, in the words of David Lochbaum, nuclear energy expert at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Weve had two dozen plants shut down, and its almost always a surprise, he says.

But what may be most remarkable is the recognition by PG&E, which generates 20% of its electrical output from Diablo Canyon, that nuclear power no longer can compete economically with wind, solar and hydroelectric generation.

There are two big lessons to be learned here, says S. David Freeman, the former head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Tennessee Valley Authority who helped negotiate the deal as a consultant to the environmental group Friends of the Earth. The first is that the age of renewables has arrived, and theyre not only cleaner, but cheaper, and PG&E thinks that. The other is that the nation should move not just beyond coal-burning power generation but natural gas, which also promotes climate change.

The fact that a lot of gas plants were built to replace coal should be an embarrassment to everyone involved, Freeman says. Thats like switching Camel cigarettes to Lucky Strikes  you still get cancer. The agreement, he says, should be a yardstick for transitioning every nuclear power plant and every coal-fired and gas-fired plant in the country.

But dont expect the nuclear industry to go quietly. Nuclear advocates argue that the factors leading to Diablo Canyons shutdown are unique to California, where stringent coastal regulations affect the plant and solar and wind power represent strong competition. This week, in fact, the State Lands Commission will be voting on whether to extend leases for Diablo Canyons water intake and discharge structures, which expire in 2018 and 2019. Until the agreement, the vote by the commission, which is chaired by State Controller Betty Yee, was viewed as a possible obstacle to the plants continued operation.

Nuclear promoters say the technologys role as a non-emitter of greenhouse gases makes it a crucial part of the portfolio in other parts of the country. The desire to reduce greenhouse gases to lower levels, says Revis James, vice president for policy development at the Nuclear Energy Institute, offers the potential for more nuclear, not less.

Nuclear plants have accounted consistently for about 20% of the nations electricity since about 1991, according to NEI statistics. Theres absolutely no technical limitation to having 50% to 60% nuclear generation, James says. Theres more than enough fuel, and the technologies are all there. Four new plants are expected to come on line by 2019, two each at existing nuclear sites owned by Georgia Power and South Carolina Electric and Gas.

But economic difficulties plague the industry, which has been dependent on government subsidies since its inception with a government-sponsored plant at Shippingport, Pa., in 1958. Just last month, Exelon, the nations largest nuclear operator, said it would shut down two major Illinois plants by 2018 because the state Legislature failed to approve a rate surcharge to keep them open. Exelon called the Quad Cities and Clinton plants two of its best performing generating stations but said they had lost a combined $800 million over seven years.

Theres absolutely no technical limitation to having 50% to 60% nuclear generation. Theres more than enough fuel, and the technologies are all there.  Revis James, Nuclear Energy Institute

The economics of nuclear power may not get any better, Lochbaum says. The nations fleet of 99 plants is rapidly aging. Many of the 65 pressurized water reactors are facing costly refurbishments of their steam generating units, a complicated procedure that can cost nearly $1 billion; the mishandling of exactly such a project led to the permanent shutdown of Southern California Edisons San Onofre nuclear plant in 2013, leaving Diablo Canyon as the states sole remaining nuclear station.

The U.S. nuclear industrys impressive operating record is a mixed blessing, Lochbaum adds. U.S. plants ran in 2015 at a record 92.2% of rated capacity last year. Thats much better than any other non-fossil generation, according to government figures, but its hard to squeeze more water out of that stone. The bad news is that if youre struggling with economics, its hard to increase revenue from here.

Theres no doubt that the Diablo Canyon agreement is largely a product of Californias unique energy politics and landscape. In a sense, the deal brings the states nuclear history full circle: It was the Sierra Clubs support of Diablo Canyon that prompted environmentalist David Brower to break with the group in 1969 and form Friends of the Earth, which has now negotiated the plants demise.

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The deal also removes PG&E, one of the nations clumsiest nuclear operators, from the field, albeit not for nearly a decade. The huge utility is still laboring under the fallout from its 2010 San Bruno pipeline explosion, which killed eight people and has led to $2.2 billion in state fines and a federal trial, which opened earlier this month, on more than a dozen criminal counts. Doubts about whether PG&Es corporate culture is capable of managing a major nuclear power plant situated near dangerous earthquake faults persist among nuclear critics.

But the agreement sends a strong signal nationwide that the economics of electrical generation are tilting away from nuclear power. Were in a new economic era in which renewables are cheap and getting cheaper, and theres no place anymore for nuclear, says Daniel O. Hirsch, director of the program on environmental and nuclear policy at UC Santa Cruz. Were no longer faced with a choice between plutonium and carbon.

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Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

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For decades, financial and political leaders have preached the inevitability of globalization, promising nations that by sacrificing some of their sovereignty and dropping national barriers they could reap far greater rewards through economic integration and cooperation. And that turned out to be largely true.

But Britains surprise vote to leave the European Union signals a new era for the post-World War II globalization drive, exposing deep populist anger and leaving open the question of how best to rein in an increasingly connected and interdependent world economy.

The vote was perhaps the biggest public referendum to date on globalization, and it yielded a far different outcome than in 2014, when Scots voted to stay part of Britain.

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Now Britain and other Western democracies are likely to face growing pressure to put the brakes on open trade and immigration policies that have been hallmarks of world growth.

The age of globalization has certainly ended, said Fredrik Erixon, director of the European Center for International Political Economy, an independent think tank in Brussels.

Few are predicting a scenario in which major borders are closed and protectionism rules the day. But the sentiments underlying the British publics rebellion are broadly shared by many others in the EU as well as the United States.

Policymakers and investors are particularly worried that Britains move will be a catalyst for a reenergized effort by Scots -- who overwhelmingly favored remaining in the EU -- to break away fromBritain. It may also encourage other secession movements in the EU, which could fundamentally alter the political and economic structure that has been in place for decades.

With one fell swoop, the world order has been turned upside down overnight, and where the chaos stops no one knows, said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist for Mitsubishi UFG Financial Group.

The backlash stems from a growing realization that the biggest winners of globalization have been international corporations, wealthy families, skilled and educated workers and those with easy access to capital. Older, working-class families in many Western nations have instead struggled with stagnant wages, job losses and staggering debt. Income inequality has grown worse in many of the same countries that have embraced globalization.

A U.K. departure is going to make the entire EU inward-looking, more defensive on globalization and less confident about making it on the back of the world.  Fredrik Erixon, director of the European Center for International Political Economy

At the same time, forces that once propelled globalization -- advanced technologies, reduction of barriers and the rise of China and other developing economies -- have diminished. World trade and economic growth have also slowed in recent years.

With the so-called Brexit vote, the European Union, itself arguably the most ambitious post-World War II experiment in globalization, appears at risk of unraveling.

In the postwar period, with the shadow of world wars and the shadow of the USSR no longer over Europe, countries are increasingly ready to go back to nationalism, a European diplomat told reporters in Washington on Friday, speaking anonymously to comment on other countries politics.

In the U.S., the antiglobalization tide has led to public opposition to sweeping trade deals, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the proposed 12-nation trade pact known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the presumptive presidential nominees, oppose.

President Obama, speaking to entrepreneurs from around the world at a Global Entrepreneurship Summit on the Stanford University campus, acknowledged Friday that Britains vote speaks to the ongoing changes and challenges that are raised by globalization.

Obama called upon business leaders to work harder to make the benefits of globalization more accessible to a greater number of people.

The world has shrunk, he said. It is interconnected.... It promises to bring extraordinary benefits. But it also has challenges. And it also evokes concerns and fears.

At the core of the Leave campaign in Britain was the desire to curtail immigration and reclaim full sovereignty in Parliament.

Both of those are incompatible with a world that is increasingly globalized, said Erixon, the think tank director. He added that a U.K. departure is going to make the entire EU inward-looking, more defensive on globalization and less confident about making it on the back of the world.

The EU was born out of the ashes of two world wars that had divided the continent, and the single market and political union had grown to 28 members as European leaders saw stronger economic and social integration as a way to compete in a world increasingly orbiting around the United States and China, the two largest economies.

Its surprising that one of the most sophisticated countries would fall for this.  Robert Shapiro, former economic advisor to President Clinton

But anti-EU feelings have deepened in the wake of its inability to respond effectively to the global downturn and the Eurozone crisis, as well as to manage the heavy migration from Eastern Europe and, more recently, waves of refugees from the Middle East.

Whats more, as in the U.S., the economic recovery has left out large segments of the population in Britain and elsewhere in the EU. And they have become increasingly frustrated at what they see as a lack of government actions to address their needs.

The really, really surprising part of the Brexit referendum and rebellion against globalization is that its held up by the group of baby boomers that have benefited enormously from open societies, Erixon said. Now theyre rebelling against their own economic history.

In Europe and the U.S., complaints have been particularly loud from older and less-educated citizens who have struggled with job loss or income stagnation. Many of their livelihoods have been undercut by automation and cheaper foreign labor -- two prominent features of globalization -- even as corporations and wealthy individuals have gotten richer.

This vote [in Britain] was mobilized around issues of nationalism defined in ethnic terms, said Robert Shapiro, chairman of consulting firm Sonecon and a former economic advisor to President Clinton. Its surprising that one of the most sophisticated countries would fall for this, he said. That tells us about the fundamental failure of the EU.

The pushback against globalization also raises a new question: Whats the alternative? So far, theres much more agreement on the problems globalization has created than on any solution or response.

The direct and immediate economic pain will be felt hardest in Britain. The nations economy had outperformed most others in Western Europe in recent years but is now likely to tip into recession in coming months.

The world has long regarded London as the financial capital of Europe, but one of the things that gave it that imprimatur was the citys cosmopolitan culture and free flow of workers. Now it may end up a casualty of the globalization backlash.

Its clear that theres a lot of dissatisfaction out there, said Clyde Prestowitz, president of the Economic Strategy Institute and a former top trade negotiator in the Reagan administration. The problem has been building for years, he said, but the political and business elite in urban centers such as London, New York and Washington have tended to do fine whether the economy is up or down.

What they have ignored, he added, is that for much of the population, globalization hasnt been such a great thing.

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Demand for travel was already strong in the U.S., and the vote by the U.K. to leave the European Union will make it cheaper for Americans to visit their British cousins across the pond.

The exit of the United Kingdom from the 28-nation union has pushed the value of the British pound down relative to the U.S. dollar, making it likely that more U.S. travelers will visit Britain to take advantage of the disparity.

On Friday morning, the pound to dollar exchange dropped 7.44% to $1.3766, the lowest level in decades. Data from the metasearch travel site Liligo.com shows that searches from throughout the world for flights to Britain began to rise Thursday.

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But beyond that travel incentive, the vote, referred to as Brexit, has created mostly uncertainty in the travel industry.

Its too early to predict what impact it will have on tourism, said Jonathan Grella, executive vice president for public affairs at the U.S. Travel Assn., which promotes travel in the U.S.

In the short term, travel between Europe and the U.K. is not expected to change, at least until the breakup is formally negotiated over the next two years or so, travel experts say. More than 117 million people traveled by air between the U.K. and the rest of the EU in 2015.

The Brexit vote has triggered much uncertainty  financial and otherwise, said Tony Tyler, director general and chief executive of International Air Transport Assn., the trade group for the worlds airlines. As leaders in the U.K. and the EU work to establish a new framework for their relationship, one certainty to guide them is the need and desire of people on both sides of that relationship to travel and trade.

But David Scowsill, president and chief executive of the World Travel & Tourism Council, a nonprofit forum for the worlds travel industry, said he expects that travel and tourism will remain strong over the long run.

We know that our sector is resilient and we expect business and leisure travel to hold up in the face of these challenges, he said.

Over the past year, Britain has enjoyed a surge in international visitors, especially from the U.S. and Canada.

In the 12 months leading up to April, the number of visits to the U.K. was 5% higher than the same period a year earlier. The number of visitors who came from North America rose by 11% and jumped 4% from Europe, according to the Office of National Statistics in the U.K.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has been a huge source of tourism for the U.S.

The U.K. was the third largest source of international visitors to the U.S. in 2015, behind only Canada and Mexico, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Last year, 4.9 million visitors traveled from the U.K. to the U.S., an 18% increase from the previous year. The only other countries with a bigger surge in visitors to the U.S. last year were South Korea, with a 20% increase, and China, with an 18.3% increase, Department of Commerce data show.

UPDATES:

11:46 a.m.: This article was updated with figures on recent travel by British visitors to the U.S.

This article was originally published at 11:15 a.m.
Playing dead is not as easy as it sounds.

That was demonstrated when about 20 actors, hired to play zombies for a new Universal Studios Hollywood attraction, attended a zombie boot camp taught by Greg Nicotero, executive producer and frequent director of the AMC television series The Walking Dead.

The actors shuffled around a makeshift stage in the theme park, dragging their feet, drooling, gasping and swinging their arms awkwardly.

You have to make your walker unique, he told the zombie wannabes. Authenticity is tremendously important to me.

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The Walking Dead attraction, scheduled to come to life July 4, is one of several new features at Southern California theme parks, where crowds are expected to be swarming this summer thanks to lower gasoline costs, cheaper air fares and a growing demand for travel.

Nationwide, about 75% of Americans plan to travel this summer, a 7% increase over last summer, according to a study by the travel site Orbitz.com.

Los Angeles County has broken its annual record of visiting tourists for the past five years. A record 45.6 million tourists visited Los Angeles County last year, including 6.8 million international travelers, according to the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board.

1 / 8 A zombie for a new Universal Studios Hollywood attraction learns some tricks of the trade at a zombie boot camp taught by Greg Nicotero, executive producer and frequent director of the AMC television series The Walking Dead.



(Dillon Deaton / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 8 Universal Studios Hollywood opened its $500-million Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion in April. Above, visitors to the new attraction, which has drawn capacity or near capacity crowds since it debuted.

. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 8 Visitors to Disneyland during its 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee in Anaheim use a selfie stick to take a photo. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 8 Disneyland has already launched a new stage musical based on the popular animated film Frozen. Above, audience members at the parks Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 8 Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia has teamed up with Samsung to equip riders with virtual-reality goggles so that they can watch a virtual space battle with alien ships that is synced to the movements of the Revolution roller coaster. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 8 The set of the Central Perk coffee shop used in TVs Friends is part of Stage 48 at Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 8 Bart and Homer Simpson pose with guests at Universal Studios Hollywood. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 8 A selection of costumes used during production of Man of Steel is displayed at Stage 48, a new interactive section of the backlot tour at Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The City of Angels is expected to be the third-most-popular summer travel destination in the country, moving up from seventh place last year, according to a study by AAA.

We are expecting tremendous visitor demand for the Los Angeles experience this summer, due in large part to the abundance of both new and iconic attractions we offer to travelers from around the globe, said Ernest Wooden Jr., chief executive of the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board.

Jay Burress, chief executive of Visit Anaheim, which promotes tourism to Orange County, agreed.

From a theme park perspective, I think they are going to see incredible numbers this summer, he said. In Anaheim, we are bracing for a very exciting summer.

Helping push up the tourism numbers are gasoline prices in Southern California that are about 70 cents cheaper per gallon than last summer, a nearly 20% drop, and air fares that have fallen by about 10% nationwide.

In addition, Southern California has become a favorite tourist destination for international travelers, especially visitors from Asia who typically spend a few days in Southern California before taking off for the Bay Area, Las Vegas or the East Coast.

The Asian market into Los Angeles has grown tremendously, exponentially, said Tom Spagnola, a senior vice president at the online travel site CheapOair.com.

To entice summer travelers, nearly every local theme park has a new attraction that opened this spring or is scheduled to open this summer, including the ghoulish and the heart-stopping.

In addition to opening a permanent Walking Dead attraction, Universal Studios Hollywood opened its $500-million Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion in April as part of a bigger $1.6-billion effort to steal market share from its competitors, especially Disneyland in Anaheim.

But more is on the way at Universal Studios.

Its television and production operation has announced plans to replace 13 sound stages with 10 larger sound stages that will be built in the northern end of the property. The project, which will be completed over the next two years, will free up several acres to expand the theme park. Universal Studios officials have declined to say what new attractions will be added in the extra space.

Disneyland is working to keep its title of the most popular Southern California theme park by launching the parks biggest expansion, a 14-acre Star Wars land, which is set to open in the next few years. Disney has declined to say how much they are spending on the new land but as part of a tax break from Anaheim Disney must spend at least $1 billion on the park.

For this summer, Disney has already launched a new stage musical based on the popular animated film Frozen at Disney California Adventure. The aerial simulation ride Soarin Over California, also at California Adventure, has been overhauled to include new scenes from across the globe. The ride has been re-dubbed Soarin Around the World.

At Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park, the park has completed the restoration of Ghost Rider, the longest, fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster in the West. The work comes as the park celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Ghost Town area of the park.

Meanwhile, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia has teamed up with Samsung to equip riders with virtual-reality goggles so that they can watch a virtual space battle with alien ships that is synced to the movements of the Revolution roller coaster.

Neither Knotts Berry Farm nor Six Flags would disclose how much they have spent on the coaster upgrades.

Roller coaster fans are giddy about the overhaul of Ghost Rider and Revolution.

Kurt Dahlin, a longtime coaster enthusiast from Santa Clarita who has already tried the overhauled Ghost Rider more than 20 times, said the ride is fast, its smooth and its a kick in the pants!

Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank has added a new DC exhibit of super hero costumes and comics. In May, Legoland in Carlsbad opened Ninjago  a ride that lets riders use hand gestures to shoot virtual projectiles such as spheres of lightning at animated creatures on 30-foot screens.

But all the buzz this summer may be at Universal Studios Hollywood, where the Harry Potter attraction has drawn capacity or near capacity crowds since it opened in April.

And starting July 4, the zombie fans headed for the new Walking Dead attraction will add their numbers to the Harry Potter enthusiasts.

For the past four years, Universal Studios Hollywood has installed a temporary Walking Dead maze for its annual Halloween celebration.

But the new permanent zombie attraction will be unlike the temporary additions because it will rely on a combination of animatronics and real-life actors playing the zombies that will chase and lunge at park visitors, said John Murdy, creative director for the park.

This is an incredibly rare idea he said.

The key for the attraction, Murdy said, is to find actors who can tap into their inner zombie day in and day out, year round.

It will come down to cast, he said.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter
Ride-hailing company Lyft is one step closer to settling a class-action lawsuit from drivers who want to be treated as employees after U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco granted preliminary approval to a $27-million settlement.

The sign off comes after Chhabria rejected an initial settlement offer in April of $12.5 million, saying that it shortchanged drivers. He wrote in a finding Thursday that the new proposed settlement agreement fixes the monetary flaws the court previously identified and enhances the non-monetary benefits at least to some degree.

Lyft agreed to make changes to its terms of service, including giving drivers warnings before they are deactivated and the ability to take up pay-related issues before a neutral arbitrator at Lyfts expense.

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We are pleased the court has granted preliminary approval of the settlement, which maintains the classification of drivers as independent contractors and brings us one step closer to a final resolution, said Chelsea Wilson, Lyfts spokeswoman.

Lyft drivers in California may now receive the benefits of the settlement rather than waiting years and risking not being able to proceed on a classwide basis and risking an adverse jury verdict, said plaintiff attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan.

The settlement does not decide whether Lyft drivers are employees or independent contractors, and leaves the matter open to future litigation.

If the proposed settlement receives final approval, the $27 million will be paid out to an estimated 100,000 Lyft drivers in California. Those who have driven the most will receive the highest payments.

Class members will soon be notified of the preliminary approval and be given the opportunity to opt out or object. A final settlement hearing is expected later this year.

Receiving preliminary approval for the settlement is a win for Lyft because it means the company can avoid a costly trial, and it allows the company to continue its operations without having to classify its drivers as employees.

The San Francisco company built its business on independent contractors. Having to bring on drivers as employees would put the company on the hook for overtime payments, expense reimbursement, Social Security and other benefits, adding considerable expense and potentially affecting its $5.5-billion valuation.

Lyfts main competitor, Uber Technologies, is trying to settle a similar lawsuit. A proposed settlement of up to $100 million is currently before a U.S. district judge.

tracey.lien@latimes.com

Twitter: @traceylien

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With Independence Day: Resurgence now in theaters, revisit the first invasion in The Times original review of Independence Day, which opened in theaters July 3, 1996.

Independence Day is the Hollywood version of raising the dead. Its frankly spectacular special effects revive a genre that has slept with the fishes since the 1950s, the Keep watching the skies epics of destructive alien invasion.

Based in spirit on The War of the Worlds, H.G. Wells tale of marauding Martians (which also inspired Orson Welles famous radio broadcast and a 1953 George Pal production), Independence Day does more than just lift situations and character types from those long-neglected films.

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In an act as astonishing in its own way as the visual wonders, ID4, as its come to be known, has consciously duplicated the cornball dramatic sensibility of those lost days. This is not a 1990s version of a 1950s movie, this is a 1950s movie, period, the kind of fatuous production Mystery Science Theater 3000 was created to parody, enlivened with the mind-bending effects only a $70-million budget can procure.

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With a script co-written by the Stargate team of director Roland Emmerich and producer Dean Devlin, ID4 proceeds to marry schlocky plot elements to a cheerful insistence on stereotyping, among others, Jews, gays, alcoholics, scientists and residents of Los Angeles, presented as the only people on the planet too blissed out to see the coming invasion as a threat. Spending a scant four weeks on script versus 13 months on physical production, as happened here, does have its drawbacks.

On the other hand, ID4s addiction to cardboard characters, however oblivious it is to its own naivete, has a kind of adolescent charm. And the films effects work--about 50 minutes worth--is exceptionally impressive, including extensive use of models, vivid computer-generated imagery and even a pyrotechnics squad. At the same time, some of ID4s most impressive images involve a concept as basic and uncomplicated as a shadow.

Because it is the enormous, terrifying shadows the invaders cast that are glimpsed first. Dozens of spaceships, each with a width of more than three miles, take up positions over the worlds major cities, and ID4" does an excellent job conveying the boggling immensity of these extraterrestrial vehicles.

Set over three days starting July 2, the film follows a handful of people (who naturally keep bumping into one another) as they react to the crisis. At the top of the chain of command is President Whitmore (Bill Pullman), a former fighter pilot especially worried because his wife, Marilyn (Mary McDonnell), is out of town.

Also worried, but for a different reason, is David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), a New York techno-wizard who breaks the aliens code and realizes that their intentions are not the best. Although hes only a humble cable guy, David just happens to have an ex-wife (Margaret Colin) who is the presidents communications director, so off he heads for the White House.

Unfortunately, David takes father Julius (Judd Hirsch) with him, a package of oy vey cliches so embarrassing the film would have been better off with Eddie Murphy (whose repertory includes a convincing old Jewish man) in the role.

Offering still more awkward comic relief is Russell (Randy Quaid), an alcoholic crop duster pilot who claims aliens abducted him for nefarious experimentation a while back. Russells good old buddies are dubious, but guess whos going to laugh last.

ID4s final, and most successful, plot strand involves Marine fighter pilot Capt. Steven Hiller, played by Will Smith. Irritated by his inability to make astronaut and uncertain about whether to marry his exotic dancer girlfriend Jasmine (Vivica Fox), Smiths character is the films most satisfying. Its to Devlin and Emmerichs credit that they consciously went after an African American for their action hero, and it is nice to see how well that move paid off.

Although its good at conveying the panic in the streets when the aliens appear, Independence Days best moments are when the invaders attack. Cities engulfed by rolling walls of flame, sinister aquamarine power blasts turning beloved national monuments to toast, even the roiling clouds the spaceships appear out of, they are all disturbing, unsettling and completely convincing. And because director Emmerich never lingers over scenes, ID4" plays more quickly than its nearly 2 1/2-hour length would indicate.

Safe on Air Force One thanks to Davids warning when the chaos erupts, the president starts to wonder who the bad guys are and why they flew 90 billion light-years to pick a fight. In answering these questions, ID4" hooks into a familiar paranoid fantasy of the tabloid set concerning a previous alien shipwreck and cover-up centering on Roswell, N.M.

This borrowed quality infects all of Independence Days dramatic sequences, with riffs lifted from sources as diverse as Alien and Dr. Strangelove. Even the films eventual tribute to the brotherhood of nations under duress feels terribly second-hand. In fact so much about ID4" is so old its inevitable that homesick audiences, eager for familiar scenarios, will embrace it as if its nothing but new.

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Never accuse prolific B-movie impresario Christian Sesma of lacking ambition. In between cranking out feature-length horror and action films at a furious clip over the past few years, Sesma teamed with screenwriter-actor Paul Sloan to make the ultra-violent superhero Web series Vigilante Diaries, which has been expanded into a low-budget movie that aims to compete with the likes of Pulp Fiction, Kick-Ass and Taken.

Kevin Smith regular Jason Mewes stars as video-blogger Michael Hanover, who follows a gun-toting avenger who calls himself the Vigilante (played by Sloan). When the self-styled superhero takes down the wrong bad guy, both he and Michael get caught in the crossfire between multiple rival gangs, as well as a shadowy band of American military operatives.

Sesma and Sloan cobbled together Vigilante Diaries from pieces of the Web series and two separate shoots  one of which was originally intended for a sequel. To link all the disconnected pieces, the movie employs Tarantino-style chapter headings, along with occasional narration from Mewes and a direct-to-camera address by one of the movies thugs, played by Michael Madsen.

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The gambit doesnt work. Vigilante Diaries never rises above what it is: a bunch of frenetic shootouts and fight scenes unencumbered by plot.

Although this film never really makes sense, Sesmas years of experience means that its at least competently shot, with locations around the world. Plus, its admirably gonzo. And when it comes to cheap genre fare, bizarre always beats boring.

-------------

The Vigilante Diaries

MPAA rating: R for strong violence, language throughout, and some sexuality/nudity

Running time: 1 hour, 48 minutes

Playing: MGN Five Star Cinema, Glendale
A genial diversion for the undemanding, Independence Day: Resurgence doesnt hesitate to go where many films have gone before.

Less a sequel than a spiritual remake of 1996s Independence Day, this preposterous new film by returning director Roland Emmerich is both impossible to take seriously or seriously dislike.

Not as feeble as 20th Century Foxs refusal to show it to critics would lead one to fear, IDR not only uses many of the same stars as that alien-invasion predecessor, it basically duplicates its plotline.

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But wait! Those grotesque invaders have gotten smarter and more devious in the two decades since the last incursion, and their spaceship has gotten way bigger: Its a whopping 3,000 miles in diameter. No wonder many in power fear this time we wont be able to stop them.

Though it took five credited writers (Emmerich and his original Independence Day partner, Dean Devlin, along with Nicholas Wright & James A. Woods and James Vanderbilt) to come up with the IDR script, thudding dialogue lines like You better come and see this, Make them pay and Oh my God are not going to put viewers in seats.

Instead, audiences will likely be lured by the films razzle-dazzle visuals of destruction overseen by visual effects supervisor Volker Engel (who won an Oscar for the first film) and production designer Barry Chusid.

More than that, as edited by Adam Wolfe IDR moves right along at the rapid clip essential for a story whose general outline is known from the get-go. What actually happens on screen is less important than that it unfolds really, really fast.

One of IDRs lessons (yes, it has them!) is that an alien invasion can be a good thing. The nations of Earth were so freaked out by whats now called The War of 1996" that, in the two decades since, peace has reigned supreme on the planet. All that is about to end.

Though President Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pullman) has been replaced in the White House, he still suffers from whats called Alien Residual Condition, meaning hes still plugged into the aliens invasive hive mind.

Both he and scientist Dr. Brackish Okun (Brent Spiner), miraculously awakened after 20 years in a coma, are the first to know that those grotesque invaders (likely initially inspired by the work H.R. Giger did for the original Alien) are headed back to Earth.

Soon in the loop is scientist David Levinson (a returning Jeff Goldblum), now director of the Earth Space Defense Program, and a French psychiatrist, Dr. Catherine Marceaux (Charlotte Gainsbourg of all people), who specializes in alien thought patterns.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

Though Will Smiths character does not return, he is represented by his hotshot pilot son, Dylan Hiller (Jessie T. Usher), who is one of a group of younger folks as determined as their elders to give those aliens what-for.

Most entertaining of these is the man Hiller cant abide, cocky fellow pilot Jake Morrison, played with a nice sense of macho nonchalance by Liam Hemsworth. No wonder Whitmores squared-away daughter Patricia (Maika Monroe) has fallen in love with him.

Nothing if not constructed with commercial success in mind, IDR carefully balances new folks with returning older types.

Yes, David Levinsons father, Julius, played with Yiddish-inflected foolishness by Judd Hirsch, is back, but market dynamics mandate that space be been made for not one but two actors from China, Chin Han as a tough general and model Angelababy as yet another hotshot pilot.

Intent on breaching the Earths core for their own nefarious purposes, the alien invaders have nothing but contempt for humanitys puny defenders until it is too late. Good thing for us that they are such slow learners. Maybe next time ...

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Suspect Arrested In Fatal Shooting Of Woman Outside Starbucks

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 24, 2016 7:33PM

A juvenile suspect has been arrested in relation to a shooting that killed a woman and injured a young man, according to Chicago police. The woman, 49-year-old Yvonne Nelson, was an innocent bystander, killed as she left a Bronzeville Starbucks just south of a police station. The intended target of the shooting was a 19-year-old man who was hit in the chest and injured, the Sun-Times reported.

Nelsno worked as a 311 dispatcher for the Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC).

Police have not disclosed any further information about the suspect at the time.

A news conference about the arrest is scheduled for 5 p.m. at CPD headquarters.

BREAKING - CPD & US Marshalls apprehended juvenile suspect in fatal shooting of @ChicagoOEMC1 worker Yvonne Nelson. Briefing, 5pm at CPD HQ  Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) June 24, 2016

Update, 5:30 p.m.:

The Chicago Police Department said they have arrested and charged a 16-year-old male. The suspect, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, was arrested early Friday afternoon.
Among the most-talked about movies at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, Swiss Army Man is a work of wild imagination and furious creativity, with a whimsical sense of invention and a lingering air of melancholy isolation. It also features a corpse who talks and passes gas, among other bodily surprises.

Daring to be both stupid and sincere, the film is the creation of the writing and directing duo of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who work together under the moniker Daniels. (A title card on the movie and its artwork reads a film by Daniels.) The pair won the directing prize at Sundance.

Describing the story doesnt much capture the films mixture of wonder and sadness, but here goes: Hank (Paul Dano) is about to commit suicide on a deserted island. He notices a body washed ashore and soon realizes that though dead, his new friend Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) can be of many uses. With Manny serving as a jet ski powered by flatulence, a compass, a water jug, wood chopper and many other tools, they cross to a secluded forest and make their way back to civilization so Hank can profess his love for Sarah (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).

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Even within the far-fetched world of the film, there are dark truths.

One of the goals of the movie was to take a farting corpse and redefine what it means to an audience. Take it to where farts arent funny and corpses arent gross, explained Scheinert. The goal was to make you really care about the corpse and really care about what it means to fart. Make an existential fart drama. Then once youre there you have to acknowledge, Yeah, but in the real world farts and corpses are farts and corpses. If it ended with flights of fancy we were only having half a conversation.

Collaborative and confrontational, sincere while also making everything available for a mischievous joke, the Daniels duo may be a model for post-millennial auteurism, in control with a deceptively slapdash sense of precision.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

Scheinert, 29, is originally from Alabama; Kwan, 28, is from Massachusetts. The pair met at college in New England in 2008, began making things together in 2009 and, as Scheinert put it, in 2010 someone actually paid us to make stuff.

I think we had very similar tastes. But we had such different approaches to filmmaking, said Kwan, noting his own background in design and animation and Scheinerts background in comedy and theater. It really didnt make any sense at first.

When we first met we didnt like each other much, added Scheinert.

That changed quickly, and after an early collaboration become popular online the duo continued working together. A series of music videos honed their sensibilities, as in Battles My Machine in which a man tumbles endlessly down an escalator, Chromeos When the Night Falls in which music gets women pregnant and DJ Snake and Lil Jons Turn Down for What in which Kwan crashes from floor to floor in an apartment building. They also now live near each other in L.A.s Highland Park neighborhood.

Citing Harmony Korines Mister Lonely and the collected video works of Michel Gondry, Spike Jonze and Chris Cunningham as influences, the mix of ironic humor and visual invention in their short-form work paved the way for the larger-scale surprises of their feature debut.

To make anything of merit anymore you have to surprise people, said producer Jonathan Wang, who began with Daniels on music videos and transitioned with them to the feature. I think everyone has seen everything, and were so used to two-minute YouTube videos where if you dont like it youre on to the next thing.

Dano was immediately drawn to the screenplays mix of heart and humor. He acknowledged that the films outre shorthand could obscure what its really about.

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Right now its the farting corpse movie, but for people whove seen it, I hope it will be more than that, Dano said. Ultimately there is pretty big heart, dealing with loneliness and melancholy and also joy. I think it is about learning to connect in a world and how hard it is and how isolating that can be.

Going into the festival with only a vague synopsis for unsuspecting audiences, it was widely reported that the premiere at Sundance elicited many walk-outs  Variety called it a continuous stream of audience members  bolting for the door. Just as quickly there was a backlash to the backlash, with counter-reports that not that many people left and the theater was still quite full for the post-screening Q&A. As another of the films producers, Miranda Bailey, recently told Filmmaker magazine, I was there. It didnt happen.

The myth of a mass exodus? said Wang of the matter. Thats totally not true, but thats OK, well perpetuate the lie because it helps the movie. So it doesnt really matter.

Kwan and Scheinert said they both felt a wave of warmth when they walked onstage after the premiere.

Our experience in real life was so different from what we were reading on the Internet, said Kwan of their time at Sundance. And in a way we deserved it because we did prank that audience by not telling them what it was actually about. And we did that on purpose. To us it was a gift to the people who had similar taste to ours. If we sat down and saw that movie completely cold we would have been dancing. But we also gave the folks who werent ready the opposite experience.

It is perhaps only appropriate that a movie as willfully odd and purposefully abstruse as Swiss Army Man  by turns hopeful and despairing, with a trembling stomach and a heart of gold  should in turn generate conflicting reactions and counter-reactions.

One of the earliest things I remember the Daniels telling me was is it possible to make a film where the first fart makes you laugh and the last fart makes you cry? Dano said. And that felt like an impossible task, but it felt like a worthy thing to aspire too.

Mark.Olsen@latimes.com

Follow on Twitter: @IndieFocus

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Who is the Neon Demon in The Neon Demon?

Its a fair question, as the latest from Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn is purposefully ambiguous as to whether the entity of the title is a specific person or being or maybe instead the hunger for fame and its flashbulb shine of glamour and beauty. Or perhaps it is that indefinable, ineffable it some people possess  or even the city of Los Angeles itself.

During production of the film in spring of last year, as the sun set over a ramshackle motel on the outer edges of Pasadena, costar Keanu Reeves laughed at the question.

Were all the Neon Demon, he responded with the kind of mock seriousness only Reeves can summon.

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The film finds Refn, 45, returning to Los Angeles for the first time since the unexpected success of his 2011 romantic crime drama Drive. Yet rather than the wounded machismo of Refns previous films  he has worked with an enviable list of actors including Ryan Gosling, Mads Mikkelsen and Tom Hardy  The Neon Demon explores a world populated chiefly by women.

For a couple of years I had wanted to make a movie about women, Refn said. And I didnt know how to approach it. And then I became interested in beauty. I have a very beautiful family, a beautiful wife and beautiful children. And its the only stock thats never gone down, its only gone up.

And the currency of it is at such a premium, but the longevity is so limited, he added. So I thought what would happen if that currency disappeared. You would have insanity.

In the film, a young model named Jesse (Elle Fanning) arrives in Los Angeles with dreams of stardom. She makes her way through many doors and past many obstacles, including Christina Hendricks as a gatekeeping agent, Alessandro Nivola as a powerful fashion designer and Reeves as a predatory motel manager.

Jesse meets a make-up artist, Ruby (Jena Malone), who introduces her to models Gigi and Sarah (Bella Heathcote and Abbey Lee) and the four of them are soon locked in a cycle of ambition, desire and jealousy that also becomes a catalyst for occult mysticism, necrophilia and cannibalism. Things can get pretty crazy in the big city.

To create the stylish look and glamorous feel of The Neon Demon, which pulses with an unsettling grubbiness prowling at the edges, Refn worked with his frequent collaborators, composer Cliff Martinez and editor Matthew Newman, and for the first time with cinematographer Natasha Braier. In Refns hands, a fashion show becomes a psychedelic invocation and a seedy motel room a locus for spiritual transformation.

Rather than use the success of the lean Drive to launch into large-scale Hollywood filmmaking, Refn has kept his budgets low and crews small, working with a nimble footprint. In part this is because of his preference to shoot in chronological order as closely as possible so that the story can more easily evolve as it goes.

Its not really expensive to shoot in chronological order, said Refn of his preferred production methods. Its more like a mindset and you have to write with that in mind and you have to address production with that in mind. Drive was shot mostly the same way as well. So its not a money thing, its more that things will change.

And of course thats about trust, he continued. You can do this with any movie but you have to accept that you cant predict the outcome. And that of course is very scary if you have $100 million invested and not $5 million.

Night had fully fallen as the film was in production somewhere in Pasadena, and the crew was working to prepare for a few setups around a staircase that led from a parking lot to the balcony of second story doorways. Refn bounded down the stairs dressed in navy Bermuda shorts, a white, loose button-down shirt and a pair of slip-on Toms shoes. Tied around his midsection was the power blanket he ceremonially wears while shooting. Refn is completely in his element, all but relishing the air of creative uncertainty that permeated the set  enjoying the fact no one could, at this point in production, exactly explain the story.

I dont really want to know how its going to turn out, he said. Im more interested in the process. Thats the creativity, the process of doing it with your collaborators.

Refn sets the mood by playing music from his phone between takes  at the moment its Bauhaus spooky classic Bela Lugosis Dead. After Fanning goes through a few takes of what will turn out to be a key moment in the film, as Jesse is beginning to really come into herself and declares as such to a hanger-on photographer played by Karl Glusman, Refn gives her some adjustments. From take to take her line readings become both dreamier and more focused, gaining a somnambulant snap that underlines Jesses growing power.

As the camera crew changes position, Fanning, in a glam get-up of low-cut sequined top and skin-tight pants, takes a moment to describe the ambiguous tension between her characters innocent exterior and manipulative behavior.

Theres always an undertow of mystery to her, she said. I describe her as like a spirit, like a ghost that comes in and shes very dangerous, she messes with all the people around her. Shes either toxin or the antidote.

Indeed, Refns uniquely intuitive filmmaking has unleashed a dark power in The Neon Demon that even the people who made the movie are still in the process of figuring out. The filmmaker noted a connection between masculine and feminine symbology in a scene that only came to him as he was watching a technical projection check the morning before the L.A. premiere.

Its like we were all possessed and the story was telling us how to arrange it, Fanning said. Even though you make the film and you know what its about, you dont necessarily know what its about. Im never had a film Ive done that I watched and didnt just go, Oh, thats the story.

But this is not that. Its something else.

Mark.Olsen@latimes.com

Follow on Twitter: @IndieFocus
SUNDAY

Let the good times roll! An all-black jazz band brings a little swing to stuffy 1930s London in the imported period drama Dancing on the Edge. 8 p.m. KOCE

Good night, sweet Prince: The dearly departed music icon will be celebrated by Sheila E., Janelle Monae and others at the 2016 BET Awards. The Roots and DAngelo also perform. 8 p.m. BET, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, VH1

Another summer, another Shark Week gets underway with the specials Tiger Beach, Return of the Monster Mako, Isle of Jaws and the return of the chat show Shark After Dark. 8, 9, 20 and 11 p.m. Discovery Channel

Game of Thrones  sixth season concludes with the following proclamation: All hail Septa Unella, first of her name, queen of the Andals and the First Men etc., etc. Thats our guess, anyway. 9 p.m. HBO

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Liev Schreiber continues to be Ray Donovan on the return of this dark, L.A.-set drama. Jon Voight also stars. 9 p.m. Showtime

Luke Wilson and Carla Gugino are Roadies for a nationally touring rock band in this new comedy-drama from Almost Famous director Cameron Crowe. Imogen Poots, Ron White and Whale Riders Keisha Castle-Hughes also star. 10 p.m. Showtime

Britneys lil sis is profiled in the new special Jamie Lynn Spears: When the Lights Go Out. 10 p.m. TLC

The San Francisco-set police procedural Murder in the First is back for a third season. With Taye Diggs and Kathleen Robertson. 10 p.m. TNT

MONDAY

Gasland filmmaker Josh Fox returns with the new environmentally-themed documentary How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Cant Change. 9 p.m. HBO

POV presents The Look of Silence, filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimers companion piece to The Act of Killing, his unnerving 2012 documentary about politically- and ethnically-motivated massacres in Indonesia in the mid-1960s. 10 p.m. KOCE

The historical drama Turn: Washingtons Spies concludes its third season. Jamie Bell stars. 10 p.m. AMC

TUESDAY

A new Genealogy Roadshow rolls into our fair city of Los Angeles. 8 p.m. KOCE

Animals continue to run amok in the second-season premiere of the sci-fi drama Zoo. With James Wolk, Billy Burke and Kristen Connolly. 9 p.m. CBS

Take the cult comedy Wet Hot American Summer, keep the camp setting but replace the humor with horror, and you might have something like the new series Dead of Summer. With Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost) and Once Upon a Times Elizabeth Lail. 9 p.m. Freeform

The new unscripted series Gold Medal Families gets up close and personal with six Olympic hopefuls and the loved ones who are cheering them on. 9 and 10 p.m. Lifetime

The debut installment of the docu-series No Man Left Behind revisits the true-life tale of heroism that inspired the 2001 film Black Hawk Down. 9 p.m. National Geographic Channel

Frontline offers a case study in law-enforcement reform in the new episode Policing the Police. 10 p.m. KOCE

Four aspiring young fashionistas in NYC put the F in Fabulous in this new reality series. 10 and 10:30 p.m. BET

WEDNESDAY

Birds do it, bees do it  fly, that is  and youll see how and why all sorts of critters take to the skies in the new series Supernature  Wild Flyers. 8 p.m. KOCE

Singles mingle sans clothing in new episodes of the reality series Dating Naked. 9 p.m. VH1

Womb with a view: 9 Months That Made You is a new three-part survey of the process of human gestation, from fertilization to delivery. 10 p.m. KOCE

THURSDAY

Danger zone! Kenny Loggins is just one of the many musicians revisiting their Greatest Hits in the debut installment of this nostalgia-fueled series. Arsenio Hall and Kelsea Ballerini host, and REO Speedwagon, Rick Springfield and Kool and the Gang also perform. 9 p.m. ABC

Romantic relationships gone horribly, horribly wrong are reenacted for your amusement in new episodes of My Crazy Ex and I Love You  But I Lied. 9 and 10 p.m. Lifetime

Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll is still all that Denis Leary needs when this music biz drama kicks off its second season. John Corbett also stars. 10 p.m. FX

FRIDAY

Theres another brilliant-yet-troubled British detective in town, and her name is Marcella in this new crime drama. Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies) stars. Any time, Netflix

In Xanadu, did Kublai Khan, a second season of the sumptous period drama Marco Polo decree. With Benedict Wong and new cast member Michelle Yeoh. Any time, Netflix

Theyll leave no scone unburned on the return of The Great British Baking Show. 9 p.m. KOCE

The far-out sci-fi dramas Killjoys and Dark Matter launch their second seasons. 9 and 10 p.m. Syfy

Don Wildman probes still more Mysteries at the Museum when the series returns for an 11th season. 9 p.m. Travel Channel

Kristen Schaal and Zach Galifianakis join in the shenanigans on back-to-back new episodes of Comedy Bang! Bang! 11 and 11:30 p.m. IFC

SATURDAY

Halo and goodbye: The now-canceled Jane Lynch sitcom Angel From Hell returns to burn off some un-aired episodes. 8 and 8:30 p.m. CBS

Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep fight for their right to exercise the franchise in pre-WWI Britain in the 2015 historical drama Suffragette. Brendan Gleeson, Ben Whishaw and Anne-Marie Duff also star. 8 p.m. HBO

Till death do us part may come sooner rather than later in the new TV movie Newlywed and Dead. With Shenae Grimes-Beech and Samantha Ferris. 8 p.m. Lifetime

Customized TV Listings are available here: www.latimes.com/tvtimes

Click here to download

TV listings for the week of June 26-July 2, 2016 in PDF format

This weeks TV Movies
If youve spent a lot of time at Curtis Stones Beverly Hills restaurant Maude, which each month structures its menu around a particular ingredient, usually a perfectly sourced vegetable or fruit, you might be surprised at the focus of his new project, Gwen. Because although Gwen, which the Australian chef is opening with his brother Luke, is also a restaurant structured around perfectly coursed prix-fixe menus, it is first and foremost a butcher shop.

Luke and my first jobs were in butcher shops, Curtis Stone said recently as he walked around the still-under-construction location on Sunset Boulevard, in the heart of Hollywood. Gwens butcher shop likely will open on June 29; the restaurant will open a few weeks later. The complex takes over the 1928 building that previously was the Mercantile restaurant, 7,000 square feet that encompasses the butcher shop, an open kitchen and dining room downstairs, a mezzanine wine room and a state-of-the-art test kitchen on the second floor.

Coming to L.A., we always thought, Where do you get great meat?  Stone said. We always had a real love of the industry and the product. Were both keen carnivores.

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Australian Chef Curtis Stone, left, and his brother Luke Stone are seen at Gwen during construction. (Dillon Deaton / Los Angeles Times )

Walk into Gwen  which, like Maude, is named for one of the Stones grandmothers (two grannies, two restaurants)  and youre at the butchers counter, behind which is a massive dry-aging room, a charcuterie room, a slicer and a butchers block. Youre walking right into a meat market, Stone said. Its a custom-and-cut butcher shop; we have the whole animals, the dry-aging. Go past the counter and you can see into the vast open kitchen, which includes a custom-built fire pit, and from there, into the dining room.

Take the staircase up, and youll find a mezzanine like a secret chamber. This is the wine room, which has about 2,000 bottles of wine, a bar and 24 of the restaurants 86 seats. Ascend to the second floor, and youll find the new test kitchen, a huge space dominated by six Jenn-Air stoves. This will function as the R&D kitchen for both Gwen and Maude, which is moving its current test kitchen from a house in Beverly Hills into the custom-built Hollywood space.

Im an Aussie; we have butcher shops on every corner, said Stone, explaining why it made sense to both him and his brother to structure their new restaurant around a very fancy meat counter. Luke, whose background is in Melbournes flower industry, will take over the business end of Gwen as manager-owner, while Curtis will be the chef-owner and Gareth Evans the executive chef. (Chef Justin Hilbert has taken over the cooking at Maude.) And Gwen will have not one but two head butchers: Alex Jermasek, who previously worked at Lindy & Grundy, Ink, Chi Spacca and Belcampo, and Daniel Roderfield, who came from Eataly and Dean & DeLuca in New York. (Chad Colby, the former Chi Spacca chef and cured meat specialist who was a partner in Gwen, left the project a few months ago.)

Australian Chef Curtis Stone, right, and his brother Luke Stone will get the help of butchers Daniel Roderfeld, left-center, and Alex Jermasek, at Gwens new upstairs test kitchen. (Dillon Deaton / Los Angeles Times )

Its funny how cooking goes, Stone said. Five years ago, everything was about gels and foam and technology. Now, were seeing how primitive we can make it.

Gwen is thus a mash-up of a very different kind, not of cuisines or cultures, but of genres: an expensive prix-fixe restaurant (Gwens Tock reservation system is now open, requiring $190 deposits, which cover two dinners), albeit one with a fire pit, paired with an artisanal butchers shop.

Thus there is the happy option, next month, for a long evening dedicated to a fire-heated tasting menu orchestrated by Stone and many of Gwens 50-person staff. Or you can just use Gwen as your neighborhood butchers shop and come in, with or without staying for dinner, to pick up a simple roast beef sandwich and a cup of St. Ali coffee. Or pick up some of Gwens pates, terrines, rillettes and charcuterie; some of the rabbits, Jidori chickens, guinea hens and poussins from Old World Rabbitry; grass-fed lamb from Stemple Creek; Hudson Valley ducks; beef from Five Dot and Creekstone; and Wagyu beef from Blackmore in Australia, for whom Gwen will be the only American distributor.

This is only the beginning, of course, as a project devoted to cured meats takes time, by definition. The crew at Gwen started testing 2 1/2 years ago, but it will be awhile before they can accumulate the charcuterie that theyll literally be making in-house: You can do duck pastrami in six days. The salamis will come later; prosciutto will take a year.

Australian Chef Curtis Stone cuts into a large rib-eye steak in his test kitchen in Beverly Hills. (Dillon Deaton / Los Angeles Times )

Primitive elegance is our battle cry, Stone said. The chef was in the backyard of the house in Beverly Hills that has been Maudes test kitchen and where he, Jermasek and Roderfield, plus a crew of chefs from both Maude and Gwen, have been working on curing and aging, cooking and grilling the meats and other products that will go onto the new menu. Stone stood above a wood fire that hed built on a network of cinder blocks (called Besser blocks in Australia) that had been arranged to duplicate the dimensions of Gwens fire pit. On the blocks: a giant sheet pan, a metal grate stolen from a fireplace, some glowing coals  and a massive 80-day-aged tomahawk steak. He watched the beef sizzle and flame, holding a pair of tongs in one hand, a blow poke in the other, smiling his trademark wide smile, clearly enjoying the very Flintstones moment.

Its where so much flavor comes from, Stone said when asked about the current trend for live-fire restaurants. Its that exploration, I guess. Theres nothing simpler and more difficult. As for combining that vaguely prehistoric model with the conceit of the tasting menu, Stone acknowledged a need for some orchestration. You need to help curate an experience for your guests. Maybe its a touch arrogant. It does give you more control. It gives you more time too.

As Stone rotated the hissing steak and a column of smoke rose into the trees of the tony neighborhood (Maude is just down the street), he considered his two Los Angeles restaurants in the context of contemporary fine dining. It had just been announced that Washington would get a Michelin Guide, while Los Angeles continued to be passed over by the prestigious French dining publication, which stopped publishing in L.A. after 2009.

The truth of Los Angeles is that we dont have restaurants at the level of other cities. L.A. has a real opportunity now to redefine fine dining, and I hope were a part of that.

The Stone brothers and their butchers arent the only ones trying to redefine Los Angeles dining in terms of dry-aged meat and tomahawk steaks the size of lacrosse sticks, or with live fire. Some of the best restaurants in town have stellar meat and charcuterie programs  Chi Spacca, Republique, Salts Cure, just to name a few. Belcampo, which has two outposts, and the newly opened Cannibal in Culver City combine the artisanal meat counter with restaurant service. And restaurant fire pits soon may be as requisite as immersion circulators and liquid nitrogen tanks were a few years ago.

You need a balance; it cant be too meaty, Stone said of Gwens menu, as he and his chefs knifed through the beautifully cooked steaks in the Beverly Hills kitchen  a bit of salt, the char and juice better than any sauce. We live our life by a set of rules: It has to be more delicious. Otherwise, why do it?

Gwen, 6600 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 946-7500, gwenla.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

A plate of just-grilled steak is served at Curtis Stones test kitchen in Beverly Hills. (Dillon Deaton / Los Angeles Times )

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The funnel cake  served under a mountain of powdered sugar and any of a number of toppings  is the stuff of fried food legend, and a trip to the fair, carnival or theme park isnt complete without one. Or the stack of napkins youll need to go with it.

For the uninitiated, a funnel cake is a thin cake or pastry batter, traditionally poured through a funnel into a pot of hot oil. As the batter hits the oil, it seemingly takes on a life of its own, squiggling or swirling into odd shapes as the oil bubbles up around it. In minutes, the batter is fried to a crisp golden shell, the inside soft and steamy.

Funnel cakes are commonly traced back to the Pennsylvania Dutch, though similar variations have been found the world over for centuries  cinnamon and sugar-dusted churros from Spain and Mexico, spiral-shaped pastries found in parts of Asia and North Africa, and cruller-type doughnuts in the United States, Germany and other European countries.

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Peach funnel cake. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )

Fun as funnel cakes are to enjoy at the fair, the dessert can easily be made at home. Its the perfect project if youre looking for something to entertain company or kids  simply set up a toppings bar so guests can decorate their cakes as you fry them.

Some recipes call for a batter leavened with baking powder or soda, some are similar to Dutch babies in the amount of eggs used, still others call for yeast. There are even funnel cake hacks that call for nothing more than pancake batter thickened or thinned to the right consistency. After testing a number of recipes, I preferred one that uses pate a choux, or choux paste, the same batter used in the making of cream puffs, eclairs, crullers and churros  and the same that Alton Brown uses in his funnel cake recipe. A choux paste-based batter results in an incredibly light funnel cake, airy and delicate on the inside with a thin crust that holds its structure and stays crisp long after its been fried.

Bring butter, water, salt, sugar and vanilla seeds to a boil, then vigorously stir in flour to make a paste. Transfer the mixture to a food processor (you could use a stand mixer, but a food processor makes quick work of the dough and will actually increase the volume of the fried cakes, a valuable trick Rose Levy Beranbaum shares in her book The Pie and Pastry Bible). Pulse the mixture in the processor, then add eggs and egg whites all at once to form your batter.

Making funnel cake (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )

The batter will be too thick to pour out of a funnel, but you can pipe it from a pastry bag fitted with a small tip. The pastry bag actually makes the batter easier to control, and makes much less of a mess than the traditional funnel anyway.

One thing to keep an eye out for is oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the cakes will burn on the outside before the center has had a chance to fully cook; too cool, and the cakes will soak up the oil rather than frying in it. When the cakes are a rich golden color, drain them on a rack and serve right away.

As for toppings, the skys the limit. Powdered sugar is a classic way to start. Then use summer fruit as an inspiration, topping the cake with a mound of macerated fresh berries, or go crazy with caramel sauce, chocolate or maple syrup. A scoop of ice cream provides a nice contrast to the hot cake, and Ive even seen funnel cake ice cream sandwiches.

You could even go the savory route. Substitute French fries with funnel cake for a poutine-inspired meal, or skip the bun and reach for funnel cakes next time youre craving a cheeseburger. If youre feeling really ambitious, you could even do something like the foie gras funnel cake chef Tim Hollingsworth serves for brunch at his downtown L.A. restaurant Otium at the Broad museum.

Just dont forget the stack of napkins.

noelle.carter@latimes.com

Twitter: @noellecarter

Caramel funnel cake. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )

Recipe: Funnel cake

Want to go to the fair? Here is a list of a few upcoming fairs in Southern California:

KERN COUNTY FAIR

Wednesday, Sept. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 2. 1142 South P St., Bakersfield, www.kerncountyfair.com

LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR

Friday, Sept. 2 through Sunday, Sept. 25. 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona, www.lacf.com

ORANGE COUNTY FAIR

Friday, July 15 through Sunday, Aug. 14. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, www.ocfair.com/2016/index.asp

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR

Now through Monday, July 4. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, www.sdfair.com

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIR

Sunday, Aug. 14 through Thursday, Aug. 18. 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, www.santacruzcountyfair.com

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FAIR

Saturday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 9. 18700 Lake Perris Drive, Perris, www.socalfair.com

VENTURA COUNTY FAIR

Wednesday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug. 14. 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, www.venturacountyfair.org

Complete list of fairs.
Rye whiskey has been having a moment for more than a few years now.

According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, rye whiskey volumes grew 536% from 2009 to 2014, to more than half a million 9-liter cases. As new distilling techniques and styles emerge, rye continues to evolve, offering more choices for the consumer and for bartenders eager to put their own twists on classic and modern cocktails.

In Los Angeles, you can slip into almost any craft cocktail bar and the menu likely will be sprinkled with rye drinks, not to mention at least half a dozen bottles from which to choose.

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At Seven Grand in downtown Los Angeles, there are over 40 ryes on the whiskey menu.

Since rye so often outshines other whiskeys in cocktails, says beverage director Andrew Abrahamson, this can be a very approachable first whiskey for those who otherwise think they dont like the spirit. There are many non-bourbon whiskey drinkers who find rye more their style, in that its drier and fruitier than the often rich and sweet bourbon theyre not crazy about.

As Abrahamson notes, bourbon is known for its sweeter profile. Scotch tends to be smoky or floral.

So what is it that makes rye different from any other whiskey style? First and foremost, it must contain at least 51% rye as the base grain. Some rye bottlings are 100% rye grain, but most are a combination of rye balanced by corn and barley.

The distillate must be aged in charred, new oak barrels, which lend some of the caramel and vanilla notes found in the spirit. The proof, or alcohol by volume of the spirit, is important too. Rye must be distilled at no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume), put into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof and bottled at no less than 80 proof.

Beyond these basic requirements, distillers have been getting more creative, pushing boundaries that affect flavor profiles.

There are so many  like never before  beautifully crafted variations of rye whiskey, said Jeremy Lake, proprietor and bartender at Lost Property in Los Angeles. I could stick with the same basic measurements in a recipe, but use a different brand and/or proof of rye and Id come up with a different-flavored Manhattan every time.

There are multiple styles of rye, including Pennsylvania-style, which includes more rye and a richer flavor; Maryland-style, which uses less rye and has a softer profile; and Canadian rye, which may or may not have a high rye content, thus resulting in a spicier or sweeter style.

The vast array of styles makes rye an infinitely malleable spirit that plays well with others. Lake and his team pair rye with unlikely partners, including mezcal, gin and flavored rums, because of the natural balance it brings to cocktail recipes.

Darwin Pornel, lead bartender at Faith & Flower in downtown L.A., uses rye in tandem with sparkling rose in a brunch cocktail called the Parade Route. The sparkling rose does a wonderful job of softening and rounding out the aggressive and spicy tones in the rye, Pornel said. You get all of the flavors from the rye without the heat that sometimes turns people off.

At the Upstairs Bar at the Ace Hotel in downtown L.A., bartender Owen Gallagher wanted to infuse rye with coffee and coconut. We went back and forth, and this tiki-infused drink sort of revealed itself, beverage director Dan Sabo said. The spice of the rye sits really well as a substitute for the island allspice usually in a tiki drink. And that backbone makes rye a great base spirit and shows what made a lot of old recipes classics: Rye gives them life again in their original forms.

Rye also has seen a boost in popularity from consumers increased willingness to try new spirits. Society as a whole is becoming more aware of their palates and is more open to expanding them, Pornel said. So I think that opens doors to more spirits that some didnt enjoy in the past.

Today, rye is no longer relegated to the dusty back shelves of the bar, nor are there just one or two bottles from which to choose. The spicy spirit is now enjoyed in every way imaginable: neat, rocks, shots, cocktails, Lake said. Its a core whiskey category, here to stay.

Budget: Rittenhouse 100 Proof Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye

Rittenhouse is made in the Pennsylvania style by Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky and was one of the first ryes to be embraced by bartenders. Its found in almost every bar as its high quality and low price made it supremely suited for mixing. The combination of overproof spirit (100 versus the usual 80) plus the notes of spice, fruit and caramel, make this spirit terrific in cocktails. An 80-proof version also is available. About $20, at K&L Wine Merchants.

Mid-range: Michters US #1 Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey

Originally distilled in Pennsylvania and now distilled in Kentucky, Michters demonstrates how rye can be both tough and gentle, combining a peppery kick up front before revealing its vanilla and caramel notes. Every bottle comes from a single barrel. If youre doubtful about rye, this bottle most likely will win you over; if youre already a whiskey drinker, youll find this one infinitely flexible. $39.99 at K&L Wine Merchants.

High-end: High West Rendezvous Rye

Rendezvous blends two straight rye whiskeys, one old (a 16-year-old with 80% rye) and one young (a 6-year-old with 95% rye). The high rye content ensures a lot of spice, but is balanced by cinnamon, dried fruit and molasses notes. The distillery, located in Utah, purchases its whiskeys from various distilleries and then custom blends each product. About $60, at Wallys Wine and Spirits.
It was still morning when Ismail Taha and his family fled their neighborhood in Fallouja on foot and reached a dirt road on the northwestern tip of the city. That was when the bomb exploded.

The blast killed his wife and three daughters. Taha was left blind with shrapnel wounds where his eyes used to be. His 11-year-old son, Ayoub, fared best, with only a small piece of metal embedded in one eye.

The father and son pushed on for miles, eventually reaching the Habbaniyah Tourist City. The resort once drew the affluent, who played on a nearby lake on personal watercrafts.

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Now it is a refugee camp for Iraqis fleeing Fallouja. More than 85,000 people have gushed out of the city  60,000 of them in three days last week  to escape the violence over the past month as government troops seized control from Islamic State militants there.

The exodus overwhelmed aid groups, which had planned for half that many people. That miscalculation, aid workers said, has led to dire conditions at the Habbaniyah resort and other camps in the city of Amiriyah al-Fallouja, roughly 18 miles south of Fallouja.

Aid workers and displaced Iraqis described water and food shortages, scenes of people sleeping on the dirt with no shelter and 300 families competing for one latrine. The stark, rocky landscape has exacerbated the problem, with temperatures soaring above 110 degrees, frequent sandstorms and constant danger from snakes and scorpions.

Ive seen women collapsing in front of me in the searing heat, and the cries, and the shouting, and the sand, Karl Schembri, a spokesman for the Norwegian Refugee Council aid group, said by phone Friday. Its all hellish and nightmarish, and to think that these people have fled from one nightmare to another is completely unacceptable.

He criticized the government for failing to plan for the humanitarian toll of its military push. You cant just do it this way, he said. Otherwise what are you liberating Fallouja for, if youre going to put these people in another hell?

Um Ahmad, a 70-year-old woman who said her family had spent several days sleeping on sidewalks, lamented that the liberation of Fallouja from the militants did little to improve the lives of civilians there. We took starvation and shelling under Daesh, and now we come to this? she said by phone.

Daesh is the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State terror group, which took over the city in early 2014 in the beginning of an offensive that saw the militants gain control of wide swaths of the country. Since then, a series of government offensives backed by war planes of a U.S.-led international coalition have rolled back much of Islamic States gains.

Over the past few months, the government has redoubled its efforts to take Anbar province, a longtime bastion of the Sunni insurgency that has plagued Iraq.

Mired in a budget crisis brought on by a downturn in oil prices, the government has relied heavily on international aid organizations to care for displaced civilians.

But the United Nations refugee agency said its budget has been pushed to crisis levels, with an 80% shortfall in funding. It has called for $17.5 million dollars to cover the immediate needs of those who fled Fallouja.

They have little choice but to stay put in the camps. Government forces are still battling the remnants of Islamic State in the city. Baghdad, less than 40 miles to the east and the main gateway to other provinces, is essentially off-limits as well because, in their effort to find Islamic State militants, security forces aligned with the Shiite-dominated government detain men for a screening that can take up to three weeks.

Even those with relatives in Baghdad have been prevented from entering Baghdad, according to Sameh al-Allawi, an aid worker with the Fallouja Organization for Humanitarian Relief.

The security concerns also have hampered the delivery of aid, relief workers said.

The most important problem is to get permissions to move water and food to the camps, Alaa al-Jboori, head of the aid group Dary, said by phone. It sometimes takes 30 days.

For his part, Taha relies on his son to guide him around by the hand. They have no tent, just a sheet put up on a pole to shelter us from the sun, the blind father said by phone. I have no place to go. This is it.

Bulos is a special correspondent.
The origin myth of the taquero is often embedded in a street scene, maybe from a Cormac McCarthy border town, or a home kitchen somewhere in Sonora or Michoacan or East L.A., tortillas made by mothers and grandmothers, meat on a fire. Not on a Mormon mission in the Pacific Northwest.

Yet thats the beginning of Esdras Ochoas culinary story. Ochoa, the chef and co-owner of the popular taqueria Mexicali Taco & Co. in downtown L.A., as well as the recently opened Mexican barbecue restaurant Salazar and a new pop-up taqueria named Califas, traces his culinary beginnings to his two-year stint as a Mormon missionary in Cle Elum, a tiny town in Washingtons Cascades. Thats where the Mexico City native found himself, having just graduated from high school in Calexico, over the border in California from Mexicali, on a Mormon mission, serving as a Spanish-speaking elder to the community.

All white people; I was exotic to them, says Ochoa, 34, sitting on one of the plastic chairs outside Mexicali in Chinatown.. Im in hell  my first experience cooking outside my house.

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Ochoa had grown up with his mothers cooking, first in Mexico City, then in the towns his family moved to during his childhood, his mother a nurse, his dad working for a grocery chain in Salinas, Mexicali and Calexico. I remember being in a different city: desert, super-super hot, playing tag until the sun went down.

Hed always cooked as a kid, he says, describing his mothers frustration when hed turn the stove on by himself. His new neighbors in Washington wanted to make him feel at home, so they took me to the best Mexican restaurant. The only Mexican restaurant. Ochoa smiles, the sounds of the kitchen inside his own restaurant rising above the traffic from Figueroa Street, the aroma from the meat on the spit coming through an open window.

So Ochoa began cooking in Cle Elum, for himself and for others. I made tortillas, legit sauces, the word got out, says Ochoa. Thats how it all started. People liked my food.

Esdras Ochoa came up with the vampiro, a tortilla stuffed with carne asada, garlic sauce and cheese. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Ochoa was born into a Mormon family, so any conversion experience he has had has been culinary rather than theological. After his mission ended, he moved to Los Angeles  to study fashion at the Art Institute of California.

I got into fashion in the 11th grade. My dads a painter. I loved clothes. Ochoas mother gave him $1,000 and he got a room, and when the money ran out, he slept in his car until he got a job at a casino. I felt like a rock star, getting paid to gamble and going to fashion school. Ochoa is still smiling as he points out that it was just a job: Mormons frown on gambling. After he got his degree, in 2005, he says hed go to interviews, but I just put it off, and stayed in the casino industry  in his free time taking friends to Mexicali on taco runs  until the recession hit three years later and he, along with a wave of other people, got laid off.

By then tacos were huge, says Ochoa. Thats when the idea struck: Start a taco stand. So Ochoa sold his Honda Civic and bought a Dodge Ram truck, got some tables and chairs and, set up a taco stand on the corner of Beaudry Avenue and 1st Street in downtown L.A. There was a pop-up tent, a floodlight on the pickup truck, a grill, the carne asada chopped in the open air, the city streets as a backdrop. Its Ochoas second origin story, really, where for 2 1/2 years he made border-style tacos for L.A.s hungry residents, as the stock market reeled and downtown struggled with its own rebirth, just as this city was on the cusp of a street food revolution.

YouTube was my culinary school, says Ochoa. I was introduced to foodies and Twitter. To me it was like finding a gold mine.

In 2012, Ochoa moved Mexicali indoors, into a former Mexican restaurant close to the site of his original stand. He expanded his menu, but not by much, because he wanted to keep true to what had earned him a following. I came up with the vampiro, says Ochoa, of the dish Mexicali is known for, a tortilla stuffed with carne asada, garlic sauce and cheese. Who doesnt love quesadillas; who doesnt love Zankou garlic sauce?

Ochoa has just opened his second restaurant, Salazar, a Sonora-style barbecue place jigsawed into the former mechanics shop for which its named. Its at once more formal than Mexicali, which is a stripped down taqueria filled with picnic tables and a salsa cart, and oddly less so. The mechanics shop is now a lofty space dominated by a bar run by Aaron Melendrez, formerly of the Normandie Club, and filled with the latest mixology paraphernalia.

Salazars adjacent kitchen is newly built, loaded with a Santa Maria grill, a flat top and a fryer, an airy place with big windows that look out to an enormous patio filled with picnic tables. Two African sumacs and giant palm trees provide shade, along with what looks like a repurposed gas station awning.Youre in Frogtown, across from the bridge over the Los Angeles River, and the place feels like the best neighborhood backyard barbecue party youve ever been invited to. If the atmosphere is cozy and family-oriented, its fitting, since Ochoa, married with two young kids, lives in Frogtown. I ride my skateboard to work.

Ochoas team is also a kind of family. He met two of his business partners  Paul Yoo at Mexicali; Billy Silverman at Salazar  when they became regular customers at the original Mexicali. Their friendships fixed over carne asada, smoke and tortillas.

Ive grown so much, says Ochoa. I think about where the forks go, where the straws go. Hes also thinking about where the dining populace of Los Angeles is going these days, as he talks about his plans to build a fire pit in the back of Salazar for weekend brunch barbacoa. My grandfather would probably be disappointed if we didnt do a whole animal, says Ochoa. You could say the same thing about the rest of us.

And last Sunday, Ochoa opened his third project, Califas, a pop-up taco stand thats part of L.A.s Smorgasburg, a new weekly downtown food market at the Alameda Produce Market, patterned after the popular Brooklyn Smorgasburg. Califas isnt a second Mexicali  theres also one of those in the works  but a taqueria devoted to the mash-up of tacos and, of all things, French fries. Its very SoCal, says Ochoa, the heart of L.A. in a taco.

As Ochoa stood over the hot grill at the Califas stand last weekend, there was a sense of symmetry lodged in the triple-degree heat. Ochoas neighborhood is again, like the early days of Mexicali, a concrete universe of grilled meat and smoke and fire  his mission defined by repeating plates of warm, fragrant tacos handed out to a gathering, hungry crowd.

Salazar, 2409 N. Fletcher Drive, Los Angeles, no phone, salazarla.com

Mexicali Taco & Co., 702 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, (213) 613-0416; mexicalitaco.com

Califas at Smorgasburg, L.A., at the Alameda Produce Market, between Alameda and Bay Street, Los Angeles, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, la.smorgasburg.com

amy.scattergood@latimes.com
Foxconn Technology Group plans to close costly and redundant overseas operations of its new acquisition Sharp Corp, and bring to the market products using Sharp's valuable patents and technology as quickly as possible, said the chief of the world's largest electronics manufacturer.

Terry Gou, who founded Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, the formal name of Foxconn, made the comments on Wednesday at his company's first annual general meeting since announcing the purchase of two-thirds of the money-losing Japanese display maker for $3.5 billion.

Gou said all legal procedures for the acquisition will be completed this month, and that new management will take charge of Sharp on July 1.

"We will start overseas," Gou said of restructuring Sharp. "Those improper, high-cost joint ventures overseas, we will close them to reduce a lot of the operational cost, which will lead to lower (product) sales prices."

The comments come as Foxconn seeks to build on Sharp's technology and branding to strengthen its pricing power with major client Apple Inc.

For Sharp, the takeover is a lifeline at a time when Japan's technology companies, once synonymous with cutting-edge electronics, are being out-manoeuvred by upstart Asian rivals.

Gou said speeding up the transformation of Sharp's patents into technologies that yield commercially viable products will be part of the initial restructuring, as will a metrics-based review of all Sharp staff.

In May, Foxconn told Sharp employees that layoffs were a must and would be carried out "responsibly and sensitively".

A person familiar with the matter said at the time that the cuts could total 3,000 in Japan, and more when Sharp's global operations are included.

Gou also said Foxconn sees growth potential in Sharp's home appliances business. He said Foxconn would work to expand sales channels in the United States and that his company is discussing the matter with a major US wholesaler.

Foxconn will also work to rebuild Sharp's semiconductor business, an area where Sharp once held many patents but sold some to plough resources into display technology, Gou said.
Federal District Judge Lucy Koh had some very picky questions Thursday about terminology used in a multimillion-dollar settlement hammered out between Farmers Insurance and the hundreds of female attorneys it has underpaid for years.

I wasnt expecting fireworks, exactly, but I thought things would be a little more lively for a case that could have a major effect on companies that, even unwittingly, pay men more than women for the same work.

Despite the technical questions coming from the bench, at least one person in the courtroom was absolutely riveted: Lynne Coates, a former Farmers attorney who discovered during a casual work conversation two years ago that a male colleague with less experience was earning more than she. Not too much later, she also found out her male litigation partner was being paid twice her salary  $185,000 versus $99,000. The man could hardly be considered more experienced than Coates; he earned his law license a year after she earned hers.

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Coates, 50, complained to her manager, who responded by effectively demoting her, giving her work more suited to a paralegal than an experienced trial attorney.

It was embarrassing and humiliating, she told me last year. My job was taken away from me.

She quit and filed a lawsuit, alleging Farmers had broken state and federal discrimination laws. Within months, nearly 300 female attorneys joined the class-action lawsuit. Nearly 200 of them are current Farmers attorneys.

::

Farmers has agreed to pay $4 million. As lead plaintiff, Coates will receive at least $85,000.

But more important, the company has also agreed to an impressive series of reforms, including increasing the number of women attorneys in its higher salary grades.

Also, for a period of three years, a company official will monitor compliance with the agreement, provide diversity training to attorneys and give progress reports to San Francisco attorney Lori Andrus, who represented Coates and the other plaintiffs, along with San Jose attorney Lori Costanzo.

An excellent agreement, Koh said.

This is a substantial victory, and a good model going forward, said UC Hastings law professor Joan Williams, an expert on workplace gender issues.

I wondered if three years was enough time to reverse decades of subtle workplace discrimination.

Andrus said she was pleased. We think its plenty of time for them to really, really clean up their act, she said.

See the most-read stories this hour >>

::

In the end, the case boiled down to a battle of statistics.

Farmers wanted to compare attorneys in small, individual branch offices, which Andrus and Costanzo resisted. If you look just at their San Jose office, which employs eight attorneys, its such a small number that comparing them makes it difficult to draw any conclusions, she said. But when the salaries of Farmers attorneys all over the country were compared, Andrus said, the wage gap quadrupled.

Not surprisingly, greater disparity occurred at the higher salary grades. Perhaps the male attorneys in those grades had more experience than their female counterparts? To control for that, Andrus and Costanzo looked at the dates each attorney passed the bar as a measure of experience.

We found that women were much more likely to be in a lower salary grade, Andrus said, regardless of bar date.

So although women and men were both hired into lower salary grades, women basically got stuck there.

Its not that women were being demoted, Andrus said. But a man would get groomed and promoted. Basically, there is male favoritism, which is probably unintentional. Its a vestige of the good old boy network.

::

Increasingly, employers are recognizing that pay gaps may be unintentional, but are unmistakably real.

Last year, the San Francisco-based tech giant Salesforce awarded $3 million in raises after discovering, through a voluntary salary analysis, that it had a gender wage gap. We did find quite a few women who were being paid less than men and weve made that change, Chief Executive Marc Benioff told CNN. With just the push of one button, every CEO in the world can know exactly what is their pay discrepancy between men and women, and I hope that every CEO pushes that button.

That would be nice.

If we see more and more of these audits, said California Democratic state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, I think we are going to see major shifts.

Jackson co-authored a new state law, the California Fair Pay Act, that has been described as one of the most aggressive equal pay laws in the country. It was incorporated into the Farmers lawsuit on behalf of plaintiffs who still work at the company.

One reason the law has been hailed as a breakthrough is that it requires companies to pay employees equally for work that is substantially similar  not exactly the same. That is a critical twist.

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The pay scale for a janitor in a hotel is greater than a housekeeper, Jackson said. Why is that? The work is substantially similar, and yet most janitors are men, most housekeepers are women.

The law also shifts the burden of proof. Bosses are now required to show that a wage differential is the result of a bona fide factor like education, training or experience, not sex.

In the court hallway after the hearing, Coates was beaming. I feel good, she said. The changes that Farmers has agreed to implement are going to make such a difference for the women in the company, and that is what this is all about.

Maybe so. This year, Andrus said, Farmers gave unscheduled raises of $10,000 to $13,000 to female attorneys who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Its a start. But barely.

robin.abcarian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AbcarianLAT

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A former contracting official with the Navy who took hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash from Malaysian businessman Leonard Glenn Fat Leonard Francis pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy and bribery charges.

Paul Simpkins, 62, admitted accepting cash and other gifts from Francis  the owner of Glenn Defense Marine Asia, a Singapore-based contractor that performed ship servicing work for Navy vessels in ports across southeast Asia.

Francis is at the center of a scheme in which he bribed officers and civilians in exchange for help getting Navy ships assigned to call at ports he controlled. He then would over-bill the Navy for services such as sewage disposal, ship protection and ground transport.

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Francis has pleaded guilty and will have to pay $35 million in restitution  an estimate of the loss to the military.

Simpkins, the highest-ranking civilian charged in the scandal, had enormous power over how Navy contracts were administered, said Lawrence Brennan, a retired Navy captain and adjunct professor at Fordham Law School.

The contracting officer  has the power of the pen, hes the chancellor of the exchequer,: Brennan said. Hes the guy who actually has the ability to make decisions on the finances.

Simpkins was able to steer contracts toward Glenn Defense, intervene for the company when it had disputes with the Navy and even work to get other contractors who were competitors suspended.

In early 2006, he recommended Francis company get a contract for services for ports in Thailand, the plea agreement said  a deal worth $7.1 million.

Before making the recommendation, Simpkins and Francis met multiple times at a hotel in Singapore, where they discussed bribes that eventually were paid by wire transfers from Glenn Defense to a bank account controlled by Simpkins former wife.

The plea agreement said Simpkins received at least $300,000 in bribes from Francis between 2006 and 2012. The deal requires him to pay $450,000 in restitution to the Navy.

So far, 14 people have been criminally charged in the probe and 11 have pleaded guilty. Scores of other Navy personnel are under internal scrutiny over their relationship with Francis.

greg.moran@sduniontribune.com

Moran writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune
Los Angeles is one step closer to imposing new rules on Airbnb and other websites that advertise rooms  or whole homes  for short stays, including limiting the number of days places may be offered and penalizing platforms that fail to provide key information to the city.

The Planning Commission voted 5 to 4 on Thursday to back the proposal, which would legalize and regulate the popular but largely unsanctioned practice.

Some rental hosts argued that the regulations would trample on privacy rights and hurt homeowners financially. If the law passes, I might lose my house, or Ill be forced to sell it, said Al Antonini, a 77-year-old Highland Park resident who said he covers his mortgage and other expenses by renting out a back unit and studio on Airbnb.

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And neighborhood activists and housing advocates who have pushed for stricter regulation were disappointed when the commission opted to increase the proposed cap on how often short-term rentals were allowed to 180 days annually.

Letting people rent out spaces for nearly half the year essentially legalizes hotels in residential neighborhoods, said Judith Goldman, one of the co-founders of Keep Neighborhoods First, a group concerned about commercial rentals. This will dramatically weaken the ordinance and provide little, if no, relief to residents all over the city, she said.

The plan still must be approved by the City Council. If L.A. presses forward with the rules, it will join other cities across the country that are trying to regulate the booming business of short-term rentals.

Websites such as Airbnb, HomeAway and the hosts who use them tout the rentals as an economic lifeline, injecting cash into neighborhoods and helping people share both their homes and a slice of their lives.

But housing activists, neighborhood groups, hotels and their workers argue that the proliferation of commercialized rentals has pulled needed housing off the market, put regulated hotels at a disadvantage and worsened noise and other nuisances.

As it stands, renting out a home or room for less than 30 days at a time is illegal in most of the city, according to planning officials. Lawmakers say they want to allow residents to share their homes from time to time but prevent whole buildings from becoming de facto hotels.

Under the proposed rules, Angelenos who rent out their primary residence for short stays could do so for up to 180 days annually. The Planning Commission also voted to allow people to rent out other kinds of property for short stays  such as a second home  for a maximum of 15 days a year.

Hosts would have to collect the same kind of lodging taxes as hotels and register with the city. If they failed to register, they could be fined at least $500 a day. And renting out a room, apartment or house for more days than the city allows could mean a fine of at least $2,000 a day.

The Planning Commission also asked city lawyers to draft a three strikes rule to suspend rental hosts who repeatedly violated the rules.

Airbnb and similar platforms could be fined $1,000 a day for refusing to turn over the addresses of rentals that had not registered with the city. The websites also would be required to regularly provide host names and addresses and detail how long guests had stayed and what they had paid.

The Los Angeles Short Term Rental Alliance, which includes hosts who use Airbnb, HomeAway and other platforms, argued that the plan was a job killer that would devastate Angelenos who rely on the income from such rentals.

It will cause a tremendous amount of hardship, said Robert St.Genis, executive director of the alliance. And I dont think itll have any impact on the housing market  other than some people may be forced to sell their homes because they can no longer stay in them.

John Choi, the Southern California policy manager for Airbnb, said requiring companies to turn over bulk confidential data would jeopardize consumer privacy. Tech industry groups also have argued that forcing websites to police their listings flouts federal law.

Housing and neighborhood activists counter that if Los Angeles wants to be able to halt illegal rentals, Airbnb and similar websites need to help. No one is asking for private information here, said Amanda Seward, who is active with Keep Neighborhoods First.

The proposed law states that information turned over by the websites and hosts about guest stays would not be publicly available, planning officials said. That would not apply, however, to the applications that rental hosts would fill out to register.

emily.alpert@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter at @LATimesEmily

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A man who was handcuffed by police managed to run away from the arresting officer in Canoga Park, triggering a modified tactical alert and manhunt, Los Angeles police said.

Police said the man was probably still wearing the handcuffs, but other than that, did not provide a detailed description. The man ran away from the officer, who fell during the chase and injured himself, said Officer Aareon Jefferson of the Los Angeles Police Department. He said the man escaped before 9:30 a.m. at De Soto Avenue and Vanowen Street.

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The arresting officer was taken to the hospital in stable condition, Jefferson said. The man is wanted on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on an officer and was being investigated in a drug crime, Jefferson said.

A tactical alert was issued for the San Fernando Valley, Jefferson said, meaning officers can be held over their work shift to saturate a problem area. Police said they had set up a perimeter around the area to search for the man, but took it down by 1 p.m.

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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Cleanup efforts continued Friday after a leaky pipeline valve spilled almost 30,000 gallons of crude oil into a gorge in Ventura.

Up to 700 barrels of crude bled Thursday into Prince Barranca, a gorge that typically fills with water during storms. Officials could not provide a timetable for the cleanup.

State agencies were working with Crimson Pipeline LLC, which owns the 10-inch underground pipeline, to monitor the cleanup effort. The Ventura County Fire Department monitored air quality Thursday and mostly noticed a stench, which was really benign, according to Capt. Mike Lindbery.

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The Colorado-based company is responsible for the cleanup effort and deployed contractors to lay down large, absorbent booms in the barranca, in an effort to mop up the crude Thursday.

More than 100 people were combing through every nook and cranny for oil remnants, Crimson spokeswoman Kendall Klingler said.

Crimson crews, she said, were working as quickly as possible while trying also to protect the environment.

If we werent too concerned with the environment, we could probably have it cleaned up today, she said.

Kirk Atwater, 56, woke up to noxious fumes and stepped out of his ranch to see black goo traveling down the steep slope and about half a mile through the barranca. He immediately called police about 5:30 a.m., as well as the oil company.

Officials said the pipeline valve somehow opened and sent thousands of gallons of unrefined crude into an arroyo that flows through the city of Ventura and reaches the ocean near the Ventura Pier. The leak was stopped before it reached the ocean.

According to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife in Ventura, there are no reports of oiled wildlife. The department is working to assess potential impacts to animals and other natural resources. Still, residents were concerned that the toxic liquid would harm wildlife.

State and federal authorities are investigating the cause of the spill.

This leaky, old pipeline spans for many miles along the California coastline and highlights the undeniable fact that pipelines are not safe because they spill thousands of gallons of toxic oil and pollute our communities on a regular basis, said Mati Waiya, the executive director of Ventura Coastkeeper and the Wishtoyo Foundation. The only thing that will stop their negative impact to people, wildlife and waterways is to shut them down and keep fossil fuels in the ground.

It marked the latest significant oil spill in California and underscored the hazards of the oil and natural gas industry along the Central Coast, where last year a corroded pipeline, owned by Plains All American Pipeline, spewed 143,000 gallons of crude oil onto Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara.

Plains All American Pipeline was indicted in May on 46 criminal counts, including four felony charges of knowingly discharging a pollutant into state waters. The Houston company faces fines of nearly $3 million.

The pipeline, which was installed in 1941, was undergoing maintenance Wednesday. It was not at its full rate of flow or pressure, she said. The valve that was the source of the oil had been replaced Wednesday, Klingler added.

Thursdays spill marked Crimsons 11th pipeline spill or equipment incident since 2006, according to records compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportations Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

In total, about 313,000 gallons of hazardous liquid have been spilled since 2006, records show. The largest occurred in Ventura in 2008, when equipment failure caused about 280,000 gallons to spill. Before Thursdays leak, the most recent occurred in December, when an error during excavation caused more than 8,800 gallons to be released in Somis.

Records from the state fire marshals office indicated that the pipeline involved in the spill in Ventura underwent standard inspections in 2009, 2006 and 2001, according to Daniel Berlant, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

In recent years, Crimson Pipeline conducted biannual inspections using a device called a smart pig, which probes the inside of a pipeline and detects cracks. The most recent smart pig inspection occurred in July 2015.

As part of the investigation, our pipeline engineers will be reviewing the results of those tests, Berlant said.

In 2013, state pipeline engineers reviewed Crimsons operations and maintenance of procedures and identified three probable violations from the 2006 inspection. The company was not penalized, and a follow-up inspection showed the violations were remedied.

Los Angeles Times staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report.

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For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

UPDATES:

11:17 a.m: This article was updated with additional details about the pipeline from the state fire marshals office.

This article was originally published at 10:45 a.m.
One of two Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies shot by a gunman during a wild foot chase across a residential neighborhood in Bellflower has been released from the hospital, officials said Sunday.

The other deputy is recovering from surgery and remains in serious condition, but officials say he is improving.

The accused gunman, Juan Martinez, was arrested after a six-hour standoff that began with a shooting in the 9000 block of Oak Street about 10:50 p.m. Thursday, the Sheriffs Department said.

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Deputies were operating a DUI checkpoint at Lakewood Boulevard and Oak Street, Capt. Christopher Reed said. One deputy on a motorcycle followed a vehicle through and pulled it over.

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When the car stopped, Martinez stepped out with a gun and opened fire, striking the deputy multiple times, then ran, officials said in a prepared statement. The deputy returned fire. Martinez was not injured.

As Martinez ran, more deputies closed in. A gunfight ensued, and a second deputy was shot, officials said. Martinez escaped again, and it was unclear whether he was wounded.

The second deputy shooting took place near Lisa and Laurel streets, Reed said.

A third shooting occurred as Martinez continued to flee, but no one was hit, authorities said.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell announced at a news conference that a SWAT team used tear gas and forced its way into a guest home behind an apartment in the 9000 block of Mayne Street, where the gunman was holed up with a male hostage.

This is an individual who throughout the night attempted to murder a number of our deputies, McDonnell said.

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L.A. County Sheriff Dept. Special Enforcement Bureau team members walk back to their vehicles after suspect into custody. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times )

#LASD Deputies being treated at local hospital, in fair condition. Expected to survive injuries. Thanx 4 well wishes pic.twitter.com/30z1axh5AU  LA County Sheriff's (@LASDHQ) June 24, 2016

Three people in the home in front of the guest house escaped unharmed, McDonnell said. The hostage escaped and was not harmed.

Martinez was booked on suspicion of multiple charges of attempted murder on a peace officer and kidnapping, sheriffs officials said.

He is being held on $10-million bail.

ALSO

Military contractor pleads guilty in Fat Leonard bribery scandal

For hospital staff and patients, Kern County fire was too close for comfort

Long Beach to pay nearly $3 million after shooting unarmed man 19 times in 2013

UPDATES:

6:20 p.m., June 25: This article was updated to reflect that one of the injured deputies was released from the hospital.

5:59 a.m, June 25: This article was updated with the status of the injured deputies conditions.

11:04 a.m., June 25: This article was updated with the status of the injured deputies conditions.

2:54 p.m.: This article was updated with the identity of the gunman.

7:35 a.m.: This article was updated with details of the shootings.

2:55 a.m.: This article was updated with details from the Sheriffs Department.

2:32 a.m.: This article was updated with a tweet from the Sheriffs Department.

2:10 a.m.: This article was updated with the deputies in stable condition.

12:27 a.m. June 24: This article was updated to reflect that both deputies were wounded by gunfire.

This article was originally posted at 11:58 p.m. June 23.
Los Angeles voters will face yet another decision this fall at the polls: Whether to revamp the way that the Department of Water and Power is governed.

The City Council voted Friday to add the proposal to the growing list of issues jostling for attention on the November ballot, which is already expected to include local measures tied to homelessness, public transit and affordable housing. A second procedural vote will take place next week.

Our objective was to make the DWP more efficient, and we think that we do do that by giving a little more authority to the commissioners and the general manager to make more day-to-day decisions, said City Council President Herb Wesson.

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Under the plan, the utility board would expand to seven seats, from five, and members would have to meet new qualifications. Their terms would also be slightly shorter  four years rather than five, with a chance to be reinstated by the council with a two-thirds vote if the mayor sought to remove them.

The ballot measure would allow commissioners to receive a stipend. Council members have suggested $2,000 a month, but that amount would have to be approved in a separate ordinance.

The City Council no longer would routinely have to approve many decisions tied to utility contracts and leases after the board gives its blessing, though it could still choose to yank bigger contracts  possibly $15 million or more  and bring them up for a council vote.

The department would be allowed to start negotiating changes to its civil service system for hiring and firing employees with the unions representing utility employees  a change that backers argue would strip away red tape from the hiring process. Any changes in the DWPs hiring practices would have to be agreed upon in a contract approved by union members and the Los Angeles City Council.

See the most-read stories this hour 

Conversations are happening with our Department of Personnel here in the city and the unit with DWP to try to come up with ways to try and speed things up. Thats where youre going to find your more immediate changes, Wesson said.

The plan would also create a new office to provide budget and policy analysis for the utility board, increase the minimum budget for the ratepayer advocate, and ensure that residential customers are billed monthly instead of every other month beginning in 2020.

And the utility would have to present a plan to the mayor and the council every four years laying out how water and power rates would be increased. After city leaders approve that plan, which would also include the DWPs policy goals, the council and the mayor would not weigh in again unless the utility wanted to do something that differed from the plan. The City Council would retain the right to review rate increases.

Many critics have complained that the department, which reliably delivers water and power but has suffered from a string of embarrassments and a revolving door at the top, is too vulnerable to political meddling.

The plan does not go as far in curbing City Hall powers over the agency as some advocates had originally sought. Nor does the plan touch another hotly contested issue  the annual transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars from the department to the city general fund.

Others have challenged the core idea that City Hall should have less involvement in overseeing the department. Food & Water Watch, an environmental and consumer advocacy group, argued that the changes would undermine democratic control and pave the way for privatization.

Raphael Sonenshein, executive director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State Los Angeles, said the decision means that the debate is just beginning.

The new measure would create a Board of Water and Power commissioners that is a little bit more insulated from the mayor and council, Sonenshein said. The question people will have to weigh is  will that improve the performance of the department or not?

alice.walton@latimes.com

emily.alpert@latimes.com

Twitter: @TheCityMaven and @LATimesEmily

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More than 4,600 cars and RVS were in use as living quarters this year in Los Angeles, a rise that has sparked bitter complaints that homeless people are taking up scarce street parking, dumping trash and bringing increased crime and safety risks into neighborhoods.

A federal appeals court last year struck down the citys ban on vehicle dwelling, calling it an invitation to discriminate against the poor. Now, what could be a new legal confrontation with homeless advocates is shaping up as the City Council is poised Friday to adopt a new ban that could link enforcement to providing restricted parking for homeless people to sleep in their cars.

At the citys homelessness and poverty committee Wednesday, Councilman Mike Bonin proposed barring homeless people from lodging in vehicles parked by homes and schools, while allowing them to sleep in their cars and campers from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in commercial areas and in designated city, nonprofit agency and church lots.

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Bonin said his proposal could forestall a more sweeping ban and avoid repeating what he called absurd and pathetic scenarios of the past, when police would ask people to get out of their cars to sleep on the sidewalks.

 Lisa Biagiotti meets Rory, a millennial who is living with his two friends in an RV alongside Venice Boulevard. In L.A. County, 10,000 of 44,000 people are living without shelter in tents and vehicles -- an increase of 85 percent.

That was absolutely nuts, he said before the committee approved his motion for consideration by the full council.

Legal advocates testified that the revised ban, which would include a misdemeanor penalty, would criminalize the poor.

They are the working poor, and we need to not make them criminals, said civil rights attorney Carol Sobel, who represented Venice vehicle dwellers in the lawsuit that led to the old ban being overturned.

I have a feeling were likely to get sued, Bonin said, to applause from the largely anti-ban audience.

Bonins initiative, based largely on the safe parking program in the city of Santa Barbara, would permit small groups of campers, vans or cars  perhaps three to five per site  to stay overnight in parking lots throughout the city. The inhabitants would have to sign up for social services to work their way out of their vehicles.

To incentivize buy-in, council members who create a critical mass of safe parking spaces could ban car dwellers altogether in their districts, Bonin said. If the city fails to launch a safe parking program by years end, the ban would be lifted citywide.

The homelessness committee in March failed to link expansion of free storage for homeless people to a council measure that made it easier to clear street encampments. The expansion is still on hold.

Reached by phone Thursday, Mark Ryavec, president of the Venice Stakeholders Assn., said it is more difficult to distance safe parking from residences in L.A. than in Santa Barbara because of the larger citys density.

Beach lots in Venice, which Bonin said could be considered for inclusion, are inappropriate, said Ryavec, adding that Dockweiler Beach or LAX lots are better choices. Ryavec said many of the RV dwellers in Venice are not homeless but people who want to live at the beach for free.

We think this should have buffer zones to separate residents from car dwellers, he said. Locations should ensure that drug sales, fights, whatever, not be in anybodys face.

Homeless advocates said the city would never come up with enough parking spaces, leaving people forced to live in their vehicles susceptible to police harassment.

Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson recalled the 1998 shooting death of Tyisha Miller, a 19-year-old black woman killed by Riverside Police Department officers who saw her passed out in a car with a gun on her lap.

It lets the officer make the judgment about whos living in the car and whos sleeping, said Harris-Dawson, who is black. Where I come from you dont get the benefit of the doubt, you get guilt.

Bonin said there is a great likelihood the council will pass some version of a ban.

Absent trying to force creation of safe places, he said, well wind up with a prohibition with no places for people to park.

gale.holland@latimes.com

Follow me for homelessness news on Twitter: @geholland

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A court in Zhuhai City in south China's Guangdong Province sentenced four convicted drug dealers to death on Thursday, ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Sunday.

Two were given a two-year reprieve, Zhuhai City's Intermediate People's Court announced.

Thirteen other members of the same gang, which sold about 5 kilograms of drugs including methamphetamine, were given life sentences or varying prison terms, the court said.

In Guangdong's Lufeng City, five drug-related criminals were executed on Thursday.

Guangdong is a hotbed of production and trade in drugs. The provincial narcotics control commission announced that from January to May, local police closed more than 6,000 drug cases and seized more than 10 tonnes of drugs, dismantling 49 drug production dens, detaining or arresting more than 10,000 suspects, according to Guo Shaobo, deputy head of the provincial public security department.

Police in Qingyuan City caught 12 drug producers and confiscated 492 kg of ketamine. Another meth lab hidden in a trash collection station in Huizhou City was raided and over 700 kg of meth seized.

In addition, Guangdong police have caught 243 foreign drug-related suspects and more than 500 from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan since 2015.

Also on Thursday in Beijing, a 22-year-old man who was caught at a Beijing railway station in Nov. 2015 after alighting a train from Guangdong was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for transporting 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

On Wednesday in Xuzhou City in east China's Jiangsu Province, three members of a drug gang were sentenced to death. It was the biggest drug case ever seen in Xuzhou, involving more than 29 kilograms of methamphetamine and ketamine, the city's intermediate people's court said.
The smell of smoke startled Nathan Magee as he settled down to watch television in his eastern Kern County home.

Moments later, Magee, 54, and his wife Teresa, 55, watched Thursday night as flames bore down a mountain toward their South Lake community in Kern County. Magee frantically searched for his keys and his wallet. The couple grabbed their dog Dodger and cats Baby and Tiger and ran for their car  already low on gas  as ash and pieces of burnt wood rained down on them.

It was a firestorm, Nathan Magee said early Friday from a grade-school-turned-evacuation-center, not knowing whether his home still stood.

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For Magee and other residents around Lake Isabella, the Erskine fire seemed to come out of nowhere and strike without warning. Many ran for their lives as the wind-whipped fire barreled from the foothills down into the tiny towns that dot California 178 east of Bakersfield.

Fueled by drought conditions, massive stands of dying trees and soaring temperatures, the fire consumed 46 square miles and destroyed more than 100 structures, making it the most destructive wildfire so far this year in California.

Authorities confirmed two deaths.

Those who did escape the fire shared harrowing stories of survival. The wind blew so strongly that it knocked down tables, and vases full of rocks, and buffeted firefighters and residents in retreat.

The wind was so diabolical, said Magan Weid, 57, who fled with her father and with other neighbors. Everything was flying into your eyes. I didnt have time to get glasses. I literally just grabbed a bag with miscellaneous crap. I didnt have time to get anything together.

The fire began at the junction of Erskine Creek Road and Apollo Way shortly before 4 p.m., said Kern County Fire Department Capt. Michael Nicholas. In those early hours, fire crews frantically tried to save what homes they could, but were overwhelmed by the power of the blaze. One fire official broadcast his journey through the fire zone, showing home after home burning to the ground.

Hundreds of firefighters flooded the area Friday morning to join in the effort, officials said. Three suffered from smoke inhalation.

The fire, whose cause is under investigation, caused evacuations in communities such as Bella Vista, South Fork, Weldon, South Lake and Mountain Mesa.

Nancy Moore, 64, had gone to visit friends in Mountain Mesa on Thursday afternoon, but when she arrived, they said they were being evacuated because of an approaching wildfire. Moore had her friends come to her South Lake home, but almost as soon as they arrived, they were forced to evacuate once more.

She didnt see the flames, but saw the smoke and watched as strong winds knocked over vases and plants and tipped over tables.

It was intense, she said. Ive never seen anything move that fast.

Chelsea Hunt, 27, saw the fire reach a nearby mountain from the home she shares in Squirrel Valley with her boyfriend and her grandmother. She was shocked at how close the clouds of smoke were to her home.

It was apocalyptic, she said. I cant even remember what I was doing. All I remember is seeing the fire and realizing I needed to run.

And she did, leaving behind all of her possessions  including her Social Security card and birth certificate. The few possessions that remain are her car and her pajamas. She, her boyfriend and grandmother evacuated to Kernville Elementary School, where they joined more than 100 others.

Shawn Rice, 22, described the scene as he and his family tried to evacuate from South Lake as stressful, with many neighbors trying to do the same and creating a small traffic jam. As he watched the flames at the ridge of a nearby mountain, he couldnt help but think the worst.

 Dozens of homes burned Thursday evening in a fast-moving fire that broke out in a rural area of Kern County, the most destructive blaze in a week of brush fires across Southern and Central California.

South Lake is probably going to burn down, along with my home and the surrounding homes in the community, he said. It was negative thinking but Im seeing the flames and was thinking realistically  things are looking pretty terrible.

On Friday, Rice looked in the distance at the orange glow from the wildfire. He said he didnt know how to feel because he wasnt sure whether his familys home had burned down or not.

It would be a miracle if its still there, he said. The important thing is Im alive.

The parking lot of the evacuation center Friday was filled with dozens of vehicles, where people had placed dog food, animal crates and bags of clothes. Some cars were empty, but at least one person, wrapped in a Red Cross blanket, slept in a car.

On Friday morning, Cher Buys, 63, said she had arrived at the evacuation center to find people crying their guts out.

The Weldon resident said she was at home in bed when the electricity went out around 7 p.m. the night before. She said she walked outside and into a fog of smoke: You couldnt see the neighbors house next door.

 The scramble to contain the wildfire drew more than 1,100 firefighters from across California, with hundreds more on the way.

See the most-read stories this hour >>

After grabbing a few items from her home, she jumped into her black Jeep and drove off just as firefighters were arriving to evacuate residents. She could also see tall flames being driven closer by the wind.

It just kept climbing and climbing over the mountains, she said of the fire. For it to move through five towns is a lot.

Officials said the area was ripe for a disastrous fire. Besides the extreme weather, the area has been hit hard by a tree die-off that has claimed the lives of millions of trees across the state. The trees are dying due to a lethal combination of drought, heat and voracious bark beetles, heightening the already serious danger of big brush fires.

The trees arent getting water, Buys said. Theyre dying.

Conditions were the worst they could have been for a fire, said Geri Jackson, a spokeswoman with Sequoia National Forest, one of several agencies responding to the blaze. Temperatures were in the high 90s, humidity was in the single digits and low teens, and the area was just coming off a weeklong wind advisory.

The wind, the heat and the low humidity  all that does is just drive a fire, Jackson said. When the fire initially started, it took off quickly.

Worries intensified for some, as they struggled to reach people in the Lake Isabella community. Because of the fire, cellphone service around the fire had been compromised, fire officials said. A local television station reported long lines of people at one of the evacuation centers, waiting to use a land line to make a phone call.

Kimberly Reyes, 54, and Luis Reyes, 59, who live in South Lake, said they had problems with their cellphones and werent able to reach their family for some time.

Its frustrating, Kimberly Reyes said. You couldnt call family and Im sure theyre watching the news and wondering if were safe.

You also dont know how other people in the community are doing, Luis Reyes said. Sometimes thats dangerous, because people go out looking for others.

The Kern County blaze is the latest of several major brush fires to hit Southern and Central California in the last two weeks.

In Santa Barbara County, the Sherpa fire forced hundreds to flee their homes north of Santa Barbara last week. This week, two fires in the hills above Azusa and Duarte forced more evacuations.

In San Diego County, firefighters increased containment Thursday of the Border fire just north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for the entire east county community of Potrero. The Border fire has burned 7,483 acres and destroyed five homes, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Officials warned to expect more property loss in Kern County as the blaze continued to spread.

At Kernville Elementary School, many waited anxiously for news about the status of their homes and their communities. When Anthony Romero, a spokesman for the Kern County Fire Department told them Friday morning that 80 to 100 homes had been lost, many gasped.

The Magees joined countless others in a waiting game for news.

Nathan Magee, asked what comes next if their home was lost, had few words.

Honestly, I dont know.

Vives reported from Kernville, Mejia from Los Angeles and Fernandez from Lake Isabella. Los Angeles Times staff writers Veronica Rocha, Joseph Serna, Ben Poston and Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.

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UPDATES:

7:30 a.m. Updated with new acres burned.
Fire officials confirmed two fatalities Friday in a fast-moving fire near Lake Isabella that has scorched more than 30,000 acres and destroyed 100 structures.

As of Friday evening, the blaze was 5% contained.

Gov. Jerry Brown issued a state of emergency for Kern County, a move that helps more quickly get aid to impacted communities.

Anne and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to everyone impacted by this destructive blaze, Brown said in a statement. We join all Californians in expressing our gratitude to the courageous firefighters, emergency personnel and volunteers working tirelessly throughout Kern County to help residents and extinguish this fire.

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LATEST: Deadly Kern County wildfire grows  tough weekend ahead >>

Firefighters said they were dealing with increasingly gusty winds Friday evening, bringing new worries that the fire will start spreading rapidly again,

About 2,000 people have been evacuated as firefighters try to defend some 1,500 homes. About 800 firefighters are on the scene now, and officials hope to eventually have a thousand, they said.

In a Facebook post, the Kern County Fire Department confirmed two fatalities.

Authorities said they were overwhelmed by the fire, which pushed into rural communities Thursday evening so quickly that firefighters could not keep up with the inferno. They said years of drought combined with heat and strong winds created the devastating conditions.

Live updates: Erskine fire 

The fire began at the junction of Erskine Creek Road and Apollo Way shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday and moved quickly, aided by extremely dry conditions, dead trees, high winds and low fuel moisture, said Kern County Fire Department Capt. Mike Nicholas.

All those things contributed to the rapid spread and erratic fire behavior, Nicholas said. Weve had lots of big incidents. This ones pretty bad though.

The blaze swept across 11 miles in 13 hours while firefighters raced to try to protect rural neighborhoods.

 Dozens of homes burned Thursday evening in a fast-moving fire that broke out in a rural area of Kern County, the most destructive blaze in a week of brush fires across Southern and Central California.

Firefighters from all agencies  have been engaged in a firefight of epic proportions trying to save every structure possible, said Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall at a news conference Friday morning. In a situation like this, theres not enough fire trucks and firefighters to put in front of every structure  theyre working whole neighborhoods.

Marshall estimated that at least 100 structures  including 80 homes  have been destroyed by the fire, but he said an accurate count wouldnt be available until later.

The wind-pushed fire chewed through dead grass and big trees parched by years of drought. Hundreds of firefighters were flooding the area Friday morning to join in the effort, officials said.

The fire is threatening the small communities of South Fork, Weldon, Onyx, Lakeland Estates, Yankee Canyon and Mountain Mesa.

Three firefighters have suffered smoke inhalation, officials said.

Video from local TV stations showed the fire moving rapidly down a hillside and into a neighborhood of homes. Another video from the Kern County Fire Department showed some structures engulfed in flames as a large air tanker flew over the blaze.

An evacuation center had been set up at Kernville Elementary School on Thursday night. On Friday morning, evacuee Cher Buys, 63, said she had arrived there to find people crying their guts out.

The Weldon resident said she was at home in bed when the electricity went out around 7 p.m. the night before. She said she walked outside and into a fog of smoke: You couldnt see the neighbors house next door.

After grabbing a few items from her home, she jumped into her black Jeep and drove off just as firefighters were arriving to evacuate residents. She could also see tall flames being driven closer by the wind.

It just kept climbing and climbing over the mountains, she said of the fire. For it to move through five towns is a lot.

Buys said she had long feared that Californias drought and high temperatures would lead to a wildfire in the region.

The trees arent getting water, she said. Theyre dying.

Conditions were the worst they could have been for a fire, said Geri Jackson, a spokeswoman with Sequoia National Forest, one of several agencies responding to the blaze. Temperatures were in the high 90s, humidity was in the single digits and low teens, and the area was just coming off a weeklong wind advisory.

The wind, the heat and the low humidity  all that does is just drive a fire, Jackson said. When the fire initially started, it took off quickly.

AT&T cellular phone service was also out, making it difficult for residents to communicate with loved ones and officials.

Cell service around the fire area has been compromised because of the fire, said Kern County Fire engineer Phil Neufeld.

Repair crews from Verizon have been in the area since Thursday night powering the companys infrastructure with emergency generators, but they are running out of fuel to run them and backup is hours away, Neufeld said.

Residents in Bakersfield and other nearby communities have been struggling to reach loved ones in the Lake Isabella community.

 The scramble to contain the wildfire drew more than 1,100 firefighters from across California, with hundreds more on the way.

In addition to Kernville Elementary School, evacuation centers had also been established at Lake Isabellas senior center at 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd., and at Kern Valley High School at 3340 Erskine Creek Road. A local television station reported long lines of people at the high school, waiting to use a land line to make a phone call.

Kernville Elementary School, Home of the Mountaineers, was home to more than 100 people who were evacuated.

About 8 a.m. Friday, Anthony Romero, a spokesman for the Kern County Fire Department, gave the first fire briefing to evacuees at the elementary school.

When Romero told them 80 to 100 homes were lost, there was a mixture of gasps and small whispered comments among the residents.

The Kern County blaze is the latest of several major brush fires to hit Southern and Central California in the last two weeks.

In Santa Barbara County, the Sherpa fire forced hundreds to flee their homes north of Santa Barbara last week. This week, two fires in the hills above Azusa and Duarte forced more evacuations.

Azusa police announced that as of noon Friday, all evacuations would be lifted in Azusa.

In San Diego County, firefighters increased containment Thursday of the Border fire just north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for the entire east county community of Potrero. The Border fire has burned 7,483 acres and destroyed five homes, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Temperatures in the Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara county mountains and valleys hovered in the 90s Thursday, but they could climb into the 100s by the weekend while coinciding with a drop in humidity and strong winds, National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Hall said.

A red-flag warning  meaning weather conditions are prime for a fast-moving, destructive wildfire  was in effect for those three counties, while a heat advisory was expected in Orange, San Diego and Riverside counties, the weather service said.

A red-flag warning was also in effect for the Kern County mountains until 10 p.m., due to dry vegetation, low humidity, gusty winds and hot temperatures.

Weather conditions will get worse through the weekend, Hall said.

Vives and Fernandez reported from Lake Isabella, Mejia from Los Angeles. Los Angeles Times staff writers Matt Hamilton, Joseph Serna and Nina Agrawal contributed to this report.

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

ALSO:

Class-action suit filed against Long Beach over stings targeting gay men

Cleanup efforts under way to remove thousands of gallons of oil following Ventura spill

Have you seen Monique? Detectives seek clues with reward in mothers yearlong disappearance

UPDATES:

6:11 p.m.: This article was updated with information about the fire burning more than 30,000 acres.

1:23 p.m.: This article was updated with a new count on firefighters on scene.

12:08 p.m.: This article was updated with information about two deaths in the fire, as well as additional details about the blaze and about the loss of cellular phone service.

10:13 a.m.: This article was updated with new details on the fire.

9:13 a.m.: This article was updated with new details on the fire and with evacuee comments.

8:21 a.m.: This article was updated with reaction from residents.

This article was originally published at 6:25 a.m.
The attorney who successfully argued that the Long Beach Police Department unfairly targeted gay men when conducting lewd conduct stings earlier this year has filed a federal class-action lawsuit against the city, claiming hundreds of other men were victims of discriminatory policing.

Bruce Nickerson filed the 18-page suit in federal court Thursday, naming the city, Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna and several officers from the departments vice unit as defendants.

In April, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge overturned the 2014 arrest of Rory Moroney on suspicion of lewd conduct, saying the department was engaged in discriminatory policing because its vice unit only used undercover men to arrest male suspects who were seeking sex with other men. The same tactics were not used against women, according to Judge Halim Dhanidina.

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Moroney was accused of exposing himself to an undercover officer inside of a bathroom known to be a hot spot for gay cruising. The 50-year-old Long Beach resident contended he was only reacting to the officers flirtation, and the judge agreed.

Moroney is now named as the lead plaintiff in the class-action suit. At least two dozen other men were arrested by Long Beach police under similar circumstances in 2013 and 2014, court records show. In the suit, Nickerson said the plaintiff class could grow to include hundreds of men who have been illegally arrested for violations of California law by the LBPD.

Calls to the Long Beach city attorneys office seeking comment were not immediately returned.

The suit asks the court to declare the conduct of Long Beachs vice unit to be a violation of the 4th Amendment, which protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection. The suit also seeks monetary damages.

The ruling in Moroneys case was met with celebration and surprise by LGBT activists around Southern California, many of whom were stunned to hear Long Beach was using a policing tactic that has been shunned by many other departments throughout the state. The city is home to a vibrant LGBT community, and Mayor Robert Garcia is openly gay.

Garcia previously told the Los Angeles Times that he was unaware the Police Department was conducting lewd conduct stings, and has said the practice stopped after Moroneys arrest was overturned. Garcia said he and Luna have met with LGBT leaders in recent weeks to discuss new approaches to enforcing lewd conduct laws and the city plans to roll out a new policy later this year.

I view Long Beach as a progressive place that believes in justice and dignity for everybody, Garcia told The Times in April. So when I hear that something occurs that could be contrary to that, Im alarmed.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT on Twitter for crime and police news in California.

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Have you seen Monique? Detectives seek clues with reward in mothers yearlong disappearance
The last time authorities received a tip about the missing mothers whereabouts, they responded to a bleak and dusty address on the outskirts of Palmdale earlier this month.

Led by cadaver-sniffing dogs, homicide detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and investigators with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner dug into the desert floor, searching for Monique Figueroas remains.

But the search met with negative results, said Deputy Lillian Peck, a sheriffs department spokeswoman.

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Out of leads, detectives have announced a $10,000 reward they hope will renew tips regarding the womans yearlong disappearance.

Figueroa was 27 when she was last seen about 4 a.m. May 19, 2015, leaving her home in the 7200 block of East Avenue U-12 in Littlerock, Calif. She drove her black 2004 Mercedes-Benz SUV from her home to an unknown destination. She had left her 2-year-old daughter in her familys care.

Her Mercedes was found abandoned in a shed in the rural community of Juniper Hills about a week and a half after her disappearance.

There was no sign of Monique, but there were signs of foul play inside the vehicle, Peck said in a statement.

Her family filed a missing persons report after they became worried because they hadnt heard or seen her in days.

Figueroas father told KNBC-TV that he got a text message from her the day after she disappeared, saying she had to leave and would be back soon.

We miss her, and we want her home, Jeff Figueroa said.

He pleaded for the publics help and urged his daughters presumed captors to let her go so she can return to her daughter, who misses her desperately.

Shes been asking for her mom every day, and I dont know what to tell her, he said.

Monique Figueroa is 5-foot-3, weighs 140 pounds, has shoulder-length brown hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information about Figueroas whereabouts is urged to call homicide Det. Karen Shonka or Wayne Holston at (323) 890-5500. To remain anonymous, people also can call Crime Stoppers by dialing (800) 222-8477, or texting TIPLA with details to CRIMES (274637), or visiting https://lacrimestoppers.org.

For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
Long Beach will pay nearly $3 million to the family of an unarmed man who was shot 19 times during a fatal clash with police in 2013.

On Wednesday, a federal court jury awarded $1.05 million to the parents of Tyler Woods, who was shot while fleeing Long Beach police officers after he was detained in November of 2013, court records show. The city has also agreed to pay $1.9 million in damages to Woods 4-year-old son, according to John Fattahi, one of the attorneys representing the family.

Woods, 19, of Rialto, ran from police during a vehicle stop, leaping across rooftops and over fences during a daring escape attempt. He was shot at more than three dozen times by officers who believed he was reaching for a weapon, court records show.

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When an officer uses force, and particularly when he bypasses the criminal justice system and effectively imposes the death penalty, it often falls on a jury to make the important decision of whether the force was excessive, Fattahi said in a statement. The jurys verdict in this case reflects a shifting tide among the community, a feeling that enough is enough.

Woods was wanted on an armed robbery warrant at the time of the shooting. The Los Angeles County district attorneys office declined to charge Officers John Fagan and Daniel Martinez in August 2014, ruling that they had reason to believe Woods was armed based on his desperate attempts to escape and the fact that he had allegedly used a weapon in a previous crime.

The Long Beach Police Departments shooting review board also decided that the use-of-force was within policy, but it was overruled by then-Police Chief Jim McDonnell, according to the Woods familys attorneys. McDonnell now serves as Los Angeles County sheriff.

It was not clear what, if any, punishment the officers faced. Sgt. Brad Johnson, a department spokesman, said the agency does not comment on disciplinary matters. McDonnell was not immediately available for comment, according to a sheriffs department spokesman.

Both Fagan and Martinez remain employed by the Long Beach Police Department, Johnson said.

The shooting is one of several to roil Long Beach police in recent years. The department has been sued and criticized for a number of fatal incidents, including two in 2015.

The families of 19-year-old Hector Morejon, who was shot and killed by a police officer investigating a vandalism incident, and Mharloun Saycon, a mentally disabled man whose family says he was seated and unarmed when shot by an officer, both filed wrongful-death suits against the department last year.

According to the Woods familys lawsuit, which was filed in 2014, the teenager was struck by several volleys of gunfire.

Fagan fired four rounds at Woods as he climbed onto a roof after leading several officers on a chase through an apartment complex, according to a 2014 memorandum issued by the district attorneys office. Fagan had feared Woods might open fire from the rooftop, the memo said.

Unsure if Woods had been struck by Fagans volley, Martinez opened fire, according to the document. Woods then fell to a knee, but, according to the district attorneys account, he continued to ignore police commands to surrender. When he turned back toward the officers, he was shot again, according to the document.

Woods fell to the ground but continued to attempt to stand, so Fagan fired 10 more shots, according to the document.

Attorneys for Woods relatives countered that narrative, claiming the teenager was simply trying to drag his wounded body away from the officers when they continued to shoot him, according to a statement issued Thursday.

Forty rounds were fired in total, according to the familys lawsuit. Woods was shot nineteen times, and fourteen of those rounds were fired at him from behind, the suit said.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

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A grand jury has declined to charge a Texas police officer who drew his gun on unarmed teenagers at a pool party and threw a 15-year-old girl in a bikini to the ground, officials said Thursday.

Cpl. Eric Casebolt resigned a year ago this month. He was suspended after the release of a video in which he can be seen aggressively confronting black teenagers in McKinney, a Dallas suburb.

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The bystanders video, which garnered millions of views on YouTube, showed Casebolt shouting and cursing at teenagers who did not appear to be acting violently or aggressively. Casebolt, who is white, wrestled some black youths to the ground. Officials said residents had called the police to complain about an out-of-control party and fighting. Some teenagers said they had permission to be at the pool and said residents had harassed them.

Protesters called for Casebolts firing. While city officials condemned the officers conduct, he was allowed to resign and keep his pension and benefits. The episode fed a national furor over police mistreatment of African Americans.

At one point in the video, Casebolt walked up to the 15-year-old in a bikini and wrestled her to the sidewalk, forcing her head down with his hand. Kim T. Cole, a Dallas-area lawyer representing the girl, Dajerria Becton, and her family, said the grand jurys decision not to indict the officer was no surprise.

We currently live in a time in which the public servants who are hired to protect and serve are not required to uphold the very law they are sworn to enforce, Cole said. The message is clear. Police are above the law. This must change. They must be held accountable.

Casebolts attorney, Tom Mills, said the former officer was very happy about the grand jurys decision.

Im sure other people are disappointed, but what was presented in the media is not the full picture of what happened. The videos make it seem so bad, that hes grabbing the girl and throwing her on the ground out of nowhere, he said. Our position was that he had a duty to arrest for criminal trespassing and when she resisted, he had to pull her back.

On Monday the McKinney Police Department announced a meeting with community leaders called Moving Forward: Strengthening Police and Community Relationships.

Through this forum, we aim to establish another line of communication with citizens to hear directly what they would like to see from their police department, said Police Chief Greg Conley, who is scheduled to attend. By having citizens working in cooperation with police, we can begin to solve problems in our community.

molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com

Times staff writer Jaweed Kaleem in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

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As a deluge swamped southeast West Virginia  a disaster that killed at least 23 people  Ronnie Scotts wife called him and told him their house was filling up with water. She fled to the attic with two dogs and a cat and waited. She smelled natural gas.

Then, the house blew up.

Belinda Scott was able to break a vent and get out onto a porch, then make it onto a tree, which she clung to for hours before being rescued by state police, Ronnie Scott told The Associated Press on Friday. His wife was in the hospital with burns on 67 percent of her body. The pets did not make it out alive.

My wife was out there four and a half hours hanging in a tree with a house burning right beside her, floodwaters running all around her, said Scott, who was not at the White Sulphur Springs home when the waters rose.

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Early reports indicate about 9 inches of rain damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes and knocked out power to tens of thousands of others, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said.

About 500 people were stranded overnight in a shopping center when a bridge washed out, and dozens of other people had to be plucked off rooftops or rescued from their cars.

Our focus remains on search and rescue, the governor said. He added: Its been a long 24 hours and the next 24 hours may not be much easier.

Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill described complete chaos in his county, one of the hardest hit.

Roads destroyed, bridges out, homes burned down, washed off foundations, he said. Multiple sections of highway just missing. Pavement just peeled off like a banana. Ive never seen anything like that.

In the towns of Rainelle and White Sulphur Springs, rescue crews went door to door to check on residents, a painstaking task that could stretch into the weekend. Once a residence was checked, a red or orange X was marked on the home.

The state Division of Homeland Security reported 15 people killed in Greenbrier County and rescue efforts continue.

Currently 200 National Guardsmen were assisting in eight counties, helping local crews with swift water rescues, search and extraction efforts and health and welfare checks. The governor declared a state of emergency in 44 of 54 counties and authorized up to 500 soldiers to assist.

The governor said he had planned to fly around the hard-hit areas, but wasnt able to because all state aircraft were being used for rescues.

Eric Blackshire was one of the stranded at Crossings Mall, a mix of restaurants, stores and a hotel in Elkview, which is about 15 miles northeast of Charleston. Some had to sleep in their cars or at businesses overnight. Blackshire opted for a hotel room.

Our focus remains on search and rescue. Its been a long 24 hours, and the next 24 hours may not be much easier.  Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin

It was kind of like a hurricane party. I guess you could call it a flood party. There were lots of beers being drank last night, he told The Associated Press.

He was able to get to safety Friday when Pinch Volunteer Fire Department firefighters used a rope to guide people down a hillside. Crews were working to build a gravel road on the backside of the shopping plaza.

An area near the West Virginia-Virginia border received at least 9 inches of rain while other parts of the state had 3 to 5 inches, National Weather Service hydrologist John Sikora said. While most of the rain had tapered off Friday, there were still scattered showers, thunderstorms and river flood warnings.

Some of the heaviest rainfall was in Greenbrier County, where The Greenbrier luxury resort and golf course is nestled in the mountains. The course, overrun by floodwaters, is scheduled to host a PGA tour event from July 4-10.

Its like nothing Ive seen, owner Jim Justice, a Democratic candidate for governor, said in a statement. But our focus right now isnt on the property, golf course or anything else. Were praying for the people and doing everything we can to get them the help they need.

Professional golfer Bubba Watson was apparently visiting the resort and tweeted photos of entire holes underwater: Prayers for @The_Greenbrier & surrounding areas. We are without power & its still raining. Never seen this much rain! #WestVirginiaBeSafe.

Prayers for @The_Greenbrier & surrounding areas. We are without power & it's still raining. Never seen this much rain! #WestVirginiaBeSafe  bubba watson (@bubbawatson) June 23, 2016

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it was sending teams to help with damage assessments.

The governors office said 14 deaths were confirmed by the state medical examiner. Local sheriffs and rescue workers across the state confirmed the others not yet included in the states official tally.

One of the dead included a 4-year-old boy who was found about a quarter mile from where he fell into a creek, which usually runs about ankle deep but rose to about 6 feet deep when Jackson County was pounded with 9 inches of rain in 16 hours.

Bob Bibbee with the Ravenswood Fire Department said the boy was outside with his grandfather, who jumped in after him. Neighbors, alerted by the sound of the familys screams, tried to help save the boy but were also unable to reach him.

Local officials in Ohio County said the death of an 8-year-old boy, Emanual Manny Williams, who fell into Big Wheeling Creek on Thursday, was not due to flooding but was an accidental drowning. The area around Wheeling had no flooding and no severe weather, said Wheeling Police Sgt. William Nolan. The death was among those counted by the state medical examiner, the governors office said.

In White Sulphur Springs, Scott said out of 10 houses on his dead end street, only three were left standing, and they were badly damaged. His son, daughter in law, two grandkids and a nephew were two houses down and trapped in the attic during the storm, but they were also rescued.

Everything that Ive lost can be replaced, he said. Ive got my kids and thats the main thing.

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UPDATES:

10:01 p.m.: Updated with a new death toll.

3:25 p.m.: This article has been updated with an increase in the death toll to 20 people.

1:40 p.m.: This article has been updated with an increase in the death toll to 18 people.

11:51 a.m.: This article has been updated with an increase in the death toll to 14 people.

This article was originally published at 8:18 a.m.
How Hillary Clintons campaign labels Donald Trumps Brexit response: Pathological self-congratulation

Clinton camp discussing "emerging Donald Trump playbook" for crisis, which begins with "pathological self-congratulation."  Mike Memoli (@mikememoli) June 24, 2016

Top aides to Hillary Clinton slammed what they called Donald Trumps self-interested response to Britains vote to leave the European Union, calling it the latest sign he is unfit to serve as commander-in-chief.

On a conference call with reporters Friday, top campaign officials also rejected the idea that voter sentiments driving the outcome in the United Kingdom, such as anxiety about the economy and immigration, bore familiarity to ones in the American electorate.

It is really important to recognize that a vote on whether the United Kingdom stays in or leaves the European Union is profoundly different than a vote for who should be president and commander-in-chief of the United States, senior policy advisor Jake Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the presumptive Republican nominees response to the vote was consistent with what he called the emerging Donald Trump playbook. In moments of crisis, Sullivan said, Trump engages in what can only be termed as pathological self-congratulation.

Rather than seek the counsel of experts, Trump consults only with himself, and either gets facts wrong or just makes things up.

While Clinton was concerned about the economic fallout for Americans, Trump actually rooted for this outcome, and put his golf business ahead of the interests of working families in the United States, Sullivan said.

Officials said Clinton has, for more than a year, heard Americans talk about their frustration with the economy and the political system, and will continue to lay out detailed solutions focused on creating jobs and boosting middle-class incomes.

She will be offering specific solutions, not slogans, not anger, not a whole lot of sales puffery of the sort you heard from Donald Trump, Sullivan said.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue efforts and the prioritization of life-saving measures, after at least 78 people were confirmed killed in one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit East China's Jiangsu province in decades Thursday.

Villagers survey the rubble of a collapsed house after a tornado struck Funing in Jiangsu province on Thursday. [Photo/China Daily]

Downpours, hailstorms and the worst tornado since 1966 battered parts of Yancheng City at 2:30 p.m., destroying homes and trapping hundreds of villagers in the rubble.

More deaths are feared, as search and rescue continued into Friday. About 500 people were injured, of which 200 were in critical conditions, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Xi, who is in Uzbekistan for a state visit and to attend a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ordered the State Council to dispatch a work group to Jiangsu to oversee relief work.

Authorities must make their utmost efforts to reduce casualties and facilitate resettlement of those affected by the extreme weather, he said.

They must also strengthen meteorological monitoring and geological disaster assessment.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, meanwhile, also instructed authorities to step up search and rescue work and medical treatment for the injured.

Efforts should be made to restore normal life and production in the affected areas as soon as possible, Li said, adding that authorities must improve disaster prevention and response work in the rain season, and minimize losses.

Communist Party and government leaders of Jiangsu have already rushed to disaster-hit areas to direct rescue efforts. A State Council work group headed by deputy minister of civil affairs Dou Yupei is also en route.
On Thursday British voters willfully walked off a cliff when they decided to leave the European Union. The Brexit victory is a defeat for Britain, Europe and the global economy.

Tens of millions of Britons voted for isolation  to go it alone  rather than for cooperation. The European Union just lost a sixth of its economy, roughly akin to Florida and California seceding from the United States. The impact on the British economy could be catastrophic. Europes unified stance against a reemerging and aggressive Russia will be splintered.

Moreover, the vote doesnt mean that debates over Britains relationship with Europe, or its place in the wider world, are suddenly resolved. It does mean that politicians  and not just those on the banks of the Thames in Westminster  need to wake up. On both sides of the Atlantic, governments and politics are not working.

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We find ourselves in a moment of global fear. The democratic identities of Britain and the United States are under threat  not from immigrants or even changing values, but from nationalists and xenophobes exploiting citizens darkest worries with populist projects, including Donald Trumps campaign for the U.S. presidency and Brexit. To many voters, the world is a scary place. Terrorists seem to lurk everywhere. Uncertainty surrounds us. Change is rapid and some arent keeping up. Unsurprisingly, politicians of many stripes are capitalizing on our fears to rally voters against trade, immigration and international cooperation.

The costs will be substantial. Economists, business leaders and scholars almost universally agree that Britains retreat from the EU is a self-inflicted economic blunder. Recessions are contagious, and given Londons place as a global financial hub, Brexit will give Britain a particularly virulent cough. The pounds value will likely tumble. The British treasury estimates that the nations households each stand to lose an average of 4,300, or about $7,000. And yet, tens of millions of voters were willing to take that hit.

The quintessential anti-EU voter, an aging unemployed white working-class citizen in northern England, might feel a certain solidarity with a similar Trump voter in rural America. Both have reason to feel victimized by a global economy that has left them behind. Both have concluded that the culprits are out-of-control immigration and an unresponsive government far away, in Washington or Brussels. And both have decided the answer is disengagement, solving problems alone at home rather than preventing them through cooperation abroad.

Ever-increasing globalization has created an unprecedented surge in prosperity, but it has also ushered in jarring changes.

This is the glaring contradiction in the muscular nationalism of right-wing populism, blended with isolationism, that seeks to withdraw from international unions: It cannot shape a better world by shutting the world out. The same people who cheer when Trump laments the decline of American leadership want to ignore key global issues and put America First. The people who voted for Brexit, attempting to create a border between Britain and challenges such as the refugee crisis, seem to think Britain can solve such problems without consulting Germany or France or, worst of all to them, Brussels.

The world doesnt work that way, and it hasnt for decades. Ever-increasing globalization has created an unprecedented surge in prosperity, but it has also ushered in jarring changes. The rough edges of those changes can only be overcome with more aggressive cooperation and engagement, not less. Whether its the risks of terrorism, the tragic flow of refugees, or economic shocks, Britain cannot solve problems alone and neither can the United States.

The solution, then, is a politics and a foreign policy that acknowledge the potency and importance of national identity while aiming to lead the world rather than leave it aside. Xenophobia will eventually fade if genuine policy reforms provide new opportunities to the victims of globalization. We need leaders on both sides of the Atlantic who heed the legitimate fears of their citizens and at the same time explain that solutions will come from standing together with other nations rather than standing alone.

Brexit voters and Trump supporters sporting Make America Great Again hats believe they have lost too much for too long. Their complaint is understandable. But turning inward will only make their problems worse and the world more dangerous. Britain narrowly succumbed to isolationist populism Thursday. Lets hope Americans dont make the same mistake by voting for a Trump presidency come November.

Brian Klaas is a fellow in comparative politics at the London School of Economics and Marcel Dirsus is a lecturer in politics at the University of Kiel in Germany.

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Millions of immigrant parents and their families lost in the misbegotten decision in U.S. vs. Texas. In a 4-4 tie, the Supreme Court returned the issue of their deportation status to the Brownsville, Texas, federal judge who had halted President Obamas latest deferred action orders in the first place.

The decision is a sad turn of events. It freezes Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, known as DAPA, and restores renewals of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, to just two years, instead of the proposed three years. These deferred action plans in various ways allow the DACAmented to stay in the U.S. without fear of deportation.

The original version of DACA, put in place by prosecutorial discretion in 2012, is not affected by this decision. It stands until Obama  or the next president  changes it. It has already been transformative: Nearly three-quarters of a million young people who came into the country illegally as children have been able to hold jobs, to pay into Social Security and to be lawfully present in the U.S.  a legal condition that in turn entitles them to drivers licenses and other benefits in most states. DAPA would have extended similar protections and status to immigrant parents whose children are citizens or legal residents.

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The tie vote means that four justices  unnamed but certainly the conservatives on the court  were willing to let stand the mean-spirited and nativist 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in response to a Texas lawsuit. The trial court enjoined DAPA, and the DACA renewal extension, when Texas challenged the presidents discretionary authority on immigration matters. That authority has been held by all presidents since the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1952. In our system, immigration is a federal responsibility, not one left to the states, so the Texas challenge, later joined by 25 other states, ignored long-established precedents. There is a real debate as to whether those states had the standing to sue  if they did, it implies that they might also be able to sue if, say, they didnt want to accept their fair share of Syrian refugees admitted into the country by treaty obligations.

The real malefactors on immigration arent the Supreme Court justices, but the House and Senate.

Despite the setback represented by the courts decision, we must not rush to declare deferred action dead or overturned. The case returns to an unsympathetic judge, and to the treacherously conservative 5th Circuit, but there will probably be a full Supreme Court by the time the appeals court comes to another decision. Depending on who fills Antonin Scalias seat, the full court may well pay more attention to precedent.

In any event, the narrow technical ruling on an injunction is not the same as a full-scale constitutional rejection of deferred action on its merits. For the time being, immigrant students eligible under the original DACA order can continue to seek its protection, and immigrant rights groups should continue their efforts to provide them with technical assistance and help with application fees. This group at least can come out of the shadows, and once out, they are likely to remain so. It will be difficult for any future president to unring this bell.

In the end, the deadlock in the court only underlines the pressing need for Congress to act on comprehensive immigration reform. The real malefactors on immigration arent the Supreme Court justices, but the House and Senate. Among the conservative majority in Congress, there is a widespread political invocation of President Reagan to justify electoral aims. It was under Reagans leadership that Congress passed the last major immigration legislation, the Immigration Reform and Control Act, 30 years ago. Anyone trying to lay claim to Reagans mantle should examine that legislative legacy.

The Supreme Courts decision is undoubtedly a tragedy for millions of immigrant families in the near term. Restrictionists have temporarily gained the upper hand. The justices have failed those families and left them in uncertainty. Yet when the case is fully considered on its merits, the outcome may well be positive for immigrant rights and presidential authority. Such a result would serve the national interest, given all we stand to gain by once and for all incorporating the undocumented, rather than demonizing them.

Michael A. Olivas is a professor at the University of Houston Law Center, where he teaches immigration law and higher education law. He is on leave as interim president of the University of Houston Downtown.

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Houyhnhnms, the noble talking horses in Jonathan Swifts Gullivers Travels, had no word for lie. They did not engage in the petty subterfuge of politics and didnt need a word to signify it. The closest they could come is the locution to say the thing which is not. But lying is much more complex than saying something that isnt the case. A genuine liea lie in the moral sensemust be intended to deceive, and must be expressed to someone to whom the truth is owed. You arent lying if you misstate a statistic without intending to, or if you give a fake name to a prying stranger on the subway.

In todays political sphere, the word lie is applied to all sorts of things that arent that. Bush administration officials werent just wrong about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq; they lied about it. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) wasnt content simply to disagree with President Obamas assertion in 2009 that his health care proposal would not cover illegal immigrants; he had to shout You lie!

To lie has come to mean to say something I strongly disagree with. In 1988 GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole demanded that Vice President George Bush stop lying about [his] record, and that word was still sufficiently uncommon to generate surprise and controversy. Since then it has become numbingly routine. Marco Rubios complaint about Ted Cruz was typically intense: Hes lied about my record on Planned Parenthood, hes lied about my position on marriage, hes lied about his own record on immigration. Indeed, almost every candidate in this years presidential primaries (Ben Carson was a notable exception) accused at least one other candidate of lying. And so most campaigns go, on the left and right.

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What the L-words promiscuous users dont realizeor deliberately ignoreis that the language of politics does not lend itself to uncomplicated judgements about truth versus falsehood. In most cases, political language isnt meant to convey information at all, but to preserve careers or avoid trouble; it isnt aimed at persuasion but electoral victory. Claims made in the political sphere tend to be obtuse and vapid, neither wholly true nor wholly false. There is plenty of disingenuousness in politics, and lots of grossly tendentious factual claims, but those arent quite the same as lies.

After abusing the word lie and its cognates for decades, we are faced with a choice between two pathologically dishonest candidates.

Allegations of dishonesty, moreover, make debate impossible. You cant discuss anything with someone who calls you a liar: The accusation destroys the good faith that makes discussion, even heated discussion, possible. Hence parliamentary rules strictly forbid the accusation of deliberate untruthnot because anyone thinks politicians cannot tell a lie, but because once the accusation is allowed into debate, debate is at an end and the whole affair descends into heckling. Savvy politicians have usually found a way around the rule (there is an old joke about a member of parliament being forced to withdraw his remark that half the cabinet are liars. I withdraw the remark, he says. Half the cabinet are not liars). But the prohibition is a valuable and necessary one.

All this brings us to a serious problem. After abusing the word lie and its cognates for decades, we are faced with a choice between two pathologically dishonest candidatesand we have no word strong enough to call them what they are. Donald Trumps lies are wanton and preposterous, whereas Hillary Clintons are more obviously calculated to win approval, but both have exhibited a tendency to say things that are manifestly and peremptorily false.

Consider only the most egregious instances. Trump insists that thousands of Muslims were cheering in New Jersey on 9/11, a shockingly stupid invention from which he nonetheless refused to back down; that he warned the U.S. government of Osama bin Ladens danger before 9/11, though there is no record of this instance of his sagacity; that the 9/11 hijackers wives knew exactly what was going to happen, though the hijackers were almost all unmarried; that the Bush White House tried to silence his opposition to the Iraq War, though there was no opposition from Trump to silence.

Clintons career offers a similarly dizzying array of bogus claimsthat she had known nothing about the firing of White House travel office employees in 1993, though she had orchestrated it; that she deplaned in Bosnia under sniper fire; that she was named for Sir Edmund Hillary, who climbed Everest when she was 5; that she was a fierce critic of NAFTA from the very beginning when in fact she worked to get it passed; that she did not email any classified material to anyone, though of course she did, many times.

These and similar claims by both candidates are not exaggerations or embellishments or just twisted renditions of the facts. Theyre . . . well, theyre the commonest word in politics. And so not much of anything.

Barton Swaim is the author of The Speechwriter: A Brief Education in Politics.

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To the editor: The British referendum vote to leave the European Union is a victory for the worst of England, inward-looking, narrow-minded, fearful, and mean. (Re British prime minister says he will step down after historic vote, June 24)

Its Trumpery UK, with catastrophic consequences: borders, exit from European decision-making, retreat from the vision of connected and peaceable peoples, and encouragement to xenophobia across the continent. It is not independence but isolation, a bad day for the world.

David Cressy, Claremont

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To the editor: First it was Donald Trump as the Republican Presidential candidate. Now its Brexit.

Democracy may be the best form of government, but it does have its risks.

Bill Weber, La Canada

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To the editor: The history of the European Union goes back to the decade after the end of WWII, when European integration was seen as the cure to the extreme nationalism that had nearly destroyed the continent.

Perhaps such a coalition of countries was needed at that time. Perhaps its original usefulness no longer exists. Coalitions such as the EU (and the former Soviet Union) are tenuous at best and are challenging to maintain.

I see the EU eventually disintegrating back to its former self of individual countries.

I see that as the more natural state for Europe, going back to who and what they really are -- individuals. And individuals can still work cooperatively without actually being a coalition.

I wouldnt worry about this. I wouldnt even be concerned. Its not the end of the world. Its just the end of that world.

Arthur G. Saginian, Santa Clarita

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
To the editor: On Wednesday, Democrats in Congress led by Rep. John Lewis of Georgia staged a sit-in in an attempt to get a vote on gun legislation. (Re NRA cant have it both ways, Column, June 23) In historic fashion, they shut down the House. The Times hardly covered this event in its print edition.

Television news channels featured live pictures from the House and interviews with members of Congress. I watched some of it last evening, then turned off the television and went to bed. From that time until I wrote this letter, how many Americans will have died from gunshots?

This issue affects many people in our country and you should have given prominent coverage to the Houses efforts to address it.

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Jean Seager, Coronado

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook
To the editor: James Kirchicks op-ed betrayed a near total lack of nuance and understanding on terrorism. Im not sure what point the author was trying to make, other than Islam equals bad and Obama equals bad. (Re Our new long twilight struggle,  Opinion, June 22)

The author strung together scary buzzwords while alluding to cherry-picked attacks as if to say Look! Terrorism still happens! Muslims do it! The author presented no new information.

Yes, terrorism still happens. Modern terrorism has been happening since at least the 1880s, and the tactic is unlikely to fall out of fashion anytime soon, if ever.

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Groups and individuals across all spectrums commit terrorism to achieve their own aims. The only unifying factor is that terrorists are willing to use violence to advance their political goals.

Kirchicks piece did not aid public discourse in the slightest.

Dan Morgan-Russell, Los Angeles

::

To the editor: The long twilight struggle against Islamist radicalism will never be won. The best we can hope for is a stalemate.

Openly moderate Muslims are found only in democratic countries, where they are a minority religion. Many majority Muslim countries follow intolerant Sharia law, allowing little place for democracy.

This is a much tougher war than the Cold War against communism. It is a guerrilla war, where terrorists blend in with good people.

In this war, we are all soldiers.

Phil Beauchamp, Chino Hills

::

To the editor: As someone who served with an air defense artillery battalion in South Korea in 1968-69, I am offended that Kirchick, among several other misstatements, feels that The Korean conflict was decisively won years ago.

The conflict was concluded with an armistice but, in reality, has continued ever since.

I served there right after the Pueblo was captured. Our compound sixty miles south of the DMZ was attacked by North Korean infiltrators. There have been many hostile incidents at Panmunjom.

These and the current course of events orchestrated by the North Korean government are hardly the result of our having decisively won the Korean conflict.

His misstatement is a disservice to those who fought valiantly during the conflict.

Alfred Sils, Woodland Hills

::

To the editor: Kirchick hits it out of the park in analyzing the factors in our victory in the Cold War and applying it to the current battle against radical Islam. He correctly identifies Obamas naive resistance and denial as a major impediment to victory.

Barry F. Chaitin, Newport Beach

::

To the editor: This accusation, coming from a cold-war era Reagan-ite, is unabashed religious bigotry, and it is shameful.

The President uses the term a perversion of Islam, obviously out of respect, and because denouncing the Islamic religion serves to isolate and alienate our fellow American Muslims, who supply the American-dream narrative that contradicts the claims of our enemies abroad. It also undermines the credibility of our troops stationed in harms way, fighting for everyones freedom.

It is a monumental strategic blunder to characterize this war as a long twilight struggle against Islamic superiority. This is not a fight against Islam, but against violent religious extremism.

We must strongly support our numerous Muslim-country allies throughout the world, to show that America is not on a crusade against Islam, but on the contrary, is tolerant and welcoming.

Arthur D. Wahl, Port Hueneme, Calif.

::

To the editor: After denial comes phase two; recognition that there is a problem.

And practice of religion is the problem. Currently its Islam, although Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, and Jews have had their recent flare-ups.

Several centuries ago Christianity was the problem, devastatingly so. We are faced with a phenomenon that will not go away and will take generations to bring under any reasonable control  if that is even possible.

Guns and bombs wont help. They only make the problem worse.

Only an assault on those things that amplify religious conflict such as poverty, illiteracy, joblessness, lack of just laws, opportunity and dignity will work. That takes time, dedication, money and compromise among the power brokers.

Difficult? Yes. Do we have a choice? Not really  if success is to be hoped for.

Recognize the problem and work to resolve the irritants. Failure to do so will only ensure many more generations of conflict and frustration.

W.R. Frederick, Tarzana

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Corey Lewandowski on Trump VP selection: A very, very short list

Donald Trump is working from a short list of possible running mates, former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski said Thursday.

The list when I left was very, very short, said Lewandowski, who appeared on CNN in his new role as a contributor for the network after being fired Monday from the campaign. Its no more than four individuals. ... Theyre household names.

Until his firing, Lewandowski oversaw the vetting and selection process of a vice presidential pick for the presumptive Republican nominee. Trump has said he will choose a running mate with political experience and will announce his selection at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland next month.

Lewandowski, who signed an agreement that bars him from speaking out against Trump or any of his businesses, said that in his new role on CNN he will tell it like it is and call balls and strikes.

But when asked to name some of those Trump is considering as a No. 2, he demurred. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are openly auditioning for the job, while several GOP politicians have expressed no interest.

"I'm a guy who calls balls and strikes, I'm gonna tell it like it is" @CLewandowski_ joins @erinburnett and @cnn https://t.co/QDJrHQ3nMK  OutFrontCNN (@OutFrontCNN) June 23, 2016

In the days since his dismissal, Lewandowski has professed his continued loyalty to Trump. He still plans to attend the GOP convention as leader of New Hampshires delegation.

As campaign manager, Lewandowski helped navigate Trumps primary win over 16 challengers.

But his tenure was not without controversy. In March, he was accused of manhandling a female reporter at a Florida campaign event. Prosecutors decided not to pursue charges.
Just days before the Legislature is scheduled to act on a package of gun control measures, California election officials announced Thursday that an initiative by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom to restrict firearms has enough signatures to qualify for the November state ballot.

The Secretary of States Office said a verification process using random samples estimated that at least 402,468 of the 600,000 signatures turned in were valid and from registered voters, so the initiative has officially qualified to be on the ballot.

Enough massacres, death, tears, and hate  its time to take action and save lives, Newsom said in a statement Thursday. The Safety for All initiative gives California voters the opportunity to keep guns and ammo out of the hands of violent, dangerous, hateful people. America has too many guns and too much hate. The result is the massacre in Orlando, and dozens of other gun deaths every single day.

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Opponents including Chuck Michel, co-chair for the Coalition for Civil Liberties, plan to campaign against the initiative.

Enough massacres, death, tears, and hate  its time to take action and save lives  Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom

Californians believe in more civil liberties, not fewer freedoms, Michel said. Gavin Newsoms political maneuver will be defeated because it does nothing to stop the next ISIS-inspired attack. We need politicians who arent manipulators but who thoughtfully look for ways to truly make us safer.

The initiative would require background checks for bullet buyers, a ban on possessing ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds, a mandate for felony charges for gun thefts and a strict process for getting guns out of the hands of felons and others disqualified from possessing firearms.

Updates from Sacramento 

Many similar proposals are included in legislation proposed by lawmakers who hoped to avoid the issue going to the voters.

State law allows initiative proponents to drop their proposals if they are satisfied that the same goals are accomplished by legislation.

State Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) said Thursday that Newsom should drop his initiative if the bills are approved next week.

If we pass the bills, there is no need to confuse the voters with an initiative, Hill said.

But Newsom, who is a candidate for governor in 2018, said his initiative goes further so he has no plans to sideline the measure, even if some bills are signed into law.

The initiative makes reforms the Legislature has failed to enact, as well as others the Legislature isnt even considering, and others that they simply dont have the authority to legally address, Newsom wrote recently to Senate leader Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles).

De Leon, in turn, has said the initiative might give cover to some legislators to withhold their vote from gun bills and leave the decision to the voters. He recently called Newsoms initiative a risky all-or-nothing strategy that endangers the potential for enacting strong measures this year that will surely save lives.

De Leon was in Paris on Thursday for the weekend wedding of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and was not available for direct comment on the initiative qualifying.

California voters support many of the proposals in the initiative, according to The Field Poll, which conducted a survey in January, a month after a terrorist shooting in San Bernardino left 14 dead.

The poll found requiring those buying ammunition to undergo background checks was favored by 80% of voters and outlawing large-capacity magazines was supported by 58%.

Since then, a gunman killed 49 people at an Orlando nightclub and Congress has remained gridlocked over gun control even after a sit-in by Democratic U.S. House members.

Newsom formed a campaign committee to qualify the initiative and win its passage. So far the committee has raised more than $2 million, including some $700,000 this year from Newsoms political accounts and more than $600,000 from the California Democratic Party.

ALSO

Two top California Democrats feud over an issue they agree on: gun control

An act of terror and an act of hate: The aftermath of Americas worst mass shooting

Even after the Orlando massacre, the campaigning goes on as Trump and Clinton respond

patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com

Follow @mcgreevy99 on Twitter
For all the talk about divisions within the two major parties over their presumptive nominees, the story of the past month has been the speed with which voters in both have fallen into line: The most recent polling averages show Hillary Clinton receiving eight in 10 Democratic votes and Donald Trump getting almost as high a level among Republicans.

If Clinton and Trump are both so unpopular, why have their parties coalesced so quickly?

A new Pew Research Center survey provides a pretty good answer  and a guide to what we should expect the rest of the campaign season.

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Good afternoon, Im David Lauter, Washington bureau chief. Welcome to the Friday edition of our Essential Politics newsletter, in which we look at the events of the week in the presidential campaign and highlight some particularly insightful stories.

ANTIPATHY AND MISTRUST

Nearly half of Republicans regard Democrats as more immoral, lazy and dishonest than other Americans; seven in 10 Democrats view Republicans as more closed-minded, Pew found.

And overall, about half of the voters polled said the other party makes them angry or afraid.

Its always been true that some partisans mistrust the other side, but the sort of widespread antipathy that Pew found is truly something new in the past decade. The share of Democrats and Republicans who hold very unfavorable views of the other party has doubled just since 2000.

In that environment, its no surprise that large shares of voters dislike either Clinton or Trump. Its also no surprise that on both sides, the vast majority of voters will override their doubts and cast a ballot for their partys leader.

For more on the Pew survey, and its implications, check out my article from Wednesday.

With such a polarized electorate, who wins depends on two factors  the gap in turnout between one sides backers and the others and a relative handful of swing voters in a few battleground states.

The Trump campaign is counting on a turnout surge  a huge outpouring of blue-collar, white voters in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio, where Trumps nationalist, protectionist message clearly has an audience.

The Clinton campaign is counting on a big turnout of minority voters, impelled in part by fear of Trump. She also hopes to win over a small, but potentially critical, slice of Republicans  college educated, moderate, suburban and mostly female.

That Clinton strategy got a boost on Wednesday when the former secretary of State won the endorsement of Brent Scowcroft, the national security adviser to President George H.W. Bush and an adviser to the last four Republican presidents.

The impact is not from Scowcroft, himself  his is hardly a household name  but what he presages: Many in the Republican foreign policy establishment distrust Trump enough to override partisanship, and their views could have a significant effect on the voters Clinton hopes to sway.

THE BREXIT VOTE

The Scowcroft endorsement shows one part of the countrys governing class  the foreign policy elite  gathering behind Clinton. The British vote Thursday to quit the European Union shows the potential for working class voters to revolt against that elite, spurning warnings that the rejection will work against them.

The parallels between the Brexit movement and the Trump campaign are ample; so are the differences. What lessons does the British vote have for the U.S.? Check out my story.

DONT FORGET THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

The popular vote is all very well  just ask Al Gore  but gaining the presidency requires winning enough states to get 270 electoral votes. How to get there? Play political strategist for yourself, and try out as many scenarios as you like on our electoral map.

QUESTIONS ABOUT TRUMP? CLINTON? WEVE GOT ANSWERS

Where they stand on issues, what theyve done in their lives, their successes, their failures, what their presidencies might look like: Weve been writing about Clinton and Trump for years, and weve pulled the best of that content together to make finding what you want to know easier. So check out All Things Trump and All Things Clinton.

DUELING SPEECHES, DIVERGENT DOLLARS

Three weeks have passed since Clinton clinched the Democratic nomination, and the general election campaign is already on full boil.

This week, the Clinton campaign started advertising on television in eight battleground states  Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and New Hampshire, outspending Trumps campaign $23 million to $0. The two candidates have been directly engaging. Trumps dismal fundraising in May caused further panic among Republicans. The New York businessman fired his campaign manager. And the vice presidential sweepstakes are well underway.

Heres what weve been writing.

Clinton delivered two speeches on the economy this week. As Mike Memoli noted in his story examining her economic message, Tuesdays speech was heavy with warnings about Trump.

Just like he shouldnt have his finger on the button, he shouldnt have his hands on our economy, she said.

Both in that speech in Ohio and in a follow-up the next day in North Carolina, Clinton stuck to the liberal economic themes that she hit during the primaries. The speeches served notice that while shes likely to try to reach out to Republicans and more conservative voters on foreign policy, Clinton plans to stick to a progressive message on the economy, one that her strategists hope will connect with some of the economically stressed voters who might otherwise be attracted to Trump.

The Republican fired his return volley on Wednesday. As Noah Bierman reported, it was a blistering speech that combined a protectionist economic message with sharp attacks on Clinton. For a speech by a presidential candidate, it also contained an astonishing number of false statements and unsubstantiated insinuations, providing lots of work for fact-checking efforts.

As Cathy Decker wrote in her analysis, the whole performance raised the question of whether Trump is too flawed a messenger to successfully take advantage of the voter anger that fuels his campaign.

Meantime, both candidates are vetting possible running mates. Mark Barabak took a close look at the question of whether prominent Republicans would really want to be Trumps running mate. He also examined the list of potential vice presidential candidates on both sides, looking at their pros and cons.

One person who wont be on the VP list: Sen. Marco Rubio. The Florida senator decided, after weeks of back and forth, that hell run for reelection. His decision, Lisa Mascaro reported, turns the Florida race into one of the marquee Senate contests of the year.

LOGISTICS

If you like this newsletter, tell your friends to sign up.

That wraps up this week. My colleague Christina Bellantoni will be back Monday with the weekday edition of Essential Politics. Until then, keep track of all the developments in the 2016 campaign with our Trail Guide, at our Politics page and on Twitter @latimespolitics.

Send your comments, suggestions and news tips to politics@latimes.com.

Miss yesterdays newsletter? Here you go. Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox daily.
The storms and tornado have killed 98 people and injured 800, Jiangsu governor Shi Taifeng said Friday morning.

Residents look at the wreckage of a tower after strong gales hit Yancheng in Jiangsu Province yesterday.

Downpours, hailstorms and a tornado battered parts of Yancheng City at 2:30pm, destroying many houses, the local government said.

Extreme weather was reported in several townships in Funing and Sheyang counties in the suburbs of Yancheng.

Gales of up to 125 kilometers per hour battered several outer townships of Funing County, while in Sheyang, the winds reached 100kph.

Many houses collapsed in the gales, with 51 deaths reported and dozens of injuries as of 8:30pm.

Some regions reported blackouts and communication interruptions.

Witnesses said they saw huge trees falling and whole villages were leveled. Victims were dragged from the ruins of their homes and rushed to hospital.

"I heard the gales and ran upstairs to shut the windows," said Xie Litian, 62, from Donggou township in Funing County. "I had hardly reached the top of the stairs when I heard a boom and saw the entire wall with the windows on it torn away."

As he ran downstairs, the roof collapsed. "I crouched in a corner of the ground floor for at least 20 minutes, afraid to move."

When the gales subsided and Xie escaped, all the other houses in the neighborhood were gone. "It was like the end of the world."

Xie said he saw utility poles uprooted and his tractor was blown away. "I was drowned in my own sorrow, until I heard moans for help from a neighbor buried in the debris of her home."

Xie helped the woman out and took her to hospital on his motorbike. "The road was blocked with rubble and fallen trees. Halfway to the hospital, I met my nephew driving a truck. Together, we put the women into his truck and drove on."

Xie said at least three villagers he knew were dead. "This is the worst day I've ever faced," he said.

Yancheng City officials are leading rescue and relief efforts in affected villages.

A State Council work group headed by Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs Dou Yupei was en route to Yancheng last night. The ministry has dispatched relief materials, including more than 1,000 tents and 2,000 folding beds, to affected regions.

Just days earlier, Vice Premier Wang Yang had said China faced volatile weather conditions due to the influence of El Nino.

Tornados occasionally strike southern China during the summer months, but rarely with the scale of death and damage caused yesterday.

This year, southern and eastern China have experienced weeks of torrential rain and storms causing flooding and dozens of casualties.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
A married couple was arrested Thursday after police found a potentially live hand grenade, along with heroin, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, in their Burbank home  all accessible to their 10-year-old son, police said.

Roughly two weeks ago, investigators began surveilling the suspected drug dealers, who live on the 2000 block of North Frederic Street, said Burbank Police Sgt. Claudio Losacco.

On Thursday, investigators detained the father, Peter Jacquin, 44, after witnessing him possibly dealing drugs in a nearby parking lot.

Officers then served a search warrant at the single-family home, which was found to be in disarray, with piles of dirty dishes and clothes inside, along with drugs in plain sight, within reach of the couples 10-year-old son, Losacco said.

Jacquins wife, 44-year-old Deborah Charves, was detained as officers reportedly collected evidence of drug sales, along with methamphetamine and heroin.

The Los Angeles Sheriffs bomb squad responded to the home after officers located a potentially live and unstable hand grenade in a dresser drawer, Losacco said.

The grenade was removed and sent for testing.

Both Jacquin and Charves were arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and possessing drugs for sale. Jacquin was being held in lieu of $190,000 bail, while his wifes bail was set at $100,000.

The pair is due in court next week.

The boy, meanwhile, was taken into protective custody.
Its been said that in business, its a dog-eat-dog world, so of course you would bring your dog to work.

Welcome to the shop dogs of Laguna Beach, where small-business owners find its better to have their best friend at their feet.

From antique stores to hair salons, you will find dogs roaming the aisles  or even jumping on your lap to give you a kiss.

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People love dogs, said Laura Georgopoulos, who owns the Flea Market consignment store on Ocean Avenue with husband Lee. Wolfie, their white German Shepherd rescue dog, is listed on their business card.

Laura said travelers in particular like having dogs around.

There are men in suits that lay on the ground because they miss their dogs so much, she said.

People from all over the world send him postcards, Lee added.

They built Wolfie his own apartment behind the counter. Its a large cubbyhole with a bed and toys.

Everyone comments on his nature and magic, Lee said. Hes a very special animal. He talks to you.

Its been shown that therapy dogs in hospitals or nursing homes can reduce stress and improve morale, so workplace dogs serve a similar function.

The benefits of therapy dogs were first identified in 1976 when a registered nurse, Elaine Smith, noticed how well patients responded to a chaplain and his golden retriever. She founded Therapy Dogs International, and now there are more than 25,000 registered dog trainers across the country providing comfort to those who need it. The pooches may offer disaster stress relief and assistance with childrens literacy.

The effects in business, of course, are not as dramatic. In most cases, the owners just like having their dogs around.

At Soul Project, 1515 S. Coast Hwy., owners Summer and Don Meek said Charlie, a 6-year-old Goldendoodle, is part of the family and serves as the stores greeter.

Summer admitted that Charlie is good for business. He even has his own Instagram account.

Friendly and polite, Charlie seems to know when to approach people and when to let them shop.

Nearby, Vertigos Chris Oswalt lets Utah, his 9-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, run the place, and it shows. Utah keeps a keen eye on everyone who enters and is not above doing tricks for treats. He also likes to bark at sirens that pass by on Coast Highway.

Around the corner at La Bottega gallery, 1590 S. Coast Hwy., is Oscar, a nearly 6-year-old tiny teacup Yorkshire Terrier.

Even though Oscar is sometimes a little territorial with newcomers, he warms up quickly and likes to do a little dance.

Owner Emir Bezdrob said hes lost track of how many times people have offered to buy the wee dog.

People sometimes dont want to buy the art, but they do want to buy Oscar, Bezdrob said, shaking his head.

Another small dog, at Seaside Soles, 1400 S. Coast Hwy., is owned by Ginger Weston. Brandi is an 11-year-old blind Shih Tzu and retired therapy dog who somehow makes her way around the store.

She especially likes to sit out on the stores front porch and sunbathe.

Meanwhile, up the road at British Hair Company, Bear the poodle is still a puppy at 10 months, and his enthusiasm shows. When it comes to regular patrons, hes not shy about jumping on their lap to help assess the progress of their haircut.

Owner Paul Welsh said the salon is like family for most of the clients, so it makes sense to have a dog around. He adopted Bear after the dog was in a difficult living arrangement, so its worked out for everyone.

Shop dogs are not only for retail or service stores either. SWA, a landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm on Glenneyre Street, has Rothko as its mascot, named after painter Mark Rothko.

Hes a playful 9-year-old standard poodle and Doberman mix owned by Drew Watkins, an architect and designer at the firm.

Nationally, several well-known companies allow dogs in the workplace  with various conditions.

Google allows dogs, but you have to get your managers approval, make sure its cool with your immediate co-workers and, oh yeah, no dogs in the volleyball sand pit.

Other pro-dog companies include Etsy, Amazon, Ben & Jerrys, Procter & Gamble, Clif Bar and Mars.

So if you want more productive employees with higher job satisfaction, consider loosening the leash on your pet policy.

--

DAVID HANSEN is a writer and Laguna Beach resident. He can be reached at hansen.dave@gmail.com.
Judie Mancuso has spent a majority of her life advocating for the well-being of animals and environmental protection.

Now she wants to transfer some of that energy into enhancing quality of life for Laguna Beach residents as a member of the City Council.

Mancuso filed paperwork last week at City Hall indicating her intent to run for one of two open council seats against incumbents Steve Dicterow and Bob Whalen in this falls election.

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Mancuso, 53, has lived in Laguna since 1995 and for awhile was on board with most council decisions.

But three years ago Mancuso noticed a change. Decisions concerning tourism and business appeared to move through quickly while issues impacting residents quality of life dragged on without final resolution, Mancuso said.

The neighbors are disgruntled; Im disgruntled, Mancuso said. It has not always been this way.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

Mancuso mentioned the current debate regarding short-term rentals, along with substance-abuse recovery centers and sober-living homes, which she said are popping up all over the place.

These are commercial facilities that need to be in commercial areas, she said.

Earlier this year Top of the World Elementary Principal Mike Conlon called for a community meeting after learning of a recovery center near the school.

Residents complained of loitering, littering and drug use, which they attributed to these facilities. Recovery centers carry state licenses and are required to provide supervision and care whereas sober-living homes do not need to provide care and have no limits on the number of occupants.

Mancuso, born in St. Louis, moved to Hollywood when she was 24 and gained business and management skills working in data processing, now often called information technology.

I can look at these things, analyze them...find solutions to problems and make plans to execute them, she said.

In 2007, she founded Social Compassion in Legislation, a nonprofit that sponsors and supports legislation promoting the care and protection of animals. She is the current president.

Mancuso said one of her proudest achievements was working alongside Los Angeles Councilman Paul Koretz on an ordinance that prohibits businesses from selling mill-bred animals such as dogs, cats and rabbits, which critics claim often live in unsanitary, crowded conditions.

You could not get someone who is more hard-working and focused, Koretz said.

In 2006 Mancuso led a grassroots and lobbying campaign against a proposed liquid natural gas terminal slated off the coast of Malibu that was never built.

More recently, she was one of several residents who opposed trapping coyotes in Laguna.

Residents should take responsibility in learning how to live with wildlife, Mancuso told the council in January. It is arrogant to think you can sanitize your environment by killing.

--

Bryce Alderton, bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
Tuesdays public meeting regarding the divisive issue of renting space in houses and apartments for 30 consecutive days or less in Laguna Beach ended much like prior gatherings on the topic  with more questions than answers.

A majority of the 50 or so attendees inside City Hall addressed Mayor Steve Dicterow, Councilman Bob Whalen and city staff in a meeting specifically dedicated to revising Lagunas ordinance concerning short-term rentals.

Lagunas moratorium on issuing new rental permits expires Oct. 1, thus the city wants an updated ordinance in place when the ban expires.

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Companies such as Airbnb and HomeAway have created lucrative businesses by advertising available stays online in destinations throughout the world.

Earlier this year the council backed away from an outright ban on short-term rentals in all residential zones as the Planning Commission wanted. Council members mulled limiting the number of and duration of stays.

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Whalen and Dicterow, who formed a subcommittee to draft a revised ordinance, did not delve into specifics regarding length of stays Tuesday.

They requested staff return at the next subcommittee meeting in July with a report on whether the nature of short-term rentals has changed to possibly conflict with Lagunas general plan.

Ann Larson, Lagunas assistant community development director, said there is a difference between short-term lodging in 1999 and today.

Previously, a very limited amount of people were coming to the city asking for short-term lodging permits, Larson said. Over the past few years, with the technology, web-based sites, it has mushroomed into a really intense commercial use because people can get the word out because it is available. What we approved previously [1999] is not what we have been seeing recently.

Speakers have called short-term lodging a business that has no place in residential neighborhoods.

Lagunas ordinance, adopted in 1999, allows short-term rentals in some, not all, residential zones. Some areas allow, under certain conditions, preschools, daycare centers and churches.

Since Laguna enacted the moratorium in May 2015, the city received 377 complaints from callers alleging myriad unruly behavior connected with short-term renters. A majority of the complaints centered on parking, Community Development Director Greg Pfost said.

Sixteen of the complaints were linked to the 36 permit holders.

In addition to familiar refrains that these types of rentals chip away at the citys long-term housing stock and contribute to parking congestion on Lagunas streets, speakers challenged prior claims that the practice helps property owners cover mortgage payments.

For people with financial hardships, the council should direct them to financial counseling, Mike Beanan, vice president of the South Laguna Civic Assn., said.

Supporters of short-term rentals also challenged prior claims, saying that some full-time residents are just as unruly as renters staying in a house or apartment for 30 days or less. Others said they have rented short-term for years and have encountered few or no problems.

Weve never had drug dealers or rowdy people, said Pamela Brown, who stopped renting an apartment along South Coast Highway near Hotel Laguna when she heard the city enacted a moratorium. Families, couples come to the city, spend money on restaurants and art galleries.

I tried for over a year to get [a permit], then the moratorium started.

Owners should only be able to rent out their primary residence for short-term stays, Dicterow suggested.

It cant be a second or vacation home, Dicterow said. We want them to have risk involved.

Its unclear how many of the existing 36 permits belong to properties in residential zones. The council earlier this year agreed with planning commissioners that owners could keep those permits no matter the outcome of the revised ordinance.

Whalen suggested the ordinance should address property owners wishing to capitalize financially with short-term rentals at the possible expense of quality of life.

The notion of allowing people to come in and convert an existing home to a short-term property, that I dont support, Whalen said.

Regardless of what happens, enforcement figures to be a challenge. Dicterow asked staff to return with more ideas on how to identify lawbreakers.

The next meeting will be 4:30 p.m. July 14 at the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Center at 380 Third Street.

--

Bryce Alderton, bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce

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A plan to restore Big Canyon Nature Park with native plants and improved walking and biking trails is beginning to take shape.

Currently, the area  a roughly 50-acre habitat west of Jamboree Road adjacent to the Back Bay  is an overgrown canyon full of steep unauthorized trails and non-native plants and animals that are choking out native species. Aside from the handful of hikers and joggers who walk the site and the visitors who use the shade under the large Brazilian peppertree forest, the area largely goes unnoticed by most in Newport Beach.

But city officials and local environmentalists who have had their eye on the canyon for more than a decade see potential through the weeds.

Its been pretty [degraded] over the years, said Riley Pratt, an ecologist and project manager with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. The project is going to be a real facelift to this whole region.

A plan to restore Big Canyon Nature Park in Newport Beach aims to address the areas steep unauthorized trails and non-native plants and animals that are choking out native species. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)

The city has been working with the conservancy, which manages the resources in the area, since 2014 on a Resource and Recreation Management Plan for Big Canyon that would be the blueprint of future efforts to improve natural and recreational resources in the city-owned area.

About a dozen Newport Beach residents received an overview of the restoration document, which looks at the types of plants and species currently on the site, as well as how the public uses the area.

One of the biggest issues is that roughly half of the 64 species of plants in the area are not native and are crowding out native plants such as coastal scrub, riparian scrub and wetlands that sustain endangered or threatened animals such as osprey, the coastal gnatcatcher and the yellow-breasted chat, said Ryan Henry, a senior biologist and project manager at environmental consulting firm Dudek.

The plan includes removing the non-native plants and replanting natives. That could take significant effort in certain areas of the canyon, Henry said.

Wild mustard is in full bloom in Big Canyon Nature Park in Newport Beach. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)

Also, non-native animal species have made a home in the canyon, such as the African clawed frog and American bullfrog, which over time can annihilate an aquatic ecosystem like the bay, according to Henry.

Officials also recommend adding a network of trails that would loop around the reserve, connecting Jamboree Road with Back Bay Drive. That effort, they said, would diminish the need for hikers to cut through areas of the habitat, forming unsafe trails. Officials also are considering installing a hard surface path that would allow bikers from Jamboree to ride through the canyon to Back Bay Drive.

This plan is really nice, said Rita Phillips, who frequents the area. I especially like how the trails are connected. I think itll be safe and well-monitored and allow for favorable vegetation.

A few residents who live nearby worried that a trail proposed for the top of the park near the Eastbluff neighborhood could bring more visitors and noise.

Im all for the restoration plans and providing an area for the flora and fauna to flourish, but Im not in favor of any development in the area, said resident Penny Wilton. Why cant we just have a natural place for habitat without walkers and bikers?

The restoration, which is expected to cost $7 million to $9 million, would be funded completely through grant money. The project likely would take years to complete, according to Assistant City Engineer Bob Stein.

The City Council is expected to review the plans in May.

The city will offer another overview of the plans at a community meeting at 6 p.m. April 26 at the Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.
It was an opening reminiscent of a blockbuster premiere when the Walt Disney Co. hosted the Glendale Historical Societys Come Fly With Us gala and benefit at the spruced-up Grand Central Air Terminal.

Guests, some dressed in 1920s finery, walked a red carpet and stopped for a photo in front of the paparazzi backdrop before entering the building.

Disney has completed the restoration and rehabilitation of the terminal that was built in 1929 and whose frequent flyers included Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. Architect Henry Gogerty combined the style of Spanish Colonial Revival with Zigzag Moderne in the terminals design. The last flight from the historic air field was in 1959.

The terminal and adjacent buildings were purchased by Disney in 1997. The Glendale Historical Society was a strong advocate for the restoration of the terminal over the years and was heavily involved throughout the renovation process from 2013 to 2015 to ensure that the buildings historic features were preserved.

Disney employees inhabit office space on the second floor. A visitors center, which will be open to the public later this month on a limited, reservation-only basis, has photographs of famous aviators and other mementos on display. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/1Uzg2NM.

Guests chatted during the gala while partaking of hors doeuvres and signature cocktails in the event room, which originally was the passenger waiting area. Among those enjoying the event were Richard and Carol Lee and Gail Egan, who donned a flappers dress.

Perusing the vintage photos in the visitors center was community volunteer Patty Mack, who recalled coming with her parents to see Earhart at the historic terminal. Her father snapped several photos of the famous aviatrix.

Greg Grammer, society president, thanked Disney and G &C Properties for sponsoring the event and Forest Lawn for donating the flowers. Grammer then presented the first Preservation Award to Disneys Adam Gilbert, director of corporate real estate and asset management, and Steve Milam, senior project manager who oversaw the renovation that was completed by the design team of Frederick Fisher & Partners Architects, Pamela Burton & Co. Landscape Architecture and Historic Resources Group.

Grand Central serves as a model for adaptive reuse and the kind wed like to see more of in Glendale, Grammer said.

The second award for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation went to the Niodrara Drive Historic District, which includes 32 houses and is distinguished by examples of Period Revival, Ranch, Modern and an American Foursquare from 1912, one of the oldest houses in the Verdugo Woodlands.

This is the seventh historic district to be designated in Glendale. Accepting the award were Cathy Jurca and Laura Crook. Jurca, the historical societys vice president, was the applicant for the award, and Crook is a society board member. The two worked diligently to get the district through the application process.

Crook also served on the gala committee with Jeri Anderson, Sean Bersell, Leslie and Robert Gordon, Marica Hanford, Victoria Lasken, Sonia Montejano, Scott Smissen and Ralph Ziegler.

Attending the event were Mayor Paula Devine, council members Laura Friedman, Vartan Gharpetian and Zareh Sinanyan as well as Glendale Unified School District Board President Armina Gharpetian.

Proceeds from the evening, which included a silent auction, benefit the societys endowment and preservation funds, which allow the society to continue to be a strong voice for preservation in Glendale.

JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.
One of the art worlds more curious voids is the near total eclipse of Claire Falkenstein, an innovator with a maverick vision and a seemingly bottomless appetite for different media. That she produced a number of high-profile public works in Southern California makes the lack of regard for her contributions all the more shameful.

Thats Falkensteins gorgeous, hard-edged stained glasswork striping St. Basils Catholic Church at Wilshire Boulevard and Kingsley Drive in Los Angeles. Her colorful steel-and-stained-glass windscreens brighten up the New Town Center Court at Orange Coast Plaza.

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Her wave-like Structure and Flow fountain in front of the Cal-Fed Building on Wilshire was a 1960s landmark before it was demolished. Her similar copper-and-Venetianglass fountain still gushes and sprays in front of the Long Beach Museum of Art.

The Pasadena Museum of California Art is addressing Falkensteins shrunken profile in a big way. Though there have been a couple of shows in recent memory around the country, Claire Falkenstein: Beyond Sculpture (open through Sept. 11) is  incredibly  the artists first retrospective. The accompanying catalog, by curator Jay Belloli and essayist Maren Henderson, contains the first Falkenstein monograph ever written.

Though known primarily as a sculptor, the show contains a fair amount of Falkenstein paintings  from almost all points in her career. Lumber Mill, a 1938 landscape, carries the dynamism and velocity of Italian Futurism, as do a couple of early ceramics. That sense of wave and flow, anticipating the Atomic Age and then providing a visual corollary, permeate the length of her prodigious output.

A native of rural Coos Bay, Ore., Falkenstein (1908-1997) had a pioneer spirit and wasnt afraid to get her hands dirty. She was not a city girl, points out Belloli. Her roots were in the forest and next to the ocean. When she began to work in metal, it was a point of pride that Falkenstein did her own welding.

Not only that, Belloli maintains, but it was a way to stay close to her vision. The St. Basil Church was an exception: The exterior glass panels run the height of the building, so she had to outsource it. But its as close to her specifications as possible.

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Falkenstein studied at UC Berkeley, majoring in art and minoring in anthropology and philosophy. She studied Einsteins Theory of Relativity, Bellloli says, and thats where you get all of those curves. Einstein said that light curves geometry; theres some geometry in her work but curves continue throughout her career  no matter what discipline she was working in.

Paint, paper, canvas, glass, wood, brass, obsidian, aluminum, copper, bronze, bamboo  Falkenstein used them all.

One of her sun sculptures  a giant ball of intertwined metal  hangs suspended near the doorway of the exhibition space at the PMCA. Its dense but open-aired, humming with a silent energy.

Bellolis 45-year career as curator has taken the Northern California native to Minneapolis, Houston, San Diego, Fort Worth and Detroit. When a position at Cal Tech opened up, he saw it as his destination. My work has always touched on Southern California art, he explains, but it has become that. I recognized L.A. as one of the two biggest centers for contemporary art on the planet; the other is New York. I studied very closely the great shows that Peter Schimmel has done for MOCA and Howard Foxs LACMA exhibitions. Theyve been incredible.

Falkenstein lived and worked in Paris and Italy in the 1950s, before she returned and settled in Venice Beach. Her work was really formed in Paris, he says, but her studio was cramped. When she opened her Venice studio, she understood how to do sculpture commissions. Southern California offered her space and light and the opportunity to make fountain sculptures  water doesnt freeze here. This is where public art opened up for her.

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What: Claire Falkenstein: Beyond Sculpture

Where: Pasadena Museum of California Art, 490 E. Union St., Pasadena

When: Through Sept. 11. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

More info: (626) 568-3665, www.pmca.org

--

KIRK SILSBEE writes about jazz and culture for Marquee.
Glendale Community College officials have started to explore the feasibility of asking voters to pass a multimillion dollar bond to upgrade campus facilities, nearly 15 years after the college passed its last bond.

During a trustees meeting on Tuesday, a consultant said that a recent poll showed more residents would favor a bond than vote against it.

About 57% of 600 local voters said they would support a Glendale Community College bond measure, said John Fairbank of the Los Angeles-based opinion research firm, Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Matz and Associates.

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Fairbanks firm interviewed 600 randomly-selected residents who have voted in presidential elections. If college officials decide to ask voters to pass a bond, they may place the measure on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The interviews took place over the phone in English, Armenian and Spanish during late February and early March, Fairbank said.

The measure would need 55% voter approval, and college trustees could adopt a resolution as early as July in order to place the measure on the November ballot, according to David Casnocha, an attorney who was one of four consultants the trustees heard input from during the meeting.

One of those consultants, Frank Vega, a graduate of Glendale Community College and director of RBC Capital Markets, offered a range of scenarios for the trustees to consider regarding the bonds value.

One option would have college officials issue a $300-million bond over 12 years.

Another scenario would have them issue $600 million in bond funds over 23 years.

The tax rate in both scenarios would amount to $25 per $100,000 of assessed value.

The legal limit at which community colleges can currently issue bonds is $705 million, Vega said.

Trustees didnt comment on whether they favored one option over the other regarding the bonds dollar amount, but Anita Quinonez Gabrielian, trustee president, said the input, overall, offered a lot of good information.

The trustees consideration over a potential bond comes several months after they approved a 156-page facilities master plan in December.

The document listed a local bond election as one way to fund improvements for the colleges main campus on Verdugo Road, its professional development center in Montrose and its south Glendale campus on Garfield Avenue.

Among the recommendations in the plan is to renovate the colleges auditorium, build a parking structure with about 650 spaces and construct new facilities to house the campus robotics, engineering and computer-aided manufacturing programs.

The last time voters approved a bond for Glendale Community College was in 2002 when the $98 million Measure G bond paved the way for officials to build its current parking structure and spend about $22.8 million to upgrade its Garfield campus, which included a new 38,000-square-foot building with classrooms, a career center and administrative offices.

Locally, the last bond passed in Glendale was Glendale Unifieds $270-million bond, which voters approved in 2011.

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Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @kellymcorrigan

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After living on the streets and, more recently, in a friends garage, Army veteran and single father Joseph Garcia finally has a permanent roof over his head in a new low-income housing complex in Glendale for returning soldiers.

A grand opening was held Tuesday for Veterans Village, a 44-unit, affordable-housing development that is one of the first in the state designed for veterans and their families.

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1 / 6 U.S. Navy veteran Yolanda Franklin, 39, was once homeless, but now she has a home at Veterans Village in Glendale. Franklin used to live out of her car after losing her job. Now she lives in one of the 44 units in the new complex, located on the 300 block of Salemn Street. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 2 / 6 The newly-opened Veterans Village of Glendale has 44 units, ranging from one to three bedrooms. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 3 / 6 Alisa Ee, holding 9-month old MacArthur, and her son, 2-year-old Soonshin, live in one of the 44 units in Veterans Village in Glendale. Ees husband (not pictured) is a U.S. Army veteran. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 4 / 6 Glendale city officials and the developers behind Veterans Village participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 5 / 6 U.S. Army veteran Joseph Garcia and his 10-year-old old son Gabriel Giannoni-Garcia live at the newly-opened Veterans Village of Glendale. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 6 / 6 Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian said more cities need to follow Glendales lead in building affordable housing for veterans. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Garcia  a Gulf War veteran and part-time carpenter moved in with his 10-year-old son, Gabriel, last fall. Since then, hes been getting to know his neighbors who saw combat in other wars, he said.

All of our guards are down. Were like one big family, Garcia said. Whether people were in the Army, Air Force, Marines; we all get along together really well, and were always covering for each other. Were helping each other with our kids and feeding each other.

Garcia was one of the winners of a random lottery to pick the first residents of Veterans Village. More than 4,500 applications were received from all over Los Angeles County, according to Jordan Pynes, an official with the developer.

About four years ago, the city approached developer Thomas Safran & Associates with the idea of a project for veterans struggling to find a place to live.

Construction began on the $20-million development two years ago with $13.5 million coming from federal tax credits and $7 million being footed by the city of Glendale and its Housing Authority.

The property has 13 one-bedroom apartments, 16 two-bedroom units and 14 three-bedroom apartments with rents ranging from $466 to $1,292 a month.

To qualify, there is a sliding limit on household income. For example, a family of two can earn no more than $39,120; a three-member family can bring in no more than $44,040; and a four-member family can earn no more than $48,900.

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During his remarks, Mayor Ara Najarian said other cities in the county should construct their own projects similar to Veterans Village instead of just honoring returning soldiers and military personnel with Memorial Day parades.

You have to devote your resources like the city of Glendale  Only then can you truly hold yourself high and say, Weve done all we can to help our veterans achieve a better life after their services to this great country, he said.

Veterans Village is Glendales second low-income housing project for returning soldiers, with Cypress Senior Living being the first.

Social services provider New Directions for Veterans was brought on to look after the residents at Veterans Village.

The nonprofit estimates that there are 4,000 homeless veterans living on the streets in L.A. County.

Thomas Safran, New Directions chairman, said he became involved because too many families of veterans split up.

If you can keep the families and veterans together and support them, I dont think theres anything more important to do than that, he said. It helps them move on with their lives.

Veterans Village resident Alisa Ee, a mother of two whose husband was a tanker in the Iraq War, said housing is key for veterans trying to adapt to life back home again.

Then theres the added benefit when veterans and their families live side by side with other veterans families, she said.

Youre surrounded by people who are like-minded and so people understand you, Ee said. Being able to have that community available for veterans is priceless.

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Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com

Twitter: @ArinMikailian

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Making the best of triple-digit temperatures that scalded the Foothills during the first part of the week, La Canada residents took full advantage of the inherent cooling effects of water and shade as they marked the official start of summer.

Organizers of Camp Runamuk, a summer program of the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge, brought out a SlipN Slide on Monday  when city temperatures hit an astounding 108 degrees  and Tuesday to cool off campers enrolled in Wacky Week.

1 / 6 Camp Runamuk participant Ava Blair slides along a slippery wet slide during water play at the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge in La Canada Flintridge on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Children had wet activities for about one hour. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 2 / 6 Camp Runamuk participant Renzo Nickerson slides along a slippery wet slide during water play at the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge in La Canada Flintridge on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Children had wet activities for about one hour. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 3 / 6 Camp Runamuk participants dry off after water play at the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge in La Canada Flintridge on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Children had wet activities for about one hour. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 4 / 6 Camp Runamuk participants frolic in three small inflatible pools during water play at the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge in La Canada Flintridge on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Children had wet activities for about one hour. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 5 / 6 Camp Runamuk participants Darcy Ireland, left, and Oona Sawyer, right, keep cool and shade themselves with a towel after water play at the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge in La Canada Flintridge on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Children had wet activities for about one hour. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer) 6 / 6 Camp Runamuk participant Spencer Sharp plays in an inflatible pool during water play at the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge in La Canada Flintridge on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Children had wet activities for about one hour. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Meanwhile, several area residents experienced problematic power outages that hit town over the weekend and stayed through Monday. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Davitt said in a council meeting Tuesday residents around Castle Road and Ocean View Boulevard were reporting repeat, and in some cases prolonged, outages.

A blackout Monday nearly sent La Canada Educational Foundations summer school students home, until power was restored at around 1 p.m., right before students were released. Similar blackouts were reported around town over the weekend as the mercury rose to 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

Residents wishing to report or learn more about outages are encouraged to visit Southern California Edisons online outage center at sce.com/outages or call (800) 611-1911.

--

Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine
China's new generation carrier rocket the Long March-7 will leave no pollution as burning of its propellants produces only carbon dioxides and water, according to a project insider.

The new generation Long March-7 carrier rocket is ready for its maiden mission.The Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on the northeast coast of Hainan Province is expected to launch the rocket in the next few days. [Photo: CRI/Li Jin]

Hu Xiaojun, deputy chief designer assistant, said on Thursday the new rocket relies on liquid oxygen and kerosene as fuel, cheaper and less dangerous than the propellants used by some of the earlier rockets.

Designed for transporting cargo ships, the carrying capacity of the medium-sized rocket is 1.5 times that of previous, bigger rockets. It is due for launch between June 25 and 29 from Wenchang, a new launch location in south China's Hainan Province.

The rocket will stay on the launch pad until at least Saturday, the beginning of its five-day launch window.

Launches from the new site, which is much closer to the equator than the other three, can take advantage of the Earth's higher rotational speed to save fuel.

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Easing congestion and making La Canada streets safer took center stage Tuesday, as City Council members considered making concrete some temporary street improvements near Palm Crest Elementary School and reducing speed limits on Angeles Crest Highway near Foothill Boulevard to 30 mph.

The council reviewed traffic calming measures installed last year along Fairmount Avenue, between Earlmont and Hillard avenues, including creation of a perpendicular juncture at Fairmount and Earlmont and striping of an adjacent wide shoulder to prevent parked cars from obstructing pedestrian views.

The matter was brought to the citys attention last April by a local Brownie troop whose members claimed parked cars and no sidewalks made walking to and from Palm Crest Elementary School a dangerous prospect.

Additional parking restrictions and signs were put in place to minimize risk, and the citys Public Works and Traffic Commission agreed to review the situation after several months had passed. In a May 18 meeting, commissioners deemed the changes effective and recommended the city consider installing curbs, gutters and sidewalks with landscaping to provide permanent pathways for walkers.

We believe its fully beneficial to the students and walkers in that area to have the benefit of a sidewalk to walk on instead of the street, traffic engineer Steve Libring told the council Tuesday.

The four council members present (Councilwoman Terry Walker was absent) concurred, agreeing to consider spending the $70,000 necessary to complete the work during their budget process for Fiscal Year 2016-17, currently in progress.

This all started from a local Brownie troop focusing on a traffic improvement, and (now) its starting to come to fruition, said Mayor Jon Curtis.

Council members also looked Tuesday at speed limits along the .2-mile stretch of Angeles Crest Highway between Foothill Boulevard and the Foothill (210) Freeway eastbound onramp. In January 2015, a 40-mph speed limit was imposed by the council when it was learned no previous limitation existed.

That speed was as low as lawmakers could legislate at the time, as it was based on a prevailing speed (defined as the 85th percentile of actual speeds clocked) of 45 mph, which could only be reduced by lawmakers as much as 5 miles per hour.

But on Tuesday council members learned a new traffic study  conducted after signal timing changes had been made allowing cars to more easily clear traffic lights  found the prevailing speed had slowed to 28 mph.

Under the reassessment the speeds came in much lower, so we now can lawfully lower the speed limit, Libring said.

The traffic engineer explained the reduction will allow the city to qualify for assistance from Caltrans in creating a new, right-turn-only lane for northbound Angeles Crest vehicles accessing the 210 Freeway eastbound onramp.

As soon as the speed limit drops below 35, we can meet the design criteria without having to do an expensive widening, so this is a win-win for us in that respect, Libring added.

Ultimately, council members approved 4-0 an ordinance reducing the speed limit to 30 mph, to take effect 30 days after adoption.

Update on regional projects

Also Tuesday, the City Council heard progress reports on two large-scale regional projects that could have serious impacts on the community, and whats being done locally to reduce those impacts.

Chris Stone, assistant deputy director of Los Angeles County Public Works Water Resources Division, and civil engineer Keith Lilley shared news of upcoming work on the Devils Gate Dam sediment removal project, a multiyear effort to remove 2.4 million cubic yards of debris from the over-filled reservoir.

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They said contractors will begin clearing brush and building temporary access routes sometime in January. All previously agreed-upon mitigation efforts  insisted upon by local environmentalists and La Canada city and school officials  will be honored, Lilley said.

The agency plans to hold a series of community workshops in mid-July to inform residents of the projects parameters and the work that will take place. One of those meetings will take place in La Canada, however the date has not yet been finalized.

La Canada resident and 710 Freeway activist Jan SooHoo updated the public on the efforts of the No 710 Action Committee, a grassroots organization of residents and agencies actively advocating against construction of a 4.5-mile underground tunnel to connect the freeways endpoint in Alhambra with the 210 Freeway terminus in Pasadena.

SooHoo said tunnel opponents are strengthening their defenses while the Metropolitan Transportation Authority prepares its final environmental review on possible solutions, including a tunnel. She shared recent attempts by Pasadena officials, who largely oppose a tunnel but have been hamstrung by a 2001 ballot measure vowing to close the freeway gap, to consider repealing their citys Measure A.

The tunnel is fiscally and environmentally unacceptable and, frankly, will be an ineffective solution for easing congestion, she said. Our mission includes promoting solutions that are fiscally and environmentally sound, reduce pollution, lower health risksease congestion and eliminate public dependence on fossil fuels.

More information can be found on no710.com. Alternatively, arguments in favor of a tunnel can be found on 710coalition.com.

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Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine
You can reach an exotic foreign destination for about half of what it will cost you to fly to London from LAX: AeroMexico is offering a round-trip fare to Quito, Ecuador, for $445, including all taxes and fees.

The catch: You must buy your ticket by July 3. The fare, subject to availability, is for travel any day of the week through Oct. 27. You must buy your ticket at least seven days in advance, and must stay at least two nights but not more than 30.

Info: AeroMexico, (800) 237-6639, www.aeromexico.com/en/us

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Source: Airfarewatchdog.com
One round-trip ticket to Portland. One rental car, pointed west. And one tank of gas.

Start with these elements, then stretch them across four days and three nights in the shape of a 270-mile triangle.

The result? A road trip to the northern Oregon coast, as far south as Pacific City, as far north as Cannon Beach.

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Youll be sidestepping Portland proper and Astoria  and every other city with a population of more than 10,000  so you can take a little time in towns such as Tillamook, Manzanita, Nehalem and Netarts  and in the landscape between them.

Along the way  mostly two-lane highways  youll find enough rugged-shoreline panoramas to choke your iPhone, along with tall trees, beach grass, bike tracks in damp sand, wave-lashed rocks and plates of homegrown greens, local oysters and (you knew this was coming, right?) Tillamook cheese.

If you happen to catch a few sunny days, as I did during my May visit, thats your cue to grab at the outdoor options with both hands.

Climb the great dune at Cape Kiwanda. Take the Cape Lookout hike in Cape Lookout State Park. Stand on the wet sand beneath Cannon Beachs Haystack Rock and watch it become a whale-shaped silhouette at sunset.

Like Haystack Rock, some of these stops are time-honored Oregon destinations. But not all. The midpoint of my trip was North Fork 53, a farmhouse B&B that opened in October with a staff of hip, young farmers and servers who run an organic farm and stylish little farm store.

It sits about 15 minutes inland in the deep green Nehalem River Valley, which makes a nice contrast to the regions many beach towns.

But lets get you to those beach towns first. This itinerary begins with a 108-mile drive from Portland International Airport west along U.S. 26 and Oregon 6, then south on U.S. 101 to Cape Kiwanda at Pacific City.

 Travel writer Christopher Reynolds takes a scenic spin on the Oregon coast: four days, three nights, one tank of gas, one big sand dune, one killer coastal hike, one cheese factory, one organic farm B&B, and one bonfire in the shadow of Haystack Roc

Its a strange cape.

Beside a gorgeous sandstone finger of land that reaches out into the ocean, you confront a 200-foot-high sand dune. Yes, you can and should climb it. (In early morning, theres less wind at the top.)

From the top you can look down on the cape and out at 327-foot-high Haystack Rock, which is not to be confused with a more famous (but smaller) Haystack Rock that youll encounter later.

About descending: If you run straight down the dune, you may feel as though youve slipped into a weightless slo-mo dream sequence. I recommend this. Just dont fall.

After the dune, you could head a few miles north to Whalen Island County Park, where a handful of enormous driftwood tree trunks is scattered on sand like the Jolly Green Giants forgotten beach toys.

Or you could forget the island and walk straight from the dune into the Pelican Pub & Brewery, which has stood at the edge of the sand since 1996.

Pacific City is sleepy, only about 1,000 residents, but the Pelican stays busy. I gobbled one of the burgers and slept across the street at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda in a second-floor room looking down on the sea, the pub and the big rock.

Now, if I had gone straight from Cape Kiwanda to my next destination  the North Fork 53 B&B, near Nehalem  that would have been a 50-mile dash, most of it on U.S. 101.

Instead, I tried a few detours on the way north.

The first and best, 12 miles north of Pacific City, was the cliff-top, fern-lined trail out to Cape Lookout, a 4.6-mile round-trip hike within Cape Lookout State Park. It was fairly flat but plenty dramatic.

The views make you feel like youre doing some sort of extreme hike, but youre not, said Evelyn Hunsberger, a 20-year-old student I met on the trail.

Next Id recommend lunch on the sun-splashed patio of the Schooner Restaurant & Lounge, eight miles north of Cape Lookout State Park on Netarts Bay. In the afternoon, you could continue north to wander around the lighthouse and coastal panoramas at Cape Meares or head east to taste cheese and ice cream ($3 a scoop) at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. I did both.

You need not get lost and waste an hour on an old gravel logging road along the Kilchis River, as I did. Instead, to get to North Fork 53 from Tillamook, just take U.S. 101 up to Nehalem and follow North Fork Road for about five miles along the north fork of the Nehalem River until you spot the bright-colored sign, barn and 1930s farmhouse that belong to the B&B. (Of the four guest rooms  $105-$125 nightly  three share baths.)

For dinner, youll want to head into nearby Nehalem or Manzanita. But dont miss the North Fork 53 breakfast. The eggs, greens, carrots, potatoes  just about everything was grown within five acres of the table.

Lily Strauss, who tends fields at the North Fork 53 farm and bed & breakfast in Nehalem, Ore., samples some of the farms kale. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times )

As if that werent enough, after breakfast, innkeeper Ana Tkacik and farmer Lily Strauss took me out to the fields and picked some Lacinato kale and arugula flowers that we ate on the spot. (Other visitors, if theyre 21 or older, might prefer one of North Fork 53s marijuana-related packages, billed as Oregons first fully integrated cannabis lodging experience.)

For the last night of this trip, I suggest two ideas an Oregonian might expect and a Californian might not: First, drive 24 more miles up the coast up to enjoy the shoreline and driftwood at Ecola State Park. (Yes, in the era of Ebola and E. coli, the park has an ominous-sounding name. But its an old native word. Learn to love it.)

The parks Indian Beach and cliff-top picnic area both have screen-saver-worthy views. But be warned: Winter landslides have shut down one popular viewing platform near the picnic tables.

Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Ore. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times )

Then find a hotel on the sand at Cannon Beach so you can spend the sunset wandering around another Haystack Rock, this one 235 feet tall and surrounded by swooping gulls, puffins, murres, cormorants and, sometimes, bald eagles. (If you stay at the Surfsand Resort, bear in mind the beach campfire that Surfsand staffers set up on nights when weather permits. They even supply marshmallows and skewers.)

Cannon Beach, by the way, is no secret to the trendy set in Portland. The population may be 1,700 or so, but its been a well-known quantity since at least 1806, when Capt. William Clark (Meriwether Lewis partner in northwestern exploration) found a 108-foot-long whale here, beached on the shore near Ecola Creek.

Today Portlanders seek out scores of hotels, rental houses, galleries and restaurants, most with shingled walls, New England-style, on Hemlock Street. (Try Lazy Susan Cafe for breakfast and bring cash. It doesnt take plastic.)

The towns popularity with Portlanders means things can be pricey, but its location is undeniably handy. Once you hop back into your rental car, its just 91 miles along U.S. 26 to the Portland airport and your flight home.

chris.reynolds@latimes.com

::

Tips for visitors

Getting around: Oregon has 363 miles of coast and U.S. 101 runs close to most of it. My trip from Portland airport to Pacific City to Cannon Beach to Portland airport again covered just 68 miles of coastline, mostly along 101.

Best time to visit: May through October, when high temperatures are typically 59 to 65 degrees at Cannon Beach. Oregons coast gets about 15 degrees cooler in late fall and winter, and much wetter  more than 10 inches of rain per month in November, December and January.

Accessibility: Cars can legally drive onto the beach by way of a ramp at Pacific City, giving easy access to the sand if you have the right kind of wheelchair. The Tillamook cheese factory is wheelchair accessible.

Sleep: Inn at Cape Kiwanda, 33105 Cape Kiwanda Drive, Pacific City, Ore.; (503) 965-7001. Rooms for two: $179 and up, depending on season.

North Fork 53, 77282 Oregon Route 53, Nehalem, Ore.; (503) 368-5382. Four rooms (three with shared baths, one with private bath) in a 30s farmhouse. Rooms for two: $110-$125, breakfast included.

Surfsand Resort, 148 Gower St., Cannon Beach, Ore.; (855) 761-9065. rooms for two: $199 and up, depending on season.

Eat: Pelican Pub & Brewery, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Drive, Pacific City; (503) 965-7007. Good burgers. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Entrees $13.99-$30.

The Schooner Restaurant & Lounge, 2065 Boat Basin Road, Netarts, Oregon; (503) 815-9900. Seafood-y; dining room and patio by the water. Lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch. Lunches $12.50-$18.

Lazy Susan Cafe, Coaster Square, Cannon Beach, Oregon; (503) 436-2816. Breakfast and lunch, cash only. Everything $13.25 and under.

More info: Travel Oregon, Visit the Oregon Coast, Tillamook Coast, Cannon Beach.
More than 1,200 people living in a camp for internally displaced people in northeastern Nigeria have died from starvation and sickness during the last year in what is becoming a catastrophic humanitarian emergency, according to the medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders.

The camp, located on a hospital compound in the remote town of Bama in Nigerias Borno state, hosts about 24,000 people, including 15,000 children, and they are in a dire health situation, the aid agency said this week.

We have been told that people there, including children, have starved to death, Ghada Hatim, head of Doctors Without Borders mission in Nigeria, said in a statement. We were told on certain days more than 30 people were dying due to hunger and illness.

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Violence in northern Nigeria fueled by the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram has forced more than 2.5 million people to flee their homes, according to United Nations statistics.

Residents evacuate in a truck full of metal sheets collected from houses burned after Boko Haram attacks in Buni Yadi on May 21, 2016. (Aminu Abubakar / AFP/Getty Images )

News of the crisis in Bama came the same week as the international body marked World Refugee Day and called for increased unity and efforts to assist the record 65.3 million people who are displaced around the globe.

A medical team from Doctors Without Borders  also known by its French name, Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF  was able to get into Bama for the first time for a few hours on Tuesday to do an assessment, the aid group said.

The team discovered 16 severely malnourished children at immediate risk of death and about 150 more youngsters suffering from severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of the condition, according to the group. The sickest children were being treated at medical facilities in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.

We  see the trauma on the faces of our patients who have witnessed and survived many horrors, Hatim said.

GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT WATCH: Full coverage here>> 

According to the aid group, almost six people a day had died in the camp since May 23, mainly from diarrhea and malnutrition, and the groups assessment team counted 1,233 graves that had been dug during the last year in a cemetery near the camp. About 480 of the burial sites were for children, the group said.

Other aid groups working at the Bama camp also highlighted the severity of the crisis. The United Nations Childrens Fund, or UNICEF, reported Thursday that since May the agency had partnered with the state Primary Health Care Development Agency to provide a permanent primary healthcare presence in Bama. And from April 3 to May 31 more than 320 children were admitted for treatment for severe acute malnutrition, according to UNICEF.

A man serves lunch from an open-air kitchen for people displaced by Boko Haram violence on May 19, 2016, in the Dalori Internally Displaced Peoples Camp near Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria. (Aminu Abubakar / AFP/Getty Images )

The conflict in northeastern Nigeria has exacerbated the need for food across Borno, where agriculture has come to a standstill and about 50,000 people are starving, according to the International Crisis Group, an independent, nonprofit organization committed to preventing and resolving conflict.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that although the Nigerian government was managing to recapture territory from Boko Haram, the security situation in the northeast region was expected to remain fragile. As much as 80% of Borno was still considered risky for humanitarian organizations, limiting the access to vulnerable communities, according to the agency.

Last month, the U.N. World Food Program announced that it would be scaling up to assist 430,000 people in Nigerias northeast.

It is a race against time as the lean and rainy season is upon us, Ertharin Cousin, the food agencys executive director, said in a statement. We know that unless we act fast, and we act now, hunger will only deepen in the months to come.
Britains decision to leave the European Union might not mark the beginning of the end for continental unity, but that possibility was in the air Friday as Europes leaders struggled to put the best face on their new reality after the Brexit vote.

Theres no way to put a positive spin on this -- today is a setback for Europe, said a glum-looking German Chancellor Angela Merkel, urging the continent to remain prudent and analyze the situation calmly. The EU is strong enough to find the right answers.

The surprise vote to leave the EU encouraged anti-establishment parties in France, Denmark and the Netherlands to push for their own leave referendums, and also unleashed powerful separatist forces within Britain itself. Political leaders in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where voters opposed the Brexit, said they want to leave the United Kingdom so that they can remain in the EU.

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In Brussels and Berlin, Paris and Prague, presidents, chancellors and prime ministers could barely contain their disbelief. There was a whiff of panic in the air in European capital cities after Britain became the first nation to vote to abandon the EU, a free trade zone and ever-closer political union that has been a bulwark for peace and prosperity for some six decades.

Given the size of the British economy, its as if California decided to leave the United States.

Even though British opinion polls had indicated it would be a close decision that could go either way, EU leaders seemed to be caught flat-footed by the 52-48% decision to leave and it quickly became clear Friday that they had no Plan B.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks about the referendum in Britain at the chancellery in Berlin. (Markus Schreiber / Associated Press )

There is no way of predicting the consequences of this event, especially for the U.K., Donald Tusk, a former Polish prime minister and the president of the European Council that leads the 28-member EU, said in Brussels -- sounding uncharacteristically at a loss for ideas. Its a historic moment but not a moment for hysterical reactions. We are determined to keep our unity as 27.

That may be easier said than done. Opposition leaders in the Netherlands and France immediately said they felt emboldened to pursue their campaigns to exit the EU using arguments that won the day in Britain: that their national identities are being subsumed amid EU rules and rising numbers of immigrants, and that their concerns are being neglected by elected leaders.

Proposals for a joint path forward are unlikely to emerge any time soon, because the two largest countries left, Germany and France, have such strikingly different visions of how the EU should proceed without Britain.

While France is eager to deepen the political and economic union, in part to spur growth now that pro-business Britain is jumping ship, Germanys austerity-minded leader, Merkel, remains leery about costly pump priming and anything that carries a whiff of socialism.

Also, some EU countries such as France want to punish Britain with harsh and speedy divorce terms in order to frighten off other leave candidates. Germany is expected to try to find more pragmatic solutions that will maintain ties with Britain and keep high levels of trade flowing, analysts said.

[British Prime Minister David] Cameron was politically an idiot to call this referendum, said Thomas Jaeger, a political scientist at Cologne University. But at the same time, it would be a mistake for the EU to pursue a vindictive policy of good riddance and lets stick it to them now. That could really backfire on the EU, and Germany will try to prevent that.

Merkel, who desperately wanted to avoid Brexit and tried to help Cameron get what he needed at EU summits, has said little in public so far. She appeared to be clearly shaken while making a midday statement in Berlin on Friday and quickly left without taking questions.

Her foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will host a meeting of foreign ministers in Berlin on Saturday. Merkel will meet with French President Francois Hollande and Italys Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in Berlin on Monday to discuss the next steps.

Brexit appeared to defy economic reason to many in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, and cast doubt over the future of the bloc.

This is an historic breaking point and the shock waves are simply too enormous to fully gauge at this point.  Paul Nolte, a political scientist at Berlins Free University

Opinion polls in some EU countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, show majorities in favor of leaving. The British vote also galvanized far-right and anti-EU movements in France and Germany, the EUs last two remaining powers, which will have tricky national elections in 2017 due to the rise in anti-establishment sentiment.

This is an historic breaking point and the shock waves are simply too enormous to fully gauge at this point, said Paul Nolte, a political scientist at Berlins Free University. Its difficult to say today what the consequences for the EU are because of the centrifugal forces coming out of this vote. It will certainly give the populist forces across Europe an enormous lift.

In the Netherlands, anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders, who is seeking to become the countrys next prime minister, called for a referendum on his countrys EU membership as quickly as possible.

We want to be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders and our own immigration policy, Wilders said.

In France, one of Hollandes rivals in next years presidential election, the far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen, proclaimed the British vote a victory for freedom.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen speaks during a news conference at the National Front party headquarters in Nanterre, outside Paris. (Kamil Zihnioglu / Associated Press )

Germans, and others in the EU, are also worried that the departure of Britain could force Germany into even more of a leadership role -- which could lead to fears in France and elsewhere of being dominated from Berlin on a continent where the ghosts of World War II are never far away.

Finally, there was further trouble for Britain on its southern flank Friday when Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo reignited a 300-year-old fight by saying that Gibraltar, a 2.5-square-mile piece of British territory on the southern tip of Spain, should be returned to Spain.

The Spanish flag is now much closer to flying over Gibraltar, he told Spanish radio.

Kirschbaum is a special correspondent.
Britains vote to leave the European Union sent shock waves rippling across the globe Friday, setting off tumult in financial markets, forcing the countrys prime minister to resign and shattering the stability of an alliance that created the continents shared economy and ended the ruinous wars that plagued the early 20th century.

Britons woke up Friday to a new reality fraught with uncertainty: Who will run the government? What kind of relationship will Britain have with the rest of Europe? What will happen to jobs, trade and prices? Will the economy collapse?

With 52% of the vote, leave campaigners celebrated Thursdays outcome as a triumph of British democracy over an oppressive Brussels bureaucracy.

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The dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom, UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage said to a cheering crowd at what turned into a leave victory party.

This will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people, he said.

But among the 16 million voters who wanted to remain in the EU  and the 3 million Europeans who live and work in Britain but could not vote  there was shock and bewilderment.

London feels sort of grief-stricken, said Charlotte Bussey, a 41-year-old resident of the city who said she was tempted to walk up to French and German people in the street and tell them: I didnt vote leave.

Andrea Vidmar, a newlywed hairstylist from Croatia, wondered if Europeans who are not British would be forced to leave. She has lived in London for two years and is hoping to buy a home and start a family.

It feels like 17 million people voted that they dont want me here. Like we are unwanted and some kind of European scum, she said, visibly shaken.

Economic analysts had warned that a British exit from the EU, or Brexit, could push Europes second-largest economy after Germany back into recession, with repercussions felt around the world.

The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered.  British prime minister David Cameron

Major stock markets in Asia, Europe and the U.S. tumbled Friday, and the British pound fell by more than 10%, to a 30-year low of below $1.35.

Markets recovered some of their losses after the governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, said that there had been extensive contingency planning and that the bank would not hesitate to take additional measures as required, as markets adjust and as the U.K. economy moves forward.

But that did not prevent Moodys credit ratings agency from downgrading the outlook for the British governments bonds from stable to negative. The outlook for EU bonds, on the other hand, remained stable.

Scotland, meanwhile, was threatening to launch a second referendum on independence, creating new uncertainty over the future of the United Kingdom itself.

I intend to take all possible steps and explore all possible options to give effect to how people in Scotland voted, in other words to secure our continuing place in the EU, and in the single market in particular, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

While Britain overall voted to leave the EU, 62% of voters in Scotland cast ballots to remain.

The unexpected victory of the leave campaign was a crippling defeat for British Prime Minister David Cameron, the Conservative Party leader who has led Britain for the last six years and campaigned vociferously to remain in Europe.

Brexit live updates: Whats happening now that Britain voted to leave the EU 

The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered, Cameron told reporters after the vote.

But he said it was time for fresh leadership to negotiate Britains departure from what will become a 27-member union.

I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination, Cameron said, signaling that he would step down by October, when the Conservatives hold a party conference.

The result also unleashed turbulence in the opposition Labor Party, whose traditional working-class supporters defied the leaderships call to vote remain in large numbers. Two party lawmakers filed a motion of no confidence against leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The hard-fought and bitter campaign exposed deep schisms in British society, in which proponents of greater openness to Europe came up against longstanding worries about immigration, job losses and a perceived loss of sovereignty to European bureaucrats.

The split reflects a generational divide with 75% of voters ages 24 and younger  those with perhaps the most to gain from being able to live and work across the continent  casting ballots to remain in the EU, compared with older voters who feel left behind by globalization.

Jo Tansley Thomas, a 33-year-old London transport consultant, said she was born after Britain joined the EU. I always assumed I would be part of this wider European community, she said. I feel completely robbed.

Londons former mayor, Boris Johnson, a strong proponent of leaving Europe who has been one of those favored as Britains next prime minister, vowed Friday that the country would remain a great European power with a glorious opportunity to take control of its own future.

We cannot turn our backs on Europe. We are part of Europe. Our children and grandchildren will continue to have a wonderful future as Europeans traveling to the continent, understanding the languages and cultures that make up our common European civilization, he said.

But there is simply no need in the 21st century to be part of a federal system of government based in Brussels that is imitated nowhere else on Earth. It was a noble idea for its time, but it is no longer right for this country.

The decision will force Britain to renegotiate business, trade and political ties with the EU and other partners, an immensely complex divorce for which there is no precedent.

Once Britain invokes Article 50 of the so-called Lisbon Treaty, it has two years to complete the negotiations. Analysts have warned that the discussions could drag on even longer, with some countries trying to punish Britain to deter others from staging their own exit.

Populist politicians including Frances Marine Le Pen and the Netherlands Geert Wilders are already calling for similar votes to be held in their countries.

That is a very real concern and will risk what they are calling contagion, said Robert Hazell, professor of government and the constitution at University College of London. At the most extreme, the whole of the EU could unravel.

European officials appeared determined to move quickly.

We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty, said a joint statement from European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Council President Donald Tusk, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

President Obama pledged that the special relationship between the U.S. and the United Kingdom would endure, whatever the outcome, as would Americas links to the European Union.

The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world, Obama said.

However, some analysts said that relationship would inevitably become less special.

The U.K. has been one of this countrys most important partners. And again, it will be less willing and able to play that role, said Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S. think tank. The United States will have no alternative but to increasingly turn to and rely on other countries.

With Europe still reeling from deadly terrorist attacks in France and Belgium, Thursdays vote also carries potential security implications.

It could jeopardize a number of counter-terrorism measures in which Britain plays an integral part and weaken European resolve in the face of a resurgent Russia and its defiant president, Vladimir Putin, according to a press note released by the Center for a New American Security .

Putin has done his very best to fracture and divide Europe, wrote Julianne Smith, director of the centers strategy and statecraft program, and Rachel Rizzo, a research associate. This vote grants him a significant win, especially as it could dissolve European unity on sanctions.

alexandra.zavis@latimes.com

Special correspondent Mitic reported from London and Times staff writer Zavis from Los Angeles. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed.

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UPDATES:

4:04 p.m: This article was updated with additional analysis.

3:20 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details throughout.

This article was originally published at 1:36 p.m.
Britons voted Thursday to leave the 28-nation European Union, a historic vote that sent shock waves across the continent and prompted Prime Minister David Cameron to announce that he will step down by October.

The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered, Cameron said after voters decided, by a 52-48% margin, to quit the union that created a continent-wide economy and strived to ensure that Europe never again is engulfed by conflict like the two world wars of the 20th century.

Cameron, the Conservative Party leader who has led Britain for the last six years and who campaigned vociferously to remain in Europe, said it was time for fresh leadership to determine how and when to launch the process of dividing from Europe.

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Updates: Britain votes to leave European Union>>

I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain who steers the country to its next destination, said Cameron, signaling that he will step down at the time of his partys annual conference in October.

Throughout Europe, people awoke Friday to the news that British voters had decided to quit the EU, which many believed was encroaching on their sovereignty and opening borders to too many immigrants.

Reaction was swift. The pound dropped to a low not seen since 1985, and Asian markets were thrown into turmoil.

Donald Tusk, the European Council president, vowed to stay the course -- but with 27 countries, not 28. Europe is not only a fair-weather project, he said.

Its true that the past years have been the most difficult ones in the history of our union, but I always remember what my father used to tell me, what doesnt kill you makes you stronger, Tusk said.

The governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, said extensive contingency planning and substantial assets on hand have left the British banking system prepared for any future transition or market turbulence.

To be clear, the Bank of England will not hesitate to take additional measures as required, as markets adjust and as the U.K. economy moves forward, he said.

The vote showed Britain to be sharply divided geographically, with a strong pro-EU vote in London, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and majorities for leaving in much of the rest of the country.

Dare to dream that the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom, UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage said to a cheering crowd at what turned into a leave victory party.

This will be a victory for real people, a victory for ordinary people, a victory for decent people, he added. I hope this victory brings down this failed project, and leads us to a Europe of sovereign nation states trading together, being friends together, cooperating together  and lets get rid of the flag, the anthem, Brussels and all that has gone wrong.

Farages fellow leave campaigner Don Hannan was equally ebullient, but said that with 48% of Britons voting to stay in Europe, we need, wherever possible, to try to build consensus. He added that the result did not mean that Britain would be walking away from our friends in Europe.

The British pound  Britain had never adopted the euro  plummeted more than 10% in six hours on international currency markets, from about $1.50 to below $1.35. Many economists had predicted that an EU exit would hurt the British economy and undermine Londons position as a global financial center.

There were reports that turnout was lower than expected in some of the areas most committed to staying in the European Union  in particular, Scotland, where voters overwhelmingly opposed leaving the union.

 Britons voted Thursday to leave the 28-nation European Union, a historic vote that sent shock waves across the continent.

The vote promised political, economic and social changes for Britain and the EU member nations as well as global ramifications. Supporters say Britain would be in a better financial position, but opponents say the potential problems outweigh any benefits.

Cameron took much of the blame from opponents of the referendum for opening the door to the vote and from supporters for backing the wrong side.

David Jones, a Conservative member of Parliament from Wales who supported the leave campaign, told the BBC that Cameron had been a strong prime minister, but, the fact is, on this occasion, he called it wrong.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who supported staying in the EU, wrote on Twitter that Scotland was now likely to vote to leave Britain, after having voted in 2014 to stay. Camerons legacy will be breaking up two unions, she wrote. Neither needed to happen.

Cameron, speaking outside Downing Street, called on the country to support the will of the majority and help the country through the coming measures to carry it out.

The country has just taken part in a giant democratic exercise, perhaps the biggest in our history, he said. We should be proud of the fact that in these islands, we trust the people with these big decisions.

The Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, said he was heartbroken.

I am devastated and I am angry, he said. Today we wake to a deeply divided country. Nigel Farages vision for Britain has won this vote, but it is not a vision I share. Young people voted to remain by a considerable margin, but were outvoted. They were voting for their future, yet it has been taken from them.

A newscaster on ITV television reported near total silence at a remain campaign party.

Earlier in the day, despite rainy and gray weather, there was a long line of people waiting to vote at Gospel Oak Methodist Church in north London, which was not the case last month for the London mayoral election.

I think this referendum is really important, said Anna Solemani, wearing a remain sticker on her rain slicker. I want to stay in, and this is the most passionate I have ever been for an election or referendum.

In the London neighborhood of Chelsea, pensioner Jo Davis said she voted to leave because she thinks we have had such a muddle with immigration.

The formation of the EU began after World War II to generate economic cooperation and avoid war. The debate on whether it was time for Britain to break away generated fears about uncontrolled immigration and other problems if the remain camp won and a virtual economic collapse if the leave camp won.

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Britain will have about two years to negotiate its exit strategy.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president, had warned in advance that there would be no further negotiations of the countrys relationship with the EU if British voters decided to leave. Out is out, he said.

The referendum has been a highly contentious issue for months, with both sides claiming their statistics and predictions are correct and accusing the other side of inaccuracies and lies. The BBC even set up a Reality Check page on its news website in a bid to fact-check all the claims made by both sides.

The campaign experienced tragedy last week as lawmaker Jo Cox, a remain supporter, was killed by a man who reportedly shouted, Britain first, before shooting and stabbing the 41-year-old mother of two. Britain First, a far-right political group, denied any involvement in the slaying.

The vote to leave the EU means Britain will have to renegotiate its relationship with the countries still in the partnership and other nations. The leave camp, headed by former London Mayor Boris Johnson -- now considered a potential successor to Cameron -- said Britain would be better off financially because all the money the country contributes to the EU would remain in British coffers and could help boost the internal economy.

Those in the remain camp -- led by Cameron and supported by former prime ministers Tony Blair and John Major -- had maintained that leaving would have negative effects on long-term economic growth, housing prices, jobs and the general standard of living.

The two most contentious issues tied to the referendum were immigration and the economy.

Britain is part of the single EU market, which means no trade tariffs on imports and exports within the union. If voters decide to leave, trade deals with EU countries and others such as the U.S. would need reworking. President Obama said on a visit to London in May that if Brexit passed, the country would be put in the back of the queue when it came to trade deals. Experts believe that France, Belgium and possibly Germany would reject any moves by Britain to remain within the European single market without at least an agreement that European citizens could continue to work and live in the country.

The immigration issue largely stems from the number of European Union citizens who have come to live and work in Britain and can collect benefits.

The leave argument has been that people from poorer countries have flooded Britain during the last several years and Britain has lost control of its borders. According to the Office of National Statistics, net migration to the country was 330,000 in 2015, with 184,000 coming from within the EU.

The remain camp countered that EU migrants contribute to the growth of the country and many work in jobs that many British citizens do not want, including as builders, cleaners and nannies.

As it happens, if we left the EU, nothing would change in terms of our international obligations towards refugees, said Robert Hazell, a professor of government and constitution at University College London.

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Brexit shock waves rock Germany and the rest of Europe

U.S. markets drop sharply after Brexit vote increases global recession risk

Editorial: Brexit would be a disaster for Britain
The father and son last talked at their family home in the city of Sirnak in southeast Turkey while drinking sweet tea.

The younger man, Hursit Kulter, was staunch in his conviction that Turkeys Kurdish minority could achieve self-rule through political channels. The 33-year-old worked for a Kurdish-focused political party, the Democratic Regions Party, or DBP.

After a while, a smiling Hursit bid his father, Hamdi Kulter, farewell, saying he had work to do. His family has not seen him since that day in mid-March.

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Mostly he helped resolve disputes between families, Hamdi Kulter said. He left home with nothing more than a laptop and a pen. But the police declared a curfew after he left  he never came back.

No one seems to know what happened to the younger Kulter, but human rights groups worry that the disappearance may mark a new, disturbing phase in Ankaras campaign to root out what it describes as Kurdish terror.

During the 1990s, with insurgency by the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, at its most severe, many hundreds of Kurds were subjected to enforced disappearances, according to monitoring groups.

Each weekend, across Turkey, women gather in public squares clutching pictures of husbands and sons, pleading to know what happened to their loved ones.

In one prominent 1996 case, 43-year-old Abdullah Canan, a small business owner, disappeared while driving between the cities of Yuksekova and Hakkari. Canans village had been razed by the Gendarmerie and he sought to prosecute the operations commanders.

His bound and gagged body was discovered more than a month later on a remote stretch of road. He had been shot seven times and his face mutilated with a knife.

My uncle identified the body, said Abdullahs son, Tayyup Canan, now a prominent human rights campaigner in Yuksekova. I didnt want to see the body. I didnt want to remember him like that.

After a decade of legal battles, the European Court of Human Rights in 2007 ruled that the Turkish state had violated Abdullahs right to life.

Everyone is worried that the state will introduce this strategy again, said Serap Isik, a project coordinator at Hafiza Merkezi, which documents disappearances and has launched a campaign to find Hursit Kulter.

A spokesman at the interior ministry could not be reached for comment. However, the Bianet news agency reported Thursday that the ministry had appointed an inspector to investigate Kulters disappearance.

A delegation of the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances said after a five-day visit to Turkey in March that, Turkey needs to come to terms with past disappearances, and it needs to do so in a comprehensive manner.

Since the collapse in July of a three-year peace process between Kurdish insurgents and officials in Ankara, Turkeys southeast has been beset by waves of tit-for-tat violence.

Insurgents attack authorities with car bombs and guerrilla warfare. Ankara, meantime, imposes sweeping curfews on entire cities and has increasingly deployed fighter jets to target the militants.

In Sirnak, radicalized Kurdish youth  bolstered by experienced fighters  donned Guy Fawkes masks, dug trenches rigged with explosives and clashed with security forces.

In mid-March, the government imposed a curfew on the city and started pummeling Sirnaks hillside buildings relentlessly with tanks for three months. Journalists and human rights investigators were forbidden access beyond military lines.

At least 37 civilians were killed in the fighting, according to data compiled by Hafiza Merkezi. Photographs shared by activists in the city depict Syria-style devastation: rows of skeletal buildings wasted and buckling, streets strewn with rubble.

On May 27, with the curfew still in effect, Hursit Kulter sent his family a series of alarming messages via Whatsapp, beginning with a common Kurdish phrase used to say farewell and seek forgiveness.

See the most-read stories in World News this hour 

Relatives believe that the security forces had surrounded the building Hursit Kulter had holed up in.

I cant get out anymore, Hursit said. Pass my greetings to everyone.

It was 7:43 in the morning. He has not been heard from since.

Hafiza Merkezi researchers say that Kulters vanishing is the first such disappearance in some 15 years, since the enforced disappearances of Serdar Tanis and Ebubekir Deniz, two local Kurdish politicians, in Silopi in 2001.

These enforced disappearances contain multiple human rights violations, Isik said. It causes life-long suffering for relatives and spreads fear in the community.

Kulters family, meanwhile, does not know what to think.

Nothing is clear, said one of Hursits eight siblings, Cihat Kulter. We dont know anything.

According to Emma Sinclair-Webb, senior Turkey researcher at Human Rights Watch, not knowing is a form of cruel and degrading treatment.

The government, meanwhile, is about to pass a bill granting soldiers immunity from prosecution, she added. The military wants to shore up its impunity. Many crimes happening right now will not be investigated.

Hamdi Kulter said he fled Sirnak as the March 14 curfew came into effect, moving the family to an apartment a few miles away in the village of Toptepe. He has not lost hope of some day speaking and drinking tea with his son.

I dont want to talk about my son like he is in the past, said Hamdi. I want to believe that he is still alive.

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A sense of panic and disbelief rippled through Germany and across Europe early Friday after Britain voted to leave the European Union, a stunning decision that appeared to defy economic reason and cast doubts over the future of the bloc that in various forms has been a bulwark for peace and prosperity for the last six decades.

The looming exit of the EUs second-largest economy and most ardent advocate of free trade caught European leaders and global financial markets off guard as many evidently wrongly expected Britain to vote to stay in the trade bloc. More than $100 billion of assets was quickly wiped out in financial markets and the pound fell to a 31-year low, plunging more than 10%, as one of Europes most powerful countries set off on an uncharted course that will leave the EU damaged and diminished.

Updates: Britain votes to leave European Union 

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There is no way of predicting the consequences of this event, especially for the U.K., Donald Tusk, a former Polish prime minister and the president of the European Council that leads the 28-member EU, said in a speech in Brussels. Its a historic moment but not a moment for hysterical reactions. We are determined to keep our unity as 27.

Worries that Brexit, as it is also known, could lead to a wider unraveling of the EU spread after Britains 51.9%-to-48.1% decision to leave. Opinion polls in other EU countries, such as the Netherlands and Denmark, also show majorities in favor of leaving. Ominously, the British vote galvanized far-right and anti-EU movements in France and Germany, the EUs last two remaining powers, which will have tricky national elections in 2017 due to the rise in anti-establishment sentiment.

 Britons voted Thursday to leave the 28-nation European Union, a historic vote that sent shock waves across the continent.

The same sort of contagion from the 2008 banking, sovereign debt and eurozone crises that spread across the EU, crippling economic growth and sending unemployment rates soaring, could now erode some of the political cohesion and confidence of the worlds largest free-trade bloc, with 508 million residents, analysts said.

This is an historic breaking point and the shock waves are simply too enormous to fully gauge at this point, said Paul Nolte, a political scientist at Berlins Free University. Its difficult to say today what the consequences for the EU are because of the centrifugal forces coming out of this vote. It will certainly give the populist forces across Europe an enormous lift. Theres tension about contagion in some of the smaller EU countries, but Europe, as a whole, has been through crises before and been able to pull things together again.

Britains vote to leave, which seemed destined to plunge the worlds fifth-largest economy into a period of prolonged uncertainty that was exacerbated as Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would be stepping down, could lead to a dissolution of Britain itself, with Scotland and perhaps even Northern Ireland leaving to stay in the EU. The strong pro-EU remain vote in Scotland and Northern Ireland, which shares a historically fragile border with EU member Ireland, could not overcome the heavy leave vote in England (minus central London) and Wales.

Sinn Fein, a party supporting the union of Ireland and Northern Ireland, immediately called for a referendum after the Brexit vote while Scottish leaders also did not miss a beat in declaring their interest in leaving Britain to stay in the EU. It also triggered calls in Scotland for a second referendum for independence after voters narrowly decided to stay in Britain in 2014.

It is a statement of the obvious that the option of a second referendum must be on the table and it is on the table, said Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, adding it was democratically unacceptable for Scotland to be dragged out of the EU against its will.

Scotland will seek independence now, J.K. Rowlings, the Scottish author of the Harry Potter books, said on Twitter. Camerons legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen.

Also, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo reignited a 300-year-old fight with Britain on Friday by saying that Gibraltar, a 2.5-square-mile piece of British territory on the southern tip of Spain with 30,000 residents, should be returned to Spain. The Spanish flag is now much closer to flying over Gibraltar, he told Spanish radio.

In the Netherlands, anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders, who is seeking to become the countrys next prime minister, called for a referendum on his countrys EU membership as quickly as possible. Wilders, who is leading opinion polls ahead of next Marchs general election, vowed that if he is elected prime minister he would ask Dutch voters if they want to stay in the EU. One opinion poll last week showed 54% in favor of Nexit, or the Netherlands leaving the union.

We want to be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders and our own immigration policy, Wilders said.

The leaders of Germany and France, the EUs two most important countries along with Britain, reacted to the vote with shocked silence at first. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande, who had previously warned of extremely serious consequences of a Brexit, later announced plans to hold an emergency meeting in Berlin on Monday, along with Italys Prime Minister Matteo Renzo

Theres no way to put a positive spin on this -- today is a setback for Europe, Merkel said in Berlin, urging the continent to remain prudent and analyze the situation calmly. The EU is strong enough to find the right answers, she said.

Hollande tried to keep a stiff upper lip by saying in Paris that reforms are needed in the EU to move it forward: Europe is a grand idea, not only a market.

One of Hollandes rivals in next years presidential election, the far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen, proclaimed the British vote a victory for freedom. The leader of Germanys far-right anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, Frauke Petry, predicted more countries could be voting to leave if the EU doesnt radically change its ways and return more power to the people in member countries.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said it was a sad day for Europe and Great Britain. He added: The news from Great Britain is truly sobering. Germans Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel wrote on Twitter: Damn! A bad day for Europe.

In Germany, there have been fears that the loss of its most important free-market and pro-markets ally could leave it perilously isolated on a continent with a strong socialist streak that, without Britain, would probably want even more extensive social welfare policies, protectionism and a greater distribution of wealth with even higher taxes and more state spending and intervention.

Its a shot across the bow, but its not going to be the end of Europe, Gabriel said. We cant raise the drawbridges now, he added, noting the positive signal that younger Britons had overwhelmingly voted to stay in the EU. Another leader in Gabriels Social Democrat party said he would welcome Scotlands independence and EU membership. The Scots have made it clear that they see their future in Europe, said Thomas Oppermann, the partys leader in parliament. Id welcome Scotland joining the EU.

Germans, and others in the EU, are also worried that the departure of Britain could upset what has been a delicate balance of power and force Germany into more of an unwanted and undesired leadership role -- which in turn could lead to fears in France and elsewhere of being dominated from Berlin on a continent where the ghosts of World War II are never far away.

The EU, which was created as mainly an economic and trade union by a small group of nations clustered around France and the former West Germany as bastion for peace between erstwhile battlefield enemies, has turned into more powerful and political body as its size spread across the continent. It is often a favorite target of wrath by politicians across Europe when something goes wrong, and rarely gets any credit for successes.

The EU especially has been reeling from its inability to fully overcome waves of crises in recent years, including the financial crisis in 2008, the eurozone crisis and the refugee crises, in which more than 1 million asylum-seekers fleeing war and famine flooded into the EU last year. Criticism of the EU in Britain has focused on one of its key tenets -- the freedom of its citizens to live anywhere in the EU.

Germanys Martin Schulz, a leader of the European Unions parliament, said after the British vote that there were genuine fears of contagion. I think it will not lead to the breakup of the EU if we take seriously the enormous social gap between countries and societies, we need a better distribution of wealth.

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9:30 A.M. German chancellor warns British against deluding themselves in departure from EU German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a special session of the German parliament on Brexit in Berlin. (John MacDougall / AFP/Getty Images) Britain may have just lost the last friend it had in the European Union, less than a week after the country voted to abandon the group of nations that had been a pillar of peace and prosperity for the last six decades. German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned in no uncertain terms Tuesday that Britain can forget about any special favors or advantageous trading privileges with the EU. In a frosty speech to Germanys parliament, she said there would be no negotiations whatsoever until the British government makes a formal request to leave. I can only urge our friends in Britain against deluding themselves. Angela Merkel, German chancellor Read more Erik Kirschbaum



9:15 A.M. Secretary of State John Kerry attempts to soothe Brexit fears in Europe Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Federica Mogherini, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, speak to reporters Monday in Brussels. (AFP/Getty Images) Americas top diplomat sought to soothe fears Monday on both sides of the Atlantic as aftershocks of Great Britains vote to withdraw from the European Union, the worlds largest trading bloc, continued to rattle markets and governments. The interests and the values which have united us for such a long period of time did not change on the day of that vote, Secretary of State John F. Kerry said in Brussels, headquarters of the EU bureaucracy that British voters jilted. Kerry seemed to be trying to convince himself as much as the anxious European officials with whom he was meeting. He was scheduled to pay a call on British Prime Minister David Cameron, who announced plans Friday to resign after the Brexit vote. Though the Obama administration attempts to put on a brave face while confronting the future of its most important transatlantic relationship, the loss of a strong British voice in broader European security, economic and other matters will hurt, analysts agree. Read more Tracy Wilkinson



9:00 A.M. Hiltzik: On financial services, Britain snatched defeat from the jaws of victory Near the Royal Exchange building in London, men take a break from work. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) Just over a year ago, British financial traders were celebrating a landmark court victory over their European rivals. The Luxembourg-based General Court had overturned a demand by the European Central Bank that clearing of trades in euro-denominated assets take place only in countries that use the euro as their currency. British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne hailed the ruling as a major win for Britain that preserved Londons place as Europes dominant financial center. Given that Britain was a member of the 28-nation European Union but not of the Eurozone  it retains its own currency, the British pound  the ECB ruling could have forced tens of trillions of dollars in currency and securities trading to leave London and move to Ireland or the Continent. Today that court victory lies in tatters, and the prospects for the London financial services industry are dire. Last weeks British vote to leave the EU will mean that Britain can no longer claim that the ECBs directive unfairly discriminates among members of the union. Read more Michael Hiltzik



8:45 A.M. How Brexit affected Spains election Spanish acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy addresses supporters from Popular Party headquarters in Madrid after general elections results were announced Sunday. (Javier Lizon / European Pressphoto Agency) With markets in free fall after Britains vote to leave the European Union, Spanish voters turned away from anti-establishment parties Sunday and endorsed the perceived safety and security of ruling conservatives. Europe has been watching Spain to see how anger at the status quo might play out in another EU country after Brexit. In recent weeks, a left-wing anti-establishment alliance called Unidos Podemos (Together We Can) had surged in opinion polls to become the No. 2 force in Spanish politics, behind the conservatives. Its slogan is Si se puede  Yes we can. But election results early Monday showed they couldnt. Unidos Podemos placed third, behind the two establishment parties, the Partido Popular, or Popular Party, and the Socialists. Read more Lauren Frayer



8:30 A.M. Horsey: Brexit diminishes Britain and threatens European security Brexit takes Britain into uncharted, stormy seas. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) Read more David Horsey



8:15 A.M. Brexit could halt the growth of California trade with Britain Cars and auto parts are among Britains top exports to California. (David McNew / Getty Images) California and its $5 billion of annual exports to Britain could be standing in harms way if theres economic upheaval caused by Britains vote to leave the European Union. The state is a major trading partner with England and the rest of Britain, whose vote to exit the EU  the so-called Brexit  rocked financial markets Friday, with stocks plummeting worldwide and the British pound sterling falling sharply against the dollar. The question facing California companies doing business with Britain  which includes commercial real estate investment, technology and car dealers  is whether the weaker pound and other fallout from the vote will slow British economic growth and make Californias dollar-denominated exports too expensive, thus reducing trade. If the entire EU market destabilizes because of Brexit, it can have dire consequences for the California market, which is dependent on international trade, said Stephen Cheung, president of World Trade Center Los Angeles, an affiliate of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. Read more James F. Peltz and Samantha Masunaga



5:05 P.M. What investment managers are saying (Los Angeles Times) Bull markets -- that is, times when stocks are rising or expected to rise -- are about cooperation, Jeffrey Gundlach, chief executive of downtown Los Angeles money manager DoubleLine, said Friday. Thats what makes societies thrive. If we dont cooperate at all, were all out there in the woods with a spear chasing a squirrel. The landmark Brexit vote, he said, is evidence were living in an increasingly uncooperative world. Thats why he said hes betting on gold, short-term bonds and other assets seen as safe havens. James Rufus Koren Read more

4:22 P.M. New Yorkers take on Brexit: Silly Walk Off a Cliff



4:07 P.M. Will Brexit mark the end of the age of globalization? (AFP/Getty Images) Britains move could be a catalyst for a reenergized effort by Scots -- who overwhelmingly favored remaining in the EU -- to break away from Britain. It may also encourage other secession movements in the EU, which could fundamentally alter the political and economic structure that has been in place for decades. At the same time, forces that once propelled globalization -- advanced technologies, reduction of barriers and the rise of China and other developing economies -- have diminished. World trade and economic growth have also slowed in recent years. With the so-called Brexit vote, the European Union, itself arguably the most ambitious post-World War II experiment in globalization, appears at risk of unraveling. Don Lee Read more



3:40 P.M. The British establishment didnt think Brexit could win, but it did. Heres why. A young couple painted as EU flags protest outside Downing Street in London. They opposed Britains decision to leave the EU. (Mary Turner / Getty Images) Great Britains decision to leave the European Union has sent shock waves around the world. Early polls had indicated that the camp pushing to remain in the EU would likely succeed, even by a small margin. But in what was the highest turnout for a British-wide vote since the general election of 1992, a majority of British voters decided it was time to end a political and economic relationship 43 years in the making. So what went wrong for those who wanted to remain? The leave camp was organized around fear of immigration, Islam, globalization, China. The other side found themselves on the defensive trying to counter the argument of fear. Its very difficult to challenge peoples fears. There is deep-seated racism in this debate that gets cloaked in national identity. Dominic Thomas, chair of the department of French and Francophone Studies at UCLA Read more Ann M. Simmons



3:09 P.M. Are California companies vulnerable to Brexit turmoil? The Brexit vote doesnt mean American companies will lose business or see revenue from Britain drop or vanish. But their sales could be affected by whatever new trade deal Britain negotiates with the U.S. once it leaves the European Union. So how exposed are California businesses? The states 20 largest companies combined brought in about $55 billion in revenue from Britain in their most recent fiscal year, according to reported figures and estimates from FactSet. (Two of those 20  Wells Fargo & Co. and PG&E Corp.  are not on the above chart because no revenue from Britain was listed.) Another company that could be vulnerable is Los Angeles-based CBRE Group Inc., the worlds largest real estate services firm. It booked nearly 18% of its revenue from Britain in the last year, according to FactSet. CBRE declined to comment Friday. However, in an April earnings call, Chief Executive Bob Sulentic acknowledged there was concern about the British real estate market in the run-up to the vote. But he said that CBRE had a strong first quarter there. If the vote fails, obviously, there will be a pause till people figure it out, he said. James Rufus Koren and Andrew Khouri



2:27 P.M. The EUs stalwarts are forlorn as Britain sails away A figurine depicting Queen Elizabeth II is on display with copies of The EU: An Obituary by John R. Gillingham in a bookshop window in Berlin. (John MacDougall / AFP/Getty Images) Britains decision to leave the European Union might not mark the beginning of the end for continental unity, but that possibility was in the air Friday as Europes leaders struggled to put the best face on their new reality after the Brexit vote. Theres no way to put a positive spin on this -- today is a setback for Europe, said a glum-looking German Chancellor Angela Merkel, urging the continent to remain prudent and analyze the situation calmly. The EU is strong enough to find the right answers. The surprise vote to leave the EU encouraged anti-establishment parties in France, Denmark and the Netherlands to push for their own leave referendums, and also unleashed powerful separatist forces within Britain itself. Political leaders in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where voters opposed the Brexit, said they want to leave Britain so that they can remain in the EU. This is an historic breaking point and the shock waves are simply too enormous to fully gauge at this point. Paul Nolte, a political scientist at Berlins Free University Read more Erik Kirschbaum



1:50 P.M. Britain looks to next steps after historic vote to leave European Union A copy of Londons Evening Standard on the day after the Brexit vote. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Britons woke up Friday to a bewildering new world fraught with uncertainty: Who will run the government? What kind of relationship will Britain have with the rest of Europe? What will happen to jobs, trade and prices? Will the economy collapse? Economic analysts had warned that a British exit from the EU, or Brexit, could push Europes second-largest economy back into recession, with repercussions felt around the world. Major stock indexes in Asia, Europe and the U.S. tumbled Friday, and the British pound fell by more than 10%, to a 30-year low of below $1.35, before a slight recovery. Scotland, meanwhile, was threatening to launch a new referendum on independence, creating new uncertainty over the future not only of Europe but of the United Kingdom itself. Former London Mayor Boris Johnson, a strong proponent of leaving Europe who has been one of those favored as Britains next prime minister, vowed Friday that Britain would remain a great European power and was faced with a glorious opportunity to take control of its own future. We cannot turn our backs on Europe. We are part of Europe. Our children and grandchildren will continue to have a wonderful future as Europeans traveling to the continent, understanding the languages and cultures, that make up of common European civilization. Boris Johnson, former London mayor Read more Ginanne Brownell Mitic and Alexandra Zavis



1:14 P.M. Stock market plunges but Brexit unlikely to spark a U.S. recession Stock exchange boards in Madrid show a sharp drop Friday after Britains vote to leave the European Union. (Curto de la Torre / AFP/Getty Images) The Dow Jones industrial average plummeted 610 points, or about 3.4%, on Friday as global stock, currency and other markets convulsed in response to Britains surprising vote to leave the European Union. The so-called Brexit shouldnt lead to a recession in the U.S., experts said. Still, the turmoil caused by the referendum wasnt good news for the struggling U.S. economy. It marked another in a seemingly unending series of foreign and domestic crises in recent years that have slowed the recovery from the Great Recession. Read more Jim Puzzanghera and Don Lee



1:10 P.M. British scientists are freaking out about Brexit too Scientists in Britain are concerned about how the Brexit vote will affect their work with the ESA and other European science groups. (Manuel Pedoussaut/ESA) Britains decision to exit the European Union has affected all aspects of British society  even science. On Friday, the Royal Astronomical Society, which works to advance science research in Britain, took a break from promoting new findings in astronomy and geophysics to weigh in on the results of the referendum. Now that the result is clear, albeit by a narrow margin, the whole scientific community, including the RAS, will need to consider the implications for research in the U.K., the organization said in a statement. Read more Deborah Netburn



12:57 P.M. Never mind that interest-rate increase Federal Reserve chief Janet L. Yellen (European Pressphoto Agency) Odds already were low that Federal Reserve policymakers would raise their key short-term interest rate next month. Now the Brexit vote has taken a rate hike off the table. On Friday, a closely watched barometer by the CME Group futures exchange put the odds at zero of a small increase at the U.S. central banks late July meeting. On Thursday, the odds had been about 12%. Investors actually think theres a better chance  4.8%  that the Fed would trim the rate back down to almost zero. The rate now is between 0.25% and 0.5%. The benchmark federal funds rate had been held near zero for seven years in an attempt to boost economic growth during and after the Great Recession. Fed policymakers nudged it up 0.25 of a percentage point in December and have indicated they planned two similar hikes this year. But after surprisingly slow job growth in May, and with the Brexit vote pending, the Fed held off on a rate hike after its meeting last week. Fed Chairwoman Janet L. Yellen and her colleagues correctly anticipated financial market turmoil if Britain voted to leave the European Union. An interest rate hike also can roil financial markets by making stocks less attractive investments, and Fed officials dont want their actions to add to the tumult. Jim Puzzanghera

1:00 P.M. How did race factor into the Brexit vote?



12:42 P.M. Fateful OHare Airport pizza meeting sealed Brexit vote deal, British media says British Prime Minister David Cameron with his wife, Samantha Cameron, speaks June 24, after the vote on the countrys departure from the European Union. (Will Oliver / European Pressphoto Agency) If youre looking for something to blame for the chaos unleashed on world markets Friday morning by Britains vote to leave the European Union, consider Chicago pizza  at least if you believe the British press. Londons Financial Times and other British media reported that during a meeting at a pizzeria at Chicagos OHare International Airport in May 2012, British Prime Minister David Cameron agreed to grant voters a referendum on Europe. Cameron  whod urged his countrymen to vote to stay in the EU  resigned Friday morning after the shocking result saw the value of the British pound plunge to its lowest rate in 30 years. But he might have saved his career, and the union, had he skipped sharing a pizza with his foreign secretary, William Hague, and chief of staff, Ed Llewellyn, according to the Financial Times and other British media. Read more Kim Janssen, Chicago Tribune



12:40 P.M. Three reasons Americans should care about Brexit (Justin Lane / European Pressphoto Agency) Britains vote to exit the European Union will have an impact on Americans investment portfolios, retirement savings and more. Heres how: 1. The U.S. stock market Why is the fate of Britains EU membership intertwined with U.S. markets? One reason is that businesses hate uncertainty. American banks forecast a 5% to 9% drop in profits next year for U.S. businesses when Britain leaves the EU, according to the investment bank KBW. The economic hit here will come as businesses hold off on making investments until the full impact of Britains withdrawal from the EU is known. Business investments create jobs and generate future profits, so British voters may have just taken away some confidence in the U.S. economy. Read more Jonathan Todd, NerdWallet
Following the launch of a new round of inspections targeting 32 state entities on Wednesday, the top anti-graft authority moved one step closer to its goal to cover all fronts in its sweeping anti-corruption campaign.

Late last year, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said it would finish inspecting all 280 government bodies or Party organizations by the end of 2017.

Inspections will hear work reports, publish contact information to the public, set up tip-off channels, and hold group or one-on-one meetings to uncover any violations of Party code of conduct or suspected graft.

The CCDI also divided the 280 government or Party organs into five categories -- provincial government bodies, central ministries and commissions, central state-owned enterprises (SOE), financial institutions and public institutions.

Now, after nine rounds, the inspection teams sent by CCDI have investigated 181 state organs since late 2012, screening local provincial government bodies, central SOEs and financial institutions.

In the new round, inspectors will go to the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, and the top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

They will also visit the Foreign Ministry; the Ministry of Public Security; the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development; the National Audit Office; as well as State Council organs in charge of legislative affairs and work related to Hong Kong, Macao, and overseas Chinese.

These state organs are central government agencies, which are the leading bodies and should be role models of upholding the Party line and policies, said the CCDI in a statement.

Wang Qishan, head of the CCDI, said anti-graft inspections were integral to intra-party supervision.

Wang may well say that -- since late 2012, more than half of the corruption cases investigated by the CCDI have been discovered through inspections, according to a CCDI statement in January.

The misconduct committed by Su Rong, former vice chairman of the top political advisory body; Zhu Mingguo, former head of Guangdong political advisory body; Wan Qingliang, former Guangzhou Party chief, among others, were all found through inspections, said Ning Yanling, a senior inspector.

Xin Ming, a professor with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said many achievements in the anti-graft campaign were largely attributed to inspections.

To further improve inspections, the CCDI has twice expanded its inspection teams, said Xin, noting the CCDI also adopted new inspection methods, such as re-examination, which means those that have been inspected in previous rounds may be inspected a second time.

In this sense, inspection work shows the CPC's responsibility for itself and the country, added Xin. "Comprehensively and strictly governing the Party is always in motion," he said.
Lofty rhetoric, followed by explosions that blew off parts of a hillside, marked the beginning of a multibillion-dollar expansion of the Panama Canal on Monday.

The $5.25-billion expansion will accommodate a new class of huge ships capable of carrying more than twice the number of containers as the vessels that currently transit the waterway. Completion is set for 2014 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of the original canal.

Overwhelmingly approved by voters in October, the expansion is Panamas bid to capture a bigger share of the booming global container trade, much of which bypasses the waterway because the supersized cargo ships cant fit in the canals locks. The project is also a defensive move to co-opt proposals for competing waterways, including one in neighboring Nicaragua, analysts said.

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U.S. President Carter, who authorized the transfer of the canal to Panama in a treaty he signed in 1977 with Panamanian strongman Omar Torrijos, attended the ceremony. Torrijos son, Panamanian President Martin Torrijos, lauded Carters courage and praised him as an esteemed friend of Panama.

Panamanians hold up photos of President Martin Torrijos and his father, former Gen. Omar Torrijos, and Panamas flag at a ceremony marking the beginning of the Panama Canal expansion. (Tito Herrera / Associated Press )

After a two-decade transition, the canal was finally turned over to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, as was the Canal Zone, a corridor 10 miles wide and 50 miles long. The Panama Canal Administration has drawn praise from international observers on its management of the canal since the turnover.

Carters initiative was criticized by his successor, Ronald Reagan, and may have been a factor in Carters unsuccessful 1980 reelection bid. But Carter has received generally high marks from analysts for generating goodwill among Latin American neighbors and for avoiding conflict over control of the canal.

You demonstrated extraordinary personal courage in committing yourself to hand over the Panama Canal and in dismantling the colonial structure installed in the center of our territory, President Torrijos told Carter.

Rumors had floated that Carter might not attend the ceremony in protest of the recent election of Pedro Miguel Gonzalez as president of Panamas National Assembly. Gonzalez was indicted in 1995 in a Washington federal court in connection with the May 1992 murder of U.S. soldier Zak Hernandez in the Canal Zone.

Gonzalez is still wanted in the U.S., and the State Department has criticized Gonzalezs election. U.S. government sources who asked not to be identified said Gonzalezs assembly leadership might even block the pending U.S.-Panama free trade agreement.

Joining Carter at the event were regional presidents, including Colombias Alvaro Uribe, Honduras Manuel Zelaya, Nicaraguas Daniel Ortega and El Salvadors Elias Antonio Saca. Jose Miguel Inzulsa, secretary-general of the Organization of American States, also was among an estimated 40,000 people at the ceremony.

When complete, the expanded canal will accommodate ships capable of carrying 12,000 containers, up from a maximum 5,000 containers.

A 5-mile bypass on the Pacific side of the current canal is a central part of the expansion. So are two new sets of locks that will measure 1,400 feet long and 180 feet wide. The current locks are nearly 1,000 feet long and 110 feet wide. The new locks will also have a 50-foot draft, compared with the current 39 feet.

One of the technical innovations of the new design is that 60% of the water used to fill the locks will be recycled using special catch basins to be built with German technology. All the Gatun Lake water used to fill canal locks now is flushed out to sea.

NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj 

President Torrijos promised that the expanded canal would usher in a new age of economic growth without poverty, without misery, without illiteracy and desperation.

Francisco Miguez, coordinator of the expansion plan, said in an interview that the project would generate 8,000 direct jobs and an additional 35,000 indirect jobs among related supply and service firms.

Unlike the original canal project a century ago, when thousands of workers were imported from neighboring countries, Panama will supply all the required labor, Miguez said. Large-scale programs to produce skilled workers are underway, he said.

The Port of Long Beach, which with the Port of Los Angeles handles two-thirds of all West Coast trade, does not foresee the expanded canal as a threat to its business.

Were projecting within the next 10 or 15 years a doubling or tripling of our cargo, so if some of it goes through the canal, it may not affect the port, said Art Wong, spokesman for the Port of Long Beach.

chris.kraul@latimes.com
On Sunday, heads of state, diplomats, shipping executives and port operators will gather for the inauguration of a deeper, wider Panama Canal that can handle twice as much cargo.

$5.4-billion expansion of Panama Canal will transform shipping in the Americas 

The $5.4-billion project, nine years in the making, is aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the 50-mile shortcut between the Atlantic and the Pacific  one that has been constantly changing for the last 102 years. Heres a look at the canals turbulent history, as depicted on the pages of the Los Angeles Times.

(Test)

Jan. 22, 1903

The development of the Panama Canal began with the signing of the Hay-Herran Treaty by the United States and Colombia, which owned the Isthmus of Panama until November 1903. Although Colombia never ratified the treaty, which would have given up partial control of the isthmus in exchange for $10 million and an annual payment of $250,000, it caused the U.S. to support a Panamanian uprising that resulted in independence and the eventual construction of the canal.

Some time ago there was a hitch over the question of the extent to which control by the United States over this strip of land should go.  The Associated Press in the Jan. 23, 1903, edition of The Times

(Test)

May 4, 1904

The dedication of the Panama Canal project was held after the U.S. purchased all remaining property from France, which had tried and failed to build the canal in the 1880s. That $40 million, coupled with the $10 million the U.S. paid Panama in February 1904 for control of the canal, laid the groundwork for construction later that year. In February 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Col. George Washington Goethals chief engineer, using his military background to help see the project through to completion.

The excavation of Culebra cut, which is considered one of the most difficult engineering problems of the entire canal, will be pushed as rapidly as possible.  Direct Wire in the May 5, 1904, edition of The Times

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Oct. 10, 1913

After nearly a decade of construction, President Woodrow Wilson sent a signal from the White House to blow up the Gamboa Dike, causing water to flow into the Panama Canal and joining the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for the first time. Although the explosion did not mark the completion of the project, the event was celebrated around the world, with The Times describing it as too stupendous to be grasped by the most alert mind.

The event to be celebrated tomorrow will probably always be known as the 'Wedding of the Oceans.'  Direct Wire in the Oct. 10, 1913, edition of The Times

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Jan. 7, 1914

The Alexandre La Valley, an old French crane boat, reached the Pacific Ocean and became the first self-propelled vessel to cross the Panama Canal. The crane moved through the waterway during the final stages of construction, which would end later that year.

(Test)

Aug. 3, 1914

The S.S. Cristobal became the first passenger vessel to cross the entirety of the Panama Canal. The steamship, which was renamed Cristobal from Tremont after the canals Atlantic port, was the sister of the S.S. Ancon, which would become the first boat to officially transit the waterway. Both were among the largest U.S. commercial ships in service at the time.

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Aug. 15, 1914

Construction was completed and the Panama Canal officially opened for traffic from around the world with the passage of the S.S. Ancon cargo ship. In total, the project cost the U.S. almost $375 million  the rough equivalent of $8.6 billion today. For the first several months of its operation, the canal was closed to warships as World War I began in Europe.

The vast accomplishment, which has been the wonder and admiration of the world, will be made manifest when the locks are opened.  Atlantic Cable and Direct Wire in the Aug. 15, 1914, edition of The Times

(Test)

1935-1939

In the late 1930s, additional construction was planned or completed for the Panama Canal, including extra water storage and more locks. In 1935, the Madden Dam was created to prevent the flooding of the Chagres River, which flows into Gatun Lake  a major part of the canal. In 1939, a new set of locks were planned in order to carry large U.S. warships through the canal and defend it against enemies. However, the development was canceled after the start of World War II.

[Brig. Gen. Clarence] Ridley recommended that an additional set of locks, designed to resist air raids and sabotage, be built.  The Associated Press in the March 17, 1939, edition of The Times

(Test)

1962

U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Panama President Roberto Chiari met in Washington for a series of secret talks regarding the occupation of the Panama Canal. The negotiations were a result of continued unrest in Panama  where people were growing more resistant to American control of the canal  and The Times reported that Chiari was expected to seek concessions. The talks, which ultimately worked in favor of the U.S., led to years of unrest in the canal zone, culminating in several riots and other violent demonstrations.

The Panamanian leader is expected to be frank indeed in his talks with the President, talks that could test the solidity of the Alliance for Progress.  Dan Kurzman in the June 13, 1962, edition of The Times

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Jan. 9, 1964

Tension over the American occupation of the Panama Canal culminated in the deaths of six Panamanian students. Ninety-one other people were injured. The violent riots broke out over flying the Panamanian flag in the Canal Zone, and The Times reported that the Panama government charged U.S. officials with shooting down the unarmed students. As a result, the government recalled its ambassador in Washington, which President Roberto Chiari said was a suspension of relations with the U.S.

President Roberto Chiari ... charged American officials with 'aggression against the Panamanian people.'  UPI in the Jan. 10, 1964, edition of The Times

(Test)

Sept. 7, 1977

After decades of unrest, President Jimmy Carter and Panamas head of government, Gen. Omar Torrijos, signed treaties that guaranteed Panama would regain control of the Panama Canal. The historic agreement effectively ended more than half a century of U.S. rule and set a timetable for Panama to regain the canal on Dec. 31, 1999. The treaties also established the canal as a neutral waterway through which any state may pass and committed both Panama and the U.S. to defending the canal should it be attacked. Panama ratified the treaties via referendum later in 1977 and the U.S. Senate voted in favor of ratification in 1978.

Carter said the new partnership would 'ensure that this vital waterway will continue to be well operated, safe and open to shipping by all nations.'  Don Irwin in the Sept. 8, 1977, edition of The Times

(Test)

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter with Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso during a ceremony to transfer control of the Panama Canal on Dec. 14, 1999. (Tomas Van Houtryve / Associated Press) (Test)

Dec. 31, 1999

Control of the Panama Canal was officially transferred to Panama nearly a century after the U.S. purchased it in 1903. At times, as many as 30,000 U.S. soldiers and civilians had lived in the former Canal Zone, which literally and figuratively divided the country.

From the Archives: Panama Canal hand-over ends decades of U.S. presence that began with break from Colombia 

After 1999, the canal was put under the authority of the government-run Panama Canal Authority. Today, it takes ships six to eight hours to pass through the waterway, which has remained neutral and is a chief revenue resource for the country.

It has been a uniquely American form of colonialism ... it left influences that have determined the demographics, economy and social structure of Panama.  Juanita Darling in the Jan. 1, 2000, edition of The Times

A Panamanian citizen casts his vote during the referendum for the widening of the Panama Canal on October 22, 2006, in Panama City. (Orlando Sierra / AFP/Getty Images) (Test)

Oct. 22, 2006

Panamanians voted to pass a $5.2 billion project aimed at expanding the Panama Canal  the first major modification to the waterway since its opening in 1914. With 78% of people in favor, the vote was a big win for President Martin Torrijos, who called the expansion project a "chance of a lifetime" for Panama.

From the Archives: Panama Canal plan wins easy passage 

At the time, the Panama government expected the project would create 7,000 jobs and be completed in eight years, just in time for the canals 100th birthday. But others were skeptical, saying the government didnt have the resources to finish the expansion while also dealing with high poverty rates.

Panamanian and international investors expect the project to spark economic growth here.  Chris Kraul in the Oct. 23, 2006, edition of The Times

Workers along the Panama Canal in Paraiso, on the outskirts of Panama City, in 2007. (Arnulfo Franco / Associated Press) (Test)

Sept. 3, 2007

After almost a year of planning, construction began on the Panama Canal expansion project. The goal of the job, as reported by The Times, was to accommodate ships carrying up to 12,000 containers in order to capture a bigger share of the international shipping business. Previously, ships could carry a maximum of 5,000 containers through the waterway.

From the Archives: Panama launches expansion of canal 

The jobs original expected completion date of 2014 was later delayed two years due to cost overruns and work stoppages. Now the expansion, which essentially adds a third lane to the canal in order to cut down on congestion, is scheduled to open Sunday. Its expected that the project will have widespread ramifications for international trade, including the diversion of traffic from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the East Coast.

President Torrijos promised that the expanded canal would usher in a new age of economic growth.  Lucy Conger and Chris Kraul in the Sept. 4, 2007, edition of The Times

daniel.funke@latimes.com

Twitter: @dpfunke

ALSO

Lawmakers' trip to Panama coincides with busy legislative week before summer recess

Panama: Tour highlights the country beyond the canal

Panama Canal expansion draws delegates from U.S. seaport states

UPDATES:

11:40 a.m.: This article was updated with additional information dating from 2006 to the present.

This article originally published at 4 a.m.
The New York City public school system has become the first in history to host a LGBTQ Pride celebration event.

The event was held on Tuesday, June 21, and organizers are hoping it will serve as a measure of inspiration to other school districts across the country. Throngs of students, parents and faculty members gathered at the Tweed Courthouse in Manhattan to mark the occasion.

"We're excited," said Jared Fox, the New York City Department of Education's first LGBTQ community liaison. "It's the first of many opportunities for us to celebrate."

Programs on tap for all of NYC's 1,800 Schools

Fox joined the ranks of NYC school system six months ago and part of his mission instantly became creating programs that will help make all 1,800 public schools more LGBTQ friendly.

A 2013 New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene study found LGBTQ students are more likely to be bullied than other students, with 29 percent of LGBTQ recently recounting such experiences compared to just 17 percent of heterosexual students.

"[Tonight's celebration] is an opportunity for us to highlight some of the proactive initiatives that we're doing and to create a supportive and inclusive environment in every school building," Fox added.

Already this year, Fox claims she has trained nearly 1,200 parent coordinators now serving as points of contact for families and another 100 principals committed to becoming to better understanding transgender and gender-inclusive programs.

He has also tirelessly worked with untold faculty-members intent on finding more ways of including LGBTQ content in their curriculums.

Still, Fox stressed it's just as significant that school officials continue to interact with the families of as many students as they can.

"What kids are learning in schools needs to be wrapped around what the kids are hearing in their home," he explained.

NYC School System Looked to for Direction?

As the largest in the country, Fox hinted he's convinced it's particularly important that the New York City school system shows signs of adapting to the changing times as many other districts look to it as being a guiding light.

"[It's] an opportunity to not only change the lives of kids across the five boroughs, but to create safe, supportive inclusive environments across the country," he said.
Hillary Clinton is promising not to allow a Supreme Court ruling deter her in her dogged commitment to bring about comprehensive immigration reform.

Just hours after the high court rejected President Obama's 2014 executive actions on immigration that stood to shield as many as 5 million families from the sting of deportation, Clinton doubled down on her vow to enact sweeping reforms over the first 100 days of her administration.

High Court Deadlocked on Issue

In the case of the U.S. vs. Texas, the high court deadlocked 4-4, essentially rendering a lower court's earlier ruling negating Obama's actions the law of the land.

"My heart is really breaking for the 5 million people in this country who have been waiting for the decision and are facing deportation, living with fear every single day," the presumptive Democratic nominee told Telemundo's Jose Diaz-Balart. "Throughout my campaign, I've been talking to so many people who were so hopeful, you know families affected by these actions."

Clinton's pledge included a promise to even "go further" than the Obama administration has in bringing about the kind of legislation she feels is necessary.

"I'm going to be doing everything I can, using whatever tools I have as president to remove the fear from families and to stop the raids and the roundups," she said. "We're gonna get to comprehensive immigration reform when I am president."

Trump has Plan to Deport Millions

By contrast, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump has vowed to deport as many as 11 million undocumented immigrants if he is elected.

Trump, who marked the launch of his campaign by deriding Mexicans as "criminals," has also pledged to build a wall along the Mexican border to further keep out immigrants.

In the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling, Trump insisted the ruling "blocked one of the most unconstitutional actions ever taken by the President."

Clinton added their contrasting views display just how high the stakes are for the upcoming general election.

"Donald Trump has promised that if he's elected president, he will deport all these families," she added.

The former first lady recently announced she plans to be in Washington in early July to speak at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) national convention.

Later that month, democrats will hold their national convention in Philadelphia, where Clinton is widely expected to formally emerge as the official face of her party.
China's 'pink' market may be attracting serious attention as investors wake up to the buying power of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual communities, but in the job market, it's still a hard slog for LGBT candidates to get a foot in the door or be accepted in the workplace when they do land jobs.

The 2nd annual China LGBT Talent Job Fair

"China is still finding its way out of the closet  slowly opening the door," says Darren Burns, president of Weber Shandwick China, an arm of the global public relations firm.

Geng Le, ex-cop and founder of China's biggest gay dating app Blued, recently announced the conclusion of three rounds of funding from angel investors and private equity firms, securing tens of millions of yuan. Earlier this year, Grindr, one of the most popular gay mobile apps in the world, announced it had sold 60 percent stake to a Chinese gaming company.

Indeed, LGBT is moving beyond just an obscure acronym that puzzles many people to the forefront of social trends. That's a big leap from 15 years ago, when homosexuality was removed as a designated mental illness by the Chinese government.

The pink market in China is valued at about US$470 billion a year according to US-based LGBT research firm Community Marketing & Insights.

But LGBT people don't want to be just market targets for profit-makers. They want equal opportunities in employment and workplaces where they can be themselves. In China, that leaves a big gap.

"But it is opening up," says Burns. "Things are changing fast thanks to the work of companies, grassroots organizations and social media."

In early 2013, Blued CEO Geng posted a recruitment advertisement online and received hundreds of applications, but not a single candidate showed up at the interview after the nature of the website was explained clearly.

Last month, for the 2nd annual China LGBT Talent Job Fair, more than 500 job-seekers flew into Shanghai from all over China. Blued and Weber Shandwick were among the 34 company exhibitors at the fair. That was double the number a year earlier but fell short of the 100 or so Chinese and foreign companies invited to attend.

The majority of exhibitors are still foreign companies, but some big Chinese names  like Didi taxi app, Boss and BlueFocus  have been added to the list. Foreign participants included Starbucks, Nielsen, L'Oreal and Paypal.

"This is an enormous step forward for the business community in China because it increasingly realizes the importance of LGBT talent," says Steven Bielinski, founder of WorkForLGBT, the nonprofit organization that hosted the job fair.

Reaching out to LGBT customers

He tells Shanghai Daily, "We have been in talks with a lot of Chinese companies and are confident that next year even more local brands and businesses will take part. As major companies like Alibaba and Tencent expand into international markets, they are already starting to advertise and communicate with LGBT customers domestically."

Bielinski was referring to a gay couples' video competition Alibaba organized last year, where the Internet giant gave free trips for winners to get married in the US. It was also around the same time that Tencent included the rainbow as an emotional index on its social networking app.

Many consider Apple CEO Tim Cook's coming out in 2014 and the legalization of same-sex marriage in the US as two big factors inspiring some big Chinese companies to experiment with different ways to reach out to LGBT customers.

However, the overtures seem to end at the personnel office door. Companies still have a long way to go when it comes to actually hiring LGBT employees and creating an equal and diverse work environment.

"I'm personally okay with hiring gays, but when it comes to promoting my company as gay-friendly, I'm still a bit concerned about the acceptance level of older employees, business partners and customers," says Felix Lin, CEO of a Shanghai firm with about 50 employees.

"They may consider us a gay company and feel uncomfortable working or doing business with us," he adds. "It's hard to explain to the older generation."

Tolerance for LGBT issues is a large stumbling block for many in the older generation.

"I wouldn't necessarily come out to my colleagues, especially older colleagues, who might not necessarily feel okay with the subject," says Frank Wong, a Chinese law student studying in the US, who attended the job fair and landed an internship at a Beijing law firm. "But my workplace is very open and professional, and I don't necessarily have to reveal my private life to my colleagues."

That can be difficult, especially in China, where work colleagues often chat about family and personal relationships, Wong says.

"It will take time," he says, "so the best I can hope for now is that China will have programs advocating that LGBT staff be treated as just normal people."

Many multinational companies, who have had years of experience with internal diversity programs, have already implemented such programs in their Chinese branches.

"We believe the best strategy is to get involved in community work that helps foster understanding in this area because we believe it plays a huge role in raising awareness and fostering understanding," says Weber Shandwick's Burns. "It also inspires others to do more for the cause."

He adds, "Actually, diversity is Weber Shandwick's secret weapon in China. Creating an open environment of acceptance is crucial to creativity."

Bielinski agrees that corporate inclusiveness and diversity are key factors for Chinese companies seeking to enhance their chances in the competitive global market for talent.

"To compete for the best talent in China and globally, they will need diverse and inclusive recruiting strategies that ensure LGBT employees feel safe and welcome being who they are in the office," he concludes.

"Otherwise, domestic companies will be at a distinct disadvantage against multinational firms, who for decades have focused on recruiting diverse talent, including LGBT employees."
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A gunman has been shot dead by the police on Thursday in a southwestern German town after he launched an attack in a cinema.

Photo taken on June 23, 2016 shows the outside view of the cinema complex where an armed man opened fire in Viernheim, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua]

A spokesman with the police called Hochstaedter told Xinhua that the incident occurred at around 2:30 in the afternoon local time.

According to Hochstaedter, people found a person with a weapon going into the cinema and called the police who came to the cinema and shot the armed man dead.

Hochstaedter clarified that nobody in the cinema got hurt. Hochstaedter declined to tell more details about the identity of the armed man.

A man working at the cinema said a gunman pointed his gun at him and his colleagues.

He asked whether the gunman wanted money and the gunman said no. Then the gunman asked him to go upstairs and stay in a room where he witnessed what happened through cameras.

He said he heard the gunman fired maybe five to six shots.

It was an automatic gun and there were about 40 people in the cinema, he said, adding he thought it was not a terrorist attack.

"He spoke very good German and didn't look like a terrorist,"he said, "Maybe there was a mental problem with him."

"Of course I was scared when he pointed a gun at me. Now I am good," he said.

The local prosecution office is going to disclose more details about the incident on Friday.

Previously, local media reports said at least 25 people were hurt in the attack.
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The Colombian government and FARC guerrilla group on Thursday signed a historic ceasefire deal, bringing the country's half-century civil war closer to a definitive end.

President Juan Manuel Santos (L) and Timoleon Jimenez (R), the top leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), exchange pacts while Cuban President Raul Castro witnesses in Havana, capital of Cuba, June 23, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and top FARC commander Timoleon "Timochenko" Jimenez presided over the signing ceremony in Havana, Cuba, which was attended by world dignitaries, including Latin American heads of state and the secretary general of the United Nations (UN).

"Today is a historic day for Colombia after more than 50 years of deaths and confrontations," said Santos. "This represents the end of the FARC as an armed group."

The agreement sets up mechanisms for the FARC to disarm and its transition to a political party or movement, although the disarmament process will not begin until a definitive peace treaty is signed.

"I don't agree, and never will, with their political and economic vision for the country, but what we are acknowledging today is the possibility of disagreeing and looking at opposing view points without the need for violent confrontation," Santos said.

"As head of state, I will defend their right to ... continue their political struggle via legal means," he said, adding "that is the essence of the democracy that we are welcoming" today.

Jimenez, the head of the FARC, stressed the agreement was not a capitulation of the group's demands, but a negotiated settlement.

The agreement, he said, "is not the surrender of the insurgency, but a product of serious dialogue between two forces in conflict for over half a century, with neither able to defeat the other."

Cuban President Raul Castro hailed the agreement as a victory for Colombia, and said it reinforced the concept of Latin America as a place of peace.

The agreement follows nearly four years of peace negotiations in Havana, which hosted the talks, and commits the Colombian government and rebels to set aside fighting and adopt peaceful, democratic means of resolving their disputes.

The head of the Colombian government delegation to the talks, Humberto de la Calle, signed on behalf of the government, while his FARC counterpart, Ivan Marquez, signed on behalf of the rebel group.

The agreement was also signed by the representatives of Cuba and Norway, Rodolfo Benitez and Dag Nylander, whose countries' served as guarantors of the peace talks, and the presidents of Venezuela and Chile, Nicolas Maduro and Michelle Bachelet, whose countries assisted the talks as accompanying nations.

Benitez and Nylander presented the details of the agreement prior to the signing, including the creation of a tripartite mechanism to monitor its application, composed of the government, FARC and an international group in which the UN and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) will play a key role.

As part of the disarmament process, which is to take no longer than 180 days, the rebels are to hand over their weapons to the UN, which all sides agreed will use them to build three monuments.

"Disarming is a technical, traceable and verifiable process," Cuba's Benitez said.

In his speech, Santos noted successive Colombian governments have over the past 30 years tried but failed to reach a peace agreement with the FARC.

Following up on that remark, Colombia's Caracol news network interviewed Henry Acosta, a negotiator in previous peace efforts, most notably for the administration of hardline former president Alvaro Uribe.

Asked why the attempt at brokering peace succeeded, Acosta said, "the big difference is that the only thing president Uribe wanted was the FARC's surrender."

In contrast, said Acosta, "President Santos clearly said 'this is a negotiating process,' ... that's why the correct term (for this agreement) is not surrendering arms, but laying down arms."

During the ceremony, Santos presented Timochenko with a pen made out of a large caliber bullet, the kind state forces used against the rebels, inscribed with the words: "Bullets wrote our past. Education, our future."

Meanwhile, in Bogota, residents marked the ceasefire and end to hostilities in colorful ways, including placing a funeral wreath at central Bolivar Square to symbolize the end of the conflict, with a banner that read "Goodbye to the war."

Newspaper headlines also announced "The Final Day of the War."

According to Latin American news network Telesur, Latin America's longest-running civil war claimed 220,000 deaths up to 2012, left 25,000 missing and displaced 5.7 million people.
Three weeks after Allentown School District Superintendent Russell Mayo said he would retire after the next school year, the school board dropped a surprise.

Russell Mayo (lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

It granted Mayo a sabbatical for all of 2016-17 and agreed to pay him 60 percent of his salary, or $114,000.

"I have been under a doctor's care for several years now," the 68-year-old said in a statement released Thursday night. "He has recommended that I take this next year for health and restoration."

The school board voted 6-3 on Thursday night to grant the sabbatical, The Morning Call reported.

The move means Mayo will be on sabbatical from July 1 through June 30, 2017, and the school district will launch a search for a new leader.

Mayo joined Allentown schools in as deputy superintendent in 2004 and was awarded a five-year contract as superintendent in July 2012.

Pennsylvania schools allow sabbaticals for professional development and "restoration of health." The school code says educators who are approved for sabbaticals are entitled to half of their salary.

School board President David Zimmerman also issued a statement after Thursday night's board meeting.

"Our board has agreed to this sabbatical not only for Dr. Mayo's health, but also because of the dedication and difficult work he has accomplished during his tenure as deputy superintendent and his five years as superintendent."

Mayo has been an educator for 46 years and was due to earn $190,000 in 2016-17.

Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
A few fake paychecks presented at Bethlehem businesses led police to their alleged printer, linking the forgeries to a New York man accused of numerous similar charges elsewhere in Pennsylvania.

At least nine people were involved in the Lehigh Valley, according to a Bethlehem police affidavit detailing the investigation, which began in December.

At least nine people are accused of forging checks in the Lehigh Valley, including a New York man who was facing more than 100 charges in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. (NJ Advance Media file photo)

Grace Jackson, 20, of the 2000 block of South 25th Street in Palmer Township, was among the first to cash one of the bad checks -- which appeared to be a Bed, Bath & Beyond payroll slip -- at Stefko Mini Mart in Bethlehem, police say in the affidavit. Jackson was arraigned early Friday.

The affidavit also says Fatisha Johnson, 19, of the same address, and Chanel Warga, 23, of the 100 block of North 2nd Street in Easton, also paid with fraudulent checks at the store.

In February, two people were arrested for cashing fake checks at Figueroa's Market on Pembroke Road in Bethlehem, according to court documents. Charged were Brittany Bodajlo, 20, of Phillipsburg, and Amira Thornton, 20, of Easton.

Thornton identified the check's maker by an alias, the affidavit says. The same name was given by Nevilon Fung, no age or address given, when he tried to cash a forged check in April at Stefko Mini Mart, according to the document.

The alias was allegedly used by Jerry Onuaguluchi, 20, of Rosedale, New York, who was charged last summer in Luzerne County with 122 counts including forgery and criminal conspiracy.

The name led police in April to search a Valley Street apartment in South Side Easton. A printer, check paper and a fake Bed, Bath & Beyond check in Johnson's name were among the items seized, the affidavit says. Signatures on some recovered forgeries also allegedly matched those on checks used by Jackson, Johnson and Warga.

The number of charges for the accused vary, but many include forgery and conspiracy. Most also are free after posting unsecured bail.

In Luzerne, Onuaguluchi also posted bail, according to online records. His 122 counts there have been reduced to one count each of forgery, criminal conspiracy to commit forgery, possession of instruments of crime, criminal conspiracy to possess instruments of crime, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and find him on Facebook.
A man and a woman were arraigned Friday morning on charges they attacked a Freemansburg woman, borough police said.

Leonel Perez, 30, of the 1500 block of East Seventh in Bethlehem, and Carissa Olivo, 32, of the same address, are charged with simple assault and harassment related to an incident just after 6 p.m. June 9 at 604 Main St. in Freemansburg, police said.

Felisha Warrelmann told police that Olivo and Perez stopped a 2007 Honda Odyssey across the street from the home of Warrelmann's grandfather. Olivo got out of the minivan and began yelling obscenities at Warrelmann, police said.

Olivo then crossed the street and hit Warrelmann in the face, police said. As the two hit the ground fighting, Perez grabbed Warrelmann by the hair and punched her in the back of the head, police said.

Warrelmann's grandfather, Donald Davis, then came out and yelled he was calling police, according to court records.

Olivo and Perez got back in the van and, before leaving, Perez shouted, "Now I know where you live," police said.

Olivo and Perez were arraigned Friday morning before District Judge James Narlesy and bail was set at 10 percent of $5,000.

As conditions of bail, they can't have any contact with Warrelmann or go to her home.

As of 11:45 a.m., online records didn't show either in jail.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated her hope for Britain to remain a part of the EU, hours before the outcome of Britain's European Union(EU) membership referendum is revealed.

Europe should discuss the result "together and in calm," said Merkel after meeting with her Austrian counterpart Christian Kern on Thursday in Berlin.

Merkel also cautioned against hectic reactions to Britain's EU referendum.

She said the result of Britain's EU referendum would be tabled during the EU summit in Brussels next week.
After Easton police encountered Ashley E. Vanscoten driving a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee late Thursday afternoon on the city's South Side, the effort to arrest her picked up.

Ashley Vanscoten (Photo Courtesy Easton Police Department)

The 33-year-old, who lives in the 900 block of Reynolds Street, was not yet an official suspect in the Wednesday afternoon robbery of a Rite Aid pharmacy at Ninth and Northampton streets in the city, police Lt. Matthew Gerould said.

But she drove off and police pursued until it was considered too dangerous to continue, Gerould said.

Information developed soon after led police to believe she entered the West Ward store at 3:52 p.m., said she had a knife in her bra and her finger was in her pocket looking like a gun and she stole prescription pills, Gerould said.

Late Thursday afternoon, police sent her photo to media outlets and said she could be a danger to herself or others. That photo led to calls to police identifying Vanscoten, court papers say.

She made threats to harm herself so police were concerned for her safety, Gerould said.

Police doubled their efforts to locate the tan SUV and its driver, Gerould said.

Patrol supervisor Sgt. Joe Alonzo about 1:30 a.m. Friday saw a vehicle that matched the description at the Exxon station at 15th and Northampton streets, just over the Wilson Borough border, Gerould said. The license plate was wrong, but Alonzo pushed forward, learning the plate on the vehicle was old, likely replacing the one police broadcast, Gerould said.

Vanscoten was coming out of the convenience store when Alonzo attempted to take her into custody, but she struggled as the sergeant tried to handcuff her, Gerould said. Alonzo eventually made the arrest and Vanscoten was transported to Central Court at Northampton County Prison, Gerould said.

Vanscoten was charged with robbery, theft and aggravated assault from the Rite Aid robbery and resisting arrest, possession of prescription pills and possession of drug paraphernalia resulting from the arrest, Gerould said.

The lieutenant wouldn't say if the pills found were the same as those stolen on Wednesday afternoon.

No one was hurt during the arrest, Gerould said.

Police early Thursday said Vanscoten was also a suspect in a Tuesday evening robbery of a Subway sandwich shop at 700 Old Philadelphia Road and an early Wednesday morning robbery of a CVS pharmacy at 2651 Easton Ave. in Bethlehem.

So far, the Easton police charges against Vanscoten are limited to the Rite Aid, Gerould said.

The Subway is a separate case and while police didn't rescind Thursday's information, on Friday all they would say is that robbery is still under investigation. Gerould wouldn't comment on Vanscoten as a suspect in that crime.

Vanscoten wasn't armed when she was arrested -- she allegedly said she had a knife during two robberies and a gun during another -- but the Jeep was seized and had yet to be searched, Gerould said Friday morning.

In each case, police said the robber never displayed a weapon.

Bethlehem police couldn't immediately be reached to confirm Vanscoten was being charged in the CVS robbery. That crime was quickly connected to the Rite Aid robbery because the woman in both was wearing an identical hoodie, authorities said. Easton and Bethlehem police worked together since the CVS robbery, Gerould said.

Vanscoten was arraigned before District Judge James Narlesky and bail was set at $75,000 in the Rite Aid robbery, $75,000 in the CVS robbery (two counts of robbery involving threats and inflicting injury and one count of theft) and $1,000 from the charges during the arrest, court papers day.

The investigation "was a great example of a team effort involving multiple divisions of Easton police and coordination with Bethlehem police," Gerould said, saluting the Patrol and Criminal Investigations divisions in Easton. There was a "good flow of information and communication."

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
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China's special representative on Korean Peninsula affairs Wu Dawei urged all parties to restart the six-party talks at an early date.

Wu made the remarks at the 26th Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue (NEACD) on development and peace on the Northeast Asia, regional multilateral security, major power relations and other topics.

Wu, once China's chief delegate to the six-party talks, said all parties should give up the cold war mentality and insist on the denuclearization of the peninsula, through dialogue and consultation.

The six-party talks played an important role in maintaining peace and promoting denuclearization, Wu said, adding that the September 19 2005 Joint Statement and its principles are guidance for a solution to the peninsula issue.

The six-party talks, involving China, DPRK, the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia and Japan, was a multilateral mechanism aimed to solve the Korean nuclear issue. The talks began in 2003 and stalled in December 2008. The DPRK quit the talks in April 2009.

The NEACD was held in Beijing from Wednesday to Thursday. Choe Son Hui, Deputy Director General of the Department of U.S. Affairs of DPRK Foreign Ministry, Kanasugi Kenji, Director-General of the Asian and Oceania Affairs Bureau of the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Kim Gunn, Director General for korean nuclear affairs of the ROK Foreign Ministry, Davydov, Ambassador-at-large of Russian Foreign Ministry and Sung Kim, Special Representative for DPRK Policy of the U.S. Department of State, attended.

Later on Thursday afternoon, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying urged all parties to avoid any action that would escalate tension, in response to the DPRK missile launch on Wednesday.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Charlie Flanagan has said that the Brexit decision was certainly not the result which I or the Government had hoped for.

However, he underlined that the Irish government had been prepared for both possible outcomes.

In a statement following this morning's (Friday, June 24) cabinet meeting Minister Flanagan noted that a period of great challenge now lay ahead for everyone

This is a challenge which will be met, he stated.

In this context considerable work has already been undertaken right across government to prepare a contingency framework to address the various sectoral issues that will arise.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I wish to emphasise the following three points this morning:

First, Ireland is - and will remain  closely aligned to both the EU and the UK.

Ireland will of course remain in the EU and in the Eurozone, while we will also do everything to protect our political, economic and people-to-people links to the UK.

As part of the Governments contingency framework, I will ensure that our diplomatic resources are utilised to the full in the important period ahead with appropriate capabilities put in place in Ireland, the UK, in Brussels and elsewhere.

Secondly, a key priority for me will be the ongoing work to support stability, reconciliation and prosperity for the people in Northern Ireland.

The UKs exit from the EU will bring changes, but the Irish Government has emphasised all along - in its contacts with EU partners, the UK government and the parties in Northern Ireland - that the Northern Ireland and all-island dimensions will be an area for priority attention in all post-referendum negotiations processes, including in relation to the status of the border.

Thirdly, I wish to stress that the UK is not leaving the EU immediately and that all arrangements, rights and facilities linked to EU membership still apply in full.

A negotiation process will get underway and will take a minimum of two years prior to a UK exit.

During that time the UK remains an EU member state and participating in the workings of the Union.

With these priorities in mind, I have initiated a round of contacts with British counterparts and with party leaders in Northern Ireland.

I have asked Irish Ambassadors from key EU capitals to travel to Dublin to discuss next steps, which will include high level political contacts with the EU.

Yesterday, I addressed all EU Ambassadors to Ireland and outlined the governments priorities for both possible outcomes of this referendum.

I also intend to maintain the outreach and engagement with the Irish community in the UK to ensure their concerns are taken on board as the negotiations process moves forward.

We will also work with all stakeholders, including with Irish employers representatives who trade with the UK, and with whom I discussed contingency planning in recent weeks as chair of the Governments Export Trade Council.

 Irish Embassies and Consulates will work closely with state agencies to continue to develop all of Irelands dynamic trading relationships, including of course the highly important business links with the UK, concluded Minister Flanagan.
Just five new houses were granted planning permission by Leitrim County Council in the first three months of this year.

The lack of new one off private dwellings being built in the county is down to low soakage in Leitrim land which does not pass EPA requirements.

Seven years ago the Environmental Agency Protection (EPA) guidelines on wastewater were introduced and since then planning for one-off homes has all but come to a standstill in Leitrim. Only a few sites can meet the T90 test requirements for development.

According to CSO figures, 32 applications were granted planning permission in Leitrim for the first quarter of this year.

Out of this figure just five applications related to new dwellings.

The other applications included extensions, alterations and others.

The approved permission figure stands very small compared to surrounding counties. In the same period Cavan granted 130 applications, Donegal allowed 183, Sligo 80 and Roscommon 74.

There is hope for the planning problem, Leitrim County Council believe they have identified a new system that may produce no discharge of effluent to ground.

The system needs to be demonstrated and the council have set up a pilot scheme, where these new systems will be installed and monitored into new homes.

The alternative waste water system consists of a site specific design in the form of a conventional septic tank followed by either a willow plantation, installed within a lined basin, or a series of wetland basins, lined with naturally occurring clay.

According to Leitrim County Council they have granted planning permission for seven pilot developments of which only three are currently being constructed.

A spokesperson for the council told the paper, We need a larger representative sample of such developments to verify the success of the systems.

Hence the call for further applicants to come forward and express their interest in applying and developing such systems.

The application form to join the pilot scheme is available online or from the Planning Department of the council in Carrick-on-Shannon and must be submitted before September 30.

Since 2011 Leitrim County Council outlined they have refused 11 applications for individuals dwellings which would be reliant upon individual wastewater treatment systems.

Of these 11 decisions, 8 included a reason for refusal which related to the proposed method of wastewater treatment not satisfying the requirements of the Planning Authority.

This did not necessarily relate to not adhering to the EPA Code of Practice but to potential pollution arising of adjoining water bodies and the need to ensure protection of European Sites (Natura 2000 sites).

Two of these decisions to refuse are currently the subject of appeals to An Bord Pleanala.

The impact of this planning issue has in turn affected the property market in Leitrim, putting up the price of second hand homes due to the lack of new one off homes available to buyers.

Councillors in North Leitrim have been very vocal about the issue which they believe is stopping young families from building new homes and settling in the locality, which in turn is affecting school enrolments.

Cllr Frank Dolan this week said getting planning permission is practically impossible where he lives and one family had to wait four years to get approval for their plans.

The Fine Gael Councillor said he was at a recent conference in Buncrana, Co Donegal where he said it was clear from the Irish Planning Institute, they don't want one off houses and they want to make us live in the towns.
So I still havent gone to bed yet. I feel just about alive. There seems little point in sleeping now as I need to get up at 4:30 tomorrow morning to catch a flight to London for Federal Executive where we have a whole day of constitutional amendments ahead of us. I suspect we may mention the Referendum result as well. Just a bit.

Im for the 16 million, the 48% said Tim Farron in a speech on the referendum result. By 1pm,1000 people had joined the party, reminiscent of the surge last year.

Tims speech was heartfelt and hopeful. He was furious about the way the campaign had been fought, so divisive and deceitful. He understood the concerns of those disengaged people who had voted for Leave but he also empathised with young people, who had voted for Remain in huge numbers but whose future had been taken away by older generations who had enjoyed the benefits of greater European integration.

He also announced that 1000 new members had joined the Lib Dems today.

You can watch the speech here on the partys Facebook page. It darned well made me cry. Up until seeing it, I had been shocked. This tugged at the heartstrings. .

I am devastated and I am angry. Today we woke to a deeply divided country.

Nigel Farages vision for Britain has won this vote, but it is not a vision I accept.

An institution that we built, that delivered peace, that promoted equality, kept us safe and opened the doors of opportunity, will no longer play part of Britains future.

With this vote, the very fabric of our country has changed.

The whole fabric of Europe has been changed.

Even though the vote was close, the majority of British people want us to leave.

But we refuse to give up on our beliefs.

Our fight for an open, optimistic, hopeful, diverse and tolerant Britain is needed now more than ever.

Together we will continue to make the case for Britains future with Europe, a future millions of people have voted for.

Together we cannot afford to let that vision die.

The Liberal Democrats will continue to stand and fight for a better kind of Britain than the one painted by the leave campaign.

If you are as angry and heartbroken as I am, I need you to join us today.

As Gladstone said almost 130 years ago  We are part of the community of Europe, and must do our duty as such.

Hope and optimism, openness and tolerance, cooperation and togetherness can succeed.

We must not let this vote allow our country to turn to division, isolation and decline.

Fellow Liberal Democrats, your efforts, in every corner of Britain, have been incredible, and I am immensely proud of the role you have played in this campaign.

As Charles Kennedy said, this party  our family  has Europe in its DNA.

I am a northerner, I am English, I am British and I am a European. I am proud of all four, and I am not alone.

It has been a privilege for me to lead people so committed to our internationalist values and united behind a vision of Britain that is tolerant, outward-looking and compassionate.

While others sat on their hands, you guys pulled a shift in every community in Britain. I am proud of you.

For years we have been told we have had to hide our vision on Europe.

Today we stand alongside millions of people who share in that vision.

16M people.

Those people share our values, our belief and our ambition for Britain.

What stands out to me more than anything, is the great injustice to future generations.

It looks like younger voters voted to remain at a staggering margin  almost three-quarters wanting to stay in.

Their future has been taken away by older generations.

What a tragedy that older voters, the people who have been able to benefit from European integration, have removed the opportunity for those coming behind them.

So, Boris, Michael Gove, Nigel Farage. Youve got your wish. Britain is out.

Now, what do you intend to do with it?

Simple catch phrases, bluff and bluster no longer cut it.

What do you say to the millions of Europeans who have made Britain their home?

What do you say to the millions of Britons who livelihoods are on the line?

You must look those people in the eye, and tell them what you can offer.

Overnight, sterling has plummeted

120 billion was wiped off the market in the first 10 minutes

Our banks are now more precarious

Peoples pensions are at risk

In a matter of moments we are no longer the 5th largest economy in the world, were sixth, behind France, and falling.

We are at serious risk that last nights vote will inflict damage to our economy that cant be undone.

Economics isnt about numbers on a spreadsheet its about people, peoples homes, jobs, livelihoods  now all put at risk.

For decades, politicians on all sides have pointed the finger of blame at Europe.

Lies and invented claims were left unchallenged.

No wonder that the British people dont trust it, and dont believe it.

And when the PM backed remain, after a career of criticising Europe, it should be no surprise that no one trusted or believed him either.

Successive Prime Ministers  Conservative and Labour allowed the myth to grow that Europe interferes in our sovereignty in ways it never has.

Even when you consider the referendum itself, it only came about because it was politically expedient for David Cameron to hide from the European issue before the general election.

This vote has been a collective howl of frustration  at the political class, at big business, at a global elite.

This was not a vote on the European Union alone.

Years of frustration, dissatisfaction and people feeling ignored have been building to this point.

Too often the European Union has been used as a distraction from failures in government.

The pressures on our schools, the pressures on our hospitals and GP surgeries, the pressures on our infrastructure are problems made in Westminster, in our own Parliament, by British politicians.

The insecurities from zero hours contracts, the housing crisis, the desertion of the industrial north, the expenses scandals and the banking crisis, these are all problems made in Westminster.

No wonder people feel ignored and neglected by politics.

They have seen their living standards falling further and further behind the rest of society.

They are angry.

They are right to feel angry.

I share that anger.

But Nigel Farage is not the answer.

12 months ago David Cameron had the best result of his career. Today, the worst.

I was honoured to share a platform with the Prime Minster on this campaign, but this result, this self-inflicted wound, will be his legacy.

There have been many things I did not agree with the Prime Minister on, but I must thank him for his stewardship of the country and for the way he took the very bold move to create a Coalition Government in 2010. It was an incredible act of bi-partisan cooperation.

The result of the referendum has left him with no choice. In this immediate period, the Government must act quickly to steady the economy, reassure the markets, and immediately set a new course.

Greater instability will lead to job uncertainty, falling investment, and greater pressure on public services.

There is no doubt this is going to be an incredibly testing, difficult and fractious time.

David Cameron has become the latest Conservative leader to fall victim to his partys dangerous obsession with Europe. The Conservatives political manoeuvring has taken our country to the brink, and today we have toppled over the edge.

And what he does with this moment is pivotal.

He is right not to invoke Article 50 immediately, but to take time to set out a constructive vision of our relationship with Europe.

People on both sides of this debate must be brought together to set the course for how we leave.

There is no doubt this is going to be an incredibly testing, difficult and fractious time.

There were some genuinely amazing cross party moments in this campaign.

I really enjoyed standing alongside some of this countrys greatest progressive politicians.

But with politicians of all parties working together, one of the things that stood out in this campaign, was Jeremy Corbyns bizarre refusal to share a platform in the face of the greatest challenge our country was faced in a generation.

I have stood alongside Gordon Brown, Harriet Harman, Chukka Umuna, Andy Burnham and Sadiq Kahn.

Great progressive Labour politicians that I admire  forced to campaign with their hands tied behind their back because of short sighted demands from their Leaders office.

Where was the leader of that party?

Even when the future of our country depended on him, he could not bring himself to reach across the aisle.

When the call went out for help, Jeremy Corbyn refused to answer.

The once-proud working class Labour vote has abandoned Corbyn in droves.

Great Labour cities have been driven into the arms of UKIP and Nigel Farage.

It is clearer than ever that Jermyn Corbyn has more concern for his own position in his own party, rather than his country.

This has been a brutal campaign.

Tempers ran high, allegations were flung, and animosity crept into friendships.

Today I stand for the 48%. I stand for the 16 million.

Because I believe that we are instinctively an optimistic, hopeful country.

We are diverse, welcoming and open-hearted.

In this spirit we must move forward.

In this campaign we stood together against campaigns that sought to stoke bitterness and English nationalism.

Together, our progressive unity must not now be allowed to fade away.

Our liberal, progressive values are true British values and we must fight so hard to ensure they remain at the forefront of our politics.

In many ways this referendum has shown how our politics is broken

There is a very black cloud hanging over our country, but under that cloud, under the narrow painful defeat, there is a silver lining.

Because for the last few weeks I have stood alongside progressives, in Labour, Greens, SNP even Conservatives. It felt so much like there was more that united us than divided us.

We must not allow this unity to fade away.

When other parties are divided and wounded, I will reach out.

I am proud of the campaign that my party has run.

Positive, energetic and hopeful.

Thats the sort of party we are, and that is my offer to the country. It is my offer to all people who share our values.

I can offer you a home for a new modern breed of politics  liberal, hopeful, international, rational  driven by real British values.

Positive about Europe, furious with those who led us to this disaster. Determined that we will not walk away from this fight.

Together we can lay foundations for a better Britain.

Together we can heal the rifts of a divisive and negative campaign.

Be proud that youre one of the 48%. The 16 million.

Help us build a better, more effective and more representative politics.

Help us fight for real British values at home and abroad.

Show our fellow Europeans that Britain is a good neighbour. Is proud to be a European country. Is proud to lead.

So join us.

Already, today, a thousand new members have joined the Liberal Democrats in a spontaneous act of those who refuse to allow Farages vision of a bitter Britain to win.

They want a better Britain.

If you share their anger, if you share my anger, join us, and join us now.

16 million people. 48%. In need of a voice.

A politics of hope and optimism.

We will not give up.

You must not give up.

Join us.
Whilst a lot of analysis will be forthcoming on the events that led to a vote in the UK to leave the European Union, potentially of greater importance in the immediate aftermath is for a unified Post-Referendum Pro-Remain approach. Here, I am suggesting such an approach, and Lib Dems may wish to take the lead on such an approach.

First of all we need a strong institutional approach. The Lib Dems, Greens, SNP, and PC require a competent secretariat and fundraising body, with a very sharp and responsive media operation, that Pro-Remain Labour and Conservative figures can rally around.

Second, we need an end result to aim for . or more correctly two end-results.

As democrats there is one thing we should oppose. In Parliament there is almost certainly a majority against Brexit, and it will be tempting to support the blocking of Brexit. We should oppose this, otherwise we will be accused of not listening to the voice of the public, with all the long term political consequences.

We will complain rightly about all the misinformation and under the radar untruths apparently successfully peddled by a variety of organisations to targeted groups (my favourite untruth is the Greek bridge vs pothole leaflet).

During the Referendum campaign the Leave proponents, especially Michael Gove and Boris Johnson, fell into the habit of blaming almost everything on the EU and promising a kind of economic and social Post-Brexit paradise, where all the UKs problems become easily solvable. After 8 years of post-crash economic doldrums this is very attractive it is the universal power of wishful thinking.

Yes it was a false prospectus, but part of the problem is that people were voting with knowledge of the status quo, and of the new welfare deal with the EU, but close to zero knowledge of the details of the eventual Brexit deals.

The question as to whether or not the Brexit is better for the people of the UK in the future, compared to the future of staying in the EU, greatly depends on the nature of the Post-Brexit arrangements, when negotiated.

When the new arrangements are negotiated, the UK voter is only then able to make an informed choice. So after voters have voted for Brexit, in principle, these Post-Brexit deals will then consolidate opinion around the reality of Brexit. The deal will become the quasi-constitutional basis for the UK as a nation-state for decades to come. They should therefore have the assent of the British public.

However there is another constitutional issue. After the Brexit vote there may be another independence referendum in broadly Pro-EU Scotland, and even the potential for an independence referendum in Pro-EU Wales. There is also the question of the future of Northern Ireland and its border with an EU country  the Republic of Ireland.

The democratic approach therefore would be to have another plebiscite on the EU and non-EU deals, so that the ACTUAL Post-Brexit arrangements have the consent of the public.

It will almost certainly take three to four years to negotiate deals with the EU and other trading partners. Without doubt, no government would wish to enter a general election with an EU and non-EU deal incomplete.

Therefore the sensible and democratic approach is to have the plebiscite at the same time as a general election in 2020, giving four years for the government to negotiate the necessary deals. In the intervening 4 years the country will also see how being outside the EU affects daily life. The Brexiteers will likely support the plebiscite since it will give negotiating leverage to the British government against the EU.

The Liberal Democrats have a chance to pull the strands together, and unite the common Remain forces after the Brexit, based solidly on democratic principles and a clear goal.

* Paul Reynolds works with multilateral organisations as an independent adviser on international relations, economics, and senior governance. He is a member of the Lib Dem Federal International Relations Committee and an Executive member of Liberal International (British Group).
Harriet Harman, as acting leader of the Labour Party, explained her lack of opposition to the governments Welfare Bill with the words:

We cant simply say to the public you were wrong

Well I can.

Public, you got it wrong.

You got it disastrously wrong. Youve endangered the future of our entire continent for the sake of a handful of Brexiteers Magic Beans. Youve swallowed the distortions and lies of the Brexit brigade. Youve gleefully thrown reason, evidence and reflection out of the window. Youve allowed that Brexit brigade to press your basest, most pre-civilised, gut-reaction buttons. Youve allowed yourselves to be fooled. The consequences for you and your fellow Britons will be dire.

But its no use getting angry at the electorate. We need to act. The action I propose is that we give the electorate an opportunity to correct its error. We should put at the forefront of our campaigning:

Get Back In.

Let us have Get Back In as the first item in our manifesto. Let us have Get Back In on every piece of election literature, on our membership cards, as the strap line under our logo. Let us replace the, frankly vapid, working for you and winning here with Get Back In. We need to make it clear that a vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for re-joining Europe. Re-joining Europe fully: no opt-outs, no special conditions, in the Euro on day one. Let us Get Back In, fully.

But wouldnt we be failing to accept the decision of the electorate? Not at all. We have no power to overthrow the result of the referendum, no power to reverse that decision or force another vote. It is not in our gift and will not be unless the public subsequently votes and in heavy numbers for parties, like ours, that seek re-entry.

But theyve just voted to Leave the EU and were going to turn around and try and sell them the exact opposite? Yes. Politics isnt retail: if your product doesnt sell you dont simply change the product. The economic suicide look is absolutely huge this season. Lets have redundancies in the window, lets have ruined prospects all over that wall over there, lets have a renewed threat of conflict display over there. No, we must propose whats right and, if we fail to convince, accept that decision.

Fine, its a principled stand but isnt it ultimately pointless advancing a policy with no hope of gaining popular support? We need to bear in mind that, although the referendum was lost a full 48.1% of those voting voted remain. The 51.9% that voted to leave are about to start experiencing the effects of their foolishness. I suspect that were the referendum to be re-run this afternoon the result would be very different.

But no opt-outs, no special conditions, the Euro? Come on! Are you crazy? Weve got to start being honest with the electorate. Were not going to stop the other 450 million citizens in their progress towards closer union. Neither are they likely to offer us a permanent associate membership, a two tier Europe with one member in the second tier. Whilst we do not know the future shape of the EU, at some point the EU will be talked about in much the same way that we talk about the United States. We have a straight choice: full and equal citizenship in the unified EU or subjects in a separate, friendless, impoverished and diminished UK.

Lets chose the former, lets Get Back In.

* Tony Lloyd is a member in Lewisham Liberal Democrats, an accountant and so pro European that he insisted on the European national anthem at his wedding.
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British Prime MinisterDavid Camerondelivers a speech at 10 Downing Street in London, June 24, 2016. Britain Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday morning announced his intention to resign after his country has voted to leave theEuropean Union. [Xinhua]

British Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday morning announced his intention to step down after his country has voted to leave the European Union (EU).

"I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," he told media outside his Downing Street office in London.

"It was not a decision that was taken lightly, not least because so many things were said by so many organizations about the significance of this decision so there can be no doubt about this result," Cameron said.

"We must now prepare for a negotiation with the European Union. This will need to involve the full engagement of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments to ensure all parts of the UK are protected and advanced," he added.

Cameron gave no details about the timetable, but he said the country needs a new prime minister by the time he steps down in October.

He added that he would attend the European summit next week.

The British "Leave" camp has won the historic referendum early in the morning by obtaining nearly 52 percent of ballots, pulling the country out of the 28-nation bloc after its 43 years of membership. But the process of leaving will take several years, according to British media.

According to Jenny Watson, the chief counting officer for the EU referendum, 17.4 million Britons voted for a Brexit against 16.1 million in favor of staying in the EU, while the turnout at the referendum was 72.2 percent.

The results also underlined the division among the four parts of Britain over the matter, as the majority in Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU, while Wales and England opted for leaving.
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A PRISON inmate will be sentenced in December after he was convicted of assaulting a prison officer at his cell in Limerick Prison last year.

During a contested hearing, Trevor McAleer, aged 29, who has an address at St Brigids Place, Portlaoise denied a number of charges relating to an incident on March 16, 2015.

Limerick District Court was told McAleer became involved in a struggle with a number of prison officers who entered his cell at around 10.45am.

The defendant admitted he had smoked heroin the previous night and that a small quantity of drugs were found in his cell by the prison officers.

While there was conflicting evidence as to why the prison officers decided to enter the cell, it was agreed that a struggle took place which resulted in the defendant being restrained and taken to a high observation cell.

One prison officer said when he entered McAleers cell, the defendant jumped up and went to assault me.

He said as he and a colleague tried to restrain him, he struck him in the shoulder and attempted to bite him.

Another prison officer told the court that McAleer threatened to rape his wife and kill his family following his release from prison.

However, following submissions from solicitor Darach McCarthy, Judge Marian OLeary dismissed that charge on technicality.

In his evidence, McAleer, who has more than 50 previous convictions, accepted he had been cheeky and had told the prison officers to f*** off when they entered his cell.

However he strongly denied assaulting the prison officer.

I have never assaulted anybody, its not in my nature, he said, describing the allegations as complete rubbish.

Referring to the wording of Section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the State Act, Judge OLeary convicted the defendant saying she was satisfied the State had proven its case.

After being informed McAleer is due to enter a rehab programme later in the year, she adjourned the matter to December 14, next.

She asked that a progress report be available on that date.
BUSINESS leaders in Limerick have been reacting to the Brexit vote this morning, with many admitting to being shocked by the result.

As news emerged that 52% of Britons had voted to leave the European Union, local business figures were gathering at a Limerick Chamber of Commerce breakfast briefing in the Castletroy Park Hotel.

James Ring, chief executive of the chamber said he was shocked, very shocked by the result.

The sense in the room is fear of the unknown, he said.

I'm in a room full of Limerick business leaders and owners for a Chamber breakfast and there's palpable shock over #Brexit June 24, 2016

Catherine Duffy, Northern Trust boss and Chamber president was also in shock.

Is Donald Trump as US president the next thing?" she wondered.

Donal Hanrahan of BDO Limerick said: "I'm stunned, absolutely stunned. I'm unsure what impact it's going to have."

The vote has sent shockwaves through the local tourism industry, with a 10% fall in Sterling in the immediate aftermath of the vote leading to fears that British visitors could opt against travelling to Ireland this summer.

Maria O'Gorman Skelly of the Limerick Strand Hotel said: "I went to bed and thought it was going to be okay. Now I'm shocked."

Mairead Connolly of PWC Limerick predicted that there would be turbulent times ahead, while Pat Daly, economic director of Limerick City and County Council, said: "Everyone here is taken aback but we'll have to see what the opportunity is for us."

Reaction from our reporter @Nick468official, an Englishman in Limerick who flew over this week to vote Remain https://t.co/e0WU4CY6hg  Alan English (@AlanEnglish9) June 24, 2016

Meanwhile, Anthony Coleman of the Local Enterprise Office warned that the Limerick SME sector would be under pressure because of the cost of selling into the market.

The Chamber has since issued a statement on the referendum result, with James Ring saying: "This is a decision that was clearly not our preference from a business and economic perspective in Ireland but the very positive relationship between our nation and the UK, and not least in the context of enormous strengthening of diplomatic ties over recent years, will stand Ireland in good stead as we adjust to the UK exit from the EU.

"The UK is one of our main trading partners and we have a very strong two-way economic relationship. What we now need to do at Government level is to explore how, within this new context, we can consolidate this relationship and best position ourselves in this new European reality with the UK.

Elena Fitzgerald of the Woodlands hotel in Adare said she was less concerned about the immediate impact of the leave vote than about the longer term effects.

You are always worried that something like this would cause recession. As their nearest neighbours we are going to feel it first, she said.

Ms Fitzgerald, who is also the chairperson of the Shannon Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, said the instability caused by the vote could have a more damaging impact that any short term currency fluctuations between Sterling and the euro.

It is not going to stop people going to Europe or it is not going to stop people coming to Ireland. My biggest fear is that the world economy or the British economy will go into recession, she said.

We are only barely back on our feet again, particularly at a rural level. We cant afford anything to jeopardise where we are at.

Labour TD Jan O'Sullivan said: "Overall, most certainly, we should stay in the EU and I think its very disappointing that Britain has gone out and its a real challenge for Ireland because of the border.

"We are only just coming to terms with it now, what happens with pensions?, what happens with Irish people working in Britain? There are a whole lot of questions and we dont know the answer to a lot of them yet because this is completely unchartered territory.

"All political parties in Ireland need to work together, along with our government, to make sure that we do the best possible thing for their Irish people so we shouldnt be playing politics with it."

Fianna Fail TD Niall Collins said he was "shocked with the result, I turned off the television last night expected the result would be the opposite to to what we have this morning, thats what the predictions were.

"I think the result will have enormous ramifications for this country, all of which have been well aired - for example border controls, trade and basic inconveniences that people will have to endure if travelling to the UK because they wont, be, potentially, part of common travel area.

"Its going to impact us on so many fronts and I think that now its now the job of government to try and make sure the impact of that doesn't impact us as negatively as it potentially can."

We're looking for Limerick's British expats to share their views on this morning's #Brexit result. Contact us at 061-214515 @Limerick_Leader  FINTAN WALSH (@FintanYTWalsh) June 24, 2016

- More updates and reaction as we have them. Stay with the Limerick Leader on Twitter and Facebook.
LIMERICKS local authority has launched a plan it hopes will grow cultural current engagement to 2030 and beyond.

The Limerick Cultural Strategy 2016  2030 promises to deliver further step-change in Limericks cultural development.

The 17 page report was worked on in partnership with both the Limerick Arts and Culture Exchange (L.A.C.E) and Professional Limerick Artists Network (PLAN), as well citizens, businesses and voluntary and community organisations across Limerick. It seeks to build on the successes of City of Culture in 2014 and the bid for European Capital of Culture in 2020.

It was unveiled by Mayor of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Liam Galvin and will parallel the Limerick 2030 Economic and Spatial Plan as a roadmap for further cultural development in Limerick to ensure sustainable, long-term cross-sectoral commitment for the ongoing fostering of this rich part of its heritage.

Limerick values its cultural achievements and recognises and embraces the potential for major international success. This framework allows us to strategically plan and look to the future to ensure culture continues to contribute to a vibrant Limerick, in developing the city and region.

This is an exciting opportunity to invest in culture, to bring new energy, synergies and excitement to all of Limericks citizens.

Sheila Deegan, deputy director of the 2020 bid, said the cultural strategy presents an opportunity to re imagine Limerick, draw together its indigenous creativity, reach out to citizens as collaborators and realise a new dynamism for building and enriching our future.

The new Cultural Strategy for Limerick celebrates and recognises the multiplicities that make Limerick unique, colourful and diverse. It is a chance to collectively tell a powerful story about the valuable impact this strategy can make.
 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that China and Belarus should steadily implement the agreed major cooperation projects and enhance coordination of cooperation between the two sides.

During a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, Xi said the development of bilateral relations has gained speed and bilateral cooperation in various fields is enjoying an overall advancement.

The two sides render firm support to each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, Xi said.

The Chinese president said both sides should seek to dovetail their development strategies and enhance overall planning and coordination on cooperation projects.

Both sides should focus on the construction of the China-Balerus Industrial Park and deepen cooperation in major projects, so as to boost overall cooperation in trade, investment, finance and sub-national affairs and to push forward the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi said.

The two countries should enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and maintain the momentum of development in bilateral relations and cooperation, said the Chinese president.

For his part, Lukashenko said Belarus has always been China's reliable friend and he is happy to see that both sides have rendered support to each other on their respective major concerns.

Belarus stands ready to closely cooperate with China on economy and trade, sub-national affairs and high technology, said Lukashenko.

Belarus will actively participate in the Road and Belt Initiative and will strive to make the China-Belarus Industrial Park a landmark project of the initiative, said the Belarusian president.

Belarus is ready to enhance cooperation with China within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, said Lukashenko.

Xi arrived in Tashkent on Tuesday for a state visit to Uzbekistan, as well as a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Uzbekistan is the third and final stop of Xi's three-nation tour, which has taken him to Serbia and Poland.
FINANCE Minister Michael Noonan appears to have been dragged into the row JP McManuss lawyers are having with US authorities over taxation on $17.4 of gambling winnings.

According to reports in the Irish Times this week, the Limerickmans legal team has accused the IRS of intellectual dishonesty in the way it portrayed to the court past public statements by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan concerning whether the levy is an income tax or a wealth tax.

Mr McManus, the report states, says the authors of the US-Ireland double taxation treaty did not intend for gambling winnings to be taxed but added; Whether or not (they) are happy 20 years later with that decision is not relevant.

Mr McManus is trying to recoup $5.2million in taxes the IRS withheld after he won over $17m playing backgammon against Alec E. Gores, an American billionaire.

According to media reports, Mr McManus legal team in documents filed this week to a US court, rebutted a claim that he should pay $5.2 in tax on the winnings.

According to the reports, he accused the US tax officials of misrepresenting rules and making up facts about how gambling winnings ought to be taxed.

His team also asked the court to disallow as evidence a letter sent from Revenue to its US counterpart, the IRS, which entered the letter in the McManus case.

The letter, from which the name of the author is redacted, states that the 200,000 domiciled levy paid in Ireland by Mr McManus is not a covered tax under the double taxation agreements between Ireland and the US.
FORMER president of the European Parliament and Limerickman Pat Cox has expressed "disappointment and regret" over the UK's decision to leave the European Union.

While stressing it was "premature" to make assumptions about the possible negative knock-on effects for the Republic of Ireland, Mr Cox said that there were a number of "consequences" that the Mid-West region and the country might face.

He said indigenous industries in the agriculture, food, and drinks sectors, and small and medium enterprises will be "more exposed to uncertainties, currency fluctuations and the impact of slower growth in Britain" as a result of the 'Brexit' vote.

Depending on all of these migration border control issues resolve themselves  its too soon to say when that may be  there is a possibility that, either on the north-south basis or on an east-west basis, some kind of new measures could come in. And I think trying to speculate it to the end point might be too premature, he told the Limerick Leader this Friday.

The larger part of our trade, in European terms, is with the non-United Kingdom European Union, which takes about 40% of our trade. But the UK takes about 15% of our trade. In that, there are some sectors that depend more than proportionately on the UK, in particular the Irish food, agriculture and drinks sector. They depend very heavily on the UK market," he explained.

Mr Cox, who was a member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 1989 to 2004, said that the Irish people will have "to respect the result, even if we might find its logic complicated or confusing".

He said that the Brexit debate consisted of more discussion about "Britishness than simply about what it is to be in the EU", and that the UK has less experience than Ireland in the referendum process.

We have had 10 referenda in the Republic of Ireland related to the EU, the ECC and the various treaties. I have been involved in most of those in a very direct way in campaigning.

And to tell you the truth, in spite of the number of campaigns, the amount of literature, or the constancy of the debates, each time it feels a little like the movie Groundhog Day, where you start over as if you were never over the course before. Trying to get the subtle detail of the EU arrangements across to a very broad massive Republic is a real challenge..

When asked if this would influence a similar referendum in Ireland, he said that it would be "suicidal for Ireland to add to the uncertainty at this moment.

"What we need to do is to box clever to make sure that our Europeanness and our bilateral interests with Britain works out in a way, where we minimise the risks to our interests and maximise our opportunities, he said.

In a statement, finance minister Michael Noonan has said that he will maintain Irelands economic ties with the UK during their negotiations of a new relationship with the EU.

Mr Noonan underlined that his department has been actively preparing for the outcome of the referendum and has been liaising closely with the Central Bank and the NTMA to ensure financial and economic stability can be maintained

Today is the start of a process. The UK remains a full member of the EU and will continue to remain so until the arrangements for its withdrawal have been completed, he said.

I would like to assure you that I will be working to ensure that throughout this process we will seek to support the continuation of the important and mutually beneficial economic ties that exist between the UK and Ireland.

I spoke this morning with the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland. The Governor advised that the Central Bank is confident that the appropriate contingency measures are in place to address any immediate issues of financial stability that may arise. As part of the Eurosystem and the Single Supervisory Mechanism, the Central Bank will closely monitor the market impact and banking sector in the coming days and will liaise closely with my Department.

I also spoke this morning with the Chief Executive Officer of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). He confirmed that the NTMA has prepared for this as it is well funded for this year and our debt dynamics are improving.
BECAUSE music recognises no borders, scores of Limerick people are expected to cross the into Kerry this weekend for the Con Curtin Festival in Brosna. Now in its 16th year, the festival is named for one of Brosnas best known musicians, the legendary fiddler, Con Curtin who died in 2009.

But his music and his love of music live on through the three-day festival in his native place. The festival opens this Friday with a top class traditional concert featuring renowned group Teada, joined by West Kerry legend Seamus Begley..Also taking part will be the Crossfields Ceili band, the current under 18 All Ireland Ceili band champions and storyteller Tom Herlihy.

Saturday will begin with a range of music workshops for accordion, flute, concertina, banjo and fiddle. And this year sees a very special singing workshop lead by Seamus Begley to be held in the Woodview Bar. Registration for the workshops starts at 10.30.

The Open Accordion Competition takes place at 3.30pm and is open to all ages. Entry to the competition is only 15 with the winner receiving the Aeneas OConnell Memorial Cup plus 400 in prize money. There is also a runners up prize.

The fiddle will come into its own on Saturday evening when a fiddle recital takes place in 'The Sportsfield' Bar, starting at 5pm. The traditional Mass follows later in the evening.

Sunday is a great family day with busking competitions for under 11, under 15 and over 15 starting at 1.30pm. The Con Curtin Memorial Cup will be presented to the winners of the Senior Category. This will be followed by an open air session which will take place in the square and is open to everyone to join in before the mighty Striolan Ceili band raise the roof at the ceili commencing in the Parish Hall at 3pm.

A pub trail including the best of traditional music runs all across the weekend.
Apr 27, 2021, 11 AM

By Michael Baadke

The United States Postal Service is celebrating cold sweet dessert treats that are enjoyed by Americans everywhere, with five Soda Fountain Favorites stamps issued June 30.

The booklet of 20 stamps features five different illustrations, the Postal Service reported, a double-scoop ice cream cone, an egg creme, a banana split, a root beer float and a hot fudge sundae.

The stamps were issued in a flat pane of 20 that can be folded by postal customers into a booklet format. As reported by Linn's earlier this month, the first-day ceremony was planned for the Elliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville, Tenn.

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Nashville is marking the stamp event with its own pictorial postmark that serves as a first-day cancel for the new issue.

To obtain the postmark, address your requests to:

ELLISTON PLACE SODA FOUNTAIN Station, Postmaster, 2245 Rosa Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208-9998, June 30.

The following cancels are also available.

153RD ANNIVERSARY BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG FIRST DAY Station, Postmaster, 115 Buford Ave., Gettysburg, PA 17325-9998, July 1. (Cannon.)

POST OFFICE MUSEUM Station, Postmaster, 15 Third St., Vanceburg, KY 41179-9998, July 1. (Museum building, Vanceburg Depot Museum 1797 2016, Concord-Queens-Covedale.)

SAN JOSE CA Station, Postmaster, 1750 Meridian Ave., San Jose, CA 95101-9998, July 1. (Lufthansa jet, Lufthansa insignia, First Flight A340 with Lufthansa, LH 489, San Jose, Frankfurt.)

BICENTENNIAL Station, Postmaster, Box 9998, Bentleyville, PA 15314-9998, July 1-2. (Bentleyville 200 Years Bicentennial 1816-2016, star.)

OLD THRESHERS FARM TOY FRENZY Station, Postmaster, Box 9998, Denton, NC 27239-9998, July 1-5. (Boy driving tractor.)

EDDYVILLE, ILLINOIS POPE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Station, Postmaster, 202 W. Main St., Golconda, IL 62938-9998, July 1-10. (Pope County Courthouse within oval frame, banners.)

GOLCONDA, ILLINOIS POPE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Station, Postmaster, 202 W. Main St., Golconda, IL 62938-9998, July 1-10. (Pope County Courthouse within oval frame, banners.)

HEROD, ILLINOIS POPE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Station, Postmaster, 202 W. Main St., Golconda, IL 62938-9998, July 1-10. (Pope County Courthouse within oval frame, banners.)

50TH ANNIVERSARY Station, Postmaster, 11251 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego, CA 92199-9996, July 2. (Pier with lights on poles, gulls, Celebrating 50 Years, Ocean Beach Pier.)

KLIEGLES GARAGE Station, Postmaster, 130 W. Chicago Ave., Goodwin, SD 57238-9998, July 2. (Garage exterior with sign reading B. Kliegle Garage, older car, cart, 100 Year Celebration.)

153RD ANNIVERSARY BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG SECOND DAY Station, Postmaster, 115 Buford Ave., Gettysburg, PA 17325-9998, July 2. (Cannon.)

OSWEGO COUNTY BICENTENNIAL Station, Postmaster, 391 W. First St., Oswego, NY 13126-9998, July 2. (New York state map outline with Oswego County highlighted.)

MEMORIAL PARK CEREMONY Station, Postmaster, 117 Rano Blvd., Vestal, NY 13850-9998, July 2. (All text postmark, 75th Vestal Parkway Anniversary, 1941 2016.)

AVERY TOMATO Station, Postmaster, 340 San Marcos, Avery, TX 75554-9998, July 2. (American flag with dark stars on white background, large tomato, Avery Tomato Festival.)

153RD ANNIVERSARY BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG THIRD DAY Station, Postmaster, 115 Buford Ave., Gettysburg, PA 17325-9998, July 3. (Cannon.)

4TH OF JULY Station, Postmaster, Box 9998, Seward, NE 68434-9998, July 4. (U.S. military single-propeller plane, Into the Wild Blue Yonder, Saluting a Century of Aviation in Nebraska.)

INDEPENDENCE Station, Postmaster, 152 N. Front St., Wilmington, NC 28401-9998, July 4. (Uncle Sam saluting, A Salute to Richard P. Boone, American Patriot and Wilmington NC Resident, Victory U.S.A.)

Share information by writing to Postmark Pursuit, Box 4129, Sidney, OH 45365. Instructions for requesting postmarks are available here.

Read more Postmark Pursuit columns:

Trailblazing postmark from National Postal Museum honors national parks

Michigan air show postmark June 18-19 features mail, aviation

Ropex stamp show postmarks recall 1934 National Parks commemoratives
Why stamps from two countries are found on one cover: U.S. Stamp Notes

Jun 24, 2016, 3 AM

Covers with regular postage stamps of two countries are unusual. This example was sent from the United States to Antigua, but the addressee had moved on. For the cover to be sent onward by airmail, the Antigua stamp was needed.

Forwarded from Washington, D.C., to Wauwatosa, Wis., in 1941, this German-origin cover required an additional 6 in United States postage for airmail service, which was paid by three 2 Prexie horizontal coils.

by John M. Hotchner

A facet of stamp collecting that I havent previously looked at in this column is covers bearing the regular postage stamps of both the United States and another country.

Unlike simple postage due covers bearing the due stamps of the receiving country, covers with regular postage stamps from two countries are quite scarce.

An incoming example and an outgoing example are pictured with this column.

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The cover sent from Germany to the United States in July 1941 is addressed to Washington, D.C.

The two Germany stamps (Scott 423 and 428) pay the Atlantic clipper rate to the United States.

From Washington, the cover was forwarded to an address in Wauwatosa, Wis.

Had it been forwarded by surface mail, the German stamps would have included that service. But the forwarding was by airmail, and that was an additional service with an additional charge. The charge was paid by the three 2 Prexie horizontal coils (Scott 841).

The outbound example was sent from California in 1977 to Antigua in the West Indies. It appears that this cover arrived after the addressee had gone or had returned to the United States.

The 25 U.S. airmail stamp (Scott C289) paid the airmail rate to Central America. Had the cover been marked undeliverable Return to Sender in Antigua, the 25 stamp would have covered that service, but forwarding to a new address by air required the 50 Antigua postage that was added (456). It was canceled on Feb. 17, 1977.

These types of covers are nice additions to any collection, but awfully hard to find.

More U.S. Stamp Notes:

Using stamps as a promotional tool

How did a mailing get to Japan without paid postage?

Messages on airmail covers promote the use of special delivery service
What happens when a bad bar code isnt covered up?: Modern U.S. Mail

Apr 29, 2021, 4 AM

Another way to obliterate an incorrect Postnet bar code is with a printed-on-demand black-dot Nixie (not deliverable) Postal Automation Redirection System (PARS) yellow return label.

The addressee on this 2009 postcard moved and left no new address with the U.S. Postal Service. The Postnet bar code for the incorrect address was not obliterated and, when read by the automated postal system, it caused the card to become loop mail, retur

A white return-address barcoded letter-mail labeling machine label can be used to obliterate a Postnet bar code placed on an item when it was first mailed.

By Anthony Wawrukiewicz

On its website, the United States Postal Service states that it is a common misconception that mail that is undeliverable as addressed (UAA mail)  also commonly referred to as return to sender (RTS) mail  is also loop mail.

Rather, as defined on the USPS website, loop mail is mail sent to an incorrect destination as a result of a wrong bar code and/or wrong ZIP Code.

UAA and RTS mail have a correct bar code, and so, by definition, are not loop mail.

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Before discussing loop mail, I will briefly comment that the forwarding and return of mail are presently handled by an automated system that expedites these processes.

The plan currently in operation is the Postal Automation Redirection System (PARS). It is a complex system that was explained by Michael Ludeman in the April 2006 issue of Auxiliary Markings, the newsletter of the Auxiliary Markings Club.

For the moment, it is enough to know that, if used, PARS would have produced a label similar to that shown here in the third illustration.

Now, getting back to the discussion of loop mail, we will see that while it is true that UAA mail is not by its nature loop mail, it can become loop mail.

The 2009 postcard pictured here includes the Postnet bar code at the foot of the card, which converts to 99163-5112-571.

This is the 11-digit code that is associated with the address on the card (the 1 at the end is a checksum number that can aid in correcting an incorrect Postnet bar code).

We will see that because this bar code remained visible on the card, it was the cause of the card being loop mail.

Apparently the addressee was not at the address on the card, but unfortunately this person apparently had not submitted a change-of-address form to PARS. Therefore, it was not possible to forward the card; note the small stamped marking, UTF, which stands for unable to forward.

When the card was sent to the PARS center for appropriate handling, no change-of-address form was on file, and the automated machinery in the PARS center read the Postnet code and kept returning the card to the addressees post office.

And so, it became loop mail.

This looping is usually circumvented by obliterating the addressee Postnet code, either by use of a black marker, or covering it with a thin white return-address barcoded letter mail labeling machine sticker like the one pictured in the second image.

Alternatively, the incorrect Postnet code can be covered with a printed-on-demand black-dot (Nixie or not deliverable) PARS yellow return label (see third illustration), or with another type of obliterating material.

Placing a PARS label over the incorrect Postnet code apparently was not possible in this case.

Loop mail thus occurs, as it did in this case, when the addressee bar code is not obliterated by one method or another.

What eventually happened, after the item looped around the postal automation system one or more times, was that someone, possibly the person tasked with delivering this particular item, noticed that he or she was getting the postcard back multiple times.

The postal employee realized that the postcard had to be hand-sorted for it to be returned to the sender. Presumably this hand-sorting included the placement of the red-stamped Return to Sender pointing hand.

Now that I understand what loop mail is, I wonder why some postal worker wouldnt immediately recognize that an item that is undeliverable as addressed, and is to be returned to the sender, and still has the original addressee bar code on it, will be a problem for the automation return and forwarding system, and simply hand-sort it immediately.

Unfortunately, this apparently did not happen, and the result was a piece of loop mail.

Incidentally, notice the green 3 barcoded presorting label on the card. This indicates that the card was on the top of a stack of 10 or more pieces all sorted to the same three-digit ZIP Code.

I commented on the UTF notation to the right of the address. Doug Quine and I have discussed these types of notations that include, but are not limited to, the abbreviations UTF (Unable to Forward), FWD (Forwarded), NSN (No Such Number), and ANK (Addressee Not Known).

As best as we can discern from examples we have seen, their use began as early as 2007, but I suspect that it was even earlier than that.

Tony Wawrukiewicz and Henry Beecher are the co-authors of two useful books on U.S. domestic and international postage rates since 1872. The third edition of the domestic book is now available from the American Philatelic Society, while the international book may be ordered from the web site www.spiritone.com/~tonywaw.

More Modern U.S. Mail:

How is fraudulent matter to be handled in domestic mails?

More about understanding pressure-sensitive package labels

Modern U.S. Mail: Miniature U.S. domestic mail led to substantial postal rules
Jun 23, 2016, 11 PM

By Michael Baadke

Victor Francis Hess, a prominent physicist who was a longtime professor at Fordham University in New York, was born June 24, 1883, in what is now the Austrian state of Styria.

Hess studied at the University of Graz, earning his Ph.D. in 1910. The next year he began research on the source of atmospheric radiation, which he measured in a series of balloon ascensions before determining that the radiation was the result of cosmic rays originating in outer space.

His findings were confirmed in 1925 by Robert Millikan of the California Institute of Technology.

Hess shared in the 1936 Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of cosmic radiation. He moved to the United States with his wife in 1938, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1944.

Victor Hess was honored by Austria on a 6-schilling Europa stamp issued June 24, 1983, to mark his birth centennial. He is also pictured on Austrias 1.45 stamp issued May 5, 2012, to mark the 100th anniversary of his discovery of cosmic radiation (Scott 2374).

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The United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union has left scientists and researchers questioning the future of their work, funding, collaborations and more.

In a historic vote this week, 52 percent of participants in the U.K. voted in favor of the "Brexit," as the referendum by British voters to exit the European Union is known. As the news sank in early Friday morning, scientists and innovators around the world shared their reactions.

Physicist Stephen Hawking and more than 150 fellows of the Royal Society called the Brexit a "disaster for U.K. science" in a letter to The Times (opens in new tab). The researchers raised concerns about recruiting young scientists, securing funding and future collaborations. [6 Politicians Who Got the Science Wrong]

"Investment in science is as important for the long-term prosperity and security of the U.K. as investment in infrastructure projects, farming or manufacturing, and the free movement of scientists is as important for science as free trade is for market economics," the researchers wrote in the letter.

In fact, most scientists were against a vote in favor of Brexit, according a poll published in the journal Nature (opens in new tab) in March. Nearly 2,000 researchers living in the EU (both inside and outside the U.K.) responded to the poll, and 83 percent voted for the U.K. to remain part of the EU. These researchers expressed concern over how Brexit would harm science in the nation, and in the EU at large.

The Science Media Centre, a media briefing organization for scientific issues in the UK, asked a number of science experts for their responses to the referendum, with many sharing their disappointment and questioning the future of science research in the U.K.

"One of the great strengths of U.K. research has always been its international nature, and we need to continue to welcome researchers and students from abroad," Venki Ramakrishnan, president of the Royal Society, said. "Any failure to maintain the free exchange of people and ideas between the U.K. and the international community, including Europe, could seriously harm U.K. science."

The responses were similar on social media, with many innovators and scientists sharing their concerns and reactions to the vote.

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Original article on Live Science.
What do hidden Egyptian tombs and microscopic structures in the human eye have in common? Scientists have recently tried to solve mysteries about both of them using sophisticated imaging techniques.

Earlier this year, Egyptologists were abuzz at the possibility that radar scans had detected hidden chambers behind King Tut's tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. However, a second series of scans seemed to suggest that no chambers were present after all.

Meanwhile, a similar type of technology was used to probe a space closer to home  specifically, a tiny canal in the human eye, according to a new commentary, published June 23 in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology. [10 Technologies That Will Transform Your Life]

Researchers used the new devices to probe both the tombs and the eye canal, said Dr. L. Jay Katz, the director of glaucoma service at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and the author of the commentary. In both cases, the devices sent out signals and then observed how they bounced back, Katz said. Depending on the timing and pattern of those signals' return, scientists could deduce the shape of both an object and the cavities within it, be it a storm front, a long-lost tomb or the human body, he said.

In the study of the human eye, a precise technology called optical coherence tomography or OCT, has recently been used to map out very tiny areas that researchers previously couldn't see, Katz told Live Science.

Using OCT, scientists have been able to study a structure in the eye called Schlemm's canal, Katz said. The structure is so tiny that it isn't visible to the naked eye, he added.

Schlemm's canal is part of the eye's internal plumbing, Katz said. (Think of tear ducts as the eye's "outdoor" plumbing, he added.) It helps drain fluid from the inside of the eyeball to other areas around the eye, he said. The canal is essentially an outflow pipe, with fluid made in the eye flowing out through this passage, he said.

This process helps regulate eye pressure, which is elevated in people who have glaucoma, Katz said. When pressure in the eye is too high, it can damage a person's optic nerve, leading to vision loss.

Previously, doctors were able to study Schlemm's canal only in the eyes of cadavers, Katz said. And although this did allow researchers to examine and identify the structure, they learned little about how it worked in a living person, he said.

The new technology can also help scientists study how certain drugs work in the eye, Katz said.

For example, doctors have known for over 100 years that a drug called pilocarpine reduces eye pressure in people with glaucoma, but physicians didn't know how the medicine worked, Katz said. In one recent study, however, researchers using OCT found that the drug may work by changing the structure of Schlemm's canal, he said.

In the study, researchers put one drop of pilocarpine in the eyes of people with and without glaucoma, and then did scans using OCT, Katz wrote in his commentary. The investigators observed that after the drug was administered, the area and volume of the canal increased, he wrote.

In the future, the technology could be used to see how other drugs work in the eye, and help scientists develop new drugs, Katz said.

OCT could also help doctors diagnose glaucoma in patients, Katz said. In addition, it may be possible to identify problems earlier and determine the best way to treat patients, he said. For example, OCT may help doctors determine how to treat individual patients, he said. Doctors may be able to decide whether patients should try to restore the function of the eye or focus on preventing things from getting worse, he said.

Originally published on Live Science.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 24 2016

Suffolk County Leg. Bill Lindsay honored Sayville High School senior, Corinne Caminske, at the June 21st General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature in Riverhead.

Sayville, NY - June 23, 2016 - Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay honored Sayville High School senior, Corinne Caminske, at the June 21st General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature in Riverhead. Caminske has accepted an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy to be a member of the Class of 2020. She is the first woman from Sayville High School to earn an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy.



Caminske, who will graduate with honors on June 25th, is a member of the National Honors Society as well as the Youth Committee for the Sayville Rotary Club Youth Leadership Awards. She currently volunteers at the Center for Environmental Research and Coastal Monitoring and also serves as an educator at the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center. Caminske has also attended the Empire Girls State, 2016 Leadership Conference for High School Women as well as Brown Universitys Environmental Leadership Laboratory (B.E.L.L)



Corinne is an outstanding young leader who has gone above and beyond to help others, said Lindsay. I am extremely grateful to have gotten the chance to know the Caminske family and to see Corinne excel on so many levels. She is an ideal candidate for the Coast Guard Academy and I wish her the best of luck throughout her career as a member of our United States Military.

Caminske will join her brother, Kurt Jr., who is a junior at the Academy, on June 27th, just 2 days after graduation. While at the Academy she will study Marine Environmental Science and upon graduation will receive a Commission as an Ensign in the United States Coast Guard.

Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay is the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Government Operations, Personnel, Information Technology, and Housing Committee. Bill represents the 8th legislative district which consists of Bayport, Blue Point, Bohemia, Holbrook, Holtsville, Oakdale, Sayville, West Sayville parts of North Patchogue and Ronkonkoma.
The legislation includes measures to assist homeowners facing mortgage foreclosure, improve the efficiency and integrity of the mandatory settlement conferences, establish a pre-foreclosure duty to maintain on mortgagees, create an expedited foreclosure process for vacant and abandoned properties, create an electronic vacant property registry, and establish a Consumer Bill of Rights. Specifically, the legislation will:



STRENGTHEN HOME FORECLOSURE PREVENTION SERVICES

Enhance the Effectiveness of Mandatory Settlement Conferences: The mandatory settlement conferences became law in 2010 to slow foreclosure and give homeowners a better chance to fight the foreclosure. Since its creation, the number of foreclosure default judgments has declined from 80% to less than 20%. This legislation will enhance the effectiveness of settlement conferences even further for homeowners by prescribing the rights and duties of the parties and clarifying how the process should work to best protect homeowners contesting foreclosures and prevent them from losing their homes.

Establish a Consumer Bill of Rights informing property owners of their rights in foreclosure proceeds to prevent people from losing their homes: Some homeowners vacate their homes early in the foreclosure process because they are unclear about their rights or face pressure to vacate. The enhanced notice requirements established with this legislation will alleviate this confusion and reduce the resulting abandoned properties by explicitly informing homeowners of their rights

Create the Community Restoration Fund (CRF), a new tool for the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) to assist homeowners facing mortgage foreclosure. CRF will purchase defaulted mortgage notes from other lenders and offer favorable mortgage modifications to keep homeowners in their residences. CRF will have the ability to forgive a portion of a loans principal and make the loan affordable in areas where home values have declined or where a homeowner has experienced a decrease in income.

COMBAT THE BLIGHT CREATED BY VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTIES

Impose a pre-foreclosure duty on the banks and servicers to maintain vacant and abandoned properties: Previously, a bank or mortgagee had the responsibility of maintaining a vacant property once a judgment of foreclosure and sale was obtained, creating zombie properties and blight in communities. This legislation places the maintenance obligation on a mortgagee when the mortgagee becomes or should have become aware of the vacancy. Under this law, the bank has a duty to maintain and secure a residential real property where there is a reasonable basis to believe it is vacant and abandoned, and faces civil penalties up to $500 per violation, per property, per day for failing to do so.

Expedite foreclosure for vacant and abandoned properties: The legislation offers plaintiffs an option for an expedited foreclosure process on bonafide vacant and abandoned properties that homeowners no longer want. To initiate this process, plaintiffs would make an application for an order to show cause upon notice seeking entry of judgment of foreclosure and sale on the grounds that the property is vacant and abandoned.

The legislation requires a foreclosing party to move to auction within 90 days of obtaining a foreclosure judgment. In addition, a foreclosing party would be required to take action to ensure that the property is reoccupied within 180 days of taking title.

Establish electronic registry of vacant and abandoned properties. The legislation will promote communication between local governments and mortgagees responsible for property maintenance.

In cases where homes are vacant, CRF will offer a mechanism to expeditiously complete a foreclosure and work with land banks, Community Development Financial Institutions, and other local nonprofits to rehabilitate properties and resell them to new buyers.

State Senator Diane J. Savino said: "The subprime mortgage crisis hurts families and communities and I'm proud that today my legislation creating the Community Restoration Fund becomes law. This program, through the State of New York Mortgage Agency, working in conjunction with a council of housing experts, will use settlement funds to keep families facing foreclosure in their homes by refinancing their mortgages. The Community Restoration Fund will work hand-in-hand with localities, non-profits and land banks to identify and purchase properties from federally distressed pools. In addition, dilapidated, abandoned properties across this state, ones which drag down communities, will also be spruced up and turned into much-needed affordable housing. I thank Governor Cuomo for helping us uplift communities throughout the state and helping struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure while simultaneously reducing blight in our communities."



State Senator David J. Valesky said: New York has become flooded with zombie foreclosures over the past several years and thanks to Governor Cuomo and my colleagues in the legislature, we are taking a major step forward in putting a stop to these eyesores. Throughout this state, there are neighborhoods that are on the cusp of turning the corner and thriving once again yet they are being held back by these properties. With this law now on the books, we have the tools we need to help our communities reach their full potentials.

Assemblywoman Helene E. Weinstein, Chair of the New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee, said: "It is critical that we pursue every avenue to hold banks accountable and to help New Yorkers remain in their homes. Unfortunately, so many properties that have been abandoned go on to become a burden and an eyesore to the surrounding community. The provisions of this legislation relating to foreclosure would strengthen the rights of homeowners in foreclosure proceedings, keep families in their homes longer, and require banks and their mortgage servicers to maintain abandoned properties in their portfolio to prevent any further neighborhood destabilization. I commend Governor Cuomo for joining with us to enact these homeowner protection and community preservation proposals. "



Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter said: Zombie properties are a scourge on our communities and prevent emerging neighborhoods from truly flourishing. As these properties become dilapidated and forgotten, they not only discourage businesses from investing in that neighborhood, but they drive down the value of surrounding homes. Getting rid of these blights is an absolute necessity and I want to thank Governor Cuomo for his past efforts and his leadership in ensuring that this bill became law.

Assemblyman Charles D. Lavine said: Working together under Governor Cuomos leadership, the Assembly and Senate have passed highly comprehensive legislation that will protect our communities and our citizens from the blight of abandoned and deteriorating houses. Because the safety of our neighborhoods must continue to be government's first priority, I am extraordinarily gratified that our Long Island community will now be protected by this most incisive and significant law.

Assemblyman Michael Kearns said: The Foreclosure Relief Act has been created to help fight the Zombie Crisis in our communities since 2008. Proactive engagement by neighbors, courts, municipalities and banks is required to increase the likelihood of success. To reverse the effects of zombies will require engagement, education, enforcement and execution by all stakeholders interested in removing bank created blight in our neighborhoods. All of us with zombie properties need to be active and informed concerning the new laws protections, so we meet the challenges of this crisis. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing these bills into law today.



Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said: From Smithtown to Sag Harbor, unoccupied and ill-maintained homes have directly contributed to the degradation of neighborhoods and communities. These zombie properties have had especially devastating consequences on towns that have already been ravaged by foreclosure and economic instability. I commend Governor Cuomo, and our leaders in the Senate and Assembly, for taking decisive action to end the scourge of zombie properties and making our communities stronger and safer for generations to come.



Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said: "Abandoned and dilapidated properties are not just a problem on Onondaga County or in Central New York---they plague communities across the state and country. Governor Cuomo is leading the nation to tackle the issue of "zombie" properties on multiple fronts, and this new law will result in better neighborhoods and a better quality of life throughout New York."



Commissioner of NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Jamie S. Rubin said: This is a great day for New Yorkers living in communities that have endured the blight of zombie properties and for homeowners on the brink of foreclosure. Governor Cuomo has given New York powerful tools to tackle the problem of vacant properties that plague too many communities and to reduce the risk of more homes becoming abandoned and empty. Together these bills will help families stay in their homes and remove abandoned properties from neighborhoods. These are real investments in improving lives and communities across New York State.



Superintendent of Financial Services Maria T. Vullo said: "This groundbreaking legislation provides relief to cities and towns throughout New York State that are suffering the consequences of unmaintained vacant and abandoned properties. It improves and expands upon the best practices that DFS established, by now legally requiring the obligation to maintain for all banks and mortgage servicers in New York and also establishing an expedited foreclosure process. I applaud Governor Cuomo and the Legislature for taking decisive action and stand ready to enforce the law to combat this growing epidemic.

ADDITIONAL INITIATIVES TO COMBAT ZOMBIE PROPERTIES

The FY 2017 Budget invests nearly $20 billion for comprehensive statewide housing and homelessness action plans. Over the next five years, the $10 billion housing initiative will create and preserve 100,000 affordable housing units across the State, and the $10 billion homelessness action plan will create 6,000 new supportive housing beds, 1,000 emergency beds, and a variety of expanded homelessness services.



As part of the Governors ongoing efforts to assist future homebuyers and existing homeowners, this investment includes more than $100 million in available funds to help new homebuyers purchase and renovate Zombie properties and support existing low- and middle-income homeowners with major repairs and renovations. Funding is available through the New York State Homes and Community Renewal to establish the new Neighborhood Revitalization Program and provide grants for not-for-profit organizations and municipalities throughout the state to rehabilitate, repair and improve homes.



President and Chief Executive Officer, Long Island Partnership, Inc. Peter J. Elkowitz, Jr. said: We thank Governor Cuomo for making it a priority to address this widespread problem. If we could customize a program to mitigate the effects of these vacant properties on Long Island, this is the way it would look. This is how state and local governments work together for the people of New York. The DFS bill, combined with HCRs Community Restoration Fund will go a long way to improving the quality of life for many Long Islanders and revitalizing communities in Nassau and Suffolk counties.



Executive Director of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, Christie Peale said: "We commend the Governor and leaders in the state Legislature for brokering a deal that will help communities statewide to recover from the foreclosure crisis. With the Community Restoration Fund, policymakers will have a new tool to help homeowners at risk of foreclosure. And the reforms for tackling zombie properties will also help to stabilize neighborhoods where derelict properties have proliferated in recent years. These are major victories for homeowners in New York.



Executive Director of Home HeadQuarters, Kerry Quaglia said: One abandoned property in disrepair can affect an entire block and they frustrate residents and visitors alike. These bills give us the tools we need to correct the problem of vacant homes and buildings that negatively impact our neighborhoods. I am grateful to Governor Cuomo for addressing the problem of zombie properties in Upstate New York.
East Meadow, NY - June 23, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano has announced that Tramps Like Us will kick off Independence Day Weekend at Eisenhower Parks Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre on Friday, July 1st. The concert will begin at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Tramps Like Us brings more than 25 years of road-tested musicianship that have won this band the hard-earned distinction of the planets most revered Bruce Springsteen Tribute band. Given high praise by dozens of publications, radio stations, music industry personal, and the only tribute band to be endorsed by members of The Springsteen Camp such as former producer and manager Mike Appel and the official Springsteen Radio Station: E Street Radio/Sirius XM. The group captures the classic Springsteen sound, and remains true to the spirit and energy of the music, while delivering them with the passion and conviction of the Boss.

Much of the programming at the Lakeside Theatre is made possible through the Nassau County Hotel/Motel Proceeds Grant, which are proceeds from taxes on hotel and motel rooms in Nassau County. Since 2006, Nassau County has received more than ten million dollars from the Hotel/Motel Proceeds Grant, which also has assisted in historic building restoration and other cultural enhancements.

The Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre is an outdoor theatre located near parking fields 6 and 6A in Eisenhower Park. Special accommodations are available for disabled patrons, including reserved parking, easily accessible restrooms, and a convenient reserved location on the hill. Assistive hearing devices are available for the hearing impaired. There is no formal seating at Lakeside Theatre, so concertgoers are urged to bring folding chairs. If weather conditions are doubtful, call (516) 572-0355 after 6:00 p.m. for updated performance information.

Eisenhower Park is centrally located in East Meadow, with entrances on Hempstead Turnpike at East Meadow Avenue and at the intersection of Stewart and Merrick Avenues. For further information, please call the Nassau County Parks Public Information Office at: (516) 572-0200 or visit the Nassau County Parks, Recreation and Museum website.
Nature & Weather, Local News, Home & Garden, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 24 2016

A.G. Eric T. Schneiderman announced new consumer tips aimed at helping New York homeowners become more savvy about home solar electric-generating systems.

Find valuable tips to navigate the process of choosing to 'Go Solar.'

New York, NY - June 23, 2016 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced new consumer tips released by his office aimed at helping New York homeowners become more savvy about home solar electric-generating systems. The consumer tips  entitled Going Solar: Tips and Considerations for Homeowners  provides information for New York homeowners on the different types of solar contracts available  such as solar purchases, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs), and information for how to evaluate solar companies and their proposals. The tips also provide an overview of important parts of solar contracts and the steps required before solar can be installed on a home.

New Yorks solar power market is growing by leaps and bounds, offering homeowners lower electric bills and clean power in every corner of the state, Attorney General Schneiderman said. However, as with any new technology, many homeowners interested in solar power for their homes may not know where to start. These tips will help homeowners become more savvy consumers by providing information on home solar electric systems and providers, and important issues they should consider before entering a contract.

Over the last five years, over 50,000 New Yorkers have installed solar equipment, according to data provided on the Open New York website.

The tips being announced by Attorney General Schneidermans office today seek to strengthen the States rapidly growing solar market by providing information to help homeowners better understand the distinctions between solar purchases, solar leases, and solar power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Attorney General Schneidermans tips also identify and explain important issues for homeowners to evaluate in a solar contract proposal, including: Power Production Guarantees, Price Escalator Clauses, Roof Insurance, and Home Sale Considerations in the event you need to move during the contract term. In addition, Attorney General Schneiderman offers a number of consumer tips for finding the right solar company and solar contract, such as:

Strength in numbers  See if your community has a Solarize or Community Solar buyers club that can reduce costs.

Get proposals from more than one solar company.

Ask the solar companies for references from customers in your area.

Get in writing from the solar company all promises and conditions.

Make sure you qualify for any tax credits built into purchase contracts; consult a tax advisor.

Be efficient  making your home more energy efficient can reduce the size and cost of solar.

I applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for creating this consumer protection resource to assist New Yorkers in choosing reputable clean energy providers, said Adam Flint, Southern Tier Solar Works Program Manager at the Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition. As an energy professional who works every day with clients on the ground in the Southern Tier, I know how important public trust in the honesty and competence of providers is in advancing the economic, employment and environmental benefits of clean energy.

Working with our municipal and community partners, our agency has helped hundreds of Central New York homeowners to make the switch to clean, affordable solar power through the SolarizeCNY campaign, said Chris Carrick, Energy Program Manager for the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board. Grassroots programs like Solarize have shown that educating consumers helps them to make prudent decisions about how to invest their money, and we commend New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman for helping to grow the states solar power market by providing homeowners with valuable information.

"In the past few years, the NYS solar market has grown an astounding 575% and as more home owners, business leaders, campuses, etc. consider going solar, it's vital that they make informed decisions, said Betta Broad, Outreach Director, New Yorkers for Clean Power. Attorney General Schneiderman's consumer tips couldn't come at a better time.

This guide will be an excellent resource for ANCA's constituents as we work on implementing clean energy projects in Northern NY, said Kate Fish, Executive Director of the Adirondack North Country Association. We applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for providing additional tools to help North Country residents make informed decisions about going solar.

"The Rochester Solar Power Organizational Team (ROCSPOT) applauds the efforts of Attorney General Schneiderman to provide accurate, fair, and useful information to New York State's consumers as they consider solar for their homes and businesses," said Dr. Susan Spencer, President of ROCSPOT. "This brochure will assist our organization in education, and allow us to better serve Rochester's citizens as they transition to solar power with ROCSPOT."

In addition, Attorney General Schneiderman is strongly recommending that owners of large parcels of land that may have been recently solicited by solar companies to host large solar farms consult an attorney before entering into any lease or lease-option, as these contracts are much more complex than typical residential solar contracts.

The brochure was developed by Jeremy Magliaro, Policy Analyst in the Environmental Protection Bureau with input from Shawn Morris, Director of Public Information, Assistant Attorneys General Charlie Donaldson of the Environmental Protection Bureau, Michael J. Danaher Jr.,of the Binghamton Regional Office, and Amy Schallop, of the Consumer Frauds Bureau. The Environmental Protection Bureau is led by Lemuel M. Srolovic. The Binghamton Regional Office is led by James E. Shoemaker and the Consumer Frauds Bureau is led by Jane Azia. The Executive Deputy Attorney General for Regional Affairs is Marty Mack.
Nature & Weather, Local News, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 24 2016

Senator Schumer urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release the draft report and immediately hold public community forums regarding their plans for the FIMP project.

Fire Island/ Montauk, NY - June 23, 2016 - Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release the draft report and immediately thereafter hold public community forums regarding their plans for the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) project. Schumer pushed for and secured full federal funding for this much-needed resiliency project. Initially, the Sandy relief bill that was signed into law required only that the feds pick up 65% of the project. Immediately after the bills passage, Schumer began working with the Army Corps and Office of Management and Budget to lay out a strategic pathway so that the project could be considered as ongoing construction, and therefore eligible for full federal funding.

Long Islanders, some of whom are still feeling the devastating impact of Superstorm Sandy, are tired of waiting on the Army Corps to share essential details on the FIMP resiliency project being planned in their community, said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. The Army Corps should release the draft plan and engage with the community ASAP. Public meetings will allow residents to voice their concerns, improve the plan and ask important questions that affect their future.

This important project, which will protect many homeowners and residents, likely wouldnt have happened, as the cost to local governments would be too great. Despite the bill being passed into law over two years ago, the Army Corps of Engineers has not yet released details about the future coastline protection project nor have they held any public meetings. Today, Schumer said it is time for the feds to give Long Island the update it deserves and one it has been patiently awaiting.

FIMP, which Schumer has long supported, is studying storm protection measures between Fire Island and Montauk Point, including home elevations and road raisings. The Army Corps FIMP project for hurricane protection and beach erosion control is along five reaches of the south shore of Long Island between Fire Island Inlet and Montauk Point, a distance of approximately 83 miles. The project also authorizes federal participation in periodic beach nourishment. Major dunes and beach nourishment could commence across the south shore of Suffolk County. Though some interim construction has been completed, the project has never been fully completed.

Following passage of the Sandy-Relief Bill, Schumer pushed for and secured full federal funding for the project. Schumer pointed to the historic nature of the Eastern Long Island project, known as Fire Island to Montauk Point  the approximately $750 million project has been planned since 1960, but could never receive the necessary funding.

Schumer today said that the Army Corps should immediately release the draft report and provide public meetings in Long Island communities so that impacted residents can review the Army Corps plans and project alternatives and provide experts with necessary community input as they continue to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy.

Schumers letter to The U.S. ACOE appears below:

Dear Colonel Caldwell:

I write to urge the Army Corps of Engineers New York District (Corps) to release the draft General Reevaluation Report for the Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point (FIMP) reformulation study. The draft report should be released as soon as possible and subsequent public forums should be held by the Corps to update affected communities and solicit their feedback.

Hurricane Sandy devastated the south shore communities of Suffolk County, Long Island that are represented in the FIMP study. Immediately after the storm we worked closely to allow emergency sand replacement and dune system on Fire Island to protect Suffolk County from future storm surge. The Corps is currently undertaking this work and I applaud your efforts.

However, the long term comprehensive coastal storm risk reduction plan for Suffolk County requires the completion of protective features not just on Fire Island but also along the back bay shoreline of the mainland, which includes home elevations and road raisings. The next step in realizing this larger and long-term project is releasing the draft report and engaging with local communities during a public process. I urge the Corps to release the draft report quickly and to fully engage with the communities throughout the project scope.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer
Man Arrested for Selling Illegal Fireworks with 4th of July Right Around the Corner

Local News, Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 24 2016

Suffolk County Police have arrested a man for selling illegal fireworks via the Internet.

Kenneth Urquhart, of Oakdale, was in possession of approximately $2,000 worth of fireworks in his home, where he lives with his wife and children.

Oakdale, NY - June 24, 2016 - Suffolk County Police have arrested a man for selling illegal fireworks via the Internet.

On June 23, Third Precinct Crime Section officers conducted an investigation, looking for people selling illegal fireworks in Bay Shore and Brentwood.

Officers discovered Kenneth Urquhart was advertising on the website Craigslist, selling fireworks in the Bay Shore area.

Upon contact, he agreed to meet undercover officers at his home in Oakdale.

Investigation revealed Urquhart possessed approximately $2,000 worth of fireworks in his home, where he lives with his wife and children. Urquhart had rented a U-Haul truck and traveled to Pennsylvania where fireworks are legal. He purchased a large amount of fireworks and brought them back to Suffolk County where he sold them on the Internet.

Urquhart, 44, was charged with Unlawful Sale of Fireworks, Unlawful Dealing with Fireworks and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Urquhart will be held overnight at the Third Precinct, and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on June 24.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Columnists Press Releases
In mid-June, the Jaysh al Fateh (Army of Conquest) alliance began a new offensive targeting three villages south of the city of Aleppo: Khalsa, Bernah, and Zeitan. The jihadist-led coalition quickly claimed success.

Since the beginning of June, Jaysh al Fatehs has widened its grip on the territory surrounding Khan Tuman, which was captured from Bashar al Assads regime and Iranian-backed forces in May. A push in early June expanded Jaysh al Fatehs operating radius around Khan Tuman. This allowed its fighters to overrun the aforementioned villages later in the month.

The two most powerful groups in Jaysh al Fateh are Al Nusrah Front, which is al Qaedas official branch in Syria, and Ahrar al Sham, which models itself after the Taliban and has its own links to al Qaeda. The alliance includes several other fighting groups as well.

Jaysh al Fatehs enemies in the area include Iranian-backed Shiite militiamen, members of the Syrian Arab Army, and Hezbollahs jihadists.

The Syrian-Iranian axis suffered significant casualties during the clashes.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that 24 members of the Syrian military and allied militias were killed during the first day of fighting. That figure rose to 86 dead, including 25 Hezbollah fighters, according to SOHR. Casualty figures are often impossible to verify, especially in a chaotic war zone such as Syria. But it appears that Bashar al Assads loyalists and allies suffered serious blows. Dozens of Jaysh al Fatehs fighters were reportedly killed as well.

At the outset of the operation, Al Nusrah released a short video that included footage shot with small drones. Jihadist groups have increasingly used drones to provide viewers with dramatic scenes from the fighting. The al Qaeda arm released a series of other videos and images in short order.

Jaysh al Fatehs swift advances were celebrated on social media by known al Qaeda personalities. On June 17, Abu Sulayman al Muhajir, who is a senior Al Nusrah sharia official, tweeted: Allah defeated them in Khalsa. He followed that up on June 18 with tweets celebrating the gains in Bernah and Zeitan.

Another Nusrah member, known Abu Saeeed al Halabi, claimed on June 18 that the gains in southern Aleppo province show once again that Nusrah is the basis of jihad in Syria and the force that will take the battle to Damascus. Al Halabi denied reports from SOHR and others claiming that the Russian air force was absent from the scene. Abu Saeed tweeted that the Russians had carried out most of its airstrikes this month, presumably meaning in the area of the three villages that were overrun.

On June 22, Jaysh al Fateh released a video of Sheikh Abdallah Muhammad al Muhaysini standing in front of an open grave filled with the corpses of Hezbollah fighters and other Iranian-backed fighters. Muhaysini delivered a lengthy speech condemning Iran and Hezbollah as he stood in front of the bodies. A screen shot from the video can be seen on the right.

Muhaysini is a popular al Qaeda-linked Saudi cleric and a senior sharia official in Jaysh al Fateh. Muhaysini and some of his online supporters refer to him as an independent jihadist. However, The Long War Journal believes that this is unlikely and he is probably part of al Qaedas international hierarchy. His biography is filled with numerous connections to al Qaedas international network. Al Qaeda often seeks to hide its hand in insurgencies, representing itself and its members as simply mujahideen who are fighting for the local cause.

Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ), a predominately-Uzbek jihadist group that swore allegiance to Al Nusrah last September, advertised its own role in the fighting on its official website.

On June 18, KTJ posted nearly two dozen photos of its members preparing for the battle. The images, including a map of the area, all include the watermark for the Jaysh al Fateh coalition.

In an accompanying statement, KTJ said its men participated in a large-scale military operation against the infidels alongside Jaysh al Fatehs mujahideen. KTJs role was apparently limited to Khalsa, as the groups website said that other groups were responsible for conquer[ing] the nearby villages of Bernah and Zeitan.

Other groups participated in Jaysh al Fatehs offensive

Just as KTJ mentioned, other groups are fighting under the Jaysh al Fateh umbrella.

Al Qaedas guerrilla warfare strategy in Syria is predicated on pooling the resources of other rebel groups whenever possible in order to maximize the insurgents efficacy. Some of these organizations adhere to versions of the jihadist ideology, while others may be described as Islamist or Salafist. From Al Nusrahs perspective, other rebels need not believe in every aspect of al Qaedas ideology in order to be considered a useful battlefield ally. As long as they are focused on fighting the Assad regime, want to implement sharia law in Syria, and are opposed to Al Nusrahs rivals in the Islamic State, al Qaedas men have proven they can find common ground to stand on. In the past, Al Nusrah has even worked with Western-backed groups, although it has turned on some as well.

Faylaq al Sham (or Sham Legion) is one of the groups that is taking part in Jaysh al Fatehs offensive in the southern countryside of Aleppo. The organization fought as part of Jaysh al Fateh last year, when the coalition swept through the Idlib province, seizing its capital city of Idlib and the surrounding area.

Faylaq al Sham redeployed its forces from Idlib to the Aleppo province earlier this year. But advertisements that were posted online by jihadists in May listed Faylaq al Sham as one of Jaysh al Fatehs member groups in Aleppo. The organization has produced a series of images from the recent fighting, including maps of the area, drone footage of the captured villages, pictures of slain Shiite fighters, and photos of the booty taken. Faylaq al Sham has also commemorated a number of martyrs who perished in the fighting. The propaganda does not include Jaysh al Fatehs watermark, but Faylaq al Sham is clearly fighting alongside the alliances members as the images were produced in the same villages that were seized.

Ajnad al Sham is another group fighting under the Jaysh al Fateh banner. Ajnad al Shams media team has disseminated photos and videos from the offensive on their official Twitter feed. The propaganda includes photos from Bernah and Zeitan, images of Shiite sectarian paraphernalia left behind, maps of the area, and pictures of two landmines that were uncovered. The maps are very similar to those produced by KTJ and Jaysh al Fatehs other constituents. All of the media includes the Jaysh al Fateh watermark.

Ajnad al Sham has also released a martyrdom statement for one of its most senior commanders, who died during the battle.

Still another constituent of Jaysh al Fateh is Jaysh al Sunna, which has bragged about its own spoils and posted a banner of more than 30 Hezbollah fighters killed during the battles. The banner may have been first published elsewhere.

Jaysh al Fateh has evolved since it was first launched in early 2015. Its member groups have changed somewhat since it overran Idlib. But it remains a potent force on the battlefield, further demonstrating that al Qaedas prowess in guerrilla warfare should not be underestimated.

Propaganda from Jaysh al Fatehs offensive in the southern countryside of Aleppo province

Al Nusrah used a drone to record footage at the beginning of the offensive on June 17:

Al Nusrah produced this map of the area and dozens of photos from the fighting. Two of the photos can be seen below. All of Al Nusrahs images include the Jaysh al Fateh logo:

Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ) posted nearly two dozen images, including a map and these photos:

Examples of Ajnad al Shams propaganda from the fighting in Aleppo province:

Examples of propaganda produced by Faylaq al Sham:

Jaysh al Sunna tweeted its own map of the area and an image of fallen Hezbollah fighters:

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

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Isnilon Hapilon (background, arm raised), emir of Islamic State in the Philippines.

Correction: The title of this piece originally was: Islamic State officially creates province in the Philippines. But that is not accurate. Although the Islamic State may be preparing to declare a formal wilayat, or province, in the Philippines, it has not yet done so. This piece has been corrected in several spots to note that the video mentioned does not, in fact, say that the Islamic State has officially created a province in the Philippines. The Long War Journal regrets the error. The rest of the article details how the Islamic State has won the loyalty of various groups, including those formally belonging to the Abu Sayyaf Group.

A new video released by the Islamic State shows several battalions of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) pledging allegiance to the Islamic State. This includes the Abu Dujana Battalion, Abu Khubaib Battalion, Jundallah Battalion, and the Abu Sadr Battalion. These battalions joined others from ASG, including Jund al Tawhid, Ansar al Sharia, and Marakah al Ansar in pledging bayah to the Islamic State. Additionally, some of ASGs leadership, including overall leader Isnilon Hapilon (who is shown in the video), have pledged to the jihadist group.

Hapilon, a US-designated terrorist, was again confirmed as the leader of all of the Islamic States forces in the Philippines. In an April issue of the Islamic States weekly newsletter Al Naba, the jihadist group said that Hapilon, also known as Abu Abdullah al Filipini, had been appointed as emir. The issue of Al Naba was translated by The SITE Intelligence Group. In a portion of the video featuring a Filipino fighter in Raqqah, Syria, he confirms the Al Naba report.

Hapilon is the most senior figure to have defected to the Islamic State in the Philippines. The video also confirms that a formal leadership structure for the Islamic State has indeed been put into place, exemplifying its expansion in the country. This was also seen earlier this month in an infographic released by the Amaq News Agency, one of the jihadist groups news outlets. The infographic included several important facts from the Islamic State in the Philippines, including the number of groups that have pledged allegiance and where they operate. [See Threat Matrix report, Islamic State details activity in the Philippines.]

While the infographic contains numbers from April 2015, it also notes the first official announcement of Filipino jihadist groups pledging allegiance to the Islamic State occurred in January 2016. Videos and reports of groups pledging bayah have emerged since 2014, shortly after Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State, claimed the creation of a caliphate. The video in January, however, was the first time the Islamic State publicly accepted these pledges. A month later, the Islamic States Furat media outlet released another video showing more groups pledging allegiance.

These groups include the aforementioned battalions of ASG, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Ansar Khilafah in the Philippines, the Islamic State in Lanao, Jamaat al Tawhid wal Jihad (a group formerly loyal to al Qaeda), and parts of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Their claimed areas of operation largely correspond with the reported areas of the aforementioned groups. This includes the southern areas of Basilan, South Cotabato, Sulu, Sarangani, Lanao del Sur, and the northern province of Isabela.

Several of these groups, including Ansar Khilafah, the Islamic State in Lanao, and the Jamaat al Tawhid wal Jihad (JTJ) have publicized training camps in the region. Ansar Khilafah was the first to do so last December, while the latter two groups did so last month and in March, respectively. A video from JTJs training camp, the Osama bin Laden training camp, also publicized its loyalty to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi.

The Islamic State has claimed several attacks in the Philippines in recent months. One of these attacks was featured in the video, which showed Islamic State fighters engaging in a firefight with Filipino security forces. Several vehicles and weapons are shown to have been captured by the jihadists. Additionally, the video pays tribute to several fighters who have been killed in clashes with the Filipino military. This includes Abu Khattab, a Moroccan bomb expert within ASG, who was killed in April.

A good portion of the recently released video was filmed in Syria. Indonesian, Malaysian, and Filipino fighters in Syrias Raqqah province are shown discussing these pledges and encouraging others to follow suit in Southeast Asia. The three are later shown simultaneously beheading three Assad regime soldiers somewhere in Raqqah.

The Islamic State has also inroads in the wider Southeast Asia region, an area that has historically featured al Qaeda activity. Jemaah Islamiyyah (JI), al Qaedas historical branch in Southeast Asia, has also suffered defections to the Islamic State. Shortly after Baghdadis announcement of the caliphate in 2014, Abu Bakar Bashir, the spiritual leader and co-founder of JI as well as the emir of its offshoot Jemaah Ansharut Tauhid, pledged allegiance to Baghdadi. However, Bashirs two sons and several other leaders left and formed their own group, Jemaah Ansharusy Syariah. According to the Jakarta Post, more than 50 percent of Bashirs followers abandoned him and joined Jemaah Ansharusy Syariah. It is directly part of al Qaedas global network now, according to its leader. [See LWJ report, Islamic State launches suicide assault in Indonesias capital.]

Yet another group in region, Mujahideen Indonesion Timor (MIT), is also loyal to the Islamic State. Abu Warda Santoso, the MIT leader, swore allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014. His group was previously listed by the US as a terrorist group last year. Last month, the US Department of State added Santoso to its list of global terrorists. [See LWJ report, US adds emir of Mujahidin Indonesia Timur to list of global terrorists.]

Screenshots from the video:

Pledges to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi:

Clashes with Filipino security forces:

Killed Moroccan fighter of ASG:

Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
On June 22, a video clip circulated on Arab Twitter accounts claiming to show an Iranian who was captured in Fallujah, Iraq. The Iranian is shown in front of three armed militants. Their affiliation is not clear from the video. [Update: the video is from 2005]

Islamic State-affiliated media outlets have not propagated the video as of yet.

The purported Iranian national told the camera in Farsi, I am Mohammad Saber Bayat, from the city of Hamedan, from Boo Ali neighborhood. I have not married, and my family is in Iran.

Bayats purpose in Fallujah is unclear, and the video did not give any indication as to why he is in Fallujah. Iranian-backed Shia militias have been fighting on the outskirts of the city, and elements of the Iraqi military have entered the city and recently taken control of the government center.

Senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders including Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Qods Force, and Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Ground Forces, have been spotted at the Fallujah front. Iranian fighters have also embedded with Iraqi militias in the recent operations.

Amir Toumaj is a independent analyst and contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
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Once upon a time, all Apple wanted to talk about was apps. Then it wanted to talk about services. Now it wants to talk about apps inside services inside apps.

Ive gotta say: its been a confusing progression.

Lets back up. One of the most significant announcements to come out of this years Worldwide Developers Conference was that Apple was opening up several of its core servicesiMessage, Maps, and Sirito third-party developers. While each of those systems have strategic applications, they also all happen to be services that work particularly well with one of the companys other burgeoning platforms: watchOS.

Talk it out

Apples voice-based intelligent assistant has now expanded to all four of the companys platforms, and its a model that scales well to each of them in turnbut particularly on the Watch. During WWDC, Apple executives noted that the key interaction time for the Watch is about two seconds, and urged developers to bring more functionality to the surface of their apps, rather than burying them behind multiple taps.

Apple

Thats why Siri has the potential to be so useful on the Watch: It provides a way to carry out more complex tasks without having to spend a lot of time swiping and tapping at ones wrist.

To date, Ive often found myself more frustrated than anything with Siri on the Watch: I often run into trouble with its listening capabilitiesrare is the occasion where I dont have to say Hey Siri more than once, or give up and hold the Digital Crown. But I do see the promise in it, and often find it a useful way to, say, add things to my shopping list when Im not in the same room as my phone.

The addition of SiriKit for tasks like ride-hailing, messaging, smart home controls, and workouts extend Siris utility even further. And while the initial available actions are limited, many of them are things one might want to do without resorting to ones phone, which could potentially make Siri on the Watch a much stronger propositionespecially if its listening was improved.

Message for you, sir!

While the Friends interface in watchOS 1 and 2 was dreadfully ill-conceived, communication has definitely been a core feature of the Apple Watch. Receiving notifications for email and messages are probably the most frequent interactions I have with the device throughout the day, and in the latter case, I even end up using the reply feature with some regularity.

So it makes sense that watchOS 3 will get bolstered support for iMessage, given the many new features for the messaging platform introduced in iOS 10. While not everything available in Messages on your iPhone or iPad is available in watchOS 3, stickers, screen effects, larger emoji, and sketching quick messages will be on both platforms. Not only will that likely help the adoption of Apples new messaging features, but it makes the Watch an even more compelling place to send a quick reply.

Its unclear if apps for iMessage will be available in watchOS 3, but given the amount of energy Apple seems to be devoting to iMessage as a platform, itd surprise me if its not in the offingif not in this revision, then perhaps the next version of the software. Being able to quickly send someone a payment from your wrist, for example, would be a handy feature.

One hand and a map

Finally, theres Maps. Apples mapping system has gotten a bad rapsome of which was well deserved in its earliest days, when incorrect data and mistaken routes seemed to be the norm. But Maps has actually improved leaps and bounds since then, and with the addition of Maps extensions in iOS 10, the service stands to get even more useful. Apple gave examples of ridebooking apps and restaurant reservations as two ways to extend the functionality of Maps, but it seems like other features will be available as well.

Maps has been, for me, another bright spot on the Apple Watch. A large part of that is the harnessing of the Taptic Engine to provide haptic feedback, indicating when a turn is coming up. (I admit, I have trouble remembering which tap pattern is left and which is right, and thats only made worse by living in Boston, a city which tends to eschew simple intersections.)

Expanding Maps abilities via extensions should trickle down nicely to the Apple Watch, providing ways to access routing-related functions without having to use an iPhone. But at the end of the day, the biggest advantage, as with Siri and Messages, is that improvements on any one platform should help the service get better across all of Apples devices.
Our Back Pages

Issue 89

Issue Date: Winter 1989

Editor: Constance Rooke

Pages: 132

Number of contributors: 23

Buy Issue 89: Print Edition

Hands up: how many of you have heard of Trevor Ferguson? He may well be Canada's Cormac McCarthy. I make the comparison because McCarthy published his first novel in 1965 and from that beginning on, his work was seen by critics as something special. But it didn't sell for decades. Ferguson published his first book in 1977 and has also since been lauded as a master of literary fiction. But he hasn't won the prizes and isn't a household name. All you have to do to understand why his lack of notoriety is a CanLit wrong that ought to be righted, is to read the first offering in this issue of Malahat. "Floating Hearts" is from his novel The True Life Adventures of Sparrow Drinkwater and it is a virtuoso story which details the genesis of Sparrow himself. The story will make you want to hunt down and read the rest of the novel as soon as you can (you can borrow my copy if you promise to give it back).

All of the fiction is particularly strong. The other bookend to the issue is Diane Schoemperlen's "Stranger than Fiction," which is, as the title suggests, a wonderfully self-conscious piece of writing. Thomas King's "The Dog I Wish I Had, I Would Call It Helen" will make all parents squirm, and stories by Meeka Walsh and Terry Griggs are deftly executed.

There is a quirky section of angel poems in the issue, grouped together, I believe, just because we happened to accept a number of angel-oriented poems within a few months. They include John Donlan's "Messenger" and a longish poem by Nabaneeta Dev Sen called "Welcome Angel." Other poets represented here include Elisabeth Harvor, Elizabeth Philips, and Mia Anderson.

Necessary Angel, a Toronto theatre company, mounted a production of Michael Ondaatje's Coming Through Slaughter at the Silver Dollar on Spadina for a month in June and July in the summer of 1989. With a portfolio insert of photos from the show by Rafael Goldchain, Malahat invites us to imagine being some of the fortunate attendees of that run. As far as I know (and as far as my Google skills can take me) the play has not been mounted since (although there is, apparently, a film of Slaughter currently in the works).

Jay Ruzesky

About Our Back Pages
Brexit-168.Implications of EU referendum results for IP (Alistair Hindle Associates)

UK votes to leave the EU (Appleyard Lees)

Brexit: What it means for your business (Baker & McKenzie)

It's business as usual as UK declares Brexit (Barker Brettell)

Brexit: English IP law implications (Bird & Bird)

Brexit: What next for the UPC? (Bristows)

A brand new IP world: impact of Brexit on UK/Scottish IP regime (Brodies)

European IP update (Chapman & Co)

Brexit Next: Legal implications (CMS)

Brexit - how may if affect SPCs? (D Young)

IP after the Brexit vote (EIP)

Brexit: The Aftermath!(FR Kelly)

Brexit untangled (Gowling WLG)

Brexit - what does it mean for TM portfolios, IP contracts and UPC (Hogan Lovells)

IP in the UK after the Brexit Referendum (Keltie)

UK votes for 'Brexit' (Kilburn & Strode)

UK referendum on EU membership (Marks & Clerk)

Fate of UPC after UK referendum (NLO)

Brexit - implications for IP owners and practitioners (Olswang)

The UK votes to leave the EU - what now? (Reddie & Grose)

Britain votes 'Brexit' (Rouse)

Brexit - what happens to UK and EU IP rights? (Sanderson & Co)

Brexit: The implications for IP (Simmons & Simmons)

Planning for Brexit (Taylor Wessing)

Brexit - so what happens to my IP? (Turnbull Lynch)

BREXIT - Trade Marks & Registered Designs and BREXIT - What will this mean for patents?(UDL)

Business as usual (Venner Shipley)

UK votes to leave EU - What does this mean for IP (Wood IP Ltd)

If you would like to suggest an article for inclusion in this list, please email us a hyperlink to the webpage.
What has happened?

The UK has voted to leave the EU in a nationwide referendum, by a margin of 52%-48%.

It is the first time a country has voted to leave the EU. Greenland (then part of Denmark) did leave the EEC (as it was) in 1982. But that was a long time ago, Europe was very different and it was a much smaller territory.

Once the UK leaves, the EU will shrink from 28 member states to 27. Its population will go down from 508 million to about 444 million.

How will this affect IP rights?

As of today, nothing changes. EU-derived laws continue to have effect in the UK. EU trade marks and registered Community designs will still be valid in the UK.

What happens now?

The process of leaving the EU is set out in Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and negotiation is likely to take several years (not least because about three-quarters of members of parliament supported Remain).

UK Prime Minister David Cameron today resigned following the referendum vote and his successor is likely to be named by October. It will be down to the successor to trigger the departure process by notifying the European Council. The Treaties cease to apply to the UK when the withdrawal agreement enters into force or two years after the notification, unless both sides agree an extension.

What will happen to EU IP rights?

CIPA calls for calm CIPA President Tony Rollins made the following comments in an email: "The UK will not immediately cease to be a member of the EU  The terms of the UKs exit will need to be negotiated and some estimates suggest that this could take up to two years, if not longer  For now UK patent attorneys and registered trade mark attorneys will still be able to perform the same work they do now, and UK and overseas IP owners will not lose any IP rights or any access to EU IP registration systems.

EU trade marks and registered Community designs cover all 28 EU member states. Although there is no precedent, it is likely that once the UK leaves the EU there will be some arrangement to extend existing rights to the UK. However, the costs and procedures for doing this will have to be worked out between the UK government and Brussels. EUIPO and the UK IPO are likely to provide details in due course.

After the date of withdrawal, new EUTM and RCD applications are not expected to cover the UK. Applicants who want protection in the UK will have to file national applications.

There will need to be transitional arrangements for other rights that are governed by EU regulations, such as geographical indications and supplementary protection certificates.

The latter is likely to be particularly important, given the significance of the life sciences sector in the UK. SPCs are governed at EU level by a Regulation, which will cease to have effect when the UK leaves, even though they are administered by the national patent office.

The country would therefore have to legislate to provide SPCs. The least disruptive option would be to re-enact the wording of the Regulation, said Liz Cohen of Bristows. On the other hand, it may be an opportunity to have a debate and cure some of the deficiencies in the Regulation.

ITMA says dont panic Extracts from a statement by ITMA President Kate ORourke: ITMA will advocate for the transition of all EU-based trade mark and design rights to UK-based protection to be simple and cost effective. We will also be calling on the UK Government to ensure that UK practitioners remain entitled to represent clients before the EUIPO.

Will there be any impact on European patents?

No, as the European Patent Organisation is a completely separate system from the EU. Applicants for European patents will continue to be able to designate the UK and UK patent attorneys will still be able to act before the EPO, just as their counterparts in countries such as Switzerland do.

However, many patent attorneys in the UK fear that being outside the EU will make them less appealing to clients than those in countries such as Germany.

What will be the impact on the UK profession?

In the short term, the transitional arrangements and the likely need to (re-)register trade marks and designs in the UK might generate extra work.

But most practitioners fear that in the long term they will lose out as they will no longer be able to handle EU trade mark and design filing, opposition and litigation work.

Some UK-based practitioners have said they will seek to qualify and/or move to other EU countries such as Ireland or France so that they can continue to do EU work.

They can also clutch at the fact that the new EU Trade Mark Regulation provides that representatives in European Economic Area (EEA) member states can act before the EUIPO. No one knows if the UK plans to join the EEA, but if it does that might benefit trade mark attorneys.

Similarly, solicitors and barristers are likely to lose EU-related transactional and litigation work, including handling cases at the General Court and CJEU in Luxembourg.

Speaking of Luxembourg, the UK will lose its judges who sit in the EU courts. It remains to be seen what will happen to UK staff in other EU institutions, such as EUIPO in Alicante. Some of them have worked there since the CTM was launched in 1996.

What about the Unitary Patent and UPC?

Statement by EPO President Battistelli "The Office underlines that the outcome of the referendum has no consequence on the membership of the UK to the European Patent Organisation, nor on the effect of the European Patents in the UK. Concerning the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court, the Office expects that the UK and the participating Member States will find a solution as soon as possible which will allow a full implementation of these so-long awaited achievements."

Good question. The intertwined Unitary Patent and UPC are in the process of being implemented, and were expected to come into force next year, but they will now at least be delayed and may well be dead.

The system requires 13 ratifications by EU member states to come into effect, including the three largest markets  these are France, Germany and the UK. Germany and the UK were expected to ratify this year (France has already done so). However, it is highly unlikely the UK could remain part of the system: the Unitary Patent is established by an EU Regulation, so could not apply to a non-EU state. The UPC is created by an international agreement, but within the framework of EU law.

Some have suggested that, in the short term, the UK could ratify the UPC to get the system up and running, with a view to withdrawing once the UK leaves the EU in a few years time. But there would surely be political and practical difficulties to this.

In the UKs absence, Italy takes its place as the third required ratifying state. Some of the legal arguments, including the possibility of the UK joining the UPC post-Brexit, are discussed in an article by Wouter Pors of Bird & Bird, published before the vote.

So it should only be a short delay then?

There is another problem: the UPC Agreement names London as one of the locations of the central division, alongside Paris and Munich. Though some have argued that London could still fulfil this role even if the UK were not part of the UPC, this seems unlikely. Instead, it is probable that the UPC will have to be amended to replace London with another location such as Milan or The Hague.

The problem is that if you open up the UPC Agreement, you risk inviting further changes, which could substantially delay or even kill the system.

Moreover, there is a practical question: would the Unitary Patent and UPC system still be commercially attractive without the UK? Many patent applicants say they only value protection in a few countries, such as the UK, France and Germany. If they have to file a Unitary Patent and separately a UK patent, they might think the former is not worth it.

Would UK IP practitioners still be able to take part in the Unitary Patent/UPC?

As mentioned above, European patent attorneys in the UK could continue to prosecute patents at the EPO.

However if the UK is out, UK-qualified solicitors and barristers would not be eligible to act in the UPC. Likewise UK judges could not sit in the court.

Paradoxically, UK patent attorneys who have the necessary litigation qualification would in principle be able to appear before the court.

What about other IP laws?

There are many other EU directives that affect IP issues, including copyright, biotechnology and enforcement. Legislative discussions are also underway on trade secrets and the Digital Single Market.

The existing directives are implemented in UK law, so it would be up to Parliament to decide whether to change the law post-Brexit. With many other priorities, it is unlikely there would be major changes quickly.

A more interesting point is that UK judges would no longer have to follow EU case law, which might allow them to make new law on issues such as parallel imports, trade marks and biotechnology patenting.

Are there any other implications of Brexit?

Yes.

Unlike England, the majority of voters in Scotland and Northern Ireland were in favour of remaining in the EU. The vote increases the likelihood of Scotland holding another independence vote, and some have speculated there may be a two- or three-way referendum in Northern Ireland and/or the Republic of Ireland.

London also voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining, leading some people to suggest the city could also break away. But that is probably fanciful.

Finally, there is speculation that the Brexit vote has emboldened anti-EU campaigners in other countries, which could lead to referendums in other EU member states. Both France and Germany have elections next year.

When will we know more?

Dont hold your breath. The leaving process will take a long time and there will be many things to discuss  some say as many as 10,000 pieces of legislation. IP is unlikely to be top of the list.

Read all our coverage atmanagingip.com/Brexit
Seoul: The members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group failed to reach any consensus on Thursday over India's entry to the elite club controlling trade in Technology, with five other nation opposing the induction of those who had not signed the non-proliferation treaty.

Along with China, countries like Brazil, Austria, New Zealand, Ireland and Turkey opposed India's induction into the 48-member group.

Meanwhile, Mexico had backed India's induction into NSG. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is in Seoul for the final push to India's NSG membership bid. However Pakistan's NSG membership to the NSG was not discussed, despite China backing its bid.
Pellistri set a challenge by Ten Hag

Article

The manager wants Facundo and his fellow young attackers to 'battle' their way into United's first team.
BIMCO has published three standard novation agreements that provide a legal framework to change one of the original parties to a contract.

Two of the agreements cover time charter parties; one provides for a change of charterer and the other a change of owner. The third agreement deals with a change of buyer under a shipbuilding contract.

Corporate changes such as restructuring, sale of a company or sale of part of a companys interests may make it necessary to replace an original contracting party. This is achieved by substituting, or novating the contract.

Until now there has been no standard form of contract for this purpose and parties have had to draft their own provisions. BIMCOs new agreements provide a useful framework covering many of the legal and practical issues likely to be encountered when novating a contract.

The novation agreements were drafted by a team of legal and commercial experts headed by Francis Sarre of CMB and included Chris Kidd of Ince & Co, and Naoko Kaijo of Thomas Miller.

Francis Sarre, CMB, commenting on the publication of the novation agreements said: Having ready-made standard novation agreements available will help make the process of novating contracts a lot simpler and smoother and ensure that the basic legal infrastructure is in place.
The second of the largest warships ever built for the U.K. Royal Navy, the Queen Elizabeth Class carrier HMS Prince of Wales, was given the royal seal of approval when HRH The Prince of Wales, (or Duke of Rothesay, as he is referred to in Scotland), visited Babcocks Rosyth Facilities and signaled for the final section to be lowered into place, shipbuilder BAE Systems announced.

The 570-metric-ton block  known as Sponson 11  was the final section of the 280-meter-long warship to be manufactured. HRH Duke of Rothesay gave the order for the massive section, which includes part of the flight deck, to be lowered into place by the Goliath crane. This allows the final welding to start in order to make the carrier structurally complete.

By the end of July we will have finished welding the final section together and the ship will be structurally complete, said Ian Booth, Managing Director of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance. The team will now embark on the next phase of the ships construction. This involves extensive outfitting, testing and commissioning of her propulsion and mission systems, as the ship is brought to life. The ship will then start her harbor trials here in Rosyth before setting off for sea trials in 2019.

Captain Ian Groom MBE, Senior Naval Officer for HMS Prince of Wales, said the milestone draws the construction phase of the Royal Navy's second Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier to a close. The focus now moves to commissioning the ship and my team will continue to work with their industry partners to bring her to life ahead of sea trials, Groom said.

John Howie, Chief Executive  Marine & Technology Division, Babcock International, and a member of the Aircraft Carrier Alliances Management Board, said, This moment marks the end of eight years of manufacturing for the Queen Elizabeth Class program at our six shipyards across the U.K.

More than 10,000 workers have contributed to the design and build of the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, Howie said.

HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled to be delivered in 2019.
Turkish Navys third Milgem class corvette, the F-513 TCG Burgazada, created as part of the MILGEM project, was launched with a ceremony attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yldrm.

TCG Burgazada is the third ship of the series built at Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command as part of the MILGEM project that was launched in order to build modern warships upon the 2004 decision of the Defense Industry Executive Committee.

The construction of the Burgazada Corvette began on 17 December 2014, at Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command. The 29 blocks of the corvette were built in 18 months and assembled on the slipway.

The ship was launched upon its completion 3 months prior to the estimated date on the contracts. After its launch, outfitting operations are to be continued before testing and initial entry into service. Hence, the ship is estimated to be delivered two months prior to the contracted date of December 2018.

The Burgazada Corvette is able to undertake surface battles, underwater battles; active air defense, reconnaissance and surveillance, command and control, active asymmetrical defense operations.

Turkey is planning to build an overall of 12 multi-purpose Milgem corvettes in order to enhance its littoral warfare capabilities and to bridge the gap in the operational requirements of Turkish Navy by introducing a platform which lies between the spectrum of frigate and patrol boat.

During the launching ceremony the Commander of Turkish Naval Forces, Admiral Bulent Bostanoglu said that the planned construction time for TCG Knalada will be 8 months shorter.

He also noted that the second batch of four ships will be constructed in I class configuration. The construction of the fifth ship, named TCG Istanbul, will start in Januray 2017. These ships are scheduled to be commissioned between 2021 and 2024.
As of June 24, 2016, ships flying the Danish flag are being digitally certified, making Denmark one of the first countries to put an end to the 100-year-old tradition of certifying ships with paper certificates.

Until now, ship certification typically involved printing, stamping and signing paper certificates, and subsequently sending them around the world to be kept on board ships.

Digital certification  or electronic certification, which is the term used internationally  will put an end to these cumbersome procedures, reduce administrative workloads and pave the way for further maritime digitalization, according to the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA).

Electronic certificates are an excellent example of a simple, digital solution that will make life easier for Danish shipowners and seafarers on board Danish ships, the DMA said in a press release announcing the initiative.

It is important for our businesses to embrace the digital era, said Danish Minister for Business and Growth, Troels Lund Poulsen. Therefore it makes me proud that Denmark is one of the very first countries in the world to use electronic certification, which will reduce the administrative workload and save time and money in the maritime sector."

The DMA noted that many years worth of international negotiations has laid the ground for the launching of electronic certificates. Denmark has worked in the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) to keep reduction of administrative burdens on the agenda.

The Director General of the Danish Shipowners' Association, Anne H. Steffensen, said The DMA has been working hard in the IMO to gain acceptance of electronic certificates. It is a major step in the right direction that will help reduce administrative burdens and costs imposed on Danish shipowners and ships. Denmark is in the lead here, and we hope that other Flag States and classification societies will follow Denmark's initiative.

The ships old paper certificates will be replaced one at a time as they expire. Ship owners will also get online access to their own certificates, which will further reduce the amount of administrative work.
Ship crews pulled more than 2,000 migrants from overcrowded boats in the Mediterranean on Friday, Italy's coastguard said, as people smugglers stepped up operations during two consecutive days of good weather.

More than 7,100 people have now been plucked from international waters since Thursday, many of them on the dangerous journey from Libya.

Europe's worst immigration crisis since World War Two is in its third year, and there has been little sign of any let up of the flow of people coming from North African to Italy since last year.

Ships belonging to Doctors without Borders, Migrant Offshore Aid Station, Italy's navy, the EU's border agency Frontex, and the bloc's anti-people-smuggling mission Sophia, all helped take the migrants off nine boats on Friday.

About 60,000 boat migrants have been brought to Italy so far this year, according to the Interior Ministry.





(Reporting by Steve Scherer; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
History will be made in Panama on Sunday, June 26, when the first-ever Expanded Panama Canal is inaugurated. The COSCO Shipping Panama will transit through the new locks on this significant day, with the world as its audience.



The Panama Canal Expansion project is the largest construction project undertaken in the waterway since its opening in 1914. Considered and analyzed for a decade with more than 100 studies, construction on the first-ever expansion began in 2007 to provide the world (shippers, retailers, manufacturers, consumers) with greater shipping options, better maritime service, enhanced logistics and supply-chain reliability.



Agua Clara Locks (Atlantic side)  8 AM EST



The events begin early in the morning on the Atlantic side with a ceremony at the new Agua Clara Locks where the COSCO Shipping Panama vessel will transit. Colon Province local authorities, Panama Canal employees and the general public will be in attendance. The event will honor those who have contributed to the Expansions construction. The afternoons event at the Cocoli Locks is the official inauguration event.



Cocoli Locks (Pacific side)  4 PM EST



In the afternoon, the first commercial Neopanamax vessel will transit the Cocoli Locks on the Pacific side, where the official inaugural ceremony will be held, hosted by His Excellency Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez, President of the Republic of Panama, and accompanied by distinguished heads of state, government officials, customers, special guests, members of the media and the general public.




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Crystal Cruises' ships will return to Broward County's Port Everglades beginning in Fall 2017, having last sailed from the port in 2006.

Beginning October 27, 2017, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will sail a total of eight sailings to and from Port Everglades, one of the worlds busiest cruise ports, with more than 3.7 million passengers in 2015. Nine cruise lines, one ferry and more than 40 cruise ships sail from the South Florida cruise port.

Fort Lauderdale is an ideal fit for our ships, itineraries and discerning guests, with its close proximity to an international airport and reputation for outstanding service that mirrors Crystal's own, said Crystal President and CEO Edie Rodriguez. With these things in mind, we are relocating select fall sailings and look forward to working with Port Everglades to expand our itineraries in this market.

We are already working with Crystal Cruises' outstanding team to ensure every sailing from Port Everglades is exceptional, said Port Everglades Chief Executive & Port Director Steven Cernak.
Evergreen Group vice chairman Bronson Hsieh has been appointed chairman of rival Taiwan carrier Yang Ming Marine.

Yang Ming Marine Transport, the nations second-largest container shipper in terms of fleet size, approved Hsiehs appointment, reports said.

Hsieh worked at Evergreen Group for more than 40 years before stepping down from his position earlier this year.

Hsieh replaces Frank Lu, who has served as chairman of the shipping line since 2003. Hsieh lost his role at Evergreen in March during a succession battle between the two sons of the late chairman of the Taiwanese company, Chung Yung-fa.

Yang Ming Marine Transport reported a net loss of NT$7.72 billion (US$239.6) last year, or NT$2.24 in losses per share, with total sales of NT$127.56 billion.
1833 - The frigate Constitution is the first vessel to enter the newly-built dry dock at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Mass. for overhaul. A false rumor circulates in Boston in 1830 that the U.S. Navy intends to scrap the ship; young Oliver Wendell Holmes pens his poem "Old Ironsides", becoming a rallying cry to save the ship.

1944 - Torpedo bomber TBM aircraft (VC 69) from USS Bogue (CVE 9) sink Japanese submarine (I 52), 800 miles southwest of Fayal, Azores.

1944 - Navy submarines USS Grouper (SS 214), USS Redfin (SS 272) and USS Tang (SS 306) attack Japanese convoys off the coast of Japan, sinking seven enemy vessels.

1948 - The Berlin airlift Operation Vittles is initiated to offset the Soviet Union's blockade access of the U.S., France, and Great Britain to their sectors of Berlin.

1952 - During the Korean War, aircraft from USS Philppine Sea (CV 47), USS Bon Homme Richard (CV 31), USS Princeton (CV 37), and USS Boxer (CV 21) continue attacks on hydroelectric plants in North Korea from the previous day.

(Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division)
As the global shipping industry facing tough weather, the $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama canal is set to open Sunday (June 26), reports AP.

The deeper, wider channel is designed to accommodate the worlds growing fleet of mega cargo ships and expanding trade between North America and the Far East.

When the project opens, it will nearly triple the capacity of the original canal, allowing ships carrying up to 14,000 containers a quicker path between Asia and the USA.

About a third of the canal's traffic is between U.S. East Coast ports and northern Asian ports. But that cargo traffic dropped 10.2 percent in 2015, and lower oil prices have allowed some shippers to use longer routes.

Canal authorities estimate the expansion, called Panamax, will cut global maritime costs by an estimated $8 billion a year by enabling companies to pack more goods onto fewer ships. About 5 percent of the worlds total cargo volume currently moves through the canal.

The drop in world oil prices, an economic slowdown in China and other factors have been affecting the canal's traffic and income.

It took 40,000 workers nearly 10 years to dig the new access lane to the Panama Canal, a massive engineering feat that rivals the canals initial opening 102 years ago and which could potentially reshape the way goods move around the globe.
Seven Indonesian sailors have been taken hostage in the Sulu Sea in the southern Philippines, Indonesia's foreign minister said on Friday, the latest in a string of abductions in the waters between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.



"We got confirmation (yesterday) of an incident of kidnapping involving Indonesian crew of a ship," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters. He said the hijackings were carried out by two different armed groups.



Six of the 13 crew on board were freed, Marsudi said, and were on their way back to Indonesia.



The kidnappings come after the governments of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia agreed last month to carry out coordinated patrols to secure the region's busy waterways.





Reporting by Kanupriya Kapoor
Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (NYSE:OSG) (the Company or OSG) announced today that it has been approved by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to transfer its stock listing to the NYSE from the NYSE MKT. The Companys common stock, which will continue to trade under the ticker symbol OSG, is expected to commence trading on the NYSE effective Tuesday, June 28, 2016. Prior to that date, the Companys common stock will remain on the NYSE MKT, but trading on the NYSE MKT will cease concurrent with the listing of its common stock on the NYSE.



Our return to the NYSE is an important milestone for the Company made possible by the hard work of our employees and the support of shareholders, said Captain Ian T. Blackley, OSGs president and CEO. We believe listing on the NYSE, one of the worlds most prestigious stock exchanges, will enhance trading liquidity of our common stock and contribute to increasing shareholder value.



John Tuttle, Global Head of Listings at the NYSE, We congratulate OSG on its return to the NYSE and are proud to mark this exciting new chapter for the Company and its shareholders.



In recognition of the transfer, President and CEO Captain Ian T. Blackley along with members of the Company will ring The NYSE Opening Bell on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. The NYSE Opening Bell is broadcast live from the NYSE and interested parties may stream the ceremony live at 9:30am Eastern Time by visiting https://www.nyse.com/bell.



The approval to transfer its listing to the NYSE is contingent upon the Company being in compliance with all applicable listing standards on the date it begins trading on the NYSE, and may be rescinded if the Company is not in compliance with such standards on that date.



OSG provided the NYSE with additional information upon which the NYSE relied to list the common stock. Such information is included in OSGs original listing application and is available to the public upon request.


Eric Haun is editor of Marine News. He has covered the commercial maritime and...

Globally, shipping is on the rise  already 80-90 percent of the worlds trade is by ship; that is more than 12 billion metric tons of goods annually, shipped by 1.5 million seafarers on 50,000 merchant ships. Without shipping, the import and export of goods on the scale necessary to sustain the modern world simply would not be possible.

Shipping is especially important to New Zealand, an island that relies heavily on its vibrant maritime sector.

At least 97 percent of our trade is transported by sea  it is the crucial lifeline for our economy and way of life, said Keith Manch, Director of Maritime New Zealand, who said the maritime industry is indispensable to the country.

We are an island nation that is distant from the rest of the world and almost wholly dependent on efficient, competitive shipping to carry our trade, Manch said. Without it, our country simply could not function.

According to Maritime New Zealand, foreign cargo vessels make almost 5,000 visits to the nations ports annually, with 11.4 million metric tons of oil and 4 million metric tons of freight transported around the New Zealand coastline each year. New Zealands 1,500-plus commercial fishing boats generate $1.6 billion in annual export earnings.

Cruise and passenger vessels also make up an important segment of New Zealands maritime business: each year, cruise ships make more than 500 visits to NZ ports, and some 5 million passengers use harbor and Cook Strait ferries.

These maritime activities  each essential to New Zealands vitality  are fueled by seafarers.

Worldwide, the maritime work force is rapidly aging, but the industry is increasing, Maritime New Zealand noted. Shortages of over 92,000 ships officers are expected by 2020.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is promoting the global significance of shipping, and more specifically the importance of seafarers, by marking the Day of the Seafarer on June 25. Maritime New Zealand, too, stresses the significance of its maritime workforce.

Shipping does not happen without qualified, competent seafarers, and New Zealand seafarers are internationally respected and sought after. The qualifications they earn here are internationally transferrable and well-regarded by employers, Manch said.

Overall, I believe we have an important job to do promoting the maritime sector and helping people understand the opportunities it brings for New Zealand and New Zealanders.
An ailing crewmember aboard the fishing vessel Seafreeze Alaska was medevaced approximately 195 miles north of Cold Bay, Alaska, Thursday.

A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, deployed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett, hoisted the 21-year-old man, who reportedly lost consciousness for 45 minutes, and transferred him to awaiting Guardian Flight emergency medical personnel in Cold Bay.

Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders were notified at approximately 7:45 a.m. by personnel at Health Force Partners of a medical situation aboard the Seafreeze Alaska. Watchstanders consulted the duty flight surgeon who recommended the medevac.

Crewmembers from Midgett rendezvoused with the vessel north of Cold Bay and launched the rescue helicopter crew. While the helicopter was airborne, Midgett remained on scene to act as a support platform for the rescue helicopter. Once the hoist was complete, the helicopter refueled aboard the cutter before proceeding to Cold Bay.

This case illustrates the importance of Coast Guard assets patrolling the Bering, as well as the training and coordination of our aircrews and cutters, said Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Daugherty, a Coast Guard 17th District command center watchstander. We were able to conduct a safe and timely rescue with the coverage and coordination Coast Guard crews provide year-round in the Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean.

The weather at the time of the medevac was reported as 20 mph winds with 7-foot seas.
The U.S. Navy has accepted delivery of future USS Montgomery (LCS 8) during a ceremony on June 23 at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala.

Marking the official transfer of Montgomery from the shipbuilder to the Navy, delivery is the final milestone prior to commissioning, which is planned for September 2016.

Today marks a significant milestone in the life of the future USS Montgomery, an exceptional ship which will conduct antisubmarine, surface and mine countermeasures operations around the globe with ever increasing mission package capability, said Capt. Tom Anderson, LCS program manager. I look forward to seeing Montgomery join her sister ships in San Diego this fall and deploy next year.

LCS 8 is the seventh littoral combat ship to be delivered to the Navy, and the fourth delivered by Austal of the Independence variant, which is noted for its trimaran hull.

LCS is a modular, reconfigurable ship, with three types of mission packages including surface warfare, mine countermeasures and antisubmarine warfare. The LCS class consists of the Freedom variant and Independence variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Freedom variant team is led by Lockheed Martin (for the odd-numbered hulls, e.g. LCS 1). The Independence variant team is led by Austal USA (for LCS 6 and follow-on even-numbered hulls).

Austal Chief Executive Officer, David Singleton, said Montgomery is the second vessel that Austal has delivered as the prime contractor. Six additional LCS remain under construction in Mobile as part of an 11-ship contract worth more than $3.5 billion from the U.S. Navy. According to the shipbuilder, Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), Omaha (LCS 12) and Manchester (LCS 14) are all preparing for trials, while assembly is well underway on Tulsa (LCS 16) and Charleston (LCS 18) and modules for Cincinnati (LCS 20) are under construction in Austals module manufacturing facility.
Incredible, true Christian story behind 'Free State of Jones' Guest Reviewer | 24 June, 2016 by Michael Foust

LOS ANGELES (Christian Examiner)  You won't find the name "Newton Knight" in many books about the abolitionists, and his story usually isn't told when accounts of Civil War valor are recounted.

But all that soon may be changing. This weekend a movie about Knight hits theaters, telling the incredible-but-true story of a Mississippi farmer during the Confederacy who turned against the South and led a rebellion alongside other farmers, soldiers and even slaves.

The movie is called Free State of Jones, which borrows its title from the name of the area around Jones County, Miss., that Knight and his backers named in defiance of not only Mississippi but also the Confederacy.

Knight (Matthew McConaughey) also was a Christian, and his faith is evident throughout the movie, which is rated R for brutal battle scenes and disturbing graphic images.

"He just had an inner compass that told him to do what was right and what was moral, and he acted on it," Gary Ross, the film's director, told the Christian Examiner. "That's what makes him an exemplary leader."

The movie challenges the conventional wisdom about the North-and-South divide during the Civil War and also showcases someone who Ross believes is an overlooked hero of history.

Ross is best known in Hollywood for being the director of The Hunger Games, Pleasantville and Seabiscuit.

The Christian Examiner interviewed Ross this week, asking him about Knight. Following is a transcript:

Christian Examiner: How did faith drive Newton Knight's actions?

Gary Ross: Christianity was an incredibly progressive aspect to the abolitionist movement in the 19th century. We think of things today in the strange kind of Left-Right era in America. But what people don't understand is how much of the abolitionist movement was rooted in Christianity, and that all of the abolitionists had a religious underpinning, no matter who they were. Newt also was a primitive Baptist, and primitive Baptists were ideologically opposed to slavery. So those things informed him. I wanted to be honest about that in the movie. There are certain things that one always tiptoes around in making movies. It's funny  people ask me about this, but I thought it was tremendously important to reflect his faith and be honest about that. Newt was a Christian. It was a time in America when people were very connected to their religion, and it absolutely informed his anti-slavery view.

CE: Would you call him an abolitionist?

Ross: The technical definition of abolitionism is someone who is opposed to slavery and actively promotes and fights for equality amongst the races. By the end of his life, absolutely he was an abolitionist. It's hard to see what he was when he began his rebellion, because all we know about his rebellion is it was an anti-tax rebellion that began for economic reasons. But if you look at Newt's behavior during Reconstruction, he burned down a school that would not educate mix-race children, he agreed to serve in a militia at the behest of progressive governor Adelbert Ames whose purpose was to protect the voting rights of African-Americans during Reconstruction. You see how he embraced fight for racial justice. By the end of his life, you absolutely would see him as an abolitionist.

CE: Lots of people will want to know more about the R rating. We're assuming it's rated R because of the violence?

Ross: It's not R rated because of language or sexuality or anything like it. The only issues, I think, are the violence. The Civil War was violent. It's really only the beginning of the movie that is very violent. I thought it was necessary to be honest about the era and what happened.

CE: What do you want moviegoers to take away from this movie?

Ross: That we won't make any progress in race in America until we see that there needs to be coalitions and alliances. He realized what was divided by race, could or should be united by class, and I think that was true then and I think that's true now. I hope the people take away the need for this kind of alliance, and I think that's important.

Michael Foust has covered the fillm industry for more than a decade. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelFoust
The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2016 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to Arthur E. Imperatore, Founder and President of New York Waterways; Donald Marcus, President of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Christopher Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO of American Bureau of Shipping. The maritime industry's most prestigious awards will be presented at the 47th annual gala industry dinner and dance at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City, on October 28, 2016. Recognition will also be given to American seafarers for specific acts of bravery and heroism while at sea.



General Kenneth Wykle, USA (Ret.), Chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee, said: "We are honoring an eclectic group of men who have made different contributions to the maritime industry. Mr. Imperatore's cargo is people operating 48 ferries around New York Harbor; Don Marcus is both an esteemed labor leader and an attorney; and Chris Wiernicki, internationally recognized in the field of naval architecture." He added: "Our industry is fortunate to have such a wonderful cross-section of good people deserving of such an honor."



Mr. Imperatore developed a safe, reliable, environmentally sound commuter ferry, which has transported more than 200 million people since 1986. This ferry system also has served several times as a critical rescue and evacuation system. NY Waterway is the largest private ferry operator in the United States. Now 93, Mr. Imperatore and his brothers founded the A-P-A Transport Corporation and built it into the most successful short-haul trucking concern in the nation. The Imperatores instituted innovative transportation systems and developed detailed productivity and efficiency systems,



Mr. Imperatore has drawn from his personal, hands-on commitment to excellence and more than 60 years of transportation industry experience to pioneer a Ferry/Bus system which today is an international model for effective, coordinated mass transportation systems. Navigating the waters of the Hudson and East Rivers, Mr. Imperatore's commuter operation has built upon the Metropolitan Area's greatest natural asset, its waterways. His industriousness in harnessing the vast potential of New York's waters has sparked renewed an intense interest in ferry service and investment. At NY Waterway's Port Imperial terminal in Weehawken, NJ, Mr. Imperatore is developing a thriving residential and commercial community, which stands out as the crowning jewel of a revitalized northern New Jersey waterfront.



Donald Marcus was elected as President of Masters, Mates, & Pilots (MM&P), the marine affiliate of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), AFL-CIO, in January 2013 and was Secretary-Treasurer of the union from 2010 to 2012.Previously, he served three terms as the union's Vice President for Pacific Posts. After graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point in 1979 he sailed in all licensed Deck Officer capacities - from Third Mate to Master-- aboard U.S. flag ships in international trade. His last shipboard assignment was as Master of the MV Sea Land Pacer. Mr. Marcus is also a graduate of the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and has been admitted to the California Bar Association. He has been a union member throughout his working life.



He also serves as President of the Maritime Labor Alliance, a six-union partnership that includes MM&P, the ILA, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), the Inland Boatmen's Union (IBU), the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) and the American Radio Association (ARA). MM&P represents licensed deck officers on U.S.-flag commercial vessels sailing offshore, on the inland waterways and on civilian-crewed ships in the government fleet; mariners who work on tug, ferry and harbor tour vessels; licensed and unlicensed mariners who work on dredges; state pilots; marine engineers; and maritime industry shore side clerical and service workers.



Mr. Wiernicki began his long-standing career with ABS in 1993, working as ABS Americas Vice President of Engineering. Since then, he has occupied various leadership positions including serving as ABS's President and Chief Operating Officer for four years prior to his appointment to chairman in April 2011. Before joining ABS, he was appointed as President and Chief Executive of Designers and Planners, Inc., one of the leading naval architecture firms in the United States.



Mr. Wiernicki holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt, a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from George Washington University, where he was later elected to the George Washington University Engineering Hall of Fame, and a Master of Science in Ocean Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. He received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Maine Maritime Academy and SUNY Maritime College. Today, Mr. Wiernicki remains internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of naval architecture. Under his leadership, ABS continues to grow its international presence as well as expand the company's reach with technology and innovation.



Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. merchant marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military overseas. The recipients will share the evening with a group of American seafarers who will be honored for acts of bravery at sea. USS continues to provide community services for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the American Armed Forces, and seafarers of the world. USS, a non-profit agency established in 1942, operates centers in six foreign ports in Europe, Asia, and Africa and in the Indian Ocean, and also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association.



For AOTOS 2016, Michael Sacco, President of the Seafarers International Union, is Dinner Chairman. F. Anthony Naccarato of American Maritime Officers Service and Joseph Cox will be National Committee Co-Chairmen.



USS continues to provide community services for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the American Armed Forces, and seafarers of the world. USS, a non-profit agency established in 1942, operates centers in six foreign ports in Europe, Asia, and Africa and in the Indian Ocean, and also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association.




The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, rose on Friday, for a third straight session, on rising demand across all vessel segments.



The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, supramax and handysize shipping vessels, was up 13 points, or 2.18 percent, at 609 points.



The capesize index gained 16 points, or 1.78 percent, to 913 points.



Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 150,000-tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, were up $199 at $6,452.



The panamax index was up 16 points, or 2.81 percent, at 585 points.



Average daily earnings for panamaxes, which usually carry coal or grain cargoes of about 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes, increased $127 to $4,681.



Among smaller vessels, the supramax index rose 6 points to 583 points, while the handysize index rose 7 points to 329 points.





Reporting by Nithin Prasad
Grovfjord Mek. Verksted AS (GMV) has selected Corvus Energy as the supplier of the lithium ion based energy storage system (ESS) for a fish farm support vessel called GMV ZERO. GMV will utilize Corvus next generation Orca Energy ESS to support the vessels entire energy requirements for zero emission fish farm operation.



Orca Energy is part of the recently announced Orca ESS product line from Corvus which is specifically designed for maritime applications. Our teams take great pride in the fact that our products are being applied to projects such as this one, with the goal of zero emission operations, said Roger Rosvold, Sales Manager at Corvus. In the past, there was a trade off between financial feasibility and environmental responsibility. That is no longer the case with the Orca ESS product line.



In addition to its compelling total cost of installation and the purpose built performance characteristics, the Orca product line also includes significant safety innovations. One such innovation is cell-level thermal runaway isolation which does not require an active cooling technique, such as liquid cooling, for it to be effective. With numerous leading innovations, Orca ESS is quickly becoming the industrys safest & highest performing maritime ESS solution.



As a result of an extensive evaluation, GMV selected Corvus Orca Energy ESS due to its ability to not only meet, but exceed all performance, safety and financial requirements, said Arnold Hansen, GMV. Beyond the incredible benefits of Orca ESS, GMV wanted a partner with extensive marine ESS experience, a global support team, and deep technical knowledge. Corvus is that partner.



As the leading manufacturer of energy storage systems for maritime applications, Corvus designed and built the Orca ESS solutions portfolio based on the experience from 50+ vessels utilizing a Corvus ESS, totaling over 35MWh and 1 million operating hours. Rather than a single product, the Orca ESS product line delivers a range of products which are designed to meet the needs of various marine customers. Orca Energy is ideal for applications that require large amounts of energy such as ferries and merchant vessels, while Orca Power has been designed for applications that require a seamless response to dynamic power loads such as offshore supply vessels and port equipment.




MISC Berhad (MISC) today announces the publication of its 2015 Sustainability Report, covering the Companys commitment, strategy and performance for the year ended 31 December 2015 and progress towards its sustainability goals.



President / Group Chief Executive Officer Yee Yang Chien said that sustainability remains an integral part of MISCs operations, from the way business is conducted, to how employees are managed, environmental impact reduced and positive impact is created for local communities.



Our systematic and structured approach in managing MISCs sustainability performance over the past few years involves a continuous endeavour to conduct our business operations in a responsible and sustainable manner, define and enhance relationships with our key stakeholders as well as ensure holistic value creation over time. 2015 marks a significant milestone in MISCs commitment to sustainability as we refreshed our Vision and Mission to ensure sustainability is central to the way we conduct business, he said.



MISCs refreshed Vision defines the Groups aspiration to consistently provide better energy related maritime solutions and services, while its revitalised Mission calls for the Group to be consistently better by striving to fulfil the expectations of, and making a positive impact on, its five key stakeholder groups, namely customers, employees, communities, the environment and shareholders.



Among the highlights of MISCs 2015 sustainability performance are :



Marketplace



o Higher Group revenue, operating profit and profit before taxation compared to the previous year.



 Revenue of RM10.91 billion, 17.3% higher than the preceding years revenue of RM9.30 billion.



 Profit before tax (PBT) increased by 6.5% to RM2.57 billion in 2015 from PBT of RM2.41 billion in 2014.



 Group operating profit of RM2.78 billion was 51.1% higher than FY2014s operating profit of RM1.84 billion.





o Vessel availability rate for our LNG and Chemical fleet was 99.8%, surpassing industry benchmarks across all segments of the shipping sector.



Workplace



o Zero recordable incidences of workplace fatalities and the Groups Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF) and Total Recordable Case Frequency (TRCF) remained low at 0.12 and 0.48 respectively.



o Honoured 115 long serving employees at the annual MISC Long Service Awards.





Environment



o Five new Moss type LNG Carriers will have Green technologies and features designed for energy efficiency, emissions reduction, biodiversity management and end-of-life disposal.



o 33,057 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions avoided through application of green technology.



o 97% of hazardous waste from non-shipping operations were recovered or recycled.





Community



o Its subsidiary, the Malaysian Maritime Academy (Akademi Laut Malaysia - ALAM) received the highest 6-Star rating on International Students Services from the Malaysian Quality Evaluation System for Private Colleges (MyQUEST) for 2014/2015.



o Over 400 shore employees and seafarers from the Groups Malaysia and Singapore offices as well as ALAM cadets, volunteered for the MISC Flood Relief Programme at SMK Kuala Krai and Kampung Lela Jasa, Manik Urai, in Kelantan.



As a corporate citizen, MISC views sustainability as an opportunity to drive social and economic progress and we are honoured to be one of the constituents of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Index. This recognition has energised our efforts in championing our sustainable development agenda. In MISCs pursuit of long term stability and success with sustainability at the core, maintaining a responsible and ethical business conduct as well as continually creating value for our stakeholders will strengthen our competitiveness in the years to come, added Yee Yang Chien.



MISCs 2015 Sustainability Report should be read in conjunction with MISCs 2015 Annual Report which provides comprehensive information on the financial performance and overall business strategy of the Group.



The Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines and it is the Companys second standalone Sustainability Report.


Around 47 MidEast charters fixed for July loading so far; older tonnage and new vessels a drag on freight rates.



Freight rates for very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are set to nudge higher next week after moving above nine-month lows on increased charters this week, ship brokers said on Friday, although gains will be capped by ample tanker availability.



"The market is still rubbish, but it has turned," a Singapore-based supertanker broker said on Friday.



"There is plenty of fixing to come in the rest of the month, but there are still plenty of ships available," the broker said.



Around 47 VLCC charters have been concluded to load Middle East crude in the first 20 days of July compared with a monthly average this year of about 120-135, the broker said.



"I doubt we see rates climb very high. The tonnage list is still well supplied and there are still some newbuilds and ships direct from drydock to fix," a European supertanker shipbroker said on Friday.



Average VLCC charter rates from the Middle East to Asia were around 47-48 on the Worldscale measure, equivalent to daily earnings of around $27,800, the Singapore shipbroker said.



But charter rates for older tonnage or vessels straight from shipbuilding or ship repair docks are around W39-40 because owners offer a discount as they seek urgent employment rather than have ships idle.



"The market is continually dragged down by a shiny ship or a crusty ship," the Singapore broker added.



Port congestion, which can push freight rates higher by cutting the number of ships available for charter, was also largely absent.



"There are not really any port bottlenecks (to tighten vessel supply)," the broker added.



VLCC and Suezmax tankers were facing a 9-12 day delay on Thursday to load at Iraq's Basra oil terminal, according to port data seen by Reuters.



That compared with an average of 18-20 day delay according to ship agent and tracking data on April 6.



Tankers were waiting an average of five days to unload at Chinese ports, the Singapore broker said.



VLCC charter rates from West Africa to China were slightly higher which were helping support freight rates for smaller Suezmax tankers, brokers said.



VLCC rates from the Middle East to Japan rose to around W45.50 on Thursday, up from W43 last week.



Charter rates hit W41 on June 21, the lowest since Sept. 2 and equivalent to earnings of $23,182 per day, according to chartering data on the Reuters Eikon terminal.



Rates for VLCCs from West Africa to China climbed to W53 on Thursday, up from about W51.25 the same day last week.



Freight rates tumbled to around W49.75 on June 21, the lowest since Sept. 10.



Rates for an 80,000-dwt Aframax tanker from Southeast Asia to East Coast Australia edged up to W96 on Thursday, against W94.75 last week on slightly higher cargo volumes, brokers said.

Reporting by Keith Wallis
The first dual-fuel two-stroke engine employing the low-pressure X-DF gas admission technology developed by Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD) has passed the final milestone in its evolution from a technical concept to commercial operation as a marine main engine.



The 5-cylinder, 500 mm bore, Wartsila RT-flex50DF engine employing X-DF technology is installed as the main engine driving a single propeller in the Ternsund, a low emissions 15,000 DWT chemical tanker. Ternsund was undertaken by AVIC International Ship Development (China) Co., Ltd. (AVIC SHIP), Shanghai, China and completed by AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, Jiangdu, China for Terntank Rederi A/S, based in Skagen, Denmark, and it underwent its sea trials from 22nd to 28th May 2016 and is scheduled to be delivered by the end of June.



Accordingly, the Wartsila 5RT-flex50DF engine, rated with a maximum power of 5850 kW at 102 rpm, was run continuously for several days in its gas mode and a series of automated fuel changeovers from diesel mode to gas mode and back were executed. In addition, as customary in sea trials, the engine was run at a range of load points in both gas and diesel mode, including a high load level set to fully exploit the sea margin of the Ternsund with its hull in new condition without fouling. All aspects of the trials have successfully passed, AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding reports.



With an overall length of 147 metres and a beam of 22 metres, the 15,000 DWT Ternsund is a twin-hull chemical tanker designed to meet Ice Class 1A. It is the first of four vessels ordered by Terntank from AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding. The Wartsila 5RT-flex50DF engine is matched to a design speed of 14.5 knots. It was delivered to the shipyard in October 2015 by WinGDs engine manufacturer Yuchai Marine Power Co., Ltd. (YCMP) based in Zhuhai, China. Destined to operate predominantly in northern European waters, with its Wartsila 5RT-flex50DF engine the Ternsund will meet the strict limits on oxides of sulphur (SOx) in Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs) due to the extremely low sulphur content of natural gas. At the same time, the X-DF technology also enables compliance with IMO Tier III limits on oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in gas operation without additional exhaust gas after-treatment.



This sustainable solution is the result of the Into The Future  Baltic SO2lution project which centres on cooperation among Terntank, marine solutions provider Wartsila with engine designer Winterthur Gas & Diesel, fuel and bio-products supplier North European Oil Trade (NEOT) and energy and environmental consultant Wega Enviro. The EU co-funded project has been promoting more environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient shipping in the Baltic Sea and the new tanker is set to validate dual-fuel propulsion concepts at sea, based on the combination of the high efficiency and intrinsically low emissions of SOx, NOx and particulates of engines burning LNG. These factors led Terntank to specifically choose the low emissions Wartsila 5RT-flex50DF engine with WinGDs X-DF technology for their new ships.


Jacques Vandermeiren (52) has been appointed CEO of Antwerp Port Authority as of 1 January 2017. He succeeds Eddy Bruyninckx who after 25 years at the head of the Port Authority is retiring on 31 December 2016. Until January 2015 Vandermeiren held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Elia, the listed company that operates the national electricity grid in Belgium. He can draw on extensive experience in the energy sector, which will stand him in good stead with the industrial operators in the port. He also has the necessary experience with complex stakeholder management and in dealing with a publicly-owned shareholder.



These two aspects, combined with the necessary international experience, strong communication skills and inspiring people management, convinced the board to appoint Vandermeiren as the new CEO, declared Port Authority chairman Marc Van Peel.



Vandermeiren is now beginning his working in period which he is approaching in full confidence. It is certainly an honour for me to face the important local and international challenges for the Port Authority, in collaboration with the board of directors, the management committee, the personnel and the many stakeholders. Assuring the rich history of the port of Antwerp in a sustainable way in future is a task which I shall assume with pride and determination, Vandermeiren confirmed.



Vandermeiren starts on 1 November 2016 as CEO designate, which means that he will shadow Eddy Bruyninckx who retains full authority as CEO, chairman of the management committee and managing director until 31 December 2016. Then on 1 January 2017 Eddy Bruyninckx will formally hand over to Jacques Vandermeiren.


As Im sure is true of many folks, my grandfather (Grandpa Dex) was bigger than life to me as a kidstanding at around 66 he was the tallest person in my family, and he worked for NASA throughout the space programs early years. He was particularly fond of nicknames and one-liners rolled out in a loud Texan voice. Grandpa Dex and I never spoke about investments (he passed before I graduated college). But he had a way of saying a lot in few words, and one adage has stuck with me as particularly wise in investing: Desperate people do desperate things.

How does that translate to investing? Few investors enjoy sharply negative markets, and the fear investors feel is certainly understandable. At times like the present, wildly swinging markets tend to trigger the innate human instinct of fight or flightthe sense doing something is requisite. And generally, that sense pushes one to feel action is needed to mitigate the gyrations.

But attempting to dance around fast-moving markets in an effort to catch the upside and miss the down can be a fundamental error. There is no oneno oneI can find with a proven, published and time-tested track record of successfully navigating markets day-by-day movements consistently. In markets, responding purely to volatility can be folly, an inherently backward-looking decision about something non-serially correlated (meaning, stocks movement tomorrow is not influenced by fluctuations in the last 10 minutes, 10 hours or 10 days).

Consider an example from a much bigger and far more fundamentally scary time: the days around March 9, 2009. If you were an optimist then, kudos to you. But an honest and self-aware member of the vast majority would admit they werent. No doubt some felt the need to take some form of action during those volatile daysto stop the bleeding maybe. But ultimately, taking action on such feelings would have led to missing partor allof the thunderous charge higher as the current bull market began. There are others who held on, perhaps not optimistically, but who (maybe with others counsel) refuted the psychological sell urgea solid, disciplined decision that has since paid off. Now, theres little comparison fundamentally between then and now, but theres a critical lesson for investors here: Even at the most extreme points, staying cool and taking a rational, forward-looking view of markets is imperative. Maybe markets move higher, maybe they dont. But reacting purely to price movement rarely works out longer term.

Fact is, there was not in 2009and will never bean all clear signal shouting Negative volatility is over! The most powerful force in investing is compound growth, and if you miss a portion of return at some point over the long term, even just 10%-15%, youve actually missed a lot more through the course of your investing life.

As my boss Ken Fisher wrote in his book, The Only Three Questions That Count there are times to get defensive, but those times are when you can identify a probable, big, negative force others dont seea factor giving you an edge over the millions of other investors. The goal here: Capture an opportunity others are overlooking to add to relative performance by selling at a higher point and buying back in later and lower. You cannot do this by responding to volatility so widely known the local news is discussing it before the weather. And you cannot do it without a re-entry plan. Maybe youd get lucky once, but it isnt a strategy likely to succeed over the long term.

Ultimately, investors who seek or need equity-like growth for some or all of their portfolios should understand this comes with occasional negativity and volatility. But stocks long-term return has historically compensated investors well for this lack of comforteven including bear markets and corrections that can be very emotionally trying along the way. As an investor, you do not need to avoid all volatility to be successful. What you do need to avoid is falling into the trap of responding to volatility with emotion when it happens.

The media isnt going to be your friend in this mission. After all, theres a profit incentivethe media wants you tuned in through commercials. But ultimately, the goals for your investments are factually oriented (retirement, etc.). Heres a strategy, inspired by Grandpa Dex, intended to help navigate negativity:

When stocks fall sharply and your gut kicks in, dont immediately jump online or get on the phone. Turn off the news. Stop. Take a deep breath. Do something not related to investing. Essentially, disconnect to lower your blood pressure.

Put market movement in its proper context. If youre in relatively good health and have a reasonably long life expectancy, you should be planning for decades aheadnot minutes, hours, days or weeks.

Ask yourself the question: Am I seeing the full picture of market and economic conditions? Balance the fear and be a skeptical consumer of media.

Seek out opinions of othersespecially those who might disagree with what your gut says. This is all targeted at avoiding confirmation bias. The last thing you need is a yes man when youre in a heightened emotional state.

Perhaps most important: Consider major asset allocation shifts very coolly and rationally. Nobel-prize winning studies have shown asset allocation is the most important decision you make in investingmeaning it has to be made with a clear mind, not one encumbered by emotion.

The fundamental point of my grandpas saying is its nearly impossible to make educated, rational decisions when your emotions are elevated. Markets and economies are all about decisions and reasons. The likelihood an individual can properly assess those factors while dealing with adrenaline and fear is extraordinarily low. And in markets, emotional decisions often translate into fewer dollars to live on in the long run.
As the sun comes up, the world is digesting British voters' decision to leave the EU. The news rocked markets, and many fear more trauma is in store. As we wrote here, it will take years to discover the societal implications, and political uncertainty will likely linger for some time. But that doesn't mean markets will sink. As we discussed at length here, nothing has changed immediately. Per Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the UK will have two years to negotiate exit terms and a new relationship with the EU. Slow-moving political issues like this typically fade into the background, letting cyclical factors re-emerge as the swing factor for stocks. And here, difficult as it may be to fathom in the heat of the moment, fundamentals support UK stocks. The BoE stands ready to provide liquidity as needed. Once the initial reaction fades, markets should get relief from the vote now being a known quantity. The often colorful campaigning, which dampened investors' mood in recent weeks, is over. Investors should cease assessing any and all economic data through a Brexit lens. Pundits can stop putting asterisks after all data showing growth, warning that this is prior to the Brexit vote. Investors can now home in on the data, which suggest the UK economy is in fine shape, with consumption and services leading growth.

UK GDP did slow in Q1 2016, from 2.4% annualized to 1.4%.[i] However, slowdowns often come and go during expansions. Exhibit 1 shows annualized GDP growth since 2008, with slowdowns illustrated by the dark blue columns.

Exhibit 1: Growth Rate Fluctuations Aren't Unusual

Source: FactSet, as of 6/22/2016. UK GDP growth (annualized), Q1 2008 - Q1 2016.

Monthly data published since Q1's close suggest growth continues. UK retail sales jumped 0.9% m/m May after a 2.0% gain in April.[ii] On a year-over-year basis, retail sales rose a whopping 6.0% y/y in May.[iii] UK consumers have been fueling growth for some time (against a near-constant backdrop of fears they'll falter, an article for another day), and there is little sign consumption is slowing. (Exhibit 2)

Exhibit 2: UK Total Retail Sales Volume

Source: FactSet, as of 6/22/2016. June 2013 - May 2016.

While consumption has driven growth in recent years, it is worth noting that industrial production is up in three of the last four monthly readings, and it jumped markedly in the latest report (April). (Exhibit 3) Far be it from us to suggest this indicates rebounding industrial production, at roughly 15% of GDP, is going to drive growth. But it isn't showing signs of material weakness lately.

Exhibit 3: UK Industrial Production

Source: FactSet, as of 6/22/2013. June 2013 - April 2016.

While Markit's UK Purchasing Managers' Indexes (PMI) for Manufacturing (50.1) and Services (53.5) have ticked down from years past, both topped 50 in May, suggesting more than half of surveyed firms reported growth. What's more, these gauges don't measure the magnitude of growth (unlike GDP or output measures), instead illustrating how broadly growth is spread. Hence, PMI's downtick doesn't necessarily mean slower GDP growth.

Exhibit 4: Manufacturing and Services PMIs

Source: FactSet, as of 6/23/2016. June 2013 - May 2016.

While The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index has posted flat reads for two straight months, this is driven largely by two survey-based indicators-consumer expectations and the expectations for housing sales. Both could easily have been skewed by Brexit uncertainty. Credit market gauges, less subject to skew, show growth. UK broad money supply (M4) and loan growth to non-financial companies are rising and the yield curve is positively sloped, suggested lending should support growth looking forward.

Exhibit 5: UK M4 and Non-Financial Loan Growth

Source: Bank of England, as of 6/22/2016. June 2013 - April 2016.

As the Brexit fog lifts, we expect investors will see economic fundamentals like these more clearly, and the fear of major Brexit fallout will give way to relief.
Brexit - Gold Note - Brexit Facts - Ramifications for UK, Ireland, EU - Conclusion

We have seen record online sales for this time of day and the phones are ringing off the hook. It is nearly all buying with a preference for gold over silver. We may have to restrict trading to existing clients if we continue to see this level of demand.

We are seeing more selling then expected and seeing some clients choosing to take profits after the very sizeable short term capital gains.

We had already increased bullion inventories to record levels and we are confident this will lead to a sustained increase in coin and bar buying in the coming months.



Facts

- Sterling and euro have fallen sharply on fx markets

- Gold surged 20% in sterling to 1,105/oz

- Gold now 14% in higher in GBP, 8% in EUR and 5% in USD

- Stocks globally are down sharply - FTSE down 9%

- European stocks down sharply - Euro Stoxx 50 Futures collapsed over 11% at the open

- Bank shares are down 20% to 25%

- Cameron has resigned - adding to uncertainty in markets

- Record online sales at this time of day for GoldCore

- Nearly all buying with a preference for gold over silver

- Some selling - with some investors choosing to take profits after sizeable short term gains



Ramifications

- There is the real risk of contagion in the EU

- UK leaving the EU increases the risk of the EU disintegrating as it greatly increases the risk of France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands and Greece following the UK

- This poses risks to the "single currency," the euro as these nations may revert to their national currencies

- Still fragile UK, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek and Irish banks are coming under pressure

- The uncertainty and shock is likely to undermine business and consumer confidence and likely lead to a recession in the UK and will likely impact an already vulnerable Eurozone and global economy

- Central banks are likely to embark on further QE and further devalue currencies in order to prevent recessions

UK

- The UK is likely to enter recession which will lead to further QE and see sterling devalued more over the long term

- The UK total debt to GDP ratio is over 450% which also poses severe risks the economy and sterling

- UK banks remain vulnerable and in the event of contagion will likely see bail-ins and deposit confiscation

- British people, companies etc are very exposed to sterling. One way to hedge and protect against that risk is to diversify into physical gold and silver.

Ireland

- The sharp fall in sterling versus the euro is likely to lead a serious fall in Irish exports to the UK which will impact jobs and the Irish economy. This combined with already heightened global risks may lead to a recession in Ireland - impacting the Irish stock and property market

- Longer term the euro looks very vulnerable and may collapse as warned of by Soros and many others

- Irish banks remain vulnerable and in the event of contagion will likely see bail-ins and deposit confiscation

- Irish people, companies etc are seriously exposed to the euro. The way to hedge and protect against that risk is the diversify into gold.

Conclusion

- The Brexit vote underlines the importance of owning gold as vital financial insurance in these uncertain times. The degree of risk means that investors should consider having higher allocations of 15% to 20% to gold.

This update can be found on the GoldCore blog here.

Mark O'Byrne

IRL

63

FITZWILLIAM SQUARE

DUBLIN 2 E info@goldcore.com UK

NO. 1 CORNHILL

LONDON 2

EC3V 3ND IRL +353 (0)1 632 5010

UK +44 (0)203 086 9200

US +1 (302)635 1160 W http://www.goldcore.com/uk/

WINNERS MoneyMate and Investor Magazine Financial Analysts 2006

Disclaimer: The information in this document has been obtained from sources, which we believe to be reliable. We cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. It does not constitute a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any investment. Any person acting on the information contained in this document does so at their own risk. Recommendations in this document may not be suitable for all investors. Individual circumstances should be considered before a decision to invest is taken. Investors should note the following: Past experience is not necessarily a guide to future performance. The value of investments may fall or rise against investors' interests. Income levels from investments may fluctuate. Changes in exchange rates may have an adverse effect on the value of, or income from, investments denominated in foreign currencies. GoldCore Limited, trading as GoldCore is a Multi-Agency Intermediary regulated by the Irish Financial Regulator.

GoldCore is committed to complying with the requirements of the Data Protection Act. This means that in the provision of our services, appropriate personal information is processed and kept securely. It also means that we will never sell your details to a third party. The information you provide will remain confidential and may be used for the provision of related services. Such information may be disclosed in confidence to agents or service providers, regulatory bodies and group companies. You have the right to ask for a copy of certain information held by us in our records in return for payment of a small fee. You also have the right to require us to correct any inaccuracies in your information. The details you are being asked to supply may be used to provide you with information about other products and services either from GoldCore or other group companies or to provide services which any member of the group has arranged for you with a third party. If you do not wish to receive such contact, please write to the Marketing Manager GoldCore, 63 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2 marking the envelope 'data protection'

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Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations.
For over 100 years, though often "rough and tumble," our elections have had been essentially free of corruption. Big, outside money did not, by and large, play a role in here. However, since Citizens United, advocates of big money power both inside and outside of Montana are using Citizens United to rip apart any constraints and big money is starting to taint our elections.

EVAN BARRETT and BOB BROWN

Full Opinion: http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/columnists/rebuilding-our-democracy-constitutionally/article_b39b7a7e-ebd1-5c8b-8ca4-d28085bd6595.html
by Sean Hargrave , Staff Writer, June 24, 2016

Well, there you have it. History has been made, but certainly not in my name -- nor, I suspect, the vast majority of the country's marketing and advertising practitioners. London and the commuter areas voted for Remain. But the country has spoken, and we will have a new Prime Minister by the autumn negotiating a switch to a trade deal with the EU which we can only hope will be more advantageous. Countries on the periphery of Europe such as Norway that have such trade deals with the EU have been pointing out, of course, that they still pay a high fee for access to the EU market and still have to accept EU migration.

Whatever David Cameron's successor does, he or she will need to have admirable negotiating skills. There is already talk of "contagion," of other EU members calling referendums to leave the union -- and so Brussels will be loath to give the UK a better deal out than in. If it does, it is giving a green light for the union to fall apart as other countries realise they can follow the UK and get a better deal.

Just in case you're outside the UK -- perhaps in the U.S., reading the news and scratching your head, let me explain. It's basically a Trump. A politician on the outside of mainstream politics, Nigel Forage started to campaign for the UK to leave the EU several years ago from a position of being a disgruntled Member of the European Parliament (MEP). He was speaking up for the little guy who loses his job to the immigrant, who gets crushed by big government, who doesn't recognise the stores in his high street because they're now East European delis and he can't get a doctor's appointment nor get his kid in the local school because of mass migration. He wasn't taken too seriously until, in order to stop his party, UKIP, from winning seats in the 2015 election, the Prime Minister vowed to have a referendum on Europe. It took the wind out of Forage's sails and Cameron won a majority, albeit at the price of a public vote on Europe.

The better deal he promised to negotiate with the EU didn't convince many people because, despite ditching a commitment to "ever closer union," the UK still had to keep its borders open to mass migration. The result? The "little guy," the blue collar worker, united with the more right-wing elements of the ruling party who are not mostly in Cameron's inner circle and gave the establishment a punch on the nose. We are now in the odd position of waking up in a country that is only part of the EU for the time being. It's an over-simplification, but it may explain how we get here.

For anyone making long-term investments about the EU right now -- Honda has a massive car plant near me, as does BMW-owned MINI -- it will be very tempting to prioritise central Europe. France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium are probably looking like good bets right now. Or are they? The EU, in my opinion, will see a mass exodus and become a doughnut. A few founder members hanging on to France and Germany in the middle, united by the Euro, with a ring of countries that simply want a trade deal, not a political or monetary union. Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece will look at huge unemployment rates and their massive debt levels and think they are better off just trading with Europe, not using its currency and its laws.

In the short term, we're already seeing the panic, and long term, there is hope -- but the next Prime Minister needs to get a trade deal done with the EU as a matter of urgency to convince inward investment that the UK is still a great base. It may not be in the EU, but at least there are no tariffs to worry about -- it's business as usual. Services are the only part of the economy where the UK has a huge surplus with the EU -- circa GBP10bn per quarter -- and so the powerhouses of advertising and marketing need this reassurance to remain competitive.

If you're looking at outside bets, however, what about these associated implications? Scotland voted overwhelmingly to stay in Europe, just like London and its commuter towns. So it is almost a certainty that the country will demand another referendum and will overwhelmingly vote for independence at the second time of asking. It will then immediately apply to become an independent member of the EU, which will welcome it with open arms to make a point to the rest of the UK.

So if you are keen on investing in marketing and advertising in the EU as well as the massive digital market of the UK, did Scotland just become a safer bet? I think it just might have done until the free EU trade future of the UK -- or what will remain of the UK -- is assured.
by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, June 24, 2016

Following the Orlando massacre, Democrats in the United States Congress erupted in anger over inaction on gun legislation.

With a debate in the Senate morphing into a filibuster led by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn), the subsequent sit-in lasted almost 26 hours on the floor of the U.S House of Representatives. Members of Congress protested when debate was futile in the normal course of business.

Speaker Ryan went so far as to turn off the C-SPAN cameras during the sit-in, only to have Congressman Beto ORourke begin live streaming of the events. The power of social media and the opportunities it affords for dissemination and education of the public were on display as the sit-in continued.

Whether it was the sit-in itself, the social media presence, or a slew of calls to Representatives that made a difference, we now finally have a bill supported by a majority of the Senate, though not the majority of 60 that it would need to advance.

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While it is a minuscule step in the right direction in the opinion of Democrats, it does show there could be more room for negotiation and compromise, as well as empowering gun-control activists to make this issue central in an election year.

The bipartisan bill, put forward by Maine Sen. Susan Collins, would make it easier for some on the no-fly list to be denied the opportunity to legally buy guns. But it's a far cry from the assault-weapons ban advocated by many Democrats in Congress.

NowThis News released a video online calling for what it coined a social media sit-in. In the words of NowThis, These lawmakers are standing up and saying enough is enough, so they staged a sit-in. Now its time for a social media sit-in  a protest on Facebook.

One guarantee: The debate over gun control will remain front and center in the legislative sphere, as it will in the local and social media realms.

Separately, Great Britain voted to leave the European Union yesterday, in a move that will have far-ranging political consequences for the world. In the coming days, we will see how presidential candidates react. The move could be a boost for Trump, who has come out in favor of Brexit.
by Barbara Lippert , Featured Columnist, June 24, 2016

To address the rapid transformations within the industry formerly known as advertising, the owners of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (itself a recent name change) have added roughly 11 different digital award categories in the last ten years.

This year, for fans of ad tech and programmatic, whod be honored (and, more importantly, pay) to be nominated, the festival added the Creative Data Lion. It joins Cyber, Digital Craft, Innovation, Integrated, Mobile, Media, Promo & Activation, and Titanium Lions, to name a few.

But despite all these added categories, the confab, which wraps this weekend  and has blown up to steroidal proportions in the last decade with the influx of major brands and Facebook-sized tech companies  has been slammed this year by the same age-old industry problem: sexism and misogyny.

Though Ive been to Cannes many, many times, this year I was sidelined, watching the social media feeds from New York. And boy, did that get dispiriting quickly.

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Despite so much advocacy for change in the industry, theres a huge disconnect when it comes to diversity for women and people of color. This will not abide in an age of social media.

Last year, Cindy Gallop, female activist, former president of BBH New York, and founder of If We Ran the World and MakeLoveNotPorn.com, introduced the Glass Lion,  to reward breakthrough work that shatters gender bias and prejudice in ads.

This year, the news from the festival started out encouragingly enough, with an announcement from Aline Santos, executive vice president of global marketing for Unilever, of a new marketing move. Called Unstereotype, its a pledge to improve the depictions of women in ads, across more than 400 Unilever global brands.

A recent research project funded by Unilever revealed that just 3% of women are shown in professional, managerial jobs; 1% are shown as being funny, and 2% intelligent. (I've got to say, that sounds low to me.)

Youd think, if Unilever were to give its agencies marching orders about developing respectful, unstereotypical creative depicting three-dimensional women, that it would first make sure that the agencies have the talent to deliver on it. Enlightened ads dont come from a vacuum; they are the result of enlightened hiring and management practices and proper mentoring. But nothing about agency culture seems to be keeping up with Unilevers new directives.

As the events at the festival progressed, Gallop was almost forced to become a human switchboard, the only one who could receive, interpret and tweet out the news from Gender Tone Deaf Central.

First, she revealed that a book on creativity placed in every attendees welcoming bag only included interviews with ad men.

After that, she tweeted about a cringeworthy invitation to a private party sponsored by VaynerMedia and Thrillist that spelled out that it was for attractive women and models only. (The men had no such constraints.)

Though VaynerMedia CEO and Internet guru Gary Vaynerchuk took to Twitter to condemn the invitation immediately (and was applauded for that action), he blamed it on iGetIn, a third-party vendor  when actually the company had used this vendor many times. And though he said he was mortified, he later told Campaign US that he did not see the email as a representation of sexism in the ad industry but a typical approach for a party at a club.

Then there were the degrading ad winners.

To back up, the Cannes Lions showcase the tippy-top, say 2%, of ad creativity worldwide. So how an ad from Almap BBDO, an agency in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for Bayer Aspirin, that jokes about a man recording sex with a woman without her consent, made it into the competition, never mind won a Bronze, is mind-boggling.

The ad is simple and amateurish-looking. It shows two boxes of the packaged aspirin in different strengths, red (regular) and green (extra-strong) under a line of text saying Dont worry babe, Im not filming this. Thats in red ink. The word.mov (meaning he really did film it) appears next to it, in green. (Meaning the guy needs the stronger aspirin when the girlfriend finds out the truth.)

By the way, the issue of sex without consent is a hot-button one right now in Brazil. Gallop provides this context: "Police in Brazil are hunting for at least 30 men who allegedly gang raped a 16-year-old girl and filmed the incident, posting the footage on social media." Excedrin headache number 4 billion: when your head explodes with outrage over an ad for Bayer.

Another ad at Cannes, awarded a Gold for Outdoor, also came from a retrograde and broey place. For Inter-flora, from Australia, the ad shows a lovely bouquet of flowers stashed in the garbage in a roadway. Next to it, two lines of tiny type read: Our job is to make the finest bridal bouquets. Your job is not to sleep with a bridesmaid.

Never mind all the breakthroughs in digital effectiveness or tracking consumers. How hard can it be to get gender sensitivity training?

We have to stop the lies, the regressive, reactionary behavior, and the network-wide cover-ups. The jury that awarded the Bayer work was headed by the chief creative office of J. Walter Thompson, Brazil. Youll recall that JWTs attorneys moved to dismiss the discrimination suit against its former CEO Gustavo Martinez, on the grounds that it was frivolous.

Martinez was recorded on video making a joke about being raped, and not in a good way, at a JWT corporate meeting in Miami. The JWT lawyers claim that other employees who were present were not offended, and that Erin Johnson was just trying to make a media splash by filing the suit.

The news of these outrageous cases of sexism and misogyny at Cannes have blown up on Twitter, and been written about by major media. It makes women feel uncomfortable in their own skin. And it makes advertising, and this award festival, look like a laughing stock.

Back in the Mad Men days, Ogilvy & Mather founder David Ogilvy famously said, The consumer is not an idiot. She is your wife.

We need to update that: Men and women are not idiots. We need each other to be partners.

Where does this appalling lack of respect come from? Somewhat from Mad Men days, but more from Internet, tech and slut-shaming culture; the everyday violence, and abundance, of online porn; and the clear comfort that creative departments seem to take with the staffing of young, bro-ey white men.These dudes are not empty suits, so much as empty T-shirts. Lets start to fill the emptiness with compassion lessons.

Not paying proper attention to 50% of the population is cheating. As Gallop has said, This is not a way to win the future.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, June 24, 2016

CANNES, FRANCE -- At a time when many on Madison Avenue believe the next wave of advertising will be -- or already is -- content marketing, one of the worlds greatest content marketers advised the ad industry not to try so hard at selling things.

I think things work when theyre subtle, The Weinstein Co.s Harvey Weinstein told delegates here this morning during a Q&A with Publicis chief Maurice Levy.

Specifically, Levy asked Weinstein why, after decades of failed attempts to merge Madison and Vine, it has never worked beautifully.

Weinstein cited two examples of Weinstein Co. productions that leveraged subtly that worked for the brands involved.

In Project Runway, for example, we have the pleasure of having LOreal [as a brand integration]. But it is so innate to the show. Its just nuance, its there all the time. And I think it has more integrity. It doesnt look like [a placement], Weinstein, explained, adding: The advertising is much more subtle.

His second example was a student filmmaker series it created for auto marketer Lexus.

Theres no cars, he noted, adding that the subtle film sponsorship just blew up -- millions and millions of hits, mainly because it isnt trying so hard to sell something.

Again, its nuanced, explained Weinstein, concluding: Sometimes when it just hits so hard, its a turn off.

Weinstein teased the Lions Festival by alluding to a new brand integration deal he is working on that he believes will take the art to a new level.

He declined to identify the brand or the property, but said: Were going to take a piece of IP and were going to create a movie and theres not going to be one mention of the brand in it. And as a result, I think that will work.

Asked how digital media is impacting movie marketing, Weinstein seemed frustrated with the shift to the tiny screen -- the hand-held mobile one -- and said he sometimes shrugs his shoulders when seeing someone watching a film like Pulp Fiction on their phone and says, Why bother?

That said, he predicted big digital powerhouses like Google and Apple will soon enter -- and most likely disrupt -- the film industry, in a big way.

I believe that Google and Apple are not far behind. I believe they are going to be in the content business in the next second, he said, adding, I think theyre already there and theyre going to emerge. They have the pipeline.
The DIABIMMUNE project followed the development of 39 Finnish infants from birth to the age of three. Half of the children received 9-15 antibiotic treatments during the research period, and the other half did not receive any such treatments. Stool samples were collected from the children monthly between the ages of 2 and 36 months, for a total of 1069 samples. The study involved researchers from Aalto University, the University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

'We found that the microbial community of antibiotic-treated children is less stable and less diverse. Interestingly, this is most noticeable on the strain level, where children who received multiple antibiotic treatments had many more single-strain species, whereas children who never got any antibiotics had more diverse species, with multiple strains for each species' explains Dr. Moran Yassour, a postdoctoral fellow at Professor Ramnik Xavier's group at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard Yassour.

The problem of unnecessary antibiotic treatments

With every passing generation, important species of intestinal bacteria seem to be disappearing due to the effects of antibiotics. The discovery of antibiotic compounds has transformed the medical practice, and antibiotic treatments save lives on a daily basis. At the same time, antibiotics are still being unnecessarily prescribed to children, for example against viral infections, and this study highlights the consequences of repeated antibiotic treatments on the developing infant gut microbiome.

'Treatments, such as antibiotics, that have an effect on early childhood microbial populations can make children prone to long-term illnesses that manifest themselves later on, such as asthma, inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes and obesity. Antibiotic treatments should in future be more precisely focused against the infections preceding the treatment,' says Professor Mikael Knip from the Children's Hospital and the University of Helsinki, who is leading the DIABIMMUNE research project.

The type of birth also affects the development of a child's intestinal microbiomes. The intestinal microbiomes of children born by caesarean (C) section are usually not as diverse of those that undergo a vaginal birth, and are characterized by the lower abundance of various Bacteroides species in the first 6 months of life. The microbiomes also significantly develop and establish themselves during a child's first months of life, with the composition of microbiota taking its stable adulthood composition during the child's third year. The intestinal microbiota has a significant effect on the development of a child's immunity. A healthy, diverse, and stable microbiota have been shown to promote health: they promote absorption of nutrients, support the metabolism and protect from infections.

'Like in previous studies, we also observe a very strong impact of delivery mode on the infant gut microbiome. The gut microbial signature of children born by C-section is very unique, as none of the Bacteroides species are detected in the first 6-18 months of life. Surprisingly, 20% of vaginally born children displayed a similar 'low-Bacteroides' signature, an observation that has not been previously reported. We have searched extensively for clinical variables that may explain this observation, yet the numbers are too small to find statistically significant direct associations.' Dr. Yassour notes.

In the long-term, the microbial diversity of all children with the 'low-Bacteroides' signature remained lower, regardless of their delivery mode.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Often-repeated antibiotic treatments given during early childhood interfere with the development of the intestinal microbiota and lead to the development and possible spread of antibiotic-resistant microbe populations. Researchers observed a rapid increase in antibiotic resistance genes - genes that convey bacterial resistance to antibiotics - after antibiotic treatments. This increase was usually short-term, followed by a rapid decrease in the abundance of the resistance genes in the following month. On the other hand, resistance genes found on mobile elements - that transfer more easily between bacteria - sometimes remained in the intestines for significantly longer periods of time.

'If the intestinal microbiota is healthy, the resistant bacteria are not usually able to multiply because they do not find a niche in the ecology. However, during antibiotic treatment other bacteria are killed and resistant bacteria can proliferate freely. There is also the risk that certain pathogens gain resistance implicating that the diseases caused by them will become very hard to treat. This is what is being referred when people talk of hospital bacteria,' explains doctoral candidate Tommi Vatanen from the Aalto University Department of Computer Science and the Broad Institute in Cambridge, USA.

'The strength of this study lies in its unique combination of longitudinal monthly samples coupled with deep metagenomic sequencing. These were key for both the identification of strains, and quantification of antibiotic resistance genes,' Dr. Yassour emphasizes.

The study has been funded primarily by the EU (7th framework programme), the Finnish Academy and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The research results have been published in the internationally recognised publication series Science Translational Medicine, and were featured on the issue's cover.
Genes identified as affecting nerve sensitivity in fruit flies could represent future drug targets in human pain management.

Indiana University researchers have that found a suite of genes in both fruit flies and humans - including one dubbed "smoke alarm" - plays a role in nerve sensitivity. The study could help lead to new drug targets in pain management.

The research, published in the journal Cell Reports, was led by W. Daniel Tracey Jr., a professor in the IU Bloomington College of Arts and Sciences' Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science and the Department of Biology.

"Our study is the first to thoroughly assess the function of a large set of genes expressed at high levels in nociceptive neurons, the nerves responsible for the sensation of pain in humans," Tracey said. "It represents a significant step forward in the field of nociception and pain research."

First author on the paper is Ken Honjo of the University of Tsukuba in Japan. Honjo conducted work on the project as a member of Tracey's lab at Duke University, where Tracey was previously on faculty. Also an author is Stephanie E. Mauthner, an assistant scientist at IU Bloomington.

A total of 36 genes were identified as having a role in either hypersensitivity or lack of sensation to stimuli, 20 of which are found in both humans and fruit flies, or Drosophila. Approximately 70 percent of genes in humans are also found in flies, originating in a common ancestor.

The 36 "genes of interest" in the study were screened from a total of 275 genes previously identified by Tracey's lab to express at higher-than-average levels in nociceptors, the nerves that send signals to the brain in response to strong external stimuli.

The human brain can interpret signals from these nerves as pain. In flies, they may be triggered by mechanical stimuli or high heat. Of the 36 genes under investigation, 22 genes were found to play a role in hypersensitivity to heat; 14 were found to play a role in insensitivity.

"This first group appears to activate a function that inhibits the nociceptors," Tracey said. "These are interesting because you can imagine that if you could make a drug that was able to activate an inhibitor, then you could block pain."

Although nociceptors can trigger pain sensation based on sensory input, Tracey said the nerves can also play a role in other forms of pain not triggered by external stimulation, including chronic or neuropathic pain, estimated to affect 1.5 billion people and up to 4.5 percent of the global population, respectively, according to the American Academy of Pain Medicine.

As the first researchers to ascribe a function to the majority of these genes, Tracey's team had the right to name them. The genes implicated in heat hypersensitivity were named after objects that burn at high temperatures, including "black match," "eucalyptus," "firelighter," "primacord" (a detonating cord used in explosives), "jet fuel," "detonator," "gasoline," "smoke alarm" and "jetboil" (a campsite cooking system).

Genes implicated in heat-resistance were similarly named. They included "boilerman," "bunker gear," "fire dancer," "oven mitt," "trivet" and "thawb" (a traditional, ankle-length garment worn in the desert).

To identify these genes, Tracey's team bred multiple strains of fruit flies, each with one of the 275 genes under investigation suppressed through RNA interference - in which RNA molecules are used to inhibit the expression of a specific gene. The flies were then exposed to two temperatures - 42 and 46 degrees Celsius - as larvae, which normally react to the higher of these temperatures by rolling slowly. If they rolled more quickly at 42 degrees, it indicated hypersensitivity. If they did not roll at 46 degrees, it indicated insensitivity.

Moreover, Tracey said nine of the genes related to insensitivity caused the flies to grow a lower-than-average number of the nerve branches, or "dendrites," connecting nociceptors to the surface of the body. Two of the genes related to hypersensitivity, including "smoke alarm," caused the flies to grow extra dendrites.

The specific reason for this branching behavior is one of the new questions posed by this research. More broadly, Tracey aims to conduct further studies that examine the exact chemical pathways these genes activate in nerve cells in order to understand precisely why they result in changes in sensitivity.

Additional paper authors are J.H. Pate Skene and Yu Wang, who contributed the work as collaborators with Tracey's lab at Duke. The study was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Knowledge of radiation dose and associated risks varies among referring physicians, radiologists, and technicians, according to a new study in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.

Computed tomography (CT) scans are an invaluable diagnostic tool in modern medicine, but they do come at a price: exposing patients to potentially dangerous ionizing radiation. Doctors and other healthcare professionals may not be fully aware of a CT scan's effect on lifetime malignancy risk. A new study in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences surveyed doctors, radiologists, and imaging technologists regarding their beliefs about radiation exposure from CT. The survey found that while most respondents recognized there is an increased risk of cancer from CT, many underestimated the actual radiation dose.

Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan wanted to assess healthcare providers' knowledge regarding radiation dosing from CT scans. Using a survey of medical professionals in Saskatchewan, investigators found that 73% of physicians, 97% of radiologists, and 76% of technologists correctly identified that there is an increased cancer risk from one abdominal-pelvic CT. However, only 18% of physicians, 28% of radiologists, and 22% of technologists were able to correctly identify the dose in relation to chest x-rays. Although 48% of physicians, 78% of radiologists and 63% of technologists either accurately estimated or overestimated this dose, many respondents underestimated the dose level.

"Underestimating radiation dose from a CT scan is more concerning than knowing the exact dose level, particularly when it is a vast underestimation, as this may lead to minimization of the risk estimate when considering a test," explained lead investigator David Leswick, MD, FRCPC, Department of Medical Imaging, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan).

The issue of radiation exposure is significant as doctors continue to order CT scans with increasing frequency. In Canada alone, there were an estimated 4.4 million CT scans conducted in 2011-2012. Measured in millisieverts (mSv), the average radiation dose from an abdominal-pelvic CT is 10 mSv, compared to 0.02 to 0.2 mSv from one chest x-ray, meaning that a radiation dose from a CT scan is best approximated as between that from 100-250 chest radiographs.

"Although risk from radiation dose levels in the range of medical imaging procedures is small, it is real as evidenced from atomic bomb survivors and nuclear industry workers showing significantly increased risk of malignancy after exposure to doses in the range of diagnostic CT," said Dr. Leswick. "The risk of fatal malignancy may be as high as 1 in 1000 for a 10-mSv exposure (approximate dose of an abdomen-pelvis CT). This risk is significant on a population basis, with up to 2% of cancers in the United States population possibly attributable to CT."

With such a clear risk relationship between radiation exposure and cancer, it is imperative that healthcare providers understand the facts to ensure the benefits outweigh the possible danger when ordering a diagnostic CT. The survey indicated that 93% of respondents were interested in radiation dose feedback when considering ordering a CT scan. Automated dose calculation software and radiology information systems can be integrated into electronic ordering, which would give doctors immediate access to information when considering ordering a scan.

Another interesting aspect highlighted by the survey was some confusion regarding radiation exposure from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. MRIs and ultrasounds do not employ ionizing radiation and yet 20% of physicians, 6% of radiologists, and 7% of technologists attributed radiation exposure to MRIs and 11% of physicians, 0% of radiologists, and 7% of technologists believed an ultrasound used radiation. "Belief that ionizing radiation is utilized by ultrasound and MRI is troubling as it may result in underutilization of these imaging modalities because of unfounded radiation concerns," added Dr. Leswick.

While CT scans can be a lifesaving diagnostic tool, they also present a potential danger if they are overused or incorrectly implemented. It is vital that doctors and other healthcare practitioners fully understand the implications of ordering a CT scan and that patients are counseled appropriately about all available forms of testing and the potential radiation exposure involved.

"Unfortunately, healthcare providers including physicians, radiologists, and medical imaging technologists are often not aware of radiation doses for common CT scans," concluded Dr. Leswick. "It is important for healthcare professionals (including referring physicians, radiologists, and technologists) to be aware of radiation dose levels and risks from imaging tests for several reasons, including the ability to weigh the risks and benefits of tests, counsel patients on relevant risks, optimize protocols to minimize radiation dose, and select appropriate protocols to minimize radiation dose."

Article: Knowing the Enemy: Health Care Provider Knowledge of Computed Tomography Radiation Dose and Associated Risks, Breanne Irving, MBBS; David A Leswick, MD, FRCPC; Derek Fladeland, MD, FRCPC; Hyun Ja Lim, PhD; Rhonda Bryce, MD, MSc, doi: 10.1016/j.jmir.2016.05.003, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, published online 22 June 2016.
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"The findings are important and groundbreaking because of their clinical and practical implications for mental health and primary care providers, and for soldiers who may have needed but not sought help in the past for fear of stigma," said Robert Bray, Ph.D., chief scientist at RTI International and co-principal investigator of the study. "Screening linked to high quality mental health services in primary care settings puts mental health concerns on the same level as physical health concerns, which helps eliminate stigma and makes it easier for soldiers to get the help they need."The intervention assigns patients to nurse care managers with special training to help patients remain in care and follow treatment recommendations, coordinate patients' status with the health care team, and help patients to access telephone-based therapy. Researchers found that the approach resulted in significant improvements in recovery after one year, as compared to peers assigned to care managers without the added training and teletherapy options."Although the improvements were modest, the reach of the program can be large and has the potential to bring more people under a high-quality treatment umbrella sooner," said Dr. Charles Engel, the study's lead author and a senior natural scientist at RAND, a nonprofit research organization. "These findings suggest that the military health system might use this strategy to extend the reach of mental health care and reduce time to first treatment for PTSD and depression."Collaborative care models that provide mental health treatment in primary care settings with the support of nurse managers and options to see mental health professionals have been widely shown to provide high-quality care and improve clinical outcomes. However, few studies have examined whether the approach is helpful for PTSD and no previous studies have examined whether the concept can work in the military health care system.The study examined the experiences of 666 military members treated in 18 primary care clinics at six large Army bases during 2012 and 2013. Participants, who were mostly men in their 20s, were randomly assigned to one of two different programs that provided care for mental health problems in a primary care setting.The medical clinics involved with the study were at Joint Base Lewis-McCord in Washington, Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Stewart in Georgia, Fort Campbell in Kentucky and Fort Carson in Colorado.The existing Army model, used for test comparison, trained staff at primary clinics to screen for PTSD and depression. Nurses contacted patients monthly to check on symptoms, coordinate care with primary care providers and increase access to mental health professionals.The test model, centrally assisted collaborative telecare, preserved the existing Army model and added some key features. The nurses were specially trained in behavioral activation, problem solving and motivational interviewing to help patients remain in follow-up and stick to treatment recommendations.In addition, the test model used psychologists to deliver telephone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy and offered face-to-face psychotherapy in a primary care or specialty setting. The nurse care managers also helped patients access and complete online cognitive-behavioral self-management programs. A centrally located psychiatrist, psychologist and nurse care manager remotely assisted the clinic sites, using a central database of symptoms to review caseloads weekly and suggest changes in treatments as needed.After 12 months of care, 25 percent of military members with PTSD who were treated in the centrally assisted collaborative telecare model showed a 50 percent improvement in their symptoms, compared to 17 percent for those treated under the existing model. Similarly, among patients with depression, 30 percent treated under the test model showed a 50 percent improvement in symptoms after a year, compared to 20 percent for the existing model.People treated in the centrally assisted collaborative telecare model also had fewer suicidal thoughts and physical symptoms. In addition, patients treated under the model had more telephone contact with care managers and more months on appropriate medication for PTSD and depression."The results support the idea that high-quality mental health care can be provided in primary care settings," Engel said. "While many military members are reluctant to seek out mental health specialists, they are more willing to receive primary medical care. So this is a good way to encourage more people to receive mental health care, while also improving the quality of mental health services for military members." Support for the study was provided by the U.S. Department of Defense Deployment Related Medical Research Program.Source: Newswise


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But now, the MCG scientists have shown that LRP4 is in those astrocytes and that without it, glutamate release is dramatically reduced. Mice are intellectually impaired and have difficulty with movement, Mei said of the findings he characterizes as "unexpected." One benefit was protection from seizures because of the reduced excitability of neurons. Removing LRP4 from nearby neurons did not yield the same negative effects.While much work remains, Mei and his colleagues believe the work published in the journalprovides new insight into the critical regulation of neurotransmitters that enable neurons to take action as well as potential therapeutic targets for one day helping individuals with intellectual disabilities.Once made, glutamate gets passed from one neuron to the next via synapses, much like the arm of one neuron reaching out to hand something to the next. Dysfunction of synapses is associated with a host of neuropsychiatric disorders such as epilepsy, addiction, schizophrenia, and autism.Taking LRP4 out of the equation messes up the delicate balance, the scientists have found. Without it, levels of ATP, a natural energy source for cells that also inhibits glutamate release, also dramatically increase. In fact, regulating ATP levels is one way astrocytes help regulate the level of neurotransmitters, Mei said. But in this scenario, too much ATP translates to too little glutamate. Blocking the receptor ATP eventually activates ameliorates the negative impact that high levels had on the mice."When you take LRP4 out of astrocytes, ATP levels released by those astrocytes go super high, which suppresses glutamate transmission," Mei said.Astrocytes are the most common of a type of brain cell called glial cells. In fact, astrocytes account for about half of all the cells in the brain, Mei said. While the brain actually has more glial cells than neurons, glial cells were long thought to provide only structural support to the neurons, much like cement supports a house. "That view has been changed and is changing," said Mei. Now it's clear that glial cells, like astrocytes, have a role in neurodevelopment and longer-term in regulating communication between two neurons.In the neuromuscular juncture, Mei's lab found several years back that LRP4 on the muscle cell surface is a receptor for agrin, a protein that motor neurons release to direct construction of the nerve-muscle juncture. His lab later identified antibodies to LRP4 and agrin as new causes of myasthenia gravis. The new research indicates that release of ATP by astrocytes is also regulated by agrin signaling.Source: Eurekalert
In a recent article, an Indian Urdu daily argued that there was a connection between the recent shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando and the election campaign of Donald Trump, insinuating that the attack was an American intelligence plot to ensure Trump's victory in the coming presidential election.

The article, titled "Orlando Shooting - The Conspiracy To Make Donald Trump America's President," was published by Roznama Sahafat, which is published from the Indian cities of Mumbai, New Delhi and Lucknow, and is known for being a pro-Iranian newspaper that stands for Shia interests.

The article went on to argue that the American intelligence agencies plotted and successfully executed the 9/11 attacks in order to bring down the Taliban government in Afghanistan, thereby ensuring the security of the state of Israel.

Following are excerpts from the article:

"The Americans Themselves Have Admitted That Muslims Do Not Have Any Connection With The Terror Attacks Of 9/11"

"A storm has been caused in the entire world, especially in the West, due to the killing of 49 people in an attack by a mentally ill person in Orlando, America. Anti-Muslim forces are making all-out efforts to link this incident to Muslims and their attempts are achieving success of the kind that they had achieved after the 9/11 attacks of 2001 - despite that many stories and machinations that have emerged about the terror attacks of 9/11 during past 14-15 years.

"Numerous viewpoints have been presented regarding this [incident]. The Americans themselves have admitted that Muslims do not have any connection with the terror attacks of 9/11; rather, it was the work of the enemies of America and Muslims present in and outside America, causing the loss of about 4,000 human lives."

"Independent studies of the 9/11 attacks have brought many revelations, and it has been said that in order to bring down the regime of the Islam-loving Taliban in Afghanistan, American intelligence agencies themselves carried out the two air attacks [on 9/11] so that the entire blame could be put on the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, and the regime of the Al-Qaeda-supporting Taliban could be terminated.

"It turned out exactly that way. By declaring war against terror in the entire world, America targeted the Taliban government first. It is said that the Taliban had become so powerful that during their pure Islamic rule, stealing, banditry, tribal fights, murders and killings, shamelessness and debauchery, obscenity, and same-sexuality had been in a way stopped. People were liberated from drug addiction..."

"The Conspiracy For The 9/11 Terror Attacks Was Hatched And It Was Implemented Very Successfully; America Did All Of This In Order To Ensure The Security Of Israel..."

"It is also said about the Taliban that they were seriously pondering assisting the intrepid Palestinians and saving them from the atrocities of Israel. Also, due to the good treatment of women prisoners, European women were being influenced by Islamic teachings.

"America and its allies' sixth sense perhaps grasped that if the Taliban were not removed from power, then Israel would not have peace because Afghan inhabitants are famous in that they are never afraid of killing or being killed. This nation can uproot Israel brick by brick.

"Therefore, America and its allies immediately sensed this danger and it is known to the world what followed thereafter. The conspiracy for the 9/11 terror attacks was hatched and it was implemented very successfully. America did all of this in order to ensure the security of Israel, but with the cooperation of their men and sympathizers present in America, Israeli agents spread such a network of spies whose roots have seeped into the U.S. government. Perhaps, no [government] department of America may be safe from the radar of Israeli intelligence agencies."

"Who Are The Enemies Of Muslims? Why Do They Want To Defame Muslims? The Answer To These Questions Is This: Israel Is The Biggest Enemy Of Muslims"

"Who are the enemies of Muslims? Why do they want to defame Muslims? The answer to these questions is this: Israel is the biggest enemy of Muslims and using the pretext of its enmity against Muslims, it is exploiting America and other European countries very cleverly and rather deceitfully. The government of the Earth's illegitimate state of Israel wants to slander Muslims so that the sympathy that is found regarding Palestinians in the world, especially in the West, can be eliminated because even today the majority of Christians are against Israel.

"Rather, Israel and its secret agencies, especially Mossad, are trying time and again to incite Christians against Muslims so that Israel's occupation on the pious land of Palestine can be maintained. And it can continue the destruction and demolition of the sacred places in Palestine and the killings of Palestinian children, elders, youths and women [so that] no one raises a voice against the trampling of their rights; [so that] it can continue to trample the piety of Jerusalem as it wills; [so that] it can continue the Satanic series of sacrilege of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and take it under its full control.

"With the aid of its Satanic mind set, the Israeli government, by hatching new conspiracies, is pushing the Muslims and the West against each other. Its purpose is only to ensure its existence. To achieve this objective, Israel is using America and its politicians very fraudulently. Perhaps, the American government and its politicians too sense this but they cannot speak against it because their tongues have been sealed by locks of compulsions."

"Who Will Benefit Most From This Mental Act Of Omar Mateen? The Answer Is Clear That Donald Trump Will Benefit Directly"; "There Is A Connection Somewhere Between The Orlando Shooting Incident And The Election Campaign Of Donald Trump"

"This incident [in Orlando] caused a storm throughout America because the attacker's name is Omar Mateen. In such a situation, the likely presidential candidate of the Democratic [sic] party and other politicians of the tribe, [as well as] philosophers, journalists and organizations that are enemies of Islam, have unanimously speeded up their efforts to link this incident to Muslims. In this effort, Donald Trump, the likely presidential candidate of the Republican Party, is at the forefront. Once again, he has started spewing poison against Muslims.

"He doesn't feel shame when declaring that after coming to power he will ban the entry of Muslims from all those countries that pose a threat to the security of America. Donald Trump... is playing the Muslim-enmity card in order to grab the respected position of the U.S. president and is poisoning the hearts of large-hearted and large-minded Americans with Muslim enmity. He wishes to take political advantage of the attack by Omar Mateen on the gay club in Orlando. Now the question is: Who will benefit most from this mental act of Omar Mateen? The answer is clear that Donald Trump will benefit directly...

"There is a connection somewhere between the Orlando shooting incident and the election campaign of Donald Trump..."

Source: Roznama Sahafat (India), June 22, 2016.
The following are some of this week's reports from the MEMRI Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Project, which translates and analyzes content from sources monitored around the clock, among them the most important jihadi websites and blogs. (To view these reports in full, you must be a paying member of the JTTM; for membership information, send an email to [email protected] with "Membership" in the subject line.)

Note to media and government: For a full copy of these reports, send an email with the title of the report in the subject line to [email protected]. Please include your name, title, and organization in your email.

EXLCUSIVE: Special Issue Of AQAP 'Inspire' Magazine Praises Orlando Attack, Urges American Muslims To Emulate Omar Mateen

On June 23, 2016, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) released a special issue of its English-language magazine Inspire dedicated to the June 12 Orlando nightclub attack. The release comprises a three-page "guide," the first published by the group, by means of which, it says, it hopes to "follow-up, guide, put right and correct" lone-wolf operations. AQAP says that through such guides, it aims to better align lone wolf operations with the "general policy of the mujahideen" in their war against the U.S.

Among other things, the guide praises shooter Omar Mateen and calls upon other lone wolves to follow in his footsteps. It also provides advice on improving future operations to maximize carnage.

EXCLUSIVE: 'Right Time To Have Some Lone Wolf Attacks In Brussels And Berlin To Literally Paralyze Europe'; Jihad Supporters Discuss Muslim Fate After 'Brexit' Vote

On June 24, 2016, in a historic referendum, 52% of British voters voiced their desire for the UK to leave the European Union. Both ISIS and Al-Qaeda supporters have commented on various social media platforms about this historic vote. Many questioned how it would affect Muslims in the UK, and others rejoiced at the resulting turmoil and division it could cause in the European Union. An Al-Qaeda-affiliated Telegram group stated that this would be the perfect time to attack European cities to further inflict harm and sow fear during these uncertain times in Europe.

EXCLUSIVE: ISIS Khurassan Celebrates Orlando, Threatens More Attacks

On June 19, 2016, the Islamic State's Khurassan Province released a video titled "You Will Not Dream Of Security." The eight-minute video features three ISIS fighters issuing threats against the U.S., celebrating the Orlando attack, and vowing further attacks. Two of the fighters speak in Pashtu, and one in English, and the video was subtitled in Arabic.

JTTM subscribers click here to view this clip on MEMRI TV

EXCLUSIVE: ISIS Fighters, Including An American, A Frenchman And Russian, Praise Orlando Shooting, Call For More Attacks In West, U.S., Russia

On June 19, 2016, the Islamic State's (ISIS) "Al-Furat Province" in Iraq released a 6-minute video titled " You Are Not Held Responsible Except For Yourself," featuring five ISIS fighters from different countries, each of whom delivers a message in his own language (subtitled in Arabic). The main speaker is an American called "Abu Isma'il Al-Amriki"; the others are from Russia, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and France. The basic message of the video, which was posted on Telegram, is that ISIS does not fight only in the areas it controls, but has brought the battle to the West, to Russia and to other countries.

JTTM subscribers click here to view this clip on MEMRI TV

EXCLUSIVE: NYC-Based Woman Voices Support For ISIS On Facebook

The following report is a profile of a young American professional based in New York City who voices support for the Islamic State (ISIS) and calls for attacks on Americans on Facebook. The woman, is vocal about her desire to immigrate to Syria in order to join ISIS and marry one if its fighters, and frequently shares posts in support of the group.

EXCLUSIVE: Jabhat Al-Nusra Fighter From U.S. Killed In Aleppo; He Had Previously Tried To Join Al-Shabaab In Somalia

On June 19, 2016, British Jaysh Al-Fath fighter in Syria devoted a Facebook post to eulogizing his friend Abu Zubair Al-Somali, who was either an American citizen or had resided in the U.S. The Facebook eulogy included two photos of Al-Somali - one of him alive and another of his dead body.

EXCLUSIVE: Report: Top ISIS Religious Official Fired

In recent days reports have emerged that the Islamic State (ISIS) leadership has removed Turki Al-Bin'ali from his position as head of its shari'a committee, and has banned him from public appearances and preaching.

EXCLUSIVE: Gaza-Based Pro-ISIS Group Kicks Off Annual Social Media Fundraising Campaign

In the past few days, a Gaza-based Salafi jihadi group that supports the Islamic State (ISIS) kicked off its annual fundraising campaign across social media platforms, including Twitter, YouTube, Telegram and Facebook, urging Muslims to donate money to help it buy weapons and ammunition and make explosive devices. The campaign, titled "Equip Us," which is also an active hashtag on Twitter, has been endorsed by the Ibn Taymiyyah Media Center, a prominent pro-ISIS media group which produces jihadi materials.

EXCLUSIVE: Senior Jabhat Al-Nusra Cleric, Australian Abu Sulayman, Praises The Syrians' Courage And Thanks Them For Their Hospitality

On June 17, 2016, the Al-Basira media group, affiliated with Jabhat Al-Nusra (JN), released a 12-minute video on the occasion of Ramadan titled "Giving Comes Naturally to the Loyalists." The video is an address in Arabic by Australian jihadi Mustafa Muhammad Farag, known as Abu Sulayman Al-Muhajir, who is JN's top cleric and a member of the organization's shura council. This is his first appearance in a JN video in more than a year.

EXCLUSIVE: In Video, Hundreds Of Taliban Militants And Supporters Offer Oath Of Fealty To Afghan Taliban Leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhunzada

Following are images from a video released by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Afghan Taliban organization) in which hundreds of Taliban militants and supporters, who all are well-dressed, swear an oath of fealty to Mullah Haibatullah Akhunzada, the new Afghan Taliban leader.

Article By Pro-ISIS Activist Praises Orlando Shooter, Slams Muslim Clerics Who Condemned The Attack

On June 19, 2016, the "Al-Ashhad Foundation," a group of pro-ISIS media activists, posted an article which presents religious justifications for the killing of homosexuals, and praises the Islamic State for purging its territories of them. The article, by a woman named Ghurbat al-Sham, also praises the Orlando shooter, while condemning Muslim countries for not passing sufficiently stringent laws against homosexuality, and also condemning Muslim sheikhs who came out against the Orlando attack.

ISIS Appeals For Support In Philippines, Indonesia, And Malaysia, Calls On Its Supporters There To Attack 'Unbelievers' And 'Apostates'

The Islamic State (ISIS) is appealing for the support of Muslims in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and nearby countries, urging people there to join its ranks and to launch attacks against local "unbelievers" and "apostates."

Pro-ISIS Hacking Group Releases 'Kill List' With 4,681 Names From Around The World - Including U.S., China, India, Australia, U.K, Canada - And From Microsoft, IBM, Walmart

On June 21, 2016, the pro-ISIS hacking group United Cyber Caliphate (UCC) released, on its Telegram channel, a "kill list" with the personal information of 4,681 individuals from the U.S., China, Germany, India, Australia, the U.K., Canada, and South Korea. The list included employees from large corporations, including Barclay's Bank, Walmart, Amazon, IBM, Haliburton Energy Services, Microsoft, Samsung, ExxonMobil, and Yahoo.

On Telegram, Caliphate Cyber Army Posts Guide For Lone Wolf Attacks

On June 22, 2016, the pro-Islamic State (ISIS) hacking group "Caliphate Cyber Army" posted a graphic with ways of carrying out lone-wolf attacks. Some of the locations it suggested for attacks were public places such as markets and restaurants, and other instructions concerned attacking targets inside their homes. The graphic also provided various ways to carry out the attacks, including poisoning, stabbing, shooting, and throwing rocks. It even suggests screaming at someone as a form of an attack.

On Telegram, Pro-ISIS Hacking Group Releases Kill List, Personal Contact Information Of USAF Air Mobility Command

On June 15, 2016, the details of 11 personnel of the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command were leaked by the pro-ISIS hacking group Caliphate Cyber Army (CCA). MEMRI has the full list available upon request.

Pro-ISIS Hacker Group 'Sons Caliphate Army' On Telegram Boasts Of Facebook, Twitter Hacks, Vows To Continue Cyber War

On June 22, 2016, the Sons Caliphate Army, a division of the pro-Islamic State (ISIS) hacking collective spearheaded by the United Cyber Caliphate (UCC), released a video which shows Facebook and Twitter accounts that the group claims it had hacked. This video's content echoed a previous release published by the group on February 23, 2016, which lauded those partaking in cyber efforts in the name of the Islamic State. Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Jack Dorsey of Twitter were mentioned again in this latest release. The new video mocks the two social media platforms' efforts to combat the presence of pro-ISIS accounts and content on them. It also alleges that their removal of pro-ISIS content is hypocritical, since both of them claim to promote democracy and freedom of expression. The video, titled "The Word of the Sword," is approximately 19 minutes in duration.

ISIS Releases Android App Teaching Supplications To Children

After releasing an app last month teaching children the Arabic alphabet, the Islamic State (ISIS) has released another app targeting children, this time teaching them supplications. The app heavily incorporates interactive ISIS and jihadi themes, allowing children, for example, to blow up enemy fighter jets and American tanks.

Pro-Jabhat Al-Nusra Twitter Accounts Promote Jihad, Aid In Advertising Suspended Users' New Accounts

Often in the jihadi Twittersphere, pro-Islamic State (ISIS) accounts are the first to be reported and suspended. However, lately it seems that pro-Jabhat Al-Nusra (JN) accounts are being taken down more than they have been in the past.

Article In AQAP's 'Al-Masra' Weekly Discusses Britain's EU Membership Referendum

The June 12, 2016 issue of Al-Masra, the Arabic-language weekly of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), featured an article on Britain's upcoming European Union membership referendum. The article, titled "Britain between Leaving the European Union and Remaining in It," discusses Britain's political and economic role within the EU and reviews the current debate about Brexit among British politicians and policy experts.

Ansar Dine Increases Attacks Against French, Malian And UN Forces

In recent days there has been an increase in attacks by Ansar Dine in Mali against Malian, French and UN forces. The group has claimed four attacks in Mali this month: on June 13, 14, 16 and 19. The claims were published in Arabic through the group's media branch, Al-Rimaah, on Twitter and Telegram.
The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, a group that oversees about 900 campuses, is under scrutiny for lax oversight of its schools. If the council is stripped of its federal recognition, those institutions could lose their ability to participate in federal financial aid programs. The council's schools received $4.7 billion in federal aid last year for its students.

On Thursday, an independent advisory committee to the Education Department will make a recommendation on whether to continue to grant recognition to the council as an accrediting agency. Already, department staff has recommended that the council be shut down.

Key things to know about the committee's review:

___

SEAL OF APPROVAL AT RISK

The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is up for a routine review by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, an advisory board to the Education Department. But the review, this time around, is anything but routine.

Advocacy groups, lawmakers and others have complained that the council isn't doing its oversight job. It's been accused of continuing to accredit schools under investigation for falsifying job placement rates and claims for federal aid, illegal recruiting practices and misleading marketing claims.

The council had allowed Corinthian Colleges, one of the largest chains of for-profit colleges, to continue to receive accreditation even as it was being investigated for fraud. Corinthian sold many of its campuses, closed others, and filed for bankruptcy protection last year.

Last week, a staff recommendation from the Education Department proposed withdrawing recognition of the council, effectively shutting it down. "Its monitoring regime appears insufficient to deter widespread misconduct regarding placement, recruiting and admissions," the report said.

"Department staff is concerned about the accuracy of job placement rates because ... there is documentation of a widespread problem with ACICS-accredited institutions providing unverifiable or false data in their annual reports to ACICS," said the recommendation to deny renewal.

___

WHAT SENIOR ED OFFICIALS ARE SAYING

Education Undersecretary Ted Mitchell says many accrediting agencies are working hard to evaluate the quality of colleges. But some are not, he told the meeting of the advisory panel in a speech on Wednesday.

"When we see schools provide extremely poor outcomes for students  or even commit fraud  while maintaining accreditation, that is a black mark on the entire field," said Mitchell. "The unfortunate reality is that not all institutions have students' best interests at heart or are investing their resources in ways that maximize student success. Accreditors should be the failsafe in these instances."

___

WHAT THE COUNCIL SAYS

On the eve of the vote, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools on Wednesday announced the formation of a "Blue Ribbon" advisory committee to conduct an in-depth review of its standards, practices and accreditation processes. ACICS Council Chair Lawrence Leak said in a statement that the independent members of the committee will "recommend changes to our organization that will put students first" by focusing on student achievement, including student retention rates, job placement, and pass rates for license and certification exams.

The council also has tried to take action against some of its schools, including California's Bristol University and ITT Tech, in recent months.

___

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The advisory committee will make its recommendation for renewal, or to withdraw renewal, after hearing from more than two dozen scheduled speakers on Thursday. The committee's recommendation will be forwarded to a senior official at the Education Department, chief of staff Emma Vadehra, who will then have 90 days to review and make her decision on whether to recognize the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The council has 30 days to appeal to Education Secretary John B. King Jr. after Vadehra announces her decision. The decision also could be challenged in court.

___

WHAT ABOUT THE STUDENTS

Students will have some time before their financial aid could be threatened.

If the department decides to withdraw recognition of the council, then the schools it has accredited will have 18 months to find a new accreditor for its programs. Financial aid during that time would not be affected. Some students may be able to complete their certificates or degrees in that time. However, federal aid would cease after the 18-month deadline if affected schools don't get a new seal of approval from an accreditor. Students caught up in the mess also might be able to transfer their credits to new schools.
UPPER THUMB  The Michigan Bean Festival and Michigan Bean Commission is seeking applicants for the 68th Michigan Bean Queen contest. Applicants must be a female high school graduate between the ages of 17 and 22 years old.

The newly-crowned Michigan Bean Queen will receive a $1,250 scholarship for college, plaque, sash, and official photograph. The queen will be required to attend a minimum of 10 events throughout the year, representing the Michigan Dry Bean Industry.
The Navy has finished a lengthy investigation into a Jan. 12 incident in which the crews of two riverine command boats were captured and briefly detained after being discovered in Iranian waters.

"The investigation is complete, and is being referred to appropriate commands for adjudication," Navy spokesman Lt. Loren Terry told Military.com.

A defense official familiar with the investigation said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson was expected to make a public announcement detailing the investigation's findings and follow-on actions before the end of the month.

The capture of the ten sailors, whose identities have yet to be made public, was a propaganda victory for Iranian media outlets, who circulated images of the sailors on their knees surrendering to Iran military officials, and a video of one apparently apologizing to his captors for the mistake that resulted in the riverine boats navigating into Iranian waters.

Related Video:

American Sailor Apologizes to Iran

Already, one Navy commanding officer has been fired in relation to the incident. Cmdr. Eric Rasch, former commanding officer of Coastal Riverine Squadron 3, out of Imperial Beach, California, was relieved in May due to a "loss of confidence in his ability to command," according to Navy officials. Rasch was the executive officer of the squadron at the time of the incident.

Foreign Policy, which exclusively reported details of the yet-unreleased command investigation Wednesday, citing unnamed Navy officials, said another officer could be facing repercussions: Capt. Kyle Moses, commodore of Commander Task Force 56, which oversees 1,300 personnel, including coastal riverine forces, operating in the Middle East.

No administrative action regarding Cmdr. Greg Meyer, who commanded Coastal Riverine Squadron 3 at the time of the crisis, has been announced by the Navy.

U.S. Central Command has released some details about the hostage incident, saying the two riverine boats deviated course on their way to a refueling mission while transiting from Kuwait to Bahrain. When one boat reported a problem in a diesel engine, both boats stopped in Iranian waters to address it. How they ended up in Iranian waters and whether the ten sailors aboard the boats were aware of their location is unclear.

Foreign Policy reported that communications errors, insufficient training, and lax oversight by commanders were found by the investigation to have played a role in the international flap. In all, the publication reported, nine Navy personnel are under scrutiny in relation to the incident, six of them officers.

The State Department and the White House have lauded the work of senior officials, including Secretary of State John Kerry, in negotiating the return of the sailors to U.S. custody some 15 hours after their capture.

"These are always situations which, as everyone knows, if not properly guided, have an ability to get out of control," Kerry said in a Jan. 13 news conference. He added that the sailors appeared to have been well cared for during their captivity and assisted in their return to U.S. custody.

"I think we can all imagine how a similar situation might have played out three or four years ago," he said. "That is a testament to the critical role that diplomacy plays in keeping our country safe, secure and strong."

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@monster.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who oversaw the Pentagon during the early years of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, says he'll be voting for Donald Trump for president in November -- principally because the celebrity billionaire is "a known unknown."

Rumsfeld made his choice public Wednesday night during an interview on Fox TV's On the Record with Greta Van Susteren.

"On the Democrat side, we have a known known. On the Republican side, we have a recent entry who's a known unknown," he said, drawing on a phrase he made famous as defense secretary and used as the tile of a memoir in 2011.

Rumsfeld's backing of Trump drew a quick response from the progressive lobbying group VoteVets.org, which on Thursday said it is further evidence that the "neocons" who led the U.S. into war in Iraq are getting behind Trump.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney endorsed Trump in May.

"It's clear that neocon interventionists have found their puppet [in Trump]," retired Army Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton said. "From Donald Rumsfeld to Dick Cheney, neocons see in Trump a person who was for the war in Iraq, and continues to show an alarming willingness to launch a new war in the Middle East. It is clear that they feel that Trump is their perfect agent for a return to reckless Middle East ventures."

Both Cheney and Rumsfeld were signatories to the mission statement of the Project for the New American Century, a neoconservative think tank that called for shaping the broader world for U.S. interests, beefing up military spending and directly confronting foreign governments hostile to American interests.

Eaton, now senior adviser to VoteVets, served in Iraq in 2003 and 2004, commanding the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team responsible for training the Iraqi security forces. VoteVets.org is a veterans-based lobbying group that typically supports progressive candidates and causes.

Trump has often denied he supported the war in Iraq, and has made it a point to say he was against it. Eaton, citing arecent report by Politifact, said there is no evidence that supports Trump's contention that he spoke out against the invasion.

Eaton claims Trump showed his willingness to escalate in the Middle East last March when he said during a presidential debate that there is "no choice" but to send thousands more troops into the region to fight the Islamic State terrorists. "I'm hearing numbers of 20 [thousand] to 30,000. We have to knock them out fast," he said in the CNN debate.

Rumsfeld's comments on Fox News came hours after former National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft, who had served in the administrations of Presidents Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, endorsed Democrat and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the presidency.

During the build-up to the war in Iraq, Scowcroft publicly opposed the invasion.

"[Clinton] brings deep expertise in international affairs and a sophisticated understanding of the world, which I believe are essential for the commander-in-chief," Scowcroft said in a statement Wednesday.

Last week, Richard Armitage, a Vietnam combat veteran who would later serve in the State Department under Ronald Reagan and the Defense Department during the Bush 41 administration, also endorsed Clinton.

"If Donald Trump is the nominee, I would vote for Hillary Clinton," Armitage told Politico. "He doesn't appear to be a Republican, he doesn't appear to want to learn about issues. So, I'm going to vote for Mrs. Clinton."

On Fox, Rumsfeld said he could not vote for Clinton because she lied to the families of Americans killed in the attacks in Benghazi, Libya, by saying the violence was prompted by a video of a Quran burning in Florida, rather than a planned terrorist attack.

He also cited Clinton's use of a private server for her official email, which continues to be investigated by the FBI. Rumsfeld said he believes reports that her private server gave her access to emails from departments that she should not have gotten.

"If she were a yeoman in the Navy or a sergeant in the Army or the Marine Corps or the Air Force, she would be prosecuted," Rumsfeld said.

-- Bryant Jordan can be reached at Bryant.jordan@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at@BryantJordan.
The Navy has relieved the commander of Task Force 56 in the Middle East, days before announcing the results of a command investigation into an international incident in which two riverine command boats and their 10 crew members were briefly captured in Iranian waters in January.

Capt. Kyle Moses was relieved Thursday due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command, according to a Navy announcement. Moses has been temporarily reassigned to the staff of Naval Forces Central Command, officials said, and the task force's chief of staff, Capt. Richard Meyer, has taken temporary command of the task force.

Task Force 56 oversees some 1,300 troops operating in the Middle East, including, among others, riverine units, explosive ordnance disposal elements and expeditionary logistics support units.

The commander of NAVCENT, Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, decided to fire Moses after reviewing the command investigation into the Jan. 12 incident, NAVCENT officials said in an announcement. Defense officials told Military.com on Wednesday that the five-month investigation was complete and that Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson was expected to announce its findings prior to the end of the month.

"Several weeks ago, I had initially taken what I felt was appropriate administrative and corrective action involving Capt. Moses based on the preliminary results of the investigation, which I began immediately after we recovered our Sailors," Donegan said in a statement. "However, after thoroughly examining the findings of the final, comprehensive investigation, I determined that this additional action was necessary."

Moses is the second senior officer to be fired in relation to the incident. In May, the Navy announced that Cmdr. Eric Rasch, who served as executive officer of Riverine Squadron 3 when the sailors were captured, had been relieved from his post. Up to seven other Navy leaders are reportedly under scrutiny in connection with the incident.

Defense Department officials have publicly said a navigational error was to blame for the riverine command boats straying into Iranian waters, where one broke down.

The 10 sailors were ultimately held by Iranian forces for 15 hours, until their release was negotiated by U.S. State Department officials.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck.

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The Red Sox have reached out to the Braves to inquire about ace Julio Teheran and closer Arodys Vizcaino, reports Jim Bowden of ESPN and MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (Twitter link). However, it would appear that the talks are somewhat preliminary in nature, as he adds that theres no traction between the two sides at this time. In an audio clip from MLB Network Radio, Bowden adds that the problem for the Sox is that Atlanta is interested in the likes of Yoan Moncada and Andrew Benintendi (understandably so  most clubs would ask for those names when potentially dealing their top players), and the Sox are loath to surrender either.

The two sides do, as Bowden points out, make a fairly logical match in terms of a trade. MLBTRs Connor Byrne noted as much several weeks ago when examining Teherans market and trying to find the most reasonable trade partners. Boston has a high volume of top-tier prospects, many of whom are effectively blocked at the Major League level. Thats not the case for Benintendi (left field for the Sox has been a season-long problem), which one would imagine makes it even more difficult for the Red Sox to part with him. But, the Braves are said to want MLB-ready talent in any trade that would send Teheran away, and thats presumably an even greater point of emphasis in a package that would see Atlanta part with both Teheran and Vizcaino. Benitendi has already spent five weeks at the Double-A level and has recently begun hitting quite well there after some early struggles. Its not inconceivable that he could be ready to contribute in 2016, and 2017 certainly seems like a realistic expectation.

Both Teheran and Vizcaino make sense as long-term options for the Sox. Teheran is guaranteed about $28MM through the 2019 season, and his contract contains a $12MM club option for the 2020 campaign, at which point hell still be just 29 years of age. Vizcaino, meanwhile, is controllable through 2019 by way of arbitration. Both players solve not only 2016 needs for the Sox but represent long-term upgrades. With Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa both slated to depart after 2016, the long-term appeal of Vizcaino, in particular, is easy to see.

From a bigger-picture perspective, the Red Sox search for pitching likely wont be limited to just Atlanta. Boston has received stunningly excellent results from knuckleballer Steven Wright this season, and David Price has improved after a slow start while Rick Porcello has been a solid mid-rotation piece. Beyond that trio, however, the likes of Eduardo Rodriguez, Joe Kelly, Clay Buchholz and Henry Owens have been decidedly ineffective, resulting in a team that ranks 18th in the Majors with a collective 4.53 ERA from its starting pitchers. The bullpen has been better, pitching to a combined 3.56 ERA, but Uehara has struggled this season and Matt Barnes is averaging nearly five walks per nine innings despite a solid 3.21 ERA. Additionally, the team lost one of its top projected bullpen arms when offseason acquisition Carson Smith underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this year. Given the lack of traction in talks referenced by the initial report, the Sox may ultimately deem Atlantas asking price too steep and venture elsewhere to address their pitching needs, but this figures to be the first of many times that the Sox are connected to this pair of arms as the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline approaches.

Regarding the Braves, theres a fairly split camp on whether Teheran should be shopped at all. The entire MLBTR staff recently weighed in on the matter, and no consensus was reached. Similarly, a poll of MLBTR readers within that same roundtable showed that about two thirds of our reader base felt it worthwhile to shop Teheran, whereas the other third felt him valuable of a building block to surrender.
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit (courtesy image)

(Chrysler)

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland shifter

DETROIT - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said this week it had already been delivering software to dealers that fixes a confusing gear shifter linked to dozens of injuries and possibly a high-profile death, the Associated Press reports.

Anton Yeltin, a 27-year-old actor in the rebooted "Star Trek" series, was killed Sunday when his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled down his driveway and pinned him against his mailbox.

The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is part of a safety recall that includes more than 800,000 vehicles in the U.S.

The affected vehicles are equipped with Monostable electronic, or e-shift, gearshift assemblies. The driver depresses a button on the shifter and moves it forward or backward into gear, and the shifter itself then swings back to a centered position, like a joystick.

The gear selected is shown on the dash display and is illuminated on the shifter. A chime sounds if a door is opened while the vehicle is not in park.

NHTSA's Office of Defects said in February that testing "indicates that operation of the Monostable shifter is not intuitive and provides poor tactile and visual feedback to the driver, increasing the potential for unintended gear selection."

The software FCA is sending to dealers makes the vehicle automatically go into park if the door is opened while the engine is still running.

The recall affects 811,586 certain model-year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans, and model-year 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs in the U.S. There are also 52,144 such vehicles in Canada, 16,805 in Mexico and 248,667 outside the NAFTA region recalled.

FCA also added 13,092 Quattroporte and Ghibli luxury cars to the recall this week.

In the case of Yelchin, federal safety regulators have considered it the first death to be linked to the confusing shifter, but FCA has said that it is too soon to blame the part, according to the Associated Press. Reuters reports the automaker seeking its own investigation.

MLive is seeking comment with FCA.

Separately, if you want to check whether your vehicle could be affected a recall in general, you can plug your vehicle identification number into NHTSA's VIN lookup at vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/.
Bangkok Airways is exploring adding Bagan and Myeik to its list of Myanmar destinations. But the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) says there are no immediate plans to open up more airports to Thai firms, a move that would likely anger local airlines.





The Thai carrier is conducting a feasibility study into establishing routes from Chiang Mai to Bagan and Bangkok to Myeik, a spokesperson for the company told The Myanmar Times.

He could not comment on how long the study would take, but said that the aim was to add the routes in the next year or two.

Tasara Taksinapan from the firms media relations department said the company had already been in touch with Myanmar authorities regarding the new destinations.

Bangkok Airways already flies to Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw  Myanmars only international airports  from Bangkok. The carrier also flies to Yangon and Mandalay from Chiang Mai.

But a bilateral agreement between Myanmar and Thailand dictates which routes Thai firms can fly, and does not allow them to fly to domestic airports, said DCA executive engineer U Aung Soe Moe. There are no plans to amend the agreement, he added.

Although Myanmar is liberalising its air transport sector as part of an open skies agreement between the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), it has only opened up its international airports to foreign carriers, excluding them from domestic airports.

Local airlines are already concerned about competition from other ASEAN firms on routes from Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. Allowing foreign carriers to land at airports like Bagan would pose a grave threat to the countrys fledgling airline industry, industry executives have said.





If we allowed [foreign carriers to land at] airports like Bagan or Myeik, the local airlines will be very angry, said U Aung Soe Moe.

The bilateral agreement with Thailand does have a clause that allows the government to make exemptions in certain circumstances  for instance if it wants to promote a certain region, U Aung Soe Moe said. Thai budget carrier Nok Air was allowed to operate flights to Mawlamyine under such an exemption, he added.

But the aim of ASEAN open skies is to eventually allow all carriers full access to each others markets, with some countries pushing for this to happen by 2020. Bangkok Airways feasibility study could make sense because no one knows what will happen in the next few years, U Aung Soe Moe said.
Social media lets us talk to friends, argue with enemies, raise awareness for causes, Google beautiful people, even share kitty photos with misspelled captions  all with the tap of a button or the casual caress of a screen. It has also changed what it means to be famous  and what it means to be funny.





Among a new generation of Myanmar talent who are drawing fans like theyre A-list celebs are cousins Kelvin Kate and Yell Htwe Aung. The Yangon pair have been posting funny videos and generally playing the pranksters in the back of the internet class for barely a few months now  but already theyre developing a reputation. With no showbiz connections, no TV specials, no movie roles, no pop star singles, Kelvins Facebook account, which is where their wacky videos are posted, has over 170,000 followers. Not bad for two regular guys making people laugh.

Kelvin, 21, kicked things off. While he says hes wanted this kind of success for a while, his rise to fame has happened, in showbiz terms, overnight. An initial video posted up this past December went nowhere. But he was persistent.

The first video to take off came in January. Making fun of how Facebook celebrities look on Facebook versus how they look in real life, it was proof that the internet itself brings new topics for comedy, not just new mediums for it.

That was the start of success, Kelvin, also known as Aung Thurein, says, but at that time I only had 3000 followers on my account.

Around that time, cousin Yell Htwe Aung, 23, saw the clips Kelvin was posting with friends. He saw potential for comedy duo greatness, and the two joined forces in February.

Id been seeing his videos and one day I called him and said, I have many ideas and we should do it together, so come to my home, and he said, Ok, I will come bro.





The rest is history  or rather, it will be history, as soon as it stops being the present. For now, its just normal life for two guys who like being funny. Both having left university, they help out in their parents businesses, and then after hours they spend their free time making videos for strangers to watch and laugh about. Their families are supportive, they say  though sometimes they get called to put away their toys and go to bed, when filming stretches past midnight or so.

So was being famous really the plan? Nah, Kelvin says: Thats just a byproduct.

At first it was for fun, says Kelvin. We had fun, our fans had fun and eventually what we do made us into social media celebrities.

Even though theyve only been doing this for a few months, fame has spilled over offline as well.

Some fans recognise us when we are out in public. Most are girls. Mostly they take selfies with us. Some tease us and some ask questions about us, says

The attention has had an impact on their private

Before we were famous, we could talk freely and act freely with our friends when we hang out. Now, sometimes we have to behave better in public if we go out. And sometimes we both feel awkward and shy if many people are staring at us, says

There are no special ladies in the boys lives  for

If we have partners, they could be jealous of what we are doing. For example, some girls write comments under our videos, like we are both handsome, loveable, and some girls write, I love you, bro. Im sure that could be a problem between us and our partners, says Yell Htwe Aung.

At the same time, he says, Im not sure if being famous like now is helping to meet new partners or not.

Fortunately, fame hasnt gone to their heads. Their act is not just an act: They really are both funny and friendly in real life. Kelvin, with a Kramer-on-Seinfeld appearance, has a natural talent for funny impressions  Im always the clown with family or friends  while Yell Htwe Aung, who looks more like the comedy duo's straight man, has more professional experience in front of the camera, having done a couple of commercial photo shoots when he was 17.

Of course, as talented as they are, comedy is all about timing, and that means a lot ends up on the cutting room floor. Each one-to-three-minute video can demand one to two hours to shoot, or sometimes more.

Location scouting is easier: The venue is usually Yell Htwe Aungs house, and mostly his bedroom. Occasional outside shoots take more time. Sometimes Yell Htwe Aungs brothers are conscripted as cameramen.

Once a single-smartphone set-up, the shoot has grown more diverse, incorporating two phones and one camera for maximum coverage. We set up all three devices at different angles. We shoot at the same time and we take the shot from what we like.

Yell Htwe Aung edits it all together with VivaVideo, but the pair are mulling a switch to video-editing software on the computer, to allow HD quality for fans.

Like many great comedians, the two dont shrink away from a bit of gender-bending. But they dont put on dresses or make-up: A simple scarf around the head and a funny voice is enough to get the character across.

The hardest part of working, they say, is not cracking up when the cameras are rolling. We cant stop laughing at each other and its really hard to control because we are not professional actors, says Yell Htwe Aung. And even professionals make that kind of mistake too.

But professionals they are: sort of. Starting in May, they have been sponsored by Red Dot, the cash payment acceptance company. The company wanted to use the cyber-comedians to promote Viber Out.

With current trends in marketing, a lot of companies use Facebook as a marketing strategy, said Ko Bo Lay, product marketing manager at Red Dot. He said this was the first time they have promoted a product this way.

Our product [Viber Out] is mostly used by young people, according to our research. Weve known Kelvin Kate and Yell Htwe Aung from when they started doing funny videos on Facebook  We also believe that Viber Out will become more popular among people by advertising with them.

Its a three-month contract, requiring use of a logo and a short ad about Viber bookending each video, plus a few Facebook promotional posts. In return, the guys get an undisclosed amount of financial benefits.

Im so satisfied about getting sponsored because I earn the money from the things Im happy to do, Kelvin says.

With success has come the inevitable backlash, of course. Some people said what we are doing is stupid. Some people assume we dont have anything to do except this. And if that is not enough, they criticise our religion because we are Muslims, Kelvin says.

But he adds they dont let it bother them, because 95 percent are my fans and they love us, so I dont mind what the other 5pc say.

The main reason we are still creating the videos is for our fans. We got encouragement from them and it does really make us delighted. So, thank you so much to all of our fans. We will do the best we can and we have so many funny ideas to entertain you guys with, says Yell Htwe Aung.

The pair keep a running list to capture inspiration when it strikes, and more than 10 ideas are slated for future development. They are planning a release schedule of at least two videos a week.

The pair have no firm plans as to where this will take them. But if bigger options appear, they wont hesitate.

If I have a chance or someone gives me a chance to be an actor or comedy actor, I want to do it for sure, says Kelvin Kate.

While they havent yet collaborated with any big-name directors or actors, he said they would be soon working with someone with special effects video skills.

Same laughs, new polish: Stay tuned.
Forgein tour companies are cutting out local tour guides, and some in the Myanmar tourism community are calling for restrictions.





Typically, a foreign tour company pairs with a Myanmar tour company before bringing a group into the country. The local tour operator, among other things, tries to find the foreign company a guide. But some of the foreign companies, especially from South Korea, are opting to skip out on the local guide altogether, tourism industry officials say.

Korea is the worst among the foreign countries, said U Myint Kyaw Thu, chair of the Myanmar Tour Guide Associations Bagan zone. Sometimes they explain things with their foot, which is not polite. We warned them not to do that and demanded they take a local guide in Bagan but they are still running tours in other areas without hiring local guides.

When they are forced to hire a local guide, he said, they often make the guide work as an assistant while a Korean guide explains the pagodas. Tour companies from Spain, France and Germany are also cutting out locals, he said.

When I go to a foreign country I hire local guides, even if its a place that Ive been to repeatedly, because it shows respect, said Daw Hla Darli Khin, director of 7 Days travel and tours. The tourism ministry should take this problem seriously, she said, because companies travelling in Myanmar without a local guide will impact the dignity of the industry.

The ministry should create a black-list for foreign tour companies if they travel without a local guide, she said.

We will try to restrict such foreign guides from explaining about Myanmar destinations instead of hiring local guides, Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Ohn Maung said. And Myanmar tour companies need to ban those kinds of packages tours.

He also said Myanmar tour guides should learn more than two languages in order to stay competitive.





If the tourists dont clearly understand what our tours guides are saying, they may complain and come back with their own guides, he said. We need to prepare for that. It would be best if tourism colleges taught languages as extra subjects.
Amid the governments efforts to arrange peace talks, and an ongoing controversy over terminology for religious minorities in Rakhine State, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the Tatmadaw would help shoulder the burden of protecting Myanmars predominantly Buddhist character.





In a speech to recruits at the militarys Officer Training School in Bahtoo, Shan State, on June 21, Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing noted Myanmars majority Buddhist demographics, pledging to safeguard that religious heritage for future generations.

The comments, reported in the military-owned Myawady newspaper, come as the government grapples with the sensitive topic of how to refer to the Muslim community that self-identifies as Rohingya, as well as prepares to undertake peace negotiations with a handful of ethnic armed groups that identify as Christian.

The senior general insisted that the militarys pro-Buddhist stance did not constitute religious extremism.

Political analysts and rights groups, however, have questioned the timing of the remarks.

U Than Soe Naing, a political analyst, speculated that the Tatmadaw leader chose his words as a calculated attempt to distinguish the powerful institution that he heads from the new civilian government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

I believe that the Tatmadaw putting forward this opinion will tend to lead to a bad outcome, he told The Myanmar Times, pointing to the peace process that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is attempting to jumpstart. Herself a Buddhist, the state counsellor has emphasised inclusivity as one of her governments peace priorities.

Some of the ethnic armed groups involved in the negotiations are majority-Christian, while the Tatmadaw leadership and rank-and-file largely reflect the countrys overall Buddhist majority, which estimates put at 85 to 90 percent.





Ethnic minorities have long accused the military of harbouring bias against them, in part the product of decades of Tatmadaw offensives and human rights abuses in areas inhabited largely by Christians.

Pado Saw Kwel Htoo Win, secretary of the Karen National Union, said the notion that Myanmar is a Buddhist country  advocated strongly by its first post-independence prime minister, U Nu  was one reason anti-government insurgencies proliferated over the years.

We already have experiences of suffering long-term civil war because of a lack of equal rights between the majority and minorities, he said.

He added that future political dialogue should focus not on enshrining Buddhisms pre-eminence, but instead on guaranteeing equal rights for all within a federal state.

He said a discussion would need to be had about whether the commander-in-chief was speaking of a Tatmadaw policy that would be put down on paper or was merely expressing his personal opinion.

For Muslims, the statements implications are different but related. There are no ethnic armed groups in Myanmar that identify as Islamic, but communal violence between Muslims and Buddhists has flared in recent years, most notably in Rakhine State in 2012.

There, where more than 100,000 people self-identifying as Rohingya were displaced by the unrest, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has formed a committee tasked with improving the situation for all the states residents. Terminology has arisen as a flashpoint in recent weeks, however, with Buddhist nationalists insisting that Muslims in Rakhine State be called Bengali, while the international community advocates the right to self-identify.

The new government has sought to chart a middle course on the matter, opting to describe the group as the Muslim community from Rakhine State. Much of the tension in Rakhine State stems from fears among its Rakhine Buddhists that their identity is under threat from Islam.

U Thopaka, a member of the Committee for the Protection of Race and Religion, better known as Ma Ba Tha, told The Myanmar Times that Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing had his full support, adding that such safeguarding should be the duty of everyone, including the government.

You have to know how to maintain and protect your race and religion as a Buddhist, he said.

U Aung Myo Min, director of Equality Myanmar, said the Tatmadaw has a responsibility to protect every citizen, regardless of race or religion.

I think the Tamadaw shouldnt voice such kind of opinion, which increases hate and distrust among the people, he said.

U Yan Myo Thein, another political analyst, said given the Tatmadaws critical role in the peace process, its leader should adopt a more broad-minded approach.

The military leaders need to accept that the only way they can overcome the deadlock of the countrys peace process is to be all-inclusive, he said.

Critics might also find irony in Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaings additional pledge that the military, in addition to Buddhism, would help protect the nations natural resources. Many accuse previous military and quasi-civilian governments of selling off much of Myanmars resource endowment for personal enrichment.
The deletion of ethnic-language words on Shan State signposts has stirred up a row on social media. It is not clear who is responsible for effacing the words, or other vandalism to the township signage that listed the town name in both Myanmar language and Shan language, as well as in some cases a third local ethnic language.





Signs were modified in at least five townships, according to posts on social media, including Lechar/Laihka, Kyaingtong/Kengtung, Kunhein and Tachileik.

Outrage swiftly erupted on Facebook. Social media poster Sai Lat Mike said, Can a Shan-language township signboard harm the Union?

The dual-language signage was one of the governments 100-days projects. Previously the signs were only in Myanmar language, which not all local residents can read.

Sai Hseng, of the Shan Youth Network (Namtu), said after the June 20 incident, We heard that Shan language words had been deleted from a bilingual [Myanmar and Shan] signboard recently. I want to see the Shan language on township signboards in our state.

To many ethnic Shan who expected changes under the new government, the act seemed like a throwback to the days of the military regime, which had repressed ethnic languages and cultures.

A cloth covering one bilingual sign in Tachileik township was partially destroyed by fire on June 18.





Local officials denied any knowledge of the signage changes. That wasnt a Shan State project. It was a Municipal Development Committee ministers project. I dont know the situation, said a spokesperson for Shan State Chief Minister U Lin Htut.

The Myanmar Times was unable to contact the state municipal minister named Sai Sun Hseng yesterday.

The Pyithu Hluttaw MP for Tachileik, U Htay Win, said, This could affect ethnic relationships. I dont want this problem to get bigger. I understand the Shan State government will discuss it at the next hluttaw meeting.

Sai La Aung said on Facebook, We have the right to access our own language. Stop Bamarisation.

Bamarisation of ethnic minority groups under the military regime threatened the existence of ethnic traditions and languages, with forced assimilation a long-held grievance among Myanmars ethnic minority population that has led to conflict.

Myanmar still has quite a long way to go to rectify discrimination [against minority languages], said Marie Lall, a professor of education and South Asian studies at UCL Institute of Education in London, at a conference in March on ethnic language policy in Myanmar.
The Arakan Army (AA) was formed in 2009 in the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) stronghold of Laiza, on Myanmars northern border with China, where the Arakan ethnic rebels received training and arms.





They have fought alongside the KIA, the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Kokangs Myanmar National Democratic Alliance (MNDAA) in Kachin and Shan states.

In March 2015, AA forces first clashed with the Myanmar army in Rakhine, their western home state, where they have considerable popular support. Fighting has since spread throughout the townships of Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung and Mrauk-U, where some 2000 civilians have fled.

Myanmars powerful military demands the AA, the TNLA and the MNDAA disarm before they can participate in the nationwide ceasefire process, but all rebels say a ceasefire should be inclusive and begin without such conditions.

The National League for Democracy government has been handed the difficult task of bringing all sides on board for a much-touted 21st-century Panglong Agreement within the next few months. Its lead negotiators have reached out to various rebel groups.

AA leader Brigadier-General Tun Myat Naing spoke to Myanmar Now reporter Htet Khaung Linn in Laiza and discussed the Arakan fighting, the ceasefire process and the NLD governments actions so far.

Can you tell us about the current conflict situation in Rakhine State?





Clashes have stopped at the moment, despite some fighting earlier this month. We have ordered our troops to avoid further complicating the situation of the displaced people during the rainy season. But the army frequently launches offensives. So, we fought against each other  Some injuries occurred on both sides.

Is the AA invited to join the 21st-century Panglong Conference?

Not yet, but it was informally proposed [by lead negotiators]. The army insists we give up our weapons. This is a major obstacle for us to join the peace talk - its totally impossible. We need to address this problem first before we can go forward to the next phase.

Rakhine people protested recently to call for a halt to fighting in the region. Who should respond to their demand, the military or AA?

Recently, there were between 70 and 80 armed clashes in Rakhine. We started the fighting in less than 10 cases. Most offensives were initiated by the military. We dont want to say we are not responsible for these fights, but we retain a right to defend ourselves.

The new NLD government has pledged to secure a nationwide ceasefire accord. How does the AA view this process?

Although the NLD promises peace, we have some opposing views between us. The government peace negotiators are asking us to abandon all our weapons before the peace talks start, but we demand that political dialogue should come first. There is also some confusion over [the content of] a ceasefire deal.

Some ethnic leaders believe peace talks can be successful during the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led NLD government. What is your opinion?

We are cautious about believing in a peace deal during her government, as the militarys influence continues to play a crucial role in the peace process.

Moreover, currently the central government is not managing the states in a federal manner. I am referring to the [NLD] governments ways of controlling the peace and development initiatives in Rakhine State. [The NLD angered the Arakan National Party, which has most Rakhine parliament seats, by appointing its own state chief minister.]

We see such missing points with the NLD government. So, we are not fully confident that a peace deal could be signed during the term of this government.

Why is the AA preparing for peace talks and fighting at the same time?

We still have some doubts about the peace talks. Although we had many [ceasefire] discussions [under the former administration], in the end some ethnic armed groups fell into the trap set by the previous government. After learning lessons from this process, we are very cautious about our steps during the ceasefire process. [Eight groups in the Southeast, including the Karen National Union, signed a joint ceasefire with the government last year.]

Amending the constitution to grant more powers to states and regions under a federal union could be difficult given the militarys veto powers in parliament. Do you think this will remain a problem?

That is right  The previous government sent a message through their state-owned media raising the possibility of amending the constitution in parliament but they never followed up on their promise. So our doubts [about constitutional reform] became stronger from this experience.

What role can the military play in the future of Myanmar?

The military commander-in-chief must be under the authority of the Minister of Defence. The countrys president must have total authority over the military. The current constitution should not in every discussion refer to the military as holding the highest authority and allowing it to serve its own interest. The constitution is totally unfair and we do not accept it.

Can ethnic groups and the military have successful discussions on key issues?

We cannot imagine this change of attitude [of the army]. While they are asking for peace, they also insist on the total clearing of all ethnic forces. The NLD government should be aware of this. The military may want to fight every ethnic rebel that exists. So hopes for reaching a ceasefire for our people are not very high.

What do you think of the achievements of the NLD so far?

We expected more from the NLD by now. Maybe we had too high expectations. They tried the best in their first 100 days in office. However, they need to make more politics changes to please the public. Reform processes inside government projects only cannot cure chronic problems. The 100-day period is too short to judge things  [but] they need to develop effective policies for the long term.

What will be the most important task for Rakhine State government?

The NLD government should try to understand the 'Bengali' [Rohingya Muslim] issue better. The 1982 Citizenship Law is held up as the norm to solve this problem [of the Rohingyas citizenship status]. It will not be easy to please all stakeholders. But they need to be open to proper ideas in seeking an appropriate solution. The government must take responsibility and accountability for this.

 Republished with permission of Myanmar Now
As thousands of migrant workers jostled for face-time with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on her first trip back to Thailand in four years, fighting erupted yesterday with an anxious crowd tearing down barricades and blocking buses.





Only 300 workers were permitted to meet with the state counsellor as she toured the Tarlay seafood market in Mahachai, a community near Bangkok heavily populated with Myanmar migrant workers where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi gave a speech in 2012.

As her convoy entered the compound of the seafood market, more than 3000 Myanmar migrant workers ran and shouted Amay Suu kyan mar par say, meaning Mother Suu, be healthy, with some pushing against barricades in an effort to catch a glimpse.

Throughout the day, a growing crowd of workers amassed near the compound and along the route where the meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was slated to take place.

Their hopes were shattered by heavy rain. Due to the bad weather, the public speech Daw Aung Suu Kyi was slated to deliver was cancelled.

Once the majority found out for sure they would not be interacting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the market, they attempted to block buses carrying other migrant workers who were said to be headed to meet with her.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi pledged to improve the daily living conditions of Myanmar migrant workers through addressing long-extant passport issues and ensuring their rights are upheld under Thai laws.





She said the main objectives of her visit to Thailand is to strengthen the friendship between the two countries, while at the same time listening to the voices and concerns of the over 2 million Myanmar migrant workers residing in the neighbouring nation.

To strengthen the friendship between the two countries, there should be understanding and friendship between citizens of both nations, she said.

I hope our citizens working here in Thailand will help us while we are trying to help you. We can know what decision to take only after we hear your concerns, she said.

She urged the workers to provide practical feedback and consider that any changes must benefit the employers as well as the workers.

It is important that our citizens here in Thailand feel they are secure in their work and can stay as long as they want to. But, it should be in the interest of both the employees and the employers, she said.

Having met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for the first time in her life, Daw Moe Moe Khaing, who left Yangon six years ago to work in Thailand, said she was hopeful that changes made by the two governments will soon improve working conditions.

I am very happy that I saw her in person for the very first time. She listened to our problems. She also promised to do things like address passport issues, she said.

She said the fee to extend her passport was high and so she could not afford to renew it. Among the workers, a rumour has circulated that holders of six-year passports can no longer extend their documents at border towns, but must instead return to Myanmar, a process seen as expensive and time-consuming.

Migrant rights groups have long criticised the capricious documentation arrangements between the two countries, with workers facing an ever-changing array of documents, requirements, registration periods and, of course, fees.

The fees to extend the expired passports with six years duration are really high. For those who have passports for more than a six-year duration, we have to pay 17,000 Baht (US$483) and four-year passport holders pay 12,000. Thats a high cost that we cannot afford easily, Daw Moe Moe Khaing said.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said her government would consider issuing passports to undocumented Myanmar nationals in Thailand.

Our citizens are now trying to get a CI [certificate of identity]. But, my desire is that you all get your passports. Our neighbour Thailand is not opposing it, she said.

Thailand-based civil society groups were also denied a meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday.

Rights advocate Andy Hall, an adviser to the Migrant Workers Rights Network, posted on his Facebook account that he spoke briefly to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi before she entered her car and left the venue.

Had a 1 minute chat with Daw Suu as she was getting into her car, am very wet now. Suu Kyi said, Andy, tell all my people I am disappointed I cannot give a speech to them outside today, but I know their problems well! he wrote.

"It's been a very successful day  Daw Aung San Suu Kyi lit up the hearts of the workers and brought again hope into their lives," Andy Hall later said in a message sent to The Myanmar Times.

During her trip, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is slated to sign two memorandums of understanding with the government of Thailand, one for employment and another for border crossing. She is accompanied on the trip by Minister for Planning and Finance U Kyaw Win, Minister for Labour, Immigration and Population U Thein Swe, and deputy minister for foreign affairs U Kyaw Tin.

A scheduled visit to a refugee camp in Richburi district has reportedly been cancelled due possibly to security concerns, however the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok could not confirm yesterday.
A group of 29 farmers whose land at the foot of Shwe Thar Lyaung Mountain in Mandalay Region was confiscated by the government in 2008 are demanding the right to cultivate there once again.





About 50 acres located in Kyaukse township were designated as protected public land by the Ministry of Forestry, and the farmers say they received neither compensation nor substitute land.

The farmers plan to send a letter to the new government requesting a right to farm on their previous land, and say they will set up protest camps on the land if the matter is not dealt with swiftly.

Our ancestors farmed this land, said U Shwe Pone, a local farmer. When we told the township administrator of this new government that we want to farm this land, we were told that wed be sued for destroying public property.

They had sent letters to the previous government as well, but nothing was resolved.

When we asked the township land record department to show us the map of forest area, we saw that our farmlands are not included. Yet we are barred from cultivating there. We have tax receipts, said local farmer U Cho Too. Farmers are suffering a lot. We have been trying to solve this case since the previous government, he said. Well wait a month. Then, if nothing happens, well open a protest camp.

Translation by Thiri Min Htun
Wizened , feeble and barely able to stand on her own, 72-year-old Daw Tin Nyunt has been repeatedly denied bail.





Daw Tin Nyunt, who collapsed and was hospitalised after her initial arrest on March 16, has been held in Yangons infamous Insein Prison since May 2, where she cannot access medications her family says she needs due to partial paralysis.

When The Myanmar Times visited Daw Tin Nyunt in her holding cell at Botahtaung Township Court on June 17, she pointed to all the points on her body where she aches: her neck, her back and her legs. Visibly haggard, she said she finds it hard to move in the damp weather, and has both a chronic heart condition and hypertension.

When it came time for her hearing, Daw Tin Nyunt needed assistance from her family to climb the two flights of stairs from the holding pen to the courtroom.

That the judge continues to withhold bail despite her poor health causes her family more anxiety with each repudiated request.

This is an injustice to my mother-in-law, Ma Thida Myint said.

Experts, however, say her inability to get bail is hardly an outlier in Myanmars broken court system.





Complainants can pay to prevent defendants from going free, wrote Nick Cheesman of Australian National University in his book Opposing the Rule of Law.

He demonstrated this claim with a case in 1996, when a woman paid the court and police to arrest and detain a man who had eloped with her daughter.

Daw Tin Nyunts family allege similar motivations behind her confinement. She too is facing charges for the alleged kidnapping of her daughter-in-law, after her son eloped with his 25-year-old cousin in March.

I feel sorry about my mother. It should not happen, Ko Than Naing said, She didnt know [of his marriage]. No other family members knew.

The suit emerged after U Hla Myint alleged that his nephew, Ko Than Naing, 35, abducted Ma Thida Myint, 26, on March 13. After the couple disappeared together, U Hla Myint accused his sister-in-law, Daw Tin Nyunt, of being complicit.

However, the family accuses U Hla Myint of fabricating the suit  and interfering in the judicial process  to force his daughter to return home.

Ko Than Naing claims that his uncle admitted to him during a phone call that Daw Tin Nyunt is innocent, but will continue to press charges against her until his daughter is returned.

U Hla Myint refused to comment when contacted by The Myanmar Times.

The non-appearances of the arresting police officers  who are stationed across the road from the court  and complainant U Hla Myint at court have protracted proceedings and contributed to the denial of bail.

Daw Tin Nyunts family says that her lawyer has requested bail on four separate occasions.

The initial request, a written appeal on health grounds that cited the defendants age and existing medical condition, was dismissed by judge U Aung Nay Myo.

On the second request, the judge denied bail on the grounds that he had yet to hear from both sides.

Most recently, on June 20, the judge reportedly said he would consider the defences request for bail, before setting the next hearing for today.

One request for bail was granted however, a caveat that infuriates Daw Tin Nyunts family as they say it proves the elderly defendant is eligible for bail.

On March 29, she was given temporary reprieve for Thingyan.

Ko Than Naing said he believes the reversal on bail demonstrates tampering with the court system.

I think there is something or someone behind the court because the first time my mother was bail-able and the next time, with the same judge, she is not, he said

Daw Zar Li Aye, a legal adviser for the International Commission of Jurists, said there are several provisions under the law which could see Daw Tin Nyunt released on bail.

This case is a defence rights violation [because there are] so many adjournments. The defense should enjoy a fair trial, she said.

Even [for a] non-bailable offence, the defence can access bail under the discretionary powers of the judge and under Code of Criminal Procedure 491, she said.

She also pointed to section 497 of the code, which says that a person can be released by the court if they are under the age of sixteen years or any woman or any sick or infirm person.

Daw Tin Nyunts family said the health issues surrounding her arrest should be enough to evidence why bail is necessary.

Ma Pann Ei, another daughter-in-law, said that when police came to arrest Daw Tin Nyunt at her home on March 16 she collapsed and required admission to West Yangon General Hospital.

On March 23, police intercepted her as she was being helped into a taxi after being discharged from the hospital. She allegedly collapsed again and was re-admitted to hospital where she required the use of an oxygen mask.

The police reportedly returned on March 29 and took Daw Tin Nyunt from her hospital bed to Botahtaung township police station, where she was questioned and spent the night before being bailed over Thingyan.

Yet on May 2, after the festival recess, she was called back to answer more questions, moved across the road to the court, charged under section 366 of the penal code and transferred to Insein Prison, taking her lawyer by surprise.

Ko Myo Myint Tun, one of Daw Tin Nyunts sons, told The Myanmar Times his mother was very tired and weak when he visited her in prison.

His wife, Ma Pann Ei, claims that the doctors are not providing adequate care, and that she does not have access to appropriate medication such as vitamin injections or treatment for the partial paralysis of her left side.

Conditions at Insein Prison  internationally synonymous with human rights abuses and political prisoners under the junta  are far from pleasant. In 2014 The Myanmar Times examined conditions at the jail and, while it has improved from the days of executions and torture, corruption is still rife and the heath of those incarcerated deteriorates rapidly.

In 2015, New Zealander Philip Blackwood reportedly became malnourished, losing 20 kilograms (44 pounds), during his months jailed there in a case decried by human rights activists.

Daw Tin Nyunts treatment again raises questions about Myanmars criminal justice system, which has been hampered by rote learning, political interference and an ingrained culture of corruption.

Due to a crippled legal education, many lawyers and even lower court judges are unfamiliar with criminal procedure, Vani Sathisan, an international legal adviser with the ICJ, told The Myanmar Times. This, coupled with an ineffective judiciary for decades, has led to grossly unfair trials and a violation of due process rights.

Recently the World Justice Projects Rule of Law Index ranked Myanmar 91st out of 102 surveyed countries, with the criminal justice system ranked 96th and fundamental rights ranked 100th. It also reported that Myanmar had significant problems with excessive pre-trial detentions, delay of cases and poor judicial decisions.

While Daw Tin Nyunts family tries to remain optimistic that bail will finally be granted at todays hearing, there is no guarantee it will be.

I really hope there is justice, Ko Myo Myint Tun said. I hope this story ends with a fair decision by the judge.
This weeks visit by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to Thailand appears to hold out hope for Thai state and private investors to revitalise their plans for key investments in Myanmar. Among these projects, the most prominent are the Dawei special economic zone and a cascade of hydroelectric dams on the Thanlwin River.





While these projects have been in the pipeline for at least a decade, they have not materialised, as they face strong opposition from local communities and groups in Thailand and Myanmar.

Under Thailands Power Development Plan approved in May 2015, the government intends to import up to 10,000MW of electricity from Myanmar over the next two decades. Much of this electricity is expected to come from planned hydropower projects on the Thanlwin River, which is also known as the Salween.

However, energy experts have questioned the legitimacy of projected demand, and whether such ambitious plans  which bring with them extensive environmental and social costs  are necessary.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Thailand and Myanmar for the Thanlwin dams project, which includes five dams on the Thanlwin and another dam on the Tanintharyi River.

To date, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has been pushing forward two projects: the 1360MW Hatgyi dam in Kayin State and the 7100MW Mong Ton dam in Shan State (formerly known as the Tasang dam).

The proposed projects have drawn fierce opposition as a result of their expected environmental and human rights impacts, as well the ongoing armed conflict between Myanmar security forces and ethnic groups.





The massive reservoir of the Mong Ton dam, planned in central Shan State, would span along the Thanlwin and Pang rivers, covering an area the size of Singapore.

Communities from central Shan State have already suffered years of persecution under the Myanmar army and also conflict and unrest in this area. Between 1996 and 1998, more than 300,000 people were forcibly displaced from their homes. Many fled along the border areas with Thailand to seek refuge. If built, the Mon Tong dam will permanently inundate thousands of hectares of land and homes, destroying any chance that these communities have of returning home; leaving them landless and stateless.

In this post-election era, the world is watching Myanmar. There are strong hopes and expectations for a move toward democracy and peace in a country that for decades has been ravaged by violence. However, plans for hydropower development along the Thanlwin River have the potential to undermine these critical processes and instead create greater conflict in these already fragile areas.

If Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is serious about working toward peace, it is critical the challenges facing hundreds of thousands of ethnic citizens in Myanmar, including those displaced along the Thanlwin River, be addressed first, before agreements are signed for future projects.

It is also critical that under Myanmars new democracy, these communities are informed and have a voice in decision-making processes that will affect their lives and futures. EGAT and other state agencies in Thailand are already in hot water for their overseas investment in the Xayaburi dam on the Mekong River.

A case, now under review in Thailands Supreme Administrative Court, is examining the legality of the Power Purchase Agreement for the Xayaburi dam signed by state bodies, due to the projects transboundary impacts on communities in Thailand. The case has brought increased scrutiny of the way in which Thai companies and state agencies invest abroad.

Another project of concern is the Dawei special economic zone (SEZ). Research done by the Dawei Development Association, and submitted to the Thai National Human Rights Commission, estimated that 22,000 to 43,000 people would be directly affected by the Dawei SEZ and related projects, including an industrial estate, ports, road links, reservoirs and resettlement areas.

An investigation by the NHRC, which was acknowledged by the Thai cabinet, found the Dawei SEZ has already caused negative impacts to local people, due to a lack of meaningful consultation and a deeply flawed compensation process.

Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a series of policy recommendations concerning the business operations of the private sector abroad and the Dawei deep-sea port and Industrial Estate Development Project. The ministrys recommendations highlight the need for mechanisms to oversee and encourage the respect of fundamental human rights by the private sector in their investments; and the need to develop further measures to bring into practice the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

A group of 20 Thai civil society organisations from Thailand and Myanmar have urged Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to suspend decisions on any projects, pending the completion of strategic and transboundary impact assessments; and allow people to make informed decisions, ensuring transparent and accountable investments, which mutually benefit both Thailand and Myanmar.

 Bangkok Post

Pianporn Deetes is Thailand and Myanmar campaigns director with International Rivers.
Good news this week that the government is promising to clamp down on the use of child labour in the workplace.





But while drawing attention to the exploitation of children under the age of 14 by businesses is welcome, the issue of child workers in private homes all too often remains hidden.

As is common in later life, the social division in Myanmar between males working outside the home and females within it is evident among child workers.

It is all too easy to spot the small boys working in teashops, beer stations and other public places around the country.

Less obvious, but in a number of ways more open to abuse and exploitation because of the hidden nature of their employment, are the large number of young girls working as maids behind closed doors.

Increasing attention is rightly being given in Myanmar to the issue of human trafficking. Legal moves have also been made recently, with mixed effect, in an attempt to prevent the abuse of Myanmar maids working abroad  particularly in Singapore.

But the ongoing and all-too-often ignored issue of girl house-workers being abused and exploited domestically needs greater focus and public discussion.





There are no official figures available for the number of child maids in Myanmar, but one in five children in Myanmar aged 10 to 17 go to work instead of school according to figures from a recently published census report on employment.

The practice of using girls as domestic help is not only widespread but also widely considered acceptable. In some situations it is seen as a form of social welfare  providing accommodation and employment for young people from impoverished backgrounds.

Yet while some domestic employers certainly have good intentions, the potential for abuse is clear. While cases of extreme exploitation or physical, emotional and sexual abuse do occasionally emerge, it is recognised that the vast number of such cases go unreported and unpunished.

When the government reminded business owners this week that they must avoid hiring children under the age of 14  or face fines ranging from K5 million to K10 million, up to six months in prison, or both  officials were addressing hoteliers, restaurateurs, owners of small and medium-sized factories, and shopkeepers.

But it is also important to address middle-class Myanmar housewives when talking about such matters and remind them that they too have a duty to avoid exploiting young workers.

Laws aimed at businesses seek to prevent children from working in dangerous environments including kitchens, but cooking duties are a common part of a maids workload.

Likewise the law, even if it is rarely applied, bans businesses from employing children aged 14 to 16 for more than four hours a day. How many householders facilitate or allow such part-time work from their young maids?

It is certainly true that under Myanmars current economic conditions, the sudden outlawing of employment of under-18s or -16s is impractical, and could lead to financial destitution for many young people and their families.

But that should not be used as an excuse to justify the exploitation of children, and every effort must be made to end the cycle of child labour as soon as possible.

Addressing business owners on the issue, U Aung Naing, deputy director of the Factory and General Labour Laws Inspection Department under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Populations, stressed the legal obligations regarding child labour.

He also noted, According to international conventions, people under 18 years old are regarded as children, but this is not okay for our developing country. If we dont hire children, they will lose job opportunities, and they and their families will have trouble earning a living, he said.

But taking children out of education and sending them to work in unskilled jobs only exacerbates family poverty in the long term. Consigning young girls to a lifetime of domestic labour further robs the country of the opportunities for greater gender equality in the public sphere it desperately needs to flourish.

Child labour in domestic situations should also be considered an important issue when it comes to ethnic equality. It is sadly true that some families, regardless of ethnic background, consider it a childs duty to provide for their family at whatever cost to the child.

But there has also developed a widespread practice among some ethnic communities of sending children to work for families in the city in the belief this will automatically give them a better life. This is something that must be addressed.

Such practices are understandable given the extreme poverty suffered by many in rural areas. Some children in these situations are indeed allowed by the families they work for to also go to school.

But the long-term social and cultural consequences of sending children out of their communities, away from their native language, of keeping them out of education, and of sending them into potentially abusive situations should be considered a matter of urgent importance by anyone who is serious about protecting the rights and future of this countrys many ethnic groups.

Above all, though, we must remember the individual children affected, whatever their gender or ethnic background.

It is hugely positive to see the government addressing the exploitation of children by businesses, but we must not forget those exploited in the home.
Accra , June 23, GNA - AngloGold Ashanti Ghana has asked the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Dispute (ICSID), to make an urgent order compelling Ghana to use its authority to return peace and stability to Obuasi Gold Mine.

This, follows an invasion of illegal miners now in its fifth month.

The process, known formally as a Request for Provisional Measures, is available to applicants seeking urgent relief in an ongoing dispute.

A statement from AngloGold said the company hopes the intervention would help bring an end to the unchecked ransacking of the mine's orebody and vandalism of critical mine infrastructure.

A ruling would be expected soon after the Tribunal is constituted, which is anticipated later this year.

AngloGold Ashanti Ghana is continuing to seek engagement with government at a local and national level, but these talks have failed to yield meaningful and sustained intervention by the authorities.

This inexplicable lack of action by the authorities has emboldened the growing number of illegal miners to intensify their activities in increasingly dangerous conditions, causing significant damage to the general environment, jeopardising the mine's future viability and comprising the rights of the community and investors in Ghana alike.

This has forced the company to turn to Washington, DC-based ICSID to break the impasse, as provided for in the Mining Lease.

Recently, AngloGold Ashanti Ghana announced the tragic death of nine illegal miners at the site in the past few weeks. Since then, there has been at least one other confirmed fatality, with continued reports of illegal-miner casualties.

AngloGold Ashanti Ghana has reported these deaths to relevant authorities, along with regular updates on the situation on site, warning of the growing potential for a significant underground accident if this large-scale illegal mining is allowed to continue.

AngloGold Ashanti Ghana hopes commencement of ICSID proceedings and Request for Provisional Measures would expedite the reinstatement of law and order at the mine.

"Only once there is clear evidence of restoration of law and order, can the company obtain sole use of the site and commence the process of fully assessing the condition of the site," the statement said.

GNA
The Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) says the notion among Ghanaians that the prison is meant for a different group of people is false.

Public Relations Officer at GPS, Vitalis Aryee, said considering the reasons that resulted in someones imprisonment are still available, anyone at all could end up in the prisons.

Prisons could be anybody's second potential home, he said.

Vitalis Aryee disclosed this on the MultiTVs news analysis programme, PM EXPRESS, on June 22 while reacting to Joynews Seth Kwame Boateng documentary Left-to-Rot.

The documentary which was premiered at the New Court Complex in Accra is a follow up to the journalists 'Locked and Forgotten' documentary which focused on the poor state of Ghanas prison.

A section of Prison Officers during the premiering of Seth Kwame Boateng's 'Left-to-Rot' documentary.

Commenting on the condition of the prisoners, Aryee said: If not for the law you can call us[prison officers] sadist [because] we see these things every day.

He explained government needs to take a second look at the condition the prisoners and officers live in, noting it could result in the spread of infectious diseases in the country because the prisons are tight and congested with little space for breathing.

Private legal practitioner, Martin Dogbe, was unforgiving when he talked about the maltreatment of prisoners in Ghanaian prisons.

He stated the nation will need to have a critical mass of people to bring about the needed change.

Chief Justice, Georgina Wood [left] interacting with Seth Kwame Boateng [right], while Deputy Interior Minister, James Agalga looks on.

Dogbe, who happened to be the man who took the Chief Justice to court over issues of non-bailable offenses, said what is happening in the prisons and what the citizens are made to believe about the prisons are different.

Though We will acknowledge some people who are doing something about the situation, we are not doing enough as a people, he said.

Hundreds of people are packed like sardine in the prisons and this phenomenon didnt start today, he revealed

Watch full video here:



Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | Email: [email protected]
The Progressive People's Party (PPP), is livid over what it says is President Mahama's failure to accept responsibility for his decision to accept a Ford expedition from a Burkinabe contractor, ostensibly to influence him.

Mahama on Thursday, gave further clarifications on his decision to accept the gift saying, I don't use Ford, I don't like American cars. I use Japanese cars. Toyota is my car.

His comments came a day after he challenged persons accusing him of being bribed by the contractor, to head to the court if they had issues with his decision.

If you believe I have involved myself in corruption, you have the constitutional means to do whatever you want to do, he said.

Speaking on Eyewitness News, Policy Advisor for the PPP in a sharp rebuttal to the Presidents latest explanation, said the President's comments shows that he is not remorseful for his actions.

The President is not showing remorse and he is unrepentant.We believe that the president's comment is a blow to the fight against corruption. He adopted his usual attitude of passing of the buck in matters that needed his direct intervention. His Excellency has demonstrated a lack of commitment to the principle of accepting responsibility for his own actions and that of his government. President Mahama has no remorse and is unrepentant,  he said in a statement.

Mr. Siaw believes the President is emboldened by the absence of strong state institutions with the capacity and willingness to deal with infractions occasioned by members of the executive.

In this instance, the Parliament of Ghana or some members of parliament are refusing to undertake their constitutional duty to initiate or support the call for impeachment proceedings against the President for gross misconduct and a violation of article 284. The parliament of Ghana is empowered under article 69 of the constitution to initiate impeachment proceedings against the President, he added.

He further indicated that, the PPP will organize a demonstration at Parliament House to press home their demands for the President to be impeached if he is not sanctioned for his actions.

We expect members of Parliament to live up to their responsibilities and establish timeless principles in our governance processes. The PPP will organize a demonstration at Parliament house if the impeachment process is not activated shortly.



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
24.06.2016 LISTEN

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group and the Ghana Stock Exchange today announced a partnership to promote the adoption of sound business practices within the capital market to support business expansion and boost economic growth.

The partnership is one of the many interventions under the Africa Corporate Governance Program intended to improve business performance. It will also help raise awareness of the cross-sectorial reach of activities and set a program outline that will encourage improved policies, standard-setting, network events, and outreach programs within the Ghanaian business community.

At todays event, Behavioral Ethics and Corporate Governance, GSE and IFC presented the business case for adopting good corporate governance practices to Ghanaian capital market operators. It aimed at helping them understand the impact these practices have on improving performance, and discussed challenges in adopting them.

Kofi Yamoah, Managing Director for GSE, said, GSE is committed to helping businesses access capital especially through listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange. One sure way for companies to stand out is by adopting sound practices that make them more attractive to local and foreign investors. We have partnered with IFC to help us achieve this goal and boost growth in our capital markets.

Ronke-Amoni Ogunsulire, IFC Country Manager for Ghana, said, IFC is constantly seeking ways to help Ghanaian businesses grow so that they can contribute meaningfully to economic development. A key priority is to help companies adopt good corporate governance practices which will improve their performance and better access to investors. Working with GSE will help us support a wider range of businesses in adopting these practices.

IFCs Africa Corporate Governance Program was designed to improve firm performance and increase the ability of markets and firms in Sub-Saharan Africa to attract and retain investment. The program is funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Switzerland.

About IFC

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our capital, expertise and influence to create opportunity where its needed most. In FY15, our long-term investments in developing countries rose to nearly $18 billion, helping the private sector play an essential role in the global effort to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org
22ND June, 2016.

We the concerned Youth of Fielimon, acting in good faith and without any prejudice to any statutory entity, are propelled by our unending desire to seek social justice and straighten the twisted portion of history, wish to use this august platform as a conduit to respond to some empty accusations in an unpopular petition presented by a section of Nimoro Youth to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana through the Hon. District Chief Executive of the Sissala West District on 7th May, 2016. Generally, the content of their petition is an incoherent pack of lies aimed at deceiving Ghanaians and the world at large. Now let us consider the specific issues raised in their petition:

The petitioners in their four page petition likened Fielimon to some so called settler communities of Hamile, Ejura, Kintampo and Aboabo. They further alleged that Lobi-Dagarti fled from a so called tyrannical leader called Dernyu and also from harsh French colonial administration to settle on Nimoro land in 1927/28.We wish to state emphatically that their claim is shamefully at variance with the historical antecedence of the Fielimon community. We wish to add that, there is no group of persons in Fielimon known as Lobi-Dagarti. The Dagaaba who are at the nucleus of the Fielimon community may have dialectical similarities with Lobis, but are a completely different group of persons. We wish to also add that Fielimon was founded by a number of Dagaaba families of various clans, led by a hunter by name WARME on a virgin forested land where they met no earlier settlers when they set upon the land on their arrival from NYEGO in the defunct Upper Volta (Burkina Faso) and other parts of the then Northern territories in about 1920 or earlier. As youth that have the fullest of respect for the rule of law and good faith in the judicial institutions and the justice adjudication processes within the country. We choose not to be insolent towards the Wa High Court, a court of competent jurisdiction, which is currently hearing the case to determine the legitimate owners of the Fielimon land. It is therefore jaw dropping that some Nimoro youth ruthlessly brushed off the honour of this competent court to declare themselves with impunity as allodial title owners of the disputed land.

In point two of their petition, they alleged of the registration of Danikuu (Dargati), Issah Walla (Wala), Zato (Moshie) and Issaka Grushie (Grushie) as stranger settler headmen at Fielimuo by the then Sissala District Government Agent. They alleged that, the said registration was in response to a Local Government Ministry circular issued on 16th April, 1958 with reference number MLG.4900/109/SF.5/30 and titled Recognition of Headmen of stranger communities. We challenge the existence of such document, as far as we concerned that document is doubtful.

The petitioners in point three of their petition, made a blanket accusation of political emasculation of so called illiterate traditional rulers which they find inimical to Sissala natives of Nimoro but beneficial to a so called majority Lobi settlers on Nimoro Land. We deem this as a disdainful figment of their imagination which must be discarded with the alacrity that it deserves. In point four of their petition, they erroneously alleged that in December 2014, the Hon. Regional Minister (Ambassador Amin Amidu Suleman) who also doubles as the Member of Parliament flouted an injunction on the annual Kukurbagr festival of Fielimon by the Wa High Court. Not only is this allegation malicious, but it is factually inaccurate as well. We wish to bring to their attention that, no court has ever placed an injunction on the celebration of Kukurbagr. Their allegation is tantamount to drawing the good image of the Wa High Court into disrepute since no such adjudication was issued by the court. They also accused the Hon. Regional Minister of discrimination for failing to attend their Buwala Kelwie Festival though he showed up for the Kukurbagr Festival of Fielimon. We are not here to hold brief for the Hon. Regional Minster, but we see this to be deficient of elementary logic since the Hon. Regional Minister could have been engaged in an equally compelling responsibility on the day of their festival. The Nimoro/Buwala petitioners in their point five blindly accused the Hon. Regional Minister of financing the Dagaaba against the Sissala in the ongoing land dispute at the Wa High Court. We wish to state without mincing words that, this is nakedly fallacious and outrageous. It should be treated with all the contempt that it deserves. Not only are the petitioners seeking to drag the good image of the Minister/MP to disrepute, they also seek to sow a seed of bad blood between him and his kinsmen. We wish to assure them that, the Dagaaba have the sound independent financial footing to pursue the case to a logical conclusion. We dare them to substantiate such a shameful allegation or render an unqualified apology. In the event that they fail to do so, they shall hear from our lawyers.

It is unfortunate that the Nimoro/Buwala petitioners accused the Hon. Regional Minister of using government institutions to create a culture of impunity where they claimed livestock and crops of Sissala Landowners have been destroyed by Lobi-Dagarti and government operatives show open bias against them by refusing to effect any arrest. This unfortunate trend of accusation reminds us of the disappearance of ten buckets of milk in George Owells legendary Animals farm. It is a hypothetical case of the guilty turning to accuse the innocent. We wish to use this opportunity to remind the Nimoro/Buwala petitioners of the litany of instances when they meted unbridled atrocities to the Dagaaba though unprovoked. Some of the instances are as follows:

January 21, 2011: destruction of a farm house on the family farm of the Regent of Fielimon, by Sissala youth of Nimoro. A report was made to the Police by the Regent of Fielimon.

April 15, 2011: Assault by some thirteen youth from Nimoro against one JACKIE PELIPUO and several other people of Fielimon, which set off pandemonium among women and children of Fielimon on that day. A report was made to the Police.

May 3, 2012: An assault on Mr. KYETUB of Fielimon on his farm by eight Sissala youth from Nimoro. Here again a report was made to the Police.

To complete their heinous agenda, on the night of the same day, the Nimoro Sissala laid ambush in Nimoro to attack Fielimon Dagaaba. They ended up shooting and killing a fellow Sissala man of Nimoro. The suspected murderer fled into Burkina that night but was driven back by the Burkinabes in Buoro. The suspect surrendered himself to the Police in Fielimon on May 4, 2012. He was later transferred to Wa where he revealed to the Police in Wa, the plot by the Nimoro people as well as persons behind the supply of arms for the operation.

In February 2014, there was the destruction of a Dagaaba house in Buo by Sissala youth from WIIRO while the Dagaaba were at a funeral ceremony. A retaliatory action by the Dagaaba ended up in the mounting of a road block between Fielimon and Nimoro by Dagaaba of Fielimon to forestall a repetition of the Buo incident. As a way of forcing his way through the road block, a Sissala youth pulled a pistol at the Dagaaba. He was successfully disarmed by the Dagaaba and the pistol given to the police.

It is important to note that in 2011 in particular, thousands of Dagaaba lost their livelihood through these farm destructions by the Sissala Youth. Armed with guns, cutlasses and other weapons, the Nimoro youth, aided by some Sissala communities in the Zini area, organized a destruction of Dagaaba farm crops including yam, cowpea, maize and millet without any cause. In Dakumah and Hiel (near Zini), crops were not only destroyed, but the Dagaaba were driven out of the community.

On 26th May, 2016 a group of Sissala Youth numbering six, three of them being lead petitioners for the Nimoro/Buwala Youth (Chommbui Kaamil,Bombie Bakanchie and Bentor Solomon) went to the farmland of Mr Kuusoyir Malika, shooting sporadically into the air without any provocation. Just like the others, this case was also reported to the police but these young men still roam about boisteously.

All these acts were meant to provoke the Dagaaba of Fielimon. Though these cases were reported to the police, we regret that no arrest has since been made. It therefore comes as no surprise to us that, the perpetrators of all these attacks turn around to accuse us in a pretense to cover up their guilt.

We wish to state that, the people of Fielimon are a determined people whose ancestors labored on their farms to educate their children in school. Today, Fielimon is one of the communities in the Sissala West District that is ready for development. Unfortunately, some ill-willed individuals of our Sissala brothers strangely do not believe that in this age and time, people should learn to work and contribute to the development of their area and country at large, just as the people of Fielimon are doing. These ill-willed people think that the way to their own future is to destruct us through violent intimidation and at the same time pretending to be the ones being hurt. This they want to, with the excuse that the people of Fielimon, all of whom are Ghanaians by birth and by natural law, are strangers in their own country and therefore deserve no right to embark on any economic and livelihood activities on farm lands handed over to them by their ancestors. In any case, the Nimoro petitioners have clearly stated in their petition that the ownership of the Fielimon land is under determination in the High Court in Wa. This clearly shows that they have not been declared owners of land in Fielimon to warrant their persistent interference in the development process in the area.

We are aware that some of these so called Nimoro Youth are ill-willed group of young people from Zini and Niator communities, who instead of concentrating on helping themselves and their communities; they elect to become a source of disunity between the people of Fielimon and Nimoro communities who have lived in peace for decades. Unfortunately, these ill-willed intruders have managed to drag the chief of Nimoro, who is supposed to know better as a Lawyer and one who we believe is aware of the historical relationship between Fielimon and Nimoro, into their agenda of violent intimidation backed by lies, all in their bit to destruct a determined people from pursuing genuine development. These people since 2011 have engaged in the destruction of farms owned by the Fielimon people, with threats of firearms. Notwithstanding, we have remained calm and continue to trust in the due process of law because we are not only peace loving, but we also respect the laws of Ghana. However, we wish to state that the obstruction of development projects in Fielimon, as these ill-willed people seek to do, amounts to obstructions in the general development of not only the area, but the entire District, Region and the nation at large and this must be condemned in no uncertain terms by all well-meaning Ghanaians. We wish to call on the elders of Nimoro and the local government authorities to call these trouble makers to order.

As if to put an icing on their cake of fantasies and fallacies brewed in the kitchen of ill- will and malice, the Nimoro and Buwala petitioners in point seven of their petition, accused the LobiDagarti of petitioning the Noble Upper West Regional House of Chiefs through the Hon. Regional Minister, to abrogate the processes of elevating Nimoro Division to a paramountcy status. Again, not only is this vile accusation false, but it is an overt manifestation of their inability to appreciate the good sense of judgment of the Noble Regional House of Chiefs. It might also be an unconscious display of their ignorance on due processes involved in the elevation of divisions into paramountcies. Once again, we challenge them to substantiate this empty allegation with empirical evidence or offer unqualified apologies for such pettiness. It is paradoxical that the Nimoro petioners in points eight, nine and ten of their petition regards the Law Courts as the right place to contest the ownership of Fielimon lands and yet seek to prejudice the determination of the respected court by regarding themselves as allodial title holders. Their flagrant disregard for the august court reached its crescendo when they nakedly accused the noble court of discrimination. In their own words, they alluded that we have had enough of this naked discrimination as far as the determination of the matter in court is concerned (point 10 of their petition). This posturing amount to saying that they are above the laws of Ghana and thus when the law courts fairly decide any matter which is not in their favour, they are not prepared to respect it.

We wish to be emphatic here that, the allegation peddled by the petitioners that the Nimoro R/C Primary/JHS, Fielimon L/A Primary/JHS and the Fielimon Church (Parish) all in Fielimon were built after the land had been released by the Nimoro allodial owners of the land is palpably false and should be discarded. It gives ample justifications to believe that, the petitioners and their coterie of trouble makers are deficient of the history behind the establishment of these institutions in Fielimon. We further wish to add that no so called Sissala landlord poured libation or cut any sod for the construction of CHPS Compounds at Kuochuur, Kankaduoli or Chetu as alluded to by the petitioners in point nine of their petition. The constructions of those facilities were fully done by government in consultation with the beneficiary communities.

It will interest the petitioners to know that no one in Fielimon has made any attempt to re-write any history by renaming any facility. The alleged change of name from Buo to Mbo, Bupal to Bukpal is an issue of pronunciation influenced by dialectical difference. We put it to them, that they are rather seeking an unpopular conduit to mutilate the original pronunciations of the names of these communities to suit their parochial interest. In the matter relating to the siting of the Fielmuo Catholic Parish and the St. Thomas Aquinas Primary and JHS Schools, we wish to inform the petitioners that, the land was dully acquired by a Missionary from the Province of Quebec by name Rev. Fr Remigius McCoy (MAfr.) in the mid 20th Century. No consultation or allegiance was made in any of these instances to any perceived Sissala landlord. It is instructive to bring to their notice that, the schools were originally named St. Thomas Aquinas by the Missionaries. The name Nimoro R/C Primary and J.H.S only surfaced in the early 1990s when the schools became government assisted schools. Currently as we speak, government assisted schools are being renamed by the various missions; examples include Nandom Senior High School which is now called St. Michaels Senior High School, Nandom Vocational Institute now called St. Johns Vocational Institute and Lassia Tuolu Senior High School which is now also called St. Ignatius of Loyola Senior High School. There are several other examples of such renaming of mission schools.

It is interesting that in the web of all their fabrications and fallacies that were carefully woven to forestall the move to site any development intervention in Fielimon, the petitioners climax their malicious petition by viciously issuing threats of blood bath if government continues with its plan of siting a Senior High Technical School in Fielimon without consulting them as Landlords. Here again, we wish to remind our Sissala brothers that, the determination of allodial land title owners of the Fielimon land is still the prerogative of the Wa High Court and until that is done, it will be prejudicial for them to hold themselves as such.

We again wish to remind them that, the decision of government to site a Senior High Technical School in Fielimon is in pursuit of governments quest to pursue its obligation of social justice to all citizens of Ghana. They should be reminded that, it is in same spirit that government established the Hilla Liman Senior High School in Gwollu, and a Community Day Senior High School nearing completion in Zini both in the Sissala enclave of the same District. What is different about Fielimon? Could it be the case that they think we do not merit social justice?

We deem it important to add that, the proposed Fielimon Senior High Technical School is a public facility just like any other public senior high school in any part of the country. It shall be opened to Ghanaian children from all parts of the country just like other public schools. For that matter, any move to stop the establishment of the school, with untenable excuses of not being recognized as supposed landowners is inimical to the development efforts of Fielimon and the Government of Ghana. We suspect that it is their master plan to make the government stop the school by provoking us to any kind of conflict, verbal or otherwise and also by seeking to implicate the Regional Minister who is the sitting MP of the Sissala West Consituency. We also suspect that some faceless politicians are behind these machinations. As we keep faith in avoiding their unceasing provocations, we entreat government to remain focused in its development agenda in creating an egalitarian society in our country Ghana.

We further deem it important to acknowledge that, there is still an appreciable number of tolerant and peace loving Sissala people within the Nimoro- Buwaa enclave who are not party to these needless provocations and kill development or kill joy syndrome but are willing to contribute to development, as well as sustain peace and harmony.

In conclusion, we wish to let our destructors know that we will continue to trust the good institutions of Ghana in dealing with all manner of issues and that we will not allow ourselves to be drawn into any act of illegality and lawlessness. However, like any individual, we have the right to self defense and this right we will not hesitate to exercise if it becomes an absolute option.

We wish to encourage every citizen of Fielimon to keep calm, work harder than before at improving our lot, stay focused at providing good training and education to our children and not get destructed by any group of ill-willed individuals as we continue to trust the institutions of the state to provide us the needed protection, and support to go about our lawful duties and development of our beloved community.

Long live Fielimon,

Long Sissala West District,

Long live mother Ghana.

Thank you for your attention.

...Signed...

Patrick Dugle (020-1633692)

John Paul Latuo (020-3810267)

Fredrick Kuupille (020-6816226)

Gorden Dugle (020-0238294)

Fidelis Naapaneh (020-7452750)

Alfred Domebe-i- mwine Kuusoyir ( 020-7176941)

Chrisantus Kpinye (020-7176941)

Zinteng Amatus (020-9313998)

Hypolite Sorpuo (020-9250169)

Fidelis Bunuyang Kuusoyir (020-9021578)
File Photo

24.06.2016 LISTEN

The head of Department for Early Childhood Development at the University of Education -Winneba, Dr Ahmed Jinapor has reiterated the need for Early Childhood education to be indigenized. Today's system of education he said, does not reflect the realities in environments that children live in. Dr Jinapor observed that it was about time Ghana curved a niche for herself in the area of childhood development.

He stressed that Ghana has a unique culture which must be imbibed in the children to uphold and preserve their heritage.

He underscored the need for the nation to prioritize and invest in the holistic development of children. According to him the quality of education or training given to children today predetermines how their future would be.

While recognizing some philosophers for their immense contribution to making what early childhood is today, he however believes they have been overly celebrated. The works of Montessori, Piaget, Thone Dike, amongst other philosophers he said, are centuries old findings of different environment which might not reflect what the children see in their environment and has a greater tendency of confusing the children. He made these observations this morning at a conference organized to mark the 20th anniversary celebration of Early Childhood development centers association of Ghana where he was the guest speaker.

The anniversary was on the theme: Early Childhood Education; the Stepping stone for National development. Speaking on the theme, Dr Jinapor did not mince words in admonishing early childhood educators to adhere to best practices that would stimulate the interest of children to learn. He also urged them to deliver their duties diligently in caring for the child to meet his/her psychological, emotional, moral and physical developmental needs to achieve their full human potentials.

The department of Early childhood development of the University of Education he said, is committed to churning out quality early childhood educators to contribute to the national development through quality care for the children. He urged the educators to take up the opportunity and enrole for courses to upgrade themselves which would put them in better position to deliver as expected.

President of the Early childhood education centres association of Ghana, Alhaji Issah Bukari admonished administrators of these centers to focus on strengthening best practices while maintaining standards to match up to fees parents pay for their wards. The conference which was held at Teachers Hall this morning, drew participants - mostly proprietors and educators from all the ten regions in the country.
24.06.2016 LISTEN

Everything clearly indicates that the current state of the countrys voter register cannot reliably guarantee the electorates any credible election 2016. The register is heavily pregnant with the names of not only deceased persons and minors but also, foreigners who dubiously used National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards as a form of National Identity card to register themselves onto the electoral roll.

From my previous publications, it has been well established and proven beyond reasonable doubt that NHIS cards cannot be used for national identity card unless otherwise stated by our Constitution. NHIS cards are issued to all those who at a point or another, may need access to the nations healthcare system. Therefore, nationals and both legal and illegal immigrants can avail themselves of the opportunities offered by NHIS card.

I have always been drawing on my British and other Western countries experience to argue how NHIS card as called in Ghana and NHS card as known in Britain cannot under the Sun, the Moon and the Stars, be used for national identity card. Subsequently, it is wrong on the part of both the Electoral Commission, especially their questionable leader, Mrs Charlotte Osei, and the NDC, to seek to argue that it is right to maintain the names of all those who used NHIS card to register on the electoral roll. It is not!

Going on to the Supreme Court, I am not the least enthused with what seems to be indecision on their part vis-a-vis the integrity of the existing voter register. The Supreme Court seems not to have the clout to order the Electoral Commission to do the right thing. The Supreme Court judges seem to dither, not taking firm and clear cut decisions on the electoral register.

What is the point of continually sewing patches onto an old weak cloth torn in several places? Could the money and energy spent doing the alterations or patches not well buy you a new and stronger cloth? Will you not end up spending more money and energy mending the never going-to-last weak cloth than purchasing a completely new one?

Having sought the opinion of the public readers on the cited analogy of an old and torn piece of cloth, would it not have been much better and more convenient if the Supreme Court had had the gut to order the Electoral Commission to produce an entirely new voter register? Could it not have caused less stress, less money, less doubtfulness among discerning Ghanaians, less time but more acceptance to Ghanaians if a totally new voter registration was initiated?

In future, the Supreme Court must be extremely farsighted to make rulings that will leave lasting positive impact on the minds and bodies of Ghanaians than making half-baked decisions as is obvious with their former directive to the Electoral Commission of which many a Ghanaian gave their own varied interpretations.

Now, the Supreme Court on Thursday 23rd June 2016, ordered the Electoral Commission to provide it with the list of names of all those who registered their names on the voter register using NHIS cards as their national identity card. Does this not amount to patching the existing problem as it was in the case of the over-worn cloth?

I suggest that a new voter register is made rather than continuing with these unnecessary requests for deleting the names of deceased persons, minors and foreigners or people who registered onto the electoral roll using NHIS card.

The NDC colluding with the Chair of the Electoral Commission are trying to be smarter than the Supreme Court but this should not be the reality. Subsequently, I expect the Supreme Court to be forthright on the voter register. The current one does not meet the expectations of the people except those planning to rig election 2016 in favour of President Mahama and the NDC.

Will the content of the underlying web link not be enough to convince you, the public reader that a new voter register is required, rather than the hard-to-do and doubtful ways of cleaning the register as directed by the Court but tactfully misunderstood by Charlotte Osei and her accomplices?

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/EC-registration-data-destroyed-CODEO-450115

Charlotte Osei is a total disgrace to womanhood  colluding to facilitate election rigging in favour of President Mahama and the NDC to the detriment of the suffering Ghanaian masses.

Rockson Adofo
24.06.2016 LISTEN

To be quite honest, it is rather befuddling to hear the damning views of those who diametrically oppose the one district one factory policy. For argument sake, it is only an idea at this stage so why go berserk over it?

As a matter of fact, the critics puzzling behaviour is similitude to that of a schizophrenic who could not help but to beat his son mercilessly for proposing to sit on his fathers yet to be born horse.

The paranoia told his son he will buy a horse if he got lucky and win a lottery. Consequently, his innocent son joyously told his father:  I will then sit on the foal (the baby horse).

Apparently, his schizophrenic father became incensed and ordered him: Get off my baby horse now. dont you know you will kill it?

Unsurprisingly, the poor boy was baffled on his schizophrenic fathers inexplicable behaviour, for his father was yet to raise money and buy the horse.

How sad was that? Anyway, weep not boy, for your father did not know what he was doing. Just forgive your paranoid father, for he will come to his senses one day.

I had an opportunity to listen to the veteran lawyer and chivalrous industrialist, Nana Appiah Menkahs views on Nana Addos one district one factory policy on Peace FMs evening news on Wednesday 22/06/2016.

Nana Appiah Menkah stressed that capital is not all about how much money you have, it is rather how you use your head.

He revealed how he started his soap industry from the scratch and managed to expand it over time. Nana Menkah stated emphatically that all that one needs to set up a business is a thinking head.

He continued by stating that Nana Addos one district one factory policy is feasible and in his view it is even too small and opined that he will rather suggest three factories in one district.

I couldnt agree more with Nana Appiah Menkah and his pertinent boldness. What a realistic, what a diligent, and what a forward thinking this elder citizen of ours is. He has indeed hit the nail on the head.

It appears that our dubieties have beclouded our thought processes , for if that is not the case, how can we not anticipate the numerous benefits that can spawn out of such an expedient policy?

Unfortunately, you hear all sorts of economists trying to shoot down such a fantastic idea with their clumsy excuses. How bizarre?

Tell me, why must anyone in his right frame of mind think we cannot develop through industrialization?

Of course we can do it. For if Dr Osagyefo was able to build hundreds of industries despite all the exigencies, so could anyone who has the foresight and the commitment.

In fact, my view on Nana Addos one District one factory policy is that it will enhance our socio-economic standards of living and reduce all forms of robberies.

Although it has not been well established that unemployment is the main cause of robberies, extant literature cites unemployment as one of the causes of armed robbery.

In fact, armed robbery menace is real and must be combated on all fronts. This is why I will urge all and sundry to extol Nana Addo on his one district one factory policy, which may mollify the armed robbery menace.

For if we go through our daily tabloids, turn on our Televisions and Radio sets, they are always reporting the heinous crimes of armed robbers.

Obviously, I am not referring to petty thieves-pocket pickers, yam, plantain or cassava thieves. I am referring to thieves who are often equipped with machine guns, semi-automatic weapons, bazookas, and rifles.

These scumbags are well marshalled, and often carry out their despicable activities with military precisions, can strike as lighting, and as deadly and destructive as molten magma.

Dont you think we could disarm a large number of these scumbags if we managed to set up factories all over the place? I think we could.

Go on, Nana Addo and implement your one district one factory policy if Ghanaians voted you to power on 7th November 2016, for if nothing at all, the unemployed will at least find something meaningful to do.

K. Badu, UK.
President John Dramani Mahama

24.06.2016 LISTEN

"I don't use Fords. I don't like American cars. I use Japanese cars. Toyota is my car."

The above is a quotation from what President Mahama said to the Clergy during a breakfast meeting at the seat of government on 23rdJune, 2016.

The President was obviously reacting to a piece of investigative journalistic work that saw a businessman and contractor from Burkina Faso disclosed that he had given President Mahama a Ford Expedition vehicle in 2012 as a gift.

The President could have communicated better his reaction to the alleged bribery saga. Disclosing his distaste for American vehicles was diplomatically wrong of him as a President whose country receives aid in various shape and form from the United States of America. Some of the aids come from taxes of businessmen trading in American cars of which the President of Ghana doesn't like.

By inference and insinuation, President Mahama was also saying that American cars are inferior, low quality and not deserving of his taste as President. Mr President, this was unnecessary.

There is no doubt from the statement President Mahama made that he saw Japanese cars to be of high quality, durable and everlasting than American cars. The question to ask President Mahama is:Are you also the marketing manager for Japan Motors?What you said of your car taste was wrong and needless. It was not a smart thing to say as President of a country that receives aid from America and I suggest that you offer unqualified apology to the President and people of the United States for undermining their vehicles.

I am highly convinced that the President erred when the ford expedition vehicle was received and kept like a State secret until the expose'. Wrong is wrong is wrong. There is no way sweet words can be put together to explain off this serious revelation. The NPP must be commended for calling for further investigations by the relevant agencies into this bribery allegation. All those who have filed petitions at the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) must be commended for wanting to know the truth or otherwise of this gargantuan saga of Presidential magnitude.

The media consultants to the President must make it known to him that there are times the best communication is silence. The varying and contradictory statements from government communicators about the Ford saga only make their case worst. They must as well be told that you don't do crisis communication by embarking on insults spree.

Ghanaians are very discerning and no amount of feeble and weak communication by government communicators will help or save the shame at this stage.

The President must do himself good by hastening slowly. The pressure on him is making him talk in un- presidential ways.

The fine details of the Ford Expedition vehicle will surely be known now or in the future. Deciding to play semantics with the case won't help President Mahama. The car must be returned and President Mahama must resign or be impeached. This should be non- negotiable. Very best.

Tamale North
24.06.2016 LISTEN

A recent flap around the #NeverBoring Donald Trump was over his demand that the judge presiding over the civil lawsuit against Trump University recuse himself from the case. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal , Trump said, U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel had an absolute conflict in presiding over the litigation given that he was of Mexican heritage and a member of a Latino lawyers association.

Trump thereby crossed the line between a Queens Galoot and something sad. His remarks drew extensive criticism from friends and allies, and even from aspirants to high office under a Trump presidency such as Newt Gingrich. They cost him some of the warmth he was beginning to cultivate within the GOP. Trump did something of a walk back still protesting that he was being unfairly treated:

It is unfortunate that my comments have been misconstrued as a categorical attack against people of Mexican heritage. I am friends with and employ thousands of people of Mexican and Hispanic descent. The American justice system relies on fair and impartial judges. All judges should be held to that standard. I do not feel that ones heritage makes them incapable of being impartial.

And, in a dismissive attempt to put this behind him, I do not intend to comment on this matter any further.

Theres much more to be done.

Trump obliquely made a link between Judge Curiel and La Raza by identifying Curiel as a member of a club or society very strongly pro-Mexican. This linkage was made explicit by some of Trumps loyalists.

Behind this story lurks an even greater story and a potentially valuable lesson. The lesson? There is room in La Raza for most, maybe all, Republicans and ample room for La Raza in the GOP.

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) was a client of mine many years ago. Its a distinguished organization, the predominant, mildly center left, old line Latino civil rights organization. (NCLR called upon me to help it find abundant funding for its national charter school initiative, and we did.) NCLR has no connection to the group using the name La Raza with which Judge Curiel was loosely connected nor to many small groups that go by that name.

There is ample confusion regarding the meaning of La Raza.

As reported by Reuters :

The words 'La Raza' translate from Spanish to mean 'the race,' which Trump fans cite as proof the NCLR is a group of people who hate anyone who isnt Hispanic.

Lisa Navarrete, an NCLR spokeswoman, rejected that interpretation, saying that 'thousands' of groups had names that included 'La Raza' as a nod to our common heritage.

As NCLRs president and CEO Janet Murguia states on NCLRs website :

The term was coined by Mexican scholar Jose Vasconcelos to reflect the fact that the people of Latin America are a mixture of many of the worlds races, cultures, and religions. Mistranslating 'La Raza' to mean the race implies that it is a term meant to exclude others. In fact, the full term coined by Vasconcelos, 'La Raza Cosmica,' meaning the 'cosmic people,' was developed to reflect not purity but the mixture inherent in the Hispanic people. This is an inclusive concept, meaning that Hispanics share with all other peoples of the world a common heritage and destiny.

And further:

NCLRs work as a civil rights institution is about inclusion and participation in the American Dream, including extensive efforts to assist new immigrants in the process of fully integrating into American life.

There is an even more fascinating backstory which points to a natural but broken linkage between Latinos and the GOP.

La Raza, sure enough, means the Race. But, just as Murguia says, it is shorthand for La Raza Cosmica. That was the title of an iconic essay by former Mexican education minister (and unsuccessful presidential candidate) Jose Vasconcelos. Vasconcelos wrote this 1925 essay to propound a counter-narrative, and antidote, to Hitlers 1925 Mein Kampf and the Nazi propounding of a Master Race.

Vasconcelos wove a rather proto-New Age story, inventing an inclusive new demographic category based in love, harmony, and beauty. Latino alludes to Latin. The Cosmic Race posits the Latinos as the cultural torch-bearers of the highly civilized Romans. This essay provides a strange yet lovely narrative of Latinos carrying forward the culture of Rome, based in beauty and harmony, in opposition to the Saxon  barbarian  culture based on violence and domination.

This harks back to the sacking of Rome by the Visigoths and Vandals. La Raza Cosmica brought this ancient twilight struggle forward into the 20th century. Whatever the level of historicity, it was a perfect parable with which to oppose Hitler. This fanciful romance (a word derived from Roman) is neither racist nor sinister. Its a noble stand for civilized values in the face of Nazism, then, and xenophobia, now.

I long have been vocally critical of much of the conservative movement and GOP for their failure to recognize Latinos as a social and political El Dorado to be enthusiastically embraced. If you do not know that the Latinos fully share conservative and mainstream Republican values you are, thanks to the terrible job that we in the media do, woefully ignorant.

Mexicos Declaration of Independence from Spain was cut from the same cloth as our own Declaration of Independence. Mexicos version is called the Grito de (Cry of) Dolores. As proclaimed by that great republican independence leader Fr. Miguel Hidalgo :

My children: a new dispensation comes to us today. Will you receive it? Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen three hundred years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once. Will you defend your religion and your rights as true patriots? Long live our Lady of Guadalupe! Death to bad government!

As I wrote elsewhere :

The Declaration of Independence and the Grito are rooted in the same ground: Dignity.

The Grito represents an opportunity for conservatives and Tea Partiers to celebrate the values we share with Hispanics. 

The swelling Hispanic population here is a gift to conservatives and to the United States. Hispanic values are core American, and conservative, values, including pro life, traditional marriage, family and community minded, hard working, entrepreneurial, respectful of property rights, religious and deeply patriotic.

And a word to those who vilify illegal aliens. Consider Americas Illegal Alien #1: the pop cultural icon Superman.

As I long ago wrote at the long-lost Parcbench.com:

Illegal Alien #1 is one Kal-El, a/k/a Superman. He illegally entered American airspace, then territory, and has taken up residence. No visa. No documents. He was found, in his tiny rocket ship, and taken in by Ma and Pa Kent, who thereby themselves became guilty of a felony, subject to five years of imprisonment under 8 U.S. Code sec. 1324 .

What red-blooded American would wish to deport Mr. Truth-Justice-And-The-American Way? Who could wish to imprison Ma and Pa Kent for harboring the foundling?

Law without justice is hollow. One recalls Les MiserablesJean Valjean imprisoned, ultimately for 19 years, for stealing a loaf of bread with which to feed his sisters starving children. Law must serve justice.

We have pledged allegiance to liberty and justice for all. Delivering justice for all is a threshold requirement in making America great again. It is laudable to promise aggressively to deport alien rapists, murderers, drug dealers, and other thugs of whatever ethnicity. That said, it is insufficient to greatness to say, in effect, that some of my best friends are Hispanic, insufficient to promise a big, fat beautiful door right in the middle of the wall with Mexico.

The GOP has been weirdly tone deaf about courting people of color, engaging in lame messaging. An outstanding exception was former Texas GOP State Chairman Steve Munisteri . Munisteri gave full dignity to the Latinos, African-Americans, and Asians of Texas. He actively invited them to become party officials and candidates, not minions. He proved that he did not want just their votes. He offered them positions of real authority. As a result, they recruited themselves in droves into the Texas GOP.

The Republican National Committee would do brilliantly to groom Munisteri as the logical successor to the RNC Chairmanship after Reince Priebus decides to step down. And Donald Trump could do no better than to induce Munisteri to join his campaign at a most senior level.

If Donald Trump were to give a speech in the language of the Grito his crowds would go wild. The media would go nuts condemning him for incendiary language. And Latinos, at least the half of that demographic who are of Mexican extraction, would be touched, moved, and inspired.

Latinos are an available constituency for the conservative movement and the Republican Party. They are the United States of America's new El Dorado. All it takes: accord them their full dignity due. It is both right and necessary to celebrate the dignity of Hispanics.

Originating at Forbes.com
Dakar (AFP) - Senegalese President Macky Sall has pardoned Karim Wade, the son of his predecessor and a former minister who was jailed for graft in March 2015, the justice ministry said Friday.

In detention since his 2013 arrest, Wade was serving a six-year sentence after being convicted of illicitly amassing a fortune worth at least 178 million euros ($198 million).

Wade was "freed on Friday morning. He then left Dakar to go to Qatar," said Soro Diop, press officer for the ministry.

Sall had raised the possibility of a pardon in an interview with French broadcaster RFI on June 2, saying "A lot of people are asking that he be released," and adding that "they should not lose hope."

The younger Wade was an extremely divisive figure in Senegalese politics in the run-up to the country's last election when his father's bid to seek a third term sparked deadly riots.

Many believed Abdoulaye Wade, in power from 2000-2012, was trying to line him up for succession.
24.06.2016 LISTEN

Dedication - To my dear friend, Claribel Akua Tawiah Arhin.

Article 302 will cite some unorthodox philosophies which will portray me as condescending. Well, I am a maverick, and I break the rules and set new ones. Okay, I challenge you to forget your knowledge because your works define you. Period! Many folks crave knowledge but they have very little or virtually no corresponding works to show. That's so awful. Personally, I acquire rare knowledge all the time. In fact, I do that subconsciously as a genius. However, I strive to transform my knowledge in theory into practical work for optimum results in my life. No wonder I am rich both in knowledge and works.

I recently saw a thought-provoking picture on Facebook which really struck me. It stated that, "Your beliefs don't make you a good or bad person. Your actions do." Why? "There are good Christians and bad Christians such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Adolf Hitler respectively. Good Muslims and bad Muslims like Malcom X and Osama Bin Laden respectively. People who live without religion and are ethical and are not ethical such as Bill Gates and Joseph Stalin respectively." In essence your works, deeds or actions actually define your persona and not your mere beliefs, ideologies or knowledge.

Moreover, let me use myself as a typical example to substantiate the concrete basis of Article 302. Some people read English or Communications Studies as a programme of study at the university, yet they are not professional writers. But I, a supposed business student, have written hundreds of articles and a book to be publish soon. So who is the certified writer here? Most of my programme mates learn hard to get first class in Bachelor of Commerce consisting of courses on management, innovation, economics, and the like, yet they are not businesspeople. But I am a start-up entrepreneur who manages his own writing firm which has an innovative service, "Help Me Out" memes. Am I not the real businessperson?

That is why I urge young people of today, especially students to begin putting their knowledge into actual practice. Remember, experience through works will enable you to understand uncommon aspects of your core knowledge. So do something with all the theories and concepts you have grasped, and do it well too. If you happen to be a Political Science student, you can contest for student elections. If you are an IT student, you definitely have to develop softwares. If you are an Economics student, try solving or providing pragmatic solutions to economic problems in society.

Source: sirarticle.blogspot.com
Veteran journalist Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr has said he is unperturbed by the insults being rained on him for defending President John Mahama over the Ford gift saga.

The Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide has come under a barrage of attacks from members of the opposition New Patriotic Party for defending what they term as an act of bribery and corruption for accepting a gift from Burkinabe contractor Kanazoe Djibril.

The latest attack came from a former NPP Okaikoi North Constituency seat aspirant Ken Kuranchie, who has described as embarrassing the spirited defense of Mahama over the Ford gift controversy. Mr. Baako Jnr has rubbished the bribery allegation against Mahama, saying the matter is not an issue. According to him, Manasseh Azuri Awunis (the investigative journalist) efforts to get to the bottom of the matter is commendable, but the attempt to link the issue to a bribe could have been better packaged.

I have a lot of respect for Kweku Baako, hes one person I look up to in the media, and I would have worshipped him if he were a god. I, however, feel embarrassed at the comments by the man I so much respect passed on the gift saga. The matter is a serious one which should not be brushed aside as the New Crusading Guide newspaper boss is doing. I really feel ashamed at his conduct, the Daily Searchlight newspaper editor told Atinka FM.

However, Mr Baako Jnr shrugged off the criticism about him. He told host of Accra-based Metro TVs Good Morning Ghana Randy Abbey he is not moved by the criticism by the NPP, except that people who do so must do it fairly.

Theres no doubt that the Mahamas are my friends. I have a soft spot for them just as I do for Nana Addo and Kufuor. These are my very good friends. Come on I am human. Cant I have a soft spot for somebody? Its normal, the award-winning journalist said.

When I defend Nana Akufo even under very difficult circumstances as for that they dont have an issue with it, but when I do same for Mahama then they have an issue. I think its double standards. Anyway like I said I am not worried at all. They can go on. I wish them well, Baako Jnr opined.

On his part, the aspiring Member of Parliament for Tamale North Alhassan Suhuyini who was also on the programme said the NPP has increasingly exhibited intolerance for divergent views and for that matter has developed the penchant for attacking anybody who disagrees with them.

He threw a challenge to the NPP to come out and state that they have never received a gift from contractors for campaign purposes.

I know a lot of NPP big wigs even including those who have received one form of gift or the other from a contractor. Does that mean the gifts are meant to influence the flag bearer to give them contracts should he ever become president of this country? Well if that is the logic they are pushing then lets interrogate and I am ready to do that. But I can assure them that no weapon fashioned against the president shall prosper. The NPP is doing all it can to tag the president with corruption but I can assure them they are wasting their time, the former broadcaster stated.
With hindsight, Prime Minister David Cameron would be full of regrets for his decision to call a referendum June 23rd, 2016 for Britain to decide whether to remain an EU member or a non-EU member. A British himself, Mr. Cameron should have known for a fact that there was no way the broader masses of his compatriots would want to remain a part of the EU and thus allow other EU citizens to come in and go as they willed.

From Sept, 2000 to June 2002, yours truly happened to live in the UK and I vividly recall everything I went through living in a pure white community in Newcastle_Under_Lyme, Staffordshire, and Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, all outside of London. Over that period, I observed that a very great majority of the British were so much against the presence of foreigners in their country even when they were also from other European countries such as Germany, Holland, Spain etc.

I vividly recall one scenario where a white German lady, a nurse by profession, had come to Cheltenham to polish her English and was actually given a hell of a time by her host institution because she was not British. She personally struck an acquaintance with me seeing the torture I was enduring as a black and thus sought to console me whilst also sharing her experiences. My conclusions whilst vacating the UK was that the British were a highly-reserved people and they always wanted to deal strictly with one of their own. Thus the many demographics especially from Eastern Europe that have flooded Britain following the expansion of the EU to 27 members had always raised the temperature of the average Briton.

This is why some of us find it shocking that the British leader went this path on the false premise that he could win on the questions he posed. The pattern of results no wonder shows Scotland and metropolitan London voting BREMAIN whilst almost the rest of the entire UK voted BREXIT. This was a clear case of conservatism that Mr. Cameron shockingly overlooked much to the joy of the pro-BREXIT. For a fact, we can predict that in the next few years, Scotland will seek once again to secede from the union again you bet!

To Mr. Cameron, I can only wish him Godspeed after he intimated this morning that he was to stand down in October. In fact, it was a really unnecessary suicide mission he embarked on!

P. OKAE

ADENTAN-ACCRA
The Supreme Court (SC) has been lauded after it descended heavily on the Electoral Commission (EC) for feet dragging in implementing orders to clean up the voters' register.

A legal practitioner Nana Asante Bediatuo says the SC by its fresh orders yesterday has virtually taken over the process of cleaning up the register deemed bloated.

The SC was in full fury when it gave the EC six days to submit a list of all illegal persons on the electoral roll because they registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card, declared unconstitutional.

The new order comes after the EC failed to implement a May 5 order to expunge the names of persons who used the NHIS cards to register from the electoral roll.

The Commission claimed that the order did not state that NHIS registrants ought to be removed, a postured that incensed the opposition politician Abu Ramadan who returned to the court for clarity on its orders.

The commissions explanation was perceived to be dilly-dallying. In an unusual turn of events in court, the Chief Justice Georgina Wood led her colleague judges in condemning the EC.

Nana Asante Bediatuo who is lawyer for Abu Ramadan, believes the EC deserved the reaction it got from the judges.

He said since May 2014, the EC has been reluctant to implement a Supreme Court judgment that the NHIS card is not a proper means of identifying a Ghanaian citizen for purposes of registering as a voter.

They wait two years, do nothing, in fact, thwart efforts of the plaintiffs to get them to do the right thing, they now come to court, orders are given, they are told to implement those orders immediately, and six to seven weeks later, nothing is done.

He said the move by the SC is a good thing for constitutional law, [that] the Supreme Court takes steps to manage the process so that the constitution is respected."

Nana Asante Bediatuo believes that the credibility of the voters register is a major political issue which can blow up in all our faces, if the EC is left to act arbitrarily.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|[email protected]
Ghanas Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hannah Tetteh, has said the UK's decision to leave the European Union will affect Ghana's trade with that country.

The Brits voted on Thursday to exit the European Union after more than four decades of joining the common market.

With regard to the UK and the European Union, what that will impact is our trade relations. Even that, I don't see that having an impact immediately because, they will now begin the process of negotiating their exit from the European Union. What we have to do now, is to watch how the rest of the European Union reacts to this. Because we don't know whether or not this is going to trigger similar calls for other EU countries which would have even more significant implications than just the Brexit vote, she added.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, Hanna Tetteh also explained that, Ghana would have to renegotiate trading and bilateral agreements with the UK.

Recent statistics shown that, trade between Ghana and the United Kingdom has reached 1.3 billion.

Ghana is currently the UK's fifth largest trade partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Even though Britain has not formally exited the EU, and the UK remains bound by previous agreements signed under the EU, Ghana will immediately start talks with the UK on a bilateral trade agreement, the Minister added.

She also said the country would have to pay attention to the UK and EU negotiations so that we will know what kind of processes they will continue to have, and how that should influence whatever subsequent negotiations we will have with them.

Until Britain formally exits EU, the trade arrangement will continue to apply, but we have to consider the negotiation of bilateral trade arrangement with the UK, she added.

Meanwhile, experts have predicted that the UK and EU negotiations will last for about two years.

Well consider emerging markets for $750m bond

The Minister of Finance, Seth Terkper, has also said Ghana is considering emerging markets for its $750 million bond.

According to him, with Ghana's experience in the core matured markets, the exit of Britain from the EU would have an effect on the European and American bonds markets; hence it will be prudent to study other markets to maximize Ghana's output.

We are also watching the emerging markets. When we talk about emerging markets, we are talking about the bonds markets involving bonds issued in Brazil, China, India and others. Those are the emerging markets, he said.



By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
Britain has voted to leave the European Union in a referendum, with the result throwing into question the fate of the 28-nation bloc and Prime Minister David Cameron announcing he will step down by October. The official result which was announced on Friday saw a major victory for the Brexit campaign, which received 59.1 percent vote in Thursday's historic referendum.

Economic challenges facing nations has often led them to make some hard choices. German economic recession in the 1930s gave rise to Nazism. Italy made do with Facism in the face of rising unemployment and near economic collapse coming from the First World War. Spain produced Francisco Franco's dictatorship. Portugal fell to military incursion in 1974. Britain's entry into EU in 1973 in a dramatic way was seen as the Labour Government's desperation to have things to tell its supporters. Well, a conservative government will lead them out over 40 years after.

The rising profile of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) looks like the country may soon be facing the "Nationalistic" challenges. I won't be surprised to see English men displaying their xenophobic attitudes under the well-coordinated UKIP propaganda machine catching in on traditional British pride. The fact that Europes far-right parties hailed the UKs vote to leave the European Union as a victory for their own anti-immigrant and anti-EU stance and vowed to push for similar referendums in their own countries attest to this point.

For instance, Frances Front National (FN) saw it as a clear boost for Marine Le Pens presidential bid next year and momentum for the partys anti-Europe and anti-immigration line. The Dutch far-right and anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders called on Friday for a referendum on the Netherlands membership of the European Union. In Germany, Beatrix von Storch, an MEP for rightwing populist party Alternative fur Deutschland, who was recently expelled from the Tories party group in the European Parliament over her shooting refugees comments, welcomed the result. UK referendum was proof the EU was decaying, saying that France had a thousand more reasons to leave than the UK because we have the euro and Schengen [passport-free zone]. She had warned that the strategy of terror by pro-EU campaigners in the UK no longer worked. Are the lofty ideas of Globalization on the decline? Are we back to the era of Nationalistic parties in Europe?

With Brexit winning on Friday night, hopes of keeping the UK appears fading with the question of Scottish and Irish independence looking more feasible with Nicola Sturgeon former first minister (Scottish) looking certain he will call for a second Scottish independence referendum after the UK voted to leave the European Union. He is reported to have said the Brexit vote constituted a material change in Scotlands position within the UK, telling BBC Radio Scotland: This changes the whole context of Scottish independence.

The decision of Britain to leave the EU is still being looked at and it is too early to predict the consequences of that choice. But politically, it is certain that things will not be the same again both in the larger European sphere and in British domestic politics.

Olalekan Waheed Adigun is a political risk analyst and independent political strategist for wide range of individuals, organisations and campaigns based in Lagos, Nigeria. Email: [email protected], [email protected] Follow me on

twitter: @adgorwell. Tel: +2348136502040, +2347081901080
The Mahama-led administration should have transformed the Ghanaian economy with the amount of money it has borrowed, but it instead proved inefficient in its spending, the Running Mate of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, has said.

According to him, preliminary figures for money borrowed by the present administration, a purported US$ 40 billion, indicates that if properly put to good use, that money could have built many more factories.

This was in apparent response to officials of the National Democratic Party (NDC) administration who questioned the viability of a proposal by the NPP flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, to facilitate the building of factories in all districts across the country.

Dr. Bawumia was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Freedom Forum in Accra, organized by the Youth Wing of the NPP.

In his view, if the NPP had access to US$ 40 billion, the NDC government borrowed, his government could establish 1,142 factories.

Our government for example was beating its chest a few weeks ago that it has established a sugar factory for US$ 35 million meanwhile you have borrowed some US$ 40 billion. We could have established a thousand of such factories 1,142 to be precise, Dr. Bawumia said.

The US$ 40 billion government borrowed, according to Dr. Bawumia, should have been enough to positively transform any African economy.

You look at US$ 40 billion, and I gave you US$ 40 billion to spend in any African economy, you would have to see transformation, he asserted.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Exactly seven years ago, I had an encounter with some renowned witches in Ghana and this altered my whole perception of the meaning of the inscription Freedom and Justice boldly engraved on our national coat of arms. The entire encounter was initiated by a single decision which then transformed into a huge mission. The desire and passion to tell the story of these witches whose plight was very dear to my heart sent me packing to Gambaga in the Northern part of Ghana.

I remember vividly the stares and surprises in the faces of my friends and family when they got to know of my journey. I could clearly tell that a lot of them were not in support of my mission but they could not muster the courage to tell me in the face. All I had from them was You be careful out there.

Looking back, I now understand better why my journey generated the sort of reactions it did. Presently in Ghana, at the mere mention of the word witch all of peoples senses become very alert. Witches in Ghana have assumed a powerful role in the minds of people such that they dictate and determine the actions of many Ghanaians. Medals for best churches are won by persons who can best cast out the most powerful witches in our society. Our fascination with witchcraft has led simple minds to become prey to Bishop Obinim and a host of others who display their powers in casting out lesser powers leaving the human being abused and miserable. Even more seriously, every calamity that befalls a person out of ignorance, negligence, or accident is attributed to a witch somewhere. When leaders become steeped in corruption, creating jobless and hopeless youth who dont take any initiative in life, witches in Ghana are given all the credit for it.

Clearly, by our actions and inactions, a lot of us have proven that witches are our greatest enemies in life and the best way to ensure our safety, security and successes is to flush them out through fair or foul means. In some communities in Ghana, the creation of witch camps is one way of dealing with the witch problem.

The story of witch camps in Gambaga is very simple yet complicated. Anytime something bad or unpleasant happens to an individual or the community, the blame is usually put on the door steps of an old woman. The woman is attacked with her home and belongings demolished and burnt to ashes. If she is lucky, she escapes and runs for her life with the smoke from her burnt property wishing her a safe journey wherever she is going. Trust me, no matter how fast or far this accused woman runs, her next stop is the witch camp. If she still wants to prove her innocence, she is given a trial in the chiefs palace of her new community. A fowl, which is provided by the accused woman, is slaughtered and thrown to the ground. If the dying fowl lies face up, it means the accused woman is guilty and is officially declared a witch. The camp becomes her home where she undergoes other rituals for purification.

Life in the Gambaga camp is not one I would prescribe to my enemy even at gun point. Apart from the mud houses which the women call shelter, access to basic utilities like water and electricity is non-existence. Ironically, most of the women consider the camp a safe haven and are totally against its closure. There are recorded cases of some suspected witches being released from the camps only for them to later return. Am I surprised at their action? My answer is a categorical no because until I am able to answer the question on the lips of most of the suspected witches, I will continue to side with the women that the camp is a safe haven. Their question is, Where would we go if the camp is closed? Our people are not ready to take us back and we have lost all our belongings. Truly, they have nowhere to go because the people they call family and friends are not prepared to take them back once they have been tagged as witches.

Why does an entire community decide to abandon their sisters, mothers, aunties and grandmothers and still walk proudly without the slightest hint of guilt? That is where the real story is. Where is justice, you ask? The laws of Ghana are clueless as to how to restore the dignity and loss of these women. I wanted to know: why was the witch camp made up of mostly women and particularly, older women? Where were all the male witches (wizards) in Gambaga? Was witchcraft only a female thing?

Well, in the midst of my wining and dining with these suspected witches in search for some answers to these pertinent questions, I was told by both women and men through interviews I had in the Gambaga community that men practiced witchcraft but the male witches were not camped because they, unlike the women, do not use their witchcraft for destruction: they use it to protect their families. Revealing as this was, I was still not satisfied. I wanted more answers, especially from a wizard. Fortunately, I managed to get the Chief Priest of the camp who proudly described himself as a super wizard. He lived outside the camp and the journey to his home in the middle of the night is a story reserved for another day. The Chief Priest actually confirmed the existence of wizards but he also insisted that they use their sorcery positively. He also revealed how he flies when everyone was asleep at night just to make sure that the suspected witches do not use their witch craft negatively.

Seven years later, I dare to say that nothing has changed. On March 7, 2016, I was watching the midday news and lo and behold My Own Gambaga was making the news again. Three more fresh witches speaking of how they had been chased from their village. Behind them, old inmates starring at them with the wisdom of years of suffering probably thinking: We were once like you. Welcome to our world. Who were these women before they were declared witches? They were well to-do, rubbing shoulders with the men and daring to speak their minds and question authority, acts solely reserved for the man. Maybe these women should have just shut up and accepted being the tail instead of trying to be the head in their communities. I just thought aloud.

About the Author, Eric Ziem

Eric Ziem Bibiebome is a graduate from the University of Ghana, Legon. He has spent the greater part of his life in the Academia and enjoys doing Advocacy for Youth Development. He believes in the saying that The Mind is a terrible thing to waste which to a larger extent shows that if we set up our minds to achieving something, the sky is really the limit. He is passionate about writing, more especially, what he calls Experiential feature articles. which entails profiling of prominent or unique individuals of interest to the community, writing on the background for certain events or traditions, and also delving into the past or presenting some historical pieces.

Well, do not be surprise if you see him around you with his pen and paper writing a very beautiful story about you.
An Accra High Court has discharged 13 people accused of duping the state of almost 1 million cedis.

The 13 include five Controller and Accountant Generals Department staff as well as 8 non staff of the CAGD.

The accused persons pleaded guilty under section 35 of the courts Act 459 as amended by Act 620 (2002).

The provision allows persons accused of stealing state funds to plead guilty, pay back the money in full and also pay reparation to the state.

The 13 who were part of the 16 accused persons have paid a total 851,745.68 Ghana cedis back to the State.

The five workers of the accountant generals department and 11 other accomplices are accused of generating ghost names on government payroll to siphon state funds into private accounts.

The accused persons were charged for conspiracy to commit crime, namely stealing contrary to section 124 of the Criminal Offence Act 29, 1960.

The workers of the CAGD include; Godwin Komla Amegbe Chief Treasury Officer at the Pensions Computation Unit, Controller and Controller General; Sonny Adinyira, Treasury Officer at the Controller and Accountant General's Department attached to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and Richard Osei Asamoah, Head of Data Entry Technical Team of the Controller and Accountant General's Department attached to the Pensions Computation Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Daniel Adu Twum who works at the Internal Auditor at the Pensions Unit of the Controller and Accountant General's Department and Kwasi Alomenu External Auditor attached to the pensions unit of the Controller and Accountant General's Department.

According to state prosecutors, investigations revealed that the accused persons got people to open accounts with some specific banks to deposit monies into them which they would later withdraw.

The account, according to investigations, was for pension benefits of supposed retirees and deceased persons.

They further indicated that various sums of monies were deposited into the bank accounts of purported retirees and deceased persons.

The monies which amount to 1 million Ghana cedis were later withdrawn by other members of the syndicate and shared amongst themselves.



By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
24.06.2016 LISTEN

By Paa Nii Stevenson, GNA

Fetentaa (B/A), June 24, GNA - Refugees from neighbouring La Cote d'Ivoire living in Ghana, have been told to consider returning voluntarily to their home country or accept integration into the host nation.

Ms. Ioli Kimyaci, the Country Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), assured them of the world body's support - whatever choices they made.

She was addressing a durbar to mark this year's celebration of the World Refugee Day.

The event was held at the Fetentaa Refugee Camp in the Berekum Municipality under the theme 'With refugees'.

Mr. Kenneth Dzirasah, Chairman of the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), Mr. Justice Samuel Adjei, Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister and the Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani, were among those present.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi, in a speech read for him, expressed concern about the unprecedented high number of people that continued to be displaced daily by armed conflicts.

He noted that more than 60 million people had been uprooted from their homes across the world and that with each passing day, the figures kept swelling.

He condemned, what he labeled as 'divisive political rhetoric on asylum and migration issues and xenophobia - threatening international agreements protecting those forced to flee from war or persecution'.

Mr. Grandi spoke of the need for 'burden sharing and political will' as the UNHCR struggled with funding to take care of the refugees, adding that, everybody should join in the effort at providing help to them.

Mr. Adjei hailed the church and other religious organizations for the tremendous assistance to refugees in the country.

GNA
Mother Ghana has written a passionate letter to John Dramani to voice her concerns about the Ford gift issue. Read th moving letter below.

Son, you are not the most intelligent, handsome or oldest of all my children. But your fellow siblings entrusted you with all the resources of the family. Their expectation was simple; manage OUR RESOURCES to make OUR LIVES better.

How well have you done?

I am disappointed to hear that you awarded a contract to a foreigner to build a fence around an acre of land for over $650,000. The award of the contract was on the back of the contractor giving you an American car (Ford) as a gift.

The gift was not known by your siblings until my dear son Manasseh Azure Awuni blew the cover. Most of my other children have been enraged about the issue.

I needed to hear your side of the story before drawing any conclusions. Your responses so far have enraged, annoyed and disappointed me greatly.

Firstly, you have not denied that $650k was used to build a mere fence wall. That's outrageous! How can you allow such a thing to happen given our limited resources? Are you not concerned that some of your siblings sleep on the street and have no food to eat? Is that how I brought you up?

Secondly, you have said that the claim of potential corruption by your siblings is 'baseless'. You are wrong! They have so many reasons ( bases) to impugn your honesty in this matter. How come the contractor had no business from this family until he 'befriended' you?

Thirdly, you have sought to justify your acceptance of the gift by stating that you don't even like American cars. And so what? Why did you accept the gift then. One of your Deputy Ministers has said "you accepted the gift for Ghana". That is ridiculous!! I don't have need for that car.

I don't like it, need it or want it.

So if indeed you also don't like, RETURN the car immediately!!

My son, Kantanka, will make a car for me if I decide to add to the numerous fleet of cars at my disposal.

Finally, my good advice to you is that subject yourself to any inquiries or investigations to ensure that everyone gets to know the truth. I am really concerned with your leadership. Your siblings also have every basis to chastise you because the resources of the family belongs to all of us.

I am very disappointed!!!

May be it's time for one of my other children to assume the leadership responsibility of this family?

Your ever loving Mum!!

Ama Ghana
24.06.2016 LISTEN

A remarkable spectaclethats the description NPP flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo of President John Mahamas acceptance of a controversial car gift from Burkinabe contractor, Djibril Kanazoe.

The President has come under intense criticism for accepting a Ford Expedition gift from the man who executed the $650,000 Ghana embassy wall contract in Burkina Faso and another road contract.

Government has defended the president, claiming the vehicle has never been used personally by the president and that instead, it has been added to the pool of vehicles at the presidency.

The NPP flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo is now stoking the fires. He has been addressing a gathering at the International Young Democrat Union's Freedom Forum in Accra.

"I'm sure you have been here following the remarkable spectacle of our president, who has been given a $100,000 gift by a contractor and the issues that it has raised about conflict of interest, about personal integrity, code of conduct of public officers. And this is within a context where there have been persistent and many instances of proven allegations of widespread corruption in President Mahama's government," Akufo-Addo said.

"We [NPP] are saying to the Ghanaian people in this [2016] election that not only do we believe that a higher quality of government is necessary for usbut that the management of the national economy that we have witnessed in these last seven or eight years have been, if you like, nothing short of disastrous," the former Abuakwa South member of parliament (MP) added.

President John Mahama on Thursday responded to the allegations of bribery, abuse of office and conflict of interest after a Joy News Investigation by Manasseh Azure Awuni revealed he received a 2010 Ford Expedition gift from a foreign contractor.

The President said the allegations were baseless and politically motivated to stifle his chances for a second term in the upcoming November 7 general elections.

The allegation of corruption is baseless. Baseless accusations wont win you the Presidency. Ghanaians are discerning and I believe come November 7, they will make their decision," the President told his accusers.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim | Email: [email protected]
24.06.2016 LISTEN

By Belinda Ayamgha, GNA

Accra, June 24, GNA - The business community and exporters in Ghana have discussed the way forward with the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the European Union on how to meet the EU's October 1deadline for signing an Interim EPA.

The discussions, which was held in camera, was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

This is also dependent on the signing of the ECOWAS agreement which has been stalled by the decision of Nigeria, the Gambia and Mauritius not to sign.

Addressing the media prior to the discussion, Ms Hanna Tetteh, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and Acting Minister of Trade, said it had become important for players in the industry to have frank discussions on the issue.

She said failure to sign the Interim EPA by 1st October would mean that Ghanaian exporters would no longer enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market under the existing market regulations.

'There are a number of businesses in Ghana who depend on duty-free quota-free access in order to be able to run their businesses; there are also businesses in Ghana who worry about the implications of an EPA on their businessesthus we wanted to give the opportunity for our private sector to discuss this with each other,' she said.

Ms Tetteh said the removal of the duty-free, quota-free access would not only affect those companies who export to the EU - mainly exporters of non-traditional exports - but also their suppliers, which would also have implications for the job market and unemployment rates as well as Ghana's competitiveness as an investment destination.

She explained that should Ghana fail to sign an Interim EPA, businesses may relocate to neighbouring countries who had already signed the interim agreement, such as Cote d'Ivoire.

Ms Tetteh said the discussions was the first of several stakeholder discussions that would be held to come to a consensus on the next steps to be taken by Ghana, that is whether or not to sign the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement.

Mr William Hanna, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, who was a resource person, said there was no possibility of an extension of the October 1, 2016 deadline, as Ghana had to be treated the same way as other middle income countries worldwide.

GNA
Accra, June 24, GNA - The Ministry of Education on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the French Embassy for assistance to ensure the effective teaching and learning of the French Language.

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, the Minister of Education, signed for Ghana while Mr Francios Pujolas, the French Ambassador, signed for the Government of France.

Mr Pujolas said the support, which was worth 700,000 Euros, was part of his Government's 'Solidarity Priority Support Fund' project, which was aimed at assisting countries to improve the teaching and learning of the French Language at the pre-tertiary and tertiary levels.

According to him although a lot of support had already gone into these areas, a lot more was needed to achieve better learning outcomes.

He explained that three key areas of intervention for the current support would be for the high school level, science oriented institutions and the Mount Mary's College of Education, which was the Regional Centre for the teaching of French instructors.

Mr Pujolas said learning the French Language would not only ensure better trade deals between businesses, but also broaden the horizon of Ghanaians to the Francophone world for healthier collaborations and partnerships.

Prof. Opoku-Agyeman thanked the Government and People of France for the continuous support towards Ghana's educational improvement, while acknowledging the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and other partners whose efforts has resulted in the support.

She said the Government had embraced the teaching and learning of French as the second foreign language studied in the educational institutions in addition to English, the official language, and the vernacular.

Prof. Opoku-Agyeman, however, said although French was currently being offered in the junior high schools and was an option in the six programmes at the senior high schools, the results at the Basic Education levels remained a challenge, and there was the urgent need to remove the bottle-necks to ensure better outcomes.

The project: 'Support to Initiatives to Provide Training in French as a Foreign Language,' in its three components addresses the concerns of the Ministry as far as capacity building of its teachers and trainers of trainers was concerned, she said.

Prof. Opoku-Agyeman said the Ministry had also set up a working group on the promotion of French in Ghana to brainstorm on strategies of making its study more attractive to students and to mitigate the perception that the language was a difficult one.

She said the proposals from the group would be duly considered and strategies for implementation adopted upon submission.

Prof. Opoku-Agyeman advocated for the need for a detailed research to know the areas that needed to be supported so that the corresponding strategies could be developed for effective implementation to achieve results.

She said with the support the Ministry would create the learning space through formal school clubs to design appropriate learning strategies for both beginners and continuing students to make the learning of the French language enjoyable.

GNA
David Cameron and Boris Johnson point at the exit door for UK

25.06.2016 LISTEN

For all the reasons advanced by the opponents and proponents of the Britains exit from the European Union, what is clear is that David Cameron, the charismatic 49-year-old UK prime minister of Nigerias former colonial administration will go down in history as a true democrat who believes in plurality of voices. Under his leadership, he expanded the choice and voice of British citizens in major decisions affecting them especially those foisted by history.

In 2014, he initiated the referendum that asked citizens of Scotland if they wanted to remain within the United Kingdom? This followed consistent complaints of marginalization of Scottish nation from Westminster administration. The referendum experienced vigorous debates and ultimately those who supported secession lost in the polls and today Scotland remains a part of Great Britain with additional guarantees and offers to address Scotts grievances with the central government.

Brexit, a policy proposal that sought to ask British citizens their preference regarding the countrys continued membership of the European Union  a politico-economic union of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Since the Maastricht Treaty of 1993 that ensured a single market that guaranteed free movement of goods, services, people and money, some British policy makers never really came to terms with an integrated Europe under Euro currency- the single monetary union, hence its heavy reliance on the pound.

It is under the climate of distaste for the union and embrace of British identity that eligible voters of British, Irish, and Commonwealth citizens over 18 who are resident in the U.K., along with U.K. nationals living abroad set out to end the Brexit debate. The broad electorate also included members of the House of Lords and Commonwealth citizens in Gibraltar.

The merits and demerits of British exit from European Union have been widely discussed among political pundits and policy makers. The stay-in EU advocates argue that European Union without Britain is caricature of itself and will severely impact global economic security. Part of the reasons for emergence of European Union is to assist United States in carrying the burden of worlds most pressing challenges. That is why President Obama went to London to galvanize support for his counterpart  Cameron who wanted Britain to stay in EU. On the other hand, those who favored exit were driven by nativists or nationalists who are worried about the influx of immigrants from other countries against the backdrop of the Schengen agreements that allow people to travel without having their passports checked at the borders. The panic caused by jihadists across Europe, America, and Africa also bolsters their argument for Britain to protect itself.

The opinion polls on the debate remained vastly divided for the whole period of the Brexit campaigns with occasional shifts to either sides of the debate thereby created uncertainty about the outcome. Finally, the country has decided to leave the European Union and the Prime Minister, David Cameron resigns. The outcome of the Brexit vote notwithstanding, the decision to hold the referendum in itself is a triumph for democracy, pluralism, and citizen participation.

David Cameron and Boris Johnson point at the exit door for UK

The echoes the Brexit referendum should reverberate across the Atlantic Ocean to reach Nigeria and other African countries as well as across the deserts to reach Iraq and other Middle East countries where British colonial governments forged artificial unions among disparate and heterogeneous entities that were not supposed to be together.

For example, it will be a good idea for African governments to emulate Britains courage to sample the opinion of their citizens in relation to their future and self-determination. In this regard, Britain and other Western powers should nudge Nigerian government to conduct a similar referendum in the country in which Nigerian citizens could be asked for the first time if they wanted to stay in the Nigerian Union? This will be a departure from the phony constituent assembly held at different times in Nigerias history that had the peoples representatives turn to represent their personal interests. Similarly, citizens of Iraq  fragmented among the Sunnis, Kurds, and Shiites should be encouraged to conduct a referendum on whether they want to continue living under one country created by the British many years ago. If Britons who negotiated their membership of EU from inception have the right to debate and vote for or against their continued EU membership, Nigerian and Iraqi citizens or any other geographical and political entity for that matter should have the same right and opportunity to determine their future. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Not long ago, in 2014, about 97 per cent of Crimean voters overwhelmingly backed a referendum to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. Similarly, South Sudan broke away from Sudan in 2011 following a successful referendum to ease that region of protracted fratricidal wars. Redrawing the map or review of territories imposed by colonial administration with the goal of bringing people who share a common bond and homogeneous culture will contribute to less violence in some regions of the world.

Everyone acknowledges that mistakes were made by colonial adventurers in sharing the territories that did not belong to them. They shared it like a loot with little or no care about the future of native peoples. Nowhere are these mistakes more rampant than Africa where borders were carved out by colonial administrations without the consent of indigenous peoples. In November 1884, at the request of Portugal, the then German chancellor Otto von Bismarck called together the major western powers of the world to negotiate questions and end confusion over the control of Africa in the famous Berlin conference. At that conference not a single African participated and yet they divided Africa among themselves and in most cases separated kith and kin and put them in different countries. Today, you find the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria scattered in neighboring Benin Republic, and Togo; then the Ewe speaking part of Ghana also found in Cote dIvoire. In East Africa, Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi have similar stories of separated kith and kin.

In fact, most of the wars and violence in Africa are traceable to these artificial boundaries. The Biafra war in Nigeria that took place between 1967 and 1970 is believed to have occurred because disparate entities of present Nigeria were forced to coexist together not by their will but by the whims of political expediency. More than one hundred years after the amalgamation of the North and South of Nigeria , the country still faces the challenge of a forced union that ought to have expired two years ago. The sectarian violence that continues to threaten Iraq is because Britain did not consider the consanguinity of the Kurds, Shiites, and Sunnis, instead the colonial Britain was concerned about its economic interests at the time. That self-interest persists to this day.

The reality is that chances of political and economic stability are more in states with common language and identity. United States is stable because they speak the same language and citizens are therefore able to communicate with one another without interpreters.

Brexit vote is about identity and pride of a country. It is not about correcting historical mistakes like the mistakes made in forced marriage of many African and Middle East countries. After all, Britain elected to join EU in 1975 and now divorces the same union when the marriage became unsustainable. By contrast Africa and some Middle East countries were forced to remain together against the wishes and aspirations of citizens. This is the time to right the wrongs of history.

Dr. Uchenna Ekwo is a public policy analyst
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business India remains a haven; contingency plans in place: Jayant Sinha With an aggressive growth and reforms agenda in almost all the important institutions, India remains a haven of stability in an increasingly turbulent times in the world, says Jayant Sinha is the Minister of State for Finance.
business Will be surprised if there is an upside on Brexit vote: JPMorgan James Glassman of JPMorgan said the longer problem was whether the world has seen the last of this issue or whether there would be more referendums in future, if UK does vote to stay this time.
business Brexit won't be a full-blown crisis; don't buy on dips: pros Binay Chandgothia, the MD & Portfolio Manager, Principal Global Investors, said that Brexit will not be a full-blown crisis if the central bank devises strategies to tackle liquidity, as monetary policies alone won't be enough.
OK Given that a large part of Chinas wealth is trapped in unproductive investments, it doesnt inspire confidence about Chinas rising middle class and rising consumer society.

While there might be one more day of Brexit headlines, the market is yawning about it. As far as its concerned, the Brits are staying put.

The Dow fell around 0.5%, oil dropped a bit, while gold was steady after a decent selloff in Asia yesterday.

As far as I can tell, Britain remaining in the European Union is all priced in. Markets have moved on. Only a shock leave vote will see volatility spike again.

So what else is happening?

Well, the Aussie dollar is strong. It hit 75 US cents in FX trade overnight. Are these safe haven flows due to Brexit concerns? Or just unrelenting faith in our debt based economy?

I dont know. I think it has more to do with the iron ore price, which in turn has to do with Chinese stimulus, than anything else.

Yesterday, the Qingdao iron ore price jumped nearly 3% to US$52.30 per tonne. May data showed that Chinese iron ore imports increased to 86.8 million tonnes for the month, up 3% from the prior month and a big 22% over the past year.

Thats Chinese stimulus spending in action. And, according to Bloomberg, it doesnt look like letting up anytime soon:

China is stepping up stimulus by stealth in its efforts to ensure hitting the leaderships growth target this year, with moves that will enhance the role of the state even as policy makers say they want a bigger role for the market. The fiscal deficit when taking off-budget spending into account will exceed 10 percent of gross domestic product this year  more than triple the governments stated ratio of 3 percent, according to economists at UBS Group AG and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Wow. So Chinas enjoying a big credit boom AND a government deficit of more than 10% of GDP just to hit its growth target of 6.5%. The article goes on

UBS estimates that the augmented fiscal deficit, which includes quasi-fiscal measures, exceeded 10 percent of GDP in 2015, with the government set to add 1.5 to 2 percentage points on top of that this year. The nations total debt-to-GDP ratio will reach 280 percent as a result, according to Wang.

Wow again. I know debt levels in China dont matter. Apparently the government has an infinite well of money it can draw on to keep the economy going and keep the masses employed. But there will come a tipping point. Only no one knows when it will hit.

This is the biggest risk to face Australia. Make no mistake, China is a Ponzi economy. That is, it needs to create more and more debt to pay the interest expense on existing debt.

While it continues to do this, China maintains a semblance of normality. But as economic growth rates continue to slow (and they will), it makes the servicing of the existing debt pile that much harder.

Critics of this view say that the banks are state-owned, that China can just hide or write off the bad debts without too much drama.

There is an element of truth to this. Chinas control over the banking system means you wont get a banking crisis like we experience from time to time in the West.

But that doesnt mean there are no consequences.

In China, the consequences of rising bad debts fall on the household sector. Let me explain

China is a nation of savers. It is the worlds largest creditor nation. But it also has massive debt; so how does that work?

Well, it is government and corporate debt that is the concern in China. They borrow from the household sector. That is, the poor old worker puts his or her yuan in a bank account, and the state directed financial system channels these savings into unproductive debt for the sake of achieving short term economic growth targets.

When this debt goes bad, its ultimately household savings, and household wealth, that will take the hit. In other words, the household sector, through its high savings rate, is subsidising the rest of the economy.

You may not think this is a big deal. But it will be.

China is trying to avoid falling into the middle income trap. This has happened to plenty of other emerging nations; it refers to the inability to grow per capita incomes towards levels achieved by developed nations.

Consider Chinas challenges in this context. Its demographics are poor, meaning its facing an ageing society. As a result, a smaller working population will have to support a growing non-working population.

Given that a large part of Chinas wealth is trapped in unproductive investments, it doesnt inspire confidence about Chinas rising middle class and rising consumer society.

Sure, it all looks good now while increasing debt levels juice headline economic growth numbers, but behind the numbers there is an economic malaise that no one wants to recognise.

Thats especially the case in Australia. When it comes to China, its a shell be right attitude. It will be, of courseuntil its not. And what is the plan then?

Regards,

Greg Canavan,

Editor, Crisis & Opportunity

Editorial note: The above article was originally published in Markets and Money.

From the Port Phillip Publishing Library

Special Report: Wealth Eruption: Forget the market downturnthe oil crashand the debtThere are FOUR unstoppable events that could generate huge wealth for Aussie investors. Starting with one play that could make you a potential 1,068% return in the next 24 months(more)
Yesterday Fortescue Metals Group announced to the market that US$500 million worth of debt had been wiped off their balance sheet.

Just a couple of months ago, we heard troubling stories about the banks. It wasnt that their profits were slipping; instead, it was the amount of bad debt held on their balance sheets. A majority of this bad debt came from the resource sector.

Falling commodity prices, and huge losses, sent resource companies running for the banks. If they couldnt improve profits through operations, they could at least borrow to pay out dividends. Of course, not all resource companies applied for more loans. However, it became apparent for the major producers that, in order to stay at the top, they needed an injection of cash.

Now, theres nothing bad about borrowing money. There is such a thing as good debt. It is money borrowed to invest in profitable ventures.

But at some later date borrowed money will need to be repaid. And this is exactly what some resource companies are doing. A prime example is Fortescue Metals Group [ASX:FMG]. Yesterday they announced to the market that US$500 million worth of debt had been wiped off their balance sheet.

The repaid sum will result in an interest savings of US$21 million per annum. Not a small amount by any means.

Fortescues chief financial officer, Stephen Pearce, said, Cash flow generation from our operational performance and cost reductions have allowed Fortescue to continue to repay debt. This brings total FY16 debt repayments to US$2.9 billion, reducing annual interest expense by US$186 million.

The positive outcome encouraged shares to rally 7.5% yesterday. The stock closed on a high of $3.53 per share, and the company is now up 88.77% for the year.

Source: Google Finance

Was the debt worth it?

From the share price above, its obvious that investors are happy about reduced debt levels. But we still need to understand why they borrowed in the first place. This way, we can determine if the debt accumulated was actually worth the trouble.

Fortescue borrowed to build a vast network of mining pits, rail lines and port infrastructure. Digging, building and planning was carried out in Pilbara, Western Australia. Their aim was to break the dominance of iron ore giants like BHP Billiton [ASX:BHP] and Rio Tinto [ASX:RIO].

So was it a good decision to borrow money? If the returns of their iron ore operations yielded more than the debt repayments, then it was a good decision.

Over the past three years, Fortescue has vowed to pay down their loans. This, of course, caused trouble with management in 2012 when iron ore prices tumbled. At its peak, the Perth-based miner owed around US$13 billion.

Even though output in 2016 was 6% lower than the prior quarter, Fortescue stuck to their vow. They prioritised and budgeted their way to pay down their debt. The company lowered spending by running its trucks and processing facilities harder. They also renegotiated contracts with suppliers.

Essentially they found a way. And its really a credit to management. It takes hard work and brains to run a profitable company. And it seems Fortescue has plenty of both. The company said they intend to review investor payouts once debt-to-equity levels are below 40%.

Last month Fortescue estimated its debt-to-equity at around 44%. So it might not be long before investors are rewarded for their loyalty.

Harje Ronngard,

Junior Analyst, Money Morning

PS: Fortescues share price rally this year emphasises the great opportunities in mining stocks. The resource sector isnt dead. Its just subdued. And there is rarely a better time to invest than when share prices are low. According to Money Mornings resource specialist, Jason Stevenson, there are many more great mining stocks out their along with Fortescue.

After reading Jasons report The Top 10 Australian Mining Stocks for 2016, youll know exactly where to look. Jason will tell you why now is the perfect time to buy mining stocks. And hell share 10 of the best miners trading on the ASX this year.

To get your free copy of Jasons report, click here.
Fund investors have been increasing their holding in a number of defensive funds, in the wake of market turbulence, according to financial advisers.

Hargreaves Lansdown said BlackRock Gold & General was one of the most purchased funds today as investors looked for safe haven amid global market selloff.

Other funds on their top buy list included defensive funds: CF Train UK Equity, and CF Woodford Equity Income.

However, it appears many private investors have not been daunted by falls in the Footsie today. Hargreaves Lansdown also found that investors were buying tracker funds - including Legal & General UK 100 Index, suggesting many were simply looking to increase market coverage at a lower price.

However investment experts said that private investors shouldn't be looking to alter their portfolios in the wake of UK's decision to leave the EU. Many people will hold these funds in their portfolio. This should give them some reassurance that they are good long-term holdings that are able to withstand shorter term volatility.

Darius McDermott, managing director of Chelsea Financial Services said: "Markets are likely to be volatile in a general downwards direction for a while, not helped by the fact that there are other big issues in the world that could also have an impact on share prices. This includes slower growth in China, the US election and now possible contagion in the European Union, if other countries demand their own referendums."

He added: "But the world won't end. As we know from quite recent experience markets bounce back, and good companies continue to thrive in the longer term."

So what funds should be well placed to weather the volatility forecast?

Gold-related Assets Shine amid Market Volatility

Golds price rallied more than 6% in early trading on Friday before pegging back slightly to $1314.39 by late afternoon. This latest rally comes on significant gains this year, with gold rising by about 25% since the start of January.

For investors who seek exposure to gold without directly holding the asset, a gold equity fund can be the alternative choice.

BlackRock Gold & General, a Gold Rated fund, is one of the best offerings available for investors seeking exposure to gold-related equities, Morningstar analyst Fatima Khizou said.

Darius McDermott, managing director of Chelsea & FundCalibre agrees, saying this fund has a very long track record that should help hedge against risks inherent in current markets.

From the start of 2002, when the fund manager, Evy Hambro became directly involved in the management of the groups gold portfolios, until the end of February 2016, the fund has outpaced the its Morningstar sector (equity precious metals) and the FTSE Gold Miners index by 4.4 and 5.9% annualised, respectively. It has also delivered above-average performance since Hambros appointment as manager in April 2009, Khizou added.

So far in 2016 till February, the fund is behind the index, despite of a bumper return of 37.7%. It has been held back by its underweighting to Barrick Gold, a mining company which performed strongly as it benefited from its high leverage to the gold price.

Investors Seek Sweet Spots Proving over Previous Market Cycles

CF Lindsell Train UK Equity, another Gold Rated fund which has proved successful over a number of market cycles, recorded a high number of purchases on the Brexit morning.

The fund benefits from the stewardship of a seasoned and talented UK equity manager, Nick Train, who has demonstrated a highly consistent approach, Morningstar analyst Daniel Vaughan said.

This fund has largely been in a sweet spot with respect to the managers strategy, Vaughan said, adding that the consistency of the relative outperformance of this fund over the last five years is remarkable given the clear biases and risks in the portfolio.

Another trusted name, CF Woodford Equity Income, a Bronze Rated fund, run by one of the UKs most experienced equity-income managers Neil Woodford, proved popular as well. Woodfords long term track record that encompasses numerous market cycles is strong, Vaughan said.

Key stock bets accounted for the bulk of returns. In this fund, the four tobacco holdings and two mega-cap pharma stocks were among the main contributors.

Investors Shelter in Large Cap Funds

The FTSE 100 regained much of its earlier losses to finish the day down by just 3%. This part-recovery is in part due to the failing pound, reflecting the global outlook for many of the companies listed on this stock exchange.

But the FTSE 250 mid cap index did not fare so well. At close of play it was still showing a loss of more than 7%. This index includes more domestically-focused companies.

Morningstar analyst Hortense Bioy said the L&G UK 100 Index - which aims to fully replicate the FTSE 100 Index - was a good investment proposition for investors looking to gain pure exposure to UK giant- and large-cap equities, which by definition will have more of a global outlook.

She said the fund's lack of exposure to mid-caps and small caps, coupled with the fact that it has greater exposure to defensive stocks and less exposure to cyclical stocks, meant it was should be less volatile than funds with greater weighting in smaller or UK-centric companies.
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The top official of Canadas largest mortgage network has recently been appointed to the board of directors governing a renowned investment issuer.

In a June 20 Marketwired news release, Founders Advantage Capital Corp. announced that it has given a directorial seat to Gary Mauris, president and CEO of Dominion Lending Centres.

Mauris joins the companys other 6 directors: James Bell, Ron Gratton, Anthony Lacavera, Peter McRae, Stephen Reid, and Kingsley Ward.
Despite the continuous growth in the value of prime real estate in Canadas most in-demand metropolitan markets, this unprecedented rise only serves to obscure the housing downturn in other cities across the country, an observer warned.Real Estate Investment Network senior analyst Don Campbell argued that industry players should not mistake the seemingly unstoppable price increases in Vancouver and Toronto as indicators of Canadian housings overall health, according to Kelly Putter's report for Yahoo! Canada Finance.The latest Teranet National Bank house price index released last week revealed that May prices grew by more than 10 per cent on a month-over-month basis in the two cities, as well as in Hamilton and Victoria. The national average home price as of last month sat at $564,455.47, according to a report by The Globe and Mail.However, Campbell pointed at the significant declines recently experienced by Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Quebec City as more representative of the Canadian situation: a real estate sector teetering on the edge between stability and meltdown due to a floundering economy.The reason is their economies are incredibly flat and you will see housing really start to slow down. Its simple economics that explains why theyre underperforming, Campbell said.Those markets behave totally differently, National Bank economist Marc Pinsonneault agreed, but hastened to add that a measure of relief could be found in regional diversity, which would potentially serve as a shield between a Vancouver/Toronto crash and Canadas other already-struggling markets.As an economist, the Canadian real estate market seems to be Balkanized. If the bubble burst, as you say, there should not be much spill over to the rest of the country, Pinsonneault said.Related Stories:
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While final results arent due for another several hours, early indications from a respected poll strongly suggest that Britain has voted to stay in the European Union.



No official exit polls were conducted for Brexit, but a YouGov poll showed Remain beating Leave 52%-48%. While the poll has a much smaller sample size than a typical exit poll, YouGov did call the Scottish Independence vote within one percentage point in 2014. And Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party and a prominent booster of the Leave campaign, has told Sky News that he thinks Remain will edge it.



British Prime Minister David Cameron had long lobbied for Britain to remain in the EU, saying an exit would cost British jobs and deal a blow to the nations economy. Those who wanted to leave the union, however, said Brexit would allow the U.K. to better control immigration and save the money it contributes to the EUs budget.



It has boiled down to jobs versus foreigners, Justin Fisher, a politics professor at Brunel University in London, told Bloomberg.



So if early signs are correct, what does that mean for North American businesses? Mostly, it means they can breathe a giant sigh of relief. Many analysts believe a UK exit from the EU would have had a profound effect on global markets  perhaps even sending them into a nosedive. There were fears that Britains severing of ties with the EU would negatively impact trade, economic growth, investment and jobs in Europe.



The market is looking for an excuse, or trigger, to sell and might well get one, Axel Merk, chief investment officer at Merk Investments, told USA Today ahead of the vote. The Market believes a potential Brexit is a very serious thing for risk assets.



The impact would have been even more deeply felt because global markets had been betting on Britain to remain in the EU, USA Today reported.



But with the UK voting to remain, stocks on Wall Street and around the world are expected to get a boost. Shares of large UK banks should spike, according to USA Today.



It goes without saying that we would get a huge relief rally with a remain vote, David Rosenberg, chief strategist at Gluskin Sheff, told clients prior to the vote.


A glance at a map of drilling rig locations will show the heaviest concentrations of activity lie in the Permians Midland and Delaware basins.

Even in a difficult commodity market, there are parts of North America that are still economic for oil and gas production, and the Permian is one of those, said Ben Lamb, senior vice president, finance and corporate development, with EnLink Midstream. In an environment in which a lot of companies are scaling back, EnLink is investing in areas like the Permian and central Oklahoma because we believe they represent the best supply areas in North America.

In recent years, the Delaware has been a magnet for infrastructure projects, with at least three companies announcing pipeline extensions, construction and new processing plants in the last few months.

The Midland Basin is getting its share of attention. EnLink just announced plans for the Greater Chickadee, a new crude oil gathering project to be built in Upton and Midland counties. The $70 million to $80 million project will include more than 150 miles of high- and low-pressure pipelines, multiple central tank batteries and pump, truck injection, and storage stations. Initial tank batteries will be build in Upton County while the pipeline system will extend across Midland County as well.

The Greater Chickadee project is located primarily in Upton and Midland counties, which have seen a lot of activity even in the downturn, Lamb said.

While EnLink is looking to Upton and Midland counties, Navitas Midstream Partners LLC is looking further east to Howard County, executing a long-term gas purchase agreement with Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.

The agreement calls for Navitas to purchase natural gas from Encanas acreage position in Howard County. As part of the agreement, Navitas will build a new system consisting of low-pressure gathering lines, multiple compressor stations and a 38-mile 16-inch high-pressure pipeline that will provide services for both natural gas and natural gas liquids.

Weve begun to see a fair amount of development in Howard County, mostly the western half, R. Bruce Northcutt, chief executive officer, said in a phone interview from his office in The Woodlands. He cited tremendous well results from the Wolfcamp and Spraberry formations in the county.

The agreement came about after talks between Navitas and Encana after Encana sought proposals to move its production to market.

The region Navitas will serve is not necessarily underserved but is in need of bigger diameter pipeline takeaway capacity, more processing capacity and nitrogen rejection capacity, Northcutt said.

Theres not as much competition, not as many pipelines, in this area, he said.

The Midland Basin has historically had more pipeline and processing capacity, he said. But the South Delaware Basin, which Northcutt describes as that portion of the Delaware south of the New Mexico-Texas state line, has been extremely active while the North Delaware Basin -- which he said is north of the New Mexico state line -- holds great promise.

Even in the current downturn, we see signs of drilling in the Midland Basin. Its the best rock, the economics. Drilling has slowed but its still active, Northcutt said.

While the downturn has impacted upstream operations, he said the last year has been busy for Navitas. The company acquired assets from DCP in September and in December acquired the Crane system from Apache Corp. Thats three sizable deals in less than a year, he said.

In addition to its agreement with Encana, the company will build new cryogenic processing capacity near its existing Spraberry processing complex to accommodate production from Howard, Glasscock, Martin, Midland and Upton counties coming from Encana and other producers.

A new processing plant, the Newberry Plant, will have processing capacity of 60 million cubic feet per day and nitrogen rejection capability.

Once completed, the expansion will increase Navitas combined processing capacity in the Midland Basin to approximately 155 million cubic feet per day and include carbon dioxide and nitrogen rejection capability.

We have also begun permitting a potential pipeline project in Eddy County, New Mexico, Northcutt said.

He said that the company has not lost sight of the Delaware Basin.

Weve got the Bureau of Land Management permit and are waiting for activity to pick up.

While the company waits, it has been active in greenfield pipe projects and acquisitions. Northcutt said the company has spent significant sums on pipe replacement and compressor addition. A 16-inch pipeline off its Spraberry processing complex into Martin County has been completed and the replacement of the main line leading to the Spraberry complex is expected to be completed by the end of the year, he said.

As commodity prices rebound and the industry begins to recover from the downturn, Northcutt said he believes such shovel-ready projects will ensure corporate growth in the future.
The outcrop of rocks that ring the Permian Basin tell the story of the areas formation and deposition of its crude and natural gas riches with every fold, fracture and fault.

A new research project, the Permian Basin Joint Industry Project, a venture between San Antonio-based Southwest Research Institute and area producers, aims to take information gleaned from those outcrops and develop information producers can use in planning drilling programs.

David Ferrill, director in the nonprofit institutes Geosciences and Engineering Division, said that the Permian Basin has been producing oil and natural gas for almost a century, and conventional wisdom is that a producer could punch a hole almost anywhere in the basin and find oil.

The current emphasis on the Wolfcamp Shale and tight shale sources, resource rock challenge that wisdom, he said as he was preparing to head to Alberta, Canada, to discuss the project at the American Associatio of Petroleum Geologists annual convention.

He said that emphasis has producers working to maximize efficiency and production by establishing an industrial or factory approach to drilling and completing the wells.

For that to work well, you have to have an optimized approach. The problem is, each shale play behaves differently, Ferrill said.

An optimized approach must take into account the mechanical stratigraphic and structural geology, natural faults and deformation features and stress conditions under the surface, he said.

Ferrill said there is an overly simplistic view of the Permian Basins characteristics. On the surface it looks flat and simple, but that view is not supported by the tale told by the rocks deposited during its formation, he said.

Last year Ferrills division received internal funding from the institute to send researchers to study outcrops in the Permian, part of what he calls a seed project to collect initial data to illustrate what we want to accomplish.

Researchers looked at all the outcrops around the fringe of the Permian Basin and found distinct deformations around the area, he said. Researchers were even able to gain rare access to some ranches to view outcrops in the Guadalupe and even the Glass mountains.

Ferrill explained that studying the mechanics, the natural faults and stress conditions in the outcrops provides the researchers data that can then be translated into siting future oil wells. Outcrops give visibility to the complexity under the surface, he said.

Companies spend millions of dollars on each well. For a small fraction of that cost, we can glean a huge amount of information from the outcrops. Outcrop scale really is equal to the scale of the area they will be fracturing and producing from. The wellbore is the access point, Ferrill said.

If a horizontal lateral is off by, say tens of degrees, that lateral might end up being drilled twice as long as necessary, at greater cost to the producer, and be less productive, he said. The information could even alter the direction the lateral is drilled, he said.

Even though its flat, the Permian has felt the stress of the mountain creation, and those stresses come though. Companies will be successful if they understand that and take advantage of that understanding, Ferrill said.

Now that the seed project has been completed, the project is receiving verbal commitments from Permian producers who will sign on to the project, contribute funding and provide data for analysis. Members will receive regional maps containing fractures, faults and folds and the tectonic framework that can be important to well planning and performance. They will be tailored to the needs of the member companies, Ferrill said.

Everyone weve talked to has shown strong interest, he said.

The institute has experience with similar joint projects, launching one in the Eagle Ford in 2011. The institute is launching another effort to study the Austin Chalk, which overlies the Eagle Ford in parts of South and Central Texas and Mexico.

Ferrill described the Permians Wolfcamp Shale alone has been described as eight or 10 Eagle Fords stacked on top of each other, with shale units found in sections that can be up to 2,000 feet thick.
As the oil industry emerges from the biggest bust in three decades, shale drillers in a neglected corner of the biggest U.S. oil field are poised to take a new generation of gushers public.

Long an also-ran to the more prolific Midland Basin 100 miles to the east, the Delaware Basin straddling the Texas-New Mexico border is yielding larger and larger oil discoveries for explorers. Both regions are part of the Permian Basin, a sprawling field seven times the size of Massachusetts that produces more crude than any other domestic source.

Devon Energy Corp.s newest Delaware finds are spewing twice as much crude as nearby wells drilled three years ago, Chief Executive Officer Dave Hager told investors at a conference last month. Drilling rights there are selling at about a 60 percent discount to acreage in the Midland region, said Mike Wichterich, president of Three Rivers Operating Co., a Delaware explorer bankrolled by private-equity firm Riverstone Holdings LLC.

Its a newer play in the sense that people are implementing horizontal drilling across zones that up until now had only been drilled vertically, said Eli Kantor of Iberia Capital Partners LLC. So a big chunk of the Delaware is being developed for the first time. That means theres a lot of room to improve efficiencies and recovery factors.

Centennial Resource Development LLC, a company operating in the Delaware Basin, filed plans to sell shares late Wednesday, saying proceeds will be used to repay a $65 million term loan, 2016-2018 capital expenditures and general purposes. The company said its portfolio includes 61 producing horizontal wells.

Based on recent well results and significant drilling and completion costs, we believe the Delaware Basin represents one of the most attractive operating regions in the United States, the company said in its IPO filing.

Other closely held companies focused on the Delaware that could be in a position to go public later this year include Brigham Resources LLC and Silver Hill Energy Partners LLC, Wichterich said at a Hart Energy conference in Fort Worth, Texas, last month. He also cited Centennial at the event.

Telephone messages seeking comment from those companies werent returned.

Private equity backers of Delaware drillers have watched with envy as the valuations of publicly traded Midland Basin explorers soared, said Chris Kettenmann, chief energy strategist at Macro Risk Advisors in New York. Midland titan Pioneer Natural Resources Co. sold $2.23 billion in new shares in the past five-and-a-half months, the equivalent of 12 percent of its market value at the start of this year.

The private players in the Delaware see the valuations of some of their peers in the Midland Basin and want to realize the value of their assets, Kettenmann said.

Drilling rights in the Delaware region are fetching $10,000 to $25,000 an acre, compared with $25,000 to $35,000 in the Midland Basin, said Wichterich. More than 100 private equity firms are chasing acreage in the Delaware, he said.

The sideways drilling and hydraulic fracturing that unleashed the shale revolution more than a decade ago arrived in a big way only recently in the Delaware region, said Kantor, managing director of exploration and production research at New Orleans-based Iberia Capital.

Other private-equity firms backing Delaware Basin drillers include Warburg Pincus, Quantum Energy Partners and Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, according to Vincent Piazza, a senior industry analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.

Because buyout firms prefer to monetize oil investments within four years or so, they will soon have to decide whether to sell their Delaware companies outright to bigger explorers or go public, said Wichterich.

The Delaware has been an active oil-producing region for almost a century but fell out of fashion decades ago as major explorers abandoned U.S. drilling to search overseas. Smaller domestic companies preferred to drill in the Midland area to take advantage of the ready supply of equipment, roughnecks and pipelines.

As time wore on, infrastructure serving the Midland region area expanded while the Delaware was forgotten, creating an infrastructure gap.

The Delaware was left for dead for a long time because it was so far away from the infrastructure, Kettenmann said. Its been more of a discovery process in the Delaware and people are starting to see very good results.

Demand for shale stock has been robust as West Texas Intermediate, the benchmark U.S. crude, rebounded about 90 percent from a 12-year low around $26 a barrel in February.

WPX Energy Inc., a Tulsa-based driller that shed most of its international and North American holdings to focus on the Delaware Basin, saw its sale of new shares June 6 oversubscribed. As a result, the company increased the size of its offering by 10 percent, raising $485 million to fund drilling, fracturing, acquisitions and pipeline construction.

Another Delaware explorer, Abraxas Petroleum Corp., said on May 11 it had dropped plans to sell drilling rights in the region after geologic analysis showed a bigger-than-expected pool of oil. A week later, the San Antonio driller announced a new stock sale that also was oversubscribed.

There are definitely opportunities for some IPOs among Delaware producers, Kantor said. Whether or not they materialize depends on how the private equity players want to monetize their assets.
For the children and young adults at High Sky Childrens Ranch, this summer will be a bit different. To introduce them to the nonprofit community at large, the organization began its inaugural Summer of Philanthropy, a program that mixes lessons and visits to local agencies.

The idea came when we were heading to an event for students involved with philanthropy at Midland College, High Sky development director Molly Perriman said. It also reminded us how lucky we are to be in a community that is so generous.

The idea of students being involved appealed to her and High Sky executive director JaLynn Hogan. The programs first class was last week. Today, they will visit the West Texas Food Bank.

We scheduled a few introductory lessons. Kobi Lincoln of Trinity School was our first speaker who talked about philanthropy as the first lesson, Perriman said.

The High Sky youth have seen firsthand the benefits of philanthropic endeavors. Trinity School students raised money for the ranch through the schools Big Serve program, which grants money to students to perform an act of kindness.

One class took that money to have a bake sale and raised $650 and bought baby supplies, which we were in definite need of, she said.

The program is also about building a foundation of simple life lessons. Summer of Philanthropy emphasizes the value of helping other people and being a positive member of the community.

In todays community service event, they will see the impact of helping in the smallest of ways.

They can see how simply sorting cans or delivering meals can make a big difference, Perriman said. I hope they see that even helping a little can change peoples lives.

Future service projects include visits to Meals on Wheels and Sewell Ford, a longtime supporter of High Sky Ranch, as well as a soup kitchen and an animal shelter.

The program, which High Sky hopes to make an annual event, has already stirred excitement among the resident youths and staff.

They are very excited. One 15-year-old girl has even stepped up to the plate working as my intern and has been a big help planning our outings and lessons, Perriman said.
Graphic details from an arrest affidavit for Dan Higgins  who has been charged in the shooting death of Midland County Sgt. Mike Naylor  revealed that Higgins allegedly sexually abused a female child for five to six years.

On Oct. 3, a Child Protective Services investigator contacted Midland County Sheriffs Office in reference to a report of alleged aggravated sexual abuse of a child. An investigator with the Sheriffs Office contacted the alleged victims mother and scheduled a forensic interview on Oct. 8.
Odessa police arrested Francisco Carrillo Jr., 53, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on June 20 on a charge of driving while intoxicated third or More, a third-degree felony.

Odessa police arrested Otto Edward Christofferson, 25, at approximately 5 p.m. on June 20 on a charge of possession of methamphetamine, a state jail felony.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  The Texas Supreme Court sided Friday with a family accused of not teaching its children anything while waiting to be "raptured," but failed to answer larger constitutional questions about whether home-schooled students must be properly educated.

The 6-3 decision by the all-Republican court on technical grounds means nothing was decided regarding a showdown between religious liberties and educational requirements in America's largest conservative state, though it will live on in lower Texas courts.

Texas doesn't require parents who home-school their children to register with state authorities. While families must meet "basic educational goals" in reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and citizenship, they don't have to give standardized testing or otherwise prove student progress is made.

Problems for Laura and Michael McIntyre, who once educated their nine children in an empty office at the family's motorcycle dealership in El Paso, arose after an uncle told the school district that he never saw the children do much of anything educational. According to court filings, he also overheard of the children tell a cousin "they did not need to do schoolwork because they were going to be raptured," or blessed by the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The family's eldest daughter, 17-year-old Tori, ran away from home in 2006 so she could return to school. The El Paso district put her in the ninth grade because officials weren't sure she could handle higher grade-level work  a claim her parents' dispute.

Attempting to investigate accusations of non-learning, school district attendance officer Michael Mendoza sought proof the children were being properly educated. That prompted the McIntyres to sue, arguing that their equal protection rights under the 14th Amendment had been violated and that the school district was anti-Christian.

The family said it used a religious curriculum similar to one offered in El Paso's Christian schools, and noted the uncle invented claims of waiting for the rapture because he was embroiled in a dispute over ownership of the since-defunct motorcycle dealership.

The high court found that 14th Amendment claims were not a question for Texas' educational code.

"Whether their constitutional rights were violated remains to be decided, but it is a question the courts  not the commissioner  must decide," Justice John Devine wrote, referring to the state's education commissioner, Mike Morath.

The lower courts may ask for new briefs detailing each side's argument, but there's "a very good chance" that the larger constitutional issues could eventually be settled legally, according to Chad Baruch, an attorney who represents the McIntyres.

"I think my clients would love for there to be some clarification as to the limits on the school district's power to demand information from home-school families," Baruch said. "But they recognize that's down the line."

Since the case involved alleged educational violations, the justices sent it back to the El Paso Court of Appeals, which can either rule on it or ship it back to the trial court, also located in El Paso.

Friday's ruling wasn't a total win for the McIntyres, however. The Texas Supreme Court also agreed with a lower court in that Mendoza didn't violate federal 14th Amendment protections when he investigated the McIntyres.

Anthony Safi, an attorney for the El Paso school district, said "we're pleased with the court's decision dismissing the claims against Mr. Mendoza" but that he was still studying the full extent of it.

Between 2003 and 2012, the number of home-schooled students nationwide jumped by about a third to 1.7 million, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics. Though there's no official tally, the Texas Home School Coalition estimates 300,000 students are home-schooled in the state, which would be more than any other.
HOUSTON (AP)  A group that served as guardian of the Alamo for more than a century and the Texas General Land Office reached a settlement Friday in a dispute over ownership of about 38,000 books and artifacts that had been kept at the Texas shrine.

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas filed suit in March 2015 after the agency headed by George P. Bush declared the state owned the organization's private library collection. Bush also had announced he was ending the group's management of the downtown San Antonio landmark. The Daughters began caring for the Alamo in 1905, raised money in 1945 to build the library and then donated it to the state.

Under terms of the agreement, the state agency drops any ownership claims to the library collection and pays $200,000 to cover legal fees of the Daughters.

"The Daughters held fast and our prayers were answered," said Betty Edwards, president general of the organization. "With this behind us, we can refocus on our mission to ensure the next generation of Texans understand and appreciate our unique history as a sovereign republic."

The collection of books, maps, flags and other artifacts used by researchers is being moved from the Alamo grounds to the Texas A&M-San Antonio campus. It had been at the Alamo more than 70 years.

"We are all pleased to resolve this issue in a manner that allows the DRT to continue to manage this important collection," said Mark Havens, general counsel for the General Land Office.

The Land Office would be working on its "primary goal of conserving this treasured historic site and enhancing the visitor experience at the Alamo, the cradle of Texas Liberty," Havens said.

The suit argued the items were donated to the Daughters and that the donors wanted the items maintained under the group's stewardship, not the state's.

The case had been set for trial earlier this month in San Antonio but had been postponed amid settlement talks.

The Land Office became involved with the Alamo in 2011 at the behest of the Texas Legislature. Lawmakers had grown concerned about the care of the landmark amid accusations of mismanagement and financial incompetence by the Daughters, who had continued day-to-day management even after the Land Office took control.

In 1836, some 180 defenders participating in the Texas Revolution were killed during a siege at the mission-turned-fortress by Mexican forces. Weeks later, those deaths provided Texas soldiers with their rallying cry  "Remember the Alamo!"  they carried to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas' independence from Mexico.
BULVERDE, Texas (AP)  Police say a South Texas sheriff's deputy and a suspect threatening to kill himself have been shot in an exchange of gunfire on a street.

The Comal County deputy and the suspect were transported to a hospital following Thursday night's shootings in Bulverde (bol-VER'-dee).
Speaker is totally wrong in his ...
Sacramento, CA  Secretary of State Alex Padilla has announced that Lt. Governor Gavin Newsoms Firearms, Ammunitions Sales initiative is eligible for the November ballot.

On Thursday Newsoms initiative, which he tagged as Safety For All and has been pursuing since last October, exceeded 110 percent of the required number of projected valid signatures to qualify by random sampling (402,468). Padilla adds that unless withdrawn by the proponent it will be certified as qualified for the ballot on June 30.

If passed by voters in November, the law would prohibit possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines and require their disposal, either by sale to dealer, destruction, or removal from state. Most individuals would need to pass a background check and obtain Department of Justice authorization in order to buy ammunition with sales being conducted only through licensed vendors, subsequently reported to the DOJ.

Under the proposal, persons convicted of stealing a firearm may not possess any  and lost or stolen firearms and ammunition must be reported. The measure also establishes new procedures for enforcing laws that prohibit firearm possession by felons and violent criminals; it additionally requires DOJ to provide prohibited persons information to the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System.




UPDATE: On Saturday June 25, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that the two bodies they had found earlier in the week were Ace and Rebecca Kimberly. They have ended their search and rescue mission. Florida Fish and Wildlife will now take over the investigation.

---

The Coast Guard continues its search for a missing family last seen aboard a 29-foot sailboat near Engelwood.



Report of mast found turned out to be false; was crab pot, fishing gear

Second body found; no identities released yet



Search launched Tuesday

Additional debris found early Thursday; search ongoing

Sailboat mast found offshore Fort Myers; Coast Guard to investigate



Father and his 3 teen children missing on sailboat in Gulf of Mexico



Coast Guard found debris field about 30 miles off Sanibel Island



Coast Guard officials said Ace Kimberly, 45, his sons, 13-year-old Roger, 15-year-old Donny and 17-year-old daughter Rebecca were last heard from Sunday morning.

A search began Tuesday and a debris field was located about 30 miles off Sanibel Island.

According to the Coast Guard, the second body was recovered shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday, four miles southeast of location of first body. A sailboat mast was also found 101 miles offshore Fort Myers. The Coast Guard is en route to investigate.

During a news conference Thursday, Coast Guard Captain Greg Case said some additional items have been found in the debris zone.

Case said a yellow kayak was recovered early Thursday, in addition to a bucket found containing birth certificates, a GPS, wallets, a cell phone, cigarettes, a pool noodle and a tool box.





A yellow kayak matching the description of the one known to be with the missing Kimberly family on their sailboat was recovered by Coast Guard officials early Thursday morning.



Case said the items were found just after 8 a.m. about six miles west of where the body was found Wednesday.



A Coast Guard helicopter and plane reported seeing a possible flare for a few seconds around 3 a.m. in the search area. Crews are continuing to use a combination of planes and helicopters and boats today as the weather continues to be favorable.



"This is still an active search," said Case, Commander of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. "Although it is a dire situation. We will continue to use all available resources."



The sailboat was pulling two kayaks officials said. The first kayak was recovered Wednesday.

Boater knew family



Matt Baker said he's been living on a boat in Sarasota bay since February and met the Kimberly family.

"We're wondering if anybody is left alive out there," he said.



Baker said the teens were well-behaved.



"I see kids today from school and they've got everything they need and these kids have no running water. They've got to come to shore to go use facilities and eat and everything and no complaints, good attitudes and that has a lot to be said for their dad teaching them right, he said.

The family anchored in an area of Sarasota bay where transient boaters can stay for free. Baker said the Kimberly family was always helpful.

"I didn't have my mast up. So, Ace come right out and he said, 'I'll help you get it up.' So, the kids come out and I figured they were going to watch. They all piled on the boat and get up there and they're doing this and he's telling them to do this and he says, 'you know better than that, I taught you better than that.' And they helped me get the mast up in the rain, he said. It's sad."

Seach began Tuesday



On Tuesday, Coast Guard officials in St. Petersburg received a report from a concerned family member of the missing sailors stating the family left Sarasota at 7 a.m. Sunday en route to Fort Myers to repair the sailboat.

Later Sunday, Kimberly called his brother and stated the sailboat was in a storm, in 6-foot seas and that he was attempting to survive with his children offshore of Englewood.

The Coast Guard launched searches by air and boat from Fort Myers on Tuesday to find the sailboat.

Case says Kimberly's brother alerted the agency on Tuesday.



The Coast Guard asks mariners to keep a sharp lookout and contact Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at (727) 824-7506 with any information.
A different kind of event remembering the victims from the Pulse shooting hit the streets on Thursday evening: a "Latin Night" celebration.

Washington St. between Summerlin and Hill Avenues closed for event

Event benefited employees of Pulse, which remains closed

Washington Street between Summerlin and Hill Avenues was shut down for "Latin Night for Pulse" Thursday night, and hundreds came out to enjoy the festivities.



The street party was a fundraiser meant to benefit the employees of Pulse nightclub. The night was filled with music and dancing, what the night of June 12th was supposed to be like.



Pulse nightclub manager Brian Reagan knew many of those who were caught in the line of fire.



I was there that evening," Reagan said. "Very, very lucky and fortunate to have made it out, had a lot of friends there that evening.



While the crime scene has cleared and a memorial grows in front, Pulse nightclub remains closed, leaving employees without a job. Organizers said this street party was all about showing the community that there is still a Pulse in Orlando.



We may not be in the same building or same location, but as you can see, everyone thats come together today, this community takes care of each other," Reagan said.



With a street shut down and a strong police presence, residents came out to show their support, recreating some of the Latin festivities that were cut short less than two weeks ago.



We chose a Latin theme because it was our Latin night and a lot of our community was Latin," said Pulse owner Barbara Poma. "It was a time they were together to have a good time.



Though they are all are working through different experiences and emotions, Pulse's employees said theyre sticking together. Some are even sharing new matching tattoos.



To be able to see each other, to smile, to be able to hug each other and share a few laughs, share a few cries, but to be together as a family," Reagan said.


For the first time, four of the Orlando Police officers who were the first to respond to Pulse nightclub described the moments when they first got on scene, just after the first shots rang out.

Officers shared with assembled media recollections of June 12

None of the officers claim the title of 'hero'

There were a lot of people in the middle of street just pointing, and there were screams as I was pulling up to the Pulse nightclub, said Orlando Police Officer James Hyland.



But even in the chaos, the Orlando police officers  among the dozens of law enforcement officers from several different agencies to respond - knew they had to act quickly. With only so many ambulances available, and the hospital just up the street, they started loading people into a police pick-up truck and other vehicles.



A lot of the people they were carrying had wounds that were time-sensitive, so we had to get them to the hospital quickly, said Officer Joseph Imburgio.



The officers didnt hesitate to go in and pull injured victims out of the club, despite them knowing that a gunman was still somewhere inside.



At some point someone made mention on the radio of a bomb and that we needed to get back," said Officer Justin Lovett. "All the officers looked at each other and said 'theres no way were going to move and leave them here,' so nobody moved.



We asked the officers how theyre now dealing with images and sounds from the scene.



Im keeping myself busy," said Hyland. " I have a great supportive, co-workers, family, ex-military that Ive served with. Many, many people have reached out me, and that Im grateful to have."



If you need help, talk to professionals that are provided, or any squad mate or friend in the department to help you get through stuff, said Officer Neil Chase.



Despite their bravery, none of the officers claim the title of "hero."



Im honored to help the victims, said Officer Imburgio.



But their deputy chief says they are heroes.



They might not say it themselves, but without a doubt youre looking at four heroes right now, said Deputy Chief Robert Anzueto.
Those who were impacted by the Pulse nightclub shooting now have a place to go to gain information and support.

Orlando United Assistance Center located at 507 E. Michigan St.

Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Call 407-500-HOPE (4673) or they can go to cityoforlando.net/hope

"The victims go much beyond those who were there that night, a woman who is eight months pregnant and the person who was going to watch her child for her for free is now deceased and she needs to find immediate child care because she can't afford child care on her own," said Kathy DeVault, the director of strategic partnerships for the city of Orlando. "So, being able to connect her with child care services so that she doesn't have to worry about that when she goes into labor."



The city of Orlando and Orange County on Thursday officially opened the Orlando United Assistance Center, located at 507 E. Michigan St., in Orlando.



City leaders said they have helped about 1,000 people and 300 families are previous family assistance locations.



Handmade cards are one of the things at the Orlando United Assistance Center. They are located in a basket in the children's play room, a place where children who are affected by the Pulse tragedy can feel safe.



"That's what really this center is all about  is helping individuals and your community at large get back to normal," said Tara Hughes, with the American Red Cross.



"We're united. We're Orlando. We're strong, we're proud. We're together and we're healing," Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said.



The OneOrlando Fund has raised approximately $9 million for families and victims.



Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer wants victims' families to know that help is on the way.



"I would say you can measure it in days and not months, weeks perhaps," Dyer said.



The Orlando United Assistance Center has partnerships with 35 agencies, helping those in need with everything from emergency travel visas to the process of receiving Social Security benefits of their loved ones.



"The city of Orlando in partnership with Orange County Government has opened the Orlando United Assistance Center (OUAC) to serve as a navigation point and access the needs, provide information, support and resources to those directly affected by the Pulse tragedy," officials said in a press release.

Added Dyer: "We will stay open as long as there is a need, and I anticipate that will not be measured in days or months, it will be measured in years."

People can schedule an appointment by calling 407-500-HOPE (4673) or they can go to cityoforlando.net/hope.


The oldest park in the city of Palm Coast has been closed for more than a year, and city leaders are now putting the pressure on the construction company to get the park back open.

Renovations on Holland Park in Palm Coast months behind schedule

$3 million of the budgeted $4.2 million has been spent so far



Park expected to be back open to the public by September

Holland Park, located along Florida Park Drive, is the oldest park in the city, and residents are ready for it to be back open.

"Now, it's a mess," said Harry Bonilla, who has been walking past the construction site at Holland Park since early 2015.

Bonilla said he hears the sounds of work, but he said he isn't seeing much progress.

"I think it's slow," he said. "It's too slow."

Tumbleson White, the construction company in charge of the park renovations, had workers at the park on Thursday.

City officials said they recently sent the construction company a letter stating they have provided 24 days of extensions, but the park project is still months behind schedule.

"When there's a lot of underground work, you don't see work happening," said Carl Cote, construction and engineer manager for the city. "There are times when there wasn't a lot of work going on."

Cote said the total cost of the renovation project is $4.2 million. About $3 million has been spent so far, and the project is about 70 percent complete, Cote said.

"That's a lot of money," Bonilla said.

Joe White, president of Tumbleson White, said the city has made dozens of design changes, which has contributed to the delays.

"The project has progressed, and the project is now scheduled to be open within the next few months," White said in a phone interview. "The delays were due to the unforeseen conditions mostly impacting the underground work and the schedule has been adjusted accordingly."

City officials said Holland Park is now scheduled to re-open by September.
Another victim from the Pulse Nightclub shooting has been released from the hospital. Orlando Regional Medical Center says 24 victims in total have been sent home, while 11 victims remain there.



11 Pulse attack victims remain at ORMC, 3 in critical condition

Occupational therapists are working with the patients

Some will need extensive outpatient therapy

Doctors, nurses and occupational therapists remain busy treating them.

All the patients from the emergency room to the Operating Room or other places in the hospital, they all have progressively improved, said ORMC Trauma Medical Director Dr. Joseph Ibrahim.

Doctors say three patients are still in critical condition.

Some of the worst wounds theyre treating include damage to the abdomen, legs and arms.

Its up to the occupational therapists to get the patients moving.

A lot of what we do is motivating them to get up and really encouraging them, said Occupational Therapist Greta Rucks.

They say victims not only have to deal with physical scars, but also emotional wounds.

"We as rehab therapists have an important role in helping the patient to kind of go back to their roots and remember who they are, said Doctor of Physical Therapy Rachel Gonzalez. You know everybody is here with all these injuries and its easy to get caught up in all the tubes and lines, but we spend a lot of time with the patients, so we get to know who they are and what they like to do and we try and get them back to doing those things so they can feel more like themselves again.

The occupational therapists say extensive outpatient therapy will be required for many and that could last for a year or more.
For months, organizers have been planning the largest LGBT wedding expo in Central Florida, and following last weeks attack on the community, they are more determined than ever to make it succeed.

Giorgio Severi co-founded Pride and Groom magazine

He and his husband are organizing large LGBT wedding expo

Wedding expo is endorsed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

Weve had a big blow, and I think its really important that we stand up, carry on in the wake of the Pulse shootings," Giorgio Severi said. Love is love, and love will always win.

Last year, Severi and his business partner-husband, Jeff Crockett, launched Pride and Groom, a wedding magazine for the LGBT community. The bimonthly magazine is distributed around Florida.

Its an inspirational magazine," Severi said. "It collects stories from people who want to be married. It gives tips and tricks about when you want to get married."

But, after hearing the negative experiences of some Central Florida couples trying to plan their weddings  meeting with wedding coordinators or cake shops, for example, who didnt seem on board with support  Severi had a grander notion: He began courting vendors who would showcase everything, from cakes to florals, for a wedding expo.

I think its really important that they can have somewhere where they can come and feel happy, safe and know that the people who are at the show are in support of gay marriage," he said. I really like to help people and be able to provide services to people to make their lives happier.

The show, dubbed 'A Truly Gay Affair,' will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at B Resort and Spa in Lake Buena Vista on August 27.



On arrival, there will be a glass of champagne for everyone to come in, a wedding show, done by Minerva's Bridal," Severi said.

And although the Pulse nightclub shooting rattled the LBGT community, Severi said, it did not shake their resolve to showcase love.

A lot of people were frightened by it, and I think right now is the time to show were not frightened," he said. "And we should carry on and be proud of who we are, and proud of what were doing, and marriage should be a celebration.

The wedding expo was recently endorsed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. Tickets are $10 at the door, or $7 online, in advance.


As the world reels with the news that Britain voted to leave the European Union and how it will impact Europe, U.S. presidential candidates are sharing their thoughts on how it will affect America.

Presumed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, through a news release, said she's concerned how these events may influence American families.

We respect the choice the people of the United Kingdom have made. Our first task has to be to make sure that the economic uncertainty created by these events does not hurt working families here in America, the former secretary of state said.

Her Republican counterpart, Donald Trump, wrote that his administration will create stronger U.S. ties with a free and independent Britain and that the two countries will have deeper connections in commerce, culture and mutual defense.

The whole world is more peaceful and stable when our two countries  and our two peoples  are united together, as they will be under a Trump Administration, Trump stated in his news release.

Clinton echoed similar sentiments about Americas steadfast commitment to the United Kingdom and the European Union. But she also said with the uncertainty of what is happening across the pond, it is time for people to come together.

It also underscores the need for us to pull together to solve our challenges as a country, not tear each other down, she said, also stating that the White House needs experienced leadership.

Meanwhile Trump suggested that what Britain decided to do is a reminder for Americans to re-declare their independence.

Americans will have a chance to vote for trade, immigration and foreign policies that put our citizens first. They will have the chance to reject todays rule by the global elite, and to embrace real change that delivers a government of, by and for the people, he stated.


A search continued Friday in Leesburg for an 84-year-old woman who has been missing for more than a week.

Bernadine Montgomery, 84, last seen June 15

Man arrested in connection with missing woman's stolen car



Have information? Call Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477

Bernadine Montgomery was last seen June 15 at a home on the 100 block of Palmora Boulevard. Her 2005 blue Chevrolet four-door vehicle was also missing, but police found the vehicle abandoned at a nearby park.

Leesburg Police on Friday searched the Ski Beach area in the Palmora Park neighborhood. Authorities have been searching on the water at the park located just off Lake Harris for two days.

Montgomery was reported missing Wednesday, June 22.

Jeremy David Gentry, 43, was arrested Thursday, June 23, on charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle.

According to an arrest affidavit, a witness who lives near Montgomery's home noticed a man, who has since been identified as Gentry, driving the missing woman's vehicle. A registered co-owner of the vehicle was contacted and said Gentry didn't have permission to be in possession of the vehicle, a report states.

"(Gentry) confirmed that he had not received permission from the missing female to possess the vehicle, and when asked with regard to what had happened to her and where she was currently located, he claimed that he did not remember, citing his use of illegal narcotics," an arrest affidavit states.

Gentry is being held on no bond, according to Lake County jail records.

"We're certainly praying for a safe and healthy recovery of (Montgomery)," Leesburg Police Lt. Joe Iozzi said. "However, we are preparing for a negative outcome, as well."

Detectives have interviewed persons of interest. Crime scene investigators with the Lake County Sheriff's Office taped off Montgomery's home and have searched in and outside her home for evidence.

People who attend the same church as Montgomery said the woman typically walks most places and doesn't drive much.

"It was a concerned neighbor that called because they hadn't seen Ms. Montgomery in approximately one week," Iozzi said. "They had also seen people coming and going from the house, driving her car, which raised another red flag."

The Sheriff's Office's dive team and cadaver dogs helped in the search Friday.

"We've been conducting interviews with any and all parties that could be connected with the case," Iozzi said.

Iozzi said anyone with video or photo surveillance of their property that's in the Palmora Park area could help in the investigation.

Anyone with information on Montgomery's whereabouts is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).



Bernadine Montgomery, 84, was last seen June 15 at a home on the 100 block of Palmora Boulevard. (Leesburg Police)



Jeremy David Gentry, 43, was arrested Thursday, June 23, on charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle. (Lake County Corrections)
It's the weekend! Let's see what the forecast will look like for Central Florida:

Highs may climb to the mid-90s



Hot and steamy weekend



Rain chances increase



Overnight will remain sticky with temperatures backing off into the middle 70s. A hot and steamy weekend is in the cards, with rain chances slowly ticking up. Highs top the low to mid 90s, but our feels like temp will remain above 100.

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High pressure continues dominating our weather, with a hint of dry air in the mid and upper atmosphere, but drawing up moisture from the south. As the sea breezes collide, we could see a few strong storms develop.

Deeper moisture is pulled north ahead of a front set to stall across north Georgia this weekend, and with daily sea breeze collisions, rain chances will gradually climb. We have a 30 percent storm chance Saturday, then a 40-50 percent chance from Sunday into next Thursday. Highs stay in the low to mid 90s, with a heat index over 100. The tropics remain fairly quiet, with a low in the Bay of Campeche running a very low chance of development.



A long easterly swell will keep the rip current risk moderate this weekend along our east coast. Poor to fair conditions are expected for surfers, with waist high sets possible at a few of the better spots. Waves generally stay around knee high, with an onshore flow. The UV index remains extreme, with a sunburn possible in minutes.

Be sure to check out News 13's Hurricane Center. It has all the information you need, from storm-tracking and interactive maps to emergency procedures.

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Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, toppling the prime minister Friday, sending global markets plunging and shattering the stability of a project in continental unity designed half a century ago to prevent World War III.

The decision launches a yearslong process to renegotiate trade, business and political links between the United Kingdom and what will become a 27-nation bloc, an unprecedented divorce that could take decades to complete.

"The dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom," said Nigel Farage, leader of the U.K. Independence Party. "Let June 23 go down in our history as our independence day!"

Prime Minister David Cameron, who had led the campaign to keep Britain in the EU, said he would resign by October when his Conservative Party holds its annual conference. He said the next prime minister would decide when to invoke Article 50, which triggers a departure from European Union.

"I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months," he said, "but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination."

Polls ahead of the vote had shown a close race, and the momentum had increasingly appeared to be on the "remain" side over the last week. But in an election Thursday marked by notably high turnout  72 percent of the more than 46 million registered voters  "leave" won with 52 percent of the votes.

The result shocked investors, and stock markets plummeted around the world, with key indexes dropping 10 percent in Germany and about 8 percent in Japan and Britain.

The euro fell against the dollar and the pound dropped to its lowest level since 1985, plunging more than 10 percent from about $1.50 to $1.35 before a slight recovery, on concerns that severing ties with the single market will hurt the U.K. economy and undermine London's position as a global financial center. Bank of England Gov. Mark Carney sought to reassure markets and promised to take "all the necessary steps to prepare for today's events."

Also seeking to calm frayed nerves was the most prominent "leave" campaigner, Boris Johnson. Taking a somber tone unusual for the flamboyant former London mayor, he described the EU as a noble idea which was no longer right for Britain. He said the result in no way means the United Kingdom will be "less united" or "less European."

Even as he spoke, however, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a second Scottish referendum on independence from the United Kingdom is now "highly likely." Scotland voted in 2014 to remain a part of the U.K. but that decision was seen by many as being conditional on the U.K. remaining in the EU.

But nothing matched the shock of the people in the capital, London, where some 10 percent of the population is from the EU. Christine Ullmann, a German who worked on the campaign urging other Europeans to "Hug a Brit," exemplified the sadness and sense of loss.

"What about Brits who believe in the goodness of their society who find themselves in a society where they can't travel and work freely in Europe?" she said. "I feel really sad for them. They've lost more."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan felt it necessary to reach out to the 1 million Europeans in the capital to underscore they were still "very welcome here."

"We all have a responsibility to now seek to heal the divisions that have emerged throughout this campaign  and to focus on what unites us, rather than that which divides us," he said.

Britain would be the first major country to leave the EU, which was born from the ashes of World War II as European leaders sought to build links and avert future hostility. With no precedent, the impact on the single market of 500 million people  the world's largest economy  is unclear.

Leaders from across the EU voiced regret at the British decision. Germany called top diplomats from the EU's six founding nations to a meeting Saturday, and the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said the bloc will meet without Britain at a summit next week to assess its future. Tusk vowed not to let the vote derail the European project.

"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," he said.

But already, far-right leaders in France and the Netherlands were calling for a similar anti-EU vote.

The referendum showed Britain to be a sharply divided nation: Strong pro-EU votes in the economic and cultural powerhouse of London and semi-autonomous Scotland were countered by sweeping anti-Establishment sentiment for an exit across the rest of England, from southern seaside towns to rust-belt former industrial powerhouses in the north.

"It's a vindication of 1,000 years of British democracy," commuter Jonathan Campbell James declared at the train station in Richmond, southwest London. "From Magna Carta all the way through to now we've had a slow evolution of democracy, and this vote has vindicated the maturity and depth of the democracy in our country."

Others expressed anger and frustration. Olivia Sangster-Bullers, 24, called the result "absolutely disgusting."

"Good luck to all of us, I say, especially those trying to build a future with our children," she said.

Cameron called the referendum largely to silence voices to his right, then staked his reputation on keeping Britain in the EU. Former London Mayor Boris Johnson, who is from the same party, was the most prominent supporter of the "leave" campaign and now becomes a leading contender to replace Cameron. The vote also dealt a blow to the main opposition Labour Party, which threw its weight behind the "remain" campaign.

"A lot of people's grievances are coming out and we have got to start listening to them," said deputy Labour Party leader John McDonnell.

Indeed, the vote constituted a rebellion against the political, economic and social Establishment. All manner of groups  CEOs, scientists, soldiers  had written open letters warning of the consequences of an exit. Farage called the result "a victory for ordinary people against the big banks, big business and big politics."

Donald Trump praised the decision during a visit to one of his golf courses in Scotland, saying Britons "took back their country. It's a great thing." He likened the vote to the U.S. sentiment that has propelled him to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, saying people in the United States and the United Kingdom are angry about similar things.

"People are angry all over the world," he said.

After winning a majority in Parliament in the last election, Cameron negotiated a package of reforms that he said would protect Britain's sovereignty and prevent EU migrants from moving to the U.K. to claim generous public benefits.

Critics charged that those reforms were hollow, leaving Britain at the mercy of bureaucrats in Brussels and doing nothing to stem the tide of European immigrants who have come to the U.K. since the EU expanded eastward in 2004. The "leave" campaign accuses the immigrants of taxing Britain's housing market, public services and employment rolls.

Those concerns were magnified by the refugee crisis of the past year that saw more than 1 million people from the Middle East and Africa flood into the EU as the continent's leaders struggled to come up with a unified response.

Cameron's efforts to find a slogan to counter the "leave" campaign's emotive "take back control" settled on "Brits don't quit." But the appeal to a Churchillian bulldog spirit and stoicism proved too little, too late.

The slaying of pro-Europe lawmaker Jo Cox a week before the vote brought a shocked pause to both campaigns and appeared to shift momentum away from the "leave" camp. While it isn't clear whether her killer was influenced by the EU debate, her death aroused fears that the referendum had stirred demons it would be difficult to subdue.

The result triggers a new series of negotiations that is expected to last two years or more as Britain and the EU search for a way to separate economies that have become intertwined since the U.K. joined the bloc on Jan. 1, 1973. Until those talks are completed, Britain will remain a member of the EU.

Exiting the EU involves taking the unprecedented step of invoking Article 50 of the EU's governing treaty. While Greenland left an earlier, more limited version of the bloc in 1985, no country has ever invoked Article 50, so there is no roadmap for how the process will work.

Authorities ranging from the International Monetary Fund to the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of England have warned that a British exit will reverberate through a world economy that is only slowly recovering from the global economic crisis. The European Union is the world's biggest economy and the U.K.'s most important trading partner, accounting for 45 percent of exports and 53 percent of imports.

In addition, the complex nature of Britain's integration with the EU means that breaking up will be hard to do. The negotiations will go far beyond tariffs, including issues such as cross-border security, foreign policy cooperation and a common fisheries policy.

It will also affect the ability of professionals such as investment managers, accountants and lawyers to work in the EU, threatening London's position as one of the world's pre-eminent financial centers. The U.K. hosts more headquarters of non-EU firms than Germany, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands put together.

"We believe this outcome has serious implications for the City and many of our clients' businesses with exposure to the U.K. and the EU," said Malcolm Sweeting, senior partner of law firm Clifford Chance. "We are working alongside our clients to help them as they anticipate, plan for and manage the challenges the coming political and trade negotiations will bring."


The unemployment rate for the six counties served by the Plainview Herald showed improvement in May while the statewide jobless rate held steady.

According to figures from the Texas Workforce Commission, the statewide unemployment rate in May was 4.4 percent, the same as in April. Nationwide, unemployment for May was 4.7 percent.

Hale Countys jobless rate in May held steady from April at 5.3 percent after falling from 5.6 percent in March. The labor force fell by 47 individuals from April to May, going from 12,792 to 12,745. The number of employed, however, fell by just 43, from 12,109 to 12,066. That means the number of unemployed workers was reduced by four, from 683 to 679.

The only county in the immediate area to show an increase in the jobless rate was Castro County, which rose from 2.5 to 2.7 percent. However, its still down 0.2 percent from the March rate of 2.9 percent. In actual numbers, the state counted 99 people who were unemployed there in May. Thats up from 91 in April but down from 105 in March.

Briscoe County continued to see joblessness decline, from 4.5 percent in March to 4.3 percent in April and 4.0 percent in May.

Floyd County exhibited even better improvement. In March, its unemployment rate was 5.8 percent, falling to 5.0 percent in April and 4.6 percent in May.

Lamb Countys jobless rate also declined during that three-month period, from 7.1 percent in March to 6.7 percent in April and 6.4 percent in May.

Swisher County also declined in each of the past three months, from 4.3 in March to 4.1 percent in April and 3.8 percent in May.

Lubbock Countys jobless rate was unchanged from April to May at 3.0 percent after falling from 3.3 percent in March.

Amarillo had the lowest jobless rate in Texas last month at 2.8 percent. The Austin-Round Rock area had a 2.9 percent unemployment rate for May, the TWC said. The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area had the highest statewide unemployment rate at 7.0 percent, commission officials said.

Texas has added an estimated 171,800 seasonally adjusted jobs over the past year, including 200 nonfarm positions added in May. The state has added jobs in 13 of the last 14 months, the Texas Workforce Commission reported.

Employment rose in the financial activities industry by 4,800 jobs in May. Education and health services added 3,700 positions, according to the state agency.
U.S. House Democrats declared victory after halting a sit-in in the chamber despite no assurances that they will get to vote on either of the two gun control measures they are pushing.



Democrats, who chanted No bill, no break during their protest, vowed Thursday afternoon to continue to demand votes on strengthened background checks and a prohibition for people on the federal no-fly list from buying guns.



They also said the sit-in, which lasted more than 25 hours, helped energize those who calling for stricter gun regulations after a shooter killed 49 people at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub earlier this month before being killed by police.



It was so exciting, so heartfelt and so extraordinary, said Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5th Distrtict.



Republicans, both in Connecticut and in Congress, criticized Democrats for staging a publicity stunt, using the Orlando shooting to try and sway public opinion.



We are not going to allow stunts like this to stop us from carrying out the peoples business, said House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.



House Republicans had vacated the chamber early into the sit-in Wednesday, and Ryan adjourned the chamber shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday until July 5. Ryan criticized the tactic during a press conference late Thursday morning, saying Democrats failed to get support for their measures during a Senate vote last week.



He also held up copies of Democratic solicitations for donations based on the protest while accusing them of trying to benefit from the Orlando shooting.



Clay Cope, the Republican endorsed by the state party to run against Esty, said the sit-in comes across as a tantrum.



This was a photo-op, this was theatrics, and Ill tell you something  I have no patience for it, said Cope, a Sherman resident.



Esty defended the protest as part of an effort to force votes on the two bills, saying Democrats have been deprived of the right to vote by Republicans, who hold the majority in both Congressional chambers.



She also noted national support for gun control  a CNN/ORC poll released Thursday found 92 percent of respondents supported expanded background checks and 85 percent agreed with not allowing those on the terrorist watch and no fly lists to buy weapons.



State Democratic Party spokesman Leigh Appleby accused Republicans of being in the pocket of the NRA, and demanded that Republican candidates share their stance with voters.



Cope and Republican state Chairman J.R. Romano said the Democratic proposals dont address terrorism, which they believe is the real concern for public safety, echoing Ryans statements.



You have a party that is unwilling to say the words Islamic terrorism,  Romano said. He also questioned why Democrats havent been this vocal on issues related to relations with more conservative Islamic countries that have been criticized for their treatment of women and gays.



Romano specifically questioned why Democrats havent been more critical of Iran during votes involving a country that would see Clay Cope dead, executed in the square. Cope is gay.



Esty said that Congress needs to address terrorism, but gun control, mental health treatment, and hate crimes are also factors in the incident in Orlando  the shooter declared allegiance to ISIS in a 911 call before killing people inside a gay nightclub.



Those are not easy issues, but we must deal with them, she said, adding she considers gun control the easiest issue to address immediately.



Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.



msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino






MERIDEN  When Choate Rosemary Hall sought a variance this week to build an auditorium with a roof height greater than allowed in a residential zone, it had to prove a hardship.



Choates attorney Joan Molloy explained to the Zoning Board of Appeals the private school cant be expected to meet the needs of more than 700 students within the confines of rules that govern residential neighborhoods. According to plans, the roof would be the same height as the existing roof at the Paul Mellon Arts Center, and the building would hold arts classes and the entire campus community under one roof.



After the request won ZBA approval, Chairman William Birney said he was pleased by the schools proposal.



As always it was very well presented and Choate puts a lot of thought into what they are going to do before they do it so I dont think the town has ever had a problem with anything Choate has tried to do, Birney said.



When asked what hardship the school was able to prove to get the variance granted, Birney declined to comment further.



Board member Ray Rys said Choate has been a good neighbor to the community and called the proposal fantastic. When asked what hardship the school was able to prove, he replied: I cant really say it was a real hardship, but I dont see any reason why we should not, Rys said.



According to Town Planner Kacie Costello, a legal hardship is something unusual about the land that restricts its use.



Obviously, (board members) felt this met the criteria, Costello said.



Land records were not available to show if Choate had received a variance for the Mellon Arts Center.



Town Council Chairman Vincent Cervoni addressed the ZBA on Choates behalf praising the schools generosity to the community by allowing use of the existing arts center for various non-profit meetings and for hosting the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra.



An improvement like this isnt just an improvement for Choate, it is an improvement for the neighborhood and community, so I encourage you to look favorably on it, Cervoni told ZBA members.



Cervoni introduced himself as a member of the Town Council and told the board he couldnt make a presentation meeting between Choate representatives and council members to introduce the project, so he met with them separately. Cervonis support for the application came after recently soliciting a $5,000 donation from the school to help save the towns Independence Day fireworks celebration. Choate donated the $5,000 for the event and pledged a commitment for 2017. Other donors included Ulbrich Steel and Specialty Metals, and Oakdale Theater.



Town Councilor Jason Zandri had previously collected for the non-profit Wallingford Fireworks fund since it began in 2010, which he said was a safer way to solicit donations to avoid appearances of influence. Zandri added, however, that he felt Cervonis fundraising had been handled in a transparent way.



Cervoni said his role in advocating for Choate was to support a business or institution in town.



Lorraine Connelly, assistant director of communications at Choate, said the school had initially planned to build the new auditorium where the new student center is being built on Beaumont Avenue. But administrators recalled that plan out of deference to neighbors. A decision was made that the new auditorium would be better suited next to the Paul Mellon Arts Center in a similar color and roof height. The Paul Mellon center holds 760 people, whereas the new center would seat 1,070.



We did consult with a number of architects, Connelly said. The Paul Mellon Arts Center is an iconic building we needed to respect that but we had to be flexible enough to develop an auditorium to meet our needs, so that we can all come together as one community.



Because the school is in a residential zone, it requires a variance for most building activity, she said. Cervoni was just being supportive.



One had nothing to do with the other, she said about the fireworks contribution. We wanted to do our due diligence.



mgodin@record-journal.com (203) 317-2255 Twitter: @Cconnbiz














WALLINGFORD  In February, Diego Robles packed his bags and moved from Las Vegas to Wallingford to start a new chapter in his life. A month later, his friend Erick Castro made the same move.



Robles, 21, and Castro, 19, moved across the country to help Evangeline Mendoza, founder and director of the Mariachi Academy of Connecticut.



Its become a bit of a challenge to have both the Mariachi Academy and also the Escuela Guadalupana, which is the place where they learn the fundamentals and the basics of music until they get into the Mariachi Academy, said Mendoza, who started the academy in 2010 and now has 50 students. They will be inheriting my students as they get to the level of mariachi.



Robles was part of a 13-member professional mariachi group in Las Vegas called Mariachi Mexico Antiguo and met Castro, also a mariachi professional.



The other members of Mariachi Mexico Antiguo also plan to move to Wallingford and join Robles and Castro in teaching at the academy.



It was scary. It was a big process, said Castro, who was born in Mexico. I packed like the night before I moved and grabbed a couple clothes and moved out here. Im still adapting and getting used to everything  and not knowing anybody. Its a whole new world out here for me. Vegas is all I really knew, and Mexico.



Mendoza made the connection with Robles and the rest of Mariachi Mexico Antiguo after inviting them to host workshops with students over the summer for the past few years. Robles and Mendoza discussed the idea of group members coming to help with the academy, but nothing developed until this year.



Its quite unusual to have a large group of such young men willing to move across the country to an area that they dont know and a culture that they dont know, Mendoza said. But weve assured them that Wallingford has been very supportive and is very welcoming.



Having professionals that have studied and been practicing traditional mariachi teach these classes is something Mendoza said will be invaluable to students.



The members of Mariachi Mexico Antiguo will teach the older students at the academys Wallingford location at SCOW, the Spanish Community of Wallingford, and at its new location in Hartford.



On Thursday afternoon Mendoza, Robles and Castro worked together to teach and prepare four mariachi students for their upcoming summer recital.



Robles and Castro played with the students and helped mentor them while working alongside Mendoza.



What drew me over here to Connecticut is that we want to bring that tradition of what mariachi music actually is, Robles said. Slowly but surely were trying to start more schools ... to teach what traditional mariachi is.



The Mariachi Academys dinner and recital is open to the public and will take place at 6 p.m., Friday, July 1 at SCOW, 284 Washington St., Wallingford. Tickets are $15.



fduffany@record-journal.com 203-317-2212 Twitter: @FollowingFarrah






Bill Clinton swung thru Rye recently to raise money for the presidential campaign of his wife Hillary.

Tickets were $2,700 each and the invitations promised:

"a special invitation to meet President Bill Clinton in Rye, New York on Tuesday, May 31 from 7:00pm-9:00pm.

This stylish and intimate evening with the 42nd President will take place in a stunning waterfront home. We only have a few spaces available for this extremely rare evening reception to support Hillary."

The invitations were sent from Clay Pell, a Coast Guard officer, politician and the grandson of the late Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island.
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President Obama landed Thursday at Moffett Field in Mountain View to begin a Bay Area visit that includes a conference at Stanford University.

Obama gave a big smile as he walked down the steps from Air Force One, chatting with Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, who flew to California with the president. They were greeted shortly after 5 p.m. by San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo; Dave Cortese, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors; Sunnyvale Mayor Glenn Hendricks; and Mountain View Mayor Patricia Showalter.

Obama boarded the Marine One helicopter from the airfield for a short flight to San Franciscos Crissy Field, where he touched down at 6:05 p.m. He was to spend the night at a downtown hotel after dinner at Twenty Five Lusk with leading Bay Area entrepreneurs.

Among the guests were John Doerr, a venture capitalist at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; LinkedIn Chairman Reid Hoffman, Claire Lee, managing director of Silicon Valley Bank; Elizabeth Gore, entrepreneur-in-residence at Dell; Stanford University President John Hennessy; Stephen Ozoigbo, CEO of the African Technology Foundation; Dave McClure, founder of 500 Startups; venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya; Google CEO Sundar Pichai; and Mary Grove, director of @GoogleforEntrep.

A small group of immigration activists protested near the presidents hotel in response to Thursdays split Supreme Court decision, which will prohibit the Obama administration from creating a program to help eligible immigrant parents avoid deportation.

Obama is scheduled to speak Friday morning at the seventh annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford, a gathering of more than 700 entrepreneurs. The session will also include Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Pichai, Hennessy, AOL co-founder Steve Case and cast members of HBOs Silicon Valley.

Timed with Obamas visit to Silicon Valley this week, the administration announced several new initiatives designed to boost entrepreneurship. It also announced a pledge from 30 top tech companies, including Box, Airbnb, Lyft and Pinterest, to increase diversity in their workforce.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jennajourno
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Canajoharie

Signs of decay and abandonment are everywhere inside the sprawling, maze-like former Beech-Nut plant. Water leaks through broken roof drains, black mold climbs the walls and the hot air is thick and malodorous.

About two dozen people toured the building on Friday as part of a visit by a Washington, D.C.-based architectural planner that is helping Montgomery County and Canajoharie officials come up with a plan to redevelop the troubled 27-acre site that dominates the village downtown.

A would-be developer from Ohio, who bought the complex after Beech-Nut pulled out five years ago, ended up stripping the building of valuable scrap metal and machinery before he dropped the project, but left behind toxic asbestos. The facility is now a multimillion-dollar cleanup and demolition project.

The sprawling 851,000-square-foot building, which dates back to 1905, has "tremendous bones," said Elizabeth Okeke-Von Batten, program director of the not-for-profit American Architecture Foundation. "But I can see why it will be such a hard redevelopment decision."

She spent more than an hour walking through the darkened, four-story plant, accompanied by Village Mayor Francis Avery, Montgomery County Executive Matt Ossenfort, and Paul Beyer, director of Smart Growth Planning for the state Department of State.

Tour attendees were urged to wear face masks to reduce the risk of breathing in mold pathogens. Inside, a maze of offices and production areas were piled with abandoned furniture, blueprints, product manuals, machine parts, dishware and office supplies. Rows of reference manuals lined the dusty shelves inside the former plant manager's office. At the marble main stairway, an ornate brass railing had been pulled off for scrap.

There is little of value left in the building after developer Todd Clifford got through with it, even though crews did not have appropriate demolition or asbestos removal permits.

"You don't see a single piece of copper in this building anywhere," said Village Police Chief Bryan MacFadden. "His crews were hauling out Dumpsters filled to the top with copper scrap, pulling out hundreds of yards of 3-inch diameter cable of pure copper."

Clifford never paid property taxes on the building and later claimed to have sold it to an associate, who also has not paid the taxes. This spring, piles of destroyed concrete blocks left by the demolition crews were found by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be contaminated with asbestos, a known human carcinogen.

"This is what is looks like after five years with the power shut off," said Avery, as he led the tour down a damp, foul-smelling hallway. "Given the age of the building, its rapid decay, and its obsolescence, the only solution is demolition, so we can move forward," he said.

Ossenfort said the county is weighing how to pay for the asbestos cleanup and demolition, which could cost up to $10 mil-lion. "We have one shot at doing this right. What we do here will be for the next 50 years," he said.

The state is helping the county and village write an application for a state grant to support planning for Beech-Nut. Breyer said the state is looking at the Local Waterfront Revitalization program as a potential funding source.

In August, village and county officials will travel to the foundation's Washington offices for a two-day planning meeting. "This is a problem, a challenge and an opportunity," Ossenfort said. "It is a very symbolic structure ... symbolic of the decline of manufacturing upstate."

Last year, the county filed an application for aid on Beech-Nut, but it was not funded.

The state provided tens of millions of dollars in help for the company to relocate to a new plant in the Town of Florida, but no funds were earmarked to deal with the old plant.

Tolga Morawski, of the Montgomery County Collective, a land use planning group, said he hopes some of the building can be saved, which could make the project eligible for historic preservation tax credits.

bnearing@timesunion.com  518-454-5094  @Bnearing10
A federal judge has given preliminary approval to a $27 million settlement for 163,000 current and former California drivers for the ride-hailing company Lyft Inc., an agreement that increases their protection against dismissals but fails to resolve their employment status.

U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria of San Francisco had rejected a proposed $12.25 million settlement in April, saying it was far short of the amount needed to fairly compensate the drivers for resolving the case without going to trial. He said their potential damages could reach $156 million if they went to trial and were able to persuade a jury they should be classified as employees  entitled to compensation for all workplace expenses  rather than independent contractors.

But Chhabria said Thursday that the $27 million agreement, negotiated by the same lawyer, appeared to be fair, reasonable and accurate, in view of the uncertainty about the outcome of a trial. He noted that the drivers lawyer, Shannon Liss-Riordan, would receive $3.675 million in fees under the new settlement, the same as her proposed share of the previous amount, and that the state of Californias share would increase from about $81,000 to $750,000.

Still pending before another federal judge in San Francisco is a proposed settlement of between $84 million and $100 million for 385,000 California and Massachusetts drivers with larger ride-hailing company Uber.

Both companies require drivers to provide their own vehicles and pay for gas and other expenses. Drivers in both suits, represented by Liss-Riordan, argued that they should be considered employees protected by state labor laws, including minimum wages, workers compensation, unemployment insurance and collective bargaining.

The critical question was the amount of control the company exerts over the workers. The drivers, with support from the state labor commissioner, said Lyft dictates their fares, routes and reimbursement, and requires them to greet passengers with a smile and a fist bump. The company said drivers choose their own work hours and decide which passengers to accept.

The settlement allows Lyft to continue to describe the drivers as independent contractors, but leaves the issue open for a possible future case.

Lyfts obligations to its drivers are generally unclear and will probably stay that way until the Legislature or state officials intervene, Chhabria said Thursday. After receiving comments from drivers who object to the settlement, he will consider final approval.

The settlement would give drivers some protections against termination, allowing them to challenge dismissal before an arbitrator.

It would also pay about $130 to the average Lyft driver who works only a few hours a week, according to court filings. But nearly 1,000 drivers who regularly work more than 30 hours a week would receive several thousand dollars, and Liss-Riordan said some would get more than $10,000.

The $27 million settlement was challenged by a group of drivers who said it failed to include compensation for extra fares that Lyft charges during peak traffic periods. Since August 2014, the company has told passengers that the surcharge will be added to your total for the driver, language that implies the surcharge is a kind of tip. But the company still pockets 20 percent of the extra charge, the same percentage it collects of the overall fare.

Chhabria said Lyft drivers might have won $10 million more if they had gone to trial, proved they were employees and established that Lyft cheated them out of tips with its surcharge policy. But he said the objectors case did not appear to be strong  noting that Lyft also encouraged passengers to tip their drivers  and should not undo the overall settlement.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
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The California commission accused of growing too close to Pacific Gas and Electric Co. on Thursday approved an 85 percent jump in the amount of money the utility collects from customers to spend on its natural gas pipelines, saying the money would fund badly needed safety work.

The 4-0 decision by the California Public Utilities Commission comes even as PG&E stands trial in a federal court for criminal charges related to the deadly 2010 explosion of a natural gas pipeline under San Bruno.

Under the decision, the amount PG&E collects each year to fund its gas transmission and storage system will rise in stages, from about $715 million in 2014 to $1.324 billion in 2018. While the increase is substantial, PG&E had wanted more, asking the commission for $1.5 billion.

Although the rate increase is large, this is about work we believe is necessary to the safety and reliability of the system, said Commissioner Catherine Sandoval.

$6 rise in average bill

Gas transmission and storage charges are just one component of PG&Es monthly gas bills, which also cover the wholesale cost of gas that customers use.

As a result, customers bills will rise following Tuesdays decision, but by a smaller percentage. According to the commission, the average monthly residential gas bill will increase from $50.89 last year to $56.79 in 2018.

The money will pay for replacing some aging pipelines, pressure-testing others, installing automated safety valves and making more of the network suitable for inspection by pigs  robot probes that travel through the inside of a pipe.

While we dont agree with all aspects of the commissions decision, we want our customers to know that the dedication to our mission of becoming the safest, most reliable gas company in the country is as strong as ever, said PG&E spokesman Donald Cutler.

The bill increases may end up being less than the commission forecast on Thursday.

When the same panel last year imposed a record $1.6 billion penalty on PG&E for the San Bruno blast, the commissioners specified that $850 million of that penalty should go toward pipeline safety work. Some of the increased pipeline spending approved Thursday will be offset by that $850 million, with the specific details to be hashed out in an upcoming series of hearings.

Increase spread out

The commissioners called Thursdays decision a balancing act, acknowledging the impact on PG&Es customers while insisting PG&Es immense system of pipelines and storage facilities needs upgrades and increased inspections. To minimize rate shock, the commission stretched out the timeline for the increases as well as for some of the work.

The commission also forced PG&E to cover some of the costs that the company wanted to pass on to its customers. That last element of the decision followed a scandal that delayed Thursdays votes and tarnished the reputations of both the commission and PG&E.

Following the San Bruno explosion, which killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes, PG&E submitted a request in December 2013 to raise the amount it would collect for pipeline work over three years  2015, 2016 and 2017. But in 2014, emails disclosed by PG&E showed that company executives had lobbied some commissioners to influence which CPUC administrative law judge would handle the gas-rate case.

Florio recused himself

Those revelations cost two top PG&E executives their jobs and forced one commissioner  Mike Florio  to recuse himself from Thursdays vote.

While the final decision gave PG&E less money than the utility requested, it angered consumer advocates.

The utility, they say, long scrimped on maintenance and upgrades to help boost its profits, and customers shouldnt bear the cost of catching up on overdue work. Meanwhile, the number of PG&E customers disconnected for not paying their bills has risen steadily for years.

According to federal prosecutors, PG&Es pipeline neglect was driven by greed for higher profits, said Mark Toney, executive director of The Utility Reform Network. Those profits came at the expense of customers safety and now should be put back into the system in order to reduce the risks created by PG&Es greed.

His organization argues that, based on the commissions own data, the average monthly residential gas bill will likely rise to $59 in 2018 due to Thursdays decision. PG&E, meanwhile, forecast a $7 per month increase during the same period  close to the commissions estimate.

David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @DavidBakerSF
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A man was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash Thursday night in San Franciscos North Beach neighborhood, just hours after Mayor Ed Lee held a press conference to express his outrage over two bicyclists who were killed in separate hit-and-run crashes Wednesday evening.

At 10:40 p.m., a 51-year-old man was crossing the street where Columbus Avenue intersects with Stockton and Green streets when a Chevy sedan driven by a 26-year-old man struck him and sped away, police said.
As voters in Great Britain elected to leave the European Union on Thursday, celebrities on both sides of the controversial issue took to social media to vent their frustration, show support and make jokes.

J.K. Rowling, a fervent advocate of remaining in the E.U., took to Twitter to express her dismay, "I don't think I've ever wanted magic more."
COLUMBUS  Daryl and Shirley Thiele dont like to turn away customers, but it was a good sign Thursday when they were forced to send a few people away empty-handed.

People are starting to get excited, once they see the tents start to go up, Daryl said from inside their Crazy Cracker Fireworks tent at Clock Tower Court.

The Thieles and a couple of their hired hands were busy Thursday filling the 2,400-square-foot tent with around 300 different fireworks, from snaps and Black Cats to large aerial displays. It takes the crew two full days to prepare for Saturday, when fireworks sales begin across the state.

Daryl and Shirley hire somebody to stand guard overnight, as required by city rules for fireworks tents.

We cant work and go without sleep, Shirley said. In our younger days, we probably would have tried.

The Thieles are in their 45th year in the fireworks business.

Weve seen a lot of changes, Daryl said.

They switched from a smaller stand to a large tent in 2011, more than doubling the number of products available and giving customers the ability to walk the aisles and look over items at their own pace.

Its made a huge difference, said Daryl, who estimates the change boosted sales by 25-30 percent.

It also takes more people to run the business. A total of 15 people will work at Crazy Cracker Fireworks over the next week and a half, including the Thieles and their sons, who travel from Lincoln and Portland, Oregon, to help out.

We get to July 3 and 4, and we pretty much use them all, Daryl said.

There are 10 fireworks stands and tents in Columbus this year, down from 11 in 2015 and 13 in 2014. Sixteen different fireworks stands could be found here in 2012.

Although the number of vendors is down, there are plenty of new products for customers to check out.

Crazy Cracker added about 40 items to replace older fireworks and introduced a backyard preview that allows shoppers to scan an aerial display then watch it in action on a TV screen.

The colors and the designs are getting better every year, Daryl said.

An item fireworks shoppers wont find on the shelves in Nebraska is flying lanterns, which were banned by the Legislature earlier this year.

Crazy Cracker sold as many as 600 to 700 of the popular Fourth of July novelties in previous years, but Daryl said hes not upset about the ban.

We dont want fireworks getting a bad rap, he said.

Flying lanterns use a flame to heat the air within a balloon-type covering, which allows them to float high in the air. Supporters of the ban noted that several fires have been blamed on flying lanterns often released a long distance from where they land.

It was a good thing for us, but if theyre going to be dangerous we dont want to sell them, Daryl said.

Other items including bottle rockets, nighttime parachutes and wire sparklers are also prohibited in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Fire Marshals Office encourages people to follow the directions on fireworks, keep a fire extinguisher, hose or bucket of water nearby and avoid discharging fireworks while drinking alcohol.

Nebraska fire departments reported 49 fires caused by fireworks last year, resulting in $60,417 in damage. A total of 176 fireworks-related injuries were reported by 44 hospitals in the state in 2015.

Fireworks can be sold in Columbus from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday through July 4. They can be discharged from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., except on July 4 when the time is extended until midnight.
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SAN ANTONIO  Mold, dead insects and blood were the common theme in this week's restaurant inspection reports.

From midtown to Stone Oak, 22 restaurants earned enough demerits to land on the dirty list, including San Antonio Bakery at 223 Palo Alto Road, which received the worst score this week for a number of health code violations.

The South Side bakery was spotted with cross contamination hazards, rodent droppings, moldy banana bread and moldy meat, among other unnerving violations.

To make the Express-News' list of dirtiest restaurants, an establishment must earn a score of 89 or below  or anything less than an "A"  during a random city inspection.

On the unusual citation side, Freetail Brewing Co. at 4035 N. FM 1604 W. was reprimanded for leaving a rear door propped "open with no restriction to insect entry."

Other disturbing violations include blood spotted in a reach-in cooler at Taqueria Vallarta #6 at 3333 West Ave. and trash bags used for food storage at El Tequila Mexican Restaurant at 7628 Marbach Road.

Get all the highlights from this week's dirtiest restaurant list in the slideshow above.

RELATED: San Antonio restaurant inspections: The worst reports from last week

The San Antonio Express-News examines hundreds of restaurant inspections each week conducted by the San Antonio Food and Environmental Health Services division to bring you the eateries with scores of 89 or below.

Restaurants are graded on a 100-point system, where 100 is a perfect score, and demerits are based upon the number of violations found during a regular food establishment inspection. There are three categories of demerits and each are assigned a demerit score of 3, 2 or 1 points, according to the health division.

Scores and demerits listed are only representative of the state of the restaurant at the time of inspection and are surveyed at random.

rsalinas@mysa.com

Twitter: @RebeccaLSalinas

Here is the full list of establishments on this week's list, see slideshow for information from the reports:
'NYN' looks at early access to produce

Don't miss this week's episode of "New York Now," the award-winning co-production of WMHT and the Times Union.

WMHT's Jenna Flanagan looks at a local program that helps low-income families get their children access to fruits and vegetables at a young age.

The Reporters Roundtable features the Gannett Albany Bureau's Jon Campbell and the Times Union's Rick Karlin.

"New York Now" airs at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 11:30 p.m. Sunday on WMHT.

 Matthew Hamilton

Murder trial begins for killing in church

UTICA  The first trial began Thursday in what authorities say was a 14-hour group attack during a church counseling session that killed a man and injured his brother.

Sarah Ferguson is on trial for murder and manslaughter for her alleged role in the October assault that killed her half-brother, Lucas Leonard, 19, following the beating at the Word of Life Christian Church.

 Associated Press
HOOSICK FALLS  Hoosick Falls police are investigating a telephone and social media scam that involves a request for donations to assist residents with their water woes.

The Rensselaer County village is currently dealing with a water contamination crisis after samples taken from public and private water wells detected perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, at levels above federal guidelines.
DANBURY - City Democrats will conduct their mid-July fundraiser without keynote speaker, state Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr., who canceled his appearance over concerns about party Chairman Gene Eriquezs domestic abuse charge.

State Senator Ted Kennedy Jrs. decision to cancel his scheduled appearance at our Democratic Annual Dinner, named in honor of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, is certainly a disappointment, but he is entitled to do what he thinks is best, city Democratic Party Vice Chair Gary Goncalves said on Friday. That said, we are confident that the Danbury JFK Dinner will be a tremendous success and serve as the kickoff of the partys efforts in support of all of our candidates.

Kennedy said earlier this week that he would speak as scheduled at the $75-a-plate fundraiser at the Amber Room Colonnade only if Eriquez resigned as chairman.

I will not be able to participate as long as local party leadership positions are occupied by individuals facing serious allegations of domestic violence, Kennedy said on Thursday. There is no place for violence against women.

Eriquez had no intention of resigning, Goncalves said, but plans to continue getting treatment and to continue his delegate leadership work.

As appropriate, Mr. Eriquez has stepped aside willingly as chair to concentrate on himself and work on healing his family, Goncalves said. They deserve the same respect and privacy to work through their issues that we would all seek during such times.

Eriquez will face a Danbury Superior Court judge on Tuesday to answer misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault, interfering with an emergency call and disorderly conduct.

He was accused of beating his wife after coming home drunk on April 15.

Eriquez agreed to step aside a few days later. This week, some Democrats criticized the former longtime mayor for having too much behind-the-scenes involvement in fundraising and campaigning, and called for his resignation.

More criticism came when Eriquezs counterpart in the GOP charged that city Democrats were endorsing domestic violence by permitting Eriquez to remain as chairman. Danbury Republican Party Chairman Jack Knapp also called on Kennedy to boycott the July 14 fundraiser.

On Friday, Goncalves accused Knapp of trying to capitalize on Eriquezs pain.

Contrary to the claims of Mr. Knapp, the Democratic Party in Danbury, as everywhere, is unalterably opposed to domestic violence, Goncalves said. The Democratic Party in Danbury also recognizes, however, that not everyone is perfect or untroubled.

Meanwhile Democrats were looking for a replacement speaker.

The dinner will go forward, said longtime Democratic Town Committee member Linda DaSilva on Friday. This dinner is not about Gene Eriquez, but about our full slate of Democratic candidates who we want to support.

rryser@newstimes.com; 203-731-3342
1 Deputies shot: A suspect  Juan Manuel Martinez, 39  has been arrested on suspicion of shooting and wounding two Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies, authorities said Friday. The suspect was arrested after holding a hostage in a structure behind a home, said Sheriff Jim McDonnell. The deputies were upgraded from critical condition Friday and are expected to survive. Deputies at a DUI checkpoint tried to stop a vehicle Thursday night in the suburb of Bellflower. A motorcycle deputy was following the vehicle when the driver stopped, got out and fired, striking the deputy. The driver fled and fired at other deputies, striking one.

2 Orlando attack: FBI investigators so far have not turned up persuasive evidence that gunman Omar Mateen was pursuing gay relationships, according to two government officials familiar with the investigation. The FBI began investigating the possibility after media reports last week quoted men as saying that Mateen had reached out to them on gay dating apps and had frequented the gay nightclub where the June 12 massacre of 49 people took place. But the officials told the Associated Press that the FBI, which has conducted 500 interviews, has not found concrete evidence to corroborate such accounts. They also say the investigation is ongoing and that nothing has been formally ruled out.
1 World drug abuse: A U.N. report says that an estimated quarter of a billion people between the ages of 15 and 64 years used at least one banned drug in 2014. But that figure and the number of drug-related deaths have remained relatively steady over recent years. Viennas U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime report puts drug-related fatalities at an estimated 207,400 worldwide in that age group, in a report that also notes a significant drop of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, the key provider of opium base. The report published Thursday says overall opium production last year fell by 38 percent from the previous year to the late 1990s level of about 4,770 tons. It attributes that to a 48 percent decline in Afghanistan due to poor yields.

2 Nigeria kidnappings: Nigerian police and navy patrol boats intensified efforts Thursday to find a group of construction workers including three Australians, two Nigerians, a New Zealander and a South African kidnapped in an ambush that killed their driver, police said. All were on assignment for Australian mining contractor Macmahon Holdings. Kidnapping for ransom is common in Nigeria but generally involves no fatalities. Hostages are returned unharmed once money exchanges hands, though a German construction worker was killed in southwestern Nigeria late last year by gunmen.
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One day before the annual Houston Pride parade and festival, city leaders had a simple message for people reluctant to attend festivities in light of recent events: don't be.

Mayor Sylvester Turner focused on security and inclusion at a news conference Friday morning, asking people to come out in full force to the city's Pride Parade Saturday night, to not let fear win.

After the mass shooting in Orlando, Fla., and the social media threat against the event, Turner and Police Chief Martha Montalvo guaranteed a stronger-than-ever police presence at what they hope will be not only the biggest, but also the safest, parade the city has ever seen.

"I understand there is concern," Turner said from a gazebo in Sam Houston Park downtown. He stood behind a podium adorned with a sign that read, "Any of Us, All of Us, Houston Stands with Orlando" with three circular flags, representing Texas, United States and the rainbow colors for LGBT pride.

"The message is simple. Let's not be afraid."

He asked Houstonians to come out in a "major way," to showcase the diversity of the city.

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Turner spoke of the stark contrast in circumstance from the previous year, just after the Supreme Court ruling which legalized gay marriage. This year, events are "overshadowed by sadness."

Despite that, organizer Frankie Quijano asked the public to channel that sadness and fear into something positive.

"Fear is a big weapon used to keep people cowering behind closed doors, and closets," he said. He asked the community to rise up, and come out in support Saturday.

While Turner and Montalvo declined to quantify the number of additional officers, they said visitors should expect to see several in uniform. Additional plain-clothes officers will be there as well.

Montalvo confirmed an investigation found the June 13 social media threat to Saturday's events to be fake. A local teen posted the message to deter her brother from attending festivities, Montalvo said. There are no credible threats at this time, she said.

Turner also announced the formation of a new LGBT task force. While members haven't been selected, Turner said the group would provide direct input to him, as people "shouldn't assume I know everything about every community."

The Houston Pride Festival kicks off at noon Saturday downtown and lasts until 7 p.m. The parade begins at 8:30 p.m. at Lamar and Smith Street.
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Let it never be said that Texas A&M students and alumni don't get to see the world. A Houston man on honeymoon with his wife recently discovered some Aggie-friendly etchings at Rome's Colosseum.

Eric Cohn and his new bride had been in Europe for weeks celebrating their new marriage when they visited the ancient Roman ruins and saw a piece of home, etched on a support column near the exit.

A visitor had carved the Texas A&M logo into the stone.

RELATED: The traditions, secrets and myths of Texas A&M University

It's obviously not the first time that someone has carved something onto the structure to show that they were there. Back in 2015 two American women in their '20s were actually arrested for carving their initials into a wall outside the Colosseum. Relax, they were from California.

About a year before this incident authorities in Rome fined a Russian visitor nearly $24,000 for doing the same thing. He was one of five tourists accused of carving things into the structure, which began construction back in 70 A.D.

People from all over the world seem to have a penchant for making their mark on the timeless structure from just after the time of Christ.

RELATED: Alamo, missions await World Heritage recognition

Cohn sent along three photos of the etchings to the Houston Chronicle. Upon closer inspection you can also see what looks to be "TSU" carved into the support column. To be fair, that could either be Texas Southern University or Tennessee State University, or any number of things.

Our traveling Texan reminds us that he went to the University of Oklahoma.

RELATED: No university graduates more Fortune 100 CEOs than Texas A&M

The Colosseum, a World Heritage Site, could hold an estimated 50,000 people when constructed 80 years after the birth of Jesus Christ. Gladiator fights, wild animal fights and other public shows packed the venue. It's been reduced greatly due to centuries of earthquakes, scavenging and lightning strikes. At one point it was even a quarry site.
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SAN ANTONIO  A man in his 20s died Friday morning after being shot while riding a bicycle on the East Side, an area that has seen multiple homicides and shootings in recent days.

Emergency crews found the man's body in the street next to a bicycle around noon near the intersection of Dorie and Lone Oak Streets, just east of Interstate 10 and south of Martin Luther King Drive.

RELATED: Far East Side residents find man's body in middle of street during morning walk

Witnesses saw a gray car leave the scene, but police have not identified any suspects.

Some witnesses were taken downtown for questioning, but SAPD Chief William McManus said investigators have been largely unsuccessful in obtaining information from witnesses and victims of violence on the East Side.

McManus said the shooting does not appear to be random.

MORE: Police searching for gunman who allegedly shot 2 at East Side food mart

Just hours before, two residents on a morning walk about 8 miles east of the shooting discovered a man's body in the middle of the road at the intersection of Maiden Way and Binz-Engleman in the Glenlock Farms neighborhood. Police have not said how he died.

Additionally, police are still searching for a gunman who shot two people at a food mart the less than 24 hours before at the intersection of North Walters and Burnet Streets, about 4 miles west of where the man riding the bicycle was killed.

All three incidents occurred in a 12-mile radius. None of the victims have been publicly identified and police are searching for suspects in all three cases.

MORE: San Antonio sees spike in homicides, 66 killed so far in 2016

In 2015, 106 homicides occurred in San Antonio, according to the Express-News' homicide database, an ongoing, searchable resource that tracks every homicide in the city through a combination of news archives and public records.

Explore details including cause of death, date, location and victim's name and age from each instance in the Express-News database, which includes an interactive map.

More details will be added to this developing story as they become available.

Text "NEWS" to 72727 to sign up for breaking news from mySA

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @KBrad5
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A man accused of fatally shooting a convenience store clerk during a botched North Side robbery has been officially charged with the robbery of another store earlier that day.

Olanda William Taylor, 18, was charged with aggravated robbery Thursday in connection with a June 7 heist at 3:30 p.m., according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

About an hour later, Taylor allegedly shot 23-year-old Zachary Benavidez, according to police. Benavidez died a day later.

An employee at the Metro PCS at 5602 U.S. Highway 87 East was just leaving the store when she held the door open for two men in black hoodies.

She said hello to them but they didnt respond, and she became suspicious when she noticed how covered up they were and that it was hot outside, she told police.

Another employee at the counter was also taking notice, setting her purse down to reach for a panic button under the desk, the affidavit states.

As she was about to push the button, one of the men, identified by police as Taylor, pulled out a handgun and ran toward her. He pointed the gun at her and asked where the money was, investigators said.

The woman pointed toward the money drawer, the warrant states. The other man who was with Taylor, yelled at him to Get all that.

After opening a second money drawer to find no money inside, Taylor asked the woman what was in the back.

She said she didnt know, so he walked into the back and returned with several phones. Taylor and his accomplice, not identified in the affidavit, grabbed their bags and left the scene.

Later, Taylor alongside accused accomplice DAnthony Carter, 18, attempted to rob the Diamond Food Mart at 2347 Vance Jackson, San Antonio police said.

During the incident, police said Taylor fatally shot Benavidez during a struggle as he attempted to gain access to the cash register.

A New Braunfels Police Department detective, who later saw surveillance footage from the Metro PCS robbery, recognized Taylor by his alias Tazz Ruffins and notified SAPDs robbery unit.

Taylor has been in custody since his arrest on June 10.

Authorities are still searching for Carter, who is thought to have fled to Houston. A murder warrant was issued for Carters arrest Tuesday.

jbeltran@express-news.net

Twitter: @JBfromSA
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Dimmit County commissioners are considering opening a new facility for holding immigrant families.

The proposal for a 500 to 1,000 bed center in the county southwest of San Antonio comes a little more than a week after Jim Wells County commissioners rejected a similar proposal.

Commissioners are expected to learn more about the center at a meeting Monday, when theyll discuss an intergovernmental service agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said County Commissioner Mike Uriegas.

Uriegas said that in a presentation earlier this month commissioners were told that the facility would be built at a location where theres currently a man camp for oilfield workers. He said the detention center would have in-house schools and medical services. Funds for the center would pass from ICE through the county budget to the operator, Uriegas said, but he didnt know how much money the county would stand to make on the arrangement.

They did say it was an open facility. They didnt say anything about whether the families could come and go, he said. Thats another question that we have.

Immigrants at the proposed Jim Wells County center would have been allowed to come and go as they pleased, according to county officials.

The controversial family detention centers in Karnes County and Dilley, which opened in 2014 and have the capacity to hold more than 3,000 women and children, are tied up in litigation, in part because theyre closed facilities where families are not allowed to leave.

ICEs use of intergovernmental service agreements, contracts between governmental entities that dont require bids or requests for proposals, drew criticism in 2014 when it became public that the city of Eloy, Arizona, received the $300 million contract to operate the Dilley facility.

jbuch@express-news.net
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Some 38,000 research library items at the Alamo will soon be moved out under a lawsuit settlement between the Texas General Land Office and Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

The settlement announced Friday in the lawsuit filed last year by the DRT against the state agency and Land Commissioner George P. Bush closes a final chapter in the Daughters departure at the state shrine, where the group had maintained a presence since 1905. The Land Office announced last month that it would not claim ownership of books, family papers and other items stored in the Alamo Research Center, formerly known as the DRT Library.

The Daughters held fast and our prayers were answered, Dr. Betty Edwards, president general of the DRT, said in a release.

The Land Office agreed to pay $200,000 to the DRT to cover attorney fees. Lamont Jefferson, the lawyer representing the Daughters in the case, said the DRT is funding the cost of the collections relocation, which must occur by July 11, under the agreement.

The end result is that the Daughters are giving up nothing to the state, Jefferson said.

The DRT is negotiating with Texas A&M University-San Antonio to house the collection at one of A&Ms local facilities, but not on the main campus, a university spokesman said. Jefferson said the archives will likely be moved to an undisclosed temporary collection in the weeks ahead, but may remain available for use by researchers. The library had closed June 1 in preparation for the move.

In a statement, the Land Office said it will now focus on development of a long-range master plan for the state-owned Alamo complex and surrounding area. The agency is working with the city and the nonprofit Alamo Endowment to craft the plan, with a draft version expected in November, that could include a vision for a modern visitor center, improved pedestrian access, public art and other design elements.

We are all pleased to resolve this issue in a manner that allows the DRT to continue to manage this important collection of historic books, photographs, documents and artifacts, Mark Havens, general counsel with the Land Office, said in a statement.

He added that the agency will concentrate on our primary goal of conserving this treasured historic site and enhancing the visitor experience at the Alamo, the cradle of Texas Liberty.

Last year, using a portion of the $25 million allocated by the Legislature for projects resulting from the master plan, the Land Office purchased three historic buildings on the west side of Alamo Plaza at a cost of $14.4 million. The buildings are within the footprint of the 1700s Mission San Antonio de Valero and the 1836 Alamo compound, site of a famed siege and battle for Texas independence.

The master plan will examine whether the buildings should be razed, relocated or left in place and used as part of a larger, more defined history complex.

The DRT, Alamo custodians from 1905 to 2011, began accumulating the library collection in 1945. The building that has housed the library collection was completed in 1950. Its future used has not been determined.

Edwards said the DRT, meanwhile, will refocus on our mission to ensure the next generation of Texans understand and appreciate our unique history as a sovereign republic.

shuddleston@express-news.net

Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
A Comal County Sheriff's Office deputy and a man who was reportedly suicidal are recovering after a shooting Thursday night in Bulverde.

Deputies were assisting the Bulverde Police Department with a suicidal man armed with a gun at 10:37 p.m. in the 31000 block of High Ridge Drive, according to a Sheriffs Office press release released Friday.
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AUSTIN  Four years after the Governor's Mansion was devastated by fire, Gov. Rick Perry and his wife are preparing to move back into the Texas treasure, restored to its historic glory.

Perry, in an interview soon after ending his presidential bid, said he was more than ready for the return. His staff said Wednesday that's expected to occur when the $25 million restoration project is completed in late July.

I love downtown. I cannot wait to get back to where I can go out the back door of the residence over there, and hit the lake, Perry, who spoke of his enjoyment in running at the magnificent Lady Bird Lake, told the San Antonio Express-News in a February interview in his Capitol office.

It's been four years, he said then. Think about it. There's a whole passel  I'll bet you there's 60 members of the Legislature that have never been in it.

Perry and his wife, Anita, moved out of the Governor's Mansion near the Capitol and into a pricey rental home about 10 miles from downtown in late 2007.

Their move was prompted by a major renovation project for the mansion, which opened in 1856 and has been occupied by Texas governors ever since.

More Information Governor's Mansion renovations Cost: $21.5 million appropriated by the Legislature and nearly $3.5 million in private donations Includes: Restoration, repair, renovation and enhanced security. Work included: Roof and floor replacement; painting, repairs to exterior masonry, columns and porches; a rebuilt entry; restoration of historic spaces; upgrades to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act; plumbing and electrical improvements; landscape renovation; heightened perimeter wall; screening facility and guardhouse additions; kitchen renovations; and "green" additions including a geothermal-sourced heat pump for heating and cooling and solar panels to heat water. Project costs include expenses for renting a home for the Perrys, about 10 miles from downtown. Rent started at $9,900 a month but twice was negotiated down to the current $8,500 a month. Rental costs from Oct. 1, 2007 to May 2012 total $531,400. Pool maintenance has totaled $10,553.02. Source: State Preservation Board, Texas Facilities Commission. See More Collapse

The project turned into a much bigger one in June 2008, when the mansion was ravaged in an as-yet unsolved arson fire.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the arson investigation will remain active until it's solved, with a $50,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

An important step in the mansion's restoration was highlighted Wednesday when Perry's staff allowed news photographers to come in as workers hung drapes in the home. Historic furnishings also are being moved back into the Governor's Mansion, his staff said, including Stephen F. Austin's writing desk and the bed used by Sam Houston.

Chandeliers went up last week, and there was a buzz of activity on the grounds Wednesday as workers labored on projects including landscaping.

It's beautiful and wonderful and everything we hoped it would be, said Dealey Herndon, manager of the project for the State Preservation Board.

The restoration, paid for with $21.5 million appropriated by the Legislature and nearly $3.5 million in private donations, included not only repair and restoration but updates and improvements such as a geothermal system for cooling and heating.

Security is being enhanced with the addition of a screening facility in front of the mansion and a new guardhouse in back.

An addition was put on the mansion to allow stairways and bathrooms that are accessible for people with disabilities and to replace a porch that had been used as a bedroom with an actual bedroom.

Among items replaced was a very dangerous stairway from 1914 that had tall risers and narrow treads, Herndon said. People kept falling down on it, she said, including Anita Perry.

Doors, furniture and chandeliers were in storage when the fire occurred, so they were saved, Herndon said. Key interior items, including stair handrails and a historic fireplace, had been covered and also were protected.

During his prolonged absence from the official residence, Perry has drawn fire for the cost of the couple's rental. The monthly rent started at $9,900 but since has been negotiated down to $8,500.

Perry's office has defended the choice as necessary for needs including security, but that didn't stop critics from citing the cost  such as political opponents U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in the 2010 GOP primary, Democratic challenger Bill White in the 2010 general election and, in the heat of the presidential race, Mitt Romney.

The Texas AFL-CIO in 2010 offered Perry a manufactured home for a $1-a-year lease, an echo of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's decision to live in a donated triple-wide mobile home when his official residence was being repaired. When Perry didn't accept, the labor group solicited applications and presented it to an activist in the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel.

We're glad that the governor and his family are returning as neighbors, Texas AFL-CIO spokesman Ed Sills said. The organization's office is diagonally across the street from the mansion. But Sills indicated dryly that he didn't expect an invitation when Perry returns: We haven't been invited over in the last 10 years or so.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac
Health advocates scored a major victory in their battle to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks with the passage of a soda tax by the Philadelphia City Council last week.

On a split vote, the Philadelphia council voted to impose a 1.5-cents-per-ounce tax on sugar-added and artificially sweetened drinks. The add-on tax, which amounts to 18 cents per standard 12-ounce can of soda and $1.08 for a 2-liter bottle, should cause many folks to rethink those purchases.

A similar tax in Mexico in 2014 resulted in a marked decline in sales, especially among the low-income.

Philadelphia will start collecting the tax in January. It is expecting the tax to generate $91 million a year, most earmarked for early childhood education.

Philadelphia, a city of 1.5 million, is only the second city in the country to impose such a tax. In 2014, Berkeley, California  population 112,000  imposed a similar tax.

The drum beat over the amount of sugar added to the products we consume has been growing stronger over the last decade, but there remains much resistance  from the beverage industry and allies.

Some of it has been subtle, some not so much. In Philadelphia, the industry poured more than $4 million in a campaign to defeat the measure.

The link between sugar-sweetened beverages and obesity and diabetes is clear. In Bexar County, about 13 percent of residents have diabetes, a potentially life-threatening disease. Make that 16 percent for Latinos. Its the fourth-leading cause of death in Bexar County.

We are fortunate to have finally mobilized a public education campaign to raise awareness about the high amounts of added sugar in some beverages through the 50-plus-member Bexar Healthy Beverage Coalition.

Its estimated that 64 percent of San Antonians drink one or more sodas per day. A 20-ounce bottle of soda contains 16 teaspoons of sugar  4 teaspoons more than the daily recommended daily consumption.

In the Texas summer heat, its not unusual to see people out and about with beverage cups of 32 ounces or larger.

The idea of a local beverage tax stands about as much chance as a statewide income tax, but more aggressive strategies are needed to reduce sugar consumption.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers of the serious bleeding risks associated with over-the-counter aspirin-containing antacid products.

Details on the Antacid Warning

The drug facts label should be read carefully when ingesting or purchasing these products, which are used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, or an upset stomach.

These products already contain warnings about the risks of bleeding. This includes products such as: Alka-Seltzer Original, Bromo Seltzer, Medique Medi Seltzer, Picot Plus Effervescent, Vida Mia Pain Relief, Winco Foods Effervescent Antacid and Pain Relief, and Zee-Seltzer Antacid and Pain Reliever. They are also available as generic products.

This issue will continue to be evaluated and external reports will be used to conclude if further FDA actions are necessary.

The FDA reporting system identified 41 cases of serious bleeding events reported with OTC products containing aspirin. These patients required hospitalization.

Among these 41 cases, one death was reported, 17 provided no details about dosing, 11 indicated that the patient ingested these products daily, others claimed to use this product inappropriately, while only 7 cases reported using this product as needed.

The majority of these patients, however, appeared to have underlying conditions that put them at risk for developing these stomach bleeding issues.

Important Information about Antacid Products

There are risk factors that higher your chance of serious bleeding when taking these products. This includes; age 60 or older, history of stomach ulcers, taking blood thinning or steroid medicine, taking other OTC pain relief, drink alcohol daily, or taking more of these medicines than what is recommended.

These products combine an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid along with aspirin. Aspirin is an NSAID that can increase the risk of serious bleeding, whether it is in the stomach, GI tract, brain, and spinal chord. This can cause the need for hospitalization and even a blood transfusion.

Report side effects from OTC aspirin-containing antacid products or other medicines to the FDA MedWatch program, using the information in the "Contact FDA" box at the bottom of this page This safety issue continues to be evaluated and the public will be notified of the advisory committee meeting by posting notices in the Federal Register and on the FDA Advisory Committees web page and when there is additional information to share.

Contact an Experienced Drug Liability Attorney

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of drug and product liability litigation. Our Defective Drug and Products Division have extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively. The Defective Drug and Products Division represent a multitude of people who are battling against manufacturers of medical devices and/or defective pharmaceuticals.

If you or a loved one have been injured by or have developed serious side-effects from the use of recalled medications or pharmaceuticals, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We represent clients/victims all over the country. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.
1 Attacker killed: Israels army says troops shot and killed a Palestinian woman after she purposely rammed her vehicle into an Israeli car, injuring two people in the West Bank. The military says the woman accelerated and crashed into a stationary vehicle at the entrance to the settlement of Kiryat Arba. Forces opened fire and killed her. Fridays incident is the latest in nine months of dozens of Palestinian attacks, including stabbings, shootings and assaults using cars. The attacks have killed 32 Israelis and two Americans. About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most of them described by Israel as attackers. The rest died in clashes.

2 Cinema gunman: German authorities say a masked man who was shot dead after taking hostages in movie theater was armed only with a harmless replica rifle, a pistol and dummy grenades. Darmstadt prosecutors said Friday it was still not clear what motives were behind the incident, but they had found no evidence the man had a political or terrorist background. They identified the suspect as a 19-year-old German born in Mannheim  about 6 miles from the town where the incident occurred.
Posted on 06/24/2016, 1:00 pm, by mySteinbach

On June 19, 2016 at approximately 3:15am, Whitemouth RCMP responded to a residence in Elma, Manitoba after receiving a report of a man who had returned to a house party with firearms and was acting in a threatening manner.

Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered that the suspect was no longer but heard multiple gunshots in the vicinity. Witnesses described the suspect as having a handgun and a semi-automatic rifle.

Due to the description of the weapons, the amount of shots heard in the area and to protect community and officer safety, RCMP immediately deployed multiple resources to Elma, including its Critical Incident Command Post, Tactical Armoured Vehicle, Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services. Officers from several neighbouring detachments, many equipped with semi-automatic rifles, were also utilized as RCMP flooded the area in an attempt to quickly locate the male suspect.

Police say that the male suspects truck was located at a residence just north of Elma and the scene was quickly contained by RCMP personnel. At approximately 10:15am, the suspect exited the residence and was placed into custody without incident.

All resources were required to bring this situation to a peaceful conclusion.

A search warrant for the property was granted and the RCMP located a total of 18 firearms, including the one suspected to have been used in this offence  an AR-15. Located with the AR-15 was a prohibited 30 round magazine as well as a prohibited 20 round magazine (with 20 rounds loaded). In total, 18 firearms were found in and around the residence .

RCMP report that the male suspect, 42-year-old Trevor Ewanochko from the RM of Whitemouth, has been charged with 33 counts of various weapons and threat related offences.
PORTLAND, Maine  Maine Gov. Paul LePage doesnt want his state allowing the purchase of candy and sugary drinks with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Portland Press Herald reports. The governor sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) demanding that Maine be allowed to forbid using food stamps for certain foods or the state will stop administrating the program.

Its time for the federal government to wake up and smell the energy drinks, wrote LePage in the letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Doubtful that it will, I will be pursuing options to implement reform unilaterally, or cease Maines administration of the food stamp program altogether. You maintain such a broken program that I do not want my name attached to it.

While the federal government funds SNAP, states hand out the monthly benefits to individuals. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) expressed dismay about the governors threats, citing how harmful pulling out of SNAP could be for Maine residents. We are literally talking about taking the food off the table of Maine families struggling to make ends meet, said Pingree. SNAP is a program funded by the federal government, but the law is clearits up to the states to run it. If Maine were to pull out of SNAP, then Maine people would not have access to it. Families that depend on SNAPseniors, children, veteranswould go hungry. This is not how we treat each other in Maine.

LePage has been making changes to public assistance initiatives since taking office in 2010. He has attempted to pass measures restricting what SNAP users can purchase, but hasnt had success. The USDA has added ways for SNAP recipients to buy more healthful foods, such as working with farmers markets to accept food stamps. During the past five years, SNAP purchases at farmers markets in Maine jumped 860%, according to USDA data.

Meanwhile, last month, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee passed an amendment that would block provisions in the SNAP rule to allow convenience stores to continue participating in the program. Although the ill-advised SNAP regulations are in trouble, the battle is not quite over. The House and Senate Fiscal Year 2017 Agriculture Appropriations bills now await consideration by the full House and Senate. If the bills pass their respective chambers, they will go to conference before a final bill will be sent to the president.
We held our fire on the progress of California Assembly bill AB 2833, a private equity fee transparency bill, in the hope that its sponsor, Treasurer John Chiang, who sits on the CalPERS and CalSTRS boards, was acting in good faith.

In fact, AB 2833 was amended on Wednesday so as to be so pointless that we oppose the bill and urge California readers to call and write their representatives to urge them to vote against it in its current form.

Worse, its obvious that Chiang and his staff merely used this bill as an opportunity for the Treasurer to pretend to be on the right side of the growing consternation over the ignorance of limited partners like CaLPERS of the full fees and costs of investing in private equity, which come at the expense of their beneficiaries.

This bill has the hallmarks of cynical ploy. Chiang was not only unwilling to challenge the private equity industry. He failed even to make a pretense of standing up to their stooges, the captured California public pension funds. Not only did he fail to put up a fight for having the bill deliver on its promise, he never took basic, pro-forma steps to advocate for it.

The initial bad sign was when the stewardship of the bill through the legislature was orchestrated to assure that only insiders, meaning captured public pension funds acting as stooges for the private equity industry, had input into the sausage-making.

But even worse, as well show next week, at a recent CalPERS board meeting, Chiangs staffer, Grant Boyken, flagrantly misrepresented the status of the bill as the board was debating what action to take with respect to AB 2833. As a result of this gamesmanship, the board gave blanket approval to the measure when it had been advised that amendments were pending but was kept in the dark as to what they might be. And in fact, Chiang and Boyken knew what was pending; a draft was circulating at that time that is virtually identical to the key changes that were just made.

Today, we will discuss the deficiencies of the bill as it stands. Next week, we will show how Chiang failed to make a serious go at implementing real reform.

What Chiang Promised Versus What the Bill Delivers

As regular readers know well, the reason a seemingly technical matter like private equity fees and costs has become controversial is that the private equity fund managers, who are also called general partners, not only have made an art from of extracting cash from the companies they buy on behalf of their limited partners, but they have also been called out by the SEC for wide-ranging abuses, including making unauthorized charges. In most walks of life, that would be called embezzlement. Moreover, the SEC depicted the limited partners as part of the problem by signing agreements that were vague on critical points and performing little in the way of oversight.

Chiang announced his intention to sponsor private equity transparency legislation last October. From Reuters:

.Chiang said the California Public Employees Retirement System and the California State Teachers Retirement System, along with other limited partners, pay excessive fees to private equity firms and do not have sufficient visibility into the nature and amount of those fees. Last month, the Institutional Limited Partners Association announced it would seek a better understanding of all monies paid to the fund manager. Calpers has said it will begin reporting the amount of carried interest paid to general partners later this year. Chiang applauded these efforts, but noted more needs to be done to ensure public pension funds and their trustees have the transparency they need to determine the value of private equity investments. Chiang proposed not to impair existing contracts with general partners. Instead, disclosure requirements would include gross management fees, management fee offsets, fund expenses and carried interest, as well as related party transactions.

In other words, Chiang was concerned that investors are paying unjustifiably high fees to private equity firms. He described his transparency bill as a means to achieve that end and stated that more needs to be done than the Institutional Limited Partners (ILPA) fee template. Bear in mind that while the final ILPA template was not released until January 2016, it was in an advanced form as of October.

Recall also that a few months earlier, Ching along with a dozen other prominent public pension fund trustees wrote the SEC to intervene on behalf of these investors. One of the ruses they flagged was the way that general partners circumvent disclosure is by having the companies they control make payments to them or to related parties. That means the monies do not flow through the investment fund and are not reported as costs in the investment funds audited financial statements.

Worse,some of these fees, like monitoring fees, are purely extractive; Oxford Professor Ludovic Phalippou has called them money for nothing. Others are set well above any defensible value for the service rendered. For example, many general partners charge transaction fees at the level that investment banks charge, when they also have engaged an investment bank to do the actual work. From the trustees letter:

Among the four types of private equity firm expensesmanagement fees, fund expenses, allocated incentive fees, and portfolio-company charges, a portion of which serve as offsets or contra-expenses to limited partnersonly directly billed management fees are easily segregable and therefore regularly disclosed. Though private equity firms generally disclose information on all types of fees, it is often reported deep in annual financial statements and is not reported directly to limited partners on a quarterly basis. This lack of clear and frequent reporting has resulted in an uneven approach to fee disclosure from private equity general partners to limited partners. One tangible example of inadequate expense reporting relates to portfolio company monitoring fees. Limited partners, such as state pension portfolios, are typically eligible for an allocation of fees that private equity managers collect from their portfolio companies. However, this limited partner share is usually not transferred to the limited partner, and instead it is maintained by the manager and used as an offset against payment of management fees. The calculation behind this offset is often opaque to the limited partner, making consistent disclosure of private equity expenses to the public extremely challenging. Broadly, this opacity has also led to a culture in which management fees reported by state pension funds often do not reflect total management fees accrued by private equity firms.

Notice the concerns raised:

1. Most fees are not reported separately 2. The fees reported by state pension funds often do not reflect total management fees accrued, meaning incurred at the fund level or at the portfolio company level.

The letter hints at a third concern, that because various management fee offsets are opaque, limited partners cannot determine whether the charges are warranted, either in substance or how they are applied.

How does the current version of AB 2833, which is now set in its repeatedly-amended form to go though the California Senate (more on procedural fast ones soon) stack against up these promised and needs? Poorly.

In the interest of space, well describe only three major shortcomings.

AB 2833 has gaping holes that will allow general partners to structure related party payments to escape reporting. The bill, which you can read here, has a very long and complicated definition of what constitutes a related party. It is inferior to shorter and more comprehensive definitions in earlier drafts.

Specifically, the focus of the related party definition is to force the reporting of transactions with individuals that are managers, owners or employees of the general partner entity, service providers to the general partner, and vehicles with as little as 10% ownership of a related person or operational person.

However, the restrictions on entities upstream from the general partner are not water-tight. Recall that general partner is used loosely and can be any one of: the legal entity established to serve as general partner of the fund; the firm hired to act as investment adviser to the private equity fund; and the natural persons who work for that investment adviser.

The definition of related party includes any operational person who are included only when their (emphasis ours) primary activity for a relevant entity is to provide operational or back office support to any portfolio company of any alternative investment vehicle, account, or fund managed by a related person.

An operational person could have his role structured so that his primary activity is not operational or back office support but a secondary activity.

And while we are at it, what is a relevant entity?

Relevant entity means the general partner, any separate carry vehicle, the investor advisor, any of the investment advisors parent or subsidiary entities, or any similar entity related to any other alternative investment vehicle, account, or fund advised or managed by any current or former related person.

This is not comprehensive in capturing entities upstream from the investment adviser, which can be structured legally to be an investment adviser for only that particular fund. The only upstream entity is the parent. If you put two legal entities over that investment adviser (a parent of the parent), the ultimate parent would not be included.

AB 2833s definition of portfolio company allows payment to be routed through other entities. The definition of portfolio company is more obviously deficient than that of related party and again allows the bill to be circumvented:

Portfolio companies means individual portfolio investments made by the alternative investment vehicle.

Huh? What does individual portfolio investments mean? This language does not map onto legal entities or contractual relationships. But by saying individual, that would appear to set up the argument that the portfolio company is only individual meaning the senior-most legal entity that owns fund assets. But private equity funds seldom invest directly in a portfolio company. For tax and other reasons, there are often blocker legal vehicles and other legal entities that sit between the private equity fund and the investee business. It thus appears that general partners could launder the former portfolio company fees through legal vehicles that sit above the portfolio company. For instance, Portfolio Company contracts with Intermediate Co. which has a mirror contract with the general partner or a related party.

Reporting is at far too high a level of abstraction to allow for verification or cross-checks. Another major flaw in the bill is that it fails to report fees quarterly, as the unhappy 13 major trustees had called for, and is nowhere near granular enough to allow them to map the fees back to either portfolio company activities or limited partnership agreements. It simply calls for an aggregate of fees and costs, reported on a pro-rata basis for the fund and also by the portfolio companies.

Bear in mind that the previous version of the bill required that all related party transactions be reported. The current version calls only for providing each CA public fund with its pro rata share of those fees.

This example illustrates of how this newly proposed reporting structure would cause vast under-reporting of the total amount of fees that a portfolio company is paying to a private equity firm:

 PE firm Deal Guys makes a $100 million equity investment in Widget, Inc.  Deal Guys Fund V, L.P., its current flagship buyout fund contributes $65 million of equity  CalPERS has contributed 5% of the capital in Deal Guys Fund V, L.P.  The of the remaining $35 million of equity, $20 million is contributed by a friends and family fund ($5 million), and an offshore fund ($15 million) that holds the capital of non-U.S. investors, both of which are required by the LPA of Deal Guys Fund V, L.P. to invest alongside it pro rata. The final $15 million is contributed by an LP co-investor (not CalPERS).  Upon purchasing Widget, Inc., Deal Guys forces it to execute a monitoring agreement calling for an annual payment of $5 million to a Deal Guys affiliate.

What is CalPERS pro rata share of this $5 million? It is five percent (CalPERS interest in the fund) of 65 percent (the funds interest in the Widget, Inc. deal) =(5,000,000 X .05 X.65) = $162,500.

From this $162,500 number, CalPERS would either 1) erroneously infer that the total amount of money being taken by Deal Guys from Widget, Inc. annually is $3.25 million (162,500 X 20), a conclusion they might reach because they incorrectly think that the fund in which they are invested is the only vehicle invested in Widget; or, if they are more sophisticated, they would recognize that there is no conclusion they can reach about the total amount being sucked out of Widget by Deal Guys.

Further, because CalPERS has no visibility into the other Deal Guys entities in the transaction, it does not know that the $20 million contributed from the friends and family fund and the co-investor do not give rise to any management fee offsets, meaning that the Deal Guys affiliate just keeps the full $1 million annually (20 percent of the annual monitoring fee) attributable to this capital.

Please Call or E-mail and Oppose the Current Version of AB 2833

If you are in California, please call or write your state Assemblyman and Senator to let them know you oppose the bill in its current form because it offers the only the pretense of transparency. Tell them it is worthy of support only if it is restored to the original strong form of the bill or something very close to it. It is particularly important to contact your Senator promptly if he is on the Senate Committee on Public Employment and Retirement, since the bill is scheduled for a vote before that Committee on Monday. Note that a different version of the bill made it through the Assembly; the Public Employment and Retirement is its first stop in the Senate.

The members of that committee are:

Richard Pan

Mike Morrell

Jim Beall

Isadore Hall, III

John M. W. Moorlach

You can find the contact information for your Senator and Assemblyman here.

If you send an e-mail about AB 2833, please send a copy to Chiang and his deputy Grant Boyken. Since Chiang has made it clear that he intends to run for Governor, he should be concerned that voters recognize that his efforts to garner good PR will backfire if he does not deliver the goods:

john.chiang@treasurer.ca.gov

grant.boyken@treasurer.ca.gov

You can also contact Chiang via mail or telephone:

Mr. John Chiang

California State Treasurer

Post Office Box 942809

Sacramento, CA 94209-0001

(916) 653-2995

As always, thanks for your interest and support!
Yves here. This post is a fitting accompaniment to todays Brexit vote, since it discusses debtor/creditor dynamics and debtor revolts. The Brexit vote was in many respects a revolt against neoliberalism and austerity, since those are core to the EUs brand.

By Michael Hudson, a research professor of Economics at University of Missouri, Kansas City, and a research associate at the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College. His latest book is KILLING THE HOST: How Financial Parasites and Debt Bondage Destroy the Global Economy

Last week I attended a wonderful conference in the university town of Tubingen, Germany, on Debt: The First 3500 Years, to bring ancient historians together to discuss David Graebers book Debt: The First 5000 Years.

I was enlightened by two papers in particular. Doctoral fellow Moritz Hinsch from Berlin collected what Socrates (470-399 BC) and other Athenians wrote about debt, and the conferences organizer, Prof. John Weisweiler, presented the new view of late imperial Rome as being still a long way from outright serfdom. The 99 Percent were squeezed, but the economy grew  in a way that concentrated growth in the hands of the One Percent. In due course this bred popular resentment that spread in the form of debtor revolts, not only in the Roman Empire but that of Iran as well, leading to religious reforms to limit the charging of interest and self-indulgent greed in general.

I had not been in Tubingen since 1959, and it was my first chance to meet with David Graeber since he moved to England to teach at the London School of Economics after being hounded out of his apartment in New York City in the wake of the police and FBI crackdown against Occupy Wall Street. Our mutual German publisher, Klett-Cotta, sent its senior editor from nearby Stuttgart to discuss their German translation of my Killing the Host, to appear in November, as Der Sektor: Warum die Globale Finanzwirtschaft uns Zerstort.

Socrates Views on Whether Bad Debts Should Be Paid

In Book I of Platos Republic (380 BC), Socrates discusses the morality of repaying debts. Cephalus, a businessman living in the commercial Piraeus district, states the typical ethic that it is fair and just to pay back what one has borrowed or received.[1] Socrates replies that it would not be just to return weapons to a man who has turned into a lunatic. Because of the consequences, paying back the debt would be the wrong thing to do.

At issue is not the micro-economic morality of paying a debt, but how this act affects society. If a madman is intent on murder, returning his weapon to him will enable him to commit unjust acts. The morality of paying back all debts is not necessarily justice. We need to take the overall consequences into account.

A similar logic may apply to todays debate over whether Greece should pay back the IMF and European Central Bank (ECB) for the money that they have provided since 2010 to save bondholders from losses on loans (largely by French and German banks). The terms oblige the Greek government to pay in full instead of writing down debts to reflect the actual ability to pay.

The IMF staff calculated repeatedly that Greece had no way of paying off these debts, so the IMF violated its own articles of agreement (and its No More Argentinas rule) that it should not lend to countries which, in the judgment of its research staff, have no foreseeable means to pay.[2] IMF board members also protested to the bondholder bailout  all to no avail.

The morality of paying off the IMF and ECB is analogous to paying off the madman discussed by Socrates. At issue is what should be saved: wealthy creditors from loss (and the morality that all debts should be paid), or the overall economy from unemployment and misery leading to emigration, worse health and shorter lifespans. They have used their debt leverage to demand that Greece impose austerity, increase unemployment (now running at an enormous 25 percent for IV-2015  I-2016), scale back pensions to retirees, and privatize public infrastructure to pay creditors  while running a budget surplus to suck even more money out of the economy.

When the Greek people voted in 2015 to reject these demands, the ECB and European Union insisted that referendums didnt matter. Shifting economic policy from voters to bankers already had led Frank Schirrmacher to write an article in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Democracy is Junk.

What really is at issue is the selfish and abusive behavior of creditors. Later in the Republic (Book VIII, 555d-556b), Socrates talks with Glaucon, pointing to the negligence and encouragement of licentiousness in oligarchies. Their greed, Socrates explains, inserts the parasitic sting of their money into any of the remainder who do not resist. The effect is to burden many Athenians with debt, to suffer foreclosure on their land and disenfranchisement, fostering the drone and pauper element in the state. This leaves the people (the demos) to conspire against the acquirers of their estates and the rest of the citizens, and be eager for revolution.

The way to quench this disaster in the making, Socrates suggests, is to enact a law prohibiting a man from doing as he likes with his own, or in this way, by a second law that does away with such abuses.

What law? asks Glaucon.

The law that is next best  commanding that most voluntary contracts should be at the contractors risk. The pursuit of wealth would be less shameless in the state and fewer of the evils of which we spoke just now would grow up there.

This obligation of creditors to share in the risk of non-payment is precisely what the IMF staff and other critics of the European Central Banks pro-creditor line are now belatedly insisting. It is the principle that American bank reformers urged after the 2008 crash: Banks that made junk mortgage loans beyond the ability of debtors to pay should have their reckless and often fraudulent liars loans downsized to reflect reasonable rental values and real estate prices instead of being allowed to foreclose and push the U.S. economy into debt deflation.

Concentration of Wealth by Romes One Percent Leads Debtors to Revolt

Roman emperors sponsored a market economy that aimed at producing a fiscal surplus, which was used largely to pay mercenaries. Wealth and political power were concentrated in the imperial bureaucracy, army leaders, and their suppliers and provisioners. The tax reform of Diocletian (ruled 284-305), enacted in 297, taxed the hitherto exempt wealthy landowners as well as the rest of the economy. His successor, Constantine (ruled 306-337), enacted a monetary reform in the 310s, basing the military-fiscal state on the gold solidus.

The effect was monetary deflation. Like the gold standard of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Prof. Weisweiler explained in his paper on the Late Roman economy, the introduction of the solidus was a golden age for capital-owners but a dark period for lower strata of the population. Yet Medium-sized farms survived without being reduced to serfdom, and wage labor was available for hire at harvest time. The proportion of Italys population enslaved is now deemed to have been around 15 percent.

There were no slave revolts, but debtors rebelled or defected to invaders, as they had done earlier in antiquity. Prof. Weisweiler described how, when a Gothic army defeated that of Rome at Adrianople (eastern Turkey) in 378, local guides brought the victors to the villas of great landowners, who were then plundered by a coalition of Gothic soldiers and local residents. When in 408 the Romano-Gothic military leader Alaric for the first time besieged the city of Rome, his forces were swollen by many debtors who left the imperial capital to join his army.

Richard Payne of the University of Chicago gave a paper explaining how peasant revolts against Persias Sasanian rulers a century later sought to restore an egalitarian Zoroastrian order as a protest against the extreme polarization that widened the gap between luxury and poverty. The new morality of economic balance rejected silk garments, silver wine vessels and other status symbols of the elites. Interest was condemned, as it had been under Christianity and would be under Islam. All religious urged mutual aid and warned about abusive wealth-seeking by the elites. What occurred culturally was a revulsion against luxury and hubris  a Greek word that connoted not only arrogance, but arrogance that took the form of injuring others.

Ideology and Antiquity

Creditors were the typical class singled out as oppressive and destructive of society. Their self-centered wealth addiction was seen as stripping society to serve their own compulsive drives. It was to praise moderation and even to prefer a poverty of equality to indulgence in luxury that Christianity, Islam and other religious movements of the early first millennium AD took root.

By the 14th century the great Tunisian Islamic philosopher of history, Ibn Khaldun, described societies gaining prosperity through group feeling, only to lose it within about 120 years as the ruling dynasty succumbed to self-indulgence and greed  paving the way for their land to be conquered from without or taken over from within.

My own paper for the conference described how Ibn Khalduns rise and fall view of history in The Muqaddimah was echoed in Giambatisto Vicos The New Science (1725), and later by the French and Scottish Enlightenment by writers such as Adam Ferguson, who endorsed Montesquieus statement in Spirit of the Laws (1748): Man is born in society, and there he remains. To survive, people need to cooperate in a system of mutual aid. Man is, by nature, the member of a community; and when considered in this capacity, the individual appears to be no longer made for himself. He must forego his happiness and his freedom, where these interfere with the good of society.[3]

All this teaches the opposite of todays two guiding economic premises: Greed is good, and There is no such thing as society. Economics used to be called moral philosophy, but it has succumbed to individualistic extremism. Homo economicus has replaced zoon politikon. Debts are supposed to be paid without concern for how this impoverishes the economy.

It was to resist personal gain-seeking at the expense of the body politic and group solidarity that the worlds major philosophies and religions for the past two thousand years urged self-control, generosity, care for the weak and poor, and rules to limit the luxurious self-indulgence and anti-social egotism it bred in ruling elites. Excluding this intellectual legacy from the curriculum has paved the way for inverting todays moral attitude upholding creditor claims against the rest of society.

It should not be surprising that modern financial elites are fighting back against democratic moves to limit their wealth, adopt progressive taxation, write down debts by bankruptcy reform, and shift control of government away from landed aristocracies and banking centers. These vested interests are behaving exactly as Ibn Khaldun described the terminal decadent generation of dynasties as acting with anti-social selfishness.

Ferguson described how prosperity lay the groundwork for undermining the commercial stage: man is sometimes found a detached and a solitary being: he has found an object which sets him in competition with his fellow creatures, and he deals with them as he does with his cattle and his soil, for the sake of the profits they bring. The mighty engine which we suppose to have formed society, only tends to set its members at variance, or to continue their intercourse after the bonds of affection are broken.[4]

The financial takeover of government is not new. Ibn Khaldun described how what today is called the deep state (often run by foreigners or other interlopers) gains control of dynasties. Lacking traditional royal authority, they must work outside or behind the scene of politics, as finance does today:

In gaining control, he does not plan to appropriate royal authority for himself openly, but only to appropriate its fruits, that is, the exercise of administrative, executive, and all other power. He gives the people of the dynasty the impression that he merely acts for the ruler and executes the latters decisions from behind the curtain. He carefully refrains from using the attributes, emblems, or titles of royal authority. He avoids throwing any suspicion upon himself in this respect, even though he exercises full control.  He disguises his exercise of control under the form of acting as the rulers representative.[5]

Todays Treasury Secretaries, central bank heads, IMF economists and client academics serve the worlds cosmopolitan financial ideology that money and credit, debt and taxes are purely technocratic, and hence beyond the sphere of voters or the politicians they elect to interfere with. We are back with the Thatcherite financial Taliban (the Arab word for students): There Is No Alternative.

That is the protective myth that elites have wrapped around themselves and their privileges from time immemorial. To succeed, it must erase knowledge of history and live in a highly censored present in which the financial class takes the land, public infrastructure and government into its own hands.

It has all happened before  and so have revolts by debtors and other exploited victims of such economism.

Notes

[1] Plato, Republic, 331c-d. The term for justice is dikaiosyne, meaning right behavior, from dike, cognate to dexterous. I am indebted to Moritz Hinsch of Berlin for drawing my attention to this passage in his paper on Private Debts in Classical Greece, delivered to the international conference on Debt: The First 3500 Years in Tubingen, Germany, June 11, 2016.

[2] I review the IMF staff protests and Board complaints about the Greek loan in Killing the Host (2015), pp. 303-306, 310, 319f. and 335f.

[3] Adam Ferguson, Essay on the History of Civil Society [1767], 8th ed. (1819), Section IX: Of National Felicity, p. 105. He adds (pp. 4f.): both the earliest and the latest accounts collected from every quarter of the earth, represent mankind as assembled in troops and companies; and the individual always joined by affection to one party, while he is possibly opposed to another.

[4] Ferguson, History of Civil Society, p. 34.

[5] Ibn Khaldun, Muqaddimah, : An Introduction to History [1377] translated by Franz Rosenthal (Princeton, 1967 [first ed. 1958]), pp. 377-79.
During the Financial Crisis, it was California that made the headlines with out-of-money dates and fancy-looking IOUs with which it paid its suppliers. The booms in the stock market and the startup scene  the state is desperately hooked on capital-gains tax revenues  but also housing, construction, etc. sent a flood of moolah into the state coffers. Now legislators are working overtime to spend this taxpayer money. Gov. Jerry Brown is brandishing recession talk to keep them in check. Everyone knows: the next recession and stock-market swoon will send California back to square one.

Now Puerto Rico is in the headlines. Its not even a state. And its relatively small. But look at wild gyrations by the federal government and Congress to deal with it, to let the island and its bondholders somehow off the hook.

But Puerto Rico may just be the model. Big states are sliding deeper into financial troubles, particularly New Jersey, Connecticut, and Illinois.

These three states hold the top positions in the Zombie Index that Bill Bergman, Director of Research at Truth in Accounting, developed two years ago. California has dropped to 7th place. Whew!!!

The Zombie Index for the 50 states is based on three main factors:

Truth in Accountings Taxpayer Burden measure of state finances

The timeliness of state financial reporting

And the share of total debt effectively hidden off the balance sheet.

This taxpayer burden is not a reflection of actual state taxes paid, but of the states total liabilities per taxpayer  such as outstanding bonds and loans and off-balance-sheet liabilities such as for pensions.

In explaining the Zombie Index, Bergman writes in his article, Zombie states deteriorating faster and further:

The index is named after a term coined by Ed Kane, professor of finance at Boston College. Kane wrote two books warning us about the S&L crisis back in the 1980s and early 1990s, before we knew what hit us. Kane used the term zombie bank to identify insolvent firms that were allowed to stay open by regulators, frequently with the aid of false regulatory accounting principles that delayed the recognition of insolvency. Many of these firms ended up gambling for resurrection, in Kanes terms, and these incentives ended up trebling the cost of the S&L crisis when many gambles went sour.

In an article two years ago, when Bergman introduced the Zombie index, he wrote:

Kanes careful history indicates that this risky behavior and the financial conditions of these zombie banks were hidden by less-than-truthful accounting practices. There are alarming parallels to the financial crises faced by many state and local governments today. These questionable accounting practices have allowed hundreds of billions of dollars of pension debt to accumulate outside governments audited balance sheets.

This state of affairs is all the more ironic in light of the balanced-budget requirements that are widespread in state and local governments. Government leaders regularly proclaim their fidelity in living up to the spirit of these laws. But false accounting practices have allowed real expenses (and debt) to accumulate anyway. Taxpayers and citizens have been left in the dark.

So here are the top ten winners on this honorable Zombie Index:

Based on the 2015 financial reports that are now available, Truth in Accounting did some digging and found two trends:

Larger states tend to show greater deterioration in their Taxpayer Burden from 2014 to 2015, as well as from 2009 to 2015. And states ranking high on my Zombie Index have been getting worse, as well.

Heres a chart of 22 states for which Truth in Accounting analyzed the 2015 financial results. It compares their five-year average Zombie Index rankings (so not the most recent rankings as in the table above) to the change in their Taxpayer Burden from 2009 to 2015. It shows that the worst states on the Zombie Index (red markers, 5-year average rankings on the Zombie Index axis) are also those states whose taxpayer burden has increased more (left axis).

Bergman paralleled these trends to the current regulatory issues in banking:

Sadly, and perhaps alarmingly, these findings may point to a too-big-to-fail problem in state government finances, similar to a TBTF problem in banking. We may have a significant moral hazard problem operating, if larger states are assuming their failures may be cushioned by federal resources. Especially if Uncle Sam has already been pursuing, in the words of the Financial Report of the U.S. Government, unsustainable fiscal policy.

Politicians can kick the can down the road for many years. It works for an amazingly long time. They can adjust accounting practices to where the biggest problems  such as obligations related to pensions and other retirement benefits  are neatly swept off the balance sheet and thus out of the public eye.

So politicians cycle through their offices, and theyre kicking the can happily down the road for someone else to kick down the road even further. But at some point, theyre going to run out of road. And then, like the S&Ls, they may end up gambling for resurrection.

Theyre already doing it: For example, governments are issuing Pension Obligation Bonds  theyre borrowing money from Wall Street to fill the holes in the states obligations to the already underfunded pension systems, and theyre gambling that total investment returns are 7.5% for evermore, even after the most phenomenal stock, bond, and real estate booms in memory.

And then, much like the banks, theyre counting on a bailout from the Federal government or better yet the Fed. Because who can stomach seeing Illinois go bankrupt?

Now subprime mortgages are moving into the crosshairs of regulators, whore fretting about astronomical default rates. Read NY Fed Warns about Booming Subprime Mortgages, now Insured by the Government
How molecules can do statistics

(Nanowerk News) Mobile phones have become commonplace. Modern communication devices like mobile phones need to exchange huge amounts of information. However, what is hidden underneath the elegantly shaped plastic casings is quickly forgotten: Complex signal processors constantly fighting against noise and steadily adapting themselves to changing environment.

But noise and changing environmental conditions do not only affect electrical circuits. In synthetic biology scientists are facing similar problems. However, in synthetic biology a methodology to deal with noise does not exist yet. Prof. Mustafa Khammash and Christoph Zechner of the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering have studied how conventional signal processors can be translated into biochemical processes - built and operated inside living cells (PNAS, "Molecular circuits for dynamic noise filtering").

A major limitation in engineering biological circuits is that host cells - even if they are genetically identical - are never the same. For instance, cell A might be in a different cell-cycle stage or have more ribosomes available than cell B. Therefore, the same synthetic circuit may behave very differently in each of these two cells. In extreme cases, only a small fraction of cells might show the correct behavior, while the remaining cells act unpredictably. This is referred to as context-dependency.

A key strategy for achieving noise-resistant and hence context-independent behavior is to build a circuit that evaluates what the noise looks like, allowing it to be separated from the signal effectively. Noise-cancelling earphones, for instance, heavily rely on this idea: A little microphone measures the background signals. A statistical algorithm predicts how the background signals propagate to the inside of the earphone. Finally, this predicted signal cancels out with the background signal. Apparently, the same principle can be applied to suppress noise in biological circuits. In particular, a circuit can behave context-independently if it can cancel out the effect of its molecular environment with the help of a noise filter.

Such filters have been intensively studied during the rise of telecommunications in the 1950s. The success of the filtering ideas culminated in the invention of the Kalman filter (named after Prof. em. Rudolf Kalman at ETH Zurich), which has had a revolutionary impact on various fields - ranging from telecommunications to financial engineering. Today there exists hardly any discipline of engineering that is not touched directly by the Kalman filter.

Unfortunately, the Kalman filter does not directly apply to molecular systems because its underlying mathematical assumptions are incompatible with molecular biology. Thus, a statistical noise filter called the Poisson filter has been invented, realizable through a single gene that has both a constitutive and an inducible promoter. As Christoph Zechner explains further: "We found out that under certain meaningful assumptions, a surprisingly simple noise filter can be derived - the Poisson filter. The name stems from the fact that it is based on a certain probability distribution named after the French mathematician Simeon Poisson." The researchers tested the Poisson filter by using a genetic circuit in bacterial cells that can be induced by green light. They applied arbitrary noise signals to the circuit, which was indeed able to track the light-signals at a remarkable precision. Consequently, the Poisson filter can be understood as a molecular analog of the Kalman filter.

Mustafa Khammash points out that they have collaborated with Georg Seelig at the University of Washington in Seattle on one of the experimental parts of the project. "George Seelig is an expert in DNA-based synthetic circuits. Some of the in vitro experiments were carried out in his lab, while others were done here in Basel."

Circuits like the above could play an important role for synthetic biology to reach many of its potential applications such as new therapeutics or biosensing. For example, ETH researchers have recently proposed a selective medical drug that can distinguish healthy from tumor cells using a synthetic circuit that is transfected into the cells. If a cell is found healthy, it is left unaffected by the circuit. In case a cancer cell is detected, a medical compound is released that induces apoptosis, i.e. programmed cell death. Unfortunately, cell-to-cell variability may severely impact the performance of the circuit such that misclassifications are likely. As a consequence, the drug's intended effect may be inverted in a fraction of the cells, meaning that healthy cells are killed, while cancer cells can proliferate unaffectedly.
Chico's headquarters in Fort Myers. (Jakob Schiller/File photo)

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By Casey Logan, The News-Press

Chico's FAS laid off fewer than 10 employees this week at the corporate office in the latest retool at the Fort Myers-based women's clothing retailer.

In a statement Friday, the company said the move was part of an effort to reshape and improve the company, although it would not specify the actual number of workers laid off among the 1,600 employees the company reported last year.

"To ensure Chico's FAS' long-term success, we are taking action to reshape the company for the future. We're carefully improving and redesigning our organizational structure to ensure that we can best serve our customers in the rapidly changing retail marketplace.

"These changes mean hiring in some areas, and in other cases, some positions will no longer be needed. Yesterday, less than 10 corporate positions were eliminated as part of these changes, and we will continue to work to ensure that our organizational structure is aligned with the needs of the business and market realities."

The company, according to the county, has two ongoing incentive programs through Florida's Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund program: One dating from 2007 and set to expire in June 2017; one dating from 2012 and extending through June 2023.

Chico's FAS announced in December 2011 that it would grow its headquarters in Fort Myers. The retailer received $3.26 million in Lee County and state incentives to support the expansion, which it said then would create 150 new jobs over the next three years, paying about $11.3 million in salaries.

During that time, the company expected to receive $1.05 million through Florida's Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund program and the county, which approved a 20 percent match of the state money. Chico's also got $1 million through the state's Quick Action Closing Fund, plus $1 million in matching dollars from Lee County via a one-time payment. Other incentives included a state training grant totaling $210,000.

The Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund program is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. As such, the compliance reporting is done through the state, which then sends Lee County an invoice for its contribution.

This is a refund program, which means the employer completes any relocation, building or expansion, hires the employees pledged in the incentive agreement, has that hiring verified for compliance by the state, pays appropriate taxes and then applies for the refund from the state, which then invoices the county.

Chico's FAS is in compliance with the agreements, according to the county.

Regarding the most recent cuts, Chico's said, "For those affected, we are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible, including providing severance, extended health benefits, and outplacement services."

The company has made headlines recently. The Patty Berg Memorial no longer will have Chico's as a sponsor.

Earlier this month, Chico's said it expects to spend nearly $6 million to fend off a grab for two seats on its board by Capital Group, a New York-based hedge fund. In doing so, Chico's again touted that its new CEO, Shelley Broader, is successfully executing a new strategic plan  and that nothing warrants the election of any other directors than the highly experienced ones its board has nominated.

In February 2015, about 240 corporate management positions were slashed. All told, 75 of the eliminated positions were open, equating to 165 layoffs.

Chico's FAS has three brands: Chico's, White House | Black Market and Soma. The company recently sold its Boston Proper direct-to-consumer business after closing that brand's stores.

The stock (CHS) closed at $10.49 Friday, down 45 cents on the day, on the New York Stock Exchange.

In its statement, Chico's said: "Chico's FAS Inc. is a proud member of the Southwest Florida Community, and as we continue to evolve, grow and improve, we remain committed to Lee County."
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Steven Scott Lowery, president/horticulturist of Scott Lowery Landscape Inc., attended 16 hours of class for Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic, certifying his company to perform landscape management on highway medians and rights of way.

New website

The Bonita Springs Estero Economic Development Council launched its new website at www. BonitaSpringsEsteroEDC.com. The site will serve as a marketing portal for businesses to research demographic and financial data on the Southwest Florida area.

Appointments

The David Lawrence Center promoted Tammy Clark to program support supervisor.

Honors

Gulf Coast Town Center received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Good deeds

SPADA Salon & Day Spa's annual SPADA-thon raised $33,300 for PACE Center for Girls, Lee; the Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida; and Valerie's House.

To submit your business news directly online, go to naplesnews.com/BIZwire or email news@naplesnews.com.
A mural commemorating the victims and first responders of the 9/11 terror attacks could soon grace the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District's downtown fire station. Laurent Dareau/Special to The Banner

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By Patrick Riley of the Naples Daily News

A new mural commemorating the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks could soon be added to Bonita Springs' growing collection of public artwork.

Laurent Dareau, an award-winning, French-born artist, wants to work with the city and the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District to pay tribute to the first responders and victims of the attacks by painting on the fire district's downtown station on Old 41 Road.

The painter, whose work has been on display in Europe and around the United States, pitched his plan for the mural  which would include images from the aftermath of the attacks mixed with iconic American pop culture symbols  to the district's board of fire commissioners last week.

The proposed mural features an American flag at the center, surrounded by images of first responders carrying a victim, a firefighter grieving, and a father mourning the loss of his son at the 9/11 memorial.

Dareau, who was in France when the attacks happened, said he was struck by the reverence Americans showed for firefighters when he first moved to the United States in 2003.

"The firemen are like heroes," he said. "For me seeing that dedication and that beauty of what it means to be a fireman in the United States was really powerful."

To commemorate the events and show what it means to be American, Dareau started the "9eleven Project," which includes an online time lapse video of him painting the same picture he wants to draw onto the fire station's north wall.

His proposed mural also includes images that are not related to 9/11, but that have a special meaning to Dareau.

There is the picture of Neil Armstrong standing on the moon.

"My mother always told me that when I was in the womb it was Neil Armstrong walking on the moon," Dareau told the fire commissioners. "So for me that was really something really important."

There is the image of John Wayne, the famous movie cowboy who used to flicker across Dareau's TV screen every Tuesday when the French-native was growing up.

"I was watching those John Wayne movies and he was the perfect American hero," he said. "That's why I put him in the painting as well."

Then there is a picture of the Statue of Liberty, which represents the relationship between the French and the American people, Dareau said.

Finally, there is a grinning Bugs Bunny in the left-hand corner of the picture  for Dareau a symbol of hope and perseverance.

"I didn't want that painting to be sad," Dareau said, referring to the popular cartoon rabbit. "We're still standing up and we're still fighting against those kind of things. And we'll always be there. And we'll always  at the end of the day  we'll always have a smile on our face. Now, if you don't want the Bugs Bunny I can take it off, but still I would like that painting to be full of hopes in some way."

Though some fire commissioners have had reservations in the past about the cartoon character being included, they unanimously voted last week to conceptually approve the mural and continue discussions with the city and Dareau about it.

Still, Dareau's vision could be subject to change.

Both city council and the district's board of commissioners will have to approve the final rendering, said Assistant City Manager Arleen Hunter. If approved, the plan is to unveil the mural on Sept. 11, she said.

City and district staff will meet in the coming weeks to further discuss the proposal, Hunter said. Among the talking points will be the logistics of what to paint the mural onto.

Last week, fire commissioners expressed concern about painting the proposed mural directly on the fire station. Instead, they suggested using removable laminate brick or affixing a billboard to the wall and drawing it on there to keep the original brick wall intact.

"Whatever would work without painting directly onto the brick," said Steve Lohan, chairman of the district's board of commissioners.

Commissioners signaled last week they were willing to pay for the project  which, according to Hunter, is estimated to cost between $5,000 and $6,000  and take on the responsibility of maintaining it.

The project could be the district's contribution to Bonita Springs' downtown revitalization and become the starting point to something bigger, Lohan said.

"We move the cornerstone that we have from the World Trade Center  it's over at the Liles Hotel  we move it over to that site," he said. "We put some park benches in here. We put trees, whatever we need to do to make a 9/11 memorial."
FREMONT  Contrasted to the previous night, at the Fremont City Council special public meeting concerning annexation and zoning issues related to Costco Wholesales plan to purchase 417 acres of land for a large broiler production facility, only a scant attendance greeted the seven Dodge County Board members at their regular gathering.

Nevertheless, when board members unanimously adopted a resolution that pledges its support to the responsible development of Costcos proposed poultry operation and also resolved to work alongside any development partners to reach the best possible outcomes for the company and the community, impassioned voices sounded their opinions.

The boards resolution, first suggested by board member Lon Strand at the June 8 meeting, also detailed several motives and observations by the board that led to the documents approval.

The resolution highlighted Dodge County as a Livestock Friendly County that encourages growth in the areas of dairy, swine and poultry production. It states that the Costco operation could function as a conduit through which area farmers and producers can diversify their investments, increase income and support the return and retention of young family members to support family farming into the next generation.

Additionally, the resolution reiterates significant job creation, capital investment and economic impact in the Fremont and Dodge County areas that proponents say Costcos operation will bring.

Since weve heard so much comment from the public both for and against (Costcos proposal) ... I agreed ... we needed to take a stance on the issue, said Board Chairman Bob Missel.

Strand, who represents District 3, a largely agricultural base, explained his reasons for support by citing the majority of calls he received that backed Costcos plan.

Youre placed on a board to represent the people, Strand said. This is one of those things that I am very passionate about.

With her own passion and a bit of acknowledged anger, Dr. Jolene Schauer addressed the board in opposition.

What are you going to do for the people that dont support (the project)? she asked.

Schauer, who earned her doctorate in community and human resources and works with Nebraska Communities United, told the board she felt like the project and its approval process were being shoved down our throats by city officials and others with vested interest in the operation, and it would affect the quality of life for many individuals in the area. She also alluded to the lack of transparency in the initial stages of Costcos evaluation of the Fremont area for the establishment of their poultry facility.

Board member Rob George offered his voice to the discussion stating that he felt the poultry operation would boost the community tax base and increase jobs. Board member Gary Osborn echoed that statement, citing Costcos economic impact study, which projected 1,100 new jobs created by the facility as well as excellent job benefits.

This is a chance for eastern Nebraska and Fremont to grow, George said.

Schauer disagreed.

Referring to the economic and community benefits Schauer said that until you do it, you dont know what the outcome will be.

I have listened to many people, Missel responded, adding that he speaks from his heart. When I weigh (everything), I feel good about this resolution.

Randy Ruppert, spokesman for Nebraska Communities United, expounded his organization continues to remain steadfastly opposed to the integration of agriculture and farming into a vertically integrated business structure.

My concern is what this will bring to the Midwest, Ruppert said. It will devastate the farming community even more than low crop prices.

Ruppert added that he was not implying that Costco was a malicious company, saying that if they do what that have stated then the poultry operation could be a good thing for Fremont.

But right now everything is filtered and I think that causes the majority of the anger in this community, Ruppert said. We need to slow down, we need to have Costco answer the questions to us personally.

On behalf of the Greater Fremont Development Council, Executive Director Cecilia Harry expressed great appreciation to the Dodge County Board for its resolution of support for Costco.

Its very clear to me that the board members have done a lot of homework and truly want to see good growth opportunity come to Dodge County, Harry said.

I think the (resolution) is timely as the city now moves through the extensive process in dealing with this (project). It sends a message, Missel said.
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Preserve the dome home

I have been coming to Marco Island for almost 20 years. We decided to make this our secondhome and purchased a condo eight years ago. Having been to Hawaii eight times as well as many of the beautiful beach areas in the state of Florida, we believe with the many websites' opinions that Marco Island is one of the top beach areas in the country as well as the world.

We often take guests boating or on jetskis past the dome house and tell the story. It is one of the most photographed sites that everyone visits. The actual history of the site makes it interesting and identifiable as a recent historical place. Our guests often request more information and pictures after they leave as when they return home and tell the story to their family and friends it is something that draws interest even if you didn't visit.

We don't feel that "everything" has to be old to be historical and they should leave the house where it is. In basic terms we now have something that is recent but cool to see and hear about. Now someone wants to spend millions of dollars to move and sink it and the result would be that very few will know how to or be able to get to see it. None of the Key West Express boats or Local Cruise Boats will be able to point it out because it will be under water.

If Collier County is still assessing fines on someone because the eroding shore ruined their property maybe the owners should file a counter suit for the county's failure to maintain the area. If your street washes out because of continuous flooding and you could not get access to your home and had to leave should you be fined for not maintaining your property? The proposed amount of money for this reef dream is ridiculous and that money should be used for other projects. What about funding a scholarship for students going into marine biology? That would be money that would bring a true future to the sea. We just put a huge reef in the area and this is something better left as it has already been determined by nature.

Respectfully.

Dennis Romanowski

Marco Island

Say what?

I've just read the Planning Board chairman's explanation of why City Council ignored the Planning Board's vote, (Marco Eagle, June 14). I'm wondering if I have this right:

1. An applicant came before the Planning Board wishing to start a disallowed business in a specific Marco locale. The board stated that the disallowing ordinance would have to be changed in order to lawfully permit the business.

2. The applicant pleaded that they didn't have time to wait for the ordinance to be changed.

3. With Board member Charlette Roman as the sole dissenter, the board sympathized and voted 6-1 to recommend City Council approval of the application. The Planning Board felt they could hold hearings later to change the ordinance. The board reasoned that, after all, other well-known, not permitted uses are already unlawfully in place there (i.e. real estate, dental, chiropractic).

4. Somehow, somewhere and presumably-someplace-in-the-sunshine, City Council decided it might be smarter to first amend the ordinance before approving any business application that would be otherwise unlawful.

Now, if I have the planning board's chairman's "explanation" is correct, I understand why an old truism [from Robert J. Hanlon] still survives, namely: Don't attribute to malice, that which is adquatly explained by stupidity.

Russ Colombo

Marco Island

Stand up for our Constitution

In early 2013, I helped draft the Second Amendment Protection resolution that was brought in front of the Marco Island City Council. I was one of the leaders in the effort to secure approval of the council. The resolution stated that "no city resources be used in the implementation of any Federal law, executive order or executive directive that infringes upon established Constitutional rights" because at the time, elected officials were "considering adopting laws, regulations or actions  " such as "banning certain kinds of weapons and accessories  "

At the time, members of our council were skeptical. Many didn't feel it was "right" for council to take a stand in favor of our Second Amendment rights (even though every elected official takes an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States). Ultimately, the resolution squeaked by with a 4-3 vote. You can find my comments to the City Council on my website, JaredGrifoni.com/videos.

I and other grass roots leaders then brought a similar resolution to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Naples City Council. Both bodies approved the resolution. Our efforts inspired many across the state of Florida to take action themselves. I fielded many calls from grass roots leaders and people wanting to get active in their communities for the first time and were looking for advice on how to get things done.

Fast forward to present day. It was reported on June 16, that the city of Sarasota will be the first local government in the area to consider banning semi-automatic rifles and if passed, the legislation would be sent to Congress.

My fellow Marco Islanders, this is why it is so important that our City Council always be prepared and willing to stand up for our Constitution. I am the only candidate running who can demonstrate a consistent track record with proven success in representing citizen's interests, at the Marco Island level, Collier County level, and beyond, and who has done it as a trusted and proven grass roots leader.

It was because of this smart, strategic planning, pro-Constitutional mindset, and vision that the city of Marco Island was three and a half years ahead of this issue today. We need someone on City Council who is in touch with today's business and political climate not because of what they're told but because of what they experience every day in the real world so that we are always prepared for what the future might bring.

I don't want the city of Marco Island to only be three and a half years ahead on Second Amendment protection. I will work every day as one of your next councilors to make sure our city is well-prepared for any eventuality, that our citizens are protected, and that our community interests are represented with a pro-Marco Island agenda on-island and off-island.

Jared Grifoni

Marco Island

Decision made

Mr. Rios, the name of the park is Veterans Community Park, not Veterans Park.

The Marco Island Property Owners (MIPO) board of directors would like to remind you that it was the community that purchased this parkland, and 18 community members created a master plan for community use. A portion of the park was then designated for a Veterans' Memorial.

The MICA survey offered one, broad question, regarding development of the park. In the MIPO Board's opinion, the absence of specificity left the respondent's imagination to wide open speculation and fear as to what might be developed on the property resulting in knee jerk 82 percent vote against further park development.

Your comment, "so called surveys" was inflammatory. The Marco Island Property Owners newsletter survey included factual historical, information on the purchase of the park property and the 2009 master plan. Our survey offered the respondent seven to eight questions, specificity, and choices on what they desired for the future of Veterans' Community Park.

Green-space was a first priority to almost all MIPO respondents. Additionally, the majority of the respondents favored a band-shell building containing restrooms and a vendor area.

It is true that council received many emails, primarily from MICA members, expressing their concerns for green space. On April 19, these concerned people attended PRAC's last meeting for public input regarding Veterans' Community Park. That meeting ended with most of these citizens relieved to hear that building a band-shell facility still left the park with 94 to 95 percent green-space. Unfortunately Mr. Rios, you did not attend this meeting.

13 years ago, citizens voted to purchase the "Glon" property.

8 years ago, 18 citizens began developing the master plan.

7 years ago, the master plan was approved by City Council.

18 months ago, PRAC began seeking community input for Veterans' Community Park development at their monthly meetings and from community organizations.

1 month ago, a council consensus of 6-0 agreed to move a modified plan forward for discussion at the July 8 council budge workshop.

Directed by council, all seven members of PRAC are to be commended for their time and their due diligence.

We do not need a referendum. We do not need to drag this issue on any longer. The people have spoken and they want green-space and a bandshell. With the PRAC's recommended modified plan, the community will still have 94-95 percent green-space to enjoy. Victor, this is not just a "nice to have." It is a benefit for Marco Island; an enhancement of the park with a protected venue that can earn money while the community safely enjoys the facility. Think Cambier Park in Naples or Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.

Enough! Let's get on the bandwagon and move forward.

Linda J. Turner, Chair

MIPO board of directors
Members of the Marco Island Police Department participate in an ATV rider safety class at Big Cypress National Preserve on June 17. The purpose of the class was to familiarize officers with the ATV aspect of the Quadski, the department's new amphibious vehicle. Lisa Conley/Staff

SHARE The Quadski, the department's new amphibious vehicle. Lisa Conley/Staff The Gibbs Quadski is an amphibious vehicle that can reach speeds of more than 40 mph and has an estimated value of $50,000. Marco Island seasonal resident Phil Battaglia donated it to the Marco Island Police Department to assist the officers with beach patrol and rescues. Lisa Conley/Staff Members of the Marco Island Police Department put on safety gear before participating in an ATV rider safety class at Big Cypress National Preserve on June 17. Helmets, gloves and eye protection were required at all times during the training. Lisa Conley/Staff Members of the Marco Island Police Department participate in an ATV rider safety class at Big Cypress National Preserve on June 17. The purpose of the class was to familiarize officers with the ATV aspect of the Quadski, the department's new amphibious vehicle. Lisa Conley/Staff

By Lisa Conley

The Gibbs Quadski is like something out of a James Bond movie; it's an ATV that can transform into a Jet Ski with the touch of a button, and it's the Marco Island Police Department's newest asset.

The amphibious vehicle is 14-feet long, can reach speeds of more than 40 mph on both land and water, and has an estimated value of $50,000. Phil Battaglia, owner of Rockland Bakery in upstate New York and seasonal Marco Island resident, donated the Quadski to the police department after he purchased one for himself and realized its potential.

"I said to myself, 'Wouldn't it be great if [the police department] could have a Quadski  in case of an emergency on the water?' So I called the Marco Island Police Department and asked them if they had an amphibian boat for emergency purposes and they said they did not," Battaglia said.

MIPD Chief Al Schettino said the Quadski will be a great addition to the department and will help him and his officers keep the island safe.

"This vehicle will allow us to patrol the beaches and improve our emergency response time to boaters and swimmers in distress," he said. Schettino also said the Quadski will allow officers to get to places that were previously inaccessible during high tide, such as Sand Dollar Island.

The MIPD worked with the National Park Service to provide officers with ATV rider safety training so that they know how to use the Quadski in that capacity. The training took place at Big Cypress National Preserve on June 17.

"The National Park Service uses ATVs all the time, it's what they do," Schettino said, "so we're fortunate to have them help us with the training and we always love it when we get the chance to work with other agencies."

The National Park Service began placing an emphasis on ATV training after experiencing several ATV-related fatalities, one of which occurred at Big Cypress National Preserve in 2014; a visitor rented an ATV and turned too fast, causing the vehicle to flip.

"ATVs can be really dangerous," Steve Schulze, National Park Service wildlife technician, said. And he knows a thing or two about danger; Schulze was a member of the Big Cypress National Preserve's panther capture team for 16 years.

Christine Clark, management assistant to the preserve's superintendent, led the six-hour training class. She's worked at Big Cypress for 21 years and was trained as an ATV safety instructor in 2010. Clark said the purpose of the class is to provide drivers with the skills necessary to safely operate an ATV.

"The class is designed to teach people how dangerous ATVs can be," Clark said. "Over the past 10 years the National Park Service has seen many ATV fatalities, so it's become very important to teach people how to properly use these vehicles."

One of the most important parts of the training is giving the officers the opportunity to drive different models of ATVs because each has a different feel to it, Clark said, especially the Quadski.

"The Quadski has a longer wheel base and it's a lot heavier," Clark said, "so it's going to handle differently than the smaller ATVs."

Dave Fireman, chief ranger of Big Cypress National Preserve, said they custom-built an obstacle course for the ATV training class that's designed to simulate real-world conditions.

"The course has two different horseshoe-shaped sections: one that's rocky and one that has some water in it," Fireman said. "There's also a big hill for them to practice going up and over because hilly terrain is often the cause of ATV accidents."

Emilio 'Rod' Rodriguez, MIPD officer, was at the training session and said he has previous experience with both ATVs and Jet Skis, but combining the two is an entirely different ballgame.

"We're all used to ATVs and Jet Skis, but this is something completely new," Rodriguez said, "so it's been interesting to use it and it'll be interesting to see how it transitions."

Matt Goetz, MIPD officer and Jet Ski instructor, was also at the training session. He said he's looking forward to the opportunities that the Quadski will provide.

"I'm excited to have something that's going to allow us to do two things at once," Goetz said. "If we're patrolling the beach and we see someone in the water that needs help, we won't have to wait for a patrol boat  we can just head right into the water."

Battaglia said he hopes his donation can help save a life.

"Nothing would make me happier if there was a rescue to save a life and I was able to help," he said.

MIPD officers will complete a separate Jet Ski safety training later in the month. Schettino said the Quadski will make its debut during the Fourth of July weekend.
Bonita Springs artist Dale Werner paints downed palm fronds and sells them to fishing enthusiasts and Southwest Florida residents looking to decorate their beachy abodes.

SHARE The mahi-mahi, pictured below, was one of the first fish Dale Werner painted when he got the idea for palm frond art. He sells each piece for anywhere from $35 to $350 depending on the size and time it took to complete. Dale Werner uses an airbrushing technique to mimic the texture of the fish he paints. Artist Dale Werner has been making art out of palm fronds for the past five months, capturing sporting fish as realistically as possible using acrylic paints and air brushing techniques.

By Kristine Gill of the Naples Daily News

Something about the downed palm Dale Werner saw in his friend's backyard reminded him of a fish. So the artist hacked a chunk of the brown plant matter off and brought it home. There, he cut it down to shape, primed it, painted it and strung a piece of clear fishing line through two holes in the back.

Five months later, he's turned the hobby into a bit of a side business, selling the sport fish creations to lovers of Florida decor who hang them in their homes and on their lanais.

"I see them everywhere," Werner said of the palms he snags to paint. "Now I'm getting kind of picky. I have to find good ones because if they're twisted they don't lay flat. I actually take a handsaw with me to get good pieces."

The California native moved to Naples by way of Arizona to work at a spa where he gave massages. Having majored in graphic design, he had a background in the arts but hadn't painted in years. Instead he focused on freelance graphic design projects for local bars and restaurants.

But after visiting a local arts festival a couple of years ago, he took up the painting hobby again, using oils to recreate landscapes and doing a few tropical murals by commission.

Soon, he discovered palm fronds and after displaying the new art form next to his typical landscapes, he quickly learned he had something that set him apart from local artists.

"Everyone just went straight for the fish," he said.

Werner, a Bonita Springs resident, now spends anywhere from one to three days on each fish. First he selects a palm that will hang well against a wall. He treats the plant for bugs, then he draws the outline of the fish he sees in the piece before cutting it to shape with a saw.

Once it's well sanded, he primes the piece and paints it using acrylics and an air brushing compressor. He sometimes paints through different materials, almost stenciling on the different patterns and textures in each fish's scales. When he's finished painting, he seals each piece so they can be hung indoors or outdoors.

The finished product is so lightweight, it can be strung up with thumbtacks on the clear fishing line he strings through two holes in the back of each piece.

"I always really liked wall mounts, but they're more heavy and expensive," he said of the plastic fish replicas.

Werner has found a few other artists online who do similar work, but many paint their palms in a more whimsical way. He focuses on realistic recreations and has so far stuck to sporting fish popular in local fresh and saltwater bodies. He started with bass and mahi-mahi and is working on a tarpon now. He's also painted dolphins and whales when a certain palm calls for it.

"This one just said whale to me every time i looked at it," he said pointing to a light-blue palm with a little smile.

Werner takes commissions and also has a supply of finished pieces up for sale. Interested buyers can call him directly at 239-200-9090.

For the 56-year-old, this is one of several side jobs that he's taken up later in life.

"All this stuff is fun, you know?" he said. "I'm getting a little bit older so I'm just trying to do things I enjoy."
The sleek yachting interior of Sea Salt on Third Street in Naples. (Pamela Fisher/Staff)

SHARE The serene waterscape and al fresco dining patio of Sea Salt in Old Naples. (Pamela Fisher/Naples Daily News) Lobster burrata (Pamela Fisher/Staff)

By Pamela Fisher of the Naples Daily News

Sea Salt: The very name conjures up polished brass nautical accessories, knotted ropes, burnished wood plank interiors. Not so much. This sophisticated staple of Old Naples downtown dining evokes luxe Mediterranean yachting.

Enter to the trickle of a granite waterscape, lush with potted succulents and tropical foliage. The adjacent al fresco patio dining is a sweet spot for dining under the stars.

The burnished hardwood ceiling casts a gentle glow over the yacht-sleek interior, done in whisper-soft, seafoam leather Parsons chairs and dusky terracotta tones. A wall of nearly 50 salts  Hawaiian, smoky El Dorado, fleur de sel, black truffle salt  line the exhibition kitchen where Venetian chef Fabrizio Aielli seasons and salts the Mediterranean-focused pasta and seafood dishes. A room-sized, glass wine cooler beckons from a corner (yes, I did persuade a server to give me a glimpse of this cool, dark oasis of jeroboams and magnums giving me serious wine envy).

I never met a brut rose I didn't like, so I began with a glass of Rivarose, a strawberry-forward mouthful of fine, fizzy bubbles with a dry and light, yeasty finish. It amplified the lobster and burrata cheese appetizer in a light, citrusy anchovy sauce and tomato confit. The textural contrast of the creamy mozzarella ball with a cream-soaked interior and savory (unsweetened) doughnuts crowning the dish was interesting, although the doughnut was a bit tough. A sampler of three salts accompanies the olive oil and bread: Hawaiian red Alaea, Hiwa Kai black salt and my favorite: the Kala Namak Indian salt with a delectable umami flavor that is slightly sulfurous.

As an entree I opted for the sunset special (from 5-7 p.m. daily at $29.95), which included three courses. The first course of crispy shrimp in spicy truffle pepperoncino sauce came with two massive palm-sized prawns in a lightly battered sweet red chili sauce, dollops of creamy coconut sauce on a bed of seaweed salad. While the breading was perfectly crisped, the batter was a little dense, so I peeled it away to the ocean-fresh shrimp  just in from the Miami docks the server apprised.

The swordfish puttanesca was a marvel. Candidly, I've never loved the too-often dry and chewy dish  but Chef Fabrizzio's made me a convert. A hefty, two-inch cut of swordfish steak was moist and buttery under a blanket of rich, crushed tomatoes and tangy capers sprinkled with microgreens and black olives on a bed of smashed potatoes. When pressed, the server went back to the kitchen to discover that the tomatoes are roasted to coax out their sweetness, then plunged in water to retain juiciness. With the savings from the early-bird special, order from the resplendent wine list; I chose a silky, toasty glass of my favorite chardonnay, Rombauer Carneros (a bit overpriced at $20 per glass as it's locally priced at $44.95 per bottle). Not a huge chardonnay fan, I love this one for its mid-palate vanilla woodiness. While this was the most succulent swordfish dish I've ever had, the slightly mealy smashed potatoes were a textural miss for me, muddying the brightness and clarity of the tomato-caper sauce. Which I ate forkful after forkful long after the swordfish was gone.

The three courses ended with a satisfying tap of a creme brulee, with a caramel crunch and perfect custardy finish.

The presentation of the check deserves a round of applause  it comes with a tuft of cotton candy! The little girl seated next to me was equally thrilled when I handed mine over.

At about $150-$200 for two, this is definitely a birthday or anniversary splurge, but well worth the investment for perhaps some of the most memorable Mediterranean dishes you'll ever eat.
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By Annika Hammerschlag of the Naples Daily News

An East Naples man arrested Sunday after a Naples firefighter said he found him burglarizing his car, has been connected to five other auto burglaries.

Daniel Haizlip, 20, of the 1400 block of Green Valley Circle, was charged with burglary and grand theft in connection to a break-in on Osprey Avenue, River Point Drive, Davis Boulevard and 5th Avenue South. Haizlip was also charged with burglary and petty theft in connection to a break-in on Pelican Avenue.

Police were investigating a string of seven auto burglaries Sunday morning when they received a call about a man, later identified as Haizlip, who was caught stealing from Naples fireman Garrett Ocana's Hyundai Elantra and was being detained outside the fire station near City Hall, reports said.

It's unclear if Haizlip has been connected to the seventh break-in being investigated by police.

In all, more than $11,500 in valuables was reported stolen Sunday from seven car burglaries.
Boaters navigate through Wiggins Pass on Thursday, June 23, 2016, in North Naples. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reviewing a set of proposals to add manatee protection zones in various waterways in Collier County. Some of the changes are minor tweaks to existing zones, but others such as in Moorings Bay, Wiggins Pass and Clam Bay would add new zones. (David Albers/Staff)

SHARE A pelican sits atop a boating sign indicating a return to normal boating operations near Wiggins Pass on Thursday, June 23, 2016, in North Naples. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reviewing a set of proposals to add manatee protection zones in various waterways in Collier County. Some of the changes are minor tweaks to existing zones, but others such as in Moorings Bay, Wiggins Pass and Clam Bay would add new zones. (David Albers/Staff) Boaters navigate through Wiggins Pass on Thursday, June 23, 2016, in North Naples. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reviewing a set of proposals to add manatee protection zones in various waterways in Collier County. Some of the changes are minor tweaks to existing zones, but others such as in Moorings Bay, Wiggins Pass and Clam Bay would add new zones. (David Albers/Staff) Boaters navigate through Wiggins Pass on Thursday, June 23, 2016, in North Naples. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reviewing a set of proposals to add manatee protection zones in various waterways in Collier County. Some of the changes are minor tweaks to existing zones, but others such as in Moorings Bay, Wiggins Pass and Clam Bay would add new zones. (David Albers/Staff) Related Photos Photos: Manatee zones Related Coverage Video: Manatees swim near shore at Lowdermilk Beach in Naples

By Eric Staats of the Naples Daily News

Boaters would have to slow down in four Collier County waterways and in parts of the intracoastal waterway between Naples and Marco Island to protect manatees under proposed boat speed zones sent to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Little Hickory Bay, Wiggins Pass, Clam Bay and Moorings Bay would get new zones under the proposal from a Collier-based review committee appointed by the county commission. The Conservation Commission has the final say.

Video: Manatees swim near shore at Lowdermilk Beach in Naples

Manatee zones, common in waters all over Florida, require boaters to slow down to avoid striking, and sometimes killing, the endangered marine mammals that can be hard to see in the water. The zones are not without controversy, though, with boaters and manatee advocates often disagreeing about whether the zones are needed to protect manatees or are merely a nuisance.

The local review committee sorted through options developed by the Conservation Commission as part of the agency's rotating schedule of manatee zone reviews. The county's zones haven't been reviewed since 1997. The FWC plans a local public hearing, possibly in July, on the proposals. New zones would not be effective until next year after more public input.

The review committee's proposal would:

Add a slow speed/minimum wake zone between markers 5 and 18 in Little Hickory Bay north of Wiggins Pass.

Replace a slow speed/minimum wake zone with an idle speed/no wake zone in Wiggins Pass between the Gulf of Mexico and the intersection with the intracoastal waterway in North Naples.

Add an idle speed/no wake zone in the Clam Bay system that runs along the Pelican Bay community roughly between Vanderbilt Beach Road and Seagate.

Add a slow speed zone in Moorings Bay in the city of Naples to replace a speed zone that a judge threw out in 2014 when he ruled that the city did not have a valid speed zone law on the books.

Extend a slow speed/minimum wake zones from markers 47 to 44 and from markers 30A/31 to 27A/28 in the intracoastal waterway between Naples and Marco.

The FWC defines idle speed as the slowest speed needed to maintain control of a vessel, while a slow speed zone allows boats to proceed faster but with little or no wake, off plane and fully settled into the water.

The county review committee comprised 10 people  five identified as "waterway users" and five identified as "manatee advocates"  but the votes on the new speed zones were lopsided in favor of them.

In most cases, the committee voted to leave existing zones unchanged despite calls for increased protection from manatee advocates, said the committee's chairman Jim Kalvin.

"We got push back on every single zone," said Kalvin, president of the boater's group Standing Watch and secretary of the Marine Industries Association of Florida.

Kalvin, who opposed the Clam Bay, Wiggins Pass and Moorings Bay zones, said the biggest outcry came in favor of the zone in Clam Bay.

Clam Bay has been the focus of past neighborhood squabbles between boaters in Seagate and residents of Pelican Bay, which fronts a mangrove estuary designated a nature preserve.

Collier County dropped its request for idle speed zones in Clam Bay in 2010 after the Conservation Commission, citing a change in state law, rescinded its earlier approval for permits to install the signs to mark the zones.

Seagate Property Owners Association President David Buser said neither manatees nor boats use Clam Bay enough to warrant a manatee protection zone.

"It's just not something that's needed," Buser said. "The whole thing is kind of strange."

Pelican Bay residents, though, say they have seen an increase in high-speed boating activity in Clam Bay that is harmful to seagrass beds that attract feeding manatees.

"'Idle Speed/No Wake' signage only asks that the motorized boaters slow down, respect and enjoy the Clam Bay system as a nature preserve," Pelican Bay Property Owners Association President Robert Naegele wrote in a letter to the review committee.
City of Naples seal

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By Joseph Cranney of the Naples Daily News

The Naples finance department is calling a blitz to collect money from hundreds of businesses that, knowingly or not, aren't paying their taxes.

The department will go door-to-door this summer and create a log of businesses that owe tax money to the city. Once the businesses come into compliance, the project could bring in more than $30,000 to the city's general tax revenue pool, said Finance Director Ann Marie Ricardi.

Ricardi called the blitz after the city's annual audit showed revenues from business taxes  at about $215,000  declined more than $50,000 from the last fiscal year and have dropped about 26 percent since 2005.

The drop-off is believed to be caused by clerical errors or simple ignorance, according to the finance department. One rule that may trip businesses up involves an additional fee if the business changes or adds a location. And out-of-state owners could be unfamiliar with business taxes, Ricardi said.

"If you started a small business here in town and you're from up north, you might not even think about it," Ricardi said. "Why would they come to City Hall to open a business?"

Ricardi estimates 300 to 500 Naples businesses owe the city money. On the city's famed Fifth Avenue South alone, there are 114 businesses that didn't pay their taxes last year, finance department records show.

City Councilman Doug Finlay, who prompted Ricardi to look into the issue during the council's audit review last month, said the anticipated revenues from the project, though relatively small, would be worth the effort.

"My salary is $25,000 per year," Finlay said, referring to his council pay. "If by my action, my immediate and direct action, if I can deliver in revenue to the city my salary and more, I think that's worth it."

City code requires any business operating within the city, including home-run businesses or businesses that locally advertise, to pay a fee each September.

Ricardi said a part-time employee will go to retail strips throughout the city to ensure businesses have paid their fees. For those that haven't, the department will hand out payment applications.

Ricardi said there's little evidence to suggest many businesses are knowingly avoiding the taxes. After all, for a basic service industry operating in Naples, like a clothing store or gas station, the annual fee is just $57.89.

For large retail outlets with more than 30 employees, the fee is $115.76.

"We're not trying to be strong-arming people," Ricardi said. "We just want people to comply. If a hotel and restaurant is doing business and not paying their fees, and a hotel next door is doing business and is paying their fees, that's where the inequity occurs."

The city typically informs new businesses of their tax requirements if the owner applies for a building permit or planning application. Otherwise, there's no active notification.

Without their own enforcement branches, finance departments throughout Florida are limited in their ability to collect business taxes, said Lisa Douglass, the city's billing and collections manager.

Every January, the finance department sends the city's code-enforcement division a list of businesses that didn't renew their taxes from the previous year. But in many cases, Douglass said, rather than finding a delinquent taxpayer, the code office finds that the business closed or left the city.
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By Alexandra Glorioso of the Naples Daily News

As the qualifying period closed Friday for local, state and federal races, the U.S. Senate race tightened dramatically for the Republican primary.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Miami announced his intention to run for re-election on Wednesday, hoping to secure the seat for the Republican Party in a swing state, regardless of the winner in Florida's presidential vote. There are eight Senate races across the country this year that will determine whether the Republicans keep the majority, and Florida is one of them.

The once crowded Senate field narrowed significantly after Rubio's announcement. U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis of Ponte Vedra Beach, U.S. Rep David Jolly of Indian Shores, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera of Miami, and businessman Todd Wilcox of Orlando have all dropped out of the race in recent days.

As of Friday's filing deadline, Rubio and businessman Carlos Beruff of Bradenton are the only Senate contestants left in the GOP primary. Beruff, owner of a home building firm, has the backing of Gov. Rick Scott, who said he was a fellow "political outsider." Rubio will have the backing of the party  not only in support but also in cash  and Beruff will have his own personal wealth to draw upon, much like presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

The state Division of Elections office technically has until next Friday to post qualifying information online from late filing candidates. But Dave Carpenter with the Collier County Division of Elections said filings for the U.S. Senate race, U.S. congressional race and state legislative races are unlikely to change between now and then.

In the Southwest Florida U.S. congressional race, another outsider has recently announced: former U.S. Secret Service agent and author, Dan Bongino of Palm City. Bongino, who said he is renting in Naples, announced his bid Monday and claims to be the only true conservative in the race. Bongino's last political attempt was an unsuccessful U.S. Senate bid in Maryland two years ago.

The deadline means speculation around the congressional race has ended with three Republican candidates  Bongino, Sanibel Councilman Chauncey Goss and Naples businessman Francis Rooney, Naples. There are also two write-in candidates and one Democrat who have qualified for the race.

In 1998, there was a constitutional revision to Florida's primary rules, which allows all citizens to vote in a primary, regardless of party, if the candidates have no competition in the general election. In short, if there are only Republicans running in a primary, Democrats and No Party Affiliated voters (NPAs) can participate in that primary, and vice versa if there are only Democratic candidates running.

However, if any other candidate registers for the primary  including NPAs and write-ins  then the primary is closed. Meaning, if there are two Republicans running and at the last minute a write-in registers, then Democrats and NPAs can no longer vote in that primary race.

Rockie Pennington, a political consultant based in Tallahassee, said write-in candidates are often a ruse used by campaigns to eliminate influence outside the party. Write-in candidates don't have to live in the district they are running in until election day and don't have to pay the qualifying fee or secure filing petitions.

Carpenter said write-in candidates were more prevalent in legislative races than local races.

There are two write-in candidates for Sen. Garrett Richter's newly redrawn District 28 State Senate seat: MaryKathryn Johnson of Saint Petersburg, and Raymond Mazzie of Tallahassee. District 28 covers Collier, Hendry and parts of Lee County. Current House representatives, Kathleen Passidomo of Naples, and Matt Hudson of Naples, are the Republicans in that race.

Both Hudson and Passidomo's House seats are now open as well. Hudson represents District 80, which spans Collier and Hendry Counties, and Passidomo represents District 106, which runs from Naples to Marco Island.

Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican, and Joe Davidow, another Naples Republican, are campaigning for Hudson's seat. By Friday's deadline, Anthony Joseph Cetrangelo Jr. of Naples registered as a write-in for that race.

Lavigne Kirkpatrick of Naples, Bob Rommel of Naples and Nick Ballo of Naples are vying for Passidomo's seat. Again, on Friday, Connor Maguire of Naples registered as a write-in for that race.

As far as local races go, the following candidates are uncontested: Donna Fiala of Naples, County Commission District 1, which stretches from Marco Island to State Road 79 and up to Interstate 75; Jennifer Edwards of Naples, for Supervisor of Elections, Michael Provost of Naples, for County Judge Group 3; and Larry Ray of Naples, for Tax Collector.

For Sheriff, which is a countywide race, the NPA candidate, Carlos Gutierrez of Naples, has qualified to run against Republican incumbent Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.

The primary for Commissioner District 2, which spans from Pine Ridge Road to I-75 and up to Bonita Beach Road, will be open to all voters as only Republicans are running. James Calamari of Naples, James Carter of Naples, and Andy Solis of Naples, are the candidates.
Community members gathered at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church to place their votes for local and state offices in a straw poll at Politics in the Park Wednesday, June 22, 2016 in Naples. (Luke Franke/Staff)

SHARE Kathleen Passidomo and Matt Hudson Bob Rommel Lavigne Kirkpatrick Byron Donalds

By Alexandra Glorioso, alexandra.glorioso@naplesnews.com;

Republican state legislative candidates offered different takes Thursday on tax-funded land purchases and guns at a campaign forum.

Rep. Kathleen Passsidomo, a Naples Republican running for a state Senate seat, said she supports state funding to purchase lands south of the Everglades.

"The (state) constitution says we have to spend funds to acquire and maintain environmentally sensitive lands," she said.

The question spoke to a federal bill U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson, of Bonita Springs, introduced in March. The Everglades Land Acquisition Act would set aside $500 million for the U.S. Interior Department to buy land south of the lake for water storage.

Clawson plans to leave his position once his term expires in January to tend to his ailing father, leaving little time for him to help get the legislation passed.

However, the bill was largely mirrored on the state level, which Passidomo referred to in her answer, through the Legacy Florida bill.

The state bill, passed in March, sets aside $200 million of state money over the next 20 years for restoration of the Everglades ecosystem.

Passidomo's opponent, Rep. Matt Hudson of Naples, didn't say he favored purchasing land south of the lake but he did mention Legacy Florida and talked about how it gave priority to projects pertaining to Caloosahatchee River, which flows into Lake Okeechobee.

State House candidates Bob Rommel of Naples, Lavigne Kirkpatrick of Naples, and Byron Donalds of Naples, each said they do not favor purchasing the land.

Rommel and Kirkpatrick are each competing for Passidomo's seat, which includes Naples and Marco Island. Donalds is campaigning for Hudson's seat, which represents parts of Collier and Hendry counties.

Donalds' opponent, Joe Davidow, did not attend the forum.

"The reason why we are in this quandary is because we've completely undone what the Everglades were supposed to be. It can never go back to that," Donalds said.

"Whether it's the state of Florida or the federal government, buying more land is not going to fix the problem," Rommel said.

"Money is not the answer," Kirkpatrick said.

Guns also have become a major national issue once again since the mass shooting that killed 50 people in Orlando, including the gunman.

Every candidate offered support for the Second Amendment.

However, Donalds and Rommel differentiated themselves slightly from the rest when they said they would not support a pre-emptive measure by Florida legislators to protect gun ownership before it is banned at the federal level.

Donalds advocated state action only as a last resort if gun rights are reduced at the federal level.
SHARE

Bill Halling, Bonita Springs

Bullet train

The Wall Street Journal reported May 23 that the California bullet train project is years behind schedule because of litigation and changes to the business plan and it could be years before the litigation is resolved.

Voters approved $9 billion in state funds in 2008 and while the project is partially completed, billions more will be needed. The WSJ concludes its report saying "the Obama administration would be doing a public service by cutting off the choo-choo, which has become a costly boondoggle that Democratic politicians are too afraid to kill."

Remember when Obama tried to force Florida to take the bullet train via decrees and lawsuits? Remember more that Gov. Rick Scott fought back against the Obama plan and won. We dodged an Obama catastrophe thanks to the governor.
SHARE

Jeffrey Gilfoy, Naples

Diaz-Balart

I recently read criticism of U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart for his stand on an immigration issue.

I do not know the specific issues here as I am not Hispanic, but I do know something about this man. I am a retired Navy submariner with 70 percent disability who has been battling with the VA for more than two years.

The VA in its "ultimate wisdom" determined I had been overpaid and they instantly took that "overpayment" out of my disability payment. I disagreed and have adequate proof, including the VA's own documents and correspondence. I have contacted the national VA office monthly, local VA office in Naples, and Disabled American Veterans organization over the last two years with no resolution.

All I get is it is "under review"  26 months later, really?

Well, I finally contacted Diaz-Balart's office and they have been working very hard to resolve my case and finally I am at the supervisor level. One thing I know about Diaz-Balart is that he is pro-veteran, especially disabled veterans, who I think should be getting priority treatment from this government. But then again, look who is president.

Thank you Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. You have this disabled veteran's support and vote. Stand for your principles and keep doing the good work we elected you to do.
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Melanie Doyle, Naples

School grades

The results are in. Collier County Public Schools received their grades in math, language arts, biology and history from the state  and it is not pretty.

In fact, what is being done to our children is downright shameful. Here are the standardized test scores that were released by the Florida Department of Education on June 10: only 55 percent of our students passed the language arts exam; only 53 percent passed the Algebra 2 exam; just 68 percent passed the biology exam; and 69 percent of students passed the U.S. History exam.

Am I missing something? I thought we were an "A" district? Has the bell curve in Florida become so deformed that what used to be an "F" is now an "A?"

Who's kidding who? And why does the Naples Daily News provide cover for the Kamela Patton administration's charade by praising the status quo so often? Even when these abysmal scores were released, the title of the NDN's article covering this story was "Collier students outpace performance of others in state in standardized tests."

Really? If things are this bad, shouldn't a more accurate title be "Our schools are failing?"

I know truth in politics has died, but that is why the Founding Fathers granted special constitutional protections to the media  so they could hold public officials accountable. Instead, the Daily News is propping up a failing bureaucracy at the expense of our children. Our students and taxpayers deserve better.

The education leaders in Collier County and Tallahassee have failed our children, and it's time the people vote them out of office. Vote for Louise Penta and Lee Dixon for Collier County School Board on Aug. 30.


Engel & Volkers advisors are sought out for their professionalism, expertise and unparalleled knowledge of the market. Currently, there is an Engel & Volkers shop in more than 80 North American markets, more than 770 shops worldwide and more than 7,000 real estate advisors in 36 countries. Engel & Volkers Naples Bonita-Estero is honored to announce the following new real estate advisors:



Randy Keys, Realtor - Randy started his business career after obtaining his degree from Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis. He established his own construction company and built and remodeled homes for nearly 19 years. In 1986 Randy began his career in Real Estate sales, leveraging his extensive builder background to further his new found career path. Randy began his real estate career at RE/MAX and his success was monumental. Randy sold $15 Million in 1989 and expanded his production to over $40 Million in annual sales. Randy moved to Florida in 2002 and joined RE/MAX Partners as a Consultant and Recruiter. He then moved to Marco Island in 2004 and joined The Sandlin Team at RE/MAX as a Team Manager. In 2005 Randy went back into sales and joined Keller Williams where he remained until 2011. He later branched off to start his own brokerage, Florida Properties Inc. After astronomical success in sales, consulting and recruiting, Randy desired a higher league of real estate services. In 2015, he set his sights on the Engel & Volkers brand and the rest is history. Randy joined the Olde Naples shop in 2016 and quickly immersed himself into the brands culture, tools and discerning network of clientele and advisors alike.



Ed J. Alvarez, Realtor CIPS/RSPS/CIAS/LSE - Ed takes a client first philosophy with his affluent clientele. There are many qualities and skills that go into being an exceptional real estate professional  integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network. He prides himself in providing the very best service. This means being a phone call away, being a good listener, as well as being a good communicator and fulfilling his clients wishes.



Miriam Rutter, Realtor- Miriam, a German native, completed an apprenticeship at a Real Estate company named Deutsche Wohnen AG. Following her apprenticeship she attended the prestigious private real estate school in Bochum, Europaeisches Bildungszentrum der Wohnungs- und Immobilienwirtschaft (EBZ), where she earned herself an appointment as a government certified Real Estate Agent. Engel & Volkers advisors are sought out for their professionalism and service-driven mentality. Miriam is a shining example of those attributes. Miriam joined the Engel & Volkers brand because of its global network, distinctive marketing measures and acclaimed E&V Academy. Other Language: German.



Chris Pakietur, Realtor- Christopher has been a real estate advisor for three years now. Before transitioning into real estate in 2013, he practiced as a Financial Analyst for six years. Being a financial analyst allowed him to advise his clients of financial risks and opportunities. Return on investment is a term he understands wholeheartedly. Christophers objective is to raise standards and expectations in the practice of real estate and develop, maintain, and retain valuable business relationships and friendships in which both parties may benefit unequivocally. Having an extensive background in finance with years of real estate experience has united into a productive and profit producing package of expertise that ensures a professional, disciplined and competent experience. Other Language: Polish.



Petra Kloss, Realtor- Petra is originally from Frankfurt, Germany. She attended Johann-Wolfgang-University Law School for 4 years. Prior to joining Engel & Volkers, she pursued a career as a flight attendant with worldwide renowned Lufthansa for 22 years. In 2014 she began her real estate career. Petra takes a first-class approach with her client dealings. Engel & Volkers gives her the ability to continue to work for a global brand revered for its impeccable reputation, training and customer-centric culture. Other Language: German.



Sharyl Wicks, Realtor- Sharyl has been a licensed real estate advisor for 11 years now. Before transitioning into real estate she graduated from The University of Brockport New York with a BS in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. Sharyl relocated to Naples, Florida 15 years ago to accept a position as a Resort Rental Manager. It was then that she catapulted her career into luxury real estate sales. What differentiates Sharyl from other real estate advisors is that she believes that the process of purchasing a home is one of lifes milestones - validated by trust.



Not every real estate agent is the best fit for our shop, explained Joe Epifanio, Managing Broker/License Partner of Engel & Volkers Naples Bonita-Estero. Engel & Volkers has high expectations of its real estate advisors to participate in continuous training and to work toward a European definition of service that isnt often found in real estate here. We attract exceptional real estate advisors and further their careers.



Our Olde Naples shop is located at 837 Fifth Avenue South #102 on the first block of distinguished Fifth Avenue South. Our Bonita Springs shop is located at 26381 South Tamiami Trail #108 across from Bonita Bay and Pelican Landing. Both of our chic boutique-style shops house an elite team of advisors and management who offer the highest level of service. If you are interested in joining our elite team of advisors, we cordially invite you to contact us at 239-692-9449 to set up a confidential meeting.



Since its beginning in 1977 as a specialty boutique providing exclusive, high-end real estate services in Hamburg, Germany, Engel & Volkers has become one of the worlds leading companies specializing in the sale and lease of premium residential and commercial property, yachts and private aviation. Engel & Volkers currently operates a global network of over 7,000 real estate advisors in more than 700 brokerages spanning 36 countries across five continents, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services. It established its North America corporate headquarters in 2007 and opened its first brokerage in the same year. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and tools; multiple platforms for mobile, social and web; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Engel & Volkers is an active supporter of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.


The U.S. government's decision to take all profits from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was the right thing to do even in light of the companies' subsequent return to profitability, a former Treasury Department official said in documents released this week.

The comments from Timothy Bowler, who left the Treasury last summer, were included in deposition excerpts and documents that are the latest to be made public in the long-running struggle between the U.S. and private shareholders of the two companies.

The U.S. seized control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac amid soaring losses in 2008 and provided $187.5 billion in aid to keep them afloat. In 2012, the government changed the bailout terms so that it would take almost all profits, leading to a taxpayer windfall and dozens of shareholder lawsuits after the companies returned to profitability.

In the newly unsealed documents and excerpts, U.S. officials reiterated their long-stated goals of winding down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and concerns that the old bailout structure could erode investor confidence. They also show some alternatives to taking mortgage-finance companies' profits that officials considered and suggest that they had settled on the general concept of sending the profits to the Treasury months before signing the agreement.

Shareholder Lawsuit

Shareholders have brought dozens of lawsuits against the government challenging the current terms of the companies' bailouts. A judge in one prominent case allowed the plaintiffs to collect documents and witness depositions, but the vast majority until recently were kept under seal.

Now, as plaintiffs in related cases seek to use the evidence, the judge has started to allow a trickle to become public, shedding new light on government officials' thinking as they made one of the most controversial decisions on Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's futures.

When the government took control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2008, it put them under the auspices of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, while Treasury provided the bailout money.

Original Terms

Under the original terms of the agreement, Treasury received warrants to acquire nearly 80% of the companies' common stock along with a new class of "senior" preferred shares that originally paid a 10 percent dividend.

At issue in the lawsuits is the 2012 decision by Treasury and FHFA to change the bailout terms so that instead of a set 10% dividend, the government would take all profits and not require a dividend when they had a loss.

At the time, Treasury officials said the change would accelerate the wind down of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while sidestepping a situation in which they could require bailout money to make dividend payments. The officials said they worried that such a situation could cause investors to doubt the safety of the companies' mortgage bonds and disrupt the economy.

Soon after the change, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac began posting huge quarterly profits, and private shareholders sued, arguing that the profit sweep was illegal.

Huge Profits

In the deposition excerpts unsealed this week, Bowler told attorneys that even knowing now that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would soon post huge profits, he would have made the same decision.

"The core tenets and core merits" of the changes to the bailout terms still exist, said Bowler, who served as a counselor to the Treasury secretary on housing and other issues.

He pointed to mortgage-bond investor concerns as reasoning for changing the dividend rate, but also said winding down the companies was top of mind.

"The only core policy in regard to the two enterprises at Treasury and their structure during the time period we're discussing...was to wind down the GSEs over time. That was the policy," he said, referring to the companies as government-sponsored enterprises.

Bowler's deposition and other unsealed documents also showed that Treasury officials considered alternatives to sweeping all profits from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He said thought was given to lowering the dividend rate, but that the idea was dismissed because it would mean less money for taxpayers.

Timothy Geithner

An unsealed January 2012 memo for Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner raised the possibility of transferring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac assets to a special purpose vehicle in what was described as a "good bank/bad bank-type strategy." Treasury officials didn't pursue that option.

Instead, in August 2012, officials announced the profit sweep. Bowler's deposition suggests that the dividend change had been agreed to conceptually by FHFA and Treasury officials months earlier.

A federal judge in 2014 dismissed one major case between shareholders and the government, stating that the government's reasoning for the change in bailout terms wasn't relevant. Shareholders appealed, and the appellate court is expected to issue a decision sometime this summer.
The Supreme Court on Thursday placed new limits on state laws that make it a crime for motorists suspected of drunken driving to refuse alcohol tests.

The justices ruled that police must obtain a search warrant before requiring drivers to take blood alcohol tests, but not breath tests, which the court considers less intrusive.

Prior to Thursday's ruling, drivers in Nebraska could be given a criminal citation if they refused a blood alcohol test in either DUI cases or in traffic accident investigations where alcohol was suspected.

The ruling came in three cases in which drivers challenged so-called implied consent laws in Minnesota and North Dakota as violating the Constitution's ban on unreasonable searches and seizures. State supreme courts had upheld the laws.

While drivers in all 50 states can have their licenses revoked for refusing drunken driving tests, the high court's ruling affects laws in 11 states, including Nebraska, that go further in imposing criminal penalties for such refusals.

Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito said breath tests do not implicate "significant privacy concerns." Unlike blood tests, breathing into a breathalyzer doesn't pierce the skin or leave a biological sample in the government's possession, he said.

Six justices agreed with Alito's opinion on breath tests, though Justice Clarence Thomas wrote separately to say he would have found both tests valid without a warrant under the Constitution. Thomas called any distinction between breath and blood tests "an arbitrary line in the sand."

Other states that have criminalized a driver's refusal to take alcohol blood or breath tests include Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia.

In a statement, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson acknowledged changes to operating procedures will have to be made.

Generally, law enforcement in Nebraska does not obtain warrants for blood tests, due to prior rulings of the court. The courts ruling today will thus have ramifications not only for drunk driving cases but also other crimes associated with drinking and driving, such as motor vehicle homicide, he said.

In all three cases before the high court, the challengers argued that warrantless searches should be allowed only in "extraordinary circumstances." They said routine drunk driving stops count as ordinary law enforcement functions where traditional privacy rights should apply.

State officials called the testing a legitimate condition on the privilege of using state roads. Prosecutors argued that it was too burdensome for police to obtain a warrant every time a driver refused a test because some rural areas have only one judge on call late at night or on weekends.

But during oral arguments, some of the justices pointed out that even in rural states police can call a magistrate and get a warrant over the phone in just a few minutes.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, wrote a separate opinion saying she would have gone further and required search warrants for both breath and blood alcohol tests. She said no governmental interest makes it impractical for an officer to get a warrant before measuring a driver's alcohol level.

The states garnered support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which argued that public safety is a compelling reason that justified the laws. But civil liberties groups said states can't criminalize the assertion of a constitutional right.

Adam Vanek, national general counsel for MADD, said his group was pleased "that the court recognized public safety concerns far outweigh the minimal privacy concerns when it comes to a breath test." Vanek said the group was hopeful that the court's decision would encourage other states to implement similar laws punishing refusal to take a breath test.
The British people have decided to leave the European Union. As it defines the next chapter in its relationship with the EU, I know that the United Kingdom's position in NATO will remain unchanged. The UK will remain a strong and committed NATO Ally, and will continue to play its leading role in our Alliance.

Today, as we face more instability and uncertainty, NATO is more important than ever as a platform for cooperation among European Allies, and between Europe and North America. A strong, united and determined NATO remains an essential pillar of stability in a turbulent world, and a key contributor to international peace and security.

The Alliance remains committed to closer cooperation with the European Union. At the Warsaw Summit in July, we will step up our cooperation, because together we are more effective in upholding our common values and keeping our nations safe.
Friday, June 24, 2016 by: Isabelle Z. Tags: pesticides , diseases , infertility

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Some 3.9 billion years ago an intense tidal pull of a killer black hole shredded a star, the X-ray echoes from the tidal disruption reached the Earth in 2011 now known as the Swift J1644+57 detected by NASA's Swift Satellite. Today, astronomers are studying data from Swift in order to understand the tidal disruptions and black holes. Thanks to NASA's new X-ray mapping technology, astronomers found an easier way of understanding the phenomena.

"While we don't yet understand what causes X-ray flares near the black hole, we know that when one occurs we can detect its echo a couple of minutes later, once the light has reached and illuminated parts of the flow," Erin Kara, an astrophysicist from NASA Goddard said in an interview.

"This technique, called X-ray reverberation mapping, has been previously used to explore stable disks around black holes, but this is the first time we've applied it to a newly formed disk produced by a tidal disruption," Kara added.

The death or obliteration of a star by a black hole, also known as a tidal disruption causes x-ray echoes and leaves debris after a star is "killed" and falls into a black hole. A new x-ray mapping techniques helped the astronomers in further understanding the Swift J1644+57 and other black holes in the universe. This helps the scientists to observe and measure the population of supermassive black holes that are otherwise, and most of the time, just a black spot in the universe. But the temporary X-ray and jets of materials from the obliterated star make a black hole visible and easier to observe.

X-ray echoes from a distant galaxy reveal a monster black hole that shredded a nearby star: https://t.co/8iJUsZ60az pic.twitter.com/vZdoJH0H8N  NASA (@NASA) June 22, 2016

NASA's Swift satellite monitors the outburst progress of shredded stars with the help of Japanese Suzaku Satellite and ESA's XMM-Newton Observatory. A new technique called the X-ray reverberation mapping is introduced to study the temporary discs formed around a black hole after the destruction of a star. By using X-ray flashes, the regions surrounding the black holes can be observed just like how a sonar sensor uses sound to study and map the ocean bed.

NASA scientists and their partners from the University of Maryland were the ones who thought of using X-ray reverberation mapping when looking at tidal disruptive events. "Much to my surprise, the results were amazing and I can see that we were looking at the structure of the inner accretion flow around a normally dormant black hole for the first time," Kara said in an interview. The x-ray echoes provided the astronomers a clear glimpse of a "killer" supermassive black hole for the first time.

With this new mapping technique using X-ray reverberation, researchers can now easily observe how stellar materials from a star can be caught by a "killer" black hole, spinning around its edges creating a temporary disc.

Today, astronomers used this technique to observe how stellar debris falls toward a black hole and to study both dormant and active black holes in the universe. According to astronomers, they can observe the movements, directions and stellar flares during tidal disruptions except for the spinning, but with the new mapping technique, they might be able to do so in the near future.
Seven commissioners from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have voted late Wednesday to postpone bear hunts in Florida this year.

The vote, which turned up 4-3, is an attempt to gather more information on the bear hunts following a controversial hunt in 2015 that killed 304 bears in just two days. The kills included 36 mother bears nursing cubs at the time.

Bear hunting had been illegal since 1994 and the species had even been considered for the federal endangered species list. However, the bears' population have increased to more than 4,000 in 2015. "Nuisance bears" reportedly caused unwanted potential human interactions, attacks on Floridians' pets, and bears raiding trash cans in search for food. As a result, the FWC scheduled the seven-day hunt last year which killed over 300 bears, citing a bear management plan as reason for the hunt.

Nevertheless, as noted by Tampa Bay Times, instead of looking at the bears as nuisance, we should consider our garbage as "all-too-available" for the bears. Human encroachment in wildlife habitat in the state could also be looked at as a "nuisance" itself.

This thought is echoed by Humane Society of the United States' southern region director Laura Bevan, who told the Christian Science Monitor in April:

"Problem bears in human areas are already dealt with harshly by officials. The October bear hunt targeted bears in the woods, not the problem bears."

Postponing the bear hunts in 2016 is therefore a good solution to the problem as it would provide stakeholders, local communities and the public more time to develop hunting's important role in the comprehensive bear management program of Florida. According to the Pensacola News Journal, it would also allow the FWC to continue working with local communities to come up with other original ways to reduce conflicts between humans and bears.

Bear-proof trash cans is also being considered a possible solution now.

Director of the Humane Society of the United States' Wildlife Abuse Campaign, Tracy Coppola also told the Monitor that despite trash collectors' difficulty in using the trash cans, they are already considered a norm in several states, and that without the cans "we've basically invited the bears to dinner."

The surprising decision by the FWC is good news to both bears and people in the state. It provides more leeway for talking things out and providing better solutions.
A new study revealed that health warnings about the complication of Zika virus to pregnant women resulted to an increased demand for abortion in Latin American countries.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, stated that many countries in the Latin America rule abortion as either illegal or highly restrictive. These restrictions forces pregnant women to consider fewer options and might potentially push them to use unsafe methods, access abortion drugs without medical supervision or visit underground providers.

For the study, researchers looked into data on request for abortions through Women on Web between 1 January 2010 and 2 March 2016 in 19 Latin-American countries.

Women on Web is a non-profit organization that provides medical abortion outside the formal healthcare setting through online telemedicine, in countries where safe abortion is not universally available.

The researchers then discovered an increase in the request for abortion through the website following the issuance of health warnings by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on November 17, 2015 urging women to avoid getting pregnant.

Most countries that have issued health warnings about Zika virus and had legal restrictions on abortion experienced significant increase of request for abortion. Abortion requests in countries including Brazil, Ecuador and Venezuela have doubled, while other countries with restriction on abortion rose by over a third. On the other hand, there is no significant increase in request for abortion in countries that did not issue any health warnings.

"It isn't enough for health officials just to warn women about the risks associated Zika - they must also make efforts to ensure that women are offered safe, legal, and accessible reproductive choices," commented Dr Catherine Aiken from the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Cambridge in a statement.

Last April, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that Zika virus causes a rare birth defect called microcephaly.


Bees in the nation are slowly dying off, which means the future of humans' food resource is in grave danger as well. Basically, no bees means no food. The problem is linked to the pesticide called neonicotinoids, which is 6,000 more toxic than DDT.

According to Environment Massachusetts (via CBS Boston), a group aiming to build public awareness on the alarming rate of the decrease in bee population, 40 percent of the world's bee population die each year.

Providing more credence to the alarming situation, Eco Watch reported that 2.6 million dead bees have been delivered outside the headquarters of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday.

"In the five years since I started keeping bees, I've seen many hives killed by pesticides. If some fundamental things don't change, it's going to be really hard for beekeepers to adapt to the environment around us," said James Cook, Minnesota-based beekeeper, to Eco Watch. Cook has been driving the truck across the country since last Monday.

A coast-to-coast tour called Keep the Hives Alive Tour is now being conducted by environmental groups aiming to raise awareness about the decline in the pollinators' population. Following the disturbing news, advocates and beekeepers also accumulated more than 4 million signatures to immediately ban the neonicotinoids.

According to My Central Jersey, on Thursday, Peter Marchetta, a canvasser with Environment New Jersey, and Michael Long, owner of Uriah Creek Apiary, also held a "To Bee or Not to Bee" picnic in Buccleuch Park.

Marchetta, who's also a Rutgers University student from Princeton who's currently studying environmental policy, said:

"It's simple. Bees, food, us. It's very direct and people don't get that."

And rightly so.

Omar Ali from Environment Massachusetts says 71 of the world's top 100 crops need pollination from bees, therefore the insects are essentially the source of 90 percent of the world's food resource.

With more than 40 percent of honeybee hives dying each year, the U.S. farming and beekeeping industry is also simultaneously losing $2 billion per year. The "To Bee or Not to Bee" picnic also wants to encourage the EPA to ban the neonicotinoids.

Meanwhile, the Keep the Hives Alive Tour wrapped up Wednesday with farmers, beekeepers and food advocates meeting EPA officials and members of Congress and representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They delivered letters from almost 200 businesses and organizations that asks support on sustainable agriculture and the ban of the pesticides.

The issue can only be addressed if immediate action is taken, and fortunately, the outlook seems to be positive.

Stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot have now taken action, agreeing to stop selling plants that have been treated with neonicotinoids.

Know more about this issue in the video below:
More New Yorkers could die of overheating in the next few years, researchers said on Thursday. People are dying due to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heart and respiratory conditions.

According to the new study, as many as 3,331 people in New York City could die from heat waves per annum. The study also warns that this trend would continue until 2080, with hot days expected to triple until the said year if no steps are taken to reduce carbon emissions and global warming.

By retrospect, the National Center for Health Statistics claims that there were about 600 heat deaths in the city between 2000 and 2006.

Meanwhile, another separate study has also been released, tracing climate change and effects of air pollution on children.

Both studies from Columbia University were published online this week in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives and both say that carbon use should be reduced effective immediately.

According to the director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health at the Mailman School of Public Health, Frederica Perera via (Scientific American):

"We now know a great deal about the harm from the emissions from fossil fuels. We know a great deal about how to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels."

As a result, New York City is combating the problem with countermeasures such as covering building roofs with reflective paint, according to Reuters.

Elisaveta Petkova, project director at the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University's Earth Institute, said these measures - creating better infrastructure and providing access to cooling - can indeed help. In fact, people also become resilient to the rising temperatures over time.

"People become more resilient to heat. We don't know exactly why," Petkova said.

However, addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is also equally important.

Petkova adds that the new study "just highlighted how important it is to take proactive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

As also noted in the second study, harmful products, which are sources of carbon dioxide, have more devastating effects on the very young, which begins in utero.

It's not just New York, but the entire United States has been experiencing more frequent heat waves in recent decades, according to the government report on 2014's National Climate Assessment.

The Obama administration is now making an effort to address climate change while protecting public health. Not only will it be beneficial to the people's health, but to the country's economy as well. According to U.S. EPA, the estimated value of lessened deaths by air pollution amounts up to $2 trillion in 2020.
If you think only humans are choosy, then think again. Monkeys are too - at least when it comes to choosing who they interact with as they age. Apparently, this similarity in social selectivity between humans and monkeys could have deeper roots as opposed to the common thought that it stems from a sense of mortality.

According to researchers studying Barbary macaques at the La Foret des Singes Park in Rocamadour, France, who published their study in the in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on June 23, older monkeys are more picky about who they spend their time with. However, what's truly interesting is that at the same time, the aging Barbary macaques are still interested in what's going on in the society around them.

The scientists claim that the study offers an evolutionary perspective on why humans who are aging behave the way they do. Because monkeys do not know of their limited time on Earth, as noted by Voice of America, the scientists believe that decline in social interaction is inborn in all primates.

For the study, Laura Fischer, who is the head of the Cognitive Ethology Laboratory at the German Primate Center, and her team observed over 100 Barbary macaques while conducting experiments on their interest in new toys as well as social information. As expected, the monkeys' interest in exploring new things decreased as they age, which is credited to loss of motor skills that comes with aging.

Meanwhile, the scientists also witnessed something unexpected with their observations, which was that the aging Barbary macaques are more selective with whom they groomed. With the species, grooming is a form of social interaction, a way of reducing stress, as well as a way of forming group alliances.

In an interview with VOA, Fischer said:

"Some people look at relationships of monkeys just in terms of tit for tat. If I groom you, you have to provide me some support in a future fight. This grooming of these old ladies and old monkey gents means that [younger monkeys] are still attached to them [older monkeys] although they provide no benefits."

What's more interesting is that older monkeys are also interested in social information, or gossip, even as they age.

Fischer explained:

If somebody in their group is having a fight they're still commenting ... as if they were taking part in it emotionally.

Since almost all monkeys have the same social structures as humans, seeing this behavior in the Barbary macaques reflect human social interaction as they age. For a long time, it has been thought that humans become more selective of who they interact with due to recognition of mortality, kind of like make the most of your time here on Earth with the people you enjoy with the most. However, since the monkeys in the new study aren't aware of their mortality, this would imply that the behavior is a trait we share with our primate ancestors. Apparently, humans limited their social interactions first before reasoning out that it's because they are aging.

While this conclusion makes sense, Susan Charles, a professor of Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California at Irvine, says the results warrants further studies. She said that just because the monkeys are influenced by a feeling of mortality doesn't mean it's correlated to decreased social activity.

There's also the possible reason that "older monkeys... find social interactions increasingly stressful and therefore avoid them," according to Julia Fischer.

Alexandra Freund from the University of Zurich says they will explore the monkeys' cognitive performance.

In any case, it's still pretty cool to learn that we have this similar trait with our animal counterparts. Turns out we're not the only choosy species here on Earth.
Numerous sea turtles have been released back to the sea these past weeks after months of rehab in parts of the United States including California, Pittsburgh, and Florida.

On June 15, 13 fully rehabilitated patients from the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center were released, and while it's common for such events to be one of the public's vacation highlights, a surprising crowd of at least 1,000 arrived for the release, notes Top Sail Advertiser.

The group of sea turtles included four large loggerheads as well as little greens. Volunteers took a lengthy trek through the sand while carrying the turtles along rope barriers as the audience waved their goodbyes.

In the Assateague Island National Seashore, two green sea turtles also made their return to the ocean on June 16, which also marks World Sea Turtle Day, according to Bay Weekly. The turtles, whose names are Hardhead and Beachcomber, came to the National Aquarium in November 2015. Hardhead was found and rescued off the coast of Delaware unable to swim. The turtle had low body temperature, broken ribs and a torn lung. He received long-term rehabilitation.

As for Beachcomber, the turtle was found stranded along the coast of Cape Cod with a rare blood infection as well as kidney problems.

"The triumph of returning a healthy animal to the wild is the reason we have such a devoted Animal Rescue team," said Aquarium Rescue program manager Jennifer Dittmar of the releases. "The program is successful today with the help of our staff, volunteers and the good Samaritans who call in tips."

The National Aquarium has been making successful rescues and rehabs since 1991, with more than 160 animals returned to their natural habitats along the Maryland coastline.

There were also ten rehabbed Kemp's Ridley sea turtles released from the animal rescue programs at the Pittsburgh Zoo, the PPG Aquarium, and National Marine Life Center. The turtles were found washed up on beaches on Cape Cod beaches this winter.

Meanwhile, the latest set of releases took place on Wednesday at Round Island Oceanfront Park in Vero Beach.

According to Treasure Coast Newspapers, the turtles are now back in the Atlantic Ocean after months of rehab at the Brevard Zoo. One of the turtles, a loggerhead was found near the St. Lucie Nuclear Power in March in a debilitated state, enveloped by barnacles and suffering from a liver issue. Meanwhile, the other green sea turtle was also found in March. It suffered from a fractured shell as well as a damaged flipper.

Such rescues truly make a big difference, and it's an encouraging to see despite recent problems in the decline in sea turtle population.
Venus' similarity to Earth may be extraordinary. However, the planet located second from the sun is missing one element that our beautiful planet is abundant of - water.

Apparently, oceans once occupied Venus, but now all the water is gone.

It's a puzzle, but scientists may have found the reason why.

According to a scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the extremity of Venus' electric field could be the culprit of the disappearance of H2O in the planet. It seems that surface temperatures of over 860 degrees Fahrenheit resulted to the planet's current bone-dry state.

The question now is - where did the water go?

If Venus were Earth, all that steam would have boiled off the surface of the planet and into its atmosphere. However, the planet's thick atmosphere is strangely dry. Add to that the fact that the planet's pressure is 100 times that of Earth, and yet it still has up to 100,000 times less water than ours, the lack of water is definitely mysterious.

In the video below, NASA scientist Glyn Collinson explains where all that steam went:

"It's amazing, shocking," said Collinson in a statement (h/t Space). "We never dreamt an electric wind could be so powerful that it can suck oxygen right out of an atmosphere into space. This is something that has to be on the checklist when we go looking for habitable planets around other stars."

As it turns out, and as explained in a new research in the journal Geophysical Research Letters published Monday, the surprisingly strong electrical field enveloping Venus is the reason for all that lack of water.

Such electric field is "a monster of a force," that it's powerful enough drive all that atmospheric water to space, says Collinson, lead author of the study.

The electric field was discovered with the electron spectrometer aboard the European Space Agency spacecraft Venus Express, which orbited Venus from 2006 and 2014.
A Union Pacific employee was arraigned Tuesday on felony negligence charges for his role in a fatal crash at a Gilroy railroad crossing last year.

Lindberg Thompson, 58, slammed a massive rail maintenance vehicle weighing an estimated 50 tons into a pickup truck making a left turn across the tracks on a green arrow at Masten Avenue and Monterey Avenue.

Don Williams, 55, was killed in the collision as he returned home from work.

According to the California Highway Patrol accident investigation and multiple witnesses, the rail maintenance vehicle never activated the crossing gates or warning bells at the crossing, giving drivers no warning the vehicle was approaching.

Witnesses say the same rail maintenance vehicle failed to activate the crossing gates at other railroad crossings minutes before the crash.

Thompson, who was operating the maintenance vehicle in reverse with an obstructed mirror, violated multiple Union Pacific safety policies, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.

According to the accident investigation, Thompson never stopped the rail vehicle when the crossing gates failed to activate, blindsiding Williams as he crossed the tracks.

Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Traci Mason said they decided to file felony negligence charges because of the multiple safety precautions Thompson failed to take.

"We filed these charges in part because of the negligent operation we believe occurred in this case, but also because there was a tragic death," Mason said. "The message that we have is that when there are rules and regulations in place, they need to be followed."

Thompson, with the aid of a Navajo interpreter, pleaded not guilty to the charges. NBC Bay Area could not reach him for comment.

A May NBC Bay Area investigation found rail maintenance vehicles don't always activate the crossing gates and warning bells at railroad crossings, putting drivers at risk.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there have been at least 187 accidents involving these types of vehicles over the past five years.
A teen who literally ran right out of his Nike Air Jordans during a police pursuit was one of three juveniles recently arrested in a string of Union City burglaries, police said.

The three suspects, ranging in age from 15 to 17, were connected to five residential burglaries over the past month in the area of Alvarado and Union City boulevards, according to the Union City Police Department. Patrol officers doing extra checks in the neighborhood spotted a stolen car from a prior burglary, and the teens proceeded to get out of the car and flee on foot. One of the suspect's shoes were left behind.

Officers were able to detain the driver of the stolen car, and the other two teens were taken into custody later. Some of the stolen property from the burglaries also was recovered.

According to police, the teens entered homes late at night while the residents were home and asleep, typically finding an unlocked door or forcing a locked door open. In some instances, they stole cars.

Anyone with additional information about the incidents should contact Detective Wu at the Union City Police Department at 510-675-5220.
Palo Alto police have arrested a former Stanford Hospital housekeeping employee on suspicion of sexually battering another employee working at the hospital.

The suspect, 56-year-old Luis Enrique Ramirez of San Jose, was arrested May 26 after surrendering on an arrest warrant for a charge of misdemeanor sexual battery.

It was determined that at the time of the incident, Ramirez worked as a housekeeping employee for the hospital, police said.

Early in the morning on March 26, police responded to a report of a sexual battery that had just occurred in a waiting room at Stanford Hospital, 300 Pasteur Drive. Police arrived on the scene minutes later but could not locate the suspect.

The victim, a man in his 20s employed by a contractor working at the hospital, had been taking a nap in a waiting room in the middle of working a double shift. He was awakened by Ramirez rubbing his shoulders and back, police said. Ramirez then allegedly slid his hands down the mans pants and touched his genitals.

The victim shoved Ramirez away, and Ramirez then walked away quickly. The victim told police he had seen Ramirez around the hospital before, and believed him to be a hospital employee.

Detectives are not aware of any additional victims. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the 24-hour dispatch center at 650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to paloalto@tipnow.org or sent via text message or voice mail to 650-383-8984.
A federal judge in San Francisco gave preliminary approval Thursday to a lawsuit settlement that would give $27 million to 163,000 present and former Lyft drivers in California.

The settlement with the ride-booking company must have a fairness hearing before U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria at a later date before it is finalized. Drivers will have a chance to object to the agreement or to opt out.

In addition to a monetary award averaging $142 per driver, depending on the length of time worked, drivers would have rights to receive tips and to challenge being fired.

But they would remain classified as independent contractors rather than employees for the time being.

An employee classification was originally one of the main goals of the 2013 lawsuit, because it would bring rights to workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, overtime pay and reimbursement of expenses.

Lyft and its larger ride-booking rival, Uber, both based in San Francisco, have insisted that the drivers are independent contractors.

Shannon Liss-Riordan, the Boston lawyer who negotiated the settlement, said earlier this month that she believed the agreement was the best that could be obtained because of the risk of losing the employee claim before a jury or an appeals court.

Liss-Riordan and her staff will receive $3.7 million of the settlement amount.

In April, Chhabria rejected an earlier $12.25 million settlement proposal, saying the financial amount was too small because it didn't account for a recent expansion in the number of Lyft drivers.

In today's decision, Chhabria said the new proposal seemed to be "fair, reasonable and accurate."

Another federal judge in San Francisco, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, is considering whether to grant preliminary approval of a similar settlement that would give up to $100 million to 385,000 present and former Uber drivers in California and Massachusetts.
The attorney for a man accused of kidnapping and assaulting a Vallejo couple last year is claiming some of the evidence against his client was obtained illegally.

Matthew Muller is accused of tying up and poisoning Aaron Quinn and assaulting and kidnapping Denise Huskins in March 2015. It was a highly publicized case that Vallejo police initially called a hoax.

At a hearing Thursday, Muller's lawyer, Thomas Johnson, argued that the cellphone Muller left behind at a separate home invasion in Dublin last June should never have been opened by police without a search warrant. The phone led investigators to evidence linking Muller to the Vallejo kidnapping.

"It's a phone that's Mr. Muller's that was searched without a warrant, and phones are devices that are so personal to all us Americans," Johnson argued.

But the judge ruled Muller gave up his right to privacy when he entered the Dublin house illegally.

Quinn's family says they're relieved by the ruling and hope Muller is held accountable for victimizing the couple who they say is still traumitized.

"They've been better since they caught the perpetrator, but I don't know how you ever fully get over a trauma like that," said Quinn's brother Matt Quinn. "I was nervous most of the morning. I felt pretty good the judge was going to rule in favor of keeping the phone in, but still it was that uncertainty it may go the other way."

After Thursday's ruling, Johnson said Muller would not be considering a plea deal and that they'll be ready for trial when it begins in January.

Quinn's mother, Marianne Quinn, made a plea to Muller's conscience: "I wish he'd consider what he's done and come forth with the truth, and he has not done that yet."
President Barack Obama gave a rousing speech on innovation and technology at Stanford University on Friday, managing to stay on-topic despite Britain's historic decision to leave the European Union and the global stock market plummeting as a result.

As headliner for the seventh annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford University's Memorial Auditorium, the president hobnobbed with a slew of tech luminaries, including Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and AOL co-founder Steve Case. He also had kind words to say about Stanford University students, noting the diverse crowd.

"Some of you are from teeming cities, others are working in small villages," he said. "But you have that same spark."

Obama used the summit as a backdrop to encourage diversity and the global exchange of ideas.

"You look at this auditorium, and youre all from different races and backgrounds and religions," he said.

Memorial Auditorium on the Stanford campus was packed with inventors and investors Thursday. Seven hundred entrepreneurs from across 170 countries were given access to some of Silicon Valleys primary influencers.

Along with the chance to pitch ideas, the summit teed up innovators to win cash prizes and make deals with potential investors. Obama urged attendees to make sure every innovator is given a chance, regardless of race or gender.

"I believe we are better off in a world where we are trading and inventing and communicating, and sharing ideas," he said. "It also means cultures are colliding and sometimes it's disruptive and people get worried."

Those worries, however, pale in comparison to the benefit of breaking down barriers, Obama stressed.

The president's speech at one point drifted toward the so-called "Brexit" vote in Europe. Obama had released a statement earlier in the day that said he respected the voters' decision, and he repeated those sentiments during his speech.

Obama said the special relationship the two nations have "will endure" and revealed that he had also spoken with German Chancellor Angele Merkel.

The president had landed at Moffett Field in Mountain View on Thursday evening for his third trip this year to the Bay Area.

Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Dave Cortese was among local dignitaries who greeted the president.

Obama attended Democratic fundraisers during his last two visits to the Bay Area in February and April.
Recently, a Redwood City viewer named Bill reached out for help with a company that he had hired to transfer a film to video.

Bills 16mm movie is old. But the 1976 senior class project from San Francisco State is not antiquated enough to be silent. Yet, that is exactly how the film came out: soundless.

The picture also was jittery, he said.

It bobs around, Bill wrote in his complaint to us. Its worthless to me.

Bill had paid handsomely for the service, with a check for $617.

Given his dissatisfaction, he stopped payment on the check and posed a question to me.

Am I liable for payment, he asked.

Good question.

For answers, we reached out to the American Bankers Association. Its probably not the answer you want to hear.

The ABA explained to us that stopping payment on a check is not permanent. A representative noted that stopping payment only lasts six months. After that period expires, the check can be cashed.

Stopping payment also costs about $30, though it varies by bank or credit union.

The ABA urges consumers who stop payment on checks to communicate with the problem merchant. Talk with the manager or owner to return your check, refund your money or reach a resolution some other way before the six-month window closes.

Its possible that you can renew the hold and stop payment on a check multiple times. But it is likely that you will incur the fee each time.

Bill says he has begun a dialogue with the film transfer company. And hes giving them a second chance to bring is 1976 masterpiece back to life  sound included.
President Barack Obama landed at Moffett Field in Mountain View on Thursday evening for his third trip this year to the Bay Area in a roughly 20-hour stay that includes a conference alongside tech industry leaders.

Air Force One touched down at 5:06 p.m. as Obama came in from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.

Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Dave Cortese was among local dignitaries who greeted the president.

Obama stayed overnight in the Bay Area and was set to headline the seventh annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford University's Memorial Auditorium, where he will make remarks during a partner plenary scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Other speakers include Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and AOL co-founder Steve Case.

Obama will then take part in a Google Portal virtual conversation with entrepreneurs at the university shortly after noon Friday.

Twelve-year-old Vera Blitz will be at iD-Tech camp on campus, where her coding class was preparing for a possible presidential visit. Her mother, Ebba Blitz, is the CEO of a laptop security company called Alertsec. She hopes Obama's visit inspires young people to dream.

"It starts with a need," Blitz said. "Someone needs this, I can fulfill this need."

The president is scheduled to depart from Moffett Field at 1:35 p.m. Friday for Seattle, where he will speak at a reception for Gov. Jay Inslee and a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee event.

Obama attended Democratic fundraisers during his last two visits to the Bay Area in February and April.
Folks taking in happy hour at San Francisco's Twenty Five Lusk were treated with quite the surprise when President Barack Obama strolled in Thursday.

Video posted on Instagram by Alex Dwyer shows Obama greeted with cheers while walking into the trendy South of Market District restaurant and bar.

"It's pretty cool," Dwyer said of the experience.

Dwyer, 27, who works at a tech startup just a block away from the restaurant, knew something was up when he arrived for happy hour with co workers.

"They said there was a special event happening and the whole street was blocked off," Dwyer said.

Dwyer said anyone entering the restaurant received an "airport security type pat down" before gaining access.

It was at that moment he had a hunch the president just may be stopping by. And when Obama arrived, it marked the second time Dwyer was able to see him.

"I met (Obama) during my first year in college randomly when he arrived at my church in South Carolina," Dwyer said.

Obama earlier in the day landed at Moffett Field in Mountain View. The president is in the Bay Area to headline the seventh annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford University's Memorial Auditorium, where he will make remarks during a partner plenary scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Other speakers include Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and AOL co-founder Steve Case.

He will then take part in a Google Portal virtual conversation with entrepreneurs at the university shortly after noon Friday.

The president is scheduled to depart from Moffett Field at 1:35 p.m. Friday for Seattle, where he will speak at a reception for Gov. Jay Inslee and a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee event.

Obama attended Democratic fundraisers during his last two visits to the Bay Area in February and April.

Bay City News contributed to this report.
A PetSmart groomer, who was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after a dog died in his care at a store in San Mateo, appeared in court Thursday.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Juan Zarate of San Francisco, was assigned an attorney, but did not enter plea. His plea hearing has been scheduled for July 21.

The dog, a 1-year-old male dachshund named Henry, died on May 15 at the PetSmart on the 3500 block of South El Camino Real. Officers responded and spoke with the dog's owner, a 47-year-old San Mateo resident who said he brought Henry to the store to be groomed, according to police.

About three minutes later, Zarate exited the grooming office holding Henry and told officers the dog was suffering a medical emergency, police said. Henry was bleeding from the mouth and having trouble breathing.

Zarate took Henry to the on-site veterinarian, who took emergency measures to try to save him. The dog died a few minutes later, police said.

A postmortem X-ray determined Henry had suffered two broken ribs and a punctured lung, authorities said.

San Mateo police determined Zarate's deliberate actions contributed to the dog's death. Zarate was arrested at the scene and booked on suspicion of felony animal cruelty. He posted bail and was released from custody.
Following the Supreme Courts announcement Thursday that it deadlocked on a case that would lift a block on President Obamas immigration plan, Bay Area politicians and attorneys are vowing to ratchet up their immigrant rights efforts ahead of the November general election.

The case, United States v. Texas, was brought before the court after the president used executive action to implement "Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents," nicknamed DAPA for short. Thursday's ruling also impedes Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has been dubbed DACA

DAPA, which would have temporarily allowed undocumented immigrants to work legally, give greater protections to minors in the country and shield millions from deportation, was tied with a 4-4 deadlock, ultimately leaving a previous block in place from the appeals court. The ruling is likely to put a strain on what the president had hoped would be one of his administration's legacies. In a news conference Thursday, he called the tie "heartbreaking."

In San Francisco, a sanctuary city that has policies in place to protect immigrants from being prosecuted solely for being undocumented, the Supreme Court's tie was also met with disappointment.

Mayor Ed Lee called the decision a "setback", and suggested that the federal policies on immigration were not a reflection of a modern society.

"Thats why were sanctuary city in San Francisco, because sometimes federal policies have not been modern," he said. "I think this is why the current president and the new president will struggle with reforming immigration policies."

Leaders from The San Francisco LGBT Center also released statements scolding the court for the deadlock's repercussions on families living in the U.S, calling DAPA "necessary."

"The court's inaction leaves thousands of immigrant families in legal limbo and in constant fear of deportation," said Alberto R. Lammers, the director of communications at the center.

Meanwhile, immigration rights attorneys are vowing to fight back against what they have described as a sharp blow.

Attorney Mark Silverman has said that he will rally harder to mobilize people to vote in the 2016 general election, the impact of which on immigration cannot be understated. Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump has taken notoriously hard line on immigration, using the premise of building a wall and enforcing a temporary ban on Muslims from entering the U.S. as his central -- and most controversial -- platforms.

Meanwhile, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has said that the system does need reform but has characterized Donald Trump's remarks as racist and irresponsible. She has aligned herself with Obama's plans and says she plans to take them a step further.

But the issue is not just political fodder, says Silverman.

"Probably hundreds of thousands in the Bay Area were hopeful that they would be able to have protection against deportation, have a work permit and be able to live together as families with more security," Silverman said. "So that's very disappointing."

The case will still work its way through the lower courts in Texas, where the state's governor has been one of the plan's most ardent critics.

"The action taken by the president was an unauthorized abuse of presidential power that trampled the Constitution, and the Supreme Court rightly denied the President the ability to grant amnesty contrary to immigration laws," Governor Greg Abbott said. "Today's ruling is also a victory for all law-abiding Americansincluding the millions of immigrants who came to America following the rule of law."

The case is likely to make its way back to the US Supreme Court after the seating of a ninth justice to replace the late Antonin Scalia.
Ten startups were given five minutes Thursday to pitch their products to some of the biggest names in space exploration.

NASA is searching for the latest and greatest technology for future missions.

Certain companies, offering software and even a cleaning product, were hand-picked to present at the Ames Research Center in Moffett Field in anticipation of NASA's next mission to Mars in 2020. Thursday's event, organized by Starburst Accelerator, was part of the "Road to GES"  the ongoing Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford University, according to NASA.

Mo Kreitenberg, who hopes the Germfalcon, as it is called, will soon be used on every airplane and space craft, hoped Thursday "could be the big break."

The CEO says his robot is equipped with ultraviolet light that kills germs, virus, fungus and super bugs.

"It can disinfect an entire airplane  seats, armrest, tray tables  in under 10 minutes," Kreitenberg said.

Among the many things pitched to investors and NASA engineers were safer, lighter and more durable materials built to withstand conditions in outer space.

Others like Ursa Space Systems claim its radar technology can clearly capture ground images even on a cloudy day  helpful in space and on earth.

Adam Maher, the company's founder and president, said, in the case of an earthquake, such technology would help officials hone in on the damage and "assess where to put first-responders."

NASA Ames' Director Eugene Tu didnt pick any favorites, but said hes closely watching 3-D printing technology and on the lookout for a company that can help build a more efficient and safer spacecraft.

Tu said he is searching for "light-weight material," "materials that can handle heat loads" ... and "multi-functional materials."

NASA described Thursday's event as a "matchmaking" activity because it paired investors with new products. If the event proves to be a success, the organization hopes to host similar events in the future.
A North Texas man has been arrested for manslaughter in the death of his 6-month-old daughter. [[383877071,R]]

Capt. Jim Moody of the Collin County Sheriff's Department says deputies were called about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to the family's home in Melissa, about 40 miles north of Dallas.

An arrest warrant released Wednesday details what 33-year-old Michael Thedford told investigators.

According to the affidavit, Thedford was questioned at the house and later the sheriff's department. He told investigators he was caring for his three children, ages 5 years, 3 years and six months, that morning. He dressed them and took his oldest children to daycare, but his youngest was sick.

A man is charged in connection with the death of his 6-month-old daughter, whom he left inside a hot car Tuesday, the Collin County Sheriffs Office confirms.

He arrived back home at about 9 a.m., went inside and went to sleep, according to the documents.

"When he awoke around 1 p.m. and discovered he left the child in the vehicle, Thedford went to the vehicle, removed her from the child safety seat in which she had restrained. At this time the child was now un-responsive," the warrant states.

"Thedford brought the child into the house and placed [the] child into the refrigerator for an undetermined length of time prior to calling 911," the warrant continues.

The warrant shows Thedford later told investigators during his formal interview he called his wife and placed his daughter into the refrigerator for a short period of time, claiming he left the door open. He also attempted CPR before paramedics arrived.

Dana Walraven, with Safe Kids Tarrant County and Cook Childrens Medical Center, tells parents to A.C.T. and help prevent hot car deaths.

The National Weather Service reported the temperature at the nearby McKinney National Airport had risen to the low 90s but felt like the upper 90s by midday Tuesday.

Thedford was booked into the Collin County Jail Tuesday afternoon for manslaughter. He was released on a $20,000 bond Tuesday evening. Thedford's jail record lists no attorney.

"Obviously the investigators felt there are elements that fit the crime," Moody said, when asked why he could face charges. "They submitted their affidavits to the judge, she signed a warrant, [the] warrant was issued, [the] individual was arrested."

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

Manslaughter is a felony charge, and if the Collin County District Attorney's Office accepts the case, it will likely be presented to a grand jury, according to Moody.

"I just couldn't believe it, because I would always see him with his kids and wife running around or just going to stores," said neighbor Fabioloa Contreras.

Thedford's Facebook page also shows he is the author of a children's book.

The Celina Independent School District confirmed Thedford was employed as a physics teacher for the 2015-2016 school year. He formally resigned to pursue other opportunities, according to the district.

The nearby Melissa Independent School District confirmed for NBC 5 Wednesday that Thedford never formally worked for Melissa schools but did previously complete six weeks of observation with the district as part of his required college course work.

Summer heat can be very dangerous, especially when a child is inside a hot car. Dana Walraven, with Safe Kids Tarrant County and Cook Childrens Medical Center, reminds parents about the dangers.
A teenage boy told his ex-girlfriend he would shoot up her home, school and her mother's workplace, according to D.C. police, who said he had the assault rifle and ammunition to do it.

D.C. police searched the home of a 17-year-old boy last week after he sent text messages to his ex-girlfriend saying he would kill her and her family, Police Chief Cathy Lanier said Thursday.

Officers found an AK-47 and more than 180 rounds of ammunition in the teen's home in Southeast D.C., court records show. The teen's name was not released.

Police learned of the threats on June 14, when the victim and her mother called for help, records show. Officers went to their home in Greenbelt, Maryland, where the victim showed police text messages from the teen.

In the text messages, the teen boy wrote that three days later, on June 17, he would kill his ex, kill her mother at work and open fire at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, according to court documents.

The teen also posted video to Instagram showing his ex-girlfriend performing sex acts, she told police, saying he was angry she would not date him again.

The girl told police she knew her ex-boyfriend had multiple guns.

"The gun-recovery unit worked with that young woman through the night, found an on-call emergency judge and interrupted his day, got an emergency search warrant and was able to go and recover an AK-47 from the individual involved," Lanier said Thursday at a news conference.

The police chief stood in front of a display of high-powered firearms police have taken off streets. She spoke angrily of the risks of taking guns out of the hands of criminals and would-be criminals.

"For [officers] to have to put their life on the line against these guns, every single day, and sometimes the same people with new guns over and over again  that's unacceptable," she said.

Greenbelt police intend to charge the teen boy as a juvenile with threats of mass violence, possession of child porn and placing an intimate sexual image online, according to a D.C. Superior Court affidavit.
Britons have voted to leave the European Union, their concerns about immigration and what some saw as the EU's ever-increasing power trumping the draw of being part of a single market of 500 people and a project forged from the ashes of World War II.

Here's a look at what happens next:

WHAT HAPPENS FRIDAY?

Prime Minister David Cameron, head of the ruling Conservative Party, announced he would step down by October. Speaking to reporters outside his Downing Street office, Cameron said it wouldn't be right for him "to try to be the captain that steers the country to its next destination."

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson, also a Conservative, was the most prominent supporter of the "leave" campaign and now becomes a leading contender to replace Cameron. Johnson said Friday he was "sad" to see Cameron resign but didn't say whether he plans to replace him.

President Barack Obama, who had strongly urged that the U.K. remain in the EU, on Friday said both entities will remain "indispensable partners" of the U.S.

European Council President Donald Tusk said the 28-member bloc will meet without Britain at a summit next week to assess its future. Tusk vowed not to let the vote derail the European project.

"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," he said.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ECONOMY?

The pound suffered one of its biggest one-day falls in history Friday, plummeting more than 10 percent in six hours amid concerns that severing ties with the EU will hurt the U.K. economy and undermine London's position as a global financial center.

Authorities  including the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of England  had warned Britain's exit would send shivers through a world economy that is only slowly recovering from the global crisis that began in 2008. Now economists will wait to see if their predictions come to pass.

Still, the most direct economic pain will be felt by the United Kingdom. Moody's Analytics estimated that global economic output would be 0.25 percent smaller after five years than it otherwise would have been, while the EU would be a full percent smaller and the U.K. 4 percent smaller.

Then there are indirect events. Stock market plunges can make people feel poorer and less likely to spend. Uncertainty can make executives put off investments in new production.

WHAT ABOUT THE NEIGHBORS?

EU leaders will see Britain quitting as a dangerous precedent and a potentially fatal blow to the European project.

Some face growing euroskepticism from their own citizens and may feel the need to make a strong case domestically for why the now-27-nation bloc has a future. This could lead to reforms of how the EU works.

Future negotiations may be overshadowed by a sense of betrayal and the feeling that an example needs to be made of the U.K. to discourage others from leaving too.

The fallout could also hit Europe's fragile growth. Germany's Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble recently said "it would be a miracle if a withdrawal of Britain would come without economic disadvantages."

On the other hand, a British exit, or Brexit, could spur the European Union into action. Since joining the club in 1973, Britain has shaped the bloc mainly by putting the brakes on the drive toward ever-closer political union, a project that could now be revived with gusto.

A British exit could embolden anti-EU, anti-immigration political movements such as the Front National in France. Its leader, Marine Le Pen, is already considered likely to make the final round of presidential elections next year.

Geert Wilders, head of the anti-Islam, anti-EU Freedom Party in the Netherlands, called Friday for a referendum on the EU there, too.

And Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a second Scottish referendum on independence from the United Kingdom is now "highly likely." In contrast to England and Wales, a majority of voters in Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. Scotland voted in 2014 to remain a part of the U.K. but that decision was seen by many as being conditional on the U.K. remaining in the euro bloc.

COULD LAWMAKERS DECIDE TO IGNORE THE PROCESS?

Britain's referendum doesn't automatically trigger an exit from the European Union, which has led a few commentators to suggest that lawmakers might simply decide to ignore or slow-ball the process. So could they?

"In legal theory that is possible. In practice that is absolutely not possible," said Alan Renwick, the deputy director of the Constitution Unit at University College London.

Renwick said an unlikely do-over in the future would only be plausible "if a party wins the 2020 election on a platform of having a second referendum and trying to go back in."

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump declared Britains vote to leave the European Union historic while speaking at an event at his championship golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CONSUMERS, TRAVELLERS?

The pound and euro's drop on Friday should make British and eurozone exports cheaper overseas. American travelers heading to Britain and the rest of Europe are going to find cheaper meals, hotels, souvenirs and museum admissions because the U.S. dollar will go farther against a weaker pound and euro.

Airfare for peak summer months probably won't dip but any taxes and fees levied in Europe will be cheaper. For instance, all coach passengers leaving the U.K. for the U.S. pay 73 pounds for the Air Passenger Duty. That tax is now cheaper.

THE WAY FORWARD MAY NOT BE STRAIGHTFORWARD

The result will trigger a new series of negotiations as Britain and the EU search for a way to separate economies that have become intertwined since the U.K. joined the bloc on Jan. 1, 1973.

Under Article 50 of the Treaty of European Union, talks would likely last two years, with the possibility for extension if all of the remaining 27 EU nations agree. But the clock starts ticking only when the U.K. notifies the EU that it wants a divorce  and some on the "leave" side have suggested that this won't occur until 2018.

However, the EU may not accept a delayed exit.

"U.K. negotiations with the European Union will prove difficult, given that EU leaders will not want to set a precedent for an easy withdrawal for other countries that could reconsider their status, such as Denmark," said Howard Archer of research firm IHS.

No matter what, the EU will face issues. Alongside economic woes, troubles with Greece and the inability to agree on how to manage a refugee emergency, a British exit would deepen Europe's existential crisis.

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In the wake of another shooting massacre at an Orlando nightclub earlier this month, the national debate over gun laws has once again been revived, playing out in dramatic fashion in the halls of Congress.

But while lawmakers hold sit-ins and grapple with tough questions over who can buy weapons, and how well buyers are vetted, another target for reform has emerged: The weapon itself.

According to NBC News, no fewer than 14 mass murders have been perpetrated using an AR-15 style assault rifle.

The list reads like a virtual encyclopedia of the worst killings in modern times. The shooters in Newtown, Aurora, Roseburg, San Bernardino, Santa Monica, and now Orlando, all used some version of the weapon to inflict mass violence.

Is the right to own an AR-15 protected by the Constitution?

Santa Clara Law Professor Deep Gulasekaram specializes in Second Amendment rights, and says determining the constitutionality of this style of weapon is not simple.

The Second Amendment doesnt protect ownership of any particular kind of gun, or any particular type of weapon, Gulasekaram said.

To be clear, handguns cannot be banned outright. But after that, the judicial precedent is very limited.

Gulasekaram references the District of Columbia v. Heller case of 2008, in which the Supreme Court rejected an outright ban on handguns in D.C. as unconstitutional.

But before Heller, the court had gone decades without taking a case on gun rights, dating back possibly as far as the 1930s, according to Gulasekaram.

The Supreme Courts desire to stay out of defining the parameters of gun ownership was on display again this week, when it declined to hear two assault weapons bans in New York and Connecticut, passed directly in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook killings.

"There's speculation that what's happened is since 2008, since the Heller ruling, we're just all watching these mass shootings over and over again, Gulasekaram said. And the Supreme Court also sees these mass shootings, and I think that partly informs their distaste for taking another gun case."

Seven states currently have some sort of assault weapons ban, including California.

Defining an AR-15, however, is inherently problematic.

As Jon Stokes notes in a highly-publicized article written for left-leaning website Vox, "Why Millions of Americans--Including Me--Own the AR-15," the weapon doesnt fit into an umbrella definition because its highly adaptable.

You can use the AR-15 platform to create anything from a pistol to a long-range, high-powered sniper rifle, said Stokes.

Its lethality depends largely on how its configured.

Because its a modular, open source platform where any piece of it can be changed, from the caliber to the length to the stock ... its hard to really describe what it is, Stokes said.

And many states have a hard time describing an AR-15.

If you look at the list of the weapons covered under the ban, or partial ban, in those seven states, there are hundreds of styles and no two lists are the same.

There are lots of other guns that have this sort of capacity or capability, Gulasekaram said. Even handguns, for example, have the ability to have semi-automatic firing, have quick reloading and unloading of magazines. So thats some of the difficulties of fashioning bans in this way.

Under a federal law passed in 1986, no automatic weapons are legal to buy.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art announced Friday that Chicago will no longer be considered a potential site for the museum "in light of extensive delays caused by Friends of the Parks."

The museum will instead move to California, officials said.

No one benefits from continuing [Friends of the Parks] seemingly unending litigation to protect a parking lot, "Star Wars" filmmaker George W. Lucas, founder and chairman of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, said in a statement. The actions initiated by Friends of Parks and their recent attempts to extract concessions from the city have effectively overridden approvals received from numerous democratically elected bodies of government.

The announcement comes exactly two years to the day after Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson revealed they had chosen Chicago as the site of the highly-anticipated museum.

"The opportunity for a city to gain a brand new museum is rare, and this particular opportunity - gift worth approximately $1.5 billion - would have been the largest philanthropic contribution in Chicago's history," Emanuel said in a statement Friday. "Unfortunately, time has run out and the moment weve consistently warned about has arrived  Chicagos loss will be another citys gain. This missed opportunity has not only cost us what will be a world-class cultural institution, it has cost thousands of jobs for Chicago workers, millions of dollars in economic investment and countless educational opportunities for Chicagos youth."

Museum officials had earlier said they were "seriously pursuing" locations outside of Chicago after the parks group said it opposed any site along the city's lakefront, including a recently proposed McCormick Place Lakeside Center plan.

A lawsuit by the group first targeted the museum's original site, located between Soldier Field and McCormick Place, but Friends of the Parks later warned it would either amend the existing lawsuit to encompass the new McCormick Place site or file a new suit.

Friends of the Parks had recently released a memo, however, outlining stipulations under which it would settle its lawsuit, including a legally binding promise from Chicago to protect the lakefront from development for the next century. The memo also claimed the group wants 5 percent of museum revenues allocated to park improvements.

It is unfortunate that the Lucas Museum has made the decision to leave Chicago rather than locate the museum on one of the several alternative sites that are not on Chicagos lakefront," Friends of the Parks Executive Director Juanita Irizarry and Board Chair Lauren Moltz said in a statement. "That would have been the true win-win."

Hobson previously claimed efforts to build the museum in Chicago were co-opted and hijacked by Friends of the Parks.

When the Friends of the Parks sued the city in order to preserve a parking lot, we were offered a different and feasible solutionthe replacement of an underutilized and outdated convention space that would also add more than 12 acres of new parkland, Hobson said in a statement. Yet, even with this additional park space, an organization that claims to preserve, protect, improve and promote the use of parks and open space' now opposes this as well.

Still, Lucas said Friday, While Chicago will not be home to the museum, my wife and I will continue to enthusiastically support a wide variety of educational and cultural activities throughout the city.
A group of Illinois House Democrats came out Friday in support of bipartisan legislation to reduce gun violence.

Republican Rep. Bob Dold introduced the legislation, which would deny the sale of firearms to known or suspected terror suspects.

Stopping gun violence requires more than moments of silence - we need action, Dold said in a statement. The only way were going to actually make progress to keep families safe is through bipartisan action. This bipartisan, bicameral proposal to keep dangerous weapons away from those who wish to do our country harm, while protecting due process, is an important step forward and a bipartisan solution we should all be able to get behind."

The bill serves as a companion to bipartisan legislation created by Sen. Susan Collins, of Maine. Rep. Robin Kelly is among the co-sponsors of the bill.

Common sense gun violence protection has been my top priority since being elected to Congress, Kelly said in a statement. I am pleased that a handful of brave and honorable Republican colleagues have taken a stand and reached out to work with Democrats on the simples of measures: keeping guns away from terrorists.

Following a contentious protest on the House floor this week, Kelly urged lawmakers to address the nations gun violence problem.

For 26 hours, I held the floor with my House Democratic colleagues to demand that Congress do its job and address our nations gun violence epidemic, Kelly said in a statement. This sit-in was a turning point in the movement to enact commonsense gun legislation. There is a renewed resolve to take meaningful action to save lives."

Kelly, who helped organize the sit-in to demand a vote on gun control measures, represents a district includes some of the most violent areas in Chicago and said "people are tired of being silent." During the sit-in, Lawmakers shouted no bill, no break as Republican leaders pushed to adjourn the body until July 5.

Dold broke with Republicans this week, opposing the adjournment and calling for a bipartisan plan to reduce gun violence.

"We're actually actively working with members of the other side of the aisle to come up with solutions with the problems that we face," he said. "That's what the people are looking for."

Illinois Reps. Tammy Duckworth, Jan Schakowsky, Luis Gutierrez, Cheri Bustos, Danny Davis, mike Quigley and Bill Foster were also present for the protest.

The newly proposed legislation would deny the sale of firearms to individuals on terror watch lists, like the no-fly list. Individuals will be able to challenge denial through a review of the Attorney General's decision in a U.S. District Court.

Additionally, the United States Attorney General could also allow gun sales to go forward to individuals who are covered by the Act, in order to protect counter terrorism investigations.

Under the plan, the Attorney General would also report the number of persons denied a firearm to the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees of the House and Senate. The Attorney General would also disclose the number of petitions filed and the number of instances in which the district court rejected the Attorney Generals position to those committees.

The bill would require that the Attorney General, as well as federal, state and local law enforcement, be notified of any request to transfer a firearm or explosive to people who have been identified in the Terrorist Screening Database over the previous five years.

The renewed push for gun control legislation comes in the wake of the deadly mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando earlier this month.

A gunman opened fire early Sunday morning at Pulse Orlando, a popular gay dance club, killing 49 people and leaving 53 more wounded, police said. The shooting is being called the worst mass shooting in the countrys modern history.
Authorities have identified the woman stabbed to death on a Chicago Transit Authority train Thursday afternoon to be a 25-year-old from West Englewood.

Jessica Hampton, of the 6600 block of South Laflin, was riding a southbound Red Line train as it approached 47th Street just after 12:30 p.m. when police say a man believed to be her boyfriend pulled out a knife and began stabbing her.

Police believe the couple had been arguing about a child before she was killed.

One passenger, Andrea Patterson, told NBC 5 she was seated near the two when the argument broke out on the train.

He asked the young lady a question, she said no and he got up and started stabbing her, Patterson said. She fell to the floor and then he slit her neck.

A Facebook page for Hampton shows she listed herself as engaged and worked in cosmetology.

Panicked passengers recall watching her murder frozen in horror.

A couple of gentlemen were trying to help her but he still had a knife in his hand so nobody wanted to run up, she said.

Many called 911 moments after the stabbing.

A Chicago police officer nearby quickly apprehended the suspect and he was taken into custody.

"The details of the relationship we're still working on," said Chicago Police First Deputy Superintendent John Escalante.

Escalante said police will be relying on CTAs extensive network of surveillance cameras to aid in the ongoing investigation.
The body of a teenage boy was recovered from north suburban Waukegan Harbor after the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a search for more than five hours, officials confirmed.

The Coast Guard responded to a call around 3:19 p.m., and were searching for a 14-year-old African-American male, authorities said. His body was found around 8:30 p.m., officials said.

He was out swimming with two other people when he went underwater and never resurfaced, according to the Coast Guard. The two other people were saved by a good Samaritan boater, and are expected to be fine.

Officials said the group was swimming in a posted 'No Swimming' area, a boat channel with very strong currents. Family members and several bystanders threw him a life jacket, authorities said, though it was unclear at what point during the incident that occurred.

The Coast Guard deployed a 45-foot response boat from a station in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a helicopter over the water, officials said.

Emergency personnel, including divers, from the Waukegan Fire and Police Department were also called to the scene.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel was deposed Friday as part of a lawsuit filed by eight Chicago police officers who claim they were dropped from the mayors security detail for political reasons after he took office in 2011.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Emanuel gave little detail about how four CPD officers who worked as campaign volunteers were added as members of his security staff.

Four CPD officers, who previously worked on former Mayor Richard M. Daley's security team, claim they were removed from their posts for political reasons and replaced by the four other officers. They are seeking financial compensation, claiming they lost out on nearly $3 million in salary and benifits. Another group of four officers also sued the city for being transferred from the mayor's detail.

The eight officers, who are all white or Hispanic, filed a 2012 lawsuit alleging that Emanuel took part in selecting a new security team that included African-American officers with less seniority and other officers who volunteered on the mayors campaign.

The group claims Emanuel directed Terry Hillard to select a diverse team and participated in meetings to choose campaign volunteers to reassign to the mayors police protection.

According to a transcript of the deposition acquired by the Tribune, Emanuel's answers about the selection of his security detail weren't particularly revealing, although the mayor noted that he told Hillard "this is your job, not mine."

"The only thing I said to him was, make it smaller than my predecessor and make it diverse, but you make the call," Emanuel said.

On Wednesday, Emanuel was specifically questioned about how four Chicago police officers who previously worked on his campaign were hired to work on his security detail.

Throughout the deposition, Emanuel repeatedly said he didn't know or couldn't recall details to answer certain questions about his 2011 mayoral campaign.

Although the mayor was compelled to give the deposition last week, a rarity for a sitting mayor, he didn't have to appear in court.
Illinois Democrats joined a protest in the chamber of the House of Representatives Wednesday to demand a vote on gun control measures, NBC News reports.

Lawmakers shouted no bill, no break as Republican leaders pushed to adjourn the body until July 5.

Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly, who helped organize the sit-in and spoke on the House floor, called for immediate action on gun safety during the protest. Kellys district includes some of the most violent areas in Chicago.

In April, Kelly launched the Urban Progress Initiative that looks to reduce gun violence and create economic development in Chicago and across the country. Kelly initiative is supported by fellow Illinois Reps. Tammy Duckworth and Cheri Bustos.

In May, Kelly also introduced a joint resolution to the House and Senate alongside Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin to create National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Durbin was also present for the sit-in.

The first National Gun Violence Awareness Day was held on June 2.

Rep. Tammy Duckworth was also present at the sit-in. She called American gun violence absolutely horrific Wednesday.

We can work to end this violence with common sense gun legislation, Duckworth said in a statement. "But to do that, the House needs to take action. The fact of the matter is all were asking for is a vote. Americans want this vote on gun violence."

"Do not silence my constituents - no bill, no break, she added.

Illinois Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Luis Gutierrez, Cheri Bustos, Danny Davis, Mike Quigley and Bill Foster were also present during the protest.

"Ive been on the House floor for over 24 [hours] fighting for action on gun safety, Schakowsky wrote on twitter Thursday.

Democrats were forced to turn to social media to document the protest after Republican congressional leaders shut off C-SPAN cameras Wednesday.

The sit-in stretched into its second day Thursday after Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan finally adjourned the body during a contentious overnight session.

Ryan said that despite outcry from Democrats, measures that would ban terror suspects from buying guns and impose universal background checks would not be considered because they already failed in committee. He also called the sit-in "a publicity stunt."
A juvenile has been arrested in the fatal shooting of an innocent city employee who was killed as she left a Starbucks just two blocks from Chicago Police headquarters last month.

Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Chicago police and US Marshalls apprehended a juvenile suspect in the shooting. Further details are expected to be released Friday afternoon.

Yvonne Nelson, 49, was a 311 operator in the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications. She was leaving a coffee shop at 35th and State Streets in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood after her shift at 4 p.m. May 20 when she was struck by gunfire intended for someone else, according to police.

"The female victim was completely innocent, she just happened to be exiting out of the Starbucks when she was struck by a gunshot," said Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.

She was taken to Stroger Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, officials confirmed.

Nelson lived in the 4900 block of S Vincennes, where the community was shaken over her untimely death.

"I'm still numb and shocked. I'm still numb and shocked about what happened," said next-door neighbor Stephen Lewis, who is now caring for her dog Max. "She went to work, walked her dog, and you know, enjoyed time with her family and her church, and that was pretty much it. She kept to herself."

"I went to the house last night, we stood outside her house actually, Yvonne's house, and prayed with the family," said Pastor John Hannah of the New Life Covenant Church. "They're devastated. Totally shocked. And they just need the prayers of the city to cover them."

Nelson had worked as a communications operator at the OEMC since 2002.

"Yvonne Nelson was a dedicated and hardworking employee," the OEMC said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed by her fellow staff at 311."

"When I saw her face yesterday, it occurred to me that I knew who she was," Superintendent Johnson said Saturday. "So we're going to work this case. Not that we don't work the other ones, but this one has a personal touch to it."

Police said the intended target, a man in his mid-20s, is a documented gang member. He was shot several times and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition, according to officials, but sustained non-life threatening injuries.

"This incident right here highlights what I've been saying for the last month and a half about how brazen these violent offenders are," Johnson added. "It illustrates how people have weapons in the city of Chicago, and they don't mind using them."

Authorities said the offender fled on foot, westbound toward U.S. Cellular Field. No one is in custody and authorities continue to investigate.
Sen. Mark Kirk's campaign released a new TV advertisement Thursday that frames the senator as bipartisan and independent" on a series of issues.

The ad highlights Kirks opposition to presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump and looks to distance the senator from Republican stances on abortion and President Obamas Supreme Court nominee.

According to the Kirk campaign, $285,000 will be spent on ad buys in the Chicago market through the end of June.

In a highly-publicized move, Kirk walked back his endorsement of Trump earlier this month, calling the candidate's comments about the heritage of a Hispanic judge presiding over lawsuit against his beleaguered Trump University un-American.

Kirk originally told NBC Chicago that he would support Trump if he became the GOPs presidential nominee in March.

In May, Kirk also told USA Today that he would be willing to serve as a national security advisor to Trump, but called the divisive nominee a river boat gamble.

Kirk plans to skip the Republican National Convention in July.

The ad also points out that Kirk was the first Republican senator to meet with Obamas SCOTUS nominee Merrick Garland. The two sat down in March. Kirk also urged Republican lawmakers to man up and cast a vote on Garland shortly after he was nominated.

A group of senators, led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, continues to stifle the nomination process for Garland.

The 30-second spot also highlights the senators pro-choice voting record.

Kirk is locked in a highly-contested bid for reelection against Rep. Tammy Duckworth. Duckworths campaign responded to the ad Thursday, claiming Kirk lied about his military service record. Duckworth, a combat veteran, lost her legs piloting a helicopter in Iraq.

Republican Senator Mark Kirk has lied for many years about his military record, falsely claiming to have served in combat and claiming an award he never earned, and now hes not being straight with Illinois voters by portraying himself as a liberal Democrat in Chicago while apparently hoping no one else across the state notices, Duckworth campaign spokesman Matt McGrath said in a statement. You can always count on two things from Kirk: dishonesty and crude political calculation, and this ad has an abundance of both.

During Kirks initial run for Senate in 2010, it was revealed that he didnt serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of the Navy Reserve, like his campaign biography said, but rather served at the same time as the conflict.

Additionally, The Washington Post reported that Kirk "inaccurately claimed" the Navys "Intelligence Officer of the Year" award, and had been doing so since 2002.

Kirk ultimately apologized for the misrepresentations and beat out former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias for the Senate seat.

Kirks campaign responded to the claims, pointing to Duckworths upcoming civil trial related to a workplace retaliation lawsuit stemming from the congresswomans time as Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

A hyperbolic and petty response by Duckworth meant to distract from the fact that she is going to trial in August and still refuses to say whether she will testify or not in her own trial, Duckworth spokesman Kevin Artl said in a statement.

The trial, which is set to start August 15, might not go forward because Duckworths legal team is reportedly in closed-door talks to settle the case. The Kirk campaign claimed the potential settlement means that the congresswoman "does not want the truth to come out."

Nevertheless, a spokeswoman for Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madian, who is representing Duckworth in the case, said the settlement meeting was "initiated by the judge," according to the Chicago Tribune.
With time running out before the July 1 deadline to pass a budget, the Illinois House and Senate will return to Springfield next week, with a vote likely to take place on a stop-gap measure to pay the state's backlog of bills until January. But there's a new wrinkle in the plan, as a battle over Chicago Public Schools grows.

If no stop-gap budget measure is in place by next Friday, construction crews may peel away from road projects, struggling social service agencies may close their doors, and even as schools interview new teachers, they may have to put all plans on hold as well.

Governor Bruce Rauner says Democrats are close to an agreement on a stop-gap budget for social services, roads and even schools, but it also includes what he called a "bail out" for Chicago Public Schools, and he will not agree to that condition.

"They want to bring every pressure they can to force a crisis," Rauner said of legislators in Springfield on Thursday. "It won't solve any of our long-term problems, and a bailout of Chicago, just sending a lot more money to CPS, they've proven they squander their money."

Rauner said he supports the school district declaring bankruptcy instead.

"They could have CPS reorganize their debts and their contracts under a bankruptcy in front of a judge, reorganize their obligations," Rauner said. "That's not a terrible thing, it wouldn't have to result in any layoffs."

Chicago Public Schools fired back Thursday, saying that under Illinois law, CPS cannot legally declare bankruptcy.

"Governor Rauner is itching to subject Chicago students to his old slash-and-burn corporate takeover tactics, decimating our schools and cheating teachers of their pensions  when he should be providing adequate and equitable funding," said CPS spokesperson Emily Bittner. "Well keep fighting to make sure that Governor Rauner cant avoid his responsibility to fund schools around the state and protect our childrens futures."

Mayor Emanuel also criticized the governor's suggestion, and for recently comparing Chicago Public Schools to prisons.

"Do we give that child at a better tomorrow, or run them down and say that they're in prisons?" Emanuel asked Thursday. "I am tired of this. This child is not a prisoner in a prison."

Mayor Emanuel and the governor continue to be at odds as the state lingers without a budget now for 18 months. With the possibility of schools not opening on time growing ever more legitimate, the debate over Chicago versus the rest of the state is amplified.

"I think everybody wants to see Chicago succeed, but there have got to be reforms to how Chicago operates on the money side," said state Senator Matt Murphy.

So as lawmakers return to Springfield next week, it's important to note that if the stop-gap budget is tied to a Chicago Public Schools bailout, the governor will not approve it.
Former Gov. Pat Quinn urged Mayor Rahm Emanuel to sign a petition Wednesday that looks to impose term limits on the mayor, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Quinn is circulating a petition that pushes for a two-term limit for Chicago mayors. The former governor spoke at City Hall Wednesday during a Chicago Teachers Union rally for long-term funding solutions for public education.

After being asked what he thought Emanuel could do to improve Chicago Public Schools, Quinn pointed to the petition.

I think he should sign our petition, Quinn said.

Quinn also took shots at his successor, Gov. Bruce Rauner, after being asked about CPS dire financial situation.

Quinn said the states ongoing budget impasse is hurting the district and claimed Rauners alibis about the stalemate are insufficient.

The people of Illinois deserve a budget and thats the job of the governor, you know, Quinn said. I think Illinois right now is on four flat tires.

Illinois budget impasse will likely stretch into its second year at the start of next month. Lawmakers were unable to agree on a budget plan before the end of the spring legislative session, leaving state schools and social services in limbo.

In recent weeks, Gov. Bruce Rauner has toured to state pushing stopgap measures to fund education and other essential state services.

Additionally, the governor wrote an op-ed for the Daily Herald Wednesday claiming suburban and downstate taxpayers shouldnt pay for Chicagos mess.

Democrats want to force suburban and downstate taxpayers to bailout CPS from years of financial mismanagement and declining student enrollment - to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, Rauner said in the editorial.
Thousands will flock to Chicago's Boystown this Sunday for the 47th annual Chicago Pride Parade.

Here's what you need to know if you're planning on going to the day's events:

1. Parade Route

Sundays parade kicks off at 12 p.m. at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in Uptown before traveling for about 2.5 hours through a four-mile route that ends near Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park.

Chicago Pride

2. Cross-Over Streets

If you need to cross the street to get from one side of the parade from the other, youll only be allowed to in certain areas where police officers are stationed to escort pedestrians across the parades path. The seven designated crossing locations are:

Montrose Ave. at Broadway

Irving Park Rd. at Broadway

Grace St. at Halsted St.

Addison St. at Halsted St.

Roscoe St. at Halsted St.

Wellington Ave. at Broadway

Aldine Street at Halsted St.

3. $1,000 Fine for Public Alcohol Consumption

Hundreds of Chicago police officers will be staffing the event, strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for drinking in a public way. Meaning absolutely no booze will be allowed on a street, sidewalk, alley, park, etc. Those caught doing so will be issued a citation with a $1,000 penalty, or will be arrest, according to police.

4. Balconies and Porches

Chicago police will be monitoring balconies, rooftops and porches to ensure they are not occupied past capacity and items are not being thrown from parties onto the street. And gathering on a roof that's not designated for parties or occupants could bring a violation and heavy fine, too.

5. Parking

Parking will be near-impossible the day of the parade, so its advised to use public transportation or plan ahead. This year, Chicago Pride teamed up with Parking Panda to give festival-goers the option to book online parking reservations in advance in locations walking distance from the route. Spots are limited and sell out quickly. Parking passes can be reserved and purchased here.

6. Public Transportation

Chicago Transportation Authority will be providing extra service and longer trains to accommodate the thousands that will be traveling to and from the Pride Parade. Due to surrounding road closures and re-routes, riders are urged to take an L train as opposed to taking a bus.

The bus routes that will be rerouted include: 8 Halsted, 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 76 Diversey, 77 Belmont, 78 Montrose, 80 Irving Park, 151 Sheridan, and 152 Addison.

The Chicago Pride Parade kicks off in Boystown at 12 p.m. Sunday, and Marley Kayden has the full breakdown of how it will impact your travel.

The parade route is just a short walk from multiple CTA stations, with Red and Brown Line trains provided the fastest, closest and most frequent service. Transit officials warn the Belmont station will likely be the most crowded the day of the parade, so it will be easiest to get off at another stop. CTA officials say the best options will be:

 Red Line: Wilson, Sheridan, Addison or Belmont all provide access via a short walk to the parade route.

 Brown Line: Diversey, Wellington and Belmont are the nearest stations to the parade.

 Lakefront Bus Routes: The #146 and #151, provide convenient access from the north, the Gold Coast/North Michigan Avenue and downtown, to the areas east of the parade route.

7. Bathrooms

Businesses close their restrooms the day of the parade to everyone but paying customers. Temporary toilets will be placed at various locations along both the parade line-up street and side streets off of the parade route.

8. Cooling Buses

The weekend is going to be a hot one, with highs set to reach 90 degrees. Attendees are urged to bring plenty of bottled water, dress lightly and bring a hat to safely sustain the sunshine and hot weather and prevent heat-related illness. Cooling buses will be stationed for festival-goers to take a break when needed at the following locations:

Diversey west of Clark

Halsted, south of Belmont

Irving Park between Clark and Broadway

Addison, west of Halsted

Belmont, east of Broadway

Wilton, north of Belmont

9. Schedule of Events

The entire weekend will be packed with various Pride parties, experiences and events at set times and locations. See the full schedule of events here.

For more information, visit chicagopride.gopride.com or chicagopridecalendar.org.
The approaching Independence Day holiday has some families preparing to head to Groton for their annual celebration. But this year, budget cuts mean part of the party will be missing.

Groton Parks and Recreation will save about $8,000 by not having the pre-fireworks show on July 9th at Fort Griswold this year. The pre-show would have included a band, picnic area and fun activities for families.

Parks and Recreation manager Jerry Lokken said they did try to save the event, asking the state to waive the $3,000 fee to rent the space for pre-fireworks show. That request was denied.

There are expenses to the state and they have every reason to expect payment for use of their property, said Lokken.

NBC Connecticut reached out to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to ask who will pay for costs like portable restrooms and cleanup at Fort Griswold the night of the fireworks. They tell us they are still determining that. But DEEP spokesperson Dennis Schain adds they need Groton to help with those cost and be the good partner they have been in past years.

Lokken explained although the pre-show is canceled, there is still a lot to look forward to with other aspects of the celebration. The rest of the fireworks are going to go off as planned. SailFest is happening in New London, and a lot of people in Groton are going to be able to watch the fireworks from the areas they have always watched them, said Lokken.

However, people hoping to make a day of it, will just have to settle for the town can afford.

It's pretty disappointing for a family activity. I mean there is not a lot going on now days for families to do and it would be nice if they still continued with it, Sheri Marchand of Groton.

When asked how things are looking for next year, officials said it was too early to tell.
The Supreme Courts 4-4 tie vote Thursday stops President Obamas immigration reform in its tracks. However, some families living in Connecticut had been hoping for a different outcome.

Ana Castillo and millions of undocumented immigrants like her, and her oldest daughter Naamy, hoped Thursday would be the day they could walk out of the shadows.

I mean every time we go out to run an errand to do anything, we always go out with fear so that will continue because of the decision today, Castillo said.

Obamas immigration programs included policies that would have protections for undocumented immigrants who are the parents of children in the United States legally, and offer a path to citizenship.

I think it is heartbreaking for the millions of immigrants who made their lives here have raised families here, Obama said Thursday.

Castillo came to the United States 12 years ago along with her husband and daughter to escape poverty in Guatemala. Her youngest daughter, Melanie, was born here and is a U.S. Citizen. Although Castillo is happy her daughter will have opportunities, her happiness is often eclipsed by thoughts of her family being ripped apart by a deportation at any moment.

My biggest fear is that I get deported and my children stay alone in this country, Castillo said.

Many people praised the Supreme Court decision on Thursday. Castillo said she doesnt let peoples opinions keep her from pursuing her dream of citizenship.

Just because they were born here doesn't mean that they deserve a better life than we do, she said.
More than 1,000 people a day are rushed to the emergency room for opioid abuse, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Prescription drug abuse is wide spread, and an epidemic that is widespread throughout the country.

"Every day 45 people will die from an opioid overdose," said Christina Hareison, pharmacist at a Walgreens in Dallas.

"That is why Walgreens wants to combat this issue. It's impacting a lot of people and a lot of households," she added.

Prescription opioids are classified as painkillers, such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, methadone and fentanyl. Heroin is also classified as an opioid.

People who suffer from chronic pain, or are struggle with an opioid addiction have the greatest risk of overdosing.

"When someone has overdosed, their breathing response gets less and less, and as their breathing gets less and less it has an effect on their cardio vascular system overall," said Dr. Jim D'Etienne, chair of emergency medicine at Baylor University Medical Center.

"When those patients come to the emergency rooms, doctors use Naloxone to reverse those effects and start their breathing again," he said.

Emergency room doctors have used the anti-opioid overdose medication Naloxone for years, but now the medication will be available for purchase without a prescription in 700 Walgreens stores across Texas.

"The medication can come in three different forms. The vile  that you use with a syringe  the auto-injector, or a nasal spray," said Hareison.

The "auto-injector," which is administered like an EpiPen, is easier to inject, and Naloxone will react within two minutes. The nasal spray will take 8-11 minutes to take an effect.

"Naloxone still doesn't take the place of medical help. Just because the person starts breathing again, that doesn't mean they are in the clear. It will just buy you time to get them to the hospital. Anyone who knows someone struggle with opioid abuse should have Naloxone on hand," said D'Etienne.

"My concern is saving lives. If someone has this and they are aware enough and are a potential risk, then it's good for them to have it available. This could save their life," he said.

Walgreens stores in 35 states will soon have Naloxone behind the pharmacy counter for purchase without a prescription.
Two California men have been convicted of disrupting a Chicago-bound Southwest Airlines flight.

Jonathan Khalid Petras and Wisam Imad Shaker were convicted Thursday in Amarillo, Texas, of interference with a flight crew and aiding and abetting.

Each faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

An affidavit said Petras, Shaker and four other men boarded Flight 1522 in San Diego last August and sat together. Prosecutors said the men became aggressive, used obscene language when denied alcohol and refused instructions from flight attendants.

Pilots eventually diverted the plane to Amarillo.

All six were detained when the jet landed at Rick Husband International Airport. The flight continued to Midway International Airport after a brief delay.

Essa Solaqa and Khalid Yohana were acquitted Thursday. They, along with Petras and Shaker, pled not guilty to the charges in October 2015. Charges against two other men, Saiman Hermez and Ghazwan Asaad Shaba, were previously dismissed "in the interest of justice."
A former McKinney police officer who resigned after video showed him forcing a bikini-clad 15-year-old girl to the ground in the North Texas city last year will not be charged in the matter.

A Collin County grand jury Thursday decided not to indict Eric Casebolt, who pushed the girl to the ground following a party last June at a community pool that drew a crowd of teenagers.

Officers had responded to the Craig Ranch Pool after neighbors complained about the gathering.

Some teens and parents had criticized Casebolt for an overzealous and aggressive response

Cellphone videos taken by people at the pool showed Casebolt, who is white, running after black teens and ordering them to the ground, then forcing the teen girl, Dajerria Becton, onto her stomach and placing his knees on her back. At one point, he drew his firearm after two young black men charged forward in apparent protest of the girl's treatment but holstered the weapon when two other officers intervened.

Police said officers were responding to reports that teens unauthorized to use the pool were jumping a fence to gain entry. Residents of the middle-class neighborhood had said teens attending an end-of-school party at the pool and adjacent park were acting unruly.

Local and national civil rights groups days later held a protest in front of the McKinney Police Department, asking that prosecutors charge the former police corporal for his actions. Police Chief Greg Conley had called his actions "indefensible," and Casebolt subsequently resigned.

It was not clear just what charge against Casebolt the jury was considering. He was never arrested or charged.

McKinney police released a statement announcing the grand jury's decision, saying the department's mission is to make the city a safe place for everyone. The police department plans to host a community forum on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Settler's Recreation Center to discuss strengthening police and community relationships.

Officials said in the statement that the investigation into the police response was turned over to the Texas Rangers, who then forwarded their report to the Collin County district attorney's office for review by the jury.

Casebolt's attorney, Tom Mills, told NBC 5's news partners at The Dallas Morning News on Thursday, "We're glad that the system worked in his favor in this case."

Another lawyer for Casebolt, Jane Bishkin, said in the days after the pool party that Casebolt was not targeting minorities when he wrestled Becton to the ground. She said Casebolt at the time was fraught with emotion after responding earlier to two suicide calls.

Becton's attorney Kim Cole said in a press conference Thursday she intends to file a civil and personal injury lawsuit against Casebolt and the City of McKinney. She said the decision left her "internally outraged."



"I think that more should have been done. I dont think he should just walk away without anything being done," said Dajerria Becton, who is now 16 years old.

Heath Harris, an attorney for Adrian Martin, an 18-year-old who was arrested during the incident but later had his charges dropped, said the grand jury decision left him "shocked."
A South Texas woman faces up to 99 years in prison for her role in the 2012 death of her neglected 5-year-old stepson.

Crystal Williams pleaded guilty Wednesday in San Antonio to injury to a child. The penalty phase begins Thursday for the 31-year-old San Antonio woman, who's the first of three caregivers to be tried in the death of Josiah Williams.

Investigators say the boy was found dead in December 2012 in the family's home, after allegedly being starved and beaten. An autopsy indicated Josiah suffered from abuse and malnutrition.

The boy's father and another relative await trial.
Bernie Sanders says he will vote for Hillary Clinton for president.

Sanders, who has not officially endorsed his rival, was asked on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Friday whether he would vote for Clinton in November.

"Yes," he said. "I think the issue right here is I'm going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump. I think Trump in so many ways would be a disaster for this country if he were to be elected president."

Still, he stopped short of a full endorsement and made clear he was not ending his campaign.

"Why would I want to do that when I want to fight to make sure that we have the best platform that we possibly can, that we win the most delegates that we can?" he said.

He said that his "job right now is to fight for the strongest possible platform in the Democrat election."

That would include an agenda to create jobs and raise the minimum wage, he said.

The comments came a day after the Vermont senator told a roaring crowd of supporters on Thursday his campaign is "just getting started" fighting economic inequality, changing the Democratic Party and bolstering Democrats running for Congress.

Speaking to a packed hall in Manhattan, Sanders took something of a victory lap as he reviewed the states he won and the fact that many young people flocked to his campaign over that of Clinton, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. He did not mention her name, let alone endorse her as leading Democrats have urged.

"Our goal from day one has been to transform this nation and that is the fight we are going to continue," Sanders, his voice hoarse, told supporters who packed venue called The Town Hall near Times Square. "We have got to make sure that Trump is not president. But that is not good enough."

The independent senator received standing ovations as he reviewed his campaign positions, from free health care to free college tuition and campaign finance reform.

Sanders urged his supporters to keep fighting inequality and insisting on "forcing open the door" of the Democratic Party to allow working Americans, and not political elites, to run it. That was a not-subtle swipe at a party he complained rigged the nominating system in Clinton's favor.

Clinton earlier this month clinched the delegates required to carry the Democrats' banner against Trump, the likely GOP nominee. And Sanders this week acknowledged he would not be the nominee.

Sanders supporters, who lined up for several blocks ahead of Thursday's speech, were not eager to hear him endorse Clinton.

Sanders has been signaling the transition of his movement from a presidential run to one aimed at bolstering likeminded Democratic candidates for Congress and offices up-and-down the ballot.

He was traveling to Syracuse, New York, on Friday to hold a rally with congressional candidate Eric Kingson, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in next Tuesday's primary to challenge Republican Rep. John Katko.

Sanders has raised about $2.5 million for several congressional and legislative candidates in recent weeks, sending out fundraising emails on behalf of liberals who could further Sanders' message.

The Vermont senator has raised about $300,000 for both former Sen. Russ Feingold, who is trying to win back his old seat in Wisconsin, and Florida congressional candidate Tim Canova, who is challenging DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who represents a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, area district.
The Supreme Court's deadlock on the White House's efforts to shield millions who are living in the U.S. illegally from deportation is a major victory-by-default for Texas and 25 other Republican-dominated states. Their arguments that President Barack Obama was overstepping his executive authority thwarted what might otherwise have been legacy-defining policy.

Here's a closer look at Thursday's ruling, which many conservatives hailed as halting federal overreach but which immigration advocates said would tear families apart today and leave lingering legal questions for the future.

WHAT IT MEANS

The high court's tie won't set national precedent because it ended 4-4. But it upholds a lower court's order blocking the Obama administration's plan to spare up to 4 million immigrants from deportation.

The larger issue of whether the president has the authority to grant such orders remains unresolved -- and won't be decided while Obama is still in office. Obama said Thursday he has no intention of deporting millions of immigrants, meaning the status quo will likely remain for many.

Still, that didn't stop the celebration among Texas officeholders, who led the 2014 lawsuit by 26 states opposing Obama's efforts. State Attorney General Ken Paxton called the ruling "a major setback to President Obama's attempts to expand executive power."

WHAT'S NEXT

Obama's plan was close to implementation when U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen in the Texas-Mexico border city of Brownsville issued a February 2015 injunction that prompted the Supreme Court ruling.

The case now returns to Hanen, setting up arguments on the broader legality of the White House's efforts, which eventually could be appealed and in front of the Supreme Court again. By that time, the next president likely will have nominated a successor for Justice Antonin Scalia, who died earlier this year, meaning the case will have a majority ruling that can set legal precedent.

"We are confident that the law is on our side, that history is on our side and that justice is on our side," said Marielena Hincapie, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Obama championed two major efforts to help people in the country illegally avoid deportation.

In 2012, he announced temporary relief from deportation for those who were brought to the United States as children. More than 700,000 people took advantage of that, and the Supreme Court's ruling shouldn't impact them.

A 2014 Obama executive order sought to extend the relief to parents who are in the country illegally but who have children who are U.S. citizens. This group will now have to wait for the long legal process to shake out.

Zaira Garcia, a 23-year-old from Austin, fought back tears Thursday as she described the constant fear that her parents could be deported: "This is about mom and dad who have been humiliated and exploited, and continue to keep their heads down out of love for their U.S. citizen children."

Top conservatives countered that the rule of law must be enforced.

"By trying to unilaterally grant amnesty to nearly 5 million people, President Obama invited even more illegal immigration, which in turn undermines our security and drives down the wages of Americans across our nation," said U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican.

IMMIGRATION IMPASSE

Because the larger immigration issue won't be settled until after Obama's presidency, the Supreme Court decision should ensure that immigration issues will give Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump yet another topic to disagree on. Clinton called the decision "unacceptable." Trump cheered it as blocking "one of the most unconstitutional actions ever undertaken by a president."

NORTH TEXAS REACTION

"It's never heartless to do the right thing," said Buddy Saunders, owner of Lone Star Comics.

Saunders said doing the right thing is following the law.

"There are a lot of people outside the U.S. that want to come here legally, and they're waiting their turn, and when they get here they're welcome. I want 'em here."

Saunders' business employs about 80 people.

"We only hire people that we know are legally here, and that's not hard to figure out," he said.

The Supreme Court's decision leaves Soledad Garcia, and millions of other undocumented immigrants across the United States, in limbo.

Garcia illegally entered the country nine years ago. Since that time, she's lived what many would consider to be the American dream. Her continuous pursuit of a better life for her 3-year-old daughter is now on hold.

"It was so hard, but we made here," Garcia said, of her journey from Mexico. "I graduated from high school. I got married three years ago. I have a little girl. I'm working hard to support my family. I want to go to college, I want to go to university. I want to be somebody."

Garcia said her biggest fear is being deported, but immigration attorney Paul Zoltan said millions of undocumented are at a low-risk of being deported. He said the U.S. has neither the time nor resources to execute a mass deportation of millions of people. His biggest concern is that undocumented immigrants who felt confident enough to apply for deferred action will now retreat back into the shadows.

"It underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform. It underscores the need for legislative action," Zoltan said. "While [they] don't need to live in terror of a knock on [their] door, [they] will be unable to drive legally, to work legally."

What's next for Garcia and her family will likely not be decided until after the 2016 election. She cannot vote, but implored voters to think about the people and families at the heart of the immigration issue.

"One vote can be the difference, so you have to go out and vote because you have to help us," she said. "We are not bad people. We just want to support our family and work hard."

DALLAS RALLY

Supporters of immigration reform held a march and rally Thursday night in Dallas to protest the ruling. The march, led by the Workers Defense Project, began at Cathedral Guadalupe and ended at Dallas City Hall.
Police were scouring a Canoga Park neighborhood for a man following a Friday morning altercation in which an officer was injured.

A citywide, modified tactical alert was ordered as officers set up a perimeter in the area of Vanowen Street and De Soto Avenue, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

A description of the man they were searching for was not provided. Police said they know him and he is not wearing shoes. They identified him as 26-year-old Broomi Mansour.

"I almost hit him with the vehicle, because he just jumped straight into the road in front of us," said Dalton Richards describing the moment behind the wheel of his work van when the suspect ran through the street. "He was running like this, hands behind him, just running as fast as he could."

The officer suffered cuts to the head in a fall during the altercation, the LAPD said. The severity of the injury was not immediately known.

Dalton and his co-worker, Chanson Flowers, who work for a water conservation company, ran to the officer and pulled him out of the street and onto the sidewalk. Both have ROTC and medical training and used gauze from Dalton's first-aid kit to stop the bleeding.

"There was just blood everywhere, I thought he got shot," Flowers said.

The men said the officer had a gash over his eye and they could see a bone underneath.

Mansour took off running after officers handcuffed him when they saw him lying on ground and discovered he had an outstanding warrant.

While the officers were running after him, one of them tripped and fell on his face.

One person was questioned and released during the search.

Officers broke down the perimeter before noon.

Joe Studley contributed to this report.
A suspect was arrested Friday morning after an overnight search for the gunman in a shooting that left two Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies critically injured in Bellflower, authorities said.

The shooting occurred around 10:50 p.m. in the 16600 block of Lisa Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The deputies were conducting a DUI check point on Lakewood Boulevard and tried to conduct a traffic stop. A motorcycle deputy followed the driver who then stopped on Lisa Avenue, got out of the vehicle and pulled out a firearm, and shot at the deputy, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

It was not immediately clear why the man opened fired, Sheriff Jim McDonnell said.

More deputies responded to the scene and the gunman fired several more rounds, striking another deputy, according to the news release.

The deputies, both men, were rushed to a hospital where they were in critical, but stable condition early Friday morning. Both deputies were underwent surgery, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The suspected shooter, considered armed and dangerous, was taken into custody after deputies responded to a home where he was holed up, according to the sheriff's department. The gunman, who was holding someone hostage in the residence, was arrested after deputies tossed tear gas into the building, a guest house behind a main residence, McDonnell said.

Authorities also did not provide details about the suspect's identity or hostage situation. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, according to the sheriff's department.
A man died after exchanging gunfire with police and shooting himself at a McDonald's in Burbank early Friday morning, authorities said.

The incident began when officers responded to a disturbance call at the restaurant in the 2500 block of Hollywood Way near the Burbank Airport, according to the Burbank Police Department.

Officers evacuated employees, who were the only people inside the fast-food restaurant, after they learned the man was armed with a gun. Police attempted to communicate with him but he did comply with orders to exit, police said.

Just after midnight, the man fired multiple rounds and pointed the gun at the officers. Three officers fired their guns, striking him multiple times, according to Burbank police.

After he was shot, the man stepped out of the restaurant through a shattered glass window and into the drive-thru area, where he shot himself.

The wounded man was taken to a hospital where he later died. His name was withheld, pending notification of his relatives.

No officers were injured during the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Emil Brimway at 818-238-3210 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS to remain anonymous.
A Sun Valley hospital has agreed to pay $1 million to settle allegations of patient dumping, City Attorney Mike Feuer announced Thursday.

The City Attorney's Office had accused Pacifica Hospital of failing to contact the family of Kasey Lucious, a patient with a history of homelessness and mental illness, before putting her in a taxi and sending her to a nursing facility that had not confirmed it would take her in.

Lucious ended up not checking into the nursing facility, and California Highway Patrol officials found her three days later wandering the streets, city attorneys said.

A representation from Pacifica Hospital was not immediately available for comment.

Pacifica Hospital will pay $1 million in civil penalties to the City Attorney's Office, and has agreed to do more training and adopt a more detailed policy for transportation of patients.

"Patient dumping is inhumane and we won't tolerate it,'' Feuer said.

This case underscores that when a hospital adopts homeless patient discharge protocols, it's got to follow them.

Feuer said the settlement is the second Pacifica Hospital has agreed to pay in connection with patient dumping accusations.

The hospital in May 2014 settled allegations by paying $500,000 and agreeing to adopt discharge policies for homeless patients.
A Newtown mother who lost her daughter in the Sandy Hook massacre lent some help, in the form of food, to the Democratic House members who staged a 25-hour sit-in on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Nelba Marquez-Greene had pizza sent to the lawmakers, who stayed all night on the House floor demanding Speaker Paul Ryan call a vote on gun legislation.

Marquez-Greene's 6-year-old daughter, Ana, was one of 20 children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012, in Connecticut. She has since become an outspoken proponent of stronger gun control.

"Ana, mom got pizza to these brave people. #Disarmhate #NoBillNoBreak @HouseDemocrats thank you @repjohnlewis," Marquez-Greene tweeted around 7:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Georgia Democrat John Lewis led the sit-it, which began at noon on Wednesday and ended around 1 p.m. on Thursday.

On each box of pizza was a note that read "To Congressman Lewis and the House Democrats: Love Wins!!! Love, Ana's Mom from Sandy Hook."
A woman who underwent a cosmetic procedure at a home in Miramar is speaking out about her dangerous journey to look better that she says has put her life in danger and cost her thousands.

"This problem is like an epidemic and it's a growing epidemic," Georgina Giraldo told NBC 6.

Giraldo said she never saw any of this coming after she made the decision to tighten her buttocks, but a few shots she thought would make her look better have been haunting her since.

"I went with a friend and she looked great and I said 'oh I will do it too.' I was never told you are going to get bio fillers and this is dangerous or anything," she said.

Her decision put her in the hospital. She got the injections at a woman's home in Miramar but now the woman is long gone.

"Of course when you call the person they disappear," Giraldo said.

But what doesn't disappear is the illness from the fillers placed in her body.

"My problem was cellulitis of the skin where I was hospitalized," Giraldo said.

Giraldo said she spent $100,000 on medical bills and even lost her home as she tried to recover. The fear of the unknown constantly haunts her.

"I think with fear, lots of fear because I don't know what's going to happen," she said.

The Miami-Dade woman went to Colombia to see Dr. Carlos Rios, who specialized in aiding women after cosmetic surgery goes wrong. Many of the women are from Florida.

"I saw at least 50 women a week in my clinic," Dr. Rios told NBC 6. "For the psychological problems secondary to the by-polymers we see and the inflammations that they are undergoing because of the injections could kill."

"My message is to be careful where you go, what you chose to do to yourself," Giraldo said.
What to Know A man in the Tampa Bay area is charged with starting a fire inside his home that killed a dozen animals.

A Tampa Bay area man has been charged with setting a fire that killed 10 exotic birds and two cats.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that 51-year-old Thomas L. Bennett was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree arson and animal cruelty.

The State Fire Marshal's office investigated the June 3 blaze. It caused about $80,000 in damage to the Gulfport home.

Investigators say Bennett had argued with a woman inside his house before dousing the garage in gasoline and lighter fluid and lighting it on fire. Authorities say he then tried to use a propane blow torch in the living room to set the carpet and furniture on fire.

Bennett was being held on $50,000 bail. Jail records didn't list an attorney.
Police said they've arrested one of the the men who ambushed and shot a Swedish student during a robbery in Wynwood earlier this month.

Devin Lewis, 25, was arrested by Miami Police Thursday in the June 7 shooting of 28-year-old Frank Hammar, officials said.

Lewis was being booked into jail late Thursday on charges of attempted murder and armed robbery, police said. It was unknown if he's hired an attorney.

Hammar, a student at Miami Ad School, had just finished dinner with his parents at the Wynwood Diner and had sent them off with an Uber driver when two men approached him, one brandishing a weapon. Hammer gave up his phone but kept his wallet.

"I told them that you guys are really screwing me over if you take this," Hammar told NBC 6 from his hospital bed earlier this month. "The other guy said something like 'blast him or pop him' and the guy with the gun fires two bullets."

Hammer was struck twice in his abdomen and crawled for help. Hammar spent days at Jackson Memorial Hospital before he was released last week.

Police said they're still looking for the second suspect.
Miami Police set up a perimeter around a section near Northwest 2nd Avenue and 74th Street Friday while looking for two suspected carjackers still on the loose.

According to police officials, a couple returned to their home off Northeast 76th Street Thursday night when three black men robbed them at gun point, taking the car.

Officers found the vehicle Friday morning at 7320 Northwest 2nd Avenue before 9 a.m. with all three men inside. After asking for them to exit the vehicle, all three fled.

One was taken into custody while the other two are still being searched for, police said.

The man who was taken into custody was identified as 21-year-old Deangelo Colli. It's unknown what exact charges he'll face.

The victims weren't hurt.

Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
Family and friends are mourning a young South Florida mother who was killed in a crash just weeks after giving birth to her baby girl.

It was the evening of Father's Day when those close to her say 24-year-old Rachel Foster left her baby with her boyfriend's mother and went to help him. Boyfriend Yovanhi Roque's car had broken down on the side of the Palmetto by Northwest 57th Avenue.

Foster had brought a neighbor to accompany her but investigators said only she got out to go to her boyfriend's car. Instantly, investigators said a car hit both vehicles on the Palmetto and Foster.

Foster was killed and her baby's father hurt badly and remains hospitalized. Her neighbor suffered minor injuries.

"I got a call from her boyfriend's sister and they told me they had gotten into a car accident and she didn't make it," friend Devin Rodriguez said. "I was in shock, screaming."

Authorities from FHP are investigating the cause of the crash, including if the driver of the vehicle that struck Foster was drunk at the time.

"My brother called, told me there was an accident and my sister is no longer with us," brother Jorge Carvajal said.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the girl, SaviMia. To donate, click here.
A woman was taken into custody outside the Miami-Dade Metro Justice Building after allegedly pointing what turned out to be a toy gun Friday.

Police deployed their Tasers in an attempt to subdue the woman when she pulled out what witnesses thought was a real weapon. The Tasers didnt connect, but they were still able to arrest her shortly after the incident.

"She had her hand up like this with the gun in her hand and she did her hand like this," said witness Louise James, who was there for a court hearing. "Pointed at three officer's cars and pointing at them like she wanted to shoot the cars, then all of a sudden she started swinging it at the officers and then the officers started fighting her back."

The woman was later identified as 44-year-old Indira Pedemonte-Elhimany. She was booked into jail on a charge of aggravated assaulted of a law enforcement officer.

Pedemonte-Elhimany was being held on $7,500 bond Friday. It was unknown if she's hired an attorney.

No one was hurt during the incident.
What to Know Six people, including four NYPD officers, were charged or pleaded guilty to charges in the ongoing corruption investigation

The charges come amid a probe that focuses on whether former NYPD supervisors accepted gifts and vacations in exchange for official services

Gabi Grecko was allegedly hired to service at least one of those accused

The woman at the center of an NYPD corruption scandal says she will testify if asked to do so in the case against police officers who are facing federal bribery charges along with a Brooklyn businessman.



Gabi Grecko, the former escort who allegedly joined former NYPD Deputy Inspector James Grant and two businessmen on a jet trip to Las Vegas three years ago and spent the weekend in Grant's hotel room, said Friday she has moved on from that period of her life.



Emerging in downtown Manhattan with her attorney, Grecko claims she did not know that some of the men aboard that chartered flight to the Super Bowl in 2013 were police officers. She says she worked as an escort because she had no other means of paying her rent, and considers it a dark point of her life.



"It's not something I'm proud of and I don't want it to define me or my career," says Grecko, who says she is now a designer and actress.



Grecko's attorney said his client wants to forget about the whole experience, but will testify against the NYPD officers if called to the stand.



Grant, along with Deputy Chief Michael Harrington and Sgt. David Villanueva are accused of accepting gifts and favors from influential businessmen in exchange for favorable treatment and official services, including one instance in which the businessmen allegedly pulled strings to get the NYPD to shut down a lane of the Lincoln Tunnel so officers could escort an entrepreneur visiting from another country.

Two of those businessmen, Jeremy Reichberg and Alex Lichtenstein, are also under federal indictment, and Reichberg allegedly orchestrated the trip to Las Vegas involving Grecko.

A fourth officer, Richard Ochetal, has already pleaded guilty to bribery charges in connection with the probe. Another businessman, Jona Rechnitz, previously pleaded guilty to charges and has been cooperating with federal investigators.

Grant and Harrington were placed on modified duty after they were implicated in the investigation earlier this year. The two officers later put in retirement papers and will receive their retirement benefits.

Villanueva, meanwhile, has been suspended. Ochetal was placed on modified duty.

Susan Necheles, Reichberg's attorney, has said her client did not commit a crime.

Harrington's lawyer, Andrew Weinstein, said that the charges were politically motivated.

Grant's attorney didn't return calls seeking comment following his initial arrest, and the head of his union declined to comment.

The charges come amid a widening probe that focuses on whether former NYPD supervisors accepted gifts and vacations in exchange for official services like police escorts, fixing tickets or shutting down streets for private events.

Among those who have been under scrutiny is former NYPD Chief of Department Phil Banks, who allegedly took vacations with Rechnitz along with former correction union boss Norman Seabrook. An attorney for Banks said that the former top cop didn't knowingly violate the law.

Seabrook was arrested on corruption charges earlier this month and pleaded not guilty. Banks, through defense lawyer Ben Brafman, has denied any wrongdoing.

Several other officers retired or were placed on modified duty since the criminal investigation began. Former 66th Precinct community affairs officer Michael Malici was fired after the NYPD said he refused to cooperate in the investigation. Inspector Michael Ameri shot and killed himself on Long Island after being questioned in connection with the investigation.

Federal investigators continue to look into the fundraising practices of Mayor de Blasio and some of his key staffers. They want to know if favors, contracts or positions were offered in exchange for campaign donations.

Questions have swirled around the mayor's fundraising, including his efforts to try to help Democrats take over the state senate, his efforts to ban horse carriages and even a contract given to a donor who now sells the citys so-called rat-proof garbage bags.

The mayor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has said all campaign activities followed the law.
After state legislators overwhelmingly passed a bill to decriminalize small folding knives, Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he is debating whether or not to sign the legislation.

"It's a bill that we're reviewing, but there are two sides to the story," Cuomo said. "A lot of New Yorkers don't think other New Yorkers should be walking around with knives. We have a violence problem in this city. That's one side of it. The other side is many working people carry knives as part of their job."

Over the last year, the I-Team has reported on the arrests of artists and craftspeople like Walt Seager, an electrician who was handcuffed and put in a holding cell all because he was carrying the folding knife he used to strip wire.

Seager was charged with possession of an illegal "gravity knife," a little understood provision of New York's penal code which outlaws blades that can be deployed using the force of gravity or centrifugal force.

For years, critics have complained that definition allows a police officer to declare almost any legally-purchased pocket knife an illegal blade, so long the officer has the skill to flick it open with one hand using a circular motion.

The charge against Seager was ultimately dismissed and he sued the NYPD for false arrest, winning a $10,000 settlement in which the city admitted no wrongdoing.

Responding to calls for reform, the NY Senate voted 61-0 and the NY Assembly voted 99-12 to redefine gravity knives. The bill would effectively legalize most small folding pocket knives unless there is proof the owner has some criminal intent.

"There are just thousands of people getting arrested for simple possession of something they purchased in a hardware store or over the mail," said Dan Quart (D-Upper East Side), the Assembly sponsor of the knife reform bill. "That's not right."

Last year, an I-Team analysis of a decade's worth of court records found more than 82 thousand New Yorkers had been arrested for minor weapons possession - mostly for knives. None of the arrests alleged violence. And almost 82 percent of the cases ended up being dismissed or pleaded down to lesser or non-criminal offenses. That suggests thousands of innocent people have spent unnecessary hours in handcuffs and holding cells, all because police officers declared their folding blades to be illegal weapons.

Although Cuomo said he is still evaluating the knife reform bill, he expressed concern when asked about the tens of thousands of citizens who have been jailed for pocket knife possession.

"The last thing you want to do is incarcerate a person. And the last thing you want to do is give a person a criminal record. If it can be avoided that's what you want to do," Cuomo said.

As supporters of the gravity knife bill urge the governor to sign it, there are also powerful voices lined up against the legislation. The offices of Mayor Bill de Blasio and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance have issued statements warning that stabbings and slashings have spiked in recent months and legalizing folding knives could put police and civilians at greater risk.

"Assaults involving knives continue to plague our City," wrote Monica Klein, a spokeswoman for de Blasio. "The current bill is too broad -- the simple possession of this instrument promotes criminality, and its simple possession should therefore remain a crime.

The I-Team inquired with the Mayor, the NYPD, and the Manhattan District Attorney. None of their offices could produce statistical evidence that the recent spike in stabbings and slashings is driven by gravity knives as opposed to razor blades, kitchen knives or any other sort of blade.

"We do not track data to that level of specificity," read an email from the NYPD to the I-Team.
What to Know Richard Rosario was arrested after two witnesses identified him as the man who shot a 17-year-old in the head in June 1996

No forensic or physical evidence tied Rosario to the crime, and he said he had been staying with friends in Florida at the time

Rosario was released from prison in March, but authorities held off fully clearing him as they reinvestigated the case

A man who spent 20 years in prison for a New York City killing he says happened while he was in Florida could have his murder charges dropped, but asked a judge Friday to keep his case open so he can be fully vindicated.

Richard Rosario's unusual request came after prosecutors said they were ready to drop murder charges against him but stopped short of fully exonerating him.

Surprised, Bronx state Supreme Court Justice Robert Torres agreed to leave the case open at least through Aug. 30, over objections from prosecutors who said they had already robustly reinvestigated the killing.

Rosario, 40, had been freed in March, when prosecutors agreed he had been wrongfully convicted in the 1996 killing of Jorge Collazo, also called George Collazo. But they held off fully clearing Rosario as they reinvestigated.

He was released after newly installed Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark agreed that Rosario's former attorneys hadn't done enough to find and talk to 13 people Rosario said could vouch that he was in Florida when Collazo was killed on a Bronx street.

"I've been in prison for 20 years for a crime I didn't commit," Rosario said at the time. "My family didn't deserve this. I didn't deserve this, and nor did the family of the victim."

Collazo's sister has said, however, that his family remains convinced of Rosario's guilt.

Rosario's case, which has been featured in a "Dateline" digital series on NBCNews.com, is among more than 25 convictions from New York City's high-crime 1980s and '90s that prosecutors have disavowed in the last five years.

Rosario's attorneys have called his case an illustration of unreliable eyewitness testimony, bungled defense and the difficulty of fighting a guilty verdict. He had lost multiple appeals over the years.

Rosario was arrested after two witnesses identified him from a police photo book as the man who'd shot the 17-year-old Collazo in the head after an exchange of words on a street on June 19, 1996. No forensic or physical evidence tied Rosario to the crime.

He said he'd been staying with friends in Deltona, Florida, and he listed over a dozen people he said had seen him there.

Police didn't contact those people, according to Rosario's current lawyers. And his own court-appointed attorneys at the time didn't fully explore the alibi witnesses, either.

After phoning the witnesses proved difficult, his first attorney got a judge's OK to pay to send a private investigator to Florida but then never dispatched the investigator, according to a 2010 appeals court decision. Another defense lawyer took over before Rosario's trial, mistakenly thought the court had nixed funding for the investigator's Florida trip and didn't pursue it further.

Some of the witnesses did testify at Rosario's trial, but prosecutors at the time urged jurors to discount them because they were friends of Rosario's.

During Rosario's appeal, a judge said additional alibi witnesses wouldn't have added significantly to his defense. Rosario's lawyers argue otherwise.
Lawyer David Engelsher said the texts started innocently -- a teacher contacting students about meeting times and class assignments.

But over time, the tone changed.

"Gradually, he became a little more intimate and pointed and sexual in nature," said Engelsher, who has sued former Chappaqua drama teacher Christopher Schraufnagel on behalf of four students who say Schraufnagel sexually abused them.

No response has been filed to the lawsuit. Schraufnagel has been charged with sex crimes against three other underage students. He has pleaded not guilty.

Experts say the behavior Schraufnagel is charged with is fairly common. In an age when so much communication happens electronically, experts say teachers can use secret communications with students over text and social media as a way to "groom" them for abuse outside the watchful eyes of their parents.

The I-Team looked into what schools are doing to protect students from teachers who cross the line, and found that in New York state, many districts have no policy.

"In the past, teachers did not have that 'any time any place' access to children, said Terry Abbott, the former chief of staff for the U.S. Department of Education. "But now teachers send a secret message to a student in the middle of the night, and parents dont know anything about it."

New Jersey passed a law in 2014 that requires school districts to have a policy dictating how teachers can - and cannot - contact students using texts and social media. New York City has a similar policy. But in New York state, school districts are not required to set any standards at all for electronic communication between teachers and students.

The I-Team reviewed Board of Education policies in every school district in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties.

Out of 186 districts, the I-Team could not find policies governing teacher-student electronic communication in more than 80 percent of districts.

Chappaqua, where prosecutors allege Schraufnagel found his victims, is among the districts for which the I-Team could find no policy.

Schraufnagels lawyer did not return calls seeking comment. Chappaqua school district officials said they could not comment on legal matters.

Nassau District Attorney Madeline Singas said social media and electronic communication can be powerful tools in schools. But shed like school officials to be required to maintain a separate account for communication with students  one that could easily be monitored by school officials if needed.

"I like the idea of educators communicating with my children in ways that are approved by the school. So not on Instagram not on these private accounts but on ways that the school regulates, and that I can regulate if I need to," Singas said.

Mineola is one district that has taken action: All electronic communication between teachers and students must take place through a district website.

"Over the last five years weve seen the need to really hone in on how we use social media," said Michael Nagler, the Mineola Schools Superintendent. "Were able to see everything that goes on because it takes place on our network, were also able to filter the internet to keep out information that children shouldnt be accessing."
The New York City program aimed at repairing Sandy-ravaged homes has left some residents wondering whether the work is happening too quickly after a Brooklyn home collapsed while undergoing construction Wednesday.

The city-financed Build It Back program was repairing that home on Beacon Court in Gerritsen Beach, raising the house high above flood levels. Now all that remains is a stack of plywood.

"There was a smoke cloud, like dust," said neighbor Diane Sullivan.

Sullivan is concerned the rebuilding program got out of hand, saying it's "just been chaos for months" at the site.

"No one is checking on them," she said.

But Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday that wasn't true. He called the Beacon Court house "a concern" but reaffirmed his vow to get all Sandy-damaged homes rebuilt this year.

"We have to do it," he said. "It's the right thing to do."

Six thousand properties are getting rebuilt, with about half underway now, and the other hald slated to start later this year.

Project manager LiRo, which handles the rebuilding of more than 500 homes across the city, and contractor DSW, in charge of raising the homes, both referred NBC 4 New York back to City Hall when asked for comment.

A Build It Back spokesman in City Hall said work has halted at hundreds of houses until new inspections are done. But work was ongoing at a nearby house on Gerritsen Avenue Thursday, by the same contractor as the one working on the house that collapsed Wednesday.

City officials said the workers were simply reinforcing the structure.

No one was inside the Beacon Court house and the crew was on break at the time of the collapse, and no one was hurt, police said. Officials are investigating what caused the home to collapse.

Neighbors said a young family was excited to move back in in about a month, after having waited more than three years for work to begin on the home after they survived Sandy. It may now be months more before the family can move back in.
Authorities uncovered a secret heroin stash shop behind a fake door inside a Brooklyn candy shop Thursday, police said.

State Finance Department officers conducting an inspection for untaxed cigarettes found the secret door disguised as a shelf inside Gates Candy & Grocery in Bushwick Wednesday night.

They informed police, and cops raided the shop Thursday. They found boxes of drugs and packing material, including over 1 million glassine envelopes, Ziplock bags of what appears to heroin, two barrels of cutting agent and several blue bags of what police believe to be fentanyl, the NYPD confirmed.

Two men were taken into custody. Police told The Daily News the suspects were likely distributing drugs across Brooklyn and Queens.
Nancy Smith was leading a pretty average life as a 32-year-old hospital administrator -- with no boyfriend or enemies -- when in December 2001, someone stabbed her in her New Windsor home more than a dozen times.

The murder weapon was left at the scene, and for 15 years, detectives worked tirelessly to find the killer. But with no witnesses, no obvious motive and no hit on the DNA evidence at the time, the case went cold.

Now the investigation is active again.

New Windsor Police Detective Chris Sager, who knew Smith as a child, is assigned solely to the case, and is working with a retired NYPD cold case expert and the FBI.

"I'm always thinking about who might have done this, and what we've missed," he said.

Sager said not only was Smith stabbed, she was hit over the head and even strangled.

"If you look at all that aggression toward somebody, it's obviously a sign that somebody wanted her dead," he said.

Smith's mother spoke to her on the phone at 8 p.m. the night before she was killed. Nothing was wrong, she said. Then she found her daughter's body.

"She looked like she was sleeping. She really looked like she was sleeping," said Lenore Smith. "But there was blood all over the place. It was pretty rough."

"Whoever killed her took a piece of my heart with them," she said.

Sager is hoping more advanced DNA technology can help them finally figure out who was in Smith's home. He's interviewing and re-interviewing hundreds of people, even traveling out of state.

"I think it's a good chance we may have interviewed the killer already, but that doesn't stop us from exploring other avenues," he said.

Lenore Smith, who's been waiting nearly 15 years for answers, said, "I want to know who did it and why."

"There's no closure when something like this happens. It will make me feel like somebody's paying for what they did."



For more information about the case, or to submit tips to law enforcement if you know something about what happened to Nancy Smith, click here.
Police shot and killed a man who allegedly fired a weapon in New Jersey early on Friday.

The man was pronounced dead at Summer and Oak streets in a shooting that involved city police, the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office confirmed.

There are reports that officers saw the man shooting a gun just before 2 a.m. and when he refused to drop his weapon, police opened fire. Witnesses said they heard five to seven shots.

A weapon was recovered on Summer Street, police said. A crime scene unit was investigating on the street by about 4:30 a.m.

Police said they were looking for other suspects involved in the shooting. There was a large police presence and streets were blocked off near the scene just before dawn.

No officers were reported injured.
A man was shot to death in East Harlem Thursday night, police said.

Gerard Woodley, 46, was shot around 11 p.m. in front of an apartment building on West 139th Street.

When officers arrived, they found Woodley with a gunshot wound to his head.

He was rushed to Harlem Hospital, but died from his injuries. His family has been notified.

Police said an investigation is underway but no arrests have been made.
A tractor-trailer driver who apparently didn't want to be inconvenienced by a detour took over a two-way Williamsburg bike lane, driving against vehicle traffic, according to videos obtained by Gothamist.

The videos Gothamist obtained Thursday show the truck driving the wrong way in the bike lane on Kent Avenue, its hazard lights blinking as it rustles the leafy tops of trees lining the sidewalk. Another clip shows the driver make an illegal left turn onto Metropolitan Avenue.

The Department of Transportation converted Kent Avenue to a one-way street and put in the bike lane in 2009. It's an official truck route (minus the bike lane, of course), but it only goes one way -- north.

To go south, the driver would have had to head at least five blocks over to Roebling Street. Taking over the bike lane against traffic was quicker.

Residents have complained about excessive truck traffic in the neighborhood since the bike lane installation and re-routing.

Rogue cars have taken to barreling down bike lanes in the city amid a fraught battle for space between cyclists and drivers. In June, a Volkswagen sedan was captured on video taking up nearly all of the Pulaski Bridge bike path. And in May, a Fiat commandeered a bike lane in Queens.
Pope Francis denounced what he called the ideologically twisted and planned "genocide" of Armenians by Ottoman-era Turks a century ago as he arrived in Armenia on Friday for a deeply symbolic weekend visit to mark the centenary of the massacre.

In the most carefully watched speech of his three-day trip, Francis ad-libbed the politically charged word "genocide" to his prepared text that had conspicuously left it out.

And rather than merely repeat what he had said last year  that the slaughter was "considered the first genocide of the 20th century"  Francis declared it a genocide flat out, setting the stage for another Turkish protest after it withdrew its ambassador last year and accused Francis of spreading lies.

"Sadly that tragedy, that genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples," he said.

"It's so sad how, in this case and in the other two, the great international powers looked the other way," he added, in apparent reference to the subsequent horrors of Nazism and Stalinism.

In the run-up to the visit, the Vatican had refrained from using the term "genocide," mindful of Turkish opposition to the political and financial implications of the word given Armenian claims for reparations.

But Francis, never one to shy from speaking his mind, added the word at the last minute in a speech at the presidential palace to President Serzh Sargsyan, Armenian political and religious leaders and the diplomatic corps.

They gave him a standing ovation.

"One cannot but believe in the triumph of justice when in 100 years ... the message of justice is being conveyed to mankind from the heart of the Catholic world," marveled President Sargsyn in his speech to the pope.

Many historians consider the massacres of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians genocide. Turkey rejects the term, says the death figure is inflated and that people died on both sides as the Ottoman Empire collapsed amid World War I.

In a largely Orthodox land where Catholics are a minority, Armenians have been genuinely honored to welcome a pope who has long championed the Armenian cause from his time as an archbishop in Argentina and now as leader of the 1.2-billion strong Catholic Church. His 2015 declaration that the massacres were "genocide" sealed their affection for him.

"I shook the pope's hand but didn't have the time to kiss it," 42-year-old Yerevan resident Nazik Sargsyan said Friday as Francis arrived. "I'm sure God's blessing has come down on me with that handshake."

Small groups of residents lined his motorcade route, and a gaggle of schoolchildren wearing white T-shirts and yellow neckerchiefs  the colors of the Vatican flag  greeted him at the airport with a big banner written in Italian: "Armenia Welcomes Pope Francis."

In his initial remarks in the ornate Armenian Apostolic Church in Etchmiadzin, Francis praised Armenia for becoming the first nation to declare Christianity the state religion in 301 and for keeping alive the "light of faith" even in its darkest times.

With the Apostolic patriarch Karekin II by his side, Francis urged all Christians to unite to prevent religion from being exploited and manipulated today, a reference to the current-day Islamic extremist attacks on Christians in the Middle East.

"It is vitally important that all those who declare their faith in God join forces to isolate those who use religion to promote war, oppression and violent persecution, exploiting and manipulating the holy name of God," he said.

The Vatican has long cheered the Armenian cause, holding up the poor nation of 3 million mostly Orthodox Christians as a bastion of faith and martyrdom in a largely Muslim region.

President Sargsyan, Karekin and a handful of other officials greeted Francis on the tarmac of the Yerevan airport in a low-key welcome ceremony. A girls' choir serenaded and the pope, patriarch and president then walked behind a goose-stepping military official along a red carpet into the airport's VIP lounge before heading to Echmiadzin, the seat of the Oriental Orthodox church where Francis will stay as a guest of Karekin.

"Blessed is the hour when the feet of Pope Francis touched our soil!" exclaimed local resident Simon Samsonya as Francis arrived. "He won the love of the Armenian people with his message at the St. Peter's Cathedral on the eve of the 100 years anniversary of the genocide."

Francis will have another opportunity to pay respects to the victims of the slaughter when he visits Armenia's genocide memorial on Saturday.
A police officer in a small Delaware County borough survived seven gunshots Friday morning from an alleged drug dealer who was on parole, police in Pennsylvania said.

The 25-year-old Folcroft Borough officer, identified as Chris Dorman, was shot in the neck, face and shoulder around 9:45 a.m. in the rear of an apartment building on Elmwood Avenue, according to Delaware County officials.[[384355111, C]]

He was, "Up and talking, awake and talking, so that's great," said Folcroft Fire chief Tom Weber who told NBC10 he's known officer Dorman for ten years.

Dorman also serves as a volunteer firefighter, something he's been doing since he was 16-years-old.

Newark: Correction: Service is suspended until further notice due to police activity.  SEPTA (@SEPTA) June 24, 2016

Police said he was expected to make a full recovery.[[384344991, C]] [[384317181, C]]

Four other bullets were stopped by Dorman's bulletproof vest, which officials credited with saving the officer's life.

The suspect was identified as Donte Brooks Island. Island was arraigned Friday on attempted murder and other charges and held on $1 Million bail.

Federal court records show that Island was on parole for an illegal gun possession conviction. He served 110 months in jail and was nearing the end of three years' supervised release when he allegedly shot Dorman Friday. [[384328101, C]]

Island's parole, in fact, was set to end one day after the shooting, according to court records, which further indicate that Island stopped reporting to his parole officer last July. Numerous attempts to reach Island failed, the records show, and he missed five scheduled drug tests during the nearly 12 months he failed to report as ordered by federal court.

It was not immediately clear if he was represented by an attorney on Friday. Island said nothing to news cameras when walked to a police car at the Folcroft police station.[[384315481, C]]

Dorman, who joined the Folcroft department last year, was in critical but stable condition, according to Police Chief Robert Ruskowski and expected to make a full recovery.

The chief said the injured officer is one of the borough's part-time officers and has been a volunteer firefighter in Folcroft since he was 16. He also said Dorman was in the process of becoming a SEPTA police officer.[[384285691, C]]

"You don't want him to leave. He's that type of guy," Ruskowski said. "Great sense of humor."

A comment posted last month on a photo of officer Dorman in uniform on what is believed to be his facebook page said, "I really hope you're wearing a vest!!!"

Dorman replied to the comment, "Always..."

In his initial exchange with a police dispatcher Friday, Dorman can be heard shouting: "I'm shot in the face! I'm shot in the face!"

Fifteen seconds later, he said: "I'm shot! I'm shot! I'm shot!"[[384303791, C]]

The shooting scene was Folcroft Station Apartments on Elmwood Avenue, a short distance from the Folcroft police station and SEPTA's Folcroft train station near Philadelphia International Airport.

A resident of the Folcroft Station Apartments, which SWAT teams surrounded a short time before 12 p.m., said the suspect was smoking marijuana outside the building in the 1500 block of Elmwood Avenue prior to the shooting.[[384329821, C]]

Ruskowski confirmed that Dorman responded to a report of people smoking drugs in the rear of the apartment building.

Police rushed Dorman to nearby Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, according to a hospital spokesman. He was later taken by helicopter to Penn Presbyterian Hospital in West Philadelphia.

Police from various Delaware County municipalities searched nearby train tracks used by SEPTA and Amtrak. Officers asked neighbors to stay in their homes during the investigation. [[384278111, C]]

"I heard the shots. I looked out my windows and see police with sniper rifles running around," said witness Lawrence Ladd, who lives next to the apartment building.

Authorities focused on both the apartment complex and a black pickup truck. Shortly after 12 p.m., residents of the apartment building could be seen running from the three-story brick building with their hands raised.

NBC10s Deanna Durante is outside Penn Presbyterian Hospital where police officers have started to arrive looking to help a shot Folcroft officer in any way they can.

Elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, sent their support to the officer.

Please keep the police officer shot in Folcroft in your thoughts and prayers.  Bob Brady (@BobBradyPhilly) June 24, 2016
State police investigated after an inmate was found dead inside her Pennsylvania prison cell.

The 26-year-old woman was found dead in her cell around noon Thursday at Berks County Prison, about 55 miles northwest of Philadelphia in Leesport, authorities said.

Her cause of the death was pending, but didn't appear suspicious, said state troopers. Her identity was withheld until her family could be notified. An autopsy is planned on Friday.

Further details weren't immediately available.
A jitney bus driver who crashed into a light pole that struck and killed an infant in New Jersey is not guilty of vehicular homicide.

A judge on Thursday said prosecutors failed to prove their case against 52-year-old Idowu Daramola of Jamaica, Queens.

Authorities said Daramola was speeding and using his cellphone when he veered off a street in West New York in 2013, triggering a chain reaction accident. The bus struck a light pole, which fell onto a stroller, killing 8-month old Angelie Paredes.

Daramole broke down as the child's mother testified on Wednesday.

Daramola's lawyer argued there was no evidence his client was using a cellphone or acting recklessly.

The incident led to tougher jitney regulations named for Angelie.
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What to Know Suffocated siblings Ariel and St. Leo Hines will be buried Friday.

The mother of two young children found dead inside a Florida home was is charged with two counts of premeditated murder.

More than two weeks after a Philadelphia mother allegedly smothered her two young children while vacationing in Florida, the siblings will be laid to rest.

Anthony Singleton will join his family as they hold a funeral for Ariel and St. Leo Hines Friday morning at 9:30 at Queen of Peace Church along N Hills Avenue in Glenside, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

The 3-year-old girl and 7-month-old boy will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Philadelphia. [[382467411, C]]

The siblings' 40-year-old Philadelphia mother Sophia Hines, who lives on Bridge Street in Philadelphia's Frankford neighborhood, remained in a Broward County Jail on two counts of premeditated murder.

Authorities found the children dead in a Miramar, Florida home on June 8 after receiving a 911 call.

Hines had spent the previous week visiting her relative in the Fort Lauderdale suburb. After being read her rights, Hines told investigators she had held a sheet over the mouth of 7-month-old St. Leo then used the same sheet to suffocate Ariel, 3, said a criminal complaint. [[382439171, C]]

The infant's father, Anthony Singleton, cried as he talked about the boy and his stepdaughter.

"I dont know how this could happen, I dont know what made her go that way. I dont know what made her go to Florida," he said.

He said Hines left for Florida without telling him. [[382338121, C]]

Hines didn't tell police why she killed her children, according to the criminal complaint, but a relative told NBC10's Rosemary Connors that the family learned she may have been battling postpartum depression and taking medication for it at some point.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to help with the funeral.

Learn more about postpartum depression here. If you are having symptoms or see symptoms in someone you know, click here for help from Healthy Minds Philly or here for national crisis resources.
What to Know The memorial is planned for the northwest corner of the National Mall, near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The memorial is estimated to cost at least $25 million to build. A fraction of that amount has been raised, but planners are hopeful.

Initial designs include a wall made of Kuwaiti limestone, to surround visitors with images of the war and the names of those who died.

Nearly 700,000 U.S. troops served in Operation Desert Storm, and 25 years later, plans are underway to add a memorial on Washington, D.C.'s National Mall to honor their sacrifices.

The effort to create the National Desert Storm Veterans War Memorial is gaining strength. The memorial is planned for the northwestern corner of the National Mall  steps from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial.

"We feel that it belongs here, close to the others, especially Vietnam," said Scott Stump, the CEO and president of the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association.

The memorial, which received congressional and presidential approval after six years, is designed to feature the names of those who died during the war.

Early renderings show a massive, curved wall made of Kuwaiti limestone, recalling the sands of Kuwait's desert.

"The left hook design shows the military maneuver up into Iraq that enveloped Kuwait to liberate them," Stump said.

The design is intended to surround visitors with images and stories from the Gulf War and the names of those who died.

Two of the soldiers who never returned home served with Fred Wellman, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. Hal Reichle and Mike Daniels helicopter crashed when weather took a turn for the worse.

Wellman was one of the U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. He flew scout missions during the war.

"We were facing the fourth-largest army in the world at the time," he said. "Iran and Iraq had fought for eight years. This was a battle-tested army."

Operation Desert Storm started with an air assault Jan. 17, 1991, after Iraq occupied Kuwait. The operation ended four days after U.S. ground troops entered Iraq on Feb. 24.

Wellman said 383 fighters did not return home.

The memorial in honor of the soldiers killed is estimated to cost at least $25 million. So far, the memorial association has raised a fraction of that sum.

Stump said despite that, he hopes to have the memorial dedicated in 2018. He said he is trying to raise awareness.

Some of that awareness came on Memorial Day, when 500 Desert Storm veterans marched in D.C.s annual parade.

The memorial effort will provide a place to honor the service of these veterans, and of fallen soldiers like Riechle and Daniels.

"I would just hate for America to forget that there was a moment in time where we stood up when called, and we did our duty, and we did it well," Wellman said.
A GLASS OF SOMETHING SPARKLY: There are many picturesque spots in which to quaff a glass of Champagne. You can do so among the vines where the grapes were grown, if you make your way to France. You can do so on a boat, or with the ocean as a backdrop, perhaps with sunset thrown in for good measure. And finding a stunner of a structure, one with lofty towers and grand colonnades and castle-like touches, definitely weaves well with most bubbly-based fantasies. If your daydream has long been to quaff French bubbles in a castle, you'll come pretty darn close in Riverside on Friday, July 8. Yes, that's Riverside, as in California, and the castle we speak of is, of course, the Mission Inn. The hotel is throwing an Under the Stars Champagne Dinner, and the "under the stars" part isn't simply poetic fancy. The swanky summer truly will be served under the night sky, at the landmark's International Rotunda. And while French sips will be a star, so will dishes from...

THE MISSION INN'S FOUR RESTAURANTS: Each course, and dessert, will feature "a signature dish" created by one of the hotel's four eateries. A Champagne reception starts off the $150 evening, and a docent-led talk about the hotel's history will add further flavor to the proceedings. There are five courses in all, plus bubbly, plus hotel stories, plus the general feel of dining in a multi-room castle, only a castle built in the citrus-y heart of the Inland Empire. Call it a Gallic Golden State kind of gala, one that has all the trimmings of a party on the Continent, with the closeness, and charm, of historic Riverside. For information call the hotel at 951-784-0300.
San Diego day care provider James Nemeth is asking a judge to change his guilty plea associated with the death of an infant in his care.

In 2014, Nemeth was arrested and charged with murder and assault in the May 2012 death of 11-month-old Louis Lou Oliver. At that time Nemeth entered a plea of not guilty.

Nemeth changed that plea to guilty in January, admitting to a total of seven charges with a 29-year-and-eight-month prison term attached, according to the plea deal. The plea included him admitting he abused two of his own sons.

Before San Diego County Superior Court Judge Joan Weber Wednesday, Nemeth questioned witnesses and presented his arguments for why Weber should allow his plea to be changed from guilty to not guilty.

Prior to the hearing Nemeth also asked for a new attorney to be appointed to him. Judge Weber denied the request saying the court is not obligated to keep appointing new counsel.

Nemeth argued he has been shooting blind, since deciding to represent himself but Judge Weber disagreed, saying the amount of discovery you (Nemeth) have been provided is extraordinary.

Throughout the hearing Nemeth questioned several witnesses including his wife and brother. He asked them about what his former attorney told them the plea would include, specifically if the plea would allow him family visits, enrollment in possible programs to reduce his sentence and an ability to appeal if new evidence was found.

Multiple times during the hearing, Nemeth said he didn't want to plead guilty to the seven charges. Nemeth said he tried to contact his former attorney through written letters, where he says he expressed his will to fight the charges, not plea.

His former attorney, Albert Arena, spoke to NBC 7 Investigates after testifying and said his team did everything they could.

"He's (Nemeth) playing a game, Arena said. He has what we call buyer's remorse. We were ready for trial, but whatever decision he wanted to make was his. We would have accepted it. He chose to enter a change of plea and not face life in prison."

Arena also explained in court, that it is not his or his associates policy to send sensitive case information in letter form to a prison.

Lou was alert and healthy when he was dropped him off at the San Diego Daycare, also known as the James Nemeth Family Childcare, on May 23, 2012, according to this mother, Cristina Oliver.

Just a few hours later, she says she got an alarming text message from Nemeth telling her to "come quickly, Lou did not wake up from his afternoon nap," Oliver told NBC 7 in February.

Two months after Lou passed, the Department of Social Services, the agency responsible for licensing and regulating home daycares, suspended Nemeth's daycare license.

The agency determined there was "an immediate risk to the children in care at the Nemeth James family childcare."

NBC 7 Investigates reported that before Lou's death, Nemeth had a lengthy history of serious violations, including allegations that he was physically rough with his own child.

NBC 7 Investigates also found it was very difficult for parents to review files on what happens to their children while in the care of individual day cares. After the stories aired,state lawmakers changed the way parents can access information about daycares in California, making the information available online, instead of only in person by appointment.

Click here to see the complete investigation.

In court Wednesday, the paralegal helping on Nemeths case, Tiffany Brown, said they spent 30-40 minutes going over the plea with Nemeth making sure he fully understood what he was signing and admitting.

Arena, who said he has been practicing criminal defense for 24 years, said he charged Nemeth $75,000 to represent him in the criminal trial, but was only paid $51,000.

According to Arena, Nemeth wanted to plea early on in the case, and as we got deeper into the case and saw what, you, the prosecutor were providing was troubling we discussed a range of 19-24 years in prison for a possible plea.

Arena discussed a video recording entered into the court of Nemeths two sons.

It was troubling, he said. They appeared to fear him (Nemeth). It would have been very difficult to cross examine them," he said.

During witness testimony Judge Weber continuously asked Nemeth to quit testifying while asking the witnesses questions. Nemeth would attempt to re-ask the questions, sometimes successfully.

The Judge will continue to hear testimony Thursday. The hearing will continue with witnesses from the prosecution.

The prosecutor ended the day Wednesday with a recorded phone call between Nemeth and his wife.

During the call Nemeth tells his wife there are a lot of people in jail that are innocent and that he had a chance before the extra charges were added.

The extra charges are associated with abuse to his sons, which, according to the prosecutor, include punching and choking his sons and using a belt on them. During the call Nemeth explains how those injuries happened and says he never used a belt, but threatened to.

On the phone call with his wife Nemeth continues to discuss the plea deal he told Arena he wanted to take, including mentioning justifications to his wife for why he took it. During a portion of the call, Nemeth sounds like he is getting emotional, possibly starting to cry, when he tells Jellyman the guilty plea will mean he will not be allowed any contact with his sons because they are considered victims.
As crews work to contain the massive Border Fire burning in southeast San Diego County, countless animals left temporarily homeless are reuniting with their owners.

Over the past several days, San Diego County Animal Control workers and the San Diego Humane Society have been scooping up wayward animals, including horses, chickens, donkeys, emus, dogs, sheep and rabbits, and keeping them at makeshift shelter locations.

On Thursday, many of them went home.

About 20 horses were picked up Thursday from a shelter set up at the Circle T Ranch. Seven belong to Bill Butters of Campo. He said he was extremely grateful for the shelter.

And he would know  he opened up his own ranch as a shelter during the 2003 Cedar Fire.

I used to be in emergency animal rescue and when Ive gone on rescues and you only have 10 or 15 minutes to get out because the fires close  you usually have a problem, he said.

The owner of Circle T Ranch, Lisa Lightfoot, said things at her makeshift shelter went smoothly. She credits Border Patrol officers, who for the first time took part in animal rescue efforts.

The officers shuttled supplies to animal owners, she said.

San Diego County Animal Services also on Thursday released photos of some of the rescued animals. Check out the gallery above.

The animal organization said Wednesday in a Facebook post it took on the role of "Donkey Uber" to help a homeowner who had no way to evacuate their donkeys.

The organization recommends having a disaster plan for pets in place.
Two women was transported to the hospital after a multiple vehicle crash in Coronado Thursday night, Cornado Police Department confirmed.

The crash happened around 9:30 p.m. on the northbound Silver Strand at Leyte.

According to Coronado Fire Department, a Ford Escape stopped to make a left turn on Silver Strand when a Nissan Armada SUV rear-ended the car. The SUV careened off the Ford and crashed into a pole.

The driver of the SUV, a woman, suffered serious injuries. The extent of injuries to the driver of the Ford, also a woman, is unknown.

Both women were transported to UCSD Hospital.

No other information was available.
A former civilian Defense Department officer who oversaw military contracts has pleaded guilty to bribery in connection with a wide-spanning Navy corruption case involving a Malaysian businessman whom prosecutors say bilked the military out of more than $34 million.

Paul Simpkins entered his plea Thursday in federal court in San Diego. Prosecutors say he accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for helping Singapore-based businessman Leonard Francis. Simpkins could not be reached for comment.

Simpkins is among more than a dozen charged in the scandal centered on the Malaysian businessman, known by his nickname "Fat Leonard."

Francis pleaded guilty to bribery charges and is awaiting sentencing.

Prosecutors say Simpkins helped Francis' company, Glen Defense Marine Asia, get Navy contracts to service its ships.
Eater San Diego shares the top stories of the week from San Diegos food and drink scene, including a peek at the dining and nightlife venues coming to the Pendry, a new luxury hotel set to open soon in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Gaslamp's Pendry Hotel Reveals First Food & Drink Concepts

Pendry San Diego, a new luxury hotel slated to launch in the Gaslamp this fall, unveiled the first of its hospitality concepts which include Lionfish, a coastal-inspired restaurant, nightlife venue Oxford Social Club and rooftop pool lounge The Pool House.

Where to Drink Coffee Right Now

The craft coffee scene in San Diego is booming and Eater has a list of 11 new coffee bars, from Solana Beach to Barrio Logan, where you can find highly-trained baristas, creative coffee drinks, free Wi-Fi and more.

Los Angeles Chef Plans Massive Restaurant Project in Imperial Beach

Southern California Chef Steve Brown has announced plans to return to his hometown of Imperial Beach to build a 4,000-square-foot restaurant near the waterfront that will have a shipyard-inspired design and a menu of modern comfort food and craft cocktails.

Bar by Red Door to Replace The Wellington in Mission Hills

The owner of The Red Door Restaurant and Wine Bar on Washington Street will reopen The Wellington Steak and Martini Lounge as a seasonally-minded, cocktail-focused concept called Bar by Red Door. Due in August, it will also serve a menu of small plates.

Craft & Commerce Signs New Executive Chef for Relaunch

The Little Italy restaurant is due to reopen after a thorough overhaul next month. In addition to a new interior design and expanded patio, the eatery will feature a custom-made wood-burning grill that will fuel its refreshed menu. Ted Smith, formerly of Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant, has been hired to lead the kitchen.

Candice Woo is the founding editor of Eater San Diego, a leading source for news about San Diegos restaurant and bar scene. Keep up with the latest Eater San Diego content via Facebook or Twitter, and sign up for Eater San Diegos newsletter here.


After 31 years at downtown San Diegos Horton Plaza, the Nordstrom location is closing.

Open since 1985, the store will close on Aug. 26.

In a news release, Nordstrom officials did not give a specific reason for the closure, but said the decision was made after taking a look at the stores performance and our business needs in the future.

"We remodeled it, put a lot of money into it about 10 years ago, but we're just not getting the business that we need to get out of it," said Jamie Nordstrom, Nordstrom's president.

The closure will impact about 180 employees, who will be encouraged to transfer to other San Diego County Nordstrom locations. If they dont secure a role at another store, employees will be given a separation package, officials said.

There are three Nordstrom locations and four Nordstrom Rack locations in San Diego. Shoppers can head to Nordstrom stores in Fashion Valley, Escondido and University City, and Rack stores in Mission Valley, Carmel Mountain, Plaza Bonita and San Marcos.

The Nordstrom closure is the latest in a trend of big-box stores scaling back, as they compete with online shopping and new consumer habits.

For years, the real growth for Nordstrom has been in its Rack stores, not the department stores.

"Our Rack stores are terrific to acquire younger customers who are on a tighter budget," Nordstrom said.

The building will now belong to Westfield, which will decide what to do with the space.
The Alpine community is mourning the loss of a mother and respected community member who was hit and killed by a car while crossing the street Wednesday.

Andrea Smith, 64, was crossing South Grade Road in the area of Calle De Compadres when she was struck by an oncoming Honda Civic.

The 57-year-old driver behind the wheel of the Honda was taking his son to school, the family told NBC 7 San Diego. He apparently did not see the woman as she walked toward her parked car because of the change in elevation of the roadway, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers said.

The driver, who has not been identified, was unable to stop in time, officers said.

At the time, Smith was crossing the street to get back to her car, parked near a trail head. She had her two dogs with her, who ran away in the chaotic moments after the crash.

Smith died at the scene. The driver was not hurt.

The driver's wife said he raced out of the car to try and save her, but she was lifeless within seconds. She says he is devastated and feeling burdened.

Smith's son said she was a respiratory therapist at Rady Children's Hospital for 20 years and had just retired a few months ago.

Community members, shocked by the news, came to the scene of the crash to leave flowers.

"It's a big deal because this is a small town and everybody knows everybody and it really hit hard to know that somebody was just crossing the street," said Danielle Pupa, an Alpine resident.

An accident re-constructionist was on scene all Thursday, trying to figure out ways the road could be made safer.

"There are pedestrian calculations you can perform based on how far the pedestrian was thrown through the air, or depending on the motion ... it's a little bit gruesome but those are tools someone like me will use to figure out what happened," said Dan Toneck, an accident re-constructionist.

Alcohol or drugs were not believed to be a factor.
Residents of Del Cerro gathered for a community safety meeting Thursday night after a deadly home invasion and sexual assault less than two weeks ago.

People packed into Temple Emanuel to hear about what was being done to keep them safe from what they see as a growing problem of trespassers in Adobe Falls.

The property is owned by San Diego State University (SDSU).

You havent done anything, Del Cerro resident Holly Anderson told SDSU officials.

Get people out of the canyon, make it safe," another resident said.

Residents believe the past two years of escalating issues with Adobe Falls are the cause of the murder of a 74-year-old woman and sexual assault of a 50-year-old woman.

A prowler broke into a home on 5600 block of Mill Peak Rd. around 11:30 p.m. on June 12. The home is located west of College Avenue and north of Interstate 8 in the Del Cerro neighborhood, near Adobe Falls.

Eduardo Torres, 20, accused of killing one woman and injuring the other pleaded not guilty in court.

No! I dont feel safe, exclaimed Holly Anderson.

She has lived in the area 20 years and is horrified by the murder and sexual assault of her neighbor.

Many Del Cerro residents believe Torres gained access to the area from Adobe Falls where they say vandalism and trespassing have sparked increased crime.

At this stage, there is nothing to point that our suspect Eduardo Tores had anything to do with that canyon or came from that canyon," explained San Diego Police Homicide Detective, David Nisleit.

At the meeting, SDSU campus Chief of Police says they have teamed up with the San Diego Police Department to patrol the area.

Since April, they have made 70 area response checks and three new trespassing signs will soon be put up. By next fall, a fence will also go up on Mill Peak Road.

"In addition to no trespassing, it can create a physical barrier to keep hikers out, Nicole Borunda, SDSU Community Relations Manager said.

Del Cerro is San Diego City Councilman Scott Shermans district.

He says he is talking to city and university leaders about deeding the property over to the city to turn it into a park with a ranger to patrol it.
In wake of a recent Supreme Court deadlock on President Obama's immigration plan, one San Diego resident says she continues to fear being deported.

It's an everyday thing," said San Diegan Lucero Maganda. "You wake up you are not certain what is going to happen."

Thursday, the Supreme Court handed down a tie vote on the president's immigration plan that would have shielded millions living in the U.S. illegally from deportation.

The vote ended, at least temporarily, the president's effort to provide protections for parents of children who are in the country legally and an expansion of the program that benefits people who were brought to this country as children.

Thousands in San Diego were keeping a close eye on what the Supreme Court would do in this case. Many were hoping for an outcome that would help immigrant families facing the constant threat of deportation.

Because of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Maganda is pursuing her dreams at San Diego Mesa College.

I hope to help the community, I would like to make a difference, said Maganda.

She wants a better life for her family.

My mom is a janitor, she actually works during the night she goes in at 7 p.m., comes out at 2 or 3 in the morning, said Maganda.

Maganda was hoping for a positive decision from the Supreme Court so her mother could get some relief from the threat of being deported at any time.

The Maganda family is from Guerrero, Mexico, but left when she was 9.

Going back doesn't feel like going back because you haven't been there, she explained.

Maganda isn't alone. More than 100,000 people in San Diego would have benefited from the immigration programs DACA and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA)

It's really sad that there so many people in San Diego county alone that will not be able to benefit from these programs, said Itzel Guillen of Alliance San Diego.

For now, immigration organizations and some residents like Maganda say they will not lose hope.

This is only a small battle, yes, we are angered,"said Laura Morena of Unite Here Local 30. "But it doesn't mean that we give up. On the contrary, it gives us a little more fuel to keep doing what we are doing."

Maganda said she hopes one day to have those who live in fear living out of the shadows.

It's the hardest days when you keep the faith alive, said Maganda.
In wake of the Orlando massacre, San Diego Pride organizers have announced the annual festival will include metal detectors at the entrances for the first time ever.

Forty nine people were killed when a gunman opened fire inside an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando. The gunman was shot and killed by authorities.

The deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history has prompted many in San Diego to express concerns about security at the festival, said Stephen Whitburn, the festival's executive director.

Our community is no stranger to adversity, and we will not be silenced, said Stephen Whitburn, San Diego Prides executive director, in a statement. Our movement is far from over, and we have no doubt that our community will come out to Pride as never before to mourn our losses, acknowledge our accomplishments, recommit to the work ahead, and celebrate our diverse community with love and Pride.

This year, every entrance will have metal detectors, Whitburn said, and the festival will have more entry lanes to avoid long lines.

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) will also have a mobile command unit stationed out front. Undisclosed additional precautions will be taken in addition, Whitburn said.

Whitburn said in the face of such violence, they are preparing for the biggest, most meaningful Pride the city of San Diego has ever seen.

"We want everyone to feel safe while theyre having fun at this years festival, said Whitburn. We encourage people to come out and celebrate Pride with confidence.

The festival will be held Saturday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday, July 17 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Balboa Park's Marston Point.
Federal prosecutors have asked a D.C. judge to issue a "stay away" order to prevent a U.S. Department of Homeland Security employee found with a gun inside agency headquarters from entering any DHS facilities.

The employee, Jonathan Wienke of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was found with a gun by security officers while he was on the job at agency headquarters on Nebraska Avenue in northwest D.C. two weeks ago, according to court filings obtained by the News-4 I-Team.

A federal agent and security officers also found Wienke had a knife, pepper spray, thermal imaging equipment and radio devices.

Wienke has been placed on administrative leave and federal agents are now investigating whether he was plotting an attack against senior Homeland Security officials.

Thursday, U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan addressed the case.

"I'm familiar with the reports. We want more information, but I am familiar with the reports and we're waiting for a further investigation," Ryan said.

Local members of Congress are calling for a review and said they are troubled that Wienke holds a top secret government security clearance.

"It seems crazy that a Homeland Security employee can get in with handcuffs and night vision goggles and a knife -- and worst of all, a weapon," said Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.).

"The fact that this was a federal employee and one at a secure agency is very unusual. That means we ought to look very closely at how they do their top-secret security clearances," said D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Wienke has pleaded not guilty to a gun charge and is awaiting further court proceedings in the case.

News-4 has learned the U.S. Secret Service and Martinsburg Police Departments have also assisted in the investigation. News-4 was unable to reach Wienke or his attorney for comment.
UPDATE: The suspect turned himself in to police Friday morning.

A D.C. man is wanted on assault charges after a woman reported to police he put a fluid-filled condom on her shoulder on a Metro train, police say.

An arrest warrant issued Wednesday alleges 25-year-old Lawrence Nathaniel Harris, of Northeast, assaulted the woman, Metro Transit Police said.

The incident happened on a Largo-bound Blue Line train on May 24, police said.

The woman was not physically injured, police said.

Metro police identified Harris as a possible suspect using digital camera footage and the victim positively identified him as the suspect.

Police said after the arrest warrant was issued, Harris made arrangements to turn himself in Thursday morning, but did not show up.

Harris is facing simple assault charges.

Anyone with information about Harris' whereabouts is asked to call Metro Transit Police at (202) 962-2121 or text an anonymous tip to "MyMTPD" (696873).
The 22-year-old man charged with the murder of a man on an Alexandria, Virginia, playground says he only meant to talk to the victim, but he lost control, court documents reveal.

Alvaro Saenz Castro pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree murder in the 2015 death of 24-year-old Jose Luis Perez Ferman. Two teenagers were also charged with Ferman's death.

In April, Mauricio Membreno Portillo, 17, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder and is being tried as an adult. Leidi Granados Guitierrez, 16, already pleaded guilty in the case to a charge of felony destruction of evidence of murder.

On Nov. 8, 2015, the victim was having dinner with friends at National Harbor when he received a phone call and began to act withdrawn, court document state. He said he felt ill and wanted to be dropped off at home.

After he was left at home with his girlfriend, Ferman left the house, saying he was going to smoke. He never returned.

According to the prosecution, the victim and Guitierrez agreed to meet in at Beverly Park that evening for what the victim believed would be a romantic encounter.

Court documents say Guitierrez and Castro were dating at the time. When Castro found the messages between Guitierrez and the victim, he told her that she needed to bring Ferman to the park for him to "talk it out."

When the victim arrived at the park, Castro and Portillo were waiting for him, the prosecution said.

Castro told police that he originally wanted to tell the victim to stop talking to his girlfriend, but he "lost control." Castro said he struck the victim with a small knife and machete. According to court documents, Portillo struck the victim with a machete as well.

Ferman's body was found in the park the next day under a playground bridge at Beverley Park. An autopsy showed he died from stab and chop wounds.

Castro will be sentenced on Oct. 20, 2016.
A D.C. Councilmember says the city intends to address drainage issues near the Cleveland Park Metro station after storm waters gushed down the station's stairway and escalator on Tuesday.

Mary Cheh, councilmember for Ward 3, said flooding in Cleveland Park is an "ongoing issue that needs to be addressed."

This is something that Ive been working on for some time, but the challenges of coordinating between three entitiesDDOT, DC Water, and WMATA--frustrated the process. But, at long last, I think were going to see some significant movement to address the problem, Cheh said in a release.

Within the next two months, the District Department of Transportation is expected to begin formulating a plan for the area along Connecticut Avenue between Quebec and Macomb streets. Cheh said that process will take about nine months.

DDOT will then reduce street flooding by upgrading the drainage systems, rebuilding drainage structure and improving stormwater retention, Cheh said. The project will also include raising Metro's ventilation grates above flooding levels and other possible improvements for the station.

Until then, Cheh said DDOT is working with WMATA and D.C. Water to take temporary precautions against flooding like putting sandbags around the ventilation grates.
A body was found inside an SUV in the parking lot of an Alexandria, Virginia, grocery store Thursday night.

Police called the incident at the Safeway on King Street a "sudden death" but said Friday afternoon that is not a suspicious death investigation.

At least two windows on the SUV were broken when first responders tried to help the victim, Alexandria police spokeswoman Crystal Nosal said.

Police have not released a lot of information about the investigation, but officers could be seen examining an SUV in the parking lot at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

"This is a case for the medical examiner," Nosal said.

Investigators have not released any information about the victim.
A teenage boy who allegedly told his ex-girlfriend he would shoot up her home, school and her mother's workplace has been arrested, D.C. police say.

Police said the 17-year-old boy was arrested Thursday night.

Officers searched the teen's home last week after he sent text messages to his ex-girlfriend saying he would kill her and her family, Police Chief Cathy Lanier said on Thursday. They found an AK-47 and more than 180 rounds of ammunition in the teen's home in Southeast D.C., court records show.

Police learned of the threats on June 14, when the victim and her mother called for help, records show. Officers went to their home in Greenbelt, Maryland, where the victim showed police text messages from the teen.

In the text messages, the teen boy wrote that three days later, on June 17, he would kill his ex, kill her mother at work and open fire at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, according to court documents. Police said he also posted videos online of the girl performing sexual acts.

Greenbelt police partnered with Prince George's County police to investigate the threats. Police said the high school heightened security at the school, but the school system did not notify parents of the threat because they did not want to compromise the investigation.

Police said the teen girl's courage to report the text messages likely saved lives.

"The girl took exactly the right action. The threats resulted in the recovery of a weapon and enabled us to provide more security for Roosevelt," said Capt. Thomas Kemp, with the Greenbelt Police Department.

Police have not released the teen's name. He will be held in custody until he can be extradited to face charges associated with the investigation in Prince George's County, Maryland, police said.

The teen will be charged as a juvenile.
After a Virginia toddler was bitten by a copperhead snake in his backyard last week, he was rushed to the hospital for life-saving medication -- but now his parents are facing tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills.

Sixteen-month-old Auden Mantzoros-Kemp was bitten June 16 while playing outside with his mother, Kayleigh Kemp, at their home in Stafford County, Inside Nova reported.

Now his loved ones are sharing their story and hoping for help in paying for the boy's anti-venom treatments.

Kemp said she was about a foot away from Auden when he attempted to step over a brick and then flinched.

"I thought that he had scratched his foot on something," Kemp said. "And when I picked him up, I went to see what he scratched his foot on and I didn't see anything there."

But after they went inside, Kemp realized Auden's foot had swelled and was bleeding. She rushed him to the emergency room, where doctors confirmed Auden had suffered a bite from a copperhead snake.

A Go Fund Me page says the bite caused "severe swelling" and "extreme pain." The little boy's aunt, Katie Marie Mantzoros, set up the page to help Auden's parents pay thousands of dollars in medical bills.

At Inova Fairfax, Auden endured 16 vials of anti-venom treatment at $3,000 each -- costing close to $50,000. That sum doesn't include his emergency room visit, medical transfer between hospitals and the three days he spent in the intensive care unit because of an allergic reaction to the treatments.

The family doesn't have medical insurance.

"The last thing I want my sister to be worrying about is paying for medical bills," Mantzoros wrote on the page, adding that she wants Auden's parents to be able to focus on his recovery.

The page had raised more than $5,000 of the family's $40,000 goal as of Friday.

"Regardless of how much debt we would've been in afterwards, we obviously just wanted him to be OK," Kemp said.
A small plane with two sick U.S. workers arrived safely in Chile late Wednesday after leaving Antarctica in a daring rescue mission from a remote South Pole research station, officials said.

After making a stop for a few hours at a British station on the edge of Antarctica, the two workers were flown to the southernmost Chilean city of Punta Arenas, the National Science Foundation said in a statement published on its Facebook page.

In a hectic two days of flying, the rescue team flew 3,000 miles roundtrip from the British station Rothera to pick up the workers at the U.S. Amundsen-Scott station at the South Pole. They arrived back at Rothera on Wednesday afternoon, said Peter West, spokesman for the foundation, which runs the U.S. station. Then the two workers boarded a second Canadian-owned Twin Otter plane that took off for Punta Arenas.

"From Punta Arenas, the two patients aboard will be transported to a medical facility that can provide a level of care that is not available at Amundsen-Scott," the National Science Foundation said, adding that it's not disclosing the location of that facility.

The National Science Foundation has not identified the sick workers or their conditions, citing medical privacy. They both work for contractor Lockheed Martin.

At Rothera, the temperature was a balmy 27.5 degrees (minus 2.5 Celsius) Wednesday afternoon. That's toasty compared to the Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole where it was minus 75 (minus 60 Celsius) in the morning.

Before they left, there were 48 people  39 men and nine women  at the station for the winter.

Normally planes don't go to the polar outpost from February to October because of the dangers of flying in the pitch-dark and cold. The first day of winter in the Southern Hemisphere was Monday  the sun will not rise at the South Pole till the first day of spring in September.

Steve Barnet, who works with a University of Wisconsin astronomy team at the polar station but is in the U.S. now, lauded the rescue crew.

"The courage of the pilots to make the flight in extremely harsh conditions is incredible and inspiring," Barnet wrote in an email.

The extreme cold affects a lot of things on planes, including fuel, which needs to be warmed before takeoff, batteries and hydraulics, according to West. The Twin Otter can fly in temperatures as low as minus 103 degrees (minus 75 degrees Celsius), he said.

"The air and Antarctica are unforgiving environments and punishes any slackness very hard," said Tim Stockings, operations director for the British Antarctic Survey. "If you are complacent it will bite you."

"Things can change very quickly down there" with ice from clouds, high winds and snow, he said.

There have been three emergency evacuations from the Amundsen-Scott station since 1999. The station has a doctor, a physician's assistant and is connected to doctors in the U.S. for consults, West said. But sometimes workers need medical care that can't be provided at the South Pole.

The 1999 flight, which was done in Antarctic spring with slightly better conditions, rescued the station's doctor, Jerri Nielsen, who had breast cancer and had been treating herself. Rescues were done in 2001 and 2003, both for gallbladder problems.

Scientists have had a station at the South Pole since 1956. It does astronomy, physics and environmental science with telescopes, seismographs and instruments that monitor the atmosphere. The foundation runs two other research stations in Antarctica.
Police in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, say one person was shot and another person was stabbed in two different instances of violence in the city overnight Thursday.

According to necn affiliate WJAR, a 23-year-old man was shot around 11 p.m. in the area of Payne Park.

He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police also responded to a reported shooting on Lonsdale Avenue around 1 a.m. Friday and found a 33-year-old man suffering from stab wounds.

He was also taken to Rhode Island Hospital and is expected to survive.

No arrests have been made.
Carlisle Regional Medical Center has changed a lot over the past 100 years, probably even more than most.

Whats obvious to passers-by along Alexander Spring Road is the sprawling, ever-changing campus that involves not just a hospital but dozens of outpatient centers  a far cry from the original single-building hospital that started in 1916.

Whats less obvious is the ongoing revolution in the financial and business models of most hospitals  a sometimes involuntary or unwilling process  that has driven the changes of the past several years, changes that will likely be remembered as setting the stage for the next era of healthcare, whatever it may be.

These changes have driven so much of the history of this hospital, said Ann Spade, CRMCs Chief Nursing Officer. You have to remember that Medicare and health insurance are relatively new concepts, historically speaking.

CRMC is the regions only for-profit hospital. In some ways, this makes it a microcosm of the healthcare landscape, since unlike a non-profit organization, its income isnt buffered by untaxed contributions, and its ability to sustain net losses for long periods is limited  since this would be a considerable blow to its stock price.

If its a good business decision, itll support itself, just like any other product, said David Steitz, CRMCs CEO. I wish I could predict with 100 percent accuracy what sort of health services are going to be in demand. But a lot of what you see here didnt necessarily start with a big capital investment; it started with our staff adapting their care to the patients needs.

In 2013, Community Health Systems began the process of purchasing CRMC, with the hospital officially merging into the company in January of 2014.

CHS, during 2015, operated 197 hospitals with 30,238 beds nationwide, according to the companys year-end report. It took in $19.4 billion in revenue, with a year-end EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of $2.7 billion, or about $2.29 of operating profit per stock share.

But despite its size, CHS  and Carlisle Regional  isnt insulated from the increasing pace of change in the industry. CHS sold off 11 hospitals last year, according to its report, and also spun off another 38 facilities into a separately-traded company called Quorum Health Corporation.

Half of CHS profits, it says, come not from hospital admissions but from attached outpatient services. On the local level, CRMC has seen this as well.

A lot of local hospitals were founded at a time when every patient stayed ten days after surgery, Spade said. Now, they leave the day after for most surgeries.

Most of the growth in outpatient services, officials say, has been driven by the aging population.

Our growth over the last five years, in this region particularly, has been very driven by the demand of the Baby Boomers, said Joe Iandolo, CRMCs Assistant CEO.

Cumberland County does, in fact, trend higher than the state average for most common outpatient procedures, especially those typically utilized by the older population.

Most recent data from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) places Cumberlands demand around 30 percent higher than the state average for such services  colonoscopies occurred at a rate of 422 per 10,000 residents, compared to an average of 325 statewide.

Increasing service to and increasingly elderly population also puts hospitals in the position of having their business tempo controlled largely by Medicare. Government reimbursements under Medicare accounted for 37.6 percent of patient revenue at CRMC last year, according to a PHC4 study, compared to a state average of 34.3 percent.

Medicare, quite often, simply doesnt pay out enough to cover the actual cost of care. Medicare supplement policies are becoming almost mandatory, given how high the remaining cost can be.

Its very wise to have a supplemental plan with Medicare because the deductibles are increasingly high for longer hospital stays, said Mark Reyngoudt, CRMCs Chief Financial Officer.

Ultimately, any hospital will have to simply forgo income for services if the person has no means of payment. This is usually a small margin  2.78 percent of service was uncompensated at CRMC, according to PHC4  but can have profound effects.

We treat everyone who comes in the door  we cant and wouldnt screen people for coverage, Steitz said. Ultimately, you have to expect a certain amount of nonpayment and consider it a cost of doing business.
Police in Bedford, New Hampshire, arrested a man for allegedly recording juvenile girls while they were in a dressing room at a Target.

The suspect is Zachery Bishop, age 22, from Raymond, New Hampshire.

Police responded to the Target located at 220 South River Road on Wednesday around 9:15 a.m. for a report of a man recording juvenile females while they were changing in the dressing room.

Bishop fled from the store and parking lot following the incident.

Officers issued a warrant for his arrest and he surrendered himself later that evening.

Bishop was charged with Violation of Privacy.

He was arraigned in Merrimack District Court and is being held at the Hillsborough County Jail on $2,000 cash bail.
A former maintenance worker at a Massachusetts day care center faces child pornography charges.

Mason Lister, a 21-year-old Arlington man who worked at Family ACCESS in Newton, was arrested Thursday on charges of possessing and distributing child pornography.

"He was always kind of  not an odd kid, but [kept] to himself," neighbor Robert Binell said of Lister. "A little quirky, I guess."

Binell has a 7-year-old daughter, and he plans to warn her about their neighbor. He says he's going to watch her more closely when she's at the playground across the street.

Lister did not work with children and was always supervised, according to the facility, whose director confirmed he no longer works there.

The suspect's mother, with whom he lives, works at the day care, as well. She is listed on its website as the executive director for business operations.

Parents who use the day care center received an email notifying them to the situation later Thursday afternoon. One mother, who did not want to be identified, said she will continue to use the facility.

"It's a good day care," she said. "The staff is good, the teachers are good, so it can happen anywhere."
One person was taken to a hospital after he crashed his vehicle into a tree in Malden, Massachusetts, early Friday morning.

According to Malden Fire, the crash happened at Willow and Bowdoin Streets around 2:30 a.m.

Rescue crews needed to extricate the driver from the vehicle after he got trapped.

He was taken Massachusetts General Hospital. There is no word on his condition, but he was conscious and alert when he was transported.
An adventurous monkey is back at his home at a Massachusetts zoo after a three-day search.

Dizzy, a Guenon monkey, had escaped from his enclosure at Springfield's Forest Park Zoo Tuesday and was missing for more than 48 hours.

The zoo was closed after Dizzy's escape and remained shut down for safety reasons. It will reopen Friday at 10 a.m.

"We would like to thank Forest Park, zoo staff, Springfield police and all those involved in helping us return Dizzy safely to his home," the zoo said in a statement. "Come welcome Dizzy home from his big adventure!"

Dizzy got out when a zoo staff member exited the enclosure to answer a guest's question and the monkey manually twisted the door knob and let himself out. The zoo said this has never happened before.
A former volunteer firefighter has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a high-speed police chase in Somerset County, Maine.

The Morning Sentinel reports that 20-year-old Ryan Galouch of Belgrade was sentenced Wednesday in Somerset County to three years in prison with all but 120 days suspended.

He pleaded guilty to charges including failure to stop for an officer and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.

Police say a Skowhegan officer attempted to stop Galouch after he was speeding in February. They say Galouch almost collided with the officer's cruiser before driving away.

Authorities say he reached speeds of at least 100 mph during the chase through Skowhegan, Canaan and Pittsfield before he was stopped on Interstate 95.

Police say Galouch identified himself as a Belgrade firefighter.
As the U.S. continues to cope after the shooting massacre in side the Pulse night club in Orlando, Florida, necn has discovered a Vermont manufacturer of military and police protective gear produced the bullet-resistant helmet credited with saving a police officer's life.

In response to inquiries from necn, Revision confirmed a barcode inside Officer Michael Napolitano's helmet traced the piece of equipment back to the company's plant in Newport, Vermont.

"It really focuses everyone on the fact that what we do every day  it matters," said Mike Dubie of Revision.

A photo from the Orlando Police Department widely shared on social media showed Napolitano's helmet badly damaged by a bullet from the gunman. The department wrote on Twitter that the helmet saved the officer's life.

"This is someone who was putting their life on the line to stop the killing," Dubie said, looking at a printout of the viral picture Thursday. "And if he didn't have this helmet, he'd be dead."

The barcode determined the officer's lifeline, a Revision product called the Batlskin Viper A3, was made in Newport on July 29, 2014, Dubie said.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, said he planned to personally thank the worker who molded the helmet, and pass on his appreciation to all the Revision employees in Newport, in a phone call to the facility.

"Another life has been saved through the skilled, careful and vital work of these conscientious Vermonters," Leahy said in a written statement to necn. "That makes us so proud and thankful as Vermonters. Day in and day out, the people of Revision keep our public safety officers and service members safe. Four years ago, Revision Military recognized the outstanding work the men and women in Newport were capable of, and they bought a struggling helmet production facility. They invested in this facility and its workforce  not just to keep it going, but to expand it. Out of this Orlando tragedy of hate and terror, their work is a ray of goodness. I'm full of gratitude for the Vermonters and the Vermont company that saved this victim's life by doing their jobs with care and devotion."

Revision said its team in Newport is grateful to have been able to help in the police response, and joins the nation in its embrace of Orlando.

"The fact that it happened at all just breaks your heart," Dubie said. "But, the fact that we could maybe prevent one more life from being taken  it connects us to the tragedy in a way we will never forget."

Tom Torti of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce recently toured the Revision plant in Newport as part of a business development project and met the workers. He said after learning about their responsibility for making the helmet used in Orlando, he now has added admiration for them.

"It's not simply making a widget, it's making a life-saving protective device," Torti said of the Newport workers' important jobs. "They're about saving lives and doing the best they can to protect the men and women who have to wear this and go into harm's way."

Revision promises to maintain that mission, with the Orlando tragedy a reminder of how high the stakes can be.

"The work we're doing at Revision is important," Dubie said.
Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital and its nurse's union are making a last-ditch effort to avoid a strike as both sides meet over a new contract.

The Boston Globe reports the union could hold a one-day strike Monday if an agreement isn't reached.

The groups are trying to agree on wages, time-off benefits, staffing levels and the length of the new contract. More than 3,000 nurses at the hospital have been trying to negotiate new contracts.

The hospital says it would lock nurses out for four additional days and use temporary workers.

Colleen Casey, whose mother will be undergoing surgery on Monday, is worried.

"She's been here for eight weeks and we've had amazing nursing care," she said. "Our biggest concern is the fact that she wont get the same care."

Sandy Ferrigan, meanwhile, says her daughter in law was induced early because of the strike.

"They told her they were going to have to strike and they wanted to make sure there was nurses here to take care of her and my grandson," Sandy Ferrigan said.

Contract negotiations have gone on for the past nine months.

The hospital released a statement that said in part, "We sincerely hope that we can reach a fair and reasonable contract and avoid a strike. Our focus, however, remains on providing safe, high-quality care to our patients, and we will be ready to do so should a strike occur," said Ron M. Walls, MD, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Brigham and Women's Health Care.

The statement added, "The leadership team and the entire BWH community have the utmost respect for our nurses and the incredible care they deliver each day."

"We raised our concern this morning to the doctors saying is this going to be the best thing for our mom," said Casey. "They said they had quality people coming in. We dont necessarily agree with that."

"I think the regular nurses should be here to take care of her the way that the nurses are taking care of her now," Ferrigan said of her daughter in law. "They should be here to see her through her whole process."

If nurses do strike, it would be the first in 30 years and the largest ever in Massachusetts.

Friday's negotiating session ended without an agreement, the hospital announced. Both sides plan to reconvene Saturday.
New Hampshire police say they arrested a man whom officers found unconscious in his car on drug and gun charges.

Rochester police say 35-year-old Michael Polchies of East Rochester was found in his Honda sedan hanging out of his parked car in a parking lot unconscious.

Officers responding to the scene on South Main Street say as they attempted to check on him, they found packages of illegal drugs and a loaded handgun under his leg.

The man was taken into custody and then taken to Frisbie Memorial Hospital, since he appeared under the influence of drugs.

Police applied for a search warrant, and searched his vehicle, where they found clonazepam, heroin and cocaine, along with more than $2,000 in cash.

Polchies' handgun was also allegedly stolen.

He's been charged with possession of a narcotic drug with intent to distribute, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, being an armed career criminal, felon in possession of a dangerous weapon, carrying a loaded handgun without a license and four counts of drug possession.

He also had an active warrant from New Hampshire Probation and Parole.

He's being held at Strafford County Jail on $100,000 bail and is scheduled for arraignment on Monday.

It's unclear if he has an attorney.
Hanging out on Boston Common, Sean Seith and self-described addict Bianca Telheiro hadn't heard about the warning from Boston Police  that there are pills on the street shaped and stamped to look just like Oxycodone, but are actually the far more potent fentanyl.

"There's overdoses in the shelters, on the street, in this Common," said Seith, who is homeless.

"My mom did a shot of it and she didn't know it was fentanyl," said Telheiro. "She thought it was dope and she died."

Fentanyl is a purely synthetic opiod  medically intended for extreme pain. Dr. Sarah Wakeman heads the Substance Use Disorder Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital. She says it is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine or heroin, and increasingly cheaper to make.

"People can actually order the raw products from abroad, from China mainly  get those through the mail, through the postal service and press them into pills to make them look like more expensive pharmaceuticals and can charge a high price," Wakeman said.

If people think they're taking oxy and fentanyl hits their system, the effects can be devastating, according to Wakeman.

In 2015, there were 1,319 opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts. According to state data, fentanyl factored into more than half of those deaths. And Wakeman says what has been a life saver to so many addicts  the reversal drug Nalaxone or Narcan  is not as effective on fentanyl.

"Because it's so strong, we're hearing it's taking several doses of Narcan before the person can come out of the overdose," she said.

"We have to wait for the paramedics to come and with the traffic  everything like that  a lot of people don't make it," said Seith.

The pills are stamped A/215 and look like Oxycodone 30mg tablets. Boston Police are asking for help in tracking down the dealers. You can call the CrimeStoppers tipline anonymously at 800-494-TIPS.
I dont think anyone would disagree with the statement that IT security has become exponentially more complex over the past five years. It seems every month theres a new startup that solves a specific security issue but addresses only that one issue.

This leads to an increasing number of security vendors causing security solution sprawl. A recent ZK Research survey revealed that large enterprises have an average of 32 security vendors deployed, which is a ridiculously high number. Its hard enough to build a strategy around two to three vendors, but 32?

One startup trying to simplify security is Tempered Networks. I recently spoke with Marc Kaplan, vice president of security architecture for the company, about how Tempered Networks makes network security simpler. Below is our conversation.

Zeus: Explain what Tempered Networks does and how the products work.

Marc: Tempered Networks core strategy is that networking and security must be interlocked, not deployed as separate solutions. To that end, our solution offers a new class of networking that effectively brings identity to networks and endpoints.

Tempered Networks Marc Kaplan, vice president of security architecture at Tempered Networks

Heres how it works: Our solution includes a product called a HIPswitch that builds a secure, private overlay network onto the actual physical network. The solution starts with a Default-Deny model, only allowing explicitly trusted (whitelisted) systems or endpoints onto the overlay. HIPswitches connect devices into an overlay network and hide these whitelisted devices from everything that doesnt need to see it.

The other part of the solution is the Conductor, a centralized, scalable orchestration engine that manages and monitors the deployed HIP services, devices, configurations and security policies.A company could set up a policy, for example, that states medical devices can only talk to other medical devices. With traditional VLANs, if a medical device moved, things would need to be reconfigured. This is known as micro-segmentation.

HIPswitches are available in physical, software, embedded, virtual and cloud form factors, so an organization has the flexibility to create networks across their hybrid network. Our solution is effectively a secure SDN, but it goes even further by supporting east-west and north-south traffic.

Zeus: Why do networks have this problem?

Kaplan: The Internet Protocol was built on a model where everything can see everything. Its why the internet works like it does. Weve flipped the model where each device or network can have an associated identity, something like a DNA. Then we apply rules around the identities such that no device can see any other device unless specifically allowed to in the policy.

Zeus: How does micro-segmentation simplify the network?

Marc: It simplifies network routes and can provide a global IP address. A cloaked network can have its own network topology. Companies might choose to use dedicated leased lines, but this can be expensive and susceptible to telco vulnerabilities. Also, overlapping networks are now possible and easier to manage, as the overlay masks the complexity. Lastly, migrating to a new IP scheme or between different platformsphysical, virtual or cloudbecomes very easy. Think of the HIPswitches as comprising a secure fabric where every device is only one hop away.

Zeus: Does micro-segmentation make managing firewalls simpler?

Marc: First, we certainly do not advocate getting rid of firewalls, as they are very important parts of any organizations security strategy. However, firewalls should do what they do best and thats protecting the perimeter.

Today, firewalls are filled with unnecessary rules, as organizations started using them to do network segmentation. Micro-segmentation, however, drastically reduces the number of firewall rules needed, making them easier to maintain. Also, customers will see performance improve because of the reduction of rules and connections. The reduced traffic also means that the firewall log is smaller in size and, therefore, easier to inspect.

Zeus: What about IDS/IPS performance? How does micro-segmentation impact those devices?

Marc: Similar to firewalls, micro-segmentation reduces traffic that needs to be inspected. The whitelisting of devices in cloaked networks greatly reduces attack vectors, directly contributing to the reduction of traffic passing through the IDS/IPS system. This will also reduce the number of false positives because only whitelisted devices can communicate with other whitelisted devices.

The additional benefit is that API-driven responses allow for moving devices out and into overlays. Regardless where a device is locatedvirtual, physical, agent or cloudthe API can move a compromised device out of hundreds or thousands of networks instantly and put it into a completely isolated forensic network.

Since the HIPswitches own IP, they can even dynamically move an attack away from its target across the world instantly into a honeypot network where the overlay can present the targeted system IP on a forensic platform. The HIPswitch overlay extends the value of IPS and IDS, truly creating a defensible network.

Zeus: Any other security benefits?

Kaplan: Yes, we can enable MAC address lock-down. This makes it simple to manage NAC functionality that also provides cloaking and simplified routing over the secure overlay network. Also, micro-segmentation enables better malware mitigation and control. Its much easier to shutdown a device that is infected when deployed around a micro-segmentation architecture.

Our solution allows devices to be disconnected with just a single click. If MAC address lock-down is not sufficient, the identity created for each device makes it possible to have absolute trust or completely remove a machine from all networks. Essentially, if you try to use a windows laptop that has an embedded identity after it has been revoked, there is no way to connect into any overlay network. All of the passwords stolen from the laptop become completely useless, as the identity is no longer valid.

Finally, global IP addressing lets us move machines effortlessly across your hybrid network without having to re-IP the machine. The fabric will ensure that all whitelisted machines will be able to find each other, regardless of where they sit or what IP address they are using, securely.
On the local festival scene, Carlisles Summerfair remains a symbol of consistency.

Over its 39-year span, the 11-day free festival centered around the Fourth of July in the Carlisle area has changed very little, and that can be credited to those who attend it every year.

Eighty percent of the schedule we have now we had back then, said Dottie Warner, director of event planning at Dickinson College. If we get great attendance and people love it why change it, because people look forward to going to their special events.

We havent changed much.

Warner was chair of last years Summerfair; she first got involved in 1988 as Dickinsons representative on the board. Since then, she said a lot of what we did then we still do.

According to Warner, one of the more popular events, the Baby Races, scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. with 12:30 p.m. registrations, has seen such steady attendance and positive feedback over the years that it hasnt changed during Warners time on the board.

Parents can enter babies who arent yet walking and under a year old into the baby race where they then try to coax the babies to and over the finish line.

The Carlisle Rotary Club will host its 39th annual Roast Beef Dinner Thursday June 30, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. The event is held at Lamberton Middle School, 777 S. Hanover St. Tickets are $10.

That same level of consistent popularity also goes for Anything Floats.

While the Harrisburg Symphony on July 3 and Friday nights opening ceremonies see the largest outpouring of people, Anything Floats, another original event, pits competitors against one another in single-tube, two-, four-, six-, eight- and 10-person races on crafts constructed from anything that floats, in a boat race on Childrens Lake in Boiling Springs.

South Middleton Township supervisor Russ Yinger has been in charge of the water-based event since 1999, which is when he joined the Summerfair board.

Its just hilarious when you get local people that put their ideas to work there and build these crafts and its entertaining to see if they float, and if they do, see who wins, he said. Its fun to see the crazy ideas they come up with.

Like Warner, Yinger has been involved for long enough to understand that what isnt broken doesnt need to be looked at. Instead, he said the board does its due diligence in studying attendance trends and reacting based off those.

Weve got the ones (events) that have been there for 10 years plus, he said. We always evaluate: What was well attended, what wasnt, what was wrong, what can improve?

Last year we were going to do Summerfairs Got Talent, but we didnt get enough interest so we nixed that and move on to something else.

Organizing the festival

One of the selling points of Summerfair is that it comes as no cost to the people attending the event.

The event is free thanks to the commitment of a number of sponsors, and while in recent years those sponsors have been harder to come by, according to Warner, enough remain on board to allow for Summerfair to continue.

When Summerfair started, we didnt have First Night in Carlisle, the Amani Festival, we didnt have all the other things going on now, Warner said. There is more people looking for the same money, but weve been very fortunate to have some very good long term sponsors.

This year, the event cost organizers about $30,000, according to Tara Salisbury, who started serving on the Summerfair board in 2012 while working for F&M Trust.

Costs really dont change a whole lot from year to year unless we were to do something different without an additional sponsor, she added.

Making it happen

According to Warner, each board member has its own specialty.

For example, the Carlisle Regional Medical Center sponsors the aforementioned Baby Race, so its up to the board member representing the hospital to gather volunteers to aid in the event. Warner added that some board members even gather family and friends to help out with the load.

We try and get people on the board from different walks of life and expertise, like someone who has finance experience, someone good with logistics, she said. We try to have a broad-based board, and we can always use more help.

Also, It doesnt hurt that when the going gets tough, the veterans on the board can be looked at to take the lead and help keep the ship afloat.

Honestly, I think because of the long standing other members of the board that are just concrete and dependable and reliable and able to pick up the ball when it gets dripped, we keep on going, Salisbury said.
With WWDC now behind us, the next big event on Apple's schedule is its highly anticipated iPhone 7 unveiling. Likely to take place sometime this coming September, the iPhone 7 will be under a lot of pressure to boost sales. Of course, iPhone sales are still incredibly strong, but Apple in 2016 experienced its first year-over-year drop in iPhone sales in history. In other words, analysts and pundits will be looking at the iPhone 7 to deliver in a big way.

That said, a recent report from The Wall Street Journal suggests that the iPhone 7 may not include any game-changing features. Specifically, the report relays that Apple's traditional schedule of implementing major design changes to the iPhone every two years will be adjusted ever so slightly.

Apple Inc. plans to break with its recent pattern of overhauling the design of its flagship iPhone every two years, and make only subtle changes in the models it will release this fall, according to people familiar with the matter. Among other things, those people said, Apples newest phones will maintain the current 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays. Those are the sizes of the larger-display models Apple introduced in 2014, and refreshed with newer models last fall. The biggest planned change in this years phones is the removal of the headphone plug, which will make the phone thinner and improve its water resistance, said people familiar with the matter.

If this report pans out, it will be interesting to see how iPhone 7 sales fare.

Complicating matters is Apple's rumored decision to completely abandon the tried-and-true 3.5mm headphone jack. Recently, there has been no shortage of passionate debates regarding the wisdom (or perhaps stupidity) behind Apple completely eliminating a worldwide standard. Some well-known industry figures have even taken to calling Apple's rumored design move (which we should point out isn't official by any means) "user-hostile and stupid."

Interestingly, Apple has a history of phasing out established technologies. Remember, the iMac shipped without a floppy drive and Apple, with the MacBook Air, shipped a laptop with no optical drive.

All in all, it appears that Apple and iPhone fans will have to wait for 2017's iPhone 7s for some major iPhone changes to take foot. From what we've gathered thus far, Apple's 2017 iPhone will likely feature a curved OLED display with an embedded home button and Touch ID sensor.

As a final point, the one wild card in all of this is the iPhone 7's camera. If the iPhone 7's camera truly represents a tremendous leap forward in quality, then perhaps that's the big selling point Apple is banking on this year. Thankfully, we won't have to wait too much longer to find out.
Reaction after Britain decides to leave European Union

WEST Berkshire has voted to remain in the EU, but Britain has voted out.

It was a slim margin, with just 52 per cent of West Berkshire voters saying they want Britain to stay.

South Oxfordshire, West Oxfordshire, Reading, Wokingham, Windsor and Maidenhead all voted to stay, but Swindon and Bracknell Forest voted Leave.

Newbury MP Richard Benyon said: "I'm very pleased that West Berkshire voted remain, but Britain as a whole will now have to come to terms with the fact that it has voted to leave.

"This is a great country, and it will continue to be a great country but there is no denying this is going to cause enormous economic uncertainty.

"I very much hope we can avoid a recession but the impact this will have is huge. We just have to try and get the best out of this situation."

Berkshire as a whole was one of the few English counties to vote to Remain in the EU with 51 per cent of voters in favour, while 48 per cent wanted to leave. The county saw 369,158 voters take to the polls.

The south east region registered an Out vote overall with a majority of 52 per cent.

The West Berkshire result was declared at 4.20am with 48,300 voting to remain and 44,977 wanting to leave. There were 68 spoilt ballot papers.

Reacting to the count, remain campaigner Jonny Roberts said: "We are very pleased that we won here.

"We would have liked to have got a larger majority to help these national figures."

He added: "We are about to leave the European Union which is clearly saddening."

Liberal Democrat Judith Bunting said: "I am very happy that we won in West Berkshire and I think it shows a strong campaign that the Stronger In team ran and Richard Benyon has run a good campaign."

She went on to say of the national picture on Twitter: "The likely #EURefResults angers me. Recession, unemployment and a tanking  beckon. Where now your child's future?"

Vote leave constituency co-ordinator David Bailey said:"We put a lot of effort into the leave campaign.

"I think the national picture does reflect this great chasm and differences between people. That's going to be difficult to bring these two groups back together."

West Berkshire Council leader Roger Croft said: "In the run up to the referendum West Berkshire Council did not take a position either to remain or to leave the European Union.

"The council has very little involvement directly with the European Union although we recognise that it influences our lives and businesses in many ways.

"What has been, and still is, important to us is that we have stability in our financial sector and we hope that this continues as the country reacts to this decision.

"A stable financial system will allow us to plan for the future with confidence and help us in providing important services for our local community."

Leader of West Berkshire Council Roger Croft said: In the run up to the referendum West Berkshire Council did not take a position either to remain or to leave the European Union.

"The Council has very little involvement directly with the European Union although we recognise that it influences our lives and businesses in many ways.

"What has been, and still is, important to us is that we have stability in our financial system and we hope that this continues as the country reacts to this decision.

"A stable financial system will allow us to plan for the future with confidence and help us in providing important services for our local community.

According to YouGov
Newbury MP Richard Benyon reacts to Prime Minister's resignation

NEWBURY MP Richard Benyon has described Prime Minister David Cameron's resignation as 'sad'.

After Britain voted to leave the EU, Mr Cameron announced he would step down by the time the next Conservative Party Conference takes place in October.

Mr Cameron grew up in West Berkshire and his mother Mary still lives in the district.

Speaking to NewburyToday this morning (Fri), Mr Benyon said: "I have had many bad days in politics, but today is particularly sad.

"It is sad that a great Prime Minister and a great leader should go in this way. I think history will judge him well as someone who saved our country from the brink. He has led this country extremely well.

"I've known him since I was a child and he comes from West Berkshire. It is sad to lose somebody you admire and he had so much more to give, but I think it was inevitable after the decision the country took.

"Our economy is on the brink and it is something that will affect each and every one of my constituents. I hope the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and the Bank of England can get together in the coming days to steady the ship."

Mr Benyon added: "It was right to give the country the choice. I regret the decision they took but I feel proud that we stood up and honoured our manifesto pledge."

When asked who he would like to see as the next Prime Minister, Mr Benyon said: "There are a lot of talented people but I have absolutely no idea. In previous leadership elections I have nailed my colours to a mast but this time round I don't know."

MP for Reading West Alok Sharma also said he will be extremely sorry to see the Prime Minister go.

He added: He has been an extremely good prime minister over the last six years and we now have record levels of employment and growth in our economy.

Speaking about who he would like to see replace Mr Cameron he said: We have to wait and see who puts himself forward.

The process will evolve over the next few months so well have to see who the runners and riders are before we can make a decision.

The Conservative MP added: We had a good result to remain in Reading but as someone who campaigned for Remain Im very disappointed by the overall result in the country, however it is the democratic will of the nation.
Views given as to impact on motoring, property and money

VIEWS on motoring, the economy and property following Britain voting to leave the European Union have been coming in.

Businesses and organisations have reacted to the news, saying how they think the decision will affect the country.

Vodafone, which has its international headquarters in West Berkshire and backed Remain, issued the following statement:

"The political and economic consequences of the UK's withdrawal from the EU are for others to consider now that the UK electorate has reached its decision.

"In terms of the implications for Vodafone, each of our country businesses operates as a standalone entity able to adapt to a wide range of local conditions.

"As we said before the referendum, we remain committed to supporting our UK customers regardless as to the outcome, now and in the future."

The FTSE 100 dropped 8.7 per cent as Britain woke up to Brexit, with the pound hitting a 30-year low.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which has offices in Newbury, said there could be opportunities in the wake of Brexit.

Partner at Irwin Mitchell asset management, Richard Potts, said: The vote for the UK to leave the EU has triggered a big fall in the FTSE 100 as investors react to the result. However, this decline will probably present good buying opportunities for investors.

"The fall in the value of sterling will benefit those companies with large overseas earnings. As many of these companies are large and overseas earnings represent a significant proportion of companies in the FTSE, this boost to earnings could attract buyers.

"Coupled with this is that the economic implications of Leave will take many years to unfold could see a quick recovery from any initial sell off."

On the impact for Newbury businesses, Simon Fenton, employment law partner at Irwin Mitchell, said: All employers will have to continue to follow all existing UK laws for two years after the exit notice is served.

"European Directives, such as those regulating working time and holiday entitlement, TUPE, collective redundancies, discrimination and agency workers have been implemented via primary legislation in the UK and the UK Government will have to decide whether to amend or repeal these.

"They will not however fall away automatically, simply because of Brexit. Employers, for example, will not therefore suddenly be able to insist that their staff work over 48 hours per week or take fewer holidays.

Elsewhere in the business sector, Newbury-based chairman of property consultancy Carter Jonas, Simon Pallett, said: With a vote to leave, the UK property market is unlikely to escape the wider economic instability which is anticipated over the coming months.

"Looking forward, we firmly believe that fundamentals will continue to drive the UK property market. The UK has one of the largest and most sophisticated property markets in the world and because of this it should remain a magnet for global occupiers and investors.

And as the UK votes to take the road away from the EU, the AA has issued advice for concerned motorists.

It said that petrol prices were likely to rise in the period of instability and the pound falling overnight.

Brits driving abroad must display a GB sign and could be fined for not doing so. However, the AA said it was unclear if the GB Euro-plates will still be valid in the EU.

There will be no immediate effect on British drivers taking their car over the Channel and in terms of roadside assistance on the continent we can assure our members that they will be unaffected.

Under current EU legislation, anyone who has a car that they insure can legally drive their car in any other EU country and benefit from the minimum level of insurance cover (usually third party) that applies in the countries visited. Although there will be no immediate change to this arrangement, it could be withdrawn in the longer term.

The EU directive making it illegal to base the cost the cost of insurance using gender as a risk factor could be reversed.

However, the AA doesnt believe reversal of this directive is likely given that the industry has now adapted well to the new ruling and there would be a significant cost to insurers to do so.

There is no change to travel insurance cover for travellers planning to go to Europe and existing policies will continue to be effective. Similarly, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which provides reciprocal health cover in EU countries will continue to apply.

At present border controls between the UK and other European countries exist but they are likely to become more onerous. While this might lead to greater delays for travellers and increased bureaucracy it may have much greater implications for the freight transport industry. It could also lead to limits on how much duty free could be brought home.

AA president Edmund King said: "While the fallout of the referendum result will continue to be discussed, there are lots of points drivers will want to see resolved. As the voice of the motorist we will ensure that their views are heard loud in clear throughout the negotiation process.

"Driving abroad anything can happen but we would like to reassure our members with AA European Breakdown Cover that they will continue to get a first class service coordinated from our control centre in Lyon.

"Fuel prices will be the biggest immediate concern of drivers with the weaker pound and the Chancellor's prediction that leaving the EU would lead to fuel duty increases. We will oppose duty increases and continue to monitor the situation on behalf of our members."

The AA did not take a position on the referendum and declared it was for members to decide.
Charlene Gomez is living most parents worst nightmare, having just buried her child. Her heart is broken and she feels the community has remained silent.

She wants that to change.

He wasnt an innocent young man by all means, said Gomez, who lives in North Carolina. ... but thats my baby. I know the best side of him. ... He did the best that he could.

Gomez is the mother of Daniel Harris, who was killed shortly after midnight June 11 at the Haines Stackfield American Legion in the 100 block of West Penn Street in Carlisle in front of roughly 20 people in what police have described as an assassination.

Stephen Latshaw, interim chief of the Carlisle Police Department, said his department has received some tips through Crime Watch, and that detectives have been able to speak with some of the people at the bar.

Its such a brazen crime, he said. You just wonder why you have 20 people (in the bar) and were still plugging along.

Latshaw said the suspect is described as a black male with a medium build.

He would not say if the person captured on a surveillance video fleeing the scene was the shooter, but said police are very interested in speaking to that person.

Community help

(Our family is) devastated and deflated, Gomez said Friday. Everyone is trying to catch their breath.

Now, Gomez is calling on the community, and specifically those who witnessed the shooting, to come forward to help police catch her sons killer.

Twenty-five people dont say anything, but you show up for a vigil, Gomez said. Who are you Carlisle? ... They watched. ... They saw him (the shooter). They all saw him.

Gomez said she understands that people are afraid. She said she understands that people may fear retaliation if they come forward or that they may be afraid the killer remains on the streets.

If you get a rat in a corner, youre going to get more violence, she said.

She said shes scared and even questioned what she would do if put in the same situation.

I ask myself would I say something, she said. I cant even answer that.

But not speaking up is producing a community that is passively advocating violence, she said.

People just have to look at the legacy they are leaving for their kids, Gomez said As a result of not talking, they are building a community of people who are not safe. (It is allowing for) a new ruler who was not elected.

Gomez said she spoke with Mayor Tim Scott and detectives from the Carlisle Police Department while in town this week. She had nothing but praise for the job that they were doing.

Praise

The police are working to build a case, she said. I want them to take their time. I want this person prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

(The investigation) is one body with many parts, she added. If one part is missing (witnesses) it cant work.

With the help from Pennsylvania State Police and the Cumberland County Sheriffs Department, Latshaw said patrols and enforcement in the West Penn Street area have been increased since the shooting.

He said this shooting that likely was not a random incident.

He executed him, Latshaw said. We still need people to come forward. You cant just let this go. ... This guy needs to be caught, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police through their anonymous phone line at 240-6660 or through their website carlislepd.com.
Robert Anderson was not afraid of combat. In fact, he welcomed it. It was this trait that led to him voluntarily join the Marines during the Vietnam War in 1965.

Anderson, a Chicago native and current Boiling Springs resident, had just arrived at a base in El Toro after finishing Marine boot camp and ordinance school.

I got to the base and signed in and, interestingly enough, the guy at desk asked if there was any particular outfit I wanted to go into, Anderson said. I said, Whats the next outfit going over to Vietnam? He told me that they deployed in about two months. I said, Put me in that outfit. There was a war going on and Marines fight wars. It seemed logical to me.

It was the glory of being a Marine that had initially sparked Andersons interest when he was in high school.

When I was young, my mom and dad divorced, Anderson said. It is hard to figure out what a guy is supposed to act like when you dont have a male role model to guide you. In high school, I would go over and talk to the Marine (recruiter) and hed show me info about the Marines. I thought it looked manly and cool  the typical stuff for a young high school guy who doesnt really think of all the patriotism and hardship and just thinks Wow that looks like cool stuff and I could get a lot of girls.

Anderson joined the Marines through a delayed enlistment after he graduated, traveling to San Diego for training.

As soon as you get off the bus in the middle of the night, you realize that life as you know it is over in a big way, Anderson said. They spent the next three or four months hammering me around and turning a piece of iron into piece of steel, with much the impurity beaten out of it.

Prior to entering Vietnam, Anderson spent six months at an ordinance school in Jacksonville, Florida, where he learned to build bombs and rockets and take care of electrical systems.

His deployment came in mid-September 1965.

We took off from San Francisco and went to Okinawa for prep to go in country, Anderson said. Then we flew to Da Nang, and the one thing I remember more than anything is when I stepped off ramp, it was like being hit in the face with a wet blow torch. There was 99 percent humidity. The air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. They made us drink a pint of water just off of the plane.

Andersons first tour mainly entailed the maintenance and re-arming of weapons coming in and out of combat.

We were working seven days a week (and) 18 hours a day, and you sometimes had to go by the light of flares being dropped from the sky, Anderson said. It was really tough.

But by the end of this tour, Anderson was generally disappointed by his lack of combat involvement.

I didnt really get into any heavy combat  a few mortars but nothing really serious, Anderson said. There was all the back breaking and the lack of sleep, but that is not that terrible in the scheme of things. At end of the first tour I said, Look, I went through all this training to be a Marine and get into combat, and I havent seen any combat and, as stupid as it sounds, thats why I volunteered for Vietnam.

They said they needed a door gunner and I said, Im down, he added. I talked to the first sergeant and he got me in to see the commanding officer. I said I would be up for a second tour if I could come over into (their) area and be a door gunner. He said OK and said their guy was due to rotate out in a few months.

Anderson worked at an interim position hauling bombs before finally taking to the skies as a gunner. This position quickly proved to be much more harrowing.

Once when I was flying, we were doing infantry support and strafing a village, Anderson said. We realized one of the exterior guns was jammed on my side. The pilot asked me to fix it so we could get back in the fight, so I said give me a shot. I crawled outside the helicopter on the skid at 2,500 feet.

After two tries I finally (fixed) it and suddenly I heard this bang-bang-bang, he added. I thought we were taking fire and Im here outside the helicopter. Low and behold the banging sound was my gunners belt. When I was getting out, my latch tripped on the belt and I didnt put the locking pin in, so I was hanging out there on the breeze with nothing to keep me on but my hands. I never forgot that again. It was the little things like that. Things you didnt expect.

Anderson said he had several near-death experiences during this tour.

We got hit once and I remember looking between the helicopter commander and co-pilot and seeing all kinds of red and orange lights when they were supposed to be green, Anderson said. We were in the middle of a heavy jungle canopy at night, in enemy territory, if we went down. Thank God we didnt.

But Anderson made it through the tour, returning to the United States in June 1967. He finished his military career working as a lifeguard at a pool in Arizona.

I think they took pity on me for doing two tours back-to-back in Vietnam, Anderson said.

He said he turned to meditation to cope with lingering effects of the war.

(The war) really did change the direction of my life, Anderson said. When I got out, I was working a full-time job plus going to school and I was really ragged. A dear friend of mines mom was a teacher of transcendental meditation. She saw how much of a mess I was and she said Come here, sit down, shut up and dont say anything until we are finished. She taught me how to meditate.

Since then, Anderson has continued to use meditation techniques and philosophies to approach life. He eventually authored the book, Warriors Song: The Journey Home, which explores the psychological and philosophical aspects of military involvement.

I work as an engineer and a consultant now, and when I need to (get) an answer to a question or Im facing problem, I simply stop worrying about it, Anderson said. I know what the question is and then I let go of it (and) 100 percent of time, in a very short period of time, the answer materializes. Then you apply it to the outside world.

Anderson has lived in Boiling Springs for around 25 years. He said he is preparing to retire.

Tough situations can either crush you or strengthen you  its your attitude, Anderson said. The takeaway is to never ever be a victim. Victims always fail. Know that if you want solutions and are passionate about that solution, it will happen through aligning yourself with your potential. When we do that, the universe comes knocking to help us.
The PPL Foundation Thursday announced it is awarding more than $450,000 in sustaining grants to 95 nonprofit organizations across the state, including $100,000 of funding to organizations in the Midstate.

The awards will support a variety of projects in PPL Foundations focus areaseducation, workforce development and community revitalization. The foundations sustaining grants range from $1,000 to $25,000 each and provide organizations with funding for specific projects or general operating funds.

As a company that delivers electricity, our commitment to the communities we serve drives our work every day. And, we also see that commitment brought to life through more than 400 PPL employees who live, work and volunteer in their hometowns and cities across the south central Pennsylvania area, said Jess Long, regional affairs director for PPL. Were thrilled to be able to provide funding to support a dozen local, non-profit organizations who work every single day to make our communities better.

There are three organizations in Cumberland County that received awards.

LEAF (Leadership Education and Farming) received $16,400 for cultivating young leaders through farming work, Hope Station Opportunity Area Neighborhood Council received $4,000 for community outreach and Safe Harbour received $5,000 for its Bridge Housing program.
Quiz master, educationist Neil O'Brien passes away

Published: June 24, 2016

Neil OBrien, a pioneer of quizzing in India and educationalist passed away in Kolkata, West Bengal. He was 82.

He was also leader of the Anglo-Indian community and was former member of Lok Sabha. He is father of MP and TMC vice president Derek OBrien.

About Neil OBrien

He was one of the first quiz masters in India and had conducted the first well-organised, formal quiz in 1967 at Christ the King Church Parish Hall in the city.

He was the president-in-chief of All-India Anglo-Indian Association (AIAIA) and also had headed the Frank Anthony group of schools. He also was thrice nominated Anglo-Indian MLA in West Bengal assembly.

As an educationist, he had served as the chairman of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) from 1993 to 2011 and also as managing director of Oxford University Press, India.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2016

Topics: Anglo India  Neil O'Brien  Obituary  Persons in News  West Bengal

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Spooky events, stomp grapes and the return of the Kings this weekend

Its the spookiest time of the year, and there are a few events happening this weekend in Newport County to mark the occasion.
The St. Francois County Commission recently discussed membership fees for the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission and its benefits to the county.

Associate Commissioner Patrick Mullins said every year they budget for membership fees for the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission.

I just want to touch base with this and the entitys dues are used to match state and federal grants, said Mullins, all of which fund the staff who provide members with technical assistance in areas of community and economic development.

Mullins said entity has developed a strong working relationship with the Missouri Department of Transportation.

They have created the transportation advisory committee and what we basically do is get with the municipalities to see where improvements need to be made with the MoDOT system, said Mullins. They have also assisted us in grant writing and administration.

Mullins added they are also in charge of the environmental quality issues and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act.

All the grants I have personally been involved with, I have gotten the heads up from the SEMO RPC, said Mullins. The Energize Missouri Act back in 2010, Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, the scrap tire grant and obviously the courthouse grant here pretty soon.

Mullins asked the commission to renew their membership dues and made a motion to do so in the amount of $12,754.48.

Associate Commissioner Gay Wilkinson said he couldnt imagine them operating without the SEMO Regional Plannings assistance and membership with them.

While this is a lot of money, it is well-spent money and I am very happy to vote for it, said Wilkinson.

Mullins said all the municipalities in St. Francois County are also members of this organization and the way they figure up the cost is based on the census.

Its back on the 2010 census, so the past couple of years the amount has stayed the same, said Mullins. This is a good organization and Im also proud to say I am chairman of this organization down there.

The commission voted in favor in renewing their membership with the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission.
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Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
Columnist

Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich).
FARMINGTON -- Paula Kay Baker, of Farmington, passed away June 23, 2016, at Mercy St. Johns in St. Louis at the age of 68. She was born April 21, 1948, in Bonne Terre to the late Paul Johnson and Flora (Forsythe) Johnson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, David Johnson; and one granddaughter, Phoenix Ramsey.

Paula was a 1966 graduate of Flat River High School and went on to attend college at Mineral Area where she attained an associate degree in Nursing. For seventeen years she worked for Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Festus. In 2006 Paula retired from her nursing career and enjoyed her favorite pastimes, camping and fishing. She and her husband enjoyed extensive travel throughout her retirement years. She was a faithful member of the Gospel Light Freewill Baptist Church of Bonne Terre. She enjoyed her church family and the weekly game night fellowships with them. Her family will most remember her for her fun loving spirit and her love for her family.

Survivors include her husband of thirty years, Lawrence Lee Baker; her children, Tina (Karl Hicks) Ramsey of the state of Illinois and Christy Ramsey, of the state of California; three step-children, Tera (David) Webb of Bonne Terre, Angela Mull of Potosi and Scottie (Stephanie) Baker of Park Hills; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; nieces, nephews and extended family.

Friends and family may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Monday, June 27 from 5-8 p.m. Visitation will resume at 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning until the time of the funeral service beginning at 10 a.m. in the Cozean Chapel with Rev. Larry Allison officiating. Interment will follow at Libertyville Christian Cemetery in Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Paula's name to St. Jude Childrens Hospital. View the tribute video, the online obituary and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.
One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021
By Eleanor McDermid

Patients with a low Athens QRS score are highly likely to have coronary artery disease (CAD) even if they have a normal exercise stress test (EST), say researchers.

Such patients "may warrant further evaluation with another imaging modality, such as nuclear EST, stress echocardiography, or cardiac catheterization", say Eduard Sklyar (BronxLebanon Hospital Center, New York, USA) and study co-authors.

The team found that CAD was present on coronary angiography in 77.0% of 56 patients with a low Athens QRS score (5), despite them having a negative EST.

By contrast, it was present in just 11.3% of 229 patients with a normal score and a negative EST, they report in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Single vessel CAD was present in 47.0% versus 7.5% of patients with a low and normal Athens QRS score, respectively, and multivessel disease was present in 30.0% versus 3.8%.

The researchers found a low Athens QRS score to be 62% sensitive and 94% specific for CAD. They say the high specificity is partly because they excluded patients with ST-segment depression, whereas previous studies focused on patients with abnormal EST results.

"Our study extends the utility of the Athens QRS score in CAD detection in the group of patients who have otherwise normal EST, and may provide an additional noninvasive method for identifying patients with CAD", they observe.

The study participants were aged an average of 55 years, mostly Hispanic or African American, and had a high rate of cardiometabolic comorbidities. There were no clinical or demographical differences between patients with and without a low Athens QRS score, although older age and the presence of diabetes became significant predictors of CAD on binary logistic regression analysis.

And the only differences during EST were a significantly lower maximum heart rate among the patients with a low Athens QRS score versus those without (133 vs 149 bpm), lower maximum systolic blood pressure (162 vs 169 mmHg) and higher maximum diastolic blood pressure (101 vs 95 mmHg).

Low heart rate remained predictive of CAD on binary logistic regression analysis, as was a low Athens QRS score, with an odds ratio of almost 37.

The team concludes that patients with a low Athens QRS score need further evaluation, even if they have normal EST results. "Furthermore, patients with recurrent or persistent chest pain, but normal QRS score, and absence of ST depression, may not require further invasive testing", they suggest.

Source: J Am Heart Assoc 2016; 5: e002832

Licensed from medwireNews with permission from Springer Healthcare Ltd. Springer Healthcare Ltd. All rights reserved. Neither of these parties endorse or recommend any commercial products, services, or equipment.
The remarkable progress made over the past 30 years to reduce fractures and dramatically improve the quality of life for millions of osteoporosis patients is rapidly being reversed, say two bone health experts in a Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (JBMR) article published online today.

Sundeep Khosla, MD, a practicing endocrinologist, research scientist, professor of medicine and director of the Clinical and Translational Science Award Program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Elizabeth Shane, MD, a practicing endocrinologist, research scientist, professor of medicine and vice chair for clinical and epidemiological research at Columbia University in New York explain in their article A Crisis in the Treatment of Osteoporosis that too many patients at high risk for fractures are not being diagnosed or treated to prevent them. They summarize evidence that shows that high-risk patients are not getting appropriate therapy despite research showing the effectiveness of several osteoporosis drugs in preventing fractures. Khosla and Shane also outline how the field arrived at its current situation, citing research analyzing parallel trends in media and public concern about rare side effects with a decline in the use of osteoporosis drug prescriptions and an increase in hip fractures.

The authors state: "While there are certainly controversies in the field of osteoporosis, there are also issues upon which there is complete or near-complete agreement: specifically, there is consensus that patients with hip fracture should receive pharmacological treatment to prevent additional fractures, as they are clearly at risk for recurrent hip or other osteoporotic fractures, and initiation of bisphosphonate therapy after hip fracture has been shown to reduce the risk of a second hip fracture."

"We should be viewing the future for our patients with osteoporosis with unparalleled optimism, because we now have several drugs that can markedly reduce fracture incidence, by as much as 70% in the case of vertebral fractures. Thus, while physicians still struggle to treat many other conditions that are currently intractable, including Alzheimer's and many cancers, the good news is that the prevention of fractures is clearly within our reach. And yet, despite the development of several effective drugs to prevent fractures, many patients, even those who unequivocally need treatment, are either not being prescribed osteoporosis medications at all, or when prescribed, refuse to take them."

Nearly 65 percent of people in the United States who are 65 years old and older have osteoporosis or low bone mass and are at risk for a fracture, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and with an aging population , the prevalence of the disease is projected to rise. Data collected by the National Committee for Quality Assurance show that currently only 25 percent of patients who suffer a fracture are treated. Meanwhile, hip fracture patients' use of osteoporosis medications following fracture decreased from 15 percent to 3 percent between 2004 and 2013.
Research published yesterday in Nature Communications has revealed a previously unknown mechanism by which metastasizing cancer cells survive when they break away from the primary tumor. It is hoped that the discovery could help with the development of novel cancer treatments that prevent metastasis.

Cancer cells often breakaway from the primary tumor in order to spread to new sites around the body. These breakaway cancer cells will settle at different locations and develop into new tumors.

This spreading process is known as metastasis and is the reason that treating cancer is so challenging. It is frequently these secondary cancer growths, rather than the primary tumor, that are fatal.

Until now, it was not known how the breakaway cancer cells survived once they left the relative security of the tumor. Individual cells are generally quite vulnerable and would be expected to die once detached from the protection of a tissue mass.

Metastasis is currently incurable and remains one of the key targets of cancer research. Our research advances the knowledge of how two key molecules communicate and work together to help cancer cells survive during metastasis." "We're hoping that this might lead to the discovery of new drugs to block the spread of cancer within the body". Lead researcher Dr Stephanie Kermorgant.

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London studied cancer cells in culture, zebrafish and mice investigating how they changed on breaking away from the parent tumor. They discovered that an integrin protein, beta-1, pairs up with another protein called c-Met and enters the cell to initiate a novel survival mechanism.

The paired proteins travel to the part of the cell usually used to degrade and recycle old cell material. This unusual location is transformed into a communication center from where the protein pair issues signals to the rest of the cell telling it to resist death.

Further research showed that metastases were less likely to form when the beta-1 and c-Met pair was prevented from reaching the special location within the cell.

Integrins are proteins on the cell surface that allow a cell to attach to and interact with its surroundings. They are already known to play a role in cancer by facilitating the attachment of cancer cells to their chosen site in the body.

The latest research, however, indicates that when cancer cells break away from the tumor integrin proteins take on a new role. Instead of their usual adhesion role, they switch to providing within-cell signaling. Such communication has never been seen with integrin proteins before.

Although integrin inhibitor drugs already play a significant role in cancer therapy, they currently target the adhesive function of integrins by blocking them on the surface of the cancer cell. The newly discovered novel role of integrins within the cancer cell indicates that it is also necessary to prevent integrin from being internalized into the cell.

It is hope that this increased understanding of the role of integrins in cancer metastases could allow better cancer therapies to be designed. Ultimately, this could lead to more effective treatment combinations that not only slow tumor growth but also prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
Computed tomography (CT) scans are an invaluable diagnostic tool in modern medicine, but they do come at a price: exposing patients to potentially dangerous ionizing radiation. Doctors and other healthcare professionals may not be fully aware of a CT scan's effect on lifetime malignancy risk. A new study in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences surveyed doctors, radiologists, and imaging technologists regarding their beliefs about radiation exposure from CT. The survey found that while most respondents recognized there is an increased risk of cancer from CT, many underestimated the actual radiation dose.

Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan wanted to assess healthcare providers' knowledge regarding radiation dosing from CT scans. Using a survey of medical professionals in Saskatchewan, investigators found that 73% of physicians, 97% of radiologists, and 76% of technologists correctly identified that there is an increased cancer risk from one abdominal-pelvic CT. However, only 18% of physicians, 28% of radiologists, and 22% of technologists were able to correctly identify the dose in relation to chest x-rays. Although 48% of physicians, 78% of radiologists and 63% of technologists either accurately estimated or overestimated this dose, many respondents underestimated the dose level.

"Underestimating radiation dose from a CT scan is more concerning than knowing the exact dose level, particularly when it is a vast underestimation, as this may lead to minimization of the risk estimate when considering a test," explained lead investigator David Leswick, MD, FRCPC, Department of Medical Imaging, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan).

The issue of radiation exposure is significant as doctors continue to order CT scans with increasing frequency. In Canada alone, there were an estimated 4.4 million CT scans conducted in 2011-2012. Measured in millisieverts (mSv), the average radiation dose from an abdominal-pelvic CT is 10 mSv, compared to 0.02 to 0.2 mSv from one chest x-ray, meaning that a radiation dose from a CT scan is best approximated as between that from 100-250 chest radiographs.

"Although risk from radiation dose levels in the range of medical imaging procedures is small, it is real as evidenced from atomic bomb survivors and nuclear industry workers showing significantly increased risk of malignancy after exposure to doses in the range of diagnostic CT," said Dr. Leswick. "The risk of fatal malignancy may be as high as 1 in 1000 for a 10-mSv exposure (approximate dose of an abdomen-pelvis CT). This risk is significant on a population basis, with up to 2% of cancers in the United States population possibly attributable to CT."

With such a clear risk relationship between radiation exposure and cancer, it is imperative that healthcare providers understand the facts to ensure the benefits outweigh the possible danger when ordering a diagnostic CT. The survey indicated that 93% of respondents were interested in radiation dose feedback when considering ordering a CT scan. Automated dose calculation software and radiology information systems can be integrated into electronic ordering, which would give doctors immediate access to information when considering ordering a scan.

Another interesting aspect highlighted by the survey was some confusion regarding radiation exposure from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. MRIs and ultrasounds do not employ ionizing radiation and yet 20% of physicians, 6% of radiologists, and 7% of technologists attributed radiation exposure to MRIs and 11% of physicians, 0% of radiologists, and 7% of technologists believed an ultrasound used radiation. "Belief that ionizing radiation is utilized by ultrasound and MRI is troubling as it may result in underutilization of these imaging modalities because of unfounded radiation concerns," added Dr. Leswick.

While CT scans can be a lifesaving diagnostic tool, they also present a potential danger if they are overused or incorrectly implemented. It is vital that doctors and other healthcare practitioners fully understand the implications of ordering a CT scan and that patients are counseled appropriately about all available forms of testing and the potential radiation exposure involved.

"Unfortunately, healthcare providers including physicians, radiologists, and medical imaging technologists are often not aware of radiation doses for common CT scans," concluded Dr. Leswick. "It is important for healthcare professionals (including referring physicians, radiologists, and technologists) to be aware of radiation dose levels and risks from imaging tests for several reasons, including the ability to weigh the risks and benefits of tests, counsel patients on relevant risks, optimize protocols to minimize radiation dose, and select appropriate protocols to minimize radiation dose."
Saint Louis University's vaccine center has been tapped by the National Institutes of Health to conduct a human clinical trial of a vaccine to prevent the Zika virus, which can cause devastating birth defects in babies.

The study, which will not start for several months, will be conducted at SLU's Center for Vaccine Development and at a research site partnering with SLU in Puerto Rico, a territory where local mosquitos are transmitting Zika virus infection.

Sarah George, M.D., a flavivirus expert and associate professor of infectious diseases at SLU is the principal investigator. She calls the research critically important to global health.

"We are seeing widespread Zika in the Americas as well as Puerto Rico," George said.

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"As of June, 45 states have reported cases of Zika, contracted by people who have traveled to or have had sexual contact with someone who traveled to places where Zika is circulating locally. We need a vaccine to protect people from this emerging infectious disease that can cause microcephaly and other severe brain defects in babies."

Zika is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which also transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses. Zika also can be sexually transmitted.

About 80 percent of those who contract Zika have no symptoms. Those who feel sick typically have symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, joint pain, or red eyes that last four to seven days. A small number of those infected develop Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which can cause temporary paralysis.

The most significant health problems affect unborn babies, whose mothers contract Zika during pregnancy. The developing babies of infected mothers may develop serious complications including death and microcephaly (abnormally small brains) and vision problems.

"This could be similar to what we used to see with rubella (German measles). Frequently women got infected during pregnancy and didn't realize it because their symptoms were so mild. However about a third of their babies had very serious birth defects," George said.

"We developed a vaccine, the MMR vaccine, that is given to children and has virtually eliminated rubella and its associated birth defects. Our hope is a Zika vaccine can accomplish the same goal. By immunizing people early, by the time they're of child-bearing age, they'd have immunity to this virus and it's possible their babies would be protected. However there are a lot of things we don't know about Zika and a lot we are still learning."

SLU is eligible to conduct the research because its VTEU is one of nine elite institutions selected in 2013 by the National Institutes of Health to study vaccines of the future that will protect people from infectious diseases and emerging threats.
insights from industry Dr. Robert Amyot President, CAE Healthcare

An interview with Dr Robert Amyot, conducted by James Ives (MPsych)

How important is simulation in healthcare? What is being done differently in other high pressure high cost areas that arent being done in the training of healthcare professionals?

The best example is in aviation, which has been the primary mission of our parent company CAE Inc. The first mandatory courses in civil aviation, known as Cockpit Resource Management or CRM, were implemented decades ago.

Most of us dont remember a time when pilots and crews learned to fly without simulation. We cant imagine taking a flight with a crew that is flying for the first time and has only theoretical knowledge of the cockpit and the plane.

In healthcare, we have physicians, nurses and paramedics who know the textbook by heart and know exactly what they need to do, but have never experienced the procedure first-hand, or they have no experience responding to adverse events that may occur.

Simulating a code blue adverse event with CAE healthcares iStan simulator. Courtesy of CAE Healthcare.

Currently though, this is how healthcare professionals are taught, first theoretically, then directly on patients under supervision of more experienced healthcare workers.

What do you think simulation best teaches students that cant be learnt with theoretical learning?

Communication is one of the key skills that simulation teaches in a live scenario with multiple learners interacting. For example, if you're in an operating room with open-heart surgery and 10 people gravitating around the patient, you need to properly communicate.

Simulation training at USC Keck School of Medicine. Courtesy of CAE Healthcare.

You need to have some kind of situational governance. Both the anesthesiologist and the surgeon may be doing the right thing, but if they don't properly communicate they may be going in different directions.

In healthcare, we need to learn how to interact and work in a team environment, and that's key. Weve been putting a lot of effort around that. We see teams of professionals around patient simulators, fully immersed. Nobody takes a step back to challenge the realism of the experience. They're completely into it. That's the goal. That's how they're going to learn.

What is being done to increase realism in the physical simulators? How complicated can they feasibly become? Do they have pain sensors/emotions/underlying conditions?

We're transferring best practices and technologies from our full flight simulators to our healthcare simulators. Right now the technology is rapidly evolving. For example, because of the miniaturization of processors in smartphones, we have been able to make our simulators more and more intelligent. In the future, there are endless possibilities to what we could do to increase realism.

Demonstration of the internal complexity of CAE healthcare simulators. Courtesy of CAE Healthcare.

We can already simulate giving medication to our simulated patients, and because they have integrated physiology, they're going to react accordingly, like live patients.

What does CAE Healthcare offer in the simulated medical teaching industry? What does makes CAE Healthcare unique?

CAE Healthcare is the most innovative player in the field of healthcare simulation. Innovation is in our DNA. The breadth of our portfolio in high-fidelity simulation also makes CAE Healthcare unique.

CAE Healthcare is a leading provider of high-fidelity patient simulators, interventional/surgical simulators and medical imaging simulators, mostly for ultrasound. We also offer the most realistic phantoms, models on which you can practice ultrasound-guided procedures.

CAE Healthcares latest ultrasound simulators, the Vimedix. Courtesy of CAE Healthcare.

CAE Healthcare is also the leader in audiovisual and center management solutions, which are like the central nervous system of a simulation center. They are used to coordinate scheduling, performance assessment and everything that's going to be useful for debriefing.

Finally, we have the educational content for the simulators. We're not just selling hardware. We're selling a solution. Whats exceptional about our simulators is that they come with the right content and that added layer of knowledge comes from our Academy.

We're unique because we have 20 full-time clinicians and instructors working full-time for the company. I'm a cardiologist by trade, I used to be an instructor and university professor. We also have a network of adjunct faculty that provide content and allow us to offer services.

Our solutions range from consultancy to staffing training centers to designing and building training centers, exactly what CAE does in aviation. We have the largest portfolio in the healthcare simulation industry, and because we offer all these segments, it makes a difference in our potential solutions. We create physiology-driven patient simulators. Our platforms are driven by sophisticated models that emulate physiology. Theres no other company doing that in our field.

When you perform an intervention on a patient simulator or a surgical platform, the simulator will adapt just like a patient would. The instructor doesn't have to change the vital signs or physiology as they go. It's automatic, and the simulator models the reactions of a normal patient.

What applications have CAE products been used for?

We're a global company, with a presence in 120 countries, and we're leveraging the network of CAE Inc.

We cover a range of specialties. We sell both to the civilian and the military markets. We cover EMS, trauma and military as well as nursing and medicine.

We supply patient simulators to medical schools, but we also provide interventional simulators and ultrasound simulators, which are more tailored to physicians and healthcare providers.

What features are used to convey realism in the simulators?

We have a number of features that bring about realism. For us, the most important aspect of realism is to make sure that the platforms are going to fulfill the training needs.

That's where we put our focus. Our simulators have to accurately respond as human beings would during the intervention. Its a key differentiator for us on all different types of platforms. For example, our virtual reality interventional simulators are haptic-enabled which means that they provide force feedback and make the procedures more realistic.

Weve been taking ideas from the civil aviation side of CAE Inc. where they have strong capabilities in terms of visual effects of simulation. This is one of the technologies we're translating to healthcare

The visual technology inspired our virtual reality ultrasound, which is very realistic. Ultrasound is unique in comparison to other imaging methodologies. Unlike CT or MRI scanning where the machine produces the images, ultrasound is completely operator-dependent.

Screenshot of the software actively simulating the real time movement of the trainee. Courtesy of CAE Healthcare.

If you do an echo exam of the heart, you need to be exactly between 2 ribs, avoiding all the shadows and artifacts of the lungs and ribs to capture the right image. Deviate a few degrees or millimeters to the left or right and you miss the image. In our simulator, the manipulation and tracking of the ultrasound probe is extremely accurate. That's key to acquiring the skills that are central to proper ultrasound scanning.

In every segment of our business, we put significant energy and resources to making our products as realistic as possible. CAE Inc., in all its segments has achieved this kind of high fidelity. One of our key goals is to maintain the reputation of being a high fidelity powerhouse.

After each training simulation with physical simulators, how easy is it to replace the constituent parts, the skin and organs that have been cut and operated upon? How long is the lifetime of each of the products before parts are replaced?

Most of them are incredibly robust. The Blue Phantom models, for example, are marketed for their durability. They have a patented tissue technology that withstands thousands of needle punctures without creating any holes or hints for the following students.

Blue Phantom injection and ultrasounds simulator. Courtesy of CAE Healthcare.

Obviously, procedures that involve cutting will need repairing and replacing after a time. We offer products for procedures like cannulation or practicing injection, which have an incredible lifespan and can be used multiple times.

Customers who purchased from us maybe 12, 13 years ago are still using that same equipment. Those machines are still going. We're quite proud of that. A few of our early simulators with a serial number in the single digits are still around, and still working.

What limitations are there in simulated teaching? What cant be simulated? Do you think this scenarios will be overcome in the future?

Right now, we have the technology to generate extremely realistic scenarios, so the question becomes "what is educationally needed?" We could create mannequins and interventions or scenarios that look more realistic, but it's not a decision of the company. That is a discussion that we have with our customers and the experts.

What we aim for is fulfilling the educational need, and we achieve that. I have seen simulation scenarios where the students cry at the end because they lost the patient.

The patient is plastic and pixels, but they feel as though they lost a patient. We have achieved the suspension of disbelief, which is our goal. We want really to transport the learners into the exact stresses they would experience with a patient, with the adrenaline rush that makes it very difficult to think properly and very difficult to act properly if the next step is not a reflex.

This experiential learning is all about creating reflexes and muscle memory in preparation for real and catastrophic occurrences when they will need to think fast. We achieve that with the suspension of disbelief.

We currently have technology that's more than sufficient to achieve that suspension of disbelief. The students are really immersed into it, and that's a great accomplishment.

What does the future hold for simulated medical teaching and simulation models? What does the future hold for CAE healthcare?

Right now, we're in the early adoption phase for simulation in healthcare, in contrary to other high-stakes environments where simulation is mandatory. If you look at nuclear plants, aviation, or the military, they all adopted simulation decades ago.

Healthcare has been trailing behind for a number of reasons, but I think the catch-up phase has already begun. We're on the steep part of the slope as we start to realize the impact of preventable harm from medical errors.

The latest research suggests that close to half a million US patients die every year due to preventable harm. This makes medical errors the third leading cause of mortality.

Now that we know that, and we have the knowledge to improve these numbers, we're at the tipping point where there's a consensus that we should adopt simulation to better prepare.

Simulation is not only about simulators. As I said, it's training. Simulators are an instrument, part of a more global approach. That includes a shift in culture, including the high-reliability organization principles that other industries have adopted. The checklist. Proper communication. Mandatory, regular recertification. You don't necessarily need a simulator for all of that all the time, but it's part of this culture of minimizing risk and optimizing safety in a healthcare environment.

Where can readers find more information?

caehealthcare.com

About Robert Amyot

Dr. Robert Amyot was appointed President, CAE Healthcare in April 2014. Dr. Amyot was previously CAE Healthcares Vice President for Medical Programs and Chief Medical Officer, a position he held since January 2012. For two years prior to that, he served as Director of Ultrasound Education for CAE.

In 2006, Dr. Amyot initiated the Vimedix project and is the inventor of the first simulator for transthoracic echocardiography to incorporate virtual reality technology. He cofounded VIMEDIX Virtual Medical Imaging Training Systems, which was acquired by CAE Healthcare in January of 2010. The CAE Vimedix ultrasound simulator is now used in leading medical centers around the world, including the Mayo Clinic, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital.

A cardiologist-echocardiographer, Dr. Amyot graduated from University of Montreal in 1992 with a degree in medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Montreal, and subsequently gained fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in internal medicine in 1995 and in cardiology in 1996. In 2007, he was promoted to associate professor of medicine at the University of Montreal. He has published more than 60 book chapters, abstracts and articles, and has been involved as an investigator in more than 30 clinical trials, mostly in the field of echocardiography.
Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly and occurs in all ethnic and racial groups. It affects more than 5 million people age 65 and older in the United States alone and there is currently no effective treatment or cure. By identifying the genetic factors that contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk or protect against it, researchers hope to improve diagnosis, treatments and potentially prevent the disease.

Researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics (HIHG) have been awarded two new contracts from the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), entitled "Coordinating Center for Genetics and Genomics of Alzheimer's Disease (CGAD)" and "Replication and Extension of ADSP Discoveries in African-Americans." These newly awarded contracts are part of a global initiative to detect genetic factors associated with Alzheimer's disease risk in an effort to identify new targets for drug development.

"We are very excited to expand our work at the HIHG on the genetics of Alzheimer's disease," said Margaret Pericak-Vance, Ph.D., director of the HIHG and the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Professor of Human Genetics. "We are at a crucial point in the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project where we have the opportunity to replicate the findings from our Discovery Phase Cohort, moving us closer to new drug target identification. In addition, expanding our research to African Americans, a diverse and underrepresented group in Alzheimer's disease research, in combination with the ADSP efforts, has the potential to hasten translation of these findings into better treatments and potential preventions while making these therapies available to a broader section of the Alzheimer community."

The first project, CGAD, represents the replication phase for the presidentially-mandated Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP). In this project, whole exome sequence (the genes that make protein) data from more than 11,000 individuals (6,000 Alzheimer's disease patients and 5,000 cognitively intact individuals) and whole genome sequence data (3.3 billion base pairs each) from 500 individuals in families with multiple individuals with Alzheimer's disease are being analyzed.

Pericak-Vance is principal investigator of the NIA-funded Consortium for Alzheimer's Sequence Analysis (CASA), part of the ADSP. The newly-funded grant, CGAD, represents the ADSP replication phase following up on results from the ADSP discovery analysis. CGAD is a $10.8 million five-university effort led by collaborators at the University of Pennsylvania in partnership with the University of Miami, Case Western Reserve University, Boston University, Columbia University and University of Indiana. The University of Miami efforts for CGAD will be co-led by Pericak-Vance and Eden Martin, Ph.D., director of the Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics at the HIHG and professor of human genetics in the Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics.

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"Our initial discovery phase taught us much about handling 'big data' and harnessing the wealth of information in one's genomic sequence to identify gene targets for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease," said Martin. "Our replication efforts will build on this work and help, not only to validate findings, but to extend them to other racial and ethnic groups, thus expanding the scope of the science and potential impact of findings to patient populations."

The second funded research project, "Replication and Extension of ADSP Discoveries in African Americans," is co-led at the University of Miami by Pericak-Vance and Gary Beecham, Ph.D., director of research at HIHG and assistant professor in the Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics. Despite steady improvement in the overall health of the United States, individuals within underserved groups continue to be more vulnerable to lapses in care and are at increased risk for health problems. African Americans have a higher prevalence and incidence of dementia and AD than non-Hispanic white individuals, however, there have been considerably few studies that include this population. Thus, as new therapies are developed, these underserved groups may not benefit from these discoveries. The new funding will expand the HIHG's work on the genetics of Alzheimer's that affects diverse populations. Through this project, investigators at the HIHG will conduct a genomic study of Alzheimer's disease in African Americans by enrolling African American families that have multiple individuals with the disease. Since patient ascertainment is a key element in this project, HIHG staff will continue to educate diverse communities about the disease, warning signs and symptoms related to the disease and promote participation from individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's and their families.
News18  Blogs  World

America, Choose Wisdom Over Cowboy Trump

File photo of US Presidential candidate Donald Trump. (Reuters)

Politics and bigotry over death  that is the maxim of the Orlando massacre, extending to the battlefield of the highly polarised Presidential elections. 49 civilians in a gay nightclub gunned down by a man of Afghan descent - it has become the apt recipe for Republican candidate Donald Trump to reboot his hate politics against the Muslim community. With the support and blessing of the National Rifle Association, Trump has insulated the tragedy in Americas vintage terror narrative  which has hurt Muslim Americans ever since 9/11. Republicans have irresponsibly glossed over how a monster can easily acquire an assault rifle and end human life at will emphasising that arming more and more American citizens is key to preventing such tragedies.



The narrative is bolstered by 3 basic arguments. One, Omar Mateen was of Afghan descent, even though he was born and brought up in the United States. Two, the massacre was an intelligence failure where he was on the FBI watch list and an open investigation was closed against him. Three, and the most ridiculous argument from Fox News, a ban on assault weapons would not work as Mateen could have used a crock pot to carry out the massacre.



Firstly, no ones race makes him or her a mass murderer. Mateen was an American citizen and had no ties to Afghanistan. He never travelled to the Middle East to even suggest any links with terror groups. Only the colour of his skin and his name allowed him to fit into a terror profile. The same formula ignores cases where the shooter is a white Christian like Dylann Roof who carried out the Charleston church massacre killing 9 people in June 2015 and Adam Lanza who carried out the Sandy Hook elementary school massacre in December 2012, killing 28 people including 20 children. These shooters are seen as psychopaths, poster boys of a broken community, but Mateen is a terrorist.



Orlando was not even an intelligence failure. Omar Mateen did not drop off the FBI watch list because of snoozing agents - there was no evidence against him. The file on Mateen was closed as he had not joined any terrorist organization, didn't attended a terror training camp, or communicated with terror operatives about any plots. Suspects cannot be held for crimes they have not committed, and even a perfect law and order system cannot prevent crime, as it can never predict it with absolute certainty. It is a tradeoff we make for liberty.



The argument of the gun lobby oscillates between absurd extremes. Any form of regulation is equivalent to totalitarian government control while on the other hand it is argued that gun regulation never works. It is baffling how that case withstands scrutiny. By the same logic, drug laws should be suspended as they continue to be freely available, and immigration rules should be scrapped as people continue to enter the United States illegally. The rhetoric becomes dangerous when Presidential candidates like Trump say that the Paris attack could have been averted if the victims were armed. As a ludicrous safety measure, he has even advocated that people be allowed to carry concealed weapons in clubs.



On the other side of the debate, Hillary Clinton has taken a stand against the hate mongering, promising stronger gun control if elected President. She has emphasised that terror should never shake a nations faith in plurality adding that greater unity and acceptance is key to prevent the marginalisation that fuels the terror ideology. This message is now being taken forward by Muslim Democrats in Florida, who have teamed up with gay rights activists to counter the vitriol of the Republican camp.



The 2016 elections is the first time the Florida Democratic Party has officially recognised the American Muslim Democratic Caucus. In the wake of the Orlando massacre, the group is championing a unique political pitch to galvanise an alliance with the gay community, highlighting that both groups are regularly misunderstood and subject to discrimination, also finding common ground in opposing Trumps ascension to the White House. The American Muslim Democratic Caucus aims to rally the 700,000 member Muslim community in Florida against the Republican candidate, where only 200,000 are currently registered to vote.



Opponents have dubbed the Democratic Partys support to the Muslim caucus in Florida as its inability to address radical Islam, but the groups political push is the need of the hour in American politics. It is a necessary force to bolster Hillary Clintons narrative for stronger gun regulation against the venomous and divisive language of the Republicans and NRA who have used the Orlando tragedy to spread fear and fan communal hatred. It is potent for the ideological counter to emanate from the state where the terror attack took place, and rally Muslim voters in Florida under the Democratic banner to send out a powerful message against Donald Trumps politicking. The political bloc can also boost the Democrats in a state, which has regularly seen close Presidential elections.



The Orlando tragedy has revealed the bare bones of the two presidential campaigns and the character of their leaders. As both sides continue to lock horns till November, Hillary Clinton will continue to look more like a statesman, a pan American and unifying leader fit to occupy the White House. Trump meanwhile will slowly be

exposed as a foolhardy cowboy whose narrative of a divided America has done nothing more than erode the credibility of the Republicans, making social pariahs of party leaders and voters alike.
News18  Blogs  World

The UKs 'Darkest Hour or 'Finest Hour', to Borrow From Churchill?

His resignation is besides the point; a historical footnote that will refer to Cameron's exit after Brexit.

The United Kingdom's relationship with Continental Europe is full of comings and goings. More goings, rather.



In 1533 King George VIII left the Roman Catholic Church because he hated a woman and loved another. He became the head of the Church of England.



In 1940, Winston Churchill engineered a unified European Allied front against Hitler. He would later publish a book, "The Commonwealth Alone", to grieve his countrys diminished role in world affairs at the end of World War II, stating that for Britain to regain a foothold in the world "we must aim at nothing less than the Union of Europe as a whole".



In 2016, David Cameron his fellow-Conservative and Prime Minister, unfolded a convoluted political game which resulted in the United Kingdom voting to leave European Union.



There were other milestones in between which helped polarize both entities. To name a few, borrowing from Andrew Graham in The Guardian, "a (Margaret) Thatchers rebate on the budget, (John) Majors opt-out from the euro, (Tony) Blair keeping us out of Schengen, and (David) Camerons agreement to no more political integration".



From Great Britain versus Continental Europe, things have evolved or reduced  as the case may be  to United Kingdom versus European Union. Now that the die is cast on the latter, two more relationships remain. To crumble.



One, United Kingdom versus United Kingdom  it all depends on how long it takes for Northern Ireland and Scotland to seek referendums to leave the UK. Both Sinn Kein and Scottish National Party have voiced such sentiments already.



Two, United Kingdom versus the Commonwealth of Nations. The latter is a grouping of mostly former colonies of the UK aka Great Britain. Earlier it used to be the British Commonwealth, though even today the Queen is the titular monarch of 16 member countries, known collectively as the Commonwealth Realms.



The 53 members of this grouping, including south Asian countries along with India, see some relevance in the Commonwealth owing to the UK's membership of the European Union.



The Commonwealth members want to trade with Europe, okay, the UK will be their entry point. Not just that, they all speak English, have the same laws more or less and culture and business etiquette.



They also share the British sentiment of the UK being the gateway to Europe. With the UK voting to get out of EU, it will no longer be an entry point to Europe.



Also, some Commonwealth countries like Australia and New Zealand are negotiating direct trade deals with the EU. So, what is the point in this grouping remaining alive?



As we see, Churchills anguished cry for Commonwealth Alone was always just that  an anguished cry. Yes, the UK is one of the worlds richest countries. It is also very powerful. It will survive on its own, once, and if, the formal separation with the European Union takes place within the stipulated period of two years from now.



However, the Britons will shortly realize  like Churchill in 1945  that their economic status alone does not get them any political leverage anywhere. Whatever is left of it may be usurped by the Republic of Ireland. What is stopping Dublin from telling the Commonwealth nations that it can be the new entry point to Europe? They speak English, like the English. They have a similar legal system. They have socio-cultural roots across the Commonwealth territories. They are as good as London.



Whither the UK then? There is no Britannica. There is no European Union. There may not be a United Kingdom. There may not be a Commonwealth. There may be England and Wales alone.



Prime Minister David Cameron may be thinking about all this now. At leisure. He will go down in modern history as the only right-wing or conservative leader to drown his country in economic anarchy.



And why did he do it? In 2014, he faced criticism from within his party over immigration and the EU membership. The far-right UK Independence Party was becoming quite popular on these issues. So, as a political counter Cameron promised a referendum on EU membership.



It is the considered opinion of some that Cameron may have been diffident about returning to power in the 2015 general elections and that is why he talked about the referendum. But he did come back in the elections and he had to keep his promise. He personally was and is against exiting from the EU and in fact campaigned for the Remain vote even as many of his colleagues were campaigning for the Leave vote.



The campaign thus led to a ridiculous situation where the ruling Conservatives, just a year after returning to power in polls, strongly and openly divided over what is certainly the biggest national issue the UK has faced since the end of the second World War. That left Cameron where he is at the end of the Brexit vote -- the end of the pile.



His resignation is besides the point; a historical footnote that will refer to Cameron's exit after Brexit.



In the main, he thought it was protectionism. In the end, he led himself and his country towards isolationalism.


If you don't already know, the "Q" in LGBTQI stands for "Queer". But what exactly does that word mean? Queer is an umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities that are not heterosexual or not cisgender. Sayak Manna, one of the prominent queer activists of Kolkata, speaks about how the term queer came into existence and how it started referring to the alternate sexualities.He begins by explaining the derogatory origin of the word and how it was later reclaimed as an identity to fight bigotry. Then then talks about the difference between the two terms: sex and gender.Sayak, a research fellow in neurocognitive science from Jadavpur university, explains the social constructs of gender, the arbitrary norms and the idea of androgyny. He also talks about the section 377 and how it is, apart from being a "western" invasion, is basically a logical fallacy in itself.Watch this informative and enlightening video by "Come Out Loud" right here:
Love is pure and true; Love knows no gender.Although section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalises homosexuality and the LGBTQ community is widely discriminated against, a same-sex couple in Delhi has taken the courage to defy norms and celebrate love.Delhi-based photographer, Priyam Malhotra, who believes one should have the freedom to choose whom to love, took up the assignment of capturing the love between the couple to send out the simple message that love knows no boundaries, not even that of gender.Malhotra, who was apparently very excited to do take up the assignment, posted the beautiful album 'Love Beyond Gender' on Facebook . "I got an amazing opportunity to capture a love story between two beautiful woman who defied their families, the society and just care about love for each other," said Malhotra. Although the task was extremely challenging and he had several constraints, he did a brilliant job.Malhotra had to shoot the couple using all his creative skills but without revealing their identities. A look at the pictures from the shoot will tell you how amazingly he has managed that balance. The colors in the background represent the LGBTQ flag.(Photo: Priyam Malhotra)"I had to create my frames showcasing their love, but at the same time keep their privacy. So I used a lot of colours, lights & shadows. The couple was very supportive of all my creative ideas which helped a lot. Also I can't thank the team at UrbanClap enough for connecting me to the couple," Malhotra told News18.(Photo: Priyam Malhotra)A firm supporter of LBGTQ community, Malhotra who completed the shoot in just one hour, wanted to make the photo-shoot vibrant and colourful like the LGBTQ flag. And he instantly thought of the grafitti walls in south Delhi to give that passionate and lively look to the images.(Photo: Priyam Malhotra)Terming the shoot an "unparalleled opportunity", Malhotra concluded by saying that he took up the assignment because for him it meant spreading awareness about freedom for love.(Photo: Priyam Malhotra)
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley while describing the 'global environment' as 'unsupportive' said that India is trying to grow to strengthen its market presence in the global map.



Speaking at the 'Invest in India' Business forum in Beijing on Friday Jaitley said, "In an unsupportive global environment if you grow then that shows your strength, which is what India is trying to do."



He said, "The World Bank has revised our ranking with a better number and our ease of doing business has also improved. We have to attract investment both in domestic and international markets."



While highlighting that the India's endeavour is to reach a higher level of growth and to sustain it, he said, "We have made India and open economy to attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). We made a major announcement just four days ago."



On June 20, the government announced its revised Foreign Direct Investment policy by opening up the food processing sectors and airline business to 100 per cent ownership while relaxing norms in defence and pharmaceuticals.



He said, "Infrastructure is going to be a big area of emphasis for us. In the immediate future we will maintain a good growth rate. If the monsoons are good this year as expected we will improve on those rates".



On the Goods and Services Tax Bill or GST Bill, he said, "We are hoping to get GST Bill passed in the parliament soon."







He assured Chinese investors that India is an attractive destination for business.



On Thursday, Finance Minister left for a five-day visit to China to take part in a series of events including inviting people to invest in India. He is likely to visit China again, along with Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das on July 19.
Kolkata: A man has been arrested on the charge of cheating by posing a high-ranking Army officer after he was found clicking pictures inside the Fort William, the Army's Eastern Command Headquarters, police said on Friday.



Promit Kumar Mitra (48), who is into realty business, was held from his residence in south Kolkata by a team of Military Intelligence officers before being handed over to Kolkata Police at Maidan Police Station on Thursday, they said.



The matter, which raised questions on the security at the Fort William, came to the Army's notice when Mitra, a few days back, had entered the defence area driving his car which had a private registration number with the word 'Army' inscribed in red, a Kolkata Police officer said.



"Mitra was caught on CCTV footage wearing a Major General's uniform. It also showed that he was with his son. At the main gate, he introduced himself as Officer on Special Duty at Panagarh, a military base. Inside, he told another personnel that he is from Army Headquarters, New Delhi and went around Fort William clicking photos," the officer said.



Suspecting him to be an outsider, Army officials went through the CCTV footage and found that the ribbons on his uniform was worn in an incorrect manner and the formation-sign was also not matching.



"Another thing which struck them was that the accused looked much younger to be a Major General. Also an Army official of a Major General-rank rarely drives his car. Then they started looking out for him by his car's registration number caught on the CCTV footages," the officer said.



Also, there were complaints that the accused had been attending parties posing as an Army official.
Rohit JugrajDiljit Dosanjh, Jaswinder Bhalla, Sonam Bajwa, Monica GillAlmost a year after Sardaarji left us in splits, comes the films sequel Sardaarji 2 featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Jaswinder Bhalla and lead actresses Sonam Bajwa, Monica Gill replacing Mandy Thakkar and Neeru Bajwa. Since the film has been directed by Rohit Jugraj - who had also given the prequel  the impact is almost the same. And the film? Well, it is completely different. It isnt important for you to have watched the prequel to understand the sequence of events in its sequel.This story kicks off in a village in Punjab, where Jaggi (Diljit Dosanjh), an organic farmer, is happily living a simple and content life. But as his village finds itself in a crisis, Jaggi is left with no option but to jet off to Australia so that he is able to earn money to save his village. While Jaggi makes a sincere quest to make quick bucks, it soon unfolds as a crazy journey wherein this man who adheres to ethics, begins driving an ice cream truck, bags the title of Noble Sikh, is chased by goons, and earns the affection of two NRIs.Much in the tradition of the first film, the focus is on the protagonist Dosanjh. After being appreciated for his sincere acting in Abhishek Chaubeys Udta Punjab last week, Dosanjh once again proves why he has become the industrys go-to when filmmakers are looking for an actor who can act, croon songs, leave us in splits and take on the goons. Dosanjh is effortless in making the viewers cry, laugh and smile with him  which is the sole reason for anybody to watch Sardaarji 2.Bhalla as a failed terrorist from Pakistan lives up to viewers expectations  that of a reliable comedy fixture. Yashpal Sharma has nothing much to do except be bothered by his neck sprain each time he loses his temper.Both Sonam and Monica only play the so-called love interests (it is never mutual) of Dosanjh. While Monica manages to not settle for a pigeonholed role and be successful in making the most of the opportunity to show her acting potential, Sonam ends up playing the traditional role of a glammed up doll.As far as comedy is concerned, it is a tricky genre. But thankfully, the film gives a combination of clever, witty lines and a bit of expected comedy. However, both are funny and engaging.But whats really interesting is the films plot which deals with the plight of the farmers in Punjab. The director has fleshed out the plot with colorful characters and a vivid setting which enhances the viewers experience.Even though Jugraj tries his best to spend time on the little details, he seems to lose his focus. The plot  which was meant to make us aware of the problems that the farmers in Punjab have to battle  loses its significance as the film progresses. Since we expect the story to bring about the change and each scene to have a turning point  the film looks lazy in delivering that.Sardaarji 2 has its moments but it isnt as entertaining as the original film. If you loved Sardaarji, chances are youd want to watch this one as well, but make sure you dont expect too much from the film.2.5/5
It is not that I am against jobs for people. But it's a fact that it (FDI) will kill Indian brands. 100 per cent FDI, whether it is in the pharmaceutical, agricultural or manufacturing sectors, will adversely hit Indian brands.

Referring to the pharmaceutical sector, she said medicine prices, including those of the life saving ones, will shoot north if FDI was allowed.



Referring to the financial condition of states like Kerala, Punjab and Bengal, Banerjee said the federal structure of the country was "under threat" over the issue of debt as the debt- ridden states will have no money to undertake development.

Lashing out against the Narendra Modi government's decision to relax FDI norm in several sectors, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said 100 per cent foreign direct investment in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture and pharmaceutical will "kill Indian brands".Replying to the debate on Governor K.N. Tripathi's address to the state assembly, she said the Trinamool Congress would raise the matter in parliament and also called for the need for all state governments and political parties to unite on the issue of rising debts."We need to do promote the branding of our own products," she said.Putting its economic liberalisation agenda on the fast track, India last Monday relaxed its foreign equity norms further, notably in defence, aviation, pharmaceuticals and retailing, with automatic approval rather than a case-based route as the preferred model.In pharmaceuticals, both greenfield and brownfield projects could so long get 100 per cent foreign capital, but with an automatic route for the former and government route for the latter. Now, brownfield projects, too, will come under automatic route for up to 74 per cent.On the debt crisis, she said it "is turning out to be a death crisis", and urged assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee to call a special session on the issue and invite leaders from different states and political parties to participate in it."I have repeatedly raised the matter with the Centre, met the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister several times. But ultimately I am not getting any result," said Banerjee, whose government has been aggressively seeking a debt restructuring.She also called upon all political parties to come together for the interest of the state.
Nearly 30 rebel Congress MLAs led by two influential former ministers on Friday openly demanded the removal of K Siddaramaiah from the chief minister's chair even as the party top leadership stepped in to quell the revolt.



Those leading the charge are V Srinivasa Prasad, a powerful Dalit leader and party veteran who was sacked as Revenue minister, Kannada cinema superstar Ambareesh who lost his Housing ministry and Quamarul Islam, a powerful Muslim leader from north Karnataka who was also dropped from the Cabinet.



Party sources said party chief Sonia Gandhi called up and spoke to one of the ministers who was sacked to pacify him. Digvijaya Singh, the general secretary in charge of Karnataka has been asked to rush to Bengaluru to pacify the rebels and other disgruntled leaders



Srinivasa Prasad told News18 there was no question of a truce with Siddaramaiah, whom he described as a "betrayer and opportunist". He said, it is true that many Congress leaders have approached us requesting that we keep quiet. We have refused to shut up. In the name of Cabinet reshuffle, Siddaramaiah has insulted senior leaders like me, Ambareesh and Quamarul Islam. We want the High Command to sack Siddaramaiah from the post of the chief minister immediately.



He claimed both the BJP and JDS were in touch with him, but that he was not leaving the Congress. in touch with him. Two other leaders, Ambareesh and Quamarul, also continued their no holds barred attack on the beleaguered chief minister.



Speaking to News18, Ambareesh said chief minister said that he had sacked non-performers. Who is he to say that? How could he make such a statement? If we are not incompetent as ministers, are we not ineligible to be even MLAs?.



A visibly-shaken Siddaramaiah said he did not insult any of his colleagues by dropping them. I didn't tell anybody individually that I will drop them and induct someone else. I just told everyone to be prepared for the reshuffle and told them that we need to give opportunities to others in the queue. There is no revolt, a few of them expressed unhappiness over being dropped. We are in touch with them, and I am confident the issue will be resolved soon, he said.



The situation in the ground is different. With less than two years to go for the Assembly polls, many more MLAs, who were quiet all these days, are now openly coming out against the chief minister. Their numbers have swelled to over two dozen from less than half a dozen in about a week.



To make matters worse for Siddaramaiah, former chief minister and party stalwart SM Krishna has invited the rebel MLAs to his house for a meeting on Saturday. Krishna has openly criticised the chief minister on many occasions over the past one year.



Siddaramaiah, a backward class leader, is finding it difficult to keep the numerically powerful Lingayats, Vokkaligas and Dalits after the cabinet reshuffle. At least half a dozen MLAs from his own coterie have also joined the rebels after failing to make it to the ministry. It has dealt a body blow to Siddaramaiah,, who joined the Congress only in 2006 and is still considered an outsider in the party by most Congress leaders and workers.



Emboldened by these sudden developments in the Congress, BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa is holding secret talks with rebel Congress MLAs and leaders to set the stage for Assembly elections due in early 2018. The HD Deve Gowda-led JDS is also effectively wooing Srinivasa Prasad and Ambareesh.

,

Political analysts in Karnataka say Siddaramaiah is facing the worst-ever political crisis of his chief ministerial tenure and that if he survives this time, he will most likely complete a full term. But the rebels are ensuring that things remain hot for him even during the cool monsoon season. The Nataka in Karnataka goes on!
After UK referendum, delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 24, 2016

After the UK referendum on EU exit, it's time to have a referendum on full statehood of Delhi. In a democracy the will of the ppl is supreme  Ashish Khetan (@AashishKhetan) June 24, 2016

Inspired by the Brexit vote, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday call for a referendum on full statehood of Delhi.He tweeted, "After UK referendum, Delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood."Another AAP leader, Ashish Khetan, repeated the demand, tweeting, "After the UK referendum on EU exit, it's time to have a referendum on full statehood of Delhi. In a democracy the will of the ppl is supreme."On May 18, the AAP government unveiled its draft of the State of Delhi Bill, 2016, proposing the complete handing over of administrative power including police, law and order and land to the Delhi government.However, they said the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) could be under the control of Centre.
New Delhi: Taking his attack to those in the Finance Ministry to a new level, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy on Friday issued a veiled threat to those asking him to follow restraint saying if he "disregarded discipline there will be a bloodbath."



"People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath," he tweeted in an obvious attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.



Though he did not name Jaitley, he was obviously referring to the Minister who on Wednesday urged him for restraint and discipline in the wake of his attacks on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian.



In another apparent swipe at Jaitley, whose photographs of meeting with the Bank of China Chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing in a lounge suit appeared in newspapers on Friday, Swamy asked BJP to advise ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian cloths when abroad.



"BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters," Swamy said in another tweet.



Swamy has been active on Twitter over the last two-three days, attacking officials of Finance Ministry and taking swipe at Jaitley.
Ottawa: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reached out to Britain and the European Union after Britons voted to split from the bloc, saying Canada would "continue to build relationships with both parties."



"The UK and the EU are important strategic partners for Canada with whom we enjoy deep historical ties and common values," the prime minister said in a statement. "We will continue to build relations with both parties as they forge a new relationship."



Britain is Canada's third-largest trading partner after the United States and China, and Ottawa had supported Britain staying in the EU.



The former British colony is also seeking to finalize a free trade deal with the EU, signed in 2014.



The Canadian dollar lost about a cent against the US greenback while the Toronto stock market opened up slightly, in response to the Brexit. Trudeau commented, "We are well positioned to weather global market uncertainty as we have done in the past."
RUSTBURG  Residents along U.S. 29 Wards Road in Campbell County and the surrounding area learned of ideas to improve the heavily-trafficked road and added some of their own at a public input meeting Thursday at Hyland Heights Baptist Church.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is studying the section of road from the Lynchburg city limits to Virginia 24, near Yellow Branch Elementary School, used by local commuters as well as statewide travelers daily.

After the last public meeting in January, collaborators collected comments and took new traffic counts before local public schools and Liberty University let out for the day.

A lot of this will focus on access management, it deals with how property accesses the road; essentially, where you can do it and what turns you can make, said Chris Lawrence, senior transportation engineer for AECOM a consulting firm working with VDOT.

Access management is typically low-cost and maintains safe road conditions.

Allowing multiple modes of transportation are a hindrance on U.S. 29. Lawrence said if you wanted to walk along 29, you are taking your life into your own hands.

Previous studies showed some turning lanes can be short, which is unsafe, and median crossovers are too close to one another.

With access management, the number of crossovers would be reduced since historically, about 70 percent of crashes are caused by drivers making a left turn.

Lawrence said it would be expensive to widen a road like Wards in Campbell County, but VDOT still wants to provide reasonable access to businesses.

Having entrances every 50 feet might benefit businesses but its not very safe, he said.

For efficiency, we want to reduce delay and maintain drivability  we want to reduce that drive time, he said.

When looking at traffic crash data, the corridor being studied had more than 360 crashes from 2011 to 2015, according to VDOT.

The department tracks crashes reported to the police that involve more than $1,500 in damage.

The 2014 statewide average for a road similar to Wards Road is 73 crashes.

At the end of the Thursday meeting, attendees were encouraged to look at maps printed out and placed on several tables and to make notes on what could be done to improve Wards Road.

Bill Day, of Calohan Road, said there are no right turns on a red light onto U.S. 29 from Calohan Road, which can cause congestion quickly.

Dave Francis, owner of the new Comfort Inn & Suites near the Lynchburg Regional Airport, said he sees people speeding well above the 45 mph limit near his hotel. He asked for something to be done about that issue.

The results of the study could impact how state dollars are spent through the Smart Scale program, previously the House Bill 2 program.

The program, enacted in 2014, used data and objective criteria to pick projects and is meant to ensure any project named to the states six-year improvement plan gets paid for within six years of being named to the list, The News & Advance previously reported.

Other local projects funded this year were significant improvements to the Waterlick Road and Timberlake Road intersection, U.S. 221 improvements in Bedford County and secondary road improvements in Nelson County.

The Wards Road study uses a new Federal Highway Administration tool called PlanWorks which requires more public input.
RICHMOND  While the bicameral General Assembly subcommittee examining the states mental health system may offer recommendations for the next session, the groups chairman said hes looking to expansive reform in 2018.

The Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century formed after 2014 legislation assigned it a report due in December 2017 examining a range of mental health services in Virginia, including prevention, emergency management and treatment.

Its huge. There are things that are really exciting we could do here to improve the quality of life for so many people in Virginia. And frankly, we can do things that nobody else does. We can be a model for the rest of the country. We can impact everywhere, Chairman Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, said after the group met Thursday, adding he has spoken in Georgia, New York and Washington, D.C. this year. People are looking at us all over the country.

Legislators and advisory groups that include stakeholders and experts are researching Virginias mental health system, which includes local community service boards, such as Horizon Behavioral Health in the Lynchburg area. Theyre also examining programs throughout the country with an eye toward combining best practices into sweeping reform.

The Crisis and Emergency Services work group  one of four  is focused on how care providers handle ongoing emergencies, including transitioning people from the scene of a call to custody or treatment, a key link in a broad systemic and cultural chain.

A big part of that is actually getting people to a trained experienced mental health provider to actually identify what their issue is. Is it a substance abuse issue, is it a psychological issue, or is it an underlying organic psychiatric issue? And then also initiate getting them stabilized and having a better understanding of what their needs are going to be to optimize their standard of living, work group chair Del. Scott Garrett, R-Lynchburg, said.

Uniformed law enforcement officers in marked cars often handle the transfers, which can cause stress and stigma for individuals who need treatment rather than punishment. Transfers that take three hours within the officers jurisdiction, or more than four if they have to go farther, strain local police departments, Virginia Sheriffs Association Executive Director John Jones said.

Most emergency departments are not equipped or staffed for psychiatric care, so it is creating an enormous cost as well as very poor outcomes for individuals in crisis, said John Oliver, a member of the work groups advisory panel working with the Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy.

That strain has risen on Lynchburg Police officers in the last couple years. From 2013 to 2015, the number of mental health transports rose from 38 to 111, compared to an 8.3 percent increase statewide, according to Jones presentation. Garrett said the number could represent better identification of mental health issues, but he was not sure of the cause. Jones said the sheriffs association is looking into the tremendous increase.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services is conducting a transportation pilot program in Southwest Virginias Mount Rogers area through which some mental health calls have been diverted to a private company using an unmarked car and a driver wearing a casual uniform.

Garrett asked for more information, including how calls translate into officer man hours and cost. He stressed the need for data showing effectiveness as well as cost. He said the subcommittee needs deeper data to shape solutions and to make a case for them to the monies committees and constituents.

The big elephant in the room is going to be cost and having to pay for these services. Were going to need to be putting some price tags to that, Garrett said.

The subcommittee formed after Deeds son, Gus Deeds, attacked his father and killed himself in November 2013. He had undergone a psychiatric evaluation the day before but was not admitted for care because no bed was available. The 2014 General Assembly passed legislation extending the length of emergency custody orders to address one problem immediately.

The 2017 General Assembly could see legislation come out of the criminal justice work group related to mental health treatment in jails as well as housing, but several members and advisors hope for a sea change over time.

What you really want is a crisis resolution system, rather than a crisis response system, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Interim Commissioner Jack Barber said.

He said a robust system would include resources from the beginning of a crisis through assistance with treatment, including medications, next-day referrals, plans of care, emergency housing and direct referrals for social support.

I dont think we have the political will to fund a system like youre talking about, said Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, asking about potential for federal money and how to proceed.

If the subcommittee does the job its tasked to do, Deeds believes the work could drive the next biennial budget. He said a potential overhaul could be the most impactful hes worked on in 25 years as a legislator and he wants to get it right. Deed said money wont solve the problem alone. He thinks Virginians will pay for a system that includes efficiency and accountability, possibly through contracts with community service boards.

Sen. Hanger, his skepticism is well-informed, Deeds said. But, I remain hopeful that hell be wrong, that we will get it right, that we will fund the system that Virginians deserve.
Pittsylvania County native Todd Haymore will be the next Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Thursday.

Todd brings the right combination of economic development experience, global trade understanding and administrative expertise to build on the outstanding success Secretary Maurice Jones has achieved as a member of my cabinet, McAuliffe said in a news release.

Haymore is currently the Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. In a telephone interview Thursday, he said he was excited for the opportunity to continue working on building new economic development opportunities for Virginia.

The next few months will be fun, exciting and filled with new challenges and opportunities, Haymore said.

McAuliffe said Haymore had been instrumental in making the industries innovative and robust during his time in the position. McAuliffe said he believed Haymore would bring the same success to his new appointment.

The agencies that comprise the Secretary of Commerce and Trade are at the epicenter of my administrations efforts to grow and diversify our economy, and I know that Secretary Haymore will hit the ground running creating jobs and new economic opportunity for families in every corner of our Commonwealth, McAuliffe said.

Haymore said he was moving up from overseeing three state agencies to 13. Haymore said he was familiar with some of the agencies from economic development work, such as the Tobacco Commission and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Haymore said he planned to work soon to familiarize himself with the others.

I have a learning curve Im about to get on, and I am looking forward to learning more about those agencies, he said.

On Tuesday, Haymore joined McAuliffe in Chatham to announce additional funding of $2 million for the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, adding four additional positions to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services staff.

Haymore was born and raised on his maternal grandparents farm in Pittsylvania County. He graduated from George Washington High School in Danville. Haymore said his time in the region gave him a first-hand appreciation on the value of farming, textiles and even furniture making.

No doubt, I am a product of Southside Virginia, Haymore said

Haymore has served as Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry since 2010, and was reappointed to the position by McAuliffe in 2014. In the position, Haymore has overseen the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Virginia Racing Commission.

Maurice Jones will leave the McAuliffe administration in September to become the chief executive officer of the Local Initiative Corporation, which works with low-income communities to create new opportunities for businesses and residents.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus in the Marvel Universe ... and he's a mutant!

No, really. Is starting the holiday season sooner and sooner every year Santa's Marvel mutant power?
Opposition blanks Govt on bail bill

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi expressed his disgust to reporters at the Oppositions absence yesterday. But Opposition Chief Whip Ganga Singh told Newsday, the Government was rushing the Opposition who would in fact be ready to meet next Wednesday.

Yesterday seemed to be a continuation of the scene last Friday when the Lower House debate collapsed on the Miscellaneous Provisions (Anti-Gang and Bail) Bill 2016, amid a row where each side accused the other of poor communication of intent.

Last week the Opposition set great store by a formal letter from Opposition Leader Kamla Persad- Bissessar to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, while the Government said its genuine communication had been made by email and otherwise.

Al-Rawi yesterday bitterly complained that the Opposition had not even had the courtesy to reply to his invitations to talks to extend the life of the key anti-crime laws, amid the Oppositions absence from Tower D. He said the Bail Act and Anti-Gang Act will expire in August, and their extension needs Opposition support to give a parliamentary special majority.

He alleged that the UNC  via his two predecessors  had failed to research the efficacy of the two laws as promised and required.

Al-Rawi warned that if the laws lapse under their sunset clauses, it will have a myriad of bad effects for TT, ranging from costly payouts to state of emergency claimants to the freeing of suspects now before the courts on gun charges. He said the Peoples National Movement, in opposition, had supported anti- gang laws by the former Peoples Partnership administration.

Singh yesterday told Newsday that Persad-Bissessar wrote to Rowley on June 16 requesting a meeting to discuss the legislation.

Singh said the Government had not responded to the letter, but that Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis had contacted him simply by text message/telephone to convey the Governments invitation to meet at 2.30 pm yesterday.

In reply, Singh said he had asked Robinson-Regis if the Prime Minister had responded to the Opposition Leaders letter, and he had notified the Planning Minister that he would first have to discuss the matter in caucus. Singh told Newsday the Opposition caucus had decided that Persad-Bissessars letter must get a response, and he so notified Robinson-Regis on Wednesday by letter.

He said Robinson-Regis on Wednesday night had communicated with the Opposition (to propose yesterdays meeting), but that he had replied to her yesterday morning that the overnight notification period was too short.

Singh said he had told her the Opposition will be available next Wednesday.

A source linked to the Opposition spoke anonymously to Newsday.

Hitting the Government, the source said, They are playing a game. They dont want to pass the Bail Bill. It affects their supporters.

They are just looking to get political mileage.
Students on suicide watch

The suicide attempt also took place at the schools compound with quick action by a number of students saving the life of the 17-yearold Form Four student.

It was reported he tried to hang himself with a belt from the railing in one of the stair wells.

The student was earlier brought before the Principal with his Form Two female companion who is aged 14, after they were caught by a Dean of the institution at 3.15 pm Wednesday.

The male student is now resting comfortably at his home nursing minor injuries to his neck. He is expected to undergo counselling from the Student Support of the Ministry of Education as well as the Police Witness and Support Unit. According to reports, the Schools Dean was making his rounds when he observed the two students engaged in a sexual act. They reportedly appeared embarrassed on being caught. The male student was allowed to properly clothe himself and he along with the female student were taken to the office of the school principal.

While in the Principals office being verbally disciplined the male student is said to have asked to be excused and reportedly went to the top floor of the schools compound where he used his belt which he adjusted around his neck and then tied it to the railing of a stairwell and attempted to hang himself.

Other students awaiting the arrival of their parents to pick them up, noticed the students action and intervened by removing the belt from around his neck and bringing him to safety.

The students were assisted by two teachers.

The Dean and Principal were alerted and they contacted the Sangre Grande police. A party of officers including PCs Rodney and Navarro went to the school and took reports from students, the Dean and Principal.

The student who attempted suicide was taken to the Sangre Grande Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

Doctors recommended that he be taken for psychiatric evaluation. A male relative of the student was called in and admitted that the teenager is a problem child and efforts are being made to have him undergo counselling.

The female student who was caught administering oral sex also appeared traumatised after being caught and also on having to deal with the subsequent attempted suicide of her boyfriend. Her parents were also called in to the school and the incident related to them.

Newsday understands that the girl is to receive counselling and also faces suspension.

However, sources at the school said that they will be monitoring both students to ensure that they do not make any attempt to end their lives.

In fact the two students have been placed on a suicide watch because the female student has already indicated she is so embarrassed over being caught that she does not wish to attend classes any more.

Teachers at the school are hoping that with counselling they may be able to convince the girl to return to continue her classes and her education.

The Dean, when contacted by Newsday, said that he was bound by regulations and could not divulge any information to the media. Newsday also attempted to reach the schools principal but was told the individual is in a meeting.

Communications officer in the Ministry of Education Yolanda Morales Carvalho was also contacted by Newsday and she said that she was not aware of the incident but would be making enquiries into the matter. Yesterday counsellors were expected to be called in at the school to address students about the incident.

Students who rescued the form four student are also to be counselled.

A Ministry of Education official later confirmed the incident saying, The Ministry is aware of the incident and an investigation has been launched and student support services have been contacted to provide counselling to the students involved.
New textbook racket

However, in an immediate response, former education minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh charged that Garcia was being irresponsible and making flimsy excuses for Governments inability to provide textbooks to students. He (Garcia) should hold himself in shame, Gopeesingh declared.

Garcia told reporters that an audit initiated by the ministry last year found an excess of textbooks in schools. Indicating that principals have complained they have no place in their schools to keep these books, Garcia said this belies the claim (made by some people) that students were going to school without textbooks in their book bags.

Garcia said Cabinet yesterday decided there will be an overall ten percent top-up from infants right on to Form Six. He said once this happens, we are confident that this ten percent top-up will ensure that all of our students are adequately supplied with textbooks. Indicating all of these textbooks are currently on the school curriculum, Garcia said the audit revealed, something that we knew even long before. The minister said the audit showed, there was some impropriety with respect to the procurement of textbooks. In fact, it was drawn to our attention that some textbooks with the stamp of the school are being sold on the streets of Port-of- Spain. Garcia could not say what value the books were being sold for but indicated there is evidence that they are still being sold on the streets of Port-of-Spain. Those persons who are engaged in that practice should be brought before the courts because that is an act of dishonesty. He said those books should be residing in the school for the benefit of students. While he could not identify the source of leakage of textbooks out of the schools, Garcia said three possible suggestions have been advanced. These are students not returning the textbooks after use, leakage occurring at the administrative level in schools or the publishers.

Stating he was not casting aspersions on anyone, Garcia said there is reason to believe, some textbooks were not even distributed to schools but the publishers received payment. He said Charlotte Street is one location where textbooks are being sold, and added that, some of those books are brand new. He said that National Security Minister Edmund Dillon has promised to devote some of his ministrys resources to investigate
Thanks to FDA, Women Will

Be Told of Their Breast Density
(Newser)  Some Catholic churches in Canada have banned priests from being alone with childrenand more are about to start. The Catholic Church of Montreal says it will bar priests, volunteers, educators, and anyone else in "the orbit of the church" from being alone with children at 10 parishes beginning in September, reports the Toronto Star. The chancellor of the Montreal Archdiocese, Francois Sarrazin, says the pilot program, dubbed "Responsible Pastoral Ministry," is about "protecting victims, protecting families, protecting the church." In his comments, Sarrazin focuses on the sometimes untrue nature of allegations: "To give [their story] importance, a child can give an account of an incident that isn't always true."

"Imagine if you are alone in a room and a child accuses you of hitting them, how will you react?" Sarrazin continues. "Whether it's true or not, you need a witness. Not being in the room alone with someone who is vulnerable is simply being prudent." Even confession will take place with a priest and child within view of the child's parent, though out of earshot. Similar preventative policies are already in place in other churches in Ontario and New Brunswick, reports the National Post, which notes the directive will eventually include all 194 parishes in Montreal. New employees will also face a police check. Quebec's Association of Victims of Priests, however, says the new policy is only "a baby step. [The church] needs to do an awful lot more." (Read more Catholic Church stories.)
(Newser)  The menu for a cafe planned in Geneva would be for adult eyes only if a Swiss firm gets its business plans approved. Bradley Charvet, who hails from a local escort agency and who came up with the idea for the so-called "cafe fellatio" (working title only, we assume), was inspired by places just like it in Thailand, the Local reports. How it would work: A male patron would enter the cafe, order a coffee, then scroll through an iPad looking for the prostitute he'd like to orally pleasure him. He'd then pony up the $60 or so for the service, plus a possible drink surcharge (what both the Local and Newstalk say would be the most expensive coffee in the city), take a seat at the "bar," and enjoy his order. "In five or ten minutes, it's all over," Charvet told Le Matin newspaper.

Because prostitution is legal in Switzerland, Charvet's scheme would, in theory, be on the up-and-up, as long as the establishment was classified as a massage parlor if two or more prostitutes plied their trade there. Right now, the city's Department of Security and Economy is reviewing the paperwork and has yet to give it the green light. But just because it might be OK in the eyes of the law doesn't mean everyone's thrilled with the idea. Gregoire Thery, a rep for a French anti-prostitution organization, tells L'Express newspaper that the cafe would be, in effect, legalizing pimping and offering a benefit only for male patrons. "[The sex trade] is a real business and this sex cafe is making the most of that," Thery says. "They know very well that this is provocative." (Would it be illegal for bears to work there?)
(Newser)  Lindsay LohanBritish politics junkie? Lohanor somebody using her Twitter accountdelivered some surprisingly in-depth and passionate commentary Thursday night (commentary that had been scrubbed by Friday morning) as the results from the UK's "Brexit" referendum came in. She praised people in the Shetland Islands and London for voting "Remain," shared her dismay about the falling British exchange rate and, in one tweet, even praised European safety directives for reducing workplace fatalities. As results rolled in, she wondered where places like Kettering were and insisted her account had not been hacked, reports the Telegraph. She shared a photo of herself with the #remain hashtag on Instagram and called it a night before the Brexit win was confirmed. (Read more Lindsay Lohan stories.)
(Newser)  It's been the subject of a half-century-long debate. But thanks to a new mapping technique, mountain experts have identified the tallest mountain in the US Arctic and uncovered a bit of a surprise as well. Using fodar, a technique he invented to map terrain using airborne photography, glaciologist Matt Nolan created a high-resolution topographic map of the Brooks Range in Alaska, which reveals Mount Isto to be the tallest mountain in the US Arctic, standing 8,975 feet tall, reports Live Science. But though scientists have long thought that Mount Chamberlin, located about 30 miles away, was Isto's biggest competition, Nolan says it actually falls short of another peak. At 8,914 feet, Mount Hubley stands about 16 feet taller than Chamberlin, he explains in Cryosphere.

Nolan was actually using fodar to observe glacier volume change when he realized he was flying over the highest mountains in the US Arcticonly scientists couldn't decide which should wear the crown. That's when Nolan decided to put his technology to the test to find out. As he flew over the Brooks Range in a Cessna 170B equipped with a DSLR camera linked to a GPS unit, skier and mountaineer Kit DesLauriers climbed up and skied down the mountains with her own GPS unit, allowing the pair to chart elevations from the air and ground simultaneously to provide a "measure of accuracy." The resulting maps are accurate to about 8 inches, according to a release. Nolan notes his technology is much like lidar but costs $30,000 rather than $500,000 and can measure coastal erosion, glacier melt, and landslides. "The possibilities are truly unlimited," he says. (An ancient mountain range once fed our oceans.)
(Newser)  A Tennessee woman had a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend and had changed her locks twice. She says neither kept Tony Joe Gunter away and so she opted to have a security system installed. Authorities say the woman left her home in Goodlettsville briefly on Tuesday to visit a neighbor as an ADT worker was installing the alarm and returned to find her phone inexplicably missing from her bedroom. Then she noticed a pair of feet sticking out from under her bedGunter's. Fearing for her life, the woman shot him in his left foot then kept him there as the installer called police, authorities tell WZTV. After a hospital visit, Gunter, 52, was arrested and charged with aggravated burglary, stalking, and other charges, reports the New York Daily News.

Police say the woman won't be charged because she acted in self defense. "If he was trying to abuse her and she had a gun and she had a restraining order against him, then she has to protect herself," a neighbor tells WKRN. The pair reportedly dated for two years before the woman discovered Gunter's "extensive criminal history" and broke off the relationship this month, per WZTV. Gunter then threatened to kill his ex, according to police. She filed a restraining order but police say the woman discovered signs that Gunter had broken into her home three times before the encounter Tuesday. Gunterwho police say admitted to taking the woman's phone so she couldn't call policeis being held on $165,000 bond. (Police say a man hid under his ex's bed for days.)
(Newser)  Not content with celebrating liberty on July 4, a group of Texans has gleaned inspiration from Brexitthe UK's decision to leave the EUwith its own push for independence. The similar-sounding "Texit" movement, which gained significant support online Friday, is mainly being pushed by the Texas Nationalist Movement, which is basically the US soulmate of the UK secession initiative, according to its leader, David Miller, right down to the "Leave" campaign slogan that TNM says it's been using for years. With a motto of "Texas First, Texas Forever," the group, like those behind Brexit, advocates for "self-government," Miller tells News.com.au. "At this moment, we don't enjoy that right," he says. "The vast majority of the laws, rules, and regulations that affect the people of Texas are created by the political class or unelected bureaucrats in Washington."

Vocativ decided to see how often the phrase "Texit" has been used in 2016 and found that online references spiked after the Brexit tally came in. Nearly 1,800 people tweeted something Texit-related in the hour of the announcement, with thousands more tweets following. Some of the posts are frighteningly serious, others are somewhat clever (cue the "most likely to secede" memes), and still others can't do anything but virtually shake their heads. It's not the first time some of the state's residents have vied for a breakaway: Right after President Obama's reelection, the White House turned down a petition signed by 125,000 people calling for Texas' freedom, Fox News reported. One Texit supporter tells the Guardian that a secession would bring back "Texas solutions" on issues such as gay marriage, gun rights, and immigration. (Here, a few legal takes on secession rules.)
(Newser)  One of the activities for participants of Tony Robbins' motivational seminars is walking on hot coals, an activity that, trainers tell WFAA, most people "didn't think was possible." And, well, it turns out some of them were sort of right. During Robbins' "Unleash the Power Within" seminar in Dallas Thursday night, about 40 people were treated by ambulances at the scene for burns to their feet and legs; five of them had to be taken to the hospital. Robbins' website describes the coal-walking activity like so, per the Dallas Morning News: "Storm across a bed of hot coals. Once you start doing what you thought was impossible, youll conquer the other fires of your life with ease.

But maybe they just didn't believe hard enough, or something? Witnesses say some people were simply too distracted while doing the exercise: "There was someone in front of us and someone behind us on their cell phone, taking selfies and taking pictures," says one apparently uninjured fire walker. "So I think that that has a lot to do with it." Though 40 people may sound like a lot, WFAA notes that approximately 7,000 people tried the coal-walking exercise. "Ive been doing events with Tony for 23 years, and while it may not look like that way, this was a successful event," the head trainer tells CBS DFW. (Read more strange stuff stories.)
(Newser)  In what Annie Lowrey describes for New York as "Britain's middle finger to the world," Brexit is going forward and the UK will be leaving the European Union. And with that vote, "England just screwed us all," writes Felix Salmon for Fusion, lamenting the "world of hope" that has now come to "a shattering end." Salmon, who came of age in London with a German mom, rips into what he says was a vote that never should have taken place, as well as the "racist campaign" behind it that led to "death and disaster"a "giant step back" for the entire world. Other takes from around the internet:

Paul Krugman says the decision was "pretty awesome  in the worst way" in the New York Timesbut he's not as "horrified" as he thought he'd be. From an economic POV, he explains how "Brexit just brings to a head an abscess that would have burst fairly soon" even if "Remain" had prevailed.
(Newser)  As a deluge swamped southeast West Virginiaa disaster that killed at least 18 peopleRonnie Scott's wife called him and told him their house was filling up with water. She fled to the attic with two dogs and a cat and waited. She smelled natural gas. Then, the house blew up. Belinda Scott was able to break a vent and get out onto a porch, then make it onto a tree, which she clung to for hours before being rescued by state police, Ronnie Scott told the AP on Friday. His wife was in the hospital with burns on 67% of her body. The pets did not make it out alive. "My wife was out there four and a half hours hanging in a tree with a house burning right beside her, flood waters running all around her," said Scott, who was not at the White Sulphur Springs home when the waters rose.

Early reports indicate about 9 inches of rain damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes and knocked out power to tens of thousands of others, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. About 500 people were stranded overnight in a shopping center when a bridge washed out, and dozens of other people had to be plucked off rooftops or rescued from their car. "Our focus remains on search and rescue," the governor said during a news conference. He added: "It's been a long 24 hours and the next 24 hours may not be much easier." The deaths included an 8-year-old boy and a 4-year-old boy who were swept away in rushing creek waters in different counties, authorities said. Currently 200 National Guardsmen were assisting in eight counties, helping local crews with swift water rescues, search and extraction efforts and health and welfare checks. The governor declared a state of emergency in 44 of 54 counties and authorized up to 500 soldiers to assist. (Read more West Virginia stories.)
In a new development, Apple is pulling out its legacy MacBook Pro from stores, and may be discontinuing it altogether. The company has been pulling the non-Retina Macbook Pro units out of US retail stores, hinting further that the refreshed Macbook Pro release is on the onset.

This news was first tipped to AppleInsider, who later did its checks in retail stores to confirm the news. The report also states that even if the laptop is in stock and available to buy, the stores aren't putting it out on display for users to try. The last non-Retina display Macbook Pro was launched in 2012. Apple later refreshed the Macbook Pros incorporating the popular high-resolution display that it introduced in the iPad first.

This silent stock shuffle further testifies the release of a refreshed Macbook Pro lineup this year. There have been several rumours surrounding the new refreshed Macbook Pros, and they are expected to come in two new 13-inch and 15-inch variants. They are pegged to come with an Oled display panel above the keyboard that will replace the physical function keys. Apple is also expected to include Touch ID, the fingerprint sensor technology first introduced on iPhone devices.

In any case, these legacy Macbook Pros continue to be sold in India. They are available for purchase on major online e-commerce sites, and even authorized retailer Maple is selling the legacy MacBook Pro alongside the current Retina models. The Apple India website lists the Macbook Pro 13-inch for Rs. 89,900, but Maple is selling it for a discounted rate of Rs 64,000. If you're looking to buy the legacy model, we'd recommend you to wait for the new Macbook Pro lineup expected for a release in the third quarter. While this move may be a bad deal, it's always better the manufacturer knows best at what they're doing and let's hope their decision doesn't really impact their future sales.
Huge parts of California around that San Andreas fault are rising and sinking, a new research has found. For the first time, a team of researchers has come up with a computed image that shows this surprising phenomenon.

According to reports, the vertical movement of the land is a result of the seismic strain, which will eventually be released in a large earthquake. The area in question is the San Andreas fault, which is, by far, the longest earthquake fault in California. In addition, it is one of the most dangerous faults in the state.

The rising and sinking of land in California along the San Andreas fault was long expected by the researchers, However, this is the first time that they have used a computer image to depict the same. This phenomenon is extremely slow, subtle and ingoing.

Vertical movement primarily occurs because California resides in the middle of two tectonic plates - the Pacific and North American. These tectonic plates are known to grind past each other constantly.

During the study, the research team notices that a large part of the Orange County, the Los Angeles basin, the Bakersfield area and San Diego county are sinking 2 to 3 millimeters per year. On the other hand, areas such as San Bernardino County, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties are rising at the same pace.

However, the areas that stick close to the San Andreas fault remain locked in place. The researchers explain that when an earthquake would strike, different part of the Southern California will return back to their normal positions as the energy building up would get released.

The last big earthquake that affected the San Andreas with 7.9 magnitude took place in 1857. The earthquake ruptured from Monterey County through Los Angeles County.

The complete details of the study have been published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
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Seoul:

In a major setback for India, non-NPT member countries will not be inducted in the elite Nuclear Suppler Group this time. The decision comes after several key members remained defiant and claimed new membership must be provided only as per rules.



Chinese Ambassador Wang Qun said, "signing NPT first is one of 5 criteria,its not set by China but by group as a whole."



"NSG consensus in favour of a Non Proliferation Treaty, we hope India joins the NPT first," he added.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged China to support India's NSG bid, but there was no breakthrough on the issue at the meeting of the 48-nation grouping in the face of stiff Chinese-led opposition.



As Modi and the powerful Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Tashkent, some 5000 km away in the South Korean capital, India's case, although not on the formal agenda, came up at a special post-dinner meeting of NSG members, who remained divided over India's entry because it is not a signatory to NPT.



Besides China, which has been publically vocal in its opposition to India's membership, it is understood that countries like Turkey, Austria, New Zealand and Ireland took the stand that no exception can be made in the case of India.

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New Delhi:

Is WhatsApp responsible for growing terror activities? Should the service be banned? The Supreme Court will examine the issue following a Public Interest Litigation filed by Haryana based RTI activist Sudhir Yadav.



PIL claimed that social messaging apps are helping terrorists and criminals by encrypting the messages.



Intercepting such encrypted messages is virtually impossible - a problem investigating agencies on trail of terrorists admit they are facing.



Since, decrypting such messages is impossible apps like Whatsapp, Viber, Telegram, Hike and Signal should be banned to not compromise with security of the nation.



A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India will hear the case on June 29.

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Mumbai:

Playing havoc, UKs vote to exit European Union knocked off nearly Rs 4 lakh crore from the investors wealth in Indian stock markets within minutes they opened for trading this morning.



The total investor wealth, measured in terms of cumulative value of all listed stocks including that of promoters, fell below Rs 98 lakh crore level early morning as reports from the UK showed Britain voting against remaining with the EU block.



This marked a plunge of nearly Rs 4 lakh crore from Rs 101.4 lakh crore at the end of yesterdays trade.



The benchmark Sensex could recoup only a small portion of its early morning loss of nearly 1,058 points despite the government seeking to allay concerns, RBI intervening in forex market with liquidity infusion and some buying by domestic institutions at lower levels.



Sensex was still trading over 950 points down at just above 26,000-mark. All the 30 Sensex stocks were trading in the red with some blue-chips like Tata Motors and Tata Steel plunging by over 10 per cent given their significant exposure to the UK.



Concerns further mounted as commentators said Britains exit, commonly referred to as Brexit, would mean that the EU could slip into recession while Indian companies would also need to rework their strategy to use UK as a gateway for their European operations.



Besides, there are fears that the UK operations of several Indian companies might take a hit due to immigration and other restrictions that might come in because of Brexit.
New Delhi:

Alia Bhatt became a star soon after she made her debut in Bollywood, but something is not right. The actress wants something more out of her and for the same she is now focusing on making herself better with each film rather than being affected by success.



Her latest release, "Udta Punjab", has helped Alia in cementing her acting credentials further and the 23-year-old actress says she wants to enjoy this phase in her life without bothering about the number game.



Its true that things are happening fast in my career but I am not scared of it right now. Its great. I feel very grateful and privileged to be able to work with so many great directors and actors. I want to do as many films and play as many parts as I can, Alia told PTI in an interview.



I prefer not to see myself at the top, middle or the bottom. I dont like to think that I am at the top because that will eventually come to you with you work or the way you deal with people. I will refresh and renew myself with each film.



Her turn as a Bihari migrant worker, who unwittingly gets caught in the drug nexus of Punjab, has earned her praise from the audience and critics alike and Alia says it was one of the most difficult characters to portray.



I am very happy with the kind of response I have been getting. I am not a method actor. I believe in the moment and I am very spontaneous like that. I couldnt relate to my character but I could empathise with her and the situation she is in.



To play the role, Alia had to get into a particular zone and that affected her adversely.



I keep saying that it was most exhaustive 21 days of my life because my character demanded a lot of physical strain. Emotional stress was high. There were nights when I used to wake up with bad dreams. It took a toll on my health. It took me a while to get over it, she recalls.



The Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania actress also silenced critics who had slammed her accent when the first trailer came out.



I always say that if people have opinion after seeing the movie, fair enough. But to have opinion based on trailer is not fair because you have not seen the whole content. I was confident that we didnt stereotype anyone.



After seeing the struggle the makers of Udta Punjab had with the Censor Board, Alia feels the board should concentrate on certification rather than censoring content.



They should concentrate on the certification and that will bring an overall change. We all are working towards it now and hopefully it will change in few years.



In our case (Udta Punjab), all is well that ends well. There was a good intention and which is why we won the case and everybody was on our side. The intent of the film was very honest.

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Chennai:

A 24-year-old woman, an employee of IT major Infosys, was on Friday hacked to death at Nungambakkam railway station in Chennai. The incident took place at around 6:30 AM when she was waiting to board the train for work.



According to police sources, the victim has been identified as S Swathi, a resident of South Gangai Amman Koil Street, Choolaimedu, an area near the Nungambakkam railway station.



Cops have now released footage of a young man in green shirt and black pants who arrived at the platform, where Swathi was waiting for train. The man approached her and the two had a heated argument following which he took out a sickle from his travel bag and assaulted her. The assailant fled the scene after brutally assaulting her. Police suspect that the assailant was known to Swathi.

Meanwhile, Infosys has condoled the death of Swathi in a statement. We are saddened by the unfortunate incident that has led to the demise of our employee in Chennai. We are working with the local authorities as they investigate the matter and will continue to provide our co-operation and support. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family of the deceased. Infosys will provide all the necessary support to the family in their hour of grief, a spokesperson of the company said.

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New Delhi:

The BCCI is all set to introduce a new Twenty20 tournament, to be branded as mini Indian Premier League, in September. The matches are scheduled to play out of India. The dates and other details of the event are still to be disclosed.

"In the month of September, the BCCI is willing to host a mini IPL or IPL overseas with all the eight teams participating," BCCI president Anurag Thakur said. "It will be a shorter format, not home and away matches but a lesser number of matches. In a two-week window we should be able to complete it," he said.

The BCCI move was on the cards with the scrapping of the Champions League T20 last year. The full-fledged IPL lasts about for almost two months and the ninth edition was held in India from April 9 to May 29.

Minutes after Thakur's statement, the BCCI issued a release stating that "BCCI will explore the option of hosting Mini IPL overseas in September".

Going overseas is not new to IPL as the entire 2009 edition was held in South Africa due to the general election in India.
London:

ISIS has expressed its delight over the economic impact on the UK and EU following the British referendum and called for attacks in Berlin and Brussels to "paralyse" Europe, according to a media report.

A Jihadi Telegram, an encrypted messaging service popular with militants praised the economic chaos that came in the wake of the EU Referendum and urged followers to strike at the heart of mainland Europe, the Mirror reported citing SITE intelligence group.

The UK voted to leave the European Union after 43 years in the historic referendum. Leave won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent votes.

The vote which saw an extremely high turnout of around 72 per cent, reverses the public verdict back in 1975, when the UK voted to remain a member of the European Economic Community, which later became the EU.

UK military chiefs have warned there is a "serious and direct threat to holiday resorts across Europe" from groups like ISIS.

"There is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria," the UK's Foreign Office (FCO) was quoted as saying.

Anti-terror police are believed to have foiled a major terror attack planned to take place during Ireland's Euro 2016 match with Belgium this week.

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Jhabua (MP):

BJP vice president Prabhat Jha has said that his partys alliance with Akali Dal in Punjab will continue and the two would contest the forthcoming 2017 Assembly elections together in the state. The Assembly elections in Punjab are due next year.

Our alliance in Punjab with Akali Dal will continue. It is an unbreakable relationship which people have supported not just once, but twice. Therefore, we will contest the polls in coalition only, Jha, who is also the in-charge of BJP in Punjab, told PTI.

We all workers are working hard in Punjab and we will again form the government there in 2017, he said.

Referring to Uttar Pradesh, the Rajya Sabha MP said the people in UP are fed up of both the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, and that the people gave the message during the recent BJPs executive meeting in Allahabad.

People have given a new slogan in UP, Na Sapa na Basapa, sirf Bhajapa (neither SP nor BSP, only BJP), and I am confident that in this scenario, the BJP is going to form government in the northern state, Jha said.

Replying to a question, Jha criticised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly making irresponsible statements against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

There are 34 chief ministers in the country, but no one talks the way he is making statements against the Prime Minister. He thinks that if he attacks Namo (Narendra Modi) then he would become a big leader. People understand everything. They know he (Modi) is unparalleled, Jha said.

On the issue of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar virtually boycotting the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21, Jha remarked, It appears that Kumar is not well and therefore, he was unable to do yoga exercises that day.

The day was celebrated by Muslims, Christians and people who believe in god and non-believers. It is mainly for keeping one healthy and has nothing to do with religion.

When people all over world have listened to him (Modi) on the issue, how come Nitishji will not listen to him? It seems he is not well and therefore did not come for it, Jha said.

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New Delhi:

In a major setback to the Tata group, an arbitration court based in London ordered Tata Sons to buy back its Japanese partners 26.5% stake in Tata Teleservices for $1.2 billion (approx Rs 8,171 crore). In July last year, the Tatas had offered to buy back Docomos share for Rs 23.34 a share or a valuation of Rs 11,000 crore, as compared to a pre-agreed valuation of Rs 58 a share or a valuation of Rs 27,000 crore for the entire company.

In November 2009, Docomo had acquired 26.5 per cent stake in Tata Teleservices for about Rs 12,740 crore (at Rs 117 per share). Later, in April 2014, the company decided to exit after the joint venture struggled to grow subscribers quickly. DoCoMo said its 2008 investment was with an understanding that it would get at least 50 per cent of its acquisition price if it exits the Indian company in five years.

Accordingly, it sought Rs 58 per share or Rs 7,200 crore from Tatas to buy out Japanese telecom majors 26.5 per cent stake in the loss-making Tata Teleservices for Rs 23.34 a share.

The Japanese firm had filed for arbitration on January 5, 2015.

The company said it received on June 23, 2016, from the London Court of International Arbitration a binding arbitration award under the arbitration proceeding regarding its stake in Tata Teleservices (TTSL), a telecommunication service provider in India.

The award orders that Tata Sons pay damages to DoCoMo in the amount of approximately USD 1.172 billion for Tata Sons breach of the shareholders agreement, upon DoCoMos tender of its entire stake in TTSL to Tata Sons or its designee, it said in a statement.

According to the arbitration award, Tata Sons will receive or designate a recipient for DoCoMos entire stake in TTSL.

DoCoMo said it is uncertain whether Tata Sons will pay the awarded damages.

As of the date of this press release, some matters remain uncertain, including whether Tata Sons will pay the awarded damages and when the delivery of TTSLs shares will be made. Accordingly, DoCoMo is not able to predict how events will unfold, it added.

Tatas offer to DoCoMo was in line with the Reserve Bank of India guidelines that state that an international firm can only exit its investment at a valuation not exceeding that arrived at on the basis of return on equity.

It had made an offer of Rs 23.34 a share after the finance ministry and the RBI rejected the Groups application to buy back DoCoMos shares at the pre-agreed valuation of Rs 58 a share. The 60 per cent lower offer was made on the basis of a fair market value determined on June 30, 2014.

TTSL witnessed its complete networth erode two years ago and it posted a loss of Rs 3,846 crore on a revenue of Rs 10,944 crore in 2014-15 fiscal.
New Delhi:

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy today virtually launched direct attacks on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley issuing threat of a bloodbath on being asked to show restraint and discipline, remarks that have not gone down well with the party.

People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint dont realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath, he tweeted in an obvious attack on Jaitley.

People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a blood bath  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 24, 2016

Though he did not name Jaitley, he was obviously referring to the Minister who had a couple of days ago urged Swamy for restraint and discipline in the wake of his attacks on Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian on Wednesday and his use of the word discipline in defending Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das yesterday.

In another apparent swipe at Jaitley, whose photographs of meeting with the Bank of China Chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing in a lounge suit appeared in newspapers today, Swamy asked BJP to advise ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian cloths when abroad.

BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters, Swamy said in another tweet.

Swamy has been active on Twitter over the last two-three days, attacking officials of Finance Ministry and taking swipe at Jaitley.

But his sharp attacks, especially the use of language like bloodbath, today were said to have left the BJP and its leadership upset.

Party sources said there was concern in the organisation and the leadership over the unbridled criticism aimed at the Finance Ministry.

They indicated that the party was not in a hurry to act against Swamy, a Rajya Sabha member, but would adopt a wait-and-watch attitude for some time.

A senior BJP leader sought to dispel the impression that Swamy, who is said to enjoy the support of RSS, has its backing claiming RSS would not support such an open attack that harms the governments and partys image.

However, opposition leaders saw in Swamys attacks infighting in the government and the party which raised questioned whether he would be checked.

JD-U leader Pawan Verma said Swamy was sent to Rajya Sabha by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah and so what he says holds some significace.

There is a great internal fight going on in the party and the government. People are asking questions about it and want to know whether Swamy will be checked, he said.

RJD spokesman Manoj Jha also raised similar queries.

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Washington:

President Barack Obama today said that the US respects the decision of British people to exit from the European Union and hoped that the United Kingdom and EU will remain indispensable partners of America. The people of the UK have spoken, and we respect their decision, Obama said in a statement in his first reaction to the result of the historic referendum.

The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdoms membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security, and economic policy, he said.

So too is Americas relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond, he said.

The UK and the EU will remain indispensable partners of the US even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world, Obama said.

In another statement, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said the US will work closely with both London and Brussels and international partners to ensure continued economic stability, security and prosperity in Europe and beyond.

We continue to monitor developments in financial markets, he said.

I have been in regular contact in recent weeks with my counterparts and financial market participants in the UK, EU and globally and we are continuing to consult closely. The UK and other policymakers have the tools necessary to support financial stability, which is key to economic growth, Lew said.

Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce said the vote will not change Americas special relationship with Great Britain.

Prime Minister David Camerons decision to step down is understandable. He is a fine leader, and I know he will do all that he can to help everyone on both sides of this debate come together and move forward. UK leadership is critical to global prosperity and security, Royce said.

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Srinagar:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned home tonight after a two-day visit to Tashkent where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and met leaders of various countries, including Russia and China.

The highlight of his visit was his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which he pushed for support to Indias bid for NSG membership by China which has been opposing it steadfastly.

Addressing the SCO Summit where the final process for Indias accession as a full member of the SCO began, Modi said Indias ties with the bloc will help protect the region from threats of radicalisation and violence asserting that it would adopt zero tolerance to terrorism.

He said India would significantly benefit from the groupings strengths in energy and natural resources and in turn Indias strong economy and vast market could drive economic growth in the SCO region.

He also met Russian President Vladimir Putin as also leaders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Belarus.

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Bloody Bangladesh: Hindus, Christians, and secular minorities being slaughtered by Islamist militants, often with machetes

A teenager suspected of being a radical Islamist was shot dead just a few days after he allegedly attacked a Hindu man with a machete.

19-year-old Golam Faizullah Fahim had been brought in by police for questioning. They were traveling to a farm in search of Fahims possible associates when a gunfight broke out and the young man was killed.

Fahim isnt the first, nor will he likely be the last. In fact, theres been a growing trend in Bangladesh of radical Islamic extremists attacking innocent people  usually with machetes.

According to Tribune, nearly 50 people have been slaughtered over the course of the past three years in a wave of gruesome murders targeting Hindus, Christians, Sufi Muslims, secular activists and foreigners, with most blamed on or claimed by Islamist militants. The Islamic State has reportedly taken responsibility for many of the attacks. Of course, the Regressive Left will likely refute this claim since Islam is a religion of peace and none of its followers could ever be responsible for such heinous actions. Right?

Tribune goes on to say, Six suspected Islamist militants have now been shot dead since Bangladesh launched a nationwide crackdown on local jihadist groups in the wake of a spike in murders of secular activists and religious minorities.

Theres so much evidence backing up the fact that the rise of radical Islam comes with a violent, deadly side effect. Whats happening in Bangladesh is happening all over the world, and these kinds of terror attacks are only going to become more and more common if this issue isnt addressed head-on.

And radical Islam isnt just an American issue. It is a severe, violent problem all over the globe, and its only going to grow stronger and deadlier if we dont start addressing it for what it truly is: religious extremism.

Sources:

Tribune

The Quint

Evil.news

Submit a correction >>
If Hillary Clinton wins the presidency, calls for Texas secession will explode

Its hard to imagine anyone wanting Hillary Clinton to be elected President of the United States, but the anti-Clinton sentiment is especially strong in the Lone Star State.

For many years now, the Texas Nationalist Movement has been fighting for a full-blown secession from the United States. But with a troublesome election year in the wings, and with many calling for Britain to leave the European Union (EU), conversations about Texas reverting to its old moniker as the Republic of Texas have been receiving more and more consideration.

Daniel Miller, the current president of the Texas Nationalist Movement, finds the Brexit (a play on the words Britain and exit) movement inspiring. In an interview with The Guardian, Miller stated that when it comes to Texas secession, Brexit only helps our case because there is a concrete first world example of a modern democracy having a legitimate and public debate where the people of a country, not the political class, get to vote on how they govern themselves and that will resonate not just through Europe but here as well.

If Hillary Clinton is elected, then what better time for Texas to abandon the sinking ship that is the United States? Her values completely clash with not only the United States Constitution (which is an entirely different argument), but with the values and ideals of the average Texan. Clintons big government mindset is flawed and just plain awful. If you thought Texans were toying with the idea of secession before, just wait until theyre living under a Hillary-run country.

While seceding from the United States would be no easy task, the conversation alone is an important one to have. It sends a message to the federal government that Texans are unhappy with the current state of affairs. If Britain leaves the European Union, it could inspire Texas to follow suit, and then who knows which states may continue on the same path.

Were living in times of revolution, folks. And thats very exciting no matter how you look at it.

Sources:

The Guardian

The Telegraph

Submit a correction >>
The Clinton Foundation has scored about $50 MILLION in donations from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait

For someone who rambles incessantly about the rights of women, Hillary Clinton sure does love to accept hefty donations from countries that violently oppresses members of her gender.

It has been reported by The Daily Caller that the Clinton Foundation has received between $16 million and $40 million in donations from the governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait  the three countries that Clinton herself demonized in a speech following the Orlando nightclub massacre.

In the speech, she stated, For starters, it is long past time for the Saudis, the Qataris and the Kuwaitis and others to stop their citizens from funding extremist organizations.

Well, Hillary, if you have such an issue with the way they do things in those countries, why are you so quick to accept tens of millions of dollars from their leaders? Because cold, hard cash is more important to you than integrity, it seems.

This woman is as crooked as they get. She truly lives up to the Crooked Hillary nickname every single day of her life. One day shes accepting copious amounts of money from the governments of Muslim countries that imprison and murder gay people, and the next shes criticizing their policies. Its shady, gross, and in a strange way, even disloyal. Its everything you dont want in a commander-in-chief, and we should be hoping and praying that she doesnt become the next one.

So which is it, Hillary? Are you going to come out an openly denounce the manner in which women and homosexuals of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait are treated, or are you going to continue to wallow in the money the men from those countries continue to give you?

I think we already know the answer to that

Sources:

The Daily Caller

FoxNews.com

Clinton.news

Submit a correction >>
Did a CBS News reporter just break federal firearms law in an overzealous bid to push gun control?

(Freedom.news) The Left-wing media has always been relentless in its pursuit of gun control, but one member of the club may have just broken a major federal law governing the sale of firearms in her overzealous attempt to support Democrats new push to ban assault weapons.

As reported by the Washington Free Beacon, a Virginia gun store owner has contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after a CBS News reporter allegedly made a straw purchase of an AR-15  a felony punishable by fines and prison.

The WFB reported:

The gun store where a CBS News employee purchased a gun for a segment that aired Thursday on CBS This Morning has filed a report with the Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives over concerns the purchase was unlawful. The store, SpecDive Tactical in Alexandria, Virginia, said that when CBS News Paula Reid purchased the rifle she told the stores general manager the gun was for her own use. However, when CBS reported on the story they revealed the gun was purchased for the story and transferred to a third party a few hours later. The rifle we purchased was legally transferred to a federally licensed firearms dealer and weapons instructor in Virginia, just hours after we bought it, the report said.

The gun shop said they contacted ATF after seeing the report because they believed that the reporter mislead them in a way that constituted a straw purchase, a big no-no when it comes to buying a gun (to the uninitiated Kool-aid drinker, this is just one of thousands of gun laws already on the books)

Ms. Paula Reid came into the shop with cash, claiming she wished to purchase an AR-15 to, undergo training, Ryan Lamke, SpecDives general manager, told the Washington Free Beacon. She refused basic, free instruction of firearms safety under the pretense that she was using the firearm for training with a NRA certified instructor.

Due to the information provided in the CBS News report filed today, I suspect Ms. Reid committed a straw purchase and procurement of a firearm under false pretenses.

SpecDive owner Jerry Rapp said that Reid misleading the store about her intent to hand the rifle over to a third party was a clear violation of the law.

The law is very clear. When you knowingly attempt to purchase a firearm with the intent of giving it to another person, you are trying to bypass the legal pathway to firearms ownership, he said. This, in itself, is a very serious crime. I do not see how any member of the press can get away with potentially committing a felony just to boost their ratings and mislead the general public.

Hes right, of course. And while the ATF was non-committal when the WFB followed up  per standard protocol (they never comment on ongoing investigations)  there is no guarantee here that the agency will even charge anyone at CBS with a crime (because the agency allowed massive amounts of straw purchases during its Operation Fast and Furious fiasco), though it is obvious to any unbiased observer that one has likely been committed. After all, no one knows gun laws better than the people who sell them.

But more to the point, the political Left will go to any lengths  even breaking the law  to prove that more gun control is needed. Whats worse, many of the Leftist medias supporters will simply swallow the report whole, never questioning the details behind the purchase or giving much thought to the fact that a major felony was likely committed just to do the story. They will never see the hypocrisy that a federal gun law was broken during a story that is pushing for more federal gun control laws.

Its absurd, of course, but politically useful to the authoritarians in the Democratic Party, a political organization that, like the Communists of the Soviet Union, live by the motto, The ends justify the means.

More:

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NEW FAIRFIELD  The town park has been closed because of contamination of lake waters by blue-green algae, which can emit toxins harmful to people and pets.

First Selectman Susan Chapman said the park on Candlewood Lake was closed Thursday but is expected to reopen Saturday or Sunday. Chapman said the water is being tested, using a new rapid test, to determine when its safe to let swimmers back in the water.

Larry Marsicano, executive director of the Candlewood Lake Authority, said the New Fairfield bloom  the first of the season in the states largest man-made lake  occurred earlier than usual.

Last summer, several beaches were closed owing to algae blooms, prompting a lengthy discussion of the issue at the authoritys State of the Lake discussion in April.

This is not something you can easily combat, Marsicano said. Blue-green algae has always been in Candlewood Lake.

Things are changing regionally and globally that are resulting in us seeing more frequent and more intense blooms more regularly, he said. Its a very complex thing that we are trying very quickly to get our arms around ...

This is not just a Candlewood problem; this is a global problem, Marsicano said.

He cautioned people to avoid areas of the lake that appear to have green paint on the surface and not to allow their pets in the water.

Dennis Schain, the spokesman for the state Department of Energy Environmental and Protection, said no state beaches have reported the presence of blue-green algae so far this year.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Connecticut, but the organisms presence often goes unnoticed and causes no harm.

But when temperatures are high and phosphorus levels rise because of stormwater runoff, rapid growth of blue-green algae sometimes occurs and the levels of the toxins they produce begin to rise. People exposed to the toxins by ingesting, inhaling or coming into contact with the algae-infested water can suffer irritation of the skin, nose, eyes and respiratory tract; vomiting or diarrhea; and, if large amounts of the toxins are ingested, ailments of the liver or nervous system.

The New Fairfield park is located on Route 39.
NEW MILFORD  More than 230 unemployed or underemployed adults have passed through the doors of the Community Culinary School of Northwestern Connecticut, leaving with careers in the food-service industry.

Dawn Hammacott, its executive director, opened the school with Peg Molina, New Milfords social services director, in 2007, after the pair spent a year and a half researching, planning and fundraising. Hammacott has a restaurant background. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and began managing restaurants before she opened the Grand Patisserie, a bakery she owned with family members for 13 years.

Hammacott credits the schools success to the generosity of individuals and businesses in the area who volunteer their time and donate money, as well as the restaurants who provide internships and jobs to the students.

The 12-week sessions are open to economically at-risk adults who are 18 and older. Students learn culinary and life skills at the school based at St. Johns Episcopal Church in New Milford. The food prepared in classes is brought to the New Milford Food Bank.

- How did you get involved with cooking? Is it something youve always wanted to do?

My interest was sparked at a young age while making holiday cookies and desserts with my mother who was an outstanding cook and baker. I loved spending time with her in the kitchen and really enjoyed the creative outlet. Cookies always bring smiles to faces!

- How did the idea for the school come about?

It was a true meeting of the minds with Peg and myself. In business, I always believed in giving someone an opportunity to prove themselves no matter what their background. I was intrigued when I read about programs in some areas of the country that were training unemployed and underemployed adults for careers in food service. After the Grand Patisserie was sold I volunteered at the New Milford Food Pantry and, in talking to Peg, learned that she had the same interest. Lo and behold the idea for the Community Culinary School was born and began to take shape and here we are 231 graduates later.

- Your school has a strong record for placing students in careers after graduation. How does it feel to see these statistics and hear success stories?

We are very proud of our job placement rate, which is at 96 percent, with a 95 percent retention rate post six months graduation. We have this success rate, not because we are handing someone a job, but because we are providing training in the job and life skills they need to succeed. In addition to culinary training that touches on all aspects of working in a professional kitchen, our students receive training in employment skills, financial literacy, goal setting, etc. For me personally, nothing is more gratifying than having the opportunity to give someone the tools they need to get started on a career path that can change their lives and that of their families, whether it is a young person just out of high school or an adult laid off from a longtime position. The food service industry is one with opportunity for individuals from many different backgrounds with various interests and skill levels. We are also able to help those in need in the community as food produced in classes is donated to the New Milford Food Bank. Our students welcome the opportunity to give back to their community.

- You used to own a bakery in town. Do you prefer teaching or baking? Why?

Baking will always be a passion, but I have moved on to something that is much more gratifying in so many different ways. It is not an exaggeration to say that this is something that I truly feel I was called to do. The success of my students and graduates means everything to me.

-Do you have a favorite recipe to make? What is it and why is it your favorite?

I do still enjoy baking but now its mostly for my family. Christmas cookies are still my thing! Im happy to continue the family tradition.
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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
/

DANBURY  An Oklahoma man was charged by police on Thursday with posession of child pornography after a maid at a local hotel said she saw images on his cell phone and called authorities.

Police said Gerardo Vazquez-Gonzalez, 19, of Tulsa, was staying at the La Quinta Inn on Newtown Road when a housekeeper who was doing laundy found his cell phone. The guest services manager at the hotel openned the phone in an attempt to discover the owner, but the manager instead found photos depicting child pornography, police said.
TORONTO, June 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle" or the "Company") today announced that it will release its second quarter 2016 results on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, after normal trading hours.

Second Quarter 2016 Results Conference Call and Webcast

Agnico Eagle's senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10:00 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss the Company's financial and operating results.

Via Webcast:

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's website at www.agnicoeagle.com.

Via Telephone:

For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 1-647-427-7450 or toll-free

1-888-231-8191. To ensure your participation, please call approximately ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

Replay archive:

Please dial 1-416-849-0833 or toll-free 1-855-859-2056, access code 38813014. The conference call replay will expire on August 25, 2016.

The webcast, along with presentation slides will be archived for 180 days on the Company's website.

Investor Relations

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

145 King Street East, Suite 400

Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2Y7

Telephone: 416-947-1212

Fax: 416-367-4681

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company that has produced precious metals since 1957. Its eight mines are located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in each of these countries as well as in the United States and Sweden. Agnico Eagle and its shareholders have full exposure to gold prices due to its long-standing policy of no forward gold sales. Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.

SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

For further information: Investor Relations (416) 947-1212
TORONTO, June 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Hans-Jorg Mehl, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Mercedes-Benz Canada, Michael Weidemann, Executive Vice-President of ENERCON Canada and Volker Kendziorra, Global Head of Service of ENERCON, gathered at the Niagara Region Wind Farm in Smithville today to officially celebrate the beginning of a Canadian partnership that saw 20 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4s added to the fleet of service vehicles that support ENERCON's wind farms across the country. This is the culmination of a project that started in 2014 with a single 4x4 prototype based on a standard rear-wheel drive Sprinter built to Canadian specifications in Dusseldorf, Germany.

ENERCON tested the prototype over the course of a six month period, travelling from Nova Scotia through Quebec to Ontario for a total of 7,984 kilometres. In order to establish the optimal technical specifications for Canada, the prototype was outfitted with equipment that monitored its engine module. Real-time results were transmitted by GPS back to Mercedes-Benz Global Headquarters in Stuttgart, where they were used to verify and tweak the engine programming for the production Sprinters.

"For many years, ENERCON has used Mercedes-Benz vans to serve our company's wind turbines around the world. We found that the Canadian climate and topography demanded certain requirements, and are pleased to say that the Sprinter 4x4 has met all of them," said Volker Kendziorra.

The Sprinter 4x4 was a natural choice for ENERCON, who sought a fuel-efficient vehicle with the payload capacity to accommodate a full complement of equipment. Further, it was well-positioned to meet the needs of the company, whose wind farms are frequently located away from main roads and well off the beaten track. The Sprinter 4x4 features a low range gear that allows it to navigate steep grades, negotiate challenging off-road terrain, and even tow and manoeuvre heavy trailers.

Thursday's Canadian announcement meets ENERCON's purchasing priorities for its global fleet. Until now, the company's Canadian division relied primarily on retrofitted pickup trucks to work in the field.

"ENERCON and Mercedes-Benz are two major German players, known worldwide for their high-quality standards. We are delighted to be expanding our existing partnership into the Canadian market, and are delighted to be working with Mercedes-Benz Canada. We see today's announcement as a great first step towards a long term relationship in this part of the world," said Michael Weidemann.

"The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was the pioneer of the modern van movement, and today this model continues to trail blaze as the only 4x4 commercial van in Canada," added Hans-Jorg Mehl. "Our agreement with ENERCON underscores the increasing importance of fuel efficiency to global corporations, an area in which the Sprinter leads the pack. This advantage, coupled with its best-in-class payload and cargo volume  not to mention its remarkable interior height of over 2.2 metres  make for an unbeatable combination."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,500 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 46 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 44,526 vehicles in 2015. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the second consecutive year.

About ENERCON Canada

Established in Germany over 30 years ago, ENERCON is an international leader in wind turbine design and sales. Known worldwide for its gearless generator technologies, high manufacturing standards, and comprehensive long-term service agreements, the company has become synonymous with reliability and performance. To date, ENERCON has installed more than 25,600 turbines worldwide, ranging from 500 kW to 7.5 MW, representing more than 41.2 GW of installed capacity.

A major player in the Canadian market since its entry in 2001, ENERCON Canada Inc. has over 600 employees with offices located in Montreal, Toronto and Dartmouth, service stations coast-to-coast, manufacturing sites in Matane (QC) and Beamsville (ON), and a dedicated training and warehouse facility in Boucherville (QC). ENERCON Canada Inc. currently has over 2,000 MW installed throughout seven Canadian provinces and territories.

Further information is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca and www.enercon.de/en

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "Michael Weidemann, Executive VP of ENERCON Canada, Hans-Jorg Mehl, VP and CFO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, and Volker Kendziorra, Global Head of Service of ENERCON, gathered in Smithville, Ontario today to officially celebrate the beginning of a Canadian partnership that saw 20 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4s added to the fleet of service vehicles that support ENERCONs wind farms across the country. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160623_C8764_PHOTO_EN_721273.jpg

Image with caption: "Today, representatives from Mercedes-Benz Canada and ENERCON gathered in Smithville, Ontario to officially celebrate the beginning of a Canadian partnership that saw 20 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4s added to the fleet of service vehicles that support ENERCONs wind farms across the country. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160623_C8764_PHOTO_EN_721274.jpg

For further information: Mercedes-Benz Canada: JoAnne Caza, 416-847-7550, [email protected]; Nathalie Gravel, 416-847-7509, [email protected]; ENERCON Canada: Eva Lotta Schmidt, 438-837-1819, [email protected]
Cultural competence key component of new program to recognize leading lawyers in Indigenous legal field

TORONTO, June 23, 2016 /CNW/ - The Law Society of Upper Canada has launched Canada's first Certified Specialist Program in Indigenous legal issues. Ontario lawyers with the appropriate expertise, including demonstrated inter-cultural competence, will soon be able to apply to be recognized as a leader in their field.

"This new specialty provides an added dimension to a unique and increasingly important area of law. Not only will successful applicants establish their legal expertise, they will also demonstrate their thorough understanding of and respect for Indigenous perspectives," says Law Society Treasurer Paul Schabas. "The program is an important part of the Law Society's priority to better meet the legal needs of Indigenous peoples through enhanced cultural competence in the legal professions."

The standards for the Indigenous legal issues specialty were developed over three years through a rigorous process. The Law Society called upon the expertise of working groups, which included practitioners and subject matter experts from a variety of geographic and practice areas. There was strong participation from the Indigenous bar within each working group.

The new Indigenous specialist program includes three subspecialties, each with its own set of experience, knowledge and skills standards:

Rights and Governance; Litigation and Advocacy; and Corporate and Commercial.

Intercultural competencies are integrated throughout the specialty standards. Applicants must submit a brief statement confirming that they have obtained a significant understanding of Indigenous cultures, perspectives and contexts in their work to date. Applicants are also required to submit a reference from an Indigenous community member.

"The initial response from stakeholders has been extremely positive and confirms that the standards of experience and knowledge for the program will ensure certified specialist lawyers are highly equipped to serve the legal needs of Indigenous peoples," says Janet Leiper, chair of the Certified Specialist Board. "I commend the members of the working groups for their efforts and thank all those who have contributed to creating this specialty."

Implementation of the program will continue over the summer months and the application process will be open to all Ontario lawyers in the fall.

The Indigenous legal issues specialty is the 16th specialty area of the Law Society's Certified Specialist Program, which recognizes lawyers who have met established standards of experience and knowledge requirements in one or more designated areas of law, and have maintained exemplary standards of professional practice.

The Law Society of Upper Canada regulates lawyers and paralegals in the public interest. The Law Society is committed to helping people with their legal needs and supporting the advancement of reconciliation. More information is available at lsuc.on.ca/indigenous-initiatives.

SOURCE The Law Society of Upper Canada

For further information: Media contact: Denise McCourtie, Communications Advisor, [email protected], or 416-947-3362. Follow us on Twitter @LawsocietyLSUC
TORONTO, June 24, 2016 /CNW/ - The LCBO today released a Request for Bids (RFB) for eligible Ontario grocery retailers wishing to sell wine, beer and cider. The RFB for as many as 70 locations has been posted on the procurement website, www.Biddingo.com.

The LCBO Request for Bids initiates a competitive process to select which grocers will be able to purchase wine, beer and cider from the LCBO for resale to the public. This will be an open, fair and transparent process through which eligible grocery retailers will bid on the financial terms on which they will purchase wine, beer and cider from the LCBO. Successful bidders will then apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for an authorization(s) to sell wine, beer and cider.

Eligibility requirements are set out in regulation under the Liquor Control Act. Interested grocery retailers are asked to register and access the LCBO RFB at www.biddingo.com.

The deadline for submissions to the RFB is August 5, 2016 no later than 10:00:59 am (Toronto Local Time).

LCBO has engaged the services of a fairness commissioner to provide oversight and advice to support integrity and fairness throughout the bidding process.

As many as 70 grocery stores are expected to be selected and authorized by the fall of 2016.

The LCBO is an Ontario government enterprise and one of the world's largest buyers and retailers of beverage alcohol. Through its 654 retail stores, catalogues, special order services and more than 210 agency stores, which provide cost effective, convenient and socially responsible access for rural consumers; the LCBO offers nearly 24,000 products from more than 80 countries annually to consumers and licensed establishments.

LCBO transfers revenue from annual sales to the province in the form of a dividend. Through expansion and refreshing of our store network, together with improvements to operational efficiency and the customer shopping experience, the LCBO has been able to increase its fiscal return to the government and people of Ontario each year for 22 years. In fiscal 2015-16, LCBO recorded $5.57 billion in sales and delivered a record dividend to the province of $1.935 billion, excluding taxes. These revenues help pay for important public services including health care, education and investment in public infrastructure.

For more information on the LCBO, visit www.LCBO.com

SOURCE LCBO

For further information: Media inquiries: Christine Bujold, LCBO Media Relations Co-ordinator , Tel. 416-864-6772; Cell: 416-587-3729; E-mail: [email protected]; Genevieve Tomney, LCBO Media Relations Co-ordinator, Tel. 416 864 6875; Cell: 647 339 5428 E-mail: [email protected]
TORONTO, June 24, 2016 /CNW/ - The Law Society of Upper Canada expresses grave concerns about the harassment of lawyer Juan Carlos Gutierrez in Venezuela.

Juan Carlos Gutierrez is a lawyer and counsel to Venezuelan opposition leader and political prisoner Leopoldo Lopez.

It has come to our attention that on 25 April 2016, Mr. Gutierrez filed a formal complaint before the National Prosecutor's Office. In his complaint, he stated that he was subjected to several humiliating practices by military authorities at the Ramo Verde Prison where Mr. Lopez has been detained since February 2014. The impugning conduct includes: strip searches; verbal and physical assaults; and intrusive and inappropriate touching. Juan Carlos Gutierrez also alleges he was deprived of several personal belongings by prison authorities.

Juan Carlos Gutierrez asserts that his ability to represent his client has been impeded by unjustified restrictions on his communications with his client. Moreover, he alleges that prison authorities have eroded solicitor-client privilege by recording all of his meetings with his client and by reading, and occasionally confiscating, confidential lawyer-client communications without permission. Juan Carlos Gutierrez alleges that prison authorities have photographed him without consent and have accessed information on his mobile phone.

The Law Society of Upper Canada urges the government of Venezuela to consider Articles 16 and 23 of the United Nations' Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.

Article 16 states:

Governments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; (b) are able to travel and to consult with their clients freely both within their own country and abroad; and (c) shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economics or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics.

Moreover, Article 23 states:

Lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly. In particular, they shall have the rights to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights and to join or form local, national or international organizations and attend their meetings, without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action or their membership in a lawful organization.

The Law Society urges the government of Venezuela to:

a. put an end to all acts of harassment against Juan Carlos Gutierrez as well as other lawyers and human rights defenders in Venezuela;



b. guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of Juan Carlos Gutierrez; and



c. ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments.

*The Law Society of Upper Canada is the governing body for more than 50,000 lawyers and 8,000 paralegals in the province of Ontario, Canada. The Treasurer is the head of the Law Society. The mandate of the Law Society is to govern the legal profession in the public interest by upholding the independence, integrity and honour of the legal profession for the purpose of advancing the cause of justice and the rule of law.

SOURCE The Law Society of Upper Canada

For further information: please contact Susan Tonkin, Communications Advisor - Media Relations, at 416-947-7605 or [email protected]; The Law Society of Upper Canada, Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M5H 2N6, www.lsuc.on.ca, Follow us on Twitter @LawsocietyLSUC
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., June 24, 2016 /CNW/ -- Rail Europe, the largest distributor of European rail products worldwide, invites travellers to explore Switzerland's charming cities, stunning high-altitude adventures, and beautiful blue lakes by rail this summer at a discount. In partnership with Switzerland Tourism and Swiss Travel System, Rail Europe offers travellers the chance to save $60 when they book a 1st Class Swiss Travel Pass and Express Luggage in the same booking using coupon code SWISSLUGGAGE60, between now and August 30, 2016*.

With Express Luggage, travellers can sit back, relax and savour Switzerland's breath-taking views right from their train window, without having to worry about schlepping suitcases, bags, skis, snowboards, sleds, and strollers with them. The convenient Express Luggage service delivers travellers' luggage from a number of train stations in Switzerland directly to their rail station destination. Express Luggage delivery is provided between more than 30 select train stations throughout Switzerland, including Adelboden, Bern, Engelberg, Gstaad, Lausanne, Montreux, St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Zurich.

The Swiss Travel Pass offers extensive travel and sightseeing options for travellers to create memorable adventures. Travellers with the pass will receive:

Extensive travel on the Swiss Travel System including rail, lake steamers, and postal buses

Access to Switzerland's scenic trains, including the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, GoldenPass Line and Wilhelm Tell Express

scenic trains, including the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, GoldenPass Line and Wilhelm Tell Express Free travel on public transportation in 75 towns and cities

Free access to over 490 Swiss museums

Up to 50% discount on mountain railways and cable cars

Families can enjoy even more savings, as children under the age of 16 travel free with a parent or legal guardian. When traveling with children 6 to 15 years of age, simply request a free Swiss Family Card when booking your Swiss Travel Pass. Children under 6 do not require a rail pass or family card.

Although not included in this current promotion, for passengers flying into Switzerland from other countries, Rail Europe also provides Express Flight Luggage. With Express Flight Luggage service, travellers' luggage is delivered via Zurich or Geneva airport directly to their final destination train station in Switzerland, or to a Swiss address, from any airport in the world, irrespective of the airline company with which they fly. Travellers can save time waiting at the airport to pick up checked bags, and simply get on their way to their ultimate destination.***

Prices begin at $356 USD** for the 3-day 1st class Swiss Travel Pass, and Express Luggage starts at $43 USD** for one piece of luggage. Additional pieces of luggage are only $13 USD** each.

Take advantage of these savings and book by visiting Rail Europe's website at raileurope.com, or connect with travel experts at Rail Europe's award-winning customer care centre by phone, or live chat on the website.

*TERMS & CONDITIONS:

From June 24, 2016 through 5:00 PM ET on August 30, 2016, enter coupon code SWISSLUGGAGE60 during checkout on delivery page to receive $60 off your booking of First Class Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Express Luggage. A First Class Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Express Luggage Voucher must be booked together in the same booking to receive the discount. One coupon code per booking may be applied. Offer is limited to the first 390 bookings, or until the promotion's end date of 5:00 PM ET August 30, 2016, whichever comes first. Offer is subject to change or extension without notice at Rail Europe's sole discretion. No adjustment can be made on prior purchases. For refunds, the unused Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Express Luggage Voucher must be returned together for refund review. Refund, if applicable will only be processed if the Swiss Travel Pass and Express Luggage Voucher is completely unused. Refunds are subject to cancellation fees.

**Prices are subject to change.

***Express Flight Luggage not included in promotion

About Rail Europe

Rail Europe represents more than 50 European train companies and is a one-stop shop for European rail travel planning and booking. Rail Europe, Inc., is the largest distributor of European rail products in North America, offering a wide range of passes and train tickets to North American travellers. An essential part of the vacation planning process, the company's Web site offers a user-friendly booking engine, knowledgeable experts, online rail pass finder, virtual tours, interactive maps and much more. Rail Europe provides a worry-free, cost and time-effective and seamless travel experience by enabling customers to purchase tickets and plan travel details in advance.

For more information or to book a trip with Rail Europe, visit raileurope.com . Trips can also be reserved by speaking to a Rail Europe Travel Consultant at 1-800-438-7245 (U.S.), 1-800-361-7245 (Canada) or 1-888-337-8687 (Mexico). To book rail for groups of 10 or more, please contact the Group Department at https://www.raileurope.com/group-travel/group-travel.html.

For the latest Rail Europe news, downloadable videos and high-resolution photos of European trains, media can visit the newsroom at https://www.raileurope.com/about-us/about-us.html.

Connect with Rail Europe on:

Facebook

Twitter (@RailEurope)

Instagram

Youtube

Google+

Pinterest

Blog

About Switzerland Tourism

Switzerland Tourism is the official National Tourist Office of Switzerland and operates in 30 countries around the world with the goal of promoting Switzerland as a travel, vacation and convention destination. In North America, Switzerland Tourism operates offices in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto.

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/home.html

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160623/383069

SOURCE Rail Europe

For further information: Laura Zanzal Ford, Vice President, Zeno Group for Rail Europe, Inc., 212.299.8955, [email protected]; Melanie Albaric, Marketing & Communications Manager, Rail Europe, Inc., 914.681.7232, [email protected], http://www.raileurope.com
OTTAWA, June 24, 2016 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the results of the referendum on the membership of the United Kingdom (UK) in the European Union (EU):

"The people of the UK have chosen to leave the EU.

"The UK and the EU are important strategic partners for Canada with whom we enjoy deep historical ties and common values. We will continue to build relations with both parties as they forge a new relationship.

"Canada's connections to our partners around the world are among its greatest assets, and these relationships contribute greatly to the prosperity of all Canadians."

"Canada has tremendous economic fundamentals that we are strengthening with key investments in infrastructure and measures to grow our middle class. We are well positioned to weather global market uncertainty as we have done in the past.

"Prime Minister David Cameron indicated today that he will resign by the fall. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank him for being such a close ally and good friend to our country. We wish him well."

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

For further information: PMO Media Relations: 613-957-5555
TORONTO, June 24, 2016 /CNW/ - The Law Society of Upper Canada expresses grave concerns about the harassment of lawyer Negad El-Borai in Egypt.

The Law Society received reports of the continued judicial harassment of Negad El-Borai, human rights lawyer and director of the "United Group  Attorneys-at-law, Legal Advisors" (United Group).

According to the information received, Negad El-Borai was summoned to an investigation on 17 May 2016 in relation to a complaint filed by the High Judicial Council. The complaint relates to Negad El-Borai's work on an anti-torture bill in March 2015, and his advocacy before the Egyptian authorities for its adoption in April 2015. The complaint also relates to a workshop that Negad El-Borai organized in order to discuss the proposed bill.

The summons of 17 May 2016 was the fifth of its kind: Negad El-Borai was summoned to four previous investigations in the same case. Following the fourth investigation on 3 March 2016, he was arrested, released and charged with "establishing an unlicensed entity for the intent of inciting resistance to the authorities", "implementing human rights activities without a license", "deliberately spreading false information with the purpose of harming public order or public interest" and "receiving funds from the National Center for State Courts (NCSC)".

On 17 May 2016, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (the "Observatory") published a letter condemning the ongoing judicial harassment of Negad El-Borai. Furthermore, the Observatory expressed its concern that human rights defenders and organizations fighting against torture in Egypt are being increasingly targeted by the authorities. The letter also noted that the criminalization of anti-torture work comes in the context of a dramatic deterioration of the human rights situation in Egypt, which has been marked by a crackdown on civil society and an increase in reported cases of torture, deaths in detention and disappearances.

The Law Society of Upper Canada urges the government of Egypt to consider Articles 16 and 23 of the United Nations' Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.

Article 16 states:

Governments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; (b) are able to travel and to consult with their clients freely both within their own country and abroad; and (c) shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economics or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics.

Moreover, Article 23 states:

Lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly. In particular, they shall have the rights to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights and to join or form local, national or international organizations and attend their meetings, without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action or their membership in a lawful organization.

The Law Society urges the government of Egypt to:

a. put an end to all acts of harassment against Negad El-Borai as well as other lawyers and human rights defenders in Egypt; b. Immediately and unconditionally withdraw all charges against Negad El-Borai; c. guarantee all the procedural rights that should be accorded to Negad El-Borai and other human rights lawyers and defenders in Egypt; d. ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments.

*The Law Society of Upper Canada is the governing body for more than 50,000 lawyers and 8,000 paralegals in the province of Ontario, Canada. The Treasurer is the head of the Law Society. The mandate of the Law Society is to govern the legal profession in the public interest by upholding the independence, integrity and honour of the legal profession for the purpose of advancing the cause of justice and the rule of law.

SOURCE The Law Society of Upper Canada

For further information: please contact Susan Tonkin, Communications Advisor - Media Relations, at 416-947-7605 or [email protected]; Follow us on Twitter @LawsocietyLSUC
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC, June 24, 2016 /CNW/ - The Supreme Court of Canada has found that two Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA) members and a Hospital Employees' Union (HEU) member who contracted breast cancer while working in the laboratory at Mission Memorial Hospital are entitled to workers' compensation coverage. Their employer, Fraser Health Authority, fought their claims for more than a decade.

HSA President Val Avery welcomed the decision, and thanked the workers for their perseverance.

"Beginning almost 15 years ago, these union members embarked on a campaign for compensation because they were sick. Today, they are responsible for setting an important precedent for all workers," she said.

Lead counsel on the case, HSA's Tonie Beharrell, said the Supreme Court of Canada has recognized the authority of the Workers Compensation Act Tribunal (WCAT) to make decisions about causation of disease to a less stringent standard than scientific proof. "If there is evidence that occupational factors are an element in workers' health, a tribunal is able to consider all of the evidence before it, including circumstantial evidence, and, in this case, approve workers' compensation coverage," Beharrell said.

"This is a significant victory for women and men on health care's front lines who in the course of caring for others, become ill because of workplace hazards," says HEU Secretary-Business Manager Jennifer Whiteside.

In rendering its decision, the Supreme Court of Canada said, "While the record on which that decision was based did not include confirmatory expert evidence, the Tribunal nonetheless relied upon other evidence which, viewed reasonably, was capable of supporting its finding of a causal link between the workers' breast cancers and workplace conditions."

At issue was the role and authority of administrative tribunals like the WCAT, which have specialized expertise in their particular area, and whether the courts ought to be able to dismiss that expertise and reweigh the evidence that was before the Tribunal.



As explained in the unions' submission:

"... the scientists and physicians were weighing the evidence against the standard required to reach "scientific conclusions" based on "scientific evidence." That is a significantly higher test than that required in the administration of the workers' compensation scheme for the adjudication of workplace disease claims, and in fact requiring the Appellants to meet that test would fundamentally undermine the purpose of that scheme."

HSA members Katrina Hammer and Anne MacFarlane, and HEU member Patricia Schmidt, all worked in the laboratory at Mission Memorial Hospital. All three contracted breast cancer, and an investigation into the cancer identified there was a cancer cluster in the laboratory  where the incidence of breast cancer was eight times the rate of breast cancer in BC.

Their claims to WorkSafe BC for compensation for breast cancer as an occupational disease were initially denied in each case, but the BC Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) reconsidered the decisions, and allowed the claims. WCAT reviewed all of the evidence before it, including expert reports that did not rule out occupational factors as a contributor to the cancer. It found that it was "sufficient to conclude it was as likely as not that some workplace exposure was of causative significance."

Fraser Health Authority, the employer, judicially reviewed the WCAT award and the BC Supreme Court and BC Court of Appeal sided with Fraser Health Authority, stating there was no evidence of work causation.

Link to decision here.

SOURCE Health Sciences Association of British Columbia

Image with caption: "Health Sciences Association of British Columbia (CNW Group/Health Sciences Association of British Columbia)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160624_C5454_PHOTO_EN_721644.jpg

For further information: HSA contact: Miriam Sobrino, (604) 328-2886; HEU contact: Brenda Whitehall, Communications Officer, (604) 456-7037
WestJet's regional airline now at 32 destinations and 30 aircraft

CALGARY, June 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, WestJet's regional airline, WestJet Encore, will celebrate its third year in the sky. The airline, powered by Canadian-made Bombardier Q400 aircraft, recently broke the six million guests-flown mark. Since its launch, Encore has been embraced by more than 30 Canadian communities seeking improved connectivity, lower fares and competitive air service.

"We've had a dramatic impact on the new markets we've served since our launch three years ago," said Ferio Pugliese, WestJet Encore President. "New WestJet Encore airports experience a 50 per cent increase in traffic on average, with some airports experiencing triple-digit percentage growth. Average fares in these same markets have fallen 20 to 40 per cent, year-over-year. We've created an entirely new set of air travellers who may not have had the opportunity to fly before due to limited options and high fares. We're extremely proud of the accomplishments and hard work of more than a thousand WestJetters who've helped make WestJet Encore a success."

"Over the last three years, we have watched WestJet Encore become the world's fastest growing operator of the Q400 aircraft  carrying millions of guests from coast to coast across Canada and into the U.S.", said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "We truly value their partnership and continue to be inspired by their now famous culture of creativity and ingenuity. We wish all the WestJetters at Encore a very happy third anniversary and much success in the future."

WestJet Encore launched on Monday, June 24, 2013 using two Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The day of the launch, Encore had 10 departures offering non-stop service between Calgary and Nanaimo, B.C.; Calgary and Fort St. John, B.C.; Vancouver and Fort St. John; and, Calgary and Saskatoon. Today, three short years later, WestJet Encore will operate 188 flights to 32 destinations.

WestJet recently exercised its final nine options to bring its Bombardier Q400 order to a confirmed 45 aircraft at a list price of US$1.59 billion. The Encore fleet represents one of the largest purchases of Ontario-made Q400 aircraft in the history of the province's aerospace industry and supports some of the best manufacturing jobs in this critical sector of the Canadian economy.

"WestJet Encore remains committed to evolving our network offerings and our guest experience to guarantee that we're meeting the needs of all Canadian travellers," said Pugliese. "We've had an exceptional three years thanks to the guests and communities we serve and know that even better days are ahead."

About WestJet

We are proud to be Canada's highest-rated airline for customer service, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers. We offer scheduled service to 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 150 destinations in more than 20 countries. Leveraging WestJet's extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Our members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day, at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods  even on seat sales. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

Recent recognition includes:

2015/2011/2010/2008/2007/2006/2005 Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture

(Waterstone Human Capital)

2015 Best Employers in Canada (Aon Hewitt)

2015/2014/2013 WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada

(MoneySense magazine)

2014/2013 WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard ranked #1 in the Canada's Choice

ranking (RewardsCanada.ca)

2014 Interbrand Canada's Best Canadian Brands (Rank #20)

2014 Brands of the Year (Strategy magazine)

2014 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Ipsos)

2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)

2014/2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)

2014/2013/2012/2011 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package supplier brands

(Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet

Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet

Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet

Read the WestJet blog at blog.westjet.com

SOURCE WestJet

For further information: Media contacts: To contact WestJet media relations, please email [email protected]
The All Progressives Congress caucus in the Senate on Thursday defended the Buhari governments corruption effort, and justified why i...

The All Progressives Congress caucus in the Senate on Thursday defended the Buhari governments corruption effort, and justified why it targets members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, more.The senate PDP caucus had on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of its members support for the government, citing the administrations belligerent attitude.But APC Senators, at a media briefing Thursday, defended Mr. Buhari, saying those that benefited from illicit funds in the last administration have to face the consequences.We are shocked at the totally partisan reaction of our colleagues from the minority party, PDP, to the on-going investigations and recovery of public funds meant for the prosecution of the war against insurgency, said the APC Senators in their communique signed by the Senate Whip, Olusola Adeyeye (Osun State).Contrary to the assertion of our PDP colleagues, the investigation is not a partisan war against a particular political party. It is no longer a news item that there was a wanton diversion of public funds meant for fighting insurgency to fund campaigns of PDP. Members of the PDP were the sole and iniquitous beneficiaries of this diversion.Seeking to recover diverted public funds is neither dictatorial nor against the rule of law. In all the actions, programmes and policies of the PMB-led APC Federal Government, no PDP member has been unjustly arrested or imprisoned on mere allegations.On the contrary, we are daily regaled with news of millions and billions of naira of public funds traced to accounts of individuals some of whom have accepted to return such diverted public funds, he said.The caucus passed vote of confidence on Mr. Buhari and expressed support for his policies and programmes.The members of the Joint Caucus of The All Progressive Congress (APC) and Labour Party Senators in the Senate are stoutly behind the policies and programmes of the President Muhammadu Buharis administration, they said. Our support is aimed at actualizing the promised desired change that Nigerians voted for last year.Ovie Omo-Agege, a labour party senator from Delta State, aligned with the APC.The lawmakers emphasized the need for respect for principle of separation of powers among the three arms of government, and warned against interference.
The Nigerian Army said it has launched an investigation into an alleged coup plot, even as it dismissed the claim as baseless and most unf...

The Nigerian Army said it has launched an investigation into an alleged coup plot, even as it dismissed the claim as baseless and most unfortunate.A militant group had alleged in a statement Wednesday that some officers were planning to topple President Muhammadu Buhari government.However, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement yesterday that the army had begun investigation into the allegation as well as the JNDLF that made it.The statement reads: The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to another campaign of calumny and distraction by faceless criminal gang of economic saboteurs that hide under the aegis of Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF) alleging that some officers of the Nigerian Army approached them for support to overthrow our duly elected present democratic government.This is baseless and most unfortunate allegation that existed in the warped minds of the originators of such weighty allegation.The Nigerian Army wishes to state that this is not true and hereby distances itself from this weighty allegation.We also see this speculation as a dangerous distraction to our effort in fighting insurgency and other criminal elements in the country.The Nigerian Army is investigating those behind the dangerous insinuation in order to unravel the real motive behind it", the statement reads in part.
David Cameron yesterday resigned as Prime Minister in an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street. This is just as Britain voted to ...

This is just as Britain voted to leave the European Union, with the Leave campaign securing around 51.8 per cent of the vote."I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," he told reporters outside his Downing Street office.Mr Cameron, who led the Remain campaign, said he led the campaign with his "head, heart and soul".In a speech outside Number 10, he said: I held nothing back, I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union and I made clear the referendum was about this and this alone - not the future of any single politician including myself.But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction.I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.This is not a decision I've taken lightly but I do believe it's in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.Mr Cameron confirmed he will continue in his post for the next three months and revealed he aimed for the new Prime Minister to be in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October.Speaking to the world's press outside Number 10 he said: "Good morning everyone, the country has just taken part in a giant democratic exercise, perhaps the biggest in our history."Over 33 million people from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar have all had their say.We should be proud of the fact that in these islands we trust the people for these big decisions.We not only have a parliamentary democracy, but on questions about the arrangements for how we've governed there are times when it is right to ask the people themselves and that is what we have done.The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected.I want to thank everyone who took part in the campaign on my side of the argument, including all those who put aside party differences to speak in what they believe was the national interest and let me congratulate all those who took part in the Leave campaign for the spirited and passionate case that they made.The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered."It was not a decision that was taken lightly, not least because so many things were said by so many different organisations about the significance of this decision.The Ukip leader also called for June 23 to be declared a Bank Holiday, saying that it will "go down in our history as our independence day".Mr Farage said: "My feeling is the Prime Minister could have risen up to the fray. He chose not to, I think he probably has to go. I think we have to have a Brexit Prime Minister."He suggested that Boris Johnson, Michael Gove or Liam Fox would be potential leadership contenders.He accused Mr Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne of behaving in an "appalling" way during the campaign.As Mr Cameron's resignation was announced, a string of Conservative figures paid tribute to his leadership.Margot James, MP for Stourbridge, wrote: "Tears in my eyes as I listened to the PM, he has been a good PM in very difficult circumstances, I am glad he has resisted the siren voices."Bob Neill, MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, tweeted: "Very sad that David Cameron has decided to leave as PM. He has been a great servant to his country and to his Party. He deserved better."Mid-Norfolk MP George Freeman said: "The PM @David_Cameron at his statesmanlike best. So sad to see him go. A great man, democrat, patriot and Conservative of huge integrity."And Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid Worcestershire, wrote: "In his dignified & statesmanlike announcement to stand down as PM David Cameron has just shown he is irreplaceable."
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said that he regretted the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron, which will come int...

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said that he regretted the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron, which will come into effect in October.President Buhari said Nigeria has enjoyed remarkable goodwill, support and understanding under the capable leadership of the outgoing Prime Minister over the years.Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said Camerons resignation in response to the outcome of a referendum that supported Britain to leave the European Union was a demonstration of courage by a democratic leader who respects the will of the people, even if he didnt agree with their decision.President Buhari noted that by putting the will of the people before his political future, the Prime Minister proved himself to be a selfless leader with respect for democracy and voters sovereignty.He expressed hope that Nigeria looks forward to greater cooperation and consolidation of shared interests with Britain, despite the outcome of the referendum.
Britain has voted to leave the European Union in a referendum, with the result throwing into question the fate of the 28-nation bloc and ...

Britain has voted to leave the European Union in a referendum, with the result throwing into question the fate of the 28-nation bloc and Prime Minister David Cameron announcing he will step down by October.





The official result which was announced on Friday saw a major victory for the Brexit campaign, which received 59.1 percent vote in Thursday's historic referendum.





Economic challenges facing nations has often led them to make some hard choices. German economic recession in the 1930s gave rise to Nazism. Italy made do with Facism in the face of rising unemployment and near economic collapse coming from the First World War. Spain produced Francisco Franco's dictatorship. Portugal fell to military incursion in 1974. Britain's entry into EU in 1973 in a dramatic way was seen as the Labour Government's desperation to have things to tell its supporters. Well, a conservative government will lead them out over 40 years after.





The rising profile of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) looks like the country may soon be facing the "Nationalistic" challenges. I won't be surprised to see English men displaying their xenophobic attitudes under the well-coordinated UKIP propaganda machine catching in on traditional British pride. The fact that Europes far-right parties hailed the UKs vote to leave the European Union as a victory for their own anti-immigrant and anti-EU stance and vowed to push for similar referendums in their own countries attest to this point.





For instance, Frances Front National (FN) saw it as a clear boost for Marine Le Pens presidential bid next year and momentum for the partys anti-Europe and anti-immigration line. The Dutch far-right and anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders called on Friday for a referendum on the Netherlands membership of the European Union. In Germany, Beatrix von Storch, an MEP for rightwing populist party Alternative fur Deutschland, who was recently expelled from the Tories party group in the European Parliament over her shooting refugees comments, welcomed the result. UK referendum was proof the EU was decaying, saying that France had a thousand more reasons to leave than the UK because we have the euro and Schengen [passport-free zone]. She had warned that the strategy of terror by pro-EU campaigners in the UK no longer worked. Are the lofty ideas of Globalization on the decline? Are we back to the era of Nationalistic parties in Europe?





With Brexit winning on Friday night, hopes of keeping the UK appears fading with the question of Scottish and Irish independence looking more feasible with Nicola Sturgeon former first minister (Scottish) looking certain he will call for a second Scottish independence referendum after the UK voted to leave the European Union. He is reported to have said the Brexit vote constituted a material change in Scotlands position within the UK, telling BBC Radio Scotland: This changes the whole context of Scottish independence.





The decision of Britain to leave the EU is still being looked at and it is too early to predict the consequences of that choice. But politically, it is certain that things will not be the same again both in the larger European sphere and in British domestic politics.





OlalekanWaheed Adigun is a political risk analyst and independent political strategist for wide range of individuals, organisations and campaigns based in Lagos, Nigeria. Email: olalekan@olalekanadigun.com, adgorwell@gmail.com. Follow me on




A Youth group under the aegis of Niger Delta Youths Solidarity Movement on Friday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to disregard Coup rumou...

A Youth group under the aegis of Niger Delta Youths Solidarity Movement on Friday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to disregard Coup rumours allegedly being hatched by the the Niger Delta militant groups who continue to blow oil installations in the region.At a press conference in Abuja, Comrade Kpokpogri Prince, noted that the presence of the military in the region were part of the reasons the militants came up with the coup rumours, just to intimidate the government and coerce it into negotiation.We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to disregard stories of impendingcoup allegedly being hatched by militant groups in the Niger Delta region because they are mere rumour being concocted by oil thieves and miscreants who detest the presence of navy and army in the region, they noted.As responsible citizens and stakeholders in the Niger Delta, we feel concerned on the development in the region which obviously would not do anybody any good, and there is urgent need to debunk the rumour which tends to pitch the president against the military for their selfish motives,they added.Saddened by the rather worsening environmental pollution in the region, the group said it was the time to avenge, but it would rather cooperate with the President, especially when the president has genuine Commitment to the socioeconomic development of the region.The group added that the implication of oil bunkering which was the stock in trade of these criminals in the creeks was that large sums of money are within their disposal to purchase weapons illegally which they said was dangerous for the nation at this time of the day.They also pointed out the involvement of some Ex-military officers who are not only aiding criminality in the region, but blackmailing the Nigerian Military as well.In view of the bad light in which the militants with the active backing of the ex-military officers sought to cast the entire Niger Delta region, we deem it imperative to warn them to stop blackmailing the institution of the military so as not to force them into attacking the region, they expressed.
Civil servants in Ekiti State have suspended their 30-day-old strike after labour leaders signed an agreement with the state government....

The labour leaders and the government signed the agreement at a meeting on Friday.Seven resolutions were adopted at the meeting, including that no worker or representative of labour would be punished or victimised as a result of the strike.The Secretary to the Government, Modupe Alade; the Head of Service, Gbenga Faseluka; and the Chief of Staff, Dipo Anisulowo, were representatives of the government at the meeting.On the side of the labour were the Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Oladipo Johnson; the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ade Adesanmi; and state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Odunayo Adesoye.A copy of the memorandum of understanding made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti indicated that the parties agreed that the state government would within seven days conclude its request with commercial banks to restructure personal loans granted public servants with a view to giving them relief from loan repayment.Under the agreement, the government is expected to pay two months salaries with that of January 2016 to be paid immediately after the suspension of the strike.Provision is expected to be made for payment of the February 2016 salary as soon as the Budget Support Fund is available.Labour leaders could not be immediately reached for comment on the development.The Head of Service, however, expressed appreciation for the understanding shown by the labour leaders and the commitment of Governor Ayodele Fayose to ensure industrial harmony in the state.Workers had embarked on strike on May 25 demanding payment of five months outstanding among other contentious issues.




Former Premier League winger Jermaine Pennant shared his though on Twitter this morning after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union.The 33-year-old, now plying his trade for Tampines Rovers in Singapore, was roundly mocked on social media for a tweet which started going viral before quickly being deleted.Jermaine Pennant asked his followers Now we are not in Europe whats going to happen with the next euros 2018??? #euWith the next Euros in 2020 (and England not planning to relocate to South America), the former Arsenal, Liverpool and Stoke City winger attempted to backtrack quickly and suggested he was winding up his followers. No one believed him. See the tweet below.
Former militants under the umbrella of National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDE-A, on Friday urged President Muhammadu Buhari...

Former militants under the umbrella of National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDE-A, on Friday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to clear up all outstanding allowances owned the former agitators by the Federal Government.Disclosing in a statement in Abuja, the President of the group, Israel Akpodoro stressed that the payment of allowance will go a long way in dissuading youths from taking up violence and vandalism.According to Akpodoro, the payment of the backlog will cushion the effect of the current economy as most families in the Niger Delta region depend on the monthly stipend from the office of the Amnesty Program for survival.Akpodoro maintained that the payment would correct the erroneous impression that the Federal Government was out on a revenge mission due to the resurgence in the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA.
Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State was rocked by protest on Friday as many interest groups stormed the streets to condemn the non-payme...

Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State was rocked by protest on Friday as many interest groups stormed the streets to condemn the non-payment of workers salaries due to alleged looting of the state treasury by Governor Ayodele Fayose.The protest which was organized by a non-governmental organization, Be The Change Organization (BCO) also saw labour unions, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), artisans, market women, youth organizations and student bodies participating.Executive Director of BCO, Mrs. Omotunde Fajuyi, said Ekiti people were embarrassed by the latest revelation of Fayoses link with N4.7 billion arms cash, adding that all Nigerians must support all moves to recover the peoples commonwealth from looters.She said Ekiti people are people of honour and integrity but expressed dismay that Fayoses conduct in power has brought shame and odium on all Ekitis both at home and abroad.Mrs. Fajuyi said: We support President Buharis anti-corruption crusade, we have come out to protest looting of our money, corruption in government and scandals digging this government in Ekiti.Workers are dying at home, we want Fayose to explain what he has done with allocations he had so far collected because he had received more than N50 billion as allocation since he came to power.Fayose claims to be a Christian, he must come out clean and give account to the people of Ekiti State and he must submit himself and all his aides and associates to anti-corruption agencies for investigation .A youth leader, Adeoye Aribasoye, challenged Fayose to explain what he did with ecological funds and N9.6 billion bailout funds he received from the Federal Government.Aribasoye said: We have a governor who is richer than the state, a governor who has over N4 billion in his account he is the only one who can exp,a in what he has done with all the funds he had received from federal authorities.He must explain the N2.4 billion ecological funds because we dont know what has happened to the money, he must answer for the revelations of Ekitigate.Pupils and students of public schools have been at home for over four weeks due to the strike embarked upon by civil servants and teachers.
Factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff on Thursday disclosed that his treasurer under the sacked N...

Factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff on Thursday disclosed that his treasurer under the sacked National Working Committee, NWC, is the signatories to the partys bank account.Sheriff in a press briefing in Abuja, explained that his team and not the Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee is signatory to the partys account.He said, Myself and the Treasurer who is also a member of the NWC are signatories to the bank accounts of the PDP. Makarfi may also open another account in the name of his caretaker committee if he wished.There is only one PDP, which is the one under my leadership. Anyone who thinks the Makarfi contraption can work is deceiving himself. I am the only chairman of the PDP recognised by the courts, the constitution and the Electoral Act.The embattled leader also criticised the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose over his public conduct, describing it as shameful.Sheriff denied report that he wanted to run for President, stressing that he didnt promise anybody the Vice Presidents slot.He was reacting to Fayoses comment that he was sacked as the National leader of the opposition party because he was scheming for the 2019 presidential ticket and was allegedly teasing some party chieftains with the slot of the Vice Presidential candidate.I am ashamed at the way and manner Fayose is conducting himself in the country. I was once a governor; so, I know that the position of governor is a very serious one that demands responsible behaviour.I never told anybody I wanted to run for president and I did not promise anybody the vice presidential ticket. I have decided not to join issues with Fayose.
Hon. Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor of The Federal High Court Lagos Division has granted an interim injunction against Afrijet Airlines L...

Hon. Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor of The Federal High Court Lagos Division has granted an interim injunction against Afrijet Airlines Limited, owned by Chief Vitalis Ibe on the application of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).The obligor owes AMCON nearly N10 billion. AMCON purchased the Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs) sometime in 2011 from the defunct FinBank and Bank PHB. The order also affects Ibes Continental Aviation Services Limited. AMCON has since appointed Prof. Gbolahan Elias, SAN as Receiver/Manager.At about 11:00am Friday, the Receiver/Manager took possession of the assets of Chief Ibe including Afrijet Plaza, the corporate head office of the airlines located on Sheraton-Opebi Link Road Ikeja, Opebi, Lagos; his asset at Plot 22, JimohOdutola Street, off Eric Moore Road, Surulere, Lagos as well as his office at the Airport. The Court order mandated the Receiver/Manager to also take over on behalf of AMCON and any other offices, branches, stores, warehouses, factories of Chief Ibe and his companies located and/or traced for the purpose of satisfying the indebtedness.Justice Obiozor, the presiding judge while granting the order on the application of Prof. Gbolahan Elias, SAN counsel to AMCON, restrained Ibe and his companies, directors, agents, servants and/or privies from operating, withdrawing from or otherwise tampering with the funds belonging to and/or deposited in any of his bank accounts under whatever name or guise in any bank or financial institution in Nigeria. Chief Ibe who would not repay the huge debt owed the Corporation has been in protracted negotiations with AMCON.The Court therefore ordered the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police in charge of Lagos State, its Deputy and all other Police Officers under them to assist Prof. Gbolahan Elias, SAN, the Receiver/Manager and the Bailiffs of the Federal High Court in the enforcement of the orders of the Court. No incident was recorded during the enforcement exercise.Afrijet Airlines formally operated from the NAHCO Building on the grounds of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. At some point in the history of the airline, it also operated regional cargo operations high profile security flight operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The airline later moved to its corporate headquarters in Opebi, Lagos, which was one of the assets AMCON took over yesterday. Afrijet Airlines still maintains an aviation maintenance shop with its sister company Elite Aviation.AMCON under Ahmed Kuru, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, had continually maintained that it would not be business as usual for all top debtors of the Corporation because some 400 obligors of the Corporation account for more than N4.5 trillion, which is approximately 80 per cent of the total outstanding loan balance of the Corporations over 12,000 accounts.To deal with the situation however, the Kuru-led AMCON recently increased the tempo of its recovery activities using firmer negotiation strategies as well as utilizing the special enforcement powers vested by the AMCON Act to compel some of its recalcitrant debtors especially those that are politically exposed and business heavyweights to repay their debts.
A former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, yesterday urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to b...

A former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, yesterday urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bring all the findings against him on alleged receipt of N1.3billion to the court.He said he did not collect money from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and he never had any dealings with a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).Omisore, in a chat with newsment, accused the EFCC of alleged attempt to blackmail the opposition.He said: The EFCC wont stop at any height to blackmail the opposition. My AIT programme has attracted another falsehood to harass me.Only yesterday morning, I accused the EFCC of dodging summons. I did not collect any money from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). I have not had any dealings with the NSALast time, it was N700million today N1.3billion. Nigerians should be expecting higher multipliers in future. There was no such money in my account.Let the EFCC bring all findings to the court instead of media hype. They have become APC harassment agency. No wonder, UK DFID withdrew their assistance.Omisore insisted that he did not get any cash from ONSA for his failed governorship contest.He added: My election was funded from my resources and donations.Asked why he has not appeared before the EFCC, he said it was because he has filed a case in court and the fact that the EFCC allegedly prejudged him.He said: I accused the EFCC of dodging court service on AIT Live programme yesterday.The EFCC had uncovered payment of N1.310billion to three firms said to be linked with Omisore.The cash was part of the N4.74billion which a former Minister of Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, hauled to Governor Ayodele Fayose in a chartered plane on June 12, 2014.The firms are Fimex Gilt Limited, Metropolitan Consortium and Sawanara.The companies accounts in which the N1.310billion was paid into allegedly belong to Omisore, according to sources close to the investigation.According to a report by the EFCC, the N1.310billion traced to Omisore and the three companies was remitted as follows: Fimex Gilt Limited(N160m)-8/8/2014in UBA; Metropolitan Consortium(N350m)9/7/14 in First Bank; Sawanara(N300m)1/8/14 in First Bank and Metropolitan Consortium(N350m)-1/8/14 in First Bank.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) has traced three posh houses to an associate of Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose....

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) has traced three posh houses to an associate of Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.The houses, one in Abuja and two in Lagos, are believed to have been bought with part of the N1.219billion pumped into the 2014 governorship election. The cash believed to be from the office of the National security Adviser (NSA). Fayose has denied having any dealing with the office while Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) was in charge.The cash, detectives believe, was from the N4.745billion allocated to a former Minister of state (Defence) Musiliu Obanikoro by the ONSA as a war chest to win the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states in 2014.The EFCC has facts to believe that the associate allegedly acted as a front for the governor, who is under investigation.The agency may seize the properties under the Interim Forfeiture Clause of the EFCC Act.According to a source, investigators have established a link between the N1.29billion and the three mansions.The source said: We have been able to trace the three mansions in Abuja and Lagos to a key associate of Fayose. Our investigators have retrieved relevant documents, including the mode of payment for the houses.Part of the N1.29billion credited to Fayose was used for the acquisition of the mansions. We are suspecting that the associate allegedly acted as a front for the governor. We will certainly invoke the appropriate laws to seize the assets after conclusion of investigation.The Forfeiture Order in Sections 26 and 29 of the EFCC Act reads: Any property subject to forfeiture under this Act may be seized by the commission in the following circumstances- (a) the seizure is incidental to an arrest or search; or (b) in the case of property liable to forfeiture upon process issued by the court following an application made by the Commission in accordance with the prescribed rulesWhenever property is seized under any of the provisions of this Act, the Commission may-(a) place the property under seal; or (b) remove the property to a place designated by the Commission.Properties taken or detained under this section shall be deemed to be in custody of the Commission, subject only to an order of a court.The EFCC is said to be probing clues on the governors alleged acquisition of a choice property in Dubai.We are looking at these clues and exploring the Mutual Legal Assistance understanding between Nigeria and the UAE to authenticate the information at our disposal and to take necessary legal action, the source said, pleading not to be named so as not to jeopardise the investigation.Also yesterday, First Lady Aisha Buhari demanded a retraction of Fayoses allegation in which he claimed to have uncovered how Mrs. Buhari was mentioned as having transferred funds to a convicted former United States (U.S.) lawmaker, Williams Jefferson.In a letter dispatched through her legal representatives, Mrs. Buhari said Fayoses action was directly responsible for the publication of the very wild and unfounded allegations in the media.According to online newspaper Premium Times, a copy of the letter sent to the governor is titled: Demand for unqualified retraction of the false statement published by you in various media on the 20th of June, 2016, and subsequent dates regarding our client, Her Excellency, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. The First Lady gave Mr. Fayose five working days to retract the statement or face a legal action.Our client has referred to us statement made by you and published on the 20th of June, 2016 (and other subsequent days) concerning and pertaining to her person for necessary action.The said statement which was caused by you and your agents to be widely circulated and published in various media platforms: print, electronic and online such as PREMIUM TIMES www.premiumtimesng.com on 20th of June, 2016, contains very wild, unfounded and false allegations and imputations against the person of our client.Specifically, in the said statement credited to you and signed by your Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, you, inter alia, falsely stated as follows:Even the president cannot claim to be an angel. The estate he built in Abuja is known to us. His wife was indicted over the Halliburton scandal (sic). When that American, Jefferson, was being sentenced, the Presidents wife was mentioned as having wired $170,000 to Jefferson. Her name was on page 25 of the sentencing of Jefferson. We can serialise the judgement for people to see and read, Ismaila Alasa and Mary Ekpene, who signed the letter on behalf of the law firm, said.
The Army has said its current setting is a product of democratic settings. It denied planning to overthrow President Muhammadu Buharis...

The Army has said its current setting is a product of democratic settings.It denied planning to overthrow President Muhammadu Buharis government.It also described the recent report by a militant group, the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force, that some Army officers approached its members to join forces to overthrow the Buhari administration, as another campaign of calumny and distraction by a faceless criminal gang of economic saboteurs.Army spokesman Sani Usman said: This is baseless and most unfortunate allegation that existed in the warped minds of the originators of such weighty allegation. The Army wishes to state that this is not true and hereby distances itself from this weighty allegation.Usman added: We also see this speculation as a dangerous distraction to our effort at fighting insurgency and other criminal elements in the country. The Army would like to send a strong and an unequivocal warning to those speculating a coup against the government to desist forthwith. We would like state in clear terms that we are a product of democracy and a focused professional institution and would have nothing to do with such abomination and heinous crime.The Army said it remained the greatest beneficiary of democracy and would not contemplate any anti-democratic misadventure, especailly under current Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai. Rather, we see this type of dangerous speculation as a declaration of war to destabilise the present government by these unscrupulous elements.The spokesman said the Army would investigate those behind the rumour to know their motive.We would like to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
At least one person was injured Thursday at the Borno State government house when soldiers and police exchanged fire as they fought over...

At least one person was injured Thursday at the Borno State government house when soldiers and police exchanged fire as they fought over food items distributed by the government to mark the Ramadan fast.The government has since Monday distributed large amounts of rice and Semovita to poor residents.On Thursday, thousands of people converged at the entrance of the government building in Maiduguri, forming a lengthy queue of men, women and the aged who hoped for either a 25kg bag of rice or Semovita, or both.As the distribution started, police barred vehicles from accessing the venue, except those on special permission.At about 11am, a Nigerian Army truck showed up, insisting on gaining access to the venue where rice and Semovita were being shared.Suspecting that the soldiers were trying to help themselves to the handouts, police officers demanded they turn back immediately.This led to an argument and an angry soldier allegedly opened fire, injuring a policeman in the leg, witnesses said.The police responded and gunshots rent the air as thousands gathered scampered for safety.It took the intervention of other senior security officers to prevent the situation from degenerating.One of the army officers drafted to help control the crowd, identified only as Idris, a lieutenant, did not go free, as angry policemen who accused him of instigating the crisis, beat him up.The commander of the operation Lafiya Dole, Lucky Irabor, a Major General, was called in by the Borno State Attorney General, Kaka Shehu Lawan, to restore order.Calm returned after Mr. Irabor arrived alongside the state police commissioner and the director of State Security Service.Addressing the parties in conflict, Mr. Irabor described the situation as shameful and highly unbecoming of uniformed officers.What is a bag of rice that will give you the cause to be angry? Bag of rice? It is shameful. If the world hears that it is because of bag of that made police and soldiers to be fighting, is it not shameful? Let us not behave like children: all of us have children at home. Soldiers and policemen should be seen to be matured in their dispositions at all times.He urged the conflicting parties to calm down.While everyone is clapping for good that we have been doing, let us not also do things that will make them to begin to stone us. I want you to calm your nerves, because in a family you are likely to find incidents of misunderstanding.As a result of the incident, the government suspended the distribution of the freebies, leaving expectant beneficiaries disappointed and frustrated.The Borno state government is expected to issue a statement later on whether the exercise will continue.The army also said it will be addressing a press conference to further state its position on the incident.
There seems to be no let-up in the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the combatants continue to dig deeper...

There seems to be no let-up in the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the combatants continue to dig deeper into the trenches.The partys embattled National Chairman; Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff Friday accused the Chairman of the PDP caretaker committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Secretary of the committee, Senator Ben Obi of working for a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Sheriff said the unnamed APC chieftain has been sponsoring Makarfi and Obi have been paying secret visits to the said APC chieftain.Makarfi and his committee have continued to insist that Sheriff was being sponsored by the APC for the purpose of destroying the PDP.But Sheriff retorted, If there are people in the PDP working for the APC, its Makarfi and Obi. Makarfi should not force me to reveal details that I should not reveal under normal circumstances.Makarfi and Obi have gone to visit this APC chieftain in his house twice and this particular individual is still in the APC. It would have been better if the man had left the APC to join the PDP.They are reserving the 2019 presidential ticket of the PDP for this individual who has been funding their activities. If Makarfi continues to attack my person, I will be forced to reveal further details of their alliance.Everybody in Nigeria knows this particular APC chieftain who wants to contest for president in 2019 on the platform of the PDP. So Makarfi should just shut up.Sheriff had, earlier in the day, received a delegation of PDP chieftains from Plateau state who came to declare support for his leadership.The leader of the delegation, Dr. Haruna Dabin said the delegation decided to support Sheriff because he is the only one that can stop the culture of impunity in the PDP.Dabin said, We have decided to stand with Sheriff on the path of truth and the rule of law. We are confident in his ability to heal the wounds in our partyThe Plateau PDP chief said his group was short-hanged during the last congress held in the state, adding that winners in the congress were handpicked and imposed on the chapter.Responding, Sheriff assured them that the congress in Plateau would be revisited, with the view to correcting the mistakes of the past.You cannot put nothing on nothing, so I will never associate myself with what is not right. I will make sure that PDP lives up to its name. So I will work hard to ensure that the right people are elected in Plateau and other states through fresh congresses.
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Caretaker Committee, Sen Ahmed Makarfi has accused the factional leader of the...

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Caretaker Committee, Sen Ahmed Makarfi has accused the factional leader of the Party, Sen Ali Modu Sheriff of creating terrorist group, Boko Haram that has killed thousands of people in the North Eastern part of the country.Sheriff on Thursday had claimed that Makarfi deployed hired Fulani herdsmen to chase out his team from the partys National Secretariat.The herdsmen were brought to the secretariat by the caretaker committee chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.We thank God, the national secretary and the national auditor narrowly escaped, Sheriff had said.But Makarfi in his reaction alleged that Sheriff was known to be violent, reason the police withdrew his security details.Makarfi said, Sheriff is the one known to have created Boko Haram, therefore, he is continuing in similar direction.Im never known to be associated with violence. He made same malicious allegation before the former IGP and DG SSS which was disregarded as baseless. On the contrary, I was there and then given official additional security, he said.The former Kaduna State Governor revealed that due to Sheriffs violent attitude, the police withdrew his security details.The police had withdrawn all his security both in Maiduguri and Abuja because of his actions. He had to beg in front of all and after agreeing to take the path of peaceful resolution before they agreed to return some to him.As I speak to you he reneged on that peaceful resolution and resorted to filing more cases before courts and has refused appointing his four-member delegation.So you media should know who thrives in violence. If you have record of that press statement I will sue him, he said.
The police have confirmed an attack on a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at Awarra, Ohaji/Egbema Local ...

The police have confirmed an attack on a facility belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at Awarra, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo.DSP Andrew Enwerem, the Public Relations Officer of police in the state, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Owerri that the police received report of the attack in the early hours of Thursday.Enwerem could not disclose the extent of damage done to the facility or the group that carried out the attack.Mr Precious Okolobo, spokesman for SPDC said the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), which runs through Awara, Imo State at the Assa-Rumuekpe line, has been shut for repairs since June 8, following a leak at Okolo launch, Bonny in Rivers State.We are investigating the reported incident at Awara, he said.A source in Awarra community told NAN that the incident occurred at about 5.30a.m.It said the explosion created huge flame at the site and could not confirm if there was loss of life.No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The University of Lagos, Akoka, on Friday said it had not made any pronouncement concerning the mode of screening it would employ for plac...

The University of Lagos, Akoka, on Friday said it had not made any pronouncement concerning the mode of screening it would employ for placement of candidates seeking admission in the 2016/2017 academic session.The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Rahamon Bello, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.NAN reports that the VC spoke against the backdrop of rumours that the institution had announced the release of cut off marks and the mode for its screening process.According to Bello, such information concerning the screening mode and guideline for admission of candidates did not originate from the university.We have been hearing all sorts of stories concerning the method of screening we will be using for this years admission.This information is not coming from the university and so the candidates should be careful not to fall prey to these rumour mills.It is really surprising to us because we are yet to commence the 2016/2017 admission exercise, and consequently have not released any cut off marks or Post-UTME screening advertisement.We are yet to conclude because government has asked us to stay action and wait for a guideline before deciding on the mode of screening, but definitely there will be screening, he said.The VC urged UTME and Direct Entry candidates that chose the university as their first choice to regularly visit the website for updates.The Deputy Registrar, Information Unit, Mr Toyin Adebule, told NAN that during the 2016 UTME registration, no fewer than 60,000 candidates applied for admission in UNILAG, which can accommodate only a little over 7,000.The Minister of Education, Prof. Adamu Adamu, had in a JAMB combined policy meeting on June 2, scrapped the conduct of Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Minister said that institutions were, however, at liberty to conduct their screening.Post-UTME is conducted as the last lap for the selection of candidates into the nations tertiary institutions.
Ten members of the Boko Haram sect have been killed, while two captured alive, in an ambush laid by soldiers at the border town of Gamboru...

Ten members of the Boko Haram sect have been killed, while two captured alive, in an ambush laid by soldiers at the border town of Gamboru-Ngala in Borno state.Lucky Irabor, theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, disclosed this at a news conference in Maiduguri, the state capital.He said some of the items recovered from the suspects were six AK47 magazines, 56 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bundle of detonating cord and a manual booklet on how to make improvised explosive device (IED).On June 10, our troops at Logomani ambushed suspected Boko Haram terrorists following information about their movement toward Muska village in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno, he said.As a result, 10 of them were killed and two others were captured, while two civilian captives were rescued from the terrorists during the operation.Irabor added that the military has recorded tremendous success in its clearance operations in various parts of the state.On June 7, troops on patrol made contact with suspected Boko Haram terrorists around Tilani, Rann and Kalma in Kala Balge general area, he said.In the process, one was killed, while others who suffered gunshot wounds fled, three motorcycles and a bag containing N466,000 cash was recovered from them.He said some civilians who were in captivity have been rescued by the military.
Uneasy calm has enveloped the sleepy rural Etekwuru community in Ohaji/Egbema local council area of Imo State, following the alleged murde...





Uneasy calm has enveloped the sleepy rural Etekwuru community in Ohaji/Egbema local council area of Imo State, following the alleged murder of 26-year old Declan Obi, by suspected soldiers.The story making the rounds in the community had it that one Evans Njemanze, allegedly invited some soldiers stationed in the area to investigate Obi over an alleged missing N350,000 from the coffers of his company.An aggrieved villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, recalled that the deceased, who until his death, was a seller of popular brands of soft drinks, was asked by his employer, Njemanze, to give account of the proceeds realized from the days sales.The villager equally recalled that the victims boss, who was still sensing that the alleged sum was missing, angrily contacted some soldiers around, to not only help him investigate alleged financial impropriety, but to also recover the money from Obi.The soldiers, in their usual manner, mercilessly beat up Obi until he lost consciousness and eventually died, the villager said.Addressing newsmen yesterday, the deceaseds brother, Mr. Athanasius Ochima  Obi, said their brothers death was as shocking as it was brutal. While confirming that Declan dressed up in the morning for work, but what we heard later was that he was held hostage over a missing N350,000 and killed by some soldiers.When contacted for his comment over the incident, the Brigade Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze , Owerri, Brigadier-General Kay Ishaku, feigned ignorance, insisting his men were not part of the plot.Experience has shown that some dubious members of the public, have formed the notorious habit of putting military uniforms in order to deceive members of the public to achieve their inordinate ambitions, Ishaku said.Continuing, the Brigade Commander added that the army had traditionally distanced itself from any civil litigation and remains committed to discharging its statutory responsibilities of protecting the territorial integrity of the country.Soldiers do not have anything to do with civil cases. I have also told my officers to stay away from civil problems.I can come into any civil matter only when the police has admitted that they have failed. My cardinal responsibility is to restore peace and when I restore the other security agencies maintain, Ishaku said The Commander however, promised to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter with a promise to bring to book any genuine soldier or soldiers found to have committed the crime.
At least 13 people were feared dead, Friday, during two separate attacks by suspected militants who invaded Elepete community in Igbo-Ol...

NE gathered that 10 of the victims were killed on Thursday night, while the remaining were 3 were killed at about 10 am on Friday.The first incident occurred at Ola-Imam area of Elepete when the militants allegedly engaged some security volunteers in a battle while the second incident occurred at Phase 1 area.The attacks were a continuation of reprisal attacks on Elepete and Muti communities by militants which started Monday, as residents deserted the areas. Few residents who returned to Elepete, formed a volunteer vigilante group to secure the community only for the militants to attack them, killing 10 members of the vigilante group.More details shortly
The alleged involvement of Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State in the sharing of N4.7 billion released for the 2014 governorship electio...

Thousands of protesters stormed the streets condemning what they termed the looting of the treasury in the midst of wide spread suffering by the majority of the people.They asked the governor to resign having failed to pay civil servants for the sixth month running while he has billions of naira in his own personal account.The protesters declared their support for the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari and called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bring Fayose and others who have been indicted to book.The anti-corruption agency during the week named Fayose as a major beneficiary of the slush fund.Consequently it restricted the governors Zenith Bank accounts which it said were used in sharing the alleged loot.Fayose has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the bank funded offered to sponsor his election campaign.The governors denial made no impression on the protest organizers  Be The Change Organization (BCO)  which mobilized labour unions, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), artisans, market women, youth organizations and student bodies to join in the Fayose-must-go rally.They took off from the Fajuyi Roundabout in Ado Ekiti at about 8.50am ,carrying placards with inscriptions such as: Support Anti-Corruption Crusade, Probe Executive Looting in Ekiti; What Happened to Ekiti Airport Fund?; Fayose Must Go;  Fayose is a Disgrace to Ekiti People; among others.From the Fajuyi Roundabout, they moved to Okesa, Ojumose and finally Okeyinmi Roundabout throwing jibes at the governor.They distributed leaflets to traders, commercial drivers, pedestrians and bystanders detailing how the state treasury is being allegedly looted and the personalities and corporate organizations believed to be involved.Officers and men of the Ekiti State Police Command were on hand to ensure that the rally did not get out of control or hijacked by hoodlums.Executive Director of BCO, Mrs. Omotunde Fajuyi, said Ekiti people are embarrassed by the EFCC allegation against the governor and declared that all Nigerians must support any move to recover the peoples commonwealth from looters.Mrs. Fajuyi said: We support President Buharis anti-corruption crusade. We have come out to protest the looting of our money, corruption in government and scandals dodging this government in Ekiti.Workers are dying at home. We want Fayose to explain what he has done with the allocations he has so far collected because he has received more than N50 billion as allocation since he came to power.Fayose claims to be a Christian, he must come out clean and give account to the people of Ekiti State and he must submit himself and all his aides and associates to the anti-corruption agencies for investigation.A youth leader, Adeoye Aribasoye, challenged Fayose to explain what he did with the ecological funds and the N9.6 billion bailout funds he received from the Federal Government.Aribasoye said: We have a governor who has over N4 billion in his account .He is the only one who can explain what he has done with all the funds he has received from the federal authorities.He must explain the N2.4 billion ecological funds because we dont know what has happened to the money. He must answer for the revelations of Ekitigate.Pupils and students of public schools have been out home for over four weeks due to the strike embarked upon by civil servants and teachers.The court-validated Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Kolawole Olaiya, urged the EFCC to probe the whereabouts of the N9.6 billion bailout money released for the payment of workers, pensioners and past political office holders.Olaiya said: Corruption is responsible for the inability of Ekiti State government to pay workers salaries for six months.Ekiti workers still believe that the N9.6 billion bailout is kept somewhere and we urge the EFCC to institute a probe into this fact so that workers can receive their six month salary arrears and secure their future.Government is created for the welfare and security of the people and Governor Fayose has done nothing to improve the lives of the people and secure their today and their future. Enough of these lies, Ekitk people must be liberated.Today in Ekiti State, public primary and secondary school students, including those in private schools are now paying taxes. This must stop. It is at variance with the 1999 Nigerian Constitution; imposition of obnoxious taxes in Ekiti State must stop.We want Ekiti State workers to note that Fayose is nobodys friend.Teachers, civil servants, public servants, local government workers, artisans, driver unions etc must note that Fayose is not your friend.Workers are dying for non-payment of salaries for six months including pensioners. Fayose must be brought to book not minding Section 308 immunity.It is criminal not to pay workers and pensioners for six months. The federal government sent N9.6 billion to Ekiti State as bailout, how was the bailout expended and who are the beneficiaries? What accrues to the state as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is not known to the people.Speaking on behalf of artisans, Idowu Ayegbe said: We regret all the burden the governor has imposed on us in Ekiti in form of levies and taxes on our pupils. We are not happy with what the governor is doing including his attacks on the President.The state CNPP spokesman, Ayo Adelabu demanded Fayoses resignation from office in the face of new evidence of alleged corruption .He also asked the management of Zenith Bank to come out and explain the role of the bank in the alleged funding of Fayoses campaign.Adelabu said :  Fayose should resign from office over his failure to live up to peoples expectations.He should come out and defend himself in the N4.7 billion arms deal scandal and we also challenge him to explain to Ekiti people how he has spent six months allocation without payment of workers salaries.The CNPP warns Fayose to stop abusing Mr. President who has been enjoying the full support of the majority of Ekiti people.The CNPP strongly condemns Ekiti State legislators who have turned themselves to political slaves in the hand of Fayose. The governor should also come out and explain the N2.3 billion loan he took from bank.The CNPP advises Governor Fayose to immediately stop the flyover bridge project and caution his political thugs against the attack of innocent people in the state.Meanwhile, an interest group, Ekiti Redemption Group (ERG), has called on Fayose to pay all the six month arrears of workers salaries or face a legal action and unending protests.The group gave Fayose a seven-day ultimatum to pay all arrears of salaries and pensions failure of which the administration will be dragged to court to explain how treasury is being managed.ERG National Coordinator, Morakinyo Ogele, in a statement yesterday said Fayoses campaign was anchored on stomach infrastructure but expressed surprise that his administration has unleashed hunger, hardship and untimely death on the people through poverty and financial recklessness.
West Ham have made a 35m bid for Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi, according to reports.The Hammers' offer was worth around 28.25m at 9am on Friday morning, although the amount may change as the exchange rate fluctuates following the Brexit vote which could put a number of potential moves in doubt.Batshuayi is currently with the Belgium squad at Euro 2016 and has attracted interest from several top clubs in Europe after it was confirmed he will leave Marseille this summer.Juventus are also believed to have made a lower bid for Batshuayi and he has also been on Tottenham's radar.Batshuayi scored 24 goals for Marseille in Ligue 1 last season and is attracted by a move to the Premier League, but he said last month that he would not change clubs until after Euro 2016.
Reactions continue to trail the exit of the Unite Kingdom from the European Union EU. Several world leaders and politicians have expressed...

Reactions continue to trail the exit of the Unite Kingdom from the European Union EU. Several world leaders and politicians have expressed their opinion about the epoch-making decision.Here are some reactions:made a brief statement to media, saying that the group was determined to "keep our unity at 27 nations" and not have more defections. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," he said.applauded the UK's vote to leave, saying "they took their country back, it's a great thing". He arrived at his Turnberry course in Scotland, and said, "People are angry all over the world", adding worries about borders fuelled the Brexit vote.said the UK's position in the alliance will "remain unchanged"., issued similar comments regarding immigration. The result showed how the British "can keep their island".said said the EU should agree to Britain's leaving "quickly and rationally". He added that the "European project needs much stronger support of its citizens".is worried for the 850,000 Poles in the UK. "I can only give a sigh: so it's done. This is bad news for Europe, bad news for Poles ... The status of Poles living there will not change for now, but we don't really know how much Britain's status will be changed.", leader of the European People's Party, the largest bloc in the EU parliament, said Britain should expect no free ride as it negotiates its departure."There cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom. The British people have expressed their wish to leave the EU. Leave means leave. The times of cherry-picking are over."He insisted that the exit negotiations "should be concluded within two years"."This result clearly has very significant implications for Ireland, as well as for Britain and for the European Union. The government will meet later this morning to reflect on the result. Following that meeting, the Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) will make a public statement.""The dissatisfaction you see in Britain is also present in other countries, including my own. This has to be a stimulus for more reform, more welfare."He said the withdrawal process would be lengthy. "First the British have to decide when they want to start the process of leaving.""It's a pity, but we will have to mind our own business. I believe that regardless of the result of the referendum, Britain will stay in a united Europe to defend common European values."I think that today the most urgent challenge the European Union is facing is finding a way to the hearts and minds of Eurosceptics in order not to leave a single chance to opponents of the European integration project and their generous sponsors. I do hope that the sanctions again Russia as an aggressor state will be extended."
PHILADELPHIA -- A third person has been charged in connection to the brutal murder of a 26-year-old woman found handcuffed, stabbed and shot in a Philadelphia park, police said.

Keith Bullock, 32, of Chester, Pa., was arrested on Wednesday for his role in the death of Toy Charda Bryant and faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping and unlawful restraint, police said. Two women were previously arrested and charged in Bryant's slaying.

Shavon Armstrong, 39, of Wilkes Barre, Pa., and Shintele Smith, 28, of Philadelphia both have been charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, robbery and other crimes, police said. Armstrong turned herself into police last week. Smith was arrested on Tuesday.

Bryant's body was found lying face down about 10 feet from the road near the Mann Center in Fairmount Park on June 14, according to police. Bryant's hands were handcuffed to the front and she had been stabbed multiple times and shot in the head, police said.

"I believe she was in a fight for her life and unfortunately she lost," Philadelphia police Capt. James Clark, the commanding officer of the homicide unit, said last week.

Clark told Philly.com Bryant was killed over a debt of $800 she owed to one of her attackers.

Erin O'Neill may be reached at eoneill@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LedgerErin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
PHILADELPHIA -- A 4-year-old girl accidentally shot herself in the head at a North Philadelphia home on Thursday afternoon, according to a report. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital soon after.

Philadelphia police told Philly.com that it appears the injuries the child sustained were "self-inflicted." The girl, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at Hahnemann University Hospital around 1 p.m. on Thursday, the report said.

The girl's 3-year-old sister and 25-year-old mother were inside the home at the time of the shooting, according to 6ABC. A local resident, Margie Malavet, told the television station she saw the girl's mother outside trying to find help for her wounded child.

"She was hysterical crying. She just kept saying, 'save my baby, save my baby, save my baby,'" Malavet told 6ABC.

It's unclear how the child was able to get a hold of a gun. Philly.com reports police found a .40-caliber semiautomatic weapon in the bedroom where the shooting occurred.

Erin O'Neill may be reached at eoneill@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LedgerErin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
PHILADELPHIA -- A 4-year-old girl was fatally shot inside a North Philadelphia home on Thursday afternoon.

Philadelphia police spokesman Lt. John Stanford told Philly.com that the child was shot in the second-floor bedroom of a home on 1800 block of North 20th Street. The girl's mother and 3-year-old sister were also in the home at the time of the shooting, Stanford told the news outlet.

It's unclear how the shooting occurred.

Lt. John Stanford, police spokesman, 4-y-o girl appeared shot in 2nd fl front bedroom of house on 20th St near Berks pic.twitter.com/e5q6IocZlQ  Julie Shaw (@julieshawphilly) June 23, 2016

Stanford: by time police arrived, girl's mom on front steps of house 'holding the little girl'. Girl pronounced dead at Hahnemann 12:58 pm  Julie Shaw (@julieshawphilly) June 23, 2016

The girl, according to 6ABC, was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital where she was pronounced dead around 1 p.m. The girl was shot in the eye.

Another 4-year-old girl was shot and killed inside a home in the city's Kensington neighborhood in April. The girl's 30-year-old father, who police said was "carelessly and recklessly waving and pointing" a gun inside the house, has been charged with her death.

Erin O'Neill may be reached at eoneill@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LedgerErin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
TRENTON -- While New Jersey's urban school districts could be forced to slash spending and perhaps shutter schools under Gov. Chris Christie's proposed funding overhaul, charter schools in the same communities might be spared negative financial consequences.

Christie said this week that his "fairness formula" -- which he acknowledged may be unlikely to win approval -- would not carry over to funding to the state's charter schools.

Those schools are primarily in urban areas, and many receive their funding from school districts slated to lose thousands of dollars per student if Christie's plan comes to fruition.

"You would have to go to a new way of funding charters," Christie said in an interview after his speech announcing the proposal. "It would have to change."

Currently, charter schools get funding from the school districts where their students reside. Districts are supposed to pass along 90 percent of their per-pupil costs for the students they serve, according to the state law.

But Christie on Tuesday unveiled a plan to dramatically reallocate state aid, substantially reducing funding to a group of mostly urban districts in order to provide property tax relief for the majority of the state. Under his plan, the state would give $6,599 per student across the board in every district, with the exception of special education students.

The proposal came in part, Christie said, because traditional public schools in urban districts have been outperformed by charter schools despite generous state aid.

"(Charter schools) are doing it at a much better success rate than traditional public schools and at a much lower cost," Christie said, pointing to higher graduation rates at several charter schools.

It's difficult to pass judgment on Christie's plans for charter funding without knowing specific details, said David Sciarra, executive director of the Education Law Center.

But Christie would be "adding insult to injury" if he reduced state aid to urban districts while allowing charter schools to receive the same amount funding, Sciarra said.

"His plan is awful to begin with, and it would be even worse," Sciarra said. "You can't fund schools based on who governs them."

Urban districts would be at an unfair advantage if they lose state aid but charter schools continue to operate with the same level of funding, said John Abeigon, president of Newark Teachers Union.

"It's immediately unfair," Abeigon said, adding that charter schools often perform better because they get some of the top students from traditional public schools.

Christie, a longtime charter school proponent, said that Newark Public Schools in particular need to make adjustments, such as closing schools and reducing staff.

Although the Newark Public Schools are under state control, the Christie administration hasn't been able to run the district they way it wants to because of union contracts and other restrictions, he said.

Urban districts such as Newark should be using charter schools as a model, Christie said.

The governor did not go into detail about how he would fund charter schools if his proposal is approved. But he did say he is open to considering a "Pay for Success" model, which typically involves private investments only repaid by the government if schools show academic success.

"To go back and come up with a new way of funding that's not tied directly to a percentage of what the districts spend is a much easier way of doing it than what we are doing right now," Christie said.

The New Jersey Charter Schools Association hopes that charter schools would become eligible for certain types of state aid they cannot currently receive, such as money for facilities, said Nicole Cole, the association president.

However, the association also wants the state to ensure that its funding is fair to traditional public schools, she said.

Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Tuesday and Luis are an unbeatable team.

Tuesday, a sweet, smart service dog, helps Luis Carlos Montalvan, who served in the Army for 17 years. He was a captain and fought in Iraq, which left him with PTSD.

In "Tuesday Takes Me There: The Healing Journey of a Veteran and his Service Dog" By Former Captain Luis Carlos Montalvan, with Bret Witter and photos by Dan Dion (Post Hill Press, $17), Tuesday and Luis travel around New York City.

They get around by various modes of transportation including: boat, bus, train, horse, pedicab and walk. What comes through, and is a wonderful lesson, is how much Tuesday helps Luis.

"Luis is better now, but itas still hard for him to deal with strange places and crowds."



Told from the dog's perspective, the terrific photos show the two best pals all over New York City. Each page is dotted with factoids, explaining the landmarks. Readers learn that the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1886 and that the Freedom Tower is the sixth tallest building in the world.

Tuesday is completely adorable and well trained. Given that Luis becomes anxious in crowds, the dog walks in front of him to clear the way.

From New York City, the duo travels to Washington, D.C. They arrive at Union Station, which opened in 1907 after President Theodore Roosevelt signed an act to provide a station in the District of Columbia.

It's another sight-seeing tour and the two cover a lot of ground on their six feet. When they get to the Arlington National Cemetery, the wounded veteran and his service dog kneel together in a very touching image.

This lovely book gives children insight into some of the troubles our returning vets face, the importance of service dogs and a geography lesson along the way.
The dinosaurs are back and they have invaded Logan Square in Philadelphia.

Standing outside the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University are Trexie and Trixie -- a Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops respectively -- to greet those looking to have a "Dino-mite" summer.

Kicking off the Jurassic joy is the newest exhibit, "Dinosaurs Unearthed."

Check out these five prehistoric features found at this celebration of extinct super lizards.

See real...well, animatronic...dinosaurs

"Dinosaurs Unearthed" is an immersive exhibit that takes visitors back to the Jurassic period with realistic, full-bodied, animatronic dinosaurs that move, roar, and come to life right in front of your eyes. From a Velociraptor to a juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex, these "scientifically accurate" dinos were custom designed and hand-crafted by paleoartists -- a team of science and design experts. Academy President and CEO George Gephart Jr. said the opening of "Dinosaurs Unearthed" is just the beginning of an exciting time at "Philadelphia's dinosaur museum." "This incredible exhibit creates the atmosphere that makes you feel like you've boarded a time machine and travelled 67 million years back in time," Gephart said. "Dinosaurs are larger than life, and, let me tell you, they're not just for kids."

Meet a dinosaur's living relative

Scientists have discovered that, even though dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years, many of their relatives are alive and well, and living all around us. During the Academy's "Dino-mite Summer," visitors can meet living relatives of the giant lizards in Dinosaur Hall. On Mondays at 2:30 p.m., guests can meet birds and other critters related to the dinos at the T. Rex, and learn how these familiar creatures link back to the Jurassic period. Every Tuesday and Sunday, visitors can meet live snakes, turtles, and lizards on the Reptile Cart all day long. Certain reptiles' lineages can be traced back to the time of the dinosaurs.

Build a Lego dino

Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the second floor near the Panda diorama, the Academy's Dinosaur Brick Club will host "LEGO my Dino." Kids of all ages can build dino-inspired creations, assisted by members of the museum's education staff. While the Legos must stay in the Dinosaur Brick Club, staff members will be happy to take photos of the children's creations and post them to the Academy's Facebook page. Guests are also encouraged to take as many pictures as they wish.

Color the dinosaur dynasty

One of the world's newest trends meets one of its oldest lifeforms in "A Dynasty of Dinosaurs" -- an adult coloring book written by the Academy's Jason Poole and illustrated by Jason Schein from the New Jersey State Museum. "Jason (Schein) is the artist, and he's had the idea to do a book for a while," said Jason Poole. "He asked if I would be interested in helping him, and I said yes. It was a fun thing to do. It's a great way to talk about dinosaurs." Jason Schein said he started out drawing dinosaur illustrations in black and white. "A friend of mine told me that no one does black and white anymore," he said. "So I said, 'Oh yeah?'" And the challenge was accepted. Poole decided to stick with the black and white drawings, but format the project as a coloring book. "So far, we've gotten a very positive response," he said. "I'm very happy about the amount of people who enjoy it, and show me their pictures when they're done. They all come out different." "A Dynasty of Dinosaurs" is available in the museum gift shop and on Amazon.com.

Tour the Jurassic period

On Fridays and Saturdays, visitors can get a special tour of Dinosaur Hall, led by one of the museum's dinosaur experts. Tour participants should meet under the T. Rex for the 20 minute tour. Guests wander through the public space, but have special access to all the unknown fossil stories that aren't listed on any signs that are on display. Tours start at 2 p.m. on Fridays, and at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

All "Dino-mite Summer" activities are included in museum general admission. For more information, visit ansp.org.

Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
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Why a New Orleans-Cuba cruise could soon become reality (again)
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Deputy David Michel Jr., 50, of Marrero, was fatally shot Wednesday, June 22, 2016, while conducting a "pedestrian stop" near the intersection in Manhattan Boulevard and Ascot Road in Harvey, JPSO officials said. (Courtesy of JPSO)
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has issued a subpoena to Donald Trump. The nine-member panel sent a letter to the former president's lawyers on Friday, demanding his testimony under oath by mid-November and outlining a series of corresponding documents. The decision by lawmakers to exercise their subpoena power comes a week after the committee made its final case against the former president, who they say is the "central cause" of the multi-part effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. It remains unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond to the subpoena, if at all.
The United Kingdom's shocking referendum vote today to leave the European Union will upturn the global economy, and redraw political boundaries. We take a look at what that means right now for tourists headed to the UK and EU, from increased bureaucratic hassles at borders, to an undeniable advantage in spending power.

Exchanges Rates Are in Our Favor

Of all the tourists who went to Britain last year, almost 10% were from the United States. And Americans are known for spending more than any other nationality, on average about 3,000.

Right now, countries in the UK and EU are cheaper for Americans to visit.

When news broke that the UK voted to leave the European Union, both the British pound and Euro dropped in value, resulting in a US dollar that will go much further. What this means for American travelers right now is that both the UK and EU countries are cheaper to visit. While it's too early to say for sure, the Euro could also continue to drop, meaning Americans might be able to enjoy a cheaper European vacation even later this year.

UK-EU Flights Will Get More Expensive (Eventually)

As the UK will no longer be a part of the EU, the open skies policy won't apply to them. This means the UK will have to negotiate or put in place new air service agreements with each and every EU country, which could lead to climbing airfares. So if you were planning on using London as a jumping-off point for a grand European tour, don't procrastinate.

Airlines could be restructured into separate UK and EU corporate entities, resulting in more complicated and costly travel. However, EasyJet said it will work with the EU to minimize the impact on travelers.

The Evening Standard points out that the open skies policy also allowed budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair to thrive, while forcing more traditional airlines like British Airways, Air France, and Lufthansa to cut their fees and fares in order to compete, dropping airfares by half since the 1990s.

SEE ALSO: The Best Airfare Sales for Domestic and International Destinations

But now, airlines could be restructured into separate UK and EU based corporate entities. This is going to result in more complicated and costly travel, not to mention a major reduction in flexibility. However, it should be noted that budget airline EasyJet has already said it's working with the EU to try to make sure the Brexit vote doesn't have a substantial impact on travelers.

UK-US Flights Might Also Get More Expensive

The same issues that could plague air travel from the UK to EU countries could also affect flights from the UK to the US. Until now, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have had easy access to America because of a treaty between the EU and US that provides the same kind of open skies benefit.

But again, that no longer applies to the UK now. There's a significant possibility that the UK will have to negotiate routes from their hubs to American hubs now, thanks to their separation from the EU.

But for Now, Immediate Travel Won't Be Affected

Again, this is a huge move for the UK. However, it's not an immediate one. There's still a ton of speculation about the implications this will have on things like travel and trade, and leaving the EU is not an overnight move. So aside from the aforementioned exchange rates, it will be some time before travelers feel the pinch of any of the above repercussions.

Bottom line? If your trip has already been planned and paid for, you're probably not going to see much change. Sure, your dollar is likely to go further right now in the UK and Europe, but that's the most immediate consequence you'll see.

However, just to be safe, if you're traveling with a British or European airline, check with them for any Brexit-related announcements. It's not clear when or how changes will occur for them, so it's best to be prepared. Changes could include increased rates, moved routes, and travel delays, so you'll want to know ahead of time what to expect. And as always, you should shop around for the best airfare rates before booking, to combat any future price hikes.

Have you seen your travel plans change? Let us know in the comments below.
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Clara007 said: Voters don't give a flying fig about Hillary's emails. The RW has cried 'wolf' one too many times. This is just ONE MORE giant 'scandal' in a world full of scandals. The Clintons have weather dozens. If Trump is to be our next president he'd better take care of his own scandals and start working on acting presidential. His poll numbers are in free-fall and every time he opens his mouth (like he did in Scotland) the numbers spiral down. Click to expand...

The FBI has been investigating for months whether Clinton's use of the private email server imperiled government secrets. Agents recently interviewed several of Clinton's top aides, including Abedin.

"Dozens of the emails sent or received by Clinton through her private server were later determined to contain classified material.As part of the probe, Clinton turned over the hard drive from her email server to the FBI. It had been wiped clean, and Clinton has said she did not keep copies of the emails she choose to withhold."but yet you and other liberals here insist it is not clinton herself being investigated!??innocent, truthful people do not wipe their hard drives, sorry, you gotta be dumber than a stump to buy that...
Linn County is the first local government agency to submit a Notice of Measure Election concerning recreational marijuana production and sales to the Linn County Clerks Office.

Commissioners Roger Nyquist and John Lindsey on Wednesday approved the measures wording that will put the issue of whether retail marijuana production and sales will be allowed in Linn County on the November ballot.

Commissioner Will Tucker was not present due to a medical issue.

We had to make a decision months ago about the ability to refer this to the voters, Nyquist said. This is the mechanics of that decision, the next step in getting it to the voters so they can decide.

Nyquist added, There are enough unknowns and moving parts that we felt it was a big enough decision to engage the citizens of Linn County and they can have the final say.

He also said that over the past year, the Legislature has   brought some clarity to some of the issues surrounding marijuana, but we are not going to rehash whether to put it on the ballot.

Linn County elections supervisor Derrick Sterling said incorporated communities have until Sept. 8 to file similar measures if they want them on the November 8 general election ballot.

The city councils of Albany, Brownsville, Lebanon and Sweet Home have said they plan to refer the issue to voters, but as of Thursday, none had filed with the county.

Although recreational marijuana production and sales are legal in Oregon, the Legislature allowed cities and counties to enact moratoriums on implementation of the law and to put the question before local voters.

Oregon voters approved recreational marijuana by a 56 to 44 percent margin, but Linn County voters turned it down, 53 percent in opposition to 47 percent in favor.

If approved by voters, the countys new measure would   prohibit the establishment of the operation of retail marijuana producers, retail marijuana processors, retail marijuana wholesalers and marijuana retailers in areas of Linn County that are outside of incorporated cities.

Should Linn County voters reject recreational marijuana sale and production, it would not prohibit the personal use of recreational marijuana nor the use or growing of medical marijuana under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program in areas of Linn County that are outside of incorporated cities.

If voters approve recreational marijuana production and sales, Linn County has already created an area zoned Urban Development II between Riverside Drive and Oakville Road west of Tangent on Highway 34.

It would be the only area in the county outside of incorporated cities where marijuana production would be allowed.

In March 2015, the commissioners also approved a code text amendment that excepts the propagation, cultivation, harvesting, storage, processing or disposal by marketing of marijuana from the definition of farm use, limited farm use and commercial activity in conjunction with farm use.

All three commissioners have been adamant against marijuana legalization based on beliefs it will be harmful to children and families and that it may entice drug cartels to move into the mid-valley and create large-scale operations that create public safety issues for neighbors.
The NRL today released the schedule for the final six rounds of the Premiership which includes a series of blockbuster matches.

The Bulldogs, Brisbane, Melbourne, St George Illawarra and Penrith will all host crucial matches in marquee timeslots during the closing rounds.

Some of the highlights of the finalised schedule include:

 A Saturday night match between North Queensland Cowboys and Melbourne Storm at 1300Smiles Stadium in Round 21;

 A Saturday night derby in Round 23 between St George Illawarra and Cronulla Sharks at UOW Jubilee Oval;

 North Queensland Cowboys superstar Johnathan Thurston returning to Belmore Oval on Thursday night in Round 25;

 The final match at Pirtek Stadium before redevelopment  Parramattas game against St George Illawarra in Round 25 (the Eels and the St George Dragons faced off in the first match at the ground in 1986);

 Manly captain Jamie Lyons final match at Brookvale Oval, on Saturday afternoon in Round 25 against Canberra;

Round 25 will also see the Bulldogs and the Cowboys, as well as Melbourne and the Broncos, feature on Thursday and Friday nights respectively.

The final round (Round 26) will feature one of the biggest matches of the year between competition heavyweights Melbourne and Cronulla at AAMI Park.

It will also feature Corey Parker playing his final regular-season match at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

That will be followed by the 2014 grand finalists, South Sydney and the Bulldogs, potentially playing off for crucial finals positions on Friday night.

The final match of the NRL Telstra Premiership season will see the Panthers play Manly at Pepper Stadium on Sunday, September 4.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the final six rounds would provide some crucial match-ups which would ultimately decide the make-up of the top eight, the top four and also the minor premiership.

"We know there will be huge interest in those rounds as the teams battle for a place in the Finals," he said.

"We are no doubt headed for another close finish. As usual this is a competition which will likely keep us all guessing until the very last match."

The NRL has worked with the broadcasters as well as the RLPA to reduce the number of five day turnarounds across the 26 rounds of the Telstra Premiership.

There will be a total of 43 five-day turnarounds in 2016, compared to 46 in 2015  despite the one-off Thursday to Monday schedule this year.

The NRL will seek to reduce the number of five-day turnarounds further with the implementation of a Thursday to Sunday cycle in 2017.

For the full schedule for the final six rounds, please visit nrl.com

For tickets to the NRL Telstra Premiership, please visit nrl.com/tickets
MERRILLVILLE  Heather Schweitzer felt right at home Thursday at the 9th Annual Times Diversity Career Fair held at the Radisson Hotel.

The environment here is very welcoming, she said. I dont have to feel different because I am in a wheelchair. Here, I feel just like everyone else.

Schweitzer, a long time Portage resident, was laid off a few months back. With a background in accounting, she hoped to start a new job with one of the more than 20 companies represented at the fair.

Employers with jobs in many fields were out in force at the fair, looking to hire during what has turned out to be several years of job growth across the United States.

One of those employers, HealthLinc, provides primary and preventative healthcare services to patients all across Northwest Indiana. Mike Lowe, the company's talent acquisition coordinator, stressed that HealthLinc has opening for every level of expertise.

We have entry level and internships as well as openings for nurses and nurse practitioners, Lowe said. The healthcare field is a very fluid market, and we have many positions available.

Contract Services Group, an affiliate of Staff Source, advertised openings in the automotive and light industrial divisions.

We have many temp-to-hire positions for people with previous industrial experience, Donna Kutzer said. People who got caught up in a downsizing can find many employment opportunities to utilize their existing skill set.

Diversity is defined in many ways, and the field of job seekers was as diverse as the companies looking to add to their ranks.

Hillary Campbell, Dyer, recently graduated from Concordia University Chicago with a degree in Criminal Justice.

I want to make my mark helping people, she said. A career fair like this one is a great place to start out. The atmosphere promoted by The Times makes me feel more confident.

Merrillville and Ball State graduate Anthony Lockett hoped to find a financial position with a local company.

I like the idea of staying close to where I grew up, he said. Job fairs like this one provide a chance to meet representatives of company and compare options.

Recent Purdue graduate and Society for Human Resource Management member Hayley Miller hoped to begin her career path in nursing and human resources.

There are several companies here that could be very attractive to those in the healthcare field, she said. Its a great opportunity.

Thursday's career fair, and a Diversity Business Symposium the preceding day, were hosted by IN Business magazine, Monster.com, and the Times Media Co. Major sponsors of the event include BP, NIPSCO, Work One, The Center of Workforce Innovations, HealthLinc, Tradewinds and the NWI Society for Human Resource Management.

At Wednesday's Diversity Business Symposium, NIPSCO Executive Vice President Violet Sistovaris noted how much our nation has changed and urged companies to follow suit.

In 1950, our country was ninety percent white, she said. In 2040, that number will be fifty percent.

NIPSCO believes in the importance of diversifying their workforce in order to match the customers they serve, she said.

There is a difference between accommodate and accept, she said. Every company needs to accept the concepts of I&D (inclusion and diversity) and make them a cornerstone of their philosophy.
Ironwood Brewing Co. is going to have coffee, hot dogs and a South Shore Line craft beer poster-signing Saturday.

The Valparaiso-based craft brewery, which is owned by Barb Kehe, invited other women-owned businesses over for a customer appreciation event between 3:30 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Hot Diggity Dawg in Chesterton, owned by Kim Morganelli, will serve up a hot dog with chili, mustard, onion and spices that pairs well with Ironwood's Irish Ales.

Needmore Coffee Roasters will be on hand to sell beans and barleywine barrel-aged cold brew coffee, owner Katie Mysliwiec said.

"I think this will be a great event to try locally hand-crafted drinks and food, and to support women-owned businesses," she said.

Artist Mitch Markovicz also will be at the brewery, 6 Roosevelt Road in Valparaiso, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. to sign copies of his new South Shore Line poster, which highlights craft beers in the Region.

For more information, visit www.ironwoodbrewing.beer.
LAPORTE  Five Fort Wayne residents were arrested Thursday afternoon on charges related to dealing methamphetamine.

About 4:45 p.m. Thursday, officers with the LaPorte County Metro Operations Unit, along with LaPorte County arrested three women and two men in what they called a "planned and controlled event," which took place in the parking lot of the LaPorte Wal-Mart at Ind. 2 and Boyd Boulevard. A firearm also was seized.

Police said the arrests were the culmination of the a 36-hour investigation regarding the five who allegedly went to LaPorte to sell meth.

Oscar K. Griffin, 36, and Mario Hanserd, 25, were charged with aiding/inducing dealing methamphetamine, a Level 5 felony. Cahniqua Sparks, 23, Dovie Neer, 26, and Gina Holliday, 36, were charged with dealing methamphetamine, a Level 5 felony.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.

"In addition to taking more dealers off of our streets, this case also resulted in a firearm being seized, LaPorte County Sheriff John Boyd in a news release. Drug dealers from out of town, bringing firearms makes for a dangerous combination. We are very pleased that not only the drugs were seized but a firearm as well.
May 9, 1921  June 21, 2016

Anna Mae Ann Gibbs died Tuesday at Mennonite Village where she had lived for 24 years.

A celebration of her life is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, June 26, in the Mennonite Home chapel, 5353 Columbus St. S.E., Albany.

Ann was the first child of Lola Thompson Goebel and J. Julius Goebel. She was born in Independence, Missouri, in the old farm home that her paternal grandparents had purchased in 1888.

In 1939 she graduated from William Chrisman High School, where she was a prize essayist and a member of the National Honor Society. After attending Business College in Chillicothe, Mo., she worked for government wartime agencies in Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri.

She met Charles DeWitt Gibbs, a sergeant in the army, on a blind date. They married on Sept. 27, 1944, at the St. Louis Cathedral. She continued government-agency work until 1946, when the couple moved to Stamford, Connecticut, for Charles first post-war position.

Subsequent moves took the family to New Jersey in 1952, central Florida in 1960, and back to New Jersey in 1964. Ann did secretarial and editorial work there for a trade magazine. Charles formed a company to manufacture and market his patented device for the wire and cable industry, and Ann became its vice president. Decades later she took pride in telling others that she had been the vice president of a small corporation.

In 1976 the couple moved their business, Gibbs & Stone Inc., to Hendersonville, North Carolina. They retired there in 1982.

They moved to Mennonite Village in Albany in January 1992. Charles died on Nov. 25, 2003.

Ann served five years as a Girl Scout leader in New Jersey. She volunteered at the hospital in Eustis, Florida. In North Carolina, she was a state board member of Questers, a national organization for study of antiques and historic sites. In Albany, she was active in the Mennonite Home Auxiliary and in Friends of the Library. She enjoyed bridge and reading, subscribing to two daily papers until the day she died.

As Anns needs increased, she moved to other parts of Mennonite Village, including Quail Run Assisted Living. Her final home there was Marys Place Adult Foster Care, where loving staff made it possible for her to die in her own room.

Ann is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara Curtin Miles and Denny Miles, and Deborah Gibbs and Tom Smith; granddaughters Marjorie Curtin Murphy (Michael Murphy), Abby Curtin Dacey (Tim Dacey) and Madeline Smith-Gibbs; great-grandchildren Caroline and Elena Murphy and Emmett and Declan Dacey; brother-in-law Enoch Davis; and many nieces and nephews.

Anns younger sister, Mary Alice Goebel Davis, died last year.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Mennonite Village Foundation or Samaritan Evergreen Hospice.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.demossdurdan.com.
EAST CHICAGO  A Gary man was charged Tuesday in a vehicle pursuit that injured a county officer and damaged two squad cars.

Terrell A. Howard, 39, has been charged with driving with a suspended license, reckless driving and fleeing law enforcement, according to a probable cause affidavit. Howard also had warrants for failure to appear, and for previously driving with a suspended license.

Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop just before 6 p.m. June 17 near East 151st Street and Indianapolis Boulevard after observing Howard swerve and nearly strike a marked squad car.

A pursuit ensued eastbound on 150th Street. Howard eventually led police onto Michigan Avenue toward Gary, when Gary and Lake County police joined in the pursuit.

Later, a sheriff's officer was driving south on Grand Street when the suspect struck the officer's squad with his car. The officer's injuries were minor.

Howard and a 17-year-old passenger then fled on foot into an alley in the 300 block of Cleveland Street, where they were taken in custody. The juvenile was later released to her mother without charges.

Howard was cited for improper lane usage, improper passing and failure to use his signal.
HAMMOND  A Gary man accused of selling cocaine to a government informant last month pleaded not guilty Thursday, federal court records show.

Kevin Wilbon appeared with attorney Roxanne Mendez Johnson for his arraignment before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Andrew P. Rodovich.

Rodovich set a jury trial date for Aug. 22.

Federal agents began investigating Wilbon, who was arrested June 10, after a confidential information alleged he was selling cocaine, court records show.

Wilbon is accused of selling 4 grams of suspected cocaine to the informant for $175 on May 5 in a Gary parking lot.

He's also accused of selling to the informant May 17 and May 27.

Wilbon previously was convicted of selling cocaine in 2007, court records show.
VALPARAISO  A 27-year-old Kouts man pleaded guilty Friday morning to three felony counts stemming from accusations of filming himself having sex with an unconscious Portage woman, who later died.

Chaz McIntosh, who is in custody, faces both a prison term of 7 1/2 years and the requirement of registering as a sex offender if the proposed plea agreement is accepted Aug. 26 by Porter Superior Court Judge Bill Alexa.

The case was filed after police discovered the video on McIntoshs phone while investigating the death of Elizabeth Oswald, who was found just before noon Nov. 30, 2014, unresponsive and not breathing on the floor in the 2700 block of Virginia Park Drive in Valparaiso.

Police said Oswald was still breathing in the video, yet was found dead within six hours of the sexual assault.

At one point, I viewed E.O. (Elizabeth Oswald) face down in a pillow having severe difficulty breathing, Valparaiso Police Detective Sgt. Jeff Balon said as part of the charging information.

It was then that McIntosh turned her head by pulling her hair to the side, allowing her to breathe better, he wrote.

McIntosh was originally charged with two felony counts of rape. Prosecutors later filed three lesser felony counts of sexual battery, which were the charges he pleaded guilty to Friday. The three charges refer to three separate incidents.

The rape charges are to be dismissed if the proposed agreement is accepted at the time of sentencing.

McIntosh reportedly told police he was involved in a three-year relationship with Oswald, which was rocky at times. He claimed the two frequently engaged in kinky sex, yet admitted he did not have consent to have sex with her the day she died and performed the act while she was unconscious.

Porter County Coroner Chuck Harris said Oswald died of the toxic effects of methadone, blunt force injuries to her head and other blunt force injuries. No charges have been filed in connection with her death.
INDIANAPOLIS  More than 200 mayors of the nation's largest cities, representing some 100 million Americans, are gathered in Indianapolis this weekend trying to hammer out bipartisan solutions for urban challenges.

The 84th annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors opened Friday, just two weeks after a gunman murdered 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, vice president of the mayors' conference, said without Congress stepping in to do something about it, mayors have been forced to take the lead in protecting their residents from domestic terrorism  even without sufficient resources to do so.

"National security, homeland security and public safety in the new world are actually becoming one, and it's incontrovertible that the fighting force, the force that's the tip of the spear, that's on the ground first, is local law enforcement," Landrieu said.

The mayors are backing a 16-point "Compact for a Better America" that calls for new federal resources to support cities in their first-responder roles, particularly grants to hire more police officers.

It also urges action on infrastructure improvements, education, immigration reform, clean energy, income inequality and an end to unfunded federal and state mandates, among other issues.

"It's extremely important that we as mayors use our voices, even when subjects are challenging and even though subjects may not be as popular," said Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson.

The former Indiana attorney general is leading the mayors' criminal justice committee during the four-day conference.

She is working with fellow mayors to craft resolutions encouraging the hiring of former felons, opposing discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, and seeking to reduce gun violence through increased prevention efforts and improved mental health care.

Freeman-Wilson said mass shootings, like Orlando, tend to make headlines across the country, but individuals are shot to death in cities every day, and the cumulative body count is "massive."

"What we have to do is place as much focus and attention on those one-at-a-times as we do on the multiple instances," she said.

Besides discussing city issues with each other, the mayors also will hear from national and international thought leaders during their conference, including the Dalai Lama, Lady Gaga and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, president of the mayors' conference, said it's important for Clinton and Republican Donald Trump  who was invited but is not attending the meeting  to recognize that cities were home to 96 percent of new U.S. jobs created in 2015 and responsible for 99 percent of the growth in the nation's gross domestic product.

"The needs of cities should be front and center in the presidential campaign," she said. "If you want to grow the national economy and keep this country strong, you must work with mayors."

The mayors' meeting isn't all work, however.

They're scheduled to attend events and galas on Indianapolis' Circle, in downtown Carmel, at the Indianapolis Childrens Museum, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NCAA Hall of Champions.

On Friday, Freeman-Wilson even donned firefighting equipment to participate in a live fire drill and vehicle extraction hosted by Indianapolis Professional Firefighters Local 416 and the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana.

She said the experience made clear the importance of being physically fit and having the right equipment for the job  two things she'll emphasize as Gary's next firefighter training class gets underway.

Other Region mayors attending the conference are Thomas McDermott, Jr., of Hammond; James Snyder, of Portage; Riley Rogers, of Dolton, Illinois; and Andre Ashmore, of Matteson, Illinois.
HAMMOND Former Lake County Surveyor George Van Til appears to be half way home.

Van Til, 68, of Highland, has moved from the federal prison in Terre Haute to a local confinement facility in advance of his release Aug. 12, according to the Bureau of Prisons inmate locator website.

Van Til now is being held at the Chicago Residential Re-Entry program, which houses inmates in several residential re-entry centers, including the PACT-Bradley Center in Michigan City, a halfway house that has been home to several former Lake County politicians convicted of public corruption.

Van Tils current location within the program isnt disclosed by the website. Neither the Residential Re-Entry Management office in Chicago nor the Bradley Center returned calls for comment.

Van Til is serving an 18-month sentence imposed last year for his guilty plea in federal court to six counts of fraud alleging he assigned political work to his public employees. Van Til was elected six times as county surveyor and was a veteran of the countys Democratic party leadership.

FBI and state police investigators raided Van Tils office in 2012, removing computers and containers full of official documents and a federal grand jury indicted several months later.

Van Til acknowledged in his plea agreement with the government he directed some employees of the surveyors office to engage in political campaign work while on the countys public payroll and using county government equipment to engage in political activity.

He also admitted he paid an employee to remove a hard drive from one of his offices computers containing evidence of the campaign work. The U.S. Attorneys office dropped two obstruction of justice counts against Van Til over the hard drive removal.

Upon release, Van Til will be on supervised release for three years. He also has to pay $26,502 in restitution to the county treasurers office. The treasurers office reports he has been paying $300 a month.
LANSING  Officials are reviewing a $27 million municipal budget in Lansing.

Treasurer Arlette Frye said the line-itemed budget is based on anticipated revenue and are what departments aim to stay within. The appropriation, which will be on the agenda at the Village Boards July 5 meeting, is what the municipality is legally allowed to spend.

Frye said the appropriation is about 20 percent higher than the budget to anticipate unexpected needs.

Typically, unless we get a windfall of money, if we are exceeding the line item in one item then the department has to cut back their expenditures in another line item, Frye said.

A public hearing on the appropriations ordinance will take place before the July 5 board meeting and a copy will be available at the Village Hall beginning Friday. It will be online shortly after that, Frye said. The budget must be approved by the end of July to comply with state statute.

Village President Norm Abbott said the budget allows for hiring three new police officers and two more firefighters.

Abbott also said budget crisis within Illinois state government may delay the allocation of motor fuel tax money to municipalities. He said Lansing already has some of that money earmarked for street resurfacing projects and a new salt dome.

If the state doesnt get the budget resolved by the end of June, weve been notified that all those projects will be on hold, Abbott said. The state of Illinois is in really bad shape and its all starting to come back.

In other business, the board approved a higher garbage removal fee. Rates jump from $24.42 to $25.40 for residents and $17.86 to $18.58 for seniors per quarter immediately.

The increase was approved 5-0 with Trustee Terry Kapteyn absent.

Gaskill Walton will make pump station improvements. The firms low bid of $322,800 was approved Tuesday.

The board also approved a pair of bids for work on the historical plaza and Village Hall parking lot expansion. KLF Enterprises will demolish a property at 17932 Torrence Ave. and lay parking lot for $97,313. KGI Landscaping had a low bid of $114,740, which also was approved.

Building Commisioner T.J. Grossi said he was contacted by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District about its rain barrel program. He said MWRD has delivered more than 120,000 free rain barrels throughout the Chicago area, including about 900 to Lansing.

MWRD will be discontinuing the free program, Grossi said, on Dec. 31. Theyll continue to distribute them for about $50 or $60 per barrel.
Environmental agencies are warning of poor air quality due to high ozone levels expected Saturday throughout the Region.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day, cautioning senior citizens, children and people with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activity Saturday across Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties.

Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather bake vehicle exhaust, factory emissions and gasoline vapors, according to a news release.

IDEM is urging people to reduce car trips, avoid refueling vehicles or using gas-powered lawn equipment after 7 p.m.
The Valparaiso, Portage and Chesterton fire departments for the first time are teaming up on a firefighter application and testing process.

"We have formed a strong partnership of working to share ideas and opportunities with each other," Valparaiso Fire Chief Chad Dutz said.

The idea to team up in hiring firefighters was sprung out of lunch meetings held by Chesterton Fire Chief John Jarka and Portage Fire Chief Tom Fieffer in order to exchange ideas and develop policies together "because we're not that different," Fieffer said.

When Dutz was promoted as fire chief last year he joined the group.

"We help each other whenever there's a fire, so why not do it at this level also," Jarka said.

The chiefs said it's more economical for the three departments to set up the hiring process together. Dutz said another benefit is in the past, applicants would have to choose which test to take if two or three of the departments were testing on the same day.

"It's better for the applicant too," Dutz said. "We all hire differently."

Applicants will also be able to check a box on the application for which department they prefer. Departments will also keep their own individual list in addition to a master hiring list.

Portage and Valparaiso also require firefighters to become paramedics, whereas Chesterton's requirement stops at being an emergency medical technician.

Dutz said he doesn't think any departments are doing the same thing in the area.

"We're excited about it," he said.

The first written test, swim test and aerial ladder climb for all three departments is Sept. 17 at Portage High School. Applications will be available at the Chesterton, Portage and Valparaiso fire department headquarters beginning July 1.

Applicants will have until Aug. 12 to turn the applications in. Once a hiring list is established, it will be good for two years beginning Jan. 1.
We need to hear things that we don't agree with, if only to be better prepared to argue against such ideas.

A free exchange of views is a foundation of the First Amendment and its metaphorical home ground, the "Marketplace of Ideas." There is no other reasonable approach to public discourse.

To act otherwise  to suppress speech, even that to which one is vehemently opposed  is to betray core principles on which this nation is based.

Yet, people try  from attempts to ban news outlets from reporting on political campaigns for our highest office, to attempts by various White House administrations to control or block press coverage.

Most recently, likely GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump on Monday banned The Washington Post from receiving credentials to report on his campaign, saying the action was "based on the incredibly inaccurate coverage and reporting" by the newspaper. Trump also has refused at various times to credential news operations or individual journalists from other outlets.

After the decision kicked up a furor, including criticism from international journalism organizations, Trump called CNN Tuesday night to say that if elected, he would not enforce such a ban on journalists in the White House press room.

In a written statement, Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron said the ban was "nothing less than a repudiation of the role of a free and independent press. When coverage doesn't correspond to what the candidate wants it to be, then a news organization is banished."

To be sure, President Barack Obama also faced criticism from journalists in recent years for what several informal press groups have called heavy-handed attempt to control the news, including outright bans on reporters at certain events and by, critics say, preventing government experts from speaking with news organizations out of fear the experts would conflict with policies.

Both Bush administrations clashed openly with journalists  by name. And in an August 2014 article, The Atlantic reported that President Richard Nixon "read a summary of each morning's news and then directed his staff how to respond, noting in the margins which reporters he liked and disliked," at least once banning a Los Angeles Times reporter.

On college campuses, a list of more than 300 attempts since 2000 to block campus speakers has been compiled by the free speech group Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. FIRE also has reported that both conservative and liberal groups  increasingly the latter  have been more successful in recent years in blocking speakers.

The issue hits close to home. Recently the Newseum, where I work, faced two unsuccessful attempts to block programs to which some objected: written pressure to refuse to rent conference space to a private group showing a controversial film about a Russian political figure, and another where protesters  long before an announced Q&A opportunity  repeatedly interrupted a Newseum Institute program featuring a former Israeli Defense Force official speaking about the IDF's use of social media.

Newseum CEO Jeff Herbst responded in both cases by saying "the Newseum has a bedrock commitment to free speech and free expression. We believe that this is the only approach possible to understanding the complex issues we face."

Herbst later received anti-Semitic mail, which he called "pathetic and sad," adding "if the attempt was to diminish the Newseum's and my commitment to free speech, they have failed. This kind of bigotry will solve nothing."

Certainly these programs and others involve issues on which there are passionate, genuine differences to be aired  including any challenges to the credibility of the filmmaker and speaker. But forcibly trying to close down the speech or intimidate the speaker you oppose is 180 degrees counter to freedom of expression.

An irony of attempts to muzzle the press or those who speak out is that the web effectively cancels out both the effort and the result. We live at a time in which more people can speak directly to more people than any time in history.
The police commissioner is rejecting a Department of Investigation report critical of his approach to crimefighting. And the mayor is standing firmly behind him, against the DOI. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.



In typical fashion, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton did not mince words after having a key part of his "Broken Windows" policing strategy strongly criticized.

"That report is basically of no value to the NYPD," Bratton said. "It is deeply flawed and will impact not at all on the practices of the NYPD."

Bratton responded after the NYPD Inspector General, part of the Department of Investigation, found that from 2010 to 2015, the NYPD's strategy of enforcing quality-of-life offenses like public drinking and urination did not reduce the rates of more serious crimes, the opposite of what Bratton has pushed for 25 years.



"This report looks at a specific tactic, the issuance of C summonses, and evaluates Commissioner Bratton's claim last year that an increase in C summonses will lead to a decrease in felony crime. It turns out that is just not so," said Department of Investigation Commissioner Mark Peters.



Mayor de Blasio appointed both commissioners, and he has long pushed for the kind of police oversight the new report provides. But on Thursday, he had his police commissioner's back on the issue of police tactics.

"If a governmental entity puts out a report, we are going to look at it. But I agree with the commissioner. The core findings, we don't see merit in."



Bratton was less diplomatic.



"I think I have a lot more expertise than the IG and, in this case, the Department of Investigation," he said. "The IG exists as an independent entity to monitor the police department. The DOI does not have a role in this matter."



The flaw, according to Bratton, is that the report only looked at six years of policing, and focused on arrests and summonses and not other issues that helped to bring down the crime rate over the last two decades.

The DOI fired back, saying its findings "cannot be quietd by city officials who donot agree with them."



"We have a police IG. Does anyone expect the police IG and police commissioner to always agree?" de Blasio said.



The NYPD has 90 days to officially respond to the report in writing.


United Kingdom residents have voted to leave the European Union, a sweeping decision that was expected to rattle Wall Street with the opening of U.S. markets Friday morning.

U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron said he would resign by the fall, after Britons cast the historic vote Thursday.

According to the Associated Press, results released early Friday showed that the "leave" side receiving 52 percent of the vote, against 48 percent for the "remain" side.



Those supporting the exit said it was the only way for the UK to control immigration and restore power to its Parliament.



Those who wanted to stay claimed remaining with the EU was best for Britain's security and economy.

Cameron was among those who urged people to vote to stay.

As results rolled out, the news wreaked havoc on the value of the British pound. Hours after hitting its highest level of the year, the currency plummetted to a 31-year low when results began trending toward leaving.


Police have arrested a man accused of vandalizing two new WiFi charging kiosks at Joyce Kilmer Park in the Bronx.

Lonell Logan, 20, is charged with criminal mischief and trespassing.

Police say Logan pushed over and damaged two towers at the park near 161st Street and Walton Avenue.

The solar-powered towers are valued at nearly $10,000.

The group NYC Park Advocates says Logan was charging his phone in one of the towers on June 14th and fell asleep on a nearby bench.

When he woke up, he found his phone had been stolen, and started knocking down the towers and ripping out wires.

The towers were installed at the park earlier this month as part of an plan to expand free WiFi across the city.

They include signs warning users not to leave their devices unattended.
Baltimore  THE delivery of a not-guilty verdict on Thursday for Caesar Goodson Jr., the police officer who drove the van in which Freddie Gray died while in custody last year, has revealed a stark truth about Baltimore.

Six officers were charged in Mr. Grays death in April 2015, and the Goodson verdict leaves the prosecutors at zero for three in convictions. Each case has brought mounting anger and confusion in the citys disinvested, redlined black neighborhoods. The first prosecution, against Officer William G. Porter, resulted in a hung jury  giving hope, at least, that he could be found guilty in a retrial. But after another officer, Edward M. Nero, was acquitted in a bench trial last month, the public began to suspect that the officers strategy  claiming that their failure to use a seatbelt for Mr. Gray was common practice in the department  was a winning move.

Its now clear that no one will be held criminally accountable for the death of Freddie Gray. Three trials and two acquittals mean that Freddie Gray somehow cracked his own spine and crushed his own voice box.
A wall-shuddering heartbeat reverberates down the pitch-black hall that leads to Marguerite Humeaus solo exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. An ominous lit sign reading FOXP2, the name of the show, marks the entryway into the surgery-bright antechamber that the 29-year-old artist describes as her biological showroom. Inspired by car fairs and grocery stores, the extreme environment sets the tone for Humeaus fourth-ever solo show, spurred by her interest in what she calls luminous horror. Its trying to create things that at first look very bright and attractive, but are actually horrific. Luminosity is something I think of when looking at the Apple store; they sell light, Humeau says. To me, its the same premise that many religions have sold: to become immortal, you have to become immaterial.

Schooled at Design Academy Eindhoven and the Royal College of Art, Humeaus ambitious graduation project was an opera performed using epoxy models she created of dinosaur vocal cords  which landed her in the Museum of Modern Arts collection. A collaboration with a panel of specialists including paleontologists, engineers and surgeons, the research-heavy project demonstrated Humeaus penchant for collapsing science and romance. Im interested in pushing the limit of existing systems of knowledge and confronting the experts that Im working with to their own gaps in knowledge to see what happens when science stops and speculation starts, she says. I think that is where you find poetry.

Image Exhibition view of FOXP2. Credit... Courtesy of the artist. Photo by Andre Morin.

A voracious reader, Humeau is often inspired by books. FOXP2, which gives this new exhibition its name, is a gene associated with the beginning of language  which, as Jared Diamond argues in The Third Chimpanzee: The Evolution and Future of the Human Animal, is ultimately responsible for humanitys domination of the planet. Diamonds book, paired alongside a researchers personal account of an elephant death ritual, led Humeau to delve into the fantasy of what would happen if elephants had beat humans in the evolution game.
The banner at the top of Costcos Facebook page reads Costco + Visa = , but for many customers, the first few days of the retailers new charge-card alliance have been anything but heartwarming.

On Monday, Costco took the final step in severing its 17-year relationship with American Express and began exclusively accepting Visa for credit card purchases at its stores. For more than 11 million customers, the switch meant cutting up their Costco-branded American Express cards and swapping them for a new Visa card issued by Citigroup.

A transition that executives promised would be seamless has turned into a customer service fiasco.

Citigroup has logged more than 1.5 million customer service calls, according to Jennifer Bombardier, a spokeswoman for Citigroup.

Costcos social media pages are filled with thousands of scathing complaints. Many customers say their new cards have not yet arrived, and some report problems activating or using their cards or getting access to their accounts online.
Thursday was a busy news day to begin with: two major Supreme Court decisions, and an acquittal of a police officer in the Freddie Gray case  all of which constituted front-page news.

Then, around 11:40 p.m., the results from the Brexit vote arrived.

Two editions of the paper, the first national edition and the first New York edition, had already been sent to the presses. But there was still a chance to get the news of Britains vote to leave the European Union onto the front page of the second national and second New York editions.

And thats exactly what happened: The Brexit results made the front page for both second editions, below the fold.

The final edition, called a postscript, was quickly drawn up at 1:13 a.m. to incorporate the news into a paddle wheel headline  two major banner headlines stacked on top of one another.
Times Insider delivers behind-the-scenes insights from The New York Times. Below are highlights from radio and television interviews featuring Times reporters and editors.

Nicholas Casey, The Timess Andes bureau chief, joined KPCC Radios Take Two to discuss the effects of Venezuelas drought and economic meltdown:

The crisis in the long term has to do with the price of oil. Oil basically funds everything that happens in Venezuela. The short-term crisis, though, what youre seeing on the streets, is the fact that there isnt enough food and [the country] cant import the food, because it doesnt have the money it needs to do that. So if you go outside, there will be lines of maybe 50, maybe 500 people that are waiting to get food, and whats happening is when people in these lines are finding that theres nothing at the end of them, sometimes they are turning into mobs.

Mark Leibovich, chief national correspondent for The New York Times Magazine, joined MSNBCs Morning Joe to discuss his latest cover story for the magazine on the Republican Partys self-immolation in the midst of Donald J. Trumps campaign:

Theres a danger that someone is swallowing the entire Republican Party whole and taking over the entire campaign and making it difficult  if not impossible  to talk about anything else. And Reince Priebus is in charge of the whole Republican Party and hes facing down the barrel of a really, really scary situation in November.

Carl Hulse, chief Washington correspondent for The Times, joined PBSs Charlie Rose for a conversation about the Senates vote on gun safety measures:



It was fairly predictable, even though everyone in the Senate and probably most Americans would agree that people on terror watch lists shouldnt buy guns.  Nothing is easy in Washington, and theres a lot of politics at play here, so Democrats voted for their proposals, Republicans voted for theirs, and it didnt go anywhere. It was sort of an embarrassing defeat.

John Schwartz, a science reporter at The Times, joined WAMU Radios The Diane Rehm Show for an in-depth conversation about climate change:
At least, thats what it looks like to me. What do you think  did Kennedy lose his enthusiasm for killing affirmative action? Or did the questionable claim of the plaintiff, Abigail Fisher, that being white cost her a spot at U.T., which Nikole helped expose, finally give him pause? I dont agree with much of Justice Samuel Alitos dissent, but I do think hes right that its hard to square Kennedys skepticism three years ago with his acceptance of U.T.s rationale now.

I dont hold that against affirmative action. I hold it against the courts skimpy and inadequate rationale for affirmative action in the first place. The courts previous decisions allow universities to take race into account for admissions only for the sake of educational diversity, leaving no room for remedying the present-day consequences of the racism thats threaded through the countrys history. When Kennedy loses debating points to Alito now, its because hes staying in the small box that the court drew. The best reasons for allowing affirmative action lie outside it.

The courts past decisions also told universities that they may not fill seats using racial quotas, yet they approved the argument that the benefits of diversity come from enrolling a critical mass of underrepresented minority students. In other words, dont count, but come up with some goal for achieving diversity that is sufficiently measurable, as Kennedy put it this time. I dont know what that means, practically speaking. Kennedy is willing to settle for vagueness and to defer to U.T.s stated goals: promoting cross-racial understanding, preparing students for an increasingly diverse society and work force, and cultivating leaders. All worthy. None particularly measurable.

Justice Alito, who called the decision affirmative action gone berserk from the bench Thursday, had a field day with the majoritys apparent contradictions. He accused them of violating decades of precedent rejecting blind deference to government officials defending inherently suspect classifications. Maybe. But how much should the court poke its nose into the governments justifications for affirmative action in the first place? I know, were in the land of strict scrutiny, in which the court is supposed to look closely at any government program that treats people differently according to their race. But why should judges stop Texas officials from trying to address the underrepresentation of minority applicants to public universities, in a state thats majority white?

One thing that leaps out at me about U.T.s affirmative-action program is how limited the benefit to African-American and Hispanic students actually is. The proportion of U.T. freshmen who are Hispanic is 26 percentage points lower than the number of Hispanics in that age group across the state, according to The Texas Tribune. The enrollment gap for black students is seven percentage points. White students, by contrast, are overrepresented by 11 percentage points by the papers measure.

Two writers from The Tribune and the podcast Reveal, Neena Satija and Matthew Watkins, also found that the top-10-percent plan, which relies on the racial segregation of the states high schools to achieve some diversity, doesnt benefit top students from poor schools, some of whom are black and Hispanic, to the degree one might think. Those high-achieving students would get into U.T. automatically. Yet many dont even apply. Its people who have money, people who are, like, prodigies and stuff, [who] end up there, one Hispanic student who was ranked eighth in her class, but decided to go to a womans college with a lower graduation rate for Hispanic students and fewer resources than U.T.-Austin, tells Satija and Watkins. The barriers to elite university are high and wide. Maybe its time to move past the affirmative action battle and figure out how to more fully address the inequities  in K-through-12 education, among other things  that diminish the number of high-achieving low-income students who go to selective colleges nationally.

Emily

Hi Will, Emily and Nikole,

Alito eviscerates Kennedys arguments, but this has less to do with the merits of affirmative action than with the legal box  as Emily puts it  that the court has constructed for itself. In the earlier round of this case, decided in 2013, the court held that a race-based affirmative-action program must pass the fearsome strict scrutiny standard that applies to all other laws that make citizens rights and obligations turn on their race.
Dan Daniel, an AM radio D.J. who became familiar to New York rock n roll fans in the 1960s as Dandy Dan, died this week at his home in Larchmont, N.Y. He was 81.

His son Chris said Mr. Daniel died late Monday or early Tuesday. The cause was not immediately known, he said.

Working for WMCA, Mr. Daniel was one of the Good Guys, a team of D.J.s at the station that also included Jack Spector, Joe OBrien and Harry Harrison. His signature line was a self-deprecating one: Americas most adequate swinging disc jockey.

Mr. Daniel joined WMCA in 1961, when AM stations in New York were embracing the Top 40 format. The stations main competitor was WABC-AM, a radio juggernaut whose best-known D.J. was Bruce Morrow, known as Cousin Brucie.
As the annual march, with its dozens of floats and some 20,000 participants, proceeds down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan in a celebration of lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual pride on Sunday, thousands of New York City police officers will be spread among the crowd.

Some will be on the streets in uniform, others in plain clothes. Officers will be posted on rooftops along the route and even on boats in the Hudson River, standing by as marchers approach the endpoint, in Greenwich Village.

You will be safe, Mayor Bill de Blasio said, speaking of the gay pride march at a news conference at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center on Thursday. You will be protected.

But the plans for a heightened security presence, amplified after the mass killings this month inside a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., have highlighted a rift between the police and some in the gay community over the very definition of security. It is a disagreement, activists said, that is rooted in a turbulent history, which has left some lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people feeling disrespected and marginalized by the police force, rather than protected by it.
New York Citys game of cones between Mister Softee and New York Ice Cream continued this week, as the battling of the two companies moved from the streets of Midtown to the federal courtroom in Lower Manhattan.

While New York Ice Cream drivers have been accused of intimidating their frozen-confection competition with threats and strong-arm tactics, the owner of the company, Dimitrios Tsirkos, owes hundreds of thousands of dollars to Mister Softee for breaching franchise agreements, trademark infringement and other unfair business practices.

On Thursday, Judge Laura Taylor Swain held Mr. Tsirkos in contempt of court for failing to begin payments on a $97,000 judgment handed down in 2014.

The judge dismissed claims from Mr. Tsirkoss lawyer that the ice cream operator was an unsophisticated businessman who did not realize that he owed the money. It beggars belief, she said, that Mr. Tsirkos was ignorant to the charges.
Youd hardly expect the mayor of New York City, with its $82 billion budget and 300,000 employees, to get involved with buying garbage bags.

For years, Joseph Dussich, the owner of a company in Queens that makes anti-rat garbage bags, could not get city officials to consider buying them.

Last year, though, that changed after Mr. Dussich made the second of two donations of $50,000 apiece to a political advocacy group run by allies of Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Ten days later, records show, Mr. de Blasio met with Mr. Dussich in City Hall to thank him for the contributions. The meeting was arranged by one of the mayors chief fund-raisers, Ross Offinger, according to two people familiar with the account that Mr. Dussich has given to federal authorities investigating City Hall fund-raising.
Over the past four decades, the Supreme Court has repeatedly addressed the question of whether public universities may consider an applicants race in admissions decisions. Its answer, with some important caveats, has always been yes.

It was wise to reaffirm this principle on Thursday, ruling 4 to 3 in favor of an admissions process at the University of Texas at Austin that weighs race as one of many factors in filling some spots in its first-year class. The decision was the strongest reaffirmation of the constitutionality of a race-conscious approach in more than a decade, and should be the defining judgment on this issue.

The court has acknowledged over and over that universities have a compelling interest in achieving the social and educational benefits that flow from a racially and ethnically diverse student body. But that precedent has remained under constant attack. The current case was brought by Abigail Fisher, a white woman who was denied admission in 2008 and argued that the university violated the Constitutions equal protection clause by discriminating against white applicants.

The University of Texas uses two separate methods to achieve greater diversity: First, it automatically offers roughly three-quarters of its spots to students who graduated in the top 10 percent of every high school in the state. (This helps increase diversity because so many Texas high schools are either overwhelmingly white or minority.) The remaining quarter is filled using a holistic process that considers various factors, including an applicants leadership qualities, talents, socioeconomic status and race.
Hamburg, Germany  I WAS born in 1973, the year Britain entered the European Economic Community. And like Britain, I have always been skeptical about the quasi-religious, ever-closer-union ideology that gripped so many proponents of the European Union, especially the anxious old men of my parents generation, who swore that the only alternative to unification was a relapse into nationalism.

And now this. Just as Europeans of my generation were being relieved of those anxious old men, another type stepped onstage: the angry old men.

These politicians  men and women, to be sure  are young enough not to have experienced world war, but they are old enough to idealize the pre-1989 era and a simpler, pre-globalization world. At the same time, they are obviously too sclerotic to imagine how democratic institutions can adjust to the new realities. With their aggressive posturing, these Nigel Farages, Marine Le Pens, Geert Wilderses and Donald J. Trumps are driving the debate  and possibly driving the West off a cliff.

Its a victory for ordinary, decent people who have taken on the establishment, declared Nigel Farage, the head of the U.K. Independence Party. Rubbish. It was a victory for people who have neither the guts nor the imagination to take on the downsides of globalization. Yes, globalization and Europeanization have taken their tolls, both on traditional forms of democracy and on traditional job security. But instead of tackling these problems, the Farages of the world have started the next ideological war.
House Republicans, led by Speaker Paul Ryan, responded at first on Wednesday by calling the House into recess, which had the desired effect of switching off the C-Span cameras. Then they held a vote in the dead of night and adjourned the House for its entirely undeserved July 4 break.

To be charitable, it was like a 5-year-old sticking his fingers in his ears and shouting la la la. Less charitably, it was like an autocrat trying to hide the truth, as the Soviets did by jamming radio signals and airbrushing photos, and the Chinese do with their infamous internet firewall.

Among other things, turning off the cameras was pointless. Trying to camouflage reality didnt work in the shortwave radio era, and it sure doesnt work in the Twitter era. The rebellious Democrats switched on their smartphones and broadcast themselves to the world. I thought Ryan would have expected this, since he styles himself as a 21st-century dude, but then I remembered him bragging in 2012 that his playlist starts with AC/DC and ends with Zeppelin, which got him up to about the 90s.

The chilling scene in the House was just a taste of what Sanders followers will risk if they do not throw their undeniable enthusiasm behind Clinton and other Democratic candidates, and the G.O.P. holds Congress and wins the White House in November.

The Sanders crowd is right on a lot of issues  like income inequality, living wages and tax reform  and they have had a big effect on Clinton this year, pushing her to adopt some of their positions. But they can also be as ideologically narrow, and hostile to anyone who disagrees with them, as the Trump crowd.
Not long ago, I went to the top of Crater Mountain searching for a trace of the last living Beat poet, Gary Snyder. His fire lookout at 8,128 feet, where he scanned the summits of the North Cascades for the Forest Service in 1952, is long gone. But I later found his work  his words enlivening new generations at a camp below  and the man himself, kinetic in California.

Turns out, hes not the last of the group of writers who included Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, as he scolded me for implying. The poets Lawrence Ferlinghetti, age 97, and Michael McClure, 83, are still stirring up trouble with verse and attitude. Snyder himself is a mischievous 86, a lifetime student of Zen and the art of coupling the perfect phrase to natures complexity.

They were known as literary subversives, rebel voices in the era of Silent Generation conformity. But among their other contributions to American life are words that some of the Beats marshaled on behalf of wild places. Kerouac, inspired by Snyders rapture about a summer spent in the clouds, followed him as a lookout to an area that eventually became North Cascades National Park in Washington State.

Sadly, the parks rarely get much attention on the national stage unless some knucklehead displaces a cute little baby bison or tries to feed a grizzly bear. But in this year when the Park Service is celebrating its centennial with all sorts of hand-wringing about the future, its instructive to remember how language can save landscape. Powerful prose has been put to good use in the cause of Americas Best Idea.
With a maddening 4-to-4 nondecision announced Thursday, the Supreme Court failed to decide the fate of President Obamas 2014 executive actions on immigration. The program remains blocked  and there is no realistic way to resuscitate it before Mr. Obama leaves office.

And so four million to five million people who might have been spared deportation remain stranded, vulnerable to arrest and unable to work legally. The impasse that made Mr. Obamas program necessary  the absolute refusal by congressional Republicans to reform an unjust system  persists.



The case, United States v. Texas, should never have made it to the Supreme Court. But such is the power of the Republicans spite. Mr. Obama wanted to give temporary protection to unauthorized immigrants whose children are citizens or legal residents, and whose clean records made them very low priorities for deportation. It was a reasonable use of prosecutorial discretion, he argued, freeing up resources to deal with criminals and security threats.

Republicans who have attacked Mr. Obama at every turn concocted a counterargument. They accused him of abusing his powers, violating administrative law and harming states that would incur incidental expenses under the program. A like-minded federal district judge in Texas blocked the program nationwide. A divided appeals court panel upheld the judges ruling. The Supreme Court took the case, and deadlocked because the Republican Senate has refused to allow Mr. Obama to fill the seat left open by Justice Antonin Scalias death. The 4-to-4 vote sets no precedent, nor does it alter Mr. Obamas 2012 deportation reprieve, called DACA, for immigrants brought to the United States as children.
This weekend at Mujis Fifth Avenue flagship location in New York, the work of six Japanese artists  handmade objects, designed for everyday use  will be on view and for sale as the stores new Tatazumai collection. The show was curated by the wood-crafter Ryuji Mitani, and is in keeping with Mujis egalitarian design sensibility (in his words: minimal, no logos!). Five of the makers will be on site through Sunday to share their craft with shoppers. And earlier this week, they invited T to a preview of the collection, and out to dinner  for, of all things, Japanese food.
ORLANDO  A scene keeps flashing through Officer Omar Delgados mind, sneaking into his slumber every time he closes his eyes to sleep.

It is of his first look inside the Pulse nightclub. Dozens of people were motionless on the blood-soaked dance floor, and the Eatonville police officer had just burst through the clubs patio door for a rescue.

I yelled: Hey, come on, get up! Lets go! We have cover for you. Police! Were here, Officer Delgado said.

Nobody budged.

It took a moment for Officer Delgado, 44, to realize that the signal 43 he had responded to  Orange County police code for Rush! Officer needs help  was not an officer down, but a massacre of civilians.

Officer Delgado, who had been working the night shift in a small town eight miles north of Orlando, was in the second wave of officers who responded after the initial shooting. He wound up spending hours inside, saving a few people and watching over the many dead.

I thought they were playing dead so they would not get hit, he said. It wasnt until I got my flashlight and scanned the room and saw so much blood from where all these bodies were lying. I looked to my left, to a guy who I guess got the worst end of it, and thats when it hit me: Wow, these people are all dead.

He arrived at the beginning of a three-hour standoff. Officer Delgado dragged some of the wounded to safety and took cover behind a wall.

Officer Delgado recounted a harrowing night of watching club patrons trip over corpses and writhe in agony as their bullet-ridden bodies were pulled across broken glass. The image of Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, with her shock of cropped white hair and tattoos, haunts him. He is among the group of responders who are likely to require counseling to find the will to return to work.

Officer James Hyland of the Orlando police is another. Officer Hyland, who did two tours in Afghanistan, said what he saw at Pulse was worse. It makes me forget about a lot of the stuff that happened in the military, he said. The situation was worse than being in a war zone.

At a debriefing held at a local high school shortly after the shooting, many officers sat and cried, said Joseph Imburgio, one of the Orlando police officers who was on the scene at Pulse.

Officers from Newtown, Conn., to San Bernardino, Calif., have already learned these lessons, as they mustered the courage to ask for help.
SOUTHWEST

Texas: No Charges for Action

by Police Officer at Pool Party

A former suburban Dallas police officer who resigned after video showed him forcing a bikini-clad black 15-year-old girl to the ground will not be charged in the matter, the police said on Thursday. A Collin County grand jury decided not to indict the former McKinney officer, Eric Casebolt, who pushed the girl to the ground after a June 2015 party at a pool that drew a crowd of predominantly black teenagers. The episode drew protests from civil rights groups. It was not clear just what charge the jury was considering. Police commanders plan to hold a community meeting on Monday to discuss the investigation with residents. Cellphone videos showed Mr. Casebolt, who is white, running after black teenagers and ordering them to the ground, then forcing the girl onto her stomach and placing his knees on her back. He drew his firearm after two young men charged forward in apparent protest, but holstered the weapon when two other officers intervened. (AP)

WEST

California: Another Guilty Plea

in Navy Bribe Scandal

A former civilian Defense Department officer who oversaw military contracts pleaded guilty to bribery on Thursday in connection with a Navy corruption case involving a Malaysian businessman who prosecutors say bilked the military out of more than $34 million. Paul Simpkins entered his plea in federal court in San Diego. Prosecutors said he accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for helping Singapore-based businessman Leonard Francis. Mr. Simpkins is among more than a dozen people charged in the scandal centered on Mr. Francis, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges and is awaiting sentencing. (AP)

MIDWEST

Michigan: Filtered Water

Called Safe for All in Flint

Filtered tap water is safe for everyone in Flint, the federal government said Thursday, lifting a recommendation that pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 6 drink only bottled water to avoid lead exposure. The announcement was based on tests of filters that had been distributed for months for free by the State of Michigan. The Environmental Protection Agency said the filters remove or reduce lead to well below the action level of 15 parts per billion, although no lead is considered safe. Some samples from high-risk areas in Flint have been coming back at less than 1 part per billion. Flint used the Flint River for 18 months, but lead leached from old pipes at homes because the water was not treated to control corrosion. Although the city switched water sources last fall, there still is lead in the system. It is encouraging news, said Mayor Karen Weaver, who said she still wanted all lead-tainted plumbing replaced. (AP)
WASHINGTON  The continuing breakdown in Washingtons ability to govern seemed to spread like a contagion Thursday through all three branches of government.

The dysfunction somehow managed to reach new levels. The Supreme Court, left short-handed by a Republican refusal to act on President Obamas nominee in the final year of his presidency, deadlocked on a major immigration case. The inaction validated a lower court finding against the administrations attempt to allow millions of unauthorized immigrants to live legally in the United States.

Mr. Obama, who sought to address the nations immigration crisis through his executive powers because of a persistent impasse on Capitol Hill, was unable to achieve one of his major goals  which pleased Republicans but left the president angry and disappointed.

Democrats ended a raucous 25-hour protest on the House floor, failing to gain a vote on gun safety issues but exulting in the attention they received via a breakout social media campaign that threw the House rule book out the Capitols neoclassical windows. Republican leaders accused Democrats of trying to capitalize on the Orlando, Fla., shooting while destroying the decorum of the House.
WASHINGTON  Isabel Aguilar had sworn she would not cry on Thursday if the Supreme Court ruled against President Obamas programs to give deportation protection to immigrants in the country illegally. But she did.

I am so tired and frustrated, said Ms. Aguilar, 45, an undocumented immigrant from Honduras living in Maryland. She would have been eligible for protection under the presidents initiatives because two of her children are citizens, born in the United States.

I was hoping for some relief, she said. Now we have to keep on living with this fear.

Ms. Aguilar was among dozens of immigrants who gathered at the steps of the Supreme Court for the decision as others across the country congregated in city squares, at churches and in front of televisions. The justices 4-4 tie left in place an injunction by lower courts on Mr. Obamas programs that has been in effect since February 2015.

Once word of the decision reached supporters of the presidents programs, a defeated feeling filled the plaza outside the court. As immigrants rolled up their banners and collected their poster boards, they stopped to share hugs, comforting pats on the arm or disappointed half-smiles.
ATHENS  Three people were killed and two were wounded Thursday during a shootout in Cyprus in the southeastern tourist resort town of Ayia Napa, the police said.

The police declined to speculate about what was behind the violence, but terrorism appeared to have been ruled out. The shooting may have been related to local criminal gangs.

State radio reported one more fatality than the police, saying that four people had been killed, including a local businessman.

Serious crime is rare in Cyprus, which attracts more than two million tourists each year, mainly from Western Europe. But there are sporadic episodes of gang violence.
JERUSALEM  Echoing anti-Semitic claims that led to the mass killings of European Jews in medieval times, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority accused rabbis in Israel of calling on their government to poison the water used by Palestinians.

He made the unsubstantiated allegation during a speech to the European Parliament on Thursday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said in a statement later that Mr. Abbas had spread a blood libel in the speech.

Mr. Abbas made the allegation in the context of calling for the revival of a long dormant committee of Israeli, Palestinian and American officials that was created to expose and denounce incitements from either side in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We are against incitement, he began in his speech.

Just a week ago, a week, a group of rabbis in Israel announced, in a clear announcement, demanding their government, to poison, to poison, the water of the Palestinians, he said. Is this not incitement? Is this not clear incitement, to the mass murder of the Palestinian people?
A New Hampshire woman who sued Bill Cosby for defamation has voluntarily dismissed her lawsuit against the entertainer.

The woman, Kristina Ruehli, filed for dismissal on Friday in United States District Court in Massachusetts, a day after Judge Mark G. Mastroianni ruled against Mr. Cosbys motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

Ms. Ruehli, 72, accused Mr. Cosby in 2014 of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1965. She filed her lawsuit against Mr. Cosby last November, saying that he branded her a liar after she came forward.

We accomplished what we wanted to do, Ms. Ruehli said in an interview, alluding to the fact that she had helped to bring more attention to the accusations against Mr. Cosby. I simply want to wash my hands of this, she added.
LONDON  When the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibited a promised gift of about 80 Cubist artworks from the cosmetics magnate Leonard A. Lauder in 2014, the museum hailed Cubism as the most influential art movement of the early 20th century, one that radically changed the way we see the world today.

That assessment seemed to have been endorsed on Tuesday night, when Sothebys sold Picassos 1909 painting Femme assise for 43.3 million pounds with fees, or about $63.6 million. It was bought by one of two anonymous telephone bidders against a low estimate of 30 million.

But although Femme assise set an auction high for a Cubist work  and was the highest price for any artwork sold at auction in London since 2010  Cubism, for all its influence, is less coveted by collectors than other periods of Picassos career and other 20th-century movements. Cubisms intellectual methodology and monochromatic palette have sometimes made it a hard sell.

Sothebys did well with the Picasso, said Guy Jennings, managing director of the Fine Art Fund Group in London. It was a very strong price for a tough painting. Cubism should be the top period, but theyre not the easiest pictures commercially.
Some interesting opera may be ahead for New York. Pierre Audi, who recently became the artistic director of the Park Avenue Armory, has been named the next director of the Aix-en-Provence Festival in southern France, the festival announced on Friday.

Mr. Audi, a stage director and impresario known for fostering contemporary work and for projects of daunting ambition, has led the Dutch National Opera for three decades. But hell give up Amsterdam for Aix in 2018. In a telephone interview, he suggested his taste for collaboration may facilitate cross-Atlantic cooperation.

Theyre two sides of me, he said of his positions in Aix (where the 2019 festival will be the first wholly planned by him) and New York. But I dont exclude that there will be connections.

Any sharing would be tantalizing: Aix is one of the worlds best opera immersions and one of the most progressive. The last time I was there, in 2012, one production, an enigmatic multimedia rumination on Huey Newton and the Black Panthers, sprawled through a park in a public housing complex.
Alessandra Ferri, returning to the role of Juliet at 53, on Thursday, was recognizably the same dancer she was 10, 20, 30 years ago  and unmistakably different. The performance was of Kenneth MacMillans Romeo and Juliet, at the Metropolitan Opera House; the company was American Ballet Theater, with which Ms. Ferri, for over 20 years (1986-2007), enjoyed her greatest triumphs. Though she is an Italian who began her career in London, its here in New York that she has been most loved.

The plasticity, liquidity and effortless eloquence of her movement seem unchanged. Her stage persona remains vivid, ardent, rapturous, impulsive and compelling. And in the miraculous Herman Cornejo, she finds a Romeo who shares those virtues. Both have charm; neither cultivates it. The youthful intensity they share in this ballet has nothing sweet about it; it does have tremendous pathos.

[ Alessandra Ferri on preparing for her return to Romeo and Juliet | Alastair Macaulays primer on the ballet ]

Her vividly particular acting on Thursday, more than in any of the Juliets I have seen her dance  from her 1984 debut in the role with the Royal Ballet, to her 2007 Ballet Theater farewell performance  keenly brought lines from Shakespeares play to mind. The dilemma of My only love born from my only hate, when the Nurse explains to her who Romeo is; the passionate declaration of My bounty is boundless as the sea/My love as deep in the balcony love scene; and the anguish of Then, window, let day in and let life out, as she sends Romeo from her bedroom into exile: Ms. Ferri piercingly evoked those moments. The movement of her thought was evident in every movement of her body.
A Delaware judge ruled on Friday that the Dallas pipeline operator Energy Transfer Equity is entitled to terminate its $38 billion merger with the Williams Companies, culminating one of the most contentious cases of buyers remorse in recent memory.

The ruling is a victory for Energy Transfer, which for months has been seeking to kill the deal. As the energy markets plummeted late last year, the cash-and-stock transaction it had to talk Williams into doing became nearly untenable.

By March, with just months left to consummate the transaction, Energy Transfer and its outside counsel discovered a problem with the merger  that it may not ultimately be deemed tax-free, which was a condition for the deal to close.

Williams did not convince the Delaware court that this discovery was influenced by Energy Transfers desire to get out of the deal, according to the ruling.
As for a stay in discovery, National Amusements and the Redstone camp want to avoid a medical examination of Mr. Redstone. The reason is apparent. Even if he is competent, it does not appear that Mr. Redstone is in good shape. And an examination might show he is incompetent.

There was some new information that came out during the hearing. In my previous writings I had assumed that the Viacom shares were voted by National Amusements. In that case, the competency of Mr. Redstone would seem irrelevant. A court should simply look at the National Amusements board and whether it validly voted. And it did. So, this would seem to be the end of the story.

But according to the transcript of the hearing, the lawyers disclosed that until Mr. Redstone is declared incompetent or dies, the Viacom shares held by National Amusements are actually directly voted by him. This is different from what I assumed. In this situation, there is no inquiry into National Amusements, but into Mr. Redstone himself.

This is a different matter. And it is why the judge, Chancellor Andre G. Bouchard, was skeptical of National Amusements arguments that he could resolve this matter without looking past the consent and Mr. Redstones competency.

As Mr. Bouchard put it, what if a 5-year-old had executed the consent? At the hearing he stated it was doubtful that he could decide this case without considering Mr. Redstones status.

This seems right to me.

It also highlights how bad things are at Viacom (and CBS) in terms of disclosure. The trust instrument, which governs the trust, dictates who controls Viacom and CBS upon Mr. Redstones death or incompetency. Yet we still dont know exactly what the trust instrument states.

That this has occurred is a failure of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange, where both companies are listed. They should move to force this disclosure and to do so for all companies with dual-class stock so as to prevent another mess like this. (Chancellor Bouchard actually noted he wasnt a fan of these dual-class stock structures.)
FRANKFURT  Only hours after Britain decided to leave the European Union, Emmanuel Lumineau cast his own remain vote  with his feet. Mr. Lumineau said he would move to Paris from London and take about 10 employees at his financial start-up with him.

The looming question on Friday was how many other executives might reach the same conclusion, undermining Britains status as the No. 1 destination in Europe for foreign investment.

Mr. Lumineaus reasoning was simple. His customers operate under European rules and so must he. We need to be inside, said Mr. Lumineau, the French chief executive of BrickVest, a company that allows customers to invest small sums in real estate online.

The long-term business consequences of Brexit will take years to fully emerge, largely because no one knows what kind of new trade barriers and regulations will emerge from negotiations with the European Union. But already there were worrisome signs that the remain camps warnings of economic tumult could come true.
SEOUL, South Korea  A South Korean court issued an arrest warrant on Friday for a Volkswagen executive in connection with the companys cheating on vehicle emissions tests, in another blow to the German automakers efforts to move on from the scandal.

The warrant is the first to be leveled against a Volkswagen executive after the company in September admitted using software to falsify pollution test results on some diesel cars, spurring legal action in the United States, Germany, South Korea and elsewhere.

Volkswagen has admitted that 11 million of its vehicles worldwide were equipped with software designed to cheat on emissions tests. The automaker said in April that it would set aside $18 billion to cover costs from the scandal.

The South Korean prosecutors office said that the investigation was continuing and that it would cooperate with counterparts in Germany and the United States.
PARIS  If Jonathan Anderson looked a little tired today, as he showed the media and buyers around his spring 2017 collection for Loewe, it was understandable. He said he had been up all night watching the returns of Britains Brexit vote, the countrys decision to leave the European Union.

And he was not happy. A terrible day, he said as he stood amid the new line of colorful shirts, handbags and shoes in the Loewe store on Rue Bonaparte, many of which he said had been influenced by family trips to Ibiza when he was younger. Mr. Anderson, like many notable figures in the London fashion world, had been an ardent Remain supporter, as his Instagram followers were frequently reminded. (On Thursday he had posted a photo of a handwritten note that read Vote Vote Stay and later a simple statement: fingers crossed.)

Its really sad, he said of the victory for the Leave position. I think its going to be a very big problem.

He added that he slept a little after the vote was official, roughly as dawn was breaking in Paris, but he was awake again when David Cameron came out of 10 Downing Street to announce that he would be stepping down as prime minister later in the year. He had no choice, Mr. Anderson said of the Conservative Party leader. He was the one who got the ball rolling on this.
The Stonewall Inn has been called the symbolic heart of New York Citys lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community for decades, since the police raid and ensuing protests there in 1969 helped galvanize a national struggle for gay rights.

On Friday, President Obama formally recognized that history, declaring the Greenwich Village bar and its surrounding area the Stonewall National Monument, and creating the first National Park Service unit dedicated to the gay rights movement.

According to the White House, the monument designation will consist of 7.7 acres, protecting the tavern, Christopher Park across the street, and several other streets and sidewalks where spontaneous protests were held for equal rights in 1969.
The anticipation of a calamity is never the same as the calamity. For all that was said and written about what would or could happen if Britain voted to quit the European Union, nothing quite matches the shock and confusion that Britain and the world felt on Friday.

Somehow the commentators and politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen had assumed that for all the isles insularity, for all the familiar euroskepticism and grousing about immigrants, when the time came Britons would revert to form and remain in their proper place in the front ranks of the Western world.

Something very different has happened. Defying the warnings of every major economic and political institution in Britain, Europe and the United States, millions of voters across Britain concluded that a gamble on a dangerous unknown was better than staying with a present over which they felt they had lost control. It was a cry of anger and frustration from more than half the country against those who wield power, wealth and privilege, both in their own government and in Brussels, and against global forces in a world that they felt was squeezing them out.

The repercussions were immediate. The pound crashed to the lowest level since 1985 and markets tumbled. Prime Minister David Cameron, who foolishly called the referendum largely as a ploy to deal with political problems in his party, announced he will resign. It will now require major feats of leadership by financial and political institutions in Britain and on both sides of the Atlantic to manage a period of profound economic uncertainty. That process will not be made easier by political uncertainty in Britain, by a Europe in turmoil over the refugee crisis and a United States in a tumultuous election year.
Fifty-two percent of the British population was ready to face higher unemployment, a weaker currency, possible recession, political turbulence, the loss of access to a market of a half-billion people, a messy divorce that may take as long as two years to complete, a very long subsequent negotiation of Britains relationship with Europe, and the tortuous redrafting of laws and trade treaties and environmental regulations  all for what the right-wing leader Nigel Farage daftly called Independence Day. Britain was a sovereign nation before this vote in every significant sense. It remains so. Estrangement Day would be more apt.

The English were also prepared to risk something else: the break-up of the United Kingdom. Scotland voted to remain in the European Union by a margin of 62 percent to 38 percent. Northern Ireland voted to remain by 56 percent to 44 percent. The Scots will now likely seek a second referendum on independence.

Divisions were not only national. London voted overwhelmingly to remain. But the countryside, small towns and hard-hit industrial provincial industrial centers voted overwhelmingly to leave and carried the day. A Britain fissured between a liberal, metropolitan class centered in London and the rest was revealed.

Europes failings  and they have been conspicuous over the past decade  are simply not sufficient to explain what Britain has done to itself. This was a vote against the global economic and social order that the first 16 years of the 21st century have produced. Where it leads is unclear. The worst is not inevitable but it is plausible. Britain will remain an important power. But it will punch beneath its weight. It faces serious, long-term political and economic risk.

Anger was most focused on the hundreds of thousands of immigrants coming into Britain each year, most from other European Union nations like Poland. Farages U.K. Independence Party, abetted by much of the press, was able to whip up a storm that conflated E.U. immigration with the trickle from the Middle East. Wild myths, like imminent Turkish membership of the European Union, were cultivated. Violence entered the campaign on a wave of xenophobia and take-our-country back rhetoric.

In this light, it is not surprising that Trump supporters were delighted. Sarah Palin welcomed the good news. One tweet from a supporter read: Im thrilled with U.K. 1st step  time 4 all the dominoes 2 fall, every country to leave & end the E.U.
To the Editor:

Re British Stun World With Vote to Leave E.U. (front page, June 24):

As a British citizen living in New York City, I see the future as uncertain at best, and bleak at worst. It has been hard through the first half of this year  coddled as I am by my Democratic-leaning surroundings and Labour-leaning Facebook feed  to believe that either of two things could happen: Donald Trump winning the presidency, or Britain leaving the European Union. I was proved wrong in Thursdays referendum, and my confidence that America would not, in the end, elect Mr. Trump has been shaken.

A vote for Leave was a vote for increased sovereignty, certainly, but also for a nationalism that we can ill afford in a time of increasing polarization, and that legitimizes and encourages the same elsewhere.

Being part of the European Union has brought Britain closer to the other nations of Europe, and also to the rest of the world. It has widened our focus and our expectations, encouraging  and sometimes compelling  us to meet and accustom ourselves to difference to a degree that is not possible in Britain alone.

Leaving will mean a contraction of ambition and empathy. Perhaps it reflects a desire for just that. But its a loss that I feel deeply, and that I think leaves our world worse off than before, both in the decision itself and the precedent it sets.
Ms. Kelmans life prepared her for this role. She grew up in Manhattan as the daughter of Wolfe Kelman, a prominent rabbi in the Conservative movement. She eavesdropped as he gave younger rabbis advice on their contract negotiations. Ms. Kelmans brother, Levi, went into the rabbinate and leads a Reform congregation in Jerusalem. Her sister, Naamah, also a rabbi, serves as dean of the Jerusalem branch of the Reform movements seminary.

Even as she was immersed in all things rabbinical, Abby Kelman felt more strongly drawn to law, the profession of her maternal grandmother. She had a formidable career, ranging from the New York district attorneys office to the Anti-Defamation League to commercial litigation to teaching at a law school.

And then I said to myself, I always wanted to have my own firm, she recalled. What do I know? I know a lot about law. And I know a lot about rabbis.

After her debut at the Rabbinical Assembly convention, Ms. Kelman began receiving referrals. These days, she charges $350 per hour or a flat rate based on her estimate of how much time a negotiation will require.

At the most basic level, she bargains with synagogue boards for a clients salary, which for a rabbi, generally ranges from $90,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, geography and congregation size. But the intricacy of her work involves the myriad fringe benefits. Some, like pension and health insurance, would be true of almost any professional. Others, like religious-school tuition for children, apply particularly to rabbis and cantors.

In her home office one morning last month, Ms. Kelman texted a young rabbi on the East Coast, hired fresh out of seminary, who was being asked to sign a contract allowing termination without cause. Ms. Kelman had drafted a counteroffer, but the congregation refused to budge. Now the rabbi was being told she had to sign by the end of the day.

When the rabbi called in response to Ms. Kelmans text, they went over the proposed contract line by line, with Ms. Kelman supplying a lot of backbone. What are they going to do if you dont sign? Stop paying you? she said at one point.
A grand jury decided on Thursday not to charge a Texas police officer who was shown on a cellphone video throwing a black teenage girl to the ground outside a pool party last year, the authorities said.

The footage of the white officer, Cpl. David Eric Casebolt, tackling the teenager in June 2015 was posted to YouTube, becoming part of a nationwide debate over how white officers treat African-Americans.

Tom Mills, a lawyer for Mr. Casebolt, who resigned from the McKinney Police Department in the wake of the encounter, said on Friday that the officer was very relieved by the grand jurys decision.
WASHINGTON  It was a serendipitous moment during an otherwise uneventful Bernie Sanders campaign rally in Portland, Ore.: A small bird landed on Mr. Sanderss lectern mid-speech and locked eyes with him before flying away to applause from an appreciative crowd.

As Mr. Sanderss supporters posted photos and videos of the amusing interruption to their social networks, his small digital team sprang into action. They edited the video and pushed it out on Twitter to more than two million followers. They created animated graphics of Mr. Sanders and his new friend, Birdie, depicted with a scraggly white coif of hair to match the candidates. They sent emails and created Facebook ads asking supporters to donate in exchange for stickers and images of Birdie.

In doing so, they turned a viral moment into a small-dollar fund-raising windfall: The Sanders campaign raised $3.6 million in just a few days, all of it from online donations. It was illustrative of the approach the campaign took throughout the Democratic presidential primary, during which it raised roughly $216 million of its nearly $230 million total online.
In the end, Ms. Collins was able to persuade just seven of her fellow Republicans to join 45 Democrats and Mr. King, who caucuses with Democrats, in favor. Ms. Collins later expressed confidence that the two Democratic senators who were absent, Dianne Feinstein of California and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, also would have voted in favor, leaving her short six votes.

Still, the path forward is murky at best.

Well keep working on it, and its really up to the leaders where we go from here, Ms. Collins said, adding, I never give up.

In the short term, there is almost no chance the measure will resurface. Even the underlying bill that it would be attached to as an amendment, the annual Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill, is about to be set aside so that the Senate can return to a more urgent fight over financing to combat the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

Republican senators who voted against the Collins proposal cited concern about due process, saying they objected to the government being able to block the sale of a weapon without first demonstrating probable cause to a judge that the person trying to buy the gun was a terrorist.
Drawing on thousands of internal documents and emails, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, the A.C.L.U. complaint provides sketchy details of about two dozen cases over the last five years in which pregnant girls, many of whom said they had been raped, requested abortions. In several cases, according to the complaint, the girls had to be transferred to a different caregiver, eventually obtaining abortions.

A 17-year-old said she had been raped by a guide in Mexico and threatened to commit suicide, the suit says. She was ejected from the Catholic-affiliated shelter where she had initially been placed and was refused by a second one before officials located an amenable agency  away from the social workers and other shelter support staff who constituted her only support system in this country, according to the complaint.

Another girl, 14, was discovered to be pregnant after her capture at the border, the documents said, and requested an abortion. Officials wanted to send her to an agency in Florida near family members who could offer support and an eventual home. But an email from a federal official said that both of the shelters in Florida are faith-based and will not take the child to have this procedure.

Placement decisions should be based on what is in the best interests of the child, said Brigitte Amiri, a lawyer with the A.C.L.U. We think its impermissible to allow the religious beliefs of the care providers to determine where the children are placed.

Some pregnancies and requests for abortion, especially if they do not involve claims of rape, may never be reported to federal officials, immigration experts said. Caregiving agencies may apply to the federal office for payment for an abortion only if pregnancy results from rape or incest. Otherwise, it is illegal to use federal money for the procedure, though agencies can use private funds.

The legal obligation of contracted agencies to provide a full range of reproductive health services stems from a 1997 court settlement and from later federal regulations, the lawsuit contends. The 1997 settlement requires the government to provide young immigrants with medical care including family planning services and emergency health care services.

In the more recent regulations, unaccompanied minors who have been sexually abused in federal custody must have unimpeded access to emergency medical treatment. They must also be offered a pregnancy test and receive timely and comprehensive information about all lawful pregnancy-related medical services.
WASHINGTON  Commuters here who rely on the Metro are facing delays, early closings, single-tracking and station shutdowns during the second phase of a yearlong repair project. But that is not the only impact of the repairs: increased traffic from those who are suddenly forced to drive has clogged downtown streets and traffic in nearby Virginia and Maryland, aggravating drivers who have to endure far longer commutes.

It doesnt take a large mathematical increase in drivers to tip the scales, said Dave Dildine, a traffic reporter at the radio station WTOP, who has seen an increase in road congestion since renovations on the Metro began on June 4.

Rich Hershman, 46, who drives downtown every day from Alexandria, Va., said recently that his commute sometimes took up to an hour longer, depending on the day. Every Metro surge has made traffic awful, he said, referring to repairs. Its always hit or miss, and afternoons have been a lot worse.

Downtown parking garages are also noticing. At Colonial Parking near the White House, Ronnie Walker, a valet, said that he would have to start turning away people soon and that he expected traffic to get worse as the repairs continued.
ROME  Pope Francis waded into turbulent geopolitical waters once again on Friday during his first visit to Armenia when he made an unscripted remark referring to the World War I-era massacre of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks as a genocide.

The prepared text of his speech did not include the politically contentious word, which generally draws furious reactions from Turkey. Instead, the text opted for the more veiled Armenian expression metz yeghern, which translates as the great evil.

But in keeping with his penchant for blunt talk, the pontiff said Friday that that tragedy had been a genocide and was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples.

Francis words were met with a standing ovation by President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia and other officials and diplomats who gathered at the presidential palace in Yerevan, the nations capital, to hear the pope.
At the same time, Mr. Obama has had an ambivalent relationship with Europe during his presidency. His heavy emphasis on Asia  a policy dubbed the pivot  stoked suspicions in Europe that he was moving away from the continent to the faster-growing markets of the East. In his first term, the centerpiece of his Europe policy was an effort to reset relations with Russia.

Critics said the tendency to take Europe for granted predated Mr. Obama. Since 2000, both the Bush and Obama administrations have acted as if Europe as a task had been solved and that we no longer needed to tend the garden as George P. Shultz used to say, said John C. Kornblum, a former American ambassador to Germany, referring to Ronald Reagans secretary of state. The Europeans played their part by acting as if they didnt need us.

Even after Mr. Obama worked closely with Europeans on difficult issues like the NATO air campaign in Libya, there was a sense that he looked on the trans-Atlantic alliance with a gimlet eye. In April, he struck a nerve by suggesting that Britain and France had been free riders in that operation, leaving the United States to bear most of the military burden.

Some critics suggest Mr. Obamas reluctance to be more militarily involved in Syria had an indirect effect on the British vote because of the flood of refugees the civil war has sent to Europe, destabilizing the continent and firing up nativist sentiment. Syrian refugees, however, account for far less of Britains immigrant population than they do in Germany, for example.

Mr. Obama has a chance to demonstrate his support for Europe at a NATO summit in Warsaw next month. But there again, the loss of Britain as a member of the European Union will be felt. Britain has historically been one of NATOs strongest boosters. It has resisted initiatives like a joint European military headquarters because it could compete with NATO. European officials said Germany and France might revive the proposal as a way to reinforce Europes unity in the wake of the British vote.

Britains decision to leave Europe just as Mr. Obama was putting on an extravagant celebration of entrepreneurship and engagement in Silicon Valley undercut his message that innovation, open borders and free trade can improve peoples lives. It is the same assertion that has also underpinned his efforts to forge a new dynamic in the Middle East.
LONDON  As the bands played on at the Glastonbury music festival in Somerset, England, Lewis Phillips and his friends drowned their sorrows in song and alcohol.

Were the ones whove got to live with it for a long time, but a group of pensioners have managed to make a decision for us, Mr. Phillips, 27, said on Friday of Britains decision to withdraw from the European Union. He said he was now terrified about the countrys economic prospects.

Louise Driscoll, a 21-year-old barista in London, spent most of the day crying. I had a bad feeling in my gut, she said of Britains referendum on Europe. What do we do now? Im very scared. Her parents both voted to leave the bloc, she said, and will probably be gloating.

The vote to leave the European Union exposed tensions and fault lines in British society, but perhaps none more gaping than its generational divisions.
RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY UK POOL - AP CLIENTS ONLY London - 24 June 2016 1. British Prime Minister David Cameron approaching the lectern to give a statement 2. SOUNDBITE (English) David Cameron, British Prime Minister: Good morning everyone. The country has just taken part in a giant democratic exercise, perhaps the biggest in our history. Over 33 million people, from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar, have all had their say. We should be proud of the fact that in these islands, we trust the people with these big decisions. We not only have a parliamentary democracy, but on questions about the arrangements for how we are governed there are times when it is right to ask the people themselves and that is what we have done. The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected. I want to thank everyone who took part in the campaign on my side of the argument, including all those who put aside party differences to speak in what they believe was the national interest and let me congratulate all those who took part in the Leave campaign for the spirited and passionate case that they made. The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered. It was not a decision that was taken lightly, not least because so many things were said by so many different organisations about the significance of this decision. ++FRAMES OF BLACK++ 3. SOUNDBITE (English) David Cameron, British Prime Minister: I fought his campaign in the only way I know how: which is to say directly and passionately what I think and feel, head, heart and soul. I held nothing back, I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union. And I made clear the Referendum was about this and this alone - not the future of any single politician including myself. But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction. I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination. This is not a decision Ive taken lightly but I do believe its in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required. There is no need for a precise timetable today but in my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October. Delivering stability will be important and I will continue in post as Prime Minister with my Cabinet for the next three months. The Cabinet will meet on Monday, the Governor of the Bank of England is making a statement about the steps that the Bank and the Treasury are taking to reassure financial markets. 4. Cameron at lectern AND RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY UK POOL - AP CLIENTS ONLY London - 24 June 2016 1. SOUNDBITE (English) David Cameron, British Prime Minister: A negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new Prime Minister. And I think its right that this new Prime Minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the EU. I will attend the European Council next week to explain the decision the British people have taken, and my own decision. ++FRAMES OF BLACK++ 2. SOUNDBITE (English) David Cameron, British Prime Minister: Although leaving Europe was not the path I recommended, I am the first to praise our incredible strengths. I said before that Britain can survive outside the European Union and indeed that we could find a way. Now the decision has been made to leave, we need to find the best way. And I will do everything I can to help. I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it. And I will do everything I can in the future to help this great country succeed. Thank you very much. 3. Various of Cameron walking back to Number 10 with his wife Samantha
PARIS  When the Berlin Wall fell, I was in high school. When the planes hit the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, I was a rookie reporter in New York. When Britain voted to leave the European Union, I woke up to the news at home in Paris and was stunned, but not entirely surprised. Ive covered Europe for The New York Times for the past eight years, and Ive learned that voter anger, or voter apathy, is always a clearer gauge than politicians and pundits.

Still, the news stung. For me and others of my generation, this vote was about more than Britains relationship with Europe. It signaled the definitive end of the era of transnational optimism in which I came of age: the 90s. Back then, we believed that interconnectedness was a strength. People wanted to study human rights law. Nationalism was out of fashion  at least in Western Europe  and weaponized Twitter didnt yet exist to galvanize political change. (Or rather, to take down institutions, not build them.)

In June 2011 I was on assignment in Athens when the government of Prime Minister George Papandreou collapsed. A year earlier, Mr. Papandreou had asked for a foreign bailout. The countrys lenders agreed, but only if Greece met terms that would soon prove politically toxic. Mr. Papandreou resigned that November, and his once-powerful Socialist Party imploded.

For years to come, I covered countless middle-of-the-night votes in which the Greek Parliament pushed through packages of austerity measures at the 11th hour. There were lots of riots and billows of tear gas. Before each vote, there were many political messages from Europe warning that if Greece didnt pass this or that measure, it would be kicked out of the eurozone, and everything would fall apart.
LONDON  Asked to vote in or out, Britain has chosen decisively to cast off its 43-year-old membership in the European Union, leaving it to face a more complex question: What kind of nation will it be now?

Will Britain be the outward-looking, entrepreneurial, confident country that makes its independent way in the world, as the leaders of the Leave campaign insisted it could be?

Or will it retreat to become a Little England, nationalist and a touch xenophobic, responding to the voters that drove it to quit the European Union?

Even more important: Will it even hold together? With Scotland deeply pro-Europe, pressure will increase for another independence referendum that could bring an end to the United Kingdom.
He said that with the coming presidential election in the United States, the vote in Britain was raising an uncomfortable question: Are the people who can be reached by pollsters like the people the polls cant reach?

Image Ballots on Friday in Manchester, England. On the eve of the vote, many polls showed the Remain side edging ahead or the vote too close to call. Credit... Danny Lawson/European Pressphoto Agency

Pollsters could perhaps be forgiven for their stumbles in this case, given the hefty challenge of trying to predict the intentions of voters in a highly unusual referendum. After all, Britons had not voted on their future in Europe in more than four decades, and comparative data was scarce. Moreover, 17 of the 35 surveys conducted this month showed the Leave side ahead.

Leighton Vaughan Williams, the director of the political forecasting unit at Nottingham Business School, argued that the 11th-hour swing in favor of Leave came down to the powerful and determinedly euroskeptic tabloid news media, which he credited for swinging undecided voters on voting day.

It was the Sun wot won it, he said, a sardonic reference to an infamous headline in the newspaper The Sun on April 11, 1992, in which the popular and influential tabloid took credit for the Conservative Partys surprise victory in the 1992 general election over Neil Kinnock, the Labour leader. If Kinnock wins today, will the last person to leave Britain please turn out the lights? it had asked.

The Sun and most of Britains other tabloids led a similarly aggressive campaign against staying in the European Union in the weeks leading up to the Brexit vote, and the emotive appeals to patriotism on the day of the vote proved decisive, Mr. Vaughan Williams said.

The Suns cover on Thursday showed an image of the sun hovering over Earth. We urge you to vote Leave  and make today our Independence Day, the paper extolled its readers. Your country needs you, The Daily Express wrote on its front page, emblazoned with the Union Jack. Vote Leave today.

In contrast to past referendums on independence in Scotland and Quebec, when the undecided voted with the status quo, Mr. Vaughan Williams said, the undecided voters in Britain were swayed by the ominous warnings on newsstands on voting day.
 The U.S. market was down more than 3 percent at the close on June 24, with the Dow shedding over 600 points, after sell-offs overnight in Japan and Hong Kong. The financial damage was more severe on the Continent than in Britain and the United States.

 The United Kingdom lost its last remaining AAA credit rating on June 27, when the credit rating agency Standard & Poors downgraded the nation to AA, Reuters reported.

Is it a done deal?

 The referendum is not legally binding, though it is difficult to imagine that the British government would ignore the will of the voters.

The process of leaving begins only after the British government invokes a provision of the European Unions governing treaty known as Article 50  an action Mr. Cameron said he would leave to his successor.

Once Article 50 is invoked, though, Britain could not change its mind and stay in the union unless the 27 other members all agreed.

The broader impact

 Britain would leave the worlds largest common market, with 508 million residents, including 65 million Britons. That would free them from the blocs commitment to the free movement of labor, capital, goods and services.

But it would also bring complications, with some businesses already planning to relocate.

 Little will change for at least two years, but the vote sets off a series of negotiations as the country separates from the unions remaining 27 members.
MOSCOW  Russian lawmakers adopted on Friday a set of measures that proponents said were aimed at combating terrorism, but that human rights activists condemned as an assault on freedoms of speech, privacy and conscience.

The measures, passed on Friday by the State Duma, Russias lower house of Parliament, introduced a prison sentence of up to one year for failure to report a terrorist act or armed mutiny in the planning stages. The lawmakers also forced cellular and internet providers to store all communications data for six months and to help security services decipher all messaging applications.

The bill, which must be approved by the upper chamber and signed by President Vladimir V. Putin, also banned proselytizing, preaching and praying outside officially recognized religious institutions, among other measures.

The measures, called the Yarovaya Law after their main proponent, Irina A. Yarovaya, were putatively put forward as a reaction to the October bombing of a Russian passenger jet over the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, which killed all 224 people aboard.
MOSCOW  President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia received the geopolitical equivalent of manna from heaven when British voters opted to leave the European Union, speeding his long-term goal of weakening the most powerful alliance confronting the Kremlin as it seeks to rebuild its superpower muscles.



Officially, Moscow presented a somber facade, repeating its pre-vote stance that the British referendum was of little direct concern.

This will certainly have consequences for Britain, for Europe and for us, Mr. Putin told reporters on Friday at an Asian security conference in Uzbekistan. The consequences will be global. They are inevitable. They will be both positive and negative.

He added that only time would tell if the outcome was more positive or negative. The markets will certainly decline, they have already declined, he said, but everything will be certainly restored.
BERLIN  German officials on Friday said a gunman who was killed after entering a multiplex movie theater in southwestern Germany the day earlier was a 19-year-old German who was born in nearby Mannheim.

The gunman, whose name was not released, entered a cinema in Viernheim on Thursday afternoon wearing a mask and armed with two pellet guns, a rifle, a pistol and a fake hand grenade, prosecutors said. He took four employees and 14 moviegoers, including children, hostage.

Prosecutors in Darmstadt, who are responsible for carrying out the investigation, said in a statement on Friday that they had no indication of a motivation, political or otherwise, but that they had ruled out a terrorism-related motive.

The special police forces who stormed the cinema responded with live rounds, killing the attacker. Despite initial reports of widespread injuries, prosecutors said no one else was harmed in the episode, which had led to fears of a mass shooting.
BEIRUT, Lebanon  Islamic State militants have abducted about 900 Kurdish civilians in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo over the past three weeks, amid fierce fighting for control of a nearby militant stronghold, a Kurdish official and Syrian activists said Friday.

The abductions began shortly after the Syria Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-dominated coalition of Syrians fighting the Islamic State and backed by the United States, began an offensive on May 31 to capture the town of Manbij from the militants.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that 900 Kurdish civilians had been detained near Al Bab, a town held by the Islamic State.

A spokesman for the Syrian Defense Forces, Sherfan Darwish, told The Associated Press that the abductions were in retaliation for the offensive on Manbij. Whenever Daesh is defeated, they retaliate against civilians, Mr. Darwish said, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State, which is also known as ISIS and ISIL. He said whole families were among those abducted.
To the list of things that should not be uttered in modern China, add these: Padded bras cause cancer. The earth is on the brink of falling into a period of darkness for six days. Robots will soon conquer entire industries and eliminate the need for human labor.

These were among the seemingly trivial posts on WeChat, a popular messaging app, that have been censored, according to a study by Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto.

Censorship in China is a well-known phenomenon, with bureaucrats working assiduously to augment the stature of leaders and restrict discussion of topics deemed controversial, such as Tibet and Taiwan. But the Toronto researchers found that these faithful guardians of the Communist Party line have turned their attention to more mundane matters, devoting time and server strength to preventing rumors, fabricated news reports and superstitious premonitions from going viral.

Online rumors can be viewed as a kind of social protest by citizens skeptical of official news, explained Jason Q. Ng, one of the Toronto researchers.
When Joe Olivier asked what his niece wanted as a high school graduation present this year, she asked for a couple of thousand dollars in gift cards. She got a letter instead.

In that was a to-do list from her doting uncle: Read two books about personal finance that he had sent her, and write a one-page report on each. Then, take an online accounting course and pass its test. Once those tasks were done, only then would he open a checking account in her name and deposit some money.

Last week, I wrote about the value of preparing and passing along the money letter, in which a parent or other relative lays out some hard-won financial wisdom. I also asked readers to send in ones theyd written or read.

I found the submissions insightful, hilarious and touching. The letters that arrived contained several illuminating one-liners about moneys relationship to everything from sex to gambling that you may find useful as you try to impart insight to your own loved ones.
She was referring to the unregulated part of the internet, best known for being a hub of illegal activity, that requires special tools to access and provides anonymity for both posting and viewing content; it forms a small part of the deep web, the vast portion not indexed by search engines.

Image Eva and Franco Mattes Credit... Natan Dvir

Anonymity is considered weird or strange: What are you hiding? Ms. Mattes said. But if you think about it, anonymity is key to democracy.

The Matteses, who come across as part Dada provocateurs, part grad school types (their website is 0100101110101101.org) went to unusual lengths for Dark Content. They posted an ad online from a fictitious company supposedly looking for moderators and then explained to those who responded that they just wanted to hear what the moderators lives were like. (The short answer: challenging and quite sad at times.)

Surprisingly, most respondents agreed to participate in the Matteses artwork and were paid a few dollars for their time. Then the artists animated the interviews  with software downloaded from the internet, of course  and looped cartoonlike footage of the participants talking heads on monitors set into the underside of desks, so that London gallerygoers have to peer around the banal-looking office furniture to watch.

Berin Szoka, the president of the nonprofit think tank Tech Freedom, agreed that the world of monitors was murky by design.
JACKSON, 1964

And Other Dispatches From Fifty Years of Reporting on Race in America

By Calvin Trillin

275 pp. Random House. $27.

When essays about race in America, written over a span of five decades, are as relevant today as the earliest one was a half-century ago, we gain new insight into how much real progress this country has  or has not  made. Positive changes since the segregation era are undeniable; yet, in certain areas, the nation has in fact regressed.

Calvin Trillins latest book consists of articles he wrote from 1964 to 2008, as a staff writer for The New Yorker. The opening essay chronicles the dramatic events of the books title, Jackson, 1964, when black and white college students converged on Mississippi, a bastion of segregation, to register black people to vote for the first time. Written after the murders of Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner  Trillin the storyteller here eclipses Trillin the reporter, mentioning the murder of three civil rights workers only in passing  the essay spotlights Robert Parris Moses, the brilliant strategist of the Mississippi Summer Project.

The book moves later to Wilmington, Del., in During the Thirty-Third Week of National Guard Patrols. Here Trillin reports on the 1968 occupation of the citys black communities in the wake of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., after black residents in cities across the nation unleashed decades of pent-up frustration and anger in widespread civil unrest. Trillin contrasts the powerlessness of the black community to oust the Guard and the power of whites to maintain the Guards presence, which was sometimes spoken of as the longest military occupation of an American city since the Civil War.
But it is not clear how normal America was in the first place. Our descent into torture was certainly appalling, but the countrys commitment to fight in accordance with the most humane standards was not that old to begin with. As of Sept. 10, 2001, the country still retained considerable autonomy to go it alone when events warranted. The Cold War, though a distant memory for many by then, had also been a forever war not long before. Indeed, in some ways the damage wrought and crimes perpetrated during those four decades make our response since the turn of the millennium seem a dramatic improvement.

Danner made his name publicizing torture under Latin American dictatorships in the 1980s. Its a crime he considers to be the signal attribute of our current state of exception. Obama may have banned torture, but Danner is clearly and understandably angry that the president has not advocated punishment for those who ordered the crimes and that he went on to expand the war in new directions, especially when it came to drones.

Danner closes the book with the mournful realization that human rights activism seems to have reached its limits. What if you tear off the veil, he plaintively asks, and no one gasps, no one cringes, no one even blinks? The moral pressure and legal accountability for crimes of state in Latin America is not repeating itself, Danner notes, now that our democracy has aggressively sought its own security. But perhaps this is because the forever war today is in fact distinct from those prior campaigns in which violence spiraled and the condemnation of atrocity worked tolerably well to rein in the state.

Americas war on terror is not like ancient or modern parallels. Counterinsurgencies from Rome through the Cold War years of decolonization and Vietnam involved sharp descent into barely restrained ferocity. For all its excesses, our version has involved far more protections for our enemies and safety for civilians than any fought before. According to the Senate report, the United States tortured some 40 individuals (not counting those whose interrogations were outsourced to other nations), while our quagmire in Vietnam involved endemic atrocity and millions of civilian deaths  in half as many years as the war on terror has lasted. And its end is not in sight. No one should minimize the human costs of our search for security, but perhaps its horror is not a familiar kind.

The picture is far less, then, one of exception and torture than a new form of humane warfare simultaneously without boundaries in time and space. In turn, it is easier for this form of war to continue indefinitely because it has been brought within law governing the conduct of hostilities to a remarkable extent. What, in other words, if torture was not the signal attribute but a dispensable mistake in the invention of the endless war of our time? What if stigmatizing atrocity, making military sprawl less offensive to many even as it transcends all known chronological and territorial limits left the conflict harder to rein in? Indicting dirty war by itself does not reach the core of our spiral  indeed, doing so may help it continue to spin.
So Isenbergs story is not, as her subtitle suggests, untold. But she retells it with unusual ambition and (to use a class-laden term) in a masterly manner. Ranging from John Rolfe and Pocahontas to The Beverly Hillbillies, Isenberg  a historian at Louisiana State University whose previous books include a biography of Aaron Burr  provides a cultural history of changing concepts of class and inferiority. She argues that British colonizers saw their North American empire as a place to dump their human waste: the idle, indigent and criminal. Richard Hakluyt the younger, one of the many colorful characters who fill these pages, saw the continent as one giant workhouse, in Isenbergs phrase, where the feckless poor could be turned into industrious drudges.

That process of shunting outsiders to the nations margins, she argues, continued in the early Republic and in the 19th century, when landless white settlers began to fill in the backcountry of Appalachia and the swamps of the lowland South, living in lowly cabins, dreaming of landownership but mostly toiling as exploited tenant farmers or itinerant laborers.

In the books most ingenious passages, Isenberg offers a catalog of the insulting terms well-off Americans used to denigrate their economic inferiors. In 17th-century Virginia, critics of rebellious indentured servants denounced them as societys offscourings, a term for fecal matter. A hundred years later, elites railed against the useless lubbers of Poor Carolina, a place she calls the first white trash colony. In the early 19th century, landowners described the landless rural poor as boisterous, foolish crackers and idle, vagabond squatters.

Not all stereotypes of the white poor were negative. In the Jacksonian period, populists celebrated Davy Crockett and his coonskin cap. Lincoln might be derided as a poor woodsman, but he was also valorized for his log cabin roots. During the Great Depression, New Deal photographers and writers depicted farmers displaced by the Dust Bowl as virtuous people, victims of economic forces beyond their control.

By the second half of the 19th century and into the 20th, Isenberg shows, crude caricatures gave way to seemingly scientific explanations of lower-class status. Class was congenital, she writes, summarizing a mid-19th-century view of poor whites. One writer highlighted the runtish forefathers and consumptive parents who birthed a notorious race of inferior white people. Essayists described human differences by borrowing terminology from specialists in animal husbandry. Just as dogs could be distinguished by their breeds and horses distinguished from mules, so could people be characterized as superior or inferior based on their physical traits.
The underrepresentation of women among the senior ranks of scholars has led dozens of universities to adopt family-friendly employment policies. But a recent study of economists in the United States finds that some of these gender-neutral policies have had an unintended consequence: They have advanced the careers of male economists, often at womens expense.

Similar patterns probably hold in other disciplines, too.

The central problem is that employment policies that are gender-neutral on paper may not be gender-neutral in effect. After all, most women receive parental benefits only after bearing the burden of pregnancy, childbirth, nursing, and often, a larger share of parenting responsibilities. Yet fathers usually receive the same benefits without bearing anything close to the same burden. Given this asymmetry, its little wonder some recently instituted benefits have given men an advantage.

To succeed at top universities, academics must finish graduate school, find a job as an assistant professor and then race to establish themselves as world-class researchers before being evaluated for tenure. Succeed within seven years and you have a job for life. Fall short, and youre fired.

It can be a particularly difficult path for women, for whom this career pressure typically coincides with prime childbearing years. Making matters worse, while many early-career male academics are supported by stay-at-home wives, women more typically wed husbands with their own professional career pressures.
LONDON  Before Thelma Golden, chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, met her future husband, the London-based designer Duro Olowu, she had been on a Barneys waiting list for one of his dresses for months.

The two were introduced at a Target party on a hot summer evening in New York in 2006  so hot that Mr. Olowu nearly didnt attend. Fortunately for both parties, Kim Hastreiter, the co-editor of Paper magazine and one of the partys hosts, insisted he come.

When he arrived, Thelma sees me and comes up, and she goes into this whole thing about my clothes, and I think, Who is this beautiful little thing? he recalled recently at the Camden Arts Center, where he was putting the finishing touches on his third art show, Making & Unmaking.

Mr. Olowu, a native of Nigeria, earns his living as a fashion designer, but he is also an enthusiastic collector of vintage textiles and contemporary art, and has been dabbling in curation since 2012, organizing two shows at Salon 94 in New York.
This was five years ago, when I was living in Kongsberg, a small Norwegian city. I had an apartment with two other refugees from Afghanistan. Our clothesline stretched between our window and a window in the next building, and sometimes we saw the family who lived in that apartment  a husband, wife and their teenage daughter  hanging their clothes. But we never talked to them, and they never talked to us. Well, no one talked to us. After three years in Kongsberg, I thought, the people in Norway are like the weather: a little cold.

That day, as I was hanging my clothes to dry, I was trying to take my thoughts off what had just happened. There had been an attack in Oslo, a bomb that went off in the Government Quarter and killed eight people. It was on every television. Everyone was talking about Islamic terrorists. Muslims did it, they were saying. Migrants, refugees. My roommates and I were sad for the people who died, but we were also scared. Everyone in the neighborhood but us was Norwegian. We thought the police might come and arrest us. We had no idea what might happen.

As I was hanging my clothes, I saw my neighbor down in his driveway. He was just coming home from work, and he looked up and saw me. And then he was shouting.

You people, you come here and ruin our country! he yelled. Norway is peaceful, and now youre destroying it! Go home. Make your own country crap. Leave ours alone!
Hannah-Jones writes, Not surprisingly, the test scores of most of Bed-Stuys schools reflect the marginalization of their students. This is not true of my school. Her rock-bottom expectations for the public-education system shock and depress me. I do not believe a school full of poor black and brown children means that they will underperform on tests and are unable to compete with the most elite schools in the city; in fact, my school proves that this is possible.

I would invite Hannah-Jones to visit Success Academy Bed-Stuy 1, nestled between the Tompkins and Marcy housing projects, serving K-4. Of more than 400 students, only two are white and four are Asian. About eight of 10 students come from low-income families, and 13 percent are homeless. Out of the 149 students who completed statewide testing assessments last year, 83 percent passed the assessment for English language arts, and 99 percent passed for math, with 97 percent of them scoring at Level 4, the most advanced score.

What communities need most, even more than socioeconomic integration, are world-class schools. We are proving what is possible in Bed-Stuy and neighborhoods like it. Javeria Khan, Principal, Success Academy Bed-Stuy 1, Brooklyn
Ha Tinh Province has allowed Taiwanese firm Wei Yu Engineering Co, Ltd to conduct a survey and develop a plan to invest in the Vung Ang Economic Zone, despite being in the middle of an environmental squabble.

The Taipei based enterprise is proposing to invest $2.5 billion in the zone, of which $1 billion will go on a breeding and food processing project and the rest will be used to construct a sea port covering 1,000 hectares.

The zone was at the center of an environmental disaster that involved over a hundred tons of dead fish washing up along a 200km stretch of Vietnam's coast in recent months, and many people have pointed the finger of blame at Formosa, a Taiwanese steel company that was operating in Vung Ang.

Wei Yu's proposal includes the construction of docks with logistics areas and 16 agricultural areas to breed pigs and poultry and cultivate vegetables. The Taiwanese enterprise also plans to build a livestock food factory and processing plants for cooking oil, meat and food frozen. The company will house its experts and engineers on a new 80-hectare complex.

Wei Yu Engineering is yet another Taiwanese investor that has set its sights on Vung Ang despite notorious environmental issues. Photo from nhandan.com.vn

Authorities in Ha Tinh have approved the preliminary plan for the two proposed projects and have asked Wei Yu Engineering for detailed reports on targets, financial standing and feasibility.

The Vung Ang Economic Zone was meant to include 11 docks, but five have yet to be built. Wei Yu Engineering has asked for permission to construct the remaining docks.

The Taiwanese enterprise is also asking for a vast area of land, but Ha Tinh Province said it is possible given Wei Yu Engineerings proposal to build the docks and double the logistics area. The company was also after 6,000 hectares for agricultural purposes, but only 1,000 hectares is available in scattered locations.

Regarding technology deployment, Wei Yu Engineering has pledged to utilize advanced technologies to maximize the use of the land while protecting the environment, but Ha Tinh's Planning and Investment Department said the Taiwanese enterprise has not provided details of environmental protection measures.

In recent years, the zone has been an attractive destination for Taiwanese investors. In 2012, Formosa Plastic Group invested in steel production under a unit of the Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation, a large iron and steel works in Vietnam, with total estimated investment capital of $28.5 billion.

The first stage of the project is about to be completed at a cost of $10.5 billion, but it has triggered public outrage following environmental issues

Related news

> Taiwan urges to investigate Formosa over Vietnam fish deaths

> Vietnamese subsidiary of Taiwans Formosa suspected of transfer pricing

> Formosa steel firm puts off operation in Vietnam amid mass fish deaths
The book details how Owen, after being given a diagnosis of regressive autism at 3, lost the ability to hold intelligible conversations. But he slowly learned language and emotional dynamics by studying animated sidekicks in Disney movies. The Suskind family  Mr. Suskind; Owens mother, Cornelia; and his older brother, Walt  would speak to him using dialogue from those movies, and he would respond in kind. In addition to Owens artwork, the book includes his own Disney-inspired story, Sidekicks, which features a young boy not unlike himself.

Disney, which owned the rights to characters in the book and was thinking about making a film adaptation, considered different ways  including big-budget features  it might adapt the book into a scripted film, said Sean Bailey, the president for motion picture production at Walt Disney Studios. The company was comfortable allowing its characters in a nonfiction film by Mr. Williams.

Mr. Williams, an Academy Award winner for the documentary short Music by Prudence, and Mr. Bailey shared ties to the Sundance Institute. Mr. Bailey is a trustee of the organization, which has supported some of Mr. Williamss films, and the two met in Mr. Baileys office in the spring of 2014.

After a follow-up presentation by Mr. Williams and his producer, Julie Goldman, to Mr. Bailey and several department heads, Disney agreed to take a hands-off approach to the project and the use of its characters. This agreement required a little bit of a leap of faith, Mr. Bailey admitted, especially considering Mr. Williamss vision for the film was still percolating, as he put it.

A deal to have Mr. Williams make his movie with A&E Indie Films was finalized in the spring of 2014. (Although A&E Indie Films, which is partly owned by Disney, financed Life, Animated, that connection was never a factor in Disneys decision to share its characters, according to Mr. Williams.)
Early this year, Mike Quinn, a lawyer in the art world, moved from the West Village to the East Village, into an apartment in an eight-unit building on Third Street between First and Second Avenues. The twin plagues of chain commerce and luxury residential towers have eradicated much of what distinguished the two neighborhoods historically, but Mr. Quinn noticed one big difference right away  all over the East Village, and where he lived in particular, people were hauling luggage around all the time. He began referring to his block as Suitcase Alley. Airbnb guests from around the world remain always in view.

On June 17, the State Legislature passed what would become one of the most stringent home-sharing laws in the country, if not the world, should Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo approve it. The measure would forbid not only landlords, but also tenants, to list apartments for short-term rental on Airbnb and similar sites, and would impose fines of up to $7,500 on those who flout it. It is already illegal in New York to rent out an unoccupied apartment in a building with three or more units for fewer than 30 days, but Airbnb is full of advertisements for such places regardless; about 55 percent of Airbnb listings violate the law, according to housing activists.

The company doesnt dispute the figure; it instead seeks to have the legislation modified, so that a costume designer living in Chelsea, for instance, could sublet her rental apartment for the four or five days a month she worked in Los Angeles with no worries that she was engaging in an illegitimate transaction.

Although Airbnb has faced fierce opposition in San Francisco, Berlin and Barcelona, the new law in New York arrives at a moment when certain governments and municipalities have begun to regard it far more affectionately. Earlier this month, the European Union issued a series of guidelines to encourage the growth of the so-called sharing economy, which it sees as a kind of salvation in a limp job market, and cautioned its member states against heavy regulation.
Not everything belongs in the cloud.

The boisterous throng of Brooklyn Tech students streaming down a side street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, on a recent Friday afternoon may not believe it, but Jonna Twigg does. Its the guiding principle behind her store, Twiggs Bindery, at 85 Fort Greene Place, a purveyor of handmade journals, notebooks and albums, that the teenagers pass on their way to and from school.

On a quiet Sunday two days later, Ms. Twigg mused that she ought to make a flag with the cloud motto on it. In the age of Snapchat and Instagram, she sees books like the ones she sells as a place for words and images that are private, intimate, intentional.

Some things, she said, should go into the tactile realm.

In 2007, Ms. Twigg, now 35, began the business in her home on Clinton Avenue, selling to private clients. In 2014, she moved the bindery to its current location, a two-story building on a tree-lined block anchored by the high school. A year later, she opened to the public. Nobody ever saw the doors open, she explained, nodding toward the open entryway, as birdsong and a breeze flowed in. For many years, Ms. Twigg said, a painter had occupied the space. Now it attracts the curious. People walk in and say, Whats going on here? Are these books for sale?

They are. Ms. Twiggs books come in a rainbow of vivid, solid-color fabrics and rich brown leathers, accented along the spine with her distinctive exposed binding: waxed embroidery floss stitched in a zigzag along the top and bottom, with staggered vertical stripes in the center, each of which corresponds to a signature, or gathering of paper, contained between the covers. The priciest leather-bound book sells for $250. An album  for wedding photos, perhaps  can cost $600. Ms. Twiggs modest notebooks are $10 each.
What better time to explore the city than summer? Here are a few unusual Baedekers for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

The subtitle to The Bowery Boys: Adventures in Old New York (Ulysses Press, $17.95) sets high expectations: An Unconventional Exploration of Manhattans Historic Neighborhoods, Secret Spots and Colorful Characters. Happily, they are met by Greg Young and Tom Meyers, transplants from the Midwest. The authors bow to the other boroughs but focus largely on the centerpiece of the popular podcasts they began in 2007. Their easily accessible manual will not only steer you to sites you might have overlooked, but also provide ammunition for games of Trivial Pursuit.

Mr. Young and Mr. Meyers recollect the profound significance of the General Slocum steamboat disaster in 1904, reveal that George Washington and Boss Tweed lived at the same address (on Cherry Street), identify the highest building traverse in Manhattan (on Thames Street) and the shortest thoroughfare in Manhattan (Mill Lane) and a neon sign  in Hells Kitchen, of course  that vows: Sin Will Find You Out. Their witty historical field guide also pinpoints the oldest surviving bridge in New York (High Bridge) and, arguably, the oldest major man-made object in Central Park (Cleopatras Needle).

If you missed that painted bunting last year, youll be able to identify the next sighting with Birding at the Bridge: In Search of Every Bird on the Brooklyn Waterfront (The Experiment, $14.95), by Heather Wolf, who works for the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and oversees the brooklynbridgebirds.com blog. Where you may see only pigeons, sparrows and the occasional sea gull, she has recorded 130 species, many of which she has beautifully photographed.
At Seth Low Intermediate School 96 in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, on Monday, Dominica Fiumes second-floor science and zoology classroom was beginning to have that hollowed-out end-of-the-year feel.

The 55-pound African spurred tortoise was already summering at Ms. Fiumes home in the Poconos, leaving his 8-by-8 foot enclosure sadly empty. The little Russian tortoise had gone home, too, along with the rabbits and the guinea pigs and one of the chinchillas.

This left only the other chinchilla, and the bearded dragons and the two-foot-long blue-tongued skink, and the ball python and the albino corn snake, and the parakeets and the doves and the leopard geckos and the six aquatic turtles and the African clawed frog, all variously chirping and barking and slithering and blobbing around in their cages and tanks.

Across town on the Upper West Side at Public School 87, Michael Ziemskis kindergartners were enjoying one of their last hands-on sessions of the year with the classs hundreds of creepy crawlies.
Q. The giant statue of Lucy the Elephant is a longtime attraction near Atlantic City. Didnt there used to be a hotel in Coney Island shaped like a giant elephant?

A. Absolutely; in fact, the Elephant Hotel in Coney Island, right, built in 1884, was a cousin of Lucy, which was constructed by the same inventor, James V. Lafferty, in 1881 and survives thanks to historic preservation fans. During the 12 years before it burned down, the Jumbo-size hotel in Brooklyn was known as the Colossus of Architecture and Elephantine Colossus, and an advertising card read, A whole seaside resort in this unique giant.

According to Brooklyn  and How It Got That Way, by David W. McCullough (1983), the building was 122 feet tall, was made of wood with tin sheathing and had long curving tusks and an oversize howdah. (A 1924 article in The Brooklyn Eagle put the dimensions at 175 feet tall and 203 feet long.) It stood about a block north of Surf Avenue near the Sea Beach Railroad Terminal.

To get to the observatory in the howdah, Mr. McCullough wrote, customers entered the hind leg marked Entrance and wound up a circular flight of stairs. The other rear leg  each was 60 feet around  was the exit, and one of the front legs was a tobacco shop. At night, beacons shone out of the four-foot-tall eyes.
But I remember how those encounters can feel. A few months after the attacks of Sept. 11, I remember walking home from class near N.Y.U., where I was a student. I was crossing the street and a man swore at me from his car window and yelled: Terrorist! To be fair, I may have been too quick to cross the street as the light changed, but Im not sure that warranted being compared to the perpetrators of one of the most awful incidents in human history.

The vitriolic and hate-filled rhetoric coming from Mr. Trump isnt so far off from cursing at strangers from a car window. He has said that people in the American Muslim community know who the bad ones are, implying that millions of innocent people are somehow complicit in awful attacks. Not only is this wrongheaded; but it also does nothing to address the real problems posed by terrorist attacks. By Mr. Trumps logic, after the huge financial crisis of 2007-08, the best way to protect the American economy would have been to ban white males.

According to reporting by Mother Jones, since 9/11, there have been 49 mass shootings in this country, and more than half of those were perpetrated by white males. I doubt well hear Mr. Trump make a speech asking his fellow white males to tell authorities who the bad ones are, or call for restricting white males freedoms.

One way to decrease the risk of terrorism is clear: Keep military-grade weaponry out of the hands of mentally unstable people, those with a history of violence, and those on F.B.I. watch lists. But, despite sit-ins and filibusters, our lawmakers are failing us on this front and choose instead to side with the National Rifle Association. Suspected terrorists can buy assault rifles, but were still carrying tiny bottles of shampoo to the airport. If were going to use the theyll just find another way argument, lets use that to let us keep our shoes on.

Xenophobic rhetoric was central to Mr. Trumps campaign long before the attack in Orlando. This is a guy who kicked off his presidential run by calling Mexicans rapists who were bringing drugs to this country. Numerous times, he has said that Muslims in New Jersey were cheering in the streets on Sept. 11, 2001. This has been continually disproved, but he stands by it. I dont know what every Muslim American was doing that day, but I can tell you what my family was doing. I was studying at N.Y.U., and I lived near the World Trade Center. When the second plane hit, I was on the phone with my mother, who called to tell me to leave my dorm building.

The haunting sound of the second plane hitting the towers is forever ingrained in my head. My building was close enough that it shook upon impact. I was scared for my life as my fellow students and I trekked the panicked streets of Manhattan. My family, unable to reach me on my cellphone, was terrified about my safety as they watched the towers collapse. There was absolutely no cheering. Only sadness, horror and fear.

Mr. Trump, in response to the attack in Orlando, began a tweet with these words: Appreciate the congrats. It appears that day he was the one who was celebrating after an attack.
If the president might reasonably fend off some criticism by noting that Congress has limited what he can accomplish, it is distressing to see what he has made of the powers he has: cabinet and Supreme Court nominations and the ability to use the presidency to highlight racial injustice.

It is true that he brought us the first black attorney general, Eric H. Holder Jr., but he largely skimped on black cabinet appointments until pressured by black politicians to name more African-Americans in his second term. A few months after Mr. Obamas re-election in 2012, the Congressional Black Caucus chairwoman, Marcia Fudge, scolded him for the lack of diversity in his second-term cabinet choices. At the start of his second term Mr. Obama had appointed nine new cabinet members, including three women and one Latino. Mr. Obama eventually named Anthony R. Foxx as transportation secretary and Mel Watt as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency  and added Jeh Johnson as secretary of homeland security, John King Jr. as education secretary and Loretta Lynch as successor to Mr. Holder. Its a respectable tally, but it doesnt break any of his predecessors records.

The president justly boasts of his record of diverse appointments to the federal bench. On the Supreme Court, however, he has unfortunately passed up three opportunities to nominate the first black woman to the court. But at no point did I say: Oh, you know what? I need a black lesbian from Skokie in that slot. Can you find me one?  Mr. Obama said in April, referring to the Illinois hometown of Merrick B. Garland, his latest, and stalled, nominee to the Supreme Court. Yeah, hes a white guy, but hes a really outstanding jurist. Im sorry. I mean, you know, I think thats important. Diversity appears to be set off against quality in Mr. Obamas thinking, a common mistake also made by opponents of diversity.

Beyond appointments, the presidents reluctance to highlight black suffering is lamentable. He seems capable only of being forced to do for black citizens what he willingly does for others. For instance, Mr. Obama traveled to Newtown, Conn., two days after the shooting deaths of 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He later called that the worst day of his presidency. Yet he had to be prodded to return to his home base, Chicago, as it suffered a rash of black death.

On that visit, Mr. Obama lamented the absence of male role models, claiming that government alone couldnt end violence because this is not just a gun issue but an issue of the kinds of communities that were building and that when a child opens fire on another child, there is a hole in that childs heart that government cant fill. This was mourning mixed with scolding; in Newtown, there were no reprimands for the grieving.

It has been dispiriting, too, to hear the president remind his most loyal constituents that he is not the president of black America  as if they were naive enough to believe that he represented only, or primarily, black interests. Mr. Obama may not be the president of black America, but he is the president of black Americans, and he owes them the same regard he has for all citizens. He went to New Jersey just a few days after Hurricane Sandy hit. Yet in the face of a more complex, government-made disaster, he took months to make it to Flint, Mich., where thousands of poor black residents are dealing with contaminated drinking water with less immediate federal support than the hurricane victims were offered.

The president has been guided by a view of race that may be termed strategic inadvertency. He believes policies should not be shaped with a view to helping blacks specifically, but supports ideas from which they are likely to benefit. This reflects his faith in universal rather than targeted remedies for black suffering: Blacks will thrive when America flourishes. I do think that the discussion about targeted strategies versus broad-based strategies is probably the central fault line around which I may be criticized by African-American leaders, the president told me in an Oval Office interview in 2010. I really am very confident Im right on it. He said that this concept guided how he thought he should govern as president: Ive got to look out for all Americans, and do things based on what will help people across the board who are vulnerable and who need help.
If were going to get out there and travel no matter what, as our earlier look at gay travel post-Orlando suggested, where should we go? Matthieu Jost, the chief executive and a founder of misterb&b, a website that helps travelers find gay-friendly bed-and-breakfasts around the world, said Santiago, Chile, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, have been popular searches on his site recently. And those who responded to our callout on the Scruff app, when we also asked them for lesser-known destinations that they have found to be lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-friendly, suggested many, including Ogunquit, Maine; the Scottish Highlands; the Smoky Mountains and Malta.

Here are some other places recommended.

The Philippines

Nomadic Boys (Stefan Arestis and Sebastien Chaneac), globe-trotting bloggers

To some, the Philippines will present a conundrum: Its a religious place with a strong Roman Catholic presence, and there have been some high-profile stories of violence there, including the 2015 murder of a transgender woman by a United States marine. But the country is also considered by many to be one of the most friendly places in Asia for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and voters there even elected a transgender woman to their congress recently.

Most travelers to Asia tend to head for the more obvious gay-friendly spots like Thailand and Bali, Stefan Arestis, of Nomadic Boys, wrote in an email. But we found the Philippines to be incredibly open to us. This is largely because the Filipinos are well known, and very proud of their Filipino hospitality.
Palm Springs has always been known more for its palm trees and party scene than its culinary prowess.

Hoping to change that perception is SO.PA, a new alfresco-only restaurant hidden from the hum of East Palm Canyon Drive behind a whitewashed brick wall at the posh LHorizon Hotel and Spa. Designed by Steve Hermann, whom we are apparently supposed to know, as his name is flaunted on the sign out front.

Mr. Hermann is also the owner of what he refers to as a restaurant-driven hotel. He originally hired the Michelin-starred chef Giacomo Pettinari (of El Bulli and Valentino) who opened SO.PA to immediate raves. Mr. Pettinaris father recently passed away, forcing him back to Italy. His replacement also came with Michelin stars: the chef Chris Anderson, formerly of Alinea and Moto in Chicago, who cooked 22 courses for Mr. Hermann before scoring the job. (Mr. Pettinari had cooked 20.) Most owners want authority over the menu, he said. Steve offered me free range.

On a chilly evening in February (when the kitchen was still being run by Mr. Pettinari), we enjoyed just five, if you include the dreamy bowl of house-preserved olives mixed with creamy sheeps feta and salted Marcona almonds we had with our $8 cocktails at the long walnut table reserved for communal hour (5 to 6:30 p.m.). Locals otherwise put off by SO.PAs prices take advantage; 10 percent of proceeds go to local organizations like the Desert AIDS Project.
The domino effect of net sales has caused the VN-Index to spiral by 34 points at one point, the biggest dip this year, while transactions climbed to a 2016 record of over VND6 trillion.

VN-Index has been held up by a large cash injection after the panic caused by the UK deciding to leave the European Union, but overall 500 codes still fell. VN-Index bounced back to finish trading 12 points down at 620, with losses also reported on the HN-Index and UPCoM.

Only a few stocks turned green including Mobile World Co. Ltd (MWG) that catapulted from VND7,000 ($0.31) to VND122,000 ($5.47). Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation (KBC), Vietnam Electric Cable Corporation (CAV) and Hoa An Co. Ltd (DHA) also recovered earlier losses.

Vietnam's stock market tumbled sharply today due to Brexit. Phot by Reuters/Jason Lee

Trading on the HN-Index finished down two points at 83.5, while the UPCoM also slipped two points to 56.8 pts. The total transaction volume reached VND6.35 trillion ($285 million), the highest since 2015.

Large amounts of capital flowed into stocks with high Euro currency collateral, including Vicem Ha Tien Cement JSC (HT1) and PV Power NT1 (NT1). Other blue chips like Vinamilk (VNM), Vietcombank (VCB), Military Bank (MBB), Vin Group (VIC) and Saigon Securities Inc. (SSI) recovered gradually. But the trading day witnessed 67 shares touching the floor, including Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAG), Vietinbank (CTG) and Bamboo Capital (BCG).

The announcement the United Kingdom is leaving the E.U. this morning (Vietnam time  GMT+6) triggered panic among Vietnamese and international investors. Following the downturn in the global market, Vietnamese investors raced to offload shares in huge quantities.

The HNX and HOSE tumbled from the morning session with blue chip stickers like VNM, VBC, Bao Viet Holdings (BVH ) leading to the strongest fall on the VN-Index this year, and what point down 34.5 points in the morning session.

A broker at SSI said the the market had been hit by Brexit with investor psychology following net sales across Asia.

Director of the Analysis Department at Viet Capital Securities JSC Nguyen The Minh said that investor psychology is negative and they are ready to cash out on shares following global market trends, and this is unlikely to stop in the immediate-term.

Minh said economic cooperation between Vietnam and the U.K. is in its opening stages, but the direct impact of Brexit is having a significant effect on international markets that is filtering down to Vietnam.

Even after signing a free trade deal with the E.U., experts claim that Vietnam has suffered less than its peers in the region including Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.

Other Asian markets also saw runaway sales after the Brexit vote. As of 1:40 p.m. today (GMT+6), all main indices in Asia Pacific markets had lost value. The Shanghai Composite Index was down 1.1 percent, the Hang Seng Index (Hong Kong) was down 4.3 percent, the Nekkei 225 (Japan) spiralled 9.4 percent and the Kospi (Korea) was down 3 percent.

Related news:

> Scotland votes to remain in EU, calling for new independence as Brexit looms

> UK PM Cameron says will step down by October after Brexit vote

> Asia central banks, policymakers wade in to calm markets on Brexit vote
Finance on the Move

London has become a global financial hub, on a par with Wall Street. The industry is crucial to the British economy, with a trade surplus of 10.2 billion pounds, about $14.6 billion, in the first three months of the year. Financial firms have already indicated they could shift jobs out of Britain if it leaves the European Union.
The First 48 Hours

Patrick Seeger/European Pressphoto Agency

Britain initiated the withdrawal by following the process described in Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, which says the first step in a member state leaving the bloc is to notify the European Council of its intention. Theresa May, Britains prime minister, has informed the council, which includes one government leader (such as a prime minister, president or chancellor) from each of the 28 member countries. The group also includes its own president.

Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, said that he would present a draft of withdrawal guidelines to the remaining member states within 48 hours of Britains notification.

Leaders of the 27 remaining members are expected to meet in April or May to discuss and finalize the negotiation process.

Next, Britain and the E.U. negotiate the terms of the separation.

During the negotiation, Britain is still subject to all rules and regular activity of the European Union. However, British representatives to the European Council are not supposed to participate in conversations or voting related to the withdrawal.

Britain has named David Davis to a cabinet-level position to lead the negotiation. Michel Barnier, a French diplomat, is the chief negotiator for the European Commission , the executive body of the E.U.

The most contentious parts of the negotiation will center on immigration, trade access, how much Britain owes the bloc to cover future commitments like pensions, and the status of European Union citizens now living in Britain, and British citizens living in the 27 other countries.

Finally, both sides approve the terms.

Two European Union lawmaking bodies, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, must vote.

European Parliament 678 73 Non-British members British members As of March 20, 2017 European Parliament 678 73 Non-British members British members As of March 20, 2017

The European Parliament , which has more than 700 elected members from across the bloc, would need to approve the agreement with a majority vote. It is unclear whether British members would be allowed to vote.

Council of the European Union British representative Council of the European Union British representative

The Council of the European Union is comprised of representatives from each country, but does not have a set list of members. Ministers from each country attend council meetings based on the policy area being addressed. It would need a qualified majority to approve the agreement. In this instance, that would mean 20 of the 27 members (excluding Britain) voting in favor.

Article 50 does not specify how a withdrawing country should approve the agreement, but this month the British Parliament gave the government power to invoke Article 50 and to negotiate the deal. Parliament will still be able to vote, but the body may be left choosing between the deal negotiated by the government or no deal at all.

Britain and the E.U. have two years to get all of this done.

The process has a two-year time limit, which starts as soon as the European Council is notified. This deadline can be extended, but only with the unanimous agreement of the European Council.

When time is up, Britain will no longer be a member of the European Union, even if an agreement has not been reached.
Should Britain remain in the European Union?

Remain

Leave

80%

50%

Northern Ireland shares a completely porous border with Ireland, which is in the European Union. Trade issues could arise between the two.

SCOTLAND

The Scottish first minister has said that a leave vote could trigger a referendum vote in Scotland to leave Britain. Scots rejected independence in a referendum in September 2014 by 55 percent to 45 percent.

Edinburgh

NORTHERN IRELAND

Belfast

ENGLAND

Manchester

London, along with Scotland, led the vote to remain in the European Union, though the east side of the city voted to leave.

Liverpool

IRELAND

WALES

Birmingham

Oxford

Cardiff

The majority of Wales voted strongly to leave, except for the largest city Cardiff, which voted to remain by 60 percent.
First tons of lychees irradiated in Hanoi for export to Australia

The Hanoi Irradiation Centre (HIC) on June 23 irradiated the first two tons of lychees which are to be shipped to Australia.

About 10 more tons of lychees will be irradiated before exporting to Australia this weekend, the Vietnamplus reported Thursday, citing HIC director Nguyen Quang Trieu.

Around 100 tons of lychees are expected to be irradiated at the HIC this year.

The first tons of lychees to Australia. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh

The HIC, which got the official certification from Australias Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on June 20, is currently capable of irradiating 20-30 tons of fruit each day.

Irradiation is a safe technology that helps kill bacteria and micro-organisms and keeps fruit fresh for longer periods, even up to a few months.

Before HIC is operational, farmers in Luc Ngan - a small district in Bac Giang Province, just north of Hanoi- must travel across the country to Ho Chi Minh City in the south to get the tropical fruit irradiated for export to demanding markets such as Australia.

The centre has helped lychee exporters save transport costs and time rather than shipping lychees to the south for irradiation treatment, said Dam Quang Thang, Director of Agricare Vietnam  one of the two companies that are having lychees irradiated at the HIC.

Related news:

> Hanoi treatment center a godsend for lychee exports to Australia

> Vietnamese farmers lick their lips at rising lychee prices

> Vietnamese lychee exports grounded by conflicting inspection regulations

> Vietnam's lychee farmers still look to China as main export market
Vilifying public employees has been a hobby of some for more than a decade. Yet most of us recognize that public employees often deliver critical services that the private sector cannot or will not provide, or will only perform if exorbitant profits are virtually guaranteed and performance expectations are set inordinately low.

One area of outsourcing that in recent decades has resulted in more than its share of disasters for public agencies is information technology. As governments have attempted to keep up with ever-changing technology requirements, they have often turned to the private sector. An entire segment of the industry is populated by vendors specializing in contracting.

Employing a classic bait-and-switch sales technique, these outside contractors often lowball initial cost estimates, knowing that once a government agency has scaled down its own workforce and become captive, the contractor will be able to raise costs exponentially through revisions, change orders, extensions and maintenance agreements. With alarming frequency, these vendors have overpromised, underperformed and in the end failed to deliver a viable product.

Locally, weve suffered a series of outsourced IT project failures spanning more than two decades. Time and time again, outside contractors have promised but not delivered, costing the county millions of dollars and years of lost production. In just one recent county IT debacle, involving an American company that failed to perform, which was subsequently sold to a French company that failed to perform, the county ended up approving milestones in amendments to a contract that the supervisors admitted they didnt believe the contractor would meet. Government should not use taxpayer dollars to roll the dice and bet against common sense and experience.

For many of us, this makes it particularly frustrating to encounter the radio silence that usually accompanies the stream of excellent outcomes public employees routinely achieve.

So today I want to provide some exposure to the Golden Hub of Innovation Award, presented this month by the Association of California Cities  Orange County, jointly to the County of Orange Information Technology Agency and to the County of Orange Procurement Office. The award was given for the in-house deployment of OC Expediter, an enterprise procurement application. Employees from OCIT and CPO collaborated to deconstruct the countys outdated procurement process and to develop an IT solution that eliminates redundancies and dramatically reduces the risk of human error.

According to the countys nomination summary, OC Expediter uses the latest technology to replace previously paper-based requisition processes, and provides users with the ability to route, approve and process requisitions online. The result has been a reduction in processing time of at least 75 percent and potential ongoing savings of almost $30,000 monthly. If the county had turned to the private sector for a solution, it estimated the cost of installation and configuration to have been approximately $3 million. Instead, by using county staff, the cost to taxpayers was a mere $110,000.

The Golden Hub of Innovation Award could be awarded every day to the thousands of county employees who regularly deliver innovative and outstanding service at a competitive cost. The value public service provides isnt just one time, its all the time.

Jennifer Muir is general manager of the Orange County Employees Association.
Hundreds of thousands of people living illegally in Southern California were facing a sobering new reality Thursday: The U.S. Supreme Court isnt coming to their rescue, and their fate may be tied more precariously than ever to the outcome of this years presidential election.

News that the high court deadlocked, blocking President Obamas immigration plan from moving forward, quickly spread anxiety across a region with one of the nations largest concentrations of unauthorized immigrants.

California Gov. Jerry Brown said the court stalemate leaves millions of families in America facing a troubled and uncertain future. One Orange County immigration advocate, Hairo Cortes, called it a punch in the gut, and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the ruling is not what America stands for.

Meanwhile, those calling for a crackdown on illegal immigration hailed the 4-4 vote.

This is a victory for Americans, said Tustin resident Betty Robinson, a member of the Santa Ana Tea Party Patriots, as she headed with other Orange County residents to a celebratory rally outside Rancho Cucamonga City Hall.

The courts ruling leaves in place a Texas federal judges order that halted Obamas plan to offer deportation relief and work permits to more than 4 million immigrants who are parents of U.S. citizens or legal residents. The vote also blocks the presidents plan to expand a program he created in 2012 that offers deportation relief and work permits to younger immigrants brought to the country as children.

Texas, joined by 25 other states, sued the administration, arguing among other things that the president went beyond his executive authority. The case divided the nation and now returns to U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen, who issued a 2015 injunction that prompted the Supreme Court decision. Eventually, the case could return to the Supreme Court. By then, the next president is likely to have named a successor for Justice Antonin Scalia, who died earlier this year, leaving the court ideologically split.

In the backdrop of Thursdays announcement is a presidential campaign in which the Republican presumptive nominee, Donald Trump, has focused intensely on illegal immigration and calls to build a wall along the Mexican border.

Nearly half of the estimated 11 million immigrants living illegally in the United States could have benefited from Obamas plans.

California has the largest number of unauthorized immigrants who could have been eligible for new temporary legal residency and work permits  an estimated 1.5 million statewide. The highest concentration is in Los Angeles County: more than half a million.

Orange County, estimated to have 274,000 unauthorized residents, has the nations third-largest number of unauthorized immigrants who could have benefited from the deportation relief plan, according to the Migration Policy Institute, a nonprofit, non-partisan think tank in Washington, D.C. They include close to 100,000 parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, the center reported last year.

Carmen Ramirez of Costa Mesa, the mother of four U.S.-born children, was among those.

She and her husband had diligently gathered a small stack of documents needed to apply under the presidents plan: birth certificates, letters from employers, their childrens school records. They are tucked inside a large envelope. Its labeled Hope, she said.

Now were just in limbo, Ramirez said in Spanish. Were very disillusioned.

The Department of Homeland Security on Thursday reiterated that its priority remains deporting convicted criminals. But that has provided little relief to those counting on a different outcome in the Supreme Court.

My parents would have qualified, said Joslin Benitez, 17, of Huntington Beach.

Her father, Alvaro Benitez Reyes, has no criminal record, she said, but was nearly deported Wednesday. Hundreds of phone calls from supporters led immigration officials to pull him off a van heading to Mexico and return him home, said Orange County immigration activist Alexis Nava Teodoro of RAIZ, a local group that fights deportations.

The immigrant community is not waiting for the administration and took matters into their own hands to keep a family together yesterday, Nava Teodoro said.

Opponents of illegal immigration say the countrys leaders should show more compassion for American workers, families, veterans and homeless.

Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA, a national organization that advocates for reduced immigration, said the high court decision came as a welcome death knell to the presidents harmful policies.

U.S. citizens and legal immigrants in this country have been spared having to face direct job and wage competition from millions of illegal migrants for whom President Obama had promised to open up every job in America, Beck said.

Ann Coil, coordinator for the Santa Ana Tea Party Patriots, said concern about illegal immigration has energized large numbers of voters. You can feel the frustration of people in this election all around.

Lack of legal standing also stirs frustration  and fear  among immigrants such as Perris residents Ana and Jaime Flores, who have lived in the U.S. for 30 years and have two children born here.

We work hard and pay our taxes, Ana Flores, 44, said in Spanish. We want the opportunity to come out of the shadows  not just us, but millions of others who are in the same situation. We want them to do whats right and give us whats fair.

Immigration advocates said they are determined to move ahead with more naturalization and voter registration drives, improved assistance to immigrants and intensified efforts to reduce deportations.

We will be turning our anger and disappointment into mobilizing millions of voters to remind Congress and anti-immigrants in November that we will not let them get away with hijacking our rights and trying to separate our families, said Jorge-Mario Cabrera, a spokesman for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.

Others, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Los Angeles and Orange County, will focus attention on comprehensive immigration information programs and determining whether individuals may qualify for other types of deportation relief, said attorney Jacqueline Dan.

The organization said it also wants to make clear that applications for the administrations Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, are still being accepted and are not affected by the ruling.

There are more than 400,000 Asian immigrants nationally, the organization reports, among the nearly 5 million who would have qualified for the expanded DACA program and the newer DAPA program, or Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents.

Obama launched his plan in November 2014, saying the ultimate solution rested with Congress to devise a comprehensive immigration reform package.

Roman Catholic Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles said Thursday that the nations ongoing failure to address the immigration crisis is a humanitarian tragedy.

Others are looking to the growing share of Latino voters to make a difference politically  much as it has done in California, a state that increasingly supports immigrants, even those here illegally.

I have 16 nieces and nephews who are eligible to vote this November, said Ramirez. They are our only hope.

Staff writers Donna Littlejohn and Sandy Mazza contributed to this report.
LOS ANGELES  A judge on Thursday ordered the release of a former security guard after prosecutors said new evidence cast doubt on his conviction for killing a college student 16 years ago in California.

Raymond Lee Jennings, 42, was freed on his own recognizance but must wear an electronic monitoring device.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles County asked a Superior Court judge to free Jennings while it reinvestigates the Feb. 22, 2000, death of 18-year-old Michelle OKeefe. She was shot in a car in a park-and-ride lot in Palmdale, a desert community northeast of Los Angeles.

After two trials ended with deadlocked juries, Jennings was convicted of second-degree murder in 2009. He was sentenced to 40 years to life in state prison despite maintaining his innocence.

My office has been presented with credible new evidence that brings this conviction into question, District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement Wednesday.

Jennings current attorney, Jeffrey Ehrlich, said he asked the district attorneys newly formed Conviction Review Unit to investigate.

That reopened investigation has generated new leads that they are actively pursuing, Ehrlich said.

He said prosecutors have agreed to overturn Jennings conviction if nothing new is found within 60 days tying his client to the killing.

OKeefe, a student at Antelope Valley College, was shot several times after returning from Los Angeles, where she had worked as an extra in a music video.

Jennings, an Iraq War veteran with no criminal history who was studying to become a U.S. marshal, said he was 400 feet away when he saw OKeefes car rolling backward and heard gunshots but didnt see her attacker.

Jennings attorneys maintained the woman was killed in a failed carjacking by someone else.

Prosecutors argued that Jennings, then a security guard, panicked and shot OKeefe when she rebuffed a sexual assault.

No gun was found, and no blood spatters, DNA or other physical evidence tied Jennings to the crime.

Members of OKeefes family were on hand when Jennings was sentenced in 2010. OKeefes father says he still believes Jennings is guilty until proven otherwise.
An influx of beachgoers, riptides and high temperatures kept Newport Beach lifeguards and firefighters busy Thursday, with lifeguards reporting 50 rescues, officials said.

The first incident was at 7:30 a.m., when a surfer was found unconscious. Swimmers saw a man in the water and recognized he was in trouble and pulled him out near lifeguard Tower 24, said Lifeguard Battalion Chief Brent Jacobsen.

It was unclear what happened before the man was found, but Jacobsen said the man might have had a surfing accident. The man was taken to Hoag Hospital Newport Beach for further treatment. His condition was not immediately available.

At 1:30 p.m., lifeguards were dispatched to two calls that were initially reported as near drownings.

One of those drownings involved a young woman who was rescued near Tower 17. Big surf prevented lifeguards from getting back to shore so they traveled to Tower 24 to get her back on the beach. She complained of dizziness and nausea and may have taken in some water. She was taken to Hoag Hospital, Jacobsen said.

At the same time, lifeguards treated a man for exhaustion. The call was initially for a drowning. He, too, went to Hoag Hospital for follow-up care.

Jacobsen urged beachgoers to swim near a lifeguard towers and be aware of red flags, which are used to warn swimmers of hazardous conditions.

At 4:08 p.m., Newport Beach firefighters responded to the Dover Shores area, where a 7-year-old boy was found at the bottom of the pool, said Battalion Chief Jeff Boyles.

There was a get-together in the 1700 block of Antigua, when a neighbor spotted the boy at the bottom of the pool. The boy may have hit his head and fallen in, Boyles said.

The neighbor and the boys mother pulled him from the water and a bystander began CPR before firefighters arrived. In that time, the boy regained consciousness.

The incident is a reminder that its important for adults to be CPR trained and vigilant when children are near a pool, Boyles said.

It underscores the importance of having some sort of lifeguard or adult present when children are in or around water, Boyles said. He said it is important people are CPR trained. It increases the survivability rate astronomically.

Staff writer Alma Fausto contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: lwilliams@ocregister.com, 714-796-2286
COSTA MESA  A business group worried about the parking impacts of a recently approved Islamic center in an industrial park near John Wayne Airport has filed a lawsuit to block the project.

The complaint filed against the city of Costa Mesa earlier this month by the Koll-Irvine Community Association is the latest hurdle for the Ismaili groups attempts to move from their long-time Irvine location to a larger space in Costa Mesa.

In March, a majority of the Costa Mesa City Council backed the plan to open a 6,000-square-foot center with an anteroom, prayer hall and offices in the 3100 block of Airway Avenue. The center would be in a business park that is home to 30 buildings, including the Berean Community Church.

Representatives for the Ismaili group  a small branch of Shia Islam  say their approximately 200-member congregation has outgrown its current Jamatkhana, or place of prayer. The project is backed by His Highness Prince KarimAga Khan, a wealthy imam, or spiritual leader, known for opening non-denominational schools and hospitals around the world.

Opposition to the project has focused on whether putting two churches next to each other will lead to a parking crunch.

In February, a split Planning Commission voted against the community center. Commissioners indicated they were excited about the possibility of the center coming to Costa Mesa, but didnt believe that particular office park was the right fit.

City Council members said they were confident the Ismaili congregation and its new neighbors would be able to get along and accommodate the parking demands.

In its lawsuit, the Koll-Irvine Community Association  which owns the common area, including parking lots, of the business park  alleges the council decision adversely impacts the property rights of other nearby businesses and asks a judge to invalidate the projects approval.

The decision is not supported by substantial evidence, the lawsuit says.

Representatives for the city did not respond to requests for comment.

The case has been assigned to Orange County Superior Court Judge Craig Griffin. No hearings have been scheduled until October.

Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com
LAS VEGAS  The Oakland Raiders and developers behind a potential new stadium for the Raiders in Las Vegas have thrown their cards on the table.

So has the committee tasked with recommending how much money Nevada will kick in to help pay for it.

At the end of a long day of meetings Thursday, a $200 million funding gap and a decision on a site divided the two sides. But with multiple destinations in play, a willingness by both sides to make a deal work, and enough money on either end to close the gap, a path seems to be clearing to making it happen.

That was the mutual takeaway Thursday in Las Vegas after the Southern Nevada Tourism Committee traded ideas and proposals with the Raiders and stadium developers from the Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Majestic Realty Co.

The session began with the SNTIC offering an alternative funding option that would reduce the public portion of the $1.4 billion project from $750 million to $550 million. And while the hastily put together SNTIC plan was met with protests by the Raiders and the Sands and Majestic  to be expected in negotiations of this sort  by the end of the meeting both sides conceded there is ample middle ground upon which a deal can be struck.

The key now is closing that gap before the next SNTIC meeting July 11, the new target date to provide Gov. Brian Sandoval with a recommendation to move forward in time for Sandoval to call a special Nevada State Legislature session to render an ultimate decision.

The sand is running out of the glass, SNTIC chair Steve Sisolak said. We need to get this done.

Many believe believe there is time and motivation to make that happen. They include Andy Abboud, a chief aid for the Las Vegas Sands Co. We are going to find a way to make this work, he told the committee.

The harmony the meeting ended with contradicted the way it began.

To backtrack a bit, the Raiders have pledged $500 million to the project with Sands Co. head Sheldon Adelson and Ed Roski from Majestic Realty kicking in $200 million. They are asking Nevada to contribute the remaining $750 million from increased hotel room taxes.

In the weeks leading up to Thursdays meeting, there was an expectation the SNTIC would recommend to Gov. Sandoval that expenditure, but by late Wednesday night an alternative proposal directed by committee chair Steve Hill was forwarded to the Raiders and to Sands and Majestic.

That option was laid out Thursday during the five-hour public meeting in which the states end was reduced by $200 million and covered by an incremental TIF contribution. Essentially, it transferred $200 million of risk from public to private.

And it was immediately panned by Raiders president Marc Badain and representatives from Majestic and Sands.

Were disappointed by what weve heard today, Badain told the committee.

It was a sentiment shared by Sands and Majestic, who pointed out while the state contribution would be capped at $750 million, the Raiders and developers end will undoubtedly rise as the project moves forward.

In other words, to ask developers to assume an additional $200 million on top of the expected overtures didnt sit well. And they expressed that displeasure.

As the meeting progressed, though, there was discussion about alternative means to close the funding gap. Some of those means depends first on a site being determined.

Among the sites being discussed are on Tropicana Boulevard in downtown Las Vegas, the Rock in Rio festival grounds at Sahara Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, and the Riviera site, which was purchased by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority as part of a proposed expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Contact the writer: vincent.bonsignore@langnews.com
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal may disintegrate the unity of 10 countries in the Southeast Asian region, Thailands daily newspaper The Nation cited a former World Trade Organization senior officer as saying.

ASEAN countries should focus on the Regional Cooperation on Economic Partnership (RCEP) which has ASEAN as the centre in collaboration with Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand if they want to ensure an equal growth path for the all country members, said former WTO chief Supachai Panitchpakdi.

Supachai likened the TPP to a political tool for the United States to maintain its power in Asia in light of the increasing influence of China.

He also said the RCEP is a positive mechanism to deal with geographic issues involving Asian countries.

"[We] should not allow the TPP to disintegrate ASEAN," said Supachai Panitchpakdi in a speech to the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce's executive programme on June 23. Photo by The Nation.

"With RCEP, there is no need for these countries to go to war. Don't forget that Asia is a big spender on defense. However, RCEP will not go anywhere if some of our friends take the second row at the negotiation table," he said, referring to Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam - the four ASEAN members that have agreed to join the TPP.

He admitted that if all ASEAN countries joined the TPP, it would be a boon for the region. However, from his forecast, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar will never be qualified to join the pact.

The WTO chief has called on ASEAN countries to make the best use of multilateral trade blocs, particularly under the aegis of ASEAN, to cope with the world's economic turbulence.

"The world's economy is faltering, with slim growth of only about 2 percent a year compared with 5-6 percent growth in the past," he said. "More importantly, the global economy is becoming increasingly geopolitically influenced."

With a spate of new trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Supachai urged Thailand to find ways to negotiate with its four ASEAN peers - Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei - that have already signed up for membership to evaluate the TPP's impact on the ASEAN Economic Community.



"If Thailand needs to participate in the TPP, it should be done together with all other ASEAN members," he said.

"Moreover, the Thai government should step up efforts to wrap up talks over the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership [RCEP] within this year and should not allow the TPP to disintegrate ASEAN."



The best case would be to consolidate both the TPP and RCEP as it would benefit Asia as a whole, said Supachai.



The TPP is a trade pact signed last October by 12 countries led by the U.S. and includes Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia and New Zealand. The Asian members are Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei.

The economies of TPP signatories encompass 40 percent of global trade or $295 trillion a year, with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $28.3 trillion representing 38 percent of the global total.

The RCEP was initiated in November 2012 with the aim of establishing deeper economic cooperation between the 10 ASEAN members and Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, with a focus on trade in goods and services.

The RCEP's 16 proposed member countries represent 29 percent of global trade, with a combined GDP of $21.2 trillion or 28 percent of the world total. Last November, the members voted to push for the pact's conclusion this year.

Related News:

>Vietnam to ratify TPP trade deal by August 9

>TPP offers promising new world for Vietnam's textiles sector

>Vietnam to shake up supporting industries to seize TPP opportunities

>TPP trade deal could trample Vietnam's livestock industry

>Vietnam's textiles: Low productivity could eat up TPP benefits
The beach conditions were just as Alex Peabody liked them: big, choppy surf slamming the shore, with strong rip currents that could challenge young, aspiring lifeguards.

Peabody, who for years was in charge of training thousands of new California State Lifeguards on the sands of Huntington Beach, knew that the rookies had to be prepared for anything to save lives.

More than 100 lifeguards from around the state showed up at Huntington State Beach on Friday to pay tribute to Peabody, who died May 21 at age 55 after a battle with ALS.

During the memorial service, lifeguard trainees formed a gauntlet on the sand with their yellow buoys held high while they chanted Peabodys name. Lifeguard Shane Scoggins ran a missing man memorial buoy bearing Peabodys name to sea; he boarded the back of a personal watercraft in the rough surf to hand it off to rescue boats.

Huntington Beach Marine Safety Lt. Mike Beuerlein awarded Peabody the United States Surf Lifesaving Association Award of Merit, presented to his family at the ceremony.

Peabody, who spent much of his career and his later years in Santa Cruz, was described as a passionate, hardworking guard who held one of the highest lifeguard titles  State Parks Chief Lifeguard  before retiring in 2012.

He started his career as a seasonal lifeguard in 1980, becoming a permanent guard three years later and working in Huntington Beach and Crystal Cove State Park. He returned to Santa Cruz in the late 80s but spent months in Orange County each year while he was in charge of training recruits.

Mike Brousard, a retired lifeguard supervisor, remembers first meeting Peabody shortly after he became a permanent guard.

We were lifeguard nerds  thats what we thought about, thats what we did, thats what we talked about constantly, Brousard said.

His interest was public service, public safety and making sure everyone went home at night.

Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com
Californias chemical warning law, known as Proposition 65, turns 30 this year. I chose to mark the occasion by publishing an article in the Journal of Business & Technology Law detailing the fundamental flaws with the laws consumer product warnings and bounty hunter provisions and by offering alternative approaches to Prop. 65.

By an overwhelming 63 to 37 percent margin, Californians voted to pass the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. The law created an explosion of warnings: Hotels, restaurants, ballparks, parking garages, office buildings, amusement parks and pools, along with thousands of consumer products, warn Californians of possible exposure to carcinogens or reproductive toxins. Prop. 65s list has grown to more than 800 chemicals, with no end in sight. And more chemicals beget more ill-informed warning labels.

The warnings lack the content necessary to ensure that the public receives useful information about potential exposures. But consumers should not assume that a warning means that they are at risk of harm. Thats because a warning may be required even if the risk is non-existent or vanishingly small. Warnings arent required if businesses can show that exposure to a listed chemical is below a so-called safe harbor level. But Californias penchant for listing chemicals has far surpassed its ability to promulgate safe harbor levels. Consequently, most chemicals listed under Prop. 65 have no safe harbor level to help businesses decide whether or not to warn. Thus, businesses often opt to over-warn by providing a warning even when consumers are exposed to few, if any, of the Prop. 65 listed chemicals.

While excessive labeling does not help consumers, its often necessary for businesses to ward off lawsuits.

Unlike most environmental and health statutes, Prop. 65 shifts the burden onto businesses to prove that an exposure to a listed chemical is below the safe harbor level. Exacerbating the problem, lawyers collect a portion of the civil penalties, on top of attorney fees. Thus, for many, the bonanza for private lawyers foreseen by those arguing against Prop. 65 in 1986 has come to fruition. Because the cost of taking a Prop. 65 lawsuit to court is expensive, time-consuming and difficult to win, most businesses opt to settle. Lawyers have collected more than $150 million in attorney fees alone since 2000.

Meaningless warnings and out-of-control litigation are serious problems that Gov. Jerry Brown has acknowledged and vowed to fix. Unfortunately, the states latest proposed solution to make the warnings more useful and meaningful may be worse than the status quo.

The proposed changes would make warning labels more alarming. Labels would come with a hazard symbol and would name at least one listed chemical, but businesses would be barred from providing consumers with factual information that puts warnings in context for consumers  even information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consumers looking for more information will be referred to a state-run website that offers little helpful context about health risks.

After 30 years, it is time to ask whether the ubiquitous Prop. 65 warnings should remain, or whether they should be sunset to give way to a different approach. Prop. 65 emerged out of a climate of frustration that state agencies were not doing enough to enforce environmental laws and to protect the citizenry from hazardous substances. It is unclear whether this climate persists, or if Prop. 65, as currently drafted, would overwhelmingly pass again.

There are undoubtedly other approaches that could serve to redress Prop. 65s warnings and its other infirmities. Until that occurs, however, Prop. 65s fundamental flaws remain unaltered, bounty hunting lawyers continue to thrive, benefits remain elusive, and the costs on businesses, consumers and taxpayers continue to mount.

David Fischer is senior director at the American Chemistry Council.
SANTA ANA  An Anaheim man who strangled a transgender activist to death during a 2014 sexual encounter was sentenced Friday to 15 years to life in state prison.

Randy Lee Parkerson, during his sentencing hearing, apologized to the family of Zoraida Reyes who he killed and whose body he left at the edge of a dirt lot next to an Anaheim Dairy Queen.

I am truly sorry for what I did to your daughter, Parkerson read in court from a letter he wrote to Reyes mother. I never meant for anything like this to happen.  I wish I could trade places with her, so she could be with you.

Parkerson, 40, said the 28-year-old Reyes death was not because of who she was. He acknowledged that he neither expects or deserves the forgiveness of Reyes family.

Jisell Neel, a longtime friend who first met Reyes in a transgender support group, told a reporter she was a gentle, peaceful person who lit up a room wherever she went.

In court, speaking to Parkerson during Fridays hearing, Neel said: You took from her mother her first born, her sister a role model, and her friends a community leader. I hope you find peace, that you can accept responsibility, and that you can become a voice to those who have been injured.

Parkerson, in the midst of a meth and sex binge, met Reyes online, setting up a meeting in her hometown Santa Ana, were he agreed to pay for sex. During his spree, he had sex with men and transgender women, in their homes, in motel rooms and in his parked car, his lawyer said.

Parkerson told authorities that as their sexual encounter intensified, Reyes asked him to perform auto-erotic asphyxiation by intentionally choking her.

After realizing that Reyes was dead, Parkerson admitted to keeping her body in the trunk of his car for two days as he tried to find a place to leave the body. At the lot, he left her partially unclothed, her body half-hidden by bushes.

Parkersons attorney argued that Reyes death was the result of a tragic accident. But jurors disagreed, finding Parkerson guilty of second-degree murder.

In the final years of her life, Reyes had become an increasingly strong voice advocating for the rights of transgender people and undocumented immigrants.

Friends remembered her as an overachiever who dreamed of becoming a public-health educator.

Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com
About 50 years ago, a group of young hippies found a place to sell their art among the eucalyptus trees in Laguna Canyon.

The Sawdust Art Festival, which began as an alternative to the more traditional Festival of Arts, reflected the times: precariously built three-story artist booths; macrame and tie-dye shirts for sale; peasant blouses and long hair; children, Hare Krishnas and an occasional goat running loose; unscheduled concerts; a sword swallower; the smells of pot and potluck dinners.

As those hippies grew up, so did their festival. Today, Sawdust is one of Southern Californias most popular summer art festivals, attracting more than 200,000 people each season. Reflecting that, it has 10 full-time staffers, a roughly $2million budget and a professional public relations team.

As the festival celebrates its 50th year (it started in 1965 but skipped 1966), we caught up with some longtime artists who credit Sawdust with starting, and sustaining, their careers.

Doug Miller, 68, painter, Laguna Beach

Man, if they said Tarzan was going to swing out of the trees, youd believe it, Doug Miller says. He was recalling the year  1971  that he first sold his paintings, which included a barn scene and a cat portrait. He is a musician too, and that year hauled an upright piano onto the festival grounds. Just to have it, he says. The hippies were coming over and banging on it.

Miller grew up in Long Beach and joined the Navy. But he didnt doubt that he wanted a life as an artist, and when a friend told him about Sawdust, he wanted in. One of the festivals most devoted photographers, Miller has observed an inimitable world over the years: The woman who sold $2 clay figurines  which hadnt been fired and so quickly crumbled  out of a shoe-shaped booth. Phonies like the birdhouse maker who turned out to work for a factory that made the houses.

Sawdust was also the scene of his marriage to Becky, in 1979. She wore a yellow dress; he wore a blue suit. They got married near a eucalyptus tree and later celebrated with a potluck dinner at a friends booth.

Now Miller sells roughly 400 paintings a year at Sawdust, about 75 percent of his annual business. Though he misses the freedom of the earlier years, he says the art is far better now. People taught each other to be better artists, says Miller, who paints Laguna Beach ocean scenes. The quality is very good.

Nikki Grant, 70, jeweler, Laguna

As a twentysomething living in her home state of New York, Nikki Grant was preparing for her wedding when her big brother, Mark Blumenfeld, returned with stories about his new home in Southern California. He was telling me about grapes and oranges and sunshine and nice people, she says. So four days before my wedding, I canceled it and came out here.

Grant, who made ceramics at the time but later switched to jewelry, first sold her work at the 1967 show. Her brother also sold his pottery at that festival. She says the music of that time, such as the Mamas & the Papas song Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon), described how she felt then: blissful, free, creative.

It was just like constant energy flowing back and forth in the canyon, she says. Ive never been to Burning Man, but I imagine this was like the best version of Burning Man, in a eucalyptus grove.

Grant met her husband, Jay, through Sawdust. He was the festivals sales manager for decades and is now president of the Sawdust board. Their son, Micah, grew up on the grounds in the summers. Now Micah and his wife help Grant with her jewelry business.

At her first show in 1967, Grant says she made $2,000  enough to live on for the year. The business she does at Sawdust has allowed her the freedom of being a full-time artist. Today she can afford to hire people to run her booth so she can focus on making more jewelry.

But its easier for an established artist, especially one who bought her property years ago. Grant says shes worried for the future generation of artists, few of whom can afford to live in Laguna Beach.

Do we hold onto the past or look forward to the future? Theres that balance. Im anxious as an old-timer to get younger artists coming in, she says. How can you afford to be a potter and live in Laguna Beach?

Mike Heintz, 73, jeweler, Dana Point

A South Dakota native hoping to be a watercolor artist, Mike Heintz came to Laguna Beach in 1968. But he was also hoping to avoid the Vietnam War draft, so he found a job teaching art at Whittier High School. He later went on to graduate from Cal State Fullerton and ended up with offers to teach in community colleges. I just decided, you know what, Im 30 years old, he says. Its going to be one or the other: teach or try to be an artist. I bailed on the teaching.

It was Sawdust that allowed Heintz to sell his first pieces of jewelry  and made him feel part of a vibrant community. We all grew up together, spending our summers together, building that show from scratch, he says. The show stayed open until midnight in those days, and the party typically continued into the morning. He recalls buying a giant wooden barrel that served as a post-show hot tub at his place.

Everybody was a character, he says. He remembers Crazy Horse, a skinny, tall sword swallower with this short little girlfriend who came up to his elbows. She would carry his swords around on a pillow. He would swallow swords for a dollar. He was unusual, but we had a lot of unusual ones.

Heintz says he has a couple of more years in Orange County before he plans to head back to South Dakota and make jewelry that he can market toward the motorcycle crowd. I cant afford to live here anymore, he says. None of us can.

Leslie Edler, 63, jeweler, Dana Point

As a 19-year-old Corona del Mar High School graduate, Leslie Edler sold her first piece of gold jewelry at the 1972 festival. I just wanted to sell my art, she says. I was very happy with it because I could travel during the year and work in the summer.

Certain memories stand out: The Hare Krishnas chanting and dancing through the festival in their flowing robes. The last visit to the grounds from the Greeter, the Laguna Beach tourist legend who wanted one last glimpse of Sawdust before dying a short time later. A ceramic artist who worked in a leopard-print Speedo. And the closing night parties, with the sounds of blenders mixing rum chi-chis. I was single and it was a great life, she says.

But if Sawdust provided her with some fun as a young woman, it gave her stability as she got older. She worked the festival after she was married and had three young children; she worked after she got a divorce. Sawdust enabled me to support them on my own, she says. We scraped, but we could get by. Its defined my life. It allowed me to be a full-time artist and support my children.

And when tragedy struck  her son Chase died from injuries in a 2006 skateboarding accident  her jewelry booth remained open for business, thanks to help from other artists and her friends.

Some of the artists finished my booth for me, finished decorating it for me. I wasnt there. I had just dropped everything. I have no idea to this day how it was done, but they organized two people a shift to come in for the show while I was gone and took care of everything.

After awhile, Edler got back to work that year, making new jewelry.

If it werent for that show, I probably would have fallen apart, she says. It kept me focused so I didnt drown in my sorrow.
Re: Grocery workers authorize strike [Business, June 23]: I remember very well the United Food and Commercial Workers union strike against Ralphs in 2004. As a mother with young teenagers, I went to the grocery store often. Strikers threatened to slit my tires as I was shopping if I crossed their picket line. None of these were the regular employees at my local store. They were imported bullies who purposefully intimidated customers into turning around. I shopped anyway.

I also remember the end results. The largest Ralphs on Tustin in Orange was permanently closed after the strike concluded and my local Ralphs installed four self-checkout stations, as management made adjustments to meeting union demands without having to charge me $15 for a gallon of milk.

Many Ralphs employees lost their jobs.

A dozen years later and it looks like the union is helping a new batch of grocery workers to the unemployment line. What a pity.

Deborah Pauly

Villa Park

Do College Republicans get a safe space?

Re: UCIs restriction of Republican club unleashes backlash [News, June 23]: Is there any question that the progressive liberals own UCI? First I read that the university administration has banned the College Republicans from meeting on campus because of an invited speaker the administration does not like. Then I read the College Republicans are suspended from booking meetings until next spring. I read further that one administrator even proposed safe zone training.

Has the hand-holding propaganda campaign against conservative views seen at other U.S. universities infected UCI? What a pathetic institution of higher learning we have in our midst. There may be students interested in hearing a different point of view. Students having no interest or fearful of exploring other ideas can simply decline to attend. Isnt higher learning about pursuing truth by evaluating all information and points of view?

Perhaps UCI Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky would like to address this issue in his next column, particularly with regard to the First Amendment violations perpetrated by the UCI administration. He undoubtedly would be putting his job security on the line if he does the subject justice.

Oliver Watson

Orange
SUSANVILLE  Authorities say trail cameras have captured what may be another gray wolf roaming Northern California.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife says a lone wolf-like canid was first photographed in Lassen County in August and trail cameras a few miles away captured a similar animal in October.

The department said Wednesday the animal is not a member of the Shasta Pack, the breeding pair and pups spotted in eastern Siskiyou County in 2015.

They say that unlike OR-25, a transient wolf from Oregon that has visited California several times, this animal is not wearing a tracking collar.

Biologists say they cant rule out the animal is a domestic dog or a wolf-dog hybrid. But the department points out a wolf-like canid was photographed in western Lassen County twice more in March and in May and that surviving winter in that remote area would be unlikely for a domestic dog or a wolf-dog hybrid.
IRVINE  The Irvine Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Celebrate Irvine luncheon on Wednesday, featuring a keynote speech by Mayor Steven Choi and award presentations.

Addressing the crowd gathered at Hotel Irvine, Choi praised the citys strong economy. He cited the Registers report that Irvine-based companies took in 63 percent  nearly $636 million  of all investment dollars in the county last year.

Choi also recognized thriving companies in the city, such as Smart Utility Systems, a software company which plans to add 200 workers this year at its new headquarters in Irvine.

The chamber then presented the following awards:

Philanthropist of the Year (Wells Fargo)  The bank provided its employees 16 hours off each year to volunteer with nonprofit organizations of their choosing. They logged 15,000 hours of volunteer time in Orange County last year. Local employees also donated $1.2 million to charities during their community support campaign.

Entrepreneur of the Year (PeopleSpace)  The company, which started 2 1/2 years ago, has offered free programs for the start-up tech community, including classes and workshops led by local entrepreneurs and professionals, free meet-up space, quarterly innovation speaker series and training.

Nonprofit of the Year (UC Irvine)  The university, celebrating its 50th anniversary, has succeeded in the $1 billion fundraising campaign to support its research, teaching and public service for the future.

Business of the Year (Cox Communications)  The company offers its employees 80 hours of training per year to help build their skills, develop leadership and achieve professional success. Funded by employee payroll donations that matched by the company, Coxs charity organization awards scholarships to local high school students and grants to schools.

Contact the writer: 949-445-6397 or tshimura@ocregister.com
A successful USA project that supports people permanently out of homelessness is being piloted for the first time in Europe by Midlands Simon.

A successful USA project that supports people permanently out of homelessness is being piloted for the first time in Europe by Midlands Simon.

Midlands Simon signed a Memo of Agreement with USA charity Pathways to Housing yesterday in Buswells Hotel, Dublin.

The ceremony was officiated by Alan Kelly TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

The Midlands charity looked to the successful outcomes of Pathways to Housing in the USA, whose CEO Dr Sam Tsemberis founded the housing first model.

The model places people in homes of their own with intensive visiting supports, with an 85 percent success rate.

Midlands Simon CEO is Tony ORiordan.

We believe that by following the model, the cycle of homelessness, where people move from the street to hostel to back on the street, can be broken in the Midlands counties also. It will not just improve the lives of those who find themselves homeless but is also the most cost effective model to tackle homelessness, he said.

The Memo of Agreement will include staff training in the interventions associated with Housing First, with continued support from Pathways to Housing USA, and the the Midlands Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force.

Tony ORiordan believes it is a radically different model as it moves away from the traditional shelter response to homelessness.

This model does not just give a homeless person a bed for the night but gives them the supports they need to attain their goal of having a home for life, he said.

Midlands Simon Community work across Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath,

The charity will continue to work closely with those four local authorities, and the HSE, holding homeless action team meetings on a near weekly basis in each county.
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Millions of Vietnamese men could be wifeless by 2050

It is expected that by 2050, from 2.3 to 4.3 million Vietnamese men will be unable to find wives due to the current rate of gender imbalance.

Data from the Directorate of Population and Family Planning said that the gender imbalance rate in Vietnam is about 112.8 boys per 100 girls.

Vietnam is facing a growing gender imbalance. Illustrative photo by VnExpress/Le Phuong

If the rate isnt tamed, men will outnumber women by 10 percent in thirty years time, said Nguyen Van Tan, deputy director of the directorate.

Tan said that gender prejudice in Vietnam, where boys are generally preferred to girls, is the main reason for the high gender imbalance. With the development of technology, the problem appears to be getting worse.

Modern technology makes it easier for parents to make a decision on gender despite this being prohibited by Vietnamese law, said Tan

Many experts said that gender imbalance can cause social disorder like child marriage, women trafficking and prostitution, as well as violent crimes.

Ritsu Nacken, a representative of the United Nations Population Fund, said at a workshop last year that the problem cant be solved by prohibiting fetal sex selection services. Vietnam needs to call on all authorities, families and schools to raise peoples awareness about gender equality.

The representative emphasized that Vietnam should improve its legal framework for gender equality as laws and policies can change the way people think.

Last year, Vietnam had a population of 92 million, with the gender imbalance rate standing at 113/100, according to Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Viet Tien.

Related news:

> Hanoi records rising gender imbalance as parents opt for boys
Two couples gave birth at Thanh Hoa Obstetrics Hospital in central Vietnam on the same day four years ago, but have just found out their current daughters were switched due to a mistake made by hospital staff.

After giving birth in Thanh Hoa on October 2012, one of the two couples moved to Da Nang.

Thanh Hoa Obstetrics Hospital where two baby girls were given to the wrong parents four years ago. Photo: VnExpress/Le Hoang

Four years later, the couple in Da Nang started to doubt whether their daughter was actually theirs as she looked nothing like either of them. They decided to get a DNA test to settle the matter, and sure enough, the results confirmed their suspicions.

They traveled back to the hospital in Thanh Hoa early this month with the child, and after looking up all the baby girls born on the same day, and at the hospitals documents and DNA samples, they found their real daughter. After meeting with the other family, the couples agreed to swap their daughters.

The two girls have not shown any adverse psychological signs since the switch.

A hospital spokesperson told VnExpress that medical staff had mistakenly switched the babies four years ago.

It is negotiating compensation for the couples to make up for the mistake, but the person responsible has yet to be identified. The provincial health department has launched an investigation into the case.
Americans pulled back from buying new homes in May, reversing strong gains made in April as sales fell sharply in the Northeast and West. New-home sales declined 6 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted rate of 551,000 from a downwardly revised 586,000 in April, the Commerce Department said Thursday. Still, sales are 6.4 percent higher year-to-date.

Ikeas child safety gates recalled for locking problem

Swedish furniture retailer Ikea is recalling childrens safety gates because the locking mechanism is unreliable and may result in injury to children. The company urges customers with any model of Patrull safety gate to stop using it and return it to an Ikea store for a full refund, even without proof of purchase. Ikea said Thursday it has received reports that the gates have opened unexpectedly, causing children to fall down stairs, with medical attention needed in some cases.

Applications for jobless aid lowest in two months

Fewer people sought U.S. unemployment benefits last week, the Labor Department said Thursday, evidence that employers are holding onto their staffs and may even step up hiring. Weekly applications dropped 18,000 to a seasonally adjusted 259,000, the lowest in two months. The less-volatile four-week average declined to 267,000.

Mortgage rates tick up but remain at low levels

Long-term U.S. mortgage rates rose this week but remain at levels low enough to boost home sales in the spring buying season. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 3.56 percent from a 52-week low of 3.54 percent last week. The rate is down from 4.02 percent a year ago. The average on 15-year fixed rate mortgages also rose  to 2.83 percent from a 52-week low of 2.81 percent. A year ago the rate was 3.21 percent.
A traffic stop for speeding on Interstate 80 east of York, Nebraska, has led to the seizure of almost 23 pounds of cocaine and almost eight pounds of methamphetamine.

The Nebraska State Patrol said just after 3:30 p.m. Thursday a trooper stopped an eastbound 2016 Chevrolet Suburban for speeding near the Beaver Crossing exit on I-80. A state patrol dog indicated that the odor of drugs was coming from the SUV.

A search of the vehicle led the cocaine and methamphetamine, the patrol said. The drugs were found in an altered compartment near the rear of the vehicle, the patrol said.

The 30-year-old Ogden, Utah, driver of the vehicle and two passengers, a 55-year-old and 40-year-old also from Ogden, were being held in the Seward County Jail on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, the patrol said.

Two children in the vehicle were placed in protective custody with the Department of Health and Human Services, the patrol said.
One of two Council Bluffs women Bluffs police were searching for in connection with a crash earlier this week turned herself in Thursday night.

Bluffs police said the 52-year-old woman reported to the Pottawattamie County Jail around 10:15 p.m. She was booked on suspicion of several warrants related to the crash, police said.

Warrants for the other woman sought in the case, a 27-year-old, are still active, police said.

Wednesday, Bluffs police said a 3-year-old boy they were searching for in connection with the crash was found.

The boy was found safe and in the care of relatives, police said.

Police said the women, who were in a Hyundai Tucson, stole a package off the front steps of a residence in the 2400 block of Avenue E at about 7 p.m. Monday. The women fled after the homeowner, Kyle Murphy, 34, confronted them.

The Hyundai, with the women and boy inside, went west on Avenue E, police said, running a stop sign at 25th Street. A northbound Chrysler minivan driven by Dianne Tuttle, 63, of Council Bluffs, crashed into the Hyundai in the intersection, flipping the Hyundai onto its top, police said.

The cars occupants were taken to Jennie Edmundson Hospital. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening, police said.

But before police arrived at the hospital, officials said, the women and the child fled.
Police in Ho Chi Minh City have proposed a limit to opening hours for catering businesses across the city at night, especially at beer clubs ('quan nhau'), in an attempt to reduce the number of alcohol-related crimes.

According to Colonel Tran Duc Tai, deputy director of the municipal Department of Police, even though the local overall crime rate has fallen in the first six months of the year, the number of murders has risen by over ten percent. The colonel attributed the worrying trend to offenses committed by people under the influence of alcohol.

Beer clubs in HCMC usually stay open until 3 or 4 a.m., which is also the peak time for violent crimes such as murders and assaults, said Tai at a meeting to review the socio-economic status of the city on June 20. Most of these murders stem from personal conflicts among drunken friends.

We have been considering sending delegations to Hanoi and other cities to learn how they manage the night-time food and drinks business, he said.

There are just too many beer clubs open across the city, especially the small and cheap ones that provide the perfect place for criminal gangs to gather. We have asked the city to carry out a study on how to reduce the number of murders in these areas.

Colonel Tran Duc Tai proposed a "curfew" on opening hours for beer clubs, and suggested the businesses should be zoned into some certain precincts.

The city officials proposal has sparked controversy over how it will be implemented and its negative impact on licensed venues.

Colonel Tran Duc Tai, deputy director of the municipal Department of Police in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Hau.

Beer consumption in Vietnam has sparked debate in recent months.

In March, renowned economist Pham Chi Lan in an interview with Vietnamnet Bridge raised concerns over the effect of drunkenness in Vietnam, when she argued that it was the reason behind the high number of traffic accidents and domestic violence.

According to the Vietnam Beverage Association (VBA), Vietnam consumed 3.4 billion liters of beer in 2015, an increase of 10 percent on-year, and up 41 percent compared with 2010.

During the eight-day Tet holiday this year, 5,000 people were hospitalized after fights and 13 of them died. Many of the victims were drunk, according to reports.

In 2014 and 2015, the Ministry of Health considered proposals to ban beer and liquor sales after 10 p.m. to combat problems caused by the ill effects of alcoholic beverages.

Three defendants stand trial for murder in Hanoi in June 2015, when waiters in a beer club stabbed a customer to death after an argument over beer.

Related news:

> Higher duties fail to stop Vietnamese from guzzling beer
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information.

A Waterloo family whose 3-year-old son died Thursday is grateful for the support theyve received since the child was pulled unconscious from a private lake last week.

Aspen Seemann died at Childrens Hospital & Medical Center after being taken there in critical condition. He was found unconscious underwater near a floating dock Saturday, said Tom Wheeler, chief deputy for the Douglas County Sheriffs Office.

Aspens parents, Clint and Lisa Seemann of Waterloo, were with the boy when he died at the hospital. The couple also have an 8-year-old son.

"From the bottom of my heart, Clint and I would like to sincerely thank all of our friends and family near and far for your love, support, ongoing prayers, texts and phone calls concerning our sweet angel baby, Aspen," Lisa Seemann wrote in a Facebook post. "We are overcome with heartache and sorrow. It will be a long time before we understand why he was taken from us so soon in life."

Tracy Badura, a spokeswoman for the family, said visitation and wake services will be Monday starting at 5 p.m. at St. Patricks Catholic Church, 20500 West Maple Road. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Deputies were dispatched to the Seemanns home near 246th and Mason Streets on Saturday to assist the Waterloo Fire Department with a water rescue at West Shores Lake.

A deputy arrived at 3:06 p.m. and saw several people gathered around the boy, who was lying on a beach with CPR in progress. The small beach separates the lake from the back of the home.

Waterloo rescue personnel arrived three minutes later and took over life-saving measures before taking Aspen to the hospital.

Douglas County Sheriff's Capt. Eric Sellers said Friday that at the time of the incident, the two brothers were playing in an enclosed trampoline in the yard, while the parents were inside for a few minutes.

When the father came back outside, he noticed Aspen was not on the trampoline and asked where Aspen was. The older child said Aspen went down to the beach.

The father then immediately began searching for the child, Sellers said.

Badura said the family asks that memorials be directed to the Waterloo Fire Department or Childrens Hospital & Medical Center.

The Seemann family has been overwhelmed by the support received from across the country and around the world, Badura said.

"Ive never seen anything like this," Badura said. "Theyve heard from people all over. ... For this little boy to bring so many people together is just amazing."

Friends of the family had suggested that residents show support for Aspen by placing a pinwheel in their yards.

St. Patricks is also the church attended by the family of Lane Graves, the 2-year-old boy who was killed by an alligator June 14 while his family was on a vacation at Disney World in Florida.

Contact the writer: 402-444-1272, kevin.cole@owh.com

Correction: An earlier vision of this story contained material from a preliminary report from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, which Capt. Eric Sellers said contained an inaccuracy.
LINCOLN  Mario Peart, the man who was warden at the Lincoln Correctional Center when two inmates escaped this month, will retire July 1.

State Corrections Director Scott Frakes said Friday that he had accepted Pearts request to retire after 39 years of working with the state prison system.

Peart began his career at the Nebraska State Penitentiary as a counselor in 1977. He later became a unit manager and unit administrator at the facility, before being tapped to be an associate warden at the Lincoln Correctional Center. He later worked as associate warden at the penitentiary.

Peart advanced to warden at the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center in Lincoln and, eventually, at the Lincoln Correctional Center.

Two weeks ago, Frakes announced that he had reassigned Peart to the Corrections Departments central office pending completion of an investigation into the missteps that allowed two dangerous inmates to stow away on a laundry truck and escape from the maximum security prison on June 10.

Frakes said the missteps included: the lack of a shift supervisor at the turnkey to the laundry area, the failure to get proper approval for adding inmates to the laundry work roster, the failure to do informal hourly counts of inmates in each activity area, and the failure to properly supervise the loading and security of the laundry carts.

Both inmates, Armon Dixon, 37, and Timothy Clausen, 52, have since been recaptured and are being held at the Tecumseh State Prison.

Fred Britten, warden of the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center, was reassigned temporarily to run the Lincoln Correctional Center, with help from central office staff.

Peart is the second prison warden to leave State Corrections after a breakdown in security since Frakes took over the agency.

In March, Frakes replaced Brian Gage, who had been warden at the Tecumseh prison since April 2013. At the time, a department spokesman said Gage resigned after Frakes decided to make a change in leadership at the prison.

Spokesman Andrew Nystrom said that decision was based on Frakes vision to transform this agency and not in response to any particular incident or event.

However, the move came one week after an assault on three corrections officers at the states highest-security prison and followed months of turmoil there. The Tecumseh institution was the scene of a deadly riot in May 2015. Two inmates died, several corrections workers were attacked and about $1 million in damage was done during the weekend riot.

Gov. Pete Ricketts hired Frakes after a national search and charged him with turning around a struggling agency.

The inmate escapes represented the most recent breakdown within Corrections. Earlier problems include the 2015 riot at the Tecumseh prison, the early release of inmates through sentencing miscalculations, and the handling of Nikko Jenkins, a mentally troubled prisoner who killed four people in Omaha after his release in 2013.

The department also has struggled with overcrowding, along with high staff turnover and the frequent use of mandatory overtime.

Contact the writer: 402-473-9583, martha.stoddard@owh.com
Chennai shocker: Infosys employee brutally hacked to death in broad day light

Chennai

oi-Preeti Panwar

Chennai, June 24: In a shocking incident, a young female employee of Infosys was brutally hacked to death in broad-day light at Nungambakkam railway station in Chennai on Friday morning around 6 am when she was waiting to board train for work.

The deceased woman was identified as 24-year-old as S Swathi, a resident of South Gangai Amman Koil Street, Choolaimedu.

According to locals, Swathi was waiting at the second platform when a young man, wearing a green shirt and black pant, approached her. He reportedly had a heated argument with Swathi, after which he took out a sickle from his bag and attacked her.

She tried to escape, but lost balance and fell on the ground. Onlookers were left stunned and the unidentified assailant fled after committing the horrific crime.

Swathi received greivious injuries on her face and neck and was profusely bleeding.

In morning, Swathi's father had dropped her at the railway station, so that she could reach her office at Mahindra Tech park near Maraimalai Nagar.

Police has launched an investigation into the sensational murder case of Swathi and is questioning her freinds and relatives.

Shockingly, Swathi's dead body was lying at the railway station, as police reached only after two hours, after which her body was shifted to a mortuary at Madras Medical College.

Meanwhile, Infosys issued a statement condoling the death of Swathi, "We are saddened by the unfortunate incident that has led to the demise of our employee in Chennai. We are working with the local authorities as they investigate the matter and will continue to provide our co-operation and support. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family of the deceased. Infosys will provide all the necessary support to the family in their hour of grief," a spokesperson of the company was quoted as saying.

OneIndia News
Brexit: Article 50 and the process of leaving EU

Feature

oi-Pallavi Sengupta

The result of the Brexit Referendum has been declared, absorbed and accepted. While the rest of the world is speculating the economic and political ramifications of the Brexit, anti-Brexit campaigners still have a last straw to cling to-Article-50 of the Treaty of Lisbon.

Essentially, the formal mechanism of exiting the European Union, Article 50 should now be used judicially (as urged by the outgoing PM David Cameron). The outcome was unexpected for EU too as none of its 28 members left considered leaving the union before.

Pressed into action, the decision making bodies have a lot of work to do, things to consider and accept or reject the proposal. Indeed, a number of things are at stake.

A divided state

While the rules are simple, the anti-Brexit entities are pulling strings for buy some more time to reconsider the country's decision. Jean-Claude Juncker of the Commission puts it simply. "Out is out," he said after the results were declared, almost taking an offence at the self-destructive deal that was struck after a year of negotiation.

He justifies saying, "Exit should be smooth. Leaders do not want to be drawn into months and years of haggling over Britain's status."

[Read: The Great #Brexit: Analysing immigration before and after]

On the contrary, the pro-Brexit agents have said that there is no need to trigger Article 50 until informal negotiations have taken place, which can even last for a year. Now, that will put a lot of factors at stake, say for instance, the migration status, the status of the immigrants in the UK, he current deployment of naval craft off Libya to intercept smugglers and many more.

The mechanics of Article 50

Article 50 is basically an intimation or a proposal to withdraw and triggering that starts a 2-year clock running. After this time frame, the Treaties that govern membership no longer apply to Britain. The terms of exit will be negotiated between Britain's 27 counterparts and each will have a veto over each of the conditions.

The process is at a very nascent stage and the process can be obstructed by any of the national parliaments. Meanwhile, two big negotiating teams will be formed and the EU side is likely to be headed by one of the current commissioners.

[Read: Will Brexit impact intelligence sharing with EU?]

While dissociating Britain from EU is the easier part, the ramification thereafter is tedious. Establishing new trading relationship, establishing renewed tariffs and other, free movement and migration policies have to be redefined. The entire process could take five more years.

Here too, there has to be a point of negotiation as Business leaders want the easiest way out possible so that the economy is not harmed, but political leaders say that the conditions have to be brutal so that the other countries do not follow suit.

What are the EU terms of an exit?

As stated in the Treaty, a member exiting will have to follow the following rules:

1. Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.

2. A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention. In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union. That agreement shall be negotiated in accordance with Article 218(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It shall be concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.

[Read: After UK exits EU, will we see pro-remain Scotland exiting UK? ]

3. The Treaties shall cease to apply to the State in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after the notification referred to in paragraph 2, unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.

4. For the purposes of paragraphs 2 and 3, the member of the European Council or of the Council representing the withdrawing Member State shall not participate in the discussions of the European Council or Council or in decisions concerning it. A qualified majority shall be defined in accordance with Article 238(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

5. If a State which has withdrawn from the Union asks to rejoin, its request shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 49."

Advantages and disadvantages of Article 50

The Triggering of Article 50 has many positive and negative ramifications.

Positive

1. Although it guarantees negotiations with the EU, it does not necessitate the approval of the others for exit

2. Striking a new agreement would not require unanimity among the other member states, unlike an EU treaty change, which does. However, a complex mixed agreement would require ratification in every EU member state.

[Read: How will Brexit impact UK?]

Negatives

1. Once you have decided to leave, there is no turning back

2. There would not be any UK vote of withdrawal agreement. EU will have the final say

3. Without the UK vote on withdrawal agreement, the remainder EU members will have a protectionist attitude, which could affect UK's trade terms.

4. European Parliament veto over a continuity deal or future free trade deal.

5. EU is in charge of the negotiating timetable.

Hard times ahead

Scrapping EU legislation is one thing, while functioning without it is another. The new British government will be very busy for about a decade now to re-establish everything in a new way, massive trade and economic reforms would be required and master trade deals with various countries have to be struck so that less damage is done.

EU too has a major overhauling to do. For instance, the Proposals for closer defence integration, prepared by Federica Mogherini, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, has been put on hold. It was likely to be sent to the national governments today.

[Read: Brexit: Will David Cameron be the Mikhail Gorbachev of UK?]

Incidentally, the relationship between Britain and EU has reached a hard roadblock. When Britain sets an example for other countries who have been thinking of an EU exit, but have not been able to implement it, the European Union is trying hard to integrate the bloc and ensure that there are no other exits.

Certainly, it will negotiate hard to bring Britain under its flagship again, but the problems are glaring and there seem to be no recourse. Article 50 or no, the decision of the people is full and final.

[Read: Brexit forecast pulls down key Indian equity indices sharply]

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Story first published: Friday, June 24, 2016, 16:15 [IST]
Brexit: Will David Cameron be the Mikhail Gorbachev of UK?

Feature

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Leaders make gambles. When they pay off, the leaders see their stature elevated to an immortal height. But it doesn't, they become villain overnight.

British Prime Minister David Cameron promised a referendum to decide whether the UK will prefer to stay within the European Union (EU) or not before the general election held last year. He himself though was in favour of staying in the EU but his Conservative Party was deeply split on the issue.

And finally on June 24, when it was learnt that the anti-exit camp lost the polling by 48 per cent to 52 per cent to the pro-exit camp, Cameron's 'gamble' backfired and he lost his position in the eyes of several Britishers.

Was Cameron's act really meaningless?

What was the need for the "meaningless act"?---many are asking. Was it exactly a meaningless act or do we call brave and honest steps as meaningless in politics?

If 52 per cent of the people of the UK prefer to stay out of the EU, then it can't be called just a gamble. Cameron's decision to take the 'gamble' was not something related to a personal adventure but he engaged the entire country in it, which means he gave democracy the responsibility to sort out the 'UK vs EU' problem that existed within the Conservative ranks for years. And the people gave their verdict in favour of the Leave campaign.

Calling for referendum was a move which was politically honest

Cameron had hoped that the referendum would settle the question of Europe in the Conservative Party once for all. It was also a strategy to not allow the UK Independence Party to make serious dent into the Conservatives' vote base. But it did not. But at the same time, it also showed that western democracies function to the actual tune. At many corners of the country, even that minimum honouring of the people's sentiments do not take place.

For the 52% who have voted in favour of Brexit, they must have done it knowingly

Brexit might mean that Cameron's political career could be dashed but he will certainly go down in history as a brave and not a foolish leader. It is absolutely unjust to blame the man for the Brexit disaster, if at all it is, because it is the people's choice. For those who have voted in favour of the exit, they must have done it knowing the consequences fully well.

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last president of USSR, had also taken a similar 'gamble'

There are not many leaders in the political history of mankind who had taken 'gambles' but saw it not paying off like Cameron. Another such leader was Mikhail Gorbachev. The last president of the erstwhile Soviet Union, Gorbachev, had made drastic steps to revive the collapsing USSR which was suffering from several political and economic ills, but to no avail.

Gorbachev was an exception who did not want to identify himself with Vladimir Lenin but also exhibited some resemblance with the latter's approach to the imperial Germany. Lenin was willing to sign the exploitative Treaty of Brest-Litovsk after the end of the First World War since he hoped that the subsequent developments (he envisioned a socialist upheaval in Germany) would fundamentally promote the Soviet interests.

Gorbachev's New Thinking led to USSR's collapse but he did not lose his name as a statesman

Gorbachev, in his dealing with Europe, also initiated a 'New Thinking' whereby moral and ethical principles were stressed to resolve global problems and not the irreconcilable clashes between capitalism and communism as propagated by Marxism-Leninism.

Instead of flexing the military muscle as the Soviet leaderships before him had done, Gorbachev preferred softer means like diplomacy, economic cooperation and personal relation-building and also skillfully used the media in world affairs. He also made a drastic departure from the conventional wisdom and offered concessions when approaching conflicts and negotiations.

Gorbachev's 'New Thinking' did not help him as the soft stand vis-a-vis the West and refusal to use force to back communist govrnments in Eastern Europe led to the collapse of the Soviet Union itself. But that was a gamble which had helped the people of the USSR/Russia in the long term.

Gorbachev is still remembered today as a statesman who was never afraid to take a decision, irrespective of the outcome.

Cameron, similarly, has apparently lost his bid but he didn't deny democracy its chance. While a closed system like the former Soviet Union had offered its own problems to Gorbachev like in the form of a rigid and non-complying bureaucracy, a democracy like the UK today also poses its own problem for Cameron. But these reactions don't judge statesmen. Even in their defeats, they set a precedent.

Will history judge Cameron as Gorbachev of UK?

Cameron may also have a luck similar to Gorbachev if the post-Brexit days sees the dismemberment of the UK just like the Soviet Union had collapsed in 1991 but it will be again a cruel joke if we hold one individual responsible for such an outcome.
NSG plenary ends- Differences over NPT remain

Feature

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The NSG plenary in Seoul ended without any movement on India's application. The stumbling block for India was the NPT issue which had been raised by China several times. An entry into the NSG mandates that a country is part of the NPT.

China had quoted the NPT issue and even reminded the United States of America that this rule was framed by them.

The statement that was released after the meet stated that the meet discussed the legal, technical and political aspects of non NPT countries. The governments reiterated firm support for the implementation of NPT as cornerstone of international non proliferation regime.

Despite an appeal by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Beijing remained adamant. It was Japan which raised India's membership during the meeting. The same was seconded by Argentina.

Following this 30 members declared support citing India's nuclear nonproliferation record. Brazil, South Africa too backed India's bid. While Austria, Switzerland and Ireland supported India, they sought to know how the process would be undertaken.

China however continued to stick to its point. It said that an entry into the NSG must be limited to only those nations that have signed the NPT. The meeting ended last night with the representatives being told to contact their governments for further instructions. The plenary will be held today and a decision on India's entry into the NSG will be finalised.

China's chief negotiator in Seoul said that Beijing would back a country only if its a member of the NPT. Those countries which are non NPT members will not be allowed membership of the NSG. Both India and Pakistan are not members of the NPT. We do not back India or Pakistan until the rules are followed, China contended.

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Story first published: Friday, June 24, 2016, 12:27 [IST]
The Great #Brexit: Analysing immigration before and after

Feature

oi-Pallavi Sengupta

Is Britain not as 'Great' anymore? Will its economy crash and never revive? What will happen to the immigration policies in Britain now? These are some of the primary questions that bother the common man outside the Great Britain. On the contrary, the Brits are sorted.

They seem to be pretty confident of the economy and its chances of revival, given that the country is now free to execute its own trade policies and is not bound by the EU guidelines.

The main reason behind the people's choice of a 'separation' was unstoppable immigration from the other EU countries like Ireland. Britain now wants independence of choosing its citizens and sovereignty over its borders. Hence, the landslide decision.

Consider this....

Until the Eastern European countries joined the EU in 2004, there was no large-scale migration to Britain, except Ireland. According to the most recent official figures, 3,300,000 EU nationals living in Britain, which is up by 2,000,000 since 2003. There are 2,100,000 EU nationals working here.

Surpassing the government's expectations, 257,000 EU migrants arrived in the last year till September. This forces us to consider what Nigel Farage said,"this resulted in lesser number of jobs for the locals, difficulty in getting admission to schools etc."

[Read: If Brexit happens, will Europe see resumption of clash of nationalisms? ]

Immigration to UK was more palpable

Most of the immigration happened from the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe, which include countries such as Poland, the Baltic States, Romania and Slovakia.

Post the Eurozone crisis, there has been considerable imigration from pain, Portugal and Greece. In fact, there have been more than 300,000 French immigrants to Britain, who came here for education and jobs.

The wages in Britain are high and there is a huge scope of adventure and advancement. However, unlike the people from the Commonwealth countries, these migrants say that they will go back home after a few years.

[Read: Will Brexit impact intelligence sharing with EU?]

Britain axed its own economy

It would be unfair to say that immigration was unwelcome and Britain had no other choice but to accept the EU immigrants. While many preferred to go to richer countries like Germany , Sweden of Ireland, many preferred Britain for its vibrant economy and job oppostunities. Moreover, there is nno language barrier here as English is the most widely spoken language here.

[Read: It's confirmed: UK votes for Brexit, to leave EU]

However, what compelled migrants to the country was it migration policy. In 2004, when the ex-communist countries joined, other EU states imposed "transitional periods" to its borders when migration from the east would be limited. In Britain, the Blair government decided that uncontrolled emigration would be in favour of the UK economy.

But, unlike its expectations of 13,000 immigrants every year, Britain showed a whopping 423,000 - or 50,000 migrants a year. While this enabled balancing opportunities (trade wise ) between the rich and the poor countries in the EU community, the struggling countries prefer working in a richer country than acepting free trade.

How will Brexit help in curbing emigration?

The prospect of 12,000,000 Turks arriving in Britain if it stayed in EU had been bothering the economic mullahs for quite some time. Britain had to act immediately! However, to avoid such massive emigration, Britain has to follow some rules. It should not have access to the single market in EU, which would otherwise oblige it to shelter immigrants, it likes or not.

[Read: World reacts as Britain votes to leave EU]

Pro-Brexit campaigners have thought about it and they believe that they are fine with looser trading relationship with the EU and "chosen" EU migration. This opens the platform for another debate.

Brexit is a reality. What now remains are the ramifications (if any).

[Read: Brexit: Rupee plunges 96 paise; pares some loss on RBI support]

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Story first published: Friday, June 24, 2016, 12:55 [IST]
Baliga murder: Naresh Shenoy surrenders to police

India

oi-Shreyas

Mangaluru, June 24: A big break through has come in way of RTI activist Baliga murder case. A key accused in the case Naresh Shenoy has surrendered to the cops on June 23, according to sources in the department who does not wish to be named.

However the place of surrender is not yet conformed. The Mangaluru City Police Commissioner M Chandra Shekhar did not confirm the news saying he has not been taken to the police custody.

While some media has aired he has been arrested in Kerala, the sources tell OneIndia that it was not the arrest but 'surrender'. He has now taken to the police custody. This news portal has earlier reported that Naresh is likely to surrender to the cops soon as most doors for the escape have shut on him.

This move of Naresh comes after co-accused and aide of Naresh, Shrikanth surrendered two weeks ago to the police. Naresh is currently taken to Mangaluru and he is now being grilled by the police.

A top sources in the Kashi Math, said Naresh has started blackmailing seer Samayamiandra Thirtha, head of the Kashi Math. The sources cited possible involvement of Kashi Math affairs in the dastardly killing as reason for the alleged blackmailing.

Naresh demanded seer to cover him up. However his surrender to the police is an expected to move as most of the doors to escape from alleged criminal entangle closed. The police now have to walk extra mile in investigating Shenoy as there is also alleged political involvement is seen in the murder, say sources.

OneIndia News
Central team roped in as dengue cases in Bihar rise to over 5000

Bihar's Gopalganj by-poll to see a tough fight between BJP and RJD

BJP challenges Bihar to ban VHP meet in Patna

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Patna, June 24: The BJP on Thursday challenged the Bihar government to ban ongoing meeting of the VHP here.

The Bharatiya Janata Party made its dare after few ministers including Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav threatened to take action against VHP leader Pravin Togadia if he deliver a communal or 'hate' speech during ongoing meeting of the VHP here.

"BJP challenges the state government to ban the VHP meeting," senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi told media here, claiming the ministers have been attacking the VHP and Togadia for self-publicity.

Earlier state Minorities Welfare Minister Abdul Ghafoor, of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, said that the VHP and Togadia have a single point agenda of creating social division and hatred.

"The VHP is closely associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi too is a product of the VHP," he claimed.

In the early 2000s, when Lalu Prasad's RJD was in power in Bihar, he did not allow Togadia to enter the state.

IANS


In response to concerns about the possible environmental damage a $1.2 billion paper plant could do to the Mekong River, Chinese investors say they will use a high-tech treatment system to purify waste water from the plant.

In March 2015, the Lee&Man Paper Manufacturing Company's Vietnam branch started construction of a paper plant on the banks of the Hau River, a tributary of the Mekong River in Vietnam. After it is completed in August this year, the plant could discharge up to 28,500 tons of sodium hydroxide per year.

The biggest paper plant in Vietnam. Photo by VnEpxress/Cuu Long

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers has sent an urgent dispatch to the Prime Minister asking for the treatment system to be inspected at the Lee&Man plant.

They claimed that sodium hydroxide produced by the plant could kill marine life while there are no modern waste water treatment centers in the region.

With that massive amount of waste, the plant could kill the Hau River, the association said, adding that if waste water discharged into the Hau River flows into the sea, the whole Mekong Delta region will be affected.

To handle questions about the environmental impact the plant could have, Lee&Man held a press conference on June 23 to outline its waste water treatment process and pledge to follow Vietnams regulations on waste treatment.

Chung Wai Fu, general director of the plant present wastewater treatment process. Photo by VnExpress/Cuu Long

General Director Chung Wai Fu admitted the company had not submitted a report on the overall impacts of the plant on the environment, but said all aspects of the project were legally licensed and had accounted for environmental effects.

In 2007, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers asked authorities to comment on the decision to license the Lee&Man plant. In response, the Vietnam Administration of Forestries said that under the master plan to develop Vietnams paper industry until 2010 with a vision to 2020, there was no provision for a paper producing zone in the Mekong region.

Related news:

> Vietnam seafood association says Chinese plant threatens to "kill" Mekong river
Chennai train bomb was assembled in Bengaluru railway station

India

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, June 24: How effective is the security set up in the railway stations? The statements given by the two accused in the Chennai train blasts suggests that they assembled the bomb in the washroom of the Bengaluru railway station before planting it on the Kaziranga express.

Further they also said that they had checked into a house in Dharwad, Karnataka posing as cloth merchants. While checking in they had given their names as Arvind and Anand Joshi and stated that they were cloth merchants from UP.

Investigators have learnt that the planning and execution of the blast was carried out by Zakir and Mehboob alleged members of the Students Islamic Movement of India. On May 1 2014 an explosion rocked the Kaziranga Express when it had reached Chennai. One person was killed in the blast.

Security?

The duo told investigators that they reached Bengaluru on April 30. They had a bag which contained the explosives- a pipe, matchsticks, firecracker powder, sugar, IED, batteries and a timer device. On reaching the Bengaluru railway station, they headed to the washroom.

While the explosive substances were pre loaded into the pipe, they connected the timer and the batteries in the washroom at the Bengaluru railway station. The bomb was planted in the train at 3.30 Am when the passengers were asleep. An hour later they got off the train and returned to their safe house in Dharwad.

Motive and planning:

The duo had checked into a house in Dharwad, Karnataka. They planned the attack from there.

They told investigators that the motive for the attack was to avenge the atrocities against Muslims in Assam. Hence they decided to target the Kaziranga Express which runs between Bengaluru to Assam.

After checking in at Dharwad, Zakir left for Bengaluru and boarded the same train. He purchased a ticket to Chennai and travelled by the train. This was part of the dry run. From Chennai he travelled back to Dharwad by bus following which the plot was hatched.

Zakir tells the police that they had planted the bomb in Bengaluru itself.

The bomb was timed to go off five hours after the train left the Bengaluru station. We wanted to give the impression that the bomb had been planted in Chennai. However the train was running late and hence the bomb exploded in Chennai itself.

OneIndia News
Chhath Puja fasting rules: What one must keep in mind during the 4-day festival

NSG issue: Congress targets Modi, says his diplomacy needs depth

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, June 24: Terming the developments at the NSG meet in Seoul as an "embarrassment" to India, Congress on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to realise that diplomacy needs "depth and seriousness and not public tamasha".

"We do not know why India showed its desperation and allowed the country to be equated with Pakistan on the issue of NSG membership," party's senior spokesman Anand Sharma said "It's high time that Prime Minister Narendra Modi realises that diplomacy requires gravitas, depth and seriousness.

PM Modi's foreign policy has completely failed: Kejriwal

PM Modi needs to realise diplomacy needs depth not public tamasha," he said. "The world saw the PM make a spectacle of himself and India. Now India faces embarrassment unnecessarily," Sharma told reporters. He said the intense lobbying by Modi government was "unnecessary".

Sharma said, "This kind of intense lobbying Prime Minister Modi and his government, we can understand should have done for the UN Security Council membership. When there is no obstacle when it comes to nuclear trade within the NSG countries, it was unnecessary."

The plenary meeting of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group ended today without any decision on India's membership bid as divisions persisted over admitting non-NPT members with China leading the opposition to it.

Ahead of the meeting, India had pushed its case with a number of countries, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge. Modi had also met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent urging him to take a decision on India's membership on merit while seeking Beijing's support but China persistently opposed India's bid.

PTI
'Ram temple movie wont stall mediation', says SC as it refuses to stall the film release

Fatwa issued against Jimmy Sheirgill for 'Shorgul' in UP

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Lucknow, June 24: A fatwa has been issued against actor Jimmy Sheirgill for starring in political drama 'Shorgul', which has also been banned in several cities of Uttar Pradesh, the film's makers said.

The makers are planning to approach the state's Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to resolve issues regarding the ban in places like Muzaffarnagar, Kanpur, Ghaziabad and Lucknow.

Jimmy Sheirgill and Ashutosh Rana team up for 'Shorgul' after 13 years

'Shorgul' is a political drama which also touches upon the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. The fatwa has been issued by Khamman Peer Baba Committee to Jimmy and the makers, read a statement issued on behalf of the film's producers.

"The fatwa states that a seasoned actor like Jimmy has hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community by enacting scenes that will cause unrest in the community through the dialogues and scene depictions," read the statement.

Jimmy will be barred from shooting in Uttar Pradesh and his film's release in the region will also not be allowed, the statement further read.

A 24 FPS Films Production, the movie is based on intolerance and aspires to make audiences contemplate where humanity stands amidst the noise of religious, social, political and economic prejudice.

Also featuring Sanjay Suri, Narendra Jha, Hiten Tejwani, Eijaz Khan, Suha Gezen, Anirudh Dave and Deepraj Rana, 'Shorgul' touches upon grave subjects that have transpired in the recent past such as the Muzaffarnagar, Godhra and Babri Masjid riots apart from making references to bureaucratic misdoings, mind games and controversial master strokes of some high profile dignitaries.

Earlier this month, a PIL filed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Milan Som against the film was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court bench in Lucknow.

The film is slated for release on June 24. Swatantra Vijay Singh, one of the producers of 'Shorgul', said: "Yes, we have received the PIL and the fatwa but as we have stated earlier our film is a cinematic recreation of various incidents that have transpired in the past without a reference to any specific issue...We believe no one can ban 'Shorgul' if the population supports films like these."

Aman Singh, who is also a co-producer of the film, shared: "This news is extremely unfortunate and we will approach Akhilesh Yadav in the matter. Every citizen has the right to watch this film as the film is a reflection of the voice of the common man." Jimmy is currently in Canada.

IANS
Explained: Why are the Cheetahs travelling to India from Namibia on an empty stomach

The chosen one: Why Kuno was picked as cheetahs' home in India

How to spot the difference between a Cheetah, Leopard and Jaguar?

Get ready for a roaring journey in Tiger Express' from Oct

India

oi-PTI

Hyderabad, Jun 25: The tourist train Tiger Express', that will take travellers to the world-famous Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks in Madhya Pradesh, will start its regular run from October, an official said.

The semi-luxury train is operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

"The train will be starting from Delhi and going through the Tiger corridor - Bandhavgarh and Kanha circuit. We are in talks with them (IRCTC) on how to give the travellers the best tourist experience in all these places.

"The Tiger Express will start (regular run) from October and the duration of the tour will be five nights and six days," Madhya Pradesh Tourisms Additional Managing Director Tanvi Sundriyal told reporters here.

Indian Railways' first Wildlife Tourism Train - Tiger Express

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had on June 5 flagged off the inaugural run of the tiger trail circuit train from Delhi's Safdarjung station.

"The train will accommodate 100 persons per trip. Because the entire section is in MP, we will provide the travellers with accommodation, among other things," she said.

"Madhya Pradesh is bestowed with diversity and has hence designed diverse tourism products," Sundriyal said. To promote various tourism projects, MP government has come out with policies like "wayside amenities", "land allotment" and "incentive for heritage projects", she said.

"We have mapped 303 wayside amenities which will be build over the next three years with private partnership. We are trying to increase accommodation (for tourists) and planning to increase it two times over the next five years by offering land parcels."

"Under the heritage policy, Taj Mahal palace in Bhopal, Govind Garh Fort in Rewa and Madhavgarh Fort in Satna district would be converted into heritage hotels under PPP model," the official added.

PTI
Partial Solar Eclipse updates: See stunning photos of Surya Grahan from Chennai, Bengaluru, Patna and more

India joins Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

News

oi-Lisa

By Lisa

India became a member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) today. SCO is a political, economic and military organisation which was formed in 2001 in Shanghai. The member nations of SCO before India joining in today were China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

PM Narendra Modi: India is becoming a member of SCO today pic.twitter.com/17MBIhMgkI  Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) June 24, 2016

On July 10th last year SCO decided to make India and Pakistan also its full members. SCO mainly addresses security concerns of its member nations and discusses threats in the form of terrorism and extremism.

The nations also wish to redefine cyberwarfare and expand the scope of the organisation to include military cooperation, intelligence sharing and counterterrorism.

Narendra Modi on SCO membership:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India's membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) would contribute to the region's prosperity and strengthen its security.

In his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, he said connectivity among the countries of the region is crucial to their economic prosperity.

"What we need is seamless flow of goods, services, capital and people among ourselves. Our region also needs to nurture strong rail, road and air links with the rest of the world," he said.

PM Modi said SCO leaders had accepted India as its full member at the Ufa summit last year and the Memorandum of Obligations signed during the Tashkent summit would formalise the process of India's membership.

"I am confident that India's engagement with all SCO members will help us build a region, which is an engine of economic growth for the world; is more stable and secure internally, and strongly connected with other geographies," he said.

He noted that with India as its full member, SCO boundaries would stretch from the Pacific to Europe and from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean.

"India's membership of SCO would contribute to region's prosperity. It would also strengthen its security. Our partnership will protect our societies from the threats of radical ideologies of hate, violence and terror," PM Modi said.

"India will unite with SCO countries to work towards this goal. And, we will adopt zero tolerance and a comprehensive approach in fighting terrorism at all levels," he added.

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Story first published: Friday, June 24, 2016, 16:27 [IST]
ISIS tells foreign fighters to return home; plans global outreach

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, June 24: The ISIS has started sending its foreign fighters back home. Several foreign fighters have been asked to return home following the spate of defeats the outfit has faced in both Iraq and Syria. The ISIS bastion in several cities in both Syria and Iraq have gone out of the outfit's control and hence plan b has been adopted.

While the decline of the ISIS is indeed very good news for both Syria and Iraq, it could emerge as a problem for the rest of the world. The ISIS' intent in sending the foreign fighters back is not exactly a retreat, but a ploy to execute revenge.

ISIS prepares kill list of 285 Indian civilians

Foreign fighters returning is not a retreat

The return of the foreign fighters is not exactly a retreat by the ISIS. It is part of Plan B and a new propaganda. The ISIS has instructed its foreign fighters to gain entry into their home countries and stage attacks.

The idea is to execute revenge. Europe is likely to be the hardest hit in such a scenario.

While the ISIS would try and win back lost ground in both Iraq and Syria, the idea for now is to extend its global reach. Even in the Indian scenario it could pose a problem since there are around 21 Indians with the ISIS. There is a possibility of these persons also being asked to return.

India had in fact sensed this sometime back and decided to press strong charges against Areeb Majeed who returned from the ISIS fold to Mumbai.

Indian intelligence officials say that one needs to be particularly weary of the returnees as they come back with a motive. Even if any of the ISIS returnees seek help or asylum, they should never be out in the open.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 24, 2016, 16:03 [IST]
Despite the SC bail, journalist Siddique Kappan to remain in jail

Delhi: Bursting crackers on Diwali can land you in jail

Jail riot leaves one prisoner dead in UP

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Lucknow, June 24: One prisoner was killed as violence broke out in Muzaffarnagar jail on Friday,June 24 as two groups of prison inmates fought pitched battle inside the high-security prison.

One of the prison inmates - Chandrahas, who was serving a life sentence was killed in the rioting. He was beaten to death, officials said.

Heavy police reinforcements were rushed to contain the rioting in Barrack 3 and the situation continues to be tense.

Uttar Pradesh has been witness to heavy rioting inside its jails in the past few months, with prison officials and prisoners being brazenly attacked.

IANS


Gopuja at all Karnataka Temples today: Govt explains how it should be done

Karnataka: Three arrested for ragging nursing student

India

oi-PTI

Kalaburgi (Karna), Jun 25: Three senior students of a nursing college here were today arrested in connection with the alleged ragging of a first year Dalit girl student from Kerala who is now being treated at a hospital in her home state for severe damage to her internal organs.

Kalaburugi Superintendent of Police N Shashikumar told PTI that those arrested were identified as Lakshmi, Athera and Vishnupriya. All of them have been sent to judicial custody, he said.

Nineteen-year-old Aswathi was allegedly force-fed toilet cleaner by her seniors at the hostel of Al Qamal College of Nursing in Kalaburigi on May 9, seriously damaging her internal organs.

She is now battling for life at Kozhikode Medical College hospital, where she was admitted on June 2. Based on her statement, police in Kozhikode had registered an FIR on June 22 against five of her seniors.

Kerala seeks Karnataka's help in ragging case of Dalit nursing student

National Human Rights Commission took cognizance of media reports of the incident and asked the state government and Kozhikode district authorities to file a report on it and action taken.

It issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Karnataka, as well as the District Collector and Superintendent of Police of Kozhikode, calling for reports on action taken in the matter within four weeks.

It observed that ragging has been banned in educational institutions and guidelines on recommendations of the Raghavan Committee to curb ragging have been issued in this regard. NHRC said the Apex Court has also referred to ragging as an ugly scar, which needs to be obliterated from educational institutions.

The college authorities were legally bound and responsible to ensure protection of students from the menace of ragging, the Commission stated.

A Karnataka police team probing the incident is now in Kozhikode and will visit her tomorrow to record her statement. Kerala Women's Commission also wrote to its counterpart in Karnataka, urging it to intervene in the matter.

PTI
Mehbooba Mufti gets notice to vacate official bungalow 'meant for J&K CMs'

Accession Day: Valley lights up on this day when J&K became part of India

Mob attacks police post in Kupwara, 18 policemen injured

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Srinagar, June 24: Eighteen policemen including two officers were injured Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara town after an irate mob attacked a police post with stones.

"Eighteen policemen including the station house officer (SHO) of Kupwara police station and an assistant sub-inspector were injured when an unruly mob resorted to he avy stone pelting at the police post in Kupwara town after the Friday prayers," a senior police officer told IANS here.

"The incident happened after a separatist leader made an inflammatory speech at the local mosque," he said, adding police exercised utmost restraint to ensure that no civilian casualty occurs.

"Some of the injured policemen have sustained serious injuries and have been shifted to hospital for treatment."

Stone-pelting incidents have also occurred in the volatile town of Sopore in Baramulla after the Friday prayers.

IANS
No support to India or Pak until rules followed: China on NSG bid

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, June 24: China has once again reiterated that it will not back any nation's bid into the NSG until the rules are followed. China which has been a stumbling block for India's entry into the NSG made it clear once again that until the rules are followed, it will not allow any nation to be part of the NSG.

China chief negotiator in Seoul said that Beijing would back a country only if its a member of the NPT. Those countries which are non NPT members will not be allowed membership of the NSG.

Both India and Pakistan are not members of the NPT. We do not back India or Pakistan until the rules are followed, China contended.

India meanwhile has been making a push to be part of the NSG. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Chinese President Xi Jinping at Seoul yesterday to consider Delhi entry into the NSG.

China held up the meeting at Seoul for nearly 5 hours in the morning yesterday using a procedural block. However it conceded after the meeting decided to consider the technical and legal issues with regard to the entry of non NPT members.

OneIndia News
Divers joins in the search for missing crew members of the sea patrol plane CASA 212. Photo by Vietnam National Defense

Search teams looking for the missing sea patrol plane CASA 212 this morning reported that they have found two more bodies at the location of the aircrafts supposed crash site, raising the fatality count to four.

The Ministry of Defense said the two bodies were discovered at 6:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. 15 nautical miles from Bach Long Vy Island in Hai Phong Province. The bodies had signs indicating that they were two of the nine crew members on the CASA 212.

The planes exact location was pinpointed by the search teams yesterday where they initially found two dead bodies. One has been confirmed to be Major Nguyen Van Chinh, according to a VnExpress source. The identities of the others remain unclear.

Debris from CASA 212 is hauled onto a salvage boat. Photo by Vietnam National Defense

Minister of Defense Ngo Xuan Lich earlier urged agencies to accelerate the search for the remaining crew members. Due to likely worsening weather condition, Lich has requested all units to act with caution, prioritizing the absolute safety of the search teams.

Sea patrol plane CASA C-212 Aviocar 400, operated by the Vietnam Coast Guard, was reported missing on June 16 during a search mission for the Su-30MK2 Vietnamese fighter jet that crashed offshore the central province of Nghe An. The jet had two pilots on board, one of whom, Major Nguyen Huu Cuong, was rescued, but the other, Lieutenant Colonel Tran Quang Khai, 43, was found dead at sea.

Airbus, the maker of the sea patrol plane, is currently cooperating with Vietnam to identify the reasons behind the incident. On June 21, the company asked for data from the black box and CASAs cockpit recordings to be transferred to Airbuss office in Madrid (Spain) so they can reconstruct the accident for investigation.

Related news:

> CASA 212 crew member found dead at crash site

> Vietnamese search team finds body at CASA 212 plane crash site

> Vietnam Coast Guard homes in on black box of missing CASA plane

> Su-30 fighter and CASA-212 rescuer: the tragedy explained
NSG bid: Can India break the Great Wall of China

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, June 24: It was said on Wednesday that a decision on India's entry into the NSG would boil down to the wire. After a tense day in Seoul where the 48 member NSG met, India managed to bag the support of over 30 nations. The NSG works on a consensus and China can veto India's entry into the NSG.

China held up the meeting for nearly 5 hours in the morning using a procedural block. However it conceded after the meeting decided to consider the technical and legal issues with regard to the entry of non NPT members.

China isolated:

Despite an appeal by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Beijing remained adamant. It was Japan which raised India's membership during the meeting. The same was seconded by Argentina.

Following this 30 members declared support citing India's nuclear nonproliferation record. Brazil, South Africa too backed India's bid. While Austria, Switzerland and Ireland supported India, they sought to know how the process would be undertaken.

China however continued to stick to its point. It said that an entry into the NSG must be limited to only those nations that have signed the NPT. The meeting ended last night with the representatives being told to contact their governments for further instructions. The plenary will be held today and a decision on India's entry into the NSG will be finalised.

OneIndia News
Subramanian Swamy seeks probe by SC Judge into helicopter crash that killed CDS Bipin Rawat, others

Ministers in 'coat and tie' look like waiters, they should wear Indian clothes: Swamy

India

oi-Mukul Kumar Mishra

New Delhi, June 24: BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy who is known for his controversial statements, has done it yet again.

After attacking Reserve Bank of India's Governor Raghuram Rajan and Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, the firebrand leader has now trained his guns on NDA's ministers.

Taking a dig at ministers, Swamy said that they should wear Indian clothes as they look like waiters in 'coat and tie'. "BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters, BJP leader tweeted.

BJP should direct our Ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 24, 2016

Media reports say that Swamy's comment was for Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, whose photographs of meeting with the Bank of China Chairman Tian Guoli in Beijing in a longue suit appeared in newspapers recently.

Of late, Swamy has been targetting important personalities who are somewhere linked with Finance Ministry.

On Friday, Swamy issued veiled threat to those asking him to follow restraint saying if he "disregarded discipline there will be a bloodbath." "People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realise that if I disregard discipline there would be a bloodbath," he tweeted.

Earlier, Swamy demanded Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian's sacking. Taking to micro-blogging website, Swamy said, "US Cong on 13/3/13 the US should act against India to defend US Pharmaceuticals interests? Arvind Subramanian MoF !! Sack him!!!".

Subramanian Swamy's started his tirade with scathing attack on Rajan, who announced last week that he would return to academics after his current tenure as RBI Governor ends on September 4.

Swamy had attacked Rajan, saying he is 'unfit' for the job and is 'mentally not fully Indian'. Incidently, both Rajan and Arvind Subramanian have worked at the IMF.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 24, 2016, 11:42 [IST]
Action will be taken in S Sudan incident: UN peacekeeping chief

International

oi-PTI

United Nations, June 24: The UN has said it will sent home those peacekeepers found responsible of "inadequate response" during a deadly attack on its base in South Sudan where 48,000 civilians had sought refuge in February.

The United Nations takes "very seriously" the findings that confusion over command and rules of engagement hampered peacekeepers' response to the deadly attack, the world body's top peacekeeping official has said.

"We take it very seriously the fact that the Board of Inquiry points to an inadequate response by some of our people on the ground [in Malakal]; there was a lack of responsiveness from some and lack of understanding about the rules of engagement," Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Herve Ladsous told reporters yesterday after what he described as "very extensive" closed-door consultations with the UN Security Council.

Ladsous did not name the troops' countries but UN sources said Ethiopian, Rwandan, Indian and Bangladeshi units were deployed in Malakal at the time of the incident.

An Indian official said that Indian troops were not guarding the camp at the time of the incident. Ladsous said he has already spoken with the Permanent Representatives to the UN of the countries concerned. "That time to call names has not come.

I have talked to the Permanent Representatives of the country concerned and there will be follow up as there has been. I will not name names at this point but certainly there will be repatriation, in some cases of a unit and in other cases of individual officers," he said.

Ladsous along with Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, and Stephen O'Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, briefed the 15-member Council on that state of what are now known as 'Protection of Civilian' (PoC) sites that have been up and running in for the past two years in South Sudan.

The UN peacekeeping chief stated that "there was no question that at the time, we made the right decision to take in these people  many of them would be dead now if we had not done that. But then, no one expected the crisis [in South Sudan] to continue for such a long time and that we would still have these huge numbers in our protection sites."

The briefing came after the release of a note to correspondents, in which the Office of the Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said a special investigation and a UN Headquarters board of inquiry were convened to review the circumstances of the violence that erupted in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) PoC site in Malakal from February 17 to 18, in which at least 30 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were killed, 123 others were wounded, and a significant portion of the camp was destroyed.

According to the note, the preliminary report of the board mentions, among others, that a number of issues contributed to the incident.

On the UNMISS response, there was confusion with respect to command and control and rules of engagement, and a lack of coordination among the various civilian and uniformed peacekeepers in Malakal at the time of the crisis, the note said.

PTI
After UK exits EU, will we see pro-remain Scotland exiting UK?

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

London, June 24: The Scots, who went to a referendum seeking independence from the UK in 2014 but fell short of their target, have voted overwelmingly in favour of remaining within the EU in the June 23 referendum but witnessed other parts of the UK preferring the Brexit. Glasgow (which voted for Scottish independence in 2014) and Edinburgh---the two big cities of Scotland---voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining in the EU.

The Scottish National Party (SNP), which failed in its 2014 bid to see Scotland as an independent country, raised the possibility of another referendum for Scottish independence if the UK decides to go out of the EU. Now, with that prospects becoming clear, the second referendum for Scottish independence in less than two years is also given a thought. [Is Northern Ireland eyeing a united Ireland?]

Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond said in case the UK exits the EU, Prime Minister David Cameron would now work on a two-year-long negotiated exit and that time could be used for a fresh referendum on Scotland's independence.

But will Scotland be able to smoothly return to the EU even if it succeeds to get a positive referendum to exit the UK?

What Election Commission had said ahead of Scottish referendum in 2014?

The European Commission had said ahead of the 2014 referendum in Scotland that the latter would have to reapply for membership if it succeeded in leaving the UK.

Reiterating that the EU's position on an independent Scotland did not change, the EC said in 2012, the then EC president Jose Manuel Barroso had informed a British MP that if a part of the territory of a member state ceased to be the latter's part by becoming an independent state itself, the EU treaties would no longer apply to that territory---suggesting that an independent Scotland would not be a member of the EU.

Barroso had also said that states breaking away from an existing member will find it difficult to get backing from all member states to enter the EU.

But now with the UK deciding not to remain an EU member, Scotland seems to be in a better place to vie for an EU membership if it succeeds to pull out of the UK.

Oneindia News
Brexit may cause period of uncertainty, adjustment: BIS

International

oi-PTI

Basel, Jun 24: As central bankers from across the world, including RBI chief Raghuram Rajan, met here today, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) said there is likely to be a "period of uncertainty and adjustment" in the wake of Britain's decision to exit the European Union.

In a development that could have far-reaching implications for Europe as well as the global economy, Britain has voted to leave the 28-nation bloc EU, causing bloodbath in financial markets.

"There is likely to be a period of uncertainty and adjustment... With good co-operation at a global level, we are confident that uncertainty can be contained and adjustments proceed as smoothly as possible," BIS said in a statement.

Noting that the referendum outcome has resulted in high volatility in markets, BIS said extensive contingency plans by the private sector and central banks have been put in place to limit disturbances.

Brexit: Article 50 and the process of leaving EU

"Stronger capital and liquidity buffers in the private sector have also made financial systems more resilient," the statement said. "Central banks have already communicated that they are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to take the necessary actions to ensure orderly market functioning."

Earlier in the day, Rajan asked central banks across the globe to desist from currency depreciation to create competitive advantage in the wake of Britain's exit from the EU. "Authorities across the world will (have to) pay more attention to building popular and political support for keeping an open world," he said, adding that rallying public support would be a "silver lining" from the Brexit episode.

Meanwhile, BIS also said the UK is closely integrated in the global economy and hosts one of the world's most important financial centres. Heads of central banks are meeting here at the headquarters of BIS, which is popularly known as the bank for central banks.

PTI
Brexit trade deal reached between UK and European Union with just days to spare

Brexit 'wake-up call for Europe': Austrian leader

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Vienna, June 25: Austrian President Heinz Fischer on Friday called the British decision to leave the European Union a "wake up call" for Europe.

Saying he does not fear a "domino effect" of referendums across the continent, he also expressed his belief that Austria will be able to manage in the aftermath of the British departure from the EU, Xinhua reported.

Fischer nonetheless described the outcome as a "shock" that made Europe "hold its breath".

Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern also expressed disappointment at the outcome of the British referendum, claiming Europe will now lose some of its global standing.

"Today is not a good day for Great Britain, for Europe, and also not a good day for our country," Kern said.

NATO says UK to stay 'strong ally' despite Brexit

In response to the notion that the British outcome may lead other EU member states to call for similar referendums, Kern said these would "make no sense", and noted that no such referendum would be held in Austria.

He said one must now learn from the result of the British referendum, and "draw very clear conclusions".

This includes paying attention to the concerns of the populace, and the showing of political leadership. He also argued that up to now pro-EU advocates have been "much too defensive".

Meanwhile, the heads of Austrian economic and industrial groups expressed dismay at the outcome of the British referendum on its EU membership, and have called for new ways forward.

President of the Austrian Economic Chambers Christoph Leitl stated the outcome of the vote was "unfortunate". He said the Austrian government and other social partners now have the task of mitigating the negative consequences on Austria.

In addition EU decision-makers must act with "cool heads" as the separation of Britain from the EU takes place, with the phase of uncertainty to be kept as short as possible.

The director of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research Karl Aiginger expressed similar sentiments, noting that while the decisions of the British has led to some uncertainty, it has provided the EU with the chance to implement some long-overdue reforms and measures that could bring back economic growth.

Europe must strategically tackle the issue of economic recovery and not be caught up in the issue of the Greek crisis, or the migrant crisis and "forget everything else", he added.

President of the Federation of Austrian Industries Georg Kapsch said the EU is now required to "provide quick answers for its future viability, to solve the crisis of confidence".

IANS
Crashed EgyptAir black boxes to go to France for repairs

International

oi-PTI

Cairo, Jun 23: The damaged black box flight recorders of an EgyptAir plane that crashed into the Mediterranean last month are to be sent to France for repairs, the Egyptian investigative committee said today.

It said the memory units were damaged from the two recorders recovered from the seabed almost a month after the crash of the Airbus A320. Investigators hope the recorders will reveal the cause of the May 19 crash of flight MS804 from Paris to Cairo, in which 66 people were killed.

"The memory units of the two flights recorders were damaged," the investigative committee said in a statement. It said members of the panel would travel to France next week "with the electronic circuits of the two black boxes to have them repaired in laboratories of the (French air safety agency) BEA and to eliminate salt deposits".

The repaired units would be returned to Cairo for analysis in Egypt's aviation ministry laboratories, the committee said. It also said that French forensic doctors would join their Egyptian counterparts to take part in the recovery operations of body remains at the site of the crash, in which 30 Egyptian passengers and 15 French nationals were among the dead.

The investigative committee began examining the black boxes last Saturday in the presence of representatives from France and the United States, where the engine was made. The data on the boxes are being unloaded, before they are fully analysed in a procedure that is expected to last several weeks.

Investigators have said it is too early to determine what caused the plane to crash, although a terror attack has not been ruled out. France's aviation safety agency has said the aircraft transmitted automated messages indicating smoke in the cabin and a fault in the flight control unit minutes before it disappeared.

Egyptian investigators have confirmed the aircraft had made a 90-degree left turn followed by a 360-degree turn to the right before hitting the sea. The crash came after the bombing of a Russian airliner over Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula last October that killed all 224 people on board.

AFP
How will Brexit impact UK?

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

London, June 24: The UK has voted in favour of leaving the European Union (EU), though the difference is close. However, the move is an unprecedented now for the UK will be the first country to leave the EU, if the Leave campaign ultimately prevails. The UK would seek to leave the EU by 2019 and would have two years to negotiate a deal after pushing the exit button of the EU treaties. [What is Brexit and why is it important?]

How will Brexit impact the UK hereafter?

Here is a short summary:

Financial: The UK could see a black hole worth 30bn in public finances after exiting the EU, warn experts.

Economic: The UK's impact would take a toll---the intensity of which depends on factors like trade, productivity and foreign direct investment. The pro-exit group, however, thinks that the economy would prosper once the country is out for it believes the EU's rules are too strict. [Will India gain from Brexit? Pros and cons]

For PM David Cameron: The UK prime minister had promised the referendum during the general election last year and eventually went for it though he himself was in favour of remaining in the EU. The Brexit could see the end of his premiership as his Conservative Party is split over the the issue.

Other political consequences: The Brexit could see a period of profound uncertainty for both the UK and EU.

Immigration: The Leave camp built its campaign around the record influx of EU nationals. Nearly three-quarters of EU citizens working in the UK would fail the visa requirements for non-EU overseas workers if the UK leaves the club. However, such norms are likely to apply to the new applicants rather than those who are already staying in the UK.

Trade: Brexit will mean the Uk would not see to join the EU's single market which allows free movement of labour. Instead, it will now seek a dealing with the body. The future of the service sector will be under watch.

How Europe responds: European leaders have engaged in secret talks for an EU sans UK. Their Plan B now focuses on security and defence cooperation.

Oneindia News
It's confirmed: UK votes for Brexit, to leave EU

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

London, June 24: The UK has finally voted to leave the European Union (EU) with the Leave campaign securing 51.8 per cent of the votes polled. The Remain campaign has got 48.1 per cent vote.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who is facing calls to resign as the prime minister, will address the nation shortly.

Of the countries of the UK, while England voted in favour of Brexit, Scotland and Northern Ireland wanted to stay back. London, too, wanted to stay back but the turnout in the capital was lower than expected owing to bad weather.

Pound crashes to lowest level since 1985

The Pound also crashed to the lowest level since 1985 as sterling fell below $1.35. Besides, hours of trading suggested that the FTSE 100 will drop by 8.8 per cent or by around 560 points. The fall would be the third worst in history if stocks remained so down at the end of the day.

Oneindia News
Indias economy has some bright spots, a number of very dark stains: Raghuram Rajan

Fact Check: No, Raghuram Rajan is not the new Governor of the Bank of England

Markets factoring Brexit, RBI watching: Raghuram Rajan

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Basel (Switzerland), June 24: Markets around the world are trying to factor the consequences of the UK's decision to quit the European Union, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said on Friday,June 24.

He said in a statement that the Reserve Bank of India was ready to act when necessary.

"Markets are trying to factor the consequences of this development and this has already led to sharp corrections in financial markets around the world," Rajan said.

He said the RBI was continuously maintaining a close vigil on the market developments, both domestically and internationally.

"(We) will take all necessary steps, including liquidity support (both dollar and rupee), to ensure orderly conditions in financial markets," he said.

The Governor said the RBI had prepared for this outcome too although polls before Thursday had suggested confidence in the 'Remain' vote on Brexit.

"The Indian economy has good fundamentals, low short term external debt, and sizeable foreign reserves. These should stand the country in good stead in the days to come," he said.

Rajan earlier told CNBC TV18: "RBI is watching the markets. It is ready to act where there is disorderly conduct of the markets. We are prepared to act.

"In any kind of market volatility, there is opportunity also. Some movement in currency is warranted. We are watching all the markets and prices though it is not an immediate shock for liquidity in the system."

Britain's vote rattled Indian financial markets, shaving some over 1,000 points, or 4 per cent, off a key equities index, while pulling the rupee at around Rs 68 to a dollar mark.

The Indian Finance Ministry sought to calm stakeholders' nerves amid mayhem in the financial markets.

"The government and the RBI as well as other regulators are well prepared and working closely together to deal with any short term volatility," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in a statement from Beijing.

"Our aim will be to smooth this volatility, minimize its impact on economy in short term. For the medium term, we will pursue our reforms agenda."

Around 1.22 p.m., the sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE was ruling at 26216.25 points, down 785.97 points, or 2.91 per cent, while the Nifty of the National Stock Exchange was trading at 8,022.20 points, down 248.25 points, or 3 per cent.

IANS
The owner of the biggest hotel in Ca Mau Province who received a controversial verdict of just three years probation for having sex with a minor has been arrested after a higher judicial authority demanded a retrial.

In mid-April, Ca Mau People's Court issued a guilty verdict to Tieu Van Luan (57)  the Vietnamese-American owner of the Best Hotel in Ca Mau  for having sex with a 15-year-old girl. Lam Thi Chau (40), the madam who arranged for Luan to have sex with the girl, was also found guilty and received the same sentence.

While the judicial panel considered the behavior of Luan and Chau to be dangerous to society and harmful to the physical and psychological development of children, the court only sentenced him to three years probation. The panel claimed good family backgrounds and outstanding business achievements as the reasons for the lenient sentence.

Local media cited several prosecutors and lawyers as saying that the punishment was "too lenient," considering that such crimes often lead to a prison term of between seven and 15 years based on Vietnam's Penal Code.

On June 23, Ca Mau Peoples Court ordered the arrest of Luan in preparation for a retrial following a request by Chief Judge of the Supreme Peoples Court Nguyen Hoa Binh, who asked the court to review its earlier unusual decision. The date of the retrial has yet to be confirmed.

In this case, the defendant is a big property owner. The public and the media have questioned whether that was the reason for the short sentence. There was even a comment that said he was very lucky to be in Vietnam. If he was in the U.S., he would have faced serious jail time, Binh said.

Earlier in May, Ca Mau's Peoples Procuracy also appealed the decision by the local Peoples Court and demanded a tougher penalty for Luan. Chau will also face a tougher sentence after the prosecutors office found the verdict for both defendants incompliant with the law.

Luan went to the U.S. in 1980. Seven years later he was granted a membership card from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. Luan has been praised for his creative ideas in manufacturing mobile houses.

Having sex with a child between 13 and 16 years old is a serious criminal offence in Vietnam and punishable by up to 15 years in jail. Procuring sex with minors may also lead to a 15-year jail term.

Related news:

> Vietnam named as new child sex tourism destination

> Vietnamese actor arrested in U.S. on child sex charges

> Child sex tourism does not exist in Vietnam: official
PM Modi likely to visit Arunachal on Oct 30 to inaugurate greenfield airport

PM Modi pays tribute to Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj on his jayanti

Modi to meet Russian President Putin at SCO

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Tashkent, June 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to hold a bilateral meeting on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit here.

Modi, who arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit, earlier held a bilateral meeting with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, in his first diplomatic engagement of the day.

He later posed for a family photograph with the SCO members ahead of attending a plenary of the grouping that is to focus on enhancing connectivity and cooperation.

"Expanding cooperation in our extended neighbourhood. PM @narendramodi with SCO Summit leaders in a family photograph," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

"Enhancing connectivity & cooperation, building prosperity. PM @narendramodi attends SCO Plenary in Tashkent," he posted.

The six-member China-led grouping has kicked off the process for absorbing India and Pakistan as members, following an agreement reached last year at the summit in Ufa, Russia.

IANS
Narendra Modi meets Belarus, Tajikistan leaders in Tashkent

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Tashkent, June 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon on the sidelines of the SCO summit here.

During the talks with Belarus, the two sides discussed the anniversary of 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Belarus, focussing on all the different spheres of bilateral ties.

NSG bid: Can India break the Great Wall of China

Both sides stressed on the need to take relations to new heights. The diversification of trade, encouraging the possibility of Indian investments in potash mines in Belarus and collaboration in the field of science and technology, particularly by drawing on the talent of the youth were priority areas of discussion, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement.

Strengthening ties with Tajikistan...PM @narendramodi and President Rahmon hold talks. pic.twitter.com/IT7lRmfDDN  PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 24, 2016

Modi met President Rahmon on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. The two leaders decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in a manner befitting the strong bonds between the two countries.

Both leaders spoke of the intensification of trade and economic linkages, working towards better connectivity between the two countries and of ongoing security cooperation. The yearly celebration of the International Day of Yoga was a special item of discussion, the statement said.

IANS
Pak, Afghanistan to set up bilateral mechanism to address border issues

International

oi-PTI

Islamabad, June 24: Pakistan and Afghanistan will set up a high-level bilateral mechanism to coordinate on security issues and amicably address border-related matters, officials said today, days after violent border clashes left casualties on both sides.

The decision was taken during a meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent.

Afghan National Security Adviser Haneef Atmar was also present at the meeting. Pakistan and Aghanistan agreed to constitute a high-level bilateral mechanism for consultation and coordination on issues relating to bilateral relations and cooperation, including security, movement of people and vehicles between the two countries and other relevant issues, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.

The proposed mechanism will be co-chaired by Aziz and Rabbani and with the participation of the National Security Advisers of the two countries. "It will also have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of both countries," the statement said.

The main purpose of this mechanism would be not only to address and resolve issues concerning the two countries amicably but also to prevent recurrence of violent incidents like the ones witnessed recently in Torkham, it said.

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed due to clashes between the two sides in which a Pakistan army Major and an Afghan border guard were killed earlier this month.

The clash had started when Pakistan refused to stop construction of a security gate to stop illegal crossings. Torkham is one of the busiest of the eight established crossing points on the 2,500-kilometre-long porous border between the two countries, which is used by some 25,000 travellers every day.

The two countries also took this opportunity to review other aspects of bilateral ties and reaffirmed respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to the principle of non-interference into each other's internal affairs.

Aziz and Rabbani reiterated their desire for strengthening bilateral relations for promoting peace, stability, counter terrorism and economic progress of both the countries.

The two sides specifically expressed their firm commitment to continue serious efforts towards eliminating the scourge of terrorism which poses a grave threat to the peace and security of the two countries, and the region.

They also stressed the need for continuing joint efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through timely and concrete actions resulting in tangible outcomes, including in the framework of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group process - involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US.

PTI
Post Brexit, is Northern Ireland eyeing a united Ireland?

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

London, June 24: Although 52 per cent favoured Brexit in the historic referendum which took place on June 23, a question has been raised over the 'United' tag of the UK.

Of the 48 per cent which voted to remain in the UK are London, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The rest has favoured the exit plan. [UK votes to leave EU]

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has, for instance, called for a border poll on a united Ireland after the UK preferred to exit the EU.

The support for the EU is quite high in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK. The country, which shares a border with the Republic of Ireland, receives significant financial backing from the EU in the form of 'peace money' to fund projects as part of the peace process in the wake of the ethno-nationalist conflict called the Troubles. [After UK exits EU, will we see pro-remain Scotland exiting UK?]

Parties of Northern Ireland including Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance have largely campaigned to stay in the EU. The only exception is the Democratic Unionist Party which has favoured Brexit.

Those who have favoured a united Ireland have asked whethern an effective border will have to be erected around mainland Great Britain, cutting off Northern Ireland from Great Britain (the Great Britain along with Northern Ireland is called the UK). [What did PM Cameron say after Brexit?]

Scotland also not happy

The Scots, who went to a referendum in 2014 eyeing independence from the UK, might take another attempt at it after the UK decided to exit the EU. The Scots have overwhelmingly voted in favour of remain but were outnumbered by the pro-exit votes in the rest of the UK. [How Brexit will affect India?]

Wales for Brexit

Wales, the fourth member of the UK, however, favoured Brexit as like England. With 52.5 per cent of the country's voters backing Leave, Conservative Welsh leader and Leave supporter Andrew RT Davies said the countrt's politics had changed forever.

Oneindia News
Salman Khan yet to issue apology, says 'the less I speak the better it is'

International

oi-Sandra Marina Fernandes

Madrid, June 24: After sparking controversy over his 'raped woman' remark, Bollywood actor Salman, who is currently in Madrid for the IIFA awards, said at a press conference 'the less I speak the better it is.'

The actor, who is yet to issue an apology for his comments said during the press conference: "I know it has been a long evening, I will make it short, quick. Knowing me the shorter I keep it the better it is."

Salman Khan lands in soup for his 'raped woman' analogy

Salman, who is currently promoting his upcoming film Sultan, had earlier in the week said that 'he felt liked a raped woman while shooting the wrestling scenes for his film.'

However the actor is said to have apologised for his comment immediately and said that he did not mean to say that. "I don't think I should have," he said and then went on to correct his statement.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) then asked the actor to apologise within seven days to which he has not responded yet.

NCW flays Salman Khan for rape remark, asks for apology

Salman's father, Salim Khan, on the other hand apologised on Tuesday, June 21 and said:" Undoubtedly what Salman said is wrong, the simili, example and the context. The intention was not wrong. Nevertheless I apologise on behalf of his family his fans & his friends."

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Story first published: Friday, June 24, 2016, 10:55 [IST]
Brexit trade deal reached between UK and European Union with just days to spare

Timeline: From UK's entry into EEC to exiting EU

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

London, June 24: The United Kingdom (UK) in a historic referendum on Friday (June 23) decided to quit the European Union (EU). The decision left the political and economic worlds stunned and UK Prime Minister David Cameron expressed his will to resign within three months.

In the referendum, 52 per cent voted in favour of Leave campaign while the rest went in favour of the Remain campaign. However, countries like Scotland and Northern Ireland voted overwhlemingly in favour of Remain besides the capital---London. England and Wales, on the other hand, mostly favoured Leave.

When did the UK/Great Britain become the member of the EU?

Here we have a look at a brief timeline from the time Britain had applied for a membership of the European body till the Brexit.

August 1961: Britain made a formal application to join the European Economic Community (EEC), predecessor of the EU. Conservative Harold Macmillan was the prime minister of Britain then.

January 1963: The then French president Charles de Gaulle vetoed Britain's entry into the body, saying it was not ready.

November 1967: Charles de Gaulle vetoes Britain's entry into the European body yet again.

January 1973: Britain finally makes it to the EEC, along with Ireland and Denmark. Charles de Gaulle had left the office by then.

June 1975: Slightly more than 67 per cent of Britain's voters spoke in favour of joining the EU in a referendum.

November 1979: The then British PM Margaret Thatcher demanded a rebate on her country's contribution to the European budget. Her phrase "I want my money back" became a memorable part of the speech she made on the issue.

November 1990: Thatcher forced to resign as PM as many thought her lack of conviction about Europe saw Britain's influence diminishing.

February 1992: Treaty of Maastricht was signed, paving the way for the EU. The British, however, decided not to adopt Euro---the common currency of the EU.

July 1993: The then British PM John Major held a confidence motion in his government over the Maastricht Treaty following a major infighting in his Conservative Party over Europe.

January 2013: British PM David Cameron promised a referendum on his country's membership of the EU if his party---the Conservatives---won the next general election.

May 2014: The anti-EU UK Independence Party led by Niger Farage topped the European Parliament elections with over 26 per cent of votes and secured 24 seats.

May 2015: The Conservatives won the general election in Britain comprehensively.

February 2016: After negotiating key reforms in Brussels, Cameron declared that the referendum would be held on June 23.

June 2016: Britain votes in favour of Brexit, i.e. exit from the EU.

Oneindia News
US desires to see India's NSG application be considered

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Jun 24: The US desires to see India's application for NSG membership be considered seriously even as its bid to enter the 48-nation grouping has hit a roadblock reportedly due to Chinese opposition.

"We have made clear our desire to see India's application be seriously considered," State Department Spokesman Kohn Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference yesterday. NSG members are scheduled to continue their meeting in Seoul today wherein countries supporting India's application are expected to raise it again.

The US, Kirby said, has consistently supported and raised India's membership to the NSG before its other 47 member countries.

"We have made very clear our support of their application, and I have no reason to suspect that it was not discussed at this meeting. But what was discussed in the room and where they came down, I just do not know. I will see what we can do to find out for you, but I do not know how complete an answer I am going to be able to give you," Kirby added.

China "belligerently" led opposition to India's membership of NSG at a three-hour post-dinner meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group here last night which ended in a deadlock.

Preceding the two-day plenary of the 48-member NSG, which began yesterday, China had repeatedly said that India's membership was not on the agenda and is said to have made every effort to prevent any discussion on India's bid. Indian official sources said that China was joined by Austria, Ireland and Brazil among other countries which questioned as to how a country like India which had not signed the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) can be admitted to the grouping.

PTI
What does the US actually want in Syria?

US launches first airstrikes against Afghan Taliban

International

oi-PTI

Kabul, Jun 24: The US military has launched its first airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan since President Barack Obama's decision to expand America's involvement against the insurgents.

Two US officials confirmed today to The Associated Press that the airstrikes began this month but wouldn't elaborate on their outcome.

US military spokesman in Kabul, Brig Gen Charles Cleveland, says US forces "have conducted a limited number of strikes under these new authorities.

" He says the strikes "are only being used where they may help the Afghans achieve a strategic effect."

Afghan Taliban kidnaps 40 people in Kunduz

Obama's decision gave the US military wider latitude to support Afghan forces, both in the air and on the ground Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt Jeff Davis, said the expanded US military authorities have been in effect "for about the last week or so."

AP
Will Brexit impact intelligence sharing with EU?

International

oi-Vicky

London,June 23: It is Britain and not the United States of America which continues to be the favourite target for Jihadis. Most of the foreign fighters of the ISIS are from Britain.

To fight an outfit such as the ISIS, intelligence is one of the key factors. The question is how will Brexit or a British withdrawal from the European Union affect intelligence sharing?

There is unlikely to be any set back.

However, Britain would need to quickly move and form a new intelligence sharing mechanism with Europe in the interest of security.

There are likely to be some disruptions to cooperation with Europe as Britain will no longer be part of the Europol which was a fusion centre that had recently been created.

Britain still part of the Five Eyes:

Britain was the only European nation to be part of Five Eyes Intelligence Sharing Community comprising the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Britain's intelligence network was the largest in Europe. Despite its exit from the EU, it will continue to be part of the Five Eyes community. Prior to Brexit, Britain never directly shared the intelligence by Five Eyes with its European partners.

There is also an argument that the sharing of intelligence between Britain and the EU may suffer to a certain extent. Although the intelligence sharing between Britain the EU has always remained bi-lateral, some argue that it would not be the same now. Bilateral arrangements are different compared to institutional arrangements.

Terrorists will still have Britain on its radar:

The ISIS has said in almost every propaganda material that its prime target is Europe. Now with Britain exiting the EU, does it make the country less of a potential target. The answer is no and Britain will continue to remain very high on the hit list of terrorist organisations.

Britain has not been under the terror radar because it was part of the EU. Its policies have been one of the reason for terrorists attempting strikes in Britain. Further terrorists have also targeted Britain for its close military cooperation with the US and NATO.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 24, 2016, 12:38 [IST]
A young woman, working in the IT major Infosys, was brutally hacked to death at Nungambakkam railway station in Chennai. The incident took place around 6.30 am when she was waiting to board train for work. The victim was identified by police sources as S Swathi, unmarried and aged 24, and a resident of South Gangai Amman Koil Street, Choolaimedu, a congested residential area just adjoining the Nungambakkam railway station.,According to local sources, Swathi was waiting at the second platform when a young man, wearing green shirt and black pants, approached her. After a few minutes of heated arguments, the man had took out a sickle from a travel bag he was carrying and assaulted her. The victim had tried to escape, but lost balance and fell on the ground.
Vietnamese PM says not to allow "interest groups" to manipulate policies

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc while chairing a meeting on policy making on June 23 said the government will not let interest groups manipulate policies, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in a speech in 2012 also said the country's investment strategies, planning, and policies must not be swayed by interest groups.

The government's meeting on Thursday was also attended by the cabinet members, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other relevant agencies.

The Law on Enterprise and the Law on Investment both took effect on July 1, 2015, but the central government has yet to issue new decrees to provide specific guidance for their implementation.

Currently, there are 114 legal documents that set out the requirements for 167 different occupations and business sectors that were issued by various ministries, but under the new Law on Investment, they will become invalid on July 1 this year. The central government must issue new regulations to replace them as ministries will no longer have the authority to regulate this area.

According to the Government Office, 49 out of 50 draft decrees submitted by the relevant ministries are pending for the prime ministers approval.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (center) at the meeting on June 23. Photo by VGP/Quang Hieu

Failure to issue the decrees before July 1 will create a legal gap that can substantially affect the governments management and the countrys investment and business environment, VNA said.

Phuc said the new decrees must remove barriers and create favorable conditions for people and businesses to promote productivity and economic growth. Ministries were asked to cut unnecessary business requirements and by-permits, and avoid issuing new regulations that may hamper peoples daily activities and business operations.

The ministries were also directed to make public the draft decrees that they have prepared through media outlets and on their websites so that people and companies subject to the regulations can give feedback. After the meeting on Thursday and with comments from relevant stakeholders, ministries were asked to adjust the drafts to make sure that the decrees have highest quality after final approval.

The minister responsible for his ministrys decrees is held accountable to the prime minister if shortcomings are found after the decrees are issued, VNA said.

Related news:

> Prime Minister wants GDP at 6.7 percent this year

> U.S. President Obama meets with Vietnam Prime Minister and Party Chief

> Clock ticking for directions on new laws on investment and enterprises
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by  Graham Pierrepoint



While the long-term health effects of smoking tobacco regularly have long been a point of contention and have been long since recognised, there has been a sweep towards alternative smoking in the past decade that some are concerned may be just as harmful to peoples health, if not more so. Those wishing to look for alternatives to tobacco have made the move to e-cigarettes and vapour, which have pulled in particular interest in countries such as the UK, where smoking in public buildings was banned during the last decade  and vaping has grown in popularity due to a wide range of flavours and general affordability. However, while a number of claims have been made regarding the health effects that such alternatives may or may not cause, a leading health organisation in the UK has advised that restrictions on e-cigarettes may not be wise.

According to The Independent, following calls at the British Medical Association annual conference in Belfast, Public Health England were quick to advise that a public ban on e-cigarettes could be potentially damaging to current smokers. This is, as the PHE states, that it may put smokers who are trying to quit tobacco off from jumping to an alternative source  ones which, according to drugs, alcohol and tobacco director Rosanna OConnor, have yet to have shown any evidence of similar harm to our bodies. The call to restrict public use of e-cigarettes and vaping came from Dr Iain Kennedy, a public health consultant - who acknowledged that while vaping is considered to be safer than smoking tobacco, there is still further research being undertaken. Dr Kennedy advises that, until such research is completed, it may be worthwhile to curb public use altogether.

While some may be understanding of Dr Kennedys concerns  and it is arguably for the greater good that research is conducted into e-cigarettes and alternative smoking  it seems that, at least for now, there will be no moves to outlaw public vaping in UK law. The UK smoking ban in public buildings, public houses and restaurants could arguably have led to the rise of popularity in alternative smoking in the country, and it is encouraging that thorough and responsible research into vaping and e-cigarettes is ongoing. However, whether or not such research will lead to an outright ban for such substances will remain to be seen.
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Reprinted from Consortium News

Co-written by *Michael Winship





On March 7, 1965, 25-year-old John Lewis, already a veteran of the Freedom Rides, Mississippi's Freedom Summer and Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington, walked ahead of 600 civil rights activists as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on the first leg of what was meant to be a peaceful march for voting rights.

As they stepped off the end of the bridge, a posse of 150 state troopers and deputy sheriffs attacked them, wielding clubs, bullwhips and tear gas. Lewis was beaten to within an inch of his life. But he took the horrible pummeling of "Bloody Sunday" and survived to lead another march a week later. This time they kept going -- all the way to the state capitol in Montgomery, 50 miles away.

Fifty-one years later, on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, John Lewis, now 76 and a member of Congress for nearly three decades, took another courageous and principled stand. Many of his Democratic colleagues joined him for a sit-in on the floor of the House chamber itself, the same kind of protest he and his fellow activists used so effectively during the 1960s.

This time they were agitating against one of the most grievous human rights horrors of all: the gun violence running amok in America, including the recent abomination of 49 deaths at that nightclub in Orlando, Florida. There have been nearly 100,000 gun deaths in the United States since the school murders in Newtown, Connecticut, just three and a half years ago.

In Selma in 1965, television cameras sent pictures of what was happening on the Pettus Bridge around the country and a shocked American public took to heart how deep the wounds remained between black and white. On Wednesday, Republican House leadership, as cruel and cold-of-heart as those Alabama state troopers, gaveled the House out of session so the cameras of C-SPAN could not show the American people the courage of those House members sitting on the floor and telling the National Rifle Association and its bought-and-paid-for politicians to go to hell.

Despite the loss of television's probing eye, the demonstrators used social media like Facebook and Twitter to get out their story, putting their cell phones to good use and sending out photos and video of their action across the country and the world.

Lewis tweeted , "Sometimes you have to get in the way. You have to make some noise by speaking up and speaking out against injustice and inaction. #goodtrouble."

In a letter to Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, Rep. Lewis and his colleague Rep. Katherine Clark asked, "What is this Congress waiting for? "We stand with thousands of brokenhearted families who have not been served by this Congress and millions more who are counting on us to find the moral courage to do the right thing. We stand together in our refusal to sit by while this Congress abdicates its fundamental responsibility to protect American families from harm."

Once again the Republican leaders of Congress have been revealed for what they are: useful stooges of the gun merchants who would sell to anyone -- from the mentally ill to a terrorist-in-waiting to a lurking mass murderer. And the Republican Party once again has shown itself an enabler of death, the enemy of life, a threat to the republic itself.

Today, John Lewis said, "The time is always right to do right. Our time is now." The heroism on the Pettus Bridge turned the tide against the inhumanity of segregation. Today's protest in the House of Representatives just might mark the beginning of the end of the gun industry's grip on American life and liberty.
Reprinted from The Guardian

Having failed to secure an anti-encryption bill, the FBI and justice department are now engaged in a multi-pronged attack on all sorts of other privacy rights

With their dangerous crusade for an anti-encryption bill in Congress all but dead (for now), the FBI and US justice department are now engaged in a multi-pronged attack on all sorts of other privacy rights -- this time, with much less public scrutiny.

A report from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office harshly criticized the FBI last week for its little discussed but frequently used facial recognition database and called on the bureau to implement myriad privacy and safety protections. It turns out the database has far more photos than anyone thought -- 411.9m to be exact -- and the vast majority are not mugshots of criminals, but driver's license photos from over a dozen states and passport photos of millions of completely innocent people. The feds searched it over 36,000 times from 2011 to 2015 (no court order needed) while also apparently having no idea how accurate it is.

Worse, the FBI wants its hundreds of millions of facial recognition photos -- along with its entire biometric database that includes fingerprints and DNA profiles -- to be exempt from important Privacy Act protections. As the Intercept reported two weeks ago: "Specifically, the FBI's proposal would exempt the database from the provisions in the Privacy Act that require federal agencies to share with individuals the information they collect about them and that give people the legal right to determine the accuracy and fairness of how their personal information is collected and used."

In Congress, Senate Republicans are pushing for a vote this week on controversial new warrantless surveillance measures that would let the FBI use unconstitutional National Security Letters to get email records and internet browsing history from countless US citizens -- without going to a judge or court at all. The Senate leadership is bringing the measure up to vote by invoking the Orlando attack, despite the fact that we know the FBI had no problem surveilling the Orlando killer when he was previously investigated. It is a blatant attempt to exploit the tragedy in order to gain powers the FBI has long asked for (powers, by the way, the FBI is already reportedly using, despite the justice department telling them it's basically illegal).

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The White House has given an official answer to the petition signed by over a hundred thousand people who have requested the U.S. government to assist Vietnam in finding out the cause of the recent mass fish deaths along the countrys central coast.

Founded in 2011, the platform provides a clear threshold for action, namely a landmark of 100 thousand signatures, for the U.S. government to give an answer to issues raised by citizens.

As of June 24, there have been 142,753 signatures for the petition requesting the U.S. to help Vietnamese people to prevent the environmental disaster that started in Ha Tinh Province last April.

We express our deep sympathy to the people of Vietnam's central coastal provinces as they work to overcome the recent loss of fish stocks and the effects on their livelihoods. As Vietnam addresses this environmental crisis, the U.S. Government stands ready to help, the answer read.

The U.S president office encouraged Vietnamese government to increase cooperation with civil society and environmental NGOs, hoping such move will help communities affected by the fish crisis, ensure accountability and transparency in the clean-up effort, and help to design policies to prevent similar problems in the future.

The White Houses response reiterated that environmental cooperation is an important element of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. It also mentioned the launch the U.S.-Vietnam Climate Partnership during President Obamas trip to Vietnam, which will help the two countries implement the Paris Agreement.

The U.S. government said they are supporting environmental conservation efforts of Vietnam and the protection of the countrys national treasures. They will also reinforce the shared commitments between Vietnam and the U.S. to the worlds marine life through "high environmental standards" set by the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement.

In early April, large quantities of fish washed up dead near the Vung Ang Economic Zone in Ha Tinh Province. The phenomenon spread south along the coast of the central provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Quang Binh and Thua Thien Hue, resulting in more than a 100 tons of dead fish.

On June 2, the Vietnamese government announced that scientists have identified the cause of the environmental crisis. However, the final conclusion will be released later this month after further validation.

Related news:

> Mass fish death cause identified, results yet to be announced

> U.S.-based reactionary group behind mass fish death rallies in Saigon: police

> Vietnam too slow to act on mass fish deaths: Government office
Reprinted from Washington Post

My supporters and I want real change in this country.





As we head toward the Democratic National Convention, I often hear the question, "What does Bernie want?" Wrong question. The right question is what the 12 million Americans who voted for a political revolution want.

And the answer is: They want real change in this country, they want it now and they are prepared to take on the political cowardice and powerful special interests which have prevented that change from happening.

They understand that the United States is the richest country in the history of the world, and that new technology and innovation make us wealthier every day. What they don't understand is why the middle class continues to decline, 47 million of us live in poverty and many Americans are forced to work two or three jobs just to cobble together the income they need to survive.

What do we want? We want an economy that is not based on uncontrollable greed, monopolistic practices and illegal behavior. We want an economy that protects the human needs and dignity of all people -- children, the elderly, the sick, working people and the poor. We want an economic and political system that works for all of us, not one in which almost all new wealth and power rests with a handful of billionaire families.

The current campaign finance system is corrupt. Billionaires and powerful corporations are now, through super PACs, able to spend as much money as they want to buy elections and elect candidates who represent their interests, not the American people. Meanwhile, we have one of the lowest voter turnout rates of any major country on earth, and Republican governors are working overtime to suppress the vote and make it harder for poor people, people of color, seniors and young people to vote.

What do we want? We want to overturn the disastrous Citizens United Supreme Court decision and move toward public funding of elections. We want universal voter registration, so that anyone 18 years of age or older who is eligible to vote is automatically registered. We want a vibrant democracy and a well-informed electorate that knows that its views can shape the future of the country.

Our criminal justice system is broken. We have 2.2 million people rotting behind bars at an annual expense of $80 billion. Youth unemployment in a number of inner-cities and rural communities is 30 to 50 percent, and millions of young people have limited opportunities to participate in the productive economy. Failing schools all around the country produce more people who end up in jail than graduate college. Millions of Americans have police records as a result of marijuana possession, which should be decriminalized. And too many people are serving unnecessarily long mandatory minimum sentences.

What do we want? We want a criminal justice system that addresses the causes of incarceration, not one that simply imprisons more people. We want to demilitarize local police departments, see local police departments reflect the diversity of the communities they serve and end private ownership of prisons and detention centers. We want to create the conditions that allow people who are released from prison to stay out. We want the best educated population on earth, not the most incarcerated population.

The debate is over. Climate change is real. It is caused by human activity, and it already is causing devastating damage in our country and to the entire planet. If present trends continue, scientists tell us the planet will be 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer by the end of the century -- which means more droughts, floods, extreme weather disturbances, rising sea levels and acidification of the oceans. This is a planetary crisis of extraordinary magnitude.

What do we want? We want the United States to lead the world in pushing our energy system away from fossil fuel and toward energy efficiency and sustainable energy. We want a tax on carbon, the end of fracking and massive investment in wind, solar, geothermal and other sustainable technologies. We want to leave this planet in a way that is healthy and habitable for future generations.

What do we want? We want to end the rapid movement that we are currently experiencing toward oligarchic control of our economic and political life. As Lincoln put it at Gettysburg, we want a government of the people, by the people and for the people. That is what we want, and that is what we will continue fighting for.
Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) June 24, 2016: President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) was so bent out of shape by World War II that he dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 in an effort to end the war.

Years later, certain radical anti-war Americans, who were decidedly younger than Truman was in August 1945, were, like Truman in 1945, so bent out of shape by the Vietnam War (1961-1975) that they bombed certain American targets in an effort to end the war. But their violence did not end the war. However, it did for understandable reasons contribute to then growing anti-60s backlash.

For a scholarly account of the partly understandable anti-60s over-reaction, which continues to this day, see Philip Jenkins' Decade of Nightmares: The End of the Sixties and the Making of Eighties America (Oxford University Press, 2006).

Focusing on the crucial period from August 1969 to September 1970, Clara Bingham, a journalist born in 1963 in Louisville and now based in New York City, arrays relevant statements by various participants she interviewed between 2012 and 2015 for her new book Witness to the Revolution: Radicals, Resisters, Vets, Hippies, and the Year America Lost Its Mind and Found its Soul (Random House, 2016).

Compared to President Truman when he dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, most of the people interviewed in Bingham's new book were comparatively young in 1969-1970, as their years of birth show (adapted here from pages 535-553):

1927: Jack Cipperly

1930: Tom McCarthy, and Raymond "Ray" Price, Jr.

1931: Daniel Ellsberg

1932: Richard Moose (d. 2015)

1933: Robert "Bob" Giles

1936: Ralph Metzner, and Richard Reeves

1937: Jane Fonda, Seymour Hersh, and Roger Morris

1938: Morton Halperin, Michael Kennedy (d. 2016), and Howard Wolf

1939: Tom Hayden, Egil "Bud" Krogh, Anthony "Tony" Lake, and Julius Lester

1940: Tod Ensign (d. 2014), John Hartmann, and Thelma Schoonmaker

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

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Rep. Mark Veasey, convener of today's press conference

(Image by Marta Steele) Details DMCA



In a small press room on the fourth floor of the Cannon House building, an oversized crowd heard Revs. Jesse Jackson and Lennox Yearwood, joined by members of the newly formed (see http://www.opednews.com/articles/Congressional-Briefing-Apr-by-Marta-Steele-Bipartisan_Congressional-Committees_Corruption_Democracy-160422-490.html ) Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and others, including Terri O'Neill, president of the National Organization for Women (NOW). The subject was the insidious disappearance of voting rights, including the relevant legislation, and what we can do to reverse it.

Barbara Arnwine moderated the event with energetic enthusiasm. This former executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights under Law, now presides over the Transformative Justice Coalition, which she recently founded.

Convened by Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), the press conference commemorated the third anniversary of the Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court decision that dismantled key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Its purpose was to "answer . . . the call to protect and restore the right to vote for every U.S. citizen," [by] "demanding immediate action on voting rights legislation," including Rep. Hank Johnson's (D-GA-4) VOTE Act (H.R. 5131), Sen. Jim Sensenbrenner's (R-WI-5) Bipartisan Voting Rights Amendment Act (H.R. 885), and Rep. Terri Sewell's (D-AL-7) Voters' Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 2867 / S. 1659), none of which has reached the House floor for discussion.



The press conference coincidentally convened the morning after the congressional sit-in, led by Rep. John Lewis (D-GA-5), whose goal is to force a vote on legislation aimed at regulating the sale of firearms through background checks. Several of the Representatives present today had participated in the sit-in.

Press conference speakers referred to the sit-in as yet another form of suppression of large percentage of the people's will, according to polls taken across all political persuasions.

Acknowledging attendees who had flown in from as far away as New York, Chicago, and Mexico, Veasey first discussed the Twenty-Fourth Amendment, which prohibited poll tax, and quickly turned to its nemesis, the voter ID requirement which, even where advertised as free, inevitably costs both money and time, making the most disadvantaged citizens of this country struggle and often fail to exercise their Constitutional right to vote.

Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY-13), reminiscing about the racism of times before the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts had been passed in the mid-1960s, noted that such times have returned, with last night's sit-in the latest reminder. Saluting Rev. Jesse Jackson, he said he was glad that we've begun to fight again.

Rep. Phil Roe (D-TN-1) told attendees that his father, a civil rights attorney, had helped to author the text of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. He reminisced about prior decades in which bipartisan legislation was the norm rather than an aberration; we must be even more vigilant to be sure that the rights of all are valued and honored rather than continuously blocked.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, next to speak to a resounding welcome, took listeners through a history of the voting rights movement from 1880 to 1940, stressing that Jim Crow was worse than slavery, because in the latter case slave owners protected their workers from the lynchings that followed with the onset of the Jim Crow era.

In 2013, he said, the South complained about the "excessive government oversight" entailed by sections 4 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act. With the demolition of these sections, Election 2016 will represent the first time racist states' repressive innovations since Shelby v. Holder (2013) will be enforced.

More leadership is needed to protect the rights of all to vote. Jackson challenged his listeners with the idea of a Slavery Day, to commemorate this crime against humanity. "Our vote must matter!" he said.

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL-7) agreed, with the chant "No vote, no voice!" noting the importance of honoring the foot soldiers of the never-ending struggle for voters' rights.

Reviewing criteria for the preclearance requirement, formerly the heart of the VRA, she recalled that the act had been reauthorized by Republicans Ford, Reagan, and Bush and expressed how shameful the partisan behavior of today's GOP is by comparison. Where millions of Americans lack voter ID, many because they can't afford the time or money, "it is unacceptable for us to sit back in silence."

She expressed amazement that the demand to vote coming from 180 unanimous Democrats in the House was being ignored.

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Preface to Cracking the Aging Code

by Josh Mitteldorf and Dorion Sagan

Flatiron Press, June 2016



Cracking the Aging Code

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During the twentieth century, medical technology took enormous strides toward the conquest of infectious disease and recovery from trauma. With hygiene and sanitation, then antibiotics in the 1930s and an ever-expanding arsenal of vaccines, many plagues of the past have been banished; tuberculosis, polio, syphilis, whooping cough, diphtheria, and cholera were once feared as a death sentence, and now they are footnotes in the mortality statistics. The diseases that remain are all associated with aging; diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis are growing, and the Big Three killers are cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's. Tens of billions of dollars have been spent on medical research over several de cades trying to conquer these diseases with the same approach that succeeded so well for infectious disease.

That approach has been to work with the body, to stimulate the body's growth and inborn strength, to buttress its natural defenses. Even the reductionist tradition of Western, allopathic medicine has been influenced by the philosophy of natural medicine, working with the body instead of attempting to overpower it with technology or drugs. But what the doctors do not yet realize is that they are working with a suicidal patient.

Suicide Genes

"Man overboard!" You run to the railing and throw him a lifeline. If only you can get the buoy within his reach, you might pull him back to safety . . . Good toss! The life preserver is right in front of him, but he is not taking it. Is he just too weak? Has he lost the will to live? You call to him. "Go away," he answers. "Leave me alone!" And now your understanding of his situation is changed. He didn't fall off the boat--he flung himself into the sea. To save a man from drowning is one thing; to dissuade him from suicide will require a different approach. In the immediacy of the crisis, you might take advantage of his exhaustion, jump in the water, overpower him, and carry him forcibly to safety. But next week, he might make another attempt. To help this man, you will have to get to know him, learn what is important to him, understand why he wants to kill himself, and convince him to choose life.

Doctors today are trying to help a body that does not want to be helped. Efforts to restore the body's natural balance won't work, because as we age, the body's natural metabolism is bent on self-destruction. Attempts to bolster the body's natural defenses are doomed to failure because the natural defenses are slowly being shut down with age.

Progress can be made against the Big Three diseases, and aging itself can be abated, but a different approach is required. We must be willing not just to assist the body but to coax, cajole, and even fight with it when appropriate. We must learn more about hormones and the signaling language that regulates metabolism. We must whisper the word "youth" in the body's own native language of biochemistry, a language as yet still somewhat foreign to us. But this is the language in which the entire life plan is spelled out, from development in the womb to aging and death.

Selfish Genes

The central idea of this book is that aging is built into our bodies. Aging doesn't just happen but is regulated and controlled by our genes. Our self-destruction is scheduled as much as is our development in childhood or our sexual development at puberty. Growth, puberty, and aging all unfold on a schedule programmed into the regulatory segments of our DNA.
Let's have no illusions; the US since the end of WWII through its actions all over the world has become the most sinister entity in the world.

You certainly wouldn't see or hear it put that way by our politicos or their handmaidens in the corporate media who in tandem have indoctrinated, propagandized and insulated the American people from most of the horror the US state commits in our name beyond our borders.

Keeping those horrors from the people was a lesson learned from the images sent back from the Viet Nam war and shown on American TV screens. Not anymore. Since the end of that war none of the carnage we commit in our wars is permitted to be shown. Even filming caskets of our dead military returning to Dover AFB in Delaware is strictly forbidden.

As for the American people many (most?) haven't consciously transcended the "official" propaganda or as Arundhati Roy put it, "Swallow the propaganda so obediently". So it's not hard to imagine most support our wars, embrace the use of drones-no Americans dying- and don't seem concerned when "foreign" innocents are killed and maimed as "collateral damage" in our drone strikes. Only "officially" sanctioned announcements of Americans dying may elicit some immediate reaction by people.

Under these circumstances only the alternative media will present a more factual picture of events so the people can become informed of what's really happening in the world.

For example there was no "official" airing by the corporate MSM in America of Russian President Vladimir Putin addressing an international economic forum in St. Petersburg, Russia telling heads of international news agencies, "People do not understand how potentially dangerous the situation really is". This in reference to NATO placing ballistic missile systems in Romania. Any mention of these systems in our corporate media are strictly portrayed as defensive. Yet Putin explained these missiles could easily be changed to offensive missiles, aimed directly at Russia without the local government knowing. He explained "People in the West are oblivious to the dangers of potential global war". All the above was presented by RT news, then picked up and aired in the alternative media.

Russia and China are the only countries capable of derailing the madness that has gripped a neo-con led "official" Washington and the madness of fomenting regime change in all countries that resist US hegemony over them.

That madness of fomenting regime change can take many shapes, color revolutions, coups, "hybrid" wars, media campaigns within countries impugning its leaders of corruption, instigating protests with agent-provocateurs infiltrating and co-opting legitimate protests, NGO's fomenting dissent along with local elites against the legitimate government in the name of promoting "democracy" and spreading rumors of "human rights" violations, instigating false flag attacks and blaming the government. All this from a country that is the greatest human rights violator the world has ever seen.

Now that madness has gone so far as to directly provoke Russia and China, the two nuclear powers capable of destroying the US in a retaliatory strike.

In the cold war there was acceptance by both the US and the Soviet Union of "MAD", mutually assured destruction, where each country acknowledged it would be destroyed in a retaliatory strike.

Apparently neo-con Washington has scrapped "MAD" with the absurd idea of winning a nuclear war.

Let's end this short piece with these words. ANY nuclear war is unwinnable. Russia and China will not succumb to US hegemony. Neither will initiate a nuclear first strike but will destroy the US in a retaliatory strike if the US initiates a nuclear war, even with so called limited "tactical" nuclear weapons.

Russia and China are not the threat; we are.
Reprinted from WSWS

Whatever the result of today's referendum on continued UK membership of the European Union, it marks a watershed in political life in Britain and throughout the continent.

The referendum was called by Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron to placate the Eurosceptic wing of his own party and stop the UK Independence Party (UKIP) from gaining further ground at Tory expense. His disastrous political miscalculation threatens instead to split the Conservatives in two, hasten the demise of the EU and precipitate a major economic crisis globally.

Economically, the real issues being fought out are over whether the British bourgeoisie is best served by remaining part of the Single European Market or, in the words of the Leave advocates, repositioning itself "out of Europe and into the world" in order to better exploit opportunities in China, India and the Commonwealth countries.

Both sides -- Remain, led by Cameron and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Leave, led by Tory Boris Johnson and UKIP leader Nigel Farage -- shroud their real concerns in lies about defending jobs and vital social services and ensuring prosperity.

In reality, the EU defended by Remain is an instrument for imposing savage austerity, as has been so cruelly demonstrated in Greece. But Leave wants only to free big business and the City of London from what little remains of labour legislation and match the benchmark set by the conditions facing workers in the Far East. Whichever faction wins, the offensive against the working class will resume with a vengeance on June 24.

Never before has there been such a concerted intervention of leading figures from the Armed Forces and the security services MI5 and MI6 into political life. Both sides proclaim their commitment to NATO and its ongoing offensive against Russia and China. The Remain camp argues that British membership of the EU and the EU in general strengthen NATO, while the Leave camp maintains that British membership ties the UK to plans, pushed above all by Germany, to create a European Army, which will undermine NATO and raise the spectre of Germany establishing its unchallenged hegemony over the continent.

To conceal these political realities of class war, trade war and military war, and to sow divisions within the working class, the referendum has increasingly focused on whipping up nationalism and xenophobia.

The many social problems resulting from the savage austerity measures imposed by the ruling elite and its parties are blamed again and again on migrants. Again, Remain and Leave differ only as to whether anti-migrant measures require the EU's "Fortress Europe" -- guarded by razor wire fences, gun boats and concentration camps -- or whether the UK must "take back control" of its borders and end the free movement of European labor into Britain.

The toxic stew this has created -- such that UKIP's campaign material is redolent of Nazi propaganda -- pollutes social and political life and strengthens the forces of the far right.

Last Thursday's murder of Labour MP Jo Cox by a fascist is a grave warning to workers and youth of the implications of this descent into nationalist reaction. It marks a new stage in the class struggle in the UK that will take on ever more brutal forms.

Cox's killing was not the action of a disturbed loner, but a political assassination. It was prepared over decades by the incessant scapegoating of immigrants, the whipping up of nationalism and the paralyzing of the working class by the Labour and trade union bureaucracy, which has allowed social reaction to deepen without an effective challenge from below. However, all those who claim that the filthy propaganda of the referendum campaign played no part in triggering this outburst of deadly violence are lying to cover up their own political responsibility.

A particularly criminal role has been played by the pseudo-left groups--whether they are aligned with the pro-EU agenda of Remain or have allowed the Tory right and UKIP to posture as "friends" of the worker by backing the anti-EU camp.

This applies above all to the organizers of the Left Leave campaign, such as the Socialist Workers Party and Socialist Party. Their insistence that political principle must be subordinated to the hope of the referendum splitting the Tories and hastening the coming to power of a Labour government is used to legitimise a political alliance with the most reactionary sections of the bourgeoisie.

There is nothing accidental in this. When George Galloway, the former Labour MP, declared on a platform with Farage, "Left, right, left right, forward march to victory on the 23rd of June," he gave voice to a political tendency that is emerging not just in the UK, but internationally -- a realignment of ostensibly left figures with right and far-right tendencies on the basis of nationalism.

In Ukraine, this took the form of an alliance with Svoboda and similar fascistic groups in the so-called "Euromaidan" coup engineered by Washington in 2014. In Greece, it was an electoral alliance between Syriza and the Independent Greeks. In the UK, sections of the pseudo-left, together with some Stalinist-led trade unions, insist that Boris Johnson and Farage, with their "millions of voters," must be entrusted with the task of bringing down Cameron. Their stated or unstated goal is for national protectionist measures to be applied by a Labour government, including ending the free movement of European labor.
Reprinted from Paul Craig Roberts Website







BRexit door

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Brexit -- what does it mean?

Hopefully, a breakup of the EU and NATO and, thereby, the avoidance of World War III.

The EU and NATO are evil institutions. These two institutions are mechanisms created by Washington in order to destroy the sovereignty of European peoples. These two institutions give Washington control over the Western world and serve both as cover and enabler of Washington's aggression. Without the EU and NATO, Washington could not force Europe and the UK into conflict with Russia, and Washington could not have destroyed seven Muslim countries in 15 years without being isolated as a hated war criminal government, no member of whom could have travelled abroad without being arrested and put on trial.

Clearly, the presstitute media lied about the polls in order to discourage the Leave vote. But it did not work. The British people have always been the font of liberty. It was the the historic achievements of the British that transformed law into a shield of the people from a weapon in the hands of the state and gave accountable government to the world. The British, or a majority of them, understood that the EU is a dictatorial governing mechanism in which power is in the hands of unaccountable people and in which law can easily be used as a weapon in the hands of unaccountable government.

Washington, in an effort to save its power over Europe, launched a campaign, willingly joined by presstitutes and the brainwashed left-wing, who flocked to the One Percent's banner, that presented the effort to preserve British liberty and sovereignty as racism. This dishonest campaign shows beyond all doubt that Washington and its media whores have no regard whatsoever for liberty and the sovereignty of peoples. Washington regards every assertion of democratic rule as a barrier to its hegemony and demonizes every democratic impulse. Reformist leaders in Latin America are constantly overthrown by Washington, and Washington asserts that only Washington and its terrorist allies have the right to choose the government of Syria, just as Washington chose the government of Ukraine.

The British people, or a majority of them, gave Washington the bird. But the fight is not over. Perhaps it hasn't really yet begun. Here is what the British can likely expect: The Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of Japan, and George Soros will conspire to attack the British pound, driving it down and terrorizing the British economy. We will see who is the strongest: the will of the British people or the will of the CIA, the One Percent, and the EU and neocon nazis.

The coming attack on the British economy is the reason that Leave supporters such as Boris Johnson are mistaken in their belief that there is "no need for haste" in exiting the EU. The longer it takes for the British to escape from the authoritarian EU, the longer Washington and the EU can inflict punishment on the British people for voting to leave and the more time the presstitutes will have to convince the British people that their vote was a mistake. As the vote is nonbinding, a cowardly and cowed Parliament could reject the vote.

Cameron should step down immediately, not months from now in October. The new British government should tell the EU that the British people's decision is implemented now, not in two years and that all political and legal relationships terminated as of the vote. Otherwise, in two years the British will be so beat down by punishments and propaganda that their vote will be overturned.

The British government should immediately announce the termination of its participation in Washington's sanctions on Russia and hook its economy to the rising nations of Russia, China, India, and Iran. With this support, the British can survive the Washington led attack on their economy.

UPDATE...

Information continues to come in about the Brexit vote. A member of the British Army said that 90% of the lads in his unit voted to leave. They voted exit because they do not believe they should be involved in Washington's wars. He said that his unit agreed that the wars are dictated by Washington, via Brussels, and not by the British people. He also said that that the soldiers were "taking their own pen" to the ballot box, because "they only use pencils at the polls and they could be rubbed out and changed."

Richie Allen in London, a radio presenter in Manchester, England, said that as an Irishman he remembers how the Irish vote against the EU was overturned when the people rejected the Lisbon Treaty and that already in England "they've begun talking about the possibility that the EU will come back with a better offer." In other words, the exit vote is not being treated as meaningful. See his guest column here.

And as Stephen Lendman reports, the propaganda is already in high gear with David Cameron setting the tone by emphasizing how happy the vote has surely made Putin and ISIS (somehow these two deadly enemies are happy over the same thing!). The self-hating Russian, Garry Kasparov, said Brexit was "the perfect gift for Vladimir Putin," as Britain's exit leaves the EU a "weakened institution with less power to confront Putin's assaults on Europe's borders." What assaults, Garry?

Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul is "shocked, shocked!" The US and EU lost, Putin wins.

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We are at a point, Truthseekers, where Democratic lawmakers are forced to hold sit-ins -- actual sit-ins -- to protest the defeat of yet another gun restriction bill by the Neocon ammosexuals. The Republicans must've been embarrassed by the spectacle, because they turned off the CSPAN cameras. Yup, just turned 'em off, as the AP reported:

"Rebellious Democrats shut down the House's legislative work on Wednesday, staging a sit-in on the House floor and refusing to leave until they secured a vote on gun control measures. Exasperated Republicans were forced to recess while cutting off cameras that showed the protest. "Nearly 100 Democrats led by Georgia Rep. John Lewis demanded a vote on measures to expand background checks and block gun purchases by some suspected terrorists in the aftermath of last week's massacre in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people in a gay nightclub. It was the worst shooting in modern U.S. history. "'No bill, no break,' shouted Democrats, who demanded that Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., keep the House in session through its planned weeklong recess next week to debate and vote on gun legislation. Democrats accused Republicans of political cowardice by failing to schedule a vote. "'Are they more afraid than the children at Sandy Hook?' asked Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., referring to the 2012 shooting that killed 26 people, including 20 elementary school children, in Newtown, Connecticut. 'What is so scary about having a vote?'"

What a crazy, crazy scene. Democrats sitting on the floor and chanting for gun control like their counterparts did 40+ years ago for civil rights, or to end the war in Vietnam. It was something to see. Until the cameras went black, that is. Such is life in these times.

We might as well get used to these mass slaughters and stop beating our heads against the wall and rending our garments hoping for some kind of logical, compassionate legislation that values human life above AK 47s. Mass gun death is the new normal. Or the new "new" normal, which is the topic of Ted Rall's June 20 column...
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The Document is a first step to launch national and European debates about how to better connect the scientific and policymaking communities.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS AGREE LAWS GOVERNING SPACE EXPLORATION NEED CAREFUL REVIEW Legal experts from Russia and the United States of America have agreed that international legislation is needed to control the exploration of mineral resources in space to avoid a new Wild West.



As companies  and countries  start to look to outer space for valuable resources, the idea of human colonies on the Moon, once the province of science fiction, is moving ever closer.



But while outer space mining is a growing possibility, no one is quite sure whether it would be legal because international treaties governing commercial activity in space are out of date. At the same time national governments, notably the US, are developing legislation to pave the way for easier exploitation of space resources.



Writing in ROOM  The Space Journal ( www.room.eu.com ), Olga Volynskaya, chief international law counsel of the Russian state commission for space activities (Roscosmos - http://en.federalspace.ru/ ), said: International law gives no answer to the most important issue in space commercialisation: how to balance public and commercial interests. The long-term sustainability of space activities calls for better and clearer laws.



It is alarming if the freedom of exploration and the use of outer space for peaceful purposes can be disregarded when it comes to national space operations.



James E. Dunstan, founder of the Mobius Legal Group ( http://mobiuslegal.com/ ) in the USA, agrees. He said: Even before humans left the surface of Earth, lawyers and politicians worried about what and whose laws would apply to outer space.



[But] contrary to what some commentators claim, there is no loophole that allows individuals to claim ownership of celestial bodies.



However, it is clear that more work is needed to ensure clarity and work has started in this area. For example, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space is beginning to establish a new regulatory regime for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities via a dedicated working group.



A series of discussions in the latest issue of ROOM coinciding with the 4th Annual Manfred Lachs International Conference Conflicts in Space and the Rule of Law held in Montreal seeks to provide some clarity.



Our future in space may not be a cloudless or a peaceful one warns ROOM editor-in-chief Igor Ashurbeyli.



He said: The very nature of Homo Sapiens  or even that of Homo gambliens  will not allow us to harness our ancient Earthly instincts. And we will live to see new space cowboys in lunar saloons and on space ranchos.



For more on this debate and other issues relating to space exploration visit www.room.eu.com



Space



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UKCE Have been announced as a finalist for KDA Awards 2016

The UK College of English - a London based English College - have been selected as a finalist for this year's Kent Digital Awards in light of their positive social engagement.UK College of English have been nominated for the "Best use of Social Media for Business" where they have seen their social activity quadruple thus making it a strong conversion factor for the college. Their social media marketing is maintained in part by Kent's digital specialists Whitefish Marketing, who have previously and more recently attained a number of awards themselves. Last year they received the Bronze award at the Kent Digital Awards (KDA) 2015 and this year winning another Bronze at the Essex Digital Awards (EDA) 2016, for their work involved on the UKCE's parent website: UK College of Business and Computing.Atam Sharma - Director of UKCE remarked:"Our English college attracts students across the globe to study in London, usually while on work visas or vacation. With Facebook being the second most used website in the world, it makes sense to use that facility to capture audiences overseas, and to address any questions they have about our courses before they commit. With the levels of communication we receive via Facebook, our team have to be on the ball to answer enquiries as they arrive. As well as for customer support, we use Facebook to showcase our social activities and classroom events. The very nature of the learning environment in our college is about social interaction, and that is mirrored in our social profiles. Here at UKCE we are very pleased to be nominated as a finalist for the category of "Best use of social media for a business" and we have our fingers crossed!"UKCE have been quick to respond to all queries on Facebook, on average taking them less than 5 minutes to reply, gaining them a 95% response rate (since increasing to 100% after the nomination). Additionally, the engagement with multiple languages and other countries has increased the scope of their audience and in turn increased their social activity.The UK College of English benefit from a range of positive reviews on their Facebook page, with strong levels of interaction via their social activities put on through the College - such as their popular "Friday Conversation Club". It is no wonder that the UKCE were nominated as a finalist for this year's Kent Digital Awards.The announcement for the awards will be held later on in June 2016.Located in a prime location, on famous Oxford Street in central London, the UK College of English offers a wide selection of English courses across varying levels of learning, to UK, EU, and International students alike.Our qualified English tutors will help you achieve the desired outcomes of your selected course. Call into the college today to see the variety of English language courses we provide, insight into our social programmes, and even how we could help you find accommodation in London whilst you visit and study.UK College Of English37-39 Oxford StLondon W1D 2DUUnited Kingdom
Ceramic Tiles Market Estimated to Reach US$ 178.16 Bn by 2024

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Transparency Market Research has published a new report titled Ceramic Tiles Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024. According to the report, the global ceramic tiles market was valued at US$ 76.81 Bn in 2015 and is anticipated to reach US$ 178.16 Bn by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 9.8% between 2016 and 2024.Swift growth of the building & construction industry in Asia Pacific is the key driver of the global ceramic tiles market. Rise in population and increase in disposable income are some of the major socio-economic factors responsible for the development of the building & construction industry in the region. This, in turn, is expected to drive the demand for ceramic tiles in the near future. Residential replacement, commercial, and new residential are the major application segments of the global ceramic tiles market.Download Free exclusive Sample of this report :In terms of demand, Asia Pacific constituted the largest share of the global ceramic tiles market in 2015. Growth of key application segments of ceramic tiles such as residential replacement and new residential in countries in Asia Pacific, primarily China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, is projected to boost the demand for ceramic tiles during the forecast period. Growth of the global flooring market is another significant driver of the ceramic tiles market. Rising demand for large sized floor tiles coupled with availability at low cost as compared to other floor coverings are some of the key reasons propelling the ceramic tiles market. However, increase in prices of raw materials such as feldspar, silica sand, bentonite, and kaolin along with enactment of strict governmental regulations on carbon dioxide emissions in developed regions is likely to restrain the market during the forecast period.Floor tiles and wall tiles are the major product segments of the global ceramic tiles market. Other segments of the market include countertop tiles, roofing tiles, and ceiling tiles. In terms of demand, the floor tiles segment accounted for approximately 50% share in the global ceramic tiles market in 2015. Furthermore, this segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, owing to the rising usage of floor tiles in new residential activities in developing countries.. Residential replacement application segment constituted the largest share of the global ceramic tiles market in 2015, due to recovering construction industry in developed nations such as the U.S.Asia Pacific is likely to remain the largest consumer of ceramic tiles during the forecast period, while other regions such as Middle East & Africa are estimated to provide favorable market opportunities. The ceramic tiles market in Middle East & Africa is projected to expand significantly due to the ongoing development of mega residential townships in key countries in the region. Growth of the ceramic tiles market is estimated to be steady in North America due to the revival of the construction industry in the region. Europe is estimated to depict a similar scenario by 2024, led by industrialization in countries in eastern and central Europe such as Russia and Turkey. The ceramic tiles market in Latin America is likely to expand steadily due to the growth of the commercial construction sub-sector.Some of the major players operating in the ceramic tiles market include Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics, Siam Cement Group, Grupo Lamosa SAB de CV, Kajaria Ceramics, Mohawk Industries Inc., China Ceramics Co., Ltd., and Ceramiche Atlas Concorde S.P.A, Crossville Inc., Florida Tile Inc., Porcelanosa Grupo, Saloni Ceramica, and Gruppo Ceramiche Ricchetti S.p.A.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactMr. Sudip. STransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Normal Superphosphate Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Normal Superphosphate Market: OverviewNormal superphosphate is a fertilizer containing a mixture of the diacid calcium salt of orthophosphoric acid with calcium sulphate and small quantities of other phosphates. Normal superphosphate contains not more than 22 percent of available phosphorus pentoxide. Normal superphosphates are vital for the healthy growth of plants; they can be applied in high concentration to plants ranging from agricultural crops to houseplants. Several different variants of this fertilizer have been created for different requirements. While a regular superphosphate fertilizer can typically be used in its raw form, it is subjected to various chemical reactions as this is known to make it more effective.Normal superphosphate fertilizer is manufactured from a reaction involving the raw phosphate rock and an appropriate percentage of water and sulphuric acid. Normal superphosphate manufacturing process releases chemicals into the air, adding to water pollution and air pollution. Controlling these waste products means producing the fertilizer in a complicated process that must be overseen in order to ensure the least amount of waste product is released into the environment. ?Although normal superphosphate generally mixes well with other products, it is not compatible with ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and urea.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with free PDF Brochure :Normal superphosphates are cost effective fertilizers for pasture development and ideal for capital and maintenance applications. Normal superphosphate contains sulphur in a readily available form of sulphate for plants to take up and this makes it ideal for low fertility and cropping situations. When applied to the soil, a normal superphosphate fertilizer increases the amount of phosphorus available to plants. All plants require an optimum amount of phosphorus in order to survive. Phosphorus is present in every cell of the plant, and is vital in maintaining the strength of the cell structure. High level of phosphorus also makes leaves healthier, increases the rate of movement of water throughout the plant structure and helps the plant produce superior and viable seeds. The calcium in normal superphosphate can be important for horticultural applications where use of lime is unfeasible.Normal Superphosphate Market: Drivers and TrendsThe growth in the end user industries is set to drive the normal superphosphate market. The increase in demand from fertilizer industry is expected to be a major driving factor for the growth of normal superphosphate market. The global normal superphosphate demand is increasing due to the increasing world population and growing food demand. In addition, increasing milk and meat consumption in the world has necessitated large feed volume that in turn has increased the demand for maximum forage production. Furthermore, rising demand from emerging economies is expected to increase the consumption of normal superphosphates. However availability of low cost substitutes and environmental regulations could hamper the growth of this market.Normal Superphosphate Market: Region-wise OutlookAsia Pacific is currently the largest producer and consumer of normal superphosphates followed by Latin America. China and India are the major consumers of normal superphosphates due to an established fertilizer and agriculture industry. Normal superphosphate use is restricted to regions that have phosphate rock resources that are not particularly suitable feed for the more sophisticated chemical processes involved in producing ammonium phosphate and phosphoric acid.The market for normal superphosphates is consolidated to a great extent with major fertilizer companies dominating the market. Among the key players are CF Industries Holdings Inc. (U.S.), Coromandel International Ltd. (India), Mosaic(U.S.), OCP (Morocco), Yara International ASA (Norway), Phosagro (Russia), Agrium Inc., (Canada), Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (Canada), ICL (Israel), and Eurochem (Russia) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactMr. Sudip. STransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
Blowing Agents Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth and Forecast 2016  2024

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Blowing Agents Market: OverviewBlowing agents are widely used as additives in the polymeric foam industry. They are used as a part of the production process mainly to lend certain desired properties to polymeric foam. The importance of blowing agents is steadily rising for companies as the demand for low-cost foam products rises.Blowing agents play a crucial role by helping to induce a specific cellular structure to the foamed material. This helps reduce the density of the foam, improve its acoustic and thermal insulation abilities, and also improve the relative toughness of the original material. Blowing agents can lend the desired characteristics to a myriad of materials. These characteristics could range from light-weighting, heat insulation, and sound absorbency to elasticity, permeability, electrical insulation and shock absorbency.One of the most widely used blowing agents were chloro fluoro carbons (CFCs). However, they were phased out because of their harmful effects on the ozone layer. While developing new products with similar or better functionality than CFCs, players have to face several challenges such as the impact of the products on the environment and getting suppliers who can supply them with the requisite materials seamlessly among others.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with free PDF Brochure :Blowing Agents Market: Growth EnablersIncreasing demand for polymeric foams, especially polyurethane foams, owing to rapid development in their end-user industries such as construction and appliances is driving the demand for blowing agents. Additionally, high growth of end use industries in Asia Pacific is anticipated to further fuel the demand for blowing agents. However, stringent environmental regulations regarding chemicals used as blowing agents might hamper the growth. Development of new environment friendly biobased products for utility as blowing agents might bring future prospective opportunities for market growth.Blowing Agents Market: SegmentationThe major types of blowing agents that find use in the industry are: Hydrocarbons (HCs), hydro-chloro-fluoro-carbons (HCFCs), and hydro-fluoro-carbons (HFCs). Of these, hydrocarbons currently stand as the dominant product segment. Among hydrocarbons, butanes and pentanes are the most common blowing agents used. HCFCs have been gradually phased out in industrialized nations. In many other developing regions as well, HCFCs are being phased out gradually because of their reported adverse effects such as Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP). This has in turn led several companies to develop and launch alternative blowing agents that are environment friendly.Among the key foams that see the utilization of such blowing agents are: Polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, phenolic foam, and polyolefin foam. The polyurethane foam industry makes use of all types of blowing agents and as a result, holds a major share in the market. Owing to its wide range of applications in chemicals, construction and automotive industries, demand for polyurethane products is rising at a high growth rate, which, eventually, generates demand for blowing agents.Blowing Agents Market: Region-wise OutlookCurrently, Asia Pacific is estimated to be the largest market for blowing agents worldwide. It is also the fastest growing blowing agents market. The region consumed well over 50% of the blowing agents produced worldwide. It stands as one of the leading consumers of foam insulated products. China is among the top blowing agent consumers in Asia Pacific. Moreover, other Asian countries such as India and South Korea also generate considerable for blowing agents thanks to high industrial production levels. Mature markets in North America and Europe are expected to witness a relatively slower growth in demand for blowing agents. Additionally, these regions are at the forefront of the initiatives taken towards sustainable growth practices to protect the environment.The market place is dominated by a few global players with major market share. However there are a large number of small and medium sized players, especially in Asia Pacific, competing for the market share with aggressive pricing schemes. Leading manufacturers in the blowing agents market include E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, Arkema SA, Haltermann GmbH, Foam Supplies Inc, Solvay SA and Honeywell International Ltd.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactMr. Sudip. STransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
AFFiRiS AG successfully raises 10m equity financing

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  10m additional capital raised Strengthened management team, Gunther Staffler appointed as Chief Technology Officer Noel Barrett appointed as additional member of the supervisory boardAFFiRiS AG has successfully completed its capital increase and raises an additional  10m from existing investors and FCPB Affi GmbH. The Supervisory Board has appointed Gunther Staffler as Chief Technology Officer. Noel Barrett has joined the Supervisory Board as of 15 June 2016.In an extraordinary shareholders' meeting on 29 April 2016 the shareholders of the company have agreed to a capital increase of  10m. The new shares have equally been subscribed by the two major investors of the company, Santo Holding  the family office of the Strungmann family  , the MIG Funds advised by MIG Verwaltungs AG and new investor FCPG Affi GmbH. In the ordinary shareholders' meeting on 15 June 2016 the shareholders also elected Noel Barrett as additional member of the Supervisory Board. He replaces Dr. Frank Mattner whose tenure as supervisory board member has ended on 31 December 2015.Noel Barrett has more than 30 years experience in the vaccines and biotechnology industry with management responsibilities covering the complete development process required to bring vaccine products to the market. In his last position at Baxter Healthcare, Noel Barrett was Vice President, Global R&D Vaccines and has successfully overseen the development of numerous vaccine candidates through preclinical and clinical development.Michael Motschmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AFFiRiS commented: "We are excited to welcome Noel Barrett to the Supervisory Board of AFFiRiS. His product development expertise will be tremendously valuable as the company focuses on advancing its projects in clinical development."The company has decided to adapt its management structure to focus on development, both preclinical and clinical of its projects. All preclinical development will be led by Gunther Staffler (48) whom the Supervisory Board has appointed as Chief Technology Officer and member of the executive board of AFFiRiS. Gunther Staffler has previously been responsible as Head of Immunology for the preclinical development of its vaccine candidates AT04A and AT06A in Hypercholesterolemia and Atherosclerosis prevention which are currently being tested in Phase 1 clinical development. The company also announces the departure of Achim Schneeberger, previously Chief Medical Officer and Arne von Bonin, Chief Scientific Officer.AFFIRIS commenced Phase 1 clinical development of its Hypercholesterolemia and Atherosclerosis prevention vaccine candidates AT04A and AT06A and expects data from this study in Q1 2017. AT04A and AT06A are vaccine candidates from the next generation AFFITOME technology and target PCSK9, an enzyme which plays a role in the lipid metabolism of the liver. If PCSK9 is blocked, more LDL receptors will be present on the surface of the liver and will remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood. Therefore, blocking PCSK9 can lower blood cholesterol levels.About AFFiRiS AG:On the basis of its proprietary patented AFFITOME-technolgy, AFFiRiS develops tailor-made therapeutic peptide vaccines against chronic diseases. Its clinical pipeline consists of 3 drug candidates against Parkinsons, MSA and Hypercholesterolemia. Further vaccine candidates against diabetes, allergies, asthma as well as Huntington's disease are in preclinical development. AFFiRiS has been able to attract funding of approx.  130m to date, half of which comes from license income and government grants. AFFiRiS currently employs 60 highly qualified staff at the Campus Vienna Biocenter in Vienna, Austria.Contact AFFiRiS AG:Bettina WessaKarl-Farkas-Gasse 221030 Vienna, AustriaT +43 / (0)1 / 798 15 75 - 300E bettina.wessa@affiris.comDistribution:PR&D  Public Relations for Research & EducationMariannengasse 81090 Vienna, AustriaT +43 / (0)1 / 505 70 44E contact@prd.at
Aluminum Fluoride Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016  2024

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Aluminum Fluoride Market: OverviewAluminum fluoride is white colored or colorless solid powder that can be produced synthetically and is also found in nature with minerals such as rosenbergite. Alumina and hexafluorosilicic acid are among the vital raw materials that go into the production of aluminum fluoride.Nearly all the aluminum fluoride globally produced is employed as a molten electrolyte in the production of aluminum. Other niche applications of aluminum fluoride include production of fluoroaluminate glasses.Major end user industries for aluminum fluoride include automobiles, construction, aerospace and pharmaceuticals among others. Of these, building and construction represents the largest end user segment for aluminum fluoride and the trend is anticipated to continue for a foreseeable future. Pharmaceuticals segment is expected to be the fastest growing end user segment during the forecast period. The construction industrys strong performance can be credited for the aluminum fluoride markets growth. Moreover, growth in infrastructure mainly in the developing economies is anticipated to drive demand for aluminum fluoride.Reviving automotive industry in Asia Pacific and European regions is also expected to be among foremost growth drivers for aluminum fluoride market. Aluminum fluoride penetrates into human body through air or can be absorbed by skin and leads to several health hazards including asthma. The health hazards associated with aluminum fluoride is among major restraints for aluminum fluoride market growth.Get FREE PDF Brochure For More Professional and Technical Insights :Aluminum Fluoride Market: Regional DynamicsAsia Pacific dominates the global aluminum fluoride market both in terms of consumption and production. China is the leading manufacturer of aluminum fluoride across the globe and constitutes significant portion of the global market share. Moreover owing to over exploitation of major raw material sources in China, the production is anticipated to decline in the near future. High GDP growth and increasing disposable income in India and China have led to high growth in several end user industries including automobiles, pharmaceutical, packaging, aerospace, construction among others. High growth in end user industries is expected to be among foremost factors driving demand for aluminum fluoride in the region. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing region for aluminum fluoride market for a foreseeable future.North America is the second largest market for aluminum fluoride followed by Europe. Increasing regulations to control the hazards associated with aluminum fluoride has been restraining aluminum fluoride market growth in the developed economies of North America and Western Europe.Demand for aluminum fluoride in North America and Europe is anticipated to grow at a sluggish rate during the forecast period. Underutilized fluorspar reserves in South Africa coupled with increasing government support to invest in the reserves is expected to drive market growth for aluminum fluoride in the RoW region. Moreover, increasing demand for aluminum fluoride driven by high growth in several end user industries in the rapidly industrializing economies of South America and Africa will likely present massive growth opportunities for players in the aluminum fluoride market.Aluminum Fluoride Market: Competitive LandscapeAluminum fluoride market is consolidated and few major players constitute major portion of the global market share. Major players invest in research and development activities owing to patent protected technologies and to improve operational efficiency. The degree of competition in the industry is expected to intensify during the forecast period leading to increased price sensitivity. Some of the major players in aluminum fluoride market are E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Alfa Aesar, Apollo Scientific Limited, Finetech Industry and Shanghai IS Chemical Technology among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactMr. Sudip. STransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
Prepaid Credit Card Market - Global Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023

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The introduction of internet technology in banking sector is expected to boost the demand for cashless transaction among banking customers. However, a large number of banking customers are using cash and traditional banking products such as cheques and demand draft instead of credit and debit cards for daily financial transaction. This is due to the fear of hidden cost and convenience issue associated with cashless payment cards. The banking sector is trying to overcome these issues through offering prepaid credit cards.Prepaid credit card looks similar to a credit or debit card with a card number, brand and signature field on it. A prepaid credit card is issued by a financial institution and performs the functions of a credit card except that a certain amount needs to be preloaded in account. The card holder can use the card for purchasing items till the preloaded amount gets finished. Prepaid credit card limits the borrowing of funds from the financial institution after preloaded amount is finished. The issuing of prepaid credit card does not require bank account of the card holder. Instead the amount is stored in a temporary bank account till the amount is fully used. This factor is expected to boost the adoption of prepaid credit card for non bank account customers in coming years.Get More Information :Financial institutions are enabling use of prepaid credit card in automated teller machine (ATM) and point of sale (POS) terminals. If the card gets stolen or damaged, the institution is able to issue new card on basic customer information. The remaining amount in previous card gets transferred into new card automatically. Prepaid credit card eliminates the fee and interest associated with normal credit cards. Thus, the customers dont have to worry about the risk associated with hidden costs in use of credit cards. Prepaid credit cards are available in various forms in market depending upon the type of application. Gift cards are the most commonly used prepaid credit card available in market. The customer is able to use the gift card for purchasing the items in market through POS terminal or online shopping. Meal cards offer convenience of providing meal allowance through prepaid credit card platform. Payroll card is another type of prepaid credit card which allows an enterprise to pay salaries, incentives and reimbursements to the employees. The enterprise is able to credit the monthly salary for every month in the employees temporary account. Financial institutions are now providing forex, travelling and reward card depending upon the customers requirement.The prepaid credit card finds its application among young adults, college students and old age people. Prepaid credit card eliminates the need of carrying cash which help the young and college students to carry equivalent amount of cash in form of a plastic card. The parents can also track the amount spend from the card time to time.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesUSA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
The future of man-portable communication systems will be the software defined radios and very small aperture terminals (VSATs).

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A man-portable communication system is considered to be a compact and strong amplification system which is used in field and defense communications. It is used for secure voice as well as data applications with anti-jamming features and can reduce noises such as from vehicles, sirens, military tanks and crowds, so as to generate a clear message. The lifecycle of the man-portable communication system is approximately around 10 years and the upgradation related to software and hardware are done in the midlife of the systems and are interdependent on the lifecycle of each other. The future of man-portable communication systems will be the software defined radios and very small aperture terminals (VSATs).Get More Information :Based on the platform types the man-portable communication systems market is segmented into land, airborne and naval. The land-based systems dominate the market with major share as compared to airborne and naval. Further, the segmentation of the market according to the applications includes software defined radios, satellite communication (SATCOM), portable intercom, military walkie talkie, transceiver smartphones, encryption, two-way radios and military earpiece for walkie radio headphones. Software defined radio (SDR) technology provides flexibility, cost reduction and power to drive the communications with wide-reachability.One of the major factors driving the man-portable communication systems market is the soldier level information required by command and control (C2) systems. The C2 systems are based on service oriented architecture and built on common data standards. C2 systems integrate applications that enable the commanders and staff to seamlessly exchange a large number of tactical information between the forces. Another factor aiding the growth of man-portable communication systems market is the increasing demand for advanced communication systems with reduced size, weight, and power consumption in defense application.Further, the defense modernization programs in various countries are also anticipated to lead to increased growth of man-portable communication systems market during the coming years. However, reduction in defense budgets is one of the potential challenges for this industry. Increasing focus on reducing soldiers burden is anticipated to witness innovative low power, light weight man-portable military communication system products in near future, thus fueling the demand ahead. Defense ministries around the world are investing on research and development projects for reducing the size, weight and power consumption of man-portable military communication systems. For instance, the UK ministry of defense funded a program named Reducing the Burden on the Dismounted Soldier (RBDS) which aimed to reduce the load on soldier to not more than 25 kg. Additionally, the U.S. undertook a similar program called Nett Warrior owing to which they made substantial progress in reducing the weight on soldiers while delivering highly advanced the advanced capabilities. The major technological trend in man-portable communication systems market includes integration across various platforms for smooth net-centric environment, where users can access real-time data. Defense companies are significantly improving the productivity in man-portable communication systems market, with compliance to government regulations. The need for high frequency and bandwidth in this industry will further expand the man-portable communication systems market in the future.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY  12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Gadolinium Nitrate Global and China Market 2016: Industry Size, Trends, Company Profiles, Analysis and Forecast - 2021

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This report on the global Gadolinium Nitrate industry is the thorough analysis of various factors surrounding Gadolinium Nitrate market. The report addresses different drivers, restraints and opportunities that exists and expected to arise in future. Delivered by the team of experts, the report offers an overview of all the key performance indicators of the industry. The analysis covers the industry on the accounts of revenue, volume, wherever applicable.Complete Report With TOC On Gadolinium Nitrate Market Available @:The report has taken in to consideration all the internal and external factors influencing Gadolinium Nitrate industry. Report has covered the key players of the industryalong with current and potential competitors.Report does not stop on giving the glimpses of market, but it goes in details of the industry, current scenario, revenues of the competitors and their position in the market in terms of region, economy and brand value.This valuable information is coupled with opportunities present in the Gadolinium Nitrate industry and probable growth options in near future.Request For Free Sample Report On Gadolinium Nitrate Market @:Report considers the importance of R&D in the Gadolinium Nitrate industry and fathoms upcoming innovations. It compares the current status of Gadolinium Nitrate industry with the future goals and growth.In this report, the expert team has been able to deliver a complete and realistic picture of the future course, that the Gadolinium Nitrate is expected to adopt. The report stands all question that a business faces in a bid to sustain its industrial position.Table Of Content Of Gadolinium Nitrate Market:Chapter One Introduction of Gadolinium Nitrate Industry1.1 Brief Introduction of Gadolinium Nitrate1.2 Development of Gadolinium Nitrate Industry1.3 Status of Gadolinium Nitrate IndustryChapter Two Manufacturing Technology of Gadolinium Nitrate2.1 Development of Gadolinium Nitrate Manufacturing Technology2.2 Analysis of Gadolinium Nitrate Manufacturing Technology2.3 Trends of Gadolinium Nitrate Manufacturing TechnologyMRS Research group provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Prof Research cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442
On July 20, the Federal Trade Commission will finalize a consent agreement to force asset divestiture of two concrete material manufacturers, HeidelbergCement and Italcementi. This action masquerades as a protection of U.S. consumers, but it is the worst type of industrial planning that threatens to protect lower-quality firms and impair competition.

HeidelbergCement and Italcementi, two multinational cement and aggregate (gravel, slag, etc.) producers, decided to merge last year, creating the worlds second largest cement producer. HeidelbergCement claims that the merger will create huge production synergies valued at $196 million by 2018, grant significant benefits from scale, and enable access to many new markets.

The FTC found this merger unsatisfactory. It made the companies sign a consent agreement stipulating the sale of a major cement plant and quarry in West Virginia and 11 terminals in West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York to an FTC-approved buyer. The merged companies agreed to the divestiture in order to avoid having their merger blocked by the FTC.

A FTC press release explains that the merger may harm competition in certain metropolitan areas by reducing the number of competitively significant suppliers from three to two. The FTC also claims that it would become easier for the remaining firms to conspire to raise prices. To protect consumers from potentially higher prices, the FTC argues asset divestiture is necessary.

The FTCs facade of consumer protection is distressingly thin, as the divested assets would be more likely to decrease prices than harm consumers. According to leading industry analysis database IBISWorld, the U.S. cement industry is highly competitive. Though the market is concentrated, the homogenous nature of the product causes top firms within the United Statesas well as foreign exportersto compete intensely on price.

In the cement industry, size is vital to creating cheap products for customers. Per-unit costs dramatically decrease as operations expand, due largely to the high capital intensity and the necessity of access to quality inputs. The forced divestiture of parts of HeidelbergCement will impede its ability to expand and produce lower-cost cement. The FTCs actions prevent HeidelbergCement and Italcementi from taking full advantage of the synergies between the companies and the economies of scale that would have reduced costs.

The FTC acted upon a rudimentary and misguided definition of competitiveness in a market as the number of significant firms competing. As firms such as Lyft and Uber have shown, a market with few competitors can still contain immense levels of competition. Competition, contrary to the FTCs belief, is the action of attempting to surpass others by improving quality or reducing prices, thereby securing more customers, market share, or profits. The merger was an example of a competitive action that would have made customers better off. In attempting to preserve competition, the FTC crippled it.

The FTC acted partially out of a concern that after the merger, the remaining firms could conspire with each other to increase prices. While it is unclear why having two large firms poses a major risk of conspiracy, but having three does not, price fixing is a legitimate concern of antitrust enforcement. However, instead of forcing a business to divest for fear of price fixing, the FTC could have achieved its objective by observing if price fixing takes place, and then penalizing colluding firms accordingly. The FTC already responds to complaints of price fixing. This would be far less economically harmful than exerting executive control over the industry.

The regulatory intervention will damage the ability of the two merged companies to compete by cutting prices. Consequently, more inefficient, higher-cost firms will benefit from the damage to their competitors. Consumers will face higher prices than they would if the FTC had not intervened. Against all evidence, the FTC believes that they can plan the number and size of firms in an industry to achieve the best outcomes.

As usual, the FTC will have its way. Cement is not a hot topic, the interventions were moderate relative to the size of the market, and the merged firms were forced to quietly comply with the FTCs consent agreement. Nonetheless, it is important to see the actions of the FTC for what they are: industrial planning, not consumer protection.

Nick Archer is an E21 contributor.

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The sustainable way of producing wine

Bodega Garzon

The new Bodega Garzon winery opened a couple of months ago, located three kilometers from Pueblo Garzon, Maldonado, Uruguay. With an investment of 85 million US dollars, the project includes a sustainable winery spanning 19,050 square meters housing the production of fine wines, a restaurant, a luxury hotel and an exclusive wine club.The winery is located on an area of 2,000 hectares, where olive oil is already produced, also called little Tuscany. So it is not by chance if La Bodega Garzon is listed as #21 among the 52 places in the world to go in 2016, according to the New York Times.The project is interesting also from an energetic point of view as it is undergoing the LEED certification, achieving energy savings of about 40%, compared to other similar facilities, and producing 40% of its energy needs through mills and photovoltaic panels.Furthermore the 2014/2015 grape collection allowed Bodega Garzon to become the first sustainable winery built outside the United States, following the requirements of the Green Building Council (USGBC). The goals of this certification program are to enhance transparency and advance the wine industry towards becoming among the best practices in environmental stewardship, conservation of natural resources and socially equitable business practices.The engineer Gabriel Garcia, in charge of the hvac executive project says It has been a real pleasure to see this dream come true and to help in the development of such a sustainable project. It is not easy to follow the LEED requirements but in the end I must admit that by doing it you are sure to create something really green and sustainable, able to produce renewable energy instead of wasting fossil fuels and emitting CO2.FOCUS ON HVACIn wineries stable humidity and temperature levels together with clean air quality are directly connected to the quality of the wine in every step of the production from grape harvesting to ageing and from fermentation to testing.Stable temperature is essential in order to keep the natural features of wine such as taste and aroma, while a proper humidity level is fundamental in avoiding any mould or extreme oxygenation. Finally clear air quality helps to always keep cork and labels in the best condition.At Bodega Garzon the HVAC system is thus based on high efficiency Climaveneta units: 6 WIZARD air handling units working together with 2 ERACS2-Q smart heat pumps for the production of hot and cold water. WIZARD is the ultimate solution in air handling technology. It is a single and compact unit responding to the different requirements. High quality is built into every component, ensuring not only energy efficiency but also exceptional versatility and reliability. This contributes to extending the life cycle of the unit whilst reducing the maintenance costs. ERACS2-Q is an INTEGRA multi-purpose heat pump for the simultaneous production of chilled and hot water by means of two independent hydronic circuits.Climavenetas solution is thus able to provide clean air quality, the best climate conditions and sanitary hot water, all year round combining high efficiency and low running costs in the winery, hotel, restaurant and all the other locations. The choice of producing sanitary hot water through heat pumps lets the system be fully integrated with renewable sources, such us mills and photovoltaic panels.The engineer Mario Zito, Director at MED, Climaveneta distributor in Uruguay says: It has been a pleasure for us to take part in such a challenging project, almost unmatched in our Country. Everybody is fully satisfied with the final results both in terms of humidity and temperature control for the wine production and in terms of sustainability and efficiency for the whole development energy performance.Media RelationsSara Di Clementesara.diclemente@climaveneta.comClimaveneta, a European leader in HVAC and HPAC with 40 years experience, is in business for a purpose: to provide energy efficient heating, air conditioning and data center cooling solutions that enhance everyones comfort, improve the profitability of a building and do not contribute to an increase in CO2 levels.ClimavenetaPlant of via Sarson, 57/c36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI)Italy+390424509500
Global Satellite Market Analysis, Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2016

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http://www.researchmoz.us/global-satellite-market-report-2016-edition-report.html

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Satellite Market Report: 2016 Edition" to its huge collection of research reports.The satellite industry is an integral part of any economy for the development of infrastructure for government agencies and commercial companies. A satellite is an artificial object which is intentionally placed into the orbit. These objects are called as artificial satellites and perform like cell towers in the sky, transmitting data from one point on the earth to another. Satellites are designed to enhance missions that can last 15 years in the vacuum of the space at extreme radiation and temperature conditions.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Satellites vary greatly, depending upon their orbit, mission, and frequency. The satellite value chain allows delivery of the space based services from satellite technology to its users in five levels. Satellite manufacturing industry is a highly specialized high tech industry with highly qualified human resources. They manufacture satellites for various purposes like navigation, communication, remote sensing, space science, military, etc.The satellite market is expected to grow in the coming years with growing demand for bandwidth. The US satellite market dominates the global market with maximum number of top satellite companies and services providers. The key trends of the market include increasing HD and UHD channel counts, adoption of new technologies, emerging regional operators, increased global broadband penetration, rising commercial GEO satellite orders and rising launches of Nano satellites.Browse Detail Report With TOC @The key factors driving the growth in the global satellite market includes growing mobile data traffic, increasing government space budgets, in-flight broadband services, rising Direct-to-home (DTH) channels, and rising middle class households. However, there are certain factors which are hindering the growth of the satellite market like launch failures, increasing financial challenges, and crowding of satellite spectrum.The report offers an in-depth analysis of the Global Satellite Market segmented into global satellite and regional satellite market. Competition is concentrated with few major players dominating the market through technological advancements. Major satellite companies that have been covered in the report include SES, Eutelsat Communications, Inmarsat PLC, and EchoStar Corporation.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Cloud Computing Market Trend, Growth, Size, Share, Technology Models, Challenges and Business Benefits Research Report

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Cloud Computing Market: Technology Models, Challenges, and Business Benefits" to its huge collection of research reports.SaaS and PaaS are the leading cloud computing technology types that will gain prominence within the industry in 2016. Rising demand for hybrid cloud architecture and disaster recovery solutions from companies is considered an important factor, which is encouraging the adoption of IaaS among large companies. Organizations are focusing on various secured storage solutions that provide the flexibility to store and process their data in third-party data centers and significantly reduce their expenditure on IT. Hybrid cloud is expected to see a greater budget allocation in 2016, compared to 2015; communications and IT industries are strongly determined to adopt cloud computing services over the next 12 months.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key FindingsOf the cloud computing implementation types, hybrid cloud is expected to gain interest over the next 12 monthsFlexibility and scalability, and reduced need for purchasing and maintaining IT Hardware are the key factors influencing the deployment of cloud computingRespondents operating in Europe are allocating the largest part of their cloud computing budget towards SaaS in 2015 and 2016Organizations identify software application hosting and database management system as the key cloud computing services that will gain significance in 2016SynopsisKables Cloud Computing Market: Technology Models, Challenges, and Business Benefits, examines executives opinion on the key factors that are driving the cloud computing market and the inclination of enterprises in adopting cloud computing models based on their technology types and implementation types. Additionally, it provides information about popular cloud computing services, industry verticals that are keen to adopt cloud computing services, and the budget allocation of organizations to the various cloud computing models.Browse Detail Report With TOC @What else does this report offer?Adoption of cloud computing technology types: provides information about the cloud computing technology types that are expected to gain significance within organizations in 2016Favored cloud computing implementation types: identifies cloud computing implementation types that are gaining prominence among organizationsPopular hybrid cloud versions: tracks the most important versions of hybrid cloud trending upward in the next 12 months.Key drivers: examines the significant factors influencing the use of cloud computing within organizationsExpected investment towards cloud computing: evaluates the percentage of enterprises annual procurement budget being spent on cloud computing servicesChange in cloud computing technology budget: identifies how enterprises cloud computing budgets were allocated across the technology areas in 2015 and how they change in 2016Budget allocation for cloud computing implementation areas: highlights the change in investment towards public, private, and hybrid cloud in 2015 and 2016Popular cloud computing services: projects the key services with the highest potential benefits from cloud computing technologyKey industry verticals: highlights industry verticals that are keen to adopt cloud computing servicesConcerns to implement cloud computing: analyzes major concerns faced by organizations in the adoption of cloud computingReasons To BuyHelps to alter investment allocation by understanding key cloud computing technologies and implementation areas highlighted by survey executives during 2015 and 2016Highlights key factors and industry verticals influencing the use of cloud computing, thus helping organizations to realign business strategyEnables organizations to improve work flexibility and scalability and drastically reduces the need for purchasing and maintaining IT HardwareHelps organizations to enhance their revenue growth opportunities and make effective business strategy decisions by knowing popular cloud computing servicesMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Electric Vehicle Battery Market Bolster By Decreasing Crude Oil Reserves and Concerns

www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Growing concerns related to decreasing oil and gas resources and degrading environmental conditions are having positive impact on the demand for electric powered vehicles. Moreover, subsidies and incentives on usage of such vehicles is another factor driving the market for electric powered vehicles. These vehicles depend on electric batteries to provide the primary or the secondary power. Thus any impact on the demand for electric powered vehicles will affect the electric vehicle battery market. An electric powered vehicle or battery electric vehicle use chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs for power. As all the power is derived from batteries therefore, it does not require any combustion engine for propulsion. Battery Electric vehicles include scooters, rail cars, bicycle, forklifts, buses and cars. The advantages in battery storage technology have also positively affected the electric vehicle battery market.Free PDF Sample For More Market Insight can be Downloaded @ bit.ly/28PuIFLThe segmentation of the electric vehicle battery market can be done on the basis of technology, application and geography. Technology segment deals with the different types of batteries used for manufacturing of electric vehicle battery. Major battery types include lead acid batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, zebra batteries and lithium ion batteries. Lead acid batteries are the most common and cheapest type of batteries. Nickel metal hydride batteries have higher energy densities than the common lead acid batteries and if used properly can have exceptionally long lives. The Zebra batteries use molten chloro-aluminate sodium as electrolyte. Lithium ion batteries use graphite anode and lithium cobalt oxide anode. These batteries are use to power the Battery Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Electric Vehicles.Regional segmentation of the electric vehicle battery market includes countries such as the United States and Canada in North America; Germany, France, Sweden and the United Kingdom in Europe. The government incentives on usage of battery powered vehicles are one of the main reasons behind the growth of North American and European electric vehicle battery market. Other prominent market includes Asia Pacific and Middle East. Asia Pacific market includes the countries such as Japan, China and South Korea. Increasing concerns related to energy security and incentives on use of battery powered vehicles are the major factor driving the Asia Pacific market. The Rest of the World segment still lags behind in the electric vehicle battery market. The Rest of the World Market includes countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela.Browse Full Market Report With Complete TOC @ bit.ly/28NIJ7DDecreasing crude oil reserves and concerns regarding degradation of the environment are the major factors driving the electric vehicle battery market. With decreasing crude reserves the demand for economical transportation technologies has attracted investment in this market. The governments of many major countries have encouraged adoption hybrid vehicles that utilize the electric battery. Many national agencies have enforced rules and provide attractive concessions on purchasing hybrid cars. Stringent environmental regulations in the European Union nations have encouraged wide adoption of the battery powered vehicles. The fluctuating crude oil prices are another major factor bolstering consumers to adopt such batteries. Expensive nature of electric vehicle battery is one of the major restraints to the market.Some of the major players in the electric vehicle battery market include companies such as SAMSUNG SDI CO. LTD., Quallion, Boston-Power, Inc. and LG Chem Power Inc.This report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Mr. Sudip. S90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Automated Intelligence joins Microsoft Enterprise Cloud Alliance

Software company Automated Intelligence (AI) has announced it has joined the Microsoft Enterprise Cloud Alliance.The Alliance provides Microsoft partners the opportunity to have a more strategic relationship with Microsoft and to be named amongst the best in class solutions.The Enterprise Cloud Alliance is a programme for companies who have demonstrated expertise with Microsoft products including Microsoft Azure, SQL Server, Dynamics applications or hosting services.AI now joins a strong worldwide partner ecosystem across a broad set of Enterprise Cloud products.CTO of Automated Intelligence, Simon Cole, said, This announcement comes just days after we were awarded the SQL Server Certification and reinforces our commitment to delivering integrated solutions with Microsoft products."Being part of the Alliance will give us the ability to connect with other partners and developers to meet the unique needs of our growing customer base.The Enterprise Cloud Partner Alliance was created in November 2007 with 20 founding members. Today it is a thriving ecosystem of over 150+ diverse partners worldwide.Automated Intelligence (AI) provides information management software and services that enable organisations to easily transition to, and make the most of, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Azure and Office 365.Using our proven solutions, organisations can analyse and optimise their existing data holdings to aid in the transition to SharePoint from legacy data repositories, reducing costs and increasing data quality. Our technology further enables organisations to exploit their Microsoft platform to comply with legal, government and internal policy obligations, whilst improving user experience, user acceptance, information discovery and data quality.We make it easier to deliver your information strategy.Ryan Kyleryan@automated-intelligence.comAutomated IntelligenceUnit 4 - The Legacy BuildingQueens RoadBelfastBT3 9DT
Are you ready for the fast approaching compliance date for UDI?

http://maetrics.com/whitepaper/unique-device-identification/

Maetrics unveils the current landscape of UDI in the USA and the substantial benefits of early compliance in latest free whitepaperThe next imposed compliance date for Unique Device Identification (UDI) in the USA is 24th September 2016  it could not be more critical, than it is now, for medical device manufacturers to make sure they are prepared.Since 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have been imposing a series of compliance dates for UDI requirements to help precisely identify medical devices through distribution and use. In fact, manufacturers who are on top of launching an all-encompassing UDI implementation plan will garner the best rewards for their business.The medical device manufacturers who have started to implement UDI into their processes will already be seeing the significant long-term benefits from complying early, such as inventory control, potential increased sales and more time to identify and troubleshoot product issues. Manufacturers must not delay further and ensure they are on target to meet the next big deadline in order to reap the benefits.If manufactures have not addressed taking extra steps to prepare for UDI, now is the time; there will only be more devices in the future. In order to help manufacturers to stay compliant and make sure they are set up to meet the remaining deadlines, Maetrics, a leading international consulting firm focusing on providing life science companies with deep quality, compliance and regulatory solutions, has published a free whitepaper that is available to download here:The free must read guide, co-authored by Steve Cottrell, President at Maetrics and Madris Tomes, Founder and CEO of Device Events, focuses on the current landscape of UDI and the benefit of early compliance. The guide looks in particular at: A detailed overview of UDI The varying expectations of UDI (Federal perspective, manufacturers interpretation and a healthcare perspective) Current state of UDI and Serialization including diagnostic challenges, existing inventory and exemptions, submissions, device classes and redactions The benefits of prompt compliance The consequences of non-compliance Next steps for preparing for the complex UDI compliance processMr. Cottrell comments: If UDI is implemented promptly, manufacturers are well positioned to realize long-term benefits from it. UDI needs to be viewed as an opportunity to restructure operations to adopt more thorough tracking and inventory systems.Ms. Tomes remarks: Preparing your company for the complex UDI compliance process, really involves multiple departments and functions and does require a substantial amount of time, money and resources  thorough planning will help you to avoid any unnecessary expense. Manufacturers that launch a comprehensive UDI implementation plan as soon as soon as possible are the ones who will garner the biggest rewards.Maetrics, a global leader in life sciences consulting, develops comprehensive regulatory, quality, and compliance strategies that drive results for our clients. With offices throughout Europe and North America, Maetrics can assist with local, regional, or global compliance needs in the medical device, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and biotech industries.Maetrics8888 Keystone Crossing #1550, Indianapolis, IN 46240, United States+1 877-623-8742Press contact: sarah@thoughtsparkagency.com
MoneyBug Now Guarantees Highest Cash Offer for Sale of Home in Dallas, TX

Dallas, Texas: Since its founding in 2008, home buying company MoneyBug has put down roots coast-to-coast and has more plans for further growth. Among these rapidly expanding locations, MoneyBug is bringing an opportunity to homeowners who need to sell a house fast in Dallas.Residents of Dallas, Texas are able to look to MoneyBug for help when they need to sell their home fast. Dallas homeowners who are looking to sell a home to liquidate assets, downsize, or just need to sell a house fast, will benefit with Money Bug. No matter if they need to sell their home because of a job transfer, a divorce, or flood damage, MoneyBug buys houses in any condition. MoneyBug's public relations manager has reported that this business model has earned the company over a billion dollars in acquisitions through the purchase of over 6,000 single-family homes.Homeowners in Dallas do not even need to make repairs before they sell a home, they can sell a house fast no matter what their situation may be, even there is damage to the house. MoneyBug realizes that homeowners work hard for their money, and should keep it. MoneyBug allows homeowners to sell a house for cash without an expensive or drawn-out process that charges fees or commission.Homeowners who want to sell a house fast in Dallas are invited to visit MoneyBugs website to get an instant cash offer for their home. MoneyBugs website boasts state-of-the-art technology that provides homeowners an opportunity to see how much their house is worth in just seconds. Instantly, homeowners will receive an offer that is guaranteed to be the highest cash amount possible.To make such an offer instantly, MoneyBug has designed a system that features advanced algorithms to instantly run data and instantly return a cash offer for a home. This way, there is no need for the homeowner to even call and speak with someone at MoneyBug to receive a cash offer. After their cash offer is received, homeowners can sell their home in Dallas and close the deal within seven days.Even though MoneyBug saw its beginning in the housing crisis of 2008, the company has exponentially grown. MoneyBug proudly serves homeowners who want to sell their house fast in Collin County, Fort Worth, The Colony, Houston, California, Florida, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.MoneyBug is designed to help homeowners who dont want to deal with the hassle of listing their home through MLS and traditional realtors, or just want an easy solution to sell their house fast. They stand separately from other cash-for-home companies with a unique ability to work quickly to close the sale in just seven days, while high-tech advancements provide homeowners with an instant cash offer for their home online. Homeowners dont even have to pay to make repairs or renovations before they sell. MoneyBug buys houses as-is, even if it is damaged. Without spending extra time or hard-earned cash on repairs and improvements, MoneyBug will still give homeowners the highest amount of money for their home.4600 Fuller Dr.Irving, TX 75038
Quadsimia develops a new responsive website for Saya Real Estate

Quadsimia

http://www.sayarealestate.com

Quadsimia LLC is proud to announce the launch of the new responsive website for Joseph J. Saya Real Estate. The new website can now be accessed via web browsers and multiple platforms, including mobile devices and tablets. Other site upgrades include improved functionality, a detailed property listing, and the ability to easily to navigate through the site.Serving the greater Syracuse NY area, Saya Real Estate blends service and technology to bring their clients closer to their dream home. Involving themselves as much or as little as the customer desires, their goal is to make every customer a customer for life. Their job isnt done until you are completely happy in your new home. Their new website can be found atQuadsimia's operations are headquartered in scenic Central New York, but we apply the latest technologies to reach beyond our geographic location to clients around the globe. We have more than 120 years combined experience in website design, development, social media, search engine optimization, engineering, software development, computer science, system analysis and integration, graphic design and multimedia, business acquisition and valuation. Quadsimia also leads the way in introducing businesses to the newest technologies related to the web.587 Main Street, Suite 200 New York Mills, NY 13417
Global Organic Acid Industry to Gain Impetus from Emergence of Bio-based Organic Acids

Market Research Hub

http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/global-organic-acid-industry-2016-market-research-report-report.html

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ALBANY, New York, June 23, 2016: A new report on the global organic acid industry has been recently added to the vast repository of Market Research Hub. The study, titled Global Organic Acid Industry 2016 Market Research Report, presents a comprehensive assessment of this industry by examining its key trends, past performance, and future prospects.This 150-page market study presents a descriptive assessment of the worldwide organic acid industrys performance on the basis of various factors such as the production volume, the pricing of products, demand and supply, the dynamics of sales, capacity utilization, revenue generated, export/import, and the rate on which the industry is growing.As per the research study, the global market for organic acids is witnessing strong growth. The emergence of bio-based organic acids has presented a lucrative opportunity to market participants.Browse Full Report with TOC @Food and beverages, textile, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and adhesives have been identified as the prime end users of organic acid across the world. Among these, the demand for these acids is the highest from the food and beverages industry. The demand from pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and other industries is also expected to rise in the coming years, states the research report.Regionally, the global organic acid industry can be segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest of the World. Currently, Asia Pacific is dominating the overall industry. The rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical and food and beverages industries in this region is the key driving force behind the growth exhibiting by the organic acid industry in the region. Analysts project this regional industry to remain dominant in the coming years.On the other hand, the implementation of several initiatives to control the usage of several synthetic organic acids is hampering the organic acid industry in North America and Europe. However, the growing demand for bio-based organic acids is likely to propel the market in these regions over the next few years, notes the research study.The competitive landscape of the global organic acid industry has also been analyzed in this report. The market hierarchy has been examined by evaluating profiles of major companies operating in this industry. According to the study, the global organic acid industry is highly competitive and the leading enterprises compete on the price difference of products.Request for Sample Report with TOC in a PDF Format:Weifang Huabo Chemical, Dongying Shuntong Chemical, Wuhan Vision Inf-Tech, Ansew International, HK Intertech Industries, Toyo Hakko, Shikoku Chemical Corp., Aquilon Impex, Azantechservice, Trading Company Dmitrievsky Chemical plant, OCI Corp., Deasong Finechemical, Pure Chem, Pheonix Nutraceuticals, SIM Chemical, Mercan Recruit, kent international trading and consultancy, Discovery Fine Chemicals, Samtron Supplies, Aojiamei Chemical, Sky International Trading, Senvia Chemicals, Creations in Lucite, Griffin International Inc., and Technidd Chemi-tech are the leading market participants mentioned in this research study.Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free : 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel : +1-518-621-2074Email : sales@marketresearchhub.comWebsite :
Dunlap Industries, Inc. Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Dunlap Industries 50th Anniversary Celebration

www.dunlapworld.com

Dunlap, Tennessee, June 23, 2016  Dunlap Industries, Inc., an industry leader in textile trim items, celebrates 50 years of successfully providing the best product with unparalleled value. We are celebrating the all of the entities that came together to form Dunlap Industries Inc in 1966 including the University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The creation of Dunlap Industries was originally an idea proposed by the University of Tennessee. TVA became aware of the idea and partnered with the University of Tennessee to test the idea. Since its inception, Dunlap Industries has become a successful industry leader and is now celebrating 50 years in business through hard work, dedicated employees and investors along with customers. Due to Dunlap Industries strong history within the Sequatchie Valley, this milestone will be celebrated by the many entities that came together to form Dunlap Industries in 1966. We are thankful for all of the people who came to celebrate this exciting milestone with us. Our partnerships with many of the organizations that support us continue today. We are looking forward to another 50 years within the Dunlap community by carrying out our mission to offer something that is special and unique by being the best service and value provider in the industry. The Golden Zipper Award was presented to the University of Tennessee and TVA as they were the founding partners of Dunlap Industries Inc. We would also like to thank our local partners : Mountain Valley Bank, SunTrust Bank, BrightBridge Inc, Mauldin & Jenkins, American Insurance Managers, Benefit Controls company, and many others that have supported Dunlap in its success. We also appreciate support from Community Elected Officials Mayor D. Keith Cartwright of Sequatchie County and Mayor Dwain Land of the City of Dunlap.Dunlap Industries, Inc. is a leading American owned manufacturer and distributor of zippers, thread, hook and loop and related textile trim items. We are dedicated to ensuring our customers satisfaction by providing the service and attention they deserve and need. Our mission is striving to offer something that is special and unique by being the best service and value provider in the industry. We are determined to do our best so you can do your best.Dunlap Industries, Inc.Contact : Gaylen Hamilton9621 Dayton PikeSoddy Daisy, TN 37379gaylen.hamilton@dunlapworld.com423-332-0799 x7359
On June 20, the international community marked World Refugee Day. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR, reports there are over 60 million displaced people worldwide  20 million refugees and 40 million internally displaced, the largest number since World War II.

Humanitarian crises around the world make painfully clear that despite our best efforts, all nations must do more, said United States Ambassador to Botswana Earl Miller. In an editorial marking World Refugee Day, Ambassador Miller noted that, too often refugees and asylum seekers are turned away, denied a safe haven, and refouled, or expelled.

The United States is seeking commitments to expand the humanitarian safety net and create more long-term opportunities for refugees and displaced people worldwide. We call on our friends and partners to rise to the challenge and honor their commitment on protecting refugees right to life.

One of those friends is Botswana. Botswana currently hosts roughly 3,000 refugees at Dukwi Camp who have fled a wide array of conflicts and violence from as far away as Somalia to as close as neighboring Zimbabwe, Ambassador Miller noted.

The Government of Botswana, in conjunction with UNHCR, provides them with schooling, housing, and medical treatment. The U.S. Government is working to assist where we can; we help fund the camps healthcare system in addition to providing small grants to organizations that offer skills training and safe spaces for the camps youth. We are working with the Government of Botswana and UNHCR to find durable solutions for these refugees.

Since 1975, the United States Refugee Admissions Program welcomed over 3.2 million resettled refugees from around the world. In each of the last three years, the United States has resettled nearly 70,000 refugees and this year we aim to resettle up to 85,000.

In addition, President Barack Obama announced the United States will admit 100,000 in 2017. The Refugee Admissions Program offers the worlds most vulnerable refugees the opportunity to find safety and start over in communities across the United States.

While the scope of the global refugee and displaced persons crisis is massive, our humanitarian response can be as well, Ambassador Miller concluded. By welcoming refugees, we reaffirm our common humanity and our commitment to building a common peace.
Photo Camp: Creativity Sessions

www.c4fap.org/events/photo-camp-creativity-sessions/

Photo Camp: Creativity Sessions | With Course Instructor Megan Salazar at The Center for Fine Art Photography Runs July 12th through August 11th, 2016 | The Creativity Class is designed for photography students who have already learned the basics of digital camera operation through our Basics class or in school, to develop a personal artistic voice. This course is an exploration of photo based concepts and media.We start off by discovering the origins of photography and then move on to an intensive study of composition. We will learn the application of aesthetics and cultural symbolism. A series of workshops with professional guest photographers is built into this course. These guest artists share knowledge on unique subjects from drone and commercial photography to studio lighting. The Creativity Class is perfect for photography students who are working towards a college portfolio or who are simply ready to take their photography to the next level.+ Two Classes per week for five weeks $250+ Classes 9:00 am  1:00 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays+ Five scholarships available+ Visitfor more information.+ Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Linkedin.Course Instructor: Megan Salazar is a northern Coloradoan artist. She has been teaching photography at a high school level for six years. Her students work has been recognized in statewide and national competitions. She established the high school arts program at Liberty Common High School in 2010. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Penn State and received her masters at Rhode Island School of Design.Gallery Location400 North College Ave.Fort Collins, CO 80524Online at C4FAP.ORGMedia ContactSunshine DivisPrograms Managercoordinator@c4fap.org970/224-1010
Global distributed energy storage systems market estimated to reach a market value of $9.09 billion by 2020

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The global distributed energy storage systems market was valued at $3.98 billion in 2014, and is estimated to reach a market value of $9.09 billion by 2020, at a CAGR of 15.0% from 2015 to 2020.With the advancement in the field of electronics, there will be rise in the demand for power supply in order to support the equipment used in various sectors such as commercial, industrial, and residential. In order to support the constant power flow to this equipment, the electrical energy should be stored. Therefore, the distributed energy storage systems are increasingly used to store energy (in particular renewable energy) in order to resolve the issues related to the power supply in the electrical system.On the basis of type, the distributed energy storage system market is segmented into batteries, electrochemical capacitors, compressed air, flywheel, and others. The batteries segment is expected to account for the largest share in the distributed energy storage systems market and is expected to reach $5.78 billion by 2020 at a CAGR of 17.4% from 2015 to 2020.In terms of geography, the distributed energy storage systems market segmented into regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). The North American distributed energy storage system market is expected to experience significant growth due to the growing initiatives of renewable energy production and storage in that region.Key companies in this market are ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), LG Chem ltd. (South Korea), Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Saft (France), and BYD Company Limited (China).The statistics here are given by the report Global Distributed Energy Storage Systems Market by Technology Type, Application, Geography - Analysis and Forecast to 2020.Objective of this study is to analyze the market trends, share, growth & restraining factors and projection supported by market estimates and forecasts of global market.Know more on this study at -PDF brochure of this research -About Report Publisher:MicroMarket Monitor identifies and attends to various unmet needs of different industrial verticals, which include value chain impact analysis. The company publishes about 12000 Market Research Reports on various Micro Markets across the world. The graphical nature and multidimensional analysis of these reports provide advanced Business Intelligence Tools to the clients in that particular target market.Contact:Mr. Priyank TiwariUNIT no 802, Tower No. 7, SEZMagarpatta City, HadapsarPune, Maharashtra 411013, IndiaTel - +1-888-502-0539
Stand Up Pouches Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016  2024

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A pouch is a container used for carrying goods or products. A stand up pouch is one that has an ability to stand on its own. The base on which it stands is called a bottom guzzet (in a stand up pouch). Stand up pouches are the most popular and widely used form of flexible packaging. Stand up pouches come with market friendly features, such as zipper reclosure, tear notches, hang-hole features, and attractive billboards for label and graphics. They are mostly used in the food and beverages industry. However, these pouches are still gaining importance in other end use packaging applications, such as dry food packaging, baby food, pet food, and natural products.Get the Full Report at:Major growth drivers for the stand up pouches market include: reduced cost of shipping and storage of products, aesthetically pleasant appearance resulting into better branding, and wide acceptability among consumers due to their lightweight and easy to handle features. In addition, these pouches are more cost effective as compared to glass or pet bottles, offer flexibility to print as per custom design, and ensure a better shelf visibility, thereby driving their market growth further. Surge in the number of end user industries of stand-up pouches has also been responsible for their increasing demand across the globe. However, high investment required for the purchase of stand-up pouches packaging line is considered to be a major threat for its market growth.Stand up pouches can be classified on the basis of material used, which include plastic, aluminum foil, kraft paper foil, or a combination of these. Secondly, the stand up pouches market is also segmented on the basis of shape into: round bottom, K seal, and corner sealed. Other pouch styles include: 3 side seal pouches, box pouches, and tap and gland fitment. Meanwhile, pouch closure options include spouts and fitments, press to close zippers, sliders, hooded sliders, etc. Manufacturers also offer additional options based on the product requirement. Additional pouch features include rounded corners, mitred corners, tear notches, clear windows, shiny or matter finishes, venting, handle holes, mechanical perforating, and laser perforating.Regionally, Asia Pacific is estimated to account for more than 50% share of the overall stand-up pouches market, owing to the increasing number of middle class customers in the region, which are more attracted toward the stand up pouch packaging type, especially in India and tier 3 cities of China. However, this can only be attributed to the high population in these countries, as per capita consumption of stand up pouches has been witnessed to be much higher in North America and Europe as compared to Asia Pacific. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to be followed by Europe and North America markets, respectively. The MENA and Latin America, together, are anticipated to account for less than 15% share of the global stand up pouches market over the forecast period.Major players in the stand up pouches market include: Amcor Ltd.(Australia), The DOW Chemical Company (U.S), Mondi Group (Austria), Berry Plastic Corporation (U.S), Smurfit Kappa Group (Dublin), Bemis Company Inc. (U.S), Essentra PLC (U.K), Bischof+Klein (Germany), Coating Excellence International (U.S), Hood Packaging (U.S), Printpack (U.S.), ProAmpac (Canada), Sealed Air (U.S.), Sonoco (U.S), and Winpak Ltd (Canada). Currently, the market is highly unorganized due to the presence of various small and medium level manufacturers.Get the Sample Report at:Product innovations and expansion are the key strategies adopted by major players in the global stand up pouches market. Recently, two major players, Prolamina (U.S) and Ampac (U.S) merged their packaging business and formed a new company called ProAmpac Intermediate Corp. ProAmpac includes four divisions, namely Prolamina, Ampac, Tulsack, and Business Deposits Plus. In addition to the new name, Prolaminas Terrebonne, Quebec (Canada) site will shift to the Ampac division, as its product offerings match with the adhesive laminated roll stock and pouching offered by Ampac.About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact TMRMr.Sudip S90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Pen Needles Market worth 2.81 Billion USD by 2021

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Browse 102 market data Tables and 53 Figures spread through 185 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Pen Needles Market"Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.A number of factors such as the favorable reimbursement environment and government support in selected countries; advantages of insulin pens over syringes and vials; technological advancements to minimize pain and needle anxiety; growing diabetic population; and conferences, meetings, and congresses to create pen needle awareness are expected to drive the growth of the pen needles market during the forecast period.In this report, the pen needles market is segmented on the basis of type, needle length, therapy, mode of purchase, and region. Based on type, the pen needles market is categorized into standard pen needles and safety pen needles. The standard pen needles segment is expected to account for the largest share of the pen needles market in 2016. However, the safety pen needles segment is projected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period.Ask For PDF Brochure:Based on needle length, the pen needles market is segmented into 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm. The 8mm needle length segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2016. However, the 4mm needle length segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.On the basis of therapy, the pen needles market is segmented insulin therapy, growth hormone therapy, and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapy. The insulin therapy segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2016 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the forecast period.Based on mode of purchase, the pen needles market is segmented into retail and non-retail purchase. The retail purchase segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2016 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.Get The Sample Copy:Geographically, the global pen needles market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (Latin America, Pacific countries, the Middle East, and Africa). Europe is expected to account for the largest share of the pen needles market in 2016, followed by North America, Asia, and the Rest of the World. The Asian market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR and serves as a revenue pocket for companies offering pen needle productsProminent players in the global pen needles market include Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.), Novo Nordisk A/S (Denmark), Ypsomed Holding AG (Switzerland), Owen Mumford, Ltd. (U.K.), HTL-STREFA S.A. (Poland), B. Braun Melsungen (Germany), Terumo Corporation (Japan), UltiMed, Inc. (U.S.), Allison Medical, Inc. (U.S.), and Artsana S.p.a. (Italy).About MarketsandMarkets:MarketsandMarkets is the worlds No. 2 firm in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors.M&Ms flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.Contact:Mr. RohanUnit No. 802, 8th Floor,Tower - 7, Magarpatta City SEZ,Hadapsar, Pune  411013,Maharashtra, India.Tel: +1-888-6006-441
Increasing Demand for Embedded Systems with Multi Core Technologies Drives Embedded System Market

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An embedded system is programmed to perform a specific function or control a smaller device within a larger electrical or mechanical system. By doing so, embedded systems are able to fill in many of the gaps that a general-purpose computers capabilities might leave. This also explains the unmatched degree of versatility that embedded systems afford in a myriad of uses across industry verticals. The automobile industry, in particular, is expected to generate high demand for embedded systems in the near future. As real time data transfer and information relaying becomes pivotal to most industries, the use of embedded systems will rise.Embedded System Market Description:However, the electronics industry is still grappling with challenges pertaining to the design and seamless integration of embedded systems in the latest electronic and electrical devices. This could result in the global embedded systems markets growth being restrained to some extent. This situation is exacerbated by the high degree of competition that currently prevails among market participants, making innovation a vital tool for survival.For the purpose of this study, the global embedded systems market is segmented on the basis of functionality, type, microcontroller, application, and geography. Segmented thus, the embedded systems market by functionality is composed of stand-alone embedded systems, networked embedded systems, real-time embedded systems, and mobile embedded systems. The highest revenue contribution in 2014 came from real-time embedded systems, thanks largely to their deployment in a myriad of applications ranging from industrial automation to automotive to consumer electronics.By microcontroller, the report segments the embedded systems market into: Small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale embedded systems. In 2014, medium-scale embedded systems raked in the highest revenue, with their preference primarily being dictated by desirable attributes such as low power consumption, affordability, and compactness. Several advanced systems being based on medium-scale embedded systems also contributes to the dominance of this segment.Similarly, the report classifies embedded systems by type into embedded software and embedded hardware. The embedded hardware segment contributed a higher share of revenue than embedded software in 2014 owing to a high demand for embedded systems with improved functionality.The applications of embedded systems studied in the report are: Telecommunications, automotive, industrial, healthcare, aerospace and defense, consumer electronics, and others. The global embedded systems market earned the highest revenue from the automotive application segment in 2014, and TMR analysts expect this trend to firmly continue through the reports forecast period. There are numerous areas where the automotive industry has come to rely heavily on embedded systems; these include: wiper controls, infotainment systems, anti-lock systems, and engine control units.Embedded System Detailed Technical Analysis:On the basis of geography, the global embedded systems market is segmented into: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. The North America embedded systems market raked in the highest revenue (36%) as of 2014, with demand being stimulated by the deployment of smart meters, smart grids, and smart vehicles. Trailing North America was the Asia Pacific embedded systems market, contributing 30.6% of the total revenue in 2014. Taiwan, China, and South Korea spearhead the growth of the embedded systems market in Asia Pacific.The Company Profiles section is a highlight of the report, wherein leading players and their growth strategies are discussed in detail. Companies profiled in this section include: HCL Technologies Limited, Atmel Corporation, Infosys Ltd., Microsoft Corporation, Texas Instruments, and Renesas Electronics Corporation.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze inMr.Sudip S90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016  2024

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2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) Market: Overview2-ethylhexanol is a high boiling point, low volatility solvent for fats, waxes, insecticides and dyes. It is a colorless liquid that is soluble in organic solvents and has emollient properties. It is primarily used to manufacture low volatility esters such as dioctyl phthalate. It is a key ingredient for manufacturing plasticizers, lubricants and other chemical products. It is industrially produced through aldol condensation of n-butyraldehyde, and subsequent hydrogenation of hydroxyaldehyde. It has applications in coatings and heavy metal industries. It is used as an octane booster when reacted with nitric acid. 2-ethylhexanol is a key feedstock for manufacturing a range of chemicals which is further used in industries such as construction, automotive and paints among others. It is used as a wetting agent in the textile industry. There is high demand for 2-ethylhexanol from the plasticizer manufacturing industry.2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) Market: DriversApplication of 2-ethylhexanol include plasticizers, 2-EH acrylate, 2-EH nitrate and others which are extensively used in various industries. Growing demand for chemicals across various industries is in turn, expected to drive the demand for 2-ethylhexanol. Additionally, stringent norms on industrial emissions are driving the demand for high performance fuels which in turn, is expected to augment 2-ethylhexanol nitrate production. Furthermore, growth in the coatings industry is anticipated to fuel the demand for 2-ethylhexanol in the near future. However, the declining trends of dioctyl phthalate may curb the demand for 2-ethylhexanol over the next few years. Furthermore, it is toxic to humans when exposed and results in dizziness, headache, throat irritation and sore eyes. Thus, regulations on the use of 2-ethylhexanol may hamper the market within the forecast period.Get FREE PDF Brochure For More Professional and Technical Insights :2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) Market: Region-wise OutlookThe 2-ethylhexanol market is expected to demonstrate substantial growth within the forecast period thanks largely to the promise shown by China  a country that is driving the demand not only in APAC but also worldwide. In 2012, Asia Pacific consumed 60% of the global production of this 2-EH.Moreover, the rising demand for phthalate plasticizers in emerging economies such as China, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia may stimulate the demand for 2-ethylhexanol in the near future. Growing chemical industry applications have been the top growth enabler for demand in North America. In the region, the U.S. and Canada are seen as major contributors to demand and revenue. Europe follows North America in terms of demand for 2-ethylhexanol. The demand in these regions is driven by 2-ethylhexanol acrylate and 2-Ethylhexanol nitrate manufacturing segments, which are used in adhesives and paints. In Europe, the demand is dominated by 2-EH acrylate and 2-EH nitrate.The Rest of the World market is forecast to show strong growth over in terms of demand through the reports forecast period. This will be the result of the higher spending power of consumers in the Middle East and North Africa. Growth in the construction activities across the globe is pushing the demand for 2-ethylhexanol within the forecast period.2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) Market: Key PlayersSome of the key companies which manufacture 2-Ethylhexanol acrylate are Dow Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company, Zak S.A, Chengdu XiYa Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., Tianjin Zhongxin Chemtech Co., Ltd. and Meryer (Shanghai) Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. among many others.Dow Chemical manufactures 2-ethylhexanol which is mainly used in coatings and in extractant production of heavy materials. Eastman Chemical Company manufactures 2-ethylhexanol for dispersing agents in pigments pastes. Zak SA produces 2-ethylhexanol which is used in the refining industry to improve the cetane number. It is also used in the production of anti-foam agents and forming agents.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactMr. Sudip. STransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
Titanium Dioxide Market Looks to Rapidly Expanding Construction Sector for Growth, Set to Rise to US$16.7 bn by 2023

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The global titanium dioxide market is poised to expand at a modest 3.7% CAGR from 2015 to 2023, states Transparency Market Research in its latest report. The 163-page publication is titled Titanium Dioxide Market - Global and China Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023. Based on the findings of the report, the value of the titanium dioxide market is projected to rise from US$12.1 bn in 2014 to US$16.7 bn by 2023.Titanium dioxide is a solid, white colored, inorganic material that possesses poor solubility and high thermal stability. Manufactured via chloride and sulfate processes, titanium dioxide is being increasingly used to make vehicles as well as construction materials lighter in weight. This is a key factor driving the demand for titanium dioxide. The growing demand for high-efficiency photovoltaic installations presents lucrative opportunities for players within the global titanium dioxide market. In contrast, stringent environment regulations threaten to impede the growth of the overall market.Get Free PDF Brochure For More Professional and Technical Insights :The report employs a number of industry-standard research methodologies to collate the latest and most accurate information pertaining to the global titanium dioxide market. A SWOT analysis sheds light on the markets strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The Porters Five Forces analysis model highlights the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, the threat of substitutes and new entrants, and the degree of competition in the titanium dioxide market.The titanium dioxide market has been studied based on application and geography.By application, the titanium dioxide market has been segmented into plastic, paints and coatings, paper, and others, including artificial fibers and inks. Among these, paints and coatings emerged as the leading application segment with a 55% share in 2014. Plastics is predicted to expand at the fastest pace from 2015 to 2023, driven mainly by the rising use of titanium dioxide in plastics to enhance their properties of color, opacity, and strength.On the basis of geography, the market for titanium dioxide has been divided into Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. Accounting for a share of over 40% in 2014, Asia Pacific dominated the global titanium dioxide market in terms of volume. The region is anticipated to retain its lead throughout the forecast period and emerge as the most rapidly growing market for titanium dioxide from 2015 to 2023.The Asia Pacific titanium dioxide market is driven primarily by the rapid growth of many end-use industries in China and India. An increasing number of producers have set up titanium dioxide production facilities in China, further propelling the market. The North America titanium dioxide market has been driven by the recovery of the construction sector and the rising demand for automobiles.Tayca Corporation, Kilburn Chemicals Limited, KRONOS Worldwide, Inc., Evonik Industries Corporation, Cristal Global, Huntsman International LLC, Cinkarna Celje, Tronox Limited, Grupa Azoty Police, and The Chemours Company are some of the prominent companies operating in the global titanium dioxide market. These players have been profiled in the research report based on key attributes such as company overview, recent developments, business strategies, financial standing, and product portfolio.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactMr. Sudip. STransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Ural Federal University to Host the Best Young Physicists from Four Parts of the World

IYPT 2016 starts next week

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From June 26 till July 3, Ural Federal University (Ekaterinburg, Russia) will be hosting the best of the best school students in physics from four parts of the world. Teams from 29 countries in Australia, Asia, Europe and America have already confirmed their participation in the 29th International Young Physicists Tournament. After 23 years, the key physics competition among school students, which was first held in Russia in 1988, comes back to where it started.IYPT 2016 at Ural Federal University may become the largest tournament in terms of the number of teams and the geography of participating countries. The opening ceremony, which will take place on June 27, is expected to be attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, and the Rector of Lomonosov Moscow State University Victor Sadovnichiy. Theoretical physicist from Moscow, Spinoza prize laureate Mikhail Katsnelson will read a lecture for the Tournament participants. Mr. Katsnelson was the leader of the first Ekaterinburg team that deserved the right to represent Russia at the International Tournament in 1993.All the key events of the Tournament will take place at the main UrFU building (19 Mira street, Ekaterinburg). From June 27 till July 1, the teams will compete in five Selective Physics Fights, and on July 2 the Final Fight will show the winners of the 29th International Young Physicists Tournament.IYPT is a member of the European Physical Society (Mulhouse, France), and one of the global leaders in popularization of physics. In 2013, the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics awarded the Tournament with the medal For Remarkable Contribution to International Education in Physics.The Tournament is often referred to as the most difficult scientific competition in the world. Each team, consisting of five contestants, receives 17 problems that they need to develop and present solutions for. The contest is based on research, so the teams do most of the work before the Tournament. IYPT participants develop their teamwork skills, as well as rhetorical and strategic abilities.Find out more atUral Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin (formed by a merger of the Ural State Technical University and Ural State University) is one of the leading educational institutions in the Ural region. Ural Federal University acts as a research and innovation center of the Ural region and has close cooperation with the Russian Academy of Sciences. Training of students is carried out in four main areas of knowledge and 108 academic majors. The links between the university and intermediate educational institutions are actively developed. The University also performs consistent work on establishing strategic partnership with employers for the sake of development of the regional economy: employers are involved in the educational environment as direct participants, large-scale enployers-sponsored and corporate education is carried out based on the client-centered approach, joint business projects in economic and social areas are realized.Ural Federal University19, Mira str., Ekaterinburg, Russia, 620002info.international@urfu.ru+7 (343) 375 97 77
Global Calcium Propionate Market to Reach US$480.3 mn by 2023, Propelled by Rising Demand for Preserved Food

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Calcium propionate is an antimicrobial agent used for killing microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Calcium propionate is primarily used in bakery products as an ideal preservative. The global calcium propionate market is one of the promising segments of the global preservatives market and is set for rapid expansion in the years to come. The growing consumer preference towards canned food and preserved food and their changing lifestyles are two of the factors expected to propel the global calcium propionate market in the near future. Considering the rise in the preference towards hygienic and safe food products, leading players are anticipated to introduce many new preserved food products that are ready to eat and hygienic.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with free PDF Brochure:Calcium propionate is less toxic as compared to many other food preservatives, which is why it has gained global acceptance. Other preservatives such as sodium propionate are very corrosive to the skin, the eyes, and mucous membranes, whereas calcium propionate is not. This and many other benefits of calcium propionate as a preservative makes it an ideal choice for food manufacturers.The global calcium propionate market was valued at US$312.6 mn in 2014 and is expected to reach US$480.3 mn by 2023, progressing at a 4.90% CAGR during the period between 2015 and 2023 owing to the rising demand for preserved food products. In terms of volume, the global calcium propionate market is anticipated to reach 302.2 kilo ton by 2023 and is expected to expand at a 4.40% CAGR from 2015 to 2023.Asia Pacific to Drive Growth of Global Calcium Propionate MarketThe global calcium propionate market is segmented on the basis of geography and application. By geography, the global calcium propionate market is divided into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World. In 2014, the global calcium propionate market was dominated by Europe, followed by North America. In 2014, Europe held a share of more than 37% in the global calcium propionate market. The Europe calcium propionate market is expected to mature in the near future due to high market penetration. However, in the near future, Asia Pacific is expected to be the biggest contributor to the global calcium propionate market.Some of the leading companies operating in the global calcium propionate market are Niacet Corporation, Macco Organiques Inc., AB Mauri, A.M. Food Chemicals Co. Ltd., Cargill incorporated, BASF SE, Kemira, Perstorp Holdings AB, Addcon Gmbh, ABF Ingredients, Ltd., and Chr. Hansen A/S.Bakery Segment Accounts for 58% of Global Calcium Propionate MarketBy application, the global calcium propionate market is classified into beverages, dairy, bakery products, meat processing, animal feed, packaged food products, and others. In 2014, the bakery products segment held a dominant share of 58% in the global calcium propionate market and is predicted to expand at a 4.50% CAGR during the period between 2015 and 2023.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactMr.Sudip S90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Artificial Lift Systems Market size worth $31.88 Billion by 2023: Global Market Insights, Inc.

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Artificial Lift Systems Market size is forecast to reach USD 31.88 billion by 2023; as per the latest research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.Rising demand for energy across the globe is expected to propel global artificial lift systems market growth over the forecast timeframe.Rapid industrialization as well as infrastructure development in emerging economies such as India and China is expected to fuel energy demand. Factors such as growing population and improved standard of living will also favorably impact revenue.To access sample pages or purchases this report titled, Artificial Lift Systems Market Size By Product (Progressive Cavity Pumps, Electrical Submersible Pumps, Gas Lift, Rod Lift, Hydraulic Pumps), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2023, please click on the link below:The industrial sector accounts for significant share in distributed energy consumption. The need to meet growing energy demand has instigated high usage of renewable energy sources. However, the world may still depend on considerable percentage of fossil fuels to satiate the ever growing energy needs.Increase in requirement for energy efficient products allowing manufacturers to invest in R&D to provide advanced solutions. Presently, artificial lift systems have the lowest penetration across Middle East & Africa; however, escalating drilling activities and oil & natural gas production provide huge growth opportunities.Get sample pages from our latest research report @The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) mentioned that the production of shale gas has reached a highest level in 2013, which is also expected to increase over the forecast timeframe. The U.S. economy which is an oil importer has been dramatically affected by increasing oil prices. U.S. has increased oil & gas production with the aim of minimizing oil imports. Increasing shale gas production would help to meet rising natural gas demand in the country.Artificial lift systems market manufacturers distribute their machinery directly to their end-users, including oil & natural gas companies. Companies maintain their relation with dealers through standard sales and service agreements. Several customers enter into long-term, fixed pricing contracts with manufacturers.Innovative technologies such as web-based monitoring services and multiphase gas-handling pumps are expected to drive global artificial lift systems market growth from 2016 to 2023. Web-based monitoring services minimize the intervention cost and optimize production. Multiphase gas-handling pumps are mainly deployed to condense free gas into homogenous fluid.High capital as well as maintenance cost associated with the industry adds up to overall operational cost. Increasing raw material prices such steel and copper prices has led to high artificial lift systems market price trend.Key insights from the report include: Electrical submersible pumps industry was valued at over USD 8.5 billion in 2015, and is expected to surpass USD 17 billion by 2023. This product offers higher efficiency, low maintenance and low space requirements. Rod lifts accounted for more than 20% of the artificial lift systems market share in 2015. It provides optimization controls, reduced corrosion concerns and high efficiency. Manufacturers are offering advanced rod lift systems in less complex designs together with increased extraction rate of hydrocarbons. North America artificial lift systems market size was worth over USD 6 billion in 2015. This high growth is due to rising production of shale gas across the region. Asia Pacific industry revenue is forecast to continue occupying more than 22% of the overall share by 2023. This can be attributed to high demand and consumption of oil & gas in countries such as India, China, and Japan. Saudi Arabia is also increasing drilling activities to meet the increasing energy demand. Key players include Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, General Electric, Weatherford International and Cameron International. Manufacturers emphasize on achieving product differentiation on the basis of quality. For instance, Baker Hughes introduced VisiTrak geospatial navigation to improve drilling efficiency in 2015.Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Global Market Insights Inc.29L Atlantic Avenue, Suite L 105,Ocean View, Delaware, United States
Its been nearly half a year since the implementation of the nuclear deal between Iran, the EU, and the P5+1 countries -- the JCPOA. U.S. officials have said that so far Iran has fully lived up to its commitments under the deal.

And so has the United States, said Secretary of State John Kerry:

We have lifted the sanctions we said we would lift, and we have completely kept faith with both the black and white print, as well as the spirit, of this effort. In fact I have personally gone beyond the absolute requirements of lifting the sanctions to personally engage with banks and businesses and others who have a natural reluctance after several years of sanctions to move without fully understanding what they are allowed to do and what they arent allowed.

Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that psychological remnants from the nuclear-related sanctions, in place before the implementation of the JCPOA, were still having a deterrent effect on business, and that Washington must do more to negate that effect. State Department Spokesperson John Kirby reiterated that the United States is not and will not stand in the way of legitimate business with Iran:

What might help lift some of the psychological remnants, to use that phrase, would be Irans ceasing the destabilizing activities that they continue to carry outWhat makes business reticent isnt some lack of education or effort by the United States, but when they see missiles being shipped to Hezbollahand support to terrorist groups. Thats what makes business nervous.

Secretary of State Kerry said the United States has been very clear with Iranian officials that there are limits to what the United States can do in encouraging business to engage with Iran. But the United States will give confidence and clarification where they are needed.

If were going to have future dealings, or we want a reputation for good faith in the negotiations we conduct anywhere, its important for us to show good faith in executing this agreement, said Mr. Kerry. And I intend to see to it that we do that.
Europe Business Assembly (EBA) - Company of the Week

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Europe Business Assembly (EBA) would like to introduce one of the Best Bank structures of Africa, laureate of awards of Europe Business assembly (Oxford, UK) - uniBank (Ghana) LimiteduniBank (Ghana) Limited was incorporated as a private company in December 1997 to operate as a universal Bank. It is a wholly-owned Ghanaian and authorized to undertake a broad range of banking services. The bank opened its door to customers in January 2001.As one of fastest growing financial institution in Ghana (currently listed as number 27 in the Top 100 Companies in Ghana), uniBank is a strong brand that has earned enviable commendations including the Best Bank in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Ghana, by the Banker Africa; The Best Business Brand in Customer Service for 2014, by Top Quality Brands, Ghana; CITI Performance Excellence Award; Best Bank in Product Innovation; and 1st runner-up in Corporate Social Responsibility by the Ghana Banking Awards.uniBank has a solid base of highly skilled and knowledgeable banking professionals who apply their expertise in all dealings with customers. The bank remains one of the best places to work as it continues to attract the brightest professionals in the industry.uniBank is also able to innovatively package products and services that meet the identified needs and lifestyles of its customers. The banks proficiency in product innovation is exemplified in the Best Bank in Product Innovation award the bank received in the recent Ghana Banking Awards. This award was in recognition of Sika Collect, the first outdoor banking service (banking outside the traditional banking hall) targeted at the informal sector.A wholly owned Ghanaian Bank, uniBank has a quicker decision-making process; eliminating the bureaucracy and delays associated with securing approvals from overseas as is the case with some of our competitors. In living out the banks mantra Caring for you, uniBank is considered a customer-friendly bank and this attribute attracts valuable and loyal customers to the bank.EBA is proud of cooperation with this successful Africa Enterprise. EBA recommends this company for international cooperation and attention of foreign investors.The Europe Business Assembly (EBA) is an independent corporation of economic, social and humanitarian collaboration, founded in Oxford, UK in 2000.EBA is an interactive platform for adapting European economic programs to the standards of living in dynamically developing regions. It follows the directives of the European Union and EU programmes Good-neighbourliness and Eastern partnership.The main mission of the institutions and representative offices of EBA (and its strategic partners) is to form a positive image of the regions, companies and personalities in the European business community.Europe Business Assembly2 Woodins Way Oxford OX1 1HF UKSite:Phone: +44 (0) 1865 251 122Fax: +44 (0) 1865 251 113
Europe Business Assembly (EBA) presents Destina 1

http://ebaoxford.co.uk/

Europe Business Assembly (EBA) presents Destina 1 Company (Malaysia), one of the best companies in the field of advanced scalar technology, laureate of prestigious international awards in the field of quality.Europe Business Assembly (EBA) is proud of cooperation with Destina 1. Destina 1 is a leading and innovative MLM company that utilizes cutting edge and sophisticated MLM software system to promote latest products embedded with advanced scalar technology. Its advance scalar energized products which are good for the well being of human body are marketed in many countries worldwide.Destina 1 adopted Blue Ocean Strategy for its business growth. The company is successful and committed in building powerful networks. Destina 1 creates opportunities globally for members through its MLM system and advanced technology. Its products are the result of comprehensive R&D in Bio Matrix Science Technology and advance scalar technology.Destina 1 is committed to raise the standards of MLM industry to a higher level and provides the best opportunities for wealth creation to individuals and their families. Destina 1 promises to build a more extensive distribution of network and diversify its products to give a boost for its distributors.Destina 1 introduces the latest technology in MLM system as the platform for its distributors to grow. It strives to educate the importance of personal development where an individual unleashes his/her potential to serve fellow members and eventually spreading his/her networks around the world.According to Europe Business Assembly EBAs rating, the company has taken leading positions recently. Europe Business Assembly EBA recommends this company for international cooperation and attention of foreign investors.The Europe Business Assembly (EBA) is an independent corporation of economic, social and humanitarian collaboration, founded in Oxford, UK in 2000.EBA is an interactive platform for adapting European economic programs to the standards of living in dynamically developing regions. It follows the directives of the European Union and EU programmes Good-neighbourliness and Eastern partnership.The main mission of the institutions and representative offices of EBA (and its strategic partners) is to form a positive image of the regions, companies and personalities in the European business community.Europe Business AssemblySite:Address: 2 Woodins Way Oxford OX1 1HF UKPhone: +44 (0) 1865 251 122Fax: +44 (0) 1865 251 113
Europe Business Assembly (EBA) presents Petronash Company (UAE)

http://ebaoxford.co.uk/

Europe Business Assembly (EBA) presents Petronash Company (UAE), one of the best companies in the field of engineering and manufacturing segment of the oil and gas industry, laureate of prestigious international awards.In 2015, Petronash company (UAE) was among the winners of the prestigious international ranking of the Europe Business Assembly "Best Enterprise". Founder and CEO of the company Mr. U. M. Rao has been awarded the distinction "Best Manager of the Year". This high public recognition is the evidence of high quality, success and good management of the company during the 15 years.Established in 2000 in the United Arab Emirates, Petronash now is the leading name in the engineering and manufacturing segment of the oil and gas industry globally.According to EBAs rating, the company has taken leading positions in oil and gas industry of UAE.Offering a product line-up including chemical injection systems, well head control panels and various other process equipment, Petronash is known globally for their flagship product, the Modular Well site Packages. The company is established over a million square feet of world-class manufacturing facilities in Dubai, Houston and Dammam with a centralised engineering office in Chennai India, and sales offices globally. The company employs approximately 600 people worldwide, including more than 200 Engineers and R&D Personnel supported by a network of sales representatives across Africa, South America, Europe and Asia.Petronash also has a state of the art engineering facility and premium Business Process Automation that has made their name synonymous with quality, technical expertise and customer satisfaction. EBA is proud of cooperation with Petronash.Let us introduce CEO of the company Mr. U. M. Rao.A dynamic and innate achiever, Mr. U. M. Rao has been spearheading the successful journey of Petronash ever since its inception in 2000. Having graduated as a qualified Instrumentation and Control engineer from the M.K. University in India; Mr. Rao has served in numerous capacities in the field of instrumentation in both India and Middle East.At Petronash, Mr. Rao has been responsible for its worldwide recognition as a reputable, reliable and responsible manufacturer of Chemical Injection Skids, Hydraulic Control Panels, Process Equipment & Instrumentation Packages, and Modular Well Site Packages. He has been an indispensable part of the companys growth track and has contributed immensely towards its journey from humble set-up in 2000 to a multi-national footprint throughout Middle-East, India, East Asia, Europe and the American continents by 2015.EBA recommends this company for international cooperation and attention of foreign investors.The Europe Business Assembly (EBA) is an independent corporation of economic, social and humanitarian collaboration, founded in Oxford, UK in 2000.EBA is an interactive platform for adapting European economic programs to the standards of living in dynamically developing regions. It follows the directives of the European Union and EU programmes Good-neighbourliness and Eastern partnership.The main mission of the institutions and representative offices of EBA (and its strategic partners) is to form a positive image of the regions, companies and personalities in the European business community.Europe Business AssemblyAddress: 2 Woodins Way Oxford OX1 1HF UKSite:Phone: +44 (0) 1865 251 122Fax: +44 (0) 1865 251 113
Global and China Beryllium Industry Report 2016

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The recently published report titled Global and China Beryllium Industry 2016 Market Research Report is an in depth study providing complete analysis of the industry for the period 2016  2021. It provides complete overview of Global and China Beryllium market considering all the major industry trends, market dynamics and competitive scenario.The Global and China Beryllium Industry Report 2016 is an in depth study analyzing the current state of the Global and China Beryllium market. It provides brief overview of the market focusing on definitions, market segmentation, end-use applications and industry chain analysis. The study on Global and China Beryllium market provides analysis of market covering the industry trends, recent developments in the market and competitive landscape. Competitive analysis includes competitive information of leading players in market, their company profiles, product portfolio, capacity, production, and company financials. In addition, report also provides upstream raw material analysis and downstream demand analysis along with the key development trends and sales channel analysis. Research study on Global and China Beryllium market also discusses the opportunity areas for investors.View Full Report With Complete TOC, List Of Figure and Table:With 153 tables and figures, the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Download Sample this Report:6 Key Manufacturers Analysis of Beryllium6.1 Materion Corp(US)6.1.1 Company Basic Information6.1.2 Beryllium Product Segment of Materion Corp(US) by Type6.1.2.1 Optics grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.1.2.2 Military and Aerospace grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.1.2.3 Nuclear grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.1.3 Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Materion Corp(US) 2015 to 20166.1.4 Interviewee, Name and Contact6.2 Ulba Metallurgical Plant(KZ)6.2.1 Company Basic Information6.2.2 Beryllium Product Segment of Ulba Metallurgical Plant(KZ) by Type6.2.2.1 Optics grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.2.2.2 Military and Aerospace grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.2.2.3 Nuclear grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.2.3 Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Ulba Metallurgical Plant(KZ) 2015 to 20166.2.4 Interviewee, Name and Contact6.3 Fuyun Hengsheng Beryllium Industry(CN)6.3.1 Company Basic Information6.3.2 Beryllium Product Segment of Fuyun Hengsheng Beryllium Industry(CN) by Type6.3.2.1 Optics grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.3.2.2 Military and Aerospace grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.3.2.3 Nuclear grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.3.3 Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Fuyun Hengsheng Beryllium Industry(CN) 2015 to 20166.3.4 Interviewee, Name and Contact6.4 Hunan Nonferrous Beryllium(CN)6.4.1 Company Basic Information6.4.2 Beryllium Product Segment of Hunan Nonferrous Beryllium(CN) by Type6.4.2.1 Optics grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.4.2.2 Military and Aerospace grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.4.2.3 Nuclear grade and Price in 2015 and 20166.4.3 Beryllium Sales, Revenue, Price of Hunan Nonferrous Beryllium(CN) 2015 to 20166.4.4 Interviewee, Name and ContactTo Purchase this premium Report atGlobal QY Research is the one spot destination for all your research needs. Global QY Research holds the repository of quality research reports from numerous publishers across the globe. Our inventory of research reports caters to various industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. With the complete information about the publishers and the industries they cater to for developing market research reports, we help our clients in making purchase decision by understanding their requirements and suggesting best possible collection matching their needs.Unit1, 26 Cleveland Road, South Woodford, London, E182AN, United KingdomEmail: sales@globalqyresearch.comFollow us:
Global 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Market Professional Survey Report Industry Report 2016

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The recently published report titled Global 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Market Professional Survey Report Industry 2016 Market Research Report is an in depth study providing complete analysis of the industry for the period 2016  2021. It provides complete overview of Global 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Market Professional Survey Report market considering all the major industry trends, market dynamics and competitive scenario.The Global 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Market Professional Survey Report Industry Report 2016 is an in depth study analyzing the current state of the Global 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Market Professional Survey Report market. It provides brief overview of the market focusing on definitions, market segmentation, end-use applications and industry chain analysis. The study on Global 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Market Professional Survey Report market provides analysis of market covering the industry trends, recent developments in the market and competitive landscape. Competitive analysis includes competitive information of leading players in market, their company profiles, product portfolio, capacity, production, and company financials. In addition, report also provides upstream raw material analysis and downstream demand analysis along with the key development trends and sales channel analysis. Research study on Global 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Market Professional Survey Report market also discusses the opportunity areas for investors.View Full Report With Complete TOC, List Of Figure and Table:With 153 tables and figures, the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Download Sample this Report:8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of 3D Rendering and Visualization Software8.1 Autodesk8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.3 Autodesk 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 Autodesk 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 Pixar8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.3 Pixar 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 Pixar 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Business Region Distribution Analysis8.3 Chaos Group8.3.1 Company Profile8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.3.3 Chaos Group 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.3.4 Chaos Group 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Business Region Distribution Analysis8.4 ArtVPS Ltd8.4.1 Company Profile8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.4.3 ArtVPS Ltd 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.4.4 ArtVPS Ltd 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Business Region Distribution Analysis8.5 Lumion8.5.1 Company Profile8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.5.3 Lumion 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.5.4 Lumion 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Business Region Distribution Analysis8.6 PTC8.6.1 Company Profile8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.6.3 PTC 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.6.4 PTC 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Business Region Distribution Analysis8.7 Bunkspeed8.7.1 Company Profile8.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.7.3 Bunkspeed 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.7.4 Bunkspeed 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Business Region Distribution Analysis8.8 Dassault Systemes8.8.1 Company Profile8.8.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.8.3 Dassault Systemes 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.8.4 Dassault Systemes 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Business Region Distribution Analysis8.9 Maxon8.9.1 Company Profile8.9.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.9.3 Maxon 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.9.4 Maxon 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Business Region Distribution Analysis8.10 SketchUp8.10.1 Company Profile8.10.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.10.3 SketchUp 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.10.4 SketchUp 2015 3D Rendering and Visualization Software Business Region Distribution AnalysisTo Purchase this premium Report atGlobal QY Research is the one spot destination for all your research needs. Global QY Research holds the repository of quality research reports from numerous publishers across the globe. Our inventory of research reports caters to various industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. With the complete information about the publishers and the industries they cater to for developing market research reports, we help our clients in making purchase decision by understanding their requirements and suggesting best possible collection matching their needs.Unit1, 26 Cleveland Road, South Woodford, London, E182AN, United KingdomEmail: sales@globalqyresearch.comFollow us:
Herbal Food & Healthy Lifestyle Become Easy with An App

We are proud to inform that from Ajax media we have introduced a new free app called herbal food. The app provides healthy food recipes and its medicinal benefits to the users.The app is available for download in both english and tamil languages. The app provides Healthy herbal food recipes that have ingredients specified separately with the medicinal benefits of the ingredients explained for the benefit of the users. The healthy recipies have many medicinal benefits and they cleanse and purify the body preventing from many diseases.Ajax media tech is an India based leading app development company that designs apps for both IOS and Android mobile phones.For more interesting herbal recipes download herbal food or unave amirtham app.Ajax Media Tech is redefining the world of media technology and IT services. As an emerging market leader in diversified technology services, Ajax has helped in enabling their clients worldwide to outperform the competition and stay ahead of the innovation curve.7th Floor, 22, Pattullos Rd, Royapettah,Chennai, Tamil Nadu600002
VRF Refrigeration Systems Market Rises Due To Need Of Flexible And Compact Designed Units

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VRF Refrigeration Systems Market: OverviewVariable refrigerant flow (VRF) refrigeration systems provide variable flow of refrigerant into the evaporators with different capacities and configurations. This enables simultaneous heating and cooling and better heat recovery from one zone to another in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This flow of refrigerant is controlled by VRF system.The augmenting demand from commercial and small-medium businesses for flexible design of HVAC systems due to shrinking work-spaces is the key trend driving the demand for VRF refrigeration systems. The compact design and flexible layout in terms of outdoor to indoor units are the added benefits leading to its adoption in commercial as well as residential HVAC systems.Free PDF Sample :VRF refrigeration market is segmented on the basis of component type and end-use industry. On the basis of component type, VRF refrigeration market is further segmented into indoor units, outdoor units, controllers and parts & accessories. Most of VRF refrigerant systems consist of indoor units to deliver the processed air. Outdoor units are used for heat recovery and control the flow of refrigerant.VRF Refrigeration Systems Market: SegmentationIn terms of end-use industry, VRF refrigeration market is further classified as healthcare, commercial buildings, education institutes, government and public sector, retail, manufacturing, banking, financial sector and insurance (BFSI) and manufacturing. On a broader scale, VRF systems are deployed in commercial spaces such as small and medium businesses, shopping complexes and large organizations. This is largely due to easy installation, efficient design and high sustainability provide by the VRF systems, making them an effective choice over other HVAC systems.The demand-specific flow of refrigerant makes it energy efficient and rising cognizance of energy efficiency in developed as well as in emerging markets makes this a key factor driving the market growth. Along with this, strict government reforms which encourage the use of energy efficient HVAC systems, especially in commercial spaces, is expected to pave the market growth in near term.VRF Refrigeration Systems Market: Region-wise OutlookLack of awareness, especially in emerging economies in Asia Pacific, Africa and Latin America region is expected to restrain its market growth. Furthermore, development of eco-friendly refrigerant for VRF systems and increasing penetration of VRF systems in residential segment can be foreseen as huge market opportunity for development of VRF systems in the future years.Full Report is Available at :On a global perspective, with the earlier adoption of VRF systems in Asia Pacific and Europe regions in comparison with the markets in North America, Middle East & Africa and Latin America regions . These regions are expected to be the market leaders in terms of adoption of VRF systems, in the current scenario. However, North America is expected to surpass these markets in coming years, as a reason of vast adoption of VRF systems in the region. In terms of end-use applications, commercial buildings are expected to dominate of the VRF systems market. However, healthcare sector is expected to grow at a faster rate in comparison to the other industry verticals during the forecast period.VRF Refrigeration Systems Market: Key PlayersSome of the key manufactures in the development and manufacturing of VRF refrigeration systems are Daikin Industries, Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand plc, LG Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., Johnson Controls, Inc., Blue Star Ltd., Voltas, Ltd., Encore Mechanical, L.L.C., Carrier Corporation, Fujitsu General Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Lennox Industries, Inc., Haier, Inc. and Gree Electric Appliances, Inc.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Mr. Sudip. S90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Concerns for Protection of Civilian Lives by CBRN Incidents Drives CBRN Security Market

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Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security includes all preventive and protective measures to fight situations involving these harmful agents. The market for CBRN security is one of the growing markets worldwide due to the growing concerns for the maintenance of economic stability and protection of civilian lives. Geopolitical issues and threats from terrorist groups are increasing every year, which has also boosted the demand for CBRN security measures in the past few years.CBRN Security Market -The global chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security market is driven by the escalating demand for efficient CBRN incident combat equipment. Moreover, the rising importance of the safety of civilian lives during CBRN incidents caused artificially, naturally, or intentionally is expected to contribute towards the growth of the global CBRN security market. The global chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security market is segmented on the basis of geography, function, and type. Based on geography, the global CBRN market is divided into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World. In 2014, North America led the global CBRN security market due to the rising adoption of effective security systems and the increasing interest in effective CBRN control.Some of the leading players operating in the global CBRN security market are Argon Electronics (U.K.) Ltd., FLIR Systems, Inc., HDT Global, General Dynamics Corporation, Karcher Futuretech GmbH, Thales Group, Bruker Corporation, Blucher GmbH, AirBoss Defense, Inc., and MSA Safety, Inc. By function, the global CBRN security market is classified into detection, protection, decontamination, and simulation systems. Although the simulation segment is currently progressing at a slow pace, it is expected to be the fastest growing segment in the years to come. Factors such as unfavorable geopolitical issues and demilitarization initiatives adopted by many nations are predicted to benefit the global market for CBRN security in the next few years.CBRN Security Analysis Report:By type, the global chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security market is classified into nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical security. Currently, leading players are focusing on introducing new-generation CBRN security equipment by adopting better research initiatives and advanced technology. The high cost of installation, refurbishment, and maintenance is predicted to hamper the growth of the global CBRN security market in the years to come. However, military modernization programs and the rising demand for CBRN security in the Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific are predicted to create new growth opportunities in the global CBRN security market.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Mr.Sudip S90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Cancer Immunotherapies Market to Rise due to Increasing Demand for Cancer Monoclonal Antibodies

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ALBANY, New York, June 24, 2016  Market Research Hub has added the report Global Cancer Immunotherapies Market 2016-2020 to its offerings. The report encapsulates an in-depth understanding of the market for cancer immunotherapies. Both primary and secondary research has been conducted in order to collate this report. The chief dynamics impacting the development of this market such as trends, challenges, drivers, and opportunities have also been included under this research study. The top technological advancements taking place in this market are also presented along with highlighting their impact on the development of the market. The competitive landscape section of the report elaborates on the key players dominant in the market and throws light on their commercial production dates and R&D status.Cancer immunotherapy refers to the utilization of the immune system for the treatment of cancer. Cancer immunotherapy treatments that are utilized to enhance and harness the innate powers of immune systems in order to fight cancer have emerged as the most favorable treatment options currently. This treatment accompanies great chances of eliminating cancer for longer periods of time. In addition, immunotherapies are characterized by their fewer side effects and can be used for the treatment of various kinds of cancer.Browse Full Report with TOC @The report begins by presenting the market overview section of the global cancer immunotherapies market. This section elaborates upon the key aspects such as cancer immunotherapies, spending on cancer, reimbursement policies, and economic burden of cancer.In the next section of the report, the dynamics impacting the growth of the market have been presented. The rising demand for cancer monoclonal antibodies is fuelling the growth of the cancer immunotherapies market. In addition, the rising patient assistance programs are also predicted to augment the development of the market from 2016 to 2020. Furthermore, the promising pipeline for the treatment of a number of cancers will also augment the development of the market. The proliferation of combination and targeted therapies is a key trend seen in the market. On the other hand, top-selling drugs patent expiry and the increasing number of side-effects post immunotherapy treatments are the chief challenges that may restrain the growth of the market.On the basis of type, the report segments the cancer immunotherapies market into immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer monoclonal antibodies, non-specific immunotherapies, and cancer vaccines. Of these, cancer monoclonal antibodies held the largest share in the market in 2015. This is owing to the rising usage of cancer monoclonal antibodies in a number of therapies such as antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy and radio immunotherapy. In addition, monoclonal antibodies are extremely useful in the treatment of cancer owing to the fact that they can be designed for targeting a specific area in a cancerous cell.Request for Sample Report TOC in a PDF Format:Next in the report comes the geographical segmentation of the market. Geographically, the report segments the market into the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). As stated in the report, the key players dominant in the market are Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, among others.About Market Research HubMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free : 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel : +1-518-621-2074Email : sales@marketresearchhub.comWebsite :
Flexographic Printing Technology Market: Size, Share, Development, Growth and Demand Forecast to 2016 - 2026

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/11125

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Introduction:Flexography (abbreviated as flexo) is a form of rotary web letterpress, combining features of both rotogravure printing and letterpress which utilizes a flexible relief plate for printing. Flexographic printing is primarily used for printing metallic films, plastic, cellophane and other non-porous substrate which are required for various types of packaging and is well suited for solid colour large area printing application. Its widespread adoption is mainly attributed to two main reasons which are simple printing operation and easy adaptation to the use of water-based inks. The major operations carried out during flexographic printing are image preparation, platemaking, printing and finishing.Global Flexographic Printing Technology Market DynamicsThe market of global flexographic printing technology is anticipated to be driven by increase in the demand for low cost packaging solutions primarily for food & beverage industry. Moreover, technological advancements in flexographic printing technology such as high quality digital flexographic plates and printing software optimization is mainly driving the consumer preference towards flexographic printing solutions. Besides this, flexographic printing process offers complete product at the end of the process as it includes varnishing, die cutting, lamination, embossing, foiling, etc. which has significantly impacted the growth of the market and is anticipated to be the major growth driver during the forecast period.Global Flexographic Printing Technology Market SegmentationThe global Flexographic Printing Technology market is segmented on the basis of type of application such as packaging, product label, corrugated print, cardboard boxes, and other products. Among applications, corrugated print segment is expected to hold the largest market share followed by packaging in the global flexographic printing technology market over the forecast period. The global flexographic printing technology market is also segmented on the basis of end-use industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceutical, advertising and household. Under end-use industries, food & beverage segment is expected to hold the highest market share during the forecast period in the global flexographic printing technology market.Global Flexographic Printing Technology Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Global flexographic printing technology market is segmented by six major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and Middle East & Africa. The adoption of flexographic printing solutions in various regions is primarily attributed to various factors namely training, consumable costs, and changing perceptions about the flexographic printing process mainly quality concerns. By region, North America is expected to hold highest market share followed by Europe in the global flexographic printing technology market. However, global growth opportunities mainly lies in the emerging markets where flexographic printing technology is not currently dominant. Rising income and increasing urbanization in these countries, consumers are more likely to purchase packaged foods at retail stores in comparison to fresh foods from local outdoor markets.Request to view TOC:Global Flexographic Printing Technology Market PlayersThe major players identified across the value chain of global Flexographic Printing Technology market include BOBST, SOMA Engineering, Uteco Group, Focus Label Machinery, Consolidated Label Co, Flint Group, Flexographic Printing Plate Co., Inc., de Elliotte Co Inc., Ligum, 3M and others. The companies are emphasizing on research & development and new product development in order to maintain the competitive advantage in global flexographic printing technology market during the forecast period. In order to meet the increasing demand of printing seamless motives and high resistance to solvent, companies all over the world are focusing towards the development of sleeves types and rollers in order to expand their product portfolio and increase global footprint. The companies are also focusing on different strategies in order to maintain the market share in the global flexographic printing technology market.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedValue ChainRegional analysis includes:North AmericaLatin AmericaAsia PacificJapanWestern EuropeEastern EuropeMiddle East & AfricaThe report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts, and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macroeconomic indicators and governing factors, along with market attractiveness within the segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and various geographies.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007USUSA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Procure High Quality LED Flood Lights from Paclights

www.paclights.com

Paclights is a renowned LED commercial lighting manufacturer headquartered at Chino, California. It has a strong profile for manufacturing and retailing LED Flood Lights embedded with sophisticated technology and designs. Being an active player in the lighting industry has helped Paclights to develop a worldwide reputation for its diverse services. At the Paclights online store, customers can find light fixtures that are engineered to save energy and promote environmental friendliness.The Paclight group has its warehouse and assembly facility located in Chino, which acts as a main center for retail activities. Paclights has developed a positive reputation amongst a huge number of clients and customers. The experts linked with the Paclight group try incorporating the leading LED solid-state technology. The LED technology brings a lot of sophistication and the experts employed with Paclights try adding more complexity to the available technology making it super advanced.The Paclights group places a lot of emphasis over developing a light fixture that is affordable, highly efficient, saves energy, is eco-friendly and comes with a long life span. In addition to these features, these LED Flood Lights are backed up by different core technologies that make them compatible for rough use. Customers can make use of these light fixtures for long hours and expect them to work flawlessly in the end. Paclights exclusively ensures to focus over the quality of the light fixture as it sticks to its high ethics of making the best light fixture available for sale.Paclights has collaborated with Energy Star Partner and LED lighting facts, which has led the company to reach new heights. Every light features made available for sale over the Paclights online store are products listed by the UL.ETL and are even in Design Lights Consortium Qualified Products List (DLC QPL). Thus, customers making a decision to invest in Paclights need not worry about landing a pathetic purchase order as every product sold is first verified and then proceeds with supply or delivery.Marketing highly effective LED Flood Lights is what Paclights is famous for. The experts working with Paclights have developed an understanding to surpass customer expectation, which in turn helps them to tailor their manufacturing needs based on the requirements of the buyer. The LED lights are equipped with high-end LED drivers, and performance Chips that beings more to efficiency in balance with long life span of the LED fixture to the table. Visit the official website atto know more about their products and services.Paclights is a California based commercial LED light manufacturing and retailing unit. The Paclights group, over the years, has introduced many innovative LED light variants engineered to offer bright illumination in residential and commercial spaces. The LED lights made available for sale over Paclights online shop offer excellence and value for money.Contact :P.O BOX 928,Chino Hills, CA. 91709United StatesPhone Number: 800-988-6386Fax Number: 800-685-5689Email Id: info@paclights.com
Alternative Fuel Vehicles Market Driven By Need For Greener Vehicles Due to Increasing Pollution

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http://bit.ly/28RomI7

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Alternative fuel vehicles are automobiles that can run on conventional fuels such as petrol and diesel as well as on other types of energy sources. Alternative fuel vehicles are equipped with engines that can be powered by energy options such as solar, electric, and hybrid. In times when the world is fighting the pressure of catastrophic global warming, these vehicles are surely far cleaner and safer for the environment.Free PDF Sample For More Market insight can be Downloaded @Over the past few decades, automobile technology has evolved by leaps and bounds, bringing about a radical change in car design, powertrain technology, and, more importantly, fuel efficiency. Statistics suggest about 275 million automobiles in the United States are responsible for 31% of the carbon dioxide output in the region. This mammoth and unfortunate contribution to global warming needs an immediate solution, which has forced car makers to think differently.Private Fleets and Government Vehicles Emerge as Biggest Users of Alternative Fuel VehiclesAlternative fuels are popularly being used in sectors such as agriculture, chemical, transportation, and industrial. Alternative fuel vehicles are segmented on the basis of fuel into propane, biodiesel, hydrogen, biomass, electricity, non-fossil natural gas, non-fossil methane, and ethane. The end users in the global alternative fuel vehicle market are private fleets, government vehicles, domestic users vehicles, and industrial transportation. The biggest shareholders in the global alternative fuel vehicles market are private fleets and government vehicles.Browse Full Market Report With Complete TOC @The global alternative fuel vehicles market has been segmented on the basis of geography into North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. According to expert research analysts, North America is a lucrative market for alternative fuel vehicles due to the support from the U.S. government and the urgency felt in the region to control its emissions. In addition, as North America tries to curb the outrageous dependency and expenditure on import of fuels, it is likely to spur the growth of the alternative fuel vehicles market. Governments in countries such as Italy and China are offering great incentives to buyers of alternative fuel vehicles, thus boosting this market. Italy holds a significant share in the alternative fuel vehicles market. The conversion of private and government vehicles into alternative fuel vehicles is contributing to the expansion of market to a great extent.Jaguar, Toyota, and Hyundai to Revolutionize Global Alternative Fuel Vehicle MarketWith the growing worry of global warming, depleting fuel reserves, and increasing carbon emissions, several vehicle manufacturers are developing alternative fuel vehicles. Some the key players changing the mindsets of vehicles users with their greener models are Jaguar Land Rover Limited, Ford Motor Company, Hyundai Motor Company, Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Shell International B.V., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., BYD Company Limited, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Daimler AG, and Mitsubishi Motors.For instance, Jaguar has been working on developing internal combustion engines that can work with electric motors along with designing vehicles, which will be able to recover some of the energy that otherwise goes to waste during driving. The Range Rover Sport Hybrid, the worlds first hybrid luxury SUV, is one such vehicle that demonstrates Jaguars efforts so far. This hybrid SUV produces CO2 emissions as low as 169g/km and delivers a mileage of 44 miles per gallon, making it 26% more fuel-efficient than the regular diesel model. Asian manufacturers such as Hyundai and Toyota are also among the pioneer companies creating a revolution in the market.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Mr. Sudip. S90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Spintelligent marks half-year with record after record at its African events

Education is one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty

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Record attendances at our events are important to show growth and momentum but knowing that we are relevant to the industries that we serve and are also making a difference outside of our business is equally, if not more, important  this is according to David Ashdown, MD of Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK.During 2016, Spintelligent will host 15 events in the energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, education and real estate sectors across the African continent.The company is performing positively against a volatile backdrop after the first half of this year says David Ashdown, and we are looking forward to an even busier and equally successful second half of the year, including a number of exciting launch events.Reaching outProjects that the Spintelligent MD is particularly proud of includes an outreach programme at the Golden Valley Basic School that is situated next to the massive Agritech Expo in Chisamba, in Zambia. Some 610 learners and 17 teachers have been reaping the benefits of the Agritech Expo Outreach Programme, from the renovation of school buildings, to a solar power installation and the mechanisation of the schools working farm, from which the profits fund the school. Furthermore, a new school build project in Lubumbashi, DRC, associated to DRC Mining Week, will provide a modern school infrastructure environment for up to 500 junior students.Education is one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty and inequality and lays a foundation for sustained economic growth, as such we have invested in schooling projects in both Zambia and the DRC. These projects are where the magic happens for us as a business, as we have the opportunity to give back to the communities that support our events. We are committed to these development projects, says David Ashdown.Other Spintelligent event highlights from this year so far include:* Most recently the DRC Mining Week hosted a record number of more than 1500 visitors in the mining hub of Lubumbashi, more than double compared to last years figures. During this conference and expo, the third annual DRC Mining Industry Awards also honoured the leading people and projects in the sector.* In May, the 16th edition of African Utility Week, the flagship pan-African power and water platform organised by Spintelligent, took place in Cape Town and gathered a record 6445 attendees from 81 countries, including 27 African nations, as well as 250 exhibitors and 299 conference speakers while 79 power and water utilities were represented.A notable presence at African Utility Week this year was Sierra Leones Dr Kandeh Yumkella, UN Under-Secretary-General and Former Special Representative of the Secretary-General and CEO, Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All), who not only delivered an inspired address during the opening days keynote session, but also won the Lifetime Achievement category at the African Utility Week Industry Awards.* The Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo and Conference (CBM-TEC) in Kitwe also performed solidly in May with more than 1400 visitors and 100 local and international exhibitions to retain its top position as full mining indoor and outdoor expo and conference experience in the region. High-level speakers included the Hon. Christopher Yaluma, MP, Minister of Mines and Mineral Development in Zambia and the Hon. Margaret Manakatwe, MP, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry in Zambia.* The Zambian President H.E Edgar Lungu officially opened the third edition of Agritech Expo Zambia which in April attracted a record-breaking attendance of 17 605 visitors, a 50% increase compared to last year. The event is organised in partnership with the Zambia National Farmers Union and has firmly established itself as the leading outdoor agri event in the region.* All indications are that the upcoming 10th edition of the SABC Education EduWeek powered by Intel from 29-30 June at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg will also reach new attendance and participation levels from thousands of teachers and suppliers to the education industry. The Department of Education has also committed to a five-year partnership with the event.* In March, the fifth edition of Career Indaba in Johannesburg attracted 19,381 visitors over two days, up 160 per cent from last year.Busy second half of 2016During the second half of the year Spintelligent is hosting well-known and long running flagship events as well as launching new titles. Returning successful events include the East African Power Industry Convention (EAPIC) in September in Nairobi, iPAD Rwanda in Kigali in November and the West African Power Industry Convention (WAPIC) in Lagos in November.New events that will be launched by Spintelligent include the Kenya Mining Forum in Nairobi in September, the African Real Estate Summit in November in Cape Town and Agribusiness Uganda in Kampala in November.PublishingThe Spintelligent Publishing division, with market leading titles that include Metering International & Smart Energy, ESI Africa, Mining Review Africa and Mining Elites, has also been growing from strength-to-strength over the last six months. Says David: we have had an increase in the frequency of our ESI Africa magazine, our staff complement has grown and we have begun significant work on refining our database and building on our publication digital platforms with a view to continue to grow and align these with the growing trends in digital media.Training AcademyThe Spintelligent Training Academy is in its second year of operation. According to the Spintelligent MD David Ashdown: we have already seen a 33% growth in delegate numbers from year one, running public and in-house training courses every month throughout multiple regions. Currently, our most popular topics include; Effective Financial Modelling, Financing Power Projects, Power Purchase Agreements as well as Infrastructure Finance  all relating to current industry challenges. An exciting portfolio development is the leadership and culture change courses that are in demand across the African continent as economies develop from emerging to established market status.Spintelligent is a leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK. African flagship events in Spintelligents portfolio are African Utility Week, East African Power Industry Convention (EAPIC), West African Power Industry Convention (WAPIC), Agritech Expo Zambia, DRC Mining Week and EduWeek.Senior Communications Manager: Annemarie RoodbolTelephone: +27 21 700 3558Mobile: +27 82 562 7844Email: annemarie.roodbol@spintelligent.comWebsite:Postal address: PO Box 321, Steenberg, 7947, South Africa
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Therapeutics Market to reach USD 1.2 Billion by 2020

http://www.ihealthcareanalyst.com/report/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-therapeutics-market/

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According to a market research report published by iHealthcareAnalyst, Inc., Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Therapeutics Market  Global HCM Drug Classes, Clinical Pipeline Analysis and Forecast 2013-2020, the global hypertrophic cardiomyopathy therapeutics market growing at a rate of 1.8% CAGR, is estimated to reach USD 1.2 Billion by 2020 due to high incidence chronic cardiovascular diseases.Browse Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Therapeutics Market  Global HCM Drug Classes, Clinical Pipeline Analysis and Forecast 2013-2020 atHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heterogeneous cardiac disease with a diverse clinical presentation and course. It is also a common inherited heart disease with serious adverse outcomes, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Medications include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and, rarely, diltiazem, amiodarone, and disopyramide. The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy therapeutics market report estimates the market size (Revenue USD million - 2013 to 2020) for key market segments based on the drug classes (antiarrhythmic agents, anticoagulants, beta adrenergic blocking agents, and calcium channel blockers) and clinical pipeline analysis of phase 1, 2 and 3 drugs, and forecasts growth trends (CAGR% - 2015 to 2020). It also provides the detailed market landscape and profiles of major competitors in the global market including company overview, financial snapshot, major products and services offered, and recent trends in strategic management.The global hypertrophic cardiomyopathy therapeutics market is segmented as:1. Drug Class1.1. Antiarrhythmic Agents1.2. Anticoagulants1.3. Beta Adrenergic Blocking Agents1.4. Calcium Channel Blockers2. Pipeline Analysis2.1. Clinical Trials (Phase 1, 2 and 3)3. Geography (Region, Country)3.1. North America (U.S., Canada)3.2. Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Rest of LA)3.3. Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Rest of EU)3.4. Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Rest of APAC)3.5. Rest of the World4. Company Profiles4.1. Astra Zeneca plc4.2. Concordia Healthcare Corp.4.3. Gilead Sciences, Inc.4.4. Merck & Co., Inc.4.5. Mylan N.V.4.6. Novartis AG4.7. Pfizer, Inc.4.8. Sanofi S.A.4.9. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.iHealthcareAnalyst, Inc. is a global health care market research and consulting company providing market analysis, and competitive intelligence services to global clients. The Company publishes syndicate, custom and consulting grade healthcare reports covering animal healthcare, biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, healthcare informatics, healthcare services, medical devices, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals.iHealthcareAnalyst, Inc. provides industry participants and stakeholders with strategically analyzed, unbiased view of market dynamics and business opportunities within its coverage areas.Ana AitawaiHealthcareAnalyst, Inc.2109, Mckelvey Hill Drive,Maryland Heights, MO 63043United StatesPhone: (314) 736-9294.Email: sales@ihealthcareanalyst.com
Infrared and Thermal Imaging Technology  Detection of Objects in Absolute Darkness

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Infrared and Thermal Imaging Systems Market: OverviewInfrared and thermal imaging technology enables to detect people and objects in absolute darkness and in very diverse conditions. The infrared and thermal imaging systems use state-of-art technology to detect heat or infrared radiations. Based on temperature difference these systems create crisp image. These systems are reliable in areas where critical temperature exists. These systems are compact and look much like a normal digital camera providing ease to generate real time high resolution image.Infrared and Thermal Imaging Systems Market -Recent advancements in infrared detectors have led to development of many remote infrared and thermal sensing devices for numerous applications such as space imaging, surveillance and remote sensing. Today, Infrared and thermal imaging cameras are available with wide range of performance capabilities and spectral sensitivity for broad range of bands.Infrared and Thermal Imaging Systems Market: DriversThe key driver for increasing demand of infrared and thermal imaging systems is growing soldier modernization programs. Increase in military budgets by governments across the world have is driving the infrared and thermal imaging market. Additionally, with introduction of high definition thermal imaging technology the infrared and thermal imaging systems market is expected to grow. Introduction of government policies act as major challenge for this market.Although infrared and thermal imaging systems can see through light rain, snow, fog and total darkness, the distance they can see is affected by atmospheric conditions. Growing application areas provide key opportunity for infrared and thermal imaging market. Traditionally, infrared and thermal imaging systems were meant for military sector but have got heavily commercialized in numerous other sectors due to technological evolutions. Appearance of integrated solutions such as smartphones, automotive and closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras is expected to boost the market.Infrared and Thermal Imaging Systems Market: SegmentationImprovements in optic imaging technologies and sensor technologies have enabled original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide low priced products. Based on technology, the infrared and thermal imaging systems are categorized as uncooled and cooled infrared thermal imaging systems. Numerous commercial imaging applications require infrared cameras with cooled detectors as they offer superior response time, spectral behavior and sensitivity. There are endless applications of infrared and thermal imaging systems.However, the major application areas of infrared and thermal imaging systems include surveillance and security, transportation, military vehicle vision, thermography and others. Besides these applications, Infrared and thermal imaging systems are also used for high voltage inspections where power transformers, switchers and circuit breakers are usually checked.Infrared and Thermal Imaging System Technical Analysis:Infrared and Thermal Imaging Systems Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, North America holds the largest share of infrared and thermal imaging systems. Due to strict defense budgets in Europe and North America, the growth of this market is expected to be slow compared to Asia Pacific and Middle Eastl. Asia Pacific shows strong growth rate due to availability of cheap labor and growing defense expenditure. The key players of infrared and thermal imaging market include Flir Systems Inc., Drs Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Thales Group, Honeywell Aerospace, Elbit Systems Ltd., Danaher Corporation, BAE Systems, L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. and Raytheon Company among others. These key players are competing to establish strong foothold by providing low cost products.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Mr.Sudip S90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Emprego Ligado receives Google and Facebook awards

FBStart has chosen the app as the best in Latin America and Googleinvited the company to their Second Launchpad programEmprego Ligado, the world pioneer in georecruitment, was selected for the second edition of Google Launchpad Accelerator. The program rewards selected companies with US$50k in funding, US$100k in Google cloud products and a two-week experience at Google headquarters in Silicon Valley where the companies receive expert mentoring.This Launchpad Program focuses on providing technology, online resources, events, knowledge exchange and creating the community needed to launch and evolve successful applications.The Program also provides user experience evaluation and guidance and leverages Google's infrastructure to allow new companies to focus on creation, distribution and monetization.Emprego Ligado was also awarded best application in Latin America by Facebook's FbStart Program. Globally, FbStart evaluated a field of more than 1,000 companies from 89 countries.The FbStart Program, now in its third year, aims to guide startups towards success by providing free tools, services, partner benefits and mentorship. This year the principle selection criteria were: growth and engagement, experience and design, scale efficiency and Facebook platform use.About Emprego LigadoEmprego Ligado is the georecruitment platform for the mobile-only emerging market labor economy. Founded four years ago by Derek Fears, Nathan Dee and Jacob Rosenbloom, is the first job site and app focused on helping blue collar workers find opportunities geo-located close to their homes. Based in Sao Paulo, the company is the Jobs marketplace that leverages Android, geolocation, and predictive matching algorithms to increase productivity and quality of life.Emprego Ligado is the georecruitment platform for the mobile-only emerging market labor economy. Founded four years ago by Derek Fears, Nathan Dee and Jacob Rosenbloom, is the first job site and app focused on helping blue collar workers find opportunities geo-located close to their homes. Based in Sao Paulo, the company is the Jobs marketplace that leverages Android, geolocation, and predictive matching algorithms to increase productivity and quality of life.Adriano Meirinho (+5511 40635655)Rua Girassol, 385 - Vila Madalena05433-001Sao Paulo - SPBrazil
Spectroscopy & Elemental Analysis Instruments Market: Size, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook to 2016 - 2026

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/11128

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Spectroscopy is a technique used to study the physical characteristics of a material when there is an interaction between absorption and emission of light within a specified electromagnetic spectrum. Spectroscopy includes interaction of electron, proton and ions absorbed by molecule. Spectroscopy is studied by visible light, ultraviolet and infrared radiations through spectrometer. Since 2010, demand for analytical instrumentation has increased significantly among various end-use industries such as pharmaceuticals and life sciences. Spectroscopy market accounts for significant market share of analytical instrumentation market. Molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy are some of the key technologies that are present in the market. In an analytical and life science industries, spectroscopy plays a significant role owing to increase in demand for bimolecular analysis and drug composition.Spectroscopy & Elemental Analysis Instruments Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe primary factors that exhibits the growth of spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market are increasing concern in the area of food and environmental safety, increase in the R&D funding, healthcare expenditure along with usage of X-ray fluorescence in clinical research and government support. However, significant dearth of professionals, unlawful trade practices and high cost of spectroscopy devices and elemental analyzers may hampers the growth of spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market.Spectroscopy & Elemental Analysis Instruments Market: SegmentationThe spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market has been classified on the basis of product, technology and end users.Based on product type, the spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market is segmented into:SpectrometerDissolved carbon dioxide and oxygen metersGas analyzersThermal analyzersConductivity and resistivity metersColorimeterspH metersTitratorsRefractrometersothersBased on technology type, the spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market is segmented into the following:Spectroscopic AnalysisElemental AnalysisOthers (Ion mobility spectroscopy and spectral imaging).Based on end user type, the spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market is segmented into the following:Food and Beverage IndustriesAcademic and Research InstitutesPharmaceutical and Biotechnology CompaniesEnvironmental Testing IndustriesSpectroscopy & Elemental Analysis Instruments Market: OverviewBased on the methods for analyzing the spectroscopy, the mass spectroscopy segment is widely used technique so as to identify the chemical contents present in the sample. Increase in the research and technology activities in the field of drug development, bimolecular analysis, industrial chemistry along with defense and astronomical sector is expected to propel the demand for spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments in near future.Spectroscopy & Elemental Analysis Instruments Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Europe followed by North America accounts for largest market share of the global Spectroscopy & elemental analysis Instruments. This is attributed to presence of large number of research & academic centers along with significant presence of major key players in these market. Developing regions such as Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Latin America, Middle East and Africa hold huge potential and a promising market for spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market owing to increase in the research expenses, food and drug safety along with improvement in macroeconomic conditions in these regions.Request to view TOC:Spectroscopy & Elemental Analysis Instruments Market: Key PlayersKey players of spectroscopy & elemental analysis instruments market are Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., PerkinElmer Inc., HORIBA Ltd., Metrohm AG, Shimadzu Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Danaher Corporation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Agilent Technologies, WATERS, Bruker Corporation, Spectris, Illumina Inc., JEOL Ltd., JASCO, Inc. and Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. Market players need to emphasize on research and development as well as distribution networks to increase their business footprint worldwide.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology, material and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainRegional analysis includesNorth America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, U.K, Spain, France, Nordic, Rest of Western Europe)Eastern Europe (Russia, Poland)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007USUSA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
ELKO  Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority describes Elko as  a backdrop of high desert and mountain vistas  with warm summers and snowy winter holidays.

Rich in both beauty and cultural resources, Elko County is a peaceful, friendly place to live.

Our economy remains steady and home sales are regular. This is, in part, due to the fact that Northeastern Nevada is the fourth largest gold producer in the world. Gold is currently at $1298.10 as of Friday, June 17.

Trulia.com states that the average home price in Elko is $207,000 and that 71 percent of Elkoans own their own home.

We explored a few homes for sale that are on the higher end of the spectrum and include prices and photos here.
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Joseph A. George of Springfield, 25, is suspected of shooting Lisa E. Martin of the Eugene area, 19, on June 14, 2016. George is also suspected of firing a shot at law enforcement officers. He later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

(The Oregonian/OregonLive/file)

Troopers on Thursday identified a man suspected of shooting a woman and firing at Douglas County sheriff's deputies. They confirmed, as well, that he killed himself after the June 14 shootings.

Joseph A. George of Springfield, 25, is suspected of shooting Lisa E. Martin of the Eugene area, 19 and firing a shot at deputies from a wooded area while they tended to her, the Oregon State Police said in a news release.

Two deputies returned fire, and neither of them hit George, troopers said. Officers found him in a nearby field, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Martin was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg and was later flown to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield for treatment of life-threatening injuries. She's since been released, and troopers expect her to fully recover.

Sheriff's deputies initially responded to a reported disturbance with shots fired in the 2300 block of Happy Valley Road and found Martin in a driveway, troopers said.

The block is west of Green, an unincorporated area in Douglas County that's south of Roseburg on Interstate 5.

Troopers previously said three Douglas County sheriff's deputies were on paid administrative leave for their roles in the officer-involved shooting, as is standard practice during officer-involved shooting investigations.

A sheriff's office spokesman didn't immediately return messages seeking comment about the deputies' statuses Thursday night.

The Oregon State Police is leading the investigation.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015
Ever since Oregon approved voting exclusively by mail in 1998, Hasso Hering took comfort that a sealable "secrecy envelope" would guarantee his right to a private ballot.

So when the 72-year-old from Benton County opened his ballot for the May primary, he was confused to see a non-sealable "secrecy sleeve" instead.

Benton is among at least five Oregon counties, including Multnomah County, Marion County, Deschutes County and Washington County, to trade sealed envelopes for sleeves in hopes of speeding up ballot counts while still protecting voters' privacy.

But voters such as Hering worry the change could make it easier for elections workers to put a name to a ballot marking.

"It is a principle of our ballot," said Hering, a retired journalist. "How you vote is your business and no one else's."

State law requires counties to receive permission from the Secretary of State's office before changing their ballot secrecy provisions. The office must find the "procedure will provide substantially the same degree of secrecy."

"You still never have a case where someone is looking at the voted ballot along with the return envelope with the signature on it," said Jim Williams, director of the state's elections division, adding that "the new design cuts the processing time almost in half."

In Multnomah County, ballots are processed in batches of 200 at a time, said Tim Scott, director of elections. Workers, in groups of four, empty ballot return envelopes after placing them face down on a table, covering voters' signatures. Some ballots are inside a secrecy sleeve, though some people choose not to use it.

But Scott said workers wait before opening ballots or taking them from privacy sleeves. The return envelopes are first gathered, bound with zip ties and removed from the table.

"Once that's been done and there's no identifying information on the table," Scott said, "they start removing ballots from the sleeve and unfolding the ballot."

The old envelopes had a scalloped edge that took time to rip open, Scott said. But "with the sleeves, all you do it grab the corner and pull the ballot out," he said.

In Deschutes County, the sleeves cost about a half-cent more each than than the envelopes. Multnomah County's entire order for 600,000 sleeves cost an additional $2,328.

But that money is made up, Scott said, by savings in staff time spent counting ballots.

"We get hundreds and thousands of ballots back," he said. "Even a fraction of a second adds up to hours."

Williams, the state's elections director, expects other counties could follow.

Hering said he wished counties would have kept the envelopes, as "a useful gesture" that officials are "serious about the secrecy of the vote."

"The envelopes were a bit of the guarantee on the other end," he said, "that it would be very, very difficult for anyone to connect your vote with your name."

- Talia Richman

trichman@oregonian.com

@TaliRichman
Update, Friday, June 24 : Edmond Pomroy Balding was released from the Multnomah County Jail on his own recognizance Thursday, according to jail records. He was arraigned Friday, court records show.

He's next scheduled to appear in court on July 8, according to court records.

***

A 90-year-old man accused of killing a pedestrian with a car in a Northeast Portland this March was arrested Thursday and booked into jail.

A Multnomah County grand jury indicted Edmond Pomroy Balding on a criminally negligent homicide charge, court records show. He's accused of hitting Amber Michelle Lapine, 34, with a car while she was entering a crosswalk on Glisan Street at 117th Avenue on March 18.

Balding stayed at the scene of the crash but lied to crash investigators about its circumstances, Portland police said in a news release. A police spokesman said Thursday he couldn't provide information about how Balding was untruthful about the crash circumstances.

Balding wasn't under the influence of alcohol or drugs, police said.

Balding's Oregon driver's license was medically suspended in late April, more than a month after the crash. The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division cited the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) when asked for details about the medical condition.

Balding's license has outside mirror and corrective lens restrictions.

Lapine suffered traumatic injuries and died March 27.

Balding was arrested without incident at his Northeast Portland home, police said. He's being held in the Multnomah County Detention Center on $20,000 bail, according to jail records.

Balding is scheduled to be arraigned Friday, court records show.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

Lynne Palombo of The Oregonian/OregonLive staff contributed to this report
As it poured outside the Oregon Convention Center, panelists at The Oregonian/OregonLive's forum on homelessness Thursday were reminded of the about 1,800 people who would sleep outside in the rain.

"Tonight, they'll be sleeping under tarps, some with garbage bags taped together," said moderator Len Reed, an editorial writer for the media group. "The weather changes, but that doesn't change."

Five speakers - including Mayor-elect Ted Wheeler and Portland Business Alliance Chairman Mitch Hornecker - put forward different ideas on how to deal with Portland's "no. 1 issue." But there was a consensus on at least one thing.

"There is no silver bullet," said Deborah Kafoury, chairwoman of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners. "There is no great idea, excuse me, no 'Big Idea,' in a different community that we can just take and put into Portland and end homelessness."

But progress is being made, she said, mentioning the $30 million Joint Office for Homeless Services the city and county formally approved this week.

Israel Bayer, the executive director of Street Roots, said one key to ending homelessness isn't more shelters, but more affordable housing. Next week, the Portland City Council will decide whether to refer a $250 million bond measure to voters that would subsidize apartments for very low-income residents.

"You can't invest in a $100 million shelter without passing a housing bond," he said. "If we put all our money into shelters today, homelessness in five or six years would double. The bond measure is very necessary."

But the panelists did discuss models in different cities, especially San Antonio, Texas. Two Portland developers have pitched a $100 million homeless campus on the Willamette River meant to provide shelter and services for some 1,400 people a night. It's patterned after the "Haven for Hope" facility in San Antonio.

"San Antonio really looks at, as prime object, how do we move people off the streets and keep them off the streets," Wheeler said. "But we have our own issues. These models can inspire us and direct us, but we have to find our own approach."

And for projects like that to work, Wheeler said, "the private sector must be really willing to come forward."

Hornecker said the business community is already at the table and agrees something more must be done. He said governments must spend more on services, even after obtaining "new revenue." He also said no idea should be off the table, including "low-cost, immediate, temporary alternatives that are imperfect."

He suggested using property the city already owns, but that is underused or even empty, as a way to get the homeless off the street while bigger projects are in the works. He mentioned the police bureau's former Southeast Precinct.

"The more dollars we spend today to support current problem, the less we have to devote to the future," he said. "You have to compare not if it meets our long term goals, but is it better than sleeping in a sleeping bag tonight in the rain?"

But it wasn't clear whether organized or visible camping, a controversial approach blessed by current Mayor Charlie Hales, will remain among those ideas. Wheeler, who also said "everything should be on the table," said after the forum that wouldn't include campsites.

But Wheeler rejected the idea that there must be a trade-off between funding short-term and long-term solutions.

"I don't buy the premise of that argument," he said. "We need to do both. If that means reprioritizing, then we do that. We've said it's our No. 1 issue and we need to show that."

Wheeler said that as mayor, he'll work with the state to focus on building more affordable housing and looking at the "craptacular nature" of mental health services that exist across the country.

Kafoury, meanwhile, urged continued support the city and county's longtime "housing-first" approach to homelessness, which allows people to get off the streets while they work on other problems they may be facing. And, she said, "just a few months of rent assistance will get people back on their feet."

"But we need to tailor our response to the needs of the individual," she added.

Michelle Cardinal, CEO of an advertising agency near the North Park Blocks, which became a flashpoint for visible homeless last summer, talked about her path to advocacy.

From her window, Cardinal could see people doing drugs. She could see prostitutes. There was fighting. It was terrifying, she said to the panel. So she got involved and started talking with advocates and officials on how to help.

She answered a question on why taxpayers "owe anything to the homeless."

"You don't owe anyone anything," she said. "But you live in a community, and it's the circle of life. ... We're going to pay for this one way or another."
portland delta flight

Parents preparing to let their kids travel alone this summer can take extra precautions to ensure their safety. Here, a flight takes off from Portland International Airport.

(Faith Cathcart/The Oregonian)

When 13-year-old Ella Earhart boarded a flight to Sacramento alone, her biggest concern wasn't flying without her parents. It was flying in general.



"I don't mind flying alone," she said. "But I don't like turbulence."



Her mother, Portland International Airport spokesperson Kama Simonds, was more circumspect. She made sure Ella knew what to do in the event of an emergency, advising her how to get help from flight attendants and react if someone made her uncomfortable.



Two recent arrests has sparked concerns about minors traveling alone on planes. On June 15, a Gresham man was arrested at the Portland airport after a flight attendant saw him inappropriately touching a 13-year-old girl on an American Airlines flight, police say. Less than a week later, an Alaska Airlines flight from PDX to Alaska was diverted to Seattle when a man allegedly tried to kiss a sleeping 16-year-old girl in the seat next to him.

Additional planning is especially important when children are traveling alone, Simonds said. Though airlines offer services for unaccompanied minors, procedures vary from carrier to carrier.



A lawyer representing the 13-year-old aboard the American Airlines flight blamed the lack of federal regulation, in part, for what happened to the girl.

How to prepare for your child's flight

Booking the flight:

* Try to book a non-stop or direct flight.

* Book an earlier flight -- it will be less likely to be delayed.

* Ask the airline about electronic ticketing. The purchase will be recorded in the computer, so you won't have to worry about lost tickets.

* Ask about getting a gate pass to accompany your child to the gate.

Make sure to pack:

* Games, books or music players with headphones to keep your child entertained on the flight

* A copy of the child's complete itinernary

* Snacks

* Cash in case of emergencies

At the airport:

* Arrive early to fill out any required forms, clear security and take your child to the gate.

* Give the airline contact information of the person meeting your child at the airport.

* Stay in the gate until your child's flight takes off.

The girl's parents, who paid an extra fee for American's unaccompanied minor services, are planning to sue the carrier, said attorney Brent Goodfellow.

"The problem is that these services that all these airlines are offering are unregulated," he said. "If you are paying for this, you should know your child is kept safe."



This is the only reported case of sex abuse involving a minor on an airplane in 2016, according to records kept by the Port of Portland police.



Children 5 and older are generally allowed to travel alone on nonstop and through flights, according to a guide by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

However, most airlines require parents to pay a fee for unaccompanied minors for children as old as 15. The services generally cost between $50 and $150 each way. Children are escorted onto to the plane and introduced to flight attendants, who check on them during the flight. Airline employees monitor them during connections and ensure they are released to the correct person when they land.



Because traveling as an unaccompanied minor requires extra steps, Simonds recommends that travelers and their parents arrive at the airport early.



Parents will need to stop at the ticketing booth to get a gate pass, which allows them to escort their child to the gate, she said. They should also confirm their names are on the airline record, so they will be able to access them in case of a flight delay or cancellation.



"It's important to remember that that takes time," Simonds said.



Most importantly, parents should prepare their children for what to expect on their flight and how to get help if they need it, Simonds said.



Earhart's advice to other young travelers is to know how to deal with uncomfortable situations and ask flight attendants for help. But, she said, also remember to relax and enjoy the trip.



"Just have fun," Earhart said. "(My flight) wasn't that long and it was just some time to myself to do what I want."



-- Samantha Matsumoto

smatsumoto@oregonian.com

503-294-4001
A 28-year-old man was arrested late Thursday on a parole violation.

Tony Lamar Brown, 28

Police said Tony Lamar Brown was wanted on a violation connected to an original charge of first degree robbery.

Authorities arrested Brown after he fled from police and U.S. marshals in Southeast Portland on Thursday. He was found hiding in a yard at 118th Avenue and Schiller Street and taken into custody without incident, Sgt. Pete Simpson, a Portland police spokesman, said in a news release.

Brown was known to have gang affiliations, Simpson said. Police closed off Southeast 118th and 122nd avenues during the search.

-- Lynne Terry
It's been a mad scramble inside Portland City Hall as officials race to send a $258.4 million housing tax to voters this fall.

Less urgent? Spelling out goals for how that money will be spent.

On Friday, Portland Commissioner Dan Saltzman and the Portland Housing Bureau released the official ballot language they plan to send to voters in the Nov. 8 election. Money from the proposed bond measure would pay for affordable housing for people who earn up to 60 percent of the region's median, and mixed-use projects with retail components would be eligible for funding.

But there's no detail about how many total units could be built or how many would be targeted toward the most pressing need: people earning up to 30 percent of the regional median.

Officials do plan to release some "program goals." But those details aren't yet ready.

The document will be publicly available by Wednesday -- one day before the City Council is set to approve the proposal and refer it to voters.

The details matter. Officials hope to set attainable goals that will build trust with voters but are also wary of under-delivering on affordable housing promises -- as happened in both the Pearl and South Waterfront Districts.

Staff for Saltzman weren't immediately available to comment. This post will be updated when we hear back.

The proposed property tax would run about 42 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. For a home assessed at $178,320, that's about $75 a year in new taxes.

-- Brad Schmidt

503-294-7628

@cityhallwatch
taryn border.jpeg

Taryn Border's Facebook post about a man who followed her in downtown Portland, and her subsequent interaction with police, has been shared more than 66,000 times.

In the past week, Taryn Border's Facebook post about a man who followed her in downtown Portland, and her subsequent interaction with police, has been shared more than 66,000 times.

According to her account, Border noticed a stranger had turned around and followed her along Southwest 12th Avenue last Thursday morning. When she went inside Heart Coffee Roasters, the man stopped outside the window to stare at her for several minutes.

He didn't flinch, even when she raised her hands in a "What do you want?" gesture and began snapping a series of photos of him. While Border was still inside the shop, the man appeared to spot another woman and turned after her.

Fearing for this second woman, Taryn grabbed her coffee and tailed the man while calling 911. The dispatcher told her not to follow, for her own safety, and an officer was on the way.

But when Officer Robert Foesch arrived, Border said, he was unsympathetic to her concerns. He didn't look at her photo. He didn't try to find the man or the other woman. He responded to her fear with mockery, she felt.

"I am told multiple times that no laws have been broken, and that these are pure assumptions on my part, without validation," Border wrote in a complaint to the police bureau. "I am then reminded that there are no laws against men following women and that no crimes have been committed."

Border never expected a viral post but she thinks the photo she shared -- an unnerving shot of the man blankly staring at her -- is what grabbed attention.

That's what it took for her fear to seem justified.

"I think it really resonated with women, the idea that you would make a report and then not be believed," said Sarah Armstrong, communications and outreach director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon. "That's something we hear a lot in incidents of officer misconduct."

Yes, I spoke with the ACLU - the organization that teaches people you don't have to talk to police - and they were concerned police didn't try to talk to this guy.

"The community should be able to call police when they feel threatened or when they feel there's a danger to the community," Armstrong said. As for how to balance the man's rights with Border's concerns, she said, "We count on the police to navigate through all these complicated pieces with tact and diplomacy."

By Border's account, this officer failed the tact test.

"I cannot help at this point to remind (Foesch) that there is a potential woman in danger and a simple drive around the block could save a life," she wrote in her complaint. "I am then questioned 'How do you know this man is going to harm her?', 'Are you a mind reader?', 'So how long have you been a police officer?'"

Portland police spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson made no excuses for Border's account of the officer's actions. The bureau's internal affairs division is looking into the incident.

"Certainly, this described interaction is not necessarily the way we would hope our officers would respond to calls for service," he said diplomatically. "That said, it's one side of a story and we'll look into it further."

But Sgt. Simpson and I did have a good conversation about the dynamics downtown that are frustrating for both officers and residents. The bureau has seen an increase in calls about what he called "livability concerns" regarding people who are homeless or who may have mental health or behavioral issues.

That can be a tricky gray area for cops to navigate. How you do remain responsive to residents' concerns without criminalizing odd behavior or being accused of profiling? How do you approach someone who's not yet committed-- but just might commit -- a crime?

Because however rudely the news was delivered, Foesch was probably right. It's not illegal to creepily stare at a woman, follow a person (the first time, anyway) or perhaps do worse.

Take the case of Thomas Bryan Wade, a homeless man who, according to his attorney, suffers from mental health problems. In a Gresham park in 2013, Wade "unzipped his pants, shoved his hand inside and arched his pelvis in the direction of a woman who was with her 7-year-old son" while repeatedly calling the woman a "bitch" and ordering her to "come over here," according to a report by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

His conviction on second-degree disorderly conduct was overturned last month because the Oregon Court of Appeals found his actions were protected free speech. The court ruled rubbing one's crotch and shouting obscenities at a woman does not imply the threat of physical force, which is required for a charge of disorderly conduct.

Many women might feel differently about that.

But whatever the difficulties faced by police and prosecutors, none of it is an excuse for Border's experience. She would have understood, she said, if there was little the officer could do regarding the man, but she expected a bit more compassion and interest. Mustering empathy for scared, vulnerable, even difficult people is an important part of an officer's duties, and a cop who's become too jaded to do that should reconsider his profession.

"We do hope that officers at least take the time to listen and explain what they can and can't do," Simpson said. He added that in a case like Border's, "an officer generally would go contact the (man) and make an inquiry."

My fear is stories like this will dissuade women from coming forward or seeking help. Border told me after the officer questioned her claims, she wondered if she was overreacting. She started to doubt herself. She felt shamed.

And these are all the reasons women either don't speak up when they see something suspicious, or don't report an assault after it occurs.

Don't stay silent, ladies. Speak up. Stay strong. Stay safe.

-- Samantha Swindler

@editorswindler / 503-294-4031

sswindler@oregonian.com
As the world reeled from Britain's vote to leave the European Union, British residents hit their keyboards.

They frantically started Googling about the vote, according to the Washington Post.

Google reported sharp upticks in searches not only related to the ballot measure but also about basic questions concerning the implications of the vote, the Post reported. At about 1 a.m. Eastern time, about eight hours after the polls closed, Google reported that searches for "what happens if we leave the EU" had more than tripled.

The run-up to the vote was marked by a bitterly divided campaign, one that was as much about immigration fears as it was about the global economy. But despite the all-out attempts by either side to court voters, Britons were not only mystified by what would happen if they left the E.U.-- many seemed not to even know what the European Union is.

Others had regrets.

"Even though I voted to leave, this morning I woke up and I just -- the reality did actually hit me," one woman told the news channel ITV News. "If I'd had the opportunity to vote again, it would be to stay."

-- Lynne Terry
An Alabama woman is showing the nation "how we do it in the South."

A video of Crenshaw County native Hannah Barron, 19, catching - noodling to be exact - a 30-pound catfish has received more than 15 million views and caught the attention of the Hunt Channel.

"I like to hunt and fish," Barron, who attends Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, said in a Total Outdoor Programming video. "We've been noodling for four years."

Noodling is the southern tradition of catching a catfish by placing your bare (or gloved) hands in a known catfish hole and waiting for the fish to bite.

"I like to stick my hand as far down their throat as I can get it and grab a handful of guts or whatever I can find," Barron said in a distinct southern drawl.

With a big smile on her face, Barron talks about the first time she and her father, Jeff, went noodling. They saw a boy catch a giant catfish, estimated to weigh about 60 pounds. The blue cat ripped the flesh from the boy's hand.

They decided to try it anyway. "Go big or go home," Jeff Barron said.

Total Outdoor Programming filmed the father and daughter noodling on Lay Lake in Shelby County.

Barron and her father will appear on Total Outdoor Pursuit on the Hunt Channel on Aug. 5.
krunmacula_context-20160609-sml.jpg

New images of Pluto, captured by the spacecraft New Horizons last year, show a stark dividing line between a vast ice plain and the dwarf planet's rugged southern highlands.

(NASA/JHUAPL/SwRI)

New images of the dwarf planet Pluto, the highest resolution yet, have left planetary scientists with more questions than answers as the latest pictures reveal far greater diversity in the celestial body's terrain than anyone anticipated.

The most recent images -- beamed back to Earth from the New Horizons spacecraft, which flew past Pluto almost a year ago -- focus on the southern part of the dwarf planet's "heart," a large, flat, heart-shaped ice plain scientists have been calling Sputnik Planum.

The most recent pictures, released by NASA earlier this month, show rugged highlands on the southern border of the ice plain, with valleys nearly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and peaks that rise to elevations of roughly 8,000 feet.

Scientists have been calling these newly discovered highlands Krun Macula. For those not familiar with ancient Gnostic religions, Krun is the lord of underworld, according to Mandaean theology, and a macula is a dark spot on a planet's surface.

Experts are not so much surprised by the existence of the highlands, but more so by the stark dividing line between the mountains and the vast ice plain they stand next to.

A close-up of the stark dividing line between Pluto's vast ice plain and the dwarf planet's rugged southern highlands.

"It's like two pieces of a puzzle that are fit together in a way you would never expect to find," Richard Binzel, professor of planetary science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts told The Christian Science Monitor. "It's very hard to understand how you can get such a sharp, contrasting line on a planetary world, especially one we thought may have been cold and inactive. It seems, in fact, Pluto is alive."

Because the ice fields are relatively free of impact craters, they must have developed recently, at least on the scale of Pluto's existence, Alan Stern, principal investigator of the New Horizons mission, told The Monitor. He estimated they were only a few million years old, while the Krun Macula date back billions of years to the dwarf planet's youth.

Stern, just like Binzel, had no explanation for the succinct line that divides the two geological features.

"It's completely perplexing, and that's part of what's awesome about it," Stern told The Christian Science Monitor. "As a scientist you like to be stumped because it's telling us more important new things about the way small planets work than we could have guessed before the flyby."

New Horizons may still yet hold more perplexing pictures of Pluto as the spacecraft has only sent back about 70 percent of the images it captured on its fly-by. There remains much to be learned about the farthest flung member of our solar system.

-- Kale Williams

kwilliams@oregonian.com

503-294-4048
Friday 24 June 2016 2:03pm

Under the northern French city of Arras, there is a network of caves and tunnels that hold huge significance for New Zealanders.



The network of caves and tunnels beneath Arras are a clear demonstration of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the NZ tunnellers.

They represent a permanent but unseen memorial to the brave and industrious actions of the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company during WWI.

The Ronville network of tunnels under Arras extends over approximately 2.3km, with some named after towns and cities of New Zealand.

The network was capable of accommodating about 10,000 men and included its own light rail, a hospital, a shop and living quarters safe from the heavy German bombardment above ground.

Staff and a student from Otagos National School of Surveying along with counterparts from the Ecole Superieure des Geometres et Topographes (ESGT Le Mans, France) are currently using 3D laser scanning to record and map the tunnels and caves, creating a stunning virtual world to be explored from the safety of their newly launched website.

Named the LiDARRAS project, it is making excellent progress, with the second lot of fieldwork well underway in France. Initial scans and models generated from the data collected at the end of last year, can be seen on the website, and these will be updated regularly.



Writings in Te Reo Maori, sketches of girlfriends, cartoons and directions are clearly visible 100 years after they were made.

The website provides information about the project and the history of the tunnels and caves themselves, and a number of helpful links for further reading.

This project is made possible with support from many institutions, organizations and partners, including direct funding from the Lottery World War One Committee and the New Zealand-France Friendship Fund, as well as with direct support from Trimble, the City of Arras, and the museum Carriere Wellington.

For further information, contact:

Dr Pascal Sirguey

National School of Surveying

University of Otago

Phone: 64 3 479 7698

Email: pascal.sirguey@otago.ac.nz
ELY  After collaborating with agencies and the public, the plan for the proposed expansion of Bald Mountain Mine was released Friday.

The public will have 30 days to review the document before a record of decision is issued.

The Bureau of Land Management Ely District, Egan Field Office, has released the final environmental impact statement for the proposed Bald Mountain Mine North and South Operations Area Projects that would expand an existing open-pit gold mine in White Pine County approximately 65 miles northwest of Ely.

The project was originally proposed by Barrick Gold US Inc., but has recently been purchased by Kinross Mining Inc.

Located mostly on lands administered by the BLM, the project would increase the mines footprint by more than 7,000 acres. The final EIS analyzes a number of alternatives that were developed specifically to address concerns about the potential impacts of the project on Greater Sage-Grouse, mule deer, wild horses, and other resources in the area. These alternatives were developed based on close coordination with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the public, and other federal, state and local government agencies.

With respect to Greater Sage-Grouse, the BLM coordinated with the Nevada Sagebrush Ecosystem Technical Team and the company to design compensatory mitigation to offset impacts. Specifically the company has committed to purchasing between 5,251 and 6,039 credits from Nevadas Conservation Credit System within six months of the credits being available. The goal of CCS is to generate a net benefit for Greater Sage-Grouse habitat to address impacts from human activities.

The agency preferred alternative is the Western Redbird Modification Alternative. This alternative substantially reduces the proposed projects overall surface disturbance, decreases potential impacts to ground water in the area, and minimizes impacts to Greater Sage-Grouse, mule deer, and wild horses in the Project area.

Following a 30-day availability and review period for the final EIS, the BLM will issue a record of decision describing the alternative it has selected and detailing the provisions that are part of its decision.

The final EIS is posted online at http://on.doi.gov/14R9rZ8 and additional information is available at http://on.doi.gov/14vXckC.

For information on the project or to obtain a printed copy of the final EIS, contact Stephanie Trujillo, BLM Ely District Project Manager, at 775-289-1831 or strujill@blm.gov.
A 45-year-old Mount Pleasant man was in a Bay City federal court today to face charges related to the sexual abuse of two children for more than a decade.

A press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office-Eastern District of Michigan states that George Howard Mandoka, of Mount Pleasant, was convicted by a federal jury of three counts of aggravated sexual abuse, one count of sexual abuse, two counts of sexual abuse of a minor and two counts of sexual abuse contact. U.S. District Judge L. Thomas Ludington presided over the case.
Washington, DC -- Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon will welcome Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque to the Department of State for the fifth annual U.S.-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue, taking place June 23-24.

Under Secretary Shannon will lead the U.S. delegation for discussions on security affairs, development and governance, trade and investment, international and regional affairs, and other issues of mutual interest.

The U.S.-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue, established in 2012, is a regularly planned policy consultation designed to advance our common agenda and opportunities for cooperation across the full range of bilateral and regional issues.

The United States looks forward to constructive conversations with Bangladesh with the objective of broadening and deepening the partnership between the two countries.
CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, JAPAN -- Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy visited Marines stationed aboard Camp Schwab June 22, during a community outreach event where service members taught English to local school children.

For the past 14 years, Marines aboard Camp Schwab have been teaching children and young adults basic grammar and commonly used words for communication. According to Lance Cpl. Joshua King, a motor vehicle operator with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, although they came to the class to teach, they couldnt help but learn a little themselves.

I volunteer all the time and I love people, even though we are the ones doing most of the teaching I learn something new every week, said King, a Madison, Wisconsin native. Its events like these that really make me appreciate the local culture and gives me an opportunity to really connect with people and let them see that we are very friendly.

The English class is just one of over 500 community relations programs that Marines all over Okinawa participate in every year. From Camp Gonsalves in the North, to Camp Kinser in the South, Marines stationed in Okinawa are deeply invested in the surrounding communities that they call home.

I came to one of these classes ten years ago and Ive came back as much as possible ever since, said Ayumi Oshiro, an Okinawa resident. I love these classes because it allows me to perfect my English while also getting to interact with the Marines.

The class lasted a little over an hour and included lots of smiles, laughs and learning. However most of what will be remembered about todays event probably wont be repeated in English. Today, like every other day where service members are able to get involved with the community, they not only learn from and teach their Okinawan neighbors, but they continue to build on a bond 71 years in the making.

Events like these let the local residents see that we arent just Marines, said Lance Cpl. Keven Romero, a warehouse clerk with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and an Orange County, New York native. We are normal people just like they are. We come here and mix our cultures together, which strengthens not only our nations friendships but also our own personal relationships. I have made so many friends here that appreciate the effort I put into the class, and thats why I come back every week.
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The Air National Guard is frequently called upon when U.S. Pacific Command needs additional assets to deliver rapid air capabilities in the Pacific region, and Airmen from the 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth, Minnesota, are currently stepping up to that call.

The Airmen arrived at Osan in June to fulfill a Theater Security Package requested by U.S. PACOM and Pacific Air Forces.

Were here to back up active-duty forces and help deter regional threats, said Lt. Col. Curt Grayson, 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 148th Aircraft Maintenance Unit commander.

6,000 Miles From Home

Moving the personnel and equipment needed to run the 148ths aviation package wasnt as simple as rolling out of Minnesota and flying 6,000 miles straight to the Republic of Korea; months of careful planning went on to ensure the guardsmen had all of the gear they needed, were properly trained and accomplished the tasks necessary to ensure the successful operation of an expeditionary fighter squadron.

The seeds of the operation were planted during a Red Flag exercise in Alaska in 2015, where 179th FS personnel worked alongside the 51st Fighter Wings 25th and 36th Fighter Squadrons.

The relationships born of that exercise set the guardsmen on a steady path, letting them quickly utilize the contacts they had made and not waste any time preparing to deploy, said Grayson.

For our unit, it helped us figure out what we needed to do to fit into the Osan Fight Tonight mentality, he said.

Guard vs. Active Duty

One of the primary goals of the 148th FW personnel is to work side-by-side the active duty personnel around base, including full integration of 148th AMU backshops with their 51st FW counterparts.

We all have different levels of experience, said Maj. Mike Ketola, 148th Operations Support Squadron senior intelligence officer. People get [to Osan] and just when theyre getting comfortable after a year, they have to leave. We dont really see that [in the 148th FW], we really get to practice and hone in on our experience, but we also get to make that experience available to other people and give opportunities to learn.

An example of the experience from the 148th FW is a machinist with over 20 years of experience, which is virtually unheard of on the active duty side. Coupled with the standard one-year turn around rate at Osan, those 20-plus years of experience could be invaluable to the 51st FWs machinist shop.

The Best of Both Worlds

A unique aspect of a traditional guardsman is that he or she lives and works full time as a civilian outside of their required duty time, which requires them to step away from their normal lives during deployments like this.

Ketola works fulltime as a middle school history and geography teacher. He said he sees his time in Korea as an opportunity to learn valuable lessons to bring back to his students.

He said, You learn something every day, and to be here practicing what were doing, it gives you  experience and ideas that you can bring back home.

I can bring some of these things back to my civilian world and give a real world example: I witnessed this, Ive been there, this is what Ive seen and thats how I can apply it now. I like doing this because I can come back and share this knowledge not just with the military section, but on the civilian side with my kiddos.

Mission Accomplished

Once the Minnesota guardsmen return home, the Bulldogs will be replaced by another ANG unit here. So far during the deployment, the Airmen of the 148th EFS and AMU accomplished dozens of training sorties, participated in a major exercise alongside the 51st FW and integrated into the active-duty inspection system.

Its been a success so far; the pilots are getting the training they need, the maintenance is providing them good aircraft, and we were able to participate in [Exercise Beverly Herd 16-01], said Capt. William Carr, 148th AMU officer in charge. Weve also learned quite a bit from the active duty Airmen, since their pace is quite a bit higher than ours.

The constant exchange of information and experience between the guard and active duty Airmen fostered trust and understanding. It ensured American air power here on the Korean Peninsula is always ready to Fight Tonight.
These Are the Fantastic New Cable Dramas You'll Obsess Over in 2017

By Brian Byrd | Lists | July 1, 2016 |

This damn list gets harder to put together each year.

When I wrote the first one in 2013, I basically glanced at the development pipelines for a handful of big-time cable networks, picked the most intriguing options, and pushed the button that sent words through the series of tubes into your laptops and mobile devices. FX and HBO were the only essential representatives. Netflixs original content library housed just two series (House of Cards and something called Hemlock Grove); Amazon only one (Bosch). Other premium cable outlets were either content with their existing programming or still running jailhouse orgies on Sunday nights.

Contrast this with todays ecosystem. Basic cable networks such as Lifetime, so easy to ignore just a few short years ago, now merits inclusion. Non-traditional outlets have entered the fray. Video game companies produce and distribute exclusive content. The number of content providers has grown so large and so diverse its nearly impossible to ensure you havent missed anything. Shit, did I check to see if FitBit has a series debuting next year?

Annual disclaimer: in order to make the cut a show must be at the pilot stage or picked up for a full series order, not just languishing in the development pipeline. Also, forecasting pilot pickups and premiere dates is an inexact science. Many of the shows on last years list like Taboo and The OA are locked into FXs and Netflixs calendars, respectively. When youll actually see them remains, uh, to be seen. Finally, I intentionally omitted a few big guns covered elsewhere at length. American Gods and Noah Hawleys Legion arent exactly state secrets around these parts and I dont want to clutter an already long guide with unnecessary filler.

The Terror (AMC)

Its rare that passed-over properties receive a second chance at the same network. But AMC, which commissioned an adaptation of the Dan Simmons novel back in 2013 before declining the pilot option last year, announced in March that the network would in fact move forward with The Terror as an anthology series. Having read the novel  a fictionalized retelling of the 1847 HMS Erebus and HMS Terror expedition, where an unknown predator stalks the dwindling crew after theyre stranded in the frozen Northwest Passage  I have absolutely no idea how showrunners David Kajganich and Soo Hugh will turn the source material into an anthology. Sure as hell willing to find out, though.

Chances it gets picked up to series: 10 episodes coming your way next year

Trust (FX)

Odd setup here. Trust is a limited series exploring the rise of an oil magnate in the mid-1970s. Simple, right? Except the 10-episode season is being billed as the first installment, leading one to believe theres room for more story if ratings/critical response permits. Trust focuses on John Paul Getty, the heir to the family fortune whos kidnapped by the Italian mafia and left to rot after his drug-addled father and playboy grandfather show little interest in retrieving their snatched progeny. Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Sunshine, countless other movies with third-act problems) will direct from a script by Simon Beaufoy.

Chances it gets picked up to series: Youll be able to see all 10 episodes. Trust me. See what I did there? Trust is the name of the show, and I just asked you to trust my judgment becau /Dustin gives sniper the green light

The Deuce (HBO)

Imagine a fantasy television talent draft where you can pick anyone to create, develop, direct, and star in a series about a subject of your choosing. For the subject, well go with the burgeoning, dangerous New York City porn scene in the 1970s. Ok, lets see: Ill grab David Simon, the guy behind The Wire, Treme, and Show Me a Hero, as my first-round writing pick. Simon reps his crew on every project, which means I get George Pelecanos and Richard Price to help write and executive produce. Now, I need to find a director. Michelle MacLaren, the brilliant Breaking Bad/Game of Thrones/Leftovers vet, will do nicely. Just need to shore up casting and SHIT I SPENT ALL MY HIGH DRAFT PICKS ON BEHIND-THE-CAMERA TALENT AND NOW ALL THATS LEFT IS JAMES FRANCO! Fine, Ill take him to play twins who become fronts for the mob. At least Maggie Gyllenhaal is still available take the lead female role.

Chances it gets picked up to series: Roughly the same as you watching porn sometime between now and when the series debuts in 2017.

Sharp Objects (HBO)

HBO desperately wants to be in the Gillian Flynn business. The premium cable giant tapped the Gone Girl writer to pen David Finchers reboot of the fantastic British series, Utopia. Fiscal concerns grounded that project before it got off the ground, but she stuck around to co-write and executive produce an adaptation of her debut novel, Sharp Objects. The series follows a young journalist recently released from a psychiatric hospital who returns to her hometown to cover the murder of a preteen girl and the disappearance of another. Amy Adams plays the aforementioned reporter with Dallas Buyers Club and Wild director Jean-Marc Vallee onboard to direct all eight episodes. Sharp Objects is actually the first of two HBO miniseries adapted from bestsellers set to premiere next year that Vallee will direct. Hes also heading up Little Big Lies, a dark comedy starring Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarrrrrrrrrrrrsgarrrrrrrrrrd based on the novel by Liane Moriarty.

Chances it gets picked up to series: Eight eps in 2017

Succession (HBO)

A few years ago, Anchorman director Adam McKay would seem like an odd choice to spearhead a dramatic series about a powerful, dysfunctional media family in the 21st century. The guy behind the Will Ferrell NASCAR movie wants to explore international media and interfamilial power dynamics? Does Uwe Boll not have a slave rebellion script we can option instead? Then The Big Short got five Oscar nominations and won for Best Adapted Screenplay and suddenly, HBO became much more interested.

Chances it gets picked up to series: Succession and the Kathryn Bigelow project Mogadishu, Minnesota (about a family who grapples with what it means to be American among the Somalis of the Twin Cities) represent the first pilot orders for new HBO programming chief Casey Bloys. Stands to reason hed like to see his opening draft picks make the roster. 70 percent.

Capitol Hill (HBO)

One David Simon show at a time please, said a man who was immediately stuffed into a circus cannon and fired into low-earth orbit. Baltimores most famous shiny-headed former newspaper man teamed with Carl Bernstein (the man responsible for our lazy present-day media attaching the gate suffix to every non-story, even though WATERGATE WAS THE NAME OF THE FUCKING HOTEL, YOU GODDAMN MORONS!) for this pilot about modern-day politics. HBO describes the series as a detailed examination of partisanship and the influence of money on national governance. I can think of no one better to spotlight this incestuous relationship than Simon and Bernstein.

Chances it gets picked up to series: Simon is arguably HBOs favored son. Hes responsible for The Corner, The Wire, Generation Kill, Show Me a Hero, Treme, and the forthcoming The Deuce. Have to believe that track record grants him a blank check. 90 percent.

Im Dying Up Here (Showtime)

Technically a dark comedy, the synopsis for this Showtime series from Jim Carrey sounds like it has far more in common with the dramas on this list than, say, Archer. Set in the 1970s Los Angeles stand-up scene, Im Dying Up Here explores the brutal business of making an audience laugh. Melissa Leo, Clark Duke, and Ari Graynor play the leads, and Sebastian Stan appears in a recurring role, which I hope is nothing more than him flopping onstage as the Winter Solider once a week. I just flew in from Stark tower and boy is my indestructible vibrainium arm tired. Guess I should have flown Captain American Airlines instead. Jeez, I havent bombed this hard in front of a crowd since I murdered Black Panthers dad.

Chances it gets picked up to series: Showtime ordered the pilot to series back in April.

Guerrilla (Showtime)

Hello, white America. Would you be interested in a miniseries starring Idris Elba, written by the guy behind 12 Years a Slave, about a 1970s London couple who liberates a political prisoner then forms a radical underground cell to wipe out a counter-intelligence unit dedicated to crushing all forms of black activism? What do you mean you gotta go because Big Bang Theory is on? Dont blame ya, SEC country. Guerrilla is Malcolm X listening to Kendrick Lamar on the dark side of the moon black. Its also gonna be goddamn incredible. Bonus fun exercise: imagine Showtime pitching this series to the same audience who salivates over Carrie Matheson using her bi-polar superpowers to kill some evil brown people.

Chances it gets picked up to series: The six-episode run debuts on Sky in Britain and Showtime here in 2016

Blood Will Out (TNT)

Walter Kirns 2014 memoir about his 15-year relationship with a German con artist pretending to be a man named Clark Rockefeller is ripe for television adaptation, primarily because the source material could benefit from a few dramatic flourishes. The story is fascinating  Kirn discovers the man he knew for much of his life as Rockefeller is actually Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter, and hes about to be tried for murder  but the book focuses far too much on the author rather than the more interesting Rockefeller. Hopefully the showrunners find a way to inject more forward momentum into the narrative.

Chances it gets picked up to series: Have zero sense of how TNT makes pickup decisions. Call it 50 percent.

Civil (TNT)

A fascinating, timely premise from A Simple Plan writer Scott Smith  a ferociously contested presidential election has America on the brink of a second Civil War  and spectacular cast (Bradley Whitford, Courtney B. Vance, Eliza Coupe, Toby Jones, Brian dArcy James, Enrique Murciano) make Civil maybe the most intriguing potential series of the coming year. Only one problem: its on TNT, a basic cable network lacking a single signature series. Pulling off a show this high-concept is a challenge even for established players. Remains to be seen whether TNT can join their ranks.

Chances it gets picked up to series: The pilot would have to be a disaster for TNT to pass given the struggles the network experienced with Public Morals and now Animal Kingdom. 80 percent.

The One Percent (Starz)

The crew behind the Academy Award- winning Birdman (Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr., Nicolas Giacobone and Armando Bo) head to the small screen for a series about a shrinking violet organic farmer named Alfred Murphy (Ed Helms) stuck working for his overbearing father-in-law (Ed Harris), while in the middle of a messy divorce from his wife (Hilary Swank). Murphys fortunes change, however, when he wins the lottery and needs to decide what to do with the money. Maybe he can finally afford that organic produce hes been growing. Inarritu will direct the first two episodes, one of which includes a scene where Harris wrestles a bear for absolutely no reason.

Chances it gets picked up to series: This is a little hard to decipher. Variety lists One Percent as a series pickup for 2017. Thing is, Starz ordered it to series way back in January 2015 with an eye on a 2016 debut. That clearly didnt happen. Harris will appear in HBOs Westworld this fall, and if that makes it to a second season its hard to see how hell star in both. So Ill give it a \_()_/

The Last Tycoon (Amazon)

Few eras are more romanticized onscreen than Old Hollywood. Based on F. Scott Fitzgeralds unfinished novel about pre-World War II Hollywood, The Last Tycoon centers on the relationship between Matt Bomers Clark Cable-esque actor Monroe Stahr and studio honcho Pat Brady (Kelsey Grammar) as they battle for control under the rising specter of Hitlers war machine. This isnt the first time talented actors and filmmakers have tackled Fitzgeralds source material  Elia Kazan and Robert DeNiro took a shot back in 1976 with mixed results  but writer Billy Ray (the criminally underappreciated Breach, Shattered Glass, Captain Phillips) incorporates other true-life storylines not included in the novel to expand the world in exciting new directions.

Chances it gets picked up to series: Thats up to you. You can watch the pilot right now and let Amazon know if you want to see more.

Suburra (Netflix)

Netflix tapped the crew behind the excellent Gomorra for its first original series from Italy about a small seaside hamlet outside Rome that becomes a war zone after politicians and criminals try to turn the town into a gambling paradise. Netflix introduced Suburra with a two-hour movie of the same name (watch here) that debuted on the service the day it arrived in Italian cinemas; the series continues the story for another 10 episodes.

Chances it gets picked up to series: We just talked about this.

The Handmaids Tale (Hulu)

Hulu made significant strides over the last few years transitioning from the service people use to watch late-night shows the next day to a full-fledged original content provider. If done well, The Handmaids Tale, based on the classic Margaret Atwood novel, could be the property that vaults them into the tier with Amazon and Netflix. The drama follows life in the dystopia of Gilead, a totalitarian society facing environmental disasters and a plunging birthrate. Women are property of the state, forced into a life of sexual servitude in an effort to reverse the population decline. The main character, Offred (Elizabeth Moss) must navigate this dangerous world to find the daughter who was taken from her. Atwoods rich novel is ripe with timely themes, and Moss (Mad Men, Top of the Lake) is a perfect choice to play the conflicted, rebellious Offred. Please dont screw this up.

Chances it gets picked up to series: Locked in for 2017.

Previously:

Most Anticipated Dramas of 2016

Most Anticipated Dramas of 2015

Most Anticipated Dramas of 2014



 'Purge: Election Year' Review: Will There Be Another Sequel? | Stacey Dash Maybe Isn't Such a Funny Joke Anymore, Called Jesse Williams a 'Hollywood Plantation Slave' 
Q: I saw an ad for something called a "tDCS brain-stimulating device." It supposedly helps improve memory and thinking. Is it worth a try?

A: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) transmits a current into the brain through electrodes (little metal plates) on the forehead or scalp. The current is weak; it comes from a 9-volt battery (the size used in a smoke detector). People who undergo tDCS may feel their scalp tingle and hear a humming noise. Doctors can control whether the current activates -- or suppresses -- the neurons in your brain that lie beneath the electrodes.

The technique of tDCS has been tried on and off for more than 100 years. The technique is different from another increasingly used technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation.

I spoke to Dr. Daniel Press, a neurologist with the Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He says that brain stimulation, if used carefully, looks promising. That's especially true if combined with other therapies. Several studies are underway to see if, and how, tDCS can be used to sharpen mental skills and treat symptoms of mind-body disorders.

For now, tDCS is only FDA-approved to speed the absorption of certain medications through the skin. But it is being used "off label" to treat many other conditions. These include:

Chronic pain: tDCS may be effective for treating nerve pain. This includes back and leg pain, pain and numbness in hands and feet caused by diabetes, and fibromyalgia.

tDCS may be effective for treating nerve pain. This includes back and leg pain, pain and numbness in hands and feet caused by diabetes, and fibromyalgia. Damage from stroke: Early research suggests that tDCS may improve a person's ability to move and speak and to overcome spatial neglect. That is the inability to notice or recognize objects on one side of the body.

Early research suggests that tDCS may improve a person's ability to move and speak and to overcome spatial neglect. That is the inability to notice or recognize objects on one side of the body. Eating disorders: In early studies, tDCS has reduced episodes of binge eating and bulimia in women with those eating disorders.

In early studies, tDCS has reduced episodes of binge eating and bulimia in women with those eating disorders. Memory and learning: Many recent studies have evaluated the effect of tDCS on people's ability to perform mental tasks. Studies have focused on tasks that involve recognizing visual patterns, recalling lists of unrelated words or doing math problems. Overall, the results indicate the technique is most likely to improve mental function when used with other types of training, such as learning new systems for remembering names.

Some manufacturers are selling tDCS devices directly to consumers. But these devices aren't regulated by the FDA, and there is no guarantee they are safe or effective. I would avoid them.

I also would avoid going to a doctor who uses tDCS without studying its effects. It is an unproven treatment, though adverse effects seem to be few (temporary nausea, headache, irritation of the skin under the electrode).

More important, tDCS is of unproven value. For that reason, the thing to do, if you're interested in trying tDCS, is to enroll in one of the many clinical trials seeking volunteers. To find one in your area, go to the study database maintained by the National Institutes of Health at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
BLOOMINGTON  What began as a simple training ride ended with an avoidable bicycle crash and hospitalization for a Central Illinois cardiologist and triathlete.

But by sharing her story, Dr. Dory Jarzabkowski hopes that her misfortune will result in bicyclists, runners and walkers who are better educated about how to share Constitution Trail and other mixed-use pathways.

"This is really difficult for me," Jarzabkowski admitted outside her Bloomington home.

While she was wearing a triathlon suit and standing beside her bike, she can't train for three months. In her family room is a hospital bed that she is using because she can't lay flat for several weeks.

She suffered a punctured lung, a separated right shoulder and six rib fractures. Two ribs were displaced, meaning they are like a compound fracture.

She was going to compete in a half Ironman (1.2-mile swim, 13.1-mile run and 56-mile bike ride) in Japan on June 12. The accident canceled that plan.

"That was quite a blow," she admitted. "I was training for it for a year."

Jarzabkowski also doesn't know when she will be back to work full time. She was off work for 2 weeks and returned June 16 but found she was able to work only a half day.

"I'm going to be part time for awhile. I need to recover more," she said.

"All this could have been avoided if the other cyclist had practiced bike safety and bike etiquette," Jarzabkowski said.

A longtime cyclist, Dr. Dan Steadman, agreed. Steadman is a Bloomington dentist who rides his bike back and forth to work. That includes riding on Constitution Trail.

"We need to reinforce to people that, as the trail gets busier this summer, they need to pay attention and need to follow trail etiquette," said Steadman, a board member of the Friends of the Constitution Trail. "It is a multi-use trail."

Jarzabkowski isn't alone in being injured.

At Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, 116 people were treated in the emergency department for bicycle-related injuries from June 1, 2015, through May 31, 2016, said spokesman Eric Alvin. Over the same period, 33 patients were treated for bike-related injuries in OSF St. Joseph Medical Center's emergency department in Bloomington, spokeswoman Libby Allison said.

Jarzabkowski, 59, is a cardiologist with Advocate Heart Institute.

"I've always been a swimmer and a bicyclist," she said. In 2008, she added running to her exercise routine, enjoyed it and did a sprint triathlon, which is a half- to three-quarter-mile swim, a 14-mile bike ride and and a 5-kilometer run.

She has completed three sprint triathlons and three half Ironman competitions.

"Runners and bikers and swimmers can suffer overuse injuries," she said. "Triathletes are cross-training all the time, using different muscle groups, so they are less prone to injury."

Jarzabkowski also enjoyed the boost she got from exercise.

"They talk about the endorphins and the runner's high and it's true," she said. "After physical exertion, I feel better, I can concentrate, I can solve problems better, I can sleep better."

On Saturday, May 28, Jarzabkowski decided to do a portion of her 40-mile training ride on Constitution Trial.

"Theoretically, the trail is safer than the country roads and I wanted to be safe. That is the bitter irony."

"The weather conditions were perfect and there was little traffic," she recalled. While she said her average speed was 20 mph, she slowed down around others and stopped when she neared a group of children and older adults.

At about 1:10 p.m., she was southbound on the trail between the Interstate 55 overpass and Northtown Road when she saw four northbound cyclists approaching her. They were riding four abreast on recreational bikes and weren't wearing helmets, she said. She began to slow down.

As they neared her, remaining four abreast, they passed a runner who also was northbound. That put one of the cyclists right in front of her.

"I was braking and yelling to get his attention but he was looking and talking to the person on his right," Jarzabkowski said. "I didn't put the bike in the ditch because there's a steep embankment there with a lot of trees."

When she got his attention, he was within a few feet. "I braked real hard, which caused my shoes to become unclipped from the bike, and, the next thing I knew, I was on the ground. The runner said he saw me flip over the handlebars."

"The next thing I remember was I was on the edge of the pavement complaining about my right shoulder and the right side of my back hurting. My helmet was digging into my right temple. The runner was right there.

"The cyclist asked me to get up. I said "I can't right now.' He said 'I need you to get up. We can't leave until you are standing.'"

The other cyclist did not appear to be injured.

"I couldn't get up because of the pain. I tried two or three times but each time I had to crouch down because of the pain. I knew if I crouched down I'd be less likely to pass out."

"The runner asked, 'Do we need to call an ambulance? Do you need to get to a hospital?"

After another attempt, Jarzabkowski was able to stand and, using her cellphone, called her husband, Hank, to pick her up and take her to the emergency department. When she looked up to determine her exact location, she realized that the four cyclists had taken off.

"I assumed that a couple of them would stay and help me get my bike to the underpass but that wasn't the case," she said. Instead, the runner helped her.

"My shoulder was killing me. The right side of my back hurt. It was difficult to even walk."

But she made it to the underpass with the runner's help and her husband took her to BroMenn. She was admitted.

The rib fractures put her at increased risk of respiratory failure and she needed intravenous pain medicine.

"I threw up once because I was in so much pain," she said. The pain medicine helped and she began using an incentive spirometer to encourage her to take slow, deep breaths to expand her lungs. She was discharged June 2.

The punctured lung should gradually re-expand on its own. After the lung is healed, probably sometime in July, a decision will made on whether shoulder surgery is necessary or whether to allow the shoulder to heal on its own.

As to the rib fractures, Jarzabkowski hopes they will heal on their own in six to eight weeks.

"To be this close to the event (the half Ironman competition in Japan) with this kind of injury is beyond disappointing."

Worse yet is not being able to exercise at all.

"It's not good. I use exercise to get my concentration going and my mood elevated."
BLOOMINGTON  Mid Central Community Action will offer $50 Ameren bill credits to income-eligible families who are struggling with high electric bills this summer.

Beginning Monday, Community Action will be help 44 eligible households with $50 credits because of a grant from Ameren Illinois.

Eligible households must include someone age 60 and older, someone with a disability, a child less than 6 years old or someone with a medical condition aggravated by extreme heat. Households must have incomes at 150 percent or less than the federal poverty level.

Documents to verify eligibility will be required. Community Action will require families to attend a Practical Money Skills Orientation, which is offered weekly in McLean County and twice a month in Livingston County.

People who meet eligibility requirements may reserve their spot at an orientation by calling 309-834-9245 or emailing RSVP@mccainc.org.
ELKO  St. Marks Lutheran Womens Missionary League aided the community by donating emergency blankets to the Elko Police Department this week, in an effort to provide comfort for children and adults in situations spanning from an assault to a house fire.

I know these kids  think of these quilts as a hug, said Detective Dennis Price.

The blankets will be placed in the vehicles of patrol officers, the detectives and the administration, according to Police Chief Ben Reed.

These are to be handed out permanently to people who are in need, he said.

These items can be used in many stages of a frightening situation. Another scenario includes those dealing with mental health issues.

Really its the children. Something like this  they can wrap up in or hold onto, have some comfort from it, said Sgt. Jeremy Shelley.

Last October, the womens missionary league gathered and decided they wanted to complete a project for the community.

We did these quilts for world relief, but we wanted to keep it local, said Pam Carter, explaining Reed was then contacted to see if there was a need in Elko.

They made 35 quilts measuring approximately 4 feet by 5 feet, each in their own unique style and pattern.

For me, it was hoping that people would feel comfort and love from the Elko community, specifically from our church, said Carter.

Most of the fabric used to quilt the blankets was donated or acquired during the churchs rummage sale, said Charlotte Schneider.

Elko Sew-Vac donated about 50 yards of material and families gave material and thread, said Carter. The fabric used on the backs was purchased.

The group hopes to continue making quilts and will take donations of material, thread and other paraphernalia.

I just thought it was amazing when the ladies pulled all this together, said the Rev. Nathan Buck LeGreco of St. Mark Lutheran Church, telling the media the churchs quilters are some of the hardest workers.

Around spring break, these women came together and got practically everything completed in three days.

LeGreco said this is for the church to reach out into the community and let these people know that even through some of the hard and trying times people are thinking and caring about them.

During the rally, people called in kids sleeping in the car late at night  almost midnight  parents were off enjoying the rally, drinking, and three kids sleeping in the truck, said Lt. Ty Trouten.

The fathers conduct placed him in jail, the mother could not be located, and the children were turned over to child services.

Thats an ideal situation for things like this, because kids are upset, he said.

The emergency blankets will also be placed in one of the four interview rooms at the new police station on Silver Street, which is created to look like a living room and maintain a softer environment for sensitive interviews.
Cheers

... to the groups, churches, families, friends and supporters of the B-N LGBT community who showed such compassion in the days following the mass shooting in Orlando.

Such tragedies can affect anyone, anywhere. Kids in schools, workers in federal and state buildings, passengers in airplanes, businesses, churches and mosques and shopping malls all have been targeted.

In this instance, hatred of a specific group seems to have played a role and that made the incident even more horrific.

Everyone deserves respect, compassion and personal safety. It's time to put that into practice.

Cheers

... to Dick Winters of Pontiac for his half-century of dedication to The Baby Fold, the Twin City-based family support agency that has existed more than 100 years.

Dedication to the lives of strangers, past, present and future, is a wonderful example to set and for all to follow.

Cheers

... to the family of the late Archbishop Fulton Sheen for working to have his body disinterred from New York and returned to the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, where he grew up.

Sheen, born in El Paso, was an early and well-known proponent of television and radio evangelism. The diocese is continuing to have him declared a saint.

Cheers

... to Normal Water Director Steve Gerdes, on his impending retirement after 30 years on the job. You may not know him personally, but Gerdes leads the teams responsible for making sure Normal residents and businesses get the water service they need, when they need it.

The town plans a nationwide search for his replacement. His replacement will have big shoes to fill.

Cheers

... to the McLean County Museum of History for exceeding its campaign goal of $3 million by collecting $3.36 million.

The money will be used for a permanent exhibit and technology upgrades.

The museum, in downtown Bloomington, is a dedicated steward of our county's collective history. If you haven't visited, or haven't visited lately, stop by and enjoy all the museum has to offer.

Cheers

... to Mitsubishi Foundation of North America for a recent $25,000 donation to the Bloomington-Normal YMCA Fun Zone.

The gaming area is designed for children ages 7 through 14 to keep physically active.

Cheers

... on the reopening of the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, which closed because of the state budget crunch. The museum is reopening July 2, although visitors will need to pay a $5 admission fee.

Museum leaders also expressed sorrow that the closing meant the loss of about half the paid staff. Still, every state deserves a museum dedicated to its history and we're glad the Illinois State Museum can return to do what it does best: educating us about us.
Uh-oh! Is Blake Lively having a hard time watching her husband's sex scenes? In an interview with Jimmy Fallon on the show, "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," the 28-year-old "Gossip Girl" revealed some disadvantages on being married to a Hollywood superstar like her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

Why Ryan Reynolds' Hot Bed Scenes Are Some Kind Of 'Torture' To Blake Lively

During the interview, Blake Lively admitted that one of the hardest things to deal with when you are married to a Hollywood leading man is dealing with the love scenes, noting Ryan Reynolds' adult superhero flick, "Deadpool." Lively said watching her husband "sex montage" with another woman was "kind of torture."

"I was on a plane with my baby, James, and it's kind of torture these days because I'm on a plane and everywhere I look, every screen is my husband in a sex montage throughout the holidays with another woman," Lively said, as per News.com.au. "Because everybody wants to watch 'Deadpool' on the plane. Everyone!"

Blake Lively also added that there's one particular scene in the movie that she found the hardest during the in-flight screening of the film - seeing her hubby "having mashed potatoes eaten out of his butt." She also revealed that their one-year-old daughter James was enjoying seeing her father on the screen, thinking it was FaceTime, according to E! News.

Despite being a blockbuster film globally, Ryan Reynolds' "Deadpool" was also controversial. In fact, the superhero movie was banned in China because of the violence, graphic language and nudity in the film.

Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds Are Breeders?

In other related news, Blake Lively has also admitted that she and husband Ryan Reynolds are not yet done from expanding their family. In fact, Lively told NBC's "Today" show that they wanted a big family since she came from a family of five children while Reynolds from a family of four kids, Page Six notes.

How Blake Lively Knew Ryan Reynolds Was 'The One'

Aside from Blake Lively's revelation about her married life, "The Shallows" actress also explained how she knew that Ryan Reynolds was "The One" for her. In an interview with Marie Claire, Lively said Reynolds is her best friend for life.

"I knew he would always be my best friend for my whole life," Lively told the magazine, as per Time. "That was the biggest thing to me. I'd never known anything like the friendship that I had with him. I could like him as much as I loved him."

So, what do you think about Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' relationship? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
"Teen Wolf" Season 6 air date is rumored to be delayed following Dylan O'Brien's accident on the set of his upcoming film. While the MTV drama's release may have been pushed back to a much later date, a recent report suggests that the official trailer for the upcoming season will be released at the San Diego Comic Con. Will Dylan O'Brien attend the event?

This article contains spoilers. Read on if you want to learn more about this story.

"Teen Wolf" Season 6 spoilers reveal that the cast and crew will be attending the San Diego Comic Con, which will run between July 20 - 24, reports Fangirlish. According to the publication, it still remains to be seen which of the actors will be attending the convention.

This came out as a good news to most fans and viewers of the show who have been excitedly waiting for "Teen Wolf" Season 6 updates. A sneak peek to the upcoming season is expected to be released at the SDCC.

Many fans are also holding out some hope that Dylan O'Brien will be attending the "Teen Wolf" panel at the San Diego Comic Con. As most fans know, the 24-year-old actor sustained multiple injuries while he was on the set of "Maze Runner: The Death Cure."

Fans are still waiting for confirmation regarding O'Brien's attendance at the SDCC. Meanwhile, executive producer Jeff Davis told Beacon Hills Trumpeter that "Teen Wolf" Season 6 will be dealing heavily with the "Stydia" romance.

Davis said that Stiles (Dylan O'Brien) and Lydia's (Holland Roden) romance will be addressed at the "Teen Wolf" Season 6 premiere. It was previously revealed in Melissa Ponzio's tweet that O'Brien was able to film a couple of scenes for the MTV series before he got into an accident, which means that Stiles will still be in the first episode of the show.

Are you excited for the "Teen Wolf" Season 6 panel at the San Diego Comic Con? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!


The parents of a 16-year-old boy in New Mexico have punished their son for allegedly stealing from them. They banished the teenager in a tent in their backyard, where he will stay for one month and where he is expected to reform his ways.

Neighbors who have spotted the teenager in his tent got upset and called the authorities to intervene. But Jacob and Angela Boggus said that they have no other recourse but to banish their son as he has never learned any lessons.

Per KRQE-TV, the parents have apparently been trying to straighten their boy, but he continues to steal from them. Thus, the Boggus decided to approach the situation differently when their old ways of disciplining their son didn't work.

New Mexico parents force teen to live in backyard tent@NewsChannel10: https://t.co/9yGigi3KtY pic.twitter.com/adAXrE5kwT  KFDA NewsChannel10 (@NewsChannel10) June 20, 2016

"If he doesn't learn that now, it's gonna be the whole world's problem, not just ours, in a couple of years," said the father in the report. The mom echoed that they have been doing their best as parents.

Jacob and Angela Boggus insist that there is nothing wrong with what they are doing as their son is still fed his usual meals. He can also come inside the house to use the bathroom. Moreover, he is also inside the house by 9 p.m. to sleep in his own bed. He spends the day in the tent to finish some book reports, as well as contemplate on his mistakes.

However, the neighbors were alarmed after seeing the boy's tent for the last two weeks, especially with the rising temperatures in the area this summer. But the police already visited the Boggus' house at least three times, based on three calls.

The police affirm that Jacob and Angela Boggus are not doing anything criminal or abusive, per Fox News. The Boggus told concerned neighbors they are free to come and talk sense into their son, if they want. "We're not trying to hide from this," Jacob said.

Do you think the punishment is apt or harsh? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Theo James and Shailene Woodley have been plagued by dating and relationship rumors since they starred as Tobias 'Four' Eaton and Beatrice 'Tris' Prior respectively in the "Divergent" movie franchise. In an exclusive clip released in the "Allegiant" set, the stars gushed about their relationship with each other.

Shailene Woodley and Theo James' relationship continues to make everyone curious. Their onscreen chemistry exudes in front of and behind the cameras that everyone thought that they were dating in real life.

In an exclusive clip released as part of the "Divergent: Allegiant" set, James and Woodley talked about their relationship with each other, reports Just Jared. The 31-year-old actor said that it was inspiring to see Woodley grow together with him as they made it through the first film all the way to the last installment.

"You kind of watch someone else change and evolve and you change," he said.

James also said that watching Woodley grow through the "Divergent" movie franchise has made him realize that an actor must constantly pursue change. James said that actors always go through a continuous process of learning.

Meanwhile, Inquisitr notes that Theo James and Shailene Woodley are currently separated from each other since "Allegiant" wrapped up a couple of months ago. While such is the case, these two have been very active with their stand on political issues.

According to the publication, James recently met with refugee families in Greece. For those of you who are not aware, the "Insurgent" actor is half Greek whose grandfather was also a refugee during World War II.

His recent attendance with the UNHCR served as an eye-opening experience for him and he hopes that this will help raise awareness among people. Woodley, on the other hand, has been advocating for Bernie Sanders in the political race.

Are you excited for Theo James and Shailene Woodley's last project in "The Divergent Series: Ascendant?" Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

READ ALSO: Ben Platt and Noah Galvin are Now Dating!
Many are looking forward to the fourth iteration of "Iron Man." Fans are devastated when they learn that Robert Downey Jr. will not be reprising his role. However, when the "Captain America: Civil War" expresses his interest to do "Iron Man 4" fans are very happy. However, according to reports, Black Widow will be taking the lead in "Iron Man 4."

Black Widow To Take The Next Suit In "Iron Man 4."

Parent Herald previously reported that the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) would be taking the lead in "Iron Man 4." There are rumors that Natasha Romanova will be the first female Iron Man.

However, it seems unlikely for Black Widow to be taking the spotlight from Robert Downey Jr in "Iron Man 4." First, fans want no other actor to be Iron Man. Not the young Ty Simpkins or the experienced Leonardo DiCaprio or Johansson. There is no doubt that Iron Man's colleague, Black Widow will not be enough to replace the genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist superhero.

"Despite his impressive resume, it's a stretch to imagine that Marvel Studios believes he has the presence and charisma to replace Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man," Cinema Blend reported. The outlet continues that the "Iron Man" franchise will not be as successful without Downey Jr. in the lead.

Black Widow Will Have A Solo Film

Meanwhile, Kevin Feige disclosed that they are planning to do a solo film for Black Widow. The Marvel Studios maestro is very impressed with Johansson's portrayal of the secret agent spy.

"We think she's an amazing character. We think Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of her is amazing," he said. "She's a lead Avenger and has amazing stories in her own right to tell that we think would be fun to turn into a stand-alone franchise," Feige told Deadline.

Since Black Widow will be having her own film, it is unlikely for the character to take the lead in "Iron Man 4." Also, there are several issues that need to be addressed in "Iron Man 4" including his abduction in the first film by the Mandarin.

'Iron Man 4' Out In 2020

According to Morning Ledger, there are rumors that "Iron Man 4" will be released in 2020. However, Marvel has not confirmed this yet. Nonetheless, "Iron Man" fans are expecting the film in the said year.

Do you want Black Widow to take the lead in "Iron Man 4" film? Are you hopeful for the film in 2020? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch response to terrorism is "compassion, unity and love," after meeting with officials in Orlando, Fla., on Tuesday - a week after the Orlando massacre that left 49 deaths and 53 injured. The attorney general's remark was picked up by multiple conservative news outlets.

Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) quickly took to twitter that Lynch should "resign immediately," as per The Hill. Attorney General Loretta Lynch's call for "love" as the best tool to fight terrorism played into an ongoing narrative for Republicans, who have repeatedly accused the Obama administration of inability to address ISIS attacks and avoiding underlying radical extremism that leads to violence.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch told families of the Orlando massacre victims that the administration is standing with them to say that the good in the world outweighs evil. She also said that the shooter's true motives "may never be known" which is noticeably opposite to the evidence released in recent days of the gunman's call of pledged allegiance to an ISIS chief, reports WND.

Lynch also vowed Obama administration to address the rights of the LGBT community but underscored the peaceful side of Islam. Conservatives quickly condemned the move saying it's a clear evidence of the administration's refusal to address the "radical Islamic terrorism." President Obama and his administration have been avoiding the phrase, claiming that extremism such as ISIS's is not part Islam and that it disgraces an entire religion.

This comes on the heels of the Obama administration originally redacting gunman Omar Mateen references to ISIS in a partial transcript that was released on Monday, indicating the administration is avoiding to disclosure of the group's terror. The Justice Department quickly reversed facing outraged accusations of censorship and published the full transcript just a few hours later. The gunman was heard pledging allegiance and referring to an ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi twice on the 50-second 911 call in the midst of his bloodshed.